PICTURE ROCKS FIRE DISPLACES FAMILY

A family from Picture Rocks escaped their Route 864 home without injury Saturday after a fire broke out in their chimney and spread to the walls.  According to the Sun Gazette, volunteers from Picture Rocks along with firefighters from Hughesville, Muncy Area and Hillsgrove had the Wolf Township fire under control in about 20 minutes but the family has been displaced temporarily but have a camper on their property to use.  The Red Cross was on the scene and are also providing emergency assistance to the family.

DEMS HAVE MAJORITY IN PA LEGISLATURE

Cambria County voters last week re-elected Democrat Frank Burns to a ninth term and will unofficially keep Democrats leading the lower chamber of the Pennsylvania Legislature 102 to 101.  There are 20 new members combined in the House and Senate.  Republicans still control the Senate with a 28-22 majority.  Republican challenger Amy Bradley was attempting to flip the seat but the hand count – enacted after ballot scanners malfunctioned Tuesday morning –  showed a fewer than 1,000 vote different in Burns’ favor;  16,623 to Bradley’s 15,687 in the 72nd Legislative District.  According to the Daily Item, Burns has a record of breaking with leadership and voting conservatively on hot-button issues.

VETERANS DAY EVENTS THIS WEEK

Today is Veterans or Armistice Day and events are still coming up after a weekend honoring our local veterans in North Central PA.  This Friday there will be a free breakfast buffet at the American Legion Post 1 at 10 East Third Street in Williamsport hosted by State Representative Jamie Flick of the 83^rd District.   Register by going on line to repflick.com forwar d slash events.  The North Shore Railroad will honor veterans with its annual Veterans Day Salute today at 11am.   Work will pause across the entire railroad system for one minute of silence, followed by a long horn blast from the locomotives in a tribute to U.S. military service members. 

TWO SENIOR SAILORS CAPSIZE ON ROSE VALLEY LAKE

Two Williamsport men with a lifetime of sailing experience were rescued from an accident on Rose Valley Lake Friday and authorities credit them wearing their life jackets kept the incident from turning tragic.  According to the Sun Gazette, Williamsport firefighters along with Trout Run, Hepburn Township, Montoursville were called to a water rescue on Lake Road in Gamble Township on Friday just before 3pm for a capsized craft on the water.  The two men in their 70s had made it to shore and were treated for hypothermia at the scene, and one man was hospitalized at UPMC Williamsport.  The boat was recovered and brought to shore.

TROOPERS LOOKING FOR ROAD RAGE SUSPECT

A road rage incident on Route 35, in Penn Township October 9^th has state troopers from Milton investigating the Snyder County incident.  According to the Daily Item,  the drivers of a dump truck and a white utility van that ended with  the dump truck driver allegedly punching and choking the van driver over debris that had fallen from the truck and struck his vehicle.  The suspect who was described as between 5 ‘10” and 6 ‘ tall with a dark-colored beard and glasses  fled the scene.  Troopers are asking anyone that drove by, or has video surveillance footage from the incident to call state police at 570-374-8145. (incident PA2024-1309306)

PENNDOT CONTRACTOR WORKING ON ROUTE 87 THIS WEEK

There is an embankment stabilization project continuing today on Route 87 in Plunketts Creek Township.  According to PennDOT, a contractor will continue work between the Slabtown Bridge on Route 973 and Pier 87 Restaurant. Work includes excavation and preparation work for the sheet pile wall that will be placed to stabilize the embankment along the Loyalsock Creek. Work is expected between 6am and 6pm with  lane shifts and flagging where work is being performed.

TWO LITTLE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORS TO STEP DOWN

Two members of the Little League International Board of Directors have announced they will be stepping down after 20 years of service to the organization.  According to North Central PA dot com, Mike Mussina and Chris Drury will conclude their years of service this month.  An election of two new At-Large Directors on the Little League International Board was held at the November 8^th meeting and Tony Reagins and Kristian Palvia were chosen as the newest At-Large Directors on the Little League International Board of Directors.   Steven P. Johnson, Little League International board chair noted his gratitude for the service of Mussina and Drury and noted the extensive experience of their two new directors which is vital to the goal of successfully navigating the past, present, and future courses of the Little League journey.

SPORTS

NFL
Panthers 20         Giants  17  (Munich Game)
Bills 30                 Colts 20
Chiefs  16            Broncos  14
Steelers  28           Commanders  27
49ers  23               Buccaneers  20
Eagles  34            Cowboys  6
Cardinals  31        Jets  6
NFL Monday Night  Football
Dolphins vs Rams  8:15pm ESPN

NBA
76ers  107            Hornets  105
Celtics  113          Bucks  107
Pacers  132          Knicks  121
Magic  121           Wizards 94
Heat 95                Timberwolves 94
Kings 127             Suns 118
NBA Tonight
Cavaliers  vs Bulls  8pm
Wizards vs Rockets  8pm
Nets vs Pelicans 8pm

NASCAR Championship
* Joey Logano held off Ryan Blaney over the final 20 laps to beat him for the Cup series title yesterday in Phoenix by 0.330 seconds.
* William Byron  was 3^rd, Kyle Larson 4^th, Christopher Bell 5^th.
* Blaney was trying to become the first back-to-back champion since Jimmie Johnson won five straight from 2006 to 2010.  Penske and Ford have won three consecutive Cup Series championships – Logano in 2022 and Blaney last year
* Logano became the 10th driver in NASCAR history to win three or more championships. 
Kyle Busch is the only other active driver with multiple titles.

HUGHESVILLE MAN THREATENS EX-GIRLFRIEND WITH GUN

A man from Hughesville threatened a woman with a gun after he broke into her home early yesterday.  According to North Central PA dot com, 26 year old Dyllyn Dakota Laird allegedly broke into the home on the 700 block of Hall Street around 2am November 7^th by climbing in a window.  Police say he showed a handgun while threatening his ex-girlfriend who had previously filed a PFA against Laird. He is being charged with burglary, criminal trespassing, simple assault, reckless endangerment, and terroristic threats. He is in Lycoming County Prion under 100 thousand dollars bail.

KULPMONT ROBBERY HAS POLICE SEARCHING FOR SUSPECT

After an alleged robbery at a Kulpmont convenience store, police are searching for suspects. According to the New Item, scanner reports around 8pm Wednesday said that after the theft at Sunoco at Chestnut and Sixth streets was reported, police were seen in a brief pursuit of a vehicle in the area.  Later witnesses say police and a K9 unit was at a residence in the 600 block of Spruce Street, but no word on if a suspect has been taken into custody.

MCCORMICK FLIPS US SENATE SEAT FOR REPUBLICANS

The pivotal US Senate seat previously held by Senator Bob Casey has been flipped and David McCormick former CEO of the world’s largest hedge fund won in a delayed call of the seat.  According to the Associated Press, McCormick’s victory d bolsters the Republicans’ majority in the Senate, which they won from Democratic control this week. By about 3:40 a.m. ET on Friday, McCormick was ahead by more than 34,000 votes with 98 percent of votes counted. McCormick has 49 percent of the vote, while Casey has 48.5 percent. Previously Senator Casey had won six statewide general elections going back to 1996, and did not concede Thursday.

TRAIN RIDES FOR VETERANS IN LEWISBURG SATURDAY

The public is invited to ride North Shore Railroad’s two newly dedicated military units this Saturday in Lewisburg.  According to officials from the rail company, everyone is invited to honor and support veterans during a line-up of trips for the Inaugural Veterans Benefit Voyage beginning at Huffnagle park.  Rides last about an hour and you can sign up for several times and get tickets at NSHR.com. Proceeds benefit Expedition Orange which raises awareness for Vietnam veterans impacted by Agent Orange and Lycoming County Hometown Heroes, providing financial assistance to veterans and their families during times of need. 

TROY MAN ARRESTED AT DANDY MINI MART

A man from Troy with a suspended license wanted in a criminal trespassing incident October 28^th was apprehended inside a Wysox mini mart and arrested for drug charges after his vehicle was searched.  According to Towanda State police, 45 year old Dereck Chad Baldwin was wanted by police for the previous incident and the suspected vehicle was seen at the Dandy Mini Mart in the 23000 block of State Route 6.  Troopers arrested Baldwin and searched his 2009 blue Chevrolet Cobalt mwhere they found methamphetamine, heroin and drug paraphernalia. No bail was listed for Balwin who has a preliminary hearing next month.

WOMAN STOPPED FOR ILLEGAL WINDOW TINT ARREST FOR DRUGS

A 30 year old woman from Delaware County was stopped for illegal window tint at the 800 block of Sheridan Street in Williamsport and is facing drug charges after a search of her car.  According to the Sun Gazette, Williamsport City police pulled Alyssa Leslie of Darby over around midnight on October 12^th and upon noticing a marijuana vape pen, requested consent to search the car; which was granted.  Police found in the 2008 Cadillac Escalade, 21 grams of marijuana and a loaded handgun which had an expired permit.  Leslie was charged with felony carrying a firearm without a license, possession of drugs and other summary offenses.  She was taken into custody but waived her preliminary hearing and posted 10 thousand dollars bail.

WALKING TO RAISE MONEY FOR MILITARY SHARE

Today is the last day of a three-day walk and fundraising effort sponsored by the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to support veterans, military members, and their families, plus raise awareness about hunger in the region.  According to North Cetnral AP dot com, the goal is 25 thousand dollars to support MilitaryShare, a Fresh Express program of the food bank, providing nutritious food to veterans and active-duty military personnel.  Participants are walking 30 miles across Snyder, Northumberland, Union, Montour, Columbia, and Lycoming Counties while pushing a shopping cart.  There is a wrap-up event at VFW Post #7863 on Shaffer St., Williamsport from 3 til 7pm today.  You can make a donation at centralpafoodbank.org.

 DENTAL CARE FOR VETS

Veterans can call a Watsontown dentist this morning to make an appointment for free needed dental care. According to Carl Jenkins Dentistry, they are donating their time to provide the free cleanings and fillings to give back to the veterans who served us.  They will begin taking calls for appointments beginning at 7am at 538-5005.  Those interested in finding out more can reach out on social media, sending a personal message to Carl Jenkins Dentistry on Facebook on Main Street in Watsontown or call 538-5005.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Playoffs
BYB Game of the week
Quad A Championship
Jersey Shore @ Shamokin 
6:30pm pre-game/7pm kickoff
Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network
HS Football Playoffs Tonight –7pm
D2-4 Class 6A Championships
Williamsport @ Wilkes-Barre
Triple A Semifinals
Montoursville @ Danville
Mount Carmel vs Lewisburg @ Alumni Filed, Milton
Double A Semi Finals
Southern Columbia vs  Troy @ Mansfield U
Warrior Run @ Towanda
Class A Championship 
Line Mountain @ Muncy

NCAA Football Saturday
Purdue vs Ohio State noon FOX
Navy vs South Florida  noon ESPN2
Temple vs Tulane 4pm ESPNU
Florida State vs Notre Dame 7:30pm NBC
Washington vs Penn State  8pm Peacock
BYU vs Utah University 10:15pm ESPN

NFL Thursday Night Football
Ravens 35            Bengals 34

NBA
Timberwolves  135        Bulls  119
Bucks  123                              Jazz 100
Spurs  118                               Trail Blazers  105

NBA Tonight
Nets  vs  Celtics  7:30pm
Warriors  vs Cavaliers  7:30pm
Bucks  vs Knicks 7:30pm
Suns vs Mavericks  7:30pm ESPN
Wizards vs Grizzlies  8pm
76ers  vs Lakers  10pm ESPN
NHL
Bruins 4                Flames  3  /OT
Islanders  4                    Senators  2
Devils 5                Canadiens  3
Sabres 6                Rangers  1
Hurricanes 5         Penguins 1
Flyers  2               Lightning  1
Utah  4                 Blues  2
NHL Tonight
Penguins  vs Capitals  7:30pm Hulu

BRUSH FIRE NEAR ELIMSPORT WEDNESDAY

It was a brush fire that brought multiple fire companies to Washington Township yesterday.  According to PennDOT, the fire caused Sulphur Springs Road (Route 554) in Lycoming County to be closed yesterday afternoon with a detour of traffic on Route 15 south.  Fire officials say the brush fire spanned about 1 to 1 and a half acres in size on the mountainside overlooking the village of Elimsport.  Water trucks were brought in and companies from Washington Township,  Clinton Township, and Nippenose Valley fought the blaze which was challenging in the rocky terrain.  511pa.com shows the road re-opened today.

CO-DEFENDANT MOTHER SENTENCED IN SEXUAL ABUSE CASE

The 6 year old victim’s mother accused of being an accomplice in the sex abuse case against convicted rapist Marcus McDaniel and plead guilty to the charges last summer, was sentenced to 267 and 534 months in prison this week.  The defense attorney for Michelle Strayer attempted to show she was a victim in the case, with her mother and another family member speaking at the trial in support of leniency, and citing that a PFA filed by Strayer against McDaniel was denied.  McDaniel was sentenced after his October 2023 trial to more than 60 years in prison in February.  Strayer will get 203 days credit for time served, and will be required to serve three years of supervised probation upon her release.

SENATE RACE IN PA

After Election Day in the Lycoming County, the Senate race ballots report Republican Dave McCormick recveived over 68 percent of the vote to the 29 percent by incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey.  Statewide, the race between Casey and McCormick is one of the most closely watched races as Republicans look like they could flip control of the seat in their bid to take control of the Senate. The ballot count is officially too close to call with just 4 tenths of a percent favoring McCormick. An automatic recount is established in Pennsylvania when the race falls within 5 tenths of a percent.

SOBER SKATE NIGHT IN NOVEMBER

A free sober skate night is planned for the end of November by the Susquehanna Valley Mediation’s Families in Recovery program.  According to North Central PA dot com, Families in Recovery partnered with Pik Rite Inc. to  hold a free sober roller skating night to give people coming out of addiction an opportunity to spend time with loved ones in a safe environment in addition to meeting other Families in Recovery.  The event is Novmber 30^th at Sunset Skating Rink, on North Susquehanna Trail in Shamokin Dam.  Get details about the sober skate night by emailing [email protected].

BAIL MODIFIED FOR SUSPECTS WHO RELEASED MINK

The suspects from Massachusetts who were incarcerated after their arrest for releasing over 600 mink from a fur farm in Northumberland County had their bail modified in district court this week.  According to the Daily tiem, 25 year old  Christopher Legere, and co-defendant 27 year old  Cara Mitrano, originally were jailed under 150 thousand dollars bail and required to remain in PA if they could post bail.  Now, President Judge Paige Rosini ruled they could post 15 thousand dollars bail and vacated the ruling that they must stay local.  Upon their release, they will both be required to report to probation twice a month, either in person or by video or other electronic method.  Legere and Mitrano face felony eco-terrorism charges.

TURBOTVILLE MAN ARRESTED FOR STRANGULATION

A man from Turbotville is facing charges after police say he attempted to strangle his wife in front of his children Octoiber 26^th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 39 year old Timothy Michael Eck admitted to the abuse of his wife and one child who attempted to intervene on her mother’s behalf.  Police were called to the home in the 800 block of Lycoming Mall Drive in Muncy after Eck allegedly attacked his wife over making food for the children.  He has been charged with strangulation, simple assault, and harassment. He posted $50,000 monetary bail through a bondsman.

BURN BAN EXTENDED TO STATE GAME LANDS

The burn ban that has been announced in Williamsport city Old Lycoming Township, areas of Northumberland County and starting tonight in Elkland township in Sullivan County, has now been extended to State game lands.  According to the state Game Commission, they issued a temporary ban on any burning on game lands, and the Game commission also placed campfire bans in state parks since the risk of forest fire threat is too high during this fall archery deer season and turkey season.

UPMC SEEKING BLANKET DONATIONS

In partnership with the We Honor veterans program, UPMC is requesting donations of home made blankets to honor those who served this Veteran’s Day.  According to UPMC Home Healthcare of Central PA and Family Hospice,  patriotic-themed blankets given to veterans help them feel recognized and appreciated during hospice care.  New quilted, knotted and crocheted  52”x76” (preferably cotton)  blankets can be dropped off at UPMC Williamsport Divine Providence Campus,  on Grampian Blvd during office hours.  Call for information 570-320-7691.

SPORTS

NBA
Hawks  121          Knicks  116
Warriors  118       Celtics  112
Cavaliers  131      Pelicans  122
Suns  115             Heat  112
Clippers  110       76ers  98
NBA Tonight
Grizzlies  vs Bulls  8pm  NBAtv
Jazz vs Bucks  8pm
Trail Blazers  vs Spurs 8pm

NHL
Capitals  3                     Predators  2
Red Wings  4        Blackhawks  1
Golden Knights  4  Oilers  2
NHL Tonight ESPN+
Islanders vs Senators 7pm
Canadiens vs Devils 7pm
Sabres vs Rangers  7pm
Penguins  vs Hurricanes 7pm
Flyers vs Lightning  7:30 ESPN+/Hulu

NFL Thursday Night Football
Bengals vs Ravens 8:15 PrimeVid

HS Football Friday 2024 District Playoffs – all games 7pm
BYB Game of the week Quad A Championship
Jersey Shore @ Shamokin  
6:30pm pre-game/7pm kickoff
Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network
D2-4 Class 6A Championships
Williamsport @ Wilkes-Barre
Triple A Semifinals
Montoursville @ Danville
Mount Carmel vs Lewsiburg @ Alumni Filed, Milton
Double A SemiFinals
Southern Columbia vs  Troy @ Mansfield U
Warrior Run @ Towanda
Class A Championship 
Line Mountian @ Muncy