BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 11, 2020

A Concurrent resolution was passed in the GOP-controlled General Assembly this week that directing Governor Wolf to end the COVID-19 disaster emergency order issued on March 6 and renewed on June 3. The governor has vowed to veto the move,Wolf  said ending the disaster emergency prematurely takes away services from people and places affected by COVID-19, the ability to waive job search requirements for residents to receive unemployment benefits, the presence of the National Guard in nursing homes, and deploying materials and resources.

Shots were fired and Williamsport police are searching for suspects after an incident in the 2100 block of Newberry Street Wednesday afternoon.  According to the Sun Gazette, witnesses said gun shots were heard and 2 men ran across a church parking lot fleeing the scene in a white four-door Chrysler 200 sedan along Diamond Street just after 4pm. Police blocked off the area for about an hour and investigated the scene finding ballistics evidence, but no reports that anyone was injured in the shooting.

Governor Wolf announced new preliminary guidance for high school and recreational sports teams to begin in-person activities like voluntary workouts, in the state’s yellow and green phases. The guidance includes college and professional sports. Public and private K-12 schools in yellow and green can resume if they develop an athletic health and safety plan that is approved by the local board of directors and posted on the school’s website.  Recreational and amateur sports teams in the green phase that are not affiliated with a K-12 school can hold in-person activities, following CDC guidelines. Parents and other spectators should practice social distancing, wear face coverings and not enter the field or bench areas.

The Lycoming County commissioners are expected to make decisions on an amendment today restricting hunting preserves to areas zoned resource protection. The commissioners and the county planning commission previously discussed the issue including the pros and cons of allowing such activities.  According to the Sun Gazette, a petition opposing the hunting preserve on land owned by Stacy Fry in Muncy Township was opposed by 50 people. The commissioners noted concerns but Commissioner Scott Metgzer said that the different government bodies, and supervisors, have done their due diligence considering the matter and it’s time to vote on it.

According to State troopers in Milton, there is a death investigation going on in Turbot Township.  Police say two deaths occurred at a home on Phillips Road in Northumberland County.  Troopers say the call came in Wednesday afternoon around 1pm with reports of a deceased male and female on the property northeast of Milton as a result of traumatic injuries.   they were called this afternoon and that they deaths were because of traumatic injuries.  Northumberland County Chief Deputy Coroner James R. Gotlob, said the coroner’s office is not releasing any information at this time due to the pending state police investigation.

Williamsport City Council will meet online tonight via Zoom technology and is expected to amend Mayor Derek Slaughter’s proclamation on outside gatherings no larger than 250 which are now following Gov. Tom Wolf’s recommendations for preventing spread of COVID-19. According to the Sun Gazette, they will also review a subrecipient agreement between River Valley Transit and Lycoming County for the Unified Planning Work Program for 2020 through 2022.concerning planning of the Williamsport Area Transportation Study. There has also been a change in the city recreation commission meeting time to noon Mondaychanging from previously at 4pm.

Sunbury revitalization has announced that The Lake Augusta Wine and Beer Festival will still be held this year, just later.  The festival scheduled for September 19 has been postponed to Saturday, December 12 at the Albright Center in multiple sessions in order to not exceed the 250 person limit Details can be found on the event page for the festival. The Sandwich Stroll in Sunbury originally scheduled for June 27 has also been postponed to a later date.

SPORTS
NASCAR
Martin Truex Jr won his first NASCAR series Cup Race of the year at Martinsville Virginia yesterday in its’ first race under the lights and his first race with new crew chief Jason Small. Ryan Blaney, Brad Keslowski and Joey Logano on Team Penske followed in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.

Two days after Bubba Wallace, the lone black driver in NASCAR’s three national series, called for the sanctioning body to ban all Confederate flags at racetracks, the organization made an announcement Wednesday that the display of the Confederate flag will be prohibited from all NASCAR events and properties.  NASCAR did not address how it would enforce the policy or indicate any penalties for fans who violate it by bringing the Confederate flag to a track.

NBA
LA Lakers LeBron James and other black athletes and entertainers are teaming together in a new group geared toward energizing black voters and thwarting voter suppression in cities around the country that could prove critical in the upcoming presidential election. The nonprofit organization, named More Than a Vote, encourages African Americans to register and vote in November and also expose voter suppression tactics, such as misinformation spread through social media.

Harry Glickman, the founder of the Portland Trail Blazers and general manager of the franchise’s only NBA title-winning team in 1977, died Wednesday. He was 96.  The team announced Glickman’s death. No cause was given. Under Glickman, the Trail Blazers set an American sports record with 814 consecutive home sellouts, a feat later surpassed by the Boston Red Sox.

MLB
Arizona State slugger Spencer Torkelson made history when the Detroit Tigers selected him with the first pick in the 2020 MLB draft on Wednesday, making him the first college first baseman and the first right-handed-hitting first baseman ever selected with the first overall pick.  Torkelson played first base at Arizona State, but the Tigers announced him as a third baseman.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 10, 2020

“NEW NORMAL” FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION IN WILLIAMSPORT IS ON
After overcoming many state hurdles, the city of Williamsport, the Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce and Backyard Broadcasting have been cleared to hold the 25th annual 4th of July Celebration Fireworks with no vendors, bands or crowds.  With UPMC Susquehanna as the main  sponsor, families are encouraged to have small gatherings and watch the show from a new location that will be accessable from many city neighborhoods, Saturday July 4th around 9:50pm.  After some final details are worked out and protocols are finalized, we will have more details available at all the Backyard Broadcasting websites and Facebook pages.

SUMMER ACTIVITY GUIDELINES IN PA
Governor Tom Wolf and the PA Department of Health  has issued guidelines for families seeking summer activities and day camps, so that the  providers of these programs can understand how to operate.  Information on which types of programs are permitted and additional requirements in yellow and green phase counties, group size, face covering requirements for youth and staff, status of playgrounds and operation guidelines for public pools and DCNR facilities.  Guidance related to reopening public schools will be released by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The full list of frequently asked questions is available HERE.

TROOPER ACCUSED OF CONSPIRACY WAIVES HEARING
A former state trooper accused of abusing his power during his tenure with  the  Pennsylvania State Police in Montoursville in 2019 was in court Tuesday and waived his preliminary hearing.  According to the Sun Gazette,c court records say Johnathan B. Buynak, of Hughesville allegedly conspired with Amanda Fenderson on three occasions to get money from a third party for a fictitious state police drug investigation.  A conspiracy charge was added yesterday, bringing the charges Buynak faces to 8 misdemeanors.  In a separate set of criminal charges, Buynak allegedly failed to investigate a crime in which Fenderson was the prime suspect last July.  Buynak is free on bail.  US Magistrate Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, William I. Arbuckle has been asked to preside over the proceedings after the Magisterial District Judges of Lycoming County recused themselves in February.

COMMISSIONERS SUPPORT LYCOMING COUNTY POLICE
At the Lycoming County Commissioners meeting yesterday, the commissioners said they will support law enforcement with funding for police officer training.  According to the Sun Gazette, a  $20,000 agreement was approved to work with Mansfield University through the Act 120 Municipal Police Officer Training Academy.  In response to national cries to defund police, the commissioners said police in Lycoming County will be supported

In order to further protect hospital staff and patients from COVID-19, the PA Department of Health issued an order requiring hospitals to develop implement and adhere to safety measures by June 15th.  The requirements come after frontline workers brought forth concerns and some policies to be implemented include, notification of close contact of COVID-19 patients for hospital staff members, specific testing, and the ability to determine whether a damaged or ineffective respirator mask needs replaced.  There is a hotline to report confidential complaints through the Department of Health, find the phone number and a link for an online form HERE.

In a dramatic session this week, Black Democrats took the floor in the PA House Monday for about 90 minutes at the start of a voting session calling for changes to policing in the state in support of Black Lives Matter and displaying the banner as they spoke.  The Republican speaker paused the proceedings and suggested a special session for legislation on the matter but those protesting at the podium said they would not leave until action was taken.  Rep. Steven Kinsey, D-Philadelphia, chair of the Legislative Black Caucus asked everyone in the chamber to kneel for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the length of time prosecutors say George Floyd – who was laid to rest yesterday –  was pinned to the ground under the officer’s knee in Minneapolis over 2 weeks ago.  The House never formally convened and Democratic and Republican leaders met privately afterward to discuss a plan

Stormwater fees will be attached to South Williamsport residents sewer and water bills on July 1st.  According to the Sun Gazette, The Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority told the borough council Monday about the inclusion. According to the authority, fees are based on the amount of impervious ground that people own. Impervious ground includes concrete and pavement where rain water discharges off and gets into the watershed of the Chesapeake Bay. Comments can be made at the authority’s website at https://www.lcwsa.net/

Lane restrictions are going on this week and next on Route 45 in Lewisburg borough in Union County.  According to PennDOT, maintenance crews will work on Market Street beginning in the eastbound lane between 8th Street and Water Street 9 AM and 2 PM.  Motorists can expect alternating lane closures with daylight flagging.  Work should be complete next Friday June 19th weather permitting.

Another local drive up testing center for COVID-19 has been added to the statewide list for locations for residents in low case-count cities to get a free coronavirus test.  Today there will be a drive-up testing site added to the Walmart Supercenter parking lot, on Hogan Blvd in Mill Hall, from 7am to 9am Monday, Wednesday and Friday with registration required one day in advance through Quest Diagnostics Patient Services.  Last Friday, the  Supercenter location in Montoursville opened for drive thru service.  Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said anyone who believes they have symptoms of COVID-19 can get set up for testing today in Pennsylvania.

SPORTS
MLB

The Major League Baseball Players Association is making a proposal to team owners for a season of 89 games with a full prorated share of salary and expanded playoffs.  It would bring both sides closer to a potential deal that’s 25 games fewer than the players union’s last offer. This newest proposal would have the season start July 10th and end on October 11th.

NBA/FISHING?
Sports great Michael Jordan has entered the 62nd installment of the The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament this week in North Carolina.  Jordan and the crew on his boat the Catch 23, reeled in a 442-pound blue marlin on Tuesday, the second day of the tournament. Catch 23’s marlin is the sixth heaviest reeled in so far during the tournament, which boasts a $3.3 million overall purse.

TENNIS
Roger Federer will be out of competitive tennis until the start of the 2021 season because of a setback in his recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery in February on his right knee. The 38 year old, 20-time Grand Slam champion on Wednesday posted on Twitter confirming he’ll be out of action for the rest of 2020.

NASCAR
NASCAR has decided to allow up to 1,000 Florida service members, representing the Homestead Air Reserve Base and U.S. Southern Command in Doral, to attend the Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway this Sunday as honorary guests and view the race from the grandstands…. At Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama June 21st, up to 5,000 guests will be allowed in the front stretch grandstands for the race, with limited camping available outside the track. Fans will be screened before entering, required to wear masks, maintaining social distance with no access to the infield, among other protocols.

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 9, 2020

Governor Tom Wolf announced a $225 million statewide grant program to support small businesses that were impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis and subsequent business closure order. The funding was developed in partnership with state lawmakers and allocated through the recently enacted state budget, which included $2.6 billion in federal stimulus funds through the CARES Act, of which $225 million was earmarked for relief for small businesses. $100 million will go to Main Street business revitalization, 25 million for Loan Payment Deferment and a third program for individuals facing historical disadvantages. Wolf said the new provides direct support to impacted businesses to help during the transition to reopening.”

A former United Way director has been sentenced in Clinton County Court after pleading guilty for 3rd degree felony theft charges.  According to the Lock Haven Express former Clinton County United Way Director Maria Garlick, was sentenced to four to 23 months in the Clinton County Correctional Facility Monday.  Garlick was charged after it was discovered that she used a United Way debit card for personal purchases and received checks in 2018 and 2019 totaling over $26k.

Two Children were life-flighted to Geisinger medical center from the scene of an accident when a Jeep 4×4 and a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck collided in the southbound lanes of Route 15 at the Steam Valley interchange Monday night about 8pm. According to  te Sun Gazette, Liberty Fire Chief Todd Zimmerman said  the children were in the pickup truck that was operated an adult male and a woman was driving the jeep.  Both adults were taken to UPMC Williamsport by ambulance.  Traffic was easily detoured around the accident as they worked to clear the accident from the interstate.  First responders from  Liberty, Trout Run, Hepburn Township, Blossburg and Old Lycoming Township as well as paramedics from Lycoming and Tioga County were at the scene.

The Muncy School District has decided to change their preliminary graduation ceremony date they earlier named in August to June 17th at 6pm after Lycoming County’s transition into the green phase came earlier than they had forseen.  According to the Sun Gazette, the class of 54 seniors at Muncy will each have three reserved seats on the front lawn for guests for the ceremony next Wednesday which will allow for the states guidelines of gatherings of less than 250 people.  The rain date is June 18th at the same time.

The Wolf Administration Monday issued a universal COVID-19 testing order requiring all nursing homes to complete initial baseline testing no later than July 24. There is also updated testing guidance to all long-term care facilities (LTCFs) through the Health Alert Network (HAN).  Between May 11 and May 26 the department of Health implemented a universal testing pilot project in five LTCFs across the commonwealth and received  staffing support through the National Guard to train and assist with swabbing.The number of tests in LTCFs has increased 48 percent over the last two weeks, bringing the percent of positive cases in this population to its lowest level since the start of the outbreak.

The Jersey Shore Area School Board approved the 2020-21 final budget by a unanimous decision at last night’s livestreamed meeting on YouTube.  According to the district business manager, the $1,073, 538 deficit in the budget will be covered by committed fund balances from the Pennsylvania School Employee’s Retirement System and the health insurance.  The board also approved a resolution setting the final real estate tax rates for 2020-21 at 18.3139 mills for district homeowners in Lycoming County and 13.5010 mills for real estate in Clinton County.  The board also approved a resolution that the Homestead/Farmstead program is going to be fully funded at the April amount so that parcels approved in the district will receive a $245 credit on their tax bills. The next board meeting will be in person on June 22, 2020.

A crew working for PPL along Route 220 in Woodward Township today could cause brief intermittent road closures while they pull electrical lines across the roadway during the day.  IN a press release from PennDOT, the replacing of the lines should take place between 9am and 1pm today at the Quenshukeny intersection along Route 220 in Lycoming County.

Citing too many unknowns and a lack of definitive participation from school bands and vendors, October’s Pennsylvania State Flaming Foliage Festival in Renovo has been canceled for the first time in 70 years. According to the Lock Haven Express, the committee of the state recognized festival that benefits the Greater Renovo Area Heritage Park, said it was a heavy hearted decision.

 

SPORTS
NFL

Houston Texans and former Clemson players DeAndre Hopkins and Deshaun Watson are petitioning the university to remove the name of John C. Calhoun from the school’s honors college. Calhoun, who served as vice president under John Quincy Adams in 1825 advocated for slavery. Hopkins posted the message on Instagram.

NASCAR
The Joey Logano Foundation, the NASCAR Foundation and Elevation Outreach are partnering to bring a Convoy of Hope to Martinsville Virginia the day after the race on Thursday with the goal of providing 40,000 pounds of food and supplies to approximately 1,000 families during a drive-thru distribution at NASCAR’s oldest track.  They did a similar food distribution in May at Darlington Raceway.

GOLF
The PGA Tour returns this week with no spectators at the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Forth Worth, Texas. Broadcasting the tournament all week and through the weekend will be different with CBS lead announcer Jim Nantz, alone in the 18th-hole tower and lead analyst Nick Faldo working from a studio in Orlando, Florida.  Other analysts will be in different studios, and about half of the usual production crew will be on-site.  A few players may use a microphone feature and answer questions within the course of a round.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING WEEKEND NEWS JUNE 6, 2020

PA GOES GREEN, MORE ON THE WAY
The commonwealth has achieved a big milestone in the fight against covid-19. All 67 counties are not in the red anymore, including even the hardest hit areas around Philadelphia, and it’s looking good moving forward for many of the counties as we reopen. Yesterday, Lycoming County was among 34 of  67 counties announced to be transitioning into the green phase.  In Governor Wolf’s daily press conference,  he said the data continues to show a decline in case counts.  Next Friday an additional 12 counties will transition into the green, including Adams, Beaver, Carbon, Columbia, Cumberland, Juniata, Mifflin, Northumberland, Union, Wayne Wyoming and York Counties. While Governor Wolf is very proud of Pennsylvanians for attaining green status, he says counties need to remain vigilant, wearing masks and following safety guidelines to prevent new infections.

PEACEFUL PROTESTS IN WILLIAMSPORT
Yesterday Memorial Park and Bowman Field were filled with Williamsport area residents in protest of recent charges of police brutality against George Floyd.  Hundreds of walkers, including many local leaders participated in the 7.42 mile pro-equality march from Memorial Park to the Broad Street Bridge in Montoursville. According to the Sun Gazette, Mayor Derek Slaughter commented on the “Walk about it Be About it” walk, saying he hears their voices and supports them in Williamsport.

SCHOOLS PREPARE FOR FALL REOPENING
After Governor Wolf announced guidelines this week for schools and universities to begin reopening in June and July  around the commonwealth, school have ramped up and are getting ready for a new normal  in the fall.  Schools have been given the option to provide hybrid instruction between in-person and online learning.  Deputy Secretary of the office of elementary and secondary education, Matt Stem said that required elements of reopening such as cleaning and social distancing will be addressed by school leaders at a local level while following the CDC guidelines.

FATAL ACCIDENT IN MUNCY VALLEY
PennDOT  is detouring traffic this morning  onto Route 42 in Muncy Valley and Laporte after a fatal vehicle crash that closed both lanes of Route 220 in Davidson Township, Sullivan County.  According to WNEP, 60 year old Kenneth Mann from Eagles Mere was on Rt 220 attempting a left turn near Muncy Valley when his and another car collided.  Police say Mann was pronounced dead at the scene.  Traffic is being detoured onto Route 42.  The road is expected to be closed for several hours.

LIBRARY INITIATIVE GETS PARENTS READING TO KIDS
Northumberland, Snyder and Union county libraries are trying to start a local movement called the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge. The movement is meant to develop early literacy skills, and by reading just one book a day out loud to children,  the 1,000 book goal can be reached in just 3 years. According to the sun gazette, library officials say that Reading is fundamental to the healthy physical, emotional development of a child, get details at 1000 books before kindergarten dot org

PENNDOT ROADWORK EXTENDED
Lane restrictions will continue next week on Interstate 80 in both the eastbound and westbound lanes in Liberty Township, Montour County.  Motorists will see work starting Sunday evening through Friday, June 12 weather permitting. All work will be done between the hours of 7:00 PM and 10:00 AM each day.  Watch for short term lane restrictions and crews between mile markers 217 and 233, both eastbound and westbound. This is part of a 6-mile roadway restoration project patching deteriorated concrete, sealing joints and updating guide rails.

LOCAL GRADUATIONS
Several Graduation Ceremonies in the area took place this past week with Jersey Shore getting set for their commencement today.  Last Wednesday night 132 seniors from Hughesville High School watched a jumbo screen from their cars at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds featuring a video presentation of the students receiving their diplomas, Thursday, Williamsport Area high school live-streamed 317 seniors graduating, in cars with families in tow, through the school’s bus loop to celebrate their 149th annual commencement.  Last night, Loyalsock, Montgomery and South Williamsport celebrated their seniors as well.  Congratulations to the class of 2020, from everyone at Backyard Broadcasting.

Sports

MiLB
The Williamsport Crosscutters New York – Pennsylvania league season was originally scheduled to begin June 18th. They have recently released a statement notifying the public that they doubt the season will start on time due to the ongoing corona virus pandemic.

NBA
The Chicago Bulls were one of 7 teams not invited to finish up the 2020 season. Bulls star Zack LaVine during an interview that its upsetting and that they need to do a lot of things differently to get themselves more recognition.

NCAA Football
Pennsylvania State University is bringing football players back on June 15. 75 student athletes that have been medically cleared will be able to begin voluntary workouts next Monday.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 5, 2020

Lycoming County is in the green today.   Accoriding to the Sun Gazette, Mayor Derek Slaughter said City Hall is not fully reopened and they are making appointments by phone for those who want to see office personnel.  The office entrance at the first floor will be closed, those with appointments should enter through the Police department at the rear of City Hall.  and the numbers of coronavirus cases continue to trend down with 537 new cases reported in Pennsylvania for a total of 73, 942.  Deaths reported in the state as of yesterday are at 75 according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, with a statewide total of 5,817.  Lycoming County still has 166 cases and 21 deaths.

Governor Wolf spoke out yesterday, announcing a plan to address police misconduct, help law enforcement agencies at the county and state level improve de-escalation training and authorized the use of special prosecutors for deadly assault cases.  According to PennLive, Governor Wolf showed his support this week by marching with protesters during Wednesday’s rally against injustice and gun violence in Harrisburg.  In a press release by Pennsylvania State Troopers Association President David Kennedy said Wolf’s words and choice to march with some aligned against police were an attack on Pennsylvania’s Dedicated Law Enforcement Community.

Medical professionals from UPMC in the Susquehanna region have partnered with spiritual leaders from the United Churches of Lycoming County to develop faith-based guidelines to assist spiritual leaders with how best to reopen places of worship while keeping congregations safe. The Getting Back to Worship Safely Guide consults the most up-to-date guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and contains recommendations for establishing standards in several categories and illness protocols for resuming  worship. To read the full guide, click here.

The Lycoming Mall will reopen today at 11 am as Lycoming County awakens to the green phase.  According to the mall’s parent company, social distancing and mask wearing is still encouraged and they are not sure which stores will be open, as some tenants have yet to confirm their residency.  Those stores open from 11a to 7pm Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 on Sundays may have requirements different from those the mall have designated.

Lycoming County is among 34 of the state’s 67 counties which will be in the green phase today. Ten counties changed to a yellow designation from as well, including  Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lehigh, Northampton, Montgomery, and Philadelphia.   Gov. Tom Wolf will announce  today that more counties will be allowed to enter the “green” phase of his pandemic reopening plan.  The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed nearly 73,942 cases and a total of 5,817 deaths because of the virus in the commonwealth.

Work will continue on the Interstate 180 bridge resurfacing project from the Route 15 interchange to Basin Street in the City of Williamsport and Loyalsock Township this weekend.  There will be epoxy deck treatments applied to the Interstate 180 bridge structures over Hepburn Street and Basin Street.

The left lane will be closed tonight at 9:00 PM through Monday, at 6:00 AM, while the work is being performed. This is a continuation of last year’s project and work is expected to be completed by the end of June in 2020.

More recycling areas are reopening in Lycoming County.  The Montoursville location between the borough building and Indian Park has re-opened according to lyco.org, as well as the Old Lycoming Township location.  County officials still encourage those recycling to wear masks at the facilities.  In addition to the two new announced locations, Hughesville, Jersey shore, Loyalsock Township, South Williamsport Borough and Williamsport recycling facilities are all open 24 hours a day. The Lycoming county landfill on Alexander Drive in Montgomery is open Monday through Friday 7 AM to 4:30 PM and Saturday 8 AM to noon.

After the OK from Williamsport’s mayor, the district attorney and the governor, beginning Saturday, Elm Park and the Lycoming County Softball Association will be hosting softball tournaments again while adhering to various COVID-19 related guidelines, such as no handshakes after a game, opting rather for a wave or tilt of the hat. Saturday’s tournament starts an well-anticipated season as the Elm Park complex is booked through the second weekend of September. The fields will be used Monday through Thursday and the weekends. Fridays will be have crews prepping the fields for the weekends

The announcement was made yesterday that the Delaware Valley Outboard Racing Association has made the decision to cancel the 50th Anniversary Lock Haven Area Jaycees Regatta traditionally held on Labor Day Weekend, postponing the celebration year til 2021. In a statement by DVORA, it was a sad decision, but with spectators, racers and vendors coming to Lock Haven from all over the United States, safety for the community and all involved was the first priority.  The next regatta is tentatively scheduled for Millville NJ, the second weekend in October.

Sports
NASCAR

NASCAR’s All-Star Race will be a midweek event July 15 at Charlotte Motor Speedway as part of a new revision to the schedule that runs through the first weekend of August.  In an update release following the current schedule planned until June 21st,  the schedule will now continue June 28th at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania. The track will host ARCA, the Truck Series, two Cup Series races on consecutive days, June 27-28, and the Xfinity Series.  NASCAR then heads to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a July 4 weekend event combined with the IndyCar Series.

NBA
NBA commissioner Adam Silver suggested on  TNT’s “Inside The NBA”  last night that older NBA head coaches won’t be able to be on the bench when the league resumes play on July 31 at the Walt Disney World Resort. Silver’s comments received instant pushback from coaches, who think older coaches should not be singled out. Later, after talking with NBA Coaches Association, Silver admitted he might have jumped the gun with his comments.

NFL
The Dallas Cowboys placed retired center Travis Frederick on the reserve/retired list Thursday, freeing up $7 million in salary-cap space. Frederick announced his retirement in March, but the Cowboys opted to keep him on their active roster until now in order to be able to spread the salary-cap hit over the next two seasons. He was set to count $11.975 million against the cap in 2020 but will now count $4.975 million this year and $6.06 million in 2021.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 4, 2020

DRIVE THROUGH TESTING AVAILABLE IN MONTOURSVILLE FRIDAY
The Pennsylvania Department of health announced yesterday that on Friday, June 5, various drive-thru testing locations across the state will provide testing for residents living in areas with fewer testing sites. These tests are being provided at no cost to Pennsylvanians. The 5 Walmart Supercenter sites across the state, which includes the Montoursville location, will be open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7-9 am. Registration is required 1 day in advance.  A link to the Quest Diagnostics portal to create an account and register for a free test is available here.

EDUCATION ACTIVITIES CAN RESUME SOON
Governor Tom Wolf announced guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of Education that elementary and secondary schools can resume in-person instruction and activities such as school clubs beginning July 1st and colleges and other post-secondary programs can resume June5th. However, sports schedules are decided by the PIAA and NCAA for colleges. Schools must have a health and safety plan based on CDC guidelines and the state health department in place and on the public school website before starting.  State officials said that the guidance may evolve as circumstances change.  The full document from governor wolf is available here.

CRASH VICTIMS IDENTIFIED
The Lycoming County Coroner has identified the two people killed in Tuesday’s crash on Route 405.  Charles E Keissling Jr told the Sun Gazette that 67 year old Betsy Watts of Muncy and 55 year old Matthew Harter of Benton were both involved in the head-on collision near the Meadow Brook Trailer Park that took their lives.  Harter was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, but Watts passed in the emergency room at UPMC Muncy.

FISHING DERBY CANCLLED
In a report after Memorial day weekend, that the Consolidated Sportsmen of Muncy Creeks successfully stocked over 11 thousand yearling trout and 82 2 and 3 year old trout into local streams in Lycoming and Sullivan Counties, they also reported a some bad news to North Central Pa.com.  The  Dick Harner Kids’ Trout Derby has been canceled for 2020, usually held on the first Sunday in May at Van Rensselaer Park in Picture Rocks.  Next year’s Derby is scheduled for May 2, 2021

STATE CONTACT TRACING CONSORTIUM CREATED
The department of Health has set up a consortium in southwestern Pennsylvania to bring together partners who will support the efforts of contact tracing due to the Coronavirus.  According to a press release yesterday, the consortium is the first of what they hope to be the first region of 6 to establish and conduct contact tracing.  Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said they are receiving support from schools across the state.   The Consortiums assess the number of contact tracers needed in each area, and ensure training and education as well as coordinate information and consistent data.

POLICE SEARCH FOR ONE SUSPECT IN DRIVE BY SHOOTING IN LEWISBURG
Police have two suspects in custody who were involved in a drive-by shooting  near the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail in Lewisburg Monday evening that injured two people. Buffalo Valley Regional Police say the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. in the area of 1704 West Market Street. Officers say they found two people with gunshot wounds who were then taken to Geisinger where they were treated. Police arrested one suspect, as well as the driver of a light green Subaru Forrester XT that was allegedly used in the shooting. At this time the shooter who witnesses say was in the vehicle, is still at large.  Search warrants for evidence in the shootings were issued in District court Tuesday and they are asking the public with information about the shooting to call Buffalo Valley Police.

Millville Community Fire Company has decided to cancel the Millville Fire Company Carnival for 2020.  However, there will still be fireworks at 10pm on July 4th and there will be a caramel corn and peanut sale June 26th, 27th, July 3rd and 4th.  According to their social media pages the fire company will post information about the sales soon.

Ten Lycoming County High School Seniors have been recognized by Little League International through the Carl E. Stotz Little League Baseball Scholarship, who excel in academics and citizenship.  The graduating senior must be in the top 25 percent of their class at one of the nine Lycoming County high schools.  Among the winners are Alexander Reed, and David Hutchinson from Loyalsock Township High School, Alexandra Tsikitas and Lauren Ogden from South Williamsport Area Jr./Sr. High School Maxwell Ferguson and Mackenzie Brooks  from Jersey Shore Area Senior High School, Alex McWilliams and London Mussina of Montoursville Area High School, Rachel Bitler and Jacob Corson Hughesville Jr./Sr. High School.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 3, 2020

ELECTION RESULTS FROM 81 PRECINCTS IN LYCOMING
The unofficial results are in after the General Primary in Pennsylvania yesterday, According to lyco.org there was a 39.9 percent turnout, with all absentee ballots counted yesterday which included 81 precincts.  According to  the Sun Gazette,  voter services received about 7,000 mail-in ballots out of the 10,500 registered for the process. Incumbent Donald J Trump was elected as the Republican nominee.  Democrat Joe Biden was elected as well in the Primary.  Republicans Fred Keller of the 12th District ran unopposed, but will face Democrat Lee Griffin in November.   Republican Senator Gene Yaw of the 23rd is the nominee as well as Jackie Baker chosen for the Democrats.   Get a link to the full unofficial election results now from lyco.org  here.

ELECTION MORE
The unofficial results are in after the General Primary in Pennsylvania yesterday, According to lyco.org there was a 39.9 percent turnout, with all absentee ballots counted with all those caset yesterday which included 81 precincts.  According to  the Sun Gazette,  voter services received about 7,000 mail-in ballots out of the 10,500 registered for the process.  In the House of Representative republicans Jeff Wheeland and Jeff Hamm were elected as their party nominees, as Representative Garth Everett did not run for an 8th term. For the Democrats, Airneezer J. Page for Representative of the 83rd, and Amanda R. Waldman PA chosen to run as Representative for the 84th.  Get a link to the full unofficial election results now from lyco.org.
HEAD ON COLLISION KILLS TWO
Two unidentified victims died yesterday afternoon after a head-on collision on Route 405 north of the Meadowbrook Trailer Park in Muncy.  According to state police, a 55 year old Benton man driving a Kia Optima northbound, crossed the center line into the southbound lane about 3:45 pm and collided with a 67 year old woman from the Hughesville area.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Lycoming County Deputy Coroner pronounced the man dead at the scene, the woman was taken to Muncy Valley Hospital where she died in the ER.  State police closed a portion of the road yesterday while clearing the vehicles and investigating the cause of the crash.

PA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UPDATE
The Pennsylvania Department of Health had a website glitch yesterday but as of noon yesterday there were  612 new covid-19 cases in Pennsylvania for a statewide total of 72,894.  100 new deaths were reported and that brings the death toll in the commonwealth to over 5,600.  In Lycoming County there are 164 cases and 17 deaths, Northumberland county adds four cases to 198 with 3 deaths.  Union county had a reduction in cases to 60, Montour has 53 cases and Snyder has 45 cases and 1 death.  Columbia County has one new case at 349 and 31 deaths.

PENNDOT RESUMES DRIVER’S TESTS
Starting today PennDOT has resumed the driver’s skill’s tests at reopened Driver’s License Centers.  There are new guidelines for taking of the non-commercial skills tests that will keep safety as a priority including the PennDOT staff member remaining outside the vehicle.  Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kurt Myers said that making sure you don’t have to repeat the test is important,  Personal protective equipment including masks will be worn and in yellow phase counties, a health screening will take place before the test.  If your tests were cancelled due to the shut down, those candidates will be given priority.

ATV CRASH INJURES TWO MINORS
An ATV crash happened Monday on private property on Clyde Road near Worthington Extension close to Unityville that injured two girls who are under 18.  According to the Sun Gazette, one girl was flown to a trauma center by a helicopter that had landed nearby, and the other was taken to a hospital by ambulance.  Lairdsvbille and Unityville volunteer responders were called to the scene after 5pm.  No word on their medical condition at this time.

WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUIT FILED
A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed by the executors of the estate of a man whose motorized wheelchair was struck and dragged in downtown Williamsport last October. According to Penn Live, the suit filed in Lycoming County blames the city of Williamsport and Tyrone Dunn, the driver of the car that struck the wheelchair, for the October death of John C. Yarosz II.  The city is accused of negligence for not maintaining a walk-don’t walk signal at West Fourth and William streets in proper working order. Police reports say Yarosz, was killed Oct. 19, when his wheelchair was struck as Dunn was turning right from William Street on the green light.

MORE EVENT CANCELLATIONS
There are a few recent cancellations of note.  The 2020 Watsontown 4th of July celebration has been cancelled after a difficult decision of the committee there, according totheir Facebook page, and Penn State’s Ag Progress Days have also been cancelled, originally scheduled from August 11th til August 13th . and expected happen again in 2021.   A virtual event may be held in its’ place at apd.psu.edu

SPORTS
NBA

As the NBA models a 22-team format for the season’s proposed resumption beginning July 31 in Orlando, Florida, the last possible date for a Finals Game 7 is Oct. 12th.  Commissioner Adam Silver is expected to have a proposal to take to a vote of the NBA’s board of governors on Thursday.  The expectation is that the NBA draft and the opening of free agency would follow in sequential order in October, sources said.

College football
Oklahoma State linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga said Tuesday that he tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a protest in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ogbongbemiga, a second-team All-Big 12 selection last year, made the announcement on Twitter.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 2, 2020

ELECTION DAY DETAILS FOR LYCOMING COUNTY
It’s election Day in Pennsylvania from 7am til 8pm tonight – there will be social distancing while you wait to cast your vote today, so expect to wait in line during peak times of voting in the General Primary.  Absentee or mail in voters should be sure to bring their ballots to the polls before 8pm.  The public is asked to wear a mask and bring  their own blue or black ink pen if possible.  A link to the updated polling places for each township in Lycoming County is available here.

SUSPECT IN TIOGA COUNTY SHOOTING AT LARGE
The suspect  who police say shot an Elmira, NY man in the parking lot of Fred’s Woodshed in Tioga County early Sunday morning is still at large.  According to Mansfield State Police, 20 year old Jahrell Jenkins was at the gentleman’s club for his birthday and New York media outlets say a fight inside the club migrated to the parking lot where Jenkins suffered a gunshot wound to the chest.  He was transported to UPMC in Wellsboro where he died in the ER, according to the Tioga County Coroner.  If you have information about the shooting please call Mansfield State Police 570 662-2151.

TRANSIT COMPANY AWARDED GRANT
An almost $7 million grant has been awarded to Williamsport’s River Valley Transit for operating, preventive maintenance and administrative expenses from the US Department of Transportation via the CARES Act, signed by President Donald Trump on March 27th.  According to the Sun Gazette the city-based regional transit system follows the CDC and OSHA guidelines resulting in reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19 among transit employees and passengers.

NO UPMC CAR SHOW IN SEPTEMBER
UPMC and the City Hospitals Auxiliary in Williamsport have cancelled this year’s Autumn Fest & Car Show originally scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 27. In a press release Bob Kane, chairman of the show’s planning committee and vice president of operations, UPMC in the Susquehanna region. “We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to next year’s event in September of 2021.

ELECTION DAY IN PENNSYLVANIA
Today is election day for the General Primary in Pennsylvania and voters will cast their choices for the Republican and Democratic nominees for President, Attorney General, Auditor General, Treasurer and representation in federal government.  Polls are open from 7am until 8pm today with CDC guidelines in place at all polling places across Pennsylvania.  The public should wear a mask, bring your own pen, and expect to wait in longer lines since less people will be permitted in the polling area at a time.  Voters who applied for mail-in or absentee ballot who did not receive their documents in the mail may come to a polling place and vote by provisional ballot, or return a ballot not able to be mailed, in-person, until 8pm tonight.  A link to voter information from Lyco.org is available here.

PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS PROTEST, SOME DISPERSED BY NATIONAL GUARD
More trouble yesterday evening around the state as peaceful protests were disbanded  by the National Guard and officers using teargas as they approached Philadelphia’s 6pm curfew, along the Vine Street Expressway and onto I-676.  According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, many protesters were outraged and stunned with the force, citing that their demonstration was originally peaceful. In Harrisburg, a crowd  representing “The Movement – Harrisburg’s Protest to Protect All People,” rallied and walked around the city and the Capitol complex without any clashes with police.

EVANGELICAL TO ALLOW VISITORS
Evangelical Community Hospital has updated their visitor policy to allow visiting hours from 1p to 8pm for those who have been screened upon entering, be over 18, wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines.  Caregivers and support people are permitted under various circumstances, such as pediatric cases or inpatients, and emergency care.  Find regular updates to the full visitation policy at evanhospital.com

DOG PARK APPROVED IN MONTOURSVILLE
In Monday’s virtual meeting with the Montoursville Borough Council, a dog park was approved at 41 Mill St. According to the Sun gazette, the project is organized by a recent area high school graduate, Zoe Gillespie, who has raised funds and organized volunteer labor for the park.  The 50 by 295 foot area adjacent to Superior Oil will be fenced in.  The council approved the change to the dog ordinance in the borough to allow pets without leashes at the location. The next meeting is scheduled forJuly 6 at the John Dorin Municipal Building.

FOUR YMCA BRANCHES TO OPEN NEXT WEEK
Four YMCA branches will be opening on Monday, June 8th. The Eastern Lycoming, Jersey Shore, Lock Haven, and Williamsport Branch YMCA’s will have restrictions in place to ensure everyone’s safety while  meeting the State requirements.  Find specific details on their website, including information about the waiver members will need to sign to return to the facility at www.rvrymca.org.  Use the bar code from your membership card and last name on your account to sign the waiver virtually.


Sports

A Fox Sports Anchor apologized for his comments during a “Fan in the Stands”  promotion, in which fans pay to have life-sized cardboard cutouts of images placed around empty stadiums.  Matty Johns apologized for making an inappropriate joke about an image of Adolf Hitler in the crowd – saying it was in poor taste.

NHL

If Hockey resumes, The NHL will have rigorous daily testing protocol where players will be tested daily before they leave their hotel rooms.  Each test costs the NHL $125 – making the cost of testing needed to get through the playoffs in excess of a few million dollars, since maybe up to 35,000 tests will be used.

NBA

An NBA Announcer for the Sacramento Kings Tweeted “All Lives Matter”.  Grant Napear was placed on Administrative leave by his radio station after the former Kings star, DeMarcus Cousins asked his opinion on the Black Lives Matter movement.  Napear’s comment was contrary to the movement’s mission.

BOXING
Boxing Legend Floyd Mayweather offered to pay for George Floyd’s funeral expenses and the family accepted.  Myweather is paying for all four services in Houston, Minnesota, Charlotte and another location to be announced.

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 1, 2020

LYCOMING TO GO GREEN THIS FRIDAY
Governor Wolf yesterday announced he will lift most of his pandemic restrictions in an additional 16 counties in western and north central PA for the green phase this Friday which will now include Lycoming and Clinton County.  Counties that will remain yellow  after Friday are Union, and Northumberland County. According to Governor Wolf, the counties who are still in the red phase –  hit the hardest by the pandemic – are in line to be reopened to the yellow phase by Friday.  Find out the details of Governor Wolf’s phased plan here.

PEACEFUL PROTESTS IN WILLIMSPORT
Williamsport residents gathered in peaceful protests Saturday and Sunday in response to the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer last week near the Market Street Bridge in downtown Williamsport and in other areas of the county but there are no official reports of any arrests from those protests from local police.  In contrast, larger cities in Pennsylvania, saw violence and looting take place after escalation from originally peaceful protests.  Governor Wolf said in a press conference yesterday that he was appealing to the spirit of Pennsylvanians to protest effectively. Curfews were ordered for the evening hours in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and clean up from looting and destruction has started there as of yesterday according to media outlets.

LANCASTER COUNTY WOMAN KILLED IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
A motorcycle accident involving two people from Lititz, Pennsylvania, that happened in East Cameron Township in Northumberland County killed one person Sunday before noon.  According to State Police in Stonington,  Jay and Melissa Otto were traveling on a 2016 BMW RS motorcycle north on State Route 125 near Boyer’s Grove Road when they hit gravel that had been washed into the travel lane from prior storms, they lost traction and rolled over.  Both were thrown into the southbound lane , 50 year old Melissa Otto suffered fatal injuries, 53 year old Jay Otto was transported to Geisinger in Shamokin with unknown injuries.  Police say both were wearing helmets during the crash.

BACK TO BUSINESS VIRTUAL FORUM TOMORROW
UPMC and the Lycoming Chamber of Commerce are hosting a “Back to Business” virtual forum tomorrow at 2pm. State senator Gene Yaw and state representatives will discuss the re-opening of businesses and the economy in Lycoming County. UPMC’s Medical Director for Infectious Disease will provide information on how businesses can keep their employees and patrons safe. Business Owners can go to UPMCSusquehanna.org/BacktoBusiness for information on how to attend Tuesday’s event.

STATEWIDE PROTESTS SPUR VIOLENCE, CURFEWS
Protests occurred across Pennsylvania over the weekend in response to the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer last week.  According to PennLive, the mayor of Harrisburg Eric Papenfuse and police there reportedly de-escalated tensions and police left the Front street area in the capital Saturday night, but the Police commissioner in Harrisburg said non-resident groups were the majority of those inciting violence.  According to the Sun Gazette, Philadelphia has implemented a 6pm curfew as of Sunday night.  Philly Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said much of center city from the Schuylkill River to the Delaware River — would be blocked off.  The Ben Franklin bridge between Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey, was closed until further notice. Penn Live also reports that  Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto said in a press conference that peaceful protests in his city  had been hijacked and turned into a riot.  He ordered the city locked down from 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.  Saturday night.

SINGLE LANE CONSTRUCTION THIS WEEK ON I-80
Motorists who drive east and westbound I-80 in Lewis, West Buffalo, and White Deer Townships, Union County will see alternating lane closures on the interstate this week.  Today and tomorrow , a PennDOT  maintenance crew will perform crack sealing along Interstate 80 westbound starting at mile marker 194.5 from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. And on Wednesday and Thursday, crack sealing will take place eastbound starting at mile marker 207 during the same times in the day.  Motorists can check conditions on Pennsylvania roadways at 511pa.com.

PENN COLLEGE BACK IN SESSION THIS FALL
Penn College of Technology has announced it will reopen in the fall for in-person instruction and also for a few weeks in the summer for make-up work that could not be completed before the campus closed down due to the pandemic in March.  According to Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour, the campus will open for students needing to make-up work for a few week sessions starting  July27th, August 3rd and August 10th , with the semester scheduled to start for all first-year and returning Penn College students August 17th.

WEIS EXTENDS HOURS
Weis Markets announced this week that they will extend their hours, expand their online pick-up and delivery hours and reopen their deli counters with safety measures in place.  The stores’ pharmacies have also resumed their immunization program.  Store hours have been extended 7am to 9pm Monday Through Saturday and Sunday hours are 7am to 8pm.  In Pennsylvania, the designated shopping time for seniors and those with compromised immune systems is Tuesday mornings from 6am to 7am.  The changes are part of the grocery chain’s efforts to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING WEEKEND NEWS MAY 30, 2020

LYCOMING COUNTY TO GO GREEN FRIDAY
Lycoming County will go green this Friday June 5th.  Overall, 16 new counties statewide will go green, which also includes Clinton County.  Every county currently in the red phase, will move into the yellow.  The governor provided an updated order for counties moving to green to give businesses and residents a clearer picture of what is permitted in that phase of reopening.  Some changes include restaurants, personal care business and indoor recreation can resume at 50% occupancy. The document and resources about  the governor’s 3 phase reopening plan are available here.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UPDATE
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is reporting 693 new cases of the virus with statewide total cases being 70,735. There were 91 new deaths in the commonwealth, making the total 5,464.  Lycoming County has 162 cases and according to the Lycoming County Coroner, 18 deaths.

NEW WARDS, POLLING PLACES FOR JUNE 2ND
Polling places have changed for a few areas in Williamsport for the June 2nd election .  According to the sun gazette, Forest Lehman said  the number of wards in Williamsport have been reduced from 17 to 13.  Many residents are opting to vote by mail,  however, if you plan to vote in person you should have been notified if your polling place has changed for this unusual election year.

BACK TO BUSINESS FORUM TO BE HELD THIS WEEK
UPMC and the Lycoming Chamber of Commerce are hosting a “Back to Business” virtual forum this Tuesday, June 2nd at 2pm. State senator Gene Yaw and state representatives will discuss the re-opening of businesses and the economy in Lycoming County. UPMC’s Medical Director for Infectious Disease will provide information on how businesses can keep their employees and patrons safe. Business Owners can go to UPMCSusquehanna.org/BacktoBusiness for information on how to attend the event.

GROCERY STORE STARTS EXPANDING HOURS
Weis Markets announced this week that they will extend their hours, expand their online pick-up and delivery hours and reopen their deli counters with safety measures in place.  The stores’ pharmacies have also resumed their immunization program.  Store hours have been extended 7am to 9pm Monday Through Saturday and Sunday hours are 7am to 8pm.  In Pennsylvania, the designated shopping time for seniors and those with compromised immune systems is Tuesday mornings from 6am to 7am.  The changes are part of the grocery chain’s efforts to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

PENN COLLEGE TO OPEN CAMPUS TO STUDENTS THIS AUGUST
Penn College of Technology has announced it will reopen in the fall for in-person instruction and also for a few weeks in the summer for make-up work that could not be completed before the campus closed down due to the pandemic in March.  According to Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour, the campus will open for students needing to make-up work on July27th, August 3rd and August 10th , with the semester scheduled to start for all first-year and returning Penn College students August 17th.

INTERSTATE WORK STARTS MONDAY IN UNION COUNTY
Motorists who drive east and westbound I-80 in Lewis, West Buffalo, and White Deer Townships in Union County will see alternating lane closures on the interstate next week.  This Monday and Tuesday, a PennDOT maintenance crew will perform crack sealing along Interstate 80 westbound starting at mile marker 194.5 from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. And on Wednesday and Thursday, crack sealing will take place eastbound starting at mile marker 207 during the same times in the day.  Motorists can check conditions on Pennsylvania roadways at 511pa.com.

SEDA-COG OFFERS HOME IMPROVEMENT FUNDS TO SNYDER COUNTY HOMEOWNERS
Penn Township homeowners in Snyder County may be eligible to receive up to $65,000 in home improvements from the Existing Owner-Occupied Housing Program funded with Community Development Block Grant funds. According to SEDA-COG  township residents can apply now to get on the wait list by calling Stacy Anderson at 800-326-9310. Eligible repairs  include structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/furnace, window replacement, radon and lead-based paint mitigation, and energy-related improvements. Also included are modifications for mobility-impaired residents. Additional requirements for eligible residents may apply.

Sports

MLB
Major League Baseball’s contract guaranteeing minor league players a check whilst waiting out covid-19 is set to expire May 31st. According to the Sun Gazette, at least 10 major league franchises have informed minor league teams that they will continue to pay out despite the expiration.

MiLB
A grant application process has been approved by the City of Williamsport to seek the funds from the Office of the Budget for a new $600 thousand dollar scoreboard at Bowman Field.  The grant for renovations for the city owned property needs to be matched through natural gas impact fees, team contributions and donations from city agencies.  The total 1.25 million dollar investment also includes work done on third base clubhouses, an expanded press box.

NBA
16 out 30 teams have expressed their preference to restart the season as it once was with the regular 16 playoff’s. This business as usual plan was one of 4 potential plans presented in a meeting between all general managers and has garnered the most support.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker says the state’s five professional sports teams, the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, New England Patriots and New England Revolution, can resume practicing at their respective facilities on June 6 as long as the health departments guidelines are followed

 

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