PA REPUBLICANS CALL FOR AN AUDIT OF ELECTION
Local Republicans have come forward this week saying extraordinary measures would be taken to make sure the election process in Pennsylvania was fair and that there is a need for an audit. According to the Sun Gazette, Representative Jeff Wheeland, of Loyalsock said but even some irregularities are found it will likely not change the election results. Joe Hamm, newly elected for Pennsylvania’s 84th state House seat and a plaintiff in the recent lawsuit filed to prevent counties from tallying provisional votes said every legal vote needs to be counted and that he supports an audit to maintain integrity of our voting process.
CRACK COCAINE DEALER SENTENCED
A man who a local judge said is a career offender was sentenced recently to 10 years in prison and three years supervised release in US Middle District Court. According to the Sun Gazette, Gary Neal plead guilty to guilty to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine in Lycoming County. Accoridng to court records, details concerning the crimes were sealed through the county and the offenses ended in July 2017. Neal was up against 20 years in prison.
WAHS SUPERINTENDENT CONTRACT EXTENDED
The employment contract of the Williamsport School superintendent Dr. Timothy S. Bowers has been approved by the Williamsport Area School Board for five more years this week. According to the Sun Gazette, Bowers said he looks forward to a future here and that the school is blessed with talented people working within the school district. Bowers new contract and the over 176 thousand dollar salary begins July first, 2021and runs through June 2026.
COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER TO HOLD DRIVE THRU SPECTACULAR THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON
With COVID being a major concern this upcoming holiday season, plans are being made to provide the annual Skip Hunsinger Christmas Spectacular in a socially distanced format this year – making it a drive throug experience. According to the Community Arts Center, the 14th annual spectacular was originally inspired by an event held at the old Capitol Theatre, which included a free movie and gifts for children. The CAC says the public will be able to enjoy music as well as a visit from Santa Claus and a goodie bag for the children on December 5th at 10am with cars lining up on West Fourth Street in front of the facility. Musical guests will be Repasz Ensembles, and Autumn Breeze, playing holiday classics.
ELECTION HEARING WILL REMAIN IN WILLIAMSPORT
A hearing involving lawyers for President Trump over litigation about some allegedly fraudulent November 3rd election results will not be moved to Harrisburg, but will take place in Williamsport November 19th in from of U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann. Judge Brann denied the motion for a change of venue and will allow the attorneys to be present virtually due to COVID-19 concerns. The plaintiffs allege there’s sufficient evidence to question the presidential election results in several key counties. Judge Brannis being asked to make a decision before the Commonwealth certifies the votes and the Electoral College votes in December. There’s a difference of 44,930 ballots at this time favoring Joe Biden as president-elect.
LOCAL COVID UPDATE
The COVID numbers are still rising in the Commonwealth. Lycoming County has added 46 cases of the coronavirus and there are 28 new cases have been confirmed in Northumberland County, Tioga County added 27 cases, Union County has 26 new cases, Snyder has 10 new cases, Montour has six new cases. The state Department of Health confirmed 4,711 new cases statewide and 59 new fatlities. At local universities, there are 5 active cases at Penn College, 5 at Lock Haven and zero at Lycoming College, however Bucknell now has 28 active cases, including 20 among students– their campus is on remote learning this week. Susquehanna has switched to remote learning for the rest of the semester due to case increases. There are no changes at Bloomsburg.
ANOTHER CHARGE DROPPED FOR CORRECTIONAL OFFICER
The charge against a former Northumberland County correctional officer for lying under oath has been dropped. According to the Daily Item, the charge against 49-year-old Holly Olvany of Sunbury alleged by Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Matulewicz was dismissed at a preliminary hearing this week. Olvany had earlier been charged with criminal counts for allegedly having drugs at the prison but five of six of those charges were also dropped. The DA said she made two false statements concerning drug testing protocol and other allegations last February.
PSAC TO CANCEL SEASON AND CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference announced Wednesday the cancellation of all mandated regular season and championship competition for fall sports in the 2020-21 season. The conference first suspended fall sports July 14. Out of the 10 schools involved Bloomsburg .East Stroudsburg, Lock Haven, Mansfield and Edinboro are included. However, the PSAC says should six or more institutions commit to participating, the conference will reinstate a championship season. A decision on winter championships seasons for wrestling, men’s and women’s basketball, indoor track and field and swimming is expected next week.
Upcoming High School games
PIAA Class AAAA playoffs
Friday
HS Football
Jersey Shore vs. Crestwood @ Danville 7pm
Saturday
Girls Soccer
Williamsport at Parkland @ 2pm
Boys Soccer
Williamsport vs. Cumberland Valley @ Eagle View MS @4pm
PIAA Class AA playoffs
Saturday
Boys Soccer
Lewisburg vs. Notre Dame Green Pond @ Bethlehem Liberty HS @5pm
