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,

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS FEBRUARY 16, 2021

BODY OF ELDERLY WOMAN FOUND NEAR HER RESIDENCE
The body of an 82 year old woman who went missing on Monday and was the subject of an endangered person advisory was found just a mile and a half from her home in a wooded area in Lycoming County. According to Montoursville State Police, Nila Ross of Cogan House Township, who suffered from dementia, died after being exposed to the cold.  According to family members with whom she lived, she had been last seen at her residence around 1:30 Monday afternoon

HOUSEFIRE DISPLACES TWO
There was a Hughesville house fire that was a total loss Sunday in the 1300 block of Barto Hollow Road in Penn Township.  According to the Sun Gazette, two people who were renting the property we displaced after the fire began before 8pm and firefighters arrived at the scene to the property engulfed in flames.  The volunteers who arrived endured slippery conditions for about two hours while they battled the flames that collapsed the roof of the structure, but did hnot injure any occupants.  There was a rekindling that had to be put out Monday and the fire marshal will be investigating the incident, foul play is not suspected.

LOCAL REPUBLICANS MAY VOTE TO CENSURE TOOMEY
Local Republicans are expected to discuss whether they will call for a censure of US Senator Pat Toomey and mirror the actions of the York Centre, Clarion, and Washington County Republicans who have already done so.  According to the Sun Gazette, the chair of the Lycoming County Republican party, Vince Matteo, said he believes a vote to censure will pass after Senator Toomey was one of  seven Republican senators who voted Trump was guilty of inciting a riot at the U.S. Capitol at the impeachment trial last week.  Toomey announced in 2020 that he’s not seeking re-election

WINTER SNOWQ AND ICE COULD STILL CAUSE TROUBLE
A winter weather advisory is in effect for our region today through 1pm but the National Weather Service has also issued an ice storm warning until at least 10am, expecting snow and sleet accumulations up to two inches and ice accumulations between one quarter to one half an inch.  Residents are asked to anticipate power outages since thick ice can effect power lines and to prepare for what you might need in the event that power is interrupted.

MAN JAILED AFTER THREATENING WATSONTOWN RESIDENTS
A Watsontown man is being charged with terroristic threats after police say he threatened residents of an apartment and refused to leave the 300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue last Tuesday.  According to media outlets, 29-year-old Brandon Klapp was apprehended by police and was transported to Northumberland County Prison where he faces counts of terroristic threats and criminal trespass. Klapp’s preliminary hearing is yet to be scheduled.

THIRTEEN INMATES HAVE SENTENCE COMMUTED
Governor Tom Wolf signed commutations for 13 Pennsylvania inmates after thorough review and determining them deserving of a second chance.  The 13 were recommended by Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, led by Lt. Gov. John Fetterman.  Among those whose sentences were reduced to life on parole,  are two sets of Philadelphia brothers who were both sentenced to life in prison under separate second-degree murder cases and two women,,59 year old  Avis Lee, and 75 year old Mildred Strickland, who were both sentenced to life for murder in separate Philadelphia County cases.  The 13 inmates will be released from prison with time served.

SEDA-COG OFFERING HELP
Milton residents at risk of losing their housing may be eligible to receive assistance thanks to a CARES act Block grant.  According to SEDA-COG, a five thousand dollar grant is available through the Resident Subsistence Program for families to use for utility payments to prevent cutoff of service and rent/mortgage payments to prevent eviction.  Applications will be accepted beginning Feb. 22. While there is no deadline to apply, the program is on a first-come, first-serve basis and ends when the funds are spent. The Salvation Army is managing the program on behalf of the Borough and will provide the grants to Milton residents.

SPORTS

NBA
Jazz beat the 76ers 134 to 123, Bulls over the Pacers 120 to 112, Wizards beat the Rockets 131 to 119, Knicks over the Hawks 123 to 112, Warriors beat the Cavaliers 129 to 98, Clippers over Heat 125 to 118, Nets beat the Kings 136 to 125

NHL
Coyotes beat Blues 1- nothing, Islanders over the Sabres 3-1, Senators beat the Maple Leafs 6-5, Hurricanes over the Blue Jackets 7-3, Panthers beat Lightning 6-4, Blackhawks over Red Wings 3-2, Jets beat the Oilers 6-5, Flames beat the Canucks 4-3, Sharks beat the Ducks 3-2, Devils and Bruins and Predators and Stars were postponed.

TENNIS
In the Australian Open today Serena Williams beat Simone Halep 6-3,6-3, and will now face Naomi Osaka in the next stage of the semi-final.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS FEBRUARY 15, 2021

LOCAL PEOPLE FACE CHARGES IN CAPITOL RIOT
Two Lycoming County residents have been charged by the FBI as insurrectionists after evidence shows they took a bus to the US Capitol January 6th and breeched the buildings of the Capitol Complex throughout the day.  According to the Sun Gazette, 45 year old Mark Aungst and a resident of Williamsport, Tammy Bronsburg went to the capitol rally on a bus among 50 others and were captured on surveillance video during the trip.  The two were arraigned in US Magistrate Court and will face a judge in Washington DC on trespassing and disorderly conduct charges.

FATAL ACCIDENT IN LIMESTONE TOWNSHIP
A Winfield man died in an car accident Friday in Union County.  According to police reports, 44 year-old Earl Rotharmel died when his vehicle went off  Wildwood road in the Penns Creek region of Limestone Township and hit a tree.  Around noon Friday,  Central Susquehanna Valley 9-1-1 said that volunteers from  New Berlin and Mifflinburg responded to the crash and  state troopers reported that the victim died at the scene

SOME JERSEY SHORE SCHOOL BUILDINGS NEED RENOVATIONS
Some of the buildings within the Jersey Shore school district need millions of dollars of renovations according to a building conditions survey that was recently conducted.  According to the Sun Gazette, to bring the buildings up to code in the district, there will need to be an investment of approximately 50 million dollars to complete over time.  The high school and middle school buildings were determined to be the costliest to bring up to code,  and the Jersey Shore Area School Board discussed their options at a virtual board meeting last Wednesday, and will continue to consider long term solutions for the cost of improvements needed.

LOCAL LAWMAKER SET TO BE ON WORKFORCE COMMITTEE
A Lycoming County lawmaker has taken on some new roles for his part in the federal government.  According to the Sun Gazette, officials from the Education and Labor Committee say U.S., Representative Fred Keller, has been named the Republican leader of the subcommittee on workforce protections. He will address issues pertaining to wages and workers compensation, as well as safety and health in the workplace.Keller will also serve on the the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

An unnamed man is left fighting for life, after being struck 8 times in the head with a hammer outside the Shamrock Grill in Williamsport around 7 pm on February 2. According to police, 40 year old Kareem Hutt of New Jersey, faces multiple felonies and two misdemeanors after surveillance footage shows him chasing a victim with a hammer he retrieved from his truck.  City police found the victim unresponsive on the north side of West Fourth Street lying on the ground.  Hutt has been charged and will face a preliminary hearing in front of  Lycoming County Magisterial District Judge Christian Frey.

According to Sunbury Police, a complaint was filed on Feb. 8 for a third-degree felony charge of corruption of minors and a misdemeanor in the first-degree of indecent assault on a person less than 13 years of age stemming from an offense Jan. 1, 2014. Mark Campbell, Mechanicsburg, could be facing upwards of 12 years in prison for touching the then 6 year old victim. Campbell is held in the Northumberland County Prison with no bail.

The Department of Health said yesterday that there were 2,571 new cases of coronavirus in Pennsylvania, with an increase of 24 new fatalities reported.  At  Bucknell University,  80% of the school’s isolation housing is full, reporting from last week 85 active student cases and 3 faculty/staff cases.  . Bucknell University President John C. Bravman outlined additional campus policies recently, to include limiting gatherings to no more than three people, the cancelation of all campus activities and athletics, a no visitor policy on campus, and mandatory masking.

Individuals experiencing homelessness are now able to obtain a free initial ID or renew a photo ID as a result of legislation Governor Tom Wolf signed into law late last year.   Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) say an  applicant must meet some requirements and bring one acceptable proof of identification and in the case of a homeless person,  PennDOT will accept a letter from a shelter indicating an individual is staying at the shelter or uses the shelter as an address of residency. For renewal of a photo ID, the applicant must renewal at one of PennDOT Driver License Centers.  Additional information can be found at  www.dmv.pa.gov

SPORTS
NASCAR
Michael McDowell & his Ford won the rain-delayed Daytona 500 just after midnight for his first win in 358 Cup starts.  At number 2- Chase Elliot, followed by  Austin Dillon, Kevin Harvick, and  Denny Hamlin rounded out the top 5.

NBA
Wizards beat the Celtics104 to 91, Timberwolves over the Raptors 116 to 112, the Spurs beat the Hornets 122 to 110, Pistons beat the Pelicans 123 to 112 Trailblazers beat the Mavericks 121 to 118, Thunder beat the Bucks 114 to 109, Nuggets beat the Lakers 122 to 105, Grizzlies beat the Kings 124 to 110, and Clippers over the Cavaliers 128 to 111.
Tonight NBA
The 76ers go to Utah for a 9 PM tip off and Brooklyn is in Sacramento at 10pm eastern

HS Boys Basketball from Saturday
Southern Columbia beat Milton 70 to 63, Central Columbia beat Warrior Run 68 to 50, Northeast Bradford beat Wellsboro 62-60
HS Girls Basketball
South Williamsport beat Line Mountain 39-24, Mount Carmel beat Shamokin 55-32, Bloomsburg over Montoursville 65-48

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS FEBRUARY 11, 2021

MORE SNOW FOR OUR AREAS
Plowing and snow removal continue to be top of mind as more snow hits our region causing a few delays for schools today.  According to the Sun Gazette, Williamsport City city codes officials have recently reminded residents of the current ordinance that requires sidewalks, fire hydrants and any storm drains cleared of snow 24 hours after the snow stops or a fines can be implemented.  They realize with the recent repeated snow fall that is challenging since there is so much on-street parking in the city.  Most local townships and boroughs echo that they can only plow efficiently when residents remove their vehicles off roadways.

FORMER CITY OFFICER FACES JUST THREE CHARGES
Three charges remain after 28 were thrown out against a former Williamsport city police officer accused of withholding charges against a woman with whom he had an alleged relationship, and abuse of position.  According to the Sun Gazette, Eric Derr of Cogan Station had his preliminary hearing yesterday and will face charges of unsworn falsification to authorities, tampering with records and obstruction of government functions.  The almost 30 charges dropped involved the alleged unlawful use of the statewide J-Net system to run 93 unauthorized searches on 28 different women .  According to Penn Live, charges of hindering apprehension, oppression by officials and coercion were withdrawn by the prosecution.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT AMENDS ZONING ORDINANCES
In an effort to increase residential and commercial development, South Williamsport Borough Council approved zoning text amendments at their meeting Monday. According to the Sun Gazette, Joseph Capelli, the borough manager said the amendments broaden areas on the west side of Market St., allow for more multi-family units, and also increase the maximum commercial height of buildings in the Market and Hastings Street area from 35 to 70 feet.  Conditional uses will not change.  Officials said the changes make the permitted use rules around Market and Hastings consistent with local commercial uses.

SUNBURY SEEKS A CONTROLLER
Those interested in the position of  City Controller in Sunbury should apply soon.  Letters of interest are being accepted for the position that needs to be filled through the end of 2021.  Interested parties can submit their letters by February 19th at 2pm in the City Clerks office in Sunbury at 225 Market St.

MAN LIFE FLIGHTED AFTER FALL INTO A MANHOLe
A man working as a subcontractor for the Sunbury Municipal Authority fell in a manhole Wednesday and was airlifted by Life Flight to Geisinger Medical Center.  According to the Daily item, emergency crews were dispatched to Spring Run pump station, near 10th and Spruce Street in Sunbury, at around 11 a.m.  Life Flight landed at the Sunbury Skate Rink and waited for the local Ambulance to arrive.No other details were released about the condition of the painter who was rescued.

LOCAL COVID UPDATE
Lycoming County has 37 new cases of the coronavirus as of yesterday, Northumberland County has 32, Snyder has 24 new cases, there are no new cases in Union or Sullivan Counties.  According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health there were 3,378 additional positive cases of COVID-19 statewide  and 125 new deaths identified by the Pennsylvania death registry, reported for a total of 22,745 deaths attributed to COVID-19.  Lycoming has 33 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, and  6 people on ventilators.

COAL TOWNSHIP FIRE DISPLACES NINE
Nine people were left homeless in Coal Township after a two-alarm house fire destroyed property in Northumberland County. According to media outlets two dozen fire crews were first sent to the blaze in Tuesday morning at 9:45 a.m. at a home in the 1000 block of West Mulberry Street and a second alarm was called shortly after.  Several roads were closed in the area with hoses down for several blocks around the fire scene. The two residents in the home had to crawl onto the roof of the front porch of the home to escape.  No injuries were reported.  The fire is under investigation but not considered  suspicious.

PA MAYOR WANTS TEACHERS VACCINATED
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto has asked the Wolf administration recently for teachers to be vaccinated immediately, but the Wolf administration rejected the proposal saying they are following CDC guidance in directing the vaccine to people who are most vulnerable to serious illness. That’s apparent locally as  UPMC in the Susquehanna Region, including Williamsport and Lock Haven hospitals, anticipate rolling out vaccinations to Lycoming, Clinton, Potter and Tioga county UPMC patients who are over the age of 85.  Officials from UPMC say that they will be reaching out to patients from their electronic medical records to set up appointments for their vaccinations.

SPORTS
NBA
Raptors beat the Wizards 137 to 115, the Mavericks beat the Hawks 118 to 117, Nets beat the Pacers 104 to 94, Grizzlies beat the Hornets 130 to 114, Clippers beat the Timberwolves 119 to 112, the Bulls over the Pelicans 129 to 116, Nuggets beat the Cavaliers 133 to 95, Suns over the Bucks 125 to 124, Lakers beat Thunder 114 to 113
NHL
Bruins beat the Rangers 3 to 2, Maple leafs over the Canadians 4-2,

HS Boys Basketball
Danville beat Shikellamy 72 to 43, Wyalusing Valley beat Northeast Bradford 57-51, Troy beat Athens 60 to 58, Wellsboro beat North Penn Mansfield 68-56, Towanda over Williamson 64-34
HS Girls Basketball
South Williamsport beat Muncy 44-25

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS FEBRUARY 10, 2021

THREE JAILED AFTER MULTI-COUNTY THEFTS DISCOVERED
A group of three people from  Clearfield County face felony charges after they were found with a large amount of drugs and electronics, including over 50 cell phones and tablets, and jewelry.  According to North Central PA. com, 22 year old Summer D. Weitoish, of Osceola Mills, 30 year old Samuel J. Bonsell, of Beccaria, and 40 year  old Shawn M. Moriarty, of Clearfield were arrested after a search warrant was served at a home on South Eagle Valley Road in Huston Township.  A 2020 Jeep Cherokee that had been reported stolen out of Altoona in January was also found at the residence. State police say the thefts were from multiple counties and if you believe you have property to claim, call state police in Rockview, prepared with specific details about your item.  The three suspects were arraigned last Sunday in district court and face a preliminary hearing February 17th.

POLICE RELEASE MORE DETAILS ON UNION COUNTY HOMICIDE
The woman found dead along i-80 in Union County over the weekend who police say was a victim of homicide, had been shot in the head neck and throat. According to PennLive, a PennDOT worker discovered the body early Sunday near the Mile Run Exit of I-80 eastbound, at mile marker 199, and according to police reports 47-year-old Rebecca Landrith of Virginia had been working as a professional model in New York City. She was a musician and a finalist in a Miss Manhattan pageant in 2014.  So far, no motive has been discovered and no suspects are identified. If you have information, call state police.

FLOOD WALL FORCES EXTRA COSTS FOR THE COUNTY
Extra costs to relocate the office of District Judge William Solomon is causing frustration among the Lycoming County Commissioners.  According to the Sun Gazette, the county purchased a building that fit the requirements for the district judge’s location, but now a flood wall must be built due to previous ordinances that were grandfathered in.  Commissioner Mussare told the paper that they thought they had done their due diligence.  The next commissioners’ meeting is next Tuesday at 10am  at 330 Pine St. in Williamsport.

PENNSYLVANIANS ENCOURAGED TO ENTER PHOTO EXHIBIT
First Lady Frances Wolf has announced  a virtual photo exhibit and wants all Pennsylvanians to participate.  The public can submit photos to One Lens: Sharing Our Common Views documenting their COVID-19 experience. The first lady said it can create a visual record of this historical moment. The exhibit covers 3 categories Our Heroes, Our Lives, and Our Communities, showcasing Pennsylvanians uniting in the face of a global health crisis. Photos will be accepted  until Monday, March 8, released on Friday, March 19, 2021. https://www.pa.gov/one-lens/

ACCOMPLICE TO MURDER OF THREE YEAR OLD IN COURT
The mother of 3 year old Arabella Parker who was beaten so badly she died from her injuries testified in court yesterday.  According to court records 21-year-old Samantha Delcamp of Trevorton is accused of being an accomplice to murder and did not make any deals with prosecutors in court.  Delcamp’s boyfriend Jahrid Burgess is charged with the murder of the child but told the Daily item that he did strike the child but did not beat her to death.  Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Matulewicz says he’s ready for trial awaiting some  pre-trial motions filed before a jury would be chosen.  Parker had remained hospitalized in critical condition until her death November 22, 2019

SC MAN JAILED OVER CAR THEFT
Charges of vehicle theft has left a South Carolina man incarcerated after police discovered him with the stolen property following an incident at a Shamokin Dam hotel recently.  According to media outlets, 36-year-old Christopher Littrel had been asked to leave a property in the borough when police determined the vehicle he was driving was stolen from Tioga County and that Littrel had an arrest warrant from another previous car theft.  Charges are pending for the most recent theft in Snyder County.

LOCAL COVID UPDATE
Lycoming County reports 44 new cases of the coronavirus  as of yesterday, Northumberland County has 57, Union County has 37, Snyder has 18 new cases, Clinton  County reports  9.  According to the Pennsylvania department of health confirmed, that there were 4,088 news cases of COVID-19, and statewide from the weekend there were 220 new deaths reported.  Statewide hospitalizations are now down to over 2,800, of those patients just under 300 are on ventilators.

VACCINE PROVIDER TOOL AVAILABLE IN PA
There’s a new online tool provided by the Pennsylvania department of health to determine your eligibility for getting a COVID-19 vaccine.  The program called “Your Turn” will allow residents to clearly see where they fall in terms of the vaccine prioritization plan in the commonwealth – it does not register you to receive the vaccine.  According to health officials once they enter their information, residents will receive information about future vaccine distributions in their local community and if they qualify, can set up an appointment with a provider using the vaccine provider map at pa.gov.

 

SPORTS
HS Boys Basketball
South Williamsport  beat Muncy 50-37

HS Girls Basketball
Warrior run beat Hughesville 38-35, Towanda beat WYalusing 54-20, Athens beat Troy 53-22, Lewisburg beat Shikellamy 50-41, Central Mountain over Danville 100 to nothing, Wellsboro and North Penn Mansfield was canceled
HS Boys Wrestling
Wyalusing Valley beat Williamson 45-27, Athens defeated Troy 50-13

Men’s Collegiate Basketball
Michigan State beat Penn State 60 to 58

NBA
76ers beat the Kings 119 to 111, Pistons beat the Nets 122 to 111, Heat beat the Knicks 98 to 96, Pelicans over the Rockets 130 to 101, Warriors beat the Spurs 114 to 91, Jazz beat the Celtics 122 to 108, Trailblazers beat Magic 106 to 97
NBA tonight
The Indiana Pacers come to Brooklyn at 8 PM
NHL
Panthers beat the Red Wings 2 to 1, Oilers beat the Senators 3 to 2, Lightning over the Predators 6 to 1, Blackhawks beat the Stars 2 to 1, Flames over the Jets 3-2, Golden Knights beat the Ducks 5-4, Sharks beat the Kings 4-3, Blues and Wild, Coyotes and Avalanche, and the Flyers and Capitals were all postponed

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS FEBRUARY 8, 2021

PA WOMAN IN CUSTODY OVER ROLE IN RIOTS
A Woman from Mercer County who is wanted by the FBI and known for her role as the bullhorn lady at the US Capitol Riots on January 6th, turned herself in to authorities in New Castle Pennsylvania  last week and will remain in custody before a hearing next week in Pittsburgh.  According to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 40 year old Rachel Marie Powell is a mother of 8 and a Donald Trump supporter and she is charged after she was interviewed in a national magazine about her role in the riots following numerous videos that surfaced surfaced of her directing rioters with details about the layout of the capitol building and using a large pipe as a battering ram with other rioters.  Powell will have a detention hearing tomorrow before U.S. Magistrate Judge.

AREMED ROBBERY SUSPECT SOUGHT IN WILLIAMSPORT
There was an armed robbery Saturday night in Williamsport and Williamsport Bureau of Police are searching for the suspect.  According to police, multiple victims were walking down  the 2200 block of West Third Street and was confronted by an armed unknown black male, wearing all black clothing, a white mask and glasses.  The man fled on foot just after 8:30pm after robbing one of the victims.  If you h ave any information that could help the investigation, call Williamsport Bureau of police

SUSPECT SOLD DRUGS TO INFORMANT IN WILLIMSPORT
A Williamsport man is facing charges after detectives say he sold drugs to an undercover informant. According to North Central PA dot com, 39 year old Rodney Alan Wilson  was contacted by an officer on two occasions  to meet to buy cocaine at Waltz Lane and Park Place in Williamsport.  Lycoming County Detectives  received a search warrant  for the residence at 925 Cherry Street and found  drug packaging paraphernalia, for cocaine and marijuana as well as cash.  Wilson was charged two felonies for manufacture and delivery along with other charges. Wilson’s bail was set $75,000 non-monetary.

STATE COLLEGE FUNDRAISER WILL BE VIRTUAL THIS YEAR
Penn State’s THON, the annual 46 hour dance-a-thon fundraiser scheduled for February 19th through the 21st will be held at a virtual location this year to promote the safety of students, volunteers and supporters.   Sponsored by the nonprofit Four Diamonds organization, THON’s Executive committee is working to provide the best experience for THON this year so they can continue to fight against childhood cancer.  THON has raised over $180 million since it started in 1976, if you’d like to volunteer this year, go online to THON dot com.

BODY FOUND IN UNION COUNTY EARLY SUNDAY
A woman’s body was found along Interstate 80 eastbound in Union County early Sunday morning and police are investigating.  According to police reports, I-80 was shutdown so they could investigate evidence found at the off-ramp at the Mile Run exit 199 in White Deer Township.  The investigation took about 5 hours to complete and police say they will release more details soon.  No word from State police at Milton  on whether foul play was involced in the incident.

MAN HAS VIDEO GAME RECORDS TO PROVE INNOCENCE
A man facing charges for a home invasion and holding three juveniles and an adult at gunpoint on High Street in Williamsport last May, has added video game records to a list of evidence suggesting he did not commit the crime.  According to North Central PA dot com, 29 year old Cecil P. Thompson’ s lawyer filed a notice of alibi defense for the alleged crime, saying the Xbox gaming records show Thompson was playing live video games at the time.  Court records indicate that in a State police investigation, fingerprints collected at the scene do not match Thompson’s either.  A Lycoming County Judge lowered Thompson’s bail last November and Thompson was released.  He faces a pre-trial hearing March 2nd for 3 felony counts of burglary, criminal trespass, unlawful restraint and other charges.

CHECK FORGING SUSPECT WILL PLEAD GUILTY
A 37-year-old Williamsport man is scheduled to enter a guilty plea on Feb. 22 for his alleged role in the theft of checks.  According to North Central PA dot com, Williamsport Bureau of Police said Jason Robert Yahn was accused of forging his former employer’s signature on three different checks that totaled $2,100. Lycoming County Court records say Yahn is charged with four separate third-degree felonies that included theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, theft from a motor vehicle and other charges.

SUMMERSTOCK AUDITIONS OPEN AT COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER
The community arts center is announcing open auditions for students in grades 7 through 12 to participate in Summer Stock Performances for 2021. According to the Community Art Center website, Lycoming College Theatre professor Dr. C. Austin Hill will direct Sponge Bob the Musical to begin July 30th and is seeking actors singers and dancers from all over Lycomign C ounty.  Video submissions are due by May first with call backs on ZOOM and rehearsals start June 1st.  INsturctinos on submitting auditions available at caclive.com

SPORTS
NFL
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 in Super Bowl 55.  43-year-old Tom Brady threw 201 yards and three touchdowns earning his fifth Super Bowl MVP award and seventh ring, leading the Buccaneers to win their first Super Bowl since 2003

NHL
The Flyers beat the capitals 7-4, Red Wings beat the Panthers 4 to 1, Hurricanes beat the Blue Jacket 6-5, Blackhawks beat Stars 2 to 1, Golden Knights over Kings 4 to 3, Avalanche and Blues, Coyotes and Wild postponed

NBA
Jazz beat the Pacers 103 to 95, Heat beat the Knicks 109 to 103, Hornets over the Wizards 119 to 97, Suns beat the Celtics 100 to 91, Kings over the Clippers 113 to 110, Trailblazers and Hornets were postponed

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