BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 13, 2020

Dr Rachel Levine of the Pennsylvania Department of Health said that increased testing capacity, especially at nursing facilities and personal care homes is a critical aspect to successfully reopen Pennsylvania.  She announced a robust  three pillar strategy, to ensure testing is accessible, available and adaptable to the evolving landscape of the virus and data.  The number of cases in communities will continue to be closely monitored by the department to ensure that testing sites are situated appropriately in areas with the greatest need. The department reports that there were 837 new cases of the coronavirus yesterday bringing the statewide total of cases to 57,991.  There are reports of 75 new COVID-19 deaths for a statewide total of 3,806.  Lycoming County reports no new cases of COVID-19, with a 132 countywide total.

The Department of Health distributed the investigational antiviral medication  Remdesivir  to treat patients in the hospital with COVID-19. The federal government distributed the first shipment of 1,200 doses – the entire allotment to Pennsylvania hospitals. According to a media release, Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said was shown in a clinical trial to shorten the recovery time in some people, so the FDA has authorized the emergency use of the medication for treatment.

A Jersey Shore nursing home is responding today to reports of an increase in COVID-19 cases at the facility, spiking to 52 from 12 in just five days. According to the Lock Haven Express administrators from HCR ManorCare said all in-house patients at the Thomson Street facility have been tested and the staff is responding with a treatment plan under airborne isolation precautions for the high risk patients.  Families of patients who have tested positive have been notified.

The Clinton County Fair Board announced with disappointment that they have decided to cancel the 2020, 48th annual Clinton County Fair based on the restrictions and guidelines from the state.  There are discussions of an online Jr Livestock sale at a later time, but  all fair sponsored events, including the weekly Flea Market in Mackeyville, are cancelled until further notice. You will find information on pulling and speedway events on their websites and Facebook pages.

No new coronavirus cases were reported in Lycoming County as of midnight yesterday which leaves the countywide case count at 132 with 9 deaths here, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.  Union County has 41 cases with 1 death reported, Columbia has 330 cases and 28 deaths.  Northumberland has 126 cases, Montour – 49 cases and no deaths there. In the state, there were 837 new cases bringing the total to 57,991.  There are reports of 75 new COVID-19 deaths for a statewide total of 3,806.

Unapproved coronavirus medication that was heading to an address in Union County was sized at the Port of Harrisburg a week ago by federal agents.  The Sun Gazette reports that US Customs and Border protection said a shipment of medicine (called Linhua Qingwen) that is unapproved in the US with unknown effectiveness but is being used to treat some patients.  Officers working at ports within the Baltimore Field Office region have completed 18 seizures of counterfeit or unapproved COVID-19 equipment and medicines since March 23

There is a temporary polling place change for the June 2nd election only in Loyalsock Township .  The Lycoming County Government reported the Loyalsock Township 2nd Precinct polling place will be temporarily changed to  the Loyalsock Community Recreation Center, located at 1607 Four Mile Drive for the June 2 General Primary ONLY. Signs will be posted at St. Ann Roman Catholic Church – the normal polling place to notify voters of the change, and letters will be mailed to registered voters in the precinct. St. Ann Roman Catholic Church is expected to be the polling place for Loyalsock Township 2nd Precinct for the November 3 General Election.

A pool of $200K in funding has been established by the The Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce that will be used to make grants and loans availble to small businesses that have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a chamber news release. Small businesses located in Lycoming County with annual revenue not exceeding $3million are eligible to apply. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Businesses applying do not need to be a Chamber of Commerce member and will not be expected to join should funding be provided.  The application can be found at www.williamsport.org under the COVID-19 Useful Links tab

SPORTS
HS Baseball

Central Mountain graduate Alex Garbrick is transferring from Morehead State University, where he was a pitcher on the Eagles’ baseball team. The right-hander who was the ace pitcher for Keystone Little League’s run to the 2011 Little League World Series, announced Monday he’ll play his final two years of eligibility at the University of South Carolina-Upstate.

MLB
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has opened the door for professional sports in the state.  The Gevernor says professional sports, including MLB, the NBA, the NHL and the NFL, can resume without fans on Saturday.

NASCAR
A random draw instead of the normal time trial will determine the starting lineup for NASCAR’s Cup Race at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina this Sunday.  No word on when the draw will take place, but it’s expected to happen before Sunday.

NFL
A 25 year old man, and huge Tom Brady fan, who made millions creating YouTube Channels, bought the Tom Brady All-In Challenge prize package for $800k at auction, which will go to help feeding families during the COVID-19 pandemic.  With the bid, Logan Thirtyacre got incredible seats at a Tampa Bay Buccanneers game, hanging out on the field with Tom, dinner with him and the game jerseys off of Brady’s back after the game.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 12, 2020

GOVERNOR WARNS SOME WHO DEFY ORDERS
In Governor Wolf’s address to the Commonwealth Monday, he delivered a serious warning to those who are defiant of the administration’s response to the virus and seek to reopen in areas where there are still red designations. Governor Wolf said counties who follow the orders put in place by him and the health department will benefit from funding <<<WOLF 1 NO FUNDS FOR YOU>>> Wolf says that we should not surrender to the enemy virus when we are winning by flattening the curve and not overwhelming the health system.  Beaver County in the western side of PA and much of the southeastern part of the state are still under stay at home orders until June 4, Lycoming County was one of the first counties in the state to transition,  13 western Counties join us this Friday at midnight.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UPDATE
Five new deaths have been reported in Lycoming County as of Monday according to Coroner Charles E. Kiessling Jr.  He told the Sun Gazette that the persons had numerous health problems in addition to the COVID-19 diagnosis.  The total in the county now stands at 9.  One new case was reported here bringing the total count to 131.  The state wide total of cases is at 57,154 and only 543 new cases reported in Pennsylvania.

WILLIAMSPORT GOVERNMENT STILL MOSTLY SHUTTERED
City Hall remains closed to the public, except for the codes offices since there is CDC guidelines in place to visit that location according to Mayor Derel Slaughter.. The Sun Gazette reports that taxes can still be dropped off at the metal box outside of City Hall, and that City Council’s public meetings are being held by Zoom remote technology.

RECYCLING COMES BACK TO SOME LOCATIONS
Several regular recycling sites will reopen tomorrow while adhering to a new normal.  Sites in Williamsport, Hughesville Borough, Jersey Shore Borough, Loyalsock Township and South Williamsport  will be the first  and officials from Lycoming County Resource Management say masks still need to be worn at the facilities and plastic bags used need to be taken back home.  Also, if anyone in the household has tested positive for the coronavirus, recyclables should be thrown away.  Inbound recyclables will be combined by fibers, paper, broken down cardboard – plastic bottles, jars, tin, steel, aluminum; and glass bottles separated by color.

MAN ATTACKED BY COW
An Elimsport man reported to be in his 70s was injured by a cow attack on Monday at an Amish farm along Route 44.  According to the Sun Gazette, family members of the man were with the man who was delivering the cow to another farmer when it got spooked.  Firefighters from Elimsport and Clinton Township arrived at the scene around 12:30 Monday.  The 1000 pound animal had been placed in a pen – the man was concous and was taken to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

SOIL REMEDIATION TAKING PLACE TOMORROW NEAR TROUT RUN
Penn DOT has reported that Motorists who plan to travel on Route 15 northbound through Lewis Township, in Lycoming County tomorrow will see the soil remediation project to restore the areas after a previous tractor trailer crash.  Crews will be at mile marker 148, approximately a quarter mile north of the Trout Run exit between the hours of 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, with  the left passing lane closed.

PA COMPANY PROVIDING DRIVE THRU COVID-19 TESTING
In addition to local Coronavirus testing provided at Geisinger, UPMC and Evangelical hospitals, Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary, Dr. Rachel Levine included in her daily remarks yesterday  information about new drive up testing sites for PA residents<<< LEVINE 1 free testing>>> She said the health department has more information about official testing places as well <<< Levine 2 map>>>> Get more  details at rite aid dot com.

Sports
NBA
The NBA draft that is still scheduled for June 25  will probably happen in late August or early September. Sources say the reason is the NBA needs to finish its’ season  – and they are possibly looking to do that in late August or early September.

NFL

Dr. Anthony Fauci says people gathering to watch football is the perfect set up to spread the coronavirus,  so he’s urging testing before the NFL season begins on September 10.  As a key member of the White House task force, Dr. Fauci says the league has time on its side since there’s several months until the season begins.

MLB
Major league baseball owners agreed  on a proposal  that baseball could come back around the Fourth of July without fans.
Each team would play 82 regular season games, postseason play would be expanded from 10 clubs to 14 –  by doubling wild cards in each league to four. The All-Star game in Los Angeles July would likely be called off

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 11, 2020

Some Williamsport small businesses opened over the weekend, but more good news is that Lycoming County stays on track to remain yellow phase adding only four cases of COVID-19 here since Saturday to131, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.   Four cases per day is the goal average number of cases per day that Lycoming county seeks in order to operate under the yellow caution phase that governor Wolf established for reopening  the commonwealth.Yesterday it was confirmed statewide, there are 1,295 additional positive cases for a total of 56,611 in Pennsylvania.  There are 19 new deaths, bringing the statewide total to 3,707.  The state is reporting 62 resident and ten staff cases in three nursing/personal care homes in Lycoming County.

Lycoming County is reporting 131 positive cases to date, up four from Saturday with 4 deaths here.  Northumberland’s case count is at 124, Clinton 41, Montour with 49, Sullivan one case with no deaths in those counties.   Tioga reports 16 cases and two deaths Governor Wolf Friday added 13 southwestern counties, which includes the city of Pittsburgh, to move into the yellow phase as of May 15th.   Locally in the yellow, some small business in Lycoming County opened cautiously over the weekend with some small businesses open to retail shopping during a new normal.  River Valley YMCA will reopen daycare services Monday at a number of its’ facilities.  Find out more at www.rvrymca.org

State police say a man discharged a shotgun in a Union County mobile home during a verbal argument last Tuesday and is now facing charges. According to the News Item, 37 year old Christopher L. Lloyd, of Mountain Road in Limestone Township aimed a shotgun at his wife shortly before 6pm, allegedly firing a round near her head while she was barricaded inside with him according to those who reported the incident to the state police.  Police say Lloyd left the residents and fired another shot toward the outside the home.  Lloyd was arraigned in Mifflinburg area District Court and is in Union County Jail.

It was reported over the weekend that Montgomery Mayor, Fae Herb, and Council Member, Shawn Coles have resigned as of Friday afternoon.  The Sun Gazette confirmed also, that the officer in Charge of the Montgomery Police Department, Eric Winters, has been placed on administrative leave earlier this week.  The vice president of the Borough Council Rocky SanDulchay will take over as mayor.  Ms. Herb said it was an extremely difficult decision, and is deeply committed to the future of the borough.

Lycoming county water and sewer customers were granted relief last week after the Water and Sewer authority voted to waive penalties and shutoffs for non-payment through the month of May. According to the Authority Director, payments are coming in at a relatively normal pace, but households are being given the reprieve . Public business at the authority building returns this week with regular schedules.

The Northcentral region of Pennsylvania counties have transitioned to the yellow and will be joined this Friday May 15th by 13 more counties according to Governor Wolf’s order last Friday.  Those in the red phase, including those  Beaver County – due to a rash of nursing home deaths, and an investigation pending there,  are under a Stay at Home Order through June 4. Beginning at 12:01 a.m., Friday, May 15, 13 counties will move from red to yellow, including: Allegheny, Armstrong, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Fulton, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland.

A Sugar Valley guinea pig farmer is being investigated for animal cruelty according to the State Police at Lamar.  People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals complained about the farm in April and police found John K. Esh, keeping hundreds of the animals in unsanitary conditions, euthanizing the animals in a way that causes distress and failed to provide adequate veterinary care.  Police say the facility is also not keep adequate records According to the record online no criminal charges have been filed against Esh at this time.

A local nonprofit diabetes camp in Winfield will operate this month virtually for kids who are unable to go to the camps in person during the current pandemic environment .  According to a press release by Setabaid – Diabetes spelled backwards –they are still on schedule to operate camps in July and August but the directors wanted to offer the virtual reformatted opportunities for kids who are missing the experience.  The camps are offered several times in May online at setebaidservices.org

The James V. Brown Library is one of the many business’s reopening in phases.  According to the Sun Gazette on May 18th expect limited operations for holds pickup only – no building access during the following hours: Monday through Friday, from 9 to 10 a.m. for vulnerable populations and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the general public.Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. for vulnerable populations and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the general public. Safeguards will be in place including closure on Sunday for rigorous cleaning.  Find out more information at jvbrown.edu.] All due dates have been extended to June 8th.

 

SPORTS

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
According to the Sun Gazette Pennsylvania Jr Wrestling  chairman, Steve Hoover, has rescheduled the youth state tournament as a last ditch effort. Originally it was scheduled for March 13-14th but was canceled due to COVID-19. PJW has rescheduled the tournament for Labor day weekend but may still be in danger of cancelation depending on the continuing mitigations of the coronavirus.

 

NBA

The Orlando Magic have been approved a plan and administer coronavirus testing to players, prior to reopening tomorrow. The LA Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers are also among the teams expected to be allowed to conduct coronavirus tests of all players and staff members entering facilities for individual workouts — regardless of whether they are experiencing symptoms.

UFC Wrestling
The first major sporting event to be held since the pandemic shuttered most sports, UFC 249 – without fans – went off without much of a hitch on Saturday in Jacksonville, Florida, besides Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, testing positive for the coronavirus before the bout. The UFC pulled Souza from the fight, matching Justin Gaethje who got the TKO overTony Ferguson in the main card event.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING WEEKEND NEWS MAY 9, 2020

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 UPDATE
The Commonwealth has added 1,323 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 54,238 total confirmed cases, with 3,616 deaths. Lycoming County is currently at 127 cases, with 4 deaths. The north central region of Pennsylvania has not been hit as hard as many of the southeastern counties,  so the stay at home order has been lifted here. Governor Wolf stressed in his daily press release, that we are not out of the woods yet, and that residents should still  limit their contact with others.  If cases begin to re-surge then going back to red is possible in order to keep local medical facilities from being overwhelmed.  Wolf asks citizens to try their best to stop the spread by continuing to use social distancing guidelines and maintain new protocols brought on in the yellow phase.

WESTERN COUNTIES TO MOVE INTO YELLOW PHASE
Governor Wolf yesterday added 13 southwestern counties, which includes Pittsburgh, to move into the yellow phase as of May 15th.  Beaver County is the only western county being held in the red, due to a rash of nursing home deaths, and an investigation pending there.   The yellow phase opened business in Lycoming County yesterday with small businesses open to retail shopping during a new normal.  River Valley YMCA will reopen daycare services Monday at a number of its’ facilities.  Find out more at rvrymca.org.

MONTGOMERY MAYOR RESIGNS
The Mayor of Montgomery as well as a council member there, Shawn Coles, have  resigned as of Friday.  Mayor Fae Herb, will be replaced by vice president of the Borough Council Rocky Sanguedolce.  The Sun Gazette confirmed also, that the officer in Charge of the Montgomery Police Department, Eric Winters, was placed on administrative leave earlier this week.  Sanguedolce will be the 5th Mayor of Montgomery in less than 2 years.

WATER AND SEWER APPROVES CUSTOMER RELIEF
Lycoming County Water and Sewer customers were granted relief this week after the Authority waived penalties and shutoffs for non payments through May. According to the Authority Director, Christine Weigel, payments are coming in at a relatively normal pace. Public business at the authority building will return next week with regular schedules.

WILLIAMSPORT LIBRARY TO REOPEN FOR LIMITED SERVICES
The James V. Brown Library is one of the many business’s reopening. The paper says on May 18th expect limited operations. Several safeguards will be in place including rigorous cleaning, limited pickup times and no public in the building. Find out more information at jvbrown.edu.

KITTEN SHOWER AT LYCOMING COUNTY SPCA
Today is the last day for the Lycoming County SPCA 3rd Annual Kitten Shower.  Those wishing to donate funds, supplies or adopt one of the many kittens expected this spring can find out more information on their Facebook Page: Lycoming County SPCA, or go online to lycomingspca.org

SPORTS
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
According to the Sun Gazette Pennsylvania Jr Wrestling  chairman, Steve Hoover, has rescheduled the youth state tournament as a last ditch effort. Originally it was scheduled for March 13-14th but was canceled due to COVID-19. PJW has rescheduled the tournament for Labor day weekend but may still be in danger of cancellation depending on the the severity of the pandemic by then.

MLB
Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez have ended their pursuit to buy the New York Mets.  They planned to spend $1.5 billion for the team but those who currently own it were looking for more like $2.5 billion

The 2020 Major League Baseball draft will shortened to five rounds according to ESPN.  The draft usually consists of 40 rounds, but the owners wanted to trim that number in order to limit spending during the coronavirus shutdown.

NBA

The Orlando Magic have been approved and plan to administer coronavirus testing to players, prior to a Tuesday reopening. The LA Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers are also  among the teams expected to be allowed to conduct coronavirus tests of all players and staff members entering facilities for individual workouts — regardless of whether they are experiencing symptoms.

UFC Wrestling
Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, who was scheduled to fight Uriah Hall at UFC 249 on Saturday in Jacksonville, Florida, has tested positive for the coronavirus. The UFC pulled Souza from the event, but it still plans on moving forward with the rest of the pay-per-view lineup. UFC 249 begins at 6 p.m. Saturday on ESPN. It will mark the UFC’s first live event since March 14 and will take place without a live audience.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 8, 2020

Governor Wolf extended the moratorium on foreclosures and evictions the State supreme Court first ordered in March that is set to expire Monday. Wolf says people shouldn’t have to worry about losing their homes during a pandemic,and extended the expireation date til July 10th.  Making the announcement with Attorney General, Josh Shapiro yesterday, they said the move helps advance public health efforts by allowing people to stay at home a bit longer.

Case counts of the coronavirus is slowing, even with a spike of 1,070 new cases yesterday according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health with a statewide total of 52,915.  And as 27 counties move into the yellow today, others await approval for the transition.  According to WNEP, using the metric as established by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, counties need to keep a 50 cases per 100,000 per capita ratio.  Counties can be put back to the red phases if case average goals are not met.  Lycoming County needs to maintain an average of 4 cases per day over 14 days.  Yesterday we saw 9 new cases here bringing the total case count in the county to 99 – we are still below average.  Northumberland County had 1 new case maintaining the an average of 3 cases per day to remain yellow . Union County has 40 total cases – adding one yesterday.  Their average goal is 1.5 cases per day and they remain yellow.

The Williamsport Driver and Photo License Center will open today, the first of three centers in the state to reopen in the yellow phase while adhering to restrictions on work and social interaction set by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. PennDOT says there will be limited services between the hours of 8:30am til 4:15 pm Tuesday Through Saturday. There will be designated hours for those 60 and older Wednesday and Thursday for those 60 and older.  Erie and Selinsgrove centers will also reopen today.  Changes for customers include; wearing masks and a prescreening before gaining access to the facility – which can only accommodate as many customers as there are stations.  The list of new protocols and limited services is at  www.dmv.pa.gov.

Williamsport residents were surprised yesterday when the air sirens went off in the city for several minutes around 11:30am.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Williamsport City manager said there were no emnergencies reported and they are looking into what may have cause a glitch – accidentally tripping the siren.

Governor Wolf announced an extension on foreclosures and evictions for all Pennsylvanians yesterday for another 2 months – extending the moratorium the State supreme Court ordered in March that is set to expire Monday. Some landlord groups criticized the governor saying it allows people to live rent free, but governor Wolf says people are still responsible for their payments if possible.  <<<<WENT 2 Rent is Due>>> Wolf encourages those who are having trouble paying rent to contact their landlord or mortgage lender.

As the county transitions into the yellow phase today, The PA Department of Health announced yesterday, 1,070 additional positive cases of COVID-19, 1,070 bringing the statewide total to 52,915. Lycoming County added nine cases yesterday with a total of 99, Clinton 35 cases, Sullivan one case and Tioga 16 cases and two deaths. Union county reported one death from COVID-19 and forty total cases reported.  Today, the state is reporting 310 new deaths, bringing the statewide total to 3,416 deaths in Pennsylvania.

Yesterday self-employed people who were affected by the coronavirus pandemic were able to start filing backdated claims under a new federal benefits program administered by Pennsylvania. The Department of Labor & Industry said work on the system was completed Thursday morning, and it is now fully operational. Eligible workers should receive their initial payments within a week of filing their claims. A record 1.7 million Pennsylvanians have filed for regular unemployment compensation since mid-March.  A link to the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) website is available here

Link to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) website https://www.uc.pa.gov/unemployment-benefits/file/Pages/Filing-for-PUA.aspx

Originally planning to allow tenants to open, the Lycoming Mall will stay closed today as the region shifts into the yellow phase.  According to the mall’s social media posts they will not be able to have tenants start opening today as planned.  According to the state, malls are considered to be indoor recreation and must remain closed despite the lifted restrictions for others.  The Susquehanna Valley Mall in Snyder County will also remain closed as of today.

 

SPORTS
INDYCAR –
The IndyCar season is set to start Saturday, June 6 at Texas Motor Speedway. Because of restrictions from the coronavirus, grandstands will be closed  for the Genesys 300 – which has been adjusted to 200 laps from the previously announced 248.

NFL
Replay reviews of pass interference will not return to the NFL this season. The rule implemented last year allowed league officers officials to use replay to review passenger pass interference, but the one-year experiment was unsuccessful with calls rarely overturned.

GOLF
A coronavirus relief effort tournament will be played May 24 in Florida. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson will match up with NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and new Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady, to play “The Match: Champions for Charity”  at the Medalist golf club on May 24th without spectators at 3 PM on TBS

MLB
Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez have ended their pursuit to buy the New York Mets.  They plan to spend $1.5 billion for the team but those who currently own it were looking for more like $2.5 billion

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 7, 2020

GOVERNOR’S NEW CIVILIAN CORPS WILL HELP CREATE JOBS
The Governor of Pennsylvania announced a plan Wednesday to help revive the economy by forming a Commonwealth Civilian Coronavirus Corps, which will involve increased testing and contact tracing as we continue fighting COVID-19 this fall.  According to Governor Wolf, the Corps will provide job opportunities in an environment where one in 6 Pennsylvanians are out of work.  There is no approval needed in the Pennyslvania legislature, Wolf Hopes to obtain special funding for the initiative.

MOVING TO YELLOW PHASE GUARANTEED, STAYING YELLOW IS NOT
As 27 counties plan to move into the yellow phase as of May 8th, Health officials continue to follow the COVID-19 case numbers in the individual counties to make sure the levels of the virus stay within certain guidelines.  According a press release made last Wednesday by Governor Wolf,  the metrics the state is following is an average of less than 50 cases per 100,000 people over the course of 14 days. Counties that move into the yellow phase must maintain the determined average or the county will be demoted back to red.    According to Johns Hopkins University, as of last Wednesday Lycoming county had 37.83 cases per capita, qualifying us to stay in the yellow.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 UPDATE
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 888 new positive coronavirus cases as of Wednesday. That brings the state’s overall total to 51,845 positive cases. 94 new deaths were reported with a total of 3,106 fatalities from the coronavirus.  Lycoming County added only one case yesterday and has four deaths reported.

SEVEN LYCOMING COUNTY LIQUOR STORES WILL OPEN TO THE PUBLIC TOMORROW
Seven Lycoming County Fine Wine and GOod Spirit Stores will open tomorrow according to  the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board for counties designated in the yellow phase of COVID-19 mitigation efforts will resume limited in-store public access beginning tomorrow. Stores will, allow no more than 25 people (employees and customers) in any location, and the first hour will be reserved for customers at high risk for COVID-19, including those 65 years of age and older. Customers are asked to wear maskes – the list of area stores opening tomorrow is here.

FUND STARTED FOR AREA MUSICIANS
The Billtown Blues Association (BBA) has created a funding program as is  accepting donations from those who wish to support local musicians in need of help after many performances were cancelled this spring due to the coronavirus pandemic.  BBACARES launched last Friday, May 1st, musicians who reside within a 50-mile radius of Williamsport, PA, may submit an application for review. According to a BBA press release, there will be a 30 day submission period until May 31st after which qualifying applicants can  receive funds.  Donor contribution forms and musician applications are both located on the BBA website at www.billtownblues.org/bbacares

 

PAYROLL PROTECTION STILL AVAILABLE
Billions of dollars in potentially forgivable Payroll Protection Program capital remains available to small businesses and nonprofits to help provide eight weeks of payroll and certain overhead to keep workers employed. According to the Small business association, the second round of the PPP, kicked off April 27th.  The SBA forgives the portion of Paycheck Protection loan proceeds used to cover the first eight weeks of payroll costs, rent, utilities, and mortgage interest. Loan payments may be deferred for one year, and is retroactive from Feb. 15, 2020, so employers can rehire their recently laid-off employees through June 30, 2020.

MASK DECONTAMINATION IS AVAILABLE IN PENNSYLVANIA FOR HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
Governor Tom wolf announced the free use of a free N95 respirator decontamination system to healthcare facilities, first responders, and other eligible organizations that may be experiencing a shortage of the respirators.  According to to press release by the state, the Battelle Critical Care Decontamination System (CCDS) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the decontamination and reuse of N95 respirators using a vaporous hydrogen peroxide to decontaminate the units.  A single site can decontaminate tens of thousands of N95s in a single day which can each be decontaminated up to 20 times before throwing it out.  The service is provided at no cost by the US Department of Health and Human Services, the only cost to facilities is shipping to and from the site in Delaware County.

SPORTS
NFL
Hall of fame quarterback Brett Favre is repaying $1.1 million in money he received that came from a Mississippi nonprofit group who’s former leader has now been indicted and welfare embezzlement scheme for speeches he reportedly never made.  Favre who lives in Mississippi said he was unaware of the money’s origin and will repay the department of human services the full amount in the next few months.

NASCAR
NASCAR says those who don’t comply with COVID-19 protocol guidelines could be fined $50,000 as they plan for the first live race May 17th at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina   due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The officials at NASCAR have set specific guidelines for the upcoming event including everyone wearing a mask in the infield and social distancing mandates,.

NBA
Only three teams plan to attend practice facilities in the NBA. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trailblazers and Denver Nuggets will be in their facilities Friday, but the Houston Rockets will not go until May 18th following Texas governor Greg Abbott’s new push back. Players are allowed to use practice facilities but cannot hold organized practices , and no more than four players at a time can use the facility for workouts.

MLS
Major league soccer players have returned to their outdoor facilities for individual workouts. Players were spotted wearing masks, using hand sanitizer and getting their temperatures taken as they arrived at the facility. According to the major league soccer officials all workouts are strictly voluntary and they are waiting until May 15 to resume any formal practices

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 6, 2020

STATE RECONCILES TWO WEEKS OF COVID-19 DEATHS, ADD HUNDREDS
The Pennsylvania Department of Health added 865 additional positive cases of COVID-19 yesterday for a statewide total of 50,957 coronavirus cases.  The big shift in numbers today is that more deaths were added to the total in the Commonwealth announced yesterday by PA secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine adding 554 new deaths as of yesterday.  The statewide death toll is 3,012.  Lycoming County reported no new cases of COVID-19, with 86 cases here and 4 deaths reported.

COMMISSIONERS PLAN PRESS CONFERENCE AS WE TRANSITION INTO YELLOW
As Lycoming County plans to head into the Yellow Phase on May 8th, County commissioners have planned a press conference Friday at 10am to address steps to take about a new plan they announced this week.  According to the Sun Gazette, Commissioner Scott Metzger announced the County Planning and Coordination Cell, comprised of representatives from several county departments including planning and development, court administration  and information services, which will help ensure safe and effective guidance  as policies change due to state and federal health guidelines .

COMMISSION WILL ADD A NEW AREA CODE TO THE 814 REGION
After a 4-0 vote by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Thursday, there will a campaign to add a new local area code to the 814 region which covers 27 counties throughout Northwestern and Central parts of the state.  According to the Sun Gazette, officials from the Commission stress that there will be no change in phone service for existing customers, PUC will just start implementing a new overlay area code when 814 numbers are exhausted.  Ten-digit dialing will begin voluntarily in this same region for customers this coming October, and be phased in by next April.

HOSPITAL FUNDRAISER CANCELLED
The 36th Annual Muncy Valley Hospital Auxiliary Lawn Party originally scheduled for Saturday, June 22 has been cancelled.  According to t press release by UPMC, the Lawn Party is a fundraising project of the MVH Auxiliary and the cancellation is one way  to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.  The Committee and UPMC is planning a fundraising event for 2021..

THIRD INDIVIDUAL ARRESTED FOR INVOLVEMENT IN TROUT RUN MURDER FOR HIRE
A third individual has been arrested in the murder for hire scheme that was discovered last month  in Trout Run. According to the Sun Gazette, 22 year old Annette Kriner of Brandon Avenue was charged with criminal conspiracy to commit murder after being the person to allegedly contact a third individual to carry out the deed, when two teens Dillian Weaver and Angela Peluso, plotted to kill Peluso’s stepfather, Howard Blackburn.  Kriner has been jailed in the Lycoming County Prison, along with Weaver and Peluso who were arrested April 24th.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT GRADUATES TO FORMALLY ACCEPT DIPLOMAS
South Williamsport High school is planning a graduation experience for their seniors since COVID-19 has cancelled so many celebrations for the class of 2020.  According to the Sun Gazette, the South Williamsport School Board  has days scheduled for seniors and their families to come to the school and formally accept their diplomas and be filmed going through the process that will then be put into a single production for an upcoming ceremony.

NO MEMORIAL DAY YARD SALES
The Montoursville Borough Yard Sales normally expected on Memorial Day Weekend, this May 30th will be rescheduled for a later date.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Montoursville Borough Council decided during a virtual meeting this week that they will wait until the state begins lifting restrictions to pick a new date for the community event.

BEER FEST POSTPONED
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected another series of events this summer – The Milton Beer fest, has postponed their event til later in the year.  According to the Sun Gazette, the TIME board met virtually this week and decided to move the 4th annual Beer Fest to December 5th inside the Shoe Factory in Milton.  Some cancellations include the Turbotville High School Alumni Banquet planned for June 13and the 2020 reunion class graduates will be honored next year.

 

SPORTS

Lycoming College has announced the loss of a pioneer of women’s athletics at the college.  Deb Holmes, former tennis coach for 34 years and member of Lycoming’s Athletics Hall of Fame,  passed away last Friday after a battle with cancer.

NFL

The New York Jets signed former Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore for one year.  He’s the 3rd leading rusher in NFL history and played last season with the Buffalo Bills.

 

UFC
UFC boss Dana White  says the upcoming UFC 249 fight is slated to take place this Saturday at 10pm in Florida without fans.  White said there will be two more events with our fans coming up soon.

 

MLB
Korean Baseball kicked off one of it’s games this week with a 9 year old boy in a large baseball-sized bubble, walking to the plate to signify the first pitch in a game while sticking to social distancing guidelines in a stadium without fans.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 5, 2020

LYCOMING COUNTY HAS FOUR TOTAL CONFIRMED DEATHS FROM COVID-19
The statewide total of cases for COVID-19 has gone over 50 thousand adding 825 additional positive cases yesterday according to the PA Department of Health.  There were 14 new deaths statewide bringing that total to 2,458 in the Commonwealth.  In Lycoming County, there are 86 total cases and Coroner Charles E. Kiessling Jr, confirmed four total deaths.  Tioga with 16 cases and Bradford with 35 cases still report two deaths in each county.

JERSEY SHORE NURSING FACILITY REPORTS A DOZEN CASES OF THE VIRUS
A Jersey Shore Nursing Home reported 12 cases of COVID-19 Sunday, including  11 patients and one staff member.  According to the Lock Haven Express ManorCare Health Services in Jersey Shore,says  they have seven patients in quarantine and transferred three more patients to hospitals.  The staff member is in isolation at home.  The PA Department of Health is monitoring the cases at the Thompson St facility.

GOVERNOR UPDATES GUIDANCE TO REOPENING PENNSYLVANIA
To continue to limit the spread of COVID-19, Governor Tom Wolf  provided guidance yesterday that details procedures businesses must follow to conduct in-person operations in counties slated to move to the yellow phase of reopening on May 8. All businesses, including non-profits, permitted to conduct in-person operations are subject to this guidance based on business safety orders, under which nearly all life-sustaining businesses have been operating during the red phase. The full details of the governor’s guidance is available HERE

SOUTHSIDE SCHOOL BUDGET KEEPS REAL ESTATE TAX EVEN
The South Williamsport Area School Board approved a proposed final budget for next year that keeps real estate taxes even. According to the Sun Gazette, Business manager Jamie Mowery said the $19.3 million spending plan represents a slightly whittled down version presented earlier this year, which keeps a real estate tax millage rate of 16.78. The coronavirus pandemic brought the closing of schools, forcing the cancellation of classes and spring sports and resulted in some utility costs and athletic expenses.  Final approval of the budget is set for June 15.

UNITED WAY ANNUAL MEETING TONIGHT
The Lycoming County United Way will have their annual meeting tonight via Zoom teleconference at 6pm to elect directors and transition board leadership.  Those who are noted donors have been sent instructions on how to participate in the vote, but the public can also participate in the call by emailing [email protected].

RECYCLING HAPPENS AGAIN THIS WEEK
Recycling is back this week in Williamsport and Lycoming Township.  Lycoming County Resource Management Services will have staff available to direct traffic at the Penn College Parking lot on West Third Street and the former K-mart parking lot on East Third in Loyalsock Township this Thursday thru Saturday from 8-4.  The public is reminded to wear a mask and that they will have to bring bags in which you carried the recyclables with you – no bags will be accepted for recycling.

UNEMPLOYMENT FOR SELF-EMPLOYED TO KICK IN NEXT WEEK
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and  Industry, unemployment payments for people who were not able to collect traditional unemployment such as self-employed and gig-economy workers should be paid starting next week.  According to the Sun Gazette,  150 thousand workers in the commonwealth applied to the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program when applications were first accepted in April, but benefits have not been paid due to system limitations.  Applicants should be able to file weekly claims this week.

NO WINE AND CHEESE FESTIVAL THIS YEAR
The Canton Wine and Cheese Festival is another favorite annual event that cannot occur this year out of caution due to the coronavirus pandemic.  According to the Festival’s Facebook page, the event originally planned for June 27th has been cancelled, but tickets that have already been given for this year’s festival wil be honored in 2021.

Sports
NFL
Legendary NFL coach Don Shula has died At age 90. Shula coached the 1972 Miami Dolphins to a perfect 7 and 0 record plus  a Super Bowl win. He finished his career with a record 347 victories in 33 seasons,  and  as a coach only had 2 losing seasons.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Damien Williams was robbed at an Airbnb home in LA Saturday. Three intruders broke into the back door of the LA home and demanded cash from Williams and his guests. No one was hurt but police are searching for the suspect who made off with about $1000.

There are reports that Peyton Manning wants to become an NFL owner. Sources say that is the reason why Manning turned down the offer from ESPN to become a color commentator for  “Monday night football”.

The NFL has canceled their planned games in London and Mexico. Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league will play entirely in the United States in 2020 due to the coronavirus. The Dolphins, Cardinals, Falcons and Jaguars had committed to playing the international games.

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 4, 2020

LYCOMING IS DEEMED READY FOR YELLOW PHASE MAY 8TH
All counties which surround Lycoming with the exception of Columbia will be phased into the yellow as of midnight on May 8th according to a press briefing with Governor Wolf on Friday.  Columbia County has reported 291 positive cases and 13 deaths and will remain in the red designation on Friday.  The Pennsylvania Department of Health reminds residents in every phase at this time to remain vigilant about protecting themselves and others by wearing a mask when leaving home, continue to practice social distancing and continue to wash hands often.  Find Governor Wolf’s full red-yellow-green phased reopening plan for the state here.

TWO DEATHS IN LYCOMING COUNTY
Lycoming County’s case count of COVID-19 has risen to 85 positive cases and 2 deaths have been reported here as of Sunday at midnight.  Statewide 962 positive cases were added to the total of 49,267.  According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health website, Jersey Shore’s zip code 17740 of has had the most positive cases in Lycoming of COVID-19 with 37.  Lycoming County has had 1,215 test negative to date.  The department reported 26 new deaths, bringing the statewide total to 2,444

CONSTRUCTION STARTING IN OUR AREA
Construction around the City of Williamsport and interstate work will be happening this week, so expect to see work crews out on the roadways with orange cones and flags at some project sites.  I-80 westbound will have alternating lane closures this week in Lewis, West Buffalo, and White Deer Townships, Union County. A PennDOT maintenance crew will be conducting maintenance work today through Thursday between 7 and 3 near mile marker 195 weather permitting.

RELAY FOR LIFE POSTPONED
The American Cancer Society’s relay for life of river valley, scheduled for the end of this month, has canceled all in person events until June. According to the sun gazette the leadership team met virtually and decided to postpone the 26th year for the event at a later date. Individual teams are encouraged to raise funds with social media campaigns for the American cancer society.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed yesterday that there are 962 additional positive cases of COVID-19 reported, bringing the statewide total to 49,267. The department reported 26 new deaths, bringing that statewide total to 2,444.  Lycoming County’s cases have increased to 85 with two deaths as of Friday.  Northumberland is at 99 cases, Montour, 50, Union 38, Clinton 32.  Tioga County reported 16 cases and 2 deaths and Columbia County which is not scheduled to phase into the yellow designation for COVID-19 mitigation with the rest of Lycoming County’s neighbor’s May 8th, reports 291 positive cases and 13 deaths

FATAL ACCIDENT IN TIOGA COUNTY
A woman from Wellsboro has died in a one vehicle accident that occurred in Richmond Township Tioga County Friday.  According to the Elmira Star Gazette, 67 year old JoAnn D. Tomb was driving east on State Route 660 near Kelsey Road about 1pm Friday when she lost control of her vehicle while taking a left turn hitting a tree, state police said.  Tomb who was wearing her seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Tioga County coroner.

MONTOURSVILLE WILL PROVIDE DIGITAL DEVICES FOR STUDENTS
No official vote was held, but a verbal approval during a virtual school board meeting gave Montoursville Area School District the go-ahead to purchase $366,480 worth of  laptops and tablets, to allow every student to learn virtually, following a virtual special meeting Thursday. The board is expected to retroactively approve the purchase at the next official virtual board meeting at 7 p.m. May 12. A link is available on the Montoursville School District Website. The next step is solving connectivity issues within the district and hiring a seasonal information technology specialist to support the fleet of technology at Montoursville

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR EXPIRING DOCUMENTS
Expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID Cards and learner’s permits that were scheduled to expire March through May have been extended for Pennsylvania residents. According to the state department of transportation, residents whose ID cards are expiring have until June 30th to renew. Previous extensions were announced March 27th but as a reminder services are available at DMV.PA.gov. All DMV offices are closed but services online are still up. There are no additional fees for using online services.

 

SPORTS

In NASCAR iRacing Sunday William Byron won his third victory of the season at Dover international speedway.  Timmy Hill came in second.   Prior to the May 17 start at Darlington SC without spectators, iRacing’s finale will be next  Saturday at virtual North Wilkesboro Speedway. A track in NC that was neglected and overgrown with weeds and cleaned last year by volunteers led by Dale Earnhardt Jr., so it could be mapped for use in the iRacing video game.

Men’s and women’s basketball
At the Lycoming College’s Honors Convocation Sunday, senior softball and women’s basketball player Kayla Klein was named the school’s outstanding female athlete as well as Lycoming Junior basketball player Darius Dangerfield named the outstanding male athlete

NBA
The NBA board of governors voted Friday to postpone the draft lottery and draft combine in May. The league has not voted yet to delay the NBA draft on June 25 but is expected to. NBA officials are discussing a December start.

Horses
Secretariat won the virtual Kentucky Derby in a simulation race with Past Triple Crown Winners, since the 146th annual Kentucky Derby could not be run this past weekend for the first time since WWII.  Legendary horses were programmed into the game including Cittaion, War Admiral, Seattle Slew  as well as American Pharoah and Justify

BACKYARD BROADCASTING WEEKEND NEWS MAY 2, 2020

LYCOMING COUNTY ADDS TWO DEATHS FROM COVID-19
North central Pennsylvania added 4 deaths from COVID- 19 yesterday. According to the sun gazette the Lycoming and Tioga County coroners both confirmed 2 deaths in each of their counties bringing Tioga County to 16 cases and 2 deaths. Charles E Kiessling Jr., Lycoming County Coroner, also added 3 positive cases here, bringing Lycoming county to 71 cases and 2 deaths. Statewide there are 1,307 new cases of the coronavirus bringing the total to 45,763.  2,753 of those cases occur in health care workers.

LYCOMING COUNTY MOVES FROM RED TO YELLOW DESIGNATION ON MAY 8
Governor Wolf announced in a his daily press release yesterday that 24 counties will have some covid-19 mitigation restrictions lifted with Lycoming, Montour, Sullivan, Tioga and Northumberland county being among them. Wolf stated that these counties are being moved from the red into the yellow. Red having the most risk, yellow being less severe. These counties still have a possibility of infections breaking out among the population but are being reopened because of factors such as testing availability and population density. You can find the link to the full press release here.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY CANCELS IN-PERSON EVENTS
The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of River Valley, scheduled for the end of this month, has canceled all in-person events until June. According to the Sun Gazette the leadership team met virtually and decided to postpone the 26th year for a later date. Individual teams are encouraged to raise funds using creative social media campaigns for the American Cancer Society.

DRIVER’S LICENSE RENEWAL DEADLINE EXTENDED
Expiration dates for driver’s licenses and learner’s permits that were scheduled to expire March through May have been extended for Pennsylvania residents. According to the state department of transportation, residents whose ID cards are expiring have until June 30th to renew. Previous extensions were announced march 27th but as a reminder services are available at DMV.PA.gov. Statewide, all DMV offices are closed but services online are still available. There are no additional fees for using online services.

SPORTS

NASCAR
The 2020 NASCAR cup series will resume next month in Darlington, SC. According to officials, Sunday,  May 17th the Cup Series will run without fans in attendance. Two other races will occur that week including the Xfinity Series on the 19th and an additional Cup Series event on the 20th.

In Horse Racing, with the 146th Kentucky Derby postponed until Labor Day weekend, NBC will re-broadcast the 2015 Kentucky Derby today at 3pm, followed by a virtual Kentucky Derby featuring winners of the past.  Fans will be able to choose a favorite horse by making a charitable donation to coronavirus relief efforts. Some contributors may be chosen for a VIP experience for next year’s Derby.

HS WRESTLING

Some minor rule changes in high school wrestling were handed down by the National Federal of High Schools this week which addressed hair length, weigh-in procedures and scoring, in addition the number of weight classes were reduced from 14 to 13.

MiLB
The Williamsport Crosscutters have joined a new initiative with minor league baseball.  “MILB – CommUNITY First”  to honor those working on the front line of the pandemic.  According to the Sun Gazette, if fans visit the online site, www.milb.com/communityfirst they can choose a donation amount and designate it for the Crosscutters.  Those direct funds will benefit the Central PA Food Bank.

NBA

The NBA board of governors voted Friday to postpone the draft lottery and draft combine in may. The league has not voted yet to delay the NBA draft on June 25 but is expected to. NBA officials are discussing a December start.

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