BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 29, 2021

LANCERS WIN CHAMPIONSHIP

Loyalsock, the first public school to win the AAA crown in 10 years, with a young basketball program that started in 1963. Four players scored in double figures, Loyalsock lancers defeated Brookville, 75-53, and captured the lancers first state championship.

ATTEMPTED AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

An attempted murder charge was dismissed in Lycoming County Court when a Harrisburg man was sentenced for attempted aggravated assault instead. According to northcentralpa.com Ejuan J. Cosby, 23, was sentenced on March 18 by Lycoming County Judge Marc F. Lovecchio to a minimum of six years and a maximum of 12 years in state prison for his involvement in the 2019 Williamsport shooting occurred during the early morning hours of Feb. 9, at the Mini Mart, 1037 High Street.

CHILD ABUSE

An Avis man charged with strangling and assaulting a three-month-old child on Feb. 10 in Avis borough, recently posted $250,000 monetary bail. According to northcentralpa.com, Aaron George Jeffery Confer, 22, is charged with multiple felonies by Pine Creek Township Police. confer waived his preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Keith G. Kibler on Tuesday, March 23 and He is scheduled for a formal arraignment in the Clinton County Court of Common Pleas on April 26.

FELONY DRUG ARREST

A Williamsport man sold heroin to an undercover detective and it bought him a minimum of nine months in county jail. Ralph  claude green, 27, was sentenced to a minimum of 9 months and a maximum of 24 month for one felony count of delivery of a controlled substance. The sentence, handed down by Lycoming County President Judge Nancy L Butts on March 12.

TERRORISTIC THREATS

Racial slurs, terroristic threats and disorderly conduct, all directed at a Hispanic clerk and another customer, were reported by Milton police at the Sunoco A-Plus in Milton. Omar A. Sellars, 42, of Milton, is now facing multiple misdemeanors. Charges filed by Milton patrolman Daniel Zettelmoyer II include three misdemeanor counts of terroristic threats which were filed in the Milton office of District Judge Michael Diehl.

 

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 27, 2021

SEXUAL ASSAULT

She Is accused of sexually assaulting a person less than 16 years old in Lycoming County. Mackenzie Blaze Dugan, of Lock Haven, has been charged on Wednesday with a felony and multiple misdemeanors  by Trooper Jamesan Keeler of Montoursville PSP for sexually abusing a minor on or about July 1, 2019, in Woodward Township, Lycoming County.

MENTORED YOUTH TROUT FISHING DAY

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) reminds anglers that a single, statewide Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day will happen today and it started at 8am.  According to sun gazette, to  participate in any Mentored Youth Fishing Day, anglers ages 15 and under must obtain either a Voluntary Youth Fishing License ($2.97) or a free Mentored Youth Permit from the PFBC and be accompanied by a licensed adult angler. Permits and licenses are available using the FishBoatPA mobile app, online at www.fishandboat.com, and in-person at nearly 700 license issuing agents.

DRUG CHARGES

A Williamsport man sold heroin to an undercover detective and it bought him a minimum of nine months in county jail. Ralph  Claude Green, 27, was sentenced to a minimum of 9 months and a maximum of 24 month for one felony count of delivery of a controlled substance. The sentence, handed down by Lycoming County President Judge Nancy L. Butts on March 12.

 

Racial slurs, terroristic threats and disorderly conduct, all directed at a Hispanic clerk and another customer were reported by Milton police  at the Sunoco A-Plus in Milton. Omar A. Sellars, 42, of Milton, is now facing multiple misdemeanors. Charges filed by Milton Patrolman Daniel Zettelmoyer II include three misdemeanor counts of terroristic threats which were filed in the Milton office of District Judge Michael Diehl.

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 25, 2021

Two Loyalsock Township adults were displaced after a fire damaged their residence.  According to the Sun Gazette, the two alarm fire was called in by a neighbor who saw the smoke coming from the home in the 100 block of Willow Brook Road.  According to state police, one firefighter sustained minor injuries responding to the blaze that was under control in about a half an hour thanks  several communities responding to the incident.

There are traffic concerns that are being discussed amidst the approval of the Loyalsock Township land development plan for  the future Popeye’s restaurant on the Golden Strip.  According to the Sun Gazette,  the township planning commission has requested that the state Department of Transportation create delineation marks on East Third Street to prevent traffic from turning left from the street onto Russell Avenue- where the vehicles will eventually enter the restaurant.  The stacking traffic has been a concern on East Third Street for several years after other stores create traffic backups from drive thru customers, A Popeye’s engineer said 12 vehicles are able to be lined up from the ordering board to East Third Street, and can serve 100 vehicles per hour.

There will be a telephone town hall meeting with US Representative Fred Keller of Kreamer next Tuesday at 5pm.  According to the Sun Gazette, Keller, who represents the 12th Congressional district will discuss legislative issues and give an update on the pandemic recovery efforts, the economy and reopening of the schools.  Those who want to participate or  call in to ask questions of Representative Keller can get the details on  the number to call at keller.house.gov.

It will be 150 years for the fair this year!  The Lycoming County Fair association announced the dates for the 2021 event with details about the entertainment lineup to be provided in the coming weeks.  Lycoming County Fair Association President Rocky Reed says the opening day for the fair will be July 14th and run through the 24th.  This is the second reopening of the fair that has only closed during World War II and for the virus in 2020.

The Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation project will resume this spring and motorists could soon be using the roadway that will connect state Route 147 south of Montandon to Route 15 south of Winfield with four-lane limited access highway.  According to the Sun Gazette,  PennDOT says Southbound traffic on Route 15 will shift to single lane beginning March 29, which will enable crews to construct overhead signs. The one-lane traffic will last around two months.  Eventually the project, which includes a 4,500-foot-long bridge over the west branch of the Susquehanna River, will separate local traffic from highway congestion in Selinsgrove by the Susquehanna Mall.

Lycoming County has 36 new cases of the coronavirus as of yesterday,  Northumberland County has 19, Snyder County has 14 more cases.  The state Department of Health reported 4,967 additional positive cases of COVID-19, with 48 new deaths.  The concern for state officials is that the recent uptick in cases could indicate a spike in the virus, but vaccinations locally have risen with more availability of the one and two dose shots.  South Williamsport School district returns to the classroom today after a rise in COVID cases there last week.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is increasing the maximum amount small businesses and non-profit organizations can borrow through its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. According to a press release from the SBA, Starting April 6, the SBA will raise  the loan limit from 6-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000 to up to 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000.  Recently the agency announced it would extend deferment periods for all disaster loans, including COVID-19 EIDLs, until 2022 to offer more time for businesses to recover.

State-owned historic sites and connected to the Pennsylvania’s Historical and Museum Commission announced yesterday that they  will reopen to the public on Friday, April 30. Some sites may have reduced hours or limited capacity inside their facilities.  Some areas that will reopen include the Joseph Priestly House in Northumberland, the Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg and Harrisburg sites like the PA State Archives and the State museum. Face masks and social distancing  will be required, and there will not be any rentals or events allowed at these sites at this time.

The Senate confirmed Dr. Rachel Levine in a 52-48 vote to be assistant secretary of health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Her confirmation makes her the first openly transgender individual to be approved by the Senate as well as the highest-ranking transgender federal official.  Levine was previously the secretary of health for Pennsylvania, where she led the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and worked on programs battling the opioid crisis, HIV and Hepatitis C as well as addressing LGBTQ health equity.

SPORTS
HS Boys Basketball

Loyalsock Lancers (24-1), take on Brookville, this Saturday afternoon, @ 2:30, at the Giant Center in Hershey  for the state championship. 

NBA
Pacers beat the Pistons 116 to 111, Bucks beat the Celtics 121 to 119, Raptors beat the Nuggets 135 to 111, Magic beat Suns 112 to 111, Cavaliers beat the Bulls 103 to 94, Hornets over the Rockets 122 to 97, Mavericks beat the Timberwolves 128 to 108, Grizzlies beat Thunder 116 to 107, Clippers beat the Spurs 134 to 101, Jazz stomped the Nets 118 to 88, Kings over the Hawks 110 to 108
NHL
Penguins beat the Sabres 5 to 2, Senators beat the Flames 3 to 1, Wild beat Ducks 3 to 2, Jets beat the Canucks 5 to 1, Sharks over the Kings 4-2, Oilers and Canadians were postponed due to Covid

NCAA March Madness coming up on Saturday
Midwest Region – (12) Oregon State meets (8) Loyola Chicago at 2:40 PM, and (11) Syracuse faces (2) Houston at 5:15pm,  In the South Region,  (5) Villanova faces (number 1) Baylor at 7:25p, (15) Oral Roberts faces (3)Arkansas at 9:55pm in the Second round of the Sweet 16.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 24, 2021

POLICE INVESTIGATING REPORTS OF A WEEKEND SHOOTING
Williamsport Police are still investigating a shooting that occurred Sunday night in the city.  According to the Sun Gazette, Williamsport police said the incident may have occurred after a fight started near the 2500 block of West Fourth Street around 7:30pm.  Officers say there is no threat to the public at this time and no one was injured, but has asked that anyone with information contact Williamsport Police Agent Jeremy Brown.

MIFFLINBURG SCHOOL ON REMOTE LEARNING THROUGH MONDAY
Five positive COVID cases in the Miffinburg Area High School has forced the district to close the high school and switch to remote learning through this Monday.  According to an email from Superintendent Dan Lichtel, they will close the High School building to clean and sanitize the facility.  He said the people who were potentially exposed to the virus have been notified to self-quarantine.  Extracurricular activities at Mifflinburg are outdoors only at this time and plans for the Spring Musical  have been postponed until April.

CHARGES DROPPED AGAINST COGAN STATION MAN
All charges against a Cogan Station man who allegedly used a stolen credit card to make a purchase have been withdrawn after the victim did not appear in court.  According to the Sun Gazette, 44 year old Craig Eck had been accused of theft and access device fraud from December 19th  when they said he used a credit card belonging to Earthworks at a Best Buy store.  District Judge William Solomon withdrew the charges at this week’s preliminary  hearing.

GRANT GIVEN TO PENN COLLEGE FOR FLAG
The Williamsport-Lycoming Flags Across America Designated Fund at the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania has awarded a $2,600 grant to Penn College of Technology toward maintenance of the 1,800-square-foot American flag near the main campus entrance. The annual award is used for perpetual care of the flag – including as-needed maintenance, replacement and retirement of the flag and flagpole, as well as any landscaping and other beautification of the immediate area. According to a Penn College press release, each 30-by-60-foot flag lasts three to six months, depending on weather conditions and normal wear-and-tear. As the flags become ripped or tattered they are refurbished.

FUGITIVE TASK FORCE CAPTURES MAN ACCUSED OF ASSAULT
A New Jersey man has been taken into custody by the US Marshalls Fugitive Task Force yesterday after police say he assaulted a man with a hammer outside a Williamsport Bar in February.  According to North Central PA dot com, 40 year old Kareem A. Hutt, of Clementon, New Jersey was transported back to Lycoming County from Philadelphia this week to face charges that he attempted to kill a man outside of the Shamrock Grill on West Fourth Street .  Police say the attack was captured on surveillance footage February 2nd at about 7pm before Hutt fled the area.  The victim was hospitalized and treated for a fractured skull and brain bleed.  During Hutt’s preliminary hearing, bail was denied and he is being held in the Lycoming County Prison.

LOCAL COVID UPDATE
There are 35 new cases of the coronavirus in Lycoming County as of yesterday, Northumberland county reports 30, Union County has 23, Snyder has 10. The state Department of Health reported 3,515 additional positive cases of COVID-19, there were 39 new deaths.  The state of Pennsylvania is inching closer to a million coronavirus cases. As of midday yesterday the total cases in the state was 991,950.

BODY CAMS COMING TO POLICE IN SUNBURY
Police in Sunbury will begin using body cameras next month.  According to the Daily Item, Sunbury Police Chief Brad Hare announced to City Council about the new body cams and upgraded technology Monday night. Last July, supervisors in Mahoning Township in Montour County approved the purchase of body cameras for its officers.  Existing dashboard cameras in police cruisers will be paid for with a $50,000 grant obtained from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.  Hare said the body cameras are on constant record and download automatically when officers return to the station.  .

LITTER CAMPAIGN BEGINS IN PA
Governor Tom Wolf encouraged residents yesterday to help reduce litter by joining the statewide “Pick Up Pennsylvania” campaign of community cleanups running through May 31. The governor also invites everyone to learn about litter’s negative impacts in a free online discussion, “Don’t Trash Pennsylvania,” this Friday from noon to 12:45 PM, on the DEP Facebook page.  Speakers from DEP, PennDOT, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful will discuss Pennsylvania’s litter challenge and answer questions.

SPORTS
HS Boys Basketball
PIAA Triple A Semifinal

Loyalsock 83
Math, Civics & Science 70

The Lancers, who are 24-1, take on Brookville, this Saturday afternoon, at 230, at Hershey in the Giant Center for the state championship. 

NBA
76ers beat the Warriors 108 to 98, Nuggets over Magic 110 to 99, Knicks beat the  Wizards 131 to 113, the Pelicans beat the Lakers 128 to 111, Suns beat  Heat 110 to 100, and the Nets beat the Trailblazers 116 to 112

NHL
Devils beat the Flyers 4-3, Blackhawks beat the Panthers 3-2, Predators beat the Red Wings 2-nothing, Lightning beat Stars 2-1, Coyotes over Avalanche 5-4, and Islanders and Bruins were postponed

NCAA March Madness coming up on Saturday
Midwest Region – (12) Oregon State meets (8) Loyola Chicago at 2:40 PM, and (11) Syracuse faces (2) Houston at 5:15pm,  In the South Region,  (5) Villanova faces (number 1) Baylor at 7:25p, (15) Oral Roberts faces (3)Arkansas at 9:55pm in the Second round of the Sweet 16.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 23, 2021

MAN WHO COMMITTED MULTIPLE VEHICULAR CRIMES IN CUSTODY
A man from Virginia is in custody after breaking the law in several Pennsylvania counties earlier this month.  According to state police 31-year old Ryan Da Silva of Virginia  Beach allegedly  threatened  people at a Danville area hotel on March 7th and  was also involved in a hit and run crash Selinsgrove where he then eluded police while continuing southbound on Route 11 to Adams county in south central PA.  State police in Gettysburg report that DeSilva was involved in another minor accident  in Adams county where police caught up with him and took him into custody.  Charges will be filed in multiple counties.

ACCESSIBILITY RAMP COMING TO CITY HALL
The city of Williamsport is moving forward with installing an accessible ramp at City Hall and they will take bids on the project until April 16th.  According to the Sun Gazette, initial projected costs have come down after city officials used preexisting designs and other cost cutting measures to save, even with the cost of steel increasing.  The city will meet accessibility requirements with the construction of the ramp as well as a remodel of the first floor elevator by November 10th, 2021, as part of the settlement agreement with advocate agencies for the disabled which was approved March 10th.

LOCAL COVID UPDATE
There are ten new cases of the coronavirus in Lycoming County as of yesterday, Northumberland’s cases are lower today, too at 8.  The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed a two-day total from Sunday and Monday of 3,920 additional positive cases and 14 new deaths attributed to COVID-19.  Lycoming County has 26 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, and 2 on a ventilator.

SOLAR ENERGY ON THE WAY IN PA
Solar arrays could be built in Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, and Snyder Counties according to a new solar energy initiative announced by Governor Tom Wolf yesterday.  Our four local counties are in addition to three other counties in Pennsylvania that will provide about half of the electricity used by state government and create about 400 jobs.  The Project to Utilize Light and Solar Energy, or PULSE, is set to begin operation in January of 2023 and according to energy officials will significantly reduce the state’s carbon footprint.

RESIDENT ESCAPES FREEBURG HOUSE FIRE
A Freeburg home was heavily damaged by a fire that also  killed the family’s dog yesterday. According to the Daily item, witnesses gathered outside the home on 303 New Market St while crews fought the blaze. The home was owned by Tim Weikel.  One person who lived in the home was home and escaped the flames according to neighbors who also said propane tanks bursting outside the home contributed to the fire.  Firefighters from Freeburg, Fremont, Middleburg, Kreamer, Selinsgrove, Port Trevorton, Kratzerville, Mifflinburg and Point Township were at the scene, for about four hours.

INMATE FACES MORE CHARGES
New charges have been filed against a man who was an inmate at SCI-Coal Township and wrote threatening letters to a Columbia County Court of Common Pleas judge, two members of the Scott Township police department and a 17 year old juvenile between June 22 and Oct. 23, 2020.  According to North Central PA dot com, 28 year old Shane Michael Banks, who currently is incarcerated at SCI-Albion on separate charges, faces felony intimidation charges and other harassment misdemeanors. Banks  is currently awaiting a preliminary hearing in Columbia County.

AGGRESSIVE DRIVING INITIATIVE IN PLACE
Northumberland area police traffic services as well as other municipal police forces will participate in an aggressive driving enforcement initiative starting  this week through April 25. According to a press release from the highway safety network there will be a targeted aggressive driving enforcement wave that will focus on speeding, aggressive and distracted driving plus work zone awareness, and residents who are stopped for these violations will receive a ticket. The annual PennDOT education project is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

CDC UPDATES MASK GUIDANCE
Mask mandates in Pennsylvania have been updated by the Acting Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health.  According to Alison Beam, fully vaccinated people can visit with other vaccinated people without a mask, as well as visit unvaccinated people at low risk.  However, Beam says fully vaccinated people should continue masking and distancing in public, and continue to avoid large-sized in-person gatherings.  People are considered fully vaccinated for COVID more than two weeks after receiving the second of a two-dose series, or more than two weeks after receiving a single dose vaccine

 

SPORTS
HS Boys Basketball
P I-AA Class AAA Semifinals
Loyalsock vs. Math Civics and Sciences @ LaSalle college 7pm tonight.

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 22, 2021

RALLY IN LOCK HAVEN TO PROTEST INTEGRATION
There was a rally in downtown Lock Haven Saturday in protest to the integration of the higher education system in Pennsylvania which could possibly combine the Clinton County university with Mansfield and Bloomsburg universities.  According to the Sun Gazette, about 100 people were in Triangle park this weekend voicing concerns about the termination of staff at the school, with over 50 staff jobs proposed to be eliminated.  Community members and local unions voiced criticism of the chancellor of the PA State System of Higher Education, Dan Greenstein for his role in the integration proposal.

MAN CHARGED AFTER HIDING GUN IN BUSHES
A Clinton County man has been charged with reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct after he hid a handgun in some bushes before entering through security at the Williamsport Regional Airport in Montoursville last October.  According to the Sun Gazette, presidential security detail found the  loaded gun which was registered to 61 year old Randall McIntosh of Mill Hall, who said he put the gun in the brush as to avoid returning to his car on the night President Trump was making a quick campaign stop at the airport.  McIntosh waived his preliminary hearing and was released on $5,000 bail

RENT RELIEF AVAILABLE IN PENNSYLVANIA
Rapid relief to millions of Pennsylvanians at risk of eviction or loss of utility service was announced yesterday by Governor Tom Wolf in the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.  And it will distribute about $569 million to Pennsylvania households with an additional $278 million in rental assistance to Pennsylvania’s largest counties by the federal government. According to northcentralpa.com households may be eligible for up to 12 months of assistance to cover past-due or future rental and/or utility payments.  Effective today, Pennsylvanians can submit applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program online at www.compass.state.pa.us

ROAD CONSTRUCTION IN LINDEN
PennDOT will be working the safety improvement project along Route 220 northbound and southbound starting today in Woodward and Piatt Townships.  Motorists should note some closures today.  Construction will close the eastern exit at the Sheetz in Linden, so use South Pine Run Road to enter Route 220 northbound.  A detour using Pine Run Road and Route 220 will be in place for closures affecting Youngs Road East and West.  In addition, Front Street in Linden will be open to local traffic only. Speeds will also be reduced along 220and two lanes of traffic will be maintained.

LOCAL MAN INVOLVED IN SOUTHERN PA CRASH
A man from Mount Carmel was involved in a serious crash that shut down I-81 southbound last Monday in Schuylkill County.  According to state police in Frackville, 57-year old Randall Edwards was driving a tractor trailer on I-81 in Ryan Township and went off the roadway around 4:15 pm, traveled down a steep embankment, and overturned into a wooded area. Edwards was flown to Geisinger after being rescued from the vehicle.  He was later treated and released. Both sides of I-81 South shut down for about a half hour during the recovery. Police are investigating.

TASK FORCE TO STUDY LAW ENFORCEMENT BEST PRACTICES
New legislation was introduced in Harrisburg Friday identifying best practices for law enforcement to prevent otherwise-peaceful demonstrations in state cities from escalating to violent protests. According to trackbill.com, Senate Resolution 52 establishes a 20-member task force to study law enforcement procedures for responding to large-scale demonstrations, such as crowd control tactics and less-than-lethal force.  Task force members including members of state legislation, police departments and local governments will recommend potential changes to state law.  Public stakeholders would offer input to the task force through a process to be established by the Joint State Government Commission

VACCINATIONS IN PENNSYLVANIA ROLLING OUT QUICKER
The Wolf administration along with Alison Beam, Acting Secretary of Health detailed the state’s vaccination rollout progress as the process accelerates and Pennsylvania outperforms its peer states. According to Governor Wolf, the pace of vaccinations in Pennsylvania is accelerating each day and the commonwealth is committed to vaccinating everyone in Phase 1A.  An analysis of CDC data on the number of vaccines administered per 100,000 of population through March 17th , puts Pennsylvania second in the nation behind only New Mexico.  In Pennsylvania 24% of the population has their first doses, 12% are fully vaccinated.

RESTAURANT CONSTRUCTION ALLOWED TO BEGIN
The development plan allowing two new businesses to start construction in Muncy Township has been approved by the Lycoming County Planning Commission last week.  According to the Sun gazette, construction for  a Starbucks and Chick-fil-A restaurant can  begin at the Lycoming Crossing property. Township supervisors have already approved the plan for the new development.

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 21, 2021

DRUG ARREST ON INTERSTATE 80

Before 2pm, March 1, On Interstate 80 West in Union County, two New York men were stopped by PSP Milton and were allegedly in possession of several pounds of cocaine and marijuana. According northcentralpa.com, Vidal Ortiz Jr., 25, of Elmhurst, N.Y.  and Douglas A. Gilliam, 38, of Bronx, N.Y., were charged with multiple felonies and arraigned that evening in front of District Judge Mensch. Bail was set at $300,000 monetary. Ortiz and Gilliam were remanded to Union County Jail with preliminary hearings scheduled for both for March 23.

LOCAL COVID NUMBERS

The Pa. Dept. of Health registered the first time in more than a month with at least 4,000 active COVID cases in a single day. Locally there were 36 new cases in Northumberland County, 13 in Snyder, 8 in Union and 7 in Montour. Clinton County, up 18; Centre County, up 85;  and Lycoming County up 47 COVID cases today.

LHU EMPLOYEES CONCERNED OVER FUTURE JOB STABILITY

Members of AFSCME Council 13 Local 2360 at Lock Haven University were in Triangle Park yesterday expressing their concerns about a proposed outsourcing of jobs. Shawn O’Dell, Local 2360 President, according to  therecord-online, the school’s proposed outsourcing could eliminate over 50 staff jobs.  In addition, the local university could be  facing a considerable faculty downsizing as part of the proposed integration between Lock Haven University, Bloomsburg and Mansfield universities.

POLICE OFFICER BACK TO WORK IN LYCOMING COUNTY

A police officer in Lycoming County initially accused of attempting to rape a disabled woman completed probation for disorderly conduct and according to northcentralpa.com now is patrolling Muncy Borough. Laurence C. Wilcox Jr., 71, pleaded guilty to one third-degree misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct on Jan. 14, 2020, and was sentenced to a six-month probation term with administrative release after three month. Montgomery Borough Police suspended Wilcox at the time of his 2019 arrest.

ATTEMPTED SEXUAL ASSAULT OF MINORS

Posing to be juvenile boys wanting to meet adult males, Lycoming Coungy Detectives set up an operation and arrested the men who allegedly showed up. In separate criminal complaints, George A. Richner, 52, of Muncy, and Todd A. Mertz, 38, of Williamsport, each face multiple felonies. According to northcentralpa.com,  Richner was confined to the Lycoming County Prison on March 5 before posting $125,000 monetary bail on March 8. He’s scheduled for an April 8 preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Aaron S. Biichle. Mertz IS currently on the intensive supervised bail program with bail set at $99,000 unsecured. He’s scheduled for a March 29 formal arraignment before Lycoming County Judge Marc F. Lovecchio.

SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY GRAUATION SCHEDULE

Susquehanna University has announced Commencement plans for both the Class of 2021 and the Class of 2020. According to a media outlet, Susquehanna will host graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2021 at three separate times in the Field House of the James W. Garrett Sports Complex on Saturday, May 15 at 10 a.m.; Saturday, May 15 at 2 p.m.; and Sunday, May 16 at 10 a.m. Commencement will be livestreamed as well as recorded. In addition, the in-person Commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 is scheduled for Saturday, May 22 at 10 a.m.

HELP FOR PENNSYLVANIANS FROM THE EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Rapid relief to millions of Pennsylvanians at risk of eviction or loss of utility service was announced yesterday by Governor Tom Wolf in the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.  And it will distribute about $569 million to Pennsylvania households with an additional $278 million in rental assistance to Pennsylvania’s largest counties by the federal government. According to northcentralpa.com households may be eligible for up to 12 months of assistance to cover past-due or future rental and/or utility payments.  Effective today, Pennsylvanians can submit applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program online at www.compass.state.pa.us

IN SPORTS

NCAA WRESTLING IN ST LOUIS

AT 165 POUNDS BUCKNELL’S ZACH HARTMAN FINISHED 6TH AND BECAME AN ALL-AMERICAN.

 

STATE PLAYOFF BASKETBALL: TRIPLE A BOYS QUARTERFINAL:

LOYALSOCK 79

EXECUTIVE EDUCATION 75

LANCERS ADVANCE TO FINAL FOUR

 

NHL

PENGUINS OVER THE DEVILS 3-1, PANTHERS SHUT OUT THE PREDATORS 2-0, AVALANCHE SHUT OUT THE WILD 6-0, LIGHTNING OVER THE BLACKHAWKS 4-1, STARS SHUT OUT THE RED WINGS 3-0, CANADIENS OVER THE CANUCKS 5-4, MAPLE LEAFS SHUT OUT THE FLAMES 2-0, RANGERS OVER THE CAPITALS 3-1, COYOTES BEAT THE DUCKS 5-1, BLUES OVER THE SHARKS 5-2, OILERS BEAT THE JETS 4-2

 

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 20, 2021

ASSAULT CHARGES IN POINT TOWNSHIP

After allegedly starting a fight with another man, Samuel Swinehart, Northumberland, smashed a car window with a shovel.  inside The vehicle, sat a toddler in the back seat. According to the Daily Item, on Feb 7, on Neitz Road , Point Township Patrolman Kevin Herring charged swinehart with multiple misdemeanors that were filed in the Milton office of District Judge Michael Diehl.

DUI ACCIDENT

He flipped his vehicle while driving intoxicated with a passenger on Feb 14 in Delaware township, Northumberland county. Tyler Carl Clark, Montgomery, with a blood-alcohol level of .178 percent, faces multiple misdemeanor violations when state police in Milton arrived on the scene of Clark’s one vehicle accident. According to the Daily Item, charges were filed in the Milton office of District Judge Michael Diehl.

HARASSMENT IN SNYDER COUNTY

A 54-year-old male and 37-year-old female  were threatened by the driver of a black Nissan pathfinder as they traveled on N Susquehanna trail, Snyder county, according to state police in Selinsgrove.  At one point, while stopped at a traffic light, the driver of the path finder, Ryan Savilva, Virginia Beach, Va, allegedly pointed a firearm at the male and female, threatening to kill them.  He then aggressively drove in front of them, slamming on his breaks and causing a rear end collision.  Following a verbal argument, Savilva fled the scene. According to northcentralpa.com, case remains open pending further court proceedings.

BAIL SET IN UNLAWFUL CONTACT

Bail was set at $25,000 unsecured today for a Pennsdale man accused by Lycoming County detectives of sending a pornographic video of himself to a 13-year-old girl faces charges. Jonathan Michael Kula, 24, had unlawful contact with a minor in Lycoming County on Dec. 22.. according to northcentralpal.com the original incident  began as a reported attempted child abduction at the Turkey Hill in Muncy.

THEFT

Maintenance equipment from a state game land storage facility in Gregg Township, Union County has been stolen. According to Pennsylvania State Police at Milton, a suspect(s) broke into the facility between Feb. 18 and March 9 and stole a Husqvarna orange push mower and a snapper push mower. Total value of items is just over $523. Northcentralpa.com reports, Anyone with information may contact PSP Milton at (570) 524-2662.

COVID-19 VACCINE PROGRAM IN GEISINGER

Its considered one of the largest in the commonwealth, it is Geisinger’s covid-19 vaccine program. And now, it is opening a waitlist for eligible folks to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine as part of Pennsylvania’s Phase 1A groups. Phase 1A-eligible community members interested in joining the waitlist can do so at geisinger.org/COVIDVax, on myGeisinger or by calling 570-284-3657.

GRADUATION AT SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY

Susquehanna University has announced commencement plans for both the Class of 2021 and the Class of 2020. According to a media outlet, Susquehanna will host graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2021 at three separate times.  in the Field House of the James W. Garrett Sports Complex on Saturday, May 15 at 10 a.m.; Saturday, May 15 at 2 p.m.; and Sunday, May 16 at 10 a.m. Commencement will be live-streamed as well as recorded. In addition, the in-person Commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 is scheduled for Saturday, May 22 at 10 a.m.

EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Rapid relief to millions of Pennsylvanians at risk of eviction or loss of utility service was announced yesterday by Governor Tom Wolf in the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and it will distribute about $569 million to Pennsylvania households With An additional $278 million in rental assistance to Pennsylvania’s largest counties by the federal government. According to northcentralpa.com, households may be eligible for up to 12 months of assistance to cover past-due or future rental and/or utility payments.  Effective today, Pennsylvanians can submit applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program online at www.compass.state.pa.us.

NCAA WRESTLING

165 POUND SEMIFINAL SHANE GRIFFITH OF STANFORD DEFEATED BUCKNELL’S ZACH HARTMAN 9-2

STATE PLAYOFF BASKETBALL TRIPLE A GIRLS QUARTERFINAL

West Catholic over Loyalsock  62-52

DOUBLE A GIRLS QUARTERFINAL

Mount Carmel over Holy Cross 50-47

SINGLE A BOYS BASKETBALL

Pottsville Nativity BVM over Saint John Neumann 72-70

DISTRICT 4/9 CLASS AAA DUALS

Roman Morrone and Sebastian Robinson produced back-to-back falls to secure Williamsport’s 48-21 win over Clearfield in the District 4/9 Class AAA Duals final yesterday. according to Sun Gazette, The Millionaires won a second consecutive district championship. Williamsport will be moving on to the PIAA Class AAA Team Wrestling Championships in Bellefonte on Wednesday night in the quarterfinals.

The District 6 Class AAA competition from the State College auditorium had the  Millionaires over the Little Lions by roughly a second to not only win the District 4/6 Class AAA championship. According to the Sun Gazette,  Williamsport’s Pardoe swam a 52.9-second split in her final leg of the 400 freestyle relay to help Williamsport win district gold and qualify for today’s PIAA Class AAA Swimming Championships at Cumberland Valley High School.

 

 

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 19, 2021

SEVENTEEN FELONY CHARGES, FOLLOWING INTENTIONAL FIRE

A 34-year-old mother of children ages 6-14, blocked off exits then, as she and her four children were trapped inside their High Street Apartment, she set it on fire, according to reports from Sun Gazette on Thursday morning.  The children escaped their mother and the fire. The children were uninjured. Latoya Nicole Hall, of 1493 High St., was arrested on a total of 17 felony charges and committed to the Lycoming County Prison after District Judge Christian Frey denied her bail.

CITY HALL SECURITY

A security officer for City Hall, according to Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter, would keep people from wandering aimlessly through the entire building.  While logistics for a front desk agent are in the works, Mayor Slaughter stressed the importance of security before reopening City Hall.  The building was closed last March in an attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19 through staff and visitors. According to Sun Gazette, there were no cost estimates presented to council for a security or front desk addition to the first floor.

ROADWORK BEGINNING MARCH 22

Motorists traveling on Interstate 180 westbound and eastbound are advised of a long-term guide rail project begining Monday, March 22, in Lycoming County. According to the Milton Standard Journal, Green Acres Contracting Co. Inc. will install guide rail upgrades along Interstate 180 westbound and eastbound in Fairfield Township, Montoursville Borough, Loyalsock Township and the City of Williamsport, Lycoming County. Motorists should expect lane restrictions, as the work takes place 6pm to 6am. The project will take weeks to complete.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Department of Health reports the statewide COVID cases rose by 3,126. Locally, Lycoming County 35 new, Northumberland 17 new, Snyder 8 new, Union 8 new, Columbia 6 new and Montour County 5 new COVID cases reported today.

THE GALLERY AT PENN COLLEGE “NOT A BREATH OF WIND”

A virtual display of kinetic sculptures and carved objects runs March 16 through April 26 on the Gallery at Penn College’s website. “Not a Breath of Wind” is the lastest online exhibit, showcasing work by John Douglas Powers, an associate professor of sculpture and time-based art at the University of Tennessee. According to the Milton Standard Journal, this virtual exhibit”is the seventh online presentation offered by The Gallery at Penn College since last spring. The show runs in tandem with another online exhibit, “Second Nature,” which can also be viewed in person at the gallery through April 9.

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM RECOGNIZED FOR SUCCESS

Members of the Central Mountain girls’ basketball team, Heartland Conference champions, were recognized for their outstanding season when conference honors were announced this week.  According to the Record-online.com, this year’s squad finished as Class 5A District 6/8/9 runner-up and won the Heartland Conference large school division.

CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES IN LOCK HAVEN

A long, detailed investigation led to a Lock Haven man and child pornography on his computer. State police from the organization’s Northeast Computer Crime Unit obtained a computer for evidence and  Brendon William Griffin, 21,  Lock Haven was arrested, arraigned and placed in the Clinton County Correctional Facility in default of $100,000 bail. A preliminary hearing date will be set within the next seven days. The hearing will be before the Honorable Judge Keith G. Kibler.

PA TAX DEADLINE EXTENDED

Pennsylvania is moving its tax filing deadline to May 17 in a move mirroring a step taken by the IRS on Wednesday, meaning the Department of Revenue will waive penalties and interest on final 2020 personal income tax returns and payments through the new deadline. In an announcement by the IRS, under Pennsylvania law, the deadline for filing state income tax returns is tied to the deadline set at the federal level.  Individual taxpayers can also postpone federal income tax payments for the 2020 tax year due on April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed, the IRS said.

FELONY FIREARM CHARGES AT BLOOMSBURG UNIVERSITY

A Philadelphia man was charged with two felonies after a loaded gun was discovered inside a dorm room on Bloomsburg University campus. According to the Daily Item, on Feb. 15, Antonio Quahdeir Neal, 20, of Philadelphia, allegedly brought a loaded firearm into the Jessica Kozloff apartments, located on the campus of Bloomsburg University. Neal was charged with two second-degree felonies of receiving stolen property and possessing a firearm with manufacturer numbers altered. Neal was also charged with a first-degree misdemeanor of firearm not to be carried without a license.

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN AND VALLEY SCHOOLS

Valley school districts will receive a combined $49 million of Pennsylvania’s allocation from the newly passed American Rescue Plan. Just how districts can spend that money remains to be seen, but federal officials say districts should expect the money soon and want to see it spent quickly. According to the Daily Item, Pennsylvania schools will share $4.9 billion of the $122 billion in relief for K-12 schools across the nation.Valley schools will see between $1.6 million (Southern Columbia) and $6.5 million (Shikellamy). Selinsgrove is projected to receive $4.9 million And Warrior Run, $3.5 million.

FEMA PROVIDES ASSISTANCE DURING THE PANDEMIC

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced that, in April,  it will start reimbursing families for COVID-19 related funerals.As reported on the FEMA website, Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. According to the Daily Item, to be eligible, FEMA said the death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. The person applying must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020. FEMA said it will begin accepting applications in April. For more details, visit FEMA.gov.

MARCH MADNESS

Texas Southern over Mount St Mary’s 60-52, Drake by one point over Wichita State 53-52, Norfolk State defeats Appalachian State in a one point game at 54-53 and UCLA wins over Michigan State 86-80

NHL

Devils over the Penguins 3-2, Bruins top the Sabres 4-1, Flyers over the Islanders 4-3, Blue Jackets defeat the Hurricanes 3-2, the Lightning over the Blackhawks 4-2, the Predators defeated the Panthers 2-1, Red Wings over the Stars 3-2, Oilers beat the Jets 2-1, Avalanche over the Wild 5-1 and in overtime it  was the Ducks over the Coyotes 3-2

MONTGOMERY AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT  NEW HEAD VARSITY FOOTBALL COACH

The Montgomery area school district has approved the hiring of Christian Digs as the new head varsity football coach. According to SUN Gazette, the board also approved Brady Chappell  the a new volunteer varsity baseball coach.

CHAMPIONSHIP HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS SCHEDULE

PIAA Basketball playoffs  Class AAA Girls Quarterfinals: Loyalsock at West Catholic tonight 6:30pm.

Class A Boys Quarterfinals: St John Neuman at Nativity BVM tonight 7:00pm.

Class AAA Boys Quarterfinals:  Executive Education at Loyalsock Sat 1:00pm.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 18, 2021

SHIKELLAMY BOYS BASKETBALL

It’s a disappointing end to an incredible season for the Shikellamy Boys Basketball, after more positive tests of COVID-19. According to a media outlet, Superintendent Dr. Jason Bendle made that announcement yesterday, after an additional four cases were reported within the program. Shikellamy beat Central Mountain last week to win its first district title since 1979. According to a tweet from PIAA yesterday Central Mountain will replace Shikellamy in the PIAA Class 5A bracket to play at Lower Dauphin Friday night in the quarterfinals.

COVID-19 NUMBERS TO DATE

Wednesday, the state Department of Health confirmed 3,004 new cases, bringing the state’s total to 973,721 since the pandemic began. Locally, Lycoming County 19 new today; Clinton County6 new today; Tioga 3 new today; Sullivan County  6 new today Northumberland County has 16, Union County has five new cases, Snyder County has three, Montour County has three.

CHILD ENDANGERMENT

State police in Milton say Kelli Edwards of Olyphant, PA is facing charges after reports that she was traveling with two children in the vehicle while having suicidal and homicidal thoughts. According to a media outlet, Edwards was traveling eastbound in Interstate 80 around 10:45 a.m. on March 4 when police observed her vehicle, took her into custody and took her for chemical testing, as she was reported to be under the influence. Charges have been filed in District Court.

ASSAULT IN BLOOMSBURG

Matthew David Dressler, 31, of Bloomsburg, and Ariel Lynn Long, 27, of Bloomsburg,  and Amy Fausnaught, 40, of Bloomsburg were  all charged with a third-degree felony for their alleged involved in an assault on 206 Glenn Ave Jan 10. Dressler and Long were released on $10,000 unsecured bail on March 12. Court records do not show any bail listed for Fausnaught.

FELONY ATTEMPT TO EVADE CHARGES IN HIGH SPEED CHASE

Joshua C. Leach, 45, of Smithville, Ohio, faces felony charges as he led police in Union County on a high-speed chase, reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour as he fled into Clinton and Centre counties on Interstate 80. District Judge Lori R. Hackenberg set Leach’s bail at $100,000 monetary. He was remanded to Union County Jail. Formal arraignment in front of President Judge Michael T. Hudock is set for April 26.

POSSESSION OF WEAPON IN USP LEWISBURG

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has reported that Hugo Reynosa, age 25, an inmate at the (USP Lewisburg) was indicted March 16, 2021, by a federal grand jury for charges of possessing of a weapon in prison. Northcentralpa.com adds Reynosa is facing a maximum of five years of incarceration and a $250,000 fine.

MONTGOMERY SCHOOL DISTRICT MENTAL HEALTH TRAINED

The mental health of children, even before COVID arrived, was an issue and the Montgomery School District has stepped forward with plans to help. Denise Liscum, secondary school counselor at the Montgomery Area School District, noted that more recently the district has started to provide school-based outpatient mental health counseling  and teachers with mental health first aid training and suicide prevention. Through a grant, the district was able to hire a full-time licensed professional counselor so that students have access to therapeutic intervention at an individual and group level.

LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL PLANS TO PLAN IN MID-MAY

Little League International says mid-May is when it will make a final decision about this year’s Little League Baseball World Series, as well as regional and World Series tournaments across all divisions, this according to a zoom press conference with president and CEO Steve Keener Tuesday. Keener also reported, if the Little League World Series is in South Williamsport, Major League Baseball advised Little League “they will make every effort to play the MLB Classic Game at Bowman Field as previously scheduled.” The Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Angels are scheduled to play in this year’s Little League Classic.

BILLTOWN BLUES FESTIVAL SET FOR JUNE 2021

The Billtown Blues Association (BBA) is excited to present the second year of the expanded three-day Billtown Blues Festival, planned for June 11, 12, and 13, 2021 at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds in Hughesville. Seventeen bands are on board to deliver their individual styles and interpretations, covering the diverse palette of blues music.Tickets for the festival are available online through Brown Paper Tickets or by mail order. All festival information including tickets and camping information are available at billtownblues.org. The Billtown Blues Association recommends checking the website often for important updates.

STAY HEALTH, STAY SECURE TSA WILLIAMSPORT REGIONAL AIRPORT

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has installed new acrylic shields at the security checkpoint at Williamsport Regional Airport as part of the agency’s “Stay Healthy. Stay Secure.” campaign designed to advise travelers of airport checkpoint modifications and procedures designed to contain the spread of COVID-19. These include social distancing, reduced physical contact between travelers and TSA officers during the screening process, use of personal protective equipment by TSA officers, and extra cleaning and disinfecting in the security checkpoint.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NHL

CANUCKS OVER THE SENATORS 3-2, RANGERS SHUT OUT THE FLYERS 9-0, JETS BEAT THE CANADIENS 4-3, OILERS OVER THE FLAMES 7-3, GOLDEN KNIGHTS BEAT THE SHARKS 5-4 AND THE KINGS DEFEATED THE BLUES 4-1

MARCH MADNESS SCHEDULE

#16 TEXAS SOUTHERN VS #16 MOUNT ST MARY’S  AT 5;10PM

#11 DRAKE VS #11 WICHITA STATE 6:27 PM

#16 APPALACHIAN STATE VS #16 NORFOLK ST  8:40 PM

#11 UCLA VS #11 MICHIGAN STATE 9:57 PM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The mental health of children, even before COVID arrived, was an issue and the Montgomery School District has stepped forward with plans to help. Denise Liscum, secondary school counselor at the Montgomery Area School District, noted that more recently the district has started to provide school-based outpatient mental health counseling  and teachers with mental health first aid training and suicide prevention. Through a grant, the district was able to hire a full-time licensed professional counselor so that students have access to therapeutic intervention at an individual and group level.

Little League International says mid-May is when it will make a final decision about this year’s Little League Baseball World Series, as well as regional and World Series tournaments across all divisions, this according to a zoom press conference with president and CEO Steve Keener Tuesday. Keener also reported, if the Little League World Series is in South Williamsport, Major League Baseball advised Little League “they will make every effort to play the MLB Classic Game at Bowman Field as previously scheduled.” The Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Angels are scheduled to play in this year’s Little League Classic.

Joshua C. Leach, 45, of Smithville, Ohio, faces felony charges as he led police in Union County on a high-speed chase, reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour as he fled into Clinton and Centre counties on Interstate 80. District Judge Lori R. Hackenberg set Leach’s bail at $100,000 monetary. He was remanded to Union County Jail. Formal arraignment in front of President Judge Michael T. Hudock is set for April 26.

 

 

The Billtown Blues Association (BBA) is excited to present the second year of the expanded three-day Billtown Blues Festival, planned for June 11, 12, and 13, 2021 at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds in Hughesville. Seventeen bands are on board to deliver their individual styles and interpretations, covering the diverse palette of blues music.Tickets for the festival are available online through Brown Paper Tickets or by mail order. All festival information including tickets and camping information are available at billtownblues.org. The Billtown Blues Association recommends checking the website often for important updates.

 

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has reported that Hugo Reynosa, age 25, an inmate at the (USP Lewisburg) was indicted March 16, 2021, by a federal grand jury for charges of possessing of a weapon in prison. Northcentralpa.com adds Reynosa is facing a maximum of five years of incarceration and a $250,000 fine.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has installed new acrylic shields at the security checkpoint at Williamsport Regional Airport as part of the agency’s “Stay Healthy. Stay Secure.” campaign designed to advise travelers of airport checkpoint modifications and procedures designed to contain the spread of COVID-19. These include social distancing, reduced physical contact between travelers and TSA officers during the screening process, use of personal protective equipment by TSA officers, and extra cleaning and disinfecting in the security checkpoint.

 

 

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