VACANT BUILDING FIRE IN SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT

Multiple crews responded to a fire at a vacant building in South Williamsport last night.  According to the Sun Gazette, West Southern Avenue was shut down shortly after 8:15 when a call came in about a fire at the former Merrick Brothers dealership and traffic was diverted from the area for about an hour.  Borough firefighters and crews from Loyalsock Township, DuBoistown, Old Lycoming Township, Montoursville and Jersey Shore worked to control the fire in about 20 minutes.  There were no injuries reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

VICTIM OF CARDIAC ARREST IN CAR ACCIDENT

A motorist was involved in a one-vehicle crash Monday night in Mount Carmel Township, but passed away after a cardiac incident at the side of the road.  According to the News Item, first responders found the victim’s Toyota Tundra on the embankment along the northbound lane of Brennan’s Farm Road just south of the entrance of Veterans Memorial Park around 9pm with the driver in cardiac arrest.  Crews attempted to revive the driver for several minutes but were not successful.  No information about the driver has been released at this time. 

CITIZEN’S POLICE ACADEMY SET FOR 2025

State Police Troop F has announced their Citizen’s Police Academy program for those who want to gain a greater understanding of police practices and a deeper sense of law enforcement agency duties.  Adults 18 and over with no criminal history can join the program to build understanding and communication between citizens and police officers through 6 weekly evening sessions  beginning March 5^th 2025 on Bucknell Campus .  There is no cost to apply and the deadline is February 2^nd, 2025.  There will be instruction by members of the Pennsylvania State Police and local departments, utilizing hands-on learning of multiple police procedures, techniques, and specific topics.  Details by calling PSP Milton, 717-480-3658 or emailing [email protected].

TROY FOOTBALL IN STATE MATCHUP FOR FIRST TIME

In their first-ever state high school football championship, the Troy Trojans and their undefeated season could make history this weekend.  According to WETM, Troy returned to practice this week at Towanda High School to prepare for their match up against also undefeated Central Clarion Wildcats.  Troy improved to 15 & 0, with a 35-14 win over Riverside last Friday.  Until this season, neither Troy or Central Clarion have ever won a state playoff game.  The PIAA Class 2A State Championship Game is Friday at 1pm at Cumberland Valley High School.

POLICE SAY MILLMONT WOMAN EMBEZZLED FROM TOWNSHIP

A Millmont woman is facing felony charges for allegedly stealing funds from Gregg Township where she served as secretary and treasurer.  According to state police, 55-year-old Pamela Hackenburg used township credit cards and mismanaged funds to cover the withdrawals she allegedly made for personal use and online gambling between 2019 and 2024 totaling over 500 thousand dollars. Police say she was discovered after a credit card bill got to another employee, sparking an audit this year. Hackenburg is free on 500 thousand dollars bail and has a preliminary hearing December 11th.  A discussion of Hackenburg’s potential termination from the township will take place December 12^th.

ELDERLY WOMAN SCAMMED OF 13 THOUSAND DOLLARS

There has been another incident in which an elderly person has been scammed out of thousands of dollars after being contacted by the thieves.  According to State Police at Milton, a 74 year old victim in Lewis Township was tricked into giving 13 thousand dollars to several suspects on November 25^th.  Police are seeking information about the suspects who told the victim they were from the Social Security administration.  State police say the money was deposited into a bitcoin account.  Police will continue the investigation.

NEW MILKSHAKE FLAVOR AT THE FARM SHOW

The Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association has announced the new flavor of milkshake that will be made available this year at the 109^th Pennsylvania Farm show in a tradition of bringing on new milkshake flavors each year. The season will feature mint milkshakes and will be available at the farmshow food court January 3^rd a day before the PA Farm Show, Pennsylvania’s State Fair, is on from January 4^th to th 11th.  Select south central PA Giant stores will feature previews and tastings of the new mint milkshakes at pop-up events in December.  Find out more at farmshow.pa.gov.

CU MANSFIELD HOLIDAY CHORAL CONCERT THIS WEEKEND

Mansfield University’s Department of Music will hold their holiday choral concert this Saturday evening at 7:30 and Sunday afternoon at 2:30pm.  According to the school, more than 100 singers and instrumentalists in the five university choirs will present music from historical classics to popular favorites that celebrate the seasons of winter, Christmas, and Hanukkah with the theme, “Grant Us Peace”, featuring selections from Handel’s’ Messiah.  CU Mansfield Students with ID are admitted free, 10 dollar tickets for the general public and $5 tickets for seniors, students and children available at mansfield.booktix.net.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Sports
Boys BBall
Carlisle 57                 Williamsport 50
S. Wmspt  62             NP Liberty  55
Jersey Shore  47       CMVT  15


Boys Wrestling 
Montgomery  49       Wyalusing  18


Girls BBall
Williamsport  45      Berwick  40
Loyalsock 58            Central Mtn 32
Jersey Shore  76       Warrior  Run  12
NP Mansfield  43     Muncy  39
Canton  35              Cowanaesque Valley  28

NBA

76ers 110             Hornets  104
Cavaliers  118      Wizards  87
Bucks  128                     Pistons  107
Knicks  121          Magic  106
Suns  104             Spurs  93
Nuggets  119        Warriors  115
NBA Tonight
Pistons  vs Celtics  7:30pm
Pacers vs Nets  7:30pm
Lakers  vs Heat  7:30pm NBATv
Magic  vs 76ers 7:30pm

NHL
Bruins  3              Red Wings  2
Canadiens  2        Islanders  1
Penguins 5           Panthers  4
Sharks  2              Capitals  1
NHL Tonight
Bruins vs Blackhawks  7:30pm TNT/Max
Stars vs Kings  10pm TNT/Max

NFL Thursday
Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions  8:15pm PrimeVid
HS Football Friday
PIAA Class 2A Championship
Troy (15-0) vs Central Clarion  (14-0) 1pm @Cumberland Valley HSNCAA Football Saturday
Iowa St  vs Arizona St  12pm ABC  Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship
Georgia (5) vs Texas  (2) 4pm ABC SEC Championship
Penn State (3) vs Oregon (1)  8pm CBS Big Ten Championship
Clemson vs SMU 8pm ABC ACC Championship

VICTIM IDENTIFIED FROM FRIDAY’S ROUTE 15 CRASH

There was a fatal accident Friday morning involving a garbage truck on Route 15 and the victim has been identified.  According to the Lycoming County Coroner, James Haddix of Williamsport died from blunt force trauma in the Clinton Township accident that closed the roadway for several hours. State police say Haddix was not wearing a seatbelt when his vehicle collided with a southbound garbage truck making a U-turn on Rt. 15 between Routes 54 and 44. The driver of the truck from Montgomery and a passenger were not injured in the crash.  The crash scene in White Deer re-opened just before 9am Friday morning. 

BROTHERS ARRESTED FOR TRESSPASSING IN OLD LYCO TOWNSHIP

Two brothers have been arrested after they were found loitering at an impound lot at 205 Myers Road.  According to North Central PA dot com, Lycoming Regional Police said they responded to reports of the suspects who fled the property of Performance Towing.  They then located Jordan and Logan Walters, in the area of Grimesville Road at Casey Drive in Old Lycoming Township last Thursday around 7pm.  Upon questioning, police discovered that Logan Walters had an arrest warrant for delivery of a controlled substance.  The two brothers were charged with attempted criminal trespass, defiant trespass, and loitering at night and were jailed in lieu of 10 thousand dollars bail.

FORMER OFFICER ASKS FOR NEW TRIAL

After being found guilty of unauthorized use of the state records system, a former Williamsport police officer, through his attorney, has asked for a new trial, arguing that the Northumberland County judge in the case made errors.   According to the Sun Gazette, 40 year old Eric Derr of Cogan Station was charged in 2020 of using the state JNET records system  93 times between June 2015 and December 2019 to obtain information for personal use.  He was placed on 28 months-probation with the first year on house arrest with electronic monitoring.  His case now heads to the attorney general. 

FIRST FEMALE EAGLE SCOUT IN COLUMBIA-MONTOUR

A Danville area student has become the first female in the Columbia-Montour Council’s Boy Scouts of America all-female troops to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.  According to the Daily Item, Abbi Smith is a founding member of Troop 4077 led by her mother, Sharon Smith.  Smith’s Eagle Scout project was completed in May of 2024 and is a painting that hangs in the Danville Middle School choral room.  Council-wide, there are four all-female troops, making up almost 20 percent of registered Scouts in the Columbia-Montour Council.  Smith wants to be admitted to the United States Air Force Academy with a goal of joining U.S. Space Command.

THIEF STEALS ELDERLY WOMAN’S, WALLET USES CARDS

State police at Milton say they are seeking a suspect who stole an elderly woman’s wallet out of her purse earlier this fall in Delaware Township.  According to media outlets, the suspect stole the purse and used the victim’s credit cards, buying more than $2,300 in merchandise at local stores.  The 87 year old victim’s driver’s license was also in the purse and stolen from the location on Enterline Road September 15^th around 3:45pm.  If you have information about the suspect or the theft, call State police at Milton, 570-524-2662 and reference incident number PA2024-1204669.

MAN RAMS WOMAN’S CAR WHILE INTOXICATED

A man from Sunbury who was allegedly intoxicated with young children in his vehicle, followed a female through the street and purposely rammed the rear of her car several times according to police.  Sunbury Police say 30 year old Jared James Hewlett was intoxicated and followed the victim October 22^nd. She called police while she was being followed by Hewitt and pulled over on South Second Street at the entrance to the Veterans Bridge trying to get the children from the man’s car.  Hewitt then attempted to run over the accuser at the side of the road.  She fled the scene and was followed by Hewitt before police later took him into custody at his home.  Hewitt was charged with two misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of children, as well as summaries of harassment, reckless driving, and careless driving.  He is in custody in lieu of 210 thousand dollars bail.

NEW DIGITAL INITIATIVE FOR PA

An initiative by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority to provide new digital equipment will benefit several entities in the 23^rd district.  According to State Senator Gene Yaw, funding will help provide laptop computers to communities where affordability has been a barrier to broadband adoption and use.  In Bradford, Union and Lycoming Counties laptops will be given to outreach partners, the Union County Library system as well as students at Penn College and more all to help level the technological playing field for financially disadvantaged students. Yaw says the latest round of awards is part of Pennsylvania’s broader effort to ensure greater digital access across the Commonwealth

GRANTS TO HELP PA TRANSPLANT FAMILIES

A new grant at Geisinger has been offered to transplant patients and their families from Gift of Life.,  According to the Daily Item, the grant will provide support for those who travel for transplant-related services at satellite transplant centers outside Philadelphia, where Gift of Life is located.  The funds are in place to help with gift cards for gas and lodging.  You can find out more about becoming a living donor online at geisinger.org/transplant.

SPORTS

NFL Sunday
Buccaneers 26      Panthers 23
Chargers  17         Falcons  13
Steelers 44            Bengals  38
Vikings  23           Cardinals  22
Seahawks  26       Jets  21
Commanders  42 Titans 19
Eagles  24             Ravens  19 
Bills  35                49ers  10
NFL Monday Night Football
Browns vs Broncos  8:15pm PrimeVid

NBA
Magic 100            Nets  92
Cavaliers  115      Celtics  111
Knicks  118          Pelicans  85
Raptors  119        Heat 116
Lakers  105          Jazz  104
Spurs  127            Kings  125
Clippers 126        Nuggets  122
NBA Tonight
Heat vs Celtics  7:30pm
Nets  vs Bulls 8pm
Lakers  vs Timberwolves 8pm NBAtv

NHL
Canucks  5             Red Wings  4 
Bruins  6              Canadiens  3
Blue Jackets  6     Blackhawks  3
Stars 3                  Jets 1
Ducks  4               Senators 3
NHL Tonight
Devils vs Rangers  7pm NHLNet
Blackhawks vs Maple Leafs  7:30pm ESPN+
Stars  vs Utah  9pm  ESPN+

SHOOTING IN SHAMOKIN MONDAY

A shooting occurred yesterday around 4pm in Shamokin Township.  According to a press release from State police, the incident took place at 950 Shamrock Road.  Police say the incident was isolated and there’s no threat to the public.  There are reports of Life Flight responding to a 12-year old patient who was transported from the area.  State police in Stonington say they are continuing the investigation.

MIFFLINBURG MAN ARRESTED FOR EMBEZZLING FUNDS

A man from Mifflinburg has recently been charged for embezzling funds from the Susquehanna River Valley Visitor’s Bureau over a 6-year time frame.  According to North Central PA dot com, state police investigated marketing work arranged and contracted through  43 year old Timothy Alan Dowhower, who they found used the visitors bureau credit card for nefarious website subscriptions and created a fictcious marketing company to perform work for his employer that never was completed.  Police discovered Dowhower paid  Logical Destination, LLC, his fake marketing company, approximately $150,000 every year since 2018.  Police filed charges against Dowhower last week.  He faces felony theft charges with bail set at 870 thousand dollar unsecured.  His preliminary hearing is December 19^th.

LYCO ELECTION RESULTS CERTIFIED

The Lycoming County Board of Elections has certified the results of the 2024 Presidential Election and the recount for US Senate between Bob Casey and Dave McCormick.  According the Sun Gazette the approval comes after the Election Board, Commissioners Marc Sortman and Mark Mussina received and certified the election numbers from Director of Elections Forrest Lehman.  According to the official local results, the turnout was 81.12%.  IN the senate race in Lycoming County n Casey received 29.14% of the vote, McCormick 68.29%.  Casey conceded his Senate seat last week.

BUCKNELL GRADUATE NOMINATED FOR TRUMP CABINET

President-elect Trump has nominated a Bucknell graduate to serve on his cabinet as the head of the FDA.  According to media outlets, Dr. Marty Makary, who attended Danville area High School and previously graduated from Bucknell, received national recognition for challenging public health policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Makary is a professor at Johns Hopkins University and advocates reforming the U.S. healthcare system.  Dr. Marty Makary is the son of Dr. Adel and Nadia Makary of Danville.

DJ CITED FOR HAVING ALCOHOL AT HIGH SCHOOL DANCE

A disc jockey from Dornsife who had been hired by a local High school for a dance in October was charged with summary disorderly conduct for being under the influence of alcohol and pleaded guilty to the charge in Northumberland County court on November 4^th.  According to the News Item, state police at Stonington reported that 36 year old Dustin Letterman also had alcohol on his person on the Line Mountain High School property the night of homecoming.  In a previous incident court records say, Letterman and his then wife, Marissa, pleaded no contest to two counts of arson with danger of death or bodily injury and two counts of arson with intent to collect insurance after being accused of burning down a home for financial gain in September of 2017 in Jackson Township.

MILTON MAN INJURED IN ROUTE 15 CRASH

A man from Milton was injured in a crash Friday in Monroe Township in Snyder County.  According to state police, 49-year-old Franklin Espinal-Feliz drove off the road, down an embankment and struck a tree while he was driving north on Route 15 near Line Road.  Espinal-Feliz was treated for unknown injuries at Geisinger medical center and was cited for the accident. 

BURN BAN LIFTED

The burn ban that has been in place through the dry conditions these past few weeks by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has been lifted as of last Friday.  After recent precipitation around the region, the risk of fires has been lessened, however, all fires must be confined to a barrel or specified area and contained.  The fire ban put in place by the Williamsport Bureau of Fire since October 31^st, expired November 20^th.  Find information about burn bans and wildfire prevention  at dcnr.pa.gov. 

PUBLIC INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN 2025 RAIL PLAN ZOOM CALL

There will be a virtual public informational meeting hosted by PennDOT to discuss the update to the Pennsylvania State Rail Plan.  According to the department, they are in the process of developing the 2025 Pennsylvania State Rail Plan involving safety, passenger and freight rail, funding decisions and more and will also evaluate and document passenger and freight rail needs over the next 20 years to guide investments.  The zoom meeting will be Tuesday, December 10 at 4pm The public can offer input through an online survey through December 19.  Go to advancing pa rail dot com.

SPORTS

NFL Monday Night Football
Ravens 30           Chargers  23
NFL Thanksgiving Day
Chicago Bears vs Detroit  Lions12:30pm CBS
Giants  vs Cowboys  4:30pm FOX
Dolphins  vs Green Bay Packers  8:20pmNBC
NFL Friday 
Raiders vs Chiefs  3pm PrimeVid

NBA
Magic 95             Hornets  84
Pistons 102         Raptors  100
Celtics  126         Clippers  94
Knicks 145         Nuggets  118
Nets  128             Warriors  120
Thunder  130      Kings  109
NBA Tonight
Bulls  vs Wizards  7pm
Bucks vs Heat  7:30pm TNT
Spurs  vs Jazz  9pm
Lakers  vs Suns  10pm TNT

NHL
Capitals  4           Panthers  1
Devils  5              Predators  2
Blues  5               Rangers  2
Gldn Knights 5  Flyers 4
Red Wings  4      Islanders 2
NHL Tonight
Canucks vs Bruins  7pm ESPN+
Utah vs Canadiens  7pm  ESPN+