BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 16, 2020

THE LATEST STATE VIRUS CASE TOTALS
The state total of COVID-129 cases as of Sunday at noon was 63 according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.  According to WTAJ, all the patients diagnosed are either at home in isolation or being treated at a hospital. Officials have tested or are in the process of testing 446 patients. Of those tests, 205 have been negative, while samples for 183 patients are in route or in the lab for testing.

OFFICIALS ASKE TO MOVE REAL ID DEADLINE
The Department of transportation secretary sent a letter last week to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security asking them to consider extending the October 1, 2020 REAL ID enforcement deadline.  Out of an abundance of caution and to help control the number of customers in its facilities, PennDOT suspended the issuance of REAL ID driver licenses and photo ID cards at all PennDOT Driver License Centers at some southeastern counties of the commonwealth until no sooner than March 28. Including Montgomery Lancaster and Lehigh.

BAG LUNCHES AVAILABLE FOR WAHS STUDENTS
There will be free bagged lunches for students at several facilities within the Williamsport Area School District everyday schools are out of session.  The lunches are available 11:30 to 12:30 in a grab and go format and the student using the program must be present to receive a bagged meal on a first come first served basis. Schools participaiting include Curtin Intermediate School Lycoming Valley Intermediate School Stevens Primary School Williamsport Area Middle School.  No access to the buildings will be available

HOSPITAL TO IMPLEMENT TESTS LOCALLY
UPMC has developed a test for the virus that causes COVID-19 — UPMC will use this test to diagnose select, symptomatic cases. The health system plans to rapidly increase capacity at its central laboratory and, if there is a need, could test hundreds of patients per week in the near future. According to a press release, medical authorities UPMC on Tuesday will begin directing patients who have a physician referral approved by UPMC’s infection prevention team and an appointment, to have their specimen collected for testing at a Pittsburgh area site.  UPMC says there are plans to open testing centers in Harrisburg, Erie, Williamsport, and Altoona on an undetermined date.  UPMC’s laboratory developed test was created following U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. If you suspect you’ve been exposed to the virus call your primary care physician or UPMC recommends using their UPMC Anywhere Care online tool to get advice.

HOURS CHANGING FOR SOME GROCERY STORES
Local grocery stores are limiting their operations as a result of the threat of the coronavirus in our area.  In announcement on their website, Wegmans grocery stores including the Williasmpsort store are temporarily reducing their hours to allow more time for employees to clean and re-stock shelves, according to a media release on the Wegmans website. All Pennsylvania locations will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. , with the exception of Erie, which will remain open until midniught. Giant food stores will also reduce hours at their stores, including the 24 hour locations in Williamsport, Bloomsburg and Danville locations, operaing from 6 to 12 a.m. indefinitely.

BUCKNELL STUDENT BEING TESTED FOR COVID-19
A student from Bucknell is in isolation after they were taken to the hospital this weekend to be tested for a possible case of the coronavirus.  The Sun Gazette reports that the Lewisburg student self-isolated before the testing period and Bucknell’s Emergency Response Team continues to monitor the situation.  The patient was taken to Evangelical Community hospital to be tested on Sunday.

MAN ARRESTED AFTER REFUSING TO LEAVE DELIVERY CAR
A man got into a newspaper delivery driver’s car in Williamsport and refused to leave the vehicle, forcing the driver to go to the state police with the suspect in the car.  According to Montoursville state police, Kyle Buttorff got into the delivery person’s Buick LeSabre and became combative when police talked to him at the barracks.  Police then allegedly found cocaine and drug paraphernalia on Buttorff and he was arrested for drug possession, resisting arrestand  disorderly conduct.  He was remanded to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $35,000 bail

STATE WORKERS STAY HOME, PUBLIC EATERIES TO CLOSE DINE-IN Governor tom Wolf made two announcements that will affect state residents in some counties, as well as state workers in the capitol and those who work together with state agencies.  State workers in Dauphin County and the Capitol Complex are to start telework from home starting today. Also, in all instances where employees report to work, they are to be released four hours before their normal quitting times. In the PA counties of  Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery, Governor Wolf ordered all restaurants and bars to close their dine-in facilities today for two weeks.  The governor says businesses that offer carry-out, delivery, and drive-through food and beverage service may continue to do so, but eating and drinking inside restaurants and bars is temporarily prohibited.

Sports
In the NFL
Players approved a new labor agreement last week with results announced this past Sunday featuring a 17-game regular season, increased salaries, plus bigger rosters & pensions through the 2030 season. 500 Union members did not participate.

MLB
An unidentified minor leaguer for the New York Yankees has tested positive for the coronavirus,  being the first known player affiliated with Major League Baseball to contract COVID-19.  The player has spent his time in the minor-league complex and not in the New York Yankees main stadium and facilities.

Men’s Basketball
There’s disappointment for Penn State Basketball’s Lamar Stevens, 7 points from breaking the school’s career scoring record, who had his college career cut short after the announcement of the NCAA Tournament cancellation. Lamar returned to PSU for his senior year leading them to the tournament bid.

Local Sports
The Lycoming County Bowling Association has announced that their Hall of Fame banquet scheduled for next Saturday, March 21 is now postponed to a make-up date in June with that date TBD.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 13, 2020

GOVERNOR WOLF ASKS PUBLIC TO AVOID LARGE CROWDS
In a statement yesterday at a press conference concerning the spread of COVID-19 Governor Tom Wolf urged citizens across the state to cancel large gatherings of over 250 people and avoid public areas for two weeks.  He says more than half of the 22 coronavirus cases now reported are in Montgomery County and one person from Pike County who has been diagnosed, is in isolation at home.  Wolf  asked for the two week break from recreational activities where the public gathers and for religious leaders to use discretion to prevent illness through their congregations and communities. Dr. Rachel Levine, state Secretary of Health said 81 other cases are being tested at this time. According to Levine there are no cases of community spread, or people catching COVID-19 from unknown individuals.

MIDD-WEST CLOSES OUT OF ABUNDANCE OF  CAUTION
Even though there is no official confirmation and there are no cases of the corona virus in the Midd-West School District they have posted on their Facebook page that they will be closed today after a district employee came in contact with a person in Snyder county who is now quarantined for the virus.  In the statement, school officials say the closure is in abundance of caution as the health and safety of students and school families is the top priority.  Officials should know the results of these first tests in 48-72 hours which could allow schools to reopen Monday.

STABBING AT RESTAURANT IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP
Police say a man is in custody and another is being treated at an area hospital after a stabbing in Loyalsock township Wednesday.  According to the Sun Gazette, Richard Weaver a customer at the Denny’s on East Third Street in Williamsport allegedly stabbed another man, Chad Confer, in the back at about 11:40pm collapsing his lung.  Police say it is unknown if the two men knew each other but the suspect fled the scene after the incident and was later apprehended at a bar in the city and charged with aggravated assault and other charges including reckless endangerment.

RAISE THE REGION 2020 SUCCESS
Raise the region concluded last night at midnight – the 30 hour online fund raiser for self-assigned non-profit groups, collected 1, 386, 584 dollars through the First Community Foundation Partnership and Blaise alexander family of dealerships,  5, 152 served 284 local non profits in 6 counties.  find the full results at raise the region dot org.

PLATELET DONATION NEEDED
The American Red Cross is asking healthy and eligible locals to donate blood platelets to help in maintaining the current blood supply and to help prevent shortages during the rising outbreak of COVID-19 according to a press release. The 5-day blood supply hospitals like to maintain is threatened by the cold and flu season and the red cross urges you to donate as soon as possible.  According to the red cross, the donation process is very safe and  there is no evidence that COVID-19 or any respiratory illness can be transmissible by blood transfusions. Call 1-800 red cross to schedule a donation today.

ELM PARK FUNDING APPROVED
The Lycoming County Softball Association has been approved to use 50 thousand dollars in funding from the Legacy Fund of the County’s Act 13 Natural Gas Allocation for improvements to Elm Park by the Lycoming County Commissioners yesterday.  The city recently agreed to lease the park to the association for five years and under that agreement, the association will maintain the fields.  According to the Sun Gazette, the fields are already being prepared by the group for heavy use this year by softball teams for games and tournament play.

PSU BASKETBALL PLAYER SUSPENDED AFTER DUI
A Penn State basketball player has been suspended after being charged for DUI last Friday in Centre County. According to the Altoona Mirror it’s been decided that PSU Senior Mike Watkins is suspended for the regular season finale after being stopped for speeding. Watkins missed the game Saturday with Northwestern. He was scheduled to play Thursday in the Big Ten tournament -however those games canceled due to coronavirus concerns. He has likely played his last games for the Nittany Lions.

BLUES AUDITION CONCERT CANCELLED
The Billtown Blues Association has announced that they will be postponing their annual Audition Concert this Saturday due to the potential health consequences of their patrons.  The concert was to take place at the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport March 14th, but now the event will be rescheduled when conditions are more appropriate.

Sports
Local sports has been affected by the coronavirus fall out as the PIAA announced that they are postponing all HS Boys and Girls Basketball State Tournaments for 2 weeks because of the pandemic. Some PIAA Swimming championships are also on hold – Postponing Class AA Championships and allowing the class AAA Preliminary times to stand as finals times.  According to the Sun Gazette there may be upcoming talks to reschedule the Class AAA finals.
The Loyalsock Lancers will continue to practice preparing to play Newman Goretti in the Elite 8 – however no word from the PIAA when or if that game will be played.
HS Boys Tennis
North Penn Liberty defeated Cowanesque Valley 5-Love
College Softball Doubleheader
Lycoming college over Lancaster Bible 9 to 1 in Game 1 and beating Greenville 4 to 3 in Game 2

MLB has announced the delay of the start of it season by at least two weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak and the NHL is following the NBA’s lead and suspending it season because of COVID-19 as well.
College Sports The NCAA has canceled the March Madness Men’s and Women’s basketball tournaments in an unprecedented move;
Penn State has canceled all sports for the remainder of the academic school year including the Blue-White game – originally to be held April 18. Ohio State and Michigan will also cancel their spring games

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 12, 2020

AREA SCHOOLS RESPOND TO CORONAVIRUS
Some area schools are responding to the coronavirus threat by cancelling events and field trips as well as limiting visitors at area school buildings.  According to the Sun Gazette, administrators at East Lycoming Schools have temporarily suspended visitors and guests into the school while school is in session.  Montoursville schools told the paper they are monitoring trips outside the school on a case by case basis, recently cancelling a trip to Montgomery County. Lock Haven has suspended face to face instruction with courses resuming after spring break March 23rd  with remote instruction and have asked students to arrange for temporary housing off-campus. The University has canceled all university-sponsored non-athletic events through April 3rd.

STATE REPSONSE TO THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS
Cases of the new coronavirus crept into Philadelphia in Bucks County  this week as Penn State, the University of Pennsylvania and other  state schools are moving classes online and St. Patrick’s Day parades in Philadelphia, Scranton and Pittsburgh were canceled. The state Department of Health began sharing more information about testing Wednesday, saying there were 59 tests pending and 100 negative tests, while an out-of-state resident is hospitalized in Montgomery County. Hardest hit is Montgomery County, where nine residents, including a Lower Providence police officer, have tested positive. Philadelphia officials confirmed the city’s first case Tuesday.

 

POTENTIAL TAX INCREASES IN MONTOURSVILLE
Even with a potential tax increase at over a mill and budget cuts from adminstrators, Montoursville school board officials said yesterday that the budget will still be at an estimated deficit of over 380 thousand dollars as they continue to try and work out budget details for the next year.  According to the Sun Gazette, there are still contracts to come in that could change the bottom line, but officials say a deficit could continue to eat away at the district’s savings, moving on through to next year’s budget.  Raising taxes beyond the index would mean another $104 on a $100,000 assessment.  The Montoursville Area School Board will continue budget talks on April 14th at 7pm.

CRASH IN JERSEY SHORE SHUT DOWN ROADWAY
Route 44 is reopened after PennDOT closed it last night following a tractor trailer accident.  Motorists were detoured in Lycoming County from both lanes of Main Street between Baer Street and Allegheny Street in Jersey Shore. A tractor trailer crashed into a utility pole causing the pole and wires downed in in the roadway.  Commercial vehicles and tractor trailers slowed the Thomas Street exit off Route 220 and the clean-up took a little over 3 hours.

RAISE THE REGION TAKES PLACE THROUGH TONIGHT
Raise the Region – a multi hour fundraising event benefiting non-profit organizations in 6 local counties continues today until midnight.  The kickoff was last evening at Aubrey Alexander Toyota in Selinsgrove / Hummels Wharf and organized by the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania.  Over 280 individual non-profit organizations prepared to compete during the 30 hours of fundraising, with Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships providing 150 thousand dollars of stretch funds and working to break their total goal of 1.5 million.  Raise the Region increases individual funding to nonprofits through a concentrated, online, matching gift campaign, find out more and follow the results at raise the region dot org.

SUN BURY MAN ARRESTED FOR DRIVE-BY SHOOTING
A Sunbury man was taken into custody after police say he shot at a moving vehicle Wednesday at 8th Alley and Reagan street around 2pm.  According to the Daily item, police were dispatched for shots fired at that location after a victim made statements about a man shooting toward his car.  Police investigated and found Julio Costales, 29, of Greenough Street driving near the scene and detained him.  Police obtained a search warrant and found a handgun in Costales pocket and seized it for evidence. Costales faces felony charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault, as well as carrying a firearm without a license.

DEVELOPMENT PLANS APPROVED ON SOUTHSIDE
A Williamsport developer has been approved for a lot consolidation for a planned subdivision on property owned by George A Hutchinson.  According to the Sun Gazette,  The South Williamsport Borough Council approved the next step for the development of 2.85 acres on Phillips Park Drive overlooking the Susquehanna River.  In other business on the council on Monday,  Casey Lowmiller, a former borough fire chief, was voted in to fill Henry Frey Jr. seat in the third ward.and they accepted the resignation of Councilman Richard Kershner in the first ward.

LANCERS ADVANCE AFTER VICTORY AGAINST CAMP HILL
In Local basketball last night, in a second round matchup at Shamokin, the Loyalsock Lancers, in thrilling fashion, after being down 49-35 with five minutes left in the third quarter, came back to defeat Camp Hill 66-65, thanks to a game winning shot by Eli Gair with 1.1 seconds remaining. Loyalsock advances to the state triple a quarterfinals and takes on Newman-Goretti this Saturday

Sports
NBA 76ers beat the Pistons 124 to 106, Knicks beat the Hawks 136-131, Hornets over the Heat 109 to 98, Mavericks beat Nuggets 113 to 97, Jazz and Thunder and Pelicans and Kings were not played due players health – Rudy Gobert of Utah Jazz tested positive for the virus.  According to the NBA, they are suspending game play until further notice due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
NHL
Blackhawks beat the Sharks, Jets over the Oilers 4-2, Blackhawks beat the Sharks 6-2, Blues over the Ducks 4-2, Avalanche over the Rangers 3-2, and Kings beat the Senators 3-2
Women’s Lacrosse
Lycoming beat Alburtus Magnus 16-6, Lock Haven beat Gannon 13-9
College Softball
Minnesota State beat Lock Haven 8 to 1 in Game one, and Lock Haven beat American International 5-3 in Game 2
Men’s lacrosse
Virginia Wesleyan be Lycoming 11 to 7
HS Swimming PIAA championships  Class AAA
Williamsport diver Jack Beattie advanced out of the first round taking 16th in the finals of the 1-meter diving competition.
HS Boys Basketball
P I-AA Class AAA Playoffs 2nd Round
Loyalsock beat  Camphill 66-65 in Shamokin with Eli Gair hitting a three-pointer at the buzzer, stunning Camp Hill.   Loyalsock came from a third quarter deficit to earn their spot in the Elite Eight this Saturday against Neumann- Goretti.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 11, 2020

FATHER JAILED AFTER CHILD INGESTS HEROIN
A man already jailed and facing drug charges in Lycoming County has been arraigned on a new set of charges after his 2 year old daughter almost died from drinking Gatorade he said was laced with heroin.  According to WNEP Harry Walker’s daughter went unresponsive at her mother’s home on High St in Williamsport June 19th and was taken to Williamsport Regional where she was resuscitated.  Doctors found the presence of opiates in the girls system and later Walker admitted to family members that the drugs were in a drink the girl had consumed.  He was arraigned on new charges Tuesday and was recommitted to Lycoming County prison in lieu of 150 thousand dollars additional bail

NO CRIME FOR DRIVER WHO STRUCK MAN IN WHEELCHAIR
The Lycoming County District Attorney has made a decision regarding the case surrounding the accidental death of a man in a wheelchair who was killed while crossing Pine and West 4th Street in Williamsport .  According to the Sun Gazette, city police report that 55 year old Tyrone Dunn was driving an SUV before 1pm October 19th that hit 66 year-old John Yarosz in his motorized scooter and  he was dragged about 100 feet.  The DA says that he cannot find evidence of criminal intent involving the incident, however, Dunn was violating parole while driving in Williamsport since he was restricted to the Harrisburg area unless given permission to travel.  He has now been put in state prison.

SOCIALIST RALLY IN BRANDON PARK THIS SPRING
The National Socialist Movement has chosen Williamsport’s Brandon Park for a rally in April and Mayor Derek Slaughter has denounced the movement by countering it with a positive community event called “Dare to be Different”.  According to a news release by the mayor, the City of Williamsport will protect the Socilaist group’s First Amendment right to freedom of speech with a large law enforcement presence and several road closures on April 18th from noon til 4 while working hard to no disrupt the community.  There will be a town hall meeting to explain details of the event on March 17th at 7pm on the Penn College Campus

HOTEL TAX GIFT FOR 14 AREA GROUPS
The Lycoming County Visitors Bureau and Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce awarded a total of 135 thousand dollars to 14 local organizations for their role in bolstering tourism in our area.  According to the Sun gazette, all the organizations who were on hand to receive it, including the Community Arts Center, Hiawatha Inc and World of Little League Museum received the gift gratefully as key partners in the travel and tourism industry. The funds are allocated from the county hotel tax

ARSON CHARGES FILED AGAINS WILLIAMSPORT WOMAN
A city woman has been charged with arson after setting fires in her Washington Blvd. home because she was upset that her husband left her.  According to the Sun Gazette, police did a welfare check on Margaret Sabatino after reports came in that she had posted suicidal messages on social media, and found her allegedly intoxicated,  with walls and windows of the home charred and smoking from a fire still burning in the curtains on the first and second floor.  City firefighters responded and made sure the blaze was out.   Sabatino was arraigned Tuesday on felony charges of attempted arson and other related charges and committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $85,000 bail.

STATE POLICE SEARCH FOR ANTIQUE CAR VANDAL
State police are searching for suspects who did about 100 thousand dollars in damage to an antique vehicle warehouse in Centre County.  According to WTAJ, state police were called to a burglary in Rush Township at about 2 in the afternoon on March 6th .  After an investigation, several antique cars that were stored on the premises were damaged.  If you have information about the vandalism, please call state police.

AREA HOSPITAL ASKING VISITORS TO WEAR MASKS
Geisinger medical center has announced its limiting visitors in its hospitals and clinics. Geisinger says non-essential visitors, including vendors are not allowed to see patients when they’re feeling poorly. Essential visitors are asked to wear a mask at all times on hospital premises.  Geisinger patients with scheduled appointments are also asked to wear a mask at all times. Visitors will be able to get masks at the front desk of its’ facilities.

THIRTY HOUR FUNDRAISER STARTS TONIGHT
Raise the Region 2020 starts tonight at 6pm and is a 30-hour fundraiser that supports hundreds of non-profit organizations in a 6 county area in conjunction with First Community Foundation Partnership.  Non-profits compete for 1.5 million dollars in donations and also benefit from 150 thousand dollars of stretch funds made available by Blaise Alexander family dealerships.   Find out more details about specific non-profits participating til midnight tomorrow at raise the region.org
Sports
NBA
Celtics beat the Pacers 114 to 111, Wizards beat the Knicks 122 to 115, Bull’s over the Cavaliers 108 to 103, Rockets over the Timberwolves 117 to 111, Magic beat the Grizzlies 120 to 115, Spurs over the Mavericks 119 to 109, Trailblazers over the Suns 121 to 105, Clippers beat the Warriors 131 to 107, Nets over the Lakers 104 to 102
NHL
Maple Leafs beat Lightning 2 to 1, Predators over Canadiens 4-2, Penguins beat the Devils 5-2, Bruins blanked the Flyers 2-nothing, Hurricanes beat the Red Wings 5-2, Rangers beat the Stars 4-2, and Cannucks over the Islanders 5-4, Ducks beat the Senators 5-2
HS Boys Basketball
PIAA Class AAAA – Imhotep beat Montoursville 60 to 38
Class A – Southern Fulton beat St. John Neumann  59-57
HS Girls Basketball
PIAA Class AAA – West Catholic beat Loyalsock 62-39
College Softball
Game 1, Malone beat Lock Haven 6-2 and in Game 2, Lock Haven beat Fairmont State 3-2, Lycoming over Norwich 5-4 in Game 1, and in Game 2, Lycoming beat PSU Abington 10-1 in 5 innings
College Baseball
Penn College beat Lehman  9 to 1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 10, 2020

URBAN EXPLORERS ARRESTED FOR TRESPASSING
Two Pennsylvania teens have been charged with defiant trespassing after state troopers say they entered an abandoned hotel in Montour County.  According to police, 19 year old Kobey Heberling, of Lebanon, Pa., and 18 year old Emilee Frazier of Fredericksburg, called themselves urban explorers and had found out about the Days Inn in Valley Township being abandoned on Facebook.  Milton State police said the two defied the owner who told them they were trespassing on February 29th and once police arrived on the scene, took Heberling and Frazier into custody.
LAW WILL ACCOMMODATE OUTDATED GUN BUY BACK
A city law will be modified so that sniper rifles can be sold to to retiring officers.  Police Cheif Damon Hagan asked for the change at a city council meeting on February 20th so that an older outdated rifle can be sold to a retiring officer from the Special Response Team.  According to media outlets money from sale of firearms will go into the police general fund.

NEW ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM IN WILLIAMSPORT
The City of Williamsport has a new administrative team, named by Mayor Derek Slaughter Monday, solidifying the engineering, public safety and recreation departments.  According to the Sun Gazette Police Chief Damon Hagan was named as director of public safety – an unpaid position, making his goal to add a sense of teamwork between the departments.  Slaughter also called on Mark Killian the city assistant fire chief, to be chief of the 33-personnel department and Jon Sander, who has a professional civil engineer certification, was named full-time city engineer.  Kayla Drummond will oversee the recreation department.

VALLEY HOSPITAL OFFICIALS ANNOUNCE COVID-19 PLANS
Health care providers in our area are working together to ensure local safety as COVID-19 or coronavirus appears in Pennsylvania.  In a news conference Monday officials from  UPMC Susquehanna alongside UPMC Health Plan and Geisinger, spoke of the preparation and plans in place for the potential spread of the virus.   Doctors said that symptoms of coronavirus can overlap with other respiratory viruses and that we should be just as concerned about the flu because both are important to watch.  Hospital officials say the are increasing precaution and protection with the development of new tests, and removing financial testing barriers by waiving some fees.  Geisinger has also established a hotline for the public to ask questions and get general information about the virus. 570-284-3657

MOTHER ARRESTED AFTER BABY HAS ALLEGED METH BURNS
A Williampsort woman has been charged with endangering the welfare of a 19 month old child after the baby’s father brought the child to the hospital with burns he said were caused by methamphetamine.  According to North Central Pa dot com, Jazalyn M. Welshans allegedly was home February 7th with the child and other adults who were using or manufacturing meth.  An adult in attendance was treated at UPMC for similar burns according to a police affidavit, but Welshans did not take the child to the hospital to treat the blisters that were reportedly  on 11 percent of the child’s body.  The mother was arraigned March 6th, with bail set at 75 thousand dollars and a preliminary hearing March 12th.

ROUTE 220 SAFTEY CORRIDOR PLAN MEETING WELL ATTENDED
A public meeting last night to outline the construction schedule of the Route 220 safety corridor in Woodward and Piatt townships by the State Department of Transportation had more than 140 residents attend – some who voiced concerns and dissatisfaction with the project.  According to the Sun Gazette, some in attendance said the project was previously designed by those who don’t understand what the township needs.  County officials speculate there could be lower response times in emergencies due to the project which will eliminate left turns on both sides Route 220, install acceleration and deceleration lanes and large U-turns. The project has also doubled in price to 40.9 million dollars.  Tony Mussare, Lycoming County commissioner, attended the meeting to hear from constituents about their concerns.

CITY STATEMENT ON CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE
The city of Williamsport has released a statement regarding the coronavirus in Lycoming county area.  According to Mayor Derick Slaughter, public safety officials from the city are closely monitoring confirmed cases of coronavirus within the Commonwealth, however, there are no reported cases in Lycoming County. City officials are continuing to work with public safety and health care officials so that they are prepared in case of any health emergency.  10 cases have been reported in PA.  If you feel sick please contact your healthcare provider or find details regarding the coronavirus at Health.PA.gov or call 1877-PA HEALTH.

INSURANCE COMPANIES TO WAIVE FEES FOR CORONAVIRUS TESTING
Major health insurers in Pennsylvania will cover testing for the new coronavirus, according to a news release from   Gov. Tom Wolf’s office.   The health insurers are Highmark, UPMC Health Plan, Geisinger, Independence BlueCross, Capital Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Pennsylvania Health & Wellness, and Oscar.  According ot the Goovernor, no Pennsylvanian should forego testing for any reason, if deemed medically necessary, including fear of what it might cost. Some commercial labs in the state have begun to perform tests for the coronavirus, which means they will begin billing insurance for the COVID-19 testing as they would for any other diagnostic testing.

Sports
NBA
Hawks beat the Hornets 143 to 138, the Nuggets over the Bucks 109 to 95, Raptors beat Jazz 101 to 92
NHL
Sabers over the Capitals 3 to 2, Jets beat the Coyotes 4 to 2, Panthers over the Blues 2 to 1, Golden Knights beat Oilers 3 to 2, Kings over Avalanche 3-1,
Women’s Basketball
Bucknell beat Army 87-61 in the Patriot League Quarterfinals, they now play in the Semi’s Thursday at Sojka Pavilion at 6 PM
College Baseball
Lockhaven beat Virginia State 2 to 1
College Softball

Eureka over Lycoming 5-nothing and Lycoming beat Fitchburg State 11 one in North Myrtle Beach at the SLIAC championship.
HS Girls wrestling – Sunday

Montoursville’s Dominika Daugherty- 2nd seed at 128lbs- finished second on Sunday in the MyHouse Pennsylvania Girls State championships in Gettysburg.  Canton’s Miah Lehman was 3rd

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 9, 2020

UNION COUNTY FIRE DISPLACES 3RD STREET TENANTS
A fast moving fire happened in Lewisburg Sunday.  Union County Fire officials say that an apartment fire began at 25 North 3rd Street after the occupant left a pan on the stove and left the home.   According to the Daily item the grease fire that started in 26 year old Leif McGeehan’s kitchen, caused heavy damage to the second-floor apartment and part of the attic.  The William Cameron Engine Company Chief Jamie Blount said the six people occupying the five apartments escaped unharmed and that everyone evacuated the building safely.  There was minor smoke damage from the fire and crews working there shut down parts of  3rd Street just after 11 am and cleared out about 3 hours later.  The fire was ruled an accident.

COUNCIL APPROVES DEMOTION OF OFFICER
City Council has voted unanimously on the penalty to demote a city seargeant after a confidential disciplinary hearing was held with the Council and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 29.  According to the Sun Gazette, City Council officials said Dustin Reeder formerly a sergeant was suspended without pay for 30 days and reduced to the rank of patrolman.  The nature of Reeder’s alleged offense is confidential and handled through Civil Service provisions.

TREE REMOVAL IN BRADFORD COUNTY THIS WEEK
A PennDOT contractor, will a tree removal project today along Grange Road, approximately one-half mile northwest of the Route 414 and Route 3013 intersection, in Franklin Township, Bradford County.  The contractor will be performing selective tree cutting, removal, and trimming using daylight signing with flaggers. The trees are being removed in preparation for a bridge replacement, which will start in April and May of 2020, during which time a detour using Route 414 and Route 3009 will be in place.  The tree removal is expected to take two to three weeks to complete.

STUDENTS COMPETE IN INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT
The North Central Regional Odyssey of the Mind competition that included 28 area schools was Saturday in Berwick, one of 6 regional tournaments across the state.  According to the Sun gazette, more than 350 students competed on 57 teams and 28 teams qualified to advance to sTates in April at Lock Haven.  Odyssey of the Mind is an international competition that involves teams of up to seven students working on one of 5 long term problems.  Winning teams are from a host of Lycoming county schools – Full results are available at ncpaodyssey.org.

WOMAN DIES AFTER  IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY WRECK
A Point Township woman has died from injuries sustained in a crash Thursday night in  Northumberland County.  According to the Union County Coroner, 37-year-old Natasha Lalchan died Friday at Geisinger Medical Center. The crash happened on the Old Danville Highway Thursday night where Lalchan suffered from multiple injuries just before midnight Thursday in the 700 block of Old Danville Highway. Police say Lalchan was not wearing a seat belt and toxicology reports are pending.

SIX CORONAVIRUS CASES IN PA
Governor Wolf announced Friday morning that there are confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Pennsylvania  and officials are tracking down those who had contact with them.  According to  the Pennsylvania Department of Health.  According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, 6 presumed positive coronavirus cases have been identified in Pennsylvania. Four are in Montgomery County, one is in Delaware County, and one is in Wayne County.  New Jersey has also reported six presumed positive coronavirus cases, including one in Cherry Hill .  Despite a statistic from world health officials, the fatality rate of coronavirus is almost lower than 3.4%. The virus has infected around 100,000 people worldwide and killed over 3,400, the vast majority of them in China and more than half of those infected have recovered.

DUBOISTOWN AND SOUTHSIDE POLICE OFFICIALLY MERGE
The file records, equipment and all personal items of the former Duboistown police department have been relocated into a South Williamsport Borough substation as of the end of last week.  The public safety director for South Williamsport told the Sun Gazette that there is still work being done at the Duboistown substation since some detectives can still work on cases there.  The record management systems for both departments can be accessed from South Williamsport and some information must be kept in Duboistown for future legal proceedings.

LOCAL CHEF TO COMPETE ON COOKING SHOW
A  Susquehanna Valley chef will be competing this summer on the tv show Hell’s Kitchen with Gordon Ramsey .  Harrisburg native Drew Tingley show was chosen to compete in the show taped last year.  According to PennLive, Tingley is in a preview clip of the upcoming season while he competes in the kitchen.  He now works as a line cook at Ard’s Farm in Lewisburg.

 Sports
NBA
Nets beat the Bulls 110 to 107, Pelicans beat the Timberwolves 120 to 107, Lakers beat the Clippers 112 to 103, Thunder over the Celtics 105 to 104, Suns over the Bucks 140 to 131, Heat over the Wizards 100 to 89, Pacers beat the Mavericks 112 to 109, Magic beat Rockets 126 to 106, Cavaliers beat the Spurs 132 to 129, Knicks beat the Pistons 96 to 84, Raptors over the Kings 118 to 113
NHL
Hurricanes beat the Penguins 6-2, Red Wings over Lightning 5 to 4, Golden Knights beat the Flames 5 to 3, Blues over Blackhawks 2-nothing, wild beat the Ducks 5-4, Blue Jackets over Canucks 2-1, and Avalanche beat the Sharks 4-3
College wrestling
Jared Siegrist became Lock Haven University‘s first Mid-American Conference champion he was 4 and 0 and won th 174 pound title and one of four teamates who qualify for the NCAA championships – Those brackets and seeds TBA March 11 announced on NCAA.com
HS Wrestling
PIAA Class AA State Champions
The Warriors finished 2nd in the team standings 106 – Freshman Branden Wetzel, Montoursville,  120 – Senior Sheldon Seymour – Troy is a 2 time state champion, 195 – Senior Gaige (gage) Garcia – of Southern Columbia was Named Outstanding Wrestler of tournament  and 220 – Senior Cameron Wood – Montoursville ** For first time in school history, Montoursville crowns multiple state champs in one season
P IAA class AAA
Derick Kean advanced from Central Mountain over Upper Darby to secure a medal in states .
HS Basketball – Friday
Boys PI-AA Class AAAA
Montoursville Warriors beat Nanticoke 66-51 winning the first state playoff game since 1985 and will play three time defending state championship Imhotep in Tuesday’s second round.
Boys Class A
Saint John Neumann beat Conestoga 79-70
HS Basketball Girls- Friday
PIAA class AAA
Loyalsock defeats Notre Dame-GreenPond 57-53 in the first round Friday night – They play Tuesday in the 2nd Round against West Catholic
Men’s Basketball – Friday
NCAA Division III Elmhurst beat Lycoming 97-73

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 6, 2020

SCHOOL SHUTS DOWN AFTER DUST FIRE IN WOOD SHOP
After a small fire started in a dust collector in the high school’s woodshop, the Montgomery Area School District evacuated students yesterday at 12:15pm .  According to the Sun Gazette, the Clinton Township firefighters and other volunteers responded to a fire at 120 Penn St. around 11:20am Thursday when the shop teacher pulled the alarm once the fire was discovered.  Fire officials said the blaze was accidental caused by a spark from a machine and damage is confined to the ductwork in the ventilation system at the school.  Montgomery Area School District is closed again today to clean the building and maintain the smoke detectors there.

COUNCIL WILL WAIT TO DECIDE ON RECONSTRUCTION BIDS
Williamsport City Council has decided to table a decision awarding reconstruction bids after a bidding-construction company owner spoke up at the about discrepancies he sees in how they decide who should be awarded the contracts Thursday night.  According to the Sun Gazette, Ryan King, minority owner of Big Rock Paving said he did all the right things and bid less than the second lowest bidder, Glenn O Hawbaker, who was recommended for the 1.3 million dollar contract and has done regular work for the city.

EDUCATION CELEBRATION RECOGNIZES STUDENTS
The Williamsport/Lycoming chamber of Commerce 19th Annual Education Celebration took place at the Williamsport Country Club Thursday.  Jersey Shore High School student Maxwell Ferguson was honored as the Outstanding Senior of the Year. They presented Alumni of the Year awards to Mark Sitler of Lycoming College class of 1986, and Christopher Gayman, Pennsylvania College of Technology class of 2010.  Other students and educators were also recognized and High Steel Structures Inc. received the Business Partner in Education Award.

PENNDOT RESUMES CRACK SEALING WORK MONDAY
A regional crack sealing project on several local roadways in Lycoming County will resume this coming  Monday, March 9, weather permitting.  Routes effected will be Route 44 between Elimsport and Collomsville, Jacks Hollow Road between Duboistown and Bastress, and Route 42 between Beech Glen and Route 118.  A daylight traffic pattern will be in these locations using flaggers, please be alert and watch for changing traffic patterns.

MAN PUNCHES 69 YEAR-OLD WOMAN IN THE FACE
A 47 year old man has been arrested after Old Lycoming Township police say he struck a 69 year old woman with a closed fist in the face after she accidentally ran over his foot with a grocery cart Thursday.  According to the Sun Gazette, Eric Graham of Williamsport, allegedly struck Ramona Dimassimo in the face around 9:15 am and then fled the scene.  Dimassimo was treated at Williamsport Regional and is in stable condition.  Graham was taken into custody after the incident at his 6th St. home and is facing several assault charges including reckless endangerment.

CORONAVIRUS TRAVEL PRECAUTIONS FOR PA
There are updated travel guidance announcements according to Pennsylvania state officials amid a worldwide outbreak of the new Coronavirus, or COVID-19.  According to the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine, anyone who has arrived in Pennsylvania from China or Iran anytime during the outbreaks there will be notified by the state health department they must stay home and practice social distancing for 14 days after travel. Anyone who has returned from travel in Italy or South Korea within the past 14 days should also self-quarantine for 14 days. Those residents should call 1-877-PA-HEALTH to inform the state health department of their travel schedules.

PAY TAXES AT NEW TREASURER’S OFFICE LOCATION
The Lycoming County Treasurer’s Office is accepting real estate taxes in their newly relocated office along with the county assessment office in same building, the Third Street Plaza at 33 West Third St. starting this month.  The Treasurer’s office also has dog licenses and fishing licenses available to purchase.  2020 hunting licenses will be available there as well beginning mid-June.  According to the Sun Gazette, the public can carry cell phones in these offices.  Normal business hours are between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

DUI TASK FORCE PREPPING FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY
The Lycoming County DUI Task force has released a statement as we approach the St Patrick’s Day holiday and residents start making plans.  According to a press release by Team DUI coordinator Chief Joseph Hope, full DUI enforcement is planned from now until March 17th  and he asks you to designate a sober driver in all cases.  Don’t depend on the Luck of the Irish, if you drive stay 100 percent sober.
Sports
NBA
Nuggets beat the Hornets 114 to 112, the Clippers over the Rockets 120 to 105, 76er’s beat the Kings 125 to 108, Raptors over the Warriors 121 to 113
NHL
Penguins beat the Sabres 4 to 2, Lightning beat the Canadians 4-nothing, Bruins over the Panthers 2-1, Rangers beat the Capitals 6-5, Flyers over the Hurricanes 4-1, Senators beat the Islanders 4-3, Predators blanked the Stars 2-nothing, Blackhawks beat the Oilers4-3, Kings beat the Maple Leafs 1-nothing, and Wild over Sharks 3-2
Men’s basketball
7th seed Bucknell upset 2nd seed American last night 64-59 in the Patriot League Quarterfinals – They now play Boston University Sunday at noon in the semi-finals
HS Wrestling
PIAA class AA
Montoursville’s Cameron Wood, who was last year’s 4th place finisher,  wrapped up the morning in Hershey yesterday as the last of five on his team to win in the first round,  they all move on to today’s quarterfinals in Hershey / Milton’s Kyler Crawford won 9-6 against McGuffey, and will wrestle in Hershey today / Derek Keen from Central Mountain advances to a consolation round today with a win against Cedar Cliff and in AAA – Williamsport’s  Riley Bauer advances with a 3-0 win over Quakertown.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 5, 2020

PARK AVENUE FIRE DETERMINED TO BE AN ACCIDENT
The fire that displaced several households on the 300 block of Park Avenue has been declared accidental according to the Williamsport city Assistant Fire Chief.  The Sun Gazette reports that the fire on February 25th started by unattended cooking around 2:30am in the first-floor apartment of the three-story 12-unit apartment building and that 15 tenants have been displaced.  The City Codes Department has condemned the building but not damage estimates have been set.

ELM PARK FIELDS MAY BE IN USE THIS YEAR
City Officials may approve a 5 year lease agreement tonight for Elm Park Fields so that amateur and school softball could be played there once again.  According to the Sun Gazette, the non-profit Lycoming County Softball Association has had positive feedback from city officials about reviving the sport there.  The park is near Original Little League field and across West Fourth Street near Bowman Field.  Mayor Derek Slaughter and other members of council drafted a resolution for using the location and a proposed agreement to lease the fields for games this spring and summer. The park will also remain open for public use.

TATTOO POLICY CHANGING FOR PSP
The Pennsylvania State Police have announced that troopers are allowed to have tattoos on their arms now, but have to wear long-sleeves that conceal them when they’re on duty. Colonel Robert Evanchick, the state police commissioner, said that the agency hopes the new policy will widen its field of potential recruits. Troopers still may not have tattoos that are above their neckline or below their wrist. Tattoos that could be seen as hateful or discriminatory are prohibited./

CROSSCUTTERS GET SUPPORT IN WASHINGTON
The Williamsport Crosscutters and New-York Penn League have good friends in Washington.  According to the Sun Gazette Rep. Fred Keller, R-Kreamer voted yesterday for a bill that looks to spare the Cutters as well as the State College Spikes from elomination from the minor league line-up.  The legilations may require the Government Accountability Office to evaluate the economic impact of the plan proposal.  Keller said both teams support the local economies and a bridge for players to the Major Leagues. Opening day at home for the Crosscutters, a class A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, is on June 19 with the Spikes.

POLICE SEEKING SUSPECT WHO DID MAILBOX DAMAGE
Investigators are looking for a suspect from a weekend incident in which mailboxes were damaged in Fairfield Township.  According to the Sun Gazette, nine mailboxes were damaged overnight last Saturday between the 800 and 1400 blocks of Cemetery Road.  Damage estimates were around $900, if you have information please call state police.

MUNICIPALITY STORM WATER FEES DISCUSSED
The Lycoming County Water & Sewer Authority last night reviewed the way stormwater runoff fees will be assessed on properties in South Williamsport and DuBoistown at their regular monthly meeting.  Without settling on a rate, the authority said it will use a 5 tier structure based on resistant areas with regard to stormwater runoff per square-feet of property.  Properties with less than 400 square feet of impervious area would be exempt from paying the fee. The municipalities are mandated to undertake measures to reduce sediment loads reaching the Susquehanna River as part of the Chesapeake Bay Pollution Reduction Plan and will take effect in July.

1700’S CABIN FOUND DURING WASHINGTONVILLE DEMOLITION
A cabin dating to the 1780s discovered during a demolition of a condemned bar in Washintonville is being taken down piece by piece and will be reconstructed during the 2021 Montour-Delong Community Fair in 2021.  According to WNEP, Washingtonville Borough Council President Frank Dombroski says crews began removing siding from the cabin located on Water Street Tuesday.  Montour County Commissioners approved the Community Development Block Grant funds for demolition of the old building. Dombroski says the Montour-DeLong Fair board expects to get donations, grants, and volunteers for the reconstruction of the log cabin.
Sports
NBA
Celtics beat the Cavaliers 112 to 106, Thunder over Pistons 114 to 107, Bucks beat the Pacers 119 to 100, Heat beat Magic 116 to 113, Grizzlies over the Nets 118 to 79, Jazz beat the Knicks 112 to 104, Timberwolves beat the Bulls 115 to 108, Mavericks over the Pelicans 127-123, Trailblazers over the Wizards 125 to 104.
NHL
Flyers beat the capitals 5 to 2, flames over the blue jackets 3 to 2, ducks beat avalanche 4 to 3, coyotes over the Canucks 4 to 2
Women’s Basketball
Bucknell beat Lafayette 57-47 winning their regular-season finale
Minnesota beat Penn State in the Big Ten tournament 85-65
Women’s Lacrosse
Susquehanna beat Lycoming  17 to 8, Lock Haven over Millersville 15-6

POLICE INVESTIGATE PENN TOWNSHIP HOMICIDE-SUICIDE
On Tuesday morning, a Hughesville man shot his girlfriend, called an ambulance alleging a sick child needed help at their Mount Zion Hill Road house, and then shot and killed himself, with children nearby, police reports allege.  According to the Sun Gazette, 36 year old Wesley Minier and 29 year old Kristin Paige Walter were found deceased in different rooms of the home when emergency crews arrived, who found two children safe and took them into custody.  Minier had been free on bail from drug charges he faced from a year ago and was scheduled to plead guilty in Lycoming County Court later this month.  A police investigation blocked the roadway in Penn Township near Beaver Lake Road from just after 6am, but was opened after the police investigation was complete around 11am yesterday.

CORONAVIRUS TALK ON THE FOREFRONT LOCALLY
Many organizations and groups are taking precautions locally to combat the spread of the coronavirus should it make it close to home.  West Branch School was closed Tuesday according to social media since there were so many absences from a stomach flu, they opted to close and clean the facilities.  The Lycoming County Department of Public Safety issued a statement that they are actively monitoring developments from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide the most current information.  UPMC Susquehanna spokesman Tyler Wagner confirmed Tuesday that there have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus across the health system.  The Diocese of Scranton also announced precautions for the celebration of Mass in the 11 counties of the Diocese- opting for no-contact.

WILLIAMSPORT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
A full agenda of business was discussed at the Williamsport Area School Board meeting last night, including talks about budget season.  According to the Sun Gazette, Superintendent Dr. Timothy S. Bowers said he will address individual principals and departments to prepare.  Bowers also made an announcement that there is a career fair at the school March 12th and they are still seeking any organizations or companies who would like to participate in the WAHS Career Fair next Thursday.

LYCO STUDENT NAMED ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Lycoming College freshman Dyson Harward, who recently lead the MAC Commonwealth and set a new basketball program record with 64 blocked shots, was named the City of Basketball Love Division III Rookie of the Year. His coach, Mike McGarvey, was elected honorable mention coach of the year. According to the Sun Gazette, McGarvey will lead the Warriors into the first round of the NCAA championship Friday in Wooster, Ohio to play 15th ranked Elmhurst at 4 PM.

THREE CHARGED FOR ROBBERY ATTACHED TO A MURDER CASE
After an investigation into a 2018 Coal Township murder, three men who allegedly made false statements to authorities are also facing robbery charges.  According to the Daily Item, John Feather, of Shamokin, Seth Lytle, of Middleburg, and Madison Collins, of Coal Township, were all charged Tuesday.  The three allegedly set up another man, David Rivera, in a drug deal January 24, 2018 with a plan to rob him.  Police say, another actor, 19-year-old Sabian Ebersole was arrested for the murder of RIvera.  Ebersole has since plead guilty in Northumberland County court  to voluntary manslaughter in exchange for a 3-to-6-year sentence.

PA INCREASING TESTING CAPABILITIES FOR CORONAVIRUS
According to the Pennsylvania state health secretary, Dr. Rachel Levine, a state laboratory is now able to handle about six tests per day for the new coronavirus that’s moving across the globe.  Levine says equipment is on the way that should increase its testing capacity and that private labs are likely to soon get federal permission to do testing.  Levine says people who fear they may have COVID-19 should call their doctor or hospital. Those health care workers can take a sample if testing is necessary.

NORTHUMBERLAND ADDED TO PEST QUARANTINE LIST
A dozen Pennsylvania counties, including Northumberland, have been added to Pennsylvania’s Spotted Lanternfly quarantine zone ahead of the 2020 spring hatch. The quarantine for this invasive pest now covers 26 counties.  Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said today that the new counties have a few municipalities with a known infestation which led to a quarantine being placed on the entire county out of an abundance of caution. Allegheny, Beaver, Blair, Columbia, Cumberland, Huntingdon, Juniata, Luzerne, Mifflin, Northumberland, Perry, and York have been added to the quarantine for 2020. Quick, aggressive treatment to newly identified populations of Spotted Lanternfly in Pennsylvania was funded through the Rapid Response Disaster Readiness line of Governor Wolf’s 2019 PA Farm Bill. The 2020 PA Farm Bill proposes another $3 million to combat the invasive pest.

REAL-ID RESPONSE BETTER THAN EXPECTED IN PA
PennDOT says that Pennsylvania is going to meet the projected demand numbers for REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and photo ID cards. PennDOT projected that 1.3 million of its customers would get a REAL ID prior to the federal deadline of October 1, 2020. Since last March 1, 2019 PennDOT has processed about 2.7 million customers, with more than 826,000 individuals choosing to opt in to the REAL ID program.  Residents are encouraged to get the REAL ID if they want one as soon as possible.

Sports
NBA
Spurs beat the Hornets 104 to 103, Nets beat the Celtics at 129 to120 Timberwolves defeated the Pelicans 139 to 134, Clippers over Thunder 109 to 94, Warriors beat Nuggets 116 to 100, Raptors over the Suns 123 to 114, Lakers beat the 76ers 120 to 107, Kings over the Wizards 133 to 126
NHL
Canadians beat the Islanders 6 to 2, Blues over the Rangers 3 to 1, Penguins beat the Senators 7-3, Bruins over Lightning 2 to 1, Wild beat Predators 3 to 1, Jets over the Sabres 3 to 1, Blackhawks beat the Ducks 6-2, Oilers over Stars 2 to 1, Golden Knights blanked the Devils 3-nothing, and Sharks over Maple Leafs 5-2
Men’s Basketball
Bucknell beat Holy Cross 65-62, Michigan State beat Penn State 79-71

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 3, 2020

OFFICER INVOLVED IN TWO-CAR ACCIDENT
An investigation has begun after an officer in Williamsport was involved in a two-car accident while responding to an emergency call Monday evening in Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, an unnamed woman was driving west  on 4th Street in Subaru and the patrolman was heading north on Market Street in a marked cruiser when they had a collision around 7:40pm.  The woman declined treatment, but the officer was transported to Williamsport Regional according to city police. No word on whether the cruiser had lights and sirens on at the time of the crash.

LOCOMOTIVE FUEL LEAK IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY
There is a locomotive leaking fuel in the area of of Ridge Road, in Point Township and crews are expected to be working at the scene through this morning. According ot PennDOT, Motorists who travel Route 11 northbound in Northumberland County should expect the right lane to be closed. Northbound traffic will be directed  away from the zone while the work is being completed.

PRESIDENT TRUMP COMES TO THE COMMONWEALTH THIS WEEK
Fox news is hosting a town Hall meeting with President Donald Trump in Scranton this week.  According to Penn Live, the president will speak Thursday at the Scranton Cultural Center from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and will focus on national and world events and issues for the 2020 presidential election.  Moderators for the event are Fox Show hosts Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum.  According to WNEP free tickets were given out for the event last week. The venue has a capcity of about 1800.

ZONING PROPOSAL IN THE WORKS
The Williamsport City planning commission will look at proposed changes by the zoning administrator, that could change zoning ordinances  in the city creating a flexible environment for future businesses here.  According to the Sun Gazette, the proposed changes are designed to fill store fronts  with multi-family dwellings on the second floors and other revitalization, not only in the central business district, but also commercial areas and institutional zones. The zoning administrator Monday asked the planning commission to review the proposal so that changes could be incorporated into a draft before it goes to the economic revitalization committee and council.

PRESCRIPTIONS STOLEN FROM PARKED TRUCK
State police are looking for a person who stole miscellaneous prescription drugs from a parked vehicle at a residence in Fairfield Township.  According to North Central PA dot com, the theft happened sometime last  Thursday and Friday near Ruben Kehrer Road in Muncy when the suspect went into a 2009 Fort F-150XLT and took 6 containers of recently filled prescription drugs.  If you have information, contact state police in Montoursville. 570-368-5700

FORMER NON-PROFIT DIRECTOR PLEADS GUILTY
The former Clinton County United Way Director who was charged with taking $22,000 from the United Way between April 2018 and July 2019 plead guilty yesterday in Clinton County Court.  Accoridng to North Central PA dot com, Maria Garlick of Lock Haven pleaded guilty to felonies of the third degree after allegedly using the funds to overpay her health stipend and used United Way debit cards for personal purchases.  According to court records, Garlick’s attorney said his client will have paid restitution in full to the Clinton County United Way by the time she is sentenced April 13th 2020.  She faces a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.

SOUTHSIDE SCHOOLBOARD DECISIONS
The South Williamsport School Board met for its regular monthly meeting Monday and discussed fundraising needs and the possibility of hiring a communications director for the job.  According to Superintendent Dr. Mark Stamm says the person in that position could oversee a capital construction and renovation project and also handle marketing duties and other tasks.  The discussion was tabled for a later date, but in other business, the board approved the creation of a student support position for special education students, and made amendments to the number of social studies credits required for graduation.

WILLIAMSPORT STUDENT WINS PA WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHOP
Marissa Rumsey, a Williamsport native, won the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Championships jumping up 27 pounds from last year and reaching her quest for her second straight title on Friday and Saturday, at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena in Johnstown, according to the Sun Gazette.

Sports
NBA
Jazz beat the Cavaliers 126 to 113, Knicks beat the Rockets 125-123, Trailblazers beat the Magic 130 to 107, Grizzlies beat Hawks 127 to 88, Heat beat Bucks 105 to 89, Bulls beat the Mavericks 109-107, Pacers over the Spurs 116 to 111

NHL
Avalanche beat Red Wings 2 to 1, Oilers over the Predators 8 to 3

Men’s Basketball
Westchester beat Lock Haven 83-73
Women’s Basketball
Shepherd over Lock Haven 81-59

The NCAA Selection Show revealed Monday Lycoming Men’s Basketball team is in the Division III Championship Tournament on Friday against Elmhurst at 4 PM followed by Grove City and Wooster in OH at 6:30 PM  – the winners of those two games play Saturday @7.

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