ANOTHER KITCHEN FIRE

A kitchen fire in Williamsport sent fire crews to the 800 block of West Third Street Sunday night. According to SUN Gazette, there was an estimated $15,000 in damage when the resident fell asleep, only to be woken by her smoke alarm. Nikkia Scott was able to escape without injuries. The cause of the fire, according to Williamsport Bureau of Fire Platoon Chief Sam Aungst, was unattended cooking. He goes on to remind the community to remain vigilant when cooking and not to utilize the oven to heat the house.

ARRAIGNED IN HOSPITAL ROOM

A pursuit ended in a fiery crash on Kehrer Hill Road in Fairfield Township. Just over two weeks later, the driver and his passenger remain in the hospital. It was in his hospital room, where Gavin Schomburg, of Hughesville, was arraigned on charges of felony fleeing, DUI, endangering the welfare of a child and possession with intent to deliver controlled substances. According to SUN Gazette, once he is released from UPMC Williamsport, Schomburg will be free on $75,000 intense supervised bail set by Magisterial District Judge Whiteman.

 LOCAL COVID-19 CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health added new cases. In Centre County 26 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 21 new cases. There were 27 new cases in Northumberland County, 17 in Snyder, 11 in Union, six in Montour and Tioga County had 5 new cases listed yesterday.

DEPORTATION FROM JAIL

A Northumberland County man who pleaded no contest on Monday to sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl will be deported at the conclusion of the case in Northumberland County Court. Jose Figueroa-Cante, pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of indecent assault. According to the Daily Item, it is the intention of the U.S. Government, through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to deport Figueroa-Cante to his home country of Honduras at the conclusion of the county case. He is a a county inmate in lieu of $250,000 cash bail, has credit for 717 days of jail time. A sentencing date is not yet scheduled.

FREE SMOKE DETECTORS TO WILLIAMSPORT RESIDENTS

The Williamsport Bureau of Fire provides Fire, Rescue, and EMS service to the City of Williamsport which also serves as the county seat for Lycoming County, PA. The City encompasses over nine square miles and has a permanent population of approximately 30,000 residents as well as 10,000 college students. The Williamsport Bureau of Fire was organized in 1874 as a career department with a staff of 33 sworn personnel and one Administrative Aide. The Williamsport Bureau of Fire offers FREE smoke detectors to residents of the City of Williamsport.  The Bureau will come out and install these smoke detectors for you at NO CHARGE. In order to obtain a FREE smoke detector, you can stop by Fire Headquarters at 440 Walnut Street, Williamsport, PA, and a Fire Fighter will review all of the information with you.  Smoke detectors are available to everyone.

MUSIC IN THE VALLEY FOR 2022

Music continues at the Uptown Music Collective! The Collective’s winter enrollment week begins on December 13th for both in-person and virtual private lessons on Guitar, Vocals, Bass, Keyboards, and Drums. The Winter Semester will begin on January 10th, 2022, and will run for 15 weeks. The Winter Semester will see the continuation of in-person classes and workshops, as well as the Adult Music Program known as “AMP”.  In the last 21+ years, the Uptown Music Collective has grown from what many used to call “the best-kept secret in the Williamsport area,” to one of the area’s most highly respected, non-profit, educational organizations. There are currently openings for students of all levels who are looking for private instruction. The school also offers financial assistance upon request and scholarship opportunities every year.  For more information call the Uptown Music Collective.

NO SURPRISES ACT

Governor Tom Wolf today was joined by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID), stakeholders, and a consumer who has fallen victim to surprise billing to celebrate the upcoming implementation of the federal No Surprises Act on January 1, 2022. The No Surprises Act will protect patients from receiving surprise medical bills.  A surprise bill is an unexpected medical bill that a patient receives when they unintentionally obtain health care from a provider that is outside their plan’s provider network. Today, Gov. Wolf also signed an Executive Order designating the PID as the lead agency to coordinate implementation of the No Surprises Act in the Commonwealth.

 SENIORS DECORATE THE TREE AT THE CAPITAL

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging announced that visitors to the State Capitol Main Rotunda during the holiday season can check out handmade ornaments hung on the holiday tree that were created by Pennsylvania seniors. Older adults from more than 32 Senior Community Centers in 27 counties across the commonwealth submitted ornaments in response to an annual request by the department. The tree will remain in the rotunda until January 10. Here is a list of Senior Community Centers that submitted holiday ornaments: Columbia County – Benton Senior Center, Bloomsburg Senior Center, Catawissa Senior Center, Lycoming County – George C. Meck Senior Community Center, Jersey Shore Senior Community Center, Tioga County – Wellsboro Senior Center Individuals can get a closer look at the ornaments made by the older adults, as well as information about resources and programs for seniors, by visiting the Department of Aging’s Facebook.

STUDENTS FACING CHARGES

Students were behind a written threat and led to the evacuation of Jersey Shore High School Friday face charges. According to an online media outlet, a written threat involving the high school building was taken seriously, as the entrance to the high school was closed, students were moved and the middle school placed on alert. Jersey Shore Super indent Ulmer reported the student who made the threat was identified and the building was still searched to make sure it was safe for students to return Monday. The Tiadaghton Regional Police are not releasing the names of the students, as they are juveniles.

MANY ARE HITTING THE ROAD THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Even with the increase in COVID-19 cases nationally, millions of Americans are expected to travel for the holidays, a number industry experts say could be triple the number of people who traveled a year ago.Americans who had to cancel getaways and get-togethers last year because of the pandemic are making up for lost time this holiday season. More than 109 million people — an almost 34% increase from 2020 — will travel 50 miles or more as they hit the road, board airplanes or take other transportation out of town between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2.

PENNSYLVANIA LAWMAKER CALLED OUT

The House panel investigating the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection requested an interview and documents from Republican Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania on Monday, marking the first time the committee publicly sought to sit down with a sitting member of Congress. The latest request launches a new phase for the lawmakers on the committee, who have so far resisted reaching out to one of their own as they investigate the insurrection by President Donald Trump’s supporters and his efforts to overturn the election. Perry and other congressional Republicans met with Trump ahead of the attack and strategized about how they could block the results at the Jan. 6 electoral count.

WORKING TO KEEP LAW ENFORCEMENT HEALTHY

Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) funds are used to improve the delivery of and access to mental health and wellness services for law enforcement through the implementation of peer support, training, family resources, suicide prevention, and other promising practices for wellness reform. The 2021 LEMHWA program funded projects that develop knowledge, increase awareness of effective mental health and wellness strategies, increase the skills and abilities of law enforcement, and increase the number of law enforcement agencies and relevant stakeholders using peer programs.

Pennsylvania Philadelphia, City of $125,000 Snyder, County of $109,885

A KITCHEN FIRE

A kitchen fire on Sunday morning sent a Williamsport woman to UPMC Williamsport for burns.  The residents of Grier Street Manor in Williamport were evacuated, but permitted to return, as the origin of the fire only suffered water damage, according to SUN Gazette.  The woman’s name and updated medical condition have not been released.

SOLAR POWER IN LYCOMING COUNTY

An ordinance for Solar Power, both commercial and residential use, is a possibility in Lycoming County. Concerns the ordinance would address could include making sure that all solar energy sites remain compatible with the landscape, according to Mark Haas, county development services supervisor. As reported by the SUN Gazette, it was discussed at the recent Lycoming County Planning Meeting that our neighbors to the south, Montour County, have successfully passed an ordinance set to regulate the nearly 5,000 acres that are proposed there for solar energy.

COVID-19 LOCAL UPDATES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 18 new cases. In Centre County 124,  Lycoming County added 46 new cases. State Health officials recorded 72 new cases in Northumberland County, 29 in Montour, 21 in Union and 13 in Snyder County. Tioga County reported 25 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday.

ARTIFACTS STOLEN FROM PA MUSEUMS

Federal authorities say 15 historical artifacts stolen almost a half-century ago from a number of Pennsylvania museums have been returned to the institutions. The FBI art crime team and other law enforcement agencies repatriated the 18th- and 19th-century rifles and pistols as well as a Native American silver concho belt in a ceremony Friday at the Museum of the American Revolution. FBI art crime agents and detectives from the Upper Merion Township Police Department recovered the artifacts as part of an investigation into the 1971 theft and 2018 sale of a rare 1775 rifle made by Pennsylvania master gunsmith Christian Oerter, officials said.

TAX RELIEF FOR PSLF AND SLRN PROGRAMS

Governor Tom Wolf announced today that Pennsylvanians will not have to pay state income tax on the student loan debt relief they get from the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program and the Pennsylvania Student Loan Relief for Nurses (SLRN) Program. The decision by the Wolf Administration will save people eligible for those programs potentially thousands of dollars in state tax. According to Gov Wolf, in a statement, the point of student loan forgiveness programs for public servants is that these are people who have chosen jobs, often in lower paying fields, because they want to make a difference.   Student loan forgiveness is not considered taxable income at the federal level, and the decision announced by the governor brings Pennsylvania in line with the majority of other states.

GEISINGER LIMITING VISITORS FOR INPATIENT SETTINGS

As COVID-19 cases continue to increase systemwide, GMC is limiting visitors for inpatient settings. Effective, Monday, Dec. 20, one visitor is permitted per hospitalized adult patient. Other family members, friends and general visitors will not be permitted at this time. In the Geisinger  system, one in four inpatients has COVID and we are reaching or exceeding capacity in some hospitals. These guidelines protect the health and safety of our patients and staff. Having fewer visitors allows our staff to focus on treating our patients.

LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY REACCREDITATION

Over the last three years, Lock Haven University has been engaged in a reaccreditation process through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), in which the institution has been accredited by since 1949. In mid-October, a MSCHE team virtually visited LHU’s campus to discuss the university’s self-study and meet with the campus community. The MSCHE team found that Lock Haven has met each of the seven standards for reaccreditation and 15 requirements of affiliation. During the exit interview, the team commended LHU’s faculty for the exceptional work done in the area of assessment, noting that, “LHU has built a comprehensive system of student learning outcomes assessment from the ground up.” The team also extended a commendation to the faculty, staff and administration for their dedication and loyalty to the institution and willingness to work above and beyond. In his final comments, the team chair stated that, “LHU is truly a caring, student-centered community.”

FED COURT ALLOWED BIDEN’S COVID-19 VACCINE MANDATE

A federal appeals court panel on Friday allowed President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for larger private employers to move ahead, reversing a previous decision on a requirement that could affect some 84 million U.S workers. The 2-1 decision by a panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati overrules a decision by a federal judge in a separate court that had paused the mandate nationwide. The mandate from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration was to take effect Jan. 4. With Friday’s ruling, it’s not clear when the requirement might be put in place, but the White House said in a statement that it will protect workers: “Especially as the U.S. faces the highly transmissible Omicron variant, it’s critical we move forward with vaccination requirements and protections for workers with the urgency needed in this moment.” Republican state attorneys general and conservative groups said they would appeal Friday’s decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

GUN SHOT IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

A projectile, fired from a gun, struck  a  house in Loyalsock Township.  According to State Police in Montoursville, on December 12, they were dispatched to Richard Avenue to find that an unknown person had shot her bathroom window. Sometime between Thursday, December 9 and Friday December 10, a BB struck the side of the home, breaking one window and becoming encapsulated between the panes.  This incident remains under investigation.

KAUPAS CAMP

For one month each summer, roughly 60 middle-school students around Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, descend on the campus of Bucknell University to attend the Kaupas Camp, a free day camp to learn sports, ecology, playing instruments and more.  These opportunities are provided in large part by philanthropists serving long-term sentences at a nearby medium-security state prison in Coal Township, where about 250 men participate in the Lifeline Association, a giving circle that contributes to local charities. Many of its members are incarcerated for life; the rest will have spent at least 10 years in prison by the end of their sentences.  Lifeline primarily contributes to charities that promote the well-being of children, for example, they raised $3,743 for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and $500 for Marley’s Mission, a local nonprofit that offers horseback-riding therapy to children overcoming trauma.

This article was provided to The Associated Press by the Chronicle of Philanthropy. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.

TERRORISTIC THREATS IN WATSONTOWN

A Watsontown man allegedly pulled the Victim’s hair and threatened to kill the Victim in the 600 block of Elm Street on Friday morning. David E. Phillips was taken into custody, charged with a misdemeanor count of Terroristic Threats and a summary count of Harassment, arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Michael I. Diehl and committed to the Northumberland County Jail in lieu of $50,000.00 bail.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

A nationwide effort hits home with ‘Wreath’s Across America‘, an event full of history and lessons for the young, when wreaths were placed on the graves of U.S. veterans of all wars past. In total, according to Dori Rankinen, the coordinator for Central Pennsylvania Wreaths Across America, 12 cemeteries in Lycoming and Sullivan Counties were covered Saturday. As she mentioned on In Touch,  “They say a person dies twice. First, when they take their last breath physically, and then again when there’s no one left to say their name and tell their story.”  The ceremony started at 10 a.m. in Montoursville and upwards of 300 volunteers honored the fallen with a wreath and a mention of their names. It was a successful event of remembrance and respect. Congratulation to Dori and the Central Pennsylvania Wreaths Across America for a successful event.

COVID-19 CASES UPDATED

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 21 new case. In Centre County 98 there were new cases. Lycoming County added 76. State Health officials recorded 89 new cases in Northumberland County, 45 in Snyder, 31 in Union and 20 in Montour. Tioga County had 25 new cases reported yesterday.

CHARGED AND CONVICTED

A Clinton County man was charged and convicted for making unwanted sexual and physical contact with three women on three separate occasions in Avis and Pine Creek Township in September and November of 2020. Eric King, was convicted of 7 of 8 crimes charged by a Clinton County jury yesterday, following a 1 day trial.  The jury returned guilty verdicts on multiple misdemeanors including three counts of Indecent Assault. King was ordered to be evaluated by the Pennsylvania Sexual Offenders Assessment Board to determine if he should be classified as a Sexually Violent Predator pursuant to Megan’s Law.  He is scheduled for sentencing on March 7 and faces a potential maximum penalty of 7 years and 9 months in prison.

GRANT FUNDING FOR 33 COUNTIES

Governor Tom Wolf today announced $17.4 million in grant funding for projects in 33 counties across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, highlighting their path-breaking work to improve the health of local streams, rivers, and lakes by reducing nutrient and sediment pollution.

The funding announced today includes $15 million from the Pennsylvania Environmental Stewardship Fund, primarily the Growing Greener Program, and $2.4 million from EPA.   DEP leaders announced grant awards to county teams during visits today  which included the Lycoming County Conservation District in Montoursville. The following counties received funding to coordinate and implement Countywide Action Plan projects and verify BMPs: Clinton County Commissioners: $344,505, Lycoming County Commissioners: $527,391, Montour County Conservation District: $729,331 for Montour, Columbia, and Sullivan counties, Snyder County Conservation District: $966,491 for Snyder and Union Counties.

NONSPECIFIC THREAT ON INTERNET

A TikTok post has received attention. Schools across the commonwealth received a post with open threats to no specific school, town or even state yesterday. Local school shared the post and are aware of the situation  and take it, and every threat, seriously. According to Lewisburg Superintendent Jennifer Baugh, the PA Dept of Education has sent messages to Commonwealth schools. The message was also received in Danville. According to the Daily Item, Shikellamy School District Police Chief Shawn Williams said the district was made aware of the threat as well.  Parents, student and educators are urged to utilize the tipline   “Safe to Say Something” to make anonymous reports of any suspicious behaviors. The tipline, which goes to the state Attorney General’s office, is 844-723-2729, or online at www.safe2saypa.org.

SMOKE DETECTORS FOR WILLIAMSPORT RESIDENTS

The Williamsport Bureau of Fire provides Fire, Rescue, and EMS service to the City of Williamsport which also serves as the county seat for Lycoming County, PA. The City encompasses over nine square miles and has a permanent population of approximately 30,000 residents as well as 10,000 college students. The Williamsport Bureau of Fire was organized in 1874 as a career department with a staff of 33 sworn personnel and one Administrative Aide. The Williamsport Bureau of Fire offers FREE smoke detectors to residents of the City of Williamsport.  The Bureau will come out and install these smoke detectors for you at NO CHARGE. In order to obtain a FREE smoke detector, you can stop by Fire Headquarters at 440 Walnut Street, Williamsport, PA, and a Fire Fighter will review all of the information with you.  Smoke detectors are available to everyone.

FIREFIGHTERS SENDING HELP

Firefighters from our area are sending that help to fellow firefighters in Kentucky, who lost everything in last Friday’s massive tornadoes. Departments lending their hand are the Muncy Area Volunteer Fire Co, Clinton Township Vol Fire Co and have extended to county wide efforts through  Lycoming,  Clinton, Tioga and Columbia Counties, according to SUN Gazette.

BUCKNELL PROFESSORS GAINING GRANTS FOR RESEARCH

Three Bucknell professors received grant funding through The Charles E. Kaufman Foundation. Matthew Clark, assistant professor, department of biology, received a New Investigator research grant totaling $150,000 split over two years. Moria Chambers and Sarah Lower, assistant professors of biology, received $195,230 spread over two years from The Pittsburgh Foundation.

WILLIAMSPORT BUREAU OF POLICE LOOKING FOR HELP

WBP In# 21-11084 – Request to Identify – The Williamsport Bureau of Police is currently attempting to identify the pictured individual in relation to an active investigation. Anyone with information regarding the identity of this individual is asked to contact Sgt Brian McGee at 570-327-7560 ext 7642, or Lycoming County Communications at 570-329-4066.

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://lycoming.crimewatchpa.com/williamsportpd/15317/post/subject-identified-21-11084-request-identify

2022 BUDGET HAS NO TAX INCREASE IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

No increase in real estate or other taxes in Loyalsock Township, according to the 2022 budget adopted by the Township Supervisors Tuesday. As reported by SUN Gazette, the tax rate remains at 0.5 mills. In other township news, sketch plans were presented to the Supervisors in an attempt to remedy the Dunkin Donuts traffic debacle. Two drive-thru lanes were proposed to improve safety on the Golden Strip, where traffic issues have been a regular occurrence at this location for many years.

WILLIAMSPORT GIRL NEEDS A KIDNEY

Focal segmental glomerulosclereosis or FSGS is a rare disease affecting the filters in the kidneys. It has been part of Madeline Fausnaught’s life since she was 7. Now, as a 8^th grader at the Williamsport Area Middle School, the community has come together to find her a kidney.  #RedKidneyStrong is the hashtag we use to try and show awareness that I need a kidney and try to get donors,” according to SUN Gazette. Maddy needs a donor between 18 and 55 years old with type “O” blood. For more details see the #RedKidneyStrong page on Facebook

TAX INCREASE BY A QUARTER OF A MILL FOR 2022 IN JERSEY SHORE

An increase in taxes by a quarter of a mill for 2022 in Jersey Shore was approved by the borough council, who voted to increase taxes in hope of balancing expenditures of $1.7 million. According to SUN Gazette, property taxes for the new year will be 9.216 mills. In addition, it was approved for Lycoming County to collect taxes for Jersey Shore borough at $1.50 per tax bill, in a renewed 4-year-contract.  Finally, the contract with River Valley Transit was renewed for the another year  at $2,280.25. A reorganizational meeting is scheduled for Jan. 3, where the new mayor will be sworn in and a new President of Borough Council will be selected. Their next public meeting is Jan 10 th at 7 pm.

SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR SENTENCED

Gideon L. Miller, 32, of North Mill Street, Loganton, was sentenced Monday afternoon to a maximum term of 22 years in a State Correctional Institution on 10 counts of Indecent Assault, 3rd degree felonies, and Indecent Assault, 1st degree misdemeanors.  Miller will be eligible to apply for parole after 5 years.  Clinton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael F. Salisbury imposed the sentence on Miller on the charges stemming from Miller sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl.  Gideon Miller was also classified as a Sexually Violent Predator and a lifetime Megan’s Law registrant.  Source:  Clinton County District Attorney’s Office

LOCALLY UPDATED COVID CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported seven new cases. In Centre County 52 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 67 new cases. State Health officials recorded 83 new cases in Northumberland County, 51 in Snyder, 41 in Union and six in Montour.  Tioga County had 23 new cases listed yesterday.

US DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION GRANT

Governor Tom Wolf announced ​today that the ​commonwealth will receive a $17 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) to buoy the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors as part of the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act. After consulting with tourism partners across the state and colleagues around the nation, the Pennsylvania Tourism Office at the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) will invest the $17,086,197 in multiple projects, as it was part of $510 million directed through EDA’s Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation program, which is focused on accelerating the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors.

PENNSYLVANIANS ARE ASKED TO SUBMIT A PROPOSED CONGRRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING MAP

Governor Tom Wolf is encouraging Pennsylvanians to submit their own proposed congressional redistricting maps for him to consider by Wednesday, Dec. 15.  Pennsylvanians can submit maps and comments and view maps submitted by other people at the Redistricting Public Comment Portal. The governor has repeatedly said that gerrymandering is harmful to democracy and that politicians should not redraw district boundaries to choose their own voters. The maps will determine the boundaries of 17 congressional seats that Pennsylvania voters will select starting with the primary and general election.

STRANGULATION CHARGES

Charged with Strangulation, simple assault and harassment, which stemmed from an incident Sunday in the 100 block of Bennage Ave, sent a Lock Haven man before MDJ Kibler.  Following his arraignment, Barnard Scott was given a bail of $10,000 and then incarcerated in the Clinton County Correctional Facility when he was unable to post bail.

FLAG AT HALF STAFF FOR UNION COUNTY FIREFIGHTER

Governor Tom Wolf ordered the commonwealth flag on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds in Union County to fly at half-staff immediately in honor of firefighter Tod “Cleever” Steese, of the Mifflinburg Fire Department, who died on Sunday, December 12, 2021. The commonwealth flag shall be flown at half-staff until sunset on Monday, December 20, 2021. The United States flag is to remain at full-staff. All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute.

STATE SENATOR GENE YAW HONORS LEWISBURG BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM

State Sen. Gene Yaw welcomed the Lewisburg High School Green Dragons Boys Cross Country Team to the state Capitol building in Harrisburg. The team was honored by the Pennsylvania Senate upon capturing First Place in the Class AA Boys’ Team Rankings during the 2021 PIAA State Cross Country Championships in Hershey on Nov. 6. Earning their fourth undefeated season and having a record with a total 61 wins and zero losses, the team distinguished itself by winning their third consecutive District IV title and their fourth Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference title.

MAN SENDS HIS AGGRESSIVE DOGS TO ATTACK STATE TROOPERS IN NEW COLUMBIA

“Sick em boy, go get em.” Orders to an aggressive Pit-Bull sent to attack State Troopers from Milton when they responded on Monday to check the welfare of a 9 year-old-juvenile. Reports to the police were that Jerry Proffit of New Columbia had strangled and then struck the juvenile victim in the head. When the troopers attempted to make contact with the Proffit, he released his aggressive dog. When he ran at the police, following behind the dog, he was placed into custody and evaluated by EMS on scene for injuries, but not before kicking an EMT in the head. Proffit was arraigned by MDJ Hackenburg and placed in Union County Jail in lieu of $150,000 bail.

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.