BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 9, 2020

TOTAL COVID-19 CASES IN LYCOMING COUNTY GOES TO 15
The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed yesterday that there are now 15 cases of COVID-19 in Lycoming County, and 1,680 additional positive cases overall, bringing the statewide total to 16,239 in all 67 counties.  Seventy new deaths were reported among positive cases, which is a statewide total to 310. Clinton County has 3 cases, Tioga 10, Sullivan 1, Northumberland 22 and Union 8 cases of the coronavirus.  There are 82,299 patients who have tested negative to date

WOLF SIGNS ORDER TO SHARE EQUIPMENT STATEWIDE
Governor Wolf signed an order yesterday to allow Pennsylvania’s healthcare system to transfer medical supplies and information between facilities in the state as we combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In a video statement yesterday Governor Wolf said the order ensures the efficient allocation and use of critical medical resources by hospitals in the state. <<<  WOLF 1 have to choose >>>/<<<WOLF 2 every Pennsylvanian>>>> Department of Health officials are working with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency or PEMA to meet a potential surge of COVID -19 patients.

MOTORCYCLE AND CAR ACCIDENT NEAR 180 MONDAY
There was an accident between a motorcycle and a vehicle Monday around 5:45pm along the East Third Street Entrance to 180-West in Williamsport.  Fifty-four year old David Craig II, 54, of Montoursville, was operating the motorcycle and refused treatment at the scene also involved was Russell Lindstrom, of Williamsport who was driving a 2006 Mercedes Benz.  No word on Lindstrom’s condition.

KNOEBEL’S  WILL DELAY OPENING
Knoebel’s Amusement resort recently announced the 2020 season and all off season construction projects will be on hold there until further notice following the Covid-19 breakout.  According to their website, due to the fluidity of the situation they will be making decisions one week at a time and to contact them if you have any questions.  Reservations are being taken for June 1st through November 1st, but availability is based on actual opening days.  Get details Online at knoebels.com

NEW STATEWIDE EQUIPMENT DATABASE
The Department of Health has launched a new hospital preparedness dashboard that provides an overview of the capacity of the state’s entire health care system. Secretary of Health,  Dr Rachel Levine said it’s an effort to get as much data to the community as possible  9The public dashboard can be found in the COVID-19 section of health.pa.gov.

BLaST INTERMEDIATE UNIT OFFERS WEBINARS
As classrooms in our area transition to online, BLaST IU17 has released a new webinar series for teachers through their Online Learning Hub, featuring free 30 minute webinars to help teachers with content-specific approaches as teachers switch to remote learning.  BLaST Intermediate Unit 17 serves about 30 thousand students  throughout Lycoming, Tioga, Bradford and Sullivan county school districts.  Find out more about the Education Resource Guide and Online Learning at iu17.org

YOUNG BOY INJURED ON UTV IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY
A 6 year old boy from Northumberland County was seriously injured when the Utility all-terrain vehicle he was operating overturned and pinned him.  According to state police in Stonington, the boy from Pittman was on Howerter’s Road in upper Mahanoy Township around 4pm, went off the road on a curve, hit a fence and was thrown.  He was flown to Geisinger Medical Center and no information has been released about his condition.  a nine year old riding on the UTV was no injured in the crash. Volunteers from the Mahantango and Klingerstown fire departments responded along with Hegins ambulance.

 

Sports

MLB
Heritage Auctions recently auctioned off one of the first bats used in Lou gerigs career for $1,025,000.

 

NCAA
Alabama football coach Nick Saban said that following his self-quarantine he has had to learn how to email and text for himself now that he lacks the people who do it for him.

 

NBA
Oklahoma City Thunder All Star guard Chris Pail, Atlanta Hawks All Star Guard Trae Young and Chicago Bulls guard Zack LaVine will be participating in a televised game of horse on the network

 

NFL
Tom Brady recently revealed that he had skipped patriots training sessions because his wife Giselle Brady felt that he was putting too much attention towards football and his business dealings.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 8, 2020

PENNSYLVANIA REPORTS RECORD-BREAKING NUMBER OF DAILY DEATHS
New deaths related to COVID-19 have pushed the daily total in the commonwealth to a record breaking 78 with a statewide total now of 240 people.  The number of new cases of the virus yesterday as of midnight is 1, 579 – bringing a statewide total to 14, 599 touching every county of Pennsylvania.  According to the PA Department of Health, new case reporting may have been delayed over the weekend.  Lycoming county has 12 cases reported and no deaths at this time

VOLUNTEERING IS A LIFE-SUSTAINING ACTIVITY
Ensuring that Pennsylvanians have access to food, medical services, and essentials, remains a priority for the Governor Tom Wolf administration.  During a video press conference yesterday, PA Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, reiterated First Lady Frances Wolf’s request for the community to volunteer and help each other.  Suggestions for finding information about volunteering activities include calling the American Red Cross or donating blood, or calling 211 to connect with organizations through the United Way can also connect volunteers to organizations looking for help.  A state website for medical and non-medical volunteers is at serv.pa.gov.

TELEMEDICINE IS A SAFE ALTERNATIVE TO GET TREATMENT AT UPMC
UPMC in the Susquehanna region is offering online video visit services as a safer way to provide care patients need while limiting the spread of COVID-19. According to hospital administrators, using an internet connection and a connected device is the safest way to receive care and also heed the recommendations of state leaders to stay at home.  Patients who have previously scheduled visits can contact their provider office to convert their appointment to an online visit. For more information on telemedicine at UPMC in the Susquehanna region, visit UPMCSusquehanna.org.

COMMONWEALTH FLAGS ORDERED TO HALF-STAFF TO HONOR COVID-19 VICTIMS
Governor Tom Wolf has ordered commonwealth flags on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds fly at half-staff until further notice to honor the victims of the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic. Commonwealth flags should be lowered to half-staff until a date to be announced after the pandemic passes. All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute
It’s day two of Trout Season!  A surprise announcement came in yesterday midmorning from the the PA Fish and Boat Commission who opened trout season 2 weeks early, in consultation with the Office of the Governor, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.  Anglers and boaters were out on the water and continue to be asked to follow social distancing guidelines and limit travel by fishing close to home.  To further discourage group gatherings, a stocking schedule and list of waters that have been stocked will not be provided to the public this season.

GEISINGER BENEFITS FROM LOCAL CONNECTIONS FOR MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
Local businesses have stepped up to help make sure hospital workers have the supplied they need.  According to the Sun Gazette, a Wilke-Barre family connected to the Lowe’s Home Improvement store was instrumental in making some recent donations of protective equipment made to Geisinger medical center through the hospitals program of accepting donations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the paper, the Chief philanthropy officer of Geisinger Health Foundation, Nancy Lawton-Kluck said the outpouring of donations from the community has been overwhelming and they are grateful to businesses for protecting the frontline of caregivers in the hospital system. To make a donation in the fight against COVID-19, please visit Geisinger.org/fightcovid or call 800-739-6882

GREENWAY PHOTO CONTEST OPEN THROUGH JUNE 30, 2020
According to the Lock Haven Express, you can maintain social distancing and try to win a photo contest.  The 9th Annual Susquehanna Greenway Photo Contest: Treasured Towns and Landscapes of the Susquehanna is open and free contest is looking for individuals of all levels to photograph the Susquehanna Greenway.  Deadline for submissions is June 30th.  Go to Susquehannagreenway.org for details.  Winning images will also be printed, framed, and added to a traveling gallery to be exhibited throughout the Susquehanna region within Pennsylvania

POLICE SEEKING ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT
There was a robbery Tuesday night at the Nittany MinitMart on East Third Street around 9pm and police are searching for a suspect.  State Police responded to a call about a black man wearing a scarf and white gloves who may have had a handgun at the store east of the city-township line.  The store was closed after the incident and police searched the area of Almond Street and Maxwell place.  No word on how much money was stolen if any – there were no injuries in the hold-up

Sports

NBA – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says he won’t make a decision about the season until the earliest May 1st, unable to make the decision in April.  The league stopped play March 12th.

NFL
Both  the LA Rams and the LA Chargers will be featured in HBO’s “Hard Knocks” series this summer – which will be a documentary about training camp – if there is a training camp.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers unveiled new uniforms yesterday bringing back the franchises most successful era from 1997 to 2013 featuring red,white, and pewter.

NHL – The NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said that completing the hockey season may not be possible.  Players have been ordered to quarantine in their homes until April 15th.

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 7, 2020

O RECORDS SET WITH COVID-19 NUMBERS YESTERDAY
The Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine confirmed the number of cases of COVID-19 yesterday; 1,470 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 12,980 in 65 counties, with 12 new deaths among positive cases, bringing that total to 162.   However, Governor Wolf  gave a bit of good news during yesterday’s video press conference, saying that the current virus numbers did not set any single-day records in any category, and that the first exponential increase in cases has resulted in a flatter curve than anticipated and as people stay home, that curve can continue to stay low and the our state healthcare systems will be spared from an overwhelming surge of COVID-19 patients at once.   At this time, Lycoming County now has 10 cases, Clinton County has 3.  All people are either in isolation at home or being treated at the hospital.

POLICE SEEK SUSPECTS IN WILLIAMSPORT SHOOTING
A man was killed by an unknown gunman while pulling an SUV into a parking area of an apartment building at the 300 block of Bridge Street in Williamsport early Sunday.  According to the Sun Gazette, police are looking for suspects who fired multiple shots that residents heard around 3 in the morning, which killed 27 year-old Amir Nobles of Philadelphia.  Police say bullets struck and killed the man causing the vehicle to veer from his route near the Bridge Street Commons, and another nearby car was struck by the gunshots.  If you have information about this shooting please call Agent Justin Snyder.  This is the city’s first homicide of the year.

TELE-TOWN HALL DISCUSSION FOCUSES ON BUSINESS, EMPLOYMENT
During Senator Gene Yaw’s tele-town hall event yesterday to address the recent response to COVID-19, members of the public asked questions about business and unemployment issues.  Senator Yaw, acknowledging that people want to get back to work,  said that state lawmakers continue to assess the exceptions between essential and non-life-sustaining business as many have applied.  Eric Kratz, executive director, State Senate Labor and Industry Committee acknowledged a backlog in unemployment claims and that self-employed people will soon be able to file for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

CITY WORKS BEGIN COLLECTING DEBRIS WHILE FOLLOWING STATE GUIDELINES
The city is practicing their social distancing requirements as crews began to pick up yard debris yesterday.  According to the Sun Gazette, Mayor Slaughter said they have reduced the crew to one operator per truck to follow state and federal guidelines when picking up the debris that residents have been asked to leave at the curb.  Officials from City Public works are discouraging use of the city brush pile at this time during the pandemic.

WOMAN IN CUSTODY AFTER ASSAULTING A STATE TROOPER
A woman from West Milton woman allegedly pushed and kicked a state trooper and is facing felony charges. Selinsgrove State Police say they were responding to a welfare check when Pamela Klinger ignored verbal commands on the scene, and pushed an officer.  Klinger was taken into custody after having to be restrained.  She was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge John Reed and taken to Snyder County prison in lieu of . $25,000 bail.

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT TO BE CLEANED WITH NEW TRUCK
Old Lycoming Township will start it to cleaning public parks and equipment this week using jet-vac truck purchased with a grant for $622,000 through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority  or PENNVEST.  According to the Sun Gazette, the truck  has a multitude of abilities, and a sanitation tank with a solution used to clean bacteria.  Matthew Aikey, township manager said the parks are closed but the solution they use is safe for the environment and will keep workers safe while cleaning out sewers, maintaining waterways and spraying down equipment.

FREE DRIVE-UP WIFI AT TIOGA COUNTY UNIVERSITY
Mansfield University is sharing its WiFi with the community To allow students and community members access to the internet while promoting social distancing, Mansfield University Campus Technologies is providing drive-up WiFI at some locations on their campus. Mansfield University president Charles Patterson said in a press release, that they want to be a source of accessibility to the community so anyone in need of access to the internet can drive-up to many of the public parking lots and connect to the Mounties Mobile Guest wireless network for free.  Residence hall parking lots are not an authorized location for Drive-up WiFi.

FIVE MORE REST STOPS OPEN STATEWIDE
PennDOT is reopening  indoor facilities at five additional rest areas statewide. PennDOT’s rest areas were temporarily closed statewide on March 17 in response to Governor Tom Wolf’s mitigation guidance regarding COVID-19.  Additional cleaning and maintenance will be performed at all reopened locations. Tourism services are not available at this time, but U.S. 15S in Tioga County, 7 miles south of the New York State line is reopened today along with 4 other areas on Interstate 81, I-70 and Interstate 90 in Erie County that each reopened Monday.

Sports

NBA
Officials with the NBA are exploring whether a rapid blood testing process, to find accurate results as to who has the coronavirus, would allow the league to get back to resuming play in the near future.  The Washington Post reports a 15 minute rapid response test, which is approved by the FDA was shipped from an Illinois based laboratory to some areas of the US last week, but the NBA implied that it’s important that testing is done for those who need it most right now.
NFL
The NFL Draft is still set to take place later this month but it will be fully virtual.  Commissioner Roger Goodell said all coaches, general managers and team personnel will operate from their homes.

UFC fighter Anthony Smith had to fight an intruder in his Nebraska home early Sunday this week.  Smith, who lives with his wife an 3 daughters, fought the unarmed man, who had attempted to break into other area homes, until police arrived and took him into custody.  Luke Haberman was arrested and charged with first-degree criminal trespass, a misdemeanor, according to the sheriff’s department there.

Golf
A Summer line up of PGA tournaments are solidified after the coronavirus pandemic altered the schedule of almost all sports this spring.  The PGA Championship originally to be played in May is now August 6 thru 9th in Harding Park San Francisco, The US Open scheduled for June is now September 17th in New York, The Masters set to start this week will be played in November and The Open at Royal St. George is cancelled.  The Ryder Cup coming up in Kohler Wisconsin in September has been unchanged.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 6, 2020

GOVERNOR ASKS ALL TO WEAR MASKS
Friday, Governor Wolf asked all Pennsylvania to participate in the mitigation of COVID-19,  and  to wear a cloth or homemade mask when outside of the home.  Wolf said wearing a mask helps cut down the possibility of infecting others.   According to Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine, a homemade mask isn’t fool proof as far as keeping you from catching the virus but it is one more tool or line of defense against community spread.   She  added that the N95 masks should be reserved for health care workers and that wearing a mask when outside of the home is not a free pass to go back to work or negate social distancing requirements..

NEARBY COUNTY COVID-19 CASE COUNT
The Pennsylvania Department of  Health has provided a tally of coronavirus cases of counties close to Williamsport, fortunately, there are no deaths reported in these surrounding counties as of Sunday.  In Lycoming County, 9 cases have been reported, Union County, 6, Sullivan has reported one case, Columbia County has 22. There are 14 cases in Northumberland, 1in Clinton and 3 in Tioga County.  The 1,493 new cases as of the weekend,  brings the statewide total of confirmed coronavirus cases to 11, 510.  There have been 150 deaths in the commonwealth.

LOCAL LEADER HOSTS TELE-TOWNHALL DISCUSSION
Senator Gene Yaw of Loyalsock Township will host a telephone town hall discussion today to provide an update on the coronavirus response.  According to a press release form his office, the event is today at 11:20am and included in the panel are Dr. Rutul Dalal of Chairman of Infection Prevention and Control at UPMC Susquehanna, Jason Fink of the Williamsport Chamber and Eric Kratz, Executive Director of the PA Senate Labor and Industry Committee.  The call-in event is intended for the public to listen in on the phone line or participate in the discussion.  Sign up in advance at www.senatorGeneyaw.com and use PIN 111880.  A live stream is also available for smartphone, tablet or computer users.

AREA HOSPITALS ADOPT MASKING POLICIES
According to a press release, Geisinger Medical center Friday updated their policy requiring all employees, patients and visitors to wear a mask while inside within Geisinger buildings.  The hospitals will provide the appropriate level of masks to those arriving at their facilities.  Evangelical also updated their masking policy, also requiring a mask to be worn at all times by anyone who is in an Evangelical facility including off-site locations.

SPAY AND NEUTERING PROCEDURES ON HOLD TO RESERVE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, ADOPTIONS ARE STILL OK
The Department of Agriculture has suspended the requirement to spay or neuter pets before adoption , in order to conserve personal protective equipment during the pandemic.   The requirement is waived for now, with the contingency that pet owners will have 120 days from the time of adopting to spay or neuter those pets.  The Lycoming County SPCA has cancelled their 2020 Paws Run and hope to hold it in 2021.  Those who have already registered can either receive a refund, or donate their entry fee to support the non-profit.   If you’re looking to adopt a dog or cat at this time, the shelters are authorized to continue adopting pets out in Pennsylvania. Www.Lycomingspca.org or call to make an appointment to adopt 570-322-4646

SUSQUEHANNA POSTPONES COMMENCEMENT
Susquehanna University is the latest institution in the region to make changes to their upcoming commencement ceremonies.  According to a  news release, the event was originally scheduled for May 13th , but will neo be held on August 9th at the James Garrett Sports Complex Field House.  About 500 students are eligible for degrees – details about special events surrounding commencement will be available in the upcoming weeks.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING WEEKEND NEWS APRIL 4, 2020

CLINTON COUNTY REPORTS FIRST CASE OF THE VIRUS
The PA department of Health confirmed that Clinton County has reported one case of the coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases in the commonwealth to 8,420 in 63 counties now.  There are 1404 new cases as of yesterday at noon, Lycoming has reported 8 total cases in the county. There have been 102 deaths from COVID-19 in Pennsylvania.

PENNSYLVANIANS ENCOURAGED TO WEAR MASKS IN PUBLIC
Yesterday Governor Wolf asked all Pennsylvania to participate in the mitigation of COVID-19,  and  to wear a cloth or homemade mask when outside of the home.. Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine added that the N95 masks should be reserved for health care workers. Wolf said wearing a mask helps cut down the possibility of infecting others.   According to Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine, a homemade mask isn’t fool proof as far as keeping you from catching the virus but it is one more tool or line of defense against community spread.  According to a press release, Geisinger Medical center yesterday updated their policy requiring all employees, patients and visitors to wear a mask while inside within Geisinger buildings.  The hospitals will provide the appropriate level of mask at their facilities. According to the news conference, masking is expected to be recommended by the CDC shortly. Read the PA Department of Health guidance here.

EVICTIONS IN PA SUSPENDED, AG GOING FURTHER TO HELP
The PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro said that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ordered courts closed to eviction proceedings due to the COVID-19 state of emergency, but that he is working with landlords and mortgage lenders urging them to extend the time  to proceed with evictions for a period of time beyond what the Supreme Court and Department of Housing and Urban Development requires,  so those affected have time to recover.  According to WNEP, if you have been wrongfully evicted or foreclosed upon, you can file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General.

SPAY AND NEUTERING REQUIRED FOR PET ADOPTIONS IS TEMPORARILY WAIVED
The Department of Agriculture has suspended the requirement to spay or neuter pets before adoption , in order to conserve personal protective equipment during the pandemic.   The requirement is waived for now, with the contingency that pet owners will have 120 days from the time of adopting to spay or neuter those pets.  If you’re looking to adopt a dog or cat, the shelters are authorized to continue adopting pets out in Pennsylvania. The Lycoming County SPCA has cancelled their 2020 Paws Run and hope to hold it in 2021.  Those who have already registered can either receive a refund, or donate their entry fee to support the non-profit.
GEISINGER:  PLEASE SCHEDULE DONATION DROP-OFF
Officials in charge of the supply chain for Geisinger medical center have requested that the public wishing to make charitable donations to not drop them off at the hospital, but to schedule a time for the drop off of your gift either through the website of by calling 800-739-6882.  According to a Geisinger press release, individuals and groups are asked to hold off on making food donations since they are unable to accept foods prepared in a home kitchen. They say those wishing to help are asked instead to make a monetary donation.

Sports
NBA
Layoffs  are underway within the Utah Jazz. Including non-basketball personnel, and some employees are taking salary reductions. The Jazz are one of approximately 80 companies within the Larry H. Miller Group.

NFL
The NFL  chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills, this week told the NFL that in order for the season to start on time like they would like, certain prerequisites like widespread testing for the coronavirus must be met for that to happen.

The state of Florida has levied three formal charges against Antonio Brown for an alleged January assault in South Florida against  a delivery truck driver outside of Brown’s home. He faces felony burglary conveyance, misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal mischief charges, according to a Broward County court document.  Brown turned himself in on Jan. 23 two days after the incident.

NHL

The New York Rangers are investigating how a video chat with prospect K’Andre Miller and fans was “hijacked” by a racial attack directed toward the African American player. The 20 year old participated in a Zoom chat that was limited to 500 participants on Friday afternoon. With about 150 fans streaming the chat, the comments section for questions was overrun with the slurs.  ESPN says reports of the incident was forwarded to the FBI.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 3, 2020

UPMC DEVELOPS A VACCINE FOR COVID-19
Doctors at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC have announced they developed a potential vaccine against the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.  In a joint online news conference yesterday, doctors at University of Pittsburgh and UPMC explained the potential of the vaccine to work quickly through the skin.  In a media presentation available on UPMC’s website, Dr Louis Fallo professor and Chair of Dermatology at University of Pittsburgh and UPMC explains the how the vaccine is delivered topically by something called a micro needle array.  Fallo said it’s not an expensive process to make, and is shelf stable meaning it could be delivered globally with less expense.  UPMC doctors said they are in contact with the FDA to potentially accelerate the process to start human trials.   The findings of the research were published in EBioMedicine.

NEW COVID-19 NUMBERS IN PA, TIPS FOR PARENTS AT HOME
The PA Department of Health announced new numbers about COVID-19’s spread through the Commonwealth as of yesterday afternoon, there are 1, 211 new cases with a statewide total of 7,016 in 62 counties, and 90 people have dies as a result of complications from the virus.  PA Department of Health Secretary, Dr. Rachel Levine, who was a pediatrician prior to her state job, shares tips for parents as they care for children at home, like creating a new routine to establish normalcy.  She also said keeping up to date with news is fine, but children can feel stressed if it’s on in their home  24/7.  According to a report by the Sun Gazette, Natalie Serafini, trauma counselor at Loyalsock Township School District says it can be more appropriate for the news to be filtered through parents to their children, instead of them watching it themselves.

HOUSE-CALL TESTING COULD BE DONE WITH A REFERRAL
In an effort to keep their emergency rooms from being overrun as we navigate the coronavirus response, UPMC Williamsport has announced they have a team who will go to a patient’s home and test them if they receive a referral from the residents’ doctor.  According to administrators of UPMC’s Susquehanna Regional EMA and prehospital services, they are finding many who call 911 with coronavirus symptoms may not need a hospital visit.  Paramedics at medical scene are in communication with a doctor in the emergency room and follow the physician’s instructions on how best to treat the patient. According to the SUN Gazette, UMPC Williamsport ER doctor, Dr. Greg Frailey said it’s safer to treat patients who are well enough to be treated at home.

BLACK BEAR HIT BY TRUCK IN POTTER COUNTY
A huge black bear was hit and killed by a truck on Route 49 in Potter county last week.   Accoridng to North Central PA dot com, Game Warden Thomas Nelson was on the scene after a truck driver hit the animal in Harrison Township around 6:30 am last Friday.  After weighing the bear, Nelson said it came in well above the state average at 6 33 lbs.  The truck driver was not hurt.

EVANGELICAL USING CDC APPROVED MEDICINE FOR VIRUS PATIENTS
Doctors at  Evangelical Community Hospital said in a news conference yesterday that 10 more patients have tested positive for the virus and according to Evan President and CEO Kendra Aucker doctors are using Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine to treat patients, which the FDA says can be used to treat COVID-19.  Medical Director of Emergency Services at Evangelical, says most positive COVID-19 patients are sent home and not hospitalized.

PARTIAL SHIPMENT OF REQUESTED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT HAS ARRIVED
Gov. Tom Wolf said that Pennsylvania has received a fraction of the equipment it has requested from a federal stockpile to help battle the coronavirus, including ventilators. According to the Daily item, Health officials report  said there are approximately 4,000 ventilators available at hospitals across the state, enough to meet current demands. But Gov. Tom Wolf said Monday that, like many other states, Pennsylvania is actively searching for more – even another 1,000 to 1,400 ventilators.  Wolf recently signed a bill to provide $50 million to purchase additional equipment to prevent health care workers in Pennsylvania from getting sick.

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR EXEMPTION TODAY
Businesses who think they should be included in as a life-sustaining business in the commonwealth should be aware that the deadline to apply for the exemption application process for businesses will end at 5 p.m. today.  According to Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin, the staff continues to work tirelessly to organize and assess the data.  The DCED received 32,474 requests for exemptions from Pennsylvania’s businesses.  If you are seeking further clarification about your status contact its customer service resource account at [email protected]

PRIMARIES WILL BE IN JUNE, NEW BALLOT COUNTING TIMETABLE
Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of State, said the state primary election is officially moved from April 28 to June 2 so we can keep up the social distancing until at least April 30.  According to the Sun Gazette, county election officials will also tabulate mail-in ballots starting at 7 a.m. on the day of the election instead of waiting until the polls close at night.  The state has 250,000 registered voters prepared to mail in their ballots.

SPORTS

NFL
Although the NFL remains hopeful of starting its regular season on time and in front of packed stadiums, its chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills, said Thursday that certain prerequisites — including widespread testing for the coronavirus — must be met for that to happen.

New Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady will settle into Derek Jeter’s waterfront mansion in Tampa. The 30,000-plus-square-foot home, which is located right outside downtown Tampa and a short drive to the Bucs’ facility, features seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms plus an 8-foot security gate — 2 feet higher than the city permits, but Jeter received an exemption for privacy.

NBA
Fifteen days after the Brooklyn Nets announced that four players had tested positive for COVID-19, general manager Sean Marks said the team’s roster is free from coronavirus symptoms.

Mississippi State coach Mike Leach apologized Thursday for a since-deleted tweet that showed a meme of a woman knitting her husband a noose during self-quarantine.  Leach removed the tweet, which was posted Wednesday night.  he first-year Mississippi State coach frequently posts memes in his Twitter feed. He has more than 350,000 followers on the social media platform.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 2, 2020

WOLF ANNOUNCES STAY AT HOME FOR ALL OF THE STATE
Governor Tom Wolf  yesterday announced that he has extended his stay at home order across the state for all 67 counties in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19.  Calling it our most prudent option to save lives, no one who lives in Pennsylvania should leave their home unless absolutely necessary.  With new numbers coming in at 962 new cases in the commonwealth, bringing a statewide total to 5, 805 and 74 deaths Wolf says it’s imperative to follow the order and stay home until at least April 30th.  Wolf recommends families stay calm and stay safe, avoiding buying more than needed at the grocery stores Grocery shopping is on the Governor’s list of allowable travel and the list is available here.

PA CORONERS HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT STATE FACILITIES CAPACITY
In Lycoming County there are 7 official cases of the coronavirus according to the PA Department of Health, but as patients are tested and the numbers start to rise, the reality of what the coroners in the state may face is becoming clearer.  According to a report by the Sun Gazette, Lycoming County Coroner and president of the PA State Coroner’s Association, Charles E. Kiessling Jr communicates with part time coroners in 64 counties of the commonwealth, and discovered there is a concern about space available for patients’ bodies if the numbers of fatalities rise quicker than hoped, and that there is also an uptick of suicides at this unprecedented time.  Kiessling said if there is a chance people are feeling depressed, they can use a local 24-hour crisis help line 570-326-7895.   He says people should use all the technology and resources to continue to communicate with each another and help one another out.

WILLIAMSPORT RECEIVES BLOCK GRANT FOR VIRUS RELIEF
In light of the Coronavirus Pandemic, Mayor Derek Slaughter has been informed Williamsport is getting more than $600,000 in unexpected federal Block Grant funds to be used toward the pandemic recovery through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development developed by state lawmakers.  Slaughter said they are awaiting news on how the federal government wants us to use the money.  According to the Sun Gazette the block grants, play a role in advancing locally-driven projects and create jobs and contribute to economic growth.  Pennsylvania was recipient of $170 million in new funding from block grants and other HUD programs as a result of the latest coronavirus relief legislation.

SUNBURY NON-PROFIT CAN’T PICK UP DONATIONS
The Community Aid donation bins are filling u p due to many residents in Sunbury spring cleaning while staying home, but the non-profit says they are unable to pick up the donations.  According to the Daily Item, a Community Aid spokesperson said they have  not received a waiver from Gov. Tom Wolf for trucks to go out and pick up the donations. The public is being asked by Sunbury city officials to wait to drop off donations so that no items will be ruined from the elements.

FIREFIGHTER SELF-QUARANTINES AFTER A CALL
A city firefighter going door to door Tuesday inside an apartment building seeking the source of a fire alarm, is in quarantine for 2 weeks after a resident who tested positive for COVID 19 announced her condition as he came in close proximity at the open door.  According to the Sun Gazette, city fire chief Mark Killian said there was no physical contact whatsoever between the firefighter and the tenant but they were within six-feet of one another. As a precaution, the firefighter drove himself alone back to the station in a fire truck and went through a decontamination process including being in contact with his doctor. He showed, clothed and has been in quarantine ever since. Killian says the city and the county have additional precautionary measures in place to  further protect the safety of all first responders in the city

PSP LIMITING CERTAIN TYPES OF IN-PERSON RESPONSES
The PA State Police will limit the kinds of calls to which troopers will respond , as the agency tries to limit contact with the public and slow the spread of the coronavirus.  State Police Commissioner Col. Robert Evanchick says police will continue responding to critical calls, but the new policy which began this week, limits calls that can be resolved with “limited or no-scene response,” such as for lost and found, littering, identity theft and general requests to speak to a trooper. State police barracks remain open to the public, though the agency has asked that if you display any symptoms for COVID-19 to stay away and call instead.

PENNDOT TO CONTINUE EMERGENCY WORK
PennDOT has announced that 61 emergency and critical highway and bridge projects will be active statewide this week even while the normal highway and bridge construction program has paused.  Urgent emergency work will ensure a reliable transportation system as circumstances surrounding COVID-19 continue to unfold. The emergency work addresses specific safety need criteria, like landslide repairs, or critical bridge, tunnel and drainage repairs, as well as eliminating roadway restrictions that could impact the movement of life sustaining goods and services.

COUNTY INMATES RELEASED FROM WESTERN PA PRISON
More than 600 inmates were released from the Allegheny County jail throughout the month of March.  A spokesperson from Allegheny County said that in collaboration with judges and presecutors in oprder to thin the imate polulation, the jail released 622 inmates between March 16th and the beginning of April to reduce the spread of the virus.  According to the Sun Gazette, that decreased the population there by 25%.  The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association said prosecutors and local courts are considering individualized cases in response  to COVID-19 and jail populations

SPORTS
NFL

The asking price for free-agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney has dropped per season, from what he had been seeking – 20 million – to closer to 17million.  ESPN said, the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans remain “interested” in signing the three-time Pro Bowl selection.

The Dallas Cowboys are signing defensive end Aldon Smith to a one-year deal worth up to $4 million giving him a chance to resurrect his playing career.  Thirty year old Smith, has not played in a game since he was suspended in 2015 because of drug and legal issues.  ESPN says Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has a history of taking chances on players with difficult pasts.

GOLF
Golf digest says The 2020 Open Championship scheduled for Royal St. George’s in July will be canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.  The tournament will be canceled and not postponed so the Royal &Ancient can collect an insurance premium. The Masters, scheduled for next week, and the PGA Championship, scheduled for next month, have announced postponements, but no future dates.

 

TENNIS
The All England Club announced the Wimbledon Championships have been canceled for the first time since World War II in 1945, and it’s the first time since its inception in 1877 that it will not be played during peacetime. In addition, the ATP and WTA made a joint announcement that all events at all levels of both professional tours have been canceled through July 13, covering the entire grass-court season.

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS

As the numbers of COVID-19 are rising in most counties in the Commonwealth, Governor Wolf has taken action today to mitigate the virus and placed all of Pennsylvania under a stay–at-home order as of 8pm tonight,  adding the remaining 33 counties to the original 34 just announced earlier this week.  In a press conference today, he also updated the numbers of coronavirus cases, adding 962 more cases in one day, bringing the statewide total to 5,805 in 60 counties.  11 more Pennsylvanians have died,  bringing that total to 74.  According to WNEP, the governor’s list of allowable individual activities and allowable essential travel, is here.

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 1, 2020

SEVEN MORE COUNTIES REQUIRED TO STAY HOME
More counties in the Commonwealth have been ordered to stay home in an effort to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus in Pennsylvania.  Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary, Dr. Rachel Levine listed the 7 new counties in which Governor Wolf announced a stay at home order Tuesday, the closest to Lycoming being Cameron and Centre Counties – making 33 the total of all  who must follow the order… Lycoming County has officially announced 6 cases of COVID-19 with no deaths in the county, but there are 63 fatalties statewide due to the virus, and 756 new cases were announced yesterday.

MOTHER WHO LEFT INFANT ON PORCH ARRESTED
A young mother has been arrested after confessing to giving birth and leaving the child on a front porch of a Clinton County residence last week.  According to Penn Live, 18 year old Cassandra Rochelle Stitzer told police she only recently discovered the pregnancy but last week drove to an alley in Loganton, where she gave birth in her car.  She then wrapped the infant and tried to leave him at St. Pauls’ Evangelical Church, but it was locked due to the pandemic, so Sitzer left the baby at a nearby residence.  Those homeowners called police early Thursday morning.  Sitzer has been arraigned on endangering the welfare of a child and released on 25,000 unsecured bail. Police say Sitzer was a suspect after they found a receipt in the towel in which she wrapped the infant. The 7-lb baby boy is hospitalized and reportedly healthy.

PRESIDENT DECLARES PA A DISASTER ZONE
President Donald J. Trump has declared that a major disaster exists in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and ordered Federal assistance to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by COVID-19.  This makes direct Federal assistance available to eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations. FEMA officials named MaryAnn Tierney as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

BLUES FESTIVAL CANCELLED, MOVED TO 2021
The Billtown Blues Association’s Board of Directors have cancelled the 31st Annual Billtown Blues Festival planned for this June at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds in Hughesville.  Bonnie Tallman said in terms of the health and safety of everyone involved with the festival, it was important to take a conservative approach and cancel.  But the Billtown Blues has been rescheduled with the anticipated same lineup for June 2021.  The BBA will continue to assess the time frame to reschedule the Audition concert and other special events moving forward.  Details at www.Billtownblues.org

GEISINGER DROPS ATLANTICARE HEALTH
Geisinger Medical Center announced Tuesday they will no longer will be the parent organization of AtlantiCare Health System Inc.  Geisinger also withdrew its suit filed in January in U.S. Middle District Court aimed at preventing AtlantiCare from terminating an earlier integration agreement from 2014.  According to Penn Live, both health systems will continue to collaborate on projects and initiatives, including the New Jersey campus of the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.  The changes are not expected to impact care, facilities or local communities.

LAWMAKERS, UNION OFFICIALS TALK ABOUT COVID-19 IN JAILS
During a teleconference Tuesday with U.S. Rep. Fred Keller of Kreamer, and Shane Fausey, a union representative for corrections officers at Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities took calls and answered questions pertaining to the safety of staff and the community surrounding  federal prison facilities.  Rep. Keller is working to limit the transfer of inmates from federal facilities who have more rampant cases of COVID 19 into Pennsylvania facilities. Keller said Congress has a $100 million package for resources in the works for the bureau to provide necessary personal protective equipment for prison workers.  Keller called on people to contact their Congressman and Union County commissioners, to ask for an immediate stoppage of the inmate transfer.

FREE LUNCH AVAILABLE FOR EVERY CHILD
The PA Department of Education has gotten approval by the USDA to provide meals for all students in Pennsylvania and not just those enrolled in the reduced lunch program during the governor’s mandated school closures.  According to the Sun Gazette, administrators from the East Lycoming School had previously been using private donations to provide lunches for all the students in their community.  Today is the second distribution day this week, with The Beacon United Methodist church offering a supplement for preschool age siblings of East Lycoming School students.  Food distribution for all students under 18 in the community will be available  from 11-12:30.

PENNDOT STILL WORKING EMERGENCY PROJECTS
PennDOT has announced that 61 emergency and critical highway and bridge projects will be active statewide this week even while the normal highway and bridge construction program has paused.  Urgent emergency work will ensure a reliable transportation system as circumstances surrounding COVID-19 continue to unfold. The emergency work addresses specific safety need criteria, like landslide repairs, or critical bridge, tunnel and drainage repairs, as well as eliminating roadway restrictions that could impact the movement of life sustaining goods and services.

SPORTS
NFL
* Tom Brady will wear No. 12 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and wide receiver Chris Godwin will switch to No. 14, according to the team. Brady spent 20 seasons wearing No. 12 for the New England Patriots before signing with the Bucs this offseason.
*Officials from the NFL say they expect to start the season in September and plan on having a full 16-game season.

NBA
*The NBA draft is scheduled for June 25th but there are talks it will be postponed.  There’s speculation that the draft will come after the NBA season.
*The NBA and National Basketball Players Association are talking about withholding up to 25% of players’ remaining salaries in escrow should regular-season games eventually be canceled. Officials from the NBA continues to hope that there will be a resumption of  the season, but the uncertainty to fulfill the full 82-game regular season will ultimately be a financial cost shared among owners and players.
*Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart, who announced Monday that he is clear of COVID-19 after testing positive two weeks ago, plans to donate blood so it can be studied with the hope of finding a treatment for the coronavirus. An anesthesiologist at the Mayo Clinic, said at least four NBA players are talking about donating blood for the National COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Project, an experimental treatment that could help high-risk patients recover from the virus.

BOXING

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones agreed to plead guilty to his second offense of DWI yesterday, and will not face any jail time if he follows the terms of a plea agreement which includes fines, house arrest and community service in New Mexico.  Jones was arrested on four charges on Thursday in Albuquerque.

NHL
The National Hockey League has extended its’ self-quarantine period for players and staff til April 15th.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 31, 2020

SCHOOLS,  NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESS WILL STAY CLOSED
48 people have died in Pennsylvania from COVID-19.  Governor Tom Wolf continues making policy to slow the rise of that number due to the coronavirus in the commonwealth, yesterday announcing stay at home orders for Carbon, Schuylkill, Dauphin and Cumberland counties, following President Trump’s national recommendation to continue social distancing through April 30th.  The Governor also announced that non-life sustaining businesses and schools will be closed indefinitely to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.  A total of 693 new confirmed coronavirus cases were reported yesterday which brings the statewide total of COVID 19 cases to 4,087. There are 26 counties under the stay at home order – except for emergencies.
The full 26 county listing includes: Allegheny, Beaver, Berks, Bucks, Butler, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Erie, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Pike, Schuylkill, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland and York.

FIRST COVID-19 DEATH REPORTED AT UNION COUNTY HOSPITAL
Evangelical Community Hospital has announced the first death and increased the positive cases of COVID-19 up two to six, however, the official count for Union County remains at 4 today since the state Department of Health says the official count of cases are based on where a patient lives and not where they are treated.  According to the department, Lycoming County has 4 cases, Northumberland – 1, Montour – 10, Columbia – 6, Tioga-1, and 2 in Potter and 3 in Bradford Counties.  Clinton and Sullivan counties have not reported any cases to date.

LYCOMING COUNTY COURTS EXTEND CLOSURES
The director of Court Services in Lycoming County has announced that they have extended the closure of the Courts of the 29th Judicial District to the public for non-essential functions until April 14th.  COURTS ARE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC for all other functions – those required to arrive at the courts will be instructed by counsel.  Jury selection scheduled for March 30-April 3, 2020, has been cancelled. All jury trials scheduled for the trial term April through May have been continued No in person payments will be allowed, online payment information is available at lyco.org

SIREN TEST COMING THIS WEEKEND
There will be a tornado siren test performed this weekend for residents in Union and Northern Snyder Counties.  According to social media, Saturday,  April 4th at noon, the Borough of Mifflinburg and the MHC will activate a new tornado warning siren for 3 minutes.  No action or response is required by the public. This tornado warning siren will be activated in the future when a tornado is eminent or on the ground in the area.

CITY COUNCIL TO HOLD VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETINGS
Williamsport City Council business will continue through the COVID-19 pandemic using a virtual meeting platform and the public will be able to contribute by asking questions remotely as well.  The public can watch the meetings live at www.cityofwilliamsport.org or by searching Williamsport City Council on YouTube.  People wishing to request courtesy of the floor can send an email with contact information by 3pm a day in advance  to [email protected], the requestor will be called at the proper time to speak, comments can be called in following the end of council’s virtual meetings at 570-329-3314 with a limit of 3 minutes to speak.  All future meetings will continue to be held remotely until current social distancing measures are not needed

KELLER TO HAVE TELE-TOWNHALL ABOUT VIRUS IN PRISONS
There will be a tele-town hall meeting for corrections officers in our region with U.S. Congressman Fred Keller of Kreamer, today at 4:30pm.  Representative Keller will be joined by Corrections Officer Union President Shane Fausey, of the Council of Prisons Local 33, to discuss efforts to keep corrections officers and community members safe from COVID-19. You can call  1-866-641-6837 an hour before the event or listen online at keller.house.gov/live.   For nearly two weeks, Congressman Keller has been taking steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the federal prison system.

BUCKNELL SCHEDULES GRADUATION  CEREMONY THIS SUMMER
Bucknell University will hold its 170th Commencement ceremony on Sunday, July 19, beginning at 9 a.m.Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, school officials rescheduled the event from the weekend of May 15th According to their website, Bucknell acknowledges that the threat of COVID-19 may continue , so they will monitor the public health situation and make any adjustments to this new date no later than June 5.  The University will still confer degrees on May 18th to students eligible to graduate.

SPORTS
The NCAA Division I Council voted yesterday to grant an extra year of eligibility to all student-athletes in spring sports whose seasons were canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.  The decision will extend the eligibility of all spring-sport student-athletes — not just seniors whose careers would have ended after the cancellation of their seasons.

More than 115 athletes, coaches and sports personalities from 13 countries have joined to raise money for a COVID-19 response fund aimed at providing assistance for individuals fighting the global pandemic. From basketball to NASCAR to gymnastics, Golf to Cricket to skateboarding, athletes in various sports have donated items to https://athletesrelief.org/, and with a minimum $25 dollar donation, fans can enter to win, The program runs through May 1 and has already raised more than $63,000.

In Tennis, 38  year old Roger Federer put on a show for tennis fans via Twitter yesterday, performing trick shots against a wall in the snow. Federer had knee surgery in February, which was going to keep him out of the French Open, which has since been postponed to September. The video, had more than 1.7 million views.
– The All England Club will meet tomorrow to make a final decision about the upcoming grand slam event, Wimbledon, set to begin June 29th.  If it is canceled, it will be the first time since World War I

ESPN will be airing classic MLB baseball games starting tonight and every Tuesday through the end of April.  Tonight will feature the Sept. 21, 2001, game between the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets, the first major pro sports game in New York City following the Sept. 11 tragedy. Each show will feature one of the most memorable games of the last 25 years.

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