FIRE AT LOCAL WEDDING VENUE, NO INJURIES
A fire Saturday damaged a wedding venue facility on Muncy Exchange Road about 1:30 pm. According to the Sun Gazette, fire officials said the barn at The Cider Mill at Wyndswept Farm was engulfed in flames when they arrived on the scene after the property owners called 911 with witnesses saying smoke could be seen as far as picture Rocks. Tankers and extra firefighters from Muncy Area, Hughesville, Lairdsville, Picture Rocks and Clinton Township and others were dispatched to the scene and extinguished the barn fire, a secondary fire and a few brush fires that had started from the blaze. There were no reports of any injuries and the state fire marshal is investigating, but doesn’t think the fire is connected to the rash of fires in Eldred and Hepburn Townships.
BODY OF MISSING WILKES-BARRE WOMAN FOUND
A couple walking along the Susquehanna River Saturday in Montour County discovered the body of a missing woman from Wilkes-Barre. According to North Central PA dot com, the body of 37 year old Amy Gregory, who family members reported missing in December, was discovered in Mayberry Township in difficult terrain. State police from Milton, Montoursville, and Stonington were on the scene and assisted the recovery. An autopsy is scheduled for this week, family members say Gregory was six months pregnant at the time of her disappearance.
MORE LAYOFFS AT SHOP-VAC
Shop-Vac announced to employees on Friday that the company will be experiencing some more layoffs. However, as reported by Northcentralpa.com, details are unclear as to how many employees or specifically what departments might be affected. Reports indicate that there are several operations that are expected to continue functions in Williamsport. Departments such as finance, shipping, receiving, and sales are among others staying in the area. GreatStar LLC reported that a news release will follow with more details on the status of the company in Lycoming County.
FOURTH QUARTER PA BACKGROUND CHECK INFO AVAILABLE
Pennsylvania State Police have released information about the results of background checks for firearms for the fourth quarter of 2022 in the Commonwealth. According to North Central PA dot com, the Pennsylvania Instant Check System or “PICS” determines an individual’s legal ability to acquire a license to carry firearms or obtain a firearm through a purchase or transfer. There were over 321 thousand background checks during the fourth quarter with over four thousand denied and some referred to law enforcement agencies for apprehension from other felonies or those with active warrants. Since its inception in 1998 PICS is responsible for facilitating the apprehension of over three thousand fugitives.
ALLEGED CHILD ABUSER STILL AT LARGE
The search continues for a Watsontown man accused of endangering the welfare of children. Watsontown Police issued an arrest warrant on Feb 4 and Ernest Reynolds III of Elm Street remains at large. As reported by the daily item, the abuse investigation, which began on Jan 26, shows a 6-month-old child in critical condition and his mother, Amanda Parker charged with felony endangering the welfare of children, arrested and sent to Northumberland County Jail in lieu of $75,000. If you have any information on the location of Reynolds you are asked to contact the Watsontown Police.
GROCERY THEFTS CONTINUE
Police continue to investigate a series of thefts that have occurred at the Muncy Creek Township Weis Markets since last year. According to North Central PA dot com, police are seeking two individuals who have stolen cases of soda and other items that State police say total almost one thousand dollars. Montoursville police say the two unknown suspects allegedly came into the store at least 24 times to steal items between October of 2022 and this January 14th. If you have information, call state police.
2021 NORTHUMBERLAND SHOOTING BY TROOPERS JUSTIFIED
A fatal shooting of a 70 year old man by state police in Watsontown in June 2021 has been deemed as justified. According to the Daily Item, Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Matulewicz cited audio and video evidence from the state police shooting on June 11, 2021 where William Kradlak Jr. shot a firearm at multiple members of the Pennsylvania state police showing that he refused to drop the weapon, as instructed by troopers, who at first attempted to use non-lethal force. They had come to the home following up on a hang-up 911 call. The DA’s report commends the actions of the troopers who were in their right to protect the public at large.
MASKING OPTIONAL AT EVANGELICAL
Masking in public spaces will be optional beginning Monday at the Evangelical Community Hospital. As reported by the Daily Item, in the fall of 2022, the Pennsylvania Dept of Health issued new COVID-19 guidelines that have given health care facilities the right to make their own mandatory masking decisions. Reports from President and CEO Kendra Aucker, say universal precautions for the staff remain in place. Masks are available for visitors at the entrances to the facilities.
SPORTS
NFL Super Bowl 57
Chiefs 38 Eagles 35
NBA
Celtics 119 Grizzlies 109
Raptors 119 Pistons 118
NHL
Kraken 4 Flyers 3
Canadiens 6 Oilers 2
Sharks 4 Capitals 1
Golden Knights 7 Ducks 2
NCAA Men’s College Basketball
Northwestern 64 Purdue 58
