LYCO CONTROLLER SUBMITTED RESIGNATION

Lycoming County’s Controller who over the past few years mounted a legal battle against the county commissioners over who should have control over county functions like general ledger, payroll and accounts payable, has resigned as of Friday afternoon.  According to the Sun Gazette, Krista Rogers who had been in the Lycoming County Controller position since 2004 which was set to expire in 2027 had recently settled the department function and control case that went in her favor in which the county is required to pay Rogers’ legal fees.  The County deputy Controller Nikki Gottshall, will serve as acting controller until a new person is appointed and approved by the Pennsylvania Senate.

JEWELRY THEFT INVESTIGATION IN SNYDER COUNTY

A burglary investigation is ongoing after thousands of dollars-worth of jewelry was stolen from a home in Mt Pleasant Mills.  According to state police at Selinsgrove, two individuals said that from between November 20^th to December 23^rd, twenty one pieces of jewelry, including high school rings and wedding bands, some cash and gift cards,  all went missing from their home.  If you have information about the Snyder County theft or know about any suspects, call state police at 570-374-8145.

VANDALIZED FUR FARM IN SUNBURY UP FOR SALE

The fur farm in Sunbury that has been targeted by animal rights activists, leading to recent break-ins and release of mink from the property, is up for sale.  According to North Central PA dot com, Stahl Mink Farm’s land and facilities along Route 890 in Rockefeller Township have been posted for sale through a real estate agency based in Lemoyne.  Two suspects who were caught in 2024 vandalizing the farm and releasing hundreds of animals into the wild, are now free after posting bail, but will face their yet to be scheduled  formal arraignment soon.

REAL ID DAY IN TOWANDA

The Monroeton Driver’s License Center in Towanda is planning a REAL ID day today so that residents can comply with the new federal requirement that all U.S. residents have a REAL ID by this spring.  According to PennDOT, more than 2.5 million Pennsylvanians have already opted in to the REAL ID program, but anyone who wants to board domestic commercial flights, enter military bases, and enter certain federal facilities won’t be able to after the May 7th deadline without the REAL ID.   The event is from 10 til 2pm – hours the facility isn’t normally open. Those who received their first Pennsylvania driver’s license, learner’s permit, or photo ID card after Sept. 1, 2003, may already have their REAL ID.  Get details about the requirements to get a REAL ID at pa.gov.

MAN FACES CHARGES FOR DAMAGE DONE TO ATV FACILITY

A man driving an ATV in Coal Township repeatedly rammed a metal gate at an ATM riding facility, causing over 25 hundred dollars-worth of damage on December 28th. According to State police at Stonington,   30 year old Steven Schaefer of Penndel was charged with criminal mischief after witnesses saw he did damage to the gate with his vehicle at Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area.  One hundred sixty five dollars worth of damage was also done to the gate’s locking mechanism. No word if any fines or other charges were imposed on Schaefer.

ANIMALS SEIZED FROM HOMELESS WOMAN

Police removed two dogs and a cat from the care of a homeless Union County woman living in her car December 18^th and charged her with animal cruelty.  According to State Police at Milton, they were called to AJK Boulevard Kelly Township to do a welfare check on 47 year old Summer Renee Gehrer, who is from New Columbia, on a day when it was 34 degrees and raining.  After obtaining search warrants for the woman’s car, they seized the animals and took them to a shelter for proper care.  Gehrer has a summary trial coming up on January 22^nd.

YAW REAPPOINTED AS ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE CHAIR

State Senator Gene Yaw has been reappointed to serve as chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee for the new legislative session in 2025 through 2026.  Yaw has served as chairman of the committee since 2013 and was reappointed to the post by Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward. The Environmental Resources and Energy Committee oversees the state’s energy resources and development, including regulations and conservation effort, policies impacting surface mining, coal, oil, gas and mineral leasing and broad oversight of air and water resources.

COGAN STATION FARM NAMED CENTURY FARM

A Cogan Station family farm has been named a Century Farm, at the final days of the Farm Show in Harrisburg Friday.  A Century farm is one in which it is owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years, with a family member living on the property and earning a certain amount annually from farm products. According to the department of Agriculture, Adam and Shannan Kinley work the Kinley family which has been in operation since 1904 and is now a beef and row crop operation. A wrap up of the 109^th farm show is available online at pa.gov under agencies.

SPORTS

HS Cheerleading
The Montoursville Warriors took the District 4 Cheerleading Championship over the weekend.  The Warriors placed first in the Large Varsity division and advanced to the State Cheerleading Championships coming up later this month in Reading.

NCAA Football Monday, January 20
College Football Playoff National Championship
Ohio State vs Notre Dame  7:30pm ESPN

NFL Saturday
Texans  32                     Chargers  12
Ravens  28                     Steelers 14

NFL Yesterday
Bills  31                Broncos  7
Eagles  22            Packers  10
Commanders  23   Buccaneers  20
NFL Tonight NFC Wildcard Playoffs
Vikings vs Rams  8pm EASPN/ABC

NBA
Suns  120             Hornets  113
Knicks  140          Bucks  106
Nuggets  112        Mavericks  101
Celtics  120          Pelicans  119
Pacers  108          Cavaliers  93
Magic  104           76ers 99
Thunder  136       Wizards  95
Jazz 112               Nets  111

NBA Tonight
Timberwolves  vs Wizards  7pm
Pistons  vs New York 7:30pm
Warriors  vs Raptors  7:30pm
Spurs vs Lakers  10:30pm NBAtv

NHL
Red Wings  6        Kraken  2
Senators  3           Stars  2 
Lightning 5           Penguins  2
Ducks  3               Hurricanes  2
Golden Knights  4  Wild 1
NHL Tonight
Panthers vs Flyers  7pm ESPN+
Kings vs Oilers  9:30pm  ESPN+

TENNIS
Australian Open

 20 year old, unseeded American, Alex Michelsen  upset 2023 runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas, the No. 11 seed, in the first round of the Australian Open today.

Fellow American Frances Tiafoe, required five sets to get past France’s Arthur Rinderknech.

Tiafoe advances to his fifth straight Australian Open second round.

LINDEN MAN ARRESTED FOR STRANGULATION

A Linden man was taken into custody for allegedly strangling a victim January 2^nd after she told him how he should use the cash he had won at a local VFW.  According to North Central PA dot com, 43 year old Dustin Dewaine Keller and the female victim argued inside a car outside their residence about whether to share lottery winnings.  Police say Keller then attacked the victim before they were called in for a domestic dispute.  When officers arrived they observed red marks on the victims neck before attempting to take Keller into custody.  He allegedly resisted arrest before he was subdued and arrested.  Keller faces strangulation, simple assault , resisting arrest charges and more.  He is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 50 thousand dollars monetary.

THIEVES HACK ATM IN LEWISBURG

Twenty nine thousand dollars was stolen a couple of months ago from an ATM in Lewisburg.  According to State Police, unidentified suspects hacked the ATM machine at the Service First Federal Credit Union on Walter Drive in Kelly Township on November 6^th.  If you have information about the suspects or the theft, call state police at Milton (570) 524-2662.

TOLLS INCREASE ON THE TURNPIKE

Tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike went up five percent last weekend and open tolling has begun in some areas of the state-wide roadway.  According to the Keystone, prices went up after bond borrowing requirements require the Turnpike commission to continue to raise the costs over the next 14 years.  Toll booths have been removed and there are overhead gantries installed in the eastern part of the state.  The process uses EZ pass or Toll-by-Plate transactions for cars traveling on the Turnpike there.  The western section will see Gantry construction completed by January 2027.

“OPERATION WARM” HAS COATS AND SHOES FOR SELINSGROVE KIDS

Pre-registered children are able to take advantage of free coats, shoes and socks this month at the Operation Warm event in Selinsgrove.  According to the Union-Snyder Community Action Agency they are partnering with W&L Subaru to provide coats in sizes ranging from 2T to adult medium and shoe sizes from children’s 11 to youth 7.  Families can email [email protected] or call 570-374-0181 for more information about registering for the give-away that will take place at the CVAC office on Bridge Street in Selinsgrove on January 23rd.

FIGHT AT LOYALSOCK NAIL SALON

Two women got into an argument that escalated to a physical altercation at a Loyalsock Township nail salon December 30^th.  According to police reports, they were called to New Summer Nails for a noise complaint.  Forty year old Limeng Yang allegedly had grabbed a woman’s arm to keep her from walking out the door at about 4pm.  That person punched Yang in the face.  Yang faces harassment charges.

NY MAN ARRESTED FOR SELLING DRUGS TO PATIENT IN SAYRE

A man from Binghamton New York was arrested outside a hospital in Sayre for allegedly selling drugs to a patient admitted there.  According to North Central PA dot com, 36 year old Christopher Arnold, was seen on surveillance video by hospital staff who said they saw a drug transaction take place December 28^th saying they were visiting the patient.  Arnold and another man were questioned when they were sitting outside the facility and then police say they took Arnold  into custody after investigators said there was fentanyl inside a baggie found inside the hospital with the patient they said they visited – however, they could not tell the police the patient’s last name.  Arnold was charged with conspiracy to deliver and delivery of a controlled substance.  He is free on 65 thousand dollars bail.

CLOSURES FOR NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING TODAY

Today is a National Day of Mourning after President Biden declared the day when Former President Jimmy Carter died December 29^th.  According to media outlets, our longest living president will be laid to rest today at Washington National Cathedral.  As a result of the federal holiday, all post offices will be closed and regular mail will not be delivered, and the daily paper will not be printed.  The New York Times says the Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will close U.S. markets. The Supreme Court, federal courts, and the Library of Congress will also be closed.  State offices, schools, banks and private businesses are not required to close for a National Day of Mourning, but are still encouraged to fly flags at half-staff until January 29^th.

DANVILLE MOOSE AND OTHERS RAISE FUNDS FOR FAMILY

The Danville Moose and Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Company are holding a fundraiser for the woman who lost her home to a fire on Christmas Eve in Danville.  According to organizers, a spaghetti and meatball dinner will take place Saturday January 18^th to assist Anne Dewald and her family who lost almost everything in the blaze.  The event will happen at the Danville Moose at 458 Mill Street in DanvillE with food, raffles, entertainment and more.  Call 570 274-1121 for information.

SPORTS

PIAA HS
Boys Wrestling 
Towanda  53                         Cntrl Columbia 15
Boys Basketball
Central Columbia 52           Montoursville  35
Central Mountain  63          Jersey Shore  55
Lewisburg  69                       Milton  50
Bloomsburg  64                    Hughesville  47


Girls Basketball
Muncy  35                             Northwest  18 
South Williamsport  47       Sullivan County  24
Lewisburg  64                       Williamsport  30 
NP Liberty  41                      Williamson 36
NE Bradford  61                   Canton  27

NCAA Football Tonight
Notre Dame vs Penn State  Semifinals/Orange Bowl  7:30pm ESPN
NCAA Football Friday
Ohio State vs Texas  Semifinal /Cotton Bowl  7:30pm ESPN
Nat. Championship 1/20  7:30pm ESPN

NFL Saturday
AFC  Wild Card Payoffs
 Chargers  vs Texans  4:30pm  CBS
Steelers  vs Ravens  8pm PrimeVid

NFL Sunday
Broncos  vs Bills 1pm CBS
NFC Wild Card Playoffs
Packers vs Eagles  4:30pm FOX
Commanders  vs Buccaneers  8pm NBC
Vikings  vs Rams  8pm  ESPN/ABC

NBA
Cavaliers  129      Thunder  122
Pacers  129           Bulls  113
76ers  109            Wizards  103
Knicks  112          Raptors  98
Pistons  113         Nets  98
Bucks  121            Spurs  105

NBA Tonight
Raptors  vs Cavaliers  7pm
Warriors  vs Pistons  7pm
Timberwolves  vs Magic  7pm NBAtv
Hornets vs Lakers  10:30pm

NHL
Capitals  2  Canucks  1
Blackhawks  3  Avalanche 1
Panthers  4  Utah  1
Flames & Kings postponed due to wildfires near LA

NHL Tonight
Sabres vs Senators  7pm ESPN+
Bruins vs Lightning  7pm ESPN+
Devils vs Rangers 7pm ESPN+
Stars vs Flyers  7pm ESPN+
Oilers vs Penguins  7pm ESPN+
Islanders  vs Golden Knights 10pm ESPN+

TENNIS
The Australian Open starts Sunday morning in Melbourne  (Saturday night in the U.S.) and will run for 15 days.
* Novak Djokovic will be playing in his first event alongside new coach Andy Murray, his former on-court rival and a three-time major champion.  Nobody has won the men’s title at Melbourne Park more often than Djokovic.
*  Third-seeded American Coco Gauff is a potential semifinal rival for Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK BY VEHICLE ON WASHINGTON BLVD

 A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Washington Blvd Sunday and his identitiy has been released.  According to the Lycoming County Coroner, 52 year old Gerald Miles was under the influence of alcohol at about 10pm as he crossed to the north side of the street, and was hit by a 19 year old driver  who told police he didn’t see Miles before he hit him since he was wearing dark clothing.  The man was taken to UPMC Williamsport immediately after the accident but died of  traumatic head and chest  injuries about 2:30 Monday morning.  Police are investigating and have impounded the car that hit Miles.  

SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT BROUGHT LIVE WIRES DOWN

A school bus with students aboard struck a utility pole yesterday in Clinton Township that brought down utility wires onto the bus and trapped the occupants on board until PPL arrived and de-energized the wires.  According to the Sun Gazette, the accident occurred on Brouse Road near Route 405 at about 3:10pm and authorities commended the driver and 26 students who remained calm for the entire ordeal until they were able to exit the bus safely and leave the scene on another bus – about 4pm.  PPL shut down a power grid removing the live wire threat.  The driver was in contact with officials via cellphone during the entire incident and there were no injuries reported.

FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION HOLDING ZOOM MEETINGS

A slate of virtual meetings with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat commission is happening today.  According to the Sun Gazette, a fisheries and hatcheries committee meeting starts at 10 which is expected to include discussion on  the Stretegic plan for management of Trout fisheries in PA and brook trout conservation efforts, among other topics.  Other meetings today also include a law enforcement committee meeting at 2:30pm.  The PA Fish and Boat commission’s quarterly meeting will also be held online but it comes about January 27^th.
https://bit.ly/Fish-HatchJan7 (Webinar number 2861 757 1456). The attendee password is “public.”

WILLIAMSPORT MAN BRAVES THE COLD FOR HOMELESS VETS

A local man will spend 2 days in the brutally cold weather this weekend to raise awareness for homeless veterans in Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, Paul Mills, sergeant-at-arms for the Sons of the American Legion Post 1, will camp out in front of the Legion on January 10^th through the 12^th to kick off Operation Help, a way to raise funds and bring awareness about Lycoming County veterans who face homelessness .  Mills will also be joined by the local Blue Star Mothers who will support him.  Mills will be in front of the American Legion Post 1, 10 E. Third St., Williamsport beginning noon on Friday.

DELIVERY DRIVER PEPPER SPRAYS STOPPED MOTORIST

An Amazon driver from Allenwood is facing harassment charges after pepper-spraying a motorist who stopped to speak to her along Tower Road in Union County.  According to the News Item, 30 year old Alisha Molino is a delivery driver who had pulled to the side of the road after going through a stop sign December 19^th.  Milton State police say Amber Traver stopped to advise Molino that she had run the stop sign.  After driving away, Travers said she was followed by an angry Molino who got out of the truck and sprayed Travers through her open car window with pepper spray along the roadside in Limestone Township.  Molino was located nearby and was charged with simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct and has a preliminary hearing today in Union County Court.

SENIOR FACILITY NEEDS SUPPLIES FOR EVACUEES

In the aftermath of the fire that displaced residents at the Mount Carmel Senior Living Community, the facility which is west of Mahanoy City, who took them in, is seeking support from the public.  According to media outlets, the Birches at Shenandoah Manor said they are in need of essential items since taking in the residents; including men’s and women’s clothing in various sizes, from small to 3X as well as Depends and other personal care products. If you can help call 570-985-3562 for more information.

NO SPAY/NEUTER VOUCHERS IN 2025

The Lycoming County SPCA has announced that will not be able to provide spay/neuter vouchers for low- to moderate-income eligible pet owners this year. According to the Sun Gazette, the LyCo SPCA posted on their social media pages, that due to grant restrictions, they are unable to offer a reduced rate incentive this year.  Upon hearing of the program cancellation, Mayor Slaughter said he wants to address the budget issue with city council members.  In Snyder, Northumberland, or Union Counties, residents can go online to sunpets.org for spay/neuter assistance in their communities.

CITIZEN’S POLICE ACADEMY COMING IN MARCH

Members of the public who want a greater understanding of law enforcement are invited to sign up for Citizen’s police academy – a 7 week weekly program that is designed to expose selected citizens to training officers receive and general law enforcement concepts and responsibilities.  The Wednesday evening sessions are taught by members of the Pennsylvania State Police and local departments and give an overview of multiple police procedures, techniques, and topics such as use of force, crash reconstruction, forensics, criminal investigation, DUI enforcement, and more.  Classes begin March 5^th and those who are 18 years or older with no criminal history should submit an application before February 2^nd.  Email sbarrett @pa.gov for more information.

SPORTS

PIAA HS

Boys Wrestling
Montoursville  62          Canton  10
Wyalusing  39      Troy  29
Cntrl Colum.  42            Bloomsburg  18
Girls Wrestling
Shikellamy  39     Williamsport  36


Boys Basketball 
Jersey Shore  74  Norry Christian  56
Northwest  54      Muncy  30
Girls  Basketball
Crestwood  44      Loyalsock  42
NP Liberty  48     Sullivan County  25
Towanda  48        Wellsboro  44
NP Mansfield  41           Canton  35

NCAA Football Thursday
Notre Dame vs Penn State  Semifinals/Orange Bowl  7:30pm ESPN
NCAA Football Friday
Ohio State vs Texas  semifinal /Cotton Bowl  7:30pm ESPN
Nat. Championship 1/20  7:30pm ESPN

NFL Saturday
AFC  Wild Card Payoffs
 Chargers  vs Texans  4:30pm  CBS
Steelers  vs Ravens  8pm PrimeVid
NFL Sunday
Broncos  vs Bills 1pm CBS
NFC Wild Card Playoffs
Packers vs Eagles  4:30pm FOX
Commanders  vs Buccaneers  8pm NBC
Vikings  vs Rams  8pm  ESPN/ABC

NBA
Suns  109   76ers  99
Pacers  113           Nets  99
Magic 103  Knicks  94
Bulls  114  Spurs  110
Bucks  128           Raptors  104
NBA Tonight
Rockets  vs Wizards  7pm
Lakers  vs  Mavericks  7:30pm TNT
Celtics vs Nuggets  10pm TNT
Heat vs Warriors  10pm

NHL
Sabres  4               Capitals 3
Canadiens  5        Canucks  4
Avalanche  3        Panthers  1
Devils  3               Kraken  2

NHL Tonight
Oilers  vs Bruins  7pm ESPN+
Stars  vs Rangers  7pm ESPN+
Blue Jackets  vs Penguins  7pm ESPN+
Maple Leafs  vs Flyers  7:30pm ESPN+/Hulu

MUNCY MAN FACES CHARGES FOR ROBBERY AND ASSAULT

A 20 year old Muncy man is facing charges of robbery, criminal mischief and more after he broke into the house of an acquaintance and took items last year with two other juvenile males.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say Marshall Joseph Rothrock was at the home along Route 220 in Shrewsbury Township with the two other suspects earlier in the evening of June 10^th and returned around 10pm.  The juveniles allegedly assaulted the victim, and Rothrock recorded the incident.  He waived his preliminary hearing and is free on 50 thousand dollars bail.

DEFENDANT IN WILLIAMSPORT CASE WAIVES PRELIM HEARING

A defendant who is being held in connection with the fatal shooting of a Williamsport teenager March 2^nd on East 3^rd Street, had three charges against him withdrawn this week, including reckless endangerment and simple assault.  According to PennLive, 20-year-old Ibn Hakim Hunter of New Jersey waived his hearing Monday on charges of lying to police, obstruction of justice, and engaging in a riot, and a local judge declined to adjust Hunter’s 75 thousand dollars bail.  Police say Hunter gave false information about the night when Ahmeen Palmer was shot in the parking lot of the TGI Friday’s in Williamsport.  The suspect in the case Ja’hsir Legare who allegedly shot Palmer, remains at large.

MIDD-WEST WILL HAVE A DIRECTOR POSITION OPEN

A Midd-West School Board director has announced she will leave the position by February and a new appointment is expected to take her place for the year left on her term.  According to the Daily Item, Erica Hood told the board President about her plans, and Superintendent Joe Stroup says he awaits an official departure date from Hood, after which candidates will be sought and interviewed by the remaining eight board directors.

DISCUSSIONS POSSIBLE ABOUT BIKE LANES IN WILLIAMSPORT

A pilot bicycle lane project is getting attention in Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, city authorities are exploring the possibility of a six mile loop that might connect riders to and from the future pump track at Shaw Place Park, with a safe corridor linking Brandon Park and the Susquehanna Riverwalk.  City officials say if a loop path would be considered a safety aspect to the city, it could qualify for a portion of fund from the Community Development Block Grant.  The pump track at Shaw Place Park is expected to be finished in 2025.

MAN ARRESTED FOR BEATING EIGHT YEAR OLD SON

A Mill Hall man who was seen allegedly slapping and punching his 8 year old son, causing him to bleed, was arrested in early December.  According to North Central PA dot com, witnesses at the Lowe’s in Mill Hall called in a report of child endangerment after they say they saw 40 year old Clint Dorman beat his son in his car.  Court records show that Dorman was arrested by State police and charged with child endangerment, simple assault, and harassment and that he had a bail hearing December 16^th that changed from 45 thousand dollars monetary to unsecured.  Dorman’s arraignment is coming up January 28^th. 

WARRANT FOR MAN WHO FRAUDULENTLY REGISTERED TO VOTE

Police have issued a warrant for a New York man who claimed he lived in South Williamsport on a voter application, after an investigation began in July.  According to North Central PA dot com, the Lycoming District Attorney’s Office was notified by the Lycoming County Director of Elections and Registration about suspicious information on the application 49 year old Bryan Franklin Browne previously filled out.  Authorities say as they attempt to contact Browne he continues to evade them and refuse to answer questions, hanging up when they do make brief contact.  Browne is being charged unsworn falsification to authorities, statement under penalty, perjury and more.

GRANTS FOR MEDICAL EQUIPMENT IN OLD LYCO TOWNSHIP

The Old Lycoming Township Vol. fire company has received a grant to purchase life-saving equipment. According to North Central PA dot com, the grant, which was provided by the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania will allow the fire company to purchase new AED supplies, CPR training supplies and Stop the Bleed kits. Old Lycoming Assistant Chief Charles Kiessling said he was “extremely thankful to FCFP for…choosing to support [their] life saving efforts.”

FAMILY FUN NIGHTS AT THE LIBRARY

The James V. Brown Library in Williamsport is teaming up with STEP Head Start to host Family Fun Nights in 2025. According to NorthCentralPA.com, these events are designed to engage families with the library’s resources through storytelling and interactive activities. Family Fun Nights will be held in the Blue Program Room on the first floor of the Welch Children’s Wing. With the first event January 7^th with registration required as space is limited. Go to jvbrown.edu for information.

SPORTS

NCAA Football
Ohio state 41        Oregon  21
Texas  39             Arizona State  31  2OT
NCAA Football Today
Notre Dame  vs Georgia  4pm ESPN
Duke vs Ole Miss 8pm ESPN
NCAA Football News

The College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame was not played Wednesday after a deadly pickup truck attack in New Orleans that killed 15 people and injured dozens more.  The game is today at 4pm Thursday. The winner advances to the January 9^th Orange Bowl against Penn State.

NFL Saturday
Browns  vs Ravens  4:30pm ESPN/ABC
Bengals  vs Steelers  8pm ESPN/ABC

NBA
Pistons  105         Magic  96
Wizards 125         Bulls 107
Heat  119             Pelicans  108
Knicks  119          Jazz 103
Raptors  130        Nets  113
Kings  113                     76ers  107
NBA Today
Celtics vs Timberwolves  7:30pm TNT
Nets  vs Bucks  8pm
76ers  vs Warriors  10pm TNT

NHL
Kings  3      Devils  0
NHL Today
Bruins  vs Rangers  7pm ESPN+
Wild vs Capitals  7pm ESPN+
Maple Leafs  Islanders 7:30pm  Hulu
Senators  vs Stars  8pm ESPN+
Sabres vs Avalanche  9pm
Flyers vs Golden Knights 10pm ESPN+

MOTHER OF THREE CHARGED WITH CHILD ENDANGERMENT

A Williamsport mother of three children was charged last Wednesday with child endangerment and a misdemeanor drug charge after probation officers arrived at her West 4^th Street home unannounced.  According to the Sun Gazette, authorities said that 24 year old Deionne Morton and her children who range in age from 3 to 5 were found at the home, living in deplorable conditions with human feces strewn around the residence and no furniture or beds for the children.  Officers searched and found a baggie with alleged drug residue in it in Morton’s room and arrested her.  The woman is on probation at this time for leaving children home alone in October of 2021.  Morton was incarcerated in lieu of 75 thousand dollars bail.

NEW JOBS COMING IN CLEAN HYDROGEN INDUSTRY

New jobs are coming to Lycoming County after Governor Josh Shapiro made an announcement to expand an existing Williamsport business with state funding to enter the clean hydrogen market, a growing Pennsylvania industry.  According to the Sun Gazette, Lycoming County-based PMF Industries will use a DCED investment of 4.6 million dollars to construct a 16,000-square-foot addition in the city that will house a new hot spinning machine and aluminum heat treating and tempering furnace. The company plans to create 20 jobs and retain 78 existing jobs with the expansion.

GREEK LIFE TO RETURN TO CU BLOOMSBURG

Commonwealth University is slated to revive Fraternities and Sororities at Bloomsburg. According to North Central PA dot com, the University conducted a study in 2023 assessing the benefits of returning Greek Life to Bloomsburg’s campus. The administration involved alumni from prior campus fraternities and sororities in the study and the relaunch of the program which is set for 2025. Faculty and staff advisors are set to be appointed as well as a hazing prevention and training program created. Formal affiliation with existing chapters will begin in the fall of 2025.

DAIRYMEN PREPARE FOR THE 109^TH FARM SHOW

The Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association will kick off the 2025 “Fill a Glass with Hope” 10^th Anniversary celebration at the 109^th Farm Show this January with an endorsement from the two-time Super Bowl champ Charlie Batch of the Pittsburgh Steelers.  There will also be a new menu at the Farm Show Food Court and free milkshakes on Military Appreciation Day January 9^th.  The association revealed a few weeks ago that the 2025 milkshake flavor is mint this year. Milk is the official beverage of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Get Farm show details at pa.gov under agencies.

PORNOGRPHY SUSPECT FACES NEW CHARGES

A Hughesville man who was arrested for possessing child pornography has been charged with additional offenses. According to the Sun Gazette, 48 year-old Christopher M. Scott of 205 S. 2nd St. Hughesville, was arrested this September and charged with over 100 counts of child pornography. Since then, police have discovered new material on Stout’s devices. They also found he was in several group chats sending videos of minors performing explicit acts. Following his recent arraignment, Stout was recommitted to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of an additional $95,000 bail.

DUI PATROLS IN PLACE FOR THE HOLIDAY

State Troopers will be on the roads this week making sure impaired drivers are not.  According to the Sun gazette, between Christmas and New Year’s Day state  troopers throughout the region will be conducting roving DUI patrols as well as conducting  DUI checkpoints at various locations during the holiday season.  Areas chosen for the patrols are where there has been a high number of DUI-related crashes in recent months.  Drivers are reminded to move over into an open lane when a police cruiser or other emergency vehicle that is stopped along the roadway with its emergency lights activated.

NEW TRAIL GIFTING BEER AGAIN THIS YEAR

A Williamsport brewery gifted their products this year again in appreciation of teachers, first responders and healthcare workers. According to North Central PA dot com, New Trail Brewing Company on Arch Street, started the tradition 3 years ago as a thanks to teachers at the end of their semester and offered free draft beer to educators in the area. Since COVID, New Trail has extended the giveaway to first responders and healthcare workers and switched from draft to packaged beer. This year the company gave out 1,500 cases of their products.

TOYS FOR TOTS WRAP UP FOR 2024

Backyard Broadcasting was a drop-off for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program again this year. Toys were donated from before Thanksgiving through to this past Friday and ranged from dolls and kitchen play sets to Nerf blasters and bikes. According to Marine Corps Foundation officials, Backyard Broadcasting listeners contributed 1090 gifts. Of that total there were 922 toys, 135 stocking stuffers, 30 books, and a number of bicycles. Everyone at Backyard Broadcasting would like to thank our listeners for their generous donations throughout the holiday season.

SPORTS

In PIAA HS Wrestling this weekend, despite not having a champion, Montoursville won the team title at the King Of The Mountain tournament and host Central Mountain took runner-up.  The Wildcats’ Dalton Perry racked up 5 pins in less than 5 minutes.  Warrior Run’s Reagan Millheim claimed the 160 pound title. 

NCAA Women’s Volleyball
In women’s volleyball, Penn State defeated Louisville 3-1 to capture their eighth national championship and first in 10 years.  Katie Schumacher-Cawley is the first woman to claim the Division I title as a head coach. 

NFL Sunday
Falcons  34            Giants  7
Bengals  24          Browns  6
Rams 19               Jets  9
Commanders  36   Eagles  33
Vikings  27           Seahawks  24
Bills  24                Patriots  21
Dolphins  29        49ers  17 
Cowboys  26        Buccaneers  24

Monday Night Football
Saints  vs Packers  8:15pm  ABC/ESPN

NBA 
Rockets  114        Raptors 110
Pacers  122           Kings  95
Nuggets  132        Pelicans  129

NBA Tonight
Celtics  vs  Magic  7pm
Spurs  vs 76ers  7pm NBAtv
Nets  vs Heat  7:30pm
Raptors  vs Knicks 7:30pm
Bucks vs Bulls  8pm
Wizards  vs Thunder  8pm
Pacers  vs Warriors  10pm NBAtv

NHL
Hurricanes 3         Rangers  1
Capitals 3             Kings  1
Ducks  5               Utah  4
Oilers  3               Senators  1

NHL Today
Rangers  vs Devils  1pm
Flyers  vs Penguins  7pm ESPN+
Sabres  vs Islanders 7:30pm

NCAA Football News
Former Penn State quarterback Beau Pribula has officially transferred to Missouri. He has two years of eligibility left.  Prior to choosing the Tigers, Pribula took visits to Iowa and Ole Miss.