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Threatening weather closes schools early

All area school districts are shutting down early today. Here's the local list, culled from listings at wnep.com and whlmam.com. * Benton Area: Noon * Berwick Area: Secondary, noon; Elementary, 12:45 * Bloomsburg Area: Secondary, 12:15 p.m.; Elementary, 1:15 p.m. * Bloomsburg Christian: 12:30 p.m. * Central Columbia: High school and middle school, 12:30 p.m.; elementary school, 1:30 p.m. * Columbia County Christian: Noon * Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech * Danville Area: 3 hours early * Millville Area: Elementary, 12:20 p.m.; high school, 12:30 p.m.

What we're working on for March 16

Here's a look at the stories keeping our reporters busy Friday: * A driver is killed in a wreck in the early morning hours. Reporter Susan Schwartz is collecting details from authorities. We'll be updating what we have so far by 5 p.m. * A police officer is in court on charges that he gave an underage woman alcohol. Senior Reporter Leon Bogdan will fill you in on what happened.

What we're working on for March 15

Here's a look at the stories our reporters are busy with Thursday: * A man accused of throwing a punch that led to another man's brain trauma says he was only defending himself. Read what our reporter Kristin Baver has so far. * A bold thief allegedly took a break during a burglary and sat down to watch some TV. Susan Schwartz has the tale of the brazen burglar. * A man is accused of molesting a child several years ago. The victim apparently just recently came forward. Leon Bogdan reports.

What we're working on for March 14

Here's a look at what has our reporters busy Wednesday: * A bed-ridden nursing-home patient says she doesn't recall ever giving power of attorney to a woman who allegedly stole $10,000 from her bank account. Chris Krepich has the story. * A man punched the mother of their son in the face -- leaving her with bruised and bloody eyes -- after she didn't pick him up at a bar he'd been thrown out of, police say. * One local municipality will buy a former professor's home that has fallen into such disrepair a bathtub is tumbling out of a disintegrating wall. Kristin Baver reports.

What we're working on for March 13

Here's a look at some of the stories keeping our reporters busy on Tuesday: * The family of a man accused of having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl says she claimed she was 31 in Facebook. Susan Schwartz will have the story. * A man accused of shooting his wife in the groin is in court awaiting a sentence. * A popular brewpub is moving its brewery and bar to a new location. Pete Kendron will fill you in. * Plus, Reporter Vanessa Pellechio talks with a woman who is still hoping for the return of her pet German shepherd that ran away four months ago.

Police asking for help finding man "of interest" in fight

BLOOMSBURG -- Town Police are looking for the man who was seen in the vicinity of a fight or assault on Iron Street near Main Street this past Friday, March 8, around 2:38 a.m. The man left the area walking east on Main Street, then was seen driving off in a black passenger vehicle. Town Police ask that anyone with information on this man contact Officer Ryan Edgar at (570) 784-6779.

What we're working on for March 12

Here's a look at what our reporters have in the works for Tuesday's paper: * A Danville-area woman is arrested for stabbing her boyfriend during a fight. Read what we have so far. Reporter Chris Krepich is still fleshing out details. * Several meth suspects are in court. Some plead guilty and accept sentences. One issues a surprise denial. And still another collapses and is taken away for medical attention. Leon Bogdan will fill you in on all the details.

What we're working on for March 9

Here's a look at what our reporters are busy with Friday: * A man who fled from police during a meth lab raid and was collared days later at another lab is in court. Susan Schwartz has the story. * Police say two teen burglars were knocking on doors to choose their victims. If no one answered, they tried to get in, police say. * A student was removed from school after he was caught with what some called a "hit list" of names. School officials say students are safe. * A longtime borough secretary plans to retire ... then run for mayor. Reporter Chris Krepich will fill you in.

What we're working on for March 8

Here's a look at what our reporters have in the works for Friday's paper: * A man appointed to a local school board steps down after someone discovers a racial epithet in his Facebook postings. * Police pull over a driver for not using a turn signal, only to find a car full of drugs and three suspects all pointing the finger at one another. * A former Marine is accused of beating up his wife because her coughing kept him awake. He says her abuse claims are bogus.

What we're working on for March 7

Here's a quick look at what our reporters are working on Wednesday: * A man is charged with the rape of a young child. We'll be updating this story on the website later this afternoon. * Fighting over a woman, two men carried out a battle on area roadways, crashing their cars into one another as they sped along, police say. Reporter Susan Schwartz was with the two in court.