DANVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL DISMISSES EARLY MONDAY

There was an early dismissal at the Liberty Valley Intermediate School yesterday after staff found damage done at the school by a bullet, and there was uncertainty of the threat to the school community.  According to a press release by the Danville School, broken glass and evidence of a shooting was found Monday morning about 7:30am by a school employee inside a classroom.  When Principal Lee Gump was notified, he alerted the district superintendent and district police who called State police to the scene.  The students who were arriving to school at the time were kept inside the school in a lock down away from windows and doors.  Even though administrators found the shooting likely occurred on Saturday and there was no threat to the students – they still dismissed the students around 10:15 am yesterday to buses that had been staged at an area away from the campus. State police continue the investigation.

DYNAMITE TRUCK EXPLODES IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

There were reports of an explosion at a Schuylkill County quarry yesterday.  According to North Central PA dot com, a dynamite truck exploded at the Summit Quarry in Joilett, PA yesterday.  Schuykill County emergency dispatch reports that at least 5 people were injured, and one was flown by helicopter for emergency medical treatment.  OSHA and Mine Safety and Health Administration were keeping unessential parties away from the scene after the incident yesterday, and no other information has been released about the cause of the explosion or the condition of the victims.

NEW BIDS REQUESTED FOR WELL REHAB PROJECT

Because prior bids have been rejected due to them being over budget, the County Commissioners have requested new bids for the Williamsport Region Relief Well Rehabilitation and Replacement project.  According to the Sun Gazette, officials from the county’s Planning and Community Development Department said the Army Corps of Engineers gave input on the new bid requirements.  The project will be on PennBid and be advertised in the newspaper and will be due in November. 

BAND EXPO THIS WEEK AT LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP HS

The Loyalsock Township High School will host the 2022 Lycoming County Marching Band Exhibition tomorrow at 7pm at the school in Loyalsock Township.  All Lycoming County  high school bands will perform their halftime shows, including Williamsport, Montoursville, South Williamsport, Muncy, Hughesville, Jersey Shore, Montgomery as well as Loyalsock.  There will be a performance of the Lycoming County Mass Band – when more than 450 students perform for the grand finale. The public is invited to attend the show with tickets at $6 for adults and $ 4 for students and seniors.

MAN WHO RAMMED FUNDRAISER CROWD FACES NEW CHARGES

The man who drove into a crowd of people at a fundraiser in Berwick and later went on to allegedly kill his mother in August, has had additional charges brought against him.  According to North Central PA dot com, Adrian Sura Reyes was originally charged with two counts of criminal homicide.  It was announced by investogators yesterday that Reyes now faces an additional 19 counts of attempted criminal homicide and 19 counts of aggravated assault.  One woman was killed in the incident, while 17 people were reported injured, according to statements made by the Pennsylvania State Police. Reyes is still jailed in Columbia County.

EDKIN COLD CASE GETTING NEW ATTENTION

The case of Corey James Edkin, the toddler who was abducted from his New Columbia home in 1986, is getting some more attention lately after state police report they have new evidence that points to a new person of interest. Investigators never turned up any sign of the young boy, even after using bloodhounds and searching the Susquehanna River during the original investigation of the case.  The 2 year-old boy had been sleeping in bed with his mother, Debbie Mowery, who left the Second Street house in the middle of the night for a few minutes to go to a convenience store.  When she returned the boy was gone.  There is a 10 thousand dollar cash reward being offered for any more information about the boy.

MAN TRICKED BY BITCOIN SCAMMERS

A Port Trevorton Man who got involved in Bitcoin investing through Instagram and a banking app, lost his money and received a briefcase full of toilet paper and books instead of the cash he was expecting.  According to state police at Selinsgrove the man in Snyder County was taken advantage of when he sent 23 thousand dollars through CashApp to the scammers and expected to get back 210 thousand dollars in cash.  When the briefcase arrived he was charged more money to pen the case which contained the paper.  State police are working on the investigation.

PLANS TO RESTORE BLUE CATFISH TO PA RIVERS

There is a plan by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to reintroduce the blue catfish to the area.  According to a release by the PFBC, it is the largest catfish species in North America found throughout the Ohio and western Pennsylvania rivers, until the early 1900s when pollution and habitat changes caused their extinction from the area.  State officials say the environment may be good again to restore  the species locally, with exact plans on how to bring back the Blue to PA in the works.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4

Girls Tennis Singles Tournament
Semi-Finals
Peyton Dincher (Jersey Shore) def. Anna Hall (Loyalsock) 6-1, 6-1
Sarah Buck (Hughesville) def. Kara Mann (Montoursville) 6-3, 6-3
Finals
Peyton Dincher (Jersey Shore) def. Sarah Buck (Hughesville) 6-4, 6-4

NFL
Monday Night Football
Chiefs 30 Raiders 29.
Thursday Night Football
Washington is in Chicago 8:15pm Prime Video

MLB Today
National League
Phillies vs Atlanta Braves at 1:07 on Fox
San Diego vs LA Dodgers at 9:37pm FS1
American League
Seattle’s in Houston at 3:37pm on TBS
Cleveland’s in New York to play the Yankees at 7:37pm on TBS

Phillies and Atlanta Game 2 tomorrow 4:35 PM on Fox

World Series Game 1 is Friday October 28^th

NCAA football
Louisiana is @ Marshall tomorrow 7:30 PM on ESPN2
Thursday Baylor goes to Morgantown to play WVU – 7 PM on FS1
Temple is it University of Central Florida at 7 PM on ESPN
Penn State comes up Saturday @ Michigan – noon on Fox

SUSPECT IN MUSEUM CRASH WANTS CHARGES DROPPED

The woman from Williamsport who drove a van into the Little League Museum July 3^rd with a beef about her family member’s recognition in the creation of little league organization, is seeking to have charges of intent to kill and risking a catastrophe dropped in District court.  According to the Sun Gazette, not enough evidence was established in a September preliminary hearing against 57 year old Theresa Salazar, in regards to those charges.  Salazar did almost 50 thousand dollars-worth of damage to the museum when she crashed into the front – no one was injured in the incident.

ANIMAL CRUELTY COUNTS FOR TEMPORARY WORKERS

Eleven men have been named in an animal cruelty case in which they were observed abusing turkeys in July of 2021 at a farm on Tower Road in Limestone Township.  According to the Standard Journal, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals obtained a video of the suspect behavior and turned it in to State Police.  The group of workers were with a temporary agency and face total of 139 charges, including six felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and 76 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. Charges have also been filed in 5 other counties of Pennsylvania.  The preliminary  hearing in Union County is October 25^th.

SPLASH PAD PREPARED FOR 2023

The Splash Pad at Shaw Place Park is being winterized now, but there are plans in place for next season.  According to the Sub Gazette, the Sherman Street Park will be prepared and ready for operation for the summer as the 550 thousand dollar bill for the facility has been satisfied with funds from the American Rescue Plan.  The Splash Pad is a feature introduced after Mayor Derek Slaughter saw the water feature in other cities.  The water sprays for five minutes each time the button is pushed.  More recreation is slated to come to Shaw Place Park including word of a BMX trail.

STUDENTS TO DO SURVEY ON ATTITUDES ON LOCAL POLICE

Criminal Justice majors at Lycoming College will be conducting a research project for the next few weeks in a collaborative effort between the Williamsport Bureau of Police and the Lycoming College Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, as a way to assess attitudes toward the local police.  According to the Sun Gazette, the trained students wearing identification badges will survey four Williamsport neighborhoods and Newberry now through November 11^th. This same survey had been done in Old Lycoming Township, Tiadaghton Valley and Jersey Shore in previous years. Lycoming College Criminal Justice Department faculty will supervise the students, and participants in the survey will be eligible to win gift cards to be drawn at a later date.

FATHER AND DAUGHTER IMPRISONED FOR SELLING DRUGS

A father and daughter have each been charged with intent to deliver drugs after the daughter told police he helped her father sell drugs to earn extra money.  According to the Sun Gazette, 57 year old Dwayne Wiggins was charged by Lycoming County’s Narcotics Enforcement Unit with two counts of delivery of a controlled substance and illegal use of a cell phone.  Wiggin’s daughter, 28 year old Shameeka Dixon faces one count of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.  Wiggins and Dixon were both arraigned and incarcerated at Lycoming County Prison in lieu of bail.

WATER MAIN BREAK IN SUNBURY

Traffic should be back to normal today in Sunbury after a water main break shut down roads yesterday morning. A water main break caused traffic to be rerouted from Fourth Street.  According to media outlets, the break occurred at Packer and Regan Street and blocked the roadway for a few hours.  Sunbury Municipal authority did not make a statement on the reason for the water main break – but Fourth Street re-opened by noon.

NEW SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

There was a new member sworn in at this week’s school board meeting in Loyalsock Township.  According to  North Central PA dot com, Lynn Frey takes the seat previously held by Valerie Komarnicki who left the board last month.  The board held a special meeting earlier in the week for the interviews of the candidates for the position.  In addition, a new eSports coach was hired by the school. Benjamin Lorson, the district’s athletic director said an eSports team could be competing for Loyalsock by the end of the year.

DWELL ORPHAN CARE OPENS HOPE CHEST IN BLOOMSBURG

Williamsport based Dwell Orphan care, a non-profit organization that supports children in foster care, has opened a second Hope Chest Foster Closet in Bloomsburg.  The new location of the Hope Chest Foster Closet offers new and like new clothing, hygiene essesntials, new shoes and toys for kids entering the foster system, is at Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomsburg.  Administrators for Dwell say having a facilities like this in multiple locations gives resources to more families who can be foster families for longer.  Get information from their Market Street office in Williamsport, or at DwellOrphanCare.org.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4
HS Football
Backyard Broadcasting Game of the Week Thursday

Muncy 21             South Williamsport 14

HS Football Tonight 7pm

WYOMING VALLEY WEST VS WILLIAMSPORT

DANVILLE VS MONTOURSVILLE

SHAMOKIN VS JERSEY SHORE

MONTGOMERY VS CANTON

MOUNT CARMEL VS HUGHESVILLE

MILTON VS BLOOMSBURG

LOYALSOCK VS LEWISBURG

WARRIOR RUN VS MIDD-WEST

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN VS SELINSGROVE

MIFFLINBURG VS SHIKELLAMY

SOUTHERN COLUMBIA VS CENTRAL COLUMBIA

NFL Thursday Night
Colts 12              Broncos 9

NFL Sunday
Giants play the Green Bay Packers 9:30 AM on Sunday from London on NFL Network
Other Sunday games 1pm… Pittsburgh and Buffalo, Dolphins come to play the Jets, Cowboys are in Los Angeles to play the Rams.  Cincinnati is in Baltimore for Sunday Night Football at 8:20 on NBC.

MLB
Wildcard games start today
American League – Tampa Bay is in Cleveland for their Game 1at 12:07pm  on ESPN
Seattle and Toronto is at 4:07pm on ESPN,
Phillies are in St. Louis for the National League Wildcard Game 1 at 2:07pm on ABC, and San Diego play the Mets at 8:07pm on ESPN

NASCAR fined Kevin Harvick for modifications found on his Ford at Talladega. Crew chief Rodney Childers is suspended for the next four races.
NASCAR Sunday
Week 6 of the playoffs
The Roval 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Pre-race coverage starts at 1pm on the Twin Valleys Talk Radio Network

GARAGE FIRE EXTINGUISHED BEFORE FIRE SPREADS

Muncy area volunteer firefighters worked a garage fire yesterday and managed to save the home on the property at 263 Pepper Street.  According to the Sun Gazette, Muncy Fire Chief Scot Delany said that the garage on the property – which stood about 5 feet from the home of James and Jessica Hartman, was engulfed in flames when they arrived.  Delany said there was some damage to the homes’ siding but no fire damaged the inside of the Hartman’s home. Fire crews from Hughesville, Pennsdale, Montoursville, and Picture Rockes were on the scene. The fire’s cause was ruled accidental.

MAN IMPERSONATES OFFICER

A man from Winfield impersonated a police officer at the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant on September 5^th and is facing charges in Snyder County. According to North Central PA dot com, 29 year old Nikolas Bolig identified himself as an off-duty police officer to a man who told state police later that Bolig detained him, patted him down, brought up a previous DUI conviction and threatened him with jail time.  State police say Bolig was charged with impersonating a public servant, disorderly conduct and harassment.  He has a preliminary hearing October 26^th.

GAME WARDEN LOOKING FOR SUSPECT WHO KILLED DEER

The Pennsylvania game commission‘s north central region is seeking information related to the illegal taking of a trophy class Whitetail deer in Union County close to the federal penitentiary. According to the Union County Pennsylvania sheriffs office, the game warden was made aware of a dear that had been shot and concluded that it was taken with a small caliber fire arm October 3 around 11 PM.  If you have any information about the person who shot the deer that was found in the field along route 44 in Greg Township, please report it to the Pennsylvania game commission‘s north central region at 1-833-PGC WILD.

LEAF COLLECTION TO START IN OCTOBER

Leaf collection in the city of Williamsport will begin on October 24^th and should continue into December.  According to the Sun Gazette, residents are asked to just use main roads for leaves as the larger trucks don’t fit in all the alleyways.  Residents are also asked to only put loose leaves out for the trucks since sticks, limbs and other brush can jam and damages the city equipment.  Leaves and debris – but no grass clippings – can be taken to the City Brush pile at any time for any city resident with a card for the brush recycling center.

COUNTRY CUPBOARD PROPERTY TO BE TORN DOWN

The demolition of the former Country Cupboard Restaurant and Gift Shops along Route 15 in Lewisburg is set to begin October 11^th.  Evangelical Community Hospital acquired the property after the restaurant operated in that location for 49 years, and closed in February of this year. According to the Standard-Journal, the process will come in phases so that utilities can be rerouted to the surrounding businesses – this will take through the end of the year.  Officials from Evangelical say there are no plans at this time to use the property.

POLICE SEEK DIESEL FUEL THIEF

Someone is syphoning gas out of parked trucks in Delaware Township.  According to State Police at Milton, there was a theft of 500 dollars-worth of diesel fuel from a parked truck by someone driving a white Ford service truck model year between 2017 and 2019 with an auxiliary fuel tank on the back.  The theft occurred sometime between Friday, September 30^th and Saturday, October 1^st,  while the vehicle was parked in the Cleveland Brother’s Equipment parking lot.  If anyone has information call state police.

HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES APPEAL SUIT DISMISSAL

Over 100 former Geisinger employees who were fired over the health system’s implementation of a COVID-19 vaccine and testing policy have appealed the dismissal of their lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Middle District.  The former employees some of whom received religious exemptions to the health system’s vaccine mandate, named nine issues they are appealing, including their claim that they were threatened with termination if they were to reject three PCR or antigen tests. The former employees, from 14 Geisinger affiliates, sought lost wages and benefits, loss of future pay, compensatory and punitive damages and attorney’s fees.  Federal Judge Matthew Brann had dismissed the case in August.

PA LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD MADE RECORD FUNDS LAST YEAR

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board reports that the unaudited financial results for fiscal year 2021-22 reflect a record net income and the first time gross wine and spirits sales topped $3 billion.  Contributions to state and local governments go in part to the General Fund, which finances Pennsylvania’s schools, health and human services programs, law enforcement, and public safety initiatives, among other important public services.  The liquor control board regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania, operates 600 wine and spirits stores statewide, and licenses 20,000 alcohol producers, retailers, and handlers. 

SPORT

PIAA District 4
Girls Soccer
 Sullivan County 4      Montgomery 1
S. Williamsport 4        Muncy 2
Troy 2                           Williamson 1
Athens 3                       Wellsboro 2
Boys Soccer
Benton 4             Muncy 0
Williamsport 7   Shamokin 1
Warrior Run 5    Hughesville 2

MLB
Game 1 Orioles 5         Blue Jays 4
Game 2 Blue Jays 5     Orioles 1
Pirates 5              Cardinals 3
Rangers 4            Yankees 2
Astros 3               Phillies 2
Diamondbacks 4 Brewers 2
Guardians 9        Royals 2
Marlins 12          Braves 9
Mets 9                 Nationals 2
Red Sox 6           Rays 3
Cubs 15               Reds 2
MLB News – Manager Mike Matheny and pitching coach Cal Eldred were fired by the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night, shortly after they finished the season 65-97 with a 9-2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians.NFL
Thursday Night Football Indianapolis is in Denver at 8:15 on Prime Video
NFL Sunday
Giants play the Green Bay Packers 9:30 AM on Sunday from London on NFL Network
Other Sunday games 1pm… Pittsburgh and Buffalo, Dolphins come to play the Jets, Cowboys are in Los Angeles to play the Rams.  Cincinnati is in Baltimore for Sunday Night Football at 8:20 on NBC.

ACCUSED ACCOMPLICE HAS HOMICIDE CHARGES DROPPED

A York County woman who was jailed for her accomplice-role in a fatal shooting in August at the Liberty interchange of Route 15, had charges of conspiracy to commit homicide dropped in district court this week. According to the Sun Gazette, 32 year old Denissa Alvarez-Matias still faces charges of endangering the welfare of children and hindering apprehension in county court, for which bail has been set at 150 thousand dollars. State police originally charged that Alvarez-Matias was an accomplice to 33 year old Leonardo Pagan-Acevedo when he allegedly fatally shot Jesus Alicia-Santiago during a child custody exchange August 26^th.  According to an autopsy Alicia-Santiago was struck by one bullet to his spleen.  He was found deceased in a vehicle at a convenience store just off the interstate in Liberty.

JUDGE DECIDING ON CHARGES AGAINST SUNBURY MAN

A Northumberland County Judge has held off on a decision to determine whether to dismiss a defense Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus in the case of 31 year old Benton Ross of Sunbury.  According to North Central PA dot com,  Ross is accused of shooting Brian Cunningham in august of 2020 at a Mile Post Road residence.  He faces felony attempted homicide, two counts of aggravated assault and discharging a firearm inside a structure.  Ross posted 100 thousand dollars cash bail in June of 2021.  Northumberland County President Judge Charles Saylor says he will issue a decision at a later date.

STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE IDENTITY THEFT IN MONTOUR COUNTY

An Anthony Township man says his identity was stolen so the suspect could use it to apply for unemployment.  According to the Daily Item, an unidentified 33 year old male victim from Danville reported the problem to state police at Milton last Thursday morning. Police have now opened an investigation in Montour County.

CUTTER’S DIRECTOR OF SMILES TO BE HONORED AT BANQUET

Rashan West-Bey, the Williamsport Crosscutters Director of Smiles, will be honored by the West Branch Valley Sports Hall of Fame as the Volunteer of the Year during the annual Hall of Fame banquet at the Genetti Hotel & Suites in Williamsport, on Sunday, November 13.  West-Bey joined the Cutters during the 2003 season and has been a fixture at Historic Bowman Field ever since. According to Gabe Sinacropi, VP of Marketing for the Williamsport Crosscutters,  Rhashan is recognized everywhere he goes and is easily the most popular person in the ballpark.  Cutters fans are invited to come to the induction banquet. $35 tickets are available e-mailing [email protected]

SOME CHARGES DISMISSED FOR FORMER WASD TEACHER

A former Williamsport Area teacher facing two cases of unlawful contact with a minor, has had all charges in one case dismissed.  According to the Sun Gazette, a district judge determined there was insufficient evidence in the case of Christopher Yoder who a judge said was involved in an inappropriate conversation – but not to the level of criminality.  Yoder does still face statutory sexual assault and other charges from his alleged relationship with a female student during the 2011-2012 school year.

SOLAR ARRAY TO BE DEDICATED THIS WEEK

Bucknell University has a 1.76-megawatt solar array and they will dedicate it later this week.  According to a statement by the school, Encore Renewable Energy of Burlington Vermont will be at the event Thursday at 2pm to be held at the project site off Smoketown Road between the Bucknell Golf Club and the Art Barn Complex.  The array will supply up to seven percent of the University’s electricity and is projected top allow the university to be carbon neutral by 2030.  The school says they will pay the East Buffalo Township property taxes on the site.

CONSULTING FIRM TO SEEK FUNDING FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT

The same consulting firm seeking funding for the recently discussed levee project in Williamsport, is also seeking funding to assist in justice and law enforcement funding.  According to the Sun Gazette, Keller Partners and Company of Washington DC, is working with the City to seek grant potential through the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program or Connect and Protect – also known as part of JMHCP.  Overall the millions of dollars in potential funding sought, can be used by the bureau of police for staffing, infrastructure and covering the costs of programs that lower the amount of violent crime in our city. 

MORE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS ACTIVITIES

UPMC is going pink this month for Breast Cancer Awareness, by lighting the hospital buildings pink, asking staff to wear pink, offering educational programs as well as discounted  mammograms in three locations around north central Pennsylvania;  Williamsport, Muncy and Wellsboro.  Around town, you will see UPMC sponsor local sporting teams’ Pink Out games, and there will be a Pretty in Pink event held by “Renew You” a UPMC women’s group, Thursday evening October 13^th at the Holiday Inn in Williamsport, that will include health screenings, shopping, beauty experts and other women’s activities.  Get details at UPMC.me/prettyinpink

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 – Girls Soccer
Muncy 18                     CMVT 0
Wellsboro 1                  Jersey Shore 1 (2OT)
Southern Columbia 9  Montgomery 1
Williamson 3                Sullivan County 1
Shikellamy 4                Danville 1

Boys Soccer
South Williamsport 2  North Penn-Liberty 1
East Juniata 3               St. Joseph’s Catholic 0
Danville 3                     Central Columbia 1
Line Mountain 2                   Shamokin 1
Selinsgrove 5               Midd-West 3
Southern Columbia 2 Hughesville 1

NFL Monday night football
49ers 24              Rams 9
Thursday night Football Colts and Broncos @ 815 on Prime Video

MLB
Royals 5              Guardians 2 /10
Pirates 3              Cardinals 2
Marlins 4            Braves 0
Reds 3                 Cubs 1
Blue Jays 5         Orioles 1
Yankees 3           Rangers 1
Red Sox 4           Rays 3
Phillies 3             Astros 0
Nationals and Mets were postponed due to rain with a doubleheader today.
The Phillies have clinched their first postseason berth since 2011 with a 3-0 win over the Houston Astros. Game 1 of the wild-card series will be Friday night.

NBA preseason
76ers 127            Nets 108
Grizzlies 109      Magic 97
Thunder 112       Nuggets 101
Kings 105           Lakers 75
Clippers 102       Trailblazers 97

PA SKILL THEFT SUSPECT STILL AT LARGE

An unidentified man is still at large who stole more than 34 thousand dollars from a game of skill machine in Williamsport.  According to North Central PA dot com, State Police at Montoursville say the theft happened at the Nittany Minit Mart on East third Street on August 16^th at around 11pm.   Authorities believe the man who had an Hispanic accent and used keys to gain access to the machine and had unknown accomplices to complete the theft.  If you know anything about the incident, call State Police.   570-368-5700

JUNIATA COUNTY WOMAN DIES IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

A woman from East Waterford, PA died in a motorcycle accident in Snyder County this week.  According to State Troopers and the Snyder County Coroner, 41 year old Janet Swartwood was traveling on Route 35 near Cherry Hill Road around 2:30pm September 26^th, lost control of the motorcycle, going off the road and hitting a tree.  The coroner says the Juniata County woman died from her injuries at the scene of the crash

SPYGLASS CAN HAVE SOME SUMMER CAMPING

A Northumberland County judge ruled that Spyglass Ridge Winery can have camping at their facility during special events even though it will not be considered a permanent campsite location.  According to the Daily Item, the Rockefeller Township winery went to court with the township supervisors to appeal an earlier zoning hearing decision that kept campers from their place during the summer concert series based on a 40 year old ordnance. The owners of the winery say they just want to  provide their patrons with a safe place to park on their property.

FLAGS LOWERED FOR PA SUPREME COURT JUSTICE

Flags were ordered to half staff yesterday by Governor Tom Wolf, to honor  74 year old Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Max Baer who died at his home in Pittsburgh on Friday.  According to a statement by the state court system, Baer was first elected to the state’s highest court in 2003, and became chief justice last year after Chief Justice Thomas G. Saylor retired.  A Duquesne University Law School graduate, Baer was elected to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas in 1989.  Taking his place will be Justice Debra Todd, who is the longest continuously serving member, the first woman to serve as chief justice of the state Supreme Court.

LEVEE SYSTEM FUNDING COULD BE ON THE WAY

A Washington based consulting firm is assisting the city of Williamsport secure a possible 8 million dollars in funding for various projects taking place on the levee system.  According to North Central PA dot com, Keller Partners & Company gave a quarterly presentation at the City Council meeting this week and say they expect to see a bill passed through the House Appropriations Committee in Washington by the end of the year that could make these funds available. In addition, the Army Corps of Engineers told council they will begin the levee risk assessment to start the process of bringing the levee system into compliance within the next couple of weeks.

GEISINGER LIGHTS UP PINK FOR OCTOBER

Geisinger Hospitals will be lit pink in October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Geisinger is working to raise awareness about the importance of early breast cancer detection. The pink lights also honor the millions of patients and families affected by the disease.  Breast health experts at the hospital say most lives are saved with annual mammograms beginning at age 40, but those with a family history of breast cancer should screen earlier. For patients who are underinsured, a free government-based program can assist in covering the cost of the vital health screening.

SPORTS

NCAA football
Penn State over Northwestern 17-7
Ohio State beat Rutgers 49-10
Michigan over Iowa 27-14
Georgia Tech beat Pitt 26-21.

NFL football today
Vikings and the Saints play at 9:30 AM this morning in London on NFL network
1 o’clock for the other matchups between the Commanders and Cowboys in Dallas the Bears vs the Giants, the Jaguars come to Philly to play the Eagles, Jets vs Steelers, the Bills are in Baltimore to play the Ravens.
Chiefs and the Buccaneers will play 8:20 PM tonight in Tampa on NBC.

Monday Night Football Rams and the 49er’s 8:15 kick off on ESPN

NFL News
The unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant involved in clearing Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during last Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills has been fired. Multiple sources said the firing came after it was found the consultant made “several mistakes” in his evaluation. TagovaiLoa was diagnosed with a concussion and discharged hours later; he flew back to South Florida with the team early Friday morning.

NASCAR
Yellawood 500 at Talladega Super Speedway – Prerace coverage starts Sunday at 2pm on the Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network or WILQ’s HD3