PA GOES GREEN, MORE ON THE WAY
The commonwealth has achieved a big milestone in the fight against covid-19. All 67 counties are not in the red anymore, including even the hardest hit areas around Philadelphia, and it’s looking good moving forward for many of the counties as we reopen. Yesterday, Lycoming County was among 34 of 67 counties announced to be transitioning into the green phase. In Governor Wolf’s daily press conference, he said the data continues to show a decline in case counts. Next Friday an additional 12 counties will transition into the green, including Adams, Beaver, Carbon, Columbia, Cumberland, Juniata, Mifflin, Northumberland, Union, Wayne Wyoming and York Counties. While Governor Wolf is very proud of Pennsylvanians for attaining green status, he says counties need to remain vigilant, wearing masks and following safety guidelines to prevent new infections.
PEACEFUL PROTESTS IN WILLIAMSPORT
Yesterday Memorial Park and Bowman Field were filled with Williamsport area residents in protest of recent charges of police brutality against George Floyd. Hundreds of walkers, including many local leaders participated in the 7.42 mile pro-equality march from Memorial Park to the Broad Street Bridge in Montoursville. According to the Sun Gazette, Mayor Derek Slaughter commented on the “Walk about it Be About it” walk, saying he hears their voices and supports them in Williamsport.
SCHOOLS PREPARE FOR FALL REOPENING
After Governor Wolf announced guidelines this week for schools and universities to begin reopening in June and July around the commonwealth, school have ramped up and are getting ready for a new normal in the fall. Schools have been given the option to provide hybrid instruction between in-person and online learning. Deputy Secretary of the office of elementary and secondary education, Matt Stem said that required elements of reopening such as cleaning and social distancing will be addressed by school leaders at a local level while following the CDC guidelines.
FATAL ACCIDENT IN MUNCY VALLEY
PennDOT is detouring traffic this morning onto Route 42 in Muncy Valley and Laporte after a fatal vehicle crash that closed both lanes of Route 220 in Davidson Township, Sullivan County. According to WNEP, 60 year old Kenneth Mann from Eagles Mere was on Rt 220 attempting a left turn near Muncy Valley when his and another car collided. Police say Mann was pronounced dead at the scene. Traffic is being detoured onto Route 42. The road is expected to be closed for several hours.
LIBRARY INITIATIVE GETS PARENTS READING TO KIDS
Northumberland, Snyder and Union county libraries are trying to start a local movement called the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge. The movement is meant to develop early literacy skills, and by reading just one book a day out loud to children, the 1,000 book goal can be reached in just 3 years. According to the sun gazette, library officials say that Reading is fundamental to the healthy physical, emotional development of a child, get details at 1000 books before kindergarten dot org
PENNDOT ROADWORK EXTENDED
Lane restrictions will continue next week on Interstate 80 in both the eastbound and westbound lanes in Liberty Township, Montour County. Motorists will see work starting Sunday evening through Friday, June 12 weather permitting. All work will be done between the hours of 7:00 PM and 10:00 AM each day. Watch for short term lane restrictions and crews between mile markers 217 and 233, both eastbound and westbound. This is part of a 6-mile roadway restoration project patching deteriorated concrete, sealing joints and updating guide rails.
LOCAL GRADUATIONS
Several Graduation Ceremonies in the area took place this past week with Jersey Shore getting set for their commencement today. Last Wednesday night 132 seniors from Hughesville High School watched a jumbo screen from their cars at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds featuring a video presentation of the students receiving their diplomas, Thursday, Williamsport Area high school live-streamed 317 seniors graduating, in cars with families in tow, through the school’s bus loop to celebrate their 149th annual commencement. Last night, Loyalsock, Montgomery and South Williamsport celebrated their seniors as well. Congratulations to the class of 2020, from everyone at Backyard Broadcasting.
Sports
MiLB
The Williamsport Crosscutters New York – Pennsylvania league season was originally scheduled to begin June 18th. They have recently released a statement notifying the public that they doubt the season will start on time due to the ongoing corona virus pandemic.
NBA
The Chicago Bulls were one of 7 teams not invited to finish up the 2020 season. Bulls star Zack LaVine during an interview that its upsetting and that they need to do a lot of things differently to get themselves more recognition.
NCAA Football
Pennsylvania State University is bringing football players back on June 15. 75 student athletes that have been medically cleared will be able to begin voluntary workouts next Monday.
