BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS

PLANE CRASH VICTIM IDENTIFIED

The identity of the 17 year old pilot who perished in the plane crash July 4th near Lock Haven has been released.  According to the Clinton County Coroner, Zach Hanna, Maisie Bitler of Hughesville was the victim in the crash that happened near 200 South Allegheny Street in Woodward Township last Thursday morning. Bitler was operating a Cessna 172 around 10am when witnesses say the engine sputtered and the plane come down in a wooded area.  The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are currently investigating the crash and say a preliminary report about the nature of the crash will be available in 30 days, posted on the NTSB Newsroom Twitter.

POLICE SEARCH FOR COFFEE SHOP ROBBERY SUSPECT

Money was stolen from a coffee shop in Mifflinburg last weekend and Milton State Police are investigating.  According to authorities, a suspect broke in to the trailer on Red Barn Road in Buffalo Township sometime over the weekend of June 29th and 30th and stole the cash.  According to IV Coffee Company’s Facebook page, they’re hoping for help from their followers to find out who might have heard about someone being responsible for the theft.  If you do have information that would help the investigation, please call Pennsylvania State Police at 570-524-2662.

LOCAL BEE KEEPER ON SESAME STREET

A bee keeper from Montandon had an opportunity to appear on the syndicated show, Sesame Street recently to teach Elmo and his friends about the importance of bees within our ecosystem.  According to North Central PA dot com, Ryan Pardoe of Hex Honey Bees said he was asked to be interviewed for the Elmo segment about beekeepers after a friend of his wife’s recommended him after she knew  he was a beekeeper for his father’s fruit tree business, Pardoe’s Perky Peanuts.  Pardoe said he manages about 45 colonies of bees and offers nine flavors of honey and 10 or so different scented beeswax candles which they sell in various local markets around Lycoming County.

LYCO COUNTY FAIR STARTS WEDNESDAY

The Lycoming County Fair in Hughesville is about to start, kicking off tomorrow through Saturday, July 20th.  Vistors can come to the 2024 county fair the first day for free admission and enjoy the free Harness racing both Wednesday and Thursday.  Admission from the 11th to the 20th is 4 dollars with kids 12 and under get in free with a paying adult and parking at the fairgrounds is 3 dollars.  Ride prices are not included in the admission price.  Look for Monster Truck rides and there will be Bulls & Barrels in the Grandstand and bleachers on Friday night for just 10 dollars.  Get all the details for the fair all week at Lycoming fair dot net.

ROUTE 15 SOUTH SPUR THE SCENE OF ANOTHER TRUCK CRASH

Police are investigating a tractor trailer crash that brought out the HAZMAT team Monday night on the Route 15 South Spur just after 6pm.  According to the Sun Gazette, the driver lost control of the rig, crashing into the guardrails and overturning, spilling over 6000 gallons of diesel fuel and an unknown amount of cargo from the truck.  Emergency crews assisted the driver out of the cab and he was transported to UPMC with non-life threatening injuries. A lane of Route 15 south was closed thru 4am this morning after special hazardous materials emergency response team and other clean up crews completed work at the scene, just west of the Maynard Street interchange off of I-180.

SUNBURY MAN PEADS NOT GUILTY TO ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE

A man from Sunbury will face a jury next week for charges against him for stabbing and biting a man at an 11th Street apartment on April 16, 2023.  According to the Daily Item, Jose Aguilar-Velazquez allegedly attempted to sexually assault the male victim and became angry when he was rejected.  Police say a neighbor called 911 after hearing a disturbance in the nearby apartment.  Aguilar-Velazquez pleaded not guilty to attempted homicide charges and jury selection begins in front of Northumberland County President Judge Paige Rosini Monday July 15th with a trial set to begin Friday, July 19th.  When police arrived on the scene the victim was bleeding and injured – he was transported to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

CLINTON COUNTY SHERIFF SEEKING PLANE CRASH WITNESSES

In regards to the fatal plane crash that occurred July 4th in Woodward Township last Thursday that took the life of pilot, 17 year old Maisie Bitler, the Clinton County Sheriff has issued a statement on his social media page about alleged witnesses to the crash.  According to Sheriff Kerry Stover, during the collaboration of investigating that is being done with federal authorities, information has come to light that there were two female witnesses of the crash who were on the levee walkway close to the end of the path nearest the first island bridge last Thursday before the crash.  Stover and the FAA Investigator are asking the two witnesses to call the Clinton County Communication Center at 570-748-2936 or PA state police at 570-726-6000 and assist the investigation with information they may have.

PA BILL PASSES TO DONATE GOOD-TO-EAT-FOOD WITH AN EXPIRED DATE

A bill has passed in the Pennsylvania House on Monday that will allow food that has gone by past the use-by date but is still safe to eat, to be donated to food pantries for distribution to those in need.  According to the Daily Item, House Bill 2286 exempts the use-by date and allows for judgement  for appearance, age, freshness, grade and surplus of the food item.  The bill passed 201-0, advancing to the Senate for further consideration, and would take effect immediately if it passes there.

SPORTS

Little League
*East Lycoming’s TriTown defeated Keystone last night 4-2 at Volunteer stadium, winning the District 12 Championship and advancing to the Section 3 Tournament.
*First title since East Lycoming won in 1986
* Section 3 Tournament July 14-18

MLB Draft League
Cutters spend  3 days at home this week and host Trenton Thunder tonight at Journey Bank Ballpark /Historic Bowman Field 6:35pm 1st pitch.

MLB
Tigers 1      Guardians 0
Pirates  8    Mets  2
Cardinals 6           Nationals 0
Rangers 9  Angels  4
Braves  5    D’backs  4
MLB Tonight
Cubs vs Orioles  6:35pm
Dodgers vs Philles  6:40pm  TBS
Yankees vs Rays  6:50pm
Nationals vs Mets  7:10pm
Pirates vs Brewers 8:10pm

NFL News
*Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton was suspended by the NFL on Monday for eight games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
*Sutton was released by the Detroit Lions on March 21, one day after a warrant was issued for his arrest stemming from an alleged domestic violence incident. He entered a pretrial diversion program in April.
*Sutton had signed a one-year deal with the Steelers on June 5

MLB NEWS
*Willie Mays received final military honors during a special Army presentation of an American flag to his son Michael at a public memorial service Monday at the San Francisco Giants’ waterfront ballpark. 
*The “Say Hey Kid,” hit 660 career home runs despite spending 1952 to 1954 in the Army during the Korean War, died June 18 at 93.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 25, 2024

MEMORIAL HELD FOR CENTRAL MOUNTAIN TEEN

A candlelight memorial occurred last night near Lock Haven City Beach to memorialize the Central Mountain teen who drowned Saturday at in the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.  Administrators at Central MNoutnain High School say that 18 year old Gavin Frey, of Howard was a hardworking leader among his friends.  A 22 year old man who was with Frey on Saturday was flown to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville after the accident and remains hospitalized in unknown condition.  Monday, support services were announced to be available at Central Mountain High School, according to the school district Facebook page.  . Frey is the second Centre County teenager to die this year of drowning. 16 year old Nathan Dan, of Bellefonte, died in May while swimming at Raystown Lake in Huntingdon County.

MILL HALL CNA CHARGED WITH ABUSE

A former Mill Hall CNA is facing charges after she allegedly abused a patient in her care while she was employed at a skilled nursing facility in Jersey Shore in May.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say in an affidavit that 41 year old Sara Marie Watkins intentionally and repeatedly moved a patient in a lift, intentionally causing pain and mocking the patient when they cried out.  Watkins case has been held for court on the charges of abuse of a care-dependent person and harassment And she is free n 45 thousand dollars bail. The woman is no longer employed by the Jersey Shore Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

DATA BREACH AT GEISINGER

Geisinger has announced that up to a million files of patient information may have been involved in a data breach that occurred in November of 2023.  According to a press release, the outside vendor, Nuance Communications Incorporated, had terminated an employee who, upon the firing, accessed data to some of Geisinger’s patient records before Nuance could disconnect their access.  That former employee is now facing federal charges.  Geisinger reports the information breached varied by patient, but included more personal data than financial data or social security number data. 

PROGRAM HELPS OFFICERS UNDERSTAND RESIDENTS WITH AUTISM

PA state police have created a resource to help community members who are diagnosed with Autism communicate effectively when they have an encounter with a police officer.  According to State police officials, a card has been created that can be shared that helps reduce barriers between officers who may not be familiar with the needs of the Autistic person.  The card alerts law enforcement that the person may be uncomfortable with loud noises or with being touched or other barriers to communication, and police can then respond appropriately.  The cards are available online at psp.pa.gov under “public safety documents”.

HOMELESS MAN ATTACKS EMPLOYEES WHERE HE WASN’T HIRED

A homeless man who was overlooked as a new hire at the Sheetz store on West Fourth Street in Williamsport, went inside the store last May, threatening employees and causing a disturbance.  According to the Sun Gazette, Rhamir Hatcher went to the store on May 13th at about 5pm and told employees he would kill them by stabbing, before he scattered over 800 dollars-worth of items around the store and pushed a cash register off the counter.  Court records say Hatcher was charged with terroristic threats, felony criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, shoplifting and criminal trespassing.  After the incident at the Sheetz, the man had been taken into custody for a probation violation.  He remains in jail in lieu of bail.

REPAVING OF SIX STREETS IN THE CITY TO START THIS SUMMER

Williamsport city council has approved a bid for re-paving of six streets in Williamsport and work is expected to be complete by September with considerations to avoid congestion during Little League World Series in August.  According to the Sun Gazette, Glenn O. Hawbaker was approved with a bid of just over 170 thousand dollars to pave the six streets, including Hollywood Circle, Taylor Place, Vallamont Drive, First Avenue, Wayne Avenue and East Third Street.  There is a reconstruction project also scheduled for Little League Boulevard  from Mulberry to Walnut Streets as well.  The public works committee will be discussing the detours around construction for a few weeks. 

TRIANGLE TECH TO CLOSE

The Pittsburgh based Triangle Tech, including the location in Sunbury, will be closing after this current semester is complete.  According to school officials the tech school that has operated for 80 years teaching various trades and assisting with job placement was struck hard by the COVID pandemic, changes in the industry landscape and strenuous government regulations along with a decline in enrollment, leading to the closure.  Other campuses effected include Greensburg, DuBois, Bethlehem, and Chambersburg are also.

GAME COMMISSION DOING THIRD BIRD ATLAS

The PA Game Commission is looking for the public’s help counting birds in Pennsylvania.  According to a press release, the Game Commission and Hawk Mountain Sanctuary are conducting the third Pennsylvania Bird Atlas between now and February of 2029.  Volunteers are asked to observe birds in Pennsylvania and report the findings online at ebird.org/atlaspa.  Instructions and tools to participate are also noted on that site under the explore tab. Coordinators of the program say, whether a volunteer observes one bird or 100, all the reporting is important.

SPORTS

NHL Stanley Cup Final
Game 7 in Edmonton
Panthers 2    Oilers 1  Florida wins 4-3
*  It’s been 25 years since the Panthers had a playoff victory
*   Oiler, Connor McDavid won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the 2024 postseason.

 *   McDavid is the sixth player in NHL history to win the Conn Smythe from team that lost in the Stanley Cup Final. He’s only the second skater after Reggie Leach of the Philadelphia Flyers, who was named MVP in 1976.

MLB
Guardians 3        Orioles  2
Phillies  8            Tigers  1
Reds  11              Pirates  5
Padres  7             Nationals 6
MLB Today
Guardians vs Orioles  6:35
Phillies vs Tigers  6:40pm
Yankees vs Mets  7:10pm TBS
Pirates vs Reds  7:10pm
Nationals vs Padres  9:40pm ESPN+

MLB Draft League
The Crosscutters are in West Virginia today for the 1st of three games on the road. 
Friday Williamsport Cutters vs Frederick Keys – Friday night at home @6:35pm first pitch.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 24, 2024

TEEN DROWNS IN SUSQUEHANNA NEAR LOCK HAVEN

Emergency crews responded to the City Beach area of the Susquehanna River in Lock Haven Saturday at about 4:15pm for two male swimmers in distress, and despite efforts from rescuers, only one young man survived the incident.  According to the Clinton County Coroner, after a search, 18 year old Gavin Frey was pulled from the water unresponsive and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  A 22 year old victim was rescued first by boaters and they got him to the shore, with the MedicVac helicopter transporting him to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. NO word on the surviving man’s condition at this time.

FIRE NEAR MOORESBURG

A garage outside of Danville was destroyed by a fire Saturday. According to media outlets, the structure formerly used as a cabinet shop near Mooresburg caught fire overnight around  the 500 block of Route 642. Fire departments from 3 counties responded at about 1:45am. Danville, East End, Southside, Elysburg, Pottsgrove, Turbot Township, Liberty Township, Washingtonville and Valley Township fire departments all responded to the blaze. No injuries were reported, and witnesses said they thought the cause of the fire was lightning.

MEALS FOR SCHOOL KIDS THIS SUMMER

Breakfast and lunch for kids over the summer who may face food insecurity are available for the next few weeks at Loyalsock Township School District from today through July 18th except for Fridays and the 4th of July. The Loyalsock program is offered at Schick Elementary, 2800 Four Mile St. and at the cafeteria on the Middle School/High School campus. The other program is at St. Paul Calvary United Methodist Church along 1427 Memorial Avenue serving breakfast from 9-10 a.m. and lunch noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday until Aug. 16th.

NEW STORE AT LITTLE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL

A new flagship store is set to replace the existing storefronts at the Little League International Complex. According to North Central PA dot com, Delaware North Sportservice has entered into a partnership with the Little League World Series and will oversee a new store. This is the same company who has provided concessions at the facility since 2002. The store will replace the Main Gift Shop and Third-Base Store and provide 6,000 square feet of retail space. Delaware North Sportservice says the news store is set to open for the upcoming 2024 season in August.

MAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULTING WIFE WITH A HAMMER

Bail has been denied for a Union County man who allegedly hit his wife over the head with a hammer, causing near-fatal injuries.  According to the News Item, 66 year old Robert Kitchens was arraigned Friday after he was arrested for the June 16th assault.  His wife, who was hit in the back of the head is being treated at Evangelical Community Hospital.  State police say  Kitchen faces felony charges of criminal attempted homicide, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and a host of misdemeanors including simple assault, and summary harassment.  He remains incarcerated at Union County Prison.

WOMAN CHARGED WITH GIVING ALCOHOL TO MINORS

A woman from Renovo was arrested after giving alcohol to minors. According to North Central PA dot com, 35 year old Faith Lee Marr gave a 16 year old girl a bottle of tequila and kept her last can of beer for herself. The teen took a photo with the bottle and was caught consuming the liquor with another teen by her grandmother.  Police say the photo is evidence that the teens consumed the alcohol given to them and Marr was taken into custody. She was charged with corruption of minors and furnish liquor to minors and is free on $10,000 bail.

PENN COLLEGE GRANT FOR PLASTICS PROGRAM

Penn College has received a grant from The National Science Foundation to redesign its plastics and polymers program. According to North Central PA dot com, the grant totals $594,574 and will support 2 one-year, for-credit certificate programs in both extrusion and injection molding. Penn College hopes to use some funds to introduce high school students to careers in the plastics field. The dean of engineering technologies, Bradley M. Webb, expressed gratitude for the funding and mentioned how program graduates have a 100% overall job placement rate. The grant will provide funding for the program over the next 3 years.

LEWISBURG SIDEWALK CHALK FEST JULY 5

Local artists are invited to register for The Sidewalk Chalk Festival in Lewisburg coming up Friday, July 5th.  According to the Lewisburg Arts Council, artists of all ages can decorate a square with washable chalk on the sidewalks of downtown Lewisburg, with finished artwork to be shared on Facebook and/or Instagram @LewisburgArtsCouncil or #lewisburgsidewalkchalkfestival.  Online registration closes July 3rd at 5pm, but there will be in person registration on the day of the festival at 340 Market Street.   Register at LewisburgArtsCouncil.org under the events tab.

SPORTS

NASCAR
USA Today 301, New Hampshire Speedway
*  Christopher Bell raised a broom over his head and clutched a 24-pound lobster in victory lane  for sweeping the weekend at New Hampshire following Saturday’s win in the Xfinity Series, and earning his third Cup win of the season Sunday on wet weather Goodyear tires.

  • Chase Briscoe was 2nd, Josh Berry 3rd, Kyle Larson 4th and Chris Buescher rounded out the top 5.


MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters 9  Mahoning Valley Scrappers 0
Cutters swept the series 4-0 and have the day off today.  They head to West Virginia Tuesday for three games on the road.  Cutters & Keys – Friday night at home @6:35pm first pitch.

MLB
Guardians 6         Blue Jays 5
Phillies 4              Diamondbacks  1
Braves  3              Yankees 1
Rays 3                  Pirates  1
Astros  8              Orioles  1
Nationals  2          Rockies  1
Mets  5                 Cubs 2
MLB Today
Orioles vs Guardians  6:35pm
Phillies  vs Tigers 6:40pm
Pirates  vs Reds  7:10pm
Nationals  vs Padres  9:40pm

NHL Stanley Cup Final Tonight
Oilers vs Panthers   Game 7 @8:00pm ABC   tied 3-3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 21, 2024

MAN SENTENCED AFTER ARREST FOR SELLING BATH SALTS

A Lock Haven man who pleaded guilty to two counts of delivering bath salts and one count of possession of a controlled substance, was sentenced this week to up to 10 years in state prison.  According to North Central PA dot com, the Clinton County District Attorney says 43-year-old Justin Eugene Dauberman has a 25 year criminal history, and the DA argued for the lengthy sentence in the case.  Dauberman will be eligible for parole in just under 3 years.

ANSONIA RESTAURANT DESTROYED BY FIRE

An historical building that was being used as a restaurant in Ansonia, Tioga County was lost in a fire on Tuesday.  According to the Wellsboro Gazette, a call came at 12:20am Tuesday morning for a fire at the Coach Stop Inn & Restaurant in Shippen Township on Route 6.  A second alarm went out before 1am with 5 more companies joining firefighters from Goodyear Hose from Galeton and Mansfield, who worked to establish two water supplies for the quickly moving fire.  After the fire was controlled crews stayed on the scene for a few hours.  Route 6 reopened after 4:30am .  Fire officials say the building that had last been open on June 15th was a total loss. The state fire marshal is investigating. 

COOLING CENTERS AVAILABLE DURING HEAT ADVISORY

A few cooling centers are still available today as the heat advisory remains in place for our area through tomorrow evening.  All five Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging community centers report that they extended their hours for centers that are still operating in Shamokin, Mount Carmel, Herndon, Sunbury and Milton, and they will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, Offering seating, air conditioning and beverages. In Lycoming County, The Williamsport Branch of the YMCA is also a cooling center open for city residents to cool down in the late afternoon through to 8pm.

DUI PATROLS IN TWO COUNTIES THIS WEEK

Roving DUI patrols are scheduled in Montour and Northumberland counties today through the next week.  According to the Daily Item, Highway Safety Network’s Regional DUI Enforcement Group and the Mahoning Township Police Department will begin the daily sobriety checkpoints until next Sunday June 30th.  According to a press release, funding for the roving patrol program comes from PennDOT and the National Highway Safety Administration.  Motorists can report drunk drivers be calling 911.  Call 1-888-under21to report underage drinking.

PHILLY WOMAN ARRESTED FOR UNION COUNTY SCAM

Pennsylvania State police have arrested a Philadelphia woman who scammed a Union County man out of 400 thousand dollars over a 4 year period.  According to North Central PA dot com, 32 year old Krystal McKenzie-Carter originally contacted the victim claiming he won Publisher’s clearing House sweepstakes, and after time and numerous scam payments to the suspect, the victim finally contacted state police last August to report the theft.  Troopers and the U.S. Secret Service investigated bank records of McKenzie-Carter and traced deposits and withdrawals that coordinated with the scam.  The woman is charged with felony conspiracy theft by deception, receiving stolen property and more and is free on 2,000 dollars unsecured bail. Her preliminary hearing is July 11. 

MOUNT CARMEL WOMAN FACES FEDERAL DRUG CHARGES

A woman from Mount Carmel will spend 5 years in prison after a trial in in federal court in Northumberland County found her guilty of trafficking methamphetamine.  According to North Central PA dot com, 45 year old Micia Best was identified by the FBI as a suspect in a drug trafficking operation in which she moved a significant amount of methamphetamine throughout the Commonwealth.  In addition to jail time, Best must also undergo four years of supervised release.

WEEKEND WORK TO CLOSE ROUTE 45

Watch for weekend detours on Westbound Route 45 in Union and Northumberland Counties for a bridge preservation project.  According to PennDOT, starting at 8pm tonight through Monday, June 24, 2024, at 6am, Route 45 westbound will be closed between Water Street in Lewisburg Borough and Route 405 in West Chillisquaqu. Those using Route 45 westbound from Montandon to Lewisburg will be detoured using Route 45, Route 405 north, Route 642 west, and Route 15 south.  Route 45 eastbound will be maintained through the work zone.  Watch conditions of all the PA roadways 24/7 at the newly upgraded 511PA dot com.

DANVILLE TEACHER, TREE CLIMBER HOSTS GUEST ON CLIMB #46

The Danville Area High School agriculture teacher who has set the goal of climbing 67 trees in 67 counties in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about Pennsylvania’s hardwood forests, was recently joined by the PA Agriculture Secretary, Russell Redding on his 46th climb.  Teacher and forester Van Wagner, met up with Redding at Blue Knob State Park in Bedford County and posted video of the climb on his YouTube channel @vanwags along with all his previous climbs.  The PA Office of Outdoor Recreation says that investments in our forests are investments in the quality of our Commonwealth communities.

SPORTS

MLB Draft League 
Williamsport Crosscutters 8          Mahoning Valley Scrappers  3
Game 2 at home again tonight in a 4-Game series with Mahoning Valley – 6:35pm first pitch

MLB
Guardians 6        Mariners  3
D’backs  5           Nationals  2
Orioles  17          Yankees  5
Cardinals 6         Giants  5 / Rickwood Field in Birmingham AL
MLB Tonight
Mets vs Cubs  2:20pm
D’Backs vs Phillies  6:40pm  AppleTv
Rays vs Pirates 6:40pm
Braves  vs Yankees  7:05pm AppleTv
Orioles vs Astros  8:10pm

NHL Stanley Cup Final Tonight
Panthers vs Oilers Game 6 –  8pm ABC/ESPN+ FLA leads 3-2

NBA News
There will be no public memorial for Hall of Fame player and executive Jerry West.  In a statement released Thursday by the LA Clippers, West’s family stated they would honor Jerry’s wishes and mourn his passing privately.  West died June 12 at age 86.  He  can be honored through donations to four funds at West Virginia, including academic and basketball scholarships named after him and his wife.

BOXING
Boxing star Ryan Garcia has been suspended one year after he reached a settlement with the New York State Athletic Commission following positive tests for performance-enhancing drugs.  The suspension is retroactive to Garcia’s April 20th  decision victory over Devin Haney, which has been overturned to a no-contest.  Garcia also forfeited his $1.2 million purse.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 20, 2024

MUNCY MAN FACING CHILD PORN CHARGES

A Muncy man is facing charges for possessing child pornography.  According to the Sun Gazette, police accuse 33 year old Joseph Edward Boris III of keeping pornographic images and distributing them last December through March and was recently arraigned in District Court.  Boris was also charged with illegal use of a communication device and waived his preliminary hearing. He is incarcerated in liue of 100 thousand dollars bail.

UPCOMING MANSLAUGHTER TRIAL FOR SCI COAL TWP INMATE

A 49 year old inmate at SCI Coal Township admitted to police that he killed his cellmate in 2022 and is now facing felony charges of voluntary manslaughter after District Attorney Mike O’Donnell discovered the open case when he took office in January.  According to the Daily Item, Samuel Merriweather, originally of Philadelphia was allegedly involved in an argument at the prison that he said led to him choke his cell-mate while he slept.  The investigation .  Merriweather continues to be held without bail and will have a court date in Northumberland County at a later date. 

WASD SEEKING DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

The public is invited to nominate graduates from Williamsport Area School District for the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards.  According to the Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation, up to four individuals can be recognized as an Outstanding Young Alumnus, for the Distinguished Alumni Service Award, for Alumni Achievement and for the Alumni Humanitarian Award.  Twenty three graduates have been recognized as a Distinguished Alumni since 2012.  The WASD Education Foundation facilitates charitable giving and permanent legacies based on educational innovation, the arts, athletics and scholarships.  Get information at wasdeducationfoundation.org.

HOME MADE DAYS THIS WEEKEND

Local and regional artisans will take over shady Brandon Park this weekend during Home Made days Friday 10 to 7 and Saturday 9 to 5.  According to officials from the City of Williamsport, up to 8 thousand visitors have been known to attend the event in past years shopping for home made items that include art by local photographers, painters and other craftsmen.  Participants are invited to check out the progress of the extensive renovations of the Kenneth Cooper Bandshell.  The purpose of HomeMade Days is to expose and educate students and individuals of the region to art in all forms.

MAN, UNDER THE INFLUENCE, CAUSES ONE CAR CRASH

A Williamsport man was arrested after he was allegedly driving under the influence and caused a one car accident that injured a minor female passenger last February. According to the Sun Gazette, recent court records say a few days after being treated for his injuries at UPMC Williamsport, 35 year old Jacob Thomas Greenly told police he didn’t remember anything about the crash or being in the vehicle beforehand, admitting his probable use of marijuana, methamphetamine and amphetamine which authorities found in his system.  Greenly now faces additional charges of DUI, recklessly endangerment, and drug charges. He was arraigned and released on $50,000 bail.

SALAZAR SEEKS APPEAL, CITES ILLEGALITIES IN HER TRIAL

The woman who was convicted of risking a catastrophe, reckless endangerment and other charges, but acquitted of attempted murder, after she rammed a minivan into the World of Little League Museum in South Williamsport is appealing her conviction to the state Superior Court.  According to PennLive, 58 year old Theresa Robinson Salazar of Williamsport, who was sentenced to 6 to 43 years in state prison, claims insufficient evidence for some of her convictions and also that her sentence is illegal due to some charges not being merged together in Lycoming County Court.  Lawyers for Salazar filed post-sentence motions that were denied, which allows her appeal to move forward.  Forty people were in the museum when Salazar claimed she had a sneezing rage that caused her to black out and drive into the building.  Only one person sustained minor injuries.

SHIK COULD STRIKE THIS FALL

After a recent school board meeting, the Union representing Shikellamy School District teachers are planning a strike this September if things don’t’ change.  According to the Daily Item, a statement was issued several weeks ago by the union, cancelling negotiation sessions, citing that some teachers feel undervalued. In a statement by the district, they value and respect every teacher and say the average teacher salary in the school district is $74,000 among the highest in the area.  No word on the exact day of the strike, if it will happen at all – but they say they will give parents plenty of notice.

GAS IMPACT FEES BEING DISTRIBUTED

Local counties are receiving the natural gas impact fees allocated by the Department of Environmental Protection, amounts that total in the millions for Pennsylvania.  According to Sen. Gene Yaw, the chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, and representing the 23rd Senatorial District, Bradford County will receive disbursements totaling $4.3 million, Lycoming County will get $2.8 million, and Sullivan County will receive just under half a million dollars. The funding is based on natural gas production in 2023, with approximately $179.6 million is being distributed statewide.

SPORTS

MLB Draft League
Crosscutters  3   State College Spikes  3  – Spikes defeated Cutters in Sudden Death.
*  With the Sudden Death loss, Williamsport falls to 8-5 in the 1st Half, but remains tied with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers at the top of the standings after Mahoning Valley’s Sudden Death loss to the West Virginia Black Bears.
*  Williamsport is home tonight at Journey Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field to open a four-game series against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers

MLB
Guardians 8        Mariners  0
Pirates  1             Reds 0
Padres 5              Phillies 2
Nationals  3        D’Backs  1
Orioles  7            Yankees  6
Rangers 5  Mets  3
MLB Today
Orioles  vs Yankees  4:05pm
Giants vs Cardinals  7:15pm FOX (from Birmingham AL)
Brewers  vs Padres  9:40pm

NHL Stanley Cup Final Friday
Panthers vs Oilers Game 6 –  8pm ABC/ESPN+ FLA leads 3-2Golf News
*  Charlie Woods, the 15-year-old son of legendary golfer Tiger Woods shot a 1-under 71 at a U.S. Junior Amateur championship qualifier at Eagle Trace Golf Club in Florida yesterday. 
*  Woods’ win qualifies him to take part in the July 22-27 tournament at Oakland Hills Country Club in Michigan. The winner of which will get an exemption into the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 19, 2024

MAN ARRESTED AFTER ATTACKING SOUTHSIDE WOMAN

43 year old Monroe County man is in custody after he allegedly attacked a woman in South Williamsport June 13th, allegedly telling police as they apprehended him, that he should have killed the woman.  According to the Sun Gazette  Justin Fendelander of Cresco strangled and bit his victim at a Phillips Park Drive apartment, before she  was able to call police, saying she was in fear for her life.  Fendelander said his victim caused him to have facial injuries, but the woman said were self-inflicted.  Fendelander is in the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail.

FORMER EMPLOYEES ALLEGEDLY STOLE FOOD FROM RESTAURANT

Two Williamsport women were arrested for stealing food from a fast food restaurant where they worked.  According to the Sun Gazette, 21 year old Shaniyah West and 63 year old Stephanie A. Davis are accused of taking over 34 hundred dollars worth of roast beef and other foods from the East Third Street Arby’s between May and June of 2023.  State police say the two face felony charges of theft and criminal conspiracy and are free on bail.

HEAT ADVISORY CONTINUES

A heat advisory is in place all week as temperatures rise and humidity sets in according to the National Weather Service in State College.  The high heat is expected to remain through Friday at 8pm for most central PA counties with temperatures potentially reaching 100 degrees.  Get details about the signs and symptoms of heat stroke at wather.gov. In addition to a heat advisory, there is more potential for severe thunderstorms with brief heavy rain and gusty winds all this week in the afternoon and evening hours.

JUNETEENTH EVENTS THIS WEEK

Today is Juneteenth, marking the day in 1865, when Union soldiers reached Galveston, Texas with news of the end of the Civil War, in which slaves were made aware they had been freed two years earlier following the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.  As a federal holiday, most banks, post offices and state agencies will be closed today, with Juneteenth programs taking place in some areas. The public is invited to Lewisburg today from 4 to 8 p.m. for a celebration in Hufnagle Park and on Saturday in Williamsport gather noon til 4 in Shaw Place park for a festival including food, games art and music.

BELLFONTE MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE

Charges were held over for court in July for attempted homicide charges against a Bellefonte man this week in Centre County Court.  According to North Central PA dot com, police were called to a Beaver Farm Lane apartment where 20-year-old D’Andre James McCaslin had allegedly attacked his victim causing multiple injuries.  Police say when they discovered the woman’s injuries, they took McCaslin into custody.  He is being charged with criminal attempt at murder, aggravated assault, strangulation, simple assault,  and more, and is being held at the Centre County Prison in lieu of $115,000 monetary bail. There will be a formal arraignment in July.

SHAMOKIN MAN SENTENCED

A man from Shamokin was sentenced to up to 12 years in Northumberland County Court last week after being convicted of felony strangulation and assault.  According to the Daily Item, a victim told police that 30 year old Thomas Ahmad choked and punched her several times during a domestic disturbance in June of 2023.  Ahmad said an argument escalated and that the woman was the aggressor.  He reported to authorities that he asked her to stop hitting him during an argument as she refused to let him leave the home in the Raspberry Hill section of Shamokin.  A jury sided with the victim  in the case prosecuted by the Assistant District Attorney Mike Seward.

SELINSGROVE ROAD WORK

A Selinsgrove roadway will be closed next week for a scheduled pipe replacement project.  According to the Daily Item, part of University Avenue between 18th Street and Fairview Drive is expected to be closed Monday June 24th for at least one day for the construction.  PennDOT says there will be a detour in place while crews are working using 18th Street and Route 522.  Work will happen weather permitting between 6am and 2pm.

BEER TO BE SERVED AT BLOOMSBURG FAIR

When the Bloomsburg Fair comes around this fall, they’ll be making history over beverage sales – specifically, the beer.  According to WNEP, the Grandstand Superintendent of the Bloomsburg Fair says they will allow beer sales this year inside the Grandstand during concerts to ticket holders, except on Sundays when a Christian band plays.  The vote to partner with Yuengling was up to the fair board’s 13 members, only one of whom voted no on the alcohol sales for 2024 – which will still allow the beer sales to occur.  The Bloomsburg fair is September 20th through the 28th .

SPORTS

MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters  13          State College Spikes  2
Cutters stay in State College tonight for the 2nd in a 2-game series.  They come home tomorrow and host Mahoning Valley Scrappers for “Milton Watsontown night” 6:35pm first pitch.

MLB
Mariners  8         Guardians 5
Reds  2                Pirates 1
Phillies  4            Padres  3
D’Backs  5          Nationals  0
Yankees  4          Orioles  2
Mets  7                Rangers  6
MLB Tonight
Reds vs Pirates  12:35 ESPN+
Padres  vs Phillies  1:05pm
Orioles  vs Yankees  7:05pm
Mets  vs Rangers  8:05pm 

MLB News
* Willie Mays, the “Say Hey Kid” of 50s and 60s Giants fame, a home run slugger and center field star for most of his 23-year Major League Baseball career, died Tuesday at 93 after a short illness.
*  Mays was to be honored Thursday evening at Birmingham’s Rickwood Field , Mays’ hometown and site of his Negro League career before 1948 – for a Giants-St. Louis Cardinals game.
*  Mays got 95% of the vote when he was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 1979, after a career with 660 home runs, 3,283 hits, two National League MVP awards and a record-tying 24 All-Star Game.  Mays’ All-Star Game records include most at-bats (75), most hits (23), most runs (20) and most stolen bases (six).

NHL Stanley Cup Game 5
Oilers  5  Panthers 3  FLA leads 3-2
NHL Stanley Cup Final Friday
Panthers vs Oilers  Game 6  8pm ABC/ESPN+

Olympic Swimming
22-year-old former Stanford swimmer, Regan Smith  is locked in for the 2024 Paris Olympics after she smashed and reclaimed the women’s 100-meter backstroke world record Tuesday night at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials at Lucas Oil Stadium, lowering the mark to 57.13.  The previous record was 57.33, which Australian swimmer Kaylee McKeown set in 2023. 

Make a Splash with Man Made Pools and Kona Big Wave!

THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED…

CONGRATULATIONS TO JENNIFER WATKINS OF COGAN STATION, GRAND PRIZE WINNER!

THIS SUMMER, MAKE A SPLASH LIKE NEVER BEFORE WITH CLASSIC HITS 93-3 WBZD! WE’VE TEAMED UP WITH MAN MADE POOLS AND KONA BIG WAVE TO BRING YOU THE ULTIMATE BACKYARD UPGRADE. IMAGINE COOLING OFF IN YOUR VERY OWN BALI 15-FOOT ROUND, ABOVE-GROUND POOL!

THIS PRIZE INCLUDES:

  • A HAYWARD PRO SERIES FILTRATION SYSTEM
  • A HAYWARD SKIMMER SYSTEM
  • A FRAME ROLL DOWN SAFE LADDER FOR EASY ACCESS
  • A PREMIUM BEADED LINER
  • A DURABLE WINTER COVER
  • A ROCK-SOLID 30-YEAR WARRANTY

MAN MADE POOLS, BUILT ON TRUST FOR OVER 28 YEARS, ENSURES YOU’LL ENJOY YOUR POOL FOR DECADES TO COME.

HOW TO ENTER:

JUST TUNE IN TO CLASSIC HITS 93-3 AND LISTEN FOR THE “MAKE A SPLASH” CUE TO CALL. BE THE 9TH CALLER AND YOU’LL INSTANTLY WIN A 12-PACK OF REFRESHING KONA BIG WAVE BEER, PLUS YOU’LL BE ENTERED FOR A CHANCE TO WIN THE GRAND PRIZE POOL!

BUT HURRY, WE’RE ONLY REGISTERING 93 LUCKY LISTENERS FOR THIS EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY!  MUST BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO REGISTER, AND YOU MAY REGISTER ONLY ONCE, ONE QUALIFIER PER HOUSEHOLD PLEASE. 

GET READY TO MAKE WAVES AND CREATE UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER MEMORIES WITH MAN MADE POOLS, KONA BIG WAVE, DISTRIBUTED BY EH KLECKNER INCORPORATED, AND CLASSIC HITS 93-3! DIVE IN TODAY!

“MAKE A SPLASH CUE TO CALL” – WHAT TO LISTEN FOR ON CLASSIC HITS 93.3 WBZD.

Pool in photo is a stock image and does not represent the actual pool for the giveaway.

ADDITIONAL CONTEST RULES OF THE WBZD “Make A Splash with Man Made Pools and Kona Big Wave” Contest

THE OFFICIAL WBZD GENERAL CONTEST RULES APPLY UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

EACH WEEK WBZD WILL BE REGISTERING LISTENERS TO WIN AN ABOVE GROUND POOL FROM MAN MADE POOLS AND KONA BIG WAVE BEER WITH THE “MAKE A SPLASH WITH MAN MADE POOLS AND KONA BIG BAVE” CONTEST BETWEEN JULY 1ST AND AUGUST 17TH 2024.

THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO REGISTER TO WIN THE GRAND PRIZE FROM WBZD:

1.    BEGINNING MONDAY, JULY 1 ST, 2024, BE LISTENING FOR THE SPECIFIC “MAKE A SPLASH CUE TO CALL SOUNDER” ON WBZD!  WHEN IT’S HEARD ANY WEEKDAY BETWEEN 6:00AM AND 3:00PM OR ON SATURDAY’S BETWEEN 10AM AND 3PM AND NOT PART OF A PRE-RECORDED PROMOTIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT, BE THE CORRECT CALLER AT 570-327-9331 OR 1-888-468-4933.  THE CORRECT CALLER WILL WIN A 12 PACK OF KONA BIG WAVE BEER AND WILL BE REGISTERED FOR THE GRAND PRIZE, WHICH WILL BE AWARDED AROUND 10:00 AM MONDAY, AUGUST 19TH, 2024 BY A RANDOM DRAWING OF ALL REGISTERED LISTENERS AND ENTRIES THAT REGISTERED AT THE MAN MADE POOLS LOCATION.

2.    YOU CAN REGISTER BY GOING TO MAN MADE POOLS AT 466 E. 3RD STREET, WILLIAMSPORT, PA 17701 AND FILLING OUT AN ENTRY FORM AND DEPOSITING IT IN THE MAKING A SPLASH WITH MAN MADE POOLS AND KONA BIG WAVE ENTRY BOX LOCATED INSIDE THE STORE DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS (MONDAY THRU FRIDAY, 9AM-5PM, AND SATURDAYS 9AM-2PM, SUNDAYS CLOSED (HOURS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND HOLIDAY HOURS MAY BE DIFFERENT).  PLEASE ONLY FILL OUT ONE ENTRY BLANK.  IT IS AT OUR DISCRETION TO REMOVE MULTIPLE OR  ENTRIES PRIOR TO THE GRAND PRIZE DRAWING.

FOR THIS CONTEST, ALL REGISTRANTS MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AND BE ABLE TO VERIFY IT WITH A GOVERNMENT ISSUED ID.

WBZD MAKING A SPLASH WITH MAN MADE POOLS AND KONA BIG WAVE GRAND PRIZE CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING:

BALI, 15 FOOT ROUND ABOVE GROUND POOL WITH A 52 INCH SIDE WALL HEIGHT

COLOR: LIGHT BROWN PAINT BRUSH

RESIN LAYERED STEEL AND EXPORT COATED

TOP LEDGE IS 10 INCHES INJECTION MOLDED RESIN

UPRIGHTS ARE 7 INCH INJECTION MOLDED

ALL STAINLESS STEEL HARDWARE

HAYWARD SKIMMER SYSTEM

HAYWARD PRO SERIES SAND FILTER FILTRATION SYSTEM WITH POWER FLO XL PUMP

AN A FRAME FOLD DOWN SAFETY LADDER WITH A SAFETY COVER

15 FOOT ROUND WINTER COVER

TOTAL RETAIL VALUE OF $6,000.00

INSTALLATION IS NOT INCLUDED.  IT IS THE WINNER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO PICK UP AND UNLOAD AND INSTALL THIS POOL PER MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

·         GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE MAY BE MODIFIED OR CHANGED FROM THE ABOVE DESCRIPTION.  ITEMS MAY NEED TO BE CHANGED OR DELETED OR SUBSTITUTED PENDING AVAILABILITY BUT THE RETAIL VALUE WILL REMAIN EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN $6,000.00.

·         THE GRAND PRIZE CANNOT BE SUBSTITUTED FOR CASH.  WINNER MUST TAKE GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE AS DESCRIBED.  IF WINNER CANNOT PICK UP OR WANT THE PRIZE AS OFFERED, THE WINNER FORFEITS THE PRIZE WITH NO COMPENSATION OR SUBSTITUTIONS.

DELIVERY OF PRIZE CAN BE INCLUDED, OTHERWISE PICK UP AND/OR DELIVERY OF PRIZE(S) ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE WINNER UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

THE WINNER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL LOCAL, STATE, FEDERAL TAXES BASED ON THE VALUE OF THE GRAND PRIZE, SEE #11 ON OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT WILL BE NEEDED FROM THE WINNER. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OF AGE WITH A GOVERNMENT ISSUED I.D. FOR MORE INFO CHECK US OUT ONLINE AT WBZD.COM.

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