News

McALISTERVILLE — Before the first Christmas at the Barn community event on Christmas Eve in 2024, barn owner Christa Mummah worked to clean up the stalls as quickly as possible, before people arrived. She especially focused on the stall where the nativity scene would be. But as she did, she was met with a touching realization: No one was there to clean the stall before Jesus arrived. Jesus came into the world surrounded by animals and placed in a manger. That first nativity was rife with the dirt and grime that was part and parcel of a working stable.

The Daily Item

As the holiday season draws near, many celebrate what’s often referred to as “the most wonderful time of the year.” Yet, for some, this time is overshadowed by sadness. Whether it’s the pain of losing a loved one, the challenges of divorce, unemployment, illness, or other hardships, the joy of the season can feel out of reach for those coping with grief.

MIFFLINBURG — Kelsey's Dream donated more than 1,600 toys to local children.

FREEBURG — More than $1.3 million in state grants have been approved to pay for infrastructure, public safety and community projects in the Valley.

SUNBURY — The Powerball jackpot has skyrocketed to $1.5 billion for the next drawing, on Saturday night, after no ticket won the grand prize in Wednesday night’s drawing.

MIDDLEBURG — Midd-West High School student Jaci Mae Moyer has raised $1,765 for Mostly Mutts over the past five years.

Editor’s Note: While high school students still grind away at the three Rs during a school day, there are many non-traditional classes being offered. Today, The Daily Item begins a series on unique opportunities available to Valley students in 21st Century Classrooms, including foods of the world, adulting and health careers.

(The Hill) -- UFC fighter Sean Strickland said Friday that he will not participate in the White House fight next year, citing the Trump administration’s controversy around the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “I think I’d wanna do the White House… if there was some kind of inclusion for fans,” Strickland told video streamer [...]

The retailer says access to its app and website has been restored after an outage Friday morning disrupted online shopping ahead of Christmas.