CITY POLICE CHIEF RETIRES
Williamsport Chief of Police Damon Hagan says he will be retiring from his position as head of the bureau and his last day is Friday. In a press release from the Office of Mayor Derek Slaughter, Chief Hagan’s intentions were made public. “Today, I am announcing my retirement from the Williamsport Bureau of Police, effective this Friday, May 28, 2021.”It has been my great privilege and honor to serve the City of Williamsport for the last 22 years. I truly cherish the experiences and great friendships that have resulted from this work. I want to thank all of you for the support over the years.”. Hagan earned the title of assistant chief by former mayor Gabriel Campana in December of 2018, the same time Campana named Marvin “Doc” Miller as Chief. According to northcentralpa.com, then, in his 20th year on the Williamsport Bureau of Police, the southern California native was promoted to Chief in January 2019. His replacement has not yet been announced.
CHLORINE ACCIDENT REQUIRED SPECIAL HAZARDOUS CLEANUP
It took a special hazardous material team to clean up a large amount of chlorine from the kitchen of a Muncy home in the 500 block of South Market Street last Wednesday morning. According to Muncy Area Fire Chief Scott Delany, no one was injured when chlorine exploded inside the house, as two different brands of the chemical were being mixed together by one of the tenants. Despite the explosion, there was no fire. According to the SUN Gazette, the family was mixing pool chemicals in their home. A hazardous materials team from Northumberland County responded and cleaned up all of the chlorine.
FIREARMS CHARGE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC STOP
Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police recently seized a firearm from a driver on a traffic stop. Timothy C. James of Lock Haven, was stopped along South Route 220 in Piatt Township on May 12. According to police, James was traveling 60 mph in a 45 mph zone with a suspended license, according to northcentralpa.com. With permission to search for possible drugs or paraphernalia, the firearm was discovered. James faces multiple charges and his bail was set at $15,000 unsecured by Lycoming County Magisterial District Judge Jerry C. Lepley on May 19.
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS REQUIRE RECIPIENTS TO ACTIVELY SEARCH FOR EMPLOYMENT JULY 18
At a state house committee hearing, Jennifer Berrier, acting secretary of the Department of Labor & Industry, announced the state will again require unemployment benefit recipients to begin actively looking for work, effective the week of July 18. Almost 750,000 Pennsylvanian’s are receiving jobless benefits through either a state or federal program, according to the Department of Labor and Industry. According to northcentralpa.com, the requirement will affect all unemployment programs, including unemployment compensation extension; Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation; and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, according to an online media outlet.
DANVILLE FIRE CAUSE UNKNOWN
The cause of the fire that destroyed a popular area dance studio early yesterday morning will remain undetermined, according to the Daily Item. Danville Fire Chief John Buckenberger reported that, both he and a state police fire marshal, agreed that the three-story brick structure was too unsafe to enter to try to find the fire’s cause. Buckenberger reported the building is a total loss and will have to be taken down.
BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY IN-PERSON FOR FALL
Bucknell University officials announced yesterday morning all courses will be fully in-person this fall. The university reiterated the requirement that students be vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their arrival this fall, saying barring any unforeseen pandemic developments, hybrid and remote instruction will not be offered as options. Classroom health and safety protocols will remain in place when classes resume in the fall.
CHIRP
The $145 million COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP), launched by the Wolf administration, continues to successfully provide pandemic financial relief to Pennsylvania’s restaurant and hospitality industry, with applications being processed in two additional counties through CHIRP. The Wolf administration encourages businesses statewide to apply for assistance within their county. According to an online media outlet, state funding has already been provided to all 67 counties. Funding must be provided to businesses by July 15, 2021.
MONTOURSVILLE AREA SCHOOL BOARD MASK CHANGES
Last evening, the Montoursville Area School Board made changes to mask policies. Immediately, students can remove masks during outdoor activities. Then, June 1, wearing masks in the district are voluntary unless required by a parent or guardian. Finally, the Board masks are optional for both students and faculty for the 2021-2022 school year. The meeting was not held inside the McCall Middle School, however, as masks remain a requirement for school board meetings, the crowd of roughly 100 people moved to the tennis courts, according to northcentrapa.com.
