BARB BARRETT/The Luminary file photo Art students at Muncy High School were able to work on a mural for the gymnasium under the direction of art teacher, Beth Crissman and artist-in-residence Victoria Thompson-Hess.

The following are recaps of 2017 and some of the highlights for the year:

JANUARY

A Hollywood scene was produced for the coming of age film “Buck Run” in Elimsport at the property of Kathy Pentz and her father, William Baysore. The production company used their cabin as a backdrop. The film will be shown sometime in 2018.

Muncy was chosen as one of 4 communities eligible for a state grant for a flood resilience project for $10 million.

The Red Raiders Marching Band of Montgomery High School performed at the 58th presidential election in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, January 21st.

Muncy Bank & Trust Co. presented a check in the amount of $7,750 to Muncy Little League during the opening day ceremonies on Saturday, April 22.

Woodlands Bank donated $10,000 to the East Lycoming Education Foundation.

Glenda Hyde, a business owner in Muncy Township, organized 3 full buses using social media to go to the historical Women’s March on Jan. 22 that left from the Lycoming Mall.

Based on a feasibility study, Muncy School District announced plans to renovate some of the buildings plus add new basketball courts by borrowing $10 million dollars.

FEBRUARY

The St. John Lutheran ‘Brick’ Church in Montgomery marks 200 years since first worshipping in a barn in 1811.

A new memorial highway was dedicated to the late Thomas A. Paternostro on Jan. 29 and took place at Ferrell Elementary School in Picture Rocks. It is on U.S. Route 220 from the Picture Rocks Borough line to the Hughesville Borough line.

A new outdoor kitchen was added to the Summer Alive children’s recreation program in Montgomery. It was designed after the one used in the Edible School Yard Project in Berkeley, Calif.

The Muncy Valley Hospital Auxiliary presented its final check to UPMC Susquehanna Health Foundation as part of their pledge of $250,000 to the renovation and expansion project.

The Hughesville Borough started a remodeling project for their borough building. Meanwhile an alternate location was housed at the Family Practice Center on S. Main Street.

Muncy Borough passed a resolution to endorse the Muncy Resiliency project.

Art students at Muncy High School painted a very large mural for the gymnasium under the direction of art teacher, Beth Crissman and artist-in-residence Victoria Thompson-Hess.

Muncy Bank & Trust donated $25,000 to the Salvation Army to help fund their Asset for Independence program.

Hughesville’s Little Spartan wrestling team competed in Southern Columbia team duals and captured the team championship beating Lewisburg in the finals.

The East Lycoming Education Foundation was part of a contribution received from M&T Bank for $2,108,888 for educational programs and scholarships to area schools.

MARCH

Hughesville Lady Spartans made history when they won their semi-final game and earned on March 11 a spot in the Class AAA District Championship game. This was the first time the girls qualified to play in the state tournament.

LIVESTRONG, a new 12 week program, was introduced at the East Lycoming YMCA this year and is tailored for anyone over the age of 18 diagnosed with cancer. Survivors can regain their health and well being to improve their strength and physical fitness.

UGI Energy Services and Sunbury Pipeline gave 40 iPads to third graders at Renn Elementary School in Lairdsville to support STEM education.

Muncy freshman, Jacob Blair won the district title in the 106 pound final for wrestling. He also finished 8th in the state at the PIAA Class AA Wrestling Championship in Hershey.

Families United Network completed a two phase day care project and opened a new facility on location in Muncy Township at 276 Ashler Manor Drive. The 16,000 sq. ft. property houses a day care for children and will host before and after school programs.

Muncy FBLA members placed in the top five at their leadership conference.

The Lycoming Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, presented their annual Good Citizen award, Saturday, March 18, 2017 at the 1st United Methodist Church in Muncy.

An extensive oil spill spanned at least 4 miles on March 24 when several hundred gallons of motor oil spilled from a box truck before pulling into Springs Window Fashion Plant in Clinton Township.

APRIL

21 senior high school FBLA members from Muncy Jr/Sr High School attended the state leadership conference in Hershey on April 2-5.

The Muncy Public Library received funding to purchase a new projection system from the Muncy Rotary Club, the Muncy Moose and the Muncy Professional Women’s Club.

Montgomery Area School District announced its students scored significantly higher than last year in all three categories of the 2016-17 standardized Keystone tests.

A $5 vehicle registration fee was decided upon by the county to be added in order to raise funds for bridge and road repair.

A $1.8 million reconstruction project began on Rt. 118 from the bridge spanning Muncy Creek to the intersection with Rt. 405. The project took 3 phases to complete.

A flood plain mitigation plan was announced on April 25 at Muncy High School by Borough Council. Buy-outs, filling in basements, and moving utilities were some of the conditions based on a case by case basis.

Muncy Bank & Trust presented $5,000 to the Muncy Historical Society to support the Fort Brady Heritage Park project and the 3rd Pops at Pepper Street outdoor concert.

Bethany Lunger of Muncy captured a State Archery Title in Harrisburg for the Junior Female Unlimited division.

A ribbon cutting ceremony and open house was held April 22 for the new FUN Academy LLC located at 145 Ashler Manor Drive in Muncy Township.

Sat. April 22 was opening day for Muncy Little League and a check was given to them for $7,750 from Muncy Bank & Trust. Ed Ott, a former Major League Baseball player was guest speaker.

Flooding took place on April 21st in Muncy Creek Township. Lime Bluff Road and Beacon Light Road were closed with detours in place.

MAY

May 6-12 was National Nurses Week. Rachel Barto, assistant director of nursing at Muncy’s Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center was recognized.

Muncy’s Jeff Fry was named to the third team all-state in Class AA basketball. This was Muncy’s first all-state collection since Chuck Scott in 1961.

Montgomery High School wins the Stock Market Game Challenge, an award winning educational program, and were recognized by Senator Yaw for winning 5 consecutive years.

Storms with strong winds and heavy rain hit the area on May 1 and May 5 causing damage and fallen trees. Winds were recorded up to 85 miles an hour.

Muncy Township supervisors were presented with 3 options for building or remodeling their township building that could cost up to 1.8 million dollars.

The Muncy Public Library received new iPads in the children’s room with a grant from the Pearls with a Passion Fund.

Hughesville senior, Brenden Gardner, won the District IV Class AA title after finishing first in the 110 hurdles with a time of 15.51. He won second place finish in the 300 hurdles.

The Centenial of World War I was held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Hughesville during Memorial Day ceremonies and hosted by members of Glenn Sharrow American Legion Post 35 of Hughesville. Brief bios of 70 WWI veterans interred there were presented.

Malik Wertman from Muncy High School won Best Performance by a Lead Actor in the play, “Korsczak’s Children” during the annual Ray of Lights Awards held Saturday, May 20 at the Community Arts Center.

Robert A. Webster Jr. was honored May 20 with an Historic Preservation Plaque by the Lycoming Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution.

JUNE

Recent legislation, the status of the drilling industry and the state budget were among many topics discussed at a town hall meeting hosted by state Rep. Garth Everett, (R-Muncy) on Thursday, May 25 at the Unityville Fire Company.

The 34th annual Muncy Lawn Party was held June 17 and a total of $31,000 was raised.

The Hughesville High School class of 1957 donated $250 to support a butterfly and bird habitat garden at Ashkar Elementary School.

The Church of Resurrection in Muncy celebrated their 75 year history and their amazing growth of its congregation. The first Mass was celebrated Dec. 7, 1941 in the old rectory, the day of the bombing at Pearl Harbor. A summer festival was held June 23 and 24.

The PA State Harness Racing Commission held races at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds in conjunction with Meagan’s Box Foundation on June 24 & 25.

On June 28 Jim Mothersbaugh, a Muncy native, presented his “Road Radio USA” program to church members of the First United Methodist Church in Muncy which impacts the perils of driving under the influence of intoxicants. The program has been in its existence for 25 years.

JULY

On July 8 the Sones Museum owned by the late Oliver Sones and Mary Sones had a final opportunity for visitors during the IH motor truck show before closing its doors. The family of the late Dr. Donald Lundy, Sr. agreed to forward items of their father’s veterinary practice to the Lycoming County Historical Society.

Summer Alive, a children’s summer recreation program in Montgomery, was held for the 4th consecutive year bringing a total of over 100 registrations.

Muncy borough was awarded a $50,000 grant for the Green Street Park through the First Community Foundation Partnership to purchase playground equipment compliant with the Americans with Disabilties Act.

Fireworks were on display for opening night of the 147th Lycoming County Fair at the fairgrounds in Hughesville on July 14.

Two people were treated after a rabid cat attacked them in Muncy on July 15.

A walking history tour of Hughesville was led by Brian Machmer, a history teacher at Hughesville High School on July 13. It was sponsored by the Hughesville Area Public Library.

A newly formed choir, The East Lycoming Choral Ensemble (ELCE), dedicated to fostering artistic appreciation and enriching the lives of others through music, held its debut Friday evening, July 21. They generated $627 for the ‘Food for Kids’ program.

Stain glass windows dating back to the 1800s were restored at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hughesville.

Real Estate Excel had a grand opening at their new location on 2467 Rt. 405 Highway on July 28.

AUGUST

An anniversary celebrating 125 years for the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Company and the Central District Firemen’s Association was held at the fairgrounds from August 10 through August 12. A memorial service also was held for fire personnel who were deceased during the past year. A pump contest was popular and children were able to participate in the “Battle of the Barrel” contest. Nightly live entertainment was held in the Commercial building.

A permit was issued to demolish a property on Pepper Street owned by the Muncy School District to provide a buffer on either side of the football field.

The Montgomery Area Independent Football League set a new record with 101 children signing up for the fall. The program funs football, flag football and cheerleading for elementary grades.

The county received a grant for $12,500 from Muncy Bank & Trust for a total of $25,000 over the past 2 years to benefit the Greater Muncy Resiliency plan and will be used toward a flood study assisted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who match the donation for a total of $50,000.

A grand convention fireman’s parade was held August 12 in Hughesville with several participating fire companies. Picture Rocks Fire Company won Best Ambulance and Best Tanker and the Judge’s Award.

400 new chromebooks were ordered for the new school year at Muncy School District. A pre-K program was established at Myers Elementary School for 18 students through a partnership with STEP.

A new front office was completed at Hughesville High School insuring better safety for everyone.

Acquisition of the old Mozley Opera House as a regional resiliency center was voted down by the Muncy Borough with a 3-2 vote.

60 junior, senior and life members of the Volunteer Fire Co. celebrated 125 years with their station at 24 Montgomery St., founded in December 1892. 3 days of activities, a parade and fireworks were held Saturday, Aug. 12.

Lycoming County Planning and Community Development traveled around Muncy Borough taking measurements as part of a two-part effort to map the borough’s storm sewer system by GIS.

SEPTEMBER

Hulsizer Chevrolet filled two truckloads of supplies headed to the greater Houston area on Sept. 2nd for victims of Hurricane Harvey.

A $625,000 resurfacing project began in Muncy Borough on the intersection of East Penn Street and New Street.

Hughesville High School held their ‘Military Appreciation Football’ game on Sept. 8. Sponsored by UGI Energies, a game ball was flown in by skydivers carrying the United States Flag.

Picture Rocks Council passed resolution #9-5-17 adopting the Muncy Creek Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan which empowers boroughs to plan for their development and governs the same by zoning, subdivision, and land development ordinances.

A sewer rate increase was objectionable to several Beaver Lake residents who expressed unhappiness to the Lycoming County Water & Sewer Authority. Increases jumped from $131 to $161.

On Sept. 27, 520 marching band students with 8 county schools performed at Muncy High School for the Lycoming County Band Expo under the Lycoming County Band Directors Association.

5 new members were inducted into the Montgomery Area High School Athletic Hall of Fame on Sept. 15 during half time at the Montgomery-Muncy football game.

PHOTO – MAHS ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

The 162nd Bloomsburg Fair opened on Saturday, Sept. 23.

Hughesville High School Alumni were honored on Sept. 22 during a football game and free door prizes awarded.

The Susquehanna Valley Chapter of Credit Unions and the PA Credit Union Foundation held a hands-on financial learning experience with the Financial Reality Fair at Muncy High School on Sept. 28.

OCTOBER

The Family Practice Center in Hughesville underwent an expansion to their medical building at 246 S. Main Street that includes more lab services and five more patient exam rooms.

Muncy Township Fire Co. and Muncy Township Board of Supervisors signed a memorandum of understanding to proceed with the subdivision of property on Pond Road and the eventual transfer of the Township Building to the township. The fire department will retain ownership of the house and barn.

An expansion project has begun for local dentists Mary Bennardi and Thomas Barberio at 42 S. Main Street due to a growing practice in dental care.

The Hughesville Junior/Senior High School was awarded 2 new benches from a state program “Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful” because of their impeccably maintained campus and proactice recycling program.

Smokey the Bear made an appearance at the Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company on Oct. 12 as part of National Fire Prevention Week. Close to 175 people attended.

The Lady Spartans captured the District IV title for the second year in a row.

Volunteers from the Gift Box gift shop at UPMC Susquehanna’s Muncy Valley Hospital donated $1,170 for the purchase of handmade wooden crosses for the recently renovated emergency department and same day services unit.

The Lycoming County Commissioners held a public outreach meeting to offer county residents the opportunity to ask questions regarding the proposed 2018 county budget on October 30 at the Hughesville Public Library.

NOVEMBER

Hughesville High School class of 1967 donated $23,500 to the East Lycoming Education Foundation for an endowed scholarship.

East Lycoming School District hired a new athletic director, Kenneth Tallman, for a salary of $50,000 with benefits upon the resignation of Kevin Steele who has been there for the past 10 years.

A new law was introduced and passed by Rep. Garth Everett to reform local tax collections. Act 38 changes how accounts will be set up and how checks are written.

An endowed education grant was granted by the East Lycoming School district’s education foundation to allow students at Hughesville High School to grow their own food and raise trout in the classroom.

Montgomery hosted a district football championship for the first time and the Red Raiders finally reached the finals since 2000.

Shirley Smith of Turbotville completed her first year as new director for the West Branch Chorale.

On Nov. 13 an open house and tours were given for the new expansion project at the Muncy Valley Hospital where 16,400 of square feet of clinical space was added.

The Lycoming Mall is experiencing several closures and with loss of anchor stores JC Penney and Macy’s, it is seeking a lower tax assessment which was denied by the Lycoming County Board of Assessment due to lack of documentation.

The Vineyard Youth Community Activity Center in Muncy celebrated 20 years since they first opened in 1997.

Rocky Reed was appointed as the new president for the Lycoming County Fair.

DECEMBER

3 local students performed in the Blue Band at the Penn State Fiesta Bowl on December 30 in Phoenix. They are Josh Fry, Amy Winder and Rilynn Temple.

A contract was awarded for the Muncy Resiliency Plan to Tetra Tech in the amount of $250,000 from the Department of Community and Economic Development to write the plan and develop a resiliency coalition.

Makenna Snyder was selected to the all-tournament team following a Muncy championship game at the 20th annual Muncy Rotary Girls Basketball Classic.

Pipeline workers with Latex Construction Company temporarily located in Hughesville collected a warehouse full of toys and bikes for Toys 4 Tots.