BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

WORK ON SNYDER COUNTY SEWER LINE TODAY

Work for the replacement of the broken sewer pipe that broke Sunday near Selinsgrove, spilling raw sewage into Penns Creek, which flows on to the Susquehanna River will begin today.   According to the Daily Item, authorities from DEP and Snyder County recommend avoiding direct contact with the Susquehanna River for 20 miles downstream to the Liverpool area in Perry County after the large spill occurred, but a wraparound sleeve at the break was installed Sunday evening which stopped the discharge of sewage.  Authorities also report that no drinking water was  affected in the break. The Route 11 southbound exit ramp to Route 35 will be closed today with work being performed between 7:30am and 3pm today. Watch for a detour using Route 11 southbound to Aqueduct Road, Route 11 northbound, back to Route 35.

WILLIAMSPORT MAN ACCUSED OF THEFT FROM 9/11 NON-PROFIT

The man from Williamsport who took funds to make T-shirts and decals for the Lycoming County 9/11 Memorial Coalition has been charged with theft by deception, theft by unlawful taking and other charges after he didn’t fulfill the contract.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say 36 year old Michael Ritter of Mike’s Custom Apparel took over 75 hundred dollars in funds and when he didn’t deliver the goods, never returned the money or make contact with the 9/11 Coalition motorcycle ride organizers when they attempted to contact him.  A warrant was issued for Ritter this week with an arraignment pending in Muncy Creek Township.

STRIKE LOOMS AT SHIKELLAMY

There is still potential for a teachers strike at Shikellamy this Friday if contract negotiations between Shikellamy School Board and the teacher’s union doesn’t go favorably.  According to the Daily Item, a proposal is under consideration that could increase total wage costs over the next four years by $1.3-million, boosting  starting salaries by 15 percent.  Superintendent Jason Bendle was this week given authority by the school board to make schedule decisions about classes, activities and other district related activities if a strike does start Friday. 

VACCINE CLINIC FOR PETS IN TIOGA COUNTY

A low-cost vaccine and mico-chip clinic for pets is coming up in Tioga County Sunday, October 6th.  According to Second Chance Animal Sanctuary, their annual event at the Tioga County Fairgrounds is in conjunction with Dr. Kristine Shaw of Grand Canyon Veterinary Hospital and offers 12 dollar rabies vaccines and boosters, a 15 dollar distemper combination vaccines, along with a 25 dollar microchip with registration.  No appointment is necessary for the event that is from 1-3pm in Whitneyville. All dogs must be on leashes and cats in carriers.  Email secondchance as @ yahoo dot com for information.

PROSECUTOR SEEK JAIL TIME FOR ACCUSED TROOPER

Michael J. Brown from Tioga County, found responsible for the death of 47 year old Troy area school teacher Christine E. Woodward in a vehicle crash in 2023, is facing a county prison sentence after a prosecutor with the state Attorney General’s office asked a judge for 6 to 23 months for the former state trooper.  According to PennLive, Brown was found guilty of vehicular homicide after he passed in a no-passing zone and caused a fatal fiery accident on Route 6 east of Mansfield last February.  Sentencing is set for October 4th in Tioga County Court. Brown remains free on $50,000 unsecured bail.

ALTERNATE PHONE NUMBER FOR LYCO PUBLIC SAFETY

As the Lycoming County Department of Public Safety is working with residents who have questions about FEMA benefits after flooding from Tropical Storm Debby  hit the area, they have reported a phone outage and are working to correct the problem.  In the meantime, residents needing to contact the public safety office for any reason, FEMA questions or otherwise, are being asked to use an alternate phone number to reach the main office.  Until further notice, please use 570-329-4061 to contact the Lycoming County Department of Public Safety.

GRANTS FOR EMS EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS

Following an EMS summer camp this year for high school students to explore potential career opportunities where they learned about emergency medical services in three different emergency medical programs, grants have been provided to continue training students and help build out Pennsylvania’s future emergency medical services workforce.  According to the Daily Item, a combined 150 thousand dollars in grants is now available to accredited EMS schools and higher education institutions for students who are at least in the ninth grade, but volunteers wanting to apply for EMS certification must be must be at least 16 years old and complete required courses and pass a certification examination.  The application deadline for the grant program is October 16.  Go to state.pa.us for application information.

LOCK HAVEN HALLOWEEN PARADE

The annual Lock Haven Halloween parade is on tap for later in October and the free event is on for all to participate.  According to the Lock Haven Fire Department, the parade event will kick off Saturday October 26th at 10am at North Henderson Street and continue to Triangle Park where there will be free games, refreshments, activities for kids plus an award presentation.  Those who want to have a vehicle or float in the parade should line up Saturday morning at 9:30 on East Water Street.  In case of rain, the after parade party will be indoors at Eastside Fire Rescue on East Church Street.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Sports
Boys Soccer

Milton 3                     Danville 1
Girls Soccer
Milton 3                     Hughesville 0
Towanda  3                NP Mansfield  0
Wellsboro 0              NE Bradford 0
Girls Tennis 
South Wmspt  5        Muncy 0

MLB
Guardians  6        Reds  1
Cubs  10               Phillies  4
Brewers  7                     Pirates  2
Royals 1               Nationals 0
Orioles  5             Yankees  3
Braves  5              Mets  1

  • Los Angeles clinched a playoff spot on Friday winning their 11th  NL West division title in 12 seasons.
  • The Houston Astros clinched their fourth straight American League West title with a 4-3 win over the Mariners yesterday


MLB Today
Cubs vs Phillies  6:05pm
Brewers  vs Pirates  6:40pm
Royals vs Nationals 6:45pm
Orioles vs Yankees 7:05pm ESPN
Mets vs Braves  7:20pm

NFL Thursday Night Football
Cowboys vs NY Giants  8:15pm Prime Vid


NCAA Football This week
Thursday – Army vs Temple  7:30pm ESPN
Friday –    Washington vs Rutgers  8pm FOX
Saturday – Ohio State @ Michigan State 7pm Peacock
                  Illinois @ Penn State  7:30pm NBC

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 24, 2024

TRAFFIC SNARLED IN LEWISBURG MONDAY

Traffic was detoured Monday afternoon around an accident on Route 15 and AJK Boulevard near the Sheetz in Lewisburg just after 2pm.  According to the Daily Item, one person was injured and transported to Geisinger in Danville after a three-vehicle accident involving a GMC Pickup truck, a rabbit transit van, and a tractor-trailer.  Police say the empty tractor trailer attempted to stop at a red light at AJK Boulevard but instead hit the truck which was turning left, causing a chain reaction accident into the rabbit transit van, which had no passengers on it at the time.  The driver of the GMC truck suffered minor injuries.

TWO ARRESTED IN WILLIMSPORT FOR ASSAULT

Two people in Williamsport were arrested for an assault on a man at his home September 6th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 45 year old Jeremy Brewer allegedly argued with the victim when he stopped by their home and when it turned into a physical fight, police say Justina Marie Solomon also assaulted the victim when he tried to fight back.  Brewer also allegedly pulled a knife on the victim before he left the scene with Solomon.  Both are facing charges for assault, Brewer is also charged with strangulation, terroristic threats, and possession of a weapon and was jailed in lieu of 25 thousand dollars bail.  Solomon’s bail was set at 5 thousand dollars monetary.

CARJACKING SUSPECT SOUGHT BY POLICE

Police are seeking information about a carjacking that happened Sunday at the 200 block of West Fourth Street.  According to the Sun Gazette, a victim called police just before 3pm Sunday after a short white man in his late 20s approached the man’s vehicle while he was sitting in  it and demanded he get out of the car with what looked to be a gun under his shirt.  Police found the vehicle still running a short time later in Loyalsock Township near St. David’s and Edercrest roads.  If you have information about the incident call 570-327-7560.

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST DEADLINE WEDNESDAY

If you are a photographer living within 30 miles from Lewisburg, the deadline for the Lewisburg Photography Club’s judged photography exhibition is Wednesday.  According to the Daily Item, the special interest group of the Lewisburg Arts Council is inviting photographers of all ages to submit up to three photographs within the categories black and white, artistic/abstract, lifestyle and nature. A reception and awards ceremony is planned at the Gallery on N Water St. in Lewisburg on  October 4th.  Get details and an online entry form at Lewisburg arts council dot org.

SEWAGE CONTAMINATES SUSQUEHANNA

In the wake of the sewage line rupture Sunday morning in Snyder County near Selinsgrove, the PA Department of Environmental protection is asking the public to avoid direct contact with the impacted waterways and refrain  from using the river recreationally for fishing, swimming or boating.  Authorities say the Susquehanna River is affected more than 20 miles downstream of Selinsgrove to the Liverpool area in Perry County and that an emergency response team is working to stop the leak, and cleanup the waterway.    Residents of Shamokin Dam Borough, Monroe Township, Penn Township, and Selinsgrove Borough are being asked to limit the use of the sewage system until the repair is complete.  Public drinking water supplies are safe and may continue to be used. 

TWO MEN ARRESTED AT UNION COUNTY JAIL

A man from Lewisburg who was incarcerated in the Union County Jail this summer has been charged along with another inmate for working together to sharpen a toothbrush into a weapon.  According to the Daily Item, 28 year old Julio Gonzalez of Lewisburg and 25 year old Jose Morel-Cruz of the Bronx were each charged with four misdemeanors including possession of a weapon to facilitate escape. Warden Ernie Ritter told police the shank was found on August 20th near the jail recreation yard.  Gonzalez and Morel-Cruz have a preliminary hearing on the new charges on October 17th.

UNION COUNTY OPENS FEMA RECOVERY CENTER

A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Union County is now set up to help residents who were affected in August by the flooding from Tropical Storm Debby.  The center at the Union County Resources Center on Hafer Road near Lewisburg, performs functions similar to the centers in Lycoming County in Hepburn Township, and in Tioga County.  FEMA representatives will assist residents there daily from 8am to 6pm so they can apply for funds to help cover costs for temporary housing, home repairs, rental assistance, and other disaster-related needs. 

UPMC HOLDING SUICIDE AWARENESS VIGIL

September isNational Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and UPMC will hold a candlelight vigil this week to remember those who have been affected by suicide.  According to UPMC, Community members and hospital employees will share a few words of commemoration and support on UPMC Williamsport’s front lawn at 700 High St. Williamsport at 6pm this Wednesday.  In case of rain the vigil will be held on Thursday, September 26th at the same time.  If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis, dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

SPORTS

NFL Monday Night Football
Commanders 38           Bengals 33
Bills 47                         Jaguars 10
NFL Thursday Night Football
Cowboys vs NY Giants  8:15pm Prime Vid


NCAA Football This week
Thursday – Army vs Temple  7:30pm ESPN
Friday –    Washington vs Rutgers  8pm FOX
Saturday – Ohio State @ Michigan State 7pm Peacock
                  Illinois @ Penn State  7:30pm NBCMLB
Red Sox  4          Blue Jays 1
Mariners  6         Astros  1
Giants  6              D’Backs  3
Phillies  6            Cubs  2
*  The Phillies won the NL East for the first time since 2011, clinching the division title with their victory over the Chicago Cubs last night.

MLB Today

Cubs vs Phillies  6:40pm
Brewers vs Pirates  6:40pm
Royals vs Nationals  6:45pm
Orioles  vs Yankees  7:05pm TBS
Mets  vs Braves  7:20

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

SEWAGE LINE RUPTURES NEAR SELINSGROVE SUNDAY

A local emergency has been announced after a 20-inch sewage line ruptured near the East Snyder County Sewage Treatment Facility on the south end of Selinsgrove in Snyder County Sunday afternoon.  According to the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, the rupture is causing raw sewage to spill into Penns Creek, lower Middle Creek, and is flowing into the Susquehanna River just above the Hoover Island boat launch area.  The Pennsylvania DEP and officials from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission are on the scene evaluating next steps.  According to a press release from the Snyder County Emergency Management Authority, residents of Shamokin Dam Borough, Monroe Township, Penn Township, and Selinsgrove Borough are requested to reasonably limit water use until repairs can be made.  The break is located across Market Street from the Selinsgrove Speedway.

TWO PA STUDENTS DETAINED FOR THREATS LAST WEEK

North Schuylkill School District authorities say two students there were identified as responsible for making non-credible threats on social media last week and were removed from the school on Wednesday.  Police and school administrators report that two students, a male and female are a subject of the investigation and will be facing additional charges up to and including expulsion after they allegedly made the threats online Monday and Tuesday evening.  Administrators say they received up to 100 calls about the threats through their Safe2Say platform, a program that allows individuals to inform police of dangers anonymously.  The district attorney’s office has not yet decided whther to charge the middle school student suspects as adults or juveniles.

FLOATING DAM TO BE DEFLATED IN OCTOBER

Deflating of the Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam will take place in the second week of October this year.  According to the Daily Item, boating season at Shikellamy State Park ends with the traditional end-of-season process and all marina slip holders are required to remove their boats from the Shikellamy State Park marina by sunset on Monday, October 7th. The complete deflation process takes 2 weeks during which time, the park’s docks will be removed.  The dam is in  Upper Augusta Township, between Shamokin Dam and Sunbury.

SELF-GUIDED TOURS IN COMMONWEALTH STATE PARKS

The PA Game Commission has scheduled nine self-guided driving tours of state game lands starting in October.  According to North Central PA dot com, the tour Sunday, October 6th will focus on state Game Lands 12 in Bradford County south of Canton starting at 9am and will also provide a tour through Elk County at the same time.  There will also be tours October 13th and 20th.  These driving tours provide an inside look at habitat projects as well as hunting and trapping opportunities on public lands across the state.   All tours are free, held rain or shine, and are self-guided, open only to vehicles licensed for travel on public roads.

ARREST FOR MAN WITH GROW OPERATION IN HOME

A man from Susquehanna Township was arrested for growing marijuana plants on his property while his child was staying at the home.  According to PA State Police, they received a tip from the child’s mother that 31 year old Andrew Day had a grow operation in the home that she said made the child feel ill and unsafe.  After executing a search warrant, troopers arrested Day and charged him with felony manufacture, delivery, or possession of drugs with intent to deliver and misdemeanors including endangering the welfare of children.  His bail was set at 50 thousand dollars.

WOMAN’S DEATH IN BOAT MISHAP DEEMED AN ACCIDENT

After a woman died when a boat capsized on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River near Winfield last April, the operator of the boat is not being held responsible.  Police now say the incident was officially ruled accidental after an investigation.  According to the Daily Item, a Waterways Conservation Officer said that 38 year old Kyle Roy Jocken of Minersville was operating a boat during hazardous conditions, in a craft that had been modified, and that the three passengers on the boat overloaded it.  Police say when water came over the bow of the boat, the victim, Melissa Commings, went into the strong river current without a lifejacket and perished.  Jocken was charged with misdemeanor reckless operation of a watercraft.

DEAD INFANT CASE STILL OPEN IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

The homicide investigation of a deceased newborn found in Northumberland County in the 80s is still open and state police are asking for information either by calling the anonymous tip line, 1-800-4PATIPS or by going online to p3tips.com.  According to the Sun Gazette, Pennsylvania State police were alerted to a full-term newborn who had been asphyxiated, found in a shopping bag along rural highway Route 4005 at the time, by two Snydertown residents who were walking in the area.  Police continue to seek new information and leads in the case with DNA analysis.  A two thousand dollar cash reward is possible for information in the case.

LITTLE PINE CREEK ROAD TO OPEN THIS WEEK

After emergency flood repairs have been in place last week, Little Pine Creek Road is set to tentatively reopen this week.  According to PennDOT, the contractor continued pavement repairs, paving, debris removal, guide rail replacement, and shoulder backup last week as part of repairing the substructure of the three-span Carsontown Bridge.  The road has been closed between Carsontown Road south of the bridge and Big Buck Lodge Lane north of the bridge in Pine Township since flooding occurred in August.  Park officials say all facilities at Little Pine State Park are now open.

SPORTS

NFL
Giants 21              Browns 15
Eagles  15            Saints  12
Steelers  20           Chargers  10
Seahawks  24       Dolphins  3
Ravens  28           Cowboys  25
Chiefs  22             Falcons  17
NFL Monday Night Football
Jaguars vs Bills  7:30pm ESPN
Commanders  vs Bengals  8:15pm ABC

MLB
Cardinals  2          Guardians  1
Pirates  2              Reds  0
Tigers 4                Orioles  3
Cubs  5                 Nationals  0
Yankees 7            A’s  4
Mets  2                 Phillies 1
MLB Tonight
Cubs vs Phillies  6:40pm
Red Sox vs Blue Jays  7:07pm
Mariners vs Astros  8:10pm
Giants vs Diamondbacks  9:40pm

NASCAR Playoffs Saturday Bass Pro Shops Night Race – Bristol, TN
* Team Hendrick’s Kyle Larson dominated the first elimination race of NASCAR’s 10-race playoff portion of the season Saturday night by leading all but 38 of the 500 laps at the track in Bristol, Tennessee
* Former NASCAR champions Brad Keselowski and Martin Truex Jr., as well as Ty Gibbs and Harrison Burton, were eliminated from the 16-driver field.
*Daniel Suarez  finished four laps down in 31st, squeezed into the second round of the playoffs by 11 points over Ty Gibbs.

* Also advancing were Chase Elliott, who finished second, Christopher Bell, who finished fifth, regular-season champion Tyler Reddick, Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, Chase Briscoe, William Byron, Austin Cindric and Alex Bowman.

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