TEEN FILES SUIT OVER WRONGFUL ARREST AND DETAINMENT
A Williamsport police officer is facing a federal lawsuit alleging the wrongful arrest and month long detention of a teenager falsely accused in a shooting. According to North Central PA dot com, the suit names Officer Benjamin Hitesman, the Williamsport Bureau of Police, Lycoming County, and juvenile probation officials. Filed by Mekhi Johnson and his mother, the complaint claims Hitesman misidentified Johnson from surveillance video, ignored evidence proving his innocence, and failed to inform prosecutors. Johnson was jailed 29 days before his release when the error surfaced. The case is pending in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
WOMAN CHARGED WITH ASSAULT OF SPECIAL NEED CHILD
A Midd-West Elementary School aide is facing charges after allegedly kicking a 5-year-old special-needs student. According to the Daily Item, Middleburg police say 43-year-old Nina Edkin Billhime was charged with simple assault and harassment for the September 5 incident that other adults in the classroom said they witnessed. Court records indicate Billhime, employed by Bayada as the child’s aide and home caretaker, allegedly kicked the student to the floor, causing him to cry out in pain. Bayada has suspended Billhime pending the outcome of the police investigation.
SHAPIRO LOOKING TO APPOINT GAME COMMISSIONERS
The Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation is seeking candidates to serve as Pennsylvania Game Commissioners in District 4—Cambria, Somerset, Blair, Bedford, Huntingdon and Fulton—and District 5—Tioga, Lycoming, Union, Bradford, Sullivan, Columbia, Montour and Northumberland. Commissioners serve four-year terms under Title 34, may be reappointed twice, and can hold over six months. Apply with resume and cover letter to deeberly@pa.gov by Friday, November 7 at 5 p.m.; appointments by Governor Shapiro require Senate consent.
CASTANEA CELEBRATES THEIR ROLL IN LOCAL LUMBER INDUSTRY
Castanea Township is celebrating its heritage with a new historical sign unveiled last week along the Bald Eagle Valley Trail. According to the Record Online, local officials, residents, and community partners gathered for a ribbon-cutting honoring the township’s deep ties to the American chestnut tree and its lumber legacy. The project, funded through state conservation grants and township support, highlights Castanea’s founding in 1871 and its historic role in regional industry. Officials also announced the Pennsylvania Chestnut Festival will return in January.
TWO ATV ACCIDENTS WITH INJURIES SATURDAY
Three ATV riders were hurt in two separate crashes in Coal Township Saturday afternoon, one flown to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville by Life Flight. According to the News Item, police say the first crash happened around 12:20 p.m. on a dirt road off Route 2026 in the Coal Run area. A 21-year-old Kulpmont man and an 11-year-old boy, both wearing helmets, were thrown from their ATV and taken to Geisinger with head and leg injuries. Around two hours later, another ATV crash occurred on Industrial Park Road. Where the 46 year old victim from York, PA was ejected from his vehicle and airlifted after suffering head and back injuries. Police say he wasn’t wearing a helmet and will likely face citations.
TROOPER CLAIMS DISCRIMINATION, INCLUDES STATE POLICE COMMISSIONER IN SUIT
A Pennsylvania state trooper has expanded his federal discrimination lawsuit to include the state police commissioner, accusing him of maintaining promotion policies that favor race and gender over merit. According to PennLive, Sgt. Daryl Jay Elias Sr., a trooper since 2003, filed an amended complaint in U.S. Middle District Court Friday, alleging Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris ignored discriminatory practices that disadvantage white men. Elias claims he was repeatedly passed over for promotion despite seniority and qualifications. State police officials deny the allegations and declined further comment.
NOVEMBER SNAP BENEFITS IN JEOPARDY DUE TO SHUT DOWN
Nearly two million Pennsylvanians are facing a delay in their November SNAP benefits as the federal government shutdown continues. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services says about $366 million in monthly nutrition assistance payments are on hold until the shutdown ends and federal funds are released. Federal officials warned states earlier this month that funding would lapse without a new budget. SNAP recipients can still use any remaining benefits on their EBT cards, which remain valid for up to a year. The delay affects nearly 42 million people nationwide.
LYCOMING COLLEGE TO USE DOANTIONS TO FUND SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAM
Lycoming College will use a $20,000 contribution from AT&T to support its Lycoming Summer Academy, a bridge program that helps first-year students’ transition from high school to college. According to the Standard Journal, the donation marks AT&T’s 13th year of giving to the college and sixth year supporting the academy, bringing its total contributions to more than $300,000. College officials say the academy helps students earn credits, build confidence, and connect with campus life through classes and community engagement activities.
SPORTS
NFL Monday Night Football
Lions 24 Buccaneers 9
Seahawks 27 Texans 19
NFL Thursday Night Football
Vikings vs Chargers 8:15pm PrimeVid
MLB ALCS Game 7
Blue Jays 4 Mariners 3
TOR wins the series
World Series Game 1 Friday 10/24
Toronto Blue Jays vs LA Dodgers 8pm FOX
NHL
Wild 3 Rangers 1
Flyers 5 Kraken 2
Canadiens 4 Sabres 2
Jets 2 Flames 1
Golden Knights 4 Hurricanes 1
NHL Tonight – ESPN+
Devils vs MapleLeafs 7pm
Oilers vs Senators 7pm
Sharks vs Islanders 7pm
Canucks vs Penguins 7pm
Panthers vs Bruins 7:30pm ESPN
Avalanche vs Mammoth 10pm ESPN
NBA Tonight
Rockets vs Thunder 7:30pm NBC/Peacock
Warriors vs Lakers 10pm NBC/Peacock
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