FLOODING IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY
There are a few roadways still impacted by flood waters after weekend rains brought about flood watches and warnings for some counties in North Central PA. In Northumberland County, Route 61, the Hamilton Underpass, between Highland Avenue in Sunbury and Green Street in Upper Augusta Township has reopened after flooding caused the closure early Monday. However, according to Penn DOT, Shakespeare Road between Route 45 and Hobbes Road in East Chillisquaque Township is still closed. A few closures in Montour and Sullivan Township are still affected this morning, with a National Weather Service flood warning this morning through till tomorrow afternoon in Bloomsburg for the Susquehanna River which is expected to crest at 20 feet this afternoon. Motorists are advised to never drive into flood waters.
SPEED NOT A FACTOR IN FATAL ACCIDENT IN LEWISBURG
Police completed the investigation into the fatal pedestrian accident on Market Street in Lewisburg Friday. According to the Daily Item, Buffalo Valley Regional Police say speed was not a factor in the accident that killed 77 year old Mabel Shively of Millmont after she was hit by a tractor-trailer in the 300 hundred block of Market Street before noon Friday. Reports say Shively attempted to cross Market Street in the middle of the block and was struck. Emergency responders said the truck driver was uninjured and no charges will be filed against him.
NEW PROBABTION LAWS IN PENNSYLVANIA
In Harrisburg last week, a new Pennsylvania probation law that aims to limit the length of probation to help prevent people from being sent back to jail for minor violations was passed, as well as the passage of a bill that allows courts to seal records of non-violent drug felonies with a minimum sentence of under 2 1/2 years in prison. According to the Lock Haven Express, the bill also prohibits courts from extending someone’s probation for not paying fines or court costs if they are found to be unable to afford it. The ACLU says the law doesn’t fix the problems that plague Pennsylvania’s probation system.
NEW YEARS DAY HIKES
New Year’s Day in the Commonwealth brings the chance to take “First Day Hikes” planned and hosted by DCNR and 43 state parks and two forest districts. According to DCNR, the New Year’s Day hikes are designed to be fun and support a healthy start for 2024. State park and forest staff and volunteers lead the hikes, which are usually about one or two miles. Many Pennsylvania state parks also have self-guided hikes, story walks, and adventure labs available year-round find out more at events.dcnr.pa.gov.
FLOOD STAGE FOR SUSQUEHANNA
The National weather service is forecasting flood stage conditions this morning through early tomorrow for the Susquehanna River at Bloomsburg. According to an emergency weather message for Pennsylvania, there is a warning for high water conditions that when over 19 feet affect homes along River Road, at the Fairgrounds and surrounding properties. The river at Bloomsburg is expected to crest at 20 feet this afternoon – overnight the river was t 17.5 feet. In Danville, the similar warning for the Susquehanna starts this afternoon and goes until late tonight with flood water impact in Riverside, also at 20 feet, and the crest is expected this afternoon, only to fall below flood stage by tonight.
MAN ELUDES POLICE, GETS ARRESTED
Police from Shamokin, who were trying to stop a man driving a Chevy Cobalt for an expired registration and inspection on November 30th, were led on a chase for a few miles through the streets of Shamokin. According to North Central PA dot com, 30 year old Mark Getz Jr., sped up, allegedly attempting to flee from police when they turned their cruiser lights on, leading the chase ultimately up Big Mountain Road where police stopped the pursuit. Officers searched for Getz in the area knowing the car he drove belonged to another resident. They charged Getz with felony fleeing, and other traffic summaries, his preliminary hearing is January 23rd.
FREE FRIENDLY PHONE LINE IN PA
Pennsylvanians who need an emotional boost, have an opportunity to hear words of encouragement, jokes or pep talks through a free You’ve Got a Friend in Pennsylvania, a phone line, which features searchable recorded messages done by students in grades K-12 across Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Education says callers can access the line at 717-772-4737 and select from menu options anytime during the holiday season, a time when people can struggle with mental health, and can use a little pick-me-up. Go to Education .pa.gov for information.
GEISINGER RECOGNIZED AS A GREAT PLACE TO EMPLOY VETERANS
Geisinger has been recognized as a top employer for its continued support of military veterans and active service members with two recent designations. The Pennsylvania-based health system earned the 2024 Military Friendly Employer with Gold distinction designation and was also recognized by Military Times on its 2023 Best for Vets: Employers list. This is the fifth consecutive year Geisinger has been recognized with a Military Friendly Employer designation and the second year in a row the system has achieved the gold ranking. It’s also the fourth consecutive year Geisinger has been recognized by Military Times.
SPORTS
PIAA HS Basketball
Girls
Hughesville 44 Lewisburg 41
Shamokin 50 Danville 24
Norry Christian 58 Midd-West 42
Boys
Loyalsock 78 Shamokin 76
Central Mountain 77 Montoursville 59
Canton 51 Sullivan County 45
NFL Monday Night Football
Seahawks 20 Eagles 17
NBA
Cavaliers 135 Rockets 130
Bulls 108 76’ers 104
Jazz 125 Nets 108
Kings 143 Wizards 131
Knicks 114 Lakers 109
NBA Tonight
Memphis vs New Orleans 7:30pm TNT
Celtics vs Golden State 10pm TNT
NHL
Ducks 4 Red Wings 3
Penguins 4 Wild 3
Canadiens 3 Jets 2
Stars 4 Kraken 3
Flames 3 Panthers 1
NHL Tonight
Rangers vs Maple Leafs 7pm
Flyers vs NJ Devils 7pm
Edmonton vs NY Islanders 7:30pm ESPN+/Hulu
NCAA Football Tonight
Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl
USTA vs Marshall 9pm ESPN – Frisco, TX
NCAA Football Thursday
RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl
South Florida vs Syracuse 8pm ESPN Boca Raton, FL
