BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 14, 2019

PURSE SNATCHER HELD ON OTHER BURGLARY CHARGES
An alleged purse snatcher was taken into custody after a witness to the theft had an altercation with the suspect in the parking lot of a local grocery store Tuesday night.  Lonnie Hoey of Paxinos, Northumberland County was identified by surveillance video at the Weis Markets on River Avenue in Loyalsock township stealing from the victim.  After fleeing the scene following a fight with a 19 year old witness who got the purse back, State Police say Hoey was taken into custody and is being held in Northumberland County Prison on other burglary charges, but will be arraigned for the alleged purse snatching charges as well.

ATTORNEY ASKS TO SUPRESS EVIDENCE
The defense attorney of a man who police say matched the description of a suspect in an altercation with authorities last July, has filed a motion to suppress evidence after the allegedly illegal pat down of accused drug dealer Keith Vashon Harris revealed that he had a small knife and marijuana on his person and a later search at the police station, individually packaged cocaine and cash were found.  Harris’ attorney says his client did not have his Miranda rights read to him and his statements should not be used in court. A hearing is scheduled for December 17th.

TAX RATE COULD GO DOWN
East Buffalo Township adopted a tentative budget agreement which could lower real estate taxes for residents there.  According to the Daily Item, the current tax rate is 5.11 mils, but the township’s rate could fall to 4.6 mils, saving property owners about 51 dollars on each 100 thousand dollars of assessed property value.  The final vote comes next month which could alter the budget plan.

LOCAL STUDENT RECOGNIZED BY JAZZ COMMUNITY
A Loyalsock Township High School student and bassist will be recognized by the jazz arts community in January at the 2020 Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans.  According to the Sun Gazette, Gabriel Severn, already an accomplished musician, will receive the Dr. Lou Fischer JEN Co-Founder scholarship and the US Navy Commodores will perform his composition “Song for Fina” at the Young Composer’s Showcase at the conference.  The Jazz Education Network is dedicated to building the jazz arts community by advancing education, performance and developing new audiences and is now in its 11th year.

ARMED ROBBERY IN PORT TREVORTON
Police are searching for a suspect who robbed a Port Trevorton store with a handgun Tuesday night.  According to WKOK, Selinsgrove State Police say a white male wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and teal sweatpants came into the Dollar General about 7:45 with a gun and made the clerk open the register.  Police say the thief ran out of the store in an unknown direction.  Anyone with information is asked to call State Police.

DRUG TREATMENT CLIENT VIOLATES PROBATION
A man in drug treatment court was punished for using an over the counter cough suppressant which violates his probation.  According to North Central PA dot com, 37 year old Victor Taylor was sentenced to 3 days in jail with credit for time served for violating probation by taking Mucinex, an abusable drug.  Last November, Taylor pleaded guilty to one ungraded felony count of manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.  Taylor has served 231 days in county jail and part of his his four year probation sentence is now is under the supervision of the Lycoming County Adult Probation Office.

DELAYS ON ROUTE 147 FOR SURVEY WORK
Motorists can expect some 10-minute delays on Route 147 as PennDOT will perform survey activities on the CSVT bridge beams in Point Township. PennDOT says work will take place today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. where surveyors will be walking along the bridge beams requiring all traffic to be stopped under the bridge along Route 147.  PennDOT says the contractor expects to complete this work today, but it may extend into tomorrow.

ARLO GUTHRIE TO PLAY IN WILLIAMSPORT
An American musical icon will be coming to Williamsport next week.  Arlo Guthrie will be performing Wednesday night at the Community Arts Center more than 50 years after the release of his debut album “Alice’s Restaurant”. The show, which is a part of his “Alice’s Restaurant Back By Popular Demand Tour,” will feature Guthrie’s storytelling surrounding the iconic thanksgiving tradition song.  The last time Guthrie played a show in Williamsport was during the CAC’s 2000-01 season.  Tickets available at CAC live dot com.

Sports

NBA
Magic beat the 76ers 112 to 97, Grizzlies over the Hornets 119 to 117, Celtics over the Wizards 140 to 133, Rockets beat the Clippers 102 to 93, Timberwolves beat the Spurs 129 to 114, Lakers over the Warriors 120 to 94, and Raptors beat the Trailblazers 114 to 106.

NHL
Senators beat the Devils 4-2, Islanders over the Maple Leafs 5-4, Capitals beat the Flyers 2-1, Stars over the Flames 3-1, Blackhawks beat the Golden Knights 5-3

Women’s College Basketball
Bucknell over Saint Bonaventure 68 to 60, Penn State beat Fordham 72 to 59,

Men’s College Basketball
Bucknell beat Hofstra 86 to 71, and Frostburg State beat Mansfield 85 to 77

 

Sports Tonight
NFL Thursday Night Football
Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns –  8:20p kick off

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 13, 2019

TRAFFIC STOP YIELDS LARGE QUANTITY OF DRUGS
A Williamsport woman has been arrested after police found her with a large quantity of drugs during a traffic stop.  According to North Central PA dot com, 27 year old Brandy Flick was stopped November 5th at West Third and Pine Streets by Montoursville State Police who found crack cocaine and multiple cell phones in her possession.  Police found probable cause to impound Flick’s vehicle and discovered more drugs including methamphetamine and heroin plus manufacturing items and a large amount of cash.  Flick is awaiting her preliminary hearing.

JERSEY SHORE APPROVES FUNDING FOR BRIDGE WORK
In a move to help pay for the Wilson Street Bridge replacement project, Jersey Shore Borough Council approved an agreement with Lycoming County that will provide a portion of the funding through fees from county residents.  According to the Sun Gazette, through an understanding with the county, Jersey Shore will provide about 5% of 445 thousand dollars through a $5 dollar fee along with vehicle registrations and be able to tap into the building fund for repairs of municipal-owned bridges that have been defined as structurally deficient.  A first payment of just under 25 hundred dollars is due from the borough in February of 2020.

GRANTS FOR ROAD RECONSTRUCTION
Some grants have been awarded in Snyder County.  The Commonwealth Financing Authority though the Multimodal Transportation Fund program has given Selinsgrove $200,000 for installation of street lines along West Pine Street from High Street to University Avenue.  $790,400 was also awarded for reconstruction of Sawmill Road in Spring Township.  The road will be widened and resurfaced and stormwater issues will be addressed through new storm inlets and piping.

POLICE ACTIVITY CLOSES ROAD TOMORROW
PennDOT says they will close a section of Route 42 near the county line between Sullivan and Lycoming Counties for police activity tomorrow, Thursday, November 14. The closure between Janet Hock Road in Davidson Township, Sullivan County and Mountain Road in Penn Township, Lycoming County is expected to begin at 8:00 a.m. and will take approximately four hours to complete.  A detour will be in place using Routes 118 and 220.

TEENS ARRESTED FOR THEFT, TRESPASSING
Stonington State police have arrested 2 teenage males and a teenage female after discovering them in possession of a handgun while they were stealing from vehicles in Shamokin Township.  According to WKOK State police say a 13 year-old male, a 12-year-old male and a 14-year-old female trespassed on to property along Route 61 in Shamokin last Wednesday and entered a water truck.  Police say the handgun was from a theft from vehicles the night before in Shamokin, anyone with information about those thefts are asked to call Shamokin Police at 570-648-5708

FAMILY OF INMATE WHO DIED IN CUSTODY FILES SUIT
The family of Shawn Kitchen, the inmate who died two years ago from lack of medical attention from a fatal kidney infection have filed a federal lawsuit against Clinton County Jail and members of its staff for improperly caring for him.  According to the Lock Haven Express, Kitchen was jailed on November 21st for a probation violation and for a week became increasingly more ill and was allegedly mistreated and then ignored by medical and correctional facility staff.  Kitchen died December 3rd after jail staff called 911 from him becoming unconscious in the shower.  Dr. Karl Pecht and contractor Wellpath LLC are accused of medical negligence and others are also named in the suit.

GRANT WILL PROVIDE HYGIENE PRODUCTS FOR WOMEN
A non-profit organization in Northumberland has received a grant that will allow low-income women access to free female hygiene products. The $6,250 grant from Southern Tier Community Fund at First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania will go to ‘Shape of Justice’ who  provides free women’s products to food pantries, shelters, schools, WIC offices, and other community partners serving low-income families. The nonprofit is one of only four recipients of the grant. ‘Shape of Justice has partners in six Central Pennsylvania counties. Details online at shape of justice.org.

ROADWAY FLOODING GRANT ANNOUNCED
State Sen. Gene Yaw and Rep. Garth Everett  announced the approval of a $1.3 million state grant yesterday to help pay for elevating Turnback Road in Brady Township, to prevent roadway flooding. According to a press release from the lawmakers, when Turnback Road floods many motorists from Brady and Washington townships are forced to take a five-and-a-half mile detour.  The grant will help pay for the reconstruction of 1,000 feet of Turnback Road, including culverts, roadway embankment, guiderails and more. The total project cost is $2.2 million.

Sports

NBA
Pacers beat Thunder 111 to 85, 76’ers snuck past the Cavaliers 98 to 97, Heat over the Pistons 117 to 108, Bulls beat the Knicks  120 to 102,  Jazz edged the Nets 119 to 114, Hawks beat the Nuggets 125 to 121, Lakers over the Suns 123 to 115, and Kings beat the Trailblazers 107 to 99
NHL
Panthers beat the Bruins 5-4, Canadians over the Blue Jackets 3-2, Rangers beat the Penguins 3-2, Coyotes over Blues 3-2, Avalanche over Jets 4-nothing, Canucks beat the Predators 5-3, Red Wings beat the Ducks 4-3, Kings over Wild 3-1, Sharks beat the Oilers 6-3
PIAA Class AA Girls Volleyball Semifinal
North Penn Liberty beat Trinity 3-nothing
The Mounties advance to face District 7’s North Catholic Saturday at 1 PM for the State Championship at Cumberland Valley High School
PIAA Class AA Boys Soccer Semifinal
New Hope-Solebury beat Lewisburg 2-1 (heartbreaker)

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 12, 2019

AUTUMN COLD AND ICE AFFECT COMMUTE TODAY
Winter weather hit our area overnight moving east across Lycoming County today, leaving cold and slippery roads in its wake. For the rest of the morning commute, watch for black ice and the remains of about an inch of  precipitation.  There were no major accidents to report on our area roads.  Some schools in Bradford and Sullivan Counties were operating under a 2 hour delay.  We’ll keep you up to date with up to date closings and delays for the entire snow season at all the Backyard Broadcasting websites.

MILTON SHOOTING SUSPECTS IDENTIFIED
Three men have been identified after an incident in Milton Sunday afternoon that sent one victim to the hospital with 4 gunshot wounds.  North Central Pa dot com reports that court papers say that following a fistfight on Elm Street over a winter hat, a 24 year old man was critically shot, allegedly by 22 year old Ricky Pearson of Sunbury, 24 year old Antonio Carpenter of High Spire and 23 year old Delonte Sherrel of Erie.  The three fled the scene in a black Audi before being apprehended by State Police on Route 405 near the Susquehanna river bridge.  The three suspects were arrested and each charged with criminal homicide.  They are being held in Northumberland County Prison without bail.

SCHOOL VOTE TABLED FOR NOW
The motion and vote to close Avis and Salladasburg elementary schools and reconfigure grades came down to a tied vote of 4 to 4 at the Jersey Shore Area School Board meeting last night.  According to the Sun Gazette discussion that led to the tied vote include that new members being installed from resignations and elections to the board should have the decision about the fate of the schools and also the need for more financial information. There is still a year for the board to make a decision about the schools, the next meeting is November 25th.

PENN COLLEGE GETS NATIONAL GUARD DISTINCTION
The Pennsylvania National Guard Associations has named Penn College a PNGAS Guard Friendly School. The college is among only 30 schools to receive the designation out of 488 institutions eligible for Pennsylvania Educational Assistance Program funds.  Penn College has 43 students in the Pennsylvania National Guard.  State residents with a six-year guard contract and attending a Pennsylvania school are eligible for a tuition benefit through the Educational Assistance Program. For 2019-20, the benefit is about $32,000.

CHARGES TO BE FILED FROM SHAMOKIN DAM ACCIDENT
There will be charges filed against a man who police say caused a fatal accident last July in Shamokin Dam.  According to WKOK Charles Bussard of Maryland will be charged with careless driving resulting in unintentional death after police say he was operating a vehicle at 37 miles per hour and did not brake at the time of impact while looking for traffic signs.  Brussard hit the car of 66 year old John Wendt of Selinsgrove at the Routes 11/15-Baldwin Boulevard traffic signal which resulted in Wendt’s death.

HIKER DIES AFTER A FALL
Pennsylvania State Police out of Laporte report an accidental death occurred at World End State Park around 8am on Sunday.  According to police reports, a 17 year old male from the Philadelphia area was hiking and died as a result of a fall.  State police say they are continuing the investigation and have not released any information about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

FIRE CAUSES EVACUATION AT WILLIAMSPORT BUSINESS
An accidental fire that was confined to a machine caused an evacuation at a city business yesterday around 10am.  The Sun Gazette reports Williamsport fire officials responded to the fire in a deburring machine at Lycoming Engines at High and Oliver Streets .  While a sprinkler helped contain the fire, firefighters on the scene put out the fire within 30 minutes.  A second alarm was called as a precaution  and Old Lycoming Township and South Williamsport were also on the scene.  Employees were allowed back in the building after it was determined to be safe.

SUSPECT STILL MISSING AFTYER POLICE CHASE
A Beavertown man led police on a high speed chase before crashing and running from them around 1am last FrIday along Ridge road in Spring Township. According to WKOK, 34-year-old Raymond Swartz was observed by police committing traffic violations.  Swartz failed to yield to emergency lights which started a 2 mile chase – with 2 passengers in Swartz’s car.  After crashing Swartz ran from police. Drugs were found in the vehicle and despite a police search, Swartz was not apprehended and a felony arrest warrant was obtained. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Selinsgrove troopers at 570-374-8145.
Sports

NFL
Monday Night Football  – Seahawks over the 49ers 27- 24

NBA
Timberwolves beat the Pistons 120 to 114, the Celtics beat the Mavericks 116 to 106, the Grizzlies beat the Spurs 113 to 109, the Rockets beat the Pelicans 122 to 116, the Clippers beat the Raptors 98 to 88, Jazz over the Warriors 122 to 108

NHL
The Coyotes beat the Capitals 4-3, Hurricanes over the Senators 8-2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 11, 2019

THREE ARRESTED AFTER SHOOTING IN MILTON
There was a shooting in downtown Milton yesterday.  According to the WKOK, three people were taken into custody just after 3:30pm on Route 405, where Milton Borough Police were assisted with the arrest by Mifflinburg, Point Township and Milton state police after tracking down the suspects.   The victim of the shooting was lying injured on the sidewalk on Elm Street in Milton injured.  Corporal Embeck of the Milton police department said they will file charges against the three and that the victim was transported to Geisinger Medical Center.

DRUG CHARGES DROPPED
A Williamsport man has been freed and charges thrown out after a Lycoming County Judge determined there was insufficient evidence against him. Police say Harold Rainier of West Fourth Street allegedly threw a bag of oxycodone pills under a parked car on Memorial avenue October 30th and he was arrested.  But police told Judge Christian Frey during the preliminary hearing that they never saw Rainier in possession of the bag.  Drug possession charges were dismissed and Rainier was released from Lycoming County prIson where he has been held since his arrest.

CRACK SEALING PROJECT THIS WEEK
There will be a regional crack sealing project going on this week on local roadways in Lycoming County. Watch for a daylight traffic pattern along Route 44 between Elimsport and Waterville in Lycoming County.  According to PennDOT flaggers will be in place along Route 44 as the project continue through the week.

VETERAN’S DAY DISCOUNTS
It’s veteran’s day – a state and federal holiday today with its purpose being to remember all U.S. military veterans, past and present.  No banks or mail, but there are some great discounts at local and national restaurants as well as good discounts on shopping today plus free haircuts at some national hair salon chains – call each establishment beforehand to find out what discounts are available for all US military veteran’s today

LAMAR WOMAN JAILED ON THEFT CHARGES
A Lamar woman will be sentenced on December 9th after pleading guilty to first degree felony conspiracy burglary in October .  Heidi A. White was sentenced by Lycoming County Judge Marc F. Lovecchio to 14 to 29 days incarceration, with 29 days credit for time served, two and a half years probation, and 50 hours community service for stealing jewelry from the home of a Washington Township woman August 6th of this year after taking her to the hospital along with Devin Sue Hoffman,.  Hoffman’s charges were dropped after whilte plead guilty.  She is in Lycoming County Prison awaiting sentencing.

MOTHER OF ABUSED CHILD ON NATIONAL TALK SHOW TODAY
The Trevorton mother of a 3 year old child in critical condition from an alleged beating by the mother’s boyfriend will appear on a national talk show about the abuse case of her daughter Arabella Parker today.  Delcamp taped the show for Fox 56 before she was arrested October 25 and she now faces felony charges, including endangering the welfare of children, and obstruction of a child abuse case. Delcamp’s boyfriend, 19-year-old Jahrid Burgess of Trevorton, has also been arrested, accused of hitting Parker and leaving her with 44 injuries.  Delcamp is set to appear before Shamokin District Judge John Gembic on Friday at the Northumberland County Courthouse at 1 p.m. for a preliminary hearing.

SOURCE OF BACTERIA IDENTIFIED
In a statement from Geisinger medical center in Danville has identified the cause of a bacterial outbreak in the neonatal unit last September which sickened at least 8 infants and killed 3.  Dr. Edward Hartle, Geisinger’s executive vice president and chief medical officer, said in a statement the cause of the outbreak came from Pseudomonas bacteria while using equipment to prepare donor breast milk.  The Department of Health inspected the Danville campus on October 18, 2019 resulting in a new written policy for cleaning equipment used in measuring donor breast milk.   There have been no new cases of infants becoming ill since making this change.

VETERAN’S DAY CLOSURES
It’s veteran’s day – a state and federal holiday today it started in 1926 with its purpose being to remember all U.S. military veterans, past and present.  Most banks will be closed and there will be no USPS mail delivery but Fed Ex and UPS will be making deliveries and the stock market remains open.  State Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, and State Rep. Garth Everett, R-Muncy, will speak at a Veterans Day ceremony at the Montoursville Cemetery Monday. The program begins at 11 a.m.

Sports
NFL
Browns beat the Bills 19 to 6, Jets beat the Giants 34-27 Steelers beat the Rams 17-12,  Bears over the Lions 20 to 13, Ravens beat the Bengals 49-13, Titans over the Chiefs 35-32, Falcons beat the Saints 26-9, Buccaneers over the Cardinals 30-27, Dolphins beat the Colts 16-12,  Packers over the Panthers 24-16, and Vikings over the Cowboys 28-24.
NBA
Nuggets beat the Timberwolves 100 to 98, Pacers over Magic 109 to 102, 76’ers beat the Hornets 114 to 106, Bucks over Thunder 121 to 119, Cavaliers over the Knicks 108-87, Suns over the Nets 138 to 112, Trailblazers beat the Hawks 124 to 113, and Raptors over the Lakers 113 to 104
NHL
Panthers beat the Rangers 6-5, Jets beat the Stars 3-2, Devils over the Canucks 2-1, Red Wings beat the Golden Knights 3-2, Flyers over the Bruins 3-2, Blackhawks beat the Maple Leafs 5-4, and Oilers over the Ducks 6-2
College wrestling
In the season opener for the Nittany Lions – Penn State beat Navy 45 – nothing
NASCAR
Denny Hamlin got the victory in Sunday’s Bluegreen Vacations 500 in Phoenix, Securing his championship hopes for next weekend at Homestead-Miami

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 8, 2019

FIRST SNOWY MORNING IN THE CITY SLOWS THE COMMUTE
The icy conditions and light snow affected roads in parts of Lycoming County today.  PennDOT reported cautiously slow conditions on north and south Route 15 between Buttonwood and Trout Run with 511pa.com showing Northbound 15 at Trout Run particularly icy and slow. Highway 220 between Laporte and Muncy Valley was also affected by icy roadways.  Accidents where police responded today –15,000 block of I-180 EB lane  – a car went off the highway onto on-ramp on shoulder at Halls/Pennsdale exit,  Muncy Creek township at the Muncy River Bridge an accident slowed traffic westbound on Water street and an accident slowed traffic at 932 Rt 442 in Clarkstown with 1 car overturned. We can expect just blustery conditions today with a few flurries but the weather will calm down Saturday.

DUBOISTOWN WILL WAIT ON REGIONALIZATION FOR NOW
According to at least a third of registered voters in DuBoistown who signed a petition, they want to keep their police department.  According to the Sun Gazette, DuBoistown Borough Council voted to wait on deciding to dissolve the borough police department at their meeting this week.  An original proposal was for regionalization, to contract with South Williamsport’s police department for police coverage not to exceed 96 thousand dollars a year, but now there will be more discussion after the public outcry.

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP STORE SLATED TO CLOSE
A Local Kmart Store will be closing up at the beginning of next year with liquidation sales beginning by this Thanksgiving.  Published reports from the company say that the K-mart on East Third Street in Williamsport is on the block as on the list 40 stores nationwide that will close in February.  Two other locations in slated for closure in Pennsylvania are in Berwick and Wilkes-Barre Township

WWII SOLDIER WILL RETURN HOME TO NORTHUMBERLAND
A local family was notified recently that the remains of their family member, WWII Army Private 1st Class Horace Middleton of Northumberland, have been identified by the US Department of Defense and will be returned to them  According to WNEP, Pvt. Middleton was killed in action in Burma on July 12, 1944 when he was 20 years old.  A family member of Middleton who lives in Milton posted on social media that they are happy that he is coming home after 75 years thanks to the DNA testing.  A local cemetery in Milton is making arrangements for when he returns – hopefully in about 2 months.

PORTION OF PA TURNPIKE WILL BE SHUT DOWN FOR CONSTRUCTION THIS WEEKEND
According to Accuweather/ Valley weather flurries and windy conditions continue today but the snow calms down for Saturday and Sunday, but one Pennsylvania traffic concern for late Saturday and early Sunday – Route 76, The PA Turnpike will be shut down eastbound for construction from midnight to 5am Sunday November 10th, from the Allegheny Exit 48 to the Pittsburgh Exit 57.  Plan your travels accordingly

CIVIL SUIT WILL BE FILED AGAINST WILLIAMSPORT
A civil action lawsuit is being prepared against the city of Williamsport this week by advocates for the handicapped for not creating an accessible entrance at the City Hall building and for violating civil rights.  According to the Sun Gazette, attorneys representing the Center for Independent Living presented a letter to council and the administration at their Thursday meeting which was followed by shouting by the public.  Mayor Campana left the chambers saying other members of the council haven’t voted to comply with the law requiring accessibility in the City Hall building.  Other members of council disagreed and discussed the desire to become compliant and the costs involved.  Ultimately a vote by council rejected bids for modifying the elevator and ramp at the front of the building for now.  A member of the public told the paper that the vote forces further action by handicapped advocates.  Mayor-elect Slaughter said he wants to look at the detailed costs.

STORE EVACUATED AFTER PACKAGE LEFT BEHIND
An Elysburg convenience store shut down yesterday after a suspicious package was discovered there.  According to the daily item, police were called about a suitcase like item that was dropped off around 4:40 am according to video surveillance.  The Sheetz store at Rt 54 and 487 was evacuated and the Reading Bomb Squad arrived on the scene.  The Northumberland county Department of public safety said the package was removed without incident and the store reopened around 1pm

BLOOMSBURG STUDENTS PROTEST RACIST VIDEO
Some Bloomsburg University students staged a protest after a racist video surfaced allegedly made by a student who worked in the university’s athletic department.  About 500 students marched on campus, many with signs that said “no hate”.  According to WKOK, the university says the accused student has been fired from the campus job and, faces a future ‘code of conduct’ hearing that could result in additional punishment.

Sports

NFL – Thursday night football Raiders beat the Chargers 26 to 24
NBA
Celtics beat the Hornets 108 to 87, Spurs over the Thunder 121 to 112, Heat beat the Suns 124 to 108, Clippers over the Trailblazers 107 to 101
NHL
Mapleleafs beat the Golden Knights 2-1, Capitals over the Panthers 5-4, Penguins beat the Islanders 4-3, Flyers over the Canadians 3-2, Rangers over the Hurricanes 4-2, Senators beat the Kings 3-2, Blackhawks over the Canucks 5-2, Avalanche beat the Predators 9-4, Flames over the Devils 5-2, Blue Jackets beat the Coyotes 3-2, and Sharks beat Wild 6-5
Sports Tonight
High School Football Friday
Muncy plays at Canton in the District 4 Class A championship, Class 3A Warrior Run at Montoursville and Central Columbia at Loyalsock for their semifinal rounds, in the class 4A championship Selinsgrove is at Jersey shore,
Saturday – District 4 HS Football Semifinal round Class 2A North Penn Mansfield at Southern Columbia and Mount Carmel at Troy
College Football
Penn State on the road to Minnesota at noon on Saturday, Notre Dame heads to Carolina to play Duke, Lock Haven is at home against Westchester, Bloomsburg at home against Shepard, Lycoming College heads to Lebanon Valley
NFL weekend football
Steelers play the Los Angeles Rams at home Sunday with a 440 kick off , Philadelphia Eagles have a BYE week.
NASCAR playoffs
Bluegreen Vacations 500 is at ISM Raceway in Phoenix Arizona at 2:30 pm
HS Boys Soccer Saturday
PIAA class 2A Quarterfinals – Lansdale Catholic vs Lewisburg at Northeastern HS in Manchester PA 2pm,
HS Girls Volleyball Saturday
PIAA class 2A Quarterfinals – North Penn liberty vs Panther Valley at Shamokin 1p, Class A Quarterfinals Canton versus Berlin Brothers Valley at Bellefonte 1p

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 7, 2019

TWO-ALARM FIRE LEAVES WOMAN HOMELESS
The American Red Cross is assisting a woman who lost her Hepburnville home to fire this week.  The Sun Gazette reports that Nikki Lynstrom was alerted by a working smoke alarm around 9:40pm Tuesday night, and escaped outside before emergency crews arrived.  Lynstrom tried using aq garden hose to spray the flames that were quickly spreading to the structure of the house.  According to Hepburn Township fire officials, the two-alarm fire appears to have started around a pellet stove pipe.  Fire crews from Hepburn Township, Old Lycoming Township, Trout Run, DuBoistown, Loyalsock Township and Nisbet assisted at the scene.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS COUNTED IN A TOO CLOSE TO CALL ELECTION
It came down to 6 votes in a Union County election this week.  The Union County Election Office told WKOK that Democrat Elijah Farrell will join the Lewisburg Borough Council representing Ward 4 after defeating Republican candidate Rudy Mummy by 6 votes.  The race was too close to call and came down to counting absentee ballots.  Also winning the Lewisburg council election Tuesday Incumbents Michael Derman and Jordi Comas, representing Wards 1 and 2, respectively, and Debra Sulai representing Ward 3.  In Montgomery borough, according to voter services and social media reports, no mayor or 2-year term positions have been determined; an official count can take 10 to 14 days.

SOUTHSIDE SCHOOLS MAY CONSOLIDATE AND RENOVATE
The South Williamsport Area School District is considering a plan to renovate facilities and consolidate education there after results of a feasibility study were unveiled this week.  Board members will take another month before any vote on the project which might include moving 5th and 6th grade students from Rommelt Elementary School into the high school or into Central Elementary School.  According to the Sun Gazette, school officials say the emphasis on technology demands more state of the art facilities, the new campus concept is projected to cost just over 29 million dollars. The next South Williamsport school board meeting is December 3rd.

REPAVING IN LEWISBURG
PennDOT says motorists could see delays today along Route 15 in the Lewisburg area. Patching work is set to take place on Route 15 north in Kelly Township, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane between Hafer Road and Walter Drive.

BOMB SCARE CAUSES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EVACUATION
There was an evacuation at a local elementary school yesterday after a bomb scare was reported.  According to the Sun Gazette, Hughesville Borough Police confirmed that the Joseph C. Ashkar Elementary School received the threat and school officials evacuated students to a safe location.  Students were then sent home for the day while authorities with a state police dog trained to detect explosives searched the school property but found nothing.

HARRISBURG POLICE SEEK HIT AND RUN SUSPECT
A fatal crash this week on I-81 in the Harrisburg area has police asking those who travel through South Central PA if they can help identify a hit and run driver of a tractor trailer. According to Penn Live, 64 year old Manjulaben Patel was killed around 4:10pm Monday while driving a minivan and colliding with a red tractor trailer that had an unloaded aluminum flatbed around mile marker 27.  3 passengers in Patel’s vehicle were injured when the vehicle rolled after the crash and 2 who weren’t wearing seatbelts were  ejected – they were transported to a local hospital.  The tractor trailer did not stop after the impact.  If you have information about this accident, please call Carlisle State Police 717-249-2121

FEASIBILITY STUDY:  CITY HALL REPAIRS TO COST $2M
A compliance study has been completed at the request of city council and the codes administrator says the repairs and accessibility upgrades at Williamsport City Hall will cost 2 million dollars in order to meet federal requirements.  According to the Sun Gazette, Mayor Gabriel Campana’s previous $960 thousand accessibility requirements and security improvement estimates are included in the study.  Mayor-elect Derek Slaughter said he would want more discussion and to review costs of relocating city hall offices.  Slaughter will be sworn in as Williamsport Mayor in January 2020.

VETERAN’S DAY FESTIVITIES
Get ready for the veteran’s day parade and pick your warmest spot for Saturday as it kicks off at 2pm in Montoursville.  The Lycoming County Veterans Parade will form on Mill Street near the Green Bridge and travel east along Broad Street to American Legion Post 104.  This year’s Grand marshal for the parade will be former Montoursville Mayor John Dorin.   Then on Veteran’s Day, State Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, and State Rep. Garth Everett, R-Muncy, will speak at a Veterans Day program at the Montoursville Cemetery Monday at 11 a.m.

K-9 PROGRAM TRAINING READY TO START
The Williamsport Bureau of Police have announced the officers selected to receive training and participate in the city’s Canine program.  Police Officer Tyson Minier, will be the first officer to go to the Canine Officer academy and upon sufficient donations to the department, Sergeant Brian McGee and Police Officer Zachary Geary will follow.  Police Chief Damon Hagan congratulated the new officers and their families in a press release, and says Minier will begin the training in the near future.

Sports

NBA
The Pistons beat the Knicks 122 to 102, the Pacers over the Wizards 121 to 106, the Rockets beat the Warriors 129 to 112, the Bulls over the Hawks 113 to 93, the Raptors beat the Kings 124 to 120, the Grizzlies over the Timberwolves 137 to 121, the Mavericks beat Magic 107 to 106, Jazz edged the 76ers 106 to 104, Bucks beat the Clippers 129 to 124
NHL
The Rangers beat the Red Wings 5-1 and the blues beat the Oilers 5-2
Women’s soccer
Kutztown beat Lock Haven 4-1 and Shippensburg beat Mansfield 7-nothing and Men’s soccer
Lycoming beat  Arcadia 3- nothing
Women’s volleyball
Stevenson beat Lycoming 3-1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 6, 2019

LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS
With all 85 precincts reporting unofficial results in the 2019 Municipal Election in Lycoming County, there are some new faces in local government, starting with a the first democrat to be elected mayor since 1998.  City native Derek Slaughter edged Republican Eric Beiter by 752 votes, taking 56% of the vote in a race that garnered 38 percent voter turnout.  According to the Sun Gazette, Slaughter, a current city council member will vacate his city council seat, allowing current members of the group to interview potential candidates for the vacated seat.   Two Lycoming County Commissioners retained their seats but will be joined by a new commissioner, Republican Scott Metzger who received the highest number of votes followed by Tony Mussare and Democrat, Rick Mirabito.  Four City Council Seats were filled, Republican incumbent Councilwoman Bonnie Katz won the most votes followed by republican Adam Yoder, Vincent Pulizzi and Democrat Jon Mackey.  Click here for the full 2019 Municipal election results as reported by Lycoming County Voter Services.

METH DEALER CHARGED WITH FELONY COUNTS
A Montgomery man has been arrested after selling methamphetamine to an undercover informant in March and April of this year.  According to North Central Pa Dot com Cody Allen Benyo,  of West Huston Ave., Montgomery arranged the sale of the drug and allegedly approached a vehicle outside of his home to make the exchange.  According to police, the substance was  tested at Montoursville State Police headquarters, where they reportedly proved positive for the presence of meth.  Benyo was charged with four ungraded felony counts of delivery of a controlled substance, and bail was set at 90 thousand dollars on October 30th.

VOTING MACHINE OPINIONS ARE GOOD
Voters gave their opinions of the new voting machines in exit polls yesterday with a mixed bag of reactions that ran the gamut of approval.  According to the Sun Gazette, precinct judges and election officials in Loyalsock Township’s 5th district said they were satisfied with the new machine process.  Officials at the Montoursville borough offices said that the new voting stations there doubled the capacity and some people told the media the paper ballot used for validation purposes were a preferred way to vote.

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY ROAD MAINTENANCE TODAY
PennDOT maintenance crew in Northumberland County will replacing damaged delineators today on the Route 61 Veterans Memorial Bridge between the City of Sunbury and Shamokin Dam Borough. The left lane of Route 61 will be closed in each direction from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

MORE LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS
By the unofficial numbers in the Williamsport City Council election, Republican incumbent Councilwoman Bonnie Katz had the most in last night’s general election with 2,565 and 15% of the vote.  Three new members of City Council were elected, Republicans Adam Yoder and Vincent Pulizzi, as well as Democrat Jon Mackey who had 14.44% of the vote.  Other close county row office races include the Lycoming County Register and Recorder in which incumbent Kathy Rinehart was defeated by republican nominee Dave Huffman by 288 votes.  Republican Thomas Heap won for Lycoming County prothonotary over Jeni Nash-Harvey with just over 70 % of the vote.  Voters approved the retention of the Lycoming County Common Pleas Judges on the ballot, giving over 80 percent approval from the 67, 854 registered voters to Judges Joy McCoy and Judge Marc Lovecchio.

OUTLYING LYCOMING COUNTY ELECTION RESULTS
In other areas of Lycoming County election results are a little more unclear, According to the Sun Gazette and unofficial results, the mayoral race in Montgomery appears to be undecided until write-in votes can be tallied.  Sean Leet receiving 91 votes while a write-in candidate received 166. Incumbent supervisors in Loyalsock Township Paul Nyman and John Bower will remain after receiving a majority of the votes for the six-year term. In Montgomery Borough Council’s three four-year term seats, Clayton Steward Sr. lead with 172 votes, followed by Rocky Sanguedolce with 156 votes and Laurel K. Green with 144 votes.  In Montoursville, Eric Greenway won the First Ward 4-year seat with 318 votes, with uncontested write-in candidates.  Robert Cronin,  from South Williamsport won the race to represent First Ward with  206 votes, followed by 185 votes for a write-in. Hilarie S. German had 132 votes.

TRANSPORTATION STUDY ADOPTED
A coordinated transit plan has been adopted by the Williamsport Area Transportation Study (WATS) Technical Committee.  After public feedback and a study by the SEDA-COG, the joint plan update considers all human service transportation needs with an emphasis on low-income populations, seniors, and persons with disabilities as they consider fixed transportation needs in the region. The newly updated plan considers transportation needs for the multi-county region as required by the federal government every five years.

SUNDAY HUNTING MAY HAVE TO WAIT
The law that will allow hunting on Sundays in Pennsylvania may not take effect until next season.  According to the PA Game Commission, the senate is scheduled to vote on the bill November 18th, but if it passes and is signed into law quickly, it doesn’t take effect until 90 days after the ruling which will be after early archery and firearm deer seasons have ended.  Commission officials say the best possible scenario is that they could choose one Sunday for Hunting in early 2020, either in the spring turkey season or another open season.
Sports
NBA
Hornets beat the Pacers 122 to 120, Celtics over the Cavaliers 119 to 113, Hawks beat the Spurs 108 to 100, Thunder beat Magic 102 to 94, Lakers over the Bulls 118 to 112, and Nuggets beat the Heat 109 to 89
NHL
The Islanders beat the Senators 4 to 1, Flyers over the Hurricanes 4 to 1, Golden Knights beat the blue jackets 2-1, Canadians beat the Bruins 5-4, Maple Leafs over the Kings 3-1, Devils beat the Jets 2-1, Stars over Avalanche 4-1, Flames beat the Coyotes 4-3, Blues over the Canucks 2-1, Wild beat the Ducks 4-2, Sharks beat the Blackhawks 4-2
HS Girls soccer
1st round of PIAA class 4A playoffs
Williamsport lost to North Penn 5-nothing
1st round of the PIAA class 2A playoffs
ELCO beat Lewisburg 3-nothing
HS Boys Soccer
Lewisburg beat Wyoming seminary 4-nothing in the opening round of the PIAA Class AA playoffs  – they play Lansdale Catholic Saturday in the quarterfinals
Girls Volleyball
PIAA class 2A Girls Volleyball playoffs
North Penn Liberty beat Holy Redeemer 3- nothing
North Penn liberty advances to play Panther Valley from District 11 Saturday in the state quarterfinals
PIAA class A Girls Volleyball playoffs
Canton beat Mount Calvary Christian 3-1 They will play Berlin Brothers Valley Saturday in the state tournament with the site and time to be determined

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 5, 2019

MAN ACCUSED OF SELLING OPIATES
A Lairdsville man was in District Court this week to face two charges of felony delivery of a controlled substance, felony use of a communication device and other drug related charges for allegedly selling prescription opiate medication to a confidential informant.  According to North Central PA dot com, Austin W. White arranged a sale of the drugs on his phone around noon on August 14th 2019 then presented 100 dollars-worth of opiate pills to the informant later.  White was arraigned yesterday at the Muncy Courthouse.

DAM PROJECT GETS FUNDING
A grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been awarded to the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority to rehabilitate the Frank E. Heller Dam near South Williamsport.  Authority officials told the Sun Gazette that almost 177 thousand dollars will go toward planning of repairs of the dam which is categorized as a high hazard potential by the Pennsylvania DEP with massive flood potential on Heller Run.  State lawmakers who represent Lycoming County recently toured the area near the dam spillway and the funding which will be used for planning and design of the project.

UPMC CAN APPEAL TAX ASSESMENT DENIAL
A tax exemption request made by Sunbury medical facility has been denied by the Northumberland County Assessment Office.  According to WKOK, the county appeal board denied the 20 parcel request made by UPMC for exemptions that could have led to a loss of close to 400 thousand dollars for the county, city of Sunbury and Shikellamy School District.  According to  Northumberland County officials, UPMC has 30 days to appeal the decision to the Court of Common Pleas.

SOME LOCATION CHANGES FOR ELECTION DAY TOMORROW
Voters are encouraged to go to the polls today to make their choices in the 2019 municipal election.  There are a couple changes for voters to know listed on the Lycoming County Board of Elections website – lyco dot org.  The polling place for Upper Fairfield Township has been changed to the Community Baptist Church, 1853 Route 87 Highway and all of Clinton Township has been consolidated into a single precinct.  The polling place for all of Clinton Township will be St. John Lutheran Church at 196 Brick Church Road.  Sample ballots and information on using the new voting machines at your polling place is also at lyco.org.  Polls are open in 85 precincts in Pennsylvania today from until til 8pm.

WEAPON FOUND IN INMATES CELL
An improvised weapon called a shank was found in a female inmates cell at the State Correctional Institution in Muncy in August of this year and she will have a preliminary hearing on the charges next week in Lycoming County Court . According to North Central PA dot com Katelynn Soudan Harvey, 23 admitted the weapon with a 4 inch blade was hers after a search of her cell by correctional officers recovered it.  She  claimed the self made weapon was for self-defense.  Harvey is in Lycoming County Prison awaiting a hearing November 8th

PA TURNPIKE TO GO CASHLESS
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has announced that there won’t be cash toll booths by 2021, possibly costing about 600 people their toll worker jobs – but according to authorities many will be retained in other positions.  Several cashless and E-ZPass-only tolls are already in use on the Turnpike. They say they will trade plan is for it to be fully cashless in two years. By 2026, all tollbooths could be replaced by overhead gantries. Drivers will have two options — get an E-ZPass or have their license plate photographed and receive a bill in the mail.

HELLBENDER SALAMANDER NAMED PA AMPHIBIAN
Did you know we have a state amphibian?  Thanks to Senator Gene Yaw of Loyalsock Township, legislation was passed naming the Eastern Hellbender salamander for Pennsylvania and it became official at a Lycoming College ceremony last week.  According to the Sun Gazette, the PA Student Leadership Council which is a program of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, made the presentation and praised Senator Yaw for recognizing the importance of legislation that supports the state’s rivers and streams.  Officials from the CBF said The Hellbender can be an indicator of clean water across the commonwealth

Sports
NFL Monday night football
Cowboys beat the Giants 37-18
NBA
Wizards beat the Pistons 115 to 99, Nets beat the Pelicans 135 to 125, Rockets over the Grizzlies 107 to 100, Bucks over the Timberwolves 134 to 106, Suns over the 76ers 114 to 109, and Warriors beat the Trailblazers 127 to 118.
NHL
Bruins beat the Penguins 4-6, Senators over the Rangers 6-2, Predators beat the Red Wings 6-1, Coyotes over the Oilers 3-2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 4, 2019

COURT RULING KEEPS FAMILY LIVING TOGETHER FOR NOW
The Lycoming County DA filed for a revocation of supervised bail this week of 33 year old Maria Sweeting of Williamsport.  In February 2019, Sweeting was charged with drug and stolen firearm charges, as well as child endangerment, while living at a Brandon Avenue home with Grant Wright, a co-defendant in the case.  When Sweeting was in court for the February crimes earlier this year, custody of her child was transferred to her parents and the abuse case was closed.  According to the Sun Gazette, both Wright and Sweeting were released to live at that Central Avenue home last March.  Judge Marc F. Lovecchio said he denied the commonwealth’s motion last week to revoke Sweeting’s supervised bail, after hearing testimony from Sweeting’s mother and requiring in-court drug tests which Sweeting passed.  Lovecchio upheld the court ruling from earlier this year, allowing the woman to live with her child along with the child’s custodial guardians, Sweeting’s parents, stating that any future positive drug test would send her to jail.

MAN TO BE EVALUATED FOR STATE  HOSPITAL
A man with a long mental health history has been incarcerated and will be evaluated for admittance into a State Hospital on a long-term basis after being accused of indecent exposure in 2017and 2018.  According to North Central Pa dot com, Jason Holmes of Williamsport faces indecent exposure and other charges and if Pennsylvania drops those charges, Holmes could be admitted to Danville Sate Hospital if his circumstances fit the proper criteria for being treated at the facility.  Holmes is awaiting that decision in Lycoming County Prison after being removed from intensive supervision in October of this year.

WASHED OUT ROAD TO BE REPLACED
The Muncy Township Board of Supervisors approved the bid last week for a project that will open Turkey Bottom Road within an estimated 90 days.  According to the Sun Gazette, the roadway has been closed for about 4 months after a tributary of Muncy Creek flooded and washed the road away.  Getchen Site company was awarded the 125 thousand dollar bid and will work to secure the roadway before winter weather causes problems for drivers in the area.

MORE SECURE VOTING MACHINES IN USE
A more secure voting process is expected in Lycoming County tomorrow as voters take to the polls in 85 precincts.  The ClearVote voting system will allow voters to mark choices on the front and back of a paper ballot which will then be scanned and the voter notified that the ballot has been cast.  According to the Sun Gazette, the scanned ballot then goes into a secure bag so that the votes can be validated. As of April 2018, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security required a new voting system that provides a paper record and meets standards of security by this December 31

POLICE IDENTIFY BODY FOUND IN DANVILLE APARMENT
Police have identified a known drug offender in Montour County as the person whose body was found in a Center Street apartment in Danville last week.  According to WKOK, the Montour County coroner reported 36 year old Thomas Roney Jr. was found by a maintenance man last Friday morning around 9:30.  Roney Jr. was slated for arraignment December 9th in Montour County Court on a number of felony drug charges.  Also facing charges are 56-year-old Melinda Roney, and, 33-year-old Daniel Roney.   Media reports say an autopsy conducted Sunday did not reveal a cause of death.

FIRE CAUSES EVACUATION OF LEWISBURG STORE
William Cameron Engine Company, Milton, and White Deer Township volunteer fire crews responded to an electrical fire in the Walmart Supercenter in Lewisburg this past weekend.  According to the Daily Item, witnesses saw open flames showing during the emergency and fire officials said the fire in the store in Kelly Township may have started with a short in the wiring of one of the compressor units in the grocery section.  According to the Union County Fire Wire, staff and customers were evacuated safely and the fire was contained. Milton state police also responded to the scene, there were no injuries reported.

NO TAX INCREASES FOR LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP
There won’t be a tax increase in Loyalsock Township after supervisors reviewed the 2020 budget which has projected expenditures totaling 4.6 million dollars.  The $50 each resident pays per 100 thousand dollars of assessed real estate, will fund projects and purchases to maintain parks, build the senior center, assist the Fire Company and pave area roads. According to the Sun Gazette Loyalsock Township officials discussed moving money from the general fund budget to the capital reserve fund budget for impending multiple separate storm sewer system (MS4) projects.

WILLIAMSPORT WOMAN FINISHES NYC MARATHON
Tens of thousands of runners competed in New York City Marathon last weekend. A two Kenyan runners took 1st in the men’s and women’s race finishing in 2 hours, 22 minutes and 38 seconds, and 2 hours and 8 minutes respectively. 51 year old Julie Pentico of Williamsport participated Sunday and was the 6th fastest woman, finishing
3, 583rd  in 3 hours, 17 minutes and 20 seconds.

Sports
NFL from Sunday
The Bills beat the Redskins 24-9, Dolphins beat the Jets 26-18, Eagles over the Bears 22-14, and Steelers beat the Colts 26-24 Texans over the Jaguars 26-3, Chiefs beat the Vikings 26-23, Panthers over the Titans 30-20, Raiders beat the Lions 31-24, Seahawks over the Buccaneers 40-34, Broncos beat the Browns 24-19, Chargers over the Packers 26-11, and Ravens beat the Patriots 37-20.
NBA
Pacers beat the Bulls 108 to 95, Heat beat the Rockets 129 to 100, Kings over the Knicks 113 to 92, Lakers beat the Spurs 103 to 96, Mavericks over the Cavaliers 131 to 111, Clippers beat the Jazz 105 to 94.
NHL
Capitals beat the Flames 4-2, Blackhawks over the Ducks 3-2
NASCAR Kevin Harvick went to Victory Lane at the Monster energy cup AAA Texas 500 for the 3rd  year in a row on Sunday, securing his championship-contending spot for the season-ending race at Homestead-Miami November 17

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