FORMER SHOP-VAC EMPLOYEE FILES SUIT IN FEDERAL COURT
A former Shop-Vac employee who was affected by the shut-down in September 2020 has now asked for class action lawsuit certification against the Williamsport Company in federal court on behalf of her and 400 employees who were also terminated. According to Penn Live, Candice Gair filed a complaint in 2021 saying Shop-Vac violated the WARN Act when they shut down the company in September of 2021 without a mandatory 60 day notice. Gair also filed an amendment to the complaint adding Great Star as a defendant as the company who purchased Shop-Vac’s assets and continues its operations. Great Star says in court documents that they were a faltering company and are not required to follow the WARN Act. The suit is seeking unpaid wages, benefits, vacation and pension contributions.
WATER TESTING FOR FOREVER CHEMICALS TO START IN 2024
Water in Pennsylvania will be regulated next year for a maximum limit of two certain chemicals found in about of the quarter of drinking water in the state. According to North Central PA dot com, the Bay Journal reports, that Pennsylvania’s Environmental Quality Board have flagged the two contaminants PFOA’s and PFOS’s, known by some as “forever chemicals” for their link to decreased fertility, developmental delays for children and reduced immunity. The levels will now require monitoring after January 1, 2024 in water systems serving more than 350 people. Smaller systems have until January of 2025 to monitor for the chemicals. There is legislation in the PA Senate to reduce the use of firefighting foams that contain PFASs.
NEW POLLING PLACE IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP
Lycoming County Voter Services has announced a new polling place in Loyalsock Township for the next two elections in the cycle of 2023. According to the Sun Gazette, the voters in Loyalsock Township’s 7th precinct who would normally vote at Greenview Alliance Church on Warrensville Road will vote at Saint Ann Roman Catholic Church on Northway Road on May 16th and November 7th this year. If you have questions about the change email [email protected].
LEAD IN AMMO, SINKERS, A THREAT TO WILDLIFE
A bald eagle found injured in Mifflinburg and brought under the care of Centre Wildlife Care, died last week from lead poisoning after coming in contact with or eating roadkill meat that was contaminated with lead shotgun pellets or sinkers from fishing. According to North Central PA dot com, experts at the rehab center say many birds and other wildlife can suffer from lead poisoning and say just one lead pellet in a bird can be deadly. They ask that outdoorsmen consider the impact their ammo choices have on the environment and suggest using the lead ammo you may have on hand for targets and use non-lead ammo for hunting. Go to centrewildlife.org for more information.
POLICE INVESTIGATING HUMMELS WHARF CAR BREAK-INS
State police in Selinsgrove are investigating after there were reports of thefts from vehicles that were parked at a Hummels Wharf restaurant. According to police reports, during business hours windows were broken of locked cars and items were taken from the vehicle. Witnesses say they saw three men fleeing the scene in a dark blue Toyota Highlander. Troopers said they recovered items that had been stolen strewn along Routes 11-15 north. If you have information about the theft, contact State Police in Selinsgrove.
RECOUNT COST LESS THAN ANTICIPATED
The cost of the hand recount of the November 2020 ballots undertaken by the Lycoming County Voter Services after it was requested by citizens concerned about fraud, turned out to be much less than originally thought. According to the Sun Gazette, County Commissioners Scott Metzger said the cost of the recount came in at 11 thousand 452 dollars and 97 cents which is about 10 cents from each resident in the county. Metzger also praised the Director of Voter Services, Forest Lehman for managing the work who said the process did not uncover any fraud or rogue uncounted ballots. Local lawyer Karen DiSalvo said during the public comment period at the Board of Elections meeting that they will next target alleged fraud in military and overseas ballots.
NEW CHIEF OF POLICE IN LOCK HAVEN
There is a new police chief in Lock Haven. According to the Daily Item Chief Matthew Rickard was officially sworn in Monday night by Mayor Joel Long. Rickard had been serving as Assistant police chief since September, and took over after Kristin Smith retired from the department in December. Rickard is former marine and a Lock Haven High School and Indiana University graduate, who started his career in Woodward Township, then moved to Centre County and finally came to Lock Haven in 2020.
RIVER OF THE YEAR AWARDED TO LOCAL WATERWAY
The North Branch of the Susquehanna was named the state’s 2023 River of the Year by a public vote. The river that flows from the New York state line to Sunbury near Shikellamy State Park touches eight Pennsylvania counties. According to DCNR 11,438 votes were cast, with Susquehanna River North Branch receiving the most votes 4,098; followed by the Perkiomen Creek 3,110; Conestoga River 2,490; and Schuylkill River 1,740. Endless Mountains Heritage Region who nominated the river, will receive a $10,000 Leadership Grant for 2023 River of the Year activities.
SPORTS
NBA
76ers 137 Nets 133
Magic 126 Pacers 120
Wizards 108 Rockets 103
Bucks 107 Nuggets 99
Timberwolves 111 Pelicans 102
Hawks 137 Thunder 132
Warriors 122 Grizzlies 120
Trailblazers 134 Jazz 124
Raptors 113 Kings 95
Lakers 113 Spurs 104
NHL
Senators 2 Islanders 1
Maple Leafs 3 Rangers 2
Hurricanes 3 Stars 2
Blue Jackets 3 Oilers 2
Kraken 6 Canucks 1
NCAA Men’s Basketball
Alabama 66 Mississippi State 63
Houston 82 UCF 71
Tennessee 70 Georgia 41
Xavier 82 UConn 79
Texas A&M 79 Auburn 63
Providence 79 Butler 58
