Public commenters highlight Penn State Extension's new AI tool, fireworks planning and a complaint about DA's office interactions

Several members of the public spoke at the April 23 Lycoming County meeting, offering updates and raising concerns.

Sarah Waltz of Penn State Extension said the extension has launched Tilva, an AI assistant that aggregates research-based Extension resources, USDA/PDA/DEP materials and Penn State publications. "You can also ask your questions in Spanish and they'll give you information in Spanish," Waltz said, and noted Tilva's ability to identify plants or pests from photos. She distributed informational flyers and encouraged the public to use the tool.

Representatives involved with county celebrations said Backyard Broadcasting and the chamber were exploring venues and sponsorships for fireworks tied to the nation's 250th anniversary. Organizers reported conversations with municipal leaders and law enforcement about staffing and safety; they said Backyard Broadcasting had lost some sponsors after a venue change but was seeking alternative sites and sponsors to move the event forward.

Frank Stackhouse spoke at length to present a complaint about interactions he said he experienced at the district attorney's office. Stackhouse said he had difficulty reaching staff, was transferred to a staff member he identified as "Kurt Wayland," and later alleged that a different person he identified as "Mr. Ungard" "ranted, raved, yelled, and screamed" at him on phone calls and in-person at the DA's office. "He told me he was going to come to my house with some kind of an arrest warrant for me," Stackhouse said, relating a phone exchange he described as threatening. He asked the commissioners to help arrange a private meeting with Mr. Moreno, an elected official who was present at the meeting; commissioners offered to connect him with Moreno after the meeting.

The board and a commissioner also clarified earlier language used at a prior meeting, saying the phrase "forensic audit" was not intended to suggest criminal wrongdoing by the contracted wellness center and that the current review was a routine contract and return-on-investment examination.

The commissioners did not take formal action on the public complaint during the meeting; they suggested the commenter meet privately with the elected official he mentioned and said the sheriff's office handles building security requests.

Contact information and additional materials were made available at the meeting for residents who wanted follow-up.