At just past 4 a.m. that day the family of this author made it out of the house safely.

When the call went out to respond, it was a 2-alarm call of a fully involved vehicle next to a structure.

Four different local fire companies and first responders were dispatched from Loyalsock, Montoursville, South Williamsport and Williamsport.

The swift response and actions taken by those brave men and women saved lives and further property damage to an entire neighborhood.

 

PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE LAUNCH INVESTIGATION INTO CAR BOMBING

Multiple units from the Pennsylvania State Police responded to the scene to begin an investigation.

Recently, the PSP issued a finding that the incident has been determined to be ARSON.

The criminal investigation into the unspeakable terrorist act is ongoing.

 

BOB ROLLEY AND SUN-GAZETTE CONTINUE BIAS IN THE FACE OF A TERRORIST ACT

This is the statement provided to Mike Reuther of the Sun-Gazette by this author which was not published in the article.

“You have my permission to print this statement in its entirety. The day Bob Rolley admits in the Sun Gazette he is related to WAHS Head Principal Brandon Pardoe and in the same article announces his immediate resignation will be the day you receive a quote from me on this incident.”

Rolley and the Sun Gazette chose to monetize the incident by placing the article behind a paywall for online readers. So proud of their reporting, no reporter is listed for the story.

TOP NEWS

AUG 21, 2020

Loyalsock car fire under investigation

 

THE UNTHINKABLE CONTRADICTIONS OF THE WILLIAMSPORT BUREAU OF POLICE

“Never, never, never, on cross-examination ask a witness a question you don’t already know the answer to, was a tenet I absorbed with my baby-food.”

This quote comes from the 1960 novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” authored by Harper Lee who won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and the book became a best-seller and was made into a movie a year later.

So when this author posed questions in Right-to-Know Law requests to the Williamsport Bureau of Police regarding the “criminal sexual misconduct”  that occurred on the 2018 Williamsport High School baseball team trip; along with the alleged cover-up reaching the highest levels of government, local law enforcement, local non-profits and business community; the answers and documented records were already crystal clear.

Yet, the Williamsport Bureau of Police (WBP) chose to answer each Right-to-Know Law request with the following:

NO RECORDS EXIST.

 

Let that sink in, NO RECORDS EXIST.

The response from the Williamsport Bureau of Police is available by clicking the link below.

noreply@cityofwilliamsport.org_20200824_134648

 

Janice Frank, Right to Know Officer and City Clerk for the City of Williamsport prepared the official signed response on behalf of Damon Hagan, Chief of Police who provided the responses to her on behalf of the Williamsport Bureau of Police.

At the time of the 2018 Myrtle Beach incident Chief David Young was the Chief of Police.

Accepting the appointment as the 38th Police Chief of the Williamsport Bureau of Police in April 2016 by then Mayor Gabe Campana. A retired Pennsylvania State Police Captain prior to his tenure with the city; Chief Young retired from the WBP in January 2019.

Having initially requested a 30-day extension for legal review on August 3, 2020, Frank submitted a request noreply@cityofwilliamsport.org_20200803_133212 for an additional 20-day extension to complete the responses.

The responses were e-mailed to this author with a physical address listed of 1318 Winter Street, Williamsport, PA 17701.

That was not the address listed on the Right to Know Law requests.

After 50 plus days of delays the City of Williamsport and the Williamsport Bureau of Police failed to get the correct address to send responses to.

According to Janice Frank, both city solicitors assisted in the request for delays and the denial of certain records under the Right to Know Law.

The current city solicitors are Austin White of the McCormick Law firm and Norm Lubin of Casale & Bonner P.C.

Jill Nagy of Summers Nagy Law Office with locations in York and Reading, Pennsylvania handles matters relating to River Valley Transit.

 

According to the WBP website: “The mission of the Williamsport Bureau of Police is to ensure the safety and security of the community by providing exemplary law enforcement services.

The Williamsport Bureau of Police values the principles of honesty, integrity, honor, fairness, and respect in our interactions with those we serve. We are committed to achieving excellence in our services to our citizens through community-based, pro-active policing.”

In the first of many contradictions that will be demonstrated, when the WBP was contacted by Detective Aiesi of the Myrtle Beach Police Department (MBPD) as noted in Part XIII she said to WAHS Head Principal Brandon Pardoe, “we seem to be getting the runaround.”

 

MBPD DETECTIVE REPORTING OFFICER NARRATIVE

According to the REPORTING OFFICER NARRATIVE obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, Myrtle Beach Police Department Detective Glenn Porter entered the following:

On 09/28/2018 approximately 1500hrs.

I Detective Porter was notified via a request sent from Talk Williamsportin Williamsport PA regarding a possible assault that took place at the Atlantica Resort in March 2018. The assault was allegedly filmed and distributed on social media.

To my knowledge, the Myrtle Beach Police Department was never made known of this event until now.

Detective Tiffany Whitmire forwarded me a link to the Talk WilliamsportArticle at https://talkwilliamsport.com/millionaire-baseball-mayhem-in-myrtle-beach/

I read the article and contacted the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office at 570 – (redacted by author).

I spoke with a receptionist that had no knowledge of a report coming through their office involving these circumstances mentioned in the article.

EDITOR’S NOTE: So the receptionist in the office of then District Attorney Ken Osokow claimed no knowledge of the Myrtle Beach incident?

The article also lists a (redacted by MBPD) as a lead attorney for juvenile cases at the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office.

I left a voicemail for a possible number for him at 570-(redacted by author).

Detective Kerry Aiesi called (redacted by MBPD) while I listened. (redacted by MBPD) Chief County Detective for Lycoming County should be contacted as he has knowledge of this incident and would be the person best suited to answer any questions.

Detective Whitmire sent Agent Weber an e-mail to the address provided by the principal of (redacted by author) requesting further information.

 

THE WILLIAMSPORT BUREAU OF POLICE IN THEIR OWN WORDS

The REPORTING OFFICER NARRATIVE obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, Myrtle Beach Police Department authored by Detective Glenn Porter goes onto say:

On 09/28/2018

I contacted the Williamsport city police at 570-(redacted by author) and spoke with an on-duty supervisor, Sgt. Reader. he advised that he would look into this and call me back since I do not have a victim’s name.

I later received a voicemail from him saying that their department did not take a report on this (redacted by MBPD).

Listed below is an e-mail obtained from the MBPD through the Freedom of Information Act which confirms the Sergeant Reeder voicemail on September 28, 2018.

From: Tiffany Whitmire
To: Glenn W. Porter; Kerry Aiesi
Subject: FW: Voice message from (redacted by MBPD)
Date: Friday, September 28, 2018 3:09:27 PM
SRO (redacted by MBPD) with (redacted by MBPD) at (redacted by MBPD)
—–Original Message—–
From: 570 (redacted by author) [mailto:(redacted by author)]
Sent: Friday, September 28, 2018 3:05 PM
To: Tiffany Whitmire <(redacted by author)>
Subject: Voice message from
Caller ID: (redacted by MBPD)
Message length: 60 sec. (486 kb.)

 

As part of the FOIA request made by this author; the MBPD provided the voicemail they received from  Sergeant Reeder of the WBP on Friday, September 28, 2018 at 3:05 PM.

 

 

SERGEANT REEDER VOICEMAIL TRANSCRIPTION

Hi, this is Sergeant Reeder with the Williamsport Police Department here in Pennsylvania. I’m trying to get a message to Officer Porter. 

Umm, he had contacted me about an incident down there over the summer or the spring.

Umm, it sounds like the uh (redacted by MBPD) who were involved in that, um go to (redacted by MBPD) which is a separate jurisdiction than ours. 

(EDITOR’S NOTE: On reason and belief it appears Sergeant Reeder inexplicably sent the MBPD Detectives to the South Williamsport School Resource Officer first.)

Umm, the officer you made contact with is (redacted by MBPD) he is the school resource officer for (redacted by MBPD) Police and he actually has some recent knowledge about that involved (redacted by MBPD) go to their school so.

We did not take a report, um, so I just wanted to pass that along and uh, the number for uh, (redacted by MBPD).

Thank you

 

Detective Porter of the MBPD in the REPORTING OFFICER NARRATIVE obtained through a FOIA added an entry:

I called and spoke with the School resource officer at South Williamsport High School, Officer Samar (redacted by MBPD).

Officer Samar informed me that he only became aware of this incident yesterday on 9/27/2018 from another colleague at the school (redacted by MBPD).

Officer Samar said that he had no other details but when he heard that some type of assault took place with students from the Williamsport Area High School, he placed a courtesy call to the School Resource Officer there named Jordan Stoltzfus.

When Officer Samar told Officer Stoltzfus about a possible incident, Officer Stoltzfus relayed to him that he has not heard of any such incident.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: The only reason South Williamsport School Resource Officer Samar was contacted and became involved in this report is the fact that Sergeant Reeder inexplicably sent the MBPD Detectives to him.)

If SRO Stoltzfus only heard about the Myrtle Beach incident in late September 2018, how did he participate in an “investigation” in May and June of that same year?

How do WAHS Head Principal Brandon Pardoe and Lycoming County Chief Detective Weber run concurrent criminal and non-criminal investigations into the Myrtle beach incident and not involve the WASD School Resource Officer?

Could it be the idea of the fewer people know, the better?

Did attorney George Lepley ever address this in the conversations with Weber or WASD Solicitor Fred Holland leading to the letter of May 31, 2018 authored by Lepley?

 

Porter from the same entry: I attempted to call Officer Stoltzfus at the school number 570-(redacted by author) but was informed he had already left for the day.

I was transferred to his voicemail and left a message for him to call me back.

I also was provided an e-mail address of (redacted by author).

I sent him an e-mail requesting him to respond to me as well.

 

The e-mail to SRO Stoltzfus was obtained through the FOIA request of the MBPD:

Officer Stoltzfus,

My name is Detective Porter with the City of Myrtle Beach Police Department. Today I was made aware via a Talk WilliamsportArticle that (redacted by MBPD) may have taken place and filmed on Social Media (redacted by MBPD).

As of know I am not aware any such (redacted by MBPD) was reported to us by anyone.

I was informed today that you recently were told about this from another SRO but your knowledge may be limited as well.

I just wanted to speak with you (redacted by MBPD).

The link to the article is below if you have not seen it. I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach are office line at 843-(redacted by author).

https://talkwilliamsport.com/millionaire-baseball-mayhem-in-myrtle-beach/

Thanks in advance,
Detective Glenn Porter Jr.
Investigations Division-Violent Crimes
Myrtle Beach Police Dept.
(redacted by author)

 

LYCOMING LEAD ATTORNEY FOR JUVENILE CASES JEFF YATES KEPT IN THE DARK

MBPD Detective Porter share a stunning discovery in his next entry:

While investigating this, I received a phone call back from (redacted by MBPD) that is mentioned in the article.

I was informed that he also had no knowledge of this and only heard of it after receiving an email from Todd bartley with Talk Williamsportrequesting comment.

He responded via email to him with the mentioned response “Mr. Bartley: based on case law and the juvenile Act I cannot respond to your inquiry.”

(redacted by MBPD) informed me that he knows the Chief County Detective William Weber and spoke to him after reading the article.

According to (redacted by MBPD) Detective Weber also had no knowledge of these allegations.

Porter then delivers a staggering admission from the information gleaned to that point of his investigation: “As of this time there is no known victim to speak to.”

How is their “no known victim to speak to” when Detective Weber, Pardoe, Roger Freed and Sean McCann all sat in a meeting with JOHN DOE #1 and his family on or about May 30, 2018 as noted in the calendar provided by WAHS head Principal Brandon Pardoe?

As well as the well documented e-mail thread between Pardoe and WASD Superintendent Dr. Timothy Bowers amongst others near the end of May 2018?

 

FORMER WBP EMPLOYEE WEBER ADMITS TO MBPD KNOWLEDGE OF INCIDENT

***SUPPLEMENT***

10/03/2018 at 0936hrs

On 10/03/2018 at about 0900hrs. I Detective Porter upon returning to work called William Weber, the Chief Detective at Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office.

Mr. Weber was familiar with this incident and advised me that it was reported via “Child Line”, (redacted by MBPD).

EDITOR’S NOTE: If Weber had knowledge why was the lead attorney for juvenile cases in the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office Jeff Yates kept in the dark about the Myrtle Beach case in May of 2018?

Is the job of Yates to determine which cases should be prosecuted, or at least be in the conversation about the case?

MBPD Detective Porter continued his report entry:

Child Line is an online program in PA.

These reports from Child Line are also forwarded to the State of PA.

Mr. Weber gave me a synopsis of events that took place after this was reported to him sometime in Mid-May of 2018. (redacted by MBPD)

Mr. Weber did not initially complete a report but facilitated the handling of this incident along with the school.

At the time, Mr. Weber did not see anything criminal based on Pennsylvania standards and the the matter appeared resolved, so he did not complete a report or refer this matter to MBPD.

Mr. Weber advised me on this date, that he would complete a report and copy the video footage of this incident to mail to me at (redacted by author).

(redacted by MBPD)

EDITOR’S NOTE: Why did Chief Detective Weber wait five months to complete a report or forward materials to Myrtle Beach authorities who hold jurisdiction for the “criminal sexual misconduct” aspect of the case?

Was it all part of the plan outlined in phone calls between Weber and attorney George Lepley who stayed at the Atlantica Resort in Myrtle Beach the team resort of the Williamsport Millionaires baseball team?

Is that was also led to the Lepley letter of May 31, 2018 as documented in A Baseball Story In the Birthplace of Little League Baseball – Part XIX?

 

MBPD Detective Porter concludes this portion of the report with:

At this time, I am awaiting information sent to me from Mr. Weber.

I have nothing further to report at this time.

 

According to the Williamsport Area School District Statement on the Myrtle Beach incident published on January 9, 2020, SRO Stoltzfus is a member of the WBP and was involved in the investigation.“In addition to the district’s own investigation, the matter was investigated by outside agencies, including the Lycoming County District Attorney’s office and law enforcement in Myrtle Beach. When contacted by Myrtle Beach authorities, the high school principal immediately referred them to the district attorney’s office and the district’s school resource officers, who serve with the Williamsport Bureau of Police.

All questions regarding why charges were or were not pursued can be deferred to those agencies, as those decisions are not made by the school district.”

The Williamsport Area School District says “the district’s school resource officers, who serve with the Williamsport Bureau of Police.”

So if a Right to Know request is made of both agencies for the same records which exist; why are both agencies not providing those records and claiming they do not exist in the face of reality?

The recent denial of records by the Williamsport Bureau of Police under the Right to Know Law is being appealed to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records for legal review.

 

OP-ED: Jennifer Lake Wokebegone – PART V is forthcoming

“Getting Slaughtered – The story of the most non-transparent Mayor in Williamsport history” is forthcoming.

PART XXI of A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball is forthcoming.

 

LINKS TO 20-PART SERIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fans often ask me, what if?

Millionaire Baseball Mayhem in Myrtle Beach

Harrisburg, PA – Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Teresa Miller today gave a final reminder of the availability of assistance paying certain utility bills through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Recovery Crisis program ahead of its end on August 31.

“These are incredibly difficult times, and that’s why DHS administers safety-net programs like LIHEAP Recovery Crisis – to make difficult times a little easier. But this program is ending on August 31, so it is critical that anybody who needs this assistance reach out and apply now,” said Secretary Miller. “Any Pennsylvanian having trouble paying home energy bills should apply and see if they qualify for a little extra help. There should be no shame or stigma associated with asking for assistance, and no one should be afraid to ask for help.”

LIHEAP provides assistance for home energy bills, helping ensure continuity of energy services for low-income Pennsylvanians. LIHEAP normally runs from November through April, but the Recovery Crisis program can help with Pennsylvanians’ home energy bills, ensuring continuity of energy services for low-income Pennsylvanians. Assistance is available for both renters and homeowners.

“LIHEAP plays a key role in helping households across Pennsylvania maintain essential utility service,” said Public Utility Commission Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille. “As we continue to grapple with the impact of COVID-19, we encourage low-income consumers to make use of the LIHEAP recovery crisis program, as well as exploring other assistance programs available from their utilities, to help keep their families connected and safe.”

The LIHEAP Recovery Crisis Program offers a crisis benefit made directly to utility companies or fuel providers to help offset costs for home utilities.

LIHEAP Recovery Crisis benefits may be available if a household:

• Has their main or secondary energy source completely shut-off;
• Is notified that their utility service will be shut off in the next 60 days;
• Has broken energy equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced;
• Is in danger of being without fuel in 15 days or less; or,
• Owes funds to a utility provider that would constitute a service termination if not for the Public Utility Commission’s moratorium on terminations.

Applications for LIHEAP Recovery Crisis can be submitted online at www.compass.state.pa.us. Those who prefer to submit paper application can print from the website or request an application by phone at 1-800-692-7462 and mail it to their local County Assistance Office (CAO) or place it in a CAO’s secure drop box, if available. Pennsylvanians do not need to know their own eligibility to apply for these programs. While CAOs remain closed, work processing applications, determining eligibility, and issuing benefits continues. If you applied and were denied previously and your financial circumstances have changed, you can reapply.

More information about the LIHEAP Recovery Crisis Program, including income limits, can be found here.

Visit DHS’ blog, For All Of Us, to learn more about how LIHEAP Recovery Crisis has helped Pennsylvanians.

4 new cases added Friday in Lycoming County now at 505 cases and no new deaths with 20 total deaths, with 10,653 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

835 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 131,991

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., August 28, that there are 835 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 131,991 All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

Philadelphia is reporting an increase of 120 cases.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between August 21 and August 27 is 156,317 with 4,216 positive cases. There were 22,640 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., August 27. These results represent the total number of tests administered.

There are 7,655 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 20 new deaths reported. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

“The mitigation efforts in place now are essential as we protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, including our children as they start school and our loved ones in long-term care facilities,” 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. We know that the cases in schools and in facilities such as nursing homes are often a reflection of the spread of the virus in the local community. Together, as Pennsylvanians, we each have a part to play in working 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.

There are 646 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure, which are considered probable cases and not confirmed cases. There are 1,488,835 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• 1% are ages 0-4;
• Nearly 2% are ages 5-12;
• Nearly 4% are ages 13-18;
• Nearly 10% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 38% are ages 25-49;
• Nearly 23% are ages 50-64; and
• Approximately 23% are ages 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 25-49, 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 present in August:

• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 18 percent of cases so far in August;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to nearly 19 percent of cases so far in August;
• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 17 percent of cases so far in August;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to 12 percent of cases so far in August;
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 13 percent of cases so far in August; and
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 10 percent of cases so far in August.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 20,937 resident cases of COVID-19, and 4,458 cases among employees, for a total of 25,395 at 925 distinct facilities in 61 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,175 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 9,526 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, August 27:

• Provided the latest CMU metrics report.
• Announced PA will distribute $117 million in funds for child care providers.
• Announced PA awarding $10 million to 23 entities for effective COVID-19 vaccine, research, and therapies.
• 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.

Primary care practitioners serving medically under-served populations could be eligible for grants to repay educational loans as part of the Pennsylvania Primary Care Loan Repayment Program.

Applications for the program will be accepted through September 30.

Details and applications here: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Health-Planning/Pages/Loan-Repayment.aspx

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf today announced his plan to distribute more than $117 million in CARES Act funding to child care providers across Pennsylvania – the third of three distributions to sustain an industry that builds healthy foundations for our children, facilitates employment and economic opportunity for working parents, and is the keystone for every other aspect of our economy.

“Pennsylvania has made significant investments to preserve our child care sector to keep providers open and available to working families, but we know that child care providers remain vulnerable to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis,” said Gov. Tom Wolf. “A strong child care industry is a requirement for a healthy economy. We must remember this as we move forward and continue support for child care providers as they care for young Pennsylvanians and allow parents to work so our communities and economy can thrive.”

Earlier this summer, the Wolf Administration distributed about $104 million in CARES Act funding to child care providers licensed by the Department of Human Services’ Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). The distribution method of this latest round of CARES funding is based on the findings of researchers at Penn State Harrisburg’s Institute of State and Regional Affairs, who studied the impact of COVID-19 on Pennsylvania’s child care industry. In total, $220 million has been allocated to support child care providers across Pennsylvania.

Before the COVID-19 crisis, 7,017 licensed child care providers were operating in Pennsylvania. As of late July, more than 200 of those providers have indicated an intention to permanently close their doors. The third round of CARES funding will be distributed to 6,893 providers.

The impact study analyzed the financial costs of the COVID-19 crisis to child care providers, the possibility of permanent closures as a result of the crisis and the level of investment needed to sustain the industry during a transitional period of low demand and after the crisis has subsided. Penn State researchers drew conclusions from both detailed surveys distributed to hundreds of child care providers throughout Pennsylvania and also a smaller number of personal interviews with child care providers and workers.

Penn State’s study estimates about 1,000 additional providers are at risk of closure without financial assistance to offset ongoing costs of implementing COVID-19 guidelines and reduced enrollments. The study’s recommendations to guide distribution of about $117 million in federal CARES Act funding allocated for child care.

In addition to $116M in CARES Act funding made available in the enacted budget, the Department is redistributing more than $1.7 million of funds from the June and July Child Care Development-CARES Act funding in this third round of payments. Funding award ranges for this round of funding are:

Earlier this week, as part of his fall legislative agenda, Gov. Wolf proposed a $250 million investment to further support child care providers and working families needing child care. This proposal, which would be funded through remaining CARES Act funds, would support access to school-aged child care programs for families who need care due to blended or remote learning models, expand child care options in areas where few providers currently exist, and help providers serving school-aged children in low-income communities support children by providing grants to support health and safety updates and infrastructure necessary to ease remote learning in these settings.

“This public health emergency is not over, and there will be challenges ahead that providers will rise to because of their dedication to the families they serve. Providers should not have to navigate these challenges alone, and we must support providers and working families in every way possible,” DHS Secretary Teresa Miller said. “This $220 million investment has helped providers resume operations and adapt to operations in this new world, and this additional $250 million will allow providers to continue to support needs of families affected by these challenging times.”

For more information on child care providers operating during the COVID-19 public health crisis, visit www.dhs.pa.gov.

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Patrick Carey, DO, orthopaedic surgeon and medical director, Sports Medicine, UPMC in Williamsport, was recognized by the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society (PATS) with the Team Physician Honorary Membership Award. The award was presented to Dr. Carey for 30 seasons of work as an athletics physician for Lycoming College in Williamsport.

“For the past 30 years, if a student-athlete has an injury, all we need to do is pick up the phone and Dr. Carey will either make time to see the athlete,” writes Andrea Lucas, head athletic trainer, Lycoming College, in her nomination letter. “From diagnosis to rehabilitation, he provides our athletes with care that is world-class. He takes the time to make sure an athlete knows what they need to do to get back on the field and bases his recommendations on what’s best for them long-term.”

As medical director for UPMC Sports Medicine in Williamsport, Dr. Carey oversees the region’s Outreach Athletic Training Program which provides services to 16 area school districts and two NCAA Division III inter-collegiate institutions.

Dr. Carey sees patients at UPMC Sports Medicine, 1201 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 570-321-2020.

Senator Gene Yaw posted a message on social media friday morning noting that, “Pennsylvania will move forward with President Trump’s plan to provide an additional $300 per week in supplemental payments for many state residents who are collecting unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program will require Pennsylvania to set up a new system to distribute the additional payments to claimants.

More details on the timing of these payments will be available soon.”

The application window will open on Aug. 31 for Lycoming County small businesses to apply to receive part of a grant the county received to assist them with COVID-19 expenses.

Applications for the COVID-19 County Relief Block Grant (CRBG) funds will be accepted from Aug. 31 through Sept. 18.

The county received a $10.2 million CRBG grant from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities Act (CARES Act), through the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). The commissioners dedicated $1 million of that grant for small business relief.

Grants of $5,000 to $50,000 are available for small businesses in the county that have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and related statewide business closure. The funds do not have to be repaid.

Grants are available only for businesses with annual sales/revenues prior to March 1, 2020 of $3 million or less and have 100 or fewer full-time employees.

Funds can be used for eligible costs from March 1 to Dec. 30, 2020 including operating costs, rent, mortgage interest, utility payments, eligible capital expenses, COVID-19 mitigation plans, food loss, outdoor dining equipment, and more. Invoiced documentation is required.

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is assisting the county by providing professional expertise and grant administrative services, as well as activity development and management to ensure accuracy and adherence with federal and state regulations.

County Commissioner Scott Metzger said the county recognizes the severe economic impact of the pandemic and they are using these funds to help businesses.

“We know that businesses are hurting, and we are using this grant to help businesses start to recover from their financial hardships,” Metzger said.

Fully completed applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 18 via email or fax. Mailed forms must be postmarked by Sept. 18.

Three virtual Zoom meetings will be held on Sept. 2 for small businesses to learn more about the programs and to ask questions:

8 a.m. https://lycomingcountypa.zoom.us/j/92653202503

Meeting ID: 926 5320 2503 Call-in: 1-267-831-0333

U.S. Toll-free: 833-548-0282

 

1 p.m. https://lycomingcountypa.zoom.us/j/95875729507

Meeting ID: 958 7572 9507

Call-in: 1-267-831-0333

U.S. Toll-free: 833-548-0282

 

6 p.m. https://lycomingcountypa.zoom.us/j/97694017821

Meeting ID: 976 9401 7821

Call-in: 1-267-831-0333

U.S. Toll-free: 833-548-0282 More information and applications are available at www.lyco.org/covidrelief. Send the completed form to the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce at sbrf@williamsport.org or fax at 570-321-1209 or mail to 102 W. 4th St., Williamsport, PA 17701.

For more information, contact the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce at sbrf@williamsport.org or 570-326-1971 or SEDA-COG’s Kristen Moyer at kmoyer@seda-cog.org or 570-522-7212.

As a community and economic development agency, SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives. SEDA-COG also is an advocate for the interests of its communities at the state and federal levels. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf honors the 2020 Loyalsock Lancer Marching Band with a Proclamation dated July 11, 2020.

The Proclamation celebrates the Loyalsock Township High School Lancer Marching Band 58th Anniversary – 2020 and is listed below in its entirety.

TO: LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL LANCER MARCHING BAND

I am honored to recognize the Loyalsock Township High School’s Lancer Marching Band for its fifty-eight years of cultural and musical success.

The Lancer Marching Band is comprised of high achieving students, proven to be some of the best in school history, and it is right that today we celebrate and recognize your tireless efforts to represent your communities and our state. This year’s band has crushed school records and excelled at some of the highest competitions, achieving a winning score of 92.7 at the Cavalcade of Bands competition and finishing in sixth place at the Tournament of Bands state competition. I am confident that everyone in your community is filled with pride when reflecting upon this exceptional season. This team upheld Pennsylvania’s proud tradition of exceptional achievement, and I am certain that their determination and passion will inspire others for years to come.

As Governor, and on behalf of all the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I am honored to congratulate you on such amazing achievements. Please accept my best wishes for a memorable event and continued success.

TOM WOLF
Governor
July 11, 2020

 

The 2020 Loyalsock Lancer Marching Band performed a show entitled “Heart of the Machine” following Tin Man’s journey to find his heart through four moving music selections, a demanding marching routine and choreography.

The honor bestowed upon the band joins an amazing group of recognitions including, a speech given by United States Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12) as well as an official entry of the signed Congressional Proclamation and an entry in the Congressional Record.

The student leadership group joined Band Director Ryan Bulgarelli in both chambers of the Pennsylvania Capital. Being recognized while standing in the Rostrum of the PA House by State Representative Jeff Wheeland.

State Senator Gene Yaw who also serves as the Loyalsock School District Solicitor gave a tremendous speech on the Senate Floor as the leadership team observed from the observation balcony.

Prior to Senator Yaw providing the recognition he interviewed students as well as Mr. Bulgarelli on the senate floor; providing a full immersive educational experience.

Each member of the 2020 Lancer Marching Band received signed PA House and Senate Proclamations.

Locally, the Loyalsock Township Supervisors also recognized the 2020 Lancer Marching Band with a Proclamation of their own.

The night last fall the 2020 Lancer Marching Band won the Cavalcade of Bands Championship in Hershey; they were welcomed back to campus by a parade led by the Loyalsock Volunteer Fire Company.

The 2020 Loyalsock Lancer Marching Band will be remembered as one of the most accomplished bands in school history.