BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 20, 2024

TRIAL UNDERWAY IN WILLIAMSPORT FOR ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE

The 24 year old Williamsport man accused of attempted homicide after allegedly cutting a woman’s throat last January and sexually assaulting her is on trial this week in Lycoming County Court.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Lycoming County Assistant DA called Unique Terrell Robinson to the stand several times throughout the trial and called 9 witnesses.  Closing arguments are expected to happen today.  Since being jailed in January, a judge has denied Robinson bail.

MAN USES BOLT CUTTERS TO BREAK INTO GARAGE

A Danville man who witnesses say used bolt cutters to enter a garage is now facing  felony burglary charges. According to the Daily Item, Jason Rafter is accused by Danville Police for entering a garage and stealing items in October.  A caller reported a male and a female entering garages in the area of Koohers Court and Peters Court with the male seen using bolt cutters.  After an investigation, police say Rafter faces felony burglary, criminal conspiracy and criminal trespass, along with multiple misdemeanors and waived his a preliminary hearing last week, with further proceedings expected soon in Montour County Court.

NEW OWNER OF TRUCK PLAZA PLANNING ON ELECTRIC CHARGING

The new manager of the American Truck Plaza at the I-80 interchange in Turbot Township, Northumberland County is working to upgrade the facility, installing electric charging stations this spring thanks to National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funds, and providing a mixture of premium paid parking and over 200 re-opened spaces of free parking.  According to the Standard Journal, the plaza is also re-applying for the second round of grant funding for Tesla Chargers that are planned to be available.  NEVI funds are part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – part of $33.8 million in federal money distributed to 54 projects in 35 counties across the state.

PROM DRESS EVENT COMING TO SHAMOKIN IN MARCH

A Shamokin woman who started a group in Coal Township called “Girls Play Off-Road” that aims to bring a family and female friendly vibe to the sport, held a successful Prom-Dress giveaway in the social room of Oasis Community Recovery Club Saturday and is planning another one in March.  According to the Standard Journal, founder of  Girls Play Off-Road, Jaimee Stecker-Betts, has collected hundreds of donated prom dresses for this event as well as for Cinderella’s Closet at the YWCA in Williamsport.  Girls Play Off-Road will hold another prom dress event at Oasis at 210 E. Independence St in Shamokin between on Saturday, March 2nd

CAR THIEF SENTENCED TO PROBATION

A South Williamsport man who stole two cars in two separate incidents has been sentenced in Lycoming County Court.  According to the Sun Gazette 21 year old Brett Kimber Guthrie pleaded guilty to two counts of theft by unlawful taking, and Judge Ryan Tira gave him 3 years of probation.  Guthrie also has to attend self-help meetings the first year od his probationary period and must perform 100 hours of community service to the South Williamsport Lions Club since he stole a Chevrolet Equinox July 10th that was being used for loading aluminum cans at a Lions Club trailer collection site.

INMATE ATTEMPTS TO ESCAPE FROM UPMC WILLIAMSPORT

An inmate who was being treated at UPMC Williamsport December 29th, tried to escape custody of the two corrections officers who were guarding him.  According to the Sun Gazette, 44 year old Alex DeJesus was unshackled to use the restroom, but jumped from the bed and attempted to flee the hospital room, running down a hallway.  Officers deployed a taser twice to stop DeJesus, and they once again took him into custody.  He was jailed in lieu of 50 thousand dollars bail

JUDGE RULES IN FAVOR OF LYCO CONTROLLER AGAIN

The court has once again ruled in favor of Krista Rogers, Lycoming County Controller. According to the Sun Gazette, the court had released its first ruling in favor of the Lycoming County Controller a year ago. These rulings revolve in the ongoing dispute with the Lycoming County Commissioners and the interpretations of the Lycoming County code indicating what office has the ultimate responsibility for specific fiscal functions in county government.   In this current ruling, the state’s Commonwealth Court affirms the previous interpretation of visiting Potter County Senior Judge John B. Leete last January.

LYME DISEASE AWARENESS POSTER CONTEST

Students, scout troops and community youth programs are encouraged to take part in the PA department of health ‘s Annual 2024 Lyme Art Contest, by making a poster or short video focusing on preventing Lyme disease.  According to the PA Pressroom, the Shapiro administration invites first through 6th graders to participate in the contest with the theme “Protect. Check. Remove.”  The deadline for entries Mach 15th at 5pm  Pennsylvania has one of the highest annual counts of Lyme disease cases in the nation.  Finalists will be notified by mail and will be invited to an award ceremony at the State Capitol in May.  Get details at health.pa.gov/ticks. 

SPORTS

PIAA HS Basketball
Girls

Lewisburg  37              South Williamsport  17
Jersey Shore 56            Danville  25
Shamokin 47                Montoursville 32
Milton  48                    Mifflinburg  29
Boys 
Warrior Run  48          Hughesville 45
So. Columbia  61         Lewisburg  58
Shikellamy  72             Milton  47

NBA
Knicks 113         Hornets  92
Cavaliers 118     Clippers 108
Celtics  118         Pelicans 112
Nets  147             Jazz  114
Suns  118                     Heat 105
Rockets  135       Lakers  119
Wizards  118      Spurs 113
Trl Blzrs  130     76er’s   104
NBA Tonight
Indiana vs Boston  7:30pm TNT
76ers  vs Golden State 10pm TNTNHL
Senators  4          Predators  3
NHL Tonight
Columbus  @ St. Louis 8pm  NHL Net
Seattle  vs San Jose  10:30pm  ESPN+

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