MOTHER OF THREE CHARGED WITH CHILD ENDANGERMENT

A Williamsport mother of three children was charged last Wednesday with child endangerment and a misdemeanor drug charge after probation officers arrived at her West 4^th Street home unannounced.  According to the Sun Gazette, authorities said that 24 year old Deionne Morton and her children who range in age from 3 to 5 were found at the home, living in deplorable conditions with human feces strewn around the residence and no furniture or beds for the children.  Officers searched and found a baggie with alleged drug residue in it in Morton’s room and arrested her.  The woman is on probation at this time for leaving children home alone in October of 2021.  Morton was incarcerated in lieu of 75 thousand dollars bail.

NEW JOBS COMING IN CLEAN HYDROGEN INDUSTRY

New jobs are coming to Lycoming County after Governor Josh Shapiro made an announcement to expand an existing Williamsport business with state funding to enter the clean hydrogen market, a growing Pennsylvania industry.  According to the Sun Gazette, Lycoming County-based PMF Industries will use a DCED investment of 4.6 million dollars to construct a 16,000-square-foot addition in the city that will house a new hot spinning machine and aluminum heat treating and tempering furnace. The company plans to create 20 jobs and retain 78 existing jobs with the expansion.

GREEK LIFE TO RETURN TO CU BLOOMSBURG

Commonwealth University is slated to revive Fraternities and Sororities at Bloomsburg. According to North Central PA dot com, the University conducted a study in 2023 assessing the benefits of returning Greek Life to Bloomsburg’s campus. The administration involved alumni from prior campus fraternities and sororities in the study and the relaunch of the program which is set for 2025. Faculty and staff advisors are set to be appointed as well as a hazing prevention and training program created. Formal affiliation with existing chapters will begin in the fall of 2025.

DAIRYMEN PREPARE FOR THE 109^TH FARM SHOW

The Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association will kick off the 2025 “Fill a Glass with Hope” 10^th Anniversary celebration at the 109^th Farm Show this January with an endorsement from the two-time Super Bowl champ Charlie Batch of the Pittsburgh Steelers.  There will also be a new menu at the Farm Show Food Court and free milkshakes on Military Appreciation Day January 9^th.  The association revealed a few weeks ago that the 2025 milkshake flavor is mint this year. Milk is the official beverage of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Get Farm show details at pa.gov under agencies.

PORNOGRPHY SUSPECT FACES NEW CHARGES

A Hughesville man who was arrested for possessing child pornography has been charged with additional offenses. According to the Sun Gazette, 48 year-old Christopher M. Scott of 205 S. 2nd St. Hughesville, was arrested this September and charged with over 100 counts of child pornography. Since then, police have discovered new material on Stout’s devices. They also found he was in several group chats sending videos of minors performing explicit acts. Following his recent arraignment, Stout was recommitted to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of an additional $95,000 bail.

DUI PATROLS IN PLACE FOR THE HOLIDAY

State Troopers will be on the roads this week making sure impaired drivers are not.  According to the Sun gazette, between Christmas and New Year’s Day state  troopers throughout the region will be conducting roving DUI patrols as well as conducting  DUI checkpoints at various locations during the holiday season.  Areas chosen for the patrols are where there has been a high number of DUI-related crashes in recent months.  Drivers are reminded to move over into an open lane when a police cruiser or other emergency vehicle that is stopped along the roadway with its emergency lights activated.

NEW TRAIL GIFTING BEER AGAIN THIS YEAR

A Williamsport brewery gifted their products this year again in appreciation of teachers, first responders and healthcare workers. According to North Central PA dot com, New Trail Brewing Company on Arch Street, started the tradition 3 years ago as a thanks to teachers at the end of their semester and offered free draft beer to educators in the area. Since COVID, New Trail has extended the giveaway to first responders and healthcare workers and switched from draft to packaged beer. This year the company gave out 1,500 cases of their products.

TOYS FOR TOTS WRAP UP FOR 2024

Backyard Broadcasting was a drop-off for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program again this year. Toys were donated from before Thanksgiving through to this past Friday and ranged from dolls and kitchen play sets to Nerf blasters and bikes. According to Marine Corps Foundation officials, Backyard Broadcasting listeners contributed 1090 gifts. Of that total there were 922 toys, 135 stocking stuffers, 30 books, and a number of bicycles. Everyone at Backyard Broadcasting would like to thank our listeners for their generous donations throughout the holiday season.

SPORTS

In PIAA HS Wrestling this weekend, despite not having a champion, Montoursville won the team title at the King Of The Mountain tournament and host Central Mountain took runner-up.  The Wildcats’ Dalton Perry racked up 5 pins in less than 5 minutes.  Warrior Run’s Reagan Millheim claimed the 160 pound title. 

NCAA Women’s Volleyball
In women’s volleyball, Penn State defeated Louisville 3-1 to capture their eighth national championship and first in 10 years.  Katie Schumacher-Cawley is the first woman to claim the Division I title as a head coach. 

NFL Sunday
Falcons  34            Giants  7
Bengals  24          Browns  6
Rams 19               Jets  9
Commanders  36   Eagles  33
Vikings  27           Seahawks  24
Bills  24                Patriots  21
Dolphins  29        49ers  17 
Cowboys  26        Buccaneers  24

Monday Night Football
Saints  vs Packers  8:15pm  ABC/ESPN

NBA 
Rockets  114        Raptors 110
Pacers  122           Kings  95
Nuggets  132        Pelicans  129

NBA Tonight
Celtics  vs  Magic  7pm
Spurs  vs 76ers  7pm NBAtv
Nets  vs Heat  7:30pm
Raptors  vs Knicks 7:30pm
Bucks vs Bulls  8pm
Wizards  vs Thunder  8pm
Pacers  vs Warriors  10pm NBAtv

NHL
Hurricanes 3         Rangers  1
Capitals 3             Kings  1
Ducks  5               Utah  4
Oilers  3               Senators  1

NHL Today
Rangers  vs Devils  1pm
Flyers  vs Penguins  7pm ESPN+
Sabres  vs Islanders 7:30pm

NCAA Football News
Former Penn State quarterback Beau Pribula has officially transferred to Missouri. He has two years of eligibility left.  Prior to choosing the Tigers, Pribula took visits to Iowa and Ole Miss.

SHOTS FIRED IN MOUNT CARMEL

Route 54 was closed for a few hours last night after police say shots were fired around the 300 block of Colonial Avenue around 10pm.  According to the News Item, Mount Carmel police responded to the area and removed a male and female from the residence there.  They hung caution tape around a vehicle at the scene and continued the investigation outside of the home, but no injuries were reported.  Colonial Avenue reopened after midnight.

TWO MEN STOLE CASH FROM ATM USING MALWARE

Police are seeking two men who stole over 48 thousand dollars from an ATM machine November 7^th in Loyalsock Township.  According to state police at Montoursville, two Hispanic males broke into the drive-thru ATM at Service 1st Federal Credit Union on Westminster Drive between 11pm and 4:30am.  Police say the suspects in a silver Toyota Corolla pulled up to the machine and used malware to cause the ATM to dispense the cash, called “jackpotting”.  If you have information about the theft or the suspects contact PSP Montoursville at 570-368-5700.

NEW POTATO PRODUCTS AT FARM SHOW IN 2025

Potato donuts are coming to the PA Farm Show.  According to North Central PA dot com, in addition to fresh cut fries with cheese bacon & ranch, the Pennsylvania Co-Operative Potato Growers will also offer three flavors of the fresh potato donuts at the 109th annual event.  They will be available at PCPG’s stand located near the 1000 pound butter sculpture at the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.  The PCPG is a non-profit organization serving as a vital link between the state’s potato growers and buyers. The Farm show runs from January 4^th through the 11^th this year. Get information farm show dot org.

CHRISTMAS CAROL SING IN PENNSDALE

The traditional Pennsdale Friends Meeting annual candlelight Carol sing will take place Sunday, December 22^nd at 8pm at the Pennsdale Quaker meeting house.  According to pennsdale friends meeting dot org, the tradition began over 75 years ago when the Nicholson family gathered outside the church to sing carols for Christmas and many friends joined them, eventually moving indoors and becoming a public event to which the entire community is now invited.  The 225-year-old meeting house is located at 443 Village Road in Pennsdale.

PAROLEE SEEN ON TRAIL CAMERA WITH GUN

A 24 year old man was apprehended by police after he was seen on a trail camera holding a shotgun in late November moments before he allegedly stole it.  According to State police at Towanda, parolee Darrin Stroud, was seen holding the weapon on the images from the camera and witnesses said he posseeed the gun and shot at crows while out on the trail.  Stroud was charged December 9^th and is being charged with first-degree felony prohibited possession of a firearm. He is being held on $150,000 monetary bail.

TWO ALARM FIRE IN DUNNSTABLE TOWNSHIP

A carport in Dunnstable Township burned down December 12^th in a two alarm fire.  According to the Lock Haven Express, multiple companies responded to the blaze at 231 Elk Lane, and command closed down nearby Plum Run Road as crews worked to extinguish the blaze.  Despite the cold temperatures the firefighters got the incident under control even though the structure was a complete loss.

VICTIM IN MUNCY VALLEY HOUSE FIRE IDENTIFIED

The Muncy Valley man who died in a house fire this week has been identified by the Sullivan County Coroner.  According to the Sun Gazette, 60 year old Curtis Armstrong was found after firefighters worked to knock down the fire at the man’s home on Champion Hill Road in Davidson Township Tuesday morning at around 2:15am. Multiple companies responded to the blaze that destroyed the home,  the first floor collapsing as crews arrived on the scene.  Armstrong’s body was discovered in the home around 7am.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

LYCO PAINT THE PLOW WINNER ANNOUNCED

PennDOT has named the Lycoming County winner in their seasonal Paint the Plow contest, a statewide outreach aimed at promoting winter driving safety and fostering appreciation for high school art programs.  According to PennDOT, Montgomery Junior/Senior High School won the region’s contest, which was determined by a panel of judges. It depicts a family of polar bears traveling through snow and ice on one side of the V plow, the other side depicts the school’s mascot.  The painted plow will be on display all year at PennDOT’s Lycoming County Maintenance Office, located at 715 Jordan Avenue, Montoursville. Get information on PennDOT’s winter preparations and additional winter-driving resources for motorists at pa.gov/agencies, under Department of Transportation.

SPORTS

PIAA HS

Boys Basketball
Muncy  61                      St John Neumann  54
Warrior  Run  72           Lewisburg  70
South Wmspt  66          Montgomery  63
Jersey Shore  70  Milton  30
Central Mntn  73           Loyalsock  57
Sullivan Co.  62   CMVT 44
Girls Basketball 
Hughesville  78    Shikellamy  73
Jersey Shore  48  Mount Carmel  24
Cow. Valley  57  NP Mansfield  56 /OT

Boys Wrestling
Montgomery  42  Hughesville 25
Central Mountain 38 Mifflin County 22

NHL 
Red Wings 6         Flyers  4
Maple Leafs  5     Stars  3
Panthers  6                     Wild  1
Utah  3                 Canucks  2
Ducks  3               Jets  2
NHL Tonight
Devils vs Blue Jackets  7pm
Kings vs Flyers 7:30pm Hulu
Penguins  vs Predators  8pm ESPN+
Bruins vs Oilers  9pm ESPN+

NBA Tonight
Thunder vs Magic  7pm TNT
Bulls vs Celtics  7:30pm
Nets  vs Raptors 7:30pm
Warriors vs Grizzlies 8pm
Knicks  vs Timberwolves  9:30pm TNT
Lakers  vs Kings  10pm

NFL Thursday Night Football
Broncos vs Chargers  8:15pm PrimeVid
NFL Saturday
Texans  vs Chiefs  1pm NBC/Peacock
Steelers  vs Ravens  4:30pm FOX

The NCAA women’s volleyball final four features two Pennsylvania teams, Penn State and Pitt.  The national semifinals are Thursday in Louisville, with the hometown Cardinals facing the Panthers at 6:30p.m., followed by Nebraska and the Nittany Lions.  Both on ESPN.  The national championship is this Sunday at 3 p.m. on ABC.
College FOOTBALL

In Selinsgrove, the Susquehanna River Hawks are looking to make football history when they travel to Illinois to take on North Central, in their first Division 3 national semifinal appearance since 1991.  Kick off Saturday at 3:30p.m., streaming on ESPN +.

MAN ARRESTED AFTER THREATENING ROOMATES, POLICE

A Selinsgrove man was taken into custody after he threatened his female roommates with a gun and then also threatened and additionally refused to follow orders from state troopers who arrived in response of the disturbance.  According to North Central PA dot com, 68 year old John Dennison Walter Jr. struggled with police who arrived to the Penn Township Home about 7pm on December 7^th who were asking him to give up control of the firearm that he  held concealed in his hand.  State police say they gave Walter 52 verbal commands before they were able to remove the handgun from the man’s grip. No one was injured.  Walter was charged with a felony count of aggravated assault, misdemeanors of terroristic threats, and resisting arrest, his preliminary hearing was scheduled for today.  He is jailed in lieu of 50 thousand dollars bail.

THIEF OF CASH BACK LEFT BEHIND ARRESTED

A man from Milton who took cash from a self check out register accidentally left behind by a customer, has been charged with theft and receiving stolen property.  According to state police, 59 year old Robert M. Byrne Jr took the cash after the victim rang up her items at the Lewisburg Wal-mart and left the self-checkout kiosk without taking her money, police say during the investigation, Byrne was later observed on surveillance cameras taking the money and putting it in his pocket.  Police identified Byrne by his vehicle information and located him parked nearby.  Milton Troopers filed the charges against Byrne.

PUBLIC FEEDBACK NEEDED TO HELP SAVE HELLBENDER

The public is being asked to participate in a public comment about a proposal that the eastern hellbender, a unique salamander, be placed on the endangered species list.  According to the Sun Gazette, data collected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows that a large portion of the eastern hellbender population is in decline and as an endangered subspecies, would be protected under federal mandates. Hellbenders are the largest of North America’s salamanders, growing up to 29 inches. They can live up to 30 years and spend their entire lives in water and are key indicators of stream and river health.  Go to regulations dot gov (and search docket number FWS-R3-ES-2024-0152) for instructions on how to submit comments.

MOUNT CARMEL CHRISTMAS EVENT SATURDAY

Businesses and area residents in the borough of Mount Carmel will “Light up Oak Street”, and celebrate the Christmas holiday Saturday 5 to 8pm.  According to the News Item, there will be music and entertainment, and attendees can shop at downtown businesses and also decorate holiday ornaments at the Mount Carmel Public Library until 7pm, and hang the completed ornaments on a large Christmas tree outside Tornado Tavern, along with other activities. Organizers say this is a chance to bring the entire community together.

REPEAT SHOPLIFTER ARRESTED AGAIN

A repeat shoplifter has been charged again, this time eluding loss prevention officers at the Williamsport Wegmans for a fourth time and escaping the store before city police arrived.  According to North Central PA dot com, Michelle Lynn Wettlaufer of Muncy was detained  after she attempted to leave the store by the side exit with unscanned items November 30th.  Officials say Wettlaufer allegedly admitted taking of items worth 37 dollars, but gave other false information before running from the office area where she was being questioned.  She remains at large and a warrant has been issued for her arrest. 

NON-CREDIBLE BOMB THREAT IN BELLFONTE

A Bellefonte office building in Centre County received a non-credible bomb threat last Tuesday and the facility was temporarily evacuated out of an abundance of caution.  According to the Lock Haven Express, police investigated at the Willowbank Building that evening after a threat came in via email.  They then cleared the scene and said there were no credible threats by 8:20pm.  The building houses the Centre County Elections Office, and police say the office and ballots were under constant supervision while the building was swept.

PRISON ESCAPEE IN CUSTODY AGAIN

A former Hagerstown, Maryland man was apprehended in November after being on the run from an escape from a Pennsylvania prison for a month.  According to North Central PA dot com, 35 year old Matthew Lee Miles had been held at the Capital Pavilion Residential Reentry Center in Dauphin County and escaped custody October 15^th.  Miles was found November 25^th and was indicted last week by a federal grand jury on escape charges.  For the escape, Miles could receive an additional five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

SNOWMOBILE CLASS FOR YOUTH IN JANUARY

An all-day safety course hosted by the Hyner Mountain Snowmobile Club will be held in Lock Haven coming up January 4^th.  According to North Central PA dot com, parents and children can attend the day of the event and sign in before the 8am class that is held at the Hyner Mountain Snowmobile Club lodge, which is located approximately 6 miles north of Haneyville, PA in Clinton County.  The class is free with lunch provided. IN the event of rideable snow, parents should bring snowmobiles and gear so that the DCNR-specified Optional Performance Test can be administered to the youth students.  Email  [email protected] to pre-register.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Sports

Girls Basketball
St J. Neumann  32         Norry Christian  19
Jersey Shore  67                   Bloomsburg  37
Hughesville  71                    Wyalusing  28
Canton  48     Meadowbrook Christian  25
Shamokin  54                        Warrior  Run  17

Boys Basketball
Crestwood  52                       Loyalsock  40
Warrior  Run  85                  So Williamsport  44
Sullivan County  38          Meadowbrook Christian  32
Boys Wrestling 
Montoursville  40                Shikellamy  21
Shamokin  48                        Loyalsock  24

NFL Monday Night Football
Vikings  30           Bears  12
Falcons  15           Raiders  9
NFL Thursday Night Football
Broncos vs Chargers  8:15pm PrimeVid
NFL Saturday
Texans  vs Chiefs  1pm NBC/Peacock
Steelers  vs Ravens  4:30pm FOX

NBA
76ers  121            Hornets  108
Pistons  125         Heat  124
Bulls  122             Raptors  121
Cavaliers  130      Nets  101
Nuggets  130        Kings  129
Clippers  144       Jazz 107

NBA Tonight
Bucks  vs  Thunder  8:30pm  ABC

NHL
Stars  3       Capitals  1
Panthers  6           Oilers  5
Canucks  3           Avalanche 1

NHL Tonight
Sabres  vs Canadiens  7pm ESPN+
Kings  vs Penguins  7pm  ESPN+
Islanders  vs Hurricanes  7:30pm  Hulu/ESPN+
Devils  vs Blues  8pm ESPN+
Rangers  vs Predators  8pm ESPN+
Capitals  vs Blackhawks 8:30pm ESPN+