WOMAN JAILED FOR TEXTING INAPPROPRIATE TEXTS TO MINOR
A Lycoming County woman will stand trial on charges she sent thousands of inappropriate text messages to a minor. Authorities say 29-year-old Amber Koch of Jersey Shore exchanged messages with the child over less than a year that filled about 2,700 pages. Following a preliminary hearing, a judge approved charges including unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors and indecent assault. Koch previously posted fifty-thousand dollars bail and remains free while awaiting trial.
COLUMBIA COUNTY ISSUES A “DO NOT EAT” ORDER FOR FISH IN BRIAR CREEK
State officials have issued a “do not eat” advisory for all fish species in Briar Creek near Berwick in Columbia County. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission say testing found high levels of PFOS, a so-called “forever chemical,” in fish tissue. While fishing is still allowed, officials warn that consuming fish from the creek could pose health risks. The advisory remains in effect until further notice as authorities continue monitoring contamination levels.
REP HAMM INTRODUCED LEGISLATION TO ABOLISH EMISSIONS TESTING
A state lawmaker from Lycoming County wants to eliminate vehicle emissions testing in several counties. Representative Joe Hamm of Hepburn Township has introduced House Bill 761, which would exempt Lycoming, Blair, Cambria, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Mercer and Westmoreland counties from the state’s emissions inspection program. Hamm says many surrounding counties already don’t require the testing and argues drivers are paying 40 to 50 dollars a year for inspections that provide little benefit. A similar bill has already passed the state Senate and is now awaiting action in the House Transportation Committee.
EAGLES MERE TOBOGGAN SLIDE DONE FOR THE SEASON
After three busy weekends and more than 8,100 rides, the Eagles Mere toboggan slide season has officially wrapped up. Organizers closed the attraction after a grooming vehicle partially broke through thinner ice near shore, raising safety and liability concerns. The ice slide has since been dismantled. Officials called it a successful season overall and extended thanks to the Eagles Mere Volunteer Fire Company — the primary beneficiary — and other Sullivan County volunteer units for their continued support.
MOUNT CARMEL MAN ARRESTED FOR ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE OF A SHOTGUN
A Mount Carmel man is facing charges after police say he accidentally shot another man while handling a newly purchased shotgun. Authorities say 22-year-old Bradley Beltz Jr. admitted he had been drinking Saturday night and pointing the gun at people before it discharged, striking 24-year-old Cody Wilhelm in the abdomen near Brennan’s Farm Road and Nevada Drive. Wilhelm has since been released from the hospital. Beltz faces aggravated assault and related charges and is free on fifty-thousand dollars bail.
MAN FROM NEW YORK ARRESTED FOR ASSAULTING AN OFFICER
A New York man is facing multiple charges after police say he assaulted an officer during a traffic stop in Lycoming County. Police say 24-year-old Joshua Green of Painted Post was pulled over Saturday night after running a stop sign in Williamsport. Officers say Green refused commands, resisted arrest and later headbutted an officer while in a patrol car and again at police headquarters. The officer was treated for a head injury at UPMC Williamsport. Green was arraigned on felony assault and other charges and is being held in Lycoming County Prison on one-hundred-thousand dollars bail.
NEW WILLIAMSPORT POLICE CHIEF
The Williamsport Bureau of Police has a new leader. Captain Justin Ottaviano was promoted to chief and sworn in by Mayor Derek Slaughter. , according to the department, he replaces retired Chief Justin Snyder. Ottaviano began his law enforcement career in 2005 and joined the bureau in 2008, serving in roles including field training officer, training coordinator and patrol captain. He recently presented the department’s proposed 2026 budget to City Council as he steps into the leadership role.
BULL RIDING IN MIFFLINBURG FOR A CAUSE
A Milton teen is bull riding for a cause. Fourteen-year-old Micah Schreck is turning his March 28 ride at Triple V Cattle Company Arena in Middleburg into a fundraiser aimed at freeing a family from generational slavery in Pakistan’s brick kiln industry. Supporters are pledging money for each second he stays on the bull, up to eight seconds, with a goal of raising $1,800 to pay off one family’s debt. The effort supports ongoing humanitarian work led by a local ministry helping families escape bonded labor.
SPORTS
NCAA Men’s Basketball
UCLA 72 (9) Nebraska 52
Arizona State 70 (14) Kansas 60
(24)Vanderbilt 89 Ole Miss 86
(5) Florida 108 Miss State 74
Georgia 98 (16)Alabama 88
(17)UNC 67 Clemson 63
(18)St. John’s 72 Georgetown 69
(19)Miami (OH) 74 Toledo 72
NCAA Men’s Basketball Tonight
Texas vs Arkansas 7pm ESPN2
Purdue vs Northwestern 8:30pm BTN
Baylor vs Houston 9pm ESPN2
NCAA Men’s B-Ball News
* No. 19 Miami (Ohio) closed to within a victory of a perfect regular season with their win over Toledo that extended the RedHawks’ season-opening winning streak to 30 games.
* The RedHawks (17-0 Mid-American Conference) remain the only undefeated team in Division I men’s basketball.
NBA
Hornets 117 Mavericks 90
Cavaliers 113 Pistons 109
Magic 126 Wizards 109
Heat 124 Nets 98
Knicks 111 Raptors 95
Spurs 131 76ers 91
Thunder 116 Bulls 108
Lakers 110 Pelicans 101
Suns 114 Kings 103
NBA Tonight
Thunder vs Knicks 7pm ESPN
Hornet s vs Celtics 7:30pm
Jazz vs 76ers 7:30pm
Trail Blazers vs Grizzlies 8pm
Hawks vs Bucks 9:30pm ESPN
NHL
Bruins 2 Penguins 1
Sabres 3 Golden Knights 2
Devils 5 Panthers 1
Mammoth 3 Capitals 2
Oilers 5 Senators 4
Avalanche 5 Ducks 1
NHL Tonight
Golden Knights vs Red Wings 7pm ESPN+
Maple Leafs vs Devils ESPN+/Hulu
Islanders vs Ducks 10pm ESPN+
Blues vs Kraken 10pm ESPN+/Hulu
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