BACKYARD BROADCASTING WEEKEND NEWS MAY 9, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NBA

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 8, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 7, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 6, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

SPORTS

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

NFL

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

 

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

 

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 5, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 4, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

SPORTS

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

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

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING WEEKEND NEWS MAY 2, 2020

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

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

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

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

SPORTS

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

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

HS WRESTLING

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

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

NBA

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 1, 2020

Little League CEO and President Stephen D Keener announced yesterday that Little League International has made the difficult and disappointing decision to cancel the 2020 Little League World Series.  He also said that the expected travel restrictions for international players and families will be complicated to manage and restricts many from coming to the U.S. to play .  This year was to be the 75th Little League Baseball World Series, that celebration will now take place in 2022. The 2020 MLB Little League Classic originally scheduled for August 23 has also been canceled, but the Major League Baseball Players Association have committed to playing in 2021. Get details at LittleLeague.org.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health there are 1, 397 new cases of COVID-19 in the commonwealth as of yesterday at midnight, bringing to the statewide total to 45,763 in all 67 counties.  98 new deaths were reported as well totalling 2,292 fatalities in Pennsylvania.  Lycoming County has 7 more positive cases reported getting up to 68 cases and no deaths.  Northumberland adds one case getting to 93, Union has 33,  Montour 47.  Columbia County checks in with 283 postive cases and 13 deaths.  Tioga County has 16 cases today with 1 death reported.

According to the National Weather Service, there is a flood watch in effect until 2pm today after up to 3 inches of rain fell yesterday through the Williamsport area According to the Sun Gazette, meteorologists say the West Branch Susquehanna River was at 7.73 feet at 7pm last night and that below 10 feet is normal with flooding at 20 feet.  14.9 feet is forecasted today.  The rainfall total for April was 5.7 inches 2.33 inches more than average.

The public is invited to get up to 2 gallons of free milk – drive thru style – in Shamokin dam next Monday from 2-4pm.  According to the Sun Gazette, Dairy Farmers of America and the Greater Susquehanna United Way will provide over 4,000 gallons of free milk at the “Pop Your Trunk” event at the former K-mart Parking lot in Shamokin Dam.  The United Way will also be handing out fabric masks, anyone arriving before 1:45 will be asked to leave and return.

An audit into how Governor Tom Wolf and the state Department of Community and Economic Development managed the waiver process for businesses that appealed to the recent COVID-19 shutdown order was announced by Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale Thursday.   He will launch an audit into how the state Department of Community and Economic Development has managed the waiver process for businesses that appealed Gov. Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 shutdown order.  According to Penn Live, DePasquale said some business owners thought the waiver process was too slow and not transparent enough.  Businesses that were not life sustaining were closed March 19th and more than 40,000 businesses sought a waiver during the application period that ended April 3.

Traffic was detoured for more than 7 hours along Route 45 in Union County yesterday around 11am  according to Penn Dot after wires and a utility pole came down on the roadway.  The lane closures of Route 45 in Hartley Township was west of Bear Run Road.  Penn Dot announced the road reopened around 6:45pm.

The 2020 Laurel Festival in Wellsboro, PA has been cancelled.  All Laurel Festival activities scheduled for the Tioga County tradition, including the 2020 Family Day and Children’s Health Fair scheduled for June 13th on the Green in Wellsboro has been cancelled due to concerns over the coronavirus.  According to Julie VanNess of the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce all Laurel Queen candidates and their schools have been notified of the decision to cancel all the Laurel Festival activities in 2020.

Sports
NFL

The NFL is looking into playing games on Saturday if college football season is delayed this year. According to NFL officials and their broadcast partners, most games would be played Sunday, but if there was no college football at all on a Saturday, it could be an option.

Wil Ferrell crashed the Seattle Seahawks virtual meeting held by head coach Pete Carroll Thursday pretending to be new teammate Greg Olsen the foremer Carolina Panther who signed a 1-year deal with the team February 18th.  Will Ferrell Attended USC and is an acquaintance of the coach

MLB
The Tampa Bay Rays are the first MLB team to furlough employees.  A number of full timers will be furloughed starting tomorrow – reported to be only half of the up to 500 employees on the payroll.

NBA
The NBA is in talks with Disney World about resuming play there – since they have enough room to house quarantined players there – Las Vegas is also a location option

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 30, 2020

FOOD SUPPLY CONCERNS ADDRESSED BY GOVERNOR
Governor Wolf yesterday addressed food production efforts during his daily press conference, reassuring Pennsylvanians that food production is a top priority and life sustaining business.  Governor Wolf said the state department of agriculture has asked the federal government and PEMA for food production funding through the Federal Families First Act with an additional 16 million is coming through the Federal Cares Act. You can find a list of resources for families at the Pennsylvania department of Health website, here.

SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE THANKS GOVERNOR FOR MAKING FOOD SUPPLY PRIORITY
Russel Redding was included during the daily video conference with Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf yesterday, addressing the food insecurities many Pennsylvanians now face due to the coronavirus.  Redding says that many people never expected to see themselves needing this kind of help and wants to provide the community with resources.  He also thanked Governor Wolf for keeping food production as a top priority. For a list of resources you can go to the Pennsylvania department of health, here.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH UPDATE
The Pennsylvania Department of Health  confirmed yesterday that there are 1,102 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 44,366.  There are 2,195 total confirmed deaths in the state adding 479 new deaths as of yesterday.  Lycoming County has gone up 3 to 61 positive cases, Northumberland has 92, Clinton has 30, Montour County has 47, Sullivan one, and Tioga County reports 14 cases and one confirmed death,

JERSEY SHORE GIVES ELEMENTARY PARENTS CHOICES
Jersey Shore School District  voted Monday to allow parents of students in the elementary grades to either stay in the school they were in during the current school year or to return to their home school for the 2020-21 school year. According to the Sun Gazette, Dr. Ken Dady, assistant superintendent said the school choice policy was instituted by the district several years ago, but no guidelines were ever put in place to establish such things as class sizes at the elementary buildings. The district recently decided that elementary schools at Avis and Salladasburg would not be closed.

PLAYHOUSE SHIFTS SHOWS TO NEXT YEAR
Three musicals planned by the Millbrook Playhouse for the summer as well as four summer stock Downstairs Cabaret productions for 2020 have been all shifted to the 2021 season due to the concern and safety of the theater-going community during the coronavirus pandemic.  According to the Sun Gazette, artistic director David Leidholdt said  a one man show called “Grand Legends” is still booked for August 27 to August 30th and a summer and fall children’s musical and adult fall show will be announced during the upcoming “Fall in Mill Hall” event.  Millbrook has tickets available for September and October shows with details at ,illbrokk playhouse .org

MASKING WILL CONTINUE EVEN WHEN THE STATE IS AT YELLOW
During the daily Department of Health Press briefing yesterday, in a forwarded question they addressed community members not wearing masks as is mandated by the state department of health and that it is a concern for state officials.  Press Secretary of the Department says it is a concern and that some Pennsylvanians are being dishonest saying they have a medical condition to not wear the masks when it is often not the case.  As Lycoming county may be included in the north-central region that can transition from red to yellow in the Wolf administration’s reopening plan for the state, Secretary of Health Dr Rachel Levine says wearing masks will still be required in this time of transitional caution expected after May 8th.

ROTARY CLUB DONATES TO COVID-19 NON-PROFITS
The Milton Rotary Club has donated a total of $1400 to seven organizations helping people with the coronavirus. The funds came from the overage after the inability to hold the clubs luncheon happened due to Covid-19. The beneficiaries of the money were the Evangelical Community Hospital, Hand-Up foundation, Ronald McDonald house, Milton Panther Pantry, Greater Susquehanna YMCA, The Salvation Army of Milton and Panther Packs.

BUCKNELL KEEPS TUITION AS IS
An announced tuition increase has been cancelled at Bucknell University to help relieve students during challenging times according to President John Bravman in an announcement Sunday.  According to PennLive, tuition will remain unchanged for the 2020-21 academic year because they are committed to helping students complete their education.The roll back does not apply to room and board fees, which will remain at their announced levels, he said.

SPORTS
NFL
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and other league employees will take pay cuts or furloughs throughout the coronavirus pandemic.  Goodell voluntarily reducedhis o salary from over 30 million a year to zero yesterday. The league is also implementing reductions in base salaries for workers, vice presidents,  and directors.

Ex-Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith has been charged with unlawful sexual activity with minor.  A law enforcement source told ESPN that Smith is accused of being involved with a 17-year-old girl last August and September.

HS Wrestling
According to the Sun Gazette, the PIAA Wrestling Steering Committee approved a recommendation Wednesday to reduce the number of weight classes from 14 to 13. The decision won’t be made until May 20th when the board of directors meet, but wrestling chairmen David Campbell expects it to pass.

The NCAA is closer to allowing college athletes to make money from endorsements. The Board of Governors yesterday approved recommendations that will allow athletes to earn income through social media and endorsements that will go into effect for the 2122 academic year,
TENNIS
Tennis legends Serena Williams will join Maria Sharapova playing video game tennis for charity. Sunday’s event will feature top tennis players teamed with celebrities playing the “Stay at Home Slam”. The competitors will each play in their homes for $25,000 that they can donate to the charity of their choice, but the winning team will receive an additional $1 million to donate.
MLB
Major league baseball says that Derek Jeter’s induction ceremony into the baseball Hall of Fame will wait until 2021 since the class ceremony inductees from 2020 will be combined in 2021 next year. The event was scheduled for July 26 but next year will be on July 25th.

Minor league baseball has issued a statement in conjunction with Major Legue Baseball  that there is no truth to the rumor that minor-league baseball season has been canceled. No official decision has been made as to when Minor League teams will begin their 2020 season.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 29, 2020

LYCOMING COUNTY REPORTS ONE MORE COVID-19 CASE
There is one more positive case of COVID-19 reported in Lycoming County as of Tuesday 58 cases and no deaths, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.  Statewide, there are 1,214 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing that total to 43,264.  119 new deaths in the commonwealth makes 1, 716 confirmed fatalities due to the coronavirus.  Local case counts include Northumberland with 92, Union has 33 Montour has 47 – with no deaths in those counties, Columbia has 279 cases and reports 8 deaths.

GOVERNOR TO REVEAL FRIDAY THE COUNTIES CHANGING DESIGNATION
Gov. Tom Wolf will announce this Friday who will officially feel the relaxing of the coronavirus-related shutdown directives first.  Some regions or counties may move from a “red” designation to a “yellow” designation, taking effect the following Friday, May 8. Under yellow, a ban on gatherings of over 25 people will remain, and gyms, casinos, theaters and other indoor recreational, wellness and entertainment venues will stay closed. Restaurants and bars will still be limited to carry-out or delivery, and businesses must follow federal and state guidance for social distancing and cleaning.

WEST FOURTH STREET CONSTRUCTION TO START FRIDAY
Construction work is set to begin on West Fourth Street in the Newberry section of the City of Williamsport,  On Friday, May 1, the contractor, will begin installing base repairs in preparation for milling and paving of a fiber reinforcement layer as well as a new wearing course on West Fourth Street between Arch Street and Oliver Avenue.  Motorist should expect single lane closures using daylight flagging.

COURTS WILL REMAIN CLOSED INTO MAY
The Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas and all Magisterial District Courts of the 29th Judicial District have announced that they will remain closed to the public through May 15, 2020, except for essential functions. The latest Lycoming County Administrative Order Monday, extends the court closure until May 15th.    This also confirms that jury selection in Lycoming County scheduled for June 1st -5th is cancelled with all jury trials scheduled for June through July being continued. The Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas will continue to perform the following essential functions during the court closure.  A link to the copy of the Judicial Order is here.

CROSSCUTTERS TO HELP CENTRAL PA FOOD BANK
The Williamsport Crosscutters have joined a new initiative with “MiLB CommUNITY First” in conjunction with Feeding America to raise funds in response to  COVID-19 and honor those working on the front line of the pandemic.  According to the Sun Gazette, if fans visit the online site, www.milb.com/communityfirst they can choose a donation amount and designate it for the Crosscutters.  Those direct funds will benefit the Central PA Food Bank and for every $10 donated, the Cutters will donate a ticket for a future home game in this season or 2021 to a local hearo during the pandemic.

MAYOR SLAUGHTER ANTICIPATES WILLIAMSPORT BE AMONG THE FIRST TO REOPEN
Williamsport may be in the first of the locations the state Health Department classifies to reopen since shelter in place orders went into effect March 15th.  According to the Sun Gazette, Mayor Derek Slaughter said to the City’s finance committee that as he monitors the health information from the state and works with local and state health officials, if the city is authorized to move forward, we will hopefully become a model for other cities in the commonwealth who open back up in a measured way.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CONCERNED ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND CHILD ABUSE
The Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary, Dr. Rachel Levine addressed Pennsylvanians yesterday during the daily press briefing to be aware if neighbors or friends may be experiencing problems with domestic or child abuse and that if you think something is wrong,  you can say something <<<< LEVINE 2 by calling Childline at 1-800-932-0313 and online at keepkidssafe.pa.gov >>>>or a domestic violence hotline 1-800-799-7233 and online at https://www.pcadv.org/.  >>>> If you witness or hear a violent incident, don’t intervene. Call 911 immediately.

PENN STATE WILL DECIDE ABOUT FALL SEMESTER IN JUNE
Penn State University is giving themselves until June 15th to decide on their plans for the fall semester, trying to determine whether students will be returning to campus or continue remote learning, like the summer class schedule is at this time.  According to WPSU, Provost Nick Jones said in  Tuesday’s remote Faculty Senate meeting they are trying to juggle the need to inform their students of future plans, making sure to use the most up-to-date information about COVID-19.  All outcomes and decisions are based on student enrollment and some out of state and international students may take other options if students cannot return to the Centre County campus in the fall.


MLB
Major league baseball is planning to start the season in late June. Sources at MLB say they’ll start no later than July 2, playing at least 100 regular season games.  They are also considering a three division 10-team plan in which teams play only within their division based on geography.

Major league baseball is now allowing teams to offer refunds to fans for games currently not being played because of the coronavirus.  Each team sets its own policy with many likely offering credit for 2021 as an option.

In NASCAR the Governor of North Carolina says the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway will likely go on a scheduled May 24.  Gov. Roy Cooper says NASCAR and the officials at the speedway submitted a plan to implement social distancing and have no fans in the speedway for the race.

HS Wrestling
Some minor rule changes in high school wrestling were handed down by the National Federation of High Schools yesterday which addressed hair length, weigh-in procedures and scoring, but not the pilot program announced last year by the PIAA reducing the number of weight classes from 14 to 12.

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