OPEN HOUSE FOR DETAILS ABOUT THE NEW DISTRICT IN MUNCY
An open house is set for March 1 to share details about redevelopment plans at The District at Lycoming Valley, the former Lycoming Mall. FAMvest and the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce will host the event from 2 to 3 p.m. in the former Best Buy space in Muncy. Representatives will discuss committed businesses, including Bass Pro Shop, and display subdivision and land development plans showing building size and signage. Local officials, including Senator Yaw, Representative Hamm and Lycoming County commissioners, are also expected to speak.
COUNTY DENIES WRONGDOING IN CAR ACCIDENT
Northumberland County has denied wrongdoing in a lawsuit filed by Shamokin Police Officer Noah Smith following a March 2024 crash with a county probation officer. The collision happened as both were responding to a vehicle pursuit in Coal Township. Smith claims Officer Alexis Sciascia was driving at a high speed and too closely, causing the crash and leaving him with injuries including a fractured finger. The county cites legal defenses, including possible shared fault and government immunity. State police investigated but did not release a public report.
PA AG PRIORITY: PROTECTING SENIORS FROM SCAMS, AND KIDS FROM ONLINE PREDATORS
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday says his office is focused on two major priorities: protecting seniors from scams and keeping children safe online. Speaking at the Lycoming County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day Dinner, Sunday said elder fraud is a growing problem, prompting the creation of a new elder exploitation section to investigate and prosecute cases. The Sun Gazette says he highlighted bipartisan efforts to hold tech companies accountable and push for safer online platforms, while educating families about internet dangers facing young people.
SPECIAL NEEDS GROUP TO PERFORM
Music from the Heart will take the stage April 18 for a special performance featuring 22 local adults with special needs. According to the Sun Gazette, the group meets weekly to rehearse songs and dance routines for the 6 p.m. concert at Faith United Methodist Church in Montoursville. Founded by Diana Logan, the program gives participants a chance to showcase their talents while building friendships. Organizers say the event celebrates music, inclusion and community. Admission is free, and donations will be accepted.
UMC AT JOURNEY BANK COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER
The Uptown Music Collective returns to the Journey Bank Community Arts Center March 14 at 7:30 p.m. with Women of Rock Two. The one-night show features student musicians performing hits from Joan Jett, Pat Benatar and The Pretenders, complete with a full student-led light and sound production. The concert is presented in partnership with UPMC North Central Pa. and UPMC Health Plan. For tickets and details, visit uptownmusic.org/worii or caclive.com/umc.
MOUNT CARMEL FAMILY FILES WRONGFUL DEATH SUIT
A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed following a deadly ATV crash that claimed the life of 28-year-old Maura Mengel of Mount Carmel. According to the News Item, the suit names the Lower Mahanoy Township Fire Company, Bottoms Up Tavern, the ATV’s owner and the township. It alleges the operator, who had a blood-alcohol level of 0.255%, was served alcohol while visibly intoxicated. Mengel and another rider were killed when the ATV went over an embankment in April 2025.
LAND PLAN FOR CHICKEN FARM
The Lycoming County Planning Commission has approved a land development plan for a new chicken farm on property owned by Amos Glick along Walnut Run Lane. The project includes a nearly 5,000-square-foot barn and related structures on more than 112 acres spanning Bastress and Limestone townships. A large crowd opposed the plan, raising concerns about flies, stormwater runoff and health impacts. Officials said the proposal met county requirements and does not qualify as a concentrated animal feeding operation. The commission added conditions, including a fly control plan, before granting approval.
POTENTIAL DRESS CODE CHANGE FOR MOUNT CARMEL
The Mount Carmel Area School Board is considering changes to its student dress code. Board members have asked their solicitor to draft a revision that would allow dress-down attire every weekday instead of only Fridays. The proposal must be advertised and voted on at the next two public meetings before it could take effect in the 2026-27 school year. Several students and residents spoke in favor of relaxing the policy, calling it outdated and overly restrictive, with a petition drawing more than 700 signatures. Board leaders say while updates may be needed, they still support maintaining some form of dress code structure.
MONEY BACK FROM PALCB FOR MUNICIPALITIES
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is returning nearly $2 million in liquor licensing fees to 1,089 municipalities across the state, as required by law. The twice-yearly payments send a portion of license fees back to the communities where liquor license holders operate, helping support local government services and initiatives. The current distribution covers fees collected between August 2025 and January 2026. Officials say the program provides direct financial support to cities, boroughs and townships that host licensed establishments.
SPORTS
PIAA HS Boys Basketball Playoffs
Lewisburg 56 Mount Carmel 42
Warrior Run 64 Mifflinburg 48
So. Columbia 48 Loyalsock 45
Montoursville 58 Shamokin 51
Delaware Val 73 Williamsport 47
Selinsgrove 64 Blue Mountain 50
PIAA HS Girls Basketball Playoffs Tonight
Lewisburg vs Central Col 6pm @Danville HS
Muncy vs Southern Columbia 6pm @Montoursville HS
Mount Carmel Hughesville 7pm @Milton HS
Loyalsock vs Troy @ Mansfield University
Jersey Shore Mifflinburg 7:30pm @Danville HS
NCAA Men’s Basketball
Arizona 87 Baylor 80
Iowa State 75 Utah 59
Missouri 73 Tennessee 69
Duke 100 Notre Dame 56
Michigan 77 Minnesota 67
Virginia 90 NC State 61
UCF 97 BYU 84
NCAA Men’s Basketball Tonight
St John’s vs UConn 7pm Peacock
Florida vs Texas 7pm ESPN2
Portland vs Gonzaga 9pm ESPN+
Texas A&M vs Arkansas 9pm ESPN2
NBA
76ers 135 Pacers 114
Hawks 119 Wizards 98
Mavericks 123 Nets 114
Thunder 116 Raptors 107
Cavaliers 109 Knicks 94
Celtics 97 Suns 81
Pelicans 113 Warriors 109
Magic 110 Lakers 109
NBA Tonight
Thunder vs Pistons 7:30pm ESPN
Warriors vs Grizzlies 7:30pm
Cavaliers vs Bucks 8pm
Celtics vs Nuggets 10pm ESPN
NHL Returns Tonight
Flyers vs Capitals 7pm ESPN+
Sabres vs Devils 7pm ESPN+
Maple Leafs vs Lightning 7:30pm TNT/HBOMax
Golden Knights vs Kings 10pm TNT/HBOMax
MLB News
Pirates top prospect Konnor Griffin powered Pittsburgh to a 16-7 spring training win over Boston on Tuesday. The 19-year-old shortstop blasted two home runs, including a 375-foot shot off Ranger Suarez and a 440-foot drive later in the game. Griffin finished with four RBIs in the breakout performance.
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