TRIAL FOR PERSON OF INTEREST IN HOMICIDE CANCELED

As the community waits for information about a person of interest in the January 12^th double homicide of Alisha Seese and Ronald Dailey Jr.in Williamsport, a contempt hearing for 57 year old Troy Bennett Bailey, who allegedly had a PFA filed against him by Seese,  was canceled yesterday.  According to the Sun Gazette, the sudden change in schedule brought about no comment from the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office.  Baily has been in custody since the shootings of the two co-workers found fatally shot at the 1700 block of Terrace Place in the city.

MILL HALL FIRE DEPARTMENT DE-CERTIFICATION RESCINDED

After decertification last November, the decision against the Mill Hall Volunteer Company has been rescinded.  According to the Lock Haven Express, Mill Hall Borough Council voted unanimously to reinstate the company after some certification requirements were completed that had allegedly been missing from the original certification paperwork.  Council member and fire chief, Tony Walker , abstained from the vote. 

PA INVESTMENT IN MONTOURSVILLE BUSINESS

The Shapiro administration announced yesterday additional funds will be invested in Lycoming County as Ralph S. Alberts Co., a 60-year-old custom molding manufacturer, invests in their facility in Montoursville.  According to the Sun Gazette, the additional funding was considered by the Governor’s Action Team, providing incentives for business locating or expanding in PA.  A 72 thousand dollar funding proposal for a Pennsylvania First grant from the DCED, will help offset some of the company’s training, machinery and equipment costs as they work to create and retain jobs.  The Ralph S. Alberts Co plans to expand to the adjacent property on Choate Circle to increase the capacity of the company’s composite and fiberglass division. 

STATE TROOPER ACADEMY FOR PA RESIDENTS THIS SPRING

Any Northeast PA resident over 18 who is interested in exploring a law enforcement career has an opportunity to join the Troop N Law and Leadership academy this spring.  According to PA State Police, any student who has graduated from high school or obtained a GED , are encouraged to apply – email the Law and Leadership Academy Director, Master Trooper, David L. Peters, at [email protected].  Classes are April through August, and take place in the – Pa National Guard 109th Field Artillery Building in Wilkes Barre.

INMATE FROM RIKERS ISLAND BROUGHT TO NORRY FOR TRIAL

A man who was jailed at Riker’s Island in the Bronx was transported  to Northumberland County this week for his arraignment on charges for an incident last March in Shamokin.  According to the News Item, 27 year old Rasha Jamal Williams was in district court Tuesday for  multiple felonies, including robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault theft, recklessly endangerment and more. Williams’ co-defendant in the robbery, 24 year old Brandon E. Colon, was previously arraigned in Northumberland County court.

MAN SETS FIRE TO BARN AFTER ARGUMENT

Police say an intoxicated man in an argument with his girlfriend allegedly set fire to a barn on her property in Jackson Township that killed animals and brought about a total loss of the structure on June 9th.  According to the Daily Item, a friend of 34 year old Jacob R. Ciccolini said when he came to the New Berlin home to pick him up, Ciccolini admitted to setting the fire .  State police at Selinsgrove say a pig and peacock were killed in the blaze.  Ciccolini was arraigned on two counts of felony arson; reckless burning; aggravated cruelty to animals, criminal mischief and causing catastrophe.  He was released on 25 thousand dollars unsecured bail.

JERSEY SHORE NATIVE TO APPEAR ON COOKING SHOW SUNDAY

A woman who grew up in Jersey Shore will be a contestant on the third season of the cooking show “Next Level Chef”, this weekend.  According to the Sun Gazette, Gabrielle Chappel who now lives in Brooklyn NY, is going to be one of 24 contestants on the upcoming Gordon Ramsey show.  Twenty nine year old Chappel who got started in a video series on Epicurious, and has a robust YouTube following, will compete for 250 thousand dollars on NEXT Level CHefafter the NFC Championships Sunday night.

LOCAL WRESTLERS RECOGNIZED IN COACHES RANKINGS

The NCAA has announced the first round of the 2023-24 Coaches’ Rankings and have included three members of the Lock Haven men’s Wrestling team.  According to the Sun Gazette, Anthony Noto, a returning All American wrestler, was ranked at number 8 at the 125 pound weight class, Gable Strickland number 29 at 133 pounds and Wyatt Henson named number 13 at 141 pounds.  Fourteen coaches in each weight class with two head coaches from each of the seven conferences determine the rankings.  The Bald Eagles are at home tonight vs. George Mason in the MAC competition at 7pm.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Basketball

Girls
Bloomsburg 56         Mount Carmel 47
Shamokin 49             Mifflinburg 18
Jersey Shore 50        Selinsgrove 25
Wellsboro 40                        NP-Liberty 32 (OT)
Lewisburg 41                        Shikellamy 36
Cntrl Columbia 54   Milton 27
Williamsport 70       Bellefonte 27
Hughesville 75         Southern Columbia 10
Loyalsock 52                        Warrior Run 18
Montoursville 63     Midd-West 14
Millersburg 50          Line Mountain 21
Cntrl Mountain 40   Danville 38





Boys
St. John Neumann 64           Benton 21
Athens 66                              Canton 38
Muncy 67                              Sullivan County 40
Northwest Area 67               Montgomery 32
South Williamsport 51        CMVT 35
Central Mountain 64           Milton 32
Tyrone 63                              Williamsport 60

NBA
Pistons 113                    Hornets 106
Timberwolves 118  Wizards  107
Grizzlies 105        Heat 96
Trail Blazers 137           Rockets 131
Bucks 126            Cavaliers 116
Suns  132             Mavericks 109
Thunder 140        Spurs  114
Warriors  134       Hawks 112

NBA Tonight
76’ers vs Indiana Pacers 7pm
Celtics vs Heat 7:30pm TNT

NHL
Maple Leafs 1      Jets 0
Panthers 6            Coyotes 2
Hurricanes 3         Bruins  2
Avalanche  6        Capitals 2
Blues 4                 Canucks 3
Kraken  6             Blackhawks 2
Sabres  5              Kings 3

NHL Tonight
Islanders vs Montreal  7pm
Boston vs Ottawa  7pm
Flyers vs Detroit 7pm
NJ vs Carolina 7:30pm

TWO ARRESTED FOR ASSAULTING OFFICERS

Two women were taken into custody Monday for resisting arrest and being combative to officers when they were being questioned for suspected marijuana use and having a suspended license.  According to the Standard Journal, 40 year old Rosalie Salvat and 22 year old Precious Thompson of Lewisburg pulled into a convenience store about 10pm Monday night and police pulled behind them with lights on. The women began yelling at police and Savat was found to have a suspended license.  Police allegedly found drugs and paraphernalia in the car when they searched it.  Thompson escaped handcuffs in the cruiser and attempted to reacquire the evidence police had seized.  Court records say both were arrested and committed to Union County Jail.

MAN CRASHED INTO MOUNT CARMEL SHED

After crashing into a shed on West Girard Street near Mount Carmel, an unidentified 33 year old man was arrested for suspected DUI late Saturday night.  According to the News Item, Mount Carmel Township Police said the man was headed south on Route 61 before midnight when he failed to negotiate a turn and drove through a fence into the shed, the roof of which collapsed.  The crash also caused two vehicles on that West Girard Street property to crash into each other, causing front and rear end damage.

INCOME LIMITS HAVE BEEN RAISED FOR PA RENT REBATE PROGRAM

Income limits have been raised for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PRTT) program in Pennsylvania, allowing for a potential 175 thousand more PA residents to be eligible for the 1000 dollar rebates.  According to the Shapiro administration, income limits have been increased to $45k per year and made equal to both homeowners and renters, who are ages 65 and up, widows and widowers age 50 and up, or people with disabilities who are 18 and older.  Applicants can use myPATH (revenue.pa.gov), which gives instant confirmation when the claim is successfully filed. It’s free to apply and rebates are distributed July.

LOCAL WOMAN RECOGNIZED BY GIRL SCOUTS IN PA

A Montoursville graduate recently received the Gold Award with the Girls Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania.  According to North Central Pa dot com, Sarah Marie Kline earned the award for a community project that she helped spearhead at the James V Brown Library. Kline’s project is activity area inside the library for toddlers that supports families using the library facilities.  Kline currently attends Penn College where she majors in Baking and Pastry arts and applied management.

COUPLE STEALS TELEVISION AFTER PURCHASING SMALLER ONE

Montoursville police say a couple who purchased a television from the local Walmart with gift cards, switched it out for a larger television and were arrested for theft in December.  According to North Central PA dot com, 50 year old Sean Leronn Todd and 24 year old Miah Marie Waltz were seen on surveillance moving a 43 inch television into their car December 6^th, after actually purchasing a smaller TV just prior to the incident. Todd who has been arrested over 20 times for other thefts and robberies, confessed to police during an interview about taking the TV on December 14^th .  He was charged with 3^rd degree felony theft and released on 75 hundred dollars unsecured bail.  Waltz was charged with misdemeanor theft.

FATAL ACCIDENT ON I-81

There was a fatal accident in Scott Township Lackawanna County yesterday that shut down the interstate for several hours.  According to WNEP, a minivan traveling on I-81 north lost control and hit the median at about 5:30pm at mile marker 199 in Waverly.  The passengers in the minivan and a family member in a second car all stopped along the interstate and got out of their cars.  Each of the five people were all hit on the side of the road by a tractor-trailer traveling north along the highway.  The Lackawanna County Coroner was on the scene, but did not name the victims publicly, it was only reported that the five people were from New York State.

HOMEOWNER SEEKING SUSPECT IN VANDALISM

A White Deer homeowner has called police after someone damaged their mailbox along Treibly Road.  According to State police at Milton the victim heard a loud engine pass outside his home several times January 13^th.  The victim took a flashlight to investigate the scene and noticed his mailbox had been hit with an object like a baseball bat. The suspect noticed the homeowner as he was turning a third time and then fled the scene.  Call State police at Milton if you have information about the vandalism.

WINTERFEST AT HILLSCREEK STATE PARK THIS WEEKEND

It’s Winterfest at Hills Creek State Park in Tioga County this weekend.  According to WETM, free winter family-friendly activities will be available for the public to enjoy Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m with free hot dogs available starting at 11.  With the cold temperatures and the potential for enough snow, there will be hikes, tubing, sledding, snowboarding, snowshoeing, craft activities, educational opportunities and more, as well as a chance to just hang out in front of the fire.  A limited amount of equipment will be available to use.  Laurel Mountain K9 Search and Rescue will have dogs at the event.  Get information at the StepOutdoors Facebook page.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Basketball

Girls
Muncy 45                  Benton 29
Bloomsburg 42         Warrior Run 32
Wellsboro 35                        Canton 28
Loyalsock 58                        Southern Columbia 9
Jersey Shore 49        Shikellamy 38
Towanda 42              North Penn-Liberty 37
Hughesville 45         South Williamsport 19
Altoona 48                Williamsport 42
Boys
Loyalsock 76                        Southern Columbia 71
Shamokin 74             Milton 44
Warrior Run 84        Bloomsburg 43
Danville 54               Mifflinburg 42
Montoursville 53     Lewisburg 39
St. John Neu 70        CMVT 49
Mount Carmel 64     Hughesville 48
Muncy 59                  Benton 19
Selinsgrove 62          Central Mountain 51
Cntrl Columbia 58   Midd-West 35
Jersey Shore 61        Shikellamy 29
Millville 45               South Williamsport 40

NBA
Pelicans 132                 Hornets 112
Timberwolves 124      Pistons 117
Celtics 117                   Spurs 98
Cavaliers  135              Bucks 95
Lakers 127                    Mavericks 110
Trail Blazers 105         Nets  103
NBA Tonight
Washington vs NY Knicks  7:30pm
Chicago vs Toronto 7:30pm  TNT
Memphis vs Minnesota  10pm TNT

NHL
Red Wings 3       Panthers 2
Canadiens 3        Devils 2
NHL Tonight
Blackhawks vs Sabres 7pm postponed from last night
Minnesota vs Tampa Bay 7pm Hulu
Dallas vs Flyers 7pm
NY Rangers vs Vegas  10pm

SNOWY CONDITIONS AND ROAD RESTRICTIONS

The snow this morning is also requiring modifications for drivers today along the interstates and suggesting alternate routes for commercial drivers in Northumberland County today.  According to PennDOT, due to the storm, commercial trucks and large trucks should avoid Route 54 between Route 487 in Ralpho Township and Route 61 in Mount Carmel Township, and instead use Route 61 and Route 487.  The department is also temporarily reducing the speed limit on I-80 and I-180 to 45 miles per hour.  As always, avoid unnecessary travel today and always check 511pa dot com before you go to check road conditions across Pennsylvania. 

BASTRESS TOWNSHIP HOUSE FIRE MONDAY

A house fire in Bastress Township yesterday was a total loss after multiple fire companies responded to the blaze along Morgan Valley Road about 11:15am.  According to the Sun Gazette, the home was less than a mile from Route 654 and smoke from the home could be seen from as far as Rauchtown.  Firefighters closed parts of Morgan Valley Road as they shuttled water to the scene from a nearby pond, but the structure was already burning on three sides and flames were coming from the roof according to first responders.  There were no reports of injuries.  The owners of the property Mark and Doris Anderman were notified of the fire and arrived on the scene late Monday.

WOMAN CHARGED FOR CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFTS

A man from Coal Township was arrested in 2022 for stealing catalytic converters so that he could gather money to bail his girlfriend out of jail, and now the girlfriend is facing conspiracy charges in the scheme.  According to North Central PA dot com, police investigated jailhouse recordings of phone calls between 39 year old Jarred Derck and his girlfriend 34 year old Sarah Ann Karpinski who was in jail for drug charges, and found evidence of them discussing the thefts and selling of the car parts that took place between May and June 2022.  Derckwas charged in July of 2022 for the thefts, a warrant was issued for Karpinski  January 2^nd, 2024.

WINFIELD FARM HONORED AS CENTURY FARM

A Winfield farmer and his family’s land that has been in constant operation since 1797, have received the honor of being one of 2,300 Century and Bicentennial Farms in the Commonwealth. Bret and Mary Moyer were given the distinction last week during the 108^th PA Farm Show in Harrrisburg and join 5 other farms recognized for their long-standing traditions, including two in  in Perry County.  The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture started the Century Farm program in 1977.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY TODAY

A Winter weather advisory is in place today until noon, with Accuweather reporting that the light snow should stop by midmorning.  PennDOT has adjusted speeds on I-80 and I-180 to 45 miles per hour. You can check conditions on all Pennsylvnia roadways 24/7 at 511 PA dot com.

DOUBLE HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

Police are still investigating the double homicide that occurred in Williamsport early Friday morning, and say the public is not in danger after a person of interest is in custody in the case.  According to the Sun Gazette, the two victims, 37 year old Alisha Seese and 37 year old Ronald Dailey Jr, who was a member of Independent Hose Company No. 1 were found deceased early Friday morning.  The two were employees of Security Alliance, a contractor utilized by Lycoming Engines for security services.  The Lycoming County DA, said they are still seeking information or video surveillance from some of the homes in the area.  If you know anything about the incident, no matter how insignificant, call Williamsport Bureau Police, 570-327-7560 ext. 7558.

SUMMER SNAP BENEFITS FOR ELIGIBLE CHILDREN

The Pennsylvania Departments of Human Services and Education have announced that  children in the Commonwealth who are income eligible will have meals provided during the summer months through the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer-EBT) program.  According to North Central PA dot com, the application process for the Summer EBT program will come around in the next few months, but up to 900,000 children will be automatically issued benefits based on their eligibility for Free or Reduced-Priced meals.  .  Benefits will be a single issuance of 120 dollars for 3 months.  Get details about the program at FNS.USDA.gov.

WARMING CENTERS OPEN DURING CODE BLUE WEATHER

There are several options for people in Williamsport who may be facing a housing crisis or heating issues and need a shelter during the bitter cold temperatures we’re expecting over the next days.  According to North Central PA dot com, when a code blue warning is issued – temperatures expected to be below 20 for a period of time – First Church in Williamsport offers a warming center at 604 Market Street from 9 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. The entrance is indicated by blue lights in the evening outside , and the doors are locked at 10 p.m. nightly.  A meal is served each night at 9pm and a pick-up breakfast upon departure is provided at 7:30am.  Get the help you need locally by first calling 211.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Basketball
Boys
Loyalsock 73            Mifflinburg  47
Montoursville  43    Central Columbia 37
Milton 65                   Bucktail 52
NP  Mansfield 61     Sayre  38
So. Columbia  53      Marian Catholic  40
Girls  
Hughesville 53         Mount Carmel 40
Wellsboro  41           Sayre  18
Cntrl Columbia 57  Midd-West  14
Marion Catholic  61  Lourdes Regional 42

NFL Monday Night Wild Card Playoffs
Bills 31               Steelers 17
Buccaneers 32    Eagles 9
NFL Divisional Playoffs  
Saturday 1/20
AFC – Houston vs Baltimore 4:30pm ESPN/ABC Baltimore, MD
NFC  – Green Bay vs San Francisco 8:15  FOX Santa Clara, CA
NFL Sunday 1/21
NFC – Tampa Bay vs Detroit  3pm  NBC
AFC – Kansas City  vs Buffalo  6:30pm  CBS
NFL NEWS

Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce has told teammates he intends to retire after 13 NFL seasons. Kelce’s decision, has not yet been made public. Kelce wavered in the past about retirement in recent seasons before ultimately deciding to return for one more run at the Super Bowl. Those dreams ended after Philadelphia’s 32-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC wild-card game on Monday night.

NBA
76ers  124            Rockets  115
Magic 98             Knicks 94
Pistons  129         Wizards   117
Cavaliers  109     Bulls 91
Heat  96               Nets  95
Celtics 105          Raptors  96
Lakers 112           Thunder 105
NBA Tonight
Denver vs 76ers  7:30pm TNT
Sacramento vs Phoenix  9pm
Oklahoma City vs LA Clippers  10pm TNT
NHL
Bruins  3              Devils 0
Penguins  3          Kraken 0
Wild 5                  Islanders  0
Flyers 4                Blues 2
NHL Tonight
Kraken vs NY Rangers 7pm
Islanders vs Winnipeg 8pm
Flyers host Dallas Thursday @7pm

BRADFORD COUNTY FIRE DEEMED TO BE ARSON            

A fatal fire in Bradford County this week has been ruled arson.  According to WNEP, state police fire marshall were on the scene of the fire Tyler Street in Athens that started around 9:30 p.m Wednesday night in which resident, 62 year old Donald Chandler passed away, his wife, who was home at the time, was not hurt. There were two minor injuries suffered by firefighters, but no other injuries were reported.

FATHER CHARGED FOR THREATS

Buffalo Valley Regional police responded to a domestic incident December 3^rd in which the father of two children threatened to kill the children’s mother and her boyfriend as he was about to arrive at her home in East Buffalo Township to drop off the children. According to North Central PA dot com, 35 year old Kyle Matthew Bryan arrived at the home with police on the scene and admitted sending the messages, but denied wanting to kill the his estranged wife.  He was taken into custody in lieu of five thousand dollars unsecured bail, with a preliminary hearing January 18^th .

PHILLY BASED CONVENIENCE STORE POSSIBLE IN 2025

As the Delaware County convenience store chain, WaWa, plans to double the number of their stores in Pennsylvania, plans for a Williamsport store in mid-2024 may be pushed back to early 2025 to coordinate with other openings at “Maynard Commons” on Maynard Street.  Two other regionally close stores are planned;  one in Lewisburg in Kelly Township, and one in Centre County.  The property at the former location of the Williamsport Foundry may see a yet to be announced fast-food restaurant, but  according to North Central PA dot com, the new store , owned by FamVest is estimated to have a $31 million economic impact in the Williamsport area with the creation of close to 100 permanent jobs .

UPTOWN MUSIC COLLECTIVE PRESENTS PEOPLE’S CHOICE SHOW

The Uptown Music Collective, Williamsport’s non-profit music school, will present “The Decade of Grunge” at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport Jaunary 27^th at 7:30pm.  The show featuring iconic sounds of the 1990s was the winning choice of over 600 community members who participated in their 8th annual online People’s Choice voting event.  The show presented in partnership with UPMC North Central Pa and UPMC Health Plan will highlight the talents of the school’s Special Performance Group 1, comprised of students aged 14 to 19, who auditioned, then plan, direct, design, rehearse, and perform the show. Tickets are 20 dollars and can be purchased online at caclive.com.  Details at uptownmusic.org/grunge.

SHAMOKIN SHOOTING, NO ONE INJURED

There was a shooting Wednesday near North Rock Street in Shamokin and a woman is in custody.  According to Shamokin police, 27-year-old Nashay Destouet shot at a man during an argument Wednesday at about 7am, but no injuries were reported.  Destouet was charged with discharging a firearm in city limits and reckless endangerment and aggravated assault after she arrived for an interview with police in the afternoon.  She will have a future arraignment and was remitted to Northumberland County Prison.

WOMAN CAUSES ACCIDENT AFTER CHASING BOYFRIEND IN CAR

A woman from Sunbury who called police to report an incident while she was driving at a high rate of speed chasing her boyfriend, caused an accident on December 16^th.  According to State police at Stonington, when 27 year old April Hayes communicated with troopers, they told her to stop the chase and let them  handle it, but she refused.  Shortly after, Hayes allegedly caused a crash that involved two other drivers along Route 61 in Shamokin Township.  Hayes was charged with reckless endangerment.

A woman from Sunbury who called police to report an incident while she was driving at a high rate of speed chasing her boyfriend, caused an accident on December 16^th.  According to State police at Stonington, when 27 year old April Hayes communicated with troopers, they told her to stop the chase and let them  handle it, but she refused.  Shortly after, Hayes allegedly caused a crash that involved two other drivers along Route 61 in Shamokin Township.  Hayes was charged with reckless endangerment.

SENATOR YAW SEEKS RE-ELECTION IN 2024

State Senator Gen Yaw, who works on behalf of residents of Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties in the 23^rd District, has announced his intention to seek re-election this year. Senator Yaw supports small business and received the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Award for his supportive voting record.  Yaw was also named “Legislator of the Year” by the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health for his work to address the heroin epidemic plaguing the Commonwealth.  Senator Yaw works to preserve the natural gas Impact Fee, which brings tens of millions of dollars to our counties and municipalities annually.

LAST WEEKEND FOR THE FARM SHOW

It’s the last two days for the 108^th PA Farm Show, the nation’s largest indoor agricultural expo.  Today in Harrisburg, the Century Farm Award Presentation is planned for 10am this morning, and the Lumberjack competition is at 3:30pm.  The professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Circuit Finals Rodeo is tonight and tomorrow night in the New Holland arena.  Admission to the Farm Show is free, Parking is 15 dollars.  Get details at farmshow.pa.gov.

SPORTS

PIAA HS
Girls Basketball
Williamson 46      Athens 16
NP Mansfield  39           Canton  35

HS Wrestling
Selinsgrove 66  Jersey Shore 6

NBA
Cavaliers 111     Nets 102
Bucks 135           Celtics  102
Thunder 139       Trail Blazers 77
Mavericks 128  Knicks 124
Suns 127             Lakers 109
NBA Tonight
Kings vs 76ers 7:30pm ESPN

NHL
Lightining 4        Devils  3
Canucks  4          Penguins 3
Kraken 4             Capitals 1
NY Islanders 4  Maple Leafs 3
Blues 5                NY Rangers 2
Gldn Knights 2  Bruins 1
NHL Tonight
Flyers vs Minnesota  8pm ESPN+NFL Saturday
Cleveland @ Houston 4:30pm NBC
Miami @ Kansas City 8pm Peacock
NFL Sunday
Pittsburgh @ Buffalo 1pm CBS
NFL Monday
Eagles @ Tampa Bay 8:15pm ABC/ESPN

FLOOD WARNING FOR NORTH CENTRAL PA

After the snowy weekend and the mix of rain and snow expected, the region may see increased melting with a flood watch announced for tomorrow through Wednesday.  According to the National Weather Service, much of Central Pennsylvania will be affected by the runoff and those who live in flood prone areas should be prepared, should flooding conditions develop. 1-3 more inches of precipitation is expected this week with highs Tuesday up to 47.

UNITYVILLE FIRE DISPLACES THREE

A fire in Unityville Saturday displaced a family of three who escaped the blaze along Butternut Lane.  According to the Sun Gazette, firefighters shuttled water from two ponds in the area to the home after 7:30pm, while the fire burned uncontrolled for a few hours.  Fire officials say the blaze was a total loss and wasn’t suspicious but the cause remains undetermined at this time.  Firefighters kept the flames from igniting a nearby 3-car garage, and there were reports of a flare up early Sunday, and the Red Cross is assisting the family who reportedly has fire insurance.

GUN FOUND IN UNION COUNTY COURT HOUSE

Police are looking for information surrounding a gun that was found in the Union County Courthouse on December 29^th.  According to State Police at Milton, the Marlin 336 rifle in a brown and tan leather case was discovered inside the courthouse building in Lewisburg before noon.  There was no other information released about the firearm, but if you know anything, please call Milton State Police and reference incident number PA2023-1687119.

BRIDGE COULD BE NAMED FOR A LOCAL VETERAN

Local officials have combined their efforts to name the green bridge between Loyalsock Township and Montoursville after a local veteran. Born near Mill Hall in 1922 Eleanor Pauline Hannah was a 1940 Montoursville high school graduate, she went on to join the Women’s Army Corps two years later, before being killed aboard the Gremlin Special – the plane that crashed during a sightseeing flight over the Shangri-La valley in 1945.  Representative John Hamm is working to get a bill introduced on behalf of Eleanor Hanna so the bridge between Loyalsock and Montoursville may be named after her. 

TWO DEATHS REPORTED IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

Two deaths were reported this weekend in Lower Mahanoy Township.  According to the Daily Item, State police report Brandi Hauck and Tracey Adams were found deceased in southern Northumberland County when police were called to an address off of Malta Road about 5pm Sunday.  Police report there is no danger to the public and an investigation is ongoing.  Police say they will release more information about the victims and the circumstances when it becomes available. 

MAN EXTRADICTED FROM DELAWARE FOR FORGERY CHARGES

A man from Virginia was extradited back to to Lycoming County yesterday from Delaware for his role in felony charges of theft by deception and forgery after he wrote five fraudulent checks at a C&N Bank in 2022.  According to the Sun Gazette, 55 year old Timothy Wayne Berry, who admitted to police that he is a heroin addict, has 18 previous felony convictions for the same kind of check and bank fraud crimes and is wanted in North Carolina and Delaware for similar forgeries.  District Judge William Solomon remanded Berry to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 1 million dollars bail.

YMCA WILL NOT APPEAL CLOSURE DECISION

The River Valley Regional YMCA in Williamsport is not appealing the decision by the PA State Department of Human Services which, last fall revoked its license to operate a child care center at the Williamsport branch. According to the Sun Gazette, a meeting between the facility operator, and the state department of human services is planned this week to determine its next course of action.  The child care center was closed and its license revoked in September and it cannot be reinstated. However YMCA administrators say the work may start again soon to instead obtain a brand new license for the facility.

ZOOM CLASS FOR FAMILIES OF RECOVERING ADDICTS

Residents of Snyder and Union Counties who are affected by a person’s substance use disorder or addiction are invited to join a free Zoom class, offered by a BALM Family Recovery Life Coach beginning January 16^th.  The free eight-week weekly online course is based on a method that helps families shift away from anxious reactivity to calm responsiveness, as research shows they are also in need of recovery when a family member is recovering from drug addiction. Find out more about enrollment by emailing
“s karchner 9” at gmail.com.

SPORTS

NFL Sunday
Bills 21               Dolphins 14
Cowboys 38       Commanders 10
Chiefs  13           Chargers 12
Giants 27            Eagles 10
Bengals 31          Browns 14
Jets  17                Patriots  3
NFL Saturday 1/13
Cleveland vs Houston  4:30pm NBC
Miami vs Kansa City  8pm  Peacock
NFL Sunday 1/14
Pittsburgh vs Buffalo  1pm  CBS
Green Bay vs Dallas 4:30pm
LA Rams vs Detroit  8pm NBC
NFL Monday 1/15 
Eagles vs Tampa Bay  8:15pm ABC/ESPN

NBA
Cavaliers 117               Spurs  115
Trail Blazers 134         Nets  127 
Magic 117                    Hawks 110 
Raptors  133                 Warriors  118
Lakers 106                    Clippers 103

NBA Tonight
Jazz vs Bucks 8pm
Suns vs  Clippers 10:30pm
NBA Wednesday
76ers vs Atlanta 7:30pm

NHL
Capitals 4            Kings  3
Blackhawk  4      Flames 3
Jets 6                   Coyotes  2
Red Wings 3       Ducks  2

NCAA Football
National Championship Monday, January 8
Washington Huskies vs Michigan Wolverines  7:30pm ESPN  Houston, TX