BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 11, 2024

VICTIM IN ARMSTRONG TOWNSHIP CRASH IDENTIFIED

The Lycoming County Coroner has identified the victim in the Wednesday evening crash in Armstrong Township. State police say 33 year old Peter Zeigler of South Williamsport was driving his Subaru Legacy on Route 15 north after 5pm October 9th and left the roadway into the scenic overlook parking area before he continued on, striking an embankment, causing him to go airborne and over the cliff.  Zeigler’s vehicle burst into flames after it landed near Old Montgomery Pike Road. Multiple fire companies responded to the remote scene to extinguish the fire that burned for about 15 minutes.  Authorities from the coroner’s office and state police determined Zeigler was the only person in the accident after they surveyed the scene for any other victims. They continue the investigation into the crash.

POLICE SEEK LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP THIEF

Police in Loyalsock Township are seeking a suspect who stole from parked cars during the overnight of September 20th.  According to State Police in Montoursville victims called to report the theft of cash and credit cards from vehicles they had parked along Northway Road.  If you have information about the thefts or about any suspects that might help the ongoing investigation, call State police in Montoursville, 570-368- 5700.

TEACHER’S CONTRACT AGREEMENT FINALIZED AT SHIKELLAMY

An agreement was reached between Shikellamy school directors and the education association last night approving a new 6-year teacher’s contract.  According to the Daily Item, the agreement was passed unanimously by the school board and agreed upon 167-9 by the Shikellamy Education Association.  The contract is ratified through 2030 and can be found online at shikbraves.org.

TWO FIRE DEPARTMENTS TO DONATE TRUCK, EQUIPMENT

After a meeting by the Hepburn Township Volunteer Fire Department members this week, it was decided that they would donate their 2000 model fire truck with fire equipment from Picture Rocks Volunteer Fire Department to the fire company in Burnsville in western North Carolina, after they suffered destruction from flooding from Hurricane Helene.  Hepburn Township has a new engine, which was purchased in the spring.  According to the Sun Gazette, the fire marshal in North Carolina said that almost half a dozen fire departments lost everything and many others lost at least one critical apparatus.  The engine with donated equipment on it including pick head axes, a thermal imaging camera, 800 feet of hose, a deck gun, forestry rakes and nozzles and more, will head to the flood ravaged area transported by Ground Shaker Transport.

FATAL MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT IN SNYDER COUNTY

There was a Snyder County motorcycle accident this week that killed a man from Selinsgrove. According to State police, 76 year old Joseph C Smith was riding east near the intersection of Mill Road and North Oakwood Lane at about 3pm Monday, when a 2019 Audi driven by 38 year old Cathryn P. Mercer of Bastian Virginia, crossed the line and hit the man. Smith was thrown from the bike and fatally injured according to the Snyder County Coroner.  DH&L Fire and Ambulance, Hummels Wharf Fire Department were also on the scene.

BLOOMSBURG SHOOTER TURNS HIMSELF IN

The man police were seeking as a suspect in the shooting in Bloomsburg where the victim drove himself to the hospital after allegedly being shot, has turned himself in to state police. According to State police, 19 year old Joseph Michael Teneyck is now in custody for attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and robbery following the arrest of the previously unnamed suspect, Nicholas Romeo Jones of Berwick who is facing robbery charges. Teneyck is in Columbia County Prison in lieu of $250,000 bail.  Jones is also incarcerated but is being held on 75 thousand dollars bail. The shooting victim, 23 year old Tyler Brown was charged with possession of a stolen firearm.

CROSSCUTTERS RAISE MONEY FOR CENTRAL PA FOOD BANK

A partnership between the former Kelloggs – now Kellanova – and the Williamsport Crosscutters in a jersey and cap auction has raised thousands of dollars for the Central PA Food Bank.  According to the Crosscutters, they announced that they raised 6 thousand, 8 hundred dollars thanks to their Pop-Tarts night when Cutters players and coaches wore specially-designed Pop-Tarts branded uniforms and led guests to participate in promotional activities including trivia and drawings for a year supply of pop tarts in July.  The recent auction raised funds that assist the Central PA Food Bank to fight hunger, improve lives and strengthen communities.

FREE CATS, KITTENS AND DOGS AT DANVILLE SPCA EVENT

It’s a free adoption event for dogs, cats and kittens at the Danville SPCA this weekend.  According to the Danville SPCA they will offer shelter pets for no charge when fees can range from 85 dollars for an adult cat to 300 dollars for some dogs.  Each of the animals are spayed or neutered, chipped, vaccinated and treated for fleas and ticks.  If you are looking for a second dog, adopters should bring that pet along with all the family members who live in the home to meet the new animal. The event is October 12, 13th and 14th from noon to 6pm and is sponsored by Mars Pet Co. Savings.  Cat carriers will be available for $5.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Sports

Boys Soccer
South Williamsport  4         Muncy  3
Athens  1                               NP Liberty  0
Hughesville 4                        Mifflinburg  1
Benton  5                               Sullivan Co 1
Lewisburg  2                         Sthrn Columbia  0
Wellsboro  2                         Williamson  1
Girls Soccer
Sullivan  4                 Meadowbrook Christian  3
Midd-West  2            Mifflinburg  1
Bloomsburg  1          Milton  0
Cntrl Columbia  5     Shikellamy  0
Selinsgrove  8           Central Mountain  0
Sthrn Columbia  4    Loyalsock  1


HS Football   BYB Game of the week
Danville vs Loyalsock 6:30 pre-game/7pm kickoff
Twin Valley’s Talk Radio network
Montgomery vs Holy Redeemer @ Wyoming Valley West Saturday 6pm


NFL Thursday night Football

49ers  36     Seahawks  24
Upcoming NFL Sunday
Browns vs Eagles 1pm FOX
Steelers vs Raiders  4:05pm CBS
Bengals vs Giants  8:20pm NBC

NCAA Football Saturday

Cal vs Pitt 3:30pm ESPN
Penn State vs USC 3:30pm CBS
Stanford vs Notre Dame  3:30pm
Ohio State vs Oregon 7:30pm NBC

MLB
ALDS Game 4
Guardians  5        Tigers  4  2-2
Yankees  3                     Royals  1  Yankees win series 3-1
MLB Today
NLDS Game 5
Padres vs Dodgers  8:08pm FOX  2-2



NHL

Bruins  6        Canadiens  4
Kings  3          Sabres  1
Senators  3     Panthers  1
Maple Leafs  4  Devils 2
Utah Hockey Club 5  NY Islanders 4
Penguins  6  Red Wings  3
Stars  4           Predators  3
Wild  3           Blue Jackets 2
Blues  5          Sharks  4

NASCAR
Bank of America ROVAL 400 Charlotte NC – Road Course
1pm Pre-Race/2pm Green Flag
Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network / WILQ HD3

WNBA Finals Game 1

MN Lynx  95  NY Liberty  93
WNBA Finals Game 2 Sunday 
Lynx vs Liberty  3pm ABC 

Trinity Episcopal Pro-Cathedral Victorian Christmas Soup Luncheon

A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS SOUP LUNCHEON WILL BE HELD AT TRINITY EPISCOPAL PRO-CATHEDRAL, 844 W 4TH ST, WILLIAMSPORT, ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23RD FROM 11 AM TO 2 PM. $12 INCLUDES A CHOICE OF SOUPS, PLUS BREAD, PIE, AND A BEVERAGE. A CRAFT SALE AND TOURS OF THE CHURCH WILL BE HELD FROM 10 AM TO 3 PM. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 570-322-0126.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 10, 2024

FATAL CAR ACCIDENT KILLS ONE IN ARMSTRONG TOWNSHIP

A fatal fiery car accident off of Route 15 in Armstrong Township yesterday around 5pm had state police and firefighters from at least 6 local companies working the scene.  According to the Sun Gazette, state police say a man thought to be in his early thirties, whose identity has not been released, went about 300 yards down an embankment in his vehicle in a remote area of Old Montgomery Pike Road and burst into flames causing the woods to ignite.  Authorities say crews were challenged to get to the crash site since it was behind a locked fence, but they gained access and encountered flames about 65 feet high. They got the fire under control in about 15 minutes.  The investigation continues with State police and the Lycoming county coroner who was on the scene and said they are investigating whether the driver had a medical episode before the crash.

SUSPECT IN SHAMOKIN SHOOTING AT LARGE

A shooting Saturday night in Shamokin has brought about a warrant for 31 year old Antonio Mark Feliciano who was driving the car when he and a passenger, Jose Alberto Rodriguez-Melendez, approached a pedestrian who has not yet been named in the investigation.  Rodriguez-Melendez and the pedestrian exchanged fire before a 12 year old exited the car by the rear passenger door and fled. There is local video footage of the incident.  According to the News-Item, Rodriguez-Melendez was taken into custody at his home on South Fifth Street by Shamokin Police who say the incident may be related to other shots fired in front of a home in the 900 block of North Orange Street Saturday.  Contact Shamokin Police Department at 570-648-5708, if you have information.

FROST ADVISORY TONIGHT

The first frost advisory of the season is upon us.  According to the National Weather service, temperatures could get to the low 30s after 2am tonight into Friday morning by 9am in portions of central Pennsylvania mainly in valley locations.  They recommend taking steps to protect vegetation that is sensitive to cold weather, since frost can kill them if left exposed.    

“LIVE UNITED IN MUSIC IV” FUNDRAISER THIS MONTH

An evening to celebrate local musicians along with Grammy and Tony nominated musician Michael Cavanaugh is coming up October 18th at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport to benefit the Lycoming County United Way.  Live United in Music IV is sponsored by UPMC and will feature Cavanaugh performing music by Billy Joel and Elton John along with 50-piece Live United in Pops Orchestra conducted by Walt Straiton, a former Uptown music collective student, Tess Marshal and others supporting the local United Way who works to serve 33 community service programs in Lycoming, Sullivan, and Tioga counties.  Get tickets at caclive .com.

WASD SCHOOL BOARD UNDER FIRE AT PUBLIC COMMENT MEEETING

The Williamsport school board meeting October 8th brought about a large crowd for an extended public comment session after a chaotic incident happened in the school cafeteria October 4th.  According to the Sun Gazette, a panic began amongst the students in the building that day after loud noises were made by a student were mistaken for gunshot,  and there is criticism toward the administration for their handling of it.  Witnesses say school law enforcement were dismissive in the aftermath of realizing there was no real emergency and the training students received was fruitless when they found themselves unable to gather at a pre-arranged location.  In the wake of a gun found on a student recently parents at the meeting demanded a change of policy. School board administrators are encouraging that the community work together to find solutions. The next school board meeting is scheduled for November 12th.

POLICE SAY SUSPECT IN BLOOMSBURG SHOOTING IS AT LARGE

After a man was found shot and unconscious in the parking lot of the Geisinger-Bloomsburg Hospital October 4th, police are looking for his shooter after investigating the incident.  According to North Central PA dot com, after 23 year old Tyler Brown was found by a passerby and was stabilized at the hospital, police interviewed him and found he was allegedly approached by 19 year old Joseph Michael Teneyck in a parking lot near Irondale Road who demanded money and his phone.  The two men struggled and shots were fired with Brown injured and fleeing, driving himself a few miles to the hospital.  Police are offering a reward for information leading to the whereabouts of Teneyck who is being charged with attempted murder, robbery, and aggravated assault.  If you have information, call 1-8004PA TIPS.

LITTLE LEAGUE BOULEVARD TO BE REPAVED SOON

Milling, repaving and reconstruction of Williamsport’s Little League Boulevard between Mulberry and Walnut Street is set to begin soon so that the work can be done before construction season is over.  According to the Sun Gazette, it was announced at the Glenn O. Hawbaker won the bid that was reviewed by SEDA-COG in Lewisburg and Livic, the design consultant.  The total cost came in 65 thousand dollars under budget with the city planning to utilize Community Development Block Grant funds for the project. 

INAUGURAL VETERAN-SUPPORT TRAIN RIDES IN NOVEMBER

In a fundraising opportunity for  two Veteran-support organizations, the North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates will be pulling passenger excursions for the first time with the newly dedicated LVRR 9052 (Veterans Unit) and LVRR 9050 (Memorial Unit), for the Inaugural Veterans Benefit Voyage. Train rides will depart from Hufnagle Park in Lewisburg, on Saturday, November 9 with four departure times. 100% of the ticket sales will go directly to: Expedition Orange and Lycoming County Hometown Heroes.  Get tickets at northshorewarehouse.com/usa.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Sports
Boys Soccer

Williamsport  2    Selinsgrove  0
Montoursville  1  Hughesville 0
Milton  3              Jersey Shore  0
Warrior  Run  6    Shamokin  1

Girls Soccer

Muncy  14            CMVT  0
Wellsboro  4         NP Mansfield 1
South Wmsprt  2           Millville  1


MLB
NLDS
Mets  4       Phillies  1 Mets advance to the finals for the first time since 2015
Dodgers  8            Padres  0  2-2
ALDS
Tigers  3     Guardians  0 DET up 2-1
Yankees  3           Royals  2  Yankees lead 2-1
MLB Today
Guardians vs Tigers  6:08 TNT
Yankees  vs Royals 8:08pm  TBS 

NHL
Canadiens  1        Maple Leafs  0
Rangers  6            Penguins  0
Jets 6                    Oilers  0
Flames 6               Canucks  5
Golden Knights  8  Avalanche  4

WNBA Finals Game 1
MN Lynx vs NY Liberty 8pm ESPN 

NFL Tonight
49ers  vs Seahawks  8:15pm PrimeVid

Upcoming NFL Sunday

Browns vs Eagles 1pm FOX
Steelers vs Raiders  4:05pm CBS
Bengals vs Giants  8:20pm NBC

NCAA Football Saturday

Cal vs Pitt 3:30pm ESPN
Penn State vs USC 3:30pm CBS
Stanford vs Notre Dame  3:30pm
Ohio State vs Oregon 7:30pm NBC

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 9, 2024

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT MAN ARRESTED FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE

A South Williamsport man is in custody after he assaulted his girlfriend in their home October 2nd.  According to the Sun Gazette, police interviewed the victim at the couple’s Market Street home around 3:15am and observed that she was injured.  Police report that the victim said 38 year old Evan Michael Jones punched and strangled her, holding her on the ground by pulling on her hooded sweatshirt while telling her to get out before destroying her phone.  The victim was able to call for help from a nearby business, and was treated at UPMC Williamsport.  Jones was arraigned October 3rd and faces felony charges of strangulation, reckless endangerment, simple assault an more.  He was jailed in lieu of 15 thousand dollars bail.

PA SUPREME COURT TO HEAR RIGHT-TO-KNOW CASES FROM 2020

An appeal has been granted by the state Supreme Court in the right-to-know requests cases that were filed after the 2020 presidential election.  According to PennLive, the RNC and state Republican Party will be able to file the appeal on behalf of the plaintiffs.  The court will consider the state election Code and whether it exempts Cast Vote Records from a right-to-know request since they are the contents of a ballot box or voting machine.  A lower court previously reversed a decision that the CVRs are subject to public record, and upheld another decision that digital images of votes cast are also not public record.  The court has said they will not have a decision on the matter before this November 5th, Election Day.

DMV TO CLOSE FOR INDIGINOUS PEOPLES’ DAY WEEKEND

All Pennsylvania Driver’s License centers, including all the photo centers will be closed this Saturday October 12th through Monday October 14th in observance of Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day.  According to the department, you may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications, and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website dmv.pa.gov.  Get a full list of driver license and photo centers online as well.

TRUMP TO RALLY IN PA TODAY

Former President Donald J Trump is planning a rally today in Scranton.  According to the website Donald J Trump dot com, he is set to campaign at Riverfront Sports at 5 West Olive Plaza in Scranton with doors set to open at noon.  The event is scheduled to start with Mr. Trump speaking around 3pm.  He will also speak tonight at the Santander Arena at 700 Penn Street in Reading, PA at around 7pm. Go online to sign up for tickets that are available on a first come first served basis.

TWO FIREFIGHTERS INJURED IN LEWISTOWN FIRE

Two volunteer firefighters were injured while they worked a four alarm fire in Lewistown Monday morning before 11am.  According to WHTM, Lewistown Fire Department units were coincidentally in the area performing a Carbon Monoxide investigation in the borough and were diverted to a multi-alarm rowhome fire from 224 Valley Street to neighboring homes up to 226.  Fifteen people were displaced from the property and two firefighters experienced burns and were treated at Lewistown Hospital.  Witnesses say the fire spread rapidly and crews remained on the scene for about 4 hours fighting the blaze.  Fire officials say they appreciated that community members served the crews food and drinks during the incident.

AC UNIT THEFT FROM BUISNESS IN WILLIAMSPORT

Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a September 7th theft from a dental office in Muncy Township.  According to North Central PA dot com, a suspect driving an older model Ford F-150 pickup truck went to Lycoming Dental Office between 8:30pm and 9:10pm and stole an industrial grade air-conditioner worth 50 thousand dollars.  Williamsport police said a similar case happened at Solley Chiropractic on East Third Street in Williamsport.  If you have information about the suspect or the incident, call Pennsylvania State Police in Montoursville at 570-368-5700.

MONTOUR COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER TO RESIGN

The Montour County Public defender has resigned.  According to the Daily Item, the Montour County board of commissioners accepted Laurie Pickle’s resignation unanimously Tuesday.  Pickle was hired as the first female public defender for the county in October 2022.  Her last day as PD is Friday, November 1st.  Commissioner Scott Lynn thanked Pickle for her service. In her resignation letter,  Pickle indicated she will be going on to work for Manchester and Associates.

WOOLY WORM PROGRAM SATURDAY DURING LEWISBURG FALL FEST

There will be a wooly worm event at the Fall Festival in Lewisburg this weekend.  According to the Lewisburg Downtown Partnership, in addition to over 60 craft and food vendors and family friendly activities that start Saturday around 10am, there will be the Woolly Worm Winter Weather Prognostication program that will predict this winter’s weather.  There will be musical performances through 5pm at the festival that is sponsored by Weis Markets and Geisinger.  Get more information at lewisburgpadot com.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Sports
Boys Soccer

Montgomery  3    Sullivan County 2
Millville 2             South Williamsport  1
Benton 5              Muncy  1
NP Liberty  3       Towanda  0
Wellsboro  9         Northeast Bradford  0


Girls Soccer
 
Warrior Run  4     Montoursville 1
Hughesville 3       Southern Columbia 1
Bloomsburg  1     Lewisburg  0
Selinsgrove  2       Williamsport 1

MLB
National League Division Series
Mets  7       Phillies 2 NY up 2-1
Padres  6     Dodgers   5  SD up 2-1
MLB Today
ALDS Game 3

Guardians vs Tigers  3:08pm TBS/truTV/Max 1-1
Yankees  vs Royals  7:08pm TBS truTV/Max 1-1
NLDS Game 4
Phillies vs Mets 5:08pm FS1
Dodgers vs Padres 9:08pm FS1

NHL Opening night
Blues 3                 Kraken  2
Panthers 6            Bruins  4
Utah Hockey Club  5  Blackhawks  2WNBA Semi-finals
MN Lynx  88   CT Sun  77  MIN wins series 3-2
MN Lynx plays NY Liberty tomorrow –  Game 1 of the WNBA Finals

NFL Thursday night
49ers  vs Seahawks  8:15pm PrimeVid
Upcoming NFL Sunday
Browns vs Eagles 1pm FOX
Steelers vs Raiders  4:05pm CBS
Bengals vs Giants  8:20pm NBC

NCAA Football Saturday

Cal vs Pitt 3:30pm ESPN
Penn State vs USC 3:30pm CBS
Stanford vs Notre Dame  3:30pm
Ohio State vs Oregon 7:30pm NBC

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 8, 2024

MAN ARRESTED FOR THREATS NOW CHARGED WITH STOLEN FIREARM

Police continue the investigation into threats made toward a local school and discovered the weapon used in a threatening Snap Chat video is the same weapon found on the person of a juvenile in custody for the theft committed at a Hughesville gun shop on September 20th .  According to the Sun Gazette, 18 year old Jassir Jennings-Cornelius from Williamsport was taken into custody October 3rd after he called his girlfriend at Montoursville Area High School October 2nd,  threatening to shoot up her school.  Once in court this week, he admitted that he received the weapon from the juvenile suspect before September 24th when he said he posted a video showing the gun. He was originally charged with terroristic threats and harassment, but a felony receiving stolen property was added to his case this week.  He is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of an additional 50 thousand dollars bail.

FORMER TROOPER SENTENCED IN VEHICULAR HOMICIDE CASE

A State Trooper found guilty of vehicular homicide for a crash in Tioga County on Route 6 in February of 2023 that killed a Troy area mother and teacher, has been sentenced to 6 to 23 months in prison.  According to the Sun Gazette, Attorney General Michelle Henry says Michael J Brown was sentenced Friday and is ordered to report to prison November 1st .  A jury found Brown guilty after evidence showed he was driving his Jeep in Sullivan County when he passed on a double yellow and collided with 47 year old Christine Woodward driving in an oncoming vehicle as she ascended a hill.  Brown is also ordered to pay fines and restitution toward funeral expenses.

CARD SKIMMER FOUND IN CLINTON TOWNSHIP

Police are investigating the discovery of a credit card skimmer at a gas pump in Clinton Township.  The incident that originally happened in July, has been under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police in Montoursville, who say 400 dollars was stolen from customers who used the gas pump with the skimmer, before someone noticed the device at the Sunoco on Route 54.  If you have information about the incident or about a suspect, go online to report it anonymously at 1-800 4PA tips.

WEIS DONATES TO SELINSGROVE SCHOOL

As part of their 2023-2024 fundraising campaign “Weis 4 School”, Weis Markets recently donated seven thousand dollars to Selinsgrove Area Intermediate school.  The donations are part of a 500 thousand dollar donation pool that is built through customers shopping and connecting their qualified purchases using their Weis Rewards Card to the fundraiser.  Weis allows customers to link their card which benefits a school of their choice to earn rewards from the company and its partners who participate.

MAN WHO ALLEGEDLY KILLED WITH A SWORD ON TRIAL THIS WEEK

The man who is on trial for fatally stabbing 43 year old Rhonda Pearce with a sword in Shamokin is in court this week with jury selection already begun.  According to the Daily Item, Corey Quincy, of South Vine Street, was arrested in April of 2022, after a wellness check about him and Pearce was called in by a family member and police found Pearce’s body that had been moved to an upstairs bedroom .  Quincy admitted to police that he stabbed Pearce while being angry about buing drugs including heroin which led to the murder.  He allegedly left her body in the home for three days.  He is on trial for homicide charges, with a plea deal unable to be worked out between Quincy’s defense attorney and the Northumberland County District Attorney Michael O’Donnell.  Qunicy’s trial starts Thursday of this week.

MIDDLEBURG BANK EVACUATED AFTER CAR ACCIDENT

A Middleburg bank was evacuated Friday after a car accident damaged a propane tank close to the building on East Main Street. According to the Daily Item, the road closed for about an hour last Friday after 3:15pm, when a vehicle crashed and landed on top of a 500 gallon propane tank near the Fulton Bank.  Employees, customers and others were evacuated from the area out of an abundance of caution.  When authorities arrived on the scene with a propane contractor , they secured the tank, with no injuries reported. Authorities reopened East Main Street a little after 4pm.

LICENSE PLATE REPLACEMENT EVENT THURSDAY IN MONTOURSVILLE

Pennsylvania State Police in coordination with State Representative Joe Hamm’s office are holding their License plate replacement event Thursday.  According to a press release, representatives from PennDOT and the Highway safety Network will be on hand at the Representative Hamm’s office at 899 Cherry Street in Montoursville, welcoming those who have a damaged peeling or uinreadab le plate on their car to come have it replaced.  Attendees should drive the vehicle with the damaged plate to the event from 4-7 October 10th and bring their current driver’s license and registration card.  All the paperwork will be handled at the event.

BILLTOWN BLUES FEST CANCELLED FOR 2025

In a decision that will shut down a popular annual event, scrapping plans for a 35th anniversary celebration, the Billtown Blues Association announced that they will not hold their festival in 2025.  According to a news release from the BBA, weather related challenges kept them from meeting financial standards they have maintained since the inception of the festival in 1990, but remain committed the blues community, planning for shows at smaller events; including the group’s annual fundraiser, “Fall Into the Blues,” November 17 at the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport. The BBA maintains its connection to the national blues scene with its affiliation to the Blues Foundation.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Sports Soccer
Boys
Montoursville  2  Loyalsock  1
Lewisburg  3        Williamsport  1
Cntrl Mountain  3  Jersey Shore 2
Girls  
Montgomery  1    NP Mansfield  0 OT
Wellsboro  3         Port Allegheny  1
Wyalusing  3        Sullivan County 2
Girls Tennis
Jersey Shore  5     Shikellamy  0

NFL Monday Night Football
Chiefs  26  Saints  13
NFL Thursday night
49ers  vs Seahawks  8:15pm PrimeVid
Upcoming NFL Sunday
Browns vs Eagles 1pm FOX
Steelers vs Raiders  4:05pm CBS
Bengals vs Giants  8:20pm NBC

MLB Monday
American League Division Series
Tigers 3      Guardians 0  1-1
Royals  4    Yankees  2 1-1
MLB Today
National League Division Series
Phillies  vs Mets  5:08pm  FS1 1-1
Dodgers  vs Padres  9:08pm 1-1

WNBA Semifinals Game 5 Tonight
Sun vs Lynx  8pm ESPN2
Winner plays NY Liberty Thursday for Game 1 of the WNBA Finals

NCAA Football Saturday
Cal vs Pitt 3:30pm ESPN
Penn State vs USC 3:30pm CBS
Stanford vs Notre Dame  3:30pm
Ohio State vs Oregon 7:30pm NBC

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 7, 2024

FIRE SUNDAY AT ELDRED TOWNSHIP TRAILER PARK

An Eldred Township fire has spurred an investigation by State police.  According to the Sun Gazette, an early morning fire Sunday at the  Pinecrest Village on Pinecrest Drive damaged the water treatment facility at the trailer court property that is home to over 70 residents.  Volunteers from Loyalsock, Montoursville, DuBoistown, Trout Run, Nisbet and Hepburn Township assisted at the fire that was declared under control in about an hour.  The manager of the property, who lives on site, discovered the fire at about 6:20am Sunday and called 911.

LOCAL CONTRACTOR TAKES MONEY DOESN’T WORK

Another local contractor allegedly took the money for a job and did not complete the agreed upon work in September  According to police, 42 year old Nathan Charles Cogley, who is an HVAC technician, assessed leaking at the victim’s home and said the water heater would need replacing.  After the homeowner gave Cogley a 16 hundred dollar check for a new water heater, he got a second opinion from another contractor and was told the water heater was fine.   After the victim canceled the job and asked for a portion of his payment back, Cogley never connected with the victim and later blamed him for not being paid back.  Cogley  is being charged with deceptive business practices and more and is free on 15 thousand dollars unsecured bail.  Police discovered Cogley also has active warrants out on him for violation of orders in the city.

WORK APPROVED FOR FORMER SCHOOL BUILDING IN WILLIAMSPORT

Williamsport city Council has approved conditional-use to repurpose and recondition the former Thaddeus Stevens Primary School at 1150 Louisa St.  According to the Sun Gazette, the next steps include Moonrise Acquisitions LLC coordinating a design team and working on the plan that will convert the former school into multi-family dwellings with residual office space. The building closed to school operations in 2022, with a 2020 districtwide feasibility study determining that renovating the building is a more cost effective move than demolition.

SALVATION ARMY NEEDS VOLUNTEERS, DONATIONS

The Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division of The Salvation Army are heading to the southern US in response to the devastation from Hurricane Helene last week.  According to officials with the Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services, they recently drove an EDS box truck filled with 11 pallets of clean-up kits.  You can donate to help the efforts of the nationwide non-profit as their volunteers are assisting with on-the-ground efforts and logistics for the hurricane relief.  Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or go online to www.HelpSalvationArmy.org.  Designate checks to Disaster Relief – Hurricane Helene.

TIOGA COUNTY WOMAN ARRESTED FOR PUNCHING DRIVER

An unnamed 45 year old Tioga County woman was taken into custody recently after police say she punched her boyfriend while he was driving with an 11 year- old child in the car.  According to State police at Mansfield, they responded to a call where the woman in question had been locked out of a home in Westfield Township on September 15th.  Police say right before they arrived the woman broke a window to enter the home around 1:30am, and during an interview with two residents, they discovered news of the assault that happened between the couple while they were in the car earlier in the day on Route 49.  The woman was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment and harassment.

MAN ARRESTED FOR DRUG POSSESSION AFTER TRAFFIC STOP

A man was arrested for having a large quantity of marijuana and paraphernalia in his vehicle during a traffic stop October 1st.  According to North Central PA dot com, police were investigating a complaint that a grey BMW owned by 29 year old Dylan Michael Fisher smelled like marijuana from the outside.  When a traffic stop was initiated at the 300 block of Hepburn street, police said they could smell the drug and later discovered 541 grams of it, along with edibles, and other marijuana products. Fisher is being charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and is free on 25 thousand dollars bail.

SELINSGROVE POLICE CHIEF TO RESIGN

The police chief in Selinsgrove has submitted her resignation and her last day in the borough will be October 11th.  According to a letter written by Chief Shanee Mitchell, she submitted 3 letters of resignation between September 30th and October 1st and had numerous conversations with her supervisors before they finalized her final date of employment.  She expressed gratitude toward all of Snyder County for allowing her to have the opportunity to serve the area and met many accomplishments despite what she called “moments of conflict and adversity.”  Sgt. Francis Petrovich will serve as the department’s acting chief during the transition.

MEETING TO DISCUSS COMBATING SPONGY MOTH IN BLOOMSBURG

There will be a public meeting to address strategies for future management of  spongy moth, a pest that defoliated many trees and forests last spring in the state.  According to the Daily Item, PennState Extension and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resource’s Bureau of Forestry will host the event at the Columbia County Agricultural Center on Sawmill Road in Bloomsburg October 30th at 6pm. Experts will present at the meeting and share management strategies for controlling spongy moth feeding, including discussion of biological control measures, aerial applications, soil injections, and the use of drones.

SPORTS

NFL Sunday
Vikings  23           Jets  17
Ravens  41                     Bengals  38
Dolphins  15        Patriots  10
Texans  23                     Bills  20
Giants  29            Seahawks  20
Cowboys  20        Steelers 17
NFL Monday Night Football
Saints vs Chiefs  8:15pm  ESPN

NASCAR
*Ricky Stenhouse Jr. snapped a 65-race losing streak by winning in overtime at Talladega on Sunday after a late crash involved eight of NASCAR’s 12 title contenders clearing half the field. 
*Stenhouse is not in the playoffs and his victory marked the second consecutive week a driver not competing for the Cup Series title has won.
*Brad Keselowski was 2nd, William Byron 3rd (#1 in the playoff lineup), Kyle Larson 4th (3rd in the playoff lineup), Erik Jones 5th

MLB National League Division Series
Phillies  7    Mets  6  1-1
Padres  10  Dodgers  2 1-1
MLB American League Division Series Game 2
Tigers vs Guardians  4:08pm TBS CLE up 1
Royals vs Yankees 7:38pm TBS  NY up 1

WNBA Semifinals Game 4
Liberty  76                     Aces  62 Liberty wins  series 3-1
CT Sun  92                    Minnesota Lynx  82 tied 2-2
WNBA Semifinals Game 5  Tuesday 
Sun vs Lynx  8pm ESPN2

NBA PreSeason
 LeBron James and Bronny James made history Sunday night as the first father and son to play together in an NBA game as the Los Angeles Lakers lost 118-114 in the preseason to the Phoenix Suns at Arcisure Arena.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 4, 2024

LEWISBURG WOMAN ARRESTED FOR IDENTITY THEFT OF SISTER

A Lewisburg woman has been charged with forgery, identity theft and more in Union County after she attempted to cash checks and make transactions in her sister’s name.  According to the Daily Item, 33 year old Stephanie Elise Riebman is facing the five felony counts after she was originally arrested under her sister’s name, Samantha Lauren Riebman,  who lives in Orlando, Fla.  Buffalo Valley Regional Police say the suspect has an extensive criminal history using fake identities and social security numbers and was caught attempting to cash the checks at Jersey Shore State Banks in Danville, Lewisburg, Bellefonte and Centre Hall on July 22. She’s in prison under 75 thousand dollars bail.

MAN INJURED WHEN ROCK GOES THROUGH WINDSHIELD

State Police in Bloomsburg say a large rock crashed into the windshield of an SUV driven by a man from Conyngham Township. According to the Shenendoah Sentinel, 41-year-old Eric Feese was injured by the rock that crashed into the windshield of his Ford Escape and continued through the vehicle landing in the middle of Wilburton Road, at about 3:30pm on September 16th.  Feese was then transported to Geisinger Medical Center in Montour County.  State troopers are investigating the accident, seeking the vehicle that lost the rock.  They could be cited for failing to secure their load.  If you have information call Bloomsburg State Police barracks 570-387-4261.

BILL TO BAN LAB-GROWN MEAT INTRODUCED IN PA HOUSE

A lawmaker in Towanda has sponsored legislation in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives that would ban the sale and manufacturing of lab-grown meat.  According to the Sun Gazette, Representative Tina Pickett of Towanda is joined by Representative Clint Owlett in support of the bill that recognizes the need to protect local agriculture, local meat production and the livelihood of farmers in our state. Other states that have banned the sale of lab-grown meat include Florida and Alabama.

LOCAL COLLECTIONS FOR HURRICAN HELENE VICTIMS

A supervisor at Hepburn Township, Heath Heller, along with an executive at NuWeld Michelle March, are two of many helping to coordinate donations and relief that are set to be sent to parts of North Carolina hit by Hurricane Helene.  According to the Sun Gazette, Heller’s social media pages list area businesses and locations who are helping efforts and where donations are being accepted including Spectrum Business Forms of Williamsport, Wayne Township Landfill and Recycling Center in McElhattan, NuWeld on Reach Road in Williamsport,  Eastern Lycoming YMCA in Muncy Township,  The Potting Bench and other locations.  Truckloads of supplies will head to a central point in Marion, North Carolina where people they know have sent word on the things that are needed; such as hygiene products, toiletries, baby food, formula and baby products.

BELLEFONTE MAN TRESSPASSES WHILE NAKED

A Bellefonte man has been charged with indecent exposure, open lewdness, and loitering after he admitted to entering a neighbor’s porch naked and touching himself in front of the victim.  According to State police, 46 year old Shaun Thomas McMurtrie was in his own home but walked to the neighbor’s porch at 150 Cole Street that was enclosed with drapes where the victim was sitting. The victim called police and McMurtrie was identified by a tattoo on his shoulder.  He was arraigned and is free today on 25 thousand dollars bail.

DISCRIMINATION SUIT SETTLED WITH JERSEY SHORE SCHOOLS

Jersey Shore area School District has settled the 2022 federal lawsuit filed by the parents of a student who they say was racially discriminated against and it went unaddressed by school officials.  According to the Sun Gazette, it was alleged the 17 year old bi-racial girl was subject to bullying and repeated racial harassment, however, the district does not admit liability as part of the terms of the settlement.  After fees and court costs, the 50 thousand dollar settlement will be available to the girl when she turns 18 years old.

ROUTE 220 SOUTH REROUTED IN WOODWARD TOWNSHIP

Traffic patterns on Route 220 in Woodward Township are set to be different today after contractors for PennDOT will return southbound traffic to the recently completed southbound side of the roadway by this afternoon.  According to the department, work continues in the replacement of the northbound bridge structure carrying Route 220 over the Fourth Street off ramp.  Next week, on Route 220 in both directions, expect milling and paving of the roadway as well as applying an epoxy overlay on the bridge deck. Work is expected to be done between 7am and 3pm depending on the weather.

SEWER LINE BREAK IN SELINSGROVE REPAIRED

There’s an update to the sewer line break repair project that was required after a 20 inch pipe burst at the Eastern Snyder County Regional Authority’s sewage treatment plant in Selinsgrove on September 22nd.  According to the Eastern Snyder County Regional Authority, they told the DEP that the down-stream concern over the 459,000 gallons of screened wastewater that dumped into the Susquehanna River has subsided after permanent repairs were put in place.  Ten feet of new pipe was installed to repair the damage in the previous pipe that was in poor condition and hadn’t been replaced in about 50 years.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Sports
Boys Soccer
Millville                       Muncy
South Wmsprt 5        Sullivan Co    0         
Benton                        Montgomery

Girls Soccer

Williamsport 6           Central Mnt  0
Jersey Shore                Midd West
NE Bradford              Troy
Athens NP                  Mansfield
Mifflinburg                 Selinsgrove
Mt Carmel                   Hughesville
Shikellamy                  Danville
Central Col                  Shamokin
Bloomsburg                 Loyalsock
So Columbia               Montoursville
Lewisburg                   Milton

HS Football BYB Game of the Week 
Sayre @ South Williamsport
6:30 pre-game/7pm Kick-off
Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network

NFL Thursday Night Football
Falcons  36                    Buccaneers  30

MLB Wild Card
Mets  4                 Brewers  2  Mets win the series

American League Division Series Saturday
Tigers vs Guardians 1:08pm TBS
Royals vs Yankees  6:38pm TBS
National League Division Series Saturday
Mets vs Phillies  4:08pm FOX
Padres vs Dodgers  8:38pm FS1

WNBA Semi-finals Game 3 Friday
Lynx vs Sun 7:30pm ESPN2
Liberty  vs Aces  9:30pm  ESPN2

NCAA Football Saturday
UCLA vs Penn State Noon FOXNASCAR Sunday
Yellawood 400 Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega, Alabama
1pm pre-race/2pm Green flag racing
Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 3, 2024

18 YEAR OLD CHARGED WITH CAR THEFT, ATTEMPTED ROBBERY

A man from Williamsport already facing felony charges in Montoursville, was arraigned in district court Tuesday for allegedly stealing a car and attempting to break into a Muncy Creek Township gun shop on September 26th.  According to the Sun Gazette, 18 year old Khanif Carter is accused of stealing a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander in Muncy and with an unidentified suspect, was seen on surveillance video attempting the break-in at R&J Welch Firearms on John Brady Drive with a baseball bat.  Police recovered the Outlander September 27th on Sherman street and arrested Carter who was remanded to Lycoming Count Prison on 100 thousand dollars bail.  No word if this crime is related to the recent theft at the Blued Barrel gun Shop in Hughesville September 21st.

JERSEY SHORE MAN SENTENCED IN SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE

A Williamsport judge sentenced a Jersey Shore man this week after he plead guilty to sexual assault against a minor in 2021, to 42 to 84 months in prison.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say 38 year old Brian Allen Smith was charged with having a non-consensual relationship with the underage girl in Porter Township.  According to court records, impact statements from the victim and her family led to Smith being required to register as a sex offender for life and he will remain under a period of supervised probation for three years after release.

COAL TOWNSHIP TO REPAY NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

Money owed to Northumberland County is coming their way after Coal Township commissioners last month voted to pay back $290,000 that Commissioner Sam Schiccatano said was illegally taken money, after third party inspection fees were paid around 2017 for the new county jail in Coal Township. According to court records, a lawsuit was filed by the county to recoup the fees they claimed were unreasonable, not enforceable by law, unconstitutional and invalid.   In 2022, a commonwealth court judge upheld the Lycoming County Senior Judge’s order to pay back the fees to Northumberland County with statutory interests and costs. The commissioners there recently accepted the 290 thousand dollar payback offer from Coal Township.

LYCOMING COLLEGE OFFERING ENROLLMENT TO AREA SENIORS

Qualified seniors from any Lycoming County high school can benefit from a direct admissions initiative being extended by Lycoming College for the Fall of 2025.  According to college administrators, students with a 3.0 GPA or higher will be accepted for the class of 2029, and will then be eligible for academic scholarships and merit scholarships based on test score, class ranking and GPA. Each high school around Lycoming County will be invited to the college for several upcoming Instant Decision Days.  For more information, email [email protected].

DANVILLE COUPLE IN JAIL OVER CORRUPTION OF MINOR

A Danville woman and her boyfriend are in jail after the woman set up a sexual encounter with an underage girl for her boyfriend.  According to the Press Enterprise, 38-year-old Bethany Landis has new felony charges added to her case including sexual exploitation of children and corruption of minors.  Court records say the victim who is now 14 reported being assaulted by 43-year-old Dennis Aikey of Danville who faces 4 felony offenses involving illegal contact with the minor.  Both Aikey and Landis are in the Montour County jail in lieu of bail.

SENTENCE HANDED OUT FOR PENN STATE HAZING CASE

The last two Penn State fraternity brothers involved in the 2017 hazing death of Timothy Piazza were sentenced in Centre County Court Tuesday morning.  According to North Central PA dot com, Brendan Young and Daniel Casey were each given two to four months in Centre County Prison with work release, along with court costs and fines, 3 years’ probation, community service and restitution to the family after they had plead guilty in July to the charges.  The victim, 19 year old Timothy Piazza, was a sophomore who died from injuries sustained at a fraternity ritual after being given 18 alcoholic drinks in under an hour and half.  Officials say his BAC was.36

CURVE WARNING SYSTEM INSTALLATION THIS WEEK ON ROUTE 15

Work will continue through the rest of this week as a contractor for PennDOT will keep working to place the sequential light up chevrons along the Route15 southbound ramp to 180 eastbound in Williamsport.  Watch for single lane conditions approaching the spur and to maintain a lower speed when heading through the work zone.  The advanced curve warning system project should be complete within the week.  Got to 511PA dot com for traffic and travel information.

NEW LICENSE PLATE TO HELP OUTDOORS PROGRAMS FOR PA YOUTH

A new license plate design will allow Pennsylvania drivers to support youth hunting and fishing in the Commonwealth.  According to the Center Square, the plate was created by Act 51 and approved in July and will cost will cost $40 plus fees with 14 dollars from each plate going toward youth activities.  The design features a woodland scene with a buck in the foreground and a ruffed grouse flying away in the background as two anglers in life jackets fish in a kayak.  Pennsylvania Fish and Boat officials say the plate helps fund the protection and conservation of the PA Wilds, playing an active role in helping youth become aware of conserving fish and wildlife, and their habitats.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Sports
Boys Soccer

Lewisburg  4        Danville  0
Warrior  Run 1     Hughesville  0
Selinsgrove  2       Jersey Shore  1
NP Liberty  3       Troy  1
Wellsboro  7         Galeton  1
Girls Soccer
Muncy  5              Montgomery  1
Hughesville  9      Mount Carmel  0
Athens  4              Wellsboro  1
Girls Tennis 
Montoursville 5    Shikellamy  0

MLB Wild Card Series
AL

Tigers 5      Astros  2  Detroit wins series 2-0
Royals  2    Orioles  1  Kansas City wins series 2-0
NL
Brewers  5  Mets  3  tied 1-1
Padres  5     Braves  4  San Diego wins series 2-0
MLB Wild Card NL Game 3
Mets vs Brewers 7pm ESPN

NFL Thursday night 10/3
Buccaneers  vs   Falcons 8:15 PrimeVid

WNBA Semi-finals Game 3 Friday
Lynx vs Sun 7:30pm ESPN2
Liberty  vs Aces  9:30pm  ESPN2


NCAA Football Saturday

UCLA vs Penn State Noon FOX

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