BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 28, 2020

Families in the Jersey Shore Area School District can expect a chance to see the school’s health and safety plan on the district website now after the school board there approved the proposed plan 9-0 last night during their virtual meeting. According to the Sun Gazette, district superintendent, Dr. Brian Ulmer said the type of reopening based on Lycoming and Clinton counties’ green designation, is for the total reopening of the schools but with the option for distance learning for some students and families with schools to open August 27th. Procedures for monitoring student and staff health are also a part of the plan.  Parents are being asked to choose which option – in-person, totally remote or a hybrid model – they desire for their child.

Police have identified the man who lost control of his Ford Ranger truck and landed in Lycoming Creek last Thursday.  According to the Sun Gazette, 58 year old Ronald Winkleman of Mill Hall was pulled from his truck by first responders after going into about 5 feet of water at the 3900 block of Lycoming Creek Road. Winkleman was transported to UPMC Williamsport in stable condition.

One city employee in Sunbury tested positive for COVID-19 and now Sunbury’s
M & T building is closed to the public for sanitizing.  According to the Daily Item, Sunbury Police Chief Brad Hare said the police are working from their cruisers and 911 is still available to residents who need police response. The shut down effects  the police department building, City Hall, the community pool, the streets department and also cancelled Monday night’s council meeting.

The Williamsport city police pension board has approved by an 8 to 0 vote, a drop-pension program for police chief Damon Hagan and two officers, Officer Debra Wasilauski and Capt. Donald Mayes  who is no longer with the city, during their virtual meeting this week.  A drop pension program allows for employees eligible to retire, to earn some benefits while continuing to work.  According to the Sun Gazette, the current pension calculations have yet to be obtained by a state-right to know request.

Police are continuing an investigation into a July 17th shooting on Hepburn Street in Williamsport.  According to the SUN Gazette, police say a 25 year old Philadelphia man was allegedly shot by his girlfriend after he refused to leave her apartment about 10pm.  The victim in the shooting was taken to UPMC Williamsport and the woman was questioned by police.  Officers said they questioned the woman and later released her with no charges filed in the case, also no word on the condition of the shooting victim as of today.

The City of Williamsport has settled a dispute with Lundy Construction after final payment for work done was delayed.  According to the Sun Gazette, Lundy completed a game-viewing deck project worth over $900 thousand along the first-base line at Bowman Field in 2017 and in accordance with the contract documents and specifications completed the work and requested a final payment from the previous city administration.     Former city finance director and ex-general manager of River Valley Transit, William E. Nichols Jr, previously told the Sun Gazette that he offered execs at Lundy membership and rides for the employees on the Hiawatha. According to Mayor Derek Slaughter, the parties resolved the dispute by working out a donation to the Hiawatha in return for the remaining $6 thousand payment amount.

Those motorists who travel north central Pennsylvania are reminded that the restrooms at the Interstate 80 westbound and eastbound rest areas in Montour County will be closed on Wednesday, July 29 for tank flushing and related water testing. According to a press release from PennDOT, The restrooms will be closed from approximately 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., but the parking areas will remain open.

Lock Haven University announced the decision to move to a mostly remote learning environment for the fall 2020 semester with limited exceptions and limited on-campus residency. This is a revision of earlier announced plans, which planned more face-to-face instruction and a semi-traditional on campus experience.  In a press release, Dr. Robert Pignatello, LHU president, said that bringing the entire campus community back – approximately 3,500 students, faculty and staff is too risky.  More information will be provided to students through their campus email. A hotline has been established for questions at 570-484-3700 available from 8am-6pm beginning today. The university’s COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions have been updated and can be viewed at www.lockhaven.edu.

.SPORTS
MLB
Commissioner Rob Manfred said he believes that MLB’s health protocols are working, despite an outbreak of COVID-19 among the Miami Marlins.  The Marlins had at least 11 players and two coaches test positive over the past few days, forcing the postponement of both Monday’s and Tuesday’s home games against the Baltimore Orioles. The team remained in Philadelphia, where testing results should be in today.  Pending the results, the Marlins are scheduled to resume play Wednesday in Baltimore.

Last night scores – The A’s beat the Angels three nothing, Padres over the Diamondbacks 6-2, Blue Jays over the Washington Nationals 4-1, Cubs beat the Reds 8-7, Rays beat the Braves 14-5, Brewers over the Pirates 6-5, KC Royals over the Tigers 14-6, Astros beat the Mariners 8-5, Mets beat the Red Sox 7-4, Yankees and Phillies, and the Orioles and Marlins games were postponed due to illness, White Sox & Indians game postponed due to rain.

NFL
The Philadelphia Eagles have paid tribute to the late Kobe Bryant with a memorial wall at their practice facility. The mural has three images of Bryant: one from his playing days at Lower Merion High School, one as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers and one in an Eagles uniform featured with “Kobe’s 10 Rules”.  Bryant was born in Philadelphia and returned to the area during his middle school years after some time overseas and was a big Eagles fan.

NFL
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent a letter to fans outlining the league’s plans to play during the coronavirus pandemic.  As veterans begin reporting to training camps this week, Goodell wrote that the league’s planning has followed the lead of medical experts and public health officials, including the CDC, the White House Task Force, governors and state health officials, and that safety remains paramount as players return to the field. The league and the players’ union reached agreement on a plan last Friday, after all preseason games were canceled.

Chicago plays at Cleveland, New York goes to Philadelphia, Toronto is in Washington, Chicago at Cincinnati, Atlanta goes to Tampa Bay, Milwaukee is in Pittsburgh, Chicago goes to Cleveland, Kansas City in Detroit, New York in Boston, St. Louis at Minnesota, Arizona plays Texas, LA plays Houston, Seattle is in Los Angeles to play the Angels, Colorado Rockies play the A’s, San Diego at San Francisco , and Baltimore at Miami is postponed

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 27, 2020

MAN THREATENS SELF-HARM AND OTHERS
Police responded to an incident Sunday afternoon in which a man was threatening self harm and also threatening to shoot anyone who came in to the home.  According to The Daily Item, the unidentified man told officers from Coal, Rapho, and Zerbe Townships, Shamokin, Mount Carmel as well as Stonington State police that he had a gun and that he would shoot all who were outside the West Walnut street home.  Police eventually entered the home without incident and the man was arrested with charges pending.  Police continue an investigation.

DEMONSTRATIONS OVER LGBTQ, BLM AND CONFEDERATE FLAG THIS WEEKEND
Demonstrations continued throughout the weekend in the Susquehanna valley with several groups of dozens of ‘mostly’ peaceful demonstrators coming together on corners of streets of Mifflinburg.  According to North Central PA dot com, an anti- LGBTQ sign in a storefront began a demonstration Sunday in which local community members supported both sides.  Black Lives Matter groups as well as residents with Confederate flags were involved in the day.  There are reports that Mifflinburg police had one incident where they broke up a fight between protesters.  The union County Sheriff was also on the scene.

WILLIAMPSORT LIBRARY GETS DIGITAL NEWSPAPER ARCHIVE
Thanks to a grant in funding from the First Community Foundation Partnership the James V Brown Library in Williamsport has made a complete digital version of local newspaper archives available online According to the Sun Gazette, administrators from the library say the $169 thousand grant and local gifts plus support from the Lycoming County Genealogical Society provides the microfilm of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette and its predecessors, the Grit, and other local publications, which cover from 1807 to the present.  An internal database, allows access to content including copyrighted content, but can be accessed over the library’s IP address.  https://jvbrowninternal.advantage-preservation.com

DANVILLE HALLOWEEN EVENT CANCELLED
The Danville Halloween Parade Committee has recently announced the cancellation of the event due to Covid-19. They stated o their Facebook page that everyone in the committee is saddened by the choice they had to make, but said due to the ever changing circumstances it was the best choice. They also stated that they look forward to seeing everyone in 2021.

MAN ARRESTED AFTER BEING STOPPED IN STOLEN TRUCK
Selinsgrove state police say they pulled a Beavertown man over while he was driving a vehicle which was reported stolen from the Middleburg area earlier in the day.  According to North Central PA dot com, the investigating officer located the trick, a 2003 Ford F250 Supercab along State Route 104 on June 26th , and stopped 55 year old Douglas Klugh, who was allegedly under the influence with methamphetamine in his possession. Police say there is an ongoing investigation.

UPDATE ON MAN WHO SHOT FORMER WIFE, FRIEND, IN PARKING LOT
The man who is accused of shooting and killing his former wife and her friend earlier this month at a restaurant parking lot near Selinsgrove has requested a change of attorney  which will delay his preliminary hearing scheduled for today.  According to media outlets Christopher Fernanders of Paxinos, is accused of killing 46-year-old Heather Campbell of Trevorton and 52-year-old Matthew Bowersox of Mifflinburg July 10 and was shot by a bystander who retaliated after Fernanders was fleeing the scene. Fernsanders has recently been upgraded to critical condition from serious condition upon his arrival after the incident.

MONEY TAKEN FROM BANK ACCOUNT, UNDER INVESTIGATION
There is an investigation underway in Snyder County in which police say an unnamed person took money from the joint bank account of a man and woman from Monroe Township.  State police say a total of $17 thousand was taken from the account between July 14 and July 21st.  If anyone happens to have information about the case, please contact someone in the Snyder county case.

PIG ROAST TO HELP MUNCY MAN INJURED BY COW
There will be a pig roast will be taking place this Saturday, August 1st in honor of a man named Harley “Chubby” Fry who was injured by a cow and is currently being treated for a spinal cord injury.  He was treated by doctors at Geisinger medical center in Danville and is currently doing therapy at a rehab center. The Pig roast will be raising money for chubby to equip him with the necessary tools his rehabilitation requires of him at home. The event will be held in Muncy. For additional information on how to purchase tickets visit Facebook under Harley “Chubby” Fry Pig Roast Benefit.

 

SPORTS
MLB
Marlins beat the Phillies 11 to 6, Yankees over Nationals 3-2, Tigers beat the Reds 3-2, Indians over the Kansas City Royals 9-2, Tampa Bay Rays beat the Blue Jays 6-5, Orioles over the Red Sox 7-4, Twins beat the White Sox 14-2, Mariners over the Astros 7-6, Pirates beat the Cardinals 5-1, Cubs beat the Brewers 9-1, Rockies over the Rangers 5-2, A’s win over the Angels 6-4, Diamondbacks beat the Padres 4-3, Braves beat the Mets 14 -1, Giants over the Dodgers 3-1

Four Miami Marlins players have tested positive for the coronavirus leading the team to delay its postgame trip home amid concerns about a possible outbreak. Sources say it’s possible that the infections occurred Wednesday on the team’s trip to and from Atlanta, where the Marlins played the Braves in an exhibition game. The Marlin’s manager Don Mattingly said the Marlins will leave Philadelphia today hours before their home opener against Baltimore in Miami. He says  multiple players may remain in Philadelphia.

NFL
NFL players who contract the coronavirus through “high-risk” activity away from team facilities can face team discipline and might be at risk of not being paid, according to the league’s new protocol. The final section of a memo sent by the NFLPA to agents is devoted to the fact that players will be held responsible for the way they circulate in public while the coronavirus remains present, facing discipline, including fines, for conduct detrimental to the team if they are found to have contracted COVID-19 through reckless activity away from the facility.

GOLF
Michael Thompson had a subdued victory celebration at the 3M Open, with a FaceTime call home to his wife and children in Georgia, after he birdied two of the last three holes Sunday for a 4-under 67 and a two-stroke victory, finishing his second PGA Tour win seven years after his first. Adam Long took second with a 64.

Baseball tonight – Angels play the A’s, Diamondbacks play the Padres, Blue Jays play the Nationals, Cubs play the Reds in Cincinnati, Braves play the Tampa Bay Rays, Yankees and Phillies, Brewers with the Pirates, White Socks play Indians, Royals and Tigers, Mariners and the Astros, Orioles play the Marlins in Blatitmore, Mets play the Red Sox

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 26, 2020

PIG ROAST FUNDRAISING EVENT

On August 1st a pig roast will be taking place in honor of a man named Harley “chubby.” Chubby’s spinal cord was recently injured by a cow where before being treated by doctors at Geisinger medical center in Danville was causing paralysis. After a stint in the hospital he was moved to a rehab center where he is currently doing therapy. The Pig Roast will be raising money for chubby to equip him with the necessary tools his rehabilitation requires of him at home. The event will be on August 1st at 4pm, at 1657 Chippewa Road, in Muncy. For additional information on how to purchase tickets and what will be available you can visit the Facebook fundraising page by clicking here.

NEW LAB ON WHEELS FOR DIABETICS

A “Medical Bus” From Geisinger has been treating patients across 19 health centers to help keep up new diabetic diagnosis’s. The bus, Dubbed the Geisinger Care Gaps Bus, serves about 50 people a day and is a new resource of the hospitals aimed to more conveniently serve diabetics. According to the Sun gazette, Ann Mooney, the optimization consultant for the medicine institute said that The goal for the bus is prevention and detection. The rolling lab screens everyone entering for covid, checks for vitals and records height and weight before blood is drawn for a checkup. As diabetes continues to grow at an overwhelming rate amongst the population, the Care gaps bus is proving to be a vital resource for the hospital and community.

PA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY TO REOPEN AUGUST

The Pennsylvania college of technology will be reopening for the fall semester on august 17th. While the college has always taken pride in their strives for excellence in providing hands on instruction for students, the call for social distancing has not fallen upon deaf ears within the administration. The president and other college administrators held a series of virtual “town hall” meetings on July 20-21 addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, and what their plan was for a safe reopening. While there is risk in any re-opening for something as public as a school, they stand ready with UPMC by there side with resources for contact tracing and preventative measures if anything happens. You can click here to see what courses they offer this year, and a more robust layout of their preventative measures.

DANVILLE HALLOWEEN PARADE CANCELLED

The Danville Halloween Parade committee has recently announced the cancellation of the event due to Covid-19. They stated on their Facebook page that everyone in the committee is saddened by the choice they had to make, but due to the ever changing circumstances it was the best choice. They also stated that they look forward to seeing everyone in 2020.

Sports

NFL

The New York Jets agreed to trade All-Pro safety Jamal Adams to the Seattle Seahawks for first-round draft picks in each of the next two years.

NBA

Zion Williamson has re entered the NBA bubble after dealing with a family matter and has begun his 14 day quarantine.

MLB

The restart of the Season is finally here for baseball fans. The winners for the weekend were the Brewers, Giants, Nationals, Astros, Braves and Padres.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 24, 2020

MAN DRIVES VEHICLE INTO LYCOMING CREEK
A dive team was called in to help rescue a 58 year old Mill Hall man who drove his Black Ford Ranger into Lycoming Creek yesterday afternoon.  According to the Sun Gazette, officials from the Old Lycoming Township police department said the unidentified man was seen driving erratically northbound at the bridge near Route 973 and Lycoming Creek Road, missing guardrails and going off the road into more than 5 feet of water. The first responders took about 35 minutes to remove the man from his car, who was then transported to UPMC Williamsport.  A fuel spill into the water was reported before the car was towed from the creek.

RAPE CHARGES FOR JERSEY SHORE MAN
A 21-year-old Jersey Shore man is accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in his Smith Street apartment after arranging a meeting online.  According to North Central PA.com Officers from the Tiadaughton Valley Regional Police Department said on March 30th Michael W. Fulger Jr. met the victim and gave her a potent drug and the forced her to go along with the rape.  He’s being held on felony counts of rape, assuault and corruption of a minor among other charges.  Fulger was committed to the Lycoming County Prison on July 13 in lieu of $90,000 monetary bail and is  scheduled for a formal arraignment Aug. 3.

NO ARMORED VEHICLE IN WILLIAMSPORT FOR NOW
The City Council will not be approving the request of close to 380 thousand dollars for an armored tactical vehicle, the purchase of which earlier this week was reviewed by the city finance committee, citing a need to reduce costs  as the city faces possible budget overages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yesterday the car purchase was removed from the six-year capital projects budget, but the budget was adopted.  According to the Sun Gazette, Mayor Derek Slaughter said council could have the option to amend the request and wait on the purchase until there was a way to fund it through partnerships in the city and surrounding counties.

THIRD OPTION NOW FOR GENDER IDENTITY AT DMV
PennDOT will allow Pennsylvanians to identify as non-binary on driver’s licenses and photo ID cards, a move hailed by the LGBTQ community. In a press conference yesterday,  PennDOT officials announced that Pennsylvania residents can designate their gender as M (male), F (female) or X (non-binary). Those who want their license to better reflect their gender identity will need to visit a PennDOT license center to update their forms. Pennsylvania is the 17th state in the country to offer a non-binary option on its driver’s licenses.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) clarified more guidance for alcohol sales at bars and restaurants under Gov. Wolf’s order yesterday. All sales hinging on the definition of what food at the establishment constitutes a meal.  According to the order the term “meal” is defined as “food prepared on the premises, sufficient for breakfast, lunch or dinner -expressly stating that a snack, such as pretzels, popcorn, chips, or similar food, does not meet the definition of a meal.   Enforcement of the order is occurring through the Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement, the Liquor Control Board, and the Department of Agriculture.

A 32 year old Laurelton man has been arraigned on 36 felony charges for the rape of a young girl over several years while babysitting her between 2005 and 2009.  According to the Daily item, William Aikey was between 17 and 21 years old when he stayed at the victim’s home ‘a couple weeks at a time’ while her father worked as a trucker.  Aikey also allegedly showed the victim child pornography.  Milton state troopers say the investigation first began last December, after interviewing the adult victim.  Aikey was released on $50,000 unsecured bail.

Federal Community Development Block grants were approved by the Lycoming County commissioners yesterday from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.   Four local agencies who they say  are integral in providing services to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will receive  nearly $150,000.  The grants will go to the following agencies: STEP Supportive Housing Program, American Rescue Workers, North Central Sight Services, and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.  SEDA-Council of Governments made the recommendation of the awards, with the commissioners discussing the grant awards at their work session earlier this week and gave final approval Thursday.

PennDOT issued an update on the bridge replacement work continuing on route 150 in Beech Creek Township Clinton County. According to a press release work will start Monday, July 27 at bald Eagle Creek bridge with a temporary traffic signal at this location deactivated.  flaggers will be on the roadway. Watch for delays, and motorists are encouraged to take alternate routes.  The traffic pattern at Peters Hollow bridge will not change. PennDOT says the project consists of placing the existing bridges with precast reinforced concrete box culverts guide rail installation and miscellaneous construction


SPORTS
MLB
Yankees over the Nationals 4-1 in 6 innings – game called due to rain.
Dodgers Beat the Giants 8-1

NASCAR
Denny Hamlin scored his series-high fifth Cup win of the season Thursday night at Kansas Speedway, ending a three-race stretch where Hamlin had finished outside the top 10. Brad Keselowski finished second and was followed by Martin Truex Jr., Kevin Harvick and Erik Jones. This is the second straight season for Hamlin with at least five wins. He has won three of the last eight races.
NFL
Effective immediately, Washington will call itself the “Washington Football Team” pending the adoption of a new name. The team will continue the process of retiring the former name and hopes to be entirely rid of it on physical and digital spaces in the next 50 days, by the Sept. 13 regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.

NCAA
The faculty of the University of Kentucky’s African American and Africana Studies program has asked UK president  to change the name of Rupp Arena because they said the legendary basketball coach’s name has come to stand for racism and exclusion of black students and fans. In addition to removing Adolph Rupp’s name from the UK basketball arena in downtown Lexington, the faculty requested that names of other enslavers, Confederate sympathizers, and other white supremacists be removed from campus buildings as well.

NHL
Seattle’s new NHL team with the new name, The Kraken will make its debut in the 2021-22 season. The league announced its 32nd team in 2018 for a $650 million expansion fee. The team looked at more than 1,200 names but decided on The Kraken a mystical creature with a name that represents folklore in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. The franchise had settled on five finalists, which were sealed into an envelope and put in a time capsule in Seattle’s Space Needle — along with Nirvana records, a Twinkie and one share of Amazon — that will be revealed in 2062, on the Needle’s 100th anniversary.

MLB tonight
Braves at the Mets, Detroit Tigers go to Cincinnati, the Toronto Blue Jays play the Tampa Bay Rays, the Brewers head to Chicago to play the Cubs, Marlins play the Phillies, Kansas City Royals go to Cleveland with the Indians, Orioles are in Boston with the Red Sox, Rockies head to Texas to play the Rangers, Twins play the White Sox, Pittsburgh is in St. Louis with the Cardinals, Mariners play the Astros in Houston, Diamondbacks and the Padres, the Giants and the Dodgers are in LA, and the Angels head to Oakland against the A’s.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 23, 2020

FLORIDA WOMAN ARRESTED FOR MURDER OF ELDERLY MAN
A Florida woman has been arrested after police say she murdered an elderly man from Danville.  According to WNEP, Kathleen Reed of Pembroke Pines, Florida was arraigned yesterday for the crime.  Court record say Reed fought with family in Florida, leaving home and heading north.  When she got to Pennsylvania last Tuesday, she stopped at 83 year old Walter Ditzler’s home Tuesday along Bloom Road in Montour County to ask for money and use the restroom.  Once Ditzler asked her to leave the home, police say she slashed the homeowner’s throat with a knife from his kitchen and stole his car.  State troopers investigated Reed after finding her with Ditzler’s car at a state college gas station following an erratic driver complaint. When police checked on the man they found him dead in his home.  Reed is in Columbia County Prison without bail with a preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 31 in Montour County.

NEW RVT GENERAL MANAGER NAMED
Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter has named Adam Winder as the full-time general manager of Williamsport Bureau of Transportation and River Valley Transit. According to the Sun Gazette, the mayor promoted Winder this week after he had served as interim general manager for the company since January.  He also serves as the general manager of the city-public works department.

LYCOMING COUNTY LEADERSHIP EVENT CANCELLED
The Williamsport Lycoming Chamber of Commerce has announced that the Leadership Lycoming Operating committee and Events committee are cancelling the  Final 3 fundraising event originally scheduled for July 31st.  The decision made due to the pandemic and restrictions on indoor gatherings across the state.  .  Anyone with tickets for the 2020 event will be contacted in the near future.  The highly anticipated event will be reschedueled for 2021.

ANOTHER HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CANCELLED
Keystone Central School District Superintendent Jackie Martin announced yesterday that 2020 graduation ceremonies have been canceled that were scheduled for August 7th at Bucktail High School and August 8th at Central Mountain High School. Officlas there say they share in the families disappointment.

RECYCLING FACILITY TO REOPEN
Lycoming County Resource Management Services has reopened one additional recycling site at Hepburn Township, located at Bair Park on West Creek Road.  According to the lyco.org website, the recycling site no longer has steps to use the plastics/metals container . To better accommodate the inbound recyclables and help with its transportation, more materials will be combined fiber and papers, plastics and metal and third brown clean and green glass. If you or anyone in your household has COVID19, please throw away your recyclables.

PA COUNTY SUES GOVERNOR WOLF
Lebanon County in Pennsylvania is suing Gov. Tom Wolf for nearly $13 million saying he overstepped authority and withheld money after local commissioners defied his state shutdown.  Last May, the commissioners in Lebanon County s voted to lift state-mandated restrictions without the governor’s permission, after being warned that it  could jeopardize a county’s share of federal discretionary dollars for relief efforts.  According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, a spokesperson for the Wolf administration said Lebanon County’s  decision to violate the law deemed the county ineligible for CARES funding.

ATTENTION OVER WILLIAMSPORT POLICE OVERTIME
Williamsport’s interim finance committee is taking a look at police overtime costs as they see over-budget projections looming for the year.  According to the Sun Gazette, city officials say that a quarterly report shows that overtime has already increased by 40 thousand dollars over 2019 numbers, and that projected upcoming quarter expenses with vacation time in the fall and winter, could produce more overtime that could overstep the budget. According to Police Chief Damon Hagan overtime is less expensive than hiring new officers but would prefer to hire. Mayor Slaughter said the budget and overtime expenses in all departments city-wide are regularly monitored.

GOVERNOR SUPPORTS LEVINE IN VIRAL PHOTO BACKLASH
Governor Tom Wolf made a statement supporting Pennsylvania Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine, saying that Dr. Levine is transgendered and a highly skilled, valued, and capable member of his administration.  Wolf made the statement in response to the recent viral social media post from a local fire company dunk tank fundraising event that they say inadvertently mocked Levine.  Wolf encouraged Pennsylvanians to speak out against any hateful comments or acts toward Dr. Levine and any member of the transgendered community.

TRAFFIC DELAYS ON INTERSTATE 80 IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY
Motorists saw backed up traffic yesterday afternoon along Interstate 80 eastbound near the I-180 interchange to Williamsport yesterday as work continues in Turbot Township, Northumberland County due to a highway bridge project.  According to PennDOT the left lane and shoulder on Interstate 80 eastbound is closed at mile marker 215 over Route 254 and the bridge at mile marker 213 over Muddy Run Road. The work is continuing 24 hours with peak traffic hours from 4 PM to 6 PM. There may be residual delays this week into the evening hours.

SPORTS
MLB
Star outfielder Mookie Betts and the Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed on a 12-year, $365 million extension that keeps the former American League MVP from reaching free agency this winter.  Combined with the one-year, $27 million contract he’s currently playing out, Betts’ total comes to 13 years and $392 million. The deal tops the previous extension record of $360 million signed by Mike Trout and includes a record $65 million signing bonus.

Major League Baseball and their  Players Association are discussing expanding the 2020 playoffs from 10 teams to 16, according to multiple reports.  The news  comes as the league is set to start its abbreviated 60-game regular season tomorrow.

Pennsylvania has rejected the Toronto Blue Jays team to play at PNC Park during the new mandates of the coronavirus outbreak.  Canada has denied the team the ability to play there because it would require travel between the two countries, they may consider just traveling for each match-up and playing at the opponent’s stadiums as the home team.

NBA
In the first NBA game played in more than four months, the Clippers beat the Magic 99-90 but the game was more about the restart of the season than the score.  Players told ESPN that having no fans forced them to bring their own energy.  It was the first of four scrimmages in the 2019-20 season on the NBA campus at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

NFL
NFL officials probably won’t be on the field until Week 1 of the regular season, which is one of several new coronavirus protocols under discussion between the league and the NFL Referees Association. During training camp officiating crews usually visit to explain new rules to players and coaches and also work on their own crew communication during practices.  Due to the risk of spreading the virus, those trips have been canceled. The league is hoping to have virtual presentations instead.

The NFL confirmed Wednesday that if fans are allowed at NFL games this season, they will have to wear masks. The NFL has not announced an official league-wide policy on allowing fans at games, leaving it up to teams to make the decision based on local mandates. The Jets and Giants announced on Monday that there would be no fans at their home games at MetLife Stadium “until further notice.” New Jersey Gov. has limited outdoor gatherings in the state to 500.

NASCAR
Super Start Batteries 400 Presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts at Kansas Motor Speedway 267 laps / 400 miles.  (3)Aric Amirola,(2) Joey Logano and (1)Kevin Harvick round out the top three qualifiers to start tonight’s race.

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 22, 2020

A man has been arrested in connection with a fatal motorcycle crash that happened last Saturday night along the Arch Street Bridge in Williamsport.  According to the Lycoming County Coroner, 38 year old James Neufer was pronounced dead on the scene and 38 year old Amanda Bergstrom died from injuries she sustained when the two were traveling south at the intersection of Arch Street and Hiawatha Blvd and were struck by a driver crossing into the wrong lane of traffic.  Police say in an affidavit 34 year old Matthew Allen Bower allegedly caused the crash and had slurred speech and smelled of alcohol.  A driver traveling behind the motorcycle also was involved in the crash, a female victim and her passenger suffering non-life threatening injuries after striking Bowers car and going down over the embankment. Bower was charged Tuesday with vehicular homicide while intoxicated, among other charges.

Bloomsburg fair officials took to social media yesterday in response to viral reactions to a Facebook post thanking a spoofed Dr Rachel Levine Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health featured in a dunk tank to raise money for local fire companies.  Randy Karchner, President of the Bloomsburg Fair association made a public apology. Karschner said that a man from an area fire company dressed as a woman in the tank had no intention of looking like Dr. Levine, but people at the carnival began making a connection.  According to fair officials, they are open to working with LGBTQ organizations in the future to help better understand why posts like this one can be considered offensive.

Permission to apply for a grant of $379,985 with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for the county intermediate punishment program has been approved by the Lycoming County commissioners Tuesday.  According got the Sun Gazette, the inmate-reduction plan in place has saved about $2 million by preventing people from being incarcerated.  The grant now spares county taxpayers money otherwise spent to have individuals incarcerated for two-to-five year terms. The program, which is in lieu of incarceration, was created in the mid-1990s,helping individuals go through a program of intense supervision while on probation and some receive treatment for addictions.

Mahoning Township has had to cancel their Dumpster Day scheduled for this Saturday according to their website.  Township supervisors say due to Governor Tom Wolf’s restrictions they cannot have the event.  Dumpster day is for residents to bring all unwanted items from home and place them in the city dumpsters at no charge.  Officials apologized for the short notice.

The Jersey Shore Borough Council had public hearing Tuesday, filling the venue to capacity with residents making arguments for and against a helicopter pad addition to Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital.  According to the Sun Gazette, Community concerns included disruptive noise and debris issues, but a lawyer for Geisinger assured the public that the pad will not create any safety issued for neighbors.  The final project will have new lighting fixtures having the lighting fixed specifically to the parking lot and hospital grounds – not shining into residential spaces.  Council voted 4-1 in favor of the heliport.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed that there are 1,027 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 102,765. There are 7,038 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 20 new deaths reported statewide.  Lycoming County added two new positive cases for a total here of 276 to date, Clinton has 104 cases, Northumberland has 365 cases.  Allegheny is reporting an increase of 139 cases and Philadelphia is reporting an increase of 168 new cases. The Department of Health says  Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home and that consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Williamsport Area School District assistant superintendent , Dr. Susan Bigger, presented the health and safety plan required by the state at their meeting held via ZOOM Monday night.  According to the SShe outlined the educational phases for reopening, based on state, county and local health conditions, outlined in the plan were: in-person instruction, moderate transmission risk; hybrid alternate schedule, high transmission risk; and remote learning, critical transmission risk. The district will provide one face covering per week per student. The types of face coverings approved are outlined in the health and safety plan.  Parents will be asked to take their child’s temperature with a packet provided to families with a thermometer and instructions for the protocols to be followed. The board passed the plan by a 9-0 vote.

Bucknell has announced their health and safety plan for students this fall comprehensive coronavirus testing, no visitors permitted in residence halls and professors offering  a mix of in-person and remote classes as part of the university’s plan to resume classes next month amid the ongoing pandemic. There will be takeout meals, limited classroom sizes and routine cleanings across campus. The protocols also include screening by student health personnel and contact tracing processes and procedures. Bucknell partnered with TCA/Genetworx to deliver two free COVID test kits to each student  they will be required to show the medical staff their two negative tests through their Bucknell app.

SPORTS
NFL
At NFL training camps  next week, teams’ rosters will include a maximum of 80 players, as opposed to the usual 90, in an effort to help enforce social distancing measures in team facilities. One of the details of the league’s latest proposal where the NFL and the union officially agreed to drop all preseason games for the 2020 season. The NFL and the Players Assoc. also announced COVID-19 testing protocols. Players and team personnel will be tested regularly to keep their team’s positive test rate under 5%.

The Wilf family that owns the Minnesota Vikings has emerged as a serious candidate to buy the Minnesota Timberwolves. There are several bidders to buy the NBA team from billionaire Glen Taylor, including metropolitan New York real estate developer Meyer Orbach, who bought a minority stake in the Timberwolves in 2016. Former Timberwolves standout Kevin Garnett also said he is forming a group to try to purchase the team. Taylor has owned the team since 1994, when he bought it for about $88 million. He is seeking at least $1.2 billion.  A decision on the sale might not be made until September.

NBA
The painted “Black Lives Matter” on the game court for the league’s restart in Orlando.  The league unveiled the new court Tuesday. Changes for the games include broadcasters on the sideline at center court, but enclosed in Plexiglas panels creating separation between them and the players. The players’ and coaches’ bench comprises dozens of spaced-out folding chairs — each measured to be 6 feet away from the next chair. The court is surrounded by large video screens, where virtual fans and other messages will pop up.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS, JULY 21, 2020

The victims of Sunday’s two-story house fire in Woodward Township have been identified by the Lycoming County Coroner.  According to the Sun Gazette, 67 year old Carolyn Barner and 8 year old Riley Welch perished in the fire that state police say possibly started in the rear of the home at 225 Woodward Street, in the area of the deck, but the cause is under investigation.  A local volunteer firefighter noticed the blaze and called 911, alerting another resident in the home who knew Barner and Welch were on the second floor.  The fire marshal said that after being alerted to the fire, Barner either fell or jumped from the second story window and did not survive.  The 8 year old was later found by fire personnel on the second floor. Foul play is not suspected.

The Williamsport Bureau of Police has not yet released a statement about the shooting that occurred last Friday night along the 1000 block of Hepburn Street.  Accoridng to the Sun Gazette, Chief Damon Hagan said that an agent is conducting an investigation at this time.  No charges have been filed in the case, but a victim was reportedly transported to UPMC Williamsport after the incident.

The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania has worked to create a COVID-19 common application to enable a simplified process for nonprofits to apply for over 1.1 million dollars in grants.  According to the FCFP website the Degenstein Foundations and the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way have partnered together for assisting nonprofits and the people they serve with a focus on supporting the most vulnerable in communities.  Grant requests will be accepted through noon, July 29. The funding partners will have the opportunity to review all applications and grantee organizations may receive funding from multiple sources.   A link to the application and details are available here

The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau has made the  announcement that the 2020 Covered Bridge & Arts Festival, held annually at Knoebels Amusement Resort in October, must be canceled this year. The festival committee and management at Knoebel’s deemed the festival too high a risk for the 400 vendors and about 150,000 nationwide visitors.   The Covered Bridge & Arts Festival plans to return next year on October 7–10, 2021 for it’s 39th anniversary.

The owner of an award-winning organic dairy in Pennsylvania who pleaded guilty last year to running a Ponzi scheme that bilked investors of nearly $60 million, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. According to Lancaster Farming dot com, Philip Riehl, an accountant and the majority owner of Trickling Springs Creamery, ran a long-running fraud scheme that preyed on hundreds of Amish and Mennonite investors, according to federal prosecutors.  He pleaded guilty in federal court to securities and wire fraud and conspiracy.  A judge ordered Reihl to pay restitution to his victims.

A Montgomery man is out on bail after he was recently arraigned in District Court for charges of discharging a firearm into an occupied structure along the 900 block of McNett Road in Clinton Township on July 11th.  According to the Sun Gazette, State Troopers say 23 year old Brian Hamm while target shooting, fired a rifle and broke a window of a home on Snaurytown road, recklessly endangering another person – but no one was injured.  Hamm’s bail was set at 50 thousand dollars.

A Bloomsburg Fair social media post showing a female impersonator in a dunk tank to raise money for local fire departments with mocking comments about Dr. Rachel Levine, Secretary for the PA Department of Health who is transgendered, received online criticism and pushback from social equity groups.   According to the Daily Item, the post, which has now been taken down, thanked a spoofed “Dr. Levine” for helping to raise money for the coalition of fire companies, but other social groups felt it was a bad choice for a family friendly event to ridicule another person for fun.   The state Department of Health (DOH) and the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs issued statements defending Levine.

Lewisburg Borough is preparing to renew a certification through the Community Rating System (CRS) that gives its residents a flood insurance discount. The Borough is currently a Class 8 community through the CRS providing a 10% premium discount for all properties in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), and a 5% discount for all other properties. If your area is not mapped as an SFHA, you may qualify for a lower-cost Preferred Risk Policy.  SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is assisting Lewisburg with its CRS recertification process. Flood information is available in the Lewisburg Borough Office and the Public Library for Union County.

SPORTS
NBA
The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association said Monday that there are zero positive coronavirus tests out of the 346 players at the league’s bubble campus in Orlando, Florida, since July 13th.  The initial batch of tests in the bubble on July 13, it said that two of 322 players tested came back positive.  NBA games are set to resume July 30 after being halted in mid-March amid the coronavirus pandemic. Each of the teams participating in the restart will play three intersquad scrimmages from July 22 to July 28.

NFL
The NFL on Monday made an offer to the NFL Players Association to play no preseason games this summer, which is what the players had been pushing for when the league had been seeking to play two games instead of the usual four. The proposal to the players includes an offer for a longer training camp acclimation period, closer to what the union proposed. The Player’s Association  has not yet said whether it will accept the proposal.

MLB
Dr. Anthony Fauci will throw out the ceremonial first pitch Thursday night before the reigning World Series champion Washington Nationals kick off the shortened 2020 season at home against the New York Yankees.  Dr. Fauci has been one of the faces of the United States’ fight against the pandemic and also a big fan of the Nationals — often wearing a face mask with team logos.

An overwhelming majority of sports fans polled by ESPN say they support the return of professional and collegiate sports even if fans will not be in attendance due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  A second wave of ESPN’s Coronavirus Lockdown Fan Study surveyed over one thousand sports fans age 18 and older and found 78% were in favor of sports resuming play despite restrictions on fan attendance, a double-digit increase from the previous poll, conducted in mid-April.  The survey found the prolonged suspension of live sporting events has left 84% of avid fans expressing a greater appreciation for them.

Bucknell softball coach Joey Lye will be leaving the university in order to continue pursuing her opportunity to compete with the Canadian Olympic softball team.  Lye joined Bucknell before the 2018 season and guided the Bison to winning records and second-place finishes in the Patriot League.  Bucknell went 27-23-1 overall and 13-5 in the conference in Lye’s debut season, and a year later the squad finished 28-24 overall and 14-3 in conference play. Lye was named Patriot League Coach of the Year in 2019.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 20, 2020

FATAL WOODWARD TOWNSHIP FIRE
Two people died in a fire early Sunday morning on Woodward Street in Woodward Township.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Woodward Township fire chief said they responded to the call and confirmed entrapment of the victims in the structure. The two-alarm fire got response from almost every local fire department with medics on the scene from UPMC Williamsport and Jersey Shore EMS.  The state fire marshal is investigating the fatal fire.  Residents near the scene donated water and Gatorade while crews battled the extra hot blaze for almost 5 hours.

VIGIL HELD TO “RECONSECRATE” BRANDON PARK IN THE SPIRIT OF LOVE
After a protest rally ended up taking place in Williamsport’s Brandon Park last Saturday, more than 70 people gathered there Sunday for a prayer vigil in response to the National Socialist Movement’s impromptu event.  According to the Sun Gazette, members of grassroots activist groups and local churches gathered to sing and pray in order to reconsecrate the park with a kind loving, nonviolent yet righteously angry response.  The groups worked together after the rally to canvas the neighborhood about upcoming events and voting information for upcoming elections.

UPDATE ON INJURED MIFFLINBURG BICYCLIST
A bicyclist who was admitted to Geisinger medical center in critical condition after being hit by a vehicle last Friday morning while exiting the rails to trails path onto Buffalo Creek road, has been upgraded to fair condition. According to the Daily item, State police say 74 year old Margie Lohr of Mifflinburg hit  52 year old Joseph Shamburg from Mifflinburg with her 2009 Chevrolet impala at the Buffalo Township site and he was thrown from the bicycle. Shamburg was taken to Geisinger in Danville by Buffalo Township EMS.

RESURFACING ON GOLDEN STRIP THIS WEEK
A resurfacing project on Third Street on the golden strip will continue overnight this week in Loyalsock Township. According to PennDOT, there will be paving and milling, along with drainage and guardrail upgrades continuing through Friday, between the hours of 9pm and 6am.  Motorists can expect lane changes.

MOTORCYCLE CRASH IN TIOGA COUNTY
There was a fatal crash along Route 6 in Tioga County involving a van with 5 occupants and 2 people on a motorcycle Sunday around 1:30pm near Colton Point Hotel in Wellsboro.  According to First News Now, state police confirmed that the accident closed down Route 6 near Route 349 intersection at one end and the other end of Route 6 was closed near Route 287.  Police reports say an 18-year-old driver entered Route 6 from a parking lot on the north berm, while 53-year-old Joseph David Jones and a female passenger were traveling west on a 2006 Harley Davidson Motorcycle. The motorcycle struck the driver’s side of the van with a hard impact. Jones was pronounced dead at the scene, the female passenger was lifeflighted to Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre from the Burning Barrel Restaurant parking lot.  The motorcyclists did not have helmets on, and the crash is still under investigation, utilizing the services of State Police Collision analysis. No one in the van was seriously injured.

MAN ASSAULTS NURSE DURING BLOOD DRAW
A man was charged for assaulting an Evangelical Community Hospital nurse in June 28th of this year during a visit to the emergency room.  According to NorthcentralPA.com, 25 year old Anthony Melo of State College, allegedly was intoxicated and punched a nurse in the left eye while she was drawing blood from him.  Montoursville State Police say Melo was combative and was restrained by hospital staff.  He was charged with felony aggravated assault as well as misdemeanor assault and will have a preliminary hearing September 3rd.

RESTAURANT GRANTS BEING DISCUSSED
Governor Wolf has been meeting with Pennsylvania’s congress attempting to get aid for suffering restaurant owners across the state. According to a press release from the Governor’s office, the bipartisan bill, called the Real Economic Support That Acknowledges Unique Restaurant Assistance Needed to Survive or “RESTAURANTS “ Act, if passed, would provide a 120 billion dollar grant to independently owned bars and restaurants based on 2019 and 2020 tax records. Owners could receive up to 10 million dollars to help with things like payroll, rent, food and any other overhead costs needed to the hard hit restaurant industry. Read a summary of the legislation here.

TWO OVERNIGHT PENN DOT PROJECTS THIS WEEK
Two PennDOT Projects are on tap for this week for Union and Snyder Counties.  In Winfield  today from 6am til 2pm  and possibly the same time tomorrow, expect delays along Route 11/15 in Union County.  In Snyder County, Franklin Township, for the week, pipes will be replaced along Route 522 between Paxton Street and the borough of Middleburg, also  from 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. and traffic will be down to an alternating single lane with flagging.  PennDOT says avoid expected delays by avoiding the area if possible.

SPORTS
NASCAR
Austin Dillon stayed in front after a restart with two laps to go and beat rookie Tyler Reddick to the checkered flag at Texas, giving Richard Childress Racing its first 1-2 NASCAR Cup finish in nine years.  Dillon raced to his third career win and first since Daytona at the start of the 2018 season. He stayed in front on three late restarts, the first after an incident with 29 laps left that shuffled the fast car of Ryan Blaney to a lap back.

NBA
A 2003-04 LeBron James Upper Deck rookie Patch Parallel card sold at auction for $1.845 million on Sunday.  The price tag on the rare card sets a record for modern-day cards (recognized as cards produced in 1980 or later) and is the most any basketball card has ever sold for.  The record sale surpassed a previous record set in May when a gem mint Bowman Draft Chrome Red Refractor Mike Trout signed rookie card went for $922,500. The Trout card was one of only five produced and the highest graded.

GOLF
Jon Rahm became the No. 1 player in the world Sunday with a victory in the Memorial, He watched an 8 shot lead go to three, with three holes to play, hitting what he called the greatest shot of his life, giving him a bogey because of a penalty.  Even with that 2-shot penalty because his ball moved the length of a dimple on his chip-in behind the 16th green, Rahm closed with 3-over 75 for a 3-shot victory over Ryan Palmer.

NFL

NFL players took to Twitter on Sunday in a coordinated effort to urge the NFL to listen to its experts’ guidelines on safely opening training camps amid the coronavirus pandemic. Many of the players used the hashtag #WeWantToPlay to accompany their tweets. The Twitter blitz sets the stage for the NFLPA to file a grievance over unsafe working conditions. The NFL will open training camps July 28th according to the League

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 19, 2020

National Socialist Movement Rally at Brandon Park

45 concrete barriers were surrounding 2 Jewish synagogues yesterday in a preemptive move by local government in case the National socialist Movement ended up having a rally, even though the leader of the movement didn’t officially state an assembly was happening. This didn’t keep 15 members from rallying at Brandon park. The local police were on scene immediately as a small group of members showed up where they constantly surveyed to group to make sure nothing got out of hand. The self proc;aimed neo-Nazi’s armed with AR-15’s, pistols and semi-automatic shotguns arrived in 3 vans. During their open carry, the members allegedly taunted onlookers and shouted racial slurs at passerby’s. A group of 6 gathered and tried to confront the Nazi group before being intercepted by police to keep things under control. No people were harmed, and the rally only lasted about 45 minutes before the ending peacefully.

Mifflinburg Cyclist In Critical Condition

A bicyclist has been admitted to Geisinger medical center in critical condition after being hit by a vehicle Monday morning. Media outlets say Joseph Shamburg, a 52 year old man from Mifflinburg was exiting the rails to trails path onto buffalo creek road before being hit by a 2009 Chevrolet impala, operated by 74 year old women named Margie Lohr. Shamburg is still in critical condition as of Friday.

1 Pet Dead 2 Missing in Home Burglary

A home burglary recently took place in North Umberland County leaving 1 pet dead and 2 missing. The house was located on North Mill Road in East Chillisquaque Township. State police investigated the scene and put out a statement saying that someone entered the home on June 17th killing a pet guinea pig. 2 cats were also there at the time of the break in, but are currently missing.

Governor Wolf Pushing For Federal Aid

Governor Wolf has been meeting with Pennsylvania’s congress attempting to get aid for suffering restaurant owners across the state. In a press reiaf Wolf  state “Our nation’s independent local restaurants have been especially harmed by this pandemic and they need federal help.” The Bi partisan bill, if passed, would provide a 120 million dollar grant to independently owned bars and restaurants. How much restaurants and bars will receive is based on 2019 and 2020 tax records. Owners could receive up to 10 million dollars to help with things like payroll, rent, food and any other overhead costs needed to the hard hit restaurant industry. For a Summary of the bill, you can click this link.

Sports

MLB

The major league umpire Rick Reed, who continued working as an umpire despite 2 strokes in 2008 and 2009, has passed away Thursday night, bring his 3 decade career to an end.

NFL

Electronic arts, the game publisher for the popular football game madden, will be following suit in changing the name of the Washington redskins in game for madden 21.

NBA

Exhibition games are being shortened from 12 minute quarters to 10 minute quarters to not overly tax teams with a shortened roster or the players that haven’t been active during the months of the pandemic.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 18, 2020

Governor Wolf announces DCED Grants

Governor Tom Wolf announced grant funding yesterday to help employers provide hazard pay to their employees in life-sustaining occupations during the COVID-19 pandemic intended to keep front-line employees working in vital industry sectors across Pennsylvania.  Created through the CARES Act, this reimbursement-based grant will be administered by the DCED.  Businesses may apply for grants up to a maximum of $3 million.  Grant funds may be used for hazard pay for direct, full-time and part-time employees earning less than $20/hour, excluding fringe benefits and overtime for the 10-week period from August 16, 2020, to October 24, 2020. Click the link for the list of eligible occupations for hazard pay as well as application and contact information. https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/wolf-administration-hazard-pay-grants-now-available-for-front-line-workers-in-life-sustaining-industries/

Jersey Shore Annual Town Hall Meeting Canceled

On Thursday the Jersey Shore Borough Council held an emergency meeting that evening to discuss the popular Town Meeting Celebration. Due to an order drafted the day before by governor Wolf prohibiting gatherings of 250 people and up, the council concluded that the annual event was not a possibility. According to the sun gazette Town meeting president Jeremy Frantz stated that it was not a decision they wanted to make. Frantz also stated that all donated funds not being used for this years event will go towards Christmas events and eventually next years Town Meeting.

Resurfacing Project On Golden Strip

A resurfacing project on Third Street on the golden strip will continue next week in loyal sock township. The 3 million dollar project will begin with paving and milling, along with drainage and guardrail upgrades on July 20th and continue to the 24th. Work will be done between the hours of 9pm and 6am, motorists can expect delays and lane changes. Motorists should slow down to stay alert for slow moving vehicles and workers on the job

New Health Center Milestone Completed

A new health center in lock haven has recently finished placing the final steele beam for the structure. The milestone for the 100 million dollar project was celebrated by a small group of employees who signed their names and posed for a photo as it was being placed. The building, located on west 4rth street in lockhaven is planned to be completed by 2021 and will offer a plethora of services to the public including an urgent and primary care facility as well as a pharmacy among many other things.

Reopening School Discussions Continue

State officials are discussing opening schools back up in the fall. According to the sun gazette the state secretary of education Pedro Rivera stressed that a plan to reopen schools is not a one size fits all sort of solution. Dr Rachel Lavione also commented on the reopening of schools, saying that she hears from many people that students are anxious to get back to school. As we push forward through the pandemic, personal efforts to limit the rate of infection will determine how school will go about re opening and when. Not that the reopening of schools is a given. If infections continue to rise, safely re opening may not be a possibility

Sports

MLB

Daniel Bard, former boston red sox pitcher has recently made a comeback making the roster with the Colorado Rockies after a 7 year absence.

NBA

Houston Rockets guard James Harden said a political statement wasn’t intended by wearing a “Thin Blue Line” mask Thursday and that he was unaware of what the mask represented.

NFL

As the NFL moves forward with plans to not delay training camps amongst the pandemic, team physicians with the NFL players association are trying to figure out the best way to practice safely before the camps start.

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