Two women were killed in separate structure fires reported early Wednesday morning in Lycoming County, police say. The first fire broke out around 4:29 a.m. Oct. 30 at a home at 226 Zinck Road in Mifflin Township, according to PSP Montoursville. Firefighters from several departments arrived to find a single-story ranch home with fire showing from the east and south sides of the structure. Lois Breon, 81, was rescued from the home by fire personnel. ...

This story first appeared in PA Local, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA taking a fresh, positive look at the incredible people, beautiful places, and delicious food of Pennsylvania. Sign up for free here. I think my new house might be haunted. I’ve not experienced anything particularly unnerving there, to be clear. No apparitions. No voices. No sudden chills or shut doors. (There was a night light in the bathroom...

Williamsport, Pa. — Stephen Angle, 39, of Montoursville has been out on intense supervised bail despite facing charges that include aggravated indecent assault of a child. A ruling today by President Judge Nancy Butts took off the intense portion of Angle’s bail during a hearing for modification. Prosecutor Phoebe Yates called the fact Angle was out on bail at all a gift during the hearing. She requested bail be put at $25,000 monetary if the intense supervision was lifted. ...

Williamsport, Pa. — A former lawyer charged with a felony in Williamsport no-showed for his preliminary hearing this week in Lycoming County. Judge Denise Dieter, who denied a continuation request by Glenn Hiram Stephens, 66, of Watsontown, held a hearing by abstention for the former Washington, D.C. lawyer charged with extortion, stalking, and harassment. “We waited long enough,” Dieter told the court after Stephens failed to show Tuesday. ...

Loyalsock Township, Pa. — State police found 47 grams of cocaine inside a vehicle after the driver was stopped for a turn signal and window tint violation. Ashley Smith, 36, of South Williamsport was allegedly operating the car as it traveled on Northway Road in Loyalsock Township. It was stopped on Oct. 15 just after noon, PSP Montoursville Trooper Robert Williamson said. According to a report filed last week, Smith,...

Williamsport, Pa. — Just one week before Election Day, Emerge America held a virtual press conference where female leaders in battleground states spoke about their experiences. The Pa. Speaker of the House also elaborated on the "quiet woman vote" that could affect the upcoming election. The panel of women hailing from Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and other important swing states, was held on Tuesday, Oct. 29. Emerge America is a non-profit...

This story first appeared in How We Care, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA featuring original reporting and perspectives on how we care for one another at all stages of life. Sign up for free here. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a bill into law this month to address maternal health care and wellness, and is expected to sign another related measure soon. The new law creates a statewide public awareness...

Wellsboro, Pa. — Barb Bogaczyk, an LPN at The Green Home, was a recent recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. She was nominated by a resident who wished to express their gratitude for her diligence and kindness. The resident shared: “No matter how Barb feels, she devotes her time and comes in when she's asked because it's important to her. I want her to know how important she...

“There it is again,” he muttered. “Sounds just like a little one crying for his mama. No wonder this part of the canyon used to spook the Injuns.” Darkness can come early to the hollows and the hills of Penn’s woods, and O’Conner had put in a long but profitable day working on his trap line, but he was tired and anxious to make his way out of the hollow and head for home and supper. ...

Beaver Springs, Pa. — Police say an unknown suspect stole a PlayStation 5 video game console from a Snyder County home. The victim told PSP Selinsgrove that between 5:15 a.m. and 1 p.m. Oct. 18, someone broke into their home at the 2200 block of Snyder Avenue in Spring Township. The suspect took the white video game console along with a power cord and HDMI cord, according to the police report. The console is worth $700. Anyone with information may contact police at 570-374-8145.

The divisive seasonal ending of Daylight Savings Time is almost upon us. While some may rejoice at the "extra hour" of sleep resulting from setting the clock back, others lament the early evening darkness and an increase in deer collisions. Regardless of your opinion of the occasion, don't forget to turn your clocks back on Nov. 3. The time change officially kicks in Sunday morning at 2 a.m. While changing clocks, numerous organizations, including the American Red Cross, the Defense Logistics Agency, and the National Fire Protection Association, recommend changing batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Montoursville, Pa. – The Route 15 northbound exit 158 (Route 284 / Buttonwood / English Center) is closed in Jackson Township, Lycoming County, due to a tractor trailer rollover. A detour using Route 15 northbound to exit 162 (Liberty / Route 414), Route 414, and Route 284 is in place, according to PennDOT. Be alert, slow down, watch for lane changes, and drive with caution. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com.

Millville, Pa. — Camp Victory has extended an invitation to all surrounding communities for a turkey dinner at the Camp Victory dining hall. The afternoon will feature a variety of Thanksgiving classics including turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, assorted vegetables, a salad bar, fluffy dinner rolls, and assorted beverages and desserts. Celebrate Thanksgiving early with Camp Victory on Sunday, Nov. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. To join the festivities, make a reservation by calling 570-458-6530. RSVPs are required. The dinner costs $15 for adults, $8 for children ages 3-12, and children under 3 can attend at no cost. Payments will be collected in cash at the door. Additional donations to the camp are always appreciated. Don't miss the opportunity to savor a delectable meal, create cherished memories with friends and family, and support a great cause!

Williamsport, Pa. — Individuals and businesses around Lycoming College are advised that there will be an emergency siren test today at 4:30 p.m. The siren will sound for approximately 90 seconds during the test. No action is required on the part of local residents or businesses.

Williamsport, Pa. — Registration is now open for the Lycoming College Warrior Spirit Open House, a limited-space event for college-bound students who want to experience the excitement of an NCAA game day, an academic fair, and campus life. The special event will be held Saturday, Nov. 16. Register online to reserve a spot. The event will feature an academic fair where attendees can explore the college’s programs and meet faculty...

Halloween was once a time of both tricks and treats. Lately, Halloween has become one big treat for businesses, with consumers spending an estimated $11.6 billion on this one-night holiday. That’s roughly the same amount of money as Americans spend on children’s books each year. This massive amount of spending is puzzling, given the media is filled with stories about the economic hardships many families face.As a business school professor who has written previously about Halloween, I was curious why Halloween spending is just below...

Emporium, Pa. — A 22-year-old Pennsylvania man was arrested after he kidnapped and tried to kill his teenage girlfriend, police say. State police were called on Oct. 26 at 11 p.m. for a reported attempted homicide in the borough of Emporium in Cameron County. The alleged victim was a 16-year-old female who told police she attempted to end a relationship with her boyfriend, Gabriel Smith, two days prior. This upset...

Williamsport, Pa. — A Williamsport man allegedly sold a combination of cocaine and methamphetamine to different informants throughout September and early October. Miguel Knight, 45, of Williamsport supplied various narcotics to informants as Lycoming County detectives watched, according to a complaint. Knight was arrested at the beginning of the month. He consented to a search of his home where more drugs were found, detectives said. According to filings made by...

Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. Harrisburg, Pa. — In the fall of last year, a Pennsylvania Department of Aging specialist fired off an email to management with an urgent plea. The staffer had just finished reviewing cases involving older adults who had died after...

Porter Township, Pa. — Police found a revolver inside the backpack of a man who was not allowed to carried a concealed weapon. Aubrey Tenolion Jeremiah McCoy, 25, of Las Vegas, NV was sleeping inside the cab of a truck when his co-driver called state police in Lamar on Oct. 14, Trooper Hunter Hall said. The driver claimed McCoy was being fired. The witness said he was concerned because McCoy carried a loaded gun. ...