Driver killed in fiery wreck

BRIAR CREEK TWP. -- A 23-year-old man died in a fiery crash when the car he was driving veered off the road and hit a tree early Friday. Police identified the victim as Curtis Tyrrell, 42 Water Dam Road, Briar Creek Township. Deputy Coroner Linda Kessler said Tyrrell died on impact. When firefighters arrived at the scene along Shickshinny Valley Road, flames had already fully engulfed the 1997 Dodge Neon, said Summerhill Fire Chief Craig Fisher.

Firefighters called to Denny's

LIGHTSTREET -- Denny's restaurant was evacuated Thursday night after a haze of smoke filled the kitchen area, firefighters said. Crews were still using thermal-imaging cameras as of 9:50 p.m. in the hopes of finding the cause. Some climbed on the roof to check the heating and air conditioning units, while others inspected the lights inside in search of overheating ballasts. Then they started inspecting the exhausts above the stoves. "We won't stop until we find a source," said Lou Moser, first assistant chief for Lightstreet Community Fire Co.

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.

Cops: Caretaker stole $10G from bed-ridden woman

MAHONING TWP. -- Betty Yoder, a resident of Grandview Health Homes, said she was beset with grief in 2009 when her husband and primary caregiver died. That same year, she also lost a leg due to her own health issues and moved into a nursing home, Yoder said in a statement read in court Wednesday. Yoder doesn't recall giving control of her affairs shortly after that to Zigner, 64, of the Shamokin area, according to the statement. But Grace A. Zigner, who used to care for Yoder through an agency, drained Yoder's bank account of $10,145, said Mahoning Township Cpl. Clay Fahringer.

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.

Catholic church has new pope; white smoke rises

VATICAN CITY (AP) -- Argentine Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio has been elected pope. He is the first pontiff from Americas. Bergoglio has chosen the name Pope Francis. Cardinals elected the new pope to lead the world's 1.2 billion Catholics, overcoming deep divisions to select the 266th pontiff in a remarkably fast conclave. Tens of thousands of people who braved cold rain to watch the smokestack atop the Sistine Chapel jumped in joy when white smoke poured out, many shouting "Habemus Papam!" or "We have a pope!" -- as the bells of St. Peter's Basilica and churches across Rome pealed.

Accused man's family: Teen girl claimed she was 30

BERWICK -- Relatives of a man accused of stalking a teenage girl after her father put a stop to their sexual relationship say the girl lied about her age. Christopher David Lyons Sr., 27, broke up with the girl as soon as he learned she was just 15, said his cousin, Tiffany Probst. Several family members and friends showed up at the office of District Judge Richard Knecht Tuesday to show their support for him. Probst came with a printout of what appeared to be the girl's Facebook page, on which the teen claimed to be 30.

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.

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