DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BRINGS IN TEAM FROM CDC TO ASSIST NURSING HOMES
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, there were 610 new positive coronavirus cases added to the total of 63,056 statewide. Lycoming County had no new cases as of yesterday. There were 119 new deaths reported in the state for a total of 4,624. Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine reported that in efforts to control the pandemic striking nursing homes and personal care facilities the state requested and has received specific help from an action team from the CDC in Atlanta Georgia In nursing and personal care homes, there are 13,813 resident cases of COVID-19, and 2,191 cases among employees at 557 distinct facilities in 44 counties.
YOU CAN TEST FOR THE VIRUS AT HOME
Mobile at-home testing for Coronavirus is available for patients through UPMC and Susquehanna Regional EMS’s mobile integrated health model. According to the Sun Gazette, hospital officials say these services are specifically for anyone who cannot make it in due to mobility reasons, they are elderly or pediatric care, they are unable to make it to a collection center or even for fear of contracting the virus. Those who are referred by their primary care provider can have a specimen taken via a nose swab test in a patient’s own home in Lycoming and Clinton, Tioga, Union and Northumberland counties. The tests are then taken to the lab at UPMC Williamsport where results come back as quick as 24 to 48 hours
STATE RENT REBATES COULD BE EARLY
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program rebates may be early this year. State Treasurer Joe Torsella announced yesterday that many older homeowners, renters and people with disabilities will receive early rebates. The distribution of rebates by the Department of Revenue and Treasury is different than prior years. Rather than a large distribution of rebates on July 1, they will be processed and distributed on a first-in-first-out basis. This gradual process means some claimants will receive their rebates earlier than others.
PA BREWER WILL HAVE COVID-19 FUNDRAISIER
There will be a virtual celebrity fundraiser called Cheers PA to benefit Pennsylvania hospitality workers, bartenders and waitstaff who have been financially impacted by COVID-19. According to the Pottsville Brewer, Yuengling and Phillies All-star pitcher, Aaron Nola will host the Hospitality Assistance Response of Pennsylvania, or HARP. Fans can donate from now until June 19th and enter for a chance to win experiences with or signed memorabilia from PA celebrities and athletes and Phanatics from the Phillies, Eagles, Steelers and Penguins. Get details at yuengling.com/cheersPA
GOVERNOR DECIDING WHEN TO GO GREEN
No new cases of the corona virus in Lycoming County, which helps keep things positive for staying in the yellow designation, however, Dr Rachel Levine responded to media questions during the daily department of health update about when counties may transition from the Yellow to Green designation , saying the governor will likely make a decision about the change in a few weeks. Two Thirds of the state will be in the yellow phase as of midnight on May 22nd. There were 610 new positive coronavirus cases added to the total of 63,056 statewide in 67 counties with 4,505 confirmed deaths.
LYCOMING COUNTY TAXES EXTENDED
In order to help out small businesses and those who are struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the time to file real estate taxes was extended Tuesday. The Comissioners approved a resolution to extend the face value period for payment of real estate taxes to Aug. 31. According to the Sun Gazette, the treasurer said the county remains on target for what it typically would have in taxes at this time. And the commissioners stated they wanted to help residents with cash flow problems they may be facing.
MUNCY SCHOOL BOARD APPROVED PROPOSED BUDGET WITH NO INCREASE
The Muncy School Board unanimously approved the 2020-21 proposed final budget virtually, through a call-in format with no real estate tax increase. If given final approval next month, the budget will maintain the current tax rate at 16.72 mills for district homeowners. The board did retain the option to enact an increase before the final vote on the budget in June. They also set the earned income tax at 1.25 percent, real estate transfer at .5 percent and local services at $5.00, all with no changes to the current rates.
Governor Wolf may allow Pocono Raceway to hold races without fans in late June if their numbers improve in Monroe County –currently in the red designation. Wolf said that if Monroe County moves to yellow before the races, then NASCAR may hold the two races as long as there are no spectators present and guidelines are followed to keep competitors safe. Pocono Raceway is scheduled to host races June 27 and 28.
VALLEY SCHOOL HOPEING FOR GRADUATION THIS SUMMER
Selinsgrove Area School District said they will be distributing diplomas to those who need them for work or other future plans, but the principal at Selinsgrove told media outlets that through a student survey, and in consultation with class officers they will “wait and see” for a possible summertime graduation. If social distancing guidelines are not eased there are photos and videos in the planning phase for a virtual diploma distribution, in case they can’t gather together.
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY ROAD CLOSED
Motorists are advised that Salem Road in Upper Mahanoy Township, Northumberland County, is closed for maintenance work between Sliding Hill Road and Heim Road. A PennDOT maintenance crew is replacing a deteriorating pipe through this morning weather permitting. A detour is in place using Erdman Road, Haas Road, Valley Road, Cider Press Road in Schuylkill County, and Route 3010 North Schwaben Creek Road. Expect expect changing traffic patterns in the area.
SPORTS
College sports
Lycoming College will induct two former athletes into the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Hall of Fame. Darrin Kenney a former football stand out from 1992, and NCAA wrestling champion Ron Buddy Knoebel from 1965.
Minor League Baseball
CrossCutters still waiting to hear From MLB on whether or not a season will be played with their home opener scheduled at Bowman Field for June 19 against the State College Spikes.
NASCAR
Tonight is the first Wednesday race since 1984 when Richard Petty won his 200th career Cup race at the Firecracker 400 at Daytona on July 4th . Tonight is the Toyota 500 at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina ahead of this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte
HORSES
the 2020 Belmont stakes has been postponed from Saturday June 6th to Saturday June 20th, due to the coronavirus. It will also be 1 and 1/8th miles instead of 1 ½. The Belmont is the first race in the triple crown this year instead of the last. The Derby is on September 5th and the Preakness is October 3rd.
