BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 7, 2021

LOCAL LAWMAKERS INSIDE CAPITOL DURING MOB VIOLENCE IN WASHINGTON
Congressman Fred Keller of Kreamer released a statement yesterday denouncing the mob violence that happened yesterday at the U.S. Capitol that attempted to interrupt the certification of the Electoral College votes from the 2020 Election.  Keller, who had sheltered in place and was safe following the violence there, was in line with several other House Republicans from Pennsylvania who said they would not support certifying the state’s 20 electoral votes for president-elect Joe Biden.  Senate proceedings began again after 8pm. last night and just before 5am this morning, Congress has affirmed President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory over President Trump. The Senate and House rejected objections to throw out Georgia and Pennsylvania’s electoral votes for Biden. Republicans also objected to Arizona, Nevada and Michigan’s electoral votes, but they failed before they reached debate.  President Trump stated in the spirit of concession that there will be an orderly transition of power on January 20th.

POLICE SEARCH FOR ARMED ROBBER
Police in Mifflinburg are asking for the public’s help in finding a suspect who pulled a knife at the Quik Shop gas station there around 9:30 pm Tuesday.  Witnesses say a male suspect went in the store, displayed the knife, demanded cash and fled. Stae police along with Mifflinburg and Buffalo Valley Regional police responded to the call and say the suspect is a stocky male, who was wearing a dark hoodie sweatshirt or hooded jacket.  Call police if you  have information.

WAHS GOING IN-PERSON NEXT MONDAY
Williamsport Area School district will return to in-person instruction Monday of next week.  According to the Sun Gazette, Dr. Timothy S Bowers said at the School board meeting Monday that the coronavirus numbers continue to look better and they feel comfortable returning to in-person learning – but while following guidance from the PA Department of h ealth will still shut down if the numbers change.  In other news Dr. Bowers confirmed that the district’s budget for next year will remain within the state mandated Act 1 index, so tax increases must remain within a set percentage.

WILLIAMPSORT POLICE PROMOTIONS
Two members of the Williamsport Police Department have been promoted to Captain after  the city bureau recently reorganized.  According to a press release by police Chief Damon Hagan, Captain. Justin Snyder is a 14-year veteran and a graduate of East Stroudsburg University and has served in the patrol division, with the bureau’s Special Operations Group, and most recently as an agent in the bureau’s Criminal Investigation Unit. Captain Jason Bolt  is a 16 year veteran and served in the patrol division, and for nearly a decade as a school resource officer in the Williamsport Area School District..

FOUR LAWMAKERS DECALRED SAFE AFTER RIOT IN WASHINGTON
All Pennsylvania lawmakers from the Susquehanna Valley who were at the US Capitol on Wednesday afternoon were determined to be safe following the chaos that occurred there when a pro-Trump mob violently breached the Capitol grounds.  In a statement by Senator Pat Toomey, who said he and some staff members sheltered in place at the Washington DC complex, Represetnative Fred Keller denounced the violence calling for those rioters to be prosecuted, Senator Bob Casey was the only member of his team in Washington yesterday and was deemed safe, as well as Congressman Dan Meuser of Dallas who helped secure the facility doors during the breach.  The joint session of Congress reconvened after 8pm last night and as of early this morning, affirmed President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory over President Trump.

COVID UPDATE
Lycoming County reports 101 new coronavirus case as of yesterday, Northumberland County has 91,Union has 53 new cases, Montour has 47, Snyder has 39, Tioga County reports 30.  Statewide, there are 9,474 additional positive cases of COVID-19,and 368 new deaths today.Lycoming has 73 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 14 in the ICU, 9 on ventilators .

LOCAK HAVEN 2021 SPRING SCHEDULE CHANGES
Lock Haven University announced a revision to reopening plans for the spring 2021 semester yesterday.  Starting January 25the, the original start date through February 5th all classes and labs will be remote.  According to the university administration, keeping students and faculty safe while they observe an increase in positivity rates of COVID in the region is their main concern. Classes will resume February 8th and will increase in-person instruction from 15 to 25 percent for some classes.  LHU will offer free COVID-19 re-entry testing from Feb. 4-6 with all on-campus residents will be required to test before being allowed to stay on campus and attend classes.

LEWISBURG EVENTS CANCELLED DUE TO COVID
The Lewisburg Downtown Partnership has announced that this year’s Heart of Lewisburg Ice Festival has been cancelled.  According to media outlets, concerns about COVID brought about the ‘difficult’ decision this week but the committee says there will be a better event’ in 2022.The downtown Lewsiburg partnership says, however, that  there will be extra Lewisburg in Lights activities as well as the Chocolate Tour still planned to take palce in a COVID-safe environment beginning  February 5th.  Tickets will still be sold ahead of time and on the days of the event.

SPORTS
NBA

Pacers beat the Rockets 114 to 107, Magic beat the Cavaliers 105 to 94, 76ers beat the Wizards 141 to 136, Hornets beat the Hawks 102 to 94, Celtics beat Heat 107 to 105, Knicks beat  Jazz 112 to 100, Bucks beat the Pistons 130 to 115, Thunder beat Pelicans 111 to 110, Suns over the Raptors 123 to 115, Clippers beat Warriors 108 to 101, Kings beat the Bulls 128 to 124
NBA Tonight
Philly goes to Brooklyn to play the Nets at 7:30 tonight on TNT

Friday HS Sports
HS Boys basketball

Hughesville at Milton, Lewisburg at Montoursville, Mount Carmel at Loyalsock, all at 7:30 PM
HS Girls Basketball
Hughesville at  Jersey Shore and Cowanesque Valley at Williamson both at 730

High School Wrestling
Montoursville goes to Lewisburg Friday night at 7 PM
HS Swimming
Lewisburg versus Milton at Eastern Lycoming YMCA at 4:30p

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 6, 2021

RAUCOUS BEHAVIOR IN PENNSYLVANIA’S SWEARING-IN CEREMONY
Governor Tom Wolf yesterday issued a statement in response to house republicans in Pennsylvania refusing to seat Senator Jim Brewster the 45th Senate District.  According to a press release from Governor Wolf, not seating Senator Brewster leaves voters without a voice when they duly elected a winner.  During the ceremony at the state Capital in Harrisburg yesterday, Senate Republicans, who hold the majority, refused to let Pa. Sen. Jim Brewster of McKeesport take the oath of office and when Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, a Democrat, stepped in, the Republicans removed him as presiding officer for the day.  Democrats said they’re outraged at what they say is a blatent attempt to overrule voters in the 45th District.

COMMISSIONERS MEET AND APPROVE HIRING A DEPUTY CORONER
Approval for the hiring of a new deputy coroner happened yesterday as part of the agenda at the Lycoming County Commissioners meeting.  According to the Sun Gazette, County Coroner Charles Kiessling has asked the county for more staff after he has seen an alarming rise in county deaths, mostly due to COVID.  Other matters addressed by the commissioners yesterday include, approved COVID-19 grant funding as well as funding for juvenile services, new hires; such as a new court clerk and assistant DA, and discussion about the 52 county employees who have tested positive for COVID, with 19 not able to work.  The meeting was unable to be livestreamed yesterday due to technical issues, but the public can go to the county website to hear the audio of the meeting www.lyco.org.

COUNTERFEIT MONEY POSSIBLY CIRCULATING
Check your wallets for counterfeit 20 dollar bills.  According to local police in Tioga County, some fake 20s have made their way into circulation.  Wellsboro Chief of police Jim Bodine said that the counterfeit revealing pens falsely show the bills are good, but the green ink on the paper is much darker than a normal bill.  If you have or receive counterfeit note, contact the police department in the municipality where you got it.

GAME COMMISSION SITE DISABLED NEXT WEEK
If you haven’t gotten your 2020-21 Pennsylvania hunting or furtaker licenses, or need a permit or privilege for a late-season hunting, it’s recommended you do so before the automated licensing system in the state is unavailable next week.  According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, a temporary shutdown of the PALS System will occur next week as they complete an upgrade to a new licensing program. Hunters will not be able to report harvests online during the time that PALS is unavailable, but can continue to report through the mail.  A list of license-issuing agents is available at www.pgc.pa.gov.

TWO LOCAL LAWMAKERS SAY THEY WILL NOT CERTIFY ELECTION RESULTS TODAY
With the certification of the Electoral College votes today in Washington DC, some local lawmakers are in favor of certifying the election and some are not. According to the Sun Gazette, Representative Fred Keller of Kreamer and  Representative Glenn Thompson of Howard are among the handful of Republicans who will resist the certification.   Senator  Pat Toomey of Zionsville said he will vote today to certify the results, however Toomey will leave his Senate seat as of the end of this term.  In the commonwealth, President Trump was defeated by Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee, by more than 80,000 votes and was awarded  the state’s 20 electoral votes.

COVID UPDATE
As of yesterday, Lycoming County has 92 new cases of the Coronavirus reported, Northumberland County has 71 new cases, Union County has 48 new cases,  , Snyder County has 27 new cases, Tioga County has 18, Montour County has 12 new cases.  Lycoming County reports 71 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 12 in the ICU, 8 on ventilators.  Accoridng othe Pennsylvania Department of Health, there were 8,818 additional positive cases of COVID-19, and 185 new deaths.

NORTHUMBERLAND ROADWORK TODAY
Watch for delays at the intersection of Route 147 and Route 11 in Northumberland today.  According to PennDOT, there will be a lane restriction at the underpass of Duke and Water Streets in the borough beginning around 9am until 3pm, weather permitting,  There could be significant delays at such a major intersection. Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible while they perform the inlet repair work.

COVID VACCINATIONS PLANNED TO BE DISTRIBUTED AT BLOOMSBURG FAIRGROUNDS
There are plans in the works for the Columbia County commissioners and EMA officials to use the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds as a site to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine in the same manner that they provided testing.  Getting a COVID-19 vaccine requires that a person stays on-site for 15 minutes in case of a reaction, so According to WNEP, the logistics at the fairground might look different than it did when they did tests there.  When more info comes from the Department of Health, the public will be notified.

SPORTS
NBA

Nets beat Jazz 130 to 96, Lakers beat the Grizzlies 94 to 92, Nuggets beat the Timberwolves 123 to 116, Spurs beat the Clippers 116 to 113, Bulls beat the Trailblazers 111 to 108

The 76ers play the Wizards in Philly tonight at 7 PM and the Knicks play Jazz at Madison Square Garden with a 7:30pm tip-off

NCAA Football
Alabama’s DeVonta Smith became the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy in nearly 30 years yesterday. Other finalists included Smith’s teammate, QB Mac Jones, Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence and Florida QB Kyle Trask. Smith won with 1,856 points and 447 first-place votes.  The previous Heisman winner at Smith’s position was Michigan’s Desmond Howard, in 1991.

In the NFL
Wild card weekend this Saturday with the Colts playing the Buffalo Bills, Rams playing the Seahawks and the Buccaneers at Washington.  On Sunday, Baltimore plays Tennessee, Chicago goes to New Orleans, and Cleveland is in Pittsburgh with an 815 kick off

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 5, 2021

MOST RECENT COVID-19 BAN LIFTED YESTERDAY
As of Monday, some COVID19 mitigation restrictions were lifted by Governor Wolf but there are still guidelines to follow.  Restaurants and bars can resume indoor dining at 50% capacity with alcohol able to be served with a meal and sales ending at 11 p.m. Gyms can reopen and high school  basketball, wrestling and swimming is able to begin.  Entertainment venues are able to operate at 50% capacity with limits determined using maximum occupancy calculator.  The PA Department of Health reminds residents should limit unnecessary travel and that face coverings are required to be worn indoors and outdoors if you are away from your home. You can find the full list of the state’s updated COVID-19 guidelines here.

SWEARING-IN CEREMONY IN HARRISBURG TODAY
Local Lawmakers of the Pennsylvania General Assembly will be sworn-in today in the Chamber of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, including Joe Hamm of the 84th Legislative District, Jeff C. Wheeland state representative in the 83rd Legislative District, and Sen. Gene Yaw will also take the oath as state Senator representing the 23rd Senatorial District.  However the swearing in of Sen. Jim Brewster, of Allegheny County, who defeated challenger Nicole Ziccarelli by 69 votes Nov. 3 election, is being challenged by  the GOP.  The Democrat Senate Minority Leader  called the Republicans’ refusal to swear in Brewster during Tuesday’s ceremony “unlawful” and suggested that his caucus will go to court.

COVID UPDATE
Case counts of Covid-19 are unusually low according to the PA Department of Health due to technical maintenance to the data server on Sunday, but at this time, Lycoming County reports 42 new cases, 100 new Northumberland County cases, However, Montour’s case count was reconciled after the weekend to 1,153.  Statewide, there are 8,992 cases of the coronavirus reported.  There were 122 new fatalities due to COVID-19.

LYCO COLLEGE GETS GRANT FOR MUSIC DEPARTMENT
A $5.5 million construction project is set to begin in Spring 202, after Lycoming College received a $500,000 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant.  According to the Sun Gazette, college administrators say construction will include a new music facility that will be at the corner of East Fourth and Basin streets with a connection  created between the two buildings. The new facility will consist of classroom space, a rehearsal hall, practice rooms, offices and a conference room.

MAN JAILED FOR VIOLATING PFA
Following repeated violations of a Protection from Abuse order, a McElhattan man has been incarcerated.  According to NorthCentral PA .com, 63 year old James Anthony Warner Jr was sentenced December 14th to 343 days in jail.  Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse said the man harassed the protected party three times, ignoring the PFA issued by the Court of Common Pleas.

VACCINE DISTRIBUTION SHOULD RAMP UP AFTER HOLIDAY
Dr. Rachel Levine, Secretary of the PA Department of Health said yesterday that vaccine distribution numbers nationally have been much lower than originally predicted, but now that the holiday are over, distribution numbers should be ramping up now that recent funding is on the way from the newly signed COVID relief bill that will help start mass vaccination clinics in the commonwealth.  Dr. Levine says the vaccination process will use local pharmacies to help with distribution as well.

LOCAL HOSPITAL VACCINATES OVER 10,000 PATIENTS
Geisinger Health system has announced they have vaccinated more than 10,000 people with the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. According to a press release, they are innoculating community health care personnel, including EMS workers, with both the Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at its facilities. As one of the first health care systems in the Commonwealth to receive the vaccine, about 40 percent of Geisinger staff have received the first dose of the vaccine. Even with it being later in the year until the vaccine becomes widely available to the public, Geisinger is working to make it easy to receive both COVID vaccine doses, including making the vaccine available at no cost to patients.

SPORTS
NBA

76ers beat the Hornets 118 to 101, Magic beat the Cavaliers 103 to 83, Knicks beat the Hawks 113 to 108, Heat beat Thunder 118 to 90, Celtics beat the Raptors 126 to 114, Mavericks beat the Rockets 113 to 100, Bucks beat the Pistons 125 to 115, Pacers beat the Pelicans 118 to 116, Warriors beat the Kings 137 to 106

NCAA Basketball
It was announced yesterday that the NCAA will host its entire postseason men’s basketball tournament in Indianapolis and surrounding areas with a bubble-like format.  All 68 teams will come to compete for the national championship and play most of the games at multiple venues.  Most of the teams will stay in hotels connected to the Indiana Convention Center, which will be used as a practice facility. Selection Sunday is still March 14, and the Final Four is set to start April 3rd at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

NCAA Women’s Basketball
No. 16 Ohio State held on for an 82-69 win over Penn State women Monday night in Big Ten action at Value City Arena.

In the NFL
Wild card weekend this Saturday with the Colts playing the Buffalo Bills, Rams playing the Seahawks and the Buccaneers at Washington, Sunday, Baltimore plays Tennessee, Chicago goes to New Orleans, and Cleveland is in Pittsburgh with an 815 kick off

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 4, 2021

SOME SCHOOLS EXTENDING REMOTE LEARNING
Over the weekend, several schools have updated their learning mode for the week.  East Lycoming School District high school will stay in remote instruction through January 6th, with Hughesville returning to in-person instruction on January 11th.  The elementary schools will reopen today.  South Williamsport District has called a 2-hour delay this morning due to weather but will continue remote learning through this week.  All South students are tentatively planning to return to in-person mode January 11th as well. Students in the Loyalsock Township School District will continue with remote instruction this week, but will provide transportation for students attending the Lycoming County Career and Technical School today.

DUI ACCIDENT SLOWED BRIDGE TRAFFIC
Traffic was slowed along the Market Street bridge last week due to an alleged DUI accident.  According to the Sun Gazette, a driver had minor injuries following a rear-end collision  last Tuesday night around 9pm that police say involved Anne Bender-Brennan who was taken into custody.  South Williamsport police said the passenger of the car that was hit in the accident was treated and released the next day, the driver was unharmed.  Traffic was reportedly stopped on the bridge southbound til about 10pm while crews cleaned up the debris from the wreck.

FLAGS LOWERED IN HONOR OF STATE LAWMAKERS
Commonwealth Flags will continue to fly at half-staff today to honor the passing of State Representative Mike Reese, who died Saturday.  Reese represented the 59th Legislative District from 2009 to 2021.  The United States flag has flown at half-staff since Thursday, December 31, 2020 in honor of former Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh, and should remain at half-staff until the date of the former Governor’s interment

COVID UPDATE
The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed a two-day total of 16,967 new cases of the coronavirus as of January 2nd 2021.  There are 289 new cases in Northumberland County, 62 in Union County residents have tested positive, Snyder County has 43, Montour County has 45 more cases.  There are 5,624 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 and 1,172 patients are in the intensive care unit. Statewide percent positivity for last week stood at 15%.

POLICE CAR STOLEN WITH K-9 PATROL INSIDE
A Williamsport Bureau of Police car with Tacoma, the city K-9 police dog, inside, was stolen on December 23rd by a Williamsport man who is now in custody.  According to the Sun Gazette, 39 year old Christopher Dryden contacted city police through the intercom at the rear of city hall and then got in the cruiser and drove it off the rear ramp there.  Dryden allegedly tormented the police dog who was attempting to protect the vehicle as he was trained to do.  Two officers chased the car on foot, one reaching the car and tazing the suspect who is now confined to Lycoming County Prison, unable to post the 7500 dollars bail.  Tacoma was unharmed.

PUBLIC INVITED TO MAKE THEIR OWN BUTTER SCULPTURE
With only a virtual Pennsylvania farm show experience this year, residents are now being asked to create their own butter sculpture for next week’s Butter Up! Contest.  The Department of Agriculture announced an opportunity for Pennsylvanians to win one of a variety of gift cards from members of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA). Individuals can use up to 5 pounds of butter to craft their own sculptures and enter them – the contest on the Farm Show Facebook page will be open for submissions from Saturday January 9 through Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 8:00 PM.  Go to farmshow.pa.gov for guidelines

FISH AND BOAT COMISSION TO MEET VIRTUALLY
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will conduct a virtual meeting of the Fisheries and Hatcheries Committee this Thursday,  at 2pm due to the continued public health concerns related to COVID-19, and PFBC staff will be participating remotely. You can watch a live stream of the meeting on Facebook.com by searching for PA Fish and Boat.  Those wanting to submit a public comment should (717) 705-7846 this morning beginning at 8:00 a.m. through tomorrow at noon.

 

SPORTS
NFL

The Bills beat the Dolphins 56-26, the Ravens beat the Bengals 38 to 3, Browns beat the Steelers 24 to 22, Washington beat the Eagles 20 to 14, Patriots beat the Jets 28-14, New York Giants beat the Cowboys 23-19, Chargers beat the Chiefs 38-21, Vikings beat the Lions 37-35, Buccaneers beat the Falcons 44-27, Packers beat the Bears 35-16, Raiders beat the Broncos 30 to 31, Colts beat the Jaguars 28-14, Rams beat the Cardinals 18 -7, Seahawks over the 49ers 26-23, Saints beat the Panthers 33-7, Titans beat the Texans 41-38.

NBA
Celtics beat the Pistons 122 to 120, Wizards beat the Nets 123 to 122, Lakers beat the Grizzlies 108 to 94, Nuggets beat the Timberwolves 124 to 109, Jazz beat the Spurs 130 to 109, Bulls beat the Mavericks 118 to 108, Clippers beat the Suns 112-107, and the Warriors beat the Trailblazers 137 to 122

Tonight Basketball
The 76ers play Charlotte Hornets tonight at seven and the Knicks go to Atlanta fort 7pm tip-off.

College basketball
In the opening weekend of Patriot League play Navy had a 63-60 win over Bucknell on Sunday evening.  Bucknell’s next game is on Saturday against Lafayette.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 24, 2020

FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT
Rain is expected to impact the city, and we might see 2 to 3 inches to fall over the next 18 hour period. This hard driving rain is expected to continue into Christmas morning. City crews are ready for flooding, having removed much of the snow from drainage basins. Residents are asked to make sure their drains and basins are clear and to remember basement flooding is possible if a drain remains clogged by snow.  Look for heavy rainfall and melting snow to also cause a rise in the Susquehanna River. There’s a flood watch in the area until noon on Christmas Day and Loyalsock township in particular ,  there is a flood warning for Loyalsock Creek

LEGISLATION IN 2021 COULD HELP RESTAURANTS
The General Assembly will return to work early in January and will be asked to consider the $145 million spending plan proposed by Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday.  According to the AP, the worker’s compensation fund could help businesses cope with the coronavirus pandemic. During the online news conference Wolf said the funds need to go to the local bars and restaurants who continue to struggle with restrictions that remain in effect.  House Republicans blamed Wolf’s policies for the pandemic’s effect on businesses. The fund, financed by premiums on workers’ compensation insurance policies, ensures claims are paid if an insurer becomes insolvent.

MAN ASSAULTS FAST FOOD WORKER
A man upset with his incorrect fast food order grabbed an employee through the drive thru window last Sunday and was later arrested for disorderly conduct by State Police.  According to North Central PA dot com, 41 year old Anthony Rodrigues of Milton threatened the employee through the speaker at the Burger king in East Chillisquaque Township a little after 9:30th on December 20th and then come to the window and made contact.  According to a public information release, Rodrigues was also charged with harassment

SENATOR YAW APPROVES PORTER TOWNSHIP GRANT
A $1 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant for a Porter Township, has been secured by State Sen. Gene Yaw yesterday.  The Jersey Shore Borough project will rehabilitate a 153,000 square foot shipping-and-distribution warehouse currently owned by Bald Birds Brewing Company.  The funds will help transition the facility to a brewery and events center.  Lycoming County then could be poised to be one of the state’s leaders in the nation’s craft beer industry.

ELECTRICITY COULD GO OUT FROM STORMS
In anticipation of the predicted storm to our area, which is expected to bring high winds, lots of rain, and possibly even snow into the evening hours, PPL Electric Utilities said it’s bringing in extra resources to assist with restoration efforts.  PPL warns customers that the power may go out on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Outages can be reported online at pplelectric.com/outage, by texting “Outage” to TXTPPL (898775) or by phone at 1-800-342-5775.

FIRE IN TURBOT TOWNSHIP
Over a half dozen fire companies responded to a fire in Turbot township this week.  According to media outlets the four alarm fire in Northumberland County began around 11pm Tuesday night at a garage on Broadway road near Milton.  When firefightrers arrived on the scene flames were visible through the roof of Bressler’s garage – crews were still on the scene early Wednesday investigating the incident.

COVID REGIONAL UPDATE
COVID cases in the region continue to rise. Montour County is the hot spot with 187 new cases, Lycoming County has 154 new cases, Northumberland County has 78 new cases Union has 55 new cases Clinton County has an increase of 39 cases.  According to the Department of Health confirmed 9,605 new cases  and 230 new deaths have also been confirmed in the commonwealth. As far as the significant mutation seen in the virus that causes it to spread more rapidly like they’ve seen in the UK According to the PA Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine,  there’s been no evidence of any significant mutations in Pennsylvania or in the United States.

LOCAL CADETS GRADUATE
Eighteen cadets including 7 from Lycoming County graduated  from the 37th class of the Mansfield University Municipal Police Academy last Saturday.  Charles Schwab of Williamsport received the Christine Shegan Top Academic award as well as the Keith Graver Top Firearms award. Ericka Heath of Lycoming County earned the James Fox Top Driver award and Williamsport’s Loretta Clark was also presented with the Barbara Butcher Top Physical Fitness award.  The 25-week academy requires 919 hours of instruction and development of personal skills.  The Mansfield University Police Academy was certified in 1977 and graduated its first class in 1978

SPORTS

NBA
The Cavaliers beat the Hornets 121 to 114, the Pacers beat the Knicks 121 to 107, Magic beat Heat 113 to 107, 76ers beat the Wizards 113 to 107, the Celtics beat the Bucks 122 to 121, Pelicans over the Raptors 113 to 99, the Hawks beat the Bulls 124 to 104, the Spurs over the Grizzlies 131 to 119, the Timberwolves with the Pistons 111 to 101, the Kings beat the Nuggets 124 to 122, the Jazz beat Trailblazers 120 to 100, Suns over the Mavericks 106 to 102 – Thunder and rockets were postponed

Upcoming NFL games

Vikings and the Saints play Friday at 4:30 PM in New Orleans, Saturday the Buccaneers play the Lions at 1 PM in Michigan, the 49ers and Cardinals get together at 4:30 in Arizona, the Dolphins play the Raiders in Las Vegas at 8:15

Sunday at 1pm Falcons  vs the Chiefs in Kansas City, Browns vs the Jets, Steelers vs the Colts in Pittsburgh, Giants vs the Ravens in Baltimore and  Bengals play the Texans in Houston, @ 4:05 the Broncos vs Chargers, Panthers vsWashington, the Eagles play the Cowboys at 4:25 and

Monday night football Bills vs the New England Patriots with an 815 Kick off

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 23, 2020

CITY: CLEAR STORM DRAINS OF ICE AND DEBRIS TO AVOID LOCAL FLOODING
With the anticipated snow melt and re-freeze expected for the end of this week, the Williamsport Bureau of Fire chief said the city streets and parks department crews will be working today and tomorrow to clear snow, ice, and debris from as many storm drains as possible to avoid the possibility of localized flooding.  According to the Sun Gazette, Chief Mark Killian is also asking residents to clean storm drains and basins at their homes and on their properties.   The National Weather Service is forecasting for 2 or more inches of rain combined with 2 inches of snow melt on Christmas Eve. There is a flood watch in effect from noon Thursday until noon Christmas or Friday
WATER TRUCK HIT POLE AFTER ACCIDENT
A water tank truck crashed into a power pole following a collision with another vehicle Monday night in Loyalsock Township around 9pm.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say a Jeep driven by a minor male with a female passenger collided with a truck, owned by Heckman Water Resources, was heading southbound on Lycoming Creek Road and attempted a right turn onto Colvin Road.  The truck went on to hit a power pole after the crash.  Both vehicles were totaled but no one was injured.  Several fire companies responded to the downed power line and the scene was cleared by 10:30pm.

STIMULUS DEAL STILL UNSETTLED
Congressman Fred Keller of Kreamer voted against the COVID relief measure worth $900 billion bill, saying it spends ‘well beyond’ our nation’s means. According to the Sun Gazette, Keller says the bill lacks critical protections.  President Trump, last night, said he wants more in direct payments to go to Americans and will not sign the bill.  As of yesterday, the aid package included $600 in direct payments, $300 per week in enhanced federal unemployment benefits and more than $284 billion in Paycheck Protection Program loans for businesses. NO word on the fate of the bill at this time.

LOCAL DONATION ADDS TO WILLIAMSPORT POLICE K-9 PROGRAM
Williamsport Bureau of Police announced that there are new funds that will go toward expanding their Canine (K-9) program, thanks to a 15 thousand dollar donation Monday from Lou and Nicole Miele of local business Pennsylvania Skill.   The donation funds will be used in support of the Bureau’s current Canine (K9) training and equipment and operations hopeful adding a future third K-9 team.

LYCOMING COUNTY COVID UPDATE
The state Department of Health confirmed 231 new statewide deaths,  and 7,962 new coronavirus cases as of yesterday.   Lycoming County’s COVID case count increased by 66, and there were 54 new Northumberland County cases.  Union County has 62 new cases and Snyder has 16.  There were more deaths reported as of Monday in local counties according to the health department with 18 deaths in Clinton County, Lycoming County reports 4 and  Tioga County had two fatalities. Statewide hospitalizations are now over 6,100, including over 1,200 in the ICU and over 700 on ventilators.

LINDEN MAN ACCUSED OF RAPE
A Linden man accused of rape is in jail after he attempted the assault of a clerk at a Renovo business last week.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say a 59-year-old woman allege that a man identified as 35 year old Lance Baker forced the attempted sexual assault in the back room of a business where she was working about 10pm on December 17th . Renovo Police apprehended Baker on Dec. 18 in the 700 block of Erie Avenue in Renovo Borough.  In a separate criminal complaint, Baker is charged in Lycoming County with misdemeanor indecent assault from an incident in October and is being held at the Clinton County Correctional Facility in lieu of $50,000 bail

NEW APP FOR COVID TRACING
Pennsylvania is encouraging residents to use a new app to help trace and discover COVID exposure in the Commonwealth.  If a user is diagnosed with the coronavirus the app will note their risk, demographic info and travel habits and use it for COVID detection in a community. Over 700,000 users are using the app at this time and allows the PA Department of Health to track the virus in record time.  You can download the app from your Google Play Store or Apple App Store and downloading the free COVID Alert PA app to your smartphone.

LOTS TO TRAVEL THIS CHRISTMAS
AAA Travel predicts that as many as 84.5 million Americans will travel over the next 10 days. Although warnings exist, much as they did before Thanksgiving, travelers are still heading out. According to reports, approximately 10 million people flew during the Thanksgiving holiday.  If you aren’t willing to stay home, the CDC requires a 10 day quarantine without a negative test result within 72 hours of arriving in the state

SPORTS
NBA

The NBA kicked off the season last night…
Nets beat the Warriors 125 to 99, Clippers beat the Lakers 116 to 109

NFL

Central Mountain graduate and former Penn State standout Robbie Gould kicked his 400th career field goal in Sunday’s game with the San Francisco 49ers. Gould is the 11th player in NFL history to do so.

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 22, 2020

PENNSYLVANIA PRISONS RACKING UP CORONAVIRUS CASES
SCI Muncy is among the SCI facilities across the state being ravaged by positive COVID cases within the prison’s system.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Department of Corrections reports 5, 545 active COVID inmate cases and 190 staff also infected with the virus in SCI facilities.  Fifty one prisoners have died from COVID-19 during the pandemic.  Prison officials say they have mitigation measures in place at their prisons   including a testing protocol when inmates are released or transferred.  Staff testing is voluntary.

2ND FDA-APPROVED VACCINE HEADING TO PA THIS WEEK
The Moderna vaccine for coronavirus was approved by the FDA this week and Pennsylvania hospitals are awaiting the arrival of about 198 thousand doses which does not need to be kept at sub zero temperatures  and will make it’s way to more rurally centered hospitals. A partnership between area pharmacies and local skilled nursing facilities will see an implementation of vaccinations for residents and staff that should start next week.  Over 30 thousand doses of the Pfizer vaccine will come to the commonwealth as well with over 17 thousand Pennsylvania  health care workers have already been vaccinated with the first dose.

PA MAN ATTEMPTING TO REGISTER DECEASED RELATIVE TO VOTE CHARGED WITH  PERJURY
A Pennsylvania man who attempted to register both his deceased mother and mother in law to vote in Delaware County, faces charges of unlawful voting and perjury.  According to the Associated Press, the District Attorney said in a news conference that 70 year old Bruce Bartman filled out paperwork using his mother’s former driver’s license number to obtain an absentee ballot and then returned it fraudulently.  Bartman did not successfully get a ballot for his passed mother in law. Lawyers for the case say the man told investigators that he registered the women as Republicans to help President Trump win the election and say his is the only fraudulent voting case the Delaware county office has seen.

PHEASANTS STOCKED THIS WEEK FOR THE SEASON
Pheasants are being released in Pennsylvania and hunting is open statewide.  The birds may be hunted today through Thursday,  but not on Christmas day.  According to the Game commission, the season reopens Saturday and runs through Feb. 27.  The seventh and final pheasant releases of 2020 are scheduled for today and Wednesday. More than 10% of the pheasants allocated for release in 2020 are stocked during these late-season releases. Statewide, more than 23,000 pheasants will be stocked for the late season.

LYCOMING COUNTY COVID 19 UPDATE
There were 207 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lycoming County since data was released from the Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday.  In the same time, 160 new Northumberland County cases have been confirmed Clinton County’s case count increased by 107,  There are 82 new cases in Union County, Snyder has 63 new cases.  Over 15,000 new statewide COVID-19 cases have been confirmed the last two days, and there are 156 new fatalities reported including one Lycoming County resident

MAN ATTEMPTS TO ROB PHARMACY, ARRESTED
A man from Liverpool who was the suspect that attempted to rob the CVS Pharmacy inside the Target at Monroe Marketplace Monday has been arrested by Selinsgrove State police.  According to police reports, 36-year-old Eric Shingara approached a pharmacist at the store and demanded prescription medication. When the pharmacist did not respond to his demands, police say he pulled a knife then fled the store.  Selinsgrove State Police said there were no injuries and made the arrest at Shingara’s home last night, after ID’ing the man from surveillance footage.  Shingara was arraigned with bail set at 30 thousand dollars.

MAN LEADS POLICE ON 25 MILE CHASE FROM MONTOURSVILLE
A man from Philadelphia suspected to be under the influence and a female passenger led Pennsylvania State police on a 25 mile chase that went from the Montoursville Walmart parking lot to Northumberland County Sunday night.  According to the Sun Gazette, 911 was called on Tamir Hall-Jones when he allegedly had parked his damaged 2013 Chevy Malibu in the drop off zone of the Walmart, and once police arrived they asked an apparently intoxicated Hall-Jones for identification.  When he went to the car to find the paperwork Hall-Jones took off on Rt 147 toward Milton , later crashing into the snow near Shakespeare Road overpass in Northumberland County.  Hall Jones now faces 16 charges including fleeing from police while under the influence.  Hall Jones is in Lycoming County prison awaiting arraignment,  his passenger was not charged .

LAST DAY FOR COVID TESTING AT MONTOUR-DELONG FAIRGROUNDS
Today is the last day for the regional drive-thru and indoor walk-in testing clinic at the Montour-Delong Community Fairgrounds going on from 9a-6p.  Up to 450 patients can be tested. Mid-nasal swabs will be performed on a first-come, first-serve basis and is completely free to all patients.  Individuals who are tested should self-isolate while they await results.  The address of the fairgrounds is 5848 Broadway Road, in Danville.

SPORTS
NFL Monday Night Football
Bengals beat the Steelers 27-17

Vikings play the Saints on Christmas Day with a 4:30pm kick off in New Orleans,
Steelers play the Colts Sunday in Pittsburgh with that kick off at 1pm, Giants and the Ravens play at the same time Sunday in Baltimore.

Women’s College b-ball

Purdue beat the Lady Lions of PSU 91-87, PSU’s game against Michigan on the road has been postponed due to COVID in the Michigan program.  NO make up date has been announced.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 20, 2020

Tampered Serial Number On Handgun

Officer Nicholas Carrita pulled over a 28 year old Breliun McCloe after noticing his registration had expired. McCloe told the officer he was on his way to work, and told him that he was on probation for a simple drug charge. After a look through the computer it was found that it was for weapon and cocaine possession. After a pat down, and an interrogation, the officer decided to search the vehicle, where he found a handgun with an obliterated serial number.  It was later found in court however, that the warrant was not justified, because no reasonable suspiscion of danger was found when McCloe was pulled over, causing the handgun to be thrown out as evidence byu judge Nancy L. Butts.

Attorney General Office Shuts Down California Based Scam

The Office of Attorney General Josh Shapiro has taken credit for shutting down a California based company that was accused of scamming students with an illegal loan forgiveness scheme. The company will now have to cease operations, and reimburse the $74,000 to PA consumers that participated. They will also be required to pay $50,000 dollars in penalties and fees. Shapiro has released a statement recently saying that consumers should be aware of the scammer mentality, and that only scammers promise fast loan forgiveness with upfront fees.

Public Drunkenness/Possession Charges Filed

Chy Ann McCormick, a 46 year old from Williamsport was cited for pulic drunkenness. Officer Christopher Salisbury responded to the call, and wrote in an affidavit that she alledgedly walked onto a porch to a residence on memorial avenue, causing a loud disturbance by banging on the door. She was apparently so intoxicated that she could not walk. She was arraigned in front of Judge Aaron Biichle later that night and charged with defiant trespassing, public drunkenness, and loitering. The bail was set at 17,000 dollars. Aaron Haefner, a 45 year old man of 1413 Scott St was charged with possision after being pulled over in his red ford Taurus by state troopers. 7 blue waxen bags of heroin were found on his person along with paraphernalia. He is scheduled to appear before Judge marc Lovecchio on January 4th.

Sports

NFL

The College Football Playoff semifinal scheduled to take place at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, has been moved to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the Rose Bowl announced Saturday. The game will take place on Jan. 1

NHL

The NHL told its seven Canadian-based teams Thursday that there is a possibility they will have to play in the United States this season due to roadblocks with Canadian health authorities. The NHL had been hoping to play a 56-game season starting Jan. 13 with teams playing in their own arenas. However, provincial health authorities in Canada have challenged some of the NHL’s proposed protocols, which could force a change.

MMA

MMA coach Rafael ‘Barata’ de Freitas pleads not guilty to third-degree criminal sexual penetration Wednesday in Albuquerque (New Mexico) Metropolitan Court. De Freitas, who is married, was arrested last weekend after allegations that he drugged and sexually assaulted a student at her home, with the alleged attack caught on video. He is still being held in custody without bond.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 19, 2020

James V. Brown Library to Transition to No Fee Policy

The James V. Brown Public Libraries board of trustees held a meeting via zoom, stating that one of their goals for the coming new year was to be fine free. According to the sun gazette, Barbara S. McGary, the libraries executive director said that there are so many people in the community that have racked up 20 to 40 dollars in late fees, barring many from ever using their services, essentially harming many families and children. They hope their transition will encourage the other 6 libraries in the community will follow suit, as many within the system believe this move will help uplift more impoverished people in the long run. The Library will be reaching out to those with late fee’s, to welcome them back in the future. She notes that patrons, who are responsible for damaging or losing any books, will still be held responsible for reimbursement.

UPMC Donates $5,000 Dollars to Food Bank

UPMC has made a 5,000 dollar contribution to the central Pennsyllvanian Food Bank’s Health Innovations Program. The intent of the health innovations program is to connect those served by this program with members of the health commuty to promote healthy lifestyles. According to the sun gazette, Chief Medical Officer David Lopatofsky says that the contribution is a symbol of their appreciation for the providers and members of the program that continue to reshape healthcare delivery and build a brighter future in the region.

UPMC Start Phase 1 of Pfizer Vaccine Distribution

Medical Staff at UPMC’s Williamsport hospital are receiving their first rounds of the Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19, with front line workers being the first recipients due to their increased contact with the virus. As time marches on, and more vaccines are produced, hospital staff will begin to more broadly distribute it among their ranks. As of now, 390 vials are in the hands of the hospital, giving them around 1, 950 doses to work with. Statewide, a massive 97,500 doses have been distributed, in phase one of three. According to the PA department of health, after front line workers are vaccinated, next comes populations deemed as high risk, with the general population receiving the last rounds in phase 3.

2 Charged For Heroin Distribution

2 people were charged for allegedly selling heroin to a confidential informant in union county and face a felony charge if convicted. Daniel Engleman, a 30year old man of sunbury, and Miranda Bingaman, a 23 year old female of Watsontown are being pursued by prosecutors for manufacturing, delivering and possession with intent to deliver, along with various other misdemeanor charges stemming from the arrest. The confidential informant is cited to have bought 100$ of product 2 separate times. Charges were filed on December 9th.

City Council Finalizes Budget (Sort Of)

After weeks of negotiations, city council has finally moved forward with the budget proposals, approving mayor Derek slaughters $29 million 2021 budget, with a plan to not set anything in stone. Council members will be attempting to reopen the budget as January approaches to gauge how well the budget will be working, as well as analyzing it further to see if they can cut funding even further. As of now, if the council wanted to have a 0$ tax increase they would need to cut an additional $434,000. In a perfect world, many within the council would prefer a 0$ tax increase due to the hardships many business’ have gone through this, but want to avoid cutting to much to cover unseen expenses that may rise to the occasion as the new year approaches.

COVID-19 Induced Bureaucracy

Yvonne Newkirk found herself in a bureaucratic nightmare, after her brother Edward ball, an inmate of the Luzerne County corrections facility, was hospitalized with covid during his sentence, eventually passing away due to the virus. According to the sun gazette, Newkirk was a frequent visitor to her brother at the facility, and was very concerned when 3 weeks passed with 0 contact with him. Newkirk tried to contact him, but kept getting bounced back and forth between the hospital housing him and the prison, both citing HIPAA, a federal act meant to protect the privacy of medical records. She was unable to be with her brother before his passing, and was very upset with the lack of involvement with her despite her being power of attorney. As covid ravages prison populations the problematic limbo caused by HIPAA and the prison guidelines continue to cause grief to family members of the incarcerated.

Sports

NBA

Vanessa Bryant, the widow of Kobe Bryant, has denounced a lawsuit from her mother claiming she is owed years of pay for working as an unpaid assistant and support promised by the basketball legend, who was killed in a helicopter crash in January.The 48-page lawsuit filed by Sofia Urbieta Laine, 68, claims that Kobe Bryant “promised to take care” of her for life.”going on to accuse Vanessa Bryant of taking each and every step she could to void and cancel all of Kobe’s promises,” the lawsuit claims, asserting that Vanessa Bryant never intended to honor any of his wishes.

MLB

The Tampa Bay Rays have signed right-hander Michael Wacha to a one-year, $3 million contract, the team announced Friday, filling a void in the rotation left by the departure of Charlie Morton.

Sports

College Sports

Lycoming college will be adding some additions to their athletics department in the 2022 -23 school year, after the school board of trustees granted its approval on Thursday. The warriors will be adding womens field hockey, and baseball in a move to stabilize enrollment numbers. Over the last decade enrollment has fallen for private institutions across the board with Lycoming college being no exception. Adding these new programs will hopefully encourage more athletes to attend in the coming years. As of now the school plans to search for coaches over the next year.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 18, 2020

CLINTON COUNTY CRASH UPDATE
Following the fatal wreck that occurred in Clinton County Wednesday afternoon that has kept the interstate closed as crews  clear over 60 tractor trailers and cars from the roadway, one westbound lane is now open between I- 180 in Northumberland County and the 178/Lock Haven interchange in Clinton County.  Penn DOT says both eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 opened yesterday afternoon.  The detour has now been lifted using I-180W and Route 220 South.  The multi-car pile-up accident began Wednesday afternoon during the beginning of the snow storm that brought white out conditions and involved 55 tractor trailers and 11 passenger cars.  According to State police, two people died in accidents involved in the crash, one person died from a medical condition while in the backed up traffic.

SUNBURY HAS WATER MAIN BREAK ALONG WITH SNOW STORM
Plow crews in Sunbury had extra work to manage after a water main break occurred Wednesday night at Fourth and Reagan Streets.  According to media outlets, City Administrator Jody Ocker said ambulance crews struggled with the snowy conditions while responding to an emergency on Greenough Street, and plows were temporarily stuck due to the weight of the snow and occasional rain that fell.  More snow should be removed from Market street as of today, with more plow work scheduled for Arch Walnut and Chestnut streets tonight.

lYCOMING coUNTY COVID UPDATE
Lycoming County reports 167 new coronavirus cases today, Northumberland County  has 116, Tioga County has 73 new today, Snyder County has 54, Union and Clinton Counties both have 44 new cases .  Lycoming County has 91 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 16 in the ICU, with 7 on ventilators and 2 available Adult ICU beds.  The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed yesterday that there are 9,966 additional positive cases of COVID-19, and there were 224 new deaths reported.

WILLIAMSPORT SNOWFALL BREAKS THE RECORD
Williamsport had an official record amount of snow Wednesday and Thursday totaling 24.7 inches beating the record of 24.1 inches set in 1964, according to weather outlets and Wednesday ties for the second highest one day snowfall in December.  According to Accuweather, temperatures will stay below 32 for a few more days and another weather event heading toward northeastern PA could bring more snow to the region before Christmas.

VACCINE SHIPMENT STILL ON TRACK DURING STORMY CONDITIONS
The major snow storm that dumped two feet of snow on Williamsport, has not slowed the region’s chance to receive shipments of the coronavirus vaccine this week.  According to the Sun Gazette, there are Pfizer vaccination allocations going to over 80 state hospitals, including UPMC Williamsport alongside UPMC Lock Haven, Cole in Potter County and Wellsboro. 16 hospitals have received the first allocation of the Pfizer vaccination, with over 1,000 doses already distributed.  Geisinger has already received between 2,000 and 3,000 doses at some of their local hospitals, and has started vaccinating their front-line healthcare workers.  Dr. Rachel Levine said there’s a plan for the Pfizer, Moderna or two other anticipated-to-be-approved vaccines to be administered through pharmacies such as CVS or Walgreens as well as through primary care physicians and related clinics.

COUPLE ACCUSED OF ABUSE WAIVE PRELIMINARY HEARING
The estranged Williamsport couple accused of abusing their 8 children have had their bail adjusted after waiving their respective preliminary hearings.  Matthew and Christine Zeigler, were arraigned on charges related to 16 years of alleged abuse including excessive spanking, being locked up for punishment and being denied food.  A judge allowed an exception to a no-contact rule for Christine Zeigler who asked to be in contact with the three minors for family therapy, however the mother is not allowed to contact her other children.  Matthew Ziegler’s bail was modified to 100 thousand dollars for his charges including endangering the welfare of children and indecent assault.

A COALITION FILES SUIT AGAINST GOOGLE
A coalition of 37 State Attorney’s General along with Josh Shapiro have filed suit against Google LLC alleging that Google illegally maintains its monopoly power over other search engines and advertising markets,  depriving consumers of competition that could lead to greater choice, innovation, and better privacy protections.  The attorneys general ask the court to halt Google’s illegal conduct and restore a competitive marketplace. The complaint is in conjunction with a pending U.S. DOJ case.

LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL GOING REMOTE
Hughesville High School will go to remote learning through 2021 with the Elementary schools remaining in traditional “face to face” instruction.The East Lycoming School District Thursday.released information about a student has been deemed “presumed positive” in the Junior & Senior High School, and  because this is the fourth case in their 14 day rolling average, they will shift to remote instruction today and continue in remote instruction until January 4th. Students can find their class schedule for remote learning on Sapphire as well as in their email.

SPORTS

NFL
Thursday night Football
LA Charges defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 30-27

 

Buffalo Play Denver on Saturday at 4:30
Carolina Panthers go to Green Bay at 8:15

NCAA Football

Saturday

Northwestern vs Ohio State – noon on FOX
Illinois comes to Penn State at 5:30pm

The Sun Belt Conference championship game between No. 19 Louisiana and No. 12 Coastal Carolina has been canceled because of a positive COVID-19 test within the Coastal Carolina program.  The conference will recognize Louisiana and Coastal Carolina as co-champions.

UCLA will not pursue the opportunity to play in a bowl game, joining a growing list of college teams deciding to not extend their season due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.  The Bruins are one of just two teams in the Pac-12 that have played the full six-game allotment that the conference had scheduled to this point, and they are expected to host Stanford on Saturday in what will be the season finale for both teams.

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