STATE SUPREME COURT RACES IN PENNSYLVANIA
Republicans in Pennsylvania saw success in voters’ choices Tuesday to fill open seats on statewide appeals courts, including winning a marquee race for a seat on the state Supreme Court that nevertheless will not change the Democrats’ majority on the state’s high court. Amid light turnout around the state, Republican Kevin Brobson beat Democrat Maria McLaughlin to serve a 10-year term on Pennsylvania’s highest court. Brobson, 50, a judge for more than a decade on the lower statewide Commonwealth Court, will replace the outgoing Republican Justice Thomas Saylor, who has hit the mandatory retirement age of 75.
17TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT WINNER
Lori R. Hackenberg won the race for Court of Common Pleas judge in the 17th Judicial District of Snyder and Union counties. Hackenberg is set to replace President Judge Michael T. Hudock as he is retiring at the end of his term. Hackenberg, hails from mt. pleasant mills, runs a private practice as well as serves as the district judge in Middleburg, a position she held since 2011 which is her second six year term and expires at the end of 2023.
GOVERNOR TOM WOLF, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND AN EXECUTIVE ORDER
Governor Tom Wolf joined members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) and local environmental advocates at the Discovery Center to announce executive and legislative actions that will ensure that all Pennsylvanians, especially disadvantaged communities, are included in conversations and decisions to protect our environment. Governor Wolf has issued an Executive Order strengthening the Wolf Administration’s efforts to address environmental justice and support low-income communities and communities of color that are adversely impacted by environmental issues with accompanying adverse health impacts.
CITY COUNCIL CHANGES FROM YESTERDAY
Williamsport City Council members Liz Miele and Randall Allison maintained their positions in the council following yesterday’s election. However, Dave Banks was replaced by Eric Beiter after only one-term. The polls were slow in the city of Williamsport, as just under 15,000 residents turned out to vote, which appears to be a trend across the country for this election.
WILLIAMSPORT POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR YOUR HELP
The Williamsport Bureau of Police is currently attempting to locate Bradley Racey, who was last seen leaving the Newberry Section of Williamsport on October 27, 2021, at approximately 1:50 AM. Anyone with information regarding Racey’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Williamsport Bureau of Police.
POLICE ASKING FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE IN WILLIAMSPORT SHOOTING
The woman who suffered a gunshot wound to the head, in her second-floor apt at Maple St and Memorial Avenue is still unable to provide detectives details on her shooting. In fact, according to SUN Gazette, doctors still are unable to clear her to speak with the police, as of yesterday. The condition of the woman, who was at least initially admitted into the intensive care unit within the UPMC Williamsport on Oct. 12, is unknown. With additional evidence from the scene, investigators continue to work the scene and are continuing to reach out to the community for assistance. As reported by SUN Gazette, if you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Agent Brittany Alexander at the Williamsport Bureau of Police.
SPEED LEADS TO DRUG CHARGES
It was a brief vehicle pursuit followed by a foot pursuit as a driver bailed from his vehicle at High and Hepburns streets on Tuesday morning around 1130 am. Hafiz Durbin of Philadelphia was arrested, but not before either dropped or disposed of 50 bags of suspected heroin, which were seized. According to Sun Gazette, following his arraignment before District Judge Aaron Biichle on multiple felony charges, Durbin was jailed in lieu of $95,000 bail.
UNCONTESTED RACES IN LYCOMING COUNTY
Uncontested races in the region include, but are not limited to the races for Magistrial District Judge, where Christian D. Fry, Denise Dieter and William Solomon maintained their positions. Also uncontested, Mark Lusk remains the Lycoming County Sheriff.
BRIDGES TO LEARNING PROGRAM
It is called Bridges to Learning Program and its use is approved by the South Williamsport Area School Board. According to District Superintendent Dr. Mark Stamm, the program is useful to both students who learn remotely and those who attend school in person. Basically, it bridges the learning. For example, it will allow Mountie Academy students to attend school in-person when needed. In reverse, the program will permit about 600 students in grades 7 to 12, will allow in-person students to participate in cyber/remote courses through the Academy, dual enrollment, and advanced academic programs The next school board meeting is set for 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15.
LYCOMING COUNTY MAYOR RACES
Mayoral races throughout the area included; Duboistown Richard Knecht, Hughesville Richard Smith, Jersey Shore Sally Ann Combs, Montgomery Edward Alexander, Montoursville Steve Bagwell and South Williamsport Mayor Marlin Angelo all with uncontested wins for their positions in their respective boroughs.
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RELEASED NEW COVID-19 CASES YESTERDAY
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has released new COVID-19 cases from yesterday. Lycoming County had 78 new cases, 17 new cases in Clinton, 60 new in Centre, 59 new in Northumberland, 33 new in Tioga and 34 new cases listed yesterday in Union County.
