MIFFLINBURG MAN FORGED CHECKS FOR DRUG MONEY

A man from Mifflinburg was arrested for forging checks to allegedly get cash to buy drugs.  According to North Central PA dot com, Mifflinburg Police say 23 year old Jasper Pierce Faircloth forged a signature and cashed seven bad checks totaling almost 4 thousand dollars in early October and avoided calls from the bank when his account was overdrawn.  Faircloth admitted he used the funds to buy drugs and a virtual reality headset.  He faces seven felony counts each of forgery, seven misdemeanor counts of bad checks, felony theft, and felony receiving stolen property.  He was incarcerated in lieu of 25 thousand dollars bail.

TWO DUI CHARGES IN ONE NIGHT FOR MONTOURSVILLE WOMAN

A woman from Montoursville was charged with DUI twice during the early hours of October 5^th and is now free on bail.  According to state police, 27 year old Asia Agnew was stopped in the 300 block of Broad Street after being observed driving in an impaired manner, but denied consuming alcohol and refused a blood test at the DUI center.  She was charged with DUI and taken home.  An hour later, Agnew was stopped along the 200 block of Church Alley by another trooper who knew she had been stopped for suspected DUI previously.  Agnew again refused a blood sample, but took a preliminary breath test that showed alcohol according to police.   She was charged again with similar DUI and summary offenses from the first incident.

INCORRECT, UNDATED BALLOTS NOT TO BE COUNTED IN PA

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has declared with a majority vote that ballots in the state that are undated or incorrectly dated from the just-completed 2024 general election are not to be counted.  According to Penn Live, the justices wrote the ruling for all county election board members to follow the declaration even though some eastern counties voted in this last election in favor of counting the undated votes.  As of Monday, McCormick holds a 17,444-vote lead over Casey. The recount begins today and must be complete and reported by November 27^th.

TWO MUNCY MEN WIN HONORS AT WORLD DAIRY EXPO

Two young men from Muncy and their cows have won top honors at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin.  According to the Sun Gazette, Phillip McCormick and Robin were grand champions for the junior division and honorable mention in the open show for Red&White.  Dakota Fraley and Diamond were grand champions of the Brown Swiss in the international junior show.  There were 55,000 attendees and 96 countries being represented for the week-long agricultural event. McCormick is studying animal science at Penn State Altoona and was a member of 4-H.  Fraley’s family owns Twin County Farms in Muncy. Get information about the recent competition at worlddairyexpo.com.

WOMAN STILL HOSPITALIZED FROM ROUTE 901 CRASH

A woman from Minersville remains hospitalized after a head-on crash on State Route 901 in Coal Township that occurred last Wednesday.  According to a PA state police press release, 54 year old Christie Marie Paulson’s vehicle crossed the center line and struck a westbound 2023 Chevrolet Silverado head-on. The driver of the Silverado, 57 year old Daniel Kasper, suffered minor injuries after his truck took the brunt of the impact.  Paulson was unconscious at the scene and was extricated from her vehicle by first responders from the Coal Township Fire Department. The violent accident damaged the roadway by causing a gash in the pavement.  The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

WARRANT ISSUED FOR WATSONTOWN ID THIEF

A warrant has been issued for a man from the Bronx, NY who they say is responsible for identity theft in Watsontown.  According to state police, they have charged 28 year old Kevin Iurilli for using driver’s license numbers to cash checks and withdraw funds in Northumberland and previously in Blair County where he was accused of ID theft from two other individuals.  Iurilli is not yet in custody. 

CROSSCUTTERS HOT STOVE BANQUET COMING IN JANUARY

The line-up for the Williamsport Crosscutters’ Hot Stove Banquet fundraiser was announced and the event is coming up January 17^th at the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport.  According to the crosscutters, Hall of Fame pitcher Mike Mussina, ESPN Hall of Fame Baseball Analyst Tim Kurkjian, and Philadelphia Phillies third base coach Dusty Wathan will be the special guests in attendance at the event.  A dinner and silent auction of special sports memorabilia is part of the banquet and the charity chosen to benefit from the proceeds this year will be Lycoming County United Way.  Get details at crosscutters.com.

STUDENTS PROTEST TO SAVE SYMBOLIC MAPLE TREE

Students at Meadowview Christian Academy protested peacefully Monday to save a symbolic maple tree on school property after it was slated to be cut down to make way for electric lines.  According to the News Item, the tree has been outside the school for over 60 years when it was Paxinos Public School, and is used currently as shade for graduation ceremonies, a spot for pictures and educational sessions.  Ultimately PPL agreed to just trim the tree and it will remain standing for now thanks to the students and teachers efforts to save it.

SPORTS

NBA
Nets  116              Hornets  115
Celtics 120                     Cavaliers 117
Nuggets  122        Grizzlies  110
Mavericks  132    Pelicans  92
Spurs  110                     Thunder  104
Lakers  124          Jazz 118

NBA Tonight
Bulls vs Bucks  7:20pm ESPN
76ers  vs Grizzlies  8pm
Knicks vs Suns  10pm ESPN
Hawks vs Warriors 10pm

NHL
Oilers  5               Senators 2
Lightning  3          Penguins  2
Wild 4                  Blues  2
Jets  6                   Panthers  3
Ducks  3               Blackhawks  2
Flames  2              Islanders  1
Rangers  4            Canucks  3

NHL Tonight
Hurricanes Flyers  7:30pm  TNT/MAX
Predators vs Kraken  10pm TNT/MAX
Sabres vs Kings 10:30pm ESPN+

Men’s Tennis
* (38 yr-old) Rafael Nadal’s amazing career came to an end after Spain lost its Davis Cup quarterfinal against the Netherlands yesterday (2-1).

* Nadal announced last month that this would be his final tournament, after winning  22 men’s Grand Slam titles in his career.
* Nadal told the media Monday that he could no longer reach the competitive level he felt was required to continue to challenge for some of the sport’s biggest honors.

NFL Thursday Night Football
Steelers  vs Cleveland  8:15pm PrimeVid

PIAA HS Football Quarterfinals
Class A  Muncy vs Delone Catholic @ Cedar Cliff HS, New Cumberland  – Friday 7pm
AAA Danville vs Bermudian Springs  @ Susquanita HS, Duncannon – Saturday 1pm

NCAA Football Saturday
Penn State  vs Minnesota 3:30pm  CBS
BYU vs Arizona State 3:30pm ESPN
Army vs Notre Dame  7pm NBC/Peacock
The Citidel vs Clemson  3:30pm CW Network

ARSON CHARGES FOR 22 YEAR-OLD

A Williamsport man has been arrested after an investigation into several fires that were intentionally set in the city between November 4^th and 5^th.  According to the Sun Gazette, in a joint effort between Williamsport Police, Fire and Pennsylvania College of Technology police, they have apprehended 22 year old Jacob George Fichter who police say admitted during an interview that he had set the fires.  A search warrant for Fichter’s residence and car had been issued and police found clothing worn by the suspect seen on surveillance video, man-made incendiary devices and also discovered a bicycle allegedly used by the suspect.  Fichter was charged with a host of arson charges, reckless burning and endangerment, loitering and other charges.  He is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 200 thousand dollars bail.

DRUG INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARREST OF WILLIAMSPORT MAN

After a tip in Williamsport that there were drugs being manufactured at a residence at the 800 block of Poplar Street in early November, probation officers filed search warrants for the residence and found 22 year old Dante Caiden Kolasa in possession of marijuana, cocaine, guns, pills, and cash.  According to North Central PA dot com, officers observed drugs and paraphernalia when they went to the home and struggled to handcuff Kolasa, who allegedly resisted arrest.  He was charged with receiving stolen property, possession of a firearm prohibited, possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance, tampering with evidence, resisting arrest and more.  He is in Lycoming County Prison in liue of 95 thousand dollars bail.

ROLLING ROADBLOCK POSTPONED FOR KELLY TOWNSHIP

A rolling roadblock announced for today along Route 15 in both directions in Kelly Township, for removal of utility wire has been postponed.  According to PennDOT, a contractor for Windstream planned to cut and remove wires that span Route 15 between Colonel John Kelly Road and Zeigler Road.  The project will now take place at a future date.  Get road information 24/7 at 511PA dot com.

GRANTS FROM DCNR TO UPGRADE REC AREAS OF LYCOMING COUNTY

Over a million dollars has been awarded for two projects in Lycoming County thanks to the Community Conservation Partnership Program by DCNR.  According to an announcement by State Senator Gene Yaw and Representative Jamie Flick the funding will help transform Lycoming County and the City of Williamsport by expanding recreational opportunities and improving public spaces.  Ove 649 thousand dollars is earmarked in Lycoming County for the Susquehanna River Walk Extension project, and in the city, over 400 thousand dollars will be used for the rehabilitation of Youngs Woods Park including pedestrian walkways, a pickleball court and a parking area.  Get more details about the funding at SenatorGeneYaw.com or.RepFlick.com. 

MOTHER ARRESTED AFTER TODDLERS FOUND IN ROAD

A woman from Lewisburg is facing child endangerment charges after her two toddlers were outside her home unsupervised and running in the road on West Market Street.  According to the Daily Item, a driver found the toddlers in dirty diapers ages one and three, running on West Market Street about 9:25am on October 23^rd , and saw them almost hit by cars.  That driver looked after the children for about 15 minutes before police entered the home of 20 year old Meah Buss who was coming down from the second floor of the home .  Buss told police she had been in the bathroom for about 5 minutes.  Union County Children & Youth Services were also on the scene before police charged the mother with  child endangerment.  Buss is free on her own recognizance and has a preliminary hearing December 19^th.

MAN FACES MORE CHARGES AFTER THREATENING MAN’S FAMILY

A man who came to Williamsport from New Jersey and sought help from a resident along Louisa Street which led to an arrest, is facing more charges after threatening the man’s family for kicking him out. According to the Sun Gazette, Gerral Ingram who is a convicted felon, was allegedly verbally abusive after he stayed for a short time with the victim’s family and was asked to leave October 10^th.  After charges were filed, Ingram then brought firearms back into the home where they were in close proximity to children who lived there.  His case was held for court for felony endangering the welfare of a child, convicted felon not to possess a firearm, terroristic threats, and more along with disorderly conduct and harassment charges.  Ingram is behind bars in lieu of 75 thousand dollar bail.

PSP SEEKING SUSPECT IN KULPMONT THEFT

State police are seeking the suspect in the November 6^th robbery at the Sunoco convenience store in Kulpmont.  According to the News Item, 55 year old John McLaughlin entered the store and stole the Games of Skill money box, which contained $4,500 and also stole a safe containing over 48 hundred dollars which the female employee was unable to stop him from doing.  McLaughlin has been charged by state police with multiple felonies including burglary, robbery and theft relating to the robbery.  He remains at large.

ADDITIONAL FEMA ASSISTANCE FOR FLOOD DAMAGE IN PA

Additional federal public assistance has been approved after Gov. Josh Shapiro requested the new FEMA funds following the devastation caused by remnants of Tropical Storm Debby in August. In order for a region to qualify for FEMA funding there must be a cumulative total of $23.9 million in eligible disaster response and recovery damages and costs. After the approved program, there will be additional hazard mitigation funding for the 29 counties  to help rebuild and better resist future disasters.

SPORTS

NFL
Packers 20            Bears  19
Dolphins  34        Raiders  19
Rams  28              Patriots 22
Colts  28              Jets  27
Steelers  18           Ravens  16
Bills 30                 Chiefs 21
Chargers 34          Bengals  27
NFL Monday Night Football
Texans vs Cowboys  8:15pm  ESPN /ABC

NHL
Hurricanes 4         Blues  1
Capitals  5            Golden Knights 2
Rangers  2            Kraken  0
Predators 5         Canucks 3
NHL Tonight
Blue Jacks vs Bruins  7pm
Avalanche  vs Flyers  7pm NHLNet
Oilers vs Canadiens 7:30pm
Ducks vs Stars  8pm
Capitals vs Utah 9pm ESPN+

NBA
Cavaliers  128      Hornets  114
Timberwolves  120  Suns 117
Pistons 124         Wizards  104
Knicks  114          Nets  104
Rockets  143        Bulls  107
NBA Today
76ers vs Heat 7:30pm
Wizards vs Knicks  7:30pm
Rockets  vs Bucks  8pm NBAtv

LINDEN MAN ARRESTED FOR TWO SEXUAL ASSAULTS

A man from Linden is in custody after he was arrested for allegedly raping an unconscious woman September 26^th in Williamsport, as well as having chares filed against him for having inappropriate contact with a woman with cognitive disabilities.  According to Sun Gazette,  65 year old James Anthony Esposito Jr, was previously hired by one victim to trim trees on her property and later approached her in a social setting when he saw her at a bar in the city’s East End.  At the end of  the evening Esposito followed the victim to her home where she agreed to let him in her home for a beer.  Police say the woman reported losing consciousness and awoke later saying she sexually assaulted  Esposito was arrested two days later and then charged for the other assault from Sullivan County.  He is in Lycoming County Prison on no bail.

KCSD EMPLOYEES TO BE SENTENCED FOR CORRUPTION OF MINORS

The two women accused of sex-related offenses with minors when they were staff at Keystone Central School District have pleaded guilty in the case.  According to the Lock Haven Express, 36 year old Dana Ann Kitchen engaged in photo and file sharing with two juvenile males on the Snapchat platform and was charged with felony corruption of minors and two counts of unlawful contact with minors.  29 year old Brittany Kay Koch, of Beech Creek was also charged with the third degree felonies.  Sentencing for Kitchen could result in 20 years, for Koch a maximum of 14 years.  Both women will be required to register as Megan’s Law Offenders for at least 25 years.

LIHEAP APPLICATIONS TO BE ACCEPTED THROUGH APRIL 2025

Assistance for winter energy bills is available and the application process has begun for the federal grant program LIHEAP.  According to the Lock Haven Express, PPL Electric Utilities customers can apply for up to $2000 assistance through April of 2025, but are encouraged to act early while funds are still available. PPL provides other assistance for customers facing a tight budget, including  OnTrack offers fixed monthly payments and referrals to energy-saving programs for income-eligible customers, and other payment arrangements. Go online to find out more pplelectric.com/billhelp or call 1-800-342-5775.

BURN BAN IN MONTOUR COUNTY

Montour County Commissioners have implemented a burn ban this week over high fire risk and dry conditions in North Central PA.  According to media outlets, it was a unanimous vote Tuesday passing a resolution and imposing a ban on any and all outdoor burning. Fines could be imposed if the ordinance is violated.  Fines are set at $100 for the first offense adding one hundred dollars for each offense thereafter.  Burn bands remain in effect for areas of Northumberland, Sullivan, and Lycoming Counties – including a camp fire ban at state parks and burn ban on Pennsylvania Game lands.

CORRECTION:  VICTIM IN SHOOTING DID NOT HAVE A FIREARM

It was erroneously reported this week that the victim in a Friday night shooting of Daughterys Run Road in Woodward Township had also been armed but according to state police only the suspect in the shooting had been armed in the incident.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say 28 year old Tyler Whyte and 33 year old Shawn Shipton were involved in a vehicle transaction on Friday during which Shipton allegedly damaged the axle of the car he planned to purchase.  Investigators say when Shipton and two others returned to the property off of Wither Hollow Lane later to repair the damage, Whyte was there yelling and mocking them.  Moments later those on the scene said Whyte produced a gun and shot nine times at the victim. According to an affidavit, Shipton was taken to UPMC Williamsport with five gunshot wounds to the left side of his chest and a collapsed lung.  Whyte was arraigned early Saturday on felony charges of attempted homicide and aggravated assault.

AUTOMATIC RECOUNT TRIGGERED IN PENNSYLVANIA

An automatic recount has been triggered for the Nov. 5 general election race for U.S. Senate.  According to Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt the vote totals for Senator Bob Casey and Dave McCormick are within the one-half of 1 percent margin that calls for the recount under state law. The recount will begin November 20^th and must be complete by noon on Nov. 26^th  the results will then be published after the 27^th .  The unofficial returns at his time reflect that McCormick leads with 48.93% of the count with 48.5% for Casey . A recount uses over $1 million of taxpayer funds.

BUCKNELL SURVEY AVAILABLE FOR LEWISBURG RESIDENTS

Two educators from Bucknell University are seeking public input on community needs at Wolfe Field in Lewisburg by conducting a survey that was constructed by a team of stakeholders in the community and then given to students to create a survey based approved by the Bucknell University Institutional Review Board.  The students in the Integrated Perspectives course will be able to take the survey results and analyze how communities are building resilience and capacity to address problems complicated by climate change.  To find out more about the survey go to lewisburgneighborhoods.org before this Sunday.

SPORTS

NBA
Celtics  139          Nets  114
Bulls 124              Knicks  123
Cavaliers  114      76ers  106
Bucks  127                     Pistons  120  /OT
Spurs 139            Wizards  130
Lakers  128          Grizzlies  123
NBA Tonight
Dallas Mavericks  vs Utah Jazz 9pm NBAtv

NHL
Red Wings 3         Penguins  2
Maple Leafs  4     Capitals  3
Utah  4                 Hurricanes  1
NHL Tonight
Flyers  vs Senators  7pm
Devils  vs Panthers 7pm
Sharks vs Rangers  7pm
Blues vs Sabres  7:30pm  Hulu
Islanders  vs Canucks 10pm ESPN+

NFL Thursday Night Football
Commanders vs Eagles 8:15pm PrimeVid

HS Football State Playoffs  Friday
PIAA First Round
Class 6A
State College vs Williamsport
BYB Game of the Week/Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network
Quad A Juniata vs Shamokin
Class A  Muncy vs Lackawanna Trail @ Scranton
District 4 Championships  Friday
AAA – Lewisburg vs Danville
AA – Warrior Run vs Troy @ Mansfield U