BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 30, 2020

NO STRIKE IN DANVILLE
|A tentative agreement has been reached between the Danville Area Education Association and the Danville Area School District after a mediation session between the two parties and a state mediator last night.  According to media outlets, the deal is scheduled to be ratified by both sides at the November 18 board meeting, but details aren’t available until the rest of the union is being notified.  If no agreement had been reached, a strike would have begun on Monday.

HIGH SCHOOL CLOSED, FOOTBALL STILL A GO
Two students in the Midd-West School district tested positive for coronavirus which will keep the high school in distance learning mode for Friday, however there will still be Friday night football.  According to the Midd-West superintendent, Rick Musselman, they will still host the football game against Shikellamy tonight.  The Middle School, Middleburg Elementary, and West Snyder Elementary school buildings remain open.

HAVE A VIRTUAL THANKSGIVING
Officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Health are urging residents in the commonwealth to reconsider large gatherings with family and friends on Thanksgiving to help avoid the spread of the coronavirus.  According to Dr. Rachel Levine, small gatherings are a driver of the recent spike in COVID-19 both in the state and nationally, and that new daily virus cases have risen more than 50% over the past two weeks to an average of more than 2,000 per day.  Dr Levine says that even though the number of people hospitalized in Pennsylvania with COVID-19 has more than doubled this month, though hospitalizations still remain far below the spring peak and  hospital systems are not challenged at the moment.

NO DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR
For the first time since its’ inception Wellsboro’s Dickens of a Christmas that was to be held December 5th, has been cancelled for 2020.  According to a press release from the Wellsboro Chamber of Commerce, after a hard look at the circumstances, the Wellsboro Borough Council decided in a 4-2 vote, to rescind permissions  from all Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce-related Dickens of a Christmas events.  Borough officials said they worked with the Tioga County COVID-19 Task Force and Chamber to attempt to come up with a plan, but in the end there were too many “what-ifs”.  According to the wellsboropa.com website, vendors and participants will be contacted and fees refunded.

MAIL IN BALLOTS CAN BE COUNTED WITHOUT POSTMARK
Mail-in ballots received up to three days after Election Day will still be counted, after an injunction that would have prevented it has been denied by a Johnstown PA federal judge.  According to the Johnstown Tribune Democrat, U.S. District Judge Kim R. Gibson ruled Wednesday in the case of Bognet v. Boockvar, that mail-in ballots received after Election Day with no legible postmark should be presumed to have been cast legally unless there’s evidence they were not, and granting the injunction would cause confusion among the voters.  The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled Sept. 17 that mail-in ballots can be counted if they are postmarked before the time polls close on Nov. 3

FALSE REPORT OF A FIRE
A Williamsport woman is scheduled to appear before a district judge in December after she was recently charged with falsely reporting a fire and other charges.  According to police reports, 35 year old Devin Hoffman and her neighbors around the 300 block of Bridge Street were involved in a dispute October 12th over guests at the residence, after which police say Hoffman created a disturbance when she called 911 to report a fire – ultimately found by fire police to be a charcoal grill in a safe location.  Hoffman was charged with false reports to law enforcement authorities, and summary disorderly conduct.

LOCAL CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
There are 11 new cases of the coronavirus as of yesterday at midnight in Lycoming County, In Northumberland County there were 22 new cases reported, Montour and Union County both added 3 cases to their totals.  According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, in the State, there are 2, 202 new cases reported for a statewide total pandemic wide, at 202, 876.  There are 44 new deaths reported in the commonwealth for a total of 8,762 fatalities from COVID-19.

WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM TO START
SEDA-COG is offering a crisis program to residents in Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Perry, Snyder, and Union Counties who qualify for fuel assistance, called the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The crisis program will repair a malfunctioning heating unit at no cost.  It runs from Nov. 2 to early April. According to administrators of the weatherization program, residents can contact their local county assistance office to see if they qualify, then a completed  referral to SEDA-COG will allow a subcontractor to be assigned.  A list of crisis income eligibility guidelines and phone numbers for the county offices and SEDA-COG’s program are listed below.  Crisis Income Eligibility Guidelines  – Family size: 1 – $19,140; 2 – $25,860​; 3 – $32,580; 4 – $39,300; 5 – $46,020; 6 – $52,740; 7 – $59,460; 8 – $66,180​.
County Assistance Offices  Columbia: 570-387-4232 Juniata: 717-436-2158 Mifflin: 717-242-6095 Montour: 1-866-410-2093 Perry: 717-582-5038  Snyder: 570-372-1721 Union: 570-524-2201.  SEDA-COG’s Weatherization program can be reached at 570-522-7219.


SPORTS

NFL Thursday Night Football
Atlanta Falcons defeated the Carolina Panthers 25-17


HS Boys Soccer
District 4 Class AA Playoffs
Undefeated Wellsboro beat Loyalsock 3-1
Seminfinals – Midd-West at Wellsboro, District 4 Class AA semifinals, Wednesday
Lewisburg won against Bloomsburg 11-1Midd-West beat Milton 8-nothing

HS Field Hockey
District 4 Class A Quarterfinals
Lewisburg over Southern Columbia 2-nothing

HS Football Backyard Broadcasting HS Game of the Week
District 4 Class AAA Semifinals
Loyalsock at Montoursville Saturday at 1pm coverage starts at 12:30 on WWPA

Big Ten
Penn State vs Ohio State Saturday at 7:30pm on ABC

 

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 29, 2020

MONTOURSVILLE TO RESUME CLASS FRIDAY
With the reversal of the decision to cancel extracurricular activities at Montoursville Area Schools after two students tested positive for COVID-19, the school board also voted early Wednesday after a marathon meeting Tuesday night to revise the health and safety plan for the school.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Montoursville school board said they will now reopen the school Friday after extensive cleaning and sports and other activities can resume.  The revised infection number that would require closings will now be 2 percent and be a building by building case.  As a result of the decision, the football game between undefeated Montoursville and Loyalsock will be held Saturday at 1pm. The game had earlier been earlier canceled.

LOCAL CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
There are 8 new cases of the coronavirus in Lycoming County with 968 as the countywide total.  Northumberland reports 10 new cases for a countywide total of 1,527, Union County has three new cases at 702 overall.,  According top the Pennsylvania Department of Health,  we’ve crossed the 200 thousand mark for cases in the state with 2,228 additional positive cases for 200,674 total.  In Pennsylvania there were 22 new deaths reported from COVID-19 with 8,718 total fatalities. 

PLCB FULFILLS REQUEST OF GOVERNOR
Following a request by Governor Wolf last week, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has waived $27.7 million in licensing fees for next year for businesses most affected by the coronavirus in a vote of 2-1.  The board forgave certain license fees for 2021 but a timely filing and renewal of applications will still be required to keep licenses currents and keep from being hit with late-filing fees.  PLCB officials said it’s the right thing to do to support  and ease the financial burdens of restaurants, bars, and gathering places in the state.

VIRTUAL FUNDRAISER FOR LOCAL THEATER
Ahead of Halloween, the Millbrook playhouse will feature a virtual fundraiser and Rocky Horror Reunion tonight at 7pm.  According to the Millbrook Playhouse Facebook page, the event is intended to raise funds for licensing fees and other expenses as the theater copes with the pandemic.  The members of the cast from the Rocky Horror Picture Show cast from 2019 will be gathered to participate with viewers in sing-a-longs and the chance to win trivia games.  Find Millbrook playhouse on Facebook or go to millbrook playhouse dot org to participate and donate. 

MIDD-WEST INSTRUCTION SHUT-DOWN
In person instruction at Midd-West High School is suspended for Thursday after a teacher has tested positive for the virus.  There are also six students who  have reportedly had symptoms.  According to media outlets, theres’s no word on whether the school will be closed as well, on Friday.  Midd-west Principal Thor Edmiston said  as more test results come back, the district will determine if there need to be more closings.

STRIKE LOOMS IN DANVILLE
With a possible strike starting Monday in the Danville area school district, mediation talks between the School District and the Danville Area Education Association will resume on Thursday night.  According to officials from the DEA the issues at odds are healthcare deductibles, and contract length.  If a strike starts Monday, it could last up to 15 days. However, the board did unanimously approve to continue athletics and extracurricular activities in the event of a strike. Both sides meet Thursday at 6 p.m.

NO INFO RELEASED OVER CASE ABOUT OFFICER SUSPENDED WITH PAY
No information will be released about the circumstances surrounding a former Williamsport police corporal who was suspended with pay last summer and has since resigned from the department. According to the Sun Gazette, Cpl. Eric Derr, who joined the department in 2013, was subject of a police internal investigation and city officials have not released information surrounding the case.  Police Chief Damon Hagan also declined to comment.  The police pension board authorized a pension for Derr at almost 27 thousand dollars. 


FREE FLU SHOTS THIS WEEKEND
Geisinger is hosting a community drive-thru flu shot clinic this weekend for anyone 18 years and older.  Drive-thru flu shots will be available this Saturday, Oct. 31 from  9am to 2pm on, and Sunday, Nov. 1, at The Lycoming Mall, 300 Lycoming Mall Circle, Pennsdale. The flu shots are available at no cost. Also available will be flu shots specially designed for those 65 and older, but supplies are limited.  There’s no need to preregister to get a flu shot, just remember to wear a mask and loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the upper arm.

 

SPORTS
NASCAR
Kyle Busch scored his first Cup win of the season Wednesday at Texas Motor Speedway at the race that was rained out for three days. With the checkered flag, Busch extends his streak of consecutive seasons with at least one win to 16 years. Martin Truex Jr. finished second. Christopher Bell had a career-best third finish, followed by Ryan Blaney and Alex Bowman.  Five playoff drivers finished in the top 10: Truex, Bowman, Brad Keselowski (sixth), Kurt Busch (seventh), Denny Hamlin (ninth) and Joey Logano (10th).

Kyle Larson will be back in NASCAR next season driving the flagship No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports.  Larson signed a multiyear Hendrick contract Wednesday that ended his seven-month banishment from NASCAR for using a racial slur while playing an online racing game last spring. After the incident in April, he was fired by Chip Ganassi Racing and lost all his sponsors

NFL
Thursday Night Football
Atlanta Falcons head up the road to Charlotte tonight to play the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium with a kick off at 8:20
MLB
Major League Baseball says Justin Turner violated coronavirus protocols when he celebrated on the field with his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates, and he refused instructions from security to leave the field, risking the safety of others. The Dodgers won their first World Series championship since 1988 on Tuesday at Globe Life Field, where Turner was pulled from the game after MLB was notified that he had tested positive for COVID-19 following the 7th inning. 


HS Girls Soccer
District 4 Class A South Williamsport defeated Meadowbrook 1-nothing
Today’s District 4 Playoffs
Boys Soccer Class AA  4pm games; South Williamsport @ Warrior Run, Milton at Midd-West, and Bloomsburg @ Lewisburg,  7pm game; Loyalsock @Wellsboro.
Field Hockey Class A
5pm matchup between Southern Columbia vs. Lewisburg @ Selinsgrove.  7pm game Muncy vs. Mifflinburg @Central Columbia.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 28, 2020

WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOLS TO OFFER 5-DAY IN PERSON INSTRUCTION
The Williamsport Area School Board has reversed a decision about hybrid learning in a 7-2 vote yesterday.  According to the Sun Gazette, Dr. Timothy Bowers made a case during the special meeting yesterday to discuss the issue at which some parents protested the decision by the board to remain in hybrid mode as of last week.  In  person instruction will resume for elementary students November 2nd and middle and high school students resume 5 day a week classed November 9th.  Students still have the full remote option if wanted.  There are reports that some students are struggling with remote learning and coping with significant absenteeism

DANVILLE SCHOOLS SEND LETTER WITH AN INTENT TO STRIKE
The Danville Area Education Association sent  a notice of a strike to the Danville Area school board, which means the teachers could strike as soon as next Monday, November 2.  According to School Superintendent, Dr. Rickie Boyle, both sides met Monday with a state mediator, but there was no resolution to the outstanding issues including wages, length of contract and health care.  Dr. BoYle said in a letter that parents will receive at least a 48-hour notice of the start of a strike and that strike days will need to be made up through holidays and/or days in June. Once the strike happens the district will be forced to place all schools into an emergency closure. Tonight’s  school board meeting will be held tonight in the Danville High School auditorium – as well as virtually at 7 p.m.  Instructions about joining the ZOOM conference here.

MONTOURSVILLE WILL HAVE FOOTBALL THIS WEEKEND
In an early morning decision, the Montoursville school board voted 7-0 Wednesday at 1:23 a.m. to allow school district sports to resume play beginning Thursday.  The word first came yesterday afternoon that it was moving to remote learning in the high school after a positive case of COVID-19 and was canceling its extra-curricular activities, meaning the undefeated football team and the girls soccer team would have to forfeit their District 4 playoff games. According to the Sun Gazette, it was decided that sports will resume the football team will host Loyalsock at 1 p.m. Saturday in the District 4 Class AAA quarterfinals. The girls soccer team will play at Troy on Friday afternoon in the District 4 Class AA quarterfinals.

PUBLIC RECOMMENDED TO DELIVER MAIL-IN BALLOTS IN PERSON
Yesterday may have been the deadline to apply for Mail-in Ballots, but Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar made a statement encouraging those who still have their mail-in ballot intending to deliver or mail it by November 3rd, to hand deliver the ballot you have in person to your local county election office.  The governor says the US Postal Service can’t guarantee a ballot would be delivered on time. The official deadline to drop off completed mail ballots is 8 p.m. on the November 3 Election Day, but voters today were urged to turn in their ballots as soon as possible.

STABBING SUSPECT TO BE ARRAINGED
The suspect who stabbed a man outside of a Renovo bar has been charged with aggravated assault after the victim was hospitalized for his injuries.  According to State Police at Lamar, Shawn Mills of North Bend in Clinton County stabbed 28 year old Bradley Shearer while they were fighting in the parking lot of the Green Lantern bar.  Mills stabbed Shearer 17 times in the leg and arm, after which Mills fled, but later returned and fired shots at Shearer who remains hospitalized at UPMC Williamsport and faces arraignment after being released from the hospital.

LOCAL CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
Lycoming County reports 10 new cases of the coronavirus with a county wide total now of 960.  In Northumberland County ere were 14 new Northumberland County cases at 1,517 since the start of the pandemic According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed 2,751 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 198,446. Today’s increase is the largest daily increase to date. There are 23 new deaths reported in Pennsylvania for a total of 8,696 fatalities.

NEW LOCATION FOR DANVILLE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
Representatives from the Danville Area School Board report that their board meeting tonight at 7pm will be held in the Danville High School auditorium.  According to the School District website, the meeting will be streamed live on YouTube and also through a ZOOM conferencing platform.  After shutting down last week due to coronavirus concerns , Danville area schools, specifically the primary and middle school will remain open after there have been several positive COVID tests in the system. There has also been a notice to strike, possibly by November 2nd, by the Danville Area Education Association which was presented to the school board president, Dr. Rickie Boyle, yesterday.  A mediation process will take place to hopefully resolve the dispute over wages, length of agreement and health care.  If a strike is held, parents will receive at least a 48-hour notice of the start.

WRESTLING GUIDELINES MUST BE FOLLOWED TO HAVE A SEASON
New guidelines for the Jersey Shore Area High School open mat wrestling program had school board members discussing the process last night which some believe may be hard to follow for the teams.  According to the Sun Gazette,  some questioned who set up the guidelines that school officials say have to be followed in order to have a wrestling program during the upcoming winter season.  Some measures include touchless temperature checks and one designated partner per practice, as well as hygiene factors to clean exposed skin and regular cleaning of the mats.

 

SPORTS
MLB
For the first time since 1988, the Los Angeles Dodgers are World Series champions. The Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1  in Game 6 of the Fall Classic at Globe Life Field on last night  to clinch the series. It is the seventh title in franchise history.

NASCAR
NASCAR will make a fourth attempt to complete its playoff race at Texas Motor Speedway today at 3pm after persistent mist and cold temperatures continued the long delay. The Cup Series race began Sunday and drivers completed 52 of the scheduled 334 laps before mist and drizzle halted the action.

HS Sports

Montoursville football team will host Loyalsock at 1 p.m. Saturday in the District 4 Class AAA quarterfinals. The girls soccer team will play at Troy on Friday afternoon in the District 4 Class AA quarterfinals.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 27, 2020

SULLIVAN COUNTY SCHOOLS TO CLOSE FOR A WEEK
Due to a confirmed Covid-19 case within the Sullivan County School community, the School District campus will be closed until Monday, November 2. According to the Sullivan County School District website, classes were dismissed at noon Monday, and students are to continue schoolwork and follow the guidance within the packets given out in early October.  In addition, the Northern Tier Career Center has had a positive COVID case reported and are working now to identify who was within close contact and which individuals will require a 14 day quarantine.  Students and staff at the NTCC should continue screening for symptoms daily before coming to the CareerCenter

LANDLORD TENANT MEDIATION PROGRAM AVAILABLE
Thanks to funding through the federal CARES Act, a Landlord Tenant Mediation program has been launched to find solutions to issues that will arise as evictions become more numerous outside of a courtroom.  According to a press release on  The Lycoming Law Association Foundation’s website, interested landlords and tenants should apply for the mediation program as soon as possible since the program will expire at the end of November – even if a court case has been filed.  There is no charge if you qualify.  More info can be found here .

TURKEY SEASON TO START SATURDAY
Pennsylvania’s fall turkey season starts this Saturday, Oct. 31 in 19 of Pennsylvania’s 23 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), with the return of a three-day Thanksgiving season which will be held in 12 WMUs this year will run Wednesday, Thursday and Friday instead of Thursday through Saturday as in previous years.  Fall turkey hunters no longer are required to wear fluorescent orange, but the Game Commission highly recommends it even when not required.  A link to the full press release from the Game Commission with dates for individual WMU’s in our area here.

VOTING DEADLINE TODAY
The deadline to submit an application for mail-in and absentee ballots is 5 p.m. today. Until then, applications can be submitted online at votespa.com or at your county elections office with a driver’s license or your Social Security number. People who have already applied but not yet returned their ballot can do so in person until Election Day, Nov. 3 is one week away.  Any ballots not postmarked Nov. 3 or earlier, or that reach elections officials more than three days after the election, will not be counted.

DOMESTIC DISPUTE ENDS IN CHARGES FILED
A 21 year old Bloomsburg man was charged with two counts of felony aggravated assault in the second degree after a police responded to a domestic dispute in which he spit on officers and later threw urine at a nurse while in custody. According to court documents a man identified as Thomas John J. Leahan Jr. was engaged in the dispute with a female at the 100 block of Honeysuckle court around 3am on October 2nd when Bloomsburg police arrived, and they determined Leahan was to be taken into custody after he threw a baseball bat at them.  Police say he was taken for a mental health evaluation and later released on 50 thousand dollars monetary bail through a professional bail bondsman.  Leahan is due in court again November 4th.

LOCAL COVID-19 UPDATE
There are 8 new cases of the coronavirus reported in Lycoming County with 950 positive cases to date.  In Northumberland,  there are 19 new cases, including one at a long-term care facility for a pandemic wide total  of 1,503.  According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health as of midnight yesterday, there has been a a two-day total of 3,073 additional positive cases of COVID-19 reported , bringing the statewide total to 195,695. With daily increases comparable to the numbers last April. In the same two days there have been 19 deaths for a total of 8,673 fatalities.

PRSION FACILITY HAS COVID OUTBREAK
SCI-Coal Township has reported a COVID-19 outbreak, reporting 96 active cases at the facility including 2 staff members.  According to media outlets, the Department of Corrections has ranked the facility at a level 2 out of a five level demobilization plan that requires sets of restrictive safety measures within the prison.  At this time,  there are 23 active inmate cases and 12 active staff cases at Allenwood and Lewisburg has four active inmate cases and one active staff case.  SCI Coal Township is also implementing more video visits in place due to enhanced quarantining

HOSPITAL TO RESTRICT VISITORS AGAIN
Geisinger hospitals are temporarily restricting routine, in-person visitation to hospitalized patients starting Monday November 2 in an effort to make sure staff, patients and the community stay safe from COVID-19. According to a press release from Geisinger, clergy and Doulas are part of the care team and not visitors, and that adult or pediatric patients with appointments at Geisinger clinics may still have one person accompany them.  Details on specific visitation requirements are available at Geisinger.org/coronavirus

 

SPORTS
NFL Monday Night Football
Rams beat the Bears 24-10

MLB
Rays play the Dodgers in Game 6 of the World Series tonight at 8:08 in Arlington Texas, LA leads 3-2

NASCAR
The NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Race in Texas is still on hold until this morning due to rainy conditions that barely let up yesterday.  Sunday’s Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 was postponed after 52 laps with Clint Boyer in first position followed by Jimmie Johnson.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2020

PA COURT RULES ON ACCEPTING VOTER SIGNATURES ON BALLOTS
There was a ruling on Friday in Pennsylvania Court prohibiting counties from rejecting ballots based on signature comparison, supporting the state’s top election official’s legal argument with the President Donald Trump Campaign and Republican legislators.  According to PennLive, Kathy Boockvar said any rejection of a ballot without allowing a voter to verify their signature poses a grave risk that ballots can be rejected in a very subjective way.  Ballots in the commonwealth are also immune from third-party challenges based on signature analysis.  Mr. Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden are locked in a battle to win Pennsylvania’s 20 electoral votes.

FATAL ACCIDENT INVOLVING MAN FROM MONTGOMERY
A 70 year old man from Montgomery was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash Saturday.  According to the Sun Gazette, David Hester was driving north on Route 15 south of Old Mill Road in Gregg Township and suddenly veered into the southbound lane striking a truck head-on.  The incident happened around 8pm Saturday night and involved a tractor trailer driven by 57 year old Howard Legg of Harrisburg, who wasn’t injured in the crash.

INFANT TREATED AFTER INGESTING  MARIJUANA
A Bloomsburg man has been charged with child endangerment after he allegedly let an infant ingest marijuana.  21 year old Dylan R. Coble, a legal recipient of medical marijuana, used it to put into chocolate and according to northcentralPA.com,  told police said that he had left some out and the infant he was watching ate around 10 milligrams of THC extract.  Coble took the infant to the emergency room after finding the baby very groggy.  The infant tested positive for the drug.  Coble was released on a $10,000 dollar unsecured bail.

COVID-19 SMARTPHONE APP AVAILABLE
Geisinger Health System has developed a COVID Alert Smartphone app, and is encouraging PA residents to download and use it. The app, which is free to download on Apple and Android devices, is intended to alert people who have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID.  For users who receive an alert, they can opt in to receive a call from a contact tracer and can track their symptoms from the app. According to a press release from Geisinger the app obtains no personal information.

DRIVER IN SHOOTING TREATED FOR INJURIES
The delivery driver who was injured in the 3rd shooting this month in Williamsport was treated and released after the incident Friday night.  According to the Sun Gazette, police are investigating the shooting that occurred between First and High Street, after which the driver left the scene and went back to his employer on 4th Street before calling an ambulance for help.  If you have information about this incident please call Williamsport Bureau of Police.

LYCOMING COUNTY COVID-19 UPDATE
There are 14 new cases of coronavirus reported in Lycoming County as of Sunday at midnight for a total of 942 positive cases.  Lycoming County has 13 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. There are 64 new cases in Northumberland County bringing their total to 1,484.  Statewide, 2,043 new cases have been confirmed, with the statewide total over 192,000, of which 78% have recovered.  12 new deaths have occurred bringing the total in Pennsylvania to 8,666.

SOIL BORING WORK TO START TODAY
Penn DOT days there will be median work along Interstate 180 in Lycoming County starting today and continuing for the next two weeks.  Crews will be in the median along Interstate 180 between the Route 87 overpass in Fairfield Township and the Lycoming / Northumberland County line doing soil borings at multiple locations.    This work is part of a high-tension cable barrier project that will take place at this location next year

MEMORIAL TO BE ADDED TO WILLIAMSPORT PARK
There will be a Central Pennsylvania Gold Star Memorial added to Veteran’s Memorial Park by the end of September 2021.  According to the Sun Gazette, John Markley, secretary of the Veterans Memorial Park Commission said the memorial will be erected in Lycoming County Veterans Memorial Park, at Wahoo Drive and West Fourth Street.  The estimated to cost is  $75,000 and will be paid for through donations and a brick marker fundraiser.

SPORTS
MLB
World Series Game 5  – LA Dodgers beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-2, LA leads 3-2
Game 6 is set for Tuesday night with first pitch at 8:08 in Arlington, TX

NFL
Steelers beat the Titans 27-24, Bills beat the Jets 18-10, Washington beat the Cowboys 25-3, Browns beat the Bengals 37-34,  Buccaneers over the Raiders 45-20 and the Chiefs beat the Broncos 43-16,  Chargers over the Jaguars 39-29, 49ers beat the Patriots 33-6, Cardinals over the Seahawks 37-34, and Lions beat the Falcons 23-22 Saints over the Panthers 27-24, Packers beat the Texans 35-20

NASCAR
The NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Race in Texas was postponed last night after 52 laps with misty conditions that continued for four hours before the event was called off. Restart is planned for this morning, but there’s was a 90% chance of rain reported overnight – Clint Boyer is in first position followed by Jimmie Johnson.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 25, 2020

In Person City Council Meetings

Many people in government and private sectors are beginning to move past the initial panic of the covid crisis. Many are starting to ponder how to go about balancing safety with the publics right to address local government, and assemble. According to the sun gazette, the Williamsport school district has already done so after governor wolf gave the order to increase indoor capacity, taking the school board meetings to the auditorium where there is ample room to accommodate social distancing guidelines. City council may follow suit in the coming weeks. According to Randall Allison, Council president, many agree that in person meetings will benefit the public, especially when presenting the budget deliberations. A decision is likely to be made before thanksgiving on that matter.

Handgun Found On Felon

Hafiz El, a 30 year old a convicted felon, was taken into custody by deputies near the park on Memorial Avenue. According to court records they found a loaded handgun in his waistband. When questioned about it, he told them that the gun belonged to his girlfriend with whom he was meeting to give back to her. A different picture was painted when the serial numbers were ran and the gun came back under a different name.  He was sent to prison in lieu of a 125,000 dollar bail for carrying a firearm without a license and possessing a weapon as a felon.

Infant Ingests Marijuana Edible

Dylan R. Coble, a 21 year old man from Bloomsburg has been charged with child endangerment after he allegedly accidentally let an infant ingest marijuana. Coble, a legal recipient of medical marijuana, had purchased THC extract oil from a dispensary, where he later put them into chocolates. According to northcentralPA.com, during an interview with officers he said that he had left the chocolates out on the table while working from home, when at some point the infanthe was watching ate them, consuming around 10 milligrams of THC extract. He took the infant to the emergency room after realizing it was unusually groggy and not fully awake after a nap, where the infant tested positive for THC. He was released on a $10,000 dollar unsecured bail.

Route 287 Crash

Thursday evening a motorcyclist was injured traveling south on route 287, after swerving out of the way of deer in the road. Zachary Rogers, 44 of trout run, went into the northbound lane of traffic when trying to avoid the deer, where he hit a stone embankment on the side of the road falling off and injuring himself. He was taken by ambulance to the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre for his injuries. His current status is unknown.

Sports

MLB

Tampa Bay Rays rookie Randy Arozarena became the first player to hit nine home runs in a single postseason after taking Los Angeles Dodgers starter Julio Urias deep to right field in the fourth inning of Game 4 of the World Series on Saturday night.

Astros pitcher Josh James underwent hip surgery and will need six to eight months to recover. Houston general manager James Click said Saturday that James had a labral tear of his left hip repaired Friday.

MMA

Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement ufc 254 in Abu Dhabi after a choking out his opponent just a minute and a half into the second round.

NFL

Antonio Brown and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reached an agreement on a one-year deal, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Friday. Brown is likely to make his Bucs debut in Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 8.

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 24, 2020

Drive Through Veteran Dinner

Geisinger will be hosting a drive through veteran appreciation dinner from 4 to 6pm on nov 12th. This year there are 8 locations participating in this event, up from 3 originally, serving any veteran that registers along with a guest of their choice. These locations include Bloomsburg, Danville, jersey shore and Shamokin along with Lewistown Scranton and wilkes-bare for those who may be further away from home.  Participants must register by Nov. 5th to be served by Geisinger staff, you can find the link on our website under the news section.

Bloomsburg

  • Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St., Bloomsburg
  • To make a reservation for this location, call 866-462-5127 or visit go.geisinger.org/VetsDinner/GBH

 

Danville

  • Geisinger Justin Drive Office Building, 35 Justin Drive, Building 2, Danville
  • To make a reservation for this location, call 866-578-3427 or visit go.geisinger.org/VetsDinner/GMC

 

Jersey Shore

  • Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St., Jersey Shore
  • To make a reservation for this location, call 570-398-3182 or email [email protected]

 

Shamokin

  • Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township
  • To make a reservation for this location, call 866-278-9806 or visit go.geisinger.org/VetsDinner/GSACH

City Council Approves Funding

City council approved the purchase of equipment for fall through a 200,000 dollar grant awarded from the states environmental protection department to purchase things like leaf blowers and brush chippers among other things. According to the sun gazette Adam winder, the general manager of the city public works department said all this will help employees work more efficiently.

New COVID-19 Smartphone App

Geisinger has developed a COVID Alert Smartphone app, and is encouraging PA residents to download and use it. The app, which is free to download on apple and android devices, is intended to alert people who have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID.  For users who receive an alert they can opt in to receive a call from a contact tracer  and can track their symptoms from the app. According to a press release from Geisinger the app obtains no personal information.

$20 Million Relief Package Approved

Pennsylvania is planning to offer $20 million in relief to the hospitality industry, along with a plan to waive state liquor license renewals in 2021 for over 16,000 restaurants bars, clubs cateres and hotels. The plan requires approval from the liquor control board. This comes after many industry officials warned that many are in danger of permanently closing. Wolf veto’d a bill from republicans loosening restrictions on bars and restaurants regarding their capacity, citing the safety of the public, but has passed this as safer alternatives to help restaurants out amongst the pandemic.

Friday Night Shooting

The 3rd shooting to happen this month occurred last night after a delivery man was shot in the shoulder around midnight. After the incident he drove back to his employer on 4th st before calling an ambulance. He was taken to UPMC in Williamsport for treatment of his wounds. As for the crime scene, police arrived shortly after the shooting but little is known about the status of the case as it is to new.

Sports

Highschool Football Game Scores;

Mifflinburg 28, Hughesville 0

Athens 35, Montgomery 7

Montoursville 71, Warrior Run 0

South Williamsport 48, Towanda 22

Jersey Shore 21, Central Mountain 9

Shikellamy 41, Milton 0

Selinsgrove 20, Shamokin 7

Southern Columbia 52, Central Columbia 3

Canton 39, Wellsboro 13

Loyalsock 21, Lewisburg 14

Muncy 42, Wyalusing 0

Bloomsburg 28, Midd-West 2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 23, 2020

EAST THIRD STREET OPENS TODAY
East Third Street in Williamsport is expected reopen this morning.  According to PennDOT, the closure that was in place on East Third  because of the reconstruction project shared by the department, the city and Lycoming College, between State Street and Basin Street will be back to normal after 7:30am today.  The detour will be removed after the reopening is complete.

WOLF ASKS PLCB TO WAIVE FEES
Governor Tom Wolf will ask the Liquor control board to waive liquor license fees to provide financial relief to restaurants and bars, which have faced significant financial impacts during the pandemic. According to a press release by the administration, more than 16,000 Pennsylvania restaurants and bars, clubs, catering clubs and hotels would see $20 million in relief after waiving standard licensing fees through 2021 beginning January 1st.  Wolf says he expects the PLCB will take up his request at its next board meeting.

MAN ARRESTED AFTER DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE
A Williamsport man is in custody after he allegedly attempted to strangle his wife in their North Market Street home following a domestic disturbance.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say Jesse Bean had tried to strangle his wife earlier in the day and then started a fight with Emily Bean about money inside the home, which later escalated to him smashing the windows of a car with a baseball bat while she fled the scene October 14th  after 9pm.  Emily Bean was treated at UPMC Muncy for injuries, Jesse Bean was arraigned on aggravated assault charges and reckless endangerment.  He is incarcerated in lieu of 85 thousand dollars bail.

ANOTHER LAWSUIT ABOUT PA BALLOTS
There was a new lawsuit filed yesterday by four registered voters from Somerset County and a Republican congressional candidate that asks a federal judge in Pittsburgh to block the deadline extension allowing ballots that arrive by November 6th  to be counted.  Earlier this week, the U.S. Supreme Court, was divided 4-4, in a ruling that rejected an earlier Republican filing – the new suit has made a different argument, saying that allowing unlawful ballots is unconstitutionally unfair to in-person voters.  The Democratic majority on the state’s high court want to extend election deadlines during the disaster emergency.

SUSPECT IN SUBURY ARMED ROBBERY IDENTIFIED
A  homeless man who was the suspect captured in the armed robbery that occurred in Sunbury this week has been incarcerated in lieu of 250 thousand dollars cash bail.  According to court records, 42 year old Jamie Giffin has been arraigned under two felony robbery counts as well as other misdemeanors after he allegedly attempted ‘suicide by cop’, by fleeing the scene after stealing 500 dollars and not complying with officers as well as pulling a toy gun on state troopers.  Giffin was injured when shot after Wednesday’s incident at the VP Racing Gas station.

THEFT IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP BEING INVESTIGATED
Seven hundred dollars in cash was stolen from a home in Loyalsock Township earlier this month and police are seeking a suspect.  According to North Central PA dot com, an unknown person forced their way into a home through a back door on the 400 block of Pearson Avenue sometime in the evening of October 17th or the overnight hours of October 18th, and left the scene in an unknown direction.  State Police in Montoursville are asking the public to come forward with any information they may have about the suspect or the incident.

LYCOMING CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
There are 8 new cases of the coronavirus in Lycoming County with 11 hospitalized patients, In Northumberland County there are 28 new cases confirmed as well as two new deaths reported from there.  A jump in numbers occurred in Luzerne County as of yesterday with an increase of 107 cases.  After a correction from a faulty data file of daily cases across the state sent to the PA Department of Health, as of yesterday the number is still one of the highest seen in the commonwealth at 2,063 cases – the statewide total now at 188,360.  30 new deaths were reported in PA, for a total of 8,592 fatalities.

COMMS OFFER NO-TAX HIKE BUDGET
A no-tax-hike spending plan for next year was announced by the Lycoming County Commissioners yesterday.  According to the Sun Gazette, the commissioners said the budget is being put together a little early this year for residents to consider it, and even though it contains a 23 million dollar deficit, that reflects the expenses of priority projects that they are working on at this time.  However, some projects were pushed back to give some tax relief to property owners. The expenses showing up in the overall budget include $9 million in bonds and $5 million in gas impact fees, or Act 13 funds, for funding projects.

SPORTS
NFL Thursday night football
Eagles rallied late to beat the New York Giants 22- 21, Continuing the Eagles 8-game winning streak over the Giants

MLB
Game 3 of the World Series tonight between the LA Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays – First pitch at 8:08 PM

HS Football
Backyard broadcasting high school football game of the week Dallas at Williamsport with a Saturday afternoon kick off at 1pm and coverage starts at 12:30 on our sister station WWPA or WILQ’s HD3.

HS Girls Soccer
Montoursville beat Mount Caramel 1-nothing, South Williamsport over CMVT 11-nothing, Benton beat Muncy 5-nothing, Warrior Run over Selinsgrove 1-nothing and Hughesville defeated Milton 2-nothing

HS Field Hockey
Lewisburg beat Mifflinburg 1- nothing

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 22, 2020

ARMED ROBBERY IN SUNBURY
State police were on the scene last night at a convenience store in Sunbury investigating an armed robbery.  According to the Daily Item, police confirmed that a suspect was in custody after they were called to the Valero on South Front Street for the robbery just before 9pm.  Parking lots in the area were blocked off while police were conducting the investigation.  Sunbury police have not released any information about injuries sustained or the identity of the captured suspect, but an ambulance was reportedly called and a short time after left the scene last night.

LYCOMING COUNTY COVID-19 UPDATE
There are 11 new cases of the coronavirus in Lycoming County, and 14 new cases reported in Northumberland County.  According to media outlets, the Allenwood Federal Penitentiary is down to 20 active inmate cases and 12 active staff cases.  Lewisburg still has four active inmate cases and one active staff case.  The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported statewide, 1,425 new positive cases of COVID-19 for a total  of 186,297.  There are 29 new deaths in the commonwealth for a total of 8, 562

CITY COUNCIL EXPECTED TO APPROVE GRANT TONIGHT
Williamsport City Council will meet virtually tonight and is looking to approve the use of a state Department of Environmental Protection grant for the recent electronic gate purchase for the city’s brush pile, a vacuum attachment for leaves and a wood chipper to be used for yard waste collection.  The 200 thousand dollar grant  requires a 10 percent match expected to be generated by the electronic entry access to the brush pile at 1500 W Third Street.  The meeting is online at 6:30 p.m. using Zoom technology through the city’s website, at city of Williamsport dot org

PENN STATE BASKETBALL COACH RESIGNS
Longtime Penn State Basketball coach Pat Chambers resigned yesterday after reports that Rasir Bolton — who transferred from Penn State to Iowa State in the summer of 2019 – said in an interview that he left the Nittany Lions because Chambers made a reference to a noose around Bolton’s  neck. The Penn State Athletic director Sandy Barbour said this was a new allegation following other reports of inappropriate conduct, but that no NCAA rule violations were involved.  Chambers had been the head coach at Penn State since 2011, and he led the Nittany Lions to a 26-win season in 2017-18.

EMS WORKER ASSAULTED
Milton State police say that an EMS worker was grabbed by the throat and shoved in the back of an ambulance on Tuesday along i-80 in Northumberland County, but no charges will be filed against the person who committed the assault.  Police report that the patient responsible won’t be charged because the action was caused by a medical condition and that the DA will not be following up on Criminal prosecution.

NEW $4 MILLION WASTEWATER PLANT FOR DANVILLE
The Wolf Administration has announced funding of a new wastewater treatment facility to be used by the Washingtonville Municipal Authority for new process tanks, sludge storage, and effluent disinfection.  According to the press release, the project could replace part of the outdated treatment plant facility. Out of the 4 million in funding, just over 1.2 million of it will be a loan and the rest a grant.  Governor Wolf said the system upgrade will ensure a secure infrastructure for community water.

DRUG TAKE BACK DAY IS SATURDAY
There will be 23 locations participating in a drug take back day in our area sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration this Saturday from 10am til  2pm.  According to Senator Gene Yaw of Loyalsock Township, the drug take back day is a way for residents to return unwanted, unneeded or expired prescription drugs for safe disposal.  It also can prevent accidental use and overdose.  Police agencies, pharmacies and other locations throughout Lycoming County including police departments at Penn College, Williamsport and South Williamsport  are participating.  There is a link to the list of participating locations on Senator Yaw’s website, here.

SOUTHSIDE HOMECOMING
South Williamsport Senior Homecoming representatives will be honored this Friday night during the scheduled Homecoming festivities.   South Williamsport hosts the Towanda Black Knights and the ceremonies will happen during halftime at Rodney K. Morgans Stadium. The Mounties of South Williamsport will hots the Towanda Black Knights. A parade of convertibles is expected before the game takeing place at around 6:30pm.

 

SPORTS
MLB
Game 2 of the World Series Tampa Bay Rays beat the LA Dodgers 6-4 Game 3 is Friday night at 8:08  – The series is tied up one and one

NFL tonight
Giants and the Eagles play tonight at Lincoln Financial Field kick off at 8:20

HS Girls Soccer
Central Columbia beat Montoursville 4-1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 21, 2020

POLICE SEEK SUSPECT IN WILLIAMSPORT HOMICIDE
A man has been identified as a suspect in the death of Jimia Alston who was shot and killed in her Louisa Street home last week.  According to the Sun Gazette, an arrest warrant has been issued for 36 year old Antwan McClain who remains at large.  The mother of 5 children was found shot in the abdomen and lying inside her front door last Thursday night and witnesses say a man who may have been McClain was dressed in black and approached the home before the shooting.  She was transported to UPMC Williamsport where she died in surgery.  Police say McClain, the alleged gunman and a convicted felon, fled the scene and now faces several charges including criminal homicide and aggravated assault.  He is considered armed and dangerous.

FORMER MAYOR ALLEGEDLY ASKED POLICE CHIEF TO “FIX” PFA AGAINST HIM
Allegations have come forward after 2 police officers and a former police captain amended federal complaints that former Williamsport Mayor Gabriel J. Campana requested former city police chief David J. Young  help “fix” a protection from abuse order that was filed against him by his now, ex-wife.  Complaints were filed in U.S. Middle District Court by three other officers about incidents that occurred when Campana was seeking the Republican party nomination for Lycoming County commissioner, before Young was selected as the city police chief by Campana.  He said the allegations are fake news.

WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOLS WILL STAY HYBRID
Williamsport Area Schools will remain in hybrid mode after a school board vote for five day a week instruction in person failed to get the approval needed.  According to the Sun Gazette, the school recently sent out surveys to district households and received almost 80 percent response of which over half indicated they would send their child back to in person instruction.  As of now, out of 3,870 students included, the number of students in the hybrid model were 1,845,  students in remote-model is 440 and a those who chose a combination of the two, 140.

BRUSH PILE GATE NOT COMPLETE DUE TO COVID DELAYS
A shipping backlog has stalled the delivery of parts that will be part of the new gate system at the City’s brush pile.  According to the Sun Gazette, the general manager of city streets and parks department, Adam Winder said due to COVID-19 issues there’s a delay and crews have not been able to assemble the gate that will provide more security allowing city residents to use a card key for entry.  The site at 1500 W. Third St will be accessible to residents at any time once the gate system is complete

FATAL PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT IN DANVILLE
An early morning accident in Danville in which a 28 year old woman was struck and killed while crossing Continental Blvd, the roadway was shut down for several hours while police investigated.   According to police, Gloria Hutchinson was struck as she attempted to cross the east bound lanes of Route 54 on foot from the area of a nearby gas station.  Police say the driver attempted to avoid the collision that happened around 7:15 a.m. in the area of Montour Street. Route 54 east and west were shut down for about two hours.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
There are 3 new coronavirus cases today in Lycoming County for a county wide total of 891 and in Northumberland County there are five new cases bringing the county wide total to 1,351.  There are four new deaths reported in Northumberland County as well.  Lycoming County has 7 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, none are on a ventilator. Montour County has 18 patients, 9 are on a ventilator.  As of yesterday at midnight, statewide, there were 1,557additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 184,872.  According to the PA Department of Health there were 33 new deaths in PA for a total now of 8,533.

REPUBLICANS FAIL TO OVERRIDE GOVERNOR’S VETO
The vote failed to override Governor Wolf’s veto of a bill yesterday that would have let restaurants reopen at full capacity in some circumstances, because the State House didn’t make the two-thirds majority.  The override failed on a vote of 133-69.  It would have allowed taverns and restaurants to operate at half of capacity, or more if they met state and federal social distancing standards or erected appropriate barriers.

NO STRAIGHT TICKET VOTING IN PENNSYLVANIA THIS YEAR
There are new considerations as election day approaches in Lycoming County. After legislation was passed a year ago that eliminated “straight-ticket” voting in the state to be in place for this year’s election,  voters won’t be able to fill in a single bubble to vote for a party’s entire slate, voters will have to fill out the ballot by individual lines.  In the 2019 general election, more than 726,000 voters in 59 Pennsylvania counties voted straight-party.  According to Lycoming County Voter Services Director Forrest Lehman, mail-in voting expected to reach an all-time high this election and voters are urged to take the time to read the voting instructions and as well as remember to sign their ballots.  Voting in-person at a polling place,  or mailing or hand delivering  ballots to the Voter registration office are the options voters have.  Details about ward lines and polling place locations are available at www.lyco.org/vote.

SPORTS

MLB
Dodgers beat the Rays 8-3 in Game 1 of the World Series.  Game 2 is tonight at 8:08pm
NFL
Giants and the Eagles play Thursday night football this week with an 8:20 kick off at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia
HS Girls Soccer
Mount Carmel beat Milton 6-2
HS Girls Volleyball
Wellsboro beat Towanda 3- nothing

HS Football
Harrisburg Cougars 41 Williamsport Millionaires 0

Next:  Dallas play the Millionaires

In the BYB Game of Week

Live coverage Saturday 1230 pm

Twin Valleys Talk Radio Network

HS Boys Soccer Tonight
Montoursville plays Jersey Shore at 4:30
Hughesville goes to Shamokin at 7 PM
HS Girls Soccer at 4pm today
Lewisburg is at Warrior Run, Line Mountain play South Williamsport and Benton is at Montgomery

 

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