Featured Stories

OP-ED: Selected vs Elected in the WASD

April 12, 2021 By Todd Bartley

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

Filed Under: Featured Stories, News, News Archive, Top Featured Story

Billy Horton to Manage Cutters in Inaugural Year of MLB Draft League

April 12, 2021 By Todd Bartley

Major League Baseball and the Williamsport Crosscutters have announced that former San Francisco Giants minor league manager Billy Horton has been tabbed to manage the Cutters in the inaugural season of the MLB Draft League.

Horton, 47, held several Minor League coaching positions in the Giants’ system from 2012-19, working exclusively with the organization’s Arizona Rookie League affiliates. Horton led the AZL Giants Orange squad to a winning record in his first year as manager in 2018, following a six-year stint on the AZL Giants’ coaching staff (2012-17) that included an AZL championship in 2013. In 2019, Horton served as the AZL Giants Orange squad fundamentals coach. He has also worked in different capacities for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers.

“I’m really excited to get to Williamsport and start working with the coaches, players and front office staff,” Horton said. “We have an opportunity to make a great impact on these players’ lives both on and off the field, and helping prepare them for the next step in their baseball careers is something I look forward to.”

Prior to coaching, Horton, a former catcher, played collegiately at Spring Hill College (Mobile, Ala.) and then played for six different Independent league teams in his four-year professional career, finishing with Cook County of the Frontier League in 1999. His wife, Taleen, was the athletic trainer for the Williamsport Cubs in 1998.

Joining Horton on the field staff will be pitching coach Jim Gott who had a 14-year Major League career with 4 teams and hitting coach Anthony Manuel, the son of former Major League player and manager Jerry Manuel.

Williamsport is one of six founding members of the MLB Draft League, joining the Frederick Keys, Mahoning Valley Scrappers, State College Spikes, Trenton Thunder, and West Virginia Black Bears. Other managers in the league’s inaugural year include; Coco Crisp (Mahoning Valley), Jedd Gyorko (West Virginia), Derrick May (Frederick), Jeff Manto (Trenton) and Delwyn Young (State College).

The 2021 Williamsport Crosscutters home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, May 25 at Historic Bowman Field as the Cutters begin play in the new league. MVP Club Season Ticket Plans and Bonus Book Mini-Plans are now available online at crosscutters.com or by calling (570) 326-3389. Tickets for Opening Night and other select games go on sale to the general public May 10 at 10am and can be ordered online, by phone or in-person at the Cutters Box Office.

Filed Under: Featured Stories, News, News Archive

UPDATE: Appeal filed for Mayor Slaughter phone records

April 12, 2021 By Todd Bartley

By: Todd Bartley

News@TalkWilliamsport.com

On Monday, TalkWilliamsport.com filed an appeal for the phone and text message records previously denied by City of Williamsport Mayor Slaughter in a Right to Know Law request.

Interestingly enough, City Clerk Janice Frank provided redacted phone bills with all of the phone numbers redacted last August.

Mayor Slaughter offered an affidavit saying he was unable to identify individual calls or people he spoke with or who called him.

City Clerk Janice Frank reached out to this author in the days leading up to denying the requested records; in the denial it states “No records resist”.

Janice sent March 27 at 7:44 AM

Mr. Bartley.

My brother passed away a few months ago from Covid and my uncle just passed a few days ago.

I don’t appreciate being on one of your posts especially when the change was made for phone records to be sent.

Not texts I am still grieving and i don’t wish to go through public comment as i am not an elected official abs as i told you i am the middle person who collects information.

Go after real stories.

I am not a story.

My family is grieving”

Mayor Slaughter is a former Williamsport Area School District employee.

For multiple years in the aftermath of the 2018 WAHS baseball team trip “criminal sexual misconduct” incident in Myrtle beach; the WASD also claimed in RTKL responses “no records exist.”

Except TalkWilliamsport.com has proven those records did exist.

This is a developing story on TalkWilliamsport.com

Filed Under: Featured Stories, News, News Archive

Legislative Hearing Highlights Financial Impacts Stemming from Federal Definition Change

April 12, 2021 By Todd Bartley

Photo Courtesy PCN

HEARING VIDEO

HARRISBURG – Changing the definition of Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) can have important financial implications for many Pennsylvania municipalities in terms of federal reimbursements for health care, funding for housing, and investments in transportation. Those are just a few of the important implications that were discussed on Wednesday during a virtual public hearing held by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board of Directors, chaired by Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), on redefining MSAs.

“The proposed changes to defining MSAs by the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has the potential to impact 10 counties in Pennsylvania,” said Sen. Yaw, “and the change may have potentially significant impacts for rural Pennsylvania.”

According to Anthony Pipa, senior fellow of Global Economy and Development at Brookings, while OMB clearly says that the MSA standards are to be used for statistical purposes only, and that “nonmetro” is not meant to define “rural,” there are many federal programs and policies that rely on the definition when determining funding, and financial incentives. And Pennsylvania would have the most people impacted of any state, with almost 1.2 million people living in counties that would be reclassified from metro to nonmetro.

“Federal programs often use the MSA standards to set eligibility requirements, allocation formulas, scoring criteria, and several other dimensions of program administration,” Mr. Pipa said. “It’s important to recognize and emphasize that the impact of the proposed change on these programs has not been fully analyzed, nor is it well-understood. Previous federal attempts to evaluate the implications of changes to the MSA for program administration are woefully incomplete.”

Ronald Grutza, senior director of Regulatory Affairs and assistant director of Government Affairs with the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, said one funding implication is the Community Development Block Grant. “We are concerned that some boroughs may lose this direct funding because of OMB’s change,” he said, adding that the change could have a ripple effect in communities, especially among lower income populations.

Kim E. Wheeler, executive director of SEDA-Council of Governments, said the redefinition may affect the status of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and result in a redesignation to Rural Planning Organizations (RPOs). “The SEDA-COG MPO and eight other MPOs in the Commonwealth stand to lose engagement and investment in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation planning and programming process as well as the critical funding that supports that process.”

According to the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP), preliminary analysis shows that there could be 24 Pennsylvania hospitals impacted by the definition change, of which 17 could see a negative impact. The total Pennsylvania impact is estimated to be an annual loss of $43 million in Medicare reimbursement to hospitals. (Based on hospitals in core-based statistical areas that have a population between 49,999 and 99,999, and are currently flagged to go from urban to rural if OMB changes the definition – using the 2010 census).

“It’s clear that OMB needs to put the break on this definition change, as it has the potential to have a significant impact on rural Pennsylvania,” Sen. Yaw said. “To implement these changes now, without first considering all of the potential ramifications, would be shortsighted.”

For more information on Wednesday’s hearing, visit https://www.rural.palegislature.us/publications_redefining_metropolitan_areas.html.

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania is a bipartisan, bicameral legislative agency that serves as a resource for rural policy within the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The Center works with the legislature, educators, state and federal executive branch agencies, and national, statewide, regional, and local organizations to maximize resources and strategies that can better serve Pennsylvania’s nearly 3.4 million rural residents.

Filed Under: Featured Stories, News, News Archive

PA Senator Gene Yaw Reintroduces Bill to Boost Agricultural Conservation Efforts

April 12, 2021 By Todd Bartley

Photo Courtesy PCN

HARRISBURG – State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) has reintroduced legislation to increase conservation and technical assistance for farmers in order to further reduce pollution impacts on local creeks and streams. The bill, Senate Bill 465, along with separate legislation known as the “Clean Streams Fund” announced earlier this week by Yaw and Republican colleagues, would work to restore and improve Pennsylvania’s waterways and clean water efforts.

“Agriculture is looked to for significant reductions to meet pollution reduction goals for the Chesapeake Bay and other major watersheds in the state,” Sen. Yaw said. “Nevertheless, almost one-third of our Commonwealth’s streams do not meet standards for drinking, fishing or recreation, and agriculture remains one of the largest sources of impairment. To meet the challenges, I have again introduced legislation to establish an Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program.”

Senate Bill 465 will provide for local county conservation districts (CCD’s) throughout the Commonwealth to directly receive and manage funding for agricultural conservation projects determined by local officials in order to significantly improve local water quality. Modeled after the state’s Dirt and Gravel Road Program that apportions funding to CCD’s based on a formula that considers relative volumes of dirt roads and impaired streams in each district, the program would apply similar criteria in driving targeted dollars to areas with the highest need for improvement. CCD’s would work with participating farmers and landowners to determine the best management practices that will work best for their area.

Senate Bill 465 is a collaborative effort of governmental and non-governmental representatives, including the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB), the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and Penn State University.

“Pennsylvania farmers have long been conservation minded and manage their farms in a way that protects natural resources,” said PFB President Rick Ebert. “However, challenges remain in meeting water quality goals, especially within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. We are pleased that lawmakers such as Senator Yaw acknowledge that farmers cannot go it alone, while also recognizing that environmental challenges are not going away. This agriculture conservation bill will help farmers make conservation improvements on their farm and bring Pennsylvania closer to meeting those water quality goals.”

“Farmers are willing to do the right thing and conservation districts are standing by to help. But both lack the resources. CBF thanks Sen. Yaw for an important first step,” said Shannon Gority, CBF Executive Director in Pennsylvania. “Everyone wants agriculture to succeed and it is long past time that it gets the resources and technical assistance to finish the job. Our economy, health, heritage, and quality of life depend on it.”

“Agricultural water quality has been a priority issue in Pennsylvania and our college for many years,” stated Richard Roush, Dean of the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. “We enjoy long-standing relationships with diverse agricultural and conservation associations that share our passion for this issue. We believe arming Pennsylvania farmers with the latest science-based information, best practices, and technical support in their conservation efforts will reap huge dividends for healthy rivers, but also for farmers in making better use of soil and nutrients.”

“Given the challenges of meeting a 2025 deadline to have all practices in place to meet the Chesapeake Bay cleanup plan, now is the time for Pennsylvania to enact legislation that will provide a roadmap for meeting those goals,” Senator Yaw added. “I look forward to a vote on this bill in the near future.”

Senate Bill 465 has been referred to the Senate Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee for consideration.

For more state-related news and information, visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or on Facebook and Twitter @SenatorGeneYaw.

Senator Gene Yaw represents Pennsylvania’s 23rd Senatorial District, which includes all or portions of Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan Susquehanna and Union counties.

Filed Under: Featured Stories, News, News Archive

BREAKING NEWS: Little League World Series Golf Event Canceled for 2021

April 10, 2021 By Todd Bartley

Multiple sources have confirmed to TalkWilliamsport.com the Little League World Series golf event has been canceled for 2021.

The event is normally played on the Friday off day of the Little League World Series.

In past years, former major league baseball players have attended and played in the event held at the Williamsport Country Club.

Sources who spoke with TalkWilliamsport.com on the condition of anonymity said; “Covid-19 travel restrictions for the former major league players is the reason the event is being canceled.”

Little League International has not announced of the 2021 Little League World Series will be played in Williamsport this year; that decision is slated for mid-May 2021.

This is a developing story on TalkWilliamsport.com.

Filed Under: Featured Stories, News, News Archive

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

April 9, 2021 By Todd Bartley

Photo: Ryan Gardner, Lycoming County District Attorney (left),

Timothy Bowers, WASD Superintendent (middle left), WASD solicitor Fred Holland (middle right)

and Josh Shapiro, PA Attorney General (right).

The following is the result of a nearly 33-months long investigation

into the Williamsport Area High School Baseball Team trip

to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in the spring of 2018.

This story is graphic and contains details related to multiple indecent sexual assaults.

The author and editor of this story have made the editorial decision to not publish the names of the individuals under the age of 18 at the time of the incident who have been clearly identified as committing these acts in this case they were recently formally charged with a crime in South Carolina.

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball

IF NOTHING HAPPENED IN MYRTLE BEACH

WHY WON’T THE WASD TELL US THE STORY?

PART XXXI –

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

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

Filed Under: Featured Stories, News, News Archive, Top Featured Story

AG Shapiro Shuts Down Think Finance, Wins Debt Relief For PA Consumers

April 9, 2021 By Todd Bartley

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.

Filed Under: Featured Stories, News, News Archive, Top Featured Story

The Beginning of the End is forthcoming

April 8, 2021 By Todd Bartley

Photo: Ryan Gardner, Lycoming County District Attorney (left),

Thomas Marshall, Little League International Chief Counsel and Plaintiff’s Counsel for Ryan Miller (middle left), WASD solicitor Fred Holland (middle right) and Josh Shapiro, PA Attorney General (right).

The following is the result of a nearly 33-months long investigation

into the Williamsport Area High School Baseball Team trip

to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in the spring of 2018.

This story is graphic and contains details related to multiple indecent sexual assaults.

A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball

IF NOTHING HAPPENED IN MYRTLE BEACH

WHY WON’T THE WASD TELL US THE STORY?

PART XXX –

“The Beginning of the End is forthcoming.”

By Todd Bartley, TalkWilliamsport.com

News@TalkWilliamsport.com

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 are disturbing revelations as well as a missing legal services invoice which was “inadvertently left out”; according to Wanda Erb, WASD Open Records Officer.

After the omission was pointed out by this author last evening; the missing legal services invoice was miraculously provided as a “supplement” to the WASD Right to Know Law response this morning.

Let us explore the chronology and connections to those involved in drafting and publishing the “WASD Statement on the Myrtle Beach incident”; which will be proven to be based on the WASD fear of a pending WNEP-TV investigative piece that was set to air in January 2020 and not based on social media posts.

What role did the Little League Baseball, Incorporated chief (legal) counsel which is the same person representing former WAHS baseball coach Ryan Miller play in the release of the statement as well?

The following chronology is based upon information obtained from WASD Right to Know Law responses, previous reports on TalkWilliamsport.com and publicly posted biographical information.

_____________________________________

Dave Bohman is the former investigative reporter at WNEP-TV. He sent the following email including questions regarding the Myrtle Beach incident to WASD Solicitor Fred Holland on January 2, 2020.

“Our Newswatch 16 Investigation is scheduled to run next week, and we would appreciate a prompt response and someone to be designated for an on-camera interview.”

_____________________________________

January 2, 2020, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.70 hours and a total of $105.00 for a “Telephone conference with D. Bohman, Tim Bowers; emails; Telephone conference with Tom Marshall.

_____________________________________

EDITOR’S NOTE: Tom Marshall is currently representing former WAHS baseball coach Ryan Miller in civil litigation against this author and other defendants.

According to his bio on the McNerney, Page, Vanderlin & Hall website; “Tom serves as General Counsel to Little League Baseball, Incorporated and is the Managing Partner and Chairs both the Commercial Litigation Practice Group and the Oil and Gas Practice Group.”

_____________________________________

When Marshall had the “Telephone conference with Tom Marshall” on January 2, 2020 was he acting on behalf of his client Little League Baseball, Incorporated or former WAHS baseball coach Ryan Miller or both?

Solicitor Fred Holland did not delineate that on the legal services invoice submitted to and paid for by the WASD.

_____________________________________

January 3, 2020, attorney Jeff Rowe billed the WASD for 1.90 hours and a total of $285.00 for

“Telephone conference with Fred Holland, T Bowers, etc; drafted statement;

email to Atty T. Mutchler.

So according to the legal services invoice; did attorney Jeff Rowe draft the initial WASD Statement on the Myrtle Beach incident?

Also, on January 3, 2020, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 2.00 hours and a total of $300.00 for a “Telephone conference with Tim Bowers; emails; Review of Bartley Article; draft statement.

_____________________________________

In an undated E-mail WAHS head principal Brandon Pardoe who ran the investigation of the 2018 WAHS baseball team incident in Myrtle Beach sent the following:

From: Brandon Pardoe

To: Roger W. Freed (WAHS principal); Sean McCann (WAHS athletic director)

Subject: WASD Board Meeting

“Sean and Roger,

We have been requested to attend the board meeting on this day and to stay for an exec session with regard to the Myrtle Beach trip. Detective Weber will be present to join the four of us to inform the board about the events and actions of this ongoing topic. Just wanted to let the two of you know ahead of time so you can attend.

Thanks,

BP”

The email appears to have been redacted since no date is actually provided as referenced by Pardoe in the body of the email.

_____________________________________

On January 6, 2020, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland received a call from Dave Bohman and documented it to WASD Superintendent Dr. Timothy Bowers in an email at 5:06 p.m.,

“Bohman also called me, but I am not taking the call.”

There are multiple lines redacted in the email exchange between Dr. Bowers and Holland.

January 6, 2020, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.30 hours and a total of $45.00 for

“E-mails with D. Bohman.

Bohman received the following response from WASD Solicitor Fred Holland that day at 4:59 p.m.

“Below is the response of the District.

We do not wish to participate in an on-camera interview.

Near the end of the 2017-2018 school year, 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 was brought to the attention of District officials by local law enforcement personnel. The information had not previously been reported to any
District administrator or employee. A prompt investigation was done, and appropriate discipline was imposed. Federal educational privacy laws prohibit the District from disclosing any specifics regarding what discipline was imposed and what students were disciplined. Similarly, pursuant to Pennsylvania law, the District cannot reveal any discipline imposed on district employees, short of termination or demotion.

In addition to the District conducting its own investigation, the matter was investigated by outside agencies, specifically the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office and the authorities in Myrtle Beach. When contacted by Myrtle Beach authorities, the high school principal immediately referred them to the District Attorney’s Office and the school resource officers, who are officers with the Williamsport Bureau of Police. All questions regarding why charges were or were not pursued are more appropriately addressed to those agencies. It should be noted that the District first became aware of this incident after law enforcement had already been contacted.

The District’s investigation was conducted by the high school principal, other administrators, and legal counsel. Once it became clear which students were and were not involved in the incident, it was apparent that the high school principal had no personal conflict of interest. As is the case with every student disciplinary matter of this degree, the District allows legal counsel to be present if a student or a student’s family so desires when that student is being interviewed and when potential disciplinary measures against that student are being discussed. No outside legal counsel was present for any other meetings or interviews.

The District has communicated with families of all students involved with the incident to the full extent they are able while abiding by the restrictions of federal educational privacy laws, which prevent the District from disclosing both the type of discipline imposed and the identity of the students on whom discipline was imposed.

The District understands that these restrictions can be frustrating for parents of other students impacted by such incidents, as well as for the students themselves.

Further, the District worked with the families of involved students to provide the most comfortable and appropriate education setting for the students following this incident, and has at all times endeavored to act in the best interest of the students.

Best regards,

Fred”

_____________________________________

January 7, 2021 – WASD school board meeting; “PRESENT: Lori A. Baer, Jennifer Lake, Jane L. Penman, Patrick A. Dixon, Star Poole, Barbara D. Reeves, Marc D. Schefsky, Nancy Somers, Adam C. Welteroth.”

ITEMS FROM PUBLIC

“Carlos Saldivia of West Fourth Street addressed the Board regarding the alleged incidents that occurred in the Spring of 2018 in Myrtle Beach.He ended his comments by asking the Board to please issue a statement and to not continue to remain silent.”

PERSONNEL REPORT – 8.1 RESIGNATIONS

Accept the following resignation(s), effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:

D. Linda L. Radocaj, Head Coach for Volleyball at the high school, for personal reasons, effective December 12, 2019.

8.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE Approve the following leave(s) of absence:

B.Gary L. Baer, full-time Maintenance Specialist-HVAC for the District, extension of an unpaid leave, effective December 17, 2019, through January 13, 2020.

8.3*ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:

H.The following substitute administrative support/aide(s), subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, at the hourly rates established by Board policy ($9.00/hr.; up to a maximum of 180 days per year) and only for the actual number of hours assigned and worked:

Diana DeVaughn (effective 01/08/2020)

Tyler E. McCann (effective 01/08/2020)

EDITOR’S NOTE: It is unknown at this point if the Tyler E. McCann is the same Tyler McCann that was on the 2018 WAHS baseball team trip to Myrtle Beach.

ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS

“Ms. (Jennifer) Lake stated that she is in a reflective time in her life with her daughter in her senior year. She recognizes the influence that teachers and principals have had on her daughter. She wanted to thank them and stated the care and dedication they give to the students does not go unnoticed.”

_____________________________________

January 8, 2021, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.70 hours and a total of $105.00 for

“Legal research regarding Independent investigators; review draft statement.”

Adam Welteroth is the only WASD school board member to publicly call for an independent investigation into the Myrtle Beach case. His well documented motion for that request did not garner a second.

_____________________________________

January 9, 2021, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 1.20 hours and a total of $180.00 for

“E-Mails with Administrators; Review of statements as re-drafted;

E-mail and Telephone conference with D. Bohman, Tom Marshall.”

_____________________________________

Why is WASD Solicitor Fred Holland having a “Telephone conference with Tom Marshall” the same day Marshall filed a civil lawsuit against this author on behalf of former WAHS head baseball coach Ryan Miller?

Why is WASD Solicitor Fred Holland having a “Telephone conference with Tom Marshall” less than 48 hours from a WASD School Board member publicly asking for an independent third party investigation into the Myrtle Beach incident and how the WASD handled the case?

Why is WASD Solicitor Fred Holland having a“Telephone conference with Tom Marshall” less than 24 hours after performing “Legal research regarding Independent investigators”; of which Ryan Miller would be a person of interest since he was the coach in March 2018 and was on the trip in Myrtle Beach?

_____________________________________

On January 9, 2020 the “WASD Statement on Myrtle Beach Incident” was released to the public.

It was released with the following preamble; “The Williamsport Area School District proactively serves students and families of our community. We take this responsibility seriously, and the safety of our students is our top priority. The district follows a high standard of communicating with the public and protecting the privacy of our students.

In light of recent concerns raised on social media, it is evident that the circulation of inaccuracies and misinformation have created confusion that is detrimental to students, staff and the district.

The district is releasing the following statement to provide facts where we are legally able to do so, while still protecting the privacy of students.”

_____________________________________

January 10, 2020, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.60 hours and a total of $90.00 for

“E-mails conference with Tim Bowers.

_____________________________________

January 17, 2020, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.20 hours and a total of $30.00 for a “Telephone conference with J. Beague.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: John Beague is a reporter for PennLive with deep connections to a number of parties involved in the Myrtle Beach story.

_____________________________________

On January 22, 2020, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.30 hours and a total of $45.00 for a

“Telephone conference with R. Gardner, Tim Bowers.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Ryan Gardner is the Lycoming County District Attorney.

_____________________________________

From the press release released on May 5, 2020 by Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner referring back to a meeting with the family of JOHN DOE #1 in January 2020 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.

_____________________________________

On January 27, 2020, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.40 hours and a total of $60.00 for a

“Review suit filed and news article.”

_____________________________________

On January 29, 2020, WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.20 hours and a total of $30.00 for

“Review article.”

_____________________________________

It is interesting to note the COVID-19 global pandemic seemed to put a pause on things until May when they began to pick back up again. On May 5, 2020 Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner referred the Myrtle Beach case to PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro as noted in PART XV.

_____________________________________

On July 4, 2020 WASD special counsel Howard Kelin billed the WASD for 0.25 hours and a total of $73.75

“Review background information on lawsuit and prior news articles.”

_____________________________________

On July 15, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD for 0.40 hours and a total of $60.00 for

“Telephone conference with Attorney Allen Page re: Ryan Miller RTK requests;

follow-up email to Attorney Page with scope of RTK requests.”

WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.50 hours and a total of $75.00 for

“Conference with Tom Burkhart; Telephone conference with Tom Marshall.”

_____________________________________

On July 16, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD 0.10 hours and a total of $15.00 for

“E-mail to Attorney Allen Page re: scope of RTK request directed to Ryan Miller.”

_____________________________________

On July 17, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD 0.30 hours and a total of $45.00 for

“E-mail to WASD & Howard Kelin with status update re: Ryan Miller RTK request/IT issues.”

_____________________________________

On July 20, 2020 WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.30 hours and a total of $45.00 for

“E-mail Jeff Litts.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Jeff Litts, is also serving as WASD special counsel.

_____________________________________

On July 21, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD 0.10 hours and a total of $15.00 for

“E-mail to Attorney Allen Page requesting written summary of the position Ryan Miller

re: RTK requests.”

On July 21, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD 0.20 hours and a total of $30.00 for

“E-mail to Attorney Holland — update on Ryan Miller RTK request;

sale of radio station by Bartley.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Why is the WASD so interested in the “sale of radio station by Bartley.” which is totally unrelated to responding to a Right to Know Law request?

Is it also an appropriate use of WASD taxpayers funds?

Also, on July 21, 2020 WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.30 hours and a total of $45.00 for

“Telephone conference with J Dohrmann.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Jeffrey Dohrmann is a Partner in Williamsport Law firm Rieders, Travis, Humphrey, Waters & Dohrmann. Dohrmann was contacted for this story and has yet to respond.

Also, on July 21, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD 1.30 hours and a total of $195.00 for

“Telephone conference with Attorney Allen Page e: RTK and Ryan Miller.

Attendance at WASD Executive Session.”

_____________________________________

On July 22, 2020 WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD 0.30 hours and a total of $45.00 for

“Conference with firm attorneys; emails.”

Also on July 22, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD 0.40 hours and a total of $60.00 for

“E-mail update to WASD and counsel re: Ryan Miller.”

_____________________________________

On July 23, 2020 WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD 0.70 hours and a total of $105.00 for

“Review FCC documents; Telephone conference with Counsel.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: What do “(FCC) Federal Communications Commission documents” have to do with Right to Know Law requests?

Also on July 23, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD 1.40 hours and a total of $210.00 for

“Review of RTK case law regarding disclosure of records held by former employee of agency.”

When attorney Tom Burkhart notes on the WASD legal services invoice; “disclosure of records held by former employee of agency – is he admitting Miller has responsive documents to Right to Know Law requests?

If so, why do attorneys Page IV and Marshall continually object and refuse to allow former WAHS head baseball coach Ryan Miller to cooperate with the WASD on responsive documents to Right to Know Law requests?

_____________________________________

On July 24, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD 0.20 hours and a total of $30.00 for

“Received and reviewed email from Attorney Allen Page re: Ryan Miller RTK request;

forwarding of Attorney Page’s email to special counsel and Wanda Erb.

“Received and reviewed RTK response to Todd Bartley by WASD to 1st RTK request; review of final response by WASD.”

Also, on July 24, 2020 WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD 0.60 hours and a total of $90.00 for

“E-mail and telephone conference with various counsel.”

_____________________________________

On July 27, 2020 WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD 0.30 hours and a total of $45.00 for

“Review docket entries, court order.”

_____________________________________

On July 28, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD 0.10 hours and a total of $15.00 for

“E-mail to Wanda Erb re: update on 2nd RTK request.”

On July 28, 2020 WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD 0.30 hours and a total of $45.00 for

“Review public record documents.”

_____________________________________

On July 30, 2020 attorney Tom Burkhart billed the WASD 0.20 hours and a total of $30.00 for

“Received and reviewed email from Attorney Litts; Review of draft response to RTK Request #2 and documents.”

_____________________________________

Going back to the spring of 2018; based on the legal services invoices obtained from the WASD through the Right to Know Law the following is the response of the WASD to the “coach issue.”

“In Reference To: Employment Issues – Professional Services

On April 19, 2018 WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.20 hours and a total of $28.00 for a

“Telephone conference with Tim re: Coach issue.”

On April 20, 2018 WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 2.30 hours and a total of $322.00 for a

“Meeting with Tim, Susie, Anne et al.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Tim is Dr. Timothy Bowers, WASD Superintendent, Susie is believed to be Susie Bigger, WASD Assistant Superintendent and Title IX Coordinator and Anne is Anne Logue, WASD human resources department.

On April 27, 2018 WASD Solicitor Fred Holland billed the WASD for 0.30 hours and a total of $42.00 for a

“Telephone conference with Anne and Tim.”

_____________________________________

Were these the “re: Coach issue” conversations concerning then WAHS head baseball coach Ryan Miller showing up to a game intoxicated and being allowed to coach said game?

With the WASD human resources department representative Anne Logue in the conversation; was the termination of the employment of Ryan Miller as WAHS head baseball coach being discussed?

Who would ever foreseen the unfortunate circumstance of a 2-time DUI offender showing up to a game intoxicated.

Maybe the person who gave their full-throated endorsement of Coach Miller getting the head coaching job in the first place could answer that?

Anyone heard from Randy Zangara on this topic?

Miller and Zangara had a lengthy phone exchange in the hours leading up to Miller resigning as noted in “A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball” – PART II.

Ryan Miller resigned on April 20, 2018, citing “family reasons”.

Where were attorneys Allen Page IV and Thomas Marshall then?

Why, to this day are former WAHS head baseball coach Ryan Miller and current WAHS head principal Brandon Pardoe unable to provide any phone records to this REQUESTER in all times relevant to the Myrtle Beach trip; even though both readily admit they had their phones on the trip?