CELLPHONE FEATURE AIDS IN RESCUE
An elderly woman is recovering after her cellphone’s crash-detection feature may have helped save her life Sunday afternoon in Armstrong Township. According to the Sun Gazette, South Williamsport fire officials say her car skidded on ice along Sulphur Springs Road, plunged nearly 600 feet down an embankment, and caught fire. The driver was able to escape the burning vehicle on her own. Her phone automatically alerted 911 around 3 p.m., allowing dispatchers to pinpoint the location despite heavy fog. Firefighters reached the scene using an all-terrain vehicle and transported her to UPMC Williamsport for treatment. Multiple area fire departments responded, and Sulphur Springs Road was closed until PennDOT treated the icy conditions.
HANDGUN FOUND IN DIAPER BAG
A Lycoming County man with a prior felony conviction is facing new gun charges after posting photos and video of himself holding a firearm on social media. According to NorthCentralPA.com, 24-year-old Jaziah Strickland is not legally allowed to possess a gun and was under an active restraining order at the time. A week later, he was stopped during a traffic stop, where police found a 9-millimeter handgun inside a diaper bag belonging to his one-year-old child. Strickland is being held on 75-thousand dollars bail and is scheduled to plead guilty January fifth.
FUNDING HEADED TO LYCOMING AND SULLIVAN COUNTIES
State officials have approved more than 2-point-3 million dollars in grant funding for infrastructure and community projects in northcentral Pennsylvania. About 1-point-2 million dollars will support water and sewer upgrades in Montgomery Borough, with another 1-point-1 million dollars going to community and economic development efforts in Lycoming and Sullivan counties. The funding was approved through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Local Share Account program, which uses gaming revenue to support local municipal and public safety projects.
LOWER PRICES AT THE PUMP
Drivers are seeing some relief at the pump this holiday season, with gas prices hitting their lowest levels of the year. AAA reports December has been the cheapest month for gasoline in 2025, with the national average staying below three dollars a gallon since early December and dipping to around 2-dollars-85 earlier this week. Prices vary by state, but nationwide, gas is about 18 cents cheaper than this time last year. AAA says strong fuel supplies and lower crude oil prices are helping keep costs down, offering some welcome relief as many households continue to feel pressure from higher everyday expenses.
FAMILY ESCAPES BURNING HOME
Four family members, including a great-grandmother, along with a juvenile relative visiting the home, safely escaped a house fire Saturday afternoon in Old Lycoming Township. Officials say the fire broke out around 2:20 in a crawl-space attic at a home on Sholder Avenue, sending heavy smoke from the eaves. Two juveniles upstairs noticed smoke coming from a wall and alerted an adult, who called 911 and got everyone out. The fire was under control within about 20 minutes. No injuries were reported. Damage is estimated at around 65-thousand dollars, and the home is expected to be uninhabitable for some time. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced family, and a fire marshal is investigating.
TWENTY ONE POUNDS OF METH RECOVERED
A multi-county drug trafficking organization has been dismantled following an investigation by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. According to NCPA.com, Several suspects were arrested earlier this month, including a Lock Haven man believed to be a key distributor. Investigators say the group trafficked large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl across Clinton, Centre, Montgomery, Delaware, and other counties. Authorities used undercover buys, surveillance, and wiretaps, leading to multiple search warrants. More than 21 pounds of methamphetamine were ultimately seized, along with guns, drug packaging materials, and scales. All suspects face multiple felony drug charges, including possession with intent to deliver and corrupt organizations.
GRAND MONEY FOR NORTHUMBERLAND, COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR Central Susquehanna Opportunities has received 15-thousand dollars in Community Aid Relief grants to help families across the region meet basic needs. The funding includes 10-thousand dollars for home heating assistance and 5-thousand dollars to support food access, helping households stay warm and fed during the winter months. CSO serves Northumberland, Columbia and Montour counties, providing services that address food insecurity, housing stability and self-sufficiency. Officials say the grant will help the agency respond to immediate needs in the community. Families in need of assistance can contact Central Susquehanna Opportunities, and more information is available at csocares dot org.
SPORTS
NFL Sunday
Bengals 37 Cardinals 14
Browns 13 Steelers 6
Saints 34 Titans 26
Jaguars 23 Colts 17
Dolphins 20 Buccaneers 17
Patriots 42 Jets 10
Seahawks 27 Panthers 10
Giants 34 Raiders 10
Eagles 13 Bills 12
49ers 42 Bears 38
NFL Saturday
Texans 20 Chargers 16
Ravens 41 Packers 24
Monday Night Football
Falcons vs Rams 8:15p on ESPN
NBA
Raptors 141 Warriors 127
Thunder 129 76ers 104
Wizards 116 Grizzlies 112
Trailblazers 114 Celtics 108
Clippers 112 Pistons 99
Lakers 125 Kings 10
NBA Today
Milwaukee @ Charlotte
Phoenix @ Washington
Golden State @ Brooklyn
Denver @ Miami
Orlando @ Toronto
Minnesota @ Chicago
Indiana @ Houston
New York @ New Orleans
Atlanta @ Oklahoma City
Cleveland @ San Antonio
Dallas @ Portland
NHL Yesterday
Lightning 5 Canadiens 4
Blue Jackets 4 Islanders 2
Red Wings 3 Maple Leafs 2
Penguins 7 Blackhawks 3
Kraken 4 Flyers 1
Comments