BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 23, 2021

ACCIDENT CLOSES VALLEY ROADWAY

Yesterday around 12:30pm, a 70-year-old woman crashed on Route 44, three miles north of Elimsport, closing the road in both directions. She was driving a minivan, sustained serious injuries and transported to the Geisinger Medical Center on LifeFlight helicopter. According to the SUN  Gazette, there has been no additional information or updates from Pennsylvania State Police regarding this accident.

NATURAL GAS IMPACT FEES GOOD FOR WILLIAMSPORT PROJECTS

Natural gas impact fees, totaling $230,000 will fund two projects for the city of Williamsport. According to the SUN Gazette, a gas impact fee award, totaling $180,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority, is being used in a multi-phase access to the Susquehanna Riverwalk at Basin Street and Via Bella. Engineering cost and determining ways to control both the flooding and flow of water on Grafius Run will cost little more than $53,000. Phase two is a retaining wall, guide crossing and access ramp.

LIVE COUNCIL STREAMING IN THE FUTURE

South Williamsport Borough Council and administration are working with an information technology vendor, attempting to  acquire the necessary camera and software to live stream council meetings on the borough’s Facebook page. The price tag is estimated to be $2,000, which will be funded through the borough office technology line item with a June or July projected implementation, according to the SUN Gazette. Access to some government meetings by remote became a necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FELONY CONTACT WITH MINORS 

Muncy area man facing new set of charges for his contact with minors. Lycoming County Detective Calvan Irvin, according to court records, has accused Jonathan Kula, Muncy, with allegedly providing two female juveniles with alcohol and receiving nude photos of them in reciprocation. According to SUN Gazette, Irvin continued by accusing Kula of providing alcohol to an two different female minors in incidents that took place in Muncy and other locations between May 2019 and January, 2020. Kula, who is already free on bail in another case charging him with indecent exposure and open lewdness with another minor, now faces 16 additional charges, he is free on $50,000 and he waived his preliminary hearings.

ABUSE OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION

Inside an hour,  David Clair Miller, 57,  called 911 upwards of a dozen times, with claims of people wanting to get him from outside and climbing inside a bedroom window at 3542 Dewey Avenue Extension. Old Lycoming Township Police responded and found no one on the property or evidence to support an attempted break in. Officers left and Miller was calling again about a break in and someone in his garage. The police returned and took Miller into custody on charges of abuse of emergency communication, amongst others. According to the SUN Gazette, Miller, declared unfit for arraignment, was jailed in the Lycoming County Prison, but has since been released on $5,000 bail.

UPDATED COVID-19 NUMBERS FOR TODAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health today released update COVID-19 numbers for our area; Locally, Lycoming County cases; Clinton 29; Tioga 10; Sullivan 5 and Northumberland 33; Union County 9; Snyder 9 and Montour County 2 cases.

LITTLE LEAGUE COMMUNITY HEROES

Following the challenges of 2020, Little League International is looking for all of its local leagues to take a moment to recognize the  incredible volunteers and supporters in their organizations, celebrating the  many behind the scenes heroes who swing for the fences and help, both on and off the field. In light of National Volunteer Week ,  April 18 through 24, Little League International is looking for nominations of Little League Community Heroes to be honored throughout spring  and summer.  According to Northcentralpa.com, for a full list of Community Heroes already recognized  and more information visit the little league website.

FELONY BURGLARY IN BLOOMSBURG

When Bloomsburg woman was beyond a doubt convinced there were “bodies” were buried in a basement, she was charged with felony burglary after the homeowners arrived home to find her inside. According to Bloomsburg Patrolman Bradley Sharrow, the resident at 303 Market Street called police to report Shannon Maxwell, 43, of Bloomsburg inside their home. The home owner fled and Maxwell was found sitting on the front porch when officers arrived. She told officers there were bodies in the basement and she trying to help. According to a media outlet, Maxwell was transported to the police station and charged with felonies and she is being held at the Columbia County Prison in lieu of $50,000 monetary bail. Her preliminary hearing for this week was rescheduled.

THEFT OF SCRAP METAL

A man accused of turning in nearly 14,000 pounds of scrap metal taken from a former employer, valued at nearly $27,000, was charged with multiple felonies in Bradford County. Ryan Bozman, 34, of Towanda, was charged with multiple felonies when he was accused of turning in upwards of 14,000 pounds of scrap metal from a former employer with a value of $27,000.  Officers claim between Feb. 15 and July 3 of 2020, Bozman dropped metal off 37 times for recycling.  According to an online media source, receipt logs show Bozman was given a total of $26,955.87 for 8,584 pounds of tungsten. Bozman has bail set at $10,000 monetary and he is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on May 5.

MISSING TEEN FOUND

Pennsylvania State Police in Bloomsburg report that Sage Rossi, a previously entered missing teen from Bloomsburg, was recently found safe in Brandon, Florida. The investigation has revealed there was no danger to Rossi or the pubic at any time.

Sports:

Penn State

Penn State Men’s Basketball Coach Micah Shrewsberry announced new hires on Thursday. Mike Green, new director of player development. Brian Snow, director of recruiting.

 

High School Softball

Central Mountain shut out Selinsgrove  6-0;

Williamsport over Danville 13-3; Lewisburg over Montoursville 3-2;

Muncy defeated Columbia Montour Vo Tech  12-1

 

High School Baseball

Williamsport topped Jersey Shore       8-6

St John Neumann shut out Columbia Montour Vo Tech 10-0;

South Williamsport topped Wellsboro 9-7;

Montgomery defeated Sullivan County 14-3; Canton over Towanda 17-7

 

Boys Tennis

Williamsport shut out Wellsboro 5-0;

Muncy over Shikellamly 4-1; Hughesville shut out Loyalsock 5-0;

South Williamsport over Bloomsburg 4-1

 

 

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 22, 2021

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT WORK MEETING

Last night, the Loyalsock Township School District held a work session public meeting to discuss their concerns over the school bus driver shortage.  I spoke with President of the District, Dr. Carolyn Strickland. Several ideas were proposed, however, there seems like there is still much to do. The proposal involves staggered start times for the 2021-2022 school term. The next meeting is May 12 and the public is encouraged to attend.

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT WORK MEETING

Last night, the Loyalsock Township School District held a work session public meeting. .  I spoke with President of the District, Dr. Carolyn Strickland.  The discussion was transportation and a proposal was put forth to stagger start times for the 2021-2022 school year while keeping the kids needs first. The next meeting is May12 and the public is encouraged to attend.

FUNDS FROM THE COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL AUTHORITY 

A collaborative effort between State Sen. Gene Yaw, State Rep. Jeff Wheeland, and State Rep. Joe Hamm, to announce significant investments for Lycoming County through the Commonwealth Financing Authority yesterday. In Williamsport, the Economic and Community Growth Corp. has been awarded $200,000 as part of a transition of a blighted Brownfield property into a multi-field, regional baseball and softball complex. Jersey Shore borough will receive $78,002 through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation program to implement the Jersey Shore Active Transportation Plan and $150,000 through the CFA Multimodal Transportation Fund to assist with a streetscape project. Lycoming County will also receive a grant of $287,379 through the Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE) to extend a natural gas pipeline in Brady Township.

RECYCLING CHANGES

Recycling ways have changed in Lycoming County to reduce recycling from becoming garbage bins.  For example, bins to recycle plastics are markedly smaller for a reason, as they are for smaller items such as milk and laundry containers that bear a 1 or 2 on the bottom. It is a hope these will reduce the amount of pool liners, lawn furniture and other items from ending up in the recycling bins. With cameras at recycling sites, it is advisable to know what you can and can’t leave at the site.

PENN TECH GRADUATION

Plans are in the works for graduation ceremonies at the Pennsylvania College of Technology on May 14, 15 & 16 to include graduates from Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 in 12 in-person events at the Community Arts Center. Due to  COVID-19, Penn College is modifying the “traditional” approach to graduation in order to satisfy regulations provided by the CDC.

LYCOMING COLLEGE GRADUATION

Lycoming College has elected to have two graduation ceremonies this year. The 173rd, for the Class of 2021, and another for the Class of 2020.The Class of 2021 commencement ceremony will be held at 2 p.m., May 15, on the Fultz Quad, rain or shine. The event will be live streamed and the link will be available on the college’s website five days before graduation. The 172nd commencement for the Class of 2020 will be held at 2 p.m., May 22 on the Fultz Quad.

MUNCY SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

A slight increase in real estate taxes, set to help balance next year’s budget, is a consideration of the Muncy School Board.  Business Administrator Andrew Seese posed questions for future consideration. For example the borough is not sure how much  funding the district will receive from the state and federal governments and what about long term financial sustainability? The board is expected to pass a final budget in June.

MONTGOMERY AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING

A three-year contract agreement, which runs from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024, between the Montgomery Area School District and the Montgomery Area Education Association was approved.In other district news, Joseph Stoudt, principal at the Jr./Sr. High School announced that graduation will be held June 4 at the football field. The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m. May 18.

PENNSYLVANIA INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AUTHORITY

Gov. Tom Wolf announced the investment of $117 million for 25 drinking water, wastewater and non-point source projects across 19 counties through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority on Wednesday where Old Lycoming Township received a $388,757 loan to acquire a new vacuum street sweeper, reducing sediment and debris runoff into nearby waterways.  Other funding includes $1,002,000 loan to Lewis Township in Northumberland County to establish public sewer service for homes in the area of Schell Road and Koch Road.

UPDATED COVID NUMBERS FOR TODAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has provided updated COVID-19 numbers for our area: Locally, Lycoming 35; Clinton 16; Tioga 8; Sullivan 4 and Northumberland 25.

CHIRP

The second phase of Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) grants is now open for eligible businesses in Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, or Union counties. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 to help alleviate 2020 revenue losses and pay for eligible operating expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For-profit hospitality businesses can view full guidelines and apply at the Community Giving Foundation’s website at https://csgiving.org/chirp/.

MISCONDUCT AT MUNCY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

It was in exchange for sexual favors, where a supervisor at the state Corrections Institution at Muncy passed notes among several female inmates and also provided prescribed drugs to another, according to an agent with the state Department of Corrections in court records. According to Amanda Wtiak in a criminal complaint, from last October and into early January, Scott, 50, of Hunlock Creek Township, Luzerne County, allegedly had indecent contact with five inmates.Scott was arraigned this week before District Judge Jon E. Kemp on two felonies – institutional sexual assault, felony contraband — and two misdemeanors –. He was released on $50,000 bail.

UPTOWN MUSIC COLLECTIVE SUMMER ENROLLMENT

The Uptown Music Collective’s summer enrollment week begins on April 19 through April 24, offering  in-person and virtual private lessons available for guitar, vocals, bass, keyboards, and drums. The semester beginning May 3 and will run for 15 weeks. Everyone can also see the continuation of the Adult Music Program at the Collective known as “AMP,” a program is specifically designed with adult students in mind, while still inside the Collective’s renowned music curriculum. Visit Uptown Music Collective. Online to learn more or to register.

BOMB THREAT

Yesterday at approximately 4:30pm, a bomb threat was made to the Hampton Inn and Suites, 66 Liberty Lane in Loyalsock Township via Telephone. The Hampton inn and suites and all other businesses/residences within the immediate vicinity were evacuated as PSP was on scene and maintained a perimeter with an incendiary device K9 responding. There was no incendiary device and the guests were allowed back to their rooms at 9 pm. Investigative leads were developed and there is no threat to the public at this time.

Sports:

Boys tennis

Williamsport shut out Shikellamy 5-0

Cowanesque Valley topped North Penn-Liberty 3-2

 

High School Softball

Montgomery shut out Benton 23-0

 

High School Baseball

Selinsgrove topped Montoursville 6-5

 

Boys track and field

Shikellamy over Jersey Shore 109-36

Mount Carmel over Hughesville 104-44

 

Girls track and field

Shikellamy over Jersey Shore 76-74

Hughesville topped Mount Carmel 76-73

 

 

 

 

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING APRIL 21, 2021

ARREST AND CONVICTION IN GAMBLE TOWNSHIP

After he spit on and threatened a Pennsylvania State Trooper in Gamble Township last April, when he was running nude on Lake Road, a Williamsport man  was sentenced in Lycoming County Court. Dillon Calvin, 28, sentenced on April 7 by Lycoming County Common Pleas Judge Marc Lovecchio to 90 days to 18 months in county jail to include 78 days of credit for inpatient time served at White Deer Run. Calvin must  also provide a DNA sample and serve 45 days of electronic monitoring, perform 50 hours of community service and undergo a mental health assessment.

HIT AND RUN CHARGES

A Milton man rolled his vehicle on Front and John Streets in Sunbury and then fled the scene. Karl Parker, 46,  faces misdemeanor charges and was taken into custody on Sunday after striking another vehicle, shoving it 20 feet in a yard, as his vehicle rolled onto it’s side. Police searched the area and found him near the high school. According to the Daily Item, Parker is now incarcerated at SCI-Coal Township, waiting for a bail revocation hearing and set to appear in front of Sunbury District Judge Mike Toomey on the misdemeanor charges.

MILTON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT TAX INCREASE

If the final budget in the Milton Area School District is approved next month, taxpayers may end up paying approximately 2 percent more in real estate taxes in the 2021-2022 school year. According to a new source, it was a 7-2 vote, to approve the proposed final general fund budget of $37,038,654 and a 1.54 millage increase for Northumberland County taxpayers and .1 millage increase for taxpayers in Union County, at Tuesday night’s school board meeting. The proposed final general fund budget is scheduled for enactment at the next public meeting on May18  at 6pm..

WARRANT ARREST IN SELINSGROVE

In downtown Selinsgrove last Friday Pennsylvania State Troopers and U.S. Marshals apprehended a Schuylkill County man with an active warrant. According to a media outlet, 36-year-old Aaron Gray of Ashland was taken into custody Friday and arraigned at Magistrate John Reed’s office Monday morning on felony drug and gun charges. Court papers say Gray was wanted for failure to appear for a gun offense.

EVACUATION IN FLEMINGTON

About 90 minutes after an evacuation order was issued for Flemington residents in the vicinity of Frederick and Huston Streets, adjacent to Clinton County’s Emergency Services Building, an all-clear was issued.  According to therecordonline.com, the initial report was a contractor ruptured a natural gas line at the intersection of Frederick and Huston Streets. Nearby residents were told to evacuate to the Goodwill Hose Company fire hall on High Street in Flemington. In addition, the evacuation caused the closing of the Lock Haven District Justice office in the Emergency Services Building; that office will reopen this morning at 8 a..m.

SEXUAL ASSAULT CONVICTION

A Lock Haven man, charged with a July 2020 sexual assault of a 14-year-old female, was sentenced on Monday. Justin Michael Litz, 32, of S. Highland Street, Lock Haven, will spend 23 and 1/2 years in a state correctional institution. Litz is eligible for parole on state supervision after he serves the initial 75 months of his sentence. Clinton County Judge Michael Salisbury imposed the sentence and as a result of his convictions, Litz is also classified as a Tier III Megan’s Law Offender, and required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

STIMULUS HELP FOR WILLIAMSPORT

The American Rescue Plan is part of the $1.9 trillion stimulus signed by President Joe Biden for COVID-19 recovery. According to Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter, the city can expect to receive upwards of $25.8 million in stimulus funds that could arrive as early as May. Councilwoman Bonnie Katz noted the help could not arrived at a more beneficial time for the city. According to the SUN Gazette, the city suffered through taxes, layoffs and closures with the second quarter of 2020 showing the greatest impact. Council’s finance committee can get a glimpse of the first-quarter financials during its meeting on Tuesday at 1pm.

LAWSUIT BY LYCOMING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 

It was a claim of a failure to properly carry out duties, put forth by the Lycoming County Commissioners, as their filed a lawsuit against  Controller Krista Rodgers in Lycoming County Court yesterday.  According to an online media source, in a long standing feud, Commissioners Tuesday voiced their reasoning for the transfer of four personnel from the office of the County Controller to the budget and finance department. Citing financial errors, resulting in losses in the thousands of dollars, Commissioner Scott Metzger noted in the end, it is the commissioners are responsible for Lycoming County finances and it needed fixed.

ACCIDENT CAUSED FUEL SPILL 

Traffic met a two hour standstill yesterday, when during the late afternoon rush hour, upwards of 150 gallons of diesel fuel spilled onto the eastbound lanes of Interstate 180 in Loyalsock Township.  The fuel, according to SUN Gazette, flowed from a rig after it was involved in a crash with a car near the Faxon Interchange on-ramp. The truck’s diesel tank was ruptured, but it continued driving almost a quarter mile, as fuel spilled onto 180. The scene was cleaned up by a hazardous materials team and the driver of the car was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

LAB RESULTS CAUSING HOLD UP

Lab results are holding a case from moving forward in Northumberland County Court. According to the Daily Item, Assistant District Attorney Robyn Zenzinger advised Judge Hugh Jones the results could take several months to return. Denarii Springs, 22, Northumberland, is accused of firing a gun at a home near North Seventh Street in Sunbury, June 16. He continues to remain a county inmate in lieu of $500,000 bail facing attempted homicide.

SHOTS FIRED IN WILLIAMSPORT

Officers and agents from the Williamsport Bureau of Police responded to Flanigan Park for a report of shots fired. While on the scene, Officers were able to locate evidence of a shooting and canvassed the area for witnesses. A short time later, Williamsport PD received a call from UPMC Police, advising that a young adult male arrived in the UPMC emergency room with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to his leg. The victim was treated and later released. This incident does NOT appear to be random. Any information can be directed to the follow up investigation, in this case, which  is currently being conducted by the Williamsport Bureau of Police Criminal Investigation Unit.

 

Sports:

High School Softball

Central Mountain shut out Midd-West 10-0

Williamsport topped St. Mary’s  8-7

Montoursville over Warrior Run  8-1

Athens over North Penn Liberty  5-3

Loyalsock topped Lewisburg       19-14

Shikellamy defeated Jersey Shore 14-3

 

High School Baseball

Loyalsock shut out Mount Carmel 10-0

St John Neuman defeated Millville 11-1

Muncy shut out CMVT                   5-0

Sayre defeated Cowanesque Valley  16-1

Hughesville over Bloomsburg        3-2

South Williamsport over Danville  2-1

Montgomery topped Benton        16-6

St. Mary’s over Williamsport       4-3

 

 

 

Boys Track and Field

Williamsport over Shamokin       95-55

Wellsboro over Sayre          91-56

 

Girls Track and Field

Williamsport over Shamokin 121-29

Wellsboro over Sayre 133-13

 

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING APRIL 20, 2021

 

ADDITIONAL CHARGES STEMMING FROM STAND-OFF

Late Monday afternoon, additional felony charges were lodged against Shaheed Gindraw, the 32-year-old man who held city police at bay for more than six hours Friday night at Newberry Estates, 2500 Federal Ave. According to the SUN Gazette, initially jailed on $10,000 bail, Gindraw was recommitted in lieu of $175,000 bail following his arraignment on the new charges before District Judge Christian Frey.

RIVER VALLEY TRANSIT INVESTIGATION

The Office of  Attorney General Josh Shapiro has been investigating the use of multi-million dollar grants over the past decade at River Valley Transit, and discovered upwards of  $65 million in state Department of Transportation grants were received by the bus system throughout the recent decade and, according to details uncovered by SUN Gazette, this doesn’t include monies provided by the Federal Transit Administration. The Attorney General’s Office investigation continues.

PASSHE NOT INCREASING TUITION RATES

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) will not increase tuition rates for the third consecutive year. According to an online news outlet, the move keeps basic in-state tuition for undergraduate students for the 2021-22 academic year at $7,716. The technology fee for students will also remain at $478 for the upcoming academic year. Lock Haven University, Dr. Bashar Hanna, LHU’s interim president noted this was a very positive move for students and community  and for all 14 universities involved in the program.

SHOTS FIRED

Shots fired in Flannigan Park brought officers from Old Lycoming Township, Williamsport, South Williamsport, and Pennsylvania State Police to downtown Williamsport around 8 pm last night. According to Northcentralpa.com, crime scene tape was used to mark off the basketball court and metal detectors  were used in conjunction with the Williamsport Fire Department for lighting and manpower. During this time, an individual was transported to the Williamsport Hospital, however it is unknown if the reason was due to this incident.

DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE

A domestic in the parking lot of Sheetz in Bloomsburg on March 19 began as two people argued over money from the ATM. Willis Vance Person, 57, of Bloomsburg allegedly became physical and assaulted the accuser.  According to a media outlet, Person was charged with multiple misdemeanors stemming from the incident, assigned $25,000 monetary bail and confined to the Columbia County Prison on April 13. His preliminary hearing scheduled for April 28 with Judge Russell Lawton.

MISSING TEEN

Pennsylvania State Police in Bloomsburg are looking for a 16-year-old, last seen Saturday night at 11pm. Sage Rossi, Bloomsburg,  did take her cell phone, which provided a ping that placed it within in a three-mile radius of 1345 Mount Road, Huntington Township, Luzerne County. According to Troopers, they searched the area with negative results. According to Northcentralpa.com, the report says there has not been any activity on the phone or Rossi’s social media accounts since the ping. Anyone with information should call the Bloomsburg State Police.

COVID-19 NUMBER TODAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health today provided updated COVID-19 totals for our area: Locally,  Lycoming 16; Clinton 8; Tioga 7; Sullivan  2 and Northumberland 8.

LOCK HAVEN ALL IN DAY OF GIVING

Lock Haven University’s All In Day of Giving, the 24-hour fundraiser, held from 10 a.m. Thursday, April 15 to 10 a.m. Friday, April 16, was set to support academic and athletic scholarships for LHU students. According to Northcentralpa.com,  this year, the effort raised more than $150,000 in support.  During the event, various challenges were announced with donors having a chance to unlock additional funding for the academic or athletic programs they care about most. Some of these included; the LHU Foundation First-Time Donor Challenge, the LHU Foundation Soaring Higher Challenge and the PSECU Most Money Raised Athletics Challenge.

ACCIDENT ON SR 15

An overturned tractor-trailer truck, carrying wood, rolled down an embankment, when negotiating a turn on the Route 15 South spur yesterday around 12:45pm. According to an online media source, the driver, Jose Diaz, 55, New Jersey, was transported and treated at UPMC for injuries sustained. Although not fully blocked to traffic, the area was reduced to a single lane during clean up. Fire police from area departments responded and assisted with traffic direction.

GOVERNOR WOLF VACCINE

Governor Tom Wolf received his first COVID shot yesterday at Family First Health in York. In keeping with his word, Governor Wolf waited until all Pennsylvanian adults were vaccine eligible. He sent a message on Twitter saying he was excited to be just one of more than 2.7 million Pennsylvanians who have received at least one dose. It is not known which does he was given.

CROSSCUTTERS FAN CUTOUTS

With state mandated capacity limits and social distancing expected to be part of the Williamsport Crosscutters upcoming season, the team has announced the availability of Fan Cutouts for the 2021 campaign. All orders will be verified by the Williamsport Crosscutters, as there is a short list of things not permitted on the photo. Fans wishing to order a cutout can do so by visiting Crosscutters website and following the easy step by step process. To have your cut out in the stands for Opening night, May 25th, orders must be in by May 13.

Sports:

High School Baseball

South Williamsport shut out Towanda 18-0

Montoursville over Mifflinburg 6-4

Canton over Wyalusing 5-4

 

High School Softball

Wellsboro defeated Coudersport 16-6

Galeton over Port Allegany 8-7

Cowanesque Valley defeated Oswayo Valley 17-3

 

Boys Tennis

Williamsport shut out Jersey Shore 5-0

Muncy over South Williamsport 3-2

Central Mountain shut out Danville 5-0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 19, 2021

 

STAND–OFF IN WILLIAMSPORT CITY

On April 16 at approximately 5:13 pm, a female reported her boyfriend assaulted her, threatened her life and that of her unborn child. She called 911 from  2500 Federal Avenue,  when her boyfriend, an agitated Shaheed Gindraw was alone home with her five-year-old son and  multiple firearms. Williamsport Police, in conjunction with Columbia/Montour SWAT and Lycoming County Hostage Negations Gindraw peacefully surrendered and  was arrested under multiple charges, arraigned before Magistrate District Justice Lepley and committed  to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $10,000 bail.

CHARGES FOR THEFT IN PIATT TOWNSHIP

Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police reported Brian James Murray and Jennnifer Dawes were charged with the break-in of the Piatt Township Municipal Building on Route 220. According to Northcentralpa.com, Murray, 43, and Dawes, 46, face multiple felonies with thefts and damage equaling over $10,000. Murray and Dawes were committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $125,000 bail each.

CASE NUMBER THREE IN ALLEGED CHILD ABUSE CASES

It was case number three, filed Friday, alleging child abuse against Jonathan Kula of Pennsdale. However, he is free without need to post bail, as his bail remains unsecured over the three felony cases against him. According to an online news outlet, the most recent criminal case filed against Kula is by the Muncy Borough Police. Kula, charged with multiple felony counts of unlawful contact with a minor, Magistrate District Justice Kemp set Kula’s bail at $25,000 unsecured on March 19.

DRIVE-BY SHOOTING

Saturday morning, around 1:30, Northumberland County Communication, reported the Sunbury Police are looking for a suspect of  a drive-by shooting on the 500 block on Reagan Street. Reports from Daily Item, allege the suspect discharged approximately five rounds into a home from a vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sunbury City Police.

STATE FUNDING FOR LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Warrior Run School District and Northumberland County can expect state funding for safety projects according to Governor Tom Wolf. Warrior Run is receiving over $344,000 for projects to increase sight distance and improve safety at an expanding campus in the district and Northumberland County is receiving over $149,000 for the repair of Bridge 142, jointly owned by Northumberland and Columbia counties. According to an online media outlet, the two projects are part of 43 total projects in 21 counties receiving funding, totaling $45.9 million through the Multimodal Transportation Fund.

FELONY CHARGES FOR WATSONTOWN MAN

A Watsontown man faces felony charges when he allegedly drove impaired, with two young children, ages 5 & 6, in Union County. Doug Eugene Sam Guthrie, 33, pulled over March 31 on Route 15 in Gregg Township by Trooper Logan Spiece of Pennsylvania State Police at Milton. Charges were filed at the office of District Judge Jeffrey C. Mensch. Bail was set at $25,000 unsecured.

HOME INVASION IN TOWANDA

The plea hearing for a Towanda man accused of entering a home and assaulting a person inside their residence is scheduled for May 24. James Steven Kithcart, 33, of Towanda accused by state police at Towanda of causing a person to suffer broken ribs and a collapsed lung from the alleged assault. Court records, per a media outlet, report Kithcart  is  held on $5,000 monetary bail at the Bradford County Prison since Jan. 20.

CONVICTION IN 2019 CASE

A central Pennsylvania jury has convicted a woman of lying to investigators in the 2019 beating death of a 3-year-old girl in which her son faces charges. The AP reports that 51-year-old Christy Willis of Sunbury was convicted on obstruction in child abuse case amongst other charges in conjunction with the October 2019 beating death of Arabella Parker. Willis also proclaimed the innocence of her son, 20-year-old Jahrid Burgess of Port Trevorton, who is charged with homicide. Both are awaiting trial.

CHILD MOLESTATION CHARGES

After a search warrant seized a desktop computer, iPad tablet and cellphone, Timothy Wayne Chrisenberry, 53, of 427 Cemetery St., is charged by the PA State Attorney General’s Office with 49 felony counts stemming from child pornography. Following his arraignment, Chrisenberry was jailed in lieu of $150,000 bail. District Judge Christian Frey ordered Chrisenberry to have no access to the internet and no unsupervised contact with minors.

Sports:

Penn State’s annual Blue-White spring practice was Saturday at Beaver Stadium with no tailgating and general fans couldn’t attend. However, Penn State limited attendance this year to first-year students and families and guests of players, coaches and staff which equaled 7, 521 screaming Penn State fans. Although a far cry from 10,000 regular fans who stream into Beaver Stadium, the turnout gave the coaches, staff and players a hope for a little bit of normalcy.

 

Loyalsock Little League season began on Saturday afternoon at Bruce Henry Park.

 

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 16, 2021

RETAIL THEFT

A Walmart Asset Protection Associate was the key to Rebecca Austin, 40, of Illion, N.Y. getting charged for her role in a retail theft operation. Austin, charged with a third-degree felony of retail theft, when at the Walmart in Athens, she attempted to push a cart of merchandise, valued at $1,058.84, out of the store.  According to Northcentralpa.com a video was provided to Athens Township police. Austin was stopped and questioned by the Walmart associate. She provided a McDonald’s receipt and left without the merchandise. Court records show Austin entered a guilty plea on April 12 and is currently awaiting sentencing.

MONEY LAUNDERING

Approximately $300,000  of COVID-19 relief funding involved in a  money laundering scheme landed charges for two Bloomsburg residents. Darryl Corradini, 63, and Vicki Hackenberg, 57, were charged on April 13, 2021, by a federal grand jury. The two were charged with perpetrating a bank fraud and money laundering scheme.The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, reported the money was relief dollars which were  guaranteed by the Small Business Administration through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). According to a news outlet, the case was investigated by the IRS, Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.

COVID-19 CLOSURE

An employee who tested positive for COVID-19 closed the library Thursday afternoon. The Herr Memorial Library in Mifflinburg, to open on Thursday, April 22.All library staff who were potentially exposed will be screened and monitored before returning to work and the building will undergo a thorough cleaning during its closure, according to an online media source. Visit the library’s website for updates and online services available

CHILD ENDANGERMENT AND ASSAULT

Seven felonies, stemming from an incident April 1, were charged by the Hemlock Township Police on a 22-year-old man from Haverford. Matthew Burnham Abraham is charged with fleeing from police and allegedly assaulting a 13-year-old juvenille. The short lived pursuit ended when Abraham’s vehicle struck a curb that caused significant damage. Officers reported to Northcentralpa.com,  the 13-year-old juvenile admitted to having sex with Abraham, who was held on $150,000 monetary bail that was set on April 1. His bail was posted on April 6 by Surety Bonds.

STATUTORY SEXUAL ASSAULT

A preliminary hearing on charges of rape of a child, statutory sexual assault and other charges was bound over trial for a Hughesville man. Aaron L. Clark, of Boak Avenue, Hughesville, is alleged, on three occasions in 2016 in Porter Township, to have had sexually assaulted a 9-year-old female child, according to the office of Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse. The victim, now 15, testified at the preliminary hearing. Clark was originally released on unsecured bail in the amount of $50,000. According to a media outlet, the DA’s office has a pending motion filed with the Clinton County Court of Common Pleas to amend bail to a monetary amount, describing the current bail as “ridiculous.” A bail modification hearing is anticipated to occur in the coming days, the DA’s office said.

MILL HALL ELEMENTARY REMOTE LEARNING TODAY

Due to the number of COVID cases in the student population, the Mill Hall Elementary is  remote learning for today, according to an online media source. Keystone Central School District Superintendent Jacquelyn Martin made the announcement yesterday afternoon. She continued by saying, the building will be closed for sanitation and deep cleaning. We expect to return to regular instruction on Monday, April 19, 2021 and will make updates if additional closure days are necessary.

COVID-19 NUMBERS FOR TODAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has provided updated COVID-19 numbers and locally Lycoming 53; Clinton 30; Tioga  5; Sullivan 1 and Northumberland 24. At Bucknell University, 57 have active cases on campus (55 students and two faculty/staff and 47% of the university’s isolation space is in use.) At Susquehanna University, there are 12 active cases overall, 11 among students and one among faculty/staff.

JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE PAUSE

Pennsylvania on Thursday extended its “pause” on use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine by another four days after federal government health advisers said they need more time to investigate reports of rare blood clots. The state Health Department told vaccine providers to refrain from using J&J’s COVID-19 vaccine until April 24, or until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration issues new guidance.The CDC said Wednesday that one of the cases involved a 26-year-old Pennsylvania woman who has since recovered.Vaccine providers in Pennsylvania had administered more than 6.7 million vaccine doses to date, of which a small fraction, about 247,000 doses, were supplied by J&J, according to the Health Department.

FELONY CHARGES ON EX-POLICE OFFICER BOUND OVER FOR COURT

All felony charges filed against ex-Williamsport Police officer Eric B. Derr are now bound over for court. The case went before Union County Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey Rowe yesterday. Derr, 36, a former police officer, is accused by the Pa. Attorney General’s Office of running unauthorized JNET searches between 2015 and 2020 on approximately 26 different women. According to a media outlet, the Pa. Attorney General’s Office re-filed the charges, previously dismissed by Lycoming County Magisterial District Judge Allen P Page III on Feb 9, against Derr in a new criminal complaint on Feb. 25. Judge Rowe determined that the Commonwealth established their prima facie case against Derr and his case now advances to the Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas. Derr is scheduled for a formal arraignment on May 3.

911 MEMORIAL RIDE

State Rep. Joe Hamm, visited the Muncy Township Supervisors’ meeting to address the rescinded motorcycle ride in memory of the September 11 attacks. According to Hamm, PennDOT discovered a regulation requiring each municipality the memorial ride travelled through to approve and carry insurance and also hold harmless PennDOT during the event. According to the SUN Gazette, when the host municipalities failed to accomplish this, the memorial ride could not continue last year. So, Hamm said the general assembly is trying to fast-track a bill to override these requirements before May.

SUSPICIOUS DEATH.

The death of a gas drilling company worker is under investigation by both state and federal authorities. Cabot Oil & Gas reported a contract worker required an ambulance on Monday night, shortly after midnight in Rush Township, Susquehanna County. The company released a report, saying the person was transported to Montrose Hospital and was pronounced dead at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday.

UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN FROM THE BOARDER

About 150 unaccompanied children found at the southern border of the U.S. have arrived in northwestern Pennsylvania and will be housed at a dormitory at the Pennsylvania International Academy. The Pennsylvania International Academy is designated as an emergency intake site by the department. Six children were assigned to each room in the 648-capacity dormitory, with more children expected in the future, the department said. Governors of two states, Iowa and Nebraska, are refusing to house the children.

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT DRIVER SHORTAGE

The Loyalsock Township School District is suffering from a driver shortage. According to Dan Egly, business manager, the district lost four drivers this year and has even  used other methods, such as double-shifting and taking students out of school early to accommodate. The district currently has nine bus drivers and this creates problems for daily bus runs, field trips and extracurricular activities. The answer could be in staggering starting and dismissal times for the high school-middle school students and those at Schick Elementary. According to the SUN Gazette, in order to inform residents of the district about the proposed plan and to get community input, the district is holding a meeting at 6 p.m., April 21 at the High School/Middle School Auditorium. Limited seating of about 100 is available for public attendance. The meeting will also use a virtual format with the link available on the district’s website prior to the start of the meeting.

OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP TO SWEAR IN NEW POLICE CHIEF

The Old Lycoming Township Supervisors, set to swear in the next township police chief at their May 7 meeting according to the SUN Gazette. The new chief will replace Joe Hope, who retired at the end of March. In other township news, the township extended its COVID-19 emergency declaration by 90 days to July 2, 2021.The supervisors will next meet May 7 at 7 p.m.

ACCIDENT FIRE RULINGS

The early-morning fire Monday at 1605 Scott St.  has been ruled accidental, according to city Platoon Chief Sam Aungst. A media outlet reported the fire, originated around a humidifier in the basement and spread on all three floors, Aungst said. Two porch fires that broke out on April 8 in the city’s Newberry neighborhood have been ruled accidental, Aungst said. The fires at 2500 W. Fourth St. and 2116 Newberry St. were both caused by smoking materials

JULY 2016 ATTACK ARREST 

Recently there has been another arrest for the alleged involvement in a burglary and subsequent attack on a couple that occurred nearly five years ago in the 300 block of Yeagle Road in Wolf Township. Convicted felon Ronald Shoop Jr., 31, was arraigned before District Judge Jon E. Kemp on numerous felony charges in connection with the attack that occurred on July 7, 2016. The SUN Gazette reported the kidnapping charge stems from him and co-defendant Sheldon Spotts, tying up the couple with electric cords and duct tape in the basement.

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING APRIL 15, 2021

ACCUSED GUNMAN WAIVED PRELIMINARY HEARING

Accused gunman, Nakoma Ross, waived his preliminary hearing yesterday,  with District Judge William Solomon who then set the Ross’s bail at $500,000. This changed  from a previous no bail as a result of an incident on April 1, at approximately 11:15 am. From his residence in Cogan House Township, Ross fired multiple shots into a neighbor’s occupied residence and then allegedly fired at investigating troopers around 12:45pm, as reported by SUN Gazette. Ross is to face further court action on four counts of assault on law enforcement, nine counts of aggravated assault and related offenses.

NEW BUSINESS OPENING IN AREA

Verilife, a medical marijuana dispensary, is opening up its fourth location in Pennylvania. Loyalsock Township is the new home to a Verilife business at 2300 East Third Street. SUN Gazette reports there will be more than two dozen jobs created with this business. The store officially opened yesterday. To legally purchase medical marijuana, a person must be signed up with the state’s Medical Marijuana Program Registry and be certified by a Pennsylvania physician with having a serious medical condition

NAMING RIGHTS TO BOWMAN FIELD

City Council’s finance committee put forth a positive recommendation to accept a naming rights agreement for Bowman Field. The proposed contract calls for an initial six-year term, first year with no fee and the final five years $32,500 per year, according the SUN Gazette. Muncy Bank and Trust responded. Once approved by council, the bank will put signs in the same location and have potential use of the scoreboard throughout the agreement term. The goal is to keep the signage and not recreate the wheel and rebuild infrastructure, a spokeswoman for Muncy Bank and Trust said.

JOINT CHESAPEAKE BAY POLLUTION REDUCTION PLAN

Loyalsock Township Supervisors this week approved a memorandum of understanding with Williamsport Municipal Sanitary Authority for a Joint Chesapeake Bay pollution reduction plan, according to the SUN Gazette. With the stormwater management systems transferred from the city to the authority and based on the agreement between the city and the township, a memorandum was necessary.The vote was unanimous among supervisors.

JERSEY SHORE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING

The Jersey Shore Area School District taking advantage of current low interest rates and is set to save $185,468, by refinancing bonds from 2012 and 2015 . In other news, the board voted on the following winter sport head coaches for the 2021-22 school year individually: David Herman, wrestling,; Scott Munro, boys’ basketball, and Darrin Bischof, girls’ basketball; Jonathan Palumbo, swimming; and Bernice Hale, cheerleading. The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m. April 26.

UPDATED COVID-19 NUMBERS FOR TODAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health today provided updated COVID-19 numbers for our area. Locally, Lycoming 30; Clinton 7; Tioga 8; Sullivan 3 and Northumberland 33.

FELONY CHARGES IN DOMESTIC ALTERCATION

A Union County  hotel is where PSP allege a Williamsport man attempted to strangle a woman.  Tone A. Williams, 24, faces multiple felonies stemming from an incident after 4 a.m. on March 31, Pennsylvania State Police at Milton responded to the Holiday Inn Express in White Deer Township for a domestic disturbance. According to Northcentralpa.com the physical altercation caused injuries ad Williams was arrested and arraigned by District Judge Jeffrey C. Mensch where bail was set at $50,000 monetary, which he posted.

STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO GET VACCINATED

The Departments of Health and Education today encouraged students at Pennsylvania colleges and universities to receive their COVID-19 vaccination before the end of the Spring semester. According to Northcentralpa.com, the DOH vaccine jurisdiction includes 66 counties across Pennsylvania, and everyone over 16 is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine – regardless of occupation, health conditions, residency, or citizenship. Students do not have to be a resident of Pennsylvania to receive the vaccine here.  As of today, reports state more than 6.6 million doses have been administered to more than 4.3 million people.

SEAM TO THE LEWISBURG DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP

State funding has been awarded to the Lewisburg because of the pandemic. Governor Tom Wolf announced yesterday the Lewisburg Downtown Partnership is receiving $50,000 from the state’s COVID-19 Relief-Supporting Elm and Main (SEAM) program. According to Northcentralpa.com it’s one of 43 projects receiving funding, totaling nearly $2 million.

CONSTRUCTION ON SR 11/15 SHAMOKIN DAM

Major Delays Expected on a clean-up project at the Routes 11 and 15 in Shamokin Dam intersection is expected to cause major delays today. PennDOT reported a right lane closure on Routes 11 and 15 south for a soil remediation project from a previous crash.Work will take place between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. near the old K-Mart and now the W&L Nissan dealership.

BUSINESS CLOSING DOORS IN MCELHATTAN

First Quality Enterprises, Inc. is closing its Hygenic division at the McElhattan facility this summer. That report on yesterday was confirmed by Mike Flanagan, Clinton County Economic Partnership President. According to therecordonline.com, approximately 150 employees will be affected, although it is understood all will be offered a position elsewhere on the McElhattan campus or First Quality’s Lock Haven/Castanea operation. Employees were informed of the division shutdown yesterday morning . There is no word on what First Quality may do with the building; late summer was reported the anticipated shutdown date.

STRONG ARMED ROBBERY BOUND OVER FOR COURT

A former Lock Haven man had his case bound over for trial after his preliminary hearing on Tuesday by District Judge Keith Kibler.  Torr T. Gray, 29 accused of strong-armed robbery at a Lock Haven Laundromat, remains incarcerated at the Clinton County Correctional Facility on $75,000 bail while he awaits trial.

OUTSTANDING CRIMINAL WARRANT CLOSED WITH ARREST

The Woodward Township Police reported, with the assistance from Lock Haven Police, they they took Jolene Renee Fisher into custody and arrested her on the outstanding criminal warrant stemming from an incident on March 19, where Fisher caused a disturbance on a school bus. According to therecordonline.com, Fisher was arraigned before District Judge Keith Kibler and  incarcerated in the Clinton County Correctional Facility to await further court proceedings after she was unable to post $15,000 bail.

FELONY CHARGES FOLLOWING FATAL ACCIDENT

On August 11, 2020, Pine Creek Township Police investigated a fatal accident on Route 220 South just after entering into Wayne Township, a warrant was issued for the arrest of 19 year old Dasia Woolf of Lock Haven. She was arrested on Tuesday and charged with multiple felonies and a preliminary hearing will be scheduled.

ARMED ROBBERY WEDNESDAY

An armed robbery last evening at Jersey Mike’s Subs 7431 Westbranch Highway, Kelly Township, Union County at approximately 5:46 pm  had Kenneth Robert Gough Jr, 40, Williamsport entering the business and threatening employees before they put money in a Jersey Mike’s brown bag and he left the store and traveling  north. He was stopped by PSP and transported back to Milton, where he was  charged with multiple felonies, arraigned in front of Magistrate Jeffrey Rowe and  confined to the Union County Jail in lieu of $200,000 straight bail.

BOIL ADVISORY LIFTED

The Williamsport Municipal Water Authority has lifted the boil water advisory that was put in effect for customers located in the following area of the City of Williamsport:

West Fourth Street between Rose Street and Fifth Avenue

Grier Street between West Third Street and West Fourth Street

Fifth Avenue between West Fourth Street and Memorial Avenue

SPORTS:

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL:

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN SHUT OUT LEWISBURG 1-0, SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT TOPPED CANTON 3-1, ST JOHN NEUMANN OVER MONTGOMERY 10-6, MUNCY SHUT OUT BUCKTAIL 15-0, COWANESQUE VALLEY OVER WILLIAMSON 7-6, CENTRAL COLUMBIA OVER HUGHESVILLE 13-2, MIFFLINBURG OVER JERSEY SHORE 11-2, MONTOURSVILLE OVER ST JOSEPH’S 13-3

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL:

MONTGOMERY SHUT OU ST JOHN NEUMANN 15-0, MUNCY SHUT OUT SULLIVAN 17-0, COWANESQUE VALLEY SHUT OUT GALETON 21-0

BOYS TENNIS:

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN OVER JERSEY SHORE  4-1, JUNIATA SHUT OUT MUNCY 5-0,WELLSBORO SHUT OUT TOWANDA 5-0

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 14, 2021

DRUG CHARGES COUPLED WITH CHILD ENDANGERMENT CHARGES

Williamsport City Police retrieved needles and other paraphernalia, cocaine, methamphetamine, mushrooms and over a dozen bundles of heroin from 420 Rural Avenue on March 27 in the possession of Alicia Julie Hunter, 32 and Robert Butry Hunter, 33. According to northcentralpa.com both Hunter and Butry-Hunter were charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors and incarcerated since March 30, unable to post the $125,000 monetary bail, set for each by Magisterial District Judge Aaron S. Biichle.

ASSAULT BY PRISONER

A cup of cold urine  thrown in the face of a prison guard at the Bradford County Correctional Facility as he was assaulted by a prisoner, according to the Pennsylvania State Police in Towanda. Dennis Smith, 28, of Troy, threw the urine covering the guard’s face and clothes. According to northcentralpa.com, Smith was charged with third-degree felony aggravated assault by a prisoner in April 2020 and the same charge in July 2020.

JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE 

Following six reports of blood clots after the administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine in women 18-47 years old, the Pennsylvania Dept of  Health directed vaccine providers in the commonwealth to pause using the vaccine until April 20. According to northcentralpa.com, some providers are giving people the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, instead.

BOIL ADVISORY

The Williamsport Water Authority’s boil water advisory will remain in effect through at least this afternoon  according to Wendy Walter, the Director of Compliance and Safety. Testing protocols are strictly followed by the water authority based on guidance from the Pennsylvania DEP. The water boil advisory affects city residents on West Fourth Street between Rose Street and Fifth Avenue; Grier Street between West Third Street and West Fourth Street; and Fifth Avenue between West Fourth Street and Memorial Avenue.

TENNIS IN THE PARK

Tennis in the Park,  a series of one-week camps for area youths at the South Williamsport Park Tennis Courts, will provide instruction for all levels of play – beginner to high advanced – for participants between the ages of 5 and 18. According to northcentralpa.com, the Central PA Tennis Center camps scheduling is Monday through Friday, June 21 through August 2 and times vary with age of the participant. For more details or to register, you can visit the Central PA Tennis Center on their website.

STAFF TRANSFER

Citing a need to improve fiscal affairs, issues involving financial over cite and to provide  better training to carry out their responsibilities, in a vote of 3 to 1, the Lycoming County commissioners voted to transfer second deputy/general accountant, general accountant and two financial technicians, from the controller’s office to the budget and finance department. According to the SUN Gazette, the action did not sit well with Controller Krista Rogers, claiming the move taken was in direct violation of the county code.

SECOND AMENDMENT SANCTUARY ORDINANCE

At the meeting yesterday, Lycoming County Commissioners advised they do not plan to pass the Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance, citing they have no authority to draft the ordinance or the prosecutorial powers to enforce it. According to the SUN Gazette, at this time, two or three counties in the state have approved resolutions to support the Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance.

TAX INCREASE

Although not included in the initial 2021-22 budget draft, the South Williamsport Area School Board is considering a tax increase. According to Jamie Mowrey, district business manager, an increase of .32 mills would be needed to offset the deficit. If passed the increase would add $32 to the tax bill of a property assessed at a $100,000 value. The current tax rate for district property owners is 16.78 mills. According to the SUN Gazette, the main concerns of the deficit are the lease agreement for iPads and an increase in costs for cyber schools. The final budget will be approved at the June 21 meeting. The next meeting of the board will be at 7 p.m. May 3 in the high school auditorium.

SURPLUS SALE FROM SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL

South Williamsport Borough Council Monday approved the surplus sale of police equipment to South Williamsport Area School District. Pending the school board approval, the surplus equipment will yield $19,858 for the borough. The pending sale includes a 2015 Ford Explorer, camera, firearms and ammunition and a non-lethal Taser. A proposal to hire Officer in Charge Norman Hager as chief was tabled until further details could be worked out. The council voted to remove a residency requirement for police chief in the borough job description.

UPDATED COVID-19 NUMBERS

The Pennsylvania Department of Health today provided update COVID-19 numbers for our area, locally Lycoming 53; Clinton 24; Tioga 5; Sullivan 0 and Northumberland 39.

SPORTS:

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL:

DANVILLE SHUT OUT CENTRAL MOUNTAIN 2-0, WARRIOR RUN SHUT OUT HUGHESVILLE 4-0, JERSEY SHORE OVER MIDD-WEST 8-3, WELLSBORO OVER ATHENS 5-4, CENTRAL COLUMBIA OVER LOYALSOCK 5-3, MONTOURSVILLE SHUT OUT SOUTHERN COLUMBIA 11-0, NORTH PENN LIBERTY DEFEATED GALETON 16-3, MONTGOMERY SHUT OUT SUGAR VALLEY 15-0

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL:

ST. JOHN NEUMANN OVER BUCKTAIL 18-1, BELLEFONTE OVER WILLIAMSPORT 5-4, CANTON OVER NORTHEAST BRADFORD 8-4

BOYS TENNIS:

MILTON SHUT OUT LOYALSOCK 5-0, CENTRAL MOUNTAIN OVER MIFFLIN COUNTY 4-1, ALTOONA OVER CENTRAL MOUNTAIN 3-2 AND CENTRAL MOUNTAIN SHUT OUT TYRONE 5-0

 

 

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 13, 2021

S.A.F.E.

Mark Killian, chief of the Williamsport Bureau of Fire and the City Fire Department are giving away smoke detectors, free of charge as a donation of the Montoursville Lowe’s .. who donated more than 1,000 detectors,  to city residents. The program is called the  S.A.F.E. (Smoke Alarms for Everyone) and it began on Saturday , the objective, to install smoke alarms in every home in the city by simply knocking door-to-door. According to the SUN Gazette, residents can set up appointments to have the department come install detectors in their homes by calling. the Williamsport Bureau of Fire.

ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD

A 27-year-old mother, while allegedly under the influence of methamphetamines and fentanyl as she remained the only caretaker of her young infant daughter, has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child. According to the SUN Gazette, Cayleigh Jean called police to her home at 1512 Light St. on the afternoon of Jan. 10 to report that “an electric device was sewn in her daughter’s cheek,” according to the police affidavit. Recently arraigned before District Judge Christian Frey, Jean was released on $10,000 bail. She waived her preliminary hearing.

VACCINATION RATES IN CLINTON COUNTY

Clinton County is ranked as one of the lowest counties in total vaccinated thus far with only 14.92% of the county residents vaccinated. In comparison, Cameron and Clearfield counties are at the top of the vaccination list with approximately 20% of the populations vaccinated.  When questioned, according to the SUN Gazette, Clinton County Commissioner Miles Kessinger commented Clinton County doesn’t have a go-to vaccine destination for the mass public, beyond UPMC’s efforts.

ATTEMPTED BANK ROBBERY

A 32 year old Montoursville man handed a teller a note and demanded $500,000. Although he left the M&T Bank, Montoursville driver through without money on August 15th , he was later apprehended. Following a preliminary hearing before District Judge Gary Whiteman, Timothy Maddox was held for court on most Montoursville police charges. He remains jailed at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of bail.

LOCAL FIRES

Monday morning marked the third time in a span of eight days, that a fire has left people homeless. A mother and her two children safely escaped the fire in their home at 1605 Scott St., around 2:50 am yesterday, according to fire officials. According to Sun Gazette, there were no injuries and the American Red Cross was assisting the family. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.Also under investigation are Friday’s late-afternoon blaze at a two-unit apartment building at 645 Campbell St. with five people homeless and two porch fires that occurred a little more than two hours apart on Thursday night, the first fire 2500 W. Fourth St.  and the second at 2116 Newberry St.

PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION MODIFICATIONS FOR 2021-2022 LICENSE YEAR

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave final approval to hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for the 2021-22 license year. Modifications adopted include a statewide, 14-day concurrent antlered and antlerless firearms season, expanded Sunday hunting opportunity,  and the moving up the start of the extended bear season to begin on the firearms deer opener and include Sunday, Nov. 28. The board voted to allocate 925,000 antlerless deer licenses statewide, which is down from the 932,000 licenses allocated for 2020-21. For more details and to see WMU map for your specific region, you can visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website.

TAP WATER BOIL ADVISORY

The tap water boil advisory remains for a portions of the city through at least Wednesday, Williamsport Municipal Water Authority officials have reported. According to the Sun Gazette, approximately 112 households are affected from West Fourth Street between Rose Street and Fifth Avenue; Grier Street between West Third Street and West Fourth Street and Fifth Avenue between West Fourth Street and Memorial Avenue. Do not drink the water without boiling it first

UPDATED COVID-19 NUMBERS 
The Pennsylvania Department of Health released updated COVID-19 results for our area Locally, Lycoming 10; Clinton 7; Tioga 4; Sullivan 0, Union 16, Snyder 4 and Northumberland 8.

CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SENTENCING

A 36 year old Centre County man was sentenced in Federal Court to 240 months or 20 years imprisonment for receiving and possessing child pornography. In November 2020, Michael Dashem, 36, of Port Matilda, pleaded guilty to receiving and possessing child pornography, according to acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Bandler. Dashem will be serving consecutive to a state prison sentence he is currently serving, according to a press release on therecordonline.com.

THE SOLAR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ACT

State Senator Gene Yaw (R-23) introduced legislation prohibiting tax dollars or tax credits from being used to purchase solar panels and related equipment that were manufactured or assembled outside of the U.S. According to northcentralpa.com, the Solar Environmental Justice Act will require that any solar panels or components purchased by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania must be manufactured and assembled in the United States.

CHILD ENDANGERMENT

State Police at Milton discovered 29-year-old Zeb Butler of Bradford County unresponsive, with a three-year-old child seat belted in a car seat,  in the parking lot Route 54 in Lewis Township. Police retrieved the child and Butler submitted to a field sobriety test, showing he was impaired. According to a media outlet,  police filed charges in district court in this case of child endangerment in Northumberland County.

SPORTS:

BOYS TENNIS:

MONTOURSVILLE SHUT OUT SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT 5-0, CENTRAL COLUMBIA OVER HUGHESVILLE 4-1, HOLIDAYSBURG OVER CENTRAL MOUNTAIN 4-1, WILLIAMSPORT SHUT OUT DANVILLE 5-0

 

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 12, 2021

2021 SENIOR ART SHOW

The Lycoming College Senior Show for all Lyco students with a major in studio art and runs from April 22 through May 15. According to northcentralpa.com, the 2021 Senior Art Show features works and artist statements from the following graduating seniors: Inga Brostek (Williamsport) –Megan Snyder (Milton, Pa.) Martina Westcott – (Clearfield, Pa.) The Lycoming College Art Gallery is located in downtown Williamsport at 25 W. Fourth Street.

BOIL WATER ADVISORY

A water main break occurred on Sunday, April 11, 2021 on West Fourth Street in the City of Williamsport. The following area of the City of affected: West Fourth Street between Rose Street and Fifth Avenue, Grier Street between West Third Street and West Fourth Street, Fifth Avenue between West Fourth Street and Memorial Avenue If you are in the affected area, until further notice, please boil the water before consuming it. You will receive an additional notice when all corrective actions have been completed and customers no longer need to boil the water. If you have any further questions, contact the WMWA office.

SVOG PROGRAM

Applications are now open for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG). According to northcentralpa.com, the funds will help those businesses which suffered early on and throughout the COVID-19 crisis. The grants are a valuable lifeline for operators of live venues, performing arts organizations, museums, movie theaters, promoters and producers, and talent representatives. The SVOG program appropriated more than $16.2 billion for grants via the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act and the American Rescue Plan.

CALL OUT TO ACTORS

Hamilton-Gibson Productions is planning a return to in-person shows, but first they need some help in the form of a stage manager, backstage crew members, and six actors/actresses for an upcoming production of “Dead Man’s Cell Phone.” According to northcentralpa.com auditions to fill roles for four women and two men will be held on Friday, April 16 starting at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 17 at 4 p.m., and Monday, April 19 at 7 p.m. at the Warehouse Theatre, 3 Central Avenue.

BURGLARY OF TOOLS, EQUIPMENT

According to their facebook page, the Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police report that the Piatt Township Building was burglarized sometime between April 8 and April 9 and a variety of tools were stolen including a straight air grinder, a kobalt circular saw and dewalt power tools with batteries. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police Department.

RESIDENTIAL EXPLOSION SATURDAY NIGHT

Pennsylvania State Police in Montoursville released additional information about a home explosion Saturday night in Lycoming Township, Lycoming County. Trooper Nathan Birth reported the  explosion was heard from the vicinity of the 3500 block of Linn Street in Lycoming Township at approximately 9:30 p.m. Both occupants, a male, 46, and female 48, were able to exit the structure, but the male sustained critical injuries and was transported to the Leigh Valley Burn Center and the female was uninjured. The State Police Fire Marshal continues to investigate, as the origin and cause are undetermined. “PA State Police request neighboring residents and businesses to review and provide any type of security video or digital video that may show the explosion or early stages of the fire to PSP Montoursville,” Birth said.

COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS PENALTIES

Four Northcentral Pa. establishments were recently cited by the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement for allegedly failing to abide by COVID-19 disaster emergency restrictions. Penalties could include $50-$1,000 for minor offenses to up to $5,000 for more serious offenses, according to State Police. Also, establishments could face license suspension or revocation and mandated training for licensees. BLCE’s Williamsport District Enforcement Office, according to an April 5 press release, cited the Clinton County County Club, Lock Haven, J.P.’s Sports Bar and Grill, South Williamsport, Venture Inn, Jersey Shore, Speedy’s Place, Milton, Tiffany Lounge, Shamokin, and Washington Tavern, Northumberland.

WATER UTILITY SHUT OFF FOR NONPAYMENT 

Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority customers who fail to pay their monthly bills once again face possible utility shut-offs. According to the SUN Gazette,  the shut-off policy had been suspended for delinquent customers since the beginning of COVID-19. The Authority, at their monthly meeting, voted to resume the policy.

LYCOMING COUNTY PRISON NUMBERS ON THE RISE

Inside a report of statistics, released at the Lycoming County Prison Board monthly meeting, inmate numbers have increased in the month of March. Warden Brad Shoemaker, according to the SUN Gazette, reported that the average daily overall figure for male and female inmates was at 264.26 during the month compared to 243.04 in February, with an increase in every category.

THE NEW LOVE CENTER

It is a program, focused on educating — and help feed — diabetic patients looking to get their health under control in the Jersey Shore community headed by the Geisinger Health System. The Fresh Food Farmacy program with help from a local coalition of ministries is called The New Love Center and they provide food at no charge through their cafe and food pantry.

CLEAN STREAMS FUND

Major streams such as the Susquehanna River and Loyalsock Creek would most certainly benefit from the plan to protect and restore many of the waterways across the state resulting in improved drinking water and investments in tourism and agriculture. According to the SUN Gazette,  State Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, is working to allocate $250 million of the state’s allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act to establish a Clean Streams Fund.

ARMED  ROBBERY AT JERSEY MIKE’S

An armed robbery at Jersey Mike’s, 201 Basin St at 5:46pm on Friday April 9th.  According to a press release from the Williamsport Bureau of Police, preliminary information stated the actor entered the restaurant, brandished a pistol and robbed the business of cash before fleeing westbound on Canal Street and then northbound on Academy St. The actor is described as a white male, approx. 6’2” tall, 250 pounds wearing a black zippered hooded sweatshirt, sunglasses, gloves and an orange and white baseball cap. Please forward any leads to the Williamsport Bureau of Police.

 

Sports:

ALIZE JOHNSON

Williamsport Native and Neumann grad Alize (al-ee-ZAY) Johnson signed a multi-year deal with the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets. In his first game suiting up for Brooklyn on March 24 at Utah, Johnson registered team highs with 23 points and 15 rebounds to go with three assists and two steals in 33 minutes of action off the bench.

 

 

 

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