HIGH SPEED ATTEMPT TO FLEE

A Danville man led police last weekend in Northumberland County on a brief pursuit before crashing his motorcycle and attempting to run on foot. According to State Police at Stonington said they attempted to pull over Cody Long at 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, on Route 61 in Shamokin Township. Long crashed on Logan Run Road in Rush Township and taken into custody. Long was charged a felony and other misdemeanors. He was arraigned in front of District Judge William Charles Cole and bail was set at $10,000 monetary.

PLEA FROM GOVERNOR WOLF FOR MASKS IN SCHOOLS

Governor Tom Wolf penned a letter yesterday to legislative leaders. He stresses Pennsylvania schools need a statewide requirement for masks to be worn by students as protection against the coronavirus. As reported by
SUN Gazette, in his letter, Wolf asked Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, and House Speaker Bryan Cutler, to call lawmakers back to Harrisburg immediately to work on a bill to order schools and child care facilities to require masks in classrooms. Wolf’s letter said that at the end of July, just 59 of 474 school district plans submitted to the Education Department mandated masks for the just-starting 2021-22 school year.

CONGRESS PASSED MILLIONS TO THE STATES TO TRY TO PROTECT AGAINST CYBERATTACKS

Congress provided hundreds of millions of dollars to shore up the nation’s election system against cyberattacks and other threats, but roughly two-thirds of the money remained unspent just weeks before last year’s presidential election. Pennsylvania, a presidential battleground that also was among the targeted states in 2016, spent nearly 90% its $28.6 million before the 2020 election, mostly to replace voting machines. As reported y a media source, five states that in 2018 used voting machines that did not have a paper backup had stopped using them by the 2020 general election. Those were Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania and South Carolina.

EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY HOSPITAL VACCINATION PROTOCOL

Yesterday, Evangelical Community Hospital announced a workforce COVID-19 vaccination policy and they say effective October 4, all employees who remain unvaccinated against the virus will be subjected to daily testing. Evan says its taking measures to ensure it remains a safe facility as possible for employees and patients. According to a media source, this comes as surrounding counties continue experiencing substantial spread of COVID-19, and CDC predictive data suggests the potential for another surge this fall.

UPDATED COVID-19 DASHBOARD

The State Department of Health has announced a substantial increase in the daily COVID cases. According to therecordonline.com, in yesterday’s update, the department reported 30 new COVID-19 cases in Northumberland County, six in Snyder, 14 in Union, six in Montour, 6 in Clinton and 34 new cases listed in Lycoming County.

RACING NOT FOR BLOOMSBURG FAIR

The controversial dirt track races on the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds won’t make it past the starting line during fair week. The fair directors decided to cancel the races, which were scheduled for the last day of the fair — Oct. 2. Races held in past weeks this summer have drawn complaints about the noise and dust the races created. The fairgrounds still will host the races, including one this Sunday, but the races at the 166th Bloomsburg Fair were canceled for several reasons, fair officials said.  According to a media source, the track will host two remaining events this year — this Sunday at 6 p.m. and on Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.

TRIAL CONTINUES FOR WOMAN WHO LEFT CHILD IN HOT CAR

The toddler left in a hot car allegedly by her mother in June 2018 has never fully recovered from the brain damage caused by the heat. According to Tina Sones, on Wednesday, in Northumberland County Court, Tina Sones, of Watsontown, testified that she has been the legal guardian and caregiver of her granddaughter, while the child’s mother, Tonia Lee Sones, is on trial for aggravated assault and related charges. The Commonwealth rested on Wednesday afternoon. According to the Daily Item, the trial resumes today at 9:15 a.m. with the defense having its opportunity to present witnesses and evidence.

VACCINE CHANGES FOR GEISINGER EMPLOYEES

Geisinger announced Wednesday all employees will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 15. This announcement came just minutes after Evangelical Community Hospital announced a workforce vaccination policy. According to SUN Gazette, at Geisinger, the policy includes all new employees, faculty, medical staff, residents, fellows, temporary workers, trainees, volunteers, and students and temporary staff, regardless of employer. All new employees will be required to be vaccinated as a condition of employment beginning October 15 as well.

NO MAIL DELIVERY TO HOMES ON CARPENTER’S LANE

Many residents, residing along Carpenter’s Lane in Muncy Township, now have to go an extra five miles to the Muncy Borough Post Office to get their mail. In a sudden policy change from the U.S. Postal Service, eight homeowners will no longer receive mail deliveries. As reported by a media source, the policy change suddenly followed a bridge collapse last Monday. Tom Schaech chairman of the board of supervisors reported he has contacted offices of U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, and U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey. The bridge has been replaced with a bridge/culvert.

MASKING FOR STUDENTS DISCUSSED AT BOARD MEETING

A handful of people spoke out at the East Lycoming School Board meeting this week against the wearing of masks in the district. The district’s health and safety policy calls for masks to be optional. However, some residents told the board they felt kids should not be forced to wear masks at all and others claimed children could suffer negative psychological effects from wearing masks. According to a media source, Brad Webb, the lone person in attendance speaking out in favor of masks, pointed out that Lycoming County is now in the high level for COVID-19 transmissions. The next board meeting is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14

COMMISSIONERS WORKING AT DAY TO DAY BUSINESS.

The Lycoming County commissioners continued business as usual at their last meeting. The commissioners approved a vote on the 2021 Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund grant contract with PHFA for $940,000. Jenny Picciano, community development lead planner, said this was for seven projects that were submitted with a grant application last fall. The grant application included awards for three programs through STEP, the master leasing program through the Transitional Living Center, the Habitat for Humanity’s Memorial homes project, the YWCA Liberty House and the American Rescue Workers’ rental assistance program. The amount of the grant is related to Marcellus Shale drilling in the county. According to SUN Gazette, the next meeting will be at 10 a.m. Aug. 31 in the Commissioner’s Board Room, 330 Pine St.