BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 15, 2020

The 150th Lycoming County Fair has been postponed until 2021, President of the Lycoming County Fair, Rocky Reed, says it’s a tough decision – and they are less than 3 months out , the fair will have to face the likelihood of having to follow  state and federal guidelines .  Reed says he can’t predict  how any social distancing guidelines will be this summer so it’s better to keep the community safe.  Stay up to date with Lycoming County Fair plans for 2021 at the Lycoming County Fair Facebook page.

PA Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine reported new numbers of COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania.  As of yesterday at midnight there are 1,146 New cases of the coronavirus, bringing a statewide total to 25, 345.  There are 60 new deaths reported bringing that total in the commonwealth to 584.  The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported yesterday only one new case of COVID-19 was reported in Lycoming county for a total of 29 cases  and there are no deaths here. Dr Levine says that 108,286 PA patients have tested negative for the virus and that 40 percent of those testing positive are still in the 25-49 year old age group.  She says the Department is struggling to get an accurate picture of who is testing positive in the state for the virus because they find that data about race and ethnicity is missing from 60 percent of the reports submitted.  So they have enacted a requirement so they can collect the data from labs and medical providers.   All the numbers are compiled on the PA Department of Health website at health.pa.gov.

The Williamsport Regional Airport will receive help through the Corona Virus Aid, Relief and Economic Security – or CARES Act Airport Grant Program to replace lost revenue from a decline in airport business.  According to the Sun Gazette, Airport Executive Director Richard Howell said that $17.9 million in federal money is part of a large sum shared between 63 airports.  Howell said there will a discussion with the Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority on how to use the approved funding.

There will be more buses weekdays on the River Valley Transit Route to reduce overcrowding.  According to a news release by the transportation company, 2 more buses will be added between 10am and 2pm and that Additional timepoints have been added going both East and West departing from the Trade & Transit Center.  Bus operators have been given masks, gloves and cleaning agents Riders are asked to only use bus service to go to work, medical appointments, grocery stores and other essential trips. Passengers are not required to purchase fare or passes to ride River Valley Transit buses Get details at rideRVT.com

A Limestone Township man has been charged with terroristic threats after threatening to kill his girlfriend in their 430 Shadle Road home on April 9th.  According to the Sun Gazette, court papers say state troopers arrived on the scene after 34 year old Christopher Ungard allegedly punched the woman in the forehead causing a laceration that required stitches.  UNgard who now lives in Linden  was arraigned and released on 15 thousand dollars bail.

The current State police training class of about 100 cadets will continue their education at home after an enlisted staff member at the Hershey facility tested positive for COVID-19 and the facility will be closed for two weeks.  All activities and classes  at the facility have been suspended since March.  The Bureau of Training and Education for the state police is working to adjust instruction so that the current class can graduate by July 24 as scheduled.  Get details at psp.pa.gov.

Sports
NHL
The NHL won’t start back up this month, extending its self quarantine recommendation for players and staff and coaches through April 30.

MLB
Hank Steinbrenner the co-owner of the New York Yankees, has died after a long battle with an undisclosed illness. He was 63 Hank and Hal Steinbrenner were the two sons of the late George Steinbrenner who was with the team in the late 90s and 2000s

MLS
The major league soccer season is being delayed even longer and the season will likely have to be shortened. Official say starting back up in mid-May is unlikely

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