Harrisburg, PA — At Appalachian Brewing Company in Harrisburg today, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary Carrie Lepore reminded Pennsylvania restaurants of the benefits of joining Open & Certified Pennsylvania. More than 7,500 restaurants have self-certified – by completing a quick, easy online self-certification application – confirming that they’re taking every precaution, following all health guidelines, and keeping safety a top priority.

“Throughout the pandemic, Pennsylvania’s restaurants have innovated to continue serving our commonwealth,” said Redding. “Now, we’re innovating for them by offering Open & Certified Pennsylvania as a new way to put themselves in front of Pennsylvanians looking for a safe place to dine.”

PA Preferred^® Appalachian Brewing Company has self-certified all six of their locations in hopes of instilling confidence in Pennsylvanians looking for a safe, local dining experience. Local businesses are the heartbeat of Pennsylvania’s economy, and Open & Certified Pennsylvania is a way for people to choose an eatery with confidence and support strong local economies.

“In the fight against COVID-19 and in our path to economic recovery, it’s going to take all of us – businesses and consumers alike – doing the right thing, keeping each other safe, and remembering to support our local businesses,” said Lepore. “By self-certifying, restaurants like Appalachian Brewing Company show their commitment to employees, patrons, and surrounding community.”

Those looking for a safe dining experience are encouraged to browse self-certified facilities in the Open & Certified PA Business Directory, where searches can be performed based on county, city, zip code, or restaurant name.

Restaurants interested in being added to the directory can self-certify online at pa.gov/covid. In addition to being added to the searchable database for patrons, self-certifying allows restaurants, private social clubs, and other food service businesses that serve dine-in, sit-down food in a regular, non-event capacity to increase indoor occupancy to 50 percent. Self-certified retail food facilities must continue adhering to mitigation efforts that will keep employees and customers safe, at 50 percent occupancy.

Restaurants that self-certify are not subject to additional food safety inspection or scrutiny. The occurrence of regularly scheduled or complaint-based inspections from enforcement agencies is not affected by certification status. In fact, certifying proves that a business is committed to protecting employees and providing patrons a safe dining experience.

The Wolf Administration has released Frequently Asked Questions as a reference for restaurant owners and the public, along with updated restaurant guidance.

Business owners with additional questions about the self-certification program can contact covidselfcert@pa.gov.

Note: Video available at PACast.com.

CBS News Special Report: Sen. Kamala Harris cancels travel through Sunday after two people linked to her campaign test positive for COVID-19.

Two people linked to Kamala Harris’ campaign — her Communications Director Liz Allen and a non-staff flight crew member — have tested positive for the coronavirus. As a result, Harris will suspend in-person events until Monday.

Senator Harris was not in close contact, as defined by the CDC, with either of these individuals during the two days prior to their positive tests; as such, there is no requirement for quarantine.

Twelve (12) new cases added Wednesday in Lycoming County now at 847 cases, no new deaths, one new death, 29 total deaths, with 14,684 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

1,276 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 175,922

Pennsylvanians Urged to Download COVID Alert PA App

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., October 14, that there were 1,276 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 175,922. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between October 7 and October 13 is 239,891 with 9,403 positive cases. There were 29,347 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., October 13.

There are 8,411 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 27 new deaths reported. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

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 1,395 cases who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 646 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,074,729 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Approximately 1% are ages 0-4;
• Nearly 2% are ages 5-12;
• Nearly 5% are ages 13-18;
• Nearly 14% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 36% are ages 25-49;
• Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
• Approximately 21% 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 October:

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 35 percent of cases so far in October;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 18 percent of cases so far in October;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to nearly 20 percent of cases so far in October;
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 20 percent of cases so far in October;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 14 percent of cases so far in October; and
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 18 percent of cases so far in October.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 24,111 resident cases of COVID-19, and 5,323 cases among employees, for a total of 29,434 at 1,013 distinct facilities in 61 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,585 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 11,456 of our total cases are among health care workers.

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

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

• Provided latest CMU metrics report.
• Provided COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring Dashboard update.
• Announced more Pennsylvanians to benefit from rental and mortgage relief programs.
• 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.
• Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “covid alert pa.

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

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.

Defends Judge Barrett’s SCOTUS qualifications, says Senate should confirm her “without hesitation”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In case you missed it, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) published an Op-Ed in The Hill highlighting Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s renowned credentials as a jurist and a brilliant legal scholar worthy of serving on the United States Supreme Court.

The Op-Ed outlines Washington Democrats’ blatant attempts to obstruct Judge Barrett’s path to the Supreme Court in order to fulfill their vision of a partisan, packed court that legislates from the bench.

Here are some excerpts:

The political scuffle that erupted in the aftermath of Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court proves that Washington Democrats will misrepresent the role of the judiciary to score political points.

However, unlike Washington Democrats, Republicans do not root for outcomes before the courts. We recognize that judges have a singular responsibility to uphold the Constitution.

Democrats’ criticisms of Judge Barrett are rooted in the specious claim that confirming Judge Barrett to the Supreme Court would ensure the court’s overturning of Obamacare. This is nothing more than an election year scare tactic.

After all, if Washington Democrats truly believed that Obamacare is constitutional, they should have nothing to worry about given Judge Barrett’s strict adherence to the Constitution.

The shameful attacks on Judge Barrett only serve to highlight the left’s predilection for activist judges who seek to usurp the Constitution and legislate from the bench, instead of carrying out the important task with which the judiciary has always been charged.

…Judge Barrett has demonstrated a sound understanding of the Constitutional role of the judiciary and is eminently qualified to serve as a member of the United States Supreme Court. The Senate should confirm her without hesitation.”

You can read the Op-Ed in full HERE.

BY: Todd Bartley, TalkWilliamsport.com

NEWS@TALKWILLIAMSPORT.COM

On Monday evening, Daman Hagan, Police Chief, Williamsport Bureau of Police, Safety Service Director, City of Williamsport and Derek Slaughter, Mayor, City of Williamsport through the City of Williamsport solicitor submitted separate responses to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records in a Right to Know Law appeals seeking public records.

The public records being sought involve the 2018 WAHS baseball team Myrtle Beach case.

The 2018 WAHS baseball team Myrtle Beach case is currently being investigated by PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro having been referred by Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner.

Additionally, public records being sought involve the day-to-day operations of the Slaughter administration.

Both Hagan and Slaughter provided written responses in their defense of the Right to Know Law appeal filed by this author.

This author on Monday evening, also submitted separate responses to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records in support of Right to Know Law appeals seeking public records.

There is a now a time period in which the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records reviews the appeal before providing a decision in the matter.

Until that time, on the advise of counsel, no further published comment will be made by this author until the decision by the OOR is rendered.

LINKS TO SERIES ARTICLES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fans often ask me, what if?

Millionaire Baseball Mayhem in Myrtle Beach

LINKS TO SERIES ARTICLES

OP-ED: Jennifer Lake Wokebegone – PART V

OP-ED: Jennifer Lake Wokebegone – PART IV

OP-ED: Jennifer Lake Wokebegone – PART III

OP-ED: Jennifer Lake Wokebegone – PART II

OP-ED: Jennifer Lake Wokebegone

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Tom Wolf condemned the racism and hate speech displayed toward Gisele Fetterman, Pennsylvania’s Second Lady. The governor released the following statement:

“The ethnic intimidation and racist speech spewed at the Second Lady of Pennsylvania is shameful and unacceptable. Racism and hate speech are always unacceptable, and unworthy of Pennsylvanians. No Pennsylvanian should ever be made to feel unwelcome in our commonwealth because of their race or ethnicity. Gisele Fetterman spends much of her time devoted to making our state and world a better place and she — and every Pennsylvanian — deserves our respect, not the hatred too often displayed by people who seek only to further divide this country at a time when unity is so desperately needed.

“The Second Lady has my and Frances’s full support and gratitude for her tireless work to make Pennsylvania the diverse, inclusive place it is today, even in the face of such ignorance and adversity.”

The incident occurred at a grocery store near the Fetterman home as chronicled by the Daily Mail.

Register, check registration status and apply for a mail ballot online at votesPA.com

Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar today reminded Pennsylvanians that they have one week left to register to vote and 15 days left to apply for a mail ballot for the Nov. 3 election.

The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 19, and the deadline to apply for a mail ballot is 5 p.m. Oct. 27.

“All eligible Pennsylvanians still have time to exercise their right to vote and make their voice heard,” Secretary Boockvar said. “Pennsylvanians can quickly and conveniently register to vote, check the status of their registration and apply for a mail ballot online at votesPA.com.”

The state’s online voter registration (OVR) application can be found at register.votesPA.com. In addition to applying for a new registration, the OVR system can also be used to update an existing voter record with new information, such as a change of name, address or party affiliation.

Individuals wishing to register to vote in the Nov. 3 election must be:

• A citizen of the United States for at least one month before the election.
• A resident of Pennsylvania and the election district in which the individual wants to register and vote for at least 30 days before the election.
• At least 18 years of age on or before the date of the election.

Voters also are encouraged to use the online system to confirm their registration status prior to the deadline. The site provides county election office contact information and a polling place locator.

Voters wishing to vote by mail should apply for their ballot immediately so they will have time to return it before the deadline. Once their application is verified, their county election office will mail them a ballot.

As soon as the voter receives the ballot, the voter should:

• Read the instructions carefully.
• Fill out the ballot, being sure to follow instructions on how to mark selections.
• Seal the ballot in the white inner secrecy envelope that indicates official ballot. Make sure not to make any stray marks on the envelope.
• Seal the inner secrecy envelope in the pre-addressed outer return envelope which the voter must sign.
• Complete and sign the voter’s declaration on the outside of the outer return envelope.
• For the ballot to be counted, it must be enclosed in both envelopes and the voter must sign the outer envelope.

The voter should then return their voted ballot to their county board of elections as soon as possible.

• Voters can mail their ballot. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3 and received by the county election office by 5 p.m. on Nov. 6. The Department of State is providing pre-paid postage on mail ballot return envelopes, or
• Voters can hand-deliver their ballot to their county election office or officially designated satellite office. Hand-delivered ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on election day. Some counties are providing drop boxes or drop-off sites for mail ballots. Check your county’s website for information on locations. The Department of State is providing a list of drop-off locations as the information becomes available. Check votesPA.com in the coming weeks.

Voters who provide an email address on their mail ballot application can check the status of their mail ballot at votesPA.com.

The deadline to vote early in person by mail ballot is Oct. 27. Voters can go to their county election office or designated satellite location, apply for a mail ballot, wait while an election official verifies their eligibility, and then vote and cast their ballot, all in one visit.

Pennsylvania voters also have the option of voting in person on election day at the polls, which will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., provided they have not already voted by mail ballot. They should wear a mask, bring their own blue- or black-in pen and follow social distancing guidelines.

The Department of State is supplying counties with masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, floor marking tape and other supplies for polling places so Pennsylvanians can safely exercise their right to vote during the COVID-19 emergency.

On Nov. 3, Pennsylvania voters will elect the President and Vice President of the United States; U.S. representatives; the State Attorney General, Auditor General and Treasurer; State Representatives; and State Senators in odd-numbered districts.

“Whichever of the three options you choose – voting by mail, early in person by mail ballot or at the polls on election day – the important thing is to get out and vote,” Secretary Boockvar said.

The Department of State’s website votesPA.com also offers printable voter registration applications and tips for first-time voters.

For more information on voter registration, voting and elections call the Department of State’s toll-free hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772) or visit votesPA.com.

Fifteen (15) new cases added Sunday and Monday in Lycoming County now at 833 cases, no new deaths, 28 total deaths, with 14,502 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

2,254 Two-Day Positives Bring Statewide Total to 173,304

Pennsylvanians Urged to Download COVID Alert PA App

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., October 12, that there were 1,088 new cases, in addition to 1,166 new cases reported on Sunday, October 11 for a two-day total of 2,254 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 173,304. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between October 5 and October 11 is 239,484 with 9,117 positive cases. There were 23,061 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., October 11. These results represent the total number of tests administered.

There were 6 new deaths reported Sunday, October 11, and 18 new deaths reported for Monday, October 12 for a total of 8,368 deaths attributed to COVID-19. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

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

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

There are 1,187 cases who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 647 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,044,706 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Approximately 1% are ages 0-4;
• Nearly 2% are ages 5-12;
• Nearly 5% are ages 13-18;
• Nearly 14% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 36% are ages 25-49;
• Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
• Approximately 21% are ages 65 or older.

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

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

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 37 percent of cases so far in October;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 18 percent of cases so far in October;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to nearly 21 percent of cases so far in October;
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 21 percent of cases so far in October;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to approximately 13 percent of cases so far in October; and
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 11 percent of cases so far in October.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 23,953 resident cases of COVID-19, and 5,289 cases among employees, for a total of 29,242 at 1,007 distinct facilities in 61 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,552 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 11,345 of our total cases are among health care workers.

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

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

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

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
• Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “covid alert pa.

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

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.

Individuals claiming to represent candidates, political parties, and outside interest groups are currently contacting Lycoming County residents by phone and text message to solicit personal and financial information.

These individuals may offer to help you to register to vote or apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot by phone or text message. They may request personal or financial information such as your date of birth, driver’s license number, or Social Security Number.

Even if the offer to help is legitimate, county residents should not provide personal or financial information by phone or by text for voting purposes. It is not permissible to register to vote, apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot, or cast a ballot by phone call or text in Pennsylvania.

Worse, the offer to help may NOT be legitimate – the person contacting you could be a scammer seeking your personal or financial information in order to commit identity fraud.

If you wish to register to vote or apply for an absentee ballot for the November 3rd General Election, do not trust information provided to you by phone, text, or social media by people or organizations you do not know. Contact the Lycoming County Office of Voter Services at (570) 327-2267.

Voter Services is open Monday-Friday from 8:30-5:00.

www.lyco.org/vote