SCHOOL BUS BRAKE FIRE IN JERSEY SHORE

The brakes of a Jersey Shore school bus caught fire Monday morning, requiring students to evacuate the vehicle.  The fire also brought about an injury to an adult passerby who stopped to help.  According to the Lycoming Regional Police department, police were dispatched to Route 220 near the Main Street exit Monday at about 7:45am when fire was discovered. As they arrived, a man who had a fire extinguisher at the scene tried to put out the fire, but was injured when a tire exploded in his face.  The man who was not identified, was transported to Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital and Jersey Shore Firefighters put out the fire.  The students were picked up in a second school district bus, provided by Susquehanna Transit and were taken to the middle or high school. 

FATAL PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT IN MILTON

An elderly woman was involved in a fatal car accident Saturday afternoon in Milton.  According to Milton Police Department, 73 year old Gloria Jean Baker tried to cross Arch Street on foot and was hit by a vehicle traveling north.  EMS arrived and transported Baker, who was found lying in the street, to Evangelical Community Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.  The intersection near Arch Street was closed down for about an hour.  Police have opened an investigation into the crash.

ELECTRIC SERVICE HAMPERED BY THE SNOW STORM THIS WEEK

Thousands more PPL Electricity customers have their power restored today after the winter storm dropped heavy, wet snow across PPL Electric Utilities’ service territory Monday night into Tuesday morning. A look at the online outage map says that there are still more than 20 thousand customers experiencing outages this morning.  According to PPL, the company has additional line and forestry crews working around the clock to restore power after about 90 thousand customers were reported to be down yesterday afternoon.  PPL says the estimated restoration times will be updated as they work through the restoration effort. Full restoration could take through Thursday for some customers.

BILLTOWN BLUES EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE

This June 21^st and 22^nd brings the Annual 2-day Billtown Blues Festival back for the 34^th year and they will feature world class blues music from twelve performances.  According to billtownblues dot org, the Lycoming County Fairgrounds in Hughesville will host the event that traditionally opens with a performance from the Uptown Music Collective Blues Band.  Find info about early bird tickets through March 9^th and more about the festival lineup at www.billtownblues.org.

ROAD CLOSURES FROM DOWNED UTILITIES

In the counties that were hit harder by snowfall yesterday, they are still dealing with some road closures from downed trees or utilities and crews continue to work to fix the issues today.  According to PennDOT, in Northumberland County Greenbriar Road between Hooflander Road in Jordan Township and Schwaben Creek Road in Washington Township is the latest incidence of a road closure from the impact of the storm.  In Columbia County, Middle Road between Power Line Road and Pine Swamp Road in Cleveland Township has reopened.  Check conditions of roads before you go at 511PA dot com.

WOMAN SENTENCED FOR NOT REPORTING DEATH OF FRIEND

The woman who was arrested for staying in a Williamsport apartment with the remains of a deceased friend without reporting the death from drug use to the police for several days, was sentenced yesterday to up to 2 years in prison.  According to the Sun Gazette, after police found the body of Ronald Ulmer, they later discovered that Amber Burkhart had been staying in the residence and knew the man had died.  Along with jail time, Burkhart has been sentenced with community service and must write a letter of apology to the deceased man’s family.  She must also pay restitution and attend mental health court where she may be found eligible for work release.

LIGHT FIXTURE DESTROYED IN LEWISBURG

An iconic Lewisburg Borough Tri-globe Street Light was struck by a car and destroyed this weekend.  According to a social media post by Lewisburg Borough, the light was at the end of the Lewisburg bridge in Soldiers Park located at North Water Street and Market Street and was hit Saturday night with a lot of force, possibly by a tractor trailer or box truck that easily left the scene. Please contact the Lewisburg Borough Office at 570-523-3614 or email [email protected] if you have any information.

DMV CLOSED FOR PRESIDENT’S DAY WEEKEND

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)  announced this week that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, February 17, through Monday, February 19, in observance of Presidents Day.  Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through dmv.pa.gov.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Basketball

Boys 
Wyalusing  42      Sullivan County 40
Girls  
Loyalsock  58       Northeast Bradford  31
Millville  43          Northwest  32

NCAA Basketball
Syracuse  86         North Carolina  79
Baylor  79            Oklahoma 62
Illinois 97            Michigan  68
Creighton  94       Georgetown 72
Wisconsin  62      Ohio State 54
Pitt  74                 Virginia  63
Kentucky  75        Ole Miss 63

NBA
Celtics  118                    Nets  110
* Thunder  127     Magic  113
Heat  123             Bucks  97
Suns  130             Kings  125
Timberwolves  121  Trail Blazers  109
Lakers  125          Pistons  111

NBA Tonight
Miami Heat vs Phila 76ers 7pm
Knicks vs Orlando  7pm
Brooklyn Nets  vs Boston Celtics  7:30pm
Chicago vs Cleveland 7:30pm ESPN
Clippers vs Golden State  10pm ESPN

NBA NEWS
* Shaquille O’Neal became the first player in Orlando Magic franchise history to have his jersey retired last night. The Magic raised O’Neal’s No. 32 jersey into the rafters at the Kia Center following their 127-113 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
* O’Neal was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft, and was named Rookie of the Year that season, leading the team to a 41-41 record – He left for the Lakers three seasons later.  
* The Magic, who are celebrating their 35th season,  never retired a number for a player, but decided their anniversary season was the right time.

NHL
Lightning 3           Bruins  2
Maple Leafs  4     Blues 1
Senators 6  Blue Jackets  3
Avalanche  6        Capitals  3
Kraken 2              Islanders  1
Devils 4                Predators  2
NHL Tonight
Florida vs Pittsburgh  7:30pm TNT

LOCK HAVEN MAN THREATENS TWO OTHERS WITH CAR

A Lock Haven man was arrested after threatening to hit two men with his vehicle on January 27^th.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say 36 year old Cody Allen Shadle, was on Liberty and East Bald Eagle streets and witnesses heard him threaten the victims before he started toward one man with his vehicle, forcing the man to run and jump a fence of a nearby yard.  When police found Shadle nearby and attempted to detain him, he allegedly threatened officers and kicked the door of the cruiser, breaking it.  He was charged with aggravated assault,  terroristic threats and more and is at the Clinton County Prison on 100 thousand dollars monetary bail

MILL HALL MAN FOUND GUILTY OF FEBRUARY 2022 ASSAULT

A man from Mill Hall was found guilty of aggravated assault and possessing an instrument of crime, but the jury was hung on the charge of attempted homicide Tuesday. According to the Sun Gazette, 39 year old Nigel Lee was charged in a non-lethal shooting incident of 44 year old Adam Butler in February of 2022 in Porter Township.  The DA called the incident an unprovoked attack, but the defense says Lee was provoked by Butler with racial slurs before the shooting.  Lee could spend 9 to 20 years in prison.

MUNCY BOROUGH REHIRES PREVIOUS BOROUGH MANAGER

Muncy Borough Council voted 4-1 to rehire Charles Hall as part-time borough manager after he had been dismissed last October from the same position.  According to the Sun Gazette, during the meeting this week, it was questioned why the position hadn’t been advertised, and why the description of the borough manager job had changed. The council stated that they were split on whether Hall is a beneficial employee or not, but he was approved for the position at 30.15 per hour.  Hall said he looks forward to working with the borough on unfinished business.

FLAGS TO BE REPLACED ON SUNBURY BRIDGE TODAY

The American flags will be replaced on the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Sunbury today.  According to PennDOT, their maintenance team will be assisting crews from the city of Sunbury on Route 61 in the right lane.  Motorists can expect the work to be taking place between 9am and noon today, February 8^th. 

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY MAN CITED IN ROAD RAGE INCIDENT

Harrisburg area State police say a Northumberland County man was arrested for his involvement in a road rage incident February 2^nd in Middle Paxton Township.  According to North Central PA dot com, 51-year-old James Hall of Dalmatia, while traveling in the left lane, slowed to 15 miles per hour and brake-checked the driver behind him, Richard Schur of Dauphin, Pa.  Shur was then hit by a third auto behind him and he was injured.  Shur and Hall were given traffic citations for the incident.  The third driver was not cited by state police.

POLICE SEEK SUSPECT IN BEST BUY THEFT

Police are looking for suspects who stole a cart full of items from a Snyder County Best Buy store.  According to media outlets, the suspects entered the store in the Monroe Marketplace Monday evening about 6:45 pm.  Police say they filled the cart with electronics and left the store in a blue SUV. If you have any information about the suspects or the incident, call state police.

CHANGES FOR SELINSGROVE ANNUAL CLEAN-UP

The Selinsgrove borough has announced some changes in their spring clean-up this year.  According to the Daily item, with rising costs – almost doubling, the council has raised the fee charged for recycling and composting facilities this year from $4 to $8 per month. In addition, residents are being asked to limit their items to a maximum of two mattresses and two chairs per household. Hometown Disposal was the only company out of 22 to submit a bid this year. Spring clean up in Selinsgrove is set for April 15^th and 16^th.

K-9 FUNDRAISER IN MOUNT CARMEL SATURDAY

A fund raiser to benefit the Mount Carmel Borough Police Department’s K-9 program is Saturday at the Tornado Tavern at 16 W. Fifth St.  According to the News Item, the event will offer drinks named for and T-shirts featuring Blek, the German Shepherd officer who works with Patrolman Evan Freiler in the Mount Carmel police department, and feature musician J.T. Thomas.  Since the k-9 program’s inception in mid-2021, the program continues to be heavily supported by citizens and local businesses .  Check Tornado Tavern on Facebook for details on donations or call 570-933-0134 for details.

SPORTS

PIAA D4 HS Basketball
Girls
Williamsport 62  Danville 36
Shamokin 43        Warrior Run  22
Williamson 70      Wyalusing 40 
NP  Mansfield  24  NP Liberty  21
N. Schuylkill  41            Bloomsburg  31
Boys  
St John Neumann  68    Bucktail  45
Muncy  68  S.                Williamsport  38
Shikellamy  62               Lewisburg  60

NCAA Men’s Basketball
Pitt 67             NC State 64
Bucknell 80   Navy 67
Xavier  56      Villanova 53
Tennessee 88 LSU 68
Duke 71         Notre Dame  53
Michigan  72  Wisconsin  68
Auburn  99    Alabama 81

NBA
Raptors  123        Hornets 117 
Cavaliers 114       Wizards  106
Warriors  127       76ers  104
Celtics  125          Hawks  117
Heat 116              Spurs  104
Pelicans 117         Clippers  106
Pistons  133         Kings  120

NHL
Maple Leafs  5     Stars  4
Rangers  3            Lightning  1
Wild 2                  Blackhawks 1
NHL Tonight
Canucks vs Bruins  7pm
Capitals vs Panthers 7pm
Flames vs Devils 7pm
Jets vs Flyers 7pm
Lightning vs Islanders 8pm ESPN

MAN CALLS 911 WHILE LEADING A HIGH SPEED CHASE

A man from Milton who fled from a traffic stop and called 911 while he was leading the high speed pursuit to claim he had done nothing wrong, was charged with felony fleeing and DUI. According to North Central PA dot com, Milton police say Neal Eugene Lilley Jr was driving a black sedan that did not have a registration plate and was stopped around 1:30am.  He left the scene at a high rate of speed through Northumberland and Union counties and State police took over the pursuit until they performed a PIT maneuver on New Columbia Road to stop Lilley.  He allegedly resisted arrest when troopers tried to take him into custody and refused a blood draw at Evangelical Community Hospital.  Bail was set at 75-hundred dollars and his case was waived for court.

STATE POLICE SEEK SUSPECT WHO BROKE INTO MILL HALL HOME

State police are looking for a suspect who broke into a trailer in Mill Hall on January 30th.  According to State Police in Lamar, an unknown person broke into a home on Eagle Valley Road.  They then accessed a work van and trailer which contained thousands of dollars in tools and equipment.  The suspect then  fled the scene in an unknown direction.  If you have any information about the suspect or the in incident, call State Police.

FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR CITY PROPERTY REHABILITATION

The City of Williamsport continues its fight against blight and striving to provide affordable living spaces for its residents. According to the Sun Gazette, two resolutions were approved by Williamsport City Council regarding the use of Pennsylvania Housing Affordability Rehabilitation Enhancement funds which is collected from natural gas impact fees. These funds are now available across the entire city to support rental rehabilitation of income-eligible properties. Once the funds are utilized within the next year, the plan is to apply for additional funding from Lycoming County in 2025.

SUMMER MEDICAL PROGRAM FOR TEENS

Interested teens ages 15 to 18 are invited to apply for Geisinger’s Junior volunteer program this summer.  According to the Daily Item, the program is for teens to learn about health care throughout the eight-week structured service program, along with weekly educational workshops.  The program takes place at several locations starting June 17 through Aug. 9 at Geisinger Medical Center, Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Geisinger Community Medical Center.  Students who volunteer can be eligible to earn the Presidential Service Award.  Sign up through February 29^th at geisinger.org/about-geisinger/volunteer.

DANVILLE FIRE DESTROYS HOME

An early Saturday morning blaze left a family of three is homeless in the 400 block of West Mahoning Street in Danville. According  to the Daily Item, the fire started just after 4 am on Saturday. A man and his dog, who were inside the structure when the fire started, were able to leave without injuries. The other residents were not home. Fire crews from Danville, Northumberland, Elysburg and Bloomsburg remained on scene until 7:30 am.  Reports from the scene suggest the home was left uninhabitable. With no known causes to the fire, the state police fire marshal will be investigating on Monday.

PROBATION CHECK BRINGS ABOUT ARREST FOR JERSEY SHORE MAN

A Jersey Shore man is facing drug charges after police discovered him to have two pounds of marijuana while they carried out a search warrant at his home on December 11^th.  According to the Lycoming Regional Police, probation officers came to the residence of Thomas D Way and smelled the odor of the drug, and upon filing for a search warrant, found the quantity along with three bags of hallucinogenic mushrooms and arrested him for possession with intent to deliver.  Way was jailed but later released on 50 thousand dollars bail.

CSVT PROJECT COULD INCLUDE BLASTING DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS

There are updates on construction activities on the Southern Section of the Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation (CSVT) project in Snyder County.  According to PennDOT Major earthwork is ongoing and the contractor, will be doing blasting operations as part of the excavation throughout the project.  Blasting can usually be expected between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM Monday through Friday with usually only a single blast per day in a work area.  Earthwork operations including blasting are expected to be completed this summer with the project competed in 2025. .Structure work on the two-span bridge that will carry CSVT over Grangers Road has also begun For more information on the CSVT project, go to csvt.com.

NEW APP AND SITE FOR TROUT STOCKING SCHEDULE

The 2024 adult trout stocking schedule is available using the FishBoatPA mobile app and website (Fishandboat.com). According to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission the trout stocking schedule is searchable by county, lists the waterways in alphabetical order, and indicates stocking dates, meeting locations for volunteers, and the species of trout that are planned to be stocked at each location.  In 2024, Pennsylvania’s statewide Opening Day of Trout Season will be held on Saturday, April 6.  A single, statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day will take place on Saturday, March 30.

SPORTS

NFL Pro Bowl
NFC 64               AFC 59

NBA
Magic 111           Pistons 99
Suns  140             Wizards  112
Celtics  131         Grizzlies  91
Pacers  115          Hornets  99
Clippers 103        Heat  95
Timberwolves  111  Rockets  90
Thunder  135       Raptors  127
Jazz 123               Bucks 108
Nuggets  112       Trail Blazers 103

NHL Tonight
New York Islanders vs Toronto  7pm
Colorado vs NY Rangers  7pm

NHL News
Unrestricted free agent forward Jesse Puljujarvi signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins that spans through the 2024-25 season.  It’s an $800,000 deal for Puljujarvi, who signed a professional tryout with Pittsburgh on Dec. 10,  after undergoing double hip surgery in the offseason.

With Pittsburgh’s AHL affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Puljujarv recorded nine points (four goals, five assists) and a plus-8 rating.

Men’s Soccer
FIFA announced the 2026 World Cup soccer final will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19.

The tournament also features six games in Philadelphia, including July 4th on America’s 250th birthday. 

TRIAL UNDERWAY IN WILLIAMSPORT FOR ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE

The 24 year old Williamsport man accused of attempted homicide after allegedly cutting a woman’s throat last January and sexually assaulting her is on trial this week in Lycoming County Court.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Lycoming County Assistant DA called Unique Terrell Robinson to the stand several times throughout the trial and called 9 witnesses.  Closing arguments are expected to happen today.  Since being jailed in January, a judge has denied Robinson bail.

MAN USES BOLT CUTTERS TO BREAK INTO GARAGE

A Danville man who witnesses say used bolt cutters to enter a garage is now facing  felony burglary charges. According to the Daily Item, Jason Rafter is accused by Danville Police for entering a garage and stealing items in October.  A caller reported a male and a female entering garages in the area of Koohers Court and Peters Court with the male seen using bolt cutters.  After an investigation, police say Rafter faces felony burglary, criminal conspiracy and criminal trespass, along with multiple misdemeanors and waived his a preliminary hearing last week, with further proceedings expected soon in Montour County Court.

NEW OWNER OF TRUCK PLAZA PLANNING ON ELECTRIC CHARGING

The new manager of the American Truck Plaza at the I-80 interchange in Turbot Township, Northumberland County is working to upgrade the facility, installing electric charging stations this spring thanks to National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funds, and providing a mixture of premium paid parking and over 200 re-opened spaces of free parking.  According to the Standard Journal, the plaza is also re-applying for the second round of grant funding for Tesla Chargers that are planned to be available.  NEVI funds are part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – part of $33.8 million in federal money distributed to 54 projects in 35 counties across the state.

PROM DRESS EVENT COMING TO SHAMOKIN IN MARCH

A Shamokin woman who started a group in Coal Township called “Girls Play Off-Road” that aims to bring a family and female friendly vibe to the sport, held a successful Prom-Dress giveaway in the social room of Oasis Community Recovery Club Saturday and is planning another one in March.  According to the Standard Journal, founder of  Girls Play Off-Road, Jaimee Stecker-Betts, has collected hundreds of donated prom dresses for this event as well as for Cinderella’s Closet at the YWCA in Williamsport.  Girls Play Off-Road will hold another prom dress event at Oasis at 210 E. Independence St in Shamokin between on Saturday, March 2^nd. 

CAR THIEF SENTENCED TO PROBATION

A South Williamsport man who stole two cars in two separate incidents has been sentenced in Lycoming County Court.  According to the Sun Gazette 21 year old Brett Kimber Guthrie pleaded guilty to two counts of theft by unlawful taking, and Judge Ryan Tira gave him 3 years of probation.  Guthrie also has to attend self-help meetings the first year od his probationary period and must perform 100 hours of community service to the South Williamsport Lions Club since he stole a Chevrolet Equinox July 10^th that was being used for loading aluminum cans at a Lions Club trailer collection site.

INMATE ATTEMPTS TO ESCAPE FROM UPMC WILLIAMSPORT

An inmate who was being treated at UPMC Williamsport December 29^th, tried to escape custody of the two corrections officers who were guarding him.  According to the Sun Gazette, 44 year old Alex DeJesus was unshackled to use the restroom, but jumped from the bed and attempted to flee the hospital room, running down a hallway.  Officers deployed a taser twice to stop DeJesus, and they once again took him into custody.  He was jailed in lieu of 50 thousand dollars bail

JUDGE RULES IN FAVOR OF LYCO CONTROLLER AGAIN

The court has once again ruled in favor of Krista Rogers, Lycoming County Controller. According to the Sun Gazette, the court had released its first ruling in favor of the Lycoming County Controller a year ago. These rulings revolve in the ongoing dispute with the Lycoming County Commissioners and the interpretations of the Lycoming County code indicating what office has the ultimate responsibility for specific fiscal functions in county government.   In this current ruling, the state’s Commonwealth Court affirms the previous interpretation of visiting Potter County Senior Judge John B. Leete last January.

LYME DISEASE AWARENESS POSTER CONTEST

Students, scout troops and community youth programs are encouraged to take part in the PA department of health ‘s Annual 2024 Lyme Art Contest, by making a poster or short video focusing on preventing Lyme disease.  According to the PA Pressroom, the Shapiro administration invites first through 6^th graders to participate in the contest with the theme “Protect. Check. Remove.”  The deadline for entries Mach 15^th at 5pm  Pennsylvania has one of the highest annual counts of Lyme disease cases in the nation.  Finalists will be notified by mail and will be invited to an award ceremony at the State Capitol in May.  Get details at health.pa.gov/ticks. 

SPORTS

PIAA HS Basketball
Girls
Lewisburg  37              South Williamsport  17
Jersey Shore 56            Danville  25
Shamokin 47                Montoursville 32
Milton  48                    Mifflinburg  29
Boys 
Warrior Run  48          Hughesville 45
So. Columbia  61         Lewisburg  58
Shikellamy  72             Milton  47

NBA
Knicks 113         Hornets  92
Cavaliers 118     Clippers 108
Celtics  118         Pelicans 112
Nets  147             Jazz  114
Suns  118                     Heat 105
Rockets  135       Lakers  119
Wizards  118      Spurs 113
Trl Blzrs  130     76er’s   104
NBA Tonight
Indiana vs Boston  7:30pm TNT
76ers  vs Golden State 10pm TNTNHL
Senators  4          Predators  3
NHL Tonight
Columbus  @ St. Louis 8pm  NHL Net
Seattle  vs San Jose  10:30pm  ESPN+

SMALL FIRE CAUSES EVACUATION AT SHIKELLAMY THURSDAY

Students at Shikellamy High School were evacuated at the end of the school day yesterday after a small fire started in the school’s welding shop.  According to the Daily Item, Superintendent Jason Bendle said the fire broke out just before 2:20 when a spark caught a filter in a vent and smoke began to travel through the system.  He said everyone acted quickly to remedy the situation and that several fire departments were on the scene to assist.  No sporting events were cancelled with the situation under control by 3:45pm.

CHILD ABUSE CHARGES FOR WILLIAMSPORT COUPLE

A Williamsport couple was arrested after a domestic incident involving their 1 year-old child led police to press charges after they saw a video of the altercation.  According to the Sun Gazette, the father, Robert Montgomery, recorded while he held the child, and his wife, Brittany Lee Montgomery, allegedly lunged toward him with a knife several times, threatening him.  They were each charged with reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child.  They were arraigned in Lycoming County Court, Brittany Montgomery  remains jailed in lieu of $75,000 bail, Robert is free on 50 thousand dollars bail today.

COMMISSIONERS ASK FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR PUBLIC BOARDS

Vacancies on several authorities and boards in Lycoming County have led the Commissioners to invite members of the  public to consider volunteering for the positions.  According to the Sun Gazette, information about the county boards and how to apply is at the county website, lyco.org.  unpaid  positions are open  at the Lycoming County Authority, Industrial Development Authority, the Assessment Appeals Board, the Human Services Advisory Board, the Planning Commission and the Zoning Hearing Board.  Interested parties can apply at the next weekly commissioners meeting 10am on February 1^st  at the Commissioners’ Board Room, first floor Executive Plaza, on Pine St.

PETA ASKS FOR RELIEF FOR PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, have sent a letter to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club President calling for a change to the tradition of Groundhog Day.  According to North Central PA dot com,  the animal rights group released a statement in support of Punxsutawney Phil, saying as a live animal, he can’t tell the weather and should not be handled aggressively and thrust in front of a crowd for just a photo op. They suggest a giant gold coin be flipped instead, stating better odds than a groundhog prediction.  The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club disputes that Phil lives year round in an enclosure at the library.  Groundhog Day is Friday, February 2^nd.

TOWANDA ON DELAY AFTER POTENTIAL THREAT

The principal of Towanda School District has announced that their school is on a two hour delay this morning after school custodial staff found a possible threat that is being investigated out of an abundance of caution.  Accordin got the school’s social media, Mr Peachey said the time is needed to add extra security at the school out of an abundance of caution.  He said that if any member of the school community has information about  a potential threat, to reach out to their principal.  Absences due to safety concerns will be excused today.

WATSONTOWN FIRE DISPLACES FAMILY

A fire in Watsontown displaced a family of five Thursday who lived at 484 8th Street Drive.  According to the Sun Gazette, William Buck and his family escaped the fire with only their coats after the smoke coming up from the first floor woke them up at about 1 am.  The State Police fire marshal will be leading an investigation to identify the cause of the blaze.  Firefighters from Warrior Run Area, Milton, White Deer Township, Mifflinburg, Montgomery and Washington Township responded to the fire and had it under control in about 30 minutes after they arrived on the scene.

COUPLE CHARGED WITH CHILD ABUSE

Two people in Shamokin have been charged with various counts of child abuse after their child was discovered with severe injuries.  According to media outlets, 23-year-old Marcus Akers and 20-year-old Emiyaah Blakely were charged when the child was checked at the hospital and discovered to have a broken collarbone and vertebrae .  Police say Blakely left the child in the care of Akers when she allegedly knew he wasn’t allowed to be alone with the child.  Akers is charged with four felony counts of assault and endangerment, Blakely faces one felony count of endangerment.  They both have a hearing next month.

LIBRARY TO OFFER ONLINE APPLICATION WORKSHOP

The Herr Memorial Library in Mifflinburg is hosting a program to help people seeking jobs who are unfamiliar with the process of online applications.  According to the library’s digital literacy coordinator, the class is called, “Applying for Jobs Online”, and will help participants find available jobs online by searching employers’ websites and using job search engines, as well as teach them how to fill out online job applications. The class is on Tuesday, February 6 from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Register at UnionCountyLibraries.org.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Basketball

Girls
St John Neumann  47    Muncy  29
Boys
Loyalsock 74                 Warrior Run 53
NE Bradford  57                     Canton  50
NP Liberty  65               Cow. Valley  60
Mansfield 62                  Towanda 46
Wellsboro 49                 Athens 46
Troy 59                          Wyalusing  19

HS Wrestling
Central Mountain 43     Bald Eagle  25 
Wildcats Dalton Perry gets his  100th dual meet win 
Shikellamy 37               Selinsgrove 22
College Wrestling 
Lock Haven 33              George Mason 6

NBA

Pacers  134                    76ers 122
Jazz  123              Wizards  108
Timberwolves 96           Nets  94
Celtics  143          Heat  110
Knicks 122                    Nuggets 84
Kings 134             Warriors 133
Lakers 141                     Bulls 132
NBA Saturday
Miami Heat @ NY Knicks 3pm ABC
76ers  @ Denver  5:30pm ABC
Lakers vs Golden State 8:30pm ABC

NHL

Canadiens  4        Islanders 3
Bruins  3              Senators  2
Red Wings 3         Flyers 0
Hurricanes 3         Devils 2
NHL Tonight
Vegas  @ NY Rangers 7pm ESPN
Florida Panthers @ Pittsburgh Penguins 7pm
NFL News
*  Vic Fangio is set to become the new defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, according to ESPN. He allegedly traveled to Philadelphia yesterday to sign his contract. Fangio left as defensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins this week.
*  The Atlanta Falcons’ search for a new head coach appears over as the Falcons are set to hire Raheem Morris instead of Bill Belachick. Atlanta hired Morris, most recently the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator, 13 years after his last head coaching run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
*  The Carolina Panthers are planning to hire Dave Canales as their next head coach