BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 19, 2021

 

STAND–OFF IN WILLIAMSPORT CITY

On April 16 at approximately 5:13 pm, a female reported her boyfriend assaulted her, threatened her life and that of her unborn child. She called 911 from  2500 Federal Avenue,  when her boyfriend, an agitated Shaheed Gindraw was alone home with her five-year-old son and  multiple firearms. Williamsport Police, in conjunction with Columbia/Montour SWAT and Lycoming County Hostage Negations Gindraw peacefully surrendered and  was arrested under multiple charges, arraigned before Magistrate District Justice Lepley and committed  to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $10,000 bail.

CHARGES FOR THEFT IN PIATT TOWNSHIP

Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police reported Brian James Murray and Jennnifer Dawes were charged with the break-in of the Piatt Township Municipal Building on Route 220. According to Northcentralpa.com, Murray, 43, and Dawes, 46, face multiple felonies with thefts and damage equaling over $10,000. Murray and Dawes were committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $125,000 bail each.

CASE NUMBER THREE IN ALLEGED CHILD ABUSE CASES

It was case number three, filed Friday, alleging child abuse against Jonathan Kula of Pennsdale. However, he is free without need to post bail, as his bail remains unsecured over the three felony cases against him. According to an online news outlet, the most recent criminal case filed against Kula is by the Muncy Borough Police. Kula, charged with multiple felony counts of unlawful contact with a minor, Magistrate District Justice Kemp set Kula’s bail at $25,000 unsecured on March 19.

DRIVE-BY SHOOTING

Saturday morning, around 1:30, Northumberland County Communication, reported the Sunbury Police are looking for a suspect of  a drive-by shooting on the 500 block on Reagan Street. Reports from Daily Item, allege the suspect discharged approximately five rounds into a home from a vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sunbury City Police.

STATE FUNDING FOR LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Warrior Run School District and Northumberland County can expect state funding for safety projects according to Governor Tom Wolf. Warrior Run is receiving over $344,000 for projects to increase sight distance and improve safety at an expanding campus in the district and Northumberland County is receiving over $149,000 for the repair of Bridge 142, jointly owned by Northumberland and Columbia counties. According to an online media outlet, the two projects are part of 43 total projects in 21 counties receiving funding, totaling $45.9 million through the Multimodal Transportation Fund.

FELONY CHARGES FOR WATSONTOWN MAN

A Watsontown man faces felony charges when he allegedly drove impaired, with two young children, ages 5 & 6, in Union County. Doug Eugene Sam Guthrie, 33, pulled over March 31 on Route 15 in Gregg Township by Trooper Logan Spiece of Pennsylvania State Police at Milton. Charges were filed at the office of District Judge Jeffrey C. Mensch. Bail was set at $25,000 unsecured.

HOME INVASION IN TOWANDA

The plea hearing for a Towanda man accused of entering a home and assaulting a person inside their residence is scheduled for May 24. James Steven Kithcart, 33, of Towanda accused by state police at Towanda of causing a person to suffer broken ribs and a collapsed lung from the alleged assault. Court records, per a media outlet, report Kithcart  is  held on $5,000 monetary bail at the Bradford County Prison since Jan. 20.

CONVICTION IN 2019 CASE

A central Pennsylvania jury has convicted a woman of lying to investigators in the 2019 beating death of a 3-year-old girl in which her son faces charges. The AP reports that 51-year-old Christy Willis of Sunbury was convicted on obstruction in child abuse case amongst other charges in conjunction with the October 2019 beating death of Arabella Parker. Willis also proclaimed the innocence of her son, 20-year-old Jahrid Burgess of Port Trevorton, who is charged with homicide. Both are awaiting trial.

CHILD MOLESTATION CHARGES

After a search warrant seized a desktop computer, iPad tablet and cellphone, Timothy Wayne Chrisenberry, 53, of 427 Cemetery St., is charged by the PA State Attorney General’s Office with 49 felony counts stemming from child pornography. Following his arraignment, Chrisenberry was jailed in lieu of $150,000 bail. District Judge Christian Frey ordered Chrisenberry to have no access to the internet and no unsupervised contact with minors.

Sports:

Penn State’s annual Blue-White spring practice was Saturday at Beaver Stadium with no tailgating and general fans couldn’t attend. However, Penn State limited attendance this year to first-year students and families and guests of players, coaches and staff which equaled 7, 521 screaming Penn State fans. Although a far cry from 10,000 regular fans who stream into Beaver Stadium, the turnout gave the coaches, staff and players a hope for a little bit of normalcy.

 

Loyalsock Little League season began on Saturday afternoon at Bruce Henry Park.

 

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 16, 2021

RETAIL THEFT

A Walmart Asset Protection Associate was the key to Rebecca Austin, 40, of Illion, N.Y. getting charged for her role in a retail theft operation. Austin, charged with a third-degree felony of retail theft, when at the Walmart in Athens, she attempted to push a cart of merchandise, valued at $1,058.84, out of the store.  According to Northcentralpa.com a video was provided to Athens Township police. Austin was stopped and questioned by the Walmart associate. She provided a McDonald’s receipt and left without the merchandise. Court records show Austin entered a guilty plea on April 12 and is currently awaiting sentencing.

MONEY LAUNDERING

Approximately $300,000  of COVID-19 relief funding involved in a  money laundering scheme landed charges for two Bloomsburg residents. Darryl Corradini, 63, and Vicki Hackenberg, 57, were charged on April 13, 2021, by a federal grand jury. The two were charged with perpetrating a bank fraud and money laundering scheme.The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, reported the money was relief dollars which were  guaranteed by the Small Business Administration through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). According to a news outlet, the case was investigated by the IRS, Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.

COVID-19 CLOSURE

An employee who tested positive for COVID-19 closed the library Thursday afternoon. The Herr Memorial Library in Mifflinburg, to open on Thursday, April 22.All library staff who were potentially exposed will be screened and monitored before returning to work and the building will undergo a thorough cleaning during its closure, according to an online media source. Visit the library’s website for updates and online services available

CHILD ENDANGERMENT AND ASSAULT

Seven felonies, stemming from an incident April 1, were charged by the Hemlock Township Police on a 22-year-old man from Haverford. Matthew Burnham Abraham is charged with fleeing from police and allegedly assaulting a 13-year-old juvenille. The short lived pursuit ended when Abraham’s vehicle struck a curb that caused significant damage. Officers reported to Northcentralpa.com,  the 13-year-old juvenile admitted to having sex with Abraham, who was held on $150,000 monetary bail that was set on April 1. His bail was posted on April 6 by Surety Bonds.

STATUTORY SEXUAL ASSAULT

A preliminary hearing on charges of rape of a child, statutory sexual assault and other charges was bound over trial for a Hughesville man. Aaron L. Clark, of Boak Avenue, Hughesville, is alleged, on three occasions in 2016 in Porter Township, to have had sexually assaulted a 9-year-old female child, according to the office of Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse. The victim, now 15, testified at the preliminary hearing. Clark was originally released on unsecured bail in the amount of $50,000. According to a media outlet, the DA’s office has a pending motion filed with the Clinton County Court of Common Pleas to amend bail to a monetary amount, describing the current bail as “ridiculous.” A bail modification hearing is anticipated to occur in the coming days, the DA’s office said.

MILL HALL ELEMENTARY REMOTE LEARNING TODAY

Due to the number of COVID cases in the student population, the Mill Hall Elementary is  remote learning for today, according to an online media source. Keystone Central School District Superintendent Jacquelyn Martin made the announcement yesterday afternoon. She continued by saying, the building will be closed for sanitation and deep cleaning. We expect to return to regular instruction on Monday, April 19, 2021 and will make updates if additional closure days are necessary.

COVID-19 NUMBERS FOR TODAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has provided updated COVID-19 numbers and locally Lycoming 53; Clinton 30; Tioga  5; Sullivan 1 and Northumberland 24. At Bucknell University, 57 have active cases on campus (55 students and two faculty/staff and 47% of the university’s isolation space is in use.) At Susquehanna University, there are 12 active cases overall, 11 among students and one among faculty/staff.

JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE PAUSE

Pennsylvania on Thursday extended its “pause” on use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine by another four days after federal government health advisers said they need more time to investigate reports of rare blood clots. The state Health Department told vaccine providers to refrain from using J&J’s COVID-19 vaccine until April 24, or until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration issues new guidance.The CDC said Wednesday that one of the cases involved a 26-year-old Pennsylvania woman who has since recovered.Vaccine providers in Pennsylvania had administered more than 6.7 million vaccine doses to date, of which a small fraction, about 247,000 doses, were supplied by J&J, according to the Health Department.

FELONY CHARGES ON EX-POLICE OFFICER BOUND OVER FOR COURT

All felony charges filed against ex-Williamsport Police officer Eric B. Derr are now bound over for court. The case went before Union County Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey Rowe yesterday. Derr, 36, a former police officer, is accused by the Pa. Attorney General’s Office of running unauthorized JNET searches between 2015 and 2020 on approximately 26 different women. According to a media outlet, the Pa. Attorney General’s Office re-filed the charges, previously dismissed by Lycoming County Magisterial District Judge Allen P Page III on Feb 9, against Derr in a new criminal complaint on Feb. 25. Judge Rowe determined that the Commonwealth established their prima facie case against Derr and his case now advances to the Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas. Derr is scheduled for a formal arraignment on May 3.

911 MEMORIAL RIDE

State Rep. Joe Hamm, visited the Muncy Township Supervisors’ meeting to address the rescinded motorcycle ride in memory of the September 11 attacks. According to Hamm, PennDOT discovered a regulation requiring each municipality the memorial ride travelled through to approve and carry insurance and also hold harmless PennDOT during the event. According to the SUN Gazette, when the host municipalities failed to accomplish this, the memorial ride could not continue last year. So, Hamm said the general assembly is trying to fast-track a bill to override these requirements before May.

SUSPICIOUS DEATH.

The death of a gas drilling company worker is under investigation by both state and federal authorities. Cabot Oil & Gas reported a contract worker required an ambulance on Monday night, shortly after midnight in Rush Township, Susquehanna County. The company released a report, saying the person was transported to Montrose Hospital and was pronounced dead at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday.

UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN FROM THE BOARDER

About 150 unaccompanied children found at the southern border of the U.S. have arrived in northwestern Pennsylvania and will be housed at a dormitory at the Pennsylvania International Academy. The Pennsylvania International Academy is designated as an emergency intake site by the department. Six children were assigned to each room in the 648-capacity dormitory, with more children expected in the future, the department said. Governors of two states, Iowa and Nebraska, are refusing to house the children.

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT DRIVER SHORTAGE

The Loyalsock Township School District is suffering from a driver shortage. According to Dan Egly, business manager, the district lost four drivers this year and has even  used other methods, such as double-shifting and taking students out of school early to accommodate. The district currently has nine bus drivers and this creates problems for daily bus runs, field trips and extracurricular activities. The answer could be in staggering starting and dismissal times for the high school-middle school students and those at Schick Elementary. According to the SUN Gazette, in order to inform residents of the district about the proposed plan and to get community input, the district is holding a meeting at 6 p.m., April 21 at the High School/Middle School Auditorium. Limited seating of about 100 is available for public attendance. The meeting will also use a virtual format with the link available on the district’s website prior to the start of the meeting.

OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP TO SWEAR IN NEW POLICE CHIEF

The Old Lycoming Township Supervisors, set to swear in the next township police chief at their May 7 meeting according to the SUN Gazette. The new chief will replace Joe Hope, who retired at the end of March. In other township news, the township extended its COVID-19 emergency declaration by 90 days to July 2, 2021.The supervisors will next meet May 7 at 7 p.m.

ACCIDENT FIRE RULINGS

The early-morning fire Monday at 1605 Scott St.  has been ruled accidental, according to city Platoon Chief Sam Aungst. A media outlet reported the fire, originated around a humidifier in the basement and spread on all three floors, Aungst said. Two porch fires that broke out on April 8 in the city’s Newberry neighborhood have been ruled accidental, Aungst said. The fires at 2500 W. Fourth St. and 2116 Newberry St. were both caused by smoking materials

JULY 2016 ATTACK ARREST 

Recently there has been another arrest for the alleged involvement in a burglary and subsequent attack on a couple that occurred nearly five years ago in the 300 block of Yeagle Road in Wolf Township. Convicted felon Ronald Shoop Jr., 31, was arraigned before District Judge Jon E. Kemp on numerous felony charges in connection with the attack that occurred on July 7, 2016. The SUN Gazette reported the kidnapping charge stems from him and co-defendant Sheldon Spotts, tying up the couple with electric cords and duct tape in the basement.

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING APRIL 15, 2021

ACCUSED GUNMAN WAIVED PRELIMINARY HEARING

Accused gunman, Nakoma Ross, waived his preliminary hearing yesterday,  with District Judge William Solomon who then set the Ross’s bail at $500,000. This changed  from a previous no bail as a result of an incident on April 1, at approximately 11:15 am. From his residence in Cogan House Township, Ross fired multiple shots into a neighbor’s occupied residence and then allegedly fired at investigating troopers around 12:45pm, as reported by SUN Gazette. Ross is to face further court action on four counts of assault on law enforcement, nine counts of aggravated assault and related offenses.

NEW BUSINESS OPENING IN AREA

Verilife, a medical marijuana dispensary, is opening up its fourth location in Pennylvania. Loyalsock Township is the new home to a Verilife business at 2300 East Third Street. SUN Gazette reports there will be more than two dozen jobs created with this business. The store officially opened yesterday. To legally purchase medical marijuana, a person must be signed up with the state’s Medical Marijuana Program Registry and be certified by a Pennsylvania physician with having a serious medical condition

NAMING RIGHTS TO BOWMAN FIELD

City Council’s finance committee put forth a positive recommendation to accept a naming rights agreement for Bowman Field. The proposed contract calls for an initial six-year term, first year with no fee and the final five years $32,500 per year, according the SUN Gazette. Muncy Bank and Trust responded. Once approved by council, the bank will put signs in the same location and have potential use of the scoreboard throughout the agreement term. The goal is to keep the signage and not recreate the wheel and rebuild infrastructure, a spokeswoman for Muncy Bank and Trust said.

JOINT CHESAPEAKE BAY POLLUTION REDUCTION PLAN

Loyalsock Township Supervisors this week approved a memorandum of understanding with Williamsport Municipal Sanitary Authority for a Joint Chesapeake Bay pollution reduction plan, according to the SUN Gazette. With the stormwater management systems transferred from the city to the authority and based on the agreement between the city and the township, a memorandum was necessary.The vote was unanimous among supervisors.

JERSEY SHORE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING

The Jersey Shore Area School District taking advantage of current low interest rates and is set to save $185,468, by refinancing bonds from 2012 and 2015 . In other news, the board voted on the following winter sport head coaches for the 2021-22 school year individually: David Herman, wrestling,; Scott Munro, boys’ basketball, and Darrin Bischof, girls’ basketball; Jonathan Palumbo, swimming; and Bernice Hale, cheerleading. The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m. April 26.

UPDATED COVID-19 NUMBERS FOR TODAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health today provided updated COVID-19 numbers for our area. Locally, Lycoming 30; Clinton 7; Tioga 8; Sullivan 3 and Northumberland 33.

FELONY CHARGES IN DOMESTIC ALTERCATION

A Union County  hotel is where PSP allege a Williamsport man attempted to strangle a woman.  Tone A. Williams, 24, faces multiple felonies stemming from an incident after 4 a.m. on March 31, Pennsylvania State Police at Milton responded to the Holiday Inn Express in White Deer Township for a domestic disturbance. According to Northcentralpa.com the physical altercation caused injuries ad Williams was arrested and arraigned by District Judge Jeffrey C. Mensch where bail was set at $50,000 monetary, which he posted.

STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO GET VACCINATED

The Departments of Health and Education today encouraged students at Pennsylvania colleges and universities to receive their COVID-19 vaccination before the end of the Spring semester. According to Northcentralpa.com, the DOH vaccine jurisdiction includes 66 counties across Pennsylvania, and everyone over 16 is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine – regardless of occupation, health conditions, residency, or citizenship. Students do not have to be a resident of Pennsylvania to receive the vaccine here.  As of today, reports state more than 6.6 million doses have been administered to more than 4.3 million people.

SEAM TO THE LEWISBURG DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP

State funding has been awarded to the Lewisburg because of the pandemic. Governor Tom Wolf announced yesterday the Lewisburg Downtown Partnership is receiving $50,000 from the state’s COVID-19 Relief-Supporting Elm and Main (SEAM) program. According to Northcentralpa.com it’s one of 43 projects receiving funding, totaling nearly $2 million.

CONSTRUCTION ON SR 11/15 SHAMOKIN DAM

Major Delays Expected on a clean-up project at the Routes 11 and 15 in Shamokin Dam intersection is expected to cause major delays today. PennDOT reported a right lane closure on Routes 11 and 15 south for a soil remediation project from a previous crash.Work will take place between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. near the old K-Mart and now the W&L Nissan dealership.

BUSINESS CLOSING DOORS IN MCELHATTAN

First Quality Enterprises, Inc. is closing its Hygenic division at the McElhattan facility this summer. That report on yesterday was confirmed by Mike Flanagan, Clinton County Economic Partnership President. According to therecordonline.com, approximately 150 employees will be affected, although it is understood all will be offered a position elsewhere on the McElhattan campus or First Quality’s Lock Haven/Castanea operation. Employees were informed of the division shutdown yesterday morning . There is no word on what First Quality may do with the building; late summer was reported the anticipated shutdown date.

STRONG ARMED ROBBERY BOUND OVER FOR COURT

A former Lock Haven man had his case bound over for trial after his preliminary hearing on Tuesday by District Judge Keith Kibler.  Torr T. Gray, 29 accused of strong-armed robbery at a Lock Haven Laundromat, remains incarcerated at the Clinton County Correctional Facility on $75,000 bail while he awaits trial.

OUTSTANDING CRIMINAL WARRANT CLOSED WITH ARREST

The Woodward Township Police reported, with the assistance from Lock Haven Police, they they took Jolene Renee Fisher into custody and arrested her on the outstanding criminal warrant stemming from an incident on March 19, where Fisher caused a disturbance on a school bus. According to therecordonline.com, Fisher was arraigned before District Judge Keith Kibler and  incarcerated in the Clinton County Correctional Facility to await further court proceedings after she was unable to post $15,000 bail.

FELONY CHARGES FOLLOWING FATAL ACCIDENT

On August 11, 2020, Pine Creek Township Police investigated a fatal accident on Route 220 South just after entering into Wayne Township, a warrant was issued for the arrest of 19 year old Dasia Woolf of Lock Haven. She was arrested on Tuesday and charged with multiple felonies and a preliminary hearing will be scheduled.

ARMED ROBBERY WEDNESDAY

An armed robbery last evening at Jersey Mike’s Subs 7431 Westbranch Highway, Kelly Township, Union County at approximately 5:46 pm  had Kenneth Robert Gough Jr, 40, Williamsport entering the business and threatening employees before they put money in a Jersey Mike’s brown bag and he left the store and traveling  north. He was stopped by PSP and transported back to Milton, where he was  charged with multiple felonies, arraigned in front of Magistrate Jeffrey Rowe and  confined to the Union County Jail in lieu of $200,000 straight bail.

BOIL ADVISORY LIFTED

The Williamsport Municipal Water Authority has lifted the boil water advisory that was put in effect for customers located in the following area of the City of Williamsport:

West Fourth Street between Rose Street and Fifth Avenue

Grier Street between West Third Street and West Fourth Street

Fifth Avenue between West Fourth Street and Memorial Avenue

SPORTS:

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL:

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN SHUT OUT LEWISBURG 1-0, SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT TOPPED CANTON 3-1, ST JOHN NEUMANN OVER MONTGOMERY 10-6, MUNCY SHUT OUT BUCKTAIL 15-0, COWANESQUE VALLEY OVER WILLIAMSON 7-6, CENTRAL COLUMBIA OVER HUGHESVILLE 13-2, MIFFLINBURG OVER JERSEY SHORE 11-2, MONTOURSVILLE OVER ST JOSEPH’S 13-3

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL:

MONTGOMERY SHUT OU ST JOHN NEUMANN 15-0, MUNCY SHUT OUT SULLIVAN 17-0, COWANESQUE VALLEY SHUT OUT GALETON 21-0

BOYS TENNIS:

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN OVER JERSEY SHORE  4-1, JUNIATA SHUT OUT MUNCY 5-0,WELLSBORO SHUT OUT TOWANDA 5-0

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 14, 2021

DRUG CHARGES COUPLED WITH CHILD ENDANGERMENT CHARGES

Williamsport City Police retrieved needles and other paraphernalia, cocaine, methamphetamine, mushrooms and over a dozen bundles of heroin from 420 Rural Avenue on March 27 in the possession of Alicia Julie Hunter, 32 and Robert Butry Hunter, 33. According to northcentralpa.com both Hunter and Butry-Hunter were charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors and incarcerated since March 30, unable to post the $125,000 monetary bail, set for each by Magisterial District Judge Aaron S. Biichle.

ASSAULT BY PRISONER

A cup of cold urine  thrown in the face of a prison guard at the Bradford County Correctional Facility as he was assaulted by a prisoner, according to the Pennsylvania State Police in Towanda. Dennis Smith, 28, of Troy, threw the urine covering the guard’s face and clothes. According to northcentralpa.com, Smith was charged with third-degree felony aggravated assault by a prisoner in April 2020 and the same charge in July 2020.

JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE 

Following six reports of blood clots after the administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine in women 18-47 years old, the Pennsylvania Dept of  Health directed vaccine providers in the commonwealth to pause using the vaccine until April 20. According to northcentralpa.com, some providers are giving people the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, instead.

BOIL ADVISORY

The Williamsport Water Authority’s boil water advisory will remain in effect through at least this afternoon  according to Wendy Walter, the Director of Compliance and Safety. Testing protocols are strictly followed by the water authority based on guidance from the Pennsylvania DEP. The water boil advisory affects city residents on West Fourth Street between Rose Street and Fifth Avenue; Grier Street between West Third Street and West Fourth Street; and Fifth Avenue between West Fourth Street and Memorial Avenue.

TENNIS IN THE PARK

Tennis in the Park,  a series of one-week camps for area youths at the South Williamsport Park Tennis Courts, will provide instruction for all levels of play – beginner to high advanced – for participants between the ages of 5 and 18. According to northcentralpa.com, the Central PA Tennis Center camps scheduling is Monday through Friday, June 21 through August 2 and times vary with age of the participant. For more details or to register, you can visit the Central PA Tennis Center on their website.

STAFF TRANSFER

Citing a need to improve fiscal affairs, issues involving financial over cite and to provide  better training to carry out their responsibilities, in a vote of 3 to 1, the Lycoming County commissioners voted to transfer second deputy/general accountant, general accountant and two financial technicians, from the controller’s office to the budget and finance department. According to the SUN Gazette, the action did not sit well with Controller Krista Rogers, claiming the move taken was in direct violation of the county code.

SECOND AMENDMENT SANCTUARY ORDINANCE

At the meeting yesterday, Lycoming County Commissioners advised they do not plan to pass the Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance, citing they have no authority to draft the ordinance or the prosecutorial powers to enforce it. According to the SUN Gazette, at this time, two or three counties in the state have approved resolutions to support the Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance.

TAX INCREASE

Although not included in the initial 2021-22 budget draft, the South Williamsport Area School Board is considering a tax increase. According to Jamie Mowrey, district business manager, an increase of .32 mills would be needed to offset the deficit. If passed the increase would add $32 to the tax bill of a property assessed at a $100,000 value. The current tax rate for district property owners is 16.78 mills. According to the SUN Gazette, the main concerns of the deficit are the lease agreement for iPads and an increase in costs for cyber schools. The final budget will be approved at the June 21 meeting. The next meeting of the board will be at 7 p.m. May 3 in the high school auditorium.

SURPLUS SALE FROM SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL

South Williamsport Borough Council Monday approved the surplus sale of police equipment to South Williamsport Area School District. Pending the school board approval, the surplus equipment will yield $19,858 for the borough. The pending sale includes a 2015 Ford Explorer, camera, firearms and ammunition and a non-lethal Taser. A proposal to hire Officer in Charge Norman Hager as chief was tabled until further details could be worked out. The council voted to remove a residency requirement for police chief in the borough job description.

UPDATED COVID-19 NUMBERS

The Pennsylvania Department of Health today provided update COVID-19 numbers for our area, locally Lycoming 53; Clinton 24; Tioga 5; Sullivan 0 and Northumberland 39.

SPORTS:

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL:

DANVILLE SHUT OUT CENTRAL MOUNTAIN 2-0, WARRIOR RUN SHUT OUT HUGHESVILLE 4-0, JERSEY SHORE OVER MIDD-WEST 8-3, WELLSBORO OVER ATHENS 5-4, CENTRAL COLUMBIA OVER LOYALSOCK 5-3, MONTOURSVILLE SHUT OUT SOUTHERN COLUMBIA 11-0, NORTH PENN LIBERTY DEFEATED GALETON 16-3, MONTGOMERY SHUT OUT SUGAR VALLEY 15-0

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL:

ST. JOHN NEUMANN OVER BUCKTAIL 18-1, BELLEFONTE OVER WILLIAMSPORT 5-4, CANTON OVER NORTHEAST BRADFORD 8-4

BOYS TENNIS:

MILTON SHUT OUT LOYALSOCK 5-0, CENTRAL MOUNTAIN OVER MIFFLIN COUNTY 4-1, ALTOONA OVER CENTRAL MOUNTAIN 3-2 AND CENTRAL MOUNTAIN SHUT OUT TYRONE 5-0

 

 

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 13, 2021

S.A.F.E.

Mark Killian, chief of the Williamsport Bureau of Fire and the City Fire Department are giving away smoke detectors, free of charge as a donation of the Montoursville Lowe’s .. who donated more than 1,000 detectors,  to city residents. The program is called the  S.A.F.E. (Smoke Alarms for Everyone) and it began on Saturday , the objective, to install smoke alarms in every home in the city by simply knocking door-to-door. According to the SUN Gazette, residents can set up appointments to have the department come install detectors in their homes by calling. the Williamsport Bureau of Fire.

ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD

A 27-year-old mother, while allegedly under the influence of methamphetamines and fentanyl as she remained the only caretaker of her young infant daughter, has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child. According to the SUN Gazette, Cayleigh Jean called police to her home at 1512 Light St. on the afternoon of Jan. 10 to report that “an electric device was sewn in her daughter’s cheek,” according to the police affidavit. Recently arraigned before District Judge Christian Frey, Jean was released on $10,000 bail. She waived her preliminary hearing.

VACCINATION RATES IN CLINTON COUNTY

Clinton County is ranked as one of the lowest counties in total vaccinated thus far with only 14.92% of the county residents vaccinated. In comparison, Cameron and Clearfield counties are at the top of the vaccination list with approximately 20% of the populations vaccinated.  When questioned, according to the SUN Gazette, Clinton County Commissioner Miles Kessinger commented Clinton County doesn’t have a go-to vaccine destination for the mass public, beyond UPMC’s efforts.

ATTEMPTED BANK ROBBERY

A 32 year old Montoursville man handed a teller a note and demanded $500,000. Although he left the M&T Bank, Montoursville driver through without money on August 15th , he was later apprehended. Following a preliminary hearing before District Judge Gary Whiteman, Timothy Maddox was held for court on most Montoursville police charges. He remains jailed at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of bail.

LOCAL FIRES

Monday morning marked the third time in a span of eight days, that a fire has left people homeless. A mother and her two children safely escaped the fire in their home at 1605 Scott St., around 2:50 am yesterday, according to fire officials. According to Sun Gazette, there were no injuries and the American Red Cross was assisting the family. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.Also under investigation are Friday’s late-afternoon blaze at a two-unit apartment building at 645 Campbell St. with five people homeless and two porch fires that occurred a little more than two hours apart on Thursday night, the first fire 2500 W. Fourth St.  and the second at 2116 Newberry St.

PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION MODIFICATIONS FOR 2021-2022 LICENSE YEAR

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave final approval to hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for the 2021-22 license year. Modifications adopted include a statewide, 14-day concurrent antlered and antlerless firearms season, expanded Sunday hunting opportunity,  and the moving up the start of the extended bear season to begin on the firearms deer opener and include Sunday, Nov. 28. The board voted to allocate 925,000 antlerless deer licenses statewide, which is down from the 932,000 licenses allocated for 2020-21. For more details and to see WMU map for your specific region, you can visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website.

TAP WATER BOIL ADVISORY

The tap water boil advisory remains for a portions of the city through at least Wednesday, Williamsport Municipal Water Authority officials have reported. According to the Sun Gazette, approximately 112 households are affected from West Fourth Street between Rose Street and Fifth Avenue; Grier Street between West Third Street and West Fourth Street and Fifth Avenue between West Fourth Street and Memorial Avenue. Do not drink the water without boiling it first

UPDATED COVID-19 NUMBERS 
The Pennsylvania Department of Health released updated COVID-19 results for our area Locally, Lycoming 10; Clinton 7; Tioga 4; Sullivan 0, Union 16, Snyder 4 and Northumberland 8.

CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SENTENCING

A 36 year old Centre County man was sentenced in Federal Court to 240 months or 20 years imprisonment for receiving and possessing child pornography. In November 2020, Michael Dashem, 36, of Port Matilda, pleaded guilty to receiving and possessing child pornography, according to acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Bandler. Dashem will be serving consecutive to a state prison sentence he is currently serving, according to a press release on therecordonline.com.

THE SOLAR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ACT

State Senator Gene Yaw (R-23) introduced legislation prohibiting tax dollars or tax credits from being used to purchase solar panels and related equipment that were manufactured or assembled outside of the U.S. According to northcentralpa.com, the Solar Environmental Justice Act will require that any solar panels or components purchased by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania must be manufactured and assembled in the United States.

CHILD ENDANGERMENT

State Police at Milton discovered 29-year-old Zeb Butler of Bradford County unresponsive, with a three-year-old child seat belted in a car seat,  in the parking lot Route 54 in Lewis Township. Police retrieved the child and Butler submitted to a field sobriety test, showing he was impaired. According to a media outlet,  police filed charges in district court in this case of child endangerment in Northumberland County.

SPORTS:

BOYS TENNIS:

MONTOURSVILLE SHUT OUT SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT 5-0, CENTRAL COLUMBIA OVER HUGHESVILLE 4-1, HOLIDAYSBURG OVER CENTRAL MOUNTAIN 4-1, WILLIAMSPORT SHUT OUT DANVILLE 5-0

 

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 12, 2021

2021 SENIOR ART SHOW

The Lycoming College Senior Show for all Lyco students with a major in studio art and runs from April 22 through May 15. According to northcentralpa.com, the 2021 Senior Art Show features works and artist statements from the following graduating seniors: Inga Brostek (Williamsport) –Megan Snyder (Milton, Pa.) Martina Westcott – (Clearfield, Pa.) The Lycoming College Art Gallery is located in downtown Williamsport at 25 W. Fourth Street.

BOIL WATER ADVISORY

A water main break occurred on Sunday, April 11, 2021 on West Fourth Street in the City of Williamsport. The following area of the City of affected: West Fourth Street between Rose Street and Fifth Avenue, Grier Street between West Third Street and West Fourth Street, Fifth Avenue between West Fourth Street and Memorial Avenue If you are in the affected area, until further notice, please boil the water before consuming it. You will receive an additional notice when all corrective actions have been completed and customers no longer need to boil the water. If you have any further questions, contact the WMWA office.

SVOG PROGRAM

Applications are now open for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG). According to northcentralpa.com, the funds will help those businesses which suffered early on and throughout the COVID-19 crisis. The grants are a valuable lifeline for operators of live venues, performing arts organizations, museums, movie theaters, promoters and producers, and talent representatives. The SVOG program appropriated more than $16.2 billion for grants via the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act and the American Rescue Plan.

CALL OUT TO ACTORS

Hamilton-Gibson Productions is planning a return to in-person shows, but first they need some help in the form of a stage manager, backstage crew members, and six actors/actresses for an upcoming production of “Dead Man’s Cell Phone.” According to northcentralpa.com auditions to fill roles for four women and two men will be held on Friday, April 16 starting at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 17 at 4 p.m., and Monday, April 19 at 7 p.m. at the Warehouse Theatre, 3 Central Avenue.

BURGLARY OF TOOLS, EQUIPMENT

According to their facebook page, the Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police report that the Piatt Township Building was burglarized sometime between April 8 and April 9 and a variety of tools were stolen including a straight air grinder, a kobalt circular saw and dewalt power tools with batteries. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police Department.

RESIDENTIAL EXPLOSION SATURDAY NIGHT

Pennsylvania State Police in Montoursville released additional information about a home explosion Saturday night in Lycoming Township, Lycoming County. Trooper Nathan Birth reported the  explosion was heard from the vicinity of the 3500 block of Linn Street in Lycoming Township at approximately 9:30 p.m. Both occupants, a male, 46, and female 48, were able to exit the structure, but the male sustained critical injuries and was transported to the Leigh Valley Burn Center and the female was uninjured. The State Police Fire Marshal continues to investigate, as the origin and cause are undetermined. “PA State Police request neighboring residents and businesses to review and provide any type of security video or digital video that may show the explosion or early stages of the fire to PSP Montoursville,” Birth said.

COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS PENALTIES

Four Northcentral Pa. establishments were recently cited by the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement for allegedly failing to abide by COVID-19 disaster emergency restrictions. Penalties could include $50-$1,000 for minor offenses to up to $5,000 for more serious offenses, according to State Police. Also, establishments could face license suspension or revocation and mandated training for licensees. BLCE’s Williamsport District Enforcement Office, according to an April 5 press release, cited the Clinton County County Club, Lock Haven, J.P.’s Sports Bar and Grill, South Williamsport, Venture Inn, Jersey Shore, Speedy’s Place, Milton, Tiffany Lounge, Shamokin, and Washington Tavern, Northumberland.

WATER UTILITY SHUT OFF FOR NONPAYMENT 

Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority customers who fail to pay their monthly bills once again face possible utility shut-offs. According to the SUN Gazette,  the shut-off policy had been suspended for delinquent customers since the beginning of COVID-19. The Authority, at their monthly meeting, voted to resume the policy.

LYCOMING COUNTY PRISON NUMBERS ON THE RISE

Inside a report of statistics, released at the Lycoming County Prison Board monthly meeting, inmate numbers have increased in the month of March. Warden Brad Shoemaker, according to the SUN Gazette, reported that the average daily overall figure for male and female inmates was at 264.26 during the month compared to 243.04 in February, with an increase in every category.

THE NEW LOVE CENTER

It is a program, focused on educating — and help feed — diabetic patients looking to get their health under control in the Jersey Shore community headed by the Geisinger Health System. The Fresh Food Farmacy program with help from a local coalition of ministries is called The New Love Center and they provide food at no charge through their cafe and food pantry.

CLEAN STREAMS FUND

Major streams such as the Susquehanna River and Loyalsock Creek would most certainly benefit from the plan to protect and restore many of the waterways across the state resulting in improved drinking water and investments in tourism and agriculture. According to the SUN Gazette,  State Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, is working to allocate $250 million of the state’s allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act to establish a Clean Streams Fund.

ARMED  ROBBERY AT JERSEY MIKE’S

An armed robbery at Jersey Mike’s, 201 Basin St at 5:46pm on Friday April 9th.  According to a press release from the Williamsport Bureau of Police, preliminary information stated the actor entered the restaurant, brandished a pistol and robbed the business of cash before fleeing westbound on Canal Street and then northbound on Academy St. The actor is described as a white male, approx. 6’2” tall, 250 pounds wearing a black zippered hooded sweatshirt, sunglasses, gloves and an orange and white baseball cap. Please forward any leads to the Williamsport Bureau of Police.

 

Sports:

ALIZE JOHNSON

Williamsport Native and Neumann grad Alize (al-ee-ZAY) Johnson signed a multi-year deal with the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets. In his first game suiting up for Brooklyn on March 24 at Utah, Johnson registered team highs with 23 points and 15 rebounds to go with three assists and two steals in 33 minutes of action off the bench.

 

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 9, 2021

BRUSH FIRES LEAD TO OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP BURNING BAN

Firefighters in Piatt Township, amongst other locations throughout Northeast and Central Pennsylvania, have been battling multiple brush fires. Dry conditions, have prompted Old Lycoming Township to issue a burning ban Campfires, burner barrels, brush piles are on hold in the township. According to the Pa DCNR website The greatest danger of wildfires in Pennsylvania occurs during the spring months of March, April, and May. and 99 percent of all wildfires are caused by people.

PP&L FUNDS TO MECHATRONICS STUDENTS

Pennsylvania Power and Light, in giving back to the community, has provided $13,000 to the mechatronics students of the Pennsylvania College of Technology for the purchase of training gear. According to northcentralpa.com, the resources were utilized to mechanical and hydraulic components as well as a flammable liquid cabinet to fulfill safety requirements.

STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS 

Pa Attorney General Shapiro’s office on Apr. 6 adopted an agreement that will cancel private student loans held by 1,300 Pennsylvania students. The agreement alleges that the student debts were the result of misrepresentations of schools’ educational quality, accreditation status, career services, and overall financial condition. Due to these allegations, collecting the debts violates Pennsylvania’s debt collection law.

US REP FRED KELLER MEDICARE REIMBURSEMENT PAYMENTS

Federal legislation, which may help UPMC Susquehanna, has been re-introduced by U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, who recently sat down with UPMC administrators to discuss health systems based in rural communities. To assist with vital Medicare issues, Keller’s Rural Help Act, attempts to bring parity to inpatient Medicare reimbursement payments.  According to northcentralpa.com, operational costs may be causing some rural hospitals to close. Sunbury has recently suffered such a loss and it is something that is felt close to home, and as Keller noted,  he was returning to his team to draft legislation to continue the fight.

BRUSH FIRES LEAD TO OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP BURNING BAN

At least three separate fires kept volunteer firefighters and state forestry crews busy throughout yesterday afternoon along the mountain range of Cement Hollow Rd in Piatt Township. Around 2pm, two small brush fires began a series of events, which eventually made its way up and over the mountain. In a related matter, due to the dry and windy conditions, Old Lycoming Township issued a burning ban late yesterday afternoon and will remain in effect until further notice.

MUNCY BOROUGH COUNCIL LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME

The Muncy Borough Council is looking for  a new borough hall to seat its operations. Their current location, a historic building, sits inside a floodplain and is not accessible to disabled residents. According to the SUN Gazette, the borough is open relocation through construction, expansion or renovation.  At present, an option could be the Muncy Area Volunteer Fire Company, which is available.  The price tag is the issue. The Muncy Borough Council will next meet May 4 at 7 p.m. in the Muncy Volunteer Fire Co. fire hall.

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT SUMMER PLANS AND MEETING SCHEDULED

Students in the Loyalsock Township School District have been given the opportunity to continue their education for approx five weeks this summer for remediation summer school. In addition, the summer vacation months, the board approved the 2021 summer school breakfast and lunch program. The next meeting of the board,  6 p.m., April 21, in the auditorium to discuss the proposed changes to transportation and school start times in the fall. Around 130 people are permitted to attend in person. The meeting will also be held virtually.

PROBATION ON MOLESTATION ALLEGATIONS

A Mifflinburg man received a sentence of 60 months probation stemming from his April 2020 arrest on molestation allegations. Union County President Judge Michael Hudock ordered Brian K. Gemberling, 57, to maintain lifetime registration with the state’s Megan’s Law list.

FATAL STABBING

Rockview state police report a Spring Mills man died in an overnight stabbing incident in Haines Township, Centre County. According to therecord-online.com, the victim was identified as Robert William Farwell, 26. PSP responded at 4:30 a.m. yesterday to the 200 block of Mountain Avenue for an assist to an EMS call. Farwell had sustained a stab wound and EMS treated and transported Farwell to the Mount Nittany Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. The police release said, “This investigation is a homicide in relation to a domestic incident. There is no immediate threat to the public.”

GLENN O HAWBAKER ALLEGATIONS

Attorney General Josh Shapiro reported Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., of State College, was charged with four counts of theft relating to violations of the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act and the federal Davis-Bacon Act. According to northcentralpa.com. Hawbaker, one of the largest contractors to complete projects on behalf of the Commonwealth, received an estimated $1.7 billion in funding as of 2021. AG Shapiro reported, “This is the largest prevailing wage criminal case on record — under Pennsylvania prevailing wage law and across the United States under federal law.” Hawbaker is accused of stealing its workers retirement, health and welfare money adding up to tens of thousands of dollars.

MULTIPLE MISDEMEANORS  INVOLVING CHILDREN

A man in Union County was charged with misdemeanors for allegedly touching himself in front of two minor children. PSP Milton filed charges against  Steven A. Mowery Jr., 31, of West Buffalo Township, The incidents involved two children, with one as young as 11 years old. Mowery was charged with multiple misdemeanors. A preliminary hearing is set for May 18 with District Judge Jeffrey C. Mensch.

COVID-19 NUMBERS REPORTED FOR APRIL 8

The Pennsylvania Dept of Health released updated COVID-19 numbers and locally, Lycoming 41, Montour 3, Northumberland 29, Clinton 11, Union 18, Snyder 5 and Centre County has 56 new COVID-19 cases reported.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 8, 2021

CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

A Lock Haven man will be spending up to upwards of 30 years in prison followed by an additional 10-year term of supervised release for producing child pornography. Michael Grenninger, 38, was sentenced on April 6 following incidents involving children as young as 8 years old.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT 

Pennsylvania State Police in Selinsgrove responded to the Selinsgrove Center for a reported assault March 31 at approximately 5:12pm. According to northcentralpa.com Denise Lynn LaRoche, 26, Selinsgrove, called PSP and reported she had assaulted several staff members. LaRoche was charged with multiple felony counts of second-degree aggravated assault. According to court records, LaRoche was given $15,000 and $30,000 monetary bail for the incidents.  LaRoche was held at the Snyder County Prison.

ERAP FOR LYCOMING COUNTY RESIDENTS

Lycoming County renters who  need assistance with rent or utilities are now able to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which was established to provide financial assistance to pay rent, rental arrears, utilities, utility arrears, and other related housing expenses incurred due, directly or indirectly, to COVID-19. The Lycoming County Commissioners have authorized STEP, Inc. to administer the ERAP to all Lycoming County residents. Customers may apply online at www.stepcorp.org/LycoRent now.

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL BOARD BUDGET

A tentative 2021-22 budget showing a .43 tax increase was set for discussion at the Loyalsock Township School Board meeting Wednesday evening. In addition, real estate taxes could increase from 14.67 mills to 15.10 mills if the proposed budget is approved. According to the SUN Gazette, with that millage increase, it could result in residents paying $43 more on each $100,000 property assessed value.

LYCOMING COUNTY MUSIC FESTIVAL

On Wednesday, Lycoming County Fair officials announced country artist RaeLynn is set to perform at the Lycoming County Music Festival at 6:30 p.m., July 16.  “Two-time ACM New Female Vocalist nominee RaeLynn is continuing to redefine country music with her gift for storytelling through songwriting,” Lycoming County Fair organizers reported in a news release. According to the SUN Gazette, tickets will go on sale starting at 9 a.m. April 12.To purchase please check out the facebook page Lycoming County Fair, or head straight to the website Lycomingfair.net.

SUNBURY CITY POLICE AND BODY CAMS

According to Sunbury Police Chief Brad Hare, before the end of April, city police will be using body cams. He also reported body cams and cameras in cars were purchased through a grant. According to a media outlet, Chief Hare is quoted as saying, “Not only does it hold the officers accountable, it holds the public accountable.”

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, RESISTING ARREST, DUI

Milton state troopers report 41-year-old Mellissa Yoder of West Milton was arrested for the incident occurred last Friday in Watsontown, where Yoder was seen hitting a vehicle and fleeing the scene, and then refusing to pull over for officers. Yoder was stopped and remained defiant, both physically and verbally combative to PSP, Milton and Watsontown Police.  According to a media outlet, Yoder faces several charges, including DUI, Aggravated Assault, Resisting Arrest and others. She’s now jailed at Union County Prison in lieu of $3000.00 bail.

UPDATED COVID-19 NUMBERS THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has released updated COVID-19 numbers, locally: Lycoming 37, Tioaga 6, Clinton 10, Union 19 and Northumberland County reported 31 new COVID-19 cases.

Sports:

High School Baseball:

Mifflinburg over Central Mountain 11-7, St. John Newman defeats Muncy 6-3, Hollidaysburg over Williamsport 13-3, Southern Columbia over Hughesville 8-6, Lewisburg defeats Shamokin 17-1, Bucktail over Sugar Valley 15-5

Boys Tennis:

South Williamsport over Shikellamy 4-1, Williamsport shut out Jersey Shore 5-0, Galeton shut out NP Liberty 5-0

High School Softball:

Montgomery shut out South Williamsport 1-0

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 7, 2021

FELONY SEXUAL ASSAULT

He faces 20 counts of statutory sexual assault and attempted rape of a child, which lasted over a five-year-period in Union County. Timothy Troxell, 42, according to northcentralpa.com, allegedly assaulted the child at three different residences in Mifflinburg Borough as well as at a Best Western Inn in King of Prussia between Nov 2015 and Nov 2020. Troxell was arraigned at Mensch’s office and bail was set at $100,000 unsecured and $50,000 unsecured for Montgomery County. A preliminary hearing for both cases for Troxell is set for 3 p.m. May 11 at Mensch’s office.

WARRANT FOR FELONY THEFT CHARGES

Picked up by South Williamsport Police on a felony warrant, Allison Rae Sechrist, 24, is accused by Woodward Township Police of taking money from a relative’s bank account, without their knowledge, by stealing account information. According to northcentralpa.com, Sechrist was charged on March 26 with multiple felonies and arraigned on March 30 by Clinton County Magisterial District Judge John W. Maggs. She posted bail and her preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 27.

CURRENT COVID-19 LOCAL NUMBERS

The PA Dept. of Health reports COVID-19 numbers, locally Lycoming: 43,  Montour: 5, Northumberland: 10, Snyder: 10, Union: 22,Centre: 52, Clinton: 8 new COVID cases reported.

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION AT UPMC WILLIAMSPORT FEATURING CONGRESSMAN FRED KELLER

It was called a roundtable discussion,yesterday at UPMC Williamsport, as Congressman Fred Keller sat down with leaders at UPMC and discussed  the a variety of current issues including COVID-19. According the Medical Director of Infectious Disease at UPMC, “There has been a lull in new cases, but over the last two weeks we’ve seen a small spike.” Also,  according to northcentralpa.com, behavioral changes, incl hand washing, social distancing and masks have reduced occurrences of flu, common cold and RSV cases.

UTILITY PAYMENTS APPROVED BY BOROUGH COUNCIL

It’s considered a second chance to avoid utility shutoffs from the Borough of Montoursville. According to SUN Gazette, a large amount of bills have been in arrears since COVID-19 began over a year ago. But now, the Montoursville Borough Council has voted, 3-2, to allow customers to pay their overdue water bills in three installments. It was noted that customers in arrears will not face late penalty fees on their past due bills.The next council meeting is 7 p.m. Monday, May 3.

INSTRUCTIONAL MODIFICATIONS FOR COVID-19 IN THE CLASSROOM

The Pennsylvania departments of Health and Education yesterday announced modifications to their instructional model recommendations for Pre-K to 12.   K-12 public schools in counties with a moderate level of community transmission of COVID-19 now consider returning students to full in-person instruction in addition to blended/hybrid learning model. Counties with a substantial level of community transmission should consider blended/hybrid learning in addition to remote learning for K-12 student. Currently 17 counties in the moderate level of transmission, and 45 counties were in the substantial level of community transmission:

Moderate –, Snyder, , Tioga, Union,

Substantial –Centre, Clinton, Columbia, , Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland

LHU JOBS IN QUESTION HAVE REPRIEVE

It appears Lock Haven University has achieved a significant victory. According to Shawn O’Dell, president of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the jobs that were critical to being lost to outsourcing have been saved. These jobs include custodians, groundskeeper, secretaries, etc.
According to northcentralpa.com, when it came down to it, the savings as a whole were not significant enough for LHU to outsource. As of right now, the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) is still risking the cut of 30% of faculty jobs that will see loss of 67 members at LHU.

 

Sports

 

High School Softball

Bucktail defeated Sugar Valley 16-1 , Montoursville shut out Hughesville 11-0, Muncy shut out Neuman 15-0, Coudersport over Galeton 19-12, Loyalsock over Bloomsburg 12-1,

High School Baseball

Jersey Shore over Danville 7-4, Wellsboro defeated Troy 25-3, Montgomery over Bucktail 19-3

Boys Tennis

Montoursville shut out Milton 5-0, Jersey Shore over Danville 4-1, Bloomsburg over Loyalsock 3-2, Central Mountain shut out Shikellamy 5-0, Central Columbia over Muncy 4-1, Williamsport shut out Mifflinburg 5-0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 6, 2021

VERIZON WIRELESS SERVICE OUTAGE 

It was a long night for Verizon Wireless customers in multiple Northcentral Pennsylvania counties, as many reported outages beginning around 9:30 p.m. According to northcentralpa.com, cities impacted include Williamsport, Berwick, Lock Haven, Bloomsburg, Scranton, Mount Carmel, Kulpmont and Danville. Verizon customers reported inabilities to make phone calls with dropped or disconnected calls and slow speed problems

WARRANT FOR HER  ARREST 

A Lock Haven woman is accused of creating a disturbance on a school bus. Woodward Township Police have an active warrant for a Jolene Renee Fisher, 37, was charged on March 26 by Officer Miles Houseknecht with multiple charges. According to northcentralpa.com, on March 19, Fisher allegedly forcefully entered a school bus, shoved an individual and interfered with the custody of a child.. Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Jolene Fisher is asked to contact the Woodward Township Police.

NEW DEMOCRATIC BLACK CAUCUS

The Lycoming County Democratic Committee created a Democratic Black Caucus, which, according to northcentralpa.com, supports an effort to recognize loyalty, dedication, and contributions of the Black community to the Democratic Party. The newly formed group is busy organizing events to raise political awareness, build membership while providing citizens a venue to discuss issues by working closely with the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. The Caucus’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 12 at 7 p.m. over ZOOM. For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

2021 NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK AT THE BLOSSBURG MEMORIAL LIBRARY

The Blossburg Memorial Library will celebrate 2021’s National Library Week with the theme “Welcome to Your Library.” Stop in to say “hi” to staff as they welcome patrons back to the library and receive a free bookmark. According to northeastpa.com, visitors to the library may join a National Library Week raffle. Raffle entries apply to each visit without limits, and anyone is eligible. The Library is open Tuesdays from 12-6 p.m.; Wednesdays from 12-6 p.m.; Thursdays from 12-6 p.m.; and Fridays from 2-4 p.m.

FIRE ON LLOYD STREET IN WILLIAMSPORT

Flames quickly spread throughout the home, Unit 5, of 621 Lloyd Street around 9:30 am. Approximately a dozen residents, from other connected units, were able to get to safety.  According to the SUN Gazette, the cause of the fire remained under investigation, city fire Platoon Chief Sam Aungst said. However, two residents reported they were trying to carry a smoldering matteress, when it suddenly erupted in flames, before the two women could get it outside.The fire went to a second alarm, bringing additional city firefighters and volunteer firemen from Old Lycoming Township, South Williamsport and Montoursville to the scene. The local chapter of the American Red Cross was assisting the displaced families.  A total of six people were left homeless.

NEW MUSIC FACILITY FOR LYCOMING COLLEGE

It is a few steps from construction, the $5.5 million Lycoming College music facility is planned for the East Third Street Old City Redevelopment area.. Gary Knarr, City Zoning Administrator, noted no noticagle impediments to the construction plans, according to SUN Gazette. The music building represents the first significant capital investment in the music program in more than 75 years, college officials said. The college said the facility is scheduled to open in the fall of 2022.

DUBOISTOWN WEBSITE

.During a recent borough council meeting, DuBoistown Borough Manager Ann Baker announced the borough’s website will launch April 24. Residents, however, can visit the DuBoistown PA Borough Facebook page in the meantime. Both sites are set to update residents and visitors with current and upcoming events , projects and informative messages.The DuBoistown Borough Council will next meet in-person May 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the borough’s municipal building.

COVID-19 NUMBERS THE AREA

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, update COVID-19 numbers, locally, Lycoming  34; Clinton 9; Tioga 2 ; Sullivan 0 and Northumberland  9.

BIRDING

The Tiadaghton Audubon Society has announced that guided,  in-person bird walks at Hill Creek State Park, 111 Spillway Road, Charleston Township,  may begin as soon as Saturday, April 17.  To get you ready, the Audubon Society is hosting the first in a series of 30-minute “Birding at Hills Creek Virtual Programs” on Friday, April 9 from 1 to 1:30 p.m. and continue every other week. Register online to receive a Microsoft Teams link to the program. For best viewing, use a desktop computer or larger tablet.

UPTOWN MUSIC COLLECTIVE CONCERT

The Uptown Music Collective, superbly talented musicians between the ages of 12 and 18,  are returning to  the stage at the Community Arts Center with “Good Times Bad Times: The Music of Led Zepplin” on Friday, April 16 and Saturday April 17th. Tickets for the performance are $20 in advance and $25 on performance nights. Tickets for the Saturday night live stream are $15. Advance and streaming tickets are only available through the Community Arts Center (Box Office & Website). For details about the show visit uptownmusic.org .

Sports:

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

Hughesville 10, Milton 5

Central Columbia 4,Loyalsock 0

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

Loyalsock 11,Southern Columbia 1

BOYS TENNIS

Montoursville 5,Loyalsock 0

Selinsgrove 3,Central Mountain 2

College softball

Lycoming 5, Messiah 1

Messiah 12, Lycoming 6

 

 

 

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