BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 19, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

SPORTS
HS Soccer State Championships
Boys Soccer

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

Girls Soccer

Southern Columbia vs.

Greensburg Central Catholic

Friday 11am, Hersheypark Stadium

Bloomsburg vs North Catholic

Saturday 11am, Hersheypark Stadium

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 18, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SPORTS

HS SPORTS STATE PLAYOFFS

Boys Soccer Double A Semifinal

Lewisburg beat Oley Valley 2- nothing

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

 

Girls Soccer Class A Semifinal

Southern Columbia 9, Conwell-Egan 0

State Championship Friday 11am, Hersheypark Stadium 

Southern Columbia vs. Greensburg Central Catholic

 

Girls Soccer Double A Semifinal 

Bloomsburg 1, Allentown Central Catholic 0

State Championship Saturday 11am, Hersheypark Stadium

 Bloomsburg vs North Catholic


Girls Soccer Triple A Semifinal

Villa Joseph Marie 1 Selinsgrove 0……In double overtime

 

Field Hockey Class A Semifinal 

Wyoming Seminary 6, Bloomsburg 0

 

Field Hockey Double A Semifinal 

Palmyra 3, Selinsgrove 0

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 17, 2020

TRUMP LAWYERS HEAD TO PA FEDERAL COURT IN WILLIAMSPORT
The country is watching what will happen in a Williamsport courtroom today.  After a ruling by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in a separate case, the lawyers for President Trump, have amended the lawsuit to rely on claims of violations of the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution’s 14th Amendment.  Improper count and processing of over 600 thousand ballots also is in the suit.  Litigation against state Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar will be held before a hearing scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today in U.S. Middle District Court before Judge Matthew W. Brann in Williamsport.

HOUSE FIRE IN MIFFLINBURG
In Mifflinburg, a fire early Tuesday sent one person to the hospital but they have not been identified.  According to Susquehanna Valley emergency communications, the house fire was reported in the 900 block of Mountain View Road in the borough.  The incident had volunteers on the scene after 2:30 am for about 2 hours until the fire was extinguished.  Crews from Mifflinburg, Middleburg, New Berlin, Penns Creek, West End, and Lewisburg responded to the blaze.

VICTIMS IN HIGH SPEED CHASE HOSPITALIZED, IDENTIFIED
The victims in the crash that occurred following  a high speed pursuit for 13 miles last Saturday from Jersey Shore to the winding mountain road of Route 44 near Elimsport have been identified.  State police say 26 year old Kinsley Cohick of Montoursville was the driver and 28 year old Dalton Schlee of South Williamsport was a passenger in the vehicle and they remain hospitalized at Geisinger medical center in Danville.  Police say both men were not wearing seatbelts.  Accoridng to a spokesperson at the hospital, Cochick was reported in fair condition, and Schlee remains critical.

UPMC DOCTORS SAY BE VIGILANT ABOUT COVID
Medical officials from UPMC held a press briefing on Wednesday to urge the public to maintain the necessary health precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19 even as numbers in the commonwealth show signs of spiking.  According to Donald Yealy, UPMC medical director, an increase in coronavirus cases can be directly attributed to the public not wearing masks and colder weather forcing people indoors in close quarters.  Dr. Yealy said that modifying how the public handles behavior over the holiday season is important and to limit gatherings so that we can have family gatherings in the future.  At this time, with increasing positive cases, doctors noted that the need for intensive care and ventilators is lower than it was in the spring.

LAWSUIT BROUGHT ABOUT BY REPUBLICAN LAWYERS AND PA ELECTORS AMENDED
The lawsuit brought against secretary of State Kathy Boockvar over improper counting and processing of over 600 thousand ballots is included in a newly amended case filed by Donald J. Trump for President Inc.  The case will go before Judge Matthew W. Brann at 1:30 p.m. today in U.S. Middle District Court in Williamsport.  Lawyers for President Trump and two electors in the state allege that their ballots were cancelled due to improper procedures and they were not aware that they had been invalidated which violates the Equal Protection Clause.

LOCAL COVID UPDATE
COVID cases continue to rise in Pennsylvania, with the Department of Health reporting almost 10 thousand cases in two days.  In Northeast PA, Tioga County has now reported 73 new cases and five fatalities, 50 new cases have been confirmed in Union County, and Lycoming County has 41 new cases reported.  In Northumberland County – 20 new cases,  Snyder has 24 new cases, Montour has one new case.  51 deaths have been reported statewide.

JUNK YARD EXPLOSION CAUSES NO INJURIES
A fire was reported early this week following an explosion at a local business.  According to Northumberland County Communications, volunteers from Stonington Fire Company and others were called to the Winnick’s Junk Yard along Route 61Monday night after 9pm.  Several explosions were reported that destroyed cars, but no injuries were reported.  The fire and the crews on the scene blocked Route 61, but has since reopened.

GEISINGER WILL SHARE TEST RESULTS VIA AUTOMATION
Gesinger Medical Center is using Automation Technology to streamline the return of results of COVID-19 testing, to free up resources of invaluable skilled workers to work on critical patient care.  If you are a patient who takes a test at a Geisinger facility, you will receive a phone call within 24 hours of the testing with a result.  After verifying identity, the patient will be given an opportunity to speak with a triage nurse for advice and to get questions answered.  Patients can also call Geisingers COVID-19 hotline to get results.  Those who test positive can be called daily for monitoriung of symptoms – but can opt out.  Patients will also receive a letter in the mail within 7 days of the tests.

SPORTS
NFL Monday Night Football
Vikings beat the Bears 19-13

HS Boys Soccer
PIAA Class AA Semifinal
Lewisburg at Oley Valley, tonight at 6pm

HS Volleyball
The Northern Tier League announced its volleyball all-stars Monday and numerous area players were honored, including North Penn-Liberty’s Charisma Grega who was named the Northern Tier League’s Most Valuable Player and Ali Koval was named Co-MVP on defense.  Canton’s Annie Gaiotti was named NTL Utility Player  and Canton’s Sheila Weneski was named Co-Coach of the Year

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 16, 2020

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT IN REMOTE INSTRUCTION MODE
Due to an increase of confirmed COVID cases and quarantines, the South Williamsport Area School District announced that beginning today,  Juniors and Seniors at the high school will be transitioning to remote instruction. According to the Sun Gazette, District Superintendent, Dr. Mark Stamm, said that in person instruction is likely to be brought back after Thanksgiving break if all goes well. A letter to parents was sent out with information about the shutdowns, and all updated schedules have been emailed.

TRUMP CAMPAIGN SET BACK IN PENNSYLVANIA AFTER JUDGE’S RULING
The Trump administration suffered setbacks in Pennsylvania federal appeals court after efforts were rejected to block around 9,000 mail in votes received after election day. The judge noted the “vast disruption” the nation faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Sun Gazette Judge D Brooks Smith said that every lawful vote must count. The plaintiff has since withdrawn an appeal. According to pollsters, even if the 9000 votes were determined to be illegal, despite the T5rump campaign would still not have the amount of 50,000 votes to win in PA.

HIGH SPEED CHASE ENDS WITH AN ACCIDENT
Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police engaged in an approximate 12 mile pursuit that began near Jersey Shore late Saturday night near the Limestone Washington Township line that sent two suspects to the hospital with critical injuries.  According to the Sun Gazette. A 26 year old Jersey Shore man was driving a 2004 Mazda 3 with a 28 year old passenger and when they were  traveling south on Route 44 lost control of the car, going off the right side of the road into the tree about 11:40pm.  One victim was transported by ambulance and the other flown to a Geisinger trauma center.  Police say the suspects may have thrown evidence out of the car along the way, there was drug paraphernalia found in the wreckage. Police reconstructed the accident and the identities of the two crash victims are expected to be released soon.

There is a detour in place after a rockslide closed parts of Route 11 between Northumberland and Montour County.  Both the north and southbound lanes are blocked with debris on Route 11 between Ridge Road in Point Township and Continental Blvd in Danville.  Motorists are to sue the detour in place using Route 147, Route 642 and Route 54.  Closures should be expected through this week.   IN addition, Mile Post Road is reported to be closed in the Sunbury area because of trees and wires down.

Police seized a very large amount of drugs from White Deer Township Tuesday including hundreds of bags of heroin, methamphetamine, other drugs and and firearms.   The suspects William Zwernemann and Kaitlyn Zechman were both charged with 12 felony counts of possession of a controlled substance, with intent to deliver. Zwernemann was remanded to the Union County jail under  $250,000 bail and Zechman remains in jail in lieu of $100,000 bail. Their preliminary hearing is November 24th.

Sensitivity and diversity training has been proposed for Sullivan county school board members by the school District Superintendent and the president of the  school board after public comments about a rainbow flag and an LGBTQ display in the high school library came across as offensive and hurtful to community members.  According to the Sun Gazette, there was a joint statement presented calling for the training, so that the diverse student body in Sullivan Countycontinues to feel supported and be able to learn in a positive environment.  The next board meeting is on November 17th

As of Saturday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported 5,551 additional cases of COVID in the Commonwealth.  Union County led the new numbers with 44 new cases of COVID-19, Lycoming County reports 37 new cases, Northumberland County has  32 cases, Clinton reports 14, and Tioga County reports 19 new cases.  Geisinger Danville has the same 48 admitted patients with the viurs, 20 on ventilators.  Geisinger Shamokin has one new patient with COVID-19, for a total of 10 people admitted, two on ventilators,.  Evangelical Community Hospital has two new patients; 17 patients admitted, three on ventilators.  There are 50 new deaths reported statewide according to the PA Department of Health

Pennsylvania’s Gov. Tom Wolf  met with governors from neighboring states this weekend to discuss possibly coordinating new restrictions to help curb COVID-19 spread as a second wave of the coronavirus grips the region. Governors of New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont  as well as New York.  NY Governor Andrew Cuomo says the group was to discuss possibly coordinating more regulations on bars, restaurants, and gyms, as well as limits on gatherings and interstate travel.  No major announcements have been made after the summit..

SPORTS
NFL
Giants beat the Eagles 27-17, Steelers beat the Bengals 36-10, Cardinals over the Bills 32-30, Patriots beat the Ravens 23-17, Buccaneers beat the Panthers 46-23, Lions beat Washington 30-27, Packers over the Jaguars 24-20, Raiders beat the Broncos 37-12, Dolphins beat the Chargers 29-21, Rams over the Seahawks 23-16,

Monday Night Football
Vikings vs the Bears kick off at 8:15 from Chicago

GOLF
Masters Tournament at Augusta
Dustin Johnson shot a 4 under 68 and made the lowest score in tour history finishing a t20 under 268.

HS Boys Soccer
Lewisburg defeated Notre-Dame Green Pond in the PIAA Class AA Quarterfinals Saturday and will move on to play Oley Valley, Tuesday night at 6pm

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 15, 2020

Felony Child Endangerment Charges Filed

41 year old ryan DiRicco is to appear in court on the 25th of this month. Back in October a state trooper pulled over DiRicco with 3 children in the passenger seat after failing to make a complete stop at a red light. When confronted by law enforcement it was found that he had a warrant and seemed visually impaired. After a field sobriety test he was taken to nittany medical center for a blood test. After a month the results came back showing that he had a substantial amount of methamphetamine in his system. He has been charged with 3 counts of felony endangerment.

COVID-19 Vaccine in the Works

The US is currently seeing a second surge of cases, with PA reaching a total of 254,387 cases to date with 9,274 deaths. Lycoming counties total cases have reached 1300 cases with 30 deaths, a much milder number than high density places. Months of grim news around the virus have left many tired with the hysteria as the months march on, but there is actually some promising news as of now. A covid vaccine is in the works and is currently reported to be about 90% effective. While that’s an amazing thing, and is a refreshing hint of optimism there are still challenges ahead. Even if the vaccine is ready to go, and safe to use for the masses, there is still a question of scalability and distribution. Billions of units will need to be produced.

City Hall Relocation

City Hall is in the process of being relocated and many places are being considered for its new address. According to North Central PA.com one of the places being considered is the Building 1of the trade and transit center on west third street. The only issue is theat the community theatre league is already located there. Supporters of the theatre were taken aback by the news at first, and rightfully so. In response to the local outrage, Williamsport city councilman adam yoder released a statement saying the final decision of the location has yet to be made and that the theatre league will be kept in the loop regarding the location. The Community theatre league is still on the lst of possibilities and may have to relocate.

Home Invader Stabbed

37 Year old Robert J. Harer is being charged with felony burglary after allegedly breaking into a Campbell street home in Williamsport. When police arrived on scene to the residence 2 witnesses told police that Harer had forced his way into their apartment and began yelling and swinging a knife. In fear of their lives, one of them swung back with a pocket knife stabbing Harer and cutting his hand, which successfully made him leave the residence. He has been in the Lycoming county prison since Wednesday with a 100,000 dollar bail.

 

Sports

HS Soccer Tournament

AAAA Boys

Williamsport – 0

Cumberland Valley – 1

AA Boys

Lewisburg – 4

Notre Dame Green Pond – 0

AAAA Womens

Williamsport – 0

Parkland – 3

AAA Womens

Bloomsburg – 1

Wyomissing – 0

HS Football Tournament

AAA

Danville – 42

Archbishop Carroll – 21

AA

Southern Columbia – 57

Richland – 30

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 14, 2020

Trump Administration Withdraws From Court

The Trump administration has had some major setbacks in court after a federal appeals court in Pennsylvania rejected efforts to block around 9,000 mail in votes received after election day. The judges cited the “vast disruption” the nation faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the sun gazette Judge D Brooks Smith said that every lawful vote must count. They have since withdrawn their appeal. Even if they proved the 9000 votes to be illegal, despite the ruling, they’d be at least 50,000 votes short of a PA win.

South Williamsport Upperclassmen Transition

Due to an increase of confirmed COVID cases and quarantines, the South Williamsport Area School District announced yesterday that beginning Monday, Juniors and Seniors at the high school will be transitioning to remote instruction. According to the sun gazette Dr. Mark Stamm, the district superintendent said that in person instruction is likely to be brought back after thanksgiving break if all goes well. A letter to parents was sent out with information about the shutdowns, and all schedules have been emailed.

White Deer Drug Bust

Police seized a very large amount of drugs from white deer township on Tuesday. 806 bags of heroin, 14 ounces of methamphetamine and three handguns. They also found several bags of multicolored pills, nine MDMA pills, 2 plastic bags containing LSD tablets, an unknown brown powder and plastic bags with suspected cocaine. The suspects William Zwernemann and Kaitlyn Zechman were both charged with 12 felony counts of possession of a controlled substance, with intent to deliver. Zwernemann was remanded to the union county jail with a $250,000 bail and Zechman remains in jail with a $100,000 bail. A preliminary hearing for them will be on Nov 24th.

Lycoming County Prison Population and Data

The Lycoming county prison board met recently, reveling an increase of inmates. According to the sun gazette, the average daily inmate population has gone up to 245.59, from 235.37 in male prisons. As for the females, they have decreased their numbers slightly to 29.04, down from 29.27. They also revealed that their were no overcrowding inmate transfers last month, and that prison numbers have remained below capacity for both male and females for the time being. The next prison board meeting will be on dec. 11th at 8:30 AM.

Airport Repairs

The Williamsport Municipal Authority approved DGR excavation and L. Robert Kimball to do some work for the airport at their regular monthly meeting on Thursday. According to the sun gazette DGR is getting paid $80,000 for some repairs that need to be made to the pathway beneath the passenger loading bridge. Executive director Robert Howell says that the asphalt is practically sinking and needs to be replaced with concrete.  L. Robert Kimball will be handling the removal of trees at the end of the runway.

Sports

MLB

Former New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden has been sentenced to a year of probation in connection with a drug arrest in New Jersey in 2019.He had pleaded guilty in August 2019 to one count of cocaine possession stemming from a traffic stop in June 2019.

NBA

The Golden State Warriors have presented an ambitious plan to state and local officials to reopen Chase Center in San Francisco at 50% capacity for the upcoming NBA season, which owner Joe Lacob believes can be the model for all sports franchises and entertainment venues to safely bring back fans amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

High School Football

The Jersey Shore Bulldogs Beat Crestwood in the quarterfinal game last night. With an end score of 26-14, the bulldogs will be advancing to the state semi finals for the second consecutive season.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 12, 2020

PA REPUBLICANS CALL FOR AN AUDIT OF ELECTION
Local Republicans have come forward this week saying extraordinary measures would be taken to make sure the election process in Pennsylvania was fair and that there is a need for an audit.  According to the Sun Gazette,  Representative Jeff Wheeland, of Loyalsock said but even some irregularities are found it will likely not change the election results.  Joe Hamm, newly elected for Pennsylvania’s 84th state House seat and a plaintiff in the recent lawsuit filed to prevent counties from tallying provisional votes said every legal vote needs to be counted and that he supports an audit to maintain integrity of our voting process.

CRACK COCAINE DEALER SENTENCED
A man who a local judge said is a career offender was sentenced recently to 10 years in prison and three years supervised release in US Middle District Court.  According to the Sun Gazette, Gary Neal plead guilty to guilty to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine in Lycoming County. Accoridng to court records, details concerning the crimes were sealed through the county and the offenses ended in July 2017.  Neal was up against 20 years in prison.

WAHS SUPERINTENDENT CONTRACT EXTENDED
The employment contract of the Williamsport School superintendent Dr. Timothy S. Bowers has been approved by the Williamsport Area School Board for five more years this week.  According to the Sun Gazette, Bowers said he looks forward to a future here and that the school is blessed with talented people working within the school district.  Bowers new contract and the over 176 thousand dollar salary begins July first, 2021and runs through June 2026.

COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER TO HOLD DRIVE THRU SPECTACULAR THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON
With COVID being a major concern this upcoming holiday season, plans are being made to provide the annual Skip Hunsinger Christmas Spectacular in a socially distanced format this year – making it a drive throug experience.  According to the Community Arts Center, the 14th annual spectacular was originally inspired by an event held at the old Capitol Theatre, which included a free movie and gifts for children.  The CAC says the public will be able to enjoy music as well as a visit from Santa Claus and a goodie bag for the children on December 5th at 10am with cars lining up on West Fourth Street in front of the facility.  Musical guests will be Repasz Ensembles, and Autumn Breeze, playing  holiday classics.

ELECTION HEARING WILL REMAIN IN WILLIAMSPORT
A hearing involving lawyers for President Trump over litigation about some allegedly fraudulent November 3rd election results will not be moved to Harrisburg, but will take place in Williamsport November 19th in from of U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann.  Judge Brann denied the motion for a change of venue and will allow the attorneys to be present virtually due to COVID-19 concerns.  The plaintiffs allege there’s sufficient evidence to question the presidential election results in several key counties.  Judge Brannis being asked to  make a decision before the Commonwealth certifies the votes and the Electoral College votes in December.  There’s a difference of 44,930 ballots at this time favoring Joe Biden as president-elect.

LOCAL COVID UPDATE
The COVID numbers are still rising in the Commonwealth.  Lycoming County has added 46 cases of the coronavirus and there are 28 new cases have been confirmed in Northumberland County, Tioga County added 27 cases,  Union County has 26 new cases, Snyder has 10 new cases, Montour has six new cases.  The state Department of Health confirmed 4,711 new cases statewide and 59 new fatlities.  At local universities, there are 5 active cases at Penn College, 5 at Lock Haven and zero at Lycoming College, however Bucknell now has 28 active cases, including 20 among students– their campus is on remote learning this week. Susquehanna has switched to remote learning for the rest of the semester due to case increases. There are no changes at Bloomsburg.

ANOTHER CHARGE DROPPED FOR CORRECTIONAL OFFICER
The charge against a former Northumberland County correctional officer for lying under oath has been dropped.  According to the Daily Item, the charge against 49-year-old Holly Olvany of Sunbury alleged by Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Matulewicz was dismissed at a preliminary hearing this week.  Olvany had earlier been charged with criminal counts for allegedly having drugs at the prison but five of six of those charges were also dropped.  The DA said she made two false statements concerning drug testing protocol and other allegations last February.

PSAC TO CANCEL SEASON AND CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference  announced Wednesday the cancellation of all mandated regular season and championship competition for fall sports in the 2020-21 season. The conference first suspended fall sports July 14. Out of the 10 schools involved  Bloomsburg .East Stroudsburg, Lock Haven, Mansfield and Edinboro are included.   However, the PSAC says should six or more institutions commit to participating, the conference will reinstate a championship season. A decision on winter championships seasons for wrestling, men’s and women’s basketball, indoor track and field and swimming is expected next week.

Upcoming High School games
PIAA Class AAAA playoffs
Friday
HS Football
Jersey Shore vs. Crestwood @ Danville 7pm
Saturday
Girls Soccer
Williamsport at Parkland @ 2pm
Boys Soccer
Williamsport vs.  Cumberland Valley @ Eagle View MS @4pm
PIAA Class AA playoffs
Saturday
Boys Soccer
Lewisburg vs. Notre Dame Green Pond @ Bethlehem Liberty HS @5pm

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 11, 2020

LOCAL JUDGE ASKED TO BE INVOLVED IN EMERGENCY ORDER REQUEST
A Williamsport Judge has been asked to issue an emergency order to stop election boards in seven counties and to keep Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar from certifying the results from the general election.  According to the Sun Gazette, US Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann  will review the suit, filed by Donald J Trump for President incorporated and two electors from Lancaster and Fayette County.  The plaintiffs allege in 85 pages that Democratic voters were treated more favorably than republican voters – but no instances of voter fraud were included.  The seven counties where this applies are Allegheny, Centre, Chester, Delaware Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia.  Officials in Philadelphia say there is n o evidence to support any of the allegations.  Judge Brann ordered a conference call with all the attorneys to be initiated by the plaintiff.

POWER OUTAGE CAUSE BY BLOWN TRANSFORMER
A brief electrical outage  Tuesday afternoon was caused by an exploding transformer in the Newberry neighborhood of Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, there was an explosion at the mini-substation behind JPW Industries, around the 3600 block of West Fourth Street about 4:45 pm.  Witnesses said flames went into the air, and the fire quickly went out, but not before sparks from the explosion set some nearby brush on fire.  PPL said that some customers experienced an outage in Old Lycoming Township, near Wahoo Drive and that power was restored by 5pm

COVID-19 FUNDING FOR 15 SMALL BUSINESSES
Several small businesses in Lycoming County benefited from county COVID-19 relief funding with the recent approval by the Lycoming County Commissioners.  According to the Sun Gazette, the over 137 thousand dollars in grant funding is part of over 10 million dollars in monies that need to be spent by the end of the year.    The commissioners noted in yesterday’s meeting that the money does have requirements for its use.  Fifteen small businesses were on the list of recipients, including a few restaurants and fitness companies as well as the Central PA Tennis Center.

BRIEF HISTORY OF VETERAN’S DAY
It’s Veterans Day – a day set aside to thank and honor living veterans who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime.  The day was formerly known as Armistice Day, a legal US holiday honoring the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918.  But in 1954, the 83rd U.S. Congress passed legislation changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day instead and became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. Gerald Ford led the legislation to make it a federal holiday celebrated on November 11th in 1975.

GARRITY UPSETS TORSELLA FOR STATE TREASURER
Bradford County’s Stacy Garrity of Athens has created a stunning upset of incumbent Joe Torsella after being declared the winner in the Pennsylvania state treasurer race yesterday , the first Republican to win the office since 2000 and the first time an incumbent Democrat has lost statewide office since 1994. According to media outlets, Joe Torsella, conceded the race yesterday afternoon.  Stacy Garrity was the underdog, only spending  $260,000 compared to Torsella’s over $2 million campaign.

LYCOMING COUNTY COVID UPDATE
Lycoming County has 10 new cases of the Coronavirus and there are 29 new cases confirmed in Northumberland County. Lycoming County has 20 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 2 are on ventilators; Montour County reported 4 new cases with 33 patients  hospitalized there and  7 on ventilators. Tioga County has also reported 19 new cases.  According to the  Pennsylvania Department of Health, statewide yesterday,  there were 4,361 additional positive cases of COVID-19.  As of Monday there were 62 new deaths reported.

ROLLING ROADBLOCK TOMORROW
Drivers are reminded of a rolling roadblock to pull utility cable across the interstate starting tomorrow at 9am.  Thursday morning Interstate 80 westbound and eastbound in Liberty Township, Montour County, will see the activity west of the Route 54 interchange – Danville exit 224. For westbound traffic, the roadblock will begin at mile marker 223 and will continue to mile marker 220. For eastbound traffic, the roadblock will begin at mile marker 220 and continue to mile marker 223. Mile marker 220 is approximately 5 miles east of the Route 254 interchange.

WAYS TO DESTROY SPOTTED LANTERNFLY EGGS
The spotted lantern fly is heading this way and Penn State extension has issued suggestions on identifying and destroying egg masses of the Spotted Lanternfly.  The invasive species of insect has caused “quarantining” of the egg masses found in several counties of Pennsylvania, one of which now includes Northumberland County.  Experts say spotted Lanternfly egg masses are yellow or brown and are about 1.5 inch rows of small eggs, the size of a pencil point. They can be scraped up and destroyed with rubbing alcohol then disposed of in the trash, smashed or burned. A video on removing egg masses can be found at extension.psu.edu.

SPORTS

NFL
Four Steelers players were put on the reserve/COVID-19 list yesterday, including QB Ben Roethlisburger, offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins, running back Jaylen Samuels and linebacker Vince Williams.  Tight end Vance McDonald was placed on the list Monday.  Each will be isolated for 5 days.  The only way players can be eligible to play against the Bengals Sunday will be to pass COVID tests throughout the week

NFL owners began planning for the possibility that their 2020 regular season will be cut short by COVID-19 cancellations, after  a two-hour video meeting yesterday. Commissioner Roger Goodell said he wants to complete its full regular season as scheduled, But after the league saw a sharp rise in confirmed cases, Goodell has planned a potential alternative including  expanding its postseason from 14 to 16 teams, split equally between the AFC and NFC. A total of 56 NFL employees, including 15 players and 41 staff members, returned confirmed positive tests between Nov. 1-7.

Upcoming High School games
PIAA Class AAAA playoffs
Friday
HS Football
Jersey Shore vs. Crestwood @ Danville 7pm
Saturday
Boys Soccer
Williamsport vs. District 3 Champ TBD
Girls Soccer
Williamsport vs. District 11 Champ TBD

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 10, 2020

LOCAL CORONAVIRUS TOTALS ARE ALSO RISING
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has released the two day totals concerning coronavirus numbers in our area.  In Lycoming County there have been 35 new cases of the coronavirus, with 19 hospitalized and 2 on ventilators.  In Northumberland County, there are 43 new cases.  60 new Union County cases have been reported, Snyder with 16, and Montour has nine new cases with 33 of their residents hospitalized including 7 on ventilators. There has been a two-day total of 6,311 additional positive cases of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, there have been nine new fatalities.

POSITIVE NEWS ABOUT FUTURE COVID VACCINE
As the world waits for a vaccine to successfully battle COVID-19, recent positive results from the pharmaceutical company Pfizer has officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Health working on logistics to distribute it when and if it becomes available.  Pfizer announced recently that its latest vaccine candidate is over 90% effective – an astounding statistic according to health officials.  According to Dr Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania Department of Health they will use a three phase system that had been in place to prioritize distribution of the medicine, for health-care personnel and front line and emergency workers as well as vulnerable populations.  The public is included in the third phase.  One challenge to distributing the vaccine, is that it has to be kept very cold, so the Department of Health is reaching out to facilities in the commonwealth to meet that challenge.

NEW JERSEY SHORE COUNCIL MEMBERS APPOINTED
Joe Hamm of the Jersey Shore Borough Council most recently won the race for the 84th state House seat in the Nov. 3 election, leading him to resign as borough manager and the council there accepted his resignation last night .  According to the Sun Gazette, Cody Hoover was appointed to Hamm’s position and in other business, unanimously aappointed Abbey Welker to fill the vacancy there for Mayor through December 2021 when the position comes up for election.  Welker steps in after Dennis Thompson stepped away from the seat to fill a council position in First Ward.

PENN COLLEGE WILL USE FUNDS FOR BODY CAMS
Members of the Newberry Independent Club has donated the funds to allow body camera use in the Penn College Police Department in another showing of financial support this year.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Polish Club has a history of  empowering local families and organizations.  A donation of 35 hundred dollars each will go to Penn College, Old Lycoming and South Williamsport police departments.  The club was founded in 1933 and has also supported the donation of K-9 units to local police  in past years.

GEISINGER HOSPITALIZATIONS RISE, OFFICIALS REMAIN VIGILANT
Health officials from Geisinger Medical center Friday said that COVID’s resurgence in our area is concerning but they are remaining vigilant and adaptable even as there is an uptick in positive tests and hospitalizations at their facilities.  They say that with colder weather coming and activities moving indoors more restrictions could come along  with the reminder to use masks and prioritize hand washing.  Most recently, there have been 80 to 90 patients in the hospital system who are positive with the virus, as compared to the summer months when there were less than 30 patients receiving care in the system on average.  In the past two days in Lycoming County alone, there have been 35 new cases of the virus reported.

BALLOT COUNTING CONTINUES IN PENNSYLVANIA
Counties continue to sort through and count provisional ballots this week in Pennsylvania even as more election-related lawsuits come in, some of which will be disqualified since they were postmarked past the November 3rd.  President Donald Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani vowed last Sunday that litigation over Pennsylvania’s presidential election would continue this week, and Trump has refused to concede.  Courts have rejected Republican demands so far in Pennsylvania and other battleground states to throw out ballots or stop vote counting.  Other races also remain uncalled including the contest for state treasurer, where political newcomer Stacy Garrity from Athens in Bradford County could unseat the incumbent, Democrat Joe Torsella. As of Monday, Biden’s lead in the state stood at about 45,700 votes.

VALLEYT SCHOOL GOES REMOTE FOLLOWING 5 COVID DIAGNOSES
Selinsgrove Schools have moved again into remote learning for this week after Five COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the district.  Superintendent Dr. Frank Jankowski said in a letter to school families that two cases are at the elementary school, one at the intermediate school, one at the middle school, and one at the high school.  At this time, he says the plan is to resume in-person learning next Monday. Snyder County Emergency Management personnel and the Department of Health to are conducting contact tracing and instructing those required, to quarantine.

SOUTHSIDE HAS APPROVED NEW BUDGET WITH NOT NEW TAXES
A new budget was adopted by the South Williamsport Borough Council last night that will not increase property taxes.  According to the Sun Gazette, the $2.59 million 2021  budget is balanced and set at a tax rate at 4.48 mills for general purposes and 0.64 mills for fire protection service, for a total of 5.12 mills.  Homeowners with property assessed at $100,000 will pay $512 and there is a tax of 1 percent on earned income and net profits of residents.

SPORTS
NFL Monday Night Football
Patriots over the Jets 30-27

NBA
The NBA and players’ union have reached an agreement in principle last night on the start of the 2020-21 season, as well as an amended collective bargaining agreement. Free agency is to begin at 6pm on Friday, Nov. 20, two days after next week’s NBA draft.  There was a prior announcement that the regular season will begin Dec. 22, and the schedule will be 72 games.

HS Boys Soccer Today
PIAA Class A playoffs
Lewisburg vs. Wyoming Seminary @ Danville 7pm

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 9, 2020

GOP ANNOUNCE A CALL FOR LEGAL ACTION OVER RECOUNT IN PA
Republicans in Pennsylvania have indicated  by a letter at U.S. Congressman Fred Keller’s website, that they will call for legal action and a recount of legal votes in the recent election in which Joe Biden won the presidency via electoral college votes 290 to 214. In Pennsylvania, if the margin of victory is 0.5% of the vote or closer, a mandatory recount will take place.  Individual voters can request a recount in individual precincts or election districts,  if at least three voters make such a request in the court of common pleas. The deadline for a recount to be ordered is 5 p.m. Nov. 12.  In the event of a recount, the Secretary of the Commonwealth would order all county boards of election to conduct it.

CONGRESSMAN WANTS SHAPIRO TO RECUSE HIMSELF
U.S. Congressman Fred Keller of the 12th district joins eight other Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives partnering to call for legal action and recounts across Pennsylvania as well as the nation following the last Election week.  According to Representative Keller’s website a letter has been published urging Attorney General Josh Shapiro to recuse himself from all legal challenges to the results of the 2020 presidential election in Pennsylvania as well as claiming Shapiro has a conflict of interest as a political candidate and neutral arbiter.

SUNDAY FIRE REIGNITES OVERNIGHT
Some Selinsgrove roads  are blocked with emergency crews again this morning after an apartment house fire along 118 North Market Street rekindled overnigh.  According to media outlets, the blaze was originally extinguished after smoke and flames were reported coming from the roof last night around 5:30pm.  There were no injuries but about 10 people were displaced by the fire.   Crews were sent out again around 4:45am today, with Selinsgrove, and surrounding community volunteers helping at the scene after witnesses said the fire came back.   Parts of Market Street and Snyder Drive were closed while crews respond.

CLEANING OF AREAS OF ROUTE 15 IN OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP
Route 15 southbound was down to one lane for several hours last night after a tractor trailer overturned where Route 15 merges with Market Street.  According to the Sun Gazette, the NY based driver wasn’t injured when he overturned on his passenger side of the truck loaded with flour about 10:30pm Sunday night.  Diesel fuel was spilled and the wreck took several hours to clean up.

VETERAN APPRECIATION IN MIFFLINBURG TODAY
There will be a Drive-through veteran’s appreciation event today  in Mifflinburg organized by the office of State Representative Lynda Schlegel Culver.  According to her website, the socially distanced event will start at 9:30 at the Susquehanna Valley Mall and continue through 11:30, and will include, live music, a chance to see state and local officials and gift bags for those participating.  Yesterday, the American Legion Post 44 in Northumberland is held a Veterans Day service at Riverview Cemetery.

ANIMALS SAVED FROM BARN FIRE
All the livestock was removed by firefighters at a barn fire that occurred Saturday afternoon in Penn Township.  According to the Sun Gazette, the fire on the property owned by Paul and Sally Bower started around 5:30 and was extinguished by just before 7pm.. Several companies were on the scene at 1671 Dr. Pouse Road near Lairdsville and used water from a pond there to put out the fire.  The fire marshal is investigating the blaze.

FIRE AND EXPLOSION AT A LYCOMING COUNTY HOME
There was a fire Sunday morning  along Grimesville Road in Old Lycoming Township after calls came in about a house fire and explosion in Lycoming County.  There is drone footage of the incident Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company’s Facebook page, and according to the Sun Gazette, Jerry and Shelly Crist the owners, were not home at the time of the blaze about 9:30 a.m. yesterday, a firefighter was treated and released for a knee injury, and two pets may have been lost.  The Red Cross was called to help assist the family in Lycoming County.

SOUTHSIDE TENNIS MAKES HISTORY
In High School girls tennis, South Williamsport’s Olivia Dorner made history by winning the PIAA Double A tennis singles title in Hershey and became the first ever District 4 girls tennis player to achieve state gold. Dorner dominated Villa Maria Academy’s Tara Thomas in straight sets Saturday, 6-0, 6-1.

CLEANING OF THE INTERSTATE JERSEY WALLS STARTS TODAY
There will be lane closures starting today on Route 15 north between Foy Avenue and the Hepburnville exit in Old Lycoming Township.  There will be cleaning of the Jersey barriers along the passing lanes of the northbound side of Rt. 15 today through Wednesday.   Starting this Thursday through Monday November 16th, cleaning will take place on the southbound side.  All work will be done between 8am and 3pm weather permitting.

 

SPORTS
NFL
The Steelers beat the Cowboys 24-19, Saints beat the Bucs 38-3, Giants over Washington 23-20, Bills beat the Seahawks 44-34, Chiefs over the Panthers 33-31, Falcons beat the Broncos 34-27, Titans over the Bears 24-17, Ravens beat the Colts 24-10, Vikings over the Lions 34-20, Texans beat the Jaguars 27-25, Raiders over the Chargers 31-26, Dolphins beat the Cardinals 34-31

NFL Monday Night Football Tonight
Patriots play the Jets in NJ with an 8:15 kick off

NASCAR
Chase Elliot, Son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott won the NASCAR cup championship in Phoenix yesterday after starting at the back of the pack.  At 24 years old, Chase Elliott is the third youngest driver to win the NASCAR cup title, the same day teammate Jimmie Johnson had his final race as seven-time champion.

HS Football from the Weekend
Jersey Shore won their third consecutive District 4 Championship, defeating Shamokin on Friday night.  They now head to the state tournament to play district champ Crestwood Friday at 7 PM.

HS Girls Soccer
Williamsport won its fifth consecutive District 2-4 Class AAAA girls soccer title beating Hazleton, 5-0, Saturday at Balls Mills Soccer Complex.

The PIAA playoff game is TBD next weekend vs. the District 11 champion.

HS Boys Soccer
Selinsgrove captured the District 4 Class AAA boys soccer championship Saturday night in a 5-0 victory over Jersey Shore

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