Teen Gets Assault Charges

A teenage girl is being charged for assault after testing positive for COVID-19, and intentionally spitting on people. While at a treatment facility in Montour County, she contracted the virus, and knowingly struck, scratched, bit, coughed, and sneezed on more than 4 staff members. At this time no information has been released on the girl due to her age, nor has any information on whether they contracted it. She has been charged through the Montour county probation office.

Bell Ringing Stopped This Holiday Season

As Christmas approaches, one starts to wonder where has all the bell ringing gone? How will I donate my leftover change? According to the sun gazette, Kendra Parke, the marketing and community engagement coordinator of American rescue workers are putting in an effort to limit exposure to COVID-19 this time around, due to the simple fact that a large majority of bell ringers are seniors. This decision isn’t without its heart ache though, bell ringing is a big chunk of the budget, raking in nearly $20,000 on a slow year. They will survive though, many public grants are being utilized to offset the cost, as well as other types of outreach for the cause.

ICU Director Fired Over Social Media Posts

The Director of the ICU at UPMC  Susquehanna has found some controversy surrounding her after a post she made on social media about masking. In the post the director talked about a man calling them a loser for not wearing a mask in Lowe’s, going on to say that they were 6 feet apart. Many people responded to the post negatively, assuming that the post was ment as a sneer to people in a different school of thought from her own. Multiple individuals filed formal complaints to UPMC, calling for the hospital to take action and set a precedent so that she wouldn’t say her opinion without proper etiquette on social media. She has recently been let go as an employee of the hospital due to multiple other, more blatantly boisterous posts.

City Budget Cuts Continue

The Williamsport City budget has been cut yet again thanks to the councilmen and women who challenged Mayor Derek Slaughters Major increase, cutting another 432,000 dollars off the originally proposed 2.5 million dollar increase. This brings the proposed increase to around 1 million dollars, a much milder and digestible number for Williamsport tax payers, and its not even done yet. According to the sun gazette councilmen and women are striving for even more cuts, with councilwomen Liz Miele spear heading efforts, challenging the administration to find an additional 436,000 dollars to cut before next weeks meeting.

SPORTS

College football

Utah State has canceled Saturday night’s scheduled game at Colorado State because of concerns voiced by football players about religious discrimination in the search for a new football coach, the university said in a statement Friday. The decision came after Aggies players said earlier Friday that they had opted out of the game because of comments allegedly made by Utah State president Noelle Cockett about interim coach Frank Maile.

Penn State will play Michigan today, with a kick off now set at noon.  It will be televised on ABC. The game will also be available on the Penn State Sports Network starting at 10:30 am and GoPSUsports.com.

MLB

Pitcher Brandon Morrow is back with the Los Angeles Dodgers, having signed a minor league contract. Also signing Friday were pitchers Jimmy Nelson, Brock Stewart and James Pazos.

LOCAL LEGISLATORS SAY NO CHANGES WOULD IMPACT ELECTION
In an effort to restore voter confidence in Pennsylvania’s election process, local lawmakers have agreed to investigate claims made about the integrity of  the vote, but note that there is no evidence of widespread fraud or irregularities that would impact election results.  Senator Gene yaw of Loyalsock Township told the Sun Gazette that there are claims that through a Senate resolution, there could be a dispute of the election and new electors can be assigned contrary to the popular vote winner , but adds that the Constitution prohibits changing the law after the fact. Pennsylvania Election results have already been signed and certified by Governor Wolf.

COURTHOUSE ACCESS LIMITED TO PUBLIC
Access into the Lycoming County Courthouse was restricted to the public as of Monday this week until further notice with very few exceptions, according to a statement released by the Lycoming County Sherriff’s Department.  Those who arrive at the facility and those who come with them will need to be on an access authorization list maintained by the Sheriff’s Department.  The public must call and make an appointment with the departments they need to visit.  Anyone who is seeking a Protection From Abuse order can call the YWCA’s Wise Options at 815  West Fourth Street  at 570-322-4637.

GOVERNOR WOLF TESTES POSITIVE FOR VIRUSGovernor Wolf has tested positive for the coronavirus in a routine test taken Tuesday and is isolating at home and feeling well.  The First Lady of Pennsylvania, Frances Wolf, has been tested for the virus and is also quarantining with the governor at their home near York, PA.  Wolf – who is 72 – is working remotely and is one of several US governors who have tested positive for the virus including the governors of Oklahoma, Missouri, Virginia, Nevada and Colorado.  The Governor held a news conference about the pandemic Monday with PA Department of Health Secretary, Dr. Rachel Levine, but they all wore masks at the virtual event.  Pennsylvania is averaging about 10,000 new confirmed cases per day, up more than 50% in two weeks, according to an AP analysis of data from The COVID Tracking Project.

The winter sports season in Pennsylvania  is slated to move forward Friday after a statement yesterday by the PIAA.  There will be some changes implemented for wrestling, basketball and swimming, including a 16 team  single elimination wrestling championship, and the start of the state basketball tournament pushed back to March of 2021 to allow for longer district tournaments.  There are some COVID protocols about practice/play guidelines in place as well.  The Pennsylvania Principal’s Association and PA Association for School Administrators wrote letters to the PIAA asking for a delay of a start to the season during the current surge of the coronavirus.

Stonington State police have identified a man who was found dead in his Northumberland County home on Monday.  Troopers say they are investigating the death of Joseph Collier who was found around 6:30pm Monday at his home on 253 Collier Road in East Cameron Township.  Northumberland County Coroner James Kelley joins the state police in the investigation, but no other details have been provided as of today.

There are minimal details at this time about a house fire last night in Penn Township that brought 11 companies to the scene.  Central Susquehanna Regional 9-1-1 reports that a fire at a home on Kratzer road was fully engulfed in flames and reported around 7:30 pm Wednesday.  Volunteers fought the fire using a tanker shuttle with several companies.  Dispatchers said no one was hurt in the fire and details on the Snyder County blaze should be forthcoming today.

As of yesterday at noon, Lycoming County reported 79 new cases of the coronavirus, 58 cases in Northumberland County.  Tioga County has 41 new cases and Clinton County has had 1035 cases (917 confirmed and 118 probable) 37 new today.  However, the Clinton County correctional facility is handling an outbreak this week after 76 inmates in the prison tested positive according to the Sun Gazette.  Lycoming County has 88 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 11 in the ICU, with 6 on ventilators and 7 available Adult ICU beds.  There were 8,703 new cases of  COVID-19 as of yesterday and 220 new deaths reported in the commonwealth.

City Council will meet virtually tonight to continue to work to decrease the 1.5 mill tax-hike, $29 million budget proposed for 2021.  In the first reading of the budget on December 3^rd, Council worked to remove about $777,000 from the proposed spending plan and passed the proposed budget upon their first reading.  The City Council is expecting Mayor Derek Slaughter – who today promised transparency when discussing the budget – to bring ideas on ho wto whittle the numbers down even more by reducing the tax burden.  Head to the city website lyco.org to get details on watching the live meeting broadcast on Zoom and YouTube at 6:30 p.m.

SPORTS

LSU announced a self-imposed bowl ban on Wednesday night and will forgo participating this season, adding to the list of self-imposed sanctions stemming from the NCAA’s investigation into improper booster payments to its football players.  LSU’s football program is charged with a Level III violation involving Odell Beckham Jr., a former Tigers star, who gave $2,000 in cash to four Tigers football players on the field after the team’s victory over Clemson after the National Championship game on Jan. 13

FEDERAL PRISON GUARD INJURED IN STABBING
A guard at Allenwood Federal Correctional Complex was allegedly stabbed yesterday by an inmate and is in critical condition at Geisinger Medical Center.  According to the Daily Item, 51 year old Dale Franquet, of Middleburg, who also is the varsity wrestling coach at Midd-West High School was stabbed in the eye and another inmate was also injured by a stabbing but was treated and released from care.  NO charges against the suspect have been announced, but with the assault happening in a federal facility, the FBI will investigate the case.

LOCAL COVID-19 UPDATE
Lycoming County has 64 new cases of the coronavirus reported as of yesterday at noon, Northumberland county has 107 , Montour has 81 new cases, Snyder has 33 new cases Tioga County reports 22 . Clinton County has 13 new today.  Lycoming County has 72 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 13 in the ICU, with 4 on ventilators and 3 available Adult ICU beds.  According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health ,there were 6,330 new cases COVID-19, with 42 fatalities attributed to COVID-19.

ACORD MARKETS CHANGING HANDS
Sixteen Acorn Market stores throughout northcentral Pennsylvania and South Central New York have been acquired by United Refining in Warren and will now be Kwik Fill or Red Apple stores.  According to the Sun Gazette, all retail store employees were retained and new positions are expected to be added, but it is unknown at this time whether the Tioga County chain will expand into Lycoming County.  United Refining sells fuel through a network of over 400 stores in New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

SOAP BOX DERBY SCHEDULED FOR NOW
Williamsport will likely see a Soap Box Derby in 2021as organizers of the annual event deal with planning during a pandemic.  According to the Sun Gazette, barring any COVID restrictions, a construction clinic is set to take place in May where the kids build their cars, and after a safety inspection  the race is expected to take place on Saturday, June 12^th.  Families of participants who want information on registering for the race next year can find Soap Box Derby Williamsport, PA on Facebook and message the group.

WOMAN KICKS POLICE CRUISER, FACES MISDEMEANOR CHARGE
A South Williamsport woman faces misdemeanor charges for kicking at a police cruiser last September while there was gathering and protest going on close to the police headquarters at 245 W. Fourth Street.  According to the Sun Gazette, the young daughter of 36 year old Rebecca Neidig of East Mountain Avenue was holding a sign and stood behind Cpl. Jordan Stoltzfus’ patrol car while he was attempting to leave on a call.  Neidig yelled at the officer, hit the car window and then kicked at the car once both Neidig and her daughter were pulled away from the cruiser.  According to court records Neidig waived her preliminary hearing and is free on $5,000 bail.

GOVERNOR WOLF WARNS ABOUT OVERRUN HOSPITALS DURING PANDEMIC
With COVID hospitalizations up in Pennsylvania, facilities are at risk of being overrun and resource sharing agreements between hospitals in the commonwealth may face a breakdown.  According to a warning by Governor Tom Wolf in a virtual news conference yesterday, he will not impose the blanket restrictions imposed last spring but may be faced with placing targeted restrictions in places where the virus strikes harder.  He said deaths have risen 85 percent in two weeks and the fall-out from the Thanksgiving holiday haven’t been felt yet.  He asks Pennsylvanians to do their part now to slow the spread of the virus by simply wearing a mask and keeping from non-essential travel.  Pennsylvania is averaging 9,000 new confirmed infections per day.

OPIOID BILL SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
In a move to address the opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania, Republican Clint Owlett sponsored a bill that has been signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf.  House Bill 616 placed a strong large animal tranquilizer called Carfenteril on the list of Schedule II controlled substances making it illegal to be possessed or distributed without a license or prescription.  Originally proposed by Owlett’s predecessor Matt Baker, the new law is one part of  a process of enforcement, and education to help those who are addicted.

PA FISHING LICENSES ON SALE NOW
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat commission have begun selling 2021 fishing licenses permits and vouchers valid immediately through December 31, 2021.  According to the PFCB, an annual license costs $22.90 but ther are multi-year options and other permit add-ons.  You can apply for a license online at fishandboat.com or at issuing agents in retail locations.

SPORTS

NFL Monday Football from Monday
Washington beat the Steelers 23-17, the Bills beat the 49ers 34-24
Tonight NFL Football
Cowboys vs the Ravens in Baltimore at 8:05

Men’s College Basketball
Seton Hall defeated Penn State 98-92 in  OT

HS Girls Volleyball
North Penn Liberty seniors Charisma Grega and Ali Koval and Canton Senior Annie Gaiotti were named to the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association all-state team.

Representative Jeff Wheeland has reintroduce house bill 1579, with the intent to quell unfaith in the integrity of our election. The bill would introduce some ID requirements to any Pennsylvanian voters wanting to participate in the election, with Wheeland saying in a statement released that you cant do much of anything in life without an ID, the same standard should apply to voters. Under the bill expectable ID’s would include a military and student ID, along with a drivers license, bank statement, current utility bill, firearm permit or government issued check. Anyone not able to produce a photo ID would need 2 forms of non-photo ID’s.

Bishop to the united Methodist church Jeremiah J Park, recently urged members of the church and pastors to cease in person congregation in an advent messege from the Susquehanna conference of the united Methodist church, saying that the grave situation requires a sacrificial response. According to the sun gazette many pastors in the area found it difficult to to suspend in person worship, espescially with Christmas season approaching. Regardless, many are conceding, in line with the request from Park, shifting to online worship, or broadcasts at local radio stations to continue their work from a distance.

Williamsport Police Officer Clinton Gardner made a traffic stop after observing the driver leah Davis and a passenger roll through a stop sign. When approaching the drivers side he alleges to have smelled a marijuana odor and saw what looked like to be a burnt marijuana cigarette. The police report says that the passenger, Kasaan Lamar McKay, a 26 year old Brooklyn native, tried hiding cocaine in his rectum, along with finding 5k in cash and a large amount of unused packaging. During the search someone called McKay’s cellphone requesting crack. He is being held at the Lycoming county prison under an $85,000 bail, and is facing 2 felonies and a misdemeanor.

A jersey shore women reported domestic violence to police, alleging that her boyfriend assaulted her by breaking her lip and choking her. 25 Year old Noah Fox-Carr is accused of the assault at the 600 block of south broad street in jersey shore. The officer who wrote the report, recorded that the victim had asked for a pillow from Fox-Carr when he said no, hitting her. She then tried exiting the residence with her daughter before Fox-Carr intercepted her, forcing her onto the couch, strangling her. She was examined at the emergency room and found to have a concussion. Fox-Carr was charged with one felony count of strangulation and simple assault.

City council has made some revisions to the mayor’s first proposed budget, leaning more towards budget cuts, taking ou t$766,500 dollars of tax revenue in a 4 to 2 vote. According to the Sun Gazette, city councilman Adam Yoder said that the first Mayor Slaughters first budget was the largest tax increase in over 15 years, and gave shade to the current attitude from many state employees saying that we have to figure out how to live within our means rather than raising taxes to keep up. Currently the tax rate is staying at 17.22 million dolllars, down from 2.5 million, but according to councilwoman Liz Miele, that it is not a final product. The mayor and council will be continuing their work on the budget over the next week.

An early morning car crash on route 22 left a teen dead in this multi collision car crash. At 4:45 the unidentified teen was speeding while trying to pass a truck in the left lane when he lost control and spun into the side fuel tank of the truck. When both cars stopped the teen got out on the side of the road, failing to keep his lights on. Another tractor trailer came driving up the road and swerved out of the way to avoid hitting the wrecked cars, striking the teen. Police and coroners along with a cleanup crew arrived shortly after, all of the vehicles were cleared off the road before 10am.

This Monday UPMC will be expanding their service hours at the COVID-19 outpatient collection site starting Monday. Anyone with a physician referall will be able to get a covid test at the Brandon ave location. The new hours will be Monday through Friday 8am to 8pm, and Sunday 8am to noon. The chief medical Director, David Lopatofsky says the hours change is in response to the spike of patients we have been having, and that it is ment to reduce the expended resources on site inside the hospital. It’s going to allow a more thorough and efficient exam for people who don’t necessarily need the higher level of care the hospital provides.

Sports

MLB

The Texas Rangers hired former pitcher Chris Young as executive vice president and general manager Friday, bringing the Major League Baseball executive home to work under president of baseball operations Jon Daniels, the club’s GM since 2005.

NFL

Free-agent linebacker Vontaze Burfict was arrested early Saturday in Nevada on a misdemeanor battery charge, according to Clark County court records. According to Clark County Detention Center records, Burfict, whose bond was set at $1,000, was released on his own recognizance. A hearing in the case was set for Monday.

150 JOBS COMING TO LYCOMING COUNTY
A midwest Manufacturing Company from will be relocating to Lycoming County and will bring about 150 jobs with them.  According to the Sun Gazette, Digger Specialties of Bremen Indiana will break ground on county land across from the landfill along Route 15 next year.   The Lycoming County Commissioners approved the agreement yesterday, naming the property as being in a Keystone Opportunity Zone which allows for business tax exemptions over time.  The Commissioners credited the effort of Jason Fink of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce for the company’s move that will bring a local demand for welders and other skilled workers.

COMMISSIONERS HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE URGING COOPERATION OVER VIRUS
The Lycoming County Commissioners, in a press conference yesterday brought together local leaders and medical officials from UPMC to urge the public to work together and help each other to keep the virus from surging through our communities more than it already is.  Commissioner Mussare, who recently experienced a bout with COVID-19 was joined by the County Department of Public Safety Director, Jeff Hutchins, Sheriff Mark Lusk, and UPMC’s chief medical officer Dr. David Lopatofsky  who said the medical system is equipped to handle a surge but the public needs to keep their guard up.  The guidelines continue to encourage mask wearing, avoiding gatherings with those outside of your household and social distancing.

ACCIDENT AND FUEL SPILL SLOWED SOUTHSIDE TRAFFIC YESTERDAY
There was an accident in South Williamsport yesterday morning that slowed traffic while crew cleaned up a fluid spill.  According to the Sun Gazette, a tractor trailer and a pick up truck collided about 10:30 on East Southern Avenue and Hastings Street. The driver of the pick up truck  was trapped after the collision about 15 minutes and was transported to UPMC Williamsport with unknown injuries. The flat-bed driver who was transporting railroad ties was not injured, but one of his saddle tanks was damaged and it caused diesel fuel to spill onto the road, forcing a quick cleanup by firefighters.  Absorbent materials were placed on the road to clean up the fuel.

DISTANCE LEARNING CONTINUES NEXT WEEK FOR LEWISBURG
Lewisburg Schools will remain in remote mode until next Friday, December 11.  According to the Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Polinchock, the decision was made based on the number of students and staff members who are either in quarantine, awaiting test results, or have tested  positive for COVID-19.  Students with special needs have the option for in-person instruction from December 7^th to the 11^th . In-person instruction is scheduled to resume Monday, December 14.  The district can still continue with extracurricular activities and athletics because of  the updated Department of Education guidance

MORE DETAILS OVER THE DEATH OF A 9 YEAR-OLD LOCK HAVEN BOY
Police continue to investigate the details surrounding the death of 9 year-old Anson Landon Mitchell Stover after his aunt, 36 year old Jamie Lynn Jackson of Lock Haven was charged with his murder.  According to the Sun Gazette, it was Jackson’s father who received a frantic phone call from the daughter, who he had not heard from in 3 years, and told police who then investigated the home on East Bald Eagle Street on Monday.  Police say the boy’s body was discovered in a second floor bathtub and described as having abrasions and burns.  Jackson was charged Wednesday night with assault and homicide Class 1 felonies and felony 2 child endangerment with other charges. Lock Haven City Police are asking for any information about the case, and the public can provide information for Clinton County detectives online at clintonDA.org

GOP ASKS  FOR MORE FROM THE PENNSYLVANIA SUPREME COURT
Last night, the GOP once again asked the Pennsylvania  Supreme Court to halt the vote certification process of general election results in Pennsylvania, in a complaint that alleges that procedures employed in the 2020 election violate the state’s constitution.  Supreme Court Justice Samuel asked Pennsylvania officials to respond by Wednesday, Dec. 9, by 4 p.m. ET to the complaint.  However, according to  Forbes, the legislature’s leadership said in a statement Thursday that there will not any attempt to overturn the state’s popular vote by appointing their own presidential electors.

LOCAL COVID 19 UPDATE
More record setting coronavirus numbers in Pennsylvania.  As of yesterday at noon, Lycoming County reported 195 new cases of the coronavirus  and 139  new Montour County cases, Northumberland County has 90 new cases, Tioga County has 62 new today. Snyder has 49. Union has 42 new cases Clinton County reports 30 new today.  The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed 11,406 new cases yesterday and 187 new deaths reported.

HARRISBURG GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL CLOSE NEXT WEEK DUE TO COVID
State offices in Harrisburg will be the latest set of government buildings to close in due to the rise of COVID-19 cases.  Officials announced yesterday that the Capitol Complex will close to the public until further notice starting next Monday.  Cancelation of visits and events applies to all interior venues in the Capitol Complex including the Main Capitol Rotunda, East Wing Rotunda, Keystone Building Atrium, Forum Auditorium and The State Museum of Pennsylvania.  All operations of the Governor’s Office and General Assembly will continue, but employees and people with badge keycard credentials will be allowed in the complex

GOLDEN STRIP RESTAURANT ROBBED
A robbery was reported at a restaurant along the golden strip in Loyalsock township last night and State police are looking for a suspect.  According to the Sun Gazette, police arrived at the Subway at 1733 East Third Street moments after the robbery occurred.  The suspect is a black male who was wearing all black clothing and white sneakers and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.  No injureis were reported but if you have information, please call police at 368-5700.

SPORTS
Men’s Basketball
Penn State had a victory this week against VCU this week with a three-pointer from junior Myles Dread at the buzzer 72-69. The Nittany Lions are 2-0