The 150^th Lycoming County Fair has been postponed until 2021, President of the Lycoming County Fair, Rocky Reed, says it’s a tough decision – and they are less than 3 months out , the fair will have to face the likelihood of having to follow  state and federal guidelines .  Reed says he can’t predict  how any social distancing guidelines will be this summer so it’s better to keep the community safe.  Stay up to date with Lycoming County Fair plans for 2021 at the Lycoming County Fair Facebook page.

PA Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine reported new numbers of COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania.  As of yesterday at midnight there are 1,146 New cases of the coronavirus, bringing a statewide total to 25, 345.  There are 60 new deaths reported bringing that total in the commonwealth to 584.  The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported yesterday only one new case of COVID-19 was reported in Lycoming county for a total of 29 cases  and there are no deaths here. Dr Levine says that 108,286 PA patients have tested negative for the virus and that 40 percent of those testing positive are still in the 25-49 year old age group.  She says the Department is struggling to get an accurate picture of who is testing positive in the state for the virus because they find that data about race and ethnicity is missing from 60 percent of the reports submitted.  So they have enacted a requirement so they can collect the data from labs and medical providers.   All the numbers are compiled on the PA Department of Health website at health.pa.gov.

The Williamsport Regional Airport will receive help through the Corona Virus Aid, Relief and Economic Security – or CARES Act Airport Grant Program to replace lost revenue from a decline in airport business.  According to the Sun Gazette, Airport Executive Director Richard Howell said that $17.9 million in federal money is part of a large sum shared between 63 airports.  Howell said there will a discussion with the Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority on how to use the approved funding.

There will be more buses weekdays on the River Valley Transit Route to reduce overcrowding.  According to a news release by the transportation company, 2 more buses will be added between 10am and 2pm and that Additional timepoints have been added going both East and West departing from the Trade & Transit Center.  Bus operators have been given masks, gloves and cleaning agents Riders are asked to only use bus service to go to work, medical appointments, grocery stores and other essential trips. Passengers are not required to purchase fare or passes to ride River Valley Transit buses Get details at rideRVT.com

A Limestone Township man has been charged with terroristic threats after threatening to kill his girlfriend in their 430 Shadle Road home on April 9^th.  According to the Sun Gazette, court papers say state troopers arrived on the scene after 34 year old Christopher Ungard allegedly punched the woman in the forehead causing a laceration that required stitches.  UNgard who now lives in Linden  was arraigned and released on 15 thousand dollars bail.

The current State police training class of about 100 cadets will continue their education at home after an enlisted staff member at the Hershey facility tested positive for COVID-19 and the facility will be closed for two weeks.  All activities and classes  at the facility have been suspended since March.  The Bureau of Training and Education for the state police is working to adjust instruction so that the current class can graduate by July 24 as scheduled.  Get details at psp.pa.gov.

Sports
NHL
The NHL won’t start back up this month, extending its self quarantine recommendation for players and staff and coaches through April 30.

MLB
Hank Steinbrenner the co-owner of the New York Yankees, has died after a long battle with an undisclosed illness. He was 63 Hank and Hal Steinbrenner were the two sons of the late George Steinbrenner who was with the team in the late 90s and 2000s

MLS
The major league soccer season is being delayed even longer and the season will likely have to be shortened. Official say starting back up in mid-May is unlikely

ONE CORONAVIRUS DEATH REPORTED IN TIOGA COUNTY
As of midnight Sunday morning The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed 1,178 new cases of the coronavirus which brings the state wide total to 22, 833 cases.  Thirteen more deaths were reported yesterday, making 507 total deaths in Pennsylvania.  One death has now been reported in Tioga County where there are 13 cases.  Lycoming County now reports 23 cases, Northumberland 37, Union 19 and Clinton 8.

PA HOUSE TO VOTE ON ALLOWING MORE BUSINESS TO OPEN
The Pennsylvania State House will vote Tuesday to consider legislation that would allow more businesses to open during the coronavirus pandemic.  Lawmakers said the proposal will direct Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf to come up with a system based on guidance for business from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The new rules would have to follow guidelines set up by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. In addition the bill could allow notaries to employ technology rather than perform their duties in person during the COVID-19 outbreak. It also would permit municipal governments to meet electronically.

STATE DEPARTMENT PORTAL FOR MANUFACTURERS TO SELL MEDICAL SUPPLIES
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Critical Medical Supplies Procurement Portal is now available through the Department of Health website at spportal.dot.pa.gov.  Manufacturers, distributors and other suppliers can use the portal to inform the state of supplies available for purchase and to quickly and efficiently procure supplies  for medical facilities across Pennsylvania.   A link to the specific items needed including lab and diagnostic supplies and personal protective equipment is available here.

MU TO HELP STUDENTS AFFECTED BY COVID-19
The Mansfield Foundation has set up a Student Relief Fund for students impacted by unforeseen financial needs due to COVID-19.  The newly launched effort is for currently enrolled students who are unable to meet expenses whether it’s transportation costs, access to technology , access to safe housing or food insecurity.  Students who need emergency assistance can go to the Mansfield University Financial Aid website at esd.mansfield.edu

MAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT OF TROOPER
A Williamsport man who allegedly assaulted a state trooper last week after he was found nude and under the influence in Lycoming County was charged with felony assault in Lycoming County Court.  According to the Sun Gazette, state police were called when 27 year old Dillon Calvin, was reported running around naked on Lake Road in Gamble Township.  Troopers detained Dillon who police say threatened the troopers and spit on them.  He is now in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $35,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is set for today in Montoursville .

QUALIFIED NON-VIOLENT PRISONERS TO BE RELEASED THIS WEEK
Qualifying Prison inmates in in the Commonwealth, may get an early release.   Governor Wolf  issued an executive order Friday in order to mitigate the spread of coronavirus in Pennsylvania prisons by allowing certain prisoners an early release if they are close to the end of their sentence and lack violent or drug related charges. As many as 1500-1800 prisoners could qualify for a conditional supervised release, and according to the Governor’s office releases to halfway houses or home confinement,  is expected to begin as soon as Tuesday.

LOCAL STORE TO LIMIT CUSTOMERS
GIANT Food stores in Carlisle announced in a press release Saturday that the chain will officially limit the number of customers who may be in the store at one time starting today.  The number of customers allowed in each store varies by location.  They also request that only one customer per household  come to the store to promote a safer in-store environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Officials from Giant say a team member will be at the entrance to monitor shopper flow and when the store is at capacity, a line will form with a one entrance – one exit protocol, one-way aisles and register queuing in all stores.

FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS SHOULD START THIS WEEK
The State Labor Department started issuing expanded federal unemployment compensation payments Friday, providing an extra $600 per week for self-employed, independent contractors and gig workers eligible for benefits.  Those eligible who filed bi-weekly claims for the week ending April 4^th, should see the payments this week.  The measure signed by Governor Tom Wolf waives the job search and work registration requirements and also waives the waiting period for filing an unemployment claim.

Sports

NFL
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has agreed to join NBC Sports as a football analyst when he is done playing, the New York Post reported Friday.  Brees plans to play the 2020 season after signing a two-year, $50 million contract extension with the Saints last month.

NBA
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine shut out Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce in the NBA’s first HORSE Challenge on ESPN.  Also playing  were Detroit Pistons All-Star Chauncey Billups, Mike Conley of the Utah Jazz and Allie Quigley of the WNBA’s Chicago Sky. The semifinals and championship game will be televised at 9 p.m. ET Thursday on ESPN. State Farm, the title sponsor, will donate more than $200,000 in support of coronavirus response efforts.

Anthony Causi, a highly skilled and popular sports photographer for The New York Post who covered the city’s teams for 25 years, died Sunday from the coronavirus. He was 48.

Horse tracks are still operating in Florida, California, Arkansas and Oklahoma but no fans are allowed to attend the races.  The races are being streamed online.  All jockeys have completed a 14 day quarantine and are screened by medical personnel on the way to and from the track.

DOH REPORTS LATEST COVID-19 NUMBERS FOR PENNSYLVANIA
According to the PA Department of Health, the latest COVID-19 case count in Lycoming County is 17, but there are 1,989 new cases in Pennsylvania bringing the statewide total to 18, 228.  Twenty-nine new deaths in the commonwealth, brings the total fatalities to 338.  Department of Health Secretary Rachel Levine says the governor’s guidelines are working and staying home is the right thing to do.  She says we need to keep protecting our vulnerable Pennsylvanians, and our healthcare workers and frontline responders.

TWO ALARM HOUSE FIRE IN WATSONTOWN
Several Fire companies responded to a 2 alarm house fire this morning, reportedly on Main Street in Watsontown.  According to the Union County Firewire on Facebook, the fire has been brought under control but Warrior Run, Milton,White Deer, Mifflinburg, Cameron Co, Watsontown Borough and more units were on the scene.  Watch for low visability due to the smoke from the structure and emergency crews on the scene near Main street.

WIND GUSTS BROUGHT DOWN TREES AND LIMBS
Some Lycoming County residents experienced power outages yesterday after gusty winds reached 35 miles per hour, and brought some limbs and trees down causing delays for crews out trying to restore power to customers.  Officials report Station 18 Loyalsock Volunteer Fire Company worked from around noon til 2pm around 1670 Log Run Road in Loyalsock where a tree went across the road and brought down power lines.  According to the Sun Gazette, 911 communications reported wind related incidents near Balls Mills in Hepburn township, in Salladasburg, and Picture Rocks,  as well as in the east end of Williamsport near Eldred Street, on Bloominggrove Road and Northway Road.  The national weather service says there’s more wind maybe up to 40mph – in store for Saturday.

AIRPORT TAXIWAY BIDS EXPECTED NEXT MONTH
Bid openings are expected next month after the Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority voted to advertise for a taxiway project that’s slated to begin later this year.  However, according to the Sun Gazette, Airport Executive director, Michael Howell, the Montour Street project to extend the street to the airport,  remains behind schedule and hopes to qualify for funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act that President Trump enacted March 27^th.

LICENSE RENEWALS, WAIVERS AND EXTENSIONS FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN PA
Licensed professional healthcare professionals facilities and trainees can respond more easily to the COVID-19 disaster declaration after the PA Department of State announced 30 licensing waivers since March 17^th,  available to extend some filing deadlines, renew qualifications,  and expedite temporary licenses for out-of-state health care workers.  Restrictions will also be loosened on in person requirements for notary work.  The Department of State website will be updated regularly as additional requirement waiver information becomes available at www.dos.pa.gov

CONGRESSMAN WANTS TO HALT PRISONER MOVEMENT
Congressman Fred Keller of Kreamer has called on the director of the federal bureau of prisons to stop the irresponsible movement of prisoners to USP Lewisburg in consideration of the Pandemic Act of 2020.  According to a press release on Keller’s website, By housing inmates set to be moved in the northeast region at USP Lewisburg, the federal Bureau of Prisons is endangering the community and putting at risk the staff members who work at the facility every day.  He wants director Michael Carvejal to halt all prisoner movement during this national emergency.

CITY REAL ESTATE TAX EXTENSION
The Williamsport City Treasurer said there will be extra time for paying city real estate taxes.  According to the Sun Gazette, County taxes will keep the original schedule.  Due to financial hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic, the discounted rate for city real estate tax has been extended from April 30 to June 30, while the deadline to pay at the normal rate shifts from June 30 to August 31.  The deadline for filing business privilege and mercantile, or local earned income tax with no penalties or interest is July 15.  The taxes may be put in a secure drop-off box outside a closed City Hall, online payments or through U.S. Postal Service.  Lycoming County property owners can pay their real estate tax bills online or by mail by April 30 and receive a 2 percent discount for early payment.

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR A woman in Montour county has been arrested for trespassing and defying a stay- home order and other charges after leading police on a vehicle chase last Saturday starting at the Hampton Inn at 97 Old Valley School Road near Danville.  According to North Central PA dot come, state police were called when 38 year old Taylor Eaton was discovered trespassing on the property in her Volkwagen Jetta.  She fled from police, heading east on Rt 54, took U-turns and finally tried to flee on foot.  She was caught, arrested and arraigned in Bloomsburg.  Eaton posted 10 thousand dollars bail.

GOVERNOR WOLF ANNOUNCES SCHOOLS WILL REMAIN CLOSED
Governor Wolf announced yesterday that due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in efforts to protect students and communities, the school buildings in Pennsylvania will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.  Speaking in a video message, Governor Wolf today said that just because school buildings are closed there will continue to be progress. All Department of Education early learning program classrooms will also remain closed.

Sports

NFL
The Buffalo Bill fanbase is embracing newest receiver Stefon Diggs with a 4 patty burger named “Can you Diggs it?” in his honor at a local burger place.  Diggs was traded to Buffalo on March 16 for a first, fifth and sixth-round pick in 2020, and a fourth-round pick in 2021. He spent his first five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings,

NBA
The semifinals for the NBA 2K Players Tournament are set between some of the NBA’s top video game players – Suns guard Devin Booker, Clippers Montrezl Harrell, Phoenix center Deandre Ayton and Clippers guard Patrick Beverley will play against each other Saturday at 8 pm eastern on ESPN.

The dates of the ESPN HORSE competition have been finalized for the players of Oklahoma City, Atlanta and Chicago, plus some WNBA stars, competing from their home locations.  The first round will be Sunday from 7-9 eastern.  Semi-finals and the championship will happen April 16^th from 9-11

UFC Boxing
UFC 249 will not proceed on April 18 despite UFC president Dana White’s efforts to move forward with the pay-per-view event.  All other UFC events have also been postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to ESPN, Seton Hall University’s Stillman School of Business took a recent small sample poll of 762 Americans, and released Thursday that 72% said they would not attend a live sporting event even if they resumed without a vaccine for the coronavirus.  Only 13% said they would feel comfortable going to games the way they had in the past.

TOTAL COVID-19 CASES IN LYCOMING COUNTY GOES TO 15
The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed yesterday that there are now 15 cases of COVID-19 in Lycoming County, and 1,680 additional positive cases overall, bringing the statewide total to 16,239 in all 67 counties.  Seventy new deaths were reported among positive cases, which is a statewide total to 310. Clinton County has 3 cases, Tioga 10, Sullivan 1, Northumberland 22 and Union 8 cases of the coronavirus.  There are 82,299 patients who have tested negative to date

WOLF SIGNS ORDER TO SHARE EQUIPMENT STATEWIDE
Governor Wolf signed an order yesterday to allow Pennsylvania’s healthcare system to transfer medical supplies and information between facilities in the state as we combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In a video statement yesterday Governor Wolf said the order ensures the efficient allocation and use of critical medical resources by hospitals in the state. <<<  WOLF 1 have to choose >>>/<<<WOLF 2 every Pennsylvanian>>>> Department of Health officials are working with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency or PEMA to meet a potential surge of COVID -19 patients.

MOTORCYCLE AND CAR ACCIDENT NEAR 180 MONDAY
There was an accident between a motorcycle and a vehicle Monday around 5:45pm along the East Third Street Entrance to 180-West in Williamsport.  Fifty-four year old David Craig II, 54, of Montoursville, was operating the motorcycle and refused treatment at the scene also involved was Russell Lindstrom, of Williamsport who was driving a 2006 Mercedes Benz.  No word on Lindstrom’s condition.

KNOEBEL’S  WILL DELAY OPENING
Knoebel’s Amusement resort recently announced the 2020 season and all off season construction projects will be on hold there until further notice following the Covid-19 breakout.  According to their website, due to the fluidity of the situation they will be making decisions one week at a time and to contact them if you have any questions.  Reservations are being taken for June 1^st through November 1^st, but availability is based on actual opening days.  Get details Online at knoebels.com

NEW STATEWIDE EQUIPMENT DATABASE
The Department of Health has launched a new hospital preparedness dashboard that provides an overview of the capacity of the state’s entire health care system. Secretary of Health,  Dr Rachel Levine said it’s an effort to get as much data to the community as possible  9The public dashboard can be found in the COVID-19 section of health.pa.gov.

BLaST INTERMEDIATE UNIT OFFERS WEBINARS
As classrooms in our area transition to online, BLaST IU17 has released a new webinar series for teachers through their Online Learning Hub, featuring free 30 minute webinars to help teachers with content-specific approaches as teachers switch to remote learning.  BLaST Intermediate Unit 17 serves about 30 thousand students  throughout Lycoming, Tioga, Bradford and Sullivan county school districts.  Find out more about the Education Resource Guide and Online Learning at iu17.org

YOUNG BOY INJURED ON UTV IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY
A 6 year old boy from Northumberland County was seriously injured when the Utility all-terrain vehicle he was operating overturned and pinned him.  According to state police in Stonington, the boy from Pittman was on Howerter’s Road in upper Mahanoy Township around 4pm, went off the road on a curve, hit a fence and was thrown.  He was flown to Geisinger Medical Center and no information has been released about his condition.  a nine year old riding on the UTV was no injured in the crash. Volunteers from the Mahantango and Klingerstown fire departments responded along with Hegins ambulance.

Sports

MLB
Heritage Auctions recently auctioned off one of the first bats used in Lou gerigs career for $1,025,000.

NCAA
Alabama football coach Nick Saban said that following his self-quarantine he has had to learn how to email and text for himself now that he lacks the people who do it for him.

NBA
Oklahoma City Thunder All Star guard Chris Pail, Atlanta Hawks All Star Guard Trae Young and Chicago Bulls guard Zack LaVine will be participating in a televised game of horse on the network

NFL
Tom Brady recently revealed that he had skipped patriots training sessions because his wife Giselle Brady felt that he was putting too much attention towards football and his business dealings.

O RECORDS SET WITH COVID-19 NUMBERS YESTERDAY
The Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine confirmed the number of cases of COVID-19 yesterday; 1,470 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 12,980 in 65 counties, with 12 new deaths among positive cases, bringing that total to 162.   However, Governor Wolf  gave a bit of good news during yesterday’s video press conference, saying that the current virus numbers did not set any single-day records in any category, and that the first exponential increase in cases has resulted in a flatter curve than anticipated and as people stay home, that curve can continue to stay low and the our state healthcare systems will be spared from an overwhelming surge of COVID-19 patients at once.   At this time, Lycoming County now has 10 cases, Clinton County has 3.  All people are either in isolation at home or being treated at the hospital.

POLICE SEEK SUSPECTS IN WILLIAMSPORT SHOOTING
A man was killed by an unknown gunman while pulling an SUV into a parking area of an apartment building at the 300 block of Bridge Street in Williamsport early Sunday.  According to the Sun Gazette, police are looking for suspects who fired multiple shots that residents heard around 3 in the morning, which killed 27 year-old Amir Nobles of Philadelphia.  Police say bullets struck and killed the man causing the vehicle to veer from his route near the Bridge Street Commons, and another nearby car was struck by the gunshots.  If you have information about this shooting please call Agent Justin Snyder.  This is the city’s first homicide of the year.

TELE-TOWN HALL DISCUSSION FOCUSES ON BUSINESS, EMPLOYMENT
During Senator Gene Yaw’s tele-town hall event yesterday to address the recent response to COVID-19, members of the public asked questions about business and unemployment issues.  Senator Yaw, acknowledging that people want to get back to work,  said that state lawmakers continue to assess the exceptions between essential and non-life-sustaining business as many have applied.  Eric Kratz, executive director, State Senate Labor and Industry Committee acknowledged a backlog in unemployment claims and that self-employed people will soon be able to file for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

CITY WORKS BEGIN COLLECTING DEBRIS WHILE FOLLOWING STATE GUIDELINES
The city is practicing their social distancing requirements as crews began to pick up yard debris yesterday.  According to the Sun Gazette, Mayor Slaughter said they have reduced the crew to one operator per truck to follow state and federal guidelines when picking up the debris that residents have been asked to leave at the curb.  Officials from City Public works are discouraging use of the city brush pile at this time during the pandemic.

WOMAN IN CUSTODY AFTER ASSAULTING A STATE TROOPER
A woman from West Milton woman allegedly pushed and kicked a state trooper and is facing felony charges. Selinsgrove State Police say they were responding to a welfare check when Pamela Klinger ignored verbal commands on the scene, and pushed an officer.  Klinger was taken into custody after having to be restrained.  She was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge John Reed and taken to Snyder County prison in lieu of . $25,000 bail.

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT TO BE CLEANED WITH NEW TRUCK
Old Lycoming Township will start it to cleaning public parks and equipment this week using jet-vac truck purchased with a grant for $622,000 through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority  or PENNVEST.  According to the Sun Gazette, the truck  has a multitude of abilities, and a sanitation tank with a solution used to clean bacteria.  Matthew Aikey, township manager said the parks are closed but the solution they use is safe for the environment and will keep workers safe while cleaning out sewers, maintaining waterways and spraying down equipment.

FREE DRIVE-UP WIFI AT TIOGA COUNTY UNIVERSITY
Mansfield University is sharing its WiFi with the community To allow students and community members access to the internet while promoting social distancing, Mansfield University Campus Technologies is providing drive-up WiFI at some locations on their campus. Mansfield University president Charles Patterson said in a press release, that they want to be a source of accessibility to the community so anyone in need of access to the internet can drive-up to many of the public parking lots and connect to the Mounties Mobile Guest wireless network for free.  Residence hall parking lots are not an authorized location for Drive-up WiFi.

FIVE MORE REST STOPS OPEN STATEWIDE
PennDOT is reopening  indoor facilities at five additional rest areas statewide. PennDOT’s rest areas were temporarily closed statewide on March 17 in response to Governor Tom Wolf’s mitigation guidance regarding COVID-19.  Additional cleaning and maintenance will be performed at all reopened locations. Tourism services are not available at this time, but U.S. 15S in Tioga County, 7 miles south of the New York State line is reopened today along with 4 other areas on Interstate 81, I-70 and Interstate 90 in Erie County that each reopened Monday.

Sports

NBA
Officials with the NBA are exploring whether a rapid blood testing process, to find accurate results as to who has the coronavirus, would allow the league to get back to resuming play in the near future.  The Washington Post reports a 15 minute rapid response test, which is approved by the FDA was shipped from an Illinois based laboratory to some areas of the US last week, but the NBA implied that it’s important that testing is done for those who need it most right now.
NFL
The NFL Draft is still set to take place later this month but it will be fully virtual.  Commissioner Roger Goodell said all coaches, general managers and team personnel will operate from their homes.

UFC fighter Anthony Smith had to fight an intruder in his Nebraska home early Sunday this week.  Smith, who lives with his wife an 3 daughters, fought the unarmed man, who had attempted to break into other area homes, until police arrived and took him into custody.  Luke Haberman was arrested and charged with first-degree criminal trespass, a misdemeanor, according to the sheriff’s department there.

Golf
A Summer line up of PGA tournaments are solidified after the coronavirus pandemic altered the schedule of almost all sports this spring.  The PGA Championship originally to be played in May is now August 6 thru 9^th in Harding Park San Francisco, The US Open scheduled for June is now September 17^th in New York, The Masters set to start this week will be played in November and The Open at Royal St. George is cancelled.  The Ryder Cup coming up in Kohler Wisconsin in September has been unchanged.