BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 21, 2021

A NEW ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

There is a  new associate director of admissions at Pennsylvania College of Technology. Previously, Jen M. Cullin-Hetrick was the coordinator of admissions events and communications and also an admissions counselor. Now, Cullin-Hetrick has the title of associate director of admissions Penn College. According to SUN Gazette, in her position, she handles the developing and executing of communications and recruitment plans.

COVID NUMBERS DROPPING IN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

COVID-19 numbers have dropped in the school district, this according to District Superintendent Daphne Bowers, who released the news at the most recent meeting of the Montgomery Area School District. According to SUN Gazette, in total, 42 students and five staff members have been reportedly quarantined. The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 in the district board room.

 

COVID-19 CASES LOCALLY WEDNESDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County 25 new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 25, while Lycoming County increased by 69, 40 in Northumberland County, 24 in Union, 13 in Snyder and eight in Montour.

AWAITING SENTENCING IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

According to PennLive and another online media source, the drowning death of a 3-year-old boy last year in Northumberland County went to court. There, a  Northumberland County mother has been found guilty of endangering the welfare of a child. Free, pending sentencing, Britney Dawn Bridges of Turbotville, was charged in direct connection to the August 11, 2020, death of her son, Clayton-Lucas Eugene Hamilton, who was found floating face down in a neighbor’s above-ground swimming pool.

CHILDREN’S VACCINE (AGES 5-11)

Governor Tom Wolf today issued a statement on the Biden Administration’s preparations for the COVID-19 vaccine authorization for children ages 5-11. “In Pennsylvania, the vaccine is our strategy out of the pandemic, and Pennsylvanians are doing a tremendous job of protecting ourselves and our loved ones by getting the COVID-19 vaccine. We should all be proud of how far we have come since the beginning of the pandemic as another milestone is upon us – the vaccine authorization for children ages 5-11.

THEFT OF TREE CUTTING EQUIPMENT FROM CLINTON COUNTY

On Oct 7 at approx. 7:58 am, State Police were contacted to report a theft of chainsaws, other tree trimming equip and climbing equip. The theft occurred from the parking lot of 2109 Nittany Valley Dr (penndot parking lot), Bald Eagle Twp, Clinton County.  The thefts occurred over a two day period. Video surveillance was requested from the surrounding area. Anyone with any information is asked to contact State Police in Lamar.

ROLLING ROADBLOCKS

Motorists who travel Interstate 180 eastbound and westbound in Loyalsock, Fairfield, and Muncy Townships, and the City of Williamsport, Lycoming County, are advised of rolling roadblocks  Monday, October 25 through Thursday, October 28, a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) contractor will place traffic counters along Interstate 180 at multiple locations between the Interstate 180 and Route 15 southbound interchange in the City of Williamsport and the Route 220 interchange in Muncy Township.

Motorists can expect multiple 15-minute rolling roadblocks in the City of Williamsport, Loyalsock, Fairfield, and Muncy Townships where work is being performed. Work will be performed between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., weather permitting

APPEALS ARGUMENT HEARD BY PA APPEALS COURT YESTERDAY

AP is reporting… A Pennsylvania appeals court yesterday heard arguments Wednesday on if the Wolf administration had the legal right to impose a mask mandate on K-12 schools and child care facilities.  The state’s acting health secretary ordered students, teachers and staff to wear face coverings when inside, which has reversed an earlier pledge from  Gov. Tom Wolf saying masking in schools would remain a local decision.  Commonwealth Court is set to decide on a pair of lawsuits filed by parents who have contended the  masks interfere with their children’s breathing and actually cause other problems. The plaintiffs include the GOP leader of the state Senate, Jake Corman, State Representative from Centre County.

PRESS CONFERENCE INVOLVING NATURAL GAS IN PENNSYLVANIA

Senators Camera Bartolotta (R-46), Gene Yaw (R-23) and John Yudichak (I-14) joined Jim Gallagher with Steamfitters Local 420 and Matt Toomey with International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542 to discuss the need for responsible natural gas infrastructure. Senator Gene Yaw speaks to what he learned from Dr. Scott Tinker of the University of Texas …With United States households already projected to see heating bills jump as much as 54 percent compared to last winter, speakers warned how the ill-conceived call for a moratorium on natural gas development will not only increase energy costs on consumers but be detrimental for the environment and good-paying jobs across the Commonwealth.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, OCTOBER 19, 2021

NEARING COURT DATE

A homicide hearing is nearing and last week the case came to Union County Court. The case in question, a homicide case against a truck driver accused of killing and dumping the body of a former model in February. Union County Public Defender Brian Ulmer, representing the accused, Tracy Ray Rollins Jr., wants a psychological evaluation of his client. According to northcentralpa.com, Union County District Attorney, Pete Johnson, has not  received any such  motion. The case is set to begin sometime in 2022.

ATTACK AT YWCA

A man attacked a woman at the YWCA. According to Williamsport Bureau of Police, Darryl Eugene Beck of Williamsport, inside an affidavit of probable cause, allegedly forced his way into a bathroom with a woman at the YWCA. Once there, Beck pulled his pants down, attempting to strong arm a woman into performing a sexual act on him. According to a media outlet, Beck has been charged with multiple first and second-degree misdemeanors with no bail listed at the time.

MISSINGING SNYDER COUNTY MAN

Pennsylvania State Police at Selinsgrove are investigating a missing person report for a Snyder County man who has been missing since Saturday. Joshua Young, 34, of Monroe Township, was last seen on foot at 2 p.m. Oct. 16 at his residence at 3115 Kratzerville Road. He was seen wearing a white tank top, tan shorts, black sneakers. Young is described as being 6’3″ tall, weight 210 lbs. with brown eyes, long brown hair and a brown beard. As reported by northcentralpacom, anyone with information about his whereabouts should contact PSP Selinsgrove at (570) 374-8145.

COVID-19 UPDATED MONDAY RESULTS

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Monday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County 10 new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 21, while Lycoming County increased by 78, 33 new cases in Northumberland County, 20 in Snyder, 13 in Union and nine in Montour.

FLAG ORDER HITS HOME

In accordance with the recent Presidential Flag Order, Governor Tom Wolf ordered United States and commonwealth flags on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds to fly at half-staff immediately in honor of the General Colin Powell. General Powell passed away yesterday. “General Powell was a trailblazer,” said Gov. Wolf. “As a public servant, he dedicated his life to our nation. I extend my deepest condolences to his friends and family.” The US and commonwealth flags should be lowered to half-staff at immediately and should fly at half-staff until sunset on October 22, 2021. According to northentralpa.com, all Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute.

WOLF’S FOUR-BILL PACKAGE

Governor Tom Wolf today unveiled a four-bill package that will further strengthen protections for students and combat sexual assaults on campuses. The governor has made Pennsylvania a national leader in addressing sexual violence and changing the culture on campuses across the state. The governor’s four-bill package would: Enact a ‘yes means yes’ law, strengthen protections for victims of on-campus crime, teach middle and high school students to know and prevent dating violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment and stalking and create a task force to study sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking in grades 6-12 and postsecondary institutions.

PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW

PA Senators Camera Bartolotta (R-46), Gene Yaw (R-23) and John Yudichak (I-14) will hold a press conference to discuss the need for responsible natural gas infrastructure and the good-paying jobs and lower energy costs associated with it on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 10 a.m. in the Main Capitol Rotunda. (pasen.gov)

Speakers will also include representatives from Pennsylvania’s esteemed building trade unions.

CHILD IN STABLE CONDITION AT UPMC

A toddler fell from a 2nd story window onto concrete below. According to a press release from the Old Lycoming Township Police, Yesterday at 12:50 PM, Old Lycoming Twp. Police Department, Old Lycoming Township Fire Department and UPMC EMS were dispatched the 2000 block of Mill Ln  in Old Lycoming Township. Police arrived on scene and learned that a 4-year-old child was upstairs playing with siblings when the child fell. Police, fire and EMS administered aid and the child was subsequently transported to UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Emergency Department. Further police investigation revealed that the child fell out the window when he was attempting to retrieve a toy. 911 was called immediately. The child is in stable condition at UPMC.

CITY BUS FACELIFT HIGHLIGHTS AREA ATHLETES

If you look at the next City Bus, you may see 10 of Lycoming County’s hard-working athletes, they are soccer players, swimmers, basketball players, bowlers, powerlifters and more. According to SUN Gazette, they are Lycoming County’s Special Olympians. Unveiled Sunday, River Valley Transit featured the 10 athletes on a bright red bus wrap.

FROM WILLIAMSPORT TO CHAMONIX, FRANCE

Thomas McNerney, a Williamsport native, was in Chamonix, France, as part of the Ultra Mont Blanc race that goes through the countries of France, Switzerland and Italy. Competitors will have 46 1/2 hours and McNerney finished the race in 44 hours, on just 10 minutes of total sleep watching two sunsets and even two sunrises while running, according to SUN Gazette.

POLICE VEHICLES REQUIRE REPLACEMENT

The Williamsport Bureau of Police has an immediate need to replace four police vehicles, according to Mayor Derek Slaughter, who goes on to say, “The lack of operational police vehicles is now threatening public safety.” As reported by the SUN Gazette, Mayor Slaughter has exercised mayor’s powers in the Third-Class City Code in order to declare a state of emergency within the city due to a  lack of operational police vehicles. “I am therefore temporarily suspending the advertising and bidding requirements for the purchase and upfitting of up to four police SUVs by the bureau.”

THREATS IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

Robert Pellacore, 32, of 320 Center St., has been jailed on charges of threats he made allegedly to  an employee at Rival’s, 420 River Ave., during a reported disturbance at the Loyalsock Township business about 1:15 p.m. on Oct. 14. As reported by SUN Gazette, arraigned before District Judge William Solomon on multiple charges and committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $15,000 bail.

911 TEXTING IN UNION COUNTY

“Call if you can, text if you can’t” is the slogan used by the Central Susquehanna Regional 911, servicing Union, Snyder and parts of Northumberland Counties. According to Briggon Bobb, executive director, text-to-911 went live over two weeks ago. She alwos went on to say it works great in areas with poor cellphone service, when a call is dropped, texting is said to get the message through. According to an online media outlet, if you are in Snyder or Union County, experiencing an emergency, you can send a text message to “911.”

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 20, 2021

CLEAN WATER ACTION PLAN

Lycoming County’s Clean Water Action Plan offers a way to proactively address flooding and pollution that affects county farms and homes with increasing occurrences. The price tag, however, is $36.7 million. According to Eve Adrian, the county’s natural resources planner and the plan’s coordinator, the cost of resources needed to implement the plan will be grant-funded who presented the plan to the Lycoming County Commissioners at their Tuesday meeting. Adrian stressed Lycoming County has endured severe rainfalls over several decades, “the unfortunate reality is that without mitigation, farmers pay the cost of these intense rain events because soil has value.” According to SUN Gazette, the plan is being implemented, set to start this month and run through 2025.

UPMC HOSPITALS AFFECTED BY COVID

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues across the country, hospitals are seeing spikes in cases of patients being admitted because of pre-existing conditions, many of which have gone without medical care over the course of the pandemic. According to SUN Gazette, Dr. Michael C. Gerst, chief medical officer of emergency services for the North Central Region, UPMC says,“We have a population that was concerned and frightened to come to the hospital, to perhaps go see their doctor, or come to the E.R. when they were experiencing certain symptoms, so they put it off,” he said. “Putting it off has allowed that disease process to progress and become more significant and by the time they must come to the E.R., they are very, very sick.”

 

UPMC HOSPITALS REPORTING EMERGENCY ROOMS BUSY

According to Sun Gazette,  Dr. Michael C. Gerst, chief medical officer of emergency services for the North Central Region, UPMC, stresses the emergency room is not a “convenience.” “One of the things we would really appreciate in the emergency department… (is) responsibility in seeking out these services. They are time consuming, they are expensive and we are currently managing a lot of sick people,” Gerst said. “So if you can get the same at your private care physician or an urgent care, that would be optimal versus going to the E.R. where we are taking care of the sickest of the sick in the community currently.”

RETAINING WALL DELAY

The state Department of Transportation says a retaining wall project along Little Pine Creek Road in Cummings Township has delays. The project began April of 2021 and is located along Pine Creek Road. As reported by SUN Gazette, less than a mile north of the intersection of Route 44 and Little Pine Creek Road, are unforeseeable delays. These delays are due to subsurface rock quality conditions, a news release from PennDOT said, and will delay the completion until September of 2022.

MURDER DENIED MOTIONS

I-Keem Fogan, convicted murderer, was denied multiple motions by  Judge Marc Lovecchio which could have granted him a new trial in Lycoming County Court. Fogan’s public defender, Nicole Spring, reported an appeal is set to be filed on Fogan’s behalf within the 30-day time frame. Fogan,  convicted of the 2019 killing of a woman during an attempted robbery of a Newberry convenience store, had a trial, which started in late September and concluded in early October and ended with a life sentence and no possibility of parole.

DERR RETURNS FOR COURT

Ex-Williamsport City police officer Eric Derr was back in court yesterday, arguing  an omnibus motion before a Sr. Judge. Derr, charged with 28 felonies in connection to his alleged use of the police’s JNET system, and running 93 illegitimate searches of 28 different women from the dates of June of 2015 through December of 2019. Today’s motion centered around whether or not Derr “exceeded his authority” in terms of his use of the JNET system and whether or not a police officer was deemed a “public employee.” According to northcentralpa.com, Derr is due to return to court December 14, for a criminal pre-trial hearing.

COVID-19 NUMBERS IN OUR AREA FROM TUESDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County 11 new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 22, while Lycoming County increased by 39, 17 new cases in Northumberland County, six in Union, and five in Snyder and Montour counties.

POSTING CURRICULUM ONLINE IS SET FOR A VOTE

The Center Square is reporting….. A bill that would require school districts to post curriculum online received approval from a key Senate panel on Monday. The Senate Education Committee voted along party lines to advance House Bill 1332 to the chamber floor for consideration. According to a representative from Gettysburg, “[The bill] allows parents to play a greater and more active role in the oversight of what their children are being taught and  that giving online access to the course information will help “restore trust.” But Democrats on the committee warned that unfunded mandate will further burden school staff and invite unwarranted criticism. “The curriculum plan, including textbooks, needs to be online for parents to review at any time, and those websites need to be updated each time the curriculum is revised,” he said. “Too many parents have no idea what is being taught until they see their children’s homework.

 

RIVER VALLEY TRANSIT BOOKEEPING ISSUES

A “shell game” may have been played by prior management of River Valley Transit located in Williamsport and the use of state and federal grants for non-transportation purchases may have occurred, based on what auditors discovered in the fiscal books maintained by prior bus service management. According to SUN Gazette, a draft audit by RKL, the firm which was hired by Mayor Derek Slaughter, and shared yesterday at the Williamsport City Council’s finance committee. It spanned the dates of July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 and included the notation of an “adverse opinion.”

LAWSUIT THROWN OUT REGARDING PRISON GUARDS AND VACCINE-OR-TEST

Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports…. A state appeals court has thrown out a lawsuit challenging Gov. Tom Wolf’s vaccine-or-test requirement for prison guards, among thousands of other state employees in congregate settings.  In a Sept. 28 decision, a three-judge panel of the Commonwealth Court dismissed the challenge, brought by the Pennsylvania State Correctional Officers Association, which represents 11,000 prison workers, on technical grounds. The union had requested an injunction to block the policy. According to PSCOA President John Eckenrode, “We’re disappointed and disagree with the court’s decision.”  It applies to 25,000 state employees who work in state prisons, hospitals, centers for people with disabilities, and other similar facilities.

STATE GRANTS REPORTED TO RVT

PA state grants received between 2009 and 2019, showing River Valley Transit, received $64,735,716 in department grants. According to SUN Gazette, for example, when the state Department of Transportation (PennDOT) would provide a grant, those funds are recorded as a liability until they are used for specific grant purposes and they require a local match. This is where problems were found throughout the books. Williamsport City wrote RVT a check, they then needed to get localities to pay them. The whole idea was to for RVT to provide the state with a match for the grant. RVT either went to localities and they didn’t bill them or they didn’t follow up to collect funds, which went against the state requirements for the grant.

HEARING AIDS TO MORE THAN JUST THE ELDERLY

Hearing problems are not just an elderly issue; in fact, upwards of 37 million Americans experience symptoms of hearing loss. New technologies are available to help those who want to get a hearing aid without official physician approval. According to SUN Gazette, this builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal to expand access to high-quality health care and lower medical care costs for the American public.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 18, 2021

PROJECTS SET TO BEGIN AT WILLIAMSPORT REGIONAL AIRPORT

A facelift could be in store for the Williamsport Regional Airport with a price tag of $11.1 million over the next two years. According to Airport Executive Director Richard Howell, most of the prospected projects would be funded by federal CARES dollars. According to SUN Gazette, projects discussed in the recent airport municipal authority meeting include; sewer upgrades, tower rehabilitation, repaving of taxi lanes, roofing needs and runway improvements, with the largest ticketed item being the new maintenance building at a cost of $6 million.

TWO SHOOTINGS IN SUNBURY IN CLOSE PROXIMITY OF TIME AND LOCATION

Two people are in custody following a second gun incident in Sunbury yesterday, and according to police say they have recovered a weapon at a Seventh Street home. Sunbury Police Chief Brad Hare said the latest incident is not related to an earlier incident that occurred on yesterday around 4 p.m., also on Seventh Street. Hare went on to say the latest incident occurred at 8:29 p.m. and had police in the 600 block of Seventh Street. As of last evening police were still on scene and were conducting interviews on both cases. As reported by an online media outlet, anyone with information is asked to call Northumberland County 911 and Sgt. Travis Bremigen.

COVID-19 NUMBERS LOCALLY FROM SUNDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County 21 new cases were reported,Centre County saw an increase of 36, while Lycoming County increased by 29, 44 cases in Northumberland County, 10 in Snyder, seven in Union and nine in Montour.

TODAY LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR NOV 2 ELECTION

State election officials remind voters today is the last date to register to vote in the Nov. 2 election; also that Tuesday, Oct. 26 is the last date to request a mail-in or absentee ballot. Information on registering to vote or update a registration is available on the pa.state.gov or you local county website.

 

FALSE IDENTITY TO POLICE ADDS CHARGES TO CRIMES

The woman arrested and jailed on charges of allegedly trying to set fire to a chair outside an apartment at the Victorian Gardens, 653 Hepburn St., on Friday morning will face an additional misdemeanor charge of giving a false identity to law enforcement, according to Williamsport City Police yesterday.  On Friday, when she was arrested, Tiffany Whaley, identified herself to police as Belinda Diggs. Already in the Lycoming County Prison on charges of arson endangering persons and related offenses, Whaley, 49, whose last known address is of the 600 block of Fifth Avenue, is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing before District Judge Aaron Biichle on Thursday. According to SUN Gazette, Whaley is jailed in lieu of $85,000 bail.

POLICE LOOKING FOR DRIVER/OCCUPANT OF HIT AND RUN

A sudden hit-and-run in Milton on Saturday night has police on the lookout for a missing passenger or driver. At around 8:25 p.m., a motorist hit three other automobiles in the parking lot of the Shoe Factory on Hepburn St. The driver then proceeded to exit the parking lot and strike hit a tree.  As reported by the Daily Item, although unconfirmed reports say the driver has been taken into custody, Milton Police are still looking for the second occupant of the vehicle.

HOUSE FIRE CLAIMS LIFE IN NEW COLUMBIA

A woman in New Columbia died in a house fire Friday afternoon. State police fire marshal James Nizinski reported 57-year-old Brenda Lee Reibsome died in the fire along Grover Drive. The home was destroyed. Crews from White Deer Township, William Cameron Engine Company, Milton, Turbot Township, Mifflinburg, Union Township, Pottsgrove and Warrior Run were summoned about 1:30pm.  According to an online media outlet, the cause of the fire is unknown.

COVID’19 NUMBERS RISING IN VALLEY

According to President and CEO, Dr. Jaewon Ryu, “We are not out of the woods.” Reports from Geisinger campuses across the region, hospitalizations are averaging upwards of 180-200 patients.  Ryu offered an update on the pandemic and took questions from the media in a virtual briefing Friday morning. According to a media source, he went on to report, the number of cases that Geisinger is treating is not decreasing as it is in other areas of the country. Currently, 95% of all Geisinger staff members are vaccinated against COVID.

NATIONAL MOVE OVER AWARENESS

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC), and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are reminding motorists to move over or slow down ahead Saturday was “National Move Over Awareness” Day.

Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law requires drivers approaching an emergency response area who are unable to safely merge into a lane farther away from the response area to “pass the emergency response area at a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit and reasonable for safely passing.” Failure to move over or slow down will result in a citation that carries a fine of $500 for first-time offenders, $1,000 for a second offense, and $2,000 and a 90-day license suspension for a third or subsequent offense.

OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR MEDICARE

-The open enrollment period for Medicare has opened for Pennsylvanians and will remain open for enrollment until Dec. 7. There are several outlets and places to get questions answered. During the enrollment period, new beneficiaries to Medicare are able to sign up for Prescription Drug coverage and health plans set to complement Medicare. If you are a current Medicare beneficiary, you can review and join,  switch or drop Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Coverage.

$450,000 TO PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

– Pennsylvania College of Technology is dedicating $450,000 by the  U.S. Department of Education’s Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success to support outreach to veteran students over the next three years. Funds are set for use to facilitate the development of new recruitment materials, training for faculty and staff, the creation of support teams for veteran students, and expanded orientation and outreach programs to increase enrollment and retention of veteran students. According to northcentralpa.com, in order to help with coordinating veteran services in the Major General Fred F Marty Veterans and Miltary Resource Center at the college, the funding will also support the new veteran services specialist position.

 

DEATH OF THE FIRST BLACK SECRETARY OF STATE

Colin Powell, the first black Secretary of State, has passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Facebook held the  statement, issued by his family.  “General Colin L. Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, passed away this morning due to complications from Covid 19. We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American.” According to northcentralpa.com, Powell was 84.

STATE APPEALS COURT THROWS OUT LAWSUIT

Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports…. A state appeals court has thrown out a lawsuit challenging Gov. Tom Wolf’s vaccine-or-test requirement for prison guards, among thousands of other state employees in congregate settings.  In a Sept. 28 decision, a three-judge panel of the Commonwealth Court dismissed the challenge, brought by the Pennsylvania State Correctional Officers Association, which represents 11,000 prison workers, on technical grounds. The union had requested an injunction to block the policy. According to PSCOA President John Eckenrode, “We’re disappointed and disagree with the court’s decision.”  It applies to 25,000 state employees who work in state prisons, hospitals, centers for people with disabilities, and other similar facilities.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 15, 2021

SHOTS FIRED … AGAIN … IN WILLIAMSPORT

According to Williamsport City Assistant Police Chief Jason Bolt yesterday, a single gunshot was fired near Grace and Walnut streets about 11:15 p.m. Wednesday. No one was injured, but reports from an online news agency state an unoccupied vehicle was secured by police. However, no further details were provided as to why. Bolt went on to comment on the 25-year-old mother shot near the “vicinity of her home” in the 600 block of Maple Street about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. He reported she “remains hospitalized, and her medical condition remains unknown.” According to SUN Gazette, in both cases, no arrest has been made.

BOUND OVER FOR COURT

All charges against Kiam Alford, the man accused of shooting into an Isabella Street residence earlier this year, passed through to the Court of Common Pleas at a preliminary hearing earlier this week. Alford, 24, of Elmira Street, is alleged to have opened fire on an Isabella Street residence at around 2 a.m. on May 22. He was taken into custody by the United States Marshal Service in Harrisburg on June 16. According to a media source, Alford remains in the Lycoming County Prison without bail.

SUPER SATURDAY FLU VACCINE DAY

It’s not too late to get your flu shot – the best defense against getting the virus. Geisinger is hosting its final Super Saturday Flu Vaccine Day on Saturday, Oct. 16 for patients and Geisinger Health Plan members ages 3 and older. Flu season generally begins in late October and runs through May. There are 23 Geisinger community medicine offices hosting the drive thru flu events from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, including:

Geisinger Bloomsburg Reichart Road (2407 Reichart Road), Geisinger Healthplex Woodbine (16 Woodbine Lane, Danville), Geisinger Lewisburg (250 Reitz Blvd.), Geisinger Lock Haven (68 Spring St.),  Geisinger Lycoming (780 Broad St., Montoursville), Geisinger Milton (155 S. Arch St.), Geisinger Selinsgrove (201 Roosevelt Ave.)

 

SPOTTED LANTERNFLY IN OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP

According to Jay Bagley, a supervisor with the state Bureau of Plant Industry, a spotted lanternfly colony has been discovered in Old Lycoming Township. Spotted lanternflies are an invasive species of insect that, without natural competitors, have spread throughout several east coast states. They have had an impact on agricultural industries, such as logging, fruit-bearing trees and more, because they tend to damage and kill plant life and trees.  According to a media outlet and economists at Penn State University, the spotted lanternfly could drain Pennsylvania’s economy of at least $324 million annually if not contained.

 

DISTILLERY  PROPOSAL IN OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP

 

An open a distillery proposal in Old Lycoming Township drew concerns about noise and light pollution from residents. According to Drew Lomison, who made the request, the business is intended to be a quiet and relaxing atmosphere that distills and bottles beverages on-site and allows for brief tasting. According to Supervisor Linda Mazullo, “We need to set ground rules for hours, lighting, et cetera. I don’t think we should give him a license for some of those things until they are answere.”  According to a media source, Lomison said the business, which has been a decade in the making, is planned to be launched in 2023 if approved.

TRICK OR TREAT IN OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP MOVED

At the lastest Old Lycoming Township Supervisors meeting, the township’s trick-or-treat night was moved to Sunday, Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. Fall leaf collection will begin in the township Oct. 25. According to Matt Aikey township manager, residents are encouraged to rake leaves into a pile at the curb of their property. As reported by SUN Gazette, Aikey went on to say after four budget work sessions, the budget for 2022 is close to completion and should be advertised soon.

 

AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT ASKS A JUDGE TO DISMISS LAWSUIT

Montoursville Area School District officials have asked a federal judge to dismiss a mask mandate lawsuit brought by parents of students. Superintendent Christina Bason, school board president David Shimmel and the school board through their counsel asked U.S. Middle District Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the plaintiffs, Mark and Brenda Oberheim. Bason acted on a mandate by Alison Beam, acting state Department of Health secretary that masks be worn with certain exceptions. According to SUN Gazette, as of Thursday, Brann had not ruled on the district officials’ motion to dismiss.

 

TERRORISTIC THREATS IN OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP

On the morning of Sept. 18, Seth Eugene Fisher walked into the Cogan Station Market at 3725 Lycoming Creek Road and told the employees “If I don’t get my money back, I’m going to blow this place up,” According to Old Lycoming Township Police. Fisher, 29, now homeless, has been charged with a single count of terroristic threats. As reported by a media source, jailed last week for violating a protection from abuse order, he was arraigned Tuesday before District Judge William Solomon and recommitted to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $15,000 bail.

 

JERSEY SHORE BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING

Jersey Shore Borough Council, at their most recent meeting, passed a resolution to apply for a state grant through the Department of Community and Economic Development for $1 million to help fund the public safety building. It also approved a tentative five-year paving plan roadmap, which will set the borough up for announcing formal paving plans in the spring, Hoover said. In addition, the Future Business Leaders of America were approved to use the gravel parking lot across from the middle school Nov. 4, 5 and 18 to help collect food items for the weShorecare Community Service Project, which will eventually go to the New Love Center. Council unanimously voted to allow Jersey Shore Town Meeting to use the gazebo lot and electricity on Dec. 4 for its Santa Hut event. Town Meeting also received approval to host its Santa Parade on Dec. 4 from 4 to 5 p.m. from Locust Street to South Broad Street, then to Smith Street. According to a media sourece, Town Meeting’s tree lighting ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. that day.

 

MISSING PORTABLE NUCLEAR GAUGE

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Pennsylvania State Police are assisting in the search for a missing portable nuclear gauge containing sealed sources of radioactive material that belongs to Pennsylvania-based CMT Laboratories. The company is offering a $1,000 reward for its safe return. Anyone who finds the gauge should not handle it directly, but rather maintain distance, limit time of proximity, and immediately contact Pennsylvania State Police Lamar Barracks and a trained individual will recover the gauge. “It is critical for anyone who has information about the lost nuclear gauge to contact state police immediately,” DEP Bureau of Radiation Protection Director David Allard said. “As long as the device is not tampered with or damaged, it presents no hazard to public safety.” The gauge’s authorized user completed their work at approximately 6:00 PM and inadvertently departed the job site without properly securing the gauge in its case. As reported by northcentralpa.com, the vehicle left the job site, in the proximity of E. Valley Road, Logan Township, Clinton County, and traveled toward Loganton when the loss of the gauge was noticed.

 

CHILDREN FOUND ALONE INSIDE 600 BLOCK OF 2ND ST

Maintenance staff, while inside the 600 block of 2nd Street in Williamsport, made an unfortunate discovery. Williamsport Bureau of Police arrived on scene to find a 23-month –old and 11-month-old with no adults present. Deionne Morton of Williamsport returned and reported she was gone for three or four minutes, according to police. According to the affidavit, Children and Youth said they had an allegation that one of the children was malnourished and they advised police they had previously responded to a call for one of the children being left alone on May 18. As reported by northcentralpa.com, Morton was charged with two counts of second-degree felony endangering the welfare of children. She is currently being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $25,000 monetary bail as she awaits an Oct. 19 preliminary hearing.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 14, 2021

NEW POSITION CREATED

It was a close 5-4 vote, but the Montoursville Area School Board approved the creation of an assistant superintendent position. The position will deal with serving as curriculum director and assisting with communication throughout the district. There has been no one hired for the position, which spawned a good deal of debate … in the form of opposition and support. The salary for the position is to be determined. According to a media source, in other matters, school directors advised there is no immediate plan to resume in-person board meetings.

MORE DETAILS ON THE SHOOTING IN WILLIAMSPORT

According to Assistant Police Chief Jason Bolt, a 25-year-old mother was hospitalized with injuries she suffered Tuesday night when she was shot “in the vicinity” of her home in front of her children at Maple Street and Memorial Avenue. There have been no updates as to the medical condition of the victim. Her children were not injured, but are safe. According to Bolt,  “This was not a random act.”  According to SUN Gazette, at this time, no arrest has been made, and police have shared no other details of the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call Agent Brittany Alexander at the Williamsport Bureau of Police.

WILLIAMSPORT PATROL DIVISION READIES FOR MOVE

Williamsport City police in the patrol division have a new temporary home. According to Mayor Derek Slaughter, the patrol division is relocating to the Peter Herdic Transportation Museum, 810 Nichols Place. As the process remains a fluid one, the patrol division has remained at City Hall, while administrators and agents are located in the Trade and Transit I third floor. As reported by a media outlet, a list of the employees and their telephone extensions have not changed.

PREPARING FOR SNOW

Loyalsock Township supervisors is considering prohibiting parking on certain streets during a snow emergency and are in the process of drafting an ordinance to prepare for winter. The more heavily populated streets, areas where snow plow operators dealt with challenges in years past, is the target area. The proposed ordinance will go into effect whenever there is more than 2 inches of snow. According to SUN Gazette, an official news release will be provided if or when the supervisors approve a formal proposal.

EAST LYCOMING SCHOOL BOARDS HEARS CONCERNED PARENTS AND RESIDENTS

Another school district moved to hear the voices of parents and concerned citizens regarding the current masking policy. The East Lycoming School Board meeting was drawn-out with a focus on Ashkar Elementary. Examples of issues posed included; who runs the school and why scrutinize masks beyond the mandate? The complaints even extended to Ashkar’s use of stars to allegedly segregate children and compared the stars to the use of star by Nazis during World War II. District Superintendent Michael Pawlik and the board attempted to answer questions as the night continued. According to a media source,  next board meeting is Oct 26 at 7 pm.

SOCIAL SECURITY BOOST COMING

Millions of retirees on Social Security will get a 5.9% boost in benefits for 2022. The biggest cost-of-living adjustment in 39 years follows a burst in inflation as the economy struggles to shake off the drag of the coronavirus pandemic. The COLA, as it’s commonly called, amounts to $92 a month for the average retired worker, according to estimates released Wednesday by the Social Security Administration. That marks an abrupt break from a long lull in inflation that saw cost-of-living adjustments averaging just 1.65% a year over the last 10 years. With the increase the estimated average Social Security payment for a retired worker will be $1,657 a month next year. A typical couple’s benefits would rise by $154 to $2,753 per month. As reported by the AP, the COLA is only one part of the annual financial equation for seniors. An announcement about Medicare’s Part B premium for outpatient care is expected soon.

 

 

UPDATED COVID-19 LOCAL NUMBERS

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported  new COVID-19 cases statewide, the highest one-day number in five days. In Clinton County 33 new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 78, while Lycoming County increased by 58, Northumberland County posted 51 new cases, while Montour County had 20 new cases, 19 new cases in Union County and 16 in Snyder.

 

INTOXICATED AND WAVING A PISTOL AT FAMILY GATHERING

He was intoxicated and waving a pistol around at a family gathering at the Wynding Brook Golf Course on Sept 26. According to Milton State Police, James Shampanore of Muddyrun Rd in Milton was charged with a felony count of terroristic threats and multiple other charges.  Charges were filed with DJ Michael Diehl.  Shampanore posted $75,000 cash bail through a professional bondsman following his arraignment. According to a media outlet,  his preliminary hearing is set for Oct 20 in front of DJ Diehl.

 

ASSAULT CHARGES ON SELINSGROVE MAN

A Selinsgrove man has a preliminary hearing scheduled for a man who assaulted his ex-girlfriend.  Cord M. Knouse, 31, will have his preliminary hearing in front of District Judge Jeffrey Mensch Nov. 2 for misdemeanor charges of strangulation, simple assault, indecent assault, and a summary of harassment. On Sept. 23, Knouse invited the woman to his residence in Union Township, Union County. Knouse assaulted her when she attempted to leave. As reported by an online media outlet,  District Judge Jeffrey A. Rowe arraigned Knouse later that evening and set bail at $10,000 unsecured.

WATSONTOWN POLICE SAVE A LIFE

Reports of a suspected drug overdose brought Watsontown Police to a residence on Ash St. Tuesday, Oct. 12 around 3:40 p.m. Police administered two doses of Narcan on the patient when they arrived. Within approximately two minutes after administering Narcan, the patient was responsive and transported to the Evangelical Community Hospital by ambulance. According to the Daily Item, Watsontown Police Department, all officers are equipped and trained to administer Narcan.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 13, 2021

CHARGES HELD OVER FOR COURT

Curtis Kinney, while on the stand, in front of District Judge Christian Frey, pointed to Eric Tyson and testified that Tyson was the one who allegedly stabbed him on Sept 20, during an argument, inside 213 Campbell St. Tyson was taken into custody near the apartment shortly after the stabbing and has since remained behind bars at the Lycoming County Prison without bail. According to a media source, at the conclusion of the hearing, Frey held him on charges of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, possession of an instrument of crime and tampering with evidence.

NATURAL GAS LINE SUPPORT APPROVED

At the latest meeting, the Lycoming County Commissioners voted to approve upwards of $551,000 toward the extension of the natural gas lines. These lines are part of the Timber Run Industrial Park, located in Brady Township, across from the county’s landfill along Route 15.  In all, the price tag for the project is $870,000 with a state grant covering $280,000. As reported by SUN Gazette, Shannon Rossman, director of planning and community development, presented the agreement with UGI Natural Gas for the commissioners’ approval. “As soon as this is done, they should be able to start work very quickly,” Rossman said.

PENNSYLVANIA VOTING PROCEEDURES

Complicated is a word not often associated with voting. However, Pennsylvania’s election rules can confuse the best of us.  According to Lycoming County Director of Voter Services Forrest Lehman  “Mail ballots may only be returned to Voter Services to be counted — they cannot be turned in at a polling place, unless the voter is surrendering the mail ballot in order to cast an in-person vote on a precinct ballot,” Lehman went on to say. “Polling places are not statutorily permitted to serve as mail ballot drop-off sites.” According to SUN Gazette, prospective voters have until Oct. 18 to register to vote through one of the three options provided by the state. Lehman advised voters to handle the process in-person as much as possible due to slower Postal Service deliveries.

SHOTS FIRED IN WILLIAMSPORT

Last evening at 8:28 p.m. Williamsport City Police were dispatched to the area of the 600 Block of Maple Street for a reported shooting.  Upon arrival, officers located an unconscious 25-year-old female gunshot victim, who was taken to the hospital via EMS.  Officers were assisted by Pennsylvania State Police Forensic Services Unit. This investigation is ongoing. If you have any information  related to this shooting, please contact Agent Brittany Alexander at 570-327-7640 or [email protected]

WILLIAMSPORT CODES OFFICE MOVED

The move has been made and Williamsport Bureau of Codes office has checked into the River Valley Transit headquarters at 1500 W. Third St.. According to Joseph Gerari, City Codes Administrator, residents who need permits and have codes-related business can drive to RVT headquarters, find ample parking, enter the lobby and finish paperwork or ask for an officer right there.  According to a media source, Gerardi said for a temporary relocation, he and the department personnel are happy.

TENSION RAISED AT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Tense moments as residents stepped to the podium at the Jersey Shore Area School Board meeting expressing opinions on vaccines and masks, with some even calling out school directors for complying with Gov. Wolf’s order on masking. According to a report from an online media outlet, in the end, District Superintendent Brian Ulmer briefly noted several court cases involving the masking of students, including Montoursville Area School District, where a federal middle district judge denied an injunction by residents who challenged the constitutionality of masking.

 

RADAR SET UP IN DUBOISTOWN AND SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT

A new way to gain information on traffic patterns, speed and other useful data will be set up in DuBoistown and South Williamsport boroughs. According to South Williamsport officials, motors will notice a radar speed alert sign set up in various locations. As reported by a media source, the sign, leased by Old Lycoming Township with a price tag of $52 a week, according to South Williamsport Borough Manager and Public Safety Director, Steven W. Cappelli.

COVID-19 RESULTS FOR AREA FROM YESTERDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County six new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 21, while Lycoming County increased by 36, Northumberland County posted 23, Union County added 20, Snyder County had nine new cases while Montour added four more.

IT WAS RULED A SUICIDE IN CLINTON COUNTY

Clinton County Coroner Zach Hanna has determined that suicide resulted in the death of a Central Mountain Middle School support staff employee. Hanna on Tuesday issued a release on the Monday morning incident at the middle school. He identified the victim as Elvis E. Cardona, 43, from Mill Hall. The coroner’s statement: On October 11, 2021, I, Zach Hanna, Clinton County Coroner, responded to the Central Mountain Middle School, 200 Ben Ave., Mill Hall, PA 17751 per the request of the Pennsylvania State Police to assist in a death investigation following the discovery of a body in the school by a staff member prior to the start of the school day on Monday. Following a thorough investigation by myself and PSP, including their Forensic Specialist Unit, it was determined that Mr. Elvis E. Cardona, a 43-year-old male of Mill Hall, PA, died as a result of suicide. Out of respect to Mr. Cardona’s family, the cause of death will remain private at this time. To address public concerns, a firearm was not involved in this incident. Classes at the middle school were conducted online Tuesday for a second day in a row. In-class instruction is to resume on Wednesday.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING TOPICS

At the latest South Williamsport Borough Council meeting, the council approved purchase of six trees replacing six dead trees that were removed from the community park complex, with a cost of $2,229. In addition, council approved engineering with HRG for the pool demolition in the amount of $19,996. Also,  Mayor Marlin Angelo reported the Christmas donations for the police department distribution of toys has topped $5,000 and this first year project continues to grow. According to a media outlet, for the November meeting, the borough general fund, storm water, and sewer proposed budgets are expected to be reviewed.

JEDI THE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOG NEEDS YOUR HELP

He was there calming and comforting children going through the impossible Jedi, the emotional support dog at the Lycoming County Courthouse, now needs support as he faces a cancer diagnosis and the treatments that follow.  Jedi, a labrador and golden retriever mix, has been on duty at the courthouse for almost four years. His treatment cost $1,000 per month. According to a media source, if anyone wants to help defray the expense of his treatments, they should send them to Children and Youth which has taken care of Jedi’s expenses or to the Animal Hospital.

TREY POTTS RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL BUT MAY NOT PLAY REMAINDER OF SEASON

Minnesota running back and Williamsport graduate Trey Potts will miss the remainder of the season with an undisclosed injury serious enough to keep him hospitalized for six days after it occurred in the last game. Coach P.J. Fleck said Monday that Potts was “doing very well” and expected to be present at the practice facility this week to visit with the team. As reported by an online media outlet, Fleck praised the effort and expertise of the medical staff for quickly determining Potts needed to go to a hospital after the initial evaluation on the sideline became a “really scary” situation. The door has not closed on Potts resuming his career next season, Fleck said.

 

CHOKING A PREGNANT WOMAN GETS BLOOMSBURG MAN FELONY CHARGES

He admitted to choking a woman .. twice .. and he admitted that to an officer wearing body cam.  Diego Luis Otero of Bloomsburg was charged with two counts of second-degree felony strangulation and one count of summary harassment on Oct. 5. According to police, Otero allegedly put the woman, who was 10 weeks pregnant at the time, into a rear naked choke hold until she “tapped out” from lack of air. According to a media outlet, Otero is being held at the Columbia County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail, awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for today.

VEHICLE THEFT DISCOVERED WHILE STOLEN CAR WAS AT GAS PUMPS

He said he knew there was something off about the vehicle she purchased for $750.  Accoring to police, Robert Larkin of Bloomsburg and Tia Maria Fenstermacher, 30, of Bloomsburg were at the Sheetz in Bloomsburg, filling the vehicle with gas when officers took them into custody. Larkin was charged with third-degree felony receiving stolen property and a summary charge of driving with a suspended license. He was released on Oct. 1 after posting $25,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing with Doug Brewer is scheduled for today in Millville. Fenstermacher was charged with third-degree felony receiving stolen property and misdemeanor use or possession of drug paraphernalia. According to a media source, unlike Larkin, Fenstermacher is being held at the Columbia County Prison in lieu of $10,000 monetary bail as she awaits today’s preliminary hearing.

DOG ATTACK SENDS SUNBURY RESIDENTS TO GEISINGER

Three Sunbury residents are recovering following a dog attack on Julia Street and Susquehanna Avenue last evening. According to  Sunbury Police Chief Brad Hare officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Susquehanna Avenue, at around 6:15 p.m. for a report of an animal attack. According to the Daily Item, two individuals sustained major injuries and were transported to Geisinger Medical Center, in Danville, while a third was taken by relatives to an emergency care clinic for treatment. Hare said the Sunbury Animal Hospital was contacted and arrived on scene to help with the situation. The dog was eventually tranquilized and taken into the custody of the animal hospital, Hare said.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 12, 2021

MULTIPLE FELONIES AFTER METHAMPHETAMINE SALE

A woman was charged with multiple felonies after undercover agents allegedly purchased methamphetamine from her on two separate occasions. On April 28, officers with the Pine Creek Township Police Department said they arranged the purchase of 3.5 grams of methamphetamine from Kristina Ellen Guthrie, 39, of Centre Hall. A second transaction was completed on June 4. Guthrie was charged with two counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and multiple other charges. According to a media outlet, she was arraigned this week before Judge Thomas Jordan in State College. Guthrie is being held at the Centre County Prison in lieu of $1,000 monetary bail as she awaits a preliminary hearing on Oct. 20.

KEYSONE CENTER FOR CHARTER CHANGE MEETING

The Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) and the Keystone Center for Charter Change held the meeting Friday to discuss issues faced by charter schools in particular. According to PSBA, Pa. school districts are set to spend upwards of $23 billion in taxpayer dollars for mandatory payments to cyber charter and other brick-and-mortar schools, with those costs growing substantially every year. The COVID-19 pandemic has directly caused over 22,000 students throughout Pa. to move to cyber charter schools. PSBA said this change cost local taxpayers an additional $335 million statewide. Charter school tuition payments are now identified as the greatest source of pressure on the budgets of school districts. As reported by a media source, the politics behind charter schools and school boards was addressed during the meeting.

 

FELONY CHARGES FOR WILLIAMSPORT MAN

A Williamsport man is facing felony charges for an allegedly transaction for methamphetamine with undercover detectives. According to a report from Detective Curtis Loudenslager, Jesse Johnston, 30, of Williamsport delivered 1.78 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in the parking lot of Wegman’s in Williamsport. According to a media outlet, Johnston was charged with felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and third-degree felony criminal use of a communication facility. No bail was listed for Johnston

CLINTON COUNTY DA’S OFFICE RELEASE NAME OF SUSPECT IN FATAL POLICE SHOOTING

The Clinton County District Attorney’s Office has released the name of a robbery suspect who was shot and killed by police last week at the Interstate 80 eastbound rest area in Greene Township. The truck driver, Nurgazy Mamyrov, 27, of Langhorne, Pa., died at the scene of multiple gunshot wounds, according to the office of Clinton County District Attorney David Strouse. State police shot Mamyrov after he attempted to ram three of their vehicles with his tractor trailer. Police were called to the rest stop at 4:33 a.m. on Oct. 5 for a report of a robbery with multiple shots fired. The alleged robbery occurred at the rest area near mile marker 194 as Mamyrov had reportedly “shot out” the vehicle windows of other motorists at the rest area, according to a press release issued by Strouse.  As reported by northcentralpa.com, the matter remains under investigation and a final review will be conducted by the district attorney’s office as part of the standard operating procedure for all officer involved shootings. As per Pennsylvania State Police policy, the involved officers were placed on administrative leave.

DETAILS RELEASED ON DEATH OF A SUPPORT STAFF MEMBER

State police at Lamar have issued a release on the death of a support staff member whose body was found at the Central Mountain Middle School Monday morning. The police report said no foul play is suspected as the result of the investigation and reiterated word from Keystone Central School District earlier that there is no threat to the students, school staff or the public. The police release said the victim was a 43-year-old man from Mill Hall; his identity was not released, nor the cause of death. According to therecordonline.com, the police report said, “The victim was discovered deceased by an employee of the school district. Video surveillance inside the school was observed and the victim was the only one inside the school at the suspected time of death.” Police put the time of the incident at between 10 p.m. Sunday and 7:10 a.m. on Monday.

 SECOND DAY OF REMOTE LEARNING

The Central Mountain Middle School will hold a second day of remote learning on Tuesday after a support staff member at Central Mountain Middle School passed away inside the school; that person’s body found before the start of the school day on Monday.Word on a second day of remote learning for Tuesday was shared Monday afternoon by Keystsone Central School District Superintendent Jacquelyn Martin: All students and staff from the Central Mountain Middle School will operate on a Remote Learning Day for Tuesday, October 12, 2021.   Online classes will begin promptly at 8:27 am.  As reported by therecordonline.com, in-person learning on our regular schedule will resume on October 13, 2021. Grief Counseling support is available for students and staff. 

MONDAY COVID-19 NUMBERS FOR LOCAL AREAS 

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Monday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide, the lowest one-day number since mid-September. In Clinton County eight new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 12, Lycoming County increased by 42, Northumberland County posted 39 new cases, while Union County added 23. Snyder County had 11 new cases while Montour added four more.

DOG ORDINANCE FINE INCREASED

Last night at the South Williamsport Borough Council meeting, dog owners found an ordinance amendment making it more important, if not financially important, to keep dogs on a leash. The fine is $1,000. It was formally $50. The amendment is on the “Dogs Running At Large” ordinance. According to SUN Gazette, an official at the Lycoming County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on Reach Road in Williamsport said she was not aware of the proposed amendment and would be interested in seeing how Council voted because another problem exists of stray dogs.

 

ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES TO WILLIAMSPORT MAN

Punching and kicking a small dog, according to the local chapter of the SPCA, was the allegation on July 23 against Hixson Pears of Williamsport. Hixson Pears, of 1547 Louisa St., has been charged by the local chapter of the SPCA with cruelty to animals non his property, according to court papers at District Justice Frey’s office. The SPCA has had dealings with Pears regarding the welfare of his dog. Pears refused to communicate, instead slamming the door and shouting profanities. According to a media source, Pears has been sent a summons to appear before the judge.

ATTORNEY GENERAL, JOSH SHAPIRO, EYES ON GOVERNOR JOB

Pennsylvania’s high-profile attorney general, Josh Shapiro, will formally announce his candidacy for governor on Wednesday, entering the 2022 race months after making his intentions known and effectively clearing the field of potential rivals for the Democratic nomination. Shapiro, a familiar presence on cable TV news who has spent nearly two decades in elective office, will launch a bid to become the state’s chief executive with a speech in Pittsburgh, campaign communications director Will Simons confirmed to The Associated Press on Monday. The 48-year-old Shapiro is a self-described progressive who led a nationally prominent investigation into sexual abuse of children by clergy and further raised his political profile by pushing back against Donald Trump’s effort to overturn his presidential election loss last year.

BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY TO INCREASE MINIMUM HOURLY WAGE FOR EMPLOYEES

Bucknell University set a new minimum hourly wage of $15 for qualifying employees, announced $5,000 one-time pandemic bonuses to all eligible workers and added Juneteenth to its regular calendar of holidays, as reported by the Daily Item. “We want to reward the critical roles our hourly staff plays in the overall success of the institution by providing them a more adequate pay rate for the valuable work they perform,” Bravman said during Bucknell’s Employee Celebration event.

ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE

Williamsport City Police responded to a domestic disturbance on Sept. 15 and arrived to find a very distraught Bonnie Swain at 610 Poplar St. According to court records, she was distraught and displayed multiple injuries in varying stages of healing all over her body. Swain alleged that her ex-husband, Ishamarr Swain, 42, of the same address, had tried to drown her in her hot tub as he had his hand wrapped around her neck, according to police. According to SUN Gazette, jailed in the Lycoming County Prison on probation, Ishamarr Swain has since been arraigned before District Judge Christian Frey on attempted homicide and other charges and recommitted in lieu of $250,000 bail.

Williamsport Symphony Orchestra

The Williamsport Symphony Orchestra is proud to present their first concert of the season on Tuesday, October 26th at 7:30pm at the Community Arts Center featuring their principal flutist, Reuben Councill performing the riveting and exotic flute concerto by the American composer Christopher Rouse. To complete the program, you will certainly enjoy the nature sounds and different moods of the beloved “Pastoral” Symphony by Beethoven and the festive character of Dvorak’s Carnival Overture.

Carnival Overture       ……………… A. Dvorak

Flute Concerto………………………. Christopher Rouse

Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral” …….. Beethoven

Listen all this week with the Jake Michaels Morning Show for your chance to win tickets!

Williamsport Symphony Orchestra – Click Here for More Information

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 11, 2021

MORE CHARGES FOR MAN WHO WAS ARRESTED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY LAST WEEK

A man, who was charged with animal cruelty last week in Union County, now has also been charged with reportedly assaulting a woman. According to northcentralpa.com, Daniel H. Moll, 50, of Mifflinburg, attempted to strangle the woman, assaulted her before driving her to a remote field and continuing the assault. State police filed felony strangulation and kidnapping charges against Moll and issued a warrant for his arrest. As reported by an online media source, Moll was remanded to Union County Jail on the strangulation charges and bail was set at $100,000 monetary with a preliminary hearing scheduled for Nov. 23 at the office of District Judge Jeffrey Mensch.

 

HER KEYS WERE STOLEN DURING A DRUG BUY

A Williamsport woman called police when she purchased fentanyl from someone who then stole her car keys. Top of FormBottom of FormMontoursville troopers arrived at a location near the 1800 block of E. Third Street and spoke with an accuser and discovered, Ashley Ann Johnson, 35, of Cogan Station to be the alleged thief of the keys. Johnson was charged with felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance along with several misdemeanors. As reported by a media outlet, no bail was listed for Johnson, who has a preliminary hearing scheduled with Judge Gary Whiteman on Oct. 11.

ASSAULT AND FALSE IMPRISONMENT CHARGES FOR WILLIAMSPORT MAN

State police said they charged a man with simple assault and false imprisonment after he allegedly locked a woman in a closet and threatened to kill her. Chad William DeLong of Williamsport allegedly locked a woman inside a closet in a residence near the 1600 block of Randall Circle in Loyalsock. According to a media outlet, DeLong is being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $100,000 monetary bail. Judge Gary Whiteman is set to preside over the preliminary hearing on Oct. 11.

HISTORY WAS MADE AT THE FESTIVAL THIS YEAR

The Flaming Foliage Festival returned for the 72nd annual event to the delight of thousands who descended to enjoy the Parade of Queens on Saturday. Alison Davey, representing North Penn Mansfield, was announced festival queen on Saturday evening at Bucktail Area High School. According to a media outlet, for the first time in the history of the festival, the same school won back-to-back crowns and Miss North Penn Mansfield Patelin Nowak, who was crowned queen in 2019, was on hand to pass on the title.

72 YEARS OF HISTORY IN THE FLAMING FOLIAGE FESTIVAL

The Flaming Foliage Festival returned for the 72nd annual event to the delight of thousands who descended to enjoy the Parade of Queens on Saturday. Alison Davey, representing North Penn Mansfield, was announced festival queen on Saturday evening at Bucktail Area High School. As reported by an online media outlet, Miss Williamsport Teagan Marty won first runner up, Miss Central Mountain Madison Meeker, Miss Photogenic and Bellefonte escort Domenic Nelson was named Mr. Congeniality and Williamsport escort Benjamin Manetta received the Alex Rauch Memorial Award.

 

QUESTIONS FOR WATER/SEWER BILL FOR LYCOMING COUNTY PRISON

Possible reasons for a $32,000 bill from the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority for water and sewer charges for the Lycoming County Prison were detailed by Warden Brad Shoemaker at the recent prison board meeting. He had looked at the prison population to see if there had been an increase in the number of inmates housed there daily. According to Sun Gazette, for this year’s third quarter, the average daily population was 267.23 and the bill was $32,168. “So, you can see with the number going up, we were averaging 55 inmates per day more in the third quarter versus last year. …It would certainly play into why we saw an increase in the water bill,” Shoemaker said. The next meeting will be at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 12 in the Commissioners’ Board Room, Executive Plaza, 330 Pine St.

SUNDAY COVID-19 RESULTS FOR OUR AREA

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County 27 new cases were reported, Centre County 43, Lycoming County increased by 55, Northumberland County posted 43 new cases, while Union County added 24 and Montour and Snyder counties both added a dozen new cases.

FELONY CHARGES FOR LOTTERY TICKETS

State Police in Milton reported the arrest of a Middleburg man for theft of over $10,000 from the convenience store where he worked. Police reported 23-year-old Austin Smith was working the register at Harvey’s Food Mart this past Tuesday while playing $9,910 worth of lottery tickets without paying for them. It’s reported Smith’s cash drawer was also short $674.74. In total, nearly $10,584.74 was taken. According to a media source, felony theft charges were filed.

LAWMAKERS VISIT WILLIAMSPORT LEVEE

A U.S. lawmaker Fred Keller joined a others Friday afternoon on a tour of the Williamsport levee, the 20-mile flood control system built 70 years ago in the 1950s. As reported by SUN Gazette, many repairs are needed including; cross pipes that drain flood water and concrete flood walls, made stronger and higher, along Lycoming Creek, ready to withstand the next 100-year flood. According to Keller, the project is adding up into the millions of dollars, very cost-prohibitive to the city, South Williamsport borough, and Old Lycoming and Loyalsock townships, which are a part of the levee system.

SNOW PREDICTED

If you like snow, you will be happy with the long standing tradition from Lewisburg. The 24th Annual Wolly Worm Winter Weather Prognostication was held Saturday and Wolly Worm says…you can look for ‘one heck of a winter,’ with lots of cold, snowy weather. According to a media source, the Wolly Worm has been well over 100% accurate in years past.

 

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL CLOSING TODAY

Remote learning is going into effect at 10:30 a.m. this morning for Central Mountain Middle School. According to a text alert, parents are being asked to pick their students up at the high school by 8:30 a.m. “Due to an unforseen emergency, Central Mountain Middle School will be closed today, October 11, 2021,” the message said. “Busses are returning students home at this time.” All Central Mountain Middle School staff are being asked to report to the high school auditorium.

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