PA SENATE DEBATE BECOMES SHOUTING MATCH
Debate over a welfare bill in the Pennsylvania Senate yesterday turned chaotic with name calling and shouting in what one Republican lawmaker said was the worst day in the Senate in 20 plus years. Emotions were high over whether to eliminate a general assistance program. PennLive reports the debate became contentious when both Democrats and Republicans accused the other of hijacking the Senate by not following proper procedure when putting forth a vote. Ultimately things calmed down when Governor Wolf had to intervene. The bill to eliminate the program narrowly passed and Wolf will have to make a final decision.
FORMER OFFICER CHARGED OVER FUND MISAPPROPRIATION
Charges were filed yesterday in Sunbury against the former Northumberland County Chief Probation Officer accused of stealing over 30 thousand dollars from the department between 2014 and 2016. 41 year old Jimmie Cortelyou faces two theft felonies and one misdemeanor of misapplication of entrusted government property. Cortelyou was arraigned in in front of District Judge Mike Toomey.
WATER AND SEWER INCREASES ON THE WAY
The Williamsport Municipal Water Authority has adopted its’ series of budgets for 2020 and part of that means that water and sanitary rates will go up for many customers in January. Officials with the authority told the Williamsport Sun Gazette the combined increase will amount to about 30 dollars per year. Also included in the budget is about 9 million dollars in funding to pay for projects on West Fourth, West Third, and Franklin Streets over the next four years.
PENNSYVANIA TO PARTIALLY LIFT SUNDAY HUNTING BAN
A bill to end the ban on hunting Sundays in Pennsylvania has passed in the Senate. Legislation to allow 3 specific Sundays when hunting will be legal, one during deer rifle season, one during deer archery season and another day that’s up to the PA Game Commission. Officials told the York Dispatch that it will bring in more revenue from license fees.
LOYALSOCK POOL LOOKING FOR SUMMER LIFEGUARDS
The Loyalsock Township Supervisors unanimously approved commercial additions this week to property along East Third Street, approved a sale of 124 acres off of Cemetary Road, reviewed a proposal for a driving range at the Williamsport Country Club. They also noted that the Loyalsock Community Pool is short on lifeguards this year. Township manager, Bill Burdett told the Sun Gazette that they approved the hire of one lifeguard and swim teacher at Tuesday’s meeting.
WOMAN CHARGED WITH ARSON
A New Berlin woman was charged yesterday in Union County Court with five felony counts of arson and recklessly endangering another person. Twenty one year old Haley Boney told police that she lit a blanket on fire and placed in in her sons closet and left with her 7 m onth old daughter to take out the garbage. When they returned the smoke alarm had gone off in the apartment and she called 911 . Police reported that Boney confessed her actions in a written statement. The fire was put out by the New Berline Fire Department – damage amounts to about 5 thousand dollars
PARK AVENUE PROJECT BEING PLANNED
Some Williamsport City Council members want to begin the legwork on a project to revitalize the Park Avenue area of the city. Members of the economic revitalization committee told the Williamsport Sun Gazette that the area around UPMC Susquehanna is an area with an opportunity for improvement and stablilization. They say members of the neighborhood are invited to work with the city to become invested in the future expansions around the hospital.
FOURTH OF JULY BRINGS DUI CHECKPOINTS
Members of our community are reminded that will be DUI Checkpoints and DUI Roving patrols on the way to emphasize safety during the Fourth of July holiday. The Lycoming County DUI Enforcement Team says they are working in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to conduct Boating Under the Influence checks, as well. Chief Joe Hope said in a press release that he encourages everyone to celebrate safely and that the .08 percent law will be strictly enforced on the roads and on the water.
YUENGLING DONATES TO MILITARY CAUSE
A Pennsylvania Brewery has given a portion of the proceeds from a T-shirt sale to TAPS, a non-profit organization that offers help to families grieving the loss of a loved one who served in the military. WNEP reports that the Yuengling Brewery in Pottsville gave 50 thousand dollars to the “Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors”. Sixth generation owner Debbie Yuengling said the military is a community that’s close to their hearts.
Sports
Major League Baseball
White Sox beat the Red Sox 8-7, Yankees bumped the Blue Jays 8-7, Indians beat the Royals 5-3, Padres thumped the Orioles 10-5, Diamondbacks beat the Dodgers 8-2, Rockies over the Giants 6-3, Phillies squeaked past the Mets 5-4, Rangers over the Tigers 4-1, Nationals slapped the Marlins 7-5, A’s blanked the Cardinals 2-0, Mariners bounced the Brewers 4-2, Braves beat the Cubs 5-3, Angels shook the Reds 5-1, Pirates slammed the Astros 14-2,
Twins beat the Rays 6-4.
NY Penn League
Auburn Doubledays beat the Williamsport Crosscutters 5-2
College World Series Game 3 last night
Vanderbilt won over Michigan 8-2 – claiming its 2nd National Title since 2014
