BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 11, 2021

FOUR ALARM BLAZE IN WILLIAMSPORT SATURDAY NIGHT

A four alarm blaze, which began around 6:20 p.m., at the corner of Center St. and the 400 block of Park Ave. will be leaving several people homeless as authorities determine the cause of the fire. Williamsport command declared the fire under control at the two-hour mark at around 8:20 p.m. According to a media outlet, the fire consumed the rear of two homes in Williamsport Saturday night, drawing several units from around the region responded to the fire, including Williamsport, Montoursville, Loyalsock, Muncy, DuBoistown, and Jersey Shore.

DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE

Williamsport Police received a domestic dispute call on June 30 around 11:30 p.m. from a juvenile at 609 Maple Street and spoke with a woman, who verified she had been in an argument with Jaleel Campfield, who allegedly wrapped his hands around the woman’s neck. According to northcentralpa.com, Campfield also put a pillow over her face, covering her mouth and nose, to the point she could not breathe. Campfield was charged with second-degree felony strangulation along with misdemeanors in simple assault and criminal mischief ad was released on $50,000 unsecured bail on July 2. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on July 15 with Judge Aaron Biichle.

COMMONWEALTH ACCUSED OF OVERCHARGING INTEREST TO UNEMPLOYED PENNSYLVANIANS

The Department of Labor and Industry has been accused of overcharging millions of dollars in interest to unemployed Pennsylvanians. As of Friday, the agency announced it will issue refunds to roughly 250,000 people.Each year, interest accrues on money people owe to the department because, for various reasons, the state overpaid their unemployment benefits and resulting in the state collecting millions of dollars in inflated interest charges from tens of thousands of unemployed Pennsylvanians. According to northcentralpa.com, the department addressed the problem for the first time publicly.

UNEMPLOYMENT WORK SEARCH REQUIREMENTS RESUME THIS WEEK

The state Department of Labor & Industry is reminding Pennsylvanians receiving unemployment benefits that work search requirements will resume this week. Because claimants always file for benefits the week after they are unemployed, individuals will start certifying they looked for work beginning July 18. According to therecordonline.com, PA CareerLink® offices across the commonwealth can help job seekers bridge the gap by providing high quality, individualized assistance free of charge to Pennsylvanians who are unemployed and looking for a job.” Job seekers to register on the PA CareerLink®website or reach out to their local PA CareerLink® office directly to learn about the free programs and resources that are available, including job search and training assistance, adult education classes and workshops, résumé assistance and referral services to partners.

PASSHE SCHEDULED TO VOTE WEDNEDAY

The Board of Governors for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is scheduled to vote Wednesday to move forward with a plan to consolidate six universities into two regional universities. The plan would create a Western merged university consisting of California, Clarion and Edinboro, universities, and a Northeastern merged university combining Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities. If the plan is approved, the system would move toward launching the merged universities in the Fall of 2022.The proposed merger comes as the state system as a whole has seen its enrollment drop and the universities involved in the merger plan have seen their enrollments drop even more than the system as a whole. Officials at PASSHE have said that each existing university will be able to keep its local name and mascot and brand identity to continue competing in sports, despite the consolidation.

RESIDENT ANTLER-LESS DEER LICENSE APPLICATIONS OPENS TOMORROW

The Pennsylvania’s 2021-22 hunting season antler-less deer license application schedule, or more commonly known as, the day the pink envelopes can hit the post office, is July 12 for residents, July 19 for nonresidents, August 2 for unsold 1st round and then August 16 for unsold, 2nd Hunters are required to purchase a 2021-22 general hunting license BEFORE applying for an antler-less license. All antler-less deer license applications must be mailed in the official pink envelopes to a county treasurer; applications are accepted by mail only until over-the-counter sales begin.

MAN ARRESTED FOR BREAKING HIS CHILD’S LEG HAS JURY SELECTION AUGUST 16

A Mount Carmel father pleaded who is headed for trial, charged with breaking his infant son’s leg, did plead guilty, on Friday, to an unrelated drug charge in Northumberland County Court.  Corey James Feese, 31, of Mount Carmel. Feese and the child’s mother Kirsten Eilee Gallagher, 25, of Mount Carmel, are accused of breaking their child’s femur, but it is not clear which parent the Commonwealth holds responsible for the injury on April 3, 2019, according to the Daily Item. The case involving the child is also pending with a scheduled jury selection for Aug. 16 in front of Judge Saylor.  Both Feese and Gallagher are charged with three felonies each and two misdemeanors.

BRIGANDI PROMOTED AT JAMES V BROWN LIBRARY

Dana Borick Brigandi has recently been promoted to development, marketing, and programming director at the James V. Brown Library. According to Brigandi,  “I am very excited for this new role, which will allow me to passionately raise funds for one of the oldest and most respected organizations in Lycoming County.” She has a master’s degree in library science from Clarion University; a master’s degree in liberal arts from Lock Haven University; and a professional fundraising certificate from Boston University. She is an active member with both community and professional memberships.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 9, 2021

RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

The Lycoming County SPCA Board of Directors have announced the retirement of Executive Director Victoria Stryker and hiring of Alyssa Correll as her replacement. According to northcentralpa.com, in her 22 years at the facility she played an intricate role in operations, for example; she expanded the shelter to add more space for incoming cats, trained as a Humane Society Police Officer and developed a week long camp for children to learn about animals and how to care for them, amongst many other things.

ROUND-TABLE DISCUSSION

U.S. Rep Fred Keller, sat down with local banking and business officials to discuss moving forward from COVID-19.  According to the SUN Gazette, the round-table discussion  was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers. All agreed no one wants to struggle through another pandemic, “Quite frankly, I don’t know whether we can afford to do it again,” Keller said. Other concerns, among the group, included the nation’s growing debt, hiring employees and the surplus inventory that many businesses are maintaining, causing a potential loss when selling it.

SAFE KIDS PA

At a recent Kiwanis meeting, Kate Nickles, Lycoming County Coroner administrative assistant, and Charles Keissling, Lycoming County Coroner, spoke on behalf of Safe Kids Pennsylvania and discussed concerns including; child seat, teen driver, bicycle and water safety among others. This weekend, there will be a Splash Event, at Memorial Pool, where Safe Kids PA will be holding water safety games, as well as giveaways to families in need. To learn more or if you are interested in joining the local partnership, visit Safe Kids PA on Facebook.

 

EXTENSIVE PRE-TRIAL MOTION

Jamie Lynn Jackson, charged with criminal homicide, endangering the welfare of children and others, is accused of abusing her 9-year-old nephew, Anson Stover, and leaving him for dead in a bathtub has attorneys who have filed an extensive pre-trial motion. The motion includes but is not limited to, suppression of evidence, moving the trial outside of the county and finding the death penalty unconstitutional. Jackson entered a not guilty plea in February and remains at the Clinton County Correctional Facility. According to Sun Gazette, a hearing on the pre-trial motion will be held before President Judge Craig P. Miller on July 28 at 8:30 a.m.

 

GREEN LIGHT-GO PROGRAM FOR UNION COUNTY

PennDOT’s Green Light-Go Program has brought Union County nearly $550,000 to upgrade two traffic signals in Kelly Township. Gov. Tom Wolf announced this week that 50 municipalities will share $15.6 million to support traffic signal upgrades, increasing mobility and efficiency across the state. Two of the grants are heading to Kelly Township. According to the governor’s office, $297,665 for the signal at Route 15 and Hospital Drive, which will cover full signal replacement.. Another $248,559 will be for the signal at Route 15 and William Penn Drive, including a signal replacement, re-timing, and more..

TRACKING WILD TURKEYS FOR THE GAME COMMISSION

The Pennsylvania State Game Commission is tracking wild turkeys  and monitoring their reproduction and population models, helpful in tracking long-term turkey population success.  A new survey period began on July 1 to help track the wild turkey population in the state.The two-month window is used every year by state wildlife agencies. The Pennsylvania Wild Turkey Sighting Survey relies on and encourages state residents to report sightings to the state Game Commission through the agency’s website or mobile app.  Access the survey by selecting “Turkey Sighting Survey” in the “Quick Click” section of the website. To use the app you can search Pennsylvania Game Commission in the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store.

FIREFIGHTERS RECOVERING FROM FIRE IN LEWISBURG

Two firefighters taken to the hospital for heat exhaustion following a fire at a double home in Lewisburg have been released from the hospital. William Cameron Engine Company Chief Jamie Blount says Thursday both firefighters are now recovering. The fire started around 4 p.m. Wednesday in the 500 block of North Fourth Street.  Blount says crews were challenged by heat index temperatures of over 100 degrees, and additional personnel were requested. According to a media outlet, two families with a total of five people are now displaced. The cause remains under investigation. Lewisburg, Milton and Shamokin Dam fire companies responded.

SENATE BILL 618 VETOED BY GOV TOM WOLF

Gov Tom Wolf has vetoed legislation that would have preserved medical freedoms for Pennsylvanians by prohibiting the use of vaccine passports and narrowing the powers of the Department of Health. According to Rep Jeff Wheeland, the governor’s actions mean our health care privacy remains at risk. Senate Bill 618 would have prohibited a school district, institution of higher education or other government entity from requiring proof of a COVID-19 vaccination to use a service, for example to enter a building or undertake an activity. The bill would have also prohibited the expenditure of tax dollars to create an electronic vaccine tracking system.

MAXIMUM SENTENCE FOR SUNBURY WOMAN

Christy Willis faces up to 17 years in state prison after a judge delivered the maximum sentence allowed on Friday following her conviction earlier this year for providing false and misleading statements to police about the case surrounding the death of 3-year-old Arabella Parker in 2019.Northumberland County Judge Hugh Jones delivered the sentence on Friday morning and also admonished Willis, 51, of Sunbury, in Northumberland County Courthouse.”You failed to protect an innocent child and I hope you can live with yourself for the rest of your life,” Jones said before delivering the sentence of 20 months to 17 years in state prison. Burgess was charged with homicide after Arabella died Nov. 22, 2019. The girl spent 44 days at Geisinger Medical Center before her death.

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SHOTS FIRED LEADS TO FIREARMS CHARGE

As they were arriving at the scene of reported shots fired, Officers of the Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police Department watched a person crawl out of a window and run. Richard Lewis Shaffer, 37, of Linden, who was not legally allowed to possess a firearm due to a previous firearms charge,  was charged with first-degree misdemeanor person not to possess or use a firearm and  is being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $15,000 monetary bail as he awaits a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 19.

SUNBURY RIVER FESTIVAL

The Sunbury River Festival is set to return in August and is held along the River Front wall ending with a fireworks show. According to SRI office administrator Amanda Furlong, the festival will begin on Aug. 13 at 4 p.m. and run until 9 p.m. and on Aug. 14 from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.The event includes, food vendors, arts and crafts, live entertainment, a live reptile show presented by Clyde Peeling, and a beer tent both nights. For more information on River Festival and a complete lineup of events, visit Sunbury River Festival on Facebook.

PRELIMINARY HEARING ON HOMICIDE CHARGES

A Mount Carmel Township woman is awaiting a preliminary hearing on charges she stabbed her husband to death during an altercation on July 4. Lisa Karlaza, 53, of Back Street in Mount Carmel, appeared before Milton District Judge Mike Diehl on July 5 and was denied bail. She will now appear before Mount Carmel District Judge William Cole for a preliminary hearing. A hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. on July 14. This marks the 13th homicide case in Northumberland County that is currently being handled by the district attorney’s office.

CONTEMPT ALLEGATIONS IN FEDERAL COURT 

An advocacy group for the disabled community seeking access to City Hall filed a contempt allegation in federal court this week, claiming the city has failed to retain an accessibility consultant, and to establish a work plan. The city failures inspired a request to U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann to appoint the executive director of CIL to select an accessibility consultant. This was described in the lawsuit filed by the Center for Independent Living, and others.

LOT CONSOLIDATION  AND LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN

City Council, in their scheduled meeting, will be reviewing the  seven-field baseball and softball complex application  under consideration for its lot consolidation and land development plan tonight. Williamsport Ballpark Inc, is submitting a lot consolidation and land development request for 2 Rose St, according to SUN Gazette. With the expected approval, this property will become a modern sports complex enabling softball and baseball play with tournaments thereby supplying a regional draw.

SIX-YEAR CAPITAL PROJECTS BUDGET

The six-year capital projects budget is up for a final reading. This budget, also known as a council wish list or a planning tool, will prioritize and organize projects in order to determine funding sources. The $79.5 million capital projects budget can be used toward many priorities including; the continuing flood levee recertification, City Hall renovations and accessibility upgrades, and public safety improvements such as vehicles and body cameras for police, and fire engines and apparatus for the Bureau of Fire. According to a media outlet, the next in-person meeting is at 7 p.m. at Trade and Transit Centre II. The meeting also is broadcast on YouTube using Zoom technology.

FELONY CHILD ENDANGERMENT CHARGES

Christopher Catherman, 30, and Tonya Kistler, 35,  both of Mifflinburg face felony child endangerment when a 2-month-old infant ended up at the hospital for head injuries. At Geisinger Medical Center, it was determined the infant suffered a hemorrhage in the brain. According to a Mifflinburg Police Department affidavit,  Catherman claimed the infant had “face butted” him, but also mentioned Kistler had dropped her phone on the infant striking him in the head.  Both were arraigned at District Judge Jeffrey C. Mensch’s office with bail set at $50,000. Catherman’s preliminary hearing at Mensch’s office is set for Aug. 24. Kistler’s preliminary hearing was continued to Sept. 28.

PLEA AGREEMENT IN SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE

One of five men has been accused of assaulting a 19-year-old woman in Jersey Shore entered a plea agreement Wednesday afternoon at the Lycoming County Courthouse. Jordan Michael Hockenberry, Milton, was accused of non-consensual sexual intercourse with a female near the 1000 block of Northway Rd., Linden, on April 16, 2019. pled guilty to second-degree misdemeanor assault and third-degree invasion of privacy for his role in the assault. Judge Marc Lovecchio sentenced him to six months at the Lycoming County Prison with one year of probation to run concurrently.

HUGE DONATION TO THE PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY 

George “Herman” Logue Jr. and George Logue III donated an entire brewing system and accessories to the brewing and fermentation science program at Pennsylvania College of Technology. The equipment will be used by the college for instructional purposes. This state-of-art, small-volume brewing equipment will allow our students to explore essential principles of brewing science with the same sophisticated operational design and process control technologies found in just about every large, modern commercial brewing facility. President David Jane Gilmour commented, “This equipment will be a boon to students who are exploring careers in the nearly $30 billion craft beer industry.”

 

JUDGE DENIED BAIL AND THREATENS TO EXCUSE HIM FROM HIS HEARING

Harry Warren Delong, 58, of Williamsport earned warnings from Judge Butts,  as court officials attempted to conduct a hearing on Jan. 19. Judge Nancy Butts warned Delong multiple times throughout the proceedings, according to the complaint. Butts said, “Mr. Delong, if you refuse to stay seated, I’m going to have to excuse you from this hearing. Mr. Delong, I’ve muted you intentionally because the way I perceive you’re acting is trying to intimidate the witness.” Delong was denied bail and charged with three third-degree felonies and one count misdemeanor. He remains in the Lycoming County Prison as he awaits a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 8

CRIMINAL HOMICIDE CHARGES IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY AGAINST WIFE 

A woman was charged with homicide and arraigned Monday after her husband was found dead at their home in the village of Dooleyville in Mount Carmel Township, Northumberland County. Lisa Karlaza, 53, faces criminal homicide charges and she was arraigned and denied bail on Monday by on-call District Judge Michael Diehl. Police were called to the home of Richard and Lisa Karlaza Sunday evening at 21 Back Street for a report of a home invasion. When police arrived, Lisa yelled out that she could not open the front door because her husband’s foot was against the door, according to the arrest affidavit. A preliminary hearing date has not yet been set for Lisa Karlaza.

WOMAN MOWING GRASS ASSAULTED WITH CROSSBOW BOLTS

Pennsylvania State Police in Montoursville are reporting the investigation of an  assault with a weapon on a woman mowing her lawn in Loyalsock Township. According to a police press release, an unknown suspect was firing miniature crossbow bolts at the woman as she mowed the lawn shortly before noon June 22 at a residence at Elwood Cres W. State police continue to investigate. Anyone with information may contact the barracks in Montoursville.

STAR PARTY AT RIDER PARK

The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP) is hosting  a Star Party at Rider Park on Friday, July 16. According to northcentralpa.com, NASA engineer Glenn Bock and local geologist Edie Gair Shull will be the night’s guides to the wonders of space viewable from the park. Learn how to identify galaxies and constellations and view the moon will be near its first quarter, allowing guests to view some of its unique geological features. Guests should arrive between 8:30 – 9:15 p.m. Bring jackets, telescopes, binoculars, lawn chairs, blankets, and flashlights. Due to limited parking at Rider Park, participants are asked to pre-register for this event by calling the Community Foundation at (570) 321-1500.

CORONER RELEASES NAME OF DECEASED IN JULY 4TH FATALITY

The Lycoming County Coroner released the name of the victim struck by a vehicle on the 900 block of High Street on July 4.  Christopher Welch, 24, was crossing HIgh Street around 10:40 p.m. with a second man when they were both struck by a car traveling westbound. Welch was in cardiac arrest at the scene and transported to UPMC Susquehanna in Williamsport. He was pronounced dead at 11:09 p.m. from multiple blunt force trauma.  The second victim, a 35-year-old man was also transported to UPMC.  The driver of the vehicle is a juvenile and will not be named, according to a news release from city police on Tuesday.

LUMBER BARON AND INDUSTRIALISTS

Thad Meckley, a local historian and member of Wildwood Cemetery’s board of trustees, is researching the history of the area through some of the key players buried at Wildwood with a goal of creating in-person and virtual tours. He is working with three interns in Lycoming College’s WISE program, whose job is to reach out to heirs and descendants of the lumber barons and industrialists to compile photos, histories and stories about that time period. Meckley hopes to get a state marker from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission attesting that Lycoming County is the largest accumulation of lumber barons and industrialists while we were the lumber capital of the world.

FORMER ASSISTANT TEACHER CHARGED WITH ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN

A former assistant teacher at Fun Academy Daycare, Muncy, who, according to a Muncy Township Police affidavit, “mishandled” a 1 year old toddler and dropped him, causing him to strike his head. Muncy Township Police have filed charges against Tina Marie Mosteller, of Cogan Station, has been charged with two counts of felony endangering the welfare of a child and one count of simple assault, according to court records filed at the office of District Judge Jon E. Kemp. The child was injured on May 7, and was treated at Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg, for a concussion, according to northcentralpa.com. Following her arraignment Friday before Kemp, Mosteller was released on $35,000 bail.

SHOTS FIRED

City police are investigating reports of several shots fired on the corner of West Fourth Street and Oliver Avenue.Authorities are working to determine whether a residence in the 2600 block of Grand Street may be involved in the incident.With no injuries reported, at least two residential structures were struck by bullets.Penn College, Old Lycoming and State police aided in investigating the scene. Oliver Avenue was blocked off to the public.

STABBING VICTIM  NEAR EIGHTH AVENUE  AND MEMORIAL AVENUE IS A JUVENILE FEMALE

A female juvenile, who was stabbed near Eighth Avenue and Memorial Avenue about 8:30 p.m. Monday, was seen at UPMC Susquehanna, according to city police.In a police report, the girl, whose age was not released, sustained lacerations to her arm and wrist, and an apparent stab wound to her upper chest, according to SUN Gazette. There was no word on whether she was admitted to the hospital or discharged.After being assaulted, the girl left a trail of blood droplets as she headed north on Eighth Avenue, before she was picked up by a passerby, who drove her to the hospital. The girl was stabbed during an altercation with another juvenile, police were told, with no other details were available.

CHARITY BIKE TOUR

It is a charity biking event across country that is stopping in Williamsport and Old Lycoming Township for an overnight stay. The Director of Emergency Services at Old Lycoming Township Fire Company, Joe Hopple, explains. The bike riders will be welcomed by the Williamsport City and the Williamsport Bureau of Fire along with fire fighters from Old Lycoming Township Fire Company.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING JULY 6, 2021

NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER OF THE YEAR FOR JERSEY SHORE MAN

It was a three-day-long competition in Fort Bragg, North Carolina last week, where Logan Engel of Jersey Shore won Noncommissioned Officer of the year for the United States Army. Engel, the second time this year,  broke records during the Army Combat Physical Fitness test. In addition to the honor of winning NCO of the year, Engel also won an Army Commendation Medal and Army school of choice for future education.

HERYN PROGRAM

Prior to attending the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association’s HERYN (Helping Engage our River’s Youth with Nature) program day on June 22, is a great resource to connect young people with aquatic resources and spark a lifelong appreciation for our river and the tributaries that feed into it. The program drew 73 participants — most of which were in the 10-13 year-old age category — from 10 different counties. According to SUN Gazette, participants caught more than 725 fish over the six-day span, releasing all but a few used for a cooking demonstration for each day’s participants.

Join me on Sunday morning as Executive Director,  John Zack tan ski visits with me on In Touch.

LAGGING VACCINATION RATES
A certain internet rumor might be one of the causes for Lycoming County’s lagging vaccination rates. According to an online media outlet, concerns from wariness about the haste in development to numerous internet hoaxes, including the claim that there are microchips in the vaccines, many people are not keen on getting the jab. One of the more prevailing rumors deals with women’s health.“Some people mistakenly believe that the vaccine will render them infertile,” According to Ms. Hemmendinger of Let’s End COVID! People should speak to their doctors about any COVID-19 vaccine concerns.

STABBING IN THE CITY

A man was in the UPMC Williamsport emergency room getting treated for stab wounds he suffered near Eighth and Memorial avenues about 8:30 p.m. last night, according to SUN Gazette. Police report, the perpetrator may have been a woman. The assailant was being sought.Following the assault,  the victim went south on Eighth Avenue, west through an alley next to a church and then north on Grier Street, where he was picked up by a passerby who drove him to the hospital, as police reported. The extent of the victim’s injuries were not known.

FALSE IMPRISONMENT CHARGES FOR WILLIAMSPORT WOMAN

Williamsport Bureau of Police officers were forced to push a door open to an upstairs apartment after they said a woman barricaded herself inside with a juvenile. On June 26, officers responded to a call and spoke with a witness who said Brittany Dale Goehrig, 34, of Williamsport had a knife with her.. Several attempts were made to get Goehrig to release the juvenile.  She was charged with second-degree felony false imprisonment of minor/parent and two counts of first-degree misdemeanor endangering welfare of children. She posted $25,000 unsecured bail and was released from custody. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 6 with Judge Christian Fry.

STOLEN VEHICLE FROM TREATMENT CENTER

A patient at a treatment center in Union County was charged after he allegedly stole a vehicle from the parking lot and fled on Interstate 80.Ryan C. Goodwin, 31, of Wilmington, Delaware, was arraigned Wednesday at the office of District Judge Jeffrey C. Mensch on felony charges of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property. Goodwin’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 27 at Mensch’s office.

FATAL PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT

Around 10:40 Sunday night, police were called to the scene around the 900 block of High Street near Fourth Avenue where two male adult pedestrians were reported to have been struck by a vehicle, traveling westbound, on High Street.Two men, one 24 years old, the other 35, were reported to have severe injuries and were transported to UPMC Susquehanna at Williamsport for medical treatment. The 24-year-old later succumbed to his injuries, according to a news release. According to northcentralpa.com, members of the Pennsylvania State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit did respond to assist Williamsport Police with the investigation.

SUNBURY WOMAN SENTENCING FRIDAY ON FALSE STATEMENTS CHARGES

A Sunbury woman will be sentenced on Friday after being found guilty in April of providing false and misleading statements to police about the incident that led to the death of 3-year-old Arabella Parker in 2019. It was less than an hour for a Northumberland County jury on April 15 to convict Christy Willis, 51, of lying to authorities about her knowledge in the alleged beating death. Arabella, who state troopers say was severely beaten in October 2019 by Jahrid Burgess, 20, of Port Trevorton. Burgess was charged with homicide after Arabella died Nov. 22, 2019. The girl spent 44 days at Geisinger Medical Center, in Danville, before her death. Willis, who is currently incarcerated at the Northumberland County Jail, is scheduled to appear in front of Northumberland County Judge Hugh Jones at 9:15 a.m. Friday for sentencing.

 

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 3, 2021

WIRETAPPING CHARGES

On June 28, Kevin Bradley of Williamsport was taken into custody for two felony offenses stemming from recording phone calls—one with Mayor Derek Slaughter and another with an employee of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court—without their knowledge.  Bradley then proceeded to post the videos on his YouTube channel. Both Mayor Slaughter and the employee, who identified herself in the video, said Bradley made no mention at anytime he was recording the conversation.  Bradley was charged with one count of interception of communications and three counts of disclosure intercepted communications.  Bradley was released on June 28 on $25,000 unsecured bail. His hearing is scheduled for July 8.

SHOTS FIRED IN WILLIAMSPORT

A Williamsport man has been charged with two felony counts after a Thursday night altercation between him and a woman that led to him allegedly firing shots off his porch.  Stephen Stavish of Williamsport allegedly fired four to six shots at the alleged victim as she moved personal items out of the house and off the porch at around 10:40 p.m. on July 1.  Unable to post the $75,000 bail, Stavish will remain incarcerated in the Lycoming County Prison until his preliminary hearing before District Judge Christian Frey July 13.

EDUCATIONAL FUNDING ALLOCATIONS

The Pennsylvania Department of Education posted a spreadsheet showing education funding allocations in the state budget for each school district on Wednesday. The latest approved budget includes the largest state funding increase for public schools in Pennsylvania history, with a $416 million increase and the new Level Up initiative, which will distribute an additional $100 million to the 100 lowest-wealth school districts.  The budget includes a $50 million increase to special education funding and $5 million to community colleges.

UPDATED COVID-19 DASHBOARD

The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed 304 new cases of COVID-19.  There was 1 new case of COVID-19 in each Lycoming, Northumberland, and Union County.

CLINT OWLETT’S BILL

Clint Owlett’s bill to help ensure justice is served in cases where children are victimized has been signed into law by the governor.  Currently, a victim must be age 12 or younger to enable hearsay statements in violent or sexual against children  The new law increases the maximum age to 16, meaning hearsay statements may be presented from child victims aged 16 and under.  Allowing the statements would remain at the judge’s discretion.  This law will go into effect in 60 days.

JULY 4 INCREASED POLICE PRESENCE

There will be a heavy police presence in the valley over the July 4 weekend with law enforcement keeping a watchful eye for drunk drivers.  Northumberland County Regional Police Traffic Services Project coordinator David Everly, along with many other law enforcers, all gathered together this week to offer a warning to the public that law enforcement throughout the valley and state will be looking for drunk drivers this holiday weekend. Everly said the reason the group gathers is to remind the public that making the poor decision to drink and drive could be the worst decision they ever made.

COVID-19 VACCINE CLINICS

The River Valley Regional YMCA Williamsport Branch has partnered with River Valley Health and Dental and Let’s End COVID! to hold four COVID-19 vaccine clinics throughout July.  Clinics will be held at the Williamsport Branch YMCA on July 7, 14, 21, and 28.  The clinics will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. in the YMCA Multi-Purpose Room.  Vaccines will be given by River Valley Health and Dental.  These clinics are open to the public and no appointment is necessary.  Anyone may walk –in to get the vaccine.  Patients must have a valid ID.

RE-CREATION

The United Churches of Lycoming County have sponsored a free concert by Re-Creation, a traveling group of musicians that runs over 300 shows per year and has performed for U.S. Presidents and foreign dignitaries.  The Williamsport show will be held at the New Covenant United Church of Christ in Williamsport.  Though the concert is free, donations are always appreciated. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 18.

TRAVEL OVER THE JULY 4TH HOLIDAY

Americans enjoying newfound liberty are expected to travel and gather for cookouts, fireworks, concerts and beach outings over the Fourth of July weekend in numbers not seen since pre-pandemic days.  Yet lingering restrictions, worker shortages may mean longer lines of waiting. AAA forecasts that more than 47 million people will travel by car or plane this weekend in the U.S., a return to 2019 levels and 40% higher than last year.  That includes 3.5 million airline passengers. While masks have been shed around the country even in indoor spaces, the Transportation Security Administration emphasizes that they are still required at airports and on planes.

ALCOHOL RELATED INCIDENTS

In 2020 there were 112 alcohol-related crashes from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5, resulting in five fatalities, according  to PennDOT data.  There were 48 also drug-related crashes, resulting in five fatalities. Data from the Fish and Boat Commission shows that there were 60 boating-under-the-influence arrests in 2020, an increase from 45 in 2019.  Pennsylvania is a boating destination state, and boaters drive to and from their boating location. When an impaired boat operator gets behind the wheel to drive home, a BUI becomes a DUI. This week, representatives from PennDOT, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner are reminding Pennsylvanians to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend responsibility.

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING JULY 5, 2021

FATAL PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT

Just after 11 p.m, last evening, in the 900 Block of High Street, Williamsport, two pedestrians were struck, leaving one dead and the other transported to the hospital. The incident remains under investigation and details will be released when available.

FELONIES STEMMING FROM CRACK SALES

Alyia West, 38, of Williamsport is accused of selling crack to a confidential informant five times over the course of a month, according to detectives from the Lycoming County District Attorney’s office. Alyia West was charged with multiple felonies. Bail was set at $75,000 monetary.  She is detained at the Lycoming County Prison with a preliminary hearing set for July 15.

FENTANYL SALES SEND MONTGOMERY MAN TO JAIL

A Montgomery man was arrested after officers said he sold Fentanyl to a confidential informant twice. Donovan Scott Peterson was charged with two felonies. Detective Robert Anderson said on Nov. 23 of 2020, Peterson met with the CI in the Sheetz Parking lot on Maynard Street. Detectives witnessed a hand-to-hand deal with the CI for .3 grams of Fentanyl. On Dec. 15, Detectives said Peterson sold $140 worth of Fentanyl to the CI. According to northcentralpa.com, Peterson’s bail was set at $40,000 monetary. He is detained in the Lycoming County Prison with his next court appearance July 6.

FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS LAWSUIT AGAINST THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR EXTREME BULLYING

A family in Union County who alleges their child was a victim of extreme bullying at Lewisburg Area School District filed a federal civil rights lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges the student, who attended Linntown Intermediate School in Lewisburg, was repeatedly called a rapist and pedophile based on a rumor that had circulated. The bullying, which began in November 2020, eventually caused the 14-year-old boy to suffer psychological effects, including depression, and physical illness, according to the complaint. The child eventually left the school and finished the academic year at a home school program.The complaint was filed at federal court in Williamsport on June 15 by the boy’s mother, Kathleen Kurtz, and his stepfather, Robert Straub. According to a media outlet, the district, accused of violating Title IX, thereby  not providing a safe learning environment for the student or addressing the bullying and sexual harassment by other students.

WILLIAMSPORT MAN HELD ON $50,000 BAIL

A preliminary hearing was scheduled this week for a Williamsport man, held on $50,000 monetary bail at the Lycoming County Prison. Michael Lamont Jones of Williamsport, is accused of selling crack to an undercover officer during two controlled buys. According to northcentralpa.com, detectives with the Lycoming County District Attorney’s office said in Oct. of 2018 they purchased approximately $100 worth of crack from Jones on two separate occasions. Jones was charged with two felonies.

26TH ANNUAL SET THE NITE TO MUSIC FIREWORKS EXTRAVANGAZA

The 26th Annual Set the Nite to Music Fireworks Extravaganza was a huge success yesterday, as the entire area filled with enthusiastic folks, who enjoyed food from on-site street vendors, live music from several bands and  a  huge fireworks display, set off from the Market Street Bridge. Mayor Derek Slaughter spoke at the event, dedicating it to essential workers.Special thanks to the Williamsport Bureau of Fire, Williamsport Bureau of Police, the Lycoming County Sheriff’s Office and UPMC EMS for your presence at the event.

26TH ANNUAL SEET THE NITE TO MUSIC FIREWORKS EXTRAVANGAZA

The 26th Annual Set the Nite to Music Fireworks Extravaganza was enjoyed by many yesterday. People filled the parking areas of the Hampton Inn to watch a world class fireworks display, fired off the Market Street Bridge. Mayor Derek Slaughter spoke before the fireworks. Special thanks to the Williamsport Bureau of Fire, Williamsport Bureau of Police, the Lycoming County Sheriff’s Office and UPMC EMS for your presence at the event.

NO DEATH PENALTY FACING TEXAS MAN IN 1ST DEGREE MURDER

A Texas man will not face a possible death penalty if he is convicted of first-degree murder in the slaying of a woman whose body was found on Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania earlier this year.Union County District Attorney D. Peter Johnson officially ruled out the possibility of capital punishment Thursday in the case of 29-year-old Tracy Ray Rollins Jr. of Dallas, according to an online media outlet. Johnson said he agreed not to seek the death penalty if Rollins waived his preliminary hearing, which he did in May.Rollins is charged with homicide and abuse of corpse in the death of 47-year-old Rebecca Landrith, whose body was found Feb. 7 along an I-80 eastbound ramp. Rollins remains jailed without bail and has waived formal arraignment in county court that was scheduled for July 26.

 

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING JULY 2, 2021

ADDITIONAL FELONY CHARGES FROM FELONY ARREST WARRANT

A Williamsport woman fought and spat officers from the Williamsport Bureau of Police when they attempted to take her into custody for on a felony warrant. Jamie Leigh Kennedy, 25, of was charged with multiple second-degree felony charges stemming from an incident May 10.Officers received a warrant for that incident on June 11 and attempted to recover Kennedy at 628 Rose Street in Williamsport. Kennedy was given additional felony and misdemeanors and is being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $99,000 monetary bail.

DEVELOPMENT SITE FOR LYCOMING COLLEGE

In an announcement Wednesday, a mixed –use facility on college-owned property, along Basin St and between Third and Fourth Sts., will be the next site for development by Lycoming College with Pine Ridge Construction Management as the construction firm named on the letter of intent. The proposed development plans are for retail and dining establishments, office space, and residential units. Pine Ridge predicts construction to begin this fall in cooperation with the City of Williamsport, Lycoming County, and the regional development authority, according to northcentralpa.com.

CRASH OFF ROUTE 15 SENDS MAN TO HOSPITAL

The driver sustained serious injuries when his vehicle was struck by a tractor trailer on Route 15, Monday afternoon at 3:17 p.m.  Daniel J. Mitchell of Trout Run, was taken by ambulance to UPMC Williamsport, according to State Police at Montoursville. Both vehicles, Mitchell’s Ford pickup truck and the tractor trailer were traveling south just near the Cogan House exit. The tractor trailer, driven by Timothy P. Gentry of Chaumont, N.Y., struck Mitchell’s vehicle, causing it to veer from the roadway and down an embankment. Gentry were not injured, according to state police.

DRUG WARRANT AND SEARCH LEAD TO ARRESTS 

After witnessing several sales and speaking with an informant, authorities allege that two people ran a drug dealing “business” from a home located on Cherry Street in Williamsport. A warrant was approved and the search produced cocaine, heroin, and oxycodone along with $4,000 in cash. Tiffany Harman, 42, and Bruce Junior Perry, 60, both of Williamsport were charged with multiple felonies. Harman is being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $35,000 monetary bail as she awaits a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 13. Perry is free on $25,000 monetary bail after a bondsman posted it on June 3. She is scheduled for a preliminary hearing  July 27 with Judge Christian Frey.

HOSPITAL UPDATE ON MOTORCYCLE CRASH FROM JUNE 10

The condition of critically-injured motorcyclist Mickel Keeler, 52, of Jersey Shore, has been upgraded to fair, a nursing supervisor at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, said yesterday. Keeler was injured when he lost control of his cycle and crashed in the 2700 block of North Pine Run Road in Woodward Township on June 10, according to state police.

UPMC URGES CAUTION AND SAFETY DURING 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND

As celebrations pick up during this year’s Fourth of July, UPMC Williamsport urges the public to take a pause to remember safety precautions. According to a news outlet, common injuries from fireworks include burns to hands, fingers and limbs. “Every year in the two weeks preceding and following the Fourth of July, we see about 70% of all the firework-related injuries that occur throughout the year,” said Dr. Jenny Ziembicki, director of UPMC said in an article on UPMC’s website. Fireworks not only are a threat for injury, but can also be a fire hazard if not handled correctly.

PENNSYLVANIA TASK FORCE 1

Governor Tom Wolf announced that 70 members of Pennsylvania-Task Force 1 were dispatched to assist with search and rescue efforrts at the site of last week’s deadly building collapse in Surfside. “We can only imagine the pain of those who have lost loved ones,” Wolf remarked, “Or are still waiting to hear about their loved ones.  PA Task Force 1 is one of 28 teams that are part of the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System and is a federal resource that can quickly be mobilized to deploy to incidents anywhere in the country.

NITTANY LIONS IN THE OLYMPICS

Penn State’s Gabe Castaño became the third Nittany Lion swimmer to make an Olympic team roster as the senior earned a spot on the Mexican National Team this week. He will compete in the 50-meter freestyle. As of yesterday, a host of 10 Nittany Lions are expected to represent their respective countries during the Tokyo Olympics, which begin later this month including Women’s volleyball,  men’s volleyball, wrestling and soccer.

WILLIAMSPORT CROSSCUTTERS VIRTUAL FOOD DRIVE

The Williamsport Crosscutters will be holding a virtual food drive at their game on July 8 to benefit the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. During the Williamsport Crosscutters virtual food drive, fans can earn prizes by donating money to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Incentive prizes include tickets, limited edition pins, bobble-heads, concession coupons, cutters souvenirs and more. Donation levels start at just $1.The donation portal is now open and will  close during the July 8 game  at the end of the 7th inning. Fans must attend the July 8 game to collect their incentive prize.

FIRE COMPANY AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE GRANT PROGRAM

The Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program helps relieve some of the challenges faced by first responders in their fundraising efforts. Joe Hopple, of Old Lycoming Township Vol. Fire Co., said the department is looking to upgrade and replace equipment.

The fire department will receive $13,480 and EMS, $8,890.The grant program, administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, is available to all fire and EMS companies as well as volunteer rescue squads, according to state Sen. Gene Yaw, Loyalsock Township.

GOVERNOR TOM WOLF VETOED ANTI-VACCINATION LEGISLATION.

Governor Tom Wolf today vetoed Senate Bill 618, anti-vaccination legislation that would severely limit medical providers and the public from having access to vital information on vaccination rates and vaccine efficacy. According to Gov Wolf, This legislation is contradictory, misguided and irresponsible. This bill prohibits basic public health measures, which are necessary to curb infectious disease transmission and save lives.  Specifically, the bill eliminates the Department of Health’s ability to take disease control measures for any future contagious disease, resulting in the inability to contain the spread of infectious diseases in the Commonwealth or long after the current pandemic is over.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 1, 2021

LOCK HAVEN MAN FACES 31 FELONIES

A Lock Haven man faces upwards of 34 years in prison following a conviction of sexual crimes against a juvenile in 2020 when authorities said he intentionally mislead a young girl online to meet for sexual acts and to receive explicit photos. According to Clinton County District Attorney’s Officer, Lionel Darryl Jones, 26, is looking at 31 felony counts. Jones is to be evaluated by the Pennsylvania Sexual Offender Assessment Board to determine if he should be classified as a sexually violent predator. According to northcentralpa.com, Jones is scheduled for sentencing on September 20 at the Clinton County Court House.

SEXUAL CHARGES SEND MILTON MAN TO JAIL

A Milton man accused of allegedly forcing a juvenile girl under age 16 to perform sex acts, faces charges. In January, a child line tip led police to investigate and then charge Anthony R. Bach, 22, with multiple felonies. Bach was arraigned on June 10 at the office of District Judge Jeffrey A. Rowe in Lewisburg. Bail was set at $150,000 monetary and remanded to Union County Jail with a preliminary hearing July 29.

A HEALTH CARE PARTNERSHIP

A partnership to continue providing a high-quality health care system throughout Pennsdale, Muncy, Hughesville and Picture Rocks was renewed between UPMC in North Central Pa and the East Lycoming Ambulance Association.  According to SUN Gazette, this collaboration ensures communities in eastern Lycoming County to have access to superior Emergency Medical Services.

26TH ANNUAL SET THE NITE TO MUSIC

The “26th Annual Set the Nite to Music Fireworks Extravaganza” with UPMC, the city of Williamsport and Backyard Broadcasting is happening, in downtown Williamsport, on Sunday July 4th. A petition filed with PennDOT that was required to close the Market Street Bridge was initially denied. However, the city petitioned for a waiver. The waiver was granted by Governor Wolf’s office. Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter added that approval from the state was received yesterday morning. Backyard Broadcasting’s 26th Annual Set the Night to Music Celebration will be held in the area of the Williamsport Hampton Inn for a world class fireworks display, fired off the Market Street Bridge, and choreographed to a super patriot soundtrack.

EAST BUFFALO TOWNSHIP SUCCESSFUL IN COURT FINDING

It was a win in Union County Court for East Buffalo Township in its dispute over regional police funding with the Borough of Lewisburg. According to an online media source, County President Judge Michael Hudock ruled in favor of the township, explaining it properly interpreted its intergovernmental agreement with the borough.Court papers say the borough’s lawsuit is now dismissed, but it has 30 days to appeal.

PENNSYLVANIA’S HIGHEST COURT OVERTURNS A CONVICTION

Pennsylvania’s highest court overturned Bill Cosby’s sex assault conviction yesterday  after finding an agreement with a previous prosecutor prevented him from being charged in the case. Pennsylvania prison system says Bill Cosby has been released after the conviction was overturned. Cosby has served more than two years of a three- to 10-year sentence at a state prison near Philadelphia vowing  to serve all 10 years rather than acknowledge any remorse over the 2004 encounter with accuser Andrea Constand, where the 83-year-old Cosby, was convicted of drugging and molesting the Temple University employee at his suburban estate.

GOVERNOR WOLF SIGNS STATE BUDGET

Gov.Tom Wolf yesterday signed a state budget, his office said in a release, that will help power the commonwealth’s recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic by making the largest investment in public education in state history, by investing in quality, affordable child care for parents who wish to return to the workforce and by helping Pennsylvanians struggling with mortgage or rent payments stay in their homes. The budget outlined in House Bill 1348 makes a historic $416 million increase in state funding for public education. The budget makes crucial investments to support the needs of schools and students, including a $200 million increase in the Fair Funding Formula, $100 million to support underfunded school districts through the Level Up initiative, $50 million in special education funding, $30 million for early education, $20 million for Ready to Learn, $11 million for preschool Early Intervention and $5 million for community colleges.

COVID-19 DASHBOARD FROM PA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Pennsylvania’s new COVID-19 case total increased for the third day in a row on Wednesday as hospitalizations continued to decline across the state.The Department of Health registered 202 new cases on yesterday, ending a string of four days in a row with fewer than 200 cases. In the Valley, there were four new cases, including two in Northumberland County and one in both Snyder and Union counties. Montour County did not have any new cases for the sixth time in seven days. DOH officials announced that more than 11.6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Pennsylvania, the fifth highest in the nation.

STORMS ROCK THE VALLEY

A quick-moving and powerful thunderstorm knocked power out to more than 2,500 homes yesterday in the Valley and tore the roof off of a storage building near a cemetery in Milton. With temperatures hovering near 100, thunderstorms kicked up across the Valley in the middle of the afternoon, sweeping through Union and northern Northumberland County around 4:30 p.m. According to PPL’s outage map, power was out to more than 1,000 customers last evening. Citizen’s Electric’s outage map showed more than 1,600 were left in the dark as well. A National Weather Service severe thunderstorm watch for Valley counties expired at 8 p.m., and by that time the temperature had dropped to 76 degrees, according to AccuWeather.

FELONY CHARGES ON FORMER ASSISTANT PRINCIPLE

Former Selinsgrove Middle School Assistant Principal Christopher S. Morrison pleaded guilty Tuesday to four counts of felony unlawful contact with a minor, involving Morrison soliciting sexually explicit images from four children, ages 11, 13 and 14. Morrison, 40, entered the plea before Snyder County Judge Michael H. Sholley with sentencing to occur this summer, according to the Daily Item. Morrison was serving as an assistant school principal last August according to state police at Selinsgrove when Morrison reached out to underage girls online. In court records, Morrison admitted soliciting young girls while under the influence of alcohol. He resigned from the school district last summer after the criminal charges were filed against him.

ONLINE TOURS OF THE LITTLE LEAGUE MUSEUM

The Little League Museum, 525 Route 15 in South Williamsport, has been closed since March 2020. But, even though their doors to the inside remain closed, the Little League Museum has adapted a sizeable social media presence and an outdoor walk-through exhibit accessible to anyone with a smartphone according to SUN Gazette. The audio-guided tour, with professionally recorded audio, allows visitors to learn about the history of the complex. Officials reported there is no specific timeline to reopen, but they are working toward that goal.

CAPITAL PROJECTS BUDGET FOR THE CITY

It was on first reading that the city council passed a six-year capital projects budget of $79.5 million, a combination projects to be considered priorities and some that may not receive funding at all. It was called the city version of a wish list and a planning tool that runs from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2027. After the planning commission review council holds a second and final reading on the capital projects budget July 8.

AREA FIREWORKS

In addition to the 26 th annual Set the Night to Music Extravaganza, slated to shoot fireworks at 9:40 p.m. Sunday, July 4, sponsored by Backyard Broadcasting. Other fireworks shows include those being held in Montgomery, Jersey Shore, Watsontown, and Millville. Montgomery, Saturday July 3, fireworks at dusk from community park. Rain date is July 5. Watsontown, 9:15 p.m. Saturday, July 3. Jersey Shore, 9:45 p.m. Saturday, July 10 and also Millville, midnight, Saturday, July 10.

 

 

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