MASKING ORDER TAKES PLACE SUNDAY
Yesterday, Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine announced that starting 8 p.m., April 19, under a new directive, shoppers and employees will be required to wear face coverings at retail stores, including supermarkets. Pennsylvania joins New York state where on Wednesday Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered residents to wear face coverings in public settings such as public transit and grocery stores. The full order is available on Governor Wolf’s website. The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced new numbers of COVID-19 cases as of yesterday and they remain similar to yesterday. There are 1, 145 new cases in Pennsylvania with a statewide total of 26, 490. There are 63 new deaths bringing the statewide total to 647.
MAN GOES TO POLICE AND ADMITS TO HOMICIDE
A man from Shamokin was charged with criminal homicide after he walked into the police station this week and admitted to officers there that he killed his girlfriend. According to the Daily Item, 38 year old Andre Stone, of South Market St went to the station Tuesday afternoon and showed a picture from his phone of 45 year old Dawn Latsha laying on the floor, claiming he strangled her. Northumberland County Coroner Jim Kelley officially confirmed the homicide Wednesday. Stone is set to appear for a preliminary arraignment in Shamokin April 21st.
TORNADO IN SOUTH CAROLINA PROMPTS POTENTIAL INMATE TRANSFER
A tornado has damaged a prison in Estill, SC and has prompted the potential transfer of nearly 1000 prisoners to the Lewisburg area while repairs are made. According to the Sun Gazette the transfer will be a major challenge as resources are already limited during the pandemic. There is no set date on the transfer yet
UNION COUNTY FOURTH OF JULY PARADE
Another favorite summer event will be scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Union County Veterans 4th of July Parade has been canceled for this Summer. One of the biggest parades in our region, normally takes place on the last Saturday of June in downtown Lewisburg. Committee President Terry Burke says the decision was made in the interest of safety for the community, participants and spectators. They’ll focus on planning their next parade, set for June 2021.
COVID CASES ANALYZED IN SENIOR AND LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES
Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine pointed out that the health department has analyzed the percentages of those infected with the corona virus who live in long term care facilities in the state, finding more than 33 hundred cases in 297 facilities in 33 counties. She says the Health Department is working to keep seniors safe. A county by county breakdown of the is available at health.pa.gov.
TWO ARRESTED AFTER FLEEING FROM POLICE LAST WEEK
Officers who had stopped two men for a traffic violation Tuesday sought medical attention after one suspect blew a white powdery substance, feared to be Fentanyl, in the policeman’s face. They fled the scene, but police identified William West as the driver Tavian McCall of Williamsport was also in the vehicle. McCall was arrested on a bike near his home this week. He was arraigned Lycoming County Court and committed to prion in lieu of 85 thousand dollar bail. West was arrested in South Williamsport Wednesday and is in jail on a probation violation.
DRIVER OF OVERTURNED TRUCK IDENTIFIED
The driver of the truck carrying a load of applesauce who crashed on the Market Street Bridge Thursday, April 9 has been identified. According to the Sun Gazette, 33 year old Tony Krause Jr, of Carbon County was exiting Interstate I-80 East when he clipped a concrete barrier flipping his rig on the driver’s side. An ambulance transported him to UPMC Williamsport where he was treated and later released.
TWO LOCAL STUDENTS GET PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Two local students join others in Northeast PA and were awarded Presidential scholarships to Albright College for their outstanding academic records. Elisa Dinicola, of Williamsport, a senior at Loyalsock Township Senior High School and Jessica Piergallini, of Lock Haven, a senior at Central Mountain High School as wellas seniors from Bradford and Tioga Counties will receive 15 thousand dollars per year. Students who are presidential scholars usually are ranked n the top 5% of their class and show a strong commitment to service.
Sports
NFL
Rams center Brian Allen, has tested positive for the coronavirus. A spokesperson confirmed he had light symptoms, but is feeling much better now.
Willie Davis, Legendary five time all pro for the green bay packers has died at age 85. He was hospitalized for nearly a month before succumbing to kidney failure on Wednesday.
MLB
Justin Verlander, starting pitcher for huston Astros,’ resumes throwing after groin surgery. Due to the delay of the start of the season, the starting pitcher has more time for rehabilitation.
NBA
The Chinese Basketball Association is following suit with the NBA as government tightens restrictions on travel by non citizen residents and large sports events. The season restart is now postponed until at least July.
Little League
Little League Baseball CEO Steve Keener, during an appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter last night, said that it will be “three or four weeks” until a decision is made on whether or not this year’s World Series will take place in South Williamsport. The tournament is scheduled to begin on August 20th.
