SCHOOL DO OVER

A bill that would allow parents to give their kids a do-over extra year of school to make up for the 2020-2021 year disrupted by COVID-19 pandemic closings and operating changes, passed unanimously in the state House on yesterday. The measure already passed the state Senate in May but the House amended the bill.. A media outlet reported, the Senate could vote on whether to concur on the House changes as soon as today. Gov. Tom Wolf hasn’t taken a position on the legislation, yet, according Lyndsay Kensinger, a spokeswoman for the governor.

LOCK HAVEN’S FLOATING STAGE

American Idol alum, Aaron Kelly will be the first to perform this summer on Lock Haven’s floating stage. The concert will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday. The Saturday Corman Amphitheater setting is a change from previous years, when the concerts along the river were held on Sunday evenings. The recordonline.com reports, Pennsylvania Native Aaron Kelly is a singer-songwriter best known for his run as the youngest artist ever to reach the Top 5 on American Idol. To learn more about the 2021 Summer Concert Series, check the City of Lock Haven’s website.

FORMAL ARRAIGNMENT SET FOR JULY

Defense counsel has waived the first court appearance for the teenager charged with homicide in the shooting death of his friend.A preliminary hearing for Brian St. John III, 19, had been scheduled for today, but defense counsel yesterday morning notified Clinton County Court the decision to waive. St. John’s formal arraignment in court will be scheduled for early July. St. John remains incarcerated at the Clinton County Correctional Facility after his arrest following the Feb. 26 incident.According to therecordonline.com, he was arrested and charged with the killing of Jakob Lee Haines during a gathering at the St. John home atop Brewery Hollow Road in Woodward Township.

MONTOURSVILLE AREA SCHOOL BOARD COVID-19 VACCINE NEWS

The Montoursville Area School Board voted to approve a resolution stating that the district would not require students or staff to have the COVID-19 vaccine. The nearly full-capacity crowd attended the Montoursville Area School Board meeting to voice their fears that children and staff in the district would have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to return to classes in the fall.According to SUN Gazette, Board President David Shimmel noted that the district had never mentioned the idea of mandating vaccines for students.

STREAM BANK AND STREAK REHABILITATION PROJECT

A $390,000 stream bank and stream rehabilitation project leading to James Short Park in Loyalsock Township may be possible after obtaining a state Department of Environmental Protection “Growing Greener” grant later this year. Township supervisors gave approval to the township administration, in partnership with the Williamsport Sanitary Authority, to apply for the grant to cover costs connected with the bank project on the Miller’s Run waterway.

FIRE DESTROYED A HOME IN SUNBURY

A fire late Tuesday night extensively damaged a two-story wood-plank house at 185 Holly St., according to Ralston Fire Chief John Orr.. Flames destroyed the roof and burned away much of the second floor, according to a media source. There were no reports of injuries. Ralston was assisted by departments from Trout Run, Canton, Hepburn Township and Old Lycoming Township. The local chapter of the American Red Cross is providing her with emergency assistance. The fire remains under investigation.

ELEVATOR UPGRADES FOR AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

The City Hall elevator has passed inspection and functions to take people up and down, but it still needs the upgrades, such as a wider entrance and buttons accessible from a wheelchair as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Tonight, City Council is expecting to look at bids by elevator and construction companies to complete the elevator modification and accessibility work and upgrades, according to SUN Gazette. Bids include Otis Elevator, Lundy Construction and Gannett Fleming. Tonight’s meeting is the first in-person since they were moved to a virtual format on YouTube due to COVID-19. The digital format will still be available to watch through YouTube and will be made accessible through the City’s website.

COVID TEST FOR TRAVELING 

Geisinger is looking to help those traveling this summer who still need to have a COVID-19 test before leaving by offering PCR tests for those 12 months and older at 18 Convenient Care walk-in clinics throughout central and northeast Pennsylvania. You don’t need an appointment and tests are offered for a self-pay fee of $140. To get a test, you must have legal identification, such as a driver’s license, and anyone between age 12 months and 17 years old must have a parent or legal guardian with them. Results will be available within 24 hours through myGeisinger.

DAY OF ACTION

Lycoming County United Way with upwards of 25 community volunteers representing local industry and other nonprofits spent several hours working together on June 23 as part of United Way World wide’s National Day of Action, a Global Day of Service. According to he Day of Action in Williamsport, volunteers including the Lycoming County United Way staff, and employees of multiple local businesses and organizations, painted, cleaned, landscaped, and organized for four of our community partners. About 60 hours of community service was completed.

SUNBURY 3 ALARM BLAZE

Two families are displaced after a three-alarm fire at a double home in Sunbury yesterday afternoon. Sunbury Fire Chief Brad Wertz says no injuries were reported from the fire at 231 North Sixth Street. Two pets perished in the blaze and the house is considered a total loss. A state police fire marshal is still investigating the cause. According to a media outlet, crews were on scene for about eight and a half hours. Dozens of volunteer fire crews from Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties were dispatched just after 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. The Daily Item blaze was first reported as a two-alarm fire, but a third alarm was called shortly after. There is minor smoke and water damage to some surrounding homes. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced families.

OLYMPIC TRIALS 

Williamsport grad Rachel Fatherly is competing today in Eugene, Oregon, for a spot in the Olympics. According to SUN Gazette it’s day 7 of the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials for the Tokyo games this afternoon. The former Millionaire state champion is set to compete in the shot put at 1:30 p.m. for the qualifying round, with the finals at 8 p.m. tonight. Fatherly qualified for the US Olympic Trials when she finished 22nd with a throw of 50 feet, 8 inches, according to SUN Gazette.

PROJECT LIFESAVER

Local authorities have been working with the Hope Foundation for upwards of 15 years on Project Lifesaver, a system that provides life-sustaining protection to families and caregivers of those with special needs. The nonprofit operation supplies bracelets with small transmitters attached to them intended to find those with disabilities who have a tendency to wander. Each year in Lycoming County, the tracking system is said to find people who have wandered from home. Altogether, the international organization has rescued 3,786 lives and counting. According to the SUN Gazette, the Hope Foundation continues to raise funds so that the service can remain free to families in need.

KELLER REQUESTING US CAPITOL TO BE OPEN TO PUBLIC

US Rep Fred Keller, whose 12th Congressional District includes Lycoming County, recently signed a letter sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urging the U.S. Capitol to no longer be shut off to the public. “The United States Capitol has been closed to the public for over a year, despite plummeting COVID-19 case rates and increased vaccine availability. As Speaker, Nancy Pelosi has a duty to reopen the House and respect the constitutional rights of American citizens to participate actively in our democracy.”

LOCK HAVEN CITY’S FEDERAL FUNDING FROM AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021

Lock Haven city council, last night, held a meeting to effectively budget upwards of $950-thousand in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. In total, the Commonwealth received $6.15 billion. According to a letter to the city from Gov. Tom Wolf, there are a number of permissible uses for the dollars, approved by the federal government in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to therecordonline.com, these include public health expenditures, replacement of lost public sector revenue, providing premium pay for essential workers and investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. The city manager told council a budget will be presented to council during its July 12 meeting. He called the unanticipated money “a great opportunity for the city.” Wilson said a public hearing on plans for the money will be held prior to the July 12 meeting.

CHIRP FUNDS TO HELP STRUGGLING HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Eighty-three restaurants, bars and other businesses in Northumberland, Snyder, Montour and Union county are approved for $2.1 million in pandemic relief funds. Last week in a press conference,  the state Department of Community and Economic Development,  announced 19 businesses in Union County received $502,354 in COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) funds. There are pending CHIRP announcements expected for early July for 38 businesses in Northumberland County, 16 in Snyder County and 10 in Montour County, according to SEDA-COG Community Relations Director Kristen Moyer. The Daily Item reports CHIRP funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development is allocating $145 million to hospitality industry businesses negatively impacted by the pandemic. In total, 311 businesses in 11 Valley counties received a total of $7.1 million in CHIRP funds, including $1,028,268 in Northumberland County, $457,268 in Snyder County and $206,480 in Montour County.

COURT RULED NCAA AND EDUCATION-RELATED BENEFITS FOR ATHLETES 

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously yesterday  the NCAA can’t limit education-related benefits — like computers and paid internships — that colleges can offer their sports stars, a victory for athletes that could help open the door to further easing in the decades-old fight over paying student-athletes. Schools recruiting top athletes could now offer tens of thousands of dollars in education-related benefits that also include study-abroad programs and graduate scholarships. A media outlet reported that under current NCAA rules, students cannot be paid, and the scholarship money a college can offer is capped at the cost of attending the school. As a result of yesterday’s ruling, the NCAA itself can’t bar schools from offering Division I basketball and football players additional education-related benefits. But individual athletic conferences can still set limits if they choose.

NAMES RELEASED BY LYCOMING COUNTY CORONER REGARDING SUNDAY’S MOTORCYCLE CRASH

The Lycoming County Coroners office along with Pennsylvania State Police  and Montoursville Fire Department personnel were called to the scene of a motorcycle crash on I-180 just east of Fairfield Road exit on Sunday. A  motorcycle traveling west struck a deer, and the two occupants were thrown from the motorcycle. The Lycoming County Coroners office determined that Ralph and Susan Strieby, of Williamport,  died on the scene from multiple blunt force trauma at 8:05 p.m..

NURSING EDUCATION SUPPORTED BY GEISINGER FOR EMPLOYEES

According to Geisinger, employees interested in a nursing career will be provided financial, educational, and wellness support to its employees. The program is open to any employee who has worked with Geisinger for a year or more and isn’t already a registered nurse or provider. While supporting employee career and professional goals, the program will also mitigate a shortage of nurses across the organization and beyond. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nation needs 1.1 million new RNs by 2022 to avoid a nursing shortage.

DUI AND OTHER CHARGES FOR DUBOISTOWN WOMAN

A DuBoistown woman told city police she had driven because at home, she was hearing and seeing things and needed a Catholic priest to  bless her house. On  March 15, she got in her car and drove. Whitney Steele-Phillips, 35, of Euclid Ave., was found passed out in her car in the 300 block of Locust Street about 7:30 a.m. During a series of field sobriety tests, her actions led the officer to suspect she was under the influence of a depressant and stimulant. In the vehicle, police seized pills and drug paraphernalia, according to a media source. Steele-Phillips was charged with DUI and other charges. She is to appear before District Judge Christian Frey.

2021 PENNSYLVANIA STATE LAUREL QUEEN

The 2021 Pennsylvania State Laurel Queen was crowned on Saturday, June 19^{th, in the Coolidge Theatre} at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts in Wellsboro. Jocelyn Renninger, a June graduate of Central Mountain High School in Mill Hall, was crowned and awarded a $1,500 educational scholarship. First runner-up Miss Williamsport Alayna Dake received a $750 scholarship and second runner-up Miss Saegertown Amber Costello, a $500 scholarship. According to northcentralpa.com, the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce, through the Wellsboro Foundation, sends the scholarship funds directly to the college each young lady attends to help pay tuition.

2020 PROPERTY TAX / RENT REBATE PROGRAM

Eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older now have until December 31, 2021 to apply for the state’s 2020 Property Tax and Rent Rebate program. Income limits for claimants are $35,000 per year for homeowners and $15,000 per year for renters. According to a media source, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue will begin distributing rebates starting on July 1, 2021.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

Armed with a mobile education exhibit used to promote their nationwide cause, The “Wreaths Across America” ambassador bus recently visited the Montoursville American Legion. According to SUN Gazette, Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization that seeks to place a wreath on the grave of every military veteran in the nation. The Lycoming County detachment currently places wreaths at cemeteries in Antes Fort, Pine Creek, Jersey Shore, Montoursville, the Fairview Cemetery in Montgomery, the Freedom Road Cemetery and the Williamsport Cemetery on Washington Boulevard with hopes of expanding into Muncy and Hughesville cemeteries.

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD TAX INCREASE

For the first time in three years, the Loyalsock Township School District School Board approved raising the real estate taxes next year upwards of a .43 mill increase in the rate.According to a media outlet,  the district worked to avoid the increase by renegotiating contracts, installing solar panels on buildings and, more recently, approving construction of a cellular tower on district property. The board also approved the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion resolution, which will enable primary residents of qualifying properties to see a reduction of $130.75 in their property taxes. There are 3,020 homesteads and nine farmsteads in the district that qualify for the exclusion. The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m. July 14 at the Board Conference Room, 1605 Four Mile Drive.

MY VISION 9 FOUNDATION

A local nonprofit received a $75,000 grant from AllOne Foundation & Charities. The My Vision 9 Foundation, 400 Market St. in Williamsport, was presented with the check at a press conference yesterday afternoon.The My Vision 9 Foundation had initially set a goal to help 42 people when they were founded in 2018 but that number has increased dramatically, according to SUN Gazette. The vision is to improve access to healthcare, according to Executive Director John Crossgrove. My Vision 9 provides transportation, works with counseling services and provides individual coaching and other forms of support for a wide range of people.

JAMES V BROWN ANNUAL AUTHOR GALA

One fan of David Baldacci, will have the opportunity to name a character in an upcoming novel if they are lucky enough to win the bidding at the silent auction held in conjunction with the James V. Brown Library’s annual Author Gala.. Baldacci, an American author who writes suspense novels and legal thrillers,  is the featured author at the James V. Brown Library’s annual Author Gala. According to a media source, the Gala, the library’s main fundraiser, will be held on Oct. 6 this year. Plans are to hold the gala at the Community Arts Center.

KIDS UNITED/COCHRAN PLAYGROUND PROJECT 

It was an allocation for upwards of $45,000 for the Kids United/Cochran Playground Project that was recently approved by the Williamsport Area School Board.Construction of the playground, on the north side of the primary school, is expected to begin next week and it is designed to accommodate play for children of all abilities. In other news from the school board,  the class of 2022’s request to hold the 2022 Junior/Senior Prom at the Genetti Hotel in May 2022 was approved by the board. All costs will be paid by class funds. The next board meeting will be 6 p.m. July 6 at the District Service Center, 2780 W. Fourth St.

ADDITIONAL FELONIES FOR NY MAN

After being released on $150,000 monetary bail, a New York man, who already carries four counts of rape, now faces multiple additional felonies. Casey Lewis Guyer, 37, of Little Falls, N.Y. was charged with corruption of minors, sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and statutory sexual assault less than two weeks after posting bail for his previous case. According to northcentralpa.com, Guyer was also charged with two counts each of misdemeanor indecent assault of a person less than 16 years of age and indecent exposure stemming from another incident.

WILLIAMSPORT MAN ALLEGEDLY FAILED TO COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

A Williamsport man was charged with three felonies after he failed to deliver on a promise to renovate a person’s kitchen, according to northcentralpa.com. Forest Spitzfaden, 27, of Williamsport was charged with multiple felonies. According to Montoursville PSP, Spitzfaden entered into an agreement to renovate a kitchen for a total of $61,400. Spitzfaden was given $30,700 in advance for the job. In Feb. with no work completed, the accuser sent Spitzfaden a certified letter asking for the money back. Troopers said Spitzfaden never returned the money and he was charged on June 7 then released the same day on $15,000 unsecured bail. Spitzfaden is scheduled to meet with Judge Gary A. Whiteman on July 12 for a preliminary hearing.

CONVICTION STANDS

Joseph J. Newman Jr., 50, of Mill Hall, will continue to serve upwards of 29 years in state prison, according therecordonline.com. This was his latest effort to overturn his conviction and win his release from the Department of Corrections. Newman was sentenced by Clinton County Judge Michael Salisbury, October 2017, when a  jury found him guilty of seven charges stemming from a shooting in August of 2016 in Mill Hall.

FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA

The “26^th Annual Set the Nite to Music Fireworks Extravaganza” with UPMC, the city of Williamsport and Backyard Broadcasting is happening, in downtown Williamsport, on Sunday July 4^th. A petition filed with PennDOT that was required to close the Market Street Bridge was initially denied. However, the city petitioned for a waiver. The waiver was granted by Governor Wolf’s office. Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter added that approval from the state was received yesterday morning. Backyard Broadcasting’s 26^th Annual Set the Night to Music Celebration will be held in the area of the Williamsport Hampton Inn for a world class fireworks display, fired off the Market Street Bridge, and choreographed to a super patriot soundtrack.

SELF-INFLICTED CAUSE OF DEATH FOR MALE FOUND IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

The SUN Gazette reported that the male body found in a parked vehicle, just off of Lycoming Creek Road and north of Hays Lane at 7:15 pm Monday evening has been ruled as self-inflicted, according to Jerold Ross, the county’s chief deputy coroner.

A RALLY AND A DANCE PARTY PROTEST

While the Lycoming County Commissioners were holding their weekly meeting inside the Executive Plaza building yesterday, outside, a rally and dance party was held in support of the LGBTQ+ community and to protest requests from 2 County Commissioner to re-shelve books from the Pride month display at the James V. Brown library. According to northcentralpa.com, the request to the library’s executive director to take down the pride display, and a subsequent Facebook post made by County Commissioner Metzger provoked a widespread and vocal reaction.

THIRTY-SIX PEOPLE SPOKE TO THE COMMISSIONERS AT THEIR MEETING LAST NIGHT

The Lycoming County Commissioners meeting last evening was inundated with the issues surrounding the request to the library’s executive director to take down the pride display, and a subsequent Facebook post made by County Commissioner Metzger provoked a widespread and vocal reaction, one that occupied most of the meeting. According to a media source, upwards of thirty-six people addressed the commissioners from the microphone which varied for support of their library to support of the commissioners. In the end, “It was a request,” said Metzger, who made it clear that the library’s funding is not in jeopardy over the issue.

COVID-19 PARTNERS TO HOLD DRIVE-THRU CLINICS

UPMC in North Central Pa. is set to partner with Lock Haven University, Clinton County and Keystone Central School District to host drive-thru COVID-19 vaccine clinics on Friday, June 25 and Monday, June 28 from noon to 4 p.m. at Lock Haven University’s Student Recreation Center, 550 Railroad St., Lock Haven. Both clinics are free and open to the public. According to a media source, the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available to community members ages 12 and over. Registration is not required.

2021 CITATION OF EXCELLENCE FOR DISTRICT 8

The Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) recently honored Williamsport Area High School teacher Kent Weaver with its 2021 Citation of Excellence for District 8 and is given to  “PMEA members who have made lasting contributions in their area of teaching.”  According to northcentralpa.com, Weaver received his citation from Head Principal Dr. Brandon Pardoe during a surprise break in the high school’s annual “Poptastik!” concert on June 2.Weaver, who retired on June 10 after 31 years at WAHS, is the only K-12 teacher in the state to have been awarded the citation twice since 2000.He last received the award in 2010.

A PURSUIT ENDED IN MULTIPLE FELONIES FOR A MIFFLINBURG MAN

Officer Shaffer, a Middleburg police officer responded to screams coming from a parked car and found a Mifflinburg man in the act of allegedly physically and sexually assaulting a woman. According to a media outlet,  Shaffer was at Penns Creek Pit Stop on June 2 when he saw a woman in a black sedan screaming for help. Pennsylvania State Police at Milton filed multiple felony charges at District Judge Jeffrey C. Mensch’s Office for both the pursuit and assault cases. Irvine’s bail $230,000. Irvine has a formal arraignment on July 26 in front of Judge Michael Hudock at Union County Court of Common Pleas.

300,000 COVID-19 VACCINES AND COUNTING

Geisinger has reached another milestone as we work to move past the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, Geisinger has administered COVID-19 vaccine number 301,306. Geisinger continues its vaccination efforts by offering walk-in vaccines. The next one is tomorrow at the Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital Vaccine Center from 9 am to 5 pm and Friday at the Geisinger Hughes Center from 9am to noon.

PASSPORT PREP AT JAMES V BROWN LIBRARY

The James V. Brown Library is an official Passport Acceptance Facility . Library staff also can take your passport photo, making the library a one-stop shop for all your passport needs. Passport books are required for all air travel. According to a media outlet, State Department officials also encourage renewing soon because many countries are now enforcing a requirement for at least six months’ validity on a United States passport. Renewals are expected to take about six weeks. Most Americans can renew passports by mail for a fee of $110.

GUARANTEED ENERGY SAVINGS PROJECT PROPOSAL FOR THE MILTON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Milton Area School Board will move forward with an estimated $5 million project in an effort to reduce energy costs and eliminate conditions that led to previous mold problems in the 2018-19 school year. During the public meeting last night, school board members approved the Guaranteed Energy Savings Project Proposal with a pricetag of $3.04 million. They now seek bids for controls and equipment using $1.96 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funding. A news media outlet reported, the goal is to have bids ready for consideration in July with the work completed by the end of February 2022.

CHANGE IN LITTLE LEAGUE BRACKETS FOR THIS YEAR

Traditionally designated as the US and International brackets for the Little League World Series this year will be a little different. With only teams from the US participating this year, the Little League World Series is naming its brackets after MLB Hall of Famers Hank Aaron and Tom SEAVER. 8 teams will play in each bracket with the championship team in each playing in the World Series Championship Game.  The World Series begins on August 19^th in South Williamsport and wraps up on Sunday, August 29^th.

SUNBURY CITY POLICE GETTING A NEW  HOUSE

The new home of the Sunbury Police Department, 337 Arch Street, is expected to be completed by Sept. 3, according to the Daily Item. Hepco Construction, of Selinsgrove, was awarded the $829,235 project earlier this year. The 5,900-square-feet building is currently having essential electrical completed, including installation of cameras and high-speed internet. The building, according to Councilman Jim Eister, will be a staple in the city.

AUTOPSIES PERFORMED ON SHOOTING VICTIMS FROM SNYDERTOWN

Northumberland County Coroner James Kelley has named 17-year-old John Paul Dickens as the third victim in a triple homicide June 9 in a Snydertown home. Kelley, said the deaths of Susan Williams, A news source reported state police have charged Matthew J. Reed, 23, with the murders. Reed, who was denied bail by Shamokin District Judge John Gembic, is due back in court on June 22.

ALL CHARGES BOUND OVER IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY HOMICIDE CASE

Homicide charges against the Mount Carmel man accused in the death of 21-year-old Cheyenne Swartz were bound to Northumberland County Court on Tuesday, following a two-hour preliminary hearing.  Accused murderer Stephen Kruskie, 26, of West Third Street, will now face trial. Kruskie and his attorney,appeared before Shamokin District Judge John Gembic yesterday in an attempt to get homicide and homicide by vehicle charges thrown out. Coal Township Police charged Kruskie with running over Swartz on May 21. According to the Daily Item,  Judge Gembic listened to the testimony and, after both defense and prosecution ended their closing arguments, he bound all charges to county court.

GO FUND ME SUPPORTING FAMILY OF HOMICIDE VICTIMS

GoFundMe page has more than 300 donors . . . According to a media outlet, the tragic murders of Susan Williams and James Dicken Senior and Junior  left Anthony Dicken of New Jersey grieving over the loss of his family. A GoFundMe page was created Saturday and community support has been constant, with more than 50 donors that pledged at least $200.

POSITIVE AND UPLIFTING COVID-19 UPDATE FROM GOV TOM WOLF

Gov. Tom Wolf and Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam had good news in a Tuesday update on COVID-19: a seven-day case increase of 2,044 (a decrease from a week ago), a statewide percent positivity of 1.9% , while locally Clinton County remains in the “low” transmission category, Centre and Lycoming counties in “moderate.” According to the Daily Item, Gov Tom Wolf notes,  we are seeing COVID-19 case counts increasing at a much lower pace, but we still see Pennsylvanians contract the virus each day,

OFFICER INVOLVED FATAL SHOOTING 

A state trooper first responded to the home just after 3 p.m. following a 911 hangup call. Outside a residence, just south of Watsontown, a 70-year-old Northumberland County man shot at  police and was fatally wounded when state police returned gun fire, according to State Police in Stonington. William Michael Kradlak Jr. died on Friday at Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg, at 4:41 p.m., less than one hour after the shooting, as reported by a media source. Magisterial District Judge Michael Diehl, Milton, issued the warrant Friday night to state police. Investigators sought evidence inside the home owned by Kradlak’s half-brother, Dirk van Heiningen, 78. Items sought include firearms and ammunition, cellphones and electronic communication devices, documents including potentially a suicide note, recording devices and video surveillance footage, the warrant states. According to the State Police did not release the name of the officers  involved.

SHOTS FIRED SUSPECT FACES HIS PRELIMINARY HEARING

In a preliminary hearing before District Judge Christian Frey, Bryce Zimmerman — the man who fired shotgun at the feet of a landlord in Newberry on May 26 —  found out  all but one felony charge held over for court. The shooting occurred just before noon outside where Zimmerman lives, police said. The one hour standoff ended peaceful when he came out and surrendered.Frey ruled there was sufficient evidence to hold Zimmerman on charges of aggravated assault, terroristic threats, recklessly endangering, simple assault and possession of an instrument of crime. Zimmerman remains incarcerated in the Lycoming County Prison.

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CLOSED FOR JUNETEENTH

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including the Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg, will be closed Friday, June 18, 2021, in observance of Juneteenth.  According to a media outlet, 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.

HUNTING LICENSES GO ON SALE TODAY

Hunting and fur-taker licenses go on sale today and the new license year begins July 1,  with more Sunday hunting opportunities on the way, additional days available for hunters to fill their antler-less deer tags and the biggest allotment of elk licenses yet, the 2021-22 . You can purchase your license online or at any licensing issuing agents statewide. General hunting licenses and fur-taker licenses each cost $20.97 for Pennsylvania residents and $101.97 for nonresidents. A complete list of licensing requirements can be found on the Pennsylvania game commission website.

ARRESTED FOR STABBING A MAN WITH A KEY

Matthew Armani Lassus, 23, of Philadelphia was charged with a felony after he allegedly stabbed another man in the face with a key. Scott Township Police responded Geisinger Hospital in Bloomsburg to investigate the incident to discover the victim in the emergency room. The black plastic of the key fab was protruding from the left side of his upper jaw/cheek area. The victim reported an argument over dinner prior to his injury, according to northcentralpa.com. Lassus was charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors and was released from Columbia County Prison when he posted bail. His preliminary hearing is June 23.

COVID-19 DISASTER DECLARATION TERMINATED

Covid-19 disaster declaration terminated. According to State Rep Jeff Wheeland, he was proud to vote with the majority of his colleagues to fully terminate the governor’s COVID-19 disaster emergency declaration.  The measure was also approved by the senate Thursday and is effective immediately. It brings to a close the governor’s ability to tell private businesses if they can stay open or how many people they can have walk through their doors. It also ends his ability to command people to stay at home. Now we can focus on reviewing the hundreds of regulations that have been waived or suspended during the pandemic.

CRIMINAL TRESPASS CHARGES EARNED FOR FAILURE TO OBEY AUTHORITIES

After warnings from the Bloomsburg Police Department, a Bloomsburg was arrested, as he hid in a shed.  Chad Young, of Bloomsburg was warned on May 26 and  27 by officers, that he was not welcome on a property located on Wirt Street. On May 29, officers return to the property and find Young, inside a shed in the backyard. Young was charged with third-degree felony criminal trespassing after Bloomsburg Police responded to reports of him being on the property. According to northcentralpa.com, Young was also charged with third-degree misdemeanor defiant trespass law and legal definition and misdemeanor marijuana possession. Young was given $5,000 unsecured bail, which he posted on June 9.