FATAL ACCIDENT IN SELINSGROVE MONDAY

An 18 year old woman from Selinsgrove died in an automobile accident early Monday morning near Snydertown Road.  State police say Isabella O’Fallon wasn’t wearing her seatbelt when she allegedly lost control while negotiating a turn around 1am, drove off the roadway and rolled, causing her to be ejected from the car, after which she was pronounced dead at the scene.  O’Fallon’s passenger was wearing a seatbelt and only suffered minor injuries.  Volunteers from Stonington Fire Department and Friendship Hose Company responded to the fatal crash site.

POLICE INVESTIGATE THIRD ROBBERY IN A WEEK IN WILLIAMSPORT

Police are investigating a third robbery in Williamsport, this time, the incident occurred yesterday after 3pm at a West Fourth Street bank.  According to the Sun Gazette, the suspect, described as a tall while male in a black surgical mask, red hoodie and black sweatpants demanded money inside then fled the area emptyhanded and later was allegedly spotted near the bike path by PepsiCo.  Police say they are unsure if the two other crimes, one successful robbery on Sunday at a vape business on Washington Blvd, and also an incident on Monday at another Washington Blvd address where the suspect fled without taking any property, are related, but they are continuing the investigation. No one was injured in the robbery attempt in Newberry Thursday.  If you have information about the suspect or the robberies, call Williamsport police 570-327-7595.

PA THANKSGIVING CRASH DATA REPORT

State police have announced travel and crash data for the Thanksgiving holiday in the Commonwealth.  According to the annual Thanksgiving Holiday Crash and Enforcement report,  for the period of Wednesday, November 22^nd  through Sunday, November 26^th, State Police  responded to 979 total crashes that resulted in four fatalities in Pennsylvania.  The records from the 5 day weekend also show more than 500 drivers were arrested for DUI, and Troopers issued more than 10,000 speeding citations and just over 11 hundred for failing to wear a seat belt.

NON-PROFIT BAND FUNDRAISER FOR CANCER SOCIETY

The Billtown All-Stars are planning a live musical performance fundraiser at the Genetti Hotel Terrace Garden Ballroom on Friday, Dec. 22 featuring the local non-profit group and 4 other singers and musician ensembles including Mike Lundy; world music quartet Celtic Wood and Wires; The Satellite Reptiles, and emceed by LA based vocalist Naomi Yasui.  Proceeds from the all-ages show will go to the American Cancer Society   and will be from 6 to 11 p.m. for $10 at the door and a cash bar for those ages 21 and over.  Get information by visiting Billtown All-Stars on Facebook.

ELDERLY MAN ASSAULTED AT HOME IN LEWIS TOWNSHIP

A Muncy Valley man was arrested this week for breaking into the home of an elderly man in Lewis Township, demanding money and threating the man with a gun.  According to North Central PA dot com, State Police at Milton, were told that that 52 year old Robert McHenry Rabb allegedly broke into the 81 year old man’s  home Monday night and disarmed him of his own gun and threatened him to write him a check for 100 thousand dollars.  Rabb was located hours later in Sullivan County and was arrested for felony robbery, criminal intent to extort, burglary, aggravated assault, and other misdemeanors.  His preliminary hearing is December 6^th.

NEW YORK MAN ARRESTED IN WATSONTOWN

A New York man was arrested in Watsontown for attempting to cash a fraudulent check at the Watsontown Post Office on Tuesday.  According to local police, 24-year-old Jeremiah Dent had a fake driver’s license that had the name of the person named on the check.  He was charged with Access Device Fraud and is awaiting arraignment in Northumberland County Prison.  Allegedly in connection with Dent’s arrest, 20-year-old Tania White-Ali was also arrested Tuesday after police discovered the woman had an outstanding warrant in New York and was incarcerated.

NEW MAIL-IN BALLOT DESIGN IN PA

The Shapiro administration has announced redesigned envelopes and instruction sheets with revised language to better inform voters in the Commonwealth on how to properly fill out and return their mail-in ballots. The goal of the redesign is meant to decrease voter confusion that can lead to completed ballots being rejected and assisting county election workers in efficiently processing mail-in ballots.  The Department of State called for more uniformity in county mail ballot materials to aid both voters and election officials. See all the changes for mail-in balloting at vote.pa.gov, or follow #ReadytoVotePA on social media.

TREE REPLACED IN LEWISBURG, SHINES FOR TREE-L;IGHTING THIS WEEK

A new tree that was recently planted in Hufnagle Park in downtown Lewsiburg was the star of the annual tree lighting ceremony, hosted by the Lewisburg Downtown Partnership last night near Market Street.  According to the Daily Item, the old tradition with the new tree was continued Thursday by a proclamation by the borough Mayor Kendy Alvarez who made a connection between the new tree’s firm roots and new growth that represents the interconnectedness of all living beings who can help foster harmony, and the collective well-being in communities. 

SPORTS

PIAA HS Football State Semifinals Tonight 7pm
Class A      Steelton Highspire vs South Williamsport @ Shamokin HS
Double A   Southern Columbia vs Dunmore @ Harman-Geist Mem. Field, Hazelton
Quad A      Aliquippa vs Selinsgrove @ Central Cambria HS

NFL Thursday Night Football
Cowboys 41                 Seahawks 35

NCAA Football Tonight
Oregon Ducks @ Washington Huskies  8pm ABC
NCAA Football Saturday
Michigan @ Iowa 8pm FOX

NBA
Hornets 129        Nets  128
Heat 142             Pacers 132
Knicks 118         Pistons 112
Bulls 120            Bucks 113
Thunder  133      Lakers 110
Warriors 120      Clippers 114
NBA Tonight
76ers vs Celtics 7:30pm ESPN
Denver vs Phoenix 10 pm ESPN

NHL
Penguins 4          Lightning 2
Devils 4               Flyers 3
Islanders 5          Hurricanes 4
Capitals 5            Ducks 4
NHL Tonight
Sharks vs Devils 7pm NHL Network

MAN ASSAULTS WOMAN WITH LOADED RIFLE

A man from Middleburg was charged with reckless endangerment after he hit a woman over the head with a loaded rifle.  According to State police, 75-year-old Terry Shambach was arguing with the victim Saturday which started the altercation.  The PA Game Commission assisted on the Snyder County call, while Troopers investigated the incident and the multiple misdemeanor charges were sent to magistrate court against Shambach.

LOYALSOCK WOMAN JAILED AFTER THREATS

A Loyalsock Township woman who allegedly threatened a family member with a screwdriver was jailed earlier this month after being arraigned on charges of terroristic threats, simple assault and more.  According to the Sun Gazette, State police say 20 year old Cielo Jo Stenibacher threatened the family member, demanding to know where her firearm was, because she wanted to kill people.  Steinbacher was arrested and committed to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 20 thousand dollars bail and an additional 5 thousand dollars bail for possession of marijuana charges discovered during prior domestic disturbance incidents at her address along Saint Davids Road in Williamsport.

TWO VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN KELLY TOWNSHIP

A dump truck and a vehicle were involved in an accident Monday before 11am in Kelly Township which closed the roadway for about an hour.  According to the Daily Item, the wreck happened at the intersection of Col. John Kelly and JPM roads in Union County near Den-Ann Farm.  The truck ended up in a nearby field and the maroon Ford Escape was disabled in the roadway. Firefighters from the William Cameron Engine Company cleaned up the wreck and an ambulance was also on the scene, but there was no word on whether anyone was injured in the crash.  Col John Kelly Drive reopened after noon on Monday.

PENN COLLEGE FALL COMMENCEMENT IN DECEMBER

Penn College has scheduled their Fall 2023 Commencement ceremony next month at the Community Arts Center in downtown Williamsport. More than 350 students have petitioned to graduate with more than 240 students expected to march in the proceedings.  Samir Khalid Pringle, of Philadelphia, will receive an Associate of Applied Science in business management, and is the student speaker for the ceremony.  He is also expected to receive the President’s Award for leadership and service to the college.  The event which will be livestreamed will take place at 11am on Saturday December 16^th .  Get information at pct.edu/commencement.

WOMAN FACING FELONY THEFT FOR FRAUDULENT WITHDRAWALS

State Police say a Williamsport woman is at least the third person to be charged in a bogus check deposit/money withdrawal scheme that occurred at Lycoming County and other PA ATMs as well as ATMs in North Carolina.  According to the Sun Gazette, 40 year old Holly Rebecca Probst allegedly withdrew around eight thousand dollars through fraudulent ATM deposits and withdrawals in June of 2022.  Her case has recently been held for court for three felony theft charges and is free on 15 thousand dollars bail.

WOMAN HELD CAPTIVE IN ONLINE ACQUAINTENCE’S HOME

A Briar Creek man who met a woman after talking together online and keeping her locked in his home for a short time was charged with false imprisonment and other charges last month.  According to North Central PA dot com, the victim managed to call police while she was trapped inside 40-year-old Joseph H. McBratney IV’s mobile home October 14^th along the 6 thousand block of Park Road.  She said she was assaulted after she asked to leave once she discovered the door to the outside deadbolted with a key. McBratney released the woman when he learned police had been called.  The man was picked up on an unrelated mental health warrant the next day and charged.  He has a preliminary hearing December 4^th.

GROUP SEEKS UNSUNG HEROES

A local group in Lycoming County is seeking nominees for an Unsung Hero award.  According to the Lycoming County Brotherhood Alliance they are asking the public to nominate humble individuals in our communities who make an impact while living a life of service to others without compensation.  Send submissions via mail to the Lycoming County Brotherhood Alliance, P O Box 1884, Williamsport 17701, or emailed to [email protected] with “unsung hero award” as the subject, postmarked or received by January 1^st, 2024.

CHRISTMAS SERVICE AT BUCKNELL NEXT MONTH

The annual Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols at Bucknell University is coming up several nights in December.  According to the university, the event is free, but the public must get a complimentary ticket to attend.  The University’s Department of Music and Office of Religious & Spiritual Life invites you to the Rooke Chapel Friday December 1^st, Sunday December 3^rd and Tuesday December 5^th – each show at 7:30pm service that has been  modeled from the Kings College Christmas Eve Service.  Rev. Kurt Nelson, chaplain for the Protestant community, will preside over the service.  Get tickets by calling 570-577-1000 or at Bucknell Campus Box Office locations.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Football State Semifinals Friday 7pm
Class A      Steelton Highspire vs South Williamsport @ Shamokin
Double A   Southern Columbia vs Dunmore @ Harman-Geist Mem. Field, Hazelton
Quad A      Aliquippa vs Selinsgrove @ Central Cambria

NFL Thursday Night Football
Seattle @ Dallas 8:15pm Prime Video

NBA
Knicks 115         Hornets 91
Celtics 124          Bulls 97
Nets 115              Raptors 103
Bucks  131          Heat  124
Kings 124           Warriors 123

NBA Tonight
Washington @ Orlando 7pm
76’ers @ New Orleans 8pm
LA Clippers @ Sacramento 10pm NBA-TV

NHL
Maple Leafs 2     Panthers 1
Devils  5              Islanders 4
Hurricanes 4       Flyers 1
Predators 3          Penguins 2

NHL Tonight
Detroit @ New York Rangers 7:30pm TNT

WILLIAMSPORT VAPE STORE ROBBED SUNDAY

There was a robbery Sunday in Loyalsock Township and police are investigating.  According to the Sun Gazette, a white male claimed to have a firearm while robbing the clerk at a vape shop at 1349 Washington Boulevard at about 6:15pm.  State Police were told the suspect was wearing a black jacket and blue jeans and fled on foot in an unknown direction and they are seeking information about the robbery.  No word on how much money was stolen, if any.  Call State police if you have information about the weekend hold-up.

DUI CHARGES FOR MILTON MAN

A Milton man is facing charges for DUI after police say he was involved in a road rage incident November 8^th.  According to WBRE, PA State Troopers reported to a call involving two drivers along State Route 254 in Montour County.  Police say 20 year old Torrence Hummel was given a field sobriety test and did not pass it.  Troopers filed the DUI charges against Hummel in district court. 

ONE WMU STILL OPEN FOR BEAR SEASON

Even with the initial bear season over for most hunters, there is an additional season for bear in WMU 4E according to officials from the state Game Commission.  WMU4E includes some areas in Union and Snyder County, all of Northumberland and Montour counties, and portions of Columbia, Dauphin, and Schuylkill counties  The extra season coincides with the first week of the rifle deer season which is going on now, and goes until next Saturday, December 2nd.  The PA Game Commission App can assist hunters in knowing exactly where the border of WMU 4E is, and information is available at pgc.pa.gov.

SALVATION ARMY NEEDING BELL RINGERS, DONATIONS DOWN

The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign has recently kicked off and according to the officials at the Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division they are facing a shortage of volunteer bell ringers and they have also seen a decline in holiday fundraising by 15 percent.  The Divisional Commander of the Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division, Lt. Colonel Larry Ashcraft, says the funds so generously given are a lifeline of support for those in need throughout the year and  individuals and groups such as clubs, church groups, and families are encouraged to volunteer at red kettles, by signing up online. The public is also encouraged to go to the online red kettle page give.salvationarmy.org, or donate by text by sending kettle to 31333.  This year’s theme for the Salvation Army is “Love Beyond Christmas”

FATAL FIRE IN MIFFLIN COUNTY

There was a fatal fire Thursday morning at an apartment in Mifflin County.  According to WHTM, the three alarm fire brought crews from the Granville Fire Company to 196 South Main Street around 5am and fire officials reported that a firefighter and three others were rescued and hospitalized.  One victim of the fire died later at the hospital and was identified by the Mifflin County Coroner as 49 year old resident of the apartment, Shawna Snyder.  There are no details about the fire being released at this time, but the state police say the fire marshal is investigating the blaze.

WOMAN STEALS CIGARETTES IN TURBOTVILLE

A West Milton woman was seen on surveillance cameras after she allegedly stole multiple cartons of cigarettes from a local convenience store in Turbotville.  According to North Central PA dot com, state police from Milton released the footage from the Turkey Hill store at 4760 Route 54 in order to identify the suspect who stole 431 dollars-worth of the tobacco product, and was able to press charges against the woman.  Police say 28 y6ear old Tommie Schooley was the person who allegedly stole the 6 cartons November 10^th, and they arrested her and charged her with retail theft. 

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS AVAILABLE

Daytime grief support group sessions are being offered in Muncy and Lock Haven starting this week for six weeks through UPMC, for those who may have lost a loved one as we approach the holidays.  According to North Central Pa dot com, a team of UPMC grief support specialists will host the two groups. In Muncy on Tuesdays from 10 til 11 at UPMC Muncy Place on E Water St, and in Lock Haven at UPMC Haven Place, on Cree Drive, Wednesdays from 1 til 2pm.

WELLSBORO WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL TO BE REDEDICATED

A special ceremony to rededicate the World War II Memorial in Wellsboro, PA will be on Thursday, December 7^th, near the Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center at 134 Main Street in Wellsboro.  According to North Central PA dot com, the outdoor event will be  held at 1pm and be led by Tim Cleveland of the Tioga County Veterans Affairs office.  The World War II memorial has been renovated over the past year through efforts by the “Lest We Forget” committee who invite you to come honor our Veterans and see the changes that make the Tioga County memorial site more visible and accessible to the community.

SPORTS

HS Football
South Williamsport defeated Cambria Heights 33-0 Saturday night in the PIAA State Quarterfinals   –  South now faces the defending state champ, Steelton-Highspire on Friday.
NFL
Steelers 16                      Bengals 10
NY Giants 10       Patriots 7
Eagles 37              Bills 34
Ravens 20            Chargers  10 
Chiefs 31              Raiders 17
Broncos 29                     Browns 12
NFL Monday Night Football
Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings 8:15pm ABC/ESPN

NBA
Magic 130            Hornets 117
Bucks 108            Trail Blazers 102
Celtics 113                     Hawks 103
Suns 116              Knicks 113
Nets 118               Bulls 109
Nuggets 132         Spurs 120
NBA Tonight
Lakers @ 76’ers 7pm NBA TV

NHL
Red Wings 4         Wild  1
Blues 4                 Blackhawks 2
Blue Jackets 2      Hurricanes 3
Predators 3                     Jets 2
Oilers 8                Ducks 2
NHL Tonight
Buffalo @ NY Rangers 7pm ESPN+
NHL Tuesday
NY Islanders @ NJ 7pm
Carolina @ Philadelphia 7:30pm Hulu/ESPN+
Pittsburgh @ Nashville 8pm

FIRE DISPLACES PENN TOWNSHIP FAMILY

A fire in Lairdsville displaced a Penn Township family early Tuesday morning.  According to the Sun Gazette, the unnamed couple and their 11 year old granddaughter escaped the fire along Lakeside Drive after they awoke to the smell of smoke at about 2:20am.  Firefighters said they arrived to the home with an outer wall to the chimney on fire, and had to stretch the fire hose about 800 feet to reach the blaze which took about an hour to control.  The mobile home was a total loss, and the Red Cross is assisting the family. Lairdsville, Hughesville, Muncy Valley, Muncy Area, Picture Rocks, Pennsdale and Montoursville responded to the scene during the call.

WILLIAMSPORT MAN CHARGED WITH ALLEGED THREATS

A man from Williamsport who threatened another local man and claiming he put a bounty on his head in November is facing charges.  According to the Sun Gazette,  46 year old Raymond Antoni Richards allegedly told the victim on the phone that he should have killed him and that same victim and his girlfriend received other threats from Richards at a home in Loyalsock Township November 7th.  Police said Richards also damaged the victim’s car that same day.  He waived his preliminary hearing and is free on 10 thousand dollars bail.

ELEMENTARTY SCHOOL BUILDING SOLD

The Warrior Run School board approved the sale of the former Watsontown Elementary School building to the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit.  According to the Standard Journal, the agreement between the two parties was for the 610 thousand dollar price covered by the CSIU’s capital reserve budget.  The new Watsontown elementary school opened to about 780 students this fall.

HOT STOVE BANQUET COMING IN 2024

The Williamsport Crosscutters’ Hot Stove Banquet is coming back January 17^th at the Genetti Ballroom in Downtown Williamsport.  According to the team, three special guests have been invited to the popular charity event including Kent Tekulve, former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher; Tim Kurkjian, ESPN baseball analyst; and Chris Carlin, ESPN radio host. Portions of the proceeds of the typically sold out event will benefit the Lycoming County United Way. The evening will include inductions of the latest members to the Bowman Field Hall of Fame and the Lycoming County Sports Walk.  Get details about tickets to the Hot Stove banquet at crosscutters.com.

TWO TEENS ESCAPE CASE WORKER’S CUSTODY

Two teenage boys in the custody of Bradford County Children and Youth case workers escaped as they were being transported to Pittsburgh, running into the woods near Roaring Branch on Monday.  According to North Central PA dot com, State Police at Towanda say 17-year-old Romeo Brown and 15-year-old Cedric Brown were last seen fleeing on foot along State Route 14 near McCracken.  If you have information about the boys please call state police at 570-265-2186. Troopers say anyone who is knowingly transporting the two teens or assisting them could face criminal charges.

COAL TOWNSHIP MAN SENTENCED FOR MURDER OF HIS MOTHER

A man from Coal Township has been sentenced to years in prison for killing his mother.  According to court records, 40-year-old Christopher Depka was facing third-degree murder charges in September for beating his mother with a baseball bat on Holly Street in 2021, but plead guilty in Northumberland County Court.  According to the Daily Item, Monday Depka was given 20 to 40  years for the death of 61 year old Sarah Jones. 

DISABLED MOTORIST RESCUED FROM EMBANKMENT

A man who ran out of gas became trapped on a highway embankment in Williamsport Monday afternoon.  According to North Central PA dot com, an unnamed motorist left his disabled vehicle along Rt 15 in Old Lycoming Township and proceeded to climb to the bottom of the hill to walk for help.  According to police, a fence at the bottom of the embankment trapped the man since he could no climb back up the steep hill.  The man who was uninjured, got help from Lycoming Regional Police, Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company, and Williamsport Bureau of Fire who cut the fence to free him. 

MEALS SERVED TO VETERANS AT GEISINGER

Almost 3 thousand meals were served to veterans during Geisinger’s drive-through veteran appreciation dinners to celebrate our appreciation during the Veterans Day week.  According to a press release from the hospital, dinners were provided November 9^th at  11 locations across the Geisinger Service area.  The dinners for U.S. military veterans and guests were provided at no cost to participants in Bloomsburg, Danville, Jersey Shore, Lewistown, Mifflintown, Muncy, Pittston, Scranton, Shamokin, State College and Wilkes-Barre. Members of Geisinger’s executive leadership team, regional leaders and volunteers attended the event to hand out meals and some handmade cards to veterans.

SPORTS

HS Football Friday
State Quarterfinals
Double A – Bald Eagle Area @ Southern Columbia
Triple A –  Danville vs Wyomissing  @ Albright College – Reading, PA
Quad A – Juniata @ Selinsgrove
HS Football Saturday
Class A – Cambria Heights vs South Williamsport @ STA Stadium, Williamsport

NCAA Men’s College Basketball
Marquette  73     Kansas 59
Purdue 71           Tennessee 67
Duke 95              LaSalle 66
Gonzaga 76         Syracuse 57
Florida State 77 Colorado 71

NCAA Football Friday
Memphis @ Temple 12pm ESPN
Penn State @ Michigan State 7:30pm
NCAA FOOTBALL SATURDAY
Wake Forest @ Syracuse 2pm
Notre Dame @ Stanford 7pm
NBA
Magic 126           Raptors 107
Pacers 157          Hawks 152
Cavaliers 122     76’ers 119
Suns  120            Trail Blazers 107
Lakers 131          Jazz 99
NBA Tonight
Milwaukee @ Boston 7:30pm ESPN
Brooklyn @ Atlanta 7:30pm
76’ers @ Minnesota 8pm
Golden State @ Phoenix 10pm ESPN
NFL Thanksgiving Day Football
Green Bay @ Detroit 12:30pm FOX
Washington @ Dallas 4:30pm CBS
San Francisco @ Seattle 8:20pm NBC
Friday
Miami vs Jets 3pm Prime Video
NFL Sunday
Steelers vs Bengals 1pm CBS
Patriots vs NY Giants 1pm FOX
Cleveland @ Denver 4:05pm FOX
Buffalo @ Philadelphia 4:25pm CBS
Ravens vs LA Chargers 8:20pm NBC

SATURDAY ACCIDENT IN MUNCY

A Saturday morning accident between a cement truck and SUV in Muncy sent three people to the hospital just after 6:20am.  According to the Sun Gazette, the female driver of the SUV was thrown from the vehicle when the collision happened at Clarkstown Road and Route 442, and she and the juvenile in her car were taken to UPMC Williamsport for treatment.  The driver of the cement truck was transported to UPMC Muncy. PennDOT was on the scene to clean up an undetermined amount of cement that had spilled form the truck that had to be towed from the accident scene. An investigation is ongoing.

TWO MORE CHARGES FOR ELEVATOR CONTRACTOR

A man already incarcerated for theft by deception for not completing elevator installation work that he took money for in Luzerne County, pleaded guilty to two more similar counts in Lycoming County Court Friday.  According to the Sun Gazette, 45 year old Michael William Bloom, the former owner of Keystone Lift and Elevator Company, appeared in court via video link and had 11 other counts against him dismissed through the plea deal with the Senior Deputy Attorney General.  Bloom will face sentencing with the victims present January 2^nd

PA RESIDENTS BANNED FROM CASINOS FOR NEGLECTING CHILDREN

During the latest meeting of the Pennsylvania Gaming Board, four Commonwealth residents were banned from all casinos in Pennsylvania after they were caught gambling while they left children in their care unattended.  According to a press release from the Gaming Board, this situations ranged from leaving children ages infant to age 13 unattended while the adult left them to gamble.  All four incidents happened in Montgomery, Westmoreland and Philadelphia Counties.  There is a current campaign started by the PAGB is underway in the state, encouraging residents to not bring children along when they choose to gamble.

CITY TRASH STATION CLOSED TOMORROW

Tomorrow, the Lycoming County Resource Management Services transfer station on West Third Street in Williamsport will be closed for mandatory maintenance.  According to North Central PA dot com, the public and other waste haulers will be able to utilize the facility again starting Wednesday morning at 8:30am.  Those needing to dispose of waste during the day of closure, can go to the landfill location at 447 Alexander Drive, Montgomery, which is usually open Monday through Friday, 7am to 4:30pm and Saturday, 7am til noon.

FATALWRECK ON ROUTE 220 LAST TUESDAY

The crash that closed Route 220 last Tuesday afternoon in Wolf Township was a fatal wreck that took the life of a Hillsgrove man.  According to the Sun Gazette, 44 year old Jason Randall was killed in a one-vehicle crash just north of Hoagland Branch in Elkland Township.  Police say Randall drove his truck off the east side of the road, striking a tree.  Hillsgrove and Eldredsville first responders were on the scene.  State Police in Laporte say Randall was wearing his seatbelt but was declared dead at the scene by the Lycoming County Coroner.

MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WROTE FRAUDULENT PRESCRIPTIONS

A Lock Haven woman is facing identity theft, and possession of a controlled substance charges after she fraudulently filled prescriptions for patients but kept the medicine for her personal use. According to investigators, 50 year old Sondra Suzette Perry, a medical professional, wrote and filled prescriptions of Percocet over three months, for a patient who was out of the country.  When a Weis Pharmacy manager contacted a doctor about the suspicious prescription, and Perry was confronted, she confessed to her boss and the pharmacist. Perry also admitted she took pills from another patient’s prescription supply.  Perry faces the 6 counts of identity theft and other charges, and posted 15 thousand dollars bail.

REWARD FOR INFORMATION ABOUT MINK RELEASE GROWS

The Northumberland County District Attorney continues to investigate the release of hundreds of mink into the wild from a fur farm near Sunbury in September, as the reward continues to grow for information leading to the arrest of the party responsible for the attack.  According to the Daily Item, executives from the Fur Commission USA say the reward is now 22 thousand dollars, but representatives from animal liberation press office dot org, where an anonymous message was posted claiming responsibility for the release of mink from the Richard H. Stahl fur farm, say they will not be deterred by the reward, as they fight to liberate wildlife.  Those from the Fur Commission USA, say the minks’ release sealed their fate since they have no survival skills.  If you have information call PA Crime Stoppers.

GIANT TO FUND A MOBILE FOOD PANTRY

Giant Foods along with Geisinger and another community partner are working to combat food insecurity in the Central Susquehanna River Valley.  According to the Standard Journal, The GIANT Company will to cover startup costs for the mobile food pantry initiative by committing $597,000.  The mobile food pantry is expected to serve fresh, healthy food 75 families at first.  Central Susquehanna Opportunities, a community action agency for Columbia, Montour and Northumberland counties, will staff the unit, provide nutrition education and give referrals to Geisinger for any clinical care needs.

SPORTS

NFL
Cowboys 33       Panthers 10
Browns 13          Steelers 10
Lions  31             Bears 26
Packers 23          Chargers 20
Dolphins 20        Raiders 13
Bills 32               Jets 6
Broncos 21         Vikings 20

NFL Monday Night Football
Eagles vs Chiefs 8:15pm ABC/ESPN

NBA
76’ers 121           Nets 99
Magic  128          Pacers 116
Celtics 102          Grizzlies 100
Suns  140                      Jazz 137
Lakers 105          Rockets 104
NHL
Maple Leafs 4     Wild 3
Flyers 5               Blue Jackets 2
Penguins 3          Golden Knights 0
Sabres 3              Blackhawks 2
Blues 3                Ducks 1

MLB NEWS
Pitcher Aaron Nola and the Phillies agreed to a seven-year contract on Sunday, the team announced. Sources told ESPN the deal is worth $172 million.

The 30-year-old right hander has spent all 10 years of his professional career with the Phillies, who took him with the seventh pick in the 2014 draft and promoted him to the major leagues barely a year later.
* Nola is 90-71 with a 3.72 ERA. Over 1,422 innings, he has struck out 1,582, walked 371 and allowed 169 home runs.