BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 12, 2021

PA LAWMAKERS ON OPPOSITE SIDE OF IMPEACHMENT DEBATE
Two Pennsylvania lawmakers are split on the decision to pursue impeachment proceedings against President Trump in a vote today on the resolution.  According to the Sun Gazette, Representative Fred Keller a Republican from Kreamer is in strong opposition to the Democrats plan saying impeachment will sow a greater division in the nation.  Senator Bob Casey of Scranton has called for the impeachment of the president and also accountability for those members of Congress who continued to drive toward the effort to overthrow the election. Casey said President Trump betrayed his oath to the Constitution and incited a mob to violence.

HOMELESS MAN FOUND IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP IDENTIFIED
Police suspect the homeless man who was found deceased near a bike path in Loyalsock Township last Saturday passed away from hypothermia and cardiac issues.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Lycoming County Coroner said 67 year old Phillip Steele of Danville had been admitted to UPMC Williamsport before for heart problems.  Pennsylvania State police said he died on January 8th or 9th, but do not suspect foul play in Steele’s death.

PENNDOT PLANS RESURFACING THIS SUMMER
Road resurfacing  and accessibility upgrades are planned for the summer of 2021 in Downtown Williamsport on West Third Street between Walnut and Campbell Streets. In a Williamsport Area Transportation Study technical committee meeting Monday, a PennDOT District 3 spokesperson said the work will only be a resurfacing, not a reconstruction, which will improve the potholes but will still need a future reconstruction to permanently improve the roadway.  There will be about 70 curb cuts and ramps installed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

FARM SHOW PROGRAMS ENCOURAGE STEM LEARNING
The 2021 Virtual Farm show continues today and there are lots of virtual things for the kids to see and do.  Young learners can participate in a virtual scavenger hunt which can  enrich their agriculture and STEM knowledge and allow them to win prizes. There are also live cameras 6am til 8pm of ducklings and bee hives available for viewing at farmshow.pa.gov.  Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding launched “Cultivating Tomorrow,” this week; a series of live panel discussions featuring experts addressing  the issues challenging Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry. Twice a day, at 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM, through this Friday, January 15, watch a diverse array of panelists online daily on the PA Farm Show Facebook page.

SECOND GROUP OF VACCINE RECIPIENTS TO BE CALLED UP
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is beginning to plan a vaccination distribution for people 75 years and older and “essential workers”.  According to Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, the health department has been first focused on vaccinating health care workers and those in long term care facilities across the state.  This second group is being called the 1B group and includes first responders; prison guards; school staff; and food, manufacturing, postal, public transportation and grocery store workers. More than 285,000 shots have been given and the federal government has allocated more than 827,000 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to Pennsylvania
MAN SHOT HIMSELF ACCIDENTALLY IN THE LEG
A Hughesville man accidentally shot himself with the his friends gun in a moving car, on December 30th according to state police at Montoursville.  32 year old Kyle W. Zimmerman of Hughesville was a passenger in the vehicle and accidentally shot himself in the calf with the driver’s  Springfield XDS 9 mm handgun .  Scott D. Danielson, 54, of Grove City entered the parking lot of Sam’s Club, 611 Lycoming Mall Circle, Muncy Township, on July 25 when Zimmerman discharged the pistol, resulting in a need for medical treatment.  Danielson and Zimmerman each were charged with one second-degree misdemeanor count of recklessly endangering another person

COVID UPDATE
There are 51 new cases of coronavirus in Lycoming County as of midnight Monday, but in two days totals for Northumberland reports 86 new cases.  According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, in that same two day span there 12,844 additional positive cases and 186 new fatalities.  As a result of technical maintenance to the state’s data server on Sunday, some of the numbers may be reconciled later this week.  Lycoming has 64 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 7 in the ICU, 6 on ventilators and 6 available ICU beds.

OVERNIGHT FIRE IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY
The Muncy Volunteer Fire Company and the Muncy Township Fire Company assisted the Warrior Run Area Fire Department on the 600 block of Murray Road in Lewis Township, Northumberland County early this morning.  According to the Sun Gazette, crews were called to a chimney fire around 1am.  Fire personnel said the roof caught fire and the flames also damaged some parts of the first floor of the house and there is smoke damage reported but no injuries.  Three adults and one child were displaced and are now are living with family members.  The Fire Marshall is investigating the blaze.  Crews left the scene around 4:30am

SPORTS

HS Girls Basketball
Loyalsock  downed Montoursville 64-39, South Williamsport over St John Neumann Regional Academy 52 to 25, Hughesville beat Montgomery 44 to 18, and it was Lewisburg over Shikellamy 45-38
HS Boys Basketball
Saint John Neumann defeated South Williamsport 80 to 70, Muncy beat Montgomery 75 to 34, and Meadowbrook Christian over Columbia Montour VO- tech 51-40NCAA Championship game
Alabama beat Ohio State 52 to 24 to win their third college football national championship in six seasons
NBA
Hornets beat the Knicks 109 to 88, Grizzlies beat the Cavaliers 101 to 91, Bucks beat Magic 121 to 99, Wizards beat the Suns 128 to 107, Hawks beat the 76ers 112 to 94, Trailblazers beat the Raptors 112 -111, Kings beat the Pacers 127 to 122, Pelicans and Mavericks are postponed because of COVID issues
NBA tonight
Miami comes to Philadelphia at 7pm, and Denver is in Brooklyn for 730 tip-off
NFL Division playoffs
Saturday
NFC – Rams vs Packers @4:35 @Lambeau
AFC Ravens vs the Bills @ 8:15
Sunday
AFC – the Browns vs the Chiefs in Kansas City @ 3:05
NFC – Buccaneers vs the Saints @6:40 in New Orleans

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 11, 2021

PA LAWMAKER JOINS BIPARTISAN MOVE TO REQUEST TRUMPS RESIGNATION
Pennsylvania Republican Pat Toomey was on the Sunday news shows supporting an increasingly bipartisan move to call for President Trump to resign from his position as President of the United States.  Toomey’s words, along with those Republicans from Alaska and Missouri who are calling for Trumps resignation, chime in with national corporate statements, some refusing to consider future contributions to campaigns of lawmakers who supported challenges to Biden’s Electoral College win, including Blue Cross Blue Shield and Citigroup.  Impeachment is being considered, but Senate Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell said a trial could not happen before January 20th,   Vice President Mike has the option this week to invoke the 25th amendment, if it’s determined that the President is unfit for office.

GUNMAN WHO SHOT DELIVERY DRIVER IN CUSTODY
17 year old Nigel Staten-Chambers , was arraigned last week in Williamsport on new charges brought before him just prior to the preliminary hearing,  for the November incident where he allegedly fired five shots at a pizza delivery man on Market Street. According to police, the new case charges Staten-Chambers with allegedly firing five shots on Nov. 23 at a juvenile on Penn Street. Staten-Chambers will next appear in Middle district court for a preliminary hearing on the Penn Street incident January 15th,  then a formal arraignment is scheduled before Lycoming County Judge Nancy Butts Jan. 28.

NEW MANUFACTURING COMPANY COMING TO AREA
A manufacturer of  electronic and electromechanical devices has purchased Primus Technologies Corp., Williamsport and will relocate their headquarters from South Dakota, to Lycoming County.  Spartronics operates eight facilities in the United States and one in Vietnam.  According to the Suyn Gazette, Primus has employee base of about 400 people in Williamsport, but officials for the new company say there could be new hires.  The Acquisition was complete December 31st.

FARM SHOW ON THIS WEEK
Over 200 virtual exhibits are available during the 2021 Pennsylvania Farm Show that kicked off Saturday.  In-person events are canceled, but every day there will be live videos on the Farm Show Facebook page. According to Farm Show offifcials a new Pa. Farm Show trail map, is available showing vendors all across the commonwealth. A link to the farm show schedule is available  HERE.

DECEASED HOMELESS MAN FOUND IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP
A homeless man was found deceased along a bike path in Loyalsock Township.  According to the Sun Gazette, Lycoming County Coroner Charles Kiessling, is investigating the man’s death and unable to make a determination on the cause before seeing his medical records. Witnesses discovered the body Saturday and Kiessling says he was recognized for frequenting the area around the Market Street Bridge.  State police do not suspect foul play.

COVID UPDATE
Lycoming County has reported 75 new cases of the coronavirus as of Saturday, Northumberland County has 82 Union County has 65 new cases and. Montour has 36 Snyder has 43 new cases.  SCI Coal Township reports a major outbreak,  with 126 inmates infected, along with 15 staff.  According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health,  there are 10,178 new cases in the state and  273 new fatalities.

TALKS OF A UPMC HOSPITAL POLICE FORCE
UPMC Susquehanna is in talks with Williamsport Bureau of Police and the City of Williamsport to develop a police force at their hospital campuses so that officers would be empowered to make arrests when necessary. Officials say the force could initiate an armed security system at Williamsport and Divine Providence hospitals, however, a hospital security force would not respond to assist city police on incidents outside of the campuses.  Members of Williamsport City Council will continue to review the details and specifics of the mutual aid agreement.

RECORD FISH CAUGHT IN SUSQUEHANNA
A record flathead catfish was caught in the Susquehanna river in Pennsylvania.  According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, a Maryland resident Joshua Dixon was fishing about 10 miles south of the Pennsylvania-Maryland state line and caught the 57-pound, 50-inch long flathead catfish which is considered an invasive species in the commonwealth.  Pennlive reports the previous record was a 56-pound fish caught in the Schuylkill River last year.

SPORTS
NFL

Browns beat the Steelers 48-37, Saints beat the Bears 21-9, and Ravens beat the Titans 20-13 on Sunday, Saturday Bills beat the Colts 27-24, Rams beat the Seahawks 30 to 20, and Buccaneers over Washington 31-23
NFL Next Saturday
Rams play the Packers in the NFC divisional playoffs at 4:35 PM in Wisconsin, and the Ravens will play the Bills at 8:15 in the AFC divisional playoffs,
Next Sunday in the AFC, the Browns play the Chiefs in Kansas City at 3:05, and the Buccaneers play the Saints at 6:40 in New Orleans in the NFC
NBA
Jazz beat the Pistons 96-86, Clippers beat the Bulls 130 to 127, Thunder beat the Nets 129 to 116, Nuggets beat the Knicks 114 to 89, Lakers beat the Rockets 120 to 102, Timberwolves beat the Spurs 96 to 88, and the Warriors beat the Raptors 106 to 105, Heat and Celtics were postponed over coronavirus concerns
NBA tonight
The Knicks play the Hornets in Charlotte at 7 PM and the 76’ers go to Atlanta at 7:30.

High school wrestling from Sunday
South Williamsport defeated Mount Carmel 42-36 but then lost to Red Lion 39-32, Northern Lebanon 42-30,and Selinsgrove 51 to 17 but picked up wins against Midwest 54-24

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 8, 2021

RESERVIST CHARGED WITH FORGERY, OTHER CHARGES
A former Lycoming County Prison corrections officer and Army reservist has been charged with forgery, tampering with public records and other charges after he allegedly lied about his mother’s death and submitted documents to his employer to garner fraudulent time off.  According to the Sun Gazette,24 year old Anthoney Brooks of Mifflinburg, turned in paperwork stating he had Army reserve training commitments last July that were later determined to be cancelled as well as taking bereavement leave when his mother was found to still be living.  According to arrest papers, Brooks resigned from the prison Nov. 2, and  is waiting for a preliminary hearing.

PENNSYLVANIA MAN IN THE CAPITOL RIOTS DIED FROM MEDICAL ISSUE
A Pennsylvania man was among the four people who died in Washington DC while a Trump-inspired mob stormed Capitol Hill.  According to Penn Live, Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police have confirmed 50 year old Benjamin Phillips of Ringtown died as a result of an apparent medical emergency.  The Schuylkill County man died along with two others who also passed from medical emergencies as well as a California woman who was shot by a Capitol Police officer while climbing through a window of the Capitol Complex.

PA LAWMAKER JOINS WITH THE GROUP ASKING PENCE TO INVOKE 25TH AMENDMENT
Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania  has joined others in Washington calling for the president Trump’s removal via the 25th amendment from Vice President Mike Pence. According to a statement released by Casey’s administration, domestic terrorists, who were inspired and emboldened by President Donald Trump attacked the U.S. Capitol Building in furtherance of an attempted coup.  Casey said in order to protect our domestic and national security he asks Vice President Pence begin the process of removing the powers of the presidency from Donald Trump.

CAC WILL HAVE PERFORMANCES THIS SPRING
The Community Arts Center will open its door this spring after pandemic restrictions recently lifted and will host Sullivan County resident and American Idol Finalist Aaron Kelly in concert in Williamsport on March 13th.  According to the Sun Gazette, Kelly, who has been singing since the age of 9, is remembered nationally for his top five finish on American Idol’s season 9 and locally for singing the national anthem before the 2017 Little League World Series Championship Game.  CAC Executive Director Chuck Stills says the Community Theatre League’s musical “The Bridges of Madison County” will be on their stage the weekend before Kelly’s show.  Details and tickets are available at caclive.com

WILLIAMSPORT, UPMC MAKE THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT
Mayor Derek Slaughter’s administration and administrators from UPMC Williamsport have agreed on a three-year community contribution agreement valued at $867,000  due to the hospital system’s charitable status and community investment.  According to the Sun Gazette, Steve Johnson, president of UPMC in the Susquehanna Region said they are pleased to be recognized for voluntary contributions the system makes to the city and receive important benefits as well.  Under the agreement, UPMC Susquehanna will dedicate over 50 million dollars for those who can’t afford healthcare services, as well as subsidies for community-focused programs, like free and low-cost health screenings as well as other services.

PA NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS WILL HEAD TO WASHINGTON
Governor Wolf has activated Some members of Pennsylvania National Guard who will be heading to Washington D.C. in wake of Wednesday’s breach on the U.S. Capitol.  The National Guard members activated will report to their local armories over the next few days to receive their assignments and then travel to Washington D.C. to assist as needed in securing peace and an orderly transfer of power on January 20th.   Wolf said Pennsylvania Guard members have extensive experience working alongside the D.C. National Guard as part of past training events and presidential inaugurations

PA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RECOMMENDS IN-PERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
In an online news conference Thursday, acting secretary of the state Department of Education Noe Ortega said Pennsylvania schools should consider a return to in-person instruction for elementary-age students, a change from previous state guidance that recommended online-only education in some regions.  State officials say elementary students benefit most from being physically in the classroom.  In Pennsylvania, the decision on what style of education to go with in-person or remote, rests with school districts.  The state’s largest teachers union stated that the new guidance is premature, and that the state needs mechanisms in place so that districts are sure to comply with state health and safety guidance.

LOCAL CHEF COMPETES ON “HELL’S KITCHEN” TONIGHT
Following a big wait due to the coronavirus pandemic, Chef Drew from Ard’s Farm in Lewisburg will finally debut on the hit TV cooking competition series, ‘Hell’s Kitchen.’ Tonight According to media outlets, Drew Tingley of Millmont will be one of 18 contestants on the show hosted by Chef Gordon Ramsay. The series premieres at 8 p.m. on FOX. He says all the filming occurred before the pandemic hit and he’s been keeping the results a secret since.

 

SPORTS
NBA

The Nets beat the 76ers 122 to 109, Cavaliers beat the Grizzlies 94 to 90, Mavericks beat the Nuggets 124 to 117,Spurs beat the Lakers 118 to 109, Trailblazers beat the Timberwolves 135 to 117.
NBA Tonight –  Oklahoma City Thunder comes to New York to play the Knicks at 7:30 and Brooklyn goes to Memphis for an 8pm tip-off.
NFL
Wild card weekend
Saturday : Colts vs the Buffalo Bills, Rams and the Seahawks and the Buccaneers go to Washington.
Sunday, Baltimore plays Tennessee, Chicago goes to New Orleans, and Cleveland is in Pittsburgh with an 815 kick off

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 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.

Facebook