BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 5, 2020

Couple Accused of 16 Years of Abuse

Matthew Zeigler, a 48 year old man and his wife Christine Zeigler are being accused by the Pennsylvania attorney general of abusing their 8 kids over the span of 16 years.  The allegations are stating that Matthew Zeigler had abused his kids by denying them access to food, beating and intimidating them as well as locking them in closets for days on end. His wife, Christine, is accused of looking the other way and rarely doing anything to stop him. The social worker in charge of of the case says it is the worst that has been put on his desk in his career. The Ziegler’s are appearing in court on the 16th of this month and are both facing over 50 years in a federal prison if convicted. They are not allowed to be in contact with their kids as of this time.

Department of Health Approves Large Grant

The central Susquehanna intermediate unit has received a $1,755,707 grant from the department of health. The money is going to help fund the early head start programs in northumberlin county. This program serves over a hundred families below the poverty level, 10 percent of which are classified as special needs, and the money is going to help make things more accessable in regards to transportation and improving the programs quality.

2,000 Masks Donated

United Way North Central Mass was recently the recipient of a corporate donoation that helped purchase 2,000 masks for the Lycoming County United Way. The massachusets based corporate donor, AIS, is a furniture manufacturer and is heavily involved in a program called sew the masks since spring of 2020. To date they have produced and distributed 150,000 masks. According to the sun gazette Ron Frick, the president of the Lycoming County United Way, said that he was thankful for the donation. According to their director of community impact, the masks they received will be distributed to community partners on a first come first serve basis.

Manufacturing Company Relocating to Lycoming County

A midwest Manufacturing Company from will be relocating to Lycoming County and will bring about 150 jobs with them.  According to the Sun Gazette, Digger Specialties of Bremen Indiana will break ground on county land across from the landfill along Route 15 next year.   The Lycoming County Commissioners approved the agreement yesterday, naming the property as being in a Keystone Opportunity Zone which allows for business tax exemptions over time.  The Commissioners credited the effort of Jason Fink of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce for the company’s move that will bring a local demand for welders and other skilled workers.

City Council Budget Revisions

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

Outpatient COVID-19 Testing

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

Sports

Penn College

Penn College’s board of athletic directors have voted to shut down all winter sports competitions due to rising rates within the community of COVID-19. While all competitions are off, training and other team activities are still permitted and all decisions are subject to change moving forward.

 

NFL

The NFL will prohibit in-person meetings at team facilities for two days after game days, according to a memo distributed Thursday night to all clubs. The memo also lifted a previous restriction that capped the number of players who could attend or travel to a game at 62.

 

MLB

New York Yankees third baseman Gio Urshela had surgery Friday to remove a bone chip from his right elbow, and the team said his expected recovery time is three months. Urshela is likely to miss about half of spring training, which starts in mid-February, and will have just a few weeks to get into shape ahead of the opener against Toronto on April 1.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 5, 2020

150 JOBS COMING TO LYCOMING COUNTY
A midwest Manufacturing Company from will be relocating to Lycoming County and will bring about 150 jobs with them.  According to the Sun Gazette, Digger Specialties of Bremen Indiana will break ground on county land across from the landfill along Route 15 next year.   The Lycoming County Commissioners approved the agreement yesterday, naming the property as being in a Keystone Opportunity Zone which allows for business tax exemptions over time.  The Commissioners credited the effort of Jason Fink of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce for the company’s move that will bring a local demand for welders and other skilled workers.

COMMISSIONERS HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE URGING COOPERATION OVER VIRUS
The Lycoming County Commissioners, in a press conference yesterday brought together local leaders and medical officials from UPMC to urge the public to work together and help each other to keep the virus from surging through our communities more than it already is.  Commissioner Mussare, who recently experienced a bout with COVID-19 was joined by the County Department of Public Safety Director, Jeff Hutchins, Sheriff Mark Lusk, and UPMC’s chief medical officer Dr. David Lopatofsky  who said the medical system is equipped to handle a surge but the public needs to keep their guard up.  The guidelines continue to encourage mask wearing, avoiding gatherings with those outside of your household and social distancing.

ACCIDENT AND FUEL SPILL SLOWED SOUTHSIDE TRAFFIC YESTERDAY
There was an accident in South Williamsport yesterday morning that slowed traffic while crew cleaned up a fluid spill.  According to the Sun Gazette, a tractor trailer and a pick up truck collided about 10:30 on East Southern Avenue and Hastings Street. The driver of the pick up truck  was trapped after the collision about 15 minutes and was transported to UPMC Williamsport with unknown injuries. The flat-bed driver who was transporting railroad ties was not injured, but one of his saddle tanks was damaged and it caused diesel fuel to spill onto the road, forcing a quick cleanup by firefighters.  Absorbent materials were placed on the road to clean up the fuel.

DISTANCE LEARNING CONTINUES NEXT WEEK FOR LEWISBURG
Lewisburg Schools will remain in remote mode until next Friday, December 11.  According to the Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Polinchock, the decision was made based on the number of students and staff members who are either in quarantine, awaiting test results, or have tested  positive for COVID-19.  Students with special needs have the option for in-person instruction from December 7th to the 11th . In-person instruction is scheduled to resume Monday, December 14.  The district can still continue with extracurricular activities and athletics because of  the updated Department of Education guidance

MORE DETAILS OVER THE DEATH OF A 9 YEAR-OLD LOCK HAVEN BOY
Police continue to investigate the details surrounding the death of 9 year-old Anson Landon Mitchell Stover after his aunt, 36 year old Jamie Lynn Jackson of Lock Haven was charged with his murder.  According to the Sun Gazette, it was Jackson’s father who received a frantic phone call from the daughter, who he had not heard from in 3 years, and told police who then investigated the home on East Bald Eagle Street on Monday.  Police say the boy’s body was discovered in a second floor bathtub and described as having abrasions and burns.  Jackson was charged Wednesday night with assault and homicide Class 1 felonies and felony 2 child endangerment with other charges. Lock Haven City Police are asking for any information about the case, and the public can provide information for Clinton County detectives online at clintonDA.org

GOP ASKS  FOR MORE FROM THE PENNSYLVANIA SUPREME COURT
Last night, the GOP once again asked the Pennsylvania  Supreme Court to halt the vote certification process of general election results in Pennsylvania, in a complaint that alleges that procedures employed in the 2020 election violate the state’s constitution.  Supreme Court Justice Samuel asked Pennsylvania officials to respond by Wednesday, Dec. 9, by 4 p.m. ET to the complaint.  However, according to  Forbes, the legislature’s leadership said in a statement Thursday that there will not any attempt to overturn the state’s popular vote by appointing their own presidential electors.

LOCAL COVID 19 UPDATE
More record setting coronavirus numbers in Pennsylvania.  As of yesterday at noon, Lycoming County reported 195 new cases of the coronavirus  and 139  new Montour County cases, Northumberland County has 90 new cases, Tioga County has 62 new today. Snyder has 49. Union has 42 new cases Clinton County reports 30 new today.  The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed 11,406 new cases yesterday and 187 new deaths reported.

HARRISBURG GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL CLOSE NEXT WEEK DUE TO COVID
State offices in Harrisburg will be the latest set of government buildings to close in due to the rise of COVID-19 cases.  Officials announced yesterday that the Capitol Complex will close to the public until further notice starting next Monday.  Cancelation of visits and events applies to all interior venues in the Capitol Complex including the Main Capitol Rotunda, East Wing Rotunda, Keystone Building Atrium, Forum Auditorium and The State Museum of Pennsylvania.  All operations of the Governor’s Office and General Assembly will continue, but employees and people with badge keycard credentials will be allowed in the complex

GOLDEN STRIP RESTAURANT ROBBED
A robbery was reported at a restaurant along the golden strip in Loyalsock township last night and State police are looking for a suspect.  According to the Sun Gazette, police arrived at the Subway at 1733 East Third Street moments after the robbery occurred.  The suspect is a black male who was wearing all black clothing and white sneakers and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.  No injureis were reported but if you have information, please call police at 368-5700.

SPORTS
Men’s Basketball
Penn State had a victory this week against VCU this week with a three-pointer from junior Myles Dread at the buzzer 72-69. The Nittany Lions are 2-0

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 3, 2020

AUNT IN CUSTODY OVER DEATH OF LOCK HAVEN BOY
A woman  who had custody of the Lock Haven boy found dead at home Monday afternoon has been charged with murder.  According to WNEP, a family member called police after observing 36 year old Jamie Lynne Jackson frantically cleaning her home on East Bald Eagle street while 9 year old Anson Landon Mitchell Stover, who Jackson said had injured himself, allegedly laid in a bathtub for two days.  Jackson is Stover’s aunt.  Police say following an autopsy, extensive signs of physical abuse were found on the boy.  Jackson is in Clinton County Jail and faces charges including criminal homicide, aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, concealing the death of a child, tampering with evidence, and abuse of a corpse

FATAL CAR CRASH IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY
A 72 year old woman died in an accident in Upper Augusta Township last Tuesday.  According to Stonington State Police, 29-year-old Alicia Moodie of Danville was traveling south on Mile Post Road about 5pm and crossed the double yellow line hitting the vehicle of Sandra Moyer of Sunbury who died at the scene.  Moodie and a passenger in Moyer’s car were treated for minor injuries at Geisinger Medical Center.  No word on their condition today or if charges will be filed.

TESTING GETS UNDERWAY IN COVID HOT SPOTS
There were long lines for COVD-19 testing in Tioga County yesterday, the first day of a Department of Health regional testing strike team in areas where there has been a significant increase in COVID cases.  The strike team deployment will take place in 61 counties throughout Pennsylvania over the next 12 weeks.  According to PAHomepage.com More than 300 people were tested within the first four hours.  Sites in Mansfield will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday, December 6th and can test 450 patients daily.  Officials from the task force say Tioga County’s positivity rate is over 21 percent.

VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS CAROL WILL LIVE STREAM IN DECEMBER
A virtual holiday performance of “A Christmas Carol” hosted by the Weis Center for the Performing Arts will be available online for three shows beginning this Saturday night at 8pm.  The hour-long program will be performed live in Chicago and presented in a live stream.  Those who purchase a $20 per household ticket will get a live stream link 24 hours before the performance from the Bucknell Box Office. Other performances shown in the same manner will be on December 13th at 4pm and , December 17 at 8:00 p.m.

Following a November 25th complaint, the Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit reported the arrest of 26 year old Demira S. Jackson, who allegedly had a heroin packaging station in a bedroom of her home endangering the welfare of her infant child.  The U.S. Marshals Service and the NEU served the warrant at Jackson’s home,  the 400 block of Stevens Street.  Jackson has been charged with felony possession with intent to distribute heroin, and a misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of children

With nearly 5,000 statewideCOVID-19 hospitalizations, over 1,000  in the ICU, and 565 on ventilators, the PA Department of Health reports numbers continue to rise in our area.  Lycoming County reports 72 new cases, 50 new Northumberland County cases have been confirmed, Snyder has 35, Union has 30, Tioga County reports 25.  Statewide, there are 8,291 new cases and 194 new deaths in Pennsyvlania

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported that they will not be immunizing children for the COVID-19 vaccine until more trials have been completed on the effect of the medicine on children under 18.  According to department secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, once the vaccine is approved for children, they will not require school vaccinations.  The state has a three-phased distribution plan in place for when a vaccine is approved, first  to critical populations, including health care personnel and first responders, plus those 65 years and older, and congregate care residents.  Those who may be at higher risk of complications will be next and  when there is a sufficient supply of a vaccine or vaccines, the state can start to ensure the entire population has access to a vaccine.

The final 2021 Pine Creek Township budget will be approved with no tax increase, as of Dec. 9. According to the Sun Gazette, there was a question at the meeting Wednesday by some community members as to why the preliminary budget hadn’t been advertised for the proper length of time for public review.   As a result the supervisors will hold on its approval so that the public can look it over and bring thoughts or objections to the township. There will not be a special meeting to approve the budget that includes a .118 mill tax rate and a zero tax increase for 2021.

SPORTS
NFL Football
Steelers defeated the Ravens 19-14

College Sports
MAC Presidents met this week go forward with winter sports in a way that prioritizes the health of student-athletes, coaches, campuses and local communities.  Men’s and women’s basketball is to start a conference-only 5-6 week schedule no earlier than mid-February and the possibility of a conference championship. Swimming is slated to start in early March, with a potential  MAC Championship in mid-April. The 2021 MAC Indoor Track & Field Championships and the 2021 MAC Wrestling Championship have been canceled.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 2, 2020

LOCK HAVEN YOUTH DEATH UNDER INVESTIGATION
The death of a 9 year old Lock Haven boy who was found in a home at the 600 block of East Bald Eagle St. on Monday is under investigation.  The Clinton County Coroner told Penn Live that the boy, Anson Landon Mitchell Stover was pronounced dead at 4;45 PM and an autopsy is scheduled for today.  Stover – a fourth grader at Robb Elementary school  was a kind-heaRted boy according To the Keystone Central Superintendent Jacquelyn Martin.  The school will provide a crisis intervention team through Friday at 3pm at  the elementary school and also the Cetntral Mountain Middle school where Stovers family members attend.  Police have not released any information about the incident.

TEEN CHARGED AS AN ADULT AFTER BRANDISHING PISTOL
A teenager who already is involved in two other active juvenile cases was charged as an adult in Lycoming County District Court for threatening two minor females Sunday along Baldwin Street.  According to the Sun Gazette, 17 year old Nigel Staten-Chambers of Williamsport approached a group of teens who had gathered outside a home on the 1 year anniversary of the unsolved murder of 16 year-old Riley McDowell who was shot last year at Fourth and Rural Avenues.  Police say Staten-Chambers threatened the girls about 4:40pm after driving up to the group standing outside a Baldwin St. home, and pointing a loaded and cocked pistol toward the two and those near them before returning to his vehicle and driving away.  Staten-Chambers has been jailed in Lycoming County Prison under 125 thousand dollars bail.

MAN TASED BY POLICE AFTER ATTEMPTED ARSON
A man who allegedly threatened to burn down a woman’s home last week, was tased by local police, arrested  and sent to the Union County Jail.  According to police, 35-year-old Victor Medina of Mifflinburg was at the home in West Buffalo Township on Thanksgiving morning, reportedly with a knife on his person, when State Police arrived on the scene.  Medina tried to escape back into his home but was subdued by the police and later charged with several counts of attempted arson and aggravated assault.  He was arraigned on November 26th and incarcerated in lieu of 75 thousand dollars bail.

SETTLEMENT OVER LANDFILL CONTRACT
At the Lycoming County Commissioners meeting yesterday, a settlement was accepted over a county landfill lawsuit over design work for the cap covering of an area landfill that was ultimately determined to be defective.  According to the Sun Gazette, the county filed the suit against Cummings & Smith and will settle for 1 millions dollars that will cover most of the cost of repairs that were completed after the Department of Environmental protection got involved.

CLINTON COUNTY BUS ROUTE TO END
River Valley Transit’s bus service to Clinton County will end this December 31st after PennDOT made the determination.  As Williamsport City Council works on the 2021 budget proposal, it was found that buses have been running from Williamsport to Lock Haven and Mill Hall with an average of 8 passengers.  The route was made possible by a technical assistance grant of over 878 thousand dollars which Clinton County was required to match with local funds totaling over 131 thousand.  Members of city council said implementing the route in the future would be considered if the virus slows or ends.

NO VOTER FRAUD DETERMINED IN NORTHUMBERLAND
Echoing what Attorney General William Barr said yesterday, that the Justice Department has not uncovered any evidence of widespread voter fraud that would change the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, NorthumbeRland county has reported also there has been no evidence of fraud locally. District Attorney Tony Matulewicz said yesterday that after conducting an investigation over the past 6 months no voter fraud was found in the county. There were seven general election complaints, which were quickly resolved by the county Board of Elections and due to minor equipment malfunctions and the heavy amount of ballot processing that took place.

LOCAL COVID-19 UPDATE
Northumberland County has reported 53 new cases of the coronavirus with Tioga County reporting 47cases.  Lycoming County is at 43.  Union County has 30, Snyder has 25, Clinton County has reported 21 new cases,  Sullivan county has reported an increase of 4 cases.  Lycoming County has 68 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 16 in the ICU, with 8 on ventilators and no available Adult ICU beds at this time.  The Pennsylvania Department of Health said statewide there are 5,676 new cases COVID-19, and 180 new fatalities reported in Pennsylvania.

COMMS MIGHT SCHEDULE A FUTURE COVID PRESS CONFERENCE
In an effort to bring attention to the COVID-19 crisis and the surging virus numbers in the region, the Lycoming County Commissioners announced yesterday the possibility of addressing the public in a future news conference about COVID-19 concerns and measures to keep the public safe.  The date of the potential news conference has yet to be determined but will likely include hospital officials from UPMC.  The Commissioners said that the best news is the vaccine is just around the corner and in the meantime, everyone should do their part to protect themselves and other by wearing masks.

TESTING IN HOT SPOTS IN PENNSYLVANIA AVAILABLE
Governor Tom Wolf announced yesterday that the health Department will provide COVID-19 testing in five regions across Pennsylvania to help contain local spread of COVID-19. Over the next 12 weeks, five strike teams will provide regional testing for 61 counties. Testing sites are open to anyone who feels they need a test.  Tioga County and Mifflin counties are our regions hot spots at this time.  Beginning today a drive-thru and indoor walk-in testing clinic will be held in Tioga County at  North Penn Mansfield High School, 73 W. Wellsboro St., and in Mifflin County at Pennsylvania State Fire Academy, 1150 Riverside Drive, Lewistown.  Testing will be available daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM through Tuesday, December 8.

SPORTS
NFL
Wednesday NFL Football Today
Ravens and Steelers are scheduled @ Heinz Field at 340 pm

College Sports
Women’s Basketball
Penn State defeated St. Francis 87-54

Mansfield University has named Jamal Johnson as the new Track & Field coach according to the athletic director Peggy Carl.

HS Sports
HS Football News
Coach J.C Keefer announced at last night’s Montoursville area School Board meeting that he will be stepping down as the school’s football coach, allowing former assistant coach Mike Boughton to be approved for the position.  Keefer had been at Montoursville for 10 years, leading the Warriors to four district championships, and three league titles.  Montoursville was 8-1 this season.

HS Field Hockey
Three players from Lewisburg and one from Warrior Run received first-team HAC-II honors; Rylie Dryoff, Kara Koch (Coke?), Sienna Brazier from Lewisburg and Kyia Brouse from Warrior Run.

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 1, 2020

NEW LEAGUE FOR CROSSCUTTERS
There will be a Major League Baseball Draft League created for 2021 in Williamsport and the Crosscutters will be a part of it.  After a reorganization of Minor League Baseball this year, the Williamsport Crosscutters parted ways as an affiliate with the Philadelphia Phillies, but will now join the State College Spikes, Mahoning Scrappers, West Virginia Black Bears,Trenton Thunder and a sixth team to be named in a league that will provide exposure to draft eligible college players.  According to Crosscutters owner Peter Freund in a virtual press conference yesterday, the pipeline of players could be better than before.  Fans won’t likely notice a difference in play on the field – the difference is only how players are assigned to each team.

DRIVE-THRU FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS THIS YEAR
Mayor Derek Slaughter has canceled the public gathering celebration of the annual Festival of Lights in Brandon Park in Williamsport this year due to COVID-19 concerns.  But, city crews will install the holiday lights this week and the lights in the park  will be lit at dusk this Friday night for pedestrians and those who want to drive by and see them.  According to the Sun Gazette, Mayor Slaughter made the decision based on CDC guidelines and the fact that coronavirus  case numbers are surging in the region.

ELSD GOES BACK TO IN-PERSON INSTURCTION
East Lycoming School District is back in school today after a special virtual school board meeting and a vote of 6-3 to return to in-person instruction yesterday afternoon.  According to the Sun Gazette, the board met to discuss the in person option after new guidance from the state came down for school districts.  It requires mask-wearing mandates that Superintendent Michael Pawlik said they have been mostly following since school began anyway, which can be achieved by implementing a few new mask-rules.  Pawlik said that if there is a shortage of teachers or there is a need to go remote they have the option to do that.

CAREER OFFICES CLOSED DUE TO COVID
COVID-19 has closed down the PA CareerLink offices in our area until further notice.  According to media outlets, the career offices located in Williamsport, Sunbury, Lock Haven, Bloomsburg , Bellefonte and Lewistown are closed to in-person appointments but job seekers can still use the online portal at www.pacareerlink.pa.gov.  PA Career Link employees are working remotely and assist job seekers and employers with their needs virtually.

LOCAL COVID UPDATE
There are 40 new cases of the coronavirus reported in Pennsylvania today and 89 reported  in Northumberland County.  Union County has 36 new cases, Snyder has 26 new cases, Montour has 18.  Lycoming County has 61 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 16 in the ICU, with 8 on ventilators and 6 available Adult ICU beds Tioga County reports 5 new cases, but according to the PA Department of Health, 18 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized there, 6 in the adult ICU and 6 on ventilators – with no beds available.  As of y esterday at midnight, there were 4,268 total statewide cases reported and 75 new fatalities.

ROLL-OVER ACCIDENT CLOSED I-80 RAMP
Lanes of the interstate opened up several hours after a tractor trailer turned on its side Monday near Milton and closed the on-ramp from I-180 east to I-80 west in Northumberland County.  According to PennDOT the accident caused the right lane of I-80 west to be closed at mile-marker 212, but the left lane remained open as crews worked to clear the crash.  There were no injuries reported and delays remained for several hours yesterday before the ramp reopened at 12:10 pm.

COVDI APP AVAILABLE FOR TEENS WITH CONSENT
Anyone over the age of 13 can now use the PA COVID Alert App on their phone, with parental consent.  According to a press conference yesterday by the Secretary of the PA Department of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine, the app’s age range has been expanded to middle and high school students to include them in the process if a positive case is identified within their peer groups. The contact tracing app has been updated with more county-level data and adds where to find testing locations near you.  The original App was launched September 22nd of this year and 622 thousand people have downloaded it.

PA BEAR HARVEST TOTALS
Lycoming County has tied in second place with Tioga County in as a top bear harvest county– at 169 – as the season ends, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.  Potter County claimed the first place with a total of 177 bear.  Pennsylvania Bear Harvest totals in 2020 came to 3,155.   The largest bear taken was from Fulton County at an estimated 719 pounds, the largest bears closest to Lycoming County were taken from Potter County at 630 and 607 pounds respectively.  Antlered Deer season is open now in WMU 4D which includes part of Lycoming County and will remain open through December 12th.

 

SPORTS
NFL
Monday Night Football
Seahawks beat the Eagles 23-17
Wednesday Night Football?
Ravens and Steelers are scheduled @ Heinz Field at 340 pm

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 29, 2020

Potter Township Burglary

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

DUI Charges Filed

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

Williamsport Women Accused of Insurance Fraud

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

Judge Pushes Child Exploitation Case Through Court

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

Sports

MLB

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

NFL

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

High School Football

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 28, 2020

Crash Leaves Man in ICU

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

14 Year Old Shot

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

Assault Charges Filed

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

PennDOT Lane Restrictions (Northumberland)

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

Pfizer Vaccine in Final Stages Before Distribution

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

Thanksgiving Shooting

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

SPORTS

NFL

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

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

NBA

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

MLB

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 25, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 24, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SPORTS

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 23, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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