BIG SNOW ON THE WAY

The area is bracing for an accumulation of snow through Friday with the National weather service in State College calling for up to 8 inches of snow in the region expanding northeast over Williamsport.  Travel is expected to be most affected for the Thursday morning and afternoon commutes with the most intense snow seen in the region Thursday afternoon.  PennDOT is preparing for the storm by pre-treating roadways with salt-brine and plan to be out and in place the entire time snow is falling.  High temperatures are only expected to reach 34 degrees Thursday with wind gusts expected up to 25 miles per hour.

HAND COUNT OF TWO 2020 ELECTION CONTESTS APPROVED

Rules for a hand count of the two statewide election contests from 2020 have been approved by the Lycoming County Board of Elections.  According to the Sun Gazette, the director of voter services Forrest Lehman suggested several guidelines to the board about supervision of the process and which contests would be counted.  These were then approved in a split decision 2-1, with Commissioner Rick Mirabito voting against.  The official date for the hand count of the 202 Presidential and Auditor General contests will be between January 9^th and 31^st. Further discussion of more details will be at the next Lycoming County Election Board meeting.

HUGHESVILLE TO RAISE REAL ESTATE TAX

Noting inflation and higher overall costs for services, the Hughesville borough Council this week approved a real estate tax increase for the first time in 12 years.  According to the Sun Gazette, a .25 tax millage hike to 5.25 mills, will be imposed on property owners, which will add 25 dollars to homeowners’ tax bill for each 100 thousand dollars of assessed property value.  The 2022 budget came in about 62 thousand dollars over the 1.06 million dollar spending plan that was approved by the council.  Tax revenues are expected to bring in just over 440 thousand dollars.

GAME COMMISSION SURVEY RESULTS

According to information gathered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, hunters have adjusted to the change in traditionally starting deer season to the Saturday after Thanksgiving rather than the Monday after Thanksgiving.  Sixty percent of Pennsylvania deer hunters surveyed by the Game Commission strongly or moderately support opening day of the regular firearms deer season on Saturday, compared to 27% who strongly or moderately oppose it – with many citing tradition as their reason. In the PGC annual report from the 2021 deer season the harvest was larger at 435 thousand deer compared to 375 thousand deer in the 2018-19 season. 

MORE CHARGES FOR WILLIAMSPORT BLOW MOLD THIEF

The South Williamsport woman originally charged December 1^st by Old Lycoming Police after they discovered she had allegedly stolen holiday blow mold decorations from neighborhoods around Williamsport has had more charges filed against her.  According to North Central PA dot com, 40 year old  Lane E. Sarcinella was charged yesterday for another theft of decorations worth about 450 dollars from a Jamison Street yard in Linden.  Sarcinella and 34 year old Christopher Fraunfelter, her partner in crime who allegedly also stole decorations earlier this month and faces charges by the Williamsport City Police, were turned in by a person who realized they had bought stolen property and called police leading to an investigation and arrest of the pair.

PENNSYLVANIANS ENCOURAGED TO CARRY NAXALONE

The acting Pennsylvania Physician General spoke yesterday at an event in Hershey, PA to raise awareness on the opioid epidemic, encouraging pharmacies to get prepared to help people suffering from overdoses by allowing access to Naxalone whether a person has a prescription or not.   According to CBS Philadelphia Dr Denise Johnson said all Pennsylvanians are encouraged to carry Naxalone since there no telling when someone you come in contact with may need it.  Any resident of Pennsylvania can get the anti-opioid drug for free online at nextdistro.org.

PENN COLLEGE ANNOUNCES FALL COMMENCEMENT

Pennsylvania College of Technology will hold a commencement ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Community Arts Center for the almost 300 students who have petitioned to graduate after the Fall semester of 2022.  Maci Nicole Ilgen who is a Dean’s List student being awarded a Bachelor of Science in nursing, will be the student speaker.  The college will also present an Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award to Anthony J. Peachey of Construction Specialties in Muncy. Penn College President Michael J. Reed along with board member Steven P. Johnson will confer degrees and certificates upon the graduates.

SPORTS

PIAA District IV
Boys Basketball
Montoursville 66           Shikellamy 54
Line Mountain 70                    Upper Dauphin 46
Central Mountain 77     Mifflinburg 69

Girls Basketball
Mount Carmel 48                    Shikellamy 31
Mifflinburg 46               Central Mountain 38
Athens 52                      North Penn-Liberty 30
South Williamsport 61 Montgomery 3
Hazleton Area 50                    Williamsport 30

Wrestling
Montoursville 53           Hughesville 12
Milton 51                       Mifflinburg 17
Shikellamy 39                Montgomery 30
Jersey Shore 40             Sugar Valley Rural Charter 15
Muncy 39                      South Williamsport 36

NHL
Avalanche 3        Flyers 2
Bruins 4              Islanders 3
Sabers 6              Kings 0
Hurricanes 1       Red Wings 0
Panthers 4           Blue Jackets 0
Stars 4                 Devils 1
Lightning 6         Kraken 2  
Maple Leaf 7      Ducks 0
Oilers 6               Predators 3
Golden Knights 6 Jets 5
Capitols 7           Black Hawks 3
Sharks 3              Coyotes 2

NBA
76ers 123            Kings 103
Bucks 128           Warriors 111
Rockets 111        Suns 97
Jazz 121              Pelicans 100
Celtics 122          Lakers 118

NFL Thursday Night Football
San Francisco @ Seattle 8:15 Prime Video

2022 World Cup Semifinal
Argentina defeated Croatia in a 3-0 victory
France & Morroco have their semifinal today at 2pm eastern

FATAL ACCIDENT IN LAMAR TOWNSHIP

There was a fatal accident Thursday that claimed the life of a Mill Hall man and injured another.  According to the Record online, state police say a vehicle crash along Route 64 in Lamar Township caused 20 year old Jayden M. Eisenhower to be ejected from the car.  His passenger, 21 year old, Gavin R. Rafter, also from Mill Hall, survived the accident but  was transported to UPMC Williamsport around  9:53 with serious injuries.  Police said Eisenhower lost control at a high rate of speed in his 2002 Honda Civic northbound on Route 64.  The vehicle occupants were not wearing seatbelts.

FIRST READING OF WILLIAMSPORT BUDGET APPROVED

After a first-reading of the proposed 31 million dollar budget for 2023, Williamsport City Council approved it with a no-tax increase last week in a 6-1 vote.  According to the Sun Gazette, Councilwoman Liz Miele, chairwoman of the finance committee, voted against it to avoid a more drastic millage increase in 2024. Revenues for 2023 in the general fund are 24.8 million with expenditures at 27.6 million.  A second reading of the proposed 2023 budget is set for this Thursday at 7pm.

INVESTIGATION INTO RACIST VIDEOS FOLLWING FOOTBALL WIN

The Pittsburgh Public School District has asked the PIAA to investigate racist  banners and Tik Tok videos made by players after Southern Columbia won the state championship Friday.  There are also questions about a pep rally in Ralpho Township before the game, which showed in videos, signs shown that could be interpreted as racist. The Southern Columbia Area School District released a statement on Facebook decrying any racism or  harassment saying the matter was under investigation.

UNION COUNTY COURTHOUSE REDEDICATED

Northumberland County leaders re-dedicated the 157 year-old County Courthouse in a ceremony Friday following the conclusion of its $4.7 million renovation project. The courthouse at 201 Market Street in Sunbury, first heald court hearings August 6, 1866. According to The Daily Item, the building was officially positioned on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. According to county leaders, the work continues as the next phase, the illumination of the clock tower – that proposal will head to state for approval in the spring.

WOMAN WHO SLAMMED LITTLE LEAGUE MUSEUM REMAINS JAILED

The Williamsport woman charged with slamming her minivan into the World of Little League Museum in July remains in jail today.  According to Penn Live, the defense for Theresa Robinson Salazar argued against her attempted homicide and aggravated assault charges.  However, a Lycoming County judge determined there was still concern about the safety of the community with Salzar at large and rejected the defense’s argument.  Lycoming County District Judge Gary Whiteman did not set bail for Salazar, who remains incarcerated.

COUPLE CHARGED WITH ENDANGERMENT

A couple in Williamsport faces charges of endangering the welfare of children after being in possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia when officers were called to their apartment last Wednesday.  According to the Sun Gazette, a landlord called police after hearing screaming children in the apartment of 43 year old Lawrence Weaver and 42 year old Dina Kuns at about 5:40pm.  When officers arrived they found marijuana and paraphernalia within reach of a 5 and 2 year old and arrested the two. Weaver and  Kuns were arraigned and each released on 25 thousand dollars bail.

WILLIAMPSORT SETTLES CIVIL SUIT

A Harrisburg man has been awarded 50 thousand dollars in a settlement against a Williamsport Bureau of Police Officer.  According to the Sun Gazette, in the federal civil suit, the Harrisburg man alleged he was harassed and then handcuffed without cause during an incident in July of 2021. Keith Anderson used a mediator to reach the settlement without the defendant, Patrolman Clinton J. Gardner, admitting liability. Charter Oak Fire Insurance Company will pay the $50,000 according to terms of the settlement.

BROADBAND SERVICE POSSIBILITIES IN UNION COUNTY

Union County Commissioners are hoping to get broadband Internet service where it is either non-existent or barely there.  According to the Daily Item, commissioners asking residents to report on their website so they can apply for funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. According to Commissioner Stacy Richards, billions of dollars are invested in internet service around the country and Union County should also get a share of it.  You can participate and verify your address at unioncountypa.org until January 13^th.

SPORTS

NFL Sunday
Eagles 48             Giants  22 (Officially punching the Eagles’ ticket to the postseason)
Cowboys 27         Texans  23
Ravens 16            Steelers 14
Bills 20                Jets 12
Bengals 23         Browns 10
Lions 34               Vikings 23
Chiefs 34             Broncos 28
49’ers  35             Buccaneers 7
Panthers 30          Seahawks 24
Chargers 23         Dolphins 17

NFL Monday Night football
Patriots play the Cardinals in Arizona 8:15 PM on ESPN

NHL
Coyotes 5             Flyers 4 /OT
Avalanche 3         Blues 2 /OT
Blue Jackets 6     Kings 5 /OT
Kracken 5            Panthers 2
Capitals 5            Jets 2
Bruins 3               Golden Knights 1
NBA
76ers 131             Hornets 113
Pelicans 129        Suns 124 /OT
Lakers 124                    Pistons 117
Knicks 112          Kings 99
Magic 111           Raptors 99
Hawks 123                    Bulls 122
Rockets 97                    Bucks 92

NCAA Football News
USC quarterback Caleb Williams was the Heisman Trophy winner from Saturday

Army 20  Navy 17

PI-AA Class 2A State Championship
Southern Columbia defeated Westinghouse  37-22 Friday afternoon to claim a record sixth consecutive state championship at Cumberland Valley HS

RIVER VALLEY TRANSIT AUTHORITY UNDER INVESTIGATION

An investigation is open in Williamsport about the handling of federal funding within River Valley Transit Authority.  According to the Sun Gazette, Mayor Derek Slaughter said the Federal Transit Administration has hired a contractor to perform a special review to look at grant agreements and examine checks and balances that were or were not in place.  A review team will next meet with Mayor Slaughter and interim General Manager of RVTA, Todd Wright to complete a Financial Management Oversight Special Review.  In a previous audit from 2019, the bus system came out 11 million dollars in debt, with auditors unable to determine what funds were appropriately related to RVTA.

LYCO COMMISSIONERS WILL APPEAL LATEST COURT RULING

The Lycoming County Commissioners announced at their meeting yesterday that they will appeal the latest court ruling that put the functions of payroll, general ledger and accounts receivable back into the hands of the county controller, Krista Rodgers.  According to the Sun Gazette, Commissioners Rick Mirabito and Tony Mussare, continue to seek clarity of the fiscal functions. Commissioner Scott Metzger stated he would prefer to avoid the legal cost. All three commissioners in a statement said that the new appeal only seeks to make sure they are properly handling the financial affairs of the county which is their duty by statute.

MONTOURSVILLE RE-ELECTS PRESIDENT, HIRES SECURITY CAPTAIN

In their annual reorganization meeting this week, the Montoursville Area School District decided on the hire of a security captain, and re-elected the current president and vice president of the school board.  According to the Sun Gazette, Dave Shimmel who represents the borough, is President and Dottie Mathers, who represents Fairfield and Upper Fairfield Townships is Vice President.  New security captain, LaRue Stelene, originally from Nisbet and a former State police trooper, said his military background and supervisory experience makes him a good fit for the job that will pay 56 thousand dollars per year.  Regular school board meetings at Montoursville will continue on the second Tuesdays of the month at 7 p.m. except in December.

DROUGHT LIFTED FOR LYCOMING COUNTY AND 14 OTHERS

At a meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force, The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced that drought watch conditions have been lifted for 15 counties including Lycoming, Northumberland, Montour, Snyder and Union counties that had been watching their water consumption, but the watch still remains for Carbon, Luzerne, Northampton, Potter, and Schuylkill counties.  Drought watch means  consumers are asked to reduce their individual water use by 5-10%, or three to six gallons of water per day.

FORMER MOUNT CARMEL FOOTBALL PLAYERS CHARGED WITH HAZING

The Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania has charged nine former area high school football players for a hazing incident that occurred in 2020.  According to North Central PA dot com, court records say in two incidents, football players from Mount Carmel were at the football captain’s house to watch football game footage and burned new players with sticks and fireworks as part of what they said was an informal initiation.  Reed Witowski, Damon Dowkus and a third captain who was a juvenile at the time, have each been charged with hazing, simple assault, and intimidation of a victim.  Six players on the team have also been charged with hazing.

DRIVER FLEES FROM VIOLENT WRECK

Police say a person who was involved in a vehicle accident Wednesday night at the 600 block of Beeber Street in Williamsport, fled the scene and is still at large.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say just after 7pm  the driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee hit a parked Nissan Sentra and overturned creating a loud noise that caused neighbors to think a nearby building had been hit.  The Jeep hit the parked car with such force it was pushed 35 feet.  Fire and ambulance crews responded to the scene, but no injuries were reported.  If you have information about the driver of the Jeep, call Williamsport police.

MONTOUR COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH 84 GRAMS OF COCAINE

A Washingtonville man has been arrested for having 84 grams of cocaine in his apartment after a family member in the home called police about it.  According to NorthCentral PA dot com, State Police in Milton were called to an apartment November 10^th and shown the bag of the suspected drug sticking out from a bathroom cabinet.  Police say once the substance was tested, it was determined to be cocaine.  An arrest warrant was issued for 45 year old Jeremy Michael Simmons who faces felony possession charges with intent to deliver and a misdemeanor possession charge.  Charges were filed against Simmons December 1^st.

NORTH BRANCH NOMINATED FOR RIVER OF THE YEAR

The North Branch of the Susquehanna River is one of four finalists for 2023 Pennsylvania River of the Year recognition.  According to the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper, other finalists include the Conestoga River, a tributary in the Lower Susquehanna watershed, and both the Schuylkill River and Perkiomen Creek from the Delaware River basin. Recognition from a River of the Year win for the North Branch would help partnering agencies tackle a number of issues for the waterway, including excessive sedimentation.   One vote is allowed per email between now and 5pm on January 14^th .  Learn more about each of the 2023 River of the Year finalists at Pawatersheds.org.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Boys Basketball
Northumberland Christian 71       Hughesville 68
Selinsgrove 53                                Bellefonte 49

PIAA 2A Football Championship Today
Southern Columbia vs. Westinghouse
1pm Mechanicsburg, PA

NCAA Football Saturday
Army / Navy game  3 PM on CBS

NFL Thursday Night Football
Rams 17              Raiders 16
NFL this weekend
Eagles vs. Giants, Ravens vs Pittsburgh 1 PM on Sunday

NHL
Lightning 5                   Predators 2
Maple Leafs 5              Kings 0
Panthers 5                     Red Wings 1
Jets 5                             Blues 2
Stars 4                           Senators 3

NBA
Heat 115                       Clippers 110
Spurs 118                     Rockets 109
Nuggets 121                 Trailblazers 120

LOYALSOCK MIDDLE STUDENT THREATENS SCHOOL

Police are reporting that a Loyalsock Township middle school student allegedly threatened to shoot up the school and is facing criminal charges.  According to North Central PA dot com, a statement was issued by Superintendent Jerry McLaughlin that several students had reported that a student was saying they would bring a gun to school today.  McLaughlin said the threat is no longer a problem after the state police were contacted and took action Monday night, removing the student from the school community.  Security will be increased at the school this week according to authorities, but they are confident there is no continuing threat to students or staff.  Charges are pending for the suspect. 

CANADIAN WOMAN INJURED IN ROUTE 15 CRASH

Trout Run firefighters and other emergency personnel responded to a crash yesterday morning around 10:30am.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say a woman from Ontario Canada was driving a Ford Focus and went off the Route 15 for an unknown reason about two miles south of the Trout Run Exit.  State Police say the unidentified woman struck the embankment and overturned in her vehicle.  She was transported by ambulance to UPMC Williamsport where there has not been a report about her condition today.

JUDGE: LYCO COMMISSIONERS USURPED AUTHORITY

The Lycoming County Commissioners may decide to appeal a second ruling by a visiting Potter County Senior Judge, after he found for a second time that the commissioners overstepped authority by transferring Office of Budget and Finance functions of the elected controller into their office when they were dissatisfied with the work.  According to Penn Live, Judge John B. Leete ruled that the commissioners’ actions were improper and in derogation of various provisions of the County Code.  Pending a potential appeal, the court ruled that the commissioners must return all ledgers, accounts, payroll and related documents along with the employees to Krista Rogers, the county’s controller, whose legal fees will also be provided by the county.

BIRDERS ASKED TO COUNT THIS WINTER

Wellsboro birders are looking for help from you this year.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Tiadaghton Audubon Society wants citizens help with two Christmas Bird Counts this winter.  The Cowanesque Circle bird count on Saturday, Dec. 17, and the Wellsboro-Mansfield Circle bird count on Sunday, January 1.  You can register to count birds on your property or go on the road and count no later than Monday, December 12, for the December 17th Count and by Monday, December 26, for the January 1st Count.  Email for information; [email protected] or call 570-948-9052.

AMBULANCE CREW CALLS POLICE AFTER PATIENT BROKE HIS RESTRAINTS

A patient broke through restraints and became aggressive with emergency personnel last week, forcing the ambulance crew to pull over and call police.  According to North Central PA dot com, a relative called 911 after 55 year old Thomas Paul Charmley of Eagles Mere was feared to have had a stroke.  Police said Charmley was initially calm inside the ambulance but became more aggressive before transport.  He has been charged with first-degree felony aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct and is in the Columbia County Prison in lieu of 25 thousand dollars monetary bail.

MAN ARRESTED FOR TRESPASSING IN GROCERY STORE

A man who broke into a local grocery store in August has been charged in an affidavit this week by Old Lycoming Township Police.  According to the Sun Gazette, Brian Richard Jacobs allegedly pried open the automatic doors of the Weis on Lycoming Creek Road before the store opened after 4:30am, going to the employee lounge, attempting to take a jacket and then standing in the aisles before employees called 911.  Police say Jacobs of Cogan Station may have been under the influence was taken to UPMC Williamsport for evaluation.  Jacobs charges included felony trespassing, attempted theft, and public drunkenness..  He was released on 15 thousand dollars bail.

LIMITED TIME MILKSHAKE FLAVOR FEATURED FOR FARM SHOW

The farm show is coming again January 7^th, and the famous PA Dairymen milkshakes may be on your mind, but according to Penn Live, there is a new flavor coming to the 2023 event to think about.  A new limited edition orange cream flavor milkshake will be included with the regular vanilla and chocolate flavors.  The Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association are also offering a free milkshake to the first 50 people in line at the show this year. The 2023 Farm Show runs January 7-14 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg.

CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING IN PA

Gov. Tom Wolf and First Lady Frances Wolf held the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony last night at the state Capitol.  The Central Dauphin High School Choir performed during the ceremony to celebrate the lighting of the 20-foot-tall tree from Carbon County. The tree is decorated with more than 900 LED lights and more than 700 handmade ornaments.  The ornaments were donated by students and seniors throughout the commonwealth coordinated by Pre-K for PA and the Department of Aging. This will be the last tree lighting overseen by Gov. Wolf and First Lady Frances Wolf, as Governor-elect Josh Shapiro is set to take office.

SPORTS

NFL Monday Night Football
Buccaneers 17              Saints 16

NHL
Golden Knights 4        Bruins 3
Rangers 6                      Blues 4
Flyers 5                         Avalanche 3
Capitals 3                     Oilers 2
Flames 3                       Coyotes 2  
Canucks 7                     Canadiens 6

NBA
Clippers 119       Hornets 117
Bucks 109           Magic 102
Thunder 121       Hawks 114
Celtics 116          Raptors 110
Rockets 132        76ers 123
Grizzlies 101      Heat 93
Mavericks 130   Suns 111
Pacers 112          Warriors 104

NCAA Football
Heisman Trophy finalists have been announced… all are quarterbacks … Stetson Bennett of Georgia, Max Duggan of TCU, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud and Caleb Williams of USC.  The winner will be announced this Saturday night at 8pm on ESPN

NCAA Basketball News
Bucknell University has announced that Jay Wright ’83 — a former CBS Sports college basketball analyst and Villanova basketball coach who took the team to two NCAA championships and four Final Fours — will deliver the keynote address at Bucknell University’s 173rd Commencement on Sunday, May 14, 2023.  Wright was a member of the Bucknell men’s basketball team before graduating in 1983 with degrees in economics and sociology. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.

MLB NEWS
 Shortstop Trea Turner and the Philadelphia Phillies agreed on an 11-year, $300 million contract Monday. The deal, which includes a full no-trade clause and no deferred money, ties Turner to the Phillies through the 2033 season and is the 10th $300 million-plus contract in baseball history.

SPORS

MORE DETAILS ON TUESDAY’S I-180 CRASH

Nine passengers traveling in a van on I-180 near Montoursville were injured Tuesday evening when they collided with a tractor trailer, causing the shut down of the east bound lanes of the interstate for five hours.  According to the Sun Gazette, the driver of the van and his wife, Richard and Mary Spoonire, and one passenger,  76 year old Omar Peachey were extricated from the wreckage and admitted to intensive care at UPMC Williamsport. Six other Amish passengers from Belleville in Mifflin County were treated at area hospitals.  Police who reconstructed the accident say the Spoonires were driving the van and attempting to use the emergency crossover lane in Montoursville to turn around in front of the driver of the tractor trailer, Kody Musser of Lancaster County, who police credited for evading a further tragedy and hit the guide wires of the left side of 180 instead.  Musser was not injured. The interstate reopened around 3am Wednesday morning.

UNITYVILLE MAN THREATENS FAMILY

A Unityville man is in custody for two sets of charges, most recently for firing a shotgun from the window of a moving truck near a residence and for threatening to blow up his ex-wife’s home on November 16^th , threatening his sister and suggesting he was the next “Brian Taylor”, the man who had, in the weeks prior, shot his wife, sister, a friend and himself in a mass shooting.  According to Penn Live, 43 year old Nathan Allen Minier also faces charges for not relinquishing firearms in the most recent case, after two protection from abuse orders were filed against him.  His preliminary hearing is Friday and he is incarcerated in lieu of 260 thousand dollars bail.

PA VEHICLE CODE MORE STRICT ON DUI OFFENDERS

A new Pennsylvania law will make the penalties for certain DUI offenses more stringent, a move to protect all drivers by requiring consecutive sentencing for certain repeat DUI offenders, and imposing an 18-month driving privilege suspension for a DUI conviction graded as a felony of the second degree.  Act 59 of 2022 – referred to as “Deana’s Law” –amends the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code.   According to officials at PennDOT, the new legislation also provides for sentencing enhancement in cases where an individual has four or more prior DUI offenses. 

WILLIAMSPORT FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS THIS FRIDAY

The City of Williamsport invites you to the  Annual Festival of Lights in Brandon Park this Friday beginning at 5pm!  Mayor Derek Slaughter and Santa Claus will flip the switch to illuminate thousands of twinkling lights throughout the park. E njoy entertainment on the Dr. Kenneth Cooper Stage showcasing Milissa Augustine Dance Academy, Penn College Wildcat Dance Team, and a Disney Character meet and Greet in the park!  The Master of Ceremonies will be our own Jake Michaels from Backyard Broadcasting. Come kick off  the Christmas Season in Brandon Park!

SUSPECT BROKE INTO VICTIM’S HOUSE

A Williamsport man was arrested after he crawled through a window to confront a victim last month.  According to North Cetnral PA dot com, 31 year old Sha’had Lee Harris fled from the scene after pinning down the resident in the apartment where he broke in and screaming in her face before she asked a person on the other end of her phone to call police.  According ot police there was a histody of domestic abuse between the accuser and the accused.  Harris was charged with second degree criminal trespassing and other charges.  He posted 25 thousand dollars unsecured bail with a preliminary hearing December 5^th.

WILLIAMSPORT MAN ACCUSED OF USING STOLEN CREDIT CARD

A Williamsport man was arrested for allegedly stealing an acquaintance’s credit card and using it at a video game store in December of 2021 .  According to North Central PA dot com, 23 year old Kyseer Aziz Wright, was accused of taking the card of a person he had met on the Grinder app in 2021, who shortly after got messages from his card company that there were fraudulaent purchase.  Wright was identified as the suspect through store video recordings and photos and was arrested November 14 in Union County.  He faces forgery, access device fraud, and a misdemeanor of theft by unlawful taking.

PHILLY DA IMPEACHMENT TRIAL DATE SET

The PA Senate has set the stage this week for the first impeachment trial in nearly three decades.  According to the the Capital-Star, The House impeachment managers presented the articles of impeachment, which accuse Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner of misbehavior in office to the Senate yesterday and then went into recess until January.  Krasner, a Democrat, has until December 21 to file an answer to the upper chamber who formally notified him of the charges and that he is to appear in court January 18.  A two-thirds majority vote in the Senate is required to remove Krasner from office.

COLUMBIA COUNTY SENATOR TO RESIGN

Republican Senator John Gordner of Columbia County released a statement Monday that he will be resigning from his seat in the chamber representing the 109th Legislative District and the 27th Senatorial District as of today, the 30^th of November.  According to Gordner’s statement he will  join the Pennsylvania Senate Interim President Pro Tempore Kim Ward a Republican from Westmoreland County as Counsel.  Gordner is a graduate of Dickenson College and the Dickenson School of Law in 1993 and was first elected to the state Senate in a special election in November 2003.

SPORTS

PIAA Football State Semifinals this weekend
Class A
Canton Warriors vs. Steelton-Highspire Rollers @ Shamokin, Friday at 7pm. 
Winner advances to state championship game at Cumberland Valley High School on Thursday, December 8th at 1pm. 
Double A
Southern Columbia Tigers  vs. Trinity Shamrocks  @Selinsgrove, Friday at 7pm. 
Winner advances to state championship game at Cumberland Valley High School on Friday, December 9th at 1pm.

NFL tonight
Buffalo @ New England 8:15 on Prime Video

NHL
Sabers 5              Red Wings 4
Rangers 3            Senators 1
Maple Leafs 3     Sharks 1
Oilers 5               Blackhawks 4

NBA
Cavaliers 113     76ers 85
Hawks 125          Magic 108
Celtics 134          Heat 121
Nets 113              Wizards 107
Bucks 109           Knicks 103
Timberwolves 109 Grizzlies 101
Pelicans 126       Raptors 108
Suns 132             Bulls 113
Jazz  125             Clippers 112
Lakers 128          Trailblazers 109

USA Men’s Soccer at the World Cup Saturday
In the round of 16, Team USA plays the Netherlands Saturday at 10 AM on FOX for their chance to reach the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.