BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

The Lycoming County commissioners yesterday, renewed the county’s Declaration of Disaster Emergency in the face of COVID-19 potentially resurging in the state.  The declaration states that due to the pandemic there is a significant negative impact on the county and allows them to apply for emergency funding connected to the coronavirus for another 90 days. It was mentioned as a reminder during the meeting for the public that COVID-19 is a serious issue and there are rises in local cases, as well as 2 deaths reported at a local nursing care and rehabilitation facility.

A Williamsport man has been jailed after leading a PA State trooper on a chase in Lycoming County last weekend with speeds reaching 110 miles per hour.  According to the Sun Gazette, Joshua Craver of High Street had been charged earlier in the day for suspected DUI and was recognized by the officer along I-180 westbound in Loyalsock township at about 3am in the early morning.  Police say Craver, with a passenger in the car, accelerated in his 1996 Acura Integra when the trooper started the pursuit and continued for about 20 miles, finally coming to a stop at Salladasburg Elementary School along Route 287.  31 year old Craver was arraigned for DUI, felony fleeing police, endangering another and speeding, he is Lycoming COUnty Prison in lieu of 100 thousand dollars bail.

An inmate at the Union County Prison and his brother have both been charged with felony contraband and conspiracy charges after the sibling allegedly threw drugs over the prison yard wall last August.  According to North Central PA dot com, 25 year old Kyle T. Kranz,  was found by the Union County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit to have drugs in his cell, after a tip came in about potential drugs and weapons.  Police say there is video of Krantz picking up contraband that had been allegedly thrown in by his brother Tyler.

The Borough manager in Northumberland has announced that there will be trick or treating for families who want to participate  on Halloween night from 6-8 but there will be no Halloween parade.  According to media outlets, Jan Bowman said the council was disappointed to cancel but had lots of questions regarding the safety of the event.  She said those who don’t want to participate safely can leave their porch lights off.

The preliminary hearing for the man accused of the double murder at a local Buffalo Wild Wings and while fleeing, shot and incapacitated by a licensed to carry bystander last July, occurred yesterday in Snyder County Court.  According to media outlets, the District Attorney says 55-year-old Christopher Fernanders of Paxinos will remain incarcerated without bail since all the charges, including first degree murder will be held for county court in 2021.  Fernanders will has a tentative arraignment  date sceheduled for January with a pre-trial conference to follow later in the spring.

5 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Lycoming County for a pandemic wide total now of 699.  There are two hospitalized coronavirus patients.  According to the PA Department of Health, there were 988 new cases reported across the state contributing to the total of 157, 814 cases.  16 new deaths were reported as of yesterday at midnight and total fatalities in Pennsylvania are at 8, 123.

There was an annual rally in the state capitol yesterday about gun rights, drawing a smaller than normal crowd amid rainy conditions.  According to the Associated Press, The Rally to Protect Your Right to Keep and Bear Arms constituted of a pep rally as well as an update on gun legislation.  Several dozen lawmakers were at the event including some Democrats.  In 2018 Wolf approved a law that was  the first anti-violence legislation in the state to deal directly with guns in more than a decade.   It requires those convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence or following other protective orders to give up their guns within 24 hours.

Penn DOT says motorists are advised that the I- 80 westbound on-ramp Exit 224 in Danville from Route 54 which will now remain closed for repair work. The overpass bridge beams were damaged by an over-height vehicle in August and the ramp was closed to traffic for inspection.  It will now remain closed until the repair takes place. Crews will begin working in October and complete the project by late November weather permitting.

 

SPORTS
MLB
In the American League Wildcard series the Astros beat the Twins in Game 1, White Sox over the A’s 4-1 in their Game 1,  Rays beat the Blue Jays 3-1, and Yankees stomped the Indians 12-3
In the NBA Heat play the Lakers tonight at 9 PM for the NBA Finals Game 1

NFL
Broncos and the Jets set for an 8:20 Thursday night matchup at MetLife Stadium in NJ.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

FORMER SHOP-VAC EMPLOYEES DEMONSTRATE
Former employees gathered yesterday, demonstrating in protest of losing their jobs last week at the Shop-Vac plant in Williamsport yesterday. The two dozen people who marched outside the Reach Road property, displayed signs and received support from motorists and truck drivers who honked as they went by.  Shop-Vac employees were abruptly terminated last week when, according to a letter from the HR department at the company, a business deal to sell the business fell through.   The company also cited the reasons for the closing as the global COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis.

JERSEY SHORE ELIMINATING HYBRID LEARNING
The Jersey Shore Area School District will eliminate the hybrid model of class instruction beginning the second marking period, November 2nd.  According to the Sun Gazette,  instruction for students K-12 will only be available in person or totally remote in the district’s online program, JSOL.  Dr. Brian Ulmer said the recommendation to eliminate the hybrid model is due to the low numbers of students who are enrolled in that type of learning – only 22 of the 650 students at Jersey Shore Middle.  Parents will be notified beginning today.  Additionally, 5 flexible instruction days were approved for bad weather days when students can still attend school remotedly as well as the board deciding to keep the attendance of Jersey Shore sporting events and extracurriculars at 250 people outdoors and 25 indoors.

CAMPER FIRE IN NISBET
Nisbet Volunteer firefighters responded to a camper fire yesterday afternoon on East Waterfront Drive.  According to the Sun Gazette, the 1995 Chateau camper, owned by Rick Bolay of Williamsport had smoke pouring from the structure at about 3:50 Monday.  The fire was brought under control in about 15 minutes and according to fire officials was electrical in nature.  South Williamsport and DuBoistown volunteers were also at the scene.

COVID CASES CAUSE CHANGES AT PENN COLLEGE
Rising cases of COVID-19 at Pennsylvania College of Technology has caused the administration there to amend the student code of conduct in order to mitigate the spread of the virus. The Dean of academic operations and chair of the college’s COVID-19 task force Anthony J. Pace said there are new sanctions on campus that address willful or negligent actions or conduct that endangers the safety of the college community.  According to a press release from the college, there are 16 active cases at Penn College currently. Forty individuals with positive cases have been medically cleared to return to class or work.  Pace said the majority of cases are from off-campus students.

INMATE WINS FEDERAL SEXUAL HARASSMENT CASE
A former inmate at Muncy State Correctional Institution has won compensatory and punitive damages in federal court over a sexual harassment and assault case.  According to the Sun Gazette, civil court records say Josie McCormick alleged she was subjected to repeated sexual advances by Matthew Allabach,  when he was a guard at the prison in 2015 and 2016.  Other defendants named were defendants in the case were SCI Muncy and Robert Smith, a former superintendent of the prison.  The trial in Middle District Court took place in Wilkes-Barre and wrapped up last week.

LYCOMING COUNTY COVID-19 UPDATE
Lycoming County has added 23 more positive coronavirus cases to the list. According ot the PA Department of Health, there are 658 positive cases to date here.  Statewide, there were 1,594 additional positive cases reported from Saaturday and Sunday combined bringing the total to 156,826.  Seven people died from COVID-19 over the weekend, total of 8,107 fatalities of Pennsylvanians from the virus.

SIDEWALK AND CURB WORK IN SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT THIS WEEK
PennDOT says there will be work in South Williamsport beginning tomorrow through October 6th that will cause some lane closures.  Crews will be along Riverside Drive between Grove Street and Linden Street in South Williamsport installing sidewalks and ADA curb ramps.  Also Wednesday watch for East Central Avenue to be closed between Route 15 northbound and Route 15 southbound while HRI, Inc., paves the East Central Avenue tie-ins to Route 15 Motorists can expect single lane conditions with flaggers on the scene. Work will be performed during daylight hours between 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM

TURKEY PATH REPAIRED BY LYCO CREW
A Williamsport crew completed the work that allowed the Turkey path at Leonard Harrison State park to reopen after it didn’t have a traditional opening this past spring.  According to the Sun Gazette, the state park area had sustained damage from falling trees along the popular trail that leads to the Pine Creek in Tioga County and the overlook on the east rim of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon which kept the trail closed for the year.  Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps crew members based in Williamsport were trained in the skills needed to work the terrain to build new decking platforms and stairs at the site.  The path is now open for the first time since Thanksgiving 2019.

SPORTS
NFL
Monday Night Football Chiefs beat the Ravens 34-20
MLB
Royals beat the Tigers 3-1, Marlins over the Yankees 5-nothing, Padres edged the Giants 5-4, Rangers over the Astros 8-4, Nationals routed the Mets 15-5, Orioles over the Blue Jays 7-5, Diamondbacks beat the Rockies 11-3, Red Sox over the Braves 9-1, Cubs beat the White Sox 10-8, Indians over the Pirates 8-6, Dodgers beat the Angels 5-nothing, Reds beat the Twins 5-3 in10 innings, A’s over the Mariner’s 6-2, Rays blanked the Phillies 5-nothing, Cardinals over the Brewers 5-2

NHL
Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Dallas Stars 2-nothing in Game 6 of the finals for a 4-2 win of the 2020 Stanley Cup.

NBA
Finals between the LA Lakers and Miami Heat – Game 1 tomorrow night at 9 PM

HS Girls Tennis
South over Montgomery 3-2, Bucktail beat Muncy 4-1, Loyalsock over Lewisburg 4-1,  Selinsgrove defeated Williamsport 4-1, Central Mountain over Milton 5-0h

HS Girls Soccer
South over Sullivan County 4-1, Milton beat Loyalsock 2-nothing, Muncy beat Millville 3-2 in OT, Lewisburg blanked Shamokin 3-nothing, Mifflinburg over Hughesville 3-nothing
HS Boys Soccer
Mifflinburg over Hughesville 1- nothing

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 28, 2020

POLICE INVESTIGATE WEEKEND SHOOTING
Police are investigating a weekend shooting that originally resulted in an inaccurate report that someone had been injured.  On Saturday, Williamsport police responded at Park Ave and Wildwood Blvd around 7:30pm, and according to the Sun Gazette an unidentified witness said they heard an argument and then shots were fired. Police called the hospital looking for a victim who may have gone to UPMC in a private vehicle, but no one was reported. This is currently an open case, if you have any information for police you can the watch commanders desk at 570-327-7560.

DEMONSTRATORS ON MARKET STREET BRIDGE FOR TRUMP
There was a demonstration in support of President Donald Trump on Friday along the Market Street Bridge in Williamsport, organized by Lycoming County for Trump 2020.  According to the Sun Gazette, the supporters of the president participated in the flash rally held signs and yelled at passing motorists.  According to organizers, a pro-Trump event is held weekly and listed on their Facebook Page.  Donald Trump took advantage of late afternoon rush hour traffic to urge people to vote for the incumbent President.

HABITAT LOOKING TOWARD 3 NEW PROPERTIES
Habitat for humanity got a positive recommendation last week for the purchase of 3 lots of land from the city redevelopment authority. According to the Sun Gazette they still have to get through the city planning commission with final council approval for construction, but there’s a solid chance for some new housing being built over the next 3 years. If their plans come to fruition the project will begin between Scott St., Oliver st. and Memorial Avenue. The two story homes will be privately owned.

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY PROGRAM WILL RESUME
PennDOT’s Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program will start in person instruction again after being shut down because of COVID-19.   Pennsylvania residents can take advantage of the  statewide pilot program for the rest of the calendar year. The classes are free to Pennsylvania motorcycle permit and license holders and are coordinated through the 3rd party vendors at various training sites which can be found online at  www.penndot.gov/PAMSP.  PennDOT will still offer  a virtual motorcycle training course for individuals under 18 who are required by law to complete a department-approved motorcycle safety course before they can take the skills test and obtain their motorcycle license.

MAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT DURING MASK-WEARING INCIDENT
A confrontation between 2 men took place at Mall Drive in Muncy Township last Thursday over a dispute regarding masks. 42 year old Richard King is alleged to have shoved a 72 year old man after telling him to get away from him for not wearing one. According to Northcentral PA.com, the man was hard of hearing, so he got closer to hear him, reportedly King shoved the man to the ground, and then exited Halls Sub Shop. King was later arrested and charged with a summary count of harassment and physical contact.

LYCOMING COUNTY COVID-19 NUMBERS
There are no reports of COVID-19 numbers reported on Sundays according to the PA Department of Health but, Friday, Lycoming County reported 13 new cases of COVID-19.  Statewide, there were 806 new cases reported for a total since the pandemic began to 154,203.  Lycoming County reports there are  2 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, but none are on a ventilator. Two new deaths were reported from Friday for a total in the state of 8,081.

COUNTY WILL FUND FINGERPRINTING AGREEMENT AT CITY HALL
To address a backlog in processing fingerprints in Williamsport, City Council has approved an agreement at with Lycoming County to purchase a fingerprint machine for part-time use at City Hall. According to the Sun Gazette, the county commissioners agreed earlier this month to provide the machine and financially support its operation and maintenance. The center will be manned by a county employee from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.  The center will be used for processing fingerprints of alleged criminal suspects as well as by those needing fingerprints processed for employment clearances.

PENNDOT TO DO SHOULDER WORK ON ROUTE 220 SOUTH
There will be lane restrictions along Route 220 in Woodward and Piatt Townships in Lycoming Count this week.  According to PennDOT, work will include removal of signs within right of way, shoulder paving, sewer relocation and overhead utility relocation as well as shoulder widening through driveways and on side roads.  Watch for the lane restrictions this week on Fourth Street, as it connects into Route 220 southbound but should be removed by Friday, October 2, weather permitting.  This safety improvement project addresses conflicting traffic movements and provides more efficient places for U-turns

 

SPORTS
NASCAR
Kurt Busch won at his  hometown track – Las Vegas Motor Speedway Sunday, Matt DiBenedetto, who was eliminated from the playoffs last weekend, finished second, and Denny Hamlin was 3rd, Martin Truex Jr., was fourth, followed by Alex Bowman

NFL
Bills beat the Rams 35-32, Browns over Washington 34-20, Patriots beat the Raiders 36-20, 49ers beat the Giants 36 -9,  Eagles and Bengals were tied up in overtime 23-23, Steelers beat the Texans 28-21,Seahawks beat the Cowboys 38-31 Packers over the Saints 37-30
Monday night football tonight
Chiefs and the Ravens in Maryland for an 8:15  kick off
NBA
Lakers won the West Finals Series 4-1 over the Nuggets Saturday 117-107, and Heat beat the Celtics yesterday in the East Finals Game 6,  125-113 Miami winning the series 4-2
NBA LA Lakers take on the Miami Heat in the Finals Game1 on Wednesday at 9PM
MLB
Royals beat the Tigers 3-1, Marlins opver the Yankees five nothing, padres beat the Giants 54, Rangers are the Astros 84, Nationals routed the Met 15-5, Orioles over the Bluejays 7-5, Diamondbacks thumped the Rockies 11-3, Red Sox over  the Braves 9-1, Cubs beat the White Sox 10-8, Indians beat the Pirates 8-6, Dodgers blanked the Angels 5- nothing, Reds beat the Twins 5-3, A’s beat the Mariners 6-2, Rays beat the Phillies 5-nothing and Cardinals over the Brewers 5-2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

Shots Fired at Park Ave

Last night Williamsport police responded to a dispatch of a shooting victim at park ave and Wildwood blvd around 7:30, a report that was later confirmed as inaccurate. According to the sun gazette when officers arrived a neighbor, whose name is not given, heard 2 men arguing before a women stepped in telling one of them to leave. That’s when 2 shots were fired. Police called the hospital looking for a victim who may have gone to UPMC in a private vehicle, but no one was reported. This is currently an open case, if you have any information for police you can the watch commanders desk at 570-327-7560.

Habitat for Humanity to Purchase 3 Lots for Construction

Habitat for humanity recently got a positive recommendation on Friday for the purchase of 3 lots of land from the city redevelopment authority. According to the sun gazette they still have to get through the city planning commission with final council approval for construction, but there’s a solid chance for some new housing being built over the next 3 years. If their plans come to fruition the residential housing will be built between Scott st., Oliver st. and Memorial Avenue. All will be 2 stories and privately owned.

Nude Sunbather Charged for Lewdness

Patrolman Eric winters was on duty Thursday evening when around 6:00 he observed a 77 year old Muncy man named Raymond W. Roth sunbathing nude. In an affidavit Winters stated that there were many people out and about in cars and on foot, and that he could see the man fully exposed. When Roth saw the patrolman go by he allegedly went back inside and dressed himself, before speaking with winters, admitting that he had been drinking and that he enjoyed sunbathing nude. He was charged with one misdemeanor count of lewdness.

Drug Dealer Sells to Confidential Informant

According to city police bundles of suspected fentanyl were sold to a confidential informant by 58 year old man named Jerome Green. According to northcentralPA.com Green had sold to the confidential informant a total of 10 bundles over 3 separate times between January and February. On Febuary 13th the police served green with a search warrant where they found 14 bags of suspected fentanyl and drug paraphernalia. Green was charged with 2 felonies and is scheduled for an arraignment before Lycoming county judge Mac F. Lovcchio on Oct. 12th.

Confrontation Ends in Summary Charges

A confrontation between 2 men took place at Mall Drive in Muncy township over a dispute regarding masks. 42 year old Richard king is alleged to have shoved a 72 year old man after telling him to get away from him for not wearing one. According to northcentralPA.com the man was hard of hearing, so when he got closer so he could hear him, King shoved the man to the ground, and quickly exited the restaurant. According to Governor Wolf’s order, for people hard of hearing or those that have a disability preventing one from wearing a mask, it is not a requirement. King was later arrested and charged with a summary count of harassment and physical contact.

Sports

NFL

The banged-up San Francisco 49ers have added yet another player to the injured reserve list. This time, it’s running back Tevin Coleman, who is dealing with a sprained knee.

HS Football

In High School Football on Saturday night, the Bloomsburg Panthers defeated the Mount Carmel Area Red Tornados, 27 to 6. This was Bloomsburg’s first win over Mount Carmel since 1961.

MLB

Saturdays scores for the MLB are in. Mariners over Athletics, Rangers over Astros, Brewers over Cardinals, Rays over Phillies, White Sox over Cubs and Padres over Giants.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 26, 2020

NYC Resident Abducts Estranged Daughter

Last night Pennsylvania State police issued an amber alert for a 7 year old girl named Giselle Torres, after her biological father Juan Pablo Torres, a resident of Queens NY. According to media outlets she was last seen before being recovered around 2 in the afternoon, where she was taken by Torres and 2 additional men wearing body armor on Montgomery Avenue in Elkins Park. Eventually investigators found out Torres was headed north, to NYC. It didn’t take long for a hostage negotiator to convice him to surrender. Giselle was recovered uninjured and taken to the NYC hospital for evaluation. Charges are pending.

Ravioli Disturbance

Over in union county, state troopers received a call about 3 loud bangs in a white deer tailor park. When they responded they found that the loud bangs was not fireworks or guns, but ravioli cans. According to northcentralPA.com at 3am, state troopers found that an unknown suspect had thrown 3 chef Boyardee at a residence, damaging their windows, startling the residence. Trooper Dustin Spangler is investigating the criminal mischief incident.

Central School District Teacher Sentenced to 2 Years

A former central School District teacher and girls soccer coach has been sentenced to 24 months after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a 17 year old girl. In addition to the 24 months he will have to pay court costs and a fine of 2000 dollars, with probation for 2 years after he is free. He will also have to register as a tier 2 sex offender for the next 25 years. According to the sun gazette Black had many of his peers write letters suggesting a lighter sentence due to his good character. Judge Michael Salisbury did not agree with the 49 letters sent to him, saying his behavior was absolutely unacceptable and that nothing he could do could fix the damage he had done.

Charleston Township Robbery

A home invasion took place near Wellsboro PA in Charleston township. At a mobile home on the 1900 block of Charleston road around 3am, 2 men armed with pistols and a knife entered the home and duct taped 3 people in the residence. According to a police report around 25 to 2900 dollars in cash was stolen from a safe. One was harmed, but the police say the incident is still ongoing. If you know anything about the home invasion, any information is much appreciated. You can find the case and phone number on our website under the news section. (570) 662-2151. Case No. PA2020-1354817.

Corona Virus and Hair Loss

The corona virus can do a little more indirect damage than you thought. Doctors are seeing more patients with hair loss. This rings true for both the people who were asymptomatic and the people who have recovered. It’s even true in a broader sense for people not infected. This is because the hair loss is not from the virus directly, but the stress the body goes through fighting it off. As for people who have never contracted it, times are tough. With an economic recession, financial strain and deaths of family members, in addition to it being an election year, stress can really take a toll on your body. Life is hard, but no matter what happens, the sun will rise. The strongest of people ask for help, especially if you’re symptomatic.

Sports

HS Football

Southern Columbia 67, Warrior Run 0
Muncy 56, Columbia Montour Vo-Tech 24
Loyalsock 55, Hughesville 18
Shamokin 16, Selinsgrove 0
Central Columbia 42, Midd-West 20
Shikellamy 14, Milton 0
Troy 34, North Penn-Mansfield 21
South Williamsport 33, Montgomery 13
Montoursville 53, Mifflinburg 0
Sayre 35, Cowanesque Valley 14
Jersey Shore 55, Central Mountain 7
Williamsport 26, Berwick 7
Danville 35, Lewisburg 14
Athens 21, Wyalusing 14
Northwest 42, Bucktail 6

 

NFL

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Miami dolphins quarterback, became the first NFL quarterback to get 6 wins over the same opponent with 6 teams Thursday night, when he and his team defeated the jaguars 31 – 13. It is also the Miami dolphins first win with a double digit score, ending the longest drought in the leagues history.

 

MLB

After being barred from the field due to covid-19, the Miami marlins returned swinging, doing well enough to reach the playoffs for the first time since their 2003 championship.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

VOTE DOES NOT OVERRIDE THE GOVERNOR’S VETO
The necessary override was not achieved yesterday in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, so Governor Tom Wolf’s veto of a bill that would have allowed school districts in the state to have sole control on how many fans can attend events, stands.  When the bill was originally presented, there was a 2/3 majority for it – but since September 2nd  the bill lost the majority by almost 25 votes and will now not be passed along to the Senate.  Governor Wolf thanked Democrats who voted for the bill and for them working collaboratively to protect Pennsylvanians during this ongoing public health crisis.

INMATES AND OTHERS CHARGED WITH UNEMPLOYMENT FRAUD
Charges have been announced against 18 inmates in Pennsylvania state prisons and two others who were not in jail, after they were found to be involved in a fraud scheme to get jobless benefits for other ineligible prisoners.  According to the AP, Attorney General Josh Shapiro said an investigation continues after they discovered illegal applications for unemployment compensation from inmates who provided information through jail-phones like social security numbers and birthdates to receive benefits – allegedly over 300 thousand dollars that should have gone to legitimate claims.  State and federal prosecutors said last month that about 10,000 state prison inmates had fraudulently applied for unemployment benefits.

POLLUTION CHARGES FILED ON PRESIDENT OF MINING COMPANY
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has duplicated pollution charges that were first filed against Fisher Mining Company, against the company’s president who lives in Loyalsock Township.  According to the Sun Gazette, 70 year old John A. Blaschak faces 37 misdemeanor and summary charges for pollution of waters and disturbance of waterways or watersheds as well as five other summary charges.  Court records say the pollution came from company’s facility near Cedar Run over a 2-year period between 2018 and this past spring.

VIGIL TO BE HELD TO HONOR THOSE WHO DIED FROM VIOLENCE
There will be a gathering this Friday at the Brandon Park band shell to remember the lives of lost of loved ones gone because of violence. The event will be from 4:30 to 6:30pm and is organized by Angel Families Unite.  According to the Sun Gazette,  the group provides support for families, sometimes at the scenes of violent crimes, to help them navigate the court system and assist with memorials.  This Friday there will be remarks by survivors and advocates, an interactive memorial, a balloon release and more.

COVID-19 STOPS SPORTS IN CANTON FOR NOW
COVID-19 has shut down more schools sports in our region for the next few weeks. The Canton Area School District who did not play last weekend and had already postponed their upcoming game with Wellsboro, will now not play or practice until October 13 after the district transitioned to remote learning after more positive coronavirus tests were reported. Canton will postpone the upcoming games against North-Penn Mansfield and Wyalusing. According to the Canton Schools Athletic Director, Bob Rockwell, the Warriors plan to continue to play if all goes well this month.

HOUSE BILL PASSES TO HELP RESTAURANTS, HEADS TO GOVERNOR
Representative Garth Everett’s House Bill 2513 passed in the House yesterday which could ensure that restaurants and taverns can operate safely and also be protected from mandates from Governor Tom Wolf’s Office or the state Supreme Court.  The bill allows restaurants to operate at 50% capacity and prohibits the requirement that a meal must be purchased in order to purchase alcohol.  The bill was passed after being amended by the Senate. It now heads to the governor for final consideration.

LYCOMING COUNTY COVID-19 UPDATE
Three new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Lycoming County making the total since pandemic began to 633.  According to the PA Department of Health, the statewide total of cases is 151,646.  Lycoming County has 2 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, none are on a ventilator. Nineteen news deaths were reported in the state bringing the total fatalities to 8,023

PENNDOT WEBINAR ABOUT ELECTRIC CARS
PennDOT, the DEP and the Drive Electric PA Coalition will be holding a free public informational webinar on the benefits of electric vehicles on two dates next week, to be presented as part of National Drive Electric Week.  The program, “Driving Electric Vehicles: The Benefits and Basics for Pennsylvania Residents” will be offered live on Wednesday, September 30, from 11:00 AM to noon and then a recording will be presented October 1 at 6:00 PM.  According to DEP officials  the number of electric cars registered in Pennsylvania increased by 50 percent in 2018.  Find a link to webinar information here.

SPORTS

HS Girls Tennis
Montoursville beat Lewisburg 5-0h

NBA
Heat beat the Celtics 112 to 109 in the East finals Game 4 – Miami leading the series 3-1

NFL Monday Night Football
Dolphins vs the Jaguars in Jacksonville with an 8:20 PM kick off

MLB
Angels beat the Padres 5-2, Phillies over the Nationals 12-3, Diamondbacks beat the Rangers 7-3, Indians over the White Sox 3-2, Blue Jays routed the Yankees 14-1, Reds over the Brewers 6-1, Mariners beat the Astros 3-2, Pirates beat the Cubs 2-1, Braves over the Marlins 9-4, Rays beat the Mets 8-5, Red Sox over the Orioles 9-1, Twins beat the Tigers 7-6, Royals stomped the Cardinals 12-3, A’s over the Dodgers 6-4, Giants beat the Rockies 7-2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

A federal judge declined to stay the ruling that Gov. Tom Wolf’s size limits on gatherings at are unconstitutional yesterday. According to media outlets, U.S. District Judge William Stickman IV said the administration had failed to show that “imminent and irreparable harm will occur” if limits at events are over 25 inside and 250 people outside.  Rejecting the state’s request for a stay, the judge said Tuesday that state officials failed to explain why they have allowed commercial businesses to operate at a small percentage while capping attendance at other gatherings. Wolf said his administration appealed the ruling.

A former Keystone Central teacher and coach was sentenced this week in Clinton County court for sexually assaulting a 17 year old student.  According to Penn Live, 28 year old Cole Gregory Black’s behavior was called outrageous by the judge who sentenced him to serve seven months to 24 months less one day in the Clinton County Correctional Facility.   Black had some courtroom support with his attorney submitting letters on his behalf.  The prosecuting attorney said Black gained the girl’s trust and took advantage of the situation.  Black is required to register as a tier two sex offender and required to register every six months for the next 25 years.

Police apprehended a homeless man last Thursday who drove a stolen truck from Tioga County to Lycoming County, only to steal another truck from the parking lot of  Plunkett’s Creek restaurant.  According to the Sun Gazette,  police reports say a Dean Noble – who is homeless – fled from Pier 87 in a stolen Ford Truck about 8:45 am after the keys were left in the ignition.  The truck was later spotted in Clearfield County and police said Noble was apprehended from nearby woods.  He was charged with a felony count of theft, arraigned in Lycoming County Court and is being held at Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 25 thousand dollars bail.  Charges from Noble’s original vehicle theft are pending.

The announcement about Trick or Treating in Williamsport has been decided.  Mayor Derek Slaughter announced yesterday that at the risk of those who want to participate, door to door Halloween festivities will take place October 31st from 6-8 in the city.  He indicated that  people who celebrate, wear masks, and consider all the safety protocols, such as social distancing as much as possible.

An app is now available for Pennsylvanians to track coronavirus exposure (called “COVID 19 Alert PA” and it was announced yesterday by Governor Tom wolf at a press conference in Philadelphia)  At a press conference in Philadelphia yesterday, Governor Wolf announced the program to fight COVID-19 through contact tracing <<WOLF APP>> The use will be limited to those 18 and older and is designed to automatically notify people if they might have been exposed to the coronavirus without having to know the individual.  If a person testes positive – through the department of health those who are willing to use the app are then notified that they may have been exposed and through the app – given instruction on how to protect themselves and others. It can be found wherever apps are downloaded.

A Phildelphia man was charged with indecent exposure during questioning by police in Williamsport August 25th.  According to court records 32 year old Shaheed Gindraw refused to identify himself when police were called to investigates the mans’ car blocking along Washington Boulevard at about 5:30 pm.  Upon becoming agitated and in front of several police officers, Gindraw laid on the ground without being asked, then got up and exposed himself saying he was showing that he didn’t have a gun.  Gindraw was taken into custody but later was released $3,500 bail.

After the Muncy Education Association asked for a remote learning day to prepare for the rest of the week of class lessons, the Muncy School board has agreed to one distance learning day for teachers on October 2nd as they consider the request at a meeting on Oct. 12.  IN addition, a motion was approved at Muncy that will allow a 50 percent capacity during football games if the veto made by Governor wolf on authority to decide on game capacity is over ridden when the legislature convenes on Sept. 29. Half the amount of people at the Muncy stadium1,250 people

Penn College is offering their beer making degree in a shorter period of time.  Starting in Fall 2021, the college’s brewing and fermentation science major is evolving from a two-year associate degree into a one-year certificate, while maintaining the rigor and quality of the training. The certificate is designed for adults 21 and older who wish to work in the commercial brewing industry and accoprding to a press release is ideal for either returning-to-education or recently graduated individuals.

SPORTS
HS Football
Tuesday night at the Silver bowl  – Mount Carmel area beat Williams Valley 43-28
HS Girls Soccer
South beat Muncy 5-2, Sullivan blanked Montgomery 8-nothing
HS Boys Soccer
North Penn Liberty over Sayre 6-4
HS Girls Tennis
Montgomery defeated Muncy 5-0h,
HS Girls X-country
Williamsport defeated Hughesville 15-50, Montoursville came in under Central Columbia 15-47
Boys X-country
Williamsport beat  Hughesville 24-33, Lewisburg 19 Warrior run 42

NBA
Nuggets beat the Lakers 114 to 106 in the West Finals Game 3, LA leading the series 2-1, Celtics play the Heat tonight at 8:30 East Finals Game 4 with Miami leading 2-1
NHL
Stanley Cup finals Lightning and Stars play tonight at 8 PM, The series is tied One and One
MLB
Nationals beat the Phillies 5-1 in Game 1, and 8-7 in  Game 2, Indians over the White Sox 5-3, Yankees thumped the Blue Jays 12-1, Brewers beat the Reds 3-2, Pirates edged the Cubs 3-2, Braves stopped the Marlins 11-1, Met over the Rays 5-2, Red Sox be the Orioles 8-3, Twins beat the Tigers 5-4, Cardinals blanked the Royals 5-nothing, Diamondbacks blanked the Rangers 7- nothing, Angels over the Padres 4-2, Astros beat the Mariners 6-1, Dodgers over the A’s 7 -2, and Giants beat the Rockies 5-2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

WOLF WILL VETO STATE LEGISLATION
In an attempt to veto recent legislation in state House and Senate that would give Pennsylvania school districts the sole authority to make decisions about sporting events, Governor Wolf is seeking a stay of the federal judge’s order.  After wolf’s pandemic guidelines were recently deemed unconstitutional, he said that they will seek that stay while they appeal.  In January, Wolf only recommended against holding school sports before January 2021, but it wasn’t an order or a mandate – and he said yesterday the bill was unnecessary.  Lawmakers will now vote to try to override the veto.

LYCOMING COUNTY COVID-19 UPDATE
Lycoming County has 7 new COVID-19 cases reported as of midnight yesterday and a two day total from the weekend statewide at 967 additional cases of the coronavirus.  Lycoming County has 2 hospitalized COVID-19 patients but none are on a ventilator. According to the PA Department of Health, the total cases in the commonwealth is at 150,812.

TREE REMOVAL CONTINUES IN UNION COUNTY
There may be another day of work being done to remove a tree in east Buffalo Township today.  According to PennDOT, crews started yesterday, removing a large dead tree from between Curtain Avenue and Smoketown Road  along Route 15 between the hours of 9am and 2pm.  Lane restrictions will be in effect during the hours of that project in Union County.

VIGIL HELD TO HONOR LIVES LOST
Lycoming County Democrats gathered over the weekend to honors the almost 200 thousand lives lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, incidents of police violence and recent natural disasters.  According to the Sun Gazette, a few dozen people stood Saturday at the Peace Tower near Little League Boulevard and Pine Street in Williamsport holding signs and holding a silent vigil at the site of a memorial that honors the family of a local surgeon and his family that was wrongfully detained during world war II for their ethnicity.  Lycoming County Progressives were also involved in the gathering.

RESTAURANT CAPACITY INCREASED FOR COMPLIANT ESTABLISHMENTS
Restaurant capacity was able to increase in Pennsylvania yesterday to 50% occupancy if the establishment submits the certification that they are complying with health mandates.  Bars and restaurants who are in compliance will be added to a searchable database the state calls “Open and Certified in Pennsylvania”.  Another change to current mandates includes the adding of an hour for bars to be open.  Requiring them to close at 11pm instead of 10pm

POLICE SEEK PILL THIEF
Someone is breaking into Northumberland County homes to steal prescription medication.  According to State Police in Milton, an unknown person entered a residence on Delaney Street in West Chillisquaque Township between August 31st and September 4th and stole 60 pills of the drug Klonapin, a potentially habit-forming controlled substance.  If you have information about the theft, contact the State police.

MUNCY SCHOOL BOARD CONSIDERING REMOTE DAY FOR TEACHERS
Muncy School board members are considering a request by the Muncy Education Association to allow teachers one day of remote learning so they can prepare for instruction the other days of the week.  According to the Sun Gazette, representatives told the board that teachers need more time to develop class schedules for both remote and in-person lessons.  No word from media outlets on the outcome of that evaluation at this time.

DIGITAL HUB AVAILABLE TO RESEARCH SCAMS
There is a new digital information hub available for Geisinger patients to research about phone and online scams by providing info about the latest security alerts from Geisinger.  According to a press release from the hospital system, the website, Geisinger.org/security, will provide more information about ways to help protect yourself against becoming a scam victim, and how to contact Geisinger if you have an information security concern. There are recent reports of a phone spoofing scam that use local numbers from companies you know and trust, in which the callers are trying to obtain personal information from the victims.  They recommend to never give out your Social Security number or medical record number, from unknown callers asking for it.

SPORTS
NFL
Monday night football  – Raiders beat the Saints 34-24
MLB
Angels beat the Rangers 8-5, Nationals over the Phillies 5-1, Indians over the White Sox 7-4, Blue Jays thumped the Yankees 11-5,  Reds over the Brewers 6-3, Cubs blanked the Pirates 5-nothing, Braves over the Marlins 5-4, Rays beat the Mets 2-1, Royals over the Cardinals 4-1, Mariners over the Astros 6-1, Rockies beat the Giants 7-2
NBA
Lakers play the Nuggets tonight in the west finals game three with LA leading the series 2 nothing
NHL
Lightning beat stars three to in the Stanley Cup final Game 2  – series tied up 1-1 – Lightning versus stars tomorrow night for Game 3.
NASCAR
Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, along with Bubba Wallace as the driver,
have formed a partnership that they announced Monday night in coordinated social media posts, making Jordan the first black principal owner of a full-time cup team since Hall of Famer Wendell Scott drove his own race car from 1961 through 1973

HS Girls Soccer
Lewisburg beat Mifflinburg 4-2, Milton over Warrior Run 4-1 North Penn Mansfield tied Williamson 1-1 in double OT, Williamsport tied Shikellamy 1-1 in double OT
HS Girls Tennis
Hughesville beat Danville 3-2, Muncie defeated Newman 4-1, Jersey Shore beat Mifflinburg 5-0h, South Williamsport over Bucktail 4-1, Loyalsock beat Montoursville 3-2, Williamsport over Shikellamy 3-2, Central Mountain beat Selinsgrove 5-0h
HS Golf
Lewisburg out shot Williamsport 165 to 209

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 21, 2020

ERIC TRUMP VISITS LYCOMING COUNTY SATURDAY
People lined Loyalsock Avenue and Broad Street when President Donald J. Trump’s son, Eric Trump, was driven by secret service from the Williamsport Regional airport into the borough of Montoursville Saturday.  According to the Sun Gazette, about 250 guests gathered at the home of former U.S. Rep. Tom Marino near Cogan Station.  Trump’s visit was one of several across the state in support for his father’s reelection on Nov. 3rd.  U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, R-Kreamer, state Sen. Gene Yaw, of Loyalsock Township and state Rep. Jeff Wheeland, of Loyalsock Township attended.

CONTRACTOR CHARGED WITH THEFT
A Union county contractor has been charged with theft after charging for repairs in advance and not coming back to do the work. According to North Central Pa dot com, 54 year old Charles Smith, of Mifflinburg took a deposit of $4,250 and never did the work at a property on Mahoning Street in Turbot Township, Northumberland County.  The theft was reported by the victim shortly after requesting and not receiving a reimbursement. Charges were filed at district judge Micheal Diehl’s office.

CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT EXTENTION
Gov. Tom Wolf has granted PA residents more time to re-apply for their concealed carry permit. According to a news release, permits that expired on March 19th or later were valid until September 30th with an original extension,  but have now the deadline has been pushed until December 31st.  Gov. Wolf says the extension during the pandemic allows for more time at courthouses and sheriff’s offices closed throughout the state to manage the documentation as well as to helps with mitigation efforts.

Friday night football was stopped at the last minute in Canton this weekend when a positive COVDI-19 test forced the game between Athens and Canton to be postponed.  According to The Daily Review, Canton had a positive Covid-19 test on their team and the Athens Wildcats found out that the game was off, after arriving in Canton for the matchup.   As a result of the tests, all Canton varsity, junior varsity and junior high football activities are suspended until October 1st.

A status hearing for a Sunbury woman has been postponed. According to the Daily Item, 28 year old Charisma Jakes, of Susquehanna Avenue is being prosecuted for an attempted homicide earlier this year where she allegedly stabbed her brother Timothy Moultrie. When police arrived at the residence 708 Edison Ave last Feb. 23rd , they found Moultrie injured and 21 year old Jordyn Moran also on the scene who has also been charged with aggravated assault.  Moran told police she was also a victim. According to the daily item Jakes denied she stabbed him, but Moultrie said it was her.  Jakes hearing in front of Northumberland County President n front of Judge Hugh Jones.has now been rescheduled to Nov. 2nd.

A Lock Haven police officer reported that he witnessed a man with his hands around a woman’s neck a Lock Haven city beach. According to North Central PA dot com, Police responded to witnesses saying individuals were fighting while walking near the Fallon Hotel. Police say 23 year old Sky D. Tipton, 23 of McElhattan, had both hands around his partners neck with his back turned away from officers when they arrived on scene. Officer Jonathan Gregory, said when Tipton saw the police at the scene he stopped, and during questioning said  he didn’t mean to strangle the woman. Tipton has been charged with felony aggravated assault and was held under $100,000 bail.

Demonstrators in Milton said they attempted to send a message to police and community leaders, that they want police improvement measures adopted regionally. According to media outlets, the group called ”If Not Us, Then Who”, calls for fewer armed responses by police, to non-violent situations.  According to a spokleperson for the group, no issues have occurred lately in Milton and there is positive dialogue going on with local police. Witnesses of the homecoming rally in Union County Sunday, said there was some community pushback to the event.

Governor Tom Wolf gave the order for all United States and Commonwealth flags on the Capitol Complex and Commonwealth facilities to be flown at half-staff to continue to honor the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.  In his statement, Wolf said Justice Ginsburg was a tireless defender of the Constitution and ordered that flags remain at half-staff until interment by orders from the White House.

SPORTS
NFL
Bears beat the Giants 17-13, Cowboys edged the Falcons 40-39, Packers beat the Lions 40 to 21, Titans over the Jaguars 33-30, Colts beat the Vikings 28-11, Bills defeated the Dolphins 31-28, 49ers beat the Jets 31-13, Rams beat the Eagles 37-19 Steelers over the Broncos 26-21, Buccaneers over the Panthers 31-17, Cardinals beat Washington 30-15, Chiefs beat the Chargers 23-20, Ravens over the Texans 33-16, Seahawks beat the Patriots 35-30.  Monday Night Football – Saints and the Raiders meet in Vegas for a 8:15 kick off
NBA
Lakers beat the Nuggets 105-103 in the West finals Game 2 – LA leading with both games. Next matchup is Tuesday at 9 PM for the West finals Game 3.
MLB
Orioles beat the Rays 2-1, Red Sox over the Yankees 10-2, Reds beat the White Sox 7-3, Indians over the Tigers 7-4, Marlins beat the Nationals 2-1 in Game 1, Nationals stomped the Marlins 15 -nothing in Game 2, Braves over the Mets 7-nothing, Astros beat the Diamondbacks 3-2, Brewers beat the Royals 5-3, Blue Jays over the Phillies 6-3, Rockies over the Dodgers 6-3, Giants routed the A’s 14-2, Cardinals over the Pirates 2-1, Rangers beat the Angels 7-2, Padres beat the Mariners 7-4, Twins over the Cubs 4-nothing
GOLF
At the U.S. Open  – Bryson Dechambeau earned the winners trophy with a 3 under 67 Wingfoot in New York on Sunday
College football
The Big Ten released the schedule for the Nittany Lions Saturday morning kicking off the season October 24the at Indiana and playing Ohio State the next week at Beaver Stadium October 31. Games to follow include Maryland,  at Nebraska, Iowa, at Michigan, at Rutgers, at Michigan State on December 12th and the Big Ten championship week East versus West is December 19th.
NHL
Stars beat Lightning 4-1 in the Stanley Cup Final  – Game one on Saturday.  Game 2 is tonight at 8 PM.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

Daughter In Law Charged With Theft

Desiree McKeag was arraigned last week on felony theft charges for stealing 11000 dollars’ worth of jewelry and 2 credit cards from her mother in law, Sherry Buttorff, back in May. When the mother in law reported it, state troopers went to McKeag’s house with a search warrant to search her jeep, denying she had stolen anything. According to the sun gazette, after the search warrant was presented she confessed it was on the floor behind the driver’s seat saying that she didn’t mean to take the pocket book, and that she only took it for the cash. She was arraigned before judge Jerry C. Lepley and released on 15,000 dollars bail.

Fugitive Arrested With 4 Loaded Handguns

According to a media release from the old Lycoming police department, an officer made contact with 2 individuals sleeping in a car parked outside a closed convenience store parking lot at 3:30 in the morning. Rebecca farmer, 21, was in the driver seat and Miguel Vancies was in the passenger seat. When confronted vancies provided law enforcement with a fake name. After further investigation vancies was found to be a wanted fugitive and convicted felon, shortly after finding 4 loaded handguns. He was arraigned on many charges including false identification, fugitive from justice and felon not to possess a firearm. He has been committed to the Lycoming county prison on 150,000 dollars bail.

Perry Township Fire

A Perry township home was severely damaged by a fire. According to media outlets the fire had started early this morning around 3:30am at 9145 on route 35. Many fire companies responded including Freemont, Freeburg, Selinsgrove, Kreamer, middle creek and Liverpool. When they arrived the house was fully engulfed. They are currently still on scene.

Contractor Steals Deposit

A union county contractor has been charged with theft after charging for repairs in advance and not coming back to do the work. Charles Smith, 54, of Mifflinburg was paid a deposit of $4,250 and was reported by the victim shortly after not receiving reimbursement was reported by the victim after not receiving reimbursement. Charges have been filed at district judge Micheal Diehl’s office.

Judge Rules Wolf Orders Unconstitutional

A federal judge has recently ruled several actions taken by Governor Tom Wolf and his administration unconstitutional siting the orders he issued for business closure, stay at home orders and on indoor and outdoor gathering restrictions. The Wolf administration on Wednesday filed a motion to stay the decision in order to ensure “life-saving mitigation tools … remain in place.” The administration is also appealing the ruling, which means it heads to the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals and could eventually go to the U.S. Supreme Court.

PennDOT Road Closure

Route 42 is closed between Beaver Lake Road and Route 220 near Beech Glen, Davidson Township, Sullivan County, due to downed trees and utilities. A detour using Route 220 and Beaver Lake Road is in place. According to PennDOT the roadway is expected to be closed for several hours.

Sportssas

High school Football

Muncy 42, Bucktail 24

Northwest 21, Montgomery 10

Williamsport 35, Wyoming Area 14

Jersey Shore 53, Shikellamy 0

Hughesville 37, Warrior Run 13

Montoursville 55, Central Columbia 3

Southern Columbia 41, Bloomsburg 0

Shamokin 37, Milton 6

Mifflinburg 17, Lewisburg 14

Central Mountain 7, Selinsgrove 3

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