BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 24, 2021

CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SENDS NORTHUMBERLAND MAN TO JAIL

Law enforcement officials discovered numerous sexual images of children July 21, on an electronic device, when a search warrant was executed at a Northumberland Borough man’s residence.  Wayne Lewis Jr. of Orange St., now faces 200 third-degree felony charges each of child pornography, and disseminating photos/film of child sex acts. Lewis was remanded to Northumberland County Jail on $150,000 monetary bail after arraignment by District Judge Michael Toomey. A preliminary hearing for Lewis is scheduled for August 3.

MONTGOMERY MAN CHARGED WITH MULTIPLE FELONIES

A Montgomery man who admittedly has been looking up child pornographic images on the internet for  years was arrested Wednesday and received felony child pornography charges.  Joshua Perrus was charged with two second-degree felony charges and two third-degree felony charges of child pornography for the images investigators allegedly discovered on two cell phones in his possession. Perrus also received a third-degree felony charge of criminal use of a communication facility.  During his arrest, Perrus reportedly told investigators that he used Google to search for child pornography and had been doing so since 2006. Perrus was arraigned by District Judge Christian Fry and bail was set at $75,000.

BURGLARY CHARGES FOR A MIFFLINBURG MAN 

State and local police accuse a Mifflinburg man of breaking into two different towing businesses, stealing a computer and other items from one and smashing out the windows of his own impounded vehicle and taking potential criminal evidence from inside.  Ryan Darrup of Mifflinburg was arrested and has been held in Union County Prison on $50,000 bail.  Darrup was charged with burglary and criminal trespass, theft, and criminal mischief.

WATER DAMAGE TO CITY HALL IN WILLIAMSPORT

Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter released a press release Friday evening stating that City Hall has sustained water damage due to a roof leak, and may need to be temporarily relocated.  City Hall’s roof started to leak due to last week’s thunderstorms and as a result, the building sustained significant water damage. Mayor Slaughter stated that City Hall now has  “an awful odor inside,” as well as mold.  A company will come to City Hall early next week to conduct an air quality test, mold test, and overall general assessment of the conditions.

FANS PERMITTED ON THE HILL AT THE LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES

Little League International and President Steve Keener were weighing their options over the last few weeks regarding how to allow general admission fans into this year’s Little League World Series in South Williamsport. After talking with medical consultants the announcement was made Friday afternoon to allow 3,000 fans entry into this year’s Little League Wold Series.  The seating will be limited to the hill beyond the Lamade Stadium fence and the area beyond the outfield fence at Volunteer Stadium. The only people allowed to sit inside either stadium will be family and friends from the communities the 16 United States teams come from, and a few officials.  Little League is giving 250 stadium access passes to each of the 16 teams.  The tickets will be available online two days prior to each day and will be free.

A MINI-MOBILE METH LAB OWNED BY A SUNBURY MAN

A Sunbury man faces felony charges of risking a catastrophe after Northumberland police say they discovered a backpack containing a mini-mobile meth lab. Shane Bucher is wanted by police after an arrest warrant was issued by Sunbury District Judge Mike Toomey on Friday.  Officers said inside the backpack was a white pipe, packaging materials, batteries and several other meth-making materials.  Bucher now faces felony manufacturing, risking a catastrophe and other drug charges.

COVID-19 DASHBOARD

The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed 450 new cases of COVID-19.  There were 7 new cases in Centre County, 2 in Tioga, 2 in  Union, and 1 in Northumberland.

GUNS, DRUGS AND EXPLOSIVE DEVICES ALL WITHIN REACH OF AN INFANT

Vice and Narcotic agents from State Police in Montoursville executed a search warrant Wednesday for a man living in Williamsport.  Once inside the residence, agents said they discovered guns, drugs, and explosive devices all within reach of an infant located inside the home.  James Lampley of Williamsport was charged with two counts of second-degree felony possession of a firearm prohibited, one count of second-degree possession of firearm with manufacturer number altered, six counts of second-degree felony unlawful possession of weapons of mass destruction, and one count of third-degree felony endangering the welfare of children, as well as several misdemeanors.  Lampley is being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $125,000 monetary bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 27.

OBTAINING A MULTI-MODAL GRANT

More of the East Third Street Old City Gateway project might be able to get done outside of Lycoming College should a $1.48 million grant application be approved by the state.  City Council approved the administration’s request for the multi-modal grant administered through the Commonwealth Financing Authority.  The grant would pay for reconstruction /paving of East Fourth Street between Basin and Mulberry Streets and sidewalk and streetscape – including lights – on Campbell Street between West Third and West Fourth Steets.  The city is having one of its consulting firms, Delta Development, assist in the grant acquisition.

MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON BRIDGE OVER MUNCY CREEK

In Muncy, volunteer firefighters and paramedics rushed to the 2100 block of John Brady Drive, just north of the borough, for a fiery crash on the bridge over Muncy Creek about 6:40 p.m. Friday. At least three people were reported injured, including one child, according to reports from the scene.  Ambulances from Muncy Area, Pennsdale and Hughesville were dispatched to the scene.  State police are leading the investigation. No other details are available at this time.

100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION PLANNING FOR LYCOMING COUNTY UNITED WAY

The local United Way is preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary, next April. The official date of the anniversary is April 14 and the LCUW is planning some events around the Centennial. The local historians are hard at work as they prepare for the centennial by gathering information about the founding members and interviewing descendants of that original group who still live in the area today. Specific plans for the celebration are not firm. More to follow.

MOTION REQUEST FOR NEW TRIAL

A Sunbury woman, who was convicted of lying to police in the Arabella Parker case, claims a change of venue should have happened, because a local newspaper wrote about her case and it caused the public to believe she was guilty. Therefore, she and her attorneys filed a motion for a new trial. .Christy Willis, 52, who was convicted by a jury in April, filed her second motion in Northumberland County Court through her attorney public defender William Cannon. According to the Daily Item, Willis was sentenced to 20 months to 17 years in state prison. The hearing is scheduled for Aug. 2 at 3 p.m. in front of Jones.

A WITHDRAW OF CHARGES IN SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE 

Multiple charges withdrawn for a Muncy woman, during her time as an employee, was accused earlier this year of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old male at a Union County treatment center. Estee E. McLaughlin, 27, is now charged with three third-degree felony institutional sexual assault of a minor and one corruption of minors charge, as the other charges were withdrawn in Union County Court. She has a pre-trial conference scheduled with Union County District Attorney Pete Johnson, according to his office.

JURY SELECTION IN LOCK HAVEN WOMAN’S CASE

The case involving a Lock Haven woman’s homicide of a nine-year-old boy is preparing for court, as the dates have been set for the jury selection.  Jamie Lynn Jackson, 36, of Lock Haven was charged Nov. 30, 2020, when Anson Stover, Jackson’s nephew, was discovered deceased in her apartment. Jury selections were targeted between March 21 and April 8, 2022 for the trial that will be heard in Clinton County. Objections to the motions from the defense must be filed by Aug. 30. The prosecution then must respond by Sept. 14.

FINANCIAL AWARD PROVIDED TO UPTOWN MUSIC COLLECTIVE

The Uptown Music Collective, the area’s premier nonprofit school of music, has received an award in the amount of $26,954.23 from the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania. The allocation, which represents a grant from the Williamsport Lycoming Community Fund, is to be used to allow the school’s staff to address four key factors that directly affect the potential to increase capacity, including the ability to find, train and retain local, qualified instructors; time management; the number of spaces in which educational activities can take place simultaneously; and the organizational and technological infrastructure needed for continued growth.

NAMES RELEASED FROM MONDAY’S INTERSTATE ACCIDENT

State Police have released the identities of two people involved in a rollover crash Monday afternoon on Interstate 180, in Northumberland County. Robert Hatzel, 85, and passenger Bishan Wu, 53, both of Danville, were transported to UPMC Williamsport for treatment of injuries, according to State Police in Milton. The accident occurred shortly before 2:30 p.m. near mile marker 9 in Delaware Township. Police said Hatzel was driving east when a trailer he was hauling lost control, then went onto the west shoulder of the roadway causing Hatzel’s truck to overturn on its passenger side, and slide several feet before coming to rest on the west shoulder facing east. According to a media outlet, the right lane of I-180 was closed for at about an hour.

GEORGE I ALDEN TRUST AWARDED A GRANT TO LYCOMING COLLEGE

The George I. Alden Trust has awarded Lycoming College a grant of $125,000 to support the continued renovation of the genetics teaching lab in the Heim Science Building. The renovations are set to support and further the education and success of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) students. In the summer, the lab, in conjunction with other spaces on campus, is used for Lycoming College for Kids and Teens, an educational and hands-on program for students in grades 2-12. According to the Daily Item, lab renovations are underway this summer with anticipated completion by the start of the 2021-22 academic year.

GEISINGER JERSEY SHORE HOSPITAL HELIPAD

It was a big unveiling yesterday at Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, as a new helipad was introduced to the public. Sun Gazette reported the price tag for the project at nearly $2 million, and was financed in part by a gift to the Geisinger Health Foundation and through a $250,000 grant from the Williamsport Lycoming Community Fund at the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania. Geisinger Life Flight has moved more than 75,000 patients since 1981 and averages more than 3,500 transports a year.

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 28, 2021

CHARGES FILED BY LYCOMING COUNTY SPCA OFFICER

A Lycoming County couple was charged with animal cruelty for failing to seek timely care for their pet . Felony and misdemeanors were filed against Michael Meyer, and Vanessa Meyer, of Picture Rocks. On June 30, their American bulldog named Diva required her right foot amputated, according to the criminal complaint. According to a media outlet, Diva is now at the Lycoming County SPCA. The Meyers’ were arraigned on July 22 at District Justice Kemp’s office and bail was set at $25,000 unsecured for each. Preliminary hearing is set for September 10.

DOMESTIC ABUSE IN SUNBURY LEADS TO ARREST

A man allegedly attempted to strangle a woman at a residence in Sunbury. The Daily Item reported Nathaniel R. Burgos, faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges. On July 21, the victim allegedly sent texts to her friend saying her boyfriend was “beating her up and the kids are there,” according to the arrest affidavit. Sunbury police were dispatched around 2:30 a.m. and once at the residence on Reagan Street, Burgos was arrested and arraigned later that morning by District Judge Michael Toomey. Bail was set at $75,000 monetary which he posted. A preliminary hearing at Toomey’s office is scheduled for Sept. 21.

21ST ANNUAL CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT

The 21st annual Cup Golf Tournament, a major fundraiser for the Muncy Historical Society’s community outreach objectives, begins at 8:30 a.m. on August 14 at White Deer Golf Complex. Its a four-person scramble. According to northcentralpa.com, the registration deadline is August 7, and is limited to amateur golfers age 18 and older. Registration forms are available at the Historical Society, or may be downloaded.

DRIVER’S IDENTIFIED IN FRIDAY’S CRASH ON MUNCY CREEK BRIDGE

The drivers involved in Friday’s fiery crash have been identified as Chester Swank, of Muncy, and Sherman Harden, 45, also of Muncy, when their vehicles collided on the bridge over Muncy Creek on John Brady Drive about 6:40 p.m., according to state police. SUN Gazette reported passerby, Jeremy Hanaway, stopped and pulled Swank and a 4-year-old boy from the truck and both were flown to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

SWAP OF CITY AND COUNTY PROPERTIES REQUIRES MORE WORK

A vote by two of the three Lycoming County commissioners Tuesday led to an impassioned exchange as they split their vote on a proposed swap of county and city properties. The proposed deal involves the proposed agreement of sale of land below the Executive Plaza, which is land the city owns, and the land below the Third Street parking garage that the county owns. City Council approved the deal last week in a 6-0 vote, Commissioner Scott Metzger said. SUN Gazette reported Commissioner Mirabito said he was going to register a no vote. Work continues for the deal, as it can’t move forward without the commissioners’ signature.

JERSEY SHORE DISTRICT HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN

Jersey Shore Superintendent Dr. Brian Ulmer explained in a recent meeting that their Health and Safety Plan does not require students to wear masks, unless they are ordered to do so — as seems to be the case for wearing masks on school buses. A media outlet reported that Ulmer emphasized that the plan states “ordered,” not “recommended.” “So, even though we are not requiring masks in school, and we’ve already said that in our health and safety plan, there is a federal order requiring masks on public transportation.” Ulmer also addressed the issue of testing students for COVID-19.“We are not testing kids. I am not a health care provider. That has been my answer since day one…I don’t want to do testing in schools.”

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 27, 2021

LITTLE LEAGUE MAJORS

For at least one more day, Hepburn Lycoming’s Little League major division state title hopes remain alive after a 7-5 win Monday over Valley West in an elimination game of the Pennsylvania state tournament. Hepburn Lycoming survived despite three consecutive sixth-inning home runs from Valley West, which cut a five-run lead to just two. Next: Hepburn Lycoming vs. Upper Providence, today, 1:30 p.m.

MOLD IN CITY HALL

Emergency cleaning efforts yesterday improved the air quality, but it was a band-aid on a larger wound. Mold has taken up residence in Williamsport City Hall and employees may be  temporarily relocated to another city-owned building, depending on air and mold test results, according to Mayor Derek Slaughter. The Mayor explained,  “We have mold issues, odor, and the walls are literally melting.”  Council President Randall J. Allison said the immediate primary concern is, of course, the safety and health of the employees and elected officials that work in City Hall.

DRIVER IDENTIFIED

The driver who was found dead in his overturned pickup truck in a ditch along Spook Hollow Road just before 9 a.m. Sunday has been identified as Reynold Snyder II, 67, of Linden, according to the Lycoming County Coroner’s Office. It appeared that he likely suffered a medical episode behind the wheel as he was traveling north on the two-lane road, according to investigators. The investigation continues.

TRAFFIC VIOLATION YIELDS DRUG ARREST

Based upon the driver failing to use a turn signal on Memorial Avenue, officers from the Williamsport Bureau of Police initiated a traffic stop. A search of the vehicle allegedly turned up more than 500 grams of cocaine. According to the report, the driver, who was identified as Tammy Lou Sewell, 44, of Jersey Shore was the only occupant of the vehicle.  Through a series of text messages viewed by authorities, they were able to connect Damion Garland Thompson, 44, of Selinsgrove to the deal. Thompson was charged with multiple felonies and initially held on $99,000 monetary bail and detained at the Lycoming County Prison. On July 16, his bail was changed to unsecured with supervised bail. Sewell was charged with multiple felonies.

UPWARDS OF ONE MILLION GALLONS OF WATER LEAKED

One million gallons of water was lost in leaks from the pool at Memorial Park in 2019, , according to Mayor Derek Slaughter.  “One million gallons is unacceptable,” said Slaughter. The goal this year is to locate the source of the leak, or leaks, and properly fix the issue.”  The pool is expected to be repaired and re-opened for the 2022 summer season. The city has hosted “Community Splash Days,” free for residents. The last one of the season is planned for Aug. 13 from 4-7 p.m.

FOOT PURSUIT NEAR SUNBURY INVOLVING WILLIAMSPORT MAN

An armed man led state police on a foot pursuit on Sunday afternoon. The incident on Packer Island Sunday resulted in an extensive law enforcement response, and the arrest of a Williamsport man. It started around 4pm, when court papers say state police tried to stopped a car on Packer Island. One passenger in the vehicle took off on foot, and while running, discarded several things, including a loaded 40-caliber Glock handgun. Eric Locke of Williamsport, was apprehended and is facing weapons charges, as well as counts of tampering with evidence, resisting arrest, and drug charges. Locke was arraigned in district court and is now jailed on $200,000 bail.

ALIZE JOHNSON VISITS FROM BROOKLYN TO HIS ROOTS

Alize Johnson, a professional basketball player for the Brooklyn Nets, is originally from Williamsport and a graduate of St. John Neumann Regional Academy and recently held an event at Williamsport’s Flanigan Park complete with a car giveaway, basketball tournament, dance competition, local venders, free food and flavored ice. Johnson thanked his fans and went on to say …“Anytime I’ve been around you guys in the off season, just celebrating and having a good time, it’s really good for me.”

CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT

The 21st annual Cup Golf Tournament, a major fundraiser for the Muncy Historical Society’s community outreach objectives, begins at 8:30 a.m. on August 14 at White Deer Golf Complex.  A four-person scramble, with the $75 registration fee ($300 per team) includes  refreshments; green fees; a cart; lunch; a “goodie” bag; and on-course contests, including a “hole-in-one” contest. The registration deadline is August 7, and is limited to amateur golfers age 18 and older. Registration forms are available at the Historical Society, or may be downloaded.

Win Tickets!

Listen for your chance to win tickets all this week for the “Balloonfest, Air Show & So Much More” that is happening this Saturday and Sunday at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds in Hughesville.  Please visit balloonfestairshow.com for more details on the weekend event.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 26, 2021

CHILD INDANGERMENT AND DUI STEMMING FROM FIERY CRASH IN UNION COUNTY

At least six passengers in a fiery crash in Union County were children, according to State Police in Milton, where a  New York City man was charged with child endangerment and driving under the influence.  Georgie F. Caraballo, now sits in Union County Jail with bail set at $40,000 monetary, according to northcentralpa.com. At 5:46 p.m. on Wednesday evening, Troopers were called to the New Columbia and Baker roads in White Deer Township for a motor vehicle accident with fire.  F. Carballo was taken into custody and arraigned in front of District Judge Jeffrey A. Rowe with multiple felonies. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 3 at the office of District Judge Jeffrey C. Mensch in Mifflinburg.

BODY OF MAN FOUND IN TRUCK ALONG SPOOK HOLLOW ROAD

Along the Spook Hollow Road in Piatt Township, the body of a man was discovered inside his overturned pickup  truck yesterday morning around 9 a.m. , according to SUN Gazette. Reports from the Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police suggest the victim lost control of his truck, as he traveled north in the 300 block of Spook Hollow Rd. The vehicle came to rest at the bottom of a 10-foot-embankment and was discovered by a passerby.  The driver’s body was taken to the Forensics Center at UPMC Williamsport. The investigation continues.

INMATE OBTAINS TWO DAY POST CONVICTION RELIEF ACT HEARING

She claims her defense attorney did not allow her to take the stand to defend herself, therefore, convicted murderer Maria Sanutti-Spencer will appear in Columbia County Court for a two-day Post Conviction Relief Act hearing. Sanutti-Spencer was granted the two-day hearing which will take place Aug. 2 and Aug. 3 in Columbia County in front of Centre County Senior Judge David Grine. Sanutti-Spencer was found guilty of first-degree murder in 2015 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole and is currently incarcerated at SCI-Muncy, in Muncy.

CAR RUNS STOP SIGN AND CRASHES INTO HOUSE ON WHITE DEER PIKE

There was a lot of damage to a home and minor injuries reported after a car crashed into a home in White Deer Township, Union County. State police say 60-year old James Ellis and 61-year old Faith Ellis, both of Watsontown, were traveling north on Gray Hill Road just before 6:30 p.m. on July 21 when their vehicle failed to stop at the posted stop sign at the intersection with White Deer Pike, traveled 50 feet through a nearby yard, and struck a house causing major damage. Charges were filed by Milton State Police.

COURT DATE RESET FOR AUGUST 23

Today was the date set for the first appearance in Clinton County Court for the teenager charged with homicide in the shooting death of his friend. However counsel for Brian St. John III has waived his formal court arraignment which had been listed for 8:30 a.m.. According to the court docket, St. John is now scheduled for “Call of the List” on Monday, Aug. 23 at 8:30 a.m., described as essentially a status conference on the case to determine if it may be ready to move forward. St. John, 19, remains incarcerated at the Clinton County Correctional Facility after his arrest following the Feb. 26 incident. He was arrested and charged with the killing Jakob Lee Haines, during a gathering at the St. John home atop Brewery Hollow Road in Woodward Township.

WATER DAMAGE IN CITY HALL

Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter released a press release Friday evening stating that City Hall has sustained water damage due to a roof leak, and may need to be temporarily relocated.  City Hall’s roof started to leak due to last week’s thunderstorms and as a result, the building sustained significant water damage. Mayor Slaughter stated that City Hall now has “an awful odor inside,” as well as mold.  A company will come to City Hall early this week to conduct an air quality test, mold test, and overall general assessment of the conditions.

LITTLE LEAGUE TO ALLOW 3,000 FANS

After talking with medical consultants and based on guidance by the Little League International Pandemic Response Advisory Commission, Little League International and its president and CEO, Steve Keener, made the announcement Friday afternoon to allow 3,000 fans entry into this year’s Little League World Series. The seating is limited to the hill beyond the Lamade Stadium fence and the area beyond the outfield fence at Volunteer Stadium. Family and friends from the communities the 16 United States teams come from, and a few officials will be the only fans permitted inside the stadium. Little League is giving 250 stadium access passes to each of the 16 teams.

COVID DISAPPOINTMENT FOR AREA LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM

Due to a positive COVID test on the team, Mifflinburg Major Division All Star Little League Softball Team was forced to leave the Eastern Regional Tournament yesterday in Bristol, Conn.  The team wanted another test, but Little League said on its website Sun afternoon that because of at least one positive COVID-19 test within the Pennsylvania State Little League Champions, they were told they could no longer participate in the tournament.

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 23, 2021

INTERNET OUTAGE

It was yesterday when valley residents were unable to access many websites. According to Reuters, websites were briefly down in an outage sparked by a glitch in Akamai Technologies Inc’s (AKAM.O) systems, the second major disruption linked to the cloud company in about a month.” The disruption lasted up to an hour and was caused by a bug in the domain name system (DNS) service, which allows web addresses to take users to their destinations, that was triggered during a software update, Akamai said. Services resumed after rolling back the update, Akamai added, and confirmed the disruption was not due to a cyber attack.

(Websites of Delta Air Lines (DAL.N), Costco Wholesale Corp (COST.O), American Express (AXP.N) and Home Depot (HD.N) were initially down, displaying domain name system (DNS) service errors. Both Oracle and Amazon said their services were operating normally shortly after.)

NEW PLAYER WELLNESS CENTER

The new Player Wellness Center, unveiled at the soggy ribbon cutting ceremony, will serve as the hub for all players, coaches, and managers during their stay at the Little League World Series each summer. “We are thrilled to open this remarkable new facility and look forward to the important care and expertise that the staff at UPMC will provide our World Series participants this August,” Little League President and CEO Stephen D. Keener said in a news release. According to northcentralpa.com, the new Player Wellness Center will replace the former Little League Infirmary to help accommodate the upcoming expansion to 20 teams.

PENN STATE FOOTBALL

Penn State Athletics announced general public single-game football tickets will go on sale Thurs., Aug. 5 at 10 a.m., according to a media outlet. The Nittany Lions will open the home slate on Sept. 11 for its 107K Family Reunion, followed by the nationally-recognized Penn State White Out against Auburn on Sept. 18. Future events include Penn State’s annual THON game, the Stripe Out game, homecoming and Penn State White Out Game. Variable pricing for single game tickets will be used again this year with single game tickets starting at just $35 per person. To purchase tickets, fans can call 1-800-NITTANY.

PAPERBACK BOOK DAY

Penguin Books published its first batch of paperback books on July 30, 1935. Because of this, each year, people celebrate the advent of affordable, lightweight books on July 30. The James V. Brown Library celebrates the paperback by recommending classics to visitors. The development of lighter books was partially due to the popularity of railroad travel, because of the size and weight, travel and paperback books went together well.  Paperback Book Day honors and exalts this practice of comfort and leisurely days.

DECISION FOR LYCOMING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

A complaint filed by Lycoming County Commissioners against the County Controller stemming from the reassignment of responsibilities from her department has been dismissed. Potter County Senior Judge John B. Leete recently handed down the order after hearing lawyers for both sides argue the case in court this spring. The Lycoming County Commissioners have provided a press release. The Lycoming County Board of Commissioners have reviewed the court’s decision in our suit against the Lycoming County Controller. We conclude that this decision does not invalidate any of the actions that this Board of Commissioners has taken. As we said when we initiated this process, we brought this suit solely to protect the integrity of the County’s financial operations. Commissioners said they have no no plans to appeal the decision.

DECISION FOR LYCOMING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

A complaint filed by Lycoming County Commissioners against the County Controller stemming from the reassignment of responsibilities from her department has been dismissed. Potter County Senior Judge John B. Leete recently handed down the order after hearing lawyers for both sides argue the case in court this spring. The Lycoming County Commissioners have provided a press release. The suit allowed us to return essential fiscal functions to the County, where they had been effectively performed for decades. The Court’s ruling does not change any of that. Those functions will remain where they now are again, within the County Office of Budget and Finance. Payroll, accounts payable, and the general ledger will be handled by the county employees with the Controller continuing to retain her oversight functions, which was never challenged by the Commissioners. Commissioners said they have no no plans to appeal the decision.

TOWN HALL MEETING VIA TELEPHONE ON MONDAY

U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, R-Kreamer, will hold a telephone town hall meeting Monday, July 26, according to a media source. The event, set to begin at 7:30 p.m., will allow constituents to call the congressman with questions and learn updates on legislative issues. The public can livestream the event at https://keller.house.gov/live or call in at 866-641-6837.

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN

The Loyalsock Township School District School Board passed the 2021-22 Health and Safety Plan, which provides written guidance including no masks for students in class, no mandatory vaccinations and physical distancing close to pre-pandemic levels. According to northcentralpa.com,  about a dozen parents were present Wednesday to support either not taking government funds associated with the plan or opposing children wearing masks. Districts which receive American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Relief funds must submit a health and safety plan to the State Department of Education by July 30. The district has received the first round of relief funds and is preparing to file for the second round.

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES COMPETITION-SIZE GYM

Loyalsock Township School District’s  school board next proposed building project is a new competition-size gym. The latest option adds another $1.6 million to the gym expansion, which brings the total for the gym and bleachers to about $4.9 million. According to northcentralpa.com, the overall cost of the multi-phased project is $11.9 million. Included in that are renovations and additional classrooms in the high school and middle school plus the addition of classrooms and kitchen reconfiguration at Schick Elementary. Robert Lack was hired to provide architectural services.

ADULT PROBATION OFFICERS RECOGNITION CEREMONY

The Lycoming County Courts hosted a recognition ceremony for Adult Probation Officers earlier this week.According to northcentralpa.com, Lycoming County Judge Marc Lovecchio commended the adult probation officers for hard work over the years. According to a media outlet, Lovecchio came to realize the last thing adult probation officers wanted was to send individuals on probation back to the system. That means keeping those on probation safe, keeping the community safe and eventually, reintegrating them into society at large. According to Lovecchio, who goes on to say of the adult probation department,  “They are here to truly help people and rehabilitate them and get them back on track.”

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN TRAINING FOR STUDENT

The Williamsport Area School Board passed several agenda items through an omnibus, including allowing high school students to take an Emergency Medical Technician course with the Pennsylvania College of Technology as an elective. The class will count as a 1.0 elective credit, and will weigh 1.4 credit points on a student’s transcript–meaning it will factor into the student’s grade-point average and class rank. According to a news outlet, the cost of taking the course will be fronted by families of students taking the course.

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 21, 2021

HEALTH & SAFETY PLAN

It was a tweaked plan, but it was unanimously approved by the Montoursville Area School District School Board. The 2021-22 Health and Safety Plan has kept masks options, vaccinations not required, for staff or students, and  no testing or screening for COVID-19 will be permitted on any district property, according to SUN Gazette. The district, however, agreed to comply with modifications for facilities to permit physical distancing at “the greatest extent possible,” and maintain healthy hygiene practices with cleaning and sanitation routines.

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN

The $25.8 million in American Rescue Plan dollars was the focus of the City Council’s Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday. After receiving the general guidelines on proper spending of the U.S. Department of Treasury, Mayor Derek Slaughter is prepared to organize a joint-work session next week with council. According to a media outlet, Slaughter said he met recently with the county commissioners, as the county is set to receive $22 million, and has plans to meet with the Williamsport Municipal Water and Sanitary Authority.

FIREWORKS 911 POLICE CALLS

Williamsport Bureau of Police logged calls for fireworks activity over the Fourth of July weekend. According to City Police Chief Justin Snyder, a check of the city police records system from June 1 through Sunday indicated city officers responded to upwards of 30 fireworks-related calls. The difficulty of enforcement is compounded because commercial-grade fireworks are being sold legally and by the time they respond to fireworks complaints, most of those lighting them have fled the scene. “Many people will not call in,” Assistant Police Chief Jason Bolt said. “A lot come in as advisement,” he said.

JUDGE WILLIAM SOLOMON’S OFFICE RECONSTRUCTION

Construction material deliveries, arriving late, have unfortunately postponed the relocation of District Judge William Solomon’s office, according to Lycoming County Commissioners. According to a media source, Judge William Solomon will continue to conduct business out of his existing office at 1965 Lycoming Creek Road. Commissioners will next meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Executive Plaza, 330 Pine St., Williamsport.

COMMUNITY BLOCK GRANT AND MORE

Kristin McLaughlin, of SEDA-Council of Governments, reported to the Lycoming County Comissioners that the county will receive $291,230 in Community Development Block Grant funding this year, according to a media source.  In orther news, the Commissioners approved several CDBG 2020 funding agreements for projects. American Rescue Workers and Jersey Shore Borough will each receive $55,000 for rent, utility and mortgage assistance to help those impacted by COVID-19. Commissioners will next meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Executive Plaza, 330 Pine St., Williamsport.

SHOTS FIRED NEW COLUMBIA

A man was sitting in his vehicle early Sunday morning in New Columbia when another man fired at him with a shotgun, police said. Zakary J. Walls, 27, of New Columbia, remains in Union County Jail in lieu of monetary $100,000 bail after he was arraigned by District Judge Jeffrey A. Rowe. It was the 1200 block of Bostion Road in White Deer Township where Walls now faces multiple felony charges and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 27 at the office of District Judge Jeffrey C. Mensch in Mifflinburg.

DAISY AWARD FOR UPMC NURSES

It was a total of five amazing  nurses from UPMC in North Central Pa. were recently recognized as recipients of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. These folk are chosen based on nominations from coworkers, patients, patients’ family members, or physicians that describe exemplary acts of service and compassion. Congrats to these two heros … Cathy Brandt, RN, Intensive Care Unit at UPMC Williamsport, was nominated by a patient., Julie Foresman, RN, UPMC Muncy Place, was nominated by a resident’s family member. …Kate Yost, RN, Intensive Care Unit at UPMC Williamsport, was nominated by a patient’s family member.Steven Davis, RN, Emergency Department at UPMC Williamsport, was nominated by a patient’s parent. And Caroline Troutman, RN, Intensive Care Unit at UPMC Williamsport, was nominated by a patient’s family member.

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BACKYARD BOADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 19, 2021

FATAL MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT 

A man was pronounced dead at the scene of a motorcycle crash in Trout Run by the Lycoming County coroner Friday morning. Richard N. Hafer, 28, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred when his motorcycle struck a vehicle turning off of Hunting Club Road onto Route 184, according to a press release from Coroner Charles E. Kiessling Jr., who went on to say, “Despite resuscitative efforts by EMS personnel, he was pronounced dead at 8:44 a.m. at the scene due to multiple blunt force trauma.”

STATE REP JOE HAMM VISITS MUNCY BOROUGH

On a tour of municipal governments, State Rep. Joe Hamm, recently visited the Muncy Borough Council. After delivering updates to the borough council and residents present for the meeting, he then fielded questions.

According to a media source, Hamm discussed many things, including the new budget. He also explained how the Pennsylvania Senate moved forward with Bill 735, which would place a constitutional amendment concerning voter identification on a ballot in the coming years.

AUTHOR GALA AT THE COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER THIS YEAR

The James V. Brown Library’s Author Gala is going to have a different look this year as it moves to the Community Arts Center.  There, according to a media outlet, author David Baldacci will be the featured speaker at the library’s major annual fundraiser. According to Dana Brigandi, the library’s development director. Guests can meet Baldacci in person. They can purchase tickets for a reception in the Capitol Lounge. Tickets for the Oct. 6 gala will go on sale Aug. 2 at the CAC box office.

JAMES V BROWN LIBRARY AT GROWERS MARKET

According to Dana Brigandi, the library’s development director.  The James V. Brown Library is at the Growers’ Market the last Saturday of each month with the storymobile and two programmers. There is  book give away through their PPL grant., according to SUN Gazette. The next visit to the market will be from 10 a.m. to noon July 31.The Summer Reading Program will end with a Scholastic Book Fair on Aug 5, 6th and 7th.

DOME CAMERA FOR MARGARET E. WALDRON PARK IN MUNCY 

Muncy Borough Council recently approved purchasing five dome cameras for use at the Margaret E. Waldron Park. According to a media outlet,  the total project, supplied and installed by Clearview Asset Protection, LLC will cost the borough $4,951 from its equipment account. According to Borough Manager Charley Hall, the Clearview cameras will enable borough police to remotely access them from their patrol vehicle if a call comes in regarding activity at the park.

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021

Muncy Borough council recently addressed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021’s implications for the borough, saying the money could be used to improve stormwater drains. Lycoming County had allocated $252,462 of federal funds to Muncy Borough to spend before 2024. According to a media source, the Borough council also discussed a vacancy on the borough’s zoning hearing board. Muncy Borough is seeking two residents to join the board. Muncy Borough Council will next meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 3 in the Muncy Borough Volunteer Fire Dept.

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL BOARD APPROVALS FROM RECENT MEETING

The Loyalsock Township School Board voted unanimously to extend the contract for Ronald Insinger, athletic director, for the coming school year, according to SUN Gazette.  The USDA’s approval for schools to serve free lunches to all students, regardless of income, is extended, allowing one free breakfast and one free lunch per student per day. A contract with Hawbaker Engineering LLC to provide surveying and land development services for the proposed facility improvements projects was approved. The next meeting is at 7 p.m. Aug. 11 at the district board room, 1605 Four Mile Drive.

CHARGES  HELD OVER FOR COURT FOR WILLIAMSPORT WOMAN

A Williamsport woman has been held for court for allegedly stabbing her ex-fiance and killing their 5-month-old infant daughter, following a preliminary hearing Friday. After the hearing, Corrie Cowlay-Saunders, was held for court on charges of homicide and other felonies. Cordell Faltz, Jan. 15. was stabbed in the neck, his car stolen and then crashed by Cowlay-Saunders. According to northcentralpa.com, a check the welfare led emergency personnel to find their child deceased. Cowlay-Saunders remains in the Lycoming County Prison for $50,000 bail until her formal arraignment before Lycoming County Judge Marc Lovecchio Aug. 2.

TARGET STORE IN MUNCY TOWNSHIP SUFFERS $5,000 IN THEFT OF PROPERTY

More than $5,000 in electronics department merchandise were stolen from the Target Store in Muncy Township, by two men over a period of one-year. According to a media outlet, Javonte T. Harris, 23, of Rochester, N.Y., and Carlos J. Marquez Rosado, 32, of Westfield, Pa.,. were apprehended at the store on July 11 when they were caught in the act of attempting to remove theft protection from several items, according to the State Police arrest affidavit. Both Harris and Marquez were charged with several felonies and they have a preliminary hearing at the office of District Judge Jon E. Kemp.

PENNSYLVANIA COMPANY DESIGNED, CUT AND ASSEMBLED AMERICAN OLYMPIC GYMNASTS UNIFORMS

It is the first time that GK Elite of Reading will be outfitting American Olympic gymnast, according to Penn Live..  The company is saying, “Although GK has been the manufacturer of previous Olympic Games garments, this will mark the first time that GK Elite’s branding will appear on leotards and apparel worn by the women’s and men’s gymnastics teams at the Olympic Games, an honor previously held by Under Armor and Adidas.”  The GK Elite reported all of the uniforms were made in the United States. They were designed, cut and assembled at its headquarters in Reading with only a limited number of replica leotards and men’s shirts will be available for sale after the Olympic Games.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 16, 2021

PRODUCT  RECALL

Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (JJCI) is voluntarily recalling all lots of five NEUTROGENA® and AVEENO® aerosol sunscreen product lines to the consumer level. Internal testing identified low levels of benzene in some samples of the products. Consumers should stop using the affected products and follow the instructions set forth . Product images and lot information is available on www.Neutrogena.com .This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The only sunscreen products impacted are aerosol products, specifically:

  • NEUTROGENA® Beach Defense® aerosol sunscreen,
  • NEUTROGENA® Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen,
  • NEUTROGENA® Invisible Daily™ defense aerosol sunscreen,
  • NEUTROGENA® Ultra Sheer® aerosol sunscreen, and
  • AVEENO® Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT CHARGES ON 17-YEAR-OLD … CHARGED AS ADULT

A 17-year-old Williamsport juvenile was charged as an adult due to the severity of the offenses committed, according to a release by the Williamsport Bureau of Police. Yelena Justine-Kay Olson was charged with multiple felonies.  Authorities said Olson brandished a knife and stabbed and sliced a victim on the arm, wrist, and upper chest. According to the report, the victim was taken to UPMC Williamsport to receive emergency surgery.  Police served a warrant on July 13 and Olson was taken before Judge William Solomon for an arraignment. Olson was held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $50,000 monetary bail.

ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN IN WILLIAMSPORT

Lying in the middle of a bed, unattended, and surrounded by trash, an eight-month-old child was discovered by Williamsport Police in a Maple Street home. Following the discovery of the child, Danielle Dominique Johnson, 34, of Williamsport was charged with multiple felonies.  On July 14th, police reported the infant was discovered and two juveniles were walking through the neighborhoods, alone. Johnson came back to the home as Child and Youth Services and EMS arrived on scene. Johnson was taken into custody as authorities continued to investigate the home. According to the report, the infant and both juveniles were taken into custody by authorities. No bail was listed for Johnson.

A HEALING GARDEN

UPMC, and Sojourner Truth Ministries in Williamsport have partnered to offer residents of the House of Hope access to a new healing garden designed for improving physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. The holistic program integrates spiritual healing, counseling, life-skill development, mentoring, relationship building, budget coaching, and work readiness. The Sojourner House of Hope offers temporary housing to 12 residents facing homelessness, and provides them with support during their transition.

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN EMERGENCY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL EMERGENCY RELIEF FUNDING NECESSARY REQUIREMENT

The federal government’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund require districts that receive the funds to submit a Health and Safety Plan by July 30 detailing what they will do to facilitate the safe return to in-person instructional and non-instructional activities this fall. With questions and concerns from parents and public and with little time to prepare and properly review of the plan, the Loyalsock Township School Board decided to table any vote on the plan until a special meeting July 21. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the board conference room, 1605 Four Mile Drive.

TERRORISTIC THREATS LANDS WILLIAMSPORT MAN IN JAIL

Driving a pickup truck, Nicholas Wright, 43, Williamsport, was pulled over near West Fourth and Park streets about 4:40 p.m. on June 3 when an officer recognized him and knew his license was suspended. Upon speaking with Wright, the officer “detected an extremely strong odor of an alcoholic beverage” coming from the vehicle, court records stated. He was taken into custody and to police headquarters, where he threatened and attempted to become physical with officer. Wright was arraigned before District Judge Jon E. Kemp on charges of terroristic threats, simple assault, resisting arrest, DUI and possession of drug paraphernalia. and committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $35,000 bail.

BACK TO IN-PERSON MEETINGS FOR CITY GROUP

The city Accessibility Advisory Commission voted to move to in-person meetings with the first meeting scheduled for 3 p.m. Aug. 12 at Trade and Transit Centre II.  The city continues to provide the meetings over YouTube, accessible on the city website. City Councilman Jon Mackey said that would give the city time to advertise the meeting and get other people and organizations interested in improving accessibility throughout the city parks and facilities involved, according to SUN Gazette.

CONTRACTED ORDINANCE WRITER FOR MUNCY TOWNSHIP

Muncy Township Supervisors agreed to contract an ordinance writer in preparation for the township to establish self-direction from the county’s zoning authority. The township will contract Douglas Hovey, an experienced ordinance writer, who has more than 25 years of experience in writing, drafting and formatting ordinances across Pennsylvania, and is very familiar with ordinances concerning land partitioning and zoning. The supervisors will next meet Aug. 11.

BACKUPS AND SLOWDOWNS FOR ANTLERLESS LICENSES 

The new licensing system now used to issue all hunting licenses, including antlerless licenses, has experienced slowdowns during peak sales periods, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is working with NIC Inc., the vendor that operates the new HuntFishPA licensing system, toward a solution that will speed up the sales process and enhance system performance. Hunters wishing to check whether their license has been awarded can do so through HuntFishPA at https://huntfish.pa.gov.

 

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