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. 

LEWIS TOWNSHIP OFFERING SERVICES AFTER FLOODING

There are some updates if you are still dealing with the clean-up and aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby that struck hard areas of Lycoming and Tioga Counties.  According to the Sun Gazette, in Lewis Township, residents are asked to bring a list of needs to the  Trout Run Volunteer Fire Co when they come to pick up supplies and resources, and to complete a damage report complete with photos as soon as possible and email them to [email protected].  There will also be a Disaster Recovery Resources Expo today through Wednesday from noon til 8pm  at the Hepburn Township Fire Co. a shuttle will travel each day to the expo – leaving at 5:30pm from the Trout run Volunteer fire company.

NEW YORK MAN RETURNS TO PA TO FACE CHARGES

A man from New York state is facing charges related to the theft of a Ford Econoline van from a Muncy Creek Township business  in 2022.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say 39 year old John M. Abrams was arrested during the incident two years ago in Salamanca, New York after he was allegedly pointing a firearm at people, and was eventually convicted of drug charges – the stolen van from Valley Truck and Trailer Repair was discovered  .  Abrams will now answer to new felony theft charges filed last month  by state police at Montoursville.  He was arraigned last week and is free on 75 thousand dollars bail.

LICENSE PLATE REPLACEMENT EVENT IN OCTOBER

State Police at Montoursville and Representative Joe Hamm’s office are hosting a license plate replacement event for drivers with damaged, peeling, and otherwise unreadable plates this fall. Participants must hold a valid driver’s license, a current registration card, and drive the vehicle with the damaged plate to qualify for replacement. The event is slated for October 10^th from 4 to 7 pm.  If you are unable to attend, apply for a replacement plate with PennDOT’s MV-46 form.  Driving with an illegible license plate can result in a fines of up to $100.

DONATIONS TO HELP CSO FOOD PANTRY

The Shamokin-based Central Susquehanna Opportunities recently received a $10,000 donation for their mobile food pantry. According to North Central PA, M&T bank made the donation in support of CSO’s mission to deliver food to neighborhoods in need. CSO’s Mobile Food Pantry enables outreach to communities in need and relies on donations and sponsors like M&T. For more information about the Mobile Food Pantry or to learn how you can support CSO’s mission, visit csocares.org or call 570-644-6575.

MAN CAUGHT IN GHILLIE SUIT TRYING TO SMUGGLE DRUGS

A Maryland man who was wearing a ghillie suit and allegedly attempting to smuggle contraband into the prison was caught trespassing on the grounds of the Federal Correctional Institution in Lewisburg Wednesday.  According to the News Item, 36 year old James Hampton-Smith from Aberdeen, Maryland faces charges after being caught trying to sneak drugs into the facility. Hampton-Smith was identified and arraigned on charges of felony possession of a controlled substance and criminal trespass, along with misdemeanor counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and others.

SERVICES AVAILABLE IN TROUT RUN AFTER FLOODING

Hot meals are still available daily at the Trout Run Volunteer fire department for those still working to recover from the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby August 9^th.  According to the Sub Gazette, refrigerated and dry food items, bottled water, ice, and other supplies are also available.  There are also Restrooms, showers, and a freshwater station located next to the Trout Run Volunteer Fire Company Command Post between the fire hall and the Trout Run Travel Plaza.  Laundry facilities are available at Camp Susque by arrangement, or pick up vouchers to use at Brite Laundry Center in Williamsport at the Command Post.  Updates are posted regularly on the fire company and Township Facebook pages.

SOLAR COMPANY MUST PROVE NO GLARE

A Mechanicsburg company that proposed the construction of a solar farm in Pennsdale now is expected to meet glare requirements. According to the Sun Gazette, Solar Renewable Energy has to prove the glare from their solar farm has no adverse effect on adjacent buildings. This legislation was filed after landowners in the area sent an appeal to the county for the property that borders Quaker Church Road close to Interstate 180. Solar Renewable Energy has met all other special requirements from the township and the plans to construct the solar farm are still in consideration.

GIRL SCOUT IN THE HEART OF PA FROM LYCOMING COUNTY HONORED

A Lycoming County member of Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania has earned the highest award in Girl Scouting, the Girl Scout Gold Award for 2025.  According to a news release, Brylea Starr worked to provide amenities for homeless people at a Northcentral PA YWCA shelter, creating a safe playroom for children and a relaxation room for adults.  The Gold Award helps a Girl Scout learn how to create sustainable change for a community or world issue, and in addition, for those interested in serving, they are able to enlist at a higher pay grade when they join the military.

SPORTS

Little League World Series
Game 20 resumed @ 10am this morning @ Volunteer
Caribbean defeated Australia 11-0
Japan vs Latin America  1pm Volunteer
Mountain Vs West  3pm Lamade
Asia-Pacific vs Cuba  5pm Volunteer
Southeast vs Southwest  7pm  Lamade

MLB Draft League
Mahoning Valley Scrappers  6  Williamsport 4
Cutters are off tonight b ut head to Frederick to start a 3-game series Tuesday night.
They’re back home Friday August 23 to host the State College Spikes  6:35pm first pitch

MLB
Brewers  2 Guardians  0       
Marlins  3            Mets  2
Orioles  4             Red Sox  2
Mariners  10         Pirates  3
Nationals  6          Phillies  4
Little League Classic Journey Bank Ballpark/Historic Bowman Field
Tigers  3               Yankees 2  /10 innings
MLB Tonight
Orioles  vs Mets  7:10pm ESPN+
Pirates  vs Rangers  8:05pm
Red Sox vs Astros  8:10pm
Mariners vs Dodgers 10:10pm

NASCAR Sunday
NASCAR suspended the FireKeepers 400 until 11am this morning, after the race was interrupted by rain.
NASCAR NEWS
Bowman Gray Stadium will Winston-Salem, North Carolina will be the location to host The Clash on Feb. 2  – This will be a NASCAR race in that location for the first time since 1971.  The Clash will move from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum after a three-year stay on the west coast

ONE CLINTON TOWNSHIP CRASH VICTIM DIES FROM INJURIES

The Lycoming County Coroner has released new details about the crash in Clinton Township  Monday night that took the life of one victim after he died from his injuries while at the ICU.  According to the Pennsylvania State Police 57 year old James Engel and his wife, 55 year old Jennifer  of Old Lycoming Township were riding a motorcycle on Route 15 Monday night at about 9:15 when 61 year old Glenn Wirth of Montgomery pulled out from Pinchtown Road and collided with them. Both Engle’s, who were wearing helmets, were transported to UPMC Williamsport.  According to the Coroner, Engle passed away 1:30 am Tuesday from blunt force trauma and his wife remains in critical condition.  Wirth was treated for minor injuries at Evangelical.

ANOTHER ACCIDENT ON THE ROUTE 15 SPUR

Another tractor trailer accident took out the Route 15 spur and closed the highway for several hours yesterday.  According to PennDOT, the accident that closed the Route 15 southbound ramp to Interstate 180 road around 7am, reopened just before 2pm yesterday.  According ot the Sun Gazette, the driver 56 year old Scott Case of Troy, PA was discovered to have only minor injuries after he was helped from the wreckage by police and witnesses and transported to UPMC Williamsport.  Case was hauling milk in the tanker,  and took  out another 150 feet of guardrail in the crash.

JUVENILES WARNED FOR RIDING BIKES INSIDE STORES

Several juveniles were detained by police after they were caught riding their bicycles in two Old Lycoming Township grocery stores August 6^th.  According to the Sun Gazette, police were alerted to 5 juvenile males in Weis and Aldi’s on Lycoming Creek Road  who were causing a disturbance by being loud and riding inside the stores, and were told this wasn’t the first time they had done this, and had been banned from the location.  When police talked with the boys at the store, they were each identified and their parents were called to pick them up. They warned the group with a trespassing charge if they were caught doing it again.

NATIONAL GUARD OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY

An open house by the National Guard will be held outside of the Williamsport Armed Forces Reserve Center at 1307 Grove Street in Williamsport this Saturday, August 10^th, from 11am to 3pm , featuring  over 40 vendors in support of the Guard as well as opportunities to meet and take photos with those in new military uniforms. There will also be tours of a UH 60 Blackhawk helicopter, a rock climbing tower and Rescue Pets Serving Vets will be there with dogs to adopt. The event will allow the community to build ties with soldiers, local authorities, and the businesses that support our military.

HOMELESS WOMAN ASSAULT FORMER BOYFRIEND

A woman who police say is homeless is in custody today after she broke into her former boyfriend’s home Monday in Williamsport and assaulted him.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say 29 year old Ashayla Minus entered the home at 700 Penn Street and began assaulting the victim while another adult who was present removed two children from the scene to protect them.  Minus has been charged with felony burglary, trespassing, simple assault and two counts of reckless endangerment.  She’s being held in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $15,000 bail.

WOMAN FOUND WITH DRUGS DURING STRIP SEARCH

A Williamsport woman was found to have drugs in her hair scrunchie during a strip search at the Lycoming County Prison.  According to the Sun Gazette, 38 year old Roseanna Crystal Girardi was found to have fentanyl and cocaine hidden in her hair tie after her arrest for selling fentanyl and methamphetamine. Girardi is now being charged with second-degree felony contraband and controlled substance. She remains incarcerated at the Lycoming County Prison after her most recent arraignment.

JERSEY SHORE TO DECIDE ABOUT CLOSURES AT SALLADASBURG

A public hearing Monday at Jersey Shore High School Monday about whether to close Salladasburg Elementary School, had a majority of those at the meeting against the closure. According to North Central PA dot com, the concern from the public comment was about larger class sizes, longer commutes, and learning loss for the students.  Superintendent Dr. Brian Ulmer presented facts about the proposed closure and background of the district’s finances.  The board President Michelle Stemler said there will be six more board meetings open for additional public comments regarding the school closure, and that the hearing from August 5^th is available online.

HYGEINE PRODUCTS FOR STUDENTS AT NORRY THIS YEAR

Northumberland County school students are the recipients of over 12,000 hygiene products that have been packed up by the non-profit Central Susquehanna Opportunities.  According to the Daily Item, CSO received a 200 thousand dollar grant from Community Care for Behavioral Health through a partnership with the county and spearheaded this inaugural project.  Each bag, sorted for male and female students contains 20 dollars worth of items that include toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo, soap and deodorant as well as laundry products. Giant Supermarkets helped CSO buy the products in bulk.  The bags will be given to the students when they return to school.

SPORTS

MLB Draft League
WV Black Bears 8         Williamsport Crosscutters  1
Cutters will try and tie it up during Game 2 tonight at Journey Bank Ballpark @ Historic Bowman Field 6:35pm first pitch.

MLB
Game1 D’Backs  7        Guardians 3
Game2 D’Backs  5        Guardians  3
Game 1 Yankees 5         Angels  2
Game2  Angels  8          Yankees  2

Padres  9     Pirates  8
Giants  7     Nationals  4
Mets  5       Rockies  3
Phillies  9    Dodgers  4

OLYMPICS
Women’s Basketball
The United States women’s basketball team extended their Olympic winning streak to 59 games with a quarterfinal win over Nigeria yesterday.
Men’s Track
* Quincy Hall sprinted from far behind in the 400 meters to beat Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith by 4 tenths of a second — to capture the gold medal.
* Hall dropped to the track to do snow angels to celebrate.
Women’s Wrestling
*American Sarah Hildebrandt  won the 50-kilogram women’s category Wednesday, defeating Cuba’s opponent 3-0 in the championship match to become the fourth U.S. woman to win a gold medal.
Men’s Weightlifting
*20 year old American Hampton Morris won the Olympic bronze medal -the first U.S. men’s weightlifter to take home a medal of any color at the Games in four decades.
*Morris follows Mario Martinez and Guy Carlton from Los Angeles in 1984 as the most recent American men to medal at the Olympics.
Olympic Schedule Today
American sprinter Noah Lyles, after winning gold in the 100-meter dash in a dramatic photo finish,  is set to compete in the 200-meter final today
5 p.m. ET  Water Polo – Women’s Semifinal: Australia vs. USA
6 p.m. ET Volleyball – Women’s Semifinal: Brazil vs. USA
11 p.m. ET Water Polo – Women’s Semifinal: Australia vs. USA

Olympic Medal Count
The U.S. leads the overall medal count with 94 — 27 gold, 35 silver and 32 bronze.
Team USA also leads the gold medal count, with two more than China.
1. USA — 94 (27 gold, 35 silver, 32 bronze)
2. China — 65 (25 gold, 23 silver, 17 bronze)
3. France — 51 (13 gold, 17 silver, 21 bronze)