BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 24, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SPORTS

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 23, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 22, 2020

Trump Campaign Loss in Federal Court

Many PA officials are beginning to certify election results in the states, dealing another blow to the trump campaign. Currently the results as of now show Joe Biden winning by more than 80,000 votes. This comes after a ruling by federal judge. U.S. district judge Matthew Brann in Williamsport turned down the request for an injunction by Trumps lawyers, cutting down expectations of smoothly overturning the election results, citing that Trumps campaign presented a strained legal argument with speculative accusations.

Reading Women Assault Charges

Lisa R. Llewellyn, a 55 year old Reading woman is being charged with aggravated assault and public drunkenness after causing an incident at a holiday inn in Williamsport. Officer Brett Garbrick responded to a call of an intoxicated women with possible mental health issues at the hotel on 100 pine street. When trying to get her to speak with EMS she began getting confrontational leading to her arrest, where she kicked one of the police in the genitals and soiled her pants on the way to the car. She was put briefly in county prison, but was later released after posting her $25,000 bail later in the day.

Overdose Leads to Endangerment Charges

Wellsboro Police were called to the Nichols street home of 35 year old Jenna L. Kriner for a possible overdose. First responders arrived on scene shortly after the call was made, where officers Phillip Deveney wrote in an affidavit found 2 children appearing very distressed and worried at the back door.  EMS found Kriner on the floor and administered 2 does of NARCAN to revive her. When stabilized she was taken to soldier and sailors memorial hospital, and the children were taken by a family member . A preliminary hearing for Kriner is set for December 15th where she will be facing felony endangerment charges at district judge Robert L. Repards Office.

PennDOT Funding Falls Short

PennDOT is facing a money issue in regards to their annual highway and bridge funding. A failure to keep up with rising costs of maintenance from federal funding along with an increase in fuel economy across the board from newer models of cars, cutting into the large portion of tax revenue made through gasoline sales in the state, have contributed to an 8.1 billion dollar gap that is crucial to maintain PA roads. PennDOT secretary Yassman Gramian is calling PA residents for public comment about their plan to explore sustainable transportation options intended to bridge the gap, and they are accepting feedback until Dec. 17th. You can visit our website fo the link to the PennDOT pathways prgram, and give your opinion. Click here, for the page.

Baltimore Resident Charged in Williamsport

State police in Montoursville recently charged a Baltimore native at a fine wines and good spirits store on Wednesday. 18 year old Joseph Buttarazzi had the police called on him by a clerk working the counter at the store, when he realized the identification was fake. After a brief investigation, Buttarazzi was cited for carrying a false identification card and misrepresentation of age to secure a liquor, malt or brewed beverage. All the trouble was brought on by a mere $55.08 cents worth of alcohol.

Large PVA Donation From Weis

Weis markets has recently made a large donation of $800,00 dollars to the paralyzed veterans of America on Tuesday. The money was reaised in partly by corporate donations and an in store fundraising campaign in which shoppers were asked to donate while purchasing their groceries. This is the fourth year that wies has partnered with the PVA, and since the first year they have generated more than $1.5 million dollars in revenue for the program. For over 70 years the PVA has been working has been supporting the most injured veterans exclusively, and the PVA national president David Zurfluh has said that he looks forward to the next year with weis, as it has been a big help.

Sports

PIAA Girls 2A Soccer Championship:

Bloomsburg 1 North Catholic 0

Panthers win 1st girls state soccer title

 

PIAA Boys Triple A Soccer Championship:

Lewisburg 6, Deer Lakes 0

Green Dragons win their third

soccer title in the last six years.

 

Football – Double A Semifinal

Southern Columbia 42

Bishop McDevitt 14

Head Coach Jim Roth tied George Curry for most coaching wins in Pennsylvania high school football history with 455 victories.

The Tigers advance to their 6th straight state title game and will take on Wilmington next Saturday morning at 11 in Hersheypark Stadium.

 

Football – Triple A Semifinal

Wyomissing 44, Danville 14

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 21, 2020

Mayor Derek Slaughter Speaks on New Town Hall Location

Last week, the local theater community was upset with the lack of regard for their organization after hearing that one of the places being considered for the new city hall location was 100 west third street, center 1. The very building they have occupied for some time now. According to the sun gazette reached out to mayor Derek slaughter, and asked to comment on the situation, where he said that they were not going anywhere, and they they had an ongoing lease agreement for the next 29 years. Council president Randal J Allison concurred, saying that they weren’t evicting them. As of now, no decision has been made yet and the committee is looking elsewhere for the new building while reviewing conceptual blueprints in the meantime.

PennDOT

PennDOT released a statement about a four year reconstruction plan in the Athens and sayre boroughs in Bradford county. Kriger construction is handling the reconstruction, and has the northbound lanes closed on route 199 between cayuta street and interstate 86. Work will include drainage improvemnets, utility relocation, sidewalk and curb improvements, ADA curb ramp installations, traffic signal upgrades, driveway adjustments, signing and pavement marking. They are urging motorists to remain alert, and slow down to keep the public and workers as safe as possible.

2 Grants Awarded to Schools

The department of education has administered funding to 2 schools in the area through grants, intended to prevent violence incidents. The loyal sock township school district received $19,961 from the state department of education, and the john Nuemann elementary and highschool each received $24,885 from intermediate unit non-public equipment grants. State senator gene yaw, says that these grants will help compensate schools for additional equipment and training for school resource and police officers. This comes after the PA state  budget for the fiscal year was signed off by him yesterday

Bill 1350 Close to Being Law

Bill 1350 has been passed by state senator gene yaw, effectively moving it along to governor wolfs desk for final approval. The 35.5 billion dollar budget for this year, that will be in effect until june of 2021 will not have any tax increases thanks to increased federal funding and creative accounting brought on by the pandemic. Yaw released a statement saying that he “…acknowledged the budget leaves much to be desired,” but says that we must consider the circumstance of this year, and wants all the focus to stay on rebuilding the PA economy. Governor wolf has yet to sign it into law.

Lewisburg Immigrant Alleged Fraud and False Statement Charges

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

Sports

Girls Soccer Single A State Championship 

Southern Columbia 2

Greensburg Central Catholic 1

This is Southern Columbia’s second state title in the last three years

 

 

 

Football – Quad A Semifinal

Jersey Shore 39

Lampeter-Strasburg 35

The Bulldogs advance to their first state championship game in school history, and will take on Thomas Jefferson, next Saturday at 330 in Hersheypark Stadium. 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 20, 2020

MORE MOTIONS EXPECTED IN THE ELECTION 2020 CASE BEING HEARD IN WILLIAMSPORT
In the Election 2020 case that has landed in US Middle District Court in Williamsport, the case brought before the court by attorneys for President Donald J Trump, including Rudy Giuliani,  states that some voters in different Democrat heavy counties were treated differently when it came to curing ballots in Pennsylvania.  According to the Sun Gazette, defendant, Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar and attorneys with the ACLU, DNC and NAACP say it’s a lawsuit in search of a legal theory.  Judge Matthew W. Brann has given President Trump’s team through Saturday at noon to respond.  Giuliani maintains without a filing in court to support it that Democrats have created a scheme that favored president-elect Joe Biden in the most recent Election process that has been touted by experts at the highest levels to be the most secure in history.  Pennsylvania is set to certify state ballots this coming Tuesday.

LOCAL COVID-19 UPDATE
There’s a new record in the state for coronavirus cases, today at over 7,100 according to the Department of health.  Lycoming County has reported 68 new cases, Union County reports 43, Northumberland has 23, Snyder has 18 new cases ,Tioga County – 15.  Over 2,900 patients are hospitalized statewide, with over 600 in the ICU and over 300 on ventilators and 116 new deaths have also been confirmed

LEGISLATORS WORK ON NO-NEW TAX STATE BUDGET
Even as the Democrats in the state legislature voted in a way that showed they were not satisfied with  how federal coronavirus funds are being spent in the state, the House Appropriations Committee passed a main spending bill this week, and began voting yesterday on a no-new taxes budget.  According to the administration, the package authorizes nearly $11 billion in new spending, bringing the current year’s operating budget to $36.5 billion, about 4% above last year’s approved spending.  There is a projected $6 billion deficit, but lawmakers are using more than $3.3 billion in federal pandemic aid approved by Congress and transferring more than $500 million from off-budget state accounts.  Using the federal aid lowers the reliance on state tax dollars from $36.5 billion to $33.1 billion.

FLU SHOT CLINIC AT FAIRGROUNDS
Bloomsburg Fairgrounds will be the scene of their last community drive-thru and walk-up Geisinger Medical Center flu Shot clinic for the season this Saturday from 9am til 2pm.  Anyone age three and older can get an inoculation for free.  A limited supply of high-dose vaccine is available for those 65 years of age and older.  The address for the fairgrounds is 620 West Third Street in Bloomsburg.

EPISCOPAL CHURCHES SHUTTING DOWN THRU 2021
The Central Pennsylvania Diocese of the Episcopal Church, has announced that all in-person worship in the churches under the authority of Rev. Audrey C. Scanlon will be suspended until 2021. According to the Sun Gazette, the number of coronavirus cases in two counties where large congregations are has caused the bishop of the diocese to make the call.  All in-person worship and parish meetings will be suspended beginning Saturday.  Local pastors such as Bishop Jeremiah J. Park, of the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church, and the Rev. James Wooster, pastor at Pine Street United Methodist told the paper, they are remaining open for now but are also encouraging rigorous safety practices to mitigate the spread of the virus.  St. Joseph the Worker  will be broadcasting masses on Facebook and YouTube

SCHOOLS GO FULL REMOTE LEARNING
The East Lycoming School District is the latest school to decide to go to full remote instruction beginning today.  Officials from the district said that due to an increase in cases of COVID-19 in the Jr./Sr. High School, they will make the move albeit temporary at this time with a return to in-person instruction planned for December 1. There were two additional cases of COVID-19 reported in the District yesterday.  Students can access class information through their district email, or on the Sapphire Student/Parent Portal. Other schools reportedly moving to virtual; The Shamokin Area School District  will be full remote through Friday, December 4.  The Shikellamy School District reported four  coronavirus cases yesterday and will go online for the week reopening December 1.

ROAD TO OPEN NEXT WEEK AFTER ROCK SLIDE
After a rock slide closed the road, Route 11 between Danville and Northumberland is expected to be open next week. According to PennDOT, New Enterprise Stone and Lime, will be remove debris from the site through the weekend and should  beopen Tuesday. About 7,500 tons of rock was estimated to have blocked the highway last Monday and they say heavy rains contributed to the rockslide. A detour is posted in the area at this time.

 

SPORTS

NFL
Thursday Night Football
Seahawks 28 – Cardinals 21

NCAA football
Penn State vs. Iowa Saturday @ 3:30 in Beaver Stadium
Maryland vs Michigan St. Cancelled (COVID)

HS Football
PIAA Class AAA semifinals
Jersey Shore plays District 3 Champ Lampeter-Strasburg tonight 7pm
Winner plays in the State Championship Saturday, November 28th

 

HS Soccer State Championships
Boys Soccer

Undefeated Lewisburg (21-0) vs. Deer Lakes
Saturday 130pm, Hersheypark Stadium

Girls Soccer

Southern Columbia vs.

Greensburg Central Catholic

Today 11am, Hersheypark Stadium

 

Bloomsburg vs North Catholic

Saturday 11am, Hersheypark Stadium

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 19, 2020

ELECTION 2020 TRIAL CONTINUES IN WILLIAMSPORT THIS WEEK
The federal court case that began in Williamsport in front of Judge Matthew W. Brann yesterday over how Democrat and Republican voters were treated in Pennsylvania during the 2020 Election, continues this week.  Various deadlines were extended so that the legal teams of President Trump and Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar can file motions today through Saturday at noon for a preliminary injunction and any opposition briefs, respectively.  Trumps’ counsel, who includes Rudy Giuliani, alleges that it was illegal to assist voters with the intent to influence the election, when voters in six democratic-controlled counties needed assistance with technicalities that could have disqualified ballots like a signature missing or incorrectly using the secrecy envelope.

WAHS GOING ALL REMOTE THROUGH DECEMBER 1ST.
After returning to in person instruction earlier this month,  Williamsport High School has changed course as the coronavirus effects the district and will now be in full remote instruction mode through December 1st following Thanksgiving break.  The Williamsport Area School District announced yesterday that the decision was in coordination with the PA Department of Health, and that students in grades 9-12 are expected to log into the remote platform according to their regular academic schedule from 7:40 to2:25 each day.  According to the district, all athletics and extracurricular activities are also suspended for Nov. 19 and 20th.

DAILY COVID NUMBER IS PENNSYLVANIA’S HIGHEST SO FAR
The state Department of Health reported Wednesday, there were 6,339 additional positive cases of the coronavirus in Pennsylvania which is a new state record.  There are 61 new cases of the coronavirus in Lycoming County with 17 people hospitalized .  Northumberland County has 58 new positive tests.  Tioga County has 37 new confirmed cases,  Clinton County has 28.   Snyder County has 18 new cases for a total of 778 and 18 deaths. Union County has ten. Montour County has 14.  The number of deaths in the state since yesterday  was 110.

SUNBURY UNITED WAY HOLDING VIRTUAL COVID-19 FORUM
The public is invited to join a virtual forum this evening with the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way that will cover local health providers’ current responses to COVID-19 and what you and your family can do to remain as safe as possible especially during the busy holiday season.  You can get information  online at gsvuw.org/healthforum, so that you can connect tonight at 6:30pm on Zoom and Facebook Livestream where the United Way will be joined by CEOs from the Geisinger and Evangelical and other health care professionals who will address the community.

FEDERAL TRIAL OVER ELECTION IRREGULARITIES PROCEEDS THIS WEEK IN WILLIAMSPORT
Various deadlines were extended in the federal court case that began in Williamsport in front of Judge Matthew W. Brann yesterday over how Democrat and Republican voters were treated in Pennsylvania during the 2020 Election.   The legal teams of President Trump and Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar will be able to file motions today through Saturday at noon, with Boockvar’s team attempting to dismiss the case and Trumps’ counsel, who includes Rudy Giuliani, given time to present evidence in the case.  The Plaintiff says that it was illegal for workers in six democratic-controlled counties to assist voters who needed assistance with technicalities with the intent to influence the election.

NO TAX RATE INCREASE IN OLD LYCOMING
A preliminary budget has been adopted by the Old Lycoming Township Supervisors that will keep the real estate tax rate the same as it has been.  According to the Sun Gazette, officials at the township office when asked about the no-increase budget, said they were not spending where it is not necessary.  The tax rate will remain at 4.713 mills with the sewer rate remaining at 60 per month as well.  The budget is expected to be adopted on December 8th – at the next supervisors’ meeting.

MILTON AREA SCHOOLS GO FULL REMOTE
Milton Area School District Superintendent Dr. Cathy Keegan announced yesterday that the middle and high schools will move to all virtual learning through the end of the month.  There were  two additional positive COVID-19 student cases and an employee case at the middle and high schools.   Both buildings will be back to in-person classes Tuesday, December 1., Baugher Elementary and White Deer Elementary schools will continue attending school as normal.

PENNDOT ASKS PUBLIC FOR FEEDBACK
The PennDOT is requesting public feedback for the PennDOT Pathways Program in an effort to explore sustainable transportation options. The department is launching an extensive initiative to examine possible near- and long-term funding solutions for the maintenance and improvement of Pennsylvania’s highways and bridges, and they encourage the public to review the information presented on its online engagement platform and to provide comments.  Go to www.penndot.gov/funding to  provid online comments, email [email protected] or use their hotline at  717-325-6129

 

SPORTS
HS Soccer State Championships
Boys Soccer

Undefeated Lewisburg (21-0) vs. Deer Lakes
Saturday 130pm, Hersheypark Stadium

Girls Soccer

Southern Columbia vs.

Greensburg Central Catholic

Friday 11am, Hersheypark Stadium

Bloomsburg vs North Catholic

Saturday 11am, Hersheypark Stadium

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 18, 2020

PRESIDENT TRUMPS LAWYERS COME TO TOWN
Counsel for President Donald J Trump, Rudy Giuliani and others, came to Williamsport yesterday for a hearing in federal court to continue the legal fight to block certifying the state vote count.  After five hours in the courthouse, and a gathering of Trump supporters in nearby parking lots showing support with State Police nearby, US District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann gave the president’s lawyers time to file an opposition to the defendant, Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar’s motion to dismiss, until 5pm today.  In addition while reviewing the claims in the case in which 680 thousand ballots in Philadelphia and Allegheny Counties were in question due to a poll-watching irregularities, Judge Brann found that the Supreme Court had ruled 5-2 against the argument, negating the issue.  With the time to fight a  dismissal of the case, Trump’s team has been given until today to present evidence that Democrats were treated more fairly than Republican voters  which they maintain violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.

WILLIAMSPORT FEDERAL COURT WELCOMES tRUMP COUNSEL, RUDY GIULIANI
State Police and supporters of President Trump lined the streets surrounding the Williamsport Federal Courthouse yesterday when counsel for President Donald J Trump, Rudy Giuliani and others, came to town for the hearing involving questions over 680 thousand ballots alleged to have been secretly counted without observation by poll-watchers, as well as an amended filing of the suit that electors were not given an adequate chance to have equal protection of their vote, a violation of the 14th amendment of the Constitution.  Giuliani argued for US District Court Judge Matthew W Brann to not dismiss the case and allow more time to present evident, which Judge Brann did and there will be another hearing.  Judge Brann will consider the plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction and allow the defendant to counter today at 5pm in Williamsport.

NEW MANDATES FOR THE COMMONWEALTH IN THE FACE OF COVID SPIKES
Dr. Rachel Levine Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health held a press conference yesterday announcing more targeted efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania by implementing a mask mandate for all residents in PA whether in their home or not.   Dr. Levine’s order also says that those who are traveling between Pennsylvania from another state, must test negative for the virus within 72 hours prior to arrival. The order does not apply to people traveling back and forth for work or medical treatment. People who refuse to be tested will be required to quarantine for 14 days.  The state has no plans to enforce that measure at this time, but is asking for voluntary compliance. Levine said there are no plans to go with another broad-based shutdown.

LOCAL COVID UPDATE
Lycoming county reports 53 new cases of Coronavirus as of yesterday, Northumberland has 54, Snyder county reports 55 cases, Union has 15 and Montour reports 11 new cases.  Tioga County saw an increase of 23 cases as of yesterday.    Today’s COVID-19 total case count in Pennsylvania hit another record level – almost 5,900 There were 30 new deaths reported according to the PA Department of Health.

COMMISSIONER TESTES POSITIVE FOR COVID-19
The Lycoming County Commissioners has called for all of their public meetings for the Lycoming County Commissioners to be virtual now that his colleague, Commissioner Tony Mussare reported publicly that he tested positive for the Coronavirus ten days ago.  According to the Sun Gazette, Mussare tested positive and experienced minor symptoms, but had not been hospitalized – he had attended the last three meetings virtually.  However, a member of his family was  hospitalized, and is at this time in stable condition.  Mirabito also said county employees need to follow county directives to wear masks, to protect themselves and others.

MAN KILLED BY FAULTY HYDRAULIC RAMP
A man working for an excavation company was killed Monday in Lewis Township after a 500 pound hydraulic ramp failed and fell on him at a remote site off of Bodines Mountain Road.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Lycoming County Coroner said 50 year old Wayne Neureiter or Troutville in Clearfield County died instantly at the scene after workers there tried to free him from under the ramp attmeprting to resucitet him by using CPR.  The accident was not witnessed by anyone at the gas well pad near the Lewis-McIntyre township line on land owned by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Neureiter was employed by Lindemuth Excavating Inc., of Brookville in Jefferson County

NURSES GO ON STRIKE IN BUCKS COUNTY
Nearly 800 Bucks County nurses at a local hospital there went on strike yesterday over what they describe as dangerously low staffing levels that prevent them from providing high-quality care to patients. Represented by Pennsylvania health care union PASNAP, the union told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the staffing situation might only grow more dire through the winter.  Officials from Trinity Health, the Catholic health system that owns St. Mary’s, said it will hire qualified agency nurses during the strike.  The strike is planned to continue today, but PASNAP nurses will not be allowed back to work until Sunday because Trinity Health officials say that’s how long it takes to transition away from the replacement staff.

EAST LYCO PARENT EXPRESS CONCERN OVER REMOTE OR IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION
Parents in the East Lycoming School district heard from Superintendent Michael Pawlik at the school board meeting yesterday about how the school will handle the positive cases of the coronavirus that are occurring in the district while providing in person instruction.  According to the Sun Gazette, Pawlik said they rely on a team effort to contact trace, clean and keep proper distance in classroom areas, working closely with the department of Health.  During the public comment time of the meeting some parents questioned the schools measures like why they are not in remote learning mode. Other parents are grateful for the in-person instruction.  Palwik also said students have to submit a form if they are leaving the state and those traveling must comply with the DOH’s new mandate to provide a negative COVID-test upon returning to PA or quarantine for 14 days.

SPORTS

HS SPORTS STATE PLAYOFFS

Boys Soccer Double A Semifinal

Lewisburg beat Oley Valley 2- nothing

State Championship on Saturday at 130, Hersheypark Stadium
Lewisburg (21-0) vs Deer Lakes

 

Girls Soccer Class A Semifinal

Southern Columbia 9, Conwell-Egan 0

State Championship Friday 11am, Hersheypark Stadium 

Southern Columbia vs. Greensburg Central Catholic

 

Girls Soccer Double A Semifinal 

Bloomsburg 1, Allentown Central Catholic 0

State Championship Saturday 11am, Hersheypark Stadium

 Bloomsburg vs North Catholic


Girls Soccer Triple A Semifinal

Villa Joseph Marie 1 Selinsgrove 0……In double overtime

 

Field Hockey Class A Semifinal 

Wyoming Seminary 6, Bloomsburg 0

 

Field Hockey Double A Semifinal 

Palmyra 3, Selinsgrove 0

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 17, 2020

TRUMP LAWYERS HEAD TO PA FEDERAL COURT IN WILLIAMSPORT
The country is watching what will happen in a Williamsport courtroom today.  After a ruling by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in a separate case, the lawyers for President Trump, have amended the lawsuit to rely on claims of violations of the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution’s 14th Amendment.  Improper count and processing of over 600 thousand ballots also is in the suit.  Litigation against state Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar will be held before a hearing scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today in U.S. Middle District Court before Judge Matthew W. Brann in Williamsport.

HOUSE FIRE IN MIFFLINBURG
In Mifflinburg, a fire early Tuesday sent one person to the hospital but they have not been identified.  According to Susquehanna Valley emergency communications, the house fire was reported in the 900 block of Mountain View Road in the borough.  The incident had volunteers on the scene after 2:30 am for about 2 hours until the fire was extinguished.  Crews from Mifflinburg, Middleburg, New Berlin, Penns Creek, West End, and Lewisburg responded to the blaze.

VICTIMS IN HIGH SPEED CHASE HOSPITALIZED, IDENTIFIED
The victims in the crash that occurred following  a high speed pursuit for 13 miles last Saturday from Jersey Shore to the winding mountain road of Route 44 near Elimsport have been identified.  State police say 26 year old Kinsley Cohick of Montoursville was the driver and 28 year old Dalton Schlee of South Williamsport was a passenger in the vehicle and they remain hospitalized at Geisinger medical center in Danville.  Police say both men were not wearing seatbelts.  Accoridng to a spokesperson at the hospital, Cochick was reported in fair condition, and Schlee remains critical.

UPMC DOCTORS SAY BE VIGILANT ABOUT COVID
Medical officials from UPMC held a press briefing on Wednesday to urge the public to maintain the necessary health precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19 even as numbers in the commonwealth show signs of spiking.  According to Donald Yealy, UPMC medical director, an increase in coronavirus cases can be directly attributed to the public not wearing masks and colder weather forcing people indoors in close quarters.  Dr. Yealy said that modifying how the public handles behavior over the holiday season is important and to limit gatherings so that we can have family gatherings in the future.  At this time, with increasing positive cases, doctors noted that the need for intensive care and ventilators is lower than it was in the spring.

LAWSUIT BROUGHT ABOUT BY REPUBLICAN LAWYERS AND PA ELECTORS AMENDED
The lawsuit brought against secretary of State Kathy Boockvar over improper counting and processing of over 600 thousand ballots is included in a newly amended case filed by Donald J. Trump for President Inc.  The case will go before Judge Matthew W. Brann at 1:30 p.m. today in U.S. Middle District Court in Williamsport.  Lawyers for President Trump and two electors in the state allege that their ballots were cancelled due to improper procedures and they were not aware that they had been invalidated which violates the Equal Protection Clause.

LOCAL COVID UPDATE
COVID cases continue to rise in Pennsylvania, with the Department of Health reporting almost 10 thousand cases in two days.  In Northeast PA, Tioga County has now reported 73 new cases and five fatalities, 50 new cases have been confirmed in Union County, and Lycoming County has 41 new cases reported.  In Northumberland County – 20 new cases,  Snyder has 24 new cases, Montour has one new case.  51 deaths have been reported statewide.

JUNK YARD EXPLOSION CAUSES NO INJURIES
A fire was reported early this week following an explosion at a local business.  According to Northumberland County Communications, volunteers from Stonington Fire Company and others were called to the Winnick’s Junk Yard along Route 61Monday night after 9pm.  Several explosions were reported that destroyed cars, but no injuries were reported.  The fire and the crews on the scene blocked Route 61, but has since reopened.

GEISINGER WILL SHARE TEST RESULTS VIA AUTOMATION
Gesinger Medical Center is using Automation Technology to streamline the return of results of COVID-19 testing, to free up resources of invaluable skilled workers to work on critical patient care.  If you are a patient who takes a test at a Geisinger facility, you will receive a phone call within 24 hours of the testing with a result.  After verifying identity, the patient will be given an opportunity to speak with a triage nurse for advice and to get questions answered.  Patients can also call Geisingers COVID-19 hotline to get results.  Those who test positive can be called daily for monitoriung of symptoms – but can opt out.  Patients will also receive a letter in the mail within 7 days of the tests.

SPORTS
NFL Monday Night Football
Vikings beat the Bears 19-13

HS Boys Soccer
PIAA Class AA Semifinal
Lewisburg at Oley Valley, tonight at 6pm

HS Volleyball
The Northern Tier League announced its volleyball all-stars Monday and numerous area players were honored, including North Penn-Liberty’s Charisma Grega who was named the Northern Tier League’s Most Valuable Player and Ali Koval was named Co-MVP on defense.  Canton’s Annie Gaiotti was named NTL Utility Player  and Canton’s Sheila Weneski was named Co-Coach of the Year

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 16, 2020

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT IN REMOTE INSTRUCTION MODE
Due to an increase of confirmed COVID cases and quarantines, the South Williamsport Area School District announced that beginning today,  Juniors and Seniors at the high school will be transitioning to remote instruction. According to the Sun Gazette, District Superintendent, Dr. Mark Stamm, said that in person instruction is likely to be brought back after Thanksgiving break if all goes well. A letter to parents was sent out with information about the shutdowns, and all updated schedules have been emailed.

TRUMP CAMPAIGN SET BACK IN PENNSYLVANIA AFTER JUDGE’S RULING
The Trump administration suffered setbacks in Pennsylvania federal appeals court after efforts were rejected to block around 9,000 mail in votes received after election day. The judge noted the “vast disruption” the nation faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Sun Gazette Judge D Brooks Smith said that every lawful vote must count. The plaintiff has since withdrawn an appeal. According to pollsters, even if the 9000 votes were determined to be illegal, despite the T5rump campaign would still not have the amount of 50,000 votes to win in PA.

HIGH SPEED CHASE ENDS WITH AN ACCIDENT
Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police engaged in an approximate 12 mile pursuit that began near Jersey Shore late Saturday night near the Limestone Washington Township line that sent two suspects to the hospital with critical injuries.  According to the Sun Gazette. A 26 year old Jersey Shore man was driving a 2004 Mazda 3 with a 28 year old passenger and when they were  traveling south on Route 44 lost control of the car, going off the right side of the road into the tree about 11:40pm.  One victim was transported by ambulance and the other flown to a Geisinger trauma center.  Police say the suspects may have thrown evidence out of the car along the way, there was drug paraphernalia found in the wreckage. Police reconstructed the accident and the identities of the two crash victims are expected to be released soon.

There is a detour in place after a rockslide closed parts of Route 11 between Northumberland and Montour County.  Both the north and southbound lanes are blocked with debris on Route 11 between Ridge Road in Point Township and Continental Blvd in Danville.  Motorists are to sue the detour in place using Route 147, Route 642 and Route 54.  Closures should be expected through this week.   IN addition, Mile Post Road is reported to be closed in the Sunbury area because of trees and wires down.

Police seized a very large amount of drugs from White Deer Township Tuesday including hundreds of bags of heroin, methamphetamine, other drugs and and firearms.   The suspects William Zwernemann and Kaitlyn Zechman were both charged with 12 felony counts of possession of a controlled substance, with intent to deliver. Zwernemann was remanded to the Union County jail under  $250,000 bail and Zechman remains in jail in lieu of $100,000 bail. Their preliminary hearing is November 24th.

Sensitivity and diversity training has been proposed for Sullivan county school board members by the school District Superintendent and the president of the  school board after public comments about a rainbow flag and an LGBTQ display in the high school library came across as offensive and hurtful to community members.  According to the Sun Gazette, there was a joint statement presented calling for the training, so that the diverse student body in Sullivan Countycontinues to feel supported and be able to learn in a positive environment.  The next board meeting is on November 17th

As of Saturday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported 5,551 additional cases of COVID in the Commonwealth.  Union County led the new numbers with 44 new cases of COVID-19, Lycoming County reports 37 new cases, Northumberland County has  32 cases, Clinton reports 14, and Tioga County reports 19 new cases.  Geisinger Danville has the same 48 admitted patients with the viurs, 20 on ventilators.  Geisinger Shamokin has one new patient with COVID-19, for a total of 10 people admitted, two on ventilators,.  Evangelical Community Hospital has two new patients; 17 patients admitted, three on ventilators.  There are 50 new deaths reported statewide according to the PA Department of Health

Pennsylvania’s Gov. Tom Wolf  met with governors from neighboring states this weekend to discuss possibly coordinating new restrictions to help curb COVID-19 spread as a second wave of the coronavirus grips the region. Governors of New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont  as well as New York.  NY Governor Andrew Cuomo says the group was to discuss possibly coordinating more regulations on bars, restaurants, and gyms, as well as limits on gatherings and interstate travel.  No major announcements have been made after the summit..

SPORTS
NFL
Giants beat the Eagles 27-17, Steelers beat the Bengals 36-10, Cardinals over the Bills 32-30, Patriots beat the Ravens 23-17, Buccaneers beat the Panthers 46-23, Lions beat Washington 30-27, Packers over the Jaguars 24-20, Raiders beat the Broncos 37-12, Dolphins beat the Chargers 29-21, Rams over the Seahawks 23-16,

Monday Night Football
Vikings vs the Bears kick off at 8:15 from Chicago

GOLF
Masters Tournament at Augusta
Dustin Johnson shot a 4 under 68 and made the lowest score in tour history finishing a t20 under 268.

HS Boys Soccer
Lewisburg defeated Notre-Dame Green Pond in the PIAA Class AA Quarterfinals Saturday and will move on to play Oley Valley, Tuesday night at 6pm

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 15, 2020

Felony Child Endangerment Charges Filed

41 year old ryan DiRicco is to appear in court on the 25th of this month. Back in October a state trooper pulled over DiRicco with 3 children in the passenger seat after failing to make a complete stop at a red light. When confronted by law enforcement it was found that he had a warrant and seemed visually impaired. After a field sobriety test he was taken to nittany medical center for a blood test. After a month the results came back showing that he had a substantial amount of methamphetamine in his system. He has been charged with 3 counts of felony endangerment.

COVID-19 Vaccine in the Works

The US is currently seeing a second surge of cases, with PA reaching a total of 254,387 cases to date with 9,274 deaths. Lycoming counties total cases have reached 1300 cases with 30 deaths, a much milder number than high density places. Months of grim news around the virus have left many tired with the hysteria as the months march on, but there is actually some promising news as of now. A covid vaccine is in the works and is currently reported to be about 90% effective. While that’s an amazing thing, and is a refreshing hint of optimism there are still challenges ahead. Even if the vaccine is ready to go, and safe to use for the masses, there is still a question of scalability and distribution. Billions of units will need to be produced.

City Hall Relocation

City Hall is in the process of being relocated and many places are being considered for its new address. According to North Central PA.com one of the places being considered is the Building 1of the trade and transit center on west third street. The only issue is theat the community theatre league is already located there. Supporters of the theatre were taken aback by the news at first, and rightfully so. In response to the local outrage, Williamsport city councilman adam yoder released a statement saying the final decision of the location has yet to be made and that the theatre league will be kept in the loop regarding the location. The Community theatre league is still on the lst of possibilities and may have to relocate.

Home Invader Stabbed

37 Year old Robert J. Harer is being charged with felony burglary after allegedly breaking into a Campbell street home in Williamsport. When police arrived on scene to the residence 2 witnesses told police that Harer had forced his way into their apartment and began yelling and swinging a knife. In fear of their lives, one of them swung back with a pocket knife stabbing Harer and cutting his hand, which successfully made him leave the residence. He has been in the Lycoming county prison since Wednesday with a 100,000 dollar bail.

 

Sports

HS Soccer Tournament

AAAA Boys

Williamsport – 0

Cumberland Valley – 1

AA Boys

Lewisburg – 4

Notre Dame Green Pond – 0

AAAA Womens

Williamsport – 0

Parkland – 3

AAA Womens

Bloomsburg – 1

Wyomissing – 0

HS Football Tournament

AAA

Danville – 42

Archbishop Carroll – 21

AA

Southern Columbia – 57

Richland – 30

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