The Hidden Truth of Human Trafficking in Pennsylvania

What does human trafficking look like across the country and in Pennsylvania? The reality faced by trafficking victims within our local communities is hidden within homes and schools and shelters throughout the region. Through the highest standards of journalism and fact-finding, On the PULSE shines a light on the local sex trafficking plaguing our region…

Williamsport’s unique connection to end-of-life care in Tanzania

Near the shore of Lake Victoria in Tanzania a man roughly in his 40s or 50s lays on a mat, his arms and legs immobile from the effects of the poliovirus.   Ramadani contracted polio at a young age and his mother has been his primary caregiver for his entire life. As he grew, the virus…

Local scuba-diver finds a piece of railroad history in Loyalsock Creek 

When a fallen steam locomotive was pulled from the waters of Loyalsock Creek in 1906, photos of the wreck showed the engine missing its smokestack; but no one ever noticed this. Not until John Smithkors found that smokestack lying in the creek more than 100 years later. It was July 2013, and Smithkors had decided…

‘I’m not a criminal, I’m just a drug addict’: Man’s search for a fresh start

Christopher Eichelberger is hard to miss. Covered in tattoos, with a head full of dreadlocks and an affinity for brightly colored clothes, he will be the first to admit he will be the first to admit he is a different person today than when he was trapped in a cycle of addiction and crime.  At…

‘A new way of living’: Williamsport center offers hope to heroin addict

Like most children, Kelsey Anderson loved her mother and searched for opportunities to spend time with her. But, for young Anderson this meant following her mother’s footsteps into drug addiction.  It began with marijuana at 13, but by age 15 she was solely addicted to heroin.  With addiction came criminality and Anderson would spend years…

‘Like home’: Buzzsaw Coffee finds new location in Pajama Factory

When Hannah and Jesse Darrow founded Sawhorse Cafe in 2015, they decided to roast their own coffee, which was dubbed Buzzsaw Coffee.  As the pair grew their shop, the coffee became a staple of the bustling eatery. Hannah and Jesse Darrow decided to move Buzzsaw Coffee to its own location inside the Pajama Factory in…

CASA volunteers scarce as needs of the children continue to grow

Sandy Spencer has always had a passion for children and it was this passion that inspired her to became a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer over 17 years ago, soon after the Susquehanna Valley CASA was founded.  She became one of the first groups to be trained in the program, with a mission to help…

‘A little extra something’: Ludo takes on the role of court facility dog

Even though he just met Jerri Rook less than a month ago, Ludo rarely takes his eyes off of her, always ready for the next command or word of encouragement. The newly-acquired 2-year old Lycoming County Courthouse dog is settling into his new role as the county’s facility dog. When young children, or victims of…

‘Need better housing’: Habitat plans to build new homes in South Williamsport

Four vacant plots of land on Clark Street in South Williamsport may soon be used to build four homes for low-income families, according to representatives from the Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity.  Sale of the land is in its final stages, according to Duane Hersberger, who said official transfer should take place in June or…

“It’s empowering”: A single mom’s journey of strength 

(The photos in this video are courtesy of Alexandra Butler from Butler Photo LLC) Each morning Rachel Black wakes up with her 2-year-old son, gets him breakfast and lets him pick a fun activity to play.  She packs him into the car and they go to TLC Fitness in Williamsport where Black trains for about…

Cardiologist: COVID vaccine does not cause heart attacks 

Since the COVID-19 vaccine was distributed to the public, Dr. Raymond Resnick has talked to a number of his patients about its effects on the heart.  The 30-year cardiologist with UPMC has been in the North Central region for three years and said over the past year he had many patients express concerns about the…

Deadly impact: Family, victim grieve friend and call for action from police

WILLIAMSPORT – It was the Fourth of July 2021, and the fireworks display had just ended. Russell Scott and his friend Christopher Welch were getting ready to cross the street back to Scott’s house on the 900 block of High Street.  The pair never made it home. First, Welch stumbled. Scott leaned down to pick…

‘A community issue’: Williamsport church opens doors to homeless at night

Each night, from now until the end of March, the First United Methodist Church’s foyer becomes home to a number of the area’s homeless population.  “There are always opportunities to serve people,” said John Best, who founded the Code Blue Ministry shelter with his wife Sue. “There could be more shelters, there could be more…

‘Not afraid’: Life after being abused by Jerry Sandusky

Every child fears the monster under the bed, in the closet or in the darkest corner of the room. For many children that monster doesn’t turn into a reality, but for Aaron Fisher and at least nine other boys, it did.  Fisher first met then-renowned Pennsylvania State University football coach Jerry Sandusky at the Second…

A holiday story

The holidays are a good time to remember the spirit of giving that can bring communities together. In the nearly 40 years since Charles E. Smith and his wife founded the Lycoming County Toys for Tots, there have been many stories of giving – but this is one of Smith’s favorites. It was the evening…

‘We want to do it’: The Marines who are dedicated to Toys for Tots

A group of six Marine Corps League members walked into the administrative offices of Lycoming College Friday morning.  Decked with red jackets sporting the United States Marine Corps logo and hats that said Toys for Tots, these veterans of the Williamsport Detachment #388 had one thing in mind, how many bags would they need to…

Finding a miracle: Double lung transplant saves Lock Haven man

Rick Bressler is part of an exclusive club and he has the scars on his body to prove it. But this is a club he would rather not be a member of – the COVID-19 lung transplant members. In mid March, just four days before he was scheduled to get his COVID-19 vaccine, Bressler tested…

‘A lot of shock’: Family’s battle with daughter’s cancer diagnosis

It was the day after Christmas in 2015 when Samantha Williams (Klingerman) found out she had thyroid cancer.  What started as a routine checkup for the then 21-year-old turned into a life-changing diagnosis for the Klingerman family.  “I was in a lot of shock, almost disbelief,” Williams said.” At the time, at a young age…

Domestic violence cases skyrocket, resources stretched thin

The harsh reality of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic is that it is skyrocketing, according to victim support and law enforcement officials.  As businesses closed, schools districts moved remote and public and social gatherings were cancelled, victims of domestic violence found themselves sequestered with their abusers for days, weeks or months on end and…

‘He’s a part of me’: Facility dog’s cancer diagnosis is a heavy blow

When Jerri Rook became Jedi’s handler, she didn’t expect to be treating him for stage 5 Lymphoma just over four years later.  Rook is an animal lover and has had many dogs through the years. She has even seen a few of them pass away, but her bond with Jedi is unique. As a Lycoming…

Breaking the Cycle: Keeping kids out of a life of crime

Anyone listening to the story of Eli Finnerty’s journey into crime will ask, “What could have been done to stop it?”  Hanging out with his friends, sneaking out at night and general rabble-rousing was common when Finnerty was a young child. At age 12, he began smoking marijuana and, when he started high school, his…

‘It feels like home:’ Pro MMA fighter found fighting family in Montgomery

Beautiful destruction. That’s what Cameron Chism calls MMA fighting.  Mixed martial arts has grown to become one of the most popular fighting sports in the United States and incorporates striking, grappling and ground fighting. It’s not a sport to be taken lightly and for Chism, who became a pro fighter one year ago, it’s given…

‘Guns were always around’: The harsh reality of kids in a life of crime

Austin White was nine years old the first time he was charged with a crime.  Sitting on a park picnic table with his sister, the two children colored on the table top, which already was covered from top to bottom with graffiti. White, now 20, chuckled as he recalled the police officer reading through the…

‘Nothing is off the table’: City Hall repairs could be extensive

“Nothing is off the table” when it comes to repairs to Williamsport City Hall’s ongoing water issues, according to Mayor Derek Slaughter.  Final estimates have yet to be given for repairs to the historic building, but Slaughter said he has heard a range between a couple hundred thousand and millions of dollars in repairs, of…

‘We can’t wait to move in’: One home for a family in need

Stephanie Matthews and her two children have been waiting nearly two years to move into their new home. A global pandemic, supply shortages, and rising costs were not going to keep Lycoming County’s Habitat For Humanity from completing this home for the Matthews family. “We’re very thankful and grateful for everyone who put time in…

Many offenders unable to get out of criminal justice system, some programs offer solutions

Leaving the criminal justice system is not as simple as walking out the prison door. The first weeks are crucial and studies show that the majority of people who return to prison do so on either a parole or probation violation within the first one to three years of freedom.  “In Pennsylvania, what we are…

‘Never Give Up’: Nine year old finds hope in dark times

It’s a pleasant day in summer. Nine-year-old Mason Rogers hears the breeze and feels the sun on his skin. He knows his mom is close by from the sound of her voice and he feels his brother Christopher walking next to him.  The small family of three has lived in Williamsport since the boys were…

Surgeon uses 3D models to show real kidney tumors to patients

As a doctor who specializes in urology and robotic surgery, Dr. Christopher Reilly was quick to begin using new technology to treat his patients’ kidney issues.  Reilly is one of the first surgeons in North Central, Pennsylvania, to use 3D models of his patients’ kidneys. The models are built from scans of the existing kidney…

Finding redemption: Business owner seeks path forward after 10 years in prison

When Abdul-Malik Walker was released from his 10-year prison stay, his mother gave him six months to live with her before he had to have a job and move into his own place.  Five months later, Walker had his first job and, in one year, he started his own business.  “When I was younger ……

Williamsport grad has insane scootering skills

It didn’t take long for Jack Beattie to fall in love with scootering when he first found the unique sport. “Pushing myself to the limits is always something I’ve done with my siblings and friends,” Beattie said.  A recent Williamsport Area High School graduate, Beattie, 18, finds more than just extreme tricks at the city…

‘I’m still here’: Boy hit by car fights to survive against all odds

It was as quick as the blink of an eye.  That’s how fast James Hammond, then age 5, was hit by a car, ripped out of his tennis shoes and away from his Mamma. At first, Jaqueline Hammond didn’t realize her son had been hit. She turned to see what had caused the loud thud …

‘Remembering them’: 18,000 veterans honored in Lycoming County

Over 18,000 American flags grace the graves of veterans across Lycoming County. It’s a reflection of the long legacy of wars in which residents of the county have served. The process of remembering fallen veterans through laying flags is often carried out by local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts and other youth programs. The flags…

Connecting cultures through music

Urie Kline is known as the “World Drumming Guy” at Lycoming College.  It’s a unique offering that not many colleges provide, according to Kline, who added that music can often be a way to build understanding between cultures.  “Music is something that I think the great majority of people enjoy,” Kline said. “Once you get…

How It’s Done: Building bridges in America

Episode 4 of our How It’s Done series is here! This month On the PULSE explores how steel beams are made for bridges. High Steel Structures in Williamsport was featured for this episode. Author On the PULSE On the PULSE is an online media outlet in Northcentral, Pennsylvania. We specialize in in-depth journalism, human interest…

Hidden stories of sexual abuse: ‘I didn’t think anyone would believe me’

It was already an unsuccessful date that Gigi Kilroe just wanted to be over. The man filled up the evening with stories about himself, and she hadn’t been that interested in him to begin with.  She had met him through work at the day care where she worked with 3-year-olds. After leaving the restaurant he…

A local trainer’s fitness journey through a pandemic

Faced with a financial crisis, loss of work and an inability to go to the gym, Steven Kurtz was faced with many of the same issues that plagued the world in 2020.  As the region slipped into isolations and sedentary routines, Kurtz knew that after TLC Fitness temporarily closed and his wife lost her job,…

As trash piles up, what is recyclable and what is not?

Food scraps, satellite dishes, lawn chairs, car parts. These are just a few of the items pushed into, or left next to, recycling drop-box containers in Lycoming County.  In an effort to curb the excess of non-recyclable items sent to the county landfill, new recycling containers were purchased with smaller openings, making it impossible to…

A Williamsport 8-year-old’s dream to clean up the planet

Some eight year olds want a toy transformer or a box of legos for their birthday, but for Noah Kriger the best gift is picking up trash to make the world a cleaner place. “If we get all the litter away and then the next generation and the next generation keep going not knowing what…

Cooking with Andrea: Fluffy angel cake icing you won’t want to miss

This easy fluff icing is the perfect addition to your favorite Pound Cake or Angel Fruit Cake. Fluff Icing:  4 egg whites 1 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoon light corn syrup 2 teaspoon vanilla extract Bring a shallow pot of water to a boil. Place all the ingredients for the filling in a bowl that…

How It’s Done: From sunflower seeds to cooking oil

No kitchen would be complete without a healthy supply of cooking oil. Did you know this oil first started in a field? On the PULSE joined Susquehanna Mills to find out how to turn a Sunflower seed into cooking oil. This is the second episode in our six-part series to find out how local businesses…

“It’s a gift”: A blind man’s journey to overcome limitations

For someone who has been blind from birth, describing what it’s like is hard.  Charles “Dick” Bressler, long-time Lewisburg resident and music shop owner, has never let his visual impairment hold him back.  “I don’t see things in the detail that you do. When I look at you, I can’t see anything about your face,…

Language of love: WAHS grad, Unityville teen team up to teach sign language to deaf dog

WILLIAMSPORT – Full of energy and always ready to play, 2-year-old Pixie appears to be the same as the other 25 dogs looking for forever homes at the Lycoming County SPCA. There’s one notable difference, though – Pixie is deaf. “She is a double merle, and deafness is common” in those dogs, says Rochelle (Smith)…

‘I’ll be right back’: Local boy now missing over 30 days; family searches for answers

Sixteen-year-old Maverick Wilton-Morgret left his dad’s house on Dec. 2, 2020, saying on his way out the door, “I’ll be right back.”  His family hasn’t seen or heard from him since.  “It’s just so scary because you don’t know,” said Maverick’s mother Amy Morgret. “At first, I felt bad for even sleeping … We were…

‘We’re talking about a person’: The failing public access for people with disabilities

Just over 30 years since the passage of the American’s with Disabilities Act, advocates say Lycoming County still has a long way to go in providing access to all of its residents.  The halting process of ADA compliance has not progressed fast enough for over 10% of individuals in the county with disabilities, and increased…

Candy Cane Lane: Offering 60 years of holiday spirit

Perhaps a bit ironically, each year Summer Street in DuBoistown turns into a Winter Wonderland officially known as Candy Cane Lane.  The residents of the borough’s 200 block first lit up their street in 1957. The decorations came back out every year and today the lane is seen as a historical landmark and staple of…

Habitat house battles delays amid COVID-19 pandemic

One home for one family each year – that is the mission of the Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity.  It’s one small part of the battle against poverty in the region, according to Executive Director Thomas Szulanczyk, who added that 51% of Williamsport’s population live below the poverty line.  “Every person deserves a decent place…

Kitchen Korner: Opening a restaurant during a pandemic

Starting a business during a global pandemic isn’t easy. But for Eat and Run Catering and Restaurant, it turned out to be a real blessing. Author On the PULSE On the PULSE is an online media outlet in Northcentral, Pennsylvania. We specialize in in-depth journalism, human interest content and video features. Our mission is to build…

‘Mindful eating’: Tips for healthy eating over the holidays

The holidays usually involve food – and lots of it! For those with health and wellness goals, navigating through the holiday season and holiday food may be overwhelming. Here are some dietitian-approved tips to help you stay on track this holiday season. Mindful Eating  Mindful eating is a great technique all year, especially during the…

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Andrea’s famous baked corn and stuffing!

Stuffing and baked corn are on the menu in this month’s episode of Andrea’s Country Home Cookin! Your mouth will by watering by the end of this one. Don’t miss the special surprise at the end! Author On the PULSE On the PULSE is an online media outlet in Northcentral, Pennsylvania. We specialize in in-depth journalism,…

‘Fill a need’: Mom’s calling to adopt children with Down Syndrome

Making the decision to adopt is never an easy one, but even more so was a Lycoming County family’s decision to adopt a child with Down Syndrome.   “I wanted to fill a need I guess,” said Heather Umstead, of Linden. “And I found that the greatest need is kids with Down Syndrome in China.”  Already…

‘He’s my responsibility’: Williamsport officer builds trust with k9 partner

Growing up, Tyson Minier never owned a dog. The first dog he took care of was during his deployment to Iraq as a Marine.  “He was pretty much my dog and we kept him at our facility there,” said Officer Tyson Minier, who now has been with the Williamsport Bureau of Police for six years.…

Q&A with a Doc: How to fight pain without opioids

In what may seem surprising for many, this pain management doctor offers opioids as little as possible, and never for his chronic pain patients.   Dr. Vwaire Orhurhu, a pain management doctor with UPMC Susquehanna, instead opts for a holistic approach, teaching his patients about other methods to deal with their pain through meditation, diet or…

‘Trust the science, leave politics out of it’: Doctor warns of co-infections

Entering flu season brings its own set of risks each year, but Dr. Rutul Dalal’s biggest concern this year is co-infections between COVID-19 and the flu. He urges the public to continue to mask and social distance, emphasizing that health experts still don’t know what the effects of getting both viruses at the same time…

A-6 Intruder journeys to Veteran’s Memorial Park

Filled with years of stories from battles, flights and the solitude of retirement, the A-6 Intruder groaned and creaked during its 10-mile journey from the Williamsport Regional Airport to the Lycoming County Veterans Memorial Park.  It’s a move that was over a year in the making and took nearly a week to complete the full…

‘She’s always been a giver’: Girl’s dream to give monkeys to kids

It all started with a stuffed monkey named Jack. The fluffy companion was given to an 8-year-old Aly Creasy while she lay in a hospital bed.  “He gave me a lot of comfort and I just wanted to give back,” Aly says, now 12 years old. Two years ago Aly decided that instead of getting…

‘Live life to the fullest’: Program gives bikes to kids with disabilities

For most kids, it’s a right of passage. They start with training wheels as a parents’ helping hands guide them along. Soon the training wheels come off and the wobbly, narrow frame slowly picks up speed and glides across the pavement.  It’s an activity as common to children as losing their first tooth, or learning…

Kitchen Korner: The art of a local burger

For Bullfrog Brewery, a local burger is the best burger. A staple of the downtown Williamsport pub scene since 1996, the green frog touting eatery works to use local ingredients whenever possible. For this month’s Kitchen Korner episode, Bullfrog’s burger is on the menu. “Start out with the best ingredients you can,” is Bullfrog owner…

More than the disability: Woman’s dream to empower others

After a lifetime of living with the effects of polio, Chris Tsai works hard to keep her disability from defining her life.  “People with disabilities do need to be empowered…. To be successful, you have to look at a person in all aspects,” Tsai said. “A lot of times it’s that perception that can make…

Q&A with a Doc: Primary care doctors adapt to COVID-19

If you have ongoing health concerns, small children, or simply get a yearly check-up, then you are using a primary care doctor. In Lycoming County, some of the primary issues are obesity, substance abuse and mental health. UPMC doctors, Matthew Meeker, division chief, and Jennifer Small, administrative director of Primary Care Services, spoke with On…

‘Fix the sidewalks’: A woman’s battle for access in Williamsport

Gretchen Kennedy has never been afraid to speak her mind.  After years of working with people with disabilities, Kennedy retired. Eventually she needed surgery in both knees. It became difficult for her to walk, or stand for a long time.  Now, Kennedy travels around Williamsport primarily on her scooter. From her apartment on West Fourth…

‘Doing what I love’: Young violinist’s risky passion for music

The year is 2007. Don Fisher, a WASD band teacher and percussionist, sits his 4-year-old down to watch his favorite music group — the Dave Matthews Band. “Look at those drums,” he tells his son, hoping he’ll take interest. But Michael doesn’t hear. Instead, his eyes are glued to Boyd Tinsley, who is bringing down…

‘They’re rebuilding their lives’: A look at the world of probation

As an adult probation officer, Sara Johns often meets people during the worst period of their lives.    “They are rebuilding their lives. When you’re arrested for something, no matter what it’s a traumatic event for them,” Johns said. “Once they get through the legal system they have us to rely on, fall back on, until…

Q&A with the Doc: Masks still key to reduce spread of virus

Wearing a mask every day, inside and outside, for the foreseeable future is a struggle for many people to accept, especially in Lycoming County where cases have been relatively low and nursing homes have taken the brunt of the COVID-19 cases and deaths.  But a rise in cases among younger people is cause for concern,…

Oliver Doyle: A little boy with ‘a heart for children’

He wasn’t riding the bus everyday, or carrying piles of books into the classroom, but in September, 2018, 5-year-old Oliver Doyle wanted a backpack. It took some convincing to get his mother Melissa Doyle on board, but soon the pair were on their way to Walmart.  It was already a busy day and the Walmart…

Black lives in Williamsport: ‘Come alongside them’

In 1991, Regis Bingham sat in front of his TV watching a video of the beating of Rodney King, a 25-year-old black man, by four Los Angeles police officers.  The four officers were arrested and accused of using excessive force, as well as assault with a deadly weapon. All four were acquitted at trial –…

‘It’s worth it:’ South Side native dedicated to suicide awareness

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT – Madison Losell’s Suicide Prevention Walk began as a high school senior project and has turned into a life-long passion of helping others.  “I just want to help people,” Losell said. “It’s something that I grew up knowing how to do … I like people. I like the community. I like helping.”  At…

At ManorCare, family and friends pray, residents may have way out

JERSEY SHORE – It was touch and go for Charles Rinehart as the coronavirus worked its way through his system behind the locked doors of ManorCare Health Services.  “They almost lost him a few times,” said his son, who also is named Charles.   His father now on the mend, Rinehart had nothing but good things…

‘It has been grown into me:’ Dairy princess spreads the word on milk

It’s feeding time on the Taylor farm near Allenwood and Katelyn Taylor makes the short walk from her home to the barn where she keeps her five dairy heifers.  Just finishing her junior year at Montgomery High School, Taylor is a farm girl through and through and she says she owes her passion for dairy…

‘Step up and do something’: Eateries give free lunches to kids

Several bagged lunches lay out on a table. The door to Erb’s West-End Market and Catering in Newberry swings open and a crowd of kids piles in, loading up on bags and juice before scurrying out again just as fast.  It’s a daily occurrence at Erb’s, and many other restaurants in the Northcentral, Pennsylvania region…

Helping Hands: These women are working hard to feed the kids

An increased need for food has made it essential to get backpacks of supplies to kids whose families are facing hardship during the global health crisis.  Central Pennsylvania Food Bank staffers Lana DeNune and Cara Fisher are making sure that resources for kids don’t dwindle during the COVID-19 shutdown.  While the needs have increased, packing…

‘They want to help’: Nurses and doctors volunteer for COVID-19 testing sites

WILLIAMSPORT – On the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses and doctors at COVID-19 testing sites run the risk of interacting with the virus every day.  For Shawna Varner and Stacy Barone, it’s about providing the best care to their patients, while working hard to keep themselves safe.  Family Practice Center has 40 practices…

4-county partnership ‘puts ISPs in the driver seat’ for rural broadband expansion

Not far outside of Williamsport’s small urban sprawl, winding roads travel over rolling hills and through small communities nestled in lush forests. It’s a feature touted as one of the area’s hidden treasures, but also means many rural areas have little to no internet access.  In a time when 5G seems to be breaking into…

‘I didn’t lose my roots’: Mauritian student joins a cross-cultural tradition at Lycoming College

EDITOR’S NOTE: Starting school in a new country can be tough, but for many of Williamsport’s international students the culture shock is often replaced by a strong sense of community. Follow along with On the PULSE during our week-long series to discover the unique experiences of students who come here from across the globe.    Harshita…

‘Be open minded’: Creative future in store for Chinese student

EDITOR’S NOTE: Starting school in a new country can be tough, but for many of Williamsport’s international students the culture shock is often replaced by a strong sense of community. Follow along with On the PULSE in our week-long series to discover the unique experiences of students who come here from across the globe.    When…

‘You didn’t give up’: Saudi student is proud of her journey at Penn College

EDITOR’S NOTE: Starting school in a new country can be tough, but for many of Williamsport’s international students the culture shock is often replaced by a strong sense of community. Follow along with On the PULSE in our week-long series to discover the unique experiences of students who come here from across the globe.    Shanin…

‘I feel like I grew up here’: Taiwanese student would be sad to leave Williamsport

EDITOR’S NOTE: Starting school in a new country can be tough, but for many of Williamsport’s international students the culture shock is often replaced by a strong sense of community. Follow along with On the PULSE during our week-long series to discover the unique experiences of students who come here from across the globe.    Po-Ju…

30-year court reporter veteran grew up on the job

WILLIAMSPORT – It was 30 years ago when Roni Kreisher first walked into the Lycoming County Courthouse to start her job as a court reporter.  “It was scary,” she said. This was a world she had never experienced, full of people and tough topics she may have otherwise never heard or seen.  About five years…

Soup and a Bowl links ‘food to the community,’ feeds thousands

WILLIAMSPORT – The meal is simply. Soup. Bowl. Bread. But it means so much more to thousands throughout the region who can’t afford even that. “Today, 1 in 9 of our neighbors struggles to put enough food on their table,” said Carla Fischer, communications director for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. “The Soup & a…

Day in the Life: Local homeless woman lives ‘day to day’

WILLIAMSPORT – Tammy Herbert wakes up each morning at Saving Grace shelter before 7 a.m. She has to leave before the shelter closes at 8 a.m. and walk the short, but brisk, walk to the bus stop a block away on West Fourth Street.  She takes the bus to River Valley Transit where she sits…

Andrea’s perfect Valentine’s Day meal!

This meal is just as good fresh or out of the freezer! 2 pounds ground beef 1 small onion, finely diced 1 tbsp. garlic, minced 1 jar (26 oz.) spaghetti sauce 1 cup water 1 (30 oz.) container small curd cottage cheese 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided 1…

On the PULSE presents Andrea’s Country Home Cookin

On the PULSE has gone cookin’! We are excited to announce a new video series, and this time it’s all about country home cooking.  In partnership with local cook, mother, wife and social media phenomenon, Andrea McElroy, we are proud to produce “On the PULSE presents Andrea’s Country Home Cookin” a monthly cooking show full…

Williamsport’s first minority mayor is ready for positive change

WILLIAMSPORT – Five years ago, politics could not have been farther from Derek Slaughter’s mind. He was a girls basketball coach, husband and a father. He could not have predicted that years later he would be sitting in the mayor’s seat as the first minority to hold the city’s highest office.  It was former Councilwoman…

‘Princessing saved my life:’ Bringing the fantasy to life

On weekends, when most college students are at the bar or sleeping in, Kristin is creating magic. Owner and creator of Polar Princesses, LLC, Kristin Newvine is a singularity. A normal day for Kristin is crammed with work, learning and teaching. Her weekends, however, are filled with costumes, wigs and makeup.  The start of Polar…

Williamsport’s massive wallscapes beckon people to the streets

WILLIAMSPORT – An impressive array of murals are scattered along the city’s streets, showing residents and visitors the region’s history while building an investment in community that is vital to its economic growth.  “The arts bring a sense of joy to people,” said Judy Olinsky, of the Lycoming Arts Council. “First Friday and the murals…

‘Not a barren wasteland:’ Importance of shopping local in Williamsport

WILLIAMSPORT – The city’s Shop Small Passport Program highlights the need for putting resources into the community you live in.  For local brick and mortar stores, foot traffic is key to competing with mega chain stores and the internet. The Williamsport Business Association’s fifth annual passport program is aimed at making local shopping fun and…

Life Flight crew talks coping with the pressures of the job

MONTOURSVILLE – Meeting someone on the worst day of their life is never easy, and for Life Flight crew members who bring the emergency room to the patient, they’re presence often means the difference between life and death.  “We’re dealing with the sickest of the sickest,” said Lycoming County Coroner and flight nurse Charles Kiessling…

Lycoming County Courthouse facility dog Jedi is ‘here for good’

WILLIAMSPORT – When Jedi trots along the halls of Lycoming County’s courthouse he can’t get far before young and old kneel down to stroke his fur and let him lick their hand.  It’s been just two years since Jedi became the courthouse facility dog and many now can’t imagine the building without him.   When Jerri…

Big Sister program offers a chance at ‘freedom’ for Little Sister

Living with her grandma in their home outside the city, 13-year-old Victoria joined the Big Brother/Big Sister program and found freedom she couldn’t find anywhere else.  “I’m not one to sit inside. I have the opportunity to do something, I’m going to jump at it,” Victoria said.  She jumped at the opportunity to be a…

Finding the courage to go Over the Edge for a good cause

WILLIAMSPORT – Roughly 60 people found the courage to rappel off the Williamsport Hepburn Apartment Building’s towering frame on Saturday and make the slow drop to the ground. This one-of-a-kind rappelling event is set up by Over the Edge, a national special events rope access company that works with non profits in the community to…

‘I felt trapped’: Domestic violence survivors speak out

She didn’t know what domestic violence was, but he said sweet things and she was in love. They got married and then the nightmare began.  “I have back issues. I have a herniated disc. I’m blind in one eye and deaf in one ear. Just because I’ve been kicked in the head too many times,”…

‘He’s my best friend:’ Father, son duo bond over robots

AVIS – As a father, there was nothing Zac Zelewicz wanted more than to spend quality time with his son and daughter. But working constantly meant little family time, especially with his oldest child Jack, 7.  “I felt distant from him (Jack). I mean he was my son, he loved me and I loved him,…

New business owners reflect on starting up in Williamsport

WILLIAMSPORT – In the 1980s, Williamsport’s downtown business scene lay vacant as the rise of the Lycoming Mall took many shops and people off the once-bustling streets.  Years of planning, strategy and help from the natural gas boom brought new life to the city, according to Fran McJunkin, deputy director of the Lycoming County Department…

Downtown Williamsport’s music scene thrives on streets, in pubs

WILLIAMSPORT – The city’s nightlife is accented by its music scene, helping to bring more people downtown and grow the customer base for area restaurants.  “The music and arts don’t happen if there aren’t people to appreciate them,” said Tim Breon, local musician and teacher. “When you go to these venues that helps support their…

Honey bee decline hits home for Lewisburg apiary

LEWISBURG – Growing up in the apiary business, Davey Hackenberg has seen the industry’s decline first hand as he struggles to maintain the business handed down to him by his father. “Back when I started in it, it was more lucrative, I guess you could say. Now I’m just worried about what it’s going to…

Manno remembered as a ‘guiding light’ for the 9/11 ride

MONTGOMERY – It’s one of only a few days out of the year when conflict is forgotten. The clock turns back to Sept. 11, 2001, and Americans remember when the largest terrorist attack in the United States caused differences to be set aside as communities came together in support and solidarity.   “It’s amazing to see.…

Marino speaks about kidney cancer, Trump, life after Congress

After decades in the public eye and years of playing political hardball, former U.S. Congressman Tom Marino is embracing civilian life at his quiet country home in Cogan Station.  A champion for term limits at the federal level, Marino intended his fifth term to be his last. But a decades-long struggle against kidney cancer culminated…

White Deer officials talk progress, golf course controversy

Lycoming County’s ownership of White Deer Golf Complex has been met with years of controversy, often due to the course’s management, debt and diminishing amenities. In 2006, the Lycoming County Commissioners took back control of the course from the Lycoming County Recreation Authority. Billy Casper Golf was hired in 2016 to manage the course and…

Little League World Series Uncles celebrate family’s legacy

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT – Living out a family legacy as Uncles for the Little League World Series that dates back to the 1950s, father and son team Pete and Josh Lupacchino spent this week with the Australian Regional Champions from Cronulla.  Peter A. Lupacchino, Pete’s father, first joined the Uncle program in 1958 when the Little…

Little League World Series umpires reunite after 10 years

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT – Michael T. Martin and John Mashburn hadn’t seen each other for 10 years, when they were umpires for the 2009 Little League World Series.  “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience if you’re a Little League umpire,” Martin said. “We’re all kind of like a big family and we have friendships that last for a…

Little League kicks off with Grand Slam Parade

WILLIAMSPORT – The 2019 Grand Slam Parade took over West Fourth Street in Williamsport Wednesday night to kick off the beginning of the Little League World Series and allow the community to welcome teams from around the world. Check out some On the PULSE highlights here. Author On the PULSE On the PULSE is an…