LOCK HAVEN HOSPITAL REMAINS CLOSED DURING FIRE CLEANUP
A Clinton County hospital will remain closed while work is being done cleaning up after a fire there last week.  A fire with toxic smoke in a newly sealed boiler room at UPMC Lock Haven caused the evacuation of patients and staff  last Thursday night, but the fire operations were not declared complete by Clinton County Department of Emergency Services until Friday night.  During the operation there was a warning for local residents to shelter in place until about 9pm due to heavy smoke in the area.  Any patient with upcoming appointments at this location will be called to reschedule.  Media officials with UPMC Lock Haven said local, and state health officials continue to evaluate the extent of damage to the hospital and that Updates on reopening will be made available through UPMC Susquehanna’s Facebook page.

HOMICIDE CHARGES REFILED BY PSP
Pennsylvania State Police in Milton have refiled charges against Roger Neal Arnold, 71, of New Columbia, with attempted criminal homicide. The incident happened in 2014 when he stabbed a nurse several times when she tried administering medication. After the nurse fled, Arnold tried attempting suicide before the police arrived and took him into custody. Media outlets say that the case was previously dismissed because he was deemed incompetent to stand trial.  Arnold has now been declared  competent and has a preliminary hearing set for the 22^nd of this month.

FOOTBALL LEGEND SON-IN-LAW CHARGED WITH HIT AND RUN
The son in law of Joe Paterno, late Penn state football coach, 53 year old Christopher Craig Hort, has been charged with a hit and run felony that fatally injured 23 year old John David King.  Days after fleeing, an attorney of Horts called the Centre County DA saying that his client had been involved in the incident and had dismissed the scene because he thought he had struck a deer, fearing that his tires would go flat. Hort has posted bail, and is expected back in court for a preliminary hearing this week.

BASKETBALL COURTS IN WILLIAMSPORT TO REOPEN
The basketball courts at Flanigan Park are set to reopen today with hours set from 8am til 6pm.  Accoridng to a press release from Firetree Place, the courts are set to remain in use until a tentative winter closing date of November 8^th.  After a 76 year old security guard, Richard Parker, was attacked last month when he was locking the facility.  Officials at Firetree said the courts will be locked each day by two individuals going forward.

DAMAGES AWARDED IN LAWNMOWER CASE
A Williamsport man and his wife were awarded damages in a civil case in Williamsport in which a lawnmower recommended by a Williamsport business caused injuries after a rollover accident. According to the Sun Gazette, court records say Marks Sales and Leasing of Williamsport reassured 74 year old Harold Getting that a mower he was about to purchase would perform properly on his sloping landscape.  However, Getting was injured when the mower rolled over and caused him to lose part of his foot and toe.  It was noted he was not issued an owners manual for the machine.  Getting and his wife Veronica were awarded awarded $2.3 million by a Lycoming County jury in the case

TIOGA COUNTY SHOOTING INVESTIGATING
State police are investigating a shooting in which Linn Storms, 75, allegedly shot and killed Ida Storms, 79, in a home at Ridge Road in Middlebury Township last Sunday. Linn Storms was also listed as “deceased” in a news release, but there was no further explanation. Police did say there was no safety concern for the public at this time. Ida Storms died at Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, while Linn Storms died at Soldiers and Sailors Hospital in Wellsboro. Police did not reveal the relationship between the two .

ROADWORK ON 220 THIS WEEK
Route 220 will have lane restrictions in Porter and Piatt Townships, Lycoming County this week.  Starting tomorrow through Friday, September 18, a PennDOT maintenance crew will be performing shoulder work along the southbound and northbound lanes of Route 220 between the Clinton County line and the intersection with Route 287. Work will be performed between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.  Motorists can expect alternating or rolling lane closures.

BOROUGH CLEAN UP IN SELINSGROVE
The Selinsgrove borough cleanup that was postponed due to COVID-19 last spring is going on Monday and Tuesday of this week. According to the Borough website, residents can place materials along the curb by their residence for pick-up. The annual electronics drop-off is this Saturday, the 19^th from 8 am. to noon at the Borough Shed/Recycling Center on Sassafras Street.  Disposing of some electronics brings a minimal fee.  More information can be found at www.selinsgrove.org.

SPORTS
MLB
Braves beat the Nationals 8-4, Yankees over the Orioles 3-1, Marlins beat the Phillies 2-1 – in Game 1, Marlins over the Phillies 8-1 in Game 2, Red Sox beat the Rays 6-3, Royals over the Pirates 11-nothing, White Sox over the Tigers 5-2, Cubs beat the Brewers 12-nothing, Twins beat the Indians 7-5, Reds over the Cardinals 10-5, Rangers beat the A’s 6-3, Blue Jays over the Mets 7-3, Angels beat the Rockies 5-3, Mariners beat the Diamondbacks 7-3, Padres blanked the Giants six nothing in Game 1, Game 2 – Padres over the Giants 3-1, Dodgers beat the Astros 8-1
NASCAR in Richmond Saturday
Brad Keselowski lead 192 laps Saturday night in Richmond in the second playoff race advancing into the next round Coming in first followed by Martin Truex, Jr., Joey Logano and Austin Dillon 4^th .

NFL
Washington beat the Eagles 27-17, Patriots over the Dolphins 21-11, Bills beat the Jets 27-17, Seahawks over the Falcons 38-25, Bears beat the Lions 27-23, Packers defeated the Vikings 43-34, Raiders clipped the Panthers 34-30, Jaguars over the Colts 27-20, Ravens beat the Browns 36-6, Chargers over the Bengals 16-13 Buccaneers lost to the Saints 34-23, Cardinals beat the 49ers 24-20,  Rams over the Cowboys 20-17
Monday Night Football – Steelers and Giants play tonight in NJ, kick off at 7:15p

NBA
Nuggets beat the Clippers 111 to 98 in the West semi finals game 6.  The series is tied up at 3-3, Game 7 on Tuesday.  The East Finals Game 1 is Tuesday between the Heat and the Celtics

Ongoing Fire Incident at UPMC Lock Haven

Thursday Lock Haven firefighters evacuated the UPMC Hospitals on creek drive after a fire broke out in the boiler room around 9pm. When they arrived, 12 additional units were called and roads around the area were blocked off due to the intensity of the smoke. According to the sun gazette a spokesman released a statement saying that maintenance crews were at work in the boiler room sealing up an old doorway, when the fire allegedly caught due to the chemicals in it. An investigation is currently under way to prove that theory, no injuries have been reported at this time. Residents are being warned to stay clear of the hospital as the situation is still ongoing.

9/11 Motorcade

An unsanctioned motorcade was organized yesterday in remembrance of 9/11. The 40 mile ride started at the Lycoming mall, where hundreds showed up and stood for the pledge of allegiance in remembrance of the men and women who sacrificed their lives in the terrorist attacks of 19 years ago. While the ride wasn’t sanctioned, meaning that law enforcement couldn’t show up this year to keep everything together and free of traffic due to covid 19, the weather was perfect and the turnout was great. If you missed the event and would like to pay your respects, another will be taking with the Road Knights motorcycle Club in Cogan House at noon.

Shooting in Mansfield Area

A shooting involving 2 elderly women in the Mansfield area is currently being investigated by state police. Linn storms, 75, alledgedly shot and killed Ida storms, 79 around 3pm on Sunday. Both died in separate hospitals from their wounds. According to the sun gazette the police have stated that at this time there is no safety concern for the public at this time.

UPMC Susquehanna Facing Malpractice Lawsuit

UPMC Susquehanna and the Anesthesia Associates of Williamsport are facing a lawsuit from Alden J. Evans Sr. of trout run. He alledges he sustained severe burns while undergoing a surgical procedure he received there for removal of basal cell carcinomas of the chest and face. According to the sun gazette, during the surgery oxygen being provided to Evans whilst under anesthesia somehow made its way into the surgical field and helped ignite a flame resulting in first second and third degree burns. He currently requires constant medical care for the life threatening burns, and is in the Lehigh Valley Burn center in Allen town.

Joe Paterno’s Son in Law Charged

The son in law of Joe Paterno, late penn state football coach, is currently being charged with a hit and run felony that left a John David King, a 23 year old Amish man, dead. Days later after fleeing an attorney of horts called the Centre county DA saying that his client had been involved in the incident and had dismissed the scene because he thought he had struck a deer, fearing that his tires would go flat. He has posted bail, and is expected back in court for a preliminary hearing this Wednesday.

Florida Man Resists arrest

A 28 year old Florida Man was arrested in Montoursville. Hunter Alan Merlin Rodkey had the police called on him while he was staying at the econo lodge on 2019 E third street for a welfare check. According to media outlets when the police arrived Rodkey said he wanted to harm himself, and then proceeded to threaten officers before fleeing the scene. Bail was set at 5000 dollars and a preliminary hearing for Rodkey will be on Monday.

Sports

NFL

Lift every voice and sing” otherwise known as the “Black” national anthem, has been schedulaed to play before every week 1 nfl game. Several players with the Miami dolphins – both black and white – released a video explaining their plans to protest saying that “they are tired of empty gestures that divide more than unify. The dolphins are the first team to collectively put out a statement about protesting the national anthem.

NBA

The next season has been delayed once again, with a garuntee that the season wont start until the very least December 25^th, with the draft being delayed until November 18^th.

High school Varsity Football

Central Mountain over Shikellamy 33 to 6, Wyoming area high over Riverside 30 to 6, Tamaqua over Shenandoah Valley 49 to 7, Nativity BVM over Pottsville 31 to 21, Pittston over Wyoming Valley West 9 to 8, Tri-Valley Pine Grove 36 to 20, North Schuylkill over Jim Thorpe 50 to 21 and Muncy High over Warrior Run 32 to 7.

The Superintendent of Loyalsock released an official message yesterday concerning a probable case of COVID-19 that has affected the school.  According to a social media post from Jerry McLaughlin addressed to friends and families in the district, all football student athletes and football coaches are to quarantine today until September 18^th.  According to McLaughlin, the PA Department of Health is investigating the case and no contacts of the students need to quarantine unless they are notified.  No word on whether the case is a Lancer student or another student athlete who came in contact with the team.  As a result of the outbreak, the football game between Warrior Run and Loyalsock scheduled for Friday will not be played.

Governor Wolf has announced that restrictions on indoor dining at restaurants will change and occupancy will be allowed to be at 50% starting September 21^st.  According to the Governor, establishments that want to increase capacity must certify to the state that they are complying with all public health guidelines to be able to appear in a searchable database called Open & Certified Pennsylvania.  Other restrictions on the hospitality industry will still apply. Restaurants must stop selling alcohol at 10 p.m., and bars that don’t offer meal service will remain shut down

The Lycoming County Commissioners voted on a prisoner and case management program at their meeting yesterday, approving GEO Reentry Services 2 to 1 for an annual cost of $69 thousand.  According to the Sun Gazette, the discussion that preceded the vote had Commissioner Rick Mirabito arguing to choose STEP Inc,, a non-profit in Lycoming County who has handled reentry for over 50 years.   Commissioners Scott Metzger and Tony Mussare noted that GEO was more intune with the criminal justice system.

There will be drive thru flu clinics available in Lycoming and surrounding counties this fall.  According to a press release from Geisinger Medical Center, their primary care offices are hosting drive-thru clinics for patients and Geisinger Health Plan members ages 3 and older.  Flu season generally begins in late October and runs through May.  The first event is September 23^rd at the Susquehanna Valley Mall, but the events in our area will take place at the mall in Pennsdale October 31^st and November 1^st from 9am til 2pm

Governor Wolf spoke in Lancaster County yesterday and asked lawmakers to pass the eviction moratorium and makes changes to a statewide rent and mortgage relief program for a second time in a two week period, and that the federal government is making an effort to give some relief.  <<< WOLF ALL RENTERS>>>  He says the program doesn’t go far enough.  The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, which administers the program, said only 1,756 tenants were approved for $3.3 million in rent relief in August.  Wolf said Landlords have been reluctant to participate in the state program and want lawmakers to raise the $750 per month cap and change the program’s cumbersome application process to encourage participation.

A kindergarten class in Danville Area School District was sent home after a positive COVID-19 case was reported. According to media outlets, Superintendent Dr. Ricki Boyle says sending students in that classroom home was done as a precaution while they wait for more specific guidance from the state Department of Health. Dr. Boyle says the students in that kindergarten classroom will be quarantined for 14 days and will now learn through the district’s ‘bridge model hybrid’ with the teacher doing online instruction from the classroom and no students present.

Lycoming County has reported 3 new covid-19 cases as of yesterday at midnight with five hospitalized COVID-19 patients, none are on a ventilator.  According to the PA Department of Health there are 496 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 140,359.  There are 7,791 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 11 new fatalities.

PennDOT is accepting applications  to fund new transportation improvement projects under the Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) through November 6, 2020. According to a press release, officials from PennDOT say the Fund enhances connectivity in the state and allows local projects to benefit all regions and selected based on safety benefits, regional economic conditions, technical and financial feasibility.  Eligible applicants include municipalities, council of governments, business/non-profit organizations, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, public airports, airport authorities, and ports and rail entities. For information, visit www.penndot.gov and choose  Multimodal Program under  “Projects & Programs”

SPORTS
HS Sports
GOLF
Peyton Mussina shot a 37 to leave Montoursville against Williamsport in high school golf, Montoursville winning 163 to 208. Central Mountain’s Peyton Newley lead with a 41 and tied with Lewisburg.
Girls Tennis
Central Mountain blanked Milton five-oh Olivia Anastos and Katie KWIATEK both won – 6-0,6-0.  The Wildcats have a match with Jersey Shore today.

HS FOOTBALL
Bloomsburg’s season opener at Hughesville has been moved to this Saturday (9/12) at 7pm.The game was originally scheduled for Friday, but was pushed back at Bloomsburg’s request.

In the NBA East Semi-finals Game 5 – The Heat over the Bucks 103- 94 Miami winning the series 4-1. Lakers beat the Rockets 112-102 in the West Semi-finals Game 3 LA leads the series 2-1

MLB
In the Twins and Cardinals doubleheader first game, Twins beat the Cardinals 7-3 Cardinals beat the Twins 6-4 in Game 2,  doubleheader for the Phillies and Red Sox, Phillies winning Game 1 6-5, Red Sox over the Phillies 5-2 in Game 2, Nationals beat the Rays 5-3, Royals over the Indians 8-6, A’s beat the Astros 4-2 in their doubleheader Astros beating the A’s in game 2, 5-4, Blue Jays over the Yankees 2-1, Pirates beat the White Sox 5-4, Marlins blanked the Braves 8-nothing, Tigers over  the Brewers 8-3, Orioles thumped the Mets 11-2, Rangers bumped the Angels 7-1, Cubs blanked the Reds 3-nothing, Padres routed the Rockies 14-5, Dodgers edged the Diamondbacks 10-9, Giants over the Mariners 6-5

NHL
West Finals Game 2 – Golden Knights beat the Stars 3-nothing,  series tied up one and one.  Islanders and Lightning play tonight Game two of the East finals at 8pm Tampa Bay leading 1-nothing.

US OPEN Tennis
Two-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka played beat 93rd-ranked Shelby Rogers 6-3, 6-4 in the US Open quarterfinals and set up a semifinal against 28th-seeded Jennifer Brady, a 25-year-old from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania who has never been this far at a major tournament.

Attempted Abduction on Bucknell Campus

Bucknell University sent out a safety alert text message after an attempted abduction took place. A female student was walking along a parking lot near Saint George Street when a dark colored SUV pulled up and tried to forcibly put her in the vehicle before she escaped. After the failed abduction the SUV left the area. According to media outlets the victim described on of the individuals to be a balding middle aged male. The driver could not be seen. The investigation into the matter has not been closed, meaning Lewisburg residents and college students should continue to stay alert for suspicious activity, and avoid walking alone at night.

Man Charged for Retail Theft

John Crawford, a 41 year old male from Harrisburg has been arrested for a misdemeanor count of retail theft after walking out of a Walmart with 193 dollars’ worth of merchandise. According to media outlets Crawford entered the store at 9:20am with a female accomplice before heading to the bathroom, leaving a shopping cart nearby. Security footage showed the woman filling the cart with various items before Crawford came out and tried exiting. When he got to the Walmart checkpoint where he was asked for his receipt, he told the employee that his wife had it. To everyone’s surprise, she did not in fact have a receipt. Police were called later in the day after security footage was reviewed, charges have been filed and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 17^th.

School Bus Accident

Yesterday emergency responders were called in to assist with a Williamsport area school district bus that had veered off road around 8:20am. According to the sun gazette a witness was driving towards the bus before the driver tried maneuvering to the right to allow traffic to pass through. The road was to narrow, and the bus slid off the steep incline into the foliage. The driver sustained minor injuries while the children remained unharmed. The driver was taken by ambulance to UPMC in Williamsport, and the children were picked up by school van and transported to the nurse’s office for examination before class.

Christian School Break In

A 19 year old jersey shore man has been charged with 7 offenses stemming from a break in. According to media outlets Dartagnan Zuback and 2 juveniles broke into walnut street Christian school twice between august 15^th and 16^th. Pine Creek Township opened an investigation where eventually Zuback was brought in for questioning on august 17^th where he was found responsible for the break in along with having a sexual relationship with one of the minors. He is currently facing multiple charges including corruption of a minor, burglary, criminal conspiracy, theft by unlawful taking and multiple counts of institutional vandalism.

Sport

MLB

Mike Trout of the Angels hit his 300th career home run in the first game of a doubleheader against the Houston Astros on Saturday, surpassing Tim Salmon for the franchise record at just 29 years old.

NFL

Free-agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney has reunited with the titans head coach Mike Vrabel telling Tennessee Titan officials that he plans to sign with them and is expected to travel to Nashville soon.

MOUNT CARMEL SCHOOLS GO ALL ONLINE
The Mount Carmel school district is going all online classes after more students tested positive for the coronavirus, starting today until September 17^th. The school district plans on cleaning all facilities completely before the students are allowed to return.  There will be a reassessing of the protocols in two weeks.  This decision means school extracurriculars are postponed through September 11th, including the Mount Carmel – Southern Columbia football game.

REPRIEVE FOR WATER CUSTOMERS
Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority will allow another month of reprieve for customers who are having trouble paying their water bill.  According to the Sun Gazette, administrators at the Authority say that they have been issuing the relief each month since the pandemic began, but may have to revisit the policy and reinstate the bills in October.  The office remains closed due to pandemic conditions, but customers can been seen by appointment.

WILLIAMSPORT POLICE SEEKING VANDALISM SUSPECT
The Williamsport police are seeking the public’s help in identifying those who spray painted graffiti on signs at Memorial Park as well as on the Memorial Bridge on West Fourth Street. The Williamsport Police chief said they are continuing their investigation. According to the Sun Gazette, members of the city’s Streets and Parks Department removed the graffiti from the bridge and city property.

LABOR DAY TRAVEL
Labor day travel is reportedly down this year according to AAA.  But experts say more people could be on Pennsylvania’s highways this weekend than we saw on Memorial Day. Americans were expected to take about 707 million trips between July 1 and September 30, compared to 857 million for the same period of time in 2019. It’s the first drop off since 2009.  Ninety seven percent of travelers are driving with many staying closer to home, which will have them on the road.

COVID-19 UPDATE:
There are seven new coronavirus cases in Lycoming County for a total in the county of 538 According to the PA Department of Health.  Lycoming County has eight hospitalized COVID-19 patients, one is on a ventilator. There are an additional 1,160 positive cases of the virus, bringing the statewide total to 136,711. 20 new deaths were reported with a total  7,732 fatalities from COVID-19. The percentage of recovered cases today is 82 percent

TRAFFIC STOP YIELDS DRUGS
The south Williamsport police department made a traffic stop August 13^th  that resulted in the discovery of heroin, firearms other drugs.  According to North Central PA,  police stopped 25 year old Antonio L. Carpenter of Highspire in a black Audi with dark window tint, finding that he didn’t have a license.  The passenger, 22 year old Alshameer A. Patterson revealed to police he had marijuana on his person.  Police searched the car and found two guns, a suspected brick of heroin and large sums of cash.  Carpenter and Patterson were each charged with various counts of felony possession of firearms and drug charges.

ANOTHER PHONE SCAM
The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania courts is warning the public about a recent phone scam. A spoof caller, with a number that looks legitimate, will call posing as a relative needing funds for bail, fines or court expenses but according to the APOC they will never place calls asking for a transfer of funds. If you do receive that type of a call do not share any information and notify your state or local police department immediately or email the attorney general [email protected]

HALLOWEEN PARADE CANCELLED
The Northumberland Halloween parade that was scheduled for October 28 has been canceled. According to a news release from the Northumberland Borough Council, the decision was based on the fact that other municipalities have canceled their attendance, with concerns about social distancing during the event.  Trick-or-treating in Northumberland is still scheduled for October 31 from 6 to 8 PM

FUNDS NEEDED FOR COMMUNITY CENTER
The Danville community center could close their doors in less than a month without much needed funds.  Administrators there said they are looking for community support after the nonprofit center was closed for three months because of COVID-19, reopening in June with only half of its members coming back.  If you would like to help the Danville community center in Montour County contact DHCC.activityreg.com.

SPORTS
Raptors beat the Celtics 104-103 in the East Semi-finals Game 3 – Boston leading that series 2-1, Clippers beat the Nuggets 120-97 in the West Semi-finals game one

MLB
Pirates beat the Cubs 6-2, Astros beat the Rangers 8-4, Phillies beat the Nationals 65, Mets over the Yankees 9-7, Angels beat the Padres 2-nothing, Blue Jays beat the Red Sox 6-2, White Sox over the Royals 11-6, Dodgers beat the Diamondbacks 5-1, and A’s and Mariners is postponed.

NHL
Flyers beat the Islanders 5-4 in the East 2^nd Round Game 6, Series tied 3-3, Canucks over the Golden Knights 4-nothing, in the West 2^nd Round Game 6 their series tied 3-3.  Playoff today, game sevens  for Stars – Avalanche @ four today and Canucks – Golden Knights @ 9 PM in the West second round