BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 18, 2020

There are three patients confirmed within the Geisinger system of care with presumed positive results for the virus that causes COVID-19 as of Tuesday evening.  According to the Sun Gazette, Geisinger media relations specialists said due to privacy concerns, they cannot confirm which facility the patients are receiving care due to privacy laws, but have said that they continue to collaborate with the PA Department of Health concerning the monitoring and care of the patients.  Geisinger experts said in a press release that before leaving home with virus symptoms, call your primary care doctor’s office or Geisinger’s hotline at 570-284-3657.

Police are searching for a suspect in a stabbing that occurred Tuesday afternoon in Williamsport near Memorial Avenue.  Williamsport police were dispatched to a fight reported around the 600 block of Elmira Street and after some investigation, discovered a 30 year old male who was the victim of a stabbing from that afternoon.  Two suspects were seen fleeing the area.  If you have information, please call Agent Justin Snyder.

Jury duty in Lycoming County has been cancelled and non-emergency matters within the court are to be handled by telephone after a judicial emergency was declared yesterday.  According to the Sun Gazette, Lycoming County President Judge Nancy Butts authorized the changes after consultation with and approval of the other county judges.   A news conference is scheduled for today with the Lycoming County Commissioners to clarify information including when upcoming scheduled trial dates will be held and the procedure of emergency court hearings while minimizing public exposure.

River Valley Transit has announced a minor reduction in bus service during non-peak times as well as the closing of their public office – but say will maintain operations with the administrative office staff  continuing to report.  There will be normal service each day from 5:30am til 10am and 2pm til 7pm, but there will be a nightline route schedule from 10am til 2pm with van service available, and service ending daily at 7pm.  The Clinton County Express service will delete the first and last trips at 5:45a.m. and 5:45p.m.  River Valley Transit is asking customers to limit fixed route transportation to essential needs only and trips may include rides to work, medical appointments and grocery stores. Buses are cleaned and sanitized daily with enhanced detailed procedures recently put in place

There is an off-site evaluation tent being set up outside of Geisinger Medical Center’s main campus in Danville for remote screening of the virus that causes COVID-19 as concerns of its’ spread loom into our area.  Procedures and screening protocols have been set up to minimize the exposure to other patients and health care workers.  According to the Daily Item, Geisinger’s chief medical officer said that when patients who feel they have symptoms of the virus call ahead to be screened, a facility can be alerted and someone will meet them in protective clothing.  Geisinger’s hotline at 570-284-3657.  More information about the triage center will be made available as it is released.

The Lycoming County Commissioners have made a statement on social media designating all county employees as mission essential and anticipated that all County employees will continue working. According to the post, employees are to utilize their Long Term Sick days without having to first use the three days pooled leave to address individual coronavirus related requirements. They said if Federal or State Assistance resources become available, the county will reimburse employees’ leave or long term sick accounts for the number of days or hours utilized.  The commissioners encourage all county employees who m ay have traveled or have been exposed to the virus to call 1-877-PA-HEALTH to discuss symptoms and whether a test is needed.

Reps. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming/Union) and Jeff Wheeland (R-Lycoming) have canceled their Gun Law Seminar until further notice due to public health concerns and guidelines concerning the coronavirus, also referred to as COVID-19. The event was scheduled for Thursday, March 26 at the Clinton Township Fire Hall. IN addition, the district offices of Representative Wheeland and Rep. Garth Everett will be closed to walk-ins in accordance with statewide public health efforts to mitigate the COVID-19 virus. If constituents need any assistance, they are urged to fill out a contact form on repwheeland.com or repeverett.com

As part of an effort to keep residents and visitors safe from potentially contracting COVID-19, City Council’s meeting Thursday has been canceled until next month. Council committees on safety, finance, public works and economic revitalization will be held as usual, according to Council President Randall J. Allison said. The decision to postpone the meeting was made in a resolution approved by council, he said  Also by resolution, Mark Killian, city fire chief, was approved by council to be the city emergency management coordinator, and will apply for reimbursement on expenses the city incurs as part of its prevention of COVID-19, Allison said.

The Little League International Board of Directors and staff has advised all its local Little League programs to suspend their Little League seasons through no earlier than Monday, May 11 and implore clubs to follow this recommendation.  In a press release, Little League International said they are working through all possible scenarios for the 2020 Little League International Tournament and tournament play.   Little League will continue to provide additional guidance on the impact of delaying the season and has developed a series of FAQs available at LittleLeague.org/Coronavirus.

Sports
NFL
Tom Brady said goodbye to the New England Patriots in a series of Instagram posts yesterday, ending his 20-year run with them.  He is expected to become a Tampa Bay Buccaneer according to ESPN reports.

Phillip Rivers of the Chargers has signed a 1-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts to become their new quarterback.

PGA GOLF
The PGA Championship set to be played May 14-17 At Harding Park in San Francisco has been postponed to an undetermined date.

Horse Racing

The Kentucky Derby set to be run May 2nd has been moved to September 5thThe first time the derby won’t be run the 1st Saturday in May since 1945 when it was held June 9th after racing was suspended until the end of WWII

NY PENN League

Williamsport Crosscutter Season set to begin June 19th

TENNIS
French Open has been delayed from May until September 20th at Roland Garros in Paris

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