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.

REGIONAL 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.

FUNDING WILL AID HOMEOWNERS FACING COVID-19 PANDEMIC-RELATED FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS 

Governor Tom Wolf announced the statewide launch of the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund, or PAHAF, administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. PHFA’s plan for administration of the PAHAF has been approved by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. PAHAF applications will open to eligible Pennsylvania homeowners beginning February 1. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was awarded more than $350 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). The fund supports Pennsylvania homeowners whose household income is at or below 150% of the area median income (AMI) that now must grapple with additional unforeseen financial hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. PAHAF will use these funds to provide eligible Pennsylvania homeowners with much-needed assistance to prevent and/or ease mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, displacement and utility disconnection.

MASKING IN MONTOURSVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

The requirement to mask in the Montoursville Area School District was rejected by the school board at its meeting this week. According to SUN Gazette, the board considered a masking requirement until transmission levels decreased across Lycoming County. However, discussion from interested members of the community and a genuine disinterest in tabling the issue led to the vote. The next board meeting is set for Tuesday, January 25.

WARRANT ARREST

A Montoursville man allegedly led police on a high-speed chase through the city. According to police, Michael Powell had an active warrant out for his arrest. Police reported Powell slipped out of handcuffs in city hall following his arrest for drug charges. Last month when police attempted to stop his vehicle, Powell allegedly fled north on Almond Street, at high speeds. He was apprehended and appeared in front of District Judge Christian Fry with multiple charges including fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer and recklessly endangering. Without the $300,000 for three cases against him, he was remanded to the Lycoming County Jail.

 COVID CASES LOCALLY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 74 new cases. In Centre County 308 were recorded. Lycoming County added 225. Northumberland County registered 200 new cases. Montour County registered 53 cases, just off the record of 59 set in December 2020. Snyder County added 60 cases, along with 59 in Union. Tioga County added 51.

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.

STABBING IN SUNBURY

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.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENT FOR BUSINESSES WITH AT LEAST 100 EMPLOYEES DEEMED AN OVERSTEP

The Supreme Court has stopped a major push by the Biden administration to boost the nation’s COVID-19 vaccination rate, a requirement that employees at large businesses get a vaccine or test regularly and wear a mask on the job. At the same time, the court is allowing the administration to proceed with a vaccine mandate for most health care workers in the U.S. The court’s orders Thursday came during a spike in coronavirus cases caused by the omicron variant. The court’s conservative majority concluded the administration overstepped its authority by seeking to impose the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s vaccine-or-test rule on U.S. businesses with at least 100 employees. More than 80 million people would have been affected and OSHA had estimated that the rule would save 6,500 lives and prevent 250,000 hospitalizations over six months.

FIREFIGHTERS SAY GOODBYE TO ONE OF THEIR OWN

It was an emotional gathering of friends, family and brothers in the fire service at St. John’s – Newberry United Methodist Church in Williamsport to celebrate the life of former Old Lycoming Township Fire Chief Paul Stroble Jr, who, last week died at the age of 83. According to Sheriff Mark Lusk, “He was a man who did it all. He served his country, his community and his God.” Chief Paul K. Stroble joined the Old Lycoming Twp Fire Company on January 11, 1965.  He was interred on his 57^th Anniversary date of joining the Company.  As one in a 3 generation family of firefighters, Stroble served as Chief from 1978 – 1984 and was very active right up until his passing – even when his health was failing.    

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL BOARD SEATS TAKEN

Three open seat vacancies were filled at the last South Williamsport Area School Board work session meeting. According to SUN Gazette, Ben Brigandi for Region I; Summer Bukeavich, Region II and John Hitesman, Region III  will be sworn in at an upcoming meeting.

 LOCAL COVID CASES YESTERDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 51 new cases. In Centre County 172 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 124. Tioga County added 56. Northumberland County registered 131 new cases, while Snyder County had 47, Union 46 and Montour 30.

FIRE GUTTED BUILDING IN MILL HALL

Fire tore through a frame home yesterday afternoon in the 200 block of South Water Street in Mill Hall. Upwards of 40 firemen responded and according to Fire Chief Tony Walker,  the fire fighter battled for over 45 minutes in sub-freezing temperatures. According to therecordonline.com, the two-and-a-half story structure was gutted by flames.  Reports say there were no injuries, however it is unknown if the family pets escaped. Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshall was requested to investigate.

LOCAL LOTTERY WINNER

A Clinton County woman won $1 million dollars in the Pennsylvania Lottery Match 6 Jackpot game. According to therecordonline.com, April Williams purchased her ticket at the Sheetz on Hogan Boulevard near Mill Hall. A lottery spokesperson said lottery officials and representatives from Sheetz will be present Wednesday at the Mill Hall location for a commemorative check presentation.

REMOTE LEARNING FOR TWO SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Remote learning for Danville Area School District is due to an increase in COVID throughout the four schools. On a Facebook post and communication from Superintendent Ricki Boyle, As per the PA DOH, DASD students will be moved to virtual learning  beginning today  with a tentative return date of Tuesday, January 18. All extracurricular activities and athletic practices and events will be rescheduled. Monday, January 17 is a professional development day and no student classes. During this time K-5 students are expected to follow the posted schedule in the teacher’s Google Classroom and attend scheduled Google Meets.  6 – 12 students are expected to follow their normal schedule by attending Google Meets and accessing Google Classroom.

Milton Area’s Baugher Elementary added to the remote learning with the Milton Middle and High Schools for the rest of this week.

HELICOPTER CRASH IN PA

A pilot crash-landed a medical helicopter Tuesday without loss of life in a residential area of suburban Philadelphia, somehow avoiding a web of power lines and buildings as the aircraft fluttered, hit the street and slid into bushes outside a church, authorities and witnesses said. It was a “miracle” that none of the four people aboard, including an infant patient, suffered life-threatening injuries, Upper Darby Police Superintendent Timothy M. Bernhardt said. Rescue crews rushed to the wreckage by the Drexel Hill United Methodist Church in Upper Darby at about 1 p.m. and helped get the pilot, two crew members and the infant out of the aircraft, Bernhardt said at a press conference.

WOLF: VACCINE IS STRATEGY TO FIGHT COVID-19, NOT SHUTDOWNS

The Wolf administration said Tuesday it has no plans to pursue another COVID-19 emergency declaration, or attempt to impose new statewide restrictions or vaccine mandates, in response to the highly contagious omicron variant that is spreading quickly and overloading Pennsylvania’s hospitals.  Statewide, new confirmed cases have spiked by 50% in a week, rising to 27,545 per day, according to weekly Health Department data released Tuesday. Cases are expected to peak this month. More than 7,100 people are hospitalized with COVID-19, a pandemic record, and nearly a third of all patients in intensive care units have the disease. Deaths have risen by more than a third in two weeks, averaging about 127 per day.

SUNBURY POLICE LOOKING FOR MUNCY MAN

A Muncy man allegedly was in possession of a stolen firearm after Sunbury Police continued their probe into the January 3^rd shooting on Packer Street.  Hakeem Jefferson of West Water Street is wanted after police reported a search of his vehicle revealed a stolen Beretta handgun, two magazines and a black ski mask, according to the Daily Item.  Anyone with any information is asked to call the  Northumberland County 911.

SIMPLE ASSAULT CHARGES FOR UNION COUNTY MAN

A Union County man threw a glass against the victim that shattered around their four-month-old child.  Shannon Parrish III then placed the victim in a chokehold, preventing her to breathe.  Parrish was taken into custody and a follow up search warrant revealed methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana and paraphernalia.  Parrish was charged with strangulation, endangering the welfare of a child, simple assault amongst others. He was remanded to Union County Jail on $45,000 bail.

THE LIGHTS OF HOPE A SUCCESS

On Friday evening, on the front lawn of UPMC Williamsport, 1,000 luminarias glowed brightly into the night, sending a message of hope.  The lights, a salute and offering of thanks to our healthcare workers who continue to serve the communities they love. Speakers talked of thanks, hope and the continuing fight against COVID. The Lights of Hope Celebration included Sojourner Truth Ministries, Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter, UPMC and the Lycoming County United Way.

RECKLESS ENDANGERING FOR A BROKEN DOOR

A Montoursville man allegedly kicked a door, shattering the glass dangerously close to a woman and child. On Dec. 21, Cody Bomberger was arrested and appeared before District Judge Gary Whiteman. According to SUN Gazette, Bomberger was charged with recklessly endangering and endangering the welfare of children.

KEEPING A WOMAN FROM FLEEING, BROUGHT CHARGES

During a heated argument, a Route 14 man allegedly created a situation where a woman was unable to flee. Donald Nash blocked the escape of a woman on Dec 21, according to state police.  As reported by Sun Gazette,  Nash was charged with recklessly endangering and simple assault and appeared in front of District Judge William Solomon for arraignment.

APPROVAL FOR FULL TIME AND THE HIRING OF A PART TIME POLICE OFFICER

A part time police officer has been hired in Muncy Borough.  Retired State Police trooper David Kirkendall will be working as a part-time police officer on a short-term basis. Police Chief James Dorman has been cleared by the Muncy Borough Council to begin the process of seeking a permanent full-time officer. According to Dorman, his department has been in the midst of staffing issues and believes this position will serve until he can obtain another full time officer. Especially now, as reported by SUN Gazette, as Brady Township has agreed to a five-year contract for police coverage. In other news, council decided that meetings in 2022 would be at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday and third Thursday of the month at the Muncy Borough Hall, 14 North Washington St.

COVID RESULTS LOCALLY FOR YESTERDAY

 The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 87 new cases. In Centre County 323 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 265. Northumberland County added 159. Union County added 49 new cases and Montour and Snyder counties added 32 each.  Tioga County added 58.

GARAGE FIRE DESTROYED THREE VEHICLES INSIDE

Fire swept through a garage, destroyed the garage and three vehicles inside. Multiple fire companies responded to the 200 block of South Jones Street in Lock Haven. The loss was estimated at $67,000, according to therecordonline.com. With no injuries reported, the fire remains under investigation.

A NEW CHIEF OF PUBLIC SAFETY AT BUCKNELL

Anthony Morgan will be Bucknell University’s new chief of public safety following a nationwide search. His first day on campus will be Feb. 1. According to the Daily Item, Morgan brings over 19 years of experience to lead a university public safety department consisting of 24 full-time staff.

BRIDGE PROJECTS IN UNION COUNTY

In Union County seven county-owned bridges have been replaced since 2016 and a major rehabilitation project has been completed. In 2021 alone, Union County had five bridges closed, repaired and reopened. According to the Daily Item, up to and including 2023, an estimated $11 million will have been spent on bridge infrastructure improvements and the county will then own 25 bridges.  

DEFERRAL OF SENTENCING IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

A Turbotville woman who allegedly fell asleep, and her 3-year-old son, who left the house, unattended, was found dead in the neighbor’s pool, has not been sentenced. The deferral was until a later date, because she arrived at the Northumberland County Court with a week old, newborn child.  Britney Bridges was scheduled to be sentenced Friday after a jury in October found her guilty of a felony count of child endangerment, according to the Daily Item.  Milton state police reported Bridges as “recklessly negligent.”  Bridges has been free since Nov. 10, 2020, after her $125,000 bail was listed as ROR (released on her own recognizance).

SUNBURY POLICE LOOKING FOR SHOOTER

Shots fired into a home on Friday night has Sunbury police looking for the shooter. The gunfire occurred around 11:30pm on Bainbridge Street, when a man walked up, shot upwards of 6 or more rounds into the home and left. A dark colored SUV was in that area at the time and there are no injuries, no suspects. The incident remains under investigation and if you have any information on any of the shootings in Sunbury, please contact Northumberland County 911.

AREA UNIVERSITIES GETTING READY FOR SPRING SEMESTER

Bucknell and Susquehanna University students will be required to attend spring semester classes in person and get the COVID-19 booster shot while Bloomsburg University students will start the first week online. Bloomsburg students will be studying remotely from Jan. 24 through Jan. 28 and return to a regular schedule on Jan. 30. Bucknell University President John Bravman sent out an email to all students, requiring all students to take a COVID-19 test 72 hours before arrival on campus or risk being un-enrolled from spring course. The spring semester starts on Jan. 18 at Bucknell and Jan. 31 at Susquehanna.

UTILITY PROTECTION FROM SENATE BILL 275

According to State Senator Gene Yaw, in October, six Democrats, including two from the southeast corner of the state, joined all 28 Republicans and our chamber’s lone Independent to approve Senate Bill 275. The bill’s purpose is simple: it prevents Pennsylvania’s 2,500-plus municipalities from banning access to certain utilities, like natural gas or heating oil. This will preserve consumer access to affordable electricity, no matter where they live, and prevent a chaotic patchwork of regulations that ultimately undermine statewide environmental and energy policies.

JUST SAY NO … FOR NOW

The Montoursville Borough Council, in a unanimous vote, said no to signing an agreement with River Valley Transit, for now. Reasons were clear to the council, who faces upwards of a 50% increase in unexplained River Valley Costs. According to President of council, Eric Greenway, more information is necessary prior to handing off the increase to the taxpayers for bus service in Montoursville. As reported by Sun Gazette, RVT has plans of reaching out to Montoursville Borough Council. This issue will be revisited when the necessary information is received.

NEW TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

A new transportation authority resolution is scheduled for the agenda tonight and the Williamsport City Council is expected to vote to authorize a public hearing pursuant to the formation of a new transportation authority. According to SUN Gazette, after the adverse opinion audit from 2019-2020 RVT, the formation of a transportation authority was discussed. Council previously approved the formation of a transit oversight committee that will consist of members of the administration, River Valley Transit, Williamsport Area Transportation Study and council.

AMENDED CHARGES

A Williamsport woman had amended charges now including multiple counts of homicide, filed against her this morning.  Marie Snyder appeared in front of District Judge William Solomon in Old Lycoming Township this morning for her preliminary hearing. According to SUN Gazette, homicide charges against Echo Butler will be filed. Michele Butler is also facing additional charges this morning. These charges are stemming from the disappearance and subsequent discovery of Snyder’s two daughters, Nicole and Jasmine Snyder, last year in Hepburn Township.

FOURTH STREET FACE LIFT

Resurfacing of Fourth Street in Williamsport, which is to include accessible ramps and curb cuts is scheduled for the upcoming construction season, according to state Department of Transportation  and Williamsport city officials. PennDot District 3 spokeswoman, Maggie Baker, explained the project has an additional 69 accessible ramps, with milling and paving completion expected this construction year. As reported by SUN Gazette, the project began in summer and hopes are a completion by this fall with a price tag of $1.9 million.

LOCAL COVID-19 CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 71 new cases.  In Centre County 210 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 203. There were 109 new infections in Northumberland County, 45 in Union, 31 in Snyder and 21 in Montour. Tioga County added 29 new covid cases yesterday.

ADDITIONAL FELONY CHARGES

A Lewisburg man has additional felony charges in an ongoing case of physical abuse of a minor. Spencer C. Hackenberg, of Lewisburg, faces felony aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children in conjunction with two counts of misdemeanor simple assault. These charges are a result of the  Nov. 18^th case of Hackenberg striking a 9-year-old with a bat. Police said Hackenberg is in jail on $100,000  bail an earlier incident in  December, when he struck a juvenile with a closed fist and held a knife to the child’s throat, according Daily Item. Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey Rowe arraigned Hackenberg on the additional charges. Hackenberg will appear for a preliminary hearing in at a later date on the new charges.

PENNSYLVANIA HOMEOWNER ASSISTANCE FUND

Governor Tom Wolf announced the statewide launch of the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund, or PAHAF, administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. PHFA’s plan for administration of the PAHAF has been approved by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. PAHAF applications will open to eligible Pennsylvania homeowners beginning February 1.  The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was awarded more than $350 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). The fund supports Pennsylvania homeowners whose household income is at or below 150% of the area median income (AMI) that now must grapple with additional unforeseen financial hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. PAHAF will use these funds to provide eligible Pennsylvania homeowners with much-needed assistance to prevent and/or ease mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, displacement and utility disconnection.

PAHAF applications become available Feb. 1, it will be possible to complete them entirely online, eliminating the need for paper submissions and simplifying the process for applicants.

FINAL PAYMENT APPROVED

Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority Board approved the final payment for Montoursville’s Church Alley sewer lateral project. According to Christine Weigle, executive director the approval is contingent on multiple ducks in a row. These include receipt of the signed pay application, a engineer final review of the video by the engineer, record drawings being received and the closeout paperwork. Also, the board approved $51,092 for expenses for the 2020 Capital Additions Project. Included here are the payments for the Church alley project and the outfall project portion of the Montoursville Regional Sewer System.

CONCEALED CLASSES IN LYCOMING COUNTY

Rep. Joe Hamm will be co-hosting three Concealed Carry Seminars.

Thursday, Jan. 27, from 6-8 p.m. 
Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company
1600 Dewey Ave., Williamsport

Wednesday, Feb. 2, from 6-8 p.m. 
Community Baptist Church
1853 State Route 87, Montoursville

Thursday, March 24, from 6-8 p.m.
Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company
2311 Route 54 Highway, Montgomery

If you are interested in attending one of the seminars, please register at repwheeland.com/events.

NEW PRESIDENT FOR PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Following a national search, beginning after President Davie Jane Gilmour announced in May 2021 her intention to retire after 24 years at the helm of the institution,  Pennsylvania College of Technology has chosen Michael J. Reed to lead the institution as its eighth president, effective July 1. The Penn College Board of Directors on Wednesday approved the choice of Reed, the college’s vice president for academic affairs and provost, after an extensive search process led by Storbeck Search, of Media. He will succeed longtime President Davie Jane Gilmour.

CORONAVIRUS WORKING HARD ON HOSPITAL RESOURCES

Surging coronavirus cases have sent hospital system in the region to capacity and beyond. The surge in cases, coupled with the non-COVID patients, has placed UPMC, Geisinger Medical Center and Evangelical Community Hospital in a precarious position. According to SUN Gazette, the Centers for Disease Control labeled this region as 94% omicron variant. Throughout the northcentral Pennsylvania, the UPMC hospitals are seeing 92 COVID inpatients. At Geisinger, upwards of 318 COVID patients were hospitalized. Evangelical Community Hospital reported their COVID hospitalization is currently at 55 patients.

BOARD SEAT REMOVED IN WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Earlier this week, a vote was held to remove a board seat at the Williamsport Area School Board. The vote 7-1 was reached, following a closed-door session, and Star Poole was removed from the board. According to SUN Gazette, Poole was removed for missing at least two of the school board meetings.

NO REAL ESTATE TAXES RAISED FOR WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL BOARD

Real estate taxes will not be raised, at an amount which exceeds the Act 1 index, to support next year’s budget. According to SUN Gazette, the vote, by the Williamsport Area School Board, does not preclude any tax hike. The next fiscal year’s index is at 4.8. Budget approval deadline is June 30.

LOCAL SERVICES TAXES DUE FROM EMPLOYERS IN SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT

Dottie Mertz, tax collector, will begin collecting the local services tax from each employer in South Williamsport Borough beginning this month. Due Jan 31 is the fourth quarter of 2021. Businesses can expect future quarters will be submitted to Mertz, who is also the tax collector in Loyalsock Township.

LOCAL COVID CASES FOR YESTERDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 44 new cases. In Centre County 293 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added169 and Tioga added 48. There were 163 new infections in Northumberland County, 55 in Snyder County, 53 in Union and 40 in Montour.

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN MUSIC TEACHER RECEIVES GRANT MONEY

The Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools Teacher Grant for the 21-22 school year was issued to Central Mountain High School music teacher Ashley Crust. According to therecordonline.com Ms. Crust won $1799.65 which can be utilized toward the creation of an electronic musical instrument workshop, led by local electronics tech, Brian Douty.

TRIAL RESUMES IN HARRISBURG

It is a trial with the potential of changing how Pennsylvania funds it’s over 500 public schools and it resumes today in Harrisburg. The state Supreme Court in 2017, revived and set six school districts, parents, the Pennsylvania conference of the NAACP, and the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools in odds and against Gov Tom Wolf, Department of Education and the education secretary, state Board of Education, and the highest-ranking leaders in the House and Senate. According to therecordonline.com, the trial will be live-streamed, beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday.

SELLING PROPERTY THAT WASN’T HIS

A Williamsport man tried to sell a house in Shamokin to an out of state woman. Problem existed when the Williamsport man did not own or have rights to the house, according to Northumberland County Detective Degg Stark. Gabrial Lopez, is wanted by police after Stark illegedly received $17,000 worth of payments on the home. Lopez faces felony charges including disposition of funds and theft by deception, according the Daily Item. Anyone with information on Lopez is asked to call Northumberland County 911.

GOING WITH A MASK MANDATE IN THE DANVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

With over 100 students and staff quarantined throughout the Danville Area School District, the decision has been made to reinstitute a universal masking district-wide. According to an alert delivered to parents yesterday, the rule goes into effect today until further notice. As reported by the Daily Item, the new rule will go into effect today, according to an alert sent to parents Wednesday afternoon, and will remain until further notice. School officials cited surging COVID-19 infections.

BUCKNELL SETS NEW RULES FOR VISITORS TO CAMPUS GAMES

Beginning today, there are new policies for spectators at all Bucknell athletic home events due to the COVID surge. According to Bucknell,  all spectators 12 years and over are required to produce either a proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result before entry to Sojka Pavilion, according to the Daily Item. Also, the spectator capacity and the number of attendees at upcoming athletic events will be smaller starting Monday as well with masks to be worn at all times and no concessions will be sold during games.

CLINTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ARRESTS MAN ON BENCH WARRANT

The Lock Haven City Police arrested BENNETT, TRAVIS LOGAN on Wednesday January 5th, on a Bench warrantthat was issued Monday August 30th, 2021 by the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office.  Bennett was charged with Defiant Trespass, a misdemeanor 3.

11 PROJECTS FUNDED BY GOVERNOR WOLF

Governor Tom Wolf announced the approval of 11 projects through the Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) to assist local governments in nine counties with planning for zoning and updating of comprehensive plans. Clinton County $19,500 to Clinton County to update its Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. It covers 15 municipalities – three boroughs and 12 townships – that do not have their own SALDO.  Northumberland County $42,500 to help Mt. Carmel Township, Kulpmont Borough, and Marion Heights Borough create a joint comprehensive plan and develop municipal zoning ordinances.