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

HUGHESVILLE MAN THREATENS EX-GIRLFRIEND WITH GUN

A man from Hughesville threatened a woman with a gun after he broke into her home early yesterday.  According to North Central PA dot com, 26 year old Dyllyn Dakota Laird allegedly broke into the home on the 700 block of Hall Street around 2am November 7^th by climbing in a window.  Police say he showed a handgun while threatening his ex-girlfriend who had previously filed a PFA against Laird. He is being charged with burglary, criminal trespassing, simple assault, reckless endangerment, and terroristic threats. He is in Lycoming County Prion under 100 thousand dollars bail.

KULPMONT ROBBERY HAS POLICE SEARCHING FOR SUSPECT

After an alleged robbery at a Kulpmont convenience store, police are searching for suspects. According to the New Item, scanner reports around 8pm Wednesday said that after the theft at Sunoco at Chestnut and Sixth streets was reported, police were seen in a brief pursuit of a vehicle in the area.  Later witnesses say police and a K9 unit was at a residence in the 600 block of Spruce Street, but no word on if a suspect has been taken into custody.

MCCORMICK FLIPS US SENATE SEAT FOR REPUBLICANS

The pivotal US Senate seat previously held by Senator Bob Casey has been flipped and David McCormick former CEO of the world’s largest hedge fund won in a delayed call of the seat.  According to the Associated Press, McCormick’s victory d bolsters the Republicans’ majority in the Senate, which they won from Democratic control this week. By about 3:40 a.m. ET on Friday, McCormick was ahead by more than 34,000 votes with 98 percent of votes counted. McCormick has 49 percent of the vote, while Casey has 48.5 percent. Previously Senator Casey had won six statewide general elections going back to 1996, and did not concede Thursday.

TRAIN RIDES FOR VETERANS IN LEWISBURG SATURDAY

The public is invited to ride North Shore Railroad’s two newly dedicated military units this Saturday in Lewisburg.  According to officials from the rail company, everyone is invited to honor and support veterans during a line-up of trips for the Inaugural Veterans Benefit Voyage beginning at Huffnagle park.  Rides last about an hour and you can sign up for several times and get tickets at NSHR.com. Proceeds benefit Expedition Orange which raises awareness for Vietnam veterans impacted by Agent Orange and Lycoming County Hometown Heroes, providing financial assistance to veterans and their families during times of need. 

TROY MAN ARRESTED AT DANDY MINI MART

A man from Troy with a suspended license wanted in a criminal trespassing incident October 28^th was apprehended inside a Wysox mini mart and arrested for drug charges after his vehicle was searched.  According to Towanda State police, 45 year old Dereck Chad Baldwin was wanted by police for the previous incident and the suspected vehicle was seen at the Dandy Mini Mart in the 23000 block of State Route 6.  Troopers arrested Baldwin and searched his 2009 blue Chevrolet Cobalt mwhere they found methamphetamine, heroin and drug paraphernalia. No bail was listed for Balwin who has a preliminary hearing next month.

WOMAN STOPPED FOR ILLEGAL WINDOW TINT ARREST FOR DRUGS

A 30 year old woman from Delaware County was stopped for illegal window tint at the 800 block of Sheridan Street in Williamsport and is facing drug charges after a search of her car.  According to the Sun Gazette, Williamsport City police pulled Alyssa Leslie of Darby over around midnight on October 12^th and upon noticing a marijuana vape pen, requested consent to search the car; which was granted.  Police found in the 2008 Cadillac Escalade, 21 grams of marijuana and a loaded handgun which had an expired permit.  Leslie was charged with felony carrying a firearm without a license, possession of drugs and other summary offenses.  She was taken into custody but waived her preliminary hearing and posted 10 thousand dollars bail.

WALKING TO RAISE MONEY FOR MILITARY SHARE

Today is the last day of a three-day walk and fundraising effort sponsored by the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to support veterans, military members, and their families, plus raise awareness about hunger in the region.  According to North Cetnral AP dot com, the goal is 25 thousand dollars to support MilitaryShare, a Fresh Express program of the food bank, providing nutritious food to veterans and active-duty military personnel.  Participants are walking 30 miles across Snyder, Northumberland, Union, Montour, Columbia, and Lycoming Counties while pushing a shopping cart.  There is a wrap-up event at VFW Post #7863 on Shaffer St., Williamsport from 3 til 7pm today.  You can make a donation at centralpafoodbank.org.

 DENTAL CARE FOR VETS

Veterans can call a Watsontown dentist this morning to make an appointment for free needed dental care. According to Carl Jenkins Dentistry, they are donating their time to provide the free cleanings and fillings to give back to the veterans who served us.  They will begin taking calls for appointments beginning at 7am at 538-5005.  Those interested in finding out more can reach out on social media, sending a personal message to Carl Jenkins Dentistry on Facebook on Main Street in Watsontown or call 538-5005.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Playoffs
BYB Game of the week
Quad A Championship
Jersey Shore @ Shamokin 
6:30pm pre-game/7pm kickoff
Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network
HS Football Playoffs Tonight –7pm
D2-4 Class 6A Championships
Williamsport @ Wilkes-Barre
Triple A Semifinals
Montoursville @ Danville
Mount Carmel vs Lewisburg @ Alumni Filed, Milton
Double A Semi Finals
Southern Columbia vs  Troy @ Mansfield U
Warrior Run @ Towanda
Class A Championship 
Line Mountain @ Muncy

NCAA Football Saturday
Purdue vs Ohio State noon FOX
Navy vs South Florida  noon ESPN2
Temple vs Tulane 4pm ESPNU
Florida State vs Notre Dame 7:30pm NBC
Washington vs Penn State  8pm Peacock
BYU vs Utah University 10:15pm ESPN

NFL Thursday Night Football
Ravens 35            Bengals 34

NBA
Timberwolves  135        Bulls  119
Bucks  123                              Jazz 100
Spurs  118                               Trail Blazers  105

NBA Tonight
Nets  vs  Celtics  7:30pm
Warriors  vs Cavaliers  7:30pm
Bucks  vs Knicks 7:30pm
Suns vs Mavericks  7:30pm ESPN
Wizards vs Grizzlies  8pm
76ers  vs Lakers  10pm ESPN
NHL
Bruins 4                Flames  3  /OT
Islanders  4                    Senators  2
Devils 5                Canadiens  3
Sabres 6                Rangers  1
Hurricanes 5         Penguins 1
Flyers  2               Lightning  1
Utah  4                 Blues  2
NHL Tonight
Penguins  vs Capitals  7:30pm Hulu

BRUSH FIRE NEAR ELIMSPORT WEDNESDAY

It was a brush fire that brought multiple fire companies to Washington Township yesterday.  According to PennDOT, the fire caused Sulphur Springs Road (Route 554) in Lycoming County to be closed yesterday afternoon with a detour of traffic on Route 15 south.  Fire officials say the brush fire spanned about 1 to 1 and a half acres in size on the mountainside overlooking the village of Elimsport.  Water trucks were brought in and companies from Washington Township,  Clinton Township, and Nippenose Valley fought the blaze which was challenging in the rocky terrain.  511pa.com shows the road re-opened today.

CO-DEFENDANT MOTHER SENTENCED IN SEXUAL ABUSE CASE

The 6 year old victim’s mother accused of being an accomplice in the sex abuse case against convicted rapist Marcus McDaniel and plead guilty to the charges last summer, was sentenced to 267 and 534 months in prison this week.  The defense attorney for Michelle Strayer attempted to show she was a victim in the case, with her mother and another family member speaking at the trial in support of leniency, and citing that a PFA filed by Strayer against McDaniel was denied.  McDaniel was sentenced after his October 2023 trial to more than 60 years in prison in February.  Strayer will get 203 days credit for time served, and will be required to serve three years of supervised probation upon her release.

SENATE RACE IN PA

After Election Day in the Lycoming County, the Senate race ballots report Republican Dave McCormick recveived over 68 percent of the vote to the 29 percent by incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey.  Statewide, the race between Casey and McCormick is one of the most closely watched races as Republicans look like they could flip control of the seat in their bid to take control of the Senate. The ballot count is officially too close to call with just 4 tenths of a percent favoring McCormick. An automatic recount is established in Pennsylvania when the race falls within 5 tenths of a percent.

SOBER SKATE NIGHT IN NOVEMBER

A free sober skate night is planned for the end of November by the Susquehanna Valley Mediation’s Families in Recovery program.  According to North Central PA dot com, Families in Recovery partnered with Pik Rite Inc. to  hold a free sober roller skating night to give people coming out of addiction an opportunity to spend time with loved ones in a safe environment in addition to meeting other Families in Recovery.  The event is Novmber 30^th at Sunset Skating Rink, on North Susquehanna Trail in Shamokin Dam.  Get details about the sober skate night by emailing [email protected].

BAIL MODIFIED FOR SUSPECTS WHO RELEASED MINK

The suspects from Massachusetts who were incarcerated after their arrest for releasing over 600 mink from a fur farm in Northumberland County had their bail modified in district court this week.  According to the Daily tiem, 25 year old  Christopher Legere, and co-defendant 27 year old  Cara Mitrano, originally were jailed under 150 thousand dollars bail and required to remain in PA if they could post bail.  Now, President Judge Paige Rosini ruled they could post 15 thousand dollars bail and vacated the ruling that they must stay local.  Upon their release, they will both be required to report to probation twice a month, either in person or by video or other electronic method.  Legere and Mitrano face felony eco-terrorism charges.

TURBOTVILLE MAN ARRESTED FOR STRANGULATION

A man from Turbotville is facing charges after police say he attempted to strangle his wife in front of his children Octoiber 26^th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 39 year old Timothy Michael Eck admitted to the abuse of his wife and one child who attempted to intervene on her mother’s behalf.  Police were called to the home in the 800 block of Lycoming Mall Drive in Muncy after Eck allegedly attacked his wife over making food for the children.  He has been charged with strangulation, simple assault, and harassment. He posted $50,000 monetary bail through a bondsman.

BURN BAN EXTENDED TO STATE GAME LANDS

The burn ban that has been announced in Williamsport city Old Lycoming Township, areas of Northumberland County and starting tonight in Elkland township in Sullivan County, has now been extended to State game lands.  According to the state Game Commission, they issued a temporary ban on any burning on game lands, and the Game commission also placed campfire bans in state parks since the risk of forest fire threat is too high during this fall archery deer season and turkey season.

UPMC SEEKING BLANKET DONATIONS

In partnership with the We Honor veterans program, UPMC is requesting donations of home made blankets to honor those who served this Veteran’s Day.  According to UPMC Home Healthcare of Central PA and Family Hospice,  patriotic-themed blankets given to veterans help them feel recognized and appreciated during hospice care.  New quilted, knotted and crocheted  52”x76” (preferably cotton)  blankets can be dropped off at UPMC Williamsport Divine Providence Campus,  on Grampian Blvd during office hours.  Call for information 570-320-7691.

SPORTS

NBA
Hawks  121          Knicks  116
Warriors  118       Celtics  112
Cavaliers  131      Pelicans  122
Suns  115             Heat  112
Clippers  110       76ers  98
NBA Tonight
Grizzlies  vs Bulls  8pm  NBAtv
Jazz vs Bucks  8pm
Trail Blazers  vs Spurs 8pm

NHL
Capitals  3                     Predators  2
Red Wings  4        Blackhawks  1
Golden Knights  4  Oilers  2
NHL Tonight ESPN+
Islanders vs Senators 7pm
Canadiens vs Devils 7pm
Sabres vs Rangers  7pm
Penguins  vs Hurricanes 7pm
Flyers vs Lightning  7:30 ESPN+/Hulu

NFL Thursday Night Football
Bengals vs Ravens 8:15 PrimeVid

HS Football Friday 2024 District Playoffs – all games 7pm
BYB Game of the week Quad A Championship
Jersey Shore @ Shamokin  
6:30pm pre-game/7pm kickoff
Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network
D2-4 Class 6A Championships
Williamsport @ Wilkes-Barre
Triple A Semifinals
Montoursville @ Danville
Mount Carmel vs Lewsiburg @ Alumni Filed, Milton
Double A SemiFinals
Southern Columbia vs  Troy @ Mansfield U
Warrior Run @ Towanda
Class A Championship 
Line Mountian @ Muncy