WILLIAMSPORT SCHOOL ADJUST REOPENING PLAN
Williamsport School district has made a few changes to their reopening plan after considering parents’ concerns following last month’s school board meeting .  According to the Sun Gazette, Williamsport Area School District Superintendent Dr. Timothy Bowers said students will receive 5 days of new instruction as an in-person student or as remote hybrid student.  Williamsport schools are holding town meetings for each of their schools this week, you can find the schedule of ZOOM virtual meetings at wasd.org.

WILLIAMSPORT REGIONAL STARTS SERVICE TO CHARLOTTE
The Williamsport Regional Airport began their direct service yesterday to Charlotte North Carolina with maiden flight recognition that included a rainbow affect from a water cannon salute over the tarmack.  According to the Sun Gazette airport director Richard Howell said the direct flight to Charlotte – one of the 10 busiest airports worldwide – satisfies customers who don’t want to go through Philadelphia.  Williamsport Regional offers two outgoing and two returning flights per day to Charlotte Douglas International.

JUDGE CALLS 23 YEAR OLD IMMATURE IN MANSLAUGHTER SENTENCING
The 23 year old woman who pled no contest to involuntary manslaughter in the August 2018 death of her boyfriend after she was charged with running him over twice in a driveway, was sentenced to two and a half to 5 years in state prison Tuesday in Lycoming County Court.  According to court records, the prosecution says the accused, Fallon Mae Davis and 25 year old Luke Austin Beatty were drunk and arguing outside a home, when Beatty stood in front of Davis’ vehicle and she accelerated, hitting Beatty at first trapping him under the engine and then backing over him – she then called a friend instead of 911.  According to PennLive, the judge suggested Davis was immature.  In pleading no contest, Davis does not accept responsibility for the crime. Judge Nancy Butts said it is the maximum sentence for the charge.

MOTHER CHARGED WITH CORRUPTING MINORS
A Williamsport mother has been arrested for allowing her three children – ages 7 to 11 – to smoke  marijuana.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say 31 year old Rebecca Rittman encouraged her children smoke the drug between July and early August in her Hepburn Township home.  Police say the Chilren and youth department received a tiup about the behavior and after an investigation police charged Rittman with three felony child endangerment charges as well as corrupting the morals of a minor.  She’ll have a preliminary hearing September 2^nd.

COVID-19 UPDATE
There are 8 new cases of the coronavirus in Lycoming County for a county wide total of 452 since the pandemic began.  At this time, there are four COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Lycoming County, but none on are ventilators.  As of yesterday there are 735 additional positive cases in Pennsylvania for a total of 125,579.  Philadelphia reported 208 cases – a two-day total for August 17 and August 18.Thirty one new deaths were reported in the state for a total of 7,499

YELLING SUNBURY MAN WITH RIFLE FIRED SHOTS, WAS ARRESTED
A man in Sunbury has been arrested and charged with a third degree felony gun charge, and four misdemeanor counts of recklessly endangering another person.  According to police, 21 year old James Glessner was at a home on Arch street Tuesday and witnesses observed gunshots and Glessner walking around outside with a rifle yelling.  Police were called and sereached the home where they found other firearms and ammo.  Glessner was taken into custody.

TIOGA COUNTY DETOUR LIFTED
According to Penn DOT, the Route 6 detour in Delmar Township, Tioga County is lifted and the roadway is now open. There will still be work performed during daylight hours with single lane conditions and traffic being controlled with flagging. Both lanes of Route 6 will be open during overnight hours. Truck detours will still be in place for Route 287 and Route 6 will use Route 362 / 660 and Route 287. The bridge project spans a tributary to Marsh Creek is located one mile north of Wellsboro and one mile south of the intersection of Route 287 and Route 6.

UNEMPLOYMENT HIRES COULD HELP PENNSYLVANIA BACKLOG

According to Pennsylvania labor officials, there will be a doubling of unemployment compensation staff and about 100 hires planned to tackle the backlog of jobless benefit claims that are under review.  According to the Sun Gazette, in a weekly press briefing, Secretary of the State Labor Department, Jerry Oleksiak, said the number of claims under review approach 49 thousand and that the federal provision of $300 a week is a temporary solution which needs a different kind of distribution than they have done.  As they hire and train new workers, State officials are reviewing all the updated federal guidance to distribute funds to Pennsylvanians.

SPORTS
NBA
First round continues in the east Magic beat the Bucks 122-110, Heat over the Pacers 113 to 101,  In the west, Rockets beat Thunder 123-108 and the Trailblazers beat the Lakers 100 – 93
MLB
Astros beat the Rockies in 11 innings 2-1, Giants beat the Angels 8-2, Padres over the Rangers 6-4, Diamondbacks routed the A’s 10 one, Rays over the Yankees 6-3, Indian beat the Pirates 6-3, Nationals over the Braves 8-5, Dodgers over  the Mariners 2-1, Mets beat the Marlins 8-3, Phillies thumped the Red Sox 13-6, Blue Jays edged the Orioles 8-7, White Sox over the Tigers 10-4, Twins beat the Brewers 4-3, Cubs over the Cardinals 6-3, Reds and Royals postponed due to illness
NHL
First round game in the East, Flyers over the Canadians 2-nothing – Philly leading 3-1, Capitals beat the Islanders 3-2 in Game 4 – New York leading 3-1.  West Game 5 Stars beat the flames 2-1 Dallas leading the series 3-2, Golden knights wrapped it up in Game 5 winning over the Blackhawks 4-3 – Vegas wins the series 4-1

NFL
The Dallas Cowboys have released defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who had season-ending surgery on his ruptured right quadriceps tendon Tuesday, and will save $3.25 million in 2020.  McCoy will be allowed to keep his $3 million signing bonus, but not his $2.5 million base salary, or $750,000 in roster bonuses.

LOCAL LEGISLATORS  SUPPORT BILL ABOUT SCHOOL SPORTS
A House Bill to allow local school districts more say in the decision making process of athletics and extracurricular activities, is being supported by local legislators after the Wolf Administration recommended school sports not resume until January 2021.  State Representatives Jeff Wheeland of Loyalsock and Garth Everett of Muncy told the Sun Gazette that they would support House Bill 2787 so that local schools can judge the best environment to hold fall sports.  This bill along with 2788 supports families who may want to continue their child’s education in order to make up for the loss of instruction and competition

SHOOTING VICTIM HOSPITALIZED
State police in Milton arrested a Muncy man after he allegedly shot another man in the abdomen early Sunday morning.   Troopers are investigating reports of the two men who were near the I-180, Route 54 intersection in Delaware Township arguing in a car, until Zachary Johns of Muncy exited the vehicle and fired a shot, injuring 57 year old Steven Burns.  Johns is in Northumberland Count Prison after being arraigned on aggravated assault, making terroristic threats and other charges.  No word on Burns condition this morning.

LEBANON COUNTY AGREE TO PLAN TO RECEIVE FEDERAL FUNDS
In a legal settlement with the Wolf administration, Lebanon County has agreed to launch a 2.8 million dollar mask-wearing campaign in their region in order to receive 12.8 million in federal coronavirus relief.   Funding had been blocked after the GOP controlled Board of Commissioners in Lebanon defied the governor’s shut-down order, reopening anyway on May 15, leading to a doubling of coronavirus cases and keeping the county in the yellow phase when the rest of the state had gone green.  Lebanon County commissioners released a statement urging residents of Lebanon County to follow the Wolf Administration’s recommended practices.

TOWN HALL MEETINGS FOR WILLIAMSPORT SCHOOLS
Williamsport area schools have announced virtual town hall meetings for each school in the district so that parents can ask questions about the upcoming school year.  The ZOOM meetings will begin Monday with Stevens Primary meeting at 4pm and Curtin Elementary’s meeting at 6pm.  The other dates and times this week for each school is listed on the home page at the district website at wasd.org.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE IN LYCOMING COUNTY
As of yesterday at midnight there are 2 new cases of the corona virus reported in Lycoming County according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.  There are 26 new cases in Northumberland County and 14 new cases in Union County.  The federal prison at Lewisburg has no new cases; but they report a total of 59 inmates and three staff members who either have, or have recovered. There are three COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Lycoming County, none on are ventilators.  In Pennsylvania, 660 additional positive cases of COVID-19 were reported as of yesterday, bringing the statewide total to 124,460.

ATTEMPTED BANK ROBBERY IN MONTOURSVILLE
A Montoursville man has been arrested after attempting to rob a local bank on Saturday.  According to the Sun Gazette, Montoursville Borough Police said a bank employee identified 31 year old Timothy Maddox, as the man who came to the M&T Bank’s drive-up window demanding 500 thousand dollars.  Maddox reportedly fled the scene directly after he handed over the note to the teller, and was apprehended a short time afterwards.  No word on whether Maddox had a firearm.

A Penn State University student from Fresh Meadows New York faces felony computer fraud charges as well as more than 15 misdemeanor counts of identity theft after it was discovered he defrauded a business for free pizza.  According to North Central PA dot com, 20 year old Nick Zhang will be in Centre County court this week for allegedly falsifying data and stealing points from other people’s Dominos’s pizza reward accounts via computer worth about 180 dollars.  Police say during a digital review, incriminating text messages from the defendant were found where he admitted his involvement.

According to USA Today Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg has made number 7 in 2020 USA Today Readers’ Choice 10 Best Amusement Parks.. Knoebels also enjoys accolades as the number one Park in Pennsylvania and the number one Park in the Northeast. The Phoenix won the number three spot for Best Roller Coaster in the U.S. and is also the highest-rated wooden roller coaster on the list.  Knoebels Amusement Resort will be open daily through Labor Day and on weekends in September.

SPORTS

MLB
The Rays and the Blue Jays resumed their doubleheader that was postponed due to rain Rays beat the Blue Jays 3-2 in Game 1, Rays beat the Blue Jays 7-5 in Game 2 in 8 innings, Indians over the Tigers 8-5, Nationals edged the Orioles 6-5, Phillies over the Mets 6-2, Braves blanked the Marlins 4-nothing, White Sox over the Cardinals 7-2, Astros beat Mariners 3-2, Twins beat the Royals 4-2, Brewers beat the Cubs 6-5, Rockies over the Rangers 10-6, A’s stomped the Giants 15-3, Diamondbacks over the Padres 5-4, Dodgers beat the Angels 8-3, Yankees beat the Red Sox 4-2, Pirates and Reds were postponed

NASCAR Chase Elliott won Sunday’s NASCAR cup series race on the road course of Daytona holding off Denny Hamlin on the final lap. Martin Truex Jr. was third and seven time series champion Jimmie Johnson was 4th
Ryan Newman finished 19th but returned to the scene of his horrible crash last year and thanked the safety workers over the radio in the control tower before the race started for their effort that allowed him to race this year.

NHL
New York Islanders beat the Capitals 2-1 leading the series now in the east 3-nothing.  Flyers beat the Canadiens 1-nothing in game three – Philly leads the series 2-1, in the west Game 4; the Blackhawks beat the Golden Knights 3-1 – Vegas leads the series 3-4, Blues beat the Canucks 3-2 in Overtime in their Game 3; Vancouver still leading the series 2-1,  in overtime Game 4 for the Stars beat Flames 5-4 – their series is tied to 2.

NBA
1^st Round of the NBA post season begins today for the East with Nets and Raptors, 76’ers and Celtics; and for the West 1^st Round – Mavericks and Clippers, Jazz and Nuggets playing in Orlando, Florida.

Loyalsock Township Schools will be back to school August 31^st for 5 days a week for in-person instruction.  In a virtual meeting Wednesday, Superintendent Gerald McLaughlin said they will follow the plan submitted to the school board July 29^th and modify the plan as necessary.  New recommendations were given this week for schools reopening by Governor Wolf, and in a moderate designation of covid-19 transmission, a hybrid model is the suggestion for schools in Lycoming County.  McLaughlin said masks will be mandatory while in school buildings, and also that Loyalsock student athletes are doing pre-season workouts while the district awaits a decision from the PIAA about fall sports.

A man from Shamokin was arrested for numerous counts of use and possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia after police responded to reports that he was running around a fast food parking lot in Snyder County causing a disturbance. According to Norht Central PA dot com, on July 19^th Brandon J. Weikel had run in front of vehicles in a KFC parking lot in Shamokin Dam while allegedly high on methamphetamine and the management ther asked him to leave.  Selinsgrove state police arrived when the man would not comply.  Weikel was also charged with public drinkenss , he’ll face a preliminary hearing next week in Selinsgrove.

A Princeton, New Jersey man has been charged with agricultural vandalism in Centre County, according to North Central PA dot com, 62 year old Joe K. Payne, Jr., allegedly used a skid steer to cut a portion of state forest road and dump it on public land near Ingeleby Road in Haines Township this spring. A foresting survey turned up damage that was investigated.  Payne was also charged with criminal mischief and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on August. 19.

Penn State University who originally said students on campus would assume any and all risk of COVID-19 which some media outlets criticized as extreme, has reversed course. In a statement from the school,  Penn State will provide an alternate legal agreement that students must sign regarding the coronavirus before returning to campus as a second option with modified language, while still acknowledging a student’s personal risk of being on campus amid the pandemic.  Penn State says it will hold half of its fall semester classes with at least some in-person instruction for almost 100,000 students enrolled.

There are 15 new cases of coronavirus reported in Lycoming County for a total of 426 cases according to the PA Department of Health.  There are 11 new Northumberland County cases for a total there of 524.  In Union County there were no new cases for a county total of 276 since the pandemic, but at USP Lewisburg there are still 18 active inmate cases and two active staff member cases. In hotspot counties for the state Allegheny County reports an increase of 114 cases and Philadelphia County has an increase of 192 cases of COVID-19.  Statewide, there are 991 additional positive cases for a total over 122 thousand.

A man who already was out on bail for speeding and a DUI last May, was involved in an accident in Liberty Township a month later and fled the scene.  According to North Central PA dot com, State Police who responded to an injury accident along Railroad street found the operator of one of the vehicles not present.  Police determined the driver of a blue 2010 Nissan Altima who was involved to be Michael Karichner of Mill Hall, he now faces new charges including driving with a suspended license.  He’ll be in court again October 7^th.

Following the deaths of two people involved in a traffic accident last Tuesday in Montour County, the Coroner’s Office  there is investigating. The accident happened  at the intersection of State Route 54 and State Route 44 in Limestone Township near Milton. According to WNEP, Margaret Smith from the Williamsport area, who was being driven by Ward Bennett when he failed to stop and hit another vehicle, died from her injuries Thursday afternoon.  Authorities say Sandra Hoffman was driving the other car and also passed away Thursday from her injuries.

PPL is reminding customers who still may need help with their utility bill that the federal government Low income home energy assistance program is still available through August 31^st or whenever the funds are exhausted.  According to the Sun Gazette, the federal government is working with electric companies and ither utility companies to assist families struggling with their bills at this time.  A link to see if you’re eligible for the assistance is available here.

SPORTS
MLB
Mets beat the Nationals 8-2, Orioles over the Phillies 11-4, Rays stomped the Red Sox 17-8, Pirates over the Reds 9-6, Cubs over the Brewers 4-2, Dodgers thumped the Padres 11-2, the doubleheader between the Cardinals and the Tigers was postponed

NBA
Wizards over the Celtics 96-90, Kings beat the Lakers 136-122, Grizzlies beat the Bucks 119-106, Suns beat the Mavericks 128-102, Jazz over the Spurs 118-112, Trailblazers got past the Nets 134 to 133, Magic over the Pelicans 133 to 127

NHL
East 1^st Round game 2 – Blue Jackets beat Lightning 3-1, and Hurricanes beat the Bruins 3-2, Golden Knights beat Blackhawks in the West first round in overtime game 2, 4-3, and Stars over Flames 5-4

NCAA
NCAA president Mark Emmert said Thursday there won’t be fall NCAA championships because there are not enough schools participating due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic — a decision that affects 22 championships, including FCS football. The number of schools fell below 50% on Wednesday when the Big East announced its fall sports wouldn’t be played.

A Sunbury man has been remanded to the Northumberland County Jail for a series of charges, including attempted murder.  According to the Daily Item, State police in Stonington say there was an argument over a family member between Benton Ross and Brian Cunningham last Sunday  morning.  Allegedly,  Ross shot Cunningham in the right foot with a Glock .45, attempted to strangle and threatened to kill him on the property at Mile Post Road.  Cunningham was treated at Geisinger in Danville for the gunshot.  Ross appeared in Sunbury District court yesterday and is jailed under $250k cash bail.

Six staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 out of the 33 who were tested at the Williamsport Bureau of Fire.  According to the SUN Gazette, administrators from the bureau said in a news releases that no one who tested positive was currently working and they are following guidance from the Department of Health on return-to-work procedures.  The Bureau of Fire continues to  current practices for on-duty personnel that have been in place since March, are in accordance with the CDC guidelines.

The Jersey Shore Area School District livestreamed their school board meeting last night and say they continue to closely monitor the latest guidance from the state to help districts determine plans to reopen classrooms for the fall.  According to Dr. Brian Ulmer, superintendent, said the district will send communication out regarding the new guidance, and families are urged to make their opinions and preferences known for reopening schools. Parents who have not taken the survey should on this second round of communication.

There is an official announcement expected today but Penn State football may be facing a canceled season. The Detroit Free Press says the decision has already been made, but according to the Centre Daily Times, the Nittany Lions practiced Monday .  Just four days after the Big Ten released its revised football schedule for the fall,  the Atlantic Coastal Conference, the Big 12, the Big Ten, the Pac-12, and the Southeastern conference will decide today officially whether football will be played in the spring.

Temperature checks are now required for those who want to enter the Lycoming County Courthouse.  In a press release out of Lycoming County, potential Jurors, Courthouse visitors, and employees must have the screening after an August 6^th order released by the 29^th Judicial District required it.  A person with a temperature over 100.4 will be directed to wait within the Courthouse lobby for a secondary screening and from there, a Sheriff’s Deputy will then advise on next steps.  Masks are still required to be worn within any county government facility as well.

There has been a total of 400 COVID-19 cases in Lycoming County with 9 new cases reported as of yesterday at midnight according to the PA Department of Health There are three COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Lycoming County – but none of those patients are on ventilators at this time. There are 9 new cases in Northumberland County, also for a total there of 475.  Union County has 13 new cases for a total of 238 residents who have contracted the virus.   Overall there are 601 additional positive cases of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, bringing the statewide total to 119,453.

US Customs Officials are seizing shipments of thousands of counterfeit or unapproved COVID-19 medications, facemasks and test kits that are bound for Mid-Atlantic states, including Pennsylvania. According to North Central PA dot com, officers at the Area Port of Washington, D.C. seized pills including Hydroxychloroquine sulfate, counterfeit N95 masks and unapproved test kits during the last two weeks Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, and the Ports of Harrisburg.  The products arrived from Ghana, Hong Kong, Kenya, Mexico, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.  The case is under investigation.

A rolling roadblock that was scheduled to take place this week on north and southbound  Route 15 in Liberty Township, Tioga County will be rescheduled until next Tuesday August 18^th . The contractor, First Light, will work pulling a fiber optic cable across the highway between mile markers 167 and 168, near the Sebring Exit between the hours of 9am and 12pm.  The interstate will be shut down for about 15 minutes

SPORTS
MLB
Phillies beat the Braves 13-8, Tigers over the White Sox 5-1, nationals stomped the Mets 1-4, Rays edged the Red Sox 8-7, Twins beat the Brewers 4-2, Diamondbacks over the Rockies 12-8, Astros beat the Giants 6-4, Mariners over the Rangers 10-2, Angels over the A’s 10-9, Padres beat the Dodgers 2-1, Pirates and Cardinals were postponed

NBA
Lakers beat the Nuggets 124 to 121 in a game-winning three-pointer with point four seconds left on the clock, Suns beat Thunder 128 to 101, Mavericks over Jazz 122 to 114, Raptors beat the Bucks 114 to 106, Heat over Pacers 114 to 92

NHL
East First Round Game 1- in Toronto, Blue Jackets vs. Lightning at 3 PM and Hurricanes vs the Bruins at 8pm, West First Round in Edmonton,  Flames vs Stars at 5:30 PM and Blackhawks vs Golden Knights at 10:30 PM

Williamsport Area School District Drafts New Resolution

The Williamsport Area School district has implemented a resolution that allows them to be more flexible with local government, allowing them to switch between phases in their reopening plan. According to the sun gazette Superintendent Dr Timothy Bowers Said that this resolution fives them the authority to move very quickly if things change. This means in the event where a particular county orders schools to shut down they’d be able to do that without holding an emergency meeting. The shutdown could occur if The PA department of health’s data deems necessary.

NYC Scammer Arrested

A scammer based out of new York city was arrested by the Lycoming county police department. Earlier in the week he had made several calls to residents in the Williamsport area claiming to be the Lycoming county police department, where he stated he had a warrant for their arrest. He would then get his victims to send money through the mail, or threaten incarceration. The police arrested him outside of a home in Montoursville where he was picking up a package sent from Massachusetts full of cash. While this one scammer has been arrested, the Lycoming county police department released a statement on their Facebook page stating that their could be more out there, and to be wary of suspicious calls.

Lycoming County Court House Temp. Checkpoints

City buildings are following suit with local hospitals on August 10^th by implementing temperature screening checkpoints at the Lycoming County Court House entrance due to the current COVID-19 situation. An order dated August 6, 2020, says that temperature screening is required for all persons (potential Jurors, Courthouse visitors, and employees) entering the Courthouse. Anyone whose temperature is higher than 100.4 will be denied entry and an officer will  instruct those scheduled to appear on next steps.

PIAA Postpones Sports

The PIAA decided to delay the start of fall sports until Aug. 24 in order to discuss in further detail the future of local sports with the governor’s office. This decision was made by the PIAA after a recommendation from Gov Tom Wolf Thursday recommending that sports be suspended until January 1^st. The PIAA did meet Thursday afternoon shortly after Wolf’s remarks, but there was no statewide decision made and the meeting scheduled on Friday resulted in the announcement of the 2-week delay.

Sports

MLB

The tally for Fridays games are in. Orioles beat the Nationals 11-nothing, Rays beat the Yankees 1-nothing, Tigers beat the Pirates 17-13, Marlins beat the Metz 4-3, Red Sox over the Blue Jays 5-3, Royals beat the Twins 3-2, White sox over the Indians 2-nothing, Reds beat the Brewers 8-3, Rangers beat the Angels 4-3, A’s beat the Astros 3-2, Padres over the Diamondbacks 3-nothing, Dodgers beat the Giants 7-2, Rockies over the Mariners 8-4, Braves and Phillies were postponed for weather and the the Cubs and Cardinals were postponded due to a positive Coronavirus test.

A former director of communications for the Los Angeles Angels, has been charged by the Drug Enforcement Agency with illegally supplying drugs to pitcher Tyler Skaggs, who died in a hotel room in Texas last year. If convicted he faces 20 years in prison.

NBA

In the NBA Spurs beat Jazz 119 to 111, Nets over kings 119 to 106, pe;icans beat wizards 118 to 107, grizzlies over thunder 121 to 92, 76ers over magic 108 to 101, and Celtics beat the raptors 122 to 100

NFL

The Washington Football Team released running back Derrius Guice on Friday night, less than two hours after he was arrested on domestic violence charges in Loudoun County, Virginia.