MULTIPLE CHARGES FOR MAN WHO DAMAGED PROPERTY AND RESISTED ARREST

A McClure man damaged property inside the Snyder County Courthouse, as he resisted arrest during his arraignment. Jesse Rowles of McClure fought with police and damaged the magistrate’s courtroom as he attempted to resist arrest and detention. According to an online news outlet, Rowles was charged with obstruction of justice, terroristic threats, and assault and jailed in the Snyder County prison.

A RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT

Geisinger requested the religious discrimination lawsuit, by over 100 unvaccinated employees, who are not following Geisinger’s COVID-19 mandatory requirements for testing, to be dismissed.  In a motion filed Friday, for a summary judgement in U.S. Middle District Court, the order, entered Nov. 23 by Judge Matthew W. Brann is said to have denied the over 100 employees a motion for a temporary injunction which would have prevent them from the requirement of COVID testing.  According to Penn Live, in its motion for summary judgment, Geisinger argues the employees failed to establish a case for religious discrimination and they have not exhausted their administrative remedies by filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

FALSIFYING AND DOUBLE-DIPPING

A former Pennsylvania state lawmaker charged with falsifying and double-dipping on expense reimbursements from the state House of Representatives and her campaign pleaded guilty this week, the state attorney general’s office said.  Margo Davidson pleaded guilty Thursday in Dauphin County Court to five counts, including theft, the office said. All are misdemeanors, but the guilty plea bars Davidson from holding public office in Pennsylvania again, it said.  Davidson, 59, a Democrat from Delaware County, was minority chair of the busy State Government Committee when she was charged in July. The attorney general’s office accused Davidson of getting reimbursed for hotel stays, parking, tolls and gas by both her campaign and by the House from 2015 to 2019, and for putting in for reimbursements for hotel stays that never actually occurred.  It also accused her of asking an unnamed witness to lie to investigators.

RECOGNITION BY PENNSYLVANIA SENATOR GENE YAW

One of the most respected coaches in NCAA Division III wrestling history, Lycoming College Head Coach Roger Crebs ’87 was honored with a citation presented by PA Sen. Gene Yaw ’70 on Wednesday, Dec. 1. In a small ceremony held in front of Lycoming College’s Keiper Recreation center. Adding to a slew of honors earned during his 28 years along the Lycoming matside, Crebs picked up the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s Lifetime Service to Wrestling award in October at an event held at the Hershey Lodge. Crebs is also a member of the National Wrestling Coaches Association Division III Hall of Fame (2012), District 4 Wrestling Hall of Fame (2011) and the West Branch Valley Sports Hall of Fame (2018).
 

ATV PILOT CONNECTOR PLAN

State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), Majority Chairman, and Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D-19), Minority Chairwoman, will hold a briefing of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 at 10AM to discuss the Tiadaghton State Forest ATV Pilot Connector plan by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Due to COVID-19 restrictions, seating is reserved for the presenters.  Members of the public can watch the briefing LIVE at https://environmental.pasenategop.com/.   The briefing will include a presentation from DCNR, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), and a number of local and regional organizations including the Central Mountains ATV Association, Inc., Pine Creek Preservation Association, Slate Run Sportsmen’s and others.

OMICRON VARIANT DISCOVERED IN PENNSYVANIA

Health officials reported the first confirmed case of the omicron variant in Pennsylvania on Friday, a man in his 30s from Philadelphia. The health department said the variant’s arrival was “not unexpected” in Philadelphia and that residents should “seriously reconsider” plans for indoor holiday gatherings. Much remains unknown about the new omicron variant of the coronavirus, including whether it is more contagious, as some health authorities suspect, whether it can thwart vaccines and whether it makes people as sick as the original strain. People in at least five other states have tested positive for omicron, including California, Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota and New York. Word of Philadelphia’s omicron case came as Pennsylvania reports sharp increases in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.

TRANSIT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

A Transit Oversight Committee was created by Williamsport City Council and has been set to expand the legislative accountability of both River Valley Transit and city government. The ordinance, passed on second reading, last night received a unanimous vote. In layman’s terms, the ordinance is a series of checks and balances on River Valley Transit’s operations, a sore topic in Williamsport for some time. In fact, according to SUN Gazette, the years between 2009 and 2019 are under investigation by State Attorney General Josh Shapiro and the most recent audit failed to show much improvement.  The ordinance takes effect Dec. 22 with the committee including three members of council, the mayor, the city controller, and the city’s director of finance.

COVID STRETCHING RESOURCES ONCE AGAIN

With numbers as nearly high as last December, Evangelical Community Hospital is full again with  the current COVID surge, according to President and CEO Kendra Aucker. With patients who waited to get care, due to high volumes of people and long wait times at doctors and hospitals, they are now sicker than ever. Aucker reported their resources, staffing and even beds are pushed to their limits. To help the surge, Evangelical Community Hospital has created an ED surge clinic. According to an online media outlet, staffing shortages have also hurt the hospital. With the hospital reaching daily higher COVID numbers, Aucker stresses, “It’s important to get vaccinated, boosted, and do your part.”

WHITE CHRISTMAS?

AccuWeather’s white Christmas forecast looks ahead at the chances of a white Christmas across the contiguous U.S. AccuWeather’s team of long-range forecasters, looked to key patterns that could favor snow in time for the holidays this winter. Included in the snow prediction effort is La Nina, which is the phase in which sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean drop to lower-than-average levels for an extended period of time. Due to the La Niña storm track, however, they are two states most likely to have a higher-than-normal chance of a white Christmas, along with western Idaho and portions of Northern California and Nevada. The chances of snow on or around Christmas are lower  for us, across the mid-Atlantic, as temperatures just may not be cold enough for snow to fall and remain on the ground.

SENATE BILL 565 VETOED AS PROMISED

Following Governor Tom Wolf’s veto of Senate Bill 565 yesterday, nearly a dozen law enforcement, domestic violence, minority and family advocacy organizations have expressed their support for the veto to strike down legislation that would have made it easier for concealed weapons to be carried throughout Pennsylvania by unvetted gun-holders.

BUTTER SCULPTURES WANTED

Now that Thanksgiving is over, what are you going to do with your leftover 5 pounds of butter? For a second year, the Department of Agriculture and Pennsylvania Farm Show invite Pennsylvanians to Butter Up! and try their hands at crafting a do-it-yourself butter sculpture. The contest, conducted on social media, will be open for submissions through Friday, December 17, 2021 at 12:00 PM. “Every year, millions tune in to see the unveiling of a 1,000-pound sculptureOpens In A New Window to kick off our annual Pennsylvania Farm Show,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.  “The Butter Up! contest is a perfect opportunity to engage the public in one of the most beloved traditions of the Pennsylvania Farm Show. In September, Redding unveiled the 2022 Farm Show theme, Harvesting More.

PA FARM SHOW IN JANUARY

The 2022 Pennsylvania Farm Show, Saturday, January 8 through Saturday January 15, will feature a return of fan-favorites like the 1,000-pound butter sculpture, famous Farm Show Food Court, bunny hopping and sheep shearing competitions (among hundreds of other competitive agricultural events), cooking demonstrations at the PA Preferred^® Culinary Connection, and more than one million square feet of hands-on agriculture education opportunities and chances to engage with the people who power Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry.

FARRANDSVILLE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

The Pa Department of Transportation will soon hold an Open House/Public Plans Display for the Farrandsville Road Improvement Project. This information meet will present the revised plans for future improvements to Farrandsville Road in Clinton County. The displays for the Farrandsville Road Retaining Wall with Pedestrian Facility incorporate development of the alignment based on environmental contrants constructability concepts, and engineering requirements. Right-of-way impacts will be available for review and comment. The meeting is set for  Tuesday, December 14 at the Dunnstown Firehall on Route 150 from 5 pm to 7 pm.

GRANT MONEY FOR SUNBURY MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY

A $1 million state grant has been awarded to the Sunbury Municipal Authority with the help from Senator John Gordner and State Representative Lynda Schlegel Culver. The Sunbury Transfer Station will get a much needed upgrade to increase daily operation levels, according to the Daily Item.  According to city officials, the upgrade will allow the facilities to accept 300,000 thereby allowing local waste collectors use of the facilities, as well.

FELONY TO MISDEMEANOR CHARGE UNDER THE FELONY DIVERSION PROGRAM

The felony charge could be dropped from her DUI case, which stemmed from an incident on March 21, when with a blood alcohol over 3 times the legal limit, a Tioga County woman who drove to pick up her husband at  Geisinger Medical Center.   Heather Yuhas of Wellsboro, under the court’s felony diversion program, plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence. In her phone conversation/arraignment last week, she told the President Judge Thomas James she is sober now, even with  her 3 DUIs in the past 5 years. According to the Daily Item, Yuhas,  must pay $100 per month towards the yearlong felony diversion program and also follow the rules of the drug court program.

UNDER THE INFLUENCE AND UNDER ARREST

Under the influence of methadone and methamphetamine, two people from Middleburg were found passed out with a toddler in the vehicle. According to an online media outlet, Wilhelm Wray and Marisa Liddington were found passed out in the front seats on Pine Street in Middleburg, as an 18-month-old child was present. They were charged with DUI and child endangerment they were taken into custody in Milton November 29 on arrest warrants after they were involved in a crash and taken to Snyder County jail on bail.

MORE CASES DISCOVERED

New York announced three more cases of the omicron variant of the coronavirus Saturday, bringing the number of state cases linked to the new variant to eight. “The omicron variant is here, and as anticipated we are seeing the beginning of community spread,” state Health Commissioner Mary Bassett said in a news release. The number of states finding the variant is growing as well, with Massachusetts, Connecticut and Washington state announcing their first cases Saturday, a day after New Jersey, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Maryland reported their first confirmed cases. Missouri reported its first presumed case Friday. In Pennsylvania, a man in his 30s from Philadelphia became that state’s first case. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health did not immediately say whether the man was vaccinated against COVID-19 or if he had been traveling.

THANKFUL FOR CHRISTMAS TREE

The Officers of Williamsport Bureau of Police would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Zimmer Century Tree Farm in Covington for donating this festive Christmas Tree to help adorn our police station for the holiday season!

TWENTY FIRST ANNUAL BUSINESS PARTNER IN EDUCATION AWARD

The Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the Twenty[1]First Annual Business Partner in Education Award. The award will be presented at our Education Celebration on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Williamsport Country Club, Williamsport. The deadline for the application is Friday, January 28th , 2022. The Chamber has long recognized the importance of the business community partnering with the education community. At our Education Celebration, we will be recognizing not only the educators and students from our area schools, but we will also be recognizing one business that demonstrates how area businesses can partner with our future business leaders. This is a wonderful opportunity for businesses to highlight their local involvement in the education community. The partnering of businesses with the area school districts helps to ensure the professional development of today’s students and tomorrow’s business leaders and deserves to be recognized!

APPLICATIONS REQUESTED FOR AVAILABLE FUNDING

The County of Lycoming is accepting pre-application funding requests from municipalities, public authorities, non-profits, and businesses that are located within Lycoming County to help determine how to allocate monies from the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The County was awarded $22 million in ARPA funds through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to address the impacts of COVID-19, which will be transferred to the County in two installments. The County has received the initial installment (totaling 50% of the overall award) in May 2021 and expects to receive the remaining balance around May of 2022. The Commissioners anticipate opening two grant rounds over the 2022 calendar year to allocate those funds. Currently, in an effort to determine how to best utilize these funds, the Commissioners are encouraging all eligible entities to complete and submit a pre[1]application located at www.lyco.org/ARPA. By completing this form you will help the County determine the level at which each eligible project category will be funded. The following types of organizations are eligible to apply: · Municipalities · Public Authorities · 501c(3) Nonprofits · Privately Owned Businesses The initial pre-application window will be from November 16th , 2021 until December 31st, 2021.

UNDERSTANDING THE REDRAWING OF PA’S BOUNDARIES

In the weeks ahead, we will be looking at proposals to redraw the boundaries of Pennsylvania’s U.S. congressional districts, as well as those of the state House and Senate districts. The boundary changes are necessary to ensure fair and equal representation in state and federal government for all citizens. Congressional and state legislative districts are required by the Constitution to be nearly equal in population. Every 10 years, in conjunction with the U.S. Census, the district boundaries are adjusted based on shifts in population to meet the “one person, one vote” principle.

REPEAT OFFENDER LEGISLATION TO THE SENATE

Working to improve safety on our highways, the House recently adopted legislation that would increase penalties for people convicted of third or subsequent crimes of driving under the influence (DUI). Specifically, the measure would increase the penalty for a third DUI offense to a third-degree felony, or a second-degree felony if the person has three or more prior offenses. It would also require consecutive, rather than concurrent, sentences for these crimes. House Bill 773, also called “Deana’s Law,” is named after Deana Eckman, a 45-year-old Delaware County woman who was killed in a drunk-driving crash in 2019 by a man who had five prior DUI offenses.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

FIRST CONFIRMED CASE IN PENNSYLVANIA

Health officials reported the first confirmed case of the omicron variant in Pennsylvania on Friday, a man in his 30s from Philadelphia. The health department said the variant’s arrival was “not unexpected” in Philadelphia and that residents should “seriously reconsider” plans for indoor holiday gatherings. Much remains unknown about the new omicron variant of the coronavirus, including whether it is more contagious, as some health authorities suspect, whether it can thwart vaccines and whether it makes people as sick as the original strain. People in at least five other states have tested positive for omicron, including California, Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota and New York. Word of Philadelphia’s omicron case came as Pennsylvania reports sharp increases in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.

CHECKS AND BALANCES

A Transit Oversight Committee was created by Williamsport City Council and has been set to expand the legislative accountability of both River Valley Transit and city government. The ordinance, passed on second reading, last night received a unanimous vote. In layman’s terms, the ordinance is a series of checks and balances on River Valley Transit’s operations, a sore topic in Williamsport for some time. In fact, according to SUN Gazette, the years between 2009 and 2019 are under investigation by State Attorney General Josh Shapiro and the most recent audit failed to show much improvement.  The ordinance takes effect Dec. 22 with the committee including three members of council, the mayor, the city controller, and the city’s director of finance.

UPDATED COVID-19 CASES LOCALLY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Friday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 40 new cases. In Centre County 141 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 137 new cases. Northumberland County with 108 new cases, 32 in Snyder County ;34 in Union County and 11 in Montour.

LOCAL HOSPITAL PUSHED TO LIMITS

With numbers as nearly high as last December, Evangelical Community Hospital is full again with the current COVID surge, according to President and CEO Kendra Aucker. With patients who waited to get care, due to high volumes of people and long wait times at doctors and hospitals, they are now sicker than ever. Aucker reported their resources, staffing and even beds are pushed to their limits. To help the surge, Evangelical Community Hospital has created an ED surge clinic. According to an online media outlet, staffing shortages have also hurt the hospital. With the hospital reaching daily higher COVID numbers, Aucker stresses, “It’s important to get vaccinated, boosted, and do your part.”

LONG RANGE SNOW PREDICTION

AccuWeather’s white Christmas forecast looks ahead at the chances of a white Christmas across the contiguous U.S. AccuWeather’s team of long-range forecasters, looked to key patterns that could favor snow in time for the holidays this winter. Included in the snow prediction effort is La Nina, which is the phase in which sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean drop to lower-than-average levels for an extended period of time. Due to the La Niña storm track, however, they are two states most likely to have a higher-than-normal chance of a white Christmas, along with western Idaho and portions of Northern California and Nevada. The chances of snow on or around Christmas are lower for us, across the mid-Atlantic, as temperatures just may not be cold enough for snow to fall and remain on the ground.

VETO SUPPORT FOR PA GOVERNOR

Following Governor Tom Wolf’s veto of Senate Bill 565 yesterday, nearly a dozen law enforcement, domestic violence, minority and family advocacy organizations have expressed their support for the veto to strike down legislation that would have made it easier for concealed weapons to be carried throughout Pennsylvania by unvetted gun-holders.

LEFT OVER BUTTER SUGGESTION

Now that Thanksgiving is over, what are you going to do with your leftover 5 pounds of butter? For a second year, the Department of Agriculture and Pennsylvania Farm Show invite Pennsylvanians to Butter Up! and try their hands at crafting a do-it-yourself butter sculpture. The contest, conducted on social media, will be open for submissions through Friday, December 17, 2021 at 12:00 PM. “Every year, millions tune in to see the unveiling of a 1,000-pound sculpture to kick off our annual Pennsylvania Farm Show,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.  “The Butter Up! contest is a perfect opportunity to engage the public in one of the most beloved traditions of the Pennsylvania Farm Show. In September, Redding unveiled the 2022 Farm Show theme, Harvesting More.

2022 PA FARM SHOW IN JANUARY

The 2022 Pennsylvania Farm Show will feature a return of fan-favorites like the 1,000-pound butter sculpture, famous Farm Show Food Court, bunny hopping and sheep shearing competitions (among hundreds of other competitive agricultural events), cooking demonstrations at the PA Preferred^® Culinary Connection, and more than one million square feet of hands-on agriculture education opportunities and chances to engage with the people who power Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry.

FARRANDSVILLE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

The Pa Department of Transportation will soon hold an Open House/Public Plans Display for the Farrandsville Road Improvement Project. This information meet will present the revised plans for future improvements to Farrandsville Road in Clinton County. The displays for the Farrandsville Road Retaining Wall with Pedestrian Facility incorporate development of the alignment based on environmental contrants constructability concepts, and engineering requirements. Right-of-way impacts will be available for review and comment. The meeting is set for  Tuesday, December 14 at the Dunnstown Firehall on Route 150 from 5 pm to 7 pm.

GRANT MONEY FOR SUNBURY MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY

A $1 million state grant has been awarded to the Sunbury Municipal Authority with the help from Senator John Gordner and State Representative Lynda Schlegel Culver. The Sunbury Transfer Station will get a much needed upgrade to increase daily operation levels, according to the Daily Item.  According to city officials, the upgrade will allow the facilities to accept 300,000 thereby allowing local waste collectors use of the facilities, as well.

AMENDMENT TO A CIVIL COMPLAINT IN WILLIAMSPORT

They amended their civil complaint in federal court which claimed the police violated the defendants’ rights to be protected from unreasonable search and seizure, excessive use of force, assault and others, when multiple officers entered a Newberry residence at 5:30 am on Sept 29, 2020. According to SUN Gazette, U.S. Chief District Judge Matthew W. Brann allowed Libby Williams and Rocellus Carter to refile the complaint.

VETOED AS PROMISED

Gov. Tom Wolf followed through on his veto threat Thursday, rejecting Republican-penned legislation to allow people to carry a firearm openly or concealed, without a permit, adding to his total for Pennsylvania’s chief executive with the most vetoes in more than four decades. Wolf, a Democrat, called the bill “dangerous.” Wolf’s veto comes amid a tide of deadly gun violence in Philadelphia, the state’s largest city, and political finger-pointing over blame. Republicans said the bill would have made people safer. Wolf has said it is a top priority to address what he says is a gun violence crisis affecting largely minority communities, but the Republican-controlled Legislature has rejected nearly all his proposals.

CRIMINAL ATTEMPT HOMICIDE ON WILLIAMSPORT MAN

A Williamsport man kicked in a woman’s front door. He then threatened to kill several occupants before strangling and beating the victim until she became unconscious. December 2nd, 2021 at approximately 12:38 am – Daniel Justin Miller Sr., was arranged by MDJ Jerry Lepley on Criminal Attempt Homicide, Strangulation, Aggravated Assault, other charges and placed in Lycoming County Prison without bail.

MULTIPLE CHARGES SEND WILLIAMSPORT WOMAN TO JAIL

A Williamsport woman set fires at her neighbor’s door and then threw a knife through the neighbor’s apartment window. On November 30th, 2021 at approximately 11:45 pm – Tiffany Marie McGinty, attempted to flee into the basement, then out of the residence, and then became physically resistive/combative with officers before being taken into custody.  Tiffany McGinty was later arraigned before MDJ William Solomon on the multiple charges, denied bail and detained in the Lycoming County Prison.

LOCAL UPDATED COVID-19 CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 29 new cases. In Centre County 85 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 139 new cases. There were 88 new cases in Northumberland County, 36 in Snyder County, 16 in Union County and 14 in Montour. Tioga county had 16 new covid 19 cases listed yesterday.

REAL ESTATE TAXES UNCHANGED FOR 2022

No change in real estate taxes for Clinton County for the second straight year. The 2022 preliminary budget was revealed by the Clinton County Commissioners and unanimously approved during their sesson yesterday. According to therecordonline.com, December 30^th, with no changes, the document will see final adoption.

PUBLIC SAFTY BUDGETS EVALUATED

Public Safety budgets were carefully inspected during the Williamsport City Council Budget meeting on Wednesday. An estimated $10 million budget was presented to the Williamsport City Council Budget Committee on Wednesday. Chief Justin Snyder of the Williamsport Bureau of police presented the proposed budget with an additional proposal to deploy 48 officers. Also at the meeting, $6.7 million budget was proposed by the Williamsport Bureau of Fire Chief Mark Killian, who also noted the hiring of four firefighters, the academy and training costs for his department.  Finally, $872,053 was proposed by Joseph Geradi, the Williamsport Codes administrator, who noted the budget included uniforms and other items necessary for his staff of enforcement officers and other inspectors.

MAN IDENTIFIED WITH DENTAL RECORDS WAS RULED SUICIDE

The body of the man found along the Susquehanna river bank in Fairfield township on Monday afternoon has been positively identified through dental records. According to Lycoming County Coroner Charles Kiessling Jr, the death has been ruled a suicide and there will be no further details released on this incident.

KEEPING TABS ON RIVER VALLEY TRANSIT

A Transit Oversight Committee was created by Williamsport City Council and has been set to expand the legislative accountability of both River Valley Transit and city government. The ordinance, passed on second reading, last night received a unanimous vote. In layman’s terms, the ordinance is a series of checks and balances on River Valley Transit’s operations, a sore topic in Williamsport for some time. In fact, according to SUN Gazette, the years between 2009 and 2019 are under investigation by State Attorney General Josh Shapiro and the most recent audit failed to show much improvement.  The ordinance takes effect Dec. 22 with the committee including three members of council, the mayor, the city controller, and the city’s director of finance.

HUMAN REMAINS FOUND IN FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP

The remains of a white male washed up onto the riverbank yesterday afternoon on the Susquehanna River near Hiller Road in Fairfield Township, Lycoming County. The remains were found by hunters in a hunting party. Pennsylvania State Police in Montoursville and the Lycoming County Coroner are investigating.

OZ RUNNING FOR PA SENATE

Dr. Mehmet Oz, the celebrity physician, said he would run for Senate in Pennsylvania, jumping into a crowded G.O.P. primary. In his announcement, Dr. Oz described his frustration with the “arrogant, closed-minded people in charge” who shut schools and businesses during the pandemic.

TIADAGHTON STATE FOREST ATV PILOT CONNECTOR PLAN

State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), Majority Chairman, and Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D-19), Minority Chairwoman, will hold a briefing of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 at 10AM to discuss the Tiadaghton State Forest ATV Pilot Connector plan by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The briefing will be held at the Tiadaghton District Office, 10 Lower Pine Bottom Road, Waterville, PA 17776, and will include a presentation from DCNR, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), and a number of local and regional organizations including the Central Mountains ATV Association, Inc., Pine Creek Preservation Association, Slate Run Sportsmen’s and others. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, seating is reserved for the presenters.  Members of the public can watch the briefing LIVE at https://environmental.pasenategop.com/.

MASK ORDER REMAINS IN PLACE

An order requiring masks inside Pennsylvania’s K-12 schools and child care facilities will remain in place while the state Supreme Court considers the governor’s appeal of a lawsuit that overturned the mandate, the high court ruled Tuesday. The justices in a 5-1 decision put on hold a lower-court order that said the mask mandate would not remain in place as litigation over it continued. If the justices hadn’t acted, the mask mandate would have ended on Saturday. The Commonwealth Court majority said acting Health Secretary Alison Beam lacked authority to require masks, that she did not comply with state laws about reviewing and approving regulations and that the mandate was adopted without an existing disaster emergency declared by the governor.

NO INCREASE IN TAXES

No increase in property or other taxes in Williamsport, as the Mayor has a proposed $28.3 million budget for 2022. This evening at 7 pm a second budget work session will be held, according to SUN Gazette, focusing  on public safety departments which make up  80% of the overall cost of the general fund budget through police and fire department including their operation and salaries and pensions.

COVID-19 CASES UPDATED YESTERDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 26 new cases. In Centre County 64 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 110 new cases. Tioga county had 16 new covid cases reported yesterday.

SUNBURY POLICE LOOKING FOR SUSPECTS IN MULTIPLE BREAK INS

Upwards of a dozen vehicle break-ins happened in the city of Sunbury Monday night.  According to Police Chief Brad Hare the break ins were from various sections of the city and while some vehicles were unlocked, some actually had windows smashed. According to the Daily Item, if you have any information on these break ins, please contact the Northumberland County 911 center.

FLEEING CAR CRASHED SENDING OCCUPANTS TO HOSPITAL

An adult man crashed with a female juvenile in his vehicle as they attempted to flee police on Monday night.  Gavin Schomburg, 18-year-old male and a juvenile female were taken to the hospital with serious injuries after crashing their car while leading State Police in pursuit. The pursuit began in the area of Canfields Lane, Loyalsock Township and ended on Kehrer Hill Rd. Once the vehicle crashed it caught fire with both occupants still in the vehicle. Multiple other members from PSP Montoursville arrived on scene and both occupants were pulled from the burning vehicle. Both occupants were transported to the hospital with serious injuries. The driver was found to be in possession of a large amount of drugs. SCHOMBURG is charged with multiple felonies including fleeing and eluding and aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI.

SPENDING PLAN FOR THE $1.2 TRILLION INFRASTRUCTION INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT

Governor Tom Wolf shared an overview of enhancements Pennsylvania anticipates receiving through the passage of President Joe Biden’s bold, historic $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Based on historical formula funding, the White House anticipates Pennsylvania receiving the following infrastructure improvements with federal funding to include but not limited to: Repair and rebuild roads and bridges with a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience, equity, and safety for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians. Help connect every Pennsylvanian to reliable high-speed internet. Prepare more of our infrastructure for the impacts of climate change, cyber-attacks, and extreme weather events and deliver clean drinking water to Pennsylvanians.

Interventional Cardiology Reaccreditation for Evangelical Community Hospital

Corazon, Inc., a national leader in services for the cardiovascular specialty based in Pittsburgh, has granted reaccreditation to the Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) program at Evangelical Community Hospital. As a result of a successful examination of policies, procedures, staff education, and skills exhibited, the Hospital has been reaccredited for one year. By doing a yearly inspection of the service, the Hospital is able to stay on track with what is already working well and implement any new quality measures that emerge.

stage of Radio City Music Hall.

MISS USA PAGEANT TONIGHT

Miss Pennsylvania, Sydney Robertson of Williamsport, is in Tulsa, Oklahoma to compete in the 70^th edition of the Miss USA Pageant which can be seen  tonight at 8 p.m., and viewed on FYI Network or live on the streaming service Hulu. If Sydney wins the title of Miss USA, she will travel to Israel next week to compete in the Miss Universe Pageant.

UPDATED LOCAL COVID-19 CASES IN OUR AREA

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday reported 4,160 new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 22 new cases. In Centre County 82 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 59 new cases. There were 48 new infections in Northumberland County, 10 in Snyder, six in Montour and five in Union County. Tioga County had 19 new COVID cases listed yesterday.

FIRE IN SHAMOKIN DAM

A family is displaced, as a fire destroyed a home in Shamokin Dam Saturday night. According to an online media outlet, nine fire companies responded around 11:30 pm. There were no injuries and, according to an online media source, the Red Cross was called to assist the family.

MONEY LAUNDERING GETS NIGERIAN MAN PRISON TIME

A federal judge in Pennsylvania has sentenced a Nigerian man to more than seven years in prison for conspiring to launder approximately $1.89 million in mail and wire fraud proceeds in a scheme that targeted women. Jabin Okpako, and his wife, Christine Bradley of Sayre, transferred the funds out of the United States to three separate bank accounts in Nigeria, prosecutors said. Authorities said the couple targeted women, ranging in age from 55 to 85, who visited online game, relationship and dating websites. According to prosecutors, the fictitious purposes included to help a worker in Alaska who fell from a tower, to aid the United Nations and to recover a $6 million inheritance. The judge ordered Jabin to make restitution in the amount of $440,950 and to forfeit proceeds of the criminal activity.

A DATA CORRECTION IN PA NUMBERS OF VACCINATED ADULTS

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week dropped its percentage of vaccinated adults in Pennsylvania by nearly five percentage points in what apparently was a data correction to weed out duplicates. The agency on Wednesday adjusted the percentage to 68.9%, after a day earlier putting the percentage at 73.7% of Pennsylvanians 18 and older. The downward revision amounted to a reduction of about 1.2 million doses. Pennsylvania’s Department of Health said it sends its data to the CDC, and began in July to refine its data to remove duplicate information and correct data on first, second and booster doses. The data correction comes as infections, hospitalizations and intensive-care unit cases are rising in Pennsylvania and many other states.

FLEEING WITH CHILD IN CAR

A Linden man fled from police with a child in his car. A State Police Corporal stopped Jarod Tedesco, on Wednesday night, as he was weaving in-and-out of his driving lane and traveling well below the posted speed limit. The stop, just outside of Williamsport, was brief because Tedesco took off when a second trooper arrived to assist. The pursuit, winded south on Route 220 and ended in Woodward Township on Stewart Street. He was cooperative until he was searched and then he became belligerent and struggled with troopers. Again, he attempted to flee, this time on foot, until a trooper deployed his tazer.

Tedesco was medically cleared by UPMC Williamsport, arraigned in front of District Judge William Solomon on multiple charges, and committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $99,000 bail.

MAN KILLS MOTHER WITH BAT

A Coal Township man allegedly struck his mother in the head with a baseball bat, killing her, in their home last weekend. Christopher Depka is charged with killing Sarah Jones and wrapping her body in blankets in her bedroom.  According to WNEP, Depka was seen via surveillance video at Rite Aid with her ATM card one day before she was found dead. A search of the property, revealed a bloody aluminum baseball bat in Depka’s bedroom. He was arraigned and commited to Northumberland County Jail with no known bail.

SUNBURY FIREFIGHTERS FIGHT FLAMES A SECOND DAY

For the second day, Sunbury firefighters dealt with a house fire in the city. The fire, on Susquehanna Avenue on Friday afternoon, damaged multiple rooms of an apartment complex. It began in a bedroom of the second floor, extended to the attic and out a first floor window, where it lit a neighboring residence on fire. The two alarm blaze brought firefighters from Sunbury, Northumberland, Shamokin Dam, Selinsgrove and 9 other companies. According to an online media outlet, the home is a loss and uninhabitable. Although no injuries were reported, the Red Cross was on scene to help residents. The fire is under investigation.

LOWE’S MONEY SCHEME GETS SUSPECTS JAIL TIME

A money scheme has been running on local Lowe’s Home Improvement stores. Montoursville police reported possibly three suspects entered Lowe’s and preyed on cashiers. They purchased items. Using a  Global Cash Card and returned the items, at a neighboring Lowe’s … receiving cash back.  Montoursville Police identified Savannah Danielle Dillard and Ahman Shantone Mack Boxley of Michigan. Both have been charged with multiple felonies and have been committed without bail. According to the Northcentralpa.com, the third individual has not yet been identified.

PENALTIES FOR FAILING TO PAY PA TURNPIKE TOLLS

After more than $104 million in Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls went uncollected last year, a state senator says he’s come up with a way to prevent future losses. Sen. Marty Flynn, D-Lackawanna, a member of the 14-member Senate Transportation Committee, says he plans to introduce a package of bills to prevent future uncollected tolls, commonly referred to as “leakage.”  If a driver fails to pay, a lawsuit could be the next step. But if a motorist has $500 or more in unpaid toll violations or invoices over three years, the Turnpike Commission can request to suspend their registration. This makes it easier to bill commercial drivers who utilize the more than 550-mile system. Flynn’s proposal, a Senate companion to legislation in the House, would lower the threshold needed to trigger a registration suspension from six unpaid tolls to four — or from $500 to $250. It also proposes raising the statute of limitations from three to five years to give Turnpike officials more time to pursue offenders.