LOCAL COVID-19 CASES UPDATED 

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 33 new cases. In Centre County 110 new cases were recorded Lycoming County added 76. There were 34 in Union, 27 in Snyder and 18 in Montour County. Tioga had 25 new cases yesterday.

NURSING HOME STAFFING SHORTAGES

Pennsylvania nursing homes say they are coping with dire staffing shortages that have forced many of them to stop accepting new residents, which in turn is preventing hospitals jammed with COVID-19 patients from discharging those who require lower levels of care. Industry officials met with Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration this week to ask for help, and to press their case for a $200 million infusion from the state’s share of the federal coronavirus relief package signed by President Joe Biden in March.

IT’S ON US PA

Building on his commitment to campus safety, Governor Tom Wolf today announced 34 institutions of higher education will receive up to $30,000 in It’s On Us PA grants. Launched by Governor Wolf in 2016, It’s On Us PA is a statewide campaign that invites education leaders and all Pennsylvanians to be part of the solution to protect students from sexual violence. The list of awardees include Bucknell University in Lewisburg was awarded $30,000.

AIRPORT MEETING DESCRIBES UPGRADES TO COME

Airport infrastructure improvements topped the list of thing to do at the last Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority Board meeting. Things are happening at the airport, including Lycoming County Water and Sewer taking over the sewer system and installing updated sewer pumps in Summer of 2022. Several state-funded projects include, but are not limited to, runway rehabilitation, paving and a T-hangar door repairs.

PORCH PIRATES WILL HAVE MORE RISK AT TAKING PACKAGES

Porch pirates who swipe your deliveries may soon be facing increased penalties if it’s up to Pennsylvania lawmaker. Rep. Wendi Thomas partnered with Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub to create a bill that would stiffen penalties for theft of mail involving a package, bag or letter that would result in a summary charge for a first offense involving merchandise valued at less than $150. According to therecordonline.com, when the value of the item taken is more than $150, or a second offense, the penalty moves to a second-degree misdemeanor. A third offense would get you a third-degree felony, no matter the package value.

FULL HOSPITAL SERVING ILL PATIENTS 

A local hospital is operating well above 100 percent capacity. UPMC Williamsport officials say the surge in COVID-19 patients has taxed their resources and their staff. According to reports from WNEP TV, there are upwards of 78 people currently hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 infections throughout UPMC hospitals in the north-central region. The end results are longer wait times in the emergency department, even though hospital staff  have even opted to practice waiting room medicine to help those they can, quicker. And surgical postponements are at nearly 60 for those non-emergent elective surgeries.

ANOTHER HAT FOR THE GOVERNOR RING

A Republican state senator from southcentral Pennsylvania said Saturday that he will run for governor, adding to the GOP’s double-digits-deep primary field aiming to take on the presumed Democratic nominee, state Attorney General Josh Shapiro, in next year’s election. Sen. Scott Martin, of Lancaster County, announced it in a video on his campaign website and Facebook page. He becomes the second Republican state senator in a field that is roughly a dozen deep and likely to grow.

MASK MANDATE THROWN OUT

A statewide mask mandate for Pennsylvania schoolchildren was thrown out by the state Supreme Court on Friday, raising the prospect that at least some students in the state may soon be allowed to attend classes without a face covering.

POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR HELP

A “violent sexual assault” was reported on E. Market Street and Mill Street in Danville on Monday night. Danville Police Chief Jonathan Swank reported they are looking for a white male, medium build and approximately 6 feet tall. He goes on to advise residents to keep walkways and entry ways well lit and be aware of your surroundings. According to the Daily Item, there was no futher information provided on the assault or victim. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Danville Police.

SEXUALLY EXPLICIT IMAGES SHARED WITH MINORS

A Northumberland County man allegedly sent sexually explicit images to a minor with other minors in his room. Timothy Eugen Cawley, ,Turbotville, was charged with  multiple  felonies: including, A count of child pornography. The charges were filed in the Milton office of District Judge Michael Diehl. The state police North East Computer Crimes Unit received a referral via the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program on Nov. 26 for events that occurred on Nov. 21. According to the Daily Item, Cawley was committed to Northumberland County Jail in lieu of $250,000 cash bail with a preliminary hearing at Dec. 15 with Judge Diehl.

DRIVER FOUND FROM HIGH SPEED PURSUIT

It was a high speed pursuit on Nov. 13 that took police through downtown Williamsport and ended in a crash on Oliver Street when the driver and his passenger fled the scene.  Christopher R. Joshua, 22, of 10140 Hepburn St., was the motorist who allegedly waved a handgun at patrons at The Bar in Williamsport, police said. He then fled in an Accord and refused to stop for officers who were pursuing him, police said. He is free on $50,000 bail, according to Sun Gazette.

DISPUTE REIGNITED IN LYCOMING COUNTY

The refueled fight continues as the Lycoming County Controller seeks a preliminary injunction on the Lycoming County Commissioners, claiming  they violated her supervision of the fiscal affairs of Lycoming County and then by the transfer of four positions to the Office of Budget and Finance. According to PennLive, she seeks a declaration from the court that statute requires her to be responsible for general ledger, payroll and accounts payable functions and to be salary board secretary.  The commissioners will respond after they are served with the court filing, Commissioner Scott L. Metzger, who chairs the board, said Sunday.

WATSONTOWN FELON FACES CHARGES FOR POSSESSION OF A FIREARM IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

A Watsontown man fired a gun into the dark of night with no reason,  last Thursday, Dec. 9, faces felony gun charges. Chad Stamm fired a gun off the rear deck of a home on Whitmoyer Road. However, according to an online media outlet, Stamm, having a felony charge in his criminal history, is unable to possess or handle firearm.  Stamm faces new charges, was arraigned and incarcerated at the Northumberland County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bail.

COLD  STORAGE INFRASTRUCTURE

First Lady Frances Wolf joined members of the General Assembly and representatives from the charitable food network today at Mary’s Shelter in Reading to announce an $11.4 million investment in cold storage infrastructure for food banks serving every county of Pennsylvania.  The COVID-19 Food Bank Cold Storage Infrastructure Program, funded by the American Rescue Plan, is a grant program that will allow Pennsylvania’s food banks to purchase, expand, or upgrade cold storage facilities to ensure that they can deliver fresh food to struggling families. Eligible purchases include refrigerators, coolers, freezers, refrigerator trailers and cargo vans, building expansions, and more. This program will touch all 67 counties and is essential to addressing food insecurity and food waste.

The program will fund the following food banks across the commonwealth, through an award of $11,392,345 to Feeding Pennsylvania:

• Central PA Food Bank – $2,585,000, serving Adams, Bedford, Blair, Bradford, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, and Union counties

SHE CALLED 911 FOR A RIDE

She needed a ride, so she called 911.  29 year old Sherilee McCaslin, dialed 911 three times on Nov. 30, according to SUN Gazette. Even though she called three times within 3 hours, reports say her first call she allegedly did not want to harm herself, but she just needed a ride. Call number one was allegedly at 5:15 pm on William Street, the second call and third calls, she explained to the 911 operator she needed to go somewhere, but really did not want to hurt herself, according to police.  Following their investigation, charges were filed with District Judge Aaron Biichle.

HE STOLE A TRUCK TO PULL ANOTHER STOLEN TRUCK OUT OF THE MUD

In an attempt to get a stolen truck pulled from the mud of a field, a man from Liberty stole another truck.  According to the SUN Gazette, Michael Campbell  was seen driving a stolen Glenn O. Hawbaker truck, by an employee of Glenn O Hawbaker.  The employee got Campbell to stop, and when he did, he told the employee he need this truck to pull another truck from a field on Pleasant Stream Road. Campbell threw the keys at the employee and walked away. State police reported a stolen truck from Towanda with a stolen Hawbaker skid steer in a field. According to state police Campbell’s wallet, fishing and hunting licenses were inside the stolen truck. He was arraigned by District Judge William Solomon for theft and other charges with a $150,000 bail, he was incarcerated in the Lycoming County prison awaiting his Dec. 22 preliminary hearing.

MULTIPLE SEXUAL OFFENSES SENDS ROARING BRANCH MAN TO JAIL

A Roaring Branch man allegedly committed multiple sexual offenses with a female minor in Lycoming County over the past few years, according to SUN Gazette. 19 year-old Frank A. Stout III was arraigned in front of District Judge William Solomon faces multiple charges including  rape, aggravated indecent assault and related offenses, Stout was jailed in lieu of $15,000 bail.

A CHEMICAL HELPS RESIDENTS DISCOVER A NATURAL GAS LEAK

Mercaptain, a harmless but pungent-smelling gas can be described as smelling like rotting cabbages or smelly socks was smelled in the area of Reach Road both Wednesday and Thursday. Mercaptain is often added to natural gas, to make it easier to detect. Residents called 911 and the Williamsport Bureau of Fire responded to investigate.  The Williamsport Bureau of fire encourages businesses working on or with natural gas to advise the department with a 24-hour notice, according to SUN Gazette.  According to Mark Calderini, the deputy fire chief and deputy emergency management coordinator, it was determined a business near Reach Road was working on a storage tank that contained mercaptain.

LOCAL UPDATED COVID-19 CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 19 new cases. In Centre County 75 new cases were recorded. Tioga County had 22. Lycoming County added 91 new cases. State Health officials recorded 56 new cases in Northumberland County, 37 in Union, 20 in Snyder and 11 in Montour.

CHARGED BUT NOT SENTENCED FOR INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER

A man stood trial for murdering a motel employee in Montour County has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, according to WNEP.com. David Downing allegedly informed  police he shot Derrick Potts at the Super 8 Motel near Danville in 2019. It was reported that the woman Downing was with told  him she was raped at that motel and Downing confronted and then shot the motel employee. At this point, Downing has not yet been sentenced.

GRANT MONEY FOR EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) announced today that Evangelical Community Hospital received a $500,000 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant to modernize its campus in Union County. The Union County Hospital Authority will use the funding to buy and install an 850-ton high-efficiency chiller that will cool a new four-story patient tower designed as part of the campus’s Patient Room Improvement Modernization and Enhancement Initiative (PRIME). The chiller, a key component of the hospital’s Efficiency Initiative, will save $28,000 on yearly utility costs thanks to a 394,075 kWh reduction in energy consumption – the equivalent to powering 32 homes annually. Evangelical Community Hospital staffs 792 residents at its main campus in Kelly Township and more than 1,900 across its healthcare system, serving as Union County’s second largest employer. RACP, a $3.1 billion program administered through the Office of the Budget, provides grants for development projects that boost the economic, civic, cultural, recreational or historical value of the surrounding community.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING ADDRESSES MULTIPLE CONCERNS

SUICIDE, BULLYING AND MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS WERE BROUGHT TO THE SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD AT THEIR RECENT MEETING.  PARENTS AND CONERNS CITIZENS PLEADED THEIR CASE, SAYING “YOU GUYS NEED TO DO something.”  According to a South Williamsport Police Crime Investigator, the recent suicide was investigated and bullying was not an issue. The investigation continues into the suicide and Dr. Mark Stamm, District Superintendent reminded guests to the meeting that there are emotional and mental health resources available to students. Relaying the seriousness to the guests, Stamm went on to suggest QPR (Question Persuade Refer) as a source technique to help people to see signs of someone in crisis and warning signs of suicidal ideation, according to SUN Gazette.

LOCAL COVID-19 CASES ON MONDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new COVID-19 cases, nearly double the amount reported on Monday.  Clinton County reported 14 new cases. In Centre County 72 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 103 new cases. Tioga County had 19 new COVID cases listed yesterday. In the Valley, there were 112 new infections, including 49 in Northumberland County, 34 in Snyder, 25 in Union and four in Montour.

VIRTUAL DAY DUE TO THREAT AT MILTON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Milton Area School District is on a virtual day today. According to sources, the district received an “active shooter” threat. The school district reported several threats this week and last week. On their website, district officials received a call regarding an active shooter threat against a school.  “Out of an abundance of caution and to allow for a complete investigation,” the schools are virtual. The district says questions, concerns, or information to share about the threat should be directed to the Milton Police Department at 570-742-8757.  The district says there will be no curbside meal services Wednesday either.

DENIAL TO OVERTURN 2017 CONVICTION

Joseph Scott Rankinen, formerly of Jersey Shore, has again failed in his most recent attempt to overturn his 2017 convictions for rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, terroristic threats and indecent assault of a 12-year-old girl. This time, the Pennsylvania Superior Court affirmed the March 2021 decision of Clinton County Court of Common Pleas Judge, Michael F. Salisbury, denying Rankinen a new trial.  Rankinen had filed a Post Conviction Relief petition in 2020 asking to vacate his convictions and order a new trial in the case. On March 5, Judge Salisbury denied Rankinen’s petition and request for new trial. Rankinen has not yet begun to serve the 30-year sentence imposed following the verdict as he continues to serve a 20-year sentence imposed for a 2011 sexual assault of a 4-year-old boy.

REDEVEOPMENT ASSISTANCE CAPITAL PROGRAM GRANTS

Sen. Gene Yaw and Rep. Jeff Wheeland announced Lycoming County and Lending Properties, LLC were awarded Redevelopment Assistance Capitol Program (RACP) grants.  RACP is a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. Lycoming County was awarded $750,000 to repair 35 relief wells across the City of Williamsport, Borough of South Williamsport and a portion of Loyalsock Township. Located in Montgomery Borough, Lending Properties, LLC was awarded $500,000 for a project to improve three aging properties to maximize usable space and upgrading machinery and equipment to facilitate company growth and job creation.

ATV PILOT CONNECTOR PLAN BRIEFING

State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), Majority Chairman, and Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D-19), Minority Chairwoman, will hold a briefing of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on today at 10AM to discuss the Tiadaghton State Forest ATV Pilot Connector plan by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Due to COVID-19 restrictions, seating is reserved for the presenters.  Members of the public can watch the briefing LIVE at https://environmental.pasenategop.com/.   The briefing will include a presentation from DCNR, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), and a number of local and regional organizations including the Central Mountains ATV Association, Inc., Pine Creek Preservation Association, Slate Run Sportsmen’s and others.

WATER MAIN PROJECTS

Water main replacement projects were awarded positive recommendations yesterday by the Williamsport City Council Public Works Meeting. The water main replacement for Walnut Street near the UPMC Williamsport campus has the first positive resolution. The Cliffside Drive project is the second resolution. Communication continues on these projects and their progress with the Williamsport City Council and Water Authority.

TWO ALARM BLAZE IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

Several volunteer fire crews are responding to a two-alarm wood shop fire in Delaware Township, Northumberland County. According to emergency communications, the fire was first reported just before 12:20 p.m. Tuesday at a building along Oakes Lane. A second alarm was called minutes later, but crews reported they knocked the fire shortly after. No injuries were reported and everyone got out safely.

Upon their arrival, fire fighters say there was smoke through the roof and there were multiple exposures to attached buildings.

STATE POLICE OFFERS LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING TO OLDER TEENS

HERSHEY, PA ­

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Bureau of Training and Education announced the launch of The Hill Impact Program, a 15-week program for children between the ages of 15 and 18.

The program provides teens who are considering a career in law enforcement with insight on what it takes to be a PSP Trooper. Students will have one-on-one interaction with PSP Troopers while learning about various aspects of law enforcement, including the Pennsylvania crimes code, vehicle code, rules of criminal procedures, principles of law enforcement, and participating in physical fitness.

“Teenagers who are considering a career in law enforcement are encouraged to enroll in this free program,” said Major George Bivens director of the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Training and Education. “The program is designed to educate and give those in attendance a unique experience showcasing the career of a state trooper.”

The Hill Impact Program will take place at the PSP Academy, commonly known as The Hill, which sits atop one of the highest summits in Hershey and has served as the training grounds for thousands of PSP Troopers since 1960.

There is no charge to attend the 15-week program, which will begin in February 2022. Participants will meet once a week for two hours in the evening and one Saturday a month for three hours.

Any teen who has a serious interest in attending is encouraged to contact Trooper Clint Long no later than January 7, 2022 at [email protected] or 717-497-4577. Class size is limited.

RABBITTRANSIT – MICROTRANSIT EXPANSION TO NORTHERN PA COUNTIES

Rabbittransit has announced a service expansion of their microtransit service, Stop Hopper, to Selinsgrove and Sunbury, PA in Northumberland and Snyder counties effective December 13, 2021. Stop Hopper enables residents to schedule rides on smaller, neighborhood friendly-sized public transit vehicles.  Riders can travel anywhere within the designated zone by requesting a ride using the Stop Hopper smartphone app. Following a ride request, the app provides passengers with an estimated pick-up time. Passengers are picked up in nine-person accessible vans and taken where they want to go within the designated zone area. The app also tracks rides in real-time and alerts passengers when their ride is about to reach their desired destination. The Stop Hopper app is available for download from the App Store or Google Play.

LOOKING AT USE OF DEADLY FORCE BY PA’S HIGH COURT

The pending homicide case against a former Philadelphia police officer went before Pennsylvania’s high court on Tuesday, where justices appeared conflicted about whether and when they might change state law on police use of deadly force during arrests. The state Supreme Court appeal was brought by the Philadelphia district attorney’s office on the eve of former officer Ryan Pownall’s trial, with prosecutors arguing that federal standards should trump the Pennsylvania statute. Pownall, 39, is accused of third-degree murder in the shooting death of David Jones after a June 2017 confrontation over Jones riding a dirt bike on a Philadelphia street.

DICKEY ELEMENTARY OFFERED TO LOCK HAVEN CITY

$1 could get the City of Lock Haven the former Dickey Elementary School property. Robert Maguire and Micah Clausen offered to sell the property to the municipality for $1 at the end of 2022. Lock Haven City Council voted to pass the proposal and sent it to the city’s redevelopment authority for consideration. According to therecordonline.com, in March 2020, council considered a possible $1.6 million renovation of the facility. Renovations would include, but are not limited to roof and structure repair, gutters and downspouts, windows, exterior and interior doors.

 MULTIPLE CHARGES FOR MAN WHO DAMAGED PROPERTY AND RESISTED ARREST

A McClure man damaged property inside the Snyder County Courthouse, as he resisted arrest during his arraignment. Jesse Rowles of McClure fought with police and damaged the magistrate’s courtroom as he attempted to resist arrest and detention. According to an online news outlet, Rowles was charged with obstruction of justice, terroristic threats, and assault and jailed in the Snyder County prison.

A RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT

Geisinger requested the religious discrimination lawsuit, by over 100 unvaccinated employees, who are not following Geisinger’s COVID-19 mandatory requirements for testing, to be dismissed.  In a motion filed Friday, for a summary judgement in U.S. Middle District Court, the order, entered Nov. 23 by Judge Matthew W. Brann is said to have denied the over 100 employees a motion for a temporary injunction which would have prevent them from the requirement of COVID testing.  According to Penn Live, in its motion for summary judgment, Geisinger argues the employees failed to establish a case for religious discrimination and they have not exhausted their administrative remedies by filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

FALSIFYING AND DOUBLE-DIPPING

A former Pennsylvania state lawmaker charged with falsifying and double-dipping on expense reimbursements from the state House of Representatives and her campaign pleaded guilty this week, the state attorney general’s office said.  Margo Davidson pleaded guilty Thursday in Dauphin County Court to five counts, including theft, the office said. All are misdemeanors, but the guilty plea bars Davidson from holding public office in Pennsylvania again, it said.  Davidson, 59, a Democrat from Delaware County, was minority chair of the busy State Government Committee when she was charged in July. The attorney general’s office accused Davidson of getting reimbursed for hotel stays, parking, tolls and gas by both her campaign and by the House from 2015 to 2019, and for putting in for reimbursements for hotel stays that never actually occurred.  It also accused her of asking an unnamed witness to lie to investigators.

RECOGNITION BY PENNSYLVANIA SENATOR GENE YAW

One of the most respected coaches in NCAA Division III wrestling history, Lycoming College Head Coach Roger Crebs ’87 was honored with a citation presented by PA Sen. Gene Yaw ’70 on Wednesday, Dec. 1. In a small ceremony held in front of Lycoming College’s Keiper Recreation center. Adding to a slew of honors earned during his 28 years along the Lycoming matside, Crebs picked up the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s Lifetime Service to Wrestling award in October at an event held at the Hershey Lodge. Crebs is also a member of the National Wrestling Coaches Association Division III Hall of Fame (2012), District 4 Wrestling Hall of Fame (2011) and the West Branch Valley Sports Hall of Fame (2018).
 

ATV PILOT CONNECTOR PLAN

State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), Majority Chairman, and Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D-19), Minority Chairwoman, will hold a briefing of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 at 10AM to discuss the Tiadaghton State Forest ATV Pilot Connector plan by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Due to COVID-19 restrictions, seating is reserved for the presenters.  Members of the public can watch the briefing LIVE at https://environmental.pasenategop.com/.   The briefing will include a presentation from DCNR, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), and a number of local and regional organizations including the Central Mountains ATV Association, Inc., Pine Creek Preservation Association, Slate Run Sportsmen’s and others.

OMICRON VARIANT DISCOVERED IN PENNSYVANIA

Health officials reported the first confirmed case of the omicron variant in Pennsylvania on Friday, a man in his 30s from Philadelphia. The health department said the variant’s arrival was “not unexpected” in Philadelphia and that residents should “seriously reconsider” plans for indoor holiday gatherings. Much remains unknown about the new omicron variant of the coronavirus, including whether it is more contagious, as some health authorities suspect, whether it can thwart vaccines and whether it makes people as sick as the original strain. People in at least five other states have tested positive for omicron, including California, Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota and New York. Word of Philadelphia’s omicron case came as Pennsylvania reports sharp increases in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.

TRANSIT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

A Transit Oversight Committee was created by Williamsport City Council and has been set to expand the legislative accountability of both River Valley Transit and city government. The ordinance, passed on second reading, last night received a unanimous vote. In layman’s terms, the ordinance is a series of checks and balances on River Valley Transit’s operations, a sore topic in Williamsport for some time. In fact, according to SUN Gazette, the years between 2009 and 2019 are under investigation by State Attorney General Josh Shapiro and the most recent audit failed to show much improvement.  The ordinance takes effect Dec. 22 with the committee including three members of council, the mayor, the city controller, and the city’s director of finance.

COVID STRETCHING RESOURCES ONCE AGAIN

With numbers as nearly high as last December, Evangelical Community Hospital is full again with  the current COVID surge, according to President and CEO Kendra Aucker. With patients who waited to get care, due to high volumes of people and long wait times at doctors and hospitals, they are now sicker than ever. Aucker reported their resources, staffing and even beds are pushed to their limits. To help the surge, Evangelical Community Hospital has created an ED surge clinic. According to an online media outlet, staffing shortages have also hurt the hospital. With the hospital reaching daily higher COVID numbers, Aucker stresses, “It’s important to get vaccinated, boosted, and do your part.”

WHITE CHRISTMAS?

AccuWeather’s white Christmas forecast looks ahead at the chances of a white Christmas across the contiguous U.S. AccuWeather’s team of long-range forecasters, looked to key patterns that could favor snow in time for the holidays this winter. Included in the snow prediction effort is La Nina, which is the phase in which sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean drop to lower-than-average levels for an extended period of time. Due to the La Niña storm track, however, they are two states most likely to have a higher-than-normal chance of a white Christmas, along with western Idaho and portions of Northern California and Nevada. The chances of snow on or around Christmas are lower  for us, across the mid-Atlantic, as temperatures just may not be cold enough for snow to fall and remain on the ground.

SENATE BILL 565 VETOED AS PROMISED

Following Governor Tom Wolf’s veto of Senate Bill 565 yesterday, nearly a dozen law enforcement, domestic violence, minority and family advocacy organizations have expressed their support for the veto to strike down legislation that would have made it easier for concealed weapons to be carried throughout Pennsylvania by unvetted gun-holders.

BUTTER SCULPTURES WANTED

Now that Thanksgiving is over, what are you going to do with your leftover 5 pounds of butter? For a second year, the Department of Agriculture and Pennsylvania Farm Show invite Pennsylvanians to Butter Up! and try their hands at crafting a do-it-yourself butter sculpture. The contest, conducted on social media, will be open for submissions through Friday, December 17, 2021 at 12:00 PM. “Every year, millions tune in to see the unveiling of a 1,000-pound sculptureOpens In A New Window to kick off our annual Pennsylvania Farm Show,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.  “The Butter Up! contest is a perfect opportunity to engage the public in one of the most beloved traditions of the Pennsylvania Farm Show. In September, Redding unveiled the 2022 Farm Show theme, Harvesting More.

PA FARM SHOW IN JANUARY

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.

FARRANDSVILLE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

The Pa Department of Transportation will soon hold an Open House/Public Plans Display for the Farrandsville Road Improvement Project. This information meet will present the revised plans for future improvements to Farrandsville Road in Clinton County. The displays for the Farrandsville Road Retaining Wall with Pedestrian Facility incorporate development of the alignment based on environmental contrants constructability concepts, and engineering requirements. Right-of-way impacts will be available for review and comment. The meeting is set for  Tuesday, December 14 at the Dunnstown Firehall on Route 150 from 5 pm to 7 pm.

GRANT MONEY FOR SUNBURY MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY

A $1 million state grant has been awarded to the Sunbury Municipal Authority with the help from Senator John Gordner and State Representative Lynda Schlegel Culver. The Sunbury Transfer Station will get a much needed upgrade to increase daily operation levels, according to the Daily Item.  According to city officials, the upgrade will allow the facilities to accept 300,000 thereby allowing local waste collectors use of the facilities, as well.

FELONY TO MISDEMEANOR CHARGE UNDER THE FELONY DIVERSION PROGRAM

The felony charge could be dropped from her DUI case, which stemmed from an incident on March 21, when with a blood alcohol over 3 times the legal limit, a Tioga County woman who drove to pick up her husband at  Geisinger Medical Center.   Heather Yuhas of Wellsboro, under the court’s felony diversion program, plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence. In her phone conversation/arraignment last week, she told the President Judge Thomas James she is sober now, even with  her 3 DUIs in the past 5 years. According to the Daily Item, Yuhas,  must pay $100 per month towards the yearlong felony diversion program and also follow the rules of the drug court program.

UNDER THE INFLUENCE AND UNDER ARREST

Under the influence of methadone and methamphetamine, two people from Middleburg were found passed out with a toddler in the vehicle. According to an online media outlet, Wilhelm Wray and Marisa Liddington were found passed out in the front seats on Pine Street in Middleburg, as an 18-month-old child was present. They were charged with DUI and child endangerment they were taken into custody in Milton November 29 on arrest warrants after they were involved in a crash and taken to Snyder County jail on bail.

MORE CASES DISCOVERED

New York announced three more cases of the omicron variant of the coronavirus Saturday, bringing the number of state cases linked to the new variant to eight. “The omicron variant is here, and as anticipated we are seeing the beginning of community spread,” state Health Commissioner Mary Bassett said in a news release. The number of states finding the variant is growing as well, with Massachusetts, Connecticut and Washington state announcing their first cases Saturday, a day after New Jersey, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Maryland reported their first confirmed cases. Missouri reported its first presumed case Friday. In Pennsylvania, a man in his 30s from Philadelphia became that state’s first case. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health did not immediately say whether the man was vaccinated against COVID-19 or if he had been traveling.

THANKFUL FOR CHRISTMAS TREE

The Officers of Williamsport Bureau of Police would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Zimmer Century Tree Farm in Covington for donating this festive Christmas Tree to help adorn our police station for the holiday season!

TWENTY FIRST ANNUAL BUSINESS PARTNER IN EDUCATION AWARD

The Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the Twenty[1]First Annual Business Partner in Education Award. The award will be presented at our Education Celebration on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Williamsport Country Club, Williamsport. The deadline for the application is Friday, January 28th , 2022. The Chamber has long recognized the importance of the business community partnering with the education community. At our Education Celebration, we will be recognizing not only the educators and students from our area schools, but we will also be recognizing one business that demonstrates how area businesses can partner with our future business leaders. This is a wonderful opportunity for businesses to highlight their local involvement in the education community. The partnering of businesses with the area school districts helps to ensure the professional development of today’s students and tomorrow’s business leaders and deserves to be recognized!

APPLICATIONS REQUESTED FOR AVAILABLE FUNDING

The County of Lycoming is accepting pre-application funding requests from municipalities, public authorities, non-profits, and businesses that are located within Lycoming County to help determine how to allocate monies from the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The County was awarded $22 million in ARPA funds through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to address the impacts of COVID-19, which will be transferred to the County in two installments. The County has received the initial installment (totaling 50% of the overall award) in May 2021 and expects to receive the remaining balance around May of 2022. The Commissioners anticipate opening two grant rounds over the 2022 calendar year to allocate those funds. Currently, in an effort to determine how to best utilize these funds, the Commissioners are encouraging all eligible entities to complete and submit a pre[1]application located at www.lyco.org/ARPA. By completing this form you will help the County determine the level at which each eligible project category will be funded. The following types of organizations are eligible to apply: · Municipalities · Public Authorities · 501c(3) Nonprofits · Privately Owned Businesses The initial pre-application window will be from November 16th , 2021 until December 31st, 2021.

UNDERSTANDING THE REDRAWING OF PA’S BOUNDARIES

In the weeks ahead, we will be looking at proposals to redraw the boundaries of Pennsylvania’s U.S. congressional districts, as well as those of the state House and Senate districts. The boundary changes are necessary to ensure fair and equal representation in state and federal government for all citizens. Congressional and state legislative districts are required by the Constitution to be nearly equal in population. Every 10 years, in conjunction with the U.S. Census, the district boundaries are adjusted based on shifts in population to meet the “one person, one vote” principle.

REPEAT OFFENDER LEGISLATION TO THE SENATE

Working to improve safety on our highways, the House recently adopted legislation that would increase penalties for people convicted of third or subsequent crimes of driving under the influence (DUI). Specifically, the measure would increase the penalty for a third DUI offense to a third-degree felony, or a second-degree felony if the person has three or more prior offenses. It would also require consecutive, rather than concurrent, sentences for these crimes. House Bill 773, also called “Deana’s Law,” is named after Deana Eckman, a 45-year-old Delaware County woman who was killed in a drunk-driving crash in 2019 by a man who had five prior DUI offenses.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

FIRST CONFIRMED CASE IN PENNSYLVANIA

Health officials reported the first confirmed case of the omicron variant in Pennsylvania on Friday, a man in his 30s from Philadelphia. The health department said the variant’s arrival was “not unexpected” in Philadelphia and that residents should “seriously reconsider” plans for indoor holiday gatherings. Much remains unknown about the new omicron variant of the coronavirus, including whether it is more contagious, as some health authorities suspect, whether it can thwart vaccines and whether it makes people as sick as the original strain. People in at least five other states have tested positive for omicron, including California, Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota and New York. Word of Philadelphia’s omicron case came as Pennsylvania reports sharp increases in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.

CHECKS AND BALANCES

A Transit Oversight Committee was created by Williamsport City Council and has been set to expand the legislative accountability of both River Valley Transit and city government. The ordinance, passed on second reading, last night received a unanimous vote. In layman’s terms, the ordinance is a series of checks and balances on River Valley Transit’s operations, a sore topic in Williamsport for some time. In fact, according to SUN Gazette, the years between 2009 and 2019 are under investigation by State Attorney General Josh Shapiro and the most recent audit failed to show much improvement.  The ordinance takes effect Dec. 22 with the committee including three members of council, the mayor, the city controller, and the city’s director of finance.

UPDATED COVID-19 CASES LOCALLY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Friday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 40 new cases. In Centre County 141 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 137 new cases. Northumberland County with 108 new cases, 32 in Snyder County ;34 in Union County and 11 in Montour.

LOCAL HOSPITAL PUSHED TO LIMITS

With numbers as nearly high as last December, Evangelical Community Hospital is full again with the current COVID surge, according to President and CEO Kendra Aucker. With patients who waited to get care, due to high volumes of people and long wait times at doctors and hospitals, they are now sicker than ever. Aucker reported their resources, staffing and even beds are pushed to their limits. To help the surge, Evangelical Community Hospital has created an ED surge clinic. According to an online media outlet, staffing shortages have also hurt the hospital. With the hospital reaching daily higher COVID numbers, Aucker stresses, “It’s important to get vaccinated, boosted, and do your part.”

LONG RANGE SNOW PREDICTION

AccuWeather’s white Christmas forecast looks ahead at the chances of a white Christmas across the contiguous U.S. AccuWeather’s team of long-range forecasters, looked to key patterns that could favor snow in time for the holidays this winter. Included in the snow prediction effort is La Nina, which is the phase in which sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean drop to lower-than-average levels for an extended period of time. Due to the La Niña storm track, however, they are two states most likely to have a higher-than-normal chance of a white Christmas, along with western Idaho and portions of Northern California and Nevada. The chances of snow on or around Christmas are lower for us, across the mid-Atlantic, as temperatures just may not be cold enough for snow to fall and remain on the ground.

VETO SUPPORT FOR PA GOVERNOR

Following Governor Tom Wolf’s veto of Senate Bill 565 yesterday, nearly a dozen law enforcement, domestic violence, minority and family advocacy organizations have expressed their support for the veto to strike down legislation that would have made it easier for concealed weapons to be carried throughout Pennsylvania by unvetted gun-holders.

LEFT OVER BUTTER SUGGESTION

Now that Thanksgiving is over, what are you going to do with your leftover 5 pounds of butter? For a second year, the Department of Agriculture and Pennsylvania Farm Show invite Pennsylvanians to Butter Up! and try their hands at crafting a do-it-yourself butter sculpture. The contest, conducted on social media, will be open for submissions through Friday, December 17, 2021 at 12:00 PM. “Every year, millions tune in to see the unveiling of a 1,000-pound sculpture to kick off our annual Pennsylvania Farm Show,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.  “The Butter Up! contest is a perfect opportunity to engage the public in one of the most beloved traditions of the Pennsylvania Farm Show. In September, Redding unveiled the 2022 Farm Show theme, Harvesting More.

2022 PA FARM SHOW IN JANUARY

The 2022 Pennsylvania Farm Show 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.

FARRANDSVILLE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

The Pa Department of Transportation will soon hold an Open House/Public Plans Display for the Farrandsville Road Improvement Project. This information meet will present the revised plans for future improvements to Farrandsville Road in Clinton County. The displays for the Farrandsville Road Retaining Wall with Pedestrian Facility incorporate development of the alignment based on environmental contrants constructability concepts, and engineering requirements. Right-of-way impacts will be available for review and comment. The meeting is set for  Tuesday, December 14 at the Dunnstown Firehall on Route 150 from 5 pm to 7 pm.

GRANT MONEY FOR SUNBURY MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY

A $1 million state grant has been awarded to the Sunbury Municipal Authority with the help from Senator John Gordner and State Representative Lynda Schlegel Culver. The Sunbury Transfer Station will get a much needed upgrade to increase daily operation levels, according to the Daily Item.  According to city officials, the upgrade will allow the facilities to accept 300,000 thereby allowing local waste collectors use of the facilities, as well.