ARREST FOR MAN WHO STRONG-ARMED HIS WAY INTO APARTMENT
A Williamsport man is facing multiple charges after police say he forced his way into a woman’s home and assaulted her. According to court documents, 26-year-old Tafari Major had been lurking around the victim’s Memorial Avenue apartment for days before banging on the back door January 29 and pushing his way inside. Police say he struck and grabbed the woman, leaving marks on her neck, before fleeing the scene. Officers later took Major into custody after a brief pursuit. He is charged with assault, trespassing and evading arrest, and is being held on $50,000 bail.
FAMILY DISPLACED AFTER NEWBERRY FIRE
Three adults and four children have been indefinitely displaced after a two alarm fire in Williamsport’s Newberry section Monday afternoon. Dispatchers received multiple calls to the 900 block of Wayne Avenue just after 4:15 p.m. Fire crews say the bulk of the flames were knocked down within about 10 to 15 minutes. All tenants made it out safely, though one person was transported to UPMC Williamsport for treatment. The home is now considered uninhabitable, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
SOLAR FARM COMING TO COUDERSPORT FOR UPMC
UPMC Cole will soon break ground on a 5.5-megawatt solar farm in Coudersport, the first project of its kind within the UPMC system. Construction is set to begin in early 2026, with the site expected to cover roughly 20 to 30 acres and go live by early 2027. Once complete, the solar farm is projected to generate nearly all the electricity needed for the campus. UPMC leaders say the project will reduce the hospital’s carbon footprint, strengthen the regional power grid, lower energy costs and allow more resources to be reinvested into patient care.
ASH WEDNESDAY OBSERVED TODAY
Churches across Williamsport and Lycoming County will observe Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent. Congregations throughout the area will hold worship services with the distribution of ashes. Some churches are also offering community meals and fellowship gatherings, while others are hosting traditional fish dinners as the Lenten season begins. Local faith leaders say the day provides a time for reflection, repentance and spiritual renewal, as Christians begin the 40-day journey leading up to Easter.
HAMM, FLICK ANNOUNCE GRANTS FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES
More than 40 fire and EMS companies across Lycoming and Sullivan counties are receiving nearly $600,000 in state grant funding through the Pennsylvania Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. State Representative Joe Hamm says the money will help first responders cover equipment, training, facility upgrades and operational needs. In the neighboring 83rd District, Representative Jamie Flick secured nearly $215,000 more for local departments. Lawmakers say the funding, generated through state gaming revenue, is critical to ensuring fire and EMS providers have the tools needed to keep communities safe.
PHILLY MAN CHARGED FOR TAKING MONEY FOR NO WORK
A Philadelphia contractor is facing felony charges after police say he took more than $24,000 from a Berwick-area man and never performed the promised work. According to North Central PA dot com, Scott David Miller, 34, owner of Elite Construction, allegedly accepted a $24,500 check last July to begin building a steel structure at a property in Virginia. The agreement was finalized at the victim’s Briar Creek Township home. Police say the check was cashed, but the work was never started and Miller eventually stopped responding. He is charged with theft by deception and related offenses.
FORMER SUNBURY OFFFICIAL ANNOUNCES BID FOR NORRY SHERIFF
Former Sunbury Police Chief Travis Bremigen has announced plans to run for Northumberland County sheriff. Bremigen made the announcement Monday following a Sunbury City Council meeting, saying he wants to bring 26 years of law enforcement experience and new technology to the sheriff’s office. He says his goal is to better utilize deputies and modernize operations. Bremigen has completed the FBI’s Leadership Development program and advanced investigative training. The sheriff’s race is next year. Sheriff Bob Wolfe has held the position since 2014.
FEATURED ARTIST CHOSEN FOR LEWISBURG ARTS FEST
A sure sign of spring is the Lewisburg Arts Festival announcing its 2026 featured artist. The Lewisburg Arts Council has selected Lycoming County scratchboard artist Lynn Kibbe for the honor. Kibbe, who has worked exclusively in scratchboard since 2010, is known for her highly detailed wildlife and animal portraits. Her work will be on display April 3rd through the 26th at The Gallery on North Water Street in Lewisburg. The exhibit is free, with special events planned throughout the month. More information is available at LewisburgArtsCouncil.org.
SPORTS
PIAA HS Boys Basketball
Sullivan County 60 Galeton 38
Muncy 63 Cowanesque Valley 41
Wellsboro 45 NP Mansfield 42
NP Liberty 68 Benton 31
Lourdes Regional 70 Bucktail 58
Mdwbrk Christn 65 Millville 50
PIAA Girls HS Basketball
Muncy 58 Cowanesque Valley 21
So Columbia 40 Canton 33
Northwest 47 E. Juniata 27
NE Bradford 61 Montgomery 25
Grtr Johnstown 55 Shikellamy 39
NCAA Men’s Basketball
Iowa 57 Nebraska 52
Ohio State 86 Wisconsin 69
Michigan 91 Purdue 80
Florida 76 South Carolina 62
Michigan St 82 UCLA 59
NC State 82 UNC 58
Rhode Island 81 St Louis 76
Arizona St 72 Texas Tech 67
NCAA Tonight
Creighton vs UConn 7pm TNT/HBOMax
Arkansas vs Alabama 7pm ESPN
BYU vs Arizona 9pm ESPN
Kansas vs Oklahoma St 9pm Peacock/NBC SN
St John’s vs Marquette 9pm TNT
Gonzaga vs San Francisco 11pm ESPN2
NBA Regular Play resumes Thursday 2/19
Hawks vs 76ers 7pm
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