BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 12, 2019

MAN FLEES POLICE, CRASHES VEHICLE, FLEES AGAIN
A Williamsport man ran from an accident scene after he fled from police and crashed his car following an officer’s request to search his vehicle for suspicion of marijuana.  Twenty seven year old Earl Taylor of Cherry Street, was stopped by police, who suspected Taylor of smoking the drug in the parking lot of the River Valley Regional YMCA.  Taylor then fled the interview in his 2001 Chrysler Voyager van, crashing into a utility pole a few blocks away.  Taylor then exited the van and ran from the accident scene.  Police captured Taylor in a nearby alley after 6pm Wednesday night and found him with almost 24 grams of marijuana.  Police took Taylor to UPMC Susquehanna for treatment, then to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 75 thousand dollars bail.

PENN TOWNSHIP MAN ARRESTED IN DOMESTIC INCIDENT
A domestic dispute has landed a Penn Township man in jail.  Selinsgrove state police say that 41 year old Joseph Loduca assaulted and threatened a female victim at a home along Devon Court at 5:30 pm Tuesday.  Loduca was taken into custody and arraigned on the charges.  He is in Snyder County Prison on 75 thousand dollars straight bail.

JEWELRY, CASH STOLEN IN HOME ROBBERY
Police say they are investigating an incident at a home in Snyder County in which a burglar broke in to the home and stole cash and jewelry worth over 6 thousand dollars.  Selinsgrove State Police told WKOK that the robbery occurred June 22nd at a house on Penn Street in Center Township.  Items stolen include wedding rings and over 4 thousand dollars in cash.  The investigation is ongoing.

STORMWATER FEES COULD CHANGE IN BOROUGH
Residents in  the South Williamsport Borough may be the first local area to adopt fee-based revenue instead of tax-based for stormwater usage through the Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette reports that the borough will adopt a four tier fee chart which is dependent on average amount of acreage owned by residents there.  The authority says they are working on creating a system of reporting and regulation that will adhere to the Chesapeake Bay Pollution Reduction Plan.

CODE VIOLATIONS RAMPANT IN CITY
Code violations in the City of Williamsport for overgrown lawns and garbage at the curb are numerous, according to the city codes administrator, Joseph Gerardi.  According to the Sun Gazette, Gerardi says there it’s the worst year for grass and weeds with the heat and wet weather and some residents also ignore the code restrictions.  Authorities are struggling to keep up with the violations in the city with only 4 code enforcement officers to dole out the warnings.  A property owner can be charged up to 2 thousand dollars per code violation.

LOCAL VO-TECH GETS SURPRISE GRANT
State Senator John Gordner of Berwick and Representative David Millard of Millville presented a million dollar grant to Columbia Montour Area Vo-Tech School in Bloomsburg on Wednesday.  WKOK reports that the funds are from the state Department of Community and Economic Development and will help the school add workshop space, allow more students to be enrolled, and provide local employment.  The surprise grant will boost the funding for the already planned expansion at the school.

TWO DISORDERS ADDED TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA LIST
Two disorders have been added to the conditions that can qualify people to obtain medical Marijuana according to the Pennsylvania Health Department.  Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine says the recommendation to include anxiety disorders and Tourette’s syndrome to the list came from the state Medical Marijuana Advisory board and physicians will be able to include it with other therapeutic approaches beginning July 20th.  Over 110 thousand state residents are certified to use the medical marijuana program.

MILTON TEEN SPEAKS TO CONGRESS
A Milton teen has traveled to Washington DC to speak to Congress to advocate for juvenile diabetes recently.  WNEP reports that 16 year old Adriana Richard was chosen out of 1000 other kids with diabetes to speak about her experiences.  The Milton High School senior who wrote a book about the disease, joined other students in the nation’s capital as part of the Children’s Congress in conjunction with Senator Bob Casey’s bill to cover costs for most children with type 1 diabetes.

 

Sports

Major League Baseball
Rangers over the Astros 5-nothing

Wimbledon Women’s Tennis Singles
American Serena Williams defeated Czech Republic’s Barbora Strycova 6-1, 6-2
Romania’s Simona Halep defeated Czech Republic’s Elina Svitolina  6-1, 6-3

NY Penn League
Williamsport Crosscutters beat the Vermont Lake Monsters 3-2

9-11 Softball
Loyalsock defeats Jersey Shore 17-7 for the District 12 Title

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 11, 2019

APARTMENT FIRE SET INTENTIONALLY
A Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal determined that a fire that began in a Muncy apartment early Wednesday morning was intentionally set.  All the tenants escaped serious injury when they were alerted by smoke alarms and evacuated their 4-unit building on Water Street at about 3:30am.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette reports that the tenant, who lived where the fire was determined to be originated, was evaluated at Muncy Valley Hospital.  No charges have been filed, but an investigation is ongoing.

POLICE SEEK HIT AND RUN SUSPECT
Police are searching for the driver of a vehicle who had an accident in a construction zone on EB I-180 around 5pm on Sunday, June 28th and then fled the scene.  The vehicle, believed to be a blue Chevy or GM should have damage to its left and front sides after striking a traffic sign and several pylons, and spinning out in the construction zone.  Police say the vehicle went off the roadway on EB I-180 near Pennsdale. If you have information about the incident, please call State Police.

VACANT BUILDING HAS NEW PURPOSE
The vacant Weis Market building on West Third Street in Williamsport is about to be repurposed.  City officials say there will be a future plasma donation center on the site, but no information has been released about when that facility will open.  The empty building, which recently went through a real estate assessment, will benefit the city once it’s ready for opening due to the business being returned to the tax rolls according to the Sun Gazette.

BOTCHED BID PROCESS CAUSES CALLS FOR REBIDDING
Confusion during the bid process for construction improvements at City Hall has forced the City Council to rebid the project including elevator modifications, a front door ramp and security upgrades. According to the Sun Gazette, the need for elevator modifications were pending an inspection of the car, which it recently passed.  Several contractors bid wildly different after confusion interpreting what parts of the project were the base-bid and which parts were add-alternate bids.  The 3-fold project will be re-bid and council will review the costs estimated to total close to 650 thousand dollars.

SHOTS FIRED OUTSIDE HOME
A man allegedly fired a gun toward a home in Lairdsville Sunday and police have taken him into custody.  Central PA dot com reports that 56 year old Randy Swank of Benton was charged with 2 counts of aggravated assault, terroristic threats, reckless endangerment and other charges after he was found on the scene at the 1200 block of Funston Road in Franklin Township where shots were reported.  Swank is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 25 thousand dollars bail and will face District Magistrate John E Kemp in Muncy tomorrow.

BROADBAND FEASIBILITY DISCUSSED
There was a public meeting Wednesday on the feasibility of bringing high speed broadband internet to rural areas of Lycoming, Union, Clinton and Northumberland Counties.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette reports about 35 residents attended the Lycoming County  Commissioner’s meeting in which broadband experts shared the importance of high speed internet in areas where attracting industry and business growth is so essential.  An 80 thousand dollar study funded by Appalachian Regional Study including  matching funds from the four counties will determine where connection is most critical.  Another public meeting about rural broadband options is expected to be held in August.

2 ALARM FIRE IN SHAMOKIN
There was a late night fire in Shamokin Tuesday, according to Northumberland County Communications.  WKOK reports that volunteer firefighters responded to a call about a fire at an apartment complex at the intersection of East Lincoln and North Liberty Streets.  A second alarm was called just after 11pm.  Witnesses say flames were shooting through the roof at the structure when emergency crews arrived.  No injuries were reported.

BOND ISSUE ALLOWS GEISINGER TO IMPROVE CAMPUSES
The improvements to several campuses of Geisinger Medical Center have been approved after massive bond issues were addressed this week.  For now, about 470 thousand dollars of bond money will go toward upgrades to urgent care, intensive care and emergency departments at Geisinger’s Danville Campus and about 50 thousand dollars will be put toward improvements on their Shamokin campus.  WKOK reports that Geisinger locations in Centre, Mifflin and other counties are also on track for upgrades, but each county must approve the local funding.

Sports

NY Penn League

Lake Monsters over the Crosscutters 11-2

Major Softball State Tournament

South Williampsort defeated Back Mountain 10-nothing in 5 innings.

Wimbledon Men’s Tennis Singles

Spain’s Rafael Nadal defeated American Sam Querry 7-5,6-2,6-2

Switzerland’s Roger Federer defeated Japan’s Kei Nishikori 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 10, 2019

SUSPECT IN 2016 CRIME SURRENDERS TO AUTHORITIES
A city man has come forward to turn himself in for his involvement in the murder of 27 year-old Christopher Wilkins of Williamsport in 2016.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette reports that Jamal Brown was arraigned yesterday in district court on murder and conspiracy charges. Brown is the fourth person involved in this homicide to be charged in the case.  Police say Wilkins was shot at his home in the Park Avenue neighborhood after the suspects went there to rob him for drug money.

DRUG BUST LEADS TO LARGE CASH SIEZURE
The arrest of a Williamsport couple last week has led police to uncover about 250 thousand dollars-worth of drugs and over 175 thousand dollars in drug money.  Corey Blee and his girlfriend, Heather Longo of West Southern Avenue were charged with felony drug counts and jailed last week according to the Sun Gazette.  Now the Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit reports that the drugs and money could be one of the largest cash seizures in the county’s history, and is allegedly directly related to the operation Blee and Longo were running.  Police say Longo sold drugs to undercover officers several times between May 7th and July 2nd.

THREE-VEHICLE WRECK SHUTS DOWN STATE HIGHWAY
Route 11-15 was closed yesterday for about 4 hours causing major delays in Shamokin Dam, Northumberland and Hummels Wharf after a tractor trailer rear-ended a stopped car causing it to collide with another truck stopped at the same traffic light around 11am.  Sixty-six year old John Wendt of Selinsgrove was stopped at the intersection of Route 11-15 and Baldwin Boulevard in Shamokin Dam and was struck from behind by a truck driven by 59 year-old Charles Bussard of Maryland.  WKOK reports the collision caused Wendt to collide with the truck driven by 52 year old Corey Meeks of Virginia who was in front of him.  Wendt was pronounced dead at the scene according to State Police.  The two truck drivers were treated for minor injuries.  No charges have been filed.

NEW HIRES AT MONTOURSVILLE SCHOOLS
The Montoursville Area School board met this week, and have approved several new hires.  Dr. Amy Breon, who taught in the Bellefonte Area School district and served IU 17 in recent years as an educational consultant, was approved as an assistant elementary principle in a 5-3 vote.  Steven Alexander, from the Jersey Shore area schools was approved in an 8-zero vote as the new Montoursville Area School District athletic director and phys-ed teacher.

ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY TURNS 30
Pennsylvanians have been collecting litter on the states roadways for 30 years.  The state’s Adopt a Highway program was introduced in 1989 and has almost 5000 volunteer groups participating now over 10 thousand miles of state-maintained roads.  PennDOT said in a press release that over 5 million dollars has been saved which can go toward maintaining the highways instead of clean-up efforts.  PennDOT also introduced a program called “Adopt and Beautify” in which clean-up volunteers can also add landscaping and gardens to the roads, interchanges and traffic islands under a 2 year commitment.

WOLF ASKS FOR BOND FOR VOTING MACHINES

Ahead of the 2020 election, Governor Tom Wolf has ordered a bond issue that will help pay for new voting machines in Pennsylvania.  Federal authorities warned several states, including Pennsylvania, that the current voting machines were a target for Russian hackers during the 2016 Presidential election.  The proposed bond would reimburse counties 60 percent of the cost of the new machines which would have a more auditable paper trail.  Approval from a state economic development agency is required before Wolf can replace the almost 25 thousand machines in the state.

WATER QUALITY DISCUSSED IN CLINTON COUNTY
Clinton County commissioners met this week in Lock Haven and discussed the results of a water quality test that met almost all of the drinking water standards, according to the Williamsport Sun Gazette.  Clinton County commissioners heard from authorities who stated that 57 of the 54 wells tested showed high levels of coliform bacteria, which won’t cause illness, but is a red flag for potential disease-causing organisms in the future.  Clinton County authorities say that they’ve tested the ground water in the most extreme wet conditions this season, and well-owners should consider installing UV lights that can help remove bacteria from well-water.

STATEWIDE PHONE SCAM
US Marshalls in the Middle District of PA have released a statement that warns the public of a phone scam known as neighbor spoofing.  WKOK reports that a scammer will use technology to show a fake number,likely a government authority number, then they will scare the victim by saying they are in jeopardy of being arrested for missing jury duty or other offenses, but can take care of it over the phone with a payment.  Police say if you have been a victim of this scam, contact your local FBI office and the Federal Trade Commission.

LYCOMING COUNTY FAIR BEGINS THIS WEEK
The 149th Lycoming County Fair starts tomorrow and will be open 10a til 10pm every day through July 20th.  Fair officials say that visitors can enjoy 150 to 175 outdoor vendors and over 50 vendors inside, as well as tractor pulls, demolition derbies and fireworks through the 10-day fair.  Today is the Lycoming County Fair Preview day, with gates opening at 4pm.  Authorities say the fair helps boost the local economy and they look forward to seeing you there this year.

Sports

Major League Baseball
It was the American League over the National League last night in Cleveland 4-3.

Wimbledon Women’s Tennis Quarterfinals
Serena Williams defeated fellow American Alison Riske 6-4, 4-6, 6-3

NY-Penn League
Williamsport Crosscutters over the Mahoning Valley Scrappers 6-5

District 12 Junior Baseball Tournament
Keystone over Loyalsock 11-6

Pennsylvania Major Softball Tournament
South Williamsport defeated Indiana 9-8

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 9, 2019

HOUSE FIRE CLOSES ROADS

Several local hose companies responded to a house fire in Mifflinburg Monday which closed some roads there for several hours.  The Mifflinburg Hose Company reports through social media that Chestnut Street and Forest Hill Road were closed while volunteer firefighters worked on the house fire that began around 8am.  All lanes are open again today and no injuries were reported.

FORMER LAWYER PLEADS GUILTY TO CHILD PORN CHARGES

A man from Lycoming County has pleaded guilty in a child pornography case.  Sixty-six year old James Protasio faces a state prison term of 36 to 96 months for the 11 counts against him.  Police told the Williamsport Sun Gazette that they found pornographic images of children on a computer in Protasio’s residence in May of 2010.  The former Lycoming County lawyer represented himself in court and will undergo an evaluation with the state sexual offenders assessment board to determine his classification as a sexual predator.

POLICE CHIEF URGES RESIDENTS TO LOCK CARS

At the Williamsport Borough Council meeting last night, the chief of police stressed the need for residents to lock their vehicles.  A rash of vehicle robberies recently in South Williamsport have occurred with no evidence of forced entry into the cars.  Police are working on identifying the suspects in the alleged robberies that have occurred in DuBoistown, Williamsport and the borough.

SELINSGROVE PLAYGROUND VANDALIZED

There’s been some vandalism reported at the soon to open All Inclusive Playground at East Snyder Park in Selinsgrove.  The playground, built to address the needs of those with disabilities and service dogs, was vandalized over the weekend according to a volunteer.  Some say the damage might just be sloppy parking near the newly seeded ground.  All the damage is reportedly repairable.  WKOK reports that the Andy Russell Charitable Foundation provided the funding for the facility in the East Penn Township recreation area – about 600 thousand dollars.

LIVING ROOM FIRE DISPLACES FAMILY

Four people were displaced after an electrical outlet caught fire in the living room of the house in Williamsport.  A neighbor saw smoke coming from the home at 527 Wolf Place and called emergency crews around 11 am yesterday.  According to the Sun Gazette, the landlord, Derreck Cimini, was aware that the family was having electrical issues in the home.   Lycoming County Fire authorities said the fire did about one thousand dollars damage. A Williamsport couple and their two toddlers are able to stay with family members

ANONYMOUS REPORTING LAW STRENGTHENS STUDENT OPTIONS

Lawmakers in our state have strengthened a law to help students in Pennsylvania feel safer while on university campuses here.  The “It’s On Us” campaign requires PA’s colleges and universities to develop online anonymous reporting systems for complaints from students and employees about sexual assault, and the law will also excuse victims from their violation of any conduct or drug policies.  Administrators say anonymous reporting of assault is a faster way to get a snapshot of actual abuse on campuses, allowing authorities to act quicker and solve the problems they face.

BRIDGE TO CLOSE WEDNESDAY

PennDOT will close the Veteran’s Bridge over the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Lock Haven Wednesday to test the floodgate system there, weather permitting.  Crews will close Route 664/ Jay Street during daylight hours and there will be message boards in place to alert drivers to new additions to local detours.  Motorists who use Paul Mack Boulevard there are encouraged to use Church Street instead of Jay Street or Water Street.  Crews will work Thursday this week if weather keeps the tests from being completed.

FALLINGWATER DESIGNATED WORLD HERITAGE SITE

If you’re a Frank Lloyd Wright fan and a Pennsylvanian, then the latest news that Fallingwater in Mill Run has gained the lofty status as a World Heritage Site is good news.  Fallingwater was designed in 1935 by Wright who is widely considered the greatest architect of the 20th century. The home was built over a 30 foot waterfall and shows Wright’s philosophy, the harmonious union of art and nature.  In October 1963, Fallingwater, its collections and 469 acres of surrounding natural land were entrusted to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, which continues to own, operate and preserve Fallingwater.  PA’s other World Heritage site is Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

Sports

Major League Baseball

In the Home Run Derby last night, the Met’s rookie Pete Alonso outlasted Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to the final round and collected the million dollars. Alonso will play tonight in the All Star Game.

NY Penn League

Mahoning Valley Scrappers defeated the Williamsport Crosscutters 4-nothing
in Game 1 of the doubleheader – and in Game 2 Crosscutters over the Scrappers 3-nothing

9-11 Softball

Loyalsock 17 Jersey Shore nothing in 4 innings

Wimbledon
Women’s Singles – Romania’s Simona Halep defeated US’s Coco Gauff in the 4th Round yesterday 6-3, 6-3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 8, 2019

STORMS BRING DOWN TREE, CAUSES FATALITY

Saturday’s storms that moved through Clinton County, brought down a tree and killed a man from Parkesburg who was visiting there.  Forty year old Elmer Stoltzfus was on a kayaking trip at Sproul State Forest in Clinton Township when the tree fell on Stoltzfus during the thunderstorm around 4pm.  Police told the Williamsport Sun Gazette that Stoltzfus was the only person involved in the incident that happened about 10 miles from Renovo.

FUEL OIL SPILL IN JERSEY SHORE

An oil spill during a demolition project in Jersey Shore sparked a clean-up Sunday.  Officials from the Independent Hose Company told the Williamsport Sun Gazette that fuel oil spilled from a tank at a residence that was being torn down along South Main Street.  About 200 gallons spilled, but there was no contamination of the public storm water since emergency crews blocked the public drains.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS GO TO WASHINGTON

Lycoming County Commissioners are heading to Washington DC this week to ask the federal government to award a grant for the levee project along Lycoming Creek near Bowman field.  The levee is on the Army Corps of Engineer’s list of potential projects and the final 4.2 million dollar grant application will go through the US Economic Development Administration.  The entire cost of the project could be close to 16 million dollars.  The county previously received preapproval for the grant after federal officials noted that the county had done due diligence securing private and public funds for the project.

BRIDGE INSPECTION TUESDAY IN MONTOURSVILLE

Montoursville can expect some road construction and activity this week on area roads.  There will be lane shifts along the Broad Street steel truss bridge over Loyalsock Creek in the borough.  A contractor is scheduled to inspect the bridge during the day tomorrow along Route 2014.

COAL TRUCK OVERTURNS

Route 225 in Jackson Township was blocked for most of the day Friday after a coal truck overturned just after 11am according to PA State police.  Anthony Zulkowski of Shamokin was driving the vehicle when he lost control and overturned in the roadway – blocking both directions near Dauva Luch Road in Northumberland County. Zulkowski was wearing a seatbelt and was treated for minor injuries Police are investigating the crash.

FIVE PEOPLE RESCUED FROM ISLAND

Emergency crews from Selinsgrove, Shamokin Dam and others responded to 5 people trapped on a small island along Penns Creek late Sunday.  Three adults and two juveniles were rescued just south of the Kratzerville Bridge after they were unable to get back to the river bank.  WKOK reports that there was no injuries but also no reports on why the five were trapped on the island.

SUNBURY CHILD ESCAPES ABDUCTION ATTEMPT

Two men in a small blue pickup truck are being sought by police after a woman from Sunbury said they attempted to abduct her granddaughter.  Sunbury police responded to the incident along Catawissa Avenue in which a ten year old girl was approached by a man with dark hair and a blonde beard around 4:30 pm Friday. After the girl ran back toward her home, WKOK reports the suspects drove on Race Street in an unknown direction.  If you have information about this incident please call Northumberland County Communications .

FLOODING, LANDSLIDES IN WOODWARD TOWNSHIP

A few counties in the Susquehanna valley are under a flood watch this morning, but over the weekend, but some fast rain happened Saturday which caused landslides and major flooding of some tributaries around the Old Lycoming Township area near Woodward Township.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette reports that some floodwater cut off homes completely on Beauty’s Run Road around 6pm, causing Old Lycoming Township Fire Company to respond with rescue boats.  Crews also responded to a landslide along East Emery Church Road.  No injuries were reported.

Sports

Major League Baseball

Blue Jays beat the Orioles 6-1, Red Sox bumped the Tigers 6-3, Rays beat the Yankees 2-1, Phillies thumped the Mets 8-3, Indians slammed the Reds 11-1, Braves beat the Marlins 4-3,  Nationals over the Royals 5-2, Pirates beat the Brewers 6-5, Astros beat the Angels 11-10, White Sox flicked the Cubs 3-1, Rangers over the Twins 4-1,  Giants blanked the Cardinals 1-nothing, Diamondbacks beat the Rockies 5-3, Padres over the Dodgers 5-3, A’s beat the Mariners 7-4.

Section 3 Major Softball Championship (Saturday)
South Williamsport defeated Troy 16-3 (in 4 innings) advancing to states to play the Section 4 Champ this Tuesday at Plymouth Meeting near Philadelphia.

NASCAR
20 year-old Indiana native Justin Haley got his first career win at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona Saturday, after a 17 car wreck cleared the field and rain delays held up the race.

US World Cup Women’s Soccer – US beat Netherlands 2-nothing Sunday winning their 4th World Cup title.

Wimbledon Women’s Singles Tennis –US’s Coco Gauff defeats Slovenia’s Polona Herzog 3-6, 7-6, 7-5 and moves on to today’s Round of 16.

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Official Contest Rules

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 5, 2019

WOMAN CHARGED AFTER DOMESTIC INCIDENT

A Watsontown woman has been charged with assault and reckless endangerment after she was arrested during a domestic violence incident Monday.  37 year old Jaime Gledhill allegedly struck a victim on the head with an object causing injury. WKOK reports the victim was treated at Evangelical Community Hospital.  Gledhill was originally taken to Columbia County Prison on two other bench warrants.

TWO BODIES PULLED FROM RIVER, CHILD ABANDONED

A Pennsylvania couple was found dead in a Philadelphia river and the man’s 5 year old child was found abandoned in nearby car.  Police pulled a woman’s body from the Delaware River around 6:30am yesterday morning, then discovered the car with the child inside.  The child, who said she was with her father, was transported to a children’s hospital near Philadelphia.  Fox news reported police originally couldn’t find the father but a man’s body, later determined to be the father of the child, was pulled from the river about 5 hours later.  Police say the investigation continues today.

LEWISBURG RAIL TRAIL UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

The former Buffalo Valley Rail Trail is under new management and is operating as the Union County Trail Authority in Lewisburg.  John Showers, a Union County Commissioner, says the authority’s first priority is catching up on maintenance of the nine mile path between Lewisburg and Mifflinburg.  They will cut back brush and clear dead trees as well as start trail improvements.

DOE TAG APPLICATIONS DUE

Hunters should be aware that their doe tag application should be sent to the PA Game Commission by Monday, July 8th in the special pink envelope.  Pennsylvania residents can only submit one application per hunter per round, but up to three applicants can use one envelope.  Antlerless deer license availability in the wildlife management units of Lycoming County is in excess of 50 thousand.

MARIJUANA SEIZED IN SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT

The Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit says they seized a large amount of marijuana and suspected drug money from a South Williamsport couple’s home on Wednesday this week.  Forty year old Corey Blee and 37 year old Heather Longo allegedly sold drugs to undercover officers a few times in the past months according to the Sun Gazette.  Both were jailed in lieu of 250 thousand dollars bail and are facing various drug charges, including possession with intent to deliver.

HEAD-ON COLLISION ON ROUTE 220

There’s been another accident along Route 220 across from Henry’s BBQ.  A head-on collision involving a silver Toyota and a black Ford Focus happened around 8pm Thursday night.  Police say the Ford traveling northbound on 220, turned in front of the Toyota van that was heading southbound and was sent over the median and into a ditch.  The driver of the Ford was treated at UPMC Susquehanna with injuries.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette says they are in stable condition, but no word on the condition of the driver of the van.

BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT CONTINUES IN JULY

A bridge replacement project continues in Snyder County.  PennDOT says the bridge project, on Middle Road between Gameland Road and Ritter Ridge road in Adams township, will begin with tree removal and overhead utility relocations.  A contractor will set the new reinforced concrete slab bridge in late July.  A detour is in place using Troxelville Road and Decker Road.

FOURTH OF JULY FUN THREATENED BY RAIN, BUT SPARED

Downtown Williamsport avoided serious rain and storms last night when one system threatened the Fourth of July festivities around 7pm – but we were passed over.  No official count on how many people attended the 24th Annual Set the night to music event, but there were no reported incidents according to police among the thousands of people in the crowds and the actual fireworks over the Susquehanna River went off without a hitch.

Sports

Major League baseball

Nationals beat the Marlins 5-2, Indians over the Royals 8-4, Tigers thumped the White Sox 11-5,  Reds blanked the Brewers 1-nothing, Cubs over the Pirates 11-3,  A’s bumped the Twins 7-2, Cardinals over the Mariners 5-4, Yankees over the Rays 8-4, Braves routed the Phillies 12-6, Red Sox got one over the Blue Jays 8-7,  Rangers beat the Angels 9-3,  Dodgers over the Padres 5-1.

NY Penn League

WV Black Bears beat the Crosscutters 6-2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 4, 2019

NO ANIMAL CRUELTY FOUND AT DAIRY FARM

State Troopers in Northumberland County have determined that there is no animal cruelty taking place at a Shamokin Dairy Farm.  Police, along with a veterinarian, toured the Reitz Dairy Farm, and interviewed the farmers and did not find any evidence that supports the claims of cruelty to animals.  Animal activists from the group PETA covertly worked at the facility and made videos of the alleged incidents. No charges will be filed.

DROWNING VICTIM IDENTIFIED

Police have released the name of the woman who was found in a pool at a home  off of Route 14 in Trout Run.  The Lycoming County Coroner Charles Kiessling told the Sun Gazette that 54 year old Kellie L. Hill of Trout Run is the victim of an apparent drowning that occurred at her home June 27th.  An autopsy was performed but Kiessling says he’s waiting for toxicology test results to release more details.

HIGH SPEED INTERNET COMING TO RURAL AREAS OF PA

Legislators have approved the funding that brings us a step closer to high speed internet in the more rural areas of Susquehanna Valley.  Representatives in Lycoming-Union and Juniata-Mifflin-Franklin counties have provided 300 thousand dollars of a state budget allocation ,to partner with Internet Service providers to spearhead the rural broadband initiative.  The first step is to assess the current assets and infrastructure and then identify the most urgent needs.  ISPs can then apply for funding to offset costs of broadband infrastructure projects.

FLASH FLOODS STRETCH LOCAL RESOURCES

The rain, storms and flash flooding that we saw this week in some areas of Williamsport caused more work for city crews and electrical issues for some offices at City Hall.  City officials told the Williamsport Sun Gazette that the city’s pipes, which were built in the 1950s, are too small to handle the large volume of water we’ve seen.  Council members must also address the funding to pay overtime costs for stretched work crews who have to clear the debris from catch basins.  The national weather service said 1.86 inches of rain fell Tuesday afternoon in Williamsport.

LOITERING SUSPECT LEFT BLOODY FOOTPRINTS

State Police in Montoursville are searching for an individual accused of loitering in Muncy after they found bloody foot prints along the ground in a borough neighborhood.  Officials told north central PA dot com that a suspect sustained an injury around 2am on June 29th and walked along the 300 block of South Main Street in Muncy bleeding from their right foot.  The tracks go between parked cars to porches of homes, however there are no reports of damage or theft of property.  If you have information about this case, call PA State Police.

WATSONTOWN WOMAN CHARGED WITH HARRASSMENT

Police have filed charges against a Watsontown woman for harassment.  WKOK reports that Desiree Fahey of Watsontown was involved in a domestic incident that happened along the 100 block of East Fourth Street last Friday.  Police say Fahey shoved the victim – charges were filed in district court.

NO ARMED TEACHERS IN PA SCHOOLS

Governor Tom Wolf signed legislation Tuesday that will allow schools in PA to have armed security officers in school buildings, but will not have armed teachers.  According to Penn Live, the bill – sponsored by Senator Mike Regan of Cumberland County clarifies the details on resource officers’ roles and authority to carry firearms.  Regan says there is also a requirement for all security personnel, whether armed or not, to have the critical training on how to work alongside students in a school setting.

MORE PEOPLE ARE DRIVING FOR THE FOURTH

Triple A reports that we may see a larger volume of traffic for the holiday.  Officials from the agency in South Williamsport say that on average, almost 5 percent more people are driving to 4th of July destinations this year with Sunday being the heaviest travel day of the weekend.  PennDOT told the Sun Gazette that motorists will see some short distance lane closures on I-180 in Muncy, but no work crews will be in those zones.

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

NY-Penn League
Scrappers over the Crosscutters last night 2-nothing

Major Baseball
Loyalsock beat Montoursville 2-nothing

Women’s World Cup Soccer Netherlands beat Sweden 1-nothing – Setting up the Championship match with the United States Sunday at 11am.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 3, 2019

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY TEEN DIES IN ATV CRASH

A Northumberland County girl died in an accident in Line Mountain involving an ATV and a car Monday night around 6:30pm.  16 year-old Olivia Laudenslager of Pitman died when the ATV on which she was a passenger, turned left onto Schwaben Creek Road from Route 147 and was hit by another vehicle.  The operator of the ATV was flown to Geisinger with unknown injuries, according to WKOK.  Laudenslager was not wearing a helmet during the crash.  State Police have not released any more details, but have ruled the death an accident.

PA FARMERS TO GET HELP WITH FINANCES, COMPLIANCE

Governor Wolf signed legislation into law this week that provides financial and technical assistance to farmers in Pennsylvania.  The Conservation Excellence Grant Program administered by the State Conservation Commission will help alleviate the financial burdens placed farmers, and help them comply with existing federal and state mandates. Senate Bill 634 was a component of the “Farming First” package representing efforts of Senate Republicans to support Pennsylvania’s top agriculture status.

HEALTH CARE COSTS IN PA COULD COME DOWN

A bill to lower health care cost for Pennsylvanians was signed into law yesterday.  Leaders from both sides of the aisle agreed that a state-based health insurance exchange and reinsurance program join in the savings of at least a dozen other states with their own exchanges.  The state exchange makes no changes to the requirements, pre-existing conditions or any other enrollment requirements that exist at the federal level Currently, more than 400,000 Pennsylvanians buy their health insurance through healthcare.gov

GEISINGER AWARDED MENTAL HEALTH STUDY GRANT

The National Institute of Mental Health has awarded a local hospital with a 5 year, 8.5 million dollar grant to study how genetics plays a role in mental health.  Geisinger Medical Center in Danville will join two university partners to study the genetics of autism, schizophrenia and bipolar disorders.

EVERYONE CAN FISH FOR FREE THIS THURSDAY

The PA Fish and Boat Commission is hosting the second of its’ Fish For Free Days this Thursday, July 4th.  Residents and non-residents are eligible to take part in the free day as long as all local fishing regulations are followed along Pennsylvania’s waterways.

POLICE SEARCH FOR MOBILE SHOOTER

Police are investigating a shooting that occurred this past weekend around the I-180 interchange in Williamsport.  State police report that someone was driving a dark sedan east on I-180, and exited on Faxon. They may have fired a semi-automatic 9mm handgun around 2:30am from the vehicle.  The sun Gazette said that there were no injuries reported.  If you  have information about the shooting call state police.

COOKING FIRE IN DUBOISTOWN DISPLACES FIVE PEOPLE

There’s been another fire started by unattended cooking.  Firefighters were called to a fire on Gordon Street in Duboistown  that spread throughout the kitchen of the home.  When emergency crews arrive the first rescued a dog from the basement of the home and then put out the fire which the sun gazette reports caused close to 20 thousand dollars-worth of damage.  The 5 people displaced from the house are staying with relatives.

CITY MEETINGS CANCELLED FOR HOLIDAY WEEK

City Council meetings dealing with finance, public works and safety, were not held  this week due to the holiday, and more public meetings have been cancelled for the remainder of the week.  The Sun Gazette reports that City Council for tonight has been cancelled as well as the police pension board meeting scheduled for this evening.

SNOW DAYS OFF COULD BE A THING OF THE PAST

Governor Wolf has signed a bill yesterday that will allow Pennsylvania schools flexible instruction days, to use for closures due to weather, building repairs or threats made to schools – to be called “Cyber-School Days”.  This will allow schools to avoid delaying the end of the year for snow make up days.  For families planning vacations, this could be a positive – not so much for people who love snow days off.

MUNCY BOROUGH COUNCIL TO DISCUSS ORDINANCE CHANGES

The Muncy Borough Council has moved to waive a demolition permit and public hearing for the demolition of a shed on E. Mechanics Street there following a resident’s complaint.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette says the council and other zoning officials have made plans to review and change the ordinance that requires this permit process in the borough.  The shed, which was in disrepair, was to be torn down by the owner to move it from a flood zone.

Sports

Major League Baseball

Nationals beat the Marlins 3-2, Pirates thumped the Cubs 5-1, Red Sox slammed the Blue Jays 10-6,  Rays flew past the Orioles 6-3, Mets beat the Yankees 4-2, Reds slid past the Brewers 5-4,  Phillies shut out the Braves 2-nothing, Angels beat the Rangers 9-4, Astros bumped the Rockies 9-8, Indians over Royals 9-5, A’s beat the Twins 8-6, Dodgers flicked the Diamondbacks 5-4, Giants beat the Padres 10-4, Mariners over the Cardinals 5-4, White Sox Tigers have been postponed.

NY-Penn League

Scrappers beat the Crosscutters 7-nothing

Major Softball

South Williamsport over Berwick 10- nothing

Minor Softball District 12 Championship Clinton over Hepburn 17-1 in 3 innings

Women’s World Cup Soccer US beats England in the Semi-finals 2-1

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