SELINSGROVE MAN DIES IN UNION COUNTY ACCIDENT
A fatal accident occurred Saturday morning at about 5am at the intersection of Red Ridge Road and Route 104 in Limestone Township in Union County. According to state police the road was closed for several hours after 43 year-old Robert Longacre’s car collided with a pickup truck driven by Noah Romig of Mifflinburg.  Police say Longacre was killed when his car hit a boulder and rolled over.  Romig was injured in the crash and was taken to Geisinger medical center with unknown injuries.  The investigation will continue

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR HARBORING CRIMINAL
A woman from Northumberland who allegedly lied to police about the whereabouts of her boyfriend, a known felon, was arrested in Williamsport earlier this year and charged at a preliminary hearing December 23^rd.  According to the Lycoming County Sheriff’s Department, 18 year old Alexis Sara Frits was seen with her boyfriend 19 year old Nahiem Davis on whom Williamsport officers had an active warrant.  When police tried to interview him, Davis and Frits went inside the home on Park Avenue and evaded contact.  Davis was not found when police investigated and Frits allegedly withheld information about his location.  Police say a South Williamsport hotel room manager reported that Frits was paying for the room and they were staying there together.  Police served the outstanding warrant to Davis and arrested Frits.  She is being held on 5 thousand dollars unsecured bail.

WEIGHT RESTRICTION POSTED ON ROAD IN TIOGA COUNTY
A weight restriction has been put in posted on a roadway in southern Tioga County.  According to PennDOT, Route 14 between Canton Township, Bradford County and Old Route 15 or East Pond Road in Liberty Borough will have a year-round 10-ton weight restriction.  Recently a traffic and engineering study has revealed the highway may already be damaged by vehicles that have exceeded the limit.  School buses, emergency vehicles and local-delivery trucks are exempt from the postings.

PENN STATE RANK COULD GO UP
Penn State celebrated a Cotton Bowl win Saturday over Memphis which may edge them into the top 5 college teams for 2020.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Nittany Lions dominated Memphis up front and rushed for 396 yards, which set a Penn State bowl record, sealing their 11 and 2 season.  There is speculation that when this year’s final Associated Press poll is released, the Lions will probably be no lower than eighth and likely closer to the top 5 for next year.

SUSPECTS BEING SOUGHT IN BEAVERTOWN ARSON
According to police, juveniles have been vandalizing vacant businesses along East Specht Street in Beavertown and allegedly have done over 66 thousand dollars-worth of damage to the property.  There are reports of police responding to a forced entry around November 25^th of this year with evidence of spray painted walls and fires started within the building. State troopers are investigating and are seeking information if you know anything about the break-ins or the arson.

MAN USED BOLT CUTTERS TO TAKE MONEY FROM HOTEL GAME
A man stole cash from a game of chance at a hotel along Arch Street in Williamsport earlier this month.  According to the Sun gazette, Williamsport police report that 60 year old John Richard Thomas of Steelton, used bolt cutters to remove a lock from a game and  replaced it with his own lock.  Police say he stole about 48 hundred dollars December 1^st and a week later returned , unlocked his padlocke and took money from the machine.  Before he could take more money a third time, the victim in the theft called police  Thomas was was arrested and charged with one third degree felony count each of theft by unlawful taking and other charges.  He was incarcerated at the Lycoming County Prison, unable to post the $25,000 monetary bail set for him by District Judge Christian D. Frey.

2019 RECORD YEAR FOR MALL STORE CLOSINGS
More stores in the Lycoming Mall are closing and that will account for a record year for mall store shut downs.  Accoridng to North Central Pa dot com, among stores closed at the mall after the holiday, Gander Outdoors, teen clothing store Hot Topic, the Kitchen Collection, Payless Shoe Source, Pier 1 and AC Moore.  According to media reports, the Lycoming Mall near Pennsdale has been suffering since Macy’s closed the area store in 2017.  For 2019, there were nearly 9,000 store closings announced nationwide, the growth of online shopping is cited as one of the main factors.

THE FLU IS BEARING DOWN ON THE COMMONWEALTH
Flu continues to be a concern in Pennsylvania.  According to a weekly report by the Department of Health, there are a total of 11,140 laboratory-confirmed flu cases so far this season with numbers received from 65 of the 67 counties in the state. In the Valley, there are 46 confirmed cased of the flu in Northumberland County, 31 in Lycoming and 27 in Union.  Only 9 cases are reported in Tioga county but numbers of flu cases in Beaver county are far higher at 772.  Near Pittsburgh over 3050 cases of the flu were reported.  Health officials say, washing hands frewuently and avoiding touching your mouth eyes and nose are good ways to stay well. Flu season typically starts around the beginning of October and ends in May.

Sports
NFL
Jets beat the bills 13 to 6, Eagles beat the Giants 34-17, Ravens beat the Steelers 28-10,  Cowboys beat the Redskins 47-16, Bengals beat the Browns 33 to 23, Packers over the Lions 23 to 20, Chiefs beat the Chargers 31 to 21, Bears over the Vikings 21 to 19, Dolphins beat the Patriots 27 to 24, Falcons over the Buccaneers 28 to 22, Saints beat the Panthers 42 to 10, Broncos over the Raiders 16 to 15, Rams over the Cardinals 31 to 24, and Jaguars beat the Colts 38-20, Titans over the Texans 35 to 14, 49ers beat the Seahawks 26 to 21
NBA
Thunder over the Raptors 98 to 97, Grizzlies beat the Hornets 117 to 104, Pelicans over the Rockets 127 to 112, Nuggets over the Kings 120 to 115, and Lakers beat the Mavericks 108 to 95
NHL
Blues beat the Jets 4 to 1, Devils over the Senators 4 to 3, Blackhawks over Blue Jackets 3 to 2, Islanders over Wild 3 to 1, Bruins over the Sabres 3 to 2, Lightning beat the Red Wings 2 to 1, Panthers over the Canadian 6-5, Stars beat the Coyotes 4-2, Flyers over the Ducks 2 to 1,  Canucks beat the Flames 5-2
College Football Saturday  – Cotton Bowl-Penn State beat Memphis 53 to 39, in the Camping World Bowl-Notre Dame over Iowa State 33 to 9 Clemson beat Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl  29 to 23

DRIVER BAILS OUT OF MOVING CAR WHEN BRAKES FAIL
A young woman jumped from her moving vehicle along the roadway in Loyalsock Township Monday around 2pm after the brakes in her car were not operating.  According to State Police in Montoursville,  the 17 year old noticed her brakes were not slowing her vehicle when she applied them while traveling west on Miller Hill Road approaching the intersection with Northway Road.  The unidentified teen decided to jump from the moving Jeep and it traveled off the south Side of Miller Hill Road across a grassy area crossing both lanes of Northway road and hit the guardrail.  Police say the driver who jumped from her car suffered minor injuries and was taken to UPMC Williamsport for treatment.  No other injuries were reported

CAR ACCIDENT CAUSED POWER OUTAGE
A car accident Christmas Eve took power out for almost 400 customers in Riverside borough of Northumberland County.  According to Montour-Columbia 911, a car hit a pole near Avenue G in Riverside just after 8am and the driver of that crash was taken to Geisinger Medical Center with injuries.  It took PPL crews until about 3pm Tuesday to restore power to all customers in the area.

SEWER REPAIR POLICY APPROVED
There is a revision to the sewer line repair policy of the Williamsport Municipal Sanitary Authority.  According to the Sun Gazette, officials from the authority have approved various scenarios where they will cover the costs of repair at no responsibility to the home owner.  The authority has agreed to cover the expenses for repair when utility work damages areas of the lateral sewer lines from homes to the main line or when there is damage or a problem with a cleanout device installed on the authority side.  But clogs or lateral pipe failure on the homeowner side will be the homeowner responsibility if there is no cleanout device installed.  Members of the authority said the new policy clarifies a barrier of ownership between the authority and homeowners.

VALLEY AREA SALVATION ARMY MIGHT MISS GOAL
The Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign in the Milton area is behind, only halfway to their goal.  According to Lieutenant Jared Starns of the Milton Salvation Army, a late Thanksgiving and Black Friday contribute to the shortage this year.  The local Salvation Army officials said they are at about 23 thousand out of the 40 thousand they normally raise and hope last minute donations for the year can make up the difference. Salvation army officials also say the Needy Family Fund in the Valley, helping over 1400 men women and children is doing well, exceeding the 100 thousand dollar goal this year.

SHOTS FIRED, WILLIAMSPORT POLICE INVESTIGATING
Williamsport police confirmed that there were shots fired Monday night in Williamsport around the 900 block of Arch Street around 9:45pm.  According to Northcentral PA dot com, police responded about ten minutes later and investigated – finding no victim or damage to property.  Police Chief Damon Hagan says the investigation is ongoing and are continuing to find details.  Anyone with information is asked to call Williamsport police.

HUNTER CHARGED FOR USING POT, FEEDING DEER
A man from Johnstown was arrested for hunting under the influence of marijuana earlier in December at Laurel Run State Park.  According to Game Wardens, David Bruner, 53, of Johnstown, set out a mineral lick on Dec. 3 on Laurel Ridge State Park property.  Investigators were called to the park December 3^rd at 4 p.m. to investigate a complaint about a hunter using bait and found Bruner in a tree stand with a loaded bolt action rifle – wardens discovered that Bruner smelled like marijuana and that he  Bruner was hunting in an area where it’s prohibited to feeding deer.Bruner is charged with a misdemeanor count of hunting while under the influence of a controlled substance and summary offenses of hunting game with bait, unlawfully feeding wildlife in a disease management area and hunting without his license. A preliminary hearing is set for January 24^th.

GROUP STEALS FROM OUTLET STORE
Police are looking for a group of four people who stole clothing and other items from a local store in Clinton Township December 17^th.  According to a police report, two white males and a while female with a juvenile came to the Surplus Outlet in a dark color jeep Liberty or Patriot.  The two males were allegedly seen stealing fleece jackets, medication and grocery items as well as toys directly out of the Toys For Tots donation bin at the front of the store.  Police say witnesses report one suspect was white, 40-50 years old, bald with blue eyes and possibly a tattoo under his right eye and he was seen limping favoring his left leg.  If you have information please call police.

MORE GIFT CARD SCAMS POSSIBLE THIS YEAR
Scammers are becoming more high tech.  According to authorities, it’s possible that gift cards can be tampered with even before they are purchased at stores.  There is now a way that con artists can steal information after it’s applied to the card.  Those gifting cards and those receiving shouldcheck to see if the decal covering the PIN number is intact.  And call authorities if you feel you are a victim of a scam or a fraudulent gift card.

TEACHER, STUDENTS SEEK SUPPORT STARTING SCHOOL
A Montgomery Area Teacher is hoping for community support for the district’s Multicultural Club students as they hope to raise money for and build a school district in Ethiopia.  According to the Sun Gazette, Jesse Newcomer was inspired by a similar project in Milton that created a school district in Cambodia.  Approval of the project came through work with the Montgomery Area School District and the Red Raider Foundation.  All funding will come through fundraisers, grants and donations.  Eventually when the school in Ethiopia is established and running, Montgomery students will visit and meet the students of the school and continue to help it run, hopefully one day independently.  Those wishing to support the project can contact Jesse Newcomer at Montgomery Area School District

Sports
NBA
Celtics beat the Raptors 118 to 100, the 76ers beat the Bucks 121 to 109, Warriors beat the Rockets 116 to 104, the Clippers beat the Lakers 111 to 106, and the Pelicans beat the Nuggets 112 to 100.

College Football  – Tuesday’s Hawaii bowl – Hawaii beat BYU 38 to 34,

Today Sports
“Independence Bowl” – Louisiana Tech vs Miami at 4 PM, and Pitt plays Eastern Michigan in the “Quick Lane Bowl” at 8 PM.
HS Girls Basketball today
Muncy at CMVT Tournament at 6 PM

POLICE ARREST NAKED MAN WHO VANDALIZED LOYALSOCK CHURCH
A local congregation had to have services in their gymnasium this weekend after a vandal who was later discovered naked walking along Northway road allegedly destroyed the sanctuary area of the Emmanuel Baptist Church Saturday in Loyalsock Township.  According to Montoursville State Police, 32 year old Steve Smith-Williams was found walking naked around 6:30pm Saturday, was taken into custody by police and evaluated at a local hospital.  It was then discovered that he was a suspect in the break-in to Emmanuel Baptist earlier in the afternoon.  There was significant damage done to the interior of the sanctuary and sound system, and there were clothes left in the building.  According to the Sun Gazette, investigators said Smith-Williams could have been under the influence of a controlled substance.  He was arraigned and jailed for open lewdness and resisting arrest and is expected to be charged for the break-in this week.

FARMING ACCIDENT REQUIRES LIFE FLIGHT
A farming accident near Middleburg caused a man to be flown to the hospital Saturday afternoon.  According to the Daily Item that an unidentified man was injured after his arm was stuck in a corn picker around 1pm.  Police responded to the property at 2730 Middle Road in Center Township and said that the victim was stuck in the machine but conscious.   Multiple emergency units also responded to the accident from Middleburg and Penns Creek, and Mifflingburg. The victim’s arm was intact after the accident but was lifeflighted to the hospital and is in unknown condition today.

WARD BOUNDARY CHANGES IN WILLIAMSPORT
There will be fewer polling places in the City of Williamsport starting in 2020.  There will be a reduction of wards in the city which could also mean some voters will have a new place to vote.  If your voting place has changed, you will receive a new voter registration card that will list your new ward number and the correct polling place.  According to Lycoming County Voter Services, all voters in the city will use their new wards and polling places for the April 28^th primary.  The city’s new ward lines are available to see online at lyco.org/voting.

NO WHITE CHRISTMAS FOR CENTRAL PA
According to the National Weather Service we are looking at the next few days being mostly sunny without any threat of a white Christmas.  According to the National weather service temperatures will be between 45 and 50 degrees with the overnight temperatures still being down around 32, and the weather is cooperating for those who are traveling, according to Triple A Travel  this holiday season will break records that haven’t been broken in almost 20 years, with nearly 105 million people will be on the road and around seven million Americans expected to fly, the most since 2003.

GUN LOST ON STATE GAME LANDS
There was a gun lost by a hunter in the woods earlier this month.  According to Montoursville State Police, an M&P compact Smith and Wesson 9mm was lost on State Game lands on December 12^th of this year.  The hunter reported the missing firearm around Old Post Office Road in McHenry Township.  Anyone with information about the gun or its whereabouts, please contact state police with reference number 2019-1663-007.

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT IN WATSONTOWN
A woman from Watsontown  has been charged with making terroristic threats and assault after an incident last Saturday night.  According to police 36-year-old Natalie Asher choked and threatened to stab a victim at a home on East Ninth Street in Watsontown.  Police were called to the home and discovered a victim injured in the altercation.  Asher was arrested and is now free on 25 thousand dollars bail.

EXPECT POLICE CHECKPOINTS IN UNION COUNTY
There will be more crack-downs on impaired driving as the holiday approaches.  There was a press conference at the Union County Courthouse Friday announcing Operation Safe Holiday through January 1^st.  The Union County Sheriff’s Office, Buffalo Valley Regional Police, Shamokin Dam Police, Mifflinburg Police and others will be conducting sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols and regular traffic safety patrols, focusing on impaired driving whether it be from alcohol or prescription drugs .

PA GOVERNOR SIGNS THREE BILLS INTO LAW
Governor Tom Wolf signed three more bills into law last week, one to create  a “County Adult Probation and Parole Advisory Committee” that is intended to help counties reduce recidivism and save money, another increases the statute of limitations for victims to pursue compensation and a third, simplifies eligibility for the state boot camp that allows offenders to work toward ending their time on supervision. The House Committee on Appropriations estimates the third bill will reduce the state prison population by 600 inmates, saving $44.9 million over five years.

HANUKKAH IS THIS WEEK
The Jewish Festival of Lights started last night.   Hanukah will continue 7 more nights until next Monday December 30^th.  It commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greek army.  The President and First Lady shared a public message yesterday evening at sundown for the beginning of the holiday season.

Sports
NFL – Saturday, Patriots beat the Bills 24-17, 49ers over the Rams 34-31, Texans beat the Buccaneers 23-20. On Sunday Eagles beat the Cowboys 17 to 9, Jets over the Steelers 16-10, Giants beat the Redskins 41-35, Falcons beat the Jaguars 24-12, Ravens over the Browns 31-15, Saints beat the Titans 38-28, Colts or the Panthers 38-6, Dolphins edged the Bengals 38-35, Broncos over the Lions 27-17, Raiders beat the Chargers 24-17,  Chiefs beat the Bears 26 to 3, Cardinals over the Seahawks 27 to 13
NBA
Raptors beat the Mavericks 110 to 107, Celtics beat the Hornets 119 to 93, Bucks beat the Pacers 117 to 89, Thunder beat the Clippers 118 to 112, and Nuggets beat the Lakers 128 to 104
NHL
Rangers over the Ducks 5 to 1, Coyotes beat the Red Wings 5 to 2, Flames over the Stars 5 to 1, and Golden Knights beat the Sharks 3 to 1
HS Weekend Wrestling
Mifflinburg beat Milton 45-36, Towanda beat Hughesville 42-34, Warrior Run over Central Columbia 45-36, Canton over Sayre 66 to 6, and Central Mountain went three and OH at the Heartland  Duels Saturday defeating Williamsport 42-29, Shikellamy 51-20 and Shamokin 68-3, with Williamsport defeating Shamokin 60-15 and Shikellamy 39-34
Weekend HS Girls basketball
Montgomery bea Canton 49-26, North East Bradford over Muncy 52-49, Warrior Run over Montoursville 40-23, North-Penn Mansfield beat St. John Neumann 77-36, Jersey Shore over Saint Joe’s 56-43, Lewisburg beat Midd-West 39-27,
HS Boys Basketball
Sullivan County over Bucktail 86 to 43, Dubois over Central Mountain 54-35,
College Wrestling  Clarion beat Lock Haven 20 to 16

THERE ARE DELAYS FOR SOME AREA SCHOOLS TODAY – CLICK HERE

UNION COUNTY SNOW SQUALLS TRIGGER OVER 20 CAR PILE-UP
Heavy snow squalls and limited visibility yesterday afternoon caused a pile up on Interstate I-80 that killed one person, injured dozens of others and shut down both sides in Union County around 1:30pm.  According to Montoursville State Police, I-80 West remains closed this morning after PennDOT says wreckers are methodically clearing over 30 cars and trucks that collided during yesterday’s white out near the Mile Run Exit near Lewisburg.  No names have been released of any victims in the crashes.  I-80 east re-opened last night around 8pm and I-80 west is expected to reopen by noon today.

VICTIM ATTACKED AT ROCK RUN
Charges have been filed after a man attacked another person last July at Rock Run Swimming Hole in McIntyre Township.   Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officials reported in November that a victim was allegedly struck in the eye by 33 year old Marvin Agosta-Melendez, of Lewisburg who was wielding a garbage bag with wooden skewers sticking out.  DCNR rangers said they warned Agosta-Melendez about his alcohol use and loud music earlier in the day and he complied.  Yet, an hour later a victim had called police about the assault in the Upper Falls Parking lot.  Agosta-Melendez was charged with several felony counts of assaults and other misdemeanors and is incarcerated in lieu of $99,000  bail.

NEW COURT JUDGE APPOINTED
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has nominated a former state attorney general to fill a state court vacancy. A vote Wednesday confirms Bruce Beemer will replace a judge who has retired on the Allegheny County Court.  According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, he’ll serve until the 2021 election.  Beemer was the Governor’s inspector general since 2016, and investigated complaints about fraud, waste and misconduct in state agencies. Beemer was nominated to the attorney general’s post in 2016 to finish the elected term of Kathleen Kane who resigned after her conviction.

MUNCY HAS NEW SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER
The Muncy School Board met this week and filled the vacant seat left when Rhondel Moye resigned as well as approved funding of a weight room that will be available to the community.  Carla Auten who previously served on the board for 10 years in the 1990s, was appointed to fill the vacancy.  And in a donation agreement with Muncy Bank and Trust, $40,000 from the bank will be dispersed over a two-year period allowing for bank signage in the space and an opportunity for their employees and the community access to the new gym.

PENNSYLVANIA REPUBLICANS VOTE NO ON IMPEACHMENT
Both Congressmen Fred Keller of the 12^th District in Kreamer and Rep. Glenn Thompson, of the 15th in Bellefonte voted no last night on the impeachment of President Donald Trump, however, the House approved the measure along party lines and will send the Articles of Impeachment to the US Senate.  Keller said in a statement that the vote yesterday was the culmination of years of unwarranted investigations and baseless accusations.  Rep. Glenn Thompson, of the 15th District said he has only heard emotional arguments that do not rise to the level of impeachment.

MISSING SERVICE PUPPY IN TRAINING AFTER ACCIDENT
A soldier coming home on leave to visit his family in Lycoming County had an accident on icy Rabbitown road.  After the crash on December 13th, the 5 month old chocolate lab puppy Corey Miller had with him in the truck ran away from the scene.  The puppy is a service dog in training for Miller’s wife who is 5 months pregnant and was actually saved by the dog earlier this year after it detected her severe heart condition. She is wearing a pink vest, if you see her or have information Bellabons Pet Recovery Services in Williamsport at 570-244-1789.

VAUGHN NAMED PROFESSOR EMERITUS
A man instrumental for Pennsylvania College of Technology’s welding associate and baccalaureate degree programs has been named by the Board of Directors there as faculty emeritus status.  Robert Vaughn, who taught welding for nearly four decades and provided leadership during welding lab expansions and renovations, retired last summer after 39 years at Penn College and previously, Williamsport Area Community College. According to the Sun Gazette, Penn College administrators said Vaughn helped establish an excellent culture within the welding program that will continue for the foreseeable future.

Sports
NBA
Bulls beat the Wizards 110 to 109, Cavaliers over the Hornets 100 to 98, Heat beat the 76ers 108 to 104, Raptors over the Pistons 112 to 99, Pelicans beat the Timberwolves 107 to 99, Thunder over the Grizzlies 126 to 122, Nuggets beat Magic 113 to 104, Celtics over the Mavericks 109 to 103, and Trailblazers over the Warriors 120 to 112.
NHL
Devils beat the Ducks 3 to 1, Avalanche over the Blackhawks 4 to 1, and Blues beat the Oilers 2 to 1
HS Girls Basketball
Lewisburg beat Montoursville 40 to 31, Hughesville over South Williamsport 39 to 32, Loyalsock over Mount Carmel 54-48, Coudersport beat Galeton 59 to 29, Warrior Run defeated Shamokin 44 to 34, and Central Mountain over Bellefonte 45 to 40.
HS Boys Basketball
North Penn Mansfield beat Cowanesque Valley 65-40, Bloomsburg over Hughesville 52-48, North Penn Liberty beat Wellsboro 66-63 in OT
HS Wrestling
Milton beat Danville 4138

THE SUPERLOAD DRYER CARAVAN MOVES THIS MORNING
The “super load” carrying a huge industrial dryer for the newest First Quality Tissue plant will be arriving in Lock Haven  today.  The superload can be followed on Twitter and will start out this am after 7am returning westbound on I-80 to the Lock Haven/178 ramp. The on Rt 220 north, to Long Run Road, Nittany Valley Road, Mill Hall Road,  then back onto 220 south to exit 11.   The Yankee dryer traveling at 628,000 pounds, 217-feet long, 20-feet high and 20-feet wide, and is used in the production of tissue, typically used to remove excess moisture from pulp used in the production of paper products.  First Quality’s pace of job creation is reportedly the fastest of any private employer in Pennsylvania.

VICTIM IN PORT TREVORTON ACCIDENT IDENTIFIED
A one-vehicle accident claimed the life of a man last Friday morning in Port Trevorton.   According to WNEP, 39-year-old Jon Heintzelman of Northumberland died when he crashed into a concrete barrier heading south along Route 11&15 in Union Township.  Police say both directions of Routes 11& 15 were closed as crews cleared the scene for about 5 hours Friday morning. Freemont and Port Trevorton Fire Departments assisted troopers.

WILLIAMSPORT PART OF FEDERAL COMPLIANCE PROBE
As a result of a complaint filed by the Center for Independent Living Roads to Freedom, there will be a federal probe into Williamsport City-owned property to see if the national accessibility law is met as part of requirements by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  According to the Sun Gazette, Mayor Gabriel Campana’s administration confirmed that the probe will include City Hall which is out of compliance, but other city buildings meet the requirements.  Eight mayors have been in office and 60 councilmen, since the Compliance Act became law.  The Assistant U.S. Attorney for the state Middle District, Michael Butler  stated that they will work with the city to reach a resolution.

NEW STORM WATER AUTHORITY TO BE CREATED
There will be a separate stormwater authority created after Williamsport City Council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Williamsport Sanitary Authority to allow the new entity to assess fees for residential, commercial and industrial properties.  The process will allow an intergovernmental agreement to hire a company that will manage the stormwater projects that comply with the US and State EPA.  According to the Sun Gazette, early average estimates for costs per household for water and sanitary bills came to 17 dollars.  According to city officials there are an estimated 20 million dollars in repair and replacement needs in the city’s infrastructure.

MAN CRASHES CAR, HIDES BEER IN WOODS
A Renovo man who was under the influence of alcohol and crashed his vehicle, attempted to hide a case of beer in the woods while an off duty police officer was on the scene shortly after the crash.  According to North Central PA dot com, police were called to the scene September 29^th on Route 44 in Brown Township where 31 year old Douglas P. Meredith, had been in a one vehicle accident.  But before authorities arrived, an off-duty police officer stopped to assist and Meredith allegedly told him to tell the police he hadn’t been driving after he returned from hiding a case of beer in the woods nearby, the officer then showed his badge.  Meredith did not pass field sobriety tests and will be formally arraigned at the Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas December 23rd.

SUPERLOAD CARAVAN BREAKS DOWN SUNDAY EVENING
The truck in the caravan hauling the Super Load Dryer heading across Pennsylvania overheated and blocked both eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 east of the Lock Haven interchange yesterday afternoon.  According to PennDOT, crews pulled the 217-foot-long vehicle hauling an industrial dryer, 20 feet wide, with a total weight of 628,000 pounds to the side around 5pm so that the eastbound lanes could open up for traffic.  The load has been traveling since Dec. 5, covering almost 300 miles from Erie to First Quality tissue plant in Castanea. According to PennLive the rig is expected to move the final miles to the plant beginning around 7am today.

CREWS TAKING SOIL SAMPLES RESTRICT LANES ON 220
Lane restrictions will be implemented on Route 220 on the north side of Picture Rocks Borough and Shrewsbury Township, Lycoming County, starting today.  Traffic will be restricted to a single lane under daylight flagging beginning today  through Friday the 20th, and also Monday, December 23, from 8am to 4:30pm, while a PennDOT contractor collects soil samples at various slide locations. The project is expected to be completed on Monday, December 23, weather permitting.

RAIL COMPANY RECEIVES GRANT FOR TRANSLOAD SITE
The North Shore Railroad, who has donated thousands of hours of rail time in the past years to pull holiday trains, has received an 800 thousand dollar grant to build a new rail transloading site in Point Township, Northumberland County.  According to the Standard-Journal, the project has been included by  Governor Tom Wolf in the PennDOT Rail Transportation Assistance Program grant awards. The construction will bring 8-10 jobs to the area with 1,350 feet of track and installation of three rail turnouts.  This will allow a multi-purpose transload site in Point Township to move cargo from rail to trucks.

Sports
NFL
Giants beat the Dolphins 36- 20, Eagles over the Redskins 37-27, Cowboys beat the Rams 44-21, Bills beat the Steelers 17-10, Patriots over the Bengals 34-13, Buccaneers over the Lions 38-17, Packers beat the Bears 21-13, Texans edged the Titans 24-21, Chiefs beat the Broncos 23-3, Seahawks over the Panthers 30-24, Jaguars beat the Raiders 20-16, Cardinals over the Browns 38-24, Vikings beat the Chargers 39-10, Falcons over the 49ers 29-22.
NBA
Magic over the Pelicans 130 to 119, Pacers beat the Hornets 107 to 85, Lakers over the Hawks 101 to 96, Nets over the 76ers 109 to 89, Nuggets beat the Knicks 111 to 105, Kings over the Warriors 100 to 79
NHL
Jets beat the Flyers 7 to 3, Kings over the Red Wings 4 to 2, Blackhawks beat Wild 5 to 3, and Golden Knights over the Canucks 6 to 3