Published weekly and delivered by carriers to: Montoursville, Hughesville, Muncy, Montgomery, Muncy Valley, Picture Rocks, Sonestown, Pennsdale, Lairdsville, and Unityville
Where: IndianPark, Montoursville Pavillion #5.
What: Indoor gardeners who desire midwinter blooming color will enjoy this session.
When: Saturday, September 6, 2025 9 to 10 AM
Where: Lysock View Complex, 542 County Farm Rd, Montoursville Pa 17754
What: Montoursville Garden ClubMonthly Meeting “Koledama with Deb Parsons”
When: Thursday, September 4th @ 12:30 pm
Where: Rosemary’s Thyme Studio, 321 Peters Avenue Montoursville Open to guests.For More Information please call 570-220-4812.
What: Nottingham Four Concert
When: Saturday, September 6, 2025 7:30 PM
Where: Lairdsville Faith Church 6786 Rte. 118 Highway, Lairdsville
What: Hughesville
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 35 meeting
When: Monday, September 8th at 6:00 pm
Where: In the meeting room at 76 North Main Street, Hughesville
What: Hughesville American Legion Auxiliary Unit 35 meeting
When: Monday, September 8th at 6:00 pm
Where: In the meeting room at 76 North Main Street, Hughesville
What: Konkle Library September 2025 Used Booksale
in Montoursville
When: Saturday September 13, 2025 (9AM-2PM)
Where: Montoursville W.B. Konkle Library on 384 Broad Street.
What: Notre Dame Club of Greater Williamsport Meeting perspective members’ welcome.
When: Sept 16th 6:30 pm
Where: 505 Restaurant 505 Washington Blvd. Williamsport
What: Salem Cemetery Association Meeting
When: Tuesday, September 16th at 6:00 pm
Where: At the Salem Community Center (Church)
What: Lasagna Dinner
When: Wednesday, September 17, 4:006:30 p.m.
Where: Trinity
Episcopal Pro-Cathedral, 844 W 4th St, Williamsport
What: What do you do with volunteers in your garden
When: Saturday September 20th 10 am to noon
Where: Lysock View Complex, 542 County Farm Rd, Montoursville Pa 17754
Vertern Wins Award for Poem on Being a Verteran
Army Veteran Bryan Bankus of Muncy, formerly from Mifflinville and a graduate of Central Columbia High School, was awarded a Second Place Winning Entry in the 2025 Local Veterans Creative Arts
Competition for his poem “ A Veteran”. Bryan has been writing for many years. This was his second entry in the writing competition. Bryan is also an Advocate of the Army Museum in Alexandria, Virginia.
A Veteran
A Veteran served in the military, where some fought and died. They left home and loved ones, who stayed behind and cried.
A veteran was a spoke, in the large military wheel. They did thankless tasks, some they coudn’t reveal.
They fought many enemies, both here and there. They gave and followed orders, and protected those in their care.
They stood for freedom and liberty, in the uniforms they wore. And they endured many hardships, from the wounds they bore.
Veterans are special people, who served a greater cause. They defended our way of life, and didn’t hesitate or pause.
You see, I’m also a veteran, who helped protect our land. So, if you happen to see me, say thanks and shake my hand.
Bryan E. Bankus
U.S. Army: 1979-1986 FL. Army National Guard 1986-1990
The Board of Church Women
United of Lycoming County recently held their annual kickoff dinner at First Church Williamsport. Plans were made for the 2025-2026 Wor-
ship Celebrations and continuing ministry projects: Busy Bags for hospitalized pediatric patients and Christmas Stockings, walker bags, catheter bags, fidget quilts, and fidget sleeves for
nursing facilities.
Church Women
United is a movement of Christian women who celebrate unity and diversity while working for peace in the world. New members are always
welcome. Meetings are held on the 4th Monday at 1 PM at First Church Williamsport, 601 Market St, Williamsport (fountain entrance).
Pictured are officers and members in attendance showing walker bags and fidget sleeves made by volunteers for distribution at area nursing facilities. Seated left to right are: Sharlene Clapper and Carol Snell. Standing: Diane Casella, secretary; Phyllis Girven, treasurer; Yvonne Shenuski, president; Marge Thompson, vice-president; Nancy Winder; and Virginia Glossner. Taking photo: Rev. Jane O’Borski.
The family of Robert “Bob” Fox would like to thank everyone for their Prayers, cards and kindness in the passing of Bob. Thanks to the first responders and McCarty Thomas Funeral Home for all their assistance.
(Danville, PA) – Service 1st Federal Credit Union held its 31st Annual Charity Golf Tournament Friday, August 22, at Frosty Valley Resort in Danville. During the tournament, Service 1st presented two local charities with donations totaling $60,000!
“This year’s charity golf outing marked another successful year for contributing to organizations that are important to our community,” said Mike Thomas, President/CEO, Service
1st. “Each year this outing brings people together to support causes that truly impact the lives of people in our community, and we greatly appreciate the generosity and enthusiasm of those who participate and make it all possible.”
Beneficiaries of the 31st Annual Service 1st Charity Golf Tournament include Camp Koala, Mifflinburg, and Hunter’s Heart & Hustle Foundation, Watsontown. Each received $30,000.
Camp Koala has a mission to provide grieving children with tools and resources to manage their grief in a healthy way, and to provide companionship in a supportive environment. Camp Koala’s purpose is to develop and administer autonomous volunteer programs of supportive care, free of charge, for children facing grief after the death of a close family member, their families and the bereaved.
Hunter’s Heart & Hustle Foundation is named in memory of Hunter Beck Reynolds. Hunter passed away as a result of a car accident in 2022. He was an avid athlete. The mission of this organization is to level the playing field by giving other young athletes opportunities to participate in sports, despite their financial situation. “We’re thrilled to be able to donate the proceeds from this year’s charity golf event to two incredible organizations— Hunter’s Heart and Hustle, and Camp Koala,” said Tom Rambo, Vice President of Lending, Service 1st and Service 1st Golf Committee Chair. “This incredible event came together thanks to the unwavering commitment of our golf committee, the generosity of our sponsors, the enthusiasm of our golfers, and the hard work of our volunteers and Service 1st team members. It’s a shining example of what can be achieved when a community unites with a shared purpose.”
This year’s tournament included over 160 golfers and volunteers.
Since 1994, Service 1st’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament has raised over $792,500 to benefit area organizations. For more
about Service 1st, visit www.service1.org or call 800.562.6049.
State Department of Agriculture reminds residents to be on the lookout for the spotted lanternfly
By MATTHEW COURTER mcourter@sungazette.com
The State Dept. of Agriculture is once again reminding area residents to be on the lookout for the invasive Spotted Lanternfly.
In July 2025, the department received 2,121 public reports of lanternflies across the state, and 101 from Lycoming County alone, according to Press SecretaryShannon Powers.
“They are mostly adults right now, so people are really noticing them much more since they’re at their peak,” she said.
“We are still recommend-
ing that people squish them or stomp on them, to try to prevent them from laying their eggs and hatching a new brood of insects next spring,” Powers said.
Pregnant or gravid lanternflies lay their eggs in the fall, and then die off, leaving the eggs to hatch in the spring, according to Powers.
“What you want to do is prevent them from laying their eggs,” she explained. Along with killing any spotted lanternflies that they come across, residents are encouraged to then report the siting to the department
The department of agriculture website has several resources available for helping potential reporters positively identify the bugs as spotted lantern flies.
“When a report is made, department staff follow up by first confirming whether the insects sighted were lanternflies,” Powers said.
“If lanternflies are confirmed, inspectors survey the area to determine the extent of the population, and then treat for lanternfly control as appropriate and necessary,” she said, while stressing that currently, people should be on the look out for the lantern flies themselves, and less so their egg masses.
If someone comes across an egg mass, they should immediately scrape it from the surface and destroy it.
“They have a really distinct look to them, a bit like dried wood putty, or dried gum on a sidewalk,” Powers said.
“They lay their eggs
(See Page 11)
Game Commission to Host Learn to Hunt Peasants Program
The Pennsylvania Game Commission, in partnership with Martz’s Gap View Hunting Preserve, will host a Learn to Hunt Pheasants program on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This full-day, in-person program is open to participants of all ages who want to learn the fundamentals of pheasant hunting. Topics will include pheasant be-
havior, habitat preferences, where to hunt, choosing the right firearm, firearm safety, and preparing wild game for the table. Participants will also have the opportunity to practice shotgun skills during a live-fire session on a clay bird range.
“Pennsylvania offers excellent pheasant hunting opportunities,” said Lt. Aaron Morrow, Information and Education Supervisor
for the Game Commission’s Northeast Region. “This program is designed both for those who are new to pheasant hunting and for hunters looking to return to the field after some time away.”
Martz’s Gap View Hunting Preserve is located at 610 Game Farm Rd, Dalmatia. Reservations are required, and space is limited.
Shapiro Administration Reminds Students: Be REAL ID Ready for Internships, Job Interviews, and Upcoming Holiday Travel
Online services can help customers save time and save a trip to the driver license center.
Harrisburg, PA – As college students head back to campus for the fall semester, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) reminds young drivers and their families
to prepare now if they may need to fly domestically for internships, job interviews, holiday travel, or other life events.
REAL ID enforcement is now in effect, which means a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, photo ID card, or another form of federally-accepted identification, like a valid U.S. passport, is required to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. Currently, about 21% of driver licenses and photo IDs issued to people between the ages of 17 to 22 are REAL IDs. Overall, more than 32% of driver license and photo ID holders in Pennsylvanians have a REAL ID.
“With the school year just about to start and the holiday season quickly approaching, it’s a great time for students and their families to determine whether a REAL ID is right for them,” said PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services Deputy Secretary Kara Templeton. “We encourage
students not to wait until they’re booking a flight for an internship or holiday travel to think about REAL ID. If you think you might need to fly domestically in the next few months and you don’t have a REAL ID, visit our website today to learn more.”
Students who received their first Pennsylvania driver’s license, learner’s permit, or photo ID card after September 5, 2003, may already have their REAL ID documents on file with PennDOT. Customer’s can visit PennDOT’s website and complete the online pre-verification form. If they are eligible, customers may be able to order their REAL ID product online and receive it by mail within 15 business days.
In addition to REAL ID pre-verification, PennDOT offers many other services online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help people save time and skip the line when centers are busy. Those services include non-commercial driver’s license,
ID and vehicle registration
School Supplies Photo – With a new school year about to begin, Eagle Grange #1 hosted a “Prep for Success” event at the Grange Hall near Montgomery on August 9th to distribute free school supplies, shelf-stable food items and backpacks to about 50 students from five local school districts. Backpacks were provided by Oliver’s Backpacks, a local charity founded by Oliver Doyle (standing center). This Grange service project was made possible by private donations along with grants from Thrivent Financial and the Rural Life Initiative.
Haircuts Photo – In addition to the distribution of free school supplies and food items to 50 local students, a unique added feature of Eagle Grange’s “Prep for Success” project on August 9th was providing free haircuts for nine students. Local stylist Rachel Druckenmiller (standing) donated her time and services.
RESTAURANT ENTERTAINMENT & GUIDE
HIGHLAND LAKE MANOR
Weekly Specials!
Sept. 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th
Wednesday BLT with Chips $7.50
Thursday Wings
Friday 5:00 to 8:00 pm
Black Diamond Steak with Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions, Baked Potato, Vegetable and Roll $15.99
Saturday Kitchen closed due to pig roast/ gun raffle picnic.
(Fryer food only from 6:00 - 9:00 pm)
Sunday Breakfast Buffet $12.00 Kid’s 10 and Under $8.00 Wings from Noon to 6:30 pm
Cooks, Waitresses and Bartenders Needed Apply on indeed.com or in person at the Club.
Members and Guest Welcome 570-584-2697
pm
(From Page 7)
tiny little rows of 30 to 50 eggs, and then cover them with a coating,” she explained.
“So if you scrape one, you’re preventing 30 to 50 insects from hatching next spring,” Powers said, adding that it can sometimes be difficult due to how high up on trees and buildings the eggs may be.
Unlike their native land where they congregate along food sources, the pesky pests often end up on whatever they run into first.
“They’re the type of insect that we call a plant hopper,” Powers explained.
“They can only fly in one direction, and not very far, so they catch wind currents and sail a bit,” she said.
Due to their inability to fly great distances, their prime mode of travel is hitching along on vehicles traveling from state to state or even country to country, some of particular concern with the current influx of travelers visiting for the Little League World Series.
coming from all over and then leaving and possibly taking the insect with them,” Powers said.
“So we focused on places like around where the Little League World Series is played, the turnpike corridor, railways and highways and around amusement parks, both in treating around those venues and in doing outreach with the people who own and operate the venues, as well as the transportation industry,” Powers said.
As in the past, the Department of Agriculture urges those traveling from one area to another to thoroughly check their vehicle for the pest and kill any that are found.
A particular area of concern is those traveling to the Erie area, the center of the state’s grape and wine industries, which has been particularly affected by the bugs.
residents take on the pests around their own homes.
“We now have products that are labeled to kill lanternflies effectively and safely on your property, and you’ll see in your big box stores and your nurseries, shelf tags that say that a product is effective on lanternflies, and you’ll see that on the product labels, as well,” she said.
“Because it was an inva
what products you could use to safely control it, and safely is a key consideration,” Powers stressed, urging those using the products to read the labels carefully, and consider whether they have pets or children in the household, or a water source nearby.
For more information on managing, or to report a lanternfly sighting, visit www.agriculture.pa.gov/
“You want to keep any new invasive insect or disease from spreading, so we’ve had national spotted lantern fly summits all along,” Powers said.
“They don’t just travel on agricultural products, they travel on anything, so they present a unique challenge,” the secretary said, while noting that transportation via airplane luggage, while possible, is less likely.
“We focused our strategy on places that posed the greatest threat of spreading the insect, where people are
That industry alone supports 10,756 jobs, totalling wages of $518.2 million, and injecting $1.77 billion into the state economy annually, according to figures provided to the Sun-Gazette by Powers.
Additionally, the state ranks fourth in wine production nationally, making it a vital industry to protect from the spotted lanternfly.
“Grapes and woody vines have tended to be the most damaged, along with young nursery trees because of how they feed,” Powers said, adding that, so far, the invasive species have not proven especially harmful to the state’s hardwoods or field crops.
In recent years, several products have been developed to help private
Abigail Evans of Muncy named United East Scholar Athlete
Wilson College is proud to announce that Abigail Evans of Muncy is one of 68 students named a Scholar Athlete by the United East Conference for the Winter and Spring 2025 seasons.
This number breaks the record of 66 set a year ago.
It is the second consecutive year the Phoenix have had at least 60 conference scholar athletes, and the fourth straight year with at least 50.
To be selected, a student-athlete competing in a winter or spring
conference-sponsored sport must achieve a grade point average of 3.2 or higher for the winter and spring semesters and must have been in good standing on his or her team.
The league named a total of 1,184 scholar-athletes for the winter and spring seasons.
The recipients represent all 17 full members of the conference and an additional four associate members.
Wilson ranked seventh overall in the field.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Members of Bower-Decker American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 251 of Montgomery pose for a picture. Officers for the unit for 2025-26 recently were installed by the auxiliary’s district president for Centre, Clinton and Lycoming counties.
Legion Auxiliary officers installed at Montgomery
From Staff Reports
A number of officers for Centre, Lycoming and Clinton Counties American Legion Auxiliary units were recently installed, including Bower-Decker American Legion Auxiliary Unit #251 of Montgomery, installed by Heather Smith, ALA Department of Pennsylvania’s District President for Centre, Lycoming and Clinton Counties; Mumpher-Shawley American Legion Auxiliary Unit #893 of Milesburg, also installed by Smith;
and Bitner-Bechdel Unit #623 of Beech Creek, installed by Centre, Lycoming and Clinton Counties President Carol Wert Walker.
“These American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) members are part of the largest Veterans Service Organization(VSO) in the world,” a news release said.
“Their mission being in the spirit of ‘Service, Not Self,’ the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) is to support the American Legion and to honor the sacrifice
of those who serve and have served, by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, they advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security. They are part of the Department of Pennsylvania’s American Legion Auxiliary, which is the largest American Legion Auxiliary in the world,” the release said.
The next ALA’s
Centre, Lycoming and Clinton Council meeting will be hosted by George Webster Pepperman American Legion Auxiliary Unit #36 of Jersey Shore on Sept. 10. Department of Pennsylvania’s American Legion Auxiliary President Jackie Weaver will be attending as a special guest.
All American Legion Auxiliary members are invited to attend. Members can contact their local American Legion Auxiliary Unit Officers to make reservations.
Jerri Young jyoung@swcrealty.com Mobile: 570-660-3437
Jason Dershem jdershem@swcrealty.com Mobile: 570-295-1795
Cooper Confer confer@swcrealty.com Mobile: 570-660-8241
We have your memories and we want you to have them back. Many photographs have been dropped off for publication, some as far back as 2003. Please stop at the East Lycoming Shopper and News office to pick them up.
Our office is located on Rt. 405 between Muncy and Hughesville. Don’t allow your photos to be thrown away.
Employment
1500-Miscellaneous
Secondary Health & Physical Education Teacher (7-12) Muncy
School District is hiring for a permanent and full-time high school health and physical education position. Apply online at www.muncysd.org. Access application materials by clicking on the ‘Professional Position’ link under the ‘Join our Team’ tab. Deadline: All application materials must be received by September 5, 2025. EOE.
Rental Real Estate
FISH REAL ESTATE 570-326-1561
3006-AptsUnfurnished HUGHESVILLE, ONE BEDROOM, First Floor Apartment. Heat, water, sewer, garbage, and appliances included; no smoking; no pets. Call 570-584-2138 weekdays 9am-5pm.
3008-Houses for Rent Country House 4 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, $1200 per month plus utilies Please Call 570-916-8059 For Screening Application
Perfect-2-perfect whole home moving sale 9 Round Hill Rd, Williamsport. Just a block away from Dewey Ave. David Armstrong Prints, Patio Wicker Set, very nice furniture and furnishings. Please park on lot marked nearby home or on adjoining streets. Parking on Round Hill is not allowed except for short term pickup only. Sept 4-5 & 6 (if needed) Opening at 9am open due to RHR getting a lot of school traffic in the mornings, to 3pm on Thur, 2pm on Friday, and 11am on Saturday if needed. See onlinetrading assistant.com for more information and photos.
Pets & Supplies
5500-Dogs
ACA Yellow Labrador Puppies Vet Checked with shots. Ready to go $600. 570-925-2572
License Number18796
AKC Male ShiTzu tan & white. $750. Ready now 570-692-1472
German Short Hair Pointers Vislla Tails Are Cropped, View Claws Done, With First Shots, 12 Weeks Old For Sale 570-337-8968
5504-Other Animals
Free Tropical Fish Plus Tank 570-547-2272
Kitchen cabinets & electric stove, countertop $500 OBO, Metal cabinets $150, Slide-in stove, beautiful cond. $300, Double bowl vanity with seamless countertop, faucets included - $400, 2 single vanities - $100 each, fiberglass white tub with walls$150, 570-295-1304
Medical stretcher with folding legs to go in a minivan - $200, call for details 570-220-1563
For sale like new Cub Cadet Lawn Tractor, 42” cut with snow thrower attachment (never used). All manuals. 570-538-5265 after 6pm.
8 ft. pool table & ball return, coin or key - $500 OBO, 570-584-3125
USED RAILROAD TIES
Keystone Tarp Co. Sales & Service. Also Tarps For Sale. 570-435-0752
Looking to buy vintage Little League publications. Rule books, World Series programs, training manuals. Desire vintage items 1940 - 1980. Contact me with what you have, (925) 788-6356
6046-Firearms/ Hunting
Thompson \ Center Venture Predator Snow 22-250, N.I.B. $500. 570-404-0331
Agriculture
6512-Fire Wood
Anthony M. Lorson Oak Fire Wood: cut & split, seasoned, ready to burn. Polewood is green dead mix. 570-398-2304
1998 Mustang GT convertible, 115K, very good condition, $7,300. 570-323-5522
The Fairfield Auto Group Williamsport, Montoursville, Montgomery, Lewisburg. 1-888-53-4CARS fairfieldautogroup.com
VAN CAMPEN
Dodge-Chrysler-JeepRam Trucks ¯ 601 W. 3rd St. 570-326-0567 www.vancampen motors.com
Transportation
7002-Trucks
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 4x4 Single cab 8 foot bed with cap, 4.8 L V8, AT, 178,000 miles. $3900 OBO. 570-244-6090
7012-Motorcycles
2023 FXST 107 cu-in, 6 speed, $2,500 in after market parts. Only 59 miles. $13,100 cash firm!! Call Chris 272-404-5426
2017 24 FT. CLASS C MOTORHOME. Mercedes Sprinter diesel by Thor. 14,000 original miles, like new, $74,900. Call for details 570-916-2162
7030-Vehicles Wanted
HASSINGER / COURTNEY
Complete Auction Service (570)658-3536 & 539-8791
Estates & Business Liquidations Service/Repair
7715-Roofing
RICHARD T. GOLD, JR. Roofing, spouting and small jobs. General Contracting. Serving the area since 1974. 570-546-3055.
and black pipe from 1/8”
ßA Cash Buyerß For Unwanted Cars, Trucks, Vans, Farm Machinery. Any Condition. Call 570-772-3661 or 570-772-5625
ATTENTION:
B&C AUTO WRECKERS will now pay top dollar for your unwanted cars, trucks & equipment. Licensed & professional service. Removal Service Available. Call for details 570-547-1040.
