• Require all customers to wear masks while entering, exiting or otherwise traveling throughout the restaurant or retail food service business (face masks may be removed while seated). Further, employees are required to wear masks at all times.
• Provide at least six feet between parties at tables or physical barriers between customers where booths are arranged back to back.
• Ensure maximum occupancy limits for indoor and outdoor areas are posted and enforced.

Harrisburg, PA – Natural gas production in Pennsylvania increased while new well drilling decreased in 2019, according to the 2019 Oil and Gas Annual Report released today by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The report also notes improved permit review efficiency. DEP is also exploring new partnerships to address orphan wells, identifying better restoration practices, and developing better ways to manage stormwater on well sites.

Production from natural gas wells continues to increase. More than 6 billion Mcf of natural gas was produced, continuing an upward trend from previous years.

Other details from the annual report:

• 1,705 drilling permits were issued; 1,475 unconventional and 230 conventional
• There were 787 wells drilled; 615 unconventional and 172 conventional
• DEP conducted 35,324 inspections and found 5,496 violations
• DEP collected $4.1 million in fines and penalties in 2019

“DEP will continue to improve environmental protections for oil and gas development while providing certainty for operators and the people that live, work, and play near Pennsylvania’s oil and gas communities,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “We are remaining vigilant in our oversight of the industry and bringing enforcement actions against companies that violate the laws and regulations of Pennsylvania.”

DEP continues to identify and plug orphan and abandoned wells in Pennsylvania, many of which predate regulatory oversight – a result of Pennsylvania’s 160-year history of oil and gas development. DEP estimates that there may be as many 200,000 abandoned oil and gas wells in the state, which can leak methane into the air and possibly contaminate groundwater or surface water. DEP and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) have begun a field study in the Cornplanter State Forest to measure methane leakage from identified orphan wells. This research will help DEP better estimate methane emissions from the thousands of orphaned and abandoned wells in Pennsylvania.

“We know there are thousands of old, abandoned wells in Pennsylvania, but we don’t know how to quantify the threat these wells pose to our environment, especially from a climate change angle,” said McDonnell. “This research will help us put that into perspective and help guide how to prioritize well-plugging in the future.”

To see the full 2019 Annual Report please click here.

Governor Tom Wolf speaks during a press conference addressing the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Pennsylvania, inside PEMA headquarters on Wednesday, June 10, 2020.

According to ButlerRadio.com:

A judge has ruled that restrictions imposed by Governor Tom Wolf were unconstitutional.

Judge William Stickman IV made the decision Monday, and while he said that Wolf had “good intentions,” ultimately the orders violated three clauses of the U.S. Constitution; the right of assembly, due process, and equal protection clause.

The lawsuit was originally filed by Butler County, along with Green, Fayette, and Washington. However Stickman—who was appointed last year by President Trump—dismissed all the counties out of the case, saying they are a part of the state.

Attorney Tom Breth was one of the lawyers representing the plaintiffs.

“This does not invaldidate his orders in totality,” Breth said. “We were very specific with respect to the stay-at-home order, congregate, and other business closure components of his orders, and that’s what the court dealt with.”

“The court found in our favor in all three of those areas,” Breth said.

Breth says all the restrictions against gatherings, restaurants, and gyms should be removed based on the judge’s ruling.

“We think this order is well-written, and it should be implemented immediately and those restrictions lifted,” Breth said.

Breth also said this ruling lifts restrictions on campaigning, which would allow larger gatherings for campaign rallies. He also gave credit to local elected leaders for pursuing this lawsuit.

“This was not an easy decision for the counties, especially Butler and Commissioners Leslie Osche and Kim Geyer,” Breth said. “This was not an easy decision to make. There was a lot of trepidation in pursuing this.”

The Governor has announced he is appealing the decision.

Eight (8) new cases added Tuesday in Lycoming County now at 596 cases and 23 total deaths, with 11,998 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

1,258 Two-Day Positives Bring Statewide Total to 145,063

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., September 14, that there were 638 additional positive cases of COVID-19 on September 13 and 620 additional positive cases of COVID-19 on September 14, bringing the statewide total to 145,063. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

Philadelphia cases are not included in today’s statewide total because of reporting delays by Philadelphia County. Two-day totals for Philadelphia County will be included in tomorrow’s data release.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between September 7 and September 13 is 158,712 with 5,127 positive cases. There were 20,221 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., September 13. These results represent the total number of tests administered.

There were no new deaths reported Sunday, September 13, and 7 new deaths reported for Monday, September 14 for a total of 7,869 deaths attributed to COVID-19. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

“We know that congregation, especially over holidays and in college and university settings, yields increased case counts. The mitigation efforts in place now are essential to flattening the curve and saving lives,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and following the requirements set forth in the orders for bars and restaurants, gatherings, and telework will help keep our case counts low. Together, as Pennsylvanians, all of our efforts are designed to support our communities to ensure that cases of COVID-19 remain low.”

Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Beginning August 29, the department began publishing COVID-19 case counts using the updated standardized case definition for COVID-19 from the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. This revised case definition updates criteria for case identification and case classification based on the continued evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic. It updates probable case classifications and adds suspect case classifications. The definition for confirmed cases using a positive PCR test has not changed. Viral antigen tests, which identify people who are likely currently infected, will now be considered a probable case, even if the individual has no symptoms or exposure history. Persons with a positive antibody (serology) test, moving forward, will no longer be considered a probable case. However, cases previously counted as probable cases, using the prior national case definition, will remain counted as probable cases.

There are 144 cases who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 646 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 1,684,609 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Approximately 1% are ages 0-4;
• Nearly 2% are ages 5-12;
• Approximately 4% are ages 13-18;
• Nearly 12% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 37% are ages 25-49;
• Approximately 22% are ages 50-64; and
• Approximately 22% are ages 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

The department is seeing significant increases in the number of COVID-19 cases among younger age groups, particularly 19 to 24-year-olds. An alert was sent to healthcare providers about the changing COVID-19 case demographics, as there are more cases in younger age groups than in those 50-64 and 65+. The following regions saw significant increases among 19 to 24-year-olds in each month from April to date in September:

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 69 percent of cases so far in September;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to 40 percent of cases so far in September;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 33 percent of cases so far in September;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 30 percent of cases so far in September;
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 20 percent of cases so far in September; and
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 18 percent of cases so far in September.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 21,934 resident cases of COVID-19, and 4,770 cases among employees, for a total of 26,704 at 953 distinct facilities in 61 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,297 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 10,117 of our total cases are among health care workers.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

Currently, all 67 counties are in the green phase of reopening.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, Sept. 13:

• Provided Pennsylvania State Police enforcement data.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials
• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

Safety Citizens is Open for Submissions Today

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites Pennsylvanians to participate in its new Safety Citizens program, which encourages community members to answer traffic safety questions in original and creative ways.

Bi-monthly traffic safety topics will be introduced, posing a question for the public to answer. Participants can answer by submitting a short video, a poem or an original piece of artwork. Selected submissions will be displayed on PennDOT’s statewide social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Being a Safety Citizen is being a leader by inspiring your family, friends and community to practice safe behaviors on the road. Whether traveling by vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle or on foot, everyone has the opportunity to be safer on the road.

Individuals, classes, families, clubs, or other groups are encouraged to consider this new safety initiative as a program challenge.

The program is now open, kicking off with Teen Driver Safety as the first topic. Participants are asked to submit a response to the question “What do you think every teen driver should know before getting behind the wheel?” Submissions are due by Wednesday, September 30.

Upcoming topics will include impaired driving, highway safety laws and distracted driving.

Additional information on the program, including the details and guidelines for participation, can be found online at www.PennDOT.gov/SafetyCitizens or questions can be emailed to SafetyCitizen@pa.gov. Interested participants are encouraged to check the website frequently for updates about future topics.

(Photos: Derek Ortiz father of Skylar Ortiz Liu (Top), Jian Liu (Left))

TODD BARTLEY, TALKWILLIAMSPORT.COM

NEWS@TALKWILLIAMSPORT.COM

For one father who served his nation faithfully, the unimaginable has happened, his daughter Skylar Ortiz Liu has been kidnapped by her mother and taken to China.

Derek Ortiz is the father of Skylar Ortiz Liu and was in the process of getting a second divorce from his wife Jian Liu and mother of Skylar when the unthinkable happened.

Jian Liu is a Chinese national and up until Labor Day weekend was residing in the United States.

It has been confirmed that Jian Liu took Skylar Ortiz Liu out of the country against her will over the Labor Day weekend.

Derek Ortiz was granted visitation to see his daughter each weekend as part of a custody agreement both parties had accepted on January 23, 2020 and signed by Cumberland County District Judge Presiding Toni S. King on January 26, 2020.

The Order issued with specific instructions by Judge King stated that Skylar “was not to leave the country.”

Filed Order Review IED and Not Remove Child – Ortiz, D

However as court documents indicate Jian Liu previously violated those keeping Ortiz occupied in court with motions and additional filings.

Ortiz is represented by Attorney Angela M. Hatley; and in August of 2019 he shared his fears of his wife returning to China with his daughter.

Based on those concerns Attorney Hatley filed for emergency custody on behalf of Ortiz.

At the time of the filings in August 2019 Jian Liu had kept Skylar away from Ortiz for 42 days, contempt motions against Liu were also filed.

Contacted for this story, attorney Angela M. Hatley offered the following, 

“Mr Ortiz and his daughter are so bonded and he is such a great dad.

I pray that President Trump and those capable officials in his administration will be able to bring Skylar home to Fayetteville and her father soon.  

It is really a tragedy that a mother would be so nefarious as to remove the child from her father and this country in violation of court orders and federal and state kidnapping statutes.”

On Sunday evening, Derek Ortiz sat down for an interview with this author to discuss the kidnapping of his daughter.

It is accessible by clicking here and entering Passcode: *+4mqi9a

Currently, China is a non-extradition country with the United States.

THE TIMELINE

Ortiz having not received his daughter at the prescribed time on Friday of the Labor Day holiday weekend he contacted attorney Hatley who in turn contacted counsel for Jian Liu to see if a resolution could be worked out for visitation.

Jian Liu was non-responsive to the multitude of calls and texts made by Ortiz.

Ortiz and Hatley then contacted local local law enforcement who did a wellness check on Skylar; only to find where she had been staying with her mother had been abandoned and deserted.

Ortiz was overcome with emotions.

Because it was a long holiday weekend, the next available day for the North Carolina courts was Tuesday after Labor Day.

That day, a motion for emergency custody was filed for Ortiz by Hatley.

Order_-_Emer_Custody_ds_9.11.20

The same day, Attorney Victoria Gillispie Hardin withdrew as counsel for Liu on the basis of “loss of contact” with her client.

Both motions were granted.

Derek Ortiz discovered evidence in 2019 that in 2017 while separated from his wife, she was involved in the operation of an Asian prostitution ring. At that time, those details and evidentiary materials were provided to law enforcement and the FBI.

To date, no charges have been filed in that aspect of the case.

Derek Ortiz is a retired US Army Specialist having served at home and abroad, stationed at Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, North Carolina at the time of his medical retirement.

More on his service and areas he served in will be provided in PART II of this series.

This author has confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is urgently looking into the case and the Department of State is also involved.

More on this story as information is made available.

PART II is forthcoming.

Join me today at 1PM on WHP 580 AM and talkwilliamsport.com for The Marc Scaringi Show. We’re talking about the anniversary of 9/11.

We are told to #NeverForget.

Have we?

Did we ever learn our lesson in the first place?

Call in at 717-540-0580!

Three (3) new cases added Saturday in Lycoming County now at 585 cases and 23 total deaths, with 11,755 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

920 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 143,805

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., September 12, that there are 920 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 143,805. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

York County is reporting an increase of 129 cases.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between September 5 and September 11 is 155,174 with 5,223 positive cases. There were 28,365 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., September 11, the most test results reported in one day to date. These results represent the total number of tests administered.

There are 7,862 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 25 new deaths reported. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

“We know that congregation, especially over holidays and in college and university settings, yields increased case counts. The mitigation efforts in place now are essential to flattening the curve and saving lives,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and following the requirements set forth in the orders for bars and restaurants, gatherings, and telework will help keep our case counts low. Together, as Pennsylvanians, all of our efforts are designed to support our communities to ensure that cases of COVID-19 remain low.”

Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Beginning August 29, the department began publishing COVID-19 case counts using the updated standardized case definition for COVID-19 from the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. This revised case definition updates criteria for case identification and case classification based on the continued evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic. It updates probable case classifications and adds suspect case classifications. The definition for confirmed cases using a positive PCR test has not changed. Viral antigen tests, which identify people who are likely currently infected, will now be considered a probable case, even if the individual has no symptoms or exposure history. Persons with a positive antibody (serology) test, moving forward, will no longer be considered a probable case. However, cases previously counted as probable cases, using the prior national case definition, will remain counted as probable cases.

There are 134 cases who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 646 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 1,664,000 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Approximately 1% are ages 0-4;
• Nearly 2% are ages 5-12;
• Approximately 4% are ages 13-18;
• Nearly 12% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 37% are ages 25-49;
• Nearly 22% are ages 50-64; and
• Approximately 22% are ages 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

The department is seeing significant increases in the number of COVID-19 cases among younger age groups, particularly 19 to 24-year-olds. An alert was sent to healthcare providers about the changing COVID-19 case demographics, as there are more cases in younger age groups than in those 50-64 and 65+. The following regions saw significant increases among 19 to 24-year-olds in each month from April to date in September:

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 69 percent of cases so far in September;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to nearly 41 percent of cases so far in September;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to approximately 33 percent of cases so far in September;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to approximately 29 percent of cases so far in September;
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 20 percent of cases so far in September; and
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 18 percent of cases so far in September.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 21,844 resident cases of COVID-19, and 4,742 cases among employees, for a total of 26,586 at 951 distinct facilities in 61 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,293 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 10,056 of our total cases are among health care workers.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

Currently, all 67 counties are in the green phase of reopening.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials
• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) today announced the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a grant to the City of Williamsport.

A grant in the amount of $228,630 will be administered as part of HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. This program, funded by the CARES Act, provides supplemental funding to local governments to aid in their response to the challenges presented by COVID-19.

On the awarding of the grant, Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement:

“This pandemic has created problems for local governments that no amount of foresight could have prevented. However, HUD’s decisive action will enable Williamsport to take critical action in responding to the coronavirus.

“I thank Secretary Carson and HUD for their support and will continue to advocate for cities and towns across our district to ensure they receive the funds they need to implement effective COVID-19 response measures.”