TWO CHARGED WITH CORRUPTING MORALS OF A MINOR

Two Williamsport men have been charged with corrupting the morals of a minor.  According to the Sun Gazette, 41 year old Gary Wertz and 45 year-old Jason Wertz, allegedly furnished alcohol and marijuana to a minor in their home from last November through this August.  Gary Wertz was held for court on all the charges, and Jason Wertz waived his preliminary hearing.  They both posted 5 thousand dollars bail each. 

MAN STOLE FROM ELDERLY MOTHER

A city man who faced charges originally for allegedly stealing almost 7 thousand dollars from  his elderly mother, has new charges lodged against him after police discovered other thefts from the woman’s account.  According to the Sun Gazette, during the investigation, police discovered additional checks that were cashed  by41 year old Timothy Edward Sloop after he had written them to himself between May 3 and September 15.  In total, Sloop is accused of taking almost 32 thousand dollars and faces charges of forgery, theft, receiving stolen property and illegal use of a cellphone.  He waived his preliminary hearing and is free on 25 thousand dollars bail. 

PAVING ON LITTLE LEAGUE BLVD POSTPONED

The paving and milling project on Little League Boulevard in Williamsport that was set to begin has now been delayed.  According to the Sun Gazette, there are delays in obtaining construction materials and as colder weather approaches, the window for working during the construction season is closing.  City officials say with expected precipitation and winter temperatures it will be too cold to adequately perform any concrete base repairs and asphalt paving work.  The contractor, Glen Hawbaker has agreed to hold their bid price and plan on starting the project this spring.

BEAR SEASON STARTS

Rifle bear season began on Saturday in Pennsylvania and so far in Lycoming County, about 113 bears have been harvested.  Clinton county reports 147 & Tioga county says there are 111 harvests reported so far this season.  With recent rains reducing the threat of wildfire, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has lifted the temporary ban on building fires on state game lands.  Go to PGC.pa.gov to find information about bear check stations and other rules of the season.

DANVILLE MAN SOUGHT FOR FATAL CRASH IN LANCASTER

A Montour County man is being sought by state police after he caused a fatal crash in Lancaster County September 8^th.  According to media outlets, police say 36-year-old Apar Patel of Danville was drunk and driving on Route 283 in East Hempfield, Lancaster County when his SUV hit a parked tractor-trailer, ejecting 33-year-old Karra Clevenger of Huntingdon County into oncoming traffic. Clevenger was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple traumatic injuries.  A warrant for Patel’s arrest was issued Wednesday he faces homicide by vehicle and other charges.  If you have information about his whereabouts call East Hempfield police 717-898-3103

LYCO ROADS OPEN AFTER THE STORM LAST WEEK

After heavy snow and icy precipitation struck our area last week, the last of the roads closed by downed trees and hanging utility wires have opened up in Lycoming County.  At this time,   Route 239 between Mordan Hollow Road in Jordan Township and Route 42 in Franklin Township have reopened and traffic is moving freely.  You  can check conditions on major roadways by visiting 511PA.com,  which is free and available 24 hours a day, with traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

DMV TO CLOSE FOR THANKSGIVING

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation driver license and photo centers will be closed late this week in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday – closing November 28^th and Friday the 29^th.  Centers will be open Saturday, including the main center in Harrisburg.  Driver and vehicle services are available online 24 hours a day, seven days a week  and you can find a variety of driver and vehicle products, including all forms, publications, and driver training manuals,  available online at  dmv.pa.gov.

FREE MUSEUM DAY IN LEWISBURG IN DECEMBER

There will be a free day at the Lewisburg Children’s Museum as they host their quarterly event sponsored by UPMC and UPMC Health Plan.   Coming up Friday December 6^th from 10am until 4pm families can enjoy the Museum’s exhibits and activities free of charge, creating accessible learning and play experiences for children of all ages.  Lewisburg Children’s Museum is at 815 Market St in Lewisburg, and holds Free Fridays to the Museum’s mission to make educational play accessible to the community.

SPORTS

NFL Sunday
Chiefs 30              Panthers 27
Vikings 30            Bears  27  /OT
Buccaneers 30      Giants  7
Cowboys  34        Commanders  26
Packers 38             49ers  10
Eagles  37             Rams  20
Monday Night Football
Ravens vs Chargers  8:15pm ESPN/ABC
NFL Thanksgiving Day
Chicago vs Detroit  12:30pm CBS
Giants  vs Cowboys  4:30pm FOX
Dolphins  vs Green Bay  8:20pmNBC
NFL Friday 
Raiders vs Chiefs  3pm PrimeVid

NBA
Celtics  107          Timberwolves  105
Pacers  115           Wizards  103
Heat  123             Mavericks  118
Clippers  125       76ers  99
Cavaliers  122      Raptors  108
Nets  108              Kings  103
NBA Tonight
Clippers vs Celtics  7:30pm
Knicks  vs Nuggets  9pm
Nets vs Warriors  10pm

NHL
Maple Leafs  3     Utah  2
NHL Tonight on ESPN+
Capitals  vs Panthers  7pm
Predators vs Devils  7pm
Blues vs Rangers  7pm
Golden Knights vs Flyers  7pm
Red Wings vs Islanders  7:30pm

POLICE ARREST MAN WHO LED THEM ON A CHASE IN WILLIAMSPORT

A Philadelphia man was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon after a high speed chase involving a stolen car in Williamsport.  According to the Sun gazette, city police say they observed 36 year old Dontay Jamal Robinson in a Chevy Malibu run two stop signs.  Police pursued Robinson through the city where he first attempted to hide with the car lights off, and then bailed from the car near George and Sheridan streets in the East End of Williamsport which began a foot chase, until police stopped and apprehended Robinson.  It was then they discovered the car had allegedly been stolen from the Philly area.  Robinson was taken into custody and is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 100 thousand dollars bail.

MAN ARRESTED IN WHITE DEER WITH THC PRODUCTS IN THE CAR

A man told state troopers he was delivering cannabis products for a Hazelton business last Thursday when he was pulled over on I-80 in White deer.  According to North Central PA dot com, 19 year old Franklin Castro Rodriguez was stopped for following another car too closely and was discovered by police to have  thousands of packaged THC products in the car.  Rodriguez contacted 29 year old Matt Patel, the man who hired him to drive the products, and upon arrival at the police barracks, was also charged with two felony counts each of manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to deliver, and their bail was each set at 50 thousand dollars with a preliminary hearing December 10^th.

VETERAN MENTORS SOUGHT FOR VETERAN’S COURT

In an effort to assist veterans who have been charged with non-violent crimes and are navigating the justice system in Lycoming County, President Judge Nancy Butts set up a Veteran’s Court program in 2019 so that other veterans could become mentors for them.  According to North Central PA dot com, the Lycoming County Director of Veteran Affairs, Mike McMunn said they are seeking new veteran volunteers to be a part of the program and consider helping them to reintegrate into society.  He said there are four active mentors assisting now, but they could use 4 or five more. Volunteer veterans seeking to mentor their brothers or sisters would undergo some training and be subject to a background check after they apply.  Call 570-220-8156 for information. 

NEW PUBLICATION HIGHLIGHTING KAYAK TRIPS IN PA

A new resource booklet for kayakers is about to be made available through a partnership between the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership and Susquehanna River Trail Association.  According to a press release,  the booklet  showcases four trips along the Middle Susquehanna between Sunbury, PA and Harrisburg, PA, some of which feature overnight stays at the river island campsites.  The publication includes a route overview including a maps, put-in and take-out locations, difficulty ratings, and more. The free Middle Susquehanna Paddling Booklet will be available at all future SGP events. Find out more at susquehannagreenway.org.

MUNCY WOMAN CHARGED FOR DELETING CAMERA DATA

A Muncy woman is facing felony charges after she told police investigating two burglaries near her home that she had no footage because her surveillance camera had been turned off, but had allegedly deleted the video.  According to the Sun Gazette, state police were seeking information about a stolen car and a burglary at a gun shop on John Brady Drive, and questioned 42 year old Nikki Burrows who lived near where the car was stolen. After which it was discovered Burrows deleted the video after the interview.  Police charged her with tampering with evidence charges and she waived her preliminary hearing.  Burrows posted 25 thousand dollars bail.  A suspect, 18 year old Khanif Carter of Baldwin Street, was ultimately arrested for both the car theft and attempted burglary and is incarcerated at Lycoming County Prison on 100 thousand dollars bail.

INMATE FACES MORE CHARGES FOR ASSAULT

An imprisoned man from Kulpmont has had more charges after he spit on a corrections officer while he was being moved to a disciplinary cell following a fight with another inmate July 1^st. According to the Sun Gazette, Allen Lee Kulp Jr. pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, unlawful contact with a minor and indecent assault of a person less than 13 in September and was sentenced to up to 24 years in prison but has now had the extra 27 months to 7 years added to run consecutively.  According to court records, Judge Eric Linhardt said to sentence Kulp to the time concurrently would send a message that assaults on prison staff will not go unpunished.  Kulp will be required upon release to register as a lifetime sex offender. 

SUIT FILED AGAINST WILLIAMSPORT MAYOR

In a civil discrimination suit against Williamsport’s Mayor filed by a Williamsport police officer, a jury sided with Derek Slaughter in the case.  According to North Central PA dot com, Steven Helms claimed Slaughter, representing the city, passed him up for an assistant chief promotion due to his involvement as a union official in an investigation against former city officials, including former Mayor Campana.  Current Chief of Police Justin Snyder was ultimately given the promotion even after recommendations from other city employees.  Three other applicants have filed civil suits against the city, as well.  The jury found that Slaughter was not motivated to discriminate against Helms.

CHEAPER GAS AT SHEETZ STORES FOR THANKSGIVING

Sheetz stores nationwide are lowering their prices of unleaded 88 gas for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.  According to the convenience store chain they will lower the price of Unleaded 88 – 40 cents per gallon now through November 30^th.  According to Triple A as of the week of November 19, the average cost of a gallon of gas in Pennsylvania stood at $3.249 per gallon, which is nearly 25 cents more per gallon than the national average of $3.063 per gallon.  Unleaded 88 gas has been approved for all vehicles made in 2001 and later.

SPORTS

NBA
Bucks  122                     Bulls 106
Rockets 130         Pacers  113
Grizzlies  117       76ers  111
Knicks  138          Suns  122
Warriors  120       Hawks  97
Clippers  104       Magic  93
NBA Tonight
Pistons vs Hornets  7pm  NBATv
Jazz vs Spurs  8pm
Magic vs Lakers  10:30pm 

NHL
Maple Leafs  3     Golden Knights  0
Hurricanes  4        Flyers   1
Stars  5                 Sharks  2
Kraken  3             Predators  0
Sabres  1              Kings  0
NHL Tonight
Islanders  vs Red Wings  7pm
Hurricanes  vs Devils  7pm
Panthers vs Blackhawks  8:30pm Hulu
Rangers  vs Flames  9pm

NFL Thursday Night Football Tonight
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 Citadel vs Clemson  3:30pm CW Network

ARSON CHARGE SENTENCE HANDED DOWN TO A WYSOX MAN

 A man from Wysox has been sentenced to state prison after he was found guilty of arson and resisting arrest.  According to State Police, 44 year old Corey Dean Potter burned down his trailer located on Tulip Lane at Jackson Mobile Home Park in July of 2023 and resisted arrest to the point where he was tased so police could take him into custody at the scene.  Potter also had his probation revoked for a previous DUI and was resentenced to 1 to 2 years for that but for the arson charge a Bradford County judge gave him 21 months to five years.  He will serve no less than 33 months in state prison.

INJURED PEDESTRIAN CHARGED WITH CROSSING VIOLATION

An 80 year old pedestrian suffered injuries in early November when he was hit by a car while crossing Lycoming Mall Drive near Odell Road at dusk.  According to State police at Montoursville, Craig L. Campbell was struck in the roadway around 5:45pm by a 16 year old driving a 2010 Subaru Outback west on Lycoming Mall Drive.  Campbell was transported to the hospital for his suspected injuries the driver of the Subaru and her passenger were not injured.  Campbell was cited for right of way crossing violations. 

ROUTINE SEARCH TRIGGERED LOCKDOWN AT MONTOURSVILLE

A lockdown at Montoursville High School yesterday was brought about by a routine, scheduled Pennsylvania State Police drug search around 9:30am.  According to a text message from the school administrators to parents, the police presence on campus lasted about 45 minutes for a K-9 search that had been on the schedule previously but had been delayed.  The search event was not prompted by any recent drug activity and school was back in session before 10:30 with no threat to students or staff. 

SELINSGROVE SPEEDWAY PREPARING FOR 2025

After a short season in 2024, the Selinsgrove Speedway will be open for the 2025 season operated by a new promotional team.  According to the Sun Gazette, Snyder County Dirt Management Group lead by Paula Schick, Jenna Mowery and Colin Rice will lease the facilities through an agreement with the Selinsgrove Fair Board.  A tentative schedule of 23 races has been planned at Selinsgrove Raceway Park set for a grand re-opening to feature 410 sprint cars and late models on Friday April 11^th.  A complete schedule is planned to be released in December.

SUSPECT SOUGHT IN THREE BREAK-INS

After suspects broke windows of cars in South Williamsport last week to steal items during daylight hours, local police are seeking a suspect or suspects.  According to the Sun Gazette, the two incidents happened to cars parked along the southside  Riverwalk near the future Local Government Center and Community Building at 545 E. Central Ave.  In Montoursville, police are investigating a similar case where a vehicle’s front window was smashed at Indian Park on Monday.  In each of the three recent break-ins, purses were stolen from the victims.  Police remind residents to keep valuables out of sight even in an unattended locked car – particularly firearms.

WOMAN SENTENCED FOR DRUG DEATH IN 2023

A former Ashland resident in court Monday for her trial in the 2023 overdose death of a 15-year-old from Mount Carmel,  pleaded no contest moments before a jury was to be selected for her case.  According to the Daily Item,  Victoria Mowry now of Schuylkill County was sentenced for charges of felony  possession with intent to deliver for the fentanyl that was used in the overdose death of Ricky Payne of Hickory Street, but charges of drug delivery resulting in death were withdrawn.  Payne’s brother Christopher was originally charged with the same offenses but in a deal with the DA, plead guilty to a misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter in exchange for his testimony against Mowry.  She was sentenced to 3 to 23 months in county jail, but has already served 185 days.

RECOUNT FOR US SENATE SEAT IN PA STARTS WEDNESDAY

As Democrat Bob Casey continues to hold on to his US Senate seat, the recount in the Commonwealth is set to begin on Wednesday of this week. According to the Department of State, Casey received 48.53% of the vote and Dave McCormick had 48.90% with Dave McCormick, leading Casey by just over 29,000 votes as of Wednesday, November 13^th.  Vote totals for McCormick and Casey are within a 0.5% margin, which automatically triggers a statewide recount under state law.  PA counties will finish the recount at noon on November 26^th and report the results to the secretary of the commonwealth by Nov. 27 at noon.

TOYS FOR TOTS ON THE TRAIN SATURDAY

Toys for Tots will be taking the North Shore Rail Line this weekend for the 21st Annual Toys for Tots Drive, hosted by North American Railcar Operators Association.  According to the North Shore Railroad, the fee for the ride on the speeders rail cars Saturday, is a new, unwrapped toy for either a boy or a girl. The Toys for Tots representatives will collect the toys. The event starts at 8am Saturday with State Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver judging the best-decorated speeders. The ride goes from Northumberland, to Berwick, and then returns. This is the former Erie Lackawanna track.  Get schedule details at nshr.com.

SPORTS

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

NFL
Texans  34                     Cowboys  10
NFL Thursday Night Football
Steelers  vs Cleveland  8:15pm PrimeVid

NHL
Blue Jackets  5     Bruins 1
Avalanche  3        Flyers 2
Canadiens  3        Oilers  0
Ducks  4               Stars 2
Capitals  6                     Utah  2
Sharks  5              Red Wings  4
NHL Tonight
Lightning vs Penguins  7pm ESPN+
Islanders vs Flames  9pm  ESPN+
Rangers  vs Canucks 10pm ESPN+

NBA
Bulls  122             Pistons  112
Heat  106             76ers  89
Knicks  134          Wizards  106
Bucks  101                     Rockets 100
Magic 109            Suns 99
Hawks  109          Kings  108
Clippers  102       Warriors  99
NBA Tonight
Cavaliers vs Celtics  7pm TNT
Hornets  vs Nets  7:30pm
Thunder vs Spurs 9:30pm TNT
Jazz vs Lakers  10:30pm