KATIE KICKS CANCER’S FANNY TAKE 2 BENEFIT FOR KATIE BERRIOS ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 18TH AT THE SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT FIRE DEPARTMENT SOCIAL HALL, 573 HASTINGS STREET IN SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT FROM NOON TO 4PM. THE BENEFIT WILL INCLUDE A PULLED PORK DINNER FOR PURCHASE ALONG WITH A BASKET RAFFLE.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 8, 2025
MUNCY MAN CHARGED WITH ARESON FROM 2020 INCIDENT
A man from Muncy is facing arson charges after police say he set fire to his mother’s home in South Williamsport several months after she died. According to the Sun Gazette, an affidavit was filed this week that alleges 43 year old Peter Allen Zielewicz, who had previously involved himself with the South Williamsport Fire Department, had access at the time to road flares and materials that were found to be the origin of a fire that was intentionally set at the vacant Hastings Street home in October 2020. Investigators say Zielewicz committed arson to collect insurance money. He faces several felony charges including arson, possession of explosive materials, failure to prevent a catastrophe and more. He was released on 50 thousand dollars bail.
MILLERSBURG MAN ATTEMPTS TO CASH FALSE CHECKS
A man from Millersburg is in custody after he tried to cash fraudulent checks in Mount Pleasant Mills. According to state police, 35-year-old Brian Lauver allegedly wrote a check to himself for 900 dollars and attempted to cash it at a local bank. State police responded to a call from the bank officials who were told that Lauver had attempted to cash check that were not legitimate at he bank before. He was arrested and charged in Snyder County with forgery and counterfeiting. He is in custody in lieu of 15 thousand dollars.
CHESTNUT FESTIVAL COMING TO LOCK HAVEN
Lock Haven will host the inaugural Pennsylvania Chestnut Festival this month, a festival will be held to honor the heritage of chestnut trees that are the inspiration for the name of Castanea Township. According to the Clinton County Economic Partnership and Visitor’s Bureau, the event is January 25th 2-7pm and will be at the Castanea Fireman’s Picnic Grounds Building, at the Piper Memorial Airport on Lower Creek Road in Lock Haven. There will be chestnut inspired foods as well as live polka music and an appearance by Lock Haven’s Private Stock Trio. The PA Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation will be on site promoting the comeback of the chestnut tree in Pennsylvania. Get details at www.castaneatownshippa.gov.
PENN STATE GAME ON THE BIG SCREEN
Penn State vs Notre Dame will be available to watch at District Cinema Thursday night at 7:30. According to The District Cinema at Lycoming Valley they will offer tickets for the Capital One Orange Bowl – the College Football Playoff semifinal for 14 dollars plus fees. The game is presented by ESPN and Theater Sports Network, at District Cinema, 965 Lycoming Mall Circle. Tickets are available now at thedistrict.dipsontheatres.com.
DEWART FIRE DESTRTOYS HOME ALONG ROUTE 405
Firefighters from 3 counties battled a vacant house fire along Route 405 in Delaware Township early Tuesday morning. According to the Sun Gazette, crews responded to the fire at about 3am which had engulfed the home and affected utility wires nearby. Warrior Run Area Fire crews said the fire took about an hour to get under control as they had to shuttle water from a hydrant in the township. Officials have not determined the cost of the damage, a state police fire marshal was expected to investigate this week. Internet access was cut from the area due to the damaged wires, but no injuries were reported.
ENDANGERMENT CHARGES FOR MAN WHO KICKED CHILD
A man from Sunbury was arrested for with misdemeanor endangering the welfare of children after police were called in response to him kicking a 12 year old special needs child on December 26th. According to North Central PA dot com, police say the child’s mother said 37 year old Timothy David Graefe was upset with the child for not listening to him and allegedly kicked him in the ankle and knee before twisting his arm to make him comply. When the child’s mother told Graefe to stop he threw a glass of water on her. Graefe is also facing misdemeanor simple assault and summary harassment in Northumberland County Court. His bail was set at 10 thousand dollars unsecured.
SENATOR GENE YAW SWORN IN AT THE CAPITOL THIS WEEK
Senator Gene Yaw was sworn into his fifth term in the Pennsylvania Senate yesterday in Harrisburg. According to a press release, the Senator, who represents Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties, and the other members of the Pennsylvania Senate Republican Caucus were part of the ceremony at the Capitol. Senator Yaw has served as chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, and currently is chairman of the Pennsylvania College of Technology Board of Directors, chairman of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania and vice chairman of the Chesapeake Bay Commission. He was named to the City and State Pennsylvania Energy and Environment Power 100 list in 2023.
FLY TYING CLASS IN WILLIAMSPORT
A low cost fly tying class will be offered through this month and next by the Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited in Williamsport. According to the Sun Gazette, the weekly course is 20 dollars for adults and 10 for chaperoned youth between 12 and 18, will be held Tuesday evenings at the Covenant Central Presbyterian Church at 807 West Fourth Street in Williamsport and runs through February 25. Tools and materials will be provided. Register by emailing [email protected] or calling or texting Walt Nicholson at 570-447-3600.
SPORTS
PIAA HS
Boys Wrestling
State College 58 Williamsport 9
Muncy 36 Loyalsock 16
Montgomery 42 Warrior Run 26
Towanda 57 NE Bradford 12
Williamson 57 Wellsboro 10
NP Liberty 40 Troy 34
Girls Wrestling
Bald Eagle Area 42 Phillipsburg Osceola 27
Boys Basketball
St John Neumann 53 Sullivan Co. 46
South Wmspt 68 Benton 37
NP Mansfield 62 Athens 35
NP Liberty 80 Williamson 45
Girls Basketball
Loyalsock 73 Warrior Run 12
Jersey Shore 59 Central Mountain 42
Hughesville 46 Bloomsburg 13
Lewisburg 61 Milton 29
NCAA Football Tonight
Notre Dame vs Penn State Semifinals/Orange Bowl 7:30pm ESPNNCAA Football Friday
Ohio State vs Texas Semifinal /Cotton Bowl 7:30pm ESPN
Nat. Championship 1/20 7:30pm ESPN
NFL Saturday
AFC Wild Card Payoffs
Chargers vs Texans 4:30pm CBS
Steelers vs Ravens 8pm PrimeVid
NFL Sunday
Broncos vs Bills 1pm CBS
NFC Wild Card Playoffs
Packers vs Eagles 4:30pm FOX
Commanders vs Buccaneers 8pm NBC
Vikings vs Rams 8pm ESPN/ABC
NBA
Hornets 115 Suns 104
Rockets 135 Wizards 112
Mavericks 118 Lakers 97
Timberwolves 104 Pelicans 97
Hawks 124 Jazz 121
(^mid-court 3-point at the buzzer)
Celtics 118 Nuggets 106
Heat 114 Warriors 98
NBA Tonight
Thunder vs Cavaliers 7pm ESPN
Wizards vs 76ers 7pm
Raptors vs Knicks 7:30pm
Pistons vs Nets 7:30pm
Spurs vs Bucks 9:30pm ESPN
NHL
Oilers 4 Bruins 0
Stars 5 Rangers 4
Blue Jackets 4 Penguins 3
Maple Leafs 3 Flyers 2
NHL Tonight
Canucks vs Capitals 7:30pm ESPN+
Avalanche vs Blackhawks 7:30pm TNT/Max
Panthers vs Utah 10pm TNT/Max
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 7, 2025
PEDESTRIAN STRUCK BY VEHICLE ON WASHINGTON BLVD
A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Washington Blvd Sunday and his identitiy has been released. According to the Lycoming County Coroner, 52 year old Gerald Miles was under the influence of alcohol at about 10pm as he crossed to the north side of the street, and was hit by a 19 year old driver who told police he didn’t see Miles before he hit him since he was wearing dark clothing. The man was taken to UPMC Williamsport immediately after the accident but died of traumatic head and chest injuries about 2:30 Monday morning. Police are investigating and have impounded the car that hit Miles.
SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT BROUGHT LIVE WIRES DOWN
A school bus with students aboard struck a utility pole yesterday in Clinton Township that brought down utility wires onto the bus and trapped the occupants on board until PPL arrived and de-energized the wires. According to the Sun Gazette, the accident occurred on Brouse Road near Route 405 at about 3:10pm and authorities commended the driver and 26 students who remained calm for the entire ordeal until they were able to exit the bus safely and leave the scene on another bus – about 4pm. PPL shut down a power grid removing the live wire threat. The driver was in contact with officials via cellphone during the entire incident and there were no injuries reported.
FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION HOLDING ZOOM MEETINGS
A slate of virtual meetings with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat commission is happening today. According to the Sun Gazette, a fisheries and hatcheries committee meeting starts at 10 which is expected to include discussion on the Stretegic plan for management of Trout fisheries in PA and brook trout conservation efforts, among other topics. Other meetings today also include a law enforcement committee meeting at 2:30pm. The PA Fish and Boat commission’s quarterly meeting will also be held online but it comes about January 27th.
https://bit.ly/Fish-HatchJan7 (Webinar number 2861 757 1456). The attendee password is “public.”
WILLIAMSPORT MAN BRAVES THE COLD FOR HOMELESS VETS
A local man will spend 2 days in the brutally cold weather this weekend to raise awareness for homeless veterans in Williamsport. According to the Sun Gazette, Paul Mills, sergeant-at-arms for the Sons of the American Legion Post 1, will camp out in front of the Legion on January 10th through the 12th to kick off Operation Help, a way to raise funds and bring awareness about Lycoming County veterans who face homelessness . Mills will also be joined by the local Blue Star Mothers who will support him. Mills will be in front of the American Legion Post 1, 10 E. Third St., Williamsport beginning noon on Friday.
DELIVERY DRIVER PEPPER SPRAYS STOPPED MOTORIST
An Amazon driver from Allenwood is facing harassment charges after pepper-spraying a motorist who stopped to speak to her along Tower Road in Union County. According to the News Item, 30 year old Alisha Molino is a delivery driver who had pulled to the side of the road after going through a stop sign December 19th. Milton State police say Amber Traver stopped to advise Molino that she had run the stop sign. After driving away, Travers said she was followed by an angry Molino who got out of the truck and sprayed Travers through her open car window with pepper spray along the roadside in Limestone Township. Molino was located nearby and was charged with simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct and has a preliminary hearing today in Union County Court.
SENIOR FACILITY NEEDS SUPPLIES FOR EVACUEES
In the aftermath of the fire that displaced residents at the Mount Carmel Senior Living Community, the facility which is west of Mahanoy City, who took them in, is seeking support from the public. According to media outlets, the Birches at Shenandoah Manor said they are in need of essential items since taking in the residents; including men’s and women’s clothing in various sizes, from small to 3X as well as Depends and other personal care products. If you can help call 570-985-3562 for more information.
NO SPAY/NEUTER VOUCHERS IN 2025
The Lycoming County SPCA has announced that will not be able to provide spay/neuter vouchers for low- to moderate-income eligible pet owners this year. According to the Sun Gazette, the LyCo SPCA posted on their social media pages, that due to grant restrictions, they are unable to offer a reduced rate incentive this year. Upon hearing of the program cancellation, Mayor Slaughter said he wants to address the budget issue with city council members. In Snyder, Northumberland, or Union Counties, residents can go online to sunpets.org for spay/neuter assistance in their communities.
CITIZEN’S POLICE ACADEMY COMING IN MARCH
Members of the public who want a greater understanding of law enforcement are invited to sign up for Citizen’s police academy – a 7 week weekly program that is designed to expose selected citizens to training officers receive and general law enforcement concepts and responsibilities. The Wednesday evening sessions are taught by members of the Pennsylvania State Police and local departments and give an overview of multiple police procedures, techniques, and topics such as use of force, crash reconstruction, forensics, criminal investigation, DUI enforcement, and more. Classes begin March 5th and those who are 18 years or older with no criminal history should submit an application before February 2nd. Email sbarrett @pa.gov for more information.
SPORTS
PIAA HS
Boys Wrestling
Montoursville 62 Canton 10
Wyalusing 39 Troy 29
Cntrl Colum. 42 Bloomsburg 18
Girls Wrestling
Shikellamy 39 Williamsport 36
Boys Basketball
Jersey Shore 74 Norry Christian 56
Northwest 54 Muncy 30
Girls Basketball
Crestwood 44 Loyalsock 42
NP Liberty 48 Sullivan County 25
Towanda 48 Wellsboro 44
NP Mansfield 41 Canton 35
NCAA Football Thursday
Notre Dame vs Penn State Semifinals/Orange Bowl 7:30pm ESPN
NCAA Football Friday
Ohio State vs Texas semifinal /Cotton Bowl 7:30pm ESPN
Nat. Championship 1/20 7:30pm ESPN
NFL Saturday
AFC Wild Card Payoffs
Chargers vs Texans 4:30pm CBS
Steelers vs Ravens 8pm PrimeVid
NFL Sunday
Broncos vs Bills 1pm CBS
NFC Wild Card Playoffs
Packers vs Eagles 4:30pm FOX
Commanders vs Buccaneers 8pm NBC
Vikings vs Rams 8pm ESPN/ABC
NBA
Suns 109 76ers 99
Pacers 113 Nets 99
Magic 103 Knicks 94
Bulls 114 Spurs 110
Bucks 128 Raptors 104
NBA Tonight
Rockets vs Wizards 7pm
Lakers vs Mavericks 7:30pm TNT
Celtics vs Nuggets 10pm TNT
Heat vs Warriors 10pm
NHL
Sabres 4 Capitals 3
Canadiens 5 Canucks 4
Avalanche 3 Panthers 1
Devils 3 Kraken 2
NHL Tonight
Oilers vs Bruins 7pm ESPN+
Stars vs Rangers 7pm ESPN+
Blue Jackets vs Penguins 7pm ESPN+
Maple Leafs vs Flyers 7:30pm ESPN+/Hulu
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Soup Sale
HOMEMADE SOUP SALE ON SATURDAY JANUARY 18TH, DRIVE-THROUGH ONLY FROM 12:30-2:00 PM AT ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 39 PARADISE ST. TURBOTVILLE. $8.00 PER QUART. BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP, STUFFED PEPPER SOUP, AND TURKEY NOODLE SOUP. PRE-ORDERS ARE ACCEPTED BUT NOT REQUIRED, CALL 570-649-5195.
St. Lawrence Catholic Church Pancake Breakfast
ST LAWRENCE CATHOLIC CHURCH IS HAVING A PANCAKE BREAKFAST ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 26TH FROM 8AM – 12:30. COST IS $10.00 PER ADULT, CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER ARE FREE. THE CHURCH IS LOCATED AT 344 WINTHROP STREET IN SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT.
Trinity Episcopal Pro-Cathedral Lasagna Dinner
TRINITY EPISCOPAL PRO-CATHEDRAL, 844 W 4TH ST, WILLIAMSPORT, WILL HOLD A LASAGNA DINNER ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, FROM 4:00-6:30 P.M. DINNER INCLUDES MEAT LASAGNA, SALAD, BREAD, AND HOMEMADE DESSERT. EAT IN OR TAKEOUT. COST FOR THE DINNER IS $14 FOR ADULTS, $6 FOR CHILDREN (12 & YOUNGER), AND $10 FOR LASAGNA ONLY. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 570-322-0126 OR EMAIL [email protected].