MINOR INJURIES IN MONTGOMERY HOUSE FIRE
Multiple fire and emergency crews responded to a structure fire in the 60 block of Johnson Street in Montgomery just before 2:45 Sunday afternoon. Dispatchers received several reports of smoke, and the call was upgraded to a second alarm about 10 minutes later. Officials say there were no immediate reports of injuries, though one male resident was evaluated for smoke inhalation. Witnesses say three dogs are believed to have died in the fire. Firefighters were not hurt, even after the roof of the home’s front porch collapsed while crews were battling the flames.
EXTRADICTED SUSPECT DENIED BAIL
Bail has been denied for Denarii Kadeem Springs, the Sunbury homicide suspect who was extradited from New Jersey. The 27-year-was on the run for more than 17 months before being arrested February 3rd in Paterson, NJ. Springs is accused of fatally shooting 20-year-old Dayveon Creel in August 2024 during a lunch break from an attempted murder trial near the Northumberland County Courthouse. A district judge ruled Springs is both a flight risk and a danger to the public. He remains in county jail awaiting a preliminary hearing on February 17.
SHAPIRO SENDS LETTER TO DHS ABOUT WAREHOUSE SALE AND USE
Governor Josh Shapiro is demanding the federal government scrap plans to turn warehouses in Berks and Schuylkill counties into large ICE detention centers. In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Shapiro outlined concerns that the proposed facilities would overwhelm water and sewer systems, strain emergency responders and violate state building and environmental laws. ICE recently purchased an Upper Bern Township site for $87.4 million, with plans to house up to 1,500 detainees, and a former distribution center in Tremont Township for $119 million, expected to hold as many as 7,500. State officials say they will not issue permits that conflict with Pennsylvania law.
LEWISBURG FLEA MARKET CLOSING IN MAY
After more than 30 years, the Silver Moon Flea Market along Route 15 near Lewisburg will close its doors May 10th. Owners say a steady decline in vendors, driven in part by online marketplaces and retirements, led the family to make the decision. The Sunday market has operated at the former Silver Moon Drive-In site since 1989. The property is now under agreement with a developer, and the building will be torn down for redevelopment. According to North Cetnral PA dot com, the Silver Moon restaurant and antique shops will remain open, with plans to relocate and expand in the future.
TIOGA COUNTY MAN FAILED TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER
A Covington man is facing multiple felony charges after state police say he failed to comply with Megan’s Law reporting requirements. Troopers began investigating 46-year-old Kenneth Charles Schmidt in January after a tip from the Department of Corrections. Schmidt was previously arrested in 2020 in a Luzerne County sting after he showed up to meet who he believed was a 15-year-old , but was actually an undercover detective. In this latest case, he’s charged with failure to register, unlawful use of a communication facility and falsification. He’s jailed in Tioga County awaiting arraignment.
MUNCY DEVELOPMENT PLANS HOLDING FOR N OW
Two Muncy Township supervisors have voted to place a temporary hold on processing subdivision, stormwater and land development plans, a move that could delay projects like the proposed Bass Pro at the former Lycoming Mall site. Chair Terri Lauchle and Supervisor Denise Artley supported the action, calling it procedural, while Supervisor Heath Ohnmeiss opposed it, calling it illegal. County Commissioner Scott Metzger warned delays could risk major investment and tax growth for Lycoming County.
NEW GAME WARDENS IN PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania’s newest class of State Game Wardens is now on the job after graduating from the Ross Leffler School of Conservation. The 37th class includes 24 officers assigned across the Commonwealth. Among those with local ties, Samuel Pepper of Muncy, has been commissioned and assigned to Chester County. The graduates completed 44 weeks of intensive training, including field work, and will now serve in districts statewide to protect wildlife and enforce conservation laws.
SCAVENGER HUNT IN SHAMOKIN
Shamokin residents have until March 31st to take part in a downtown Storefront Scavenger Hunt. SEDA-Council of Governments and Go Shamokin organized the event along Independence Street, featuring eight stops and history-based quiz questions. The hunt also gathers public input on downtown improvements and future events. Organizers say it’s part of community outreach tied to an EPA brownfields grant aimed at revitalizing Shamokin’s downtown corridor. Details and entry forms are available on Go Shamokin’s Facebook page and at the Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library.
SPORTS
NCAA Men’s Basketball
Illinois 71 Indiana 51
Rutgers 68 Maryland 57
North Texas 65 Temple 62
Seton Hall 63 Butler 56
Towson 72 Monmouth 71
NCAA Men’s Basketball Today
Syracuse vs Duke 7pm ESPN
Houston vs Iowa State 9pm ESPN
Drexel vs Sony Brook 8pm CBS SN
NBA All Star Round Robin
Team Stars 37 World 35 /OT
Team Stripes 42 Team Stars 40
Team Stripes 48 World 45
Team Stars 47 Team Stripes 21
Back to Regular NBA play Thursday 2/19
76ers vs Hawks 7pm
Nets vs Cavaliers 7pm
Pistons vs Knicks 7:30pm PrimeVid
Celtics vs Warriors 10pm PrimeVid
NASCAR
1 – Tyler Reddick 2 – Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 3 – Joey Logano 4 – Chase Elliot 5 – Brad Keselowski
* Six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan can now add Daytona 500 winner to his résumé. Tyler Reddick captured “The Great American Race” with a last-lap pass at Daytona 500, giving Jordan’s 23XI Racing team the victory. Jordan will receive a championship ring for his 63rd birthday tomorrow.
* Team co-owner Denny Hamlin finished 31st in Sunday’s bid to become the third driver in history to win four Daytona 500
MLB News
* The Philadelphia Phillies have released outfielder Nick Castellanos after failing to trade him.
* Castellanos also revealed he was benched last season for bringing beer into the dugout during a game.
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