TROUT RUN MAN CONVICTED OF SEX CRIMES WITH A CHILD

A jury recently convicted a Trout Run man of sexually abusing a child in an investigation that began last July. According to a criminal complaint written by former county detective William Weber, the seven-year-old child’s grandparents discovered a rash on her thigh when giving her a bath. A Lycoming County Court jury found Samuel Page guilty of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, aggravated indecent assault and other related charges during his trial, according to a media outlet.

JOINT HEARING AVAILABLE ONLINE TODAY

The Pennsylvania Senate Environmental Resources & Energy Committee and the Community, Economic & Recreational Development Committee will hold a joint hearing today at 2 pm to examine the consumer and economic impacts of failing to invest in the state’s natural gas infrastructure. Committee members will hear testimony from labor officials, economic development and business leaders, and consumer advocates, according to Environmental resources and energy committee Chairman Senator Gene Yaw Where: PA Capitol Watch online at pasenategop.com

WASD SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

According to a press release from the Williamsport Area School District, regarding the Attorney General’s investigation of the 2018 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, incident saying it was closed earlier this year after it determined insufficient evidence existed to justify any further action. References made to the case and its related search warrants in this week’s articles are not new and should not be misinterpreted as such. WASD assisted and fully cooperated in the OAG’s investigation. The District stands by its position that it and its administrators followed all proper procedures and protocols to appropriately respond to the incident in question.

ADDITIONAL CHARGES ON AN INMATE IN LYCOMING COUNTY PRISON

A Lycoming County Prison inmate awaiting trial for allegedly sexually assaulting and impregnating a 15-year-old girl last year now faces 80-plus additional felony or misdemeanor charges for having more than a dozen sexually-explicit photos of a teenage girl on his cellphone, according to court records filed last week by Lycoming County Detective Loretta A. Clark. In addition to the photos, Tyree Holly, 26, also had on his cellphone nine videos he record of him and the minor engaging in various sexual acts with one another last November, Clark alleged in court papers. Holly, was arraigned Thursday before District Judge Aaron Biichle on 32 counts of sexual abuse of children, 14 counts of statutory sexual assault and many other charges. According to a media source, he was recommitted in lieu of an additional $125,000 bail.

MERCK HOPEFUL FOR PASSING OF COVID PILL

In a potential leap forward in the global fight against the pandemic, drug maker Merck said Friday that its experimental pill for people sick with COVID-19 reduced hospitalizations and deaths by half. If cleared by regulators, it would be the first pill shown to treat COVID-19, adding a whole new, easy-to-use weapon to an arsenal that already includes the vaccine. As reported by Sun Gazette, several other companies, including Pfizer and Roche, are studying similar drugs and could report results in the coming weeks and months.

HIT AND RUN CHARGES ON MILL HALL WOMAN

Megan Elizabeth Henry of Mill Hall, has been charged with accidents involving damage to attended vehicle and careless driving stemming from a hit-run accident at Fourth and Park avenues about 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 19, city police said. As reported  by a media source, she was arraigned last week before District Judge William Solomon and released on $5,000 bail on these charges, however, Henry remains in the Centre County Prison on theft-related charges.

FIREARM CHARGES FROM FALSE INFORMATION ON HANDGUN PURCHASE

Malik J. Hicks has been charged with illegal sale or transfer of a firearm and making unsworn falsification to authorities for allegedly putting down false information on a government form when he attempted to purchase a handgun at EuroOptic, Montoursville, in mid-August 2020, borough police said in court papers. According to SUN Gazette, following his arraignment before District Judge Christian Frey, he was released on $15,000 bail.

TERRORISTIC THREATS AND MORE AGAINST WILLIAMSPORT MAN

In late July, he was ordered no contact with Lacy Hayes, but last week Avion Lanier broke a door window, entered her residence on Isabella Street, and threatened to kill her, according to Williamsport City Police.  District Judge Jerry C. Lepley arraigned Lanier on charges of terroristic threats, simple assault and harassment and jailed him in lieu of $12,000 bail, according to a media source.

AN ARREST FOR WATER POLLUTION IN PINE TOWNSHIP

It was one misdemeanor each of pollution of waters and disturbance of waters that had the Fisher Mining Company of Montoursville in front of District Justice Jerry Lepley for a plea agreement. The charges were filed at the judge’s office by the state Fish and Boat Commission. When it was all said and done, Fisher Mining Company paid $6,614 in fines and court costs, according to SUN Gazette. As part of the agreement, the fish and boat commission withdrew 19 remaining counts of pollution of waters as well as five remaining counts of disturbance of waters. The charges were a result of allegations the company polluted tributaries in Pine Township in 2019 and 2020.

BLOOMSBURG UNIVERSITY PD COLLECTING FOOD

As part of Bloomsburg University’s Parents and Family Weekend, the Bloomsburg University Police Department (BU PD) will be holding an open house and canned goods drive, benefiting the Bloomsburg University Food Cupboard, on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the station located in the Andruss Library building. BU PD is one of only seven accredited Institutions of Higher Education Law Enforcement Agencies within Pennsylvania to be accredited by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, according to a media source.  In addition, BU PD will National Faith & Blue Weekend 2021 and work toward the mission to facilitate safer, stronger, and more unified communities by connecting law enforcement officers and residents through local faith-based and community organizations.

COVID-19 UPDATED NUMBERS FOR SUNDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County 33 new cases were reportedm Centre County saw an increase of 91, Lycoming County increased by 105, 64 cases in Northumberland County, 31 in Union, 25 in Snyder and three in Montour.

CLINTON COUNTY MAN FOUND GUILTY AFTER TWO-DAY-TRIAL

It was a two-day trial with a Clinton County jury for a man charged with sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault and indecent assault. Nathan William Weaver, of Paxinos, was found guilty Friday. Authorities said Weaver was charged in 2019 after DNA testing found his DNA on a sexual assault examination kit that had been conducted on the victim in the case on the day of the assault, according to therecordonline.com.  According to a media outlet, at trial, Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse presented 12 witnesses including the victim, a Lock Haven University student at the time of the assault. Weaver remains incarcerated in the Clinton County Correctional Facility pending sentencing on January 10, 2022, and a determination by the Court as to whether he should be classified as a sexually violent predator pursuant to Megan’s Law. He faces a maximum of up to 25 years in prison.

SUNBURY WEIS PLANT HAS AN AMMONIA LEAK

All roads surrounding the Weis Plant on Second Street in Sunbury are back open after an ammonia leak occurred Saturday night. According to Northumberland County Communications says just before 8 p.m. an ammonia leak was discovered by a passerby. According to a media outlet, both directions of Front Street in Sunbury, Chestnut Street and both directions of the Veterans Memorial Bridge were closed for a few hours and reopened just before 11 p.m. Saturday night with no injuries reported.

NEW WORKFORCE POLICY IN EFFECT TODAY

Be fully vaccinated or be subject to daily testing…That will be the new COVID-19 vaccination workforce policy at Evangelical Community Hospital today, otherwise face a progressive disciplinary process and can be terminated. President and CEO Kendra Aucker says Evangelical is nearing having 70% of its workforce fully vaccinated. Aucker says there were ‘several, but not many’ employees who accepted jobs elsewhere to avoid a vaccination policy. According to media reports, the hospital is already dealing with a staffing shortage as the hospital continues filling up again due to the current COVID surge.

LAST COMMERCIAL FLIGHT FROM WILLIAMSPORT REGIONAL AIRPORT … FOR NOW

As the last commercial flight is slated to leave the Williamsport Regional Airport this afternoon, Richard Howell, executive director says he remains “cautiously optimisitic” for a new carrier by spring. Howell went on to remind residents the airport is not closing with the ending of commercial flights. “We run 20,000 operations a year,” he said. According to a media outlet, the market here is healthy with businesses, colleges and factories that “call this airport home.”

LIVE LINE ELECTRICAL SAFETY EXHIBIT BY PPL

PPL Electric Utilities recently offered a Live Line Electrical Safety Exhibit used to teach first responders, contractors, businesses, school students and the public about the dangers of live wires and how to stay safe around them at Pennsylvania College of Technology on Sept. 15. Total attendance was more than 100 for the day with more than 20 first responders from Lycoming County, including local firefighters and paramedics. According to SUN Gazette,  PPL is slated to return  for the spring semester on Monday, April 18.

YOUTUBE BOOTING LOCAL VIDEOS

A Jersey Shore Area School Board meeting was initially among the videos booted when YouTube announced a sweeping crackdown of vaccine misinformation Wednesday. According to Jersey Shore Area School District Superintendent Brian Ulmer,  the district learned last week that its Sept. 13 board meeting was removed from YouTube, but it has since been reuploaded to the platform. According to SUN Gazette, the video-sharing platform said it will no longer allow users to baselessly speculate that approved vaccines, like the ones given to prevent the flu or measles, are dangerous or cause diseases.

LYCOMING COLLEGE RANKED ONE OF THE NATION’S BEST

Lycoming College was ranked once again as one of the nation’s best liberal arts colleges in a series of rankings released this fall by the Princeton Review, the Wall Street Journal and Washington Monthly. Lycoming ranked No. 124 in U.S. News & World Report National Liberal Arts Colleges list for 2022, and ranked No. 32 on the publication’s Top Performers on Social Mobility list. In addition to academic excellence, U.S. News cites Lycoming’s strengths in alumni giving, financial resources and faculty resources. Lycoming was recognized as one of the nation’s “Best 387 Colleges and Universities” in the 2022 edition of the annual college guide published by the Princeton Review. In this year’s Washington Monthly Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings, Lycoming College took the No. 77 spot, with a No. 30 ranking in social mobility. According to a media outlet, the Wall Street Journal / Times Higher Education U.S. College Rankings, ranked Lycoming as being among the top 37 percent of nearly 800 colleges and universities in its database.

45^TH SEASON FOR THE COMMUNITY THEATRE LEAGUE

The Community Theatre League as it celebrates its 45th season entertaining and educating Greater Williamsport. The league of thespians and educators was recently awarded a $47,800 grant awarded by the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania. According to a media source, the money will be used to update equipment and websites and to provide training to employees.

DOMESTIC BRINGS CHARGES FOR LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP MAN

Charges lodged against Loyalsock Township man Brandon Mull of Country Club Lane, faces several charges following a domestic disturbance with a woman at their home in which he said he was going to shoot her and himself, according to court records filed by state police at DJ Whiteman’s office. According to a media outlet, Mull has been charged with terroristic threats, false imprisonment, simple assault and harassment and although initially jailed, Mull is now free on $15,000 bail.

CHILD ENDANGERMENT IN WILLIAMSPORT

Detectives with the Lycoming County District Attorney’s office said a search of a person’s phone turned up multiple videos and images of a child being assaulted. Tyree Hakim Holly, 26, of Williamsport was in custody when authorities received a search warrant for his iPhone. Detective Loretta Clark said Holly’s phone possessed images of him with a juvenile engaged in several sexual acts. According to a media source, Holly was charged with multiple felonies is being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $125,000 bail waiting a preliminary hearing Sept. 30.

COVID-19 LOCAL RESULTS

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County 20 new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 40, while Lycoming County increased by 77, 40 in Northumberland County, 19 in Snyder, 13 in Union and nine in Montour.

RETIREMENT FOR FORMER CHIEF LYCOMING COUNTY DETECTIVE

Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner announced the retirement of former Chief Lycoming County detective William Weber yesterday. In a press release, “Upon arrival to the office Tuesday, September 28, I was provided with a copy of the Attorney General’s Sealed Search Warrants in the Myrtle Beach/Williamsport Baseball matter. I immediately requested a meeting with Detective Weber. During this meeting, Detective Weber informed me that he was retiring, effective immediately. Today is Detective Weber’s 40th anniversary as a law enforcement officer. The “Myrtle Beach/Williamsport Baseball matter” referenced in the DA’s statement is related to an investigation into allegations of sexual assault of a former Williamsport Area High School baseball player in March of 2018 during a trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C. According to northcentralpa.com, Detective William Weber was involved with handling the DA’s investigation at the time of the allegations.

INFORMATIONAL PICKET ALONG ROUTE 15

A Presidential Executive Order to enforce vaccinations of Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) staff (not inmates) will begin on Oct. 8, 2021. If staff are not fully vaccinated by Nov. 22, 2021, they will face employment termination. Andy Kline, the President of the Council of Prison Locals, Local 148, USP Lewisburg, relayed the following details on the Bureau Of Prisons response to the national mandate. As reported by a media source, in opposition to the mandate, union members from USP Lewisburg, USP Allenwood, FCI Schuylkill  and others will organize an Informational Picket along Route 15 in Lewisburg and Montgomery on Thursday Sept. 30 from 7am-12pm.

MULTI-VEHICLE CRASH IN SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT

It was a crash in South Williamsport and upwards of nine people were injured, but all declined treatment except two who were taken to UPMC Williamsport following this four-vehicle chain-reaction crash at East Southern Avenue and Hastings Street in South Williamsport about 12:30 p.m. yesterday, according to borough police. The names of those involved were not available. According to SUN Gazette, multiple ambulances were dispatched to the scene.

VOTE AUDIT QUESTIONS FOR LYCOMING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Both county commissioners Tony Mussare and Scott Metzger are open to additional audits of votes if there is a need for it, referring to possible audits in Tioga County and in the southeastern part of the state. According to a media outlet, no audits have been suggested for here. According to Rick Mirabito, the lone Democrat on the Board of Commissioners, unless someone can bring evidence of wrongdoing, it would not be fruitful to spend taxpayer dollars to do another audit.

JERSEY SHORE AREA SCHOOL BOARD MASK DIRECTIVE QUESTIONED

 “Do what’s right for the kids,”  a parent,  Ann Marie Pfirman, spoke up to the Jersey Shore Area School Board at their meeting as she made the case for a masks-optional policy for district students. Pfirman noted that because of what she claimed is inaction by the board, some of the parents and citizens have taken action by sending a letter from their attorney to the school board. Pfirman went on to ask the school board to work with the parents to get masking optional and also to stop the segregation practices that the district has allowed the teachers and the administrators to do in our classrooms. As reported by SUN Gazette, the board did not respond to the comments. The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Middle School Auditorium, 601 Thompson St.

GUILTY PLEA FOR 2017 INFANT DEATH

Abdullah Friend, 30, of Williamsport, pleaded guilty to his responsibility in the death of his infant child in April of 2017. By his admission in court yesterday, Friend reportedly handled the child in a reckless manner in such a way that led to death, eventually resulting in asphyxiation, according to District Attorney Ryan Gardner. Prescient Judge Nancy Butts sentenced Friend to one to two years in the Lycoming County Prison, with credit for time served, as well as a consecutive six and a half years of probation. As reported by a media source, Friend’s actions included reckless batter and a tight swaddle that resulted in asphyxiation, said District Attorney Ryan Gardner.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

The South Williamsport Area School Board elected Todd Engel as its President and Steve Rupert as Vice President and accepted the resignations of two school directors at this week’s meeting. The recent resignations of former president Nathan Miller and vice president Nicholas Fiorini left the board with two vacancies. In other matters, Superintendent Dr. Mark Stamm reported to the board that since August the district has had 26 cases of positive COVID-19 infections at the high school, 15 at Central Elementary School and four at Rommelt Elementary School. According to a media outlet, the board met in executive session following the meeting to consider personnel matters.

CONVICTED FELON UNABLE TO POSSESS FIREARMS

As a convicted felon, Susquehanna Township resident Edward Jay Manley, is prohibited by law to possess a firearm at any time. Armed with a search warrant, police took from the home numerous rifles, handguns and shotguns on Aug. 4 after receiving a tip, according to an affidavit. As reported by a media source,  he was arraigned last week on 15 felony counts of convicted felon not to possess a firearm, Manley, convicted of felony burglary in 1990, was released on $15,000 bail.

SECOND AMENDMENT SUPPORT AT LYCOMING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING TUESDAY

Lycoming County Sheriff Mark Lusk spoke before a group of community members as the county commissioners considered a resolution in support of the Second Amendment. “You won’t find this sheriff enforce anything that the federal administration tries to shove down our throats, because we have the right to bear arms,” …Matthew McDermott, director of administration and chief clerk then read the resolution before the crowd. According to the SUN Gazette, the resolution stated that the commissioners “wish to express their intent to stand for Second Amendment rights and oppose any effort to unconstitutionally restrict such rights of citizens to keep and bear arms,” McDermott read. By a unanimous vote, the commissioners passed the resolution. The next meeting of the commissioners will be at 10 a.m., Oct. 5 in the Commissioner’s Board Room, 1st floor Executive Plaza, 330 Pine St.

COVID-19 LOCAL CASES FOR TUESDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County 11 new cases were reported on Tuesday, Centre County saw an increase of 58, while Lycoming County increased by 72, 29 in Northumberland County, 23 in Union, 20 in Snyder and seven in Montour County.

MASK EXEMPTION BILL PASSES STATE SENATE COMMITTEE

AP is reporting… A bill that would allow parents in Pennsylvania to exempt their children from wearing a mask at school cleared a state Senate committee on Tuesday as Republican lawmakers started making good on their pledge to counter the governor’s statewide mask mandate.  The legislation would hand the ultimate decision on masking at school to parents and guardians, allowing them to overrule any face-covering mandate imposed by the state Department of Health, a local health department or a school board.  The Senate Education Committee approved the bill on a party-line vote. It requires passage by the full Senate and the House before going to Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf, whose office said he opposes the bill.

STORMREADY HOSPITAL DESIGNATION

Evangelical Community Hospital is now ‘StormReady,’ that’s an official designation from the National Weather Service.  During a news conference yesterday, the weather service recognized Evangelical Community Hospital as the second hospital in Pennsylvania to gain the Storm Ready status.  Features of a  StormReady Hospital includes having a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center in the building – but it also meets virtually – one aspect of it allows hospital staff access to a chat program with the National Weather Service to get their gut feeling on incoming severe weather, according to a media outlet.

SHOTS FIRED IN WILLIAMSPORT

On Sunday, September 26^th at approximately 2:36 pm, officers from the Williamsport Bureau of Police were dispatched to the 900 block of Park Avenue for multiple shots fired and several vehicles fleeing the area. Upon arrival to the scene, officers located several vehicles and residences struck by gunfire as well as other corroborating evidence to the shooting.  The scene was closed off to traffic and officers maintained a presence in the area until the collection of evidence was completed. Officers also located evidence related to this incident in the area of the 300 block of Brandon Place.  If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Agent Brittany Alexander at the Williamsport Police Department.

COVID-19 LOCAL RESULTS

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County 24 new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 65, Lycoming County increased by 67, 32 in Northumberland County, 13 in Union and eight each in Montour and Snyder counties.

CLINTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 100 YEARS OLD

Clinton County Historical Society celebrates 100 years of charter, by continuing to collect and preserve the history of Clinton County.  A celebratory banquet will be held on Oct. 17 at the Lock Haven Elks, 109 E. Main Street to include a special presentation by ; Thomas “Tank” Baird is at 7 p. m. According to therecordonline.com, Mr. Baird is the past president/current vice president of the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology and has eleven seasons of historic and pre-historic archaeological excavation experience. He published an article “Mysterious Mound Builder Artifacts Found in Rural Clinton County.”

SHAQUILLE O’NEAL PERFORMED AT BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY

A NBA Hall of Famer was in the Valley this weekend…as a DJ.Former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal performed at Bucknell University’s annual Fall Fest, but was held for the first time in two years due to the pandemic. According to campus newspaper, The Bucknellian, O’Neal performed under his stage name, ‘DJ Diesel.’ The event occurred Friday night at Sojka Pavilion.

OVER THE EDGE GOES OVER THE TOP

It was the annual “Over the Edge” fund raising event and it sent participants down 150′ from the top of the Genetti Hotel to the street on Saturday. The event is sponsored by UPMC and is a fundraising partnership between the Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation, River Valley YMCA and the YWCA of Northcentral Pa. According to Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter’s Facebook page, It was an honor to kickoff this year’s “Over the Edge” fundraiser alongside Mr. Steve Johnson to benefit three of our amazing local non-profits. Mayor Slaughter and UPMC Northcentral President Steve Johnson kicked off the historic event by rappelling and helping to raise over $16,000.

HARASSMENT BY COMMUNICATION

From July 16 to Sept. 10 of this year, a Danville woman received 47 calls and 53 text messages, many of which threatened her. According to Danville Borough Police, Jamie Alisha Adams, 31, of Bridge City, TX, was charged multiple felonies. As reported by a media outlet, onn July 20, Adams sent a text message that read, “Please drop the charges…” allegedly in reference to another case that charged Adams with similar offenses. Adams was released on $100,000 nominal bail, meaning she only had to pay a small amount, as she awaits a preliminary hearing scheduled at the end of the month.

NARCOTICS CHARGES FOR WILLIAMSPORT WOMAN

A 57-year-old Williamsport woman is facing felony charges after detectives with the Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit purchased 11 prescription pills from her. On June 10, a confidential informant placed a call to Brenda Allison Jones in the presence of Detective Robert Anderson to arrange the purchase.  Jones was charged with third-degree felony criminal use of a communication facility and felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. Court records show Jones posted $50,000 unsecured bail and agreed to show up in person for her preliminary hearing.A formal arraignment with Aaron Biichle is scheduled for Oct. 11 at 8:30 a.m.

ASSAULT CHARGES ON WILLIAMSPORT MAN

Williamsport police charged a man with second-degree simple assault, first-degree terroristic threats, and second-degree false imprisonment after they said he locked a woman inside a bedroom. All charges are misdemeanors filed against Joshua Tito Kendall, 36, of Williamsport, who allegedly told the woman he would “kill her” if she ever tried to leave him. Kendall posted $50,000 monetary bail on Sept. 16 through a professional bondsman located in Unityville. He is scheduled to appear before Judge Aaron Biichle on Oct. 14 at 8:45 a.m. for a preliminary hearing.

LAWSUIT GOING  TO COURT REGARDING STATE OF HEALTH MANDATES

The Montoursville Area School District mask lawsuit by parents will continue for at least another week. U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann said he would decide Friday whether to issue a temporary restraining order to stop the district from enforcing a mask policy mirroring what the state health department mandates. Parents of 15 district students are seeking an injunction.

MIFFLINBURG MAN CHARGED WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY FOR LEAVING DOGS IN HOT SUN FOR HOURS

A Mifflinburg Man was arrested recently for animal cruelty. State police say 50-year-old Daniel Moll was arrested for leaving three dogs in a parked car with the windows up for 4-5 hours. By the time they were found, one dog had succumbed to the heat. Troopers have charged Moll with felony animal cruelty and neglect charges .

A DANVILLE BUSINESSWOMAN DIED FOLLOWING EXPLOSION

A long-time Danville businesswoman had died following a welding accident Thursday afternoon. Mahoning Township Police Chief Fred Dyroff says 64-year-old Kathy Snyder died from her injuries overnight at Lehigh Valley Health Network Regional Burn Center near Allentown. As reported by the Daily Item, Dyroff says the accident occurred just before 2 p.m. Thursday at her shop when a diesel tank she was welding exploded. Snyder had operated Haupt Welding for more than 30 years, which was founded by her father in 1960.

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

As the Commonwealth marks National Suicide Prevention Month in September, legislation to hold accountable a person who instructs, causes or solicits another person to commit suicide is now awaiting the governor’s signature.  “Shawn’s Law” is named after Shawn Shatto, a young woman who took her own life in her parent’s Newberry Township home after she received a step-by-step guide on how to die by suicide from an online chat forum. She was provided the instructions to make the poison to take her own life.  House Bill 184 calls for sentences for a person who encourages another person who is under the age of 18 or has an intellectual disability to die by suicide to be increased.

A COMPREHENSIVE ELECTION REFORM

A comprehensive election reform measure vetoed earlier this year by Gov. Tom Wolf has been reintroduced in the state House. A key component of the bill – to expand voter ID guidelines to require all voters to present ID each time they cast a ballot – was initially cited by the governor as a main reason for his veto, but he has subsequently said he is open to expanded ID requirements. The Voting Rights Protection Act, now House Bill 1800, would expand ID requirements but also ensure ALL registered voters can comply by calling on counties and the Department of State to issue durable voter registration identification cards, similar to those already provided. Voters also would be able to use other types of identification, including their state-issued driver license or ID card.

STATE PRISON TIME FOR PHILADELPHIA MAN

State prison is what is in the future for a man who was found guilty of selling heroin, fentanyl and cocaine to Williamsport residents in 2019. William Lincoln, 39, of Philadelphia, recently received a state prison sentence of 20 years and nine months to 34 years and six months for multiple drug charges, according to a media outlet. According to a media source, the jury in his March 2021 trial determined he intended to sell 87 bags of fentanyl and cocaine and 15.7 grams of meth, among many others, across three different court cases he stood trial for at once.

DEBT CEILING

With Pennsylvania’s lawmakers in Washington sharply divided, the Senate is set for a showdown that could end in an unprecedented debt default or a government shutdown. Battles over the debt ceiling and government funding have become an almost perennial tradition in Washington, particularly when the president and Congress are at odds. On Tuesday, the House voted 220-211 to keep the government funded and to raise the debt limit, allowing the United States to pay off its bondholders for a while longer. Pennsylvania’s delegation was split along party lines, with every Democrat voting to raise the limit and every Republican voting against it. The measure now moves to the Senate, where Republicans have shown little interest in helping to raise the ceiling — despite having voted to do so two years ago.

TRANSFER MONEY APPROVED FOR WILLIAMSPORT CITY

Williamsport City Council approved a transfer ordinance totaling $100,000 to cover costs associated with three tasks. The transfer of money in the 2021 general fund will be used to pay$20,000 as part of the city obligation to have its buildings meet the Americans with Disabilities Act, secondly $70,000 for foundation cost for the Muncy Bank Stadium scoreboard, and, finally, $50,000 is for a pickup truck that will not be able to be delivered until next year, as reported by the SUN Gazette.