UPMC WILLIAMSPORT’S HEROSCAPE 

In recognition of Veterans Day, UPMC and Penn College broke ground at UPMC Williamsport for a new HeroScape project which will create a new outdoor space on the front lawn of the hospital campus in honor of veterans in the community. The space will feature a statue of a soaring eagle and medallions of the six branches of military service. The work for this project is expected to be completed next spring and UPMC is planning on a special recognition event next year to showcase the new space.

A SUIT SETTLED AGAINST WILLIAMSPORT

A police excessive force and malicious prosecution suit against the city of Williamsport has been settled. The suit, looking for upwards of $275,000, was due to an incident during the administration of then Mayor Gabriel J. Campana. In the U.S. Middle District Court Wednesday, a stipulation of dismissal notice was filed. According to SUN Gazette, the stipulation was in regards to the litigation Dana S Sealander had taken against Williamsport City and its officers Ryan Brague and Laura Miller Kitko. Even though, these matters are typically privileged matters, handled by means of city liability insurance, there were no comments available from either administration or council.

UPDATED LOCAL COVID-19 CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday reported new COVID-19 cases. In Clinton County 40 new cases were reported. Centre County saw an increase of 71 new cases, while Lycoming County went up by 113 and Tioga had 35 new cases registered yesterday. There were 79 new cases registered in Northumberland County, 22 in Snyder, 14 in Union and 10 in Montour.

ACCIDENT DUMPS 275 GALLONS OF USED VEHICLE OIL

Over 275 gallons of used vehicle oil dumped on the roadway, when a driver lost control of his trailer. He was driving west on Route 304, near the borough of New Berlin, , Union County yesterday around 8 am, when the trailer rolled over and disengaged from the vehicle that was towing it, causing 275 gallons of used vehicle oil to spill all over the roadway. Environmental services were on scene cleaning at the time of crash. The driver refused treatment and transport to the hospital; however he was issued multiple citations. Penndot had the road closed for the cleanup and were provided documentation on scene.

TRAFFIC STOP ON INTERSTATE 80 YIELDS DRUG ARRESTS

A traffic stop in Union County of Interstate 80 yielded State Police upwards of 18 pounds of marijuana and other illegal cannabis products during a traffic stop with two New York residents on Monday. According to reports, the vehicle they were in had Ohio plates and was traveling at a high rate of speed. Troopers stopped the vehicle and identified the occupants as Tammy D. Goss, 29, and Joseph L. Bitonti, 26, both of Franklin Square, were charged with felonies, filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey Mensch, Mifflinburg. Held on $100,000 cash bail following their arraignments, both are scheduled for preliminary hearings Tuesday.

CHARGES OF CHILD ABUSE FOR KREAMER COUPLE

Child abuse charges are leaved on a Kreamer couple after Geisinger Medical Center see signs of possible shaken baby syndrome.  Gregory and Jennifer Lachat took their 9-month-old infant to the Danville hospital on oct 27 when the child was suffering from seizures.. During the exam, it was determined that the child’s current and prior brain traumas are all consistant with shaken baby syndrome, according to daily item. The lachatws wer charged with multiple felonies and are held in lieu of $100,000 cash bail at Snyder County Prison.

LEWISBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET DEFICIT

Nearly $1.1 million of a beginning budget deficit hangs in the background as the Lewisburg Area School District, both administrators and the Board of Directors begin the tedious work  of balancing their financials, including spending for next school year. According to the Daily Item, although it is only the 8^th time in the past 10 years that the taxes have been increased,  a 0.52 mills tax increase has been approved. The reason for the increase is because over half of the local revenue is in the form of property taxes. Looking ahead to the next budget, increasing costs, including; contracted employee raises, potential increases in health insurance and charter school tuition, help to put the revenue expenses higher than current numbers.

SKILL GAMING ACT IN PENNSYLVANIA COURTS

The Pennsylvania Capital Star is reporting…  They’ve made their way into bars and convenience stores across Pennsylvania, but so-called “skill games,” which critics have labeled as unregulated and illegal, are the subject of an ongoing battle in Harrisburg.  While some want the games banned, arguing that they annually result in millions of dollars in lost revenue for the Pennsylvania Lottery and casino industry, one Republican state lawmaker — who considers them a lifesaver for businesses — wants to tax the machines Yaw, joined by state Reps. Jeff Wheeland, R-Lycoming, and Danilo Burgos, D-Philadelphia, announced plans for legislation, dubbed the “Skill Gaming Act,” that will tax and regulate the skill games.

MANDATORY RECOUNT

The results of a tight race for a seat on the statewide Commonwealth Court will be recounted because two candidates finished within a half-percentage point of each other in last week’s election, the Pennsylvania Department of State announced this week. The race pits Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Lori Dumas, the Democrat, against former Pennsylvania Senate Republican aide Drew Crompton, who was appointed last year to fill a Commonwealth Court vacancy until a replacement could be elected. Commonwealth Court handles cases involving state government and local governments. Since automatic recounts were authorized in 2004, the law has been triggered five times, with two recounts carried out. The recount will begin on Nov. 17 and must be completed by noon on Nov. 23. Results will be published on electionreturns.pa.gov. The department estimates that the recount will cost at least $1.3 million of taxpayer funds.

GEISINGER SAYS THANK YOU TO VETERANS

To thank local Veterans for their service to our country, Geisinger served more than 2,300 meals during drive-through Veterans Appreciation dinners at nine locations across its service area on Wednesday, Nov. 10. The dinners for U.S. Military Veterans and guests were provided at no cost to participants. While the event is traditionally a sit-down meal, it was served in a drive-through format for the second year in a row due to safety precautions in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

MAN DRIVES THROUGH HIS GARAGE, TAKEN TO HOSPITAL

A one vehicle accident, which involved a vehicle running into the residence on the 2300 block of Grand Street just before 8 p.m. Monday.  According to SUN Gazette, Williamsport Police, while continuing to investigate, suspect the elderly driver drove into this driveway and then continued through his garage door. Once he crashed through the garage door, his vehicle ruptured the water line and damaged a washer/dryer and hot water heater. This got the attention of neighbors, who called for an ambulance. The driver was assisted onto a stretcher and taken to UPMC Williamsport by ambulance.

TAX INCREASE IN THE BOROUGH

When the real estate taxes for 2022 were discussed at the latest Montoursville Borough Council meeting, council determined they were receiving a pattern of less state aid, combined with an increase in their expenditures.  In order to assist in the remedy for their situation, the council proposed a .5 mil tax increase. According to Borough Council Secretary and Treasury, Ginny Gardner, the costs inspiring the increase in taxes for residents included; pension plans and wages. The $2,456,199 balanced general fund budget is expected to pass the council next month. According to SUN Gazette, in 2018, the last time taxes were raised, taxes went up 4 mils. The next borough council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at the John Dorin Municipal Building.

CHARGES FILED IN HOMICIDE CASE

It was another twist to an already disturbing story. Chief Christopher Kriner of the Old Lycoming Township Police Department has released another press release. He is working, with the Lycoming County District Attorney’s office on the homicide case involving the bodies of the young girls that were found over the weekend. Yesterday, around 4 p.m. Michele Butler was taken into custody and charged with two counts of felony endangering the welfare of children and one count of obstruction. She was arraigned and committed to an out of county correctional facility. Michele Butler is the mother of Echo Butler, who is accused of concealing information related to the deaths of two of Snyder’s children. Michele Butler’s preliminary hearing is before Judge Solomon Nov. 17.

100 YEARS OLD TOMORROW

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, has stood 100 years, guarded day and night, and will be honored tomorrow, Veterans Day. The American Legion Post 201 in Sunbury with assistance from the North Shore Railroad, will be holding a ceremony along the Third St rail line. There, a train’s horn will sound 21 times, followed by a two minute moment of silence. According to an online media source, the ceremony will conclude with a final blast of the train’s horn, recognizing a Veteran’s Day symbol and honoring the dead.

LEAVES REMOVAL IN THE CITY

Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter has reported that the city has three trucks currently picking up leaves through the city. He reminds residents the leaf pick up will continue as conditions permit throughout the season and beyond. As leaves fall on wet roadways, intersections are slick and can be hazardous. Please slow down and use caution at these times.  Leaf pick up has begun in other communities throughout the area.

FIREARMS BILLS PASS THROUGH STATE SENATE

Pennsylvania’s state Senate on Tuesday approved two veto-bound firearms bills, including one to allow people to carry a loaded gun openly or concealed, without a permit, and another to punish municipalities that impose firearms ordinances that are stricter than state law. Despite a certain veto from Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, floor debate lasted nearly three hours, as Democrats warned that the result of such legislation becoming law would be more death and more violence amid already-spiking gun violence and the spread of illegal guns. Republicans brushed aside the arguments, saying cities elsewhere with strict gun laws still have problems with gun violence and that law-abiding gun owners should not need the government’s permission to carry a firearm.

STATE SENATOR HONORED

State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) was recognized by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) as a Guardian of Small Business for his impeccable voting record in support of key small business issues during the 2019-20 legislative session. Sen. Yaw also has been a vocal opponent to Pennsylvania joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and has guided the state’s disapproval resolution forward through the legislative process.

THEFT OF POWER TOOLS FROM VEHICLE

The Watsontown Police are investigating a theft that occurred between 2200 hours on November 6^th and 0800 hours November 7^th in the 10 block of E. 3^rd St.  It was reported that power tools and a socket set were removed from a vehicle that was parked at that location.  Anyone with information is requested to contact the Watsontown Police at (570)538-2773.

REMAINS FOUND ON LIVERMORE ROAD, WILLIAMSPORT

Local law enforcement and Agents from the FBI believe they may have found the buried remains of Marie Snyder’s two minor female children.  MARIE SUE SNYDER, was taken into custody by the United States Marshals Service-Lycoming County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Task Force, on an Old Lycoming Township Police arrest warrant, charging endangering the welfare of children and obstruction in child abuse cases. Human remains recently discovered, as well as the remains found yesterday on the property, will be sent to a forensic pathologist for further analysis. Old Lycoming Township Police and Detectives from the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office are investigating the incident as a homicide. The search at the Livermore Rd. property has concluded. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

LOCAL COVID-19 CASE UPDATE

The Pennsylvania Department of Health yesterday reported new COVID-19 cases, in Clinton County 36 new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 37 new cases, while Lycoming County increased by 49, Tioga County had 7 cases, there were 34 new cases in Northumberland County, 11 in Union, five in Snyder and two in Montour.

FATAL CRASH ON INTERSTATE 80

A fatal crash occurred on Interstate 80 near mile marker 184.9 in the east bound lanes.  State Police from Lamar reported a tow company that was removing a disabled semi-trailer was parked on the south berm of Interstate 80.  A vehicle traveled off the south berm and struck the rear of tow vehicle.  The tow truck driver was outside his vehicle and was fatally injured.  The striking vehicle caught fire and the driver was removed by bystanders. He was transported to Lock Haven Hospital by ambulance. Interstate 80 was shut down for a significant period of time for the investigation and clean up.  The investigation is on-going.

GEISINGER EMPLOYEES ARE 100% COMPLIANT

Geisinger announced that 100 percent of its staff chose to protect their communities, patients, and each other by meeting its COVID-19 vaccine policy that was announced in late August. Guided by the core values of safety and high-quality care, Geisinger required that all employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine or an approved exemption by Nov. 1. Geisinger’s policy aligns with federal policies released this week requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for health care workers at Medicare and Medicaid participating hospitals and other health care settings as well as employers with more than 100 employees.

UNEMPLOYMENT LAWS TO PROHIBIT REFUSAL TO WORK

With employers across the state struggling to fill vacancies, the House has passed legislation that would update unemployment laws to clarify that people collecting unemployment can’t take steps to avoid being hired. Specifically, House Bill 1819 would prohibit actions to discourage their own hire, such as failure or refusal to attend a job interview or other applicant selection activity without good cause; refusing a job prior to an interview or a discussion of the details of a job with the employer without good cause; or failing to make a good faith effort to obtain employment, as evidenced by any statement or other actions of the claimant intended to discourage the claimant’s hire.
The legislation would also require the Department of Labor and Industry to create forms, or update existing forms, to enable employers to report claimants who discourage their own hire in order to receive unemployment benefits. The bill now goes to the Senate.

THE STATE HOUSE WORK SESSIONS FOR THE WEEK

This week the House of Representatives will begin the process of moving legislation to modernize and reform mental health and substance abuse services, ensure quality of care, and additional oversight. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives will be taking up a bipartisan package of bills reflective of the work of House and Senate members in doing more for our veteran community and their families. Bills include legislation that will reduce red-tape for veterans and their families, improving veteran’s benefits and ensuring recognition of deceased veterans. This week, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives will start moving the Senate resolution to disapprove the RGGI entrance regulation with a committee vote today.

POSSIBLE HUMAN CHILD REMAINS IN HEPBURN TOWNSHIP

Human remains of what appears to be a small child were recovered from a property on Livermore Road in Hepburn Township. The incident began on Thursday, when Marie Sue Snyder was taken into custody by the United States Marshals Service-Lycoming County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Task Force, on an Old Lycoming Township Police arrest warrant, charging Snyder with endangering the welfare of children and obstruction. Police were informed of the possible remains on the property. Yesterday, human remains were recovered and will be sent to a pathologist for further analysis. Investigators continue to search for a second child with additional information to be provided as it becomes available.

FEDERAL APPEALS COURT HALTED PRESIDENT’S VACCINE REQUIREMENT FOR LARGE BUSINESSES

A federal appeals court on Saturday temporarily halted the Biden administration’s vaccine requirement for businesses with 100 or more workers. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted an emergency stay of the requirement by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration that those workers be vaccinated by Jan. 4 or face mask requirements and weekly tests. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry said the action stops President Joe Biden “from moving forward with his unlawful overreach.”

COVID-19 NUMBERS LOCALLY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Saturday reported new COVID-19 cases. In Clinton County 46 new cases were reported Centre County saw an increase of 33 new cases while Lycoming County increased by 66 and Tioga county 20, 50 in Northumberland County and 19 in Montour.

HOUSE BILL PROPOSED WILL PROHIBT INDIVIDUALS FROM REFUSING WORK

With employers across the state struggling to fill vacancies, the House has passed legislation that would update unemployment laws to clarify that people collecting unemployment can’t take steps to avoid being hired. Specifically, House Bill 1819 would prohibit actions to discourage their own hire, such as failure or refusal to attend a job interview or other applicant selection activity without good cause; refusing a job prior to an interview or a discussion of the details of a job with the employer without good cause; or failing to make a good faith effort to obtain employment, as evidenced by any statement or other actions of the claimant intended to discourage the claimant’s hire. The bill now goes to the Senate.

DRUGS STOLEN FROM LOCAL HOSPITAL

A former nurse allegedly stole narcotics when she was working at a Union County hospital. In fact, an arrest warrant has been issued for Alexander R. Neiman of Renovo, citing thefts of  narcotics on upwards of 63 separate occasions while employed at Evangelical Community Hospital, according to court documents. As reported,  video footage of Neiman going to the bathroom after he would withdraw medications. In addition, Neiman pulled more than the prescribed amount for patients, while only administering the partial doses. A felony and misdemeanors were filed with the office of District Judge Jeffrey A. Rowe, according to northcentralpa.com.

BROADBAND INTERNET AIMED AT HELPING FIRST RESPONDERS

It is more reliable communications and it is going to enable first responders to connect and communicate, it’s a broadband internet expansion in Tioga County and AT&T customers will see some benefits as well. An organization that prioritizes first responders’ ability to communicate and expanding broadband networking has a new site in Middlebury Center set to amplify coverage between Tioga and Wellsboro near the Route 287 corridor. The new tower, located near the Middlebury Fire Department’s fire hall, gives first responders such as police and firefighters “priority and preemption” to regular customers. Other sites have cropped up in Lycoming County to the same effect; the Loyalsock Volunteer Fire Co. enjoys increased access when responding to incidents in Barbours, according to AT&T’s website.

RURAL HEALTH LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD

She was recognized for leading measures to fight COVID-19. She is the President and CEO of the Evangelical Community Hospital and Kendra Aucker was honored during a ceremony yesterday, where she was provided the Rural Health Leader of the Year Award. Aucker accepted the award from the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health. In true Kendra Aucker fashion, she commented the award is everyone’s award and it is just how their strong, independent health care facility can respond and handle an emergency like the pandemic.  Kendra Aucker, president and CEO of Evangelical Community Hospital, accepted the Rural Health Leader of the Year Award during a ceremony Thursday.

PA’S FIRST LADY IN TROUBLE WITH AN ELECTION LAW

She violated the Pennsylvania election law, and according to Spotlight PA and the Inquirer, First Lady Frances Wolf, simply dropped a mail ballot off for her husband, Governor Tom Wolf.  Commonwealth law says, with very few exceptions, voters have to mail or bring their ballot to an elections office, satellite location, or drop box themselves. As it stands, it is an act which is punishable by upwards of a year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000 or both.

PREPAY DISCOUNT

Good news for those in the area of pay a fixed base rate to the Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority. According to Sun Gazette, customers will see a prepay discount of 5% on the upcoming 2022 bills.  The option, however, is limited to those in good standing and those who will be making a full payment in January for the year. Those areas that may see that discount rate include the Montoursville Regional Sewer System, Armstrong, Mifflin Manor and the Beaver Lake sewer systems. With this in mind, the authority is expecting to see a rate increase of $5 for the Armstrong Sewer and the Montoursville Regional Sewer systems.  Those with the Limestone Water System can expect a 6.5% increase to stretch across all tiers.

WILLIAMSPORT CITY RECREATION DEPT HAD ROUGH FINANCIAL YEAR

The City of Williamsport Recreation Department Superintendent,  Kayla Drummond,  described this past year as a “bounce back” year, but they remained behind when finances were discussed, especially when the summer programs became the topic during the Williamsport City Council Finance Committee Meeting this week. With the concerns from the summer, which included an over budget staffing situation, transportation to Loyalsock pool and even issues with the food trucks, the money loss was obvious in the books, but the reasoning remained confusing. Finance Committee Chairwoman, Councilwoman, Liz Miele questioned the issue. Bonnie Katz, Councilwoman, stressed the need for the issues to be repaired before the pool reopens and staffing potentially can be a problem again.

PA WILDS AWARDS

During the Clinton County Commissioners’ meeting  Thursday, recipients of the 2021 Champions of the PA Wilds Awards were distributed including three Clinton County events or individuals, according to therecordonline.com. Outstanding Leader award went to Julie Brennan, Clinton County Tourism Director; the Artisan of the Year went to photographer Bill Crowell and finally it was the Lock Haven JAMS Festival that won the Event of the Year.

COVID-19 IN OUR AREA FROM YESTERDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday reported new COVID-19 cases, in Clinton County 19 new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 33 new cases, while Lycoming County increased by 57, Tioga 22, 47 new cases in Northumberland County, 20 in Snyder, 15 in Union and eight in Montour.

TITLE 7 AND 9 PROBLEMS FOR PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

According to a former Penn State University employee, she alleges that a supervisor sexual assaulted her in December 2019.  Following her reporting the incident, she was harassed. According to northcentralpa.com, Penn State University faces three violations of title 7 policies. These policies include, but are not limited to, sexual harassment and a hostile work environment. Further charges include Title 9 violations. Penn State was charged with three violations of Title VII policies including sexual harassment/hostile work environment, constructive discharge, and retaliation, according to the complaint. Other charges include two violations of Title 9.  She is asking for back pay and compensation among other things. Judge Matthew W. Brann at the federal courthouse in Williamsport is presiding over the case.

PENNDOT CLOSED ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, will be closed Thursday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website. Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

GOV TOM WOLF TRAVELS THE COMMONWEALTH

Gov. Tom Wolf continues to fight for workers to have fair wages, paid sick leave, safe workplaces and quality jobs. Yesterday, the governor is visiting Erie and Allentown to discuss his recently issued executive order that supports workers and to urge the General Assembly to pass legislation that will give workers confidence in the safety of their workplaces and the fairness of their pay.

UPMC OFFERING VACCINATIONS FOR COVID-19 TO CHILDREN 5-11 YEARS OF AGE

UPMC is now offering COVID-19 vaccinations to children ages 5 and older at community vaccination clinics as well as in primary care and pediatric provider offices. Vaccinations are available by appointment only. UPMC’s next community vaccination clinic scheduled for Tues., Nov. 9, at Hope Enterprises, 2401 Reach Rd, Williamsport. Appointments for children are available and start at 5 p.m. Parents can schedule an appointment by calling their primary care or pediatric provider office, visiting Vaccine.UPMC.com, or calling 844-UPMCVAC (844-876-2822) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., seven days a week.

DCNR ATTEMPTING TO REDUCE GARBAGE WASTE FROM PA STATE PARKS

​ Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today announced that the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is taking steps to reduce the use of plastics and amount of waste generated from food concessions at Pennsylvania state parks. As contracts with food providers are renewed, new provisions prevent the use of plastic bags, straws, and cutlery. These items are to be replaced with compostable, paper, wooden or plant fiber alternatives. “As the state’s conservation leader, DCNR strives to model practices that conserve and sustain our natural resources, and we are now extending that to the concessions that provide snacks at our state parks,” Dunn said. “This step will help to reduce the emissions generated through plastic production and eliminate the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills.

GOV TOM WOLF PROMOTING PA HARDWOOD PROJECTS

​ Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Department of Conservation and Natural Resource Assistant State Forester Matthew Keefer and Pennsylvania hardwoods industry leaders toured Conestoga Wood Specialties in East Earl, for a behind the scenes look at one of Pennsylvania’s premier hardwood products companies. Since 2015, Governor Tom Wolf has invested more than $1 million in grants, loans and tax credits to help Pennsylvania hardwood businesses expand, upgrade equipment, train their workers and increase sustainable environmental practices. Pennsylvania leads the nation in the production and export of hardwood lumber. With 16.6 million acres of forestland, Pennsylvania has the most abundant hardwood forest in the United States and contributes more than $39.1 billion to the state’s economy annually. The Pennsylvania Specialty Crop Block Grant program was created under the PA Farm Bill to grow and promote high-priority specialty crops in the state, including hardwoods. The PA Specialty Crop Block Grants has invested more than $160,000 in seven projects, over the course of 2019 and 2020, to support hardwoods projects related to promotion, education and workforce development.

.PURSUIT THAT BEGAN FROM A BURGLARY CALL

On October 30 around 1:00 am, State Police in Montoursville were dispatched to the 1600 block of Log Run Rd in Loyalsock Township in response to a burglary call.  The vehicle fled the scene prior to the arrival of troopers.  Old Lycoming Township Police located a vehicle matching the description and found the vehicle to be stolen.  A traffic stop was attempted and the suspect vehicle fled. State Police from Montoursville and Milton assisted, even deploying spike strips and PIT maneuvers to stop the pursuit. The vehicle was stopped and the operator was identified as Alan Seijas . Multiple charges with given to Seijas and he was remanded to the Lycoming County Prison.