BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 30, 2020

Governor Tom Wolf Proposed Marijuana Legalization

Governor Tom Wolf has asked the state legislature to legalize Recreational Marijuana. This suggestion from wolf comes amid the pandemic with the goal to help with the struggling state economy with tax revenue to be used to help fund grants and loans for struggling small business owners. This is just one of the many avenues that could be taken to help combat the recession. Other things possible would be to eliminate tax on alcohol at bars to encourage more business in the hard hit industry, as well as a hazard pay increase for front line workers. As of now it is uncertain whether or not his plans will be received well by the republican run general assembly.

PennDOT Cleans Wreckage / Schedules Project

Route 15 near the west Milton and new Columbia road exits in union county will be closed this morning due to a multi vehicle crash that took place there. No details have emerged on who was involved or if anyone has been hurt as of yet. The north and south bound lanes are expected to be closed for several hours, as a road crew cleans the wreckage. A detour will be in place. In other PennDOT news, a paving project will take place starting Monday of next week on Route 15 northbound in Liberty Township, Tioga County. According to PennDOT, Monday the 31st and Tuesday the 1st of September will have a crew on site, mill and pave a 200-foot stretch of the interstate about three quarters of a mile from the Lycoming County line.  Motorists should watch for alternating lane restrictions next week near Exit 162.

Animal Cruelty Charges Pending

The Lawrenceville police department responded to a call about a dog locked in a shed on a hot summer day. According to media outlets Foutz’s neighbor was the one who made a call to the police department on July 2ndreporting that the dog had been in the shed since 6am. At around noon Officer Christopher Brackman arrived on the scene. After the dog was freed court records stated that Victoria Foutz, 27, of  Lawrenceville was charged with animal cruelty and disorderly conduct as a result of her alleged actions. She is scheduled for a an arraignment at the Tioga county courthouse on Monday.

Virtual Homecoming to be Held

Mansfield University officials have opted to hold a virtual homecoming this fall and announced changes to their schedule.  According to the Office of Alumni Affairs, the normal September 18 & 19 Homecoming weekend event will transition to a week-long series of virtual opportunities beginning October 19th.

Sports

MLB

On Saturday The San Diego Padres have acquired reliever Trevor Rosenthal from the Kansas City Royals

NBA

Houston Rockets forward P.J. Tucker and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dennis Schroder were ejected after an altercation in the third quarter

NASCAR

Chastain wrecked race leader and Kaulig teammate AJ Allmendinger on the final lap, allowing Haley to pick up an Xfinity Series victory

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 29, 2020

Eric Trump to Visit Cogan House

The Lycoming County Republican Committee will welcome son of the president, Eric Trump to Cogan Station for a fundraiser next month for the local party.  According to the Sun Gazette, the younger Trump, who is the executive vice president of the Trump Organization, will greet some residents and local party candidates September 19th at Former Congressman, Tom Marino’s home in an outdoor setting.  Registration information is on the Facebook page of the Lycoming County Republican Committee.

Elderly Man Assaulted at Flanigan  Park

Williamsport Police are investigating reports of a 76-year-old man who was assaulted while he was locking up the basketball courts in Flanigan Park in Williamsport last Tuesday.  According to North Central PA dot com,  Tony Parker, the son of Richard Parker who is contracted with Firetree Place to lock the courts up each night at 8pm,  shared a video from social media that was circulated showing his father being attacked by a group of about 10 people ranging in age from 17 to 20.  Officials from Firetree said they were disappointed with the incident but did not release any details about who the suspects are or whether charges will be filed.  Firetree Place and the Alize Johnson Foundation, Inc. met Wednesday to discuss appropriate action about the basketball courts at Flanigan Park which will now be closed until information is brought forward with who was involved.  Please contact the Alize Johnson foundation with information 570-666-3211

Sediment Reduction Plan Introduced

Williamsport City Council and Loyalsock Township officials are working on a memorandum of understanding to the state Department of Environmental Protection in which they propose best practices to remove 10 percent of the sediment heading into the waterways leading to the Chesapeake Bay.  The five-year Chesapeake Bay Pollution Reduction Plan, could cost up to 5 million dollars.  According to the Sun Gazette, there are an estimated 25 primary and 16 secondary projects that will help to reduce sediment, such as wood chip infiltration and swale construction.

Sports

MLB
The Houston Astros and Oakland Athletics jointly walked off the field following a moment of silence, draping a Black Lives Matter T-shirt across home plate as they chose not to play Friday night.  The decision came on Jackie Robinson Day across the majors, and in the wake of 29-year-old Jacob Blake, a Black man, being shot by police in Wisconsin on Sunday. There have been 11 big league games postponed this week as clubs joined teams in the NBA, WNBA, NHL and MLS in calling off games while protesting social injustice. Major League Baseball let teams decide whether to play or not

NBA
LeBron James and Chris Paul led a subcommittee of players following a contentious players’ meeting Wednesday who reached out to former President Barack Obama for advice. A call between players and owners ironed out three initiatives sought through the boycott: the formation of a social justice coalition; a commitment from every city where the league has a franchise to convert team facilities into mass-voting locations; and a creation of public service announcements, to be aired by the league’s network partners during every playoff game, aimed at promoting civic engagement in local and national elections and raising awareness about voter access and opportunity.

NASCAR
NASCAR drivers do not plan to skip Saturday night’s race at Daytona International Speedway to raise awareness of social and racial injustices in the wake of the most recent police shooting of a Black man, in Wisconsin. Bubba Wallace, the only full-time Black driver in the elite Cup Series, tweeted about how the  decision should not be interpreted as “turning away from the dark and evil acts that have taken over our nation.  The 26-year-old Wallace has been a leader in pushing NASCAR for more diversity and its recent ban on the Confederate flag at racetracks.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 27, 2020

Williamsport residents struggling with the water bill may face shut-offs next month after the moratorium that has been in place since March will come to an end in September.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Williamsport Municipal Water and Sanitary Authority has lost about a million dollars of revenue and will start notifying customers of potential shut-offs happening in mid-September.  There will be pink cards to nitify the customer of a 10 day warning for shut-off instead of instead of the normal 2-day warning indicated by blue cards.  The bills in arrears will be collected but not the penalties

There will be a virtual meeting of the City Council at 6:30pm tonight for a vote on creating an accessibility advisory commission for policy making and design plans to include the a voice from the disabled community.  According to the Sun Gazette, the proposed ordinance to be considered was overseen by Councilman Jon Mackey who said he supports inclusion of the disabled in city government.  The link to tonight’s meeting is online at City of Williamsport.org

At the Loyalsock Township School board  meeting last night it was a seven to nothing vote in approval of the continuation of PIAA fall athletics and extracurricular activities as scheduled. The vote was taken at a special meeting of the board held virtually Wednesday night.   According to Ronald Insinger, athletic director at Loyalsock the changing guidelines from the state have been challenging but they are taking every precaution  for the welfare and safety of the kids, and that the physical, mental and social aspect of students participating in sports is why he supports continuing with the fall schedule.  The  livestreaming of games so that the public can watch them – is also on the table.  The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 2.

Mansfield University officials have opted to hold a virtual homecoming this fall and announced changes to their schedule.  According to the Office of Alumni Affairs, the normal September 18 & 19 Homecoming weekend event will transition to a week-long series of virtual opportunities beginning October 19th.  There will be no golf tournament for 2020 and the Alumni-Athletic hall of fame event usually done on campus will be held at a later date as well with the announcement of the class also postponed to preserved the experience for the inductees.

 

An accident which brought down electrical wires across Route 15 yesterday before daybreak, closed the Southside interstate for seven hours.  Emergency crews reported the Clinton Township accident and vehicle fire around 6am with PennDOT closing the road after 6:45am.  Traffic was diverted from Route 15 North and South between Montgomery and South Williamsport.  Tractor trailers slowed Route 54 and 405 as they detoured toward Elimsport.  According to PennDOT, the roadway was predicted to be closed for the afternoon – but crews got the route opened up before 1 pm.

Local lawmakers are not in support of legislation, introduced by five Republicans representing different areas of the state, which could impose the fees to specific parks in order to provide for their maintenance, operation or administration. According to the Sun gazette, House Bill 2806 would overturn the law that makes it presently illegal to charge entrance and parking fees at state parks.  State Rep. Garth Everett opposed the measure saying the use of the facilities during the pandemic may be driving the legislation.  Rep. Clint Owlett, R-Wellsboro said he would look at the options but sees no needs at the present time for funding.  The PA Environmental Council reported trail use in March and April spiked by as much as 200 percent in many areas of the state

Lycoming County reports 6 new cases of the coronavirus after recently testing 100 residents who had a negative  result. There are 501 additional positive cases of COVID-19 in the state, bringing the statewide total to 130,536 according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.  There are 11 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Lycoming County, none are on a ventilator.  Nineteen new deaths were reported in the state for a total of 7,624.

A paving project will take place starting Monday of next week on Route 15 northbound in Liberty Township, Tioga County. According to PennDOT, Monday the 31st and Tuesday the 1st of September will have a crew on site, mill and pave a 200-foot stretch of the interstate about three quarters of a mile from the Lycomign County line.  Motorists should watch for alternating lane restrictions next week near Exit 162.

 

SPORTS
MLB
White Sox beat the Pirates 10-3, Doubleheader last night – the Braves over Yankees 5-1 in Game 1, Braves iver Yankees 2-1 for Game 2, Phillies beat the Nationals 3-2, Blue Jays routed the Red Sox 9-1, Rays over the Orioles 4-3, Indians beat the Twins 6-3, Tigers over the Cubs 7-6, Met edged the Marlins 5-4, A’s over the Rangers 3-1, Cardinals beat the Royals 6-5, Rockies over the Diamondbacks 8-7

ESPN says Three Major League Baseball games were postponed Wednesday as players across the sports landscape reacted in the wake of the weekend shooting by police of Jacob Blake, a Black man, in Wisconsin. Games between the Cincinnati Reds and Brewers in Milwaukee, Seattle Mariners and Padres in San Diego and the Los Angeles Dodgers and Giants in San Francisco were called off hours before they were set to begin.  Dodgers star Mookie Betts, who is black, told his teammates he was sitting out and they backed him.

NHL
Flyers beat the Islanders in OT 4-3 in the East second round Game 2 of the series  – all tied up, Lightning beat the Bruins 7-1 in Game 3, Tampa Bay leads the series 2-1, Avalanche over Stars in the West 2nd Round Game 3 – 6-4 Dallas leads the series 2-1.

NBA
The Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to not take the floor for Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic to shine a light on the racial injustices, prompted the NBA to postpone all three games scheduled last night. The NBA said the three Game 5s (Bucks-Magic, Houston Rockets-Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers-Portland Trail Blazers) would be rescheduled. But ESPN reports there is a special board of governors meeting this morning about the NBA playoff season.  Milwaukee is about 40 miles north of Kenosha, Wisconsin, the city where 29-year-old Jacob Blake, was shot seven times by police on Sunday.

NFL
The Washington Football Team canceled its scheduled practice at FedEx Field on Thursday in response to the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin, the team announced Wednesday night. The incident sparked more protests and caused more athletes to speak out or take action. Three NBA playoff games were postponed, set in motion by the Milwaukee Bucks not taking the court against the Orlando Magic in protest over Blake’s killing. Three major league baseball games were also postponed.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 26, 2020

GOVERNOR WOLF ASKS FOR LEGISLATION TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA
Governor Tom Wolf outlined plans yesterday for the spending of coronavirus relief funds in the state and also asked for a bill to legalize the recreational use of marijuana by adults in the commonwealth which he says could be one way to plug a hole in revenue and also help historically disadvantaged businesses in the state.  During a press conference Governor Wolf announced his plan for 1.3 billion dollars in federal relief funds which includes $225 million for hazard pay for workers on the front lines of responding to the pandemic, money for low income communities to establish remote learning systems in schools and relief for the state’s restaurants and bars among other proposals.

FUGITIVE FROM NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY FOUND IN ILLINOIS
A Riverside woman who fled from Northumberland County with her two children after disregarding court instructions in a custody battle, has been found in Niles, Illinois and the children have been taken into custody by child serving agencies and the 4 year old and infant will be returned to Riverside.  According to a press release by the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force found and arrested 39 year old Sawsan Hadidi, formerly of Danville for interference in Child Custody and endangering the welfare of a child.  Hadidi is in custody of Cook county Illinois authorities.

SECOND ROUND OF CORONAVIRUS FUNDING FOR LYCOMING COUNTY SMALL BUSINESSES
Two hundred thousand dollars in funding for small business was provided yesterday by the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.  According to the Sun Gazette,  the Lycoming County Commissioners heard the details about loans and grants for 92 local businesses in the county in a second round of funding allocations in the small business relief program.  Chamber President Jason Fink told the commissioners that the applications were reviewed by chamber and county officials.  Small businesses with annual revenue not exceeding $3 million were eligible to apply.

LOYALSOCK SCHOOL BOARD TO HAVE MEETING TODAY
A special meeting will be held today for the Loyalsock Township School Board tonight at 6pm.  According to the  Sun Gazette the virtual meeting will be held to discuss sports and extracurricular activities and any other issues that could be brought up to the board.  Residents and those wishing to attend the online meeting can go to the district website and log on prior to 6pm, at loyalsocklancers.org.

CORONA VIRUS UPDATE FOR LYCOMING COUNTY
There are 8 new cases of Coronavirus in Lycoming county as of yesterday for a total of 492 positive cases to date.  There are ten COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Lycoming County, one is on a ventilator Statewide there are 561 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 130,035.  There have been 26 fatalities reported as of yesterday for a toll of 7,605 fatalities.

SUSPECT IN RESTAURANT PARKING LOT SHOOTING RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL INTO POLICE CUSTODY
The man accused of shooting two people outside of the Buffalo Wild Wings in July has been discharged from the hospital and is now is in custody awaiting a preliminary hearing in Snyder County Court.  According to media outlets, the Snyder County DA said  55-year-old Christopher Fernanders of Paxinos was determined to be well  enough to stand trial after being hospitalized from a gunshot following a bystander shooting and disabling him after the parking lot incident.  Fernanders will have a hearing September 29th and face cha4rges in the murder of 46-year-old Heather Campbell and 52-year-old Matthew Bowersox of Mifflinburg.

COVID-19 TESTS RAMPING UP AT PENN STATE
Penn State has done coronavirus testing for over 17,000 students with 148 students testing positive for the virus. Penn State has a mask requirement for students and mandate that they should stay 6 feet apart inside academic buildings, but parties off-campus are the concern.  According to WNEP, the university suspended two fraternities, Pi Kappa Alpha and Phi Kappa Psi after they had large gatherings last week.  The Centre Daily times says, Penn State recently confirmed a new partnership with Quest Diagnostics and plans for new equipment that should allow for faster test results.  Penn State classes started Monday and at this time, the plan is for students to attend class until Nov. 20, when the university will switch to remote instruction after Thanksgiving break.

EAST LYCOMING AP[PROVES SPORTS FOR FALL
At their virtual school board meeting Tuesday night, the East Lycoming School Board voted that fall sports will continue but the district will need to comply with state and PIAA guidelines including no spectators, and a limit of 250 people at events. The media could also be included in those permitted to attend.  There are plans to investigate the use of a video production group to televise as many sporting events as possible.

ACCIDENT ON ROUTE 15 SHUTS DOWN TRAFFIC
Traffic is being diverted from Route 15 North and South this morning due to an accident and vehicle fire near B& C Autowreckers that may involve injuries.  Wires were reportedly down causing first responders to re-route Rt 15 between Montgomery and South Williampsort.  Northbound traffic is being detoured to Route 54, 405 and I-180, Southbound detoured to I-180.  According to PennDOT, the roadway is expected to be closed throughout the morning.

 

SPORTS
NBA
In the West, 1st Round Game 5,  Nuggets beat Jazz 117 to 107 Utah leads the series 3-2, Clippers beat the Mavericks 154 to 111 with the LAClippers leading 3-2, East 1st Round continues with Game 5  Magic and Bucks today at 4pm.  West continues tonight with Thunder and Rockets playing at 6:30 – Thunder and Rockets tied 2-2 for the series – and Trailblazers and Lakers play at 9pm and Lakers lead their series 3-1
MLB
Astros beat the Angels 6-3 in Game 1 of their Doubleheader, Game 2 – Angels beat the Astros 12-5, a Doubleheader for the Marlins who blanked the Mets 4-nothing Game 2 – Marlins blanked the Mets 3-nothing,  Phillies thumped the Nationals 8-3, Red Sox beat the Blue Jays 9-7, Rays beat the Orioles 4-2, Indians over the Twins 4-2, Tigers routed the Cubs 7-1, A’s over the Rangers 10-3, White Sox beat the Pirates 4-nothing, Brewers edged the Reds 3-2, Royals beat the Cardinals 5-4, Mariners over the Padres 8-3, Rockies beat the Diamondbacks 5-4, Giants over the Dodgers 10-8, Yankees and Braves are postponed by weather.
NHL
Lightning beat Bruins 4-3 in Game 2 of the 2nd round in the East their tied up 1-1, Canucks over the Golden Knights 5-2 in the West for their 2nd Round Game 2, that series also tied up 1-1, New York Islanders play the Flyers today at 3pm Islanders leading 1- nothing, Bruins and Lightning playing Game 3 at 8 PM – their series tied up.  Avalanche and Stars play Game 3 at 10:30 PM Dallas leading 2-nothing

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 24, 2020

Friday the PIAA’s board of directors voted that they were going to move ahead with high school sports. According to Pennlive, even though Governor Wolf’s recommendation was to hold off until 2021, the board concluded with a vote allowing the start of athletics. In a press release the board stated that all individuals involved in the athletic community have a role in the health and wellness of all participants as the go forward safely with the season.

A Williamsport man is in jail and facing charges after he threatened a man and his daughter on bicycles with a handgun while he was driving a car near them on August 16th.  According to the North Central PA dot com, State Troopers say Ryan J. Kranz, was witnessed first brandishing a handgun and then driving away at a high rate of speed on Russell Avenue near Sheridan Street.  Police later located Krantz at his home where neighbors say he was acting erratically and also attempting to fire the handgun which didn’t discharge.  Police said the weapon was an air pistol but found other firearms inside the home.  Krantz had a mental health evalulation at UPMC and was then booked for aggravated felony assault and other assault charges.

The PA Department of Health said there are 8 new cases of COVID-19 in Lycoming County bringing the county total to 479.  As of August 22nd there are 796 new positive cases reported but the data shows an 80 percent recovery rate so far of the current cases as 80 percent.  18 new deaths were reported for a statewide total of 7.576 since the pandemic began.

ESPN and Little League International announced an eight-year media rights extension – effective 2023 through 2030 – in which ESPN will produce and televise more live Little League events than ever as the exclusive global media rights holder of Little League Baseball and Little League Softball. ESPN platforms will exclusively carry more than 300 Little League live events annually, including games from every baseball and softball World Series tournament as part of the previously announced expansion of the event from 16 to 20 teams.

A 11 year old boy from Montoursville was admitted to the trauma unit at the Geisinger medical center in Danville Thursday due to the injuries he sustained when he was struck by a pickup truck. According to the Sun Gazette Loyalsock police say  the truck hit the boy on the 700 block of north Loyalsock Ave around 1:40 after he ran in front of it while it was entering a parking lot.  According to the boy’s father he in stable condition. Police did not release the identity of the victim.

There are suspected swastika-like designs that have been spray painted in Loyalsock Township which has begun an investigation by Pennsylvania State Police in Montoursville.  According to North Central PA dot com, several mailboxes were painted as well as areas of the roadway and was suspected to have taken place on August 20th.  If you have any information please call Montoursville state police

Voters in Lycoming County can expect Election Day to take place on Tuesday Nov. 3 with of the county’s voting precincts open for in-person voting. According to Forest Lehman Director of Elections and Registration in Lycoming County said that those interested casting an absentee or mail-in ballot, can apply online or at Lycoming County Voter Services, on W. Third St. in Williamsport.   But they should not expect to receive a ballot until either late September or early October – when they can then drop off ballots at the voter services office. The online application process is available HERE.

Penn State has summarily suspended Pi Kappa Alpha at University Park for hosting a large social gathering on Aug. 22 in violation of Penn State’s expectations. Penn State’s monitors observed approximately 70 students at a party, including those who were not residents of the house. Penn State also has suspended those chapter executives who refused to allow monitors to check the premises. The University is proceeding with conduct investigations to determine next steps against the chapter and its’ members. Penn State required all members of the Pi Kappa Alpha house to be tested yesterday to determine if there’s been exposure to COVID-19 as well as  encouraging other students who may have attended to be tested as well.

SPORTS
MLB
The Cleveland Indians and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim will play in the 2021 edition of the Little League Classsic at Bowman Field.  According to officials at Little League the game is scheduled for Aug. 22 and will air nationally on ESPN. It will be the first appearance in Williamsport for both teams since the Classic began in 2017 with Mike Trout making an appearance here for the game. This year’s edition of the Classic, featuring the Red Sox and Orioles, was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

National bumped the Marlins 9-3, Orioles over the Red Sox 5-4, Tiger beat the Indians 7-4, Rays over the Blue Jays 5-4, Pirates over the Brewers 5-4, Twins beat the Royals 5-4, Cardinals beat the Reds 6-2, Cubs beat the White Sox 2-1, Padres over the Astros 5-3, Dodgers routed the Rockies 11-3, A’s beat the Angels 5-4, Giants over the Diamondbacks 6-1, Mariners beat the Rangers 4-1, Phillies over the Braves 5-4, Yankees and Mets were postponed

NBA
Celtics beat the 76ers 110-106 winning that series 4-nothing, Raptors beat the Nets 150 to 122 in Game 4  Toronto winning their series as well, in the West Mavericks over the Clippers 135 to 133 ub Game 4 their series tied up 2-2, and Jazz beat the Nuggets 129 to 127 in Game 4 with Utah leading the series 3-1

In the second round of the NHL
In the East  – Bruins beat Lightning 3-2 in Game 1, Boston leads, Golden Knights over the Canucks 5-nothing in the West game one of round 2, with Vegas leading.
The Islanders play the Flyers tonight at 7 PM for the East and Stars and Avalanche play game 2 at 9:45 PM Dallas leads that series 1-nothing

NASCAR in a doubleheader at Dover
Saturday, Denny Hamlin got the checkered flag followed by Martin Truex, Jr., followed by Eric Almirola, Kevin Harvick and Chase Elliot.  Sunday Kevin Harvick came in first followed by Martin Truex, Jr., Jimmie Johnson, William Byron and Alex Bowman.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 23, 2020

Jersey Shore Teacher Facing Civil Suit

A former jersey shore area middle school teacher is facing a civil lawsuit for allegedly sexually assaulting one of her students. The alleged victim is now 19 years old, and he along with his parents and legal guardians filed the civil lawsuit against Alexandra Kluzany along with 2 others in the school district. According to the sun gazette the civil complaint states that kulzany was reprimanded for paying to much attention to the boy, and was reported by other teachers in the administration. No notice was ever received by the parents. Charges are being delayed due to the corona virus but if convicted, Kluzany will be facing many charges stemming from statutory rape and corruption of a minor.

Snyder County Welcomes New ADA

Snyder County District Attorney Mike Piecuch has recently announced the hiring of his new assistant Scott Ziegler to help with the counties case load. According to Media outlets Ziegler got his bachelor degree at wilkes university before working as an associate for a local law firm. Piecuch said to outlets that the hiring was essential, and that the new ADA will be a tremendous asset. You can expect Ziegler to be involved in all phases of all cases from here on out.

Assault Occurrence/Failed Bank Stick-Up

An assault occurred on the 3700 Block of Lycoming creek road around 9:30 on Sunday. According to the sun gazette when police arrived on scene there were 25 people arguing in the street with one injured man with a large laceration on his face. There was a suspect who fled, reportedly being white with tattoos on one of his arms and wearing a yellow shirt. He was last seen running to a trailer park in the area. In other news Timothy Maddox, 31 of Montoursville was recently arrested for an attempted bank robbery.Maddox drove up to the M and T bank window at 450 broad st where he demanded 500,000 dollars to be given to him. After he fled the scene Maddox was arrested shortly after.

Protester Files Lawsuit Against County

A valley man media outlets say is familiar with protesting in the area is suing the borough of Mifflinburg over the flag-burning ordinaces that are in place.  According to PennLive, activist Gene Stilp filed suit in U.S. Middle District Court to get a preliminary injunction that could allow him to hold a flag buring event.  Police borough police officially warned Stilp after he ignited a Trump protest flag July 24 on public grounds. Stilp told media outlets the written warning violates his right to freedom of expression. He has also sued Lewisburg, Middleburg, and Harrisburg over their ordinances.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 22, 2020

Bellefonte Board Members Discuss Mask Mandate

The Bellefonte borough council discussed plans for mitigation efforts at Monday’s board meeting, following in state college’s footsteps. While they admire state college’s plans, according to the sun gazette some of the board members don’t want a carbon copy and plan to tweak a few things to tailor it for Bellefonte. The next board meeting is about 2 weeks away, and residents can expect a more fleshed out agenda by then at the next board meeting.

PIAA Vote to Restart Athletics

Yesterday’s meeting with the PIAA board of directors resulted in a vote of 25 to 5 that teams in Pennsylvania can officially begin practice for fall sports on Monday.  According to the sun gazette the board of directors agreed that athletics decisions should be made locally, so that each school can decide whether to proceed or which sports to sponsor. In a statement by Governor Wolf this week he maintains his recommendation that school sports should wait in Pennsylvania until 2021, however the Board of Directors the PI AA said That with local adherence to developed school health and safety plans and utilizing the PI AAA return to competition guidelines, fall Sports can continue safely. First scrimmage dates for football will be September 5 for and the first contest for football will be September 11.

Route 199 Construction

A 4 year project on route 199 will be starting in September. The 16.4 million dollar project will be completed by kriger construction and will include new curbing, ADA accomadaions at intersections, improved drainage, new paving and line upgrades. A virtual public meeting will be held this Thursday at 5 pm. Click here for more information on their website.

11 Year Old Boy Hit by Truck

A 11 year old boy from Montoursville has been admitted to the trauma unit at the Geisinger medical center in Danville due to the injuries he sustained when he was struck by a pickup truck. According to the sun gazette Police chief Jeffery Gyurina said the truck hit the boy on the 700 block of north loyal sock Ave around 1:40 pm after he ran in front of it while it was entering a Lowe’s parking lot, and that the father told him that the boy is in stable condition. The identities of the child and the driver have not been released.

Mother Charged With 3 Felonies

A Williamsport mother is being charged with 3 felonies after letting her kids, ages 7 to 11, ingest controlled substances. According to the sun gazette Patrolman Robert Mausteller said in an affidavit that Rebecca Rittman, 31, of 2117 Good Alley were staying at 521 Factory road in Hepburn township when she allowed her children to smoke marijuana. The investigation was started when the county children and youth department received a tip about the offense. When investigators spoke with the children one of them stated “mom makes me do it, but I don’t like it.” She is currently free on $50,000 bail, and is scheduled to a hearing with district judge William Solomon on September 2nd.

Sports

NFL

Washington coach Ron Rivera has been diagnosed with cancer. He revealed this to his team Thursday, stating it was in the early stages and very treatable. As of now, nothing changes, and he will continue coaching.

MLB

The Scores for Fridays games are in! Braves beat Phillies 11 to 2, Padres over Astros 4 to 3, Athletics over Angels, 5 to 3, Red Sox over Orioles 8 to 5, Dodgers over Rockies 5 to 1 and Giants over Diamond backs 6 to 2.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 21, 2020

AIRLINE ANNOUNCES SUSPENSION OF FLIGHTS IN OCTOBER THRU NOVEMBER
Following a recent announcement about direct flights to Charlotte North Carolina from Williamsport Regional Airport, American Airlines has adjusted its’ schedule for the fall and will suspend flights starting in October from 15 markets including Williamsport.  According to a press release from the Airline, the federal CARES Act funding expires and the company is making cuts in low demand areas.  The changes are only official for the October schedule period which runs until November 3rd.

COLLEGE CAMPUSES DEALING WITH COVID
COVID-19 is already reaching Central PA campuses.  Bucknell and Bloomsburg Universities have both announced a handful of students who have tested positive for the coronavirus.  According to the Daily Item, out of two Bucknell students tested, one had two negative and third positive test. At Bloomsburg, nine more students had tested positive for the virus raising the total to 10.  Bucknell launched a COVID-19 case tracker available publicly at www.bucknell.edu/life-bucknell/fall-reopening/covid-19-dashboard.  Bloomsburg announced the school bookstore will be closed until Monday with a temporary location set up offsite for pickup of books and materials

DRUG RAID ULTIMATELY RESULTS IN 30 ARRESTS; MORE EXPECTED
Lycoming County DA Ryan Gardner held a press conference yesterday addressing the recent arrests in the city that ultimately yielded more than 30 drug, firearm and gang-related arrests in Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, the DA said that Williamsport is home to four known gangs that have taken a foothold in the city who are in the business of distributing illegal narcotics in Lycoming County.  Gardner said after the Thirty people were arrested as a result of the NEU warrants, and three out of six federal warrants were served, the Lycoming County Narcotics Unit still has warrants for 30 more suspects in gang and drug activity in the city.

COMCAST ANNOUNCES FUNDING HELP FOR SCHOOLS
Comcast has begun a new program for teachers in their system thanking htem with help to pay for their services.  Any faculty, staff or school administrators who are eligible can receive a 150 dollar Visa gift card that will pay for two months of an internet package with the company.  Comcast’s effort to help new customers will continue until December 31st as part of their Internet Essentials Partnership program.

Lycoming County reports one new case of the coronavirus with 165 people testing negative as of yesterday according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.  There is a concern in Union County where as of yesterday, the cases count has jumped by 22 to 327.   The Federal Bureau of Prisons website says that the penitentiary in Lewisburg now has a cumulative total of 85 positive COVID-19 cases among inmates, with 33 being active cases and 52 recovered cases and seven staff members with active positive COVID-19 cases.  Inmates there have been quarantined in their cells.  Congressman Fred Keller who has been on the forefront of mitigating COVID-19 spread in state prison system since the the beginning, launched a bipartisan Bureau of Prisons Reform Caucus.

There was a car fire reported early Tuesday in Loyalsock Township and state police are investigating.  According to the Sun Gazette, local fire officials said the truck area of a car that was parked on Warren Avenue and at around 4:15am had a heavy fire in the trunk area.  Police did not identify the vehicle or property owner, the paper says, according to social media messages, a Williamsport sports journalist said the car is his and alleges the fire was a bombing attempt. The car sustained heavy fire damage but the blaze was extinguished by city and local firefighter quickly.  The state police investigation in progress will determine whether a crime was committed.

A valley man media outlets say is familiar with protesting in the area is suing the borough of Mifflinburg over the flag-burning ordinaces that are in place.  According to PennLive, activist Gene Stilp filed suit in U.S. Middle District Court to get a preliminary injunction that could allow him to hold a flag buring event.  Police borough police officially warned Stilp after he ignited a Trump protest flag July 24 on public grounds. Stilp told media outlets the written warning violates his right to freedom of expression. He has also sued Lewisburg, Middleburg, and Harrisburg over their ordinances.

President Trump delivered a campaign speech in Lackawanna County yesterday at about 3:30 after arriving from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International in his motorcade.  The president criticized Former Vice president Joe Biden who was born in Scranton, but  also promoted his own economic programs and plans for a second term.  The president spoke for about an hour at Mariotti Building Products.

SPORTS
NBA heat beat the Pacers 109-100 Miami leading the series 2-nothing, Bucks over Magic 111-96, series tied up 1-1, in the west Rockets beat Thunder 111-98, Houston leads the series 2-nothing, Lakers beat the Trailblazers 111-88, the series tied up1-1

MLB
Rays thumped the Yankees 10-5, Blue Jays beat the Phillies 3-2 in Game 1 of a doubleheader make up from July 31, Game 2 – Blue Jays edged the Phillies 9-8, White Sox blanked the Tigers 9-nothing, Astros over the Rockies 10-8, Indians blanked the Pirates 2-nothing, Twins over the Brewers 7-1, Dodgers beat the Mariners 6-1, Red Sox over the Orioles 7-1, Padres edged the Rangers 8-7, Cardinals over the Reds 5-4, A’s beat the Diamondbacks 5-1, Giants over the Angels 10-5, and the Mets and Marlins were postponed due to illness.

NHL
New York Islanders win their series beating the Capitals last night 4-nothing in the East 1st round Game 5. In the West 1st round Game 6 – Stars beat the flames 7-3 with Dallas winning the series 4-2
Game 6 tonight at 7pm between the Flyers in the Canadians and the Blues in the Canucks play their Game 6 tonight at 9:45 PM

In NASCAR Austin Dillon has been cleared to race in Dover this weekend after he tested negative twice for the coronavirus Dylan is qualified for the NASCAR playoffs this year after winning at Texas last month

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 20, 2020

DRUG RAID IN WILLIAMSPORT WEDNESDAY
More than 20 people were arrested and charged yesterday after a pre-planned raid throughout the city of Williamsport by state police and the sheriff’s department to serve arrest warrants filed by the United State Attorney’s Office and the Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit, according to the county DA Ryan Gardner.  According to the Sun Gazette, the city’s special response team participated in areas where there was potential for violence and that by the afternoon, there were arrests involving, felony firearm and drug charges, with three apprehended on federal warrants.

FARM SHOW TO BE VIRTUAL IN 2021
Officials from the 2021 Pennsylvania Farm Show have announced that the state’s agriculture event will be held virtually this year in order to mitigate against COVID-19.  In an analogy comparing the break from the traditional in-person event to a fallow field, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said a virtual celebration this year is the way to prepare for a productive future.  According to a press release from the Department of Agriculture, the 2021 theme is “Cultivating Tomorrow” and virtual events will be focused on education and awareness with more details being announced in the coming weeks.

MORE FARM SHOW
Citing the need to focus on the strength and innovation of agriculture in Pennsylvania, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said in a press release yesterday, that the 2021 Farm Show will be a virtual event to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.  In a social media post yesterday, The Pennsylvania Farm Show announced the change of traditional competition and educational events to online only with details promised in the coming weeks to clarify the process they will follow.  A link to the farm show website for updates to the virtual event plans is at farmshow.pa.gov.

NURSING HOME WILL GET HELP FROM NATIONAL GUARD
The National Guard, and other outside agencies are helping a Milton nursing home contain an outbreak of COVID-19. Details are emerging about the cases at Milton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in which the Wolf Adminstration said the link to the outbreak was discovered August 3rd.  According to the Daily Item, the attorney for Milton Nursing & Rehab’s owner, Bedrock Care of New York, said 16 residents died at the facility since the outbreak began and according to the state, 109 cases have been reported among residents and staff. Work by the state began the day after the outbreak was discovered with Geisinger providing assistance in the state’s Regional Response Health Collaboration Program working this month to provide assistance and guidance for best practices at the Milton facility.

EXPECT DELAYS ON THE INTERSTATTE WHILE PRESIDENT TRUMP VISITS THE COMMONWEALTH
President Donald Trump visits the commonwealth today .  According to the York Daily Record, Air Force One will land at 2:30 p.m. at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, and the president will travel to Mariotti Building Products in Old Forge, close to Scranton, Joe Biden’s hometown and speak at 3pm. There will be a replay of the talk online tonight at 8pm with a link to that HERE . This will be the president’s 38th visit to Pennsylvania since announcing his candidacy during the 2016 election. State police are warning drivers to expect roadblocks and closures on Interstate 81 north and south as well as near the airport and Moosic exits.

There are four new cases of the coronavirus in Lycoming County  for a total of 456 positive cases to date, and three people still hospitalized from the virus here.  According ot the PA Department of Health yesterday there were 24 new deaths reported for a statewide total of 7,523 total.  As of yesterday there are 570 additional positive cases of COVID-19 in the commonwealth for a total of 126,149

In order to protect its private ownership status a state-owned street in Montoursville will close for the weekend.   The street utilized by PennDOT) is a private street that adjoins its District 3-0 district office property in Montoursville , which connects Broad Street and Jordan Avenue.  This area will be closed from 4pm this Friday until 7am Monday, August 23. This is an annual closure for the unnamed street.

All Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference schools are waiting for a possible okay from the PIAA tomorrow to be able to play league games only for the fall. Officials from the PHAC P say the conference voted unanimously to play the amended in-conference schedule for fall sports during Wednesday’s meeting. Adjustments were made to the schedule to allow for conference divisional games and crossover games at the end of the season that are focused on competition within close proximityIf the PIAA votes to begin fall sports Friday, heat acclimatization for football and other fall practices begin Monday, with regular-season football games starting September 11.

SPORTS
NBA
First round continues in the east – Game 2, Raptors over the Nets 104-99 Toronto leads 2- nothing,  Celtics beat the 76ers 128-101 with Boston leading 2-nothing in their series.  In the West – Jazz beat Nuggets 124-105 the series is tied up.  The Mavericks beat the Clippers 127-114 their series is also 2 & 2.

MLB
Blue Jays be at the Orioles 5-2, Red Sox over the Phillies 6-3, in Game 1 of the doubleheader Cardinals beat the Cubs 9-3, Game 2 – Cubs beat the Cardinals 4-2 in seven innings, Royals over the Reds 4-nothing, Game 2 Reds over the Royals 5-nothing,  Rays over the Yankees 4-2, Indians bumped the Pirates 6-1, Mets beat the Marlins 5-3, White Sox beat the Tigers 5-3, Brewers be the Twins 9-3, Astros routed the Rockies 13-6, Padres beat the Ranger 6-3, A’s over the Diamondbacks 4-1, Mariners beat the Dodgers 6-4, Giants over the Angels 7-2, Nationals and Braves postponed by rain.

NHL
Tampa Bay beat blue jackets in Game 5-4 winning the series 4-1, Boston Bruins over the Hurricanes 2-1 winning their series 4-1, Canadians over the Flyers 5-3 in game 5 of the first round Philadelphia leading the series 3-2, and in the West Avalanche beat coyotes 7-1 with Colorado winning the series 4-1, Canucks beat Blues 4-3 last night in Game 5, Vancouver leading the series 3-2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 19, 2020

WILLIAMSPORT SCHOOL ADJUST REOPENING PLAN
Williamsport School district has made a few changes to their reopening plan after considering parents’ concerns following last month’s school board meeting .  According to the Sun Gazette, Williamsport Area School District Superintendent Dr. Timothy Bowers said students will receive 5 days of new instruction as an in-person student or as remote hybrid student.  Williamsport schools are holding town meetings for each of their schools this week, you can find the schedule of ZOOM virtual meetings at wasd.org.

WILLIAMSPORT REGIONAL STARTS SERVICE TO CHARLOTTE
The Williamsport Regional Airport began their direct service yesterday to Charlotte North Carolina with maiden flight recognition that included a rainbow affect from a water cannon salute over the tarmack.  According to the Sun Gazette airport director Richard Howell said the direct flight to Charlotte – one of the 10 busiest airports worldwide – satisfies customers who don’t want to go through Philadelphia.  Williamsport Regional offers two outgoing and two returning flights per day to Charlotte Douglas International.

JUDGE CALLS 23 YEAR OLD IMMATURE IN MANSLAUGHTER SENTENCING
The 23 year old woman who pled no contest to involuntary manslaughter in the August 2018 death of her boyfriend after she was charged with running him over twice in a driveway, was sentenced to two and a half to 5 years in state prison Tuesday in Lycoming County Court.  According to court records, the prosecution says the accused, Fallon Mae Davis and 25 year old Luke Austin Beatty were drunk and arguing outside a home, when Beatty stood in front of Davis’ vehicle and she accelerated, hitting Beatty at first trapping him under the engine and then backing over him – she then called a friend instead of 911.  According to PennLive, the judge suggested Davis was immature.  In pleading no contest, Davis does not accept responsibility for the crime. Judge Nancy Butts said it is the maximum sentence for the charge.

MOTHER CHARGED WITH CORRUPTING MINORS
A Williamsport mother has been arrested for allowing her three children – ages 7 to 11 – to smoke  marijuana.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say 31 year old Rebecca Rittman encouraged her children smoke the drug between July and early August in her Hepburn Township home.  Police say the Chilren and youth department received a tiup about the behavior and after an investigation police charged Rittman with three felony child endangerment charges as well as corrupting the morals of a minor.  She’ll have a preliminary hearing September 2nd.

COVID-19 UPDATE
There are 8 new cases of the coronavirus in Lycoming County for a county wide total of 452 since the pandemic began.  At this time, there are four COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Lycoming County, but none on are ventilators.  As of yesterday there are 735 additional positive cases in Pennsylvania for a total of 125,579.  Philadelphia reported 208 cases – a two-day total for August 17 and August 18.Thirty one new deaths were reported in the state for a total of 7,499

YELLING SUNBURY MAN WITH RIFLE FIRED SHOTS, WAS ARRESTED
A man in Sunbury has been arrested and charged with a third degree felony gun charge, and four misdemeanor counts of recklessly endangering another person.  According to police, 21 year old James Glessner was at a home on Arch street Tuesday and witnesses observed gunshots and Glessner walking around outside with a rifle yelling.  Police were called and sereached the home where they found other firearms and ammo.  Glessner was taken into custody.

TIOGA COUNTY DETOUR LIFTED
According to Penn DOT, the Route 6 detour in Delmar Township, Tioga County is lifted and the roadway is now open. There will still be work performed during daylight hours with single lane conditions and traffic being controlled with flagging. Both lanes of Route 6 will be open during overnight hours. Truck detours will still be in place for Route 287 and Route 6 will use Route 362 / 660 and Route 287. The bridge project spans a tributary to Marsh Creek is located one mile north of Wellsboro and one mile south of the intersection of Route 287 and Route 6.

UNEMPLOYMENT HIRES COULD HELP PENNSYLVANIA BACKLOG

According to Pennsylvania labor officials, there will be a doubling of unemployment compensation staff and about 100 hires planned to tackle the backlog of jobless benefit claims that are under review.  According to the Sun Gazette, in a weekly press briefing, Secretary of the State Labor Department, Jerry Oleksiak, said the number of claims under review approach 49 thousand and that the federal provision of $300 a week is a temporary solution which needs a different kind of distribution than they have done.  As they hire and train new workers, State officials are reviewing all the updated federal guidance to distribute funds to Pennsylvanians.

 

SPORTS
NBA
First round continues in the east Magic beat the Bucks 122-110, Heat over the Pacers 113 to 101,  In the west, Rockets beat Thunder 123-108 and the Trailblazers beat the Lakers 100 – 93
MLB
Astros beat the Rockies in 11 innings 2-1, Giants beat the Angels 8-2, Padres over the Rangers 6-4, Diamondbacks routed the A’s 10 one, Rays over the Yankees 6-3, Indian beat the Pirates 6-3, Nationals over the Braves 8-5, Dodgers over  the Mariners 2-1, Mets beat the Marlins 8-3, Phillies thumped the Red Sox 13-6, Blue Jays edged the Orioles 8-7, White Sox over the Tigers 10-4, Twins beat the Brewers 4-3, Cubs over the Cardinals 6-3, Reds and Royals postponed due to illness
NHL
First round game in the East, Flyers over the Canadians 2-nothing – Philly leading 3-1, Capitals beat the Islanders 3-2 in Game 4 – New York leading 3-1.  West Game 5 Stars beat the flames 2-1 Dallas leading the series 3-2, Golden knights wrapped it up in Game 5 winning over the Blackhawks 4-3 – Vegas wins the series 4-1

NFL
The Dallas Cowboys have released defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who had season-ending surgery on his ruptured right quadriceps tendon Tuesday, and will save $3.25 million in 2020.  McCoy will be allowed to keep his $3 million signing bonus, but not his $2.5 million base salary, or $750,000 in roster bonuses.

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