STATE SENATOR HONORED
State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) was recognized by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) as a Guardian of Small Business for his impeccable voting record in support of key small business issues during the 2019-20 legislative session. Sen. Yaw also has been a vocal opponent to Pennsylvania joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and has guided the state’s disapproval resolution forward through the legislative process.
THEFT OF POWER TOOLS FROM VEHICLE
The Watsontown Police are investigating a theft that occurred between 2200 hours on November 6th and 0800 hours November 7th in the 10 block of E. 3rd St. It was reported that power tools and a socket set were removed from a vehicle that was parked at that location. Anyone with information is requested to contact the Watsontown Police at (570)538-2773.
REMAINS FOUND ON LIVERMORE ROAD, WILLIAMSPORT
Local law enforcement and Agents from the FBI believe they may have found the buried remains of Marie Snyder’s two minor female children. MARIE SUE SNYDER, was taken into custody by the United States Marshals Service-Lycoming County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Task Force, on an Old Lycoming Township Police arrest warrant, charging endangering the welfare of children and obstruction in child abuse cases. Human remains recently discovered, as well as the remains found yesterday on the property, will be sent to a forensic pathologist for further analysis. Old Lycoming Township Police and Detectives from the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office are investigating the incident as a homicide. The search at the Livermore Rd. property has concluded. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
LOCAL COVID-19 CASE UPDATE
The Pennsylvania Department of Health yesterday reported new COVID-19 cases, in Clinton County 36 new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 37 new cases, while Lycoming County increased by 49, Tioga County had 7 cases, there were 34 new cases in Northumberland County, 11 in Union, five in Snyder and two in Montour.
FATAL CRASH ON INTERSTATE 80
A fatal crash occurred on Interstate 80 near mile marker 184.9 in the east bound lanes. State Police from Lamar reported a tow company that was removing a disabled semi-trailer was parked on the south berm of Interstate 80. A vehicle traveled off the south berm and struck the rear of tow vehicle. The tow truck driver was outside his vehicle and was fatally injured. The striking vehicle caught fire and the driver was removed by bystanders. He was transported to Lock Haven Hospital by ambulance. Interstate 80 was shut down for a significant period of time for the investigation and clean up. The investigation is on-going.
GEISINGER EMPLOYEES ARE 100% COMPLIANT
Geisinger announced that 100 percent of its staff chose to protect their communities, patients, and each other by meeting its COVID-19 vaccine policy that was announced in late August. Guided by the core values of safety and high-quality care, Geisinger required that all employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine or an approved exemption by Nov. 1. Geisinger’s policy aligns with federal policies released this week requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for health care workers at Medicare and Medicaid participating hospitals and other health care settings as well as employers with more than 100 employees.
UNEMPLOYMENT LAWS TO PROHIBIT REFUSAL TO WORK
With employers across the state struggling to fill vacancies, the House has passed legislation that would update unemployment laws to clarify that people collecting unemployment can’t take steps to avoid being hired. Specifically, House Bill 1819 would prohibit actions to discourage their own hire, such as failure or refusal to attend a job interview or other applicant selection activity without good cause; refusing a job prior to an interview or a discussion of the details of a job with the employer without good cause; or failing to make a good faith effort to obtain employment, as evidenced by any statement or other actions of the claimant intended to discourage the claimant’s hire.
The legislation would also require the Department of Labor and Industry to create forms, or update existing forms, to enable employers to report claimants who discourage their own hire in order to receive unemployment benefits. The bill now goes to the Senate.
THE STATE HOUSE WORK SESSIONS FOR THE WEEK
This week the House of Representatives will begin the process of moving legislation to modernize and reform mental health and substance abuse services, ensure quality of care, and additional oversight. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives will be taking up a bipartisan package of bills reflective of the work of House and Senate members in doing more for our veteran community and their families. Bills include legislation that will reduce red-tape for veterans and their families, improving veteran’s benefits and ensuring recognition of deceased veterans. This week, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives will start moving the Senate resolution to disapprove the RGGI entrance regulation with a committee vote today.
