FORMER SHOP-VAC EMPLOYEE FILES SUIT IN FEDERAL COURT

A former Shop-Vac employee who was affected by the shut-down in September 2020 has now asked for class action lawsuit certification against the Williamsport Company in federal court on behalf of her and 400 employees who were also terminated.  According to Penn Live, Candice Gair filed a complaint in 2021 saying Shop-Vac violated the WARN Act when they shut down the company in September of 2021 without a mandatory 60 day notice.  Gair also filed an amendment to the complaint adding Great Star as a defendant as the company who purchased Shop-Vac’s assets and continues its operations.  Great Star says in court documents that they were a faltering company and are not required to follow the WARN Act. The suit is seeking unpaid wages, benefits, vacation and pension contributions.

WATER TESTING FOR FOREVER CHEMICALS TO START IN 2024

Water in Pennsylvania will be regulated next year for a maximum limit of two certain chemicals found in about of the quarter of drinking water in the state. According to North Central PA dot com, the Bay Journal reports, that Pennsylvania’s Environmental Quality Board have flagged the two contaminants PFOA’s and PFOS’s, known by some as “forever chemicals” for their link to decreased fertility, developmental delays for children and reduced immunity.  The levels will now require monitoring after January 1, 2024 in water systems serving more than 350 people.  Smaller systems have until January of 2025 to monitor for the chemicals.  There is legislation in the PA Senate to reduce the use of firefighting foams that contain PFASs.

NEW POLLING PLACE IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

Lycoming County Voter Services has announced a new polling place in Loyalsock Township for the next two elections in the cycle of 2023.  According to the Sun Gazette, the voters in Loyalsock Township’s 7^th precinct who would normally vote at Greenview Alliance Church on Warrensville Road will vote at Saint Ann Roman Catholic Church on Northway Road on May 16^th and November 7^th this year.  If you have questions about the change email [email protected].

LEAD IN AMMO, SINKERS, A THREAT TO WILDLIFE

A bald eagle found injured in Mifflinburg and brought under the care of Centre Wildlife Care, died last week from lead poisoning after coming in contact with or eating roadkill meat that was contaminated with lead shotgun pellets or sinkers from fishing.  According to North Central PA dot com, experts at the rehab center say many birds and other wildlife can suffer from lead poisoning and say just one lead pellet in a bird can be deadly.  They ask that outdoorsmen consider the impact their ammo choices have on the environment and suggest using the lead ammo you may have on hand for targets and use non-lead ammo for hunting.  Go to centrewildlife.org for more information.

POLICE INVESTIGATING HUMMELS WHARF CAR BREAK-INS

State police in Selinsgrove are investigating after there were reports of thefts from vehicles that were parked at a Hummels Wharf restaurant.  According to police reports, during business hours windows were broken of locked cars and items were taken from the vehicle.  Witnesses say they saw three men fleeing the scene in a dark blue Toyota Highlander.  Troopers said they recovered items that had been stolen strewn along Routes 11-15 north. If you have information about the theft, contact State Police in Selinsgrove.

RECOUNT COST LESS THAN ANTICIPATED

The cost of the hand recount of the November 2020 ballots undertaken by the Lycoming County Voter Services after it was requested by citizens concerned about fraud, turned out to be much less than originally thought.  According to the Sun Gazette, County Commissioners Scott Metzger said the cost of the recount came in at 11 thousand 452 dollars and 97 cents which is about 10 cents from each resident in the county.  Metzger also praised the Director of Voter Services, Forest Lehman for managing the work who said the process did not uncover any fraud or rogue uncounted ballots.  Local lawyer Karen DiSalvo said during the public comment period at the Board of Elections meeting that they will next target alleged fraud in military and overseas ballots.

NEW CHIEF OF POLICE IN LOCK HAVEN

There is a new police chief in Lock Haven.  According to the Daily Item Chief Matthew Rickard was officially sworn in Monday night by Mayor Joel Long.  Rickard had been serving as Assistant police chief since September, and took over after Kristin Smith retired from the department in December.  Rickard is former marine and a Lock Haven High School and Indiana University graduate, who started his career in Woodward Township, then moved to Centre County and finally came to Lock Haven in 2020.

RIVER OF THE YEAR AWARDED TO LOCAL WATERWAY

The North Branch of the Susquehanna was named the state’s 2023 River of the Year by a public vote.   The river that flows from the New York state line to Sunbury near Shikellamy State Park touches eight Pennsylvania counties.  According to DCNR 11,438 votes were cast, with Susquehanna River North Branch receiving the most votes 4,098; followed by the Perkiomen Creek 3,110; Conestoga River 2,490; and Schuylkill River 1,740. Endless Mountains Heritage Region who nominated the river, will receive a $10,000 Leadership Grant for 2023 River of the Year activities.

SPORTS

NBA
76ers 137                      Nets 133
Magic 126                     Pacers 120
Wizards 108                 Rockets 103
Bucks 107                     Nuggets 99
Timberwolves 111      Pelicans 102  
Hawks 137                   Thunder 132
Warriors 122                Grizzlies 120
Trailblazers 134           Jazz 124
Raptors 113                  Kings 95
Lakers 113                    Spurs 104

NHL
Senators 2           Islanders 1
Maple Leafs 3     Rangers 2  
Hurricanes 3       Stars 2
Blue Jackets 3     Oilers 2
Kraken 6             Canucks 1

NCAA Men’s Basketball
Alabama 66        Mississippi State 63
Houston 82         UCF 71
Tennessee 70      Georgia 41
Xavier 82            UConn 79
Texas A&M 79 Auburn 63
Providence 79    Butler 58

WINTER WEATHER ON THE WAY

Expect extra truck traffic today on the roadways for the calm before the storm and you’ll see a winter weather advisory overnight tonight through Wednesday evening. According to Accuweather, we’ll see 3 to six inches of snow, with sleet and freezing rain possible.  Tomorrow’s morning commute is expected to be affected by the snow which could change to sleet and rain by 4pm tomorrow afternoon which could also affect the afternoon drive, especially in the higher elevations. 

LOYALSOCK MAN JAILED FOR FIRING GUN AT NEIGHBORS

The case of a Loyalsock Township man who allegedly fired a gun outside his home into a crowd of people on January 7^th will be held for court after a judge heard from witnesses yesterday.  According to the Sun Gazette Coy Thornton and a couple who live next door on Walters Road had a verbal argument, until Thornton, who witnesses say was drunk, came from his home with a handgun and fired shots toward the people outside.  40 year old Thornton is facing six counts of attempted homicide, aggravated assault and a count of DUI.  He is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 250 thousand dollars bail.

MAN WITH ANKLE MONITOR STEALS FROM GARAGE

A Cogan Station man has been arrested for stealing catalytic converters in Jersey Shore while wearing a GPS ankle monitor from another criminal matter.  According to the Sun Gazette, 30 year old Derrick Leonard Carson who was under supervised bail, was allegedly placed at Schweitzer’s Garage on Route 880 around the same time three catalytic converters went missing from cars in the shop. Carson is incarcerated under 35 thousand dollars bail at Lycoming County Prison.

UNEMPLOYMENT LEVEL DROPPING IN PA

The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania has fallen, dropping below 4 percent for the first time.  In a news release from the Department of Labor and Industry Payrolls and the workforce grew, but remain below pre-pandemic record levels.  In a survey of Pennsylvania households, the labor force grew by 9,000 to above 6.4 million.  In a separate survey of employers, non-farm payrolls in Pennsylvania grew in December by 17,000, driven primarily by hiring in construction and professional and business services.  Pennsylvania has regained more than 90% of the 1.1 million jobs lost in the early months of COVID.

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR LEAVING TODDLER UNATTENDED

A Williamsport woman has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child after police say she left a toddler unattended in a locked car while she played at a slot machine at a market on Lycoming Creek Road.  According to the Sun Gazette, 25 year old Akyra Diane Day allegedly spent up to 30 minutes away from the car January 10^th around 3:45pm, which drew concern from witnesses.  Day faces felony child endangerment, disorderly conduct and more.  She is free on 15 thousand dollars bail.

MAN CLAIMS SOMEONE FOLLOWED, SHOT AT HIM

A Williamsport man has waived his preliminary hearing after police say he claimed someone shot a gun at him in Williamsport, but no evidence was uncovered to prove a shooting happened.  According to court records, 31year-old Mikahil Gregory Jones who also faces charges of felony strangulation from another case, called 911 multiple times telling police he was being followed by a man on a bicycle and that someone had shot at him on West Third Street.  Jones made at least 7 more calls to 911 claiming more evidence of someone following or watching him.  Police took Jones into custody January 12^th just before midnight.  He’ll have a formal arraignment February 6^th.

NEW BOARD MEMBER AT DRIVE

The five-county regional economic development Council of Governments, DRIVE has appointed Dr. Bashar W. Hanna, president of Commonwealth University to serve on the Board of Directors. According to the Daily Item, DRIVE which stands for Driving Real Innovation for a Vibrant Economy , provides professional services to help businesses create and retain family-sustaining jobs.  As well as facilitate new business development through collaboration with state and local partners.

ATHLETIC COURTS TO BE RESURFACED

There is a proposal in Williamsport to resurface the six sets of athletic courts in the city using a portion of the funds from the American Rescue Plan, Community Development Block Grants and private donations.  According to the Sun Gazette, there’s a bid package of 858 thousand dollars by RC Bowman of Mill Hall and if approved by city council then Mayor Slaughter said the upgrades can improve property value and increase safety in neighborhoods. Tentative plans include new and resurfaced pickleball courts at Cochran Primary, Shaw Place Park, Memorial Park, plus basketball upgrades to Youngs Woods, and Shaw Place Park.

SPORTS

PIAA Distict 4
Boys Basketball
Benton 43                   Meadowbrook Christian 33
Wellsboro 59               North Penn-Liberty 31
Williamsport 62           Harrisburg 56
Bellefonte 59              Loyalsock 54
Upper Dauphin 52      Line Mountain 43

Girls Basketball
Lewisburg 45              Williamsport 43
Mount Carmel 40        Palmerton 35
Hughesville 48            Mifflinburg 43
Loyalsock 52               Danville 42
Jersey Shore 46           Muncy 26
Southrn Columbia 56 Montoursville 37
St. John Neumann 55  Warrior Run 51
Central Mountain 37   Milton 23

NFL Sunday, January 29, 2023
NFC Championship
San Francisco 49ers @ Philadelphia Eagles 3pm FOX
AFC Championship
Cincinnati Bengals @ Kansas City chiefs 6:30pm on CBS

NBA
Bucks 150           Pistons 130
Magic 113           Celtics 98
Bulls 111            Hawks 100
Rockets 119        Timberwolves 114
Jazz 120              Hornets 102
Trailblazers 147 Spurs 127
Kings 133           Grizzlies 100

NHL
Rangers 6            Panthers 2
Maple Leafs 5     Islanders 2
Sabers 3              Stars 2
Flames 4              Blue Jackets 3

NCAA Men’s Basketball
Baylor 75            Kansas 69
Nevada 97           New Mexico 94 2/OT

LOCAL MAN ARRESTED FOR THREATENING STUDENTS ON THE PHONE

A local man is in custody after he made threats to a group of students from Loyalsock High School on a conference phone call on January 4^th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 18 year old Dejuan Angel Rivera of Williamsport allegedly told the Loyalsock students participating in the call that he would blow up their school and neighborhoods.  State police at Montoursville heard a recording of the phone call and began the investigation into Rivera.  He was charged with 3 counts of misdemeanor terroristic threats.  He is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 15 thousand dollars bail with a preliminary hearing January 23^rd.

SHAMOKIN COUPLE ARRESTED FOR CHILD ENDANGERMENT

A couple in Shamokin are now facing felony child endangerment charges after a police investigation from last July, revealed a 90 day old baby in their care had fractured ribs in various stages of healing.  According to the Daily Item, 37 year old Randy Taby and 36 year old Mandy Cree were charged with felony endangering the welfare of a child. Taby was charged with two counts of aggravated assault.  Taby told police he may have squeezed the child too tightly out of frustration from the baby crying.

CVR DOCUMENTS WILL REMAIN SEALED UNTIL FINAL APPEAL

After the Department of State decided to appeal a judge’s ruling over the decision by the Office of Open Records  to keep CVR’s or cast vote records confidential, the stay of the information will continue now until the appeal is resolved.  According to the Sun Gazette,  court records say the Office of Open Records said disclosure of the information in the CVR’s could violate the constitutional guarantee of voting secrecy and according to Penn Live, a state appellate court has never ruled on whether CVR’s are public.  The appeal is now in Commonwealth Court.

DEMOLITION OF LOCAL HOTEL

Watch for demolition to begin in Valley Township today when crews will take down the Days Inn starting at about 8:30am. According to the Daily Item, the hotel was built in the 1960s and operated as a Sheraton, until it changed affiliation to Days Inn starting a long road of deterioration from lack of upkeep starting in 2000. Most recently a sale was approved by a Montour County Judge to the Liberty Group of Montoursville, who have made plans to demo the property this week, then add a 100-unit Holiday Inn, two free-standing restaurants, which were not named, and a four-store mini-mall on the site.

NURSING HOME EMPLOYEE SOLD COCAINE AT THE FACILITY

A former employee at the former nursing care facility Embassy of Loyalsock has been charged with felony possession with intent to deliver and more when he allegedly sold cocaine to a confidential informant in the parking lot of the business.  According to North Central PA dot com, Douglas Christopher Curtis, Jr. made the drug exchange for 200 dollars in marked bills with undercover troopers January 3^rd.  Police say the substance was confirmed to be cocaine and Curtis was incarcerated with bail set at 25 thousand dollars.  His preliminary hearing is January 23^rd.

TWO APPOINTMENTS FOR WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY

Williamsport’s Economic Revitalization Committee reviewed two appointments for the Williamsport Municipal Water and Sanitary Authority presented by Mayor Derek Slaughter this week.  According to the Sun Gazette, the committee will consider a reappointment of a five-year term for Kent Trachte, and a new appointment ending in December 2028 for Katie deSilva who is a retired Clinton County Planner with a history of water and sewer authority experience.  Mayor Slaughter noted that one position is still open on the authority that he will consider presenting a new candidate to the committee soon.

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR DCNR CONSERVATION GRANTS

Applications for Department of Conservation and Natural Resources conservation, recreation, trail and buffer grants are being accepted from eligible parties until April 5^th according to a press release from Senator Gene Yaw.  Yaw says over the past 20 years, the Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) has funded over 4,000 projects that have helped, plan and develop parks, recreation facilities, trails, and conserved critical conservation areas and watersheds. Links to online tutorials about the application process are available at dcnr.pa.gov.  Part of the source of the federal funding comes from Pennsylvania’s natural gas impact fee.

K9 OFFICER IN WATSONTOWN RETIRES

Canine Mariska,  a member of the Watsontown Police Department and 6 year old Belgian Malinois retired  last week after serving as part of the canine unit there since 2019.  According to North Central PA dot com, the canine program was started in 2017 in response to a growing drug epidemic in Northumberland County.  Mariska’s handler, Sergeant Timothy A. Kiefaber, said after over 77 duty deployments as a single-purpose narcotics dog, and over 28 public demonstrations for schools, civic groups, and churches, Mariska can retire with a forever spot as a member of his family now.  Her care and feeding will be provided by monetary donations to the Police K9 Project.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4
Boys Basketball
South Williamsport 67 Northumberland Christian 53 
Athens  63                   Sayre 53
Girls Basketball
Jersey Shore 43           Mifflinburg 24
Montoursville 53         Northumberland Christian 40
Mount Carmel 35        Lewisburg 31
Bloomsburg 62            Southern Columbia 50

NBA
76ers 105            Trailblazers 95
Bulls 126            Pistons 108
Celtics 121          Warriors 118
Timberwolves 128  Raptors 126
Suns 117             Nets 112

NHL
Blackhawks 4               Flyers 1
Hurricanes 5                 Wild 2
Ducks 5                        Blue Jackets 3
Panthers 6                     Canadiens 2
Bruins 3                        Rangers 1
Maple Leafs 4              Jets 1
Sabers 3                       Islanders 2
Blues 5                          Predators 2
Capitals 4                     Coyotes 0
Oilers 5                         Lightning 3
Kraken 4                       Devils 3
Red Wings 3       Golden Knights 2  
Stars 4                           Kings 0

NCAA Men’s Basketball
Purdue 61                     Minnesota 39  
UCLA 74                      Arizona State 62
Loyola Marymount 68  Gonzaga 67 – Stopping  Gonzaga’s 76 game home-winning streak 
Arizona 81                    USC 66
Charleston 69               Monmouth 55
Michigan State 70       Rutgers 57
Florida Atlantic 83      UTSA 64

WILLIAMSPORT MAN FACES ASSAULT CHARGES

A Williamsport man who police say punched another man in the face last July on Maynard Street is facing simple assault and harassment charges, but failed to appear for a preliminary hearing.  According to the Sun Gazette, 30 year old Deandre Bently and William Overbay got into an argument after a traffic incident during which Bently allegedly punched Overbay and fled before police arrived at the scene.  A warrant for Bently’s arrest is expected to be issued in District Court. 

NORTHUMBERLAND MAN PUSHED WOMAN OUT OF MOVING CAR

A man who pushed a woman out of a moving car is being charged in Northumberland County court.  According to Northumberland Police, 25 year old Issac Tylor of Northumberland was taken into custody Friday after he allegedly picked up the victim while intoxicated and drove at a high rate of speed through the borough January 2^nd.  Police say Tyler wouldn’t let the woman out of the car at first but then pushed her out.  He faces charges of unlawful restraint, making terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person, and false imprisonment.

SOUTHSIDE WILL ENFORCE PROPERTY CODE VIOLATIONS

South Williamsport borough Council authorized a way to enforce property maintenance codes last week and will utilize the manpower of the  Susquehanna Mutual Aid Regional Team or SMART, to identify code violations across the three wards and give notice to responsible parties to correct the violations; which could include high grass, accumulated trash, broken windows or structural issues of homes.  SMART was created in 2022 to coordinate costs for fire and emergency medical response with the South Williamsport Fire Department.  No additional compensation will be given to the five SMART members for the anticipated daily patrols in the borough.

WATCH INAUGURATION OF GOVERNOR SHAPIRO

A live stream of the inauguration of Governor Elect Josh Shapiro will be available today beginning at 10am on the Pennsylvania Cable Network.  According to the Daily Item the celebration for the 48^th Governor of Pennsylvania will include Lincoln University Choir, the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Choir, the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus, and the Hazleton Area High School Marching Cougars.  The transition of power from the Wolf Administration marks the first time Democrats held the office for three consecutive terms in the party’s modern history.  https://pacast.com/live/gov.

INMATE ASSAULTS OFFICER, FACES NEW CHARGES

A Sunbury woman who is incarcerated at SCI-Muncy faces new charges after police allege she threw coffee in the face of an officer and punched him last October.  According to the Sun Gazette, during the incident, another officer attempted to get control of 37 year old Sheila Lee Ramos, when she bit him.  In addition to her original charges, she also faces two counts of felony aggravated assault and will remain in jail in lieu of 50 thousand more dollars bail. 

NEW YORK MAN SENTERNCED IN BRADFORD COUNTY COURT

A man from Owego New York who was arrested with large quantities of drugs at a Sayre, Pennsylvania hotel in January of 2022 was sentenced in Bradford County Court last Thursday after pleading guilty to the crimes in November.  According to North Central PA dot com,  police say 36 year old Tuan Vo and a female companion were found with fentanyl and methamphetamine at the Best Western last year and taken into custody by the Sayre Borough Police Department and the Bradford County Drug Task Force.  Vo was given a 17 to 36 year sentence and is not eligible for the Recidivism Risk Reduction Incentive program.

CENTURY FARM NAMED IN MONTOUR COUNTY

Eight Pennsylvania Farms, including one in Montour County, were named as Century Farms by the State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding last Friday at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.  According to the Daily Item, the Danville farm of Curtis and Stephanie Bower that had been established in 1861 qualifies for the recognition and embodies the theme of this year’s Farm Show, “Rooted in Progress”.  A Century Farm is owned by the same family for at least 100 years, with a family member living there, with at least 10 acres of the original holding maintained , or gross more than $1,000 annually from products cultivated there.  The Century Farm program, started in 1977 and recognizes more than 23 hundred farms across PA.

FREE ADMISSION TO DREAM WEEK BASKETBALL GAME AT LHU

It’s free admission at the Bald Eagles basketball game at Lock Haven University tomorrow night for a Community Night Event in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day this week. Both the men’s and women’s LHU basketball teams and others will participate in a Day of Service including visiting local schools to interact with area school-aged children.  Albert Jones, chief officer of diversity, equity and inclusion at Lock Haven University said the engagement between student-athletes and community members enriches relationships and networks in a positive way.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4
Boys Basketball
North Penn-Mansfield 60   Sayre 30
Loyalsock 72                                    Montoursville 49
North Penn-Liberty 53        Cowanesque Val. 27
Warrior Run 59                    Jersey Shore 57
Shamokin 52                         Troy 41
Montgomery 60                    CMVT 36
Marian Catholic 60              S. Columbia 52

Girls Basketball
Williamsport 48                   Towanda 34
Canton 17                              Montgomery 11
Northwest 59                                    Wyalusing 23
Northern Potter 44               Galeton 16
Marian Catholic 59              Lourdes Regional 38

NFL Monday Night Football
Cowboys 31 Buccaneers 14
Saturday, January 21

AFC:    4:30 PM Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs NBC

NFC:    8:15 PM New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles FOX

Sunday, January 22

AFC:    3:00 PM Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Bills CBS

NFC:    6:30 PM Dallas at San Francisco 49ers FOX

NBA
Celtics 130          Hornets 118
Pacers 119          Bucks 132
Cavaliers 113     Pelicans 103
Raptors 123        Knicks 121
Warriors 127      Wizards 118 
Hawks 121          Heat 113
Jazz 126              Timberwolves 125
Grizzlies 136      Suns 106
Lakers 140          Rockets 132


NHL
Bruins 6              Flyers 0
Penguins 4          Ducks 3
Panthers 4           Sabres 1
Avalanche 6        Red Wings 3
Devils 4               Sharks 3
Lightning 4         Kraken 1
Stars 4                 Golden Knights 0
Rangers 3            Blue Jackets 1
Capitals 4            Islanders 3
Predators 2          Flames 1 
Blues 2                Senators 1
NCAA  Men’s Basketball
Purdue 64           Michigan State 63
Miami 82            Syracuse 78
Charleston 82     William & Mary 54
Florida Atlantic 76 Western Kentucky 62

MONTOUR TOWNSHIP HOME BURNS TO THE GROUND

A home in Montour Township burned to the ground yesterday morning before volunteer firefighters could get water up a steep hill to extinguish it. According to the Press Enterprise, crews from Buckhorn, Catawissa and Bloomsburg were first called at about 4am to the home at 86 Harp Lane along a winding Road off Hollow Road in Rupert. Firefighters from other companies were forced to ferry water to a portable pond from the Catawissa boat club until they finally charged the lines to get to the top of the hill, by that time the home was down to ashes. Police say Route 42 from Train Street to Grovenia Avenue was closed yesterday morning from 5 to 7am. Mahoning Township, Espy, Lightstreet, Riverside and Danville also assisted with the blaze.  The home had been on the real estate market for about 3 months, there were no reports of injuries.

FATAL ACCIDENT IN LOCK HAVEN FOR BLANCHARD MAN

A 28 year old Blanchard man suffered fatal injuries last weekend in an accident along Railroad Street in Liberty Township.  According to the Lock Haven Express, Levi Confer hit two trees after going off the roadway at a high rate of speed in his Saturn Ion at about 2am.  State police at Lamar say Confer was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and his vehicle sustained total damage.  Confer was a member of #824 Laborer’s Union in Bellefonte and had attended Central Mountain High School.

WILLIAMSPORT WOMAN TO APPEAR ON JEOPARDY TONIGHT

A local woman who has been taking the “Jeopardy!” online test for years to become a contestant, will have a chance to win on the show tonight.  According to the Sun Gazette, Brenda Crowell from Williamsport, who can’t talk yet about the results of the show that was taped back in November, says it was a once in a lifetime experience.  Crowell said she had been taking the online test since it had been made available and just last year got picked for an audition and chosen for the show.    Crowell competes on Jeopardy tonight at 7:30 on WBRE.

DREAM WEEK 2023 INCLUDES NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE

Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service is coming up Monday January 16^th and Dream Week 2023 will officially start tomorrow night with a meal and service provided by United Churches of Lycoming County at Sojourner Truth Ministries, 501 High Street, Williamsport.  There will be opportunities on the Penn College and Lycoming College campuses to perform acts of Service and The STEP AmeriCorps will be coordinating their Peace Walk, starting at noon at the Jackie Robinson statue at the corner of Third and Market Streets in Williamsport with a few words from Dr. Nate Woods of Penn College.  More information at pct.edu or Lycoming .edu

NORTHUMBERLAND MAN JAILED FOR THREATS

A man from Northumberland who police say threatened a woman by saying he would shoot her like the woman who had been shot by her ex-boyfriend in Danville on January 3^rd  is in custody.  According to North Central PA dot com, court records show 28 year old Christopher Ward faces charges of terroristic threats and harassment when he called his victim over 60 times and threatened to kill her, sending her pictures of handguns.  Ward is in the Northumberland County jail in lieu of 45 thousand dollars bail with a preliminary  hearing January 17^th.

UPMC TO BOOST MINIMUM WAGE FOR NEW EMPLOYEES

As the largest employer in Lycoming County, UPMC has announced they are planning to increase minimum wage for entry-level positions to $18 dollars an hour by January 2025.  According to the Sun Gazette, officials at a press briefing at UPMC Pittsburgh said the wage increase will help with nurse to patient ratios and they say along with their benefits package, UPMC employees receive an equivalent of $27 per hour.  The wage increases affect UPMC Williamsport, Lock Haven, Coudersport Cole Memorial, Muncy and Wellsboro. Ninety-five thousand employees work at UPMC across all their  facilities. 

PARKING ORDINANCE SET IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

An ordinance has been passed in Loyalsock Township that will allow enforcement of the parking ban on Warren Avenue and portions of Pennsylvania Avenue.  According to the Sun Gazette, the signs have been in place for years, but an official ordinance has never been in place.  Now, if there are issues about parking in these areas, there is a way for it to be legally enforced.  The proposed ordinance was reviewed by the township solicitor, Michael Wiley.

DAIRY CHARITY MAKES GOAL AFTER FARM SHOW DONATIONS

The joint venture between the PA Dairymen’s Association, American Dairy Association North East and Feeding Pennsylvania, known as Fill A Glass with Hope is celebrating at the PA Farm Show this week after a series of local and corporate donations totaling over 201 thousand dollars has helped them achieve a record goal.  According to North Central PA dot com, the Fill A Glass with Hope program raises funds that let food banks purchase fresh milk from local dairy processors at a reduced price.  You can help provide fresh dairy products to PA families in need by donating at the Feeding Pennsylvania website or making a donation this week at any PA Dairymen milkshake booth at the Expo Center at the Farm Show in Harrisburg.

SPORTS

NBA
Thunder 133                  76ers 114
Celtics 109                    Nets 98
Heat 108                        Bucks 102
Raptors 124                   Hornets 114
Mavericks 119              Lakers 115 2OT
Cavaliers 119                Trailblazers 113

NHL
Kraken 3                        Bruins 0
Jets 4                             Sabres 2
Hurricane 6                   Blue Jackets 2
Red Wings 4                 Maple Leafs 1
Canadiens 4                   Predators 3
Rangers 2                      Stars 1
Lightning 5                   Canucks 4
Wild 3                           Islanders 1
Flames 4                        Blues 1
Blackhawks 3                Avalanche 2
Senators 5                     Coyotes 3
Golden Knights 4          Panthers 2

NCAA Men’s Basketball
UCLA over Utah 68-49
Gonzaga beat BYU 75-74
Arizona over Oregon State 86-74

NFL
Saturday, January 14

 4:30 PM Seattle @ San Francisco FOX

 8:15 PM LA Chargers@ Jacksonville NBC

Sunday, January 15

1:00 PM Miami @ Buffalo CBS
4:30 PM NY Giants @  Minnesota FOX
8:15 PM  Baltimore @ Cincinnati NBC
Monday, January 16

8:15 PM Dallas @ Tampa Bay ABC