WILLIAMSPORT DRUG DEALER CONVICTED
A Williamsport man has been convicted on drug and child endangerment charges following a one-day trial in Lycoming County. According to North CentralPA dot com, jury found Timothy Altwen Easter guilty after prosecutors showed he kept fentanyl, cocaine, and loaded firearms within reach of four children inside a Second Street home. Investigators testified the evidence pointed to drug dealing, not personal use. Easter’s bail was revoked after the verdict, and he was taken to prison while awaiting sentencing.
VOLUNTEERS FIGHT THE COLD AND A HOUSE FIRE SUNDAY
Volunteer firefighters braved bitter cold conditions Sunday afternoon to battle a house fire in Northumberland County. Crews were called to Swank Road in Rockefeller Township around 3:30 p.m., where heavy smoke was found inside the home. Four people were displaced, but no injuries were reported. A state police fire marshal is expected to investigate the cause.
FUNDING FOR MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY APPROVED IN LOCK HAVEN
The Clinton-Lycoming Joinder Board has approved increased funding for a new adult psychiatric residential treatment facility planned for Lock Haven. Board members amended a reinvestment agreement with PCS Mental Health’s Project Transitions, raising construction funding to $600,000. Officials say a site has been selected in Woodward Township and construction is expected to begin this spring.
NATIONAL HONOR FOR BUCKNELL
Bucknell University has received the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, a national honor recognizing its commitment to community partnerships. The designation is awarded by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education and highlights colleges that integrate community engagement into teaching, research, and service. Bucknell is among 237 institutions nationwide to earn the recognition in this cycle.
TRIAL FOR 2023 MURDER STARTS TODAY IN WILLIAMSPORT
The trial of a Williamsport man accused of killing an acquaintance and robbing him is set to begin this week. According to North Cetnral PA dot com, police say 33-year-old Benjamin Villanueva shot Jermaine Mullen four times in December 2023 along Memorial Avenue in Williamsport. Investigators say video evidence, shell casings, and clothing found near the scene link Villanueva to the shooting. Villanueva has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors removed the death penalty last year, but he could still face life in prison if convicted.
FORMER OFFICER FILES SUIT AGAINST FORMER COLLEGUE, COUNTY
A Shamokin police officer is suing a Northumberland County Adult Probation officer and the county over a crash in Coal Township nearly two years ago. According to th e News Item, officer Noah Smith claims probation officer Alexis Sciascia negligently rear-ended his police SUV while both were responding to a pursuit in March 2024. The suit also names Northumberland County as Smith seeks damages for medical costs and long-term injuries.
FUNDING APPROVED FOR ROAD PROJECT IN SELINSGROVE
A major road project in Selinsgrove is getting a financial boost from the state. Borough officials say a $292,795 multimodal transportation grant has cut the funding shortfall for the $2.6 million Industrial Road reconstruction project by more than half. According to the daily Item, the work is scheduled to begin this spring, with improvements aimed at widening the road. Officials say the remaining gap is now under $200,000.
GAME COMMISSION TENTATIVELY APPROVES 2026-27 PLANS
Hunters in Lycoming County could see mostly familiar seasons with a few key changes in the coming years. The Pennsylvania Game Commission has given preliminary approval to the 2026–27 hunting and trapping seasons, largely keeping dates the same as last year and rejecting a proposal to move firearms deer season earlier. Changes include a one-bird spring gobbler limit and expanded bear archery seasons in nearby Wildlife Management Units. Public comments are being accepted before final approval this spring.
SPORTS
NCAA Men’s Basketball
Duke 83 Louisville 52
Arizona 86 BYU 83
Ohio State 84 Penn State 78
NCAA Men’s Basketball Tonight
Michigan State vs Rutgers 6:30pm FS1
Nebraska vs Michigan 7pm Peacock
Arkansas vs Oklahoma 7pm ESPN
Virginia vs Notre Dame 7pm ESPm2
Providence vs UConn 7:30pm TNT
Purdue vs Indiana 9pm Peacock
Kentucky vs Vanderbilt 9pm ESPN
NBA
Hawks 132 Pacers 116
Hornets 130 76ers 93
Cavaliers 114 Magic 98
Celtics 102 Trail Blazers 94
Lakers 129 Bulls 118
Rockets 108 Grizzlies 99
Timberwolves 108 Warriors 83
NBA Tonight
Trail Blazers vs Wizards 7pm
Kings vs Knicks 7:30pm
Bucks vs 76ers 8pm NBC/Peacock
Pelicans vs Thunder 8pm
Piston nuggets 9pm
Nets vs Suns 9pm
Clippers vs Jazz 10pm NBC/Peacock
NHL
Lightning 2 Mammoth 0
Rangers 4 Bruins 3 /OT
Islanders 4 Flyers 0
Oilers 7 Ducks 4
NHL Tonight
Predators vs Bruins ESPN+
Sabres vs Maple Leafs 7pm ESPN+
Golden Knights vs Canadiens 7pm ESPN+
Mammoth vs Panthers 7pm ESPN+
Jets vs Devils 7pm ESPN+
Stars vs Blues 8pm Hulu/ESPN+
Capitals vs Kraken 10pm ESPN+
NFL
Super Bowl LX Sunday, Feb 8
Seahawks vs Patriots 6:30pm NBC/Peacock
NASCAR
The Clash @ Bowman Gray Sunday Feb 1st at 8pm on FOX
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