HOSTAGE STAND OFF IN MONTOURSVILLE
Police responded to a hostage situation on the 300 block of Jordan Avenue in Montoursville. Authorities say last night, a man armed with a gun was holding a woman inside a second-floor apartment, prompting evacuations of nearby homes. According to North Central PA dot com, a hostage negotiator made contact with the suspect, described as a white male wearing a black hoodie, gray sweatpants and a white Penn State hat. Witnesses said police later secured the residence and were in the home collecting evidence. Officials are continuing an investigation.
SOCIAL WORKER FALSIFIED RECORDS
A former social services worker is accused of defrauding Northumberland and Union counties out of more than 17 thousand dollars. Police say 27-year-old Chessie Rose Stitzel of Lewisburg falsified home visit records while working for Justice Works Youth Care, billing for meetings that never happened. Investigators found she logged dozens of hours of fake client visits between October 2022 and January 2023. Stitzel faces felony theft charges and is free on unsecured bail ahead of a March preliminary hearing.
CITY COUNCIL APPROVES REQUIRED MATCH FOR RVTA
Williamsport City Council has approved the city’s required local match for River Valley Transit Authority as part of its state operating funding. According to the Sun Gazette, the state allocation for fiscal year 2026 totals 6.2 million dollars, with the city contributing about 340 thousand dollars toward the overall local share. Council also approved nearly 39 thousand dollars for truck upfits for the public works department, including plows and a spreader. Officials say the upgrades help modernize equipment, and despite heavy winter weather, the department reports no major breakdowns.
GAME COMMISSION IS PHEASANT STOCKING IN SOME COUNTIES
Pennsylvania pheasant hunters in Northumberland, Centre, Clearfield, and Union counties are getting a late-season boost. The Pennsylvania Game Commission says about 8,400 pheasants are being released statewide during the final two weeks of the season, which runs through February 28. Locally, birds will be stocked on state game lands in Northumberland, Centre, Clearfield, and Union counties. Officials say the extra release offers more hunting opportunities, though hunters may need to travel slightly farther to find birds.
FAMILY DISPUTES POLICE ACCOUNT OF DOG SHOOTING DURING WELFARE CHECK
A family is disputing the account of an incident that ended with a state trooper shooting and killing a family dog during a safety check on a Clinton County teenager. Pennsylvania State Police say troopers responded to a Renovo Road home January 26 after a concerning student email was flagged by Central Mountain Middle School. Police say body camera video shows a dog attacking at the doorway, prompting a trooper to fire one shot. The trooper was treated at UPMC Lock Haven, and an internal investigation is underway. According to NorthcentralPA.com, the family says the trooper pushed the door open and disputes police claims.
TALEN ENERGY REQUEST DENIED IN ANTHONY TOWNSHIP
Montour County commissioners have unanimously denied a request by Talen Energy to rezone property in Anthony Township for a proposed data center. Commissioners say the company failed to clearly explain benefits to the county or address concerns about water use, noise, and land impacts. The decision follows months of public input and earlier opposition from the county planning commission. Officials say the denial does not signal opposition to economic development, and more details are expected as the situation develops.
NON PROFIT CLOSED FOR FIRE SAFETY UPGRADES
Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living in Williamsport has temporarily closed its physical office after the City of Williamsport determined its fire alarm system must be updated to meet new 2026 safety standards. Officials say there was no fire and no danger to staff or the public. The nonprofit, located on East Third Street, was required to vacate the building January 22 following the inspection. The Sun Gazette says while the office is closed during upgrades, services continue without interruption, with staff working remotely to support individuals with disabilities across 39 counties.
PENNDOT SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT FOR TRAFFIC SURVEY
PennDOT is asking Pennsylvanians to take part in a new online traffic safety survey available now through February 28. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation says the survey will help guide future safety programs by gathering feedback on driving habits like seat belt use, speeding, and distracted driving. Officials say traffic deaths dropped again last year, and public input could help save more lives.
SPORTS
PIAA HS Basketball
Mt Carmel 60 Athens 43
Sullivan Co 51 Wyalusing 46
Williamsport 65 Central Mtn 52
Girls HS Basketball
Lewisburg 47 Muncy 24
Williamsport 45 Central Mtn 22
Midd-West 47 St John Neumann 42
NCAA Men’s Basketball
Purdue 80 Nebraska 77
Miami 75 UNC 66
Virginia 61 Florida State 58
Vanderbilt 84 Auburn 76
BYU 99 Baylor 94
Wisconsin 92 Illinois 90
Duke 70 Pitt 54
NCAA Men’s Basketball Tonight
Florida vs Georgia 7pm ESPN2
Virginia Tech vs Clemson 7pm ACC Net
UConn vs Butler 7:30pm TNT
Michigan vs Northwestern 8:30pm
NBA
Pacers 137 Knicks 134
Rockets 102 Clippers 95
Suns 120 Mavericks 111
Spurs 136 Lakers 108
NBA Tonight
Wizards vs Cavaliers 7pm
Bucks vs Magic 7pm
Bulls vs Celtics 7:30pm
Pacers vs Nets 7:30pm
Knicks vs 76ers 7:30pm ESPN
Thunder vs Suns 9pm
Spurs vs Warriors 10pm ESPN
Olympics
US Women’s Hockey
* The U.S. women’s hockey team thoroughly overwhelmed rival Canada with a 5-0 victory
* The U.S. will open the quarterfinals against host nation Italy, which went 2-2 in clinching the third and final Group B playoff spot. The gold medal game isn’t until Feb. 19.
US Curling
*Isabella and Rasmus Wranå, Sweden’s first-ever team of siblings at the Winter Olympics, won gold in mixed doubles curling on Tuesday night, beating U.S. pair Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin.
* The Americans made history becoming the first U.S. team to medal in Olympic mixed doubles, and Thiesse is the first American woman to medal in Olympic curling.
Comments