BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS FEBRUARY 4, 2020

UNIVERSITY STUDENT FOUND DEAD IN APARTMENT
A student at Bloomsburg University was found dead in an off-campus apartment yesterday.  According to the Press Enterprise, 22 year old Sean Lenahan from Lititz, PA, was found by police at the Honeysuckle Student Apartments around 11 a.m. Monday.  The Columbia County Coroner’s Office processed the scene.  Lenahan  was a mass communications major and active member on campus.  Anyone with information is asked to call Bloomsburg Police/Detective Melanie Beck at 570-784-4155, ext. 163.

APARTMENT BUILDING FIRE IN SHAMOKIN
A three-story apartment building burned in Shamokin yesterday afternoon, and four adults and seven children were displaced from their homes.  According to the Daily Item, Crews from the Shamokin Fire Bureau, Coal Township Fire Department and others battled the fire that had smoke pouring off the rooftop on the structure at 707 West Chestnut Street.  Fire Crews on ladder trucks responded to the blaze and it was extinguished within an hour.  Fire officials say the building is not a complete loss and an investigation will continue today.  The residents were assisted by the American Red Cross and staying with relatives.

FLU MORE DANGEROUS IN PA THAN CORONAVIRUS
State health officials say the spread of the coronavirus may be attracting international attention,  conversely, the flu continues to have a much greater public health impact in Pennsylvania.   The flu has claimed 33 lives in Pennsylvania so far this winter.  According to  Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania Secretary of Health, that since October, there have been more than 45,000 diagnosed cases of flu.  Last season the flu shot was 47 percent effective

BLACK BEAR RECORD IN PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania hunters set a new record for killing black bears in 2019 at 4,653  –  way above the 2018 total of 3,153.  According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, officials had sought an increase for the commonwealth, after the given the statewide bear population was determined to be about  20,000.  Thirty days of bear hunting across all bear seasons last year, could contribute to the totals as well, the first time that has happened since 1931.

BAIL CONDITIONS REDUCED AFTER LOW THREAT DETERMINED
An Eldred township man was removed from intensive supervised bail late last week, after a judge said his threat to society is low. According to the Sun Gazette, the attorney for 60 year old Bruce D. Stuart who was charged with the alleged rape of a mentally disabled woman between 2009 and 2018, said there have been no issues or violations of his bail conditions, but that the checks required were excessive.  President Judge Nancy Butts will hear Sturat’s pre-trial motion on March 17th.

SPORTS COMPLEX COMING TO WILLIAMSPORT
A Sports Complex project is in the early stages for Williamsport after 18.3 acres of land near Rose Street was secured last December from Susquehanna Supply Company.  The Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce is working with City officials to determine what next steps are needed.  According to the Sun Gazette, Jason Fink, Chamber Executive Director said design, details and layout of a sports complex for baseball and softball and perhaps tournaments is in the works. Building could begin within months and is expected to produce positive revenue for area hotels, restaurants and other attractions.

ACT 13 GRANTS AVAILABLE
The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development will began accepting applications on February 1st for Act 13 grants available through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, according to state Sen. Gene Yaw.  Eligible entities are encouraged to apply for the funding, which is paid for by natural gas drillers and allotted to the state’s Marcellus Legacy Fund.  The Legacy Fund ensures a portion of the funds collected support local environmental enhancement and conservation programs.

MEMORIAL AVENUE BRIDGE INSPECTION WEDNESDAY
There will be a bridge inspection Wednesday morning along the Memorial Avenue Bridge beginning around 7am.  Penn DOT says a maintenance crew will be in place alont Route 3021, at the bridge over Lycoming Creek in Williamsport.  Flaggers will be in place and could slow traffic.  Work should be complete by noon Wednesday.

Sports
HS Boys Basketball
Montoursville beat Saint John Neumann 74 to 42, Loyalsock over Jersey Shore 80 to 49, Meadowbrook beat Bucktail 67-55, Williamson over Cowanesque Valley
68 to 55, North Penn Liberty beat South Williamsport 57-52
HS Girls Basketball
Cowanesque Valley over Troy 39 to 28, Hughesville over Penns Valley 39 to 37, North Penn Mansfield beat North Penn Liberty 56-30
HS Wrestling
Montoursville over Boiling Springs 45-25 in the preliminary round of the PIAA Team Wrestling Championships.
The Warriors advance to face the District 7 champion (Burrell) in the state tournament on Thursday at 4 PM at the Giant Center in Hershey
NBA
Warriors beat the Wizards 125 to 117, Magic beat the Hornets 112 to 100, Knicks beat the Cavaliers 139 to 134, Mavericks over the Pacers 112 to 103, Nets beat the Suns 119 to 97, Celtics beat the Hawks 123 to 115, Heat over the 76ers 137 to 106, Grizzlies over the Pistons  96 to 82, Kings beat the Timberwolves 113 to 109, Clippers over the Spurs 108 to 105
NHL
Panthers over the Maple Leafs 5 to 3, Stars beat the Rangers 5 to 3, and the Flyers beat the Red Wings 3-nothing

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS FEBRUARY 3, 2020

DRUG BUST IN CLINTON COUNTY
Various law enforcement agencies in Clinton County participated in a drug bust over the weekend that brought down 29 suspects who had been investigated during a year-long cooperative effort.  According to the Sun Gazette, during the investigation into the trafficking of drugs including meth, cocaine and prescription medications, undercover officers made over 40 purchases of controlled substances.  Friday, officers began serving felony arrest warrants to suspects in Lock Haven, Mill Hall, Woodward Township and Avis.  The U.S. Army National Guard’s 728th Main Support Battalion Armory in Lockport was used as a staging area for processing and those arrested will be arraigned this week in Clinton County Court.

SHERIFF WARNS OF PHONE SCAMMERS
A phone scam in Lycoming County about jury duty is prompting Sheriff Mark Lusk to warn the public.  According to the Sun Gazette, a caller has reportedly contacted residents claiming to be with the county sheriff’s office, requiring them to pay a fine and costs for missing jury duty, and asking for a credit card or personal and financial information.  Lusk said in a press release that residents should always check if an agency is who they say they are before giving out any information. If you suspect you are a victim of the scam, note the caller id and report the call to police.

JERSEY SHORE SEEKS NEW SUPERINTENDENT
A search is on for a new superintendent in Jersey Shore.  According to the Sun gazette, the school board voted to invest 5000 dollars in a comprehensive search to replace Dr. Jill Wenrich who announced her retirement as of June 1, 2020.  Wenrich has served as superintendent for 3 years.  The contract for the search is with the State School Board Association.

PHIL PREDICTS EARLY SPRING FOR SURE
The furry prognosticator in Punxsutawney said it’s an early Spring this year for sure!  At sunrise Sunday, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow and declared the forecast for the 134th time in PA history. The inner circle actually does the forecasting before Phil is pulled from his hole on Gobbler’s Knob, in Jefferson County, about 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.

SHAMOKIN FIRE DAMAGES DOUBLE HOME
A fire spread between the walls of a double home in Shamokin, prompting an emergency for firefighters in the city’s 5th ward Saturday.  According to the Daily Item, Shamokin Fire Bureau Assistant Chief Steve Jeffery said the fire started inside the basement at 440 S. Pearl which spread up the inside of the home’s north wall after 8pm, displacing 3 people.  According to Northumberland County property records both halves of the double home are owned by Dehlilah Betz Lebleau. No injuries were reported.   Volunteers from Coal Township, Kulpmont and Mount Carmel fire departments assisted at the scene.

PACKING COMPANY WILL EXPAND IN PENNSYLVANIA
A global packaging company will expand its operations in four Pennsylvania counties including Northumberland and create over 1700 new jobs.  According to an announcement by Governor Tom Wolf, UPS will also retain over 64 hundred jobs in the commonwealth.  The investment comes  from the Department of Community and Economic Development and is  coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team also will go to Cumberland, Dauphin, and Philadelphia Counties for building renovations, equipment, and infrastructure improvements.

SMALL EARTHQUAKE STRIKES SOUTHEAST PA
Ask the people you know in the south eastern part of the state if they felt an earthquake Saturday or Sunday this past weekend.  According to the United States Geological Survey map, a 1.6 magnitude earthquake hit near Dover Delaware in York County about 2:55 pm and another at about 1.8 magnitude around 430am early Sunday.  Scientists from the National Earthquake Center say you have to be very close to the epicenter to feel that kind of quake – lasting only a second or two.

PA FISHING LICENSE CHANGES
Those who want to fish in Pennsylvania, don’t have to display their fishing licenses on an outer garment anymore after the Fish and Boat Commission Board of Commissioners approved a proposal about is last week. According to PennLive, the license can be in a pocket and anglers must present it when an officer asks to see it.  The adjustment changes a long standing rule on the display of licenses and will go into effect once it is published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

 

Sports
NFL – Super Bowl 54 – Kansas City Chiefs beat San Francisco 49ers 31-20 in their first Super Bowl win since 1970.
NBA
Pistons beat the Nuggets 128 to 123,  Rockets beat the Pelicans 117 to 109, the Bucks over the Suns 129 to 108, and the Raptors beat the Bulls 129 to 102
NHL
Penguins beat the capitals 4 to 3, Blue Jackets over the Canadians 4 to 3, Hurricanes beat the Canucks 4 to 3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 31, 2020

FELONY STRANGULATION CHARGE FOR LEWISBURG MAN
A man from Lewisburg was charged yesterday with felony strangulation in Williamsport from an incident Thursday.  Williamsport Bureau of Police responded to a 911 call from a victim of Quodrice D. Hendrix who said he choked her till she could not breathe or speak around 3am. Police arrived at the Williamsport apartment about 4am, where Hendrix had returned after initially fleeing, and he was taken into custody.  Hendrix was unable to post bail and was placed into the Lycoming County Prison.

MAYOR MAKES MORE CHANGES TO THE TEAM
Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter Continues to make changes in his administration team, announcing changes to the City Recreation Director position, and removing Shawn Washington from the post.  According to the Sun Gazette, the city will soon advertise an updated position with a modified role, which oversees an annual budget for city recreational programs, facilities and special events.  In addition to the recreation job, two other personnel changes in the city include the finance director and general manager of River Valley Transit, as well as a city engineer job.

COCHRAN PRIMARY IS RECOGNIZED
A local elementary school has been awarded recognition of a Title I Distinguished School which honors schools who rank in the top 5 percent of federally funded supplemental education programs.  According to the State Department of Education, Cochran Primary School was one of 93 schools in the state to rank that high in the 2 most recently completed school years.   According to a press release from the schoolM Cochran’s principal, Cindy Schuyler, attributed the recognition to the high-quality instruction students receive, the support of the district administration and entire school community.

CITY LOSES TWO 1939 LITTLE LEAGUE PLAYERS THIS WEEK
In memoriam – Williamsport Little League lost two men who were historic ambassadors to the youth sports program this week.  Bill Bair passed away January 25th and we lost Al “Sonny” Yearick on Janaury 27th.  Both played on Lycoming Dairy team, one of the first three Little League clubs started by Carl Stotz in Williamsport in 1939. Yearick was the very first Little Leaguer to play professionally, spent four years in the minor leagues.  Bair graduated from Penn State University and was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War.  He also worked for Williamsport Wire Rope.

BERWICK MAN THREATENS TO DRIVE INTO HOSPITAL
Out of frustration from a scheduling problem, Danville police say a Berwick man threatened to drive his car through the Geisinger entrance last Sunday.  According to the Daily Item,  65-year-old William Somers was charged with felony counts of making terroristic threats.  After the man allegedly called the Mahoning Township facility, security was heightened near the front entrance. Somers, who is free on $10,000 unsecured bail will have a preliminary hearing on February 6th

COMISSIONERS APPROVE LEVEE SYSTEM CONTRACT
A contract for work related to the levee system in Lycoming County for about 274 thousand dollars was approved Thursday by the Lycoming County Commissioners for oversight and construction as well as the review and rescinding of a 20-municipality ordinance that would increase per capita rates.  According to the Sun Gazette, Muncy Township Supervisor Tom Schick asked for a delay on the per capita increase due to inconvenient timing for residents.  The commissioners discussed the possibility of restoring the ordinance in 2021 and voted 3-nothing to rescind it.  They will meet again next Tuesday at 10 at the Executive Plaza, 330 Pine St in Williamsport.

SUNBURY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY DOWN FOR 60 DAYS
Due to the lack of trained and certified volunteer firefighters in Sunbury, the fire company is out of service for 60 days.  According to local media, Sunbury Fire Chief Brad Wertz Jr. said the social and business side of the company will remain open and there is no immediate danger to the public during fire responses, since the city’s remaining fire companies are all in operation. When this 60-day period is over, they’ll re-evaluate the company –  expected to take place in mid-March.

MORE SOIL REMEDIATION IN UNION COUNTY
Clean-up work will continue next week on Interstate 80 westbound in White Deer Township, Union County.  According to PennDOT the contractor will be working in the area of mile marker 202.5 beginning next Tuesday through Thursday again from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  Motorists should also anticipate lane restrictions and a brief delay when both lanes are closed as the contractor moves equipment across the roadway.
Sports
NBA
Raptors beat the Cavaliers 115 to 109, Wizards with the Hornets 121 to 107, Hawks beat the 76ers 127 to 117, the Celtics beat the Warriors 119 to 104, the Nuggets beat Jazz 106 to 100, Kings beat the Clippers 124 to 103
NHL
Canadians beat the Sabres 3 to 1, Predators beat the Devils 6-5, and Kings beat Coyotes 3 to 2
HS Boys Basketball
Danville over Jersey Shore 70 to 59, Millville beat Muncy 45 to 34, Sayre beat Canton 60 to 48, Troy over Wellsboro 63 to 58, and North East Bradford beat Cowanesque Valley 66-45, North Penn Liberty over Williamson 81-44, Hughesville beat Selinsgrove 65-55,
HS Girls Basketball
Southern Columbia over South Williamsport 41-34
HS Swimming
Girls – Central Columbia beat jersey Shore 89-79,
Boys – Central Columbia beat Jersey Shore 93 to 50

MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON AFTER MURDER-FOR-HIRE
It’s life in prison for a Cambria County man who admitted to killing a Newberry man’s wife for money in August of 2018.  According to the Sun Gazette, Kenneth Wayne Smith said in court yesterday that Edward Heck promised 10 thousand dollars and a vehicle if he carried out the murder of his wife and 2 dogs.  Court records show Smith testified of the murder for hire in a cold way and other examinations show he was diagnosed with a medical issue that affects one’s ability to express emotion.    Judge Marc F. Lovecchio sentenced Smith  in Lycoming County Court and Heck was also in court Tuesday for a suppression hearing.

COUNCIL MOVES MEETINGS IN GOOD FAITH
In an effort to fully cooperate with the US Department of Justice, the City of Williamsport City Council who is engaged in litigation concerning Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, will move their meetings to the Trade and Transit Center II on February 20th.  According to the Sun Gazette, it’s a show of good faith by council to provide a safe and accessible venue for all public meetings.  The transit center has handicapped and public access to the Ross Meeting Room on the third floor, as well as technology to assist individuals with special needs.

WOLF TRIES TO RAISE MINIMUM WAGE AGAIN
Governor Tom Wolf wants to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $12 an hour and up to $15 by 2026.  According to a press release,  the governor’s plan will be considered by the state’s rule-making board later this week. The General Assembly has not passed a minimum wage increase in more than a decade, at $7.25 an hour since 2009, the ​minimum wage allowed by federal law. Twenty-nine states have a higher minimum wage and 21 states are increasing the wage floor this year.

TRANSPORTATION GROUP ADOPTS STATEWIDE PROGRAM
The Williamsport Area Transportation Study Coordinating Committee met Monday and due to community questions about the roadway, they discussed that there is no target date for re-opening Warrensville Road after it was closed due to earth and rock slides. Also on the table was the adoption of part of a statewide program to decrease the numbers of serious and fatal crashes and to meet performance measures set by the state Department of Transportation.

FORMER SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER CHARGED WITH THEFT
A former Shamokin Area School District school board member, is facing two misdemeanor counts of theft by deception after allegedly taking donations meant for the school swim team.  According to the Daily item, Coal Township police say 42-year-old Richard Kashnoski took money from owner of Brent’s Trash Removal in Coal Township meant as a donation for the school. Officers say Kashnoski then wrote his own name on the checks and cashed them. Kashnoski served on the Shamokin school board between 2013 and 2017.

DUI BILL COULD INCREASE PENALTIES
A bill to end Pennsylvania’s so called revolving door system for those with multiple DUI convictions passed in the State Senate yesterday and will go to the House of Representatives.  According to the bill, penalties go up when people receive multiple driving-under-the-influence convictions and have higher blood alcohol content levels.  It would also impose court ordered sobriety monitoring for someone who is charged with their second DUI offense.

OWLETT WILL RUN AGAIN FOR HIS HOUSE SEAT
State Representative Clint Owlett a Republican from Wellsboro, has announced his intention to seek re-election to the 68th state House seat serving Tioga, Bradford, and Potter Counties.  According to a press release, Owlett has sponsored 19 pieces of legislation in the past year and established the Dairy Investment Fund designed to invest $5 million into the state’s dairy industry. The state primary election is April 28th.

HYDROPONIC COMPANY DONATES TO FOOD BANK
There was a ribbon cutting event and celebration Tuesday at a newly opened hydroponic greenhouse off or Route 522 near Selinsgrove and their first five thousand pound harvest of greens was donated to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.  Snyder county commissioners and the State agriculture secretary were on hand for the event at Bright Farms in Penn Township.  According to the Daily Item, the 263,000-square-foot facility will employ 50 and produce about 2 million pounds of arugula, spinach, butter lettuce, pak choi, romaine and kale salad greens annually which is sold at Giant Stores and other markets in the East Coast.

Sports
NBA
Hornets beat the Knicks 97 to 92, 76ers over the Warriors 115 to 104, Pelicans beat the Cavaliers 125 to 111, Raptors beat the Hawks 130 to 114, the Bucks over the Wizards 151 to 131, Grizzlies over the Nuggets 140 – 96, Celtics over Heat 109 to 101, and the Suns beat the Mavericks 133 to 104,
The Lakers held a tribute to Kobe Bryant and the Clippers game will be made up at a later date.
NHL  – Senators beat the Sabres 5 to 2, Blues over the Flames 5 to 4
HS Boys Basketball
Hughesville over South Williamsport 76 to 38, Loyalsock over Montoursville 77-63, North Penn Liberty over Canton 66 to 50, Wyalusing over North Penn Mansfield 62 to 51
HS Girls Basketball
Cowanesque Valley beat Bucktail 51-28, Montgomery over St. John Neumann 40 to 32, Sullivan County over CMVT 57 to 13, Warrior Run over South Williamsport 45 to 40, Williamsport beat Mifflin County 61 to 48, Loyalsock over Montoursville 48 to 27, Mifflinburg beat Jersey shore 57 to 50
HS Wrestling
Hughesvile over Central Columbia 42 to 35, Southern Columbia beat South Williamsport 63 to 12,
HS Swimming
Girls – Jersey Shore over Mount Carmel 120 to 41
Boys – Jersey shore beat Mount Carmel 69-17

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 28, 2020

CITY:  CLEAR SIDEWALKS OR FACE FINES
Williamsport City Council officials say with lots of winter yet to come, they are reminding the city about the ordinance requiring businesses and residents to clear snow from sidewalks or arrange to have it done within 24 hours of the end of the storm or face a $200 dollar fine. According to the Sun Gazette Codes officers are in place throughout the region making sure sidewalks and hydrants are accessible in case of emergencies.   Violations can be reported anonymously by sending an email to [email protected] or by calling 570-327-7517.  So far, Williamsport has seen a below average amount of snow for the year.

FUGITIVE CAPTURED IN PHILADELPHIA
A fugitive wanted in Williamsport on aggravated indecent assault of a child and corruption of minors from throughout  2019 was captured in Philadelphia yesterday and will be extradited back to the city to face the charges.  According to the Sun Gazette, 46 year old Christopher Ray Lamont allegedly committed the crimes throughout 2019 in Williamsport, but when confronted, he fled the area.  Lamont was taken into custody without incident by the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, who worked with state and city police and the Lycoming County Sheriff’s Office on the case.

WALTZ RUNS FOR 76TH DISTRICT SEAT
A Lock Haven man has announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination of the 76th District State House seat in the April 28 primaries.  According to the Sun Gazette, Joe Waltz, is a Kiwanis member who has lived in Clinton County for almost 50 years retired in 2007 from Keystone Central School District.  He was most recently chairman of the Clinton County Democratic committee and served on the City of Lock Haven Planning Commission.  Waltz will hold a campaign kick-off event at Avenue 209 Coffee Shop in Lock haven this Saturday at 10 am.

PENNDOT LOOKING FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
PennDOT will hold a 45-day public comment period on proposed updates to its Statewide Public Participation Plan through Wednesday, March 11. The plan explains how the public can get involved in its statewide transportation planning and programming processes which is a federal requirement.  The public is encouraged to review the draft plan, and to comments at   PennDOT.gov/PublicParticipation. Paper copies of the document are also available at PennDOT District offices

LOCK HAVEN WOMAN CHARGED WITH PROSTITUTION
A Lock Haven woman has been charged and sentenced in Lycoming County Court for promoting prostitution and will serve 2 years of immediate punishment, undergo counseling and perform community service.  According to North Central Pa dot com, 45 year old Amanda L. Anthony also allegedly committed forgery in Clinton County in June of 2019 but those charges were dismissed.  Anthony pleaded guilty to the prostitution charge from May of 2019.  According to court records a warrant from the state of Georgia said Anthony was a violent flight risk who has been charged with similar drug and prostitution crimes there.

FACEBOOK GAMBLING SITE LANDS TWO IN HOT WATER
Two women who ran a gambling group on Facebook will be charged with misdemeanors after their social media group was found to be for-profit.  Brittany Winings and Tiffany Dupas, both of Cambria County  started a Facebook group called  “BID WIN SAVE,” where members could join and the organizers would spin a wheel to determine a winner for cash and prizes. According to WJAC, the group administrators, Winings and Dupas, received a total of $81,507 in payments last May and July. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board asks you to contact state police if you encounter a suspicious group you think may be hosting gambling for-profit on Facebook.

HINES LOOKING TO FILL 84TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT SEAT
A Linden man is seeking the Republican nomination for the 84th Legislative District State House seat.  According to the Sun Gazette, David Hines, who has 20 years of experience working with local, state and federal bodies made the announcement yesterday.  Hines is the Planning and Zoning Director with the Central Keystone Council of Governments located in Lewisburg and works with municipalities within Lycoming County.  Hines has served the Jersey Shore School Board as a board member and president.

DUI TASK FORCE WILL BE OUT FOR BIG GAME WEEKEND
The Lycoming County DUI Task Force will be conducting  DUI Enforcement activities within Lycoming County, from January 29 thru Super Bowl Sunday February 2, 2020.   According to a press release, the celebrations surrounding local Super Bowl parties can increase DUI accidents, and deaths.  Residents are encouraged to host responsibly by utilizing designated drivers. According to police,  the .08 percent law will be strictly enforced.

Sports
NBA
Cavaliers beat the Pistons 115 to 100, Heat beat Magic 113 to 92, Mavericks over Thunder 107 to 97, Bulls over Spurs 110 to 109, Kings beat Timberwolves 133 to 129, and Rockets over the Jazz 126 to 117
NHL
Capitals beat the Canadiens 4 to 2, Devils over the Senators 4 to 3, Maple Leafs over the Predators 5-2, Stars beat Lightning 3 to 2, Canucks over the Blues 3 to 1, Sharks beat the Ducks 4 to 2,
HS Boys Basketball
Jersey Shore beat Milton 66 to 46, Lewisburg beat Southern Columbia 68 to 46, Williamsport over Hazelton 56 to 43, Sullivan County beat Muncy 69 to 48, Warrior Run over Shikellamy 62 to 42, Montoursville beat Central Mountain 50 to 42, Bucktail over Northern Potter 58 to 53.
HS Girls Basketball
Galeton over  Osweyo valley 38-32, Canton beat Troy 44 to 23, Montgomery over North Penn Liberty 58-35, Loyalsock beat Danville 46-34

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 27, 2020

ONE KILLED IN WARRENSVILLE WRECK
A Saturday morning crash killed one person and injured six others during icy conditions along Pleasant Valley Road near Warrensville. The Sun Gazette reports that state troopers said 62 year old Holly Moyer, of Cogan Station, lost control of the vehicle around 8:30am and hit a tree.  According to the Lycoming County Deputy Coroner, Moyer’s passenger, 55 year old Anona Frey of Cogan Station, was pronounced dead at the scene.  Another passenger, 27 year old Austin Post, was trapped in the vehicle for about 20 minutes until firefighters extricated him and then was transported to Geisinger Medical Center.  Four others in the crash were taken to Williamsport Regional Medical Center for evaluation. Pleasant Valley Road was closed after the crash for about 3 hours.

FIRE DESTROYS LINDEN HOME
A fire destroyed a Linden home late Friday night, but the family escaped the blaze thanks to working smoke detectors.  According to the Sun Gazette, Devin Page, who is a school bus driver for Susquehanna Transit and his family, made it out of the home on West Emery Church Road.  The structure was engulfed in flames when Woodward Township and Jersey Shore firefighters arrived on the scene at about 11:30pm. Firefighters remained on the scene until 3am. Saturday. The state police fire marshal will inspect the property today to determine a cause.

RAILWAY CROSSING CONSTRUCTION THIS WEEK
Motorists are being asked to use caution along King Street or Route 147 today as SEDA COG Joint Rail Authority plans to replace the railroad crossing signals just north of Packer Island Bridge in Northumberland Borough.  According to PennDOT, there shouldn’t be any lanes blocked – just crews working in around the scene.  Work is expected to continue in the area of Route 147 during daylight hours through Wednesday February 5th.

KOBE BRYANT’S PA HIGH SCHOOL ALMA MATER ISSUES STATEMENT
A Pennsylvania School is mourning the loss of their most illustrious alumni.  According to a statement released by Lower Merion High School District, Kobe Bryant attended there from 1992 to 1996 where he took the Philly basketball scene by storm prior to joining the NBA.  Bryant raised the profile of the high school and District throughout the world.   In 2010, Bryant donated more than $400,000 to the school district, at the timem the largest donation in school district history.

CHILD ABUSE SUSPECTS IN COURT TODAY
The suspects in the Trevorton Child abuse case, Jahrid Burgess and Samantha Delcamp will have a status conference this morning in front of Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor.  According to the Daily Item Burgess and Delcamp are charged in the death of Delcamp’s 3-year-old daughter, Arabella Parker. Burgess is accused of causing the injuries that led to the death on Nov. 22 and Delcamp is charged as his accomplice because authorities said she knew about the abuse and never reported it.

PHILLYMAN SENTENCED IN WILLIAMSPORT MURDER
A Philadelphia man was sentenced in Lycoming County Court last week for a 2017 murder in Williamsport.  According to North Central PA dot com, 25 year old Jameir R. Hines was sentenced to 20 to 40 years in state prison for the murder of 33 year old Shawn Graham at his home on West Third Street.  Police say Hines and an alleged co-conspirator, Paul Heath, murdered Graham while robbing him.  Heath died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound after fleeing from the murder scene. Hines was arrested a few weeks after the murder in Philadelphia.

MAN JAILED FOR TERRORISTIC THREATS
An unnamed 36 year old man from Selinsgrove has been charged with terroristic threats, simple assault, endangering the welfare of a child and harassment for allegedly threatening a woman and children with a knife then punching an emergency responder who arrived on the scene.   The man got into an altercation with a first responder from Hummels Wharf fire department punching him after climbing inside the fire company vehicle in Monroe Township on January 13th.  Police arrived on the scene later and found Brown locked in a room in the home with injuries to his wrists.  He was taken to Geisinger Medical Center for treatment and when he was released from the hospital, remanded to Snyder County Prison.

GAME COMMISSION APPROVALS
The PA Game Commission recently gave preliminary approval to several changes today, including the three consecutive Sunday’s for hunters in November, starting with November 15th, making the entire deer rifle season antlered and antlerless, as well as bringing back a three-day Thanksgiving turkey season, Wednesday through Friday. The public may offer comments at the board’s next quarterly meeting April 6th and 7th in Harrisburg.


Sports
In the NFL Pro bowl
AFC over the NFC 38 to 33
Saturday’s HS Boys Basketball
Loyalsock edged Williamsport 63-62, Saint John Neumann beat Muncy 74-54
Sunday – Women’s Basketball
Penn College beat Wilson 70-55 snapping a five-game losing streak
College Wrestling
Lycoming beat Kings College 46 to 6

NBA Struggling with the death of Kobe Bryant
Nuggets beat the Rockets 117 to 110, Raptors beat the Spurs 110 to 106, the Hawks beat the Wizards 152 to 133, Grizzlies beat the Suns 114 to 109, the Pelicans beat the Celtics 123 to 108, the Knicks beat the Nets 110 to 97, Clippers beat Magic 112 to 97, Trailblazers over the Pacers 139 to 129

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 23, 2020

MAN JAILED FOR WILLIAMSPORT ROBBERY
A 19 year old man has been jailed and is facing felony charges for his alleged role in a robbery at a Turkey Hill on Washington Blvd in Williamsport in early January.  According to police reports, Jamaire Mekhai Burget, of Isabella St was wearing a red hoodie while he held a female employee at knifepoint inside the store at about 4:45am January 5th.  He stole money from the register, and fled the store on foot.  The woman escaped and called police, who found Burket nearby on Railway Street with the hoodie in his hands and cash in his pocket.  Burket has been jailed on robbery, aggravated assault, and other charges in lieu of 250 thousand dollars straight bail.

FIRE COMPANIES TO RECEIVE GRANT MONEY
State representatives in Centre and Clinton Counties have announced almost 300 thousand dollars in grants made available by the PA Emergency Management Agency and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner for 24 local fire companies in the region, each receiving at most just over 14 thousand dollars.  The funds come from slot machine gaming, and not general fund tax revenue and can provide help for construction or renovation of the facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt.  Dunnstown Fire Company in Woodward Township will also receive grant money.

SKEET SHOOTING OLYMPIAN TO TALK AT MUNCY VALLEY CLUB
An Olympic skeet shooting competitor who started in Sullivan County 4-H when she was 8 years old, will be visiting the area this weekend.   Morgan Craft will give a talk Saturday at 11 on her experiences while on the path to the Rio Olympics at the North Mountain Sportsman’s Club on Spook Hollow road in Muncy Valley.  Craft will answer questions after the talk and refreshments will be provided.    You can register by calling the Sullivan County Library – host of the event – at 570-928-9352.

SCHOOL VOLUNTEER SAVES CHILD FROM CHOKING
A volunteer at Stevens Primary school helped save a first grader who was choking thanks to his automatic reaction, as well as being a parent and trained for the job he received through AmeriCorps.  According to the Sun Gazette, Odren Polk, who the kids call Mr. O, was in the school cafeteria recently, when 7 year old Kenyon Ritter showed that he was choking, and Polk responded – a grape tomato was dislodged.  The principal at Stevens, Mr. James Ellis, said Mr. O set the example of how important CPR training is, when an emergency can happen at any time.

GRANT WILL SIPPORT STEM PROGRAMS
A grant has been awarded to Williamsport Area School District and IU17 that will help expand computer science programming and training in local districts.  According to the Sun  Gazette, the 35 thousand dollar grant will be used at Williamsport Schools to add an advanced placement computer science course to the 15 AP courses now offered by the high school.  The Superintendent of Williasmport Area Schools said the grant will enhance the multiple STEM opportunities within WASD.  Administrators from IU 17 said the grants will equip three IU 17 programs with a STEM lab space and tools which will prepare students for a technology-driven workforce.

CITY COUNCIL TO HEAR POLICE PROGRAM REQUEST
The Williamsport City Council will meet tonight and there is an anticipated agenda.  According to the Sun Gazette, City Council will review a request by the Williamsport Bureau of Police to join a program that would assist it toward becoming an accredited professional department.  According to Chief Damon Hagan the accreditation could provide a framework on which the department policy and training is established as well as track subpoenas received on court matters.  Also on the agenda is the renewal vote for John Markley as a member of the Lycoming County Veterans Memorial Park Commission and a discussion on revenue collection.  The council will meet tonight at 7:30 PM, in City Hall Council Chambers.  Meetings are televised live on Comcast channel 75 and posted to YouTube the following day

WWII SOLDIER FROM NORTHUMBERLAND WILL COME HOME
In a press release from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, a soldier from Northumberland has been officially accounted for.  According to the Daily Item, 20-year-old Army Pvt. Horace Middleton of Northumberland was accounted for October 31of last year.  An infantryman in a company known as Merrill’s Marauders, Middleton was killed in battled July 12, 1944 in Burma. He will be buried in Milton April 18.

PENNDOT SEEKING SUMMER HIRES
Penn DOT is opening the application period for their Summer Employment Program.  College students are encouraged to apply to gain work experience as well as prepare for future employment opportunities, or to get on track for a permanent career with PennDOT.  Positons include custodial workers, drill operators, equipment operators and semi-skilled laborers and offer various wages and responsibilities.  Apply online at penndot.gov.
Sports
NBA
Raptors beat the 76ers 107 to 95, Pistons beat the Kings 127 to 106, Thunder beat Magic 120 to 114, Lakers beat the Knicks 100 to 92, Celtics beat the Grizzlies 119 to 95, Heat beat the Wizards 134 to 129, Hawks over the Clippers 102 to 95, Bulls beat the Timberwolves 117 to 110, Rockets beat the Nuggets 121 to 105, Pacers over the Suns 112 to 87, Spurs beat the Pelicans 121 to 117, Jazz over the Warriors 129 to 96
NHL
Blue jackets beat the Jets 4 to 3, Wild over Red Wings 4 to 2
HS Boys Basketball
Lewisburg over Montoursville 52-51 (OT), Warrior Run beat South Williamsport 55 to 34, Muncie beat CMVT 41 to 26, Sullivan County over Montgomery 59-36, Loyalsock beat Milton 77-45, Bloomsburg over Hughesville 60-45, Shamokin beat Jersey Shore 62-44
HS Girls Basketball
Selinsgrove defeated Central Mountain 39-37, Jersey Shore beat Montoursville 56-46, NorthPenn Mansfield beat Canton 42-22, Wellsboro over Williamson 67-10,
HS Wrestling
South Williamsport defeated Sugar Valley 60-12,
Men’s Basketball
Millersville beat Lock Haven 83-80 snapping LHUs 4 game win streak , Mansfield over shepherd 62-61,Penn State beat Michigan 72-63
Women’s Basketball
Shepherd over Mansfield 67-59, Lock Haven over Millersville 82-75

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 22, 2020

POLICE CHASE WOMEN AFTER SHOPLIFTLING
Police stopped two women who stole merchandise from a Selinsgrove department store last weekend and they were both were in district court this week.   According to State troopers, 50-year-old Shari Weaver and 30 year old Sarah Karpinski of Shamokin, stole more than 80 dollars-worth of items and fled the Kohl’s Department Store after employees there tried to stop them.  Troopers found the merchandise in the car when they stopped the women after they fled from Marketplace Boulevard. Weaver  was arraigned and released on bail and Karpinski was charged with a misdemeanor.

SHOTS FIRED IN MANSFIELD
Police in Mansfield Borough reported gunshots along the South Main Street area near Smythe Park last night, and requested assistance from area law enforcement for the investigation.  According to North Central PA dot com, an on-duty officer heard the shots near the park at Route 6, but upon investigation, found that a suspect had fled the scene.  According to social media reports there is no threat to the public.  Mansfield University released information that they couldnot confirm a credible threat.  If the public has information about a shooting in Mansfield please call local police.

FIRE TAX APPROVED IN WOODWARD TOWNSHIP
Despite some residents being against it, the Woodward Township supervisors this week approved a fire tax for 2020 at 1 mill based on a home’s assessed value.  The tax will be implemented this year and generate approximately $137,000 for the fire company. The money will be controlled by the supervisors in a separate bank account and can be requested by fire company officials after being approved by the supervisors.  Other topics discussed include the sale of the sewer authority building at 21 Oriole Road as well as moving the police department to the fire hall building. The discussion will continue at the next meeting on Feb. 18.

PUBLIC MEETING ADDRESSES HOSPITAL CLOSURE
The Sunbury City Council held a public meeting last night to address the closing of UPMC Susquehanna.  Local leaders addressed the crowd citing the seriousness of the emergency room closing.  EMS officials in attendance talked of solutions for travels times when patients will need transport to Muncy, Lewisburg and Danville.  Other officials offered employment opportunities at the meeting.

COMMERCIAL ENTITIES TO PAY FOR PUBLIC RECORDS
The State House on Tuesday voted 177-15 to approve legislation that would allow state and local governments to charge businesses for public records. According to the Tribune Democrat, municipal offices aren’t equipped to handle the volume of information regularly sought by commercial record requesters. There is controversy about the bill over the state’s Right to Know law, but legislation was amended in the State Government committee so journalists and academic researchers don’t have to pay, but it will allow for fees for commercial records requests.

COMMISSIONERS ASK FOR MORE FUNDING THROUGH SFPP
A letter of support was approved by the Centre County commissioners yesterday asking Governor Tom Wolf to increase an allocation for the county for the State Food Purchase Program.  According to the Lock Haven Express, Adult Services Director Faith Ryan said many families rely on food banks to feed their families yet, Centre County has seen a decrease in its SFPP funds over the years – with Pennsylvania losing almost 600 thousand dollars in funding since 2005.  The letter of support asks that $36 million almost double the current allocation.  The next commissioners meeting is Jan. 28 at the Willowbank Building in Bellefonte.

SOIL REMEDIATION CONTINUES THIS WEEK
Watch for alternating lane closures as the road work and soil remediation continues this week on I-80 westbound in Union County.  According to PennDOT The work will take place today through Friday,  7am to 5pm  in White Deer Township around mile marker 202.  There will be crews flagging and blocking left lane. You can follow PennDOT on Twitter @511PAAltoona

DONOR HELPS SHAMOKIN SCHOOL DISTRICT
An anonymous donor has given a 250,000 gift to help fund new turf for the the Shamokin Area School District varsity football field.  According to the News Item a former student donated the funds for the Kemp Memorial Stadium turf.  The donation was accepted at the school board meeting yesterday and a contract to install replacement turf was approved.
Sports
NBA  – Clippers beat the Mavericks 110 to 107
NHL
Bruins beat the Golden Knights 3 to 2, the Islanders beat the Rangers 4-2, Hurricanes over the Jets 4-1, Flyers beat the Penguins 3 to nothing, Panthers over the Blackhawks 4 to 3
HS Girls Basketball
Hughesville beat South Williamsport 36-34, Muncy beat CMVT 59-27, Sullivan County beat Benton 48-38, Montoursville beat Lewisburg 55-47, Loyalsock over Mount Carmel 45 to 40, and Millville beat Montgomery 54 to 47, Saint John Neumann over Bucktail 31 to 24, Jersey Shore beat Milton 51 to 36, Shamokin beat Warrior Run 57 to 55, Galeton over Smethport 20 to 18,
HS Boys Basketball
St. John Neumann beat Millville 53 to 50, North Penn Mansfield beat Wellsboro 66 to 60, Canton beat North East Bradford 57-49,  North Penn Liberty beat Sayre 52 to 49,
Swimming
Girls -Bloomsburg defeated Jersey shore 104 to 79,
Boys – Bloomsburg over Jersey Shore 88 to 54,
HS Wrestling
Canton beat Towanda 45-27, Montgomery over South Williamsport 30 to 21, Milton beat Lewisburg 42 to 27, Montoursville beat Warrior Run 51 to 19, Central Mountain beat Selinsgrove 36 to 30, Williamsport over Danville 63 to 18
Men’s Basketball
Penn college beat PSU Berks 90 to 70,
Women’s Basketball
PSU Berks beat Penn College 57 to 37
Major League Baseball – Derek Jeter has been selected for entry into the major-league baseball Hall of Fame for 2020 – one vote short of being a unanimous selection.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 20, 2020

MUNCY MAN SENTENCED FOR ASSAULT
A Muncy man was recently sentenced to state prison after being found guilty last fall to assaulting a female victim with a wooden chair in November of 2018.  According to North Central Pa dot com, 48 year old Arthur W. Reed, who formerly lived on North Market Street was arrested by Muncy police,  He last week was sentenced to 12 to 24 months in state prison, and will pay fines, restitution and perform 150 hours of community service.  Reed is in Lycoming County Prison for allegedly intimidating a witness in a separate case.

WINTER WEATHER NOT AFFECTING ROADS TODAY
All roadway restrictions and speed limits are restored this morning after winter weather Saturday caused commercial vehicle restrictions on most roadways in Central PA. According to PennDOT speed limits were at 45 on interstate I-180 from Route 15 north in Williamsport to I-80  in Northumberland County.   As weather conditions continue to affect traffic, treatment of the roads continue this morning

WILLIAMSPORT RAMP CONSTRUCTION MOVES FORWARD
Ramp Construction at the Williamsport Parking Authority Headquarters has been designed and is anticipated to move forward.  According to the Sun Gazette, the authority staff, as well as Mayor Derek Slaughter met last week to see the rendering of the ramp that will bring accessibility to the building on the corner of West Third and West Street.  The authority building ramp is not expected to cost more than 10 thousand dollars.  No vote was taken on the project.  Recently the city of Williamsport was required by the U.S. Department of Justice to address city building accessibility.

MLK JR DAY MEANS DREAM WEEK IN WILLIAMSPORT
It’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day and also Dream Week 2020 in Williamsport.  The winter weather over the weekend cancelled the Peace Walk that typically kicks off the MLK celebration at Penn College, but other events throughout the week will mark the legacy of the slain civil rights leader.  With most schools and businesses observing the federal holiday, families can participate in various service activities.  A screening of the movie Harriet about the life of Harriet Tubman, will take place at Lycoming college’s Krapf Gateway Center Wednesday at 6pm. At the Keiper Rec Center at Lycoming College, volunteers with the Central PA Food Bank will pack healthy meal kits starting at 8:30 until noon today.  There will be a free meal and community call to action at the Castellano Center for Community Outreach on Park Avenue at 6:30 tonight.  Dream week activities are co-sponsored by the schools, the Beloved Community Council and STEPAmericorps

TRUCK STOLEN FROM AUCTION
There was a car stolen from Middleburg and police are investigating.  According to police reports a 1989 Ford Red and Tan F-150 with a Sunoco bumper sticker on the rear bumper was stolen from the Middleburg Auction Barn as reported at 4 p.m. Friday,  If you have any information please call Middleburg police at  570-837-0321.

BB GUN SHOOTING DAMAGES CHURCH
There was a shooting that damaged a building  in Tioga County last week and State police are investigating. According to police reports, someone shot at Whitneyville United Methodist Church along Church Road, in Charleston Township near Wellsboro.  According to police, the damages happened between January 5 and 12 with a BB gun.   The church’s vinyl siding was damaged for an estimated $700.  If you have any information please call Mansfield State Police.

SNOW SQUALL CLOSES ROAD TO TRUCKS
Route 54 around Mt Carmel today was hit with a quick snow squaLl that left 2 inches of snow on the ground this morning and PennDOT on the scene closing the roadway with posted signage.  According to Northumberland County Communications, a section of Route 54 on Natalie Mountain is closed to trucks for several hours.  No crashes were reported during the overnight snowfall

Sports
NFL
The Chiefs beat the Titans yesterday in the AFC Championship 35-24 and the San Francisco 49ers secured their trip to Super Bowl 54 against the Packers last night 37-20 in the NFC championship.
The teams are set – it’s the San Francisco 49ers versus the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 54 Sunday February 2nd. 

NBA
Spurs beat the Heat 107-102 and Pacers beat the Nuggets 115 to 107
NHL
Penguins beat the Bruins 4 to 3, Hurricanes beat the Islanders 2 to 1, Blue Jackets beat the Rangers 2 to 1, and the Blackhawks beat the Jets 5 to 2
College Wrestling
Penn State beat Rutgers 38 to 6

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