GOVERNOR WOLF LIFTS SOME RESTRICTIONS ON OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Governor Wolf has lifted restrictions as of May 1st for golf courses, marinas and guided fishing, and private campgrounds , as long as they follow COVID-19 guidelines to operate safely. He says state parks will remain closed until mid-May. In other Wolf administration business, a proposal to force the opening of lawn and garden retail stores passed in the House with unanimous Republican support and a bill was approved by the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee to allow pet groomers to operate. Both actions will require the governor’s signature.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REPORT
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 885 new cases of the virus with 42,050 positive tests reported in Pennsylvania. There are 1, 597 total deaths in the commonwealth. Lycoming County has 57 cases, Northumberland County 90 cases, Montour 48, Clinton county has 25, Union 31, and Sullivan, 1 case – with no deaths reported in those counties. However, there are 277 positive cases in Montour County with 7 deaths reported, in Bradford County where there have been 28 cases, there are 2 deaths and Tioga County reports 14 cases and 1 patient dying from COVID-19
MURDER FOR HIRE SCHEME FOILED
Two Lycoming County teens have been charged with criminal solicitation after planning what police are calling a murder-for-hire scheme. According to Penn Live, 19 year old Dillian Mikel Weaver, of Williamsport, and 16 year oldAngelina Grace Peluso, 16, of Trout Run have been accused of wanting to kill Peluso’s stepfather, Howard Blackburn, after he caught them in bed together. Police say after Paluso allegedly lied to Weaver saying that Blackburn sexually assaulted her in their Cascade Township home, Weaver and Paluso allegedly went through steps to plan a way for someone to kill Blackburn, resulting in an undercover trooper arresting Weaver Thursday night. Investigators later said Peluso told police that it was Weavers idea to kill her stepfather – and she went along with it. Both were charged Friday with bail set at $1 million each.
LARGE GRADUATION GATHERINGS CANCELLED BY THE GOVERNOR
Gov. Tom Wolf released a statement of hope to the High School Classes of 2020, offering his apologies for the drastic change to their lives, announcing that it will not be possible for any class to celebrate with large celebrations this year. he said in a prepared statement that many may feel angry about the circumstances and he understands that they’ve been dealt a bad hand… <<< Wolf Grads>>>Governor Wolf’s reopening plan bans large gatherings even in regions where restrictions are being eased May 8th and he offers his Congratulations to the class of 2020 across the state.
ELECTIVE SURGERY CAN RESUME
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has announced that elective surgical procedures at hospitals and outpatient centers may resume. According to Dr Rachel Levine these procedures can take place now under the guidance and recommendation of the American Hospital Association, College of Surgeons and other hospital entities. According to the Sun Gazette, the cancellation of elective surgeries, where a hospital makes most of its’ income, cause the industry to lose about $1 billion in revenue in March. The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 885 new cases of the virus with 42,050 positive tests reported in Pennsylvania. There are 1, 597 total deaths in the commonwealth.
HOSPITAL ASKING COVID-19 PATIENTS WHO TEST NEGATIVE TO DONATE PLASMA
Geisinger Medical Center said in a news release yesterday that they are partnering with Miller-Keystone Blood Center so that those who have recovered from COVID-19 can donate plasma that contains antibodies that may help patients still fighting the virus symptoms. According to the system director of Geisinger’s transfusion services, the results are encouraging and that they are contacting patients who are eligible to voluntarily donate blood and plasma in a process that takes about 45 minutes. People who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have been symptom free for 28 days are eligible to donate. The release said that Geisinger is working to develop its own reliable antibody testing technology.
POP UP RECYCLING IN JERSEY SHORE AND MUNCY
Recycling will take place for Jersey Shore and Muncy Township next with Lycoming Resource Management Services announced two new locations yesterday for deposal of recycling materials this Thursday through Saturday from 8-4. Staff will direct traffic this week at the Lycoming Mall Parking lot at 300 Lycoming Mall Circle in Muncy Township and Jersey Shire Area High School Parking lot at 701 Cemetery St in Jersey Shore.
PENNDOT WORKING ON ROUTE15 WEDNESDAY
PennDOT says they will be working tomorrow along Route 15 south in Lewis Township to restore the soil and shoulder after a tractor trailer accident around mile marker 148 last weekend. Motorists are advised that a contractor will be blocking the left lane about a quarter of a mile before Trout Run Exit Wednesday, April 29 between 8 and 5, weather permitting.
SPORTS
NBA
The Los Angeles Lakers returned a $4.6 million loan from the government meant for small businesses. The Lakers said when they found out the funds from the Payroll Protection Program had been depleted they wanted to give financial support back to those most in need.
The NBA has pushed back its plan to allow players to re-enter team facilities this Friday May 1st. According to officials with the Hawks they are now waiting to see how loosening the stay-at home orders in Georgia impact their region. The facilities may open now May 8th.
The NFL has designed several versions of the 2020 season, some which include a Super Bowl February 28 with a season starting as late as October 15, plus a season without bye weeks or a pro bowl. The NFL usually begins its regular season following Labor Day
NASCAR
Matt Kenseth is coming out of retirement to race for Chip Ganassi in the #42 car for the rest of the 2020 season. Kenseth last competed in 2018, running a partial schedule for Roush Fenway. His last full-time season was 2017 for Joe Gibbs.
NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin finished last in Sunday’s virtual race last week when his seven-year-old daughter turned off the monitor with a remote control causing him to crash. Hamlin posted a video on Twitter saying his daughter admitted she had the remote and ended the day. eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational series has replace real life NASCAR while it remain suspended due to the coronavirus.
