BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 6, 2019
WOMAN THROWS BRICK THROUGH CAR WINDOW
A Williamsport woman went to jail last week for throwing a brick through a window of a car and injuring a child inside. According to the North Central PA dot com, police say 31 year old, Jessica N. Lane, was intoxicated and shattered the driver’s side window of a vehicle in Williamsport around 8:45 pm on November 28th and later admitted to police that she struck the child with a closed fist twice. Emergency service treated the child at the scene and Lane was charged with assault and endangering the welfare of a child. She was unable to make the 25,000 straight bail and was taken to Lycoming County prison.
LOCAL HOSPITAL CLOSING NEXT YEAR
UPMC Susquehanna Community Hospital Sunbury will be closing its doors by March 31st 2020 according to an announcement yesterday by UPMC Susquehanna President Steven Johnson. The Daily Item reports that the closing will eliminate 150 local jobs and could leave Sunbury without a local hospital for the first time in 120 years. According to 2017 tax filings, the hospital reported a $2 million deficit. According to Johnson, citing market data, patients are utilizing facilities other than UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury for their care prompting the closing.
CITY BUDGET APPROVED WITH A TAX-HIKE
A proposed budget for the City of Williamsport was passed by City Council on the first reading at a meeting last night but, it included a tax-hike, counter to the no-tax hike proposal Mayor Campana submitted last month. The Council voted 6-1 to approve the budget as read but added a tax increase. It amounts to .25 mills, bringing real estate taxes to 15 dollars and 72 cents per one thousand dollars of assessed property value. Mayor-elect and Councilman Derek Slaughter, was the dissenting vote. According to the Sun Gazette, personnel costs are 85 percent of the overall spending plan.
SO. CO. TIGERS COULD MAKE PA HISTORY
The Southern Columbia High School football team is heading to Hershey Stadium today at 1pm to hopefully make state history. It could be their 10th PIAA Class 2A state title and third in a row, when the Tigers face Avonworth out of District 7. According to WKOK, head coach Jim Roth wants to see victory for his five seniors on a team with a record breaking win for most championships in the state. The team earned their state appearance today by beating Richland last Friday 49-27.
TWO INMATES CHARGED WITH ASSAULT
Incidents have taken place in the Northumberland County Prison that have led to the arrest of two inmates. According to the Daily Item Brett Landau was charged with simple assault and harassment there after a planned and unprovoked attack that injured another inmate November 2nd, and 27 year old Kyle McDaniel was also charged with simple assault for an attack of an inmate November 27th. The local magistrate handle the cases according to the Northumberland county District Atrtorney.
SUNBURY MAYOR REACTS TO HOSPITAL CLOSING
Sunbury Mayor Kurt Karlovich made a statement yesterday addressing information he received about UPMC Sunbury closing the Community Hospital next year. Karlovich confirmed that he only learned that the hospital entity was closing it’s doors through media channels. He made note of the recent request by UPMC to become tax exempt as a non-profit system, but noted that the group stated publicly on their website that they provided 1.2 billion dollars of IRS-defined community benefits in 2019.. The mayor also told WKOK that he is committed to bring another medical facility to step in where UPMC has now decided to step away. Sunbury City Administrator Jody Ocker said the city did receive a courtesy call from UPMC President Bob Cane later Thursday morning.
COMMISSIONERS APPROVE REFINANCING
Refinancing of bonds for capital projects for water and sewage was approved by the Lycoming County Commissioners at Thursday’s meeting, according to the Sun Gazette. Taking advantage of the lower interest rates were the motivation behind the refinancing The approval is expected to bring a cost savings of at least $150,000 for the Lycoming County Water & Sewage Authority.
PENNDOT WILL DEDICATE BRIDGES TO FALLEN COWORKERS
PennDOT announced yesterday a statewide effort to memorialize fallen employees with bridge dedications for employees who died while on duty since 1970. PennDOT will work with the General Assembly to pass a naming authorization bill in the spring 2020 legislative session. PennDOT’s intent, with the involvement the family, is to honor each fallen PennDOT worker as an acknowledgement of their service to Pennsylvania. . The initiative was inspired by the naming of a bridge in Northumberland County for PennDOT District 3 employee Harold “Don” Whipple, who was killed in the line of duty in 2016.
SEDA-COG NAMES NEW OFFICERS
Board officers for SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) were elected at Wednesday’s public meeting. Columbia County Commissioner Rich Ridgway, was elected president; Juniata County Commissioner Mark Partner, first vice president; Mifflin County Commissioner Kevin Kodish, second vice president, Larry Reisinger of Perry County, secretary; and Dennis Van Benthuysen of Snyder County, treasurer. The SEDA-COG board is a 22-member, county-based policy board representing both public and private sectors. Appointments and reappointments for SEDA-COG board members will take place in January.
Sports
NFL Thursday night football the Bears beat the Cowboys 31-20
NBA – Wizards beat the 76ers 119 to 113, Rockets beat the Raptors 119 to 109, Nuggets beat the Knicks 129 to 92, Suns beat the Pelicans 139 to 132.
NHL – Blackhawks beat the Bruins 4-3, Avalanche over the Canadians 3-2, Wild beat Lightning 5-4, Islanders over the Golden Knights 3-2, Coyotes beat the Flyers 3-1, Hurricanes over the Sharks 3-2, Rangers beat the Blue Jackets 3-2, Stars over the Jets 3-2, and the Flames beat the Sabres 4-3
College Wrestling – Bucknell beat Bloomsburg 24 to 13
HS Football P I-AA Class AAAA Championship – Thomas Jefferson beat Dallas 46-7 winning their fourth title last night in Hershey, PA.
In NASCAR Chase Elliot has been named most popular driver in the sport by racing fans for the second consecutive year. His father, Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, held the record for the award, winning 15 consecutive years until he removed his name from consideration in 2002.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 5, 2019
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER LOSES HOME TO FIRE
A 10-year volunteer for the Picture Rocks Fire Company lost his home along Boak Avenue in Hughesville yesterday morning in a fire. Firefighters from Picture Rocks, Muncy Township, Muncy Creek Township and Montgomery worked together to extinguish the blaze that destroyed the mobile home of Zach Babb. According to the Sun Gazette, Babbs’ two dogs were trapped in the home and neighbors attempted to rescue them, but they perished in the fire. Fire officials have not determined the cause of the blaze at this time. Picture Rocks Fire Chief Larry Ryder said the company will now work to determine what assistance their co-worker will need to recover.
GRANT AWARDED TO CITY HOMELESS SHELTER
A grant has been awarded to the American Rescue Workers in Williamsport which will help make critical structural improvements to its Saving Grace Shelter building formerly the Grace United Methodist Church built in the late 1800s. According to the Sun Gazette , the PPL foundation awarded the 40 thousand dollars to the non-profit, which provides services to homeless families in the county, to repair the damaged roof, repair a heating unit and other repairs. The local grant from the PPL Foundation is part of 575 thousand dollars recently allocated for 12 other organizations working to improve education and promote development of sustainable communities.
UPMC FILES AN APPEAL FOR TAX EXEMPTION
Tax revenues are still in question in Northumberland County after UPMC in Sunbury filed for an appeal this week after their tax exemption request for 20 parcels was denied last October. According to WKOK, County Solicitor Frank Garrigan will file a response today to the appeal. UPMC has requested tax exemption saying their work is public charity. If the exemption is granted, it will cost the county, the city of Sunbury, and the Shikellamy School District more than $370,000 in annual real estate tax revenue.
DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS THIS WEEKEND IN WELLSBORO
If you’re heading to Tioga County this weekend, you might want to join the Wellsboro Chamber of Commerce and experience a Dickens of a Christmas. The 36th Annual event is Friday to Sunday, but closes the roads in Wellsboro Saturday at 9am for over 135 outdoor vendors, theater presentations and musical performances. Saturday at 5:30 p.m. there’s the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony with Santa and a carol sing on the Green on Main Street and enjoy several performances of “A Christmas Carol” on Saturday and Sunday at the Deane Center.
ELDERLY MAN DIES IN FIRE
Towanda State Police say a man died in a fire in New Albany Wednesday after a fire occurred around 11 am at 3272 Pelton Hill Road. According to the Sun Gazette, the Bradford County coroner, Thomas Carman, said remains of 71-year-old, Richard J. Bongiovanni were found in the home where he was a resident. An autopsy and toxicology tests will be conducted this week in Binghamton NY.
WIDE LOAD COMING FROM ERIE TO LOCK HAVEN
A wide load heading to Lock Haven will be moving across Pennsylvania today and tomorrow and impacting traffic along the way. According to PennDOT, a Yankee Dryer super load will be transported 300 miles for the next few days from the Port of Erie to First Quality Tissue in Lock Haven and throughout the trip will use cross overs and unusual traffic patterns with flaggers as the load crosses traffic. The convoy will move at an average of 15 miles per hour and start in Erie County, and crossing into Clinton County late Friday affecting traffic patterns along Mill Hall Road, Rt 220 South as well as 120 East in Lock Haven.
PENN COLLEGE STUDENTS PETITION TO GRADUATE
Almost 300 students have petitioned to graduate and receive their degrees for the Fall 2019 semester at Pennsylvania College of Technology. The student speaker will be Stephanie Petrison, of Landenberg, who will receive a bachelor of science in business administration, as well as Ryan Good, assistant professor of welding who was presented with the esteemed Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award last May. Penn College president Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour will be joined by state Sen. Gene Yaw, chairman of the college’s board of directors, to confer degrees and certificates upon the graduates. The commencement ceremony will be held at 11a on December. 21st, at the Community Arts Center, 220 W. Fourth St. in Wmspt.
PA DOG LICENSES ON SALE NOW
Pennsylvania Dog licenses went on sale last Monday. Dog owners who need to purchase 2020dog licenses may do so at the Lycoming County Treasurer’s office located at 33 West Third Street, Williamsport. All dogs three months or older must be licensed by January 1st of each year as required by state law. Owners who do not license their dogs or have a current rabies vaccination can be cited with a maximum fine of $300 per dog along with assessed court costs. The fee for an annual dog license is $8.50. If the dog is spayed or neutered, the fee is $6.50. Senior citizens and the disabled may purchase an annual license for $6.50 or $4.50 if the dog is spayed or neutered.
Sports
NBA
Hornets beat the Warriors 106 to 91, Bucks beat the Pistons 127 to 103, Magic beat the Suns 128 to 114, Celtics beat the Heat 112 to 93, Nets beat the Hawks 130 to 118, Pacers over the Thunder 107 to 100, Bulls beat the Grizzlies 106 to 99, Mavericks over the Timberwolves 121 to 114, Lakers beat Jazz 121 to 96, Trailblazers over the Kings 127 to 116.
Men’s basketball
Lycoming beat Alvernia 75 to 66,
Women’s Basketball
Lycoming beat Alvernia 58 to 46
NHL
Avalanche beat Maple Leafs 3 to 1, Penguins beat Blues 3 – nothing, Senators over the Oilers 5 to 2, and Capitals beat the Kings 3 to 1
Today Sports
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 4, 2019
PUBLIC SEWAGE FUNDING APPROVED
The funding was approved for an extension of public sewage along Route 15 in Clinton Township and construction bids for the 1.5 million dollar West Branch Regional Authority project will be taken next week. According to the Sun Gazette, the Lycoming County Commissioners said in their meeting last night that the intersection at Rt 15 and Rt 54 is a significant growth area for the County and the extension helps stimulate development.
DEADLY FORCE BY POLICE ENDS AMBER ALERT ABDUCTION
The suspect was killed in an abduction and Amber Alert case that affected motorists in Lycoming County Sunday according to Pennsylvania State Police. A 15 year old girl who is the daughter of a police officer in Nanicoke, PA, was being held captive at knife point by 20 year old Jordan Oliver at Greater Nanicoke High School around 3:30pm Sunday. After police negotiated with Oliver, he let the girl walk away to get in a police vehicle, but then he pepper sprayed police, jumped in the police car and drove away with the girl. PA State Police Special Emergency Response Team tracked the pair to an area in Warrior Run Borough in Luzerne County and according to the Morning Call, used deadly force against Oliver. The girl who had a PFA against Oliver was released unharmed. The Amber Alert was over around 10:30 pm Sunday night.
NEW SELINSGROVE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS
There are new leaders on the Selinsgrove school board today. New leaders were to be elected according to the Selinsgrove School district board meeting agenda. Dennis Wolfe told WKOK that he was elected president, Amy Stauffer was elected Vice President and Larry Augustine was elected Secretary and that each was sworn-in immediately following their elections.
REPASZ BAND LEADER TO STEP DOWN
After 47 years, Maestro Albert J. Nacinovich – (Nass a NO vitch) will step away from his position as director of The Repasz Band after their concert next week in Williamsport. According to the Sun Gazette, 80 year- old Nacinovich, who is from Shamokin, received music degrees from Mansfield State Teachers College and Ithaca College and taught music and directed the band in the Williamsport Area School District. The Repasz Band’s Winter Holiday Concert is next Tuesday at 7:30pm at the Community Arts Center, and is a free show.
TRAFFIC STOP REVEALS HIDDEN COMPARTMENTS IN CAR
Williamsport police conducted a traffic stop on November 24th and found the suspect to be driving a car altered for the intent of trafficking drugs with hidden compartments containing suspected Fentanyl and money. According to North Central PA dot com, during a traffic stop along Newberry and Arch Streets, police noticed 30 year old Amin Akbar wearing a specific rubber band used for drug packaging on his leg. Upon further investigation police found the contraband along with ringing cell phones. Akbar was arrested and charged with felony counts of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, and was remanded to Lycoming County Prison
MAYOR’S PROPOSED BUDGET IS NOT RECOMMENDED
Mayor Gabriel Campana’s proposed budget was not recommended in a 3 to nothing vote by the Williamsport City Council’s Finance Committee Tuesday and another budget work session will happen tonight ahead of Thursday’s first reading of the document. Committee members have concerns over where dedicated money will be put in the budget, after some allocations planned for paying for economic development consulting were moved around. Mayor Campana told the Sun Gazette that the proposed budget allows for Mayor-elect Derek Slaughter to review the city’s consulting firm options going forward.
FIRE IN COAL TOWNSHIP INVESTIGATED AFTER PRIOR DRUG RAID THERE
Police continue to investigate the fire that happened Sunday in Coal Township at 1468 Pulaski Avenue. According to the Daily Item, Joseph Llewellyn was arrested November 21st after his home was raided by State Attorney General Drug officers after he was observed selling drugs and firearms to an informant. Llewellyn was then jailed but posted bail. The nature of the weekend fire is now in question and a State Fire Marshall was on the scene this week. The fire that started at 8pm Sunday spread to another next door home and caused extensive damage.
FARM SHOW DETAILS FOR 2020
Officials from the Pennsylvania Farm Show have released details about the 2020 event opening the food court at noon on January 3th through January 11th of next year. The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the nation’s largest indoor agricultural event and features 12,000 competitive exhibits, over 5 thousand animal competitions and 300 commercial exhibitors. The theme this year is “Imagine the Opportunities” and will feature some new things, including Chiques Creek Hemp Tea and Hard Cider and Craft Beer Competitions….. a live waterfowl habitat in the poultry area…. Low-Stimulation Shelters available for a quiet escape from crowds. Admission to the show is free and parking is $15 in all Farm Show Complex-operated lots.
Sports
NBA
Pistons beat the Cavaliers 127 to 94, Magic over the Wizards 127 to 120, Heat beat the Raptors 121 to 110, Mavericks beat the Pelicans 118 to 97, Spurs edged the Rockets 135 to 133, Lakers over the Nuggets 105 to 96, Clippers over the Trailblazers 117 to 97.
NHL
Bruins over the Hurricanes 2-nothing, Canadians beat the Islanders 4-2, Wild beat Panthers 4-2, Golden Knights over the Devils 4-3, Flyers beat the Maple Leafs 6-1, Coyotes over the Blue Jackets 4-2, Lightning beat the Predators 3-2, Jets over the stars 5-1, Canucks beat the Senators 5-2, and Capitals beat the Sharks 5-2.
Men’s Basketball
Rider beat Bucknell 89 to 69, and Clarks Summit over Penn College 77 to 51
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 3, 2019
POLICE SEEKING INFO ABOUT TEEN SHOOTING
Williamsport Police responded to reports of gunfire last Friday after 7pm at the 900 block of Louisa Street where they discovered a teenager dead at the scene. The Lycoming County Coroner told the Sun Gazette that 16 year old Riley McDowell of Park Avenue in Williamsport was killed by gunfire and is the second juvenile shot in the city within 4 months. Police have not disclosed information about the shooting or whether they are investigating a suspect at this time, but Williamsport Police Chief Damon Hagan said that anyone with information can contact them anonymously.
COUNCIL TO ANALYZE CAMPANA’S 2020 BUDGET
Discussion about the City of Williamsport’s 2020 budget began Monday night. Members of City Council stated that the mayor’s proposed budget is a deficit-spending plan. According to the Sun Gazette Mayor Gabriel Campana proposed a 27.9 million dollar budget preserving the 15.47 mills rate, but also proposed that revenues need to go up 2 percent and expenditures are to be kept under 6.5 percent which caused concern for some experienced members of council. Auditors said that if the city doesn’t keep revenues and expenditures in line we will be deficit-spending to meet the no-tax increase. Mayor-Elect, Derek Slaughter has the opportunity after taking the oath of office in January to reopen the budget and make changes.
BEAR HARVEST PLENTIFUL IN LYCOMING COUNTY
Hunters reportedly harvested 1,601 bears across the state during last week’s four-day firearms season. Unofficially, Lycoming County topped all counties for bear kills with 261, followed by Clinton, 257 and Tioga, 237. The 2019 general season harvest is complemented by a large bear harvest during expanded early bear seasons for muzzleloader, firearms and archery hunters. Large bear kills in our area were reported with a rifle – a 657-pound male taken in Franklin Township, Columbia County, by Nicholas A. Podgurski, of Elysburg, and a 604-pound male taken in Gallagher Township, Clinton County, by Steven Z. Rohrbach, of Lock Haven
SOIL REMEDIATION CAUSES TRAFFIC SLOWDOWNS
There will be a soil remediation project going on tomorrow in Northumberland County. A PennDOT contractor will be on Route 54 in Mount Carmel Township. Route 54 northbound will have a a single lane closure, alternating traffic patterns near the intersection with Route 901 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., weather permitting. Motorists should expect delays through this zone.
GIVING TUESDAY EVERYWHERE AND AT BACKYARD BROADCASTING
It’s #Giving Tuesday today. Following a few days of thankfulness, shopping and spending, #GivingTuesday marks the beginning of the charitable season, encouraging the Lycoming County community to give to organizations, charities, and initiatives. There will be opportunities at WILQ, WBZD, WZXR, Backyard Broadcasting radio stations, today from 9am til 3pm, to hear about and choose an organization that inspires you, including, the Lycoming County United Way, North Central Sight Services, Susquehanna Valley CASA and others. James V. Brown Library, SPCA of Lycoming County, Central PA Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House in Danville and others. Animal Care Sanctuary, Bald Eagle Art League, STEP, Inc, Susquehanna Greenway Partnership and others.
TRIAL DATE CHANGED FOR ACCUSED CHILD ABUSERS
The mother of three year old Arabella Parker, the toddler who died last month from injuries sustained from alleged abuse October 10th by the mother’s boyfriend, will have her preliminary hearings moved to December 12th at the Northumberland County Courthouse. According to the Daily Item, Samantha Delcamp and her boyfriend, Jahrid Burgess, will both face homicide charges next week. The same day, the court will hear arguments from Karl Parker, Arabella’s father, about his refusal to agree to funeral arrangements planned by other family members.
BRIDGE ACCIDENT SENDS ONE MAN TO HOSPITAL
Emergency crews worked yesterday to open the off ramp of the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Sunbury that was closed after a vehicle crashed into a pole there. According to Northumberland County Communications, a male victim was hospitalized with unknown injuries after the crash, which witnesses reported around 2 p.m. Monday. Police reopened the road at the intersection of South Front and Bainbridge Streets in Sunbury about an hour after the accident.
SPECIAL OLYMPIANS WIN GOLD FOR BOWLING
The 31st annual Lycoming County Special Olympics bowling competition was held at Faxon Lanes Sunday where 62 athletes competed and 21 athletes received gold medals after a ten week training period. Some bowlers were then drawn randomly to compete in a Central Sectional event at various lanes in Harrisburg this January . 19th. This competition is a qualifying event for the Pennsylvania State Special Olympics Bowling Competition scheduled to be held in York in March.
LOCK HAVEN GROCERY STORE GIVES TO LHU TODAYOn Giving Tuesday, The Lock Haven University Haven Cupboard has been selected to benefit from the Lock Haven Weis fundraising event today. Anyone who shops at the Lock Haven Weis store at 313 W. Bald Eagle St. will have the opportunity to have $1, $3, $5 or $10 added to their shopping bill to benefit the LHU Haven Cupboard which benefits current LHU students struggling with food insecurity. The Haven Cupboard is staffed Wednesdays from 7-9pm and non-perishable food items can be dropped off there from 5-6:30pm.
Sports
NFL Monday night football Seahawks beat the Vikings 37 to 30.
NBA
Suns edged the Hornets 109 to 104, 76’ers beat Jazz 103 to 94, Hawks beat Warriors 104 to 79, Bucks beat the Knicks 132 to 88, Pacers over Grizzlies 117 to 104, Bulls beat the Kings 113 to 106.
NHL
Sabres beat the Devils 7-1, Golden Knights over the Rangers 4-1, Islanders beat the Red Wings 4-1, Blues beat the Blackhawks 4-nothing, Ducks over the Kings 4-2
Men’s College Basketball Mansfield vs Mercy was postponed last night due to weather as well as the Women’s game, Wilson vs Penn College
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 2, 2019
WINTER CLOSINGS FOR SOME SCHOOLS
There are closings and delays for some area schools and universities this morning. However, many k-12 school districts in our area have a scheduled school day off for deer season as an extension of the Thanksgiving holiday…. Lock haven University – 2 hour delay. Penn College of Technology – closed, Southern Columbia School closed and STEP Head Start in Lycoming and Clinton Counties are closed.Up to date information on closings and delays are available on wilq.com/wbzd.com/ wzxr.com/ all backyard broadcasting websites.
SOME TRAFFIC RESTRICTED IN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Wintery weather and snowy conditions caused a full commercial vehicle ban in New Jersey yesterday and continues to effect truck travel on Pennsylvania Roadways today according to PennDOT. Both the department and the PA Turnpike commission imposed restrictions again this morning on certain trucks and other vehicles. For vehicles heading east Interstate 80 from Interstate 81 to the New Jersey border, a ban is in place for all double trailers empty trailers, non-commercial vehicles pulling trailers, recreational vehicles and motorcycles. Eastern Interstates such as the northeast extention of the Turnpike and other highways heading into New Jersey are affected. PennDOT is urging motorists to use caution and the ban will lift as conditions on the interstate improve.
RED CROSS WARMING CENTERS OPENED AFTER POWER OUTAGES
There was a power outage that required the assistance of the American Red Cross in Union and Snyder counties last night. Pennsylvania Power and light reported about 24 hundred outages and as of about 1am, power had been restored to most of those areas. A warming shelter was provided by the Red Cross for those families affected by the outages in East Buffalo Township at 249 Farley Circle. Power issues in Clinton and Lycoming County are occurring for handful of customers – also because of the icy conditions that brought limbs down on wires.
ENVIRONMENTAL BILLS HEAD TO PA SENATE
Three environmental bills were voted on by the Pennsylvania Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by State Sen. Gene Yaw recently. One bill authorizes counties to adopt a program for stream cleaning and removing flood-related hazards from waterways, another updates the state’s household hazardous waste collection program and a third provides a process when there is non-compliance in municipalities. The bills were sent to the full Senate for consideration.
COUNSELORS TO BE PROVIDED AT DANVILLE SCHOOLSStudents and teachers are mourning the loss of a Danville Area School District classmate today. According to WKOK, Jason Gordan, a middle school student there, died tragically November 29th. Officials at the school say counselors, clergy and added support staff will be available today from 1 until 4pm for students who need to talk. There will also be counselors available at the Danville High School and Middle School buildings Tuesday.
TWO LOCAL FIRES SINCE SUNDAY
Two fires cause firefighters to work in the cold conditions – one starting last night around 8pm in Coal Township and another this morning in Northumberland County. Two homes along Pulaski Avenue in Coal Township were damaged last night but the fire was controlled by just after midnight and police are investivating. Crews are on the scene today since 3am at Raupstal road in Jordan Township. According to WKOK, firefighters were on the sceen until 5:30 am today/
LINDEN COUPLE ARRESTED
State police in Montoursville have arrested a couple from Linden after they were observed in their hotel room by Clinton County Probation officers with drugs and paraphernalia in plain view while a four-year-old child was present. Police obtained a search warrant to investigate a room at the Grandview Hotel on Rt 220 Highway in October, where 24 year old Taylor M. Kanski, and 33 year old Joseph T. Pontius, of Linden were staying with a 4 year old child. According to North Central PA dot com, police found drugs and paraphernalia. Kanski and Pontius were charged with possession of a controlled substance and both are in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $20,000 bail with a preliminary hearing December 4.
LOCAL WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY
A Winter weather advisory remains in effect until 1pm today for Trout Run, Williamsport, Danville, Sunbury, Shamokin, as well as Bloomsburg, Berwick, and Pottsville. The National weather service says Snow will fall in our area with moderate intensity and accumulations of 1 to 3 inches. There could be another 4 inches across the higher terrain to the north of Interstate 80. Snow should taper off by this afternoon. Sports
NFL Sunday
Bengals beat the Jets 22 to 6, Dolphins beat the Eagles 37 to 31, Packers beat the Giants 31 to 13, Steelers beat the Browns 20 to 13, Titans over the Colts 31-17, Redskins beat the Panthers 29-21, Buccaneers over the Jaguars 28-11, Ravens beat the 49ers 20-17, Rams over the Cardinals 34-7, Broncos beat the Chargers 23-20, Chiefs over the Raiders 40- 9, and Texans over the Patriots 28-22.
NBA
Heat beat the Nets 109 to 106, Grizzlies beat the Timberwolves 115 to 107, Celtics beat the Knicks, 113 to 104, Mavericks beat the Lakers 114 to 100, Thunder edged the Pelicans 107 to 104, Pistons over the Spurs 132 to 98, Raptors beat Jazz 130 to 110, Magic over Warriors 100 to 96, Clippers beat the Wizards 150 to 125.
NHL Sunday
Wild beat Stars 3 to 2, Bruins over the Canadiens 3 to 1, and Oilers beat the Canucks 3 to 2
Men’s College Basketball
Lycoming beat Susquehanna 79 to 70 OT
Women’s College Basketball
Susquehanna beat Lycoming 78 to 65
College Wrestling
In the Mat-Town Open Tournament, Lock Haven had four individual champions – Luke Werner, Cole Manley, Jonathan Ross and Austin Bell. Three freshmen from Penn State won titles as well.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2019
MAN ARRESTED FOR BOW AND ARROW ATTACK
Police are investigating a bow and arrow shooting incident that occurred between a group of friends in Williamsport November 23rd. The Sun Gazette reports that 44 year old Lucas H. Nye of Watsontown allegedly shot a bow and arrow at a victim on East Fourth Street and then attempted a second shot which led to a struggle with the victim on the ground. Police say Nye also tried to stab the victim with the arrows and inside the residence threatened three other people who received minor injuries on the scene. Nye has been charged with several counts of assault and reckless endangerment. He is currently at Northumberland County Jail in lieu of 200 thousand dollars bail.
PLAN APPROVED FOR REGIONALIZATION IN DUBOISTOWN
A police-related ordinance was approved 7 to 0 by the DuBoistown Borough Council last night which will open up potential contract negotiations with South Williamsport for an intermunicipal agreement. According to the Sun Gazette, the ordinance does not discuss cost sharing, vehicle use or police coverage details but the is the first move to contract negotiation for police regionalization. Officials say the ordinance, which was available for public viewing at the meeting, is a means of continuing to promote the public health, safety and welfare by saving taxpayer dollars while maximizing police coverage.
NEW BUSINESS MANAGER AT ELSD
The former Warrior Run School District Business Manager has been hired at the East Lycoming School District this week at a special district board meeting a few months after the current business manager announced his retirement effective February 2020. The Sun Gazette reports that Heather Burke has been approved for a 5-year term with a start date pending receipt of hiring documents. Her salary will be $100 thousand per year.
RECYCLING CONTAINER CHANGES
There are some changes to the recycling drop off containers at the Old Lycoming Township facility at 1250 Princeton Avenue that county officials say will increase recycling volumes. Containers have been changed to enclose openings so that cans and bottles only fit in their respective areas and additional bars across cardboard containers to ensure that boxes are broken down. In a press release from Lycoming County Resource management Services, contamination of the containers with trash and unauthorized items is one of the reasons for the changes. The improvement should be implemented at other recycling sites around the county over the next 2 years.
JUVENILE PULLS A KNIFE ON A PERSON
After allegedly threatening to kill another person with a knife in their Watsontown home, a juvenile was arrested November 21st. The name of the 15 year old has not been released but police say they were charged with terroristic threats and simple assault after the domestic incident in which the suspect pulled a large fixed blade knife on a victim inside the home.
COUNCIL WORKING ON A RENAMING ORDINANCE
A city council committee discussed an ordinance for naming and renaming property recently in order to protect city property and clarify who must comply and who is eligible to make naming changes. The Historic Preservation Committee is working on language changes to an ordinance that originally did not have to have an approval process. City council members are considering an ordinance now that will require a longer approval process, including a percentage of residents’ signatures on a petition and specific commercial renaming guidelines. According to the Sun Gazette all city entities, including governmental, must go through the new proposed ordinance process.
THANKSGIVING TRAVEL AND GAS PRICES
According to AAA online reports 55 million travelers are planning a trip of 50 miles or more away from home this Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving travel volume is close to a record set in 2005. Overall, an additional 1.6 million more people will travel compared with last year. Gasbuddy dot com reports gas prices reflect that traffic volume, with a rise in prices at about 5.4 cents per gallon in Pennsylvania. In the Susquehanna Valley, average gas prices are $2.73 in Northumberland County, $2.74 in Union, and average gas price in Lycoming County comes in around $2.75
WHITE HOUSE TREE FROM PITMAN DELIVERED
The official White House Christmas Tree, an 18 ½-foot Douglas fir grown in Pitman, was delivered yesterday to Washington, D.C., opening the Christmas season in our nation’s capitol. According to WKOK, First Lady Melania Trump, posed for pictures with Larry Snyder from Northumberland County’s Mahantongo Farms when the tree arrived. Snyder earned the honor of presenting the White House a tree from his farm after winning an annual contest held by the National Christmas Tree Association.
Sports
NFL
Monday Night Football – Ravens beat the Rams 45-6
NBA
Nets beat the Cavaliers 108 to 106, Pistons stomped Magic 103 to 88, Pacers over the Grizzlies 126 to 114, Heat beat the Hornets 117 to 100, Celtics edged the Kings 103 to 102, Timberwolves over the Hawks 125 to 113, Raptors beat the 76ers 101 to 96, Trailblazers beat the Bulls 117 to 94, Bucks beat Jazz 122 to 118, Lakers over the Spurs 114 to 104, Thunder over Warriors 100 to 97
NHL
Lightning over Sabers 5-2, Rangers beat Wild 3-2, Flyers over the Canucks 2-1, Penguins beat Flames 3-2, Blue Jackets beat Senators 1-nothing, Predators beat Blues 3-2, Stars over Golden Knights 4-2, Ducks beat the Islanders 3-nothing Sharks over the Kings 4-3.
Men’s College Basketball
Bucknell beat Seattle 77 to 70
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 25, 2019
BOMB THREAT CAUSES AN EVACUATION AT A LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL
A call about a bomb threat to the Jersey Shore High School on Friday morning has Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police investigating the incident. According to the Sun Gazette, the school was evacuated following the threat around 9:15 am Friday, which police say came from social media sources. Administrators from the school said students and staff were relocated to a secure location and bomb sniffing dogs did not detect a threat in the building. Police say they are looking at a person of interest and the investigation is ongoing.
VICTIM DIES IN TREVORTON ABUSE CASE
The little girl in the middle of the Trevorton Child abuse case has died after prayers and vigils were held all last week. Arabella Parker was taken off life support at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville last Wednesday and according to a spokesperson for the family, died around 1:20 pm Friday afternoon after her health declined. According to WKOK, Parker has been hospitalized since October 10th when her mother’s boyfriend Jahred Burgess of Trevorton allegedly severely abused the girl. Burgess is jailed for abuse charges along with Parker’s mother Samantha Delcamp. The Northumberland County DA has not commented on additional charges for Burgess since Parker has passed away.
FREE PARKING IN WILLIAMSPORT FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Free On-Street and on-lot parking begins after 3pm in Downtown Williamsport this week on Black Friday through Christmas according to the Williamsport Parking Authority. According to the Sun Gazette the authority says the free parking is a gift to residents and hopefully it will entice them to come downtown to shop and dine during the holiday. The authority will remove some meterless poles and address the confusion about the new meters by putting the system online, hopefully to resolve some of the glitches.
PA GAME COMMISSSION ADDS SOME CHANGES THIS YEAR
A couple changes are coming for hunters when the season opens this weekend on November 30th . The first change is obvious with the opener not the usual Monday after Thanksgiving, like it’s been since 1963 through last year, but Saturday. Adding the third Saturday into the season, expands the season to 13 days. Authorities told PennLive that they expect the first day of firearms season to be the biggest harvest day for bucks, and that the partial wash out during the season last year could mean more older bucks this year. The statewide general firearms season runs from November. 30-December 14.
THEFT IN SNYDER COUNTY
Items worth more than 3 thousand dollars were stolen from a home in Mount Pleasant Mills and police are investigating. Police told WKOK that a burglary occurred at a home on Cross Street in Mount Pleasant between 2pm on November 10th and 6pm on November 11th . Loose coins and a video surveillance system were stolen. If you have any information on this Snyder County crime, call Mount Pleasant Police
CITY WILL PAY PENALTY FOR LANDFILL ISSUES
Lycoming County Commissioners acknowledged violations that have arisen after the failure of a landfill liner or cap covering after heavy rainfall this year, which are violations of the Solid Waste Management Act. The city will be handed a 20 thousand dollar civil penalty from the state Department of Environmental Protection. The saturated soil that covered a liner has been fixed and will reduce the potential for contaminants leaching from the landfill site. All issues observed during inspections in 2018 have been resolved, according to DEP officials.
SINKHOLE IN SHAMOKIN
An abandoned mine shaft was opened accidentally by a construction company working in Shamokin Friday. According to the Daily Item, a worker from Affordable Demolition and Construction was uninjured and an excavator undamaged after a 20 foot wide and 25 foot deep hole opened up on an empty lot at 649 Diamond Street. There will be an investigation started by the Department of Environmental Protection today.
DUI TASK FORCE ENCOURAGES SOBRIETY FOR THE HOLIDAY
DUI Checkpoints will be in place during the Thanksgiving holiday through the first of the year according to the Lycoming County DUI Task Force. Police say in a press release that trends in drinking and majrijuana use before driving seem to happen more often from November 27th through December 1st . The Lycoming County DUI Task Force coordinator, Chief Joseph Hope, remionds all residents to find a safe ride home if you’ve been drinking. Buzzed driving is drunk driving.
KING STREET CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES THIS WEEK
Reconstruction in Northumberland of King Street between Priestley Avenue and Front Street will continue this week. Work includes construction of curbs and sidewalks, installation of traffic signals and signs, and other miscellaneous work, so motorists should watch for construction vehicles entering and exiting the work zone. Detours will remain in effect until Wednesday afternoon.
Sports
NFL
Bills beat the Broncos 20 to 3, Bears beat the Giants 19-14, Steelers beat the Bengals 16-10, Jets beat the Raiders 34-3, Seahawks beat the Eagles 17-9, Patriots beat the Cowboys 13-9, Buccaneers beat the Falcons 35-22, the Browns beat the Dolphins 41-24, Saints beat the Panthers 34-31, Redskins beat the Lions 19-16, Titans beat the Jaguars 42-20, 49ers over the Packers 37-8,
NBA
Mavericks beat the Rockets 137 to 123, Nets beat the Knicks 103 to 101, Kings beat the Wizards 113 to 106, Nuggets beat the Suns 116 to 104, Clippers beat the Pelicans 134 to 109.
NHL Sabres beat the Panthers 52, Hurricanes beat the Red Wings 2-nothing, Oilers beat the Coyotes 4-3,
HS Football from the weekend –
PIAA Class A quarterfinals – Lackawanna Trail beat Muncy 26-13, Class 3A State Quarterfinals – Wyoming area beat Montoursville 43-27 in.
Jersey Shore beat Pottsville in Class AAAA Quarterfinals in Danville Friday in three overtimes 42-35.
Jersey Shore faces District 2 Champion Dallas next Friday in state semifinals Danville 6pm.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 22, 2019
MAN INJURED IN MONTOURSVILLE ACCIDENT
A man ran into the side of a car Tuesday morning in Montoursville and was hospitalized. According to the Sun Gazette, 62 year old Timothy Hoke of Broad St. in Montoursville, was treated for injuries at Williamsport Regional Medical Center. The car that Hoke hit was traveling westbound on Broad Street and was being driven by Diana Dicenso, also of Montoursville. No word whether charges will be filed in the case.
ELECTION VERIFICATION RESULTS FINAL
The final numbers have been verified and elections have been decided in the Montgomery mayoral race and a seat in the South Williamsport Borough Council. According to the Sun Gazette, Montgomery borough council woman Fae Herb received 123 write-ins and is the new mayor of Montgomery – defeating Sean Leet with 92 votes who was the only candidate on the ballot for mayor. Richard Kershner Jr. won the four year borough council seat in South Williamsport with 144 write in votes defeating Hilarie German with 132. According to Lycoming County election officials, write-in votes accounted for other wins in municipal positions like tax collector and auditor.
LIBRARY ENTERS NEW PHASE OF RECONSTRUCTION
The 75th anniversary celebration of the Konkle Memorial library this month in Montoursville kicked off the next phase of a renovation project plan that is estimated to cost about 300 thousand dollars. Officials on the library’s board of trustees told the Sun Gazette that the building – which was recently successfully analyzed for structural integrity, once renovated, will allow more space for library programs, will lower the shelves from 8 feet to 5 feet with the same amount of book display space, have new energy efficient lighting as well as new flooring a part of the project. The library has 3500 cardholders and lends about 40 thousand units a year.
BUDGET PROPOSALS SUBMITTED
It’s budget season. The Woodward township supervisors presented a budget with no tax increase and the budget will be available at the township building for public review before it is adopted December 18th at the next supervisors meeting. In the city of Williamsport, outgoing Mayor Gabriel J. Campana presented his final budget to council. According to the Sun Gazette, there are no tax increases and there are two proposed hires for the police department. Mayor-elect Derek Slaughter said he would continue his role as councilman by examining the proposed budget this year – all members of council are eligible make changes to the budget draft.
FOUR HOUR POLICE STAND OFF IN SHAMOKIN
There was a police stand-off yesterday in Shamokin. According to the News-Item, 27 year old Jared Wagner of Shamokin was in his market street residence around 11:45am when police arrived to serve a warrant. Wagner originally refused to surrender. Police say they recovered 37 year old Michelle Cragle, and 40 year old Shawn Hepner, of Shamokin, who were hiding in a crawl space in the home about an hour into the standoff. After 4 hours, Wagner surrendered to authorities from Mount Carmel Township police and Shamokin police. The three were taken to Northumberland county Prison, and charges are expected to be filed today
LIQUOR STORE ROBBED, SUSPECT IN CUSTODY
Williamsport Police have taken an alleged armed robber into custody. According to the Sun Gazette, there was an armed robbery reported at the Wine and Spirits Liquor store on Hepburn Street in the Hepburn Plaza last night around 6:45 pm. No names have been released in the crime, but police say the suspect was taken to the on-duty magistrate, District Judge William Solomon and was arraigned on felony robbery charges.
SOME CITY ROADS WILL OPEN NEXT WEEK
Some Williamsport area roads will be reopening next week. Portions of East Third Street and Basin Street in the city will open next Tuesday, November 26th. Basin Street will reopen between E. Third and East Church and E. Third will open between Academy and Basin Street. Watch for flaggers along this road for general maintenance but East Third Street will remain open until next spring when the roadway reconstruction project resumes.
BUCKNELL GRADUATE SLATED AS COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
A 1983 Bucknell graduate and international businesswoman has been chosen for the commencement speaker for May of 2020. Bucknell university officials said in a press release that Carolyn Miles, the President and CEO of Save the Children since 1988 will speak to the outgoing university class. Save the children is a global organization serving children in the US and 120 countries. Miles was chosen as the preferred speaker by members of the Class of 2020, and in 2015 was named as one of the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders by Fortune Magazine.
PEDESTRIAN STRUCK, UNINJURED
Scanner reports say a pedestrian was struck Thursday afternoon at the corner of W. Fourth and Williams Streets in Williamsport around 5:30 pm. City police said that a yellow jeep struck a woman while she was crossing during the do not walk signal. No injuries to the pedestrian were reported and there was no reported damage to the vehicle.
Sports
NFL Thursday Night Football
Texans over the Colts 20 to 17
NBA
Bucks beat the Trailblazers 137 to 129 and the Pelicans beat the Suns 124 to 121
NHL
Bruins beat the Sabres 3-2, Panthers beat the Ducks 5-4, Islanders over the Penguins 4-3, Flyers beat the Hurricanes 5-3, Blue Jackets with the Red Wings 5-4, Blues beat the Flames 5-nothing, Canucks over the Predators 6-3, Wild over Avalanche 3-2, Lightning beat the Blackhawks 4-2, Stars beat the Jets 5-3, Maple Leafs over the Coyotes 3-1, Sharks beat the Golden Knights 2-1, and Kings beat the Oilers 5-1
Men’s College Basketball
Alvernia beat Penn College 85-65
Women’s College Basketball
Penn State beat Clemson 68-55
Today sports
College Wrestling Penn State at Arizona State at 9 PM tonight
NHL New Jersey and Pittsburgh, and New York in Ottawa
NBA Atlanta is in Detroit, Charlotte in Washington, Sacramento at Brooklyn, Miami is in Chicago, Los Angeles Lakers play Oklahoma City, San Antonio play the 76ers, Cleveland and Dallas, Golden State plays Utah, Boston over at Denver, Houston play the LA clippers
College Football Saturday
Penn State goes to Ohio State at noon, Oklahoma State is in West Virginia at noon Pitt at Virginia Tech @330, Temple is at Cincinnati, Syracuse is in Louisville, Bucknell is at Fordham.
NFL Sunday
New York Giants play Chicago, Denver is in Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, Oakland plays the Jets, Dallas Cowboys in New England Patriots at 4:25
High School Football District 4 PIAA
Friday – Class A Quarterfinals Muncy vs Lackawanna Trail – 7PM Williamsport HS, Class AAAA Quarterfinals Jersey Shore vs Pottsville Danville 7pm
Saturday – AAA Quarterfinals Montoursville vs Wyoming at Williamsport HS 1pm