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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 21, 2021

LOCAL LEADERS REACTION TO INAUGURATION DAY
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf attended the Inauguration Ceremony of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington DC yesterday and released a statement after the event saying it was more a solemn occasion that normal but that he was honored to be there and that it’s time for bold vision as our nation faces unprecedented challenges.  Local and state leaders told the Sun Gazette they are looking forward to the nation navigating a steady course to a bright future through compromise. US Representative Fred Keller said in a statement that he wishes the nation success under Biden.

CITY COUNCIL WEIGHS OPTIONS ON MOVING FROM CITY HALL
In discussion about weighing the options  between staying in City Hall and moving to a new location, Williamsport City Council’s Ad Hoc Committee met this week and are narrowing down the choices.  According to the Sun Gazette there is no official funding plan at this time, but there are a host of grant opportunities for the committee to investigate, and according to one economic development consulting firm involved, there is a potential for Keystone Community funds for the move to Trade and Transit Centre I, and a state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant opportunity for remaining at City Hall.  Committee members and Mayor Derek Slaughter agree that a broad overarching funding plan would be needed before a final decision can be made.

PPP LOAN PROGRAM STARTING AGAIN THIS WEEK
The Paycheck Protection Program through the US Small Business Association  re-opened this week for all First and Second Draw loan applications.  First Draw PPP loans are for those borrowers who had not received a loan before August 8, 2020, Second Draw PPP loans are for eligible small businesses with 300 employees or less and that previously received a First Draw PPP loan. The program remains open for until March 31, 2021, as set forth in the Economic Aid Act, or until Congressionally-appropriated funding is exhausted.  Details at  sba.gov.­

COVID VACCINE AVAILABLE AT AREA WEIS MARKETS
Some Weis Markets stores in Lycoming and Northumberland Counties will be locations where you can receive COVID-19 vaccines beginning tomorrow. The Weis Markets corporate office issued a statement Wednesday that 55 of their in-store pharmacies will have vaccines. Locally, Montoursville, Muncy, Lewisburg, Mifflinburg, and more area stores are taking appointments. Go to WeisMarkets.com to schedule an appointment. Weis says they’ll priorities people age 65 and old.  A full list of  Weis locations offering the vaccine is here.

MAN CHARGES FOR TAKING FUNDS FROM EMPLOYER
A Lewisburg man who was a hotel manager in Union County has been charged with stealing funds from the business over a four year time frame.  According to North Central Pa dot com, 44 year old Andrew C. Gemberling was arraigned this week after an internal investigation showed that he allegedly stole more than 85 thousand dollars from the Country Cupboard Inn Best Western in Kelly Township since March of 2018.   Police say the assistant manager  made fraudulent refunds and placed them into his personal bank account.  Gemberling’s preliminary hearing is for February 2nd.

MAN LEADS POLICE ON CHASE
A Winfield man led police on a high speed chase Tuesday in Buffalo Township and was charged with fleeing the scene and reckless endangerment.  According to State police at Milton, they attempted to  pull over 28 year old Jadrick Haines in a 1996 Mustang on Dreisbach Church Road un Union County when he took off from police.  Haines led police for a few miles but police say he lost control of the car and crashed at at Ridge and Tower roads.  Several other traffic summaries were also  filed in District Court.

COVID UPDATE
Lycoming County has 69 new cases of the coronavirus today, Union County has 59, Northumberland County has 55, Montour has 33, Snyder has 23, and Clinton16, Tioga 10 new cases.  The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 5,984 additional positive cases of COVID yesterday, but they reconciled some numbers and updated fatalities to 401 in the last 10 days statewide.  Lycoming County has 45 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 5 in the ICU, 1 on a ventilator

DCNR GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR NON-PROFITS
Senator Gene Yaw of Loyalsock Township has announced that non-profits and other eligible organizations interested in applying for conservation, recreation, or trail, grants through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources may do so now. Yaw said that eligible applicants in his five-county region can apply for funding as a way to improve and preserve our local recreational areas. The Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2)  Applications will be accepted through April 14th, 2021.The DCNR Recreation and Conservation grant program is funded with a variety of state and federal funding sources including Pennsylvania’s natural gas “Impact Fee.”

SPORTS
NBA
Cavaliers beat the Nets 147 to 135, Mavericks beat the Pacers 124 to 112, 76ers beat the Celtics 117 to 109, Hawks beat the Pistons 123 to 115, Heat beat Raptors 111 to 102, Magic beat Timberwolves 97-96, Suns over the Rockets 109 to 103, Warriors beat the Spurs 121 to 99, Clippers beat the kings 115 to 96, Wizards and Hornets as well as the Grizzlies and Trailblazers postponed
NHL
Oilers beat Maple Leafs 3 to 1, Oilers, Sharks over Blues 2 to 1, Wild beat the Ducks 3 to 2, Canucks beat the Canadiens 6-5, Golden knights beat Coyotes 5-2
NFL
The Conference Championships are  Sunday at 3:05pm between the Buccaneers and the Packers, the Bills play the Chiefs at 6:40pm
College Basketball
#22 Illinois beat Penn State 79-65
HS Wrestling
Central Mountain defeated Selinsgrove 35-25
HS Boys Basketball
Wellsboro over Williamson 71 to 19, Central Columbia beat Mount Carmel 78-63, Montoursville over Shikellamy 50 to 30, Loyalsock defeated Milton 58-23, Danville beat Mifflinburg 51-49, Lewisburg beat Selinsgrove 57-43, Cowanesque Valley beat Sayre 63-51, Athens beat Mansfield HS 79-61, Dubois beat Central Mountain 58-44, and Wyalusing beat Canton 50-34, and Troy beat Towanda 59-32

HS Girls Basketball
Sullivan County beat Montgomery 48-16, Loyalsock beat Williamsport 66-44, Saint John Neumann beat Columbia Montour 36-42

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 20, 2021

SNYDER COUNTY DA SEEKING DEATH PENALTY
A Paxinos man charged with killing his estranged ex-wife  and her friend outside Buffalo Wild Wings Mifflinburg may face the death penalty after the Snyder County’s District Attorney filed a notice of intent yesterday.  55-year-old Christopher Fernanders faces two counts of first degree murder, illegal possession of a firearm, stalking and a PFA violation.  According to media outlets, 46 year old Heather Campbell of Trevorton, and 52-year-old Matthew Bowersox of Mifflinburg were shot last July and a bystander shot a fleeing Fernanders who was hospitalized before he was arraigned for the crime.  Fernanders remains incarcerated in Snyder County Prison without bail.

DR LEVINE TAPPED BY BIDEN ADMINISTRATION
The person who has emerged as the public face of the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine has been tapped by the Biden Administration to be the country’s assistant secretary of health.  Dr. Levine, will be one of  the few transgender people serving in elected or appointed positions nationwide. She  is a pediatrician and former Pennsylvania physician general and was appointed to her current post by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf in 2017.

ROCK SLIDE CAUSED LAIRDSVILLE DETOUR
There was a detour on Route 220 and Route 42 needed after a rockslide closed roadways near Lairdsville yesterday.  According to PennDOT both the eastbound and westbound lanes of Route 118 were closed following the large amount of rock that completely blocked the roadway.  Route 118 is closed between Route 405 in Hughesville Borough and Route 42 in Jordan Township.  The road was cleared and reopened later in the afternoon

DREAM WEEK ACTIVITIES IN WILLIAMSPORT
It’s Dream Week  this week and in Williamsport, local colleges, STEPAmericorp the Beloved Community continue to be encouraged to focus on service to others to honor the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.’s life.  The Sun Gazette noted that Mayor Derek Slaughter mad the point that we can work on Dr. King’s work not for a week but every day.  Thursday Penn College of Technology will host a virtual talk by April Reign, who has sought racial equality in the entertainment industry by creating the hashtag OscarsSOWhite. Information to sign on to Thursday’s ZOOM event at 7pm, is on the STEP AmeriCorps website.

POCONO SHOOTING SPREE SUSPECTS IN CUSTODY
Five people have been taken into custody after a Pocono shooting spree left four people wounded Monday night.  Four young adults and one juvenile male were virtually arraigned Tuesday at the Monroe County Jail after they were rounded up by police who say the shooting incidents were all a case of mistaken identity.  According to WNEP, The five suspects driving around A Pocono Country Place neighborhood misidentified someone in another vehicle as a person they had a problem with and opened fire.  A car chase ensued into the town of Tobyhanna and more shots were fired.  Police say a mother and son inside a house at the original neighborhood were discovered to be hit and wounded by the suspect’s gunfire, a man from the Bronx driving nearby was shot in the head along Route 196 and another person from Henryville, who was uninvolved hit by gunfire prior to crashing his car.  Three victims are stable and one is in critical condition today.

MAN ATTEMPTS BREAK IN AT POLICE STATION
A man from Jersey Shore is in custody today following an attempt to break into the Tiadaghton Valley Police station .  According to the Sun Gazette, 40 year old Aaron Hall became aggressive last Saturday afternoon by banging on the front door of the police station and then smashed a window.  Hall told police he was proving a point about alleged police corruption, but did not comply with any police commands and was subsequently tased, he was charged with aggravated assault, institutional vandalism resisting arrest and other charges.  He is in the Lycoming County Prison unable to post 65 thousand dollars bail. The police say Hall was shown in surveillance cameras to be loitering around the station prior to the incident.

COVID UPDATE
Lycoming County reports  60 new cases of the coronavirus as of yesterday,  Northumberland has 56, Clinton County has 16 new cases. The state Department of Health confirmed 5,341 new statewide cases and 77 new fatalities.  Lycoming reports 47 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, and no people on ventilators at this time.  Statewide hospitalizations remain over 4,500 – of those patients, over 900 are in the ICU and over 500 are on ventilators

VACCINE DISTRIBUTION PHASE UPDATED
The phase 1A vaccine distribution guidelines have been updated as of today to include those who are age 65 and older, as well as those age 16 to 64 with serious health conditions, According to the state Department of Health.  Conditions like cancer, chronic kidney disease, smoking, type 2 diabetes, heart conditions, obesity, sickle cell and pregnancy are considered to be high-risk conditions and now fall under the eligibility guidelines for the vaccine.  Department of Health officials say the state Emergency Management Agency is working on setting up mass vaccine clinics.  There are approximately 3.5 million Pennsylvanians in phase 1A for vaccination eligibility and a full list of conditions and persons who are eligible is available online Here.  https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Vaccine.aspx#data

SPORTS

NFL
The Conference Championships are  Sunday at 3:05pm between the Buccaneers and the Packers, the Bills play the Chiefs at 6:40pm
NBA
Nuggets beat Thunder 119 to 101, Jazz beat the Pelicans 118 to 102
NBA Tonight
Nets play the Cavaliers in Ohio and the Celtics come to Philly to play the 76ers; both games @7, Wizards and Hornets are postponed

NHL
Devils beat Rangers 4 to 3, Flyers beat the Sabres 3-nothing, Panthers beat the Blackhawks 5-4, Penguins over the Capitals 5-4, Jets beat the Senators 4-3, Red Wings over the Blue jackets 3-2, Avalanche beat Kings 3-2, Stars and Lightning, and Hurricanes and Predators were postponed.
HS Basketball Boys
Sullivan County beat Montgomery 55-33, Loyalsock Township beat Williamsport 52-41, South Williamsport beat Millville 66-41, Muncy beat Benton 65-26
HS Girls Basketball
Athens beat North Penn Mansfield 52-25, – Canton over Williamson 49-34
HS Wrestling
Canton defeated Towanda 60-15, Athens beat Wyalusing  40-25

HS Swimming
Williamsport Boys defeated  Lewisburg 111-51 and so did the Williamsport Girls 115-63

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 19, 2020

MOTHER ACCUSED OF STABBING INFANT INCARCERATED
The investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding the case of 22 year old Corrie Cowlay-Saunders, of Adams St., who was charged with criminal homicide and attempted homicide for stabbing her 5 month-old infant and  the baby’s father.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Lycoming County Coroner has completed the autopsy of the child , Cailani Faltz, who police allege was stabbed in the neck by her mother – no further details have been released.  Faltz’s father, Cordell Faltz, was also injured in the neck and jaw.  Cowlay-Saunders is in the Lycoming County Prison and has been denied bail, her preliminary hearing in District Court  is Thursday.

GRANTS COMING TO LOCAL SCHOOLS AFFECTED BY VIRUS
Many local schools including The Williamsport Area School District,  South Williamsport Area, Loyalsock Township, East Lycoming, Montgomery, Muncy and others are set to receive almost $9 million as part of the $2.2 billion in federal stimulus funds being dedicated statewide for financial support during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Pennsylvania’s Department of Education will distribute the funds directly to the school districts who apply using the Title I, Part-A formula, the amount based on the percentage of students in a district who qualify for reduced or subsidized lunches. The funds can be used for a wide range of activities and must be used by September of 2023.

CANDY DESK SUPPLY GOES TO NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS
Senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania recently took a back stock of candy used to supply the US Government’s  famous candy desk and created care packages for the National Guard who have been called to protect areas of the Capitol Complex in Washington DC.  According to CBS Pittsburgh, as a tradition since 1968, the candy desk has been maintained by Senator Toomey since 2015 and many Pennsylvania candy making companies have provided the United States Senate with the treats even before Toomey when Rick Santorum maintained the Hershey chocolate supply through 2007.

VOTE FOR BUTTER UP CONTEST
The virtual Farm show is in the history books, but Pennsylvania residents still have a responsibility to vote for the winner of the “Butter Up” Contest – a competition of mini butter sculptures made by the public in lieu of the traditional sculpture usually shown at the in-person Farm Show in Harrisburg.  The farm show posted all of the entries to its Facebook page where you can react.  One winner will be selected from each age bracket based on Facebook likes.  Voting for the “Butter Up” contest is open through 1 p.m. on Friday.

HARRISBURG WOMAN IN CUSTODY FOR ALLEGEDLY STEALING LAPTOP AT CAPITOL
An alleged Capitol rioter from Harrisburg accused by a former partner of stealing a laptop or hard drive from Nancy Pelosi’s office has surrendered to authorities, two sources confirmed to CBS News. The FBI reports that Riley June Williams of Harrisburg is being investigated for the theft of the device while she was trespassing on Capitol grounds with the intent to sell it to a friend in Russia. There are reports of a laptop being taken from the US Capitol, but it was only one used in a conference room for presentations.

COVID UPDATE
In its daily update Monday which includes Sunday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed 10,068 new cases of the coronavirus over the last two days, and 80 new fatalities were reported.  90 new cases have been confirmed in Montour County ,Northumberland County has 78 new cases, Union has 26 and Snyder has 36.  Lycoming County  has  29 new cases reported today with 44 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, and 3 on ventilators.  Statewide hospitalizations continue decreasing, down to over 4,500 now being reported– of those patients, over 900 are in the ICU and over 500 are on ventilators.

AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY ELIGIBLE FOR CARES ACT FUNDS
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has a new grant program that will provide financial assistance to marine fisheries participants negatively affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The program is made possible by the federal CARES Act and $3.3 million can go to Pennsylvania residents who are seafood processors, wholesale dealers/distributers, and other aquaculture operations including commercial fishing. Completed application packages must be received by 4 p.m., February 26th.  A direct link to grant application materials is online HERE:

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO CLEAN UP WREATHS
Volunteers are being sought to pick up over 40 thousand live balsam wreaths that were placed on the Hallowed Grounds of Indiantown Gap National Cemetery during Wreaths Across America Day on December 19th.  Through the Wreaths Across America Program and Mission, the effort will return the cemetery to its pristine state on Saturday, January 30th 2021, when volunteers following CDC guidelines will gather on the plaza on the PA Veterans Memorial near Annville, PA at before 8am and coordinate the clean up effort.  There’s no age limit for those who wish to help. Information about the event is at wreathsacrossamaerica.org

SPORTS
NBA
Knicks beat Magic 91 to 84, Hawks beat Timberwolves 108 to 97, Spurs beat the Trailblazers 125 to 104, Grizzlies beat the Suns 108 to 104, Nets beat the Bucks 125 to 123, Raptors beat the Mavericks 116 to 93, Heat beat the Pistons 113 to 107, Bulls beat Rockets 125 to 120, Warriors beat the Lakers 115 to 113, Cavaliers and Wizards were postponed

NHL
Blue Jackets beat Red Wings 3-2, Islanders blanked the Bruins 1-nothing, Maple Leafs beat Jets 3-1, Sabres defeated the Flyers 6-1, Blues beat Sharks 5-4, Hurricanes beat the Predators 4-2, Flames over the Canucks 5-2, Canadians beat the Oilers 3-1, Ducks blanked Wild 1-nothing, Golden knights beat Coyotes 4-2.

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
Montoursville beat Saint Joseph 58 to 42, Wyalusing beat North Penn Mansfield 64-59, Central Columbia defeated Lewisburg 61-36, Athens beat Sayre 54-41

Girls  Basketball
Cowanesque Valley beat Williamson in OT 47-42, Lewisburg beat Muncy 37-15, Williamsport beat Jersey Shore 52-18.

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