BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 20, 2021

SNYDER COUNTY DA SEEKING DEATH PENALTY
A Paxinos man charged with killing his estranged ex-wife  and her friend outside Buffalo Wild Wings Mifflinburg may face the death penalty after the Snyder County’s District Attorney filed a notice of intent yesterday.  55-year-old Christopher Fernanders faces two counts of first degree murder, illegal possession of a firearm, stalking and a PFA violation.  According to media outlets, 46 year old Heather Campbell of Trevorton, and 52-year-old Matthew Bowersox of Mifflinburg were shot last July and a bystander shot a fleeing Fernanders who was hospitalized before he was arraigned for the crime.  Fernanders remains incarcerated in Snyder County Prison without bail.

DR LEVINE TAPPED BY BIDEN ADMINISTRATION
The person who has emerged as the public face of the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine has been tapped by the Biden Administration to be the country’s assistant secretary of health.  Dr. Levine, will be one of  the few transgender people serving in elected or appointed positions nationwide. She  is a pediatrician and former Pennsylvania physician general and was appointed to her current post by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf in 2017.

ROCK SLIDE CAUSED LAIRDSVILLE DETOUR
There was a detour on Route 220 and Route 42 needed after a rockslide closed roadways near Lairdsville yesterday.  According to PennDOT both the eastbound and westbound lanes of Route 118 were closed following the large amount of rock that completely blocked the roadway.  Route 118 is closed between Route 405 in Hughesville Borough and Route 42 in Jordan Township.  The road was cleared and reopened later in the afternoon

DREAM WEEK ACTIVITIES IN WILLIAMSPORT
It’s Dream Week  this week and in Williamsport, local colleges, STEPAmericorp the Beloved Community continue to be encouraged to focus on service to others to honor the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.’s life.  The Sun Gazette noted that Mayor Derek Slaughter mad the point that we can work on Dr. King’s work not for a week but every day.  Thursday Penn College of Technology will host a virtual talk by April Reign, who has sought racial equality in the entertainment industry by creating the hashtag OscarsSOWhite. Information to sign on to Thursday’s ZOOM event at 7pm, is on the STEP AmeriCorps website.

POCONO SHOOTING SPREE SUSPECTS IN CUSTODY
Five people have been taken into custody after a Pocono shooting spree left four people wounded Monday night.  Four young adults and one juvenile male were virtually arraigned Tuesday at the Monroe County Jail after they were rounded up by police who say the shooting incidents were all a case of mistaken identity.  According to WNEP, The five suspects driving around A Pocono Country Place neighborhood misidentified someone in another vehicle as a person they had a problem with and opened fire.  A car chase ensued into the town of Tobyhanna and more shots were fired.  Police say a mother and son inside a house at the original neighborhood were discovered to be hit and wounded by the suspect’s gunfire, a man from the Bronx driving nearby was shot in the head along Route 196 and another person from Henryville, who was uninvolved hit by gunfire prior to crashing his car.  Three victims are stable and one is in critical condition today.

MAN ATTEMPTS BREAK IN AT POLICE STATION
A man from Jersey Shore is in custody today following an attempt to break into the Tiadaghton Valley Police station .  According to the Sun Gazette, 40 year old Aaron Hall became aggressive last Saturday afternoon by banging on the front door of the police station and then smashed a window.  Hall told police he was proving a point about alleged police corruption, but did not comply with any police commands and was subsequently tased, he was charged with aggravated assault, institutional vandalism resisting arrest and other charges.  He is in the Lycoming County Prison unable to post 65 thousand dollars bail. The police say Hall was shown in surveillance cameras to be loitering around the station prior to the incident.

COVID UPDATE
Lycoming County reports  60 new cases of the coronavirus as of yesterday,  Northumberland has 56, Clinton County has 16 new cases. The state Department of Health confirmed 5,341 new statewide cases and 77 new fatalities.  Lycoming reports 47 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, and no people on ventilators at this time.  Statewide hospitalizations remain over 4,500 – of those patients, over 900 are in the ICU and over 500 are on ventilators

VACCINE DISTRIBUTION PHASE UPDATED
The phase 1A vaccine distribution guidelines have been updated as of today to include those who are age 65 and older, as well as those age 16 to 64 with serious health conditions, According to the state Department of Health.  Conditions like cancer, chronic kidney disease, smoking, type 2 diabetes, heart conditions, obesity, sickle cell and pregnancy are considered to be high-risk conditions and now fall under the eligibility guidelines for the vaccine.  Department of Health officials say the state Emergency Management Agency is working on setting up mass vaccine clinics.  There are approximately 3.5 million Pennsylvanians in phase 1A for vaccination eligibility and a full list of conditions and persons who are eligible is available online Here.  https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Vaccine.aspx#data

SPORTS

NFL
The Conference Championships are  Sunday at 3:05pm between the Buccaneers and the Packers, the Bills play the Chiefs at 6:40pm
NBA
Nuggets beat Thunder 119 to 101, Jazz beat the Pelicans 118 to 102
NBA Tonight
Nets play the Cavaliers in Ohio and the Celtics come to Philly to play the 76ers; both games @7, Wizards and Hornets are postponed

NHL
Devils beat Rangers 4 to 3, Flyers beat the Sabres 3-nothing, Panthers beat the Blackhawks 5-4, Penguins over the Capitals 5-4, Jets beat the Senators 4-3, Red Wings over the Blue jackets 3-2, Avalanche beat Kings 3-2, Stars and Lightning, and Hurricanes and Predators were postponed.
HS Basketball Boys
Sullivan County beat Montgomery 55-33, Loyalsock Township beat Williamsport 52-41, South Williamsport beat Millville 66-41, Muncy beat Benton 65-26
HS Girls Basketball
Athens beat North Penn Mansfield 52-25, – Canton over Williamson 49-34
HS Wrestling
Canton defeated Towanda 60-15, Athens beat Wyalusing  40-25

HS Swimming
Williamsport Boys defeated  Lewisburg 111-51 and so did the Williamsport Girls 115-63

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 19, 2020

MOTHER ACCUSED OF STABBING INFANT INCARCERATED
The investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding the case of 22 year old Corrie Cowlay-Saunders, of Adams St., who was charged with criminal homicide and attempted homicide for stabbing her 5 month-old infant and  the baby’s father.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Lycoming County Coroner has completed the autopsy of the child , Cailani Faltz, who police allege was stabbed in the neck by her mother – no further details have been released.  Faltz’s father, Cordell Faltz, was also injured in the neck and jaw.  Cowlay-Saunders is in the Lycoming County Prison and has been denied bail, her preliminary hearing in District Court  is Thursday.

GRANTS COMING TO LOCAL SCHOOLS AFFECTED BY VIRUS
Many local schools including The Williamsport Area School District,  South Williamsport Area, Loyalsock Township, East Lycoming, Montgomery, Muncy and others are set to receive almost $9 million as part of the $2.2 billion in federal stimulus funds being dedicated statewide for financial support during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Pennsylvania’s Department of Education will distribute the funds directly to the school districts who apply using the Title I, Part-A formula, the amount based on the percentage of students in a district who qualify for reduced or subsidized lunches. The funds can be used for a wide range of activities and must be used by September of 2023.

CANDY DESK SUPPLY GOES TO NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS
Senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania recently took a back stock of candy used to supply the US Government’s  famous candy desk and created care packages for the National Guard who have been called to protect areas of the Capitol Complex in Washington DC.  According to CBS Pittsburgh, as a tradition since 1968, the candy desk has been maintained by Senator Toomey since 2015 and many Pennsylvania candy making companies have provided the United States Senate with the treats even before Toomey when Rick Santorum maintained the Hershey chocolate supply through 2007.

VOTE FOR BUTTER UP CONTEST
The virtual Farm show is in the history books, but Pennsylvania residents still have a responsibility to vote for the winner of the “Butter Up” Contest – a competition of mini butter sculptures made by the public in lieu of the traditional sculpture usually shown at the in-person Farm Show in Harrisburg.  The farm show posted all of the entries to its Facebook page where you can react.  One winner will be selected from each age bracket based on Facebook likes.  Voting for the “Butter Up” contest is open through 1 p.m. on Friday.

HARRISBURG WOMAN IN CUSTODY FOR ALLEGEDLY STEALING LAPTOP AT CAPITOL
An alleged Capitol rioter from Harrisburg accused by a former partner of stealing a laptop or hard drive from Nancy Pelosi’s office has surrendered to authorities, two sources confirmed to CBS News. The FBI reports that Riley June Williams of Harrisburg is being investigated for the theft of the device while she was trespassing on Capitol grounds with the intent to sell it to a friend in Russia. There are reports of a laptop being taken from the US Capitol, but it was only one used in a conference room for presentations.

COVID UPDATE
In its daily update Monday which includes Sunday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed 10,068 new cases of the coronavirus over the last two days, and 80 new fatalities were reported.  90 new cases have been confirmed in Montour County ,Northumberland County has 78 new cases, Union has 26 and Snyder has 36.  Lycoming County  has  29 new cases reported today with 44 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, and 3 on ventilators.  Statewide hospitalizations continue decreasing, down to over 4,500 now being reported– of those patients, over 900 are in the ICU and over 500 are on ventilators.

AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY ELIGIBLE FOR CARES ACT FUNDS
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has a new grant program that will provide financial assistance to marine fisheries participants negatively affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The program is made possible by the federal CARES Act and $3.3 million can go to Pennsylvania residents who are seafood processors, wholesale dealers/distributers, and other aquaculture operations including commercial fishing. Completed application packages must be received by 4 p.m., February 26th.  A direct link to grant application materials is online HERE:

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO CLEAN UP WREATHS
Volunteers are being sought to pick up over 40 thousand live balsam wreaths that were placed on the Hallowed Grounds of Indiantown Gap National Cemetery during Wreaths Across America Day on December 19th.  Through the Wreaths Across America Program and Mission, the effort will return the cemetery to its pristine state on Saturday, January 30th 2021, when volunteers following CDC guidelines will gather on the plaza on the PA Veterans Memorial near Annville, PA at before 8am and coordinate the clean up effort.  There’s no age limit for those who wish to help. Information about the event is at wreathsacrossamaerica.org

SPORTS
NBA
Knicks beat Magic 91 to 84, Hawks beat Timberwolves 108 to 97, Spurs beat the Trailblazers 125 to 104, Grizzlies beat the Suns 108 to 104, Nets beat the Bucks 125 to 123, Raptors beat the Mavericks 116 to 93, Heat beat the Pistons 113 to 107, Bulls beat Rockets 125 to 120, Warriors beat the Lakers 115 to 113, Cavaliers and Wizards were postponed

NHL
Blue Jackets beat Red Wings 3-2, Islanders blanked the Bruins 1-nothing, Maple Leafs beat Jets 3-1, Sabres defeated the Flyers 6-1, Blues beat Sharks 5-4, Hurricanes beat the Predators 4-2, Flames over the Canucks 5-2, Canadians beat the Oilers 3-1, Ducks blanked Wild 1-nothing, Golden knights beat Coyotes 4-2.

NFL
The Conference Championships are  Sunday at 3:05pm between the Buccaneers and the Packers, the Bills play the Chiefs at 6:40pm

HS Boys Basketball
Montoursville beat Saint Joseph 58 to 42, Wyalusing beat North Penn Mansfield 64-59, Central Columbia defeated Lewisburg 61-36, Athens beat Sayre 54-41

Girls  Basketball
Cowanesque Valley beat Williamson in OT 47-42, Lewisburg beat Muncy 37-15, Williamsport beat Jersey Shore 52-18.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 18, 2021

NEW RESTAURANT BEING BROUGHT TO GOLDEN STRIP NEXT YEAR
The land where the former Ruby Tuesday’s was located in Loyalsock TownShip is expected to be the new location for a soon to be built Texas Roadhouse Restaurant.  At this time, according to the Sun Gazette, the township supervisors have yet to review and approve the land development plan, which will start the process of working with the landlord to get the proper permits to demolish the existing building on East Third St.  A Texas Roadhouse Restaurant spokesman said the opening date will be sometime in 2022.

VIDEO SCOREBOARD COMING FOR BOWMAN FIELD
Bids were officially opened this week as City officials seek to install a future video scoreboard at Bowman Field.  According to the Sun Gazette, city engineer, Jon Sander opened the bids in a virtual meeting that was originally delayed due to technical issues, but included offers from TSI, Lundy Construction, Daktronics and Samsung which will now be reviewed by the Larson Design Group.  The $1.2 million state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project grant will pay for the video scoreboard project and was obtained through application to the Office of Budget of Gov. Tom Wolf by the former city administration.

COVID PUBLIC HEALTH CAMPAIGN
The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP), a collaboration of UPMC, The Evangelical Community Hospital and Geisinger Medical Center has joined together to launch a public health campaign aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 with the theme, “FCFP brought us together. To keep you apart.”  They say individual behaviors – not healthcare organizations – will determine how long this pandemic continues to impact our region. The campaign will appear on billboards and video ads through social media and YouTube.

MLK, JR DAY TODAY
It’s Martin Luther King Jr Day today and members of who he called the Beloved Community will be working together this week during “Dream Week” in Williamsport.  Local Churches and groups organized an effort last year to bring awareness to racial injustice as well as reminding all that they are are equally loved and valued.  The theme for Dream Week in Williamsport in 2021 is “Better Together” and events for the week at Penn College can be found at https://pctoday.pct.edu/  planned in co-operation with STEP AmeriCorps, Penn College, Lycoming College and the Beloved Community Council

LOCAL COVID UPDATE
Lycoming County has 63 new cases of the coronavirus reported by the PA Department of Health.  Northumberland County has 47 new cases, Union has 34 new cases, Montour has 23 new cases, and Snyder has 18 new cases.. Statewide, 7,166 new cases have been confirmed and 231 new deaths were reported   Statewide hospitalizations have decreased a third straight day, down to over 4,700 now being reported– of those patients, just under 600 are on ventilators.

STATE TROOPERS TO COLLECT PROFILE DATA
If you’re stopped by a Pennsylvania State Troopers this year they will be collecting data to include your age, gender, race and ethnicity in a new program meant to identify potential patterns of racial bias in policing.  Troopers will also record how long the traffic stop lasted, if your car was searched, as well as the results of that search.  Once the year of data is collected it will be send to the University of Cincinnati to be analyzed.  A similar data reporting program quietly ended after 2011 and state lawmakers have been working to reinstate it.

SCAMMERS CALLING ABOUT AMAZON OR FED EX
The Montoursville Police Department is advising the public that there are fraudulent calls coming from someone saying they are from Amazon or Fed Ex reported in our area.  The criminals are claiming that there is a problem with the victim’s account in the Amazon case and the Fed Ex scam claims they need a signature for a package but police say they are investigating when victims will and won’t be home.  Police say not to return the call, engage in a conversation, or give any personal information to strangers who call you.

GEISINGER HAS VACCINATED 20 THOUSAND PEOPLE SO FAR
Sources at the Geisinger Medical Center report a health care milestone of 20,000 vaccinations has been reached. Of the 20,000 doses of vaccines provided so far, more than 16,000 were first doses, 14,000 of which were for employees.  They said about 60% of the health system’s employees are vaccinated. Geisinger says they complied with the mandate that at least 10% of its first doses go to non-Geisinger healthcare personnel in the state’s Phase 1A groups.  Second dose vaccinations for employees began January 6 and nearly 4,000 employees are now fully vaccinated.

SPORTS
NFL
This weekend’s NFL Divisional Playoffs in the NFC – Packers beat the Rams 30 to 18 and Buccaneers beat the Saints last night 30 to 20, Bills beat the Ravens 17 -3 in the AFC and the Chiefs beat the Browns 20 to 17
The Conference Championship is next Sunday at 3:05 between the Buccaneers and the Packers, the Bills play the Chiefs at 6:40 PM
NBA
Knicks beat the Celtics 105 to 75, the Bulls beat the Mavericks 117 to 101, Jazz beat the Nuggets 109 to 105, Pelicans beat the Kings 128 to 123, Clippers beat the Pacers 129 to 96, Cavaliers and Wizards, and 76ers and Thunder were postponed.
College basketball Sunday
Men’s
Purdue beat Penn State 80 to 75,
Women’s
Bucknell beat Lehigh 80 to 66, and #22 Northwestern defeated Penn State 67-50

HS Boys BBall Saturday: St John Neumann over Millville 76-42, Williamsport 57 beat McCaskey 44, Loyalsock over Tyrone 78-71, Muncy over CMVT 73-38, Montoursville over Benton 56-34, South over Northwest  52-29, Mount Carmel over Hughesville 65-54, Mifflinburg over Montoursville 68-63, Danville defeats Lewisburg 61-25, NPL over CV 70-38 Warrior Run defeated Midd-West 69-50

HS Girls BBall Saturday Athens over Wellsboro 28-22, Towanda over NPL 59-26 Troy defeated Williamson 27-22, Canton over NPM 44-26

Today HS Basketball
HS boys basketball
Wellsboro at Canton at 6 PM in North Penn Mansfield at Wyalusing@6, Central Mountain at Milton, Lewisburg at Central Columbia, Montoursville at St Joseph’s, and Loyalsock at Williamsport @ 7:30
HS Girls Muncy at Lewisburg, Williamson at Cowanesque Valley, Jersey Shore at Williamsport @ 7:30
HS Wrestling Bloomsburg comes to Southside @7

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 15, 2020

NATIONAL GUARD AT THE CAPITOL AND IN THE COMMONWEALTH
About 1000 members of the PA National Guard have been sent to Washington DC to assist with security measures in the Nation’s Capital ahead of President elect Joe Bidens’ inauguration, but according to Governor Tom Wolf, about 450 more members of the Pennsylvania National Guard have been put on active duty for security in the state. Governor Tom Wolf said yesterday he will not allow what happened at our nation’s capital to happen in Pennsylvania.

MUNICIPAL ELECTION PETITIONS CAN BEGIN IN FEBRUARY
Lycoming County Voter services has announced that potential political candidates interested in running for office in the 2021 Municipal Primary can begin circulating nomination petitions for the race that will take place on May 18th. The deadline for filing the petitions at the county voter registration office is Tuesday March 9, 2021.  Instructions specific to running for the positions as well as for poll worker offices will be available February 9 at lyco.org.

BIDS OPENED FOR LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP PROJECTS
Loyalsock Township supervisors reviewed bids and awarded contracts Tuesday for removing architectural barriers and will begin the process to meet more requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act . According to the Sun Gazette, the bids were reviewed by Anthony Visco Architects and SEDA-COG and will be funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.  A curb cut and a handicapped ramp project was approved and construction bids are expected to out by April with the work to be performed in Summer of 2021.

USAC DIRT TRACK CHAMP TO TEST NEW BLOOMSBURG RACEWAY TRACK TODAY
Dirt Track Racing returns to the Bloomsburg Fair in 2021, and with it comes a brand new one million dollar dirt track designed by 5 time Sprint National Champion of dirt track racing and vice president of USAC Levi Jones, who will test the track this morning at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds raceway before they complete the grandstand constuction.  Brian Wawroski, Superintendent of the Grandstand and Bloomsburg Fair board member, says Jones will test the new track this morning.  Rapid Tire Service USAC East Coast Series is the first event on the new track… <<OPENING DAY – BRIAN W>>Fans can expect the Bloomsburg Fair to return September 24th through October 2nd 2021.

WOMAN CHARGED WITH ENDANGERING CHILD AFTER DUI ACCIDENT
A Union County woman on probation in Northumberland County was charged with endangering her child after crashing her vehicle while under the influence of drugs.  According to north Central PA dot com, 25 year old Tommie Schoolie of Lewisburg and a juvenile were found injured outside the vehicle following an accident on September 13th  on Stein Lane in East Buffalo Township.  Buffalo Valley Regional Police say Schooley denied the use of drugs, but officials at Geisinger Medical Center confirmed drug use in a toxicology screening.  The juvenile boy sustained a skull fracture in the incident.  Schoioley’s preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 4 in Lewisburg.

WATER AUTHORITY BOARD RE-ELECTED
All five of the board members of the Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority were re-elected this week with Paul Wentzler and Victor Marquardt serving as president  and vice-president respectively.  According to the Sun Gazette, in addition to re-electing officers, the Authority approved an 80 thousand dollar “Growing Greener” grant that will help the area adhere to state mandated pollution requirements as part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program as part or Eck’s Run Stormwater Basin Retrofit Project.

VIRTUAL DREAM WEEK STARTS MONDAY
In the spirit of diversity and engagement, a Virtual Dream week will kick off in Williamsport Monday with the theme of “Better Together”.  In a joint effort by Pennsylvania College of Technology, Lycoming College, STEP Americorp and the Beloved Community Council, the week is for citizens to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. whose birthday is January 18th and a federal holiday.  The annual peace walk will not be held in person but a small group will kick off the week while being livestreamed by members of the BBC.  Penn College holds it’s fundraising event THON next Tuesday and Wednesday along with an American Red Cross blood drive.  Links to events will be on the STEP Americorp Facebook page.

PIAA MUST ADHERE TO RIGHT TO KNOW LAW
Pennsylvania’s Office of Open Records has determined that the PIAA the governing body for scholastic sports in Pennsylvania is subject to the Right to Know law and must turn over a large amount of documents, including financial records from District 4 to a man from Bucks County who filed the request last November. According to the Daily Item, Simon Campbell filed the request in response to the paper seeking the information  about District 4, to which the PIAA responded by asking the court to remove them from being included in the Right to Know law.  According to a recent final determination from the OOR, the PIAA through school districts uses public funds for fees and memberships and both the association and Campbell have 30 days to respond.

SPORTS

NBA
76ers beat Heat 125 to 108, Raptors beat the Hornets 111 to 108, the Rockets beat the Spurs 109 to 105, Nuggets beat Warriors 114 to 104, and Pacers beat the Trailblazers 111 to 87

NBA tonight
New York Knicks go to Cleveland @7:30

NFL Division playoffs
Saturday
NFC – Rams vs Packers @4:35 @Lambeau
AFC Ravens vs the Bills @ 8:15
Sunday
AFC – the Browns vs the Chiefs in Kansas City @ 3:05
NFC – Buccaneers vs the Saints @6:40 in New Orleans

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 14, 2021

NO INJURIES IN BARN FIRE
There were no injuries reported after a family’s barn caught fire yesterday morning in Cascade Township. According to the Sun Gazette, the owner of the Rose Valley Road home said she awoke to the dog barking early Wednesday and then saw the glow of the fire on the property.   The woman, who is 6 months pregnant, drove to a neighbor’s house to call 911 since there was no phone service there.  The two humans, and a dog plus the six goats who were penned behind the insured storage structure that burned, were unharmed.  Firefighters from six departments responded and the Trout Run Fire Chief said the fire was extinguished before 5:30 am Wednesday.

SHIKELLAMY GOES REMOTE AFTER 4TH POSITIVE TEST
A fourth positive COVID test in 14 days at Shikellamy High School will shut down the school building for the rest of this week.  According to the Daily Item, Superintendent Jason Bendle said the closure effects the High School – not the other schools in the district.  Students will return to class next Tuesday since Monday is an Act 80 day and students have no academic responsibilities.  Lunches for In-Person, Virtual, and Remote Students will be available outside the cafeteria lobby today and tomorrow from 1:00 – 1:30

WILLIAMSPORT READY FOR POTENTIAL UNREST IN THE CITY
With possible protests and demonstrations taking place in the days to come surrounding the inauguration of President elect Joe Biden, local authorities in Williamsport have made statements that they are prepared for any event or demonstrations that could occur.  According to the Sun Gazette,  Williamsport Bureau of Police Chief Damon R. Hagan said his department can effectively handle any incidents within the city and that there has not been any intelligence on local threats  in the city, but that those who might wish protest or demonstrate peacefully will be given space to do so.

THURSDAY FARM SHOW ACTIVITIES
The virtual farm show continues today for kids with an 11am STEM Demonstration – Color Explosion in Pennsylvania milk as well as a noontime online cooking program all sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.  A Farm Show Agricultural Law Symposium takes place in the afternoon as well.  You can watch any of the 2021 Virtual Farm show , called “Cultivating tomorrow” on the PA Farm show facebook page or at farmshow.pa.gov

WOMAN RESCUED FROM WEST BRANCH OF SUSQUEHANNA
A woman was rescued from Susquehanna River’s West Branch river after a car accident about 7:50 am yesterday.  The unidentified woman’s was involved in the crash on the Lewisburg side of the Route 45 bridge that spans the river, but according to the Daily Item she then jumped off the bridge. Cpl. Travis Burrows of the Buffalo Valley Regional Police Department was enroute to the accident and saw the woman in the water and with the help of another witness, used a 100 foot rope for stability in the strong current while they went for the victim.  Two other first responders arrived at the scene and utilized a nearby canoe in the successful attempt of getting the woman out of the water.  The officers were evaluated and realeased from  Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg.. The unidentified woman was taken to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville with minor injuries.

COVID CLAIMS MIDDLEBURG POLICE CHEIF
The police chief of Middleburg has passed away after being ill for the last few weeks with COVID-19.  According to media outlets the acting Mayor of Middleburg Heidi Potter said Police Chief Tony Jordan had been hospitalized for over a week after becoming ill with the coronavirus earlier this month.  Mark Bailey has been serving as Acting Police Chief while Jordan was ill and was formally appointed during Tuesday night’s council meeting.

COVID UPDATE
There are 88 new cases of the coronavirus in Lycoming County, Northumberland has 80, Union County has 108 Snyder has 53 new cases Clinton has 30.  According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health as of midnight yesterday there were 7,619 additional positive cases reported and 349 new fatalities. Lycoming has 65 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 8 in the ICU, 4 on ventilators

VACCINE ROLL-OUT ADJUSTMENTS
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has tweaked the roll-out schedule of vaccinations for COVID-19.  In addition to the health care workers and those in long term care facilities in the 1A distribution phase, they have updated the criteria for the category to include those who are 65 and older, as well as those who have pre-existing conditions.  According to the Secretary of the Pennyslvnai Department of Health,  the state should transition into phase 1B soon which include more age groups and more service workers in additional industries.  Details on the phasing process is available online here.

SPORTS
HS Boys Basketball
Montgomery beat CMVT 61 to 56, Muncy beat Millville 55 to 36, St John Neumann beat Northwest 64-48, Canton beat Cowanesque Valley 57-26
HS Girls Basketball
Saint Joseph’s beat  Montoursville 56-52, Mifflinburg over Jersey Shore 44-36
HS Wrestling
Lewisburg defeated central Columbia 41-28
Tonight HS Sports
HS Boys Basketball
Central Columbia at Hughesville, Muncy at Montoursville, Northumberland Christian at South Williamsport and Warrior Run at Line Mountain, all @ 7:30
HS Girls Basketball
Athens at Wellsboro, North East Bradford at Canton, Williamson at Towanda, North Mansfield at Townada at 7:30 PM
HS Wrestling tonight
Milton at Loyalsock, Hughesville at Southern Columbia, Benton at Montgomery Duboise at Williamsport, Bellefonte at Jersey Shore, Towanda at Warrior run, Montoursville at Midwest, CMVT at Muncy all at 7 PM
NBA
Mavericks beat the Hornets 104 to 93, the Bucks beat the Pistons 110 to 101, the Nets beat the Knicks 116 to 109, Grizzlies beat the Timberwolves 118 to 107, Lakers over Thunder 128 to 99, Clippers beat the Pelicans 111 to 106, Trailblazers beat the Kings 132 to 126,  Jazz and Wizards, Magic and Celtics, and Hawks and Suns were postponed due to Covid
NFL Division playoffs
Saturday
NFC – Rams vs Packers @4:35 @Lambeau
AFC Ravens vs the Bills @ 8:15
Sunday
AFC – the Browns vs the Chiefs in Kansas City @ 3:05
NFC – Buccaneers vs the Saints @6:40 in New Orleans

Klete Keller, a two-time U.S. Olympic swimming gold medalist, was charged Wednesday for allegedly participating in last week’s riots at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Court records say, Keller was charged with obstructing law enforcement, knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and more,  all  federal crimes.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 13, 2021

MUNCY BOROUGH FACES POTENTIAL WRONGFUL TERMINATION LAWSUIT
A lawsuit is pending and concerns have been raised in Muncy Borough about whether the public is being properly notified about council’s public business.  According to the Sun Gazette, a dispute began over a snow removal disagreement  via text December 16th between borough manager Dennis Holt and Council President Ed Feigles.  The result was, at first, Holt being told to move on from his position by Feigles. Following an attempt by Holt to set the problem straight by working with the council, he was then terminated by a letter from the borough’s law firm.  In addition to Holt unable to do business in the borough after December 18th, executive sessions being held without public notice is raising concern among community members. The council had voted 5-2 to terminate Holt, and he told the paper that he is in the process of his own lawsuit in the case.

CITY MAN FLEES FROM POLICE, ARRESTED
A Williamsport man is in prison today after he fled from police and led them on a high speed chase in the city Monday.  According to the Sun Gazette, 31 year old Lindsay Williams of Federal Avenue was allegedly involved in a domestic dispute  Monday night around 9:40 pm and after police were called to Memorial Avenue, Williams was said to have driven away in a 2003  gold Buick Sedan at a high rate of speed, committing moving violations as police looked on.  Police then chased him through Newberry, to Mosser street where the suspect fled on foot.  He was apprehended on Lincoln street and was found to have a suspended license.  His preliminary hearing is January 19th.

NEW SOUTHSIDE MAYOR
There’s a new Southside Mayor.  Marlin Angelo, who is a 26-year police veteran,  was approved by borough council Monday night to fill the vacancy left by the death of David Lechniak.  According to the Sun Gazette, Angelo is a retired officer, lives near Baird Street, and also owns a car lot and some rental properties. He will preside over the borough police department, and his vote to breaks a tie among council members.

FCFP WILL HOLD RAISE THE REGION IN 2021
Raise the Region is on the books for 2021.  The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania has announced their annual fundraising event that helps six local counties support their local nonprofit organizations.  In partnership with Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships, FCFP is preparing the 30-hour fundraising event for March 10th.    On that day, from 6:00 PM through midnight the next day, the public can select to support participating nonprofits. Follow the details at www.RaiseTheRegion.org

PA SENATOR TO BE SEATED TODAY
Jim Brewster will be sworn in as a state senator today, ending a dispute over counting ballots in Allegheny County. The U-S District Court for Western Pennsylvania ruled on Tuesday that disputed votes in the state’s 45th senatorial district should be counted. The G-O-P wanted to toss out 23-hundred mail-in ballots that lacked a written date on the outer envelope, but had been received on time. After Brewster is sworn in, Republicans will still hold a majority of seats in the Pennsylvania Senate.

COVID UPDATE
Lycoming County reports 117 new cases of the coronavirus as of yesterday at midnight, 90 cases were reported in Northumberland County, 36 are in Union County, Tioga County has 14 and Snyder has 10 new cases.  After seeing 166 new cases Monday, Montour County’s case count has already begun being reconciled. The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported  7,275 additional positive cases of COVID-19,  and 227 new deaths  Lycoming has 64 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 7 in the ICU, 6 on ventilators and 9 available ICU beds.

WIFE CHARGED WITH NEGLECT
A Coal Township woman who police say failed to provide care for her 83 year old husband charged to her care, is being charged with neglect and involuntary manslaughter.  According to Coal Township police, 57-year-old Debora Avellino admitted her husband to the Geisinger Shamokin Emergency room with what was determined to be an abscess formed from not being moved , which needed immediate surgery.  Vincent Avellino died from surgery complications November 2. The Office of Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging said they suspect severe neglect in the case.  Mrs Avellino was arraigned yesterday in District Court.

FEDERAL OFFICIALS SEEKING INFORMATION ON CAPITOL RIOTS
The FBI is reaching out and seeking the public’s help in identifying individuals who made unlawful entry into the United States Capitol Building in Washington DC on January 6th.  According to Reuters, some of the potential charges include seditious conspiracy and felony murder.  Legal experts also say individuals could be charged with sedition. Anyone who witnessed any unlawful violent actions at the Capitol or near the area, is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI to verbally report tips.Information, photos, or videos can also be uploaded to fbi.gov/USCapitol.

SPORTS
NBA
76ers beat Heat 137 to 134, Nets beat the Nuggets 122 to 116, Jazz beat Cavaliers 117 to 87, Lakers beat the Rockets 117 to 100, Spurs beat Thunder 112 to 102, Pacers beat Warriors 104 to 95, Celtics and Bulls were postponed due to COVID
NBA tonight
Nets  vs Knicks  at 7:30, Orlando and Boston, and Utah and Washington also postponed.
HS Basketball
Loyalsock beat Bloomsburg 83-55, Hughesville beat Midd-West 78-72, Lewisburg beat Millville 54-30, Canton beat Sayre 68-58 and Shamokin beat Montoursville 50-48
Girls Bball
Montgomery beat CMVT 52-33, Canton beat Cow Valley 34-24, Jersey Shore beat Troy 45-19
HS Swimming Boys
Central Columbia defeated Williamsport 92-75, the girls of Williamsport defeated Central Columbia 122 to 56,
HS Sports tonight
HS Boys basketball @ 7:30
Williamsport goes to Hollidaysburg, Saint John Neumann is at Northwest, Millville heads to Muncy, Montgomery goes to CMVT
HS Girls Basketball @ 7:30
Hughesville at Loyalsock, Mifflinburg at Jersey shore, Saint Joseph’s at Montoursville, Warrior Run at Milton, and Lewisburg goes to Williamsport
HS Wrestling @7pm
Central Columbia at Lewisburg and Canton at Williamson
NFL Division playoffs
Saturday
NFC – Rams vs Packers @4:35 @Lambeau
AFC Ravens vs the Bills @ 8:15
Sunday
AFC – the Browns vs the Chiefs in Kansas City @ 3:05
NFC – Buccaneers vs the Saints @6:40 in New Orleans

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 12, 2021

PA LAWMAKERS ON OPPOSITE SIDE OF IMPEACHMENT DEBATE
Two Pennsylvania lawmakers are split on the decision to pursue impeachment proceedings against President Trump in a vote today on the resolution.  According to the Sun Gazette, Representative Fred Keller a Republican from Kreamer is in strong opposition to the Democrats plan saying impeachment will sow a greater division in the nation.  Senator Bob Casey of Scranton has called for the impeachment of the president and also accountability for those members of Congress who continued to drive toward the effort to overthrow the election. Casey said President Trump betrayed his oath to the Constitution and incited a mob to violence.

HOMELESS MAN FOUND IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP IDENTIFIED
Police suspect the homeless man who was found deceased near a bike path in Loyalsock Township last Saturday passed away from hypothermia and cardiac issues.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Lycoming County Coroner said 67 year old Phillip Steele of Danville had been admitted to UPMC Williamsport before for heart problems.  Pennsylvania State police said he died on January 8th or 9th, but do not suspect foul play in Steele’s death.

PENNDOT PLANS RESURFACING THIS SUMMER
Road resurfacing  and accessibility upgrades are planned for the summer of 2021 in Downtown Williamsport on West Third Street between Walnut and Campbell Streets. In a Williamsport Area Transportation Study technical committee meeting Monday, a PennDOT District 3 spokesperson said the work will only be a resurfacing, not a reconstruction, which will improve the potholes but will still need a future reconstruction to permanently improve the roadway.  There will be about 70 curb cuts and ramps installed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

FARM SHOW PROGRAMS ENCOURAGE STEM LEARNING
The 2021 Virtual Farm show continues today and there are lots of virtual things for the kids to see and do.  Young learners can participate in a virtual scavenger hunt which can  enrich their agriculture and STEM knowledge and allow them to win prizes. There are also live cameras 6am til 8pm of ducklings and bee hives available for viewing at farmshow.pa.gov.  Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding launched “Cultivating Tomorrow,” this week; a series of live panel discussions featuring experts addressing  the issues challenging Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry. Twice a day, at 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM, through this Friday, January 15, watch a diverse array of panelists online daily on the PA Farm Show Facebook page.

SECOND GROUP OF VACCINE RECIPIENTS TO BE CALLED UP
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is beginning to plan a vaccination distribution for people 75 years and older and “essential workers”.  According to Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, the health department has been first focused on vaccinating health care workers and those in long term care facilities across the state.  This second group is being called the 1B group and includes first responders; prison guards; school staff; and food, manufacturing, postal, public transportation and grocery store workers. More than 285,000 shots have been given and the federal government has allocated more than 827,000 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to Pennsylvania
MAN SHOT HIMSELF ACCIDENTALLY IN THE LEG
A Hughesville man accidentally shot himself with the his friends gun in a moving car, on December 30th according to state police at Montoursville.  32 year old Kyle W. Zimmerman of Hughesville was a passenger in the vehicle and accidentally shot himself in the calf with the driver’s  Springfield XDS 9 mm handgun .  Scott D. Danielson, 54, of Grove City entered the parking lot of Sam’s Club, 611 Lycoming Mall Circle, Muncy Township, on July 25 when Zimmerman discharged the pistol, resulting in a need for medical treatment.  Danielson and Zimmerman each were charged with one second-degree misdemeanor count of recklessly endangering another person

COVID UPDATE
There are 51 new cases of coronavirus in Lycoming County as of midnight Monday, but in two days totals for Northumberland reports 86 new cases.  According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, in that same two day span there 12,844 additional positive cases and 186 new fatalities.  As a result of technical maintenance to the state’s data server on Sunday, some of the numbers may be reconciled later this week.  Lycoming has 64 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 7 in the ICU, 6 on ventilators and 6 available ICU beds.

OVERNIGHT FIRE IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY
The Muncy Volunteer Fire Company and the Muncy Township Fire Company assisted the Warrior Run Area Fire Department on the 600 block of Murray Road in Lewis Township, Northumberland County early this morning.  According to the Sun Gazette, crews were called to a chimney fire around 1am.  Fire personnel said the roof caught fire and the flames also damaged some parts of the first floor of the house and there is smoke damage reported but no injuries.  Three adults and one child were displaced and are now are living with family members.  The Fire Marshall is investigating the blaze.  Crews left the scene around 4:30am

SPORTS

HS Girls Basketball
Loyalsock  downed Montoursville 64-39, South Williamsport over St John Neumann Regional Academy 52 to 25, Hughesville beat Montgomery 44 to 18, and it was Lewisburg over Shikellamy 45-38
HS Boys Basketball
Saint John Neumann defeated South Williamsport 80 to 70, Muncy beat Montgomery 75 to 34, and Meadowbrook Christian over Columbia Montour VO- tech 51-40NCAA Championship game
Alabama beat Ohio State 52 to 24 to win their third college football national championship in six seasons
NBA
Hornets beat the Knicks 109 to 88, Grizzlies beat the Cavaliers 101 to 91, Bucks beat Magic 121 to 99, Wizards beat the Suns 128 to 107, Hawks beat the 76ers 112 to 94, Trailblazers beat the Raptors 112 -111, Kings beat the Pacers 127 to 122, Pelicans and Mavericks are postponed because of COVID issues
NBA tonight
Miami comes to Philadelphia at 7pm, and Denver is in Brooklyn for 730 tip-off
NFL Division playoffs
Saturday
NFC – Rams vs Packers @4:35 @Lambeau
AFC Ravens vs the Bills @ 8:15
Sunday
AFC – the Browns vs the Chiefs in Kansas City @ 3:05
NFC – Buccaneers vs the Saints @6:40 in New Orleans

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 11, 2021

PA LAWMAKER JOINS BIPARTISAN MOVE TO REQUEST TRUMPS RESIGNATION
Pennsylvania Republican Pat Toomey was on the Sunday news shows supporting an increasingly bipartisan move to call for President Trump to resign from his position as President of the United States.  Toomey’s words, along with those Republicans from Alaska and Missouri who are calling for Trumps resignation, chime in with national corporate statements, some refusing to consider future contributions to campaigns of lawmakers who supported challenges to Biden’s Electoral College win, including Blue Cross Blue Shield and Citigroup.  Impeachment is being considered, but Senate Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell said a trial could not happen before January 20th,   Vice President Mike has the option this week to invoke the 25th amendment, if it’s determined that the President is unfit for office.

GUNMAN WHO SHOT DELIVERY DRIVER IN CUSTODY
17 year old Nigel Staten-Chambers , was arraigned last week in Williamsport on new charges brought before him just prior to the preliminary hearing,  for the November incident where he allegedly fired five shots at a pizza delivery man on Market Street. According to police, the new case charges Staten-Chambers with allegedly firing five shots on Nov. 23 at a juvenile on Penn Street. Staten-Chambers will next appear in Middle district court for a preliminary hearing on the Penn Street incident January 15th,  then a formal arraignment is scheduled before Lycoming County Judge Nancy Butts Jan. 28.

NEW MANUFACTURING COMPANY COMING TO AREA
A manufacturer of  electronic and electromechanical devices has purchased Primus Technologies Corp., Williamsport and will relocate their headquarters from South Dakota, to Lycoming County.  Spartronics operates eight facilities in the United States and one in Vietnam.  According to the Suyn Gazette, Primus has employee base of about 400 people in Williamsport, but officials for the new company say there could be new hires.  The Acquisition was complete December 31st.

FARM SHOW ON THIS WEEK
Over 200 virtual exhibits are available during the 2021 Pennsylvania Farm Show that kicked off Saturday.  In-person events are canceled, but every day there will be live videos on the Farm Show Facebook page. According to Farm Show offifcials a new Pa. Farm Show trail map, is available showing vendors all across the commonwealth. A link to the farm show schedule is available  HERE.

DECEASED HOMELESS MAN FOUND IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP
A homeless man was found deceased along a bike path in Loyalsock Township.  According to the Sun Gazette, Lycoming County Coroner Charles Kiessling, is investigating the man’s death and unable to make a determination on the cause before seeing his medical records. Witnesses discovered the body Saturday and Kiessling says he was recognized for frequenting the area around the Market Street Bridge.  State police do not suspect foul play.

COVID UPDATE
Lycoming County has reported 75 new cases of the coronavirus as of Saturday, Northumberland County has 82 Union County has 65 new cases and. Montour has 36 Snyder has 43 new cases.  SCI Coal Township reports a major outbreak,  with 126 inmates infected, along with 15 staff.  According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health,  there are 10,178 new cases in the state and  273 new fatalities.

TALKS OF A UPMC HOSPITAL POLICE FORCE
UPMC Susquehanna is in talks with Williamsport Bureau of Police and the City of Williamsport to develop a police force at their hospital campuses so that officers would be empowered to make arrests when necessary. Officials say the force could initiate an armed security system at Williamsport and Divine Providence hospitals, however, a hospital security force would not respond to assist city police on incidents outside of the campuses.  Members of Williamsport City Council will continue to review the details and specifics of the mutual aid agreement.

RECORD FISH CAUGHT IN SUSQUEHANNA
A record flathead catfish was caught in the Susquehanna river in Pennsylvania.  According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, a Maryland resident Joshua Dixon was fishing about 10 miles south of the Pennsylvania-Maryland state line and caught the 57-pound, 50-inch long flathead catfish which is considered an invasive species in the commonwealth.  Pennlive reports the previous record was a 56-pound fish caught in the Schuylkill River last year.

SPORTS
NFL
Browns beat the Steelers 48-37, Saints beat the Bears 21-9, and Ravens beat the Titans 20-13 on Sunday, Saturday Bills beat the Colts 27-24, Rams beat the Seahawks 30 to 20, and Buccaneers over Washington 31-23
NFL Next Saturday
Rams play the Packers in the NFC divisional playoffs at 4:35 PM in Wisconsin, and the Ravens will play the Bills at 8:15 in the AFC divisional playoffs,
Next Sunday in the AFC, the Browns play the Chiefs in Kansas City at 3:05, and the Buccaneers play the Saints at 6:40 in New Orleans in the NFC
NBA
Jazz beat the Pistons 96-86, Clippers beat the Bulls 130 to 127, Thunder beat the Nets 129 to 116, Nuggets beat the Knicks 114 to 89, Lakers beat the Rockets 120 to 102, Timberwolves beat the Spurs 96 to 88, and the Warriors beat the Raptors 106 to 105, Heat and Celtics were postponed over coronavirus concerns
NBA tonight
The Knicks play the Hornets in Charlotte at 7 PM and the 76’ers go to Atlanta at 7:30.

High school wrestling from Sunday
South Williamsport defeated Mount Carmel 42-36 but then lost to Red Lion 39-32, Northern Lebanon 42-30,and Selinsgrove 51 to 17 but picked up wins against Midwest 54-24

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 8, 2021

RESERVIST CHARGED WITH FORGERY, OTHER CHARGES
A former Lycoming County Prison corrections officer and Army reservist has been charged with forgery, tampering with public records and other charges after he allegedly lied about his mother’s death and submitted documents to his employer to garner fraudulent time off.  According to the Sun Gazette,24 year old Anthoney Brooks of Mifflinburg, turned in paperwork stating he had Army reserve training commitments last July that were later determined to be cancelled as well as taking bereavement leave when his mother was found to still be living.  According to arrest papers, Brooks resigned from the prison Nov. 2, and  is waiting for a preliminary hearing.

PENNSYLVANIA MAN IN THE CAPITOL RIOTS DIED FROM MEDICAL ISSUE
A Pennsylvania man was among the four people who died in Washington DC while a Trump-inspired mob stormed Capitol Hill.  According to Penn Live, Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police have confirmed 50 year old Benjamin Phillips of Ringtown died as a result of an apparent medical emergency.  The Schuylkill County man died along with two others who also passed from medical emergencies as well as a California woman who was shot by a Capitol Police officer while climbing through a window of the Capitol Complex.

PA LAWMAKER JOINS WITH THE GROUP ASKING PENCE TO INVOKE 25TH AMENDMENT
Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania  has joined others in Washington calling for the president Trump’s removal via the 25th amendment from Vice President Mike Pence. According to a statement released by Casey’s administration, domestic terrorists, who were inspired and emboldened by President Donald Trump attacked the U.S. Capitol Building in furtherance of an attempted coup.  Casey said in order to protect our domestic and national security he asks Vice President Pence begin the process of removing the powers of the presidency from Donald Trump.

CAC WILL HAVE PERFORMANCES THIS SPRING
The Community Arts Center will open its door this spring after pandemic restrictions recently lifted and will host Sullivan County resident and American Idol Finalist Aaron Kelly in concert in Williamsport on March 13th.  According to the Sun Gazette, Kelly, who has been singing since the age of 9, is remembered nationally for his top five finish on American Idol’s season 9 and locally for singing the national anthem before the 2017 Little League World Series Championship Game.  CAC Executive Director Chuck Stills says the Community Theatre League’s musical “The Bridges of Madison County” will be on their stage the weekend before Kelly’s show.  Details and tickets are available at caclive.com

WILLIAMSPORT, UPMC MAKE THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT
Mayor Derek Slaughter’s administration and administrators from UPMC Williamsport have agreed on a three-year community contribution agreement valued at $867,000  due to the hospital system’s charitable status and community investment.  According to the Sun Gazette, Steve Johnson, president of UPMC in the Susquehanna Region said they are pleased to be recognized for voluntary contributions the system makes to the city and receive important benefits as well.  Under the agreement, UPMC Susquehanna will dedicate over 50 million dollars for those who can’t afford healthcare services, as well as subsidies for community-focused programs, like free and low-cost health screenings as well as other services.

PA NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS WILL HEAD TO WASHINGTON
Governor Wolf has activated Some members of Pennsylvania National Guard who will be heading to Washington D.C. in wake of Wednesday’s breach on the U.S. Capitol.  The National Guard members activated will report to their local armories over the next few days to receive their assignments and then travel to Washington D.C. to assist as needed in securing peace and an orderly transfer of power on January 20th.   Wolf said Pennsylvania Guard members have extensive experience working alongside the D.C. National Guard as part of past training events and presidential inaugurations

PA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RECOMMENDS IN-PERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
In an online news conference Thursday, acting secretary of the state Department of Education Noe Ortega said Pennsylvania schools should consider a return to in-person instruction for elementary-age students, a change from previous state guidance that recommended online-only education in some regions.  State officials say elementary students benefit most from being physically in the classroom.  In Pennsylvania, the decision on what style of education to go with in-person or remote, rests with school districts.  The state’s largest teachers union stated that the new guidance is premature, and that the state needs mechanisms in place so that districts are sure to comply with state health and safety guidance.

LOCAL CHEF COMPETES ON “HELL’S KITCHEN” TONIGHT
Following a big wait due to the coronavirus pandemic, Chef Drew from Ard’s Farm in Lewisburg will finally debut on the hit TV cooking competition series, ‘Hell’s Kitchen.’ Tonight According to media outlets, Drew Tingley of Millmont will be one of 18 contestants on the show hosted by Chef Gordon Ramsay. The series premieres at 8 p.m. on FOX. He says all the filming occurred before the pandemic hit and he’s been keeping the results a secret since.

 

SPORTS
NBA
The Nets beat the 76ers 122 to 109, Cavaliers beat the Grizzlies 94 to 90, Mavericks beat the Nuggets 124 to 117,Spurs beat the Lakers 118 to 109, Trailblazers beat the Timberwolves 135 to 117.
NBA Tonight –  Oklahoma City Thunder comes to New York to play the Knicks at 7:30 and Brooklyn goes to Memphis for an 8pm tip-off.
NFL
Wild card weekend
Saturday : Colts vs the Buffalo Bills, Rams and the Seahawks and the Buccaneers go to Washington.
Sunday, Baltimore plays Tennessee, Chicago goes to New Orleans, and Cleveland is in Pittsburgh with an 815 kick off

Friday HS Sports
HS Boys basketball
Hughesville at Milton, Lewisburg at Montoursville, Mount Carmel at Loyalsock, all at 7:30 PM
HS Girls Basketball
Hughesville at  Jersey Shore and Cowanesque Valley at Williamson both at 730

High School Wrestling
Montoursville goes to Lewisburg Friday night at 7 PM
HS Swimming
Lewisburg versus Milton at Eastern Lycoming YMCA at 4:30p

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 7, 2021

LOCAL LAWMAKERS INSIDE CAPITOL DURING MOB VIOLENCE IN WASHINGTON
Congressman Fred Keller of Kreamer released a statement yesterday denouncing the mob violence that happened yesterday at the U.S. Capitol that attempted to interrupt the certification of the Electoral College votes from the 2020 Election.  Keller, who had sheltered in place and was safe following the violence there, was in line with several other House Republicans from Pennsylvania who said they would not support certifying the state’s 20 electoral votes for president-elect Joe Biden.  Senate proceedings began again after 8pm. last night and just before 5am this morning, Congress has affirmed President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory over President Trump. The Senate and House rejected objections to throw out Georgia and Pennsylvania’s electoral votes for Biden. Republicans also objected to Arizona, Nevada and Michigan’s electoral votes, but they failed before they reached debate.  President Trump stated in the spirit of concession that there will be an orderly transition of power on January 20th.

POLICE SEARCH FOR ARMED ROBBER
Police in Mifflinburg are asking for the public’s help in finding a suspect who pulled a knife at the Quik Shop gas station there around 9:30 pm Tuesday.  Witnesses say a male suspect went in the store, displayed the knife, demanded cash and fled. Stae police along with Mifflinburg and Buffalo Valley Regional police responded to the call and say the suspect is a stocky male, who was wearing a dark hoodie sweatshirt or hooded jacket.  Call police if you  have information.

WAHS GOING IN-PERSON NEXT MONDAY
Williamsport Area School district will return to in-person instruction Monday of next week.  According to the Sun Gazette, Dr. Timothy S Bowers said at the School board meeting Monday that the coronavirus numbers continue to look better and they feel comfortable returning to in-person learning – but while following guidance from the PA Department of h ealth will still shut down if the numbers change.  In other news Dr. Bowers confirmed that the district’s budget for next year will remain within the state mandated Act 1 index, so tax increases must remain within a set percentage.

WILLIAMPSORT POLICE PROMOTIONS
Two members of the Williamsport Police Department have been promoted to Captain after  the city bureau recently reorganized.  According to a press release by police Chief Damon Hagan, Captain. Justin Snyder is a 14-year veteran and a graduate of East Stroudsburg University and has served in the patrol division, with the bureau’s Special Operations Group, and most recently as an agent in the bureau’s Criminal Investigation Unit. Captain Jason Bolt  is a 16 year veteran and served in the patrol division, and for nearly a decade as a school resource officer in the Williamsport Area School District..

FOUR LAWMAKERS DECALRED SAFE AFTER RIOT IN WASHINGTON
All Pennsylvania lawmakers from the Susquehanna Valley who were at the US Capitol on Wednesday afternoon were determined to be safe following the chaos that occurred there when a pro-Trump mob violently breached the Capitol grounds.  In a statement by Senator Pat Toomey, who said he and some staff members sheltered in place at the Washington DC complex, Represetnative Fred Keller denounced the violence calling for those rioters to be prosecuted, Senator Bob Casey was the only member of his team in Washington yesterday and was deemed safe, as well as Congressman Dan Meuser of Dallas who helped secure the facility doors during the breach.  The joint session of Congress reconvened after 8pm last night and as of early this morning, affirmed President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory over President Trump.

COVID UPDATE
Lycoming County reports 101 new coronavirus case as of yesterday, Northumberland County has 91,Union has 53 new cases, Montour has 47, Snyder has 39, Tioga County reports 30.  Statewide, there are 9,474 additional positive cases of COVID-19,and 368 new deaths today.Lycoming has 73 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 14 in the ICU, 9 on ventilators .

LOCAK HAVEN 2021 SPRING SCHEDULE CHANGES
Lock Haven University announced a revision to reopening plans for the spring 2021 semester yesterday.  Starting January 25the, the original start date through February 5th all classes and labs will be remote.  According to the university administration, keeping students and faculty safe while they observe an increase in positivity rates of COVID in the region is their main concern. Classes will resume February 8th and will increase in-person instruction from 15 to 25 percent for some classes.  LHU will offer free COVID-19 re-entry testing from Feb. 4-6 with all on-campus residents will be required to test before being allowed to stay on campus and attend classes.

LEWISBURG EVENTS CANCELLED DUE TO COVID
The Lewisburg Downtown Partnership has announced that this year’s Heart of Lewisburg Ice Festival has been cancelled.  According to media outlets, concerns about COVID brought about the ‘difficult’ decision this week but the committee says there will be a better event’ in 2022.The downtown Lewsiburg partnership says, however, that  there will be extra Lewisburg in Lights activities as well as the Chocolate Tour still planned to take palce in a COVID-safe environment beginning  February 5th.  Tickets will still be sold ahead of time and on the days of the event.

SPORTS
NBA
Pacers beat the Rockets 114 to 107, Magic beat the Cavaliers 105 to 94, 76ers beat the Wizards 141 to 136, Hornets beat the Hawks 102 to 94, Celtics beat Heat 107 to 105, Knicks beat  Jazz 112 to 100, Bucks beat the Pistons 130 to 115, Thunder beat Pelicans 111 to 110, Suns over the Raptors 123 to 115, Clippers beat Warriors 108 to 101, Kings beat the Bulls 128 to 124
NBA Tonight
Philly goes to Brooklyn to play the Nets at 7:30 tonight on TNT

Friday HS Sports
HS Boys basketball
Hughesville at Milton, Lewisburg at Montoursville, Mount Carmel at Loyalsock, all at 7:30 PM
HS Girls Basketball
Hughesville at  Jersey Shore and Cowanesque Valley at Williamson both at 730

High School Wrestling
Montoursville goes to Lewisburg Friday night at 7 PM
HS Swimming
Lewisburg versus Milton at Eastern Lycoming YMCA at 4:30p

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