BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 6, 2024

ROUTE 220 SHUT DOWN SATURDAY AFTER FATAL WRECK

There was a fatal truck crash that shut down Route 220 in Muncy Township Saturday around noon, that involved an elderly man from Montoursville.  According to the Lycoming County Coroner’s Office,  87 year old William E. Messersmith  was traveling on Rt. 220 when his vehicle suddenly left the roadway and struck  a tree east of Oak Run Lane.  He was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, and sustained no lethal traumatic injuries and may have suffered a medical episode before the accident.  Messersmith was pronounced dead at the scene and Route 220 was closed for several hours.  State police, Muncy Township and Hughesville firefighters were on the scene and PennDOT reopened Route 220 after 2:30pm.

EASEMENTS APPROVED FOR RIVERWALK CONSTRUCTION

Williamsport City Council, at their meeting Thursday, approved easement rights to properties on West Third Street, Rose Street, parcels on Elm Street and Berger Alley with the county so that the planned extension of the Susquehanna River Walk construction can continue.  According to North Central PA dot com, the easement agreements were needed between the city and Lycoming County that had gotten initial approval late last year.  Zoning officials say the additional segment broadens access to the River Walk, a key recreational amenity of the greater Williamsport community, and will cost over 100 thousand dollars.  The costs will be covered by grants through Lycoming County and DCNR.

SPRING REGATTA PLANNED IN LOCK HAVEN

The Delaware Valley Outboard Racing Association has planned a Spring regatta next weekend in Lock Haven.  In the spirit of the annual Jaycees Labor Day regatta that will still be held on Aug. 31, the spring event the first of its kind in the city, starts Saturday May 11th at 7am and will continue through Sunday at 5pm.  Find information about registration form for the event can be found here: form.jotform.com/241155697646164, of Google “Delaware Valley Outboard Racing Association”

PA’S PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR FROM BELLEFONTE

The principal of Bellefonte Area High School has been named Principal of the year for 2024 by the Pennsylvania Principals Association.  According to the Lock Haven Express, Michael Fedisson was chosen by a committee of his peers for his leadership and extraordinary contributions to his school, students and community.  As a graduate of Bellefonte Area High School himself, he started his career at Bellefonte Middle as a 7th grade English Language Arts teacher in 2003.  Fedisson is now a candidate for the National Secondary Principal of the Year.

WOMAN ARRESTED TRYING TO VISIT INMATE

A Philadelphia woman who was trying to visit an inmate at SCI Coal Township, was arrested last month after a K-9 officer alerted staff to the presence of drugs.  According to state police at Stonington, 31 year old Bahtia Greene was signing in when staff called state police to conduct a search of her and her vehicle which turned up narcotics and paraphernalia.  She faces two misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct obscene language and has a preliminary hearing June 11th.

UPGRADES PLANNED FOR WATER METERS IN CITY

A grant has been given to the Lycoming Water and Sewer Authority that will upgrade customer meters with an advanced system and smart meters that will allow the authority to get meter information in real time.  According to the Sun Gazette, during the authority’s monthly meeting, the grant totaling 360 thousand dollars was approved from the Susquehanna River Basin Commission’s Consumptive Use Mitigation program and will be able to use the new technology to read meters monthly instead of quarterly, allowing them to detect leaks sooner within the Limestone water system, while also using new system pressure and flow monitoring devices.

PA LEGISLATORS ADDRESS CONCERNS OVER SENIOR CARE

Legislators in Harrisburg are considering their response to the concerns from those who care for seniors, that there is underfunding of nursing homes and long term care facilities as the elderly population in Pennsylvania continues to grow.  According to statistics on aging, by 2030, 1-in-5 Pennsylvanians will be 65 or older, and advocates for the elderly say Medicare reimbursement rates don’t match what it actually costs to provide care with the funding gap allegedly more than a billion dollars.  Those who are 85 and older is the fastest growing population in the Commonwealth.

LOW FLYING DRILL PROPOSAL CANCELLED

The proposal to use the PA Wilds Region by the Maryland Air National Guard so they could conduct training drills at a minimum of 170 days out of the year at low altitude has been rescinded.  According to the Lock Haven Express, the proposal has faced opposition from Senator John Fetterman, Senator  Bob Casey as well as the Clinton County Commissioners, who held a webinar last May to encourage public comment, for or against the Duke Military Operating Area.  The 13-county Pennsylvania Wilds region contains the greatest concentration of public lands in PA and accounts for $1.8 billion in tourism.

SPORTS

MLB
Guardians 4         Angels  1
Pirates  5              Rockies  3
Yankees  5                     Tigers  2
Nationals  11        Blue Jays  8
Rays  7                 Mets  6
Red Sox  9                     Twins  2
Dodgers  5                     Braves  1
Orioles  11                     Reds 1
MLB Today
Giants  vs Phillies  4:05pm
Detroit vs Cleveland 6:10pm FS1
LA Angels  vs Pirates  6:40pm

NBA Playoffs
Cavaliers  106      Magic  94  CLE wins series 4-3
NBA Tonight
Pacers vs Knicks 7:30pm  TNT East Semi-finals Game 1
Timberwolves vs Nuggets  10pm  TNT  West Semi-finals Game 2  MIN leads 1-0

NHL Playoffs
Stars  2       Golden Knights 1  West 1st Round  Game 7 DAL wins series  4-3
Rangers  4  Hurricanes  3  East 2nd Round Game 1  NYR leads 1-0
NHL Tonight
Bruins vs Panthers 8pm ESPN  East 2nd Round Game 1 

NASCAR
Kyle Larson got the photo finish at Kansas Speedway Sunday finishing a thousandth of a second before Chris Buescher at the Advent Health 400.  Chase Elliot was 3rd  Martin Truex Jr 4th and Denny Hamlin rounded out the top 5

Horse Racing
* At the 150th Kentucky Derby Satruday, Mystik Dan was first to the wire in front of 156,710 at Churchill Downs, the largest Derby crowd since 2018.
* Sierra Leone took 2nd by a nose, with Forever Young was another nose back in third. It was the closest three-horse photo finish since 1947

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 2, 2024

POLICE STANDOFF LOCKS DOWN JERSEY SHORE HOSPITAL

Following a domestic disturbance between a mother and her adult son Wednesday, there was a stand off  between police and a Jersey Shore man, who is now  in custody.  According to North Central PA dot com, police were called to the 300 block of Glover Street just before noon yesterday, after the home owner called police when Matthew James Munro had kicked the door in and entered without permission.  As Lycoming Regional police negotiated with Munro,  who was still inside, he threatened to unload  a 9mm service weapon, and they called for more officers.  Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital went on lock down yesterday out on abundance of caution, but Munro surrendered about 1:30pm and was taken to Lycoming County Prison on no bail.

FIRE ON PACKER ISLAND WEDNESDAY

Dozens of firefighters responded to a blaze on Packer Island Wednesday morning after crews were called just before 2am.  According to the Daily Item, the three people who lived at the home along East Drive in Upper Augusta Township escaped uninjured along with their pets, but have been displaced after there was heavy fire and water damage to the second floor.  Over ten companies from the area assisted with the blaze.  The state fire marshal was on the scene but the fire was not considered suspicious. 

CAR ACCIDENT INVOLVING WARRIOR RUN SCHOOL DISTRICT BUS

Police are investigating an accident Tuesday afternoon that involved a Jeep and a Warrior Run School District school bus. According to the Daily Item, Watsontown police were called to the rear-end crash that happened at the intersection of Sixth and Main Streets while both vehicles were traveling south.  Twenty-five students were on the bus and EMS responded and evaluated the passengers.  No one was injured, and all parents were notified after the incident. 

SPRAYING FOR SPONGY MOTHS TO START

As spongy moth caterpillars have emerged, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is announcing the start of aerial spraying of state woodlands to combat the outbreaks.  DCNR says 185 sites totaling over  227 thousand  acres in portions of 12 state forests and 18 state parks, in 20 counties throughout Northeast and central PA will be sprayed using two helicopters and six fixed-wing aircraft.  The insecticides must be ingested by young caterpillars as they feed on foliage.  The substances are regularly used in agriculture and are subject to State and Federal environmental review – deemed safe for use.

MAN WANTED IN PHILLY TAKEN INTO CUSTODY

The U.S. Marshals Service arrested a man yesterday in Williamsport who was wanted on murder charges in Philadelphia.  According to North Central PA dot com, 34 year old Calvin Solomon was taken into custody without incident at the 700 block of West Edwin Street.  Solomon is facing homicide, and abuse of a corpse charges and lesser charges from an investigation of case from June of 2022, and awaits extradition in Lycoming County Prison following his preliminary hearing during which he was denied bail.

MORE DETAILS ON MILTON SHOOTING

The third man involved in the Milton shooting last week has been identified by police after more details were released about the case.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say Nathaniel Rivera was shot by 21 year old Victhian Jovier Pitre-Rodriguez, of Sunbury after a fight at the 20 block of Broadway Street in which the two struggled over a firearm.  Rivera was shot twice, Pitre-Rodriguez shot himself in the leg when the gun malfunctioned, and both were hospitalized.  With a search warrant, following reports of the shooting, police discovered 28-year-old Jose A. Rodriguez Lassalle who lived near the shooting scene, had a firearm with a destroyed serial number in his apartment similar to one found near the scene of the shooting, and he was incarcerated.  Rivera has undergone several surgeries and remains hospitalized.  Pitre-Rodgriguez was charged with aggravated assault and more and is in Northumberland County Prison.

RESTING PLACE SOUGHT FOR MONTOUR COUNTY CREMAINS

Montour County Commissioners are seeking a way to appropriately manage 90 sets of cremains that the coroner has stored from people who have died in the county whose remains are unclaimed.  According to media outlets,  the Chief Deputy Coroner in Montour County said at the commissioners meeting this week that unclaimed ashes from about 90 people have been stored in the facility from as far back as 2005.  Officials in Danville say a donated spot in Odd Fellow’s Cemetery could hold a small mausoleum, and if donations could support it, provide a permanent resting place for the cremains.  They expect to propose  fundraising endeavors to fund this project.

NO POINT-DRIVE IN THIS YEAR

Owners of the Point-Drive in theater have announced on social media that they will not be opening their business for the 2024 season.  According to the Daily Item, the family that owns the drive-in says they would love to see someone new step up to  run the place, since after some health issues within the family, they cannot handle running the business this year.  The theater first opened as the Arrow Drive-In in June of 1952, closed in 1956 for a year and then reopened as the Point drive in 1957 under the 35 year ownership of Dave Renn.

SPORTS

PIAA D4 Baseball

Central Mountain  7      Jersey Shore  2
Hughesville  10    Southern Columbia 4
Loyalsock  15                Bloomsburg  0
Danville  8                               Montoursville  7
South Williamsport  15           Wellsboro  3

Softball 

Muncy  15                     Sullivan  County 0
Montoursville  6  Milton  1
Montgomery  14  Sayre  7

MLB
Guardians  3        Astros  2
A’s  4                   Pirates 0
Braves  5              Mariners  2
Phillies  2             Angels 1
Padres  6              Reds  2
NY Yankees  2     Orioles  0
Cubs  1                 Mets  0
Red Sox  6                     Giants  2
Nationals  1          Rangers  0
MLB Today
Yankees vs Orioles  1:05pm
Cubs vs Mets  1:10pm
Giants vs Red Sox  1:35pm
Washington vs Texas  2:35
Cleveland vs Houston 8:10pm

NBA
Celtics  118          Heat 84  BOS wins series 4-1
Mavericks  123    Clippers  93  DAL leads  3-2
NBA Tonight
Bucks vs Pacers  6:30pm TNT  IND leads  3-2
Knicks vs 76ers  9pm TNT  NY leads  3-2NHL
Stars  3  Golden Knights  2  DAL leads 3-2
Oilers  4  Kings  3  EDM wins series 4-1
NHL Tonight
Bruins  vs Maple Leafs  Game 6  8pm TBS  BOS leads  3-2

Last Day of the 2023-2024 School Year

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22ND

MIFFLINBURG

THURSDAY, MAY 23RD

LINE MOUNTAIN

TUESDAY, MAY 28TH

TOWANDA

THURSDAY, MAY 30TH

JERSEY SHORE

MIDD-WEST

MILTON

WYALUSING

FRIDAY, MAY 31ST

BLOOMSBURG

CANTON

MONTGOMERY

MT. CARMEL

SELINSGROVE

SHAMOKIN

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT

TROY

WARRIOR RUN

TUESDAY, JUNE 4TH

DANVILLE

KEYSTONE CENTRAL

LEWISBURG

MILLVILLE

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5TH

BENTON

CENTRAL COLUMBIA

WILLIAMSPORT

THURSDAY, JUNE 6TH

EAST LYCOMING

MONTOURSVILLE

ST. JOHN NEUMANN

SULLIVAN COUNTY

WELLSBORO

FRIDAY, JUNE 7TH

MUNCY

SOUTHERN TIOGA

THURSDAY, JUNE 13TH

BERWICK

LOYALSOCK

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 1, 2024

MORE DETAILS RELEASED ON FATAL SHOOTING OF TEEN

Police have released details about the fatal shooting of 15 year old Ahmeen Palmer in Loyalsock Township March 2nd, including information surrounding the arrest of the mother of the suspected shooter, 37 year old Johneice Francin Legare.  According to PennLive, new charges against Legare are sealed at this time, but police say Legare’s 13 year old son was with alleged gang members at the party where Palmer was also in attendance.  When the mother learned who was at the party, she drove her older son to the location to settle a previous beef.  According to court testimony, the younger son got in Legare’s car after 6:30pm, shortly after shots were heard and the shooter, dressed in black, also got in the vehicle and fled the scene. They allegedly went to Philadelphia and discarded evidence along the way including with a firearm and a cell phone.  Legare was arrested in Philadelphia March 6th and is being held without bail.  Her older son – the shooting suspect, remains at large.

POLICE ARREST MAN WITH LANCASTER COUNTY WARRANT ON RT 15

A man formerly from Loyalsock Township was taken into custody after a traffic stop on Route 15 in South Williamsport last Friday.  According to the Sun Gazette, when Northwest Regional police stopped 25 year old Alrashwan Jones just before 5pm they found a warrant for his arrest out of Elizabethtown in Lancaster County for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, he was charged as a fugitive of justice in Lycoming County and jailed in lieu of 95 thousand dollars bail.

TOOLS STOLEN FROM CONSTURCTION COMPANY

Almost 4 thousand dollars-worth of tools were stolen from two construction trailers in Valley Township owned by Glenn O. Hawbaker over the weekend of April 5th through 8th.  According to North Central PA dot com, State Police at Milton say a suspect got onto the site at Valley West Road and stole all the tools from the trailer, mostly Milwaukee and Stihl tools with the initials GOH carved into them.  Troopers say the thief got away with a Milwaukee hammer drill, two Stihl chop saws with the initials, and a Milwaukee cordless kit.  Call State police at Milton if you have any information – 570-524-2662.  Ref # PA24-456145.

CROSSCUTTERS 5K COMING UP

Crosscutters baseball season starts for the summer of 2024 on June 4th, and with that, the annual Cutters 5K to benefit Hope Enterprises and The Hope Foundation is also coming up Saturday, June 8th.  According to the Crosscutters dot com, the race will start at the ballpark’s main gate and go through Williamsport’s West End with the last leg of the run planned for inside the stadium.  It’s 25 dollars per person til May 17th for the guaranteed shirt, with registration starting at 8am and the race kickoff at 9am.  All ages and abilities are encouraged to participate.  The winners will throw in ceremonial first pitches at a cutters game in June.

FORGERY CHARGES AGAINST DOUBLE HOMOCIDE SUSPECT

Troy Bailey, Sr., the suspect in the double homicide in Williamsport of Alicia Seese and Ronald Dailey last January, has formally been charged with additional forgery and identity theft charges.  According to North Central PA dot after further investigation, police found that Bailey Sr. did not have permission to use his son’s Social security number to gain employment that ultimately led him to be employed at the same company as Alicia Seese, his victim. Troy Bailey Jr is incarcerated, serving a 20 to 40 year sentence on 3rd degree murder and other charges.  Bailey Sr., charged with the 12 counts each of second-degree felony forgery and identity theft, is also being charged with the double homicide and of sexual abuse of Seese’s minor children and roommate. He remains jailed without bail.

MAN  FOUND SLEEPING INSIDE HOME ARRESTED

A Montoursville man was charged with third-degree felony criminal trespassing, loitering and disorderly conduct after being found asleep inside an Anthony Street home April 25th without knowing the owner. According to North Central PA dot com 36-year-old Kyle Houseknecht was awakened by the homeowner at about 6am and asked to leave.  Housknecht ignored the homeowner. Shortly after, he was followed by police as he ran away on Seventh Street and refused to acknowledge commands, trying to elude officers.  He was taken into custody and arraigned, and is free on 15 thousand dollars bail.

MAN  FOUND SLEEPING INSIDE HOME ARRESTED

A Montoursville man was charged with third-degree felony criminal trespassing, loitering and disorderly conduct after being found asleep inside an Anthony Street home April 25th without knowing the owner. According to North Central PA dot com 36-year-old Kyle Houseknecht was awakened by the homeowner at about 6am and asked to leave.  Housknecht ignored the homeowner. Shortly after, he was followed by police as he ran away on Seventh Street and refused to acknowledge commands, trying to elude officers.  He was taken into custody and arraigned, and is free on 15 thousand dollars bail.

LEGISLATION AGAINST PIGEON SHOOTS APPROVED

A Bucks County lawmaker recently introduced legislation that will prohibit live pigeon shoots in Pennsylvania, with the State House Judiciary Committee recently approving the bipartisan House Bill #2139.  According to WTAJ, State Representative Perry Warren said dog fighting, cock fighting, and greyhound racing have already been prohibited in the Commonwealth, and that raising pigeons in captivity for sport should not be exempt from the animal cruelty laws.

PA RESCUE SEEKS TROUT FOR RECOVERING EAGLE

A Lancaster County eagle rescue organization is asking for donations of trout to help a previously poisoned eagle recover.  According to a social media post by Raven Ridge Wildlife Center, the PA Game commission brought the eagle to the center March 16th after being found in a field in Gap, AP, and tests showed high levels of lead.  After being hand fed for a few weeks, the eagle now can eat fish on its own and prefers trout, so the center is looking for help from local anglers. Individuals arrange a donation of trout by texting or calling the center at 717-808-2652.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Softball

Montoursville  12          Milton  0
Muncy  16                     St. John Neumann  0
Loyalsock  13       Warrior Run  4
Shikellamy  11     Jersey Shore  5
Williamsport  8    Selinsgrove  4
Mifflinburg  16     Lewisburg 1
HS Baseball

Neumann   4         Benton  3
Muncy 15             CMVT  0

MLB

Astros 10             Guardians 9
Cardinals  2          Tigers 1
Orioles  4             Yankees 2
Mets  4                 Cubs  2
Red Sox  4                     Giants  0
Rangers  7            Nationals 1
Phillies 7              Angels  5
Mariners  3                    Braves  2
Padres  6              Reds  4
A’s  5                   Pirates  2
MLB Today

Pittsburgh vs Oakland  3:37pm
Phillies vs LA Angels  4:07pm
NY Yankees  vs Orioles  6:35pm
Cubs vs Mets  7:10pm
Cleveland vs Houston  8:10pm


NBA Playoffs
76ers 112             Knicks  106  NY leads 3-2
Cavaliers  104      Magic  103  CLE leads  3-2
Bucks  115                     Pacers  92  IND leads  3-2
NBA Tonight
Heat vs Celtics  7:30pm TNT BOS leads  3-1
Mavericks  vs Clippers  10pm TNT  tied 2-2

NHL Playoffs
Maple Leafs   2    Bruins  1 BOS leads 3-2
Hurricanes  6        Islanders  3  CAR wins series 4-1
Avalanche  6        Jets  3 COL wins series 4-1
Predators  2          Canucks  1  VAN leads  3-2
NHL Tonight
Golden Knights vs  Stars  7:30pm ESPN  tied 2-2
Kings  vs Oilers  10pm ESPN EDM leads  3-1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 30, 2024

TEEN SWIMMER INJURED IN RALSTON

An 18 year old man whose name has not been released, was injured at Middle Falls in Ralston, off of Rock Run Road yesterday evening.  According to the Sun Gazette, the teen, who was with friends at the location also known as Second Falls swung from the rope and let go prematurely falling about 6 feet to the rocks just before 6pm.  The friends helped the young man, who was conscious and talking, and got him to first responders who transported him to UPMC Williamsport for injuries to his head and back. Ralston firefighters received help from crews from Trout Run, Hepburn Township and Old Lycoming Township in the response.

WOMAN INJURED AFTER ATTACKING BOYFRIEND

A Boalsburg woman has been charged with simple assault, disorderly conduct, and harassment after she attacked her boyfriend for not cleaning the apartment April 15th.  According to North Central PA dot com, after police were called to 100 block of West Linn Street , the attacker, 23 year old Erica Nicole Spicer, allegedly was sitting in a car with cuts to her arm and leg and then drove away from police.  She was pursued by police and interviewed when she stopped at the intersection of Allegheny and Howard streets, with bleeding wounds.  She was transported to the hospital for treatment and later taken into custody.  Spicer posted 5 thousand dollars monetary bail last week.

REST STOPES TO CLOSE IN MAY FOR ELECTRIC  UPGRADES

Two Columbia County rest stops including the parking lots will be closed temporarily so PennDOT can upgrade them for an Energy Efficiency Project.  Starting this week, the Roadside Rest Areaon I-80 eastbound, Mifflin Township will be closed this week through Friday.  In a recent schedule change, the westbound side rest area will close next Monday, May 6th through Friday the 24th. The energy efficiency upgrades and renovations as part of PennDOT’s Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA) project.  Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting are set to be upgraded. 

TROUT TOURNAMENT AT PINE CREEK

The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon Snowmobile Club who host the annual Upper Pine Creek Trout Tournament in Wellsboro have discounts available for early registrants of their event coming up this May 18th.  The two-day tournament, in its 33rd year, takes place along the 13-mile stretch of Pine Creek from the Mill Street Bridge in Galeton Borough to the Ansonia Bridge on Colton Road in Shippen Township.  It is only 25 dollars to register between now and May 1st and after May 2nd through the day of the event, its a 30 dollar fee.  Youth under age 16 only pay $15 no matter when they register.  Up to $14,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded during the tournament.  Get a registration form at ‘pa grand canyon snowmobileclub.com’.

MAN WHO CUT ANKLE MONITOR ARRESTED

A man from Williamsport who had been released on bail  is now in custody again after he eluded police who were trying to contact him after he cut off his ankle monitor March 19th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 41 year old Harry Bell lied about his whereabouts to police and then didn’t show up for his bail revocation hearing.  He is now being charged with  flight to avoid apprehension and default in required appearance, with bail set at 50 thousand dollars monetary.

FIREHOUSE WINERY FIRE UPDATE

The Shamokin Fire Bureau and Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal have some more details about the two-alarm blaze that destroyed the Firehouse Winery Sunday afternoon.  According to the News Item, local authorities say the owner, Rick Long failed to report a wall fire that occurred a few hours before the fire department was called in for the blaze at about 4:30pm.  Police say Long told them he was in the winery cleaning around 9:30am when a wall fire occurred in the kitchen area and he discharged a fire extinguisher over the blaze.  Long said he left the winery at 2pm and when he returned at 4:30 the smoke from the fire caused him to call 911.

TURKEY SEASON IN PA THIS SATURDAY

Regular turkey season opens in PA on Saturday, after last weekend’s turkey half-day hunt for mentored teens.  Coming up May 4th through the 18th,  regular turkey hunting hours will be a half hour before sunrise til noon, but from May 20th through the May 31st, hunting hours are a half hour before sunrise until one-half-hour after sunset.  According to the PA Game Commission’s 2023 summer turkey sighting survey, there has been three consecutive years of good reproduction so population in various WMUs should be above average. Find out more at pgc.pa.gov.

LOCK HAVEN FOOTBALL STAND-OUT HEADS TO BALTIMORE

Lock Haven football standout Chris Collier has been signed to the Baltimore Ravens after the 2024 NFL Draft this weekend.  According to North Central PA dot com,  Collier was noticed at Pro Day at Temple University in March, where he was top-ten among NFL Combine running backs in the 40-yard dash, bench press and vertical/broad jump.  During high school, Collier helped lead the Bald Eagles to their first five-win season since 1982, and his 1,393 rushing yards broke the Lock Haven single-season record set by Lock Haven Hall of Famer Joe Speese’s in 1979  Now after his signing, he will head to rookie mini-camp for one of two weekends in May.  He was the PSAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2023.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Baseball
South Williamsport  15           Montgomery  3
Montoursville 17                     Midd-West 7   – Montoursville in the D4 playoffs for the 39th straight season
Muncy 13                       St John Neumann  3  – Muncy in the D4 AA playoffs
Hughesville 12               Bloomsburg  3 
Mount Carmel 3            Loyalsock 1
Selinsgrove  12               Jersey Shore  2
Central Mountain  18    Shamokin  3

Softball
Muncy  17                     Lewisburg  0
South Wmsprt  13 Midd-West   1
          South heads to D4 AA playoffs
Montgomery  25 CMVT 5
Montoursville 20           Central Columbia  5 
State College  4    Central Mountain  0

Boys Tennis

Danville  5                      Williamsport  0
Wellsboro  3         Jersey Shore 2

NBA
Celtics  102  Heat  88  BOS leads 3-1
Thunder  97  Pelicans  89  OKC wins series 4-0
Nuggets  108  Lakers 106  DEN wins series 4-1
NBA Tonight
76ers vs Knicks  7pm  TNT  NY leads 3-1
Cavaliers  vs Magic  8pm tied 2-2
Pacers  vs Bucks  9:30pm TNT IND leads 3-1

MLB

Orioles 2               Yankees 0
Nationals  7          Marlins  2
Angels  6              Phillies 5
Mariners  2                    Braves  1
Reds  5                 Padres  2
A’s 5                    Pirates  1

MLB Tonight
Yankees vs Baltimore  6:35pm
Phillies vs Angels  9:38pm
Pittsburgh vs Oakland  9:40pm

NHL
Panthers  6  Lightning  1 FLA wins series 4-1
Stars  4  Golden Knights 2  tied 2-2

NHL Tonight
Maple Leafs vs Bruins  7pm ESPN  BOC leads 3-1
Islanders  vs Hurricanes 7:30pm  TBS  CAR leads 3-1
Avalanche  vs Jets  9:30pm  ESPN  COL leads  3-1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 29, 2024

MAN JAILED FOR IMPRISONING WOMAN IN APARTMENT

A man from Williamsport is in custody after he imprisoned a woman in an apartment April 15th.  According to North Central PA dot com, police allege 24 year old Aiden Ryan Magargle threatened, strangled and held a woman down inside an apartment at the 500 block of Pine Street for almost 4 hours, before she was able to leave.  The victim went to the police and was observed to have bruising on her neck and chest.  Magargle’s charges of terroristic threats, simple assault, false imprisonment and more are all bound over for court during this week’s upcoming preliminary hearing. He is being held on 50 thousand dollars monetary bail.

TWO FAMILIES DISPLACED FROM JERSEY SHORE FIRE

Two families were displaced after a fire started in one side of a duplex at the 300 block of Cemetery street in Jersey Shore Friday afternoon.  According to the Sun Gazette, an elderly couple who lived on one side of  the home discovered smoke coming from the structure and called 911 around 2:15pm. The family of five who lived in the home where the fire may have originated were not home at the time, but the neighbor did attempt to save their dog, who died in the blaze.  Jersey Shore firefighters were assisted by companies from Antes Fort, Avis, Woodward Township, Old Lycoming Township, Montoursville and Lock Haven and got the fire under control in about 40 minutes and the cause remains under investigation. The Red Cross is assisting the families.

CONTROLLED BURN NEXT SATRUDAY ALONG ROUTE 487

Expect to see evidence of a controlled burn next weekend in Northumberland County.  According to PennDOT, drivers who travel through Route 487 will see the controlled burn at 372 Route 487, located east of the former Boyer’s Market.  Westbound traffic on 487 may see some lane restrictions from fire equipment parked in the area and on the shoulder between the hours of 8am and 2pm.

MOVIE THEATER IS FIRST TENANT AT THE DISTRICT

After the closing of the Regal Cinemas at the former Lycoming Mall location last year, the property was sold, but there is a new teant and they will bring back a theater to the location.  According to WNEP, developers from FAMVEST are working at the location to bring about a multi-use property that will be called ‘The District at Lycoming Valley, the new theater will be called ‘District Cinema’.  According to an announcement by the developers, the opening could be as early as this spring.  The theater is reportedly teaming up with a local vendor for food and beverage services.

EVICTED WOMAN CHARGED WITH STEALING APPLIANCES

A Mifflinburg woman who had been evicted from a West Buffalo Township rental, has been arrested for selling the appliances that were provided in the rental agreement.  According to state Police at Milton, 31 year old Tammy Lee Stuck was forced off the property April 1st and April 2nd the landlord reported the missing items including the refrigerator, stove, stove fan, washer, dryer, and a ceiling fan.  After an interview with police, Stuck said she got rid of the items due to them being junk, but witnesses allege she sold some of the items on Facebook.  She has been charged with theft by unlawful taking with a preliminary hearing May 21st.

VEHICLE STOLEN AND CHARGES FILED

A resident from an Allenwood treatment facility who was walking out of the program, was arrested for stealing a vehicle that had been left with the ignition running in  February of this year.  According to North Central PA dot com, White Deer Run authorities said 29 year old Abraham Rolan Eisenhart went missing about the time the theft of the vehicle from the Dollar General in Gregg Township was reported.  Police found the stolen vehicle in King of Prussia on February 19th with Eisenhart’s ID inside the car.   He was arraigned last Tuesday for felony charges of unlawful taking and receiving stolen property charges with a preliminary hearing on May 7th.  Bail was set at 25 thousand dollars.

NEW CAFETERIA EQUIPMENT AT MILTON THANKS TO GRANT

Almost a million dollars was given in a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education on Friday for new food service equipment for cafeterias at 31 locations across the Commonwealth.  According to the Daily Item, Milton Area Schools, who participate in the National School Lunch Program, will benefit from over 77 thousand dollars of that grant to upgrade equipment at the school. The grants, made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture can go for new refrigerators, freezers, stoves and dishwashers.

E-CYCLING EVENT IN DANVILLE

Next month, there will be a three-hour window for Danville residents to e-cycle unwanted electronics safely and help the Danville Rotary at the same time.  According to the Daily Item, the e-cycling event will be at the Service 1st Federal Credit Union on Route 11, on May 11th from 10am til 2pm.  Items accepted will include computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, routers, printers, CD players, phones, radios, computer monitors and more.  TVs, and household appliances will not be accepted.  There is no charge to e-cycle May 11th, but the Danville Rotary will be taking donations via cash, check or online through Venmo.

Next month, there will be a three-hour window for Danville residents to e-cycle unwanted electronics safely and help the Danville Rotary at the same time.  According to the Daily Item, the e-cycling event will be at the Service 1st Federal Credit Union on Route 11, on May 11th from 10am til 2pm.  Items accepted will include computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, routers, printers, CD players, phones, radios, computer monitors and more.  TVs, and household appliances will not be accepted.  There is no charge to e-cycle May 11th, but the Danville Rotary will be taking donations via cash, check or online through Venmo.

SPORTS

NASCAR  Sunday
At Dover International Speedway, Denny Hamlin took the checkered flag and the  Monster trophy as a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing at Dover, after a victory as an owner last week at Talladega when Tyler Reddick got the win.  Kyle Larson was 2nd, Martin Truex, Jr. 3rd , Kyle Busch 4th and Chase Elliot rounded out the top 5.

MLB
Braves 4               Guardians  3
A’s  7                   Orioles  6
Mets  4                 Cardinals  2
Nationals  12        Marlins  9
Yankees  15         Brewers 5
Giants  3              Pirates  2
Phillies  8             Padres  6
Red Sox  5                     Cubs  4
MLB Today
Yankees vs Orioles  6:35pm
Phillies vs LA Angels  9:38pm
Pirates  vs A’s  9:40pm ESPN+

NBA Playoffs
Knicks  97                76ers  92   NY leads 3-1
Clippers  116    Mavericks  111 tied 2-2
Pacers  126                Bucks  113 IND leads  3-1
Timberwolves  122  Suns 116 
                        MIN wins series 4-0


NBA Tonight

Celtics vs  Heat  7:30 TNT BOS leads 2-1
Thunder  vs Pelicans 8:30pm  OKC  leads 3-0
Lakers vs Nuggets  10pm TNT DEN leads 3-1
NHL
Avalanche 5         Jets  1  COL leads 3-1
Canucks  4                     Predators  3 VAN leads 3-1
Rangers  4            Capitals  2  NYR win series 4-0
Oilers  1               Kings 0 EDM leads  3-1
NHL Tonight
Tampa Bay Lightning  vs Florida Panthers 7pm ESPN FLA leads 3-1
Dallas vs Vegas  VGK leads  2-1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 26, 2024

ROUTE 15 SHUT DOWN IN SHAMOKIN DAM BOROUGH THIS MORNING

Route 15 is shut down this morning in Snyder County due to an early morning accident.  According to PennDOT, a vehicle crash just north of the Route 11/15 split in Shamokin Dam Borough has caused low hanging utilities to block the road and there are major disruptions expected this morning.  A detour has been put in place for the Route 15 southbound commuters, who will exit at Ridge Road and follow the detour back to Route 11.  Northbound will take Route 11 north to Route 405 North.  The 147 southbound travel will also be detoured at the Ridge Road interchange.  Check conditions on all Pennsylvania roadways 24/7 at 511pa dot com.

INVESTIGATION OF FATAL SHOOTING OF TEEN ONGOING

The investigation continues into who is responsible for the shooting death of 15 year old Ahmeen Palmer of Williamsport on March 2nd of this year, with only one woman remaining in custody, awaiting a bail hearing in Lycoming County Court.  According to Penn Live, the original charges against 37 year old Johneice Francin Legare were two counts of hindering apprehension, but new charges were filed under seal April 11th and Lagare’s attorney says he hasn’t seen them.  Police say Palmer was fatally shot after a birthday party at a Williamsport restaurant, and witnesses said the shooter was someone about his age.  State police have not released any updates about the shooting or the suspects, who some say may have fled to Philadelphia immediately after the incident in Loyalsock Township. 

DRUG TAKE BACK DAY SATURDAY

State Sen. Gene Yaw of Loyalsock Township encourages you to participate in “National Drug Take-Back Day,” tomorrow, April 27 from 10am to 2pm. . The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), sponsors the effort to reduce drug abuse and misuse, and ask residents living throughout Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga, and Union Counties to take expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs to Safe disposal drop-off locations. Find a list of drug take back locations online at ddap.pa.gov, two areas in the city include the Susquehanna Health Pharmacy on High Street, or the Lycoming County Sheriff’s Department on West Fourth Street.

CULLINARY MAJORS INVITED BACK TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY

Twenty six students from Penn College of Technology are returning to the 150th Kentucky Derby – a 15 year culinary tradition now at Penn College.  According to North Central PA dot com, Chef Charles R. Niedermyer has escorted baking and culinary arts majors to Kentucky to work the event, to have an experience that cannot be duplicated at the school.  Students were chosen for Derby Week internships following on-campus interviews by staff from the restaurants within the dining services at Churchill Downs.

ACCUSED BANK ROBBER ALSO SUSPECT IN VAPE STORE THEFT

The man police say attempted to rob the M&T bank on West Fourth Street in December, was allegedly identified on security footage at the Puffs on Washington Boulevard when a thief stole over 240 dollars in cash from the store in November of 2023.  Police say 46 year old Joseph Walter was arrested after the bank robbery and had a note demanding money in his pocket.  Later he was questioned about the vape store theft, and when police questioned his estranged wife about surveillance video this month, she confirmed it was her husband who was seen leaving in a minivan.  Walter is charged with 1st and 3rd degree felony robbery, simple assault, possession of an instrument of crime and more.  His bail is set at 50 thousand dollars monetary.

SENATE DEBATES SET FOR PENNSYLVANIA

After the Primary Election results were finalized this week, Republican David McCormick and Democratic Senator Bob Casey, Jr. are officially set to face each other in November, and they have agreed to a series of debates.  According to the PA Capital Star, Casey’s campaign announced yesterday, his intention to participate in three debates with GOP opponent David McCormick ahead of the Nov. 5 general election, one in Philadelphia, one in Pittsburgh, and one in Harrisburg. 

SUSQUEHANNA TO DELAY DEPOSIT DATE AFTER FAFSA DELAY

Thanks to delays by the U.S. Department of Education as they work with a new timeline after changes were made to the FAFSA Simplification Act of 2020, Susquehanna University will extend their formal deposit deadline for fall 2024 full-time, first-year admission from May 1st to May 15th. According to the Daily Item,  a three month delay in releasing the financial aid information this past school year caused more delays down the line for universities.  School administrators say they extend the deadline to give new students and families more time to make sound decisions about funding a secondary education.

BASEBALL FIELD IN BRANDON PARK IN USE AFTER UPGRADES

Collegiate baseball and softball has a new spot for play in Williamsport with the new  field in Brandon Park ready, and the construction of two Little League fields south of the complex, close behind for the season.  According to the Sun Gazette, 2.5 million in upgrades were brought about for the park, funded by Lycoming College, and a spokesperson says there is still some final work to be done like complete some brickwork and the fencing around the batting cages and bullpens.  Additionally, the Little League fields nearby were upgraded thanks to American Rescue Plan funds approved by city Council and forwarded by Mayor Slaughter.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Girls Softball
Jersey Shore  8            Williamsport 0
Pittston  4                    South Williamsport 3
Loyalsock  6                Hughesville  1
Midd-West  6              Warrior  Run  1
Sullivan County  16    Millville 1
Shikellamy  4              Central Mountain  3
Shamokin  15              Lewisburg  0

NBA Playoffs
Magic  121              Cavaliers  83 CLE leads 2-1
76ers 125       Knicks  114  NY leads 2-1
Nuggets  112  Lakers  105  DEN leads 3-0
NBA Playoffs Tonight

Bucks vs Pacers  5:30pm ESPN Game 3/1-1
Clippers  vs Mavericks  8pm ESPN Game 3/1-1
Timberwolves vs Suns  10:30pm ESPN  Game 3        MIN leads 2-0

MLB
Guardians  6        Red Sox  4
Brewers  7              Pirates  5
Phillies  5             Reds  0
Dodgers  2            Nationals 1
A’s   3                  Yankees 1

MLB Tonight

A’s vs Orioles  7:05pm
St Louis  vs NY Mets AppleTv
Cleveland vs Atlanta  7:20pm
NY Yankees  vs Brewers  8:10pm
Phillies vs Padres  9:40pm
Pirates vs Giants 10:15pm

NHL Playoffs
Panthers  5           Lightning 3 FLA leads 3-0
Hurricanes  3        Islanders 2  CAR leads  3-0
NHL Tonight
Rangers vs Capitals 7pm TNT   NYR lead 2-0
Canucks vs Predators  7:30pm TBS  tied 1-1
Jets vs Avalanche 10pm TNT tied 1-1
Oilers  vs Kings  10:30pm TBS tied 1-1

NASCAR  Sunday
Wurth 400 Dover International Speedway /Monster Mile
1pm pre-race/2pm Green flag racing
Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network/ WILQ HD3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 24, 2024

UNOFFICIAL STATE ELECTION RESULTS

In yesterday’s Primary Election, with no major opposition to their seats most state candidates are matched up for a November race.  According to the Sun Gazette, US Representative Dan Meuser of Dallas and Democrat Amanda Waldman will face each other along with a match-up between U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, of Howard and Zach Womer.  State Sen. Gene Yaw, of Loyalsock Township, state Rep. Jamie Flick, of South Williamsport and state Rep. Joe Hamm, of Hepburn Township, secured their Republican nominations and will run this fall unopposed.  Any write-in candidates that may have qualified for the Democratic nomination for Senate will be determined after the election results are officially tallied.

MAN THREATENS FAST FOOD EMPLOYEES IN SHAMOKIN DAM

A man from New Jersey is in custody after he threatened employees at a McDonalds in Shamokin Dam on April 15th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 31 year old Andrew Augustus Vanucci arrived at the restaurant on North Susquehanna Trail  at about 10:30 and began yelling at one employee and making threats.  After Vanucci left the property he started calling the victim and the store, further threatening other employees.  When police arrived and interviewed Vanucci, he was found to be under the influence of alcohol and was charged with misdemeanors of terroristic threats, harassment and more, his preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 29TH.

BOBWHITE QUAIL TO BE RESTORED IN PA

The Pennsylvania Game Commission previously partnered with the National Wild Turkey Federation and was awarded a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation that will enhance habitat diversity and allow a northern bobwhite quail population to return to PA. There was a recent quail release that is considered the starting point for quail restoration for the whole state. According to the NWTF the PGC and partners have prepared the habitat to translocate dozens of wild northern bobwhite quail from Florida, Kentucky and Virginia to a 18,000-acre Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, PA.

ARMY RESERVE VETERAN FROM MUNCY LAID TO REST IN ARLINGTON

A 72 year old Muncy man who served a combined 42 years in the US Army Reserves, was a Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm veteran, and a distinguished leader and mentor, was given full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery earlier this month after his two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.  According to the Sun Gazette, during his career, Retired Command Sgt. Major Thomas “Tom” Donohue Sr. had been awarded the Legion of Merit Award, the Bronze Star and the distinguished Order of Saint Martin.   A memorial service was recently held in Muncy to honor Donohue’s life and service.

PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS

In the Pennsylvania primary election and with no opposition in the Senate race, Democratic Sen. Bob Casey Jr. and Republican Dave McCormick will go up against each other this November. In the state attorney general race, former state Auditor Eugene DePasquale is set to win the Democratic primary according to unofficial results and he’ll oppose York County District Attorney Dave Sunday who is projected to win the Republican nomination. As votes are tallied for the Republican presidential nominee in the Keystone state, Donald Trump is the presumptive GOP winner. For a full list of the unofficial results for Lycoming County go to lyco.org/vote.

CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES FOR UNION COUNTY MAN

A computer crime task force has uncovered another suspect from Union County handling child pornography. According to North Central PA dot com, detectives investigated the computer of 39-year-old Gregory Thomas of Century Village and discovered what police called child sexual abuse materials.  He was charged with felony counts of the sexual abuse of children and numerous other charges.  Thomas is in jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.

THREE INJURED IN SNYDER COUNTY ACCIDENT

Authorities report three people were injured Sunday night after an accident on Route 522 in Middlecreek Township. According to state police 32 year old  Jordan Stavely was driving north on 522 and collided with another car that was along the shoulder.  Stavely, the driver of the other car, 65-year-old Phillip Bolig of Middleburg and his passenger, all suffered minor injuries.  No word on charges filed or whether they were hospitalized after the Snyder County accident.

PENN COLLEGE SET TO GRADUATION CEREMONIES FOR SPRING

Three commencement ceremonies are set next month for Pennsylvania College of Technology for more than 725 potential graduates for the Spring 2024 semester.  According to the school the ticketed events will be livestreamed and held at the Community Arts Center in Downtown Williamsport.  The first will be Friday May 10th at 3pm for students from the School of Business, Arts & Sciences and the School of Nursing & Health Sciences.  Saturday will have two ceremonies at 10am and 1:30pm both for students from the School of Engineering Technologies .  Michael Charles Carpenter, of Wellsboro, will be the student speaker on May 11th at the 1:30pm ceremony.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Baseball
Montgomery  16  Muncy  3
Canton  5             Cowanesque Valley  4
NP Mansfield 2    Wellsboro 0

Girls Softball

St John Neumann  20  CMVT 16
Shamokin  13       Montoursville  12
Hughesville  5      Warrior  Run  4
Montgomery  19  Sullivan County  5
Cntrl Mountain  3  Jersey Shore  2 /10
Cntrl Columbia  22 Lewisburg  5
NP Liberty  16     Wellsboro  0
Bucktail  8                     Northwest  4

NBA Playoffs 1st Round
Timberwolves  105     Suns  93  MIN 2-0
Pacers  125                   Bucks  108  1-1
Mavericks 96               Clippers  93   1-1
NBA Tonight 1st Round
Heat vs Celtics  7pm  TNT  Boston leads 1-0
Pelicans  vs Thunder  9:30pm  TNT  OKC leads 1-0

MLB

Guardians  4       Red Sox  1
Pirates  2              Brewers 1
Reds  8                 Phillies 1
Dodgers  4          Nationals  1
Yankees 4           A’s  3
Angels  7            Orioles  4
Giants  5              Mets 1

MLB Tonight

Mets vs Giants  3:45pm
Baltimore vs LA Angels  4:07pm
Phillies vs Reds  6:40pm
Milwaukee vs Pittsburgh  6:40pm
A’s vs Yankees  7:05pm

NHL Playoffs 1st Round

Rangers 4             Capitals  3
Panthers 3            Lightning  2
Avalanche  5        Jets  2
Predators  4          Canucks  1

NHL Tonight Playoffs 1st Round

Bruins  vs Maple Leafs  Game 3 – 7pm ESPN tied 1-1
Golden Knights vs Stars  Game 2  9:30pm ESPN VGK lead 1-0
Kings vs Oilers  10pm Game 2  10pm TBS  EDM  leads 1-0

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 23, 2024

PRIMARY ELECTION DAY IN PA

Today is Primary Election Day in Pennsylvania.  According to Lyco.org Pennsylvania holds closed primaries so only Democratic and Republican voters may participate, utilizing a party-specific ballot on which they will nominate candidates to be party nominees on the November ballot. According to the Sun Gazette, Forrest Lehman, director of Voter Services said so far out of the 45 hundred mail-in ballots that were requested and sent out, only about 33 hundred have come back.  Lehman says that number could indicate a lower voter turnout for today’s primary election.   Polls open at 7am and will stay open through tonight at 8pm.

POLICE CHASE LEADS TO ARREST OF COGAN STATION MAN

A man from Cogan Station who Lycoming Regional police say is a habitually-impaired  motorist, led police on a pursuit Friday night before his car was disabled by stop-sticks and he was taken into custody.  According to the Sun Gazette, 60 year old David Clair Miller told police he had been smoking crack and fled so he wouldn’t get arrested.  Police say Miller, who is already out on supervised bail, led police 20 miles from the Hepburnville interchange off of route 15, through Loyalsock Township to 180 west and back to Route 15 north where the car was disabled near Trout Run.  Miller was arraigned early Saturday on felony charges of DUI, fleeing police and other misdemeanors.  He is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 25 thousand dollars bail.

WOMAN CLAIMS SHE LIED ABOUT ASSAULT

A Lewisburg woman who claimed to be a victim of aggravated assault after she said her husband slashed her arm with a knife and kicked her, has withdrawn the charges.  According to the Daily Item, Michelle Elmore told Lewisburg District Judge Jeffrey Rowe that her accusations against 59 year old Peter D. Holmes of Lewisburg were untrue.  Judge Rowe dropped the assault charges against Holmes and has now charged Elmore with misdemeanor count of false reports to law enforcement.  Her preliminary hearing is on May 2.

USED DRONE APPROVED FOR SALE

Mahoning Township supervisors approved the sale of a drone previously used by the Mahoning Township Police Department last week.  According to the Daily Item,  township zoning officers originally used a two-drone set purchased in 2020 for use of mapping property, inspecting buildings and other uses, and one of the two used by the police department has been replaced.  The used drone is now authorized to be put up for sale on an online government auction site called Municibid.

WOMAN CHARGED FOR LYING TO GET FOOD STAMPS

A Columbia County woman is facing felony charges after she fraudulently applied for food stamps when she wasn’t eligible.  According to North Central PA dot com, 47 year old Regina Slipper submitted information that stated she was separated from her husband, unemployed, and lived alone with a child at her home in Shickshinny.  Slipper received over 45 hundred dollars-worth of assistance with food stamps over a period of 7 months, and through an investigation, authorities found Slipper had bragged to others tricking the system, and found she lives with her husband who has had full time employment since 2017.  According to the Office of State Inspector General Slipper was charged with making false statements to obtain food stamps.

REST AREA UPGRADES IN MONTOUR COUNTY NEXT WEEK

Next Thursday, PennDOT will be working at the Montour County Roadside Rest Area at I-80 East and Westbound in Liberty Township completing a Facility Energy Efficiency Project.  According to PennDOT and the Department of General Services, significant energy efficiency upgrades and renovations as part of the  Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA) project. The rest area project  will upgrade heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting to improve energy efficiency in the buildings.  While improvements are being completed, the parking lots will be closed to the public.  The Columbia County Roadside rest areas on Interstate 80 east and westbound will remain open.

GAME COMMISSION TO SPRAY FOR SPONGY MOTH

The PA Game Commission is planning to spray  over 123 thousand acres of state game lands this spring for the non-native spongy moth.  According to the Sun Gazette, the spraying is set for 46 different state game land areas as soon as leaf out occurs- when spongy moth egg masses hatch, typically in late April and May.  There will be no spraying on the morning of youth turkey season, Apriul 27th or May 4th the 1st day of spring gobbler season.  The insecticide used is reportedly called Mimic 2LV, considereded generally safe for humans.  Amap updating the status of spraying is available at pgc.pa.gov.

PSU WRESTLERS QUALIFY FOR OLYMPICS

After the weekend’s two-day USA Wrestling Olympic Trials at Penn State’s Olympic Regional Training Center, four collegiate wrestlers won trials in their individual weight classes and three automatically qualified for the Olympics.  PSU wrestlers Kyle Dake, Aaron Brooks and Kyle Snyder are set to compete in France this summer, but Zain Retherford, who won the trials at 65 kilograms, will have to compete in an Olympic qualifying Tournament in May.  The 2024 Summer Olympics begins on July 26 and the wrestling portion of the games will be from Aug. 5 to Aug. 11.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Baseball

Williamsport 13           Shamokin  0
Southern Colum.  12  Loyalsock  0
Towanda  5                 South Williamsport  0
Hughesville  3             Warrior  Run  2
Montoursville  10        Central Columbia  5
Muncy  15                   Millville  3
Benton  12                  Bucktail 1
Montgomery  8           CMVT  3
Jersey Shore  4            Shikellamy  3
Central Mountain  9    Milton  0

Softball
 
South Williamsport  10           Towanda  2
Muncy  5                                 Warrior Run  0
Central Mountain  5                Williamsport  2
Montgomery  20                     CMVT  5
Selinsgrove  6                          Milton  3
Greater  Nanticoke 11             Central Columbia  6
Northwest  15                         Bloomsburg 3

MLB

A’s  2         Yankees 0
Pirates  4    Brewers  2
Phillies  7    Reds  0
Braves  3    Marlins  0
Orioles  4    Angels  2
Giants  5     Mets  2

MLB Tonight

Boston vs Cleveland  6:10pm
Milwaukee  vs Pittsburgh  6:40pm
Phillies vs Reds  6:40pm
LA Dodgers vs Nationals  6:45pm
A’s vs NY Yankees  7:05
Orioles  vs Angels  9:38pm ESPN+
Mets vs Giants  9:45pm

NBA

Cavaliers  96        Magic  86   Cleveland 2-0
Knicks  104          76ers   101  NY leads 2-0
Nuggets  101        Lakers  99  Denver  2-0

NBA playoffs Tonight

Suns vs Timberwolves  7:30pm TNT MIN 1-0
Pacers vs Bucks  8:30pm  MIL up 1-0
Mavericks vs Clippers  10pm TNT  LA leads 1-0
NHL
Maples leafs  3     Bruins  2 tied 1-1
Hurricanes 5         Islanders 3 Carolina up 2-0
Golden Knights 4           Stars  3  Vegas leads 1-0
Oilers  7               Kings  4  Edmonton leads 1-0
NHL Tonight
Capitals vs Rangers  7pm ESPN Rangers lead 1-0
Lightning vs Panthers 7:30pm  ESPN2 FLA leads 1-0
Avalanche vs  Jets  9:30pm ESPN Winnipeg leads 1-0
Predators  vs Canucks  10pm  ESPN2  Vancouver  leads 1-0

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