Mail carrier delivers life-saving help to trapped driver

By Shirley A. Knight

Barb Hake Fisher has seen a lot in her 32 years as a U.S. mail carrier, but nothing approaching the experience she had last week when her route took her off the paved road and onto Spook Hollow Lane, off Alpine Road, in Warrington Township.

Driving slowly off the paved road at about 3 p.m., she saw a flash of red to the left on a steep embankment as she passed in her jeep. At first, she did not think too much about it, but then she backed up and was shocked to see a hand waving from what appeared to be red metal, nearly covered with fallen trees. Getting out of her jeep, Fisher realized what she was seeing was a badly damaged vehicle, hanging on its side being held in place by trees and brush. As she approached, she heard a quiet voice begging for help.

Fisher called 911 and described where she was and the precarious situation she had found. The man said he thought he had been there between four and five hours, and he was cold and hurt. Since the embankment was steep and not visible from the main road, it’s possible many more hours could have passed without help if Fisher had not happened upon him. As it turned out, the residents living on the lane were out of town.

Photo by Curt Werner

Firefighters work together to free a driver who is trapped inside his car after going over an embankment Thursday afternoon, Oct. 25 in Warrington Township. Chainsaws were used to cut trees surrounding the vehicle. Doors were cut off by the Jaws of Life to free the driver.

Photo by Curt Werner

U.S. mail carrier, Barb Hake Fisher, stands at the accident scene where the car left the roadway, crashing down the embankment.

Zoning board shoots down firing range

By Peggie Williams

A request for a variance by Anthony and Michelle Howe to establish an outdoor shooting range in their yard at 43B Creek Road was withdrawn before a decision could be made during a Carroll Township zoning hearing on October 22.

There is currently a small target range that competitive shooter Anthony Howe uses frequently. He explained that he has been shooting in this location for more than 25 years.

“We’ve never had an issue. I don’t know what changed this year,” said Howe.

Districts next for Bears

By Joe Guty

And just like that, Northern is heading to the 2018 PIAA District III M & T Bank Football Championships for the first time since the 2016-17 season.

Despite a 26-14 loss to Waynesboro last Friday, the Polar Bears (now 6-4 overall and 3-3 in the Mid Penn Colonial Division) earned an 11th seed in the PIAA District III Class 5A power rankings to move on to post-season play. Their opponent on Friday, Nov. 2 will be York High (William Penn), a 9-1 power in the YAIAA (York-Adams League) and sixth seed in the 14-team field. Top seeded Manheim Central (10-0) and second seed Cocalico (8-2) have first round byes. Northern will travel to York in hopes of upsetting the favored Bearcats. Kick off is at 7 p.m. at Smalls Athletic Field in York City.

Back in 2016, Northern lost to Shippensburg in the opening round of the 4A tournament. In 2015, Northern defeated York Suburban in the opening round of the 3A tourney but fell to Bishop McDevitt the following week. With a sophomore and junior laden team this year, along with an inspired group of seniors, the Polar Bears have weathered the storms of 2018 and battled back each week, never losing two games in a row. A threegame win streak in September also helped to build a competitive foundation. The reward is now post season play.

Photo by Curt Werner

Northern quarterback Chris Barrett drops back to pass.

Northern moves on to states

By Joe Guty

Rain and mud turned out to be the perfect recipe for Northern's third straight District III, Girls Class AA Cross Country Championship win last weekend.

The Lady Polar Bear squad scored 52 points to outrun the field of 18 teams and 145 runners - all who braved rain, chilly temps and mud along the 5k course at Big Spring H.S. in Newville.

This Saturday in Hershey, Northern will try their hand against the best runners in the state in the 2018 PIAA State Cross Country Championships. Starting time for the Class AA Girls Championships is at 10:15 a.m.

Photo by Curt Werner

Marlee Starliper crosses the finish line first in the Girls AA District 3 Cross Country Championships with a time of 17:19.7.