FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT
Rain is expected to impact the city, and we might see 2 to 3 inches to fall over the next 18 hour period. This hard driving rain is expected to continue into Christmas morning. City crews are ready for flooding, having removed much of the snow from drainage basins. Residents are asked to make sure their drains and basins are clear and to remember basement flooding is possible if a drain remains clogged by snow. Look for heavy rainfall and melting snow to also cause a rise in the Susquehanna River. There’s a flood watch in the area until noon on Christmas Day and Loyalsock township in particular , there is a flood warning for Loyalsock Creek
LEGISLATION IN 2021 COULD HELP RESTAURANTS
The General Assembly will return to work early in January and will be asked to consider the $145 million spending plan proposed by Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday. According to the AP, the worker’s compensation fund could help businesses cope with the coronavirus pandemic. During the online news conference Wolf said the funds need to go to the local bars and restaurants who continue to struggle with restrictions that remain in effect. House Republicans blamed Wolf’s policies for the pandemic’s effect on businesses. The fund, financed by premiums on workers’ compensation insurance policies, ensures claims are paid if an insurer becomes insolvent.
MAN ASSAULTS FAST FOOD WORKER
A man upset with his incorrect fast food order grabbed an employee through the drive thru window last Sunday and was later arrested for disorderly conduct by State Police. According to North Central PA dot com, 41 year old Anthony Rodrigues of Milton threatened the employee through the speaker at the Burger king in East Chillisquaque Township a little after 9:30th on December 20th and then come to the window and made contact. According to a public information release, Rodrigues was also charged with harassment
SENATOR YAW APPROVES PORTER TOWNSHIP GRANT
A $1 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant for a Porter Township, has been secured by State Sen. Gene Yaw yesterday. The Jersey Shore Borough project will rehabilitate a 153,000 square foot shipping-and-distribution warehouse currently owned by Bald Birds Brewing Company. The funds will help transition the facility to a brewery and events center. Lycoming County then could be poised to be one of the state’s leaders in the nation’s craft beer industry.
ELECTRICITY COULD GO OUT FROM STORMS
In anticipation of the predicted storm to our area, which is expected to bring high winds, lots of rain, and possibly even snow into the evening hours, PPL Electric Utilities said it’s bringing in extra resources to assist with restoration efforts. PPL warns customers that the power may go out on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Outages can be reported online at pplelectric.com/outage, by texting “Outage” to TXTPPL (898775) or by phone at 1-800-342-5775.
FIRE IN TURBOT TOWNSHIP
Over a half dozen fire companies responded to a fire in Turbot township this week. According to media outlets the four alarm fire in Northumberland County began around 11pm Tuesday night at a garage on Broadway road near Milton. When firefightrers arrived on the scene flames were visible through the roof of Bressler’s garage – crews were still on the scene early Wednesday investigating the incident.
COVID REGIONAL UPDATE
COVID cases in the region continue to rise. Montour County is the hot spot with 187 new cases, Lycoming County has 154 new cases, Northumberland County has 78 new cases Union has 55 new cases Clinton County has an increase of 39 cases. According to the Department of Health confirmed 9,605 new cases and 230 new deaths have also been confirmed in the commonwealth. As far as the significant mutation seen in the virus that causes it to spread more rapidly like they’ve seen in the UK According to the PA Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine, there’s been no evidence of any significant mutations in Pennsylvania or in the United States.
LOCAL CADETS GRADUATE
Eighteen cadets including 7 from Lycoming County graduated from the 37th class of the Mansfield University Municipal Police Academy last Saturday. Charles Schwab of Williamsport received the Christine Shegan Top Academic award as well as the Keith Graver Top Firearms award. Ericka Heath of Lycoming County earned the James Fox Top Driver award and Williamsport’s Loretta Clark was also presented with the Barbara Butcher Top Physical Fitness award. The 25-week academy requires 919 hours of instruction and development of personal skills. The Mansfield University Police Academy was certified in 1977 and graduated its first class in 1978
SPORTS
NBA
The Cavaliers beat the Hornets 121 to 114, the Pacers beat the Knicks 121 to 107, Magic beat Heat 113 to 107, 76ers beat the Wizards 113 to 107, the Celtics beat the Bucks 122 to 121, Pelicans over the Raptors 113 to 99, the Hawks beat the Bulls 124 to 104, the Spurs over the Grizzlies 131 to 119, the Timberwolves with the Pistons 111 to 101, the Kings beat the Nuggets 124 to 122, the Jazz beat Trailblazers 120 to 100, Suns over the Mavericks 106 to 102 – Thunder and rockets were postponed
Upcoming NFL games
Vikings and the Saints play Friday at 4:30 PM in New Orleans, Saturday the Buccaneers play the Lions at 1 PM in Michigan, the 49ers and Cardinals get together at 4:30 in Arizona, the Dolphins play the Raiders in Las Vegas at 8:15
Sunday at 1pm Falcons vs the Chiefs in Kansas City, Browns vs the Jets, Steelers vs the Colts in Pittsburgh, Giants vs the Ravens in Baltimore and Bengals play the Texans in Houston, @ 4:05 the Broncos vs Chargers, Panthers vsWashington, the Eagles play the Cowboys at 4:25 and
Monday night football Bills vs the New England Patriots with an 815 Kick off