Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Health today shared an update on Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing data.

“In order to successfully mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we need to use proven public health strategies such as case investigations, contact tracing efforts and ongoing monitoring,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “We have a growing team of dedicated professionals equipped to do this work and truly make a difference, but we need our fellow Pennsylvanians to pick up the phone when they call. We are all united in this together, so please make the right choice to answer the call, it will help us mitigate the spread of this virus and further protect a loved one, co-worker or friend.”

The contact tracing process is not possible without a case investigation by a public health professional. Between Sunday, August 9 and Saturday, August 15, there were 5,644 COVID-19 cases statewide and over 80 percent of all cases completed a case investigation within 24 hours of the positive confirmation. Information collected during the case investigation process is not shared publicly unless doing so would further the response.

After the initial case investigation is complete, contact tracing begins. Within that same time period, August 9 to August 15, there were 748 contact tracers across the commonwealth, including the efforts of the local and municipal health departments. These tracers were monitoring 12,220 contacts that were identified during the case investigations.

There are currently 1,068 contact tracing staff working with local and county health entities, partner organizations and the Regional Response Health Collaboration Program within the Department of Human Services in response to COVID-19 cases. The total number of tracers has fluctuated in the last month as the Department shifts to onboarding more staff and capacity, however, should stabilize through a partnership with Insight Global.

Of the first 250 contact tracing staff hired in partnership with Insight Global, those hired were from within the following regional health districts:

• Northcentral: 40 contact tracing staff
• Northeast: 41 contact tracing staff
• Northwest: 41 contact tracing staff
• Southcentral: 40 contact tracing staff
• Southeast: 43 contact tracing staff
• Southwest: 45 contact tracing staff

You can find more information on the state’s contact tracing efforts and all available contact tracing positions at the Department of Health’s website here.

Pennsylvanians are reminded that mask-wearing is required when visiting businesses or in any setting outside the home where social distancing is difficult. Remember: My mask protects you; your mask protects me.

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.

After consulting with government officials and public health experts, we will not host fans at M&T Bank Stadium for at least the initial part of the 2020 season.

In recent weeks, we submitted proposals to the offices of Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and Baltimore City Mayor Bernard “Jack” Young, detailing how our stadium could safely host 7,500 fans.

But even with implementation of advanced safety measures and enhanced COVID-19 protocols, based on the recommendations of public health experts we have determined that, for the time being, it is in the best interest of the general public and our organization that fans not attend games.

Ultimately, the health and safety of our entire community is at the forefront of every decision we make. We will always protect the well-being of our fans, players, coaches and staff.

Our organization will continue to closely monitor and adjust accordingly to all developments surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. We will remain in communication with local and state officials, working carefully to create appropriate measures that might eventually permit a limited number of fans at home games this season.

5 new COVID-19 cases added Monday in Lycoming County now at 484 cases and no new deaths with 20 total deaths, with 10,273 negatives according to DOH report.

OP-ED: Let them drink milk

by Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA)

This article originally appeared in The Hill:

In the last few years, whole milk has gotten an undeservedly bad reputation. The Obama Administration removed reduced fat and whole milk options from school cafeterias in 2012, and subsequent changes prohibited recipients of federal nutrition assistance from purchasing milk with higher fat for their families, absent a doctor’s note.

Since coming to Congress, I have worked to change that. The first bills I supported were measures to expand access to dairy products, provide kids with nutritious options and stand up for our farmers.

But more needs to be done. That is why I recently introduced the GIVE MILK Act, to allow nutrition assistance recipients in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) to access whole and reduced fat milk.

Whole milk is an indispensable source of nutrients that are essential for a healthy child’s diet—including calcium, iodine, and vitamins A and D. These vitamins are fat-soluble, meaning that the body needs fat to absorb them. Simply put, the lower the fat content the lower the benefit.

Drinking milk with fat does not make children obese. In fact, the evidence suggests the opposite. Several studies have concluded that children who regularly drink whole milk are less likely to be obese—and are healthier overall—than children whose diets consist solely of 1% or skim milk.

Additionally, in a report in 2019, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Heart Association found that medical professionals agree that whole milk is good for childhood development.

Given these facts, you might ask why the federal government limited milk options in the first place. The push to limit milk options across federal nutrition assistance programs was the result of politicians trying to play nutritionists, and the consequences have been disastrous—not only for the families who have been deprived access to more nutritious options, but also for the farmers who produce them.

Pennsylvania’s dairy farmers are struggling. The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated an already difficult situation when it comes to bringing their products to market. The lack of demand due to school closings and restaurant shutdowns means that countless family farms are facing catastrophic losses from which many may never recover.

Pennsylvania’s dairy industry represents a critical segment of the economy and has supported our communities for generations. In Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District alone, the industry supports more than 8,000 jobs.  I understand our farmers’ struggles because I speak with them often—I see them in church and in line at the supermarket. My own stepfather was a farmer in Northumberland County. I recently held a meeting with dairy farmers from across Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District. Every time I talk to farmers in our community, they all tell me the same thing: their livelihoods are being trampled by burdensome, senseless regulations.

We now have an entire generation of children who will grow up thinking they do not like milk because all they have been given in school is fat-free or 1% milk. Children prefer the taste of milk with fat and its nutritional value far exceeds all other varieties.

Whole and reduced fat milk should have never been taken out of schools, but the prohibition on whole and reduced fat milk for women, infants and children in the WIC program is an equal injustice that must be addressed through legislation.

The GIVE MILK Act will make it easier for expectant mothers and mothers of young children to access milk for their families, providing infants, children, and mothers the nutrients they need during key developmental stages.

Without this legislation, millions of American infants and children will be denied key nutrients that they need to grow into healthy and strong adults.

As lawmakers, we ought to expand access to nutritious food and drinks—not deny them to families in need.

Fred Keller is a member of Congress, representing Pennsylvania’s 12^th District.

 Annville, PA – One-hundred-five Pennsylvania National Guard (PNG) soldiers and airmen competed with rifles and pistols in multiple courses of fire to determine the best marksmen during the Governor’s Twenty match at Fort Indiantown Gap recently.

Created in 1968, the Governor’s Twenty is a state-level National Guard award presented annually to the top 20 shooters in a state. Through this fierce competition, participants have the opportunity to test marksmanship skills and weapon systems in a battle-focused environment. The Army and Air Force both recognize the state award and it is reflected on the service members’ official personnel record.

“The Governor’s Twenty brings together Army and Air Force marksmen of various ranks and ages on a level playing field,” said Maj. Gen. Anthony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). “The knowledge, skills, and discipline developed during this competition raises the weapons readiness of all of our formations represented here. These outstanding shooters will go back to their units and coach the next generation of marksmen in Pennsylvania. Congratulations to Sgt. Jason Goodling, our overall first-place finisher, along with every competitor for their display of professionalism and impressive skill during this intense competition.”

The top 20 scorers were awarded the embroidered Governor’s Twenty tab and a certificate to identify them as being outstanding marksmen. Events were varied and included multiple distances and shooting positions. The competition was conducted by the PNG Individual Training Branch, Marksmanship Training Unit.

The 2020 Governor’s Twenty recipients:

1. Sgt. Jason Goodling, York Haven (York County)
2. Capt. Ian Swisher, Rockville (Maryland)
3. Sgt. 1st Class Scott Sheroky, Fredricksburg (Lebanon County)
4. Staff Sgt. Robert Lydic, Pittsburgh (Allegheny County)
5. Staff Sgt. Douglas Costello, Mountain Top (Luzerne County)
6. Senior Airman Nicholas Yackovich, Harrison City (Westmoreland County)
7. Capt. Phillip Wright, Carlisle (Cumberland County)
8. Staff Sgt. John Rebuck, Elizabethtown (Lancaster County)
9. Sgt. 1st Class Luke Heim, Pottstown (Montgomery County)
10. Sgt. 1st Class John Nebzydoski, Wapwallopen (Luzerne County)
11. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Richard Jones Jr., Lebanon (Lebanon County)
12. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Andrew Harrison, Palmyra (Lebanon County)
13. Pfc. Austin Barnhart, Lamar (Clinton County)
14. Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Fusco, Sellersville (Bucks County)
15. Sgt. Justin Hanson, Shoesmakersville (Berks County)
16. 1st Sgt. Troy Conrad, Punxsutawney (Jefferson County)
17. Lt. Col. Adam Grove, York (York County)
18. Staff Sgt. Anthony Sanner, Pittsburgh (Allegheny County)
19. Spc. Brennen Koji, Bellefonte (Centre County)
20. Sgt. William Varee, Springboro (Crawford County)

The PNG is the second largest Guard in the nation and is part of the PA DMVA’s dual mission of supporting nearly 800,000 Pennsylvania veterans and providing safety and security for our commonwealth and nation.

Photos of the event can be found here: Governor’s Twenty Match.

• ESPN to Serve as Exclusive Global Media Rights Holder for More Than 300 Live Games Annually
• More Live Little League Baseball and Softball Events Exclusively on ESPN Platforms Than Ever
• New Agreement Through 2030 Extends Longstanding Relationship Since 1963

ESPN and Little League International today announced an eight-year, multi-platform media rights extension – effective 2023 through 2030 – in which ESPN will produce and televise more live Little League events than ever as the exclusive global media rights holder of Little League Baseball and Little League Softball. The announcement was made today by Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and Chief Executive Officer, and Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN President and Disney Media Networks Co-Chair. The announcement came as ESPN and Little League are celebrating the legacy of the Little League World Series with a full day of related programming across ESPN platforms.

As part of the rights extension, ESPN platforms will exclusively carry more than 300 Little League live events annually, including games from every baseball and softball World Series tournament. ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+, Longhorn Network and ESPN international platforms will combine to carry the events. Additionally, ESPN and ABC will continue to produce and televise the entire Little League Baseball World Series, with more games from Williamsport, Pa. than ever before as part of the previously announced expansion of the event from 16 to 20 teams.

Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN President, Disney Media Networks Co-Chair:

“Little League Baseball and Softball inspire us with their deep sense of community, camaraderie, and competitive spirit. Multiple generations of families have enjoyed playing and watching games on ESPN and ABC, and we’re excited to continue and expand the rewarding relationship we have with Steve Keener and all of our friends at Little League Baseball and Softball.”

Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO:

“There is perhaps no broadcast relationship in all of sports as synonymous as Little League and ESPN and ABC. With this extension, ESPN will be showcasing the amazing plays, inspirational stories, and exemplary sportsmanship of our Little League tournaments spanning eight decades. This relationship has allowed our organization to provide direct financial support to our 6,500 community-based programs, and we’re grateful that we’ll be able to continue in these vital efforts. We are looking forward to a bright future with Jimmy Pitaro and our partners at ESPN.”

ESPN first began televising Little League games in 1983 and has done so each year since 1987. ABC began broadcasting the Little League World Series in 1963, which makes this one of the longest-standing league – media rights holder relationships in all of sports, only behind The Masters on CBS.

Select elements of the rights extension, including additional live game telecasts, will begin to be implemented during the final two years – 2021 and 2022 – of the current ESPN and Little League agreement.

Summary of exclusive events on ESPN platforms:

• Little League Baseball World Series
• Little League Softball World Series
• Little League Baseball U.S. Regionals
• Little League Softball U.S. Regionals
• Annual Little League Baseball World Series Challenger Game
• Intermediate Baseball World Series
• Junior League Baseball World Series
• Junior League Softball World Series
• Senior League Baseball World Series
• Senior League Softball World Series
• Options for International Regional Series

In 2019, ESPN produced the first Little League World Series alternative viewing experience called “Kidscast” featuring an all-kids commentator team. As part of the rights extension, ESPN will have rights to continue to explore – and offer – fan-friendly alternate presentations to air in conjunction with the main game telecasts.

In addition to the Little League events, ESPN will also continue to exclusively televise the annual MLB Little League Classic on Sunday Night Baseball from Williamsport, Pa.

8 new COVID-19 cases added Sunday in Lycoming County now at 479 cases and no new deaths with 20 total deaths, with 10,191 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

619 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 129,048

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., August 22, that there are 619 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 129,048. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

Allegheny County is reporting an increase of 86 cases and Philadelphia County is reporting an increase of 80 cases.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between August 16 and August 22 is 157,396 with 4,889 positive cases. There were 20,088 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., August 22. These results represent the total number of tests administered.

There are 7,578 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 2 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 the new school year approaches and we work to ensure our children can get back to learning,” 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, 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 645 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 1,423,972 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
• 23% 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 present in August:

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

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 20,708 resident cases of COVID-19, and 4,387 cases among employees, for a total of 25,095 at 915 distinct facilities in 61 counties. Out of our total deaths 5,126 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 9,307 of our total cases are amongst 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.

Loss of fall sports seasons disappoints Penn College coaches

A year of change was in order for most Pennsylvania College of Technology athletes during the 2020-21 academic year with a restructuring of the North Eastern Athletic Conference. And it was compounded when the college’s fall sports also became a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic, being canceled like spring sports a few months before.

The mid-July decision sidelining fall sports athletes in men’s and women’s cross-country, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s volleyball and men’s golf, following unanimous action by the NEAC Presidents’ Council and Board of Athletic Directors, left Penn College coaches disappointed, yet understanding.

All NCAA Division III fall championships also have been canceled.

“As many other coaches and student-athletes in a similar situation, our team is devastated by the loss of competition this fall. We understand the importance of ensuring the health and safety of students and staff, but this does not take away from the pain,” women’s soccer coach Christa Matlack said.

“As a team, we have already come together to support one another, knowing that the only way to get through this will be as a team. We plan to take advantage of any opportunity to perform team-related activities, whatever these may be, in order to make the most of this fall. We will learn and grow from the loss of this season in more ways than one,” Matlack said, adding, “As a program, we wholeheartedly expected to return this fall as fierce competition. We had our sights set on a strong season with another appearance in the postseason.”

Golf coach Matt Haile said, “My initial reaction to the fall season is that I was hopeful but once I saw the other conferences start canceling I figured we were going to follow suit.

“It’s very disappointing but the key takeaways for me is that I have some new guys coming in and this may be a blessing in disguise to help them get off to a great start academically and set that foundation of time management and good study habits in that first semester. The other benefit is that our championship season is in the spring so we are hopeful by then we can compete for the championship.

“Expectations were just as high as they’ve always been. We had three key returners (Kohltin Bartlow, of Montgomery; Alex Acree, of Brookville; and Sean McNamara, of Lancaster) and a couple recruits that I think will be a great addition to the team. I did lose one recruit due to deciding to not start his college career until things may become more certain with our pandemic.”

“For tennis, we were really looking forward to getting back into the swing of things since our spring season was cut drastically short,” men’s and women’s coach Jessica Bower said. “We had five nonconference matches scheduled for the fall, which included our crosstown rival Lycoming College.

“We have some good recruits coming in. We have Eric Counsil, of Milton, transferring from Millersville, who is a big hitter and will place near the top of the lineup. We also have five incoming ladies adding to our team. We have some great returners such as Tucker Phillippe-Johansson, of

Mattituck, New York; Jesse Kight, of Williamsport; and Zack Burkhart, of Milton, on the men’s team and Olivia Eisenhauer, of New Columbia; Alexis Youse, of Pottstown; and Tijana Mrkalj, of Pittsburgh, on the women’s side.

“It’s really too bad that we won’t get to play other teams this fall but we saw it coming. It’s a strange world right now and nothing seems too surprising. We will use this time to practice and get stronger so that we can do some real damage in the spring.”

“My initial reaction was disappointment for our student-athletes,” cross-country coach Nick Patton said.

“It was especially hard to inform our team of the decision that was made,” Patton continued. “I think as a coach, you have to put yourself in the shoes of your student-athletes during this unprecedented time. You’ve got to try and understand how they are feeling. I know if I was in their position, I’d be pretty devastated and probably a little frustrated.

“The unique thing about our sport is, it’s more than a sport, it’s a lifestyle, an identity; it continues far after the eligibility runs out. I’m sure a lot of my student-athletes are a little lost right now and it’s completely understandable. I know they were looking forward to this season, being back on campus with their teammates and were working hard this summer dedicating themselves to training. I always tell our team, control the things you can control. We will work through the rest.

“As tough as this decision was to cancel fall sports, it was the right one. The health and safety of our student-athletes is the No. 1 priority. I know it wasn’t easy for the NEAC or Penn College to make this decision, but sometimes, the right decisions are the hardest.

“Moving forward, I will be focusing on recruiting and keeping the team engaged as much as possible.

“Expectations for the fall were the same as every season, train hard throughout the summer and fall, so we can be at our best in late October, early November.”

“Back in March, when COVID-19 shut down the spring sports, you think to yourself there is no way that this can last into the fall. As months went by, it became clearer and clearer that it was going to be really difficult to have any sort of competitive fall season,” men’s soccer coach Tyler Mensch said.

“I think what helped me from an emotional standpoint was that you could see all the rules and parameters NCAA was announcing so it sort of helped cushion the blow that we wouldn’t have a fall season of matches. It wasn’t like everything was dropped on us all at once like the spring. Ultimately, I feel like it was the right decision to make and we will all grow closer together and be better from this current situation,” the coach continued.

“We are still hoping to train a few days a week this fall and we will utilize any time we get to spend together as a team getting better in all facets of the program. We hope to work on our fitness, individual technical work and our leadership program, which will help mold our young student-athletes into great leaders down the road.

“We were going to have another young team this fall, so being able to work on our strength training and fitness in both the weight room and on the field will help prepare us for next year’s season.

“I was excited for this fall to see if we could have a bounce-back year. The guys were clearly disappointed with how 2019 went and they really took it upon themselves to be better. Things started off great with the returners actively playing pickup soccer and at the Liberty Arena, along with getting in consistent lifts and fitness with our new strength coach. They continued to work out through

quarantine and the returners were able to integrate our 12 new freshmen quite well with Zoom meetings and social media.

“I feel like this will be the closest team we have ever had as the returners have really made our new guys feel like a part of the family already. We will make the most of this fall and be thankful for any opportunities we get to be together.

“We look forward to fall 2021 and being able to play outside competition!”

Emily Shelmire was hired over the summer as the women’s volleyball coach, succeeding Bambi Hawkins whose teams over 16 years went 189-176, but this (being sidelined) isn’t the way she expected her first season to go.

“I am very excited to be the new volleyball coach! I have 12 years of volleyball experience (playing in high school and college intramurals, reffing and volunteering). This is my first collegiate coaching position,” Shelmire said.

“As for my coaching style, I believe in the philosophy 90% preparation and 10% execution. Perfect practices make perfect games. The key is to not focus on a bigger winning streak for the season but to improve fundamental skills and make goals to become a better team. If I see improvements within my players then I know I am doing my job correctly,” Shelmire said.

“I am very sorry for not only our volleyball players but for all athletes, students and faculty. This is a tough time as we are trying to fight the coronavirus,” the coach said.

“For our team, we can turn this into a positive. We can take the time to improve our skills and mindset for a better season when we are allowed back on the court to play. Even though we are not allowed to compete during the pandemic, we are allowed to get pumped and ready for the future. I’m trying to look at the bright side and to improve on our game play and practices while we still have the opportunity,” Shelmire added.

“While not having fall games this season will feel a little odd, I am excited about seeing our students back on campus and the campus life being alive again. I think we all have missed seeing our students on campus,” director of athletics John Vandevere said.

“We have the opportunity to engage our student-athletes and have some team-related activities while ensuring social distancing and masking guidelines. It will be nice to see our coaches and student-athletes working together while at that same time giving our student-athletes a sense of normalcy,” Vandevere said.

“Our goal is to have a winter and spring season for our student-athletes and coaches. We are a little too far out to see what that will look like as guidance from the NCAA, Gov. Wolf, and our discussions within the NEAC are ongoing to see what our next steps are,” Vandevere said.

“As for (Penn College Athletic) Hall of Fame, we have elected to postpone this year’s ceremony as this athletic achievement needs to be celebrated the right way. It would not be fair to the inductees to limit their party size or have masking and social distancing requirements during this moment celebrating their athletic achievements here at Penn College. We did not want to take away from their experience nor have it limited by COVID-19. Our hope is to induct our next class in the fall of 2021,” Vandevere added.

Esports season still on

Because competitors participate online in a socially distanced atmosphere, the Penn College fall esports program still is on.

“Our season has not been canceled and we are playing this fall. We will be playing Overwatch, Rocket League and Valorant in the National Association for Collegiate Esports. Pre-season in Overwatch, Rocket League and Valorant start on the week of Sept. 21, with the main season starting a week later and running until Nov. 15,” coach Joshua Young said.

“We will be live streaming our matches for all NACE events. Rocket League games will be played on Tuesdays at 8 p.m., Overwatch on Monday/Thursdays at 8 p.m. and Valorant on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. at https://www.twitch.tv/penncollegeesports,” Young said.

“Our Overwatch team will first compete in Harrisburg University Esports Invitational Sept. 19-20 (http://hueinvitational.com/),” Young said. “Overwatch is also going to compete in the TESPA Overwatch Collegiate Varsity series,” which will run from Sept. 27 to Dec. 13 (https://www.tespa.org/).

“I am really excited as this will be our first full season for the varsity esports program. I am going to use our team managers — junior Logan Readinger, of Oley (Rocket League); sophomore Drew Thomas, of State College (Valorant); sophomore Jared Patten, of South Abington Township (Overwatch); and junior Michael Simonelli, of West Chester (Fortnite) — as the top competitors in our titles. They manage the day-to-day of the team and also play the game for us,” Young said.

Participants compete in the Wildcat Den, room 203A in the Madigan Library that was converted into an esports facility last winter.

NEAC down to 8 schools

Also in July, the NEAC lost four members as Keuka College departed for the Empire 8 Conference and Cazenovia College, SUNY Cobleskill and SUNY Poly left for the North Atlantic Conference.

That leaves, in addition to Penn College, Gallaudet University, Lancaster Bible College, Penn State Abington, Penn State Berks, Penn State Harrisburg, Morrisville State College and Wells College. NEAC membership will return to nine schools in 2021 with the arrival of St. Mary’s College of Maryland, which is leaving the Capital Athletic Conference.

Men’s lacrosse coach named

On July 6, Jordan Williams became the college’s first men’s lacrosse head coach. He will lead the program in its inaugural NCAA Division III season in spring 2021 after spending the previous five seasons as an assistant coach at Ohio Wesleyan, Chatham and Lourdes (Ohio) universities. “Jordan was just outstanding during the entire interview process and we were really impressed with his energy, passion and attention to detail,” Vandevere said. “We have added another great coach to our already stellar coaching staff and we cannot wait to see Jordan’s impact on our department and our men’s lacrosse program.” Williams earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Aurora University (Illinois), where he was a member of the men’s lacrosse team and a four-time scholar-athlete selection. He obtained his master’s degree from Lourdes University in 2017 and was a graduate assistant coach during his two years in Sylvania. Following his time at Lourdes, Williams spent a season as the offensive coordinator at Chatham, in Pittsburgh. He joined the coaching staff at Ohio Wesleyan in 2018 where he was responsible for the

goalies, man-up offense and the recruiting coordinator. During his two seasons there, the Bishops went 13-11, had four offensive All-American and all-region selections, and one conference player of the year.

IN THE CLASSROOM

Chi Alpha Sigma inducts 20

In June, it was announced that 20 Penn College student-athletes with a 3.59 average GPA were inducted into the second class of Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athlete Honor Society. Student-athletes must be in their junior or senior year with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 to be eligible.

“This is a tremendous achievement for our 20 student-athletes to be inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, we are very proud of them for this accomplishment,” Vandevere said. “Their dedication to their education, as well as their respective sports, shows their commitment and leadership. I thank each of them for being that beacon to their respective teams and their positive impact on their programs as well as our department and college.”

Penn College senior inductees are Ben Sosa, of Loyalsock Township (men’s basketball/business administration); Jordan Murray, of Chambersburg (men’s cross-country/residential construction technology and management); Brittany Weiskopff, of Blossburg (women’s cross-country/accounting); Tayla Derr, of Selinsgrove (women’s soccer/dental hygiene); and Joe Morrin, of Morrisville (men’s tennis/graphic design).

Wildcat junior inductees are Maci Ilgen, of Spring Mills (women’s basketball/nursing); Cassi Kuhns, of Loyalsock Township (women’s basketball/applied human services); Tori Wolfe, of Dalmatia (women’s basketball/applied health studies); Matt Leiby, of Danville (men’s cross-country/civil engineering technology); Jake Mashack, of Blossburg (men’s cross-country/civil engineering technology); Cinnamon Digan, of Mifflinburg (women’s cross-country/welding and fabrication engineering and technology); Alex Acree, of Brookville (golf/civil engineering technology); Chris McFarland, of Coatesville (men’s soccer/manufacturing engineering technology); Taylor Gonzales, of Lititz (women’s soccer/nursing); Jenna Rejman, of East Aurora, New York (women’s soccer/pre-physician assistant studies); Kelly Williams, of Marion, New York (women’s soccer/civil engineering technology); Morgan Heritage, of New Castle, Delaware (softball/dental hygiene); Lexi Heritage, of New Castle, Delaware (softball/information technology); Luke Whitenight, of Berwick (men’s tennis/civil engineering technology); and Marcie Harman, of Nescopeck (women’s tennis/building science and sustainable design). “It’s gratifying to honor our outstanding student-athletes in this prestigious manner. While each individual is accomplished and talented in unique ways they share one common characteristic — striving to do their best in everything they undertake in their studies and in their sports,” Tom Zimmerman, faculty athletic representative, said. “Their prominence makes each a valued asset to their team, on our campus, and ultimately in their chosen career field. Personally, thank you, for inspiring and mentoring your teammates and classmates and being terrific Penn College ambassadors.” Penn College is a member of Alpha Iona Chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma, chartered in January 2019, and joins more than 220 Division I, Division II and Division III colleges and universities, including three schools from the North Eastern Athletic Conference, in recognizing elite student-athletes who succeed in their sport and in the classroom.

Record 67 earn NEAC scholar-athlete honors

A school-record 67 student-athletes earned North Eastern Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete honors, it was announced July 9. The Wildcats finished seventh among the conference’s 12 full-members and topped their previous mark of 60 selections in 2018-19.

“We are very proud of the academic accomplishments from our student-athletes this year,” Vandevere said. “This is the third straight year that we topped our previous number of scholar-athletes and it’s a trend we strive to continue. The achievements of our student-athletes in the classroom are always the most rewarding.” To be selected, a student-athlete competing in a conference-sponsored sport must achieve a combined GPA of 3.4 or higher for the fall and spring semesters and must have been in good standing on his or her team. This year, the NEAC named 1,026 scholar-athlete selections from its 12 full-member institutions and eight associate member schools for the 2019-20 academic year. For the fourth straight year, Keuka College led all NEAC institutions with 147 scholar-athletes. Lancaster Bible followed with 136 scholar-athletes and the only other NEAC institution to surpass 100 honorees. The annual list of honorees continues to illustrate the geographic diversity of the conference and its member institutions with NEAC Scholar-Athletes representing 33 states and 14 countries.

The softball squad topped all Penn College teams with 12 selections. Next was the men’s cross-country team with 11 selections (out of 16 student-athletes on its roster). Penn College also had 14 student-athletes with a perfect 4.0 GPA. The college finished the academic year with a 3.18 department GPA, which equaled its high-water mark of the same GPA last year, and had 12 of 15 teams with a GPA of 3.0 or above.

Wildcats honored were:

Women’s softball (12)

Jaylynn Cochran, freshman, Cogan Station, human services and restorative justice

Shannon Detweiler, freshman, Martinsburg, nursing

Olivia Hemstock, sophomore, Northford, Connecticut, dental hygiene

Alexis Heritage, junior, New Castle, Delaware, network specialist

Morgan Heritage, junior, New Castle, Delaware, dental hygiene

Maddie Hurst, freshman, Mechanicsburg, human services and restorative justice

Danielle Krasevic, freshman, Shermans Dale, nursing

Ivvy Morder, freshman, Mechanicsburg, human services and restorative justice

Madison Shaffer, freshman, Trout Run, forest technology

Tori Siler, sophomore, Havre De Grace, Maryland, physician assistant

Kassidy Svenson, junior, Auburn, applied human services

Sarah Woodruff, sophomore, Port Jervis, New York, radiography

Men’s cross-country (11)

Hayden Beiter, senior, Williamsport, building construction technology (4.0 GPA)

David Carlson, senior, Elizabethtown, engineering design technology (4.0)

Christopher Hogan, senior, Halifax, welding and fabrication engineering technology

Matt Leiby, junior, Danville, civil engineering technology

Jake Mashack, junior, Bloomsburg, civil engineering technology

Reagan McCoy, senior, Lock Haven, plastics and polymer engineering technology

Jordan Murray, senior, Chambersburg, building construction technology

David Pfahler, senior, Quakertown, plastics and polymer engineering technology

Levi Pomeroy, sophomore, Dillsburg, mechatronics engineering technology (4.0)

Ethan Tharp, freshman, Coal Township, network specialist

Austin Weinrich, senior, Jenkintown, building construction technology (4.0)

Men’s soccer (8)

Alexander Cassada, sophomore, Chambersburg, network specialist

Gregory Dorsch, senior, Mount Airy, Maryland, welding and fabrication engineering technology

Derek Eckman, freshman, Lancaster, architectural technology

Declan Gatchell, sophomore, Manchester, architectural technology

Tanner Layne, sophomore, Chesapeake, Virginia, information assurance and cyber security

Chris McFarland, junior, Coatesville, manufacturing engineering technology

Colton Wartman, sophomore, Ellicott City, Maryland, automotive technology

Matt Yoder, sophomore, Nescopeck, building construction technology

Women’s soccer (6)

Tiffany Brown, senior, Mechanicsburg, occupational therapy assistant

Megan Bugbee, sophomore, Geneseo, New York, architectural technology

Tayla Derr, senior, Selinsgrove, dental hygiene

Charlee Marshall, sophomore, Snow Shoe, construction management

Jenna Rejman, junior, East Aurora, New York, physician assistant studies (4.0)

Kelly Williams, junior, Marion, New York, civil engineering technology

Baseball (6)

Mason Blethen, freshman, Colora, Maryland, construction management

Connor Burke, sophomore, St. Clair, nursing (4.0)

Jacob Carles, sophomore, Bernville, engineering design technology

Cole Culver, freshman, Titusville, civil engineering technology

Andrew Snyder, freshman, Whitehall, sport and event management

Sam Zeigler, sophomore, Palmyra, building construction technology

Women’s basketball (5)

Maci Ilgen, junior, Millheim, nursing

Olivia Johnson, sophomore, Shavertown, surgical technology

Cassi Kuhns, junior, Loyalsock Township, applied human services

Keyona Shoff, freshman, Shamokin, physical therapist assistant

Victoria Wolfe, junior, Dalmatia, occupational therapy assistant

Women’s cross-country (5)

Cinnamon Digan, junior, Mifflinburg, welding and fabrication engineering technology

Megan Nosker, junior, DuBois, civil engineering technology

Kathryn Plankenhorn, sophomore, Montoursville, physician assistant studies (4.0)

Rosey Thomas, sophomore, Port Allegany, nursing

Brittany Weiskopff, senior, Roaring Branch, accounting (4.0)

Men’s basketball (4)

Brody Baker, junior, Lock Haven, physician assistant (4.0)

Justin Baker, freshman, Landisville, industrial design

Ben Sosa, senior, Loyalsock Township, sport and event management

Frank Tuason, senior, Stamford, Connecticut, sport and event management

Women’s tennis (4)

Cara Diciano, freshman, Denver, occupational therapy

Olivia Eisenhauer, freshman, New Columbia, surgical technology

Marcie Harman, junior, Nescopeck, architectural technology (4.0)

Alexis Youse, sophomore, Pottstown, baking and pastry arts (4.0)

Men’s tennis (3)

Zachary Burkhart, freshman, Milton, architectural technology (4.0)

Tucker Phillippe-Johansson, sophomore, Mattituck, New York, building construction technology

Luke Whitenight, junior, Berwick, civil engineering technology

Men’s golf (2)

Sean McNamara, junior, Lancaster, mechatronics engineering technology (4.0)

Mike Miller, freshman, Montgomery, construction management

Women’s volleyball (1)

Hannah Burnett, sophomore, Middlebury Center, physician assistant (4.0).

4 named to honors court

On July 15, it was announced that Brody Baker, Sosa, Tuason and Ryan Lockman, of White Salmon, Washington, had been named to the 2019-20 National Association of Basketball Coaches Honors Court. To be named to the court, a student-athlete must be an academic junior or senior and a varsity player, have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher at the end of the 2018-19 academic year, have studied at least one year at their current institution, which must be a member of the NCAA or NAIA with a NABC member coach.

On Saturday, August 22, Pennsylvania Patriots Radio on TalkWilliamsport.com hosted by Carlos  Saldivia and Robert Noerr was joined by Jason Fitzgerald.

The program includes discussion on the Democratic National Committee Convention as well as the fire bombing of  PAPBA award winning broadcaster Todd Bartley who serves as General Manager of talkwilliamsport.com.

To contact the show e-mail news@talkwilliamsport.com.

Pennsylvania Patriots Radio is available to watch by clicking here.

Talkwilliamsport.com continues to be at the forefront of keeping Lycoming County citizens informed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

4 new COVID-19 cases added Saturday in Lycoming County now at 471 cases and no new deaths with 20 total deaths, with 10,079 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

796 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 128,429

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., August 22, that there are 796 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 128,429. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

Philadelphia is reporting an increase of 115 cases.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between August 15 and August 21 is 156,165 with 4,629 positive cases. There were 23,374 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., August 21. These results represent the total number of tests administered.

There are 7,576 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 18 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 the new school year approaches and we work to ensure our children can get back to learning,” 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, 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 645 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 1,412,124 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
• Nearly 23% 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 present in August:

• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 17 percent of cases so far in August;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to approximately 16 percent of cases so far in August;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 12 percent of cases so far in August;
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 12 percent of cases so far in August;
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 10 percent of cases so far in August; and
• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 10 percent of cases so far in August.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 20,665 resident cases of COVID-19, and 4,368 cases among employees, for a total of 25,033 at 914 distinct facilities in 61 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,125 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 9,276 of our total cases are amongst 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 21:

• Applied for federal lost wages assistance funds.
• Urged farmers to apply for relief for the Pennsylvania dairy industry.

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.