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  According to Penn Live, charges of hindering apprehension, oppression by officials and coercion were withdrawn by the prosecution.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

BACKYARDS BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS FEBRUARY 4, 2021

SOME TWO HOUR DELAYS REMAIN
There are a handful of schools on a 2 hour delay today…..  Mt Carmel, N. Schukyll, Northumberland CTC, Lady of Lourdes Regional and Shamokin, with Canton in remote learning through tomorrow.
You can stay up to date with the delays, cancellations, and closings at any backyard broadcasting website, brought to you by Quality Collision in Montoursville.

BRADFORD COUNTY DA ARRESTED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT
The District Attorney in Bradford County has been accused of sexually assaulting his female clients in criminal and child custody cases when he was a defense attorney.  According to the Sun Gazette, Chad Michael Salsman denies allegations that he would exploit the vulnerabilities of women and would stop charging them any fees once the alleged assaults began.  Salsman waived a preliminary hearing yesterday and was in State Police custody before possibly posting 500,000 bail.  His status as DA in Bradford County is the same and his fitness for the office there must be considered locally. PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro says Salsman is not fit to serve as the chief law enforcement official in Bradford County.

GOVERNOR WOLF’S BUDGET PROPOSAL FOCUSES ON EDUCATION
Governor Wolf is asking republicans in the state to accept his proposed budget that would increase spending through to $37.8 billion for the 2021-22 fiscal year starting July 1. With Wolf’s requested 5.5 Billion in new spending the increase would go to public schools and social services, including Medicaid.  According to the Sun Gazette, Gov. Tom Wolf ‘s request for a massive boost in aid, comes with much uncertainty over how much federal pandemic relief might be available and that the bigger idea to propose an aggressive and ambitious budget likens back to his first two years in office. Shifting the burden to higher earners potentially helps fix long-term inequities in how the state funds public schools.

Sen. Gene Yaw,  of Loyalsock Township, will hold a virtual public hearing  via The Center for Rural Pennsylvania, which he chairs  at 10 a.m. today to examine rural aviation and the decision by American Airlines to drop flights from many smaller U.S. cities, including Williamsport. The hearing will focus on demand for reliable air service, rural transportation and logistical impacts, impacts to area businesses and access to health care. In attendance will be Senator Yaw and  representatives of Governor Wolf. As well as other local, state and federal elected officials.The public hearing will be held via Zoom Webinar. Attendees are asked to register in advance by using this LINK.

LOCAL COVID UPDATE
In Lycoming County there are 53 new cases of the coronavirus as of yesterday according to the PA Department of Health.  Northumberland County confirms 23 new cases, Snyder has 21, Montour has 18.  The number of additional positive cases has been dropping since the peak January 29th, with 3,128 new cases statewide reported.  There were 143 new fatalities attributed to COVID-19 as of yesterday.  Statewide, there are over 634,000 people who received first doses of the vaccine and over 216,000 people who received their second doses, The state hopes to double that, giving at least the first dose to new patients by next week.

PA SENATOR NAMED TO INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE
US Senator from Pennsylvania Bob Casey has been named to the Senate Intelligence Committee and made the announcement yesterday in a statement.  The committee which oversees the U.S. intelligence community and influences U.S. foreign and national security policy In addition to joining the intelligence-central committee, Casey will also act as Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging and as a senior member of the Senate Finance and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committees.  Senator Casey previously served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 2007-2013

SUNBURY’S RIVERFEST 2021 IS BEING PLANNED
Plans are underway for the Sunbury River Festival for 2021 and Sunbury Revitalization Inc.’s  getting ready for a huge event but have yet to determine the location for the festivities.  The River Fest  which was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19 typically starts at  the Shikellamy High School auditorium  on a Thursday with a talent show, but officials are in discussion about the logistics overall.  According to the Daily Item, work planned for the summer along  Reagan Street, keeps PennDOT  from allowing the committee to close down Front Street.  No dates have been set for the event.

POP UP CORONAVIRUS TESTING
Starting tomorrow you can get a coronavirus test without an appointment at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, one of 5 areas across the region to offer the service for the next  5 days.  According to WNEP, coronavirus tests will be administered from 9am thru 6pm from Friday the 5th until Tuesday the 9th.  Registration will be completed at the drive thru site and patients are asked to bring a photo ID and insurance card. 450 patients over 3 years old will be tested each day on a first come first serve basis and you don’t have to show symptoms for a test.  The fairgrounds address is Fort McClure Blvd in Bloomsburg.  The Sullivan County Fairgrounds is offering the same service at the same times.

 

SPORTS
HS Basketball
Boys
St John Neumann beat Muncy 70 to 60, Danville beat Williamsport 59-45, Montoursville over Selinsgrove 54-36, Lewisburg beat Jersey shore 71-61, and Central Mountain over Shikellamy 49-41
Girls
Muncy beat St John Neumann 48-23, Millville over Northwest 33-28, Montgomery an South Williamsport was canceled in the first quarter

NBA
76ers beat the Hornets 118 to 111, Bucks beat the Pacers 130 to 110, Mavericks over the Hawks 122 to 116, Clippers beat the Cavaliers 121 to 99, Wizards beat Heat 103 to 100, Knicks over the Bulls  107 to 103, Thunder beat the Rockets 104 to 87, Spurs over the Timberwolves 111 to 108, Pelicans beat the Suns 123 to 101, Kings over the Celtics 116 to 111.
NBA Tonight
Portland comes to Philadelphia for an 8 PM tip off with the 76’ers
NHL
Bruins beat the Flyers 4 to 3, Lightning over Redwings 5 to 1, and the Golden Knights and Sharks were postponed.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS FEBRUARY 3, 2021

DELAYED VACCINATIONS RESTARTED AFTER SNOW
After the weather delayed some vaccination clinics in our area yesterday, the week continues with more vaccination locations open and taking appointments.  According to the Sun Gazette, as of Tuesday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reports more than 200,000 Pennsylvanians are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and that number is expected to increase to 1 million within two to three weeks. Over 800 thousand Pennsylvanians are waiting to receive a second dose of the vaccine.  A link to the Vaccine Provider map to display additional locations in Lycoming County is available online here.

POLICE SEEKING PRESCRIPTION THIEF
Prescription medication was stolen from outside a Loyalsock Township home last Thursday.  According to Montoursville State Police, the resident said an unknown suspect was on Valley Heights Drive and stole a sealed package the victim said contained Oxycodone from the front porch before noon.  The suspect left the property in an unknown direction.  If you have information about the suspect or the incident, please call state police at Montoursville (570) 368-5700.

NEW SUICIDE HOTLINE EXCHANGE COMING IN 2022
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has been given $340 thousand dollars in a Vibrant Emotional Health Grant for the launch of a suicide prevention Lifeline’s 988 phone number expected to be available in July of 2022.  The new system will replace the 1-800-273-TALK direct line which provides  easy access to crisis intervention services  for those coping with thoughts of suicide for themselves or loved ones and gives support during crisis moments.  The funding is in  partnership with Thomas Jefferson University will support 13 state crisis call centers in preparation for the new number, 988.

PENNSYLVANIA BUDGET REVEALED YESTERDAY
Governor Tom Wolf revealed his budget plan virtually yesterday a day later than scheduled after weather slowed down business in Harrisburg this week.  A statement was released that said 67% of Pennsylvania taxpayers would see tax cuts or have their taxes stay the same under his plan and that he wants to raise taxes on wealthy residents and the natural gas industry to help pay for new investments into education and coronavirus relief. Wolf also proposed increasing Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $12 an hour, with a pathway to $15. He will formally announce his budget plan today. The 2021-2022 budget year begins on July 1.

NEW EQUIPMENT FOR WILLIAMSPORT FIRE DEPARTMENT
Williamsport Bureau of Fire has proposed that they will need new equipment and that will cost more than $2 million.  According to the Sun Gazette, City Fire Chief Mark Killian said the need to replace a ladder truck for 1.5 million dollars and a 600 thousand dollar engine was reviewed by the City Council’s finance committee and they will considering a multi-year lease for $245,000 a year until 2031.  Killian said fire engines need to be replaced every six to seven years and the ladder truck every 10 to 12 years and with low bids from the previous administration, they struggled to maintain the fleet.  Current equipment, Engine 2-1 and 3-1 are reserve engines which are 21 and 22 years old respectively.

LOCAL COVID UPDATE
Lycoming County has  44 new cases  of the coronavirus as of yesterday, Northumberland county has 29, Clinton has 10 new today.  According to the Sun Gazette, there were 4,410 additional positive cases of COVID-19, there were 125 new fatalities as well.  Statewide hospitalizations are now down to over 3,200. Of those patients over 600 are in the ICU and over 300 are on ventilators.  Lycoming has 30 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 5 in the ICU, 4 on ventilators.

PENNDOT LIFTS RESTRICTIONS
We still may see icy conditions with lower temperatures, but according to PennDOT, the temporary restrictions on certain vehicles from traveling on Interstate 80 in north central Pennsylvania has been lifted.  Certain areas of Pennsylvania’s interstates were on tier 1 through 4 restrictions through the storm this week – requiring limited commercial vehicle traffic and speed limits up to 45 miles per hour.  Details on weather restrictions across the state are available at 511PA dot com.  Speed limits are restored to their posted numbers.

UNIVERSITY MERGE PLANS ON THE WAY
A set of virtual meetings which included 200 business and community leaders were held recently to discuss the plan to move forward with integration of three Pennsylvania State schools.  According to the Sun Gazette, Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield Universities are poised to merge in the future and a plan should be in place so that all stakeholders can vote on it in July.  The group seeks to create a plan that expands affordable learning opportunities for students while maintaining university identity, traditions and community connections. More than 1,000 faculty and staff are collaboratively building an integration plan focusing on academics, enrollment, finance and more.

SPORTS
NBA
Raptors over Magic 123 to 108, Nets beat the Clippers 124 to 120, Pacers beat the Grizzlies 134 to 116, Trailblazers beat the Wizards 132 to 121, Jazz beat Pistons 117 to 105, Celtics defeated the Warriors 111 to 107.
NBA Tonight
76ers play the Hornets tonight @7 in Charlotte and the Knicks are in Chicago at 8 PM

NHL
Stars beat the Blue Jackets 6-3, Canadiens beat Canucks 5-3, Hurricanes beat the Blackhawks 4-3, Blues beat Coyotes 4-3, Jets beat the Flames 3-2, Avalanche beat Wild 2-1, Oilers over the Senators 4-2, Ducks beat the Kings 3-1, Devils and Penguins, and Sabres and Islanders were postponed

Super Bowl LV (55)
Sunday, February 7 at 6:30 PM on CBS at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay Florida, Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS FEBRUARY 2, 2021

WILLIAMSPORT DIGS OUT FROM OVER A FOOT OF SNOW
The City of Williamsport and her residents will continue to plow and shovel today as the last of the Nor’easter over our region is expected to wind down.  According to the Sun Gazette, the city of Williamsport will focus on snow removal from the main city-owned roadways, the central business district and then PennDOT maintained streets first, with secondary streets and alleys the next priority.  River Valley Transit has cancelled some routes but Loyalsock and Montoursville routes will depart from the Trade & Transit Centre on the hour and half hour during snow emergency conditions.  The Williamsport Parking authority has waived the fees in the 3rd street Parking garage and the Church Street Transportation Center 24 hours a day through Thursday at 8am to keep roadways clear while plowing goes on this week in the city.

PA SECRETARY OF STATE ERROR LEADS TO RESIGNATION
Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar is under fire for a major error that will delay justice for survivors of sexual assault in Pennsylvania and will resign her position February 5th, 2021.  According to SpotlightPA, Boockvar’s department made an error in not generating the mandatory advertisement of an amendment that would legally open a window of legislation for child sexual abuse survivors who have aged out of the statute of limitations.  As a result of the oversight, legislation concerning the key recommendation from a 2018 report about abuse in the Catholic Church will not be addressed until 2023 keeping the issue from the ballot this spring.  Boockvar said she found out about the mistake last week and told the Governor.

POLICE SEEK INFORMATION ABOUT CITY SHOOTING
There was a shooting in Williamsport Monday that left one man injured and police searching for information.  According to the Sun Gazette, police were called to Stinson Alley near Park Avenue around 2pm.  Williamsport police Chief Damon Hagan said officers confirmed the shooting at the scene due to blood in the area of the incident, and that the unidentified victim went to UPMC Williamsport on his own with non-life threatening injuries.  If the public has any information, they should call officer Aaron Levan at 570-327-7548.

VACCINE CLINIC TO OPEN AT NOON
Geisinger’s four community COVID-19 vaccine centers will open today at noon due to the winter storm. The Vaccine Centers near Danville, Lewistown and Jersey Shore, in addition to the one in Jenkins Township will be rescheduling morning appointments for those who have already made arrangements to be vaccinated.  Get additional details and contact information at Geisinger.org/COVIDvax.

THE GROUNDHOG MAKES HIS PREDICTION
Cloudy weather didn’t matter this morning when Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and predicted 6 more weeks of winter.  The event was virtual this year after the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club posted on social media that the risks of COVID are too great to have a live festival at Gobbler’s Knob.  Watch the festivities online and get information at groundhog.org.  The town in Jefferson County has been celebrating Groundhog Day officially since 1886.

ANNUAL BUDGET ADDRESS DELAYED DUE TO WEATHER
The snowstorm has delayed Pennsylvania’s annual budget address that Governor Wolf was to make today in Harrisburg.  The first Tuesday during the first full week in February is the traditional day to deliver an address on state spending plans, but weather restrictions and roadway conditions across the state, forced other legislative hearings and sessions to be rescheduled.  The format of the delivery of Wolf’s address will be different this year as well because of the pandemic.  He will deliver a pre-recorded address that the lawmakers will be able to watch from their own chambers or from home.

FATAL SHOOTING OF JUVENILE IN POTTER COUNTY LAST WEEK
A 12 year old boy died last week in Potter County from a single gunshot wound.  According to the Sun Gazette, state police are investigating the shooting that occurred last Thursday in Harrison Township.  Police say the would was a single bullet that killed the boy.  NO other details were released.  If You know anything about the shooting or the circumstances, call Coudersport Police 814-274-8690.

ROAD RESTRICTIONS ON INTERSTATES
The weather will keep Pennsylvania roadways restricted today after PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission implemented additional restrictions on trucks and other vehicles on certain roadways around the state since Monday, until conditions warrant their removal, possibly later today. Motorists are urged to avoid travel if possible. Tier 3 Conditions are in place for the Turnpike and many interstates on the eastern side of the commonwealth.  Tier 4 of the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan restricts commercial vehicles on I-80 , between Interstate 1-99 to the NJ border.

SPORTS
NBA
Lakers beat the Hawks 107 to 99, Hornets beat Heat 129 to 121, Cavaliers beat the Timberwolves 100 to 98, the Bulls beat the Knicks 110 to 102, the Bucks beat the Trailblazers 134 to 106, Kings beat the Pelicans 118 to 108, Rockets beat Thunder 136 to 106, Suns beat the Mavericks 109 to 108, Grizzlies beat the Spurs 133 to 102, Pistons and Nuggets were postponed

NHL
Rangers beat the Penguins 3 to 1, Bruins beat the Capitals 5 to 3, Lightning beat Predators 5 to 2, Canadians beat the Canucks 6-2, Flames beat Jets 4 to 3, Golden Knights and Sharks were postponed

The New Jersey Devils have also postponed their next three games this week as 10 players are currently on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol-related absences list.

Super Bowl LV (55)
Sunday, February 7 at 6:30 PM on CBS at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay Florida, Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS FEBRUARY 1, 2021

SOME SCHOOL VIRTUAL FOR THE SNOW DAY
Some area schools are in virtual learning today and some are closed… As far as traffic goes… I-80 from US 220 south in Centre County to the New Jersey State line are under There are Tier 1 restrictions in the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan – meaning i-80 and i-180 are at 45 miles per hour.  ….You can see the full list of closures and schools  in remote learning mode (as wel as delays closures and cancellations) at any Backyard Broadcasting Website.

MORE SNOW TO FALL OVER THE REGION TODAY
We could see five more inches of snow fall on our region before it’s all said and done today, and cloudy weather with flurries on Groundhog Day, could be good news for an early spring as we await Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction tomorrow.  According to the National weather service, the average amount of  snowfall for February is 8.8 inches and a chance of rain or snow continues throughout the weekend.   A winter weather advisory is in effect until 5qm Tuesday, February 2, 2021

DNA USED TO IDENTIFY ROBBERY SUSPECT
State Police have identified an out of state suspect of the 2019 armed robbery of a Lock Haven gas station.  According to North Central PA dot com, 46 year old Terrence Summers of West Columbia, South Carolina was identified as the suspect who entered a Fuel On Gas station along S. Hanna Street in June of 2019 and showed a pistol, demanding money and cigarettes.  Summers was shown on surveillance video putting his leg up on the counter and police used DNA evidence in a national database to make the match.  Summers is now in Clinton County Magisterial District Court awaiting his preliminary hearing.

PORK PRODUCT RECALL
There’s been a pork product recall that involves consumers in Pennsylvania.  Approximately 4,200 pounds of pork sausage produced on December 17, 2020 and shipped to several states including PA, may be contaminated with thin pieces of blue rubber. According to the USDA, the recall only applies to one-pound chubs containing Bob Evans Italian Sausage, lot code 0252, with a use or freeze by date of January 31, 2021. The problem was discovered when Bob Evans notified FSIS that they received consumer complaints.  All recalled products have the establishment number 6785 printed above the use or freeze by date.

INTERSTATE CLEAR AFTER OVERNIGHT ACCIDENTS
The snow has affected some major roadways from last night into this morning – but as of 4am, all lanes of I-80 are reopened after accidents blocked a few locations on I-80 eastbound near  the Route 15 Interchange in White Deer Township, Union County.  According to PennDOT, as of 8pm last night I-80 from US 220 south in Centre County to the New Jersey State line are under Tier 1 restrictions in the commonwealth’s weather event vehicle restriction plan.  Commercial vehicles must remain in the right lane, and there’s a 45 mile per hour restriction on both I-80 and i-180.  Those interested in following conditions on Pennsylvania roadways can go online at 511PA dot com or download the 511PA app or follow them on Twitter.

CENTRE COIUNTY MAN ARRESTED FOR RIOT INVOLVEMENT
A Centre county man who was suspected of attending the Capitol riots on January 6th  in Washington DC, has turned himself into authorities.  According to  Penn Live, 26 year old Brian Gundersen first denied his involvement to authorities who interviewed him, but after the FBI uncovered incriminating cell phone messages they allege his involvement was more than he first said.  A media photo with Gundersen wearing a varsity jacket  was identified by multiple individuals in Armonk, New York, where Gundersen played high school football. His passport was taken and he was released into the custody of his mother.  A court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday in the District of Columbia.

SUSPECTS STOPPED WITH SPIKE STRIPS AFTER FLEEING POLICE
Montoursville Police had to use spike strips to stop a vehicle that fled during a consent search on January 20th.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say, the four men ranging in age from 25 to 30, who were inside the vehicle were found to be residents of New Jersey and allegedly threw suspected cocaine from the car when they were speeding away from the scene.  After disabling the car, the four suspects were arrested and committed to Lycoming County Prison charged with possession of drugs with intent to deliver.

CHURCH’S ZONING APPEAL SUCCESSFUL
The Higher Hope Church in Sunbury successfully appealed to the Sunbury codes office last Wednesday and will now be allowed to use part of the Bimbo plant for an office headquarters, a school, daycare and a counseling center.  The H2 Church was originally denied the permit due to zoning issues.  According to media outlets, Pastor Mark Gittens of says the services the church will provide to the community including the youth ministry will offset  potential  loss of tax revenue for the city, Northumberland County and the Shikellamy School District.  Construction can now begin this spring.

SPORTS
NBA
Clippers beat the Knicks 129 to 115, the Nuggets beat Jazz 128 to 117, the 76ers beat the Pacers 119 to 110, Raptors beat Magic 115 to 102, Wizards beat the Nets 149 to146, Timberwolves beat the Cavaliers 109 to 104 hitting two threes in the last ten seconds
NBA tonight
The Knicks face the Bulls in Chicago tonight at 8 PM
NHL
Devils beat the Sabres 5 to 3, Hurricanes beat the Stars 4 to 3, Panthers beat the Red Wings 3 to 2, the Flyers beat the Islanders 4 to 3, Blackhawks beat the Blue Jackets 3 to 1, Wild beat Avalanche 4 to 3, Blues beat the Ducks 4 to 1, Oilers beat the Senators 8 to 5
Super Bowl LV (55)
Sunday, February 7 at 6:30 PM on CBS at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay Florida, Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 28, 2021

HOSPITAL SYSTEM OVERWHELMED WHEN VACCINE HOTLINE OPENED
Lewisburg’s Evangelical Community Hospital was overwhelmed by phone calls earlier this week after they announced an opportunity for those eligible to get COVID-19 vaccines.  According to the Sun Gazette, after the phone line opened for scheduling of Phase 1A residents on Monday at 8am the system was overwhelmed by noon.  Evangelical Community Hospital’s communications manager said that they were able to physically answer 1700 calls by Monday afternoon and that unfortunately some calls went unanswered.  The hospital system said anyone who made an appointment is urged to keep it.  The state allocated Evangelical Community Hospital almost 3,000 Pfizer vaccine doses and 800 Moderna vaccine doses.

WOMAN FALLS ASLEEP IN DRIVE-THRU LINE
A West Milton woman was arrested for DUI after police came to a fast food restaurant where she had fallen asleep behind the wheel in the drive-thru line.  According to North Central PA dot com, Pennsylvania State police were called to the McDonalds on Westbranch Highway January 10th for a possible crash into a building, but found 51 year old Michelle Maxwell sleeping in the car and determined that she was allegedly intoxicated.  Charges were filed in Lewisburg District Court.

LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN APPROVED FOR LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP
Loyalsock Township supervisors and representatives from Texas Roadhouse Restaurant met this week and approved a land development plan for the former site of Ruby Tuesday’s on East Third Street in Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette a land development plan was conditionally approved so that Larson Design Group can supervise stormwater management for the site, which will include a retention pond that the township agreed to install behind the site. Opening of the new restaurant is planned for 2022 .

LIBRARY OPENING AFTER COVID EASES
Union County libraries have made an announcement that they have adjusted the level of services to the community in response to  the pandemic.  According to the Marketing Coordinator of the Union County Library System, on February 1, browsing the collection and making an appointment to use a computer will be available at two libraries, Herr Memorial Library in Mifflinburg and West End Library in Laurelton. Construction and renovation at the Public Library for Union County in Lewisburg, will keep that facility only offering lobby pick-up services.  Specifics hours and details are available at UnionCountyLibraries.org/reopen

PA SENATOR SAYS IMPEACHMENT IS PERMISSIBLE
U.S. Senator Pat Toomey from Pennsylvania has told media outlets that it is constitutionally permissible for the U.S. Senate to hold the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump. According to a statement this week, Senator Toomey says there are legal and constitutional arguments both favoring and opposing a US Senate trial.When the trial begins February 9, Toomey says he to consider the arguments made by his lawyers and the house managers.

COPVID UPDATE
Lycoming County has had 63 new cases of the coronavirus  as of yesterday, Northumberland county reports 86, Union County has 31, Snyder has 35 and Montour has 32.  The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports there were 5,874 additional positive cases of COVID-19 reported yesterday and  222 new deaths due to COVID-19. Statewide hospitalizations are now down to over 3,700.  Of those patients, over 700 are in an ICU and over 400 are on ventilators. Lycoming has 38 COVID-19 patients hospitalized and 2 on ventilators

FLOOD CONTROL WEBSITE UPGRADED
There is a new tool available for Sunbury residents concerned about flood control.  According to the Daily Item, the Sunbury Municipal Authority flood control website has been  revamped for a more community-friendly experience featuring real-time radar.  According to department manager Jeff Lewis, sunburyfloodcontrol.com has  real-time Shamokin creek elevations where Route 61 crosses the creek at Zimmerman’s Motors.  Much of the data from the site is compiled from the National WEeather Service, but the weather and river forecast is from the department’s own program, Emergency Managers Weather Information Network. Residents will be able to log in and monitor weather events any time.

CDL WAIVER AVAILABLE FOR SOME VETERANS AND ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY
PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs announced this week that a new Pennsylvania law waives the requirement for Pennsylvania residents who are current and former military members and who operated a commercial vehicle as part of their duties, to take a CDL  Knowledge Test when applying for a CDL. Previous legislation –established a waiver of the CDL skills test for these individuals.  The waiver applies to CDL applicants who wish to operate vehicles similar to those they operated in the military, but Doubles, triples and school bus endorsements cannot be waived under this program.  Military personnel and veterans interested in taking advantage of the CDL skills and knowledge test waivers can get details at  www.dmv.pa.gov.

SPORTS

HS Boys Basketball
Montoursville beat Northwest 56-20, Danville beat Selinsgrove 69-48, Central Columbia defeated Hughesville 60-43, Northeast Bradford beat Wellsboro 59-24 HS Girls Basketball
Millville beat Montgomery 40-24, Athens over N. Penn Liberty 63-16, Bucktail beat Columbia Montour 39-36, Wyaulsing beat Cowanesque Valley  50 -29
Boys Varsity Wrestling
Athens defeated Towanda 54-18

NBA
76ers beat the Lakers 107 to 106, the Nets beat the Hawks 132 to 128, Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 122 to 107, Pacers beat the Hornets 116 to 106, Kings beat Magic 121 to 107, Nuggets over Heat 109 to 82, Bucks beat the Raptors 115 to 108, the Spurs over the Celtics 110 to 106, The Pelicans beat the Wizards 124 to 106, Thunder beat Suns 102 to 97, Jazz over the Mavericks 116 to 104, Warriors beat the Timberwolves 123 to 111, Bulls and Grizzlies were postponed

NHL
Predators beat the Blackhawks 2 to 1, Canucks over the Senators 5 to 1

Super Bowl LV (55)
Sunday, February 7 at 6:30 PM on CBS at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay Florida, Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 27, 2021

GOVERNOR WOLF LOOKING TO FEDS FOR MORE VACCINE SOONER THAN LATER
Governor Tom Wolf made a statement yesterday concerning his frustration over the low vaccine supply in Pennsylvania after relying on the federal government to provide the two doses for over 4 million people who are now in the recently eligible 1A Phase in the state.  According to his statement at a press conference yesterday Wolf said  the state has only received 1.5 million doses from the federal government, which covers about 750,000 people in a double dose cycle.  Acting Secretary of Health, Alison Beam said yesterday that there is no centralized pre-registration system in the state because they want to keep a vaccination schedule local.  PEMA officials said vaccine Community centers are also on the way.

ZONING APPEAL IN SUNBURY TODAY
There is a zoning hearing today between a Sunbury Church and the city of Sunbury over whether the former Bimbo bakery  can be used for the church’s new headquarters.  Over 30 thousand dollars in combined  tax revenue is at stake between the city, Northumberland County and the Shikellamy School district.  According to media outlets, Sunbury Zoning Officer Mike Rhoades said H2 Church applied to use the approximately five-acre property for a school, daycare, and counseling center on December 22,  which was denied by the city zoning office for not meeting usage rulesfor the industrial area. The church wants to use the property for a school, daycare, and counseling center.  The hearing is at 4pm in Sunbury City Hall.

INMATE DIES OF COVID AT SCI MUNCY
There has been an inmate death announced at SCI Muncy due to COVID-19.  According to the state Department of Corrections a 62 year old woman who had underlying medical conditions was serving a 10-40 year sentence for burglary since 2013.  She had been hospitalized last Wednesday and passed away Monday.   According to the Sun Gazette, SCI Muncy is currently reporting 15 active inmate cases and 14 active staff cases.  The  inmates there who have coronavirus, are being isolated.

CANTON WRESTLING PROGRAM PAUSED DUE TO COVID
Canton wrestling recently had two confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 within its program  and superintendent Dr. Eric Briggs made the decision yesterday to shut down the program for 10 days.   The Warriors can return to practice Friday the 5th of February with three days of practice before a competition accorind to PIAA protocols. They will is then wrestle dual meets with Selinsgrove on February 8th and Montoursville on February 9th  before the North Sectional tournament on February 13th.  Canton wrestled a dual-meet Tuesday against Hughesville  but the wrestlers who were affected did not compete.

STRUCTURE FIRE IN MILTON
An early morning fire in Milton brought out volunteers from over 9 companies this week according to Central Susquehanna Regional 9-1-1.  According to media outlets the call came through around 1:15 am Tuesday with reports of a storage barn engulfed in flames at the intersection of Front and Mahoning Streets.  The structure was destroyed and there were no injuries reported according to fire officials

COVID UPDATE
Lycoming County confirms  47 new cases of the coronavirus today, Northumberland  has 48, Clinton has 11 new cases according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.   Statewide, there are 3,976 additional positive cases of COVID-19 statewide, and 219 new deaths have been confirmed.  Lycoming County vaccine providers have reported to the Department of Health that they have successfully administered 1,354 vaccines as of Tuesday to people waiting the two weeks between doses so, at least 6,000 people completely vaccinated by the first weekend in February.

PENNSYLVANIA INMATES ARRESTED FOR FRAUD
Pennsylvania’s Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced the arrest of two inmates and an outside accomplice for their roles in conspiring to provide false information on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) applications.According to NorthCentralPA dot com, John Jones, an inmate at SCI Rockview in Centre County, and Robert Palmer, an inmate at SCI Huntingdon in Huntingdon County, allegedly illegally applied for PUA benefits for themselves and on behalf of inmates from across the Commonwealth.  Payments were issued in the form of US Bank debit cards issued by the Department of Labor & Industry totaling $226,082. All three defendants were charged in Dauphin County.

UPMC OFFICIALS SAY CONTINUE TO TAKE CORONAVIRUS PRECAUTIONS
Hospital officials from UPMC are reporting that they are seeing a decrease in hospitalizations and testing rates  for COVID-19 in their Susquehanna region.  According to chief medical officer, Dr. David Lopatofsky, the inpatient numbers have declined over the last couple of weeks and there are les total patients in the ICU.  He says that we are still not to let our guard down and that the staff at UPMC is also working to get the correct allotment of vaccine as it becomes available.  According to the Sun Gazette, 75 percent of the UPMC Staff in the Susquehanna Region have received their first dose of the vaccine and many are on to their second dose.

SPORTS
NBA
Hawks beat the clippers 108 to 99, Rockets beat Wizards 107 to 88, Jazz beat the Knicks 108 to 94
NBA Tonight
Nets play the Hawks, and Lakers come to Philly to play the 76ers both games with a tip-off at 7:30.   Celtics play the Spurs in San Antonio at 8:30
NHL
Bruins beat the Penguins 3-2, Sabres beat the Rangers 3-2, Flyers over the Devils 5-3, Capitals beat the Islanders 3-2, Panthers beat the Blue Jackets 4-3, Predators beat the Blackhawks 3-2, Jets over the Oilers 6-4, Kings beat  Wild 2-1, Stars over Red Wings 2-1, Maple Leafs beat Flames 4-3, Avalanche beat Sharks 7-3 Ducks blanked the Coyotes 1-nothing, Blues over Golden Knights 5-4
Super Bowl LV (55)
Sunday, February 7 at 6:30 PM on CBS at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay Florida, Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

HS Boys Basketball last night between Muncy & Northwest, and Troy and Sayre postponed

COLLEGE SPORTS
Lycoming College Men’s and women’s basketball will start up Thursday, Feb. 11, opting in for a five-week regular season with a championship week to conclude play.

Lycoming wrestling will be back on Feb. 13, with a 1 p.m. dual meet with Wilkes and a pair of duals on Feb. 14 and Feb. 20 at the Colonels.

The Mansfield University softball team will open their season in conference competition in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, to take on the Rams of Shepherd University on Friday March, 5.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 22, 2021

HARRISBURG WOMAN CHARGED WITH STEALING LAPTOP RELEASED TO CUSTODY OF HER MOTHER
The Pennsylvania woman who was charged with stealing a laptop from the US Capitol during the January 6th riots in Washington DC was released from prison into the custody of her mother late yesterday until her court appearance in federal court Monday. According to media outlets, 22 year old Riley June Williams turned herself in earlier this week for the theft, obstruction and trespassing charges.  A Virginia-based FBI agent said Williams was recorded on closed-circuit cameras in the Capitol going into and coming out of Nancy Pelosi’s office.  Williams will be under electronic monitoring, she has no prior criminal record.

SCHOOL DISTRICT AUDIT TURNS OUT POSITIVE
The results of the audit of the Williamsport Area School District determined that the district is in good shape financially despite the pandemic circumstances.  According to the Sun Gazette representatives of Baker Tilly conducted the final audit for the district said even with the unprecedented situation caused by the health crisis, expenditures from the date of closure until the end of the school year that just were not incurred because schools were shutdown, so the the 2019-20 fiscal year was actually a good one for most school districts.

MIDDLEBURG TO GET NEW WATER SYSTEM
The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority or PENNVEST will fund a new infrastructure upgrade for Middleburg’s water system.  The Middleburg Municipal Authority received $555,000 in grant money, and over $4 million in low interest loans to replace old cast iron and asbestos cement, iron piping, and replace the old reservoir with a 290,000 gallon concrete storage tank.  According to the authority, there will be meter and control upgrades and water pressure may improve after the installation of a steel standpipe tank.   PENNVEST offers grants and loans assisting municipalities with important water projects.

VACCINATIONS IN HIGH DEMAND
Geisinger Medical Center and other local entities are working hard to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine with an allocation of doses that has yet to match the demand from local residents seeking to be vaccinated.  According to the hospital system media relations, people in the Phase 1A groups including people over 65, and those with high-risk medical conditions can schedule an appointment at any of the health system’s community-based vaccine centers online.  It’s required to receive both vaccine doses at the same location and both appointments are scheduled at the same time.  Anyone who is 18 or older can call 570-284-3657 to set up a MyGeisinger account.

WILLIAMSPORT PROPERTIES GET ATTENTION
There was a virtual public hearing this week in Williamsport that resulted in listing Williamsport city property as blighted and will allow the owners more time to complete a rehabilitation of the properties at 510 Rural Ave. and 928 High St. in the city. The four member board chaired by Patrick Marty decided the owner of the blighted property on High St. gets 9 months to make improvements, but the owner of the 510 Rural Ave., property was not at the meeting, so according to the Sun Gazette, Joseph Gerardi, city codes administrator said the house can be seized and either razed or sold to a developer to rehabilitate.  The High St. property will be revisited by codes inspection in nine months and the report turned over to the committee.

COVID UPDATE
The Pennsylvania Department of Health said  there were 5,664 additional positive cases of COVID-19 as of yesterday , and state is reporting 260 new deaths today, which takes PA across a milestone number of fatalities, 20,128 since the pandemic began. Lycoming County has 63 new cases reported, Northumberland has 40, Union County has 30, and Montour has 19.  The COVID Tracking Project reports that Pennsylvania’s seven-day average of deaths reported hit its highest point in the pandemic earlier this month, but  the numbers of patients in hospitals and intensive care units have continued to drop throughout January,

YOUTH SERVICE AGREEMENT APPROVED IN LYCO
The Lycoming County Commissioners voted this week to approve several youth agreements in the county.   According to the Sun Gazette,  Lycoming County Children & Youth Services Director Mark Egly said costs have increased by 2 percent from 2020, and range from $78.79 per day to $315.21 per day.  The contract approved with Adelphoi Village, Inc. to cover foster care and residential care services.  Contracts with Justice Works YouthCare, Inc. and Dwell Lycoming County were also approved.

BUCKNELL EDUCATORS INVOLVED IN SPACE DISCOVERIES
Local college educators and researchers are part of an international team making strides in Astrophysics.  According to the Daily Item,  Bucknell physics and astronomy professor Katelyn Allers and postdoctoral researcher Blake Pantoja have  elped  discover a new, low-mass binary planetary system located 450 light years from Earth.  They recently released a study in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.   The system is named Oph 98.

SPORTS

NBA
Lakers beat the Bucks 113 to 106, Jazz beat the Pelicans 129 to 118, Knicks beat the Warriors 119 to 104,
Tonight NBA
Nets play the Cavaliers in Cleveland and the 76ers and the Celtics tip off in Philly at 7:30, the Knicks and the Kings are in Sacramento at 10 PM Eastern.

NHL
Bruins beat the Flyers 5-4, Islanders beat the Devils 4-1, Lightning over the Blue Jackets 3-2, Jets beat the Senators 4-1, Canadians beat the Canucks 7-3, Kings over Avalanche 4-2, Panthers and Hurricanes were postponed.

NFL
The Conference Championships are  Sunday at 3:05pm between the Buccaneers and the Packers, the Bills play the Chiefs at 6:40pm

HS Boys Basketball
Williamsport beat Altoona 67-43, Northumberland Christian over Bucktail 65-33
HS Girls Basketball
Selinsgrove beat Jersey Shore 57-22, Towanda beat Cowanesque Valley 55-19 , Wyalusing beat North Penn Liberty 55-43, Troy beat Canton 37-16, Athens beat Williamson 62-23
HS Wrestling
Montgomery defeated South Williamsport 61-6

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