BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 13, 2020
TWO VICTIMS KILLED IN MONROE TOWNSHIP SHOOTING
The Monroe Marketplace was evacuated Friday night after a man shot and killed two victims in the parking lot of the Buffalo Wild Wings. According to media outlets, 46-year-old Heather Campbell of Trevorton and 52-year-old Matthew Bowersox of Mifflinburg were shot by suspect Christopher Fernanders of Paxinos who according to court documents, plotted to kill Campbell who had obtained a PFA order July 1st. Following the first shooting 49-year-old Troy Sprenkle of Sunbury came out of the restaurant and fired three or four shots at the suspect, putting him the hospital with serious injuries. Ferndanders has not yet been arraigned on muder charges dues to his hospitalization according to the Snyder County DA.
COVID-19 CASE NUMBERS IN PA
The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of midnight last night, that there are 725 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 95,414. The number of new cases in Allegheny County concerns the department as the numbers increased by 200 cases overnight. Lycoming County confirmed 242 cases.
FORECLOSURE ORDER SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
Governor Tom Wolf has signed a new executive order last week that protects some homeowners and renters from eviction or foreclosure until August 31. Those who already received assistance from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency or already received relief through one of the federal foreclosure moratorium programs or judicial orders are ineligible. Lenders and property owners that receive funds through the PHFA program agree not pursue foreclosure or eviction actions as a condition of participation in the program.
WILLIAMSPORT CITY HIRES ANALYTICS CONSULTANT
City Council hired an economic analytic expert last week to assist the city administration as it prepares for possible arbitration with the Bureau of Fire union in August. According to the Sun Gazette, Vijay Kapoor, president of Kapoor Company will be paid no more than $16,500 to perform what he said is a granular, high-end analysis using compensation comparisons from cities across Pennsylvania. Mayor Derek Slaughter also said that Kapoor will also be used by the city in preparation for his proposed 2021 budget and negotiations with police and River Valley Transit unions.
MAN DIES IN ONE CAR CRASH
A Unityville man died of his injuries after a one-vehicle accident about 6pm Friday night in Moreland Township along Route 118. According to the Sun Gazette, state police say 20 year old Gavin Steele lost control of his Subaru Outback while heading west on Route 118 near L Harman Rd. and overturned. Steele was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the vehicle. A nurse from Geisinger Medical Center in Danville reported that Steele passed away from his injuries Saturday.
MAN FLEES FROM POLICE
A man from Ashland is facing charges for fleeing from police July 5th in Shamokin. According to media outlets, 36 year old Harry Baney did not yield to police lights and sirens which started the police pursuit. The chase went through several residential areas in Shamokin before Baney crashed the car and then fled on foot. Police say the ehcile was towed from the scene and no injuries were reported.
STATE BUSINESS SHOULD TAKE PLACE REMOTELY
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to help reduce unnecessary in-person contact that can spread the virus, Governor Tom Wolf signed an executive order Friday authorizing state agencies to conduct administrative proceedings remotely. Several state agencies conduct administrative proceedings including meetings and disciplinary hearings of the 29 occupational licensing boards and commissions under the Department of State. The executive order takes effect immediately and allows administrative proceedings to occur by phone, video or online. Independent agencies are strongly encouraged to implement this executive order.
LOCAL COIN SHORTAGE
Local retailers are saying they are feeling the national shortage of U.S. Coins, and are posting signs about the shortage in their stores. According to the Sun Gazette some may see posted signs stating that establishments can only accept credit, debit and electronic payments at this time due to the coin shortage. In June, the Federal Reserve began limiting allocation of coins to banks and financial institutions, citing a decrease in coin deposits from financial institutions in the past few months. The U.S. Mint continues to produce coins and hopes the shortage issue will resolve once the economy opens more broadly.
SPORTS
NASCAR
Cole Custer in the No. 41 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford became the first rookie regular to win in the NASCAR Cup Series in nearly four years, surging to the lead in a four-wide, final-lap scramble Sunday at Kentucky Speedway. Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr. were dueling for the lead on the Lap 266 final restart when Custer got a push from Matt DiBenedetto and slid ahead of the bunched up leaders, outlasting Truex’s Toyota.
NFL
The Washington Redskins will officially announce this morning that they will be changing their nickname, though no new name will be revealed just yet because trademark issues are pending.
NBA
LA Lakers Anthony Davis says he will keep his last name stitched on the back of his jersey for the NBA restart in Orlando, Florida, rather than replace it with a social justice message.As of Wednesday afternoon, 285 of the expected 350 eligible NBA players had picked a social justice message to put on their jerseys, while 17 had opted to continue to use their names.
NCAA
The PAC-12 will follow the Big Ten and go for a conference-only schedule this fall for sports – delaying the start of all the fall seasons. UCLA and USC of the PAC-12 are affected by the large amount of cases in the LA area
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 11TH, 2020
DUNNSTOWN FIRE COMPANY CONTINUES FUNDRAISING, DESPITE CANCELLATION.
After river fest was canceled this year in Lock Haven, Dunnstown fire company is still going on with a tamed down version of the summer festival to keep up the fundraising for the fire department there, According to Mike Setzer, of the Fire company (put his title in here) they will still hold a modified event and duck derby fundraiser – just no floating the ducks this year, The festival begins today at 11 and continues into the evening with the duck derby drawing at 5pm today for $100 grand prize and several lesser prizes. Acccoring to Mike Setzer they decided to hold a modified carnival so that they could get in a little fund raising this year.
BUFFALO WILD WINGS SHOOTING
A shooting at a buffalo Wild Wings in Monroe Township was recently dealt with by law enforcement. A suspect whose name has not been released as of yet has been taken into custody. 2 victims, 46 year old Heather Campbell of Trevorton, and 52 year old Matthew Bowersox of Mifflinburg, have been pronounced dead at the scene. It is unknown if there are more victims at this time. Media outlets say that police arrested the suspect at the restaurant and released a statement stating that thankfully “the danger never left the parking lot.” At this time, the District Attorney of Snyder County says that it is to early to determine if charges will be filed.
STANDOFF PEACEFULLY ENDED BY STATE POLICE
Last Wednesday Justin Winnie, a 29 year old man from Rutland township, was engaged in a stand-off with police. He had made a call to his father several hours before the incident threatening to harm himself and others if he had to. Police soon established a parameter where the standoff took place for 4 hours. At 10:39 PM state police were successful in getting Justin to stand down and surrender himself peacefully. He was arraigned in Mansfield by District Magistrate Tiffany Cummings, where he was denied bail because of the danger he posed to both himself and others. He is currently being held at a Wellsboro correctional facility.
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT HIGH SPEED PURSUIT
Shiloh Flanigan, a 21 year old male of 16 Water St has recently been charged with felony fleeing and reckless endangering amoung other related offenses after a 15 mile high speed pursuit. Police began the pursuit in South Williamsport chasing him all the way to main street in Salladasburg where Flanigan crashed in the corner of a home at 8:35 pm. An ambulance transported him to UPMC for a medical evaluation after the crash. After being discharged he was arraigned by District judge Christian Frey and committed to Lycoming county prison with a bail of $150,000 dollars.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 10. 2020
WILLIAMSPORT CITY COUNCILS HIRES ECONOMIC EXPERT
City Council hired an economic analytic expert Thursday. According to the Sun Gazette, Vijay Kapoor, president of Kapoor Company, will assist the city administration as it prepares for possible arbitration with the Bureau of Fire union in August. Kapoor will be paid no more than $16,500 to perform what he said is a granular, high-end analysis using compensation comparisons from cities across Pennsylvania. Mayor Derek Slaughter also said that Kapoor will also be used by the city in preparation for his proposed 2021 budget and negotiations with police and River Valley Transit unions.
REMAINS DISCOVERED IDENTIFIED
The remains discovered on the morning of July 4th near Bates Road in East Cameron Township in Northumberland County have been identified as Joshua Phillippy, 22, of Ashland. According to NorthCentralPA.com, Phillippy had been a declared missing person by Pennsylvania State Police in Frackville on June 16th. Northumberland County Coroner James Kelley with Doctor of Dental Science, Dr. John Owens ad staff, helped in identifying the remains through dental records. There is no evidence of foul play suspected in the investigation.
CITY EAGER TO GET PROJECTS DONE
City officials are eager to get projects such as Grafius Run flood control, the levee and street reconstruction done after reviewing the six-year capital projects budget according to the Sun Gazette. Interim city finance director, Joesph Pawlak, said the capital projects budget runs from June 30, 2021 through June 30, 2026, noting that the first two years will allow council to look at those projects that are more firmly in place with final four years being more of a wish list.
LOCAL RETAILERS FACING COIN SHORTAGE
Local retailers are saying there is a national shortage of U.S. Coins, posting signs about the shortage in their stores. One retailer is GIANT market on E. Third Street in Williamsport, and according to NorthCentralPA.com, their signs state they can only accept credit, debit and electronic payments at this time due to the coin shortage. In June, the Federal Reserve began limiting allocation of coins to banks and financial institutions, citing a decrease in coin deposits from financial institutions in the past few months. The U.S. Mint continues to produce coins and hopes the shortage issue will resolve once the economy opens more broadly.
CITY OF WILLIAMSPORT RECIPIENT OF CORONAVIRUS AID
The city of Williamsport is recipient of $609,271 in federal Community Development Block Grant funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, according to the Sun Gazette. The block grant funding will be used to prevent, prepare and respond to COVID-19 pandemic issues, said Stephanie Young, city department director. Young also stated “Funding must not be a duplication of benefits.” And it is intended to be gap funding. The department will have an open enrollment period and once the organizations are selected, the city will need to enter into a sub-recipient agreement with the organizations.
TEEN CHARGED IN CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CREATED IN WILLIAMSPORT
Pennsylvania State Police Montoursville stated pornographic videos created in Williamsport depicting the abuse of children were uploaded to the internet and received over 19,000 views before deletion. According to NorthCentralPA.com, Cole L. Johnson, 18, was charged on Tuesday with one count of third degree felony possession of child pornography in relation to the videos. Trooper Matthew Miller stated the female victims were aged 16 and 17. Johnson’s bail was set at $95,000 unsecured during a preliminary arraignment on Tuesday.
PIAA RESPONDS TO RUMORS ON CANCELLATION
As rumors begin to swirl about the PIAA canceling the entire fall sports season due to the coronavirus pandemic, PIAA’s executive director, Bob Lombardi, told PennLive on Thursday that the PIAA is not planning to cancel the fall sports season at next Wednesday’s meeting. Lombardi added the rumors are “unfounded” and that right now, the PIAA is looking ahead to what needs to be done to make sure fall sports can start. The High School football season is set to kick off on August 28th.
TRAFFIC CONCERNS NEAR MUNCY UPMC CONSTRUCTION SITE
Construction of Geisinger Muncy has drawn traffic concerns, with speeding in the area being a top the list. Supervisor Thomas Scheach told the Sun Gazette that the traffic “is creating mayhem” and “We’re asking people to please slow down.” According to the Sun Gazette, instillation of new signs advertising reduced speeds was anticipated for Thursday. Scheach also added the appropriate signage required for local police to use speed enforcement devices will be installed shortly.
SPORTS 7-10-20
NCAA
The Big Ten announced that they will play conference games this fall and will cancel all non-conference games due to the coronavirus pandemic, becoming the first FBS conference to make such a decision.
PGA
Tiger Woods announced he will play next week’s Memorial Tournament. It will be his first official event since the final round of the Genesis Invitational on February 16th.
NFL
As a part of their return to play plan, the NFL has eliminated any post game interactions within 6 feet of each other, including the popular trend of jersey swapping,in the 2020 season.
MLB
Even though the 2020 MLB season has yet to start, Major League Baseball released their 2021 regular season schedule yesterday. All 30 teams will open the 2021 season on April 1st.
HS Boys Basketball
Jamie Spencer was named the Head Boys Basketball Coach at St. John Neumann High School. Spencer has previous coaching experience in the county, having coached at Montoursville and Montgomery.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 7. 2020
BODY FOUND IN CLINTON COUNTY
Human remains were discovered along the Susquehanna River by fishermen in Pine Creek Township last Thursday. State police at Lamar are investigating with Clinton County Coroner Zach Hanna. According to the Sun Gazette, the remains are speculated to be those of 31 year old Alex Mardis who disappeared in October of 2019 last seen fishing in Wayne Township, but those reports were not confirmed. The investigation is ongoing and no further details are available.
HIT AND RUN SENDS THREE TO HOSPITAL
A hit and run accident Sunday night in Crawford County involving an Amish buggy sent a young family to the hospital and SUV in question now located by police. According to Erie News now, a black 2018 Chevrolet Traverse rear-ended the Amish buggy while traveling westbound on Canadohta Lake Road just west of the intersection with Route 89. The diver fled the scene. A 23 year old woman was taken to UMPC Hamot and an 1 year old boy and an infant were life-flighted to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. The 24 year old man driving the buggy sustained minor injuries. Spartansburg residents told media outlets that more crashes like these have happened recently in Altoona and Meadville. No word on the condition of the victims today.
PENNDOT WILL WORK ON I-80 EAST AND WEST THROUGH JULY
Center Line Joint work continues this week on I80 east and west in West Buffalo and White Deer Townships this week. There will be short term alternating lane closures eastbound between mile markers 199 and 2020 near the Mile Run exit and westbound between mile markers 207 and 204. HRI incorporated will continue repairing the center line joint as well as the shoulders today through Friday July 24th.
WILLIAMSPORT LIBRARY OPEN TO BROWSE AGAIN WITH PRECAUTIONS
Precautions and protocols are in place that has allowed the James V. Brown Library to reopen for browsing throughout the facility. Summer programs have started again and the computer area, has been rearranged to allow for social distancing. Fees for DVDs have been reinstated, and those with fines are asked to clear their accounts at the help desk. According to a statement by the library staff, they will continue to clean and sanitize areas frequently, and eturned materials will be quarantined for 72 hours. Plexiglass shields have also been installed in front of all desks. The library is open 9 to 6 Monday to Friday, Saturday 9 to 2 and closed Sunday.
WILLIAMSPORT FIRE DISPLACES TWELVE PEOPLE
Another Williamsport house fire this week has left a dozen people homeless and firefighters battling the intense heat in the city. According to the Sun Gazette, flames broke out in an exterior wall on the second floor of the 3 story unit at 614 Pine Street about 2pm Monday. A family in one unit noticed smoke in their apartment and called 911. Asecond-alarm was ordered, bringing Old Lycoming Township, South Williamsport and Montoursville volunteer firefighters to help breaking up the exterior wall and dousing any hidden hot spots. The local chapter of the American Red Cross is helping the displaced families
FIREWORKS ORDINANCE COULD BE CHANGED
City Council may re-examine a city fireworks ordinance. The ordinance now allows for their use seven days prior to July 4 and seven days after, providing the user is 150 feet from any structure. Some council members said there could be less legal days days before the holiday than exists now. Some more powerful fireworks are available for sale in Pennsylvania over the last three years since the state statute was signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf. According to the Sun Gazette, as far as incidents in Lycoming County, state police at Montoursville responded to seven complaints of noise or fireworks between July 1 and Monday, as compared to two noise complaints from the same time in 2019.
AVIS ACCEPTS PAVING BID, SEEKING APPROVAL FROM BOROUGH
Five borough streets in Avis will be paved after the borough council there unanimously agreed to pass along a bid by Glenn O Habaker for 73,900 and 70 cents (just under $74k) at their latest in-person meeting yesterday. According to the Sun Gazette, Clinton, Cliff and Kirby streets and Myrtle and Ivy alleys will be paved after a recommendation is sent to the streets committee borough engineer and the county municipal services for approval. The funds will come from liquid fuels money and additional general funds.
MORE COVID-19 POSTPONEMENTS
There are a few more events and activities that have been officially cancelled this year in the wake of COVID-19. The Sullivan County Fair board voted last week to postpone the fair held at the Sullivan County Fairgrounds in Forksville, September 1st to the 5th until 2021. Montandon’s safety celebration, scheduled for Friday is also postponed with a new date to be announced. And the season at Bucknell University’s Weis Center for the Performing Arts in Northumberland County will not host any public large-scale performances through December 2020. In addition to local health and safety concerns officials there said that many of the international artists have cancelled their schedules. According to the Sun Gazette, they are actively planning a Spring 2021 season with hopes that they will be able to perform.
SPORTS
NFL
The Chiefs and Super Bowl MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes have reached agreement on a 10-year contract extension that ties him to Kansas City through the 2031 season, the team announced Monday. League sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the deal is worth $450 millionover the 10-year period and could be worth up to $503 million. The extension includes a $140 million injury guarantee, as well as a no-trade clause. With his landmark payout over the next 12 seasons, Mahomes will have the richest valued contract in American professional sports
NBA
Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard said he will be joining his team in Orlando for the league’s restart at the end of the month.He will donate the remainder of his salary for the 2019-20 season — approximately $700,000 to his charitable initiative Breathe Again. Howard, started the charity Breathe Again through his D12 Foundation in 2015 and is restarting the campaign in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis .
Boxing promotions run by Floyd Mayweather, Bob Arum and Oscar De La Hoya and teams in MLS, NASCAR and IndyCar were among the sports organizations that navigated the federal loan programs to cope with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Data released Monday showed hundreds of thousands of Paycheck Protection Program recipients across a wide range of industries, and sports-related businesses were well represented. None of the four major North American sports leagues — the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB — were among the businesses that applied.
President Donald Trump criticized the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians on Twitter for considering changes to their respective team names. The Redskins appear likely to change their name amid a nationwide movement to erase racially insensitive symbols, given the national focus on human rights and social justice
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 6, 2020
Stonington State Police found a body Saturday in Northumberland County and have found no foul play in the incident. According to media outlets the body was found in a wooded area near Bates Road in East Cameron Township near Shamokin. Stonington Troopers say a known individual contacted them around 8:45 a.m. Saturday who tipped them off about situation. Troopers say the Northumberland County Coroner and deputy coroner assisted the police on the scene.
A Montoursville resident has been arrested for simple assault and terroristic threats after police say he attempted to strangled his mother who would not provide him with money for drugs. Douglas Harding threatening his mother’s life and as she attempted to flee her home and call police, a neighbor saw the confrontation and called 911. Police say Harding was charged with one misdemeanor count of false imprisonment for allegedly holding the victim against her will. He has been jailed in lieu of 75,000 dollar bail at the Lycoming county prison.
Grants will be available for cultural institutions in Pennsylvania, according to Governor Tom Wolf who recently announced the availability of the the Cultural and Museum Preservation Grant Program, through the federal CARES Act. Twenty million dollars will be allotted for qualifying organizations for individual grants in amounts between $25k to $500k. Applications are accepted through July 31st and you can register and find information about eligibility here.
The man known as the “Shepherd of the Streets” in Lycoming County has announced his retirement. According to the Sun Gazette, the Rev. J. Morris Smith, has submitted notification that he will retire from his position as head of The Shepherd Program effective Aug. 28. Rev. Smith was part of the United Churches of Lycoming County Program for 20 of the 32 years it has been successfully helping the community. Rev. Gwen Bernstine, executive director of United Churches, said that the program will continue to operate under new leadership and they are seeking applicants for the position Smith held. Smith and his wife, Barby, say they will move closer to family in the Kansas City, Missouri.
A home caught fire on the Fourth of July in Williamsport on the 600 block of Rose Street. According to the Sun Gazette at least 5 people that were family and friends of the homeowner were inside when the fire started. According to the Sun Gazette broke out around 3:40 pm setting off 2 fire alarms in the process and leaving 3 adults and 3 children homeless. Fire officials say the blaze was started when a child was playing with a lighter. The local Red Cross is providing emergency assistance to the displaced victims. Damage estimates reached about $45k
A naked man in Mill Hall man was tased last Thursday after allegedly assaulting a Jersey Shore police officer. According to the Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police Department, motorists noticed 34 year old Jason Kinley on the 200 block of Calvert street running around and yelling at cars going by around 10:45. According to police the suspect was not in compliance with officers and continued to ask to be tased. The Police then complied with his wishes. Kinley is being held on charges of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, indecent exposure, simple assault, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and harassment and was jailed at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $50,000 unsecured bail.
More than $4 million in federal coronavirus relief funding is on the way for Union County and the Commissioners there are determining how to use those funds moving forward. A portion of those funds may be earmarked to expand wireless broadband internet access in the underserved western end of the county. According ot the Daily Item, Commissioner Stacy Richards said studies have been performed on expanding access in the county. Areas targeted are the Shamokin Mountain near New Berlin and Jones Mountain in Hartley Township. The funding could be split up to use for more than one initiative, she said.
A statue of abolitionist Frederick Douglass was ripped from its base in Rochester, New York Friday, on the anniversary of one of his most famous speeches. According to the National Examiner, police said the statue of Douglass was taken yesterday from Maplewood Park, a site along the Underground Railroad. Police say the statue was found near the Genesee River gorge about 50 feet from its pedestal and it had been damaged. In Rochester on July 5, 1852, Douglass gave the speech saying a celebration of liberty is a sham in a nation that oppresses its Black citizens.
Sports
MLB
Under pressure from national racial movements in America, the Cleveland Indians said Friday night that they will review their long-debated nickname, which has been in place for 105 years.
Ex Philadelphia pitcher Tyson Brummett, 35, of Salt Lake City, died in a plane crash. Brummett was drafted by the Phillies BACK IN 2007 out of UCLA. A right-hander, Brummett’s appearance in the majors came in 2012, when he faced four batters, striking out two of them.
NBA
The NBA has announced a schedule for scrimmages happening at the Walt Disney World Resort. As the season gears back up you can expect 33 scrimmages set for between July 22nd and July 28th.
The Miami Heat have closed their training facility after positively testing a second player for COVID-19
NASCAR
A tire changer for NASCAR driver Ryan Blaney was taken to a hospital, evaluated and released after being injured Sunday early in the Brickyard 400. Zachary Price was pinned between Blaney’s No. 12 Ford and Brennan Poole’s No. 15 Chevrolet as the result of a six-car pileup near the entrance of pit road 16 laps into the Cup series race. Five of the drivers were checked at Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s infield medical center and released. Blaney, meanwhile, returned to the race.
Justin Allgaier, the replacement for seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson, was involved in a six-car pileup near the entrance of pit road 16 laps into the Cup series race and dropped out. Johnson’s streak of 663 consecutive starts ended after he tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday.
At seven laps from another close victory that haven’t worked out, Denny Hamlin went careening into the first-turn wall with a flat right-front tire, and Kevin Harvick beat Matt Kenseth off the final restart to win his second straight Brickyard 500 Sunday.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY, 5TH 2020
WILLIAMSPORT 4TH OF JULY HOUSE FIRE
A home caught fire yesterday afternoon in Williamsport on the 600 block of rose street. According to the sun gazette at least 5 people that were family and friends of the homeowner were inside when the fire started. It broke out around 3:40 pm setting off 2 fire alarms in the process and leaving 3 adults and 3 children homeless. Cobirai Matthews, the home owner, was not home at the time. The local red cross is providing emergency assistance to the displaced victims.
DUI AND DRUG PARAPHERNALIA CHARGES PENDING
2 Northumberland county residents from Coal Township are facing drug charges after being pulled over for traffic violations by state police on route 61 in Coal Township. According to media outlets 21 year old Kaitlyn Anderson and 26 year old Stephan Thomas were arrested on Monday, with the driver being charged with a DUI and the passenger for drug paraphernalia. Charges are currently pending.
BODY FOUND IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY
Stonington State Police found a body yesterday morning in Northumberland county and are investigating the matter. According to media outlets the body was found in a wooded area near Bates Road in East Cameron Township. Stonington Troopers say a known individual contacted them around 8:45 a.m. Saturday. Troopers say the investigation is ongoing and is being assisted by the Northumberland County Coroner and deputy coroner on scene.
DECLARATION OF DISASTER EMERGENCY EXTENDED
The Lycoming County commissioners have agreed to extend the county’s Declaration of Disaster Emergency. This helps the county remain eligible for government funding for issues related to the coronavirus. According to the Sun Gazette, after the declaration the commissioners discussed about the COVID-19 guidelines, involving the consideration of wearing masks, after announcing the week before that mask’s were optional in county facilities, a decision later reversed by Dr Rachel Lavine. All decisions made are in an effort to get Lycoming county back to normal as quick as possible while providing enough support for residents and businesses in need.
SPORTS
NFL
Earlier this week, the NFL decided to shorten its preseason from four weeks to two to account for the coronavirus pandemic and the ways in which it’s affecting the league’s ability to start the season.
MLB
Ex Philadelphia pitcher Tyson Brummett, 35, of Salt Lake City, died in a plane crash. Brummett was drafted by the Phillies BACK IN 2007 out of UCLA. A right-hander, Brummett’s appearance in the majors came in 2012, when he faced four batters, striking out two of them.
NBA
The NBA has announced a schedule for scrimmages happening at the Walt Disney World Resort. As the season gears back up you can expect 33 scrimmages set for between July 22nd and July 28th.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY, 4TH 2020
NUDE MAN TAZED
A naked man in Mill Hall man was tazed last night after allegedly assaulting a Jersey Shore police officer. Motorists noticed 34 year old Jason Kinley on the 200 block of calvert street running around and yelling at cars going by around 10:45 last night. Police assume it is drug related.
DOMESTIC INCIDENT BRINGS POLICE
Montoursville resident Douglas Harding has been arrested for simple assault and terroristic threats among other things. According to the sun gazette, Harding was upset his mother wouldn’t give him money to buy drugs before strangling. When he loosened his grip the mother got up and said she was going to the police when Harding retaliated by threatening her life and forcing her back into the house. A neighbor saw the confrontation and alerted police who quickly arrived on scene. He has been arraigned with a 75,000 dollar bail at the Lycoming county prison.
BLOOMSBURG FAIR CONCERTS POSTPONED
Bloomsburg fair has postponed the John Pardi, Brad Paisley and Chicago concert for this year until 2021. Fans will enjoy the same lineup for the next year if you decide to not get a refund. Do nothing if you’d like to keep your seat assignments and tickets already purchased. Those wanting refunds can take steps through the ticket vendor with this link. The Bloomsburg fair main office is closed today and tomorrow in observance of the holiday weekend.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 3, 2020
Facemasks are once again required in county buildings. According to the Lycoming County Board of Commissioners all members of the public that enter county government facilities will be required to wear masks in keeping with the Order of the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine, who signed the order this week. The Pennsylvania Department of Health yesterday, confirmed 832 additional positive cases of the virus, with a statewide total to 88,074. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19. In Lycoming County there are 193 positive cases to date, Clinton 80 cases, Sullivan six cases and Tioga 25 cases.
Water and sewer customers in Lycoming County who are having a hard time getting caught up with the water bill, have been given a break. According to the Sun Gazette, the Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority decided that failure to pay monthly charges will not result in shut-off of service. Penalties will be waived again for the third month in a row. The Authority, who met for the first time in person this week since March, will revisit the policy in August .
The controversy over using the Red Raider Mascot which has recently been brought under fire in the Bellefonte Area School district, caused the school board meeting last Tuesday to be packed with the public, to make comments about the issue. According to the Sun Gazette, board president, Jon Guizar recognized public comments for over 45 minutes during the meeting. Mostly those against the mascot were not current residents within the school district, some of whom cautioned the district not to get into a costly legal battle. Most current residents were proud of the history of the Red Raider mascot which first appeared in a Bellefonte publication in 1936. The mascot issue was not on the board’s agenda, but was driven by recent online petitions of Facebook groups.
The world’s largest flying American flag will be hoisted and draped between two Allison Cranes tomorrow from 9am til 9pm at the former Susquehanna Supply Company site, just west of Baird Communication off Maynard street in Williamsport, all due to the hard work Allison Crane and Rigging, the Williamsport Lycoming Chamber of Commerce and the Pennslyvania National Guard of Lycoming county. The set the night to music fireworks celebration sponsored by backyard Broadcasting will take place at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds in Hughesville and the public coming to park at near facility is asked to use 180 to Route 405 N due to construction at the 405 intersection.
Even with the order from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, requiring social distancing and masks be worn at all times when community members are using public transportation, River Valley Transit has announced that with the short notice thay are unable to require their staff enforce the state mandate. According to the Sun Gazette, Interim General Manager Adam Winder said a passenger waiting in the heat will not be denied entry on the bus even if they do not have a face covering. He said they are working to develop a plan moving forward. Scrubbing down and disinfecting of the busses is part of the employee’s daily routine since the outbreak occurred.
The Montgomery borough Council voted last Monday to terminate Officer Eric Winters in a 5-0 vote, with Laurel Green and Susan Andrews abstaining from the vote. According to the Sun Gazette, after an internal investigation and a review of the results, the council made the decision to terminate officer Winters. He had been promoted to corporal in October 2019 and helped lead a police regionalization which ultimately stalled. The investigation results are a personnel matter and will not be made public.
An Athens Area High School freshman has won a scholarship for her entry in the “No Excuses Billboard Design Contest”. According to PennDOT, Karlee Bartlow’s billboard design, “Stay Alert, Don’t Get Hurt” featuring a distracted driver, provided a $500 scholarship for her efforts and an additional $500 for her school. The Highway Safety Network (HSN), Athens Area High School and State Farm Insurance sponsored the contest and her work will be displayed on a billboard in Bradford County during National Teen Driver Safety Week in October. According to PennDOT data, in 2018, there were 6,453 crashes involving 16- or 17-year-old drivers resulting in 26 fatalities
Jersey Shore’s Town Meeting, a week long celebration during the 4th of July for the community and the surrounding communities will now go on July 20th through July 25th. According to event organizers they waited until the county was in the green phase and to have approval from the borough council. There will be some changes this year – no “Baby Sweetheart” contest or Tiadaghton Queen contest, however, last year’s Tiadaghton Queen runner-up, Courtney Lehman, Jersey Shore student, will be crowned. The Thursday night parade and the Saturday fireworks show will go on as planned. The route for the parade will go down Locust Street, across Broad Street, then up Thompson Street to finish at the Celebration Field. Lee Springman, Jersey Shore student, will be this year’s Town Crier.
SPORTS
NFL
FedEx, which has naming rights to the stadium in which the Washington Redskins play, made a request yesterday that the team change its nickname. FedEx, Nike and PepsiCo each received letters signed by 87 investment firms and shareholders worth a combined $620 billion asking the companies to sever ties with the team unless it changes its controversial name. FedEx paid $205 million to the Redskins for naming rights to the stadium in 1998 in a deal that runs through 2025.
What’s traditionally known as the Black national anthem called “Lift Ev’ry Voice And Sing,” is expected to be performed live or played before every Week 1 NFL game, as well as the league considering other measures to recognize victims of police brutality in the upcoming season. The song would be performed before “The Star-Spangled Banner,” The NFL’s season opener is scheduled for Sept. 10, with the Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Houston Texans.
NBA
As a precaution, the LA Clippers shut down the team’s practice facility on Thursday after getting a positive coronavirus test within the traveling party headed to Orlando, Florida, for the league restart. The Clippers could reopen the facility for workouts prior to the team’s planned Wednesday departure for Florida. The Denver Nuggets and Brooklyn Nets temporarily shut down their facilities last week for the same reason. Teams are allowed to send a 35-person group to the NBA’s campus at Walt Disney World Resort as part of the 22-team restart.
GOLF
The PGA of America is renaming its Horton Smith Award after a review of history revealed Smith defended the Caucasian-only membership clause when he served as PGA president in the early 1950s. The PGA of America board voted to rename it the PGA Professional Development Award honoring PGA members for outstanding contributions to professional education. The Caucasian-only clause was part of the PGA bylaws from 1934 until it was rescinded in 1961. Smith was president of the PGA of America from 1952 to 1954.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 2, 2020
MASK WEARING MANDATORY NOW
Governor Wolf yesterday expanded the business safety order originally signed in April of this year that requires the wearing of masks in businesses, with a new order signed by Dr. Levine that makes mask-wearing mandatory when residents leave their homes, effective immediately in Pennsylvania. The new order is authorized under the Disease Prevention and Control Act, and outlines the situations when a mask must be worn and including a few limited exceptions. Dr Levine said, Pennsylvanians must not be complacent while continuing to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the commonwealth. You can read the full order here.
STATE POLICE CLOSE STATION FOR DECONTAMINATION
The Pennsylvania State Police said yesterday that they closed the Troop F – Milton station for decontamination for the day after several officers tested positive for the virus statewide. All service calls were rerouted to surrounding stations. There is no station specific data as to who tested positive due to privacy concerns, but in a press release the State Police say there are 10 enlisted troopers and one civilian on leave due to their positive tests. Find information about the State Police response at psp.pa.gov.
HIGH COURT STRIKES DOWN REPUBLICAN ACTION AGAINST SHUT-DOWN
Pennsylvania’s high court has ruled against a Republican effort to end Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf’s shutdown orders. Wednesday a resolution passed with mostly GOP votes and could have ended Wolf’s emergency disaster declaration that led to the closure of “non-life-sustaining” businesses, bans on large gatherings and orders for people to isolate at home. According to the Associate Press, the high court ruled without hearing an oral argument after 2 senior Republican senators sued to enforce their resolution.
BLOOMSBURG FAIR CONCERTS POSTPONED
bloomsburg fair has postponed the John Pardi, Brad Paisley and Chicago concert for this year until 2021. Fans heading to the fair next year will enjoy the same lineup for the next year. Dnothing if you’d like to keep your seat assignments and tickets already purchased. Those wanting refunds can take steps through the ticket vendor with a link to the details here. The Bloomsburg fair main office is closed today and tomorrow in observance of the holiday weekend.
SELINSGORVE POOL TO OPEN TOMORROW
The pool is opening in Selinsgrove tomorrow at noon after a temporary repair and the COVID-19 climate shortened their season. According to Selinsgrove Area Recreation, swimmers will need to adhere to CDC guidelines when using the facilities with sliding boards, diving boards, and water fountains closed. Season pool passes have been discounted due to the shortened season. They are also asking for donations for upcoming major repairs, renovations, and resurfacing which is expected to cost about $200,000,
LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP CRASH UPDATE
Names have been released in the crash that occurred on East Third Street in Loyalsock Township Tuesday around 5:30pm. According to State Police on Montoursville, 46 year old Jerry Baldwin of Louisiana was the operator of one motorcycle involved in the crash, his passenger was 26 year old Krystle Richardson of Cogan Station and the operator of the second motorcycle, 26 year old Tiara Gough also from Cogan Station were all three seriously injured when 25 year old Ashley Wilson of Millmont attempted a left turn out of the parking lot near Tinsman Avenue and collided with both bikes. Wilson was also injured in the crash and all four were taken by ambulance to UPMC Williamsport. According to the Sun Gazette the motorcyclists are each recovering from serious injuries.
The K-9 officer Mariska was used in a recent search of the Northumberland County prison and she turned up narcotics which led to an investigation. According to police, narcotics belonging to a contracted employee were found on Thursday, June 18 at around 11:30am. Media reports say Watsontown police assisted the Coal Township police department with information about the search.
Federal emergency aid for renters in Pennsylvania hit hard financially during the pandemic is still in the works as Gov. Tom Wolf’s ban on foreclosures and evictions nears an expiration. The application period for aid begins Monday to the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. Wolf and state lawmakers are devoting at least $150 million in federal coronavirus emergency relief money for rental assistance of $750 per month for up to six months. Assistance is contingent on the renter losing their job after March 1, or seeing their income drop by at least 30% due to the pandemic.
SPORTS
NFL
The NFL has shortened its 2020 preseason to two games, cancelling Weeks 1 and 4 of its original preseason schedule, as well as a canceled Aug. 8 Hall of Fame game. Most players will still report to training camp on July 28, but the first preseason games won’t be played until Aug. 20-24. The second week of preseason games is scheduled for Aug. 27-31. Some re-shuffling of the original preseason schedule for Weeks 2 and 3 are underway, as each team will play one home game and one on the road.
NASCAR
The NASCAR Cup Series car driven by Corey LaJoie will have a “Trump 2020” paint scheme for nine races, including Sunday’s Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, following a sponsorship by Patriots of America PAC, which is supporting the reelection bid of President Donald Trump. The No. 32 Ford Mustang, owned by Go Fast Racing and will have a red, white and blue paint scheme.
NBA
In the upcoming August and November elections, Michigan residents will be able to use the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center in Detroit as a “satellite center” to register and vote on site. For the primaryon Aug. 4th and the Nov. 3 elections there will be company-wide paid days off to staff members so they can vote and volunteer as election workers in the community. Rallying others to do the same is a big purpose. The Pistons have also collaborated with the Michigan Secretary of State’s office to drive voter participation and awareness in addition building a voter registration page into the Pistons.com website.
NHL
The national HockEy League has determined that Edmonton and Toronto are going to be the hub cities to hos5t games when the league resumes the season. The original hope was to have one sitein Canada nd the other in the US, but with spiking coronavirus cases, the league decided on two Candian cities. The players are expected to vote on a return to play proposal tomorrow or Saturday