NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY FIRE FRIDAY

Fire crews responded to a blaze at a home 1000 block of Mexico Road in East Chillisquaque Township Friday.  According to the Standard Journal, fire officials said the fire broke out at the Northumberland County home at about 11:15am.  Crews battled the blaze that officials said appeared to start on the exterior of the home, and worked its way up to the attic, but the home was ultimately saved. There were no injuries reported.

BAIL MODIFICATION HEARING TODAY FOR FUR FARM VANDALS

A formal arraignment is coming up November 18^th for the pair of alleged vandals from Massachusetts who are accused of releasing hundreds of mink from a fur farm in Northumberland County on October 19th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 25 year old Christopher Jacob Legere, and 23 year old Cara Ashley Mitrano face felony counts of burglary, ecoterrorism, agricultural vandalism, misdemeanor cruelty to animals, and related charges. The judge withdrew a conspiracy charge for both defendants in their preliminary hearing last week.  They remain at Northumberland County Prison in lieu of $150,000 cash bail with a bail modification hearing coming up today. Police say the two are connected to two anarchist communes in Massachusetts.

DROUGHT WARNING CONDITIONS IN PA

35 counties, including Columbia, Montour, and Northumberland, are under a Drought Watch after not getting significant rainfall in weeks.  According to North Central PA dot com, the Pennsylvania Drought Task Force is also monitoring other areas of the state.  Lycoming County is under normal conditions at this time.  In the watch counties, residents and businesses are encouraged to voluntarily conserve water by reducing nonessential water use. Drought declarations are based on four factors – precipitation, stream flows, groundwater levels, and soil moisture.  Dry conditions have also heightened wildfire risk with a burn ban reported in the city of Williamsport, Old Lycoming Township and Northumberland County.

MU GRADUATE DONATES FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

A graduate and former athlete at Mansfield University has made a half-million dollar gift to support student-athlete scholarships through the Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation.  According to ‘go mounties dot com’, the football and track and field standout, Mark Doherty of the Class of 1995, makes the 500 thousand dollar gift to honor his late football coach, Tom Elsasser, who passed away in May of 2023.  Doherty earned a degree in criminal justice from Mansfield in 1995 and a master’s degree in special education in 1998. He is the owner and co-founder of Foundation Lending, a premiere investment, construction, and commercial lender. 

TWO ARRESTED FOR FIGHT IN JERSEY SHORE

Two people were charged in District court last week after a fight August 31^st at the Jersey Shore American Legion. According to the Sun Gazette, 51 year old Lannette Kae Garms was charged with charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and harassment for allegedly causing a disturbance after she was asked to leave.  34 year old John Charles Stewart of Avis was charged for simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment after he attempted to intervene in the fight between Garms and another individual.  Garms also faces a drug paraphernalia charge after a police search turned up a glass methamphetamine pipe.  Stewart and Garms waived their  preliminary hearings and posted their respective bail. 

MAN ARRESTED FOR DOWNLOADING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

A man from Watsontown is free on bail after he was arrested following a cybertip in August from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that he had uploads of child pornography on his computer.  According to North Central PA dot com, police obtained a search warrant after tracing the alleged activity to 29 year old Michael Anthony Brady and filed 40 felony counts each of child pornography and disseminating child pornography.  Brady’s formal arraignment is November 12^th in Northumberland County court.

WILLIAMSPORT HOTEL GETS GRANT FOR UPGRADES

A 2 million dollar state Department of Community and Economic Development grant was awarded to Genetti Hotel recently for renovations at 200 W. Fourth Street. According to the Sun Gazette, the owner of the 102 year old building, Gus Genetti, says the grant, which was secured through assistance of state Sen. Gene Yaw, is part of a $6 million hotel upgrade that ensures the historic building will last another century for tourists and guests.  Upgrades to update the interior are expected in the lobby, and some guest rooms, including an upgraded security system as well as a possible ramp heading to the pool area.  The work is anticipated to be complete in March of 2025.

NEW $2 MILLION FIRE TRUCK FOR MILTON

The Milton Borough Council has approved the $2.1 million purchase of a 100’ Pierce Enforcer aerial platform fire truck for the Milton fire department.  According to the Standard Journal, Milton Fire officials say the department’s current aerial, or ladder, truck is 20 years old and they have been working for over 2 and a half years to line up funding with the truck price going up percentages every quarter but that there are discounts to be had if payments are made in a certain way.  Manufacturers are backed up on production at this time so it will be at least 48 months until the new truck is delivered to Milton.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Sports
In Cross Country, Warrior Run’s Claire DuFrene wins her 3rd consecutive state title
In tennis, sophomore Addison Lindsay from Central Mountain takes the Triple A singles state title…the first girl to do that in Wildcats history.

NFL
Falcons  27                    Cowboys  21
Bills  30                Dolphins  27
Bengals  41          Raiders  24
Commanders  27           Giants  22
Ravens  41                     Broncos  10
Eagles  28             Jaguars  23
NFL Monday Night Football
Buccaneers  vs Chiefs  8:15pm PrimeVid

NASCAR Xfinity 500
*  Ryan Blaney had a victory Sunday at Martinsville Speedway, a win that launched NASCAR’s defending champion into the title-deciding season finale.
2^nd – Chase Elliot, 3^rd – Kyle Larson, 4^th – Austin Cindric, 5^th Denny Hamlin
*  The 2024 NASCAR Cup title goes to the highest-finishing driver next Sunday between Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Joey Logano and Tyler Reddick.

NBA
Pistons  106         Nets  92
Hawks  126          Pelicans  111
Mavericks  108    Magic  85
NBA Tonight
Celtics vs Hawks  7:45pm
Grizzlies vs Nets  8pm
Knicks vs Rockets  8:45pm
76ers vs Suns  10:15pm NBAtv

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