FORMER WILLIAMSPORT ADMIN STRIPPED OF BENEFITS, PENSION
A former Williamsport city administrator has lost his pension and medical benefits after a felony conviction for theft by deception and tampering with public records. Officials say 72-year-old William Nichols misappropriated more than 500 thousand dollars in transit funds and was sentenced to a year of probation. Under state law, the city’s pension board voted to strip his benefits and ordered him to repay more than 33 thousand dollars received since May. Nichols’ actions have also left the city owing 1.4 million dollars to the Federal Transit Administration.
SNAP PAYMENTS TO RETURN
North-central Pennsylvania families relying on SNAP benefits will see their full payments resume after the federal government shutdown ended this week. The state Department of Human Services says all SNAP recipients should receive benefits by this weekend after the Trump administration’s freeze halted much of November’s aid. Gov. Josh Shapiro joined a successful lawsuit to restore the funding, which brings about 366 million dollars a month to nearly two million Pennsylvanians. The new state budget also adds oversight, requiring quarterly employment and death-record checks to prevent improper payments and keep the program sustainable for vulnerable residents.
NEW RESCUE EQUIPMENT FOR RENOVO
Renovo’s Fire Department Station 29 is now better equipped for water rescues after receiving a 5 thousand dollar grant from the Susquehanna River Basin Authority. According to the Record Online, the money helped purchase a new ASR 155 rescue boat, which went into service last week after firefighters were trained on its capabilities. Working with Todd Stahl of WhiteCap Water Rescue, the department also added new life jackets and other essential equipment.
CROSSCUTTERS TO HOST HOT STOVE BANQUET AGAIN IN 2026
The Williamsport Crosscutters Hot Stove Banquet is set to return again this year. The off-season fundraiser, is back at the Genetti Hotel on January 22nd, featuring ESPN Hall of Fame analyst Tim Kurkjian and former Phillies all-stars Ricky Bottalico and Domonic Brown. Fans can enjoy a full-course dinner, Q&A sessions, and sports memorabilia auctions, with part of the proceeds to benefits the United Way of North Central Pennsylvania. Tickets are available now through the Crosscutters website, by phone, or at Bowman Field, as the Cutters prepare for their100th anniversary season starting June 2.
CRASH IN BELLEFONTE CAUSES SERIOUS INJURY FOR 12 YEAR OLD VICTIM
A State College man is jailed without bail after a four-vehicle crash in Spring Township seriously injured a 12-year-old. Police say 25-year-old Esmanbek Umarov tried to pass in a no-passing zone on Pleasant View Boulevard in Bellefonte last Friday, hitting another car head-on. A woman suffered moderate injuries, and the child was flown to Geisinger Danville with serious injuries. Investigators say Umarov was impaired by alcohol and drugs. He’s charged with aggravated assault while DUI and related offenses and awaits arraignment November 19.
IT HACKING CASE IN SNYDER COUNTY COURT THIS WEEK
A Snyder County jury is hearing a hacking case involving the former IT director of Selinsgrove’s now-defunct Durabuilt Homes. Prosecutors accused 37-year-old Cody Johnson this week of remotely accessing his CEO’s computer in December 2022, wiping it clean, deleting company files and personal photos. According to the Daily Item, the case centers on workplace turmoil and concerns about management. Forensic experts confirmed remote access was installed on the CEO’s computer. The defense presents its expert in court today.
CYBER SCHOOL RULES TO CHANGE WITH PA BUDGET APPROVAL
Pennsylvania’s new budget boosts school funding and brings major changes to how cyber charters operate. The spending plan sends about 685 million dollars in new classroom dollars to districts — most targeted to lower-income communities — along with increases for special education, facilities, school safety, and early literacy. The budget also revises the cyber charter tuition formula, saving districts an estimated 178 million dollars, a move cyber schools warn could lead to layoffs and closures. The updated school code also expands teacher-certification pathways and requires all schools to accept cash for event admissions.
MONTOUR COUNTY SERVICE EXPO TODAY
Residents are invited to explore a wide range of local programs and services at a community expo designed to connect families with resources that help them thrive. The Montour County Community Expo will be held todayfrom 9am to noon at the Montour County Administration Building in Danville. More than 30 organizations will participate, offering information on food assistance, veterans services, senior programs, childcare, and more, with a free shuttle service running throughout the morning.
SPORTS
State PIAA HS Class 2A Boys Soccer Championship Today
Lewisburg vs Fairview @Northeastern HS – Manchester, PA 4pm
PIAA HS Football Playoffs 1st Round Friday 7pm
Double AA
Troy @ Southern Columbia
Triple A
Mifflinburg vs Scranton Prep @ Milton
Quad A
Shamokin @ Bellefonte
PIAA HSF Playoffs 1st Round Saturday 1pm
Class A
Line Mountain Vs Lackawanna Trail @ Shamokin
Class 6-A
State College vs Wilkes-Barre @ Milton
NFL Thursday Night Football
Patriots 27 Jets 14
NFL Sunday
Packers vs Giants 1pm FOX
Bengals vs Steelers 1pm CBS
Ravens vs Browns 4:25pm CBS
Chiefs vs Broncos 4:25pm
Lions vs Eagles 8:20pm NBC/Peacock
NBA
Raptors 126 Cavaliers 113
Suns 133 Pacers 98
Hawks 132 Jazz 122
NBA Tonight NBA Cup Group Play
Heat vs Knicks 7pm PrimeVid
Nets vs Magic 7pm
76ers vs Pistons 7:30pm
Lakers vs Pelicans 8pm
Warriors vs Spurs 9:30pm PrimVid
NHL
Stars 7 Canadiens 0
Senators 5 Bruins 3
Red Wings 6 Ducks 3
Panthers 6 Capitals 3
Blue Jackets 5 Oilers 4
Avalanche 6 Sabres 3
Islanders 4 Golden Knights 3
NHL Today – Global Series
Penguins vs Predators 2pm NHLNet
Canucks vs Hurricanes 7pm ESPN+
Flyers vs Bruins 8pm ESPN+
Islanders vs Mammoth 9pm ESPN+
NCAA Football Saturday
Notre Dame vs Pitt 12pm ABC
Michigan vs Northwestern 12pm FOX
S. Florida vs Navy 12pm ESPN2
Penn State @ Michigan State 3:30 pm CBS
UCLA vs Ohio State 7:30pm ESPN2
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