CONGRATS TO KEVIN PRADEL
A Pennsylvania College of Technology student was among only seven selected worldwide to receive a Bill Sanderson Aviation Maintenance Technology Scholarship from Helicopter Association International’s Technical Committee. Kevin Pradel, a senior in the four-year aviation maintenance technology major, was awarded a second-place scholarship that provides a tuition waiver for a helicopter manufacturer training school. Pradel, of Belleville, New Jersey, will attend the Leonardo AW139 helicopter factory school in Philadelphia. Pradel joins a distinguished list of Penn College students honored by HAI over the past 18 years; the total amount of association scholarships awarded to those students exceeds $200,000.
LYCOMING COUNTY PLANNING ON HOW TO SPEND THEIR $22 MILLION IN AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS
The Lycoming County Commissioners reached out to organizations that represent the community to see how they would spend the $22 million in American Rescue Plan Fun allocations. As reported by the SUN Gazette, the commissioners discussed generation-al projects for the funds. All three agreed the projects should make an impact on the communities, while also helping the largest part of Lycoming County. The county received the first half of the ARPA funds last May and is set to receive the second portion in May. The allocation of the funds must be completed by the end of 2024 and then spent by the end of 2026.
NEXT STEP IS A VOTE OF THE COUNCIL
The Williamsport City Council’s public works committee has provided a positive recommendation for a firm to complete street paving inspection services. As reported by SUN Gazette, Bassett Engineering of Montoursville will be responsible to do inspections on both asphalt and concrete placements throughout Williamsport this year and answering items in the field, communicating between the contractors and the city. According to Jon Sander, Williamsport City Engineer, there are upwards of 20 streets for the paving schedule.
FRIDAYS ARE BACK
Williamsport is set to see a return to First Fridays. As reported by Sun Gazette, major groups are working hard to make Fridays a reality. Lycoming Arts, UPMC and the YMCA are working together to put a positive focus on children within the community. Tomorrow, guests to Williamsport’s First Friday can expect artisans, artists, live music and many culinary treats. A kids’ craft space will be held by the Lycoming Arts in their gallery on West Fourth Street. Also present will be local food trucks and vendors downtown including Real Taste Taqueria, Taco Bills, Brusters, Mad Griller, MC Cafe and Dutchman’s Kettle Corn. Also, tomorrow, a pre-show performance by the cast of “Ragtime: The Musical,” a Community Theatre League production opening Friday at the CAC around 5 p.m. in the pavilion between the center and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette.
ARRESTED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
A Williamsport man has been charged with possession of child pornography and more, in an investigation led by the state police North East Computer Crime Unit. As reported by SUN Gazette, Christopher Fraunfelter had upwards of 18 images of child abuse materials, which were traced to his email. He appeared before District Judge Gary Whiteman for arraignment, but was released on $50,000 bail.
PAYROLLS UP AND UNEMPLOYMENT IS DOWN
Pennsylvania’s payrolls recorded a big jump in February and the unemployment rate sank to a post-pandemic low, according to new state figures. Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate dropped three-tenths of a percentage point to 5.1% from January’s rate, the state Department of Labor and Industry said. In a separate survey of employers, non-farm payrolls in Pennsylvania grew in February by 34,000, driven primarily by hiring in manufacturing and the trade, transportation and utilities sectors. At close 5.9 million, payrolls are at their highest point since hitting a record high of nearly 6.1 million just before the pandemic, according to state figures.
SATURDAY IS THE OPENING DAY OF TROUT
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission report they are ready for Saturday, as anglers are expected to hit the streams, lakes and rivers in force. In numbers, estimated due to trout permit sales, upwards of 1 and a half million anglers are set to fish on the opening day. The commission reported they stocked over 3.2 million trout, including rainbow, brown, brook and golden rainbow in 696 streams and 128 private lakes throughout the commonwealth.
DEER SEASON RESULTS
The Pennsylvania Game Commission reported results from the 2021-22 deer seasons, which ended in January. Hunters harvested an estimated 376,810 white-tailed deer. The statewide buck harvest was estimated at 145,320 and the antlerless harvest at 231,490. That take, overall, is down about 13 percent compared to 2020-21. That’s not cause for concern, said Game Commission Deer and Elk Section Supervisor David Stainbrook. The 2020-21 season was above average, and the 2021-22 season is back on track with previous years.
LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL ON REMOTE
Due to a water main break on West Fourth Street, Williamsport Area High School students – only – will be remote today and will operate according to their remote academic schedules. They will be held responsible for all assignments and any lapse in attendance.
All other schools will operate according to their regular schedules.
