BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 26, 2020

The Secretary of the Department of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine said in a press conference Friday that they have been in specific consultation and guidance with the staff at ManorCare-Jersey Shore after it has been a hotspot for the coronavirus in the county. According to the Sun Gazette, administrators from HCR ManorCare said there are now 51 patients who have tested positive and 17 patients have passed away.  They also say that staffing levels are good and they have added new mandatory protective equipment.  Levine said if necessary the National Guard can be called to Jersey Shore to help.

No injuries were reported at Williamsport Wire Rope Monday, after a 30-gallon lube-oil tank caught fire within the building.  According to the Sun Gazette, city firefighters arrived at the Maynard Street facility about 4:30pm yesterday and said they extinguished a fire that was contained to a two-foot high tank.  The incident, which left the structure filled with smoke, is under investigation.

Governor Tom Wolf announced guidelines for summer camps and recreation and child care.  Certain part-day programs are permitted to operate without a waiver in counties in the yellow and green phases of the Governor’s phased-in reopening plan provided they follow state and federal guidelines. Summer programs operating in counties in the yellow or green phase must develop a written health and safety plan that follows CDC guidance and post the plan on the summer program’s publicly available website prior to providing services to children. All staff should wear cloth face coverings during child care and summer program operations

The non-profit organization, Disabled American Veterans and Recruit Military will host the Mid-Atlantic Virtual Career Fair for Veterans online tomorrow from 11am to 3pm eastern for all members of the military, past and present, as well as all military spouses and dependents. This virtual career fair is looking for a demographic with military-trained skill-sets in industries like distribution, supply chain, logistics, e-commerce, data storage/broadband.  Find a link to information on registering at WILQ.com in the news section

The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced yesterday that there are 473 new cases of the coronavirus with a total cases reported at 68,186.  Deaths in the state have gone up by 15 making the total in Pennsylvania 5, 139. There were two new cases of COVID-19 in Lycoming County for a total of 160.

A lawnmower accident may have claimed a life in Lycoming County yesterday.  According to the Sun Gazette, State Police were called late Monday afternoon to a scene where someone was reportedly trapped under a lawnmower off of Route 44 in Watson Township. At about 5:15, heavy rescue equipment was dispatched from the borough, but soon after, scanner reports called in the Lycoming County Coroner.  The paper says a deceased person was extricated from under the mower about 7:15 Monday evening.

According to PennDot a resurfacing project North Montour Street and Loyalsock Avenue will be starting today in Montoursville. There will be single lane conditions with flagging on North Montour Street from Broad Street in Montoursville to North Loyalsock Avenue in Fairfield Township in the daytime.  And work on North Loyalsock Avenue to the Interstate 180 overpass in Fairfield Township will take place at night, 8pm to 8am.  There will be milling and resurfacing of the existing roadway for 1.14-miles.

There will be an informational event next month in Williamsport for job vacancies within the US Postal Service.  Those interested in finding out more about careers with the Postal Service should go to the facility at 2901 Reach Road on June 3rd between 10 and 2 for information about completing applications and what positions are available.  Jobs are routinely available for city and rural carrier associates, tractor-trailer operators, mail handlers, maintenance workers and clerks. Applicants for all positions must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident alien, a citizen of American Samoa or any other territory owing allegiance to the United States.

Sports
NCAA Basketball
Georgetown Hoyas men’s basketball coach Patrick Ewing is recovering at home after a weekend stay at the hospital with the coronavirus, On Monday, Patrick Ewing Jr. tweeted that his father’s coronavirus symptoms are being watched and that he is “now home and getting better.”
GOLF
Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning hung on to defeat Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady, 1 up, to win “The Match: Champions for Charity”  The match raised $20 million to benefit COVID-19 charities.
NASCAR
After six hours on Sunday that included a rain delay and overtime, Brad Keselowski won the Coca-Cola 600 for the first time in his career. Chase Elliot ultimately came in second after Jimmy Johnson was disqualified after his Cheverolet failed-post race inspection
TENNIS
Tennis star Naomi Osaka has set the record for the highest paid female athlete. She has collected $37.4 million in endorsements in the past year – more than any female ever in 12 months. Osaka replaces Serena Williams and ranks 29th in the world’s highest paid athletes.
NHL
The NHL will move to Phase 2 of the return-to-play plan and will allow players to train in small groups at team facilities. The league is targeting early June for the start of this phase. Phase 1 involved self-quarantine for players and staff since March 12th.
UFC
Bareknuckle Fighting Championship offered Mike Tyson more than $20 million to come out of retirement and compete. The company made an offer to 53-year-old Tyson earlier this month, with no word yet, but they say they will now attempt to include more money and more charitable donations to entice him to compete in the bareknuckle fight.
NBA
The NBA is in talks with Walt Disney to conduct a single-site scenario to resume their season in central Florida in late July. All games could be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on the Disney property near Orlando. The conversations are still exploratory, according to NBA spokesman Mike Bass.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 25, 2020

ONE PEDIATRIC INFLAMMATORY SYNDROME CASE REPORTED IN VALLEY FACILITY
Geisinger is seeing their first Pediatric Inflammatory Syndrome case. According to the sun gazette, while the number of covid-19 cases on average are starting decrease, 12,000 people were tested across all Geisinger facilities where the first pediatric case was discovered.  IN a press conference Friday Dr Ryu, Geisinger CEO and president said of all the patients tested, they are continuing to see a downward trend, and they are closely monitoring the pediatric case in their Danville facility

LYCOMING STAYS IN YELLOW PHASE
It was determined Friday that Lycoming County will have to wait in the yellow phase a little longer.  Tioga, Clearfield, Cameron, Bradford, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan and Montour counties will be move from yellow to green on May 29th, allowing food establishments, personal care and indoor recreation to reopen at 50% capacity. The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported yesterday 1,455 new cases of the virus with statewide total at 67,713. There were 140 new deaths in the commonwealth, making the total 5,124. Lycoming County has no new coronavirus cases or deaths reported.

UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN DIES IN NISBET CRASH
This Saturday an elderly women from Nisbet was found dead after a crash. According to the Sun Gazette, police say the woman, whose name was not released, was driving toward towards the Susquehanna Township park at 1:30 pm before swerving off the road into an embankment, hitting several mailboxes and colliding with a pine tree.  Deputy county coroner Jerold Ross says the woman was not wearing a seat belt and was pronounced dead at the scene from blunt force trauma.

ONLINE MILITARY JOB FAIR WEDNESDAY
The non-profit organization, Disabled American Veterans and Recruit Military will host the Mid-Atlantic Virtual Career Fair for Veterans online this Wednesday from 11am to 3pm eastern for all members of the military past and present as well as all military spouses and dependents. This virtual career fair is looking for a demographic with military-trained skill-sets in Industries such as distribution, supply chain, logistics, e-commerce, data storage/broadband.  Find a link to information on registering HERE

FOOD BANK TO BENEFIT FROM BANK DONATION
The parent company of First National Bank, gave a $50,000 donation Friday in support of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’sCOVID-19 relief efforts across central Pennsylvania. The donation is part of the FNB Foundation’s $1 million financial commitment to supporting residents across central Pennsylvania through relief programs, financial assistance and volunteer activities. The Centre Foundation COVID-19 ACTION Fund is the other recipient of the donation.  According to a press release, the food bank has seen a 35 percent increase in food requests caused by the pandemic, and  is working to distribute more than two million pounds of food per day to those in need.

PUBLIC INVITED TO PLAY TAPS TODAY
A national news network is asking the public including veterans, musicians, teachers and students of all abilities to play taps today from their home porch, balcony or driveway today at 3pm in honor of our fallen veterans for Memorial Day. CBS News has provided sheet music for anyone who wants to participate today, preferably in Bflat.  It is available at HERE

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING WEEKEND NEWS MAY 23, 2020

LYCOMING TO STAY  IN THE YELLOW
In a press release by Governor Wolf, Tioga, Clearfield, Cameron, Bradford, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan and Montour counties are  moving from the yellow to green phase on May 29th.  Wolf  says he expects the counties remaining red, mostly in the southeastern part of the state to move to yellow by June 5th.  Lebanon and Dauphin County will transition to yellow on May 29th as well.  Lycoming County remains in the yellow phase, along with Clinton, Columbia, Centre and Northumberland Counties.  According to the health officials, guidelines for counties in the green phase are being worked out now.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UPDATE
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is reporting 866 new cases of the virus with a statewide total cases totaling 66,2058. There were 115 new deaths in the commonwealth, making the total 4,984.  In the phased approach determined by the Wolf Administration has cleared Tioga, Clearfield, Cameron, Bradford, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan and Montour counties to move from yellow to green on May 29th,  meaning that restaurants and bars, personal care, indoor recreation and entertainment can be open at 50% capacity.  Large recreational gatherings are still restricted and construction is ok to be at full capacity with the implementation of safety protocols.

WOLF EASES FORECLOSURE RULES FOR SOME
Rules on Foreclosures in the state are being loosened.  According to the Wolf Administration, a tenant who damages property or breaks the law can now be evicted with a modified executive order.  The moratorium banning  evictions and foreclosures for non-payment is scheduled to last until at least July 10th.

RESURFACING IN MONTOURSVILLE
According to PennDot a resurfacing project North Montour Street / Loyalsock Avenue will be starting this Tuesday after the Memorial Day Holiday. There will be single lane conditions with flagging on North Montour Street from Broad Street in Montoursville to North Loyalsock Avenue in Fairfield Township in the day.  And work on North Loyalsock Avenue to the Interstate 180 overpass in Fairfield Township will take place at night 8pm to 8am.  The 1.14-mile project includes milling and resurfacing of the existing roadway, base repairs and construction of curb ramps.

SHOOTING RANGES WILL OPEN
The state game commission is reopening shooting ranges in the counties being moved into the yellow phase and will begin to operate regular hours. The ranges in counties still classified as red with stay at home orders still in place will continue to to stay closed. Additional shooting ranges within the red will be commented on by the game commission as authorized.

MEMORIAL DAY IS VIRTUAL AT THE LIBRARY
The James V Brown Library has provided a permanent online memorial to honor Lycoming County veterans lost in our country’s wars.  A virtual World War II Memorial as well as a booklet compiled by George P Wolfe and volunteers commemorating the 60 Lycoming County residents lost in the Korean war, are now available and can be found under “Online Resources” in the “Digital Archives.”The permanent online monument www.jvbrown.edu is interactive and allows relatives, friends and coworkers to search the site by name.

SPORTS
NASCAR
The NASCAR coca cola 600 will be taking place this Sunday without spectators. People who had purchased tickets will be receiving refunds, or an event credit with an additional 20 percent added on.

NBA
Jerry Sloan, coach for the Utah jazz has died at age 78. It was reported he died of complications from Parkinson and Lewey body dementia.

NFL
In preparation for possible future social distancing regulation the Steelers will be the first NFL team to limit ticket sales. They will be cutting their available tickets by 50 percent.

MLB
Tampa Bay Rays pitching prospect Brent Honeywell has had an operation to remove scare tissue from his right ulnar nerve and is set to begin rehabilitation exercises

HS SPORTS
The Shamokin Area school District is installing new turf at their football field. According to WNEP an anonymous donor provided 250,000 dollars toward the estimated cost of 440,000 projected for new turf. Scheduled to be installed in may the field will be used for other school sports and classes in the fall.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 22, 2020

Governor Wolf has announced that later today he will possibly be changing the designations for some of the 18 counties in Pennsylvania who remain in the red to the yellow phase; and that there is even a chance for some counties to move into the green designation – which bodes well for Lycoming County who has seen lass thatn 1,000 cases of COVID-19 for each of the last 11 days.  According to the Secretary of Health, Dr Rachel Levine, says when the metrics for moving into the green phase are released, the criteria for what restrictions, if any will be announced.  The stay at home order for counties in the red designation still stands until June 4th for more than 60% of PA’s 12.8 million residents in the eastern counties, including Philadelphia.

Drinks-to-go are now legal from Pennsylvania Liquor license holders like restaurants, bars and hotels who have lost at least 25% of their average monthly sales.  According to Governor there will be limits for mixed drinks to be under 64 ounces, be in a sealed container and not be served after 11pm.  Establishments can continue selling the drinks after the disaster order lifts as long as they are operating at less that 60% of their normal business.

Summer Day Camps and recreation programs in Williamsport have been cancelled according to Mayor Derek Slaughter, who also announced yesterday that Splash Cove at Memorial Park will not open for the summer.  Other communities are on hold, waiting to hear what restrictions they must follow.  According to the Sun Gazette, pools in Loyalsock, Jersey Shore, and Muncy are all getting ready but are on hold until the governor and department of health release guidance for the facilities.

This Memorial Day will be much quieter than any other Memorial day with no big parades, parties or cookouts this year. However, you can still do your part to recognize veterans despite the lack of togetherness. According to the Sun Gazette, area veteran’s groups are encouraging residents to have a silent observance for loved ones, donate to a favorite charity, call families of veterans or simply say thank you, from 6 feet away.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports that there were 980 new cases of the coronavirus  bringing the statewide total to 65, 392.  There were 102 new deaths in PA, with a total of 4,869.  Lycoming County has no new cases and no new deaths holding steady at 152 cases.  We have  had less than 1000 cases per day for 11 days in a row, which could help the Lycoming county be eligible for a move into the green phase today  possibly to be announced during a planned press conference by Governor Wolf.

According to Corey Wright of Little League International, any and all Little League activities will not resume until all counties in PA are in the green. However according to the sun gazette there are best practices outline for when baseball does begin in Lycoming county. While baseball is a relatively safe sport amongst the pandemic due to the large distance between players, there are many things that could be implemented. Limiting things like spitting on the field, or high fiving, as well as spacing out players in the dugout, and doing away with concessions, will likely be impleented as things transition into the green.

A prayer vigil was held at ManorCare Jersey Shore last night for residents at the facility.  About 70 people from Jersey Shore Presbyterian Church gathered to show love and support for the residents and staff there.  According to the ManorCare administrators, there have now been 53 residents testing positive for the virus and 15 have died from it.  Other parishioners from Mountain View Alliance Church were there to pray for residents and staff.  Since mid-March visitors have been banned from visiting nursing homes and long term care facilities.

According to federal law, the US flag and subordinate flags should be flown at half-staff on Memorial Day until noon. Then all flags should return to full staff at the end of the day. Governor Wolf announced in March that the Pennsylvania flag can be flown at half-staff to honor covid-19 deaths in the commonwealth during the pandemic.

As the lead agency in the state for emergency medical services the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Dr Rachel Levine has recognized EMS personnel week in her video press conference yesterday.  She said over 42,000 certified EMS personnel and more than 1,000 licensed ground and air agencies in the commonwealth respond to more than 1 million requests for service each year.

Sports
NFL
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s championship super bowl ring recently sold for over a million dollars Thursday night during the largest virtual fundraiser in history called the All in Challenge. All proceeds are going to help feed those in need.

There will be a docuseries on Tom Brady that will air after the popular Michael Jordan series “The Last Dance”  The 9 episode series will be called “Man in the Arena”  and will account the pivotal moments in his career, including all 9 of his Superbowl appearances with the New England Patriots

Dak Prescott turned down a record deal from the Dallas Cowboys – a 5-year $175 million contract would have made Prescott the highest paid quarterback in NFL history.  He is reported to be asking for a $45 million a year.  If no deal is reached he will –play under the francise tag.

An adult website is bidding for the rights to name the home of the New Orleans Superdome after Mercedes-Benz said they won’t renew their contract with the team.  There’s a $15 million dollar bid to name the Saint’s base Home the Stripchat Superdome

MLB
The Chicago cubs and Pittsburgh pirates will be issuing pay cuts while they await the fate of major league baseball this season due to the corona virus pandemic. No layoffs are expected as of now.

An autographed Bowman Draft Chrome Red Refractor – the 2009 rookie card of LA Angels Mike Trout, sold at auction Wednesday for $900K

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 21, 2020

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UPDATE
The Pennsylvania department of health reported technical issues with their statewide reporting system Wednesday, but has updated numbers as of midnight yesterday, citing 746 new COVID-19 cases for a statewide total of 64,412.  143 new deaths were reported in the Commonwealth for a statewide total of 4,767.  There were three new cases of coronavirus reported in Lycoming County for a county total of 152.

NO NEED TO FEAR PROSECUTION TO OPERATE IN THE YELLOW
Small businesses and owners are now immune from criminal investigation or prosecution involving reopening during the yellow phase in Lycoming County, according to a press release from the District Attorney, Ryan C. Gardner. According to the Sun Gazette, narcotic activity and violent crime is on the rise and resources need to be diverted away from enforcing Governor Wolf’s reopening restrictions.  Citing that businesses should be mindful of health guidelines,  Gardner reminds the businesses that the governor can still impose civil penalties, such as revoking licenses, and enforcing mandated insurance policies.

ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL TO TAKE ON DUAL ROLE
The principal at Cochran Primary School, Kirk Felix, will assume the duties of principal at Jackson Primary School for the upcoming school year. With the addition of a $6 thousand dollar stipend for the dual role, Dr. Timothy S. Bowers, superintendent at Williamsport Area School District, made the announcement at the district board meeting held via ZOOM Tuesday.  Among other business, a $488,663 contract with BLAST  was approved to provide special education services to school-age children. The next board meeting will be at 6 p.m. June 23

GRANGE FAIR CANCELLED
The Centre County Grange Fair Committee announced with sadness yesterday that the146th iteration of the Centre County Grange Fair and encampment is canceled due health protocols brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the festival’s president. According to the Centre Daily Times the other Pinacle events in Centre county; The Central PA 4th Fest, Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, People’s Choice Festival and Philipsburg Heritage Days were all cancelled as of April.

Two bills have passed in the House that can help Pennsylvania restaurants in counties in the designated yellow phase reopen safely allowing the use of creative seating arrangements and fulfil state guidelines for social distancing.  According to a press release by Rep. Garth Everett, the house bills which will go for a vote in the coming days, amend the rules of using outdoor spaces to up to 50% capacity as well as establishments without determined outdoor seating, to be allowed to use designated parking areas for dining.  The temporary seating would be roped-off with a single entry point.

A Jordan Township man has been charged with taking his neighbors cows in January,  killing one of them and wounding another.  State police say Gary Colatosti of South Woods road was found to have evidence of the death of one of the cows that had escaped a previous day from the Kitzmiller farm on Keller Hollow Road, on his property.  There were also police reports of arguing and fighting around the property during these same days.  According to the Sun Gazette, Colatosti was charged with animal cruelty, criminal mischiuef and tampering with evidence charges in district court and was released on $35k bail.

According to the Lycoming County coroner, there was another death of a resident who had tested positive for COVID-19 at ManorCare-Jersey Shore, bringing the total deaths there to 15 out of the 16 in the county.  According to the Sun Gazette, administrators for HCR ManorCare said there are just 53 residents who have now tested positive for the virus and 25 negative.  The 14 staff members who have tested positive are under quarantine at home

The statewide board of directors of the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education, voted to cancel Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week 2020 this summer. Each July and August for the past 31 years, thousands of high school students and volunteers from across the state gathered on the campuses of Lycoming College and the Pennsylvania College of Technology to explore business and the American free enterprise system.  According to a news release, Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week will return to Williamsport in 2021.

 

Sports
NASCAR
Denny Hamlin won NASCAR’s first Wednesday race since 1984 when rain stopped the event with 20 laps remaining at Darlington Raceway after Kyle Busch caused Chase Elliott to crash eight laps earlier to bring out the caution.

NFL
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Aldon Smith was granted conditional reinstatement yesterday by the NFL from an indefinite suspension for violation of the league’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies.The move will allow Smith to take part in meetings with Cowboys coaches and teammates in the virtual offseason program beginning Tuesday.

An unnamed NFL player is suing United Airlines, alleging that he was sexually harassed, assaulted and violated by a female passenger on a February flight from Los Angeles to Newark, New Jersey, and that the airline failed to properly respond to complaints.  The civil suit, filed Monday in an LA Court, seeks unspecified statutory and punitive damages from the airline.

NBA

NBA teams are expecting guidelines to come out around June 1st that will allow franchises to start recalling players who’ve left their markets,  as a first step toward a formal ramp-up for resuming the season. Teams are also awaiting the word that they are allowed to expand individual workouts already underway to include more team personnel.

NHL
The NHL and the players association are discussing a 24-team conference-based playoff format for a potential restart of the 19-20 season this summer.  There will likely be no fans at the games.  The NHLPA executive committee will meet today to discuss the format and return to play issues.

A new Bourbon will be released next week that is backed by Eli and Peyton Manning, Tennis legend, Andy Roddick, sportscaster, Jim Nance, and 40 other investors.  Sweetens Cove Tennessee Bourbon Whiskey  – a 13 year cask-aged product, will debut Tuesday at the retail price of $200 for Tennessee residents, online only on May 26th starting at 9am. The first 20 bottles will be reserved for charity fundraising.

The Penn State community is among the Division I football and basketball student-athletes who can participate in on-campus voluntary athletics activities beginning June 1.  The Division I Council gave the go-ahead in a virtual meeting Wednesday, as long as all local, state and federal regulations are followed.

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.

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