Breaking News

COVID-19

Lawmaker monitoring virus outbreak at federal prison

A federal lawmaker said his office is keeping a close eye on a recent outbreak of COVID-19 among inmates at a Union County prison in his congressional district. Thirty-three prisoners recently tested positive for coronavirus at USP Lewisburg, bringing the number of cases there to 35. The big jump in COVID-19 cases reportedly came after inmates had been restricted to their cells following the discovery of a single person at the federal prison testing positive. “Our office has reached out to USP Lewisburg leadership and offered our assistance as they continue to mitigate further ...

Pilgrims pray on peak day of hajj in shadow of coronavirus

UBAI, United Arab Emirates — Masked pilgrims arrived Thursday at Mount Arafat, a desert hill near Islam’s holiest site, to pray and repent on the most important day of the hajj, the annual pilgrimage in Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The global coronavirus pandemic has cast a shadow over every ...

School District outlines plan for fall opening

The Loyalsock Township School District plans for a full opening, five days a week, with classes beginning Aug. 31, according to Gerald McLaughlin, district superintendent. What students can expect when they return was detailed at the school board meeting held via ZOOM Wednesday. Students will take classes coinciding with the county’s phase; red, yellow or green, with the option of online learning at any time. Under the green phase instruction would be in-person, which is what the district is aiming for at the opening of school. The yellow phase offers a hybrid model and the red ...

LHU plans ‘mostly’ remote learning

LOCK HAVEN — Lock Haven University recently announced the decision to move to a mostly remote learning environment for the fall 2020 semester with limited exceptions and limited on-campus residency. This is a revision of earlier announced plans, which relied more on face-to-face instruction and a semi-traditional on campus experience. Looking at the recent rapid rise in COVID-19 infections across the country, Dr. Robert Pignatello, LHU president, said LHU has reached the consensus that bringing the entire campus community — about 3,500 students, faculty and staff — back is ...

South Williamsport board reveals back-to-school plans

The health and safety plan for South Williamsport Area School District this fall will include face masks and shields, sanitizing stations and iPads for all students. To best implement social distancing and remain safe from the spread of COVID-19, district students will rotate between reporting to school buildings for learning two days a week and staying home the other three days for their education, Superintendent Dr. Mark Stamm reported to the school board Monday night. “This is not where I want to be,” Stamm said. “But I do think it’s safest for students and staff. I ...

Resident questions commissioner about Little League trip and wearing of masks

A resident’s inquiry as to why local Little Leaguers playing catch on the lawn of the White House last week did not wear masks set off a discussion about remaining safe from COVID-19. Bill Fenderson said he felt the group of players from the Montoursville Little League and their chaperones should have set an example to others around the nation about the need for masks during the coronavirus pandemic. Commissioner Scott Metzger, who serves as president of the Little League, said all precautions were taken to ensure that everyone was safe from COVID-19 during the visit to Washington, ...