BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 14, 2019

ARSON CHARGES FOR MUNCY MAN
A Muncy man is in custody after police say he set multiple fires in his apartment complex July 10th.  Edward Andrews allegedly set 9 separate fires at the residence at 24 West Water Street forcing tenants to escape the building around 4am.  Accodring to the Sun Gazette, Andrews who was recently released from a medical facility, was charged with 28 felonies or misdemeanors involving arson, aggravated assault and endangering others.  He was arraigned in District Court yesterday and is being held in Lycoming Count Prison without bail.

RECYCLING FACILITY FIRE CHALLENGES AIR QUALITY
An Air quality advisement remains in place this morning in the Newberry neighborhood and for businesses along Trenton Avenue after a fire at Penn Recycling continues to cause smoke and odors to drift through the area.  The Williamsport Bureau of Fire reports that they are working diligently to extinguish the fire deep in a large scrap pile at the facility.  Motorists should be alert for traffic issues this morning and police say the Department of Environmental Protection is on the scene to conduct testing.

NEW POLICE CHIEF IN MAHONING TOWNSHIP
There’s a new police chief in Danville.  Mahoning Township supervisors have approved the hiring of Mifflinburg’s former police chief, Fred Dyroff, III  to replace chief Sean McGinley who will resign August 24th.  The Daily Item reports that Dyroff was formerly the Selinsgrove and Milton State Police barracks commander and will begin Monday August 19th.

LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES STARTS WEDNESDAY
The Little League World Series starts tomorrow and the weather should be favorable for the daily activities.  Opening Ceremonies start at 11am Thursday at Volunteer Stadium with the first game at 1pm between the Caribbean Region Champs from Curacao and the Australian Region team from Sydney, New South Wales.  Tonight’s Grand Slam Parade steps off in downtown Williamsport at 5:30pm.

PA FIRE MARSHAL CALLED IN FOR HOUSE FIRE INVESTIGATION
Firefighters from Northumberland County responded to a two-alarm fire at a home in Mount Carmel yesterday and one volunteer was injured during the incident.  Fire crews told WKOK that two homes were involved in the fire that was reported around 6am Tuesday morning along North Walnut Street.  Police say there was heavy flames and smoke at the scene but no residents were injured.  Two people have been displaced from their home because of the fire.  The Pennsylvania State Fire Marshal will be investigating the fire.

CITY HALL ON LOCKDOWN YESTERDAY
Threatening phone calls made to City Hall yesterday morning caused a lock down of the building and police continue an investigation today.  Williamsport police report that an unknown male made one call threatening to kill people and during a second call he said he would come to the facility with a weapon.  Police Chief Damon Hagan said all efforts are being made to identify the caller.  The Sun Gazette reports that there’s no word on whether the lockdown will be lifted after 9am when City Hall opens for business today.

THE BANK OWNS THE MALL NOW
The Susquehanna Mall was bought back by the bank that held the mortgage at the Sheriff’s sale last Friday in Snyder County Court for a purchase price of 5.25 million dollars.  The previous owner, Susquehanna Valley Mall Associates defaulted on the mortgage and owed almost 34 million for the Middleburg property that originally opened in 1978.  Representatives from current anchor store, Boscov’s, told Central PA dot com that they intend to stay on as a tenant and honor their lease.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT GIRLS TO BE HONORED
A portion of the celebration during the Little League World Series will include recognizing the South Williamsport Little League Softball team for their historic run at the 2019 Little League Softball World series this past week in Portland, Oregon.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette says members of the South team will be a part of the Little League Classic on Sunday at Bowman field and there will be an on-field ceremony and ceremonial first pitch before the 8pm game Monday August 19th to recognize their achievements.

Sports
Major League Baseball

Doubleheader for the Astros and White Sox – Astros took Game one 6-2, White Sox defeated the Astros in Game two; 4-1 , Yankees beat the Orioles 8-3, Nationals over the Reds 3-1, Phillies beat the Cubs 4-2, Blue Jays blanked the Rangers 3-nothing, Red Sox over the Indians 7-6, Mariners thumped the Tigers 11-6, Dodgers routed the Marlins 15-1, Braves beat the Mets 5-3, Twins over the Brewers 7-5, Cardinals blanked the Royals 2-nothing, Diamondbacks knocked the Rockies 9-3, Giants over the A’s 3-2, Pirates beat the Angels 10-7, Rays over the Padres 7-5

NY Penn League
State College Spikes defeated the Crosscutters 8-6 – bringing the Cutters Record to 22 & 36

Little League World Series
Grand Slam Parade tonight, stepping off at 5:30 in Downtown Williamsport

VICTIMS OF PLANE CRASH IDENTIFIED
The Lycoming County Coroner has released the names of the two men who died in a plane crash Sunday evening near Jersey Shore after taking off from an airport in Antes Fort before 5pm.  The pilot of the twin-wing experimental aircraft was 40 year-old Douglas Cromley of Lewisburg and his passenger was 67 year-old David McCormick of Allenwood, according to the Sun Gazette.  The investigation by the FAA and NTSB will continue this week.

SMOKE BILLOWS FROM A RECYCLING FACILITY FIRE
A recycling facility on Trenton Avenue in Williamsport had a fire that resulted in huge plumes of smoke seen from miles away yesterday around 2:30pm.  Fire officials told WNEP that the fire at Penn Recycling was likely started when hot metal ignited inside one of the crushed cars at the facility.  Fire crews from Lycoming County battled the flames while the center was open for business.

FCC MARKS FUNDS FOR RURAL BROADBAND
There’s good news for some households seeking broadband internet in rural areas of Lycoming County, the FCC recently announced a 5.5 million dollar initiative over a 10 year period to expand the service according to the Sun Gazette.  Over 1100 homes in Lycoming county are still without broadband service at this time.  Tioga County will benefit from a similar plan, also expanding broadband internet service to almost 2000 locations utilizing about 9 millions dollars in funding.

GRAND SLAM PARADE ON THE WAY
The City of Williamsport is getting ready for Wednesday night’s Grand Slam Parade, which kicks off the Little League World Series, bringing thousands of people downtown for the 15th year.  The Sun Gazette reports that streets that intersect with Fourth Street will start closing around 2pm – this includes Market and Hepburn streets.  The parade will step off around 5:30pm from Susquehanna and Seventh Streets and head to Market and Fourth.  Hall of Fame pitcher Randy Johnson is the Grand Marshall for the 2019 Grand Slam Parade.

POLICE SEEK TWO SUSPECTS AFTER HIGH SPEED CHASE
A traffic stop July 15th in Selinsgrove resulted in one person being arrested, but police are still looking for two other suspects who fled the scene.   A high speed chase ensued on Union County roads after an initial roadside interview over registration violations.  State police said in a release, that the high speed chase was discontinued for safety reasons, the suspect vehicle was later found abandoned on Dietrich Road in West Buffalo Township. Twenty three year old Zachary Carl of Mount Carmel was arrested and police are looking for 23 year old Dakota Haines of Mifflinburg and 19 year old Jessica Camp of Millmont.  Anyone  with information should call Selinsgrove State Police

DUI CHECKPOINTS PLANNED THROUGH HOLIDAY WEEKEND
The Lycoming County DUI Task Force has announced a nationwide mobilization for DUI enforcement from now through the Labor Day weekend.  According to police, DUI is the most committed-yet preventable crimes and has become an epidemic across the country.  “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is the theme for the initiative and you will see the local DUI Task Force performing multiple stationary checkpoints and roving patrols through September 2nd.

BOAT DOCK REPAIR BID ACCEPTED
After reviewing three bids for repair of the boat dock recently damaged by flood waters in Jersey Shore, the Borough Council there approved the lowest bid of $1,302 this week.  According to the Sun Gazette, repairing the dock along the Susquehanna River will positively increase interest and use of the recreational area.  Council also considered a request Monday to make a four way stop at the intersection of Maple and Locust Streets.

BASKETBALL CENTER COURTS REOPENED
The basketball courts at Flanigan Park in Williamsport were reopened by the Alize Johnson Foundation early Monday morning. The Courts had been shutdown at the end of July in coordination between Firetree Place and the Foundation due to the rise of violence in the city. According to the Sun-Gazette, the opening came with a request by the foundation and Firetree Place personnel for those using the facility to treat it with respect and help offer a safe environment for all ages of athletes.

Sports (8/12/19 recap)

Major League Baseball
The Pirates handed the Angels a 10-2 loss, The Yankees swept the doubleheader against the Orioles 8-5 & 11-8, The Nationals bested the Reds 7-6, The Blue Jays routed the Rangers 19-4, The Indians edged the Red Sox 6-5, The Diamondbacks topped the Rockies 8-6, the Rays beat the Padres 10-4, The Astros and White Sox were postponed due to rain

Little League Softball World Series
The South Williamsport major softball team suffered a 2-0 loss at the hand of the host Oregon squad yesterday in Portland. The loss ended a tremendous and historic season.

New York-Penn League
The Williamsport Crosscutters fell 4-2 at home to the State College Spikes, dropping their record to 22 + 35.

Major League Baseball Major League Baseball released the 2020 schedule for all 30 teams yesterday afternoon. Opening Day is scheduled for March 26th, all 30 MLB clubs have a scheduled game. Two featured games include the Baltimore Orioles hosting the Boston Red Sox in the MLB Little League Classic at Historic Bowman Field on August 23rd as well as the MLB at Field of Dreams, in which the Chicago White Sox will host the New York Yankees in the 1st ever MLB game to be played in Iowa.

National Basketball Association

The National Basketball Association also released their 2020 schedule on Monday. The season will open on October 22nd. The Philadelphia 76ers will make 24 appearances on National Television, including a Christmas Day showdown with the Milwaukee Bucks at the Wells Fargo Center.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 12, 2019

PLANE CRASH IN JERSEY SHORE LEAVES TWO DEAD

Two men died when a small biplane crashed near the Jersey Shore Airport in Nippenose Township just around 5pm Sunday according to airport officials.  WNEP reports that  the Lycoming County Coroner has not released the names of the victims in the crash but did remove two bodies from the scene.  Authorities at the airport say there was no radio communication indicating trouble from the pilot.  The wreckage will be moved to a hangar today while the investigation continues.

TWO CHARGED AFTER DRUGS FOUND AT SCI COAL TOWNSHIP

After drugs were found at the State Correctional Institution in Coal Township, a Philadelphia woman and an inmate there were arrested.  State police say 38 year old Nancy Minnick of Philadelphia brought drug packages to the facility intended for 36 year old John Minnick who is a prisoner there between July 7th and 15th of this year.  Charges have been filed in District Court.

SCAMMERS DEFRAUD MAN OUT OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS

Internet scammers posing as a Microsoft employee defrauded a Northumberland County man recently after he was told he was owed an overpayment and needed to fill out a bank access form to get the money back.  IN the scheme, where the instructions were to buy Walmart Giftcards in order to get the refunded, the victim lost several thousand dollars.  The Northumberland County DA told WKOK that it would be unlikely that Microsoft would seek payment through Walmart giftcards.

I-80 CONSTRUCTION TO  HINDER TRAFFIC IN NOTRTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

There will be construction along I-80 in Northumberland County today beginning around 8am.  PennDOT says a contractor will seal the centerline joint on I-80 eastbound and westbound from the Limestoneville Interchange to the river bridge spanning the Susquehanna River. Motorists should watch for single lane conditions 8 to 3 Today and Tuesday weather permitting.

INFORMATION NEEDED FOR MISSING MONTOURSVILLE JUVENILE

Pennsylvania State Police in Montoursville are investigating a report of a missing juvenile who ran away from his home in Loyalsock Township on Friday, August 9, 2019.  According to Central PA dot com the boy, who’s age has not been disclsosed left his home off Log Run Road around 7am with a white male with blonde hair.  If you have information on the whereabouts of this boy, please call Montoursville State Police.

WARRANT ISSUED FOR SHOPLIFTER WITH PRIOR RECORD

A man who was recognized for previously shoplifting in a Kelly Township Weis Markets was caught allegedly stealing items from there on July 5th. The manager of the store identified 62 year old Charles Justus Smith of Milton as a previous theft suspect and followed him to ask for a receipt for the things he took from the store – when Smith didn’t have the receipt and was asked to return to the store, he fled the scene in a white Ford Focus.  Smith has four prior retail theft convictions and a fifth is pending for a retail theft from WalMart in Lewisburg. A warrant has been issued for the charge

LEAKING PIPES CONTINUE AT COUNTY COURTHOUSE

The Lycoming County Courthouse is still dealing with too much water in the basement even after a plumber was hired in July to install a new valve for over 11 thousand dollars.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Williamsport Municipal water and Sanitary Authority will continue with their inspection of the pipes to determine the real issue after several gallons of water and sewage leaked in the building after last week’s storms.  Officials say the building’s pipes which carry both storm water and sewage are slated for maintenance in the next year or two.

BIKE RODEO HIGHLIGHTS CITY BICYCLE SAFTEY

PennDOT and Safekids of Lycoming County held a bike rodeo Friday to highlight  bicycle safety during the City of Williamsport’s Recreation Department Summer Day Camp. Donations from the community allowed 44 participants to have bikes and bike helmets for the event.  According to Pennsylvania transportation data there were 1,142 statewide bicycle crashes which resulted in 18 fatalities and 96 suspected serious injuries last year. Pennsylvania law requires all children under the age of 12 to wear an approved bicycle helmet when operating or riding a bike.Sports
Major League Baseball
Angels beat the Red Sox 5-4, Orioles over the Astros 8-7, Yankees blanked the Blue Jays 1-nothing, Royals bumped the Tigers 10-2, Nationals beat the Mets 7-4, Braves over the Marlins 5-4, Cubs beat the Reds 6-3, A’s over the
White Sox 2-nothing, Rangers beat the Brewers 1-nothing, Indians over the Twins 7-3, Cardinals beat the Pirates 11-9, Rockies over the Padres 8-3, Dodgers beat the Diamondbacks 9-3, Rays beat the Mariners 1-nothing, Giants over the Phillies 9-6.

NASCAR
Kevin Harvick won the Consumers Energy 400 at Michigan International Speedway Sunday
NY Penn League
Williamsport Crosscutters Beat the State College Spikes 10-3

Little League Softball World Series
South Williamsport Beat Latin America Saturday 3-1, US Central/Iowa beat South Williamsport/East Sunday 4-2 – leaving South Williamsport seeded 2nd – 2-1 in Pool play.
South Williamsport faces host Oregon today in the first quarterfinal elimination game – 1 p.m. first pitch Airs on ESPN2 @ 1pm Eastern.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 9, 2019

SANDUSKY TO BE RE SENTENCED
Jerry Sandusky will appear in Centre County court next month to be resentenced for his 2012 child sexual abuse convictions.  A Pennsylvania Superior Court ruled that  mandatory minimums were improperly applied when Sandusky was sentenced to 30 to 60 years in state prison on 45 counts related to child sexual abuse.  According to the Daily Item Sandusky had asked for a new trial under the Post-Conviction Relief Act.  While he won’t get a new trial, the court will address those mandatory minimums September 23rd.

AIRPORT PROJECTS COMPLETE SOON
The Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority told the Sun Gazette that the runway relocation and passenger loading bridge projects are ready to be operational soon.  The recent work on Runway Echo didn’t originally pass inspection with the FAA, but has now been cleared for testing.  Final markings will be in place August 26th.  The passenger bridge will be working next week after the correct ground power unit was installed.

CONSTRUCTION AREA ROADS OPENED DURING LITTLE LEAGUE
A section of East Third Street will reopen this weekend for the Little League World Series coming to Williamsport.  The area of Basin Street in the city which is currently under construction will be reopened temporarily. All lanes of traffic will be open between Academy Street and Basin Street on Saturday, August 10.  The street will be closed again when construction resumes on Monday, August 26.

ANNUAL ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW IN EAGLES MERE
Residents and visitors to the area are encouraged to head to Sullivan County this weekend for the 49th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival – rain or shine on the Village Green in Eagles Mere, PA.  The Juried arts & crafts festival featuring over 90 diverse artisans work chosen for the event by a panel of judges, is Saturday 10 to 5 and Sunday 10 to 4.  The admission supports the volunteers of Eagles Mere Historic Village, Inc., a non-profit organization created in 2003 to buy, maintain and restore historic buildings within the historic village of Eagles Mere.  Eagles Mere was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1996.

SHERIFF’S SALE FOR AREA MALL COMPLEX TODAY
A sheriff’s sale will determine the fate of the Susquehanna Valley mall today.  There will be bids taken at the Snyder County Courthouse in Middleburg at 1 p.m. The mall is up for sale after defaulting on mortgage payments of just under $34 million. Some mall store tenants told WKOK that they would remain there regardless of what happens today. There’s also work going on for the  new Family Practice Center mall location, in the old Sears space .

NEW YORK FUGITIVE ARRESTED BUYING GUN IN PENNSDALE
A man wanted by New York City Authorities attempted to buy a gun at a Pennsdale store in March of this year.  Police told North central PA dot com that 22 year old Brandan Ian Valez of Bronx new York had an outstanding warrant from felony robbery charges discovered through Pennsylvania’s  Instant Check Background check System when he tried to purchase the firearm at Gander Outdoors in Pennsdale.  Velez was taken into custody as a fugitive from the law and will face the warrant issued from the New York City Police Department.

WATER FEE STRUCTURE COMING FOR LOCAL BOROUGHS
South Williamsport and DuBoistown are faced with choosing a fee structure in order to implement water projects as required by the Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority.  In a meeting Wednesday, the authority and borough officials discussed that actual work on multiple projects to reduce sediment runoff in the water can wait but the resources need to be finalized during budget season.  The Sun Gazette reports that more than 26 pipes need attention in Duboistown alone within the series of compliance-based projects.  If stormwater fees are implemented, families can expect it to be around $10.

PRAYER VIGIL UNITES COMMUNITY
The community gathered at St Luke’s Lutheran Church in Williamsport for a prayer vigil yesterday praying for peace in our community recently plagued with gun violence.  Local leaders and clergy gathered to offer blessings for all those needing it, including emergency responders.  One community member in attendance told the Sun Gazette that the spirit of Father John Manno was with the group – who was a beloved priest who passed away a few months ago.

SNYDER COUNTY CABINET PLANT TO RE-OPEN
According to social media accounts, Businessman Bill French from Middleburg has purchased the former Wood-Mode plant in Snyder County.  In a letter on the internet, French said details of the new company’s start-up plan will be revealed soon.  Wood-Mode, a custom cabinetry plant in Kreamer was  Snyder County’s largest employer.  The plant closed earlier this year, leaving almost 1,000 people out of work.  French’s letter said they are already hiring employees.

Sports

Major League Baseball
Yankees beat the Blue Jays 12-6, Red Sox blanked the Angels 3-nothing, Tigers over the Royals 10-8, Marlins thumped the Braves 9-2, Cubs beat the reds 12-5, Indians over the twins 7-5, Giants smacked the Phillies 5-nothing, and Padres over the Rockies 9-3.

NFL Preseason
Eagles lost to the Tennessee Titans 27-10, Ravens over the Jaguars 29-nothing, NE Patriots beat the Detroit Lions 31-3, Browns over the Redskins 30-10

NY Penn League
Crosscutters were swept in another double header against the West Virginia Black Bears 8-2 in Game 1 and 2-1 in Game 2

Major Softball
Little League Softball World Series
West over South Williamsport 7-5.  South is now 1-1 in pool play with a day off today.  They resume pool play Saturday at 7:30pm against Latin America.

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 8, 2019

ACCUSED SHOOTER HAD PRIOR CONVICTION
The man accused as the shooter in this week’s convenience store robbery on West 4th Street in Williamsport had a prior conviction.  Twenty-one year old Ikeem Fogan was arrested for the shooting of a Unimart clerk and a local woman Sunday He was on probation for criminal mischief and disorderly conduct from an incident in July 2018.  Williamsport Police took Fogan into custody Tuesday as a suspect in the weekend shootings of store clerk JoBeth Wetzel who underwent shoulder surgery this week and is recovering,  Rhonda McPeak of Williamsport who was a customer in the store was allegedly killed by Fogan.

TRANSIT COMPANY TURNS FIFTY
Today marks the 50th anniversary of what we know today as River Valley Transit.  In a buyout, the city purchased Williamsport Bus Company August 8th 1969 for 75 thousand dollars which started the legacy of regionalizing transportation agreements across municipalities.  BeST Transit began in 2011 and serves almost 1.4 million riders according to the Sun Gazette.  River Valley Transit will offer free bus rides all day today and will have activities throughout Williamsport through the weekend.

LOCAL SENATOR TO CONFER DEGREES AT PENN TECH
Senator Gene Yaw of Loyalsock Township will be on hand Saturday to confer degrees upon graduates of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s summer sessions, assisting president Davie Jane Gilmour at the ceremony.  275 students are set to graduate at the Community Arts Center beginning at 11am.  The student speaker will be Dylan Gary Otis of Wyalusing who will also receive the Presidents Award for leadership. A Mentorship Award will be presented to Andrea Reed who is a 2007 Penn College nursing graduate who serves as the director of nursing at UPMC Susquehanna in Muncy.

PRAYER VIGIL PLANNED FOR H EALING
There will be a prayer vigil today at 5:30 at St. Luke Lutheran Church on 1400 Market Street in Williamsport.  A spokesperson from the United Churches of Lycoming County told the Sun gazette that they organized the event to help encourage law enforcement and lift up the community after recent gun violence in the city.  In the event of rain the vigil will be moved into the church building.

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR SENDING EXPLICIT PHOTOS TO MINOR
A woman from Hughesville has been charged with the corruption of a minor after police say she sent sexually explicit photos to a 16 year-old boy on Facebook.  PA State Police say 32 year old Janelle Platt exchanged messages with the boy in May of this year and later admitted to authorities that she sent the pictures.  Platt was arraigned Monday according to State Police in Montoursville

COUNTY PAYS PENALTY TO SAVE ON NEW 9-11 SYSTEM UPGRADES
Northumberland County commissioners made the decision to pay a penalty for delaying upgrades to the 911 system there.  In a contract with the service provider a penalty was imposed after a delay in securing third party negotiations for lower costs for tower space, which will save the county over 200 thousand dollars according to WKOK.  The total cost of the 911 upgrade in Sunbury was 5.2 million dollars.

LAKE AUGUSTA TO BE LOWERED AFTER LABOR DAY
The boating season will end early for those in Sunbury after the DCNR has announced emergency repairs to the Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam in Shikellamy State Park.  Authorities said in a press release that Lake Augusta will need to be lowered starting after Labor Day weekend to repair punctures in Bag 6 of the dam and also damage to the air piping system.  The DCNR say that marina slip holders are required to remove their boats from the marina by the 3rd of September

Sports
Major League Baseball
Mets beat the Marlins 7-2, White Sox over the Tigers 8-1, Indians blanked the Rangers 2-nothing in game 1 and defeated them 5-1 in game 2, Blue Jays over the Rays 4-3, Braves thumped the Twins 11-7, Astros pounded the Rockies 14-3, Cubs routed the A’s 10-1, Dodgers over the Cardinals 2-1, Nationals beat the Giants 4-1,  Brewers bumped the Pirates 8-3, Mariners beat the Padres 3-2, Yankees slammed the Orioles 14-2, Diamondbacks beat the Phillies 6-1, Royals and Red Sox are 4-4 postponed by rain in the 10th inning to resume play August 22nd.

NY Penn League
Batavia Muckdogs over the Williamsport Crosscutters at home last night for the doubleheader, 6-3 in both games.

Little League Softball World Series
South Williamsport defeated Asia Pacific 3-1 in Game 1 of Pool play.

Congratulations to Southeast Regional champions South Riding, Virginia and the Southwest Champs, River Ridge, Louisiana – who both secured their spot yesterday for the Little League World Series. Both teams are first time entries and the 1st two US teams on the bracket.  They’ll play next week in Game 2 and Game 6 respectively – LLWS starts Thursday, August 15th.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 7, 2019

ALLEGED UNI-MART SHOOTER ARRESTED
A Williamsport man has been arrested as the alleged shooter at the Uni-mart on West Fourth Street this past Sunday. In a statement, Williamsport Police say 21 year-old IKeem Damont Fogan was attempting to rob the convenience store when he allegedly shot and wounded clerk, JoBeth Wetzel, and shot and killed customer Rhonda McPeack.  No bail was set for Fogan in District Court, he was committed to Lycoming County Prison.

POLICE ADDRESS GUN VIOLENCE DURING PRESS CONFERENCE
In a press conference at City Hall yesterday where law enforcement and government officials addressed the gun violence in the city recently, Police Chief Damon Hagan suggested during the event that some of the recent shootings have been related.  Hagan said that the public can feel confident that all agencies are cooperating together to close the investigations as quickly as possible with future arrests.  With school starting soon and Little League  event concerns on the horizon, Hagan said there will additional patrols in place to ensure the public.

ROAD RAGE INCIDENT IN MIFFLINBURG
A Mifflinburg man was arrested after he allegedly threatened another driver with a gun while driving on State Route 45.  Police say 51 year old Jeffery Bottinger of Lakeview Lane owned the pickup truck that followed and tailgaited, 44 year old Thomas Grodotzke Jr of Miffflinburg with 3 juveniles in the vehicle.  The victim said Bottinger waved a pistol at the group and drove away on Line Street.  He was later taken into custody without incident at his residence and is in Union County Jail in lieu of bail.

MAN TRAPPED IN OVERTURNED DUMP TRUCK
Emergency crews responded to an overturned dump truck Tuesday around noon along Route 15 south near Trout Run.  The Sun Gazette reports that male driver was trapped in the vehicle for about an hour while crews from Trout Run, Hepburn Township, Old Lycoming Township and DuBoistown worked to free him.  The man was transported by ambulance to UPMC Susquehanna with unknown injuries. No word today on his condition.

WAHS GETS GRANT FOR PIANO LAB
Thanks to an over 10 thousand dollar grant provided in part by the Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation’s Violet Compton Estate Fund, Williamsport Area High School will have a new piano lab for students in grades 9 through 12 this year.  The lab will be available to teach students the basics of piano keyboarding and composition and is an elective designed for students to take year after year.  An in-kind contribution for the piano lab space was also made by Robert M. Sides Family Music Centers.

ETHICS COMMISSION ESTABLISHED
City Council Tuesday established the groundwork for their new independent ethics commission in order to review allegations of improprieties in city government.  The commission will be comprised of 5 independent unelected people in the city without ties to city government, likely a person who owns a business in the city but is not a resident.  The Sun Gazette reports that the appointments for the commission will be selected alternately by the mayor and council members to ensure fairness.

LANE RESTRICTIONS ON I-180 WEST
Motorists in Northumberland County are advised there will be a lane restriction today and Thursday on Interstate 180 westbound between the Turbotville and McEwensville exits.  According to a press release, PennDOT bridge crews will make repairs to the 8th Street Drive bridge spanning the interstate – closing the right lane of I-180 westbound from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 3pm, the left  passing lane will remain open.

LYCOMING COUNTY COULD REFINANCE BOND
Lycoming County commissioners met Tuesday and have announced that recent developments with bond management companies will allow for refinancing of a current Build America Bond and provide a savings of just over a million dollars going forward.  Tax law changes have given the county an opportunity to get a new bond at lower rates providing significant savings.  According to the Sun Gazette, some commissioners suggested that being careful the savings was most important, others saying it could be utilized for paying down debt or to be earmarked for certain upcoming projects.

Sports
Major League Baseball
White Sox beat the Tigers 5-3, Brewers over the Pirates 4-3, Yankees bumped the Orioles 9-4, Tigers over the White Sox 10-6, Royals knocked the Red Sox 6-2, Mets blanked the Marlins 5-nothing, Rays over the Blue Jays 7-6, Reds thumped the Angels 8-4, A’s over the Cubs 11-4, Astros beat the Rockies 11-6, Braves thumped the Twins 12-7, Diamondbacks beat the Phillies 8-4, Nationals over the Giants 5-3, Dodgers over the Cardinals 3-1, Padres smacked the Mariners 9-4, Rangers and Indians postponed due to rain.

NY Penn League
Crosscutters and Muckdogs were postponed due to rain – doubleheader today at 5:05 first pitch.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 6, 2019

NEWS CONFERENCE TO ADDRESS RECENT GUN VIOLENCE
With the recent gun violence in the city, officials will hold a news conference this morning at City Council Chambers at 9am.  Mayor Gabriel Campana told the Sun Gazette that he will make statements about the investigations of 5 shootings that have happened in the city within the last 3 weeks – 2 of them fatal.  In the most recent shooting, 48 year old Rhonda McPeak of Williamsport was shot and killed at a W. Fourth convenience store Sunday night.  Police are working to identify the suspects and motives in these shootings.

POLICE ARREST SUSPECT AFTER CARJACKINGS, HIGH SPEED CHASE
Milton State police report that a man from Nanticoke was seen involved in two carjackings Monday, and that the second one resulted in a police chase and several accidents between the Market Street Bridge and Pine Street around 2pm.  State police say 29 year old Michael Coombs took two vehicles – first from a woman in Union County after 1pm,  then Coombs took a second vehicle along Route 405 in Northumberland County around 2pm.  Watsontown Police responded to the theft and pursued the suspect.  Police located Coombs along Rt 15 South near South Williamsport, who then crashed into parked cars and a tree – exiting his vehicle and fleeing.  Coombs was taken into custody and is Union County Prison this morning.

AMISH COMMUNITY SAYS PROPOSED LAW TARGETS COMMUNITY
At Monday’s Washington Township supervisors meeting, members of the Amish community and township supervisors discussed a proposed law that a lawyer for the Old Order Amish says is discriminatory against the Amish culture.  In a letter to the supervisors there were complaints about manure left by horses along roadways is a health and safety hazard.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette says there are also concerns in the community about the damage done to roads from modified steel horseshoes.  No decision was made about the potential law – but talks between the township and the Amish are proposed to continue in September.

SUNBURY CONSTRUCTION THIS WEEK
There’s some construction continuing this week in Sunbury. North Fourth Street at the intersections of Woodlawn Ave and Pennsylvania Avenue will have repaving and ADA curb ramps installed this week. According to PennDOT the work should be completed in 4 weeks and the impact on traffic should be minimal.  The final paving on the $1 million project will be done next year.

FATAL CRASH ON LITTLE PINE CREEK ROAD
Two young adults were killed in a vehicle crash that occurred in the 2800 block of Little Pine Creek Rd., Cummings Township,  about 1:30 a.m., on Friday  Aug. 2 The Lycoming County Coroner’s Office and Pennsylvania State Police report that the driver, 27 year old Bryan Edmundson Jr of Butler, PA and passenger, 21 year old Katie Johnson of Morris PA were traveling southbound on Little Pine Creek Road and went off the roadway, hitting a culvert and landing in a the creek.  Police say both were deceased when they arrived on the scene.  Waterville Volunteer Fire Company responded to the accident.

POSITIVE RESULTS FROM SAFE 2 SAY APP REPORT
In a 21-page report by the state attorney general’s office,  the Safe 2 Say Something program – an online mobile app to combat bullying and struggles experienced by school children, generated more than 23,000 tips between mid-January to June.  Sen. Pat Browne, R-Lehigh said that the program is contributing to a safer school environment. The report said there were 607 tips about threats against schools and 523 about threats against people. The Safe 2 Say Something  program is exempt from the state’s open records laws and guarantees confidentiality.

LOCAL NATIONAL NIGHT OUT EVENTS
In the spirit of solidarity there will be National Night Out events all around our area tonight in an effort to build relationships between law enforcement and neighborhood residents while combating crime and negligent behavior. In Williamsport, neighborhood watch groups and churches along East Third and West Fourth Streets will have outdoor activities with food available. In Cogan Station, the Old Lycoming Township Police and family fun fair is tonight, in Lewisburg emergency responders host an event between 5 and 9pm with free food, a bike raffle and fireworks at the Lewisburg Area Recreation Park on St. Mary and 15th streets.

Sports
Major League Baseball

Mets knocked the Marlins 6-2, Brewers over the Pirates 9-7, Yankees beat the Orioles 9-6, White Sox over the Tigers 7-4, Red Sox bumped the Royals 7-5, Mets over the Marlins 5-4, Rangers blanked the Indians 1-nothing, Blue Jays bumped the Rays 2-nothing, Reds over the Angels 7-4, Cubs beat the A’s 6-5, Twins over the Braves 5-3, Phillies thumped the Diamondbacks 7-3, Nationals beat the Giants
4-nothing, Dodgers bashed the Cardinals 8-nothing.

 

NY Penn League

Williamsport Crosscutters defeated the Batavia Muckdogs 9-3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 5, 2019

FATAL SHOOTING AT CONVENIENCE STORE
Another fatal shooting has occurred in Williamsport.  Police tell WNEP that two people were shot inside the Uni-Mart on West Fourth Street after 9pm Sunday night, and one person has died. The second victim is hospitalized and in unknown condition. The Sun Gazette says police have not reported whether the two shooting victims were suspects, employees or customers in the incident.

MAN CHARGED WITH DUI AFTER HEAD ON COLLISION
In an affidavit by the Pennsylvania State Police in Montoursville, a Lycoming County man has been charged with using opiates and causing a head-on collision on State Route 405, this past March.  Charges were filed against 40 year old Earnest L. Sharr of Muncy last month after tests were positive for two type of Fentanyl drugs following the crash. State Police in Montoursville said Sharr, was traveling east in the right lane on Route 405 in Clinton Township when his pickup truck crossed the double yellow line and hit a Silverado driven by 19 year old Brandon M. Buck, 19, of Hughesville this past spring. EMS personnel reportedly noticed Sharr’s condition at the scene and told police he may have overdosed.

PEACEFUL WALK MEMORIALIZES SHOOTING VICTIMS
Over 50 people gathered at Memorial Park just after 5:30 on Sunday evening to walk and protest the recent violence experienced in our community and nationwide.  The Sun Gazette reports walkers made their way from Memorial Avenue to Firetree Place on Campbell Street in remembrance of lives lost in our city recently.

NORTHUMBERLAND BOROUGH TRAFFIC PATTERN CHANGE
Watch for a traffic switch this morning if you’re traveling on Front Street from Danville into Northumberland borough.  PennDOT in Montoursville says a contractor will be working on the left side of the road and traffic will be rerouted to the opposite side.  Parking restrictions will be in effect for both sides of Front Street while work is being completed.

FLASH FLOODS HIT SHAMOKIN
Valley roads were mostly back to normal on Saturday but WKOK reports that strong thunderstorms brought flooding and road closures Friday night to Northumberland County.  County Communication Centers say there were plenty of calls about roads closed and damage to homes from surface water Friday after the National Weather Service posted a flash flood warning for several counties and over 3 inches of rain fell in Shamokin.

WEST NILE VIRUS IN UNION COUNTY
A few new cases of the West Nile Virus have shown up in samples in Union County according to the Department of Environmental Protection.  In a press release, they say that in Buffalo and East Buffalo township there were either birds or mosquitoes found infected with the virus.  The DEP says they will take action and consider spraying in certain areas.  No human cases of the West Nile Virus have occurred in our area.

VOLUNTEER KILLED AT DAUPHIN COUNTY RACE TRACK
A track volunteer was killed at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg this weekend after a car flipped over the infield fence.  PennLive reports that 67 year old Richard Speck Jr. of Mechanicsburg who was a former teacher and grandfather  was in the back of a pick-up truck parked along the fence when 2 sprint car drivers crashed while rounding a turn around 9:30pm .  One car went out of control and flipped up and over the barrier. Racing for the rest of the night was canceled.  State police and the coroners office are investigating.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT GETS PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR TRIP TO OREGON
The public came together with lots of support for the South Williamsport major softball team last week with t-shirt sales, spaghetti dinners, Chinese raffles and other fundraisers, to offset the cost of families traveling to Portland Oregon this week to watch the girls play in the Little League Softball World series.  According to the Sun Gazette, there are perks for being one of 10 best major softball teams in the world.  The players get their travel, food and lodging, plus new navy and red East uniforms, batting gloves and bat backpacks and the team gets new equipment; including bats, helmets, and catcher’s gear.  South Williamsport plays Asia-Pacific this Wednesday at 10am

STATEWIDE KIWANIS CONVENTION THIS WEEKEND
There will be a statewide Kiwanis Convention in the city this coming weekend bringing hundreds of the volunteers to town for the local chapter’s 100th anniversary.  The city has not been host to the annual activities in decades according to the Williamsport Sun Gazette.  The public is invited to participate in service oriented projects this week, including a children’s activity at the James V. Brown Library, an American Red Cross blood drive and a welcome picnic at the World of Little League museum Thursday.  Convention participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable foods for the North Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.

Sports
Major League Baseball
White Sox beat the Phillies 10 -5, Orioles over the Blue Jays 6-5, Indians beat the Angels 6-2, Rays thumped the Marlins 7-2, Reds beat the Braves 6-4, Mets slammed the Pirates 13-2, Astros over the Mariners 3-1, Twins blanked the Royals 3-nothing, Cubs over the Brewers 7-2, Rangers beat the Tigers 9-4, Rockies over the Giants 6-2, A’s bumped the Cardinals 4-2, Dodgers over the Padres 11-10, Diamondbacks over the Nationals 7-5, Yankees beat the Red Sox 7-4

NASCAR
Chase Elliot got the checkered flag at GoBowling at the Glen yesterday at WGI

New York Penn League
Crosscutters defeated Brooklyn Cyclones 4-3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 2, 2019

NEW COUNCIL MEMBER SELECTED
In a 5-1 vote last night, Gerry Fausnaught was selected over James Gardner to fill a vacant seat on the Williamsport City Council.  Fausnaught was a former city council woman and impressed current members on the council according to the Williamsport Sun Gazette.  For the next few months, she will sit in on the council meetings addressing final year projects and budget plans.  City Council members asked Gardner to serve in other capacities while he finishes a masters degree.

MUNCY MAN ARRESTED FOR CHOKING WOMAN, THREATENING KIDS
A Muncy man was charged with felony strangulation corruption of minors, assault and other charges after state police say he attempted to choke a woman and threaten the children with a gun.  NorthCentral PA dot com reports that 32 year old Wesley Brown initiated a domestic dispute around 3am July 26th in Montoursville.   After the alleged assault, the woman was able to get out of the home with 5 children, left the area and called police.  Brown was arrested at the home on Odell Road.

The Mifflin County man who was thrown from a motorcycle last week west of 18th Street in Selinsgrove has been upgraded to fair condition according to Geisinger medical center officials.  WKOK reports that 56-year-old Christopher Gardner of Burnham went off of Route 522 last week to avoid a collsion with Jeremy Cooper of Shamokin Dam who turned left in front of him in a Toyota truck.  Cooper was cited for a left turn violation.

TUBING GROUP LOST LEAVING PINE CREEK
A group of people who were tubing along Penn’s Creek got lost and had to be rescued while walking back in the dark.  WKOK reports that volunteer fire crews were called out last night to locate the group in Centre township, Snyder county.  Volunteers from Mifflinburg, West End and Beaver Springs fire companies were called out about 10pm and all involved were located by 2am this morning.

PENN COLLEGE CYBER SECURITY PROGRAM EXTENDED
The National Science Foundation recently extended a grant to support the cybersecurity program at Pennsylvania College of Technology for an additional year. Officials from Penn College say the grant helps information technology faculty and high school students interact together to build a high tech workforce in the future.  The grant’s extension opens the program to any high school junior or senior in Lycoming County. High school teachers are also eligible to take the class and become qualified to teach it as part of the college’s nationally accredited dual-enrollment program.

NEWBERRY COMMUNITY WANTS THE TREES BACK
Members of the Newberry Community spoke to city council last night requesting that trees be replanted before the milling and repaving takes place along West Fourth Street.  Citing an area of the community where 51 trees were removed prepping for the upgrades, the Newberry Community Partnership collected hundreds of signatures on a petition supporting that trees be re-incorporated into the design before reconstruction.  The Council backed the partnership’s bid to convince the state Department of Transportation to not leave that section of Newberry treeless.

REGIONAL AGENCY NEEDS NEW DIRECTOR
An 11-county central Pennsylvania community and economic development agency is looking for a new executive director.  Bill Seigel, who has held the position since September 2017, has announced he will retire next March from the SEDA-Council of Governments which includes Lycoming County. A replacement for Seigel is hoped be in place by January. Those interested in applying for the position must submit a formal letter of interest to the SEDA Council of Governments Human Resources department.  One of SEDA’s current efforts is the development of high-speed Internet in rural areas of the Susquehanna Valley.

DECENT NASCAR SHOWING FOR SUNBURY DIRT TRACK STAR
Sunbury Dirt track champ Mark Smith finished in 15th place in his NASCAR Gander Outdoor Truck Series debut at the famed Eldora Speedway in Ohio Thursday night. Smith drove the No. 38 Chevy Silverado for Jordan Anderson Racing and Niece Motorsports. Smith has over 200 career open wheel wins and is a two-time 360 sprint car champion at Selinsgrove Speedway.  Stewart Friesend was the race winner at Eldora.

FUNDING REQUEST FOR NORTHUMBERLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE A new community college in Northumberland County, opening in September, offered Lycoming county residents in-county tuition costs and other fees waived if Lycoming County Commissioners agree to support the college with a 100 thousand dollar contribution.  The Sun Gazette reports that Bob Garret, President of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce said Luzerne County Community College in Watsontown can offer a cheaper alternative than some surrounding schools for non-traditional students to earn a post-secondary education. LCCC will also offer local high school students a way to earn college credit – that is ultimately transferable.

Sports

Major League Baseball
Twins beat the Marlins 5-4, Phillies over the Giants 10-2, Met blanked the White Sox 4-nothing, A’s over the Brewers 5-3, Blue Jays stomped the Orioles 11-2, Astros over the Indians 7-1, Rays bumped the Red Sox 9-4, Cardinals blanked the Cubs 8-nothing, Braves over the Reds 4-1, Dodgers beat the Padres 8-2

NY Penn League
Crosscutters finished their 3-day roadtrip beating the Tigers 2-1 in Connecticut.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 1, 2019

SHOOTING VICTIM IDENTIFIED
Police are still investigating the shootings that have occurred in the city, but are not releasing many details about their progress according to the Williamsport Sun Gazette.  Police have reported that 16 year old Ayliem Coleman was the victim in the homicide at the 900 block of Market Street early Tuesday morning, but are still trying to find the gunmen in two other shootings that have occurred here in the last two weeks.  Two young men were shot in separate incidents on Maple Street on July 17th and on Almond Street this past Sunday.  No reports as to whether the incidents are related.

WANTED MONROE COUNTY FELON APPREHENDED
A known felon was apprehended in Monroe County Tuesday afternoon after a brief stand-off in which the man threatened to commit suicide.  WKOK reports that State troopers and Selinsgrove police took 49-year-old Lonnie Bailey into custody from the Park Road home without incident saying he is wanted for a felony burglary charge.  Police with a search warrant seized several items in Bailey’s home.  He is in Snyder County Prison on 75 thousand dollars bail.

DONATION TO FUND NEW LOYALSOCK CONSESSION STAND
Loyalsock Township High School accepted a 5000 dollar donation at their meeting last night to make improvements and upgrades to the concession stand facility on campus this year.  The school was chosen by “Lowe’s Heroes” a program sponsored by the home improvement company.  According to the Sun Gazette, the donation will supply the school with slip-resistant flooring, new counters, sinks and a refrigerator for the facility – with the old appliances being repurposed for Schick Elementary school’s new track team building concession stand.

NEW VOTING MACHINES FOR SNYDER COUNTY
Snyder County will be upgrading voting machines to be used as soon as the municipal elections this fall.  Snyder County Commissioner Peggy Chamberlin-Roup told WKOK that 250 thousand has been earmarked for the upgrade and they are expecting reimbursements from the state and federal governments.  The 233 thousand dollar purchase is in compliance with the state’s requirement that all voting machines provide a paper trail in time for the spring 2020 primary.

PHILLY FUGITIVE FOUND IN WILLIAMSPORT
A fugitive from Philadelphia was apprehended in the west part of Williamsport yesterday around 11am.  Officers from the City and US Marshalls raided a home on St James Place and arrested 35 year old Eric Antoine Richardson, who has a record of several incidents of aggravated assault and possession of drugs. Attempts to find Richardson earlier this year in Philadelphia and Williamsport were unsuccessful.  According to social media reports from the Lycoming County Sheriff’s department Facebook page Richardson is wanted for a shooting in Philadelphia in November of 2018.

COMMISSIONERS TO REVIEW JUVENILE PROBATION CONTRACTS
The Lycoming County commissioners will meet today to decide whether several juvenile probation contracts will be renewed for the 2019-2020 fiscal year according to the Williamsport Sun Gazette.  The director of juvenile probation, Ed Robbins, reported numbers to the commissioners that show less children entering the juvenile probation system, but the likelihood of them being in the adult prison system is a higher percentage.  Robbins says even though there are no statistics to support it, it’s his opinion that those juveniles who are placed in residential settings are not recommitted as quickly.  The commissioners meet this morning at the Executive plaza briefing room at 10am.

YWCA GETS GRANT FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT USE
A Pennsylvania foundation called Pearls with a Passion has given 3000 dollars so that those needing a local women’s shelter can use River Valley Transit buses for free.  Megan Bloom, marketing specialist of the YWCA Northcentral PA, told the Williamsport Sun Gazette that the grant will help clients in their Wise Options program feel empowered to become more independent after suffering at the hands of an abuser.  The First Community Partnership of Pennsylvania made the Pearls with a Passion donation possible.

DIRT TRACK STAR RACES IN OHIO TONIGHT
Dirt track race fans of Sunbury’s Mark Smith are watching out for him in the NASCAR Gander Outdoor Truck Series race at the famed Eldora Speedway in Ohio tonight.   Smith will drive for Jordan Anderson Racing and Niece Motorsports in the No. 38 Chevy Silverado which will have a ‘Selinsgrove Speedway’ decal on parts of it.  Smith’s strategy for the 150 lap race?  He told WKOK that he’ll just be patient and try to stay out of trouble.

Sports

Major League Baseball
Braves beat the Nationals 5-4, Reds over the Pirates 4-1, Yankees beat the Diamondbacks 7-5, Blue Jays over the Royals 4-1, Dodgers beat the Rockies 5-1, Tigers over the Angels 9-1, Giants beat the Phillies 5-1, Indians over the Astros 10-4, Rays over the Red Sox 8-5, Twins beat the Marlins 7-4, Cubs blanked the Cardinals 2-nothing, Rangers over the Mariners 9-7, Mets beat the White Sox 4-2, and Brewers over the A’s 4-2

NY Penn League
Williamsport Crosscutters defeated the Connecticut Tigers 6-2

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