SNYDER COUNTY HOUSE FIRE TUESDAY

A morning fire brought Snyder County firefighters to a home on Blue Hill in Monroe Township yesterday just after 8am.  According to the Daily Item,  State police fire marshal on the scene deemed the fire accidental and that it originated and was contained to the attic space of the home at 1967 County Line Road.  Hummels wharf fire officials say two adults escaped the blaze and were not injured. The fire was brought under control just before 8:30.  Companies from Shamokin Dam, Selinsgrove, Point Township, Sunbury, Winfield, Lewisburg, Kreamer and Fremont also assisted with the fire.

COGAN STATION MAN CHARGED WITH ASSAULT AND DUI

A man from Cogan Station was taken into custody for a host of charges including DUI and assault on an officer, after he threatened a bouncer at a bar who witnessed him fight with a woman inside the business.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say 22 year old James Nicholas Carr  was seen with a machete by a witness before he aggressively pulled a woman out of a vehicle, and left with her moments later.  After police responded to a 911 call, they located Carr and the woman on the first block of Maynard Street where they both behaved with belligerence. Carr was charged and taken to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 75 thousand dollars bail.

RECYCLING IN SUNBURY TO RAISE FUNDS

There is a recycling initiative in Sunbury to support the local skate park and assist a young community member in need. According to the Sunbury Mayor’s Office, event will take place on September 14 from 9 to noon at the Ice Rink parking lot, the proceeds of which will go towards medical treatment for Alec Litchard, a sixth grader at Shikellamy, who is bravely battling cancer.  Residents are encouraged to recycle tires for $5 each and donate any type of metal. The proceeds from tire recycling will benefit the Sunbury Skatepark project. Participants are asked to let the city know how many tires you’ll be recycling for storage purposes.  For information  call (570) 286-7820, ext. 502.

DMV CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND

All Pennsylvania driver license and photo centers, including the full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed this Saturday through Monday in observance of Labor Day. According to PennDOT, the holiday closure doesn’t affect online products and services that are available 24/7.  You can get driver training manuals, renew or restore  your driver’s license, photo ID, and vehicle registration or do REAL ID pre-verification and driver exam scheduling at DMV.pa.gov.

MOTHER SON TEAM SUSPECTS IN DOLLAR STORE THEFT

Witnesses say it was a mother and son team who stole items from the Dollar Store in Muncy and fled the scene.  According to State Police at Montoursville, the thefts allegedly took place August 24^th at the store on Route 405, where Troopers were called in at about 1pm.  Employees described the pair of suspects possibly as mother and son who drove from the store before law enforcement arrived.  Police say almost 70 dollars-worth of items were stolen.  If you have information about the incident, please contact State Police at Montoursville at 570-368-5700.

WILKES BARRE MAN FOUND GUILTY FOR EMBEZZELMENT

A man from Wilkes-Barre who embezzled funds from his employer to use for online sports betting was sentenced to two and a half years in prison and 3 years supervised release for wire fraud.  According to WNEP, the US Attonrey’s office says 39 year old Lawrence Malachefski was the financial controller for a eastern PA HVAC business and took more than 1.5 million dollars between March and May of 2023.  He pleaded guilty last April after a federal indictment. Malachefski is also ordered to pay $1,586,557.45  in restitution to the company.

APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN FOR DEP GRANTS

Schools, colleges, nonprofits, county conservation districts, and businesses are invited to apply for DEP’s 2025 Environmental Education Grants, after nearly $1 million has been made available for projects that are set up to engage the public about clean water and climate change.  According to North Central PA dot com, a free program webinar will be held on Oct. 10, at  11:30am so that DEP staff can provide proposal tips and instructions for completing required application forms.  Register by September 30^th.  Local, regional and statewide initiatives can receive up to 30 thousand dollars.  Get details at DEP.pa.gov.

9/11 RIDE SET FOR PATRIOT DAY

The annual 9/11 Memorial Coalition is gearing up for their Memorial ride on Patriot Day that heads through 42 miles and 14 municipalities of Lycoming County to honor and remember over 3000 who died and those who then survived, on one of the darkest days in America’s history.  According to the coalition, the plans for the annual T-shirt printing initially fell through and they had to seek donations for the first time in its 23-year history to make up for the shirt sales that support the coalition’s efforts.  According to Tank Baird, early donations did allow the coalitions to order replacement shirts.  On September 11^th, thousands of riders roar across the county in a symbol of strength and unity.  Participants must register for the free ride, and assemble at the Clinton Township Volunteer Company, 2311 Route 54, Montgomery starting at 10am.

SPORTS

MLB
Royals  6    Guardians  1
Cubs  9       Pirates  5
Phillies  5    Astros 0
Nationals  4  Yankees  2
Mets  8       Diamondbacks  3
Orioles  3    Dodgers  2
MLB Today
Cubs vs Pirates  12:35pm
Astros  vs Phillies  4:05pm
Yankees  vs Nationals  6:45pm
Mets vs Diamondbacks   9:40pm
Orioles  vs Dodgers  10:10pm

MLB Draft League
Williamsport and Trenton tied 8-8 and the Cutters won in sudden death in Game 1 last night.
Williamsport Crosscutters stay in Trenton tonight for Game 2 of 3 – 7pm first pitch with live coverage at crosscutters.com. 
Cutters are back home Friday vs Mahoning Valley Scrappers  6:35pm first pitch

US Open
Men’s Tennis
Carlos Alcaraz was given a scare by Australian qualifier Li Tu in the first round of the US Open yesterday before winning the match  6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1
Women’s Tennis
Two-time champion Naomi Osaka made an impressive return to the tournament by beating
No. 10 Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 6-2 in a rare first-round clash between former major winners.

High School Football this week Thursday
Backyard Broadcasting Game of the Week
Canton vs South Williamsport
6:30 pre-game/7pm kick-off

NCAA Football  This Week
Penn State @ West Virginia  Saturday, August 31^st   noon FOX

NFL Week 1 Thursday, Sep 5
Ravens vs Chiefs 8:20pm NBC/Peacock
Friday, September 6
Packers vs Eagles 8:15pm  Peacock
Sunday, September 8
Steelers vs Falcons  1pm FOX
Cardinals  vs Bills  1pm CBS
Vikings  vs Giants  1pm FOX
Dallas vs Cleveland 4:25pm FOX

DEADLY OUT OF STATE CRASH FOR LEWISBURG WOMAN

A woman from Lewisburg has died after a fatal crash in Maine Thursday night.  According to WNEP, 24 year old Margaret Daniel was traveling north on U.S. Route 1 in Woolwich, Maine, and attempted to pass multiple vehicles, colliding head-on with another vehicle. The Sagadahoc County Sheriff said 28 year old Colby Brown, the other driver, suffered extensive injuries and broken bones from the crash and was life flighted to a hospital in Portland, but is expected to survive. Police are investigating the crash.

PARENT ACCUSED OF ASSAULTING NON VERBAL CHILD

Marks and bruising were found on a 4 year old non-verbal boy from Mifflinburg in June and police have charged his father and another woman with assault and harassment against the boy.  According to North Central PA dot com, 23 year old Colten Leon Reichenbach, and 20 year old Kylee Nicole Sprenkle allegedly caused bruises that a doctor with the child advocacy center said were consistent with hand slaps and grab marks caused by non-accidental trauma.  Reichenbach told police that he and the child were just playing around and got hurt accidentally.  Both Reichenbach and Sprenkle  have preliminary hearings September 10^th.

FLOOD VICTIMS CAN USE LANDFILL FOR NO FEE IN SEPTEMBER

Community members in 11 area municipalities in Lycoming County who have been cleaning up after the damage from flood waters will be able to use the county landfill for disposing debris through September 20^th for no fee.  According to the Sun Gazette, Lycoming County Commissioners ratified the approval of a resolution for those people who experienced damage to their property.  The waiver is for the landfill only and not the transfer station.  Municipalities are asked to coordinate with residents for debris pick-up, so the pick-ups can be tracked for record-keeping purposes.

STUDENTS CAN PAINT THE PLOW IN DISTRICT 3

Students in our region are being invited to participate in PennDOT’s annual paint the plow program.  According to the department, the District 3 program asks youth to create an original design that will be painted on a PennDOT snowplow blade using the designated 2024 theme, “Use your reason when it’s freezin’”.  The winner’s painted plow blade will promote safety when driving in the winter months as well as foster appreciation for school art programs and student creativity.  School officials are encouraged to email an application to PennDOT District 3 Coordinator Kim Smith in  Montoursville,  [email protected] by Friday, September 13.

MIFFLINBURG WOMAN MAKES FALSE STATEMENTS FOR GUN

A woman from Mifflinburg with a prior record is facing charges after attempting to purchase a firearm in Buffalo Township.  According to the Daily Item, Milton State Police say 29 year old Stephanie Nicole Chappell lied on a firearms transaction form, saying she had no criminal history when she had pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of theft by deception in 2013 and two misdemeanor counts of retail theft in 2015.  She was arraigned and released. Chappell’s preliminary hearing is October 1^st.

CONSTRUCTION AFTER FLOODING NEAR LITTLE PINE CREEK

As a result of the recent flooding in the region, emergency repairs are on track.  According to Penn DOT, contractor Glenn Hawbaker, mobilized equipment from the southern side of Little Pine Creek Road over the weekend.  Work on the access road to secure underpinnings and install rock scour protection starts up today on the Carsontown Bridge.  The public is also reminded that with the exception of the campground and Lower Picnic Area, all facilities at Little Pine State Park are closed and the beach and boat concession will be closed for the remainder of the season. Get details at dcnr.pa.gov.

HEARING TO CONSIDER CANNIBIS DISPENSARY IN LOCK HAVEN

There was a Conditional Use Hearing in Clinton County this month to discuss the opening of a medical cannabis dispensary in Woodward Township.  According to the Sun Gazette, the hearing about Terrapin’s  business practices were generally favorable.   Some concerns from those at the hearing involve extra traffic around the proposed facility at 209 Woodward Avenue, but a witness said it wouldn’t be worse than a long ATM line that occurred there when the building was a bank. Terrapin would serve an underserved area as far as medical marijuana according to the PA Department of Health.  Now, the supervisors in Woodward Township have 45 days to approve or deny the Lock Haven facility.

CONCERT IN WELLSBORO FRIDAY FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

There will be an outdoor Flood Aid Concert concert this Friday in Wellsboro to support flood victims from Tropical Storm Debby on August 9th.  According to WETM, A community a cappella group, Pine Pitch A Capella, will be the featured performers outdoors at the Central Avenue side of Deane Center for the Performing Arts Friday, Aug. 30 at 6 p.m.  Other soloists and groups will also perform.  Participants can attend the concert for free and should bring lawn chairs, but are also encouraged to make a cash donation in the spirit of the event.  Donate today at tiogapartnership.org or call 570-723-0520.

SPORTS

Little League World Series Championship
Lake Mary, Florida  2             Chinese Taipei  1  /8 innings
Venezuela defeated Texas  4-3, for third place at the 2024 Little League World Series

MLB Draft League
State College Spikes  4            Williamsport Crosscutters  2
They head to Trenton tomorrow 7pm Game 1 of 3.  Cutters are back home Friday 8/30 vs Mahoning Valley Scrappers  6:35pm first pitch

MLB
Guardians  4        Rangers  2
Nationals  5          Braves  1
Pirates  4              Reds  3
Yankees  10         Rockies  3
Phillies  11                     Royals  3
Padres  3              Mets  2
Astros 6               Orioles  3


MLB Tonight
Pirates  vs  Cubs  6:40pm
Astros vs Phillies  6:40pm FS1
Royals  vs Guardians  6:40pm
Yankees  vs Nationals 6:45pm

MLB NEWS
During Sunday’s 10-3 win over the Colorado Rockies, the New York Yankees’ All-Star slugger Aaron Judge’s  became just the fifth player in baseball history to post at least three 50-homer seasons in his career (51), joining Babe Ruth, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa and Alex Rodriguez.

NASCAR
* Harrison Burton, son of former NASCAR driver, Jeff Burton, got his first win in 98 career Cup starts Saturday night – the 100th victory for the Wood brothers as he caps off his final season with the team.
* Kyle Busch finished second, followed by Christopher Bell, Cody Ware and Ty Gibbs.
* Thirteen drivers are locked into the 16-man playoff field thanks to wins: Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Bell, Tyler Reddick, William Byron, Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski, Austin Cindric, Joey Logano, Daniel Suarez, Alex Bowman and Burton.

NCAA Football  This Week
Penn State @ West Virginia  Saturday August 31^st   noon FOX

BERWICK WOMAN KILLED IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

A detour was set up along Route 11 in Montour Township after a woman passenger on a motorcycle was hit from behind and killed Tuesday afternoon.  According to North Central PA dot com, 36 year old Ruth Persing’s husband was driving the bike along Route 11 near Division Street in Columbia County and slowed to take a turn when an SUV type vehicle rear-ended the couple.  Persing, who was not wearing a helmet was thrown from the bike and sustained fatal injuries.  Montour Township police are currently investigating the incident and will release more information when available.

SUSPECT WANTS BAIL MODIFIED TO ATTEND BROTHER’S  FUNERAL

The Sunbury man whose attempted homicide case was declared a mistrial last week, but is still incarcerated on intimidation of a witness charge in February, is asking the judge in Northumberland County Court to reset his 100 thousand dollar bail so he can attend a funeral. According to the Daily Item, Anthony Moultrie’s brother, Dayveon Creel was shot and killed last week.  Moultrie and co-defendant, Franky Riche, are accused of shooting at a vehicle in June 2022.  Sunbury police have charged 25 year old Denarii Springs, who is at large, with homicide, for the death of Creel.

LEWISBURG STUDENT DIES OF SHORT TERM ILLNESS

The first week of school at Lewisburg Middle is a little sadder today after the school administration announced the death of 8^th grader Jaxon Snyder Monday evening.  In the statement, they said Jaxon touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him and he will be missed by all those who had the honor of calling him friend. A Go Fund me account has been set up for the Snyder’s, and a community meal train is also set up so the community can better support the family.  Counseling sessions have been available this week at the school for students who want support.

HOF PITCHER FORCED TO CANCEL APPEARANCE

The Williamsport Lycoming Chamber of Commerce has announced that Hall of Fame Pitcher and guest for the Williamsport Welcomes the World festival, Tom Glavine has notified them that an important family matter occurred and he will not be able to travel here  for his appearance this Friday.  He shared his disappointment, saying he was a Little Leaguer, too and wanted to meet the players in person. The public is encouraged to watch social media pages and their email inboxes for a rescheduling of Glavine’s appearance in the near future in Williamsport. According to Jason Fink, CEO of the Williamsport Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, the Champion Luncheon scheduled for tomorrow at the Genetti is postponed.

WOMAN FACES DUI CHARGES FROM SEPARATE INCIDENTS

A woman will face a maximum of 8 years in prison after her sentencing for several DUI charges against her in Clinton County Court. According to North Central PA dot com, 43 year old Karen Mace was charged with DUI in October of 2023, after she arrived at a court hearing for bad checks with a minor passenger while under the influence – she was jailed through November.  Mace was then charged with another DUI in January after witnesses at Renovo Elementary said she was visibly impaired near the school.  She was denied bail at that time and recently requested a county sentence with consideration for time served.  The judge instead said Mace’s best chance for success was treatment at the State Drug Treatment Program offered through the Department of Corrections.  

CATERER DEFRAUDS CLIENT AFTER CANCELLING DAY OF EVENT

The owner of a Williamsport catering company is facing theft by deception charges along with deceptive business practices, for cancelling a catering job the morning of the event and not returning the money.  According to the Sun Gazette, 47 year old William Welch allegedly failed to fulfill a contract for a wedding event in October of 2023 .  In an affidavit, City police say none of the previously agreed-upon services were fulfilled between Welch and his former client.  He was arraigned this week and arrainged on 5 thousand dollars bail.

FLICK TO HOST HUMAN SERVICES EXPO

There will be a 2^nd annual Human Services Expo and Speaker Series hosted by State Rep. Jamie Flick Thursday, Sept. 12 at Penn College.  According to the Representative, the free, public event will help connect attendees with services, programs, and support systems to help themselves and their families thrive from agencies such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness , Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living, Hope Enterprises, and the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.  Retired Army Master Sergeant Kevin Bittenbender, Rep. Tarik Khan, and Alivia Tagliaferri will be the featured speakers at 2pm prior to the expo with vendors and light refreshments that will begin at 4pm. Register at  repflick.com/events.

CADETS CAN EARN COLLEGE CREDIT AT CU AFTER THE ACADEMY

Commonwealth University will offer college credits at all their campuses to Cadets from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy after they complete their training.  According to North Central PA dot com, Cadets can receive 20 CU credits if they are enrolled in a criminal justice degree program at Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, Mansfield, and Clearfield.  In addition to earning credits, after graduating from the 28 weeks at the state police academy, cadets are promoted to trooper and receive an increase in salary, currently set at $66,911 annually.  CU president Bashar W. Hanna says the agreement between CU and the PA State Police puts the success of students first.

SPORTS

Little League World Series
Florida  4            Hawaii  3
Venezuela  11     Mexico  3
Texas  5               Nevada 2
(after a rain delay) Chinese Taipei  3       Japan  1

Little League World Series Today
Japan vs Venezuela 3pm Lamade
Little league Home Run Derby  5pm Volunteer
Nevada vs Florida  7pm Lamade

The international and U.S. championship games – Saturday, Aug. 24 at 12:30pm and 3:30pm
The third-place consolation game will take place Sunday – 10am.
The LLWS championship – Sunday, at 3 p.m. ET.

MLB Draft League
The Williamsport Crosscutters rallied to tie the games against the Frederick Keys in the 9^th inning, but fell in sudden death last night in MD.
They’ll try again in Game 3 tonight on the road, @7pm and return tomorrow to Williamsport’s Journey Bank Ballpark/Historic Bowman Field.  6:35pm first pitch

MLB
Yankees 8           Guardians 1
Mets  4                Orioles 3
Rangers   1          Pirates  0
Nationals 6         Rockies 1
Phillies  3            Braves  2
MLB Today
Guardians vs Yankees  :05pm
Nationals  vs Rockies  1:05pm
Pirates vs  Reds  6:40pm
Astros  vs Orioles  7:08pm
Philles  vs Braves  7:08pm FOX
Mets  vs Padres 9:40pm

NASCAR
Richard Childress Racing’s initial appeal of NASCAR’s penalty against driver Austin Dillon was denied Wednesday by the National Motorsports Appeals Panel.

The panel upheld NASCAR’s ruling that Dillon’s victory August 11^th at Richmond Raceway would not count toward postseason eligibility. The No. 3 team was also docked 25 points in both the driver and owner championship standings.

Dillon was penalized for spinning race leader Joey Logano in Turn 3 on the final lap of overtime at Richmond Raceway and then right-hooking Denny Hamlin off Turn 4.