BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 15, 2020

COVID VACCINES ARRIVE IN PENNSYLVANIA
COVID 19 vaccines arrived yesterday morning at UPMC Pittsburgh just after 9am and 5 frontline healthcare workers there were vaccinated with the first doses of Pfizer and BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine.  According to CBS Pittsburg, the workers who received the vaccine will return for their second dose in 21 days.  Workers in several different departments were vaccinated, including an emergency medicine physician, acute care nurse practitioner, a patient transporter and environmental services supervisor.  Dr. David Lopatofsky of UPMC in the Susquehanna Region said in this first phase, UPMC hospitals in Williamsport, Muncy Valley and Lock Haven should receive 2,000 doses of Pfizer’s two-step vaccine and Wellsboro and Coudersport campuses will receive approximately 1,000 doses.

MEDICAL COMPONENT JOBS COMING TO JERSEY SHORE
West Pharmaceutical in Jersey shore, who was planning a future expansion even before COVID-19, will now invest 35 million dollars in its area facilities in a plan to provide various medical supplies needed during the pandemic.  According to the Sun Gazette, Eric Haman, West Pharmaceutical’s director of global corporate said the local manufacturer of components and systems for injectable drug delivery, plastic packaging and other components for the healthcare industry will provide a critical role in the fight against COVID-19. A 1,070 square-foot building expansion is planned along with more jobs for the area.

ELECTORAL COLLEGE VOTES IN PA
The 59th Pennsylvania Electoral College officially voted for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for President and Vice President of the United States yesterday. Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar says the commonwealth’s 20 electors voted for Biden and Harris unanimously. The state’s electoral votes will be delivered to the President of the U.S. Senate. All votes will be counted January 6 in a joint session of Congress to determine the national elector vote for president and vice president. Boockvar says 6.9 million Pennsylvanians – more than ever before – participated in the November 3 election.

DCNR TO CANCEL IN PERSON EVENTS FOR 2021
About 150 planned events, including the First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day, January 1st, with Pennsylvania’s DCNR have been cancelled in response to the continuing rise of COVID-19 cases in the commonwealth.  According to a press release, DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn said state parks and forests will remain open for use as they have been since the start of the pandemic, but social interaction must be limited.  There will be some self-guided offerings and virtual events available, but out of state overnight visitors must present a negative coronavirus test within 72 hours of arriving or quarantine for ten days away from the state facility.

LOCAL HOSPITALS WAIT FOR VACCINES TO ARRIVE AS VIRUS SPIKES
Local hospital officials are anticipating several thousand doses of the coronavirus vaccine to arrive in our area within days and they express confidence in the Pfizer and BioNtech vaccines that will be administered to frontline healthcare workers first.  Moderna’s vaccine is expected to receive FDA approval later this week and will be among the doses of coronavirus vaccine that will be delivered across the US.  According to the Sun Gazette, Geisinger and UPMC officials are bracing for the local surge of coronavirus cases, working hard to monitor the number of supplies staff and beds that are available to fight the cases that are admitted into the healthcare systems.  The vaccine is a good tool to slow the spread of the virus but must be used along with masking to continue to mitigate this dangerous virus.

LOCAL CORONA VIRUS UPDATE
In two day totals of coronavirus cases in Pennsylvania have been released and include 330 new deaths in the Commonwealth.  Lycoming County reports 135 cases, Northumberland has 145, Montour County reports 178.  Union County has 87.  18,646 new cases have also been confirmed statewide, with the total over 499,000, of which 58% have recovered. There are over 6,000 statewide hospitalizations, including over 1,200 in the ICU and nearly 700 on ventilators

SENIORS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR RENT REBATES FROM 2019
Financial assistance is available for older adults and people with disabilities in Pennsylvania for rebates on property taxes and rent paid in 2019.  The initial deadline to apply for the rebates is normally June 30th but  was extended to December 31st  this year to provide eligible Pennsylvanians with extra time to submit their applications during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Eligible seniors are encouraged to fill out an application for funds that has delivered more than 6.8 billion dollars to eligible applicants since the programs’ inception in 1971.  Details about applying can be found here.

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE PA WATERWAY
The public is invited to vote for the 2021 River of the Year in the 11th annual  Department of Conservation and Natural Resources online competition.  Pennsylvania Organization for Watershed and rivers said nominations for favorite waterway are based on conservation needs and the celebration plans for each of the waterways.  Buffalo Creek, Lehigh River, Loyalhanna Creek, Shanango River and Tunkhannock Creek are the choices for 2021.  The winning waterway will win $10,000 in grant money for local groups to use for annual river of the year events.  Go to PAwatersheds.com.

SPORTS

NFL Monday Night Football
Ravens beat the Browns 47-42

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 14, 2020

SNOW ON THE WAY
There is some significant snow in our forecast this week.  Accuweather says we’ll get light now this morning but the real punch comes late Wednesday when the region is expected to receive close to 12 inches of snow.  Meteorologists say the storm will develop Tuesday in the Gulf states and move up through the east coast Thursday morning.  With reduced staffing and COVID quarantines, Williamsport is asking for the public’s patience in the snow removal process, and will work as efficiently as possible to clear roads and sidewalk.

LOCYALSOCK GOES VIRTUAL UNTIL 2021
In an email sent over the weekend, the superintendent of the Loyalsock Township District announced that the district will be in remote instruction starting today through January 4th 2021.  Jerry McLaughlin said the district has been monitoring the COVID-19 cases and have seen a significant increase and will transition to maintain the health and safety of students staff and their families.  Food services with meals being distributed in the front entrance of the high school will continue to be provided.

CENTRE COUNTY ARSON CHARGE
Chris Stover Myers, a 22 year old Centre County Man is being charged with four felonies, stemming from an arson he is alleged to have committed. In an affidavit, Myers is cited for risking catastrophe, criminal mischief and 2 counts of arson, along with a misdemeanor charge of reckless endangerment in April of 2019. After an investigation by the fire chief on duty, the origin of the fire was found in the man’s second story apartment in Miles Township. According to witnesses Myers did not want to call police out of fear of getting in trouble. Currently, Myers is awaiting on his preliminary hearing.

NEW APP FOR SHERIFF’S OFFICE
In an effort give information to the public virtually, the Lycoming County Sheriff’s  Office has developed an smartphone app  called Lycoming Sheriff.  It will allow residents to submit tips, contact office personnel, run inmate searches and receive other information.  The app can be used since the Lycoming County Offices are shut down due to the pandemic and can obtained at the App Store ort where you download apps.  There are sections for COVID-19 notifications, travel information, prevention tips and more

CORONAVIRUS ROLL-OUT
Pennsylvania Pharmacies are awaiting the coronavirus and the PA Department of health is planning a potential distribution timetable.  Dr Rachel Levine said the Pfizer vaccine would be first distributed to hospitals, such as Geisinger Health System and Penn State, where they’ll be immunizing their health care workers with the Moderna vaccine arriving a week later.  Then paharmacy partners will receive the meds next.  Pennsylvania will not be sharing information with the CDC about who gets vaccinated, only data from the results.

COVID-19 LOCAL UPDATE
Lycoming County has reported 162 new cases of the coronavirus, Tioga County has 56, Clinton County has 45 new cases, Northumberland County has 37 Union has 32 Snyder 24.  According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, 10,684 additional positive cases of COVID-19 have occurred in the sate  and there are 129 new fatalities in the commonwealth as of yeasterday at midnight.

LOWER PROPOSED MILLS IN UPCOMING BUDGET
Williamsport’s mayor will use funds from a Williamsport city hall account to lower the proposed tax hike and decrease the burden on taxpayers this year.  According to the Sun Gazette, City Council had asked Mayor Slaughter to reduce the proposed tax increases by over 430 thousand dollars to decrease the tax millage.  Slaughter said he will use half of an 850 thousand dollar account for the cuts, at this time lowering the tax hike to .5 mills, another meeting is set for Thursday.

GOVRNOR TESTS NEGATIVE IN SECOND TEST
Governor Wolf has tested negative from the coronavirus in a second test after he was diagnosed last week.  According to media outlets, the governor was asymptomatic and plans to continue to quarantine at home in the coming days, following the CDC guidance.  He thanked all those who sent well wishes to him and his wife.

 

SPORTS
NFL Football Sunday
The Eagles beat the Saints 24-21, Seahawks beat the Jets 40 to 3, Cardinals beat the Giants 26-7, Bills beat the Steelers 26-15, Washington beat the 49ers 23-15, Chiefs beat the Dolphins 33-27, Cowboys beat the Bengals 30-7,  Bears beat the Texans 36-7, Broncos over the Panthers 30 to 27, Colts beat the Raiders 44-27, Titans beat the Jaguars 31-10, Packers over the Lions 31-24,  Falcon beat  the chargers 20-17

NFL Monday Night Football
Ravens vs. the Browns in Cleveland 8:15 kickoff.

College Sports
Penn State Football
Penn State beat Michigan State39-24
The Big Ten has announced matchups for week nine, as Penn State will host the Illinois Fighting Illini this Saturday, Dec. 19, in Beaver Stadium. Kickoff will be at 5:30 p.m. ET on FS1.   In 24 all-time matchups with the Illini, Penn State leads the series, 19-5.

Penn State Mens’ Basketball
Michigan beat Penn State 58-62

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 13, 2020

Centre County Arson

Chris Stover Myers, a 22 year old Centre County Man is being charged with four felonies, stemming from an arson he is alleged to have committed. In an affidavit, Myers is cited risking catastrophe, criminal mischief and 2 counts of arson, along with a misdemeanor charge of reckless endangerment. After an investigation by the fire chief on duty, an origin of the fire was found in the floor of a second story apartment with partially burnt magazine pages in it. According to witnesses Myers told one of them not to call the police out of fear of getting in trouble. Currently, Myers is still waiting on his preliminary hearing.

Aggrivated Assault Charges Pending

Jason D. Wenger, a 19 year old male from bloomsburg has been charged with felony aggravated assault that left Ryan Edgar, the victim, with a broken jaw and missing teeth after police concluded a month long investigation. The assault occurred at a party by several people, but wenger was one of the men who stood out. Police canvassed witnesses and interviewed weeks after the incident, where wengers name came up several times. A photo on Instagram also verified wenger was in fact at the party the night of the assault, providing substantial evidence for prosecutors. His case is still ongoing.

Local Business Robbed

An investigation by the state police of a theft at coles hardware store in muncy is ongoing. 2 suspects are known to be involved, making away with around 200 dollars of hand products. The 2 perpetrators looked to be in their mid 40’s, one male and one female, making a getaway in an early 2000’s Hyundai sedan. The vehicle had a Pennsylvanian registration plate, and a sizeable dent on the driver side rear quarter panel. If any information is known, contact Montoursville police at (570)368-5700

Governor Wolf In Quarantine

Governor Wolf has tested positive for the corona virus in a routine test taken Tuesday and is isolating at home and feeling well.  The First Lady of Pennsylvania, Frances Wolf, has been tested for the virus and is also quarantining with the governor at their home near York, PA.  Wolf – who is 72 – is working remotely and is one of several US governors who have tested positive for the virus including the governors of Oklahoma, Missouri, Virginia, Nevada and Colorado.  The Governor held a news conference about the pandemic Monday with PA Department of Health Secretary, Dr. Rachel Levine, but they all wore masks at the virtual event.  Pennsylvania is averaging about 10,000 new confirmed cases per day, up more than 50% in two weeks, according to an AP analysis of data from The COVID Tracking Project

Sports

MLB

Arizona Diamondbacks assistant general manager Jared Porter is working on a deal to be the new GM of the New York Mets. Porter, 41, won three World Series in the front office for the Red Sox and another with the Cubs before joining Arizona as a senior vice president and assistant GM in 2017.

NFL

The Carolina Panthers are expected to hand out fines of at least $10,000 to players who broke COVID-19 protocols

College Football

PSU’s Nittany Lions beat Michigan state on Saturday afternoons game 39-24, marking their first home victory of 2020. As of now, the match up for Championship Week has not been announced yet, but is expected to be commented on later today.

NBA

Six-time All-Star forward Paul George has signed a maximum contract extension with the LA Clippers guaranteeing him as much as $226 million over the next five years. Adding $190 million on top of the $35.4 million guaranteed him for the 2020-21

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 12, 2020

Teen Gets Assault Charges

A teenage girl is being charged for assault after testing positive for COVID-19, and intentionally spitting on people. While at a treatment facility in Montour County, she contracted the virus, and knowingly struck, scratched, bit, coughed, and sneezed on more than 4 staff members. At this time no information has been released on the girl due to her age, nor has any information on whether they contracted it. She has been charged through the Montour county probation office.

Bell Ringing Stopped This Holiday Season

As Christmas approaches, one starts to wonder where has all the bell ringing gone? How will I donate my leftover change? According to the sun gazette, Kendra Parke, the marketing and community engagement coordinator of American rescue workers are putting in an effort to limit exposure to COVID-19 this time around, due to the simple fact that a large majority of bell ringers are seniors. This decision isn’t without its heart ache though, bell ringing is a big chunk of the budget, raking in nearly $20,000 on a slow year. They will survive though, many public grants are being utilized to offset the cost, as well as other types of outreach for the cause.

ICU Director Fired Over Social Media Posts

The Director of the ICU at UPMC  Susquehanna has found some controversy surrounding her after a post she made on social media about masking. In the post the director talked about a man calling them a loser for not wearing a mask in Lowe’s, going on to say that they were 6 feet apart. Many people responded to the post negatively, assuming that the post was ment as a sneer to people in a different school of thought from her own. Multiple individuals filed formal complaints to UPMC, calling for the hospital to take action and set a precedent so that she wouldn’t say her opinion without proper etiquette on social media. She has recently been let go as an employee of the hospital due to multiple other, more blatantly boisterous posts.

City Budget Cuts Continue

The Williamsport City budget has been cut yet again thanks to the councilmen and women who challenged Mayor Derek Slaughters Major increase, cutting another 432,000 dollars off the originally proposed 2.5 million dollar increase. This brings the proposed increase to around 1 million dollars, a much milder and digestible number for Williamsport tax payers, and its not even done yet. According to the sun gazette councilmen and women are striving for even more cuts, with councilwomen Liz Miele spear heading efforts, challenging the administration to find an additional 436,000 dollars to cut before next weeks meeting.

SPORTS

College football

Utah State has canceled Saturday night’s scheduled game at Colorado State because of concerns voiced by football players about religious discrimination in the search for a new football coach, the university said in a statement Friday. The decision came after Aggies players said earlier Friday that they had opted out of the game because of comments allegedly made by Utah State president Noelle Cockett about interim coach Frank Maile.

Penn State will play Michigan today, with a kick off now set at noon.  It will be televised on ABC. The game will also be available on the Penn State Sports Network starting at 10:30 am and GoPSUsports.com.

MLB

Pitcher Brandon Morrow is back with the Los Angeles Dodgers, having signed a minor league contract. Also signing Friday were pitchers Jimmy Nelson, Brock Stewart and James Pazos.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 11, 2020

STRICTER MITIGATIONS EFFORTS ORDERED BY GOVERNOR WOLF
Governor Wolf announced limited time mitigation efforts yesterday to slow the spread of the coronavirus that is adding up by hundreds of cases a day in the commonwealth.  Starting at midnight tonight and in effect until 8 a.m. on January 4, 2021, school sports and other extracurricular activities are stopped, gyms, theaters and casinos are closed and indoor dining at restaurants is prohibited.  Accoridng to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the state has bveen averaging 10,000 new confirmed cases a day with a record number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital. There were 248 new deaths Thursday as the statewide toll passed 12,000.

WILLIAMSPORT POLICE SEARCH FOR MISSING TEEN
Williamsport police are asking for the public’s help as they search for a 16 year old who has been missing since the beginning of December.  According to a social media post posted by the Williamsport Bureau of Police, Maverick Wilton was last seen leaving his home on West Fourth Street December 2nd and has not returned.  Wilton is a 140 pound white male – 6ft tall with light brown hair, wearing a black and grey hoodie with jeans and white shoes.  Police are following leads as they come in, you can email [email protected] with any assistance about the whereabouts of Wilton.

LOCAL COVID UPDATE
As of yesterday at noon, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported there were 227 new cases of COVID -19 in Lycoming County, Montour County has 166 new cases, Tioga County reports 107.   Northumberland County’s numbers are better today at 67 new cases Clinton County has 54.  Snyder County has 30 new cases Sullivan County has 6.  Lycoming County has 82 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 9 in the ICU, with 6 on ventilators and 3 available Adult ICU beds.  There were 11,972 new cases of COVID-19 reported yesterday and  248 fatalities in PA.

JERSEY SHORE GOING REMOTE TIL 2021
Jersey Shore School District has made the decision for K-12 to be in remote mode until after  the end of the year, returning to in-person instruction January 11, 2021.  According to a statement released by Superintendent Dr. Brian Ulmer, in an effort to preserve continuity for students by remaining in one mode and allowing for the buildings to remain open for faculty to safely work and assist students and families, the remote option will remain in place.  Dr. Ulmer said, in addition, the spike we see now is from post-Thanksgiving and the concerns about more spiking cases after Christmas break are valid, so he is taking this step in the interest of health and safety.

ALLENWOOD INMATE DIES OF COVID
An inmate at Allenwood serving a life sentence has died of COVID- after testing positive in November.  Accoriding to media outlets, a release from the Federal Bureau of Prisons said that 70-year old John Lewis began experiencing symptoms November 21st and was later transported to a local hospital for treatment.  Lewis had pre-existing medical conditions.   He had been at USP Allenwood since October of 2015.

PENN COLLEGE 2020 GRADUATIONS POSTPONED
With the fall semester at Penn College coming to a close, President Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour reported to the college’s board of directors at their meeting Thursday that students at the Pennsylvania College of Technology slated to graduate at the end of the fall semester will be joining the graduation ceremony scheduled for May 14-15, 2022. Degrees for winter 2020 graduates will be conferred in December, but commencement ceremonies have been postponed.

FIRST LADY TEST NEGATIVE
As she continues to quarantine at home, Pennsylvania’s first lady Frances Wolf has tested negative for COVID-19.  Governor Wolf tested positive this week and is isolated at home while working remotely.  Mrs Wolf made a statement to the public on behalf of more than 400 thousand in the commonwealth who have contracted the virus, more than 12 thousand who have died as well as the hospital workers who are at risk of becoming overwhelmed, urged everyone to wear masks and  to please stay home if possible.

SPORTS

NFL Rams beat the Patriots 24-3

NCAA
Big Ten Football
Penn State will play Michigan this Saturday, Dec. 12, with a kick off now at noon.  It will be televised on ABC. The game will also be available on the Penn State Sports Network starting at 10:30 am and GoPSUsports.com.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 10, 2020

LOCAL LEGISLATORS SAY NO CHANGES WOULD IMPACT ELECTION
In an effort to restore voter confidence in Pennsylvania’s election process, local lawmakers have agreed to investigate claims made about the integrity of  the vote, but note that there is no evidence of widespread fraud or irregularities that would impact election results.  Senator Gene yaw of Loyalsock Township told the Sun Gazette that there are claims that through a Senate resolution, there could be a dispute of the election and new electors can be assigned contrary to the popular vote winner , but adds that the Constitution prohibits changing the law after the fact. Pennsylvania Election results have already been signed and certified by Governor Wolf.

COURTHOUSE ACCESS LIMITED TO PUBLIC
Access into the Lycoming County Courthouse was restricted to the public as of Monday this week until further notice with very few exceptions, according to a statement released by the Lycoming County Sherriff’s Department.  Those who arrive at the facility and those who come with them will need to be on an access authorization list maintained by the Sheriff’s Department.  The public must call and make an appointment with the departments they need to visit.  Anyone who is seeking a Protection From Abuse order can call the YWCA’s Wise Options at 815  West Fourth Street  at 570-322-4637.

GOVERNOR WOLF TESTES POSITIVE FOR VIRUSGovernor Wolf has tested positive for the coronavirus in a routine test taken Tuesday and is isolating at home and feeling well.  The First Lady of Pennsylvania, Frances Wolf, has been tested for the virus and is also quarantining with the governor at their home near York, PA.  Wolf – who is 72 – is working remotely and is one of several US governors who have tested positive for the virus including the governors of Oklahoma, Missouri, Virginia, Nevada and Colorado.  The Governor held a news conference about the pandemic Monday with PA Department of Health Secretary, Dr. Rachel Levine, but they all wore masks at the virtual event.  Pennsylvania is averaging about 10,000 new confirmed cases per day, up more than 50% in two weeks, according to an AP analysis of data from The COVID Tracking Project.

The winter sports season in Pennsylvania  is slated to move forward Friday after a statement yesterday by the PIAA.  There will be some changes implemented for wrestling, basketball and swimming, including a 16 team  single elimination wrestling championship, and the start of the state basketball tournament pushed back to March of 2021 to allow for longer district tournaments.  There are some COVID protocols about practice/play guidelines in place as well.  The Pennsylvania Principal’s Association and PA Association for School Administrators wrote letters to the PIAA asking for a delay of a start to the season during the current surge of the coronavirus.

Stonington State police have identified a man who was found dead in his Northumberland County home on Monday.  Troopers say they are investigating the death of Joseph Collier who was found around 6:30pm Monday at his home on 253 Collier Road in East Cameron Township.  Northumberland County Coroner James Kelley joins the state police in the investigation, but no other details have been provided as of today.

There are minimal details at this time about a house fire last night in Penn Township that brought 11 companies to the scene.  Central Susquehanna Regional 9-1-1 reports that a fire at a home on Kratzer road was fully engulfed in flames and reported around 7:30 pm Wednesday.  Volunteers fought the fire using a tanker shuttle with several companies.  Dispatchers said no one was hurt in the fire and details on the Snyder County blaze should be forthcoming today.

As of yesterday at noon, Lycoming County reported 79 new cases of the coronavirus, 58 cases in Northumberland County.  Tioga County has 41 new cases and Clinton County has had 1035 cases (917 confirmed and 118 probable) 37 new today.  However, the Clinton County correctional facility is handling an outbreak this week after 76 inmates in the prison tested positive according to the Sun Gazette.  Lycoming County has 88 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 11 in the ICU, with 6 on ventilators and 7 available Adult ICU beds.  There were 8,703 new cases of  COVID-19 as of yesterday and 220 new deaths reported in the commonwealth.

City Council will meet virtually tonight to continue to work to decrease the 1.5 mill tax-hike, $29 million budget proposed for 2021.  In the first reading of the budget on December 3rd, Council worked to remove about $777,000 from the proposed spending plan and passed the proposed budget upon their first reading.  The City Council is expecting Mayor Derek Slaughter – who today promised transparency when discussing the budget – to bring ideas on ho wto whittle the numbers down even more by reducing the tax burden.  Head to the city website lyco.org to get details on watching the live meeting broadcast on Zoom and YouTube at 6:30 p.m.

SPORTS

LSU announced a self-imposed bowl ban on Wednesday night and will forgo participating this season, adding to the list of self-imposed sanctions stemming from the NCAA’s investigation into improper booster payments to its football players.  LSU’s football program is charged with a Level III violation involving Odell Beckham Jr., a former Tigers star, who gave $2,000 in cash to four Tigers football players on the field after the team’s victory over Clemson after the National Championship game on Jan. 13

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 9, 2020

Doctors at UPMC held a press briefing yesterday to announce who will get the Pfizer and Moderna Coronavirus vaccines first once the expected doses are received.  Dr. Graham Snyder, UPMC medical director of infection prevention and hospital epidemiology said, front line workers would have the first opportunity to receive the series of two shots if they choose, since the vaccination is not a requirement at UPMC at this time.  Snyder said UPMC will be able to store the “thousands” of doses of Pfizer in the freezers and will expect Moderna vaccines to arrive following FDA approval for use outside of clinical trials in the US.  Even with the vaccine, UPMC doctors reminded the public that mask wearing is still needed. And that the general public will probably not see a vaccination until later in the spring.

Montoursville and South Williamsport have made the decision to go to remote learning through the end of the year with both schools reporting positive COVID tests that have forced school officials to change the models of instruction for the rest of 2020.  Montoursville high school students will be full remote, but students without internet connectivity can reserve a seat to go to the school building and free meals will be available today through December 22nd from 11:30 til 1pm weekdays in the high school lobby.  Montoursville will return to school January 4th.  The Southside district k-12 will be full remote through January 8th with special needs students still in person learning without disruption.  Free hot meals are available at South Williamsport’s  high school main entrance 11am til 12:30pm.  According to the Sun Gazette, schools will continue to monitor state  health guidelines as decisions are made for 2021.

Free parking is back again for the holiday season in the Central Business District thanks to a decision by the Williamsport Parking Authority.  According to the Sun Gazette, the authority works with the Williamsport Business Association to provide free parking  Monday through Friday starting at 3pm through the evening for its on-street metered and parking lots.  Free parking will be available for this weekend’s Catch the Spirit shopping experience Friday afternoon through 8pm Saturday with some merchants open Sunday.  Kids can even look for Santa downtown on Saturday around 5pm.

Even with the Farm show in Harrisburg going virtual this year, the resurgence of COVID has effected the ability to have the Butter Sculpture for 2021.  Typically an artistic sculpture made from Pennsylvania Dairy butter is highlighted to show the importance the dairy industry is to the state economy, but the annual feature has been cancelled.  According to Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, the 105th Pennsylvania Farm Show can be followed on Facebook and Instagram from January 9-16, 2021.

A man from Elkland who police say broke into a Tioga County home  and held a woman against her will, was captured after they received a 911 call about the incident, only arriving to find the suspect locked in a bathroom of the home.  Pennsylvania State Police at Mansfield said 24 year old Shane Bisel barricaded himself and a victim inside someone else’s  home on Legion Heights Road in Elkland and once he became trapped in the bathroom, the victim called the police, who contacted the homeowners who arrived and unlocked the house around 5:30 on November 30th.  Bisel was charged with one felony count of burglary and one count each misdemeanor of criminal mischief and criminal trespass and is in Tioga County Prison.

Police are still investigating the cause of a fire that occurred Monday in Jersey Shore.  According to the Sun Gazette, the assistant fire chief at Independent Hose Voluntary Fire Co said the fire broke out about 8pm in the front half of a Smith Street property, but the couple who lived in the home was not there at the time of the fire.  A few of the family’s pets were able to be rescued, but no one else was harmed in the blaze.  Citizen’s Hose Station 45, Nippenose Valley Volunteer Fire Company, Avis Fire Company from Clinton County and Woodward Township Volunteer Fire Company assisted and left the property after 11pm.

Lycoming County has reported  65 new cases  of COVID, Northumberland  has 79, Montour has 40 new cases , Clinton County reports 37, Union has 35 new cases,  Tioga County 36, Snyder has 33 new cases.  There are over 5,400 statewide hospitalizations, including over 1,100 in the ICU and over 600 on ventilators. Tuesday, the state Department of Health confirmed 10,170 new statewide cases – a new record – and 169 new deaths

The city of Williamsport has loans available for businesses with less than 100 employees that operate within the city and show need for assistance to overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing due to COVID. According to the Sun Gazette, Mayor Derek Slaughter said amounts from 5 thousand to 50 thousand dollars are available for those businesses who qualify, but they need to apply.  Businesses can use the funds to pay any expenses that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact.  Details can be found at www.cityofwilliamsport.org

SPORTS
NFL Tuesday
Ravens beat the Cowboys 34-17

College Football
Big Ten
“The Game” won’t be played for the first time in 102 years, Michigan cancelled its game against Ohio State due to COVID.  The cancellation of this game puts Ohio State at five total games played this season, which is under the threshold put forth by the Big Ten conference to compete in the conference championship game against Northwestern.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 8, 2020

FEDERAL PRISON GUARD INJURED IN STABBING
A guard at Allenwood Federal Correctional Complex was allegedly stabbed yesterday by an inmate and is in critical condition at Geisinger Medical Center.  According to the Daily Item, 51 year old Dale Franquet, of Middleburg, who also is the varsity wrestling coach at Midd-West High School was stabbed in the eye and another inmate was also injured by a stabbing but was treated and released from care.  NO charges against the suspect have been announced, but with the assault happening in a federal facility, the FBI will investigate the case.

LOCAL COVID-19 UPDATE
Lycoming County has 64 new cases of the coronavirus reported as of yesterday at noon, Northumberland county has 107 , Montour has 81 new cases, Snyder has 33 new cases Tioga County reports 22 . Clinton County has 13 new today.  Lycoming County has 72 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 13 in the ICU, with 4 on ventilators and 3 available Adult ICU beds.  According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health ,there were 6,330 new cases COVID-19, with 42 fatalities attributed to COVID-19.

ACORD MARKETS CHANGING HANDS
Sixteen Acorn Market stores throughout northcentral Pennsylvania and South Central New York have been acquired by United Refining in Warren and will now be Kwik Fill or Red Apple stores.  According to the Sun Gazette, all retail store employees were retained and new positions are expected to be added, but it is unknown at this time whether the Tioga County chain will expand into Lycoming County.  United Refining sells fuel through a network of over 400 stores in New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

SOAP BOX DERBY SCHEDULED FOR NOW
Williamsport will likely see a Soap Box Derby in 2021as organizers of the annual event deal with planning during a pandemic.  According to the Sun Gazette, barring any COVID restrictions, a construction clinic is set to take place in May where the kids build their cars, and after a safety inspection  the race is expected to take place on Saturday, June 12th.  Families of participants who want information on registering for the race next year can find Soap Box Derby Williamsport, PA on Facebook and message the group.

WOMAN KICKS POLICE CRUISER, FACES MISDEMEANOR CHARGE
A South Williamsport woman faces misdemeanor charges for kicking at a police cruiser last September while there was gathering and protest going on close to the police headquarters at 245 W. Fourth Street.  According to the Sun Gazette, the young daughter of 36 year old Rebecca Neidig of East Mountain Avenue was holding a sign and stood behind Cpl. Jordan Stoltzfus’ patrol car while he was attempting to leave on a call.  Neidig yelled at the officer, hit the car window and then kicked at the car once both Neidig and her daughter were pulled away from the cruiser.  According to court records Neidig waived her preliminary hearing and is free on $5,000 bail.

GOVERNOR WOLF WARNS ABOUT OVERRUN HOSPITALS DURING PANDEMIC
With COVID hospitalizations up in Pennsylvania, facilities are at risk of being overrun and resource sharing agreements between hospitals in the commonwealth may face a breakdown.  According to a warning by Governor Tom Wolf in a virtual news conference yesterday, he will not impose the blanket restrictions imposed last spring but may be faced with placing targeted restrictions in places where the virus strikes harder.  He said deaths have risen 85 percent in two weeks and the fall-out from the Thanksgiving holiday haven’t been felt yet.  He asks Pennsylvanians to do their part now to slow the spread of the virus by simply wearing a mask and keeping from non-essential travel.  Pennsylvania is averaging 9,000 new confirmed infections per day.

OPIOID BILL SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
In a move to address the opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania, Republican Clint Owlett sponsored a bill that has been signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf.  House Bill 616 placed a strong large animal tranquilizer called Carfenteril on the list of Schedule II controlled substances making it illegal to be possessed or distributed without a license or prescription.  Originally proposed by Owlett’s predecessor Matt Baker, the new law is one part of  a process of enforcement, and education to help those who are addicted.

PA FISHING LICENSES ON SALE NOW
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat commission have begun selling 2021 fishing licenses permits and vouchers valid immediately through December 31, 2021.  According to the PFCB, an annual license costs $22.90 but ther are multi-year options and other permit add-ons.  You can apply for a license online at fishandboat.com or at issuing agents in retail locations.

SPORTS

NFL Monday Football from Monday
Washington beat the Steelers 23-17, the Bills beat the 49ers 34-24
Tonight NFL Football
Cowboys vs the Ravens in Baltimore at 8:05

Men’s College Basketball
Seton Hall defeated Penn State 98-92 in  OT

HS Girls Volleyball
North Penn Liberty seniors Charisma Grega and Ali Koval and Canton Senior Annie Gaiotti were named to the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association all-state team.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 7, 2020

COUPLE FACES CHILD ABUSE CHARGES
A couple is accused of abusing their 8 children  over 16 years and will face felony child abuse charges this month.  Accoridng to WNEP, the Pennsylvania attorney general said, 48 year old Matthew Zeigler and his wife Christine Zeigler allegedly beat and intimidated their 8 children, withheld food, and locked them up.  Police were called to the home after Matthew Zielger allegedly fired a gun out the window of the home. upon questioning the children police discovered the abusive enviroment.  The Ziegler’s are appearing in court on the 16th of this month and are both facing over 50 years in a federal prison if convicted. The children have been taken from their custody.

RECORD CORONAVIRUS NUMBERS LOCALLY
Health records continue to be broken with 201 new coronavirus cases reported as of Saturday in Montour County, Lycoming County reports 151.There are 88 new Northumberland County, Snyder has 26 new cases . Union has 41 new cases   The Department of Health confirmed though that  71% of the attributed cases in Montour may not be from the county, they’ve only been assigned to Montour because of their origin of testing at centers like Geisinger. There were 12,884 new statewide cases reported and  129 new fatalities as of Saturday.

WATCH LIVESTREAM OF PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY
Today is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and American flags should be flown at half staff from sunrise til sunset,  December 7th 1941 is the day an the attack on U.S. military forces in Hawaii claimed the lives of 2,334 servicemen and servicewomen and wounded another 1,143.  Due to COVID, the public is being kept away from Pearl Harbor for a live ceremony, but it will be livestreamed this afternoon at 1pm  through a link here.

UPMC will be expanding their service hours at the COVID-19 outpatient collection site starting today. Anyone with a physician referral will be able to get a COVID test at the Brandon Ave location. The new hours are Monday through Friday 8am to 8pm, and Sunday 8am to noon. The chief medical Director, David Lopatofsky says the hours change is in response to the spike of cases in the area, and that it is meant to conserve resources and be a more thorough and efficient exam.

1500 hundred masks are available for distribution to United Way community partners after the United Way of North Central Massachusetts donated them in a one million mask making initiative – a plan to make high quality reusable face masks for first responders, non-profit organizations and those in need across the country.  Lycoming County United Way has received that donation and has already distributed 200 masks in Williamsport that will go to Family Promise of Lycoming County, Sojourner Truth Ministries and the American Rescue Workers.  According to the Sun Gazette, sewers in Leominster, Massachusetts, donated the masks through a “Sew the masks” program that began last spring. Masks will be distributed in a first-come, first served basis.

The Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit has received over 1.7 million dollars in a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The money comes to help fund the early Head Start programs in Northumberland County. This program serves over a hundred families below the poverty level, 10 percent of which are classified as special needs, and the money will improve transportation and the ability to implement quality programs

Penn Dot is reporting some utility work that will take place on Route 15 this Tuesday.  Motorists should watch for intermittent closures on the north and southbound lanes on Route 15 in Kelly Township, Union County in the area of Mopar Drive on the west shore of the Susquehanna River near Milton State Park.  According to a press release, while power crews work on the lines between 10am and 2pm the road may be closed at times and to plan your route accordingly.

In an Advent message to his congregations, Bishop Jeremiah J Park, of the United Methodist church urged members of the church and pastors to cease in person worship due to the coronavirus, saying that the grave situation requires a sacrificial response. According to the Sun Gazette with the Christmas season approaching it’s a difficult decision, but in line with the request from Park, many churches are offering online worship, or broadcasting their services

 

SPORTS

NFL Football
Giants beat the Seahawks 17-12, Packers beat the Eagles 30-16, Browns beat the Titans 41-35, Saint over the Falcons 21-16, Chiefs beat the Broncos 22-16, Patriots over the Chargers 45 nothing, Rams beat the Cardinals 38-28, Colts over the Texans 26-20, Raiders beat the Jets 31-28 Vikings over the Jaguars 27-24, Dolphins beat the Bengals 19-7,  Lions over the Bears 34-30

Monday NFL Football
@ 5 PM Washington Steelers kick off at Heinz Field, Bills and the 49ers play at 8:15 in Glendale
Tuesday night football
Cowboys and the Ravens in Baltimore

Women’s College Basketball
22-ranked Syracuse beat Penn State Sunday 82-72
NCAA Football Saturday
Penn State beat Rutgers  23-7
Ohio State beat Michigan State 52-12

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 6, 2020

Representative Jeff Wheeland has reintroduce house bill 1579, with the intent to quell unfaith in the integrity of our election. The bill would introduce some ID requirements to any Pennsylvanian voters wanting to participate in the election, with Wheeland saying in a statement released that you cant do much of anything in life without an ID, the same standard should apply to voters. Under the bill expectable ID’s would include a military and student ID, along with a drivers license, bank statement, current utility bill, firearm permit or government issued check. Anyone not able to produce a photo ID would need 2 forms of non-photo ID’s.

Bishop to the united Methodist church Jeremiah J Park, recently urged members of the church and pastors to cease in person congregation in an advent messege from the Susquehanna conference of the united Methodist church, saying that the grave situation requires a sacrificial response. According to the sun gazette many pastors in the area found it difficult to to suspend in person worship, espescially with Christmas season approaching. Regardless, many are conceding, in line with the request from Park, shifting to online worship, or broadcasts at local radio stations to continue their work from a distance.

Williamsport Police Officer Clinton Gardner made a traffic stop after observing the driver leah Davis and a passenger roll through a stop sign. When approaching the drivers side he alleges to have smelled a marijuana odor and saw what looked like to be a burnt marijuana cigarette. The police report says that the passenger, Kasaan Lamar McKay, a 26 year old Brooklyn native, tried hiding cocaine in his rectum, along with finding 5k in cash and a large amount of unused packaging. During the search someone called McKay’s cellphone requesting crack. He is being held at the Lycoming county prison under an $85,000 bail, and is facing 2 felonies and a misdemeanor.

A jersey shore women reported domestic violence to police, alleging that her boyfriend assaulted her by breaking her lip and choking her. 25 Year old Noah Fox-Carr is accused of the assault at the 600 block of south broad street in jersey shore. The officer who wrote the report, recorded that the victim had asked for a pillow from Fox-Carr when he said no, hitting her. She then tried exiting the residence with her daughter before Fox-Carr intercepted her, forcing her onto the couch, strangling her. She was examined at the emergency room and found to have a concussion. Fox-Carr was charged with one felony count of strangulation and simple assault.

City council has made some revisions to the mayor’s first proposed budget, leaning more towards budget cuts, taking ou t$766,500 dollars of tax revenue in a 4 to 2 vote. According to the Sun Gazette, city councilman Adam Yoder said that the first Mayor Slaughters first budget was the largest tax increase in over 15 years, and gave shade to the current attitude from many state employees saying that we have to figure out how to live within our means rather than raising taxes to keep up. Currently the tax rate is staying at 17.22 million dolllars, down from 2.5 million, but according to councilwoman Liz Miele, that it is not a final product. The mayor and council will be continuing their work on the budget over the next week.

An early morning car crash on route 22 left a teen dead in this multi collision car crash. At 4:45 the unidentified teen was speeding while trying to pass a truck in the left lane when he lost control and spun into the side fuel tank of the truck. When both cars stopped the teen got out on the side of the road, failing to keep his lights on. Another tractor trailer came driving up the road and swerved out of the way to avoid hitting the wrecked cars, striking the teen. Police and coroners along with a cleanup crew arrived shortly after, all of the vehicles were cleared off the road before 10am.

This Monday UPMC will be expanding their service hours at the COVID-19 outpatient collection site starting Monday. Anyone with a physician referall will be able to get a covid test at the Brandon ave location. The new hours will be Monday through Friday 8am to 8pm, and Sunday 8am to noon. The chief medical Director, David Lopatofsky says the hours change is in response to the spike of patients we have been having, and that it is ment to reduce the expended resources on site inside the hospital. It’s going to allow a more thorough and efficient exam for people who don’t necessarily need the higher level of care the hospital provides.

Sports

MLB

The Texas Rangers hired former pitcher Chris Young as executive vice president and general manager Friday, bringing the Major League Baseball executive home to work under president of baseball operations Jon Daniels, the club’s GM since 2005.

NFL

Free-agent linebacker Vontaze Burfict was arrested early Saturday in Nevada on a misdemeanor battery charge, according to Clark County court records. According to Clark County Detention Center records, Burfict, whose bond was set at $1,000, was released on his own recognizance. A hearing in the case was set for Monday.

 

 

 

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