RESTRICTIONS ARE COMING BACK AFTER UNSETTLING COVID-19 NUMBERS
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has announced new statewide restrictions on bars and restaurants and larger indoor gatherings. Wolf said Wednesday that the new orders for targeted mitigation efforts are in response to an “unsettling” climb in new COVID-19 cases.  The DOH  projecting that a new surge could soon eclipse what we saw in April peak. The new orders include reducing restaurants’ indoor dining capacity to 25%, limiting on-premises alcohol consumption to meals only, limiting indoor gatherings to 25 people and implementing telework whenever possible.  The restrictions take effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday. Read the entire mandate from Governor Tom Wolf, here

ADA SUIT FILED AGAINST WILLIAMSPORT
The Center for Independent Living and ADAPT, two regional advocacy organizations for differently-abled people, filed a lawsuit Wednesday in federal court against Williamsport for allegedly failing to provide disabled access to City Hall.  According to the Sun Gazette, The plaintiffs, who include residents from Williamsport, Lock Haven and Jersey Shore allege that the city intentionally discriminated against over 3 thousand disabled residents by not providing access to the inside of City Hall with the long-promised access ramp and other accessibility needs such as flashing fire alarms for deaf individuals. According to PennLive, the U.S. attorney’s office launched an investigation earlier this year into allegations Williamsport’s City Hall and other municipal facilities are not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

CLINTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS UNDER SCRUTINY
The Clinton County Commissioners are facing scrutiny after personnel changes in the Department of Emergency Services there prompted a local resident to question the qualifications and actions of local leaders within the department.  Kevin Ferrara, former fire fighter, Air Force veteran and emergency services consultant says there are recent questions about the use of Personal Protective Equipment such as N95 Masks used for First responders and emergency personnel, he says about 500 of which were instead distributed to county employees by Clinton County Commissioner Angela Harding. Commissioner Jeff Snyder says the number of masks Harding secured for employees was not that exorbitant  and that she did not have access to 500 masks.  According to clintoncountypa.com, Clinton County commissioners meet every Thursday at 10:00 am and commissioner work sessions are held every Monday morning. All meetings are open to the public.

LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM SHUT DOWN BY CORONAVIRUS DIAGNOSIS
A T-ball player in the Montoursville Little League tested positive for COVID-19 and the team is now shut down to keep the virus from spreading.  According to North Central PA cot com, the leagues’ leaders notified parents that a 5 or 6 year old was affected by the virus and that his family had not let him participate in any activities after he became sick – but he is now fever-free  An older brother in the coach-pitch league is being held out of action in an abundance of caution, but no one else in the boy’s family had any COVID-19 symptoms.  League president Scott Metzger said the Montoursville team can resume play on July 23^rd if no issues arise.

MORE LYCOMING RECYCLING FACILITIES TO CLOSE
Five more recycling sites in Lycoming County will be discontinued due to the cost of transportation to remote areas to collect low volumes of materials.  According to a press release by Lycoming County resource management, Franklin Township, Montgomery Borough, Nippenose Township, Pine Township and Plunketts Creek Township are slated to close down, joining Lewis Township and Porter Township already on the list of facilities to shut down in 2020.  LCRMS says there was a decrease in available state grants and the market value of materials is low which no longer helps offset the costs.  Get details about the sites at lcrms.com.  Hepburn Township, Cogan House Township, Watson Township, Limestone Township and Brady Township are still slated to reopen their facilities.

WILLIAMSPORT AD HOC COMMITTEE RESEARCHING UPGRADE COSTS FOR CITY HALL
Williamsport’s City Hall building Ad Hoc Committee has come up with an estimate to fully repair City Hall, saying 4.99 million dollars will be needed to upgrade HVAC, and elevator and roof replacement, plus bathroom upgrades and an accessibility wheelchair ramp.  According to the Sun Gazette, the 2017 report compilation from an architecture and construction management firm comes prior to decisions being made about costs of repairs vs. a move to a new building which could house police fire and emergency personell.  A meeting in August between UPMC Susquehanna, Williamsport City Police and the county to discuss a public safety facility location is pending.

LOCAL LEADERS SUPPORT LIMITING THE LENGTH OF DISASTER DECLARATION
A proposed constitutional amendment has support from State Sen. Gene Yaw Rep. Garth Everett and Rep. Jeff Wheeland that limits the length of future emergency disaster declarations made by the governor, unless an extension is approved by the General Assembly. Under current law, a governor’s emergency declaration can last up to 90 days and be renewed by the governor indefinitely. Under Senate Bill 1166, the emergency declaration would be limited to 21 days unless the General Assembly approved a longer duration. Senate vote followed Tuesday’s approval by the House of Representatives.  As a constitutional amendment, the legislation must be approved again in the next legislative session before being put on the ballot for voters to decide.

PENNSYLVANIA COMPANY BUYS GANDER OUTDOORS BUILDING
The former Gander Outdoors at the Lycoming Mall Complex has a new owner and they are hiring.  According to NorthCentral PA dot com, Williamsport based Miele Manufacturing, who handle Pennsylvania skill games, recently purchased the outparcel building at 66 Mall Parkway in Muncy Creek Township and plan to mive in officially soon.  The over 56 thousand square foot building was vacated in December of 2019 after Gander Outdoors had a brief liquidation sale.

LOCAL COLLEGE RECOGNIZED BY ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION
Penn College has been recognized by the  Arbor Day Foundation for the 5^th consecutive year as Tree Campus USa for its commitment to urban forestry.  Penn College — honored annually since 2015 — met Tree Campus USA’s five standards inlcluding having a tree advisory committee,  a campus tree-care plan in place, dedicating annual expenditures for the program, holding an Arbor Day observance and with a student service-learning project,  The Arbor Day foundation’s Time for Trees initiative is an effort to plant 100 million trees in forests and communities by 2022.

SPORTS
NASCAR
Chase Elliot joined his father Bill Elliott as winner of NASCAR‘s annual All-Star race earning $1 million in front of limited spectators at Bristol motor Speedway.  Elliot beat Kyle Busch to the finish line –  Bubba Wallace wrecked out of the qualifier

NFL

A Bidet company who made a lot of money during the COVID-19 pandemic announced a bid yesterday for the naming rights to the Buffalo Bills stadium. A$12.5 million deal could rename the venue TUSHY stadium, and would likely bring a college football bowl game to Orchard Park called the Toilet Bowl. It’s unclear whether TUSHY’s offer will be taken seriously.

The Dallas Cowboys and pro bowl quarterback Dak Prescott were unable to reach an agreement on a long-term deal yesterday, so Prescott will play the upcoming season on a franchise tag worth 31.4 million.The team and Prescott are now not allowed to negotiate until after the upcoming season is over.

In the NFL, about half of the adults in the US support Washington DC NFL team to retire the Redskins name according to a poll of 6000 people. It states that 53% of America strongly or somewhat support the team’s decision to change its name.

NBA Players are using a snitch hotline to report other players who are violating COVID-19 protocols at the NBA bubble in Orlando.  Sources say the NBA has set up an anonymous hotline to report social distancing violations at Walt Disney World resort.  Players have received warnings from violations that have come through the snitch hotline as the league ensures social distancing and mask protocols on the campus.

The Clinton County Commissioners are facing scrutiny after personnel changes in the Department of Emergency Services there prompted a local resident to question the qualifications and actions of local leaders within the department.  Kevin Ferrara, former fire fighter, Air Force veteran and emergency services consultant says a recent job posting to replace the Emergency Management Coordinator, who recently retired within upheaval in the department which Ferrara says is due to a hostile work environment under Clinton County Commissioner Angela Harding.    Commissioner Miles Kessinger says Harding cares about Clinton County and the changes being made are for the better.  Details about the requirements for the current job availability in Clinton County is available at clintoncountypa.com

The Clinton County Commissioners are facing scrutiny after personnel changes in the Department of Emergency Services there prompted a local resident to question the qualifications and actions of local leaders within the department.  Kevin Ferrara, former fire fighter, Air Force veteran and emergency services consultant says a recent job posting to replace the Emergency Management Coordinator, who recently retired in what Ferrara says was a hostile work environment under  Clinton County Commissioner Anglea Harding, states the directives listed for the hire does not follow Title 35/PEMA directives.  Ferrar says Andrew Kremser, the current Director of the Department of Emergency Services was not properly credentialed for the position.  Clinton County Commissioner Miles Kessinger says Kremser is currently obtaining the qualifications he needs.  Details about the requirements for the current Emergency Management Coordinator position in Clinton County is available at clintoncountypa.com.

FOUR STATES ADDED TO PA QUARANTINE-FOLLOWING-RETURN LIST
Pennsylvania Health Department officials have added to the list of states that require commonwealth residents to self-quarantine if they return from traveling there.  Delaware, Iowa, Kansas and Oklahoma have been added to the list of 15 other states involved in the travel quarantine and people who go there are being asked to self-quarantine for 14 days upon their return to Pennsylvania. Recently, more than 200 new reported cases in Allegheny County and more than 100 in Philadelphia were part of more than 800 additional positive cases announced over the weekend.  The statewide total today is 95,742 reported cases – in Lycoming County 247, 346 in Northumberland.

SMALL BARN FIRE IN WILLIASPORT
There was another 2 alarm fire in Williamsport Monday that brought down a small three-story barn in the 1400 block of Bloomingrove Road.  The fire was reported by the property owner after being discovered about 8:15.  City firefighters arrived and then called a second alarm which brought additional manpower and equipment from South Williamsport, Old Lycoming Township at Montoursville. There were no injuries and no homes were damaged.   Bloomingrove Road was closed north of Freedom Road for  a few hours and police are investigating the cause of the blaze.

OVERNIGHT ROAD WORK IN NORTHUMBERLAND
Overnight roadwork will continue this week on Interstate 80 eastbound in Turbot Township, Northumberland County between the hours of 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM each day.   Through this Thursday, July 16, a contractor will be paving approaches and applying epoxy overlays on the bridges at mile marker 215 over Route 254 and mile marker 213 over Muddy Run Road, weather permitting.  Expect the right (driving) lane to be restricted while work is being performed.

LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY HAS REOPENING PLAN
After gathering input from numerous individuals and groups on campus, Lock Haven University has announced the release of its Return to The Haven 2020 reopening plan for the fall semester.   Guidelines and requirements are in place for the campus community regarding social distancing and the use of facial coverings.  The university will limit the population density on campus including in classrooms and residence halls. The semester will begin on Aug. 24, but face-to-face instruction will end the week before Thanksgiving on Nov. 20.  Classes will be spread out more throughout the day and be a mix of face-to-face and remote learning  More details can be found at the Return to The Haven website, at www.lockhaven.edu/fallreturn.

MAN DIES AFTER SHOOTOUT WITH POLICE ATTEMPTING TO SERVE WARRANT
A man was killed in an “officer involved shooting” Friday as Pennsylvania State and Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office were attempting to serve a warrant.  According to a press release, state and local police arrived at 60  year old Michael Norton’s home at 521 Cotts Rd in Forksville around 10:30am . There is no word on whether Norton was armed, but after a shooting Norton taken away by ambulance, but according to the Sullivan County Coroner Norton passed away due to the injuries he sustained enroute to the hospital. An autopsy is being performed at Lehigh Valley Medical Center in Allentown.

Sunbury Mayor Kurt Karlovich made the announcement at Monday’s Sunbury City Council meeting that he will not seek reelection in 2021.  According to the Daily Item  Karlovich said that due to regulations of the Civil Service Act, if he sought seek reelection he would be terminated or forced to resign from his current employment.  He said will serve out his term for the next 18-months, but said made the announcement early because he wants people to get involved to run for the position.  In November 2017, Karlovich, a Democrat, defeated Republican Councilwoman Beth Kremer and independent Joseph Bartello to become the new mayor of Sunbury at the age of 31.

Motorists who travel Route 220 will have more lane restrictions this week in Woodward and Piatt Townships, Lycoming County.  There will be work during off-peak hours to minimize traffic impacts, inlcuding paving, shoulder widening, sewer relocation and overhead utility relocation. Miscellaneous construction activities will continue  with alternating lane closures .  The safety improvement project addressed conflicting traffic movements and provides more efficient and safer places for U-turns. The project will be completed in Fall of 2022.

A bill has passed in the state Senate that could help create thousands of family-sustaining jobs, and provide a boost to Pennsylvania’s energy economy.  According to a press release by Sen. Gene Yaw, the Chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee,  the Local Resource Manufacturing Tax Credit Program adds an incentive for manufacturers to invest in Pennsylvania communities, available to facilities that use dry natural gas to produce fertilizer and other petrochemical products. The House of Representatives will now consider  Bill 732.

SPORTS
NFL
The Washington Redskins announced Monday that they will be retiring their nickname and logo after completing a thorough review that began on July 3.  The announcement of a new name has been delayed because trademark issues are pending. Ity is reported that the franchise will not use any Native American imagery. Washington’s logo of an American Indian chief was designed by a Native American in 1971.

The NFL is going to distribute The Oakley Mouth Shield to all 32 teams over the next week, which is a product designed in collaboration with doctors and engineers from the NFL to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus on the field of play.  They consist of Plastic sheets that extend down and attach to the face guard. There are airways and openings on the mouth shield but none that allow the direct transmission of droplets.  Currently, there is no mandate to wear a face shield,

NASCAR
It was announced last week that NASCAR will move its August road course race from Watkins Glen in upstate New York  and shift instead to the road course at Daytona International Speedway. The move means the Cup Series will make its debut on Daytona’s road course, incorporating part of the famed 2.5-mile oval. The race on Aug. 16 was necessary to move from Watkins Glen because NASCAR cannot meet New York’s quarantine requirements for out-of-state visitors.

NBA
As NBA players arrive at games during resumed play in Orlando, they will have the freedom to wear clothing from their own wardrobes while walking from the team bus to the venue’s locker rooms.  According to a league spokesperson. players can wear items from their own wardrobes upon arrival that are neat in appearance.  However, players not in uniform at games must be wearing pants while seated on the bench. The league removed the requirement that players seated on the bench wear a sport coat.

COLLEGE ATHLETICS

The Patriot League cancelled the fall sports season Monday due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Bucknell Director of Athletics and Recreation, Jermaine Truax, said he supports the difficult decision. The Patriot League Council of Presidents has not made a decision on winter and spring sports.  The league said it recognizes that the cancellation is “deeply disappointing.”

TWO VICTIMS KILLED IN MONROE TOWNSHIP SHOOTING
The Monroe Marketplace was evacuated Friday night after a man shot and killed two victims in the parking lot of the Buffalo Wild Wings.  According to media outlets, 46-year-old Heather Campbell of Trevorton and 52-year-old Matthew Bowersox of Mifflinburg were shot by suspect Christopher Fernanders of Paxinos who according to court documents, plotted to kill Campbell who had obtained a PFA order July 1^st.  Following the first shooting 49-year-old Troy Sprenkle of Sunbury came out of the restaurant and fired three or four shots at the suspect, putting him the hospital with serious injuries.  Ferndanders has not yet been arraigned on muder charges dues to his hospitalization according to the Snyder County DA.

COVID-19 CASE NUMBERS IN PA
The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of midnight last night,  that there are 725 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 95,414. The number of new cases in Allegheny County concerns the department as the numbers increased by 200 cases overnight. Lycoming County confirmed 242 cases.

FORECLOSURE ORDER SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
Governor Tom Wolf has signed a new executive order last week that protects some homeowners and renters from eviction or foreclosure until August 31. Those who already received assistance from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency or already received relief through one of the federal foreclosure moratorium programs or judicial orders are ineligible.  Lenders and property owners that receive funds through the PHFA program agree not pursue foreclosure or eviction actions as a condition of participation in the program.

WILLIAMSPORT CITY  HIRES ANALYTICS CONSULTANT
City Council hired an economic analytic expert last week to assist the city administration as it prepares for possible arbitration with the Bureau of Fire union in August. According to the Sun Gazette, Vijay Kapoor, president of Kapoor Company will be paid no more than $16,500 to perform what he said is a granular, high-end analysis using compensation comparisons from cities across Pennsylvania. Mayor Derek Slaughter also said that Kapoor will also be used by the city in preparation for his proposed 2021 budget and negotiations with police and River Valley Transit unions.

MAN DIES IN ONE CAR CRASH
A Unityville man died of his injuries after a one-vehicle accident about 6pm Friday night in Moreland Township along Route 118.  According to the Sun Gazette, state police say 20 year old Gavin Steele lost control of his Subaru Outback while heading west on Route 118 near L Harman Rd. and overturned.  Steele was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the vehicle. A nurse from Geisinger Medical Center in Danville reported that Steele passed away from his injuries Saturday.

MAN FLEES FROM POLICE
A man from Ashland is facing charges for fleeing from police July 5^th in Shamokin.  According to media outlets, 36 year old Harry Baney did not yield to police lights and sirens which started the police pursuit.  The chase went through several residential areas in Shamokin before Baney crashed the car and then fled on foot.  Police say the ehcile was towed from the scene and no injuries were reported.

STATE BUSINESS SHOULD TAKE PLACE REMOTELY
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to help reduce unnecessary in-person contact that can spread the virus, Governor Tom Wolf signed an executive order Friday authorizing state agencies to conduct administrative proceedings remotely. Several state agencies conduct administrative proceedings including meetings and disciplinary hearings of the 29 occupational licensing boards and commissions under the Department of State. The executive order takes effect immediately and allows administrative proceedings to occur by phone, video or online. Independent agencies are strongly encouraged to implement this executive order.

LOCAL COIN SHORTAGE
Local retailers are saying they are feeling the national shortage of U.S. Coins, and are posting signs about the shortage in their stores. According to the Sun Gazette some may see posted signs stating that establishments can only accept credit, debit and electronic payments at this time due to the coin shortage. In June, the Federal Reserve began limiting allocation of coins to banks and financial institutions, citing a decrease in coin deposits from financial institutions in the past few months. The U.S. Mint continues to produce coins and hopes the shortage issue will resolve once the economy opens more broadly.

SPORTS
NASCAR

Cole Custer in the No. 41 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford became the first rookie regular to win in the NASCAR Cup Series in nearly four years, surging to the lead in a four-wide, final-lap scramble Sunday at Kentucky Speedway.  Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr. were dueling for the lead on the Lap 266 final restart when Custer got a push from Matt DiBenedetto and slid ahead of the bunched up leaders, outlasting Truex’s Toyota.

NFL
The Washington Redskins will officially announce this morning that they will be changing their nickname, though no new name will be revealed just yet because trademark issues are pending.

NBA
LA Lakers Anthony Davis says he will keep his last name stitched on the back of his jersey for the NBA restart in Orlando, Florida, rather than replace it with a social justice message.As of Wednesday afternoon, 285 of the expected 350 eligible NBA players had picked a social justice message to put on their jerseys, while 17 had opted to continue to use their names.

NCAA
The PAC-12 will follow the Big Ten and go for a conference-only schedule this fall for sports – delaying the start of all the fall seasons.  UCLA and USC of the PAC-12 are affected by the large amount of cases in the LA area

WILLIAMSPORT CITY COUNCILS HIRES ECONOMIC EXPERT

City Council hired an economic analytic expert Thursday. According to the Sun Gazette, Vijay Kapoor, president of Kapoor Company, will assist the city administration as it prepares for possible arbitration with the Bureau of Fire union in August. Kapoor will be paid no more than $16,500 to perform what he said is a granular, high-end analysis using compensation comparisons from cities across Pennsylvania. Mayor Derek Slaughter also said that Kapoor will also be used by the city in preparation for his proposed 2021 budget and negotiations with police and River Valley Transit unions.

REMAINS DISCOVERED IDENTIFIED

The remains discovered on the morning of July 4^th near Bates Road in East Cameron Township in Northumberland County have been identified as Joshua Phillippy, 22, of Ashland. According to NorthCentralPA.com, Phillippy had been a declared missing person by Pennsylvania State Police in Frackville on June 16^th. Northumberland County Coroner James Kelley with Doctor of Dental Science, Dr. John Owens ad staff, helped in identifying the remains through dental records. There is no evidence of foul play suspected in the investigation.

CITY EAGER TO GET PROJECTS DONE

City officials are eager to get projects such as Grafius Run flood control, the levee and street reconstruction done after reviewing the six-year capital projects budget according to the Sun Gazette. Interim city finance director, Joesph Pawlak, said the capital projects budget runs from June 30, 2021 through June 30, 2026, noting that the first two years will allow council to look at those projects that are more firmly in place with final four years being more of a wish list.

LOCAL RETAILERS FACING COIN SHORTAGE

Local retailers are saying there is a national shortage of U.S. Coins, posting signs about the shortage in their stores. One retailer is GIANT market on E. Third Street in Williamsport, and according to NorthCentralPA.com, their signs state they can only accept credit, debit and electronic payments at this time due to the coin shortage. In June, the Federal Reserve began limiting allocation of coins to banks and financial institutions, citing a decrease in coin deposits from financial institutions in the past few months. The U.S. Mint continues to produce coins and hopes the shortage issue will resolve once the economy opens more broadly.

CITY OF WILLIAMSPORT RECIPIENT OF CORONAVIRUS AID

The city of Williamsport is recipient of $609,271 in federal Community Development Block Grant funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, according to the Sun Gazette. The block grant funding will be used to prevent, prepare and respond to COVID-19 pandemic issues, said Stephanie Young, city department director. Young also stated “Funding must not be a duplication of benefits.” And it is intended to be gap funding. The department will have an open enrollment period and once the organizations are selected, the city will need to enter into a sub-recipient agreement with the organizations.

TEEN CHARGED IN CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CREATED IN WILLIAMSPORT

Pennsylvania State Police Montoursville stated pornographic videos created in Williamsport depicting the abuse of children were uploaded to the internet and received over 19,000 views before deletion. According to NorthCentralPA.com, Cole L. Johnson, 18, was charged on Tuesday with one count of third degree felony possession of child pornography in relation to the videos. Trooper Matthew Miller stated the female victims were aged 16 and 17. Johnson’s bail was set at $95,000 unsecured during a preliminary arraignment on Tuesday.

PIAA RESPONDS TO RUMORS ON CANCELLATION

As rumors begin to swirl about the PIAA canceling the entire fall sports season due to the coronavirus pandemic, PIAA’s executive director, Bob Lombardi, told PennLive on Thursday that the PIAA is not planning to cancel the fall sports season at next Wednesday’s meeting. Lombardi added the rumors are “unfounded” and that right now, the PIAA is looking ahead to what needs to be done to make sure fall sports can start. The High School football season is set to kick off on August 28^th.

TRAFFIC CONCERNS NEAR MUNCY UPMC CONSTRUCTION SITE

Construction of Geisinger Muncy has drawn traffic concerns, with speeding in the area being a top the list. Supervisor Thomas Scheach told the Sun Gazette that the traffic “is creating mayhem” and “We’re asking people to please slow down.” According to the Sun Gazette, instillation of new signs advertising reduced speeds was anticipated for Thursday. Scheach also added the appropriate signage required for local police to use speed enforcement devices will be installed shortly.

SPORTS 7-10-20

NCAA

The Big Ten announced that they will play conference games this fall and will cancel all non-conference games due to the coronavirus pandemic, becoming the first FBS conference to make such a decision.

PGA

Tiger Woods announced he will play next week’s Memorial Tournament. It will be his first official event since the final round of the Genesis Invitational on February 16^th.

NFL

As a part of their return to play plan, the NFL has eliminated any post game interactions within 6 feet of each other, including the popular trend of jersey swapping,in the 2020 season.

MLB

Even though the 2020 MLB season has yet to start, Major League Baseball released their 2021 regular season schedule yesterday. All 30 teams will open the 2021 season on April 1^st.

HS Boys Basketball

Jamie Spencer was named the Head Boys Basketball Coach at St. John Neumann High School. Spencer has previous coaching experience in the county, having coached at Montoursville and Montgomery.

Stonington State Police found a body Saturday in Northumberland County and have found no foul play in the incident. According to media outlets the body was found in a wooded area near Bates Road in East Cameron Township near Shamokin. Stonington Troopers say a known individual contacted them around 8:45 a.m. Saturday who tipped them off about situation. Troopers say the Northumberland County Coroner and deputy coroner assisted the police on the scene.

A Montoursville resident has been arrested for simple assault and terroristic threats after police say he attempted to strangled his mother who would not provide him with money for drugs.  Douglas Harding threatening his mother’s life and as she attempted to flee her home and call police, a neighbor saw the confrontation and called 911. Police say Harding was charged with one misdemeanor count of false imprisonment for allegedly holding the victim against her will.  He has been jailed in lieu of 75,000 dollar bail at the Lycoming county prison.

Grants will be available for cultural institutions in Pennsylvania, according to Governor Tom Wolf who recently announced the availability of the the Cultural and Museum Preservation Grant Program, through the federal CARES Act.  Twenty million dollars will be allotted for qualifying organizations for individual grants in amounts between $25k to $500k.  Applications are accepted through July 31^st and you can register and find information about eligibility here.

The man known as the “Shepherd of the Streets” in Lycoming County  has announced his retirement.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Rev. J. Morris Smith, has submitted notification that he will retire from his position as head of The Shepherd Program effective Aug. 28. Rev. Smith was part of the United Churches of Lycoming County Program for 20 of the  32 years it has been successfully helping the community.  Rev. Gwen Bernstine, executive director of United Churches, said that the program will continue to operate under new leadership and they are seeking applicants for the position Smith held.   Smith and his wife, Barby, say they will move closer to family in the Kansas City, Missouri.

A home caught fire on the Fourth of July in Williamsport on the 600 block of Rose Street. According to the Sun Gazette at least 5 people that were family and friends of the homeowner were inside when the fire started. According to the Sun Gazette broke out around 3:40 pm setting off 2 fire alarms in the process and leaving 3 adults and 3 children homeless. Fire officials say the blaze was started when a child was playing with a lighter.  The local Red Cross is providing emergency assistance to the displaced victims.  Damage estimates reached about $45k

A naked man in Mill Hall man was tased last Thursday after allegedly assaulting a Jersey Shore police officer. According to the Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police Department, motorists noticed 34 year old Jason Kinley on the 200 block of Calvert street running around and yelling at cars going by around 10:45.  According to police the suspect was not in compliance with officers and continued to ask to be tased.  The Police then complied with his wishes.  Kinley is being held on charges of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, indecent exposure, simple assault, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and harassment and was jailed at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $50,000 unsecured bail.

More than $4 million in federal coronavirus relief funding is on the way for Union County and the Commissioners there are determining how to use those funds moving forward.  A portion of those funds may be earmarked to expand wireless broadband internet access in the underserved western end of the county. According ot the Daily Item, Commissioner Stacy Richards said studies have been performed on expanding access in the county.  Areas targeted are the Shamokin Mountain near New Berlin and Jones Mountain in Hartley Township. The funding could be split up to use for more than one initiative, she said.

A statue of abolitionist Frederick Douglass was ripped from its base in Rochester, New York Friday, on the anniversary of one of his most famous speeches.  According to the National Examiner, police said the statue of Douglass was taken yesterday from Maplewood Park, a site along the Underground Railroad. Police say the statue was found near the Genesee River gorge about 50 feet from its pedestal and it had been damaged.  In Rochester on July 5, 1852, Douglass gave the speech saying a celebration of liberty is a sham in a nation that oppresses its Black citizens.

Sports
MLB
Under pressure from national racial movements in America, the Cleveland Indians said Friday night that they will review their long-debated nickname, which has been in place for 105 years.

Ex Philadelphia pitcher Tyson Brummett, 35, of Salt Lake City, died in a plane crash. Brummett was drafted by the Phillies BACK IN 2007 out of UCLA. A right-hander, Brummett’s appearance in the majors came in 2012, when he faced four batters, striking out two of them.

NBA
The NBA has announced a schedule for scrimmages happening at the Walt Disney World Resort. As the season gears back up you can expect 33 scrimmages set for between July 22^nd and July 28^th.

The Miami Heat have closed their training facility after positively testing a second player for COVID-19

NASCAR
A tire changer for NASCAR driver Ryan Blaney was taken to a hospital, evaluated and released after being injured Sunday early in the Brickyard 400.  Zachary Price was pinned between Blaney’s No. 12 Ford and Brennan Poole’s No. 15 Chevrolet as the result of a six-car pileup near the entrance of pit road 16 laps into the Cup series race. Five of the drivers were checked at Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s infield medical center and released. Blaney, meanwhile, returned to the race.

Justin Allgaier, the replacement for seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, was involved in a six-car pileup near the entrance of pit road 16 laps into the Cup series race and dropped out. Johnson’s streak of 663 consecutive starts ended after he tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday.

At seven laps from another close victory that haven’t worked out, Denny Hamlin went careening into the first-turn wall with a flat right-front tire, and Kevin Harvick beat Matt Kenseth off the final restart to win his second straight Brickyard 500 Sunday.