NEW RESTAURANT BEING BROUGHT TO GOLDEN STRIP NEXT YEAR
The land where the former Ruby Tuesday’s was located in Loyalsock TownShip is expected to be the new location for a soon to be built Texas Roadhouse Restaurant.  At this time, according to the Sun Gazette, the township supervisors have yet to review and approve the land development plan, which will start the process of working with the landlord to get the proper permits to demolish the existing building on East Third St.  A Texas Roadhouse Restaurant spokesman said the opening date will be sometime in 2022.

VIDEO SCOREBOARD COMING FOR BOWMAN FIELD
Bids were officially opened this week as City officials seek to install a future video scoreboard at Bowman Field.  According to the Sun Gazette, city engineer, Jon Sander opened the bids in a virtual meeting that was originally delayed due to technical issues, but included offers from TSI, Lundy Construction, Daktronics and Samsung which will now be reviewed by the Larson Design Group.  The $1.2 million state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project grant will pay for the video scoreboard project and was obtained through application to the Office of Budget of Gov. Tom Wolf by the former city administration.

COVID PUBLIC HEALTH CAMPAIGN
The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP), a collaboration of UPMC, The Evangelical Community Hospital and Geisinger Medical Center has joined together to launch a public health campaign aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 with the theme, “FCFP brought us together. To keep you apart.”  They say individual behaviors – not healthcare organizations – will determine how long this pandemic continues to impact our region. The campaign will appear on billboards and video ads through social media and YouTube.

MLK, JR DAY TODAY
It’s Martin Luther King Jr Day today and members of who he called the Beloved Community will be working together this week during “Dream Week” in Williamsport.  Local Churches and groups organized an effort last year to bring awareness to racial injustice as well as reminding all that they are are equally loved and valued.  The theme for Dream Week in Williamsport in 2021 is “Better Together” and events for the week at Penn College can be found at https://pctoday.pct.edu/  planned in co-operation with STEP AmeriCorps, Penn College, Lycoming College and the Beloved Community Council

LOCAL COVID UPDATE
Lycoming County has 63 new cases of the coronavirus reported by the PA Department of Health.  Northumberland County has 47 new cases, Union has 34 new cases, Montour has 23 new cases, and Snyder has 18 new cases.. Statewide, 7,166 new cases have been confirmed and 231 new deaths were reported   Statewide hospitalizations have decreased a third straight day, down to over 4,700 now being reported– of those patients, just under 600 are on ventilators.

STATE TROOPERS TO COLLECT PROFILE DATA
If you’re stopped by a Pennsylvania State Troopers this year they will be collecting data to include your age, gender, race and ethnicity in a new program meant to identify potential patterns of racial bias in policing.  Troopers will also record how long the traffic stop lasted, if your car was searched, as well as the results of that search.  Once the year of data is collected it will be send to the University of Cincinnati to be analyzed.  A similar data reporting program quietly ended after 2011 and state lawmakers have been working to reinstate it.

SCAMMERS CALLING ABOUT AMAZON OR FED EX
The Montoursville Police Department is advising the public that there are fraudulent calls coming from someone saying they are from Amazon or Fed Ex reported in our area.  The criminals are claiming that there is a problem with the victim’s account in the Amazon case and the Fed Ex scam claims they need a signature for a package but police say they are investigating when victims will and won’t be home.  Police say not to return the call, engage in a conversation, or give any personal information to strangers who call you.

GEISINGER HAS VACCINATED 20 THOUSAND PEOPLE SO FAR
Sources at the Geisinger Medical Center report a health care milestone of 20,000 vaccinations has been reached. Of the 20,000 doses of vaccines provided so far, more than 16,000 were first doses, 14,000 of which were for employees.  They said about 60% of the health system’s employees are vaccinated. Geisinger says they complied with the mandate that at least 10% of its first doses go to non-Geisinger healthcare personnel in the state’s Phase 1A groups.  Second dose vaccinations for employees began January 6 and nearly 4,000 employees are now fully vaccinated.

SPORTS
NFL
This weekend’s NFL Divisional Playoffs in the NFC – Packers beat the Rams 30 to 18 and Buccaneers beat the Saints last night 30 to 20, Bills beat the Ravens 17 -3 in the AFC and the Chiefs beat the Browns 20 to 17
The Conference Championship is next Sunday at 3:05 between the Buccaneers and the Packers, the Bills play the Chiefs at 6:40 PM
NBA
Knicks beat the Celtics 105 to 75, the Bulls beat the Mavericks 117 to 101, Jazz beat the Nuggets 109 to 105, Pelicans beat the Kings 128 to 123, Clippers beat the Pacers 129 to 96, Cavaliers and Wizards, and 76ers and Thunder were postponed.
College basketball Sunday
Men’s
Purdue beat Penn State 80 to 75,
Women’s
Bucknell beat Lehigh 80 to 66, and #22 Northwestern defeated Penn State 67-50

HS Boys BBall Saturday: St John Neumann over Millville 76-42, Williamsport 57 beat McCaskey 44, Loyalsock over Tyrone 78-71, Muncy over CMVT 73-38, Montoursville over Benton 56-34, South over Northwest  52-29, Mount Carmel over Hughesville 65-54, Mifflinburg over Montoursville 68-63, Danville defeats Lewisburg 61-25, NPL over CV 70-38 Warrior Run defeated Midd-West 69-50

HS Girls BBall Saturday Athens over Wellsboro 28-22, Towanda over NPL 59-26 Troy defeated Williamson 27-22, Canton over NPM 44-26

Today HS Basketball
HS boys basketball
Wellsboro at Canton at 6 PM in North Penn Mansfield at Wyalusing@6, Central Mountain at Milton, Lewisburg at Central Columbia, Montoursville at St Joseph’s, and Loyalsock at Williamsport @ 7:30
HS Girls Muncy at Lewisburg, Williamson at Cowanesque Valley, Jersey Shore at Williamsport @ 7:30
HS Wrestling Bloomsburg comes to Southside @7

NO INJURIES IN BARN FIRE
There were no injuries reported after a family’s barn caught fire yesterday morning in Cascade Township. According to the Sun Gazette, the owner of the Rose Valley Road home said she awoke to the dog barking early Wednesday and then saw the glow of the fire on the property.   The woman, who is 6 months pregnant, drove to a neighbor’s house to call 911 since there was no phone service there.  The two humans, and a dog plus the six goats who were penned behind the insured storage structure that burned, were unharmed.  Firefighters from six departments responded and the Trout Run Fire Chief said the fire was extinguished before 5:30 am Wednesday.

SHIKELLAMY GOES REMOTE AFTER 4TH POSITIVE TEST
A fourth positive COVID test in 14 days at Shikellamy High School will shut down the school building for the rest of this week.  According to the Daily Item, Superintendent Jason Bendle said the closure effects the High School – not the other schools in the district.  Students will return to class next Tuesday since Monday is an Act 80 day and students have no academic responsibilities.  Lunches for In-Person, Virtual, and Remote Students will be available outside the cafeteria lobby today and tomorrow from 1:00 – 1:30

WILLIAMSPORT READY FOR POTENTIAL UNREST IN THE CITY
With possible protests and demonstrations taking place in the days to come surrounding the inauguration of President elect Joe Biden, local authorities in Williamsport have made statements that they are prepared for any event or demonstrations that could occur.  According to the Sun Gazette,  Williamsport Bureau of Police Chief Damon R. Hagan said his department can effectively handle any incidents within the city and that there has not been any intelligence on local threats  in the city, but that those who might wish protest or demonstrate peacefully will be given space to do so.

THURSDAY FARM SHOW ACTIVITIES
The virtual farm show continues today for kids with an 11am STEM Demonstration – Color Explosion in Pennsylvania milk as well as a noontime online cooking program all sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.  A Farm Show Agricultural Law Symposium takes place in the afternoon as well.  You can watch any of the 2021 Virtual Farm show , called “Cultivating tomorrow” on the PA Farm show facebook page or at farmshow.pa.gov

WOMAN RESCUED FROM WEST BRANCH OF SUSQUEHANNA
A woman was rescued from Susquehanna River’s West Branch river after a car accident about 7:50 am yesterday.  The unidentified woman’s was involved in the crash on the Lewisburg side of the Route 45 bridge that spans the river, but according to the Daily Item she then jumped off the bridge. Cpl. Travis Burrows of the Buffalo Valley Regional Police Department was enroute to the accident and saw the woman in the water and with the help of another witness, used a 100 foot rope for stability in the strong current while they went for the victim.  Two other first responders arrived at the scene and utilized a nearby canoe in the successful attempt of getting the woman out of the water.  The officers were evaluated and realeased from  Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg.. The unidentified woman was taken to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville with minor injuries.

COVID CLAIMS MIDDLEBURG POLICE CHEIF
The police chief of Middleburg has passed away after being ill for the last few weeks with COVID-19.  According to media outlets the acting Mayor of Middleburg Heidi Potter said Police Chief Tony Jordan had been hospitalized for over a week after becoming ill with the coronavirus earlier this month.  Mark Bailey has been serving as Acting Police Chief while Jordan was ill and was formally appointed during Tuesday night’s council meeting.

COVID UPDATE
There are 88 new cases of the coronavirus in Lycoming County, Northumberland has 80, Union County has 108 Snyder has 53 new cases Clinton has 30.  According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health as of midnight yesterday there were 7,619 additional positive cases reported and 349 new fatalities. Lycoming has 65 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 8 in the ICU, 4 on ventilators

VACCINE ROLL-OUT ADJUSTMENTS
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has tweaked the roll-out schedule of vaccinations for COVID-19.  In addition to the health care workers and those in long term care facilities in the 1A distribution phase, they have updated the criteria for the category to include those who are 65 and older, as well as those who have pre-existing conditions.  According to the Secretary of the Pennyslvnai Department of Health,  the state should transition into phase 1B soon which include more age groups and more service workers in additional industries.  Details on the phasing process is available online here.

SPORTS
HS Boys Basketball
Montgomery beat CMVT 61 to 56, Muncy beat Millville 55 to 36, St John Neumann beat Northwest 64-48, Canton beat Cowanesque Valley 57-26
HS Girls Basketball
Saint Joseph’s beat  Montoursville 56-52, Mifflinburg over Jersey Shore 44-36
HS Wrestling
Lewisburg defeated central Columbia 41-28
Tonight HS Sports
HS Boys Basketball
Central Columbia at Hughesville, Muncy at Montoursville, Northumberland Christian at South Williamsport and Warrior Run at Line Mountain, all @ 7:30
HS Girls Basketball
Athens at Wellsboro, North East Bradford at Canton, Williamson at Towanda, North Mansfield at Townada at 7:30 PM
HS Wrestling tonight
Milton at Loyalsock, Hughesville at Southern Columbia, Benton at Montgomery Duboise at Williamsport, Bellefonte at Jersey Shore, Towanda at Warrior run, Montoursville at Midwest, CMVT at Muncy all at 7 PM
NBA
Mavericks beat the Hornets 104 to 93, the Bucks beat the Pistons 110 to 101, the Nets beat the Knicks 116 to 109, Grizzlies beat the Timberwolves 118 to 107, Lakers over Thunder 128 to 99, Clippers beat the Pelicans 111 to 106, Trailblazers beat the Kings 132 to 126,  Jazz and Wizards, Magic and Celtics, and Hawks and Suns were postponed due to Covid
NFL Division playoffs
Saturday
NFC – Rams vs Packers @4:35 @Lambeau
AFC Ravens vs the Bills @ 8:15
Sunday
AFC – the Browns vs the Chiefs in Kansas City @ 3:05
NFC – Buccaneers vs the Saints @6:40 in New Orleans

Klete Keller, a two-time U.S. Olympic swimming gold medalist, was charged Wednesday for allegedly participating in last week’s riots at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Court records say, Keller was charged with obstructing law enforcement, knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and more,  all  federal crimes.

PA LAWMAKERS ON OPPOSITE SIDE OF IMPEACHMENT DEBATE
Two Pennsylvania lawmakers are split on the decision to pursue impeachment proceedings against President Trump in a vote today on the resolution.  According to the Sun Gazette, Representative Fred Keller a Republican from Kreamer is in strong opposition to the Democrats plan saying impeachment will sow a greater division in the nation.  Senator Bob Casey of Scranton has called for the impeachment of the president and also accountability for those members of Congress who continued to drive toward the effort to overthrow the election. Casey said President Trump betrayed his oath to the Constitution and incited a mob to violence.

HOMELESS MAN FOUND IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP IDENTIFIED
Police suspect the homeless man who was found deceased near a bike path in Loyalsock Township last Saturday passed away from hypothermia and cardiac issues.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Lycoming County Coroner said 67 year old Phillip Steele of Danville had been admitted to UPMC Williamsport before for heart problems.  Pennsylvania State police said he died on January 8^th or 9^th, but do not suspect foul play in Steele’s death.

PENNDOT PLANS RESURFACING THIS SUMMER
Road resurfacing  and accessibility upgrades are planned for the summer of 2021 in Downtown Williamsport on West Third Street between Walnut and Campbell Streets. In a Williamsport Area Transportation Study technical committee meeting Monday, a PennDOT District 3 spokesperson said the work will only be a resurfacing, not a reconstruction, which will improve the potholes but will still need a future reconstruction to permanently improve the roadway.  There will be about 70 curb cuts and ramps installed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

FARM SHOW PROGRAMS ENCOURAGE STEM LEARNING
The 2021 Virtual Farm show continues today and there are lots of virtual things for the kids to see and do.  Young learners can participate in a virtual scavenger hunt which can  enrich their agriculture and STEM knowledge and allow them to win prizes. There are also live cameras 6am til 8pm of ducklings and bee hives available for viewing at farmshow.pa.gov.  Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding launched “Cultivating Tomorrow,” this week; a series of live panel discussions featuring experts addressing  the issues challenging Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry. Twice a day, at 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM, through this Friday, January 15, watch a diverse array of panelists online daily on the PA Farm Show Facebook page.

SECOND GROUP OF VACCINE RECIPIENTS TO BE CALLED UP
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is beginning to plan a vaccination distribution for people 75 years and older and “essential workers”.  According to Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, the health department has been first focused on vaccinating health care workers and those in long term care facilities across the state.  This second group is being called the 1B group and includes first responders; prison guards; school staff; and food, manufacturing, postal, public transportation and grocery store workers. More than 285,000 shots have been given and the federal government has allocated more than 827,000 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to Pennsylvania
MAN SHOT HIMSELF ACCIDENTALLY IN THE LEG
A Hughesville man accidentally shot himself with the his friends gun in a moving car, on December 30^th according to state police at Montoursville.  32 year old Kyle W. Zimmerman of Hughesville was a passenger in the vehicle and accidentally shot himself in the calf with the driver’s  Springfield XDS 9 mm handgun .  Scott D. Danielson, 54, of Grove City entered the parking lot of Sam’s Club, 611 Lycoming Mall Circle, Muncy Township, on July 25 when Zimmerman discharged the pistol, resulting in a need for medical treatment.  Danielson and Zimmerman each were charged with one second-degree misdemeanor count of recklessly endangering another person

COVID UPDATE
There are 51 new cases of coronavirus in Lycoming County as of midnight Monday, but in two days totals for Northumberland reports 86 new cases.  According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, in that same two day span there 12,844 additional positive cases and 186 new fatalities.  As a result of technical maintenance to the state’s data server on Sunday, some of the numbers may be reconciled later this week.  Lycoming has 64 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 7 in the ICU, 6 on ventilators and 6 available ICU beds.

OVERNIGHT FIRE IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY
The Muncy Volunteer Fire Company and the Muncy Township Fire Company assisted the Warrior Run Area Fire Department on the 600 block of Murray Road in Lewis Township, Northumberland County early this morning.  According to the Sun Gazette, crews were called to a chimney fire around 1am.  Fire personnel said the roof caught fire and the flames also damaged some parts of the first floor of the house and there is smoke damage reported but no injuries.  Three adults and one child were displaced and are now are living with family members.  The Fire Marshall is investigating the blaze.  Crews left the scene around 4:30am

SPORTS

HS Girls Basketball
Loyalsock  downed Montoursville 64-39, South Williamsport over St John Neumann Regional Academy 52 to 25, Hughesville beat Montgomery 44 to 18, and it was Lewisburg over Shikellamy 45-38
HS Boys Basketball
Saint John Neumann defeated South Williamsport 80 to 70, Muncy beat Montgomery 75 to 34, and Meadowbrook Christian over Columbia Montour VO- tech 51-40NCAA Championship game
Alabama beat Ohio State 52 to 24 to win their third college football national championship in six seasons
NBA
Hornets beat the Knicks 109 to 88, Grizzlies beat the Cavaliers 101 to 91, Bucks beat Magic 121 to 99, Wizards beat the Suns 128 to 107, Hawks beat the 76ers 112 to 94, Trailblazers beat the Raptors 112 -111, Kings beat the Pacers 127 to 122, Pelicans and Mavericks are postponed because of COVID issues
NBA tonight
Miami comes to Philadelphia at 7pm, and Denver is in Brooklyn for 730 tip-off
NFL Division playoffs
Saturday
NFC – Rams vs Packers @4:35 @Lambeau
AFC Ravens vs the Bills @ 8:15
Sunday
AFC – the Browns vs the Chiefs in Kansas City @ 3:05
NFC – Buccaneers vs the Saints @6:40 in New Orleans

RESERVIST CHARGED WITH FORGERY, OTHER CHARGES
A former Lycoming County Prison corrections officer and Army reservist has been charged with forgery, tampering with public records and other charges after he allegedly lied about his mother’s death and submitted documents to his employer to garner fraudulent time off.  According to the Sun Gazette,24 year old Anthoney Brooks of Mifflinburg, turned in paperwork stating he had Army reserve training commitments last July that were later determined to be cancelled as well as taking bereavement leave when his mother was found to still be living.  According to arrest papers, Brooks resigned from the prison Nov. 2, and  is waiting for a preliminary hearing.

PENNSYLVANIA MAN IN THE CAPITOL RIOTS DIED FROM MEDICAL ISSUE
A Pennsylvania man was among the four people who died in Washington DC while a Trump-inspired mob stormed Capitol Hill.  According to Penn Live, Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police have confirmed 50 year old Benjamin Phillips of Ringtown died as a result of an apparent medical emergency.  The Schuylkill County man died along with two others who also passed from medical emergencies as well as a California woman who was shot by a Capitol Police officer while climbing through a window of the Capitol Complex.

PA LAWMAKER JOINS WITH THE GROUP ASKING PENCE TO INVOKE 25TH AMENDMENT
Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania  has joined others in Washington calling for the president Trump’s removal via the 25^th amendment from Vice President Mike Pence. According to a statement released by Casey’s administration, domestic terrorists, who were inspired and emboldened by President Donald Trump attacked the U.S. Capitol Building in furtherance of an attempted coup.  Casey said in order to protect our domestic and national security he asks Vice President Pence begin the process of removing the powers of the presidency from Donald Trump.

CAC WILL HAVE PERFORMANCES THIS SPRING
The Community Arts Center will open its door this spring after pandemic restrictions recently lifted and will host Sullivan County resident and American Idol Finalist Aaron Kelly in concert in Williamsport on March 13^th.  According to the Sun Gazette, Kelly, who has been singing since the age of 9, is remembered nationally for his top five finish on American Idol’s season 9 and locally for singing the national anthem before the 2017 Little League World Series Championship Game.  CAC Executive Director Chuck Stills says the Community Theatre League’s musical “The Bridges of Madison County” will be on their stage the weekend before Kelly’s show.  Details and tickets are available at caclive.com

WILLIAMSPORT, UPMC MAKE THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT
Mayor Derek Slaughter’s administration and administrators from UPMC Williamsport have agreed on a three-year community contribution agreement valued at $867,000  due to the hospital system’s charitable status and community investment.  According to the Sun Gazette, Steve Johnson, president of UPMC in the Susquehanna Region said they are pleased to be recognized for voluntary contributions the system makes to the city and receive important benefits as well.  Under the agreement, UPMC Susquehanna will dedicate over 50 million dollars for those who can’t afford healthcare services, as well as subsidies for community-focused programs, like free and low-cost health screenings as well as other services.

PA NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS WILL HEAD TO WASHINGTON
Governor Wolf has activated Some members of Pennsylvania National Guard who will be heading to Washington D.C. in wake of Wednesday’s breach on the U.S. Capitol.  The National Guard members activated will report to their local armories over the next few days to receive their assignments and then travel to Washington D.C. to assist as needed in securing peace and an orderly transfer of power on January 20^th.   Wolf said Pennsylvania Guard members have extensive experience working alongside the D.C. National Guard as part of past training events and presidential inaugurations

PA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RECOMMENDS IN-PERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
In an online news conference Thursday, acting secretary of the state Department of Education Noe Ortega said Pennsylvania schools should consider a return to in-person instruction for elementary-age students, a change from previous state guidance that recommended online-only education in some regions.  State officials say elementary students benefit most from being physically in the classroom.  In Pennsylvania, the decision on what style of education to go with in-person or remote, rests with school districts.  The state’s largest teachers union stated that the new guidance is premature, and that the state needs mechanisms in place so that districts are sure to comply with state health and safety guidance.

LOCAL CHEF COMPETES ON “HELL’S KITCHEN” TONIGHT
Following a big wait due to the coronavirus pandemic, Chef Drew from Ard’s Farm in Lewisburg will finally debut on the hit TV cooking competition series, ‘Hell’s Kitchen.’ Tonight According to media outlets, Drew Tingley of Millmont will be one of 18 contestants on the show hosted by Chef Gordon Ramsay. The series premieres at 8 p.m. on FOX. He says all the filming occurred before the pandemic hit and he’s been keeping the results a secret since.

SPORTS
NBA
The Nets beat the 76ers 122 to 109, Cavaliers beat the Grizzlies 94 to 90, Mavericks beat the Nuggets 124 to 117,Spurs beat the Lakers 118 to 109, Trailblazers beat the Timberwolves 135 to 117.
NBA Tonight –  Oklahoma City Thunder comes to New York to play the Knicks at 7:30 and Brooklyn goes to Memphis for an 8pm tip-off.
NFL
Wild card weekend
Saturday : Colts vs the Buffalo Bills, Rams and the Seahawks and the Buccaneers go to Washington.
Sunday, Baltimore plays Tennessee, Chicago goes to New Orleans, and Cleveland is in Pittsburgh with an 815 kick off

Friday HS Sports
HS Boys basketball
Hughesville at Milton, Lewisburg at Montoursville, Mount Carmel at Loyalsock, all at 7:30 PM
HS Girls Basketball
Hughesville at  Jersey Shore and Cowanesque Valley at Williamson both at 730

High School Wrestling
Montoursville goes to Lewisburg Friday night at 7 PM
HS Swimming
Lewisburg versus Milton at Eastern Lycoming YMCA at 4:30p

RAUCOUS BEHAVIOR IN PENNSYLVANIA’S SWEARING-IN CEREMONY
Governor Tom Wolf yesterday issued a statement in response to house republicans in Pennsylvania refusing to seat Senator Jim Brewster the 45th Senate District.  According to a press release from Governor Wolf, not seating Senator Brewster leaves voters without a voice when they duly elected a winner.  During the ceremony at the state Capital in Harrisburg yesterday, Senate Republicans, who hold the majority, refused to let Pa. Sen. Jim Brewster of McKeesport take the oath of office and when Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, a Democrat, stepped in, the Republicans removed him as presiding officer for the day.  Democrats said they’re outraged at what they say is a blatent attempt to overrule voters in the 45th District.

COMMISSIONERS MEET AND APPROVE HIRING A DEPUTY CORONER
Approval for the hiring of a new deputy coroner happened yesterday as part of the agenda at the Lycoming County Commissioners meeting.  According to the Sun Gazette, County Coroner Charles Kiessling has asked the county for more staff after he has seen an alarming rise in county deaths, mostly due to COVID.  Other matters addressed by the commissioners yesterday include, approved COVID-19 grant funding as well as funding for juvenile services, new hires; such as a new court clerk and assistant DA, and discussion about the 52 county employees who have tested positive for COVID, with 19 not able to work.  The meeting was unable to be livestreamed yesterday due to technical issues, but the public can go to the county website to hear the audio of the meeting www.lyco.org.

COUNTERFEIT MONEY POSSIBLY CIRCULATING
Check your wallets for counterfeit 20 dollar bills.  According to local police in Tioga County, some fake 20s have made their way into circulation.  Wellsboro Chief of police Jim Bodine said that the counterfeit revealing pens falsely show the bills are good, but the green ink on the paper is much darker than a normal bill.  If you have or receive counterfeit note, contact the police department in the municipality where you got it.

GAME COMMISSION SITE DISABLED NEXT WEEK
If you haven’t gotten your 2020-21 Pennsylvania hunting or furtaker licenses, or need a permit or privilege for a late-season hunting, it’s recommended you do so before the automated licensing system in the state is unavailable next week.  According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, a temporary shutdown of the PALS System will occur next week as they complete an upgrade to a new licensing program. Hunters will not be able to report harvests online during the time that PALS is unavailable, but can continue to report through the mail.  A list of license-issuing agents is available at www.pgc.pa.gov.

TWO LOCAL LAWMAKERS SAY THEY WILL NOT CERTIFY ELECTION RESULTS TODAY
With the certification of the Electoral College votes today in Washington DC, some local lawmakers are in favor of certifying the election and some are not. According to the Sun Gazette, Representative Fred Keller of Kreamer and  Representative Glenn Thompson of Howard are among the handful of Republicans who will resist the certification.   Senator  Pat Toomey of Zionsville said he will vote today to certify the results, however Toomey will leave his Senate seat as of the end of this term.  In the commonwealth, President Trump was defeated by Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee, by more than 80,000 votes and was awarded  the state’s 20 electoral votes.

COVID UPDATE
As of yesterday, Lycoming County has 92 new cases of the Coronavirus reported, Northumberland County has 71 new cases, Union County has 48 new cases,  , Snyder County has 27 new cases, Tioga County has 18, Montour County has 12 new cases.  Lycoming County reports 71 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 12 in the ICU, 8 on ventilators.  Accoridng othe Pennsylvania Department of Health, there were 8,818 additional positive cases of COVID-19, and 185 new deaths.

NORTHUMBERLAND ROADWORK TODAY
Watch for delays at the intersection of Route 147 and Route 11 in Northumberland today.  According to PennDOT, there will be a lane restriction at the underpass of Duke and Water Streets in the borough beginning around 9am until 3pm, weather permitting,  There could be significant delays at such a major intersection. Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible while they perform the inlet repair work.

COVID VACCINATIONS PLANNED TO BE DISTRIBUTED AT BLOOMSBURG FAIRGROUNDS
There are plans in the works for the Columbia County commissioners and EMA officials to use the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds as a site to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine in the same manner that they provided testing.  Getting a COVID-19 vaccine requires that a person stays on-site for 15 minutes in case of a reaction, so According to WNEP, the logistics at the fairground might look different than it did when they did tests there.  When more info comes from the Department of Health, the public will be notified.

SPORTS
NBA
Nets beat Jazz 130 to 96, Lakers beat the Grizzlies 94 to 92, Nuggets beat the Timberwolves 123 to 116, Spurs beat the Clippers 116 to 113, Bulls beat the Trailblazers 111 to 108

The 76ers play the Wizards in Philly tonight at 7 PM and the Knicks play Jazz at Madison Square Garden with a 7:30pm tip-off

NCAA Football
Alabama’s DeVonta Smith became the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy in nearly 30 years yesterday. Other finalists included Smith’s teammate, QB Mac Jones, Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence and Florida QB Kyle Trask. Smith won with 1,856 points and 447 first-place votes.  The previous Heisman winner at Smith’s position was Michigan’s Desmond Howard, in 1991.

In the NFL
Wild card weekend this Saturday with the Colts playing the Buffalo Bills, Rams playing the Seahawks and the Buccaneers at Washington.  On Sunday, Baltimore plays Tennessee, Chicago goes to New Orleans, and Cleveland is in Pittsburgh with an 815 kick off