MIFFLINBURG MAN FORGED CHECKS FOR DRUG MONEY

A man from Mifflinburg was arrested for forging checks to allegedly get cash to buy drugs.  According to North Central PA dot com, Mifflinburg Police say 23 year old Jasper Pierce Faircloth forged a signature and cashed seven bad checks totaling almost 4 thousand dollars in early October and avoided calls from the bank when his account was overdrawn.  Faircloth admitted he used the funds to buy drugs and a virtual reality headset.  He faces seven felony counts each of forgery, seven misdemeanor counts of bad checks, felony theft, and felony receiving stolen property.  He was incarcerated in lieu of 25 thousand dollars bail.

TWO DUI CHARGES IN ONE NIGHT FOR MONTOURSVILLE WOMAN

A woman from Montoursville was charged with DUI twice during the early hours of October 5^th and is now free on bail.  According to state police, 27 year old Asia Agnew was stopped in the 300 block of Broad Street after being observed driving in an impaired manner, but denied consuming alcohol and refused a blood test at the DUI center.  She was charged with DUI and taken home.  An hour later, Agnew was stopped along the 200 block of Church Alley by another trooper who knew she had been stopped for suspected DUI previously.  Agnew again refused a blood sample, but took a preliminary breath test that showed alcohol according to police.   She was charged again with similar DUI and summary offenses from the first incident.

INCORRECT, UNDATED BALLOTS NOT TO BE COUNTED IN PA

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has declared with a majority vote that ballots in the state that are undated or incorrectly dated from the just-completed 2024 general election are not to be counted.  According to Penn Live, the justices wrote the ruling for all county election board members to follow the declaration even though some eastern counties voted in this last election in favor of counting the undated votes.  As of Monday, McCormick holds a 17,444-vote lead over Casey. The recount begins today and must be complete and reported by November 27^th.

TWO MUNCY MEN WIN HONORS AT WORLD DAIRY EXPO

Two young men from Muncy and their cows have won top honors at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin.  According to the Sun Gazette, Phillip McCormick and Robin were grand champions for the junior division and honorable mention in the open show for Red&White.  Dakota Fraley and Diamond were grand champions of the Brown Swiss in the international junior show.  There were 55,000 attendees and 96 countries being represented for the week-long agricultural event. McCormick is studying animal science at Penn State Altoona and was a member of 4-H.  Fraley’s family owns Twin County Farms in Muncy. Get information about the recent competition at worlddairyexpo.com.

WOMAN STILL HOSPITALIZED FROM ROUTE 901 CRASH

A woman from Minersville remains hospitalized after a head-on crash on State Route 901 in Coal Township that occurred last Wednesday.  According to a PA state police press release, 54 year old Christie Marie Paulson’s vehicle crossed the center line and struck a westbound 2023 Chevrolet Silverado head-on. The driver of the Silverado, 57 year old Daniel Kasper, suffered minor injuries after his truck took the brunt of the impact.  Paulson was unconscious at the scene and was extricated from her vehicle by first responders from the Coal Township Fire Department. The violent accident damaged the roadway by causing a gash in the pavement.  The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

WARRANT ISSUED FOR WATSONTOWN ID THIEF

A warrant has been issued for a man from the Bronx, NY who they say is responsible for identity theft in Watsontown.  According to state police, they have charged 28 year old Kevin Iurilli for using driver’s license numbers to cash checks and withdraw funds in Northumberland and previously in Blair County where he was accused of ID theft from two other individuals.  Iurilli is not yet in custody. 

CROSSCUTTERS HOT STOVE BANQUET COMING IN JANUARY

The line-up for the Williamsport Crosscutters’ Hot Stove Banquet fundraiser was announced and the event is coming up January 17^th at the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport.  According to the crosscutters, Hall of Fame pitcher Mike Mussina, ESPN Hall of Fame Baseball Analyst Tim Kurkjian, and Philadelphia Phillies third base coach Dusty Wathan will be the special guests in attendance at the event.  A dinner and silent auction of special sports memorabilia is part of the banquet and the charity chosen to benefit from the proceeds this year will be Lycoming County United Way.  Get details at crosscutters.com.

STUDENTS PROTEST TO SAVE SYMBOLIC MAPLE TREE

Students at Meadowview Christian Academy protested peacefully Monday to save a symbolic maple tree on school property after it was slated to be cut down to make way for electric lines.  According to the News Item, the tree has been outside the school for over 60 years when it was Paxinos Public School, and is used currently as shade for graduation ceremonies, a spot for pictures and educational sessions.  Ultimately PPL agreed to just trim the tree and it will remain standing for now thanks to the students and teachers efforts to save it.

SPORTS

NBA
Nets  116              Hornets  115
Celtics 120                     Cavaliers 117
Nuggets  122        Grizzlies  110
Mavericks  132    Pelicans  92
Spurs  110                     Thunder  104
Lakers  124          Jazz 118

NBA Tonight
Bulls vs Bucks  7:20pm ESPN
76ers  vs Grizzlies  8pm
Knicks vs Suns  10pm ESPN
Hawks vs Warriors 10pm

NHL
Oilers  5               Senators 2
Lightning  3          Penguins  2
Wild 4                  Blues  2
Jets  6                   Panthers  3
Ducks  3               Blackhawks  2
Flames  2              Islanders  1
Rangers  4            Canucks  3

NHL Tonight
Hurricanes Flyers  7:30pm  TNT/MAX
Predators vs Kraken  10pm TNT/MAX
Sabres vs Kings 10:30pm ESPN+

Men’s Tennis
* (38 yr-old) Rafael Nadal’s amazing career came to an end after Spain lost its Davis Cup quarterfinal against the Netherlands yesterday (2-1).

* Nadal announced last month that this would be his final tournament, after winning  22 men’s Grand Slam titles in his career.
* Nadal told the media Monday that he could no longer reach the competitive level he felt was required to continue to challenge for some of the sport’s biggest honors.

NFL Thursday Night Football
Steelers  vs Cleveland  8:15pm PrimeVid

PIAA HS Football Quarterfinals
Class A  Muncy vs Delone Catholic @ Cedar Cliff HS, New Cumberland  – Friday 7pm
AAA Danville vs Bermudian Springs  @ Susquanita HS, Duncannon – Saturday 1pm

NCAA Football Saturday
Penn State  vs Minnesota 3:30pm  CBS
BYU vs Arizona State 3:30pm ESPN
Army vs Notre Dame  7pm NBC/Peacock
The Citidel vs Clemson  3:30pm CW Network

ARSON CHARGES FOR 22 YEAR-OLD

A Williamsport man has been arrested after an investigation into several fires that were intentionally set in the city between November 4^th and 5^th.  According to the Sun Gazette, in a joint effort between Williamsport Police, Fire and Pennsylvania College of Technology police, they have apprehended 22 year old Jacob George Fichter who police say admitted during an interview that he had set the fires.  A search warrant for Fichter’s residence and car had been issued and police found clothing worn by the suspect seen on surveillance video, man-made incendiary devices and also discovered a bicycle allegedly used by the suspect.  Fichter was charged with a host of arson charges, reckless burning and endangerment, loitering and other charges.  He is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 200 thousand dollars bail.

DRUG INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARREST OF WILLIAMSPORT MAN

After a tip in Williamsport that there were drugs being manufactured at a residence at the 800 block of Poplar Street in early November, probation officers filed search warrants for the residence and found 22 year old Dante Caiden Kolasa in possession of marijuana, cocaine, guns, pills, and cash.  According to North Central PA dot com, officers observed drugs and paraphernalia when they went to the home and struggled to handcuff Kolasa, who allegedly resisted arrest.  He was charged with receiving stolen property, possession of a firearm prohibited, possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance, tampering with evidence, resisting arrest and more.  He is in Lycoming County Prison in liue of 95 thousand dollars bail.

ROLLING ROADBLOCK POSTPONED FOR KELLY TOWNSHIP

A rolling roadblock announced for today along Route 15 in both directions in Kelly Township, for removal of utility wire has been postponed.  According to PennDOT, a contractor for Windstream planned to cut and remove wires that span Route 15 between Colonel John Kelly Road and Zeigler Road.  The project will now take place at a future date.  Get road information 24/7 at 511PA dot com.

GRANTS FROM DCNR TO UPGRADE REC AREAS OF LYCOMING COUNTY

Over a million dollars has been awarded for two projects in Lycoming County thanks to the Community Conservation Partnership Program by DCNR.  According to an announcement by State Senator Gene Yaw and Representative Jamie Flick the funding will help transform Lycoming County and the City of Williamsport by expanding recreational opportunities and improving public spaces.  Ove 649 thousand dollars is earmarked in Lycoming County for the Susquehanna River Walk Extension project, and in the city, over 400 thousand dollars will be used for the rehabilitation of Youngs Woods Park including pedestrian walkways, a pickleball court and a parking area.  Get more details about the funding at SenatorGeneYaw.com or.RepFlick.com. 

MOTHER ARRESTED AFTER TODDLERS FOUND IN ROAD

A woman from Lewisburg is facing child endangerment charges after her two toddlers were outside her home unsupervised and running in the road on West Market Street.  According to the Daily Item, a driver found the toddlers in dirty diapers ages one and three, running on West Market Street about 9:25am on October 23^rd , and saw them almost hit by cars.  That driver looked after the children for about 15 minutes before police entered the home of 20 year old Meah Buss who was coming down from the second floor of the home .  Buss told police she had been in the bathroom for about 5 minutes.  Union County Children & Youth Services were also on the scene before police charged the mother with  child endangerment.  Buss is free on her own recognizance and has a preliminary hearing December 19^th.

MAN FACES MORE CHARGES AFTER THREATENING MAN’S FAMILY

A man who came to Williamsport from New Jersey and sought help from a resident along Louisa Street which led to an arrest, is facing more charges after threatening the man’s family for kicking him out. According to the Sun Gazette, Gerral Ingram who is a convicted felon, was allegedly verbally abusive after he stayed for a short time with the victim’s family and was asked to leave October 10^th.  After charges were filed, Ingram then brought firearms back into the home where they were in close proximity to children who lived there.  His case was held for court for felony endangering the welfare of a child, convicted felon not to possess a firearm, terroristic threats, and more along with disorderly conduct and harassment charges.  Ingram is behind bars in lieu of 75 thousand dollar bail.

PSP SEEKING SUSPECT IN KULPMONT THEFT

State police are seeking the suspect in the November 6^th robbery at the Sunoco convenience store in Kulpmont.  According to the News Item, 55 year old John McLaughlin entered the store and stole the Games of Skill money box, which contained $4,500 and also stole a safe containing over 48 hundred dollars which the female employee was unable to stop him from doing.  McLaughlin has been charged by state police with multiple felonies including burglary, robbery and theft relating to the robbery.  He remains at large.

ADDITIONAL FEMA ASSISTANCE FOR FLOOD DAMAGE IN PA

Additional federal public assistance has been approved after Gov. Josh Shapiro requested the new FEMA funds following the devastation caused by remnants of Tropical Storm Debby in August. In order for a region to qualify for FEMA funding there must be a cumulative total of $23.9 million in eligible disaster response and recovery damages and costs. After the approved program, there will be additional hazard mitigation funding for the 29 counties  to help rebuild and better resist future disasters.

SPORTS

NFL
Packers 20            Bears  19
Dolphins  34        Raiders  19
Rams  28              Patriots 22
Colts  28              Jets  27
Steelers  18           Ravens  16
Bills 30                 Chiefs 21
Chargers 34          Bengals  27
NFL Monday Night Football
Texans vs Cowboys  8:15pm  ESPN /ABC

NHL
Hurricanes 4         Blues  1
Capitals  5            Golden Knights 2
Rangers  2            Kraken  0
Predators 5         Canucks 3
NHL Tonight
Blue Jacks vs Bruins  7pm
Avalanche  vs Flyers  7pm NHLNet
Oilers vs Canadiens 7:30pm
Ducks vs Stars  8pm
Capitals vs Utah 9pm ESPN+

NBA
Cavaliers  128      Hornets  114
Timberwolves  120  Suns 117
Pistons 124         Wizards  104
Knicks  114          Nets  104
Rockets  143        Bulls  107
NBA Today
76ers vs Heat 7:30pm
Wizards vs Knicks  7:30pm
Rockets  vs Bucks  8pm NBAtv

FORMER CITY OFFICER SENTENCED TO PROBATION

It’s a 28 month probation sentence for former Williamsport Bureau of Police Cpl. Eric B. Derr.  According to the Sun Gazette, after Derr’s 3-day trial in August, he was found not guilty of misdemeanor unsworn falsification to authorities, tampering with public records and obstruction of the administration of law, but was convicted of  28 counts of unlawful use of a computer for exceeding his authority on use of the state JNET system from 2015 to 2019. In his sentencing hearing, Derr received support from family and friends who said he was a true friend and family man, but his victim said on the stand that he was predator that all women should fear.  Northumberland County Judge Charles H. Saylor ordered Derr to serve the first 12 months of his sentence on house arrest and pay a 500 dollar fine.

MORE FLIGHTS FROM WILLIAMSPORT TO WASHINGTON

A representative from Southern Airways told the Lycoming County commissioners at their meeting yesterday that the airline will be expanding the schedule from Williamsport to Dulles in 2025, allowing travelers to depart earlier allowing for a more convenient business schedule.  According to the Sun Gazette, beginning January 1^st, there will be 12 round trips to Washington DC per week, departing Lycoming County weekdays at 5:50am for a 7:30 arrival and a return flight from DC at 5:25pm returning to Williamsport Regional at 7pm.  Estimates of use of the new flight schedule are expected to generate a 25 percent increase in ridership and revenue. 

PA LAWMAKER COULD BE TAPPED FOR TRUMP’S CABINET

Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson who is currently House Agriculture Chair from Pennsylvania’s 15th District may be asked to join President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet.  According to Politico, Thompson is being considered for the Trump Administration’s Agriculture Secretary. The transition team for President elect Trump have not made any announcements reflecting this choice, but Thompsopn canceled a local event Tuesday saying he needed to be in Washington, DC.  Matthew Brennan, Thompson’s chief of staff said in a statement that he  is humbled by the prospect, but he has not been offered the position.

SALVATION ARMY RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN STARTS

The Salvation Army launched their annual Red Kettle campaign this week with the 6th annual Red Kettle Kickoff breakfast, and exceeded their goal of corporate and individual pledges, bringing in $52,000.  Families interested in eligibility can still sign up for the program as the distribution of toys and holiday meals is being coordinated now.  According to Salvation Army officials, in recent years the red kettle campaign has had to adapt to the loss of brick and mortar store shopping, instead turning to online donations using “Kettle Pay,” where people can use Apple Pay, Google Pay, and QR codes.  Use Give.salvationarmy.org for donating online.

TEEN DRIVES MOTHER’S CAR INTO DANVILLE DYKE

A 13 year old boy from Northumberland drove his mother’s car into Mahoning Creek near the Danville Middle School yesterday afternoon around 1pm and was uninjured in the accident.  According to the Daily Item,  Montour County police were notified of the teen driver who was traveling along Route 11 driving his mother’s gray Kia Telluride before he went through the Danville Area Middle School parking lot and over the dyke before landing in the creek.  Several companies responded to the emergency, and required a backhoe to remove the vehicle from the water.  No word on what charges could be filed against the juvenile.

HEALTH WORKER CHARGED WITH THEFT

A home health worker from Athens has been charged with financially exploiting a care-dependent person and theft, after the 90 year old victim’s family filed a report last month for incidents in September and October.  According to North Central PA dot com, 54 year old Lisa Pate allegedly took money from her client on September 17^th, and over the next few days, the victim’s family tested their faith in Pate by stashing 150 dollars and checking to see if it was there the next day – of which 70 dollars was taken.  Pate who left the employment of the health care company who hired her after she was accused of the theft, was questioned by police and denied the actions.  She has a preliminary hearing on December 3^rd.

FORMER PENN COLLEGE STUDENT FACES CHARGES FOR EXTORTION

Some charges against a former Penn College student who allegedly tried to extort money from another student, have been dropped in Lycoming County Court.  According to North Central PA dot com, 19 year old Kahsan Tahir Youk of Spring City will still face charges after he threatened another student following the solicitation of a business opportunity on a social media account.  Youk later, made demands for the victim to hand over bank information, saying he would have friends attack him if he didn’t comply.  The victim did make deposit on September 16^th but authorities say the bank determined the deposit was fraudulent and that transactions that were attempted that were not made by the account owner.

SELINSGROVE VFW COLLECTING FOR HURRICANE RELIEF

Selinsgrove VFW Post 6631 is collecting items for those communities in North Carolina still recovering from Hurricane Helene.  According to the Daily Item, donations of items like bottled water, baby items, hygiene & cleaning supplies, and more will be loaded onto a trailer on the property at the VFW 940 Route 522, Selinsgrove  to be taken to the VFW State Headquarters in North Carolina.  Call ahead to arrange pick up of donations during regular hours at the VFW Post 6631 Monday through Saturday 11am til 9pm and 1-8pm Sundays.

SPORTS

HS Football State Playoffs  Tonight 7pm kick-off

PIAA First Round
Class 6A
State College vs Williamsport
BYB Game of the Week
6:30p/7p Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network
Quad A Juniata vs Shamokin
Class A  Muncy vs Lackawanna Trail @ Scranton
District 4 Championships  Friday
AAA – Lewisburg vs Danville
AA – Warrior Run vs Troy @ Mansfield U

NCAA Football Saturday
Clemson vs Pitt  12pm ESPN
Penn State (4) vs Purdue 3:30pm  CBS
Virginia vs Notre Dame  3:30pm NBC
Tennessee(7) vs Georgia (12)7:30pm  ABC
Kansas vs BYU  10:15pm ESPN

NFL
Thursday Night Football
Eagles  26  Commanders  18
NFL Sunday
Ravens vs Steelers   1pm CBS
Chiefs vs Bills  4:25pm CBS
Bengals vs Chargers  8:20pm NBC/Peacock
NFL Monday Night Football
Houston vs Dallas  8:15pm ESPN /ABC

NBA
Jazz 115  Mavericks  113
NBA Cup – Group play
76ers  vs Magic 7pm
Nets vs Knicks 7:30pm
Lakers vs Spurs  7:30pm ESPN
Grizzlies vs Warriors  10pm ESPN

NHL
Flyers  5  Senators  4
Devils  6  Panthers  2
Rangers  3  Sharks 2
Islanders  5  Canucks  2

NHL Tonight
Penguins  vs Blue Jackets 7pm NHL Net
Capitals vs Avalanche 9pm ESPN+
Golden Knights vs Utah 9pm

NHL Saturday
Sabres vs Flyers  7pm ESPN+

OLD LYCO SUPERVISOR STEPS DOWN

Old Lycoming Township Supervisor David W. Shirn resigned as board Chairman as of Monday and a resignation letter was read by Supervisor Justin Kastner at Tuesday’s meeting.  According to the Sun Gazette, Shirn’s letter thanked the taxpayers and noted that an environment of disrespect and threats from previous employees led to the decision to step down after 6 years as supervisor and 47 years with the fire department.  Kastner said they appreciated Shirn’s contribution to the township. A third supervisor is expected to be appointed within the next two weeks.

SALLADASBURG ELEMENTARY TO CLOSE

Even with public and online support of keeping the building open, Jersey Shore School Board voted 6-3 in favor of closing Salladasburg Elementary School Monday night.  According to WNEP, in an effort to save money, the students will be moved to Jersey Shore Elementary.  Last year, the school board voted not to close Salladasburg Elementary School, instead choosing to redistribute class size, but after a cooling off period in August, the decision to close has happened  According to the Sun Gazette, parents and community members at the meeting Monday expressed disappointment and sadness at the decision, saying concerns should be about the children and the school board seems to think only about the costs.

HEATING OIL THEFT IN CENTRE COUNTY

Police are investigating the theft of home heating oil earlier this month in Centre County.  According to Pennsylvania State police in Rockview, 125 gallons of heating oil was stolen sometime between October 31^st and November 1^st from a home on Lower Gyp Road in Benner Township.  Police are seeking leads and information about the theft or any suspects.  Call stae police if you can assist the investigation 814-355-7545.

TROUT RUN SEEKING DONATIONS FOR CLAM STEAM FUNDRAISER

After devastating flood damage from Tropical Storm Debby, the Trout Run Volunteer Fire Company continues to work toward funding the restoration of their facilities.  They will be holding their 65^th annual Clam Steam on Sunday, December 1^st in a new location, 98 Upper Powy’s Road in Cogan Station.  The fundraising event will feature raffles consisting of various items and the company is seeking donations from the community to help support them, either through merchandise, in-kind donations, gift baskets or other gifts.  Email TRVFC16 @ icloud.com and find out how you can help keep Trout Run fire trucks rolling.

SUNBURY MAN ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTING TO ABDUCT WOMAN

A man from Sunbury is in custody after police say he attempted to abduct a female from the city.  According to the Daily Item, police reports say the victim mistook the car of 66-year-old Leroy Benner for an acquaintance and got in the vehicle about 9:30am last Friday.  Benner allegedly grabbed the woman and would not let her out of the car, driving to an area near Shikellamy High School where he attempted a sexual assault, but she escaped and rand tyo a nearby house.  Police are investigating several reports of a man attempting to get women to get into his car along all near Fourth and Market Street, which could be related to Benner.  He is in Benner in Northumberland County Jail awaiting an arraignment today.  Call Northumberland County 911 if you have information or video footage of the incident near Route 890 or Cider Press Road.

GALETON MAN ARRESTED FOR GUN THREAT

A man from Galeton is in county jail after threatening the mother of his child with a gun.  According to state police, 33 year old Jamie Lee Hignutt pointed a gun at the woman October 31^st around 9:45pm saying he wanted to kill her in their West Main Street home.  Police were called and charged Hignutt with  terroristic threats, simple assault, and harassment. He is awaiting a preliminary hearing in Potter County Jail, unable to post bail, according to court records.

MCCORMICK INVITED TO WASHINGTON NOW

A spokesperson for Senator Chuck Schumer says David McCOrmick along with Democrat Ruben Gallego of Arizona have now been invited to attend freshman orientation.  According to the Tribune Review, some media outlets declared McCormick the winner in an upset victory Friday, but his opponent, Senator Bob Casey, has not yet not conceded.  At last count 59 year old McCormick, of Pittsburgh, leads by 40,000 votes with a margin of 49% to 48.4% over Casey.

CRIME WATCH IN SUBURY TO RETURN

A Crime Watch program will return to Sunbury after city officials approved a new plan for the city this week.  According to  Police Chief Travis Bremigen, his plan is to form various Crime Watch groups across the city and assign a police officer to be in charge of the sections.  Training would be provided so that volunteers would also help address code issues. The public will be updated soon about how to submit a letter so they can get involved in 2025.  The program would identify where privately owned cameras are located and also foster relationships with city businesses so that timely issues can be addressed.

SPORTS

NBA
Magic  114                     Hornets  89
Hawks  117          Celtics  116
Pistons  123         Heat  121
Knicks  111                   76ers  99
Suns  120             Jazz  112
Warriors  120       Mavericks  117
NBA Tonight
Celtics vs Nets  7:30pm
Bulls  vs Knicks  7:30pm
Cavaliers vs 76ers  7:30pm
Pelicans vs Thunder  7:30pm ESPN
Grizzlies vs Lakers  10pm ESPN

NHL
Jets  6                   Rangers  3
Devils  4               Panthers  1
Oilers  4               Islanders  3
NHL Tonight
Red Wings vs Penguins  7:30pm TNT
Kings vs Avalanche  10pm TNT/Max
NHL News
The Winnipeg Jets made NHL history with their 6-3 victory at the New York Rangers on Tuesday night, becoming the first team to win 15 of its first 16 games in a season.NFL Thursday Night Football
Commanders vs Eagles 8:15pm PrimeVid

HS Football State Playoffs  Friday
PIAA First Round
Class 6A
State College vs Williamsport
BYB Game of the Week/Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network
Quad A Juniata vs Shamokin
Class A  Muncy vs Lackawanna Trail @ Scranton
District 4 Championships  Friday
AAA – Lewisburg vs Danville
AA – Warrior Run vs Troy @ Mansfield U