Thursday’s high, 50; Overnight low, 33

CLOUDS WILL INCREASE TODAY. IT’LL BE WINDY CHANCE OF SHOWERS A HIGH OF 45.

 CLOUDY TONIGHT LOW 36.

MOSTLY SUNNY TOMORROW AND WARMER A HIGH 55.

 THEN MOSTLY CLOUDY TOMORROW NIGHT A LOW OF 40.

 ON SUNDAY MOSTLY CLOUDY AND A HIGH OF 56

To hear the complete weekend forecast, click on start button below:

 Virus patients total more than 7,000 in state….is present in 60 counties but nearly 48, have tested negative….Deadline for license to carry firearms has been extended…Penn State Experts say water is safe to consume….State police look for person who left a dead dog in suitcase……

To hear today’s podcast, click on start button below: 

The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., April 2, that there are 1,211 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 7,016 in 62 counties. The department also reported 16 new deaths among positive cases, bringing the statewide total to 90.. All people are either in isolation at home or being treated at the hospital.

County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the department’s website.There are 47,698 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

Nearly 1% are aged 0-4;

Nearly 1% are aged 5-12;

1% are aged 13-18;

Nearly 9% are aged 19-24;

Nearly 41% are aged 25-49;

Nearly 29% are aged 50-64; and

19% are aged 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are aged 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. There have been no pediatric deaths to date. More data is available here.

All non-life-sustaining businesses are ordered to be closed and schools are closed statewide indefinitely. Currently the entire state is under a stay-at-home order.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

The Pennsylvania State Police announced that Governor Tom Wolf has granted an extension to license to carry firearms permits. Permits expired on March 19, 2020 or later have been extended to May 30, 2020. The extension is necessary because some sheriff’s departments have been unable to conduct the necessary background investigations for license to carry renewal applications during the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic.

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

Experts around the world agree that drinking water is not a source of the novel coronavirus causing the global COVID-19 pandemic, so that should be one less thing for stressed-out Pennsylvania residents to worry about, according to a Penn State Extension educator .According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, the novel coronavirus has not been found in drinking water. That’s a very strong indication that drinking water can be obtained from your normal sources, says Danielle Rhea, water resources extension educator based in Jefferson County.“WHO has stated that the virus that causes COVID-19 has not been detected in drinking water supplies, indicating that the risk to water supplies is low,” she said. “Consequently, it is recommended that Americans continue to use their usual source of drinking water without concern for its safety.”With the recent spread of COVID-19, people have been stockpiling many daily essentials including toilet paper, food and bottled water, Rhea noted. People are clearly concerned about having enough water for themselves and their households. While the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends storing one gallon of water per person per day for a 14-day period as a general emergency preparedness guideline, Rhea added, federal agencies such as the CDC and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency currently are not recommending people purchase additional bottled water. Significant precautions have long been in place to protect public drinking water, Rhea pointed out. Consumers who get their tap water from a public drinking water supply should know that public drinking water suppliers in the United States must meet drinking water standards for more than 90 contaminants as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act. One category of contaminants regulated under this act includes microorganisms such as viruses, coliform bacteria, E. coli, Cryptosporidium and Giardia.

“Safe drinking water standards require these waterborne pathogens to be absent from public drinking water, so public water systems treat water using filtration and disinfection,” she said. “These processes remove or kill pathogens that may exist in drinking water.”Even if the coronavirus was able to live and spread from person to person through drinking water, the virus is considered to be susceptible to disinfection, and it is understood that the existing filtration and disinfection methods utilized by public drinking water suppliers would be effective for this virus as well.At times, public water suppliers may issue boil-water advisories if there is a possibility that microorganisms have contaminated a community’s water. This situation is common when a water main breaks or when pipe maintenance is conducted. While boiling water is an effective method for killing pathogens, it is not currently recommended or needed as a precaution against COVID-19. “Keep in mind, this novel coronavirus has not been found in drinking water sources,” Rhea said. “People who have utilized public drinking water supplies in the past are encouraged to continue doing so.”Private drinking water considerations are different, Rhea explained. More than 1 million households in Pennsylvania get their drinking water from a private source such as a well, spring or cistern. In Pennsylvania, there are no regulations for private water system construction, maintenance, testing, treatment or quality. “If your tap water comes from one of these private water sources, know that the property owner or landlord is responsible for managing this drinking water,” Rhea said. “While not required, it is recommended that homes with private water systems regularly test their drinking water, compare their results to the federal drinking water standards, and install treatment as needed.”Homeowners concerned about bacteria and pathogens can use treatments such as ultraviolet sterilization or continuous chlorination to deactivate or kill bacteria in drinking water, she explained. While disinfection devices are effective for treating waterborne pathogens, recognize that the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water supplies, Rhea emphasized.“So additional treatment measures are not currently recommended as a precaution against the coronavirus,” she said. “People who have utilized a private drinking water source in the past are encouraged to continue doing so.”Regarding bottled water, in general, it comes from an approved source, meets all applicable federal and state standards, and is sealed in a sanitary container before being sold for human consumption. The water quality requirements for bottled water are the same as those for public water supplies; however, bottled water has additional requirements regarding product labeling and manufacturing, set forth by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Many people choose to drink bottled water over tap water because they believe it is safer, prefer the taste or because it is more convenient, Rhea suggested. And some homeowners with private wells and springs may choose to drink bottled water if their private water supply contains high levels of pollutants because it may be easier and less costly than treating their water. “But because the coronavirus has not been found in drinking water supplies and bottled water is subject to the same standards as public drinking water, it is considered equally as safe as public water supplies,” she said. “However, purchasing bottled water in an attempt to prevent the spread of the coronavirus is not encouraged.”

For more information on coronavirus and drinking water, refer to the following federal websites:

CDC: Water Transmission and COVID-19 — https://bit.ly/3btpm2t

US EPA: Coronavirus and Drinking Water and Wastewater — https://bit.ly/2xt3mWA

For more information related to drinking water safety from Penn State Extension, see:

A Guide to Private Water Systems in Pennsylvania — https://bit.ly/2wwirXA

Understanding Bottled Water — https://bit.ly/2xnuxSO

Safe Drinking Water Clinic Webinar — https://bit.ly/39pPidH

Many educational pieces about drinking water — https://bit.ly/2QNaVyt

State police at Lewis Run are looking for a person guilty of cruelty to animals. Police were sent  to an area of Route 321 and Chemical Works Road in Wetmore Township McKean County on Wednesday for a report of luggage on the side of the road and possible animal inside. Upon arriving on scene troopers located a deceased dog inside the luggage, which is described as being brown in color with black trim around the pockets with a  multicolored string hanging off the front zipper pocket. The front of the luggage is labeled “Rugged Gear.” Evidence was collected at the scene and the investigation is continuing. Anyone who has information about the crime or who can identify that luggage is asked to contact state police that was run 814.368 9230.

Troopers at Lewis Run  have charged a 28 year old Lewis Run  woman with possession of drug paraphernalia after they were called to Route 59 in Cindy Lane in Lafayette township on Wednesday night to check on the welfare of a woman  and they found her allegedly to be in possession of drug paraphernalia.

Mansfield  State Police have arrested 31 year old Sheldon Moon of Elkland  for physical harassment following a domestic dispute occurring on Route 660 and Mack road in Covington Township Wednesday evening. Police say they found that Moon had slapped and kicked 32 year old Katie Haussler of Mansfield as they were going down the road.

State police at Ridgeway have arrested 44 year old Donald Lewis of that town for DUI after pulling over his 2006 Chevrolet On the Portland Mills road on March 8, at around 3am. Police claim he was stopped for numerous traffic violations and was found to be under the influence of alcohol charges are being filed in District Court. This is Black Forest broadcasting news.

 

Wednesday’s high, 50; Overnight low, 24

SUNNY TODAY HIGH 46.

CLOUDY TONIGHT A LOW OF 34.

PARTLY CLOUDY TOMORROW HIGH 46.

CLOUDY TOMORROW NIGHT LOW 36.

SATURDAY, A SLIGHT CHANCE OF MORNING SHOWERS DAYTIME HIGH OF 55.

CLOUDY SATURDAY NIGHT LOW 43

To hear today’s complete forecast, click on start button below:

All of PA under “stay-at-home orders….Almost 1000 cases in 60 of 67 counties…Clarion and PSU SBA centers holding webinar Friday for affected businesses….PA Route 6 postpones events…..NY state woman nabbed in Tioga County after high speed chase….

To hear today’s podcast, click on start buttons below:

Part A:

Part B:

Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today announced all 67 Pennsylvania counties will be under stay-at-home orders Wednesday, April 1, at 8 p.m .Previously, there were 33 counties on statewide stay-at-home orders. The first orders were issued on March 23 for seven counties. The statewide stay-at-home order will continue until April 30. All Pennsylvania schools will remain closed until further notice and non-life-sustaining business closures remain in effect. All essential state services will continue.

Individuals may leave their residence only to perform any of the following allowable individual activities and allowable essential travel:

Tasks essential to maintain health and safety, or the health and safety of their family or household members (including pets), such as obtaining medicine or medical supplies, visiting a health care professional, or obtaining supplies they need to work from home

Getting necessary services or supplies for themselves, for their family or household members, or as part of volunteer efforts, or to deliver those services or supplies to others to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences

Engaging in outdoor activity, such as walking, hiking or running if they maintain social distancing

To perform work providing essential products and services at a life-sustaining business

To care for a family member or pet in another household

Any travel related to the provision of or access to the above-mentioned individual activities or life-sustaining business activities

Travel to care for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons

Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, for receiving meals, and any other related services

Travel to return to a place of residence from an outside jurisdiction

Travel required by law enforcement or court order

Travel required for non-residents to return to their place of residence outside the commonwealth

Anyone performing life-sustaining travel does not need paperwork to prove the reason for travel.

The following operations are exempt:

Life-sustaining business activities

Health care or medical services providers

Access to life-sustaining services for low-income residents, including food banks

Access to child care services for employees of life-sustaining businesses that remain open as follows: child care facilities operating under the Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning waiver process; group and family child care operating in a residence; and part-day school age programs operating under an exemption from the March 19, 2020 business closure Orders

News media

Law enforcement, emergency medical services personnel, firefighters

The federal government

Religious institutions

Individuals experiencing homelessness are not subject to this order but are strongly urged to find shelter and government agencies are urged to take steps needed to provide shelter for those individuals.

International students, foster youth, and any other students who would otherwise experience displacement or homelessness as a result of campus closures are exempt and may remain in campus housing.

The Department of Education will be providing updated guidance and resources on the continuity of education for students to schools in the coming days.

At this time, law enforcement will be focused on ensuring that residents are aware of the order and informing the public of social distancing practices rather than enforcement. To report a noncompliant business, contact your local law enforcement agency’s non-emergency number or the nearest Pennsylvania State Police station. Do not call 911 or the Department of Community and Economic Development to file reports. Law enforcement officers should refer to Business Closure Order Enforcement Guidance available online.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, Pennsylvanians should visit: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health Wednesday  confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., April 1, that there are 962 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 5,805 in 60 counties. The department also reported 11 new deaths among positive cases, bringing the statewide total to 74. All people are either in isolation at home or being treated at the hospital. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the department’s website.

There are 42,427 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

Nearly 1% are aged 0-4;

Nearly 1% are aged 5-12;

1% are aged 13-18;

Nearly 9% are aged 19-24;

40% are aged 25-49;

Nearly 29% are aged 50-64; and

19% are aged 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are aged 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. There have been no pediatric deaths to date. All non-life-sustaining businesses are ordered to be closed and schools are closed statewide indefinitely.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

The Clarion University SBDC, Penn State SBDC and the North Central Launchbox have joined together to host a webinar Friday April 3, 2020 from  1:00 pm to 2:30 pm  to provide answers to pressing   questions; followed by a Q & A session.

Topics to be covered are:

CARES Act

SBA Paycheck Protection Program

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans

Tax implications resulting from business impact

Information on bank financing and assistance

SBDC consulting services and resources

Speakers:

Angel Marschik, Supervisory Lender Relations Specialist , US SBA, Pittsburgh District Office

Heather Pleskonko, CPA, Senior Manager, Baker Tilly

Norm Strotman, Senior Vice President, Market Executive, Northwest Bank

Questions: Call us (814) 393-2060 or Email sbdc@clarion.edu

Colonel Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, has  announced a temporary change to the way troopers respond to select non-emergency incidents. With the goal of limiting in-person contact and mitigating the spread of COVID-19, the department has identified certain types of calls that may be resolved with limited or no on-scene response. The change went into effect April 1, 2020 and will remain until further notice.

Call types eligible for a modified response include lost and found items, littering, identity theft, and general requests to speak to a trooper. While limiting in-person contact and collecting as much information via telephone is the goal, the actual response will be based on the totality of the circumstances of each unique situation in consultation with a supervisor on duty. State police response protocol to emergencies and crimes in progress remains unchanged.

The department asks the public to be mindful of social distancing if they need to visit their local PSP station. Signs have been posted at each entrance instructing visitors not to enter the facility if they are experiencing symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Instead, they are instructed to contact the station by phone to speak to a trooper who may come outside to resolve the situation one-on-one if needed.

For a list of PSP stations, visit psp.pa.gov.

Due to uncertainty related to the coronavirus situation, the PA Route 6 Educational Summit and Annual Meeting, originally scheduled for May 13 and 14, has been rescheduled to August 5 & 6. The events will occur at the same time and same location. In relation to this, the nomination deadline for the Annual While the PA Route 6 Alliance office is currently closed, staff is still available to assist! Email info@paroute6.com for general information and questions, or reach out to staff for program-specific questions:

Candace Hillyard, Acting Executive Director

Krissy Bonning-Gould, PA Route 6 Artisan Trail Coordinator

Vanessa Billings Seiler, Facade Program Coordinator”Do 6″ Awards has been extended until Thursday, April 30.

1 West Main Street

Galeton, PA 16922

814-435-7706

info@paroute6.com

s website. There are 42,427 patients who have tested negative today.

A Horseheads New York woman was taken into custody by Mansfield based police following a  high chase occurring Monday afternoon on Route 15. in Lawrenceville. Mansfield  state police were notified by Steuben  County New York 911 that New York State Police were in pursuit of a vehicle stolen in Chemung  County which was  southbound on I -99. The vehicle continued into Pennsylvania via US 15 where state police units took over.  The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado traveled  in excess of 100 miles per hour and traveled recklessly. The truck  was brought to a stop after a successful spike strip deployment by Old Lycoming Township police department. Sarah Gulbreth, 33,  was taken into custody without incident in Lycoming County and was transported to UPMC Wells bro for a blood draw. She was arraigned before District Judge Repard, who denied bail. Culbreth  was taken to the Tioga County Prison after being charged with receiving stolen property, driving under the influence of drugs, reckless endangerment, fleeing or attempting to elude officers and numerous traffic offenses.

A Wellsboro  driver and his passenger suffered minor injuries in a one vehicle accident occurring Saturday morning on Route 287 in Delmar Township Tioga County. According to Mansfield based state police Trenten Johnston was going south making a right hand turn off of Marsh Creek Road onto Route 287, when his Jeep Grand Cherokee went off the road, traveled down a small embankment and rolled over onto its roof before coming to  rest. Johnson and his passenger Brianna  Ryan also of Wellsboro were taken by ambulance to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital.

Troopers at Lewis Run are investigating the theft of a dirt bike last Thursday on the Two Mile Road in Annin  Township. The 2017 red Apollo Sporting Products is owned  by an 18 year old Port Allegany resident and was taken from the front porch of his residence. The bike is described as having a red frame and seat, see and black plastics.Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at Lewis 1-814-368-9230.

A  55 year old Dubois man is being charged with harassment by communication after he allegedly contacted a 30 year old Eldred woman by phone and text messages making harassing comments. On March 10, the investigation continues.

 Black Forest Express

Statewide total of virus cases nears 5,000……14 patients have died but almost 38,000 have tested negative…. 26 counties under “stay at home orders”….Virtual eagle watching may give you something to do while staying home…Downstate driver arrested for drug and paraphernalia possession after being stopped by troopers in Elk County….State police in Mansfield have charged two Tioga County men for physical harassment in separate incidents…. https://soundcloud.com/user-159792485/black-forest-broadcasting-podcast-april-1-2020

SCATTERED MORNING SHOWERS WILL GIVE WAY TO CLEARING SKIES A HIGH 52.

CLEAR TONIGHT A LOW 31.

MOSTLY SUNNY TOMORROW HIGH 51.

CLOUDY TOMORROW NIGHT AND LOW OF 33

STARTING OUT MOSTLY SUNNY ON FRIDAY WITH A HIGH OF 56.

RAIN PARTLY CLOUDY FRIDAY NIGHT WITH A LOW OF 35.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health yesterday confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., March 31, that there are 756 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 4,843 in 60 counties. The department also reported 14 new deaths among positive cases, bringing the statewide total to 63. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here. All people are either in isolation at home or being treated at the hospital.There are 37,645 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Less than 1% are aged 0-4;
• Less than 1% are aged 5-12;
• 1% are aged 13-18;
• Nearly 10% are aged 19-24;
• Nearly 41% are aged 25-49;
• Nearly 29% are aged 50-64; and
• Nearly 19% are aged 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are aged 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. There have been no pediatric deaths to date. All non-life-sustaining businesses are ordered to be closed and schools are closed statewide indefinitely. Currently 26 counties are under stay-at-home orders. The order now includes these 26 counties: Allegheny, Beaver, Berks, Bucks, Butler, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Erie, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Pike, Schuylkill, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland and York counties.

Individuals may leave their residence only to perform any of the following allowable individual activities and allowable essential travel:

Tasks essential to maintain health and safety, or the health and safety of their family or household members (including pets), such as obtaining medicine or medical supplies, visiting a health care professional, or obtaining supplies they need to work from home

Getting necessary services or supplies for themselves, for their family or household members, or as part of volunteer efforts, or to deliver those services or supplies to others to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences

Engaging in outdoor activity, such as walking, hiking or running if they maintain social distancing

To perform work providing essential products and services at a life-sustaining business

To care for a family member or pet in another household

Any travel related to the provision of or access to the above-mentioned individual activities or life-sustaining business activities

Travel to care for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons

Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, for receiving meals, and any other related services

Travel to return to a place of residence from an outside jurisdiction

Travel required by law enforcement or court order

Travel required for non-residents to return to their place of residence outside the commonwealth

Anyone performing life-sustaining travel does not need paperwork to prove the reason for travel.

The following operations are exempt:

Life-sustaining business activities

Health care or medical services providers

Access to life-sustaining services for low-income residents, including food banks

Access to child care services for employees of life-sustaining businesses that remain open as follows: child care facilities operating under the Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning waiver process; group and family child care operating in a residence; and part-day school age programs operating under an exemption from the March 19, 2020 business closure Orders

News media

Law enforcement, emergency medical services personnel, firefighters

The federal government

Religious institutions

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

If you are looking for things to do while staying at home or to keep the kids occupied, you may want to visit a Pennsylvania Eagle cam that’s located in Hays near Pittsburgh. It’s operated by the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania. And there are hatchlings .Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania has confirmed a hatch at the rebuilt Hays Bald Eagle nest. The confirmation is based on the adult eagles’ behaviors. Because the webcam cannot see into the rebuilt nest, there is no visual confirmation of the hatch. However, the parents are exhibiting behaviors consistent with a hatch. They are bringing food into the nest and ripping it into small pieces, then leaning over to feed the eaglet.http://www.aswp.org/pages/hays-nest .However, another Eagle cam on a farm near Hanover is indicating that the eggs that were dropped  there in February are probably not going to hatch. Both sites have historical footage you can also view. Eagles have made a remarkable comeback across the United States and here in Pennsylvania.  From just a handful of pairs a few years ago. There are now nearly 100 pairs here in the Keystone state. https://hdontap.com/index.php/video/stream/hanover-bald-eagle-nest-live-cam

State police in Ridgway arrested 35 year old Brian Frain  of Avonmore Pennsylvania for DUI after they pulled him over for several traffic violations on the Toby Road in  Fox Township just before midnight on March 6.  He was driving a 2006 Chevy Cobalt and was allegedly found to be under the influence of drugs and in possession of drug paraphernalia.

State police at Mansfield have arrested a 49 year old man from that town for physical harassment following an argument on South Main Street in Richmond Township at around 11:30pm Tuesday. Upon arrival troopers determined that the suspect had threatened physical contact for a 42 year old Mansfield woman and charges are pending in District Court.

Also a 59 year old Wellsboro man is facing similar charges for an incident allegedly taking place on the evening of March 14 on Scouten Hill Road in Charleston Township. A suspect allegedly subjected a 12 year old boy to unwanted physical contact by grabbing him in the neck and pushing him into a wall. No injuries were sustained but charges have been filed. In District Court.