It is a great time to live in the Williamsport area. People from all over the world are focused on our little town and it is always exciting and makes me proud to be from Williamsport.

Good luck to all the remaining Little League teams! Because we send to print the Friday before you read this, coupled with a rainy last Thursday (or yesterday for me), it’s hard to tell how the tournament is going to play out. But I always look forward to catching the games!

I’ve said it before, but just a reminder. Please be patient and kind when you are out and about during the remaining days of Little League. There is still quite a bit of traffic, especially on the bridges, so leave yourself extra time and try not to get frustrated with our visitors.

The Little League World Series isn’t the only thing happening in our great city this week.

The big Williamsport Welcomes the World event is going on this Friday. This a great time to show everything that Williamsport has to offer. Please head out and support the city and show our visitors our best. There will be food, entertainment, vendors, all kinds of bargains and more.

It is hard to believe, but the end of Little League means that kids are headed back to school.

Please be extra vigilant as you are traveling in the morning and late afternoons. Keep an eye for kids crossing streets, getting on and off busses, and being picked up/dropped off around the schools.

More school-age pedestrians have been killed during the hour before and after school than any other time of day, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While drivers are required to stop for busses picking up and dropping off kids, we all know how well some people follow traffic laws. Kids shouldn’t rely on drivers to following laws and should follow safe practices. Here are a few tips.

Getting on the Bus:

• When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness.
• Do not stray onto the street, alleys or private property.
• Line up away from the street or road as the bus approaches.
• Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before approaching the bus.
• Use the handrail when boarding.

Behavior on the Bus:
• If seat belts are available on the bus, buckle up.
• Don’t speak loudly or make loud noises that could distract the driver.
• Stay in your seat.
• Don’t put your head, arms or hands out the window.
• Keep aisles clear of books and bags.
• Get your belongings together before reaching your stop.
• Wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat.

Getting Off the Bus:
• Use the handrail when exiting.
• If you have to cross in front of the bus, first walk at least 10 feet (that’s about 5 giant steps) ahead until you can see the driver.
• Make sure the driver can see you.
• Wait for a signal from the driver before crossing.
• When the driver signals, look left, right, then left again. Walk across the road and keep an eye out for sudden traffic changes.
• If your vision is blocked, move to an area where you can see other drivers and they can see you.
• Do not cross the center line of the road until the driver signals it is safe.
• Stay away from the rear wheels of the bus at all times.