NEW POSITION CREATED
It was a close 5-4 vote, but the Montoursville Area School Board approved the creation of an assistant superintendent position. The position will deal with serving as curriculum director and assisting with communication throughout the district. There has been no one hired for the position, which spawned a good deal of debate … in the form of opposition and support. The salary for the position is to be determined. According to a media source, in other matters, school directors advised there is no immediate plan to resume in-person board meetings.
MORE DETAILS ON THE SHOOTING IN WILLIAMSPORT
According to Assistant Police Chief Jason Bolt, a 25-year-old mother was hospitalized with injuries she suffered Tuesday night when she was shot “in the vicinity” of her home in front of her children at Maple Street and Memorial Avenue. There have been no updates as to the medical condition of the victim. Her children were not injured, but are safe. According to Bolt, “This was not a random act.” According to SUN Gazette, at this time, no arrest has been made, and police have shared no other details of the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call Agent Brittany Alexander at the Williamsport Bureau of Police.
WILLIAMSPORT PATROL DIVISION READIES FOR MOVE
Williamsport City police in the patrol division have a new temporary home. According to Mayor Derek Slaughter, the patrol division is relocating to the Peter Herdic Transportation Museum, 810 Nichols Place. As the process remains a fluid one, the patrol division has remained at City Hall, while administrators and agents are located in the Trade and Transit I third floor. As reported by a media outlet, a list of the employees and their telephone extensions have not changed.
PREPARING FOR SNOW
Loyalsock Township supervisors is considering prohibiting parking on certain streets during a snow emergency and are in the process of drafting an ordinance to prepare for winter. The more heavily populated streets, areas where snow plow operators dealt with challenges in years past, is the target area. The proposed ordinance will go into effect whenever there is more than 2 inches of snow. According to SUN Gazette, an official news release will be provided if or when the supervisors approve a formal proposal.
EAST LYCOMING SCHOOL BOARDS HEARS CONCERNED PARENTS AND RESIDENTS
Another school district moved to hear the voices of parents and concerned citizens regarding the current masking policy. The East Lycoming School Board meeting was drawn-out with a focus on Ashkar Elementary. Examples of issues posed included; who runs the school and why scrutinize masks beyond the mandate? The complaints even extended to Ashkar’s use of stars to allegedly segregate children and compared the stars to the use of star by Nazis during World War II. District Superintendent Michael Pawlik and the board attempted to answer questions as the night continued. According to a media source, next board meeting is Oct 26 at 7 pm.
SOCIAL SECURITY BOOST COMING
Millions of retirees on Social Security will get a 5.9% boost in benefits for 2022. The biggest cost-of-living adjustment in 39 years follows a burst in inflation as the economy struggles to shake off the drag of the coronavirus pandemic. The COLA, as it’s commonly called, amounts to $92 a month for the average retired worker, according to estimates released Wednesday by the Social Security Administration. That marks an abrupt break from a long lull in inflation that saw cost-of-living adjustments averaging just 1.65% a year over the last 10 years. With the increase the estimated average Social Security payment for a retired worker will be $1,657 a month next year. A typical couple’s benefits would rise by $154 to $2,753 per month. As reported by the AP, the COLA is only one part of the annual financial equation for seniors. An announcement about Medicare’s Part B premium for outpatient care is expected soon.
UPDATED COVID-19 LOCAL NUMBERS
The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide, the highest one-day number in five days. In Clinton County 33 new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 78, while Lycoming County increased by 58, Northumberland County posted 51 new cases, while Montour County had 20 new cases, 19 new cases in Union County and 16 in Snyder.
INTOXICATED AND WAVING A PISTOL AT FAMILY GATHERING
He was intoxicated and waving a pistol around at a family gathering at the Wynding Brook Golf Course on Sept 26. According to Milton State Police, James Shampanore of Muddyrun Rd in Milton was charged with a felony count of terroristic threats and multiple other charges. Charges were filed with DJ Michael Diehl. Shampanore posted $75,000 cash bail through a professional bondsman following his arraignment. According to a media outlet, his preliminary hearing is set for Oct 20 in front of DJ Diehl.
ASSAULT CHARGES ON SELINSGROVE MAN
A Selinsgrove man has a preliminary hearing scheduled for a man who assaulted his ex-girlfriend. Cord M. Knouse, 31, will have his preliminary hearing in front of District Judge Jeffrey Mensch Nov. 2 for misdemeanor charges of strangulation, simple assault, indecent assault, and a summary of harassment. On Sept. 23, Knouse invited the woman to his residence in Union Township, Union County. Knouse assaulted her when she attempted to leave. As reported by an online media outlet, District Judge Jeffrey A. Rowe arraigned Knouse later that evening and set bail at $10,000 unsecured.
WATSONTOWN POLICE SAVE A LIFE
Reports of a suspected drug overdose brought Watsontown Police to a residence on Ash St. Tuesday, Oct. 12 around 3:40 p.m. Police administered two doses of Narcan on the patient when they arrived. Within approximately two minutes after administering Narcan, the patient was responsive and transported to the Evangelical Community Hospital by ambulance. According to the Daily Item, Watsontown Police Department, all officers are equipped and trained to administer Narcan.
