According to the posted agenda for the Lycoming County Commissioners meeting this morning it appears they plan on taking unilateral action this morning to change a department name and make several personnel changes.

Included on the agenda is a non-budgeted $20,000 item in the 2021 budget.

According to information from the second COVID-19 stimulus bill, Lycoming County could receive up to $19 million in additional funding.

This is a developing story on TalkWilliamsport.com.

Todd Bartley, TalkWilliamsport.com

News@TalkWilliamsport.com

The following is an opinion editorial addressing concerns of WASD taxpayers regarding the filling of school board seat vacancies with recent resignations.

In certain circles the adage of being on a need-to-know basis can serve an organization well; however when the taxpayers are footing the $100 million price tag the best practice is full transparency.

Full transparency is something the Williamsport Area School District is already paying a heavy financial price for through their current solicitor Fred Holland and his firm Murphy, Butterfield & Holland as well as the law firm of Kegel, Kelin, Litts, and Lord, hired as special counsel when a Right to Know law request was made directly to Dr. Timothy Bowers, WASD Superintendent last year.

Why hire a special counsel?

 

These are just some of the issues the new board members will need to address in the early days of their tenure.

Now, let us explore how a pair of WASD school board seats are being prepared to be filled and contrast that with what the process should look like.

The WASD accepted applications until April 8, 2021 at noon based on the following information posted on the WASD website.

Appointment of a new school director is anticipated to occur on April 13. The appointee shall serve until Nov. 30, 2021. He/she may run for election in the 2021 municipal election.

Qualifications:

• He/she shall be at least 18 years of age.
• He/she shall be a resident of the Williamsport Area School District for at least one year prior to the date of appointment.
• He/she shall not be a holder of any office or position of profit under any government in the Williamsport Area School District, nor shall he/she be a member of council in any municipality in the school district.
• He/she shall not have been removed from any office of trust under federal, state or local laws for any malfeasance in such office.
• He/she shall not be employed by the school district.
• He/she may only be involved in business transactions with the school district as permitted by the school code.

Let us explore the qualifications:

How does the WASD verify the age of a resident?

One of the seats being filled was vacated by a non-WASD resident who by all accounts lived outside the district the past two years. You as a taxpayer were on a need-to-know basis, and obviously you didn’t need to know. So why is this even a qualification?

• He/she shall be a resident of the Williamsport Area School District for at least one year prior to the date of appointment.

This next qualification is quite interesting, who knew you can have a “position of profit under any government”?

As a taxpayer, does it make you wonder how someone is profiting off you?

Again, you are on a need-to-know basis, and obviously you don’t need to know.

• He/she shall not be a holder of any office or position of profit under any government in the Williamsport Area School District, nor shall he/she be a member of council in any municipality in the school district.

This next qualification could cause quite the conversation. As an example, a WASD employee works for many years and then retires living of the pension they have accumulated over the years.

By realizing the pension; could that constitute employment with the district from a relational standpoint?

What if in the course of their employment prior to retirement they obtained knowledge of current events impacting the district, could that cause additional issues going forward?

As a school board member the lack of potential conflicts of interest is paramount.

• He/she shall not be employed by the school district.
• He/she may only be involved in business transactions with the school district as permitted by the school code.

This is the single most perplexing submission from the WASD; “He/she may run for election in the 2021 municipal election.”

Why would anyone on the May primary ballot submit an application to be appointed to the WASD school board?

By doing so, you are telling the taxpayers and voting public, your vote has no meaning. Instead, you are saying to your future peers, pick me first!!!!

It’s absurd!

The two board members running for re-election (Barbara Reeves and Adam Welteroth); should abstain from voting during this process at a minimum and the entire process at a maximum as to avoid the appearance of any conflicts of interest.

This is exactly why the state law and guidance from PSBA gives the power to appoint to the local President Judge; in this case it would fall to Lycoming County President Judge Nancy Butts to fill both open seats.

At this point, only one seat is actually open since the resignation of Marc Schefsky has not been voted on by the WASD school board.

Schefsky remains under investigation by the office of Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner.

As the WASD school board seats are filled either by the process outlined on the district website or by Lycoming County President Judge Nancy Butts; the fact remains the new board members will have significant issues to deal with on a going forward basis.

Not limited to but including:

• Fallout from the Derek Chauvin murder trial of George Floyd since WASD school board member Jennifer Lake decided to issue an Anti-Racism proclamation.

Jennifer Lake who when previously contacted hid behind Carol Fausnaught, “Additionally, the board is aware Mrs. Lake received a phone call from you on Friday, July 3, 2020 requesting the above information. Please be advised that we request that you cease all phone calls and email correspondence to Mrs. Lake.”

Again, you are on a need-to-know basis, and obviously you don’t need to know.

That response sounds eerily similar to current WASD solicitor and Union County Magistrate Judge Jeff Rowe when asked about his lack of response;

Author: “I have called and emailed your office as you asked me to; and no one has responded.”

Rowe responded;

“If you are not getting a response; that is our response.”

 

• Fallout from the systemic failure regarding the 2018 “criminal sexual misconduct” incident that occurred on the WAHS baseball team trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

BREAKING NEWS: WAHS student criminally charged by South Carolina authorities in 2018 baseball team incident

AG interviews of Dr. Bowers, Pardoe and Erb confirmed in WASD Legal Services Invoices

How did Pardoe, McCann and Miller all forget the 2018 Myrtle Beach room assignments email?

How did Wanda Erb miss this email on the WASD.org server?

 

• Fallout from the employment agreement extension of WASD Superintendent, Dr. Timothy Bowers and WASD Fred Holland and Jeff Rowe.

WASD solicitor Fred Holland wants $20,000 retainer and a raise for ’21-’22

 

• Fallout from the lack of transparency in Right to Know law responses.

“Tens of thousands of dollars spent on Right-to-Know responses” – is forthcoming.

 

TalkWilliamspot.com made a timely informal request followed by a formal Right to Know law request for the applicants names and their application materials this past Friday.

That request has gone unanswered at this writing.

It appears as far as the WASD is concerned; as a taxpayer you are on a need-to-know basis, and obviously you don’t need to know.

Dr. Bowers has already provided the mechanism for his own resignation, IN HIS OWN WORDS and guidance for this particular situation.

As described in, “OP-ED: Long past time for Dr. Bowers to resign as WASD Superintendent”

Bowers supplements his response to Jane Penman:

“In my opinion our actions are more impotent (important) than our words.”

For the vacant WASD school board seat applicants who remain nameless at this point; still want to volunteer?

 

This is a developing story on TalkWilliamsport.com

By Todd Bartley, TalkWilliamsport.com

News@TalkWilliamsport.com

As part of its ongoing investigation into the “criminal sexual misconduct” incident which occurred during the Williamsport Area High School baseball team trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in the spring of 2018; Right to Know Law requests continue to be made of the WASD by this author.

In recent weeks, ALLEGED PERPETRATOR #1 was charged by South Carolina law enforcement authorities and remains a captain on the Williamsport Area High School baseball team.

Since the first Right to Know Law request was filed in 2018 by this author; the WASD has engaged in very consistent behavior to conceal the existence of “public records”.

Contained within the most recent WASD Right to Know Law responses is the thought process of WASD Solicitor Fred Holland and the WASD administration.

It appears to be disbelief in the validity of the May 5, 2020 press release issued by Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner, as noted in PART XV:

“Prior to taking office in January, it was difficult to ignore the many questions surrounding the alleged sexual misconduct by a member of the WASD baseball team during an organized team tournament held in South Carolina. The sexual misconduct was reportedly captured on video. It was further suggested that more than one video existed that potentially depicted additional sexual misconduct committed upon one or more other unnamed victims/teammates.

Within the first two weeks after taking office, the newly appointed Chief County Detective, Michael Simpler, and I traveled to the home of the alleged minor victim to meet with the Mother and discuss the incident that occurred in South Carolina. The victim’s Mother did provide details consistent with previously published articles regarding the subject matter including, but not limited to, information verified by the video possessed by the District Attorney’s Office.”

The next day on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at 3:08:03 PM, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland emailed Timothy Bowers, WASD Superintendent, Susie Bigger; WASD Assistant Superintendent and Wanda Erb, WASD Business Administrator and Open Records Officer regarding “Myrtle Beach.”

From: Fred Holland
To: Timothy Bowers
Cc: Susie Bigger; Wanda Erb
Subject: Myrtle Beach
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2020 3:08:03 PM

“Hi Tim and Susie,

I spoke with Ryan Gardner today, and he did in fact issue the press release that Bartley quoted.

I have also read it carefully, and am still not troubled by what is in the press release.

The matter is being referred so that no one will be able to question the impartiality of the person doing the investigation from this point forward.

An example of why this is wise is the fact that Willy Weber is employed in the DA’s office, and has been made one of the objects of criticism, especially in recent reports. The AG has no relationship with Willy, whereas Ryan does.

I also note that the release says that Ryan’s investigation of possible other victims or incidents did not yield anything.

I’ll be happy to chat with your further about this if you think it is necessary. However, I see no reason for any of us to respond.

Be well and stay safe!

Fred

Fred A. Holland
Murphy, Butterfield, & Holland, P.C.”

_____________________________________

From the article, “The Beginning of the End is forthcoming” 

EDITOR’S NOTE: Would Fred Holland characterize “an incident involving indecent and inappropriate behavior on the part of a baseball player during the team’s spring trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina”; as such, if he had actually seen the video of the incident in question?

_____________________________________

When WASD Solicitor Fred Holland says, “I spoke with Ryan Gardner today, and he did in fact issue the press release that Bartley quoted.”

Was there a question of the validity of the Gardner press release?

_____________________________________

When WASD Solicitor Fred Holland says,

“I have also read it carefully, and am still not troubled by what is in the press release.”

Is Holland saying he is “still not troubled by what is in the press release;” where Gardner states, 

“Despite the logistical inability to interview the juvenile due to COVID-19, this office in the interim has confirmed the following:

1. A video depicting criminal sexual misconduct does exist. Pursuant to information received, this video originated in South Carolina with subsequent possession, dissemination and viewing of same potentially occurring in the state of Pennsylvania.”

_____________________________________

When WASD Solicitor Fred Holland says,

“The matter is being referred so that no one will be able to question the impartiality of the person doing the investigation from this point forward.”

So is Holland saying the questioning of the impartiality of the person doing the investigation, is justified?

_____________________________________

Holland goes onto say,

“An example of why this is wise is the fact that Willy Weber is employed in the DA’s office, and has been made one of the objects of criticism, especially in recent reports.”

The AG has no relationship with Willy, whereas Ryan does.

Is this not the same Willie Weber, Holland referred to when justifying the validity of the “investigation” conducted by the WASD that he (Holland) approved?

WASD Solicitor Fred Holland comes to the conclusion, Ryan (Gardner) has a relationship with the AG, how he arrived at this conclusion is a mystery.

How Holland knows “The AG has no relationship with Willy” is also a mystery.

_____________________________________

When WASD Solicitor Fred Holland says,

“I also note that the release says that Ryan’s investigation of possible other victims or incidents did not yield anything.”

Was Holland surprised by this finding?

If so, why?

_____________________________________

When Holland states,

“I’ll be happy to chat with your further about this if you think it is necessary. However, I see no reason for any of us to respond.”

Was he just following the Millionaire Way addressed by attorney and Union County Magistrate Judge Jeff Rowe from “Dark Shadows engulf WASD regarding transparency…again.”

“If you are not getting a response; that is our response.”

 

According to Fred Holland and several WASD administrators; it is obvious they subscribe to,

“The Millionaire Way – we’re not concerned with anything even the Attorney General.”

 

The one year anniversary of Josh Shapiro, PA Attorney General receiving the case referral from Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner is less than one month away.

This is a developing story on TalkWilliamsport.com.

 

LINKS TO THE SERIES PUBLISHED BY Talk Williamsport

The Beginning of the End is forthcoming

– A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XXX

Dark Shadows engulf WASD regarding transparency…again

– A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XXIX

AG interviews of Dr. Bowers, Pardoe and Erb confirmed in WASD Legal Services Invoices

– A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XXVIII

How did Pardoe, McCann and Miller all forget the 2018 Myrtle Beach room assignments email?

How did Wanda Erb miss this email on the WASD.org server? – PART II

– A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XXVII

How did Wanda Erb miss this email on the WASD.org server?

– A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XXVI

WAHS Principal Pardoe immediately responded to Ricky Stryker threat raised by Coach Ryan Miller

Marc Schefsky, WASD School Board member announces intention to resign

WASD School Board candidate petitions obtained, connections run deep

WASD School Board to discuss vacant board seat tonight

Lycoming County District Attorney office confirms receipt of Marc Schefsky non-WASD residency complaint

WASD school board removes 2023 Disney band trip from agenda

Residents circulate petition for immediate removal of Marc Schefsky from WASD school board

Nancy Somers resigns from WASD school board

BREAKING NEWS: Resignations to be announced at the WASD School Board meeting tonight

WASD solicitor Fred Holland wants $20,000 retainer and a raise for ’21-’22

UPDATE: WASD acknowledges existence of “room assignments” email, contradicts prior Wanda Erb affidavit

UPDATE: WASD has 48-hour deadline to respond to Right to Know Law requests

WASD School Board major changes are forthcoming

OP-ED: Another Embarrassing Display of Willful Ignorance by the WASD school board

OP-ED: Long past time for Dr. Bowers to resign as WASD Superintendent

BREAKING NEWS: Is the WASD finally acknowledging Myrtle Beach victims with new policy?

Marc Schefsky WASD school board resignation could be the least of his issues

BREAKING NEWS: Marc Schefsky resigning from school board after WASD residency questioned

Residency of WASD School Board member in question

BREAKING NEWS: WAHS student criminally charged by South Carolina authorities in 2018 baseball team incident

UPDATE: Major development in the 2018 WAHS baseball team “criminal sexual misconduct” case

WASD lack of response clock posted

WASD fails to acknowledge “victims” in Myrtle Beach incident; uses death of George Floyd as distraction

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XXV

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XXIV

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XXIII

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XXII

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XXI

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XX

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XIX

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XVIII

BREAKING NEWS: PA AG Press Office confirms receipt of Criminal Sexual Misconduct referral from DA Gardner

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XVII

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XVI

EXCLUSIVE: AG Shapiro press office on referral: “If and when we receive it, it will be promptly reviewed”

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XVII

BREAKING NEWS: PA AG Press Office confirms receipt of Criminal Sexual Misconduct referral from DA Gardner

UPDATE: Charges filed in Greater Latrobe Junior High hazing case cited in “A Baseball Story”

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XVI

EXCLUSIVE: AG Shapiro press office on referral: “If and when we receive it, it will be promptly reviewed”

BREAKING NEWS: District Attorney Gardner refers Myrtle Beach case to PA Attorney General – PART XV

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XIV

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XIII

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XII

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART XI

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART X

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART IX

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART VIII

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART VII

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART VI

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART V

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART IV

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART III

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART II

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART I

Fans often ask me, what if?

Millionaire Baseball Mayhem in Myrtle Beach

 

HARRISBURG — Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced that the Office of Attorney General has reached separate agreements with Kenneth Rees, the former CEO of Think Finance, and the debt collector, National Credit Adjusters (“NCA”). The settlements effectively end the $133 million allegedly illegal online payday lending scheme that targeted as many as 80,000 Pennsylvania consumers.

“Think Finance exploited thousands of Pennsylvanians and used their vulnerability to turn a profit,” said Attorney General Shapiro. “Today’s agreement is another step towards ensuring that anyone involved in the Think Finance scheme can never again take advantage of Pennsylvanians through illegal payday lending.”

As a result of prior settlements with Think Finance, Inc. and Chicago-based private equity firm Victory Park Capital Advisors, LLC, and various affiliated entities, all remaining balances on the illegal loans have been voided and, for any borrowers who repaid more than the loan principal and the lawful interest rate of 6 percent, they will share proportionately in a multi-million-dollar fund created by the settlement negotiated in Think Finance’s bankruptcy.  Eligible consumers have been receiving those checks in the mail.

In late 2014, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General sued Think Finance, Inc., its former CEO, and NCA among others. The suit alleged that between 2011-2014, three websites operated by Think Finance—Plain Green Loans, Great Plains Lending and Mobiloans—signed borrowers up for loans and lines of credit while charging effective interest rates as high as 448 percent. Payday loans, which typically charge interest rates higher than 200 or 300 percent, are illegal in Pennsylvania.

The settlement agreements announced today are regarding Rees, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Think Finance, Inc., and NCA, a national debt collector headquartered in Kansas. Attorney General Shapiro’s original investigation alleged that Rees participated in, directed and controlled the business activities related to a $133 million allegedly illegal online payday lending scheme that targeted as many as 80,000 Pennsylvania consumers.  The NCA Settlement related to its collection of those debts arising from the illegal loans.

NCA allegedly collected more than $4 million on more than 6,000 consumer loan accounts of Pennsylvania consumers.

The settlement requires NCA to comply with relevant consumer protection laws and further provide the following:

 

•   NCA will ensure that all debts it acquires, and which it attempts to collect, comply with applicable laws and regulations;

•   NCA will cancel all balances on, and will take no further action to collect debts allegedly owed by Pennsylvania consumers on Think Finance debts;

•   NCA will notify each Pennsylvania consumer debtor alleged to have owed monies under a Pennsylvania account that the balances have been cancelled;

•   NCA will refrain from engaging in collections on any debts involving loans made over the internet by non-bank lenders that violate Pennsylvania laws, including its usury laws, and;

•   NCA will not sell, re-sell or assign Debt related to Pennsylvania accounts, including those subject to a previously-negotiated nationwide class action settlement agreement and Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan.

Similarly, the Rees Settlement requires him to comply with relevant consumer protection laws and further agrees Rees for 9 years will not provide capital to a third-party to originate consumer loans to Pennsylvania residents, be employed by a third party, or provide services to a third party, if the third-party (a) makes or offers a consumer credit product to Pennsylvania consumers, or (b) brokers, markets, purchases a participation interest in, collects or services a consumer credit product made or offered to Pennsylvania consumers unless Rees believes that such consumer credit product or service complies with Pennsylvania law, including its usury laws. Rees has also paid the Commonwealth $3 million.

The settlement with NCA has been approved and the settlement with Rees is subject to approval by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Anyone who believes they have been a victim of a predatory loan or related debt collection practices can submit a complaint at attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/ or contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection by calling 1-800-441-2555 or emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov.