BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 2, 2021

NEW QUARANTINE POLICIES IN PENNSYLVANIA
The Wolf administration announced new policies yesterday for easing restrictions on large gatherings and eliminating a quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers to Pennsylvania.  According to state officials, outdoor venues are now allowed to host events up to 20% of their maximum capacity, no matter the size of the venue. Indoor occupancy will be 15% of maximum capacity.  Both indoor and outdoor events will require masks and use social distancing guidelines. Governor Wolf has lifted the requirement for residents who are returning home from out of state to have a negative test within 72 hours of arriving. Officials considered the expanding percentage of residents who have been vaccinated and the rate of new infections in the decision to ease restrictions.

LOCK HAVEN WOMAN PLEADS NOT GUILTY IN DEATH OF NEPHEW
The Lock Haven woman charged in the death of her 9 year old nephew in her care, has plead not guilty of criminal homicide and other charges.  According to the Sun Gazette, if 36 year old Jamie Lynne Jackson is convicted of the crimes she’s charged with, the Clinton County DA is intending to seek the death penalty against her after filing a formal notice of aggravating circumstances last month.  In a preliminary hearing in January, police involved in the case said 9 year old Anson Landon Mitchell Stover was found in a second floor bathtub at Jackson’s  home on Bald Eagle St. in Lock Haven, last November with injuries consistent with abuse.  Jackson remains in the Clinton County Correctional Facility without bail.

A FEW POWER OUTAGES REMAIN TODAY
A handful of PPL customers are still experiencing power outages in north central Pennsylvania from windy conditions from overnight. Hundreds of customers have already had their power restored in Sunbury and Lewisburg from heavy wind damage there.  According to the coverage map for the electric company restoration is estimated for this afternoon before 2pm, but could change depending on conditions.  The national weather service says the wind advisory expired early this morning, and some areas may have seen wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour.

FREE RIDES TO VACCINATION APPOINTMENTS
River Valley transit has announced that they will provide transportation to any person in the community who has a scheduled appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination for free.  Advance notice is required and a reservation to and from the appointment can be made by calling River Valley Transit weekdays between 8:30am and 5pm.  Anyone who is in the transportation company’s service area may request a trip by noon the day prior to their appointment.  Go online to www.rideRVT.com for more information.

DALMATIA WOMAN FATALLY HIT BY A TRAIN
A woman was struck by a train in Northumberland County yesterday around 2pm near Water Street in  Lower Mahanoy Township.  According to Pennsylvania State Police at  Stonington, 21 year old Felicity Dawn Hocker, of Dalmatia, was struck by a train while on the tracks running parallel to Water Street.  State troopers say she died at the scene.   The Northumberland County Coroner said they aren’t releasing any more details at this time about the incident and are continuing the investigation in coordination with police.

LOCAL COVID UPDATE
The numbers of Pennsylvania residents with COVID is improving with the Pennsylvania of Health reporting the statewide percent positivity for the last week in February to be 6.3%.  As of Midnight March 1st, Northumberland County has 41 new cases, Snyder has 37  Lycoming County had 16 cases, Clinton with 5, Tioga only 2 and Sullivan no new cases. In the commonwealth, there were 1,628 additional positive cases and 26 fatalities from the virus.  The trend in the 14-day moving average number of hospitalized patients per day is about 4,000 lower than it was at the most recent peak on December 25, 2020.

ARSON SUSPECT TO BE EXTRADITED BACK TO CONNECTICUT
A man who is wanted by police in Connecticut for arson was apprehended along Interstate 80 West  in Northumberland County Saturday and taken into custody.  According to North Central PA dot com, 37 year old  Richard White, of Torrington, Conn was pulled over 8pm Saturday by state police who were aware he was a fugitive from justice for throwing homemade bombs at police in his state in several incidents.   White is in Northumberland County Jail on fugitive from justice charges and will be extradited back to Connecticut.

BRUSH PILE OPEN WHILE ACCESS GATE IS DELAYED
The city brush pile in Williamsport is open while the public works committee waits for the components for an electronic gate that will allow eligible residents to access the area 24 hours a day with a key card.  According to the Sun Gazette, officials say they are hopeful once the system is in place a news release will be published to inform residents to apply for their cards to gain access.  At this time, the brush pile is open 7:15a to 3:15p Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday

SPORTS
HS Boys Varsity Basketball
Williamsport beat State College 58-45,
HS Girls Varsity Basketball
Central Mountain beat Williamsport 57-46

NBA
76ers beat the Pacers 130 to 114, Mavericks over Magic 130 to 124, Nuggets beat the Bulls 118 to 112, the Pelicans over Jazz 129 to 124, Nets beat the Spurs 124 to 113, Cavaliers over the Rockets 101 to 90, Trailblazers over the Hornets 123 to 111

NHL
Hurricanes beat the Panthers 3-2, Senators over Flames 5-1, Canucks over the Jets 4-nothing, Maple Leafs beat the Oilers 3- nothing, Golden Knights over Wild 5-4, Blues beat the Ducks 5-4, Sharks over Avalanche 6-2,
NHL tonight
Islanders will play the Devils in NJ, and Rangers play the Sabres at the Garden, Flyers and Penguins are in Pittsburgh* tonight at 7 PM on NBCSportsNetwork

*After Gov. Tom Wolf announced revised policies on gatherings yesterday, the Penguins’ PPG Paints Arena, which has a capacity of about 20,000, will allow 2,800 fans in-house tonight.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 1, 2021

MAN’S BODY FOUND IN SUSQUEHANNA RIVER
An unidentified body of a man was found in the Susquehanna River in Upper Augusta Township on Saturday afternoon during a call that originally began as a water rescue for first responders.  According to the Daily Item, State police from Milton and Stonington answered the call that came in about 3pm Saturday about the incident at the Shady Nook Boat Launch in Snyder County.  Shamokin Dam police, Selinsgrove Boat Rescue and the Northumberland County Chief Deputy Coroner were on the scene, no other information has been released about the victim or the circumstances.

ONE MAN SHOT, ANOTHER GOES TO JAIL
A Woodward township man has been taken into custody and charged with criminal homicide after a shooting that left a Beech Creek man dead Friday night.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Clinton County Coroner pronounced 21 year old Jakob Lee Haines dead at the scene, and police took 19 year old Brian St. John, III into custody following the shooting at his residence on Brewery Hollow Road.  An autopsy was performed Saturday in State College and determined the shooting to be a homicide.  At his arraignment Saturday morning, St John  was denied bail and will be in Clinton County Court on Tuesday.  Lamar State police and the Clinton COUnty DA are asking for information about the incident, contact ClintonDA.org to give information.

NEW QUARANTINE GUIDELINES
New quarantine guidance was announced Friday from the State Department of Health for people exposed to COVID-19 but who have been already fully vaccinated. They have said that if someone is fully vaccinated, they do not need to quarantine after an exposure to the virus. But if it’s been three months after you’ve been fully vaccinated, you should quarantine if you’ve been exposed and find you are symptomatic., the CDC is limiting quarantine guidance to 90 days while additional research is conducted.

LOCAL BANK TO BUILD IN SOUTH WILLIAMPSORT
The Muncy Bank and Trust Company is planning a new location to be built in South Williamsport on land purchased there on the site of the former Seventh-Day Adventist Church.  According to the Sun Gazette, administrators from the bank say the headquarters and operations center for the company will remain in Muncy but a four-story banking center is planned to be a full-service bank and administrative offices.  According to officials of South Williamsport borough, the bank could spark future development around Market and Hastings Street.  Seventh-Day Adventist Church announced they were selling the property for  a new church and school at the site of their current school on Fleming Street.  Bank Construction should be complete in 2022.

PHILLY MEN CHARGED WITH ROBBING LOCAL PHARMACY
Two Southeastern Pennsylvania men were charged recently for a burglary that occurred in January in Mount Pleasant Mills.  According to State police, this isn’t he first time  28-year old Derick Haines and 38-year old Christopher Welch have been charged with pharmacy burglaries, but this incident happened at the Shade Mountain Pharmacy.  After an investigation, state police discovered the two Philadelphia men were their suspects with help from New Jersey police. They have been charged with charged with burglary, criminal trespass, attempted theft, and criminal mischief.

MAN WHO THREATENED EMPLOYEE BEING SOUGHT
A man with a face tattoo is being sought by Selinsgrove State police after an incident at the Ulta Beauty store in which he was asked to wear a mask and began screaming obscenities inside the store.  The unknown male is in his thirties and was captured on surveillance cameras.  The man left the area in a dark red SUV.  Witnesses say he used a threatening hand motion toward the manager of the store as welkl.  If you h ave information for police call them in Selinsgrove  570- 374-8145.

LAWMAKERS PROPOSE A BILL ALLOWING EMPLOYEES TO OPT-OUT OF VACCINE
There was a public hearing last Thursday in Harrisburg that about a proposed Pennsylvania House bill would give workers the right to refuse to get a vaccination or invasive medical test required by an employer.  According to PennLive, House Bill 262 would make it illegal for employers to fire, threaten, retaliate against or discriminate against employees who opt out of a vaccine or invasive medical test. Employers could be sued for violating the law, Rep. Russ Diamond of Lebanon County is sponsoring the bill and said it’s a matter of sticking up for personal liberties.

DOH COVID TOOL UPDATED
The Department of Health has announced new updates for the PA COVID Alert App and the  new ‘Your Turn’ tool.  According to the Department of Health, users can now access the ‘Your Turn’ tool to track state and county level COVID-19 vaccine metrics,  set a reminder for when it’s time to receive a second dose if necessary and also a link to the CDC’s vaccine side affects tracker tool. Now that the Johnson and Johnson one-dose vaccine was approved over the weekend, the DOH is awaiting guidance from the FDA and CDC, on next steps for vaccination of Pennsylvanians.

SPORTS
HS Boys Basketball from Saturday
Williamsport beat Susquehanna Township 60 to 57, Danville beat Saint John Neumann 80 to 57, N. Penn liberty beat Canton 54-48, Wellsboro beat Towanda 68-39, Loyalsock beat Athens 94-57 and Selinsgrove beat Mifflin County 45-39
HS Girls Basketball from Saturday
Millville beat Muncy 27-26, Towanda beat North Penn Mansfield 59-28, South Williamsport beat Canton 36-32

The D4 basketball playoffs kick off tomorrow –For the girls,  Lewisburg is the top seed in Class AAAA, with South Williamsport and Loyalsock number 3 seeds in Class AA and AAA tournaments, and on the Boys side, North Penn Liberty, Muncy and Loyalsock are top seeds in their respective classes with defending champion Montoursville at 3rd in AAAA, Saint John Neumann is 2nd seed for the Class A teams.

NASCAR
At the Dixie vodka 400 in Homestead-Miami, William Byron got the checkered flag followed by Tyler Reddick, Martin Truex, Jr., Kyle Larson and Kevin Harvick in fifth

NHL
Flyers beat the Sabres 3-three nothing, Islanders meet the Penguins 2-nothing, Bruins over the Rangers 4-1, Predators beat the Blue Jackets 3-1, Capitals beat the Devils 3-2, Blackhawks beat the Red Wings 7-2

NBA
Bucks beat the Clippers 105 to 100, Celtics beat the Wizards 111 to 110, the Knicks beat the Pistons 109 to 90, the Heat beat Hawks 109 to 99, Grizzlies over the Rockets 133 to 84, Lakers beat the Warriors 117 to 91, Suns beat Timberwolves 118 to 99, Hornets beat the Kings 127 to 126, the Bulls and Raptors were postponed
NBA tonight
The Pacers come to Philadelphia at 7pm and Brooklyn’s in Texas to play San Antonio at 8:30

THE ANNUAL SVBT BUNNY RUN

THE SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY BIG TWINS MOTORCYCLE CLUB’S ANNUAL BUNNY RUN IS ON!

LET’S PUT A SMILE ON THE FACE OF EVERY CHILD WHO MAY BE HOSPITALIZED OVER THE UPCOMING EASTER HOLIDAY!  WITH YOUR HELP THE SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY BIG TWINS MOTORCYCLE CLUB CAN DISTRIBUTE AN EASTER THEMED STUFFED ANIMAL JUST IN TIME FOR EASTER!

BRING YOUR DONATION OF A NEW EASTER THEMED STUFFED ANIMAL TO 1685 FOUR MILE DRIVE IN WILLIAMPORT.  DONATIONS CAN BE MADE MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY BETWEEN 8AM AND 5PM.

Donations are also being collected at the following locations:

The Bald Eagle United Presbyterian Church in Mill Hall

The Sun-Gazette in Williamsport

Horsepower Harley-Davidson of Williamsport

It’s My Party Store in Williamsport

Vreelands Harley-Davidson in Bloomsburg

Drier Law Offices in Jersey Shore

The Lock Haven Express

Tropical Tanning in Lock Haven

Momoyu Otsu in Lock Haven

and The SVBT CLUBHOUSE.

STUFFED ANIMALS WILL BE DELIVERED TO 12 AREA MEDICAL FACILITIES:

Geisinger in Danville & Jersey Shore – UPMC Divine Providence Hospital & UPMC Williamsport Hospital in Williamsport – Muncy Valley Hospital – Lock Haven Hospital – Soldiers and Sailors Hospital in Wellsboro – Bucktail Medical Center in Renovo – Mt. Nittany Health in State College – Evangelical Hospital in Lewisburg – The Meadows Treatment Center in Centre Hall

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS FEBRUARY 26, 2021

LOCK HAVEN MAN THREATENS MAYOR THERE
A Lock Haven man waived his preliminary hearing after being arrested for making terroristic threats toward the mayor of Lock Haven in January.  According to the Record-Online, 56 year old Michael Paul Stoneberg used a pseudonym on Facebook and sent private messages to the Joel Long for Mayor Facebook page that allegedly called for residents to kill Long and suggested he should be murdered along with all Democrats.  According to the Clinton County DA, police determined that the Facebook page identity lead them to Stoneberg, and he later admitted the crime.  He could face 6 years in prison.

PER CAPITA TAX WAIVED IN LOCAL COUNTY
Every adult in Snyder County will be saved 5 dollars per year after county commissioners there have eliminated the county per capita tax.  According to media outlets, the Commission reviewed the net proceeds of the ‘nuisance’ tax and recently reached a goal to remove it.  Officials remind residents that a per capita tax is still levied by some municipalities and school districts.

QUESTIONS FOR DR. LEVINE
Former Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Dr Rachel Levine, is facing questioning about the issues with data reporting that continue in Pennsylvania during her confirmation hearing as the US Assistant Health Secretary in the Biden administration.  Republican Susan Collins questioned the data issues.  Dr.  Levine pointed to the lag in the electronic death reporting system to explain incomplete nursing home data, assuring the panel that deaths were accurately reported. According to some media outlets who interviewed facility spokespeople said the homes were meeting reporting requirements but couldn’t explain why their data was not included in the state’s weekly reports.

THERE IS A RAISE THE REGION DEADLINE TODAY
Today is the last day for non-profit entities to register for Raise the region a unique 30-hour online giving campaign that gives community members an opportunity to support local nonprofits that mean a lot to you.  Groups wanting to participate can go to raise the region dot org to sign up in partnership with First Community partnership, Blaise Alexander Family dealerships and Backyard Broadcasting.  The public will be able to watch a live leaderboard and track donations by organization in real-time beginning Wednesday, March 10th

MAN WHO FLED FROM POLICE PLEADS GUILTY
A man from Lock Haven was given up to 20 years in jail after pleading guilty to attempted homicide, and other firearms charges as well as attempting to flee from police from an incident June 11th in Decatur township. According to the Sun Gazette, lawyers for 26 year old Quintin Michael Titus say he was highly intoxicated when he fled from police in a vehicle then later on foot after he disabled the vehicle near Osceola Mills.  Police found an unauthorized gun in the car. Titus will serve a minimum of 7 years.

BUCKNELL CAMPUS REOPENS
Some campus restrictions have been lifted at Bucknell University as active COVID-19 cases on campus decrease. According to an announcement by President John Bravman yesterday athletic activities can resume, including practices, travel and competition. In person student activities will also resume today.  In-person instruction  can continue at faculty discretion, with double masking recommended. The campus library and academic buildings will remain open during normal hours and the campus gym will remain open with reduced capacity.

LOCAL CORONA UPDATE
Lycoming County 36 new cases of the coronavirus as of yesterday at midnight, Northumberland  County has 10 new, Clinton has 12 new, Union County has 24 Sullivan county reports no new cases.  The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed 2,356 additional positive cases of COVID-19, with 81 new fatalities. COVID Cases across Pennsylvania have been below 3,000 for seven straight days.

WATERFOWL BRIEFING SCHEDULED
Hunters and members of waterfowl organizations are invited to virtually attend the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Annual Waterfowl Briefing, which will be streamed live via the agency’s Facebook page, on Wednesday, March 10, at 1 p.m. The briefing will be recorded and a link will be available to view online at www.pgc.pa.gov. Game Commission Waterfowl Biologists and Wildlife Management Program experts will be discussing the proposed waterfowl hunting seasons, proposed regulations, federal frameworks and the 2020 waterfowl hunter survey results. A question-and-answer session will follow the event.

LT. GOV STATEMENT ON MINIMUM WAGE
Pennsylvania Lt. Governor John Fetterman has released a statement  in response to news that the Senate Parliamentarian said a $15 minimum wage is not part of the Covid relief package.  According to the statement, Fetterman says working people need a dignified wage, and Fetterman said the filibuster should end in the state which is the Senate rule requiring 60 votes for most major legislation.  Republicans in Pennsylvania oppose Biden’s coronavirus relief plan because the cost is too high.

STATE POLICE OFFICER INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
Local media outlets are looking into the records of a State police officer after two Williamsport women filed a federal lawsuit accusing police of aggressively raiding their home in September, then not charging them or giving them a reason on September 29th.  According to North Central PA dot com, court records showing allegations of misconduct against Officer Tyson Havens go back more than a decade and most recently a video h as surfaced of the officer allegedly planting evidence.  From a 2008 drug case Lycoming  County President judge Nancy Butts told the Commonwealth to hand over Havens’ state police disciplinary records to the defense.  The investigation is ongoing.

SPORTS
HS Boys Basketball
Warrior run beat South Williamsport 55-46, Muncy beat Bucktail 82-19,  Montoursville over Hughesville 60-29, Wellsboro beat Troy 55-52, Athens beat Towanda 73-54,
HS Girls Basketball
Williamsport beat Montoursville 47-42, Southern Columbia beat Hughesville 31-23, Northumberland Christian over Warrior Run 63-55, South Williamsport beat Shikellamy 35-32, Wyalusing over Mansfield 44-41

NBA
76ers beat the Mavericks 111 to 97, Nets beat Magic, 129 to 92, Knicks beat the Kings 140 to 121, Grizzlies over the Clippers 122 to 94, Wizards beat the Nuggets 112-110, Bucks beat the Pelicans 129 to 125.
NBA Basketball Saturday night
The 76ers play Cleveland at 7 PM, and the Nets play Dallas  at 8:30 on ABC

NHL
Capitals over the Penguins 5 to 2, Islanders beat the Bruins 7-2, Lightning over the Hurricanes 3 to 1, Panthers beat the Stars 3-2, Blackhawks beat the Blue Jackets 2-nothing, Senators over the Flames 6-1, Devils beat the Sabres 4-3, Red Wings over the Predators 5-2, Jets beat the Canadiens 6-3, Oilers over the Canucks 3-nothing Avalanche and Coyotes & Golden Knights and Sharks were postponed

NHL Tonight
Bruins play the New York Rangers at 7o’clock tonight

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS FEBRUARY 25, 2021

HEALTH SYSTEM GAVE VACCINATIONS TO EMPLOYEE FAMILY MEMBERS
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has reprimanded Geisinger Health system this week for holding COVID-19 vaccination clinics and allowing employees’ eligible family members to receive an inoculation also.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Associated Press informed the Department of Health that the hospital system was holding the clinics for the families in January, and Geisinger administrators said they were within state guidelines to vaccinate Phase 1-A eligible residents.  However, federal guidelines say that people in the same class of eligibility should have equal opportunity to get the shots.  Critics say the health system gave employee family members an advantage.  The state agency says at this time Geisinger has not violated any parts of their agreement to receive future vaccine doses.  The health system has administered more than 112,000 shots so far.

REPUBLICAN CALLS TO LEGALIZE CANNABIS
The first Republican lawmaker in the state has put forth a proposal of legislation to legalize marijuana in Pennsylvania.  Senator Daniel Laughlin, from Erie, outlined to the chamber how regulating cannabis would improve public safety, raise money for the state, and end disproportionate enforcement of laws in minority communities.  After voters approved a bill last year, New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation to enact a recreational marijuana marketplace in his state this week.  15 states allow adult recreational use across the country.

NEW YORK MAN ARRESTED FOR CONCEALING DRUGS AT UNION COUNTY JAIL
PA State police have arrested a New York man for bringing contraband into the Union County Jail February 20th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 20 year old Daquell Jefferies concealed a controlled substance as he was being transported to the Lewisburg jail after an arrest for speeding on I-80 West in White Deer township, the 23 year old driver, Teyvon Walker of Brooklyn was also charged with felony possession.

ONLINE ACCESS TO VACCINE FOR SENIORS
A new website for seniors 75 and older has been established to determine eligibility for the COVID vaccine and will also allow them to register and be eligible to make an appointment to receive an inoculation.  According to officials form Patient care services at UPMC, Vaccine.UPMC.com also provides educational resources about the vaccine and the rollout of the doses.  Those who don’t have internet, can call 844-876-2822, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to answer the survey questions and register over the phone.

LEADERS DO NOT LIKE THE TOLL IDEA
Lawmakers and local leaders are pushing back on the Department of Transportation’s  idea that highway tolls should be implemented on I-80 in our region to raise money for repairs of nine bridges along the interstate.  Some say that tax from gas revenue in the state is already funding road and bridge repair, and that tolling is essentially a tax that will burden motorists and business in the area.

LOCAL COVID UPDATE
Lycoming County has 35 new cases of the coronavirus as of yesterday at midnight, Northumberland County has 18, Union County has 19, Snyder has 12.  The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed 2,830 additional positive cases of COVID-19, and 76 new fatalities. Statewide, there are still over 1,900 people hospitalized with COVID and of them, 239 are on ventilators

GRANT PROVIDING MOBILE VACCINE CLINIC
A 100 thousand dollar grant has been earmarked for UPMC Susquehanna from the PPL Foundation to pay for a special response vehicle that will bring COVID vaccinations to seniors in Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, UPMC’s ambulance bus is a special response vehicle that usually helps with evacuations when there are power outages or severe weather, but also provides mobile clinics such as the one planned for this community.  Susquehanna Regional EMS along with UMPC hospital staff will be trained to use the vehicle.

LAST DAY FOR COVID TESTING IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY
Today is the last day for the regional COVID-19 testing site at Shikellamy State Park in the Marina Section. The weather shut down the free drive thru clinic Monday and will not add an extra day.  According to the Pennsylvania  Department of Health, the Northumberland county site will be open today from 9am to 6pm  Turnaround time for test results are two to seven business days after testing.. You do not have to show symptoms for a test.
SPORTS
HS Girls Basketball
Wellsboro beat Troy 43-35, Towanda over Athens 43-38

Collegiate Wrestling
Lock Haven University will compete in the MAC Championships Friday and Saturday, hosted by Rider University.

COLLEGE Basketball News
According Bucknell University’s website, the women’s basketball games between BU and American, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 27 and Sunday, Feb. 28, have been cancelled due to a positive COVID-19 test within the Bucknell women’s basketball program’s Tier 1. Bucknell hasn’t played since January 31.

NBA
Warriors beat the Pacers 111 to 107 Hawks beat the Celtics 127 to 112,  Cavaliers beat the Rockets 112 to 96, Heat beat the Raptors 116 to 108, Bulls beat the Timberwolves 133 to 126, Pelicans beat the Pistons 128 to 118, Thunder over the Spurs 102 to 99, Hornets over the Suns 124 to 121, Jazz over Lakers 114 to 89

NHL
Flyers beat the Rangers 4 to 3, Lightning over Hurricanes 3-nothing, Stars beat the Panthers 3-nothing, Maple Leafs beat the Flames 2-1, Coyotes over Ducks 4-3, Wild beat Avalanche 6-2, Kings over Blues 2-1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS FEBRUARY 24, 2021

TRUCK DRIVER ACCUSED OF MURDER DENIED BAIL
The man who was extradited from Connecticut for the crimes surrounding the alleged murder of model Rebbeca Landrith earlier this month was denied bail by a Union County District Judge yesterday at his preliminary hearing.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say during the investigation, 28 year old Tracy Rollins denied knowing Landrith at first but then said he traveled with a woman named Leslie from Connecticut to Maine and then through the Midwest before returning to our area where a PennDOT worker found Landrith’s body by the side of I-80 between Milton and Allenwood.  Evidence of gunshots and other evidence supporting that Landrith was traveling with Robbins were found in his truck before he was arrested.

MEAT PLANT MUST STOP DUMPING WASTE
A Loganton Meat processing plant has been given a cease and desist letter from the DEP saying they must stop spreading what they call food processing residuals on snow covered fields in the area.  According to  North Central PA dot com Operations will slow, not stop, at Nicholas Meat LLC on Spruce Run Road in Greene Township today by 3:30- pm.  The DEP issued the order after an inspection at the facility on February 8th.  The plant increased production recently and  can generate150,000 gallons of residual waste a day.  The letter is also in response to community complaints, as well as to protect the environment from run-of . In a statement officials from Nicholas Meat say they will have to shut down until weather conditions permit them to reopen the plant.

VACCINES SHORTAGE BRINGS DISCUSSION ABOUT SOLUTIONS
There are still shortages of the Coronavirus vaccine in our area and local lawmakers are discussing the solutions to getting more Lycoming County residents vaccinated.  According to the Sun Gazette, County commissioners are talking about planning mass vaccination sites to be established in the near future, but Rep. Joe Hamm of Montoursville criticized the Wolf administration for failing to come up with a plan to vaccinate more Pennsylvanians.  In a recent study, Pennsylvania ranked 46th among all states in the U.S. at administering the vaccine.  Last week, several state Democratic senators said they will introduce legislation to create a registry system so that state residents can get the shots they are seeking.

FLOODPLAIN CERTS AVAILABLE AT A DISCOUNT
Lewisburg homeowners who live in the 100-year floodplain can get discounted elevation certificates that can reduce their flood insurance costs.  The FEMA elevation certificates cost $700 for these homeowners which  is a discounted group price that SEDA –COG recently negotiated with Orangeville Surveying Consultants Inc. Residents must own and occupy their homes. SEDA-COG’s Flood Resiliency Program offers services related to flood resiliency and mitigation assistance both within and outside of its 11-county region. Information is available online https://seda-cog.org/departments/flood-resiliency/.

JUDGES RECUSED FROM LOCAL ABUSE CASE
The couple facing trial for abusing their 8 children over decades will not face any Common Pleas judge in Lycoming County after all have been recused in the case of Matthew and Christine Zeigler, by President Judge Nancy L. Butts last month.  According to the Sun Gazette, Judge Butts ruled in the case that the defendant’s co-defendant has ties to the Lycoming County legal system as a local attorney.  According to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts the case will be assigned to judges from other areas of the state.

HIGH SPEED CHASE ENDS IN CENTRE COUNTY
An Ohio man is in the Union County jail after a high speed pursuit began Sunday between him and state police which took them to Centre County.  According to the Daily Item, 47 year old Josh Leach, of Smithfield Ohio, is accused of speeding beyond 100 mph on Interstate 80 then after hitting spike strips crossed into the oncoming lane, and drove for 4 miles at a high rate of speed  swerving at oncoming motorists.  He was arraigned Sunday on several felonies including flight to avoid apprehension, fleeing or eluding police and aggravated assault and other misdemeanors.  Leach is being held on 100 thousand dollars bail.

LOCAL COVID UPDATE
Lycoming County has 43 new cases of the coronavirus reported as of midnight yesterday, Northumberland has 14, Tioga County has 5.  According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health there were 2,830 additional positive cases of COVID-confirmed with 97 fatalities within the same time.  Statewide, there are now over 1,900 people hospitalized with COVID, of that number 240 are on ventilators.

EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE ARRIVING FOR LYCO
Lycoming County is set to give out millions of dollars to help people impacted by the pandemic. According ot the Sun Gazette,  County Commissioner, Scott Metzger says there will be an allocation of $7.45 million when residents here in Lycoming County need it the most.  The funds are a result of legislation passed by the state that has freed up options for eligible recipients through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Landlords can contact STEP Incorporated and ask to be placed on a waiting list until officials receive more information from the state.

SPORTS
HS Boys Basketball
South Williamsport beat Sullivan County 56-27, Montgomery beat Benton 67-37, Montoursville over Jersey Shore 64-54, Canton beat Williamson 80 to 60, Loyalsock beat Saint John Neumann 84-81, Shikellamy beat Lewisburg 68-54, Wyalusing over Towanda 79-41, Athens beat  Sayre 57-47
HS Girls Basketball
Liberty beat Canton 40 to 39, Athens over Wyalusing 47-27

NBA
76ers beat the Raptors 109 to 102, Cavaliers beat the Hawks 112 to 111, Pistons beat  Magic 105 to 93 Pistons, Nets beat the Kings 127 to 118, Warriors over the Knicks 114 to 106, Mavericks beat the Celtics 110 to 107, Bucks over Timberwolves 139 to 112, Nuggets beat the Trailblazers 111 to 106, Clippers beat the Wizards 135 to 116
NHL
Penguins beat the Capitals 3-2, Sabres beat the Devils 4-1, Blackhawks beat the Blue Jackets 6-5, Senators beat the Canadiens 5-4, Predators over Red Wings 2-nothing, Oilers beat the Canucks 4-3, Stars and Panthers were postponed
NHL Tonight
NY Rangers come to Philadelphia at 7 PM on NBC Sports Network

GOLF News
Tiger Woods suffered a single car rollover crash on a steep roadway in California yesterday.  Today, Woods is now recovering from surgery to repair significant injuries to his right lower leg.  He needed to be extricated from his damaged SUV at the site of the crash about 30 miles south of Los Angeles.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS FEBRUARY 23, 2021

GOP DENIED BY SUPREME COURT
The nation’s highest court denied a petition filed by U.S. Representative Mike Kelly, of Butler County, and other Republicans who asked it to settle if Pennsylvania and its General Assembly violated the federal Constitution when it instituted mail-in voting in 2019.  According to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, The GOP had argued that allowing no-excuse mail-in voting  was unconstitutional.  The Supreme Court also decided not to hear Pennsylvania disputes involving a Republican challenge to state courts’ power over federal elections. The basis of the dissent by three justices in the three-day deadline case was that the U.S. Constitution gives state legislatures — not the state courts interpreting the state constitution — final say over how electors are chosen.

FIREFIGHTER SUFFERS FATAL HEART ATTACK DURING A CALL
A volunteer firefighter who was assisting at a chicken farm fire in West Beaver Township suffered a fatal heart attack on the scene Sunday morning.  According to  the Daily Item, 57 year old Phillip “Craig” Ginter was pulling hoses for the tankers at the property on Pathermer Road and requested medical assistance  before falling unresponsive.  Another firefighter attempted CPR before Ginter was taken to Lewistown  Hospital where he later died.  Governor Tom Wolf has ordered all flags at  Snyder County commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds to be flown at half -staff in honor of Ginter’s memory and service.

NAMING RIGHTS TO BOWMAN FIELD UP FOR GRABS
The City of Williamsport is seeking an agreement with a new entity to take advantage of the naming rights to Historic Bowman field.  According to the Sun Gazette, Mayor Derek Slaughter’s administration has discussed the proposal to increase revenue for the city and recently advertised the legal notice asking interested parties to consider the agreement which would give them access to the city’s assets with named signage around the ballpark.  A prior agreement from 2018 with BB&T Bank has expired after being extended for 35 thousand dollars per year at that time.

COVID TESTING SITE REOPENS AFTER WEATHER EVENT
The weather caused problems for the COVID-19 testing site at Shikellamy State park yesterday leaving them unable to open, but they will be up and running today through Thursday from 9am til 6pm.   The Northumberland County Department of Public Safety says they are one of five counties receiving a regional pop-up COVID-19 drive-thru testing clinic but there will not be an extra day added this week even with the one day shut-down.  The free testing is still first come first served and can test up to 450 patients each day at the marina area of Shikellamy State park

ROUTE 11 CLOSED AFTER MORNING ACCIDENT
Route 11 reopened yesterday about 3pm after a crash between Shamokin Dam and Northumberland closed parts of the roadway after 10am.  One person was hospitalized after the accident according to Central Susquehanna Regional 911 a tractor-trailer and another vehicle collided along Route 11 in Point Township, Northumberland County just after the Barry King Bridge.  No word on the condition of the others involved in the accident.

HOME BURNS IN WOLF TOWNSHIP
A fire in the overnight hours Sunday has left a mobile home uninhabitable in Wolf Township.  According to the Sun Gazette, volunteers from Hughesville Fire Department responded to the fire about 10:30pm at the Orchards Mobile Homes Park on Michael Avenue that officials say began at the front of the structure.  Two adult residents were uninjured and their dog returned after running away.  The fire marshall was called to the scene to determine a cause of the blaze, but did not say the cause seemed suspicious.

LOCAL COVID UPDATE
Lycoming County reports 18 new cases of the coronavirus as of midnight yesterday,  Northumberland has 6, Clinton County reports 9 cases, Union County has 11.  The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed 1,521 additional positive cases of COVID-19 since yesterday statewide with 17 new fatalities attributed to COVID-19. Lycoming County has 17 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, with 2 people on ventilators

TOOMEY COULD BE CENSURED BY GOP
The GOP in Pennsylvania will meet Wednesday night this week to decide on the censure of  U.S. Senator  Pat Toomey, who said Trump committed “impeachable offenses” in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.  A resolution to censure Toomey came up for discussion at the state party’s leadership committee meeting on Feb. 6.  According to the Associated Press, Lawrence Tabas, the state party chairman, scheduled the meeting with lawmakers Monday and says a censure vote is mainly a symbolic gesture toward Toomey who isn’t seeking reelection next year

 

SPORTS
HS Boys Basketball
Wellsboro beat Mansfield 75-66, Williamsport be Hollidaysburg 65-46
HS Girls Basketball
Montgomery over South Williamsport 44-39, Milton beat Jersey Shore 44-38, Towanda over Troy 56-35, and Wellsboro beat Mansfield 39-20

College Wrestling
ThePenn State wrestling team dismantled Maryland last night at Rec Hall 44-nothing. It was the Nittany Lions Senior Night sweeping all 10 bouts and amassing more takedowns than team points .
NBA
Bulls beat the Rockets 120 to 100, the Mavericks over the Grizzlies 102 to 92, Heat beat Thunder 108 to 94, Suns beat the Trailblazers 132 to 100, Jazz over Hornets 132 to 110, Wizards beat the Lakers 127 to 124 in OT, Spurs and Pacers were postponed

NHL
Lightning beat Hurricanes 4 to 2, Flames over Maple Leafs 3-nothing, Panthers beat the Stars 3-1, Islanders over the Sabres 3-2, Kings beat the Blues 3-nothing, Golden Knights beat Avalanche 3-nothing, Coyotes over the Ducks 4-3, Wild beat Sharks 6-2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS FEBRUARY 22, 2021

SUSPECT IN NY WOMAN’S DEATH TO BE EXTRADITED TOMORROW
The truck driver who allegedly killed a New York woman and left her body along an exit ramp at I-80 in Union County is being extradited to Pennsylvania and will face a judge tomorrow.  According to the Sun Gazette, 28 year old Tracy Rollins, a truck driver, will be flown from Connecticut and will have a hearing around noon in Mifflinburg.  A PennDOT worker found Rebecca Landrith’s body February 7th and police determined from evidence that she had traveled through the  Midwest before Rollins allegedly shot her in the face, chest and hands.  Rollins was apprehended in Mildale Connecticut and is being charged with criminal homicide and other charges.

NO INJURIES IN MUNCY VALLEY FIRE
A fire in Muncy Creek Township Saturday afternoon is under investigation, but some firefighters think the incident was accidental. According to the Sun Gazette,  Muncy Area Volunteer Fire Co worked the fire that was knocked down quickly before 6pm at the 3300 block of Route 442 and did not displace the three adults who lived there.  The structure was insured and no injuries were reported.  Volunteers from Hughesville, Picture Rocks, Clinton Township and Warrior Run Fire Departments assisted at the scene.

LAWMAKERS TO LOOK AT DATA PRIVACY LAWS
There is legislation in the works in Pennsylvania that will update the Breach of Personal Information Notification Act from 2005, improving data privacy protection.  According to State Sen. Gene Yaw privacy protection for people in their personal, business and purchasing practices is very serious and wants to review policies to see if they have kept up with the technology that in some cases can expose consumers to threats. The updates in Senate Bill 487 was introduced in in 2020  and didn’t pass, but Yaw says it will be given serious consideration this year.

THON RAISES MILLIONS FOR PEDIATRIC CANCER
Penn State University’s annual THON fundraiser wrapped up in State College yesterday and was successful even after suffering a technical crash of the website around noon on Sunday. Almost 600 dancers who normally would have been in person at the Bryce Jordan Center participated  virtually to raise money for pediatric cancer research. THON 2021 raised $10.6 million for the Four Diamonds foundation at Penn State Children’s Hospital.

MORE DETAILS ON WILLIAMSPORT SHOOTING
There are a few more details about the shooting that occurred in Williamsport Thursday night after 9pm and police are looking for input from the public.  According to police, a juvenile was treated at UPMC Williamsport hospital, after suffering a single gunshot wound to his lower extremities in an incident that occurred in the 1500 block of Louisa Street.  The Williamsport Bureau of Police Criminal Investigation Unit is conducting a follow-up investigation and any member of the public with information is asked to email  or call Williamsport City Police. 570-327-7548.

SCOREBOARD WORK TO BEGIN AT HISTORIC BOWMAN FIELD
Williamsport City Council voted Thursday night on upgrades at Historic Bowman Field to include a new scoreboard. A unanimous vote by Council gave the go ahead for the project to start with Daktronics, the second lowest bid.  The total cost of the scoreboard, minus contributions from the Williamsport Crosscutters and others is  $628,460.

DISASTER DECLARATION EXTENDED 90 DAYS
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf signed a 90-day extension of the disaster emergency on Friday his fourth renewal of the proclamation that he first signed on March 6, 2020, when the first COVID-19 cases were reported in Pennsylvania.  According to PennLive, Wolf says the renewal is needed to continue to fight the pandemic through May 19, which means it would last until the day after the Pennsylvania primary, which will help  prioritize a safe, efficient and equitable distribution of the vaccinations that become available to states. Some republicans say there should be a check and balance on the governor’s powers.

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COVID TESTING THIS WEEK
There is a new regional COVID-19 testing site that started yesterday in Northumberland County.  According to the Pennsylvania  Department of Health, thedrive through testing site will be open today through this Thursday from 9am to 6pm  at Shikellamy State Park in the Marina Section.  Turnaround time for test results are two to seven business days after testing.  Free mid-nasal passage swab PCR tests will be performed  on a first-come, first-served basis for up to 450 patients per day who are age three and older. You do not have to show symptoms for a test.

SPORTS
HS Boys Basketball from Saturday
Canton beat North Penn Mansfield 85-73, South Williamsport beat Midwest 61-51 Warrior Run beat Milton 49-43 Hughesville over Sullivan County 45-41
Girls HS Basketball from Saturday
Towanda beat Wellsboro 47-19

NBA
Raptors beat the 76ers 110 to 103, Pelicans over the Celtics 120 to 115, Thunder beat Cavaliers 117 to 101, Magic over Pistons 105-96, Knicks beat the Timberwolves 103 to 99, the Hawks beat the Nuggets 123 to 115, Nets over the Clippers 112 to 108,  Bucks beat the Kings 128 to 115
NASCAR
Sunday’s Daytona Road Course results
Christopher Bell got the checkered flag followed by Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin, Kurt Busch, and Brad Keselowski
NHL
Bruins beat the Flyers 7 to 3 outdoors at Lake Tahoe, Capitals over the Devils 4-3, Senators beat the Canadiens 3-2, Jets beat the Canucks 4-3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS FEBRUARY 19, 2021

DEATH PENALTY POSSIBLE IN KILLING OF CHILD IN HER CUSTODY
The Clinton County DA is seeking the death penalty against the woman who was the guardian of 9 year old Anson Stover who was found unresponsive in a second floor bathtub of her home with signs of abuse last November.   DA David Strouse filed a Notice of Aggravating Circumstances in the case against Jamie Lynne Jackson, indicating his intent to seek capital punishment. According to the Sun Gazette, Stover says there are three circumstances that support  the charge of Criminal Homicide against Jackson.  Her formal arraignment is on Monday

SPEED RESTRICTIONS LIFTED ON INTERSTATES
PennDOT has lifted the temporary restrictions on certain vehicles from traveling on I-80 and I-180 in north central Pennsylvania. Certain vehicles were temporarily restricted yesterday with Tier one guidelines on the interstates – but as of last night, speed reduction of 45 mph has been lifted and speeds are restored to their posted limits.  While PennDOT still recommends staying home if travel is not necessary, motorists can check color-coded winter conditions on PA roadways at  511PA.com.

VICTIM OF ABUSE SUBMITS VIDEO OF INCIDENT TO INVESTIGATORS
A Williamsport woman who was the victim of abuse by a housemate last December and who had been granted a protection from abuse order, submitted a video of the alleged abuse that the attacker had recorded himself and shared with the victim, to the District Attorney’s office.  According to the Sun Gazette, the recording made by 43 year old Steven Williams, shows him committing assault, false imprisonment, unlawful restraint and more with which a district judge charged him.  No bail has been set for Williams who a judge determined was a danger to the community.  His formal arraignment is March 8th.

FIRE DISPLACES FAMILY OF FOUR
There was a fire reported about 11am Thursday morning along Rauchtown Road that displaced a family of four.  According to the Sun Gazette, several fire crews including those from Lycoming and Clinton Counties, Nippenose Valley and Antes Fort fought the fire that broke out on the second floor of a home north of Pine Mountain Road in Crawford Township, where there were original reports of a person trapped, but crews determined there was no one in the home.  The fire was contained by 11:30am and the Red Cross is assisting the family.

COVID VACCINATIONS RESCHEDULED AGAIN
Geisinger medical center continues to reach out to some patients to reschedule their COVID-19 vaccination appointments today as supply and distribution of the doses are hindered because of the recent weather.  According to a press release from Geisinger Medical Center, some first dose vaccines scheduled for today  will be rescheduled in March, but some second dose appointments in Lewistown and Jersey Shore will be honored. If you are expecting to go in for a vaccination, administrators from the hospital system say you should check your myGeisinger accounts for updates or go online-geisinger.org/COVIDvax.

PENNDOT SAYS AVOID HIGH ELEVATION ROADWAYS HERE
The severe winter weather across our region is affecting some areas of higher elevations and PennDOT has advised commercial vehicles and large trucks to avoid certain roadways in north central Pennsylvania.  Large trucks should avoid Route 54, Natalie Mountain, between Route 487 in Ralpho Township and Route 61 in Mount Carmel Township, in Northumberland County. As well as Route 44 between Route 554 in Elimsport in Washington Township and Route 654 in Limestone Township in Lycoming County. PennDOT says they will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.

OFFICERS SEEK WILLIAMSPORT SHOOTING SUSPECT
K-9 officers lost the trail of a suspect who was being sought for the shooting injury of a man at home in the 1500 block of Louisa Street last night.  According to the Sun Gazette, Williamsport City Police said a man kicked in the door to the home around 9pm and shot the victim in the leg. The suspect fled the scene and a K-9 officer followed his trail to a site near Mount Carmel Street.  The victim was taken to UMPC for treatment.  Old Lycoming Township and State Police assisted at the scene.

ROBBERY SUSPECT CAUGHT
A Williamsport man accused of robbing the Smokers Express store on Allegheny Street on Thursday morning and fleeing the scene, has been incarcerated after being found by police hiding  under a table in a neighborhood yard.  According to the Sun Gazette, 44 year old Jess Lee Rauch fled the store on foot after the robbery was reported and witnesses say someone who looked like the suspect got into a Jeep parked nearby and drove away starting a police pursuit.  After parking again and allegedly throwing stolen cash from the vehicle, Rauch was arrested withing 15 minutes of the incident.  He was committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $150,000 bail.

LOCAL COVID UPDATE
Lycoming County reported 19 new cases of the coronavirus as of yesterday, Northumberland  County has 18, Snyder has 10 new cases, , Tioga reports 7 and Clinton County has 11.  According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, as of midnight yesterday there were 3,345 additional positive cases of COVID-19 statewide and 94 new fatalities reported.  In Pennsylvania over 2,100 people are hospitalized with the virus and of those, 255 are on ventilators.

SPORTS


Collegiate Basketball
Women’s
Iowa beat the PSU Lady Lions 96-78
NBA
Raptors beat the Bucks 110 to 96, the Nets beat the  Lakers 109-98, Heat over Kings 118 to 110
NBA tonight
The Bulls are in Philadelphia to play the 76ers and the Hawks play the Celtics in Boston – both those games 7:30pm
NHL
Rangers beat the Flyers 3-2, Penguins beat the Islanders 4-1, Devils beat the Bruins 3-2, Blue Jackets beat Predators 3-nothing, Maple Leafs over the Senators 7-3, Capitals beat the Sabres 3-1, Blues beat the Sharks 3-2 in OT, Kings beat the Coyotes 3-2, Wild over the Ducks 3-1, Lightning and Stars were postponed
The Flyers play in Boston Sunday at 2 PM on NBC
In the NFL
Tthe Eagles have traded Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts for a third round pick in this year‘s draft and a conditional second round pick in 2022

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS FEBRUARY 17, 2021

REGION BRACES FOR MORE SEVERE WEATHER THIS WEEK
There are a couple of school delays for continued icy conditions in some areas today, but the county is really bracing for more weather to hit the area late tonight through Friday morning.  The winter storm watch indicates we could see an inch an hour of snow Thursday morning, but the risk of hazardous travel and snow could shift Thursday night to further southeast.  According to PennDOT, they will be treating the roads in 12 hour shifts, but not pre-treating this time since there is remaining residue from previous storms.  We could see up to 9 inches of snow through Friday morning.

NEW POPEYE’S RESTAURANT ON THE WAY
A land development proposal is in the works to clear the location for a new Popeye’s restaurant to be built on East Third St in Loyalsock Township.  According to the Sun Gazette, they confirmed with the chain that a new location in Williamsport can be confirmed for 2022.  Popeye’s corporate management did not give specific word on the exact location of the restaurant.

MUNCY SCHOOL BOARD APPOINTS NEW MEMBER
The Muncy School board met this week and has approved next year’s district calendar, recommendations for some coaching positions, and filled a seat on the board after a member resigned last month.  According to the Sun Gazette,  the board named Sean Tetreault as varsity football coach and John Karichner as head varsity soccer coach among others.  The board also approved Corey Walko to replace Carla Auton through next December.  Muncy’s next school board meeting is March 8, 2021.

VACCINE DELAYS CAUSE APPOINTMENT SHIFTS
The Pennsylvania Department of Health said that Monday there were 2,377 additional positive cases of COVID-19, and just 7 additional deaths reported in the state.  The state positivity rate at this time is just at 8 percent.  Tuesday the CDC notified several states, including Pennsylvania, that expected COVID vaccine shipments for this week will be delayed.  Geisinger Medical announced that they are making adjustments to some COVID-19 vaccine appointments due to severe winter weather impacting vaccine shipments nationwide.

DUI TASK FORCE ON PATROL DURING MARDIS GRAS WEEK
The Lycoming County DUI task force has announced that the DUI enforcement will be ramped up this week through the 20th as people traditionally celebrate Mardi Gras. According to Chief Joseph Hope, officers will be out conducting DUI Enforcements, and looking for impaired drivers through the weekend and the blood alcohol level of .08 will be strictly enforced.  Residents are asked to utilize a designated driver if you’re going to be drinking.

HIGH SPEED CHASE ENDS IN ARREST
A Selinsgrove man led State police through Union County on a high speed chase on icy roads, at times allegedly getting up to 90 miles an hour.  According to North Central PA dot com, police were called to the White Deer trailer park February 2nd and as police were conducting an investigation there, 42 year old Justyn Holmes and a male passenger left the scene and traveled 5 miles to the White Deer Pike before being apprehended by police and arrested.  Reckless endangerment and  resisting arrest charges were filed against Holmes and his preliminary hearing was scheduled for this week in Mifflinburg.

USE ONLINE GUIDE FOR VACCINE PRIORITIZATION
With the limited supply of the COVID-19 vaccine and the weather making distribution challenges even more pronounced, The Pennsylvania Department of Health encourages everyone to use the online guide to see where you fall on the list of prioritized patients.  According to  pa.gov, the department is working to expand eligibility to more groups of people in the state.  Find out your eligibility and then use the link to find the locations that has the vaccine available There is a Pennsylvania Department of Health hotline at 1-877-724-3258.

AVERAGE PRISON POPULATION UP FROM 2020
At the Lycoming County Prison, the numbers of inmates have increased between December and January and the COVID numbers have also increased by almost 20 cases. According to the Sun Gazette, Warden Brad Shoemaker says that the average daily population for male and female inmates in 2020 was just over 240 and now the average  is just over 250.  At this time Shoemaker reports there are 94 positive cases of the coronavirus reported in the prison, up from 76 early last week, and that no sick  inmates have been transferred to other facilities for treatment.

FOOD BANK OFFERING VIRTUAL FOOD DRIVE OPPORTUNITIES
The Central Pennsylvania food bank is offering an online tool to anyone who would like to help raise funds through a virtual food drive in 2021.  Anyone can start an online platform to help purchase healthy food in bulk quantities at less-than-wholesale prices for families in need.  According to Joe Arthur, Executive Director of the Central PA Food bank, traditional food drives are no longer a safe way for the public to help the food bank acquire healthy foods that are needed, a virtual food drive is automatically socially distant in the climate of COVID.  Information is available at centralpafoodbank.org under the Ways to give tab.

SPORTS
NBA
Celtics beat the Nuggets 112 to 99, Pelicans beat the Grizzlies 144 to 113, Raptors beat the Bucks 124 to 113, Lakers beat the Timberwolves 112 to 104, Trailblazers beat Thunder 115 to 104, Nets beat the Suns 128 to 124, Spurs and Pistons were postponed
NBA Tonight
Knicks go to Orlando at 7 and the 76’ers host Houston at 7:30

NHL
Capitals beat the Penguins 3 to 1, Islanders over the Sabres 3-nothing, Devils beat the Rangers 5-2, Avalanche of over Golden Knights 3-2, Kings beat Wild 4-nothing, and Predators and Stars were postponed.

HS Boys Basketball
Wellsboro beat Williamson 76 to 40, Williamsport beat Central Mountain 69-60 Loyalsock Township beat Central Columbia 78-51
HS Girls Basketball
Loyalsock beat Tyrone 52-41, Midd-West over Milton 42-40,

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