COVID-19 DEATHS INCREASE AS PRIOR WEEK DATA IS COLLECTED
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has announced that as of yesterday as of midnight there are 1, 215 new cases of COVID-19 in the state bringing a statewide total of cases of 32, 284. According to the numbers that have just come in, there has been a significant increase in deaths reported, but these did not occur in the last 24 hours. Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine announced 356 new deaths for the commonwealth, bringing a statewide total to 1, 112, but the data about 148 of those cases represents the last 7 days. Lycoming county has 37 cases and no deaths at this time. Details about the positive cases and number of negative tests in Pennsylvania can be found at health.pa.gov

In order to keep the workforce in food production sites healthy from outbreaks of COVID-19, state agencies have made procedure recommendations for facilities to maintain operations as life-sustaining businesses. According to the Agriculture Secretary, Russell Redding, management and employees at food processing facilities should undergo daily wellness screening, and have protective equipment like masks and gloves provided, increase cleaning regimens, enforcing social distancing, staggering shifts and other mitigations. The complete list is available at agriculture.pa.gov/COVID

Curbside pickup may be available from some Fine Wine & Good Spirit stores in Pennsylvania starting today. The locations in the Loyal Plaza on E Third Street, on Hepburn Street in Williamsport, and E. Penn Street in Muncy. will take a limited number of orders by phone from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m and allow one order per call per day, with a limit of 6 bottles. A complete list of locations is listed online at www.lcb.pa.gov
After the announced last week that last night that wearing masks mandatory for public places including grocery stores, markets and pharmacies, some places will have free masks available for residents today. According to the Sun Gazette, Lilyana’s Clothing Store, at 428 Pine St., in downtown Williamsport will be distributing masks today beginning at 11 a.m. The owner of the store, Joseph Lyles bought 600 masks to distribute out of his store today to help residents comply with the order issued by the Governor.

There will be a drive-thru corona-virus testing site available starting today at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre for emergency and health workers and older commonwealth residents with symptoms, state officials announced Saturday. According to Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency of PEMA, registration will be required, but patients won’t need a doctor’s prescription. In response to an increase of cases of coronavirus in Luzerne County, the PA Department of Health, will begin testing first responders and health care workers who have symptoms of COVID-19, and Tuesday, the site will test northeastern Pennsylvania residents over age 65 with symptoms. They say results should be available in two to three business days, and patients will receive an email to log on to the registration site and access their results. Registration information here.

Keystone Central School District Superintendent Jacquelyn Martin, in an email released yesterday, announced that commencement ceremonies for seniors at Central Mountain and Bucktail High Schools, are postponed until August. The decision was made after much deliberation, plus out of an abundance of caution to protect the safety of students and families during the pandemic.

Knoebels Amusement Park won top honors in the 34th annual National Amusement Park Historical Association’s Amusement Park (NAPHA) and Attractions Survey. The Phoenix was named NAPHA members’ favorite wooden coaster for the 9th consecutive year and the park’s Hallo-Fun fest in October,was named NAPHA’s favorite post-summer season event. The park is delaying its opening for its 94th season indefinitely due to the COVID-19 crisis. NAPHA members are typically experienced riders who have visited countless amusement parks and have ridden a diverse assortment of roller coasters and other rides.The National Amusement Park Historical Association, founded in 1978 .

LYCOMING COUNTY COVID-19 CASES STAYS LOW
There have been no coronavirus deaths reported in Lycoming County as of yesterday with 30 positive cases and 657 negative tests in the county. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, statewide – we’re at 27, 735 with 1, 245 new cases reported.  Sixty new deaths in the commonwealth brings that statewide total to 707.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SEE THE CURVE FLATTENING
Department of Health Secretary, Dr. Rachel Levine announced yesterday during the daily video press conference, that the department has compiled and analyzed more detailed data about the positive and negative cases of COVID-19 by county and gender as well as working to gather a more complete picture of race and ethnicity. She says the results are positive and Pennsylvanian’s sacrifice is working to flatten the curve. Find more break out data regarding Pennsylvania cases of the coronavirus at health.pa.gov.

DOMESTIC DISPUTE REPORTED AFTER GUN FIRED IN HOME
A man surrendered to police without incident Thursday morning after a domestic disturbance at his Hepburn Township home where he allegedly fired a gun in the residence twice with his wife and children inside.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say 48 year old Matthew Zeigler was upset, displayed a handgun and fired it indoors, after which his wife, Christine Ziegler called 911.  Old Lycoming Township Police responded and Ziegler was arrested, later arraigned on charges or reckless endangerment and released on $15,000 bail.

SOME LIQUOR STORES TO OPEN TO HELP MEET DEMAND
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has been given the OK by the Wolf Administration to open 106 closed liquor stores to process the overload of online orders – but they will not be open to the public.  According to the Sun Gazette, employees are getting call backs to train, and to prepare and clean the physical stores.  Before the COVID-19 crisis, online sales had been a small part of the state liquor system’s $2.7 billion in annual sales; but from April 1-8^th, through online fulfillment centers in Pittsburgh and the Philadelphia suburbs, the agency was able to fill only about 9,600 orders worth $2.1 million.  Producers, breweries, wineries and distilleries, and privately owned beer distributorships, have been permitted to sell during the shutdown of nonessential businesses.

LOCAL SCHOOL JOINS NATIONAL TRIBUTE FOR STUDENTS, MEDICAL PERSONNEL
The Williamsport area school district is participating in the “Be the Light” campaign.  They will honor the class of 2020 and also support the nurses, doctors, and first responders on the front line of COVID-19 by lighting up the high school stadium tonight at 8:20 PM for 20 minutes.  Residents are urged to remain at home and not travel to stadium grounds but post pictures on social media sites like Twitter or on Facebook searching for “Williamsport Area High School”.  The stadium scoreboard will display 2020 in honor of the graduating class, with fourth down and 19 yards to go signifying COVID-19’s final down.  Schools across the nation are taking part in the “Be the Light” campaign

GEISINGER LEADERSHIP DONATES A PERCENTAGE OF THEIR SALARIES TO HELP EMPLOYEES FACING HARDSHIP
The CEO and President Dr. Ryu and his leadership team at Geisinger Medical Center have all taken a temporary reduction in their salaries to donate to a newly created employee emergency assistance fund.  According to a press release from the hospital system, 250 thousand dollars will be given a month to help employees facing financial hardship.  Information about access to the funds will be forthcoming.

Sports
NBA
Utah Jazz point guard Mike Conley won the NBA’s first HORSE competition beating Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine for the title last night. National Basketball Players Association and ESPN teamed up to create the single-elimination NBA HORSE Challenge to provide fans with entertainment. State Farm, the sponsor, donated more than $200,000 in support of coronavirus response efforts.

NFL
Denver Broncos Pro Bowl linebacker Von Miller has tested positive for the coronavirus Thursday.  Miller who has asthma,  is the second active NFL player known to have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Sources in the NFL say they are planning a plan B in case they can’t play a full season in full stadiums. A contingency plan could include a shortened season, and playing in empty stadiums.  The league is working to restructure the season with as much flexibility as possible.

NASCAR
Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace, the lone African American competing in one of NASCAR’s national series, said Kyle Larson was wrong to have used a racial slur during a virtual race, adding that he has spoken with Larson and believes he deserves a second chance.Larson issued an apology Monday.  His three primary sponsors in the Cup Series ended their relationships with Larson later Monday and, on Tuesday, Chip Ganassi Racing announced it had fired Larson, leaving him without a team to drive for.

GOLF

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.