SUCCESSFUL HISTORIC AMBULANCE ALLIANCE

Hepburn Township, Trout Run and Ralston volunteer fire companies officially formed an alliance to bring a regional paid ambulance service to cover ambulance service for Hepburn, Lycoming, Lewis and McIntyre townships.  Last night’s public signing of the alliance attracted over 150 community members and also State Rep Joe Hamm and all three Lycoming County Commissioners.

OFF TO CITY COUNCIL FOR A VOTE

It was the positive recommendation that Williamsport Mayor Slaughter was looking forward to hearing. At yesterday’s Williamsport City Council’s finance committee meeting, the committee provided a positive nod to an ordinance adopting the American Rescue Plan budget on first reading. According to City Council President Adam Yoder, the ordinance covers the funding already received and that it plans on receiving this spring, which amounts to upwards of $7.3 million.  Yoder added, the motion, which passed, now moves to the full body of council with a positive recommendation.

SHARE ACCOUNT IN SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT

In the latest South Williamsport Borough Council meeting, the council agreed to submit a local share account application written in the amount of $1 million to the state Department of Community and Economic Development. As reported by the SUN Gazette, even as the process begins, the council has ideas of how it is to be spent. In fact, much of it will toward a community building set to be at the former borough pool complex.

COVID CASES LOCALLY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new cases of COVID-19, the highest number over the last three days. Clinton County reported 18 new cases. Centre County added 39 cases and Lycoming County listed 40 new cases. There were 29 new cases in Northumberland County, eight in Montour and six each in Snyder and Union counties. Tioga County added 8.

RIT ARTICULATION AGREEMENT WITH PENN COLLEGE

An articulation agreement with Rochester Institute of Technology will streamline the postgraduate admissions process for Pennsylvania College of Technology students seeking to complete a master’s degree in architecture there. The just-signed agreement provides qualified students in Penn College’s four-year architecture and sustainable design major with a smooth pathway to RIT’s graduate program. Interested students would need to apply in the final year of their bachelor’s study, complete all requisite courses with a 3.0 GPA, and fulfill other standard admissions requirements. Upon satisfactory completion of their Penn College degree, accepted students would automatically be granted advanced placement into the second year of RIT’s master’s program.

STATE POLICE RESPONDS TO THE CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMISSION

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) announced today responses to the recent recommendations made by the Pennsylvania State Law Enforcement Citizen Advisory Commission. In December, the Commission approved recommendations relating to police-involved shootings, other use of force, and bias-based policing. The Commission includes three committees to review completed internal investigative findings to determine if they were fair, impartial, complete, and performed in a manner consistent with applicable policies. Governor Wolf created the Commission in 2020 by Executive Order. The Commission is comprised of 21 voting members and six ex-officio members. Voting members include one representative from each of the Pennsylvania State Police’s current 15 Troop geographic areas and six citizen members chosen at-large.

FIRE DESTROYS HOME ALL ESCAPE SAFELY

Fire forced the evacuation of an Amish family from their frame home off Eisenhower Crossroad in Lamar Township early Saturday morning. The home was already well engulfed in flames when firemen arrived before 5 a.m. Saturday, according to Lamar Township Fire Chief Shane Steinbacher. The two story frame dwelling was a total loss. Steinbacher said it’s believed the fire was caused by a heating device inside a garage attached to the building. According to therecordonline, the home was occupied by the Henry Kauffman family consisting of Kauffman, his wife and four young children; who all escaped safely.

ALZHEIMER AND DEMENTIA TOOLKIT

Governor Tom Wolf signed into law House Bill 1082, which requires the Department of Health to establish and maintain a toolkit to provide information on the early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This toolkit will help promote better understanding of the importance of early detection among health care workers and the public, as well as providing information about diagnosis, treatment and prevention. According to Jennifer Ebersole, Director of State Government Affairs for the Alzheimer’s Association, “When it comes to cognitive health, early detection and diagnosis is paramount–and early intervention is key to obtaining proper care, and planning for the future.”

HOMICIDE CHARGES

A man is facing homicide charges after an alleged stabbing in Columbia County. As reported by WNEP, a fight happened at a home along Brittain Street in Berwick just before 11:30 p.m. Friday night, where 28-year-old Frederick McConnell engaged in a fight with 26-year-old Isaiah Newton.  McConnell was taken to a hospital with a stab wounds and later died. Police say the suspect, 26-year-old Isaiah Newton, is currently in police custody and faces charges related to aggravated assault and homicide.

COVID CASES IN THE AREA

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday reported 2,402 new cases of COVID-19, the lowest number since late August. The state also reported Pennsylvania’s rolling 7-day average of new cases had dropped to 3,538 after peaking at 28,685 a month ago. The state reported 2,690 residents hospitalized, a decrease of 83 from Saturday and the lowest number since Nov. 14. Those in intensive care units numbered 460, up five from the previous day. Clinton County reported nine new cases for a total of 8,819. The nine new cases is the smallest number since eight were recorded on Dec. 20 of last year. Centre County added 30 cases for a total of 34,240 and Lycoming County listed 29 new cases for a total of 27,888. There were 13 new cases in Northumberland County, eight in Union, six in Snyder and three in Montour. There were no new deaths registered in the Valley, the second day in a row. Tioga County added 15 new cases yesterday.

DISURBANCE IN OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP

An old Lycoming township man found himself in jail this morning following a Sunday afternoon disturbance. Around 4 pm the Old Lycoming Twp Police were dispatched to 2014 Zuni Lane in Old Lycoming Township for a report of a disturbance with a firearm involving a child custody issue. Anthony Humphries was on scene and reported to have threatened his gf and her family.  Officers worked for 45 minutes, attempting to  de-escalate the situation.  HUMPHRIES surrendered to police without incident and was arraigned on charges of terroristic threats, endangering the welfare of children and criminal mischief. He was committed to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $50,000.00 bail.

ROOF COLLAPSE

A large majority of the roof of a large truck repair facility collapsed yesterday around noon. As reported by SUN Gazette, four employees were able to escape without injury from Earth Works Energy — Green Leaf Water, or commonly referred to as North East Oil and Gas, located on Upper Powys Road, just south of Trout Run in Lewis Township.  Although ice and snow on the roof were considered factors to the collapse, there are no definite causes at this point, as damages are yet to be assessed. Fire services from Trout Run, Hepburn Township and Old Lycoming Township were dispatched.

SEARCH WARRANT EXECUTED BY POLICE FINDS FIREARM

A search warrant at the home of a Jersey Shore man brought him charges and jail time. As reported by SUN Gazette, Mark Baskin reported he was a witness to the shooting last Friday on Vilas Drive in Porter Township. Following leads and their investigation, police obtained a search warrant that was used to enter Baskin’s home a mere few hours following the shooting, where he himself was almost shot. Inside the home, police recovered a rifle and drug paraphernalia. Based on court records, indicating a prior drug conviction, Baskin is prohibited from possessing any firearms. He was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and drug paraphernalia, arraigned Tuesday and committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $85,000 bail.

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDING

Improving neighborhoods. The infusion of upwards of $25.5 million in  American Rescue Plan Act funding are set to also further economic development, according to Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter. Although the city needs to wait for the official word from Williamsport City Council as to the amount of funds for the proposed land bank, Slaughter was confident the land back would blight remediation of not only the residential, but the commercial and industrial properties in the city.  The allocation would provide the land bank with the amount of capital necessary to address starting to get properties that are “under water” from a tax perspective.

KEEPING THE PLAN THE SAME, FOR NOW

The health and safety plan will remain without change in the Montoursville Area School District.  School directors this week discussed a section of the plan regarding contact tracing in combination with isolation and quarantining. As reported by Sun Gazette, the board voted to continue its consideration of the state Department of Health contact tracing requirements and to have the administration immediately notify the public upon any changes to contact tracing and quarantining protocols. At its Feb. 1 meeting, the board tweaked the safety plan regarding quarantining and contact tracing of students who have come into contact with people who have COVID but are asymptomatic.

COVID CASES ADDED YESTERDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday reported new cases of COVID-19. Clinton County reported 13 new cases. Centre County added 70 cases and Lycoming County listed 81. There were 94 new cases in the Valley, including 35 in Northumberland County, 24 in Snyder, 23 in Union and a dozen in Montour. Tioga County added 27.

CLINTON COUNTY FIRE AND AMBULANCE PERSONNEL RECEIVE FUNDING

State Rep. Stephanie Borowicz announced Thursday that 28 volunteer fire and ambulance companies throughout the 76th District have qualified to receive approximately $380,164 from a grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner. All funding comes from the proceeds from slot machine gaming, and not General Fund tax revenue. Initiated by the PA General Assembly in 2000, this statewide grant program is open to all fire, ambulance and rescue companies across the Commonwealth. In Clinton County Avis Volunteer Fire Company,  Goodwill Hose Company Ambulance Association and Hose Company No. 3, and the Volunteer Fire Company of Mill Hall are just a few of the recipients of the funding.

PENNSYLVANIA EMS RECEIVES RELIEF PACKAGE

The General Assembly moved on its promise to Pennsylvania’s emergency medical services, approving a $25 million relief package this week to help ambulance companies recoup pandemic losses. Gov. Tom Wolf signed the bill into law Thursday. The relief is similar to the $225 million package approved last month for Pennsylvania hospitals and health care providers. At the time, lawmakers said an EMS plan was in the works. In 2020, a $50 million COVID-19 relief package was announced, with $44 million allocated to fire and rescue services and $6 million for EMS. In this latest package, all the funding is bound for qualifying ambulance providers.

LEWISBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT TO TALK ABOUT THEIR MASKING AT THE NEXT MEETING

Contact tracing is out at the Lewisburg School District but not for immunocompromised students by a unanimous board decision. As reported by the Daily Item, the school board voted to revisit masking and the district’s Health and Safety Plan at their Feb. 24 meeting. The next meeting of Lewisburg’s school board will be at 7 p.m. on Feb. 24 at the DiRocco Center for Instruction.

CUTTING TIES WITH THEIR FIRE COMPANY UNTIL THEY MEET STANDARDS

A Northumberland County municipality has ended ties with a nearby fire company. According to an online news media outlet, East Chillisquaque Township supervisors, in a news release, reported they have de-certified the Potts Grove Fire Company and its Quick Response Squad as their primary emergency services. The township reported the fire service did not maintain bylaws, specific state and federal requirements, citing safety of their residents as their primary concern. The Milton Fire Department will be the new provider of fire and emergency services for the township, with the measure approved by Milton Borough. The township says Potts Grove Fire Company will be given a year or longer, if required, to meet specific standards. The township says it hopes the fire company can be reinstated.

NOTICE OF EXECUTION IN PENNSYLVANIA

Department of Corrections Acting Secretary George Little signed a Notice of Execution setting March 15, 2022, for the execution of Kenneth Hairston, who was sentenced to death in Allegheny County.  The law provides that when the governor does not sign a warrant of execution within the specified time period, the secretary of corrections has 30 days within which to issue a notice of execution.

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDING FOR EMS

Governor Tom Wolf signed into law Senate Bill 739, which appropriates $25 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to support Pennsylvania’s emergency management services (EMS) companies. Senate Bill 739 is a continuation of the multi-layered approach the Wolf Administration is taking to address and mitigate the current crisis in Pennsylvania, including the signing of House Bill 253​, which appropriated $225 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to support the health care workers hardest hit by the pandemic’s most recent spike in hospitalizations.

FIRE AND EMS COMPANIES IN AREA DEPARTMENTS RECEIVE FUNDING

Governor Tom Wolf announced today the approval of grant awards totaling over $29 million for 2115 recipients under the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Grant Program. The Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program is administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) and makes an annual grant program available for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads.

DEPARTMENT OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAMS DISCUSSES EFFORTS TO DECREASE OVERDOSE DEATHS IN LYCOMING AND CLINTON COUNTIES

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Secretary Jen Smith joined the West Branch Drug & Alcohol Abuse Commission, substance use disorder treatment providers and prevention specialists, health care providers, and other stakeholders for a round-table discussion on local efforts to manage the addiction crisis. This virtual round-table is part of DDAP’s Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Listening Tour designed to meet with local leaders, SUD treatment providers, members of the recovery community, and other stakeholders to discuss SUD trends at the local level. This tour is in response to the increase in overdose deaths and polysubstance use throughout the commonwealth. The West Branch Drug & Alcohol Abuse Commission is the single county authority and administrator of drug and alcohol services in Lycoming and Clinton counties. The commission is responsible for facilitating substance use prevention, intervention, and treatment services for Lycoming and Clinton County residents.

FIRE COMPANY RESPONDS

In a direct response to being decertified as the emergency services provider for East Chillisquaque Township, the Potts Grove Fire Company reported they are working with the township to get back into service. According to Potts Grove Fire Company Lieutenant Jason Messersmith, the fire company did feel it provided sufficient information to the township to keep its certification, however the fire service continues working with two of the township supervisors to resolve quickly resolve the issues. As reported by an online news source, the township decertified the fire company earlier due to not meeting its bylaws and certain state and federal requirements. Also, the fire service is also working to provide their own worker’s compensation, so they can resume training and return to an active and available status.

FATAL PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT

A fatal pedestrian accident claimed the life of a Wyalusing man. State police reported the fatal accident occurred as 80-year-old Donald Allis was crossing CC Allis Road in Orwell Township yesterday morning just ahead of 8:00 am. Allis was pronounced dead on the scene. The accident remains under investigation.

UPGRADES AND IMPROVEMENTS

A much needed face-lift is in store for Lose Park on 1121 Memorial Avenue in Williamsport. The park, at just under 2 acres, has been chosen by Williamsport City Officials to receive grants that will add improvements. The grants, in the form of sealed bids are to be accepted electronically until next Friday, Feb 17 at 2 pm on PennBid. According to Williamsport City Engineer, Jon Sander, the park is set to include improvements, such as accessibility upgrades to the playground, basketball and even an inclusive play area. As reported by the SUN Gazette, with a price tag of $395,000, the cost is covered through a grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and a Community Development Block Grant.

RESCUE ASSIGNMENT

There were tense moments as a hiker slipped on ice and fell, while walking his two dogs, through a rugged terrain just off of Route 44 yesterday afternoon. According to Waterville officials, crews from the Waterville, Jersey Shore, Avis, Lock Haven and Haneyville Fire Companies and personnel from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources braved the icy conditions over two hours to retrieve the hiker from the mountain and to an ambulance. A landing zone was created at the Watson Township Building and Life Flight flew him to UPMC in Williamsport. There are no current reports of his condition.

EXTENSION IN TIME APPROVED

Heim Hill plans were discussed on Tuesday night at the Loyalsock Township Board of Supervisors meeting. According to SUN Gazette, the supervisors approved an extension of time in order to re-introduce a subdivision and land development plan for upwards of 48 houses. Harkness Real Estate Partners LLC outlined plans for Loyalsock Township that included a housing development, subdivision to include a retail store and apartments.

INTOXICATED DRIVING

The charge was driving under the influence from the driver seat of a Renovo Ambulance. Renovo Fire Chief Jim Risley allegedly responded to an ambulance call into Cameron County on Jan 26, while under the influence. According to therecordonline.com, state police in Emporium observed the ambulance as the driver committed multiple traffic violations: “A traffic stop was initiated. Upon further investigation, it was found that the driver was suspected of driving under the influence.  It was also learned that there was a patient in the rear portion of the ambulance being tended to by the second association member when police made their traffic stop. In addition to the DUI charge, Risley was also charged with careless driving and three counts of reckless endangerment.

COVID CASES IN LOCAL COUNTIES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new cases of COVID-19. Clinton County reported 38 new cases. Centre County added 77 cases and Lycoming County listed 58 new cases. There were 67 in Northumberland County, 34 in Union, 23 in Snyder and 18 in Montour County. Tioga County added 28.

MOVING TO TRIAL IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

Homicide case moves on to trial, where Judge Paige Rosini, a Northumberland County Judge, found there was enough evidence to send a Mount Carmel woman to trial. Lisa Karlaza was accused by police of stabbing her husband to death during a July 4^th altercation. According to the Daily Item, in addition to homicide, Karlaza is faces aggravated assault; possessing an instrument of crime, making false reports and simple assault; and a summary count of harassment. Karlaza remains an inmate at Northumberland County Jail in Coal Township. She is being held without bail.

FIRE IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY BUSINESS

A two alarm blaze tore through a commercial building along Route 405 in West Chillisquaque Township yesterday afternoon. Multiple fire companies from Union and Northumberland Counties battled the blaze that was reported just after 1 pm at Italian Terrace Restaurant. According to Fire Chief James Blount of William Cameron Engine Co. in Lewisburg, the building sustained “significant damage, ” but there were no injuries were reported. State Police Fire Marshal Trooper James Nizinski responded and was on scene for hours, as that investigation continues.

VISITATION POLICY CHANGES FOR LOCAL HOSPITALS

An updated Geisinger adult inpatient visitation policy changed Wednesday in response to the slow decline of COVID-19 cases, where two designated visitors are now allowed for adult inpatients. While patients are allowed to designate two visitors, only one will be allowed per patient in the hospital room at a time. These guidelines protect the health and safety of patients and staff, Geisinger officials said. Visiting hours are between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. All patients and visitors must wear a mask when on Geisinger property, regardless of vaccination status.

AID FOR PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOLS

Gov. Tom Wolf hit the road Wednesday to begin selling his proposal for what would be the largest-ever increase in aid for Pennsylvania’s public schools, several times over, as school officials digested the news and Republicans who control the Legislature warned that it will never happen. The money — just over $1.5 billion in new dollars for instruction and operations — is almost a quarter of what the state sends now under a public school funding system that critics say has left the poorest public schools, including ones with large minority student bodies, underfunded for decades. Wolf took his case to teachers and district officials in a news conference at Erie’s Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School, while education groups said they hoped that lawmakers would at least approve close to what the Democrat requested in his budget proposal Tuesday.

MORE DETAILS ON FRIDAY SHOOTING ON VILAS DRIVE

Reported drug usage may have played a role in the Friday afternoon shooting on Vilas Drive. In fact, according to state police, the shooter, Nigel Lee, and the victim, Adam Butler, allegedly used crack cocaine, crystal methamphetamine and marijuana days before the incident occurred.  As reported by SUN Gazette, Lee, of Mill Hall, was accused by state police for shooting Butler multiple times in an unprovoked attack. At this time, Butler is hospitalized and Lee is jailed with no bail, charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, illegal possession of a firearm and possession of an instrument of crime.

FIRE ON REACH ROAD

Dust caught fire and brought Williamsport City firefighters to the Danzer Veneer Americas, 240 N. Reach Road around 1:40 p.m. yesterday. Upwards of six off duty crew members were called in to fight the blaze. According to reports, crews returned to available status just after 3:30 pm with no injuries and an unknown damage estimate.

NEW GAME WARDENS GRADUATE

Twenty-four new game wardens have been assigned to districts in Pennsylvania. Following 44 weeks of intensive training, the 33rd Class of the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Ross Leffler School of Conservation graduated Feb. 5, 2022 at the Susquehanna Township Middle School in Harrisburg.  Training School Director Kyle Jury praised the class for its resiliency and commitment. The 33rd Class enrolled on March 28, 2021 and was trained by nearly 200 instructors and field-training officers. Welcome, Andrew D. Butler, of Wellsboro to the Lycoming County Office.

BEAR SEASON, A RECORD IN THE COMMONWEALTH

Pennsylvania bear hunters had quite the year in 2021. They took 3,659 bears across last year’s various seasons. That ranks as the state’s fifth-best harvest ever, and the second-largest recorded since 2011. The 2020 bear harvest, for comparison’s sake, was 3,621. The statewide regular bear season accounted for the largest part of the 2021 bear harvest. Hunters took 1,315 bears in that four-day hunt. The extended bear season – which last year for the first time allowed hunters to harvest bears throughout the opening weekend of deer season in some Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) – contributed 1,128 animals to the harvest. The archery bear season added another 680, while the muzzleloader/special firearms bear season harvest was 536.

COVID CASES REPORTED YESTERDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Monday reported 7,855 new cases. Clinton County reported 12 new cases. In Centre County 138 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 105 and Tioga County added 14.  There were 65 in Northumberland County, 62 in Union, 15 in Snyder and five in Montour.

HIS FINAL BUDGET PROPOSAL

Gov. Tom Wolf will pitch his eighth and last budget proposal to lawmakers Tuesday, as the Democrat pushes Republicans to spend more federal pandemic relief aid now and Wolf looks to cement his public school legacy by securing a big boost in state aid. The state’s bank accounts are brimming with cash, and Wolf, who is constitutionally required to leave office next January when his second term ends, is touting himself as the only governor since Dick Thornburgh in 1987 to leave a cash surplus to his successor.

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COURT IN TROUBLE WITH DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Northumberland County court officials have been accused by a US Department of Justice investigation of violating the civil rights as they forced three people with an opioid use disorder to stop taking a doctor-prescribed addiction medication or risk violating terms of court-ordered supervision. The Justice Department officials went on to explain those directives directly contradict medical research and approved practices. In addition, as reported by the Daily Item,  the directive are also violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

KINDGERGARTEN REGISTRATION FOR LOCAL SCHOOL

Kindergarten registration has opened in the Warrior Run School District. According to the Daily Item, registration for the 2022-23 school year is currently open and will close March 5.  If you want to begin the registration process, visit the Warrior Run School District homepage at wrsd.org.  All children must be five years of age before Sept 1, 2022.

PRESCHOOL EVACUATED

Initial dispatch of a boiler explosion brought emergency crews to the Blessed Beginnings and Preschool on West Central Avenue in South Williamsport yesterday morning just after 10 am.  As reported by SUN Gazette, all students and staff were evacuated to the church next door. South Williamsport Fire Chief Tyler Dickson noted crews discovered a radiator malfunction with no explosion and no fire. With no injures, all children and staff returned to preschool without further incident.