BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 2, 2019

MAN FACES FELONY THEFT CHARGES

Charges have been filed against a man who admitted he stole money from a Loyalsock Township homeowner’s association.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette reports that 28 year old Ryan Workman, who offered to help out to a family member who was the treasurer for the Homewood Oaks Townhouse Association, wrote checks to himself in excess of 40 thousand dollars since January of 2017.  Workman was arraigned Monday on several felony theft charges and charges of forgery and record tampering.  He was released on 25 thousand dollars bail.

SHAMOKIN FARM ACCUSED OF CRUELTY

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals – or PETA have accused a Shamokin farm of animal cruelty – the same farm charged and tried almost ten years ago and found not guilty.  According to WKOK, PETA operatives gained employment on Lloyd Reitz Sr’s farm and videotaped the alleged maltreatment.  State Police have opened a new investigation.

GAS PRICES RISE

Gas prices have apparently gone up in our area.  The national average of a gallon of gas has gone up about 4 cents this week, and that has been reflected in Pennsylvania prices, too.  According to Gasbuddy dot com, prices are up seven cents in the Susquehanna Valley;  $2.91 in Northumberland and Lycoming Counties, up to 2.99 in Tioga County, $2.87 in Snyder, and $2.82 in Union and Montour counties.

CREWS WORK TO CLEAR DEBRIS

Thank a crewmember of the City Streets and Parks Department today.  After Saturday’s severe storms in Williamsport, which had a reported wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour, crews were left to clear trees that came down and remove debris from storm drains yesterday, concurrently preparing for the 4th of July Set the Night to Music Fireworks Extravaganza coming up this Thursday. The Sun Gazette reports that city crews will clear downed tree debris in the street or from the berm from residential areas next week.

STATE POLICE FIND MISSING MUNCY WOMAN

A young woman who walked away from the Ashley Manor Facility on June 6th has been found.  State Police in Montoursville were investigating the whereabouts of 15 year-old Destiny Pugh after she disappeared from the CYS facility in Muncy last month.  Police say Pugh was known to frequent the Gettysburg area of the state.  In a press release, State police in Chambersburg say Pugh has been found safe and returned to the Child Youth Services facility in Franklin County.

VEHICLE EMISSIONS TESTING COULD BE OVER

Mandated vehicle emission testing may end in several areas of Pennsylvania including Lycoming County, according to the Sun Gazette.  State Senator Gene Yaw of Loyalsock Township joined other officials in the Senate in voting 27-23 in favor of removing the outdated emissions testing program. Those in favor of the legislation say new vehicle technologies make the testing illogical and only a small percentage of vehicles fail the testing in the 25 counties where it is still required.

NEW LAW CLEARS RECORDS OF LOW LEVEL OFFENDERS

Pennsylvania Courts have begun automatically sealing more than 30 million criminal records as a result of the Commonwealth’s first-in-the-nation Clean Slate Act.  In a press conference yesterday, Governor Tom Wolf and other lawmakers announced the program as a way to promote criminal justice reform and offer second chances to those with low-level offenses.  Each month, 2.5 million Pennsylvanians who’ve who had charges dropped, were found not guilty or convicted of non-violent misdemeanors and crime-free for 10 years, will have their records sealed from the public.  PA’s Clean Slate law had near unanimous bi-partisan support was signed into law by Governor Wolf on June 28, 2018.

MEMORIAL BRIDGE NAMED FOR PENNDOT EMPLOYEE

PennDOT has named a bridge on Route 405 in West Chillisquaque Township for a young PennDOT District 3 employee who was killed in an accident while on the job in 2016.  The “H. Donald Whipple Memorial Bridge” was honored last week during a ceremony attended by Whipple’s parents and his wife, friends and co-workers, as well as representatives from Senator John Gordner and Representative Lynda Culver’s offices.

Sports

Major League Baseball

Blue Jays over the Royals 11-4, Pirates slammed the Cubs 18-5, Rays beat the Orioles 6-3, Brewers over the Reds 8-6, Giants pound the Padres 13-2,  Angels and Rangers were postponed due to the unexpected death of Angels 27 year-old pitcher Tyler Scaggs yesterday.

NY-Penn League
Williamsport Crosscutters won at home against Mahoning Valley Scrappers 9-1

Major Baseball

Montoursville beat E. Lycoming 10-8

Keystone over Loyalsock 10-nothing (in 5 innings)

Wimbledon – US’s 15 year old Coco Gauff defeats Venus Williams in the First Round in London; 6-4, 6-4

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 1, 2019

July 1, 2019

LOYALSOCK AREA ACCIDENT SENDS ONE TO HOSPITAL

An accident in Loyalsock Township Saturday sent one young man to the hospital with minor injuries.  Four boys under the age of 18 were traveling along the 800 block of Freedom Road when the Ford Focus they were in hit an embankment and flipped on its’ side.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette reports only one person was hospitalized after the crash that occurred around 1:40pm Saturday.

SEVERE WEATHER CAUSES PROBLEMS

Heavy storms this weekend downed trees, overwhelmed the sewer system and took out power in some areas of Williamsport.  The Sun Gazette reports that the Lycoming County Department of Public Safety received almost 50 weather related emergency calls Saturday evening between 5pm and 8pm.  The winds and rain caused flooding in some intersections, brought down trees near Brandon Park and along Market Street and downed electric lines and utility poles which closed a section of Route 44 in Watson Township.

ANNUAL GAS IMPACT TAX REIMBURSMENT COMES TO PA

Lycoming County has received an almost 10 million dollar disbursement thanks to the Natural Gas Impact Tax, implemented in Pennsylvania in 2012.  County Commissioners  say the Act 13 funds go toward major projects and the financial aid from the Impact Tax has helped control the budget locally.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette reports that statewide this year, over 251 million dollars of the disbursement has helped local governments with environmental protection, flood mitigation, emergency response planning and more.

SUNBURY SEEKS NEW POLICE OFFICERS
The mayor of Sunbury has officially put out the call for more police officers there.    The city will take applications for full-time police officers through the end of business July 30th 2019.  Mayor Kurt Karlovich says the applicants must have a PA drivers license and be Act 120 Certified.  WKOK reports testing for the positions takes place August 3rd.

TENNIS COURTS DEDICATED

Williamsport Mayor Gabriel Campana officially dedicated 6 tennis courts in a ceremony Friday at Brandon Park celebrating part of a 650 thousand dollar upgrade there.   Officials from Brandon Park told the Sun Gazette that upgrading the courts is part of an agreement with the US Tennis Association.  Parts of the Children’s playground area of the park is the next scheduled upgrade.

MAN ARRESTED FOR HUFFING TOXIC SUBSTANCES

A Williamsport man was arrested at a local Walmart for huffing toxic substances and public drunkenness in late May in Montoursville.  30 year old Kristopher Fike was seen on videotape breathing the contents of a can of Ultra Duster, then becoming drunk and disorderly when approached by police.  North Central PA dot com reports that Fike was charged in front of District Magistrate Gary Whiteman in Montoursville.

NEW REHAB FACILITY IN NORTHUMBERLAND

A new Drug and alcohol rehab facility has been opened on the site of  the Northumberland County Prison.  WKOK reports that Gaudenzia Incorporated opened the facility as part of comprehensive services they offer on the property. The new location in Coal Township will provide a family-type campus with an atmosphere that stresses accountability according to Gaudenzia’s CEO, Dale Kratzky.

PAPAYAS IN PA CAUSE SALMONELLA

There are reports of 62 people who purchased Papaya fruit from Mexico in Pennsylvania getting salmonella poisoning, 23 of them hospitalized.  The most recent poisonings happened June 8th. Officials with the CDC say no deaths were reported from the tainted papaya but the warning to not eat the imported fruit has been issued in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS

We’re getting ready for the 4th of July.  With lots of opportunities for families to spend the holiday together.  Backyard Broadcasting in conjunction with the City of Williamsport will be celebrating the Annual Set the Night to Music event on the 4th downtown, but other events through the week include the annual Fireworks Wedenesday night in Montgomery Borough, a fireworks show Friday at Ives Run along the Tioga Hammond Lake in Tioga County, and on Saturday  at the Jersey Shore Town Meeting Grounds.

Sports

Major league Baseball

Yankees beat the Red Sox 12-8, Indians blanked the Orioles 2-nothing, Royals beat the Blue Jays 7-6, Rays over the Rangers 6-2, Nationals beat the Tigers 2-1, Reds over the Cubs 8-6, Phillies kicked the Marlins 13-6,  White Sox slid past the Twins 4-3, Brewers bumped the Pirates 2-1, Astros stomped the Mariners 6-1, Dodgers shook the Rockies 10-5, Giants thumped the Diamondbacks 10-4, A’s beat the Angels 12-3, Cardinals over the Padres 5-3 and Mets beat the Braves 8-5.

NASCAR– Alex Bowman won his first career NASCAR cup series race at the Camping World 400 at Chicagoland Speedway yesterday.

NY-Penn League – West Virginia Black Bears beat Williamsport Crosscutters 3-2 on the road.

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 28, 2019

I-80 ROLLOVER WRECK STILL CLEARING TODAY

There’s still debris and cargo on the shoulder from the crash that happened around 10 pm last night on I-80 west at the Lime Ridge/Berwick exit.  Police say a tire probably blew on the tractor trailer that was traveling between the Berwick and Bloomsburg exits in Mifflin Township.  Losing control, the rig clipped a car, crossed the median then rolled over an embankment toward the Pleasant View Mobile Home Park. The driver was trapped in the crashed vehicle for about an hour before being flown to a hospital.  He’s expected to be ok. The wreck should be cleared off the shoulder today.

OVERNIGHT FIRE IN MIFFLINBURG

Local firefighters are on the scene of a reported house fire on Market Street in Mifflinburg.  Union County Communications told WKOK that emergency crews were called out to the two-alarm fire  around 1:30am.  There are no reports of any injuries at this time, units responded from Mifflinburg, New Berlin, Penns Creek and West End to fight the blaze.

CORONER INVESTIGATES POSSIBLE DROWNING

A woman was found dead in her family’s pool near Trout Run yesterday and the Lycoming County coroner is investigating.  The unidentified woman was found by a family member in the pool at a home along Route 14 and emergency medical technicians arrived at the home around 5:30 Thursday.  According to the Sun Gazette, the  cause of death is still under investigation and more information about the death may be released.

FUNDING APPROVED FOR COUNTY BUDGET SOFTWARE

Lycoming County Commissioners  approved the funding in a 2-1 vote yesterday for budget software that some officials say will allow them to breakdown spending details and allow the current budget to be transparent and viewable by the public.  According to the Williamsport Sun Gazette, the commissioners approved the 95 thousand dollar purchase saying it will make understanding the financial information easier for the public and show how their tax money is spent here.

PENN COLLEGE GETS FEDERAL GRANT

Pennsylvania College of Technology was awarded part of an almost 8 million dollar federal grant to develop apprenticeship strategies in advanced manufacturing fields.  Penn College received the funding as part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s grants to academic institutions nationwide.  The ultimate aim is to satisfy industry’s enormous demand for trained American workers.

MAN DEEMED COMPETENT TO STAND TRIAL

The man with a history of mental illness accused of killing 82 year-old Donald Kleese, Jr., in his Eldred County home in 2017 was deemed competent to stand trial in Lycoming County Court.  Graham Norby-Vardac faces charges of criminal homicide, aggravated assault and burglary from the attack on Kleese.  His videotaped confession of the incident was played for the court yesterday.  According to the Sun Gazette, due to schedule conflicts and the awaiting of medical testiomony, the trial will continue this August.

FRAT HOUSE ATTORNEY SUES PENN STATE

The Penn State fraternity shut down after the 2017 hazing death of 19 year-old Tim Piazza of Lebanon, New Jersey, is suing the school saying they are the scapegoat representing a wider problem of drinking and partying on campus there.  WKOK reports that the corporation that owns the Beta Theta Pi House sued the university saying they also banned the fraternity to obtain the real estate.  About 24 members of the fraternity were charged in the crime, most ending in guilty pleas or rehabilitation programs.

BILL PASSES TO COMBAT ABSENTEEISM

A proposal to remove lawmakers in Harrisburg who do not show up and vote has passed 195 to 6 in the House this week.  Officials say that they have been trying to address the blatent corruption they see in chronic absenteeism.  The constitutional ammednet will move forward toward the Senate.

RIDE THE TRAIN IN LEWISBURG

If you’re in Lewisburg this weekend, you might be able to ride the train.  The Union County Veteran’s 4th of July Parade committee has set up the rides for this weekend in conjunction with the North Shore Railroad.  A spokeperson from the US Army National Guard says the appreciate the the rail company personnel since they are all volunteer for the weekend.  The cost of a ticket is 10 dollars.

Sports

Major League Baseball

Phillies beat the Mets 6-3, Rangers hit the Tigers 3-1, Rays over the Twins 5-2 in 18 innings, Pirates blanked the Astros 10-nothing, Brewers over the Mariners 4-2, Cubs bumped the Braves 9-7, Nationals struck the Marlins 8-5, Dodgers thumped the Rockies 12-8, Diamondbacks over the Giants 5-1, Angels beat the A’s 8-3

NY Penn League

Auburn Doubledays beat the  Williamsport Crosscutters 1- nothing

Major Baseball –Montoursville over Williamsport 13-1

Major Softball
South Williamsport shut out Clinton 10 nothing (in 4 innings) to take the District 12 Championship Title for 2019.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 27, 2019

PA SENATE DEBATE BECOMES SHOUTING MATCH

Debate over a welfare bill in the Pennsylvania Senate yesterday turned chaotic with name calling and shouting in what one Republican lawmaker said was the worst day in the Senate in 20 plus years.   Emotions were high over whether to eliminate a general assistance program.  PennLive reports the debate became contentious when both Democrats and Republicans accused the other of hijacking the Senate by not following proper procedure when putting forth a vote.  Ultimately things calmed down when Governor Wolf had to intervene.  The bill to eliminate the program narrowly passed and Wolf will have to make a final decision.

FORMER OFFICER CHARGED OVER FUND MISAPPROPRIATION

Charges were filed yesterday in Sunbury against the former Northumberland County Chief Probation Officer accused of stealing over 30 thousand dollars from the department between 2014 and 2016.  41 year old Jimmie Cortelyou faces two theft felonies and one misdemeanor of misapplication of entrusted government property.   Cortelyou was arraigned in in front of District Judge Mike Toomey.

WATER AND SEWER INCREASES ON THE WAY

The Williamsport Municipal Water Authority has adopted its’ series of budgets for 2020 and part of that means that water and sanitary rates will go up for many customers in January.  Officials with the authority told the Williamsport Sun Gazette the combined increase will amount to about 30 dollars per year.  Also included in the budget is about 9 million dollars in funding to pay for projects on West Fourth, West Third, and Franklin Streets over the next four years.

PENNSYVANIA TO PARTIALLY LIFT SUNDAY HUNTING BAN

A bill to end the ban on hunting Sundays in Pennsylvania has passed in the Senate.  Legislation to allow 3 specific Sundays when hunting will be legal, one during deer rifle season, one during deer archery season and another day that’s up to the PA Game Commission.  Officials told the York Dispatch that it will bring in more revenue from license fees.

LOYALSOCK POOL LOOKING FOR SUMMER LIFEGUARDS

The Loyalsock Township Supervisors unanimously approved commercial additions this week to property along East Third Street, approved a sale of 124 acres off of Cemetary Road, reviewed a proposal for a driving range at the Williamsport Country Club.  They also noted that the Loyalsock Community Pool is short on lifeguards this year.  Township manager, Bill Burdett told the Sun Gazette that they approved the hire of one lifeguard and swim teacher at Tuesday’s meeting.

WOMAN CHARGED WITH ARSON

A New Berlin woman was charged yesterday in Union County Court with five felony counts of arson and recklessly endangering another person.  Twenty one year old Haley Boney told police that she lit a blanket on fire and placed in in her sons closet and left with her 7 m onth old daughter to take out the garbage.  When they returned the smoke alarm had gone off in the apartment and she called 911 .  Police reported that Boney confessed her actions  in a written statement.  The fire was put out by the New Berline Fire Department – damage amounts to about 5 thousand dollars

PARK AVENUE PROJECT BEING PLANNED

Some Williamsport City Council members want to begin the legwork on a project to revitalize the Park Avenue area of the city.  Members of the economic revitalization committee told the Williamsport Sun Gazette that the area around UPMC Susquehanna is an area with an opportunity for improvement and stablilization.  They say members of the neighborhood are invited to work with the city to become invested in the future expansions around the hospital.

FOURTH OF JULY BRINGS DUI CHECKPOINTS

Members of our community are reminded that will be DUI Checkpoints and DUI Roving patrols on the way to emphasize safety during the Fourth of July holiday.  The Lycoming County DUI Enforcement Team says they are working in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to conduct Boating Under the Influence checks, as well.  Chief Joe Hope said in a press release that he encourages everyone to celebrate safely and that the .08 percent law will be strictly enforced on the roads and on the water.

YUENGLING DONATES TO MILITARY CAUSE

A Pennsylvania Brewery has given a portion of the proceeds from a T-shirt sale to TAPS, a non-profit organization that offers help to families grieving the loss of a loved one who served in the military.  WNEP reports that the Yuengling Brewery in Pottsville gave 50 thousand dollars to the “Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors”.  Sixth generation owner Debbie Yuengling said the military is a community that’s close to their hearts.

Sports

Major League Baseball

White Sox beat the Red Sox 8-7, Yankees bumped the Blue Jays 8-7, Indians beat the Royals 5-3, Padres thumped the Orioles 10-5, Diamondbacks beat the Dodgers 8-2,  Rockies over the Giants 6-3, Phillies squeaked past the Mets 5-4, Rangers over the Tigers 4-1, Nationals slapped the Marlins 7-5, A’s blanked the Cardinals 2-0, Mariners bounced the Brewers 4-2, Braves beat the Cubs 5-3, Angels shook the Reds 5-1, Pirates slammed the Astros 14-2,
Twins beat the Rays 6-4.

NY Penn League

Auburn Doubledays beat the Williamsport Crosscutters 5-2

College World Series Game 3 last night

Vanderbilt won over Michigan 8-2 – claiming its 2nd National Title since 2014

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 26, 2019

SCHOOL BOARD VOTES FOR CLOSURE OF SCHOOL

A local elementary school will close at the end of this month, transitioning approximately 130 students and 6 faculty members.  The Milton Area School District school board voted 7-2 last night that Montandon Elementary students will attend Baugher Elementary this fall. Officials for the school district tell WKOK that data such as declining enrollment in Milton is part of the reason the school is closing June 30th.  Enrollment at the combined school will be over 600.

TWO OFFICERS JOIN THE FORCE IN SUNBURY

The Sunbury Police Department has added two full time officers to the force to rebuild their numbers according to officials there.  Aaron Doyle and Trey Kurtz will start their new positions in July.  Mayor Kurt Karlovich told WKOK that they are also still accepting applications for a police chief opening, will have another police testing cycle this summer and are researching options for a new police station in Sunbury.

POLICE TAKE FUGITIVE INTO CUSTODY

A fugitive from the law was taken into custody last Friday after officers in Muncy captured him and forceably removed him from a creek there.  According to the Williamsport Sun Gazette, James Vanness, II, was wanted on a bench warrant from Northumberland county along with other warrants.  Muncy, Montgomery, and Hughesville police were involved in the chase where Vanness refused to surrender and allegedly told officers that he had a gun.  He was arraigned Monday on charges of aggravated assault and resisting arrest.

LIBRARY WORLD SERIES PINS AVAILABLE NOW

If you’re counting the days til August 15th for the Little League World series in Williamsport, you’re probably getting ready to collect and trade some pins, and your local library is ready for you.    WNEP reports you can pick up this year’s library pin at the James V. Brown Library on East Fourth Street in Williamsport for just five dollars.  Proceeds for the “Get Caught Reading” pin support the library.

MAN CRASHES INTO AMBULANCE

State Police in Selinsgrove have cited a man who had an accident with an ambulance.  70 year old Gregory Hess of Mechanicsburg collided with the EMS vehicle around 6pm last Tuesday while it was making a U-turn along Route 11 and 15 in Union Township.  Hess suffered a minor injury but declined medical treatment.

PENNSYLVANIA GOP LEADER RESIGNS AMID SEXUAL ALLEGATIONS The leader of the Republican Party in Pennsylvania has resigned.  There are implications that he sent sexually explicit messages to a council candidate seeking advice.  The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that GOP leader Valentino DiGiorgio, III  exchanged personal messages with Irina Goldstein for several months before the communication stopped last February.  DiGiorgio, who has been involved in Pennsylvania politics for 3 decades denies the allegations.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: “WE’RE OVER BUDGET”

Lycoming County commissioners said last night that county health care is over budget by about 19 percent.  Commissioner Rick Mirabito told the Williamsport Sun Gazette that there are two reasons for the overage; the high expense of healthcare and having too many county employees.  Officials report that they proposed a process of attrition to eliminate 20 positions in 2017 and want to start thinking more critically about new hires.

RAIL CROSSING WORK DONE THIS WEEK

Work should be completed on the Norfolk Southern railroad crossing this week on Main Street in Montoursville.  The existing concrete crossing in Catawissa Borough was replaced with a new rail seal and asphalt crossing.  A detour is in place using Route 11 and Route 487 but will open for regular traffic this Friday.

TOWN MEETING CELEBRATION THIS WEEKEND

The 59th Annual Jersey Shore Town Meeting celebration is coming up this weekend with their Grand Parade taking place Wednesday July 3rd at 6pm which will culminate crowning Queen Tiadaghton on the Town Meeting Stage.  The week-long event starts this Saturday night with the Queen’s Tea and Pageant on Thompson street in Jersey Shore and ends Saturday July 6th with a large air and ground Fireworks display.  There will be rides and free entertainment the whole week

Sports

Major League Baseball

Rangers bumped the Tigers 5-3, Yankees over the Blue Jays 4-3,  Phillies got another one against the Mets 7-5, Padres beat the Orioles 8-3, Red Sox over the White sox 6-3, Royals eeked one past the Indians 8-6, Nationals thumped the Marlins 6-1, Braves squeeked the Cubs 3-2, Astros thumped the Pirates 5-1, Mariners over the Brewers 8-3,  Twins beat the Rays 9-4,
A’s over the Cardinals 7-3, Dodgers squeezing the Diamondbacks 3-2, Giants bumped the Rockies 4-2, and Angels over the Reds 5-1.

NY-Penn League Baseball

Auburn Doubledays beat the Williamsport Crosscutters 4-3

College World Series – Game 2

Vanderbilt over Michigan 4-1  Winner-Take-all Game 3 tonight in Omaha.

Major Baseball

Montoursville defeated Hepburn Lycoming 11-3

Loyalsock beat E. Lycoming 10-7

Major Softball

Clinton defeated E. Lycoming 14-3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 25, 2019

WOMAN CHASES ANOTHER WOMAN WITH KNIVES

A 31 year old woman accused of chasing another woman on Center Street in Williamsport has been arrested.  The victim said she was chased to the interior of her car by 31 year-old Amanda Gaines who was wielding two kitchen knives.  Gaines then stabbed at the car , broke the blades and dropped the weapons at the scene.  Police say there were reports of Gaines fighting with other patrons at a local store, she was charged with aggravated assault and disorderly conduct and released.  A preliminary hearing is July 25th.

OPENING STATEMENTS IN LYCOMING COUNTY COURT

A man accused of killing an elderly man in Lycoming county in April of 2017 faced charges of criminal homicide, aggravated assault and burglary in Lycoming County Court Monday.  Graham Norby-Vardac allegedly killed Donald Kleese, Jr. in his home in Eldred Township.  Police say Norby-Vardac allegedly broke into Kleese’s home, killed him with a shovel and stole his car.  According to the Williamsport Sun Gazette, Norby-Vardac has a history of mental illness.  The trial will continue this Thursday.

WATER AUTHORITY MEMBER ACCUSED OF ETHICS BREACH

There’s been a report filed with the PA Ethics Commission against a member of the Williamsport Municipal Water and Sanitary Authority.  The Sun Gazette reports Cynthia Perry, who was recently denied a 5-year re-appointment to the authority by the City Council, says William  Ertel voted to personally benefit from local development.  As a fellow authority member, Ertel, is also accused of disclosing private information during executive sessions.

THE FLYING WALLENDAS WIRE MADE IN WILLIAMSPORT

A rope maker in Williamsport is proud of the Flying Wallendas accomplishment after they were televised walking over Times Square this weekend on a high-wire manufactured in Lycoming County.  WNEP reports Wire Rope Works in Williamsport made the wire for Nik Wallenda that they used Sunday.  The wire, which is three-quarter inches in diameter with a breaking strength of 70 thousand pounds, took about 10 weeks to be designed and created. Wire works engineers say they’re up for Wallenda’s next challenge of walking over an active volcano.

MAN DIES AFTER BOATING ACCIDENT

A man from Northumberland died after a boating accident last week in Lycoming County.  68 year-old Thomas Bell and another man were on a private pond near Ralston and attempted to switch places in a row boat.  Emergency responders say the boat tipped and Bell went into the water.  He lost his grip on the boat and went under while attempting to get to shore.  Pennlive reports the coroner from Lycoming County reported Bell’s death as due to natural causes.

MAN ARRESTED FOR SELLING CRACK COCAINE

The Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit reports that a man was arrested in May for selling crack cocaine out of his Williamsport home.  36 year-old Jaheed K. Wright responded to an online message when a confidential informant requested the drugs.  According to North Central PA dot com, charges of narcotics with intent to deliver, possession of narcotics and criminal use of a communication facility were filed in May against Wright at the office of District Magistrate Christian D. Frey.

BILL COULD REFORM EDUCATION EVALUATION SYSTEM

A bill in Harrisburg to reform the educator evaluation system passed Monday in the Senate 38-11, and now heads to the House of Representatives according to the Pennsylvania State Education Association.  The bill, supported strongly by the PSEA, increases the emphasis on direct classroom observation, reducing the impact of student performance measures like standardized testing and accounting for the effects of poverty on student achievement.  PSEA President, Rich Askey said the bill, if it becomes law, will create a more accurate and fair evaluation system that works better for students and educators.

FREE SAFETY DAY AT ROUTE 15 REST STOP

PennDOT is hosting a free safety day at the PA Welcome Center off Route 15 in Tioga Friday.  The Highway safety Network and Safe Kids PA will partner together to feature a fun day focusing on safety for visitors to the facility.  There will be safety presentations from various state agencies and law enforcement groups. There will also be a memorial on display from 10am til 2pm paying tribute to the 89 PennDOT workers who have been lost while on duty since 1970.

MAHANOY CITY SPCA RESCUES MORE DOGS

Eighteen neglected dogs were rescued from a home in Mahanoy City Monday.  Local police and SPCA officials seized the animals from a home where the water is shut off and the owner said he was breeding the animals to make money.  WNEP reports that this is the second Mahanoy City animal rescue in less than a week.  Hillside SPCA reports these rescued animals have been taken to Ruth Steiner Memorial SPCA in Pine Grove.

Sports

Major-League Baseball

Yankees beat the Blue Jays 8-10 Phillies snapped the Mets 13-seven, Red Sox over the White Sox 6-5, Indians over the Royals 3-2, Cubs thumped the Braves 8-3, Diamondbacks over the Dodgers 8-5, Rockies blanked the Giants 2 – nothing.

US Women’s World Cup Soccer yesterday in France….

United States was victorious over Spain 2-1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 24, 2019

FIRE DISPLACES OVER A DOZEN OCCUPANTS

A two alarm fire at 5am Saturday in Williamsport that displaced over a dozen people started in the kitchen of a duplex after food was left unattended on the stove.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette reports that Stephanie Davis and seven other occupants safely escaped the house fire on Scott Street which is the latest in a string of cooking fires in the city.  Williamsport City Fire Platoon Chief Sam Aungst said damage to the home totals at least 40 thousand dollars.

SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES SEVERAL PROPOSALS
Officials with the Montgomery School Board have decided not to raise the prices of school breakfast and lunch and have made decisions on several other funding proposals.   A handicap accessible sidewalk was approved to be installed near tennis courts at the Montgomery Area Community Center, and installation of water lines between the center and the football field and its buildings was also approved in a 6-1 vote.

CONSTRUCTION PROJECT AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

The West Fourth Street Construction project is making strides.  The eastern portion of the project between Arch street to Route 15 is ahead of schedule and the contractor says it will be opened this week prior to the western phase of the project beginning in the Newberry section of the city.  This Friday, Wolyniec Construction is set to begin installation of water and sewer lines on Oliver Avenue approaching the Kwik Fill entrances.  The whole project is slated to be complete in the fall of 2020.

BLOOMSBURG FAIR CHOOSES INAUGURAL QUEEN

The Bloomsburg Fair crowned its’ inaugural Fair Queen this weekend at Caldwell Consistory.  WNEP reports Nicolette Cusate of Danville was chosen to represent the area and to promote greater understanding and awareness of the fair and local agriculture and education.  Bloomsburg Fair Officials say they would like this to be a new annual tradition for the 164th annual event which will take place this September 21st – 28th.

POLICE SEARCH FOR ROBBERY SUSPECT NEAR LOCK HAVEN

Police say there was an armed robbery Saturday night at the Fuel On Convenience store on Hanna Street near Lock Haven. Surveillance cameras show a man entering the store and showing a gun, then demanding cash and cigarettes before escaping in a dark sedan. WNEP reports that State police are asking anyone with information about the incident call state police at Lamar. No one was injured in the robbery.

LYCOMING UNITED WAY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The Lycoming County United Way is accepting applications this summer for funding through two local programs.  Approved agencies can apply for a portion of close to 200 thousand dollars to help clients nearing homelessness and also apply for part of federal funds under the Emergency food and shelter National Board Program.  July 12th is the deadline to submit an application for these grants.

EXPECT NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY ROAD CONSTRUCTION

There will be a rolling road block in place this week on Route 147 in Northumberland County.  PennDOT reports that a contractor will pull power lines across the highway beginning 9am this Tuesday and Wednesday between Shakespeare Road and Industrial Park Road.  Traffic could be stopped or slow in these areas and work could extend into Thursday depending on weather conditions.

SUSQUEHANNA BELOW FLOOD LEVELS

The threatening wet weather is behind us now.  According to the US Geological survey, the Susquehanna River peaked on Saturday at 14 feet and is just under 9 feet as of yesterday.  Warmer and drier weather is reported to be heading our way – with a stretch of dry days expected with no overnight rain.

Sports

Major League Baseball

Indians beat the Tigers 8- 3, Blue Jays over the Red Sox 6-1, Marlins jumped over Phillies 6-4, Braves swiped the Nationals 4-3, Pirates eeked past the Padres 11-10 in 11 innings, Astros bumped the Yankees 9-4, Brewers beat the Reds 7-5, Royals over the Twins 6-1, Cubs over the Mets 5-3, Rangers clubbed the White Sox 7-4, Ray’s beat the A’s 8-2,  Dodgers over the Rockies 6-3, Diamondbacks won over the Giants 3-2, Mariners stomped the Orioles 13-3,  Angels over the Cardinals 6-4.

NASCAR

Martin Truex Jr. took the checkered flag in Sonoma, California Sunday and won the 31st Annual Toyota/SaveMart 350

New York-Penn League

Williamsport Crosscutters lost to Batavia Muckdogs Sunday 6-1.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 21, 2019

SECOND FATALITY FROM ACCIDENT THAT SHUT DOWN I-80
There has been a second fatality as a result of that 8 car accident on I-80 that happened this week in Northumberland County.  WNEP reports that 76 year-old Katherine Malon from Fallentimber, Pennsylvania died from her injuries sustained in Tuesday’s accident, yesterday at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. The wreck shut down I-80 near Milton for over 9 hours and also killed a man from Berwick who was driving one of the vehicles involved in the pile-up.

COUNCIL REJECTS RE-APPOINTMENT OF AUTHORITY MEMBER

The Williamsport City Council forced some changes in the Municipal Water and Sanitary Authority after a vote last night rejected the re-appointment of a city resident.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette reports Cindy Perry had a prickly interview with the ad hoc committee which may have sealed her fate. Councilman Randall Allison said he felt the authority needed a new direction.  Mayor Campana described the vote against Perry as discriminatory since she was the first woman to serve on the authority in decades. Kent Trachte, president of Lycoming College was approved as an appointment to a 5-year term.

FLIGHTS TO FLORIDA FROM STATE COLLEGE ON THE WAY

A Las Vegas Airline has announced new service between Pennsylvania and Florida adding more travel options from our state.  Allegiant Air will add four non-stop flights per week this October between State College and Orlando/Sanford and Tampa/St. Pete. The University Park Airport Director told Central PA dot com that if the flights are 100 percent occupied that 656 passengers can use this new convenient service to cut down on the long drive to the Sunshine state.

NO MAJOR FLOODING EXPECTED

With the above average rainfall, Williamsport is seeing the fourth wettest year-to-date on record with June coming in at 4.67 inches of rain so far with 10 days left to go in the month.  A meteorologist with the National Weather service told the Williamsport Sun Gazette that we shouldn’t worry about seeing any major flooding – the Susquehanna River is in a caution stage but is not expected to rise to flood stage levels.
REMAINS IDENTIFIED AS A WOMAN’S LEGS

State Police continue an investigation into identifying the human remains found along the north shore of the Susquehanna River last month. The Lycoming County Coroner, Charles Kiessling told the Sun Gazette that the bones were determined to be two legs of a female, cut near the knee joint.  He was unable to determine an age or race of the bones and said there are no reports of missing persons in the area that fit this case.  Investigators are awaiting results from forensic scientists in Erie PA.

HIKER LOST IN LITTLE PINE CREEK RESCUED

A couple visiting the area from Carlisle survived an ordeal this week after becoming separated while hiking near Little Pine Creek. The Sun Gazette reports 33 year-old Sara Hughes fell behind while walking with her fiancé Ben Fazio on a trail, became trapped in mud, fell down a steep bank and was bitten by a snake while trying to find her way.  Citizen’s Hose Company of Jersey Shore and Waterville Fire and Rescue searched for the missing woman, finding her after dark, and transporting her to UPMC Susquehanna Regional Medical Center.  Hughes was treated for dehydration and the snakebite, but is expected to be ok.

MONTGOMERY ACCIDENT SCENE CLEARED

A local road is back to normal today after a truck overturned on the Montgomery River bridge yesterday morning around 8:30 and the clean-up closed the roadway to motorists.  The intersection at Route 54 and Route 405 in Deleware Township in Northumberland County reopened this morning. The Montgomery fire chief told WNEP that a tractor-trailer carrying hot lime overturned while going around a curve and went down an embankment. The driver was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

BEER BREWERS CAN APPLY FOR GRANTS

Grants are being made available to Pennsylvania Beer brewers to increase the quality, profitability, production and sale of malt and brewed beverages here.  Secretary of Agriculture, Russell Redding, said the PA beer industry is one of the strongest in the nation.  This interested in applying for the more than 700 thousand dollars worth of grants for local brewers should submit an email proposal by August 2nd, 2019.

Sports

Major League Baseball

Texas over Cleveland 4-2, Toronto over LA Angels 7-5 in 10 innings, Kansas City over Minnesota 4-1, Yankees over the Astros 10-6, A’s over the Ray’s 5-4, Seattle sailed over Baltimore 5-2, Colorado over Arizona 6-4 in10 innings, Washington over Philly7-4, Miami over St. Louis 7-6, Cubs beat the Mets 7-4, Reds over the Brewers 7-1, LA Dodgers beat the Giants 9-8

North Penn Baseball League

Williamsport Crosscutter’s doubleheader in State College last night:

Spikes over the Cutters in both games, 7-4 and 7-6

Major Softball

South Williamsport beat Montoursville 16-nothing

Soccer – Women’s World Cup
The US National Team Faced Sweden last night in France and won 2-0.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 20, 2019

TRUCK GOES OVER EMBANKMENT

Fire police were called in to shut down a roadway this morning after an accident in Montgomery.  A tractor-trailer went over an embankment along Route 405.  Scanner reports say that someone may be trapped in the vehicle.  Traffic is being diverted this morning away from the interchange of Route 405 and Route 54 in Montgomery.

DEER FROM SEPARATE WRECK KILLS SUNBURY MAN

A Sunbury Man was killed in a car crash that occurred in Clinton County Wednesday after a deer was launched from a separate vehicle wreck.  State police say 26 year-old Christian De Los Santos died when a pickup truck hit a deer along East Valley Road in Greene Township which went through the windshield of the minivan in which De Los Santos was a passenger.

LEGISLATION ON WIRELESS SERVICES IN PA IN QUESTION

Legislation that might increase the capability of wireless services in Pennsylvania has been stalled in Harrisburg.  The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that some nationwide wireless carriers want a vote in place to help make it easier and cheaper to install antennas that will move the technology forward, but a House Consumer Affairs Committee meeting about the bill was cancelled after protests from Pennsylvania AFL-CIO officials and municipal associations.

BUDGET PASSED WITH NO INCREASE IN SCHOOL TAXES

The Loyalsock Township School Board approved a budget last night that does not raise real estate taxes.  District officials say they will save money by using an unassigned fund balance and adjusting a contract with BLaST IU17.  The Board also approved use of a safety and security grant which will fund cameras in buildings and on busses and will allow a hire of a trauma-based counselor.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA

The Williamsport City Council will meet tonight and some of the items on the agenda include the Mayor’s appointment of individuals for the Williamsport Municipal Water and Sanitary Authority, and they will also consider a reappointment of a local landscape architect for another 4-year term to the city planning commission.  The meeting is in City Hall in Council chambers at 7:30

FLASH FLOOD WATCH EXTENDED THROUGH EARLY FRIDAY

A Flash Flood Watch remains on our area through today.  The National Weather Service in State College has issued the warnings for Southern Centre heading northeast through Lycoming and through Sullivan County from noon today until 1 am tonight.  Emergency officials warn motorists to never drive into standing water even if you think you know the depth.

COWS DIE IN HAULER ACCIDENT

Several cows are dead after a truck hauling them rolled over in Union County.  Police say Route 45 in Hartley Township was closed just before 8pm Tuesday.  The roadway is open at this time but will have more closure this afternoon around 1pm so crews can remove the vehicle from the scene. There is no report on the condition of the driver of the truck.

LISTERIA CONTAMINATION SUSPECTED

There’s been another recall that may affect what food stays in your fridge.  Both conventional and organic Sprouts Frozen Cut Leaf Spinach with use by dates 12/3/21 could be contaminated with the Listeria organism, which can cause serious problems in small children, the elderly and pregnant women.  The product was distributed to stores in Pennsylvania.

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES INTO CAUSE OF I-80 WRECK

State Police have not released an exact reason of the 8-vehicle crash that killed a man from Berwick and shut down I-80 westbound near Milton through late Tuesday night, but WNEP reports heavy rain is a likely catalyst that started the series of events.  The investigation is ongoing.  Friends and family remember the driver who died, 74 year old Earl McCormick who worked for Knorr Hauling in Berwick, as a well-liked man who will be missed very much.

Sports

MLB

Cincinnati over Houston 3 to 2, Yankees thumped Tampa Bay 12 to 1,  Oakland over Baltimore 8 to 3, Seattle won over Kansas City 8 to 2, Pittsburgh over Detroit 8-7,  Angels over Toronto 11-6, Cubs beat the White Sox 7-3, Indians over the Rangers 10-4,  Boston Red Sox beat Minnesota Twins 9-4, Washington over Philadelphia 6-2 in game 1, 2-nothing Nationals in game 2 of last night’s double header, San Diego bumped Milwaukee 8-7, Pirates beat the Tigers 8-7, Braves ran over the Mets 7-2,  Cardinals over the Marlins 3-2 in 11 innings,  Rockies cut the Diamondbacks 6-4, Dodgers brought down the Giants 9-2.

The Crosscutters game in State College last night was postponed due to rain.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 19, 2019

BERWICK MAN DIES IN CRASH THAT SHUT DOWN INTERSTATE

A man from Berwick died in a crash on I-80 near Milton yesterday around 1:30pm that shut down the highway for hours.  Seventy four year old Earl McCormick was driving one of the tractor trailers that hit the first wreck that likely occurred because of the heavy rain – McCormick was pronounced dead at the scene.  Three other cars and other tractor trailers were engaged in accidents that closed I-80 eastbound and westbound between the Milton/Williamsport exit (212) and the Route 254 exit (215) according to PennDOT.  Eastbound I-80 reopened just after 3pm but the westbound lanes stayed shut down until just before midnight.

WOMAN CHARGED WITH POISONING ELDERLY COUPLE

Milton State Police have arrested a Montandon woman after they say she tried to poison an elderly couple, for whom she was the caretaker.  WKOK reports that 37 year-old Tina Young admitted putting ground pieces of rat poison in the couple’s cigarettes to kill them because they fired her from the job in their Northumberland County home.  Young was sent to Northumberland County Prison and a preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for June 26.

NEW OPIOID CONTROL LEGISLATION

State Republicans have introduced a package of bills in Harrisburg that combats the opioid and heroin addiction crisis that they say is crippling Pennsylvania communities.  New bills introduced include efforts to improve prescription drug monitoring, limiting prescriptions and targeting drug dealers.  North Central PA dot com reports the senate will consider the seven new bills this week.

TREE FALLS AND CAUSED ELECTIRCAL OUTAGE

A tree that came down Tuesday afternoon interrupted power in downtown Williamsport and forced a skilled-nursing unit in Loyalsock Township to use their gas powered generators as a back up.  According to the Williamsport Sun Gazette, the tree came down on telephone and electric lines along Ravine Rd. which also caused about 300 PP&L customers to lose service. The interrupted power also caused a fire alarm to go off at a building at West Third and Government Place.

TRANSIT AUTHORITY RACISM CASE SETTLED

There’s been a settlement in the US Middle District court case between Williamsport city and a former finance clerk at River Valley Transit.  Shenique Coates said she was exposed to repeated racism.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette reports that an assistant manager allegedly persuaded Coates to avoid Human Resources during a conflict.  The transit company will pay Coates 48 thousand dollars covering pay and attorney’s fees.

SCHOOL BOARD APPROVE MILLAGE INCREASE

The Williamsport area school board has voted to approve the 2019-2020 budget with an increase in its total millage from 16.50 to 16.89.  That’s 39 dollars for every 100 thousand dollars of assessed real estate value.  The Williamsport Sun Gazette reports the amount of money generated by the increase will be added to the maintenance part of the budget.

PAVING PROJECT THROUGH JUNE IN TIOGA COUNTY

PennDOT says there will be another road project to slow things down starting tomorrow evening along Route 6 in Tioga County near Wellsboro.  A half mile paving project will effect Route 6 from Kelsey Creek to the intersection with Route 287 and Queen Street in Wellsboro.  All work will be performed nightly from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.. Expect the work to continue through the end of the month.

SPORTS

Yankees beat the Rays 6-3, Tigers squeak past the Pirates 5-4, Angels win over the Blue Jays 3-1, Reds beat the Astros 4-3, Mets ran past the Braves 10-2, White Sox beat the Cubs 3-1, Indians bump the Rangers 10-3, Twins over the Red Sox 4-3, Marlins blank the Cardinals 6-nothing, Rockies push the Diamondbacks 8-1,
A’s over the Orioles 16 -2, Padres win over the Brewers 4-1, Dodgers bring down the Giants 9- nothing, Royals thump the Mariners 9-nothing,
Phillies and the Nationals postponed again due to rain.
–  make up date will be in September.

State College Spikes beat the Crosscutters in 10 innings 4-2

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