ADDITIONAL DUI CHARGES

A Jersey Shore man faces additional charges as he sits in jail. Charles Daily Jr, in prison for driving intoxicated and striking a motorcyclist in November, is looking at additional DUI charges for a separate incident. According to Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police, Daily was released from the previous incarcertion with $50,000 bail, almost struck a pedestrian in Jersey Shore. As reported by Sun Gazette, police witnessed the incident in the 300 block of North Main Street, two days after he struck the motorcyclist.  Charges of DUI, reckless driving and careless driving have been filed with  District Judge Denise L. Dieter, who recommitted Daily in lieu of $250,000 bail.

LOCAL COVID UPDATE

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 72 new cases on Thursday. In Centre County 252 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 272 and Tioga added 64. There were 187 new cases in Northumberland County, 92 in Union, 61 in Snyder and 47 in Montour County.

SENTENCING FOR DOUBLE MURDER

It was the plea and sentencing hearing in Snyder
County Court  for a Paxinos man yesterday, where family and friends of murder victims Heather Sue Campbell and Matthew T. Bowersox spoke of their loss. According to the Daily Item, Christopher T. Fernanders pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and received a mandatory life sentence without parole for the July 10, 2020, fatal shootings of Campbell, his former wife, and her friend, Bowersox of Mifflinburg who were gunned down in the parking lot of a Monroe Township restaurant parking lot where Fernanders followed Campbell after placing a GPS tracker on her vehicle.

A PLACE TO STAY WARM OVER THE FRIGID NIGHTS

It is a ministry of the first Methodist Church  on 604 Market Street in Williamsport. It is also a warming shelter, welcoming any and all who need a warm place to stay in these frigid temperatures.  The Code Blue Emergency Overnight Warming Center is the topic of Backyard Broadcasting “in touch” program Sunday, where you can more about a warm place to stay in the city. In Touch is on Sunday morning.

UNKNOWN RETURN FOR A LOCAL COMMUNITY CARNIVAL

The Mifflinburg Hose Company Firemen’s Carnival may have seen its final season. The combination of an aging venue and the growing costs at organizing and producing the Union County event may be to blame. It has been a staple in the small borough of Mifflinburg since the early 1950s.  The location for the yearly carnival needs serious electrical building maintenance and the price tag for proper adjustments could venture near $100,000. The event has served the Mifflinburg Vol Fire Company as a significant source of donations and monetary support.  The final decision on the future of the Mifflinburg Firemen’s Carnival will take place at a meeting on January 31.

ROBBERY FROM GAMES OF CHANCE MACHINES

A robbery at a Northumberland bar occurred sometime between Sunday night and Monday morning  at Bob’s Washington Tavern on King Street. Police Chief Kriner went on to say the suspect took  an unknown amount of money from games of chance machines in the bar. He says officers are conducting interviews and conducting an investigation. Larry Bohner, owner, has posted pictures and video of the incident on social media as well, asking for the public’s help.  According to the an online media source, the suspect was reportedly seen walking up Orange Street, in the vicinity of the Northumberland police station.

FARM SHOW ATTENDANCE DOWN THIS YEAR

The Pennsylvania Farm Show returned as an in-person event this month, but parking revenue suggests many stayed away during the still-raging COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Agriculture said Thursday that parking revenue was down by more than 40% from 2020, the most recent in-person show. Last year’s show was done virtually. Parking revenue is used as a rough proxy to gauge attendance at the Farm Show, because the massive indoor agriculture exposition held every January in Harrisburg does not charge admission or count how many people come through its doors. In a normal year, some half-million people attend. An Agriculture Department spokesperson said more than 600 people at the Farm Show this year were vaccinated against COVID-19 or the flu at on-site Health Department clinics.

FUNDING FOR GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION

Governor Tom Wolf was joined by state Senate Democratic Appropriations Chairman Vincent Hughes in Philadelphia today to announce a $15 million increase in funding to ​further support grassroots gun violence prevention efforts through the Pennsylvania Commission for Crime and Delinquency’s (PCCD) Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention program.

MILTON CHEERS THEIR WAY TO TEXAS

A national cheer competition in Dallas, Texas will see a team from our area. The Milton Area Varsity Cheerleaders will leave the commonwealth today to continue their winning streak in Texas.  The team has recently won their 9^th PIAA District 4 Competitive Spirit Cheer Championship this past weekend. They are set to compete both Saturday and Sunday in two categories.  Following this competition, the team will compete in Hershey on Jan 28 and 29.

MULTIPLE CALLS FOR 911 CREWS

The Lycoming County 911 has been busy this morning. In fact, Fire Crews were sent to the Dunkin Donuts, just off Route 405 and Penn Street in Muncy. There was reported to be fire in the roof at one hour into the incident.  Please avoid the area if at all possible.

Fire Crews were also sent to 311 Willow Street in Montoursville for an odor of gas in a structure. There is a large boiler inside the structure and UGI has been notified. With the building ventilated and the boiler attended to, the fire crews returned to available status in Montoursville.

SIX MONTHS OF ABUSE

A Williamsport man allegedly abused a woman over a six month period. Anthony Williams, allegedly struck the woman with a closed fist numerous times, according to Williamsport police. Over the past 6 months, this abuse continued as well as threats and not allowing her to leave. According to SUN Gazette, the woman escaped the house the next day when she climbed out a window. District Judge Christian Frey arraigned Williams for multiple charges including false imprisonment and simple assault. He was initially incarcerated on $50,000 bail, but was later released on unsecured bail.

DISTRICT JUSTICE RETIREMENT

A local District Justice quietly retired after 10 years in office, District Judge Jon E. Kemp retired on Jan. 2. According to SUN Gazette, President Judge Nancy Butts has appointed District Judge William C. Solomon to serve as administrative judge for the magistrate’s office at 2134 Route 405. Solomon, whose office is on Lycoming Creek Road in Old Lycoming Township, will ensure that matters are properly handed in the office until a new judge is elected in November 2023 and takes the bench in January 2024, Stahl explained. Retired Senior District Judge Allen P. Page III will serve in the Route 405 office one to two days a week and will handle preliminary hearings until mid-May when Kemp is expected to return to handle such hearings for the remainder of the year, Stahl said.

BOOST TO VETERANS PARK

The Veterans Park in Clinton County has received a welcome boost with a $5,000 donation from Northwest Bank in the form of a $5,000. According to Dave Harger from project developer Harger Utility Charities, the project has commitments of $216,167 to this point. He said the goal is $500,000, which will include some level of in-kind services as well as cash. As reported by therecordonline.com, the anticipated start date for the park renovations is this spring. Then, there will be a dedication date of Nov. 11, Veterans Day.

GOV TOM WOLF ASKING FOR GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf is urging the U.S. Senate to prevent election sabotage and protect our freedom to vote by passing the Freedom to Vote Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.  The governor is also encouraging the Pennsylvania state legislature to pass HB 2090 from prime sponsor House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton that would bolster the state’s election process and further remove barriers to voting.

BOATING NEAR SUNBURY POSSIBLY NOT A REALITY FOR 2022

A huge majority of this year’s upcoming boating season will be gone near Sunbury due to delays in Fabridam repairs.  In fact, according to an online media source, the marina docks may not even be installed this year.  The Fabridam repairs were delayed due to this past fall’s multiple high water events, most notable events were Fred, Henri and Ida. However, sources say there is still a possibility for a partial boating season, as the main Shikellamy Marina boat ramp will remain open. With many questions for the Susquehanna River and the Fabridam, answers may become clearer the closer we get to summer.

COVID CASES FOR OUR LOCAL AREA

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 32. In Centre County 140 new cases and Lycoming County added 129. There were 208 cases in Union County and 141 new cases in Northumberland County, 53 in Snyder and 26 in Montour County. Tioga County added 7.

THE COMMONWEALTH COURT IS STEPPING IN

A statewide court has given lawmakers and Gov. Tom Wolf two weeks to break a stalemate around redrawing Pennsylvania’s congressional districts to account for a decade of demographic shifts. The Commonwealth Court issued the order Friday, acting on a request last month for it to get involved in the process. It set Jan. 30 for the deadline for it to render its judgment on proposals that are submitted to it. That deadline is barely two weeks before the date — Feb. 15 — when candidates can start circulating petitions to get on primary election ballots. The primary election is May 17. The Commonwealth Court told parties in the case — including lawmakers, activists and Wolf — that they must submit a proposed map by 5 p.m. on Jan. 24.

ANOTHER VEHICLE THEFT FOR WINFIELD MAN

Vehicle thefts in the area are charged to a Winfield man. State police utilized an aircraft to find a man facing two vehicle theft charges. David Gockley of Winfield was arrested on January 5 for a vehicle theft on Tame Deer Road. Gockley fled into the woods and the State Police called their aviation unit to assist in finding him. According to an online media source, Gockley was jailed on $100,000 bail and faces a number of charges including DUI, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, receiving stolen property.

POSSIBLY $20 MILLION TO BRING CITY HALL BACK

Moving forward, yesterday’s Williamsport City Council’s public works committee asked Mayor Derek Slaughter for a cost estimate to repair and repurpose Williamsport City Hall. The building recently suffered major damage from water leaking in the roof and then a coil that broke in the heating system.  As reported by SUN Gazette,  according to Jon Sander, city engineer, the project, which includes the needed accessibility upgrades and to repair and recondition the building will be well above $6 million and closer to $20 million to complete.  As reported by SUN Gazette, a deadline exists where the court ordered consent decree for accessibility guidelines and corresponding upgrades must be finalized by March.

MATCHING GRANT FUND TO REVITALIZE A WILLIAMSPORT STAPLE

It was a Redevelopment Assistant Capital Program and a matching grant of $1 million which received approval from the Lycoming County Commissioners for DiSalvo’s Restaurant. According to SUN Gazette, DiSalvo’s, located in the East Fourth Street/Basin Street area of the city, can now begin work on their $2 million renovation project. Lycoming County will enter into a sub-recipient agreement with DiSalvo’s for the state grant money which passes through the county to DiSalvo’s project. According to Commissioner Rick Mirabito, the $2 million project will create jobs for people in the community.

CLEAR THE SNOW OR FACE A FINE

Clearing the snow in front of your residence or business does more than just clear a walkway, insurance companies report it is also the best way to prevent injuries and those lawsuits associated with snow and ice accidents.  According to the Williamsport City Bureau of Codes there is a 24 hour time period after the precipitation stops, where the owner of any building fronting on any street or alley and the vacant lot owner where there is a sidewalk in front up to and including the corner crosswalk of the premises must clear the sidewalks. According to SUN Gazette, there is a grace period, but it does not last long and business and homeowners can face fines up to $2000 for not removing the snow and ice.

 LOCAL COVID CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Monday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 29 new cases. In Centre County added 104. Lycoming County added 107. There were 82 in Northumberland County, 47 in Union, 28 in Snyder and 17 in Montour. Tioga County added 13.

NO CHANGES TO DESIGNATIONS IN LOCK HAVEN

The residential to commercial designation for several blocks on the northern side of East Main Street will have to wait, as the Lock Haven City Council declined to act to change the designation. Representatives from the old E Main Street United Methodist Church in Lock Haven started the process moving from residential to centre business district designations that were favorably received from Clinton County and the City of Lock Have Planning Commissions.  However, city council has not followed suit. According to therecordonline.com, Council member Richard Morris made a motion to send the zoning request back to the planning commission so they could respond to several questions from the council.

AIRPORT BUDGET APPROVED

A $1.4 million budget for the Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority was approved for this year at its recent monthly meeting. In the discussion was the 5% increase in wages and benefits for employees and the overall operating costs. According to Sun Gazette, CARES Act funding of $660,000 is expected to make up the deficit with the budget.

SEN. YAW:  LYCOMING COUNTY FARM RECEIVES CENTURY FARM AWARD DURING THE 106^TH PENNSYLVANIA FARM SHOW

State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) and his staff on Friday recognized the Scott and Bonnie Wheeland Farm, Cogan Station, as a “Century Farm” Award recipient through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s nation-leading Farmland Preservation Program.  The special event was held during the 106th Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. The “Century” and “Bicentennial” farm program was established by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to help promote the strength and durability of Pennsylvania’s farm families.  In order to qualify, a family member must live on the farm on a permanent basis, and the farm must include at least 10 acres of the original holding or gross more than $1,000 annually from the sale of farm products.

DOMESTIC ALTERCATION SENDS WOMAN TO HOSPITAL

A Jersey Shore woman was seen at the hospital for injuries to her head. She suffered from a four inch laceration on her forehead and was covered in her own blood.  According to state police, the victim reported to the emergency room physician she was struck during a domestic altercation with an artic tumbler cup.  Christopher Eck of Jersey Shore was taken into custody and transported to the Clinton County Correctional facility.  District Justice Keith Kibler arraigned Eck and set his bail at $7,500.

POINTING A FIREARM AT MULTIPLE VEHICLES BRINGS A MILTON MAN CHARGES

A Milton man pointed a gun at a vehicle full of passengers.  According to state police, Williams Smith, was reportedly standing  in the middle of the road near Pottsgrove last Sunday around 12  noon.  State police reported they received multiple calls on the male waving his handgun about.  However, when the police arrived, Smith was facedown in the roadway with his arms and legs spread and his handgun over 15 feet from him, according to the Daily Item.  He was arrested and charged with felony aggravated assault with a pendng preliminary hearing in front of District Judge Michael Diehl.

WANTED MAN IN JAIL

A wanted man was picked up on Sunday during a criminal sweep and is now jailed in lieu of $100,000 bail.  Farrington Fitch is a  homeless man who, Sunbury police allege, pulled a knife during a robbery of a victim who was giving him a ride last November. According to Daily Item, after Fitch asked for a ride, he pulled out a knife and stole upwards of $500 and the victim’s cellphone.

REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS INITIATIVE

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) said the Department of Environmental Protection must address skyrocketing clearing prices set during recent Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auctions. Yaw, as chairman of Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, in a letter sent Thursday, encouraged DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell to reconsider his invitation to testify at the panel’s Jan. 18 hearing to discuss the issue. Yaw and 161 other state lawmakers oppose RGGI because it will spike electricity rates, force plant closures, cost thousands of jobs, threaten the power grid’s reliability and derail future economic investment.

NO TAX INCREASE PICTURE

They are working towards a no-tax-hike budget for next year in the Keystone Central School District. The school board’s voting session meeting with the bulk of the session focusing on budget-related matters. In fact, the “5-Year Financial Picture  has a NO TAX INCREASE” with an $82 million budget for the current school year and a comparably sized budget ($82,670, 408) for 2022-23. According to therecordonline.com, the new budget will be unveiled in May with a final vote in June.

SUNBURY STABBING

An early morning stabbing in Memorial Acres sent one person to the hospital in serious condition. According to Sunbury Police, one person is in custody following the domestic disturbance call at 2 am.  As reported by the Daily Item, a male was found on the ground when police arrived. Police are not releasing any further information at this time.

COVID CASES FOR SATURDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Saturday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 33 new cases. In Centre County 196. Lycoming County added 167.  Northumberland County registered 179 new cases. Union County added 92 cases, while Snyder added 61 and Montour 29.

BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW

Governor Tom Wolf today stood alongside U.S. Transportation Secretary to launch the largest bridge formula program in American history, made possible by the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Pennsylvania is set to receive $1.6 billion to fix more than 3,000 bridges across the commonwealth. The program represents the largest investment ever made in fixing bridges – dedicating $26.5 billion to states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico over the five years of the law and $825 million for Tribal transportation facilities. The amount that will be available to states in Fiscal Year 2022 is $5.3 billion along with the $165 million for tribes. Today, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) also published initial guidance on the program.

COMPLEX STORM APPROACHING COMMONWEALTH

Governor Tom Wolf today reminded Pennsylvanians to monitor their local forecasts for details on a complex winter storm expected to bring a mix of snow, sleet and rain to much of the state starting Sunday. According to the National Weather Service, most areas will see snow as the storm system enters the state Sunday afternoon. The heaviest snow will fall in the western half of the state, with snow totals decreasing to the east where more sleet and rain are expected. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency will increase staffing at 3 p.m. on Sunday with support from PA Turnpike Commission, PennDOT, PA State Police and PA National Guard. PEMA personnel will work with county emergency management partners to monitor the storm and any unmet needs and provide state resources as needed.

QUESTION OF QUARANTING  STUDENTS

‘The quarantining of students at the Loyalsock Township School District is getting a second look by the school board. According to Superintendent Gerald McLaughlin, the time may have come to take a serious look at not quarantining those asymptomatic individuals, even if they have come into contact with COVID infected people.  It is being done in similar situations in other school districts. According to SUN Gazette, the school district is doing the best it can at monitoring the COVID infections, however many believe it will get worse this winter.  There was no further discussion or action on this conversation.

DESTRUCTION OF PAPER RECORDS

The approval to destroy paper records for both the Old Lycoming Township and Old Lycoming Township Police was approved at the most recent meeting of the Old Lycoming Township Supervisors. The files in question includes those paper records from pre-2014 and that have been deemed legally permissible to destroy based on the provisions of Title 46 of the PA Code. Digital copies will remain on file and part of the active record system, just not in a paper form.  Old Lycoming Township will next meet Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Old Lycoming Township municipal building.

PARKING CHANGES IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

Snow events require parking changes in Loyalsock Township in the form of an ordinance that temporarily regulates parking on township streets during snow events. Residents who live on township streets are not to park any motor vehicle on the public street following an accumulation of two inches or greater depth of snow on the road surface until the township plow trucks have cleared the full width of the roadway, according to the ordinance. According to SUN Gazette, if properties do not have a driveway, an exception of the ordinance will be granted but residents are still required to follow the odd/even parking schedule for snow events.  

This would require a vehicle to be parked on the odd house numbered side of the street on odd calendar days and the even house numbered side of the street on even calendar days.

AN OVERDOSE WAS THE CAUSE

It was deemed a multi-drug overdose of what some say were anti-depressants that caused the death of a Lock Haven woman who was charged in the death of her son upwards of a year ago. Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse and County Coroner Zach Hanna ruled the death as accidental, according to therecordonline.com. However,  the death of Jamie Lynn Jackson remains under investigation by state police. It was November when she experienced a medical emergency and was transported from the Clinton County Correctional Facility. Her trial was scheduled for the spring for the murder of 9-year-old Anson Stover.

COVID CASES FOR FRIDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Friday reported new COVID-19 cases.  Clinton County reported 89 new cases. In Centre County 332 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 300. Northumberland County registered 200 new cases. Union County reported 94 new cases — buoyed by 65 new cases at USP-Lewisburg — while Snyder County added 63 and Montour County 42.

BODY FOUND IN CREEK IN SNYDER COUNTY

A man’s body was found along the bank of Penns Creek. State police at Selinsgrove are investigating the appearance of the white male’s body near the Green Bridge at Selinsgrove at Routes 11-15 and 522 on Friday at approximately 12 noon.  Snyder County Coroner William Pheasant said he pronounced the man dead at 1:03 p.m. Friday. The man, who Pheasant described as being in his mid-20s and from out of state, was laying in shallow water in the creek. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday morning, he said. State police confirm an investigation is ongoing.

EARLY MORNING STABBING SENDS SUNBURY WOMAN TO JAIL

Following an early morning stabbing in Memorial Acres in Sunbury, that sent a male to the hospital in serious condition, an 18-year-old Sunbury woman is in jail. Samantha Barge is jailed on $200,000 bail after appearing before Sunbury District Judge Mike Toomey Friday morning on charges of felony aggravated assault, according to the Daily Item.  Barge will appear before Toomey for a preliminary hearing at a later date.

CLINTON COUNTY SCHOOLS CLOSING FOR AT LEAST FIVE DAYS

Due to the rising number of positive cases of Covid-19 in the secondary schools, the threshold of 5% of cases among students and staff at Bucktail High School and Central Mountain High Schoo has been reached.  Central Mountain Middle School is currently at 4% and awaiting test results for many others.  All elementary schools are currently at 3% or lower for total cases.  The PA Department of Health recommends full remote learning when the 5% threshold is reached.

As of Thursday, January 13, 2022,  we will be closing Bucktail High School (7-12), Central Mountain High School (9-12) and Central Mountain Middle School (5-8). 

We will close for a minimum of five days with an expected return on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.

COVID CASES LOCALLY FROM YESTERDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 68 new cases. In Centre County 353 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 241. Tioga added 40. Northumberland County registered 183 new, while Union County had 54, Snyder 37 and Montour 24

GUILTY PLEAS FOR AGGRAVATED ASSAULT CHARGES ON AVIS MAN

Aaron Confer, 23, of Avis, entered guilty pleas in the Clinton County Court of Common Pleas on Tuesday morning to one count of Aggravated Assault of a victim less than 6 years old (F2), and one count of Endangering Welfare of Children (F2).  The two guilty pleas were taken by Common Pleas Judge Michael F. Salisbury just a few days before Confer was slated to pick a jury on Friday, January 14th.  Pine Creek Township Police filed charges after they were called to the Lock Haven Hospital after a mother had taken her 3-month-old child to the hospital for injuries and bruises on the infant’s body.  Police allege that the child suffered a fractured clavicle in the assault. Confer posted $250,000 bail and remained free as he awaited trial. Sentencing is scheduled for March 14, 2022 at 8:30AM.  He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years incarceration.

NEW BUILDING FOR SUNBURY POLICE

It is a new building, a new year and a new fresh outlook for the Sunbury Police Department.  The new venture at 337 Arch Street began last spring with a price tag over $1 million. Some minor details are becoming reality. According to Chief Hare, they will have a child-friendly interview room, thanks to the Sunbury Arts Council. It will be a room where the children can feel safe and as comfortable as possible, with a softer tone in the paint and décor. According to an online media source, Hare went on to say corporate sponsors will be mentioned at a later date when officers host a grand opening.

HOUSE ADVANCES CITIZEN’S CONGRESSIONAL MAP, GROVE SAYS

For the first time in the history of the Commonwealth, the House advanced a congressional district map created by a citizen of Pennsylvania, Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) announced. The map approved in House Bill 2146 remains largely identical to the plan submitted by citizen and Lehigh Valley resident Amanda Holt. It includes very minor adjustments recommended by citizens across the Commonwealth to improve the compactness of districts, respond to citizen concerns regarding communities of interest and increase minority representation in Philadelphia.Holt’s map was one of the 19 verified statewide maps submitted to the committee through the website, which also allowed residents to identify their communities of interest and comment on proposed plans. House Bill 2146 now goes to the Senate for consideration.

FIRST SEMESTER TO START ONLINE

Lock Haven University has announced that its spring 2022 semester will begin on Monday, Jan. 24, with the first week of classes to be delivered online. The university will continue all classes the week of Monday, Jan. 31 as regularly scheduled – in-person, hybrid or online. By starting the semester online, it will allow time for the expected post-holiday surge in COVID-19 cases to subside. LHU will also stagger the move-in schedule and provide a robust testing protocol for students living on campus. All students residing on campus will be required to have a negative COVID test before being permitted to complete the move-in process.

PACE AND PACENET

Governor Tom Wolf today was joined by state and local officials and older Pennsylvanians to celebrate recently signed legislation to expand eligibility in the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) and the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly Needs Enhancement Tier (PACENET) programs.“Ensuring that older Pennsylvanians have access to necessary services, including quality health care and affordable prescription drugs, is a priority of my administration,” said Gov. Wolf. Programs like PACE and PACENET serve as a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of older adults who need assistance with paying for their prescription medications and provide critical support to older Pennsylvanians.” PACE and PACENET currently enroll more than 250,000 older Pennsylvanians. The income limit expansions mean that an additional 100,000 older adults are now eligible with an expected 20,000 older adults expected to enroll in 2022. Enrollment begins in February.

SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES ON DANVILLE MAN

Charges of statutory sexual assault and over a dozen related counts for a Danville man as he is accused of having sex with a 13-year-old girl upwards of a dozen times over a span of two occasions last week. State police report John Andrew Kriner provided drugs and alcohol to the minor before engaging in intercourse. It was the second arrest for Kriner on similar charges with this girl. According to the Daily Item, police warned Kriner as a juvenile to end contact with the girl when he turns 18. Kriner was charged with rape and other charges,  jailed in lieu of $150,000 bail with a preliminary hearing in front of District Justice Marvin Shrawder on Jan. 20^th.

BUCKNELL GRADUATE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The first transplant of a pig heart into a human patient last week was led by a doctor who graduated from Bucknell University in the biomedical engineering program. Dr. Bartley Giffith, who graduated in 1970, performed a seven-hour surgery Friday at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. According to the DailyItem, Griffith was a biology major, played men’s lacross and was instrumental in launching the biomedical engineering program at Bucknell University.

IMPROVE YOUR WILDLIFE HABITAT

It’s not too early for landowners to begin making plans to improve wildlife habitat this spring and into the future by planting tree and shrub species offered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Howard Nursery. The 2022 seedling order form is available online, and sales began Monday. The Howard Nursery, located in Centre County, grows tree and shrub seedlings for use on State Game Lands, Hunter Access properties, the Seedling for Schools program, and other Game Commission conservation partners. Any remaining surplus is available to Pennsylvania residents for purchase. Seedlings are sold in units of 25. The order form is available at www.pgc.pa.gov. There is a link under Quick Clicks.

GAME COMMISSION ASKING FOR HELP TO FIND TURKEYS

The Game Commission is asking for the public’s help finding turkeys to trap for ongoing and new turkey projects. The agency is encouraging Pennsylvanians to report the location of any turkey flocks they see between now and March 15. Information is being collected online at https://pgcdatacollection.pa.gov/TurkeyBroodSurvey. Visitors to that webpage will be asked to provide the date of the sighting, the location, and the type of land (public, private or unknown) where birds are seen, among other things. Game Commission crews will assess sites for the potential to trap turkeys. Turkeys will not be moved; they’ll simply be leg banded and released on site. In four Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) a sampling also will be outfitted with GPS transmitters, then be released back on site, to be monitored over time.

STANDOFF WITH PINE CREEK TOWNSHIP MAN

A Pine Creek Township man was served with a Protection From Abuse order by the Clinton County Sheriff’s office yesterday. Later the same day, Daniel Harold Mikitko allegedly called the victim upwards of a dozen times.  The victim contacted the state police and Mikitko refused to exit his residence, instead threatening troopers and other local police.  The Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Team was activated around 10 pm.   Mikitko continued to threaten officers with a firearm until 5 am when he was taken into custody with less lethal force with no injuries to Mikitko or the police. Multiple charges, including terroristic threats and resisting arrest, have been filed.