BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS DEC. 15, 2021

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 8th 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.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS DEC. 14, 2021

THEFTS OVERNIGHT

Two trucks owned by the Asplundh Tree Service were broken into while they were parked overnight at the Flying J Gas Station.  The trucks, according to police, were there December 8 at 5:30 pm to December 9 at 7 am and multiple items were taken from the trucks included a Husk 572 chainsaw, 2 Stihl MS 201 Chainsaws, a Stihl MS 194 Chainsaw, and three sets of Buckingham Climbing Gear which included spikes and ropes. While video surveillance is being used, anyone with any information is asked to contact the State Police in Lamar.

MUSIC COLLECTIVE’S UPCOMING SEMESTER

Music continues at the Uptown Music Collective! The Collective’s winter enrollment week begins on December 13th and runs until December 17th, 2021.  Enrollment is open 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.

CANDY CANE LANE

It is time to see the lights in DuBoistown at Candy Cane Lane. The Street, also known as Summer Street, will have the lights on from 5 to 10 pm daily until New Years.  According to SUN Gazette, Candy Cane Lane is celebrating it’s 64th year lighting the way into the Christmas season. Also, at the Duboistown Borough Hall, there will be live reindeer, Santa and Mrs. Claus, refreshments and activities for the kids, December 18th from 4 pm to  7pm.  After the event, Santa boards a fire truck and rides up to on Candy Cane Lane.

HOUSE BILL 2071 BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT IN PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) applauded the passage of legislation that will help break down the barriers to broadband deployment in underserved and unserved areas of Pennsylvania. The legislation, House Bill 2071 sponsored by Rep. Martin Causer (R-McKean/Cameron/Potter), passed the House with a unanimous vote. House Bill 2071 now heads to the Senate for consideration.

CROSSCUTTERS GIVING TO THE AMERICAN RESCUE WORKERS

The Williamsport Crosscutters recently presented the American Rescue Workers with a check for $4,737.88, representing the proceeds from the team’s 50/50 raffles during from the 2021 season. The Crosscutters 50/50 raffle is presented by The Pitch In Charitable Foundation, a non-profit foundation of professional baseball teams. This represents the fifth straight season that the team has donated it’s 50/50 proceeds to the American Rescue Workers. Cutters Vice-President of Marketing Gabe Sinicropi stated, “The American Rescue Workers is a great organization, run by great people, doing great work. We know that the donated funds are put to good use, helping the most vulnerable in our population in their time of need.” In the past five seasons, the Williamsport Crosscutters have donated over $31,000 to ARW through the foundation’s 50/50 raffle.

 

ARPA SPENDING PLAN FOR HCBS

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) today highlighted Pennsylvania’s spending plan for approximately $1.2 billion in enhanced federal Medicaid funding made available to states through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This funding will support Medicaid’s home and community-based services (HCBS) system throughout the commonwealth, which helps seniors, people with disabilities, and children with complex medical needs safely live in their community among their family and peers. This funding will strengthen Pennsylvania’s home and community-based services system by allowing more Pennsylvanians access to critical services in their communities and supporting service providers that perform this work every day.

 

GOVERNOR WOLF AND THE PENNSYLVANIA BROADBAND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Governor Tom Wolf issued a statement today following House passage of H.B. 2071, which would create the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. The Authority would serve as a single point of contact for parties interested in expanding high-speed internet access and is charged with identifying access to funding sources and coordinating efforts for broadband deployment. Expanding access to broadband is a priority for me and my administration is working closely with Democrats and Republicans in both chambers to craft an authority that will serve Pennsylvanians.

PENNSYLVANIA TASK FORCE 1 SENDING HELP TO KENTUCKY

 Governor Tom Wolf today announced that two members of Pennsylvania Task Force 1 Urban Search & Rescue are deployed to Kentucky to assist in response and recovery efforts after devastating tornadoes crossed the state and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses. The deployed members are part of the Incident Support Team that will coordinate the efforts of all US&R assets that are deployed to Kentucky. PA-TF 1 is one of 28 teams that are part of the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System and is a federal resource that can quickly be mobilized to deploy to incidents anywhere in the country. The team is sponsored by the Philadelphia Fire Department.

 

LEGISLATION APPROVED TO PREVENT SCHOOL CHILDREN FROM COVID-19 REQUIREMENT TO GO TO SCHOOL

The Republican-controlled Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation Monday to prevent school children from being required to get a COVID-19 vaccination to attend school, although it likely faces a veto by Gov. Tom Wolf. The bill passed on party lines, 28-21, and goes to the House of Representatives. Neither the state nor any school district in Pennsylvania require the COVID-19 vaccination to attend school.Wolf, a Democrat, opposes the bill and has no plans to require the vaccine, his office said. “The administration has no plans to mandate vaccines for K-12 schools so this is nothing more than a waste of time and taxpayer money, and is a distraction from the real issues Pennsylvanians are facing that Republicans should be addressing,” Wolf’s office said in a statement. Rather, Wolf’s office said Republicans should urge their constituents to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

LAWMAKERS ADVANCE PLAN TO BOOST BROADBAND INTERNET EXPANSION

The state House voted unanimously Wednesday to set up a governmental body to develop a statewide plan for broadband internet funding and expansion into unserved and underserved areas of Pennsylvania. The bill, which was sent to the Senate, would set up the independent Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. It would act as a central point to coordinate grant money in underserved areas. Pennsylvania is in line for at least $100 million in federal money to expand broadband in the state. The federal infrastructure bill also allocated about $37 billion nationally to be doled out based on financial need, including monthly subsidies for the cost of connectivity. The authority that would be set up under the House-passed bill would consist of an 11-member board and have a six-year lifespan, unless extended. Members would be chosen by the governor and legislative leaders. The bill sets minimum broadband speeds to match federal standards. The governor’s office says the authority will support what’s expected to be construction of new towers, lines and broadband equipment.

RESIGNATION FROM PENNSYLVANIA’S HEALTH SECRETARY

Pennsylvania’s acting health secretary will resign her post and depart the Wolf administration at the end of December, the governor’s office announced Monday. Alison Beam had served in an acting role since January, when Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf tapped her to replace Dr. Rachel Levine, who left for the Biden administration. Beam, who had previously served as Wolf’s deputy chief of staff, guided the state’s COVID-19 pandemic response over the past year. She oversaw vaccine distribution and imposed a mask mandate for schools that was struck down by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court last week.

UPDATED COVID CASES LOCALLY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Monday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 17 new cases. In Centre County 54 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 22 new cases. There new infections reported 18 in Union, 14 in Snyder and eight in Montour County. Tioga County had 11 new cases listed yesterday.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS DEC. 13, 2021

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.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS WEEKEND DEC. 11, 12, 2021

MASK MANDATE THROWN OUT BY STATE SUPREME COURT

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. The practical impact of the decision will depend on what the justices say in the written opinion or opinions they will issue in the case and which schools and school districts impose their own masking requirements. The attorney general’s office, representing Beam, told the court earlier this week there does not appear to be anything to prevent schools and school districts from issuing their own masking orders. The mask mandate took effect in early September. Wolf announced in November he intends to return authority over masking decisions to local school districts in January, but will continue to require masks in child care centers and early learning programs.

NURSING HOME STAFFING SHORTAGES AFFECTING ALL LEVELS OF CARE

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. Long-term care facilities say the money would be spent on retention bonuses for current workers. The workforce crunch at skilled nursing homes and personal care facilities is having a spillover effect on hospitals, which are under strain from a 55% increase in COVID-19 patients since mid-November. Hospitals are treating more than 4,500 patients infected with the coronavirus, according to the state Department of Health, and are desperate to free up bed space and ease lengthy wait times in emergency rooms.

GRIDLOCKS IN HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS

Geisinger, a large health system in central and northeastern Pennsylvania that is also short on beds because of the COVID-19 surge, said gridlock at nursing homes, rehab centers and psychiatric facilities is contributing to its capacity woes. The average length of stay at Geisinger hospitals has nearly doubled to eight days, according to Dr. Jaewon Ryu, president and chief executive officer. The worker shortage at nursing homes predated the pandemic, but has worsened over the past two years in a state with one of the nation’s highest proportions of older people.

 

USE OF FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMISSION

The Pennsylvania State Law Enforcement Citizen Advisory Commission (Commission) today approved recommendations related to police-involved shootings, other uses of force and bias-based policing. Governor Wolf established the first-of-its-kind Commission last year to review and improve policies within commonwealth law enforcement agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction including, but not limited to, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), the Department of General Services Capitol Police, and the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) Park Rangers. The Commission announced in May the formation of three committees to review completed internal investigative findings to determine if they were prompt, fair, impartial, complete and performed in a manner consistent with applicable policies.

  • The Critical Incident Review Committee reviews investigations of police-involved shootings resulting in injury or death of civilians conducted by covered agencies;
  • The Use of Force Review Committee reviews a random sampling of other uses of force involving injury or death of civilians; and
  • The Bias-Based Policing Review Committee reviews all investigations of racial or ethnic discrimination and other bias-based policing and/or external complaints of bias or discrimination during interactions with covered agencies.

 

IT’S ON US PA GRANT TO LOCAL CAMPUS

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.  Since 2016, the Wolf Administration has awarded 184 IT’S ON US PA grants totaling nearly $6 million to post-secondary institutions, including public and private two-year and four-year colleges and universities.

 

AIRPORT IMPROVEMENTS, RENOVATIONS AND UPGRADES AT LATEST AUTHORITY BOARD MEETING

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. The board agreed to continue holding its meetings the second Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. during 2022. Meetings will be held at the airport.

 

SWIPING YOUR PACKAGES WILL BECOME MORE COSTLY TO THE PIRATES

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.

 

UPDATED COVID-19 CASES LOCALLY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Friday reported  new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 38 new cases. In Centre County 68. Lycoming County added 91. There were 106 new cases in Northumberland County, 44 in both Union and Snyder counties and 15 in Montour. Northumberland County has had at least 100 cases five times in December.

MAN FOUND DEAD IN HOSPITAL BATHROOM BELIEVED TO BE VICTIM OF OVERCROWDING

A man was found dead in a hospital bathroom is believed to have died as a result of overcrowding in the emergency room, according to Montour County Coroner Scott Lynn. The 70-year-old Mount Carmel man was discovered on Nov. 23 inside a Geisinger Medical Center bathroom. According to the Daily Item, the man arrived at the emergency room a while earlier, complaining of weakness and not feeling well. The man was provided care, which included oxygen in the waiting room before he was found dead 12-hours and 15 minutes later in a single stall bathroom. An investigation into Rowland’s death is ongoing and Lynn said an autopsy was performed on Nov. 25 and the results are pending.

 

POLICE LOOKING FOR COMMUNITY 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.

 

SENDING SEXUALLY EXPLICIT IMAGES TO MINORS WITH OTHER MINORS IN THE ROOM

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.

 

 A FULL HOSPITAL CONTINUES TO TREAT 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 IN 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.

 

LOCAL COVID-19 CASES UPDATE

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Saturday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 22 new cases. In Centre County 77  and Lycoming County added 89 new cases.  69 new cases in Northumberland County, 31 in Union County, 28 in Union and 12 in Montour County.

 

MASKING REMAINS IN LEWISBURG

Some masking will still be required Monday in the Lewisburg Area School District, according to Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Baugh. Students 11-years-old and younger and unvaccinated students, staff and visitors are required to wear a mask while indoors, according to an online media outlet. The federal mandate still requires masks to be worn while on the school buses. An emergency meeting of the school board, to discuss this issue, will be held Thursday.

 

BUDGET DAY CLOSE AT HAND

Thursday night is said to be the night when the Williamsport City Council will approve the 2022 buget and set the city tax rate. The council worked tirelessly for hours on Thursday attempting to amend the previous budget proposal from Mayor Derek Slaughter.  The long session began as the council took $51,349 from their legislative contingency and moving it toward increasing salaries in departments of public safety, public works, codes and the treasurer. The proposal on the table to hire a new police officer was delayed for the next meeting. According to SUN Gazette, the next meeting is a special meeting starting at 7 p.m. Thursday and  held remotely via YouTube. The site is accessible on the city website.

 

ATV REGIONAL TRAIL CONNECTOR PILOT

Sen. Gene Yaw said he’s encouraged after convening the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on Wednesday to field testimony for a proposed ATV connector trail in Tiadaghton State Forest. Legislators authorized the first ATV Regional Trail Connector Pilot in 2020 in response to the growing popularity of the vehicles for outdoor recreation in the region, ending a 17-year moratorium on new trails. The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) said the pilot’s first riding season, which lasted from July 16 until Sept. 26 and spanned trails in parts of Tioga and Potter counties, resulted in no “serious” accidents and caused no adverse impacts on nearby streams and forestland. Still, state officials said more studies must be conducted to understand the impacts of ATVs operating alongside vehicles on public roads. With the second riding season scheduled to open on Memorial Day, DCNR hopes to expand the pilot to include the Haneyville ATV trail and tie it into Tiadaghton State Forest, which covers more than 146,000 acres in Lycoming, Tioga, Potter, Clinton and Union counties.

KELLER-BRAUN EFFORT CLEARS CRUCIAL HURDLE IN EFFORT TO NULLIFY BIDEN’S UNCONSTITUTIONAL ORDER

Today, Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12) made a statement after Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) secured bipartisan passage of the Senate Congressional Review Act (CRA) to eliminate President Biden’s vaccine mandate on private-sector job creators with more than 100 employees and all 50 Republican Senators in supporting the CRA, setting the stage for the U.S. House to consider Congressman Keller’s companion bill. On Tuesday, Congressman Keller announced his legislation had garnered the support of all 213 House Republicans. Congressman Keller’s CRA resolution now only needs five Democrat cosponsors to reach the 218 member threshold required for a discharge petition to force a vote on the House Floor.

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS, DECEMBER 10, 2021

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.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS DEC 9, 2021

ANOTHER PURSUIT IN THE CITY

A high-speed police pursuit ended with a crash on Grampian Boulevard, according to Williamsport Bureau of Police. It was Wednesday around 5:15 pm, when the only known occupant, fled the scene of the crash. According to the SUN Gazette, unknown driver committed multiple traffic violations, including high speeds and stop signs. Williamsport Police towed the vehicle to their impound lot and will obtain a search warrant for a proper search through the interior of the vehicle.

 

FEDERAL TIME FOR FIREARMS OFFENSE

A firearms offense brought a Williamsport man five years in a federal prison.  Joshair Jones, 19, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann. According to U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, Jones possessed the firearm, with obliterated serial numbers, between Aug. 1 and Aug. 16, 2020.  At sentencing, the United States in a presentation involving a shooting from July 31, 2020 in Williamsport was able to produce evidence of Jones’s involvement. The investigation was conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Williamsport Bureau of Police, the Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

 

MASK ORDER INSPECTED BY STATE SUPREME COURT

A lawyer for Pennsylvania’s acting health secretary on Wednesday defended the validity of the secretary’s order requiring masks inside K-12 schools to fight COVID-19, asking state Supreme Court justices to focus on a single regulation. The regulation, adopted in 2000, gives the Health Department authority to direct a “modified quarantine of contacts of a person” with a communicable disease or infection and any other control measures for the surveillance of disease needed to protect people from it. The justices have ordered that Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam’s directive, which took effect in early September and also applies to child care facilities, will remain in place while they consider a legal challenge from the state Senate’s highest ranking leader and others. Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf, who installed Beam as acting health secretary, announced last month he intends to return authority over masking decisions to local school districts in January, but will continue to require masks in child care centers and early learning programs.

 

SPEEDING AUTO CRASHING IN STREAM IN CLINTON COUNTY

A Sunbury man crashed his Shelby Charger in a small stream, after police say he had been traveling at speeds in excess of 70 miles an hour, while under the influence of alcohol.  Juan Reyes was southbound on Route 220 near the I-80 ramps on December 3. Reyes continued south on S. Heckmans Gap Road at a high rate of speed, traveling through a parking lot and into the woods at about 70 miles an hour and overturning into a small stream. He was transported to Geisinger Medical Center and treated for minor injuries. Police reported multiple charges were filed with the local District Justice.

 

BACK TO NORMAL

Classes are returning to normal in the Milton Area School District today, according to Milton Area Superintendent Dr. Cathy Keegan and Milton Borough Police Chief Curt Zettlemoyer in a joint statement yesterday. With the threat from Tuesday identified, it has been determined there is no immediate threat to the students and staff, according to the Daily Item.  In other school news, the Shikellamy School District  sent out a “One Call” alert Tuesday, but a follow up investigation revealed no threat and classes were held Wednesday, as normal.

LOCAL COVID-19 CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 30 new cases. In Centre County 125 new cases. Lycoming County added 96 new cases. Tioga County had 21 new cases yesterday. State Health officials recorded 117 new cases in Northumberland County, 38 in Union, 33 in Snyder and seven in Montour.

CONGRESSIONAL MAPS INCLUDE DEBATE AND PUBLIC COMMENT

A Republican-controlled state House committee planned to vote on a proposed map of Pennsylvania’s new congressional districts that its chair introduced into legislation Wednesday, as a rival map was being prepared in the Senate where lawmakers promise an open process with debate and public comment. House State Government Committee Chairman Seth Grove, R-York, said Wednesday the map he introduced into legislation was among 19 submitted to his committee. Democrats, however, immediately criticized the process, saying the map was sprung on them and is being sent to a vote before the public can comment on it. And they swiftly criticized the map as heavily favoring Republicans.

COVID-19 WEARING RESOURCES THIN

One of Pennsylvania’s largest health systems has run out of beds because of the latest COVID-19 surge, with doctors and nurses practicing “waiting room medicine” on patients who are forced to endure 10- to 20-hour delays in the emergency department, officials said Wednesday. Geisinger is running at 110% capacity across its nine hospitals in central and northeastern Pennsylvania — overrun with largely unvaccinated COVID-19 patients who represent a quarter to well over half of all admissions, said Dr. Jaewon Ryu, Geisinger’s president and chief executive officer. He said he expects the situation to deteriorate further in coming weeks, citing sharply rising numbers of cases and the increasing percentage of tests coming back positive. Geisinger isn’t the only Pennsylvania health system under strain. Statewide, an average of 3,900 people per day have been hospitalized with COVID-19 over the past two weeks, up 50% in a month, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. About 13% of the state’s adult ICU beds and 10% of its medical-surgical beds are available, the health department said.

 

CARDS TO VETS FROM KIDS

It was upwards of 210 students from the White Deer Elementary School who worked diligently towards getting Christmas cards and letters sent to veterans in two hospitals. According to the daily item, It was last week, when elementary students from k-5 in Milton area elementary school also prepared cards for vets at Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center in Luzerne County and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS DEC 8, 2021

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.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS DEC 7, 2021

ASSAULT IN PRISON

It took pepper spray to separate the women, after a woman from Greencastle, Franklin County, launched an attack on another at the state Correctional Institution at Muncy.  Holly Shaffer allegedly struck Nicole Lilley multiple times in an attack on Sept. 27. When the women didn’t stop, pepper spray was utilized and Lilley was transported to UPMC Muncy suffering from multiple facial fractures. According to SUN Gazette, Shaffer was arraigned in front of District Judge Jon E. Kemp with several charges including felony aggravated assault and she  remains behind bars with an additional $50,000 in bail.

 

ICE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE COMING TO LYCOMING COUNTY

The U.S. Immigrations and Custom Enforcement (ICE) office is moving to South Reach Road, near the levee.  According to city officials, the administrative building will not be used to detain immigrants. Although the department hasn’t determined who would utilize the office space, according to SUN Gazette, either Enforcement and Removal Operations or Homeland Security Investigations would be there. At present, the building is being prepared for their arrival.

INCREASES FOR 2022 FROM LYCOMING COUNTY WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY

Rate increases for the Montoursville Regional Sewer, Armstrong Sewer and Limestone Water systems are set for next year, according to the Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority Board.  According to SUN Gazette, increases for Montoursville and Armstrong customers are likely to be  $70 to $75 monthly per Equivalent Dwelling Unit. The Limestone customers, will see a projected rate increase of  $150 per quarter to $160 per quarter. According to Christine Weigle, Water & Sewer Authority Executive Director, rising costs of supplies along with repair work caused the need for the increases in Montoursville and Limestone system respectively.

UPDATED LOCAL COVID-19 CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Monday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 14 new cases. In Centre County 35 new cases and Lycoming County added 40. There were 58 in Northumberland County, 10 in Snyder, eight in Union and four in Montour.  Tioga County had 5 new COVID cases listed yesterday.

RIBBON CUTTING JERSEY SHORE

It was a ribbon cutting and flag raising event to celebrate the official move to ProMedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. This going Green event drew representatives from Geisinger Jersey Shore and ProMedica to oversee the change from ManorCare of Jersey Shore. ProMedica, based in Toledo, is a not-for-profit, mission-based health care and well-being organization. According to therecordonline, it is in  28 states with over 49,000 employees, 12 hospitals, 2500+ physicians, and well over 300 assisted living, skilled nursing centers, and hospice and home health agencies.

GEISINGER RIBBON CUTTING IN MUNCY

Geisinger Medical Center Muncy held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, Dec. 6, 2021. The new medical center is slated to open January 2022, making better health easier for Lycoming County and the surrounding area. In addition to being a full-service hospital, the new facility brings care closer to home by centralizing services, lessening travel time for patients who went to larger medical facilities for their care. The 120,000-square foot, three-story facility is a $100 million investment in Muncy and the surrounding communities and is part of the clinical joint venture formed by Geisinger and Highmark Health in 2019. Featuring an emergency room, clinical decision unit, intensive care unit, surgical suites and primary and specialty care areas, Geisinger Medical Center Muncy is designed to meet the routine and acute care needs of those living in Lycoming, Sullivan, Clinton and Tioga counties. For routine care, the facility includes a multispecialty clinic with adult and pediatric primary care, orthopedics, cardiology, ophthalmology, pulmonary services and women’s health services. Also available are imaging and lab services, medical oncology services, chemotherapy preparation and general surgery services.

AFSCME WORKERS IN WILLIAMSPORT HAVE CONTRACT APPROVAL

Administration items on last Thursday’s City Council meeting included the approval of contracts for AFSCME workers. The AFSCME contract approvals will save taxpayer dollars while also showing a commitment to our dedicated City employees. Contracts for City Hall AFSCME and Streets and Parks AFSCME were both approved.

MEMORIAL POOL PROJECT

Williamsport City Council has moved to approve the needed equipment and work to get the pool ready for next year. In fact, the Memorial Pool is now a step closer to being repaired and ready for the 2022 summer season. City Council approved the installation of a new pool liner that will save on costs related to maintenance and upkeep and comes with a 10-year warranty. The liner will be installed this spring, according to Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter.

A FIRST IN FIVE YEARS

A nine percent increase in the Lock Haven real estate levy, by a vote of 6-1 at the meeting last night by the Lock Haven City Council is effective in 2022.  According to therecordonline.com, this ends five years without a real estate tax increase. The final meeting for the city council, set for Dec. 20, has been dropped and the next meeting is now Monday, Jan 3.

GRANT TO REVITALIZE A PROPERTY IN SUNBURY

A $2 million grant, signed by Governor Tom Wolf and enacted by State Sen John Gordner and State Rep Lynda Culver is the revival that took over 13 years to achieve. The former Knight-Celotex site has a new purpose. The plans include restoration for the 21.83-acre property and selling it off in pieces. A $2 million grant — secured by two Valley lawmakers and signed by Gov. Tom Wolf — will provide Sunbury with funds to begin restoration of the 21.83-acre property, preparing it to be sold off in sections. According to the Daily Item, the first phase of the project is land acquisition costs, then upgrades to utilities and storm water systems.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS DEC 6, 2021

 

 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.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS, DEC 5, 2021

UPDATED LOCAL COVID-19 CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Saturday reported  new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 46 new cases for a total of 6,163, the highest number of new cases in one day since 65 were recorded on Nov. 19. In Centre County 133 new cases were recorded for a total of 23,271. Lycoming County added 112 new cases for a total of 19,942.  127 new infections in Northumberland County, the third day here with more than 100 new cases. There were also 36 new cases in Union County, 28 in Snyder and 17 in Montour. Tioga County had 16 new covid-19 cases reported yesterday.

“ACCOUNTABLE TO THE LAW AND TO THE PEOPLE”

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.  “With her actions, Davidson betrayed both her constituents and her oath of office,” Attorney General Josh Shapiro said in a statement. “Today is further proof that no one is above the law and that everyone who holds office in Pennsylvania is accountable to the law and the people.” Davidson, 59, a Democrat from Delaware County, was minority chair of the busy State Government Committee when she was charged in July. She promptly resigned her seat.  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.  Davidson was first elected in 2010, and had been in her fifth term.

CHILD ENDANGERMENT WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE

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 OF THE OMICRON VARIANT FOUND IN NEW YORK

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.

GRATEFUL FOR A TREE THAT LENDS A FESTIVE APPEAL

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!

 

PRE-APPLICATION FUNDING REQUESTS

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 BOUNDARES

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.

HIGHER PENALTIES FOR THOSE REPEAT DUI OFFENDERS LEGISLATION

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.

Upcoming

Facebook

Powered By SoCast