BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 3, 2024

FLOOD WATCH THROUGH TOMORROW FOR NEPA

There’s a flood watch in effect through tomorrow morning for Lycoming County and other northeastern Pennsylvania counties according to the National Weather Service.  PennDOT is reporting some flooding this morning in Union County on 8th Street between Valley Road and Route 45 in Mifflinburg Borough.  Beaver Run Road is also reported to be flooding between Route 192 and Johnson Mill Road in Buffalo Township.  In addition, Bald Eagle Creek is approaching flood stage and residents are advised of a warning for minor flooding through Saturday morning.  As of this morning, Bald Eagle Creek near Beech Creek Station was at 9.8 feet with flood stage at 11 feet.  The river is expected to crest by midnight tonight at 12.9 feet.

ELDERLY COUPLE DIES IN UNION COUNTY ACCIDENT

The Union County coroner reports that two elderly residents were killed Monday after a traffic accident in Union Township.  According to State police, 72-year-old Jerry Bower and 60-year-old Etta Mendler-Bower who was his passenger were driving a small SUV when they allegedly pulled out in front of a pick-up truck driven by 19-year-old Remington Lenig at about 2:45pm at the intersection of Route 304 and Stein Lane.  Lenig and his passenger sustained minor injuries.  The Bowers died at the scene of the crash. 

MAN ACCUSED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AGAINST MINOR PLEADS GUILTY

A Lamar Township man has pleaded guilty to second degree aggravated assault against a 9 year old girl, and will avoid the jury trial that was scheduled for him in Clinton County Court this upcoming May. According to the Clinton County District Attorney’s Office, 25 year old Emanuel King will face sentencing after the Pennsylvania Sexual Offenders Assessment board determines whether he is considered a violent sexual predator.  King was arrested in August of 2023 for aggravated assault charges and unlawful contact with a minor, against multiple victims under the age of 13.

SHAW PLACE PARK LOOKING FOR DESIGN PARTNERS

The City of Williamsport , as they make plans to upgrade and improve Shaw Place Park, are seeking  to partner with architectural consultants and design-build firms to create a space for a mountain bike skills park, which will  include an integrated  network of trails of various skill levels, and will complement the walking paths, and the recently completed Splash pad within the park.  According to the Sun Gazette, DCNR awarded the city over 220 thousand dollars for the park along Sheridan Street, and those who could provide professional design services have until April 22nd at 3pm to submit their proposals.

MAN WHO THREW CARSEAT INTO STREET GET PROBATION

A man from Williamsport has been given probation for throwing a car seat holding his 3-month old child in it into the street last April during an argument with the baby’s mother as part of a plea agreement in Lycoming County Court. The baby was unhurt.  According to the Sun Gazette, 30 year old Kadeem Middleton pleaded guilty to a count of disorderly conduct after originally being charged with felony child endangerment assault charges and resisting arrest.  Middleton will serve the 12 months and also be required to perform community service.

THEFT SUPECT FOUND ALSO TO BE SUSPECT IN A VEHICLE THEFT

A 34 year old former Scranton man who was apprehended and jailed for stealing items from a police cruiser parked at a car dealership near Muncy on February 25th, has been charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle from earlier that same day. According to the Sun Gazette, Jesse Greiner had stolen two ATV’s, taking one from a dealer along Legion Road first around 10:30 am and driving it from the store, then returning it, and taking another ATV for a ride before noon.  Police say Griner overturned the 2nd ATV near the location where police arrested him for the theft from the cruiser.  He is in Lycoming County Prison on 25 thousand dollars bail.

WATSONTOWN MUSEUM REOPENS

The Watsontown Historical Museum is reopened after they shut down for five months after part of the ceiling fell down in November, not causing  any injury, just a mess.  According to the Daily Item, volunteers worked to restore the museum that opened on Monday that features five connecting rooms that feature artifacts reflecting Watsontown’s history.  The Watsontown Historical Association used funds from a $150,000 Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) grant to pay for the renovations. Get details at mywatsontown.com.

KULPMONT CLEAN UP DAY APRIL 20

A former Kulpmont Borough Councilman is spearheading an Earth Day clean-up of Veteran’s Memorial Field and other high-traffic areas on April 20th.  According to the Daily Item, Joseph Dowkus and interested volunteers are meeting Saturday the 20th at 8am for a clean up that Dowkus says is more than borough workers can keep up with.  Bags will be provided but participants are encouraged to wear gloves or bring tools like a trash grabber. Questions can be directed to Dowkus on Facebook at Sons of the American Legion page.  The Kulpmont clean-up is expected to last until noon.

SPORTS

NCAA Women’s Final 4 Friday, April 5
(3) NC State  vs (1) South Carolina  7pm
(3) UConn  vs (1) Iowa 9pm
NCAA Women’s Championship  Sunday April 3pm

NCAA Men’s Basketball Saturday 4/6
Final Four
(11) NC State  vs (1) Purdue  6:09pm TBS
(4) Alabama vs (1) UConn  8:49pm TBS
NCAA Men’s Championship Monday April 8 9:20pm

MLB
Guardians 5         Mariners 2
Brewers  3                     Twins 2
Royals  4              Orioles  1
Phillies  9             Reds  4
Red Sox  5                     A’s 4  /11
Diamondbacks  7           Yankees 0
Tigers vs Mets  postponed til Thursday

NBA
Lakers 128                     Raptors  111
Wizards  117        Bucks  113
76ers  109            Thunder  105
Heat  109             Knicks  99
Cavaliers  129      Jazz  113
Warriors  104       Mavericks  100
NBA Tonight
Oklahoma City vs Boston  7:30pm ESPN
Pacers vs Nets  7:30pm
Cleveland vs Phoenix 10pm ESPN

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 2, 2024

SOME CHARGES DROPPED FOR MAN ACCUSED OF DOUBLE HOMICIDE

Charges including six counts of forgery and three counts of identity theft have been dismissed against Troy Bailey, Sr., the man in jail as the shooter in the deaths of Alisha Seese and Ronald Dailey Jr. in Williamsport earlier this year,  but will face trial for theft by deception and making false statements.  According to the Sun Gazette, Bailey had used his son’s social security number to obtain employment and public assistance benefits, while his son serves a life sentence in Philadelphia for murder since 2019.  District judge Christian Frey dismissed the charges after being unable to determine whether Bailey, Jr. had given his father consent to use his information.  Bailey Sr. is awaiting trial on the double homicide that occurred January 11th, no date has been set.

TWO ACCIDENTS BACKED UP ROUTE 15

Two accidents happened moments apart at Route 15 and Pinchtown Road Monday morning which caused a backup on Route 15 while officials cleared the scene.  According to the Sun Gazette,  Clinton Township fire officials responded to the first crash at about 9am in which a Saturn allegedly pulled out in front of a Sheetz tanker truck heading north and was struck.  A few minutes later in the same location, a Kia was struck from behind by a van traveling southbound on Route 15.  All four occupants of the vehicles involved in the two crashes were transported by ambulance to UPMC Williamsport with minor injuries.  State police have begun an investigation into the wrecks.

CHECK DISPUTE BETWEEN PRODUCTION COMPANY, WINERY

The owner of Spyglass Ridge Winery says a dispute over a check sent to pay entertainment at the venue that the production company believed to be invalid, has brought about an investigation.  According to the Daily Item, the winery owner, Tom Webb says the company who represents a band that they had hired, questioned the validity of the 24 thousand dollar check they had sent for payment and called state police.  Webb says he spoke to state police recently and was made aware of the situation and says the two parties are on the way to resolving the issue.  No charges have been filed.

BLIGHTED GROUND EARMARKED FOR ATHLETIC FIELDS

The former Susquehanna Supply property in Williamsport is set to be converted into athletic fields after the Lycoming County commissioners approved a blight remediation program for the multi-field complex for $1 million.  According to North Central PA dot com,  22 million dollars of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that have been set aside specifically for recreation with  the one million dollar commitment from the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce and the City of Williamsport also contributing $1 million to the project, with funds secured from ARPA.  Construction for seven fields for youth baseball, softball, and Penn College athletics is set to begin in June.

MOTHER FATALLY STABBED BY TEEN OVER PHONE DISPUTE

A thirteen year old girl from Wilkes-Barre was taken into custody last week after she stabbed her bother and fatally stabbed her mother during an argument over her phone.  According to North Central PA dot, court records say 13 year old Lataya Powell called 911 after the incident happened Friday at about 12:30pm, and first responders found 44 year old Tameeka Tucker deceased with multiple stab-wounds, along with a wounded 11 year old sibling nearby.  He was taken to Geisinger Wyoming Valley and is expected to survive.  Police say while in custody, Powell expressed disbelief that she killed her mother, but was charged with criminal homicide, two counts of aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence for throwing the knife she used onto a neighbor’s property.

BUCKNELL STUDENT DEATH UNDER INVESTIGATION

The death of the student Saturday at Bucknell University is under investigation, but no additional details will be released, according to the Union County Coroner Dominick Adamo.  Officials said the student found Saturday at an address on University Avenue was identified as 22-year-old Christian Samay of Mountain Lakes, New Jersey who was set to graduate this spring.  Bucknell University President John Bravman cancelled classes yesterday over the tragedy.  Police do not consider Samay’s death suspicious and counselors are available for those students and community members who need support 570-577-1604.

SURVEY WORK TO START ON ROUTE 15 THIS MONTH

A survey crew is set to work soon in Lycoming County along Route 15 in both directions in Armstrong and Clinton townships. According to PennDOT, starting April 22nd, a crew will kick off survey work to continue through May 10th on Route 15 between Old Montgomery Pike Road and Route 54. The shoulder work should have no impact on traffic, as they are on the site Mondays through Fridays between 6:30am and 3pm, weather permitting. You can check conditions on major roadways 24/7 at 511PA dot com.

TROUT DERBY THIS WEEKEND IN PAXINOS

Children and their families are invited to the pond at the 13th hole at Indian Hills Golf Club in Paxinos for a two-day trout derby on April 6th and 7th starting at 9am both days. According to the News Item, fishing poles will be available for children up to age 12 to use for free, and there will be free hotdogs and other snacks for participants. John Grundon, a co-owner of Indian Hills Golf Course said about 100 children participated in last year’s derby, and those who want to pre-register this year can call 570-554-5650. 

SPORTS

NCAA Women’s Basketball Monday Elite 8/Regions 2&3
Caitlin Clark led her team to a victory last night in Albany, NY
Iowa 94                                 LSU 87
UConn has made it to the Final 4 a record 23 times
UConn 80             USC  73
NCAA Women’s Final 4 Friday, April 5
(3) NC State  vs (1) South Carolina  7pm
(3) UConn  vs (1) Iowa 9pm

NCAA Men’s Basketball Saturday 4/6
Final Four
(11) NC State  vs (1) Purdue  6:09pm TBS
(4) Alabama vs (1) UConn  8:49pm TBS
NCAA Men’s Championship Monday 9:20pm 4/8

NBA
Celtics  118                           Hornets 104
Grizzlies  110        Pistons  108
Pacers 133                            Nets  111
Magic  104                            Trail Blazers 103
Hawks  113          Bulls  101
Suns  124             Pelicans  111


NBA Tonight

Milwaukee vs Washington 7pm
Oklahoma City vs 76ers  7:30pm TNT
Dallas vs Golden State 10pm TNT


MLB
Mariners  5            Guardians  4
Pirates  8                Nationals 4
Orioles  6               Royals  4
Reds  6  Phillies  3
Tigers 5                  Mets  0
Yankees  5            Diamondbacks  2
Dodgers  8             Giants  3

MLB Tonight

Cincinnati vs Phillies 6:40pm TBS
San Francisco vs LA Dodgers 10:10pm TBS

NHL
Penguins  5            NY Rangers  2
Islanders  4                           Flyers  3

NHL Tonight

Washington vs Buffalo  7pm
Pens vs NJ Devils  7pm
Chicago vs NY Islanders  7:30p

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 1, 2024

INVESTIGATION STARTS AFTER BUCKNELL STUDENT DEATH

A Bucknell University student was found deceased on campus Saturday but authorities say the death is not being considered suspicious.  According to Bucknell Public safety officers, they were called to conduct a death investigation at 78 University Avenue in Lewisburg.  Later, Bucknell University President John Bravman said in a statement that Bucknell senior, Christian Samay, was the individual they found.   This news comes after a campus lockdown resulted from reports of an active shooter on campus Friday afternoon that turned out to be a hoax.  If any student needs support, on-call counselors are available at 570-577-1604.

WOMAN ACCUSED OF DUI IN JERSEY SHORE

A woman who was driving under the influence and allegedly rear-ended a vehicle that had exited before her at the Thomas Street off-ramp of Interstate 220 in Jersey Shore was taken into custody last Wednesday.  According to North Central PA dot com, Lycoming Regional police say 60 year old Linda McCormick hit the vehicle in front of her and when the police arrived to the scene she had become combative with the driver of the other vehicle, blaming them for the accident, and then fought with officers who stated she smelled of alcohol.  Officials say after a blood draw at Jersey Shore Hospital, McCormick’s blood alcohol level was .212%  She is charged with aggravated assault and other assault charges, disorderly conduct, DUI and more with bail set at 45 thousand dollars monetary.

SINK HOLE IN SNYDER COUNTY

A sink hole in Snyder County has brought about a detour for traffic there this morning.  According to PennDOT, the sink hole was discovered three miles west of the Mifflin/Snyder County line and Specht Street is closed is both directions between West Street in McClure Borough, and Summit Road in Mifflin County.  Traffic is being detoured via Helfrick Road or West Street, Stuck Street and Route 522 South.

ARW OFFERING PICK-UP EASTER MONDAY DINNERS

The American Rescue workers in Williamsport are providing a walk-up or drive-up Easter meal for the community today from 4 to 6pm.  According to the Sun Gazette, the rescue worker volunteers will provide around 500 meals  that will be distributed this afternoon from the Furniture Loading dock at 643 Elmira St.  Everyone is welcome and no sign-up is required.

SERIOUS ROLLOVER ACCIDENT IN TIOGA COUNTY INJURES THREE

Two people were ejected from a vehicle and 1 was trapped during a roll-over  accident in Tioga County Saturday afternoon in the area of Route 6 near Westgate Road in Richmond Township.  According to First News Now, PA State police report that a black pickup truck rolled over multiple times and two people were ejected from the windshield and another tapped inside after the vehicle came to rest on its wheels in a nearby yard.  Route 6 was closed and traffic detoured as Mansfield Hose Company and EMS crews from Mansfield, Wellsboro and Blossburg responded.  Two Life Flight helicopters transported the two ejected victims to a Williamsport hospital and the third patient was transported by ambulance to Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre.  No word on the conditions of the accident victims today.

MAN HITS WIFE WITH CAR, RUNS HER OVER TWICE

A man from Renovo is free on bail after being charged for hitting his wife with his vehicle then running her over twice.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say 66 year old James Leroy Butler’s believes he ran her over on purpose the night of March 17th while they were leaving a local bar on Gratzmer Avenue.  State police report that Butler reversed his vehicle and struck his wife and she fell to the ground when he ran over her arm and then backed over her a second time, leading the victim to seek treatment the next morning with Butler allegedly refusing to help.  Butler was charged March 18th with aggravated assault by vehicle, simple assault, recklessly endangerment, and more.

CAR INTO BUILDING IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

CAR INTO BUILDING IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP
A car smashed the side of a building near the Golden strip in Williamsport Saturday morning.  According to the Sun Gazette, an employee at Future Nails near East Third Street on Eck Circle, was injured after the car came through the wall of the business just before 10am, and she was transported to UPMC Williamsport for treatment.  The driver of the car and her passenger were uninjured in the accident.  The nail business will remain closed until Loyalsock Townhsip codes officials can inspect the building for safety.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER SET FOR SUSQUEHANNA SPRING COMMENCEMENT

A graduate of Susquehanna University and the deputy archivist of the United States will speak at the 166th commencement as the keynote speaker this May.  According to eh Daily Item, William “Jay” Bosanko  who graduated from SU in 1992 will deliver the address on May 18 in front of 475 prospective graduates  in the Robert I. Estill Field House.  Bosanko will also receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at the ceremony, he had already been recognized with the Alumni of Distinction Achievement Award in 2021.

SPORTS

NASCAR  Sunday – Toyota Owners 400
Denny Hamlin won the race after a caution with two laps to go and won in overtime at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, VA.
Joey Logano was 2nd, Kyle Larson – 3rd, Martin Truex, Jr. 4th, and Chase Elliot  5th.

NCAA Men’s Basketball
Elite 8 Midwest/ South
(1) Purdue  72  (2) Tennessee  66
(11) NC State 76  (4) Duke  64
NCAA Men’s Basketball Saturday 4/6
Final Four
(11) NC State  vs (1) Purdue  6:09pm TBS
(4) Alabama vs (1) UConn  8:49pm TBS
NCAA Men’s Championship Monday 9:20pm 4/8

MLB
A’s  4                   Guardians  3
Angels  4            Orioles  1
Phillies  5            Braves  4
Brewers  4           Mets  1
Pirates  9             Marlins  7
Reds 6                 Nationals  5
Yankees 4           Astros  3
Red Sox 5           Mariners  1
MLB Today
Pittsburgh vs Washington  4:05pm
Cincinnati  vs Philly  6:40pm
Detroit  vs Mets  7:10 pm
Yankees  vs Arizona  9:40pmNHL
Canucks  3  Ducks  2
NHL Today
Penguins vs Rangers  7pm in Madison Square Garden, NY
Islanders vs Flyers 7pm

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