The Pennsylvania State Police Department reported the following incidents:

Sept. 22 and Sept. 23, between 9:30 p.m. and 9 a.m., Officer Martin reports that actors made entry in to the unlocked vehicles of William Stanford, 53, of Montoursville and Michelle Sargent, 26, of Montoursville, and removed a number of items included musical instrument equipment, cigarettes and cash. 

Sept. 28, Officer Doebler reported that actors entered the residence of Dwight Long of Muncy and removed a watch. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at (570) 368-5700.

Oct. 5, between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., Officer Martin reported that two actors made unknown entry into the home of Donald Butters, 72, of Nisbet, without force and removed a .22 caliber Beretta handgun and Marlin rifle, a safe containing cash, a tin can containing wrapped change and a box of .22 caliber ammo. Anyone with information is asked to contact Pennysvania State Police, Montoursville.

Oct. 5 and Oct. 7, between 12 p.m. and 7 a.m., Officer Doebler reported that actors entered through a garage door window at Central Supply, 5223 Lycoming Mall Drive, Montoursville, and removed cash from a petty fund envelope and fled the scene. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police. 

Oct. 6, between 5:45 and 6:45, Officer Martin reported that actors made entry in to the vehicle of a Williamsport woman, in the parking lot of Sakura Buffet on East Third Street, Williamsport. The actors removed a yellow colored, backpack style Prada handbag. Inside the handbag was the victim's check books and debit cards, prescription of oxycodone and $90 in cash. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police. 

Oct. 12, 4 p.m., Officer Doebler reported that the station is trying to locate a runaway juvenile female, age 15, of 125 Ban Road, Muncy Creek Township. Anyone with information about her wherabouts is asked to contact the police. 

Oct. 13, Officer Erik Barlett reported that unknown actors entered an unlocked door of a vehicle belonging to Brandon Barlow, 29, of Muncy, removing his wallet. Anyone finding the wallet or having information concerning this crime is asked to call the police. 

As water from the creek flows around the barricade, construction crews work on steel piling that will support one of the bridge's two piers.

Construction of the Loyalsock Creek railroad bridge in Lycoming County is about 10% complete as the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority (JRA) continues to target a summer 2014 completion. The original 85-year old structure was demolished after being severely damaged in floods resulting from Tropical Storm Lee in September 2011. 

The $9.1 million project is currently focused on the foundation for the first pier, the only one of the bridge's two piers that will be in the water under normal

water levels. Seventy steel piles will be driven into bedrock, approximately 50-feet below the creek. The 1927 bridge across Loyalsock Creek sat on timber mats buried only eight feet below the stream's bottom. Jeff Stover, Executive Director of the Rail Authority, expects the foundation for the first pier to be completed by the end of November.

In addition to the two piers, the center section of the railroad bridge will employ a truss, comprised of nearly 3,600 pieces of steel. The new bridge will be higher than the old structure - 3-feet above water flow, based on 100-year storm levels, and 1½-feet above flow, based on Tropical Storm Lee. The new bridge will also be longer than the old one - 474-feet compared to 350-feet - and have a wider hydraulic opening.

"This is going to be a solid, massive structure," said Stover, "and a valuable addition to Central Pennsylvania's shortline railroad system."

Read more about the new Loyalsock Creek railroad bridge. View photos on Facebook. Learn more about the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority.

The Montoursville State Police Department reported the following incidents:

Sept. 23 to Oct. 4, Officer Brian Evarts reported that Robert Loner, 63, had medication stolen out of his safe at his residence. 

Sept. 30 at 9:45 p.m., Officer Daniel Switzer reported that Robert Lepley, 69, of Muncy was involved in a vehicle crash.  According to Switzer's report, further investigation revealed that Lepley was driving under the influence of alcohol. Charges were filed Oct. 17. 

Oct. 5 at 6:20 p.m., Officer Michael Shipman reported that a crash occured as a vehicle driven by Glenn Miller, 53, of Jersey Mills, was traveling north on state route 287. The vehicle was negotiating a left curve and lost control. The vehicle traveled off the roadway and struck an embankment on the east side of the road. The vehicle then rolled over several times and came to rest in the northbound lane facing southeast. The driver was taken into custody for suspicion of D.U.I. 

Oct. 9 from 6:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Officer Daniel Switzer reported that unknown actors entered the residence of Penny Eichenlaub, 45, and Amy Jacobs, 23, of Hughesville. The unknown actors stole a television and then fled the scene. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Montoursville Police Department at (570) 369-5700.

Oct. 9 to Oct. 13 from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., Official Daniel Switzer reported that unknown actor(s) entered the residence of Randy Mitcheltree, 64, ad Sharon Mitcheltree, 63, of Williamsport. The unknown actors then stole a purse from the kitchen table in the residence. The unknown actors then fled the scene undetected. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Montoursville Police Department.

Oct. 13 to Oct. 14 between 9:30 p.m. and 8:30 a.m., Officer Erik Barlett reported that unknown actors entered an ulocked door on the vehicle belonging to Angela Jackson, 42, of Muncy. A multicolored suitcase containing documents and a Lenovo laptop computer and fled in an unknown direction. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police. 

Oct. 13 to Oct. 14 between 10 p.m. and 6:15 a.m., Officer Erik Barlett reported that unknown actors entered 4 vehicles at 797 Susquhanna Trail Road and removed a wallet and then entered two vehicles at 750 Susquehanna Trail Road removing a purse containing $1200. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the police.

Oct. 13 to Oct. 14 between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., Officer Erik Barlett reported that unknown actors entered the residence of Jenny Glunk, 31, and Randall Glunk, 41, of Montoursville and took a red and white wallet containing $10, a gray leather purse, a woman's tan snake print wallet with $250 cash and a man's brown leather wallet with approximately $10. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the police. 

Oct. 16 at approximately 4:45 p.m., Officer Shipman reported that Chelsea Steinbacher, 23, of Jersey Shore, allegedly placed $175.88 worth of merchandise from K-mart in her purse and diaper bag and attempted to leave without paying. Steinbacher was charged through MDJ Whiteman's office. 

Oct. 16 at 7 p.m., Officer Erik Barlett reported that a 55 year-old woman got into a verbal altercation with a her 47 year-old husband and kicked a bedroom door and threw a glass ashtray at him. The woman then got into a verbal altercation with her 27 year-old daughter that turned physical when the woman slapped her daughter in the upper left arm and shoved. The daughter shoved the woman back and left the residence.  

A small two propellor plane crash landed at the Williamsport / Lycoming County Airport (IPT) around 6:30 P.M. Tuesday evening. Some reports from people in the area said the plane flew in to the area at a low altitude with no running lights visible. It is not thought that the airport had any prior warning of the incoming troubled plane. Airport emergency staff was on hand almost immediately, calling out the incident to County communication. No injuries were reported. The plane was moved, the runway cleaned and reopened around 9:00 P.M.

“They were driven from the lands on which they had settled and on April 18, 1752, Andrew Montour was commissioned by the governor to settle and reside upon these Indian lands, the Indians on July 2, 1750, having petitioned for such occupation, and arrangements having been made with them for such occupation at a place considered most central, to see that the lands were not settled upon and to warn off any who had presumed to settle there. He was also to report the names of any who did settle there that they might be prosecuted. He chose to settle on a stream which to this day bears his name, Montour's run flowing through Tyrone Township. “

History of Perry County 
H.H. Hain 1922

If you are a local historian and are surprised by this reference to Andrew Montour in Perry County (near Harrisburg) - you're not alone. The namesake of Montoursville, Pa., turns out to have spent a chapter of his life in Perry County, that even the folks at the Gen. John Burrows Historical Society in Montoursville did not know about. Upon sharing this information with Ray Harmon, vice president of the society, he commented, “ Little or nothing was known locally about Andrew Montour's role in settling Perry County.”

On my part, all of this was a chance discovery while doing research on his mother, Madame Montour.

Born Isabel Couc in New France (Canada) in 1667 to Pierre Couc, a Frenchman, and Marie Miteoamegoukoué  of the Algonquin Nation, Madame Montour was exposed at an early age to Native American and European languages on what, at that time, was a very wild frontier. She had a gift for languages and became fluent in French, German, English, Iroquois and Algonquian and, as early as 1711, she was in demand as an interpreter and negotiator between Indians and settlers. She became invaluable to both the governors of New York and Pennsylvania.

In 1727, she settled at the mouth of Loyalsock Creek near present day Montoursville, Pa. with her Iroquois husband, Carondowana, and her two children, Andrew and Margaret. It was there that she founded the village of Otstonwakin.

The exact location of the village was a mystery until 2009 when Franklin & Marshall College anthropologist Mary Ann Levine discovered the site.  Her archaeological excavation and subsequent lectures are what launched me on a study of the Montour's and that time period.

In addition to Internet research and drawing on local sources, one book, in particular, became invaluable for insights not only into the history of the Montour family but the times in which they lived -- “Madame Montour and The Fur Trade” by Simone Vincens. Originally published in French as “Madame Montour et son temps” (1979),  it was not translated into English until 2011. The author draws on archives from Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa and France to fill in the many gaps in the life of Madame Montour, and brings to life the collision and cultural complexities of contact between Native Americans and white settlers during the 17th and 18th centuries. 

Andrew Montour inherited his mother's gift for languages and basically took over the family business of interpreting when Madame Montour lost much of her influence through age and the loss of her husband.  Having heritage in both the Anglo and Indian worlds, he traveled back and forth across the frontier on mission after mission.  He was a member of the Iroquois Grand Council and was employed by the governors of New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. His travels put him at all of the important Indian negotiations of that time period and in the presence of colonial figures such as Benjamin Franklin and George Washington.

The Moravian missionary Count Zinzendorf, on a trip to Madame Montour's village of Otstonwakin, described Andrew Montour as a young man: “ Andrew's cast of countenance is decidedly European and had not his face been encircled with a broad band of paint applied with bear fat, I would certainly have taken him for one. He wore a broadcloth coat, a scarlet damasken lapped-waistcoat, breeches, over which his shirt hung , a black Cordovan neckerchief, decked with silver bugles, shoes and stockings, and a hat. His ears were hung with pendants of brass and other wires plaited together like the handle of a basket. He was very cordial, but on my addressing him in French, he, to my surprise addressed me in English.”

The above quote is well known locally and is contained in the “History of Lycoming County” by John F. Meginness. but what about the missing pieces of Andrew Montour 's life not well known in Lycoming County? 

In “Madame Montour and The Fur Trade”, the author describes a land grant given to Andrew by the governor of Pennsylvania  and a rough location on Sherman's Creek just below the Juniata River. Finding an intersecting creek called Montours Creek on my Howard Higbie Stream Map of Pennsylvania sent me off on a field trip to Perry County.

Site visits and interviews with members of the Historical Society of Perry County affirmed the location of the land grant as being at the intersection of both creeks. They are confident enough of the location that they presently have an archaeological excavation planned to find the site of the Montour house.  When the members also began to describe the life and mission of Andrew at that location I was more than surprised. 

When Andrew took up residence along Sherman's Creek he became the first official settler of Perry County and with the authority given to him by the governor of Pennsylvania on the as-yet-Indian- lands to kick white squatters off, he essentially became the first “sheriff”. This also put him along the Allegheny Trail which was about to become the preferred route to western Pennsylvania and the Ohio Valley and Andrew was now positioned strategically to keep an eye on it all.

Madame Montour accompanied Andrew to this new location and lived out her life there, providing hospitality to travelers as she had done at Otstonwakin.

Andrew Montour was an important figure on the American frontier. His role cannot be diminished because of his mixed Native American and European blood. The fact that he had a foot in both worlds made him one of the colonial period's most complex, but effective, characters. Andrew was an interpreter, negotiator, spokesman and warrior.  If it were not for his courage at a very crucial and dangerous time, the history of an entire continent might be very different. The fact that he was given multiple tracts of land across Pennsylvania for his services is proof of his worth to his contemporaries and one of those tracts would eventually become Montoursville.

- Tank Baird is the president of Northcentral PA Chapter 8, Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology.

The Pennsylvania State Police Department Montoursville reported the following incidents:

Oct. 4 to Nov. 7, Police reported that an unknown actor entered the residence of Andrea Tull of Montoursville and stole a jewelry box wich contained various jewelry. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Montoursville at 570-368-5700. 

Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, Police reported that unknown actors stole 3 tires that were sitting outside the residence of Josh Tagge, 27, of Williamsport. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Montoursville at 570-368-5700.

12:29 p.m., Nov. 2, Police reported that juveniles were caught stealing merchandise at Kmart in Loyalsock Township.

2 p.m., Nov. 4, Police reported that a Vero Bike was discovered in a creek in Loyalsock Township. The bike is red in color. Anyone with information on this bike is asked to contact PSP Montoursville at 570-368-5700. 

6 to 7 p.m., Nov. 5, Police reported that unknown actors removed one pickup truck full of firewood from 2182 Quarry Road, Limestone Township. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or with more information about the actor is asked to contact PSP Montoursville at 570-368-5700.

9:08 p.m., Nov. 5, Police reported that at Crippled Bear Inn, Donald Kriegsman, 32, of Enola, stole a $100 from the bar in front of Daniel Flexer, 37, of Williamsport. Kriegsman was located and arraigned before MDJ Allen Page. Kriegsman was remanded to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $5,000 bail.

5:45 p.m., Nov. 6, Police reported that Launa Lee, 41, of Williamsport, Justin Lee, 20, of Williamsport, and a male juvenile entered into a verbal argument. During the course of the fight, Launa Lee was pushed into a wall by both Justin Lee and the male juvenile. As a result, Launa Lee sustained injury to both of her arms. Summary harassment charges have been filed. 

4 p.m., Nov. 7, Police reported that a 16-year-old female left 1236 Cemetery Road, Franklin Township, and did not return to the same residence. Anyone with information regarding the victim is asked to contact PSP Montoursville at 570-368-5700.

Nov. 6 to Nov. 10, Police reported that actors took approximately 300 feet of single stranded copper wire from the residence of Kurt Tsabler, 31, of Jersey Shore. 

11:41 p.m., Nov. 9, Police reported that unknown actors struck the mailbox belonging to Dennis Wright, 60, of Muncy, with a hard object, causing an indentation on top of the mailbox.

7 p.m. to 11:45 p.m., Nov. 10, Police reported that an unknown actor damaged tires belonging to Shelby Fischer, 27, of Williamsport, and Kimberly McLaughlin, 28, Cogan Station with a cutting blade. One inch punctures in each tire's sidewall were observed.

11:08 p.m., Nov. 11, Police reported that Josh Yerger, 31, of Picture Rocks and a female engaged in a verbal argument that became physical when Yerger grabbed the woman. The woman suffered scratches and bruising to her arm. 

12 to 3 p.m., Nov. 12, Police reported that unknown actors entered a residence in Montoursville and stole prescription pain medicine. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Montoursville at 570-368-5700.

12 p.m. Nov. 13, Police reported that Rosemary Winder, 61, of Montgomery, and Jacqueline Stackhouse, 22, of New Columbia, got into a verbal altercation that turned physical when Winder came to Stagarts Gargage in Clinton Township and confronted another friend and Stackhouse interviened. Winder touched Stackhouse in the face with her finger. The actors then got into a physical altercation. Both were cited for harrassment. 

1:55 p.m. Nov. 13, Police reported that Alaina J. Rippon, 18, of Williamsport, was charged with summary retail theft following an incident at Kmart in wich Rippon attempted to steal merchandise valued at $37.53. 

3 to 4 p.m., Nov. 13, Police reported that a suspect came to the home of Phillip Chapman, 77, of Trout Run, and loaded Chapman's Wheelhouse Lawnmower onto a pickup and left. The following day, the lawnmower was recovered by Chapman at the suspect's residence and brough back. Chapman did not wish to proceed with charges against the suspect as they are known to each other. 

3 to 3:38 a.m., Nov. 15, Police reported that a vehicle was disabled and blocking the road entrance of the Weir SPM parking lot in Muncy. The vehicle had been through the Odell Road trailer court and was initially reported as a crash. When police arrived at the scene, the incident was treated as a crash with an operator who had fled the scene until a representative from the county arrived and reported that the vehicle was stolen from the Weir SPM parking lot. 

4 p.m., Nov. 16, Police reported that Todd Allen Babb, 41, of Muncy, was being taken into custody based on an active bench warrent when he was found to be in posession of drug paraphernalia. Babb was transported to Lycoming County Prison. 

6:52 to 7:23 p.m., Nov. 16, Police reported that an unknown individual removed a camoflauge bag containing a Bersa 9MM handgun, a black nylon holster and assorted candy from a parked unlocked vehicle belonging to Shawn Morrill, 31, of Williamsport. Anyone with information about the actor is asked to contact PSP Montoursville at 570-368-5700. 

12:03 a.m., Nov. 17, Police reported that a Roadmaster mountain bike was found at 1900 Lincoln Drive, Loyalsock Township. Anyone with information of the ownnership of this bike is asked to contact PSP Montoursville at 570-368-5700. 

Dorothy A. "Dottie" Kotch, 68, of Montoursville, died Saturday, November 30, 2013 at Williamsport Regional Medical Center.

Born December 1, 1944 in Wilkes-Barre, she was a daughter of the late Clement and Dorothy Long Radomski. She and her husband, Stephen S. Kotch Jr., would have celebrated 45 years of marriage on February 15, 2014.

Surviving, in addition to her husband, are a brother, Raymond (Rose) Radomski of Dallas.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, December 7, at Church of the Resurrection, 75 Musser Lane, Muncy, with Rev. Glenn McCreary officiating. In keeping with Dottie’s wishes, there will be no public viewing and burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

There will be no flowers; memorial contributions may be made to the Lycoming County SPCA, 2805 Reach Road, Williamsport, PA 17701 or the building fund of The Church of the Resurrection, 75 Musser Lane, Muncy, PA 17756.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, Hughesville. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.mccartythomas.com.

Doris Ann Mowery, 79, of Montoursville, died Monday, December 9, 2013, at Elmcroft of Loyalsock.

Born January 13, 1934 in Duboistown, she was a daughter of the late Edward S. and Viola Anna Irwin Wade. Her husband of 38 years, Carl F. Mowery, preceded her in death on March 17, 2004.

Doris enjoyed shopping, painting ceramics, and watching mystery TV programgs.

Surviving are three daughters, Kim W. Hall of Yorktown, VA, Lynne A. Fry of Pennsdale, and Carla A. Liddic of Cogan Station; five grandchildren, Tifany A. Fry, Stephanie L. Fry, Kyle E. Fry, Devan M. Seyler and Greggory A. Liddic Jr.; and five great-grandchildren, Novah A. Swank, Gage A. Swank, Gannon E. Swank, Chase Seyler and Addison Liddic.

In addition to her parents and husband, Doris was preceded in death by a grandson, Damian E. McCartney.

Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.mccartythomas.com.

Although the calendar says winter is still a few days away, stormy winter weather has arrived early, so PennDOT is reminding residents of guidelines for shoveling or plowing snow around state-owned roadways to help ensure safe travel through the season. Maintaining safe and passable roads is PennDOT’s top priority when dealing with winter weather. To help meet that need, PennDOT urges residents to not shovel snow onto state roads that have already been plowed. Snow should not be shoveled onto any roadway as this can increase the potential for crashes, and property owners can be held liable for any resulting crashes. State law requires citizens to use and maintain their property in ways that avoid creating hazardous road conditions for others, including not obstructing highway lanes and drainage facilities with snow and ice. Fines can be as high as several hundred dollars. PennDOT offers the following guidelines for shoveling or plowing snow on property adjacent to state-owned roadways: 

• Snow should be shoveled or plowed to the right side of the driveway as you are facing the intersecting roadway (see attached diagram). By piling the snow away from the oncoming direction of the snow plows, the snow will not be pushed back onto the driveway.

• Eliminate snow piles at the property entrance whenever possible. High accumulations of snow can obstruct the vision of motorists, posing a safety hazard.

• Do not push snow onto roadways at any time. This creates a hazardous condition for all vehicles.

 For more winter driving tips and information on how PennDOT treats winter storms, visit www.dot.state.pa.us/winter. Motorists can check road conditions on more than 2,900 miles of state roads by calling 5-1-1 or visiting www.511PA.com. 

Pennsylvania State Police Department Montoursville reported the following incidents:

Dec. 18 to Dec. 20, Police reported that Walter Mock, 80, of Montoursville, was repeatedly contacted via phone by unknown actors. Mock sent money to the unidentified actors in order to receive purported unclaimed funds. The investigation is ongoing.  

9:08 p.m. Dec. 22, Police reported that Jeromey Drummond, 18, of Williamsport, was stopped on I-180 in Montoursville for speeding. Upon making contact with Drummond, the odor of marijuana was detected and a revolver was observed in the driver door compartment. Drummon related that the revolver was his and that he had smoked marijuana prior to the traffic stop. The revolver was then retrieved from th vehicle. Two other males were inside the vehicle with Drummond. 

During the traffic stop, Drummond fled and a vehilce pursuit was initiated as Drummond exited onto Fairview Drive. The pursuit went through the Montoursville Borough, west onto E. Third Street in Loyalsock Township, north onto Northway Road, west onto Four Mile Drive and ended when Drummond and his passengers abandoned the vehicle on Walnut St. in Williamsport. The pursuit reached speeds in excess of 103 mph. Drummond was found hiding in a yard in the area of Walnut Street and Vernon Avenue and was taken into custody. The revolver was found to be a stolen firearm.

12 p.m. Dec. 23, Police reported that a cash occurred as a vehicle driven by Michelle Guillot, 65, of Trout Run, was traveling south on Sugar Camp Road in Gamble Township. The vehicle attempted to negotiate a left hand curve in the road when the vehicle spun in a clockwise rotation. The vehicle traveled onto the west berm, striking a culvert with the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle then rolled clockwise back onto its wheels to its final rest position just south of the initial point of impact. Guillot was wearing her seat belt and was uinjured. 

3:20 p.m. Dec. 23, Police reported that a 23-year-old man and Penny Ann Reinwald, 37, of Williamsport, got into a verbal altercation that turned physical when the actor threw a bowl at the man's head. The man then left the scene and waited for the arrival of police. Charges have been filed. 

The Pennsylvania State Police Department Montoursville reported the follwoing incidents:

4:02 to 7 p.m. Nov. 16, Police reported that a white female between 18 and 25 years old entered the McDonald's building and proceeded through the kitchen area to the crew storage area. The female removed three dollars from a locker inside McDonald's. The female then fled the scene in an unknown direction. Between 6:30 and 7 p.m., the female entered Red Lobster and walked through the kitchen ara toward a crew area where she was stopped by a manager and escorted out of the building. Charges are pending. 

2:01 a.m. Dec. 1, Police reported that Janelle Niven, 23, of South Williamsport, was stopped for a traffic violation. Further investigation revealed that Niven was driving under the influence of alcohol. Charges have been filed. 

9:31 p.m. Dec. 13, Police reported that Kieth Johns, 39, of Williamsport, was stopped for speeding. Further investigation revealed that Johns was driving under the influence of alcohol. Charges have been filed. 

9:30 Dec. 26, Police reported that a physical alteration took place during a domestic dispute at 1416 Alvin Ave. in Loyalsock Township between ex-spouses. The ex-husband grabbed a hold of his ex-wife and shoved her up against a door in the living room of his residence. while holding his ex-wife up against the door, the ex-husband's current wife got involved to try to separate the two and in do so had her hair pulled and was struck several time by the former wife. The ex-husband was charged with one count of Summary Harrassment and his former wife was charged with one count of summary harrassment as well as one count of summary criminal mischielf. 

11:02 a.m. Dec. 29, Police reported that a crash occurred as a vehicle driven by Nicholas Tran, 28, of Hughesville, was traveling east on the roadway. Tran then lost control of the vehicle due to slippery road conditions, causing the vehicle to enter a clockwise rotation and exit the roadway through the south berm. The vehicle then impacted a ditch and flipped onto its roof. Tran did not sustain an injury, but his passenger Nancy Vo, 41, of Muncy, sustained a minor injury and was transported to Muncy Valley Hospital. 

5:22 p.m. Dec. 29, Police reported that a crash occurred as a vehicle driven by Rachel Rondinelli, 46, of Lansdale, was traveling north on State Route 220. The vehicle was traveling downhill, negotiating a left curve in the roadway. The vehicle lost control and traveled north east into the east shoulder whre it impacted a traffic sign and then the embankment with its front end. The vehicle continued up the embankment which caused it to roll over onto its roof where it came to position of final rest on the east shoulder facing south east. 

10 p.m. Dec. 31, Police reported that Jeffery Wiestling, 32, of Trout Run was highly intoxicated and assaulted Cheryl Phillips, 41, of South Williamsport following a verbal confrontation. Wiestling then proceeded to Miler Trucking where he broke into a garage and stole a truck, later returning to Chadlee Trailer Court. Wiestling was apprehended and committed to the Lycoming County Prison on a parole detainer. He will face charges. 

1:19 a.m. Jan. 1, Police reported that a traffic stop was conducted on Kathryn Stutzman of Williamsport for summary traffic violations. Upon contacting Stutzman, it was believed that she was under the influence of alcohol. She was transported to Williamsport Hospital after perfoming poorly on field sobriety testing. Charges are pending. 

2:50 p.m. Jan. 2, Police reported that a crash occurred as a vehicle driven by Sandra Allen, 51, of Hughesville, was traveling north in the 500 block of Pine Run Road near Baker Hill Road in Wolf Township. The vehicle had negotiated a right hand curve in the roadway which then turned into a straight stretch going up hill and shortly afte negotiating the curve the vehicle lost control, travling across the oncoming lane and down a small embankment at which time the vehicle struck several small pine trees positioned in a field. Allen and her passenger Mateo Miller, 16, of Hughesville, sustained minor injuries and were transported to Muncy Valley Hospital for treatment. 

1:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 3, Police reported that unknown actors entered the residence of Jeannette Cusson, 52, of Montoursville. The actors fled the scene in an unknown direction. Nothing was stolen or broken. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact PSP Montoursville at 570-368-5700.

PJM, the independent electricity grid operator for this region, has requested that the public conserve electricity.

Customers should do what they can to conserve electricity - especially from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Please take these simple electricity conservation steps:

• Set thermostats lower than usual, if health permits.
• Postpone using major electric appliances such as stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers until mid-day or after 9 p.m., when the demand for electricity decreases.
• Turn off electric lights and appliances that you do not need or are not using.

Conserving electricity helps ensure adequate power supplies.

Sincerely,

Teri J. MacBride
PPL Regional Affairs Director 
Susquehanna Valley

Pennsylvania State Police Department Montoursville reported the following incidents:

June 3 to Jan. 13, Police reported that at an unknown date and time, unknown actors drilled holes into 7 tires on a 2012 Grove Crane owned by Dawn Trucking of Montoursville. The cost of replacement for the tires totaled $18,323.56.

Dec. 24 to Dec. 26, Police reported that Floyd Smith, 55, of Williamsport, allowed Teresa Massey, 45, of Williamsport, to stay at his residence to visit her children. Following that time period, Smith realized his cell phone was missing. When Smith questioned Massey, she denied having the cell phone. After Smith notified the police, Massey was found to be in possession of the phone. Massey provided the cell phone to police and the phone was returned to Smith. Misdemeanor theft charges have been filed against Massey. 

1:10 a.m. Dec. 24, Police reported that Keith McGinness, 27, of Lock Haven, was involved in a one vehicle non-reportable crash. Further investigation revealed McGinness to be driving under the influence. Charges have been filed. 

1 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13, Police reported that Christine Wylie, 49, of Williamsport, fell victim to a scam and provided an unknown individual with $2, 102.01 via telephone. Wylie was unde the impression that the money was being put towards a delinquent account she has through Capital One. 

11:38 p.m. Jan. 15, Police reported that a crash occurred as a vehicle driven by Adrian Brown, 31, of Williamsport, was traveling west in the left travel lane on E. Third St. in the vicinity of Russell Avenue. A vehicle driven by Tammy Ulmer, 42, of Williamsport, was traveling north, emerging from the driveway of McDonalds. Ulmer's vehicle had initial impact with the driver side door of Brown's vehicle. Brown's vehicle then traveled southwest across both lanes of traffic and struck a utility pole located on the south berm. Ulmer was cited appropriately. 

2:48 p.m. Jan 16, Police reported that a crash occurred on State Route 44 as a buggy driven by Sarah Yoder, 19, of Williamsport, was traveling east after cresting the top of a slight hill. A vehicle driven by Wayne Spotts, 48, of Jersey Shore, was also traveling east on State Route 44 approaching Yoder's buggy. Spotts' vehicle right front end struck the left rear of Yoder's buggy. Both Yoder and her passenger, Susie Yoder, 47, of Williamsport, were thrown out of the buggy and off the right hand side of the road. The buggy was then dragged across the highway and came to final rest off the left hand side of the roadway. Spotts will be cited appropriately. 

8:55 p.m. Jan. 18, Police reported a crash occurred as a vehicle driven by Vjaceslavs Rekuns, 20, of Williampsort, was traveling south on State Route 287. During that time, Rekuns lost control of the vehicle while trying to negotiate a curve, traveling into the opposing lane. The vehicle then traveled back across the south bound lane and struck the embankment along the side of the lane. The vehicle then deflected and spun clockwise, coming to final rest on the side of the south bond lane of the roadway, facing north. Rekuns was cited for Driving Vehicle at Safe Speed and Driving on Roadways Laned for Traffic. 

11:20 p.m. Jan. 18, Police reported that two unknown male actors, both armed with handguns and wearing masks, forced their way into the rear entrance of Pizza Hut on E. Third St. shortly after it closed. The two men held the manager at gunpoint and forced him to open the safe. Upon the manager opening the safe, the actors stole the cash from inside adn fled through the same door in an unknown direction. 

Joan Marie Richard 81 of Mountoursville, died peacefully on Wednesday, Jan 22, 2014. She was born in Williamsport, PA to Joseph Rampulla and Jennie (Tagliaboschi) Rampulla, on May 6, 1932.

Survived by her husband of 62 years of marriage, Myron L. Richard. Also surviving, her son Joseph Richard, and her daughter, Joni Martin. She also leaves behind 6 loving grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.

Joan retired from Pennsylvania College of Technology in 1994, and previously employed with Northern Central Bank. She was a an active in Montousville Lioness, the Demi Club, the Willing Hand and Hose Auxillary, the VFW Auxillary, and the Williamsport Community Arts Center. She was also and active volunteer at Divine Providence and Williamsport Hospitals.

Viewing for family will be held at Crouse's Funeral Home 133 East Third Street Williamsport,on Monday followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church 100 Walnut Street Montoursville Pa. Burial at Resurrection Cemetary.

K. Patricia Cupiccia, 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday February 6, 2014 at Sycamore Manor Health Center, Montoursville, where she had been a resident the past 2 ¼ years.

She was born January 28, 1928 in Williamsport a daughter of the late Henry L. and Ethel (Deibert) Keller.

She had attended the former St. Mary’s High School, was volunteer for the former Crippled Children’s Association as well as a past volunteer, making craft toys for the Williamsport Hospital Gift Shop. She was also a past volunteer for St. Anthony’s Center.

She was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish and served as a Eucharistic Minister for 15 years. She was a member of the Holy Rosary Blessed Mother Sodality.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Louis A Cupiccia.

She was a devoted wife and most loving mother who is survived by two daughters, Lynette A. (Tim) Thompson of the city, Pamela M. (Bob) Gresko of South Williamsport, and a son Louis A. (Diane) Cupiccia of the city, seven grandchildren, Nathan (Lisa) Thompson of Cownsville, MD, Annie (Jurgen) Degros of Charlotte, NC, Robert Gresko, Christina Gresko and Maribeth (Jared) Stetts of South Williamsport, Angela (Jon) King of South Williamsport, Anthony Cupiccia of Pittsburgh, four great grandchildren, Julia, Landon and Bradley Stetts of South Williamsport and Christophe Degros of Charlotte, NC and a brother Joseph D. Keller of Fla.

In addition to her husband four sisters Miriam, Dorothy, Marjorie and Mary and four brothers Carl, Robert, James and Henry L., Jr. all preceded her in death.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 702 West Fourth St. Williamsport on Monday at 10:00 a.m. with her pastor, Rev. Brian Van Fossen officiating. There will be no visitation.

Interment will follow at Wildwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, St. Anthony’s Center, 125 East Willow St. Williamsport, PA 17701 or Susquehanna Foundation for the benefit of Suquehanna Hospice, 1001 Grampian Blvd. Williamsport, PA 17701.

Arrangements are entrusted to Crouse Funeral Home. www.crousefuneralhome.com

Marian H. Cummings, 96, a resident of Elmcroft Assisted Living in Montoursville died Thursday February 6 at the Williamsport Regional Medical Center.

Marian was born in Charlottesville, Viginia the daughter of George F. and Helen Stutzman Houchens.

She is a member of St. Josepth the Worker Catholic Church. Marian had been employed at the James V. Brown Public Library for over 30 years.

Her husband Charles J. Cummings Sr. died in 2008.

She is survived by her sons, Rev Charles J. Cummings of Williamsport and Jame M (Christine) Cummings Sr. of Lewisburg. Her grandchildren also survive her James M. (Lori) Jr. Cummings, Wesley Peters and Joshua M.(Gina) Cummings. Great grandchildren Quinn and Liam Cummings.

Marian was preceded in death by her sisters Emily Louise Koblenzer and Helen Dale Myers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church 702 West Fourth Street Williamsport on Tuesday February 11, 2014 at 10:30 am . Her son the Rev. Charles Cummings will officiate.

Friends may call at the Crouse Funeral Home 133 East Third Street Williamsport on Monday evening from 6 to 8 pm.

Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church.

A view of cables at the tower site.

River Valley Internet, the area’s fastest growing Internet Service Provider, today announced two new Point-of-Presence (PoP) locations in Williamsport and Montoursville Pennsylvania.

 The new PoPs will provide residents and businesses in these two areas with fast, affordable and most importantly reliable Internet service from a company that “never forgets you have a choice” when you purchase Internet service.

 Many local residents are frustrated by limited choices, high prices and poor support when they buy Internet service.  River Valley Internet is committed to each and every area they service by employing local people, routing our calls to local people, and offering a friendly personal touch.  River Valley Internet is also committed to keep costs affordable and being transparent with their customers about problems and issues.

 About River Valley Internet

Montoursville, Pennsylvania based River Valley Internet operates its own High-Speed Internet network throughout parts of Lycoming County and is one of the fastest growing Internet services in the county.  Core management of River Valley Internet have more than fifteen years of experience providing High-Speed Internet services to end-users and have seen the frustrations end-users feel when dealing with phone and cable companies.  That’s why it’s the Mission of River Valley Internet to provide affordably priced, high-speed Internet service to the local residents of Lycoming County, while treating them like our neighbors.  We are committed to remembering that each and every customer is important.  When you call us, you'll always speak with local people, never a large call center -- that's our commitment to our customers.

For more information on River Valley Internet and the services offered, please call 570-433-7070 or visit http://www.rivervalleyinternet.net

Indian Interpreter William Hunt to Portray Andrew Montour, founder of Montoursville, PA.

The past comes comes alive as Montoursville's namesake, Andrew Montour, returns to the area as portrayed by historian and re-enactor William Hunt.

Hosted by Northcentral Chapter 8, Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology and Lycoming County Historical Society, Hunt will offer two programs: one for Montoursville Area High School students only, at 10 a.m. March 28  at the Thomas Taber Museum, and one for the public, at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 29 at Montoursville High School. The event is free.

Montour was an important interpreter and negotiator in Pennsylvania, New York and Virginia in the latter half of the 18th century. A frontier diplomat, warrior and hero of the French and Indian war, he was a member of the Iroquois Grand Council. His missions were vital to colonial America.

Montour 's role cannot be diminished because of his mixed Native American and European blood. The fact that he had a foot in both worlds made him one of the colonial period's most complex, but effective, characters.

If it were not for his courage at a very crucial and dangerous time, the history of an entire continent might be very different. The fact that he was given multiple tracts of land across Pennsylvania for his services is proof of his worth to his contemporaries and one of those tracts would eventually become Montoursville.

A métis (of European and Native American ancestry), he is the son of Madame Montour, a renowned and influential interpreter. The family resided along the Loyalsock Creek at the Indian town of Otstonwakin.

William Hunt, of Charlston, W VA, began his portrayal of Andrew Montour for the West Virginia Humanities Council. For the past six years, Hunt has been a regular reenactor at colonial sites and historic celebrations in Mid-Atlantic region.

Of Native American ancestry, Hunt’s choice to portray Andrew Montour was an easy one. "He has always been my hero,” Hunt said. "My fascination with the Montours and the French and Indian War era has fascinated me since I was a kid.”

Hunt is a criminal justice major and works as a trainer with the West Virginia Corrections Academy.

The event, organized by Northcentral Chapter 8, Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology, is sponsored by Lycoming County Historical Society, General John Burroughs Historical Society, Montoursville Rotary Club, Montoursville School District, Montoursville PTO.

Northcentral Chapter 8  invites the public to join the organization and learn more about Native Americans and Pennsylvania history. NCC8 is active with nearly three dozen members. Its mission is to discover and preserve the region’s American Indian and Pioneer heritage.

Information about the group, a calendar of events and a map to the project site is available on its Internet site, http://www.PennArchaeology.com.

Meetings during the winter are held at 6 p.m. the first Monday of the month at Lycoming County Historical Society, 858 W. Fourth St., Williamsport, PA 17701.

NCC8 meets in the field during the spring, summer and fall, excavating the Glunk Site in Montoursville. Dig dates are typically on Thursdays, from 6-8 p.m., and on the occasional Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon. Saturday digs are scheduled according to supervisors' availability. The public is reminded to check the site's calendar before going to the Glunk Site. If nobody is present, the dig will not be held. Digs are held during fair weather, so dates may be canceled because of rain. The members do not dig on U.S. Holidays.

Northcentral Chapter 8 is the Lycoming County chapter of The Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology, Inc., which was organized in 1929 to:

• Promote the study of the prehistoric and historic archaeological resources of Pennsylvania and neighboring states;

• Encourage scientific research and discourage exploration which is unscientific or irresponsible in intent or practice;

• Promote the conservation of archaeological sites, artifacts, and information;

• Encourage the establishment and maintenance of sources of archaeological information such as museums, societies, and educational programs;

• Promote the dissemination of archaeological knowledge by means of publications and forums;

• Foster the exchange of information between the professional and the avocational archaeologists.

The chapter’s first meeting was held Aug. 12, 1955, at the James V. Brown Library in Williamsport.

NCC8 relies upon donations. Without the public's generosity, it could not pay for the insurance needed to host digs. The group also relies upon donations to purchase supplies, such as trowels, shovels, tarps, and artifact preservation bags. Please donate today and help preserve and protect Lycoming County's cultural heritage.

Raise the region online giving event.

The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP) is excited to announce Raise the Region 2014, an event to help the communities of Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties support local nonprofit organizations fundraising efforts. FCFP, in partnership with Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships, will be launching a 30-hour fundraising event starting on Wednesday, March 12, 2014.

Mark your calendar! On Wednesday, March 12th at 6:00 PM through 11:59 PM on Thursday, March 13th the public is encouraged to visit www.raisetheregion.org and select the participating nonprofit(s) of your choice to support and your gift will be stretched by a generous contribution from Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships. Your donation(s) can also help raise additional support for the nonprofits selected by qualifying them for monetary prizes. All gifts are tax deductible and will help make your favorite nonprofits mission possible.

Together we are Creating Powerful Communities Through Passionate Giving!

Nonprofit participation in Raise the Region is available to all 501c3 organizations in good standing with the IRS that primarily serve one of the following counties: Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, or Union counties. Preregistration is required by Friday, February 21, 2014. Higher Education Institutions, programs with fiscal agents, and government/public taxing entities are not eligible to participate in Raise the Region.

For nonprofits interested in registering for this event, please visit Kimbia Match Day Controller

For more information on Raise the Region or the programs and services offered by the Community Foundation, contact the Community Foundation office at 1-866- 901-2372.

http://www.raisetheregion.org/

According to Trooper Havens of the Montoursville barracks of the Pennsylvania State Police, the dead body of a white, 78 year old male was found in the area of Fairview Drive and Cemetery Road, Montoursville Borough. It was determined that the male victim had been shot and his body dumped in this location.  PSP was located by Montoursville PD at approximately 12:42 AM early Sunday morning.

The investigation is still ongoing at this time. The police do not think the public is in danger in relation to this investigation. Further information is expect to be released pending autopsy results and body identification / notification of next of kin.

Monday update: We've received more information from Lycoming Coroner Charles Kiessling on this story. The homicide victim is Edward White 78 years old from Williamsport, Pa.

This story will be updated as we get more information.