BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 30, 2019

GRAFIUS RUN TO BE SUBJECT OF POTENTIAL DEP STUDY
The state Department of Environmental Protection has requested 300 thousand dollars be allocated in the capital budget to study flooding at Grafius Run  According to the Sun Gazette, consultants informed City Council of the request Thursday which will now be able to find a long awaited solution to the flooding problem for residents downstream from Loyalsock Township.  The most recent August 15th flooding event will be added to the damage estimate total for the region which could effect how quickly a feasibility study gets done once Governor Wolf Approved the Capital projects budget.

NEW PART-TIME OFFICER FOR MONTGOMERY
The Montgomery Borough Council has hired a new officer with 24 years of law enforcement experience.  Ray Kontz, a Muncy police officer, and former Williamsport City homicide detective was hired as a part-time officer in Montgomery.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Borough had a need for a new hire after losing employees from retirements and a death in the deparTment.

BRIDGE WORK TODAY NEAR SELINSGROVE
There will be a bridge inspection today along Routes 11-15 just outside of downtown Selinsgrove.  PennDOT said in a press release that there will be a crane inspection of the two bridges spanning Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks  along 11-15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  All lanes will remain open, but the outside shoulders in both directions will effecting traffic.

HUGHESVILLE NATIVE WWII VET REMAINS WILL COME HOME
A 1936 graduate of Hughesville High School who served in World War II and whose remains were just identified through modern science will be coming home September 28th for burial and full military honors.  According to the Sun Gazette, James I. Trick was a 25 year old private who was killed in Germany November 4th 1944 and was interred at a cemetery in the Netherlands.  A commission from the Department of Defense and American Battle Monuments Commission made Trick’s identification possible.

GRANT ISSUED FOR PA AIRPORTS
There will be a 13.7 million dollar grant available to improve Pennsylvania airports according to Governor Tom Wolf.  Danville’s airport will be allocated about 180 thousand dollars of the grant for runway lighting and other equipment.  The Northumberland County Airport will a receive about 75 hundred dollars to fund security cameras. The funding will help upgrade safety features, expand facilities and attract more growth to the Susquehanna Valley.

ELDERLY WOMAN INJURED IN ACCIDENT ON 220
A three vehicle accident shut down Rt 220 near the Thomas Street interchange early yesterday for about 30 minutes, according to Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police. 65 year old Ardena Cathcart of Jersey Shore was entering the northbound lanes of Rt 220 on the ramp when Jeremiah Stark of Jersey Shore struck her car from behind.  The sun  gazette reports that the woman’s car was pushed onto the interstate striking the rear of a truck driven by Jason Renzo of Lock Haven.  Stark’s vehicle caught fire and Jersey Shore volunteer firefighters responded.  Cathcart was taken by ambulance to Williamsport Regional Medical Center.  Police said Stark and Renzo were not injured.

HOME OF TIOGA COUNTY WOMAN BURGLARIZED
A Tioga County woman reported to police that she was a victim of theft of almost 300 thousand dollars.  The 85 year old Mansfield woman said someone broke into her home on Cherry Flats road and stole a safe from the basement of her residence between August 15th and August 19th. According to Central PA dot com $270,000.00 in certificates of deposit were stolen safe, as well as over 10 thousand dollars in currency and jewelry plus the safe itself was worth over 15 hundred dollars

POLICE HAVE LABOR DAY ROADWAY REMINDERS
Police have some reminders for motorists who are out and about during the Labor Day Holiday this year.  In addition to the checkpoints and roving DUI patrols that will be in place around statistically high crash areas around Lycoming County, State Police in Montoursville say that  motorists are required to move to an open lane if police are stopped along the roadway in PA with emergency lights activated.  And please always wear your seatbelt.

DRUM CORPS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP COMES BACK TO WILLIAMSPORT
Drum Corps is coming to Lycoming County!  The DCA championships come to Williamsport this weekend and the city will be full of music and rhythm tonight!  The Friday night kickoff will feature more than 25 drum corp ensembles performing free at points around the city between 6 and 7:30.  City Hall will have activities and there will also be several featured ensemble performances at the Community Arts Center until 8:15 when 8 mini corps will compete. There will also be drum corp performances at halftime shows during High school football The White Sabres will be at Danville High School and the Hawthorne Caballeros at Williamsport High School.

Sports
Major League Baseball

Indians blanked the Tigers 2-nothing, A’s over the Royals 9-8, Twins thumped the White Sox 10-5, Rays over the Astros 9-8, Cubs beat the Mets 4-1, Marlins over the Reds 4-3, Mariners beat the Rangers 5-3, Pirates over the Rockies 11-8, Diamondbacks beat the Dodgers 11-5, and Padres bumped the Giants 5-3

In Preseason NFL football
Panthers beat the Steelers 25-19, The Jets blanked the Eagles 6-nothing,
New York Giants over the Patriots 31-29, and the Bills beat the Vikings 27-23
New York Penn League
Crosscutters beat the Auburn Doubledays 7-1

Tennis US Open – significant 2nd Round Result
Women’s Singles
US’s Taylor Townsend defeated  4th seed Simona Halep of Ukraine 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (Halep is the 2019 Wimbledon Champ)

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 28TH, 2019

Coach Franklin Denies Wrong Doings

After allegation of pressuring a former team doctor to clearing athletes to return from injuries, Penn State Football Head Coach James Franklin denied any wrong doing. According to ESPN News Services, Franklin stated the school would “vigorously defend our program”. Former director of athletic medicine, Dr. Scott Lynch filed a lawsuit in Dauphin County last Friday, claiming Franklin attempted to interfere with the doctor’s authority on “multiple and repeated occasions” leading to his dismissal.

DCA Makes Way to Williamsport

More than 25 Corps will descend upon Williamsport as Drum Corps Associates will be holding their World Championships Friday, August 30th through Sunday, September 1st. According to North Central Pa dot com, the event kicks off Friday morning at City Hall and runs through Sunday night. More information and tickets are available online at www.dcabilltown.com.

Money to Be Saved By County Commissioners

The Lycoming County commissioners intend to save the $1.2 Million realized in bond refinancing. According to the Sun Gazette, due to low interest rates, the commissioners announced that the Build America Bonds, which were issued after the collapse of the economy in 2008, would be refinanced for significant savings. The Money could go towards multiple county projects.

More Details in Fatal Plane Crash Released

Additional details into the Lycoming County plane crash that left two men dead have been released. According to WKOK, as the National Transportation Safety Board continues their investigation, they stated the plane, called “an experimental and amateur-built aircraft, was purchased just two weeks before the crash. The report also stated, the men had not filed a flight plan prior to the crash.

Natural Gas Plant Under Construction

The construction of a natural gas plant has begun in Wyalusing. According to WNEP, people are expecting the new $800 Million facility to bring jobs and business to Bradford County. The company plans to employ around 500 workers during construction and 50 full-time employees once the plant is operational. New Fortress Energy expects the plant to begin operations in 2021.

City Hall Upgrade Needs Grow

City Codes administrator Joseph Gerardi has made a recommendation to form a committee to specifically look at accessibility needs for City Hall. According to the Sun-Gazette, Gerardi told City Council’s public works committee Tuesday the $650,000 in bids for City Hall improvements are just a start and it could be millions of dollars in accessibility upgrades necessary.

Refinancing of Bonds to Save Jersey Shore Schools Thousands

The Jersey Shore Area School District board approved a motion on Monday night to refinance bonds issued in 2013 to potentially realize a minimum net savings target of $50,000. According to the Sun-Gazette, PFM’s Jamie Doyle noted in a presentation that the current bonds have a fairly low interest rate, but the hope is the rates will go even lower, making refinancing even more attractive.

City Man Arrested After Meth Induced Attack

A Williamsport man was arrested Monday morning after he allegedly possessed a pipe and assaulted a motel employee after consuming methamphetamine. According to the Sun-Gazette, Jared R. Blair, 38, was arrested at a motel on Lycoming Creek Road on multiple charges, including simple assault and criminal mischief.  Blair was arraigned and is prisoned in lieu of $20,000 bail.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 27, 2019

OVERTURNED VEHICLE WRECK ON ROUTE 15
A Lewisburg man was hospitalized after a serious crash along Route 15 in northern Snyder county.  Police told WKOK that 47 year old Johann Balestier-Garcia lost control of his car while traveling north on Route 15 north of Granger’s Road.  State police say that Balestier-Garcia flipped the car after changing lanes in Monroe Township.  Volunteer fire companies from Shamokin Dam and Hummels Wharf assisted at the scene and the victim was transported to Evangelical Community Hospital with serious injuries.

WRITE-IN CANDIDATE ANNOUNCED
A republican write-in candidate has been announced for the Lycoming County Commissioner Election coming up in Pennsylvania on November 5th 2019.  According to a press release, Jack McKernan who has served 4 years as the Lycoming County Commissoner Chairman announced his write-in candidacy yesterday.  According to the campaign, Lycoming County can have three Republican commissioners if the third is selected as a write-in.

FORMER PENN STATE TEAM DOCTOR FILES LAWSUIT
A Former Penn State team doctor and director of athletic medicine has filed a lawsuit alleging that the head coach James Franklin tried to interfere with medical management and return to play decisions.  Dr. Scott Lynch told WNEP that once he reported Coach Franklin to officials at the University, he was fired.  Lynch was removed as team doctor 6 months ago.  Penn State’s Home opener is Saturday against Idaho at 3:30pm.

CONSULTANTS LOOKING AT LYCOMING COUNTY
Consultants and business representatives from around the country have been touring our area this week, exploring opportunities for industry in Lycoming County.  Jason Fink, president and CEO of the Lycoming County Visitor’s Bureau told the Sun Gazette that a group of nine site consultants and 2 business reps are getting to  know more about our community beyond the Little League World Series considering whether this region is a good fit for their companies.  Some said that having the technology of Penn College close to home is a positive when seeking to create a  local workforce for future industry.

ASSAULT SUSPECT FIGHTS OFF POLICE-DEPLOYED TASER
A Muncy man fought off a taser deployment after police say he punched an unsuspecting victim along Little League Boulevard  August 22nd.  Police report that 32 year old Richard Wayne Pepperman growled and punched a victim before fleeing on foot and later caused a disturbance at Randy’s Garage on Memorial Avenue in Williamsport. When police responded to the 911 call, and attempted to arrest Pepperman, he ran through the taser and bounced off a police car during the incident.

TRANSIT COMPANY LOOKING TO EXPAND
River Valley Transit is working through the steps it will take to expand their fixed route transit to Montour, Northumberland, Union Snyder and Columbia Counties.  The process involves a public comment period that ends tomorrow, approval by SEDA Council of Governments, then final approval by the Williamsport’s planning organization.  The funding is in place through a state Department of Transportation grant that would Cover about 85 percent of the cost, with the counties utilizing the service matching 15 percent for a three year demonstration period.  Lycoming county commissioners told the Sun Gazette that the transit demonstration period in Clinton County has been successful allowing residents to travel between counties for employment.

POLICE ASKING COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE SAFELY
PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police are urging motorists to celebrate responsibly ahead of the Labor Day holiday. The agencies are working with safety partners across the commonwealth to participate in the national impaired driving enforcement and education initiative through Monday, September 2.  Over this holiday period, the Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement will conduct checkpoints and roving patrols. This effort is funded through PennDOT’s statewide annual distribution of more than $4.7 million from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for impaired driving enforcement.

BALD EAGLE POPULATION REBOUNDING
Officials from the Pennsylvania Game Commission are annnouncing a rebound in the Bald eagle population, citing landmark state legislation like the Endangered Species act and banning dangerous chemicals like DDT as the reason.  Dan Brauning, wildlife diversity chief for the commission told the Sun Gazette that eagles are becoming more accustomed to people and have adapted to know what isn’t a threat to them.  Locally, Bald Eagles can be seen nesting along i-180 near Warrensville road.  The Game Commission’s monitoring program documented more than 300 nests in Pennsylvania.

Sports
Major League Baseball

Rockies beat the Braves 3-1, Cardinals slammed the Brewers 12-2, Phillies over the Pirates 6-5, Reds beat the Marlins 6-3, A’s routed the Royals 19-4, Diamondbacks over the Giants 6-4, Yankees beat the Mariners 5-4, and Padres over the Dodgers 4-3

NY Penn League
Batavia Muckdogs blanked the Crosscutters 10-nothing

HS Girls Tennis
Loyalsock over Lewisburg 4-1, South Williamsport over Hughesville 3-2, Williamsport over Milton 3-2, Jersey Shore beat Mifflinburg 5-Oh, Montoursville beat Muncy 5-oh

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 26, 2019

WOMAN LEADS POLICE ON HIGH SPEED CHASE
A Montgomery woman fled in her vehicle from Muncy police in excess of 100 miles per hour Saturday night and was arrested for DUI.  Samantha Paradis was allegedly driving drunk on the rims of her tires along the 100 block of Water Street in Muncy and almost struck a state police officer who was dealing with another call on the road. Several other officers pursued Paradis who led the chase at high speeds and then wrecked on Route 405..  The Sun Gazette reports that Paradis was arraigned for fleeing from police, DUI, reckless endangerment and other charges.  She is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 50 thousand dollars bail.

CIRCUIT COURT REVERSES RULING ON SESSION PRAYERS
A federal appeals court reversed Friday a lower court ruling stating that atheists can deliver an invocation at the start of legislative sessions saying it does not violate the US Constitution.  According to the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals website, the court upheld the House’s policy of limiting prayers at the start of sessions to guest Chaplains because it fits within the historical tradition of  legislative prayer which is protected from an equal protection challenge.

DEMONSTRATION OF COUNTY VOTING MACHINES PLANNED
There will be demonstrations of the new voting machines held in Clinton County  leading up to election day in Lock Haven.  Clinton County Commissioners announced they will be showing the new machines to constituents at the Voter Registration office during regular hours at the Piper Building on Piper Way in Lock Haven or at various events – the first one being during the Labor Day Regatta Saturday August 31st at the Heisey Museum.  New voting machines are a state requirement from the office of Governor Tom Wolf.

GOOD WEATHER FOR LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP
It was a perfect weather end to the Little League World Series at Lamade Stadium Sunday.  There were celebrations and recognition for winners past and present before the start of the Championship game, with the 1989 Little League World Series Champions from Trumbull Connecticut on the field for their 30th anniversary of the achievement.  The team from Venezuela was awarded the Jack Losch Sportsmanship Award, and Montoursville native and newly inducted National Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Mussina threw in the ceremonial first pitch.  Ultimately, Louisiana  took the title for the World Series championship against Curacao.  8-nothing.

TWO ARRESTED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT OF UNDERAGE GIRLS
Two 21 year old men from Williamsport have been arrested for allegedly engaging in sexual activity with underage girls and recording it on their phones.  According to Pennsylvania State Police in Montoursville,  Lynn E. Kyle, of Linden, and Jalil D. Harris, of Williamsport, both 21, were involved in several sexual incidents with underage girls in May and August 2019 . Police said that Kyle and Harris were arraigned in front of District Magistrate Jon E. Kemp for charges of statutory sexual assault and related offenses.

MORE TROUBLE FOR NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY INMATE
A man who is incarcerated at the Northumberland County Prison for impersonating a federal officer is in trouble again inside the jail facility.   Michael Robinson, who has addresses in Shamokin and Bloomsburg, has been involved in several incidents in the Coal Township facility in which he attacked other inmates and threatened staff members at the prison.  The District Attorney says Robinson will have a preliminary hearing within the next few weeks.

DOWNTOWN ROADS TO CLOSE AGAIN FOR CONSTRUCTION
Expect the city road closures to return this week.  East Third Street is going to close again this week between Academy Street and Basin Street in Williamsport.  East Third Street was opened temporarily to accommodate traffic during the Little League World Series. The street is expected to be closed until December. And the western section of the West Fourth Street Reconstruction Project in the Newberry section of Williamsport, Lycoming County.  Work is expected to be completed in the Fall of 2020.

RENOVATION SLATED FOR LITTLE LEAGUE COMPLEX
The Little League complex in South Williamsport is slated to undergo a 15 million dollar renovation according to Little league President Stephen Keener who announced the plans this weekend after unamimous approval from the board of directors.  Plans include demolition and construction of a merchandise building, a new dormitory, laundry facilities and an infirmary.  The upgrades will be funded by reserves built up by the Little League Baseball and no fundraising will be needed.  The facility should be complete by the 2021 World Series.

Sports
Major League Baseball

Orioles thumped the Rays 8-3, Braves over the Mets 2-1, Royals edged the Indians 9-8, Marlins over the Phillies 3-2, Pirates beat the Reds 9-8, Astros over the Angels 11-2, Diamondbacks beat the Brewers 5-2, White Sox blanked the Rangers 2-nothing, Twins over the Tigers 7-4, Cardinals slammed the Rockies 11-4, Nationals beat the Cubs 7-5, Giants over the A’s 5-4, Padres beat the Red Sox 3-1, Mariners over the Blue Jays 3-1, Yankees bumped the Dodgers 5-1

NY Penn League
Williamsport Crosscutters beat the Batavia Muckdogs in the 1st of three on the road yesterday 10-3

Little League World Series
River Ridge Louisiana wins their first Series title defeating Curacao 8-nothing.
Sunday’s Consolation game –  Japan over Hawaii 5-nothing

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 23, 2019

MAN TURNS HIMSELF IN FOR JUNE DUI ACCIDENT
A former Muncy man voluntarily faced more DUI charges Thursday when police say he turned  himself  for a crash on June 11th of this year near Unityville.  State police say 62 year old Thomas Weaver now of Danville had a blood alcohol level of .35 when he drove his 2011 Camaro  along Route 42 eventually turning west on Route 118 and hitting 53 year old Susan Napkora.  According to the Sun Gazette, both drivers were treated after the crash at Geisinger Medical Center in Danvile for serious injuries.  Weaver was arraigned on charges of aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI and other charges, and released on 50 thousand dollars bail.

GRANT HELPS COUNTY PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES
A State Homeland Security grant agreement was approved at the Lycoming County Commissioners weekly meeting yesterday.  The almost 238 thousand dollar grant will fund a task force for Lycoming and surrounding counties so that each can prepare for potential catastrophic events.  According to the Sun Gazette, over 170 thousand dollars of the grant is allotted to Lycoming county for equipment and training.

STUDY TO DETERMINE NEED FOR OFFICERS IN LINDEN
A feasibility study has been approved in Woodward Township to study whether or not police coverage in the township is needed.  Zoning officials told the Sun Gazette that a study would help residents and supervisors get a clear picture of how often police calls are happening and what actions should be taken.  The free feasibility study will be done by Old Lycoming and Tiadaghton Regional Valley Police departments who will submit results to the township.

1969 LLWS TEAM HONORED AT LAMADE
The 1969 Newberry Little League Team was honored on the field last night at Lamade Stadium celebrating the 50th anniversary of their team’s appearance at the Little League World Series. The Sun Gazette reports that all the original members of the team were in attendance but the their 1st baseman, Steve Kreamer who passed away in 2014 and was represented by his son, Matt.  Kreamer’s grandson, 10 year old Hepburn Lycoming Little Leaguer, Mason Hess threw out the ceremonial first pitch for last night’s Virginia/Louisiana game.

NATURAL GAS LEAK IN SHAMOKIN DAM
There was a natural gas leak in Shamokin Dam yesterday morning.  WKOK reports that Susquehanna Regional 911 got a call about a gas leak about 9am Thursday.  Volunteers from the Shamokin Dam Fire Department responded to the scene on Center street where a crew had been digging and accidentally hit a gas line.  UGI was on the scene with the fire department and there was a limited evacuation around the area.  No word on the progress of extent of that leak.

GRANT ALLOWS UPGRADES FOR HOUSING FACILITY
The Robert Montgomery Townhomes site will get some upgrades to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.  Funding was approved yesterday by the Lycoming County Housing Authority Board to install motion sensor sliding doors at the entrance of the building located in Montgomery.  Yoder’s Builders Incorporated submitted the winning bid at just under 27 thousand dollars for the project.  Housing Authority executives told the Sun Gazette that they have a commitment to bring things up to date.

DANVILE BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION THIS WEEKEND
There will be weekend construction to slow you down in Danville.  PennDOT says they will continue repair work on the Danville-Riverside bridge starting tonight.  Flagging will be in place on the Danville side of the bridge and may cause long delays like construction did this week along Route 11 north and south and Route 54 westbound due to the various work being done.

WOODSTOCK FESTIVAL IN LEWISBURG
“Lewistock:50 years of Peace Art and Music” is this Saturday – the Lewisburg Arts Council’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of Woodstock.  The Downtown festival will be 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with bands doing the music that was original to Woodstock. All live music and other activities will take place at Hufnagle Park.

Sports
Major League Baseball
Red Sox over the Royals 5-4, Cubs blanked the Giants 1-nothing, Rays over the Orioles 5-2, Nationals beat the Pirates 7-1, Mets blanked the Indians 2-nothing, Braves over the Marlins 3-2, Cardinals beat the Rockies 6-5, Astros over the Tigers 6-3, White Sox bumped the Rangers 6-1, A’s over the Yankees 5-3, Dodgers beat the Blue Jays 3-2.

NFL Pre Season
Baltimore beat Philadelphia 26-15, NY Giants defeated Cincinnati  25-23, Washington over Atlanta 19-7, New England beat Carolina 10-3, Miami over Jacksonville 22-7, Oakland over Green Bay 22-21

NY Penn League
Mahoning Valley Scrappers blanked the Crosscutters giving them their first no-hitter,  8-nothing win.  Bringing the Cutter’s record to 26&38.

Little League World Series
Curacao beat South Korea 5-3
Curacao will play Japan in Game 2 at the International Final Saturday at 12:30pm in Lamade and on ABC-TV
River Ridge, Louisiana defeated  South Riding, Virginia 10-nothing in 5 innings
Louisiana will play Hawaii in Game 28 at the US Final Saturday at 3:30pm in Lamade and on ABC-TV

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 22, 2019

WATSONTOWN MAN THREATENS TWO WOMEN INSIDE HOME
Charges are expected to be filed against a man who threatened a Watsontown woman after ambushing her at her home and threatening her with a gun August 20th. Twenty three year old Logan A. Mathias of 227 Delaware Drive tried to break in after she fled inside the home,  and said he would kill her and another woman there.  North Central Pa dot com reports that police engaged in a brief struggle with Mathias when they seized the gun.  He has been placed in Northumberland County Jail.

CORONER TO INVESTIGATE FISHING CREEK DEATH
The Columbia County Coroner says an autopsy is scheduled to be completed on a man who drowned after falling into Fishing Creek near Bloomsburg Wednesday.  Friends are mourning the loss of John Williams of Mahanoy City who fell from a patio and down a 10 to 15 foot embankment into the water in Orange Township.  Campers and local emergency responders attempted to save Williams.  His body was recovered about a quarter mile from where he fell.

WORK ZONE ACCIDENT CAUSED BY FLAGGING MISTAKE
An accident that occurred in a PennDOT work zone Monday afternoon was because of a mistake by a flagger monitoring the roadway.  Selinsgrove police told  WKOK that Deborah Swanger of Winfield and a passenger were traveling north on Kratzerville Road in Snyder County and at the same time a flagger sent Randall Schultz of Sunbury southbound.  The two cars collided head on.  Swanger and her passenger were taken to Evangelical Community Hospital with minor injuries. Schultz was unijured.

MONTOURSVILLE ROADWORK THROUGH FRIDAY
PennDOT says a maintenance crew will work in Union County today and tomorrow.  Motorists traveling on Route 45 in East Buffalo Township between 9am and 1pm will see traffic restricted to a single lane and flagging going on there.  Work will be between Fairgrounds road and Route 15 both days in Linntown.

JUDGE UPHOLDS CHARGES AGAINST ALLEGED ARSONISTS
Defense attorneys for one woman accused of attempted murder in the intentionally set house fire in Mount Carmel last week requested the charges be dropped but a judge denied the request.  At the preliminary hearing for 23 year old Michelle Roads of Mt Carmel, District Judge William Cole held all the charges, including arson and murder, for Rhodes in Northumberland County Court. Co-defendant 23 year old Misty Dunbar of Elizabethville faces the same charges. The fire damaged two homes and injured residents who were inside early Tuesday August 13th on North Walnut Street in Mount Carmel.

MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CONCEALING INCOME
A man who owned a car wash and paving company in Centre County pleaded guilty to charges of falsifying bankruptcy reports and concealing assets.  Andrew Lee Coleman of Sandy Ridge said in US Middle District Court that he concealed between 250 and 550 thousand dollars in cash and didn’t report the transfer of a 1968 Camaro to his daughter.  Penn Live reports that Coleman could receive up to five years in prison but the estimate given in court was 24 to 30 months. He remains free pending sentencing.

MAN CHARGED WITH ANIMAL ABUSE
State troopers called to a home in Washington Township have charged a man there with animal abuse recently.  Police say they went for a welfare check of the animals reported to be at 54 year old John Stahl’s property.  Officials found no food or water for the animals in the heat wave during July.  The Snyder county man will face 84 counts of animal abuse .  Temperatures in Stahl’s barn during the check were up to 106 degrees.  A rescue group took cows, pigs and dogs from the property.

WILLIAMSPORT OFFICER OF THE QUARTER NAMED
Williamsport Police Chief Damon Hagan has announced that Police Officer Jason Dockey has been named Police Officer of the Quarter for his work that led to the arrests of 94 wanted persons – three of which were wanted for attempted homicide and one wanted for an aggravated assault on a police officer.  Police administration said Dockey’s work on the Day Watch and as a member of the US Marshal Service was exemplary.

Sports
Major League Baseball
Reds
beat the Padres 4-2, Rays over the Mariners 7-6, White Sox blanked the Twins 4-nothing, Rockies beat the Diamondbacks 7-2, Rangers over the Angels 8-7, Orioles bumped the Royals 8-1, Nationals defeated the Pirates 11-1, Mets beat the Indians 4-3, Phillies over the Red Sox 5-2, Braves beat the Marlins 5-nothing, Brewers over the Cardinals 5-3, Cubs edged the Giants 12-11, Tigers over the Astros 2-1, A’s beat the Yankees 6-4, and Dodgers over the Blue Jays 2-1

Little League World Series
Louisiana defeated New Jersey 4-1
Japan beat South Korea 7-2
Hawaii over Virginia 12-9
Today Little League World Series Action
Game 25 – 3pm Lamade/ESPN –Caribbean/Curacao vs. Asia Pacific/South Korea Winner faces Japan in Game 27/International Final Saturday at 12:30pm in Lamade and on ABC-TV
Game 26 – 7:30pm  Lamade/ESPN – River Ridge, Louisiana vs. South Riding, Virginia Winner faces Hawaii in Game 28/US Final Saturday at 3:30pm in Lamade and on ABC-TV

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 21, 2019

SUSPECTS IN MUNCY BURGLARY ARRESTED
Two men have been charged with burglarizing a convenience store in Muncy this month.  Police say 28 year old Sean Reid of Montgomery and 18 year old Joel Schilling of Muncy were seen on surveillance footage breaking into and robbing the Unitymart on North Main Street in Muncy Borough  August 8th.  An employee discovered the theft the next day.  North Central PA dot com reports when police questioned Reid at a later date, Schilling arrived at the Montgomery police station trying to establish an alibi for Reid the night of the crime.  When police told schilling GPS placed him at the scene, he resisted arrest and assaulted three officers.  Schilling and Reid were both arrested and are scheduled for a preliminary hearing August 23rd

LOYALSOCK ACCIDENT INJURES FOUR JUVENILES
Four male juveniles were taken to an area hospital after the Volkswagen Passat they were driving crashed in Loyalsock Township near Four Mile Drive around 8:15 pm Tuesday evening.  According to the Sun Gazette the vehicle went off the road, over an embankment and hit a tree on Warrensville road.  Police said the boys were treated at Williamsport Regional medical center for non-life threatening injuries

RAPE SUSPECT TURNS HIMSELF INTO POLICE
The former teacher and soccer coach wanted by police for sexual assault is in custody today.  27 year old Cole Black who taught at Keystone Central School District turned himself in to Lock Haven Police Tuesday Morning around 9am.  Black, who was accused of raping a 17 year old student at his home last year, was arraigned in Clinton County Court yesterday.

GAME COMMISSION WANTS TO BAN DEER-FEEDING
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is raising concerns about the spread of chronic wasting disease in white-tailed deer and are asking for a statewide ban on artificial feeding stations.  A committee at the commission says that residents voluntarily stopping the feeding of deer would help slow the spread of other wildlife diseases including West Nile Virus and other insect-borne illnesses.  Officials say Chronic wasting disease in deer has spread to herds in 23 states.

HOME BREAK-IN SUSPECTS ARRAIGNED IN COURT
Police have arrested two suspects and referred a juvenile to Snyder County Juvenile Court  after an investigation discovered that they allegedly broke into homes in Middleburg and Beaverton last December.  Police say 21-year-old Wayne Conroy Jr. of Montandon and 19-year-old Tyler Bickhart of Winfield were charged with first degree felony conspiracy and were arraigned in magistrate’s court Tuesday.  Both suspects were initially captured in the Lewisburg area by Buffalo Valley Regional police in January.

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT
State police in Selinsgrove say a woman was arrested for domestic assault August 8th in Snyder County.  State police say 37 year old Cerissa Herman entered a home along Zerbe Road in Center Township and assaulted the victim there.  WKOK reports that police were called to the scene near Penns Creek and later arrested Herman who was arraigned in district court this week.

PENNSYLVANIA DUI STATISTICS ARE UP
The DUI trend continues to rise slowly in Pennsylvania.  According to the Sun Gazette, statewide DUI arrests came in at 20,143 in 2018, slightly higher than the 19,963 DUI arrests in the state in 2017. According to State police totals, DUI arrests went up 12 percent in PA since 2014.  Communication officials say the despite their best efforts of enforcement and education, DUI remains a serious problem in our state.

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY FAIR STARTS TODAY
The 20th annual Northumberland County Fair is today through Saturday just outside of Sunbury.  Members of the county fair board said the activities are old favorites like the garden tractor pull tonight and the farmer’s triathalon – bail throwing stacking and a pedal tractor pull.  4-H kids will compete in a 4-H Animal Science Quiz bowl and the fairs famous bake sale is also a go… Full details and schedule at Northumberland county fair.com

CONSTRUCTION AROUND MILLIONAIRE DRIVE STALLED
A snag in construction around the Millionaire Drive project has stalled completion around some areas of the school, but the main area of the drive will be open for buses for school on Monday.  The Williamsport Area School board authorities announced at their meeting last night that the contractor revealed that a section around the back of the building has yet to be completed.  Paving, lighting and sidewalks along the drive already completed was funded with almost 3 million dollars from a multi-modal grant and bond proceeds.

Sports
Major League Baseball
Angels beat the Rangers 5-1, Orioles over the Royals 4-1, Pirates bumped the Nationals 4-1, Mets over the Indians 9-2, Phillies beat the Red Sox 3-2, Mariners over the Rays 7-4, Reds beat the Padres 3-2, Braves thumped the Marlins 5-1, Cardinals over the Brewers 9-4, Rangers defeated the Angels 3-2, Cubs beat the Giants 5-3, Astros over the tiger 6-3, Twins routed the White Sox 14-4, Diamondbacks beat the Rockies 8-7, A’s over the Yankees 6-2, Dodgers slammed the Blue Jays 16-3.

Little League World Series
Salem, Oregon defeated Italy 4-3 in a consolation game yesterday.
Elimination games
Carribean/Curacao (3-1) survived over Latin America/Venezuela 9-2
Mid-Atlantic/New Jersey blanked New England/Rhode Island 2-nothing

High School Girls Tennis Season Opener

Montgomery beat Wellsboro 6-1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 20, 2019

News – 8/20/19

Man Arrested After Alleged Sex with Teen

A Williamsport man who allegedly lured a teenager into his truck and forced her into sex has been arrested on various charges, including statutory sexual assault, corruption of minors and possession of child pornography. According to the Sun Gazette, Joshua Orion Moser, 21, admitted to state police he had sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl. Police said Moser coerced the victim to take a ride with him after he picked her up in Plunkett’s Creek Township. Moser was placed in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of fifty thousand dollar bail.

 

Drowning Victim Named

Northumberland County Coroner James Kelly has released the name of the man who drowned in the West Branch of the Susquehanna River on Sunday. Kelly said 19-year-old Donte Glasper of Milton, drowned accidentally while swimming with friends. According to WKOK, Kelly said Glasper was pronounced dead by a deputy coroner about 7:40 p.m. Sunday. Witnesses said they saw Glasper and others swimming at the old Sea Scout dock near Pineknotter Park when the incident occurred. The coroner did not release any further information.

 

Grafius Run Project Funds In Question

It appears a flood-risk project for Grafius Run will not be funded by the state Department of Environmental Protection. Williamsport Mayor Gabriel J. Campana was quoted by the Sun Gazette “It doesn’t look like DEP will upgrade Grafius Run.” Campana also stated, calculations of losses of nearly 300 residents who filled out a survey, to help estimate flood-related losses over the past 10 years, isn’t rising to a level the state requires.

 

South Williamsport Softball Recognized at LLWS

The South Williamsport Little League Softball team was honored before a Little League World Series game yesterday. Pitcher Alizabeth Schuler, who had a key role in South’s run to the Little League Softball World Series in Portland, threw out a ceremonial first pitch before the game between Louisiana and Minnesota. According to the Sun-Gazette, the entire team was honored on the field and watched a video recap of their Series run on the video scoreboard at Lamade Stadium. The South Williamsport softball team was also recognized during the MLB Little League Classic at Historic Bowman Field on Sunday.

 

Man Arrested After Reportedly Selling Pain Pills to Confidential Informant

A Hughesville man faces felony drug charges after reportedly selling pain pills to a confidential informant. According to police, Wesley Travis Minier, 35, sold five 10 mg Percocet pills to a confidential informant for $100. Reported by north central pa dot com, officials received information that Minier sold crystal meth and Percocet pills according to the affidavit by Detective Cashera of the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office.

 

City Man Charged With Running Dug Ring While Incarcerated

Despite being incarcerated, a Williamsport man was charged recently with allegedly running a drug ring. Daqwan Alford, 39, allegedly negotiated narcotics deals via telephone in August of 2018 while he was at the Columbia County Prison. According to north central pa dot com, investigators were led to Alford after they arrested James Riles, 49, on October 26th 2018 for allegedly selling heroin to an undercover officer. Daqwan was charged with felony counts of conspiracy or possession with intent to deliver and criminal use of a communication facility. District Magistrate Christian D. Frey set bail at $125,000 monetary.

 

Muncy Borough Weights Options

The Muncy Borough council is holding back on further decisions regarding new management options for its water system until the new agreement runs out at the end of the year. According to the Sun Gazette, the Borough has two options on hand to discuss. One of the options includes dissolving the authority and creating their own water company, that coming from council president Edward Feigles. If dissolved, the council would absorb nearly eight million dollars in debt according to Feigles. Further discussions will be had before any decisions are made.

 

Pajama Factory Receives State Grant

The Pajama Factory received a two million dollar state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant for additional proposed construction. According to the Sun Gazette, Owner Mark Winkelman proposes up to a four point five million dollar repurposing of the factory at 1307 Park Avenue with a restaurant, which will have rooftop dining, additional paved parking spaces, lofts and a rain garden to help with stormwater runoff.

 

Sports (8/19/19)

Major League Baseball

The Pirates were routed by the Nationals 13-0, The Royals topped the Orioles 5-4, The Padres edged the Reds 3-2, The Mariners beat the Rays 9-3, The Cardinals blanked the Brewers 3-0, The Rangers Walked-Off the Angels 8-7 in 11, the Astros beat the Tigers 5-4, the White Sox edged the Twins 6-4 and the Diamondbacks topped the Rockies 5-3.

 

National Football League

The San Francisco 49ers improved to 2-0 in preseason play as they beat the Broncos 24-15 last night in Denver.

 

College Football

The AP Preseason Top 25 was released yesterday. The defending National Champion Clemson Tigers stand atop the rankings. The Big Ten saw seven schools named in the Top 25, with Ohio State coming in at 5th, the highest mark in the conference. Penn State is ranked 15th.

 

Little League World Series

On the International side of the bracket, Latin America edged Mexico 8-7 and the Caribbean beat Canada 8-1. On the US side, the Midwest blanked the Southwest 10-0. The Great Lakes region defeated Australia 4-1 in consolation game action. .

 

New York-Penn League

Hunter Hearn collected a pair of extra base hits, including his 4th home run of the season as the Williamsport Crosscutters beat the West Virginia Black Bears 8-7 in 10 innings. The Crosscutters improve their record to 26-37.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 19, 2019

Man Jailed on multiple charges including removing guns from victim

A city man was jailed and charged Friday with removing guns from a victim of a city shooting July 17th. According to the Sun Gazette, Jamal Johnson, 25, of 901 High Street, was arrested on charges of tampering with evidence, illegal possession of a firearm and possession with intent to deliver 15 bags of marijuana.  The charges stemmed from a shooting on Maple Street that left a 19-year-old victim in intensive care after being shot in the head. Updates on the victim’s condition have not been given.

Drowning Victim Body Removed From Susquehanna

The name of a man whose body was removed from the West Branch of the Susquehanna River has not been released. According to WNEP, the man was swimming with friends in the Susquehanna River Sunday afternoon went under the water and never resurfaced. The Northumberland fire chief said the man’s friends say the saw him struggling after he jumped in. They tried to save him and called 911. After a three-hour search, the body was recovered not far from where he went under.

South Williamsport Paving Project Approved

Thirty streets have been listed to be resurfaced as a part of a 2.3 million dollar paving project in South Williamsport borough. The South Williamsport borough council agreed to borrow the funds for a two-year paving project that will begin in September and continue through next August, that according to the Sun Gazette.

Penn College Athletes Unveil Newest Bases Loaded Statue

The sixth installment of the Bases Loaded statue project, which began in 2014, was unveiled Friday morning on the campus of Penn College of Technology. The statue of a left-fielder was revealed by members of the Penn College baseball and softball teams. According to the Sun Gazette, the statue will be the last fielder position to be unveiled. President and CEO of the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau, Jason Fink, said that the statues being commissioned by the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau mark the significance of Little League Baseball in our community.

 

Former Teacher Accused of Sexual Assault Sought By Police

Clinton County authorities are in search of a former teacher accused of sexually assaulting a student. According to WNEP, police are looking for Cole Black, a former Keystone Central School District middle and high school teacher, who is charged with rape and sexual assault. Police believe that Black, who was the girls soccer coach at Bucktail high school, had sexual contact with a student back in 2018.  There is an arrest warrant for Cole Black. If you know where he is, you’re urged to call Lock Haven police.

Mental Health Program to Guide College Admins

Officials from Penn College say they have completed a mental health program meant to guide the college administration as they build programs policies and comprehensive systems for students.  The program was possible as part of a three year Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide prevention grant allowing Penn College to work with the JED Foundation to more effectively address the growing mental health needs of students.  The nonprofit JED organization helped the college to develop postvention plan, a Community Peer Educator program and provide resources to support at-risk students. Other JED programs are being promoted this school year. The Set to Go program is an online guide to assist students and parents transition to college and is online at www.settogo.org

County Expects Economic Boost from Little League World Series

The Little League World Series brings more than the best youth baseball players in the World to Lycoming County; it also brings a boost to the local economy. Jason Fink said Little League could pump about 32 million dollars into the region. Fink also told the Sun Gazette, since more people are staying from out of town, the restaurants hotels and businesses should see more business

Big and Little Leaguers Enjoy the Series

Members of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs interacted with players and fans alike at the Little League World Series complex in South Williamsport yesterday. After being greeted by Little Leaguers at the Williamsport Airport, the MLB players spent time taking in games, while participating in multiple aspects of the event. Pirates Pitcher Chris Archer interviewed players on ESPN, while Cubs 1st basemen Anthony Rizzo and 3rd basemen Kris Bryant each took a ride down the hill. Rizzo went on to hit a home run in the Cubs 7-1 win over the Pirates in the MLB Little League Classic at Historic Bowman Field Sunday night.

 

SPORTS

Major League Baseball The Cubs beat the Pirates 7-1, the Phillies were edged by the Padres 3-2, The Red Sox bested the Orioles 13-7, The Yankees were topped by the Indians 8-4, The Mariners blanked the Blue Jays 7-0, The Cardinals beat the Reds 5-4, The Rays edged the Tigers 5-4, The Dodgers fell to the Braves 5-3, The Nationals doubled-up the Brewers 16-8, The Mets beat the Royals 11-5,          The Twins topped the Rangers 6-3, The Rockies clipped the Marlins 7-6, The Angels bested the White Sox 9-2, The Athletics fell to the Astros 4-1 and the D-Backs beat the Giants 6-1.

NASCAR Denny Hamlin took the checkered flag Saturday night, winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup series at Bristol.

National Football League – Preseason Week 2

The Steelers outlasted the Chiefs, 17-7 Saturday, improving their preseason record to 2-0. The Saints beat the Chargers 19-17 and the Vikings beat the Seahawks 25-19 in preseason action on Sunday.

Little League World Series Asia-Pacific topped the Caribbean 4-0, The Southeast shutout the Midwest 11-0 and Japan blanked Mexico 5-0. The game between the Mid-Atlantic and the West was suspended in the top of the 5th inning with the West leading 6-0. That game will pick back up at 1 p.m. at Lamade Stadium.

New York-Penn League Kendall Simmons hit his 11th home run of the season as the Crosscutters fell 7-3 on the road to the West Virginia Black Bears. The loss dropped the Cutters record to 25 & 37.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 15, 2019

CITY HALL CALLER ARRESTED IN WASHINGTON DC
In a joint effort between the Williamsport Bureau of Police and US Marshals Service, the man who made terroristic threats by phone to City Hall Tuesday morning has been taken into custody.  Williamsport police say 34 year old Kevin Lawrence Bascomb made the series of threatening phone calls from his residence in Washington DC and US Marshals made the arrest there about 24 hours later on Wednesday morning.  Bascomb will be extradited to Williamsport to face trial. The City Hall building is off lockdown and operating normally today.

TOOLS STOLEN FROM SNYDER COUNTY HOME
Over 200 dollars worth of tools were stolen from a home in Snyder County and police are searching for a suspect.  State troopers say someone entered a home in the Mount Pleasant Mills area on Frymoyer Road and took Milwaukee tools and batteries worth about 2000 dollars sometime between July 11th and 24th .  Anyone with information about last month’s theft should call State Police.

DIOCESE WORKING TO CORRECT THE WRONGS
The Harrisburg Diocese has made moves this week to acknowledge past wrongs and comply with the Grand Jury Report by the State Attorney General on child sex abuse involving Catholic clergy. Diocese officials say in a news release, that over 12 million dollars was spent for the Survivors Compensation Program this year.  The diocese has revised the safe environment lesson plans for religious education and will restructure state pastoral councils and review boards.  They have also removed all named clergy from places of honor for failing to do enough to prevent the abuse.  The Diocese says 112 survivors participated in the compensation program.

GRAND SLAM PARADE HOSTS OVER 40 THOUSAND
Thousands of people lined Williamsport area roads last night for the 15th annual Grand Slam Parade to kick off the Little League World series which starts today.  The Sun Gazette reports that there were almost 100 organizations in the parade grouped into 10 divisions who walked the route down West Fourth Street.  Opening ceremonies start this morning at 11am at Volunteer Stadium then Games 1 through 4 will be played throughout the day.

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY DOCTOR’S TRIAL DELAYED AGAIN
The prosecution in the trial of suspended Northumberland County doctor, Raymond Kraynak, has asked for more time to prepare the case for the 7th time and a federal judge has granted the delay.  Lead prosecutor Assistant US Attorney Williams Behe argued the case is complex and more time is needed.  Federal agents arrested Kraynak on Dec. 21, 2017, on 12 counts of illegal drug distribution for his offices in Mount Carmel and Shamokin.  The latest jury selection and trial date had been scheduled for Oct. 7. A trial is scheduled to follow unless an eighth successful continuance is granted.  Kraynak is free on $500,000 unsecured bail. His medical license is suspended.

CHILDREN’S STORE AT THE MALL WILL CLOSE
There’s another store closing at the Lycoming Mall next month.  New Jersey based The Children’s Place is slated to close its Muncy store September 17th.  The kids clothes retailer, who bought bankrupt Gymboree and Crazy8 clothing companies in March of this year, plans to close up to 45 stores nationwide next and then re-open 25 stores in highly populated areas.

LOTTERY SCAMS PLAGUE VALLEY RESIDENTS
Lottery scams continue to plague the area, and the Northumberland County DA is warning residents of new schemes to be aware of.  DA Tony Matulewicz told WKOK that most recently, a Coal Township woman received a fake Mega Millions flyer which told her she won 4.2 million dollars and to call a number outside the US to claim the prize.  Officials say new technology and Caller ID is making it harder to see if the numbers on your phone are from callers you actually know since scammer programs allow them to put any number they want into the system.  Call police if you think you’ve been a victim of a scam.

FIRST GIRL IN THE LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES SINCE 2014
There’s a girl playing in the Little League World series for the first time since 2014.  Maddy Freking is the starting second baseman on a team from Coon Rapids, Minnesota, playing in Game 4 today at 7pm against Bowling Green, Kentucky.  She’ll represent the Midwest Region in the Little League World Series and become just the 19th girl in history to play in the 72-year history of the Little League World Series since Mo’ne Davis pitched and made news on national media outlets.

Sports
Major League Baseball

Rangers beat the Blue Jays 7-3, Yankees over the Orioles 5-6, Red Sox thumped the Indians 5-1, White Sox over the Astros 13-9, Brewers beat the Twins 6-5, Rockies bumped the Diamondbacks 7-6, Padres beat the Rays 7-2, A’s over the Giants 9-5, Nationals routed the Reds 17-7, Phillies thrashed the Cubs 11-1, Tigers beat the Mariners 3-2, Dodgers pounded the Marlins 9-1, Braves beat the Mets 6-4, Angels over the Pirates 7-4, and Cardinals blanked the Royals 6-nothing.

NY Penn League
Crosscutters defeated the Doubledays 4-nothing/ 22 & 36

Little League Softball World Series
South Williamsport got the consolation win over Mexico City yesterday 6-1

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