OVER $1.5 MILLION TO HELP LYCOMING COUNTY

$1.65 million has been presented to different Lycoming County projects through multiple state authority grants.  Sen. Gene Yaw joined state Reps. Jeff Wheeland and Reps. Joe Hamm in support of the Commonwealth Financing Authority Grants. Over of $900,000 was provided to Williamsport to improve both Campbell and Fourth Streets in safety and appearance through the multimodal transportation fund grant. Other projects set to receive funds are the Greenway Trail project in Jersey Shore, Warrensville Road in Eldred Township and the Lycoming Biology Field Station Inc. in Upper Fairfield Township.

LOCAL COVID-19 CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 35 new cases. In Centre County 74 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 91 new cases. There were 61 in Northumberland County, 16 in Union, 11 in Montour and eight in Snyder.  Tioga County had 37 new covid-19 cases reported yesterday.

NEWLY SWORN AT WILLIAMSPORT BUREAU OF POLICE

The Williamsport Bureau of Police is pleased to announce that this morning at 10:00 Police Officer Nathan Kendall was officially sworn in with the Williamsport Bureau of Police. PO Kendall’s addition to the police department brings Williamsport Police compliment to 47 sworn police officers. PO Kendall will begin his Field Training next week. Williamsport Bureau of Police congratulates PO Kendall on beginning his journey as a Williamsport City Police Officer!

FATALITY ON GOLDEN STRIP IDENTIFIED

The Lycoming County Coroner’s Office is investigating the fatal crash with PA State Police in the 1900 block of East Third St..  Ronald Wagner was pronounced dead on arrival at the emergency room at UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital.  Mr. Wagner was traveling east on East Third St. striking another vehicle from behind in the 1900 block of East Third St. in Loyalsock Twp.  Mr. Wagner was unrestrained and found to be in cardiac arrest due to multiple blunt force trauma at the time of impact.  Resuscitative efforts were continued while in route to the emergency room without successful resuscitation being pronounced dead at 5:06 PM.

PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

​ The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that all driver license and photo centers, including the Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg, will be closed Thursday, November 25, and Friday, November 26, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE IN WATSONTOWN

A Watsontown man was sleeping behind the wheel of his running vehicle on Main Street in Watsontown.  Watsontown Police have charged Yuriy Gussev, of Watsontown, when on October 23, at 12:40 A.M. when, after chemical testing, he had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .163%.  Gussev has been charged with two counts of Driving Under the Influence.

STABBING AT ARM BAR IN MILTON LEADS TO CHARGES

A stabbing at a bar in Milton led to charges for two local men.  It was the Arm Bar in Milton, where Milton Police alleges Shannon Parrish of White Deer and Corby Brown of Milton were involved in a fight. Following an investigation charges were filed at the office of DJ Michael Diehl on Oct 21. According to the Daily Item, both Parrish and Brown have preliminary hearings there Dec. 1.

COMMONWEALTH FINANCING AUTHORITY 100 PROJECTS

Governor Tom Wolf announced 100 new project approvals today through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) for environmental and infrastructure projects in counties across Pennsylvania. The 100 Act 13 projects approved today are in 38 counties. The total funding amount is more than $10.4 million. The projects are designated for specific initiatives as follows:

• Flood Mitigation: Greenways, Trails and Recreation: Sewage Facilities: Watershed Restoration and Protection:

MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION FUND MONIES FOR 54 COUNTIES OF PENNSYLVANIA

Governor Tom Wolf today announced the approval of 166 new projects through the Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF), improving Pennsylvania’s transportation infrastructure and ensuring safer, more reliable transportation accommodation across the commonwealth. The projects total more than $84 million in funding. The 166 MTF projects approved are located in 54 counties: Centre, Lycoming, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Snyder, Susquehanna and Union.

GOV WOLF WORKING FOR INCREASED PAY, PAID LEAVE AND SAFER WORKPLACES FOR ALL

Gov. Tom Wolf continues to step up pressure on Republican legislative leaders to finally support hardworking Pennsylvanians. During a press conference in Philadelphia, the governor announced new proposed regulations to ensure tipped workers are treated fairly and outlined his legislative agenda for workers that will increase paychecks, guarantee paid leave and create safer workplaces.

FEMALE VETERANS DAY IN PA

Continuing the Wolf Administration’s effort to support women in the commonwealth and recognize those women who have served their country through the military, the Pennsylvania Commission for Women is seeking statewide nominations for its sixth Female Veterans Day Ceremony as part of Women’s History Month in March 2022. Veterans that are selected will be honored by Governor Tom Wolf and First Lady Frances Wolf. This year, the Female Veterans Day nomination form is available online. Nominees must be current Pennsylvania residents and have served at least four years in any branch of the U.S. military. The deadline for nominations is January 14, 2022. All final honorees will be notified via email by mid-February.

REPUBLICANS EXAMINING THE 2020 ELECTION

Republicans in the Pennsylvania Senate said  they will pay up to $270,000 over the next six months to have an Iowa consulting firm examine the 2020 election with an eye toward developing changes to state election law. The “forensic investigation” is being launched in response to pressure from Republican supporters of former President Donald Trump upset over his 80,000-vote loss in the state, but is well short of the Arizona-style “audit” that many of them have clamored for.A related subpoena issued by a GOP-controlled Senate committee, seeking voter data from the executive branch, is currently on hold awaiting a hearing in Commonwealth Court next month.

WORK SET TO BEGIN ON THE NEW ACCESSIBLE RAMP ON WILLIAMSPORT CITY HALL

Construction has begun on Williamsport City Hall, as the new accessible ramp is slated to begin within the next month.  According to City Engineer, Jon Sander, a general contractor from Boalsburg, LandServe Inc, for a price tag of $166,000 is contracted to perform the work, while the water line work is sub-contracted to Plumbing Masters. The water line work is set to include a line for fire suppression and another line for domestic use.  The historic look and feel of City Hall will be maintained and the project materials were pre-fabricated, which according to SUN Gazette, dropped the overall initial cost by $300,000.

WHITE DEER TOWNSHIP MAN RUNS FROM TRAFFIC STOP

On Nov 17 at approximately 3 PM a White Deer Township resident attempted to flee on foot from a traffic stop. Members of the Williamsport Bureau of Police in conjunction with members of the Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit and District Attorney’s Office Detective Bureau stopped Justin Kennedy in the 100 block of W Fourth St. When he did stop for police, Kennedy ran and Officers deployed a Taser at which time he was apprehended. KENNEDY was treated for minor injuries and will subsequently be charged with narcotics related offenses as well as fleeing, escape, DUI and resisting arrest.

CONCEALED WEAPONS WITHOUT A PERMIT GOES TO GOVERNOR

A bill to allow people to carry concealed weapons without a permit was passed by a divided Pennsylvania House on Tuesday, but faces a veto threat from the governor. The parties were split in the vote, as occurred in the state Senate last week, with Republican mostly supporting it and Democrats mostly opposed. Supporters said getting concealed carry permits under current law can be subject to the whims of county sheriffs and that concealed carry permit holders can forget when their licenses expire and therefore unknowingly violate the law. Opponents pointed out the proposal is unlikely to be enacted, as Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf’s office said he will veto the legislation, and argued the bill would make people less safe by making guns more readily accessible.

CAUSE OF DEATH REMAINS UNKNOWN IN CLINTON COUNTY

There has been no official determination as to cause of death of the inmate from the Clinton County Correctional Facility. According to Clinton County Coroner Zach Hanna  “anatomical examination phase of the autopsy pathology procedure” for Jamie Lynne Jackson, the inmate who was awaiting trial for the 2020 murder of 9-year-old Anson Stover,  was completed Tuesday. According to the recordonline.com, toxicology tests, which will continue to be performed over the next few weeks, are standard practice. He reiterated the cause and manner of the death “will remain pending until the results of those tests are completed.”

“SMALLPOX” IN PENNSYLVANIA FREEZER IN RESEARCH FACILITIY

Federal health authorities on Wednesday confirmed the discovery of some frozen vials labeled “Smallpox” in a freezer at a facility in Pennsylvania that conducts vaccine research. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the vials “were incidentally discovered by a laboratory worker” who was cleaning out the freezer. The CDC would not confirm where in Pennsylvania the vials were found.

LOCAL COVID-19 CASE UPDATES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 37 new cases. In Centre County 70 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 69 new cases. There were 86 in Northumberland County, 21 in both Snyder and Union counties and 16 in Montour. Tioga County 51 new cases reported yesterday.

THIRTEENTH FOUNDATION DINNER AND AUCTION A SUCCESS

Commitments towards student scholarships totally $600,700 was brought about by generous donations and the 13th Foundation Dinner & Auction at Pennsylvania College of Technology.  It was an event, which included a silent auction that was sponsored by Lycoming Engines and others. In addition to the auction items, the Cunningham Family stepped forward with a significant pledge to the Legacy Campaign for Penn College in honor of President Davie Jane Gilmour.

THE WILLIAMSPORT POLICE PATROL DIVISION HAS MOVED

The Williamsport Bureau of Police Patrol Division has officially relocated to 810 Nichols Place, City of Williamsport. This facility is located to the rear (north) of Trinity Episcopal Church. All patrol related services previously located at City Hall as well as the on duty Watch Commander are now operational at the new location. The Williamsport Bureau of Police thanks members of the public for their patience during this time as we begin operating from new locations. This change of facilities does not affect police responses or services from the Williamsport Bureau of Police.

REVOLVING DOOR ABOUT TO CLOSE IN PA

Pennsylvania’s “revolving door” for the most serious drunk drivers is soon to close, as Wednesday the state House of Representatives on approved legislation aiming to increase penalties for motorists who have multiple DUI convictions. The bill passed 168-32, and goes to the state Senate for consideration there. The Senate passed a similar bill in 2020, but it died in the House. Under the House bill, penalties would rise for those who receive multiple driving-under-the-influence convictions with higher blood-alcohol content levels. The bill would ensure that someone who commits a fourth DUI with an elevated blood alcohol level serves a longer jail sentence, in part by raising the offense to a second-degree felony, and that offenders with two offenses serve more time by making them serve their sentence consecutively with other counts.

RAISES FOR PA STATE LAWMAKERS, JUDGES AND TOP EXECUTIVE BRANCH OFFICIALS

Inflation is driving up consumer prices and will drive a big salary increase for Pennsylvania state lawmakers, judges and top executive branch officials in 2022. For many of these positions, it’s the biggest increase in three decades. Salaries across the board will rise 5.6%, a figure tied by state law to the year-over-year change in the consumer price index published last week by the U.S. Department of Labor for mid-Atlantic urban areas. The increase applies to more than 1,300 positions, including the governor, Cabinet members, three statewide elected officers, all 253 lawmakers and state and county judges. It takes effect Dec. 1 for lawmakers and Jan. 1 for judicial and executive branch officials.

U.S. REP. FRED KELLER’S LEGISLATION

In a move to attempt to nullify President Joe Biden’s executive order mandating vaccines for private employers with more than 100 workers or institute a testing policy, U.S. Rep. Fred Keller yesterday introduced legislation, as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced yesterday that it was suspending enforcement of the mandate. Keller, a Republican from Pennsylvania’s 12th District, sponsored a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to “formally disapprove of and nullify President Joe Biden’s unconstitutional vaccine mandate imposed on America’s job creators and workers.”

WRITE-IN VOTES COUNTED AND COMPLETE IN LYCOMING COUNTY

The Lycoming County vote is now official and complete, winners in the November election for school board and municipal seats are now decided. According to Forrest Lehman, county voter services director, the official count had no glaring discrepancies. According to Sun Gazette, the vote totals are not official until the completion of the last official count and state law mandates an official count following each election.  Write in winners include those for borough council, township supervisors and school boards. They included;  Jersey Shore Area School District• Jessie L. Edwards, Region 1, Picture Rocks Borough Mayor• David L. Bender, and South Williamsport Borough Council• Richard A. Kershner Jr., Two-Year Term were just a few of those decided recently.

LIFE INSURANCE FOR PA NATIONAL GUARD LEGISLATION

On November 10, legislation to expand life insurance for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard, HB 1612, unanimously passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Title 51 allows for a voluntary life insurance program for service members of the Pennsylvania National Guard. That program is under the Service member’s Group Life Insurance, also known as SGLI. Under existing Pennsylvania law, the SGLI is applicable under the following duty statuses:  Federal activation for a period of 30 days or more for combat operations and combat zones, known as Title 10 orders, or State Activation for active duty for emergencies within Pennsylvania known as EMAC orders. HB 1612 addresses a shortcoming in the type of active duty not currently covered under state statute. My legislation addresses Federal Activation to assist in an Emergency in another state or Federal jurisdiction, known as Title 32 orders. My bill will ensure that members of the PA National Guard will have life insurance coverage under all types of active duty orders. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

EDUCATION LEGISLATION IN HOUSE BILL 1041

Recognizing that education is not a one-size-fits-all solution for every child, the House last week advanced legislation that would give parents and students the ability to design a more individualized educational model. House Bill 1041 would permit home education students to attend up to four academic classes during a school day and participate in co-curricular activities, such as marching band, as well as have access to programs offered at career and technical education centers. Enabling parents to supplement their children’s home education courses with classes offered by their local public school, as well as to participate in co-curricular activities, would maximize the academic potential for those children. House Bill 1041 now goes to the Senate for consideration.

CLICK IT OR TICKET

Pine Creek Township Police Department today announced that they will partner to participate in a national “Click It or Ticket” Seat Belt Enforcement initiative from November 15 through November 28, 2021. The goal is to reduce unbelted injuries and deaths on Pennsylvania highways through coordinated enforcement using Traffic Enforcement Zones and Roving Patrols. Traffic Enforcement Zones combine stationary enforcement and checkpoint tactics on roadways with high numbers of unbuckled crashes. Citations will be issued to motorists who are caught unbuckled or transporting unrestrained children. According to PennDOT data there were 12,562 unrestrained crashes that resulted in 330 fatalities in 2019.

CHRONIC WASTING EVENT BY PA GAME COMMISSION

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is hosting an open house to inform the public about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The event is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 18th, at the Tri County Church, 1881 Old State Hwy 255, DuBois PA 15801. To limit spread of CWD, the Game Commission has enacted special regulations in several spots around Pennsylvania. These areas are known as Disease Management Areas (DMAs). There are five DMAs across the state. The newest, DMA 6, was created in response to a CWD-positive road-killed deer found outside of Brockway PA. It covers around 100 square miles over parts of Clearfield and Elk County. Regulations within DMA – which include bans on feeding deer, using or possessing cervid urine-based attractants, and moving high-risk deer parts – are to limit the spread of the disease.

WINTER DRIVING IN PENNSYLVANIA

​ With winter weather here, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) encourages motorists to “Know Before You Go” by checking conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com.PennDOT maintains nearly 40,000 miles of state-administered roadway and 25,400 bridges, which translates to approximately 95,000 snow lane miles. During the winter months, the public can find plow-truck locations and details of when the state-maintained roadways were last treated by selecting the “Plow Trucks” in 511PA. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

AUTOPSY SET FOR TODAY FOR CLINTON COUNTY PRISON DEATH

The investigation continues, according to therecordonline.com, the Clinton County Coroner  Zack Hanna distributed a press release. It reads … In regards to the death investigation of Ms. Jamie Jackson, who died at UPMC Lock Haven Hospital on November 14, 2021, the autopsy examination procedure is scheduled to be performed on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at Mt. Nittany Medical Center, State College, PA. Ms. Jackson’s cause and manner of death will remain pending until full autopsy results are available. 

SENATE BILL 275  BANNING SPECIFIC FUEL SOURCES

It is legislation that is designed to prevent municipalities from the banning of specific fuel sources and it was passed by the Pennsylvania Senate.  Senate Bill 275, according to the center square, is set up to prevent an “unworkable patchwork” of restrictions that, if left unchecked, could expand through the commonwealth’s over 2,500 municipalities. The bill, sponsored by Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Chair Gene Yaw, R-Williamsport, stressed that both businesses and homeowners would be able to access any energy source, these could include wind, natural gas, solar and others.  The bill now travels to the House for further consideration.

LOCAL COVID-19 CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Monday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported ten new cases. In Centre County 37 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 32 new cases. Tioga County had 16 new cases. On Monday, there were 27 new cases in Northumberland County, 13 in Union and six in Snyder. There were no new cases in Montour County.

THE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTIMENT AND JOBS ACT

Governor Tom Wolf joined fellow governors and President Joe Biden today at the White House as the president signed the historic, bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law. The new law will provide, over the next five years, more than $13 billion to address roads and bridges, $2.8 billion for public transportation, $100 million to expand high-speed internet access, and more to Pennsylvania.

NO TAX INCREASE IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP FOR EARLY VERSION OF BUDGET

It was a unanimous, 5-0 vote that allowed their 2022 General Fund Budget to be set on public display. Loyalsock Township Supervisors, in a recent meeting, noted the current real estate tax, which is set at .5 mill, will remain the same for 2022. According to Township Manager, Bill Burdett, all of the townships current services and programs will be offered without the increase in rates or fees. According to SUN Gazette, a beginning balance of $2.1 million for the general fund, coupled with 2022 revenues and added expenses, Supervisors estimate a year end balance of $2.2 million.

LOCK HAVEN CITY POLICE LOOKING FOR ASSISTANCE

Lock Haven City Police are requesting assistance with information from Sunday, Nov. 14^th at 5:30 PM; a pedestrian was struck in the intersection of Bellefonte Ave and Commerce St. in Lock Haven. The striking vehicle, a dark color SUV, did not stop and fled the scene south on Commerce St then turned Left onto W Bald Eagle St. The pedestrian suffered injuries in the crash and has since been released from the hospital. Anyone with information on the vehicle or driver involved in the crash is asked to contact Lock Haven Police Dept.

DOUBLE FATAL ACCIDENT ON ROUTE 220

Wednesday around 12:45 p.m.  on Route 220, a crash took the lives of two elderly residents of Hughesville.  Alda H. Molyneux, 86, and Arthur J. Molyneux, 82, died when their vehicle collided with another on Route 220 near the intersection with Slow Hand Drive, according to northcentralpa.com. A 10-year-old was flown by Geisinger Life Flight to GMC Danville. The driver of the other vehicle, Jessica Liuzza-Charles, of Hughesville, was transported to UPMC. The accident remains under investigation.

JOINT STATEMENT REGARDING DEATH OF INMATE

Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse, Coroner Zach Hanna and the Pennsylvania State Police have issued a joint statement for immediate release on the death of Jamie Lynn Jackson.  Jamie Lynn Jackson, 36, formerly of East Bald Eagle Street, Lock Haven, was pronounced dead at Lock Haven Hospital at 12:48PM this afternoon following a medical emergency. Jackson has been held at Clinton County Correctional Facility in McElhatten while awaiting trial in the Spring of 2022 for the murder of 9-year-old Anson Stover in November of 2020.  Earlier in the day Sunday, Jackson reportedly experienced a medical emergency at the correctional facility and was taken to Lock Haven Hospital by Ambulance. Cause and manner of death are pending the results of an autopsy.  Initial reports are that there were no other individuals involved in incident, and officials have no indication of foul play.

BURGLARY, CRIMINAL TRESPASS AND MORE ON WILLIAMSPORT MAN

On 11/12/2021 at approximately 10:15 AM, officers from Williamsport Bureau of Police were dispatched to the 100 block of Union Ave for a report of criminal mischief. NICOLAS CARMINE GRIECO was identified by the caller as unlawfully entering a garage and causing damage to a vehicle. GRIECO then fled the scene. GRIECO was located several minutes later emerging from 1542 Sherman Street and taken into custody without incident. GRIECO was arraigned before MDJ Solomon on charges of Burglary, Criminal Trespass, Criminal Mischief and Possessing Instruments of a Crime and committed to Lycoming County Prison. Williamsport Bureau of Police would like to thank the Pennsylvania State Police, Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office and the Lycoming County Sheriff’s Office for assisting in the rapid response and arrest of GRIECO.

TODAY IS AMERICA RECYCLES DAY

On America Recycles Day (November 15), EPA recognized the importance and impact of recycling, which has contributed to American prosperity and the protection of our environment. The recycling rate has increased and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Agency study found that recycling and reuse activities in the United States accounted for over 680,000 jobs and $38 billion in wages. The recycling efforts of communities and business throughout the United States have helped with this success and growth. To build on our progress, EPA encourages every American to contribute by recycling right, not only on every annual America Recycles Day, but all year. This means checking with your local recycling provider to be certain that they will accept everything you place in your recycling bin. Items like cardboard, metal cans and paper are commonly accepted by local curbside programs, and items like plastic bags, electronics and batteries can NEVER go in the curbside recycling bin.

CONGRESSMAN KELLER VISITS LYCOMING COUNTY

Recently, Congressman Keller spent time in Lycoming County. His team checked in with Ground Shaker Transport, a leading transportation company in the region and an important partner to Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry. Keller was also invited to visit with the Central PA Chamber, who hosted him   during their Legislative Event. Keller also took the time to tour Shop-Vac.

LOCAL COVID-19 CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday reported new COVID-19 cases, Clinton County reported 39 new cases. In Centre County 64 new cases were recorded, Lycoming County added 87 new cases, Northumberland  had 48 new, Montour 16, Snyder 13, Union 23 and Tioga County ha  52 new cases listed yesterday.

CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY SEAT CHECK TONIGHT

Pennsylvania State Police in Milton remind you in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “National Child Passenger Safety Week” the troopers of Troop F in Milton are conducting a Child Passenger Safety Seat Check event tonight from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at this station 50 Lawton Lane, Milton.

STATE POLICE ARREST BOY WHO CLAIMED TO HAVE A BOMB

State Police in Lamar reported the arrest of a 15-year-old male who, at 12:50 p.m. on November 11^th, while at Central Mountain High School in Mill Hall, announced to a cafeteria full of students and faculity that he had a bomb in his backpack. State police responded and the search yielded negative results. The boy was arrested and there is no safety concern for facility, staff or students.

STATE POLICE CORPORAL UNDER ARREST

Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Corporal Brian Rickard was charged today with crimes related to obtaining possession of a controlled substance by misrepresentation, forgery, tampering with records and evidence, theft, obstructing administration of law, and unlawful use of a computer. Charges were filed by the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division in conjunction with the Office of Attorney General.

Corporal Rickard is accused of stealing heroin from the Troop R, Honesdale evidence room, ingesting it while at work and home, and using work computers and programs to cover up the thefts.

TRIAL BEGAN YESTERDAY OVER EDUCATION FUNDING

A Pennsylvania judge heard conflicting descriptions of the state’s education funding as a trial began Friday in a lawsuit designed to compel lawmakers to funnel more money to schools in lower income areas. The case’s central issue is a pattern of wide disparities in spending among the state’s 500 districts and the comparatively low percentage of K-12 education that is paid for by the state government. The trial is being streamed online and is expected to last into January. No matter which side rules, an appeal to the state Supreme Court is likely.

PEDIATRIC VACCINE DISCUSSION PA DEPT OF HEALTH

Pennsylvania Department of Health Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson today led a discussion about the COVID-19 vaccine available for children ages 5 through 11. The event, entitled Vax Facts: Facts About Pediatric Vaccines, is the latest in a series aimed at providing relevant and accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines and addressing the questions of citizens. With parental consent, children ages 5 through 11 are able to receive the free FDA-authorized, CDC-approved and pediatrician recommended Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at pediatrician offices, health centers, pharmacies, and other healthcare provider facilities. The panel also pointed out that children ages 5 through 11 may only receive the Pfizer pediatric vaccine, while children ages 12 through 17 may only receive the Pfizer 12+ vaccine.

PROJECT ABLE IN WILLIAMSPORT

The program was called Project ABLE and it stands for Acceptance by learning experience and the training for city employees did that as it took them a step beyond what their regular day training involves. The Williamsport city employees, as part of the court mandated consent decree, have received accessibility training with help from the Center for Independent Living Roads to Freedom. According to Sun Gazette, in an effort to duplicate what those residents with disabilities deal with each day, city employees underwent multiple stations and activities, including; physical disabilities and mobility issues, communication disorders, vision loss and more. Mayor Derek Slaughter, Council President Randall J. Allison and other members of City Council joined city employees in the training.

COVID-19 LOCAL RESULTS

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Friday reported new COVID-19 cases. In Clinton County 47 new cases were reported on Friday. Centre County saw an increase of 70 new cases, while Lycoming County went up by 112.  Tioga had 50 new cases, 54 cases in Northumberland County, a dozen in Snyder, 10 in Union and five in Montour.

UPMC’S MUNCY ANNUAL LIGHTS OF LOVE CELEBRATION

It is time to light hearts and memories with UPMC’s Muncy annual Lights of Love Celebration. You can help light up the campus in honor or dedication to a loved one to be in the lobbies of both UPMC Muncy and UPMC Muncy Place. According to SUN Gazette, due to COVID-19, the UPMC Muncy Auxiliary have decided against having a lighting ceremony. Starting Sunday, Dec. 5^th the lights will shine bright and remain on throughout the holiday season. You can donate by contacting UPMC Muncy.  Proceeds from this year’s Lights of Love will benefit UPMC Muncy and UPMC Muncy Place.