BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 17, 2020

HAZARD PAY AVAILABLE FOR LIFE-SUSTAINING WORKERS
Governor Tom Wolf announced grant funding yesterday to help employers provide hazard pay to their employees in life-sustaining occupations during the COVID-19 pandemic intended to keep front-line employees working in vital industry sectors across Pennsylvania.  Created through the CARES Act, this reimbursement-based grant will be administered by the DCED.  Businesses may apply for grants up to a maximum of $3 million.  Grant funds may be used for hazard pay for direct, full-time and part-time employees earning less than $20/hour, excluding fringe benefits and overtime for the 10-week period from August 16, 2020, to October 24, 2020. The list of eligible occupations for hazard pay as well as application and contact information is listed here.

MONTOURSVILLE SCHOOLS LOOKING FOR UPGRADE OPTIONS
Montoursville area School District continues to consider options in upgrading elementary schools there.  According to the Sun Gazette, at the School board meeting Wednesday, an appointed architect firm presented seven options costing between 14 and 31 million dollars which range from closing some schools to building a new K-4 elementary school.  Board members are taking more time to review the presented options as well as considering making improvements as the district can afford them.

UNION COUNTY CONSTRUCTION MONDAY
PennDOT has announced a core drilling project next week along Rt 11/15 in Union County.  Watch for lane restrictions in both lanes with flagging along the roadway starting Monday the 20th from 6am til 2pm.  According to the press release, work may continue into Tuesday, weather permitting.  You can check conditions on any roads in PA by visiting www.511PA.com

JERSEY SHORE TOWN MEETING CANCELLED
The Borough of Jersey Shore, in response to recent decisions by the Pennsylvania Governor and the Pennsylvania Department of Health to restrict gatherings of over 25 people and mitigations efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, has made the difficult decision to cancel Jersey Shore Town meeting days originally rescheduled to July 20th through 25th.  The Borough Council said they look forward to the event returning in 2021.

PENNSYLVANIA UNIVERSITIES MAY BLEND IN THE FUTURE
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education will be studying the impact of blending state schools such as Mansfield and Lock Haven Universities.  The Board of Governors approved the review, and according to the Sun Gazette, said that integrating operations at selected schools could ensure students and the communities with an affordable, high quality education, as many of the state universities in the state system are facing financial hardship.  Governor Tom Wolf signed Act 20 of 2020 earlier this month which outlines a transparent review and implementation process that could take place over the next 2 years.

AIR TRAVEL TO THE CAROLINAS STARTS IN AUGUST
Williamsport Regional Airport has announced officially that their new service scheduled to take passengers directly to Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina twice daily, will begin on August 18th according to a press release.   American Airlines has over 700 flights leaving Charlotte daily. The two hour flight to the Carolinas will give regional travelers a new gateway to the southern United States.  There will be a a Williamsport and Lycoming County Chamber of Commerce PM Exchange event August 13 to help usher in the new air service.  Maiden flight events will take place as well at the facility on August 18th.  CDC protocols are in place at the airport with plexiglass shielding at ticket counters and at the security area with the authorities there requiring 6 foot distancing in the terminal.

PRECAUTIONS IN PLACE AHEAD OF NEO-NAZI EVENT IN PENNSYLVANIA
Even though the commander of the National Socialist movement says there are not any events planned in the Williamsport area, city police have assisted local synagogues by placing concrete barriers nearby each of the Jewish worship centers in a preemptive move in case a march in the city does end up taking place.  According to the Sun Gazette, 45 barricades are standing by in alleyways and at intersections where they can be moved by machinery to block access points by vehicle to those houses of worship. The NSM will be holding their neo-Nazi National Conference in Ulysses PA this weekend, with a possible rally in Erie.

YARD SALES IN FLEMINGTON RESTRICTED
Flemington Borough may enact an ordinance to regulate and restrict sales in their community.  According to the Sun Gazette, if enacted the ordinance will limit the sale of 10 or more new, used or second hand items of personal property at any one residential premises at one time, including rummages and all yard or garage sales,  There will be an opportunity to participate in 2 sales during the year and the communtiy yard sale during the 1st week in may in May. Signs advertising the sales must be only put up 24 hours in advance and taken down after 24 hours, as well.  Council members said safety concerns played a role in their decision.

SPORTS
NFL
Fifteen women who previously worked for the Washington Redskins’ organization have alleged sexual harassment and verbal abuse by former scouts and others that owner Daniel Snyder knew, according to the Washington Post. The allegations are against Alex Santos, Richard Mann II, and radio announcer and senior vice president Larry Michael. All three resigned in the past week. There are no allegations against the team’s owner or former longtime general manager Bruce Allen, who was fired at the end of the 2019 season after 10 years with the franchise.

72 NFL players were known to have tested positive for the coronavirus as of July 10, while the NFL and the NFL Players Association continue to negotiate rules to get the regular season started in September.  Estimating 32 traditional 90-man training camp rosters means the 72 positives represent 2.5% of the league’s player population.  Several prominent members of the players’ union have said publicly that they won’t agree to return to play until they’re convinced everything has been done to keep them as safe as possible.

NBA
Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans left the NBA bubble at the Walt Disney World Resort on Thursday morning because of an urgent family medical matter and said that he intends to rejoin the team at a later date. If his absence lasts seven days or fewer, Williamson will quarantine for four days upon his return to the NBA bubble if he has a negative test each day he’s outside the bubble. If he doesn’t have the required testing, he will quarantine for 10 days.

MLB
Major League Baseball will play crowd noises from its official video game through ballpark sound systems when the baseball season opens next week. Stadium sound engineers will have access to around 75 different effects and reactions.  San Diego Studios, a branch of Sony Interactive Entertainment, compiled the noise during games over several seasons.  The sounds were being used during summer camp games and will be tested more during exhibition games.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 16, 2020

RESTRICTIONS ARE COMING BACK AFTER UNSETTLING COVID-19 NUMBERS
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has announced new statewide restrictions on bars and restaurants and larger indoor gatherings. Wolf said Wednesday that the new orders for targeted mitigation efforts are in response to an “unsettling” climb in new COVID-19 cases.  The DOH  projecting that a new surge could soon eclipse what we saw in April peak. The new orders include reducing restaurants’ indoor dining capacity to 25%, limiting on-premises alcohol consumption to meals only, limiting indoor gatherings to 25 people and implementing telework whenever possible.  The restrictions take effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday. Read the entire mandate from Governor Tom Wolf, here

ADA SUIT FILED AGAINST WILLIAMSPORT
The Center for Independent Living and ADAPT, two regional advocacy organizations for differently-abled people, filed a lawsuit Wednesday in federal court against Williamsport for allegedly failing to provide disabled access to City Hall.  According to the Sun Gazette, The plaintiffs, who include residents from Williamsport, Lock Haven and Jersey Shore allege that the city intentionally discriminated against over 3 thousand disabled residents by not providing access to the inside of City Hall with the long-promised access ramp and other accessibility needs such as flashing fire alarms for deaf individuals. According to PennLive, the U.S. attorney’s office launched an investigation earlier this year into allegations Williamsport’s City Hall and other municipal facilities are not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

CLINTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS UNDER SCRUTINY
The Clinton County Commissioners are facing scrutiny after personnel changes in the Department of Emergency Services there prompted a local resident to question the qualifications and actions of local leaders within the department.  Kevin Ferrara, former fire fighter, Air Force veteran and emergency services consultant says there are recent questions about the use of Personal Protective Equipment such as N95 Masks used for First responders and emergency personnel, he says about 500 of which were instead distributed to county employees by Clinton County Commissioner Angela Harding. Commissioner Jeff Snyder says the number of masks Harding secured for employees was not that exorbitant  and that she did not have access to 500 masks.  According to clintoncountypa.com, Clinton County commissioners meet every Thursday at 10:00 am and commissioner work sessions are held every Monday morning. All meetings are open to the public.

LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM SHUT DOWN BY CORONAVIRUS DIAGNOSIS
A T-ball player in the Montoursville Little League tested positive for COVID-19 and the team is now shut down to keep the virus from spreading.  According to North Central PA cot com, the leagues’ leaders notified parents that a 5 or 6 year old was affected by the virus and that his family had not let him participate in any activities after he became sick – but he is now fever-free  An older brother in the coach-pitch league is being held out of action in an abundance of caution, but no one else in the boy’s family had any COVID-19 symptoms.  League president Scott Metzger said the Montoursville team can resume play on July 23rd if no issues arise.

MORE LYCOMING RECYCLING FACILITIES TO CLOSE
Five more recycling sites in Lycoming County will be discontinued due to the cost of transportation to remote areas to collect low volumes of materials.  According to a press release by Lycoming County resource management, Franklin Township, Montgomery Borough, Nippenose Township, Pine Township and Plunketts Creek Township are slated to close down, joining Lewis Township and Porter Township already on the list of facilities to shut down in 2020.  LCRMS says there was a decrease in available state grants and the market value of materials is low which no longer helps offset the costs.  Get details about the sites at lcrms.com.  Hepburn Township, Cogan House Township, Watson Township, Limestone Township and Brady Township are still slated to reopen their facilities.

WILLIAMSPORT AD HOC COMMITTEE RESEARCHING UPGRADE COSTS FOR CITY HALL
Williamsport’s City Hall building Ad Hoc Committee has come up with an estimate to fully repair City Hall, saying 4.99 million dollars will be needed to upgrade HVAC, and elevator and roof replacement, plus bathroom upgrades and an accessibility wheelchair ramp.  According to the Sun Gazette, the 2017 report compilation from an architecture and construction management firm comes prior to decisions being made about costs of repairs vs. a move to a new building which could house police fire and emergency personell.  A meeting in August between UPMC Susquehanna, Williamsport City Police and the county to discuss a public safety facility location is pending.

LOCAL LEADERS SUPPORT LIMITING THE LENGTH OF DISASTER DECLARATION
A proposed constitutional amendment has support from State Sen. Gene Yaw Rep. Garth Everett and Rep. Jeff Wheeland that limits the length of future emergency disaster declarations made by the governor, unless an extension is approved by the General Assembly. Under current law, a governor’s emergency declaration can last up to 90 days and be renewed by the governor indefinitely. Under Senate Bill 1166, the emergency declaration would be limited to 21 days unless the General Assembly approved a longer duration. Senate vote followed Tuesday’s approval by the House of Representatives.  As a constitutional amendment, the legislation must be approved again in the next legislative session before being put on the ballot for voters to decide.

PENNSYLVANIA COMPANY BUYS GANDER OUTDOORS BUILDING
The former Gander Outdoors at the Lycoming Mall Complex has a new owner and they are hiring.  According to NorthCentral PA dot com, Williamsport based Miele Manufacturing, who handle Pennsylvania skill games, recently purchased the outparcel building at 66 Mall Parkway in Muncy Creek Township and plan to mive in officially soon.  The over 56 thousand square foot building was vacated in December of 2019 after Gander Outdoors had a brief liquidation sale.

LOCAL COLLEGE RECOGNIZED BY ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION
Penn College has been recognized by the  Arbor Day Foundation for the 5th consecutive year as Tree Campus USa for its commitment to urban forestry.  Penn College — honored annually since 2015 — met Tree Campus USA’s five standards inlcluding having a tree advisory committee,  a campus tree-care plan in place, dedicating annual expenditures for the program, holding an Arbor Day observance and with a student service-learning project,  The Arbor Day foundation’s Time for Trees initiative is an effort to plant 100 million trees in forests and communities by 2022.

SPORTS
NASCAR
Chase Elliot joined his father Bill Elliott as winner of NASCAR‘s annual All-Star race earning $1 million in front of limited spectators at Bristol motor Speedway.  Elliot beat Kyle Busch to the finish line –  Bubba Wallace wrecked out of the qualifier

NFL

A Bidet company who made a lot of money during the COVID-19 pandemic announced a bid yesterday for the naming rights to the Buffalo Bills stadium. A$12.5 million deal could rename the venue TUSHY stadium, and would likely bring a college football bowl game to Orchard Park called the Toilet Bowl. It’s unclear whether TUSHY’s offer will be taken seriously.

The Dallas Cowboys and pro bowl quarterback Dak Prescott were unable to reach an agreement on a long-term deal yesterday, so Prescott will play the upcoming season on a franchise tag worth 31.4 million.The team and Prescott are now not allowed to negotiate until after the upcoming season is over.

In the NFL, about half of the adults in the US support Washington DC NFL team to retire the Redskins name according to a poll of 6000 people. It states that 53% of America strongly or somewhat support the team’s decision to change its name.

NBA Players are using a snitch hotline to report other players who are violating COVID-19 protocols at the NBA bubble in Orlando.  Sources say the NBA has set up an anonymous hotline to report social distancing violations at Walt Disney World resort.  Players have received warnings from violations that have come through the snitch hotline as the league ensures social distancing and mask protocols on the campus.

 

The Clinton County Commissioners are facing scrutiny after personnel changes in the Department of Emergency Services there prompted a local resident to question the qualifications and actions of local leaders within the department.  Kevin Ferrara, former fire fighter, Air Force veteran and emergency services consultant says a recent job posting to replace the Emergency Management Coordinator, who recently retired within upheaval in the department which Ferrara says is due to a hostile work environment under Clinton County Commissioner Angela Harding.    Commissioner Miles Kessinger says Harding cares about Clinton County and the changes being made are for the better.  Details about the requirements for the current job availability in Clinton County is available at clintoncountypa.com

 

The Clinton County Commissioners are facing scrutiny after personnel changes in the Department of Emergency Services there prompted a local resident to question the qualifications and actions of local leaders within the department.  Kevin Ferrara, former fire fighter, Air Force veteran and emergency services consultant says a recent job posting to replace the Emergency Management Coordinator, who recently retired in what Ferrara says was a hostile work environment under  Clinton County Commissioner Anglea Harding, states the directives listed for the hire does not follow Title 35/PEMA directives.  Ferrar says Andrew Kremser, the current Director of the Department of Emergency Services was not properly credentialed for the position.  Clinton County Commissioner Miles Kessinger says Kremser is currently obtaining the qualifications he needs.  Details about the requirements for the current Emergency Management Coordinator position in Clinton County is available at clintoncountypa.com.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 15, 2020

The man who stepped in and shot the suspect in a double murder in Hummels Wharf last week will not be charged after his shots hospitalized the accused.  According to media outlets, the Snyder County DA says Troy Sprenkle was legally armed and justified in shooting Christopher Fernanders Friday night who had allegedly just fatally shot and killed his former wife, Heather Sue Campbell and her friend Mathew Bowersox in a restaurant parking lot.  Fernanders will be arraigned Wednesday via a video feed from his hospital room at Geisinger Medical Center.

Since there was a delay with the reporting of private lab results of coronavirus tests, the PA Department of Health reports that the new confirmed numbers reflect numbers that did not occur within the last measured 24 hours.  929 positive cases have been confirmed in Pennsylvania as of yesterday, but of those, 216 are the result of the delay.  The situation also applies in Allegheny County where 331 cases were reported, but 186 cases were delayed, meaning the increase there was145 cases in the past 24 hours.

Montoursville area School District outlined changes in the school year due to covid-19 response for students returning to the classroom.  According to the Sun Gazette, school officials said personal protective equipment like masks and face shields will be given to students at the beginning of the year to wear on the buses that will be subject to socal distancing.  There will be classroom changes, too, with plexiglass shields around desks and lots of hand sanitizing stations.  Students will have their temperatures checked upon arrival to school. The CDC has not issued steps for the district to follow, should a student or staff member test positive for COVID-19.

A Philadelphia tradition is being called off for this year.  There won’t be a Mummer’s Parade on New Year’s Day according to Penn Live, the city extended a moratorium on large events cancelling as well the Thanksgiving Day parade, and all the fall road races, including the Rock and Roll half marathon and the Broad Street Run, which had been postponed to October.  The infamous Mummers Parade, that has been called out over its long history of racist blackface displays, had been called off only twice before in its 119-year history, the last time in 1934 during the Great Depression

The Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit dismantled an alleged heroin distribution operation July 10 in Williamsport.  According to North Central PA dot com, 5 individuals all from Philadelphia or Williamsport were taken into custody at 674 Grier Street after the LCNEU forcibly entered the home armed and with a warrant. Detectives said unattended children were nearby a drug packaging station that contained heroin/fentanyl, as well as approximately $1,500 worth of marijuana and $5,210 in cash. Of the suspects, all five are in custody charged with felony counts of drug manufacturing and child endangerment.

There will not be a neo-Nazi rally in Williamsport on Saturday, according to North Central PA .com. Representatives from the National Socialist Movement said the rally will be over the weekend on private property in Ulysses, Potter County.  Even though there is no rally, city police say they remain prepared, with the Lycoming County commissioners approving $122,000 in new equipment and riot gear for the county sheriff’s department at Tuesday’s meeting.

Governor Wolf signed two small bills yesterday in Harrisburg and said they were important steps in making society fair.  The legislation is in response to widespread protests over police brutality and designed to prevent problematic officers from continuing to find employment in police departments, provide officers with more cultural sensitivity training and provide officers with more mental health screening.  These are the first bills passed in the state to address any future police conduct.

More Universities in Pennsylvania are announcing their plans for reopening in the fall.  West Chester has just announced they will be going all virtual instruction for the fall sememster, but Bloomsburg will begin their year a week earlier than planned.  According to the university the fall semester will consist of two condensed sessions and one full semester. The university says a student will be placed in all three sessions. They say the winter semester dates are pending, and the spring semester is currently schedule to begin February 1, with more details to be announced tomorrow.

 

SPORTS

COLLEGE ATHLETICS
The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference is expected to suspend athletics through the end of 2020, according to multiple media outlets. An announcement from the conference is expected today.  With the announcement that means no athletic competition through December 31, 2020, impacting all fall sports and delaying the start of winter sports.  This will effect Lock Haven and Bloomsburg University who are in the PSAC.

PA SPORTS
City officials say that no fans will be in the stands for Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Phillies games in 2020, citing safety concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic. Philadelphia health commissioner Thomas Farley said he believes that baseball and football games can be played under the safety protocols suggested by both leagues, but having fans in the stands would be too big of a risk.

NASCAR

The NASCAR All Star Open is tonight at 7pm followed by the NASCAR Cup Series All Star Race at 8:30 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee.

BASKETBALL
Former Marquette star Travis Diener made his teammates $1 million richer yesterday when he drilled a corner 3-pointer during the final quarter of the annual Basketball Tournament to secure a 78-73 win against Sideline Corner for the Golden Eagles, which is a a team made up of former Marquette basketball players. The team will split the $1 million prize evenly — with each player and coach pocketing about $90,000. General manager Daniel Fizgerald will bring home slightly less at $80,000.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 14, 2020

FOUR STATES ADDED TO PA QUARANTINE-FOLLOWING-RETURN LIST
Pennsylvania Health Department officials have added to the list of states that require commonwealth residents to self-quarantine if they return from traveling there.  Delaware, Iowa, Kansas and Oklahoma have been added to the list of 15 other states involved in the travel quarantine and people who go there are being asked to self-quarantine for 14 days upon their return to Pennsylvania. Recently, more than 200 new reported cases in Allegheny County and more than 100 in Philadelphia were part of more than 800 additional positive cases announced over the weekend.  The statewide total today is 95,742 reported cases – in Lycoming County 247, 346 in Northumberland.

SMALL BARN FIRE IN WILLIASPORT
There was another 2 alarm fire in Williamsport Monday that brought down a small three-story barn in the 1400 block of Bloomingrove Road.  The fire was reported by the property owner after being discovered about 8:15.  City firefighters arrived and then called a second alarm which brought additional manpower and equipment from South Williamsport, Old Lycoming Township at Montoursville. There were no injuries and no homes were damaged.   Bloomingrove Road was closed north of Freedom Road for  a few hours and police are investigating the cause of the blaze.

OVERNIGHT ROAD WORK IN NORTHUMBERLAND
Overnight roadwork will continue this week on Interstate 80 eastbound in Turbot Township, Northumberland County between the hours of 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM each day.   Through this Thursday, July 16, a contractor will be paving approaches and applying epoxy overlays on the bridges at mile marker 215 over Route 254 and mile marker 213 over Muddy Run Road, weather permitting.  Expect the right (driving) lane to be restricted while work is being performed.

LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY HAS REOPENING PLAN
After gathering input from numerous individuals and groups on campus, Lock Haven University has announced the release of its Return to The Haven 2020 reopening plan for the fall semester.   Guidelines and requirements are in place for the campus community regarding social distancing and the use of facial coverings.  The university will limit the population density on campus including in classrooms and residence halls. The semester will begin on Aug. 24, but face-to-face instruction will end the week before Thanksgiving on Nov. 20.  Classes will be spread out more throughout the day and be a mix of face-to-face and remote learning  More details can be found at the Return to The Haven website, at www.lockhaven.edu/fallreturn.

MAN DIES AFTER SHOOTOUT WITH POLICE ATTEMPTING TO SERVE WARRANT
A man was killed in an “officer involved shooting” Friday as Pennsylvania State and Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office were attempting to serve a warrant.  According to a press release, state and local police arrived at 60  year old Michael Norton’s home at 521 Cotts Rd in Forksville around 10:30am . There is no word on whether Norton was armed, but after a shooting Norton taken away by ambulance, but according to the Sullivan County Coroner Norton passed away due to the injuries he sustained enroute to the hospital. An autopsy is being performed at Lehigh Valley Medical Center in Allentown.

Sunbury Mayor Kurt Karlovich made the announcement at Monday’s Sunbury City Council meeting that he will not seek reelection in 2021.  According to the Daily Item  Karlovich said that due to regulations of the Civil Service Act, if he sought seek reelection he would be terminated or forced to resign from his current employment.  He said will serve out his term for the next 18-months, but said made the announcement early because he wants people to get involved to run for the position.  In November 2017, Karlovich, a Democrat, defeated Republican Councilwoman Beth Kremer and independent Joseph Bartello to become the new mayor of Sunbury at the age of 31.

Motorists who travel Route 220 will have more lane restrictions this week in Woodward and Piatt Townships, Lycoming County.  There will be work during off-peak hours to minimize traffic impacts, inlcuding paving, shoulder widening, sewer relocation and overhead utility relocation. Miscellaneous construction activities will continue  with alternating lane closures .  The safety improvement project addressed conflicting traffic movements and provides more efficient and safer places for U-turns. The project will be completed in Fall of 2022.

A bill has passed in the state Senate that could help create thousands of family-sustaining jobs, and provide a boost to Pennsylvania’s energy economy.  According to a press release by Sen. Gene Yaw, the Chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee,  the Local Resource Manufacturing Tax Credit Program adds an incentive for manufacturers to invest in Pennsylvania communities, available to facilities that use dry natural gas to produce fertilizer and other petrochemical products. The House of Representatives will now consider  Bill 732.

SPORTS
NFL
The Washington Redskins announced Monday that they will be retiring their nickname and logo after completing a thorough review that began on July 3.  The announcement of a new name has been delayed because trademark issues are pending. Ity is reported that the franchise will not use any Native American imagery. Washington’s logo of an American Indian chief was designed by a Native American in 1971.

The NFL is going to distribute The Oakley Mouth Shield to all 32 teams over the next week, which is a product designed in collaboration with doctors and engineers from the NFL to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus on the field of play.  They consist of Plastic sheets that extend down and attach to the face guard. There are airways and openings on the mouth shield but none that allow the direct transmission of droplets.  Currently, there is no mandate to wear a face shield,

NASCAR
It was announced last week that NASCAR will move its August road course race from Watkins Glen in upstate New York  and shift instead to the road course at Daytona International Speedway. The move means the Cup Series will make its debut on Daytona’s road course, incorporating part of the famed 2.5-mile oval. The race on Aug. 16 was necessary to move from Watkins Glen because NASCAR cannot meet New York’s quarantine requirements for out-of-state visitors.

NBA
As NBA players arrive at games during resumed play in Orlando, they will have the freedom to wear clothing from their own wardrobes while walking from the team bus to the venue’s locker rooms.  According to a league spokesperson. players can wear items from their own wardrobes upon arrival that are neat in appearance.  However, players not in uniform at games must be wearing pants while seated on the bench. The league removed the requirement that players seated on the bench wear a sport coat.

COLLEGE ATHLETICS

The Patriot League cancelled the fall sports season Monday due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Bucknell Director of Athletics and Recreation, Jermaine Truax, said he supports the difficult decision. The Patriot League Council of Presidents has not made a decision on winter and spring sports.  The league said it recognizes that the cancellation is “deeply disappointing.”

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.

Upcoming

Facebook

Powered By SoCast