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BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 17, 2017

MONTOURSVILLE AREA HOME HIT BY FIRE

Several volunteer fire companies, along with city fireman, battled a two alarm blaze that was engulfing a home on Jerry Lane, off of Heilman Road, North of Route 864 in Upper Fairfield Township yesterday afternoon. The fire was reportedly called in by a neighbor. When the fire crews arrived on the scene, 50 percent of the home was engulfed in flames. The blaze burned out of control for at least an hour.

COVID CASES RISE IN TIOGA COUNTY

Tioga County faces a drastic increase in COVID-19 cases according to a warning from the Tioga County COVID-19 task force. For the month of September the county has recorded 277 positive cases and a 14.7% positivity rate. These findings are based upon Department of Health data.

DOMESTIC CALL IN LOYALSOCK, POLICE FIND UNATTENDED CHILDREN

While responding to a domestic call at the catch all self-storage at Commerce Park Drive in Loyalsock, state police discovered four children ages ranging from 7 to 12 locked inside a fenced area unattended. John William Clontz, 52, of Muncy was charged with four counts of misdemeanor endangering the welfare of children after trooper determined he left them unattended. Clontz is being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $15,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 13^th.

106^TH PENNSYLVANIA FARM SHOW

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced today that the 106^th Pennsylvania Farm Show will run Saturday, January 8^th through Saturday, January 15^th and will be hosted at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. The theme of the next farm show will be, we harvest more in 2022.

CHARGES FILED ON DRIVER OF MOTORCYCLE OF HIGH SPEED CHASE

Orangeville Police arrested Jason Dale Ruhmel, 41, who was operating his motorcycle at speeds over 100 miles per hour. While on patrol, officers observed the individual pumping gas, when attempting to run the license plate, Ruhmel left the parking lot and after failing to stop the speeding motorcycle, the police terminated the chase due to a danger to the public. Ruhmel had two active warrants and officers charged him with third degree felony fleeing or attempting to elude officers, flight to avoid apprehension, six summary traffic offenses, and careless driving. No bail or preliminary hearing was scheduled for Ruhmel.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 21, 2021

WILLIAMSPORT CODES AND CITY POLICE PATROL DIVISION REMAIN
The Williamsport City Bureau of Codes and City Police Patrol Division are the two departments that remain in condemned City Hall. Mayor Derek Slaughter reported yesterday that he would ask for a brief extension. A target date of Monday was set two weeks ago by the codes department, and while it was missed, offices and rooms are not quite prepared for the relocation of codes and patrol. According to SUN Gazette, the codes offices will be at restored rooms at River Valley Transit, 1500 W. Third St., which is being prepared for the buildings and property codes enforcement employees this week. The police patrol division picture remains fluid and not completed, Slaughter said.

JERSEY SHORE MAN REFUSING TO LEAVE HIS CELL

Samuel Collins, committed Sunday to the Lycoming County Prison after he was declared unfit for arraignment, following a traffic stop at 1 am, refused to come out of his cell Monday morning when District Judge Christian Frey was prepared to conduct the formal proceeding, according to court records. Frey proceeded anyway and ordered that the 41-year-old Jersey Shore man remain behind bars in lieu of $25,000 bail. According to a media source, Judge Frey said he has never heard of a situation where someone locked up refused the next day to come out of their cell to attend to the matter. Collins, of 405 Allegheny St., was taken into custody about 1 a.m. Sunday on multiple charges after state troopers stopped his 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt at West Fourth and Laurel streets in the city.

MURDER TRIAL TO BEGIN TODAY

Yesterday, the Lycoming County Court seated a 12-person jury to hear the case against a man accused of murdering a customer in a convenience store in 2019. The jury will hear testimony today through next Monday before deciding the case of Ikeem Fogan, 23, of Williamsport, who allegedly shot and killed a customer and injured a Uni-Mart clerk in August 2019. According to SUN Gazette, in addition to those 12, four alternates were chosen to step in should they be needed. Fogan will answer to 12 charges. The trial begins today at 9 a.m. in the Lycoming County Courthouse. County Judge Marc Lovecchio will preside over the trial.

SEXUAL OFFENDER TO STATE PRISON FROM ROARING BRANCH

The Lycoming County Court recently sentenced a sexual offender to state prison for charges related to sexual abuse of children. As reported by an online media source, Michael Harris Jr., 34, of Roaring Branch, was sentenced by Lycoming County Court Judge Ryan Tira for 47-94 years in state prison, in addition to three years of probation, for a series of abusive incidents toward a minor when she was younger than 13 that continued over several years.

SEXUAL OFFENDER TO STATE PRISON FROM MUNCY VALLEY

The Lycoming County Court recently sentenced a sexual offender to state prison for charges related to sexual abuse of children. As reported by a media outlet, John Irwin, 71, of Muncy Valley, was sentenced to 80-160 years in state prison and three years of probation for being convicted of raping children. According to a criminal complaint that Irwin initially sexually abused the two girls starting when they were six. Irwin pleaded guilty to several counts of rape of child. Allegations initially pit 103 charges related to the incidents against him.

FREE PROGRAM “ENCOURAGING BIRDS TO YOUR BACKYARD”

The Tiadaghton Audubon Society is hosting a free program open to the public titled “Encouraging Birds to Your Backyard.” It will be held rain or shine. Ann Vayansky is presenting the program at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday outdoors at the Nature Center at Hills Creek State Park. According to a report from SUN Gazette, it’s located seven miles northeast of Wellsboro in Charleston Township. If it rains, the program will be in the Nature Center pavilion. Hills Creek has a garden of native plants at its Nature Center. Vayansky will talk about the merits of some of the plants in this garden and the importance of people incorporating them and others into their landscaping to encourage birds and other wildlife to visit.

LYCOMING COUNTY COVID INFECTION RATE

Lycoming County’s infection rate has surpassed not only that of Pennsylvania, but of the entire country, according to county Health Improvement Coalition data. The county’s latest test positivity rate and seven-day total infections are reportedly 338 per 100,000, with 38 COVID-19 hospitalizations as of Sept. 16. Lycoming remains among the 95% of counties countrywide facing high levels of COVID-19 transmission at a community level. As reported in SUN Gazette, in Lycoming County, the vaccination rate among adults 18 and over now stands at 62.2% having received their first dose, with over half of the county’s eligible population having begun their vaccine process, about 51.6%.

PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION MEMORIAL TO FLIGHT 93

Forty American flags stood tall and the sound of bagpipes rang out on State Game Lands 93 in Somerset County as the Pennsylvania Game Commission rededicated a memorial to honor the 40 heroic passengers and crew members of United Airlines Flight 93. The ceremony was held on the morning of Sept. 10, in advance of the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The agency dedicated a new wooden game lands sign, two stone, engraved benches — one honoring all 40 men and women on board and one honoring U.S. Fish and Wildlife Biologist and Law Enforcement Officer Richard J. Guadagno — and two informational kiosks with the 40 names, the Flight 93 story, the history of the game lands and more in the memorial area of the game lands. As reported by a media outlet, a keystone was also cut into the landscape on the grassy hillside overlooking the memorial with the number 93 painted in the middle.

MEDICAL VERIFICATION REQUIRED FOR NO MASK IN EAST LYCOMING SCHOOLS

It was a special meeting for the East Lycoming School Board last night in the Hughesville High School auditorium. With members of the public and anxious parents present, the board voted 8-1 saying in order to receive a mask exemption, a form will require medical verification. As reported by SUN Gazette, the vote came as a long meeting turned even longer with approximately 3 hours of public comment on the mask mandate.

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UPDATED COVID-19 RESPONSES FROM MONDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Monday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County eight new cases, Lycoming County increased by 31, 15 in Northumberland County, eight in both Snyder and Union counties and four in Montour County.

FEDERAL EMPLOYEES SENT TO ASSIST A TOWN IN TEXAS

Employees from the U.S. Penitentiary at Lewisburg are joining other federal officers in helping to expel thousands of migrants from a Texas town. In all, U.S. authorities moved to expel many of the more than 12,000 migrants camped around a bridge in Del Rio, Texas. Andy Kline, president of Local 148 representing the corrections officers at the Lewisburg prison, isn’t pleased that they are being employed to address the crisis. As reported by the Daily Item, besides putting officers health at risk, Kline said, sending prison staff out of state to assist in the migrant problem is straining the resources of federal prisons which has been dealing with a nationwide staff shortage for years.

GRANT MONEY TO HELP CRYSTAL LAKE SKI AND OUTDOOR CENTER

A grant from the Williamsport Lycoming Community Fund at the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP) for $12,000 is set to help the Crystal Lake Ski and Outdoor Center to better serve more locals and visitors. With the grant, owners expect improvements to continue over the next five years starting with the 2021-22 season. According to Nathan Bowen, Executive Director of Crystal Lake, “There are a couple of components to this project.” According to northcentralpa.com, one component, the Skis to Schools program, reaching and making a difference for children in the community and helping members of the community on how to best use the resources that Crystal Lake provides.

TRANSFER STATION CLOSING FOR MAINTENANCE

The Lycoming County Resource Management Services Transfer Station Located at 1475 West Third St. in Williamsport will be temporarily closed for maintenance Mon., Sept. 27th and is anticipated to reopen to the public and waste haulers on Mon., Oct. 4 at 8:30am. The temporary shutdown is for the installation of a new conveyor. As reported by SUN Gazette, the location at 447 Alexander Dr., Montgomery, which is open Mon.-Fri. 7:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Sat. 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m, will be the replacement station, as needed by residents. Electronic recycling collection will be suspended upon Transfer Station reopening. Collections will continue at the landfill location for residents only (no businesses, organizations, institutions, etc.).

PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT COULD LEAD TO DUI

A Watsontown man was taken into custody for suspicion of driving under the influence after hitting a 13-year-old boy as he waited for the school bus. According to Watsontown Police, the incident happened last Thursday just after 7:30 a.m. the boy was hit, sustained an injury, was taken to Evangelical Community Hospital Emergency Room.. According to a media outlet, police say the driver, an unidentified 28-year-old man, was taken into custody, and administered a DUI blood test.

SEXUAL ASSAULT IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

It was a theft and sexual assault, as reported by state police, on a rural Union County road. On September 12, a woman was in a vehicle with 27-year-old Martin Esperanza of Milton, when they say he sexually assaulted her, took her purse and cellphone, and left her along the road. Esperanza is charged with multiple charges and is now in the Northumberland County Prison. According to an online media outlet, a hearing will be held, in front of District Judge Michael Diehl, who set bail at $75,000.

A DOMESTIC VERBAL ALTERCATION BECAME VIOLENT

Threats became violent behavior, as Watsontown Police reported they were called to Eighth Street on Friday to break up a domestic dispute, where a man assaulted and threatened to kill a woman if she called the police. As reported by SUN Gazette, police said they took 40-year-old James Beardsley of Watsontown into custody and charged him with harassment, simple assault and terroristic threats.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

NEXT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER

The Pennsylvania College of Technology has announced James R Dougherty the Third as the next Executive Director of the Community Arts Center beginning earlier this week. He takes over the position from Chuck Still who had been with the center since January 2020. Dougherty has most recently served as Director of Computer and Media Services. He looks forward to working closely with local community.

JERSEY SHORE SCHOOL PARENTS VOCAL ABOUT MASKS

A crowd of people calling for the unmasking of students highlighted action at the Jersey Shore School Board Meeting this week. The meeting included parents of school children who claimed the masks are harmful to students. Others told the board they felt their rights were being trampled on by the state’s mask mandate. The School Board in Jersey Shore did vote to support an injunction filed by State Republicans and parents seeking to overturn the state wide mask mandate for schools.

WILLIAMSPORT CITY AND TAX OFFICE MOVED

The Williamsport City Treasurer and Tax Office has found a new home in Williamsport at 100 West Third Street. The new office entrance is on Pine Street directly across from the court house fountains. The office has 15 minute parking available along 3^rd Street directly across from the M & T Bank Building.

STEP IN LYCOMING COUNTY

The Lycoming County Board of Commissioners approved funding for housing programs through STEP. Commissioner Tony Mussare voiced his concern for the reduction of funding for the, “Homes in Need” program. The program helps seniors who fall within a certain household income. The program was reduced from $300,000 to $225,000 this year. Funding comes through the Marcellus Shale Activity in the State which has gone down.

VIDEO SCOREBOARD TO BOWMAN FIELD

A video scoreboard is on its way to Bowman Field. The $630,000 videoboard is considered a win-win for the City of Williamsport and region. It was included in a list of stadium improvements that were to be paid for as part of the state redevelopment assistance capital program grant. The grant was approved by Governor Tom Wolf and the State Office of Budget.

MASKING OF STUDENTS HOT TOPIC LATE FOR MONTOURSVILLE AREA SCHOOL BOARD

The Montoursville Area School Board was burning the midnight oil when they finally adjourned their meeting at one minute before midnight. The board heard from many district residences, mostly on the issue of masking the students. The nearly five hour virtual meeting included remarks from people opposed to masks and people who called for the resignation of board members and Superintendent Christa Basson. School Officials repeatedly made it clear they cannot simply go against the state order without facing legal action.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 15, 2021

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT PASSED AN EXEMPTION TO THE MASK ORDER

While in South Williamsport, the school board passed a motion that will allow parents to sign off on an exemption from the Department of Health’s mask-wearing order during a crowded public meeting this week. The motion removes the requirement of exemptions to have a doctor’s signature, a measure many parents in the South Williamsport School District took issue with.

CIVIL RIGHTS LAWSUIT IN FEDERAL COURT BY MONTOURSVILLE AREA PARENTS

Meanwhile, fourteen parents of students at Montoursville Area School District filed a civil rights lawsuit this week in Federal Court to over turn a state-ordered mask mandate. The parents are challenging the school over a requirement that all students, staff and visitors wear masks on buses and in school buildings. The main issue by the parents was that a mandate was initiated without notice to the public, or prior notice to members of the school board.

REMOTE LEARNING TODAY FOR JACKSON PRIMARY AND LYCOMING INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS

Two city schools to go remote today. Jackson Primary and Lycoming Intermediate Schools will shift to remote learning today and Thursday due to, ” The continued rise of active COVID cases and the high volume of student quarantines.” This according to an announcement on the Williamsport Area School District’s Facebook page. In person learning will resume Monday, September 20th. All other schools in the district will operate as normal.

MUNCY SCHOOL BOARD PASSES VOTE TO ALLOW PARENTS TO CHOOSE

Meanwhile, the Muncy School Board voted 6 to 3 to allow parents to choose if their child needs to wear a mask while attended schools in the Muncy School District. With that vote, a parent of a child under 18 years of age could sign the exemption form, while a student over 18 could sign their own form.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT NOT TO ENFORCE MASK MANDATE

South Williamsport Borough Police Department will not enforcement Governor Tom Wolf’s recent mandate requiring students, staff and visitors to wear masks in school. Steven Cappaelli, Borough Manager and Public
Safety Director, told Borough Council this week that Borough Police will respond to school emergencies and calls placed by the District, but will not enforce the state mandate.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

DA GARDNER DENIES PROSECUTION OF PARENTS AND CHILDREN FOR MASKS

There will be no prosecution of parents or children for refusing to wear a mask at school. According to District Attorney Ryan Gardner in a statement last Friday, explaining the office had no business with the prosecution in these cases. “The Department of Health’s Order of Aug. 31, 2021 is ambiguous with respect to enforcement,” Gardner said. “The decision whether to mask any child in school is best made between the parent and members of the school’s administration and not the Governor, law enforcement or the District Attorney’s Office.” According to a media source, however, Gardner also stated the school district’s ability to give detention, suspend students or expel them from school, is still present without his prosecution. Gardner encouraged parents and students to remain composed, and that law enforcement may become involved for applicable criminal offenses.

LYCOMING COUNTY COVID VACCINATION RATES

Lycoming County still sits in the high level of community virus transmission, and its case numbers and a vaccination rate of 45.2%, in the past week Lycoming County has had 258.61 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people, with a test positivity rate of 11.9%. Meanwhile, Union County, with a vaccination rate of 50.9 percent, has in the past week reported 282.71 new cases per 100,000 people, and has a test positivity rate of 10.1 percent. Finally, Clinton County, with a vaccination rate of 37.2%, shows in the past week 188.96 new cases per 100,000 people and a test-positivity rate of 7.03%. The state currently leads the nation with a 56% vaccination rate compared to a 53.8% vaccination rate. However, the state’s 7-day total for COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people is 207.7 to the nation’s 286.2. The state’s week-long test positivity rate for COVID-19 is 9.1% to the nation’s 9.14%.

SECOND WORK SESSION FOR WILLIAMSPORT CITY ADMINISTRATION

The Williamsport City Administration and Williamsport City Council will hold a second work session on the American Rescue Plan funding at 7 p.m. Sept. 30. The meeting will be held at the Trade and Transit Centre II third floor in the Michael Ross meeting room, 100 W. Third St. According to Mayor Derek Slaughter, the city received $25.4 million, half of which it received in May, and the other half expected next spring. According to a media outlet, the money is specifically to be used for relief associated with losses from COVID-19 and, according to the U.S. Treasury Department rules, the rescue funds cannot be used to lower debt or reduce pension costs.

HIRING OF ACCESSIBILITY COMPLIANCE SPECIALISTS

City Council recently agreed to the hiring of two accessibility compliance specialists. Janetta Green was appointed coordinator for accessibility compliance and Mark Derry, accessibility building consultant. The city has about $20,000 reserved in the budget for their expenses, said Liz Miele, council vice president. According to SUN Gazette, once Green and Derry accomplish their work, Joseph Gerardi, city codes administrator, will be certified as accessibility coordinator. Green and Derry’s hirings are part of the commitment by the city to meet the consent decree it has agreed to in U.S. Middle District Court, to avoid a federal lawsuit.

SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM GRANT

A Small Community Air Service Development Program grant, in the amount of $950,000 was approved by the Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority at the last meeting. As was reported by SUN Gazette, the grants, awarded in August to small municipal airports, are utilized for funding air service and airfare issues. Airport officials are hopeful the money allocation will allow for improvements to attract another commercial provider to the area. In addition, the Authority approved a one-year agreement with Midwest ATC, who covers the labor costs for traffic control service. The contract covers the airport’s labor costs for traffic control service. According to airport executive director Richard Howell the airport received $128,675 in CARES Act funding in August, bringing CARES funding to $1.35 million for the year and $3.4 million in overall allocations.

WOLF AND HIS MASKS MAY BE GOING TO COURT

The union that represents corrections officers in Pennsylvania prisons wants a state court to intervene over the governor’s recent mandate that they all get coronavirus vaccines or submit to weekly testing.The six-page Commonwealth Court complaint requests that the court issue a preliminary injunction to end mandatory testing unless inmates, visitors and outside vendors are also subject to the requirement. In addition to the Corrections Department, it applies to state hospitals, veterans’ homes, community health centers and homes for those with intellectual disabilities. Wolf press secretary Lyndsay Kensinger declined to comment on the specifics of the lawsuit but called the union’s opposition to the pandemic mitigation “extremely disappointing.”

RETIRING NUMBERS AT THE WILLIAMSPORT AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

A few pieces of history keep the Williamsport Area High School football alive in the hearts of young and old. Three retired jerseys, Larry Kelly (31), Gary Brown (28) and Natt Neenan (78) were joined by another on Friday night. Williamsport football welcomed Darrell Blackman to the field at halftime during a home game against Mifflin County. As reported by a media outlet, the 2003 Williamsport graduate — who currently holds the all-time rushing title for the Millionaires at 6,761 career yards — had his No. 2 jersey placed high among the elite four. An ovation from a packed stadium was for Blackman, who stood with the red board and his family. According to Blackman, “I’m proud of it, that’s a big accomplishment,” He continued. “Now, forever, they’ll see that name ‘Blackman,’ that No. 2 jersey that’s sitting in the rafters.”

SCREAMING FOR HELP OVER THE TELEPHONE

Williamsport Police responded to a 911 call with a person allegedly screaming for help into the phone near the 2500 block of Federal Avenue on Sept 1. Police identified, Ciera Aaliyah Johnson, 21, of Williamsport as one of the women. Johnson allegedly punched the elderly woman in the face after she refused to take garbage outside. Johnson then began “beating” on the elderly woman. According to northcentralpa.com, Johnson was charged with multiple charges including felonies. Johnson is held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $50,000 monetary bail an upcoming preliminary hearing scheduled for Sept. 21.

DANVILLE POLICE RESPONDING TO POSSIBLE DEMONSTRATION

In a Facebook post made by the Danville Police Department yesterday, the department said it has received word of a potential demonstration in the Danville area today. “We appreciate everyone’s right to gather and air their grievances; however EVERYBODY’s rights must be protected;” the post said. According to comments made in the post, demonstration in opposition to the vaccine mandate at Geisinger is planned by employees. According to a media source, today’s planned demonstration will likely disrupt the regular flow of traffic in Danville. The police department has offered tips for participants and community members: Parking violators will be ticketed and /or towed, do not interfere with emergency vehicles or block roadways, either impeding vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

STATE POLICE IN MILTON ARE LOOKING FOR THE SUSPECT WHO CAUSED DAMAGE TO A VALLEY RESTAURANT.

An unknown suspect caused damaged and cut power to a Valley Township business last week. According to State Police in Milton, a suspect went to the Hilltop Bar & Grill restaurant on Liberty Valley Road early the morning of Sept. 8, cut a phone wire and pulled apart a power meter base mounted to the exterior wall. Video surveillance cameras appeared to be tampered with during the incident, according to state police. There was no sign of forced entry at the building. According to SUN Gazette, anyone with information is urged to contact State Police in Milton.

CITY OF WILLIAMSPORT TREASURER AND TAX OFFICE MOVED TO 100 W THIRD ST

According to a news release from Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter, the City of Williamsport Treasurer and Tax Office has relocated to 100 W. Third Street at the corner of Pine Street and Third Street. The move stems from the water and air quality issues at City Hall, said the mayor. The new office entrance is on Pine Street directly across from the Court House Fountains. The office was previously the location of Sterns Café, The Transit Scoop, and most recently Derone’s Dynamite Dogs. The office has fifteen-minute parking available along Third Street directly across from the M&T Bank Building. According to a media source, the office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Office can be reached by phone at 570-327-7520.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Monday reported new COVID-19 cases across the state, Clinton County nine new cases, Centre County saw an increase of 20, Lycoming County has 57, 45 in Northumberland County, nine in Union and six in Montour and Snyder counties.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

JURY SELECTION FOR MURDER TRIAL

Jury selection is to begin this morning for a man accused in the 2019 slaying of a woman patronizing a Newberry convenience market. According to a media outlet, Ikeem Fogan, 23, of Williamsport faces trial for allegedly shooting and killing Rhonda McPeak and wounding JoBeth Wetzel during a botched burglary of the Uni-Mart in the 1900 block of West Fourth Street. Fogan faces 12 charges. Once a jury is seated, the trial is expected to last about a week. Fogan is being held without bail in the Lycoming County Prison.

POLICE TO RECEIVE RAISES IN MUNCY

Muncy Borough Council approved a new contract between the borough and the police department that would see an increase in wages of $2 an hour, among other agenda items this week. According to a media source, Borough council approved the 2022-2024 police contract 6-1. The starting hourly wage of a full time uniformed officer will be $23.02, increasing up to $24.50 in 2024. Officer wages increase up to $27.16 in 2024 for officers who have spent more than four years with the department. Part time officers start at a $20.50 probationary status in 2022, increasing up to $24.50 for more than four years of service with the department. Borough council also announced trick-or-treat will occur Saturday, Oct. 30, from 6-8 p.m. Muncy Borough Council will next meet Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. in the Muncy Area Vol. Fire Department.

PASSENGER TRAIN LINES

New passenger train lines and expanded service across the state, could inspire billions of dollars in economic benefits for the Commonwealth. “We could make a huge difference for the mobility in this region,” Amtrak President Stephen. The service could add lines tying Scranton, Allentown and Reading into the busy corridor that already carries travelers along the East Coast. As reported by an online media source, Amtrak officials have also proposed an additional daily east-west route that would cover Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and many cities and towns between, as well as an added line to Cleveland.

CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS RIVAL

Three Pennsylvanians in Congress are spearheading a new House effort to revive the Civilian Conservation Corps, the 1930s program that sent unemployed young men to remote worksites to develop and conserve natural resources. The three are among the first sponsors of the so-called Revive the CCC Act, which would create a modern equivalent. They join a similar effort in the Senate, led by Sen. Bob Casey, since July. According to SUN Gazette, the revived program would place workers at job sites across the country, with health benefits and a $15-per-hour wage reimbursed by the federal government.

DOMESTIC ASSAULT LANDS WOMAN IN JAIL

After grabbing his shirt and allegedly twisting it around his neck, causing his inability to breath, Brittney Goehrig was behind bars, city police alleged in court papers. Geohrig and her estranged husband, the victim, John, met at 2418 Newberry St. about 7 a.m. on Aug. 28, police said, adding that the estranged husband was there to get his share of the couple’s income tax money, police said. According to SUN Gazette, arraigned two days later on charges of simple assault and harassment, Goehrig, 35, of 2412 Grand St., remains jailed in lieu of $5,000 bail.

DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE AND TERRORISTIC THREATS IN WILLIAMSPORT

A domestic disturbance on Market Street Sept. 15, brought Williamsport police to the door of Joshua Kendall. According to an affidavit, Kendall, 37, struck his girlfriend, locking her in a bedroom, telling her, he would kill her if she ever left him. According to an online media source, following his arraignment before Judge William Solomon, Kendall was committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail.

DRUG ARREST LEADS TO POSSIBLE SUSPECT IN ARMED ROBBERY

A man was pacing outside a gas station on Montour Street when Danville Borough police officers approached him matching the description of a suspect wanted for armed robbery the day before. Ezekiel Rodarte, 46, of White Deer was charged with multiple narcotics charges. Authorities said Rodarte had approximately 68.2 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 4.6 grams of marijuana. According to a media outlet, Rodarte is held at the Montour County Prison in lieu of $50,000 monetary bail with a preliminary hearing in front of Judge Marvin Shrawder Sept. 23.

GEISINGER OFFERS RAISES TO MINIMUM WAGE

Geisinger is strengthening its commitment to its employees as it builds on its robust benefits packages and career development offerings by raising its minimum pay rate to $15 per hour for current and future employees, effective Sept. 26. In addition to its competitive pay, Geisinger regularly invests in its employees by offering comprehensive employee benefits.

COVID-19 NUMBERS IN VALLEY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday reported new COVID-19 cases across the Commonwealth. In Clinton County 28 new cases were reported on Sunday, Centre County saw an increase of 67 on Sunday, Lycoming County increased by 98, 51 in Northumberland County, 18 in Snyder and seven each in Montour and Union counties.

MINIMUM MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS IN OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP

The Old Lycoming Township supervisors approved the minimum municipal obligation for nonuniformed employees at $147,955, while the same obligation for uniformed employees is $43,975. Also, the supervisors appointed Kelsey Green, the county’s hazard reduction planner, as the authorized manager for FEMA hazard mitigation in the township. According to SUN Gazette, the supervisors said they are waiting to announce a night for the townships trick-or-treat until other municipalities announce their own dates.

A GRANT FOR CRYSTAL LAKE SKI AND OUTDOOR CENTER

Live on Location!

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 11, 2021

MARIJUANA ARREST ON BU CAMPUS

A Bloomsburg University Police Officer said he waited unnoticed and watched a man in the backseat of his vehicle weigh what appeared to be marijuana. Hamid Kaba of Collingdale, was inside his vehicle with a dome light on when officers observed him inside a parking garage on campus. The Officer positioned himself near the passenger‘s side of the vehicle and continued to observe Kaba as he allegedly weighed and bagged marijuana. Officers said a search of the vehicle turned up 143.5 grams of marijuana that was divided into two bags.. Kaba was charged with one count of felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and two counts of misdemeanor use or possession of drug paraphernalia. Kaba is being held on $75,000 monetary bail. (NCP)

STATE POLICE LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON DOG ATTACK

Pennsylvania State Police at Montoursville are looking for information regarding a dog attack on Tuesday night in Lycoming County. According to state police, a tan/brown in color possible shepherd mix dog weighing approximately 50 pounds attacked a female victim on Fairfield Church Road. The attack, which is allegedly said to be unprovoked, occurred at 9 p.m. Sept. 7. The dog had a red heart on its collar. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Montoursville. (NCP)

FREE COVID-19 CLINIC

One of the Valley‘s state parks will be the site of a free COVID–19 vaccine clinic next Saturday. Governor Tom Wolf announced the Shikellamy State Park will be one of five state parks hosting a vaccine clinic. The Shikellamy State Park clinic will take place next Saturday, September 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Governor Wolf says clinics will provide either the Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. (KOK)

ASSAULT IN BLOOMSBURG

Bloomsburg police officers said they witnessed a man kick a woman in the face after being disturbance called to the scene of a domestic at a local bar. Douglas May of Bloomsburg was arrested and taken into custody. May, who has an active DUI case against him, was charged with second–degree misdemeanor simple assault and a summary offense of harassment. May posted $10,000 monetary bail on Sept. 5. (NCP)

DOMESTIC IN DORNSIFE

A witness told Troopers from PSP Stonington that a clogged toilet allegedly angered a man to the point of choking her on Sept. 6 in Upper Mahanoy Township. Michael Branswich of Dornsife was charged with second–degree felony strangulation, second–degree misdemeanor simple assault, and a summary charge of harassment. Branswich allegedly choked the accuser several times and grabbed her arm with enough force to cause bruising. Branswich posted $20,000 monetary bail on Sept. 9. Branswich is scheduled to appear before Judge Toomey on Sept. 14 for a preliminary hearing. (NCP)

WILLIAMSPORT CITY COUNCIL’S MEETING

Thursday night‘s Williamsport City Council meeting was heated at times as Williamsport continues to struggle with financial issues stemming from the former administration‘s 2019 and 2020 budgets. The city has yet to sign off on a project for a new scoreboard at Bowman Field because they are unwilling to use American Rescue Plan funds to foot the bill. Williamsport received a $600,000 grant with part of that money being budgeted for a new scoreboard. Thanks to this grant, the scoreboard project is set to begin on Sept. 13th, but Council stressed the importance of locating funding outside of the Rescue Plan funds. (NCP)

COVID-19 DASHBOARD

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has confirmed 5,005 new cases of COVID–19. There were 58 new cases in Lycoming County, 51 in Northumberland County, 30 in Union County, 12 in Snyder, and 8 in Montour. (DOH/KOK)

MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR ABOUT FLAGS

Governor Wolf released a video on Friday to all Pennsylvanians to put their flags at half–staff in remembrance of the September 11th attacks. In order to remember those who lost their lives, all United States and Commonwealth flags on the Capitol Complex and Commonwealth facilities throughout the state will also be lowered to half–staff. The United States Flag and the Commonwealth Flag shall remain at half–staff until sunset. (WKOK)

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

A MASKING LOOPHOLE FOUND

An apparent loophole in Pennsylvania’s mask mandate for schools is making it easier for some students to go to class without having to cover their faces. The state health secretary’s order requiring masks includes an exemption for students who claim it would cause or worsen a medical condition. But there’s no obligation in the masking order for a student to produce a doctor’s note or other supporting medical documentation. Spot checks by The Associated Press of school districts yesterday revealed at least a dozen around the state using exemption forms which don’t require a medical professional’s signature.

PA DEPT OF HEALTH RELEASED UPDATED COVID-19 DASHBOARD

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday reported new COVID-19 cases in Clinton County nine new cases were reported on Thursday, Centre County saw an increase of 114, while Lycoming County increased by 42, 31 cases in Northumberland County and 28 in Union County. There were 13 new cases in Snyder County and four in Montour County, according to a media source.

TEXTING COST A JERSEY SHORE MAN MULTIPLE FELONIES

It was a text communication between a 52-year-old man and 14-year-old girl led to the arrest, according to police, yesterday. According to police, Dwayne Allen Koons, of Jersey Shore messaged the juvenile through multiple avenues and made sexually explicit suggestions. Koons, who is being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $35,000 monetary bail, was charged with multiple felonies is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 14 with Judge Christian Frey.

MASKING DEBATE HITS JERSEY SHORE

Upwards of 30 parents and concerned citizens from met at the Jersey Shore Area School District Services Center parking lot to expressing concerns related to the state mandate requiring schoolchildren to wear masks in classrooms. A petition to unmask the schoolchildren was available for parents and concerned community members to sign. According to the SUN Gazette, the rally came at door of the upcoming school board meeting 7 p.m. Monday in which the board will discuss the topic of masks in schools. In an open letter posted on the Jersey Shore Area School District website, Dr. Brian Ulmer, Superintendent of the Jersey Shore Area School District announced the masking order and stated that the order is set to remain in effect but will be evaluated on Oct. 1.

LOYALSOCK TOWNHIP SCHOOL BOARD SAYS MASK OR GO VIRTUAL

Mask up or meetings will be going virtual was the message from Loyalsock Township School Board President Carolyn Strickland as she faced an audience of parents and community members Wednesday night, many without masks. According to a media outlet, Superintendent Gerald S. McLaughlin said the district will comply with the order from the state Department of Health related to students, staff and visitors wearing masks in district buildings. He went on to say districts are not required to update health and safety plans approved earlier in the summer to reflect the secretary’s order, but must comply and enforce the order, McLaughlin explained.

STAKEHOLDERS WILL BE DISCUSSED NEXT WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Who will be able to address the school board is at issue as the Williamsport Area School Board is set to review the policy governing it. Board member Adam Welteroth expressed all stakeholders in the district should be allowed to speak during the public comment section of board meetings. Defining who is a stakeholder was questioned by another board member. Welteroth made a motion that was passed to bring the policy to the first October board meeting for a review of the revision of adding stakeholders. According to Sun Gazette, the school board also opened up the agreement with the Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company to provide ambulance service for all home football games at a rate of $60 per hour for the current football season. They voted and it was approved. This is a $5 increase over last year. Prior to that, the rate had not changed since 2011. The next board meeting will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 21.

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT TO RECEIVE GRANT MONEY

The Loyalsock Township School District has received a total of $1,363,292 from various grants over the past 18 months as part of COVID relief according to a presentation by Superintendent Gerald McLaughlin made to the school board at a recent meeting. The district is also set to receive $1,934,711 as part of the American Rescue Plan. Budgeted through the current school year, the second round of funding, $956,494, was used to maintain the existing staff, the Schick and Middle School summer program, after-school programs, custodial equipment and HVAC software system upgrade. As reported by a media outlet, funds from the American Rescue Plan, which is budgeted for 2022-23 and 2023-24 must include at least a minimum of 20 percent or $386,942, to address learning loss. The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 6. The location for the meeting will be posted on the district website.

BLOOMSBURG MAN IMPATIENT FOR FAIR

A Bloomsburg man was not waiting another week to get into the Bloomsburg Fair. According to police, surveillance video from August 26^th showed a man breaking into a ticket booth and remained there for upwards of two hours. According to northcentralpa.com, Justin Charles Bozarth, 33, of Bloomsburg was charged with one count of third-degree felony criminal trespassing and a summary charge of criminal mischief. Bozarth is being held at the Columbia County Prison in lieu of $50,000 monetary bail awaiting his Sept. 15 preliminary hearing.