BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 20, 2020

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BRINGS IN TEAM FROM CDC TO ASSIST NURSING HOMES
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, there were 610 new positive coronavirus cases added to the total of 63,056 statewide. Lycoming County had no new cases as of yesterday.  There were 119 new deaths reported in the state for a total of 4,624.  Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine reported that in efforts to control the pandemic striking nursing homes and personal care facilities the state requested and has received specific help from an action team from the CDC in Atlanta Georgia In nursing and personal care homes, there are 13,813 resident cases of COVID-19, and 2,191 cases among employees at 557 distinct facilities in 44 counties.
YOU CAN TEST FOR THE VIRUS AT HOME
Mobile at-home testing for Coronavirus is available for patients through UPMC and Susquehanna Regional EMS’s mobile integrated health model.  According to the Sun Gazette, hospital officials say these services are specifically for anyone who cannot make it in due to mobility reasons, they are elderly or pediatric care, they are unable to make it to a collection center or even for fear of contracting the virus.  Those who are referred by their primary care provider can have a specimen taken via a nose swab test in a patient’s own home in Lycoming and Clinton, Tioga, Union and Northumberland counties.  The tests are then taken to the lab at UPMC Williamsport where results come back as quick as 24 to 48 hours

STATE RENT REBATES COULD BE EARLY
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program rebates may be early this year.   State Treasurer Joe Torsella announced yesterday that many older homeowners, renters and people with disabilities will receive early rebates. The distribution of rebates by the Department of Revenue and Treasury is different than prior years. Rather than a large distribution of rebates on July 1, they will be processed and distributed on a first-in-first-out basis. This gradual process means some claimants will receive their rebates earlier than others.

PA BREWER WILL HAVE COVID-19 FUNDRAISIER
There will be a virtual celebrity fundraiser called Cheers PA to benefit Pennsylvania hospitality workers, bartenders and waitstaff who have been financially impacted by COVID-19.  According to the Pottsville Brewer, Yuengling and Phillies All-star pitcher, Aaron Nola will host the Hospitality Assistance Response of Pennsylvania, or HARP.  Fans can donate from now until June 19th and enter for a chance to win experiences with or signed memorabilia from PA celebrities and athletes and Phanatics from the Phillies, Eagles, Steelers and Penguins.  Get details at yuengling.com/cheersPA

GOVERNOR DECIDING WHEN TO GO GREEN
No new cases of the corona virus in Lycoming County, which helps keep things positive for staying in the yellow designation, however,  Dr Rachel Levine responded to media questions during the daily department of health update  about when counties may transition from the Yellow to Green designation , saying the governor will likely make a decision about the change in a few weeks.  Two Thirds of the state will be in the yellow phase as of midnight on May 22nd.  There were 610 new positive coronavirus cases added to the total of 63,056 statewide in 67 counties with 4,505 confirmed deaths.

LYCOMING COUNTY TAXES EXTENDED
In order to help out small businesses and those who are struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the time to file real estate taxes was extended Tuesday.  The Comissioners approved a resolution to extend the face value period for payment of real estate taxes to Aug. 31. According to the Sun Gazette,  the treasurer said the county remains on target for what it typically would have in taxes at this time. And the commissioners stated they wanted to help residents with cash flow problems they may be facing.

MUNCY SCHOOL BOARD APPROVED PROPOSED BUDGET WITH NO INCREASE
The Muncy School Board unanimously approved the 2020-21 proposed final budget virtually, through a call-in format with no real estate tax increase. If given final approval next month, the budget will maintain the current tax rate at 16.72 mills for district homeowners.  The board did retain the option to enact an increase before the final vote on the budget in June.  They also set the earned income tax at 1.25 percent, real estate transfer at .5 percent and local services at $5.00, all with no changes to the current rates.
Governor Wolf may allow Pocono Raceway to hold races without fans in late June if their numbers improve in Monroe County –currently in the red designation.  Wolf said that if Monroe County moves to yellow before the races, then NASCAR may hold the two races as long as there are no spectators present and guidelines are followed to keep competitors safe. Pocono Raceway  is scheduled to host races June 27 and 28.

VALLEY SCHOOL HOPEING FOR GRADUATION THIS SUMMER
Selinsgrove Area School District said they will  be distributing diplomas to those who need them for work or other future plans, but the principal at Selinsgrove told media outlets that through a student survey, and in consultation with class officers they will “wait and see” for a possible summertime graduation. If social distancing guidelines are not eased there are photos and videos in the planning phase for a virtual diploma distribution, in case they can’t gather together.

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY ROAD CLOSED
Motorists are advised that Salem Road in Upper Mahanoy Township, Northumberland County, is closed for maintenance work between Sliding Hill Road and Heim Road.  A PennDOT maintenance crew is replacing a deteriorating pipe through this morning weather permitting.  A detour is in place using Erdman Road, Haas Road, Valley Road, Cider Press Road in Schuylkill County, and Route 3010 North Schwaben Creek Road.  Expect expect changing traffic patterns in the area.

SPORTS
College sports
Lycoming College will induct two former athletes into the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Hall of Fame. Darrin Kenney a former football stand out from 1992, and NCAA wrestling champion Ron Buddy Knoebel from 1965.

Minor League Baseball
CrossCutters still waiting to hear From MLB on whether or not a season will be played with their home opener scheduled at Bowman Field for June 19 against the State College Spikes.

NASCAR
Tonight is the first Wednesday race since 1984 when Richard Petty won his 200th career Cup race at the Firecracker 400 at Daytona on July 4th .  Tonight is the Toyota 500 at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina ahead of this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte

HORSES
the 2020 Belmont stakes has been postponed from Saturday June 6th to Saturday June 20th, due to the coronavirus.  It will also be 1 and 1/8th miles instead of 1 ½.  The Belmont is the first race in the triple crown this year instead of the last.  The Derby is on September 5th and the Preakness is October 3rd.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 18, 2020

Governor Wolf announced Friday 12 counties which are eligible to move into the yellow phase as of May 22nd. Adams, Beaver, Carbon, Columbia, Cumberland, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Susquehanna, Wyoming, Wayne and York will all change from the red. This brings yellow phase counties to 37 statewide with only 18 states left to qualify.  Governor Wolf defended his administration’s actions <<< WOLF 1>>>. Wolf said the remaining 18 counties must remain vigilant, despite their frustrations, for any chance of normalcy in the future.

Police are searching for a man who fled on foot Sunday night after stabbing a woman at a convenience store in Loyalsock Township. According to the Sun Gazette, police responded to the store on Northway road where a 59 year old woman had been stabbed in the neck.  They say the suspect, a black male wearing a white mask ran from the scene about 7pm toward Loyalsock Township High School.  The unnamed woman was conscious and alert after the stabbing according to medical personnel.

There were accusations last week that there have been alleged violations of the Sunshine Act- which requires Pennsylvania agencies to conduct business in public – in Montgomery Borough Council proceedings, by former Council woman Shawn Coles.  According to the Sun Gazette,   Coles said she was given direction by Council President Susan Andrews on how to vote, and was excluded from secret meetings with other members of the council.  Coles’ resignation was accepted at last Tuesday’s meeting, along with letters of resignation from Mayor Fae Herb and Officer Ken Flewelling – with the reasons not disclosed.  Andrews stepped into the role as mayor following Herbs resignation, the council has 30 days to fill the vacancies.

There will be an opportunity for people in Williamsport to honor veteran’s this Memorial Day beginning Monday at the Williamsport Vet Center.   Anyone with a veteran’s memento, picture, or memorial is invited to hang it from the paracord display this Monday through Memorial Day.  A virtual ceremony will be held on GoTOMeeting  Monday at 10am to introduce the project.  Email [email protected] for details.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of midnight yesterday, that there are 623 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 62,234. Lycoming County has had 147 positive cases and 12 deaths to date according to the Lycoming County Coroner, Northumberland county reports 141 cases, Union 47 cases and 1 death reported. Clinton county has 44 cases, Sullivan, two cases now.  The Department of Health is reporting 76 new fatalities from the weekend with 4,418 total deaths in Pennsylvania

A man died from asphyxiation after being overcome by fumes in a 60 foot grass-silo at a farm between Washingtonville and Jerseytown Friday morning.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Montour County Coroner said 45 year old Abraham Stoltzfus was stuck in the silo chute when his 16 year old son called for help after also being affected by the fumes.   Other family members and a neighbor pulled Stolzfus from the silo, he was pronounced dead at the scene, his son was treated and released from Geisinger Medical Center

Today is the last day to register to vote before the June 2nd election in Pennsylvania.  You can register online at  pavoterservices.pa.gov or print a blank voter registration form from the same site and hand deliver it to your county voter registration office. You must be a Pennsylvania resident for 30 days before the election in order to be eligible to vote.  If you have any questions, please call 1.877.VOTESPA (1.877.868.3772)

Overnight work will continue this week in Loyalsock Township along the Golden Strip.  According to PennDOT, the project will continue along East Third Street between Country Club Drive to River Avenue. Repairs to the traffic signals will be completed after the resurfacing has been performed.  The work will be completed through Friday this week from 9pm to 6am with the project expected to be completed in the late-summer of 2020.

 

Sports
NASCAR
Within a silent empty grandstand, Kevin Harvick beat Alex Bowman to win NASCAR’s first race back Sunday.  The Real Heroes 400 at Darlington Motor Speedway in South Carolina was dedicated to health care workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic. The names of health care workers across the country were substituted for the drivers’ name above the door on each of the 40 cars.

GOLF
Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson partnered up at Seminole Sunday as live golf returned to television for a skins game also with Matthew Wolff and, Rickie Fowler, that raised more than $5 million for COVID-19 relief funds. Next up in the sport is May 24th, where Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning will face Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady in a match billed as “Champions for Charity” for more COVID-19 relief efforts.

MLB
Major league baseball is expected to lose an average of $640,000 per game this season due to the empty ball parks.

And once major-league baseball does return it will be without players spitting, part of the new draft of the return-plan for baseball.  Also banned, high-fives, fist bumps and hugging – plus chewing tobacco and sunflower seeds will probably be eliminated. They will also be encouraging players to not socialize with the other team and not throw the ball around after an out. Players will not be in the dugout, but in the stands 6 feet apart.

NBA
A signed pair of Air Jordan ones from Michael Jordan’s 1984-85 Rookie Season was sold at auction last night for $560 thousand dollars.  The shoes were expected to bring in only 150 thousand – but 10 bidders drove the price up 300 thousand in the last 20 minutes of a bidding war.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING WEEKEND NEWS MAY 16, 2020

GOVERNOR WOLF ANNOUNCES MORE COUNTIES TO MOVE INTO YELLOW
Governor Wolf announced yesterday in his daily press conference 12 new counties are eligible to move into the yellow phase for the second round. Adams, Beaver, Carbon, Columbia, Cumberland, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Susquehanna, Wyoming, Wayne and York will change from the red. This brings yellow phase counties to 37 state wide with only 18 states left to qualify, Wolf recognized how frustrated residents may be.  He doubled down on his decisive actions stating that, “the danger is real,” and residents in the remaining 18 counties must remain vigilant, despite their frustrations,  for any chance of normalcy in the future.

MONTGOMERY BOROUGH COUNCIL MAY HAVE HELD SECRET MEETINGS
There are accusations coming forth this week that there have been alleged violations of the Sunshine Act- which requires Pennsylvania agencies to conduct business in public – in Montgomery Borough Council proceedings, by former Council woman Shawn Coles.  According to the Sun Gazette,  Coles said she was given direction by Council President Susan Andrews on how to vote, and was excluded from secret meetings with other members of the council.  Coles’ resignation was accepted at last Tuesday’s meeting, along with letters of resignation from Mayor Fae Herb and Officer Ken Flewelling – with the reasons not disclosed.  Andrews stepped into the role as mayor following Herb’s resignation.  The council has 30 days to fill the vacancies.

PRINTING ERROR SENT MORE BALLOTS THAN REQUIRED TO SOME
Lycoming county elections are coming up amid the covid-19 pandemic, prompting many voters to register to vote by mail. The director of voter services, Forest Lehman, stated that a processing error occurred with the company they contracted to print the ballots and about 60 residents received multiples in the mail. According to the Sun Gazette, they will be watching for fraud. Voting in person will still be available for people who want to do it the old fashioned way on June 2nd, but expect long lines, social distancing  and don’t forget that mask.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UPDATE
986 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported bringing the statewide total to 60,622. The death count is up 124 bringing the statewide death total to 4,342. In Lycoming there a 2 new cases, making it 141 but after reconciliation of deaths, the county total has been brought down to 7 according to the PA department of health. Northumberland added 4 for a total of 136.

GOLDEN STRIP RESURFACING CONTINUES NEXT WEEK
Overnight work will continue next week in Loyalsock Township along the Golden Strip.  According to PennDOT, the project will continue along East Third Street between Country Club Drive to River Avenue. Repairs to the traffic signals will be completed after the resurfacing has been performed.  The work will be completed Sunday through Friday from 9pm to 6am with the project expected to be completed in the late-summer of 2020.

PUBLIC INVITED TO ADD TO VETERAN MEMORIAL
There will be an opportunity for people in Williamsport to honor veterans this Memorial Day beginning Monday at the Williamsport Vet Center.   Anyone with a veteran’s memento, picture, or memorial is invited to hang it from the paracord display this Monday through Memorial Day.  A virtual ceremony will be held on GoTOMeeting Monday at 10am to introduce the project.  Email [email protected] for details.  Get details on how to join the meeting here.

NO SUNDAY PAPER ANYMORE
Don’t expect a Sunday paper in Williamsport tomorrow. The Sun Gazette has transformed in these changing times, printing their largest edition now on Saturday, including the entertainment, coupons and features sections, as well as a new full puzzles and crossword page.  According to the paper, the news and sports events that happen on Saturdays will be available through online reading and in Monday’s print edition.

Sports
NFL
Attorneys for Seattle Seahawks corner back Quinton Dunbar and New York Giants corner back, DeAndre Baker said Friday that they have affidavits from witnesses that show their clients are innocent of charges from an alleged armed robbery that took place in Florida, on Wednesday. Police said Friday that the arrest warrants still stand, none of the victims or witnesses has recanted their story to them and neither player has turned himself in.

NASCAR
The Real Heroes 400 takes place at Darlington Motor Speedway tomorrow and the starting line up has been drawn. Brad Keselowski won the pole and will start up front with Alex Bowman joining him on the front row followed by Matt DiBennidetto, Kyle Busch and Aric Almirola.  Green flag is Sunday at 3:30 on WILQ HD3

Governor Tom Wolf spoke to NASCAR officials at Pocono Motor Speedway Friday about the race scheduled there for June 27th, saying he’s not yet ready to make a decision about allowing the facility to open, while the county is in the red designation.

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 15, 2020

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UPDATE; CHECK CHILDRENS’ VACCINATION SCHEDULE
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 938 new cases of the coronavirus yesterday with a statewide total of 59, 636.  There were 275 new fatalities brought on by COVID-19 and a total of 4, 218 deaths in adult patients.  In Lycoming county there are no new cases of the virus but one death has been added, bringing that total to 10.  During the daily video conference yesterday, Secretary of Health Dr Rachel Levine brought attention to the fact that some children may have missed important vaccinations during the state’s shutdown and encourages a call or visit to the pediatrician to get up to date <<<<<LEVINE1 Real threats>>>> Dr. Levine says that procedures to separate well patients from sick patients at pediatricians offices across the state are in place to keep families safe.

PRESIDENT VISITS COMMONWEALTH
President Trump visited a medical equipment manufacturing company in Allentown yesterday who has contributed to manufacturing and shipping personal protective gear across the country.  At Owens and Minor Inc, Mr. Trump highlighted the importance of U.S. manufacturing during his 18th visit to the state as president.  In a jab at Democrat Governor Tom Wolf,  the president Tweeted that Pennsylvanians “want their freedom”, referring to Wolf’s stay at home orders and business shutdowns.  According to the Sun Gazette, A Washington Post-Ipsos poll this week found that more than 2 in 3 people surveyed from April 27 to May 4 approve of how Wolf has handled the outbreak. Trump’s approval nationally in the same poll was at 43%.

TAX HIKE FOR LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP
The Loyalsock Township School Board Wednesday, via Zoom teleconference, passed a proposed final budget for 2020-21 with a tax increase of 0.25 mills by a 5-4 vote.    The vote shows that members were split on raising taxes in the current economic climate.  A final approval will have to take place at the June 24 meeting, meaning that a property owner in Loyalsock would pay $25 more per $100,000 of a property’s assessed value next year. The board secretary pointed out that the district has only raised taxes seven times in the last 15 years.

RECYCLING RETURNING IN LEWIS TOWNSHIP
Lycoming County Resource management  has announced that Lewis Township will reopen their recycling drop off sites on a limited schedule.  The township sites will be open 8-4 on Monday May 18th , Tuesday the 26th, Monday June 1st, and Monday June 8th.  Accoridng to the press release, if the containers fill before 4pm, the township will close the center.  The boxes will be locked when not in operation.

LYCOMING COUNTY CASES MEET YELLOW REQUIREMENTS; SOME STATES WILL DEFY GOVERNOR
Lycoming County has no new cases of the virus as of yesterday at midnight, good news for the average goal to keep our state in the yellow phase, maintaining  a 50 cases per100,000 ratio.  In Northumberland, 4 cases were added – bringing the total to 132 with no deaths from that county,  Union County added only one case bringing their total to 43, Bradford county added 4 cases  to 41 and 2 deaths overall there.  According to the state media, Governor Wolf will announce today which counties designations will be changed as of midnight tonight.  Earlier this week, leaders from Beaver and Columbia counties said they may defy the order and move to the yellow if Wolf doesn’t make the change.  Lebanon and Lancaster Counties may also defy the Governor’s orders.

FUGITIVE FROM APRIL WILLIAMSPORT SHOOING ARRESTED IN SCRANTON
A Lycoming County man was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force at a hotel in Scranton for his role in an attempted homicide and shooting that happened around 5pm onApril 25th along 7th street in Williamsport.  Police say 19 year old Jordan Artley fired  shots into a group of four people on Seventh Street, just east of Hepburn Street, last month, one of the bullets striking 21 year old Kwary Alford who was treated at UPMC Williamsport after the shooting.  Bail was denied for Artley after he was charged in District Court and he was committed to Lycoming County Prison.

Even with the budget constraints recently highlighted  by Williamsport City Council, 2 new officer hires were approved at Thursday night’s meeting, completing 48 of the 49 budgeted hires for this year.  According to the Sun Gazette, Brett Garbrick, an officer for Old Lycoming Township and Ericka Heath who has been a Lycoming County Sherriff’s Deputy since 2017, were brought on to the Williamsport Bureau of Police force.  Council woman, Liz Miele said during the meeting that the committee wants to be cautious about the 49th hire and maybe wait until the end of the year to consider the expense.  The city faces an almost $2 million contraction in the budget after the COVID-19 pandemic impact hit

PennDOT says they will have crews performing litter pickup in an effort to improve our environment and clean up our local roadways.  Watch for the work in Union County  starting next Monday through Friday along Route 15 and Interstate 80.  No work will impact traffic but work along Route 15, both north and southbound from Lewisburg to the Lycoming County line will take place and there will be work on I-80, both  east and westbound in Union County from the Route 15 interchange to the Clinton County line.  PennDOT says work will be in accordance with CDC and PA Dept of Health guidance as well as a project-specific COVID-19 safety plan,

Sports
NASCAR
The NASCAR cup series is scheduled to resume this Sunday at Darlington raceway in South Carolina.  The teams will run four times in 11 days in the Carolinas including at Charlotte motor speedway in NC. NASCAR has also set plans for 20 more races including nine in the elite cup series they’ll take place in Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, Florida and Alabama in June without fans.

GOLF
Four of the biggest names in pro golf are gearing up for a 2 on 2 skins game in Florida this weekend airing on NBC and the golf channel. Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson, will take on Ricky Fowler and Matt Wolf at the Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach with winnings going to charity. There will be no caddies and no carts. The first six holes worth 50,000, the next 10, $100,000, the 17th hole $200,000, and the final hole worth $500,000.   McElroy and Johnson will play for the American nurses foundation, Fowler and wolf will play for the CDC foundation.

NFL
If the NFL season begins on time without fans in the stands, the Fox network has a plan to put crowd noise during the program for a more normal viewing experience, as well as adding virtual fans in the stands.

MLB
Bob Watson, who played Major League Basebvall of 19 seasons before a career as a team and league executive has died at the age of 73.  Watson began his career with the Houston Astros in 1966 and the played for the Boston Red Sox, Yankees and Braves before retiring in 1984.  He wqas  the first African American to hold the title of GM in the Major leagues.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 14, 2020

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UPDATE
The total number of coronavirus cases in Pennsylvania is trending down with 707 new cases reported as of midnight yesterday according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, with a statewide total to 58,698. Lycoming County has had 139 positive cases and nine deaths to date, up seven positive cases from Monday – there  were 1,522 county residents who test negative.  After reconciling data from state agencies, the health department reports an increase in 137 new deaths, resulting in a total 3,943 fatalities from the coronavirus.

PA LEGISLATORS INTRODUCE REOPENING PLAN FOR EATERIES
The first local legislation to re-open restaurants in our area has been introduced by State Senator Gene Yaw and Representative Garth Everett this week for establishments in yellow and green designated counties – with Lycoming newly designated yellow last Friday.  Senator Yaw said the proposal follows the majority of CDC directives and would apply to places serving both food and food and alcohol, but night clubs and music venues do not qualify.  A first bill would introduce required outdoor seating plans, 6 foot table separation and single point entry, then a second would later allow limited patrons indoors at a 50% occupancy.  This legislation would remain in effect until the Disaster Declaration is terminated.

K-9 PROGRAM BUDGET CONCERNS
Due to budget concerns in the COVID-19 pandemic the Williamsport City Council’s public safety committee Tuesday forwarded a request for a second city police K-9 officer and dog to undergo training to the council without a recommendation.  According top the Sun Gazette. Police Chief Damon Hagan said the K-9 donation program has raised $78,000 and another K-9 on the streets would help provide more security for residents by helping police in their patrol and arrests.  A city officer would be expected to begin training June 22 for several weeks and Hagan said there are volunteers to cover the officer-in-K-9-training’s shifts.  The considerations will go before the full council.

DMV TO USE EXISTING PHOTOS TO HELP CURB THE VIRUS
The Driver License Centers at 1782 E. Third St., Williamsport opened this week and there were long liones reported at the facility yesterday according to the Sun Gazette.  However, the Department of Transportation will use existing photos on file for customers who renew their driver’s license and identification card beginning this week. Those who renewed their product on or before May 10 will receive a camera card in the mail and will need to visit a PennDOT Photo License Center to obtain an updated photo. According to  PennDOT, using a customer’s existing photo will help limit the number of people in the  photo license center, and help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

SOME COUNTIES TO DEFY GOVERNOR
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported that Lycoming county had 7 new cases of the coronavirus as of yesterday at midnight.  There are 9 deaths confirmed here by the Lycoming County coroner.    Northumberland is up 2 cases to 128, Union County gained one case to 42 and still reports one death there, Montour also added 1 case to 50.  Columbia County holds steady today with 330 cases and 28 deaths, and remain in the red phase, but indicated in a state Senate hearing yesterday that along with Beaver County, they will defy the governor’s order and lift pandemic restrictions in those counties on Friday anyway, adding that businesses do so at their own peril and cannot protect them from state retaliation.

WILLIAMSPORT FINANCES IN A SHORTFALL
The City of Williamsport is working on tackling the budget deficit created by the COVID-19 pandemic disruption.  According to the Sun Gazette, finance officials are looking to revise and re-plan budget projections with a conservative focus moving ahead, after finding a $2.7 million dollar shortfall.  City Councilwoman Liz Miele, finance committee chair, said there are cost-cutting plans available to consider, as well as the police and fire departments were able to reduce budget items through retiring officer salaries and a hold on a complete roof replacement of the bureau building.  Council will hold the next session tonight at 6:30pm on Zoom – you can get access to the meeting at lyco.org .

EDUCATION FUNDING APPROVED
U.S. Department of Education has approved Pennsylvania’s application for $523.8 million through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund to help schools respond to COVID-19 impacts, according to a press release by Governor Tom Wolf.  Under the (CARES) Act, traditional public schools and charter schools can use the funding for a wide range of purposes, including food service, professional training, technology purchases, sanitization and cleaning supplies, summer and after-school programs, and mental health supports. Funds must be used by September 2022. Schools looking for an allocation can apply online – a link to the application, a list of schools that have been approved for funding and a detailed explanation of the CARES Act is here.

MONTGOMERY BOROUGH ANNOUNCES WATER REPAIR TIMELINE
At the Montgomery Borough Council meeting yesterday, they voted to approve a sewer line upgrade on West Houston Avenue which will be completed at no cost to the borough.  According to Borough officials the waterline replacements should be complete this week.  There was also a decision made that the borough building and park will stay closed until Lycoming County moves from the yellow phase to green phase of reopening

SPORTS

Florida is joining Arizona as another state to open for professional sports teams following the coronavirus outbreak.  In a press conference yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis, said all professional sports are welcome for practicing and playing in his state.

Pitt athletics’ leaders, along with the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, have linked up to financially support the university’s Center for Vaccine Research.  According to the Pittsburgh Post -Gazette, the families of the football and basketball coaches there  made a combined $500,000 donation to  the center on Wednesday. The Steelers, Penguins and Pirates each donated $100,000, – totalling  $800,000.

NFL
The Rams are revealing new uniforms for stadium debut when they open the season against the Dallas Cowboys in Los Angeles. They include a blue jersey featuring yellow numbering with a new helmet and metallic chrome blue yellow horn and a blue face mask.

NBA

The basketball commissioner will decide in the next 2 to 4 weeks if the season will continue or be canceled.  According to sources they say there was a sense of optimism about a return to play on Tuesdays phone call between Adam silver and team owners.  The  majority of players surveyed said they’d like to continue the season as long as it safe.

MLS
Major league soccer is proposing a summer tournament in Orlando Florida involving all 26 teams. ESPN says training could begin in Orlando June 1 with the tournament involving matches without fans to begin 3 to 4 weeks later.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 13, 2020

Dr Rachel Levine of the Pennsylvania Department of Health said that increased testing capacity, especially at nursing facilities and personal care homes is a critical aspect to successfully reopen Pennsylvania.  She announced a robust  three pillar strategy, to ensure testing is accessible, available and adaptable to the evolving landscape of the virus and data.  The number of cases in communities will continue to be closely monitored by the department to ensure that testing sites are situated appropriately in areas with the greatest need. The department reports that there were 837 new cases of the coronavirus yesterday bringing the statewide total of cases to 57,991.  There are reports of 75 new COVID-19 deaths for a statewide total of 3,806.  Lycoming County reports no new cases of COVID-19, with a 132 countywide total.

The Department of Health distributed the investigational antiviral medication  Remdesivir  to treat patients in the hospital with COVID-19. The federal government distributed the first shipment of 1,200 doses – the entire allotment to Pennsylvania hospitals. According to a media release, Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said was shown in a clinical trial to shorten the recovery time in some people, so the FDA has authorized the emergency use of the medication for treatment.

A Jersey Shore nursing home is responding today to reports of an increase in COVID-19 cases at the facility, spiking to 52 from 12 in just five days. According to the Lock Haven Express administrators from HCR ManorCare said all in-house patients at the Thomson Street facility have been tested and the staff is responding with a treatment plan under airborne isolation precautions for the high risk patients.  Families of patients who have tested positive have been notified.

The Clinton County Fair Board announced with disappointment that they have decided to cancel the 2020, 48th annual Clinton County Fair based on the restrictions and guidelines from the state.  There are discussions of an online Jr Livestock sale at a later time, but  all fair sponsored events, including the weekly Flea Market in Mackeyville, are cancelled until further notice. You will find information on pulling and speedway events on their websites and Facebook pages.

No new coronavirus cases were reported in Lycoming County as of midnight yesterday which leaves the countywide case count at 132 with 9 deaths here, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.  Union County has 41 cases with 1 death reported, Columbia has 330 cases and 28 deaths.  Northumberland has 126 cases, Montour – 49 cases and no deaths there. In the state, there were 837 new cases bringing the total to 57,991.  There are reports of 75 new COVID-19 deaths for a statewide total of 3,806.

Unapproved coronavirus medication that was heading to an address in Union County was sized at the Port of Harrisburg a week ago by federal agents.  The Sun Gazette reports that US Customs and Border protection said a shipment of medicine (called Linhua Qingwen) that is unapproved in the US with unknown effectiveness but is being used to treat some patients.  Officers working at ports within the Baltimore Field Office region have completed 18 seizures of counterfeit or unapproved COVID-19 equipment and medicines since March 23

There is a temporary polling place change for the June 2nd election only in Loyalsock Township .  The Lycoming County Government reported the Loyalsock Township 2nd Precinct polling place will be temporarily changed to  the Loyalsock Community Recreation Center, located at 1607 Four Mile Drive for the June 2 General Primary ONLY. Signs will be posted at St. Ann Roman Catholic Church – the normal polling place to notify voters of the change, and letters will be mailed to registered voters in the precinct. St. Ann Roman Catholic Church is expected to be the polling place for Loyalsock Township 2nd Precinct for the November 3 General Election.

A pool of $200K in funding has been established by the The Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce that will be used to make grants and loans availble to small businesses that have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a chamber news release. Small businesses located in Lycoming County with annual revenue not exceeding $3million are eligible to apply. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Businesses applying do not need to be a Chamber of Commerce member and will not be expected to join should funding be provided.  The application can be found at www.williamsport.org under the COVID-19 Useful Links tab

SPORTS
HS Baseball

Central Mountain graduate Alex Garbrick is transferring from Morehead State University, where he was a pitcher on the Eagles’ baseball team. The right-hander who was the ace pitcher for Keystone Little League’s run to the 2011 Little League World Series, announced Monday he’ll play his final two years of eligibility at the University of South Carolina-Upstate.

MLB
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has opened the door for professional sports in the state.  The Gevernor says professional sports, including MLB, the NBA, the NHL and the NFL, can resume without fans on Saturday.

NASCAR
A random draw instead of the normal time trial will determine the starting lineup for NASCAR’s Cup Race at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina this Sunday.  No word on when the draw will take place, but it’s expected to happen before Sunday.

NFL
A 25 year old man, and huge Tom Brady fan, who made millions creating YouTube Channels, bought the Tom Brady All-In Challenge prize package for $800k at auction, which will go to help feeding families during the COVID-19 pandemic.  With the bid, Logan Thirtyacre got incredible seats at a Tampa Bay Buccanneers game, hanging out on the field with Tom, dinner with him and the game jerseys off of Brady’s back after the game.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 12, 2020

GOVERNOR WARNS SOME WHO DEFY ORDERS
In Governor Wolf’s address to the Commonwealth Monday, he delivered a serious warning to those who are defiant of the administration’s response to the virus and seek to reopen in areas where there are still red designations. Governor Wolf said counties who follow the orders put in place by him and the health department will benefit from funding <<<WOLF 1 NO FUNDS FOR YOU>>> Wolf says that we should not surrender to the enemy virus when we are winning by flattening the curve and not overwhelming the health system.  Beaver County in the western side of PA and much of the southeastern part of the state are still under stay at home orders until June 4, Lycoming County was one of the first counties in the state to transition,  13 western Counties join us this Friday at midnight.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UPDATE
Five new deaths have been reported in Lycoming County as of Monday according to Coroner Charles E. Kiessling Jr.  He told the Sun Gazette that the persons had numerous health problems in addition to the COVID-19 diagnosis.  The total in the county now stands at 9.  One new case was reported here bringing the total count to 131.  The state wide total of cases is at 57,154 and only 543 new cases reported in Pennsylvania.

WILLIAMSPORT GOVERNMENT STILL MOSTLY SHUTTERED
City Hall remains closed to the public, except for the codes offices since there is CDC guidelines in place to visit that location according to Mayor Derel Slaughter.. The Sun Gazette reports that taxes can still be dropped off at the metal box outside of City Hall, and that City Council’s public meetings are being held by Zoom remote technology.

RECYCLING COMES BACK TO SOME LOCATIONS
Several regular recycling sites will reopen tomorrow while adhering to a new normal.  Sites in Williamsport, Hughesville Borough, Jersey Shore Borough, Loyalsock Township and South Williamsport  will be the first  and officials from Lycoming County Resource Management say masks still need to be worn at the facilities and plastic bags used need to be taken back home.  Also, if anyone in the household has tested positive for the coronavirus, recyclables should be thrown away.  Inbound recyclables will be combined by fibers, paper, broken down cardboard – plastic bottles, jars, tin, steel, aluminum; and glass bottles separated by color.

MAN ATTACKED BY COW
An Elimsport man reported to be in his 70s was injured by a cow attack on Monday at an Amish farm along Route 44.  According to the Sun Gazette, family members of the man were with the man who was delivering the cow to another farmer when it got spooked.  Firefighters from Elimsport and Clinton Township arrived at the scene around 12:30 Monday.  The 1000 pound animal had been placed in a pen – the man was concous and was taken to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

SOIL REMEDIATION TAKING PLACE TOMORROW NEAR TROUT RUN
Penn DOT has reported that Motorists who plan to travel on Route 15 northbound through Lewis Township, in Lycoming County tomorrow will see the soil remediation project to restore the areas after a previous tractor trailer crash.  Crews will be at mile marker 148, approximately a quarter mile north of the Trout Run exit between the hours of 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, with  the left passing lane closed.

PA COMPANY PROVIDING DRIVE THRU COVID-19 TESTING
In addition to local Coronavirus testing provided at Geisinger, UPMC and Evangelical hospitals, Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary, Dr. Rachel Levine included in her daily remarks yesterday  information about new drive up testing sites for PA residents<<< LEVINE 1 free testing>>> She said the health department has more information about official testing places as well <<< Levine 2 map>>>> Get more  details at rite aid dot com.

Sports
NBA
The NBA draft that is still scheduled for June 25  will probably happen in late August or early September. Sources say the reason is the NBA needs to finish its’ season  – and they are possibly looking to do that in late August or early September.

NFL

Dr. Anthony Fauci says people gathering to watch football is the perfect set up to spread the coronavirus,  so he’s urging testing before the NFL season begins on September 10.  As a key member of the White House task force, Dr. Fauci says the league has time on its side since there’s several months until the season begins.

MLB
Major league baseball owners agreed  on a proposal  that baseball could come back around the Fourth of July without fans.
Each team would play 82 regular season games, postseason play would be expanded from 10 clubs to 14 –  by doubling wild cards in each league to four. The All-Star game in Los Angeles July would likely be called off

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 11, 2020

Some Williamsport small businesses opened over the weekend, but more good news is that Lycoming County stays on track to remain yellow phase adding only four cases of COVID-19 here since Saturday to131, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.   Four cases per day is the goal average number of cases per day that Lycoming county seeks in order to operate under the yellow caution phase that governor Wolf established for reopening  the commonwealth.Yesterday it was confirmed statewide, there are 1,295 additional positive cases for a total of 56,611 in Pennsylvania.  There are 19 new deaths, bringing the statewide total to 3,707.  The state is reporting 62 resident and ten staff cases in three nursing/personal care homes in Lycoming County.

Lycoming County is reporting 131 positive cases to date, up four from Saturday with 4 deaths here.  Northumberland’s case count is at 124, Clinton 41, Montour with 49, Sullivan one case with no deaths in those counties.   Tioga reports 16 cases and two deaths Governor Wolf Friday added 13 southwestern counties, which includes the city of Pittsburgh, to move into the yellow phase as of May 15th.   Locally in the yellow, some small business in Lycoming County opened cautiously over the weekend with some small businesses open to retail shopping during a new normal.  River Valley YMCA will reopen daycare services Monday at a number of its’ facilities.  Find out more at www.rvrymca.org

State police say a man discharged a shotgun in a Union County mobile home during a verbal argument last Tuesday and is now facing charges. According to the News Item, 37 year old Christopher L. Lloyd, of Mountain Road in Limestone Township aimed a shotgun at his wife shortly before 6pm, allegedly firing a round near her head while she was barricaded inside with him according to those who reported the incident to the state police.  Police say Lloyd left the residents and fired another shot toward the outside the home.  Lloyd was arraigned in Mifflinburg area District Court and is in Union County Jail.

It was reported over the weekend that Montgomery Mayor, Fae Herb, and Council Member, Shawn Coles have resigned as of Friday afternoon.  The Sun Gazette confirmed also, that the officer in Charge of the Montgomery Police Department, Eric Winters, has been placed on administrative leave earlier this week.  The vice president of the Borough Council Rocky SanDulchay will take over as mayor.  Ms. Herb said it was an extremely difficult decision, and is deeply committed to the future of the borough.

Lycoming county water and sewer customers were granted relief last week after the Water and Sewer authority voted to waive penalties and shutoffs for non-payment through the month of May. According to the Authority Director, payments are coming in at a relatively normal pace, but households are being given the reprieve . Public business at the authority building returns this week with regular schedules.

The Northcentral region of Pennsylvania counties have transitioned to the yellow and will be joined this Friday May 15th by 13 more counties according to Governor Wolf’s order last Friday.  Those in the red phase, including those  Beaver County – due to a rash of nursing home deaths, and an investigation pending there,  are under a Stay at Home Order through June 4. Beginning at 12:01 a.m., Friday, May 15, 13 counties will move from red to yellow, including: Allegheny, Armstrong, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Fulton, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland.

A Sugar Valley guinea pig farmer is being investigated for animal cruelty according to the State Police at Lamar.  People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals complained about the farm in April and police found John K. Esh, keeping hundreds of the animals in unsanitary conditions, euthanizing the animals in a way that causes distress and failed to provide adequate veterinary care.  Police say the facility is also not keep adequate records According to the record online no criminal charges have been filed against Esh at this time.

A local nonprofit diabetes camp in Winfield will operate this month virtually for kids who are unable to go to the camps in person during the current pandemic environment .  According to a press release by Setabaid – Diabetes spelled backwards –they are still on schedule to operate camps in July and August but the directors wanted to offer the virtual reformatted opportunities for kids who are missing the experience.  The camps are offered several times in May online at setebaidservices.org

The James V. Brown Library is one of the many business’s reopening in phases.  According to the Sun Gazette on May 18th expect limited operations for holds pickup only – no building access during the following hours: Monday through Friday, from 9 to 10 a.m. for vulnerable populations and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the general public.Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. for vulnerable populations and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the general public. Safeguards will be in place including closure on Sunday for rigorous cleaning.  Find out more information at jvbrown.edu.] All due dates have been extended to June 8th.

 

SPORTS

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
According to the Sun Gazette Pennsylvania Jr Wrestling  chairman, Steve Hoover, has rescheduled the youth state tournament as a last ditch effort. Originally it was scheduled for March 13-14th but was canceled due to COVID-19. PJW has rescheduled the tournament for Labor day weekend but may still be in danger of cancelation depending on the continuing mitigations of the coronavirus.

 

NBA

The Orlando Magic have been approved a plan and administer coronavirus testing to players, prior to reopening tomorrow. The LA Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers are also among the teams expected to be allowed to conduct coronavirus tests of all players and staff members entering facilities for individual workouts — regardless of whether they are experiencing symptoms.

UFC Wrestling
The first major sporting event to be held since the pandemic shuttered most sports, UFC 249 – without fans – went off without much of a hitch on Saturday in Jacksonville, Florida, besides Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, testing positive for the coronavirus before the bout. The UFC pulled Souza from the fight, matching Justin Gaethje who got the TKO overTony Ferguson in the main card event.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING WEEKEND NEWS MAY 9, 2020

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 UPDATE
The Commonwealth has added 1,323 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 54,238 total confirmed cases, with 3,616 deaths. Lycoming County is currently at 127 cases, with 4 deaths. The north central region of Pennsylvania has not been hit as hard as many of the southeastern counties,  so the stay at home order has been lifted here. Governor Wolf stressed in his daily press release, that we are not out of the woods yet, and that residents should still  limit their contact with others.  If cases begin to re-surge then going back to red is possible in order to keep local medical facilities from being overwhelmed.  Wolf asks citizens to try their best to stop the spread by continuing to use social distancing guidelines and maintain new protocols brought on in the yellow phase.

WESTERN COUNTIES TO MOVE INTO YELLOW PHASE
Governor Wolf yesterday added 13 southwestern counties, which includes Pittsburgh, to move into the yellow phase as of May 15th.  Beaver County is the only western county being held in the red, due to a rash of nursing home deaths, and an investigation pending there.   The yellow phase opened business in Lycoming County yesterday with small businesses open to retail shopping during a new normal.  River Valley YMCA will reopen daycare services Monday at a number of its’ facilities.  Find out more at rvrymca.org.

MONTGOMERY MAYOR RESIGNS
The Mayor of Montgomery as well as a council member there, Shawn Coles, have  resigned as of Friday.  Mayor Fae Herb, will be replaced by vice president of the Borough Council Rocky Sanguedolce.  The Sun Gazette confirmed also, that the officer in Charge of the Montgomery Police Department, Eric Winters, was placed on administrative leave earlier this week.  Sanguedolce will be the 5th Mayor of Montgomery in less than 2 years.

WATER AND SEWER APPROVES CUSTOMER RELIEF
Lycoming County Water and Sewer customers were granted relief this week after the Authority waived penalties and shutoffs for non payments through May. According to the Authority Director, Christine Weigel, payments are coming in at a relatively normal pace. Public business at the authority building will return next week with regular schedules.

WILLIAMSPORT LIBRARY TO REOPEN FOR LIMITED SERVICES
The James V. Brown Library is one of the many business’s reopening. The paper says on May 18th expect limited operations. Several safeguards will be in place including rigorous cleaning, limited pickup times and no public in the building. Find out more information at jvbrown.edu.

KITTEN SHOWER AT LYCOMING COUNTY SPCA
Today is the last day for the Lycoming County SPCA 3rd Annual Kitten Shower.  Those wishing to donate funds, supplies or adopt one of the many kittens expected this spring can find out more information on their Facebook Page: Lycoming County SPCA, or go online to lycomingspca.org

SPORTS
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
According to the Sun Gazette Pennsylvania Jr Wrestling  chairman, Steve Hoover, has rescheduled the youth state tournament as a last ditch effort. Originally it was scheduled for March 13-14th but was canceled due to COVID-19. PJW has rescheduled the tournament for Labor day weekend but may still be in danger of cancellation depending on the the severity of the pandemic by then.

MLB
Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez have ended their pursuit to buy the New York Mets.  They planned to spend $1.5 billion for the team but those who currently own it were looking for more like $2.5 billion

The 2020 Major League Baseball draft will shortened to five rounds according to ESPN.  The draft usually consists of 40 rounds, but the owners wanted to trim that number in order to limit spending during the coronavirus shutdown.

NBA

The Orlando Magic have been approved and plan to administer coronavirus testing to players, prior to a Tuesday reopening. The LA Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers are also  among the teams expected to be allowed to conduct coronavirus tests of all players and staff members entering facilities for individual workouts — regardless of whether they are experiencing symptoms.

UFC Wrestling
Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, who was scheduled to fight Uriah Hall at UFC 249 on Saturday in Jacksonville, Florida, has tested positive for the coronavirus. The UFC pulled Souza from the event, but it still plans on moving forward with the rest of the pay-per-view lineup. UFC 249 begins at 6 p.m. Saturday on ESPN. It will mark the UFC’s first live event since March 14 and will take place without a live audience.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 8, 2020

Governor Wolf extended the moratorium on foreclosures and evictions the State supreme Court first ordered in March that is set to expire Monday. Wolf says people shouldn’t have to worry about losing their homes during a pandemic,and extended the expireation date til July 10th.  Making the announcement with Attorney General, Josh Shapiro yesterday, they said the move helps advance public health efforts by allowing people to stay at home a bit longer.

Case counts of the coronavirus is slowing, even with a spike of 1,070 new cases yesterday according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health with a statewide total of 52,915.  And as 27 counties move into the yellow today, others await approval for the transition.  According to WNEP, using the metric as established by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, counties need to keep a 50 cases per 100,000 per capita ratio.  Counties can be put back to the red phases if case average goals are not met.  Lycoming County needs to maintain an average of 4 cases per day over 14 days.  Yesterday we saw 9 new cases here bringing the total case count in the county to 99 – we are still below average.  Northumberland County had 1 new case maintaining the an average of 3 cases per day to remain yellow . Union County has 40 total cases – adding one yesterday.  Their average goal is 1.5 cases per day and they remain yellow.

The Williamsport Driver and Photo License Center will open today, the first of three centers in the state to reopen in the yellow phase while adhering to restrictions on work and social interaction set by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. PennDOT says there will be limited services between the hours of 8:30am til 4:15 pm Tuesday Through Saturday. There will be designated hours for those 60 and older Wednesday and Thursday for those 60 and older.  Erie and Selinsgrove centers will also reopen today.  Changes for customers include; wearing masks and a prescreening before gaining access to the facility – which can only accommodate as many customers as there are stations.  The list of new protocols and limited services is at  www.dmv.pa.gov.

Williamsport residents were surprised yesterday when the air sirens went off in the city for several minutes around 11:30am.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Williamsport City manager said there were no emnergencies reported and they are looking into what may have cause a glitch – accidentally tripping the siren.

Governor Wolf announced an extension on foreclosures and evictions for all Pennsylvanians yesterday for another 2 months – extending the moratorium the State supreme Court ordered in March that is set to expire Monday. Some landlord groups criticized the governor saying it allows people to live rent free, but governor Wolf says people are still responsible for their payments if possible.  <<<<WENT 2 Rent is Due>>> Wolf encourages those who are having trouble paying rent to contact their landlord or mortgage lender.

As the county transitions into the yellow phase today, The PA Department of Health announced yesterday, 1,070 additional positive cases of COVID-19, 1,070 bringing the statewide total to 52,915. Lycoming County added nine cases yesterday with a total of 99, Clinton 35 cases, Sullivan one case and Tioga 16 cases and two deaths. Union county reported one death from COVID-19 and forty total cases reported.  Today, the state is reporting 310 new deaths, bringing the statewide total to 3,416 deaths in Pennsylvania.

Yesterday self-employed people who were affected by the coronavirus pandemic were able to start filing backdated claims under a new federal benefits program administered by Pennsylvania. The Department of Labor & Industry said work on the system was completed Thursday morning, and it is now fully operational. Eligible workers should receive their initial payments within a week of filing their claims. A record 1.7 million Pennsylvanians have filed for regular unemployment compensation since mid-March.  A link to the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) website is available here

Link to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) website https://www.uc.pa.gov/unemployment-benefits/file/Pages/Filing-for-PUA.aspx

Originally planning to allow tenants to open, the Lycoming Mall will stay closed today as the region shifts into the yellow phase.  According to the mall’s social media posts they will not be able to have tenants start opening today as planned.  According to the state, malls are considered to be indoor recreation and must remain closed despite the lifted restrictions for others.  The Susquehanna Valley Mall in Snyder County will also remain closed as of today.

 

SPORTS
INDYCAR –
The IndyCar season is set to start Saturday, June 6 at Texas Motor Speedway. Because of restrictions from the coronavirus, grandstands will be closed  for the Genesys 300 – which has been adjusted to 200 laps from the previously announced 248.

NFL
Replay reviews of pass interference will not return to the NFL this season. The rule implemented last year allowed league officers officials to use replay to review passenger pass interference, but the one-year experiment was unsuccessful with calls rarely overturned.

GOLF
A coronavirus relief effort tournament will be played May 24 in Florida. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson will match up with NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and new Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady, to play “The Match: Champions for Charity”  at the Medalist golf club on May 24th without spectators at 3 PM on TBS

MLB
Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez have ended their pursuit to buy the New York Mets.  They plan to spend $1.5 billion for the team but those who currently own it were looking for more like $2.5 billion

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