BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 7, 2020

PIAA TO RELEASE STATEMENT TODAY ABOUT WOLF’S SPORTS RECOMMENDATION
The PIAA had an emergency board meeting after Governor Tom Wolf’s strong recommendation to pause school athletics until January 2021 during his daily press conference yesterday.  According to the Sun Gazette, the executive session was closed to the public and media, but the board of directors issued a statement, noting that they are tremendously disappointed after staff has worked so hard to develop protocols allowing the safe return of school sports.  At the local level, the governor says school administrators and locally elected school boards should make the final decisions on sports.  The PIAA board says they are continuing to review the governor’s action and will make an official statement today.

DA MAY FILE CHARGES OVER CONCEALED GUN AT RESTAURANT
The District Attorney is considering whether to press charges against a man who showed a gun at a Loyalsock Township restaurant when two employees asked him to wear a mask inside the facility.  According to the Sun Gazette, on July 25th, an unidentified man flashed a concealed handgun at two 17 year-old employees at TGIFridays and police were called.  The Lycoming County District Attorney’s office is considering all the evidence and said they will do their due diligence before making any arrests.  State police in PA have declared that during the pandemic, wearing a facemask and carrying a concealed weapon is legal.

FATAL ACCIDENT CLOSED ROAD
PennDOT reported that Route 204 was blocked between Kratzerville and New Berlin because of a fatal accident on Thursday. The wreck happened around 8am in Jackson Township, between Benfer Road and Hollenbach Road, near New Berlin.  Central Susquehanna Valley Regional 9-1-1 says the road was blocked and state police are investigating. PennDot said the road was reopened at 3pm.

LYCOMING COUNTY BRIDGE WORK NEXT WEEK
A bridge rehabilitation and preservation project will begin Monday, August 10 on Slacks Run Road in Lewis Township. The bridge spans over Lycoming Creek and will be closed for seven days for crews to preform maintenance.  A detour using Route 14, Field Station Road and Shoemaker Road in Lewis and Gamble Townships as well as Rose Valley Road and Flannigan Road in Gamble and Cascade Townships will be in place.

GOVERNOR WOLF MAKES SPORTS RECOMMENDATION
Governor Tom Wolf, in his daily press conference yesterday strongly recommended, along with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Department of Education, that Pre-K–12 school and recreational youth sports be postponed until at least January 1st.  Governor Wolf stated that he was not making an order or mandate and that school officials at a local level should make the decisions on sports.You can find the details of Governor Wolf’s recommendation at WILQ.com in the news section.….at WBZD.com in the news section……at any Backyard broadcasting website in the news section.

SUNBURY HEALTH INSPECTOR LEAVING POSITION
Sunbury is losing its health inspector as of the end of September when Mary Sue Smith leaves the position. Smith was set to resign from the job two weeks ago, but due to a city employee testing positive for COVID-19, the council meeting was postponed. Smith had held the $4,000 a year position for nearly 10 years, City Administrator Jody Ocker said. Smith inspected close 70 properties in Sunbury and files reports. As per third-class city code, Sunbury is required to have a health inspector.

PRIDE RALLY IN MILTON SATURDAY
There will be an LGBTQ PRIDE rally this Saturday in Milton organized by the “I Am Alliance” organization.  According to the group’s Facebook page, the group is meant to be a safe place for LGBTQ teens, their families and allies.  The rally will take place Saturday from 3-7pm in Milton at the intersection of Routes 405 and 642 and the group will be based out of the Merle Phillips Outdoor Life Park.

NO FANS FOR PENN STATE ATHLETICS
There won’t be any fans in the stands at Penn State football games this season.  According to Penn Live, Penn State Athletics sent an update to season ticket holders yesterday that the current policies to help slow the spread of the coronavirus mean that the university is planning to conduct fall sporting events, including football games, without fans at this time.

SPORTS

MLB

Pirates over the Twins 6-5, Phillies over the Yankees 5-4. Rockies 6-4 over the Giants, A’s beat the Rangers 6-4, The Angels beat the Mariners 6-1, The Indians shut out the Reds 13-0, Braves beat the Blue Jays 4-3, The Diamondbacks over the Astros 5-4, The Royals all over the Cubs 13-2, The Marlins over the Orioles 8-7 and the Brewers beat the White Sox 8-3. The Tigers and the Cardinals PPD due to Covid 19.

NBA

The Kings over The Pelicans 140-125, The Bucks beat the Heat 130 -116, Suns beat the The Pacers 114-99, Clippers over the Mavericks 126-111, Trailblazers 125 the Nuggets 115, and the Rockets beat the Lakers 113-97

NHL

Canucks 3 The Wild 0, The Flyers 3-1 over the Capitals, The Golden Knights 6-4 over the Blues, In OT The Blue Jackets lasted the Maple Leafs 4-3

 

Penn State junior linebacker Micah Parsons made an official statement yesterday that he has elected to forgo the 2020 season to prepare for the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.  The Harrisburg native reached the 100-tackle mark, becoming the first Penn State player since Marcus Allen in 2016 to reach that feat.  He finishes his career tied for seventh all-time at Penn State with six forced fumbles.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 6, 2020

FUGITIVE ARRESTED IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP
A man from Northumberland who was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by police July 9th in Loyalsock Township was arrested after police found he had an active arrest warrant in Tennessee.  According to media outlets, 40 year-old John Taylor was charged as a fugitive from justice after state police in Montoursville stopped the car he was in at for a traffic violation at Route 246 and I-180 W around 12:30am. Taylor was incarcerated at Lycoming County Jail.

HOSPITAL ACQUISITION BLOCKED BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
The U.S. Department of Justice has sued to block Geisinger Health’s partial acquisition of Evangelical Community Hospital.  The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania alleges that the agreement fundamentally reduces incentives for the hospitals to compete against each other. The US Justice Department said the acquisition isn’t necessary to achieve the hoped for benefits from joint cooperation. The department says the agreement would reduce competition, lead to higher prices, lower quality and reduce access of healthcare options.

SWIFT RESCUE TEAM DEPLOYED FOR MISSING 15 YEAR OLD – VICTIM FOUND ON LAND
Clinton Township deployed a water rescue team and other first responders in response to a missing 15 year old boy from Salladasburg who was later found asleep and highly intoxicated in a campsite location close to the Susquehanna River.  According to NorthCentral PA dot com, State Police in Montoursville responded to the call Sunday August 2nd after 3am around the 400 block of Tebbs Road.  According to a press release from the State Police the boy was found under a camper and then cited for underage drinking and public drunkenness.

MONTGOMERY SCHOOLS APPROVED FALL SAFETY PLAN
Montgomery Area School District has announced their fall reopening plan and it will be similar to Williamsport Area School District’s.  According to the Sun Gazette, Montgomery Schools will open on Aug. 31 on a hybrid model with students alternating days of in-person instruction with remote learning.   Face coverings required during the days students are in the building. The District Superintendent, Daphne Bowers said during Wednesday’s virtual meeting, the elementary hybrid option may look different than the model at the higher grade levels.  The district’s health and safety plan for reopening and for athletics is available on the district website.

SELINSGROVE ADMINISTRATOR ARRESTED
A former Selinsgrove Middle School assistant principal was arraigned Wednesday afternoon, accused of asking for nude photographs from young girls. According to the Daily item, Police say 39 year old Christopher S. Morrison had identified himself as a fifth-grade Selinsgrove Area School District student on social media and allegedly solicited and 11 year old and 14 year old girl while he was intoxicated.  Morrison was employed at the district for four years and resigned as assistant principal after it became public that he was a suspect in the investigation.  According to court records, during an interview with police, Morrison confessed to having the snapchat accounts and speaking with the girl. He was charged with six felony and three misdemeanor charges, including child sex abuse and corruption of minors.

CORONAVIRUS  UPDATE
The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed that there were 9 more positive cases of the coronavirus in Lycoming County for 351 positive cases to date.  There are 705 additional positive cases of COVID-19 statewide for a total of 115,714.  Clinton County added 3 new cases for a total 118, Northumberland has had a total of 416 cases.  Tioga County has 36 cases.  There are 7,244 total deaths in Pennsylvania – an increase of 12 new deaths reported.

FORMER HOTEL MANAGER ARRESTED FOR EMBEZZELING RENT MONEY
A Bellefonte woman who formerly managed a hotel in Lock Haven has been charged for allegedly embezzling money and then lying to cover it up.  According to NorthCentralPA.com Lock Haven police said 39 year-old Wendy D. Johnson altered tenants’ receipts a the Henderson Hotel while she was manager to steal rent money. Approximately $11,800 in rent money was reported stolen from the hotel between Sept. 1, 2019, and Feb.1, 2020. Johnson is charged with three felony counts for theft.  She reportedly gave tenants a paid in full receipt but then allegedly wrote a different receipt showing they paid a lesser amount.

LIBERTARIAN NOMINEE ON FALL BALLOT
There will be a Libertarian presidential nominee on the Pennsylvania ballot on Nov. 3.  According to the Daily Item, Jo Jorgenson has accumulated the needed 5,000 signatures required and  turned them in on Monday.. Jorgensen is an entrepreneur, and senior lecturer at Clemson University. She was nominated at the party’s national convention, the first-ever online national political convention, held in May.

SPORTS
MLB
Phillies beat the Yankees 11-7, Marlins over Orioles 1-nothing,  Met beat Nationals 3-1, Red Sox over Rays 5-nothing, Twins beat the Pirates 5-2, Blue Jays over the Braves 2-1, Indians over Reds 2-1, Yankees beat the Phillies in the doubleheader game 2 3-1, Cubs beat the Royals 6-1, Brewers over the White Sox 1-nothing Marlins beat the Orioles 2-1, Giants beat the Rockies 4-3, Diamondbacks over the Astros 14-7, A’s beat the Rangers 6-4, Dodgers beat the Padres 7-6, Mariners over the Angels 7-6, Cardinals and Tigers, Marlins and Phillies and Yankees and Orioles postponed with a make-up dates to be determined.

On Wednesday in the first game of a doubleheader against the Phillies, Yankees slugger Aaron Judge hit an MLB-leading seventh home run in just his 10th game of the year, joining Alex Rodriguez as the only Yankees in franchise history to hit seven homers in 10 games. After not hitting a home run in the first three games of the season, Judge has been averaging one homer per game over his last seven.
NBA
Jazz beat Grizzlies 124-115, 76ers beat the Wizards 107-98, Nuggets beat the Spurs 132-126, Thunder over the  Lakers 105-86, Raptors beat Magic 109-99, Celtics beat the Nets 149-115

All 30 NBA team owners will contribute a combined $300 million over the next decade to fund the NBA Foundation, a new charitable initiative dedicated to greater economic empowerment in the Black community. $30 million will be given annually to establish the NBA Foundation, as a partnership between the NBA’s board of governors and the National Basketball Players Association.
NHL
Panthers beat Islanders 3-2, Coyotes over Predators 4-1, Lightning beat Bruins 3-2, Avalanche over stars 4-Nothing, Canadians beat Penguins 4-3, Blackhawks beat the Oilers 4-3

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
The Big Ten announced a 10-game conference only football schedule and medical protocols for all sports Wednesday morning. Penn State opens the 2020 football season Sept. 5 at Beaver Stadium against Northwestern. The Nittany Lions open preseason practice Friday, Aug. 7.  The Big Ten Championship Game remains scheduled for Dec. 5 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, though it could be moved as late as Dec. 19.  Season ticket holders will be emailed information regarding the 2020 football season today.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 5, 2020

Williamsport Area School Board’s met Tuesday and announced plans for a return to school September 1st using a hybrid alternate phase of education.  According to the Sun Gazette, District Superintendent, Dr. Timothy S. Bowers said students will attend classes on site and remotely on a staggered schedule based on the alphabet – with all students learning remotely on Fridays.  Over 4500 families responded to a survey sent to 5000 with only 40 percent of the parents preferring in-person instruction.  Bowers told the board that the district’s plan is designed to be flexible, so if infection rates go down or another district comes up with a better plan, the district would review that.

Arrests involving the use and sale of bath salts has increased in the Jersey Shore area.  According to the Sun Gazette, Tiadaghton Valley Regional police and court records report that police intercepted a transaction between a 34 year old mother, Erica Wagner, in Porter township and the man who had arrived to sell her the drug, 34 year old Timothy Getchen was charged with possession with intent to deliver bath salts and other charges and is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $75 thousand bail.  Wagner was arrested for endangering the welfare of a child and is currently behind bars as well. According to Jersey Shore police there have been at least 5 more arrests recently in which bath salts possession or use has been part of the case.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health says there are 3 new cases of the coronavirus in Lycoming County as of yesterday at midnight, part of 342 positive total cases in the county.  According to the Sun Gazette none of the Lycoming County patients are being treated with ventilators at this time.  . There are 854 new positive cases in the state  with total cases to date in Pennsylvania is just over 115 thousand.  Over 150 thousand tests have been administered across the state with 5,891 positive cases reported between July 28th and August 3rd.  23 new deaths were reported in PA for a total of 7, 232.

The open container law in the Selinsgrove borough has been suspended after Selinsgrove Borough Council members Monday night voted for it for the central business district. .  According to media outlets the suspension is a way to further support downtown businesses during COVID-19.  Additional curbside parking spaces were approved along Market Street and some other street closures there to allow for more seating and the availability for takeout.

Funding for election modernization and security measures were approved by the Lycoming County Commissioners yesterday, and there are two new polling places for two neighborhoods. According to the Sun Gazette, a grant worth over $542 thousand will enhance the election process in a year with COVID-19 when the use of absentee ballots is expected to increase.  For Lycoming Township residents who vote at the municipal building, they will now vote at Fairlawn Community Church, and in Williamsport’s 8th ward who vote at the Bridge club, the new location is St. Paul Calvary United Methodist Church.

 

A woman has been sentenced in Lycoming County court over a Williamsport homicide that occurred on New Year’s Day 2019.  According to WNEP, Monica Burns was sentenced Friday for the stabbing death of Ryan Jones in a city apartment.  Police say Jones’ body was found near the building where he was killed.  Burns will spend 15 and a half to 25 years in prison.

The state Department of Health confirmed 18 new cases of the coronavirus  in Union County. Most if not all of today’s new cases are presumably from the Lewisburg penitentiary. As of midday yesterday, there are still 35 Lewisburg inmate cases, and an inmate and staff case among both Allenwood facilities. Union county’s total is now at 191 cases since the pandemic and two deaths.  There are 3 new cases of the coronavirus in Lycoming County as of yesterday at midnight, part of 342 positive total cases in the county.

U.S. Senator Bob Case and Governor Tom Wolf asked the US Congress to extend the additional $600 weekly unemployment benefit for Pennsylvanians that expired last week. Senator Casey says the Republican proposal to push compensation down to $200 a week doesn’t make sense, and Governor Wolf says this money is still needed because there are simply no available jobs for anyone who is unemployed. Senator Casey said in a press release that he hopes the benefit will be extended by the end of the week at the latest.

The mikeroweWORKS Foundation recognized the potential of nine Pennsylvania College of Technology students to shrink the skills gap by awarding them Work Ethic Scholarships for the 2020-21 academic year.  The foundation, created by skilled-labor advocate Mike Rowe, distributes the scholarships annually to students who “embrace personal responsibility, delayed gratification, a positive attitude and a strong work ethic” in preparing for a career in the skilled trades. Over $1 million was distributed to 223 recipients nationwide. Local Penn College students Jonah M. Hartman of Jersey Shore, and William R. Hugar of  Hughesville were among other students who received the Work Ethic Scholarships.  Penn College had more scholarship recipients than any other Pennsylvania school.

SPORTS
MLB
Twins beat the Pirates 7-3, Indians over the Reds 4-2, Rays beat the Red Sox 5-1, Nationals beat the Mets 5-3, Braves over the Blue Jays 10-1, White Sox beat the Brewers 3-2, Cubs beat the Royals 5-4, Marlins over the Orioles 4-nothing, Rockies beat the Giants 5-2, Astros over the Diamondbacks 8-2, A’s beat the Rangers 5-1, Dodgers over the Padres 5-2, Angels beat the Mariners 5-3, Phillies and Yankees make-up game is tonight

NBA
Nets beat the Bucks 119 to 116, Mavericks over the Kings 114 to 110, Suns beat the Clippers 117 to 115, Pacers over Magic 120-109, Heat beat the Celtics 112 to 106, and Trailblazers beat the Rockets 110-102

NHL
Islanders beat the Panthers 4-2, Predators over the Coyotes 4-2, Maple Leafs beat the Blue Jackets 3-nothing, Flames over the Jets 6-2, Hurricanes beat the Rangers 4-1, and Canucks beat Wild 4-3.

NASCAR
The Indianapolis 500 announced yesterday that the 104th running of the legendary race will be August 23rd but closed to fans,  even though the decision to allow some fans in the grandstands was announced last month.  Those who have tickets for the Indy 500 will receive credit for the 2021 race

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Yahoo Sports reports that Penn State linebacker Micah (MY-cah) Parsons is expected to opt out of the 2020 college football season and declare for the 2021 NFL draft, where he’s widely viewed as a sure fire first round pick.  Parsons could make the decision official as early as today.  Last year, as a sophomore, he was named the Big Ten Conference linebacker of the year.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 4, 2020

A young boy died Saturday night after a tragic accident involving a forklift in the 1000 block of Elimsport Road.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Lycoming County coroner said a 12 year old  Samuel Beiler of Lancaster County, another passenger and an operator of the forklift accidentally went off the berm and down an embankment overturning.  The two others jumped free of the vehicle when it toppled.  Clinton Township volunteers worked to free Beiler from under the forklift.  He was pronounced dead after 10pm Saturday.

There are Staff members at White Deer Run who have reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus.  According to the Sun Gazette, an administrative assistant there confirmed the positive results, but administrators could not release any more information due to privacy concerns.  They did say there are no cases amongst the patients at White Deer.  The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed that there were 565 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 114,155.  Lycoming County reports 339 positive cases to date – with 2 new cases reported as of yesterday, Northumberland reports a total of 407. In Union County, there are 172 positive COVID-19 test results with the most recent positive numbers at the Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary where 35 inmates have the disease. There are 7,209 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, but no new deaths were reported.

Evictions can take place again at the end of this month.  According to Governor Tom Wolf’s order from May 7th, there was a moratorium on evictions, which was amended later to apply to tenants who have not paid rent and other amounts owed, or who have stayed beyond the lease end date. The ban on foreclosures and evictions does not cover a tenant who damages property, breaks the law or breaches the lease in some other way aside from nonpayment of rent or overstaying a lease.  Accoridng to the Sun Gazette, Social service agencies who help to the homeless like American Rescue Workers and STEP Inc., say they anticipate more use of their agency resources after the eviction moratorium ends.

State and federal funds were allocated in Montoursville yesterday after the borough council there moved to use almost $145k of the 2020 Community Development Block Grant out of the CARES Act for curb cuts, and rent or mortgage relief organizations.  According to the Sun Gazette, a SEDA-COG spokesperson said using some of the grant specifically for the curbs saves other, more flexible grants for a wider variety of projects in low-income communities.  STEP, Inc and American Rescue Workers’ also will utilize some of the funds for homeowners on a first come first served basis.

backyard broad
A Williamsport woman was taken into custody after punching a police officer and resisting arrest following an incident where she refused to leave the property outside the Hampton Inn along Via Bella.  According to the Sun Gazette, Rashay Morton of West Edwin Street, became combative after police arrived following her  refusal to leave the premises of the hotel by the staff there.  Morton reportedly sang and chanted during her arraignment, not listejning to the judge.  She was committed to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail.

A new Columbia Woman allegedly blew in the face of a nurse at Evangelical Community Hospital on July 2nd after threatening staff and refusing to wear a mask and was later charged by police.  Accoring to North Central PA.com, 41 year old Glenda Richards became uncooperative during the COVID-19 screening process.  Staff there said the woman refused to comply with the policy. She was charged with terroristic threats,  reckless endangerment, and disorderly conduct. She has a preliminary hearing August 20th.

PennDOT’s Bureau of Rail, Freight, Ports and Waterways has opened the application period for eligible businesses to take advantage of the 2020 Rail Transportation Assistance Program and the Rail Freight Assistance Program. According to officials from PennDOT, their grant programs focus on safety and allow $40 million for 26 rail freight projects. Eligible organizations can apply for funding through either program, starting today until Friday, August 28, 2020.  A link to the application is available here.

https://www.penndot.gov/Doing-Business/RailFreightAndPorts/Pages/default.aspx

The Avis Borough Council unanimously voted yesterday to allow local businesses to play music and have bands play for their customers up until 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends as customers stay socially distanced. Clinton County reports only 115 total cases of the coronavirus as of yesterday with Lycoming  County adding two new cases.  The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed that there were 565 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 114,155.  There are no new deaths reported in Pennsylvania as of August 3rd.

SPORTS

MLB
The Reds beat the Indians 3 to 2, Yankees beat the Phillies 6 to 3, Mets over the Braves 7-2, White Sox beat the Brewers 6-4, Twins over the Pirates 5 to 4, Cubs beat the Royals 2-nothing, Rockies over the Giants 7-6, Padres beat the Dodgers 5-4, A’s over the Mariners 11-1, Tigers and Cardinals were postponed.

NBA
Raptors beat heat 107 to 103, Nuggets over Thunder 121 to 113, Pacers beat the Wizards 111 to 100, Pelicans over the Grizzlies 109 to 99, 76’ers beat the Spurs 132 to 130, and Lakers over Jazz 116 to 108

NHL
Hurricanes beat the Rangers 4-1, Jets over Flames 3-2, Lightning the Capitals 3-2, Golden Knights over stars 5-3, pPenguins beat Canadians 3-1, Oilers over the Blackhawks 6-3

MLB
The Atlanta Braves took a huge blow when young pitching star Mike Soroka tore his right Achilles tendon while playing against the New York Mets last night.  Soroka was hurt in the third inning after delivering a pitch to J.D. Davis, who grounded the ball toward first baseman Freddie Freeman.  When Soroka went toward first to cover the bag he let out a scream – seeming to know right away it was a devastating injury.

MLB Games tonight
Pittsburgh goes to Minnesota, Cleveland heads to Cincinnati, Boston is in Tampa Bay, New York is in Washington, Toronto goes to Atlanta, Miami is in Baltimore, Chicago heads to Milwaukee, Kansas City is in Chicago, San Francisco and Colorado, Houston in Arizona, Texas goes to Oakland, Los Angeles is in San Diego, and the Angels play Seattle.  Philadelphia at New York, St. Louis and Detroit, Phillies don’t play Miami either – those games postponed.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 30, 2020

MONTGOMERY OFFICER FILES SUIT
A former Montgomery police officer filed suit Wednesday in U.S. Middle District Court against the Lycoming County borough and the seven council members over his June 29 termination.  According to Penn Live,  Eric Winters says in the suit, his suspension May 4 and subsequent firing were retaliation for investigations the mayor asked him to do as the result of complaints from the public.  The suspention occurring the evening before Winters said he was planning to make an arrest in a drug investigation that involved two council members.  Drugs and evidence were seized in the investigation, according to the court document, but no charges have been filed.  Members of the Borough council who were asked for comment, did not due to not seeing the suit.  The suit seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, reinstatement and back pay contending the defendants retaliated against Winters, violated the state’s Whistle Blower Law related to the drug investigation and wrongly discharged him.

PIAA GUIDELINES
The Sports Medicine Advisory Committee has recommended that fall sports may begin on time according to  the PIAA Board of Directors who approved the recommendation.  In a press release, officials from the PIAA stated the need for school districts to be flexible while addressing the changing conditions of the covid-19 pandemic, and realize certain sports may have modifications and post-season may be modified.  The first date teams can gather for heat acclimatization is Monday, August 10 with a first practice date August 17.  A link to the full press release listing general considerations for all fall sports is available HERE.

FIRE AT LOCYALSOCK SENIOR LIVING FACILITY
Williamsport and volunteer firefighters responded yesterday to reports of smoke inside the Hillside Senior Living Center on Four Mile Drive.  According to the Sun Gazette, the call came after 6pm and officials said an air conditioning unit on the second floor of a building was the suspected cause of the incident.  No word on the amount of damage, if any occurred.  NO injuries were reported.

The Pennsylvania department of health is considering  to soon use a contact-tracing app popular in Ireland as part of an effort to more quickly contain coronavirus outbreaks by notifying people who may have been exposed, a state Health Department official said Wednesday.Accoridng ot the Associate press, the Department of Health is seeking to introduce a mobile app and a $1.9 million contract with software developer NearForm Ltd of Ireland to deploy and maintain it.Pennsylvania officials are working with researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard and MIT to figure out how to use the app  based on smartphone technology developed by Apple and Google.  There will be protection for App users by encryption and frequently changing anonymous identifier beacons

Loyalsock Township School District has approved  health and safety plans for the fall, expecting  a full opening, five days a week, with classes beginning Aug. 31.  Students will take classes coinciding with the county’s phase; red, yellow or green, with the option of online learning at any time.  According to Gerald McLaughlin, district superintendent who shared the plan during a virtual school board meeting yesterday, the basics of the plan will be expanded on over the course of the next month like checklists for teachers and employees as well as protocols and procedures.  A complete copy of the district’s health and safety plan is on the district website

 

The statewide total of Coronavirus cases has increased by 834 for a statewide total of 110,218 according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health yesterday.  Lycoming County reported 5 new cases bringing the county wide total to 306 positive cases, Northumberland with 398 cases, Clinton County reports 112 cases, Union County with 129. IN the hot spots of the state; Allegheny County is reporting an increase of 125 cases and Philadelphia County is reporting an increase of 111 cases. The statewide death toll is 7,162 total deaths adding 16 new fatalities yesterday.

Students in the Jersey Shore Area School District, who were scheduled to retake the Keystone Exam this spring will not have to take it.  According to the Sun Gazette, Dr Brian Ulmer told the school board that he would enact the waiver of the Keystone exams since the students would have to take an exam for a class they only had part of in the spring.  The board also approved an online learning program through IU 17 and IU15 for full-time district students who want to participate in school virtually.

PennDOT is working on traffic signal upgrades in East Buffalo Township and Union Township, Union County.  The traffic signal upgrades are part of a Green Light Go project, which is sponsored by East Buffalo Township and Union Township and is Pennsylvania’s Municipal Signal Partnership Program. Watch for installation of new vehicular detection equipment at Route 15 and Route 304 intersection, new lights atRoute 15 at Moore Avenue and Smoketown Road intersection at Bucknell University and Route 45 and Fairground Road a will have new pedestrian signal equipment and emergency vehicle pre-emption equipment installed.

According to a Penn State athletic department statement released yesterday, eight student-athletes have tested positive for COVID-19. There were 466 tests conducted, with 66 pending.  Athletes from seven teams are currently on campus, including men and women’s basketball, field hockey, football, men and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball, there’s no information about which students within which sports are affected.  Penn State football’s training camp is scheduled to begin August 7, even though their season does not have an official start date. The Big Ten Conference is expected to announce a modified schedule soon.

 

SPORTS

MLB Scores
The Rockies beat the A’s 5 – 1, Rangers over the Diamondbacks 7-4, Nationals beat the Blue Jays 4-nothing, White Sox over the Indians 4-nothing, Reds beat the Cubs 12-7, LA Dodgers beat the Astros 4-2, Brewers over the Pirates 3-nothing, Braves beat the Rays 7-4, Tigers over the Royals 5-4, Red Sox beat the Mets 6-5, Yankees over the Orioles 9-3, Twins beat the Cardinals 3-nothing, Giants over the Padres 7-6, Mariners beat the Angels 10-7, Phillies and Yankees & Marlins and Orioles game was postponed with a make-up date to be announced

Tonight‘s MLB games
Washington is at Toronto, Chicago goes to Cincinnati, New York is in Baltimore, Cleveland goes to Minnesota, Boston is in New York to play the Mets, Tampa Bay is in Atlanta, Kansas City goes to Detroit, Los Angeles is in Arizona, Seattle is in Los Angeles to play the Angels, and San Diego plays at San Francisco

MLB
Now that the coronavirus outbreak has infected nearly half of the Miami Marlins’ roster, Major League Baseball outlined in a memo Tuesday that players are not to leave hotels in road cities except for games, mandating the use of surgical masks during travel and now requiring a compliance officer to travel with them to ensure players and staff properly follow the league’s protocol. The MLB is investigating the cause of the Marlins’ outbreak that has seen 16 players and two staff members test positive  causing the Marlins’ games through Sunday to be postponed, and the prospect of their season restarting Tuesday at home questionable.

Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Joe Kelly was handed an eight-game suspension by Major League Baseball for his role in the benches-clearing incident that happened at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Tuesday night. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was issued a one-game suspension and Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker was fined an undisclosed amount.  Kelly was said to have taunted an Astros player on the way back to the dugout, but will appeal his suspension, making him available for the series finale.

College Football
The ACC board of directors voted Wednesday to proceed with an 11-game football season that begins the weekend of Sept. 12 — and includes Notre Dame playing a full league schedule if public health guidance allows.  The schools will play 10 conference games plus one nonconference game of their choosing, and the Fighting Irish will be eligible for the ACC championship game. There will be no divisions for this season only.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 29, 2020

BLOOMSBURG FAIR CANCELLED
The Bloomsburg Fair Association made the difficult decision yesterday to cancel this year’s Bloomsburg Fair after reviewing all the factors surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.  According to a press release, they considered local community and government concerns in the process and ultimately do not want to jeopardize the the health of thousands of people in the region.  Many previously scheduled musical artists have already agreed to come back to the Grandstand in 2021 in which the Bloomsburg Fair association says there will be many new surprises as well as the traditional opportunities.  Next year’s Bloomsburg Fair will be September 24th through October 2nd.

MAN HELD FOR COURT IN FATAL ARCH STREET BRIDGE ACCIDENT
The judge in the preliminary hearing for the man who is accused of killing two riders of a motorcycle and injuring two others on July 18th on the Arch Street Bridge decided that the man will be held to all charges including two counts of vehicular homicide, aggravated assault and driving under the influence.  According to  the Sun Gazette, court record say 5 people testified  for about 90 minutes about 34 year old Matthew Bower, of  Linden, who they say struck and killed of James “Jimmy” Neufer, a resident of Armstrong Township, and a passenger, his girlfriend, Amanda Bergstrom, of Nisbet , after 10 pm.  After the accident, Bower,was injured and taken by ambulance to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville. He is free on $500,0000 bail.

GRANTS FOR BROADBAND APPROVED
A $2.5 million grant for extending broadband networking in the region was approved by the Lycoming County commissioners yesterday, as  part of the cooperative agreement through the Appalachian Regional Commission in Tioga, Potter and Clinton counties. The commissioners also considered using some of  the county’s $10.5 million share of federal stimulus funds, but are now seeking to extend a federal end of year deadline to use the funds.  According to the Sun Gazette, the coronavirus relief bill funding, if approved, would be restricted to COVID-19 related issues or problems.  There will e no meeting this Thursday, the next will be The commissioners will not meet Thursday, the next meeting will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Executive Plaza, 330 Pine St., Williamsport.

ROXY THEATER CLOSING UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
The Roxy Theater in Lock Haven announced on yesterday they will be closing for an “undetermined amount of time, blaming  the lack of new movies and seating restrictions for the closure. Accoriding to the theater’s Facebook page, the 31st of July will be their last day, and thanked their loyal patrons for their support, hoping they will be able to serve them again soon.

MUNCY MAN ACCUSED OF CORRUPTING MINORS
A Muncy man is free on $22 thousand bail after he allegedly touched a 10-year-old girl inappropriately and showed other minors pornographic videos in his Fairfield Township home, between Jan. 2019 and May 2020.  According to state police in Montoursville the three separate statements by the minors support that 34 year old Patrick S. Morrill attempted to show the children pornography and then keep it a secret.  Morrill is charged with three counts of first degree misdemeanor corruption of minors – one for each child involved

DRUG CHARGES IN SHAMOKIN DAM
Two people were taken into custody at a hotel in Shamokin Dam after police found them with suspected methamphetamine with a street value of $3,000.  According to the Daily item, 34 year old Jeremy Orwin, and 32 year old Lindsi Shenck,  both of Millerstown were found with found numerous packaging materials and scales. Orwin had a probation warrant from Dauphin County and Shenck had a warrant from State Police in Newport for DUI.  Both will be charged with numerous drug related charges and endangering the welfare of children.

MAN CHARGED WITH STEALING FROM EMPLOYER
A Lycoming County man is facing theft charges after he allegedly stole from his employer. According to WNEP, Michael Fischer is accused of taking $15 thousand worth of merchandise and another  $4 thousand cash from the Weis Store on River Avenue in Williamsport.  Police say a fellow employee caught Fischer stealing and reported the theft to police.  The man had worked at the store since 2013 until this year.

HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN FOR SOUTHSIDE
The South Williamsport School District has proposed their health and safety plan for the fall and it includes face masks and shields, sanitizing stations and iPads for all students. According to the Sun Gazette, district students will rotate between reporting to school buildings two days a week and staying home the other three days. Superintendent Dr. Mark Stamm told the school board the plan was developed this month in consultation with a team of parents, students, staff, employee association representatives and administrators noting that there could still be adjustments to the plan.

SPORTS
MLB
The Indians beat the White Sox 4-3, Blue Jays over the nationals 5-1, Cubs beat the Reds 8-5, Rays over the Braves 5-2, Pirates beat the Brewers 8-6, Tigers beat the Royals 4-3, Mets over the Red Sox 8-3, Indians over the White Sox 5-3, Twins beat the Cardinals 6-3, Diamondbacks over the Rangers 4-1, Dodgers beat the Astros 5-2, Angels over the Mariners 10-2, Rockies beat the A’s 8-3, Padres over the Giants 5-3, Yankees and Phillies as well as Orioles and Marlins postponed due to illness.

The coronavirus outbreak among the Miami Marlins had a domino effect throughout Major League Baseball, with MLB postponing the New York Yankees’ Wednesday home opener against the Philadelphia Phillies.The Yankees will now play in Baltimore against the Orioles on Wednesday and Thursday before heading to Yankee Stadium to play their first home game of the season against the Boston Red Sox. The Orioles had an opening in their schedule because they were supposed to host the Marlins in a two-game series starting Wednesday.

Tempers flared during the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers game Tuesday night, the first time the teams have met since the Astros were handed a punishment by the league in January.  At the bottom of the sixth inning with two outs, Joe Kelly stuck out his tongue at the Astros’ shortstop Carlos Correa. The two sides exchanged verbal jabs, and the benches cleared. More words were exchanged, the television broadcast shows, but it appears that no punches were thrown. The Dodgers won the game, 5-2. The teams will play each other again tonight at 7

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 28, 2020

Families in the Jersey Shore Area School District can expect a chance to see the school’s health and safety plan on the district website now after the school board there approved the proposed plan 9-0 last night during their virtual meeting. According to the Sun Gazette, district superintendent, Dr. Brian Ulmer said the type of reopening based on Lycoming and Clinton counties’ green designation, is for the total reopening of the schools but with the option for distance learning for some students and families with schools to open August 27th. Procedures for monitoring student and staff health are also a part of the plan.  Parents are being asked to choose which option – in-person, totally remote or a hybrid model – they desire for their child.

Police have identified the man who lost control of his Ford Ranger truck and landed in Lycoming Creek last Thursday.  According to the Sun Gazette, 58 year old Ronald Winkleman of Mill Hall was pulled from his truck by first responders after going into about 5 feet of water at the 3900 block of Lycoming Creek Road. Winkleman was transported to UPMC Williamsport in stable condition.

One city employee in Sunbury tested positive for COVID-19 and now Sunbury’s
M & T building is closed to the public for sanitizing.  According to the Daily Item, Sunbury Police Chief Brad Hare said the police are working from their cruisers and 911 is still available to residents who need police response. The shut down effects  the police department building, City Hall, the community pool, the streets department and also cancelled Monday night’s council meeting.

The Williamsport city police pension board has approved by an 8 to 0 vote, a drop-pension program for police chief Damon Hagan and two officers, Officer Debra Wasilauski and Capt. Donald Mayes  who is no longer with the city, during their virtual meeting this week.  A drop pension program allows for employees eligible to retire, to earn some benefits while continuing to work.  According to the Sun Gazette, the current pension calculations have yet to be obtained by a state-right to know request.

Police are continuing an investigation into a July 17th shooting on Hepburn Street in Williamsport.  According to the SUN Gazette, police say a 25 year old Philadelphia man was allegedly shot by his girlfriend after he refused to leave her apartment about 10pm.  The victim in the shooting was taken to UPMC Williamsport and the woman was questioned by police.  Officers said they questioned the woman and later released her with no charges filed in the case, also no word on the condition of the shooting victim as of today.

The City of Williamsport has settled a dispute with Lundy Construction after final payment for work done was delayed.  According to the Sun Gazette, Lundy completed a game-viewing deck project worth over $900 thousand along the first-base line at Bowman Field in 2017 and in accordance with the contract documents and specifications completed the work and requested a final payment from the previous city administration.     Former city finance director and ex-general manager of River Valley Transit, William E. Nichols Jr, previously told the Sun Gazette that he offered execs at Lundy membership and rides for the employees on the Hiawatha. According to Mayor Derek Slaughter, the parties resolved the dispute by working out a donation to the Hiawatha in return for the remaining $6 thousand payment amount.

Those motorists who travel north central Pennsylvania are reminded that the restrooms at the Interstate 80 westbound and eastbound rest areas in Montour County will be closed on Wednesday, July 29 for tank flushing and related water testing. According to a press release from PennDOT, The restrooms will be closed from approximately 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., but the parking areas will remain open.

Lock Haven University announced the decision to move to a mostly remote learning environment for the fall 2020 semester with limited exceptions and limited on-campus residency. This is a revision of earlier announced plans, which planned more face-to-face instruction and a semi-traditional on campus experience.  In a press release, Dr. Robert Pignatello, LHU president, said that bringing the entire campus community back – approximately 3,500 students, faculty and staff is too risky.  More information will be provided to students through their campus email. A hotline has been established for questions at 570-484-3700 available from 8am-6pm beginning today. The university’s COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions have been updated and can be viewed at www.lockhaven.edu.

.SPORTS
MLB
Commissioner Rob Manfred said he believes that MLB’s health protocols are working, despite an outbreak of COVID-19 among the Miami Marlins.  The Marlins had at least 11 players and two coaches test positive over the past few days, forcing the postponement of both Monday’s and Tuesday’s home games against the Baltimore Orioles. The team remained in Philadelphia, where testing results should be in today.  Pending the results, the Marlins are scheduled to resume play Wednesday in Baltimore.

Last night scores – The A’s beat the Angels three nothing, Padres over the Diamondbacks 6-2, Blue Jays over the Washington Nationals 4-1, Cubs beat the Reds 8-7, Rays beat the Braves 14-5, Brewers over the Pirates 6-5, KC Royals over the Tigers 14-6, Astros beat the Mariners 8-5, Mets beat the Red Sox 7-4, Yankees and Phillies, and the Orioles and Marlins games were postponed due to illness, White Sox & Indians game postponed due to rain.

NFL
The Philadelphia Eagles have paid tribute to the late Kobe Bryant with a memorial wall at their practice facility. The mural has three images of Bryant: one from his playing days at Lower Merion High School, one as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers and one in an Eagles uniform featured with “Kobe’s 10 Rules”.  Bryant was born in Philadelphia and returned to the area during his middle school years after some time overseas and was a big Eagles fan.

NFL
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent a letter to fans outlining the league’s plans to play during the coronavirus pandemic.  As veterans begin reporting to training camps this week, Goodell wrote that the league’s planning has followed the lead of medical experts and public health officials, including the CDC, the White House Task Force, governors and state health officials, and that safety remains paramount as players return to the field. The league and the players’ union reached agreement on a plan last Friday, after all preseason games were canceled.

Chicago plays at Cleveland, New York goes to Philadelphia, Toronto is in Washington, Chicago at Cincinnati, Atlanta goes to Tampa Bay, Milwaukee is in Pittsburgh, Chicago goes to Cleveland, Kansas City in Detroit, New York in Boston, St. Louis at Minnesota, Arizona plays Texas, LA plays Houston, Seattle is in Los Angeles to play the Angels, Colorado Rockies play the A’s, San Diego at San Francisco , and Baltimore at Miami is postponed

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 27, 2020

MAN THREATENS SELF-HARM AND OTHERS
Police responded to an incident Sunday afternoon in which a man was threatening self harm and also threatening to shoot anyone who came in to the home.  According to The Daily Item, the unidentified man told officers from Coal, Rapho, and Zerbe Townships, Shamokin, Mount Carmel as well as Stonington State police that he had a gun and that he would shoot all who were outside the West Walnut street home.  Police eventually entered the home without incident and the man was arrested with charges pending.  Police continue an investigation.

DEMONSTRATIONS OVER LGBTQ, BLM AND CONFEDERATE FLAG THIS WEEKEND
Demonstrations continued throughout the weekend in the Susquehanna valley with several groups of dozens of ‘mostly’ peaceful demonstrators coming together on corners of streets of Mifflinburg.  According to North Central PA dot com, an anti- LGBTQ sign in a storefront began a demonstration Sunday in which local community members supported both sides.  Black Lives Matter groups as well as residents with Confederate flags were involved in the day.  There are reports that Mifflinburg police had one incident where they broke up a fight between protesters.  The union County Sheriff was also on the scene.

WILLIAMPSORT LIBRARY GETS DIGITAL NEWSPAPER ARCHIVE
Thanks to a grant in funding from the First Community Foundation Partnership the James V Brown Library in Williamsport has made a complete digital version of local newspaper archives available online According to the Sun Gazette, administrators from the library say the $169 thousand grant and local gifts plus support from the Lycoming County Genealogical Society provides the microfilm of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette and its predecessors, the Grit, and other local publications, which cover from 1807 to the present.  An internal database, allows access to content including copyrighted content, but can be accessed over the library’s IP address.  https://jvbrowninternal.advantage-preservation.com

DANVILLE HALLOWEEN EVENT CANCELLED
The Danville Halloween Parade Committee has recently announced the cancellation of the event due to Covid-19. They stated o their Facebook page that everyone in the committee is saddened by the choice they had to make, but said due to the ever changing circumstances it was the best choice. They also stated that they look forward to seeing everyone in 2021.

MAN ARRESTED AFTER BEING STOPPED IN STOLEN TRUCK
Selinsgrove state police say they pulled a Beavertown man over while he was driving a vehicle which was reported stolen from the Middleburg area earlier in the day.  According to North Central PA dot com, the investigating officer located the trick, a 2003 Ford F250 Supercab along State Route 104 on June 26th , and stopped 55 year old Douglas Klugh, who was allegedly under the influence with methamphetamine in his possession. Police say there is an ongoing investigation.

UPDATE ON MAN WHO SHOT FORMER WIFE, FRIEND, IN PARKING LOT
The man who is accused of shooting and killing his former wife and her friend earlier this month at a restaurant parking lot near Selinsgrove has requested a change of attorney  which will delay his preliminary hearing scheduled for today.  According to media outlets Christopher Fernanders of Paxinos, is accused of killing 46-year-old Heather Campbell of Trevorton and 52-year-old Matthew Bowersox of Mifflinburg July 10 and was shot by a bystander who retaliated after Fernanders was fleeing the scene. Fernsanders has recently been upgraded to critical condition from serious condition upon his arrival after the incident.

MONEY TAKEN FROM BANK ACCOUNT, UNDER INVESTIGATION
There is an investigation underway in Snyder County in which police say an unnamed person took money from the joint bank account of a man and woman from Monroe Township.  State police say a total of $17 thousand was taken from the account between July 14 and July 21st.  If anyone happens to have information about the case, please contact someone in the Snyder county case.

PIG ROAST TO HELP MUNCY MAN INJURED BY COW
There will be a pig roast will be taking place this Saturday, August 1st in honor of a man named Harley “Chubby” Fry who was injured by a cow and is currently being treated for a spinal cord injury.  He was treated by doctors at Geisinger medical center in Danville and is currently doing therapy at a rehab center. The Pig roast will be raising money for chubby to equip him with the necessary tools his rehabilitation requires of him at home. The event will be held in Muncy. For additional information on how to purchase tickets visit Facebook under Harley “Chubby” Fry Pig Roast Benefit.

 

SPORTS
MLB
Marlins beat the Phillies 11 to 6, Yankees over Nationals 3-2, Tigers beat the Reds 3-2, Indians over the Kansas City Royals 9-2, Tampa Bay Rays beat the Blue Jays 6-5, Orioles over the Red Sox 7-4, Twins beat the White Sox 14-2, Mariners over the Astros 7-6, Pirates beat the Cardinals 5-1, Cubs beat the Brewers 9-1, Rockies over the Rangers 5-2, A’s win over the Angels 6-4, Diamondbacks beat the Padres 4-3, Braves beat the Mets 14 -1, Giants over the Dodgers 3-1

Four Miami Marlins players have tested positive for the coronavirus leading the team to delay its postgame trip home amid concerns about a possible outbreak. Sources say it’s possible that the infections occurred Wednesday on the team’s trip to and from Atlanta, where the Marlins played the Braves in an exhibition game. The Marlin’s manager Don Mattingly said the Marlins will leave Philadelphia today hours before their home opener against Baltimore in Miami. He says  multiple players may remain in Philadelphia.

NFL
NFL players who contract the coronavirus through “high-risk” activity away from team facilities can face team discipline and might be at risk of not being paid, according to the league’s new protocol. The final section of a memo sent by the NFLPA to agents is devoted to the fact that players will be held responsible for the way they circulate in public while the coronavirus remains present, facing discipline, including fines, for conduct detrimental to the team if they are found to have contracted COVID-19 through reckless activity away from the facility.

GOLF
Michael Thompson had a subdued victory celebration at the 3M Open, with a FaceTime call home to his wife and children in Georgia, after he birdied two of the last three holes Sunday for a 4-under 67 and a two-stroke victory, finishing his second PGA Tour win seven years after his first. Adam Long took second with a 64.

Baseball tonight – Angels play the A’s, Diamondbacks play the Padres, Blue Jays play the Nationals, Cubs play the Reds in Cincinnati, Braves play the Tampa Bay Rays, Yankees and Phillies, Brewers with the Pirates, White Socks play Indians, Royals and Tigers, Mariners and the Astros, Orioles play the Marlins in Blatitmore, Mets play the Red Sox

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 26, 2020

PIG ROAST FUNDRAISING EVENT

On August 1st a pig roast will be taking place in honor of a man named Harley “chubby.” Chubby’s spinal cord was recently injured by a cow where before being treated by doctors at Geisinger medical center in Danville was causing paralysis. After a stint in the hospital he was moved to a rehab center where he is currently doing therapy. The Pig Roast will be raising money for chubby to equip him with the necessary tools his rehabilitation requires of him at home. The event will be on August 1st at 4pm, at 1657 Chippewa Road, in Muncy. For additional information on how to purchase tickets and what will be available you can visit the Facebook fundraising page by clicking here.

NEW LAB ON WHEELS FOR DIABETICS

A “Medical Bus” From Geisinger has been treating patients across 19 health centers to help keep up new diabetic diagnosis’s. The bus, Dubbed the Geisinger Care Gaps Bus, serves about 50 people a day and is a new resource of the hospitals aimed to more conveniently serve diabetics. According to the Sun gazette, Ann Mooney, the optimization consultant for the medicine institute said that The goal for the bus is prevention and detection. The rolling lab screens everyone entering for covid, checks for vitals and records height and weight before blood is drawn for a checkup. As diabetes continues to grow at an overwhelming rate amongst the population, the Care gaps bus is proving to be a vital resource for the hospital and community.

PA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY TO REOPEN AUGUST

The Pennsylvania college of technology will be reopening for the fall semester on august 17th. While the college has always taken pride in their strives for excellence in providing hands on instruction for students, the call for social distancing has not fallen upon deaf ears within the administration. The president and other college administrators held a series of virtual “town hall” meetings on July 20-21 addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, and what their plan was for a safe reopening. While there is risk in any re-opening for something as public as a school, they stand ready with UPMC by there side with resources for contact tracing and preventative measures if anything happens. You can click here to see what courses they offer this year, and a more robust layout of their preventative measures.

DANVILLE HALLOWEEN PARADE CANCELLED

The Danville Halloween Parade committee has recently announced the cancellation of the event due to Covid-19. They stated on their Facebook page that everyone in the committee is saddened by the choice they had to make, but due to the ever changing circumstances it was the best choice. They also stated that they look forward to seeing everyone in 2020.

Sports

NFL

The New York Jets agreed to trade All-Pro safety Jamal Adams to the Seattle Seahawks for first-round draft picks in each of the next two years.

NBA

Zion Williamson has re entered the NBA bubble after dealing with a family matter and has begun his 14 day quarantine.

MLB

The restart of the Season is finally here for baseball fans. The winners for the weekend were the Brewers, Giants, Nationals, Astros, Braves and Padres.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 24, 2020

MAN DRIVES VEHICLE INTO LYCOMING CREEK
A dive team was called in to help rescue a 58 year old Mill Hall man who drove his Black Ford Ranger into Lycoming Creek yesterday afternoon.  According to the Sun Gazette, officials from the Old Lycoming Township police department said the unidentified man was seen driving erratically northbound at the bridge near Route 973 and Lycoming Creek Road, missing guardrails and going off the road into more than 5 feet of water. The first responders took about 35 minutes to remove the man from his car, who was then transported to UPMC Williamsport.  A fuel spill into the water was reported before the car was towed from the creek.

RAPE CHARGES FOR JERSEY SHORE MAN
A 21-year-old Jersey Shore man is accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in his Smith Street apartment after arranging a meeting online.  According to North Central PA.com Officers from the Tiadaughton Valley Regional Police Department said on March 30th Michael W. Fulger Jr. met the victim and gave her a potent drug and the forced her to go along with the rape.  He’s being held on felony counts of rape, assuault and corruption of a minor among other charges.  Fulger was committed to the Lycoming County Prison on July 13 in lieu of $90,000 monetary bail and is  scheduled for a formal arraignment Aug. 3.

NO ARMORED VEHICLE IN WILLIAMSPORT FOR NOW
The City Council will not be approving the request of close to 380 thousand dollars for an armored tactical vehicle, the purchase of which earlier this week was reviewed by the city finance committee, citing a need to reduce costs  as the city faces possible budget overages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yesterday the car purchase was removed from the six-year capital projects budget, but the budget was adopted.  According to the Sun Gazette, Mayor Derek Slaughter said council could have the option to amend the request and wait on the purchase until there was a way to fund it through partnerships in the city and surrounding counties.

THIRD OPTION NOW FOR GENDER IDENTITY AT DMV
PennDOT will allow Pennsylvanians to identify as non-binary on driver’s licenses and photo ID cards, a move hailed by the LGBTQ community. In a press conference yesterday,  PennDOT officials announced that Pennsylvania residents can designate their gender as M (male), F (female) or X (non-binary). Those who want their license to better reflect their gender identity will need to visit a PennDOT license center to update their forms. Pennsylvania is the 17th state in the country to offer a non-binary option on its driver’s licenses.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) clarified more guidance for alcohol sales at bars and restaurants under Gov. Wolf’s order yesterday. All sales hinging on the definition of what food at the establishment constitutes a meal.  According to the order the term “meal” is defined as “food prepared on the premises, sufficient for breakfast, lunch or dinner -expressly stating that a snack, such as pretzels, popcorn, chips, or similar food, does not meet the definition of a meal.   Enforcement of the order is occurring through the Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement, the Liquor Control Board, and the Department of Agriculture.

A 32 year old Laurelton man has been arraigned on 36 felony charges for the rape of a young girl over several years while babysitting her between 2005 and 2009.  According to the Daily item, William Aikey was between 17 and 21 years old when he stayed at the victim’s home ‘a couple weeks at a time’ while her father worked as a trucker.  Aikey also allegedly showed the victim child pornography.  Milton state troopers say the investigation first began last December, after interviewing the adult victim.  Aikey was released on $50,000 unsecured bail.

Federal Community Development Block grants were approved by the Lycoming County commissioners yesterday from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.   Four local agencies who they say  are integral in providing services to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will receive  nearly $150,000.  The grants will go to the following agencies: STEP Supportive Housing Program, American Rescue Workers, North Central Sight Services, and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.  SEDA-Council of Governments made the recommendation of the awards, with the commissioners discussing the grant awards at their work session earlier this week and gave final approval Thursday.

PennDOT issued an update on the bridge replacement work continuing on route 150 in Beech Creek Township Clinton County. According to a press release work will start Monday, July 27 at bald Eagle Creek bridge with a temporary traffic signal at this location deactivated.  flaggers will be on the roadway. Watch for delays, and motorists are encouraged to take alternate routes.  The traffic pattern at Peters Hollow bridge will not change. PennDOT says the project consists of placing the existing bridges with precast reinforced concrete box culverts guide rail installation and miscellaneous construction


SPORTS
MLB
Yankees over the Nationals 4-1 in 6 innings – game called due to rain.
Dodgers Beat the Giants 8-1

NASCAR
Denny Hamlin scored his series-high fifth Cup win of the season Thursday night at Kansas Speedway, ending a three-race stretch where Hamlin had finished outside the top 10. Brad Keselowski finished second and was followed by Martin Truex Jr., Kevin Harvick and Erik Jones. This is the second straight season for Hamlin with at least five wins. He has won three of the last eight races.
NFL
Effective immediately, Washington will call itself the “Washington Football Team” pending the adoption of a new name. The team will continue the process of retiring the former name and hopes to be entirely rid of it on physical and digital spaces in the next 50 days, by the Sept. 13 regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.

NCAA
The faculty of the University of Kentucky’s African American and Africana Studies program has asked UK president  to change the name of Rupp Arena because they said the legendary basketball coach’s name has come to stand for racism and exclusion of black students and fans. In addition to removing Adolph Rupp’s name from the UK basketball arena in downtown Lexington, the faculty requested that names of other enslavers, Confederate sympathizers, and other white supremacists be removed from campus buildings as well.

NHL
Seattle’s new NHL team with the new name, The Kraken will make its debut in the 2021-22 season. The league announced its 32nd team in 2018 for a $650 million expansion fee. The team looked at more than 1,200 names but decided on The Kraken a mystical creature with a name that represents folklore in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. The franchise had settled on five finalists, which were sealed into an envelope and put in a time capsule in Seattle’s Space Needle — along with Nirvana records, a Twinkie and one share of Amazon — that will be revealed in 2062, on the Needle’s 100th anniversary.

MLB tonight
Braves at the Mets, Detroit Tigers go to Cincinnati, the Toronto Blue Jays play the Tampa Bay Rays, the Brewers head to Chicago to play the Cubs, Marlins play the Phillies, Kansas City Royals go to Cleveland with the Indians, Orioles are in Boston with the Red Sox, Rockies head to Texas to play the Rangers, Twins play the White Sox, Pittsburgh is in St. Louis with the Cardinals, Mariners play the Astros in Houston, Diamondbacks and the Padres, the Giants and the Dodgers are in LA, and the Angels head to Oakland against the A’s.

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