FLOODING IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

There are a few roadways still impacted by flood waters after weekend rains brought about flood watches and warnings for some counties in North Central PA.  In Northumberland County, Route 61, the Hamilton Underpass, between Highland Avenue in Sunbury and Green Street in Upper Augusta Township has reopened after flooding caused the closure early Monday.  However, according to Penn DOT, Shakespeare Road between Route 45 and Hobbes Road in East Chillisquaque Township is still closed. A few closures in Montour and Sullivan Township are still affected this morning, with a National Weather Service flood warning this morning through till tomorrow afternoon in Bloomsburg for the Susquehanna River which is expected to crest at 20 feet this afternoon.  Motorists are advised to never drive into flood waters.

SPEED NOT A FACTOR IN FATAL ACCIDENT IN LEWISBURG

Police completed the investigation into the fatal pedestrian accident on Market Street in Lewisburg Friday. According to the Daily Item, Buffalo Valley Regional Police say speed was not a factor in the accident that killed 77 year old Mabel Shively of Millmont after she was hit by a tractor-trailer in the 300 hundred block of Market Street before noon Friday.  Reports say Shively attempted to cross Market Street in the middle of the block and was struck. Emergency responders said the truck driver was uninjured and no charges will be filed against him.

NEW PROBABTION LAWS IN PENNSYLVANIA

In Harrisburg last week, a new Pennsylvania probation law that aims to limit the length of probation to help prevent people from being sent back to jail for minor violations was passed, as well as the passage of a bill that allows courts to seal records of non-violent drug felonies with a minimum sentence of under 2 1/2 years in prison.  According to the Lock Haven Express, the bill also prohibits courts from extending someone’s probation for not paying fines or court costs if they are found to be unable to afford it.  The ACLU says the law doesn’t fix the problems that plague Pennsylvania’s probation system.

NEW YEARS DAY HIKES

New Year’s Day in the Commonwealth brings the chance to take “First Day Hikes” planned and hosted by DCNR and 43 state parks and two forest districts.  According to DCNR, the New Year’s Day hikes are designed to be fun and support a healthy start for 2024. State park and forest staff and volunteers lead the hikes, which are usually about one or two miles.  Many Pennsylvania state parks also have self-guided hikes, story walks, and adventure labs available year-round find out more at events.dcnr.pa.gov.

FLOOD STAGE FOR SUSQUEHANNA

The National weather service is forecasting flood stage conditions this morning through early tomorrow for the Susquehanna River at Bloomsburg.  According to an emergency weather message for Pennsylvania, there is a warning for high water conditions that when over 19 feet affect homes along River Road, at the Fairgrounds and surrounding properties.  The river at Bloomsburg is expected to crest at 20 feet this afternoon – overnight the river was t 17.5 feet.  In Danville, the similar warning for the Susquehanna starts this afternoon and goes until late tonight with flood water impact in Riverside, also at 20 feet, and the crest is expected this afternoon, only to fall below flood stage by tonight.

MAN ELUDES POLICE, GETS ARRESTED

Police from Shamokin, who were trying to stop a man driving a Chevy Cobalt for an expired registration and inspection on November 30th, were led on a chase for a few miles through the streets of Shamokin.  According to North Central PA dot com, 30 year old Mark Getz Jr., sped up, allegedly attempting to flee from police when they turned their cruiser lights on, leading the chase ultimately up Big Mountain Road where police stopped the pursuit.  Officers searched for Getz in the area knowing the car he drove belonged to another resident.  They charged Getz with felony fleeing, and other traffic summaries, his preliminary hearing is January 23^rd.

FREE FRIENDLY PHONE LINE IN PA

Pennsylvanians who need an emotional boost, have an opportunity to hear words of encouragement, jokes or pep talks through a free You’ve Got a Friend in Pennsylvania, a phone line, which features searchable recorded messages done by students in grades K-12 across Pennsylvania.  The Pennsylvania Department of Education says callers can access the line at 717-772-4737 and select from menu options anytime during the holiday season, a time when people can struggle with mental health, and can use a little pick-me-up. Go to Education .pa.gov for information.

GEISINGER RECOGNIZED AS A GREAT PLACE TO EMPLOY VETERANS

Geisinger has been recognized as a top employer for its continued support of military veterans and active service members with two recent designations. The Pennsylvania-based health system earned the 2024 Military Friendly Employer with Gold distinction designation and was also recognized by Military Times on its 2023 Best for Vets: Employers list.  This is the fifth consecutive year Geisinger has been recognized with a Military Friendly Employer designation and the second year in a row the system has achieved the gold ranking. It’s also the fourth consecutive year Geisinger has been recognized by Military Times. 

SPORTS

PIAA HS Basketball
Girls  
Hughesville 44            Lewisburg  41 
Shamokin 50                Danville 24
Norry Christian 58      Midd-West  42
Boys
Loyalsock  78              Shamokin 76
Central Mountain 77   Montoursville  59
Canton  51                    Sullivan County  45

NFL Monday Night Football
Seahawks  20               Eagles  17

NBA
Cavaliers 135       Rockets 130
Bulls 108              76’ers 104
Jazz  125              Nets  108
Kings 143            Wizards  131 
Knicks  114          Lakers  109
NBA Tonight
Memphis vs New Orleans 7:30pm TNT
Celtics vs Golden State 10pm TNT


NHL 
Ducks 4                Red Wings  3
Penguins 4                      Wild 3
Canadiens 3         Jets 2
Stars 4                  Kraken  3
Flames  3              Panthers  1
NHL Tonight
Rangers vs  Maple Leafs 7pm
Flyers vs NJ Devils 7pm
Edmonton vs NY Islanders 7:30pm ESPN+/Hulu

NCAA Football  Tonight
Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl
USTA vs Marshall  9pm  ESPN – Frisco, TX
NCAA Football Thursday
RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl
South Florida vs Syracuse  8pm ESPN Boca Raton, FL

SECOND TRIAL FOR FORMER WASD TEACHER

A former Williamsport Area School District teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a minor student started his second trial this week in Lycoming County Court.  According to the Sun Gazette, 43 year old Christopher Yoder allegedly had contact with the minor during the 2011-12 school year and is facing statutory and institutional sexual and other assault charges.  Yoder previously faced six counts of unlawful contact with a minor but he was not convicted in November of 2022. 

ACCIDENT TUESDAY IN SHAMOKIN DAM

State Police are investigating a crash that happened near Shamokin Dam Tuesday near the Routes 11 & 15 intersection. According to police, 45-year-old John Lower of Sunbury was not wearing a seatbelt when he crashed into the mountainside along Route 11 at about 5:30pm. Lower had suspected serious injuries but there is no word on what facility the man was taken to. Hummels Wharf fire and EMS crews, PennDOT, and local fire police were on the scene.

CLINTON COUNTY WOMAN SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN PRISON

A Lock Haven woman was sentenced in Clinton County Court on Tuesday for charges against her for eight separate criminal offenses relating to an April home invasion on the 300 Block of Pennsylvania Avenue in South Renovo.  According to the Lock Haven Express, Common Pleas Judge Michael F. Salisbury said 26 year old Breanna Englert must serve a 12 year sentence for felony Criminal Trespass, Terroristic Threats Recklessly endangerment, simple assault, and one count of Cruelty to Animals.  DA Dave Strouse had asked for Englert to receive the maximum sentence; 25 years, saying a lesser sentence would be an injustice, because it’s his opinion that Englert will re-offend.

NEW ALERT SYTEM COMING TO SUNBURY

An emergency alert system is expected to be implemented next year that Sunbury officials say will allow city officials to alert residents of announcements, such as council meetings, street sweeping, planned events as well as emergency or weather announcements.  According to the Daily Item, Sunbury Mayor Josh Brosious says they are considering a system that also has a new time card feature for city employees who will then be required to use city-issued identification badges to log in and out of work for their shifts.  Both new initiatives are set to begin in early 2024.

MAN DIDN’T LEAVE WILLIAMSPORT HOME AFTER BREAK-IN

A man who was discovered inside a Williamsport woman’s home December 4^th was arrested by city police.  According to North Central PA dot com, the Germania Street homeowner said she went to investigate a noise and found 56 year old Bradley James Ryan had entered her home through an unlocked door looking for someone the woman said didn’t live there.  Ryan left the home but stayed on the property, later attempting to enter the home through a basement door.  When police arrived they took Ryan into custody and he was committed to Lycoming County Prison on 15 thousand dollars bail.

ROAD RAGE LEADS TO BROKEN CAR WINDOW

Police say a driver involved in a road rage incident Saturday, fled the scene after throwing an object at the victim’s car and breaking their rear window in Snyder County.  According to North Central PA dot com, the victim was driving along Ninth Street and N. Susquehanna Trail in Monroe Township, when another driver, possibly in a maroon Dodge Ram pickup truck threw an unknown object breaking the back window of the Subaru Forester, before they drove north on Airport Road.  If you have information about the incident, call police at 570 374-8145.

HALF MIL INCREASE FOR WILLIAMSPORT REAL ESTATE TAX

Williamsport City Council has adopted a half mil real estate tax increase along with the 2024 budget this week.  According to the Sun Gazette, after previous readings and work sessions through the budget, the rate was set Thursday at 16.72 mills.  Homeowners with property assessed at a value of 100 thousand dollars will now pay 1,672 dollars per year.  Councilwoman Liz Miele was a dissenting vote, saying the half mil will not work with the expected financial circumstances. 

AUDUBON SOCIETY WANTS TO WORK ON THIRD BIRD ATLAS

People who live in Tioga or Potter Counties are invited to partner with the Tiadaghton Audubon Society to help work on the third edition of a birdwatchers’ database project.  According to the society, the third Pennsylvania Bird Atlas compiles birdwatchers’ observations to determine changes in bird populations, locations, and behaviors. There will be an in-person information session about the project on Wednesday, December 20 at 6 p.m. in the old music room of the Wellsboro Area School District Administration Building at 22 Nichols Street, Wellsboro.  For more details, email the Tiadaghton Audubon Society by emailing TAS member at yahoo.com.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Basketball

Boys
Williamsport 49  Crestwood  47
Shamokin 67        Montoursville 46
Mount Carmel 54          Jersey Shore  43
Milton  61            Midd-West 37
Norry Christian 63  Weatherly  53

Girls
Hughesville  75    St. John Neumann 16
Jersey Shore 52    Mount Carmel  31
Sullivan Co. 63    CMVT  15
Williamson 47      Towanda 37
Benton 31             Midd-West 19
Greenwood 44      Line Mountain 38

NFL Thursday Night Football
Raiders 63           Chargers 21
Saturday NFL this week
Vikings vs Bengals 1pm NFL Net
Steelers vs Colts 4:30pm NFL Net
Broncos vs Lions 8:15pm NFL Net
NFL Sunday
Jets vs Miami Dolphins 1pm CBS
Chiefs vs Patriots 1pm FOX
Giants vs Saints 1pm
Dallas vs Buffalo 4:25pm FOX
Baltimore vs Jacksonville 8:20 NBC

NCAA Bowl Games Saturday
Myrtle Beach Bowl from Conway, SC
Georgia Southern vs Ohio Bobcats 1am ESPN
Avocados from Mexico Bowl in Orlando, Florida
Miami (OH) vs Appalachian State 3:30pm ABC

NBA
Celtics 116                Cavaliers 107
Bulls 124                   Heat  116
Nuggets 124             Nets 101
Kings 128                  Thunder  123
Clippers 121             Warriors 113
NBA Tonight
Detroit vs 76ers  7pm
Lakers vs San Antonio  7:30 ESPN
Knicks vs Phoenix  10pm ESPN

FIRE IN MILL HALL TUESDAY MORNING

There was a structure fire in Mill Hall yesterday that had multiple crews on the scene.  According to the Lock Haven Express, a fire at 119 Dewey Street broke out about 7:45 am according to police reports.  Main Street was shut down around 8am and traffic diverted around the area, including Central Mountain School buses and other vehicles directed with traffic control around Pennsylvania Avenue.  Crews working the blaze reported it under control just before 8:30am and officials from the Suburban Water Authority were also called to the area.  No reports on what caused the blaze.

FORMER EMPLOYEES WANT INVESTIGATION INTO DEA HAZARDS

The Lycoming County District Attorney has been asked to open an investigation into the criminal allegations by former employees that the Eureka Resources Oil & Gas Wastewater Treatment Co. in Williamsport committed environmental violations.  According to the Sun Gazette, the request also includes an internal audit by OSHA and a probe into the willful neglect of the matter by the company.  The request was made during a recent press briefing held by several former employees who allege they were exposed to dangerous chemicals while working and three democratic State Senators who are looking for District Attorney Ryan Gardner  to open the criminal investigation.

SHOE BANK OPEN THIS WEEKEND

The Lock Haven area Shoe bank will be open this Saturday for eligible teens and kids to choose two pairs of shoes free by appointment.  Those who have students attending in Clinton County or at the Liberty Curtin School  is invited to book a time-slot by calling Diahann at 814-571-5324.  The Lock Haven Area Shoe Bank is inside Covenant United Methodist Church, 44 W. Main Street, and is generally open one Saturday a month.  Funding is provided by the Clinton County Community Foundation, the M&T Bank Charitable Foundation, civic groups, churches and individual donors.  Go to “Lock Haven Shoe Bank” on Facebook.

NEW POLICE CHIEF IN SUNBURY

Sunbury Mayor Josh Brosius swore in the city’s new police chief Monday night, with city council voting unanimously for Travis Bremigen to officially take the post. According to the Daily Item, Bremigen, who has been with the department for 22 years, has been serving as interim chief since former police Chief Brad Hare stepped down in the midst of charges of stealing money from the Americus Hose Company in October.  Chief Bremigan signed a three year contract with the city and says he plans to have an open-door policy with city residents.

MAN BACK IN CUSTODY AFTER ACCIDENTAL RELEASE

A Cogan Station man who had been accused of shaking a 5-month old baby was released inadvertently from the Northumberland County Jail through a clerical error, but voluntarily turned himself in December 7^th after being released in November through no fault of his own.  According to the Daily Item, 33 year old Owen Moore is facing felony aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children charges after being arrested last May when emergency responders were dispatched to his Court Drive home, in Gregg Township, Union County for an unresponsive infant, where they found the 5-month old that hospital officials said suffered from a traumatic brain injury consistent with shaking.

THEFT AT WEGMANS CAUGHT ON CAMERA

Williamsport police say officers nabbed two people October 30^th at Wegmans in Williamsport when they tried to leave the store with a cart full of items without paying.  According to North Central PA dot com, 34 year old Patrick Brian Haught and 24 year old Kimberly Bella Rhee were seen on video surveillance by officers when they tried to exit an east side exit of the store near Williams Street.  Police stopped the pair just after they left the store.  Haught and Rhee were charged with theft misdemeanors, and have preliminary hearings later this month.   

KEYSTONE CENTRAL STATEMENT ON ACTIVE INVESTIGATION

The Keystone Central School District has released a statement about the active investigation that began in early November over inappropriate activity between a Central Mountain student and adult female staff members at Central Mountain Middle School.  According to school officials, the alleged inappropriate contact between the parties did not happen on school property, and all those involved, except for one person who is no longer employed by the school, have been placed on leave.  Administrators from the school said they will make further statements upon the conclusion of the investigation. 

PA TEACHER OF THE YEAR NAMED

A Mifflin County High School Grade 10 English teacher has been chosen as the 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.  According to the PA Education Secretary, Susquehanna University graduate, Ashlie Crosson was recognized at the PA Department of Education’s annual professional development conference Monday.  Stephanie Machmer of Jersey Shore Area school district was also a finalist of 12 teachers statewide. Crosson will travel the state next year to meet and collaborate with other educators. She will represent the state in next year’s National Teacher of the Year competition.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Basketball

Boys
Northwest Area 52     Millville 27
Muncy 72                    St. John Neumann 49
Danville 57                  Milton 44
Lewisburg 66              Jersey Shore 38
Central Mountain 61   Mifflinburg 56



Girls
Shikellamy 49             Mount Carmel 28
Troy 60                        Sayre 19
Jersey Shore 48           Muncy 23
NP -Liberty 36            Athens 29
Central Columbia 45   Southern Columbia 23
Midd-West 60             CMVT 6
NE Bradford 67          Wellsboro 45
Williamson 43             NP-Mansfield 24

Wrestling
Benton 40                             Lake-Lehman 24
Williamson 50                      Troy 21
Warrior Run 72                    Muncy 3
Milton 35                              Mifflinburg 33
Canton 58                             Northeast Bradford 11
Montoursville 40                 Hughesville 21

NFL  Thursday night Football Tonight
LA Chargers vs LA Raiders 8:15pm Prime Video

NBA
Celtics 120          Cavaliers 113
Mavericks 127  Lakers125
Nuggets 114       Bulls 106
Suns  119                     Warriors 116
Clippers 119       Kings 99


NBA Tonight
76’ers vs Detroit 7pm
Brooklyn vs Phoenix 9pm
Knicks vs Utah Jazz 9pm

NHL
Maple Leafs 7     Rangers 3
Penguins 4          Coyotes 2
Predators 3          Flyers 2
NHL Tonight
Pittsburgh @ Montreal 7pm
Boston @ New Jersey 7:30pm TNT
Anaheim @ NY Islanders 7:30pm
Buffalo @ Colorado 10pm TNT

DEADLY SHOOTING IN WILLIAMSPORT SATURDAY

Williamsport City Police went to the 1000 block of Memorial Avenue early Saturday morning after a call for shots fired at about 3:30am.  According to North Central PA dot com, after arrival, police found an unresponsive male with multiple gunshot wounds lying in the roadway.   Emergency crews attempted to revive the man who had been shot, but pronounced him dead at the scene.  Police are seeking information surround the shooting and ask you call Agent Ben Hitesman if you can help with the investigation.  570-327-7560 ext. 7595.

WOMAN THREATENED WHILE DRIVING

A man from Cogan Station was arrested for following a woman in her car and threatening her over the phone while driving along Route 45 November 30^th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 24 year old James Micah Rooker U-turned on the roadway near Lewisburg to follow his accuser until she pulled into a parking lot of Old Turnpike Raod.  Police say another tried to help the woman and Rooker also threatened to kill him before he fled the scene.  Police later took him into custody and he has a preliminary hearing December 21^st.

FIRST READING OF WILLIAMSPORT BUDGET PASSES 1 MIL HIKE

A 1 mil real estate tax hike was passed on the first budget reading by the Williamsport City Council Thursday. According to the SUN Gazette, the first reading included the real estate tax increase due to the city’s responsibility to the debt service, previously funded by River Valley Transit – now River Valley Transit Authority, which is approximately $800,000 a year. Council members say they will continue their research of the updated reduced budget deficit changes as they approach another budget reading date.

WILLIAMSPORT HS SINGERS PERFORM AT WHITE HOUSE

Williamsport Area High School’s Millionaire Singers visited and performed at the White House this past week.  As reported by SUN Gazette, the 32 members wore black tuxedos and gowns as they performed in the East Room of the White House. The singers have performed at the White House for every administration starting with President Bill Clinton. Even though the students did not meet the president or first lady, they enjoyed a self-guided tour of one of the most famous sites in the United States. The students are slated to perform their annual holiday concert, at 3 p.m., Dec. 17 at the high school auditorium.

THREE OFFICERS’ TRIAL SET FOR FEBRUARY

The trial for three former Mount Carmel police officers has been scheduled for early next year. According to the Daily Item, jury selection for former officer Kyle Schauer, retired Lt. David Donkochik and former officer Jonathan McHugh, is slated to start on Feb 5^th at the Federal Courthouse in Williamsport. All three defendants were arrested in June when a federal indictment alleged all three officers, in upwards of 22 different arrests, used excessive force against arrestees from 2018-2021.

ELECTRONICS THEFT AT SELINSGROVE WALLMART

Thieves stole almost three thousand dollars-worth of electronics from the Best Buy store in Selinsgrove December 2nd.  According to State police in Selinsgrove, a black couple in a silver Nissan sedan was seen at the store around 4pm.  They allegedly entered the store and stole five PlayStation 5’s and five Playstation controllers.  Police say an Hispanic male driving a burgundy Subaru was seen talking with one of the suspects in the parking lot before the theft, but police do not know how or if he is involved in the theft.  Call state police with any information you know about the theft or the suspects.

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE RIVER CANDIDATE

It’s time to vote for your favorite Pennsylvania River of the Year for 2024.  According to DCNR, this year’s contestants are the Allegheny River, Lackawaxen River, and Youghiogheny (yacka gainey) River and the competition is here to highlight Pennsylvania’s special waterways and the benefits they bring for conservation, recreation, economic development, and so much more.  The 2023 River of the Year designation was awarded to North Branch of the Susquehanna River.  Voting will remain open through 5 p.m. Friday, January 19^th.  Get details at pa watershed .org.

NEW MILK SHAKE FLAVOR COMING TO FARM SHOW FOR 2024

Another fun flavor has been added to the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association milkshake menu for the 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show – salted caramel.  The new flavor milkshakes will be available to purchase along with vanilla, chocolate and mixed flavors during this year’s Farm Show, January 6^th through 13^th in Harrisburg.  Dairymen’s Association is partnering with The Giant Company who will host the pop-up tasting stands, at their locations this month in Lancaster, Carlisle and Camp Hill.  The organization raises proceeds to support programs including Fill A Glass With Hope, PA Farm Bureau Mobile Ag Education Lab and PA Dairy Princess and Promotion Program.

SPORTS

NFL Sunday
Buccaneers 29    Falcons 25
Bengals 34          Colts 14
Browns 31          Jaguars 27
Jets 30                 Texans  6
Ravens 37           Rams 31
Bills 20               Chiefs 17 
Cowboys 33       Eagles 13
Broncos 24         Chargers 7
NFL Monday Night Football
Titans vs Dolphins 8:15pm ESPN
Packers vs Giants  8:15pm  ABC

NBA In Season Tournament Championship Saturday
Lakers 123          Pacers 109
NBA Tonight
Washington Wizards vs Philadelphia 76ers 7pm
Toronto vs Knicks 7:30pm
Brooklyn vs Sacramento 10pm

NHL
Panthers 5           Blue Jackets 2
Oilers 4                Devils 1
Rangers 4  Kings 1
Capitals 4            Blackhawks 2
NHL Tonight
Arizona vs Buffalo 7pm
Toronto vs NY Islanders 7pm