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

SOME SCHOOLS EXTENDING REMOTE LEARNING
Over the weekend, several schools have updated their learning mode for the week.  East Lycoming School District high school will stay in remote instruction through January 6^th, with Hughesville returning to in-person instruction on January 11^th.  The elementary schools will reopen today.  South Williamsport District has called a 2-hour delay this morning due to weather but will continue remote learning through this week.  All South students are tentatively planning to return to in-person mode January 11^th as well. Students in the Loyalsock Township School District will continue with remote instruction this week, but will provide transportation for students attending the Lycoming County Career and Technical School today.

DUI ACCIDENT SLOWED BRIDGE TRAFFIC
Traffic was slowed along the Market Street bridge last week due to an alleged DUI accident.  According to the Sun Gazette, a driver had minor injuries following a rear-end collision  last Tuesday night around 9pm that police say involved Anne Bender-Brennan who was taken into custody.  South Williamsport police said the passenger of the car that was hit in the accident was treated and released the next day, the driver was unharmed.  Traffic was reportedly stopped on the bridge southbound til about 10pm while crews cleaned up the debris from the wreck.

FLAGS LOWERED IN HONOR OF STATE LAWMAKERS
Commonwealth Flags will continue to fly at half-staff today to honor the passing of State Representative Mike Reese, who died Saturday.  Reese represented the 59th Legislative District from 2009 to 2021.  The United States flag has flown at half-staff since Thursday, December 31, 2020 in honor of former Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh, and should remain at half-staff until the date of the former Governor’s interment

COVID UPDATE
The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed a two-day total of 16,967 new cases of the coronavirus as of January 2^nd 2021.  There are 289 new cases in Northumberland County, 62 in Union County residents have tested positive, Snyder County has 43, Montour County has 45 more cases.  There are 5,624 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 and 1,172 patients are in the intensive care unit. Statewide percent positivity for last week stood at 15%.

POLICE CAR STOLEN WITH K-9 PATROL INSIDE
A Williamsport Bureau of Police car with Tacoma, the city K-9 police dog, inside, was stolen on December 23^rd by a Williamsport man who is now in custody.  According to the Sun Gazette, 39 year old Christopher Dryden contacted city police through the intercom at the rear of city hall and then got in the cruiser and drove it off the rear ramp there.  Dryden allegedly tormented the police dog who was attempting to protect the vehicle as he was trained to do.  Two officers chased the car on foot, one reaching the car and tazing the suspect who is now confined to Lycoming County Prison, unable to post the 7500 dollars bail.  Tacoma was unharmed.

PUBLIC INVITED TO MAKE THEIR OWN BUTTER SCULPTURE
With only a virtual Pennsylvania farm show experience this year, residents are now being asked to create their own butter sculpture for next week’s Butter Up! Contest.  The Department of Agriculture announced an opportunity for Pennsylvanians to win one of a variety of gift cards from members of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA). Individuals can use up to 5 pounds of butter to craft their own sculptures and enter them – the contest on the Farm Show Facebook page will be open for submissions from Saturday January 9 through Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 8:00 PM.  Go to farmshow.pa.gov for guidelines

FISH AND BOAT COMISSION TO MEET VIRTUALLY
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will conduct a virtual meeting of the Fisheries and Hatcheries Committee this Thursday,  at 2pm due to the continued public health concerns related to COVID-19, and PFBC staff will be participating remotely. You can watch a live stream of the meeting on Facebook.com by searching for PA Fish and Boat.  Those wanting to submit a public comment should (717) 705-7846 this morning beginning at 8:00 a.m. through tomorrow at noon.

SPORTS
NFL
The Bills beat the Dolphins 56-26, the Ravens beat the Bengals 38 to 3, Browns beat the Steelers 24 to 22, Washington beat the Eagles 20 to 14, Patriots beat the Jets 28-14, New York Giants beat the Cowboys 23-19, Chargers beat the Chiefs 38-21, Vikings beat the Lions 37-35, Buccaneers beat the Falcons 44-27, Packers beat the Bears 35-16, Raiders beat the Broncos 30 to 31, Colts beat the Jaguars 28-14, Rams beat the Cardinals 18 -7, Seahawks over the 49ers 26-23, Saints beat the Panthers 33-7, Titans beat the Texans 41-38.

NBA
Celtics beat the Pistons 122 to 120, Wizards beat the Nets 123 to 122, Lakers beat the Grizzlies 108 to 94, Nuggets beat the Timberwolves 124 to 109, Jazz beat the Spurs 130 to 109, Bulls beat the Mavericks 118 to 108, Clippers beat the Suns 112-107, and the Warriors beat the Trailblazers 137 to 122

Tonight Basketball
The 76ers play Charlotte Hornets tonight at seven and the Knicks go to Atlanta fort 7pm tip-off.

College basketball
In the opening weekend of Patriot League play Navy had a 63-60 win over Bucknell on Sunday evening.  Bucknell’s next game is on Saturday against Lafayette.

CITY: CLEAR STORM DRAINS OF ICE AND DEBRIS TO AVOID LOCAL FLOODING
With the anticipated snow melt and re-freeze expected for the end of this week, the Williamsport Bureau of Fire chief said the city streets and parks department crews will be working today and tomorrow to clear snow, ice, and debris from as many storm drains as possible to avoid the possibility of localized flooding.  According to the Sun Gazette, Chief Mark Killian is also asking residents to clean storm drains and basins at their homes and on their properties.   The National Weather Service is forecasting for 2 or more inches of rain combined with 2 inches of snow melt on Christmas Eve. There is a flood watch in effect from noon Thursday until noon Christmas or Friday
WATER TRUCK HIT POLE AFTER ACCIDENT
A water tank truck crashed into a power pole following a collision with another vehicle Monday night in Loyalsock Township around 9pm.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say a Jeep driven by a minor male with a female passenger collided with a truck, owned by Heckman Water Resources, was heading southbound on Lycoming Creek Road and attempted a right turn onto Colvin Road.  The truck went on to hit a power pole after the crash.  Both vehicles were totaled but no one was injured.  Several fire companies responded to the downed power line and the scene was cleared by 10:30pm.

STIMULUS DEAL STILL UNSETTLED
Congressman Fred Keller of Kreamer voted against the COVID relief measure worth $900 billion bill, saying it spends ‘well beyond’ our nation’s means. According to the Sun Gazette, Keller says the bill lacks critical protections.  President Trump, last night, said he wants more in direct payments to go to Americans and will not sign the bill.  As of yesterday, the aid package included $600 in direct payments, $300 per week in enhanced federal unemployment benefits and more than $284 billion in Paycheck Protection Program loans for businesses. NO word on the fate of the bill at this time.

LOCAL DONATION ADDS TO WILLIAMSPORT POLICE K-9 PROGRAM
Williamsport Bureau of Police announced that there are new funds that will go toward expanding their Canine (K-9) program, thanks to a 15 thousand dollar donation Monday from Lou and Nicole Miele of local business Pennsylvania Skill.   The donation funds will be used in support of the Bureau’s current Canine (K9) training and equipment and operations hopeful adding a future third K-9 team.

LYCOMING COUNTY COVID UPDATE
The state Department of Health confirmed 231 new statewide deaths,  and 7,962 new coronavirus cases as of yesterday.   Lycoming County’s COVID case count increased by 66, and there were 54 new Northumberland County cases.  Union County has 62 new cases and Snyder has 16.  There were more deaths reported as of Monday in local counties according to the health department with 18 deaths in Clinton County, Lycoming County reports 4 and  Tioga County had two fatalities. Statewide hospitalizations are now over 6,100, including over 1,200 in the ICU and over 700 on ventilators.

LINDEN MAN ACCUSED OF RAPE
A Linden man accused of rape is in jail after he attempted the assault of a clerk at a Renovo business last week.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say a 59-year-old woman allege that a man identified as 35 year old Lance Baker forced the attempted sexual assault in the back room of a business where she was working about 10pm on December 17^th . Renovo Police apprehended Baker on Dec. 18 in the 700 block of Erie Avenue in Renovo Borough.  In a separate criminal complaint, Baker is charged in Lycoming County with misdemeanor indecent assault from an incident in October and is being held at the Clinton County Correctional Facility in lieu of $50,000 bail

NEW APP FOR COVID TRACING
Pennsylvania is encouraging residents to use a new app to help trace and discover COVID exposure in the Commonwealth.  If a user is diagnosed with the coronavirus the app will note their risk, demographic info and travel habits and use it for COVID detection in a community. Over 700,000 users are using the app at this time and allows the PA Department of Health to track the virus in record time.  You can download the app from your Google Play Store or Apple App Store and downloading the free COVID Alert PA app to your smartphone.

LOTS TO TRAVEL THIS CHRISTMAS
AAA Travel predicts that as many as 84.5 million Americans will travel over the next 10 days. Although warnings exist, much as they did before Thanksgiving, travelers are still heading out. According to reports, approximately 10 million people flew during the Thanksgiving holiday.  If you aren’t willing to stay home, the CDC requires a 10 day quarantine without a negative test result within 72 hours of arriving in the state

SPORTS
NBA

The NBA kicked off the season last night…
Nets beat the Warriors 125 to 99, Clippers beat the Lakers 116 to 109

NFL

Central Mountain graduate and former Penn State standout Robbie Gould kicked his 400th career field goal in Sunday’s game with the San Francisco 49ers. Gould is the 11th player in NFL history to do so.