REORGANIZING WILLIAMSPORT CITY COUNCIL

A re-organizational meeting is scheduled for tonight at 7 pm for the Williamsport City Council. At the meeting, the agenda includes a vote to elect a president and vice president for the council and an official introduction of Republican Councilman-elect Eric Beiter, who is in the seat previously occupied by Democrat Councilman David Banks. According to SUN Gazette, the meeting also will detail a schedule for committees and will be held remotely to be viewed on the You Tube Williamsport City website.

LOCAL COVID CASES FROM SUNDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health released new COVID cases for yesterday.  Clinton County reported 38 new cases on Sunday. In Centre County 163 new infections were recorded. Lycoming County added 138. There were 70 new infections in Northumberland County, 37 in Union County, 19 in Montour and 10 in Snyder on Sunday.

KEYSTONE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT MASKING CHANGES

Masking in the Keystone Central School District will be voluntary, but highly recommended. According to Keystone Central School District Superintendent Dr. Jacquelyn Martin, the district has adopted a series of “layered mitigation strategies”  that will take effect tomorrow. In a letter released to the school district staff, students and their families, According to therecordoline.com, Dr. Martin explains that although masking is voluntary, but highly recommended, the masks are still required on school buses, as it is a federal regulation.  She also explains that  if COVID-19 cases reach a level of 5% within a school, families should know that we may be required to close our schools or move to full remote learning at a moment’s notice.  Families who have concerns about in person learning have the option to enroll in the KCSD Virtual Academy for the second semester. 

PURSUIT LEADS TO SEARCH

On Sunday evening at 8:29PM, January 02, 2022, South Williamsport Borough Police were involved in a vehicle pursuit that ended when the vehicle drove off the roadway in the 1900 Block of West 973 Highway in Lycoming Township. CRISTOBAL FELIX CINTRON of NC, the driver, fled the scene.  Due to a dangerous temperatures and his lack of protective clothing a search followed with multiple ems, police and fire units and an additional drone unit from Tioga County were utilized in the search for CINTRON, who was located and taken into custody by South Williamsport Borough Police Department. Criminal charges are pending.

ADDITIONAL FELONIES FOR MAN IN JAIL OVER FELONY CHILD ENDANGERMENT

A baseball bat was allegedly used by a Lewisburg man to strike his child. Spencer Hackenberg now faces charges stemming from an incident that occurred on the morning of November 18^th. Buffalo Valley Regional Police filed the felony charges on Dec. 15 at the office of District Judge Jeffrey A. Rowe, where he was arraigned, and bail was set at $25,000 monetary. According to northcentralpa.com, Hackenburg had previous charges of felony aggravated assault and felony child endangerment which sent him to the Union County Jail in lieu of $100,000 monetary bail.

SUN GAZETTE CARRIER SAVES A WOMAN FROM HOUSE FIRE

A hero emerges when the need arises.  It was early Wednesday morning when a residential blaze erupted in Loyalsock Township.  A SUN Gazette newspaper carrier, out delivering on her morning route, heard screams coming from inside. Becky Levano made the decision to go in and found Sheila Myers and her dog, Buddy, at the rear of her home, unable to escape. According to SUN Gazette, Levano assisted Myers to the outside of her home, moments before the fire exploded, consuming everything.

UPDATED COVID-19 CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday reported new COVID-19 cases. More than two million coronavirus cases have been reported statewide since the start of the pandemic, according to the state Department of Health’s Thursday update.  Clinton County reported 54 new cases. In Centre County 234 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 113 new cases. There were 102 new infections in Northumberland County, 34 in Snyder, 26 in Union and 25 in Montour. Tioga County had 27.

LOOKING FOR ANSWERS

The public comment deadline is today and the Clinton County Commissioners have renewed their call for more information regarding  the proposal from the Maryland Air National Guard in which they wish to expand training flights over a large swath of north central Pennsylvania. On Wednesday, the commissioners shared their most recent letter they sent to the Maryland National Guard. This letter also included petitions from hundreds of concerned citizens, looking for information and expressing concerns, according to therecordonline.com. The commissioners on Wednesday shared with the media their most recent letter, what they called “a final stand,” to the Maryland National Guard, sending along information they have gathered, including petitions with hundreds of signatures from area residents expressing their concern about the safety of the flights. This final letter, joins one sent by Governor Tom Wolf.  

$3.5 MILLION PAID TO EMPLOYEES IN 2021

In 2021, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) investigated more than 4,000 complaints of alleged labor law violations and returned more than $3.5 million in earned wages to Pennsylvania workers whose employers violated a labor law, according to data released today by L&I Secretary Jennifer Berrier. Most of the complaints investigated in 2021 and in recent years were relevant to the Wage Payment and Collection Law (WPCL), the Minimum Wage Act (MWA), the Prevailing Wage Act, (PWA), the Child Labor Act (CLA) and the Construction Workplace Misclassification Act (CWMA). The Bureau of Labor Law Compliance includes 24 investigators, four supervisors and six central office staff who work in district offices located in Altoona, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Scranton.

THE NEW PA SENIOR FOOD BOX PROGRAM

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Aging Secretary Robert Torres today highlighted the Wolf Administration’s successful rebrand of the PA Senior Food Box Program in 2021, formally known as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. Over 7,100 seniors enrolled after the department made significant steps to improve access to and awareness of the program. Key to the effort is a partnership between the Departments of Agriculture and Aging that has enabled the Department of Aging’s PACE pharmaceutical assistance program to conduct outreach to its enrollees who may also be eligible for the Senior Food Box Program. Through these actions in 2021, Pennsylvania is optimistic that it will be approved to maintain its existing caseload by the USDA in the coming year. The Administration hopes to further increase enrollment in 2022 and increase Pennsylvania’s caseload to serve even more seniors in need in the coming years.

POLICE REMIND DRIVERS OF OPERATION SAFE HOLIDAY

The New Year’s Eve Holiday has historically resulted in an increase of impaired driving crashes and arrests.  With this in mind, the Old Lycoming Police Department hopes to get drivers to think if they plan on celebrating with alcohol and other substances this holiday weekend.  Police officers want to take this opportunity to remind drivers that preventing an impaired driving incident is simple.  Remember to plan ahead, designate a sober driver and leave extra time to get to your destination. New Year’s weekend impaired driving/DUI Task forces statewide in addition to locally in Lycoming County will be part of Operation Safe Holiday, tasked with removing impaired drivers from the roadways.

OPERATION SAFE HOLIDAY

Operation Safe Holiday continues through New Year’s Day. Law enforcement will conduct impaired driving enforcement details, with zero tolerance toward drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol. According to PennDOT data, there were 1,175 crashes resulting in 31 deaths during the same period in 2019. Drivers are also reminded to obey Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law, which requires drivers to move over or slow down when they encounter an emergency scene, traffic stop, or disabled vehicle. The goal of the Move Over Law is to protect law enforcement, emergency medical providers, and other first responders when responding to crashes.

DCNR GRANT TO RIDER PARK IN GAMBLE TOWNSHIP

State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) today applauded the funding announcement by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) dedicating thousands toward waterways protection, stormwater management, as well as park and recreational improvements throughout Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Union and surrounding counties. These highly competitive DCNR grants were awarded through the Conservation Community Partnerships Program (C2P2).  In Lycoming County; First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania received $250,000 for further development of Rider Park in Gamble Township, Lycoming County. Work will include construction of a pavilion, pedestrian walkway, parking area, access drive and stormwater management measures; installation of interpretive signage; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. ESF

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY TRAFFIC STATISTICS BY PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE

The Pennsylvania State Police investigated 488 motor vehicle crashes, which killed six people and injured 90 others, during the Christmas holiday weekend from December 24-26, 2021. Alcohol was a factor in 8% of the crashes, including one fatal crash, and resulted in 181 DUI arrests. State Troopers also arrested 158 individuals on criminal charges and issued 4,007 traffic citations. With New Year’s Eve celebrations still ahead, state police will once again be on the lookout for impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Remember to plan ahead for a safe ride home before heading out, especially if your holiday plans involve alcohol.

TURNPIKE TOLLS INCREASING AS PROMISED IN JULY

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) reminds drivers that a toll increase announced earlier this year is set to take effect just after midnight Sunday. In July, the PTC approved a 5% toll increase for all E-ZPass and PA Turnpike Toll By Plate rates for the entire system. This is the first time in six years that the annual increase has been less than 6%.The most common toll for a passenger vehicle will increase from $1.60 to $1.70 for E-ZPass customers and from $3.90 to $4.10 for Toll By Plate customers. To find updated 2022 toll rates go to paturnpike.com

THE 2021 PERSON OF THE YEAR!!

It is an act of giving and giving back. Donations are accepted and then turned into adorable monkeys that are sent to needy children for emotional support.  Alyson Creasy is not your typical 12-year-old, as her website, alysmonkeys.org, has allowed her to send over 6,000 monkeys to those in need.  Because she continues to make a difference in the community and beyond, Aly has become a 2021 person of the year finalist, as reported by SUN Gazette.

FINALIST FOR 2021 PERSON OF THE YEAR

A building full of opportunity stood strong against challenges and has earned the title of finalist for 2021 person of the year. According to SUN Gazette, the James V. Brown Library stood strong, as a safe place for every resident and visitor to Lycoming County to learn and grow. According to SUN Gazette, however, in June 2021, a rainbow display was picked apart and how it became the focus of a community struggle, earning criticism from two Lycoming County Commissioners.

FIRE DESTROYS RESIDENCE IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

An early Wednesday morning residential blaze was a total loss in Loyalsock Township. Multiple fire companies responded to the 1900 block of Inverness Road around 1:20 am. According to SUN Gazette, there were no injuries and the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshall was requested to investigate.

AIRPORT READY FOR SPRING FLIGHTS WITH SOUTHERN AIRWAYS EXPRESS

Spring will bring more than warmer weather to Lycoming County.  Williamsport Regional Airport Executive Director Richard Howell announced there may be upwards of three flights a day from Southern Airways Express beginning in the spring. This news gets better, as Howell explained United Airlines has an agreement with Southern Airways for ticketing and baggage, ensuring more of a seamless, less dramatic, connection to larger flights.  According to SUN Gazette, nine-passenger Cessna Caravans would fly between Williamsport and Washington D.C. with Southern Airways.

LIGHTS OF HOPE COMMUNITY CELEBRATION NEXT WEEKEND

The Lycoming County United Way is grateful for the way the communities in north central Pa. continue to come together to celebrate and support each other in times of need. The United Way is collaborating with community businesses and organizations for upcoming recognition events highlighting the efforts of healthcare workers in the region. Lights of Hope Community Celebration  which includes Sojourner Truth Ministries, UPMC Williamsport, Hon. Derek Slaughter, Mayor, City of Williamsport  and  Lycoming County United Way Fri., Jan. 7, 5 p.m. on the Front Lawn of UPMC Williamsport, 700 High St., Williamsport.

LOCAL COVID-19 CASES FOR WEDNESDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 33 new cases. In Centre County 174 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 86. There were 95 new infections in Northumberland County, 60 in Snyder, 37 in Union and 31 in Montour. Tioga County had 35 new COVID-19 cases.

CONSTRUCTION MOVING FORWARD

The Nicholas Meat Sustainable Resource Facility (SRF) located across Route 880 from the Nicholas Meat facility east of Loganton, is transformed into an active construction site that will be home to an innovative and comprehensive environmental management system. Featuring award-winning waste-to-energy technology within an advanced water treatment facility set to help create renewable energy, decrease the company’s carbon footprint, capture greenhouse gases, and reuse water. Tanks will be installed spring 2022 and buildings will be constructed in summer. Final project estimated for completion 2023.

ADDITIONAL CHARGES FOR MAN IN JAIL

Rape charges have been added to the list of charges holding a Lycoming County man in jail.  Kryshane Keoni Sha Goas, charged with multiple felonies, including a third rape charge, this one dealt with contact with a minor at Montoursville Area High School. When these charges were filed, Goas already had two active rape cases against him that included upwards of six felonies. According to northcentralpa.com, Goas faces Judge Gary Whiteman for a preliminary hearing on February 14^th.

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UPMC HEALTH PENALIZED BY INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman today announced a $250,000 penalty stemming from a comprehensive Affordable Care Act market conduct examination that the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) conducted on the practices and procedures of UPMC Health Coverage, Inc. and UPMC Health Options, Inc. The UPMC examination, which covers the period from January 1, 2015, to March 31, 2016, identified claims processing violations, including claims being denied when they should have been paid and notification and processing delays. The examination also reported Unfair Insurance Practices Act violations relating to unclear communications, as well as prompt pay and interest violations, and maximum-out-of-pocket miscalculations. The department has ordered UPMC to take corrective action to address the violations.

YORK AND SCRANTON TO GET FEDERAL COVID-19 HELP

Department of Health (DOH) Acting Secretary Keara Klinepeter and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Randy Padfield announced that the federal government has identified York and Scranton based hospitals and emergency medical services (EMS) to receive strike team deployment to support the health care system in Pennsylvania. On December 15, the Wolf Administration outlined key support areas needed in Pennsylvania to support our health care systems. Identified supports included critical staffing supports and additional pandemic response support focused on rural areas.

LITTLE LEAGUE GETTING SET FOR NEW YEAR

As part of a continued evolution of its organizational structure, Little League^® International has announced the elevation of six current staff members at its headquarters location in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, effective as of January 1, 2022. According to Stephen D Keener, Little League President and CEO, “Several elevations have occurred to support our marketing, communications, and museum operations, as well as the Risk Management department.”  Congratulation to Brian McClintock for his move to Senior Communications Executive, Brent Stahlnecker the Senior Director of Risk Management, Kevin Fountain the Senior Director of Communications, Adam Thompson the Director of the World of Little League^® Museum, Kevin Feinberg the  Director of Partnership Marketing and Taigen Tebbs as the new Licensing Manager.

RESTRICTIONS CUT

U.S. health officials on Monday cut isolation restrictions for asymptomatic Americans who catch the coronavirus from 10 to five days, and similarly shortened the time that close contacts need to quarantine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said the guidance is in keeping with growing evidence that people with the coronavirus are most infectious in the two days before and three days after symptoms develop. The decision also was driven by a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, propelled by the omicron variant.

ASSAULT CHARGES LAND PITTSTON MAN IN JAIL

A Pittston man allegedly kicked in the front door of a residence in Williamsport and assaulted the male resident. Williamsport Bureau of Police arrived in the 1600 block of Scott Street in the early morning hours of Dec. 4^th to find a bruised and bloody male victim. According to SUN Gazette, Scott Erb was arrested and taken before District Judge Christian Frey on multiple charges, including burglary and felony trespassing. Erb was taken to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bail.

LOCAL COVID-19 CASES FROM YESTERDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Monday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 14 new cases. In Centre County 21 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 37 new cases. Tioga County added 5 new cases.  There were 18 new infections in Northumberland County, eight in Snyder, five in Montour and four in Union County.

ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE CHARGES FROM 2019 PLED IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COURT

A Sunbury man pleaded guilty to felony charge of attempted homicide when he shot Derek Whitsesel four times with a .40 caliber handgun in Milton in November of  2019. The fight, according to the Daily Item, started over a winter hat and has now sent Ricky Pearson to prison for the next 12 to 36 years. Whitesel survived the attack.

NEW ACTING SECRETARY OF COMMONWEALTH

Governor Tom Wolf announced his intention to name Leigh M. Chapman to serve as Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth. Chapman will replace Acting Secretary Veronica Degraffenreid, who will be elevated to serve in the Administration as a special advisor to the governor.  Chapman currently serves as executive director of Deliver My Vote, a non-partisan, non-profit organization focused on research and education about voting by mail. From 2015 to 2017, Chapman served as policy director at the Department of State, advancing key agenda items including the implementation of electronic voter registration.  Chapman will serve as Acting Secretary beginning Saturday, January 8, 2022.

ALL RESTRICTIONS LIFTED FROM INTERSTATE

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) lifted all speed limit and right-lane-only commercial vehicle restrictions in place on interstates in the region at 1:00 PM. Due to the winter storm impacting the region, speed limits were reduced at 9:40 a.m. on Interstate 80 eastbound and westbound between the Clinton County line and Interstate 180. Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com.

LIQUOR ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS GRADUATE

Colonel Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), announced that 15 Liquor Enforcement Officers graduated and have been assigned to Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (BLCE) offices across the commonwealth. The men and women represent the 28th liquor control enforcement trainee graduating class. The ceremony was held at the Southwest Training Center in Greensburg. Liquor Enforcement Officer Trainee Kaitlyn M. Davenport spoke on behalf of the graduating class. Liquor Enforcement Officers are responsible for conducting investigations performed through undercover operations and open inspections of licensed or unlicensed liquor establishments. They have the power and duty to arrest for violations of the Pennsylvania Liquor Code and related offenses.

WILDLIFE FUTURES PROGRAM STUDY

Pennsylvania’s fur takers will play a critical role in a study to determine the extent to which mouse and rat poisons might be affecting the state’s bobcats, fishers and otters. Hunters and trappers are being asked to participate in the study by submitting carcasses from these species to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Those who harvest a bobcat, fisher or otter and who want to submit the carcass for the study are asked to call the Game Commission region office serving the county where the animal was taken. The study is being conducted by the Game Commission in partnership with PennVet’s Wildlife Futures Program, an organization with the mission to “increase disease surveillance, management and research to better protect wildlife across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and beyond.”

ROADWORK TO CONTINUE INTO 2022 ON MAJOR ROADWAY

Route 220 west of Williamsport and south of Lycoming County can expect both safety and transportation improvements with the Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation Project. This three year project is planned has three schedule sections, the current is April to November 2021. The final schedule is April to November 2022. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in District 3 in Montoursville, the necessary work is done with the plan of safer transportation by addressing confusing traffic movements and an ease for U-turns when necessary.  Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. is slated as the primary contractor and the work has a price tag of $41 million.

SUNBURY POLICE LOOKING FOR 17-YEAR-OLD FOR FELONY GUN CHARGES

Police are looking for a 17-year-old Sunbury man who held up another man by gunpoint on North 4th Street on Monday as he took $40 and the victim’s cellphone. An arrest warrant has been issued for Elijah Simpson, who is charged with felony robbery and firearms not be carried without a license charges, according to the Daily Item. Police report Simpson will be facing charges as an adult. Anyone with information on Simpson is asked to call Northumberland County 911.

AMERICAN RESCUE WORKERS FEEDING HUNDREDS

Over 800 families were provided for, with compassion, caring and food last Tuesday in Williamsport. According to SUN Gazette, the American Rescue Workers held their annual Holiday Food Distribution Tuesday. With the help of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, their susucessful event provided breakfast, lunch and dinner to those in need in Lycoming County.

LOCAL COVID-19 CASES FOR YESTERDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health released updated COVID-19 case information for yesterday. Centre County added 56 new infections. Clinton had 10. There were 32 new cases in Lycoming County. Tioga added 3.  There were 27 new infections in Northumberland County, 24 in Union, four in Snyder and two in Montour County.

JUDGEMENT AGAINST COMPANY WILL NOT GET TO FIRED EMPLOYEES

No part of the $13 million judgement against a now obsolete company will be seen by the over 900 former Wood-Mode Inc. employees who lost their jobs, when the plant, located in Kreamer, Snyder county, suddenly closed in 2019 after being a working staple in the community for over seven years. In a lawsuit against Wood-Mode and its former owners, they were charged with violating the WARN Act. However, according to attorneys, those funds cannot be collected, as WARN only allows collection from the corporation and its assets, not the officers or directors. The current Wood-Mode LLC, according to the Daily Item, is owned by Bill French has no association with the former lawsuit or company.

HISTORICAL CHURCH CLOSES ITS DOORS

A Pennsylvania church with a 221-year history held its final service and is scheduled to close at the end of the year because of declining membership and attendance. The First Presbyterian Church of Bellefonte, which is nearly as old as the borough itself, held the final scheduled service on Christmas Eve after having welcomed generations of families over the course of more than two centuries. The church was established in 1800 by the same men who founded Bellefonte in 1795 at a time when there were only 16 states and counted among its members two former Pennsylvania governors.

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM

EST MONDAY…Mixed precipitation expected with ice accumulations of up to one tenth of an inch. Total snow and sleet accumulations are expected to be an inch or less for portions of central Pennsylvania from 9 AM to 6 PM EST today. Drivers should plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. The highest ice accumulations will be on the hill tops. Slightly higher snow and sleet totals may be found north of Lock Haven.

POLICE REMIND DRIVERS OF OPERATION SAFE HOLIDAY

The New Year’s Eve Holiday has historically resulted in an increase of impaired driving crashes and arrests.  With this in mind, the Old Lycoming Police Department hopes to get drivers to think if they plan on celebrating with alcohol and other substances this holiday weekend.  Police officers want to take this opportunity to remind drivers that preventing an impaired driving incident is simple.  Remember to plan ahead, designate a sober driver and leave extra time to get to your destination. New Year’s weekend impaired driving/DUI Task forces statewide in addition to locally in Lycoming County will be part of Operation Safe Holiday, tasked with removing impaired drivers from the roadways.

THREATS TO EMERGENCY MEDICAL PERSONNEL GET MAN CHARGES

A Middleburg man threatened EMS personnel when they responded to his calls for help.  According to State Police in Selinsgrove, Walter Long called 911 and asked for help, as he was suffering from a medical emergency. DH & L Emergency Services responded to the call and arrived to find Long. He became irate and threatened EMS, eventually even refusing all medical services. Police report charges were filed with the local District Justice.

KIDSBURG PLAYGROUND IN HUFNAGLE PARK

It is first of its kind, a new playground dedicated to first responders and the essence of volunteerism. The 8,500-square-foot Kidsburg Playground is set to be located in Hufnagle Park in Lewisburg. The dedicated ceremony, set up and prepared by the creators of the park, Playworld Systems in Lewisburg, will include the very latest in innovative play equipment featuring a yellow fire engine structure, with an opening in June 2022.  According to the Daily Item, Hufnagle Park is named after Gorden Hufnagle, a 25-year Lewisburg Police Department Veteran, who lost his life, saving others, in the flood of 1972.  The park will reflect the colors of the William Cameron Engine Company and the imagination of Playworld.

COACH RETIRES AND NEW ONE IS SOUGHT

Penn State women’s volleyball head coach Russ Rose announced his retirement today after 43 years leading the Nittany Lions. Rose retires from his post as the winningest coach in NCAA Division I women’s volleyball history with 1,330 victories in his illustrious career. Rose will remain in an advisory role within the athletics department. Katie Schumacher-Cawley will serve as interim head coach as Penn State opens a national search for its next head coach. Rose guided the Nittany Lions to seven NCAA titles, including four-straight championships, and 17 Big Ten crowns. He has been at the helm of all 41 of Penn State’s NCAA Tournament appearances, making the Nittany Lions the only team in NCAA history to appear in all 41 tournaments.

19^TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TREES

Two local businesses were recognized for their achievements in the 19th annual Festival of Trees. The Trail Inn of Cogan Station received the People’s Choice Award, and Professional Lawn and Landscape Co. of Trout Run was deemed “Best of the Festival.” The Salvation Army Williamsport Corps will present both businesses with plaques in January. The People’s Choice award winner was decided by the public voting for their favorite tree with monetary donations at the Lycoming Mall and at sponsoring businesses. The ornately decorated Trail Inn tree received upwards of twice as many votes over any other tree was the winner for the People’s Choice Award. The Best of the Festival award raised over $1,000 for the Salvation Army’s local programs and services. That tree was the Professional Lawn and Landscape Co.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT CHRISTMAS TREE PROGRAM A SUCCESS

The South Williamsport Police Department’s first of its proposed annual Christmas Program helped upwards of 14 families in the South Williamsport and DuBoistown Boroughs. The ambitious program gave to those who were unable to provide gifts to children. Headed by a retired Jersey Shore Police Officer, who was very familiar with the program – as he ran it for years there, who is now the South Williamsport Mayor Marlin Angelo and also South Williamsport Police Officer Seth Stropp.  Members of the South Williamsport Borough Council with South Williamsport Police Officers delivered the wrapped gifts to families on Christmas eve morning.  According to Mayor Angelo, monetary donations for the Christmas Program will be accepted year round, to help make each year more successful than the last.

VOLUNTEERS NEED HELP

The state of volunteer firefighting is in a crisis. That is the assessment of Acting Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook and multiple fire officials in the state, nation and Valley. The current model of volunteer firefighting in Pennsylvania is based on the long-standing tradition going back to the 1700s when Ben Franklin founded the first volunteer department in Philadelphia. That model has continued virtually unchanged since that time, said Cook. The issues are complex. Cook and other fire leaders said they range from aversion to change to societal transformations of the family unit where both spouses are now working to increasing extracurricular activities for children. It means fewer people are coming out to fight fires, which leads to second and third alarms being called not due to the severity of the incident but to the lack of manpower.

OPERATION SAFE HOLIDAY

Operation Safe Holiday continues through New Year’s Day. Law enforcement will conduct impaired driving enforcement details, with zero tolerance toward drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol. According to PennDOT data, there were 1,175 crashes resulting in 31 deaths during the same period in 2019. Drivers are also reminded to obey Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law, which requires drivers to move over or slow down when they encounter an emergency scene, traffic stop, or disabled vehicle. The goal of the Move Over Law is to protect law enforcement, emergency medical providers, and other first responders when responding to crashes.

COMING AROUND THE CORNER TO HARRISBURG

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