BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 10, 2019

MAN TESTIFIED AGAINST ALLEGED SERIAL BURGLAR
The accomplice to an alleged serial burglar in Williamsport testified in court yesterday saying he helped rob more than 6 homes in October of 2016.  According to court records, Wilbur Kramer, Jr said he and Ronald Shoop, Jr. of Jersey Shore, who is Kramer’s cousin, randomly stole from homes in Anthony, Cascade, Gamble and Pine Townships and sold the items at pawn shops in Hazelton.  According to the Sun Gazette, Kramer and Shoop were identified by police through doorbell cameras.  Kramer is scheduled to plead guilty to the charges this month, Shoop was held on all burglary, criminal trespass and criminal mischief charges by Judge Marc Lovecchio.

BOARD OF PARDONS ACCEPTING REQUEST APPLICATIONS
As of October 1st, the pardon process has been updated in the state according to the PA Board of Pardons.  In a press release from Governor Tom Wolf, Lt. Gov. Fetterman reportedly asked the board to expedite applications for pardons from low-level marijuana convictions, projected to affect thousands of Pennsylvanians, clearing the way for access to jobs, housing, and education. A pardon request form is at the Pennsylvania board of pardon’s website

LIVE UNITED ORCHESTRA FEATURES SPECIAL SONG
The Live United in Music concert is tonight in Williamsport and a special song with local roots will be performed there in public for the first time by the Williamsport Pops Orchestra directed by Walt Straiton.  According to the Sun Gazette, a song called the Vallamont March was written as a holiday gift for a part of Williamsport north of Rural Avenue in the early 1900s. It is an homage to the neighborhood and its residents.  The song will be performed tonight at the Community Arts Center during the fundraiser event for the Lycoming County United Way.

HUGHESVILLE GRAD COMPLETES US NAVY CYBER CHALLENGE
At a Navy Hosted event call HACKtheMACHINE, which is a cyber security challenge, a US Naval Academy Midshipman of the 2018 class at Hughesville discovered a vulnerability that will be utilized on board ships, having real-world impact on the fleet.  According to the Southern Maryland Chronicle, 19 year old Kade Heckle  succeeded in the HACKtheMACHINE challenge which was held at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.  The cyber event aims to engage small business and tech individuals to develop future technological insights.

ARMED CARJACKER ARRESTED IN HUMMEL’S WHARF
There was an armed robbery in a Snyder County parking lot around noon Wednesday and a Palmyra man has been arrested for it.  Selinsgrove Police told WKOK that 61 year old Dave Kochel from Lebanon County approached a female victim who was changing her baby in her car at the Kohl’s in the Monroe Market Place, sticking a gun in her ribs and demanding money.  The victim gave up the vehicle and later police located Kochel in the car along Routes 11 & 15 south of Snyder County. State police say they took Kochel into custody and charges were filed in District court.

MAN TOUCHES 11 YEAR-OLD VICTIM INAPPROPRIATELY
A Williamsport man has been charged with touching a child inappropriately in May of 2019.  The 11 year old child was interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center in and said the incident occurred at a residence in Loyalsock Township.  According to North Central PA dot com Williamsport police say 18  year old James A. Bergquist, of Cemetery Street, was charged with statutory sexual assault, corruption of minors and other related charges. State troopers say he was remanded to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $99,000 bail. Bergquist’s preliminary hearing is set for 3 p.m. Oct. 21.

ONE BABY STILL RECOVERING FROM INFECTION
In updated reports about the one baby still fighting the infection out of the 8 who were allegedly sickened with waterborne bacteria at Geisinger Medical center in Danville, hospital officials say the antibiotic treatment is working well. WNEP reports that hospital officials believe the bacteria is coming from outside the NICU, and an investigation continues.   They say women delivering there after 32 weeks do not have to worry.  Premature infants and women set to deliver prematurely were transferred to other facilities as news of the infection came forward.

VETERANS WILL APPLY FOR LEGACY GRANT
The Veteran’s Memorial Park Commission is looking to upgrade the entrance to the county’s veteran’s memorial near West Fourth Street and told the Sun Gazette they will request a grant from the Lycoming County Commissioners.  It’s possible that 45 thousand dollars could be available as a “Legacy Fund” grant thru the impact fees from the natural gas industry for lighting, a stone divider and a sign for the driveway.  Many of the veterans on the commission will participate in the Lycoming County Veteran’s Parade in Montoursville on November 9th in color guard and rifle salute formation .

Sports
Major-League Baseball Postseason

The St. Louis Cardinals win game five against the Braves 13-1 scoring a record 10 runs in the 1st inning for the biggest opening in postseason history, the Nationals beat the Dodgers 7-3 for the win of their National League division series 3games to 2.
NHL
Buffalo Sabres beat the Montréal Canadiens 5-4, the Philadelphia Flyers beat the New Jersey Devils 4-nothing, Vancouver Canucks beat the LA Kings 8-2,
HS Girls Volleyball
Wellsboro beat Williamsport 3-nothing, Osweyo Valley over Galton 3-nothing,
HS Boys Soccer
Sullivan County beat Millville 1- nothing in double overtime, Benton defeated Muncy 1- nothing, South Williamsport over Hughesville 2-1, Jersey Shore defeated Central Mountain 1-nothing, Lewisburg over Midd-West 4-2.
HS Girls Soccer
North Penn Mansfield beat North East Bradford 1-nothing
HS Girls Tennis
District 4 Team Tennis Tournament Quarterfinals Loyalsock over Jersey shore 3-2, Bloomsburg over CV  3-nothing, Montgomery over Wellsboro 3-nothing, Central Columbia beat Loyalsock 3-2
Women’s College Soccer – Kutztown over Lock Haven 3-1
Men’s College Soccer – Lock Haven beat Shepherd 4-3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 9, 2019

PEDESTRIAN SERIOUSLY HURT IN ACCIDENT
There are more details about the pedestrian who was struck yesterday morning in Loyalsock Township around 7:30 in the morning.  Old Lycoming Township police chief Joseph Hope told the Sun Gazette that Kylie Major was crossing in front of her home at the 2300 block of Lycoming Creek Road from east to west when she was hit by a service truck driven by a Selinsgrove man.  Major suffered serious head and lower body injuries and is in the Williamsport Regional Medical Center’s intensive care unit.

TWO SHOOTINGS CONNECTED BY COURT TESTIMONY
Testimony in Lycoming County court yesterday connected two shootings that happened in Williamsport September 20th.  Daniel Miller, who was the driver of a car from which Kavaughn Williams allegedly shot at basketball players along Wildwood Blvd around noon that day, testified that he was startled by the gunshots and dropped Williams off after the incident.  Miller also testified that 12 hours prior to that shooting, a group of men had followed him and Williams from a bar and they engaged in gunfire near West Elmira and Fourth Streets.  According to the Sun Gazette after Williams’ preliminary hearing, he continues to be detained Lycoming County Prison.

WEEKEND DUI CHECKPOINT RESULTS
The Lycoming County DUI Task Force conducted sobriety checkpoints last weekend and released the results to the public.  According to a police department press release, out of 575 vehicles passing through the checkpoint in Williamsport, 10 drivers were held for standard Field Sobriety testing, with 5 arrested for DUI.  One driver had an outstanding felony warrant and was arrested and three misdemeanor arrests occurred over controlled substances.  Police also wrote 11 citations.

REGIONALIZATION PLAGUES BUDGET PLANNING
There is confusion over developing a 2020 budget within the Montgomery Borough Council as potential police regionalization makes finances uncertain moving forward.  The Sun Gazette reports that the borough secretary and treasurer Angelina Adams has questions about including body camera expenditures or a new police car into the budget.  An upcoming meeting to solely work on the budget will be planned, but the public meeting on police regionalization for Muncy Borough, Muncy Creek, Clinton and Brady townships will be October 15th at 6:30pm.

HUGHESVILLE CARJACKER ARRESTED
A Millmont man who tried to steal two cars in a few hours has been charged with attempted robbery, DUI, Reckless endangerment and other charges. 32 year old Daniel Culp, stole a running vehicle from the parking lot of TJ’s Market, in Hughesville, around 9am last Sunday, Oct. 6th .    When police spotted Culp in a nearby neighborhood about an hour later he fled on foot and unsuccessfully forced entry into another moving car near Spartan Street. After an altercation with a nearby witness, police took Culp into custody with bail set at 200 thousand dollars.

DEP OFFICIAL TOURS FLOOD PRONE NEIGHBORHOOD
During a three day tour of problem areas dealing with storm water drainage issues in Pennsylvania, the state Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection came to seek solutions and funding for Grafius Run flood mitigation Tuesday.  DEP Secretary, Patrick McDonnell spoke to a group of about 60 people in the parking lot of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, located in Loyalsock Township, an area that experiences the flooding problem.  He then took a tour of the creek.  According to the Sun Gazette, City Councilwoman Gerry Fausnaught was in attendance as a resident of the area and thanked McDonnell for addressing the storm water problem that’s plagued the area for many years.

CITY APPROVES $2M LINE OF CREDIT
In a standard financial practice, the city of Williamsport has approved taking out a line of credit, which will take advantage of lower interest rates while waiting on grants that will reimburse it.  According to the Sun Gazette the City’s finance committee approved the recommendation of a 2 million dollar line of credit and will apply with Citizen & Northern Bank.  Council members clarified the language of the general obligation bond proposal – and called for the review of any use of the money prior to expenses on projects.

LANE SHIFT WILL HAPPEN THIS WEEK ON I-180
A lane restriction shift will take place on Thursday, October 10 on a resurfacing project on Interstate 180 in Lycoming County. The current right lane restriction will be switched to the left lane on both the eastbound and westbound directions near Route 405 and Route 2044  which is Penn Street in the Muncy/Hughesville area. The left lane restriction will remain in place for the remainder of the project, currently scheduled for Tuesday, November 19.

Sports
Major League Baseball

American League Division series game – Rays beat the Astros 4-1, Their series tied up 2 and 2.
National Hockey League
Dallas beat Washington 4-3 in overtime, Winnipeg over Pittsburgh 4-1, Carolina beat Florida 6-3, Edmonton over the New York Islanders 5-2, Anaheim defeated Detroit 3-1, Nashville  beat San Jose 5-2, Los Angeles over Calgary 4-3, Boston defeated Vegas 4-3.
HS Girls Soccer
Hughesville over South Williamsport 6-3, Muncy beat Sayre 9-4, no score between Montgomery and Lourdes in double overtime, Jersey Shore beat Danville 4-nothing, Montoursville & Mifflinburg tied at one in double overtime.
HS Boys Soccer
Southern Columbia over Hughesville 3-2 in double overtime, Millville beat Montoursville 4-nothing.
HS Girls Tennis
District 4 Team Tennis Tournament – Round 1, Bloomsburg beat Cowanesque Valley 3-love,  Round 2, Hughesville defeated Bucktail 3-love, and South Williamsport beat Bloomsburg 3-love.  District 2-4 Class AAA Team Tennis Semifinals–  Wyoming Valley West over Williamsport 3-2, and North Penn beat Saint John Neumann 5-2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 8, 2019

BACTERIAL INFECTION CAUSES DEATH OF THREE INFANTS
National News outlets are reporting details this morning about the deaths of three premature babies at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville allegedly due to a waterborne bacteria.  PennLive reports that eight newborns in the neonatal unit were struck with an infection, four have recovered and one is still being treated for the infection.  Officials from Geisinger are transferring premature babies to other hospitals and are also rerouting women who expect to deliver prematurely to different facilities. The Pennsylvania Department of Health and US Centers for Disease Control is working with the hospital to eliminate the infection and prevent more complications.  Geisinger has set up a hotline number for questions; 570-214-9087.

MORNING ACCIDENTS SLOW LYCOMING COUNTY TRAFFIC
Several accidents slowed traffic around Lycoming County this morning.  A tractor trailer rolled over this morning along Route 15 Southbound in Cogan House Township and Penn DOT reports the police closed the interstate near the 184 Exit at Steam Valley just before 8am. Traffic is being detoured onto 184, 220 and 287.   The accident is expected to block the southbound lanes of Route 15 for several hours.  Also, a pedestrian was struck at the 2300 block of Lycoming Creek Road and emergency crews responded to the area around the Shell Gas station just after 7:30. A wreck around that same hour also slowed 220 near Narbor Frey road in the Pennsdale area of Muncy Township – no major injuries reported in that incident.

CAR HITS TRACTOR TRAILER ON EXIT RAMP DRIVER KILLED
Police are investigating a fatal crash that happened along I-80 in Liberty Township last Friday afternoon.  Temur Davronov, a 40 year old truck driver from Philadelphia had parked the rig along the shoulder at the exit ramp at rest area at mile marker 218.  State Police in Milton report that 19 year old Curtis Melville, III, from Limerick PA struck the back of the truck while exiting back to I-80 east and was entrapped inside his Ford F150 after the crash.  Mellville was transported to Geisinger medical Center and later succumbed to his injuries. State police continue to investigate.

LOADED GUN DISCOVERED AT AIRPORT X-RAY CHECKPOINT
A transportation security Administration officer at the Williamsport Regional Airport found a loaded 25 caliber handgun inside a carry-on bag during an X-Ray machine checkpoint Saturday.  When the officer discovered the weapon in the Cogan Station man’s bag, it was confiscated, Montoursville police were called and the man questioned.  No arrests were made, and the man was released after questioning.  The Sun Gazette reports that travelers with concealed firearm permits cannot have them in carry-on luggage and are likely subject to possible fees.

WILLIAMSPORT MAYOR STARTS WRITE-IN CAMPAIGN
The Mayor of Williamsport is seeking another term amongst criticism that he is misusing resources to launch a write-in campaign while still in office.  According to the Sun Gazette Mayor Gabriel Campana  announced after a meeting with grassroots supporters, that he would seek election on November 5th so he can continue to work with developers to complete the revenue-producing upgrades his administration set in motion.

2 CHARGED WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY
Charges of animal cruelty have been filed in Lycoming County court against two men in Montgomery after one dog strangled itself last summer while tethered with a choke chain trying to reach an empty water bowl on an 88 degree day.  24 year old Dante Kenneth Marra, and 21 year old Michael Allen Steinruck, of 149 Snaurytown Road, Montgomery were arrested and with one count of third degree felony aggravated cruelty to animal, two counts of third degree misdemeanor neglect of animal, and two summary counts of neglect of an animal. Their bail was set at $20,000 each . They will have preliminary hearings on Octoiber 11, 2019.

BOROUGH APPROVES FEMA GRANT OPPORTUNITY
Montoursville Borough Council has applied for a federal FEMA buyout grant for several residents in the floodplain who continue to suffer losses.  The council approved the grant and now want to make sure residents know they can apply for the relief.  Council members told the Sun Gazette that there are 10 to 12 homes that continue to be hit with the flooding issues.  The next meeting of the Montoursville Bourough Council is October 21st in the offices on N. Loyalsock Avenue.

DMV OFFICES CLOSED FOR UPCOMING HOLIDAY
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, October 12, through Monday, October 14, in observance of the Columbus Day holiday.  There are no additional fees for using online services at PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.

LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE
Today is the last day to register to vote in the November election!  To register, complete your application today, you can submit online at pavoterservices.pa.gov, or by mail to your county voter registration office as long as it has today’s postmark.  If you are on active duty in the military, or you’re a hospitalized or bedridden veteran, you can register any time. See www.fvap.gov for more information.

COACHING HIRES STIR UP QUESTIONS
As the South Williamsport School Board approved the hire of several new athletic coaches, some residents questioned how vacancies for coaches were created and whether certain background checks and references were checked.  The Sun Gazette reports that at Monday nights meeting, Tom O’Malley, formerly of the Loyalsock Area School District, was approved for coaching positions at the school.  He was hired as South Williamsport’s varsity girl’s softball coach for a stipend of 4 thousand, 767 dollars.  In addition,  varsity boys and girls basketball and  varsity wrestling coaches contracts were renewed.

Sports
Major league baseball playoffs –

Yankees win their series over the Twins 5-1 in Game 3 last night,  three games to none.
The Nats beat the Dodgers 6-1 last night in game four of the National League Division Series Playoffs – they’re now tied in the series 2 and 2, Cardinals beat the Braves 5-4 yesterday in their National League Division Series Game their series tied 2 and 2, Rays over the Astros 10-3 in game three of the American League Division Series Houston leads the series 2-1.
NFL Monday Night Football
49ers routed the Browns 31 -3

NHL Hockey
Eastern conference – St. Louis over Toronto 3-2,
Western conference – Columbus beat Buffalo 4-3
HS Boys Soccer
South Williamsport defeated Bloomsburg nine nothing, Williamsport beat Danville one nothing in overtime, Muncyy beat Troy 4-3
HS Girls Soccer
Meadowbrook Christian over North Penn Mansfield 4-1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 7, 2019

TIOGA COUNTY MAN DIES IN ONE CAR WRECK
In a one car accident a Tioga County man was pronounced dead at the scene on State Route 328 in Jackson Township.  Thirty one year old Dennis Gee of Tioga, was traveling west on Route 328 around 5am Sunday near Button Hill Road when his vehicle went off the roadway.  State Police in Mansfield say that Gee’s vehicle struck and embankment and overturned several times.  An investigation continues as to the nature of the crash.

INFORMATION TRANSPARENCY CASE RESOLVED
In a move that is a win for  transparency in local government and media, the state Supreme Court ruled last week that the names of candidates who could be considered to fill the seats of common pleas court vacancies should be made public going forward.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette reports that after efforts in 2015 to obtain records of candidates who applied to fill seats on the Lycoming County Board of Commissioners, they were denied.  The 5 year legal endeavor, spearheaded by Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association now allows the public access to the information thanks to the most recent legal outcome.

HAUNTED HAYRIDE WILL NOT GO ON THIS YEAR
A favorite annual autumn event the Plunkett’s Creek Volunteer Fire Department haunted hayride won’t be happening this year at the Lycoming County Consolidated Sportsmen facility.  According to Social Media, Chief Brad Stine put out a public thank you to those who contributed to the hayride before but that there will be no event going on this season.

WINFIELD REPAVING GOING ON THIS WEEK
Watch for traffic to be down to a single lane in both directions this week on Route 15 in Winfield this week.  According to PennDOT, repairs will be made to Route 15 between County Line Road and Route 304.  The work is part of the planned resurfacing work on the northern section of the CSVT project.  There’s no projected end date at this time for the repaving project.

JURY SELECTION FOR MAN WHO ASSAULTED PREGNANT WIFE
A jury is scheduled to be seated for the trial of a Williamsport man who assaulted his pregnant wife in January of 2017 causing her to give birth prematurely.   North Central PA dot com reports that Richard Wheeler will face charges of one felony count of aggravated assault on an unborn child and other charges October 10th.  Wheeler’s wife, 39 year old Chesney Anne Wheeler is serving 2-4 years in prison for putting the child in a box and driving around before seeking help.

DUBOWSTOWN MAKES PROPOSAL TO REGIONALIZE LOCAL POLICE
An official motion was made at the DuBoistown Borough Council meeting last week that there should be sharing police services with South Williamsport Police Departments. According to a police department press release, DuBoistown police are trying to manage increased costs and budget increases. With details yet to be outlined between the boroughs, a public meeting will be scheduled for a future time. The next DuBoistown Borough council meeting is Nov. 7 at 7:30pm the municipal building on Euclid Avenue.

PRIMARY SCHOOL SEEKS HOLIDAY VOLUNTEERS
A Williamsport School is looking for volunteers for their autumn event this year.   Stevens Primary PTA is looking for help from residents or local businesses for their Trunk or Treat event going on after Halloween – November 2nd.  Those interested in volunteering with the Williamsport School District event may contact Stevens Primary PTA through Facebook and may also complete the Act 153 Volunteer Affidavit in accordance with Pennsylvania State law by October 20th.

AIRPORT AUTHORITY OPENS NEW TERMINAL IN MONTOURSVILLE
The weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the officials at the Williamsport Airport Authority yesterday for the open house and ribbon cutting of the new terminal in Montoursville.  Retiring Executive director Tom Hart spoke to the crowd of dignitaries and guests thanking those for their support while the multi-million dollar growth occurred at the facility.  US Representative Fred Keller was on hand for a few remarks at the event.  During the day visitors were invited to tour the new terminal facility and also the Kathryn Wentzel Lumley Aviation Center, the Pennsylvania College of Technology’s branch for aeronautical studies.

Sports
Major League Baseball

In the National League Division Series Game 3 – Braves beat the Cardinals 3-1 Atlanta now leads 2-1,  LA Dodgers over the Nationals 10 -4 –  LA Dodgers lead the Nationals 2-1.
NFL football
Cardinals beat the Bengals 26-23, Bills over the Titans 14-7, Raiders beat the Bears 24-21, Saints over the Buccaneers 31-24 Vikings beat the Giants 28-10, Eagles routed the Jets 31-6,  Ravens beat the Steelers 26-23, Patriots over the Redskins 33-7,  Panthers beat the Jaguars 34-27, Texans over the Falcons 53-32,  Broncos beat the Chargers 20-13, Packers over the Cowboys 34-24, and Colts beat the Chiefs 19-13,  Lions and Dolphins had a bye week.
Women’s College soccer
East Stroudsburg beat Lockhaven  5 -2
Men’s College soccer
East Stroudsburg over at lock Haven 1-0
NASCAR
Kyle Larson got the checkered flag at Dover International Speedway
2)Martin Truex Jr 3) Alex Bowman

Today Sports
Monday Night Football – Browns play the 49ers in San Francisco 815
Major league baseball American League division Series – Houston at Tampa Bay game 3, Houston leads 2-nothing, Yankees play the Twins – Yankees lead the series 2-nothing, National League Division Series  – LA Dodgers in Washington for game four- Dodgers lead 2-1, Atlanta at St. Louis for game 4- Yankees lead 2-0

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 4, 2019

RETRIAL SOUGHT IN MURDER CASE
A Philadelphia man serving a life sentence after being convicted of the first degree murder committed in Williamsport in June of 2014, is seeking a retrial.  In 2016, a jury found Rashawn Williams guilty of killing Aaron Lowry at an establishment on West Third Street, but the Sun Gazette reports his public defender pointed out several issues from the first hearing that could support a retrial.  Judge Marc Lovecchio who originally sentenced Williams will allow his defense to develop a petition which could initiate the next steps.  Williams is serving his sentence in SCI Frackville.

HOUSE REPUBLICANS BALK AT INITIATIVE
House Republicans have issued a statement following Governor Tom Wolf’s support of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative’s effort to battle climate change.  Disagreeing with the Governor’s go it alone approach, they said reducing greenhouse gas emissions is happening without regulations.  If Governor Wolf is successful with bringing our state into a 9-state energy consortium, it will mean that Pennsylvania will be one of the nation’s first large fossil fuel state to adopt a carbon pricing policy.

LATE WEEKEND CONSTRUCTION ON I-80
A highway construction project kicks off Sunday night and will continue into next week.  Starting Sunday night at about 7pm, Interstate 80 East in Columbia County between Buckhorn (exit 232) in Hemlock Township and Lightstreet (exit 236) in Scott Township will be down to one lane.  According to PennDOT,  there will concrete patching, spall repair, joint sealing and diamond grinding on I-80 westbound and eastbound intermittently through Friday October 11th by 9am when it will reopen to two lanes.

PA GAME COMMISSION PROPOSES TO STUDY DEER DISEASE
The Little Sportsman Shop in Northumberland last night hosted a Pennsylvania Game Commission education program on fatal Chronic Wasting disease, to discuss its growing threat to Pennsylvania’s deer population.  State Representative Lynda Schlegel Culver of Sunbury presented a 2020 CWD Response Plan Proposal. The Game Commission proposal states that after initial detection of CWD in new areas, hunters will be given the first opportunity to harvest more deer and collect more CWD samples for testing. Hunters are encouraged to provide feedback on the Response Plan Proposal online at pgc.pa.gov.  It will be available until February 29, 2020.

PRISON TERM FOR SUSPECT IN ROBBERY AND ASSAULT CASE
One man from Williamsport has been found guilty of robbery and assault of his neighbor in Lycoming County Court.  Marcquel Olsen of Wyoming Street was sentenced to 5 and a half to 14 years in prison for assaulting Lloyd Seagraves. Police say Olsen assaulted Seagraves and a second man, Rashawn Logan of Penn Street allegedly punched the victim.  Logan’s pre-trial is scheduled for December.  Court documents show that Olsen admitted guilt, expressed remorse and showed an effort to turn his life around.  According to the Sun Gazette, Seagraves expressed his satisfaction with the sentence imposed.

UNDER PERFORMING CHARTER SCHOOLS EXAMINED
In an effort to hold under-performing Charter Schools accountable, Governor Tom Wolf announced closures of under-performing cyber charter schools during a visit to the Altoona area yesterday.  He said that charter schools, including cyber charters, represent 25 percent of the state’s worst performing schools but only 6 percent of the public. School officials from the Susquehanna Valley informed Wolf taxpayer dollars spent on charter schools when it could be used for hiring teachers and reducing class sizes.  Officials from the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools say they will come to the table to discuss funding.  The annual cost of charter schools to school districts in Pennsylvania has risen to $1.8 billion.

OCTOBER’S FIRST FRIDAY TONIGHT
It’s Lycoming Arts First Friday in Downtown Williamsport tonight from 5pm til 9pm.  The public is invited to come to Way’s Garden First Friday Scarecrow Exhibit West Fourth and Maynard streets in Williamsport’s Historic District created by professors and students in the Penn College Horticultural Club.  Scarecrows will be on view until Halloween this year. But during First Friday visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite scarecrow.

HUMMEL’S WHARF ADDS NEW AMBULANCE
There’s a new ambulance responding to emergency calls in Snyder County as of October 1st.  In a press release, Evangelical Regional Mobile Medical Services announced that they and Hummels Wharf Fire Company have joined forces to add an ambulance to the Hummel’s Wharf fleet. The new emergency vehicle has a designated crew, including paramedics and EMTs onboard who are employed by the hospital’s medical service. The new medical intensive care unit has all latest technology needed to support care and offer a stable ride for the patient while en route to the hospital.

 Sports
Major League Baseball Post Season
In the National League Division Series Opener, Cardinals beat the Braves 7-6, Dodgers blanked the Nationals 6-nothing
Thursday Night Football
Seattle Seahawks won over the LA Rams 30-29 after Rams missed a game winning field goal attempt
College Football
Shepherd beat Lockhaven Thursday 62-28
HS Girls Tennis
District 2-4 class AAA Tennis Quarterfinals Williamsport Beat Delaware Valley 3-2, Montgomery beat Bucktail 4-1.
HS Girls Soccer
Sullivan County defeated Muncy 5-3, Williamsport over Milton 4-3 South Williamsport beat Bloomsburg 2-1, Lewisburg over Danville 4-1,  and Hughesville beat Mount Carmel 4-1

Today Sports
Major-league Baseball Division Series
Tampa Bay at Houston 205 today, St. Louis is in Atlanta 4:37 today, Washington in LA to play the Dodgers at 9:37 tonight.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 3, 2019

MULTI VEHICLE ACCIDENT SHUTS DOWN I-80
A multi-vehicle crash on I-80 East near Buckhorn yesterday shut down the interstate for almost 2 hours.  PennDOT says the interstate reopened around 10am after the operator of a tractor trailer started a chain reaction of accidents which closed the road.  State Police in Bloomsburg said David Toler of Midlothian Virginia didn’t slow down for traffic merging into a construction zone, and struck the first of 4 other vehicles that all sustained major damage.  Jeremy Matruder of Shamokin was the driver of a 2008 GM Terrain that was first rear-ended by the Freightliner truck driver.  Matruder was taken to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville with injuries of unknown severity.  Toler was charged for not driving at a safe speed – no word if there are other charges pending.

VIRGINIA MAN DIES AFTER INCIDENT AT CONSTRUCTION SITE
A construction worker from Virginia was pronounced dead at Lock Haven Hospital Monday and police are investigating.  According to the Sun Gazette, an incident occurred around 4pm Monday afternoon at a First Quality building site in Lock Haven which caused the death of a 39 year-old man employed by Yates Construction Company.  The Clinton County Coroner, Zach Hanna says there was an autopsy scheduled to determine the cause of death.  Police say foul play was not a concern.

PA BAR ASSOCIATION PREPS VOTERS
In an effort to inform voters of the candidates running for the two vacant seats on the Superior Court of Pennsylvania and other judges recommended for retention. The Pennsylvania Bar Association has provided ratings and descriptions of the appellate judge candidates who will appear on the ballot November 5th.  Edith M Marino of Lycoming County is a member of the PA Bar Associations Judicial Evaluation Commission which provides the ratings and information about candidates so Pennsylvania residents can vote by a yes or no on the ballot.  The information is online at pavotesmart dot com.

LEAF COLLECTION TO BEGIN
Leaf Collection begins soon in the city and surrounding townships.  Williamsport City Street and Parks Department officials say they will begin collecting loose leaf piles along the curb line of primary streets October 28th and continue into December. The Loyalsock Township website provides a leaf collection schedule for certain streets and areas also beginning Octoiber 28th– find that information online at loyalsock township bos.com.

POLICE CHASE ENDS IN TWO ARRESTS
Police captured two suspected drug dealers after a short pursuit along Williamsport streets by state troopers and members of the US Marshall’s Office Fugitive Unit yesterday.  Kenneth Bonaparte and Adrian-Michael Harry were eluding capture Wednesday after police were searching for Harry on a warrant for drug charges in April of 2019.  Bonaparte drove a get-away vehicle and eventually crashed into a utility pole along Cemetery Street in Williamsport according to the Sun Gazette.  Court records say police found a black case that was allegedly thrown from the car, full of a variety of drugs from heroin to methamphetamines, packaged and ready to sell. Bonaparte and Harry are both incarcerated at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 250 thousand dollars bail.

TIOGA COUNTY RESIDENTS ARRESTED FOR NARCOTICS
Three people from Tioga County who were arrested in Lycoming County last June after police found them passed out in a running car face charges this fall.  Police found 29 year old Ryan Arena, of Wellsboro, 25 year old Kacie M. Breon, of Mansfield, and 24 year old Travis F. Huck, of Wellsboro, passed out in the vehicle along Beauty Runs Road in Old Lycoming Township, stopped in the middle of the road in drive, with the rear brakes engaged.  Police came up on the car, shifted the car into park and found Huck behind the wheel with drug paraphernalia close by.  All three were arrested with use and possession of narcotics and will face those charges in Lycoming County Court this fall.

VAPING SEMINAR FOR EDUCATORS
As vaping takes a controversial front seat in society, BLaST Intermediate Unit 17 hosted a Hot Topic Forum for Superintendents, principals and school counselors from seven school districts. They shared resources on vaping trends and what to do as the trend gains more national attention.  Presenters included officials from the Lycoming County Youth Development Task Force and the American Lung Association.  Brooke Beiter of IU 17 told the Sun Gazette that to start a conversation about vaping equips educators across the region.

GUN LAW FORUM IN LINDEN THIS MONTH
Pennsylvania Representatives Garth Everett and Jeff Wheeland will host a gun law seminar on Wednesday, October 16th at the Woodward Township Fire hall in Linden.  Everett says there will be presentations on hunting laws by the State Game Warden, fire arm carry law by Sheriff Mark Lusk and a talk on Stand Your Ground laws by Judge Marc Lovecchio. Those interested in attending should contact the representative from their district to register for free.

Sports
Major League Baseball Playoffs

Tampa Bay Rays beat the Oakland A’s 5-1 in the American League Wildcard game
HS Girls Tennis
South Williamsport over Central Columbia in Singles – that match shortened by rain yesterday- Cowanesque Valley beat North Penn Liberty 5-2, Saint John Neumann beat Muncy 3-2,  Hughesville over Bloomsburg 4-1
HS Boys Soccer
Selinsgrove beat Williamsport 1-0, Sullivan County over Muncy 3-1, Loyalsock beat Bloomsburg 4-1, North Penn Liberty over Towanda 12-nothing
HS Girls Soccer
Wellsboro beat North East Bradford 5-1

Sports today

Major League Baseball
National League Division Series
Washington heads to LA to play the Dodgers tonight at 8:37
NFL Thursday Night Football
Los Angeles Rams play the Seattle Seahawks 8:20 PM

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 2, 2019

VICTIM LIFE-FLIGHTED AFTER ATV CRASH
There was an ATV crash in the Pennsdale area last evening that required one person to be lifelflighted to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. The Sun Gazette reports that the ATV accident was reported at about 6pm Tuesday off of Quaker Church Road in Muncy Township.  A second ambulance was also dispatched to the area and a second person was taken to Muncy Valley hospital, but no word on whether it was a second victim from the ATV crash.

CANDIDATES FORUM LAYS OUT LOCAL ISSUES
Lycoming County Commissioner Candidates got together in a public setting last night at the Eagle Grange #1 Forum in Montgomery.  Incumbents Rick Mirabito and Tony Mussare participated along with Scott Metzger, Elliott Weiss and incumbent Jack McKernan, who is staging write-in campaign after a loss last spring in the primaries.  Each of the candidates gave statements and answered audience questions without any debate.  Issues discussed included real tax reform, regionalization of police and fire departments, and eliminating duplication of services in county government.

STATE GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR SENIOR CENTERS
Senior Community Centers in Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Union Counties currently in operation and in a relationship with the Area Agency on Aging are encouraged to apply for up to 150 thousand dollars in State funding.  State Senator Gene Yaw’s Office has announced the opportunity after 2 million dollars was awarded statewide through a PA Department of Aging program.  Funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, the grants are meant to attract a new generation of older adults and provide a safe environment for seniors.  There will be a webinar October 10th about the grant funding.  Get online links for more information at aging dot pa dot gov.

NEW TAX FOR PA BREWERIES AND BREW PUBS
A pint of beer from Pennsylvania breweries may go up by about a dime from now on after a new tax was enacted in the state Tuesday.  According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette the tax is on the brewer for using its own products at its business.  The new tax level is determined by multiplying a quarter of all retail sales by the local sales tax.  All Pennsylvania breweries and brew pubs were affected by the tax rate bill passed in June.

WOMEN INJURED IN A TWO CAR CRASH
A crash in Shamokin Dam Monday caused problems for motorists just after 7pm along Route 11-15 South at the intersection of 8th Avenue.  According to Troopers 22-year-old Oceana Scholl of New Columbia struck 76-year-old Rubyanne Burt of Coal Township who pulled into the northbound lane from the opposite direction. Burt was taken to UPMC Susquehanna Sunbury for treatment of a possible injury she wore a seatbelt. Scholl was not wearing a seat belt but only suffered a minor injury. According to WKOK, Burt was cited with a traffic violation.

COMMISSIONERS APPROVE SOFTWARE FOR TRANSPARENCY
In a move to allow the public to view government activities and spending, the Lycoming County Commissioners approved a contract for new software to allow that transparency.  The Sun Gazette reports that in a 3 to 0 vote yesterday, the almost 60 thousand dollar contract was approved for OpenGov to provide the package agreement that allows for public scrutiny of county costs online.  Commissioners say it will also allow departments to manage work costs.Their next meeting is 10 a.m. Thursday in Executive Plaza, 330 Pine St.

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE MONDAY
The deadline to register to vote in Lycoming County for the November 5th municipal election is this coming Monday.  This is also the day that changes to an existing voter registration must be made.  Pennsylvania voters can also use the online system at register.votespa.com to obtain an absentee ballot for the upcoming election for the first time in the state – absentee ballots are due October 29th.

PA RESIDENTS HAVE A YEAR BEFORE REAL ID KICKS IN
The REAL ID Act will begin at airports and secure federal facilities nationwide in exactly one year from yesterday.  PennDOT says that on October 1, 2020, only a federally-accepted form of identification like a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a U.S. Passport/Passport Card, or military ID can be used as identification to board a commercial flight or visit a secure federal building. According to PennDOT, 400,000 Pennsylvanians have alsready chosen to get a REAL ID.

SPORTS
Major League Baseball

National League wildcard game – The Nationals had a 4-3 comeback win over the Brewers.
HS Girls Tennis yesterday
South Williamsport over Loyalsock 5-Love, Central Columbia over Hughesville 5-love, Bucktail defeated Muncy 4-1, Jersey Shore over Milton 4-1, Montgomery over Shikellamy 5- love
HS Boys Soccer
Wellsboro outplayed Towanda 18-zip
HS Girls Soccer
No Score between Williamsport and Selinsgrove in double overtime, Warrior Run Montoursville 1-zip, Southern Columbia tied Hughesville 2-2 in double overtime, Lewisburg defeated Shamokin 3-2.
Men’s College Soccer
Lycoming over Moravian one zip

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 1, 2019

PASSENGERS IDENTIFIED AFTER HELICOPTER CRASH
Police have released the names of the people injured in the helicopter crash that occurred on the final night of the 2019 Bloomsburg Fair.  The Sun Gazette reports that 42 year old Jennifer Zielewicz of Trout Run and 33 year old Maria Portlatin of Williamsport both sustained minor injuries when the sightseeing helicopter went down in the parking area of the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds.  The pilot, Kenneth Cordrey of Delaware was taken to Geisinger Saturday night in critical condition and now WNEP reports he is stable.   Bloomsburg Fair officials told media outlets that they are considering banning helicopter tours moving forward.

INMATE INDICTED FOR OPIOID POSSESSION
An Inmate at the Allenwood Federal Correctional Institution has been indicted for possession of a controlled substance.  US Attorney David Freed told North Central PA dot com that on May 21st 2018,  29 year old Tavon Johnson was  in possession of 120 strips of suboxone a prescription narcotic after receiving a visit.  Johnson was indicted for the charges last Thursday and faces a maximum of 20 years of incarceration and a 250 thousand dollar fine.

POLICE REGIONALIZATION STILL IN DISCUSSION
Township supervisors from around the area decided to continue talks on police force regionalization between Brady Township and Muncy and Montgomery Boroughs and Clinton Township at their meeting last Friday.    Montgomery Police Officer Eric Winters told the Sun Gazette that two other regional departments in the area, Tiadaghton Valley and Buffalo Valley are a good resource for creating their plan.  Issues under discussion include whether to approve the change at all, and if a regionalized force is created, how to use funds and the rules for each municipality that participates.

LEGISLATION PASSES CHANGES IN “DO NOT CALL” LAW
The “Do Not Call” list will be permanent now after the Pennsylvania Senate approved House Bill 318 last week changing some details to the Telemarketing Registration Act of 1996.  According to the PA House of Representatives website, after a person in the state puts their number on the list – it will stay there until the number is no longer in service.  It also requires robo-calls to have an opt-out feature.  The bill is next to be signed by Governor Tom Wolf.

SUSPICIOUS PACKAGES CLOSES CITY HALL
City Hall on East Church Street in Lock Haven will open regular hours today following Monday’s shut down from a suspicious package found on the front porch there.  According to the Sun Gazette, the scare caused a closure of City Hall and the area to be barricaded by police until about 1pm when City Manager Gregory Wilson sounded the all clear.  State police continued an investigation yesterday afternoon and determined there was no malicious intent from the package left behind.

VICTIM IN DANVILLE HOTEL ROOM IDENTIFIED
The Montour County Coroner has identified the person found dead in the Super 8 motel room near Danville last Thursday.  According to WKOK, an autopsy revealed that 50-year-old Derrick Potts  of New Jersey died from a gunshot wound to the head.  Two Missouri residents have been taken into custody after a police investigation last week.

SUSPECTS COULD HAVE A COMBINED TRIAL
Two eastern Pennsylvania men who were arrested in Lycoming County March 31st of this year after hitting and killing a victim along Robbins Road in Loyalsock Township may have their criminal homicide cases combined.  North Central PA dot com reports that police said 30 year old Robert Vettese,  of Brookhaven, shot from the passenger seat of the car while 41 year old Norman James Dennis of Drexel Hill drove and struck the pedestrian.  Lycoming County Judge Marc Lovecchio will wait on a decision to combine the cases until there’s a ruling in other pre-trial motions. Both Dennis and Vettese are charged with felony counts of  criminal homicide, and other assault and firearms charges.

NEW PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING COULD COST $15 MILLION
The finance director of the Williamsport City Planning Commission presented to the Council projections yesterday to build a new public safety building that could cost 15 million dollars.  According to the Sun Gazette, William E. Nichols Jr. had a plan to prioritize actionable items over the next 6 years.   Repairs and upgrades to just bring the current City Hall up to code that have been part of the discussion lately would cost close to 3 million dollars.

Sports
Monday Night Football
Steelers beat the Bengals 27-3

HS Tennis
South Williamsport over Lewisburg 4-1, Wellsboro over Towanda 6-1.
HS Boys Soccer
Loyalsock beat South Williamsport 8-3, Line Mountain beat Muncy 5-2, Hughesville over Bloomsburg 2-1 Williamsport blanked Mifflinburg 5-nothing, Wellsboro over North Penn Liberty 11-1, Lewisburg over Milton 9- nothing, MiddWest beat Montoursville 9- nothing.
HS Girls Soccer
Wellsboro beat Sayre 2-nothing, Wyalusing over Montgomery 1- nothing, Troy over NP- Mansfield 4-nothing.
Today Sports
Tonight Major-League Baseball Playoffs
Milwaukee at Washington in the National League Wildcard Game – 8 o’clock

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 30, 2019

HELICOPTER CRASH AT THE BLOOMSBURG FAIR
A sightseeing helicopter crashed at the Bloomsburg Fair around 7:30pm Saturday night and 3 people were injured.  Witnesses say several parked vehicles were damaged when, according to a press release by the FAA, the Enstrom F28 helicopter crashed south of the helipad in the parking lot of the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds. WNEP reports that a woman and her child who were injured in the crash only sustained minor injuries. As of Sunday night, the pilot, Ken Cordrey is listed in critical condition at Geisinger medical Center. The FAA continues an investigation into what went wrong. The WILQ van / A Backyard Broadcasting vehicle was just a few feet from where the accident occurred but sustained no damage from the crash.

MAN JAILED AFTER RESISTING ARREST
Selinsgrove police report that a Middleburg man resisted arrest and assaulted a police officer last Friday after 10:30 pm in Franklin Township.  Police say 34 year –old Michael Powell was involved in a dispute at a home on Paxtonville Road when they were called in.  Powell allegedly kicked at a state trooper and resisted arrest.  He was taken to Snyder County prison in lieu of 75,000 bail.

BODY FOUND IN HOTEL ROOM, SUSPECTS ARRESTED
After a deceased man was found at a hotel near Danville last Tuesday night, State Police in Montoursville say two people were arrested as the fled the scene from investigators.  Police say the two, David Downing and Miqueal Brown who are from Missouri, fled the scene on Sheraton Road in Montour County in Brown’s vehicle after Downing allegedly shot a person following an argument inside the hotel room.  Police apprehended Downing and Brown and were both taken into custody.  The victim in the crime has not been released.

MISSING WWII SOLDIER REMAINS BURIED IN HUGHESVILLE
The MIA World War II soldier from Hughesville whose remains were positively identified this past July from DNA tests in Europe, was laid to rest at Pleasant Hill Cemetery Saturday with full military honors.  Private James I. Trick was a member of Company M, 3rd Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division and died while engaged in battle November 4th 1944 near Germeter, Germany, one of an estimated 30 thousand casualties.  According to the Sun Gazette, Trick was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and the Silver Star posthumously.

HELICOPTER PILOT INJURED, LISTED IN CRITICAL CONDITION
A helicopter pilot was critically injured Saturday night at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds.  Around 7:30pm Saturday, the Sun Gazette says the Columbia County Emergency Management Agency received a call that a sightseeing helicopter crashed in the parking area of the Bloomsburg Fair.  WNEP reports that as of Sunday night, the pilot, Ken Cordrey was transported to Geisinger Medical Center where he is listed this morning in critical condition.  A woman and her child who were the passengers in the helicopter had only minor injuries.  No one on the ground was reported injured.  Witnesses say the aircraft hovered about 10 feet above the cars near the helipad in the parking lot but crashed just before landing.  The FAA will continue its investigation into the crash.

MAN THREATENS FORMER COWORKERS AT LUMBER COMPANY
A Trout Run man has been arrested for allegedly threatening coworkers by phone after he was fired several months before.  According to an affidavit by State Police in Montoursville, 59 year old Stanley W. Vantassel called an employee at Williamson Lumber Company earlier in September and allegedly said several times that he was going to kill that person or someone else.  Company officieals discovered Vantassel made similar threats at the time he was terminated.  He was charged with felony terroristic threats and other charges. His case was waived for court.

STATE WORK TRUCK STOLEN IN TIOGA COUNTY
A PennDOT truck was stolen in Tioga County last week and later abandoned along Tubs Road in Farmington Township there.  State Police report that sometime last Tuesday or Wednesday, an unknown suspect took the 1988 flatbed Ford L8000 work truck from an intersection in Middlebury Township, later crqashing into a dirt pile where the vehicle was recovered abandoned.  If you have any information about the suspect, please call state police in Mansfield.

CREWS PULLING LINES OVER I-180 WILL AFFECT TRAFFIC
PPL Electric Utilities will be pulling lines over I-180 this week near the Pennsdale exit in Muncy Township this week.  Watch for flaggers on both sides of the interstate slowing traffic every 15 minutes for the work to be done on Tuesday and Wednesday.  The rolling roadblocs should be in place both days between 9am and 3pm.

NORTH BEND WOMAN DONATES 2 MILLION TO CHARITY
The estate of a woman who lived her modest life near Renovo has given 2 million dollars to local charities.  Attorneys for Charlotte K Edler of North Bend, divided the savings of her estate between the Episcopal Church Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, North Bend United Methodist Church, the Clinton County SPCA and others.  Mrs. Elder was born Charlotte Kime in January, 1933 in Renovo.  Charlotte was a telephone operator for Bell Telephone of PA and a member of the former Trinity Episcopal Church in Renovo, PA.

Sports
Major League Baseball
Red Sox beat the Orioles 5-4, Nationals over the Indians 8-2, Dodgers slammed the Giants 9-nothing, Rangers over the Yankees 6-1, Reds beat the Pirates 3-1, Marlins over the Phillies 4-3, Astros beat the Angels 8-5, Blue Jays over the Rays 8-3, Mets beat the Braves 7-6, White Sox over the Tigers 5-3, Diamondbacks blanked the Padres 1-nothing, Mariners over the A’s 3-1, Rockies beat the Brewers 4-3, Cardinals thumped the Cubs 9-nothing, Royals edged the Twins 5-4.
NFL football
Titans beat the Falcons 24-10, Patriots over the Bills 16-10, Chiefs beat the Lions 34-30, Raiders over the Colts 31-24, Chargers beat the Dolphins 30-10, Giants over the Redskins 24-3, Browns beat the Ravens 40-25, Panthers over the Texans 16-10, Buccaneers over the Rams 55-40, Seahawks beat the Cardinals 27-10, Bears defeated the Vikings 16-6, Jaguars beat the Broncos 26-24 and Saints over the Cowboys 12-10
College Football from the weekend
Penn State beat Maryland Friday night 59 nothing, Saturday Notre Dame over Virginia 35-20 Ohio State beat Nebraska 48 -7, Pitt beat Delaware 17-14, East Stroudsburg over Lock Haven 63-14
NASCAR Bank of America Roval 400 results Chase Elliott got the checkered flag at Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course followed by Alex Bowman and Kevin Harvick third

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

JUDGE DETERMINES EVIDENCE INADMISSIBLE
Evidence in a trial from charges following a drug tip at a home on Penn Street in Williamsport December 18th of 2018 will be suppressed because the officer did not obtain a warrant at the time he investigated.  Central PA dot com reports that a Lycoming County judge said firearms and narcotics collected at the home by officers is inadmissible since city officer Joshua Bell entered the home and requested that a resident permit the police to search the home, having them sign a consent form.  Attorneys for defendant Ju-Michael Drummond filed a motion to suppress the evidence, which included heroin, cocaine, cash and several loaded handguns.  Drummonds next Lycoming County court date is scheduled for October first.

TWO NEW HIRES FOR SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES
Two Social workers have been hired at the Line Mountain School district in an effort to address mental health initiatives at the school.  At the school board meeting this week, Trystanne Toczylousky and Amanda Snyder were hired to start working with students the week of October 14th. Superintendent David Campbell told WKOK that they will work with grades five through 12.

CITY HALL UPGRADES OFFICIALLY TABLED
The Williamsport City Council’s decision about awarding construction contracts to upgrade the City Hall building is to table the project.  The Sun Gazette reports that city council discovered the project costs would be almost 200 thousand dollars over budget after the bids were opened on September 11th.  Some members of the City Council said that financing of the projects could be fiscally irresponsible.  City Codes administrator Joseph Gerardi said he will attempt to complete an accessibility study for the committee to review before the deadline of awarding the contracts November 11th, 2019.

LAST WEEKEND FOR 2019 BLOOMSBURG FAIR
The 164th Bloomsburg fair winds down this weekend …Today is Metzger Wickersham Day – With Foreigner and Loverboy taking the Grandstand stage tonight…  With Country star Toby Kieth with Davisson Brothers band Saturday night on the big stage.  There’s Horsepulling today starting at 10am and Saturday is the Championship Demolition Derby.  Saturday is Geisinger Health Plan Day.  Get details and chat live online with fair experts –  bloomsburg fair dot com.

 

 

NORTHUMBERLAND PRISON CONDUCTS SEARCH
There was an unannounced proactive search for drugs and contraband at the Northumberland County Prison this week according to the Northumberland County District Attorney.  Officials told WKOK that a K-9 team searched the jail at 10:30 last Monday morning and found no controlled substances.  Watsontown police, Snyder and Union Counties Sheriff’s Office handled the k-9 Units in the latest of a series of facility searches.

LEGISLATORS MOVE ON PARDONS FOR CANNABIS OFFENDERS
Even as the Pennsylvania House Republican Leadership criticizes Governor Tom Wolf’s decision to promote marijuana this week, Lt. Governor John Fetterman is pushing for pardons for non-violent marijuana-related convictions. After the Governor released the findings from Fetterman’s 67-county tour Wednesday,  showing strong bipartisan support for legalization, Pennsylvania republican leadership says promoting recreational use of marijuana sends a misleading message in the midst of an opioid epidemic.

LOYALSOCK RV ORDINANCE TABLED
Trick or treat hours for Loyalsock Township have been determined next month and a matter over recreation vehicle parking has been tabled during the supervisors meeting Thursday night.  The Sun Gazette reports that the reaction was mixed over changing the ordinance for parking RVs, boats, mobile homes, and tractor trailers on neighborhood properties from 48 hours to 5 days.  Some stating that 5 days of parking is more difficult to enforce.  Trick or treating in Loyalsock will be October 31st from 6 to 8.  The next supervisor’s meeting is October 8th at 7:30.

ELDER CARE FIRM GIVES 6TH COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
The 2019 Dr. Alexander Nesbitt Commitment to Caring Award was presented Thursday at The Elder & Special Needs Resource Center to Carol D. Sides for leading her life with a commitment to caring. The Sun Gazette reports that the award, created in 2014 by a local elder care law firm, is in its 6th year and is given to an individual or nonprofit that works to improve the lives of others.  Ms. Sides served the Lycoming-Clinton Joinder Board Children and Youth subcommittee, the Williamsport YWCA board, of the Williamsport Art Council to name just a few.

SportS
Major League Baseball
Brewers beat the Reds 5-3,Twins over the Tigers 10-4, Rangers beat the
Red Sox 7-5, Dodgers blanked the Padres 1-nothing, Giants over the Rockies 8-3, Nationals beat the Phillies 6-3, Pirates over the Cubs 9-5, Marlins beat the Mets 4-2, White Sox slammed the Indians 8-nothing, Angels edged the Astros 4-3,
A’s defeated the Mariners 3-1
NFL Thursday Night Football
Eagles beat the Packers 34-27
HS Football
Montgomery beat Pottsville Nativity 14-3
HS Boys Soccer
Montoursville beat Central Columbia 3-nothing, Milton over Muncy 1- nothing, Benton beat South Williamsport 3-1, Lewisburg defeated Warrior Run 7-1, Hughesville over Shikellamy 6-1,  Wellsboro outplayed Galeton 12-1
HS girls soccer
Wellsboro over Sayre 3-nothing, Benton beat Muncy 5-nothing, Athens over North Penn-Mansfield 6-nothing,

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