Harrisburg, PA – Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding wrote a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue pleading for his continuance of Pennsylvania’s waiver for the need to collect client names and addresses and verify income eligibility for those receiving USDA Foods through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2020.

“While we are working to reopen Pennsylvania amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we are one of just a handful of states reopening not experiencing a steady increase in our COVID cases,” said Secretary Redding. “We must continue every effort possible to continue protecting Pennsylvanians, as they do their part to save lives. This waiver is one way to continue protecting Pennsylvanians by not requiring both volunteers and clients of food banks to break social distancing simply to complete forms.”

Redding’s letter outlines that older adults overwhelmingly comprise those who work in or volunteer with our state’s more than 3,000 local food assistance agencies. Those working on the front lines to feed those in need, are at a disproportionately higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19. The reality is, that if this waiver is dropped our intake workers, volunteers, and clients will not be able to maintain a 6-foot social distance.

“While we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to protect Pennsylvanians and make it easy for them to social distance, we also have a responsibility to feed those in need,” added Redding.

As a direct result of COVID-19, Pennsylvania’s charitable food system continues to experience stress from unprecedented demand. A survey of Feeding American member food banks in Pennsylvania revealed that they are seeing an average increase in demand of more than 50 percent since the pandemic began. In a state that normally serves approximately two million people annually through our emergency food response in all 67 counties, data collected since the end of March shows that Pennsylvania’s charitable food system has served more than 5.5 million people in just three months. Allowing Pennsylvania’s food banks to forgo data collection for providing USDA Foods can help to alleviate further bottlenecks at food distributions, where lines are already long.

“I’m hopeful that Secretary Perdue will acknowledge the importance of this waiver to Pennsylvania’s overall health and well-being, as he has done before when we were in need, and we’ll have swift response and approval,” said Redding. “Throughout this pandemic, I continue to be grateful for our partners at the federal level who continue to support Pennsylvania’s work to combat COVID-19 and adjacent concerns, like hunger.”

For information as it relates to agriculture during COVID-19 mitigation in Pennsylvania visit agriculture.pa.gov/COVID. For the most accurate, timely information related to Health in Pennsylvania, visit on.pa.gov/coronavirus.

Letter argues thousands of preventable deaths occurred due to failed state mandate

WASHINGTON – Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) this week joined a letter with House Select Subcommittee on Coronavirus Republicans and the Republican members of Pennsylvania’s Congressional Delegation to Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro asking for a formal review of the impact of Gov. Tom Wolf’s and Health Secretary Rachel Levine’s deadly nursing home COVID-19 policy.

“The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected the elderly, especially those living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. On May 12, 2020, you announced that your office has been investigating several Pennsylvania nursing homes for alleged inadequacies and negligence during the coronavirus pandemic. We understand that your investigation will not cover Governor Wolf’s March 18, 2020 guidance for nursing homes to readmit COVID-19 positive residents, thereby recklessly reintroducing the disease into the most vulnerable population,” the letter states.

“Therefore, we write requesting that you formally review the impact of this deadly policy and make your findings available to the citizens of Pennsylvania and the families of those who lost loved ones as a result of this deadly policy.”

In addition, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) made the following statement:

“The COVID-19 nursing home policy instituted by Pennsylvania Health Sec. Rachel Levine with the approval of Gov. Tom Wolf has resulted in thousands of unnecessary deaths from a virus that disproportionately affects the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

“However, instead of working to fix the problem, the Wolf administration has shifted blame and refused to change their ill-advised policy.

“It is my hope that a formal review from Pennsylvania’s chief law enforcement officer will unveil the extent of the incompetency that led to this harmful policy that has caused the devastating loss of so many Pennsylvanians.”

You can read the letter in full HERE.

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced the availability of $20 million in grant funding for cultural organizations and museums to offset lost revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting shutdown order.

The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) today approved the program guidelines for the COVID-19 Cultural and Museum Preservation Grant Program, which is funded through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The program will be administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

“As Pennsylvanians stayed home to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the commonwealth, our museums and cultural centers lost not just patronage, but revenue,” said Gov. Wolf. “As these organizations are so critical to maintaining community culture and safeguarding our history, it is imperative that we allocate the funding they need to continue their operations.”

Eligible cultural organizations or museums must be one of the following categories to be eligible for funding through the COVID-19 Cultural and Museum Preservation Grant Program:

• Children’s Museum
• General Museum with at least two equally significant disciplines
• History Museum or Historical Site
• Military or Maritime Museum
• Natural History Museum
• Accredited Zoo
• Planetarium
• Science and Technology Center
• Orchestra
• Art Museum
• Performing Arts Organization

The minimum amount of grant funding will be $25,000 to a maximum of $500,000. Funds may be used to offset lost revenue for eligible cultural organizations and museums that were subject to closure by the proclamation of disaster emergency issued by the Governor on March 6, 2020, and any renewal of the state of disaster emergency and that experienced a loss of revenue related to the closure. Funds cannot be used to offset revenue which has already been offset from other sources, including philanthropic and federal, state and local government sources.  Additional eligibility requirements and program details can be found in the program guidelines.

Applications will be accepted between June 29, 2020, and July 31, 2020, through the online Electronic Single Application for Assistance, www.esa.dced.state.pa.us.

More information about the Commonwealth Financing Authority can be found on the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) website. To stay up-to-date on all Pennsylvania economic development news, follow DCED on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and be sure to sign up for the department’s monthly e-newsletter.

Notes Speaker refused to work with Republicans on needed improvements to law enforcement practices

WASHINGTON – Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) on Thursday voted against the Justice in Policing Act, a partisan messaging bill crafted by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her allies without Republican input that would result in local police departments being run from Washington, D.C., make police officers personally liable for doing their jobs by the book, and undermine law enforcement’s ability to keep communities safe.

On the Justice in Policing Act, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) made the following statement:

“During the listening sessions I held with law enforcement and community leaders throughout Pennsylvania’s 12^th Congressional District over the past several weeks, it became clear from all sides—even law enforcement—that some form of legislation is needed to help bring about a mutual respect between law enforcement and the communities they serve and root out bad actors within our police forces. However, the Justice in Policing Act is the wrong approach.

“The Justice in Policing Act, crafted by Speaker Pelosi and her allies in secret without any Republican input, makes it more difficult for police officers to do their jobs safely, forces unworkable national standards on local police departments, and opens police up to personal liability for doing their jobs by the book.

“While Republicans put up significant and meaningful law enforcement improvement measures in the JUSTICE Act, which I co-sponsored, Democrats refused to even debate it or offer amendments to it. By proceeding in a partisan manner with legislation that will continue the divide in this country over police practices, Congressional Democrats are once again behaving in a shamefully political manner on a serious topic of national importance. The American people deserve better.”

The following is an opinion editorial authored by Todd Bartley, Talk Williamsport, todd@talkwilliamsport.com.

Jennifer Lake took the better part of Friday to formulate a response to the OP-ED: Jennifer Lake Wokebegone. 

As predicted, she is now the victim.

She is correct, in one facet of her response, “…that I am resigning from the WASD School Board. This is fake news. 100% made up. A lie. I am proud to serve my community and the children in this volunteer position. I have no intentions of resigning.”

Let me be the first to echo her statement Jennifer Lake is not “resigning from the WASD School Board.”

 

In fact Jennifer, history tells us you already did.

When do you ask?

When you failed to look at anyone other than Dr. Bigger and mostly you looked at the floor on February 4, 2020.

How do I know?

That evening, I left my keyboard behind to bring my notebook to the WASD school board meeting.

That evening, you had a chance to actually make history and set the record straight forever by providing a second to a motion noted in Part IX of the FSW multi-part series titled, “A Baseball Story” related to the Myrtle Beach incident, WASD Board Member Adam Cole Welteroth offered public comment during the February 4, 2020 WASD School Board meeting where he again raised concerns.

For almost two years, the district has remained silent on this matter while being subjected to RTK requests, expanded accusations of wrong done, and a multi part news series on the accounts and handling of the Myrtle Beach incident.

It is time, we as a board take steps to put this matter to rest.

With this motion, I would invite a second by my fellow board members to allow discussion as to why we should not commission a third party investigation and review at this time.

The motion made by Welteroth was met with 10 seconds of stunned silence from the other 8 members of the WASD School Board including President Lori Baer, Vice President Dr. Jane Penman, Patrick Dixon, Barbara Reeves, Marc Schefsky, Star Poole, Dr. Nancy Story Somers and Jennifer Lake as well as WASD Solicitor Fred Holland, multiple WASD administrators and did not receive a second.

Lori Baer, President of the WASD School Board after the 10 seconds of stunned silence, said, “I don’t hear a second, Adam at this point in time. I think this is pry (sic) something that pry (sic) we need to talk about in executive session with legal advisement may not be quite appropriate to do it right now, so…but unless somebody would like to offer a second.”

Welteroth responds, “the second motion is to talk about this it’s not saying (inaudible).”

Baer concludes, “I’m not seeing anybody (inaudible).”

 

Instead as I mentioned above, you sat silent and refused to make eye contact with me by mostly looking at the floor.

I was the guy in the front row waiting for you and your colleagues to second that motion.

Instead, I heard the silence noted above.

 

In your public comments today, you make mention of being called a “racist” in a public forum and you refuse to engage in that dialogue.

That is an interesting position to take, since the anti-racist/racism Resolution unanimously approved by the WASD in fact calls the entire community racist by your codified definition.

When the conversation begins with “you are a racist, and I’m done talking about it,” how are we as a society suppose to work toward unity?

Or is it the world according to Jennifer Lake and her life’s work?

If you want to have the real conversation about race relations, let’s have it.

Wait I forgot, it won’t be as a member of the WASD School Board, you already resigned with your inaction on February 4, 2020.

As a footnote, the Myrtle Beach Police Department is still waiting on your call.

By you changing your Facebook page settings and blocking people; that is behavior from someone who is unfit for the moment they claim to be in charge of.

All of the love you keep receiving online is more than JOHN DOE #1 and JOHN DOE #2 have ever felt from you or the WASD.

You remember, the victims you still fail to recognize that suffered as you were informed on June 5, 2018 by WASD solicitor Fred Holland “indecent and inappropriate behavior by a WAHS baseball player.”

Earlier this year, the same incident Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner described as “criminal sexual misconduct”, prior to referring the matter to Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro.

 

Let us agree, history will be our judge.

History will show which side of this argument you have been on since the beginning.

No amount of Facebook likes or comments will make you feel better after that type of indifferent systemic failure is exposed in criminal and civil cases involving the WASD.

Volunteer position or not, you serve on a school board that turned a blind eye and deaf ear to the Myrtle Beach incident and fail to recommend firings for those employees who took an active part in covering it up.

This is not hate.

These are indisputable facts.

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today signed amended green phase orders for the 12 counties moving to green at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow, June 26. The counties include Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Erie, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and Susquehanna.

With these orders effective at 12:01 a.m., tomorrow there will be 66 counties in green and one county in yellow.

Philadelphia County met the criteria and will move to the state’s green phase tomorrow; however, local officials will maintain some additional restrictions until July 3. The Wolf Administration has supported specific county requests for more restrictions throughout the phased reopening process.

Gov. Wolf’s Process to Reopen Pennsylvania includes details of each phase of reopening.

Green Phase
After a county transitions to the yellow phase, we closely monitor for increased risk, such as significant outbreaks. If overall risk remains mitigated for 14 days, we transition the county to the green phase.

The green phase eases most restrictions by lifting the stay-at-home and business closure orders to allow the economy to strategically reopen while continuing to prioritize public health.

While this phase facilitates a return to a “new normal,” it is equally important to continue to monitor public health indicators and adjust orders and restrictions as necessary to ensure the spread of disease remains at a minimum. It is also imperative that people wear masks when leaving home and in settings where social distancing is not feasible.

Work and Congregate Settings Restrictions

• Continued Telework Strongly Encouraged
• Businesses with In-Person Operations Must Follow Updated Business and Building Safety Requirements
• All Businesses Operating at 50% Occupancy in the Yellow Phase May Increase to 75% Occupancy
• Child Care May Open Complying with Guidance
• Congregate Care Restrictions in Place
• Prison and Hospital Restrictions Determined by Individual Facilities
• Schools Subject to CDC and Commonwealth Guidance

Social Restrictions

• Large Gatherings of More Than 250 Prohibited
• Masks Are Required When Entering a Business
• Restaurants and Bars Open at 50% Occupancy
• Personal Care Services (including hair salons and barbershops) Open at 50% Occupancy and by Appointment Only
• Indoor Recreation, Health and Wellness Facilities, and Personal Care Services (such as gyms and spas) Open at 50% Occupancy with Appointments Strongly Encouraged
• All Entertainment (such as casinos, theaters, and shopping malls) Open at 50% Occupancy
• Construction Activity May Return to Full Capacity with Continued Implementation of Protocols

The latest business guidance, including outdoor recreation guidance, can be found here.

Preliminary sports guidance can be found here.

Summer camp guidance can be found here.

The Governor’s amended green phase order can be found here.

The Secretary of Health’s amended green phase order can be found here.

Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Human Services (DHS) today advised Medicaid providers that Medicaid recipients may not be charged for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used in connection with medical or dental services.

“While we are moving in the right direction in managing the COVID-19 public health crisis, people still need to be able to access health care coverage to protect themselves and their family,” said DHS Secretary Teresa Miller. “No one should go without seeking health care because they cannot afford an extra charge. That’s why we are reminding providers of their responsibility in continuing to provide access to health care, and that they are prohibited from seeking or receiving any additional payments for PPE they may use.”

While not a widespread issue, DHS had heard that a small number of providers were considering billing patients for PPE used during care. DHS has determined that PPE is a supply and is part of the provider’s overhead and cost of doing business. Providers cannot charge Medicaid beneficiaries for any PPE that is used in connection with a Medicaid-covered medical or dental service. More information for providers can be found here.

Medicaid and CHIP enroll individuals throughout the year and do not have a limited or special enrollment time, so people needing health coverage can apply for these programs at any time. There are income limits for Medicaid, but all children qualify for coverage through CHIP.

To apply for Medicaid or CHIP, visit www.compass.state.pa.us or, if preferred, paper documentation can be mailed to their local County Assistance Office (CAO) or left in a CAO’s secure drop box, if available. While CAOs remain closed, work processing applications, determining eligibility, and issuing benefits continues.

Visit pa.gov for a “Responding to COVID-19” guide or the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s dedicated Coronavirus webpage for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19.

Guidance to DHS providers related to COVID-19 is available here.

Harrisburg, PA – Multiple research studies indicate the efficacy of mask-wearing to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Mask-wearing also has been called altruistic, a way to increase our freedoms, and a simple kindness. Today, Governor Tom Wolf’s call to wear masks has been endorsed by Pennsylvania businesses that see mask-wearing as vital to protecting customers, employees, communities and their bottom lines.

“The COVID-19 guidance we provided to Pennsylvania businesses includes required mask-wearing by all who enter a business – employees and customers – because we know owners want to do all they can to protect those who help them maintain their bottom line,” Gov. Wolf said. “I’m pleased that employers both large and small have taken this guidance seriously and are joining me in a call to protect against the spread of COVID-19.”

“The GIANT Company continues to take the necessary steps to keep our customers and team members safe in the ongoing fight against the coronavirus – from requiring team members to wear masks to checkstand partitions at registers, plus other social distancing and strict sanitation protocols,” said president Nicholas Bertram. “Everyone should continue to do their part as good neighbors to follow the mask-wearing guidance put forth by Governor Wolf to protect each other and help stop the spread of the virus.”

“Businesses should model the importance of safety and precaution through their practices — including masks — to build customer trust and ultimately keep everyone safe,” Mallory Fix Lopez, owner, On Point Bistro in South Philadelphia said. “This also leads to more sustainable business. Safe employees mean a secure workforce. Additionally, customers have faith they are safe when patronizing the business. The use of masks is key to public health and business sustainability, and it’s essential that businesses are actively supporting the use of masks.”

“As a hair salon owner, the safety of my customers is important to me,” said Georgeanne Huff-Labovitz, owner of Marie Huff Hairdressing in Tacony in NE Philadelphia. “I am taking every effort to ensure their safety. Wearing a face covering protects everyone and prevents the spread of COVID-19 and is a key part of safely reopening my business and serving my customers.”

Gov. Wolf and Sec. of Health Dr. Rachel Levine made mask-wearing a requirement of businesses with in-person operations via the secretary’s order that grants her this authority granted by law.

The governor and secretary of Health’s business guidance centered around reopening includes the mask-wearing requirement. The guidance states that businesses must “Require all customers to wear masks while on the premises. Businesses that provide medication, medical supplies or groceries must provide an alternate, no contact, means of delivering goods for customers who cannot wear a mask. However, individuals who cannot wear a mask due to a medical condition (including children under the age of 2 years per CDC guidance) may enter the premises and are not required to provide documentation of such medical condition.”

Read more on Gov. Wolf’s Process to Reopen PA here.

Eleven governors send letter calling for significant investments to bridge digital divide 

Harrisburg, PA – As states continue to address the COVID-19 pandemic, including economic recovery efforts, Governor Tom Wolf and a bipartisan coalition of 11 governors today sent a letter urging the president and Congressional leaders to make critical investments to ensure that all Americans have access to broadband internet connectivity, which they say is critical infrastructure that’s vitally important to our economic future and national security.

“An investment in broadband internet connectivity is an investment in our commonwealth’s future and prosperity. The critical need for high-speed internet has become clear in light of our efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, as more families work and learn from home, businesses operate online services and patients access medical care through telehealth,” Gov. Wolf said. “Now, as Pennsylvania focuses on our economic recovery, it’s critical that broadband internet access becomes a reality for every community, and especially our rural areas.

“It’s clear that this is more than a Pennsylvania issue – the digital divide exists in communities across the country,” Gov. Wolf said. “It’s in everyone’s best interest, especially as technology continues to evolve and advance, that we make a significant infrastructural investment.”

Some 18 million Americans, including nearly a million Pennsylvanians, lack access to broadband internet connectivity. Businesses and families without adequate access are left behind, and the consequences are staggering from an economic, health, education, and social standpoint, the governors said. A significant investment in broadband connectivity, the governors added, will unleash economic potential, promote stable job growth that’s resilient in times like these, and ensure all businesses and families can participate in the digital economy.

Governor Wolf has made access to high-speed internet a top priority. He led this bipartisan call to address the issue following a discussion with Land O’Lakes President and CEO Beth Ford. The farmer owned cooperative is working with organizations across industries including agriculture, healthcare, finance, and tech to address connectivity.

“We commend Governor Wolf and his fellow leaders for making this bipartisan call to action and for recognizing that our country simply cannot afford to allow the digital divide to widen,” Ford said. “Land O’Lakes, and many of our partners who understand the economic, educational and quality of life impacts that digital technology can have for individuals and for communities, look forward to working together with these governors and other policy makers as we advocate for high-speed internet access to become a reality for all Americans.”

Broadband internet access is also a key component of Restore Pennsylvania, a statewide plan to aggressively address the commonwealth’s vital infrastructure needs, including installation of infrastructure to bring high speed internet to every corner of the commonwealth. Funded through a commonsense severance tax, Restore Pennsylvania is the only plan that will help make Pennsylvania a leader in the 21st century.

The following is an opinion editorial authored by Todd Bartley, Talk Williamsport, todd@talkwilliamsport.com.

So how does a highly trained and qualified mandated reporter fail to call the Myrtle Beach Police Department or even raise concerns for more than two years lead the anti-racism movement in the WASD?

My argument is, Jennifer Lake you missed your moment!

WASD school board member Jennifer Lake who has served in her position for many years is now the loudest voice for change as it relates to systemic racism in the district.

For those that may not know who Lake is, her bio page states: “Jenn has been personally and/or professionally involved in the world of adoption for over 16 years.  In 2016, Jenn began her professional career in Family Advocacy where she has recruited, trained and supported foster and adoptive families on their journey to permanency and beyond. In 2019, Jenn earned the title of TBRI Practitioner through the Karen Purvis Institute of Child Development out of Texas Christian University.

Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) is a therapeutic model that trains caregivers to provide effective support and treatment for at-risk children. TBRI has been applied in orphanages, courts, residential treatment facilities, group homes, foster and adoptive homes, churches, and schools.

Jenn and her husband, Matt, are passionate champions of caring for orphans and vulnerable children.”

With her biographical information as the backdrop and specifically the references to “provide effective support and treatment for at-risk children” and “passionate champions of caring for orphans and vulnerable children.”

Champions do not allow team trips out of state with no hotel room list or adult chaperones beyond the coaching staff.

Champions call the Myrtle Beach Police Department when they are informed on June 5, 2018 by WASD solicitor Fred Holland of “indecent and inappropriate behavior by a WAHS baseball player.”

The same incident Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner described as “criminal sexual misconduct”, prior to referring the matter to Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro.

Shapiro has confirmed to FSW receipt of the case referral.

Champions at a minimum pose questions to district administrators when the story does not add up.

Champions ask for a final report of investigations that are conducted by people who are subordinate to you.

Champions do not sit silent when a fellow WASD board member asks for a second as it relates to opening a third party independent investigation into the “criminal sexual misconduct” incident on the 2018 WAHS baseball team trip to Myrtle Beach during the February 4, 2020 meeting.

After audio surfaces of the WAHS principal misleading the MBPD in regard to the incident; Champions advocate for the firing of that WASD employee and anyone else involved in the cover-up.

For a board member having served multiple terms to omit the word “victim” when referring to a vulnerable child in the WASD “Official Statement” relating to the “criminal sexual misconduct” incident, has failed to be a Champion.

We will revisit the “victim” issue in due course.

Now, this self proclaimed “Champion” wants this community to listen to her when it comes to curing systemic racism within society and specifically in the school district she oversees.

The plan moving forward, follow a piece of paper with a list of grievances.

WASD School Board Adopts Anti-Racist Resolution

FULL STOP.

If a board member is not serving in their first term; could an argument be made that anyone in a second, third or longer term is actually contributing to the underlying issues noted in the Resolution?

Is it fair to say, after 400 years of history on this topic to rely upon, the recent epiphany is a little late?

Is it fair to say, it seems opportunistic?

 

During the Williamsport Area School District board meeting on Tuesday evening, board member Jennifer Lake played a leading role reading an anti-racism resolution into the record prior to its unanimous approval.

So how in good conscience can Jennifer Lake bring forward a resolution addressing a situation that occurred in Minneapolis while failing to address a tragic situation in her own backyard?

The indisputable timeline of insanity regarding the Myrtle Beach incident compared to the anti-racism Resolution unanimously approved last night defies logic.

• WASD concludes investigation of Myrtle Beach incident June 5, 2018.
• 19 months later – WASD issues Statement on handling of Myrtle Beach incident January 9, 2020.
• George Floyd who has never been a student in the WASD is killed in Minnesota on May 25, 2020.
• Less than 30 days later – WASD school board approves Anti-racism Resolution June 23, 2020
• The anti-racism Resolution is based on national events including the death of George Floyd.

So Jennifer Lake and her fellow WASD board members had a faster public response to the death of George Floyd than a “criminal sexual misconduct” incident involving students in the district.

How could I forget, child privacy laws prevented the WASD from making a statement – for 19 months!

Jennifer Lake and her fellow WASD board members have been given an opportunity to do the right thing for the better part of the past two years and have yet to act.

Talk Williamsport has published a multi-part series titled, “A Baseball Story” related to the Myrtle Beach incident.

In Part IX of the series, WASD Board Member Adam Cole Welteroth offered a public comment after the February 4, 2020 WASD School Board meeting where he again raised concerns.

For almost two years, the district has remained silent on this matter while being subjected to RTK requests, expanded accusations of wrong done, and a multi part news series on the accounts and handling of the Myrtle Beach incident.

It is time, we as a board take steps to put this matter to rest.

We cannot let students and employees of the district to be smeared in public if they have done nothing wrong.

On the same hand, we cannot let this incident go if any of these allegations and accusations are true.

Either way, we must seek an independent investigation and review of this incident by the district to put this matter to rest.

I have called for it in the past and the public has called for it as well. I make a motion to commission a third party investigation and review of this incident.

It should be contracted to a law firm who does not have a vested interest with the district professionally and/or privately.

The scope of this investigation shall attempt to answer: What happened in Myrtle Beach?

A timeline detailing what the district did in response to the incident.

A review of the districts investigation.

With this motion, I would invite a second by my fellow board members to allow discussion as to why we should not commission a third party investigation and review at this time.

The motion made by Welteroth was met with 10 seconds of stunned silence from the other 8 members of the WASD School Board including President Lori Baer, Vice President Dr. Jane Penman, Patrick Dixon, Barbara Reeves, Marc Schefsky, Star Poole, Dr. Nancy Story Somers and Jennifer Lake as well as WASD Solicitor Fred Holland, multiple WASD administrators and did not receive a second.

Lori Baer, President of the WASD School Board after the 10 seconds of stunned silence, said, “I don’t hear a second, Adam at this point in time. I think this is pry (sic) something that pry (sic) we need to talk about in executive session with legal advisement may not be quite appropriate to do it right now, so…but unless somebody would like to offer a second.”

Welteroth responds, “the second motion is to talk about this it’s not saying (inaudible).”

Baer concludes, “I’m not seeing anybody (inaudible).”

 

So the primordial question is, Jennifer Lake, if you are so concerned with “vulnerable children”, what is the harm in voicing a second?

I’m sure the Floyd family would approve of your efforts, not to mention the family of JOHN DOE #1 and JOHN DOE #2.

Or for you, is it a case of do as I tell you to, but not as I do?

Did you mean to say on your personal Jennifer Lake Facebook page on June 1 at 12:14 PM ·

“Behavior Matching is one of the five Engagement Strategies of Trust Based Relational Intervention. It silences the amygdala (which detects threats) and creates felt-safety. When we mirror someone’s behavior, posture, thoughts, feelings, and interests, we create togetherness. We create connection.

Behavior matching is a bridge between you and me that says, “I see you. I hear you. You matter.”

Do victims of “criminal sexual misconduct” matter to you?

For more than two years you and your fellow board members have failed to “behavior match” reality on this issue which has led to community mistrust.

Instead, here is what JOHN DOE #1 and JOHN DOE #2 hear from you and the rest of the WASD loud and clear.

We don’t see you.

We don’t hear you.

And you sure as hell don’t matter.

 

Jennifer, by your actions and willful disregard for the victims of criminal sexual misconduct makes it well past time for you to immediately step down as a member of the WASD school board.

Your continued participation is only contributing to the systemic problems you so eloquently outlined in the anti-racism Resolution you read into the record last night.

Or will you wait for the State Board of Education to remove you or will you resign in disgrace when the fallout from the Myrtle Beach incident is underway?

This community will not tolerate 4 minutes let alone 400 years of the type of legacy of oversight you are leaving.

 

How Tyra Crews had a prepared statement ready to recommend a paid WASD position in the aftermath of the Resolution approval is under investigation in a Right to Know Request.

As you said on June 14 at 9:28 PM · with Matthew Lake and 2 others

“We pray, we gather, we lament and we repent.”

 

With your resignation, the knee will finally come off our collective necks and as you said on June 5 at 1:53 PM ·