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Council asked to place disc golf proposal on agenda

A Williamsport man who is pursuing a disc golf course concept in Brandon Park asked members of City Council to place the proposal on an upcoming agenda for a discussion and a possible vote one way or the other. Nicholas Saramandich said he recently brought the concept before the Brandon Park Commission, as a courtesy because it is the recommending or advisory body for issues first needing to be addressed at the 43-acre park. He said he received initial push back on his idea of a proposed limited nine-hole disc golf course that he believes could be designed not to be intrusive or ...

McCormick, Fetterman cosponsor bill to prevent Chinese-made optical transceivers from being used in sensitive national security systems

U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pittsburgh and U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Braddock, are cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to prevent Chinese-made optical transceivers from being used in the federal government’s most sensitive national security systems. According to a news release, Chinese manufacturers have become major suppliers of optical transceivers, creating U.S. alliance on these critical components which move data through high-speed fiber-optic networks, including the networks powering artificial intelligence. Because advanced transceivers can contain reprogrammable firmware, ...

Foster care program helps children in difficult circumstances

When a child is removed from their home due to neglect or abuse, it’s important that they have somewhere to go that still has a familiarity. That’s where a community of people willing to open up their homes as foster parents steps in and offers that secure space and continuity. ...

Lycoming County native to appear on Shark Tank

Many people dream of coming up with that one invention or idea that will push them into the realm of fame and fortune, and now one Lycoming County native will shoot for the stars as Kevin Langdon appears on the season premiere of ABC’s Shark Tank Wednesday. “I’m definitely a serial ...

Lycoming County commissioners talk budgets — the good and the bad

In the fall, the commissioners’ thoughts turn to budgets and, according to Lycoming County Commissioner Marc Sortman’s report at this week’s meeting, the news surrounding the budget is both good and bad. The bad news is that, although the county is roughly 72 percent into the financial year, some of the county departments have used 90 percent of their budget for the year. “We’ve asked all of our employees to be very cautious of spending throughout the rest of the year, so that we’re sure to finish this year at a break even,” he said. The county will need to do a Tax ...

Commonwealth University to cut around 175 employees across campuses

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania expects to lay off as many as 175 people next year, according to a report by State College-based WPSU. The report said university officials expect the cuts to affect all three campuses — Lock Haven, Mansfield and Bloomsburg — and could include about 75 faculty and about 100 staff. The university said retirements, resignations and other savings may reduce the number of layoffs, and the overhaul will protect “students’ ability to complete their degrees.” According to a statement from a university spokesperson, the goal is to “create ...