News

Gas prices expected to continue rising in coming weeks

News July 22, 2026

The price of regular gasoline at the pump in Williamsport and around the region is either at the $4 mark, above or is close. Gas prices remain up as relations between the U.S. and Iran remain tense. Regular gasoline went up 10 cents since last week to $3.94, and in Lycoming County, it’s at $4.07, according to AAA. A check of the stations in the city and across the region all indicate that gas has remained near this price point but is increasing of late. A week ago, for example, it was about 3 cents lower, and a month ago it was $4.10. This week the average price across ...

‘Know the kids’: Boy Mom Marathon summer day camp offers variety of activities

News July 22, 2026

When Loniqua Howell was growing up in New York, it seemed like there were things for younger people to do instead of just hanging out or sitting inside in front of a screen. And there was a sense of community. Everybody knew you and, as she puts it, if you got caught doing something you ...

Gov. Shapiro signs Yaw-sponsored solar bill signed into law

News July 22, 2026

State legislation ensuring responsible solar development and offering better protections for landowners was signed into law earlier this week by Gov. Josh Shapiro, according to Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, sponsor of the measure. Senate Bill 349, now Act 44 of 2026, establishes decommissioning and financial requirements for solar generation projects, ensuring landowners won’t bear the burden of dismantling solar facilities once they cease operation. The proposal includes a graduated phase-in process for financial assurances, setting up five-year benchmarks using third-party ...

US soldier killed in Iraq was a 30-year-old father from North Carolina

National News July 21, 2026

A U.S. soldier killed in Iraq during a controlled detonation of an Iranian drone was a 30-year-old father from North Carolina who had served for nearly a decade, according to a military statement Tuesday and his family. Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, of Fayetteville, will receive a Bronze ...

Reflections in Nature: A look at the bison in the United States

News July 21, 2026

Recently I saw on the news where a man had been attacked by a buffalo in Yellowstone National Park. He was thrown eight feet into the air, but luckily survived and is now recuperating in the hospital. Watching the buffalo charge after the man, with the dust flying, reminded me of the time Mary Alice and I were in the middle of a Buffalo herd stampede. We were on a trip out west and stopped at Kearney, Nebraska, where we saw a museum built in an arch over I-80. The museum was made up of many rooms with each depicting a different phase of pioneer life in the west. In the first room, we ...

Loyalsock Township School Board OKs hirings

News July 21, 2026

The Loyalsock Township School Board filled several staffing slots at its recent July meeting. In staffing, the board approved Stephanie Bower as a full-time paraprofessional, effective Aug. 25, 2026, at an hourly rate of $17.10; Brock Hepler as a full-time paraprofessional, effective Aug. 25, 2026, at an hourly rate of $16.10; Larry Trimble as Color Guard Instructor for the 2026-27 school year; an hourly rate of $18.38 for Jamal Nesmith, Intervention Specialist, for the 2026-27 school year; Beth Rohrer as Head Volleyball Coach for the 2026-27 sports season, at a stipend of $3,000.00; ...