BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS JAN 13, 2022

CLINTON COUNTY SCHOOLS CLOSING FOR AT LEAST FIVE DAYS

Due to the rising number of positive cases of Covid-19 in the secondary schools, the threshold of 5% of cases among students and staff at Bucktail High School and Central Mountain High Schoo has been reached.  Central Mountain Middle School is currently at 4% and awaiting test results for many others.  All elementary schools are currently at 3% or lower for total cases.  The PA Department of Health recommends full remote learning when the 5% threshold is reached.

As of Thursday, January 13, 2022,  we will be closing Bucktail High School (7-12), Central Mountain High School (9-12) and Central Mountain Middle School (5-8). 

We will close for a minimum of five days with an expected return on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.

COVID CASES LOCALLY FROM YESTERDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 68 new cases. In Centre County 353 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 241. Tioga added 40. Northumberland County registered 183 new, while Union County had 54, Snyder 37 and Montour 24

GUILTY PLEAS FOR AGGRAVATED ASSAULT CHARGES ON AVIS MAN

Aaron Confer, 23, of Avis, entered guilty pleas in the Clinton County Court of Common Pleas on Tuesday morning to one count of Aggravated Assault of a victim less than 6 years old (F2), and one count of Endangering Welfare of Children (F2).  The two guilty pleas were taken by Common Pleas Judge Michael F. Salisbury just a few days before Confer was slated to pick a jury on Friday, January 14th.  Pine Creek Township Police filed charges after they were called to the Lock Haven Hospital after a mother had taken her 3-month-old child to the hospital for injuries and bruises on the infant’s body.  Police allege that the child suffered a fractured clavicle in the assault. Confer posted $250,000 bail and remained free as he awaited trial. Sentencing is scheduled for March 14, 2022 at 8:30AM.  He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years incarceration.

NEW BUILDING FOR SUNBURY POLICE

It is a new building, a new year and a new fresh outlook for the Sunbury Police Department.  The new venture at 337 Arch Street began last spring with a price tag over $1 million. Some minor details are becoming reality. According to Chief Hare, they will have a child-friendly interview room, thanks to the Sunbury Arts Council. It will be a room where the children can feel safe and as comfortable as possible, with a softer tone in the paint and décor. According to an online media source, Hare went on to say corporate sponsors will be mentioned at a later date when officers host a grand opening.

HOUSE ADVANCES CITIZEN’S CONGRESSIONAL MAP, GROVE SAYS

For the first time in the history of the Commonwealth, the House advanced a congressional district map created by a citizen of Pennsylvania, Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) announced. The map approved in House Bill 2146 remains largely identical to the plan submitted by citizen and Lehigh Valley resident Amanda Holt. It includes very minor adjustments recommended by citizens across the Commonwealth to improve the compactness of districts, respond to citizen concerns regarding communities of interest and increase minority representation in Philadelphia.Holt’s map was one of the 19 verified statewide maps submitted to the committee through the website, which also allowed residents to identify their communities of interest and comment on proposed plans. House Bill 2146 now goes to the Senate for consideration.

FIRST SEMESTER TO START ONLINE

Lock Haven University has announced that its spring 2022 semester will begin on Monday, Jan. 24, with the first week of classes to be delivered online. The university will continue all classes the week of Monday, Jan. 31 as regularly scheduled – in-person, hybrid or online. By starting the semester online, it will allow time for the expected post-holiday surge in COVID-19 cases to subside. LHU will also stagger the move-in schedule and provide a robust testing protocol for students living on campus. All students residing on campus will be required to have a negative COVID test before being permitted to complete the move-in process.

PACE AND PACENET

Governor Tom Wolf today was joined by state and local officials and older Pennsylvanians to celebrate recently signed legislation to expand eligibility in the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) and the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly Needs Enhancement Tier (PACENET) programs.“Ensuring that older Pennsylvanians have access to necessary services, including quality health care and affordable prescription drugs, is a priority of my administration,” said Gov. Wolf. Programs like PACE and PACENET serve as a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of older adults who need assistance with paying for their prescription medications and provide critical support to older Pennsylvanians.” PACE and PACENET currently enroll more than 250,000 older Pennsylvanians. The income limit expansions mean that an additional 100,000 older adults are now eligible with an expected 20,000 older adults expected to enroll in 2022. Enrollment begins in February.

SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES ON DANVILLE MAN

Charges of statutory sexual assault and over a dozen related counts for a Danville man as he is accused of having sex with a 13-year-old girl upwards of a dozen times over a span of two occasions last week. State police report John Andrew Kriner provided drugs and alcohol to the minor before engaging in intercourse. It was the second arrest for Kriner on similar charges with this girl. According to the Daily Item, police warned Kriner as a juvenile to end contact with the girl when he turns 18. Kriner was charged with rape and other charges,  jailed in lieu of $150,000 bail with a preliminary hearing in front of District Justice Marvin Shrawder on Jan. 20th.

BUCKNELL GRADUATE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The first transplant of a pig heart into a human patient last week was led by a doctor who graduated from Bucknell University in the biomedical engineering program. Dr. Bartley Giffith, who graduated in 1970, performed a seven-hour surgery Friday at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. According to the DailyItem, Griffith was a biology major, played men’s lacross and was instrumental in launching the biomedical engineering program at Bucknell University.

IMPROVE YOUR WILDLIFE HABITAT

It’s not too early for landowners to begin making plans to improve wildlife habitat this spring and into the future by planting tree and shrub species offered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Howard Nursery. The 2022 seedling order form is available online, and sales began Monday. The Howard Nursery, located in Centre County, grows tree and shrub seedlings for use on State Game Lands, Hunter Access properties, the Seedling for Schools program, and other Game Commission conservation partners. Any remaining surplus is available to Pennsylvania residents for purchase. Seedlings are sold in units of 25. The order form is available at www.pgc.pa.gov. There is a link under Quick Clicks.

GAME COMMISSION ASKING FOR HELP TO FIND TURKEYS

The Game Commission is asking for the public’s help finding turkeys to trap for ongoing and new turkey projects. The agency is encouraging Pennsylvanians to report the location of any turkey flocks they see between now and March 15. Information is being collected online at https://pgcdatacollection.pa.gov/TurkeyBroodSurvey. Visitors to that webpage will be asked to provide the date of the sighting, the location, and the type of land (public, private or unknown) where birds are seen, among other things. Game Commission crews will assess sites for the potential to trap turkeys. Turkeys will not be moved; they’ll simply be leg banded and released on site. In four Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) a sampling also will be outfitted with GPS transmitters, then be released back on site, to be monitored over time.

STANDOFF WITH PINE CREEK TOWNSHIP MAN

A Pine Creek Township man was served with a Protection From Abuse order by the Clinton County Sheriff’s office yesterday. Later the same day, Daniel Harold Mikitko allegedly called the victim upwards of a dozen times.  The victim contacted the state police and Mikitko refused to exit his residence, instead threatening troopers and other local police.  The Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Team was activated around 10 pm.   Mikitko continued to threaten officers with a firearm until 5 am when he was taken into custody with less lethal force with no injuries to Mikitko or the police. Multiple charges, including terroristic threats and resisting arrest, have been filed.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS JAN 12, 2022

 

FIREFIGHTERS SAY GOODBYE TO ONE OF THEIR OWN

It was an emotional gathering of friends, family and brothers in the fire service at St. John’s – Newberry United Methodist Church in Williamsport to celebrate the life of former Old Lycoming Township Fire Chief Paul Stroble Jr, who, last week died at the age of 83. According to Sheriff Mark Lusk, “He was a man who did it all. He served his country, his community and his God.” Chief Paul K. Stroble joined the Old Lycoming Twp Fire Company on January 11, 1965.  He was interred on his 57th Anniversary date of joining the Company.  As one in a 3 generation family of firefighters, Stroble served as Chief from 1978 – 1984 and was very active right up until his passing – even when his health was failing.    

 

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL BOARD SEATS TAKEN

Three open seat vacancies were filled at the last South Williamsport Area School Board work session meeting. According to SUN Gazette, Ben Brigandi for Region I; Summer Bukeavich, Region II and John Hitesman, Region III  will be sworn in at an upcoming meeting.

 

 LOCAL COVID CASES YESTERDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 51 new cases. In Centre County 172 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 124. Tioga County added 56. Northumberland County registered 131 new cases, while Snyder County had 47, Union 46 and Montour 30.

 

FIRE GUTTED BUILDING IN MILL HALL

Fire tore through a frame home yesterday afternoon in the 200 block of South Water Street in Mill Hall. Upwards of 40 firemen responded and according to Fire Chief Tony Walker,  the fire fighter battled for over 45 minutes in sub-freezing temperatures. According to therecordonline.com, the two-and-a-half story structure was gutted by flames.  Reports say there were no injuries, however it is unknown if the family pets escaped. Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshall was requested to investigate.

 

LOCAL LOTTERY WINNER

A Clinton County woman won $1 million dollars in the Pennsylvania Lottery Match 6 Jackpot game. According to therecordonline.com, April Williams purchased her ticket at the Sheetz on Hogan Boulevard near Mill Hall. A lottery spokesperson said lottery officials and representatives from Sheetz will be present Wednesday at the Mill Hall location for a commemorative check presentation.

 

REMOTE LEARNING FOR TWO SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Remote learning for Danville Area School District is due to an increase in COVID throughout the four schools. On a Facebook post and communication from Superintendent Ricki Boyle, As per the PA DOH, DASD students will be moved to virtual learning  beginning today  with a tentative return date of Tuesday, January 18. All extracurricular activities and athletic practices and events will be rescheduled. Monday, January 17 is a professional development day and no student classes. During this time K-5 students are expected to follow the posted schedule in the teacher’s Google Classroom and attend scheduled Google Meets.  6 – 12 students are expected to follow their normal schedule by attending Google Meets and accessing Google Classroom.

Milton Area’s Baugher Elementary added to the remote learning with the Milton Middle and High Schools for the rest of this week.

 

HELICOPTER CRASH IN PA

A pilot crash-landed a medical helicopter Tuesday without loss of life in a residential area of suburban Philadelphia, somehow avoiding a web of power lines and buildings as the aircraft fluttered, hit the street and slid into bushes outside a church, authorities and witnesses said. It was a “miracle” that none of the four people aboard, including an infant patient, suffered life-threatening injuries, Upper Darby Police Superintendent Timothy M. Bernhardt said. Rescue crews rushed to the wreckage by the Drexel Hill United Methodist Church in Upper Darby at about 1 p.m. and helped get the pilot, two crew members and the infant out of the aircraft, Bernhardt said at a press conference.

 

 

WOLF: VACCINE IS STRATEGY TO FIGHT COVID-19, NOT SHUTDOWNS

The Wolf administration said Tuesday it has no plans to pursue another COVID-19 emergency declaration, or attempt to impose new statewide restrictions or vaccine mandates, in response to the highly contagious omicron variant that is spreading quickly and overloading Pennsylvania’s hospitals.  Statewide, new confirmed cases have spiked by 50% in a week, rising to 27,545 per day, according to weekly Health Department data released Tuesday. Cases are expected to peak this month. More than 7,100 people are hospitalized with COVID-19, a pandemic record, and nearly a third of all patients in intensive care units have the disease. Deaths have risen by more than a third in two weeks, averaging about 127 per day.

 

SUNBURY POLICE LOOKING FOR MUNCY MAN

A Muncy man allegedly was in possession of a stolen firearm after Sunbury Police continued their probe into the January 3rd shooting on Packer Street.  Hakeem Jefferson of West Water Street is wanted after police reported a search of his vehicle revealed a stolen Beretta handgun, two magazines and a black ski mask, according to the Daily Item.  Anyone with any information is asked to call the  Northumberland County 911.

 

SIMPLE ASSAULT CHARGES FOR UNION COUNTY MAN

A Union County man threw a glass against the victim that shattered around their four-month-old child.  Shannon Parrish III then placed the victim in a chokehold, preventing her to breathe.  Parrish was taken into custody and a follow up search warrant revealed methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana and paraphernalia.  Parrish was charged with strangulation, endangering the welfare of a child, simple assault amongst others. He was remanded to Union County Jail on $45,000 bail.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS JAN 11, 2022

STRUCTURE FIRE IN VACANT BUILDING

Flames tore through a vacant structure yesterday morning.  A building known for being a long time general store in Elimsport, at the intersection of Gap and Elimsport Roads was a total loss.  According to Sun Gazette, with no reports of injuries, firefighters from Washington Township, Clinton Township, Nippenose Valley and Montgomery responded on the initial alarm. Firemen from Warrior Run Area and White Deer responded on the additional alarm.

POSSIBLE SPACE HEATER MALFUNCTION

Fire consumed a mobile home at 74 Ikes Drive around noon yesterday. According to Clinton Township Fire Chief Todd Winder, the fire was out in minutes, but the structure still suffered significant damage. As firefighters were finishing up at this scene, 911 dispatchers received a report of a mobile home fire at 74 Ikes Drive, just north of the Lycoming-Union county line, in Brady Township about 12:15 p.m. According to SUN Gazette, the occupants were uninjured and were received emergency assistance from the local American Red Cross. Chief Winder reported the fire has been ruled accidental.

WARRANT FOR FAILURE TO NOTIFY DEPARTMENT

The Watsontown Police currently have a felony warrant for 57 year old Bautista Beers aka Bautista Bonett with a last known address of 27 ½ Main St. in the Borough of Watsontown.  Beers is a lifetime registrant through the Pennsylvania State Police Megan’s Law Division.  Beers relocated to another residence and failed to update his information as required.  Anyone with information about Beers’ whereabouts are requested to contact the Watsontown Police at (570)538-2773. 

IT IS A SENTENCE IMPOSED FOR RAPE OF A CHILD FOR LOCK HAVEN MAN

Edgar John Willits, Jr., was sentenced yesterday to a total term of 47 years in a State Correctional Institution for Rape of a Child and related offenses.  Following a one-day trial in August 2021, Willits was convicted of multiple felonies.  The sentence was imposed Monday morning by Clinton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael F. Salisbury, who also presided at trial. When offered an opportunity to speak to the Court, Willits said he wanted to apologize to the victim for “any inconvenience” he had caused her.  Before announcing his sentence, Salisbury told Willits that his actions were “despicable, disgusting and heinous,” and that he was appalled by the Defendant’s description of this event as an “inconvenience” to the victim.  Judge Salisbury stated that his goal in fashioning a sentence was to remove Willits from society, so he is no longer able to put children at risk.  Ultimately, the Court imposed a total term of incarceration of up to 47 years, followed by 3 years of mandatory probation.  Willits is considered parole eligible after serving 21 years and 4 months of his sentence, and will be a lifetime Megan’s Law Registrant.

COURT REFUSED

 A Pennsylvania court declined Monday to block an entire subpoena to state election officials in what Republican state lawmakers call a “forensic investigation” of 2020′s presidential election, fueled by former President Donald Trump’s baseless claims that Democrats stole the election. But the statewide Commonwealth Court that issued the seven-page order did not immediately greenlight the release of some information that Democratic state Attorney General Josh Shapiro challenged as being protected by privacy laws. In the unsigned order, the court said state officials and Democratic lawmakers did not persuade it that the subpoena issued in September by a Republican-controlled Senate committee had no legitimate legislative purpose.

NEW MEDICAL FACILITY TO MAKE BETTER HEALTH EASIER FOR PATIENTS CLOSER TO HOME

Geisinger Medical Center Muncy began welcoming its first patients on Monday, Jan. 10. The full-service hospital is part of a clinical joint venture between Geisinger and Highmark Health that expands access to care for those who need it most in a four-county region covering Clinton, Lycoming, Sullivan and Tioga counties.  The 120,000-square foot, three-story facility includes an emergency room, clinical decision unit, intensive care unit, surgical suites and primary and specialty care areas. Approximately 300 employees at Geisinger Medical Center Muncy will meet the routine and acute care needs of those living in Lycoming, Sullivan, Clinton and Tioga counties.

 UPDATED COVID CASES IN AREA

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Monday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 56 new cases. In Centre County 305 were recorded. Lycoming County added 93.Northumberland County had 162. Union County added 87. Snyder County had 47 new cases, while Montour County recorded 36. Tioga County added 15.

MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL MOVING TO 100% VIRTUAL LEARNING

The Milton Area School District is experiencing high levels of positive COVID-19 cases and quarantining staff and students due to positive COVID exposure at the secondary complex. To date, we have 28 positive cases in the Middle School and High School, with over 200 students and staff quarantining. We have met the PA DOH criteria for identification of an outbreak and need to move towards outbreak containment. Additionally, we are awaiting test results on two more students. In order for us to preserve in-person learning, they will be going virtual at the Milton Middle School and Milton High School on Tuesday, January 11, Wednesday, January 12, Thursday, January 13, and Friday, January 14. We are closed on Monday, January 17 to observe Martin Luther King Day. Buildings will reopen on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at 7:15 AM for in-person learning. The Middle School and High School offices, along with the District Office will remain open. This closure allows us to hit the reset for the 14-day rolling average in our buildings, based on DOH guidelines.

 

FIREFIGHTERS MORN ONE OF THEIR OWN

Old Lycoming Vol Fire Fighters are morning the loss of one of their own.  Chief Paul K. Stroble joined the Old Lycoming Twp Fire Company on January 11, 1965.  He will be interred on his 57th Anniversary date of joining the Company.  He is one of a very seldom seen 3 generation family of firefighters. He served as Chief from 1978 – 1984 and was very active right up until his passing – even when his health was failing.    He will be laid to rest at the Twin Hills Cemetery in a service starting at 9 am …

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS JAN 10, 2022

THE LIGHTS OF HOPE A SUCCESS

On Friday evening, on the front lawn of UPMC Williamsport, 1,000 luminarias glowed brightly into the night, sending a message of hope.  The lights, a salute and offering of thanks to our healthcare workers who continue to serve the communities they love. Speakers talked of thanks, hope and the continuing fight against COVID. The Lights of Hope Celebration included Sojourner Truth Ministries, Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter, UPMC and the Lycoming County United Way.

RECKLESS ENDANGERING FOR A BROKEN DOOR

A Montoursville man allegedly kicked a door, shattering the glass dangerously close to a woman and child. On Dec. 21, Cody Bomberger was arrested and appeared before District Judge Gary Whiteman. According to SUN Gazette, Bomberger was charged with recklessly endangering and endangering the welfare of children.

KEEPING A WOMAN FROM FLEEING, BROUGHT CHARGES

During a heated argument, a Route 14 man allegedly created a situation where a woman was unable to flee. Donald Nash blocked the escape of a woman on Dec 21, according to state police.  As reported by Sun Gazette,  Nash was charged with recklessly endangering and simple assault and appeared in front of District Judge William Solomon for arraignment.

APPROVAL FOR FULL TIME AND THE HIRING OF A PART TIME POLICE OFFICER

A part time police officer has been hired in Muncy Borough.  Retired State Police trooper David Kirkendall will be working as a part-time police officer on a short-term basis. Police Chief James Dorman has been cleared by the Muncy Borough Council to begin the process of seeking a permanent full-time officer. According to Dorman, his department has been in the midst of staffing issues and believes this position will serve until he can obtain another full time officer. Especially now, as reported by SUN Gazette, as Brady Township has agreed to a five-year contract for police coverage. In other news, council decided that meetings in 2022 would be at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday and third Thursday of the month at the Muncy Borough Hall, 14 North Washington St.

COVID RESULTS LOCALLY FOR YESTERDAY

 The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 87 new cases. In Centre County 323 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 265. Northumberland County added 159. Union County added 49 new cases and Montour and Snyder counties added 32 each.  Tioga County added 58.

GARAGE FIRE DESTROYED THREE VEHICLES INSIDE

Fire swept through a garage, destroyed the garage and three vehicles inside. Multiple fire companies responded to the 200 block of South Jones Street in Lock Haven. The loss was estimated at $67,000, according to therecordonline.com. With no injuries reported, the fire remains under investigation.

A NEW CHIEF OF PUBLIC SAFETY AT BUCKNELL

Anthony Morgan will be Bucknell University’s new chief of public safety following a nationwide search. His first day on campus will be Feb. 1. According to the Daily Item, Morgan brings over 19 years of experience to lead a university public safety department consisting of 24 full-time staff.

BRIDGE PROJECTS IN UNION COUNTY

In Union County seven county-owned bridges have been replaced since 2016 and a major rehabilitation project has been completed. In 2021 alone, Union County had five bridges closed, repaired and reopened. According to the Daily Item, up to and including 2023, an estimated $11 million will have been spent on bridge infrastructure improvements and the county will then own 25 bridges.  

DEFERRAL OF SENTENCING IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

A Turbotville woman who allegedly fell asleep, and her 3-year-old son, who left the house, unattended, was found dead in the neighbor’s pool, has not been sentenced. The deferral was until a later date, because she arrived at the Northumberland County Court with a week old, newborn child.  Britney Bridges was scheduled to be sentenced Friday after a jury in October found her guilty of a felony count of child endangerment, according to the Daily Item.  Milton state police reported Bridges as “recklessly negligent.”  Bridges has been free since Nov. 10, 2020, after her $125,000 bail was listed as ROR (released on her own recognizance).

SUNBURY POLICE LOOKING FOR SHOOTER

Shots fired into a home on Friday night has Sunbury police looking for the shooter. The gunfire occurred around 11:30pm on Bainbridge Street, when a man walked up, shot upwards of 6 or more rounds into the home and left. A dark colored SUV was in that area at the time and there are no injuries, no suspects. The incident remains under investigation and if you have any information on any of the shootings in Sunbury, please contact Northumberland County 911.

AREA UNIVERSITIES GETTING READY FOR SPRING SEMESTER

Bucknell and Susquehanna University students will be required to attend spring semester classes in person and get the COVID-19 booster shot while Bloomsburg University students will start the first week online. Bloomsburg students will be studying remotely from Jan. 24 through Jan. 28 and return to a regular schedule on Jan. 30. Bucknell University President John Bravman sent out an email to all students, requiring all students to take a COVID-19 test 72 hours before arrival on campus or risk being un-enrolled from spring course. The spring semester starts on Jan. 18 at Bucknell and Jan. 31 at Susquehanna.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS JAN 8, 9, 2022

BRIDGE PROJECTS IN UNION COUNTY

In Union County seven county-owned bridges have been replaced since 2016 and a major rehabilitation project has been completed. In 2021 alone, Union County had five bridges closed, repaired and reopened. According to the Daily Item, up to and including 2023, an estimated $11 million will have been spent on bridge infrastructure improvements and the county will then own 25 bridges.

DEFERRAL OF SENTENCING IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

A Turbotville woman who allegedly fell asleep, and her 3-year-old son, who left the house, unattended, was found dead in the neighbor’s pool, has not been sentenced. The deferral was until a later date, because she arrived at the Northumberland County Court with a week old, newborn child.  Britney Bridges was scheduled to be sentenced Friday after a jury in October found her guilty of a felony count of child endangerment, according to the Daily Item.  Milton state police reported Bridges as “recklessly negligent.”  Bridges has been free since Nov. 10, 2020, after her $125,000 bail was listed as ROR (released on her own recognizance).

SUNBURY POLICE LOOKING FOR SHOOTER

Shots fired into a home on Friday night has Sunbury police looking for the shooter. The gunfire occurred around 11:30pm on Bainbridge Street, when a man walked up, shot upwards of 6 or more rounds into the home and left. A dark colored SUV was in that area at the time and there are no injuries, no suspects. The incident remains under investigation and if you have any information on any of the shootings in Sunbury, please contact Northumberland County 911.

AREA UNIVERSITIES GETTING READY FOR SPRING SEMESTER

Bucknell and Susquehanna University students will be required to attend spring semester classes in person and get the COVID-19 booster shot while Bloomsburg University students will start the first week online. Bloomsburg students will be studying remotely from Jan. 24 through Jan. 28 and return to a regular schedule on Jan. 30. Bucknell University President John Bravman sent out an email to all students, requiring all students to take a COVID-19 test 72 hours before arrival on campus or risk being un-enrolled from spring course. The spring semester starts on Jan. 18 at Bucknell and Jan. 31 at Susquehanna.

PENNSYLVANIA ELECTIONS WILL BE INTERESTING

More extreme time pressures could push the bounds of how Pennsylvania’s elections are run in 2022, with wide-open races for a U.S. Senate seat and the governor’s office driving voter interest and partisan stalemates in the statehouse sowing uncertainty. It is barely a month before candidates can legally start gathering signatures to qualify for primary ballots and Pennsylvania still has no new map of district boundaries for congressional seats and state legislative seats. A court battle looks inevitable, potentially shortening the primary campaign period for candidates for Congress and the Legislature and squeezing the timeline for counties to finalize and mail out ballots.

MAIL-IN BALLOTS BEFORE ELECTION DAY WITHOUT ATTACHMENTS DENIED

Meanwhile, despite two years of asking, counties remain unable to persuade the Republican-controlled Legislature to simply grant their request to let them process mailed-in ballots before Election Day, without attaching what Democrats view as poison pills. The vast majority of states allow it — including big Republican-controlled states like Florida, Georgia and Texas — and that hang-up in 2020′s presidential election dragged out counting, fomented a legion of baseless conspiracy theories launched by former President Donald Trump and kept the winner of Pennsylvania’s electoral votes in limbo until the Saturday after the election. “State government is failing us again,” said Forrest Lehman, Lycoming County’s elections director.

CONVICTION STANDS

Edward Bendik,  had his most recent effort to overturn his 2016 convictions for Cruelty to Animals, Burglary, Criminal Trespass, Reckless Burning, and Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer denied Thursday in an Opinion issued by Clinton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael F. Salisbury.  Bendik remains incarcerated in a State Correctional Institution for a maximum term of up to 43 years. Bendik sought a new trial in his most recent attempt to overturn his convictions.  He claimed that his conviction was the result of ineffective assistance of counsel during his first trial.

BENCH WARRANT ARREST

The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office arrested ETTERS, MATTHEW F on Thursday January 6th under a Bench warrant issued: Thursday November 18th by the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office

NEW CHARGES

Preliminary hearings yesterday morning left new charges, including criminal homicide, for three Williamsport women. According to Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner, the abuse both Nicole and Jasmine Snyder endured before their death was “the worst they have ever seen.” In saying that, according to SUN Gazette, prosecutors have reported they are pursuing the death penalty for both Marie Snyder and Echo Butler. Also charged in the case, Michele Butler, Echo’s mother, has charges of third-degree murder for her part in the deaths of the children.

TIME EXTENSION

Time has been extended for work on the proposed 2023 budget for the Williamsport City Council. It was during the Thursday night meeting, when the unanimous vote to change Nov 3 the first meeting for the 2023 budget and work sessions then fall on Nov. 14 and 16. According to Council President Adam Yoder, this is a six-week process and the additional time allows for solutions and hopefully eliminates a time constraint. As reported by Sun Gazette, Mayor Slaughter is looking into updated budget financial software to streamline the process.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS JAN 7, 2022

UTILITY PROTECTION FROM SENATE BILL 275

According to State Senator Gene Yaw, in October, six Democrats, including two from the southeast corner of the state, joined all 28 Republicans and our chamber’s lone Independent to approve Senate Bill 275. The bill’s purpose is simple: it prevents Pennsylvania’s 2,500-plus municipalities from banning access to certain utilities, like natural gas or heating oil. This will preserve consumer access to affordable electricity, no matter where they live, and prevent a chaotic patchwork of regulations that ultimately undermine statewide environmental and energy policies.

JUST SAY NO … FOR NOW

The Montoursville Borough Council, in a unanimous vote, said no to signing an agreement with River Valley Transit, for now. Reasons were clear to the council, who faces upwards of a 50% increase in unexplained River Valley Costs. According to President of council, Eric Greenway, more information is necessary prior to handing off the increase to the taxpayers for bus service in Montoursville. As reported by Sun Gazette, RVT has plans of reaching out to Montoursville Borough Council. This issue will be revisited when the necessary information is received.

NEW TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

A new transportation authority resolution is scheduled for the agenda tonight and the Williamsport City Council is expected to vote to authorize a public hearing pursuant to the formation of a new transportation authority. According to SUN Gazette, after the adverse opinion audit from 2019-2020 RVT, the formation of a transportation authority was discussed. Council previously approved the formation of a transit oversight committee that will consist of members of the administration, River Valley Transit, Williamsport Area Transportation Study and council.

AMENDED CHARGES

A Williamsport woman had amended charges now including multiple counts of homicide, filed against her this morning.  Marie Snyder appeared in front of District Judge William Solomon in Old Lycoming Township this morning for her preliminary hearing. According to SUN Gazette, homicide charges against Echo Butler will be filed. Michele Butler is also facing additional charges this morning. These charges are stemming from the disappearance and subsequent discovery of Snyder’s two daughters, Nicole and Jasmine Snyder, last year in Hepburn Township.

FOURTH STREET FACE LIFT

Resurfacing of Fourth Street in Williamsport, which is to include accessible ramps and curb cuts is scheduled for the upcoming construction season, according to state Department of Transportation  and Williamsport city officials. PennDot District 3 spokeswoman, Maggie Baker, explained the project has an additional 69 accessible ramps, with milling and paving completion expected this construction year. As reported by SUN Gazette, the project began in summer and hopes are a completion by this fall with a price tag of $1.9 million.

LOCAL COVID-19 CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 71 new cases.  In Centre County 210 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 203. There were 109 new infections in Northumberland County, 45 in Union, 31 in Snyder and 21 in Montour. Tioga County added 29 new covid cases yesterday.

ADDITIONAL FELONY CHARGES

A Lewisburg man has additional felony charges in an ongoing case of physical abuse of a minor. Spencer C. Hackenberg, of Lewisburg, faces felony aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children in conjunction with two counts of misdemeanor simple assault. These charges are a result of the  Nov. 18th case of Hackenberg striking a 9-year-old with a bat. Police said Hackenberg is in jail on $100,000  bail an earlier incident in  December, when he struck a juvenile with a closed fist and held a knife to the child’s throat, according Daily Item. Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey Rowe arraigned Hackenberg on the additional charges. Hackenberg will appear for a preliminary hearing in at a later date on the new charges.

 

 

PENNSYLVANIA HOMEOWNER ASSISTANCE FUND

Governor Tom Wolf announced the statewide launch of the Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund, or PAHAF, administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. PHFA’s plan for administration of the PAHAF has been approved by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. PAHAF applications will open to eligible Pennsylvania homeowners beginning February 1.  The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was awarded more than $350 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). The fund supports Pennsylvania homeowners whose household income is at or below 150% of the area median income (AMI) that now must grapple with additional unforeseen financial hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. PAHAF will use these funds to provide eligible Pennsylvania homeowners with much-needed assistance to prevent and/or ease mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, displacement and utility disconnection.

PAHAF applications become available Feb. 1, it will be possible to complete them entirely online, eliminating the need for paper submissions and simplifying the process for applicants.

FINAL PAYMENT APPROVED

Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority Board approved the final payment for Montoursville’s Church Alley sewer lateral project. According to Christine Weigle, executive director the approval is contingent on multiple ducks in a row. These include receipt of the signed pay application, a engineer final review of the video by the engineer, record drawings being received and the closeout paperwork. Also, the board approved $51,092 for expenses for the 2020 Capital Additions Project. Included here are the payments for the Church alley project and the outfall project portion of the Montoursville Regional Sewer System.

CONCEALED CLASSES IN LYCOMING COUNTY

Rep. Joe Hamm will be co-hosting three Concealed Carry Seminars.

Thursday, Jan. 27, from 6-8 p.m. 
Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company
1600 Dewey Ave., Williamsport

Wednesday, Feb. 2, from 6-8 p.m. 
Community Baptist Church
1853 State Route 87, Montoursville

Thursday, March 24, from 6-8 p.m.
Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company
2311 Route 54 Highway, Montgomery

If you are interested in attending one of the seminars, please register at repwheeland.com/events.

In Touch

In Touch

In Touch hosted by Joie Michales. Check out the most recent local interview and topics!

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS JAN 6, 2022

NEW PRESIDENT FOR PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Following a national search, beginning after President Davie Jane Gilmour announced in May 2021 her intention to retire after 24 years at the helm of the institution,  Pennsylvania College of Technology has chosen Michael J. Reed to lead the institution as its eighth president, effective July 1. The Penn College Board of Directors on Wednesday approved the choice of Reed, the college’s vice president for academic affairs and provost, after an extensive search process led by Storbeck Search, of Media. He will succeed longtime President Davie Jane Gilmour.

CORONAVIRUS WORKING HARD ON HOSPITAL RESOURCES

Surging coronavirus cases have sent hospital system in the region to capacity and beyond. The surge in cases, coupled with the non-COVID patients, has placed UPMC, Geisinger Medical Center and Evangelical Community Hospital in a precarious position. According to SUN Gazette, the Centers for Disease Control labeled this region as 94% omicron variant. Throughout the northcentral Pennsylvania, the UPMC hospitals are seeing 92 COVID inpatients. At Geisinger, upwards of 318 COVID patients were hospitalized. Evangelical Community Hospital reported their COVID hospitalization is currently at 55 patients.

 

BOARD SEAT REMOVED IN WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Earlier this week, a vote was held to remove a board seat at the Williamsport Area School Board. The vote 7-1 was reached, following a closed-door session, and Star Poole was removed from the board. According to SUN Gazette, Poole was removed for missing at least two of the school board meetings.

 

NO REAL ESTATE TAXES RAISED FOR WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL BOARD

Real estate taxes will not be raised, at an amount which exceeds the Act 1 index, to support next year’s budget. According to SUN Gazette, the vote, by the Williamsport Area School Board, does not preclude any tax hike. The next fiscal year’s index is at 4.8. Budget approval deadline is June 30.

 

LOCAL SERVICES TAXES DUE FROM EMPLOYERS IN SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT

Dottie Mertz, tax collector, will begin collecting the local services tax from each employer in South Williamsport Borough beginning this month. Due Jan 31 is the fourth quarter of 2021. Businesses can expect future quarters will be submitted to Mertz, who is also the tax collector in Loyalsock Township.

LOCAL COVID CASES FOR YESTERDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 44 new cases. In Centre County 293 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added169 and Tioga added 48. There were 163 new infections in Northumberland County, 55 in Snyder County, 53 in Union and 40 in Montour.

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN MUSIC TEACHER RECEIVES GRANT MONEY

The Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools Teacher Grant for the 21-22 school year was issued to Central Mountain High School music teacher Ashley Crust. According to therecordonline.com Ms. Crust won $1799.65 which can be utilized toward the creation of an electronic musical instrument workshop, led by local electronics tech, Brian Douty.

TRIAL RESUMES IN HARRISBURG

It is a trial with the potential of changing how Pennsylvania funds it’s over 500 public schools and it resumes today in Harrisburg. The state Supreme Court in 2017, revived and set six school districts, parents, the Pennsylvania conference of the NAACP, and the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools in odds and against Gov Tom Wolf, Department of Education and the education secretary, state Board of Education, and the highest-ranking leaders in the House and Senate. According to therecordonline.com, the trial will be live-streamed, beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday.

SELLING PROPERTY THAT WASN’T HIS

A Williamsport man tried to sell a house in Shamokin to an out of state woman. Problem existed when the Williamsport man did not own or have rights to the house, according to Northumberland County Detective Degg Stark. Gabrial Lopez, is wanted by police after Stark illegedly received $17,000 worth of payments on the home. Lopez faces felony charges including disposition of funds and theft by deception, according the Daily Item. Anyone with information on Lopez is asked to call Northumberland County 911.

GOING WITH A MASK MANDATE IN THE DANVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

With over 100 students and staff quarantined throughout the Danville Area School District, the decision has been made to reinstitute a universal masking district-wide. According to an alert delivered to parents yesterday, the rule goes into effect today until further notice. As reported by the Daily Item, the new rule will go into effect today, according to an alert sent to parents Wednesday afternoon, and will remain until further notice. School officials cited surging COVID-19 infections.

BUCKNELL SETS NEW RULES FOR VISITORS TO CAMPUS GAMES

Beginning today, there are new policies for spectators at all Bucknell athletic home events due to the COVID surge. According to Bucknell,  all spectators 12 years and over are required to produce either a proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result before entry to Sojka Pavilion, according to the Daily Item. Also, the spectator capacity and the number of attendees at upcoming athletic events will be smaller starting Monday as well with masks to be worn at all times and no concessions will be sold during games.

CLINTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ARRESTS MAN ON BENCH WARRANT

The Lock Haven City Police arrested BENNETT, TRAVIS LOGAN on Wednesday January 5th, on a Bench warrantthat was issued Monday August 30th, 2021 by the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office.  Bennett was charged with Defiant Trespass, a misdemeanor 3.

11 PROJECTS FUNDED BY GOVERNOR WOLF

Governor Tom Wolf announced the approval of 11 projects through the Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) to assist local governments in nine counties with planning for zoning and updating of comprehensive plans. Clinton County $19,500 to Clinton County to update its Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. It covers 15 municipalities – three boroughs and 12 townships – that do not have their own SALDO.  Northumberland County $42,500 to help Mt. Carmel Township, Kulpmont Borough, and Marion Heights Borough create a joint comprehensive plan and develop municipal zoning ordinances.

Valentine

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BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS JAN 5, 2022

MONTOURSVILLE NATIVE IN PENNSYLVANIA SUPREME COURT

A Montoursville native has taken the oath of office to become a justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Republican Kevin Brobson was sworn in on Monday in the high court’s Harrisburg courtroom. The oath was administered by Judge Mary Hannah Leavitt, who served with Brobson on Commonwealth Court. A ceremonial event had been scheduled for Friday but was postponed because of the pandemic. Brobson is a Montoursville native who now lives in Dauphin County. He spent more than a decade on Commonwealth Court, including as its president judge, and has been a member of the state’s Judicial Conduct Board. He is a graduate of Lycoming College and Widener University Law School.

ASSAULT CHARGES ON HUGHESVILLE MAN

A Hughesville man assaulted a woman who was driving with him in a car on East Third Street in Loyalsock Township on December 9th. According to SUN Gazette, Dominic J. Thomas suddenly turned to the female driver and struck her several times, while threatening to slice her throat.  State Police in Montoursville have charged Thomas with several charges and he is now free on $10,000 bail.

 

WILLIAMSPORT COMPANY HAS TOURS PLANNED FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS

Spartronics Williamsport is a leading supplier of mission-critical defense electronics in Williamsport, which started with the inception of GTE in 1959 in Williamsport.  According to SUN Gazette, Spartronics is expecting to welcome elected state, county, and local officials to tour the Williamsport facility this month to discuss federal investments, reach out and obtain local government support and enable the growth of the workforce in Pennsylvania.

 

COVID-19 CASES FOR LOCAL AREA

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 13 new cases on Tuesday. In Centre County 174 new cases were recorded on Tuesday. Lycoming County added 92.Tioga County added 15. There were 95 new infections in Northumberland County, 53 in Snyder County, 28 in Union and 16 in Montour.

ICE FACILITY PLANS MOVING FORWARD IN WILLIAMSPORT

Plans continue to move forward for the Immigrations and Custom Enforcement (ICE) facility, according to Gary Knarr, city zoning officer. The proposed location is 2851 South Reach Road is set to be an ICE facility, according to SUN Gazette.  Knarr went on to say the facility will not be a location used to jail or house immigrants. When all is done, codes Administrator Joseph Gerardi and Gary Knarr will conduct a final walk through and inspection, thereby providing the occupancy permit that is needed to use the location.

 

 

WOMAN DIES AT GMC FOLLOWING MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON SUNDAY

An accident caused injuries that ended the life of a woman on Sunday, Jan. 2. Leah M. Fisher was traveling south on North Mill Street near Pepper Run Road. According to state police, Fisher lost control and veered into the northbound lane, striking another vehicle. Fisher was taken to Geisinger Medical Center Danville by Flemington Goodwill Hose Ambulance Association where she succumbed to her injuries, police said.

SUNBURY MAN ARRESTED FOLLOWING SHOOTING IN SUNBURY

Police allege a Sunbury man shot two men on Monday night near Packer Street in Sunbury.  According to police, Felix Pena and Tyrone Short were transported to Geisinger Medical Center in critical condition after Yusuf McLaurin shot them during a possible drug interaction. As reported by Daily Item, McLaurin is slated to appear before Judge Toomey for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 11. McLaurin will appear before Toomey on Jan. 11 for a preliminary hearing on the charge. The investigation continues and more charges are expected to be filed.

SENTENCE HANDED DOWN FOR MAN GUILTY IN THE DEATH OF A 3-YEAR-OLD

It was a sentence based on his responsibility in the death of 3-year-old Arabella Parker.  Jahrid Burgess will see upwards of 50 years but no less than 24 years in state prison. It was November when Burgess was found guilty by jury for multiple charges including homicide and four felony counts of aggravated assault for a person under 13 for the beating death of the 3-year-old, whose injuries caused her death a month later.  According to District Attorney Tony MAT UH LVICH , it was one of the worst crimes he has experienced in his two year terms as district attorney.

 

INVESTIGATION OF VOTING MACHINES IN PENNSYLVANIA

Dominion Voting Systems has asked a court to restrict any inspection of its voting machines as part of what Republican lawmakers call a “forensic investigation” of Pennsylvania’s 2020 election to a laboratory that has specific credentials. The Denver-based voting-system manufacturer filed paperwork in court Monday evening as Republican lawmakers move to inspect Dominion’s machines and software in southern Pennsylvania’s sparsely populated Fulton County using an unaccredited contractor that has no election experience. In its court papers, Dominion requested an order requiring that any inspection be conducted by a federally accredited voting system test lab or a national laboratory used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Fulton county heavily backed former President Donald Trump, whose baseless claims about election fraud in 2020′s presidential election have propelled various Republican endeavors to search for fraud in states Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden.

 

GOVERNOR SET TO DELIVER FINAL BUDGET PROPOSAL

Pennsylvania is sitting on a fat budget reserve, a healthy and growing surplus, and billions in unspent federal coronavirus relief cash. Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf, about to deliver his eighth and final state budget proposal to lawmakers, says Pennsylvania’s flush accounts make this a “magical year” in “budget surplus territory” that won’t require higher taxes or spending cuts. The governor’s annual budget address is scheduled for Feb. 8 and will be followed by weeks of hearings by the appropriations committees in the House and Senate. Normally, arm wrestling between the governor and Legislature over the budget gets done in June, with passage shortly before or after Pennsylvania’s next fiscal year begins July 1.

 

MAXIMUM SENTENCE HANDED DOWN TO FORSYTH

President Judge Nancy Butts sentenced a Williamsport man with the maximum sentence yesterday after he was charged in the death of a 19 month old child. Jason M. Forsyth will see between five and 10 years in state prison for involuntary manslaughter, a second-degree felony. According to SUN Gazette, Forsyth is not eligible for parole.

 

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