Military Share – VFW Post 7863, Duboistown
Military Share – VFW Post 7863, Duboistown
Jake’s Bahamas Cruise with AAA Travel for 2025!
Join Jake Michaels and his wife Kathy as they host another fun and exciting cruise with AAA Travel North Penn! This is a 7night Bahamas cruise with stops in Nassau, Half Moon Cay, and Carnival’s NEW PRIVATE ISLAND, Celebration Key Bahamas.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 4, 2024
MONTGOMERY WOMAN ARRESTED FOR STEALING FUNDS
A woman from Montgomery who served as the business director of a non-profit food pantry is facing felony theft charges after allegedly stealing over 40 thousand dollars from the organization. According to the Sun Gazette, the treasurer of Footprints of Montgomery food Pantry reported irregularities in the bank account to state police which led to the discovery of the missing money. Police allege that 50 year old Shawn Gawblick, who left the business director position in February, illegally withdrew over 30 thousand dollars from the businesses bank account and misappropriated another almost 10 thousand for her personal expenses. Police said in court recently that Gawblick has an extensive criminal history including theft by deception and forgery. She is free on 25 thousand dollars bail.
PA TROOPER TRIAL BRINGS GUILTY VERDICT
The jury in the week-long trial of the PA state trooper involved in the deadly crash in Tioga County that killed a 47 year old teacher from the Troy Area School District returned a guilty verdict of vehicular homicide Friday. According to the Sun Gazette, court records say Michael Brown illegally crossed a double yellow line along Route 6 last February 11, attempting to pass a car and struck Christine Woodward in an oncoming vehicle – she died at the scene. A judge in Columbia County has yet to set a sentencing date, Brown remains free on bail until then.
BRIDGE WORK IN WATSONTOWN
Work will close the Watsontown River Bridge for three weeks as part of a preservation project, starting today. According to PennDOT, Brimmer Avenue will be closed Tuesday between Route 15 in White Deer Township, Union County and Elm/Canal streets in Watsontown. There will be work including deck patching, placement of an epoxy overlay, and milling and paving of the bridge approaches. A detour using Main Street, Route 44, and Route 15 will be in place until approximately Wednesday, June 26th.
BACTERIA LEVELS COULD LOWER THIS WEEK
The high coliform levels that closed swimming at Raymond B. Winter State Park Halfway Lake over the weekend could be at an acceptable level to return to swimming early this week. According to the Daily Item, park officials say that during routine testing after the heavy rain last week, the bacteria levels were at 300 per 100 milliliter when it needs to be below 245. The results of new samples from the lake are expected back today or tomorrow and officials are confident the bacteria levels will be back to normal, resulting in a potential announcement of the reopening of Halfway Lake at the Union County Park.
TWO MEN ARRESTED FOR DRUG DEALING
A Williamsport man was arrested after he delivered 10 bags of fentanyl, that later got into the hands of a confidential informant in February. According to North Central PA dot com, 47 year old Kyiem Randy Bradshaw is known by police for alleged numerous fentanyl deals within Williamsport, and they say Bradshaw assisted a dealer named Stevie Sanso and the police informant over the phone, directing the two on the type of drugs available and where they could come to pick them up. When they arrived at a residence near Third and Walnut Street, Sanso was given the fentanyl. Both Bradshaw and Senso were later charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility. Both men posted 50 thousand dollars bail.
POLICE SEEK TWO SUSPECTS WHO STOLE FROM VAPE SHOP
Police are seeking two suspects who police say stole cartons of cigarettes after they broke into the Muncy Puff Express store last Tuesday. According to North Central PA dot com, the theft happened just before 3am at the East Water Street location after a rear door was forced open. State Police at Montoursville said the suspects damaged the door and fled the scene after the theft. Contact Muncy police at 570-546-8384 if you have information that would help the investigation.
MORE RECYCLING OPTIONS IN UNION COUNTY
There are new recycling options for electronic waste in Union County. According to the Daily Item, officials from the county say ReWorld and Goodwill Keystone Area recently announced they will provide free electronic waste recycling in 42 locations in 22 central and southeastern Pennsylvania counties, with the closest location in our region at the Goodwill Store & Donation Center, 175 International Drive, Lewisburg. This will be the drop-off point for a wide variety of e-waste items from televisions and computers to other household electronics, with a goal to collect half a million pounds of electronic waste within the first year. Officials from Goodwill say If the electronics cannot be repaired and sold, they will be responsibly recycled by ReWorld.
FLAG RETIREMENT CEREMONY NEXT WEEK
In in the spirit of the upcoming Flag Day observation in the US on June 14th, there will be a flag retiring ceremony hosted by the Coal Township VFW Post 317 on June 11th. According to the News Item, the public is encouraged to bring any old or tattered flags they want retired to the Coal Township Municipal Building, 801 W. Lynn Street next Tuesday at 6pm. The dedicated drop-box for the proper disposal of tattered flags at the Coal Township VFW which was started in 2003 and has since collected more than 700,000 flags.
SPORTS
PIAA HS Softball State Playoffs 1st Round
Class A – Old Forge 6 Bucktail 3
Double A – South Williamsport 15 Brandywine Heights 3
Bald Eagle Area 2 Muncy 0
Triple A – Midd-West 6 Littlestown 2
Loyalsock 4 Mid Valley 2
Quad A – Valley View 6 Jersey Shore 3
Class 5A – Central Mountain 10 Penn Trafford 0
Class 6A – Downingtown East 4 Williamsport 1
HS Baseball Playoffs 1st Round
Class A – MMI Prep 11 Millville 1
Double A – Tri-Valley 10 South Williamsport 9
Bald Eagle Area 9 Lakeview 3
Quad A – Danville 6 Scranton Prep 1
Indiana 3 Bellefonte 0
Class 5A – Selinsgrove 11 Lampeter-Strasburg 4
MLB
Phillies 3 Brewers 1
Mets 8 Nationals 7
Orioles 7 Blue Jays 2
Angles 2 Padres 1
D’backs 4 Giants 2
MLB Today
Dodgers vs Pirates 6:40pm
Brewers vs Phillies 6:40pm
Mets vs Nationals 6:45pm
Twins vs Yankees 7:05pm TBS
Orioles vs Blue Jays 7:07pm
NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 1
Oilers vs Panthers 8pm ABC Sat. June 8th
NBA Finals Game 1 Thursday June 6, 2024
Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics 8:30pm ABC
Game 2 Sunday 6/9 8pm ABC
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 3, 2024
VICTIM NAMED IN SATURDAY’S ROUTE 220 CRASH
The Lycoming County Coroner announced the name of the victim who was killed in the Saturday afternoon accident at Route 220 and Reach road. Police say 30 year old Wayne Allen Gower of Montoursville was towing a hitch trailer and lost control of the vehicle while passing another vehicle along Rt 220 at about 4:45pm. According to the coroner Gower was thrown from the truck and suffered fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Williamsport police are conduction an investigation of the crash.
MAN ARRESTED FOR CARRYING GUN ILLEGALLY
A Williamsport man was arrested outside of police headquarters this April after officers found him in illegal possession of a handgun. According to the Williamsport Sun Gazette, 35 year old, Tyran Shareef Fisher pulled up to the station and exited his vehicle, when officers noticed him carrying a clip on his belt that resembled a gun holster. Police conducted a warrant check and confirmed Fischer’s license to carry had been rescinded, and when he was taken into custody he was found to be armed and carrying drugs. Authorities charged Fisher with carrying a firearm without a license and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released on $10,000 bail.
PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE EXPIRING SOON
People who live near the Susquehanna Steam Electric station who have been given potassium iodide (KI) tablets as preparation for any nuclear emergency, are reminded that the medication is expiring soon and it can be exchanged at a distribution event June 12th. According to The Pennsylvania Dept. of Health, potassium iodide helps to protect the thyroid gland against radioactive iodine and can be taken if ok’d by your health care provider, and only when instructed to do so by state health officials. Areas for the exchange day will be Berwick City Halle in Berwick June 12th from 2pm til 7pm and Butler Township Community Center in Drums also from 2 til 7pm.
TATTOO EXPO IN SUNBURY STARTS FRIDAY
There will be a first annual tattoo expo in Sunbury next weekend June 7th through 9th at the James R. Eister Youth and Community Center. According to the News Item, the “Ink in the Rink” Tattoo Expo will start at noon next Friday and feature local and out-of-state tattoo artists, bands and painters for the three day weekend. Entertainment and food trucks will be at the expo and according to The Ink in the rink Tattoo Expo Facebook page, some local hotels are providing discounts to guests for the event.
SUNBURY WOMAN ARRESTED FOR BRANDISHING KNIFE
A Sunbury Woman has been charged with assault after pulling a knife on three people. According to North Central PA dot com, 36 year old Tiera Diane Jones was apprehended May 18 after police responded to hostilities. Officers entered the home and found Jones who surrendered to authorities, admitting her wrong doing. Two of the victims were found outside the home with cuts and abrasions and one was bleeding from the mouth. Jones was arraigned with felony aggravated assault, misdemeanor simple assault, and summary harassment. Her bail is set at $30,000 and she has a preliminary hearing tomorrow.
MAN CHARGED FOR THREATENING FAMILY MEMBERS
A Montoursville man was arrested after pulling a knife on his mother. According to the Sun Gazette police say that 37 year old Jason I. Garg had threatened his mother with a knife in their home at 1920 Walters Road May 16th . Police were called to the scene and said Garg was visibly intoxicated and uncooperative before they took him into custody. Police say Garg had a previous altercation with Lewisburg police earlier that day and was on a 302 warrant. He was charged with simple assault and was denied bail.
BACTERIA LEVELS PREVENT SWIMMING AT HALFWAY LAKE
After an elevated coliform count was found during routine testing, authorities have suspended swimming at R.B. Winter State Park Halfway Lake According to an alert on Pennsylvania DCNR’s website, the day use area remains open at the park. The park will test the water daily and reopen swimming when bacteria counts fall into acceptable levels.
PENNDOT UPGRADES APP AND WEBSITE
There is a new mobile app and website associated with the PennDOT travel page, 511PA dot com, has been upgraded. According to PennDOT administrators, the new version of 511pa dot com provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras which is also available on iPhone and Android devices. Users will be able to customize the app and limit alerts to their specific route. There is also a “driving mode” allowing users to go hands free while they utilize the app.
SPORTS
PIAA State Softball Playoffs First Round today
Class 1A – Bucktail vs Old Forge @ Bucktail HS 1pm
Class 2A Muncy vs Bald Eagle @ Bald Eagle HS 3pm
Class 3A Midd-West vs Littlestown @ Midd-West HS 4:30pm
Loyalsock vs Mid-Valley @ Mid Valley Elem. 6:30pm
Class 4A Jersey Shore vs Valley View @ Valley View HS 4pm
Class 5A Central Mtn vs Penn Trafford @ Central Mtn HS 4:30pm
Class 6A Williamsport vs Downingtown East HS @ Lycoming Valley Intermediate School 4:30pm
PIAA Baseball Playoffs First Round
Class 1A Millville vs MMI Prep @ MMI Prep 4pm
Class 2A Bald Eagle Area vs Lakeview @ Bald Eagle Area HS 2pm
Class 4A Danville vs Scranton Prep @ Central Columbia HA 4:30pm
NASCAR Sunday
World Wide Technology Raceway
Austin Cindric got the checkered flag by passing teammate Ryan Blaney, who was leading the final lap at the Enjoy Illinois 300 until he ran out of gas.
Denny Hamlin was 2nd, Brad Keselowski 3rd, Tyler Reddick 4th and Joey Logano rounded out the top 5.
NHL
Oilers 2 Stars 1 Edmonton wins the series and makes it to the Stanley Cup finals for the 1st time since 2006.
NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 1
Oilers vs Panthers 8pm ABC Sat. June 8th
MLB
Nationals 5 Guardians 2
Rays 4 Orioles 3
Blue Jays 5 Pirates 4
D’backs 5 Mets 4
Yankees 7 Giants 5
Cardinals 5 Phillies 4
MLB Today
Brewers vs Phillies 6:40pm
Mets vs Nationals 6:45pm
Orioles vs Blue Jays 7:07 ESPN+
NBA Finals Game 1 Thursday June 6, 2024
Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics 8:30pm ABC
Game 2 Sunday 6/9 8pm ABC
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 30, 2025
NEW CEO FOR LITTLE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL
The Little League International Board of Directors has named a new President and Chief Executive Officer following the 40 year tenure of Stephen D. Keener who previously announced his retirement from the position effective December 31st of this year. According to a news release, Patrick Wilson was appointed yesterday by the board who they say will be at the helm of the organization as they reach to achieve future goals for success. Wilson has held key operational and organizational roles including Tournament Director of the Little League International Tournament, and he was named Chief Operating Officer in 2020. The board said Wilson is a steadfast leader, deeply committed to the organization and its values of inclusion, integrity, community, teamwork, and fun. His role will commence January 1st, 2025.
GUILTY PLEA OVER THEFT IN CASTANEA TOWNSHIP
A 35 year old man from Phillipsburg plead guilty this week to stealing cigarettes and cash after breaking into a convenience store in Flemington. According to North Central PA dot com, in Clinton County Court Tuesday, Anthony John Harkinson admitted his crime that occurred last July 21st when he smashed the glass of the Sunoco on South Hanna Street in Castanea Township and took several cartons of cigarettes and two cash registers causing 20 thousand dollars worth of damage. Harkinson has his sentencing hearing in July.
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGNALS IN WATSON TOWNSHIP
Temporary traffic signals will be installed today on Route 44 between the intersections of Furnace Run Road and Route 973 in Watson Township, as crews work on an embankment stabilization project. One temporary signal will be installed approximately 1.5 mile north of the intersection with Furnace Run Road and another temporary signal south of the intersection with Route 973. The signals will be set to flash yellow until Monday, June 10th when the signals will become fully operational.
REUNION WEEKEND AT BUCKNELL
Bucknell’s reunion weekend for class years ending in 4 and 9 starts this Friday and continues through Sunday with special recognition for the class of 1974, celebrating 50 years this spring events and activities will take place all weekend including all-class celebrations and tours of campus, classroom sessions, and outdoor activities including Susquehanna River kayak trips and a golf tournament. The Bucknell University Alumni Association awards reception and ceremony will be Saturday morning with more than 1,600 alumni and family members are expected to be on campus. Get more details at Bucknell.edu.
TWO ADULTS AND JUVENILE CHARGED FOR ASSAULT ON TEENAGER
Two adults and a 15 year old boy were charged with assault and other charges after they went to another teenage boy’s home in Snyder County where the victim’s phone was stolen and he was beaten up on May 20th. According to state police at Selinsgrove, both 29 year old Wilson Andujar, of Middleburg, and 29 year old Victor Velez, of Shamokin Dam drove with the boy to the 17 year old victim’s home after the two had exchanged texts and then took part in the fight. The teen suspect punched the victim several times and later destroyed the boys phone after driving away from the scene. Andujar and the 15 year old were charged with harassment and other charges, Velez was only charged with harassment.
SENTENCING FOR FORMER MEMORY CARE EMPLOYEE
The former employee at a memory care facility near Lewisburg, who admitted to taking disturbing pictures of residents in her care last year, was sentenced this week in Union County Court. According to the Sun Gazette, the original plea deal for 19 year old Madison Elaine Cox of Montgomery was previously rejected by Judge Michael Piecuch who ruled yesterday that she will be jailed for three months then 18 months of house arrest with electronic monitoring fines and intensive probation. Cox will never again to able to be unsupervised with the elderly or with children. A juvenile employee of Heritage Springs who was a co-defendant with Cox, was previously adjudicated in juvenile court.
JURY AWARDS PENN STATE DOCTOR 5.25 MILLION DOLLARS
A Penn State football team doctor who was in court claiming that the PSU head football coach, James Franklin, repeatedly interfered with medical decisions, has been awarded $5.25 million in the 2019 case. According to PennLive, attorneys for Dr. Scott Lynch said he clashed with Franklin over treatment plans for injured players after the coach took over in 2014, and they sued PennState, Penn State Health, and Lynch’s supervisor who decided to remove him from his sports medicine position, Dr. Kevin Black. The jury in the 7 day trial awarded Lynch 250,000 in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages.
LAUREL FESTIVAL 10K EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Early bird registrants for the Laurel Festival 10k and 2-mile fun run coming up on June 15th will get the free T-shirt if they sign up by June 1st. According to the Wellsboro Chamber of Commerce, the 10k and the free shirts are sponsored by First Citizens Community Bank, and runners can register for the run at wellsboropa.com. Registration will begin June 15th at 7:45am at Packer Park on Queen Street in Wellsboro. The weeklong festivities of the 82nd annual, 2024 Laurel Festival are from Friday June 8th and culminates with the coronation of this year’s Laurel Queen at Wellsboro High School on Saturday night June 15th.
SPORTS
PIAA D4 Softball
Class 2A Championship Today
South Williamsport vs Muncy 4:30pm Elm Park
PA Sports News
Montoursville native Gavin Hoffman, who won 3 high school state wrestling championships and became an All American at Ohio State, will join the coaching staff at Lock Haven University as a volunteer assistant.
NBA West Finals Game 5 Today
Timberwolves vs Mavericks 8:30pm TNT DAL leads 3-1
NBA Finals Start June 6th 8:30pm ABC
MLB
Rockies 7 Guardians 4
Game 1 – Tigers 8 Pirates 0
Game 2 – Pirates 10 Tigers
Phillies 6 Giants 1
Dodgers 10 Mets 3
Orioles 6 Red Sox 1
Nationals 7 Braves 2
Yankees 2 Angels 1
MLB Today
Mets vs Diamondbacks 7:10pm
Tigers vs Red Sox 7:10pm
Nationals vs Braves 7:20pm
Yankees vs Angels 9:38pm
NHL West Final
Oilers 5 Stars 2 tied 2-2
NHL Tonight East Final Game 5
Panthers vs Rangers 8pm ESPN tied 2-2
NHL Friday West Final Game 5
Oilers vs Starts 8:30pm TNT tied 2-2
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 29, 2024
WOMAN SENTENCED FOR ENDANGERING CHILDREN
A Williamsport woman, who pleaded guilty to one count of endangering the welfare of children January 26th, was sentenced to 9 to 23 months in prison Tuesday morning in Lycoming County Court. According to the Sun Gazette, 22 year old Destiny Kellar and 31 year old Crystal Zamorski were found by police last July, to have regularly abandoned three children in an apartment along the 600 block of Hepburn Street that officers say was in deplorable conditions. Kellar will receive credit for time served and must also serve 2 years’ probation and perform community service. No word on a court date for Zamorski.
MIDDLEBURG MAN CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT FROM 2018
A Middleburg man is now in the Snyder County prison after CYS was informed by the victim about an alleged sexual assault in 2018 when he was watching two children in his home and an investigation was started. According to North Central PA dot com, 53 year old Jeffrey Allen Try, first denied the allegations, but according to police, who administered a polygraph test, he showed signs of extreme deception. Try then said he didn’t remember the incident in an apology letter to the victim. He was charged with felony rape of a child, and other sexual assault charges and is in Snyder County prison in lieu of 100 thousand dollars bail.
DESIGN FIRM CHOSEN FOR WILLIAMSPORT PROJECTS
A design firm was chosen for work that will bring an outdoor fitness pad to Memorial Park in Williamsport, and a reconstruction design to an area of Little League Boulevard between Mulberry and Walnut streets. According to the Sun Gazette, Williamsport City engineers say Livic, an engineering firm will do pre-design, final design and prepare for the bidding on the construction that could begin this summer. Information is upcoming about detours and flag work in the downtown area. The costs for the full project are estimated at 750 thousand dollars, but that is subject to change.
FREE LICENSE PLATE REPLACEMENT IN JERSEY SHORE THURSDAY
The public is invited to make arrangements to replace their illegible license plate for free at an event this week hosted by State Rep. Joe Hamm who represents parts of Lycoming and Sullivan counties in the 84th District. There will be drive thru service available at the Front Circle of the Tiadaghton Valley Mall in Jersey Shore Thursday from 4 until 6pm for constituents who have license plates that are hard to read. They should bring an unexpired driver’s license and current registration card and staff will be on hand at the event to help them. Call Hamm’s Jersey Shore office if you plan on attending, 570-398-4476.
DEFENSE FOR WILLIAMSPORT MAN WANTS TO MOVE TRIAL
The defense for Kenneth Michaels, the CEO of Cable Services, who is facing charges related to the fatal shooting of his brother-in-law, John Roskowski, in Williamsport last August, want Judge Ryan M. Tira to disqualify the entirety of DA’s office in the case. According to PennLive, District Attorney Thomas A. Marino voluntarily recused himself from the case in the form of a stipulation among the parties at the beginning of Tuesday’s recusal hearing. The defense has asked to move the case to the state attorney general’s office.
KITCHEN FIRE IN JERSEY SHORE
Citizens Hose Company responded to a small fire at the 100 block of Oak Street in Jersey Shore Tuesday afternoon that was quickly extinguished. According to the Sun Gazette, the fire originated in the kitchen of the home and caused a power outage, burning parts of the walls and a few cabinets. However, fire officials say there was no structural damage to the home and there were no injuries. The family living there has been displaced for now, until arrangements can be made for a repair and electric to be restored.
NEPA OFFICER ON HOUSE ARREST
An Ex-Hazelton Cop who detonated an explosive device in Kline Township is to be placed under house arrest. According to North Central PA dot com, 33 year old Ladell E. Hannon set off the device at the home of Harrison Jordan on Dec. 21, 2021. The explosion caused damage to multiple buildings and injured Jordan’s neighbor. At his bail hearing last Friday, Hannon’s lawyer requested that he be placed under house arrest awaiting his trial in September. He is set to live with his mother in East Stroudsburg. Hannon’s bail is posted at one million dollars.
ROAD WORK IN MONTOUR AND LYCOMING COUNTY
A resurfacing project on Route 642 in Derry and Valley Townships in Montour County continues this week. According to PennDOT, through Thursday, there will be single lane conditions between Welliver Road in Valley Township and Stine Road in Derry Township. Flaggers are expected to be on scene where work is being performed during daylight hours, weather permitting. Then starting Thursday in Lycoming County, I-180 westbound in Muncy Creek Township, will have a lane restriction for a bridge deck patching project over Route 405.
SPORTS
PIAA D4 Softball
Class 2A Semi Finals
South Williamsport 3 Troy 0
Muncy 1 NE Bradford 0
Class 2A Championship Thursday
South Williamsport vs Muncy 4:30pm Elm Park
NBA West Finals
Timberwolves 105 Mavericks 100 DAL leads 3-1
NBA West Finals Game 5 Thursday
Timberwolves vs Mavericks 8:30pm TNT
MLB
Guardians 13 Rockies 7
Game 1 Dodgers 5 Mets 2
Game 2 Dodgers 3 Mets 0
Red Sox 8 Orioles 3
Braves 2 Nationals 0
Angels 4 Yankees 3
Giants 1 Phillies 0
Pirates vs Tigers postponed /rain
MLB Today
Doubleheader – Pittsburgh vs Detroit 12:40pm /4:10pm
Phillies vs Giants 3:45pm
Red Sox vs Orioles 6:35pm
nationals vs Braves 7:20pm ESPN+
Yankees vs Angels 9:38pm
NHL East Final
Panthers 3 Rangers 2 tied 2-2
NHL Tonight West Final Game 4
Stars vs Oilers 8:30pm TNT DAL leads 2-1