DEATH INVESTIGATION
State Police in Milton are investigating suspicious deaths on Black Run Road in Buffalo Township, Union County. On March 14, just after 8:30 am, William and Nancy Wise were discovered deceased, as reported by the Daily Item. The case remains under investigation. There is no threat to the public at this time.
VIDEO WINS AWARD FOR WILLIAMSPORT HIGH SCHOOL
A Williamsport Area High School video produced to help raise awareness on mental health stigmas and suicide prevention received first place in a recent statewide PSA contest conducted by Prevent Suicide PA (PSPA). The video, created by members of the high school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Club, earned the top spot in the 60-second category through online votes received from both students and the broader public.The club will be recognized for their winning production at an upcoming MLB game. To view the high school’s video, visit www.wasd.org.
MIDDLE STATES COMMISSION INITIAL APPROVAL
The integration of Lock Haven, Bloomsburg and Mansfield universities has received initial approval by the institutional accrediting agency, Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Accreditation by Middle States is required by the U.S. Department of Education and assures students, families and communities the university has completed a rigorous review process and provides a high-quality education. Earlier this month, the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education voted to approve the name Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania to represent the integrated entity for Lock Haven, Bloomsburg and Mansfield universities.
THEFT OF COPPER GETS COUPLE JAIL TIME
On Saturday, just after 6:30 am, two Williamsport residents burglarized and stole copper piping and valves from a vacant building located at 1955 East Third Street in Loyalsock Township. State Police from Montoursville report James and Cheryl Kane took upwards of $205 worth of copper product. They were located, taken into custody, charged and committed to Lycoming County Prison.
FORMER BLUE JAYS PITCHER JESSE LITSCH TO LEAD CUTTERS IN ‘22
Major League Baseball and the Williamsport Crosscutters have announced that former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jesse Litsch has been tabbed to manage the Cutters in 2022. Litsch was drafted in the 24th round of the 2004 June Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays and spent 5 seasons in MLB with Toronto (2007-2011). Williamsport is one of six founding members of the MLB Draft League which begins its second season in 2022. The inaugural MLB Draft League campaign saw a total of 39 players drafted by MLB Clubs and over 90 players signing pro contracts. The 2022 Williamsport Crosscutters home opener is scheduled for Thursday, June 2 at Muncy Bank Ballpark as the Cutters host the State College Spikes. The team had previously announced new game times for the upcoming season with Monday-Saturday contests starting at 6:35pm and Sunday games at 4:05pm. Gates open one hour prior to game time. The 2022 season features 40 home games, more than ever before, and the debut of Muncy Bank Ballpark’s new $700,000 video board.
SUNSHINE PROTECTION ACT MOVES TO HOUSE
The Senate unanimously approved a measure Tuesday that would make daylight saving time permanent across the United States next year. The bipartisan bill, named the Sunshine Protection Act, would ensure Americans would no longer have to change their clocks twice a year. But the bill still needs approval from the House, and the signature of President Joe Biden, to become law. According to Sen Ed Markey of Massachusetts, the original cosponsor of the legislation, “No more switching clocks, more daylight hours to spend outside after school and after work, and more smiles — that is what we get with permanent Daylight Saving Time.” Daylight saving time is defined as a period between spring and fall when clocks in most parts of the country are set one hour ahead of standard time. Americans last changed their clocks on Sunday. Standard time lasts for roughly four months in most of the country. Markey said Tuesday, “Now, I call on my colleagues in the House of Representatives to lighten up and swiftly pass the Sunshine Protection Act.”
EQUAL PAY DAY
The Pennsylvania Commission for Women, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, and other stakeholders highlighted the importance of Equal Pay Day and the importance of eliminating the gender wage gap. Equal Pay Day marks how far into the year women must work in order to be paid what men were paid in the previous calendar year. On average, women who work fulltime are paid just 83 cents per every dollar men are paid and nearly two-thirds of people making the minimum wage are women. Governor Tom Wolf has called for a minimum wage increase every year that he has been in office, and once again, he is calling for the General Assembly to raise the wage for working Pennsylvanians.
MEETING TO FIND THE AGREEMENT
A solid arrangement between the Williamsport Bureau of Fire and the South Williamsport Fire Department will be the topic of a meeting today. In attendance will be fire administration from the Williamsport Bureau of Fire and members of the South Williamsport borough administration. The meeting is aimed at creating an agreement, much like the one that is already in place with the Williamsport Bureau of fire and Old Lycoming township for over the past 20 years. As reported by Sun Gazette, South Williamsport Borough Manager Steven W Cappelli described the current situation with the South Williamsport Fire Department as dire. He expressed a concern that there is a lack of manpower to respond to emergencies. For the next three months, the fire department, under Chief Tyler Dickson, will have the huge job of recruitment and recovery for a department that has been struggling.
