WILLIAMSPORT DIGS OUT FROM OVER A FOOT OF SNOW
The City of Williamsport and her residents will continue to plow and shovel today as the last of the Nor’easter over our region is expected to wind down. According to the Sun Gazette, the city of Williamsport will focus on snow removal from the main city-owned roadways, the central business district and then PennDOT maintained streets first, with secondary streets and alleys the next priority. River Valley Transit has cancelled some routes but Loyalsock and Montoursville routes will depart from the Trade & Transit Centre on the hour and half hour during snow emergency conditions. The Williamsport Parking authority has waived the fees in the 3rd street Parking garage and the Church Street Transportation Center 24 hours a day through Thursday at 8am to keep roadways clear while plowing goes on this week in the city.
PA SECRETARY OF STATE ERROR LEADS TO RESIGNATION
Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar is under fire for a major error that will delay justice for survivors of sexual assault in Pennsylvania and will resign her position February 5th, 2021. According to SpotlightPA, Boockvar’s department made an error in not generating the mandatory advertisement of an amendment that would legally open a window of legislation for child sexual abuse survivors who have aged out of the statute of limitations. As a result of the oversight, legislation concerning the key recommendation from a 2018 report about abuse in the Catholic Church will not be addressed until 2023 keeping the issue from the ballot this spring. Boockvar said she found out about the mistake last week and told the Governor.
POLICE SEEK INFORMATION ABOUT CITY SHOOTING
There was a shooting in Williamsport Monday that left one man injured and police searching for information. According to the Sun Gazette, police were called to Stinson Alley near Park Avenue around 2pm. Williamsport police Chief Damon Hagan said officers confirmed the shooting at the scene due to blood in the area of the incident, and that the unidentified victim went to UPMC Williamsport on his own with non-life threatening injuries. If the public has any information, they should call officer Aaron Levan at 570-327-7548.
VACCINE CLINIC TO OPEN AT NOON
Geisinger’s four community COVID-19 vaccine centers will open today at noon due to the winter storm. The Vaccine Centers near Danville, Lewistown and Jersey Shore, in addition to the one in Jenkins Township will be rescheduling morning appointments for those who have already made arrangements to be vaccinated. Get additional details and contact information at Geisinger.org/COVIDvax.
THE GROUNDHOG MAKES HIS PREDICTION
Cloudy weather didn’t matter this morning when Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and predicted 6 more weeks of winter. The event was virtual this year after the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club posted on social media that the risks of COVID are too great to have a live festival at Gobbler’s Knob. Watch the festivities online and get information at groundhog.org. The town in Jefferson County has been celebrating Groundhog Day officially since 1886.
ANNUAL BUDGET ADDRESS DELAYED DUE TO WEATHER
The snowstorm has delayed Pennsylvania’s annual budget address that Governor Wolf was to make today in Harrisburg. The first Tuesday during the first full week in February is the traditional day to deliver an address on state spending plans, but weather restrictions and roadway conditions across the state, forced other legislative hearings and sessions to be rescheduled. The format of the delivery of Wolf’s address will be different this year as well because of the pandemic. He will deliver a pre-recorded address that the lawmakers will be able to watch from their own chambers or from home.
FATAL SHOOTING OF JUVENILE IN POTTER COUNTY LAST WEEK
A 12 year old boy died last week in Potter County from a single gunshot wound. According to the Sun Gazette, state police are investigating the shooting that occurred last Thursday in Harrison Township. Police say the would was a single bullet that killed the boy. NO other details were released. If You know anything about the shooting or the circumstances, call Coudersport Police 814-274-8690.
ROAD RESTRICTIONS ON INTERSTATES
The weather will keep Pennsylvania roadways restricted today after PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission implemented additional restrictions on trucks and other vehicles on certain roadways around the state since Monday, until conditions warrant their removal, possibly later today. Motorists are urged to avoid travel if possible. Tier 3 Conditions are in place for the Turnpike and many interstates on the eastern side of the commonwealth. Tier 4 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan restricts commercial vehicles on I-80 , between Interstate 1-99 to the NJ border.
SPORTS
NBA
Lakers beat the Hawks 107 to 99, Hornets beat Heat 129 to 121, Cavaliers beat the Timberwolves 100 to 98, the Bulls beat the Knicks 110 to 102, the Bucks beat the Trailblazers 134 to 106, Kings beat the Pelicans 118 to 108, Rockets beat Thunder 136 to 106, Suns beat the Mavericks 109 to 108, Grizzlies beat the Spurs 133 to 102, Pistons and Nuggets were postponed
NHL
Rangers beat the Penguins 3 to 1, Bruins beat the Capitals 5 to 3, Lightning beat Predators 5 to 2, Canadians beat the Canucks 6-2, Flames beat Jets 4 to 3, Golden Knights and Sharks were postponed
The New Jersey Devils have also postponed their next three games this week as 10 players are currently on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol-related absences list.
Super Bowl LV (55)
Sunday, February 7 at 6:30 PM on CBS at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay Florida, Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
