TREE FALLS ON MT HOLLY SPRINGS HOUSE, KILLS OCCUPANT

Heavy winds caused a tragic accident early Monday that brought a tree down onto a Mt Holly Springs home and killed a man inside.  According to the Daily Item, a large tree on the 800 block of Baltimore Pike in South Middleton Township fell at about 3:10am where 43 year old Scott Quickel was inside the home and was fatally injured.  The Cumberland County Coroner, Charley Hall said that Quickel’s death was an accident and that he suffered from multiple traumatic injuries.  Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the incident. 

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT AFTER PUNCHING OFFICER

A Williamsport woman who punched a city officer March 6^th has been charged with assault. According to the Sun Gazette, 41 year old Nytasha Jordan attacked the officer after they were called to her Hepburn Street home for a disturbance at about 8:50pm last Wednesday.  Jordan allegedly punched and grabbed the officer causing cuts and abrasions, and removed a flashlight from their vest, threatening to spit on them.  She was arrested and faces the assault charges along with robbery, resisting arrest, reckless endangerment and more.  Jordan was committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 85 thousand dollars bail.

OLD CITY WILLIAMSPORT PROJECT PARTICIPANTS CHANGING

The Old City revitalization project in Williamsport will be moving forward without the participation of the Williamsport Redevelopment Authority.  According to the Sun Gazette, members of the RDA formally requested to be removed from further negotiations with Pine Ridge Construction Management Inc. of Williamsport and Delta Development Group, the developers and consultants working on the Old City Williamsport project.  Skip Memmi, the executive director of Williamsport’s community and economic development said there have been no negotiations in 6 months, and RDA is no longer interested in being involved.  Lycoming County and Lycoming College are still involved in the mixed-use project, but officials say in a different way from how it was originally envisioned.

SOIL REMEDIATION IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

A lane of I-180 in Northumberland County will be restricted tomorrow for a soil remediation project after a previous car accident.  According to PennDOT, a contractor will be on the westbound side of I 180 Wednesday approximately 2.5 miles from the Interstate 80 interchange.  Watch for the right driving lane and shoulder to be restricted between the hours of 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, weather permitting.

ONE CAR ACCIDENT IN FLEMINGTON

Flemington Goodwill Hose Company assisted at the scene Monday morning after a one-car accident may have injured a child.  According to the Lock Haven Express, the accident occurred about 8:30am and witnesses say there were four people in the car that crashed at Huston and High Streets in Flemington.  Emergency responders said a child may have suffered a head injury and was hospitalized.  State police at Lamar were also on the scene and blocked the road for about 30 minutes while they cleared the crash.  No victims in the accident have been named at this time.

WOMAN FACES TEN FELONIES FOR DEFRAUDING BANK

A Williamsport woman is facing up to10 felony fraud charges after she wrote bad checks and defrauded an East Third Street bank in June of 2022.  According to the Sun Gazette, court records say 20 year old Imunique Johnson took part in a scheme in which she deposited bogus checks into several accounts at Woodlands Bank using local and out of state ATMs.  She then withdrew funds before fraudulent deposits were discovered by bank officials. The fraud totaled close to 20 thousand dollars.  Johnson was arraigned Friday and released on 15 thousand dollars bail.

WARRIOR RUN FIRE VOLUNTEERS COULD SEE TAX BREAK

The Watsontown borough Council last night approved an income tax exemption for fire department personnel who live there. According to the Daily Item, the ordinance through the Volunteer Service Credit Program is approved for those who are active volunteers living in Watsontown Borough and are members of Warrior Run Fire Department.  Borough officials said the program has been authorized in Pennsylvania since 2017 and will now allow an income tax exemption for those who qualify of up to $300 per year.

EASTER EGG EVENT IN BELLEFONTE

Historic Bellefonte is planning the Bellefonte Easter Egg Hunt for 2024 that will be held Saturday, March 30^th at 1pm snow, rain or shine.  According to the Lock Haven Express, the event is free with no registration for children 12 and under, and plans to have an Easter Bunny visit along with 15 thousand eggs supplied by many volunteers and members of the local community.  Those who have special needs should contact the organizers to make arrangements by March 15^th at [email protected].  The event is recommended for student volunteers who have to complete community service hours, call 814-574-3240 for more information.

SPORTS

PIAA Basketball Tonight
State Playoffs Second Round 
Boys Quad A
Danville vs Carver E&S (6pm at Catasaqua)
Boys 5A
Selinsgrove vs Franklin Regional  (730pm at Altoona)
Girls Double A
Muncy vs Sacred Heart Academy  (730pm at Pottsville)
Girls Triple A
Loyalsock vs Lake Lehman (730pm at Berwick)
Hughesville vs West Catholic  (6pm at Pottsville)

NCAA Men’s Basketball
West Coast Conference Tournament
Gonzaga 89          San Francisco  77
St Mary’s  79       Santa Clara  65
NCAA Men’s Basketball Tonight
(17) Gonzaga vs (21) St Mary’s  9pm ESPN

NBA
Piston 114                     Hornets  97
Suns  117             Cavaliers  111
Mavericks 127     Bulls  92
Warriors 112        Spurs 102
Nuggets 125         Raptors  119
Celtics  121          Trail Blazers 99
NBA Tonight
76ers vs NY Knicks  7:30pm TNT
Celtics vs Utah  9pm
Minnesota vs LA Clippers  10pm TNT

NHL

Blues  5      Bruins  1
Rangers  3  Devils  1
Jets  3         Capitals  0
Kings  3      NY Islanders  0

NHL Tonight
Detroit vs Buffalo  7pm
Pittsburgh vs Ottawa  7pm
San Jose vs Phila  7pm
NY Rangers vs Carolina  7pm

NFL News
Securing a new backup for Aaron Rodgers and adding to his offensive line, the New York Jets agreed to terms Monday night with former New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor and former Baltimore Ravens guard John Simpson. The Jets also finalized a deal with former San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw who was a 2020 first-round pick.

ONE IN CUSTODY FROM WEEKEND SHOOTING IN LOYALSOCK

One woman was taken onto custody this week for hindering apprehension and related charges in the case  involving the shooting that killed a 15 year old Williamsport boy in the parking lot of TGI Friday’s in Loyalsock Township last Saturday.  According to State police at Montoursville, 37 year old Johneice Francin LEGARE of Williamsport was arrested yesterday in connection with the shooting that the Lycoming County District Attorney believes is gang-related.  No other arrests have been made at this time and the investigation continues.  Williamsport High School student Ahmeen Palmer was struck by multiple gunshots and pronounced dead at UPMC Williamsport Saturday night.

VEHICLE CRASH KILLS MILLMONT MAN

A fatal vehicle crash took the life of a Millmont man Monday morning in Hartley Township. According to State police at Milton, 66 year old Keith Wolfe  was driving west along Route 45 in Union County around 8am when his vehicle crossed the center line and   went off the left berm of the roadway.  Wolfe’s  2019 Ford F-150 XLT truck went down an embankment about 150 feet  down and struck a tree.  Police say Wolfe was wearing a seatbelt during the crash.

UTILITY SCAMS PREVALENT IN 2023

March 3^rd through March 9^th is National Consumer Protection Week.  According to the Federal Trade Commission, “utility imposter scams” were named the top fraud category in 2023.  Scammers will often threaten vulnerable customers to disconnect their utility services unless an immediate payment is made with a prepaid debit card, a gift card, or other digitalcash app.  The utility company says they will never demand payment by prepaid cards, cryptocurrencies or other methods. If you sense suspicious activity call or email pplelectric.com/scams.

UPTOWN MUSIC COLLECTIVE TO PERFORM IRISH ROCK

It’s one day only on St. Patrick’s Day eve and the Uptown Music Collective will not disappoint with a repertoire of songs from Irish singers and bands.  On March 16^th at 7:30 pm, the Uptown Music Collective will perform, “Rattle and Hum: A Celebration of U2 and Irish Rock.  The show will feature Special Performance Group 1, which is comprised of Uptown Music collective students aged 14 to 18 who audition for and then plan the show. Along with the music, a professional-grade light and sound is planned by the students, alongside the professionals at the Community Arts Center.  Get tickets at caclive.com or details about the show at uptown music dot org.

WOMAN CHARGED FOR ACCIDENT THAT KILLED 13 YEAR-OLD

A 20 year old woman has been charged with two felony counts of accidents involving death or personal injury while not properly licensed after a crash that took the life of a 13 year old Selinsgrove Area School District student on October 16^th last year.  According to the News Item, Emilee Bland turned herself in to the Mount Carmel police yesterday for her role in the crash that happened at the intersection of Route 487 and Industrial Park Road in Ralpho Township while Christopher Sensenig, was the front seat passenger in a car driven by Anna Hellmann, of Winfield.  Bland was charged and released on 25 thousand dollars bail.

LOCK HAVEN FIRST WARD NEEDS NEW VOTING SPACE

The Clinton County Board of Commissioners are seeking a new space for voters to cast ballots in Lock Haven’s First ward.  According to the Lock Haven Express, after the merger of Hand-In-Hand Fire Company and Hope Hose into East Side Fire Company in 2024 — the Clinton County Board of Election could no longer use the location at North Henderson Street.  The proposed new site is at the Lock Haven Regatta Association  formerly Lock Haven Jaycees along E. Water Street.  A public meeting will be Monday, March 18,  at will be held at 9:30am in the second floor conference room of the Piper Building to hear input from the public.  The Primary Election is Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

WORK DAY AT WINTER STATE PARK

Volunteers are invited to participate in a work day at the Raymond B. Winter State Park on March 16^th.  According to the Daily Item, the group, Friends of the Raymond B. Winter State Park, say volunteers will likely be helping to move branches and other debris from the campground, so work gloves and old clothes are recommended.  The group will meet Saturday morning at 10am at the Environmental Learning Center before goingto the campground within the Bald Eagle State Forest along Route 192 just 18 miles west of Lewisburg.

CU FACULTY FEATURED IN LOCK HAVEN GALLERY

Commonwealth University faculty will show their works in a public art show starting this evening at the Station Gallery on E. Bald Eagle Street in Lock Haven.   An opening reception will be held tonight from 6-8pm in the gallery.  Faculty members from Commonwealth University Lock Haven with work in the show include Jason Bronner, Ray Heffner and Vance McCoy, with other faculty artists from Bloomsburg and Mansfield also featured.  The gallery will be open to the public through April  7, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. Mediums featured in the show include ceramics, fabric design, graphic design, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.

SPORTS

NCAA Men’s Basketball
(5) Arizona  88  UCLA  65
Washington  74  (18) Washington State  68
NCAA Men’s Basketball Saturday
Arkansas  vs (16) Alabama  12:30ESPN
(6) Iowa State vs Kansas State  2pm ESPN2
(10) Creighton vs  Villanove  2:30pm FOX
(14) Kansas vs (1) Houston  4pm ESPN
(15) Kentucky vs (4)Tennessee  4pm CBS
(8) Marquette  vs Xavier  5pm FOX
(11)  Baylor vs Texas tech 6pm ESPN2
(7) North Carolina  vs (9) Duke  6:30pm  ESPN
(2) UConn vs  Providence  8pm FOX

NBA
Pistons  118  Nets  112
Timberwolves  113  Pacers  111
Mavericks  114  Heat  108
Suns  120  Raptors  113
Nuggets  115  Celtics  109
Bulls  125  Warriors 122
Kings  131  Spurs 129
NBA Tonight
New Orleans vs 76ers  7pm
Minnesota vs Cleveland  7:30pm ESPN
Orlando vs NY Knicks  7:30pm
Bucks vs LA Lakers  10pm ESPN

NHL
Bruins  4  Maple Leafs  1
Flames  6  Lightning  3
Flyers 2  Panthers  1
Devils  4  Blues 1
Capitals  6  Penguins  0
Blue Jackets  4  Oilers  2
Kings  4  Senators  3
NHL Saturday
Edmonton vs Buffalo  12:340pm
Carolina vs New Jersey  12:30pm ABC/ESPN
Pittsburgh vs Boston  3pm ABC/ESPN

NASCAR Sunday
Shriners Childrens 500  Phoenix Raceway 
PreRace 2:30pm/Green Flag 3:30pm on Twin Valley’s Talk or WILQ’s HD3

PIAA HS Basketball  CHAMPIONSHIPS
Boys Class A First Round Friday 
Lancaster County Christian vs Bucktail (7pm at Central Mountain) 
Freedom MMI at Galeton (7pm)
Northumberland Christian vs. Linville Hill (7pm at Lancaster County Christian)

Boys Quad A First Round Friday
Octorara at Danville (7:30pm)
Valley View at Shamokin (7pm)
Lewisburg at Greater Johnstown (7pm)

Boys Class 5A First Round Friday
Muhlenberg at Selinsgrove ( 7pm)

Boys 2A First Round Saturday
Claysburg Kimmel at Muncy (5pm)
Northwest at Mahanoy Area (3pm)
St John Neumann at Lanc. Menn (1pm) 

Boys 3A First Round Saturday
Troy at Trinity  (3pm at Trinity)
Mid Valley at Loyalsock (4pm) 
Southern Columbia at Forest Hills (3pm)

PIAA HS Basketball Girls
Girls 2A First Round Friday
Lancaster Mennonite at Muncy (7pm)
Wyalusing at Holy Cross ( 7pm)
Marian Catholic at Northeast Bradford (7pm)

Girls 3A First Round Friday
Bloomsburg at Holy Redeemer (7pm)
Loyalsock vs Columbia (7pm at Penn Manor HS)
Hughesville vs Dunmore  (6pm at Danville)

Girls Class A First Round Saturday
Lourdes Regional at Susquehanna  (3pm)
Meadowbrook Christian vs Nativity BVM (6pm at St John Neumann)
High Point Baptist at St John Neumann (7:30pm)

Girls Quad A First Round Saturday
Valley View at Jersey Shore (4pm) Trinity at Central Columbia (4pm)

DA DENOUNCES GANG VOLENCE AFTER SHOOTING IN LOYALSOCK

During a press conference yesterday, Lycoming County District Attorney, Tom Marino told the public that there is a suspect identified in the fatal shooting Saturday night in a parking lot on East Third Street in Loyalsock Township that killed a 15 year old. According to Lycoming County Coroner Charles E. Kiessling Jr, Ahmeen Palmer, of Williamsport was the victim that the DA frames as gang-related.  Marino said they implemented  a zero-tolerance policy on violent gangs and they are closing in on alleged gang members and their families in order to put them behind bars.  He said he will meet with boards overseeing local housing complexes so that they can become aware of who they are permitting to live in their neighborhoods across the area.

WOMAN SHOPLIFTS FLEES FROM OFFICERS WITH KIDS IN CAR

A Williamsport woman was arrested Saturday, originally for shoplifting, but once police allowed her to make arrangements for someone to come pick up her children who were along, she aggressively fled the scene, nearly striking the arresting officer who had to evade injury.  According to the Sun Gazette, 28 year old Iris Sierra Dent allegedly stole over 200 dollars in groceries from Wegmans before she fled from the officers and was taken into custody later.  Dent was charged with assault, endangering the welfare of children, felony shoplifting, disorderly conduct and more.  She was remanded to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 30 thousand dollars bail.

KULPMONT SENIOR CENTER TO CLOSE

The Northumberland County Commissioners have voted to terminate the lease for the Kulpmont Senior Action Center at their meeting this week.  According to the Daily Item, administrators for the center on N. 8^th Street say the goal will be to merge the center with Mount Carmel Center and the Coal Region Center and invite members to attend whichever facility is closer to them.  They said the center will close for good on May 5^th.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT SEMINAR THURSDAY

Penn College will host a few hundred students from 18 school districts Thursday for their annual Student Government Seminar hosted by state Sen. Gene Yaw.  As one of the largest Senate-organized Student Government Seminars in Pennsylvania the seminar allows students to develop legislation, debate important issues with key policymakers, offer their input, and vote on ‘mock’ bills.  According to Senator Yaw, the day helps students better understand the legislative process.  Registration is Thursday at 8:15 and in the Field House on Penn College Campus.

FOUR ARRESTS IN WILLIAMSPORT DOUBLE HOMICIDE

Four people were taken into custody for the double homicide in Williamsport January 11^th, that took the life of co-workers Alicia Seese and Ronald Dailey, Jr. According to the Sun Gazette, Troy Bennett Bailey Sr. and his roommate Muhammad Davis were charged with first degree murder in the case, after police say they are the suspects seen in video surveillance with Seese and Dailey the night of the shootings. Randall Johnson of Williamsport was taken into custody as a suspect and, Sandy Camille Perez, was also charged as an accomplice for allegedly taking the murder weapon and discarding it. Johnson, who is charged with providing Seese’s work schedule to Bailey, was the only suspect arrested Monday to be released on bail.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Lycoming County District Attorney Tom Marino said yesterday in a press conference that he hopes the charges against these suspects can bring some peace to the families who are suffering losses.

TWO DEAD, ONE RESCUED FROM POINT TOWNSHIP HOUSEFIRE

Two people were killed and one injured as a result of a fire that started at a home in Point Township, Northumberland County early Monday morning.  According to the Sun Gazette, State police say Point Township Assistant Fire Chief Michael Erdman was the first on the scene of the fire at the home of his mother and step brother, 63 year old Wendy Filbert and 40 year old Michael John Filbert who were pulled from the home  on Johns Way Road but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. A third victim, 59 year old Michael Filbert was hospitalized and is reportedly in stable condition.  The state fire marshal said the fire was accidental but an investigations in ongoing.

COURTROOM SCUFFLE BRINGS ABOUT CHARGES IN SNYDER COUNTY

Two local attorneys who got into heated argument that resulted in one pushing the other in a Snyder County Courtroom on February 22^nd,  have shook hands and made up, but the allegations of the assault will be turned over to the Pennsylvania State Attorney General’s Office.  According to the Daily item, the Snyder County District Attorney received an incident report in which Sunbury attorney Roger Wiest II allegedly shoved Middleburg attorney Robert Steinberg causing him to fall.  Steinberg’s client, plaintiff Adam Hoover, was allegedly injured in the incident and turned in a medical report in the case. The investigation continues.

GRANT FOR EQUINE ARENA IMPROVEMENTS AT  FAIRGROUNDS

Through the First Community Foundation Partnership, The Lycoming County Fair Association has received $30,000 grant from the Lycoming Economic Development Foundation Fund for an Equine Area Revitalization Project.  Improvements planned for the equine arena include safer footing and work completed that will help maintain the facility throughout the year and more. A ribbon cutting for the updated facility is planned for this July.

SPORTS

NCAA Men’s Basketball
(3) Purdue  77                (12) Illinois  71
(7) North Carolina  84  Notre Dame  51
(13) Auburn 101                     Missouri  74
(14) Kansas  90             Kansas State 68
Florida  105                   (16)Alabama  87
Pitt 88                            Florida State  73
NCAA Men’s Basketball Tonight
(1) Houston vs UCF 7pm
(4) Tennessee vs (17) South Carolina ESPN2
(20) BYU vs (6) Iowa State 9pm ESPN2
(2) UConn vs (8) Marquette  8:30pm FS

NBA
Magic  101           Hornets  89
Cavaliers  105      Celtics  104
Nets  112              76ers 107
Heat  118             Pistons  110
Hawks  116          Knicks  100
Rockets  114        Spurs  101
Pacers  137                    Mavericks  120
Suns  117             Nuggets  107

NBA Tonight
Cleveland vs Atlanta 7:30pm
Memphis @ Phila 7:30pm
LA Clippers  vs Houston  7:30pm ESPN
Milwaukee vs Golden State  10pm ESPN

NHL
Panthers 5            Devils  3
Penguins  5           Blue Jackets  3
Oilers 2                Bruins  1
Islanders  4            Blues 2
Canadiens  4        Predators  3
NHL Tonight
Buffalo vs Toronto  7pm TNT
Detroit vs Colorado 9:30pm TNT

PIAA HS Basketball  Boys
Boys Class A First Round Friday 
Lancaster County Christian vs Bucktail (7pm at Central Mountain) 
Freedom MMI at Galeton (7pm)
Northumberland Christian vs. Linville Hill (7pm at Lancaster County Christian)

Boys Quad A First Round Friday
Octorara at Danville (7:30pm)
Valley View at Shamokin (7pm)
Lewisburg at Greater Johnstown (7pm)

Boys Class 5A First Round Friday
Muhlenberg at Selinsgrove ( 7pm)

Boys 2A First Round Saturday
Claysburg Kimmel at Muncy (5pm)
Northwest at Mahanoy Area (3pm)
St John Neumann at Lanc. Menn (1pm) 

Boys 3A First Round Saturday
Troy at Trinity  (3pm at Trinity)
Mid Valley at Loyalsock (4pm) 
Southern Columbia at Forest Hills (3pm)

PIAA HS Basketball Girls
Girls 2A First Round Friday
Lancaster Mennonite at Muncy (7pm)
Wyalusing at Holy Cross ( 7pm)
Marian Catholic at Northeast Bradford (7pm)

Girls 3A First Round Friday
Bloomsburg at Holy Redeemer (7pm)
Loyalsock vs Columbia (7pm at Penn Manor HS)
Hughesville vs Dunmore  (6pm at Danville)

Girls Class A First Round Saturday
Lourdes Regional at Susquehanna  (3pm)
Meadowbrook Christian vs Nativity BVM (6pm at St John Neumann)
High Point Baptist at St John Neumann (7:30pm)

Girls Quad A First Round Saturday
Valley View at Jersey Shore (4pm) Trinity at Central Columbia (4pm)

PERSON OF INTEREST IN CITY SHOOTING NOW CHARGED WITH FORGERY

More information has come to light about the man who was taken into custody as a person of interest after the fatal shooting of two contracted security personnel at Lycoming Engines near Terrace place in Williamsport January 12^th. According to the Sun Gazette, Troy Bailey, Sr. is now facing felony charges of forgery, identity theft and theft by deception plus one misdemeanor charge of false statements after it was discovered that he has been using his son’s social security number and other information to gain employment and receive payment at local businesses, including at Lycoming Engines.  His son, Troy Bailey Jr., is serving a life sentence for murder at this time. One of the victims of the shooting, Alisha Seese, had filed a PFA against Bailey Sr. before the shooting.  Bailey’s charges surrounding the shooting have been sealed by a judge from the media and the public.  No one has been charged in the January 12^th shooting.

TWO MEN CHARGED WITH SHOPLIFTING

Two Pennsdale residents have been charged with felony shoplifting after police say they conspired to steal from Wegmans at 201 William St in Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, 48 year old Matthew J. Fry and 38 year old Chanel Nate Elliot, took over 12 hundred dollars in merchandise from the store on February 23rd.  They were arrested that Friday and arraigned Sunday before they were each released on 20 thousand dollars bail.

GROUP WHO OPPOSES PLASTICS PLANT HOLDS PUBLIC MEETING

A public meeting was held last night by The Save our Susquehanna group who is fighting the proposed Encina plastics recycling plant planned for along Route 11 in Point Township.  According to the Daily item, the event hosted almost 100 people who came to ask questions about the impacts of the proposed plant on the Susquehanna, health effects, property values and other risks and issues.  There were no representatives from Encina at the event, and some said the meeting was political and not fair. Get information about the effort at Save Our Susquehanna.org.

WIND ADVISORY EXPIRES FOR NORTH CENTRAL PA

The wind advisory that has been in place overnight is set to expire at 7am this morning.  According to PPL they have been prepared for outages in anticipation of high winds compromising trees which can bring down utility lines.  At this time in the region, the PPL outage map is showing less than 100 customers dealing with power outages at this time, so the expected damage has not come to fruition overnight for areas of Lycoming and Northumberland Counties.  Officials from the electric company say they have hundreds of workers ready to respond in the event that there is a widespread outage from any wind damage that could happen through this evening before the storm moves out.

WOMAN CHARGED FOR UNDER-RINGING GROCERIES

A Williamsport woman was arrested after she continually stole groceries at an East Third Street grocery store over three months.  According to North Central PA dot com, 51 year old  Nataliya Goralnik was allegedly seen over 17 times on video surveillance under-ringing items at a self-checkout line and after one instance, was photographed leaving in her car by a grocery store employee.  Goralnik was identified by through vehicle sale records and denied involvement in the theft.  She is being charged with a first-degree misdemeanor count of receiving stolen property and two counts of retail theft.

MAN ARRESTED FOR CHILD ENDANGERMENT

A man who lived in Old Lycoming Township is facing child endangerment charges after he allegedly left his 4 year old son alone at home July 23^rd .  According to the Sun Gazette, 29 year old Sean Edward Patillo drove away from his home and was stopped by police for an expired registration.  Through the conversation, Patillo told officers that his son was home alone, before they found that the man had a warrant for his arrest out of Philadelphia.  When officers searched Patillo’s home, they found the boy alone, and drugs and drug paraphernalia out within reach of the child.  The 4 year old was put in protective custody before his mother came to pick him up.  Patillo was recently arraigned and jailed in lieu if 25 thousand dollars bail.

HIKING BOOK TO FEATURE PA WILDS REGION

A hiking book that is expected to highlight key trails and vistas in the PA Wilds region is under development as the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship and the Keystone Trails Association have teamed up for the project.  According to the PA Wilds Center there are more than 2 million acres spanning more than 1,600 miles of trails in the region, and the publication they will provide will include trails across all 13 counties, meant to complement other hiking books that are focused on specific parts of the region or certain experiences.  The book is expected to be available for purchase in 2025 through 2026.

DANVILLE CEMETERY TO COLLECT WREATHS

National Wreaths Across America Day happened  Saturday, December 16 at over 4,225 participating locations across the country, including Arlington National Cemetery.  But locally we are now looking to collect the wreaths after the holiday period.  One place that will be collecting wreaths this Saturday is at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Danville. Go to wreaths across America dot org to find more volunteer opportunities for collecting wreaths this weekend.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Basketball
Boys
Class 1 A Championship
Bucktail 57  Galeton  49
            Consolation:  Northumberland Christian  75  NP Liberty  48
Class 2A Championship
Muncy  49  St John Neumann  48
            Consolation : Northwest Area 62  Line Mountain  49
Girls
Class 4A 
            Consolation:  Lewisburg  49  Shamokin  42
HS Basketball Tonight
Girls Class A Championship  Both@ Montoursville HS
Meadowbrook Christian vs St John Neumann 7:30pm
            Consolation:  Lourdes Regional vs Bucktail  6pm

NCAA Men’s Basketball
(4)Tennessee  92                     (11) Auburn  84
(5) Marquette  91                    Providence  69
(6) Arizona 85                         Arizona State  67
(10) Duke  84                          Louisville  59
(12) Creighton   85                  Seton Hall  64
(14) Alabama  103                  Ole Miss 88

NBA
Pacers 123                     Pelicans  114
Mavericks  136    Raptors  125
Timberwolves  110  Grizzlies   101
Bulls  132             Cavaliers 123
Nuggets  117        Kings  96
Lakers  116          Clippers  112
NBA Tonight
Golden State vs NY Knicks  7:30pm TNT

NHL
Rangers  4  Blue Jackets 1
Oilers  3      Blues 2
NHL Tonight
Islanders vs Red Wings 7pm
Hurricanes vs Blue Jackets  7pm ESPN /Hulu
Penguins vs Kraken  10pm

JERSEY SHORE FOSTER MOTHER CHARGED WITH ABUSE

A Jersey Shore woman who was a temporary foster parent for a 5 year-old child who was disabled, was arraigned this week on felony counts of physical abuse of the child.  According to the Sun Gazette, 24 year old Jeanette Nicole Hunsberger faces multiple felony and misdemeanor counts of abuse after an investigation showed the non-verbal child had injuries consistent with physical abuse allegedly suffered in the Anthony Township home. According to police, the child’s parent’s raised concerns that their child was being abused by Hunsberger.  She was released on 50 thousand dollars bail.

COAL TOWNSHIP MAN ARRESTED AFTER VIOLATING PFA

A Coal Township man was arrested after he recently violated a PFA filed against him. According to the Sun Gazette, police say 22 year old Dylan Lubrant first cased the home of his victim then blocked her from driving away in her car, before he forcibly removed her from the vehicle.  Lubrant then pried a cell phone from the woman’s hand and drove away in a reckless manner almost striking her.  Police took the man into custody and he was arraigned and sent to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 15 thousand dollars bail.

NEW DOWNTOWN MANAGER FOR SHAMOKIN

The City of Shamokin and Shamokin Area Economic Development Authority have appointed Justin Bainbridge as the new Downtown Manager, thanks to grant funding from the Department of Community and Economic Development, including the Act 47 Implementation Grant and the Appalachian Regional Commission grant.  The Downtown Manager position is integral to driving Shamokin’s revitalization efforts for the next three years. The partnership also ensures ongoing support and coordination from the SEDA-COG, reinforcing the commitment to sustained revitalization efforts.

FUNDRAISER PLANNED FOR THE IRION FAMILY

The loss of a Montoursville man from a UTV accident last weekend has brought the community together to support John Irion’s family with an upcoming fundraiser. According to social media post by Antlers on the Water, a benefit will be held March 23^rd for which they are accepting gift basket or gift card donations through March 16^th.  Local musicians have also donated their time for the event.  There is a Go Fund Me account for the “Irion Family” started by a member of the Montoursville community to help offset other costs at this difficult time of loss.

MAN JAILED FOR DISORDERLY CONDUCT IN UNION COUNTY

Police arrested a 22 year old Winfield man after he allegedly fought with police officers February 24^th at a Union County business.  According to the Standard Journal, Coal Inch of New Berlin Highway faces with felony aggravated assault charges as well as a misdemeanor of evading arrest, harassment and disorderly conduct for the incident that happened last Saturday around 12:30am at a local business in East Buffalo Township.

HIGH VALUE ITEMS STOLEN FROM COIN COLLECTOR

A local man who deals and collects coins and currency was robbed of a collection of items that were inside his vehicle while parked along Blair Street February 10^th in Loyalsock Township.  According to the Sun Gazette, the unnamed victim of the theft, lost over 280 thousand dollars-worth of coins and silver bars and about 4 thousand dollars in cash when the suspect or suspects gained access to the man’s 2017 Ford van.  Call state police if you have any information about the theft 570-368-5700.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS SEEKS A LIFEGUARD FOR THEIR SWIM TEAM

Special Olympics of Lycoming County is seeking to hire a certified lifeguard for the advanced group of their program that practices Monday evenings from the end of February until the end of May.  According to North Central PA dot com, practices and competitions are usually held at the River Valley Regional YMCA Williamsport Branch on Walnut Street in Williamsport.  If you would like to apply as a certified lifeguard for Special Olympics PA Lycoming County, email [email protected] or reach them through Facebook.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE MEGA DROP SATURDAY IN LEWISBURG

Girl Scout cookies are to be distributed starting this weekend after a mega drop is scheduled at the Lewisburg National Guard at 4700 Westbranch Highway.  According to the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, the Lewisburg drop is one of four sites across PA that also will have cookie drop-off points, and will be going from 8:30am until noon on Saturday, with Girl Scout Cookie Booths expected to open on Friday, March 8^th.  Customers can find a nearby cookie booth by entering a zip code into the Girl Scout cookie finder, and can also donate cookies to Soldier’s Angels that go directly to active duty servicemen and women.

SPORTS
PIAA D4 HS Basketball Playoffs
Boys
Class 3A Semi-finals
Loyalsock 64        Warrior Run 55
Troy 70                Southern Columbia 68

Class 4A Semi-finals
Shamokin 69        Central Columbia 46
Danville 58           Lewisburg 31

Girls
Class 3A Semi-finals
Loyalsock 57        Bloomsburg 21
Hughesville 55     Troy 40

NCAA Men’s Basketball
(1)Houston  67     Cincinnati  59
BYU  76               (7)Kansas  68
(16) Kentucky  91  Mississippi  State 89

NCAA Men’s Basketball tonight
(11) Auburn  vs (4) Tennessee  7pm ESPN2
Louisville vs (10) Duke 7pm ACCN
Seton Hall vs (12)Creighton 9pm FS1
(14) Alabama vs Ole Miss  9pm ESPN2

NBA
Cavaliers 121       Mavericks  119
Magic  108                     Nets   81
Warriors  123       Wizards  112
Celtics 117                     76ers  99
Pelicans  115        Knicks  92
Pistons 105                    Bulls 95
Bucks  123                     Hornets  85
NBA Tonight
Pelicans  vs Pacers  7:30pm ESPN
Lakers vs Clippers  10pm ESPN
NHL
Red Wings 8         Capitals  3
Flyers  6               Lightning  2
Predators 4           Senators  1
Penguins  4           Canucks  3
Devils  7               Sharks  2

NHL Tonight
Columbus vs New York Rangers  7pm
St Louis vs Edmonton  8:30pm TNT