TWO WOMEN DIE IN UNRELATED FIRE INCIDENTS

Two unrelated structure fires in Lycoming County yesterday took the lives of two women.  According to State Police at Montoursville, 56 year old Lori Toner was found deceased inside the structure when crews arrived at 1547 W. Emerys Church Road in Woodward Township.  The fire at the mobile home was reported by a passerby at about 6:45am.  An earlier fire Wednesday at 226 Zinck Road in Mifflin Township, was called in at about 4:30am, and two people who lived at the home got out, but 81 year old Lois Breon was taken by ambulance to Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital and succumbed to her injuries just before 6am.  Her son Matthew was not injured.  According to the Sun Gazette, it’s believed that this is the first time in decades that two people were killed on the same day in separate structure fires in the county.

SOUTHSIDE WOMAN ARRESTED FOR DRUG POSSESSION

A South Williamsport woman is facing drug charges after police impounded her car after a traffic stop and found drugs after a search.  According to Montoursville State police, 36 year old Ashley Smith was stopped for a window tint and turn signal violation October 15^th and allegedly appeared overly nervous and sweaty to the officer who ordered the vehicle towed from the scene to the Montoursville State Police Barracks.  After the officer applied for a search warrant to go through the car, they found 47 grams of cocaine, and charged Smith with delivery of a controlled substance.  After her arraignment, Smith posted 50 thousand dollars bail and will have a preliminary hearing next month.

SELINSGROVE VFW COLLECTING ITEMS FOR HURRICANE VICTIMS

A Penn Township VFW is working to collect items to donate to the victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.  According to WNEP, Selinsgrove VFW post 6631 is accepting donations and filling a trailer that will head to the North Carolina department headquarters of the VFW Spring Lake, North Carolina when it’s full.  Harold Aucker is the service officer at the Selinsgrove VFW said that volunteers are collecting toys for kids, non-perishable food items, pet supplies;  but donors are being asked to call the Selinsgrove VFW before dropping items off at the Route 522 location in Selinsgrove, 570- 374-3912.

EARLY THANKSGIVING DINNER TO BENEFIT CAMP VICTORY

There will be an early Thanksgiving dinner held in November to raise funds for Camp Victory and the public is invited.  According to North Central PA dot com, the traditional dinner will be Sunday, November 10^th from 11:30 til 2:30pm and those interested should RSVP by calling 570-458-6530.  Camp Victory is in Millville and is a 130-acre summer camp that hosts children, families, and individuals facing a variety of medical and life challenges.  Get more information at camp victory dot org.

NEWBERRY FIRE TEMPORARILY DISPLACES TWO FAMILIES

Electric service was shut down along the whole block yesterday while crews worked a two alarm duplex fire at a fire at 2224 Newberry St.  According to the Sun Gazette, there were no injuries, with no one was home on the side where the fire broke out – and crews worked to keep the fire from spreading to the other side of the structure.  According to fire officials they could see the smoke from the fire along Reach Road and while near Bowman Field as they arrived.  The owner of the home said her daughter and granddaughter are the residents there and had two dogs and a cat, with firefighters confirming that one dog died in the fire.  The blaze was declared under control before 9am. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

DRIVE-BY SUSPECT ON TRIAL IN NOVEMBER

A Lewisburg man will be on trial starting November 18^th after a jury was selected this week in Union County Court.  According to the Daily Item, 28 year old Julio Gonzalez is accused of shooting and wounding two men during a drive-by attack in June of 2020.  Two co-conspirators of Gonzalez’s were accused of being involved in the drive-by shooting, but their cases were continued.  A man who returned fire toward Gonzalez in the incident, pleaded guilty to a felony count of discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure in September 2021 and served up to 70 months in state prison.

BURN BAN FOR NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

A countywide burn ban was issued in Northumberland County by the county commissioners in their meeting yesterday, saying it will be in effect from noon on Saturday through December 2^nd, unless otherwise extended.  According to DCNR record-breaking high temperatures and a recent absence of rain have made for a dry autumn and urged Pennsylvanians to exercise extreme caution when burning items.  Officials say brush fires are caused by embers from people burning trash in burn barrels, improperly extinguished campfires, or diesel engine car exhaust, they rarely start without human intervention. Get information about brush fires and wildfires at dcnr.pa.gov.

 BRIDGE WORK TODAY ON I-180 WEST

There will be lane restrictions today on Interstate 180 westbound in Loyalsock Township for bridge maintenance.  According to PennDOT, a bridge crew will be repairing a bridge joint I-180 westbound between the Faxon Exit  and 23 A / B at Warrensville Road  and Third Street. Watch for  alternating lane restrictions between the hours of 9am til noon.

SPORTS

PIAA Soccer
D2-4 Girls Class 4A Championship
Wilkes-Barre 1     Williamsport 0
Girls Class 3A Championship
Shikellamy  3       Selinsgrove  1
Boys Class 3A Championship
Selinsgrove  2       Athens 0
Girls Class A Championship Today
South Wmsprt vs Muncy  @ Bloomsburg HS  5:30pm
Girls Class 2A Championship
Central Columbia  vs Hughesville @ Milton HS  7:30pm
Boys  Class A Championship
Northumberland Christian vs Millville  @ Bloomsburg HS 7:30pm
Boys  Class 2A Championship
Lewisburg  vs Midd-West  @ Shikellamy HS 7:30pm

MLB
The LA Dodgers won Game 5 against the New York Yankees last night, 7-6, in a come-from-behind victory – clinching their eighth title in franchise history, their first since the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season and their first in a full season since 1988. 

NBA
Cavaliers 134       Lakers  110
Pacers  135                    Celtics  135
Pistons  105         76ers 95
Wizards  133        Hawks  120
Knicks  116                   Heat  107
Nets  119              Grizzlies 106
Warriors  104       Pelicans 89


NBA Today
Bucks vs Grizzlies  8pm NBA-TV
Suns vs Clippers 10:30pm NBA-TV

NHL
Blue Jackets  2     Islanders  0
Jets  6                   Red Wings  2
Lightning  5          Avalanche 2
Utah  5                 Flames  1
Kings  6                Golden Knights 3
Devils 6                Canucks  0

NHL Tonight
Blues vs Flyers 7pm
Ducks vs Penguins  7pm
Canadiens vs Capitals 7pm

JURY FOR FORMER WASD PRINCIPAL CHOSEN FOR NOVEMBER TRIAL

Jury selection was competed yesterday in the case over the former Williamsport high school principal charged with grooming and maintaining a sexual relationship with a student from 2017 through 2022.  According to the Sun Gazette, 36 year old Roger Weaver Freed faces 30 counts of  sexual contact with a minor and a count of corruption of minors and will have a three-day trial beginning November 5^th.  Freed was suspended with pay at first in 2022, but since the pay was suspended after an employment hearing that same year.  He is free on 175 thousand dollars unsecured bail.

SUSPECTS IN MINK FARM VANDALISM MEMBERS OF ANARCHIST GROUP

The preliminary hearing of the two suspects who released over 600 mink from a fur farm in Northumberland County on October 19^th  is today.  According to North Central PA dot com, State police in Stonington say 25 year old Christopher Legere and 23 year old Cara Ashley Mitrano, 23, are part of an anarchist commune out or Worchester Massachusetts and while jailed, Legere contacted an unidentified individual about a 50 thousand dollar payment expected for the vandalism they allegedly carried out.  In an amended criminal complaint the two were charged with added counts of eco-terrorism, corrupt organizations, burglary, and misdemeanors of theft and related charges, along with the original charges of agricultural vandalism and misdemeanor cruelty to animals.  Representatives from Robert H. Stahl Sons in Rockefeller Township say 619 mink had been recovered and 64 were still missing.  Three died after they were brought back.  Legere and Mitrano remain in Northumberland County Jail in lieu of $150,000 cash bail.

MAIL BALLOT REQUEST DEADLINE TODAY

The deadline for Pennsylvanians to request a mail ballot to submit by 8pm on Election Day is today at 5pm.  According to recent legislation, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court says that any voter who attempted to vote by mail but had the ballot rejected can then vote provisionally on Election Day.  Voters can request a ballot at their county elections office or online through the Department of State.

FISH LADDER STILL MALFUNCTIONING

Officials from DCNR Tiadaghton say they are still working to repair the Williamsport mechanical gateway, or fish ladder that allows fish to pass around the dam near Hepburn Street.  According to the Sun Gazette, damage to the structure was reported in April to the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, but repairs were not started until this month after parts to fix the structure were delayed and weather events interfered with the work.  After initial work last week, the gate continues to malfunction.  DCNR says they are consulting with a team and the gate manufacturer to prepare for and complete the repair.

MAN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY BREAKING INTO BUSINESS

A man from Williamsport was arrested by police after being found walking along Lycoming Creek Road in the morning hours of October 18^th with a tool allegedly used to smash a window of a local business that had been broken into.  Police say 42 year old Douglas Hockenberry was stopped by police while walking away from Cotter’s Auto Sales shortly after a call of a burglary had taken place.  Hockenberry was arraigned in Lycoming County and charged with felony attempted burglary, possession of an instrument of crime, criminal mischief, trespassing, loitering and disorderly conduct.  He was released on 35 thousand dollars bail with a preliminary hearing in November.

ACCOMPLICE IN DOUBLE MURDER TRIAL IN COURT

A hearing for Muhammad Davis, an alleged accomplice of Troy Bennett Bailey Sr in the January 11 double homicide in Williamsport of Alicia Seese and Ronald Dailey, Jr. was held last Thursday.  According to the Sun Gazette, court records say the cell phone of Seese was found in Lycoming Creek near the West Third Street overpass, but no data information was released at the court hearing.  Davis faces two counts of second degree murder, theft by unlawful taking, unlawful restraint, reckless endangerment, false imprisonment, plus multiple counts of robbery and kidnapping,.  Davis’s defense attorney Donald Martino is seeking the dismissal of all counts related to robbery and theft. No trial date has been set.

CU-CLEARFIELD TO HOLD OPEN HOUSE

Commonwealth University-Clearfield will host an open house on Saturday, November 9th beginning at 9:30 a.m. in Founder’s Hall. Prospective students are encouraged to attend to learn more about what CU-Clearfield has to offer. Expert faculty will be part of a program where potential students can ask about degrees and potential career options, engage with current students on a campus tour and learn about campus life, the admissions process, financial aid, scholarship information, class options and more. To schedule a visit or register for the open house, visit commonwealthu.edu or email  clearfieldadmissions @commonwealthu.edu.

BOATERS, ANGLERS REMINDED ABOUT WINTER LIFE JACKET LAW

The Fish and Boat Commission, at their most recent quarterly business meeting made reference to the many advantages anglers and boaters  have to be in close proximity of the Susquehanna River, but to remember the  annual cold weather life jacket requirement that begins on Nov. 1, 2024, and lasts through April 30, 2025.  It requires wearing of a life jacket on all kayaks, canoes, and boats under 16 feet.  It was also mentioned at the meeting that the application period remains open for the PFBC’s popular Boating Facility Grant Program with applications due  by November 30^th.  Get details at fishandboat.com.

SPORTS

PIAA D4 Soccer Playoffs
Girls Class 2A
Hughesville 4                 Troy 0
Central Columbia  3      Warrior Run 2
Girls Soccer Playoffs  Today
South Williamsport  vs East Juniata  @ Bloomsburg HS  6pm
Muncy vs Millville  @ Central Columbia  6pm
Boys  Class A Today
Northumberland Christian  vs Southern Columbia  @ Bloomsburg HS  8pm
Benton vs Millville @ Central Columbia HS 8pm
Boys Class 2A Today
Lewisburg vs Wellsboro  @ Balls Mills Complex  6pm
Central Columbia  vs Midd-West  @ Balls Mills Complex  8pm

MLB World Series
Dodgers 4  Yankees  2
World Series Game 4 Tonight
Dodgers vs Yankees  8:08 FOX

NFL Monday Night Football
Steelers  26  Giants  18
NFL Thursday Night Football
Houston Texans vs NY Jets  8:15pm PrimeVidNHL
Panthers 5            Sabres 2
Blue Jackets  6     Oilers  1
Lightning  3          Predators  2
Maple Leafs  6     Jets  4
Blackhawks  5      Avalanche  2
Sharks  5              Utah 4
Hurricanes 4         Canucks 3
Golden Knights  5  Flames  0
NHL Tonight
Flyers  vs Bruins  7pm
Ducks vs Islanders 7pm
Wild vs Penguins 7pm
Rangers vs Capitals  7:30pm ESPN

FOUR ARRESTED IN WILLIAMSPORT FOR FENTANYL, FIREARMS POSSESSION

A Williamsport woman was stopped on suspected drug charges by the Lycoming County Narcotics Unit October 9^th which led to the arrest of three others allegedly involved in the purchase and possession of fentanyl.  According to North Central PA dot com, 36 year old Jocelyn Nicole Gardner-Fox and another woman were seen by detectives leaving a home on Park Avenue and were stopped at a gas station on High Street.  Police detained Gardner-Fox, on a warrant and found her to have drug parphrenalia.  Police went back to the Park Avenue  home with a search warrant and arrested  John Kyle Smith and Kyle Boynak on drug and firearm charges.  36 year old Cassandra Jene Hughes of Williamsport, who has felony convictions in Florida was found by police holding a firearm and was also charged.  All four suspects are in custody.

POLICE SEEK INFO ON CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH FIRE

Police have opened an investigation into the fire that happened last week at Calvary Baptist Church on Washington Boulevard in Williamsport.  According to the state police fire Marshall, the damage is estimated to be at about 100 thousand dollars.  According to North Cetnral PA dot com, since the damage has not allowed the building to be cleared for use, church members gathered outside the building Sunday, thanks to the Muncy Baptist Church loaning the chairs for the service.  If you  have any information about Wednesday’s fire call state police at 570-368-5700.

DETOURS IN PLACE FOR CSVT PROJECT IN SNYDER COUNTY

Construction continues this week on the Southern Section of the CSVT project in Snyder County.  According to PennDOT, a portion of Eleventh Avenue in Shamokin Dam Borough and Monroe Township to be closed between North Susquehanna Trail and Park Road, as the contractor begins installation of steel beams for future the CSVT highway over Eleventh Avenue.  Watch for a detour in place utilizing Park Road for the project which is expected to last approximately three weeks.

NOMINATE A WATERWAY FOR RIVER OF THE YEAR

You can nominate your favorite waterway in Pennsylvania for DCNR’s Annual River of the Year Competition.  According to state officials, rivers and streams support Pennsylvania’s $17 billion-dollar outdoor recreation industry, provide habitat for wildlife, and anchor communities. You can vote through Monday, November 11, at 5pm with selected nominations voted on by the public beginning in late November.  GO to pawatersheds.org to nominate a river or waterway,  on the Grants and Awards webpage and clicking “apply”.  The Allegheny River was the winner of River of the Year in 2024.

UNDERCOVER OFFICERS ARREST MAN FOR MAKING DRUG DEAL

A 23 year old man set up a drug deal with an informant in Williamsport and was arrested by detectives from the Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit.  According to North Central PA dot com, Jaqua Strickland met with undercover officers near Third Avenue and Park Avenue after setting up the seal previously.  Strickland was then charged with delivery of a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.  He is free on 50 thousand dollars bail with a future preliminary hearing.

FUGITIVE MAN FOUND IN VACANT HOME IN UNION TOWNSHIP

A Williamsport man being sought by police on several warrants in Lycoming County was located and taken into custody October 8^th inside a vacant home.  According ot the Daily Item, 25 year old Michael Good had fled a vehicle that had been stopped by Buffalo Valley Regional police on West Branch Highway in East Buffalo Township, and was later seen on a bicycle near Park Road in Winfield with police efforts to find h im being unsuccessful.  He was later located inside a home in Union Township.  Good with was arrested and charged with burglary, felony trespassing, resisting arrest, evading arrests and flight to avoid apprehension and more.

UNDEFEATED SHAMOKIN WINS COAL BUCKET FRIDAY

Fans of the Shamokin Indians football team won’t soon forget the history making win of the Coal Bucket last week.  The players delivered a 21-0 victory Friday  over Mount Carmel for the first time in 29 years.  According to the News Item, the team came back to town late Friday night with sirens blaring from several buses from Catawese Coach Lines – bringing people out of their homes to congratulate team members.  Coach Marc Persing and his players will now be hard at work preparing for the first round of the PIAA District 4 playoffs. 

MIFFLINBURG 5K TO RAISE FUNDS FOR HS LACROSSE TEAM

It’s time to prepare for the annual Mifflinburg Turkey Trot hosted by the Mifflinburg Area High School boys lacrosse team, to raise money for their equipment, team meals and bus meals for away games.  According to the New Item, activities surrounding the the 5k and Fun Run will be held Thursday, Nov. 28 with the 5k stepping off at 9am. A mystery individual is slated to dress up in a turkey costume and race along with competitors, and if runners bring a non-perishable food item for Hope’s Haven Food Pantry — they are able to line up ahead of the mystery turkey.  Age group medallions will be given to first, second and third place winners for both men and women.

SPORTS

PIAA D4
Girls Soccer Playoffs Today
Class 2A
Troy vs Hughesville  @ Loyalsock  6pm
Central Columbia vs Warrior Run  @ Loyalsock 8pm
Girls Soccer Playoffs  Tomorrow
South Williamsport  vs East Juniata  @ Bloomsburg HS  6pm
Muncy vs Millville  @ Central Columbia  6pm
Boys  Class A Tomorrow
Northumberland Christian  vs Southern Columbia  @ Bloomsburg HS  8pm
Benton vs Millville @ Central Columbia HS 8pm
Boys Class 2A Tomorrow
Lewisburg vs Wellsboro  @ Balls Mills Complex  6pm
Central Columbia  vs Midd-West  @ Balls Mills Complex  8pm

NASCAR Sunday
Strait Talk Wireless 400 Homestead-Miami
* Tyler Reddick won Sunday overtaking Ryan Blaney on the final turn to win and secure a spot in NASCAR’s winner-take-all finale in Arizona in two weeks, giving Michael Jordan’s team a chance to win another title a championship at Phoenix again after his first in 1993. 

* Denny Hamlin — a part-owner of Reddick’s car — was third. Playoff drivers took the top six spots, with Christopher Bell fourth, Chase Elliott fifth and William Byron sixth.

NFL
Eagles 37    Bengals  17
Browns  29  Ravens  24
Patriots  25  Jets  22
Falcons  31  Buccaneers 26
Bills  31      Seahawks  10
Chiefs  27  Raiders  20
49ers  30     Cowboys  24
NFL Monday Night Football
Giants vs Steelers 8:15pm  ABC/ESPN

MLB Tonight
LA leads the World Series 2-0
Dodgers vs Yankees 8:08pm FOX

NHL
Oilers  3  Red Wings  2
Devils 6  Ducks 2
Canadiens  4  Flyers  3
Avalanche  5  Senators  4
NHL Tonight
Oilers vs Blue Jackets  7pm ESPN+
Predators vs Lightning  7:30pm Hulu