VOTE DOES NOT OVERRIDE THE GOVERNOR’S VETO
The necessary override was not achieved yesterday in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, so Governor Tom Wolf’s veto of a bill that would have allowed school districts in the state to have sole control on how many fans can attend events, stands. When the bill was originally presented, there was a 2/3 majority for it – but since September 2nd the bill lost the majority by almost 25 votes and will now not be passed along to the Senate. Governor Wolf thanked Democrats who voted for the bill and for them working collaboratively to protect Pennsylvanians during this ongoing public health crisis.
INMATES AND OTHERS CHARGED WITH UNEMPLOYMENT FRAUD
Charges have been announced against 18 inmates in Pennsylvania state prisons and two others who were not in jail, after they were found to be involved in a fraud scheme to get jobless benefits for other ineligible prisoners. According to the AP, Attorney General Josh Shapiro said an investigation continues after they discovered illegal applications for unemployment compensation from inmates who provided information through jail-phones like social security numbers and birthdates to receive benefits – allegedly over 300 thousand dollars that should have gone to legitimate claims. State and federal prosecutors said last month that about 10,000 state prison inmates had fraudulently applied for unemployment benefits.
POLLUTION CHARGES FILED ON PRESIDENT OF MINING COMPANY
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has duplicated pollution charges that were first filed against Fisher Mining Company, against the company’s president who lives in Loyalsock Township. According to the Sun Gazette, 70 year old John A. Blaschak faces 37 misdemeanor and summary charges for pollution of waters and disturbance of waterways or watersheds as well as five other summary charges. Court records say the pollution came from company’s facility near Cedar Run over a 2-year period between 2018 and this past spring.
VIGIL TO BE HELD TO HONOR THOSE WHO DIED FROM VIOLENCE
There will be a gathering this Friday at the Brandon Park band shell to remember the lives of lost of loved ones gone because of violence. The event will be from 4:30 to 6:30pm and is organized by Angel Families Unite. According to the Sun Gazette, the group provides support for families, sometimes at the scenes of violent crimes, to help them navigate the court system and assist with memorials. This Friday there will be remarks by survivors and advocates, an interactive memorial, a balloon release and more.
COVID-19 STOPS SPORTS IN CANTON FOR NOW
COVID-19 has shut down more schools sports in our region for the next few weeks. The Canton Area School District who did not play last weekend and had already postponed their upcoming game with Wellsboro, will now not play or practice until October 13 after the district transitioned to remote learning after more positive coronavirus tests were reported. Canton will postpone the upcoming games against North-Penn Mansfield and Wyalusing. According to the Canton Schools Athletic Director, Bob Rockwell, the Warriors plan to continue to play if all goes well this month.
HOUSE BILL PASSES TO HELP RESTAURANTS, HEADS TO GOVERNOR
Representative Garth Everett’s House Bill 2513 passed in the House yesterday which could ensure that restaurants and taverns can operate safely and also be protected from mandates from Governor Tom Wolf’s Office or the state Supreme Court. The bill allows restaurants to operate at 50% capacity and prohibits the requirement that a meal must be purchased in order to purchase alcohol. The bill was passed after being amended by the Senate. It now heads to the governor for final consideration.
LYCOMING COUNTY COVID-19 UPDATE
Three new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Lycoming County making the total since pandemic began to 633. According to the PA Department of Health, the statewide total of cases is 151,646. Lycoming County has 2 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, none are on a ventilator. Nineteen news deaths were reported in the state bringing the total fatalities to 8,023
PENNDOT WEBINAR ABOUT ELECTRIC CARS
PennDOT, the DEP and the Drive Electric PA Coalition will be holding a free public informational webinar on the benefits of electric vehicles on two dates next week, to be presented as part of National Drive Electric Week. The program, “Driving Electric Vehicles: The Benefits and Basics for Pennsylvania Residents” will be offered live on Wednesday, September 30, from 11:00 AM to noon and then a recording will be presented October 1 at 6:00 PM. According to DEP officials the number of electric cars registered in Pennsylvania increased by 50 percent in 2018. Find a link to webinar information here.
SPORTS
HS Girls Tennis
Montoursville beat Lewisburg 5-0h
NBA
Heat beat the Celtics 112 to 109 in the East finals Game 4 – Miami leading the series 3-1
NFL Monday Night Football
Dolphins vs the Jaguars in Jacksonville with an 8:20 PM kick off
MLB
Angels beat the Padres 5-2, Phillies over the Nationals 12-3, Diamondbacks beat the Rangers 7-3, Indians over the White Sox 3-2, Blue Jays routed the Yankees 14-1, Reds over the Brewers 6-1, Mariners beat the Astros 3-2, Pirates beat the Cubs 2-1, Braves over the Marlins 9-4, Rays beat the Mets 8-5, Red Sox over the Orioles 9-1, Twins beat the Tigers 7-6, Royals stomped the Cardinals 12-3, A’s over the Dodgers 6-4, Giants beat the Rockies 7-2
