BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 17, 2024

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN UPDATED FOR WILLIAMSPORT

An updated version of the City of Williamsport’s  Emergency Operations Plan  has been approved by city council.  According to the Sun Gazette, current emergency management coordinator, city Fire Chief Sam Aungst said Councilman Jon Mackey, the deputy emergency management coordinator worked to update the plan that hadn’t been updated since 2017.  Mackey suggested an update every 1 to 2 years.  The Emergency Operations Plan coordinates actions in the case of man-made or natural disasters.  Next steps could include hiring a point-person as a coordinator and finding a permanent EOC location.

FORMER WASD TEACHER TAKES PLEA DEAL

In a plea deal, a former Williamsport Area School District teacher who was initially accused of felony criminal solicitation sexual contact with a student and similar charges, was charged with third-degree misdemeanor harassment by communication.  According to North Central PA dot com, 54 year old Michelle Pulizzi of Williamsport was given a year of probation, without having to register as a sex offender, in addition to costs and 40 hours community service.  Pulizzi is barred from having a teaching license for five years.

FLAG RETIREMENT CEREMONY RESCHEDULED

The flag retirement ceremony that was to be held at Northumberland American Legion Post 44 Friday for flag day, has been rescheduled for this week after rainy weather Friday.  According to the Daily item, the Flag Day event will be held June 21st at 7pm at the legion, 309 Point Township Drive, Northumberland, near the barbecue pit.  The public is invited and can bring their own flags to retire and a lawn chair if desired.   

LOCK HAVEN FLY-IN STARTS TOMORROW

The William T. Piper Memorial Airport in Lock Haven  is getting ready to host the 38th Annual Sentimental Journey to Cub Haven Fly-In this week, with events beginning Tuesday and continuing through Saturday afternoon.  According to the Lock Haven Express, a variety of aircraft are featured at the fly-in including The Berlin Airlift Spirit of Freedom static display next to the Piper Museum all week.  . Wings of Williamsport will be at the Fly In on Thursday, June 20th, demonstrating their remote controlled aircrafts.  Get details at airshowcenter.com.

HEAT ADVISORY STARTS TOMORROW

Central Pennsylvania is under a heat advisory beginning tomorrow at noon and continuing through Tuesday evening.  According to the National weather service, heat index values could reach between 95 and 100 degrees in some areas of Central PA, with the impact of high humidity causing illness in sensitive groups.  It is recommended to check on the elderly and compromised individuals without air conditioning.  The high heat is expected to continue through this week.

POLICE ARREST ASSAULT SUSPECT IN WILLIAMSPORT

A victim told state police they were assaulted by a Williamsport man June 6th , and after an interview with the suspect at a home near the 4000 block of Bloomingrove Road, police took him into custody after learning more about the assault.  According to North Central PA dot com, David Allen Crouse Jr. admitted to police he was on methamphetamine and they found he was involved in a fight with the accuser who was hospitalized.  Crouse is now facing simple assault and harassment charges and is being held at the Lycoming County Prison on $7,500 monetary bail.

JUNETEENTH TO CLOSE DMV WEDNESDAY

A reminder for those seeking services from the Pennsylvania DMV Wednesday, that all driver’s license centers, including the full-service center in Selinsgrove and Harrisburg will be closed in Observation of the Juneteenth holiday.  Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth National Freedom Day was signed into law in Pennsylvania by  Gov. Tom Wolf in 2019.  According to PennDOT,  DMV customers can go online at dmv.pa.gov  for all forms, publications and driver training manuals.

EVENTS ADDED TO 2024 LYCOMING COUNTY FAIR

New events are coming to the Lycoming County Fair in Hughesville July 10th through the 20th this year.  According to an announcement this week by “Rocky” Reed, the President of the Lycoming County Fair, the three new highlights include; The Rodeo – featuring 20 bull riders, prepared for barrel racing and bull riding, Varner Farms Draft Horse Show, and four theater performances by the Hughesville High School Theater Club.  Reed also highlighted the free live music, pig races, the 4H dog show, multiple tractor pulls, animal exhibits, and the county-wide art show that are all annual favorites at the fair.  Get details at lycomingfair.net or on their Facebook page.

SPORTS

MLB Draft League
Frederick Keys  12      Williamsport Crosscutters  2 
Keys take the rain shortened series 2-0
Cutters stay on the road and play the State College Spikes Tuesday with a 6:35pm first pitch

MLB
Blue Jays 7                     Guardians 6
Nationals 3                     Marlins  1
Orioles  8             Phillies  3
Mets  11               Padres  6
Pirates  8              Rockies  2
Red Sox  9                     Yankees 3
MLB Today
Reds vs Pirates 6:40pm
Padres vs Phillies 6:40pm
Mets  vs Rangers  8:05pm

NBA Finals Game 5 Tonight
Dallas vs Boston  8:30pm  ABC  BOS leads 3-1

NHL  Stanley Cup Final Game 5 Tuesday
Edmonton Oilers vs Florida Panthers  FLA Leads 3-1

GOLF
*        For the second time in five years, Bryson DeChambeau is the winner of the U.S. Open – his second career major title, at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina.
*        DeChambeau shot a 1-over par final round Sunday to finish the tournament at 6-under – one stroke better than Rory McIlroy

NASCAR
Ryan Blaney locked in his spot in the playoffs Sunday night with the checkered flag in the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway.
William Byron was 2nd, Chase Elliot 3rd, Christopher Bell 4th, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. rounding out the top 5.

24 Hours of Le Mans
*    Ferrari won the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the second year in a row on Sunday after a battle with Toyota to the finish of the 92nd edition of the endurance race.
*    Denmark’s Nicklas Nielsen took the checkered flag in the 499P hypercar 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 13, 2024

LEWISTOWN SHOOTER KILLED WHEN POLICE RETURN FIRE

A Lewistown man was killed after he first shot at officers in Mifflin County on Monday evening, and they returned fire.  According to Pennsylvania State Police, they responded when 29 year old Ridge Rhodes shot at local police on West Fourth Street in Lewistown at about 8:30pm.  Local police shot back at Rhodes causing fatal injuries.  State police and the Mifflin County District Attorney’s office have opened an investigation.  No officers were hurt in the shooting.

IMPAIRED MAN ARRESTED AFTER TWO CALLS FROM POLICE

A man who was arrested after city police found him at the heart of two incidents they were called to on May 22nd, had a preliminary hearing this week in Lycoming County Court. According to North Central PA dot com, Police report Troy Thomas of Williamsport was doing karate moves and speaking nonsensically near the corner of W. Fourth Street and Seventh Avenue and later admitted that he was under the influence of PCP and alcohol.  Thomas was evaluated at a local hospital and sent home, just a few hours before police were called to another incident near the 1000 block of Vine Avenue involving Thomas once again where a relative said he was trying to take a weapon.  He was charged with disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. 

STUDY RECOMMENDS SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION

The study compiled by a firm hired by the Montoursville Area School District to assess the need for elementary school buildings in the district, recommends that Lyter Elementary and Loyalsock Valley Elementary School students should be consolidated at the Lyter building.  According to the Sun Gazette, an executive from the firm, SiteLogIQ, presented the study, which indicated that the cost of maintaining the Loyalsock Valley building is outpacing the costs for building a new school.  The study also noted that repairs and renovations at Loyalsock Valley were estimated at over 19 million, but at Lyter Elementary the upgrades totaled just over 17 million dollars. 

FLAG DAY CEREMONY FRIDAY AT PENN COLLEGE

The 44th Anthony DiSalvo Flags Across America celebration at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport to honor the American flag  for Flag Day will be held tomorrow.  According to the Sun Gazette, the public is invited to the parking lot south of the Madigan Library and southeast of the Bush Campus Center at Penn College for the traditional event.  There will be a flag march prior to the celebration on the campus grounds (which will form at 6:30p) for members of the Susquehanna Council of Boy Scouts of America and their guests, before the speakers and presentation for Flag Day begins at 7pm.  The namesakle of the event, Anthony DiSalvo, was a beloved local figure and long-time BSA leader, who spearheaded the drive to obtain the flag at Penn College, and started the first Flag Day flag march in the Williamsport area.

TEXAS MAN ARRESTED FOR DISTURBANCE

A Texas man caused a disturbance at a fast food restaurant at the 50 block of Maynard Street May 25th and is being held in Lycoming county prison awaiting his preliminary hearing.  According to North Central PA dot com,  Jeris Seth Sundell of San Antonio was asked to leave the Burger King by the staff who allegedly observed him alarming patrons and throwing objects in the dining room.  Witnesses said Sundell smelled of alcohol and had trouble standing on his feet.  Police took Sundell into custody and charged him with disorderly conduct and public drunkenness, his preliminary hearing is June 24th.

MIFFLINBURG SCHOOL BOARD SEEKS ARCHITECTURE FIRM

The Mifflinburg School District said at their meeting this week, that they are looking for an architect of record for services to be on call when the board needs drawings for different projects, and will soon be seeking proposals.  According to the Daily Item, requests are expected to be issued by the board in the next few weeks, and they expect a late July response deadline and discussion at the August work session.  The successful candidate would enter into a non-exclusive professional service agreement with the district to develop a professional relationship.  The district set aside $1.25 million for upcoming track projects and agriculture improvements.

CASHLESS TOLLS COMING TO TURNPIKE STARTING IN 2026

There’s a change coming to Pennsylvania Toll Booths along the Turnpike.  According to the Turnpike commission, it will convert booths to open road tolling  or ORT, which is a cashless, free-flowing mode of collecting tolls without traditional toll plazas.   Tolls will be charged electronically as customers drive at highway speeds without slowing down or stopping under the gantries –  the road space between interchanges. ORT will begin in 2025 in the eastern part of the state and expand to the western region of the PA Turnpike beginning in late 2026.  Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.  EZ passes will also be authorized for use through the ORT system.  The cost of the project is 50 million dollars but is projected to save the commonwealth 25 million per year.

LITTLE LEAGUE SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

The schedule for the 2024 Little League Baseball World Series Game schedule has been announced, set to begin August 14th .  The Little League Classic is scheduled for Sunday evening August 18th at 7pm at Historic Bowman field between the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers. The Challenger Division Game is August 26th  at 10:30am at Volunteer stadium between Challenger of Lancaster and NY’s District 8 Challenger team, presented by Eggland’s Best.  All Little league Games will be played in South Williamsport and will be broadcast on ESPN.

SPORTS

PIAA State Championships Baseball
Class 2A Tomorrow 10:30am
Bald Eagle Area vs Tri-Valley  @ Medlar Field, Lubrano Park, State College
PIAA State Championship Softball
Class 2A Tomorrow 11am
South Williamsport vs Neshannock  @ State College 

NBA Finals Game 3
Celtics 106          Mavericks 99 BOS leads 3-0
NBA Finals Friday Game 4
Celtics vs Mavericks 8:30pm ABC

MLB Draft League
West Virginia 8    Crosscutters 2
Crosscutters at home for game 3 of the series with the Black Bears tonight, first pitch 6:35pM

MLB
Reds 4                  Guardians 2
Orioles  4            Braves  4
Nationals  7         Tigers  5
Mets  10               Marlins  4
Red Sox  8           Phillies  6
Cardinals 4          Pirates  2
Yankees 11          Royals 5
MLB Today
Braves vs Orioles  1:05pm ESPN+
Nationals vs Tigers 1;10pm
Yankees vs Royals 2:10pm
Pirates vs Cardinals 2:15pm
Marlins vs Mets  7:10pm
Phillies vs Red Sox  7:10pm

NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 3 Tonite
Florida Panthers vs Edmonton Oilers 8pm ABC FLA leads 2-0

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 12, 2024

HUGHESVILLE MAN JAILED FOR ASSAULT OF MINORS

A nineteen year old man from Hughesville was jailed after he was accused of furnishing four teens with alcohol and sexually assaulting one of the victims over several occasions last month.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say Austin Tyler McKeon was seen on surveillance video at a convenience store on Maynard Street in the same seat of a car with one of the 14 year olds committing acts of assault.  On May 24th McKeon allegedly assaulted the same 14 year old in a vehicle outside a local movie theater, before she convinced McKeon to take her home.  McKeon was recently charged with four counts each of unlawful contact with a minor, aggravated indecent assault, strangulation, corruption of minors and more.  He is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 50 thousand dollars bail.

FORMER SUNBURY POLICE CHIEF SENTENCED

Among support from some friends and colleagues, former Sunbury police chief Brad Hare who was arrested for stealing funds from the Americus Hose Company while he was a member there, was sentenced in Northumberland county court yesterday to 9 months of house arrest.  According to North Central PA dot com, Hare told the court the crime was the result of alcohol addiction, a disease he has since sought help for.  After house arrest, Hare will be entered in the Restrictive Intermediate Punishment program for three years, with an additional two years’ probation.

BOLLARDS TO BE INSTALLED NEAR TRADE & TRANSIT

In an effort to remove traffic hazards for pedestrians walking near Pine Square in the Central business district of Williamsport, city council has approved to authorize the installation of bollards or posts to keep cars from parking on the brick paver right-of-way in that part of the Trade and Transit section. According to the Sun Gazette, officials from the city said the removable barriers are the most efficient resolution, since the area is used by delivery drivers and garbage trucks, and allow the fire department to have access. 

NEW BERLIN 4TH OF JULY EVENT CANCELLED

The 4th of July celebration in New Berlin has been cancelled this year.  According to the social media post over the weekend by the New Berlin Activities Committee, the expense of the fireworks along with not enough donations or volunteers for the event has forced the decision. The 54th Annual New Berlin Day  on August 24th is still on track for a great way to close out the summer.  The public is invited to the annual event to enjoy food, crafts, antiques and music at the Commons.

PSP MONTOURSVILLE SEEKING SUSPECT IN BURGLARY

State police in Montoursville are searching for information about a suspect who broke into a home in Hughesville between May 11th and May 18th.  According to PA State Police, a person broke into a home at Bower Lane in Penn Township and stole several items, including a 4 thousand dollar coin collection, tools, a laptop and a trail camera. If you have information please contact PSP Montoursville at 570-368-5700.

BEAVERTOWN MAN ACCUSED OF STRANGLING SISTER

A 38 year old man from Beavertown was arrested after police say he threatened to kill his sister at their Snyder County home Sunday.  According to the Daily Item, Robert E. Thomas Jr allegedly strangled his sister during an argument during which the woman’s young son tried to intervene.  Thomas then went outside and grabbed a garden tool, swinging it, and threatening the woman again.  Thomas was taken into custody and arraigned on charges of strangulation, terroristic threats and simple assault.  He is being held in lieu of $7,500 bail with an upcoming preliminary hearing. 

GROUND BREAKING FOR NEW SOUTHSIDE GOVT. COMPLEX

South Williamsport officials broke ground on the new, state of the art Local Government Center and Community Room last week, a no cost project for the  borough or its residents.  According to the Sun Gazette, the funding total of 12 million dollars comes from federal and state funds, along with funds from the lease with Little League, and a percentage from the Lycoming County Commissioners.  Forty percent of the new building will house local government operations, and the remaining 60% will house a community room for meetings and work sessions, that will double as a venue for the public. The 9000 square foot complex will be technologically advanced with wireless capabilities and a 600 square foot space for outdoor events.

LITTLE LEAGUE PHOTO CONTEST OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS

Little League’s annual summer-long photo contest is accepting submissions through the summer, and the top three winning photos will be submitted in the Professional Baseball Photographer’s Association Photo Contest coming up later this year. According to  Little League International, fans can submit photos telling their Little League story and the ways in which they celebrate  Little League in their communities.  The deadline for submissions is 9pm on August 1st.  For contest submission information, go online to LittleLeague.org/PhotoContest.

SPORTS

PIAA State Championships Baseball
Class 2A Friday 10:30am
Bald Eagle Area vs Tri-Valley  @ Medlar Field, Lubrano Park, State College
PIAA State Championship Softball
Class 2A Friday 11am
South Williamsport vs Neshannock  @ State College 

MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters   4        West Virginia Black Bears   2
Cutters @ home again tonight hosting West Virginia, 6:35pm first pitch

MLB

Guardians 5        Reds 3
Orioles  4            Braves  0
Nationals  5        Tigers  4
Marlins 4            Mets  2
Phillies 4             Red Sox 1
Pirates  2             Cardinals 1
Yankees  10        Royals 1
MLB Tonight
Braves vs Orioles  6:35pm
Guardians vs Reds 7:10pm ESPN+
Rays vs Mets  7:10pm
Phillies vs Red Sox  7:10pm
Pirates  vs Cardinals 7:45pm
Yankees vs Royals  8:10pm

NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 3 Thursday
Florida Panthers vs Edmonton Oilers 8pm ABC

NBA Finals Game 3 Today
Boston @ Dallas 8:30pm ABC  BOS leads 2-0

Competitive Eating News
Joey Chestnut won’t be allowed to compete  in Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest this Fourth of July, and won’t defend the Mustard Belt, due to a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods – a brand that sells meat substitutes. Major League Eating, the organization which sanctions the contest, said he’s welcome back when his sponsorship deal is over.  Chestnut won the competition in 2023, downing 62 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes to earn his 16th Nathan’s title. 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 11

SHOTS FIRED IN SUNBURY

Shots were fired in Sunbury Monday afternoon and police there are investigating.  According to the Daily Item, police say the reports of the gunshots happened around 1:40 p.m. Monday on North 8th and Packer streets, and officers investigated, finding that there had been a prior shooting along Memorial Drive, which was added to the investigation.  Police also say there had been officers serving search warrants earlier Monday near Arch and Julia Streets after a previous domestic and alleged drug incident prompted a search.  Sunbury Police, who were assisted by the Northumberland County Sheriff’s Office, seized firearms and drugs from that home, and are now seeking more information about the incidents that occurred Monday.  If you can help the investigation call Northumberland County 911.

LYCOMING NOT LISTED AS SANCUTARY COUNTY ANYMORE

After much work and collaboration between Lycoming County Commissioners, the county Prison Board and the Center for Immigration Studies, the sanctuary designation of Lycoming County has been removed.  According to the Sun Gazette, Lycoming county was previously listed on the Center for Immigration Studies website as a sanctuary county, but officials recognized that current Lycoming County Policies are no longer supportive of the Center’s previous sanctuary designation, and drafted policy to clarify prison procedures when working with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities.  Details of the sanctuary status of counties, cities and states can be found at https://cis.org/Map-Sanctuary-Cities-Counties-and-States.

A6 INTURDER TO BE DEDICATED SATURDAY

The dedication of the static display of the A6 Intruder aircraft at Lycoming County Veterans Memorial Park will take place this weekend.  According to the Lycoming County Veterans Memorial Park Commission, the featured Attack Squadron Fifty-Five Warhorse became the property of City of Williamsport and the Lycoming County Veterans Memorial Park Commission in October of 2020.  The event will be Saturday at the Veterans Memorial Park on West Fourth Street and Wahoo Drive at 11am, rain or shine with tents provided.

MONTOUR NIGHT OUT THIS WEEK

National Night out is an annual event in August that encourages camaraderie between law enforcement and the community, but Danville will hold Montour Night Out this Wednesday in lieu of an event this summer.  According to the Daily Item, residents cam come out tomorrow to Washies Playground on Foust Street from 5 til 7 and meet first responders including police officers, firefighters and others.  Mahoning Township Police say the event is free to attend and will feature a rock wall, free ice cream, hot dogs and other food, as well as a visit by the National Guard .

7 YEAR OLD BOY HIT BY CAR, MINOR INJURIES

Middleburg Police said a 7 year old boy was struck by a car last Thursday in Beavertown when he failed to stop at an alley intersection, but only suffered minor injuries.  According to the Daily Item, the unidentified child was riding a bike eastbound on Strawberry Alley at about 6pm and was struck by a Beaver Springs woman driving a 2018 GMC when he went through the intersection at Zechman Street.  The child was treated at the scene and then transported to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.  Police said the boy returned home Friday.  No citations were issued in the accident.

RENOVO WOMAN CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF CHILD PORN

A Renovo childcare employee was caught with explicit photographs of children. According to North Central PA dot com, 25 year old Maggie Leigh Strouse was found in possession of child pornography. Investigators received word that Strouse claimed to sell these materials on public platforms, saying that some pictures were of her when she was in her teens. It was also found that Strouse had “childcare” and “outdoor education instructor” clearances although it is unknown if she was employed in these positions. Strouse was arranged last month and will have a preliminary hearing July 1st. Her bail was set at $150,000.

SUSQUEHANNA TRAIL TO CLOSE THIS WEEK UNTIL AUGUST

A portion of Susquehanna Trail will close this Thursday. PennDOT plans to replace the bridge spanning Warrior Run between Schmidt Road and Five Points Road. The work is set to include demolition of the existing bridge, construction of the new culvert, approach work and line painting. A detour is expected to be in place using Reynolds Hill Road and Five Points Road through the beginning of August.

LAUREL FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES HAPPENING THIS WEEK

The 82nd  Laurel Festival is going on this week in Tioga County and will continue through Sunday, June 16th  concluding with the 10:30am Union Church Service on The Green.  According to the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce, the annual festival corresponds with the blooming time of the mountain laurel, and features a free concert with different entertainers each evening this week.  Friday and Saturday, the annual Arts & Crafts Fair will be on the Green with 85 artisans and 25 vendors will be on the International Street of Foods both days. The 2024 Pennsylvania State Laurel Queen will be crowned Saturday evening at Wellsboro HS, after the Laurel Festival Parade which steps off 2pm Saturday afternoon.  Get more Laurel Festival information at wellsboropa.com.

SPORTS

PIAA State Semi-Final Baseball
Class 4A      Holy Ghost Prep  8        Danville 6
Class 5A     Governor Mifflin 7          Selinsgrove 2
Class 2A –  Bald Eagle Area 11                  North Star 3
Class 2A State Championships Friday 10:30am
Bald Eagle Area vs Tri-Valley  @ Medlar Field, Lubrano Park, State College
PIAA State Semi-Final Softball
Class 5A  Thomas Jefferson  9           Central Mountain 8
                 South Williamsport 3  Bald Eagle Area  0
Class 2A State Championship Game  Friday  11am
South Williamsport vs Neshannock  @ State College 
SW’s 1st appearance at States since 2003

MLB
Orioles  5  Rays 2
Yankees 4  Royals  2
Brewers 3  Blue Jays 1
MLB Tonight
Orioles vs Braves  6:35pm
Nationals vs Tigers  6:40pm
Guardians vs Red 7:10pm
Phillies vs Red Sox  7:10pm TBS
Pirates vs Cardinals  7:45pm
Yankees vs Royals 8:10pm

MLB Draft League Tonight
Crosscutters are back home tonight  hosting West Virginia Black Bears – 6:35pm first pitchNHL Stanley Cup Final
Panthers 4  Oilers  1 FLA leads 2-0
NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 3 Thursday
Florida Panthers vs Edmonton Oilers 8pm ABC

NBA Finals Game 3 Tomorrow
Boston @ Dallas 8:30pm ABC  BOS leads 2-0

Upcoming

Sep 22

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