BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 29, 2020

Potter Township Burglary

State police are involved in an investigation of burglary in centre county. The theft occurred in Potter Township, and more than $2,500 worth of equipment were stolen. A set of metric and standard tool sets along with an impact wrench set, dewalt air wrench, chainsaw and other items were stolen from 188 High street in the the AM on Nov. 22^nd. There was no sign of forced entry and no suspect has been identified. Contact the state police if you know any information about the burglary as the investigation is still ongoing.

DUI Charges Filed

Aaron Crawford, a 39 year old Muncy man has been accused of causing a crash while under the influence. After the crash occurred Crawford was reportedly uncooperative with ambulance staff and officers when being transported to the hospital, and refused a blood test. After a call was made and a warrant was issued the blood test was preformed, finding lorazepam, THC and a blood alcohol level of nearly .2. Crawford has a bail set at 25,000 dollars and is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow by judge Nancy Butts for a felony count of aggravated assault by vehicle, and 3 misdemeanor accounts of DUI related charges.

Williamsport Women Accused of Insurance Fraud

Sameerah Graham, a 38 year old Williamsport women is being charged with insurance fraud by the Attorney Generals Office after allegedly lying to progressive for damage done to her 2012 Honda Civic. Graham had purchased her insurance on May 11^th and slowly added on to her policy for a month, in order to increase her coverage before making a claim. Eventually an investigator contacted the attorney general office to open a case. Her neighbor stated that she had noticed damage to her car a weeks in advance to her claim, and inconsistencies in her provided work schedule and time sheets were found. Currently she is being charged with 2 felonies and a misdemeanor. Insurance fraud can carry a maximum of seven years in prison, if convicted.

Judge Pushes Child Exploitation Case Through Court

Marc Punzalan, a south Williamsport man, is being a accused of attempted sexual exploitation of a child, and was recently denied a continuance by a federal judge. A continence is a motion granted by the judge that gives the parties involved more time until a jury is selected and a trial is scheduled. Judge Matthew W. Brann denied the continence, stating that granting it would be a miscarriage of justice, and would not allow the defendant a quick and speedy trial. The indictment given back in may of 2018, will now continue to court and is currently being scheduled for jury selection in march of next year.

Sports

MLB

The Phillies lost $145 million during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season played without fans, despite the chaos this year has brought to the sports industry, the Phillies are searching for a general manager to replace Matt Klentak and face important decisions on contract renewals. Managing partner John Middleton said last month the league’s economic climate will impact the team’s ability to spend money in the offseason to retain certain free agents on their teams.

NFL

The Broncos’ three eligible quarterbacks, Drew Lock, Brett Rypien and Blake Bortles were each deemed to be high-risk COVID-19 close contacts and none of the three can be in uniform for Sunday’s game, the team announced on last night. As of now the Broncos will not be forfeiting todays game.

High School Football

The Jersey Shore Bulldogs faced off against Thomas Jefferson High at the PIAA Tournament last night, and unfortunately did not secure the win, falling behind Jefferson 14 – 21. Despite the lose, the bulldogs gave an impressive performance and held their own for the duration of the game.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 28, 2020

Crash Leaves Man in ICU

Robert Walbridge, a 51 year old Cogan station resident was driving along Lycoming creek road when at 6:20 pm he crashed, seriously injuring himself. According to the sun gazette Old Lycoming township police reported that they are still trying to figure out what caused Walbridge to crash, as evidence suggests that he first struck a parked car, then a garage off the 6600 block of Lycoming creek road. Currently he is still in the intensive care unit at UPMC in Williamsport.

14 Year Old Shot

A teenage boy was the victim in a shooting that occurred in Williamsport’s East End Monday night. State police say the 14 y ear-old was struck by the gunshot while at the 900 block of Penn Street about 6pm. Police say a verbal argument occurred prior to the shooting between the group on the street and those on the porch, and the injured boy was treated for the wound at a local hospital. Police are now investigating the third neighborhood shooting since October 23rd, anyone with information is asked to call Williamsport Bureau of Police.

Assault Charges Filed

Officer Brady Miller, a buffalo valley regional police officer was in Lewisburg investigating a disorderly gathering when he attempted to stop and question a 19 year old male named jonathan Anderson who was seen exiting the scene. The officer says that he was given a fake name from Anderson before attempting to flee. Officer Miller grabbed him, where a struggle then ensued between the 2 ending in Anderson striking Miller several times in the face. He was later found out due to witnesses who saw the assault happen, formal arraignment for his crimes have been set for January 25^th.

PennDOT Lane Restrictions (Northumberland)

Route 44 is going to have some lane restrictions on Monday between the McEwensville Borough and dewart in Northumberland County for crack sealing. Work will take place throughout the week until December 4^th during daylight hours, and motorists can expect alternating lane closures with flagging, so you can expect delays. Due to many an increase in work zone accidentsd PennDot is urging motorists to slow down to keep workers and yourself safe.

Pfizer Vaccine in Final Stages Before Distribution

The PA department of health’s secretary Dr. Rachel Lavine says the Pfizer vaccination for the virus is on track for distribution. Currently the Pfizer vaccine is going to be the first distributed. 4 others in development currently, some are in its test trial currently while others have yet to start. For the Pfizer vaccine federal approval is needed to continue the process to get it out into circulation, but Lavine says that even when it makes its way through the country no one knows how quickly demand will exceed supply. Lavine also says that it will not be an immediate cure or end to the pandemic and that PA residents could be wearing masks deep in 2021 and maybe until the end of the year.

Thanksgiving Shooting

Selinsgrove borough police are investigating a west spruce street shooting that occurred thanksgiving night. Around 10pm a 29 year old man was shot in the leg before the unidentified suspect fled the scene. The victim made his way to his neighbors house and was transported by him to the evangelical community hospital. Eventually he was transported to Geisinger medical center where he was treated for his wounds and released on yesterday. Currently the police have no suspect for the shooting and are asking anyone who knows anything to call the sellinsgrove police.

SPORTS

NFL

Team facilities will be closed to all in-person activities Monday and Tuesday, the NFL said Friday in a leaguewide memo. The ban does not apply to teams scheduled to play on Monday or Tuesday. The NFL cited the spike in coronavirus cases around the country as well as the “understanding that a number of players and staff celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday with out-of-town guests” as reasons for closing facilities.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians said Friday that backup center A.Q. Shipley, who started the past two games, is done for the year and has been advised not to continue playing football. Shipley, 34, suffered a neck injury late in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams Monday night.”Once we did the MRI and X-rays, it was determined that he really shouldn’t play anymore.”Shipley finishes his career with 110 games played and 72 starts.

NBA

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a torn right Achilles tendon, the team said. Dr. Richard Ferkel, a noted specialist on ankle injuries, performed the surgery in Los Angeles and it was considered a success. Thompson is expected to make a full recovery.

MLB

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena was released by Mexican authorities Thursday after his former partner told a judge in Yucatan state that she did not want to press charges. Arozarena had been detained Tuesday for a situation involving custody of his daughter, just weeks after he was named MVP of the American League Championship Series. The Yucatan state prosecutors’ office confirmed Thursday that Arozarena was released because the former partner said any damages had been settled. Arozarena has made no public comment, and it was not clear whether he had a lawyer.It was not clear whether he was formally charged with any crime. Mexican law allows a two-day period for prosecutors to decide whether to bring charges.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 25, 2020

PENNSYLVANIA CERTIFIES THE 2020 ELECTION
After weeks of legal challenges following the presidential election in Pennsylvania, which was a battleground for the Trump campaign attempting to turn the state’s 20 electoral votes his way, the Pennsylvania State Department certified the results yesterday declaring Joe Biden as the winner. President Trump and his lawyers faced a federal judge in Williamsport last week, who dismissed their lawsuit alleging unfair treatment of voters, saying the team used strained legal arguments. Pennsylvania’s electors will meet in the state Capitol on December 14^th.

COMMUNITY THEATER LEAGUE FACES LEASE QUESTIONS
It’s been discovered that Williamsport’s Community Theatre League’s lease of the third-floor office space of the Trade and Transit Centre I, on W. Third St., which they expected to expire December 31^st, is actually invalid according to city administrators. According to the Sun Gazette, Mayor Derek Slaughter said the assumed current lease between the city and the CTL was not reviewed properly in 2016 when the Williamsport Lycoming Chamber of Commerce moved from the space. There was also no occupancy permit granted in 2016. Members of the theater League are rallying to be a part of the discussion that will come as the city considers the spaces in which they’d like to relocate, and hopefully renew the lease that would have to be reconciled before renewal. City administrators say the theater’s lease for the first floor of the building is valid for the next 29 years.

WAHS GOES TO REMOTE LEARNING AFTER THANKSGIVING
All students in the Williamsport Area School District will shift to remote learning mode following the Thanksgiving break, December 1^st through 4^th. According to a statement by the school district the action is to allow those students potentially exposed over the holiday break to quarantine without missing school. All students are expected to log in to Schoology according to their regular academic schedules. Anyone who believes that they have been exposed to or have had a positive case in their household over should stay home and contact the school first thing on December. 7^th for further information.

DRIVE THROUGH HOLIDAY EVENT
Knoebels Amusement Resort has prepared new attraction for the holiday, a socially distanced Christmas Display this year called “Joy Through the Grove” According to media outlets, the display is a mile-and-a-half of Christmas lights going from the amusement park to the campground with more than 400 light-up pieces. Joy Through the Grove opens this Friday with paid admission and runs through January 3^rd. The public can purchase tickets and pick up pre-ordered snacks at the admissions building.

VICTIM IN 3RD CITY SHOOTING IN A MONTH WAS A TEENAGE BOY
A teenage boy was the victim in a shooting that occurred in Williamsport’s East End Monday night. State police say the 14 y ear-old was struck by the gunshot while at the 900 block of Penn Street about 6pm. Police say a verbal argument occurred prior to the shooting between the group on the street and those on the porch, and the injured boy was treated for the wound at a local hospital. Police are now investigating the third neighborhood shooting since October 23^rd, anyone with information is asked to call Williamsport Bureau of Police.

VALLEY SCHOOLS GO REMOTE
Several Valley schools are in remote learning for the next couple of weeks. All of the Lewisburg Area School District reports they will be remote through December 4 due to spikes in COVID-19 in the area. In addition, the Selinsgrove Area School District announced that all students in grades K through 12 will move to distance learning December 1 through December 8. The Mifflinburg Area School District announced yesterday that it will transition to remote learning for grades 6 through 12 beginning December 1 through December 9. The elementary and intermediate schools are not affected. At Mifflinburg, there were 3 unrelated positive COVID-19 cases including a bus driver, a support staff member, and a staff member in the high school.

COVID AFFECTING LIBRARY HOURS
There are some changes in library hours in our area at this time, the Union County Library system is returning to no-contact pick-up service due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in the area. They will restart this service this Friday, affecting the Herr Memorial Library in Mifflinburg, The Public Library for Union County in Lewisburg and the West End Library in Laurelton. Patrons can pick-up a library order in the lobby after being notified by a staff member. The Lewisburg public library is also closed due to a water problem in the building. IN Williamsport, The James V. Brown Library is open for all services, and holds pickup is available at the Market Street entrance.

UPTOWN MUSIC COLLECTIVE SHOW TO GO VIRTUAL
After facing COVID-19 protocols and guidelines, the Uptown Music Collective and the Community Arts Center will now present a completely virtual performance of their upcoming music program called Reelin’ in the Years, which will feature the music of rock and roll hall of fame inductees Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers. There will be performances on Dec 4th & 5th with Friday and Saturday night streaming tickets available. The show is sponsored in part through a partnership with Hudock Capital Group. Tickets for the live stream are $15.00 and are available through the Community Arts Center Website – CAC live dot com. For details about the show visit uptownmusic.org or call 570-329-0888.

SPORTS
HS Upcoming weekend HS Football
PIAA Class AAAA Championship game
Jersey Shore against Thomas Jefferson
Saturday 3:30pm at Hershey Park Stadium.

PIAA Class AA Championship Game
Southern Columbia vs. Wilmington
Saturday 11am Hersheypark Stadium

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 24, 2020

STATE ELECTION OFFICIALS PREPARE TO CERTIFY RESULTS
County election boards across Pennsylvania were well on their way to certifying election results in Pennsylvania as they tabulated votes up against a Monday deadline to report to the Department of State. According to the Associated Press, Allegheny County, gave a majority to Democrat Joe Biden – Luzerne County, where Republican Donald Trump won, approved its results, and there were no reports of counties voting against certification. Secretary of State, Kathy Boockvar will now tabulate, compute and canvass votes for all races, then report to the governor. Gov. Tom Wolf will then engage the state’s electors for the Dec. 14 Electoral College meeting. Monday was the deadline under state law for legal challenges to contest any election to be filed.

SHOOTING IN WILLIAMSPORT
A person was injured by a gunshot yesterday after 6pm in Williamsport. According to the Sun Gazette, police responded to the incident in the city’s East end about 6pm Monday night along the 900 block of Penn Street and blocked the roadway for an investigation just south of St. John Neumann High School. The victim in the shooting has not been named, but they were reportedly hospitalized. A witness at the scene said they heard four gunshots fired when they were about a block away.

SERVING ALCOHOL IN PA BARS AND RESTAURANTS LIMITED FOR HOLIDAY
In a news conference Monday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary announced a suspension of all alcohol sales at bars and restaurants beginning at 5pm on Wednesday November 25^th until 8am on Thanksgiving day. The new mitigation efforts, announced by Dr. Rachel Levine, will keep the public out of crowded spaces in which the virus thrives, on a typically very big night of the year. Governor Wolf also announced there will be a new enforcement effort where business owners who are non-compliant with mask regulations could see fines and potential shut-down after multiple offenses. An advisory – not an order – has been issued for all Pennsylvanians to stay at home as much as possible, effective today.

ROAD EFFECTED BY ROCK SLIDE REOPENED
Following last week’s rock slide along Route 11 between Northumberland and Danville, . PennDOT says the roadway is reopen between Ridge Road in Point Township, Northumberland County and Continental Boulevard in Danville. Approximately 7,000 cubic yards of rock were hauled off the road and the damaged portions were milled, paved and painted. The estimated cost of the removal is about $310,000.

LOCAL CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
The coronavirus case count in Pennsylvania for the past two days is at 11,837. According to the PA Department of Health, there are 104 new Union County cases, 91 new Northumberland County cases Lycoming County reports 32 new today. Snyder County has 28 new cases. Clinton County reports 15 new today, Montour has nine new cases . 69 new deaths were reported over the same two days. In order to slow the spread of the virus, consistent mask-wearing is recommended and masks are required in all PA businesses and whenever leaving home.

FEDERAL COURT REJECTS CASE OVER SIGNATURES
The state Supreme Court on Monday said that more than 8,300 mail-in ballots in Philadelphia that had been challenged by the Trump campaign because of minor technical errors, should be counted. According to media outlets, the decision went against a Republican state Senate challenger in Allegheny County who wanted to keep votes without a handwritten date from counting. The court ruled that a voter’s failure to include a handwritten name, address or date by their declaration on the outer envelope does not “warrant the wholesale disenfranchisement of thousands of Pennsylvania voters.” Joe Biden won PA’s 20 electoral votes with a margin in the state currently more than 81,000 out of nearly 7 million cast. County election boards are expected to certify the state results today.

FEDERAL INMATE CHARGED WITH ASSAULT SENTENCED
An inmate at Allenwood who caused severe injuries to another prisoner was sentenced last week in federal court to 120 months by US District Court Judge Matthew Brann. According to media outlets, 53 year old Wesley Mark Smith was convicted of assault following a five-day trial in March 2020 where he was found guilty of punching his cellmate and continuing to bludgeon his unconscious victim – who suffered severe injuries according to reports by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

WILLIAMSPORT BUDGET PROPOSED WITH A TAX HIKE
A 2.5 mill tax hike in Williamsport, as proposed by Mayor Derek Slaughter, will likely get some revisions. The 2021 budget will get a look by City Council who say they will work to make budget cuts before the first reading of the proposal is to take place December 3^rd. According to the Sun Gazette, the mayor’s proposed budget shows a year-ending balance of over $179 thousand, if the tax hike is applied, with a proposed reduction of mercantile and business tax by 25 percent. The largest city costs are related to public safety departments for the salaries and benefits of the police and firefighters. City Council will hold virtual budget work sessions November 30 and December 2^nd.

SPORTS

NFL Monday Night Football
LA Rams beat the Buccaneers 27-24

Upcoming Weekend HS Football
PIAA Class AAAA Championship game
Jersey Shore against Thomas Jefferson
Saturday 3:30pm at Hershey Park Stadium.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 23, 2020

After U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann made the decision Saturday to dismiss the case brought to federal court in Williamsport against the Secretary of State, Kathy Boockvar to try and stop the election certification in the state, President Donald Trump’s lawyers said they will head to the Third circuit Court of Appeals with the case. According to the Sun Gazette, after being given two extra days to present evidence that electors weren’t treated fairly, Rudy Giuliani and other counsel expressed disappointment that they did not have an opportunity to present evidence that over 650 thousand ballots were cast illegally – a case earlier ruled upon 5-2 by a different court. Lawyers for the defense said Judge Brann’s dismissal of the case against Boockvar and seven Pennsylvania Counties was a victory for democracy and the state’s voters.

There was a second shooting reported in Williamsport in which a delivery driver’s car was targeted. According to the Sun Gazette, Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter has released a warning to those committing these recent actions, saying the police will work diligently to solve the crimes. A shooting in the shoulder of a delivery driver happened earlier this month on October 23^rd in the 600 block of First Avenue and this weekend marks a second shooting attempt – but this time, no one was injured, according to Williamsport police.

Pennsylvania’s DCNR officials announced changes to operating procedures for state park and forest facilities to mitigate the spread of COVID in the state. According to a release, out-of-state visitors will be required to comply with orders such as having a negative Coronavirus test within 72 hours of entering PA, and quarantining – not in a state park facility if they can’t or won’t test for the virus. Visitors who don’t comply may be fined. As far as access to facilities, visitor center exhibit halls and interpretive areas will be closed, and all indoor programs will be canceled. Restrooms will continue to be available for visitors.

Residents of Candy Cane Lane in DuBoistown are getting ready for the holiday. The lights along Summer Street will be on starting Thanksgiving night around 5pm til 10pm. Accoridng ot he Candy Cane Lane Facebook page, the local Christmas neighborhood display began around 1957 and features Santa and Mrs. Claus on some weekends and on Christmas Eve. Traffic can back up on Euclid Avenue as resident wait their turn to head down the street.

In a long-shot attempt to overturn the 2020 Election results by keeping state officials from certifying the results of the election in the commonwealth, President Donald Trump’s lawsuit was called out as strained legal arguments without merit and speculative accusations, and dismissed by U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann in Williamsport Saturday. JudgeBrann also denied a campaign request to amend the suit to claim violations of the U.S. Constitution. The campaign wanted Brann to allow Pennsylvania’s Republican-controlled state legislature to appoint electors who would back for Trump at the Electoral College vote on Dec. 14. Presidetn Trujmps lawyers said they will ask the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia to review the ruling on an accelerated timetable.

42 year old Tengteng Wan, of Lewisburg was indicted on the 18^th for alleged visa fraud and false statement charges. Back in 2015 Wan applied for an H-4 Visa, which is a type of visa that at the time did not allow him to be employed. Wan said that he was not employed in his application to the application, but is alledged to have owned and operated one or more businesses. The FBI is investigating the case, and if wan is found guilty can face a maximum of 10 years in prison and a hefty fine. That is just the maximum though, much will need to be figured out to weigh the seriousness of his particular case by the judge,.

Dr. Jaewon Ryu, Geisinger president and CEO, expressed concern in a press briefing over the positivity testing rate of COVID-19 in our area, reporting the rate is rising above 20 percent of those who are being tested daily, and now over 190 patients are admitted into Geisinger’s healthcare system which pushes the capacity of the hospital, but Dr Ryu said they are prepared for a second wave of the virus. For the Thanksgiving holiday, the community is urged to avoid large gatherings, continue to mask wherever you are and to use proper hand hygiene.

Weis markets made a donation of $800,00 dollars to the paralyzed veterans of America on Tuesday through their veteran’s day fundraising campaign. corporate donations and an in store fundraising campaign brough tin the funds for the fourth year that the Pennsylvania grocery chain has partnered with the PVA. Since the first year they have generated more than $1.5 million dollars for veterans. For over 70 years the PVA has been working has been supporting the injured veterans and their families and caregivers exclusively.

SPORTS
NFL
The Chiefs beat the Raiders 35-31, Browns beat the Eagles 22-17 Steelers beat the Jaguars 27-3, Chargers beat the Jets 34-28 Cowboys beat the Vikings 31-28, Saints over the Falcons 24-9, Washington beat the Bengals 20-9, Panthers defeated the Lions 20-nothing, Titans over the Ravens 30-24, Texans beat the Patriots 27-20, Broncos over the Dolphins 20-13, Colt beat the Packers 34-31

Monday night Football
LA Rams head to Tampa to play the Buccaneers – 8:15 kickoff.

HS weekend Football
Jersey Shore beat Lampeter-Straasburg 39-35 and head to the PIAA Class AAAA campionship game against Thomas Jefferson Saturday (11/28), 3:30pm at Hershey Park Stadium.

HS weekend Boys Soccer
Lewisburg Dragons defeated Deer Lakes to win the PIAA Class AA Boys Soccer title at Hersheypark Stadium Saturday

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Trump Campaign Loss in Federal Court

Many PA officials are beginning to certify election results in the states, dealing another blow to the trump campaign. Currently the results as of now show Joe Biden winning by more than 80,000 votes. This comes after a ruling by federal judge. U.S. district judge Matthew Brann in Williamsport turned down the request for an injunction by Trumps lawyers, cutting down expectations of smoothly overturning the election results, citing that Trumps campaign presented a strained legal argument with speculative accusations.

Reading Women Assault Charges

Lisa R. Llewellyn, a 55 year old Reading woman is being charged with aggravated assault and public drunkenness after causing an incident at a holiday inn in Williamsport. Officer Brett Garbrick responded to a call of an intoxicated women with possible mental health issues at the hotel on 100 pine street. When trying to get her to speak with EMS she began getting confrontational leading to her arrest, where she kicked one of the police in the genitals and soiled her pants on the way to the car. She was put briefly in county prison, but was later released after posting her $25,000 bail later in the day.

Overdose Leads to Endangerment Charges

Wellsboro Police were called to the Nichols street home of 35 year old Jenna L. Kriner for a possible overdose. First responders arrived on scene shortly after the call was made, where officers Phillip Deveney wrote in an affidavit found 2 children appearing very distressed and worried at the back door. EMS found Kriner on the floor and administered 2 does of NARCAN to revive her. When stabilized she was taken to soldier and sailors memorial hospital, and the children were taken by a family member . A preliminary hearing for Kriner is set for December 15^th where she will be facing felony endangerment charges at district judge Robert L. Repards Office.

PennDOT Funding Falls Short

PennDOT is facing a money issue in regards to their annual highway and bridge funding. A failure to keep up with rising costs of maintenance from federal funding along with an increase in fuel economy across the board from newer models of cars, cutting into the large portion of tax revenue made through gasoline sales in the state, have contributed to an 8.1 billion dollar gap that is crucial to maintain PA roads. PennDOT secretary Yassman Gramian is calling PA residents for public comment about their plan to explore sustainable transportation options intended to bridge the gap, and they are accepting feedback until Dec. 17^th. You can visit our website fo the link to the PennDOT pathways prgram, and give your opinion. Click here, for the page.

Baltimore Resident Charged in Williamsport

State police in Montoursville recently charged a Baltimore native at a fine wines and good spirits store on Wednesday. 18 year old Joseph Buttarazzi had the police called on him by a clerk working the counter at the store, when he realized the identification was fake. After a brief investigation, Buttarazzi was cited for carrying a false identification card and misrepresentation of age to secure a liquor, malt or brewed beverage. All the trouble was brought on by a mere $55.08 cents worth of alcohol.

Large PVA Donation From Weis

Weis markets has recently made a large donation of $800,00 dollars to the paralyzed veterans of America on Tuesday. The money was reaised in partly by corporate donations and an in store fundraising campaign in which shoppers were asked to donate while purchasing their groceries. This is the fourth year that wies has partnered with the PVA, and since the first year they have generated more than $1.5 million dollars in revenue for the program. For over 70 years the PVA has been working has been supporting the most injured veterans exclusively, and the PVA national president David Zurfluh has said that he looks forward to the next year with weis, as it has been a big help.

Sports

PIAA Girls 2A Soccer Championship:

Bloomsburg 1 North Catholic 0

Panthers win 1st girls state soccer title

PIAA Boys Triple A Soccer Championship:

Lewisburg 6, Deer Lakes 0

Green Dragons win their third

soccer title in the last six years.

Football – Double A Semifinal

Southern Columbia 42

Bishop McDevitt 14

Head Coach Jim Roth tied George Curry for most coaching wins in Pennsylvania high school football history with 455 victories.

The Tigers advance to their 6th straight state title game and will take on Wilmington next Saturday morning at 11 in Hersheypark Stadium.

Football – Triple A Semifinal

Wyomissing 44, Danville 14

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 21, 2020

Mayor Derek Slaughter Speaks on New Town Hall Location

Last week, the local theater community was upset with the lack of regard for their organization after hearing that one of the places being considered for the new city hall location was 100 west third street, center 1. The very building they have occupied for some time now. According to the sun gazette reached out to mayor Derek slaughter, and asked to comment on the situation, where he said that they were not going anywhere, and they they had an ongoing lease agreement for the next 29 years. Council president Randal J Allison concurred, saying that they weren’t evicting them. As of now, no decision has been made yet and the committee is looking elsewhere for the new building while reviewing conceptual blueprints in the meantime.

PennDOT

PennDOT released a statement about a four year reconstruction plan in the Athens and sayre boroughs in Bradford county. Kriger construction is handling the reconstruction, and has the northbound lanes closed on route 199 between cayuta street and interstate 86. Work will include drainage improvemnets, utility relocation, sidewalk and curb improvements, ADA curb ramp installations, traffic signal upgrades, driveway adjustments, signing and pavement marking. They are urging motorists to remain alert, and slow down to keep the public and workers as safe as possible.

2 Grants Awarded to Schools

The department of education has administered funding to 2 schools in the area through grants, intended to prevent violence incidents. The loyal sock township school district received $19,961 from the state department of education, and the john Nuemann elementary and highschool each received $24,885 from intermediate unit non-public equipment grants. State senator gene yaw, says that these grants will help compensate schools for additional equipment and training for school resource and police officers. This comes after the PA state budget for the fiscal year was signed off by him yesterday

Bill 1350 Close to Being Law

Bill 1350 has been passed by state senator gene yaw, effectively moving it along to governor wolfs desk for final approval. The 35.5 billion dollar budget for this year, that will be in effect until june of 2021 will not have any tax increases thanks to increased federal funding and creative accounting brought on by the pandemic. Yaw released a statement saying that he “…acknowledged the budget leaves much to be desired,” but says that we must consider the circumstance of this year, and wants all the focus to stay on rebuilding the PA economy. Governor wolf has yet to sign it into law.

Lewisburg Immigrant Alleged Fraud and False Statement Charges

42 year old Tengteng Wan, of Lewisburg was indicted on the 18^th for alleged visa fraud and false statement charges. Back in 2015 Wan applied for an H-4 Visa, which is a type of visa that at the time did not allow him to be employed. Wan said that he was not employed in his application to the application, but is alleged to have owned and operated one or more businesses. The FBI is investigating the case, and if wan is found guilty can face a maximum of 10 years in prison and a hefty fine. That is just the maximum though, much will need to be figured out to weigh the seriousness of his particular case by the judge,.

Sports

Girls Soccer Single A State Championship

Southern Columbia 2

Greensburg Central Catholic 1

This is Southern Columbia’s second state title in the last three years

Football – Quad A Semifinal

Jersey Shore 39

Lampeter-Strasburg 35

The Bulldogs advance to their first state championship game in school history, and will take on Thomas Jefferson, next Saturday at 330 in Hersheypark Stadium.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 20, 2020

MORE MOTIONS EXPECTED IN THE ELECTION 2020 CASE BEING HEARD IN WILLIAMSPORT
In the Election 2020 case that has landed in US Middle District Court in Williamsport, the case brought before the court by attorneys for President Donald J Trump, including Rudy Giuliani, states that some voters in different Democrat heavy counties were treated differently when it came to curing ballots in Pennsylvania. According to the Sun Gazette, defendant, Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar and attorneys with the ACLU, DNC and NAACP say it’s a lawsuit in search of a legal theory. Judge Matthew W. Brann has given President Trump’s team through Saturday at noon to respond. Giuliani maintains without a filing in court to support it that Democrats have created a scheme that favored president-elect Joe Biden in the most recent Election process that has been touted by experts at the highest levels to be the most secure in history. Pennsylvania is set to certify state ballots this coming Tuesday.

LOCAL COVID-19 UPDATE
There’s a new record in the state for coronavirus cases, today at over 7,100 according to the Department of health. Lycoming County has reported 68 new cases, Union County reports 43, Northumberland has 23, Snyder has 18 new cases ,Tioga County – 15. Over 2,900 patients are hospitalized statewide, with over 600 in the ICU and over 300 on ventilators and 116 new deaths have also been confirmed

LEGISLATORS WORK ON NO-NEW TAX STATE BUDGET
Even as the Democrats in the state legislature voted in a way that showed they were not satisfied with how federal coronavirus funds are being spent in the state, the House Appropriations Committee passed a main spending bill this week, and began voting yesterday on a no-new taxes budget. According to the administration, the package authorizes nearly $11 billion in new spending, bringing the current year’s operating budget to $36.5 billion, about 4% above last year’s approved spending. There is a projected $6 billion deficit, but lawmakers are using more than $3.3 billion in federal pandemic aid approved by Congress and transferring more than $500 million from off-budget state accounts. Using the federal aid lowers the reliance on state tax dollars from $36.5 billion to $33.1 billion.

FLU SHOT CLINIC AT FAIRGROUNDS
Bloomsburg Fairgrounds will be the scene of their last community drive-thru and walk-up Geisinger Medical Center flu Shot clinic for the season this Saturday from 9am til 2pm. Anyone age three and older can get an inoculation for free. A limited supply of high-dose vaccine is available for those 65 years of age and older. The address for the fairgrounds is 620 West Third Street in Bloomsburg.

EPISCOPAL CHURCHES SHUTTING DOWN THRU 2021
The Central Pennsylvania Diocese of the Episcopal Church, has announced that all in-person worship in the churches under the authority of Rev. Audrey C. Scanlon will be suspended until 2021. According to the Sun Gazette, the number of coronavirus cases in two counties where large congregations are has caused the bishop of the diocese to make the call. All in-person worship and parish meetings will be suspended beginning Saturday. Local pastors such as Bishop Jeremiah J. Park, of the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church, and the Rev. James Wooster, pastor at Pine Street United Methodist told the paper, they are remaining open for now but are also encouraging rigorous safety practices to mitigate the spread of the virus. St. Joseph the Worker will be broadcasting masses on Facebook and YouTube

SCHOOLS GO FULL REMOTE LEARNING
The East Lycoming School District is the latest school to decide to go to full remote instruction beginning today. Officials from the district said that due to an increase in cases of COVID-19 in the Jr./Sr. High School, they will make the move albeit temporary at this time with a return to in-person instruction planned for December 1. There were two additional cases of COVID-19 reported in the District yesterday. Students can access class information through their district email, or on the Sapphire Student/Parent Portal. Other schools reportedly moving to virtual; The Shamokin Area School District will be full remote through Friday, December 4. The Shikellamy School District reported four coronavirus cases yesterday and will go online for the week reopening December 1.

ROAD TO OPEN NEXT WEEK AFTER ROCK SLIDE
After a rock slide closed the road, Route 11 between Danville and Northumberland is expected to be open next week. According to PennDOT, New Enterprise Stone and Lime, will be remove debris from the site through the weekend and should beopen Tuesday. About 7,500 tons of rock was estimated to have blocked the highway last Monday and they say heavy rains contributed to the rockslide. A detour is posted in the area at this time.

SPORTS

NFL
Thursday Night Football
Seahawks 28 – Cardinals 21

NCAA football
Penn State vs. Iowa Saturday @ 3:30 in Beaver Stadium
Maryland vs Michigan St. Cancelled (COVID)

HS Football
PIAA Class AAA semifinals
Jersey Shore plays District 3 Champ Lampeter-Strasburg tonight 7pm
Winner plays in the State Championship Saturday, November 28th

HS Soccer State Championships
Boys Soccer

Undefeated Lewisburg (21-0) vs. Deer Lakes
Saturday 130pm, Hersheypark Stadium

Girls Soccer

Southern Columbia vs.

Greensburg Central Catholic

Today 11am, Hersheypark Stadium

Bloomsburg vs North Catholic

Saturday 11am, Hersheypark Stadium

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 19, 2020

ELECTION 2020 TRIAL CONTINUES IN WILLIAMSPORT THIS WEEK
The federal court case that began in Williamsport in front of Judge Matthew W. Brann yesterday over how Democrat and Republican voters were treated in Pennsylvania during the 2020 Election, continues this week. Various deadlines were extended so that the legal teams of President Trump and Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar can file motions today through Saturday at noon for a preliminary injunction and any opposition briefs, respectively. Trumps’ counsel, who includes Rudy Giuliani, alleges that it was illegal to assist voters with the intent to influence the election, when voters in six democratic-controlled counties needed assistance with technicalities that could have disqualified ballots like a signature missing or incorrectly using the secrecy envelope.

WAHS GOING ALL REMOTE THROUGH DECEMBER 1ST.
After returning to in person instruction earlier this month, Williamsport High School has changed course as the coronavirus effects the district and will now be in full remote instruction mode through December 1^st following Thanksgiving break. The Williamsport Area School District announced yesterday that the decision was in coordination with the PA Department of Health, and that students in grades 9-12 are expected to log into the remote platform according to their regular academic schedule from 7:40 to2:25 each day. According to the district, all athletics and extracurricular activities are also suspended for Nov. 19 and 20^th.

DAILY COVID NUMBER IS PENNSYLVANIA’S HIGHEST SO FAR
The state Department of Health reported Wednesday, there were 6,339 additional positive cases of the coronavirus in Pennsylvania which is a new state record. There are 61 new cases of the coronavirus in Lycoming County with 17 people hospitalized . Northumberland County has 58 new positive tests. Tioga County has 37 new confirmed cases, Clinton County has 28. Snyder County has 18 new cases for a total of 778 and 18 deaths. Union County has ten. Montour County has 14. The number of deaths in the state since yesterday was 110.

SUNBURY UNITED WAY HOLDING VIRTUAL COVID-19 FORUM
The public is invited to join a virtual forum this evening with the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way that will cover local health providers’ current responses to COVID-19 and what you and your family can do to remain as safe as possible especially during the busy holiday season. You can get information online at gsvuw.org/healthforum, so that you can connect tonight at 6:30pm on Zoom and Facebook Livestream where the United Way will be joined by CEOs from the Geisinger and Evangelical and other health care professionals who will address the community.

FEDERAL TRIAL OVER ELECTION IRREGULARITIES PROCEEDS THIS WEEK IN WILLIAMSPORT
Various deadlines were extended in the federal court case that began in Williamsport in front of Judge Matthew W. Brann yesterday over how Democrat and Republican voters were treated in Pennsylvania during the 2020 Election. The legal teams of President Trump and Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar will be able to file motions today through Saturday at noon, with Boockvar’s team attempting to dismiss the case and Trumps’ counsel, who includes Rudy Giuliani, given time to present evidence in the case. The Plaintiff says that it was illegal for workers in six democratic-controlled counties to assist voters who needed assistance with technicalities with the intent to influence the election.

NO TAX RATE INCREASE IN OLD LYCOMING
A preliminary budget has been adopted by the Old Lycoming Township Supervisors that will keep the real estate tax rate the same as it has been. According to the Sun Gazette, officials at the township office when asked about the no-increase budget, said they were not spending where it is not necessary. The tax rate will remain at 4.713 mills with the sewer rate remaining at 60 per month as well. The budget is expected to be adopted on December 8^th – at the next supervisors’ meeting.

MILTON AREA SCHOOLS GO FULL REMOTE
Milton Area School District Superintendent Dr. Cathy Keegan announced yesterday that the middle and high schools will move to all virtual learning through the end of the month. There were two additional positive COVID-19 student cases and an employee case at the middle and high schools. Both buildings will be back to in-person classes Tuesday, December 1., Baugher Elementary and White Deer Elementary schools will continue attending school as normal.

PENNDOT ASKS PUBLIC FOR FEEDBACK
The PennDOT is requesting public feedback for the PennDOT Pathways Program in an effort to explore sustainable transportation options. The department is launching an extensive initiative to examine possible near- and long-term funding solutions for the maintenance and improvement of Pennsylvania’s highways and bridges, and they encourage the public to review the information presented on its online engagement platform and to provide comments. Go to www.penndot.gov/funding to provid online comments, email [email protected] or use their hotline at 717-325-6129

SPORTS
HS Soccer State Championships
Boys Soccer

Undefeated Lewisburg (21-0) vs. Deer Lakes
Saturday 130pm, Hersheypark Stadium

Girls Soccer

Southern Columbia vs.

Greensburg Central Catholic

Friday 11am, Hersheypark Stadium

Bloomsburg vs North Catholic

Saturday 11am, Hersheypark Stadium

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 18, 2020

PRESIDENT TRUMPS LAWYERS COME TO TOWN
Counsel for President Donald J Trump, Rudy Giuliani and others, came to Williamsport yesterday for a hearing in federal court to continue the legal fight to block certifying the state vote count. After five hours in the courthouse, and a gathering of Trump supporters in nearby parking lots showing support with State Police nearby, US District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann gave the president’s lawyers time to file an opposition to the defendant, Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar’s motion to dismiss, until 5pm today. In addition while reviewing the claims in the case in which 680 thousand ballots in Philadelphia and Allegheny Counties were in question due to a poll-watching irregularities, Judge Brann found that the Supreme Court had ruled 5-2 against the argument, negating the issue. With the time to fight a dismissal of the case, Trump’s team has been given until today to present evidence that Democrats were treated more fairly than Republican voters which they maintain violated the equal protection clause of the 14^th Amendment.

WILLIAMSPORT FEDERAL COURT WELCOMES tRUMP COUNSEL, RUDY GIULIANI
State Police and supporters of President Trump lined the streets surrounding the Williamsport Federal Courthouse yesterday when counsel for President Donald J Trump, Rudy Giuliani and others, came to town for the hearing involving questions over 680 thousand ballots alleged to have been secretly counted without observation by poll-watchers, as well as an amended filing of the suit that electors were not given an adequate chance to have equal protection of their vote, a violation of the 14^th amendment of the Constitution. Giuliani argued for US District Court Judge Matthew W Brann to not dismiss the case and allow more time to present evident, which Judge Brann did and there will be another hearing. Judge Brann will consider the plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction and allow the defendant to counter today at 5pm in Williamsport.

NEW MANDATES FOR THE COMMONWEALTH IN THE FACE OF COVID SPIKES
Dr. Rachel Levine Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health held a press conference yesterday announcing more targeted efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania by implementing a mask mandate for all residents in PA whether in their home or not. Dr. Levine’s order also says that those who are traveling between Pennsylvania from another state, must test negative for the virus within 72 hours prior to arrival. The order does not apply to people traveling back and forth for work or medical treatment. People who refuse to be tested will be required to quarantine for 14 days. The state has no plans to enforce that measure at this time, but is asking for voluntary compliance. Levine said there are no plans to go with another broad-based shutdown.

LOCAL COVID UPDATE
Lycoming county reports 53 new cases of Coronavirus as of yesterday, Northumberland has 54, Snyder county reports 55 cases, Union has 15 and Montour reports 11 new cases. Tioga County saw an increase of 23 cases as of yesterday. Today’s COVID-19 total case count in Pennsylvania hit another record level – almost 5,900 There were 30 new deaths reported according to the PA Department of Health.

COMMISSIONER TESTES POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
The Lycoming County Commissioners has called for all of their public meetings for the Lycoming County Commissioners to be virtual now that his colleague, Commissioner Tony Mussare reported publicly that he tested positive for the Coronavirus ten days ago. According to the Sun Gazette, Mussare tested positive and experienced minor symptoms, but had not been hospitalized – he had attended the last three meetings virtually. However, a member of his family was hospitalized, and is at this time in stable condition. Mirabito also said county employees need to follow county directives to wear masks, to protect themselves and others.

MAN KILLED BY FAULTY HYDRAULIC RAMP
A man working for an excavation company was killed Monday in Lewis Township after a 500 pound hydraulic ramp failed and fell on him at a remote site off of Bodines Mountain Road. According to the Sun Gazette, the Lycoming County Coroner said 50 year old Wayne Neureiter or Troutville in Clearfield County died instantly at the scene after workers there tried to free him from under the ramp attmeprting to resucitet him by using CPR. The accident was not witnessed by anyone at the gas well pad near the Lewis-McIntyre township line on land owned by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Neureiter was employed by Lindemuth Excavating Inc., of Brookville in Jefferson County

NURSES GO ON STRIKE IN BUCKS COUNTY
Nearly 800 Bucks County nurses at a local hospital there went on strike yesterday over what they describe as dangerously low staffing levels that prevent them from providing high-quality care to patients. Represented by Pennsylvania health care union PASNAP, the union told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the staffing situation might only grow more dire through the winter. Officials from Trinity Health, the Catholic health system that owns St. Mary’s, said it will hire qualified agency nurses during the strike. The strike is planned to continue today, but PASNAP nurses will not be allowed back to work until Sunday because Trinity Health officials say that’s how long it takes to transition away from the replacement staff.

EAST LYCO PARENT EXPRESS CONCERN OVER REMOTE OR IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION
Parents in the East Lycoming School district heard from Superintendent Michael Pawlik at the school board meeting yesterday about how the school will handle the positive cases of the coronavirus that are occurring in the district while providing in person instruction. According to the Sun Gazette, Pawlik said they rely on a team effort to contact trace, clean and keep proper distance in classroom areas, working closely with the department of Health. During the public comment time of the meeting some parents questioned the schools measures like why they are not in remote learning mode. Other parents are grateful for the in-person instruction. Palwik also said students have to submit a form if they are leaving the state and those traveling must comply with the DOH’s new mandate to provide a negative COVID-test upon returning to PA or quarantine for 14 days.

SPORTS

HS SPORTS STATE PLAYOFFS

Boys Soccer Double A Semifinal

Lewisburg beat Oley Valley 2- nothing

State Championship on Saturday at 130, Hersheypark Stadium
Lewisburg (21-0) vs Deer Lakes

Girls Soccer Class A Semifinal

Southern Columbia 9, Conwell-Egan 0

State Championship Friday 11am, Hersheypark Stadium

Southern Columbia vs. Greensburg Central Catholic

Girls Soccer Double A Semifinal

Bloomsburg 1, Allentown Central Catholic 0

State Championship Saturday 11am, Hersheypark Stadium

Bloomsburg vs North Catholic

Girls Soccer Triple A Semifinal

Villa Joseph Marie 1 Selinsgrove 0……In double overtime

Field Hockey Class A Semifinal

Wyoming Seminary 6, Bloomsburg 0

Field Hockey Double A Semifinal

Palmyra 3, Selinsgrove 0