DATA CORRECTION DROPS COVID VACCINE RATES IN PENNSYLVANIA

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week dropped its percentage of vaccinated adults in Pennsylvania by nearly five percentage points in what apparently was a data correction to weed out duplicates. The agency on Wednesday adjusted the percentage to 68.9%, after a day earlier putting the percentage at 73.7% of Pennsylvanians 18 and older. The downward revision amounted to a reduction of about 1.2 million doses. Pennsylvania’s Department of Health said it sends its data to the CDC, and began in July to refine its data to remove duplicate information and correct data on first, second and booster doses. The data correction comes as infections, hospitalizations and intensive-care unit cases are rising in Pennsylvania and many other states.

LUNG SCREENING PROGRAM AT GMC       

Geisinger’s lung cancer screening program, launched over the last year, is the best way for at-risk patients to receive annual screenings key to the early detection of lung cancer.  When detected early, lung cancer is easier to treat, and screenings become an important diagnostic tool in the process. Lung cancer is responsible for the most cancer-related deaths in men and women in the U.S and lung cancer screenings are non-invasive diagnostic tests that can help detect cancer in its earliest stages. Patients are eligible for yearly lung cancer screening if they do not have lung cancer symptoms and meet all of the following criteria: Are between the ages of 55 and 77, have a 30-pack-year history of smoking, Currently smoke or quit smoking within the last 15 years.

MAN FLEES POLICE WITH CHILD IN CAR

A Linden man fled from police with a child in his car. A State Police Corporal stopped Jarod Tedesco, on Wednesday night, as he was weaving in-and-out of his driving lane and traveling well below the posted speed limit. The stop, just outside of Williamsport, was brief because Tedesco took off when a second trooper arrived to assist. The pursuit, winded south on Route 220 and ended in Woodward Township on Stewart Street. He was cooperative until he was searched and then he became belligerent and struggled with troopers. Again, he attempted to flee, this time on foot, until a trooper deployed his tazer.

Tedesco was medically cleared by UPMC Williamsport, arraigned in front of District Judge William Solomon on multiple charges, and committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $99,000 bail.

RACE FOR THE NEXT U.S. SEAT IN PA

The Republican field of candidates aiming to capture Pennsylvania’s open U.S. Senate seat in next year’s election is churning anew, with the candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump out and intriguing new candidates possibly in. Out is Sean Parnell — a favorite of Donald Trump Jr. — who ended his campaign after losing a custody battle in court in which the judge said he believed allegations of abuse made by Parnell’s estranged wife. The high-stakes campaign to replace retiring Republican Sen. Pat Toomey in the battleground state could determine control of the Senate in next year’s election. March 8 is the last day to file petitions with enough voter signatures to get on the May 17 primary ballot.

MAN KILLED MOTHER AND USED HER ATM CARD

A Coal Township man allegedly struck his mother in the head with a baseball bat, killing her, in their home last weekend. Christopher Depka is charged with killing Sarah Jones and wrapping her body in blankets in her bedroom.  According to WNEP, Depka was seen via surveillance video at Rite Aid with her ATM card one day before she was found dead. A search of the property, revealed a bloody aluminum baseball bat in Depka’s bedroom. He was arraigned and committed to Northumberland County Jail with no known bail.

COVID-19 CASES IN PA REPORTED YESTERDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Friday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 33 new cases. In Centre County 91 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 97 new cases. Northumberland County’s total increased by 75. Tioga County had 24 new covid-19 cases.

SUNBURY FIREFIGHTERS KEPT BUSY WITH SECOND FIRE

For the second day, Sunbury firefighters dealt with a house fire in the city. The fire, on Susquehanna Avenue on Friday afternoon, damaged multiple rooms of an apartment complex. It began in a bedroom of the second floor, extended to the attic and out a first floor window, where it lit a neighboring residence on fire. The two alarm blaze brought firefighters from Sunbury, Northumberland, Shamokin Dam, Selinsgrove and 9 other companies. According to an online media outlet, the home is a loss and uninhabitable. Although no injuries were reported, the Red Cross was on scene to help residents. The fire is under investigation.

MONEY SCHEME GETS CASH FROM GLOBAL CASH CARD PURCHASES AT LOWE’S

A money scheme has been running on local Lowe’s Home Improvement stores. Montoursville police reported possibly three suspects entered Lowe’s and preyed on cashiers, and made purchases using a Global Cash Card and not cash, then went to a neighboring Lowe’s and returned the items, receiving cash back.  Montoursville Police identified Savannah Danielle Dillard and Ahman Shantone Mack Boxley both from Michigan, charged with multiple felonies and committed to jail without bail. According to the Northcentralpa.com, the third individual has not yet been identified.

PA TURNPIKE EXPECTS A BUSY WEEKEND FOR TRAVEL

The Pennsylvania Turnpike expects Thanksgiving to be the busiest travel holiday of the year with 3.15 million motorists traveling during the six-day period starting today and ending on Sunday. Overall, holiday traffic is up 39 percent over the same travel period last year. Operation Safe Holiday kicked off on November 15 with the “Click It or Ticket” Thanksgiving enforcement mobilization which runs through November 28. During the effort, PSP will offer no-cost child passenger safety seat fitting clinics at several locations statewide, with the goal of keeping Pennsylvania’s youngest travelers safe on the road. Throughout Operation Safe Holiday, law enforcement will also conduct sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols, and regular traffic safety patrols beginning the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, November 24, through the New Year’s holiday to crack down on drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol.

10-YEAR CONTRACT FOR PSU FOOTBALL COACH

Penn State football coach James Franklin agreed to a new 10-year contract Tuesday that will guarantee him at least $75 million through 2031. Franklin and Penn State’s Board of Trustees agreed to the terms, which include a yearly base salary of $7 million, retention bonuses of $500,000 each year and a $1 million annual loan for life insurance. Franklin is 67-32 at Penn State with seven bowl appearances in his eight seasons. The Nittany Lions won the Big Ten championship in 2016. A Pennsylvania native who called the Penn State gig his “dream job” when he was hired away from Vanderbilt in 2014 will coach his 100th game at Penn State when the Nittany Lions visit No. 12 Michigan State on Saturday. Franklin previously signed a six-year deal in 2019. The terms of that contract would’ve had him earn $5.75 million next season with a $250,000 raise each remaining year.

PENNSYLVANIA’S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FELL

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate fell for the eighth month in a row in October, according to new state figures, as payrolls grew but the labor force shrank amid an ongoing struggle for employers struggle to find workers. Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate dropped two-tenths of a percentage point to 6% from September’s rate, according to state Department of Labor and Industry figures released Friday. The national rate was 4.6% in October, and Pennsylvania lags most other states, tied at 40th among 50.

UPDATED COVID-19 CASES FOR OUR AREA

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new COVID-19 cases Clinton County reported 20 new cases. In Centre County 61 new cases. Lycoming County added 45 new cases. There were 41 in Northumberland County, 21 in Snyder, 20 in Union, 12 in Montour. Tioga County had 19 new covid-19 cases reported yesterday.

RACE CONCEDED FOR PA COMMONWEALTH COURT

The Republican candidate trailing in a statewide recount for an open seat on Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court conceded the race on Tuesday to Democrat Lori Dumas. On Twitter, Drew Crompton congratulated Dumas and the other winners in the judicial races that were on the statewide ballot in Pennsylvania’s Nov. 2 election. Republicans won three of four statewide judicial races on the Nov. 2 ballot. A statewide recount in the Commonwealth Court race was mandated after Dumas’ finished within a half-percentage point ahead of Crompton, according to unofficial returns posted online by the state Department of State.

COURT DENIES EMPLOYEES REQUEST TO AVOID COVID-19 TESTING BY EMPLOYEER

Over 100 Geisinger employees were denied their request to keep Geisinger Medical Center from conducting twice-weekly testing for COVID-19 by a federal judge on Tuesday. Although those employees had previously received religious exemptions from the COVID-19 mandate at Geisinger, they were still required to participate in the periodic testing or face possible termination. Chief U.S. District Judge Matthew Brawn released a 30-page order which explained that the employees’ complaints lacked the merit necessary to obtain his ruling. According to Geisinger Medical Center, “Employees have until 11:59 p.m. (Tuesday night) to submit their test results. Employees who do not accept the accommodation to meet the COVID-19 vaccine requirement with regular testing will voluntarily resign on Wednesday, Nov. 24,” as reported by the Daily Item. A Nov. 1 deadline passed with 24,000 employees who complied and 150 fired at that time for not adhering to the mandate.

STOLEN VEHICLE LEADS TO PURSUIT AND CRASH

A driver in a stolen vehicle attempted to elude state police in Sunbury. The pursuit ended in a crash in the area of Purdy Street, according to the Daily Item.  Troopers reported one individual fled the scene on foot, while the other was taken into custody. State police report the investigation is still ongoing.

ROVING DUI PATROLS AND SOBRIETY CHECKPOINTS IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

Police are monitoring highways with both roving DUI patrols and sobriety checkpoints through Sunday night. According to an online media source, the regional Highway Safety Network is set to target several roads in the valley. Some of these are in Northumberland County and they include Route 61, 147, 225, 901, 125, 54 and 487.

GEISINGER RECEIVES DESIGNATIONS DUE TO MILITARY CARE/EMPLOYEES

Geisinger has been recognized for its continued support of military veterans and active service members and has received  two recent designations. The Pennsylvania-based health organization was recognized by Military Times on its 2021 Best for Vets: Employers rankings and earned the 2022 Military Friendly® Employer designation by VIQTORY. Both honors recognize Geisinger’s commitment and efforts to building programs and opportunities for military veterans. Geisinger employs more than 700 active-duty service members and veterans throughout the system.

UPMC FINANCIALS OVER FIRST 9 MONTHS OF 2021

UPMC’s continuously strong financial results for the first nine months of 2021 underpin its robust investment in caring for its 92,000 employees as well as the growing number of patients throughout all the communities UPMC serves during the still-evolving COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to the same period a year ago, UPMC outpatient revenue increased 17%, while physician services revenue grew 12%; admissions and observations increased by 5%. UPMC’s earnings before interest, depreciation and amortization (operating EBIDA)—a key measure of financial performance and the ability to generate the necessary resources for reinvestment—were $1.3 billion.

INDECENT ASSAULT TO 6 YEAR OLD CHILD

A Montgomery man indecently assaulted a child as young as 6 years old.  Charles Adams, 38, of Montgomery, is said to have touched the girl inappropriately when she was six and 10 years old. Prosecutors charged Adams with 336 counts related to sexual abuse of children according to SUN Gazette. District Judge John Kemp pondered the charges and opted to hold over some charges which he saw could be accounted for, before reserving a decision on the rest of the counts until another time. Then, on June 2^nd, District Judge Jerry Lepley arraigned Adams, who is out on $75,000 bail.

HANDGUN CHARGES TO TAYLOR PLACE MAN

A man with a handgun was chasing a woman through the 1600 block of Taylor Place Tuesday afternoon. Neighbors reported the screaming could be heard throughout the neighborhood. According to Sun Gazette, Keven Geter was apprehended at gunpoint. He was subsequently searched and  a stolen handgun in his pants pocket. There was no information as to the name or condition of the woman. Geter was arraigned in front of District Judge Christian Frey on multiple charges including felony charges of carrying a firearm without a license. He was committed, in lieu of $125,000 bail, to the Lycoming County Prison.

MEETING TO DETERMINE USES OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDING

Potential projects for the Williamsport city’s portion of the $25.5 million in American Rescue Plan funding include the Brandon Park baseball fields, a flood-control project for Grafius Run, levee recertification required repairs and the replacement of multiple fire engines for the Williamsport Bureau of Fire.  Williamsport City Council met during a third work session on Monday to discuss and debate the proper uses for the American Rescue Plan funds. As their meetings stack up, the City Council will hold budget meetings Nov. 29^th and Dec. 1 at 7pm. A council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2.

OLD CITY STREET RECONSTRUCTION

Rebuilding East Fourth Street, from Basin to Mulberry Streets and Campbell Street, from West Third to West Fourth Streets is known as Old City Street reconstruction and a price tag to the city of Williamsport of $906,475 in a Multi-Modal Transportation Grant obtained because of the dedicated work of the commonwealth finance authority.

REAL ESTATE HIKE IN LOCK HAVEN CITY

$200,000 in real estate tax income is needed to secure the balanced budget for Lock Haven City Council in 2022. The hike needs to be approved by city council at the Dec 6^th meeting. It sits to be the first real estate levy in the last 6 years.

THANKSGIVING TRAVEL

With the busy holiday travel period just around the corner, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) came together outside of PTC’s headquarters in Harrisburg to remind drivers of the importance of safe driving and consistent seat belt use. The Pennsylvania Turnpike expects Thanksgiving to be the busiest travel holiday of the year with 3.15 million motorists traveling during the six-day period starting today and ending on Sunday. The periods of heaviest traffic will be 3:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, November 23 and Wednesday, November 24. Thanksgiving Day is when traffic will be at its lightest. Overall, holiday traffic is up 39 percent over the same travel period last year; however, traffic is still down 9 percent from 2019 holiday traffic volumes prior to the pandemic.

OPERATION SAFE HOLIDAY

Operation Safe Holiday kicked off on November 15 with the “Click It or Ticket” Thanksgiving enforcement mobilization which runs through November 28. During the effort, PSP will offer no-cost child passenger safety seat fitting clinics at several locations statewide, with the goal of keeping Pennsylvania’s youngest travelers safe on the road.

OVER $1.5 MILLION TO HELP LYCOMING COUNTY

$1.65 million has been presented to different Lycoming County projects through multiple state authority grants.  Sen. Gene Yaw joined state Reps. Jeff Wheeland and Reps. Joe Hamm in support of the Commonwealth Financing Authority Grants. Over of $900,000 was provided to Williamsport to improve both Campbell and Fourth Streets in safety and appearance through the multimodal transportation fund grant. Other projects set to receive funds are the Greenway Trail project in Jersey Shore, Warrensville Road in Eldred Township and the Lycoming Biology Field Station Inc. in Upper Fairfield Township.

LOCAL COVID-19 CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 35 new cases. In Centre County 74 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 91 new cases. There were 61 in Northumberland County, 16 in Union, 11 in Montour and eight in Snyder.  Tioga County had 37 new covid-19 cases reported yesterday.

NEWLY SWORN AT WILLIAMSPORT BUREAU OF POLICE

The Williamsport Bureau of Police is pleased to announce that this morning at 10:00 Police Officer Nathan Kendall was officially sworn in with the Williamsport Bureau of Police. PO Kendall’s addition to the police department brings Williamsport Police compliment to 47 sworn police officers. PO Kendall will begin his Field Training next week. Williamsport Bureau of Police congratulates PO Kendall on beginning his journey as a Williamsport City Police Officer!

FATALITY ON GOLDEN STRIP IDENTIFIED

The Lycoming County Coroner’s Office is investigating the fatal crash with PA State Police in the 1900 block of East Third St..  Ronald Wagner was pronounced dead on arrival at the emergency room at UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital.  Mr. Wagner was traveling east on East Third St. striking another vehicle from behind in the 1900 block of East Third St. in Loyalsock Twp.  Mr. Wagner was unrestrained and found to be in cardiac arrest due to multiple blunt force trauma at the time of impact.  Resuscitative efforts were continued while in route to the emergency room without successful resuscitation being pronounced dead at 5:06 PM.

PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

​ The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that all driver license and photo centers, including the Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg, will be closed Thursday, November 25, and Friday, November 26, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

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, www.dmv.pa.gov.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE IN WATSONTOWN

A Watsontown man was sleeping behind the wheel of his running vehicle on Main Street in Watsontown.  Watsontown Police have charged Yuriy Gussev, of Watsontown, when on October 23, at 12:40 A.M. when, after chemical testing, he had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .163%.  Gussev has been charged with two counts of Driving Under the Influence.

STABBING AT ARM BAR IN MILTON LEADS TO CHARGES

A stabbing at a bar in Milton led to charges for two local men.  It was the Arm Bar in Milton, where Milton Police alleges Shannon Parrish of White Deer and Corby Brown of Milton were involved in a fight. Following an investigation charges were filed at the office of DJ Michael Diehl on Oct 21. According to the Daily Item, both Parrish and Brown have preliminary hearings there Dec. 1.

COMMONWEALTH FINANCING AUTHORITY 100 PROJECTS

Governor Tom Wolf announced 100 new project approvals today through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) for environmental and infrastructure projects in counties across Pennsylvania. The 100 Act 13 projects approved today are in 38 counties. The total funding amount is more than $10.4 million. The projects are designated for specific initiatives as follows:

• Flood Mitigation: Greenways, Trails and Recreation: Sewage Facilities: Watershed Restoration and Protection:

MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION FUND MONIES FOR 54 COUNTIES OF PENNSYLVANIA

Governor Tom Wolf today announced the approval of 166 new projects through the Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF), improving Pennsylvania’s transportation infrastructure and ensuring safer, more reliable transportation accommodation across the commonwealth. The projects total more than $84 million in funding. The 166 MTF projects approved are located in 54 counties: Centre, Lycoming, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Snyder, Susquehanna and Union.

GOV WOLF WORKING FOR INCREASED PAY, PAID LEAVE AND SAFER WORKPLACES FOR ALL

Gov. Tom Wolf continues to step up pressure on Republican legislative leaders to finally support hardworking Pennsylvanians. During a press conference in Philadelphia, the governor announced new proposed regulations to ensure tipped workers are treated fairly and outlined his legislative agenda for workers that will increase paychecks, guarantee paid leave and create safer workplaces.

FEMALE VETERANS DAY IN PA

Continuing the Wolf Administration’s effort to support women in the commonwealth and recognize those women who have served their country through the military, the Pennsylvania Commission for Women is seeking statewide nominations for its sixth Female Veterans Day Ceremony as part of Women’s History Month in March 2022. Veterans that are selected will be honored by Governor Tom Wolf and First Lady Frances Wolf. This year, the Female Veterans Day nomination form is available online. Nominees must be current Pennsylvania residents and have served at least four years in any branch of the U.S. military. The deadline for nominations is January 14, 2022. All final honorees will be notified via email by mid-February.

REPUBLICANS EXAMINING THE 2020 ELECTION

Republicans in the Pennsylvania Senate said  they will pay up to $270,000 over the next six months to have an Iowa consulting firm examine the 2020 election with an eye toward developing changes to state election law. The “forensic investigation” is being launched in response to pressure from Republican supporters of former President Donald Trump upset over his 80,000-vote loss in the state, but is well short of the Arizona-style “audit” that many of them have clamored for.A related subpoena issued by a GOP-controlled Senate committee, seeking voter data from the executive branch, is currently on hold awaiting a hearing in Commonwealth Court next month.

WORK SET TO BEGIN ON THE NEW ACCESSIBLE RAMP ON WILLIAMSPORT CITY HALL

Construction has begun on Williamsport City Hall, as the new accessible ramp is slated to begin within the next month.  According to City Engineer, Jon Sander, a general contractor from Boalsburg, LandServe Inc, for a price tag of $166,000 is contracted to perform the work, while the water line work is sub-contracted to Plumbing Masters. The water line work is set to include a line for fire suppression and another line for domestic use.  The historic look and feel of City Hall will be maintained and the project materials were pre-fabricated, which according to SUN Gazette, dropped the overall initial cost by $300,000.

WHITE DEER TOWNSHIP MAN RUNS FROM TRAFFIC STOP

On Nov 17 at approximately 3 PM a White Deer Township resident attempted to flee on foot from a traffic stop. Members of the Williamsport Bureau of Police in conjunction with members of the Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit and District Attorney’s Office Detective Bureau stopped Justin Kennedy in the 100 block of W Fourth St. When he did stop for police, Kennedy ran and Officers deployed a Taser at which time he was apprehended. KENNEDY was treated for minor injuries and will subsequently be charged with narcotics related offenses as well as fleeing, escape, DUI and resisting arrest.

CONCEALED WEAPONS WITHOUT A PERMIT GOES TO GOVERNOR

A bill to allow people to carry concealed weapons without a permit was passed by a divided Pennsylvania House on Tuesday, but faces a veto threat from the governor. The parties were split in the vote, as occurred in the state Senate last week, with Republican mostly supporting it and Democrats mostly opposed. Supporters said getting concealed carry permits under current law can be subject to the whims of county sheriffs and that concealed carry permit holders can forget when their licenses expire and therefore unknowingly violate the law. Opponents pointed out the proposal is unlikely to be enacted, as Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf’s office said he will veto the legislation, and argued the bill would make people less safe by making guns more readily accessible.

CAUSE OF DEATH REMAINS UNKNOWN IN CLINTON COUNTY

There has been no official determination as to cause of death of the inmate from the Clinton County Correctional Facility. According to Clinton County Coroner Zach Hanna  “anatomical examination phase of the autopsy pathology procedure” for Jamie Lynne Jackson, the inmate who was awaiting trial for the 2020 murder of 9-year-old Anson Stover,  was completed Tuesday. According to the recordonline.com, toxicology tests, which will continue to be performed over the next few weeks, are standard practice. He reiterated the cause and manner of the death “will remain pending until the results of those tests are completed.”

“SMALLPOX” IN PENNSYLVANIA FREEZER IN RESEARCH FACILITIY

Federal health authorities on Wednesday confirmed the discovery of some frozen vials labeled “Smallpox” in a freezer at a facility in Pennsylvania that conducts vaccine research. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the vials “were incidentally discovered by a laboratory worker” who was cleaning out the freezer. The CDC would not confirm where in Pennsylvania the vials were found.

LOCAL COVID-19 CASE UPDATES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 37 new cases. In Centre County 70 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 69 new cases. There were 86 in Northumberland County, 21 in both Snyder and Union counties and 16 in Montour. Tioga County 51 new cases reported yesterday.

THIRTEENTH FOUNDATION DINNER AND AUCTION A SUCCESS

Commitments towards student scholarships totally $600,700 was brought about by generous donations and the 13th Foundation Dinner & Auction at Pennsylvania College of Technology.  It was an event, which included a silent auction that was sponsored by Lycoming Engines and others. In addition to the auction items, the Cunningham Family stepped forward with a significant pledge to the Legacy Campaign for Penn College in honor of President Davie Jane Gilmour.

THE WILLIAMSPORT POLICE PATROL DIVISION HAS MOVED

The Williamsport Bureau of Police Patrol Division has officially relocated to 810 Nichols Place, City of Williamsport. This facility is located to the rear (north) of Trinity Episcopal Church. All patrol related services previously located at City Hall as well as the on duty Watch Commander are now operational at the new location. The Williamsport Bureau of Police thanks members of the public for their patience during this time as we begin operating from new locations. This change of facilities does not affect police responses or services from the Williamsport Bureau of Police.

REVOLVING DOOR ABOUT TO CLOSE IN PA

Pennsylvania’s “revolving door” for the most serious drunk drivers is soon to close, as Wednesday the state House of Representatives on approved legislation aiming to increase penalties for motorists who have multiple DUI convictions. The bill passed 168-32, and goes to the state Senate for consideration there. The Senate passed a similar bill in 2020, but it died in the House. Under the House bill, penalties would rise for those who receive multiple driving-under-the-influence convictions with higher blood-alcohol content levels. The bill would ensure that someone who commits a fourth DUI with an elevated blood alcohol level serves a longer jail sentence, in part by raising the offense to a second-degree felony, and that offenders with two offenses serve more time by making them serve their sentence consecutively with other counts.

RAISES FOR PA STATE LAWMAKERS, JUDGES AND TOP EXECUTIVE BRANCH OFFICIALS

Inflation is driving up consumer prices and will drive a big salary increase for Pennsylvania state lawmakers, judges and top executive branch officials in 2022. For many of these positions, it’s the biggest increase in three decades. Salaries across the board will rise 5.6%, a figure tied by state law to the year-over-year change in the consumer price index published last week by the U.S. Department of Labor for mid-Atlantic urban areas. The increase applies to more than 1,300 positions, including the governor, Cabinet members, three statewide elected officers, all 253 lawmakers and state and county judges. It takes effect Dec. 1 for lawmakers and Jan. 1 for judicial and executive branch officials.

U.S. REP. FRED KELLER’S LEGISLATION

In a move to attempt to nullify President Joe Biden’s executive order mandating vaccines for private employers with more than 100 workers or institute a testing policy, U.S. Rep. Fred Keller yesterday introduced legislation, as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced yesterday that it was suspending enforcement of the mandate. Keller, a Republican from Pennsylvania’s 12th District, sponsored a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to “formally disapprove of and nullify President Joe Biden’s unconstitutional vaccine mandate imposed on America’s job creators and workers.”

WRITE-IN VOTES COUNTED AND COMPLETE IN LYCOMING COUNTY

The Lycoming County vote is now official and complete, winners in the November election for school board and municipal seats are now decided. According to Forrest Lehman, county voter services director, the official count had no glaring discrepancies. According to Sun Gazette, the vote totals are not official until the completion of the last official count and state law mandates an official count following each election.  Write in winners include those for borough council, township supervisors and school boards. They included;  Jersey Shore Area School District• Jessie L. Edwards, Region 1, Picture Rocks Borough Mayor• David L. Bender, and South Williamsport Borough Council• Richard A. Kershner Jr., Two-Year Term were just a few of those decided recently.

LIFE INSURANCE FOR PA NATIONAL GUARD LEGISLATION

On November 10, legislation to expand life insurance for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard, HB 1612, unanimously passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Title 51 allows for a voluntary life insurance program for service members of the Pennsylvania National Guard. That program is under the Service member’s Group Life Insurance, also known as SGLI. Under existing Pennsylvania law, the SGLI is applicable under the following duty statuses:  Federal activation for a period of 30 days or more for combat operations and combat zones, known as Title 10 orders, or State Activation for active duty for emergencies within Pennsylvania known as EMAC orders. HB 1612 addresses a shortcoming in the type of active duty not currently covered under state statute. My legislation addresses Federal Activation to assist in an Emergency in another state or Federal jurisdiction, known as Title 32 orders. My bill will ensure that members of the PA National Guard will have life insurance coverage under all types of active duty orders. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

EDUCATION LEGISLATION IN HOUSE BILL 1041

Recognizing that education is not a one-size-fits-all solution for every child, the House last week advanced legislation that would give parents and students the ability to design a more individualized educational model. House Bill 1041 would permit home education students to attend up to four academic classes during a school day and participate in co-curricular activities, such as marching band, as well as have access to programs offered at career and technical education centers. Enabling parents to supplement their children’s home education courses with classes offered by their local public school, as well as to participate in co-curricular activities, would maximize the academic potential for those children. House Bill 1041 now goes to the Senate for consideration.

CLICK IT OR TICKET

Pine Creek Township Police Department today announced that they will partner to participate in a national “Click It or Ticket” Seat Belt Enforcement initiative from November 15 through November 28, 2021. The goal is to reduce unbelted injuries and deaths on Pennsylvania highways through coordinated enforcement using Traffic Enforcement Zones and Roving Patrols. Traffic Enforcement Zones combine stationary enforcement and checkpoint tactics on roadways with high numbers of unbuckled crashes. Citations will be issued to motorists who are caught unbuckled or transporting unrestrained children. According to PennDOT data there were 12,562 unrestrained crashes that resulted in 330 fatalities in 2019.

CHRONIC WASTING EVENT BY PA GAME COMMISSION

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is hosting an open house to inform the public about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The event is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 18th, at the Tri County Church, 1881 Old State Hwy 255, DuBois PA 15801. To limit spread of CWD, the Game Commission has enacted special regulations in several spots around Pennsylvania. These areas are known as Disease Management Areas (DMAs). There are five DMAs across the state. The newest, DMA 6, was created in response to a CWD-positive road-killed deer found outside of Brockway PA. It covers around 100 square miles over parts of Clearfield and Elk County. Regulations within DMA – which include bans on feeding deer, using or possessing cervid urine-based attractants, and moving high-risk deer parts – are to limit the spread of the disease.

WINTER DRIVING IN PENNSYLVANIA

​ With winter weather here, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) encourages motorists to “Know Before You Go” by checking conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com.PennDOT maintains nearly 40,000 miles of state-administered roadway and 25,400 bridges, which translates to approximately 95,000 snow lane miles. During the winter months, the public can find plow-truck locations and details of when the state-maintained roadways were last treated by selecting the “Plow Trucks” in 511PA. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

AUTOPSY SET FOR TODAY FOR CLINTON COUNTY PRISON DEATH

The investigation continues, according to therecordonline.com, the Clinton County Coroner  Zack Hanna distributed a press release. It reads … In regards to the death investigation of Ms. Jamie Jackson, who died at UPMC Lock Haven Hospital on November 14, 2021, the autopsy examination procedure is scheduled to be performed on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at Mt. Nittany Medical Center, State College, PA. Ms. Jackson’s cause and manner of death will remain pending until full autopsy results are available. 

SENATE BILL 275  BANNING SPECIFIC FUEL SOURCES

It is legislation that is designed to prevent municipalities from the banning of specific fuel sources and it was passed by the Pennsylvania Senate.  Senate Bill 275, according to the center square, is set up to prevent an “unworkable patchwork” of restrictions that, if left unchecked, could expand through the commonwealth’s over 2,500 municipalities. The bill, sponsored by Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Chair Gene Yaw, R-Williamsport, stressed that both businesses and homeowners would be able to access any energy source, these could include wind, natural gas, solar and others.  The bill now travels to the House for further consideration.

LOCAL COVID-19 CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Monday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported ten new cases. In Centre County 37 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 32 new cases. Tioga County had 16 new cases. On Monday, there were 27 new cases in Northumberland County, 13 in Union and six in Snyder. There were no new cases in Montour County.

THE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTIMENT AND JOBS ACT

Governor Tom Wolf joined fellow governors and President Joe Biden today at the White House as the president signed the historic, bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law. The new law will provide, over the next five years, more than $13 billion to address roads and bridges, $2.8 billion for public transportation, $100 million to expand high-speed internet access, and more to Pennsylvania.

NO TAX INCREASE IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP FOR EARLY VERSION OF BUDGET

It was a unanimous, 5-0 vote that allowed their 2022 General Fund Budget to be set on public display. Loyalsock Township Supervisors, in a recent meeting, noted the current real estate tax, which is set at .5 mill, will remain the same for 2022. According to Township Manager, Bill Burdett, all of the townships current services and programs will be offered without the increase in rates or fees. According to SUN Gazette, a beginning balance of $2.1 million for the general fund, coupled with 2022 revenues and added expenses, Supervisors estimate a year end balance of $2.2 million.

LOCK HAVEN CITY POLICE LOOKING FOR ASSISTANCE

Lock Haven City Police are requesting assistance with information from Sunday, Nov. 14^th at 5:30 PM; a pedestrian was struck in the intersection of Bellefonte Ave and Commerce St. in Lock Haven. The striking vehicle, a dark color SUV, did not stop and fled the scene south on Commerce St then turned Left onto W Bald Eagle St. The pedestrian suffered injuries in the crash and has since been released from the hospital. Anyone with information on the vehicle or driver involved in the crash is asked to contact Lock Haven Police Dept.

DOUBLE FATAL ACCIDENT ON ROUTE 220

Wednesday around 12:45 p.m.  on Route 220, a crash took the lives of two elderly residents of Hughesville.  Alda H. Molyneux, 86, and Arthur J. Molyneux, 82, died when their vehicle collided with another on Route 220 near the intersection with Slow Hand Drive, according to northcentralpa.com. A 10-year-old was flown by Geisinger Life Flight to GMC Danville. The driver of the other vehicle, Jessica Liuzza-Charles, of Hughesville, was transported to UPMC. The accident remains under investigation.