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 Area, on 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
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 22, 2024
FATAL FIRE IN UNITYVILLE
A woman from Unityville perished in a house fire Saturday. According to a statement by the Lycoming County Coroner, 78 year old Shirley Puderbaugh of 4047 Route 239 was discovered to be the victim of the fire that started just before 9:30am. Fire personnel are still investigating the blaze, and PA State police Fire Marshall will release information about the origin of the fire and Puderbaugh’s cause of death when it becomes available.
MURDER SUSPECT’S ALLEGED ACCOMPLICE MAKES BAIL
A Williamsport woman, previously accused of helping Troy Bailey Sr. to conceal his involvement in the double homicide in Williamsport on January 11 was granted bail at a late Friday afternoon hearing. According to the Sun Gazette, 43 year old Sandy Perez is set to be released on $75,000 unsecured bail under intense supervision. There has been no date set for her release. Perez is facing multiple charges including criminal conspiracy in kidnapping, receiving stolen property, and obstruction of justice. Bailey was accused of the murder of Alisha Seese and Ronald Dailey Jr.. There has been no trial date set for Bailey.
REAL ID LAW COMING IN 2025
A new date for Pennsylvania to enforce the Real ID law will be May 7 of 2025. According to WHTM, the Real ID law was passed in 2005, but enforcement of it has been pushed back 20 years. PennDOT says that once the law is official, a Real ID will be required to board a plane or to enter a federal facility or military base. A Real ID will not be required to vote, drive, access hospitals or the post office, or have access local and state courts. Get the details about the Real ID at dmv.pa.gov.
ATV OWNERS CAN PURCHASE TRAIL PERMIT
Those with Pennsylvania registered ATVs who want access to the Northcentral Regional ATV Trail, formerly the ATV Regional Trail Connector Pilot, have until Memorial Day to buy a permit for 40 dollars. According to DCNR, permits are required to use the designated PennDOT and State Forest Connector Roads with access to a 650-mile riding area including parts of Clinton, Lycoming, Potter and Tioga counties. The ATV will operate through the conclusion of the 2025 riding season. Visit DCNR’s website for more information about ATV riding opportunities in state forests at DCNR.pa.gov.
WATER RESCUE IN UNION COUNTY RESULTS IN ONE FATALITY
A woman from Minersville died Saturday after a boat she was in capsized on the Susquehanna River at about 7:50pm. According to the Daily Item, a rescue was called in to Silo Lane, Union Township, Union County, for a man and woman who had fallen into the water and police say the man was found quickly, but 37 year old Melissa Cummings wasn’t found until after 9m when life saving measures were unsuccessful. The Union County Coroner said Cummings was taken to Evangelical Hospital and later pronounced dead after 10pm. The cause of death is listed as an accident.
TWO ALARM FIRE IN SHAMOKIN SUNDAY
A two alarm fire struck a Shamokin winery Sunday around 5pm. According to the Daily Item, Shamokin fire crews arrived at Firehouse Winery, formerly Liberty Hose Company at 211 East Sunbury St and found heavy smoke coming from the building with fire eventually extending to the second floor and some parts of the third. There were no injuries reported and there is no danger to the public. After Liberty Hose company vacated the East Sunbury Street location, the site was transformed into the restaurant and winery in 2021.
FUNDING FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
In an effort to fund a program at the Lycoming-Clinton County Joinder Board to help reduce gun violence, the Lycoming County Commissioners approved a grant for over $189 thousand dollars from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for the Lycoming-Clinton Co-Responder Initiative. According to the Sun Gazette, the program will assist Lycoming Regional Police and the L:ock Haven City police to embed a mental health crisis worker into law enforcement to be available to co-respond to law enforcement issues that involve someone with a mental health issue or drug problem. The hope is that in addition to curbing gun violence, it can also lower the rate of hospitalizations and incarceration.
SENSORY FRIENDLY MOVIE IN LEWISBURG NEXT SUNDAY
There will be a sensory friendly movie event in Lewisburg next Sunday. According to North Central PA dot com the 2016 film Trolls will be shown on Sunday, April 28, at 1 p.m. at the Campus Theatre, in Lewisburg, as part of a Geisinger autism initiative. Part of the film’s audio will be adjusted to make music and sound effects quieter, and it will be shown in a dimly lit room instead of the complete darkness of a traditional movie theater. Doors will open at 12:30pm. Admission is free, and donations will be accepted to fund future screenings. Families may bring or purchase snacks.
SPORTS
NASCAR
Geico 500 Talladega Motor Speedway
* Tyler Reddick won the NASCAR Cup victory at Talladega Superspeedway sunday, sneaking over the line after front-runner Michael McDowell attempted a block to hold the lead but crashed with the finish line in sight.
* Brad Keselowski was 2nd, Noah Gragson 3rd, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr 4th and Alex Bowman rounded out the Top 5
* It was the first time that Michael Jordan, co-owner of the Reddick’s team, along with Denny Hamlin, have been at the track to witness a victory.
MLB
Guardians 6 A’s 2
Red Sox 6 Pirates 1
Phillies 8 White Sox 2
Nationals 6 Astros 0
Yankees 5 Rays 4
Reds 3 Angels 0
Orioles 5 Royals 0
Dodgers 10 Mets 0
MLB Tonight
Brewers vs Pirates 6:40pm
Phillies vs Reds 6:40pm
Mets vs Giants 9:45pm ESPN+
NBA East
Celtics 114 Heat 94
Clippers 109 Mavericks 97
Bucks 109 Pacers 94
Thunder 94 Pelicans 92
NBA Playoffs Tonight
East 1st Round Game 2
Magic vs Cavaliers 7pm
76ers vs Knicks TNT
West 1st Round Game 2
Lakers vs Nuggets 10pm TNT
NHL
Panthers 3 Lightning 2
Rangers 4 Capitals 1
Jets 7 Avalanche 6
Canucks 4 Predators 2
NHL Playoffs Tonight
East 1st Round Game 2
Maple Leafs vs Bruins 7pm ESPN
Islanders vs Hurricanes 7:30pm ESPN2
West 1st Round Game 1
Golden Knights vs Stars 9:30pm ESPN
Kings vs Oilers 10pm ESPN
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 19, 2024
ACCOMPLICE WILL NOT FACE FIRST DEGREE MURDER CHARGES
The man who was recently taken into custody for his alleged role in the kidnapping and murders of Alisha Seese and Ronald Dailey Jr. will no longer face 1st degree murder charges, according to a ruling in district court late Thursday. According to the Sun Gazette, Muhammad Davis, who is a suspected accomplice of Troy Bailey,Sr., will still face two counts of second degree murder in the case as well as theft by unlawful taking, robbery and robbery of a motor vehicle. Defense attorneys for Davis argued that he had no knowledge during the kidnapping that Bailey planned to kill Seese and Dailey. The Lycoming County First Assistant District Attorney said there is additional evidence in the second degree murder case against Davis that is still being processed. There is no trial date set.
POLICE SEEK HIT AND RUN SUSPECT
A juvenile riding a bicycle was hit by a driver who fled the scene April 10th. According to Mount Carmel Township Police they are seeking a suspect who struck the boy along Route 61 in front of HPCI between Kulpmont and Strong. The victim was injured and taken to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville last Wednesday at about 9pm. Authorities are continuing the investigation, and if you have information call the Mount Carmel Township Police.
TORNADO SIREN TEST SATURDAY IN MIFFLINBURG
The Mifflinburg Hose Company said they cancelled a tornado siren test last Saturday, but will run the test this weekend. According to the Daily Item, high winds hindered the test on April 13th which is a high pitch tone that stays for three minutes. Mifflinburg Hose Company officials say the physical siren has been in place for two years, and they will test it tomorrow at noon. Three EF-1 tornados touched down on July 2 in Lewisburg, Hartleton and Mifflinburg. Serious tornado damage was reported by Just Lite It fireworks along Route 15, a section of the nearby Silver Moon Flea Market, and at 10 properties in Union County.
PURPLE LIGHT IN CLOUDS ON SOUTHSIDE IDENTIFIED
If you saw a purple light shining in the clouds Wednesday night, officials at the Little League complex have claimed responsibility. According to North Central PA dot com, the purple light that illuminated the sky in South Williamsport was a result of a remnant of purple tint from the Girls With Game experience last fall they uncovered while they were re-sodding the field and the reflection and diffusion of light on the fog and low cloud deck that night caused the phenomena that drew a lot of attention on social media at Howard J. Lamade Stadium.
ASSAULT CHARGES DROPPED FOR AGREEMENT OF PFA
Felony charges of unlawful contact with a minor and misdemeanor indecent assault will be dropped against a Williamsport man if he maintains a protection from abuse order for 3 years filed by a female minor who was the victim in his case. According to the Sun Gazette, 41 year old Harry Thomas Bell was in state prison and corresponded with the victim’s mother before he began addressing letters to just her daughter who was between 12 and 14 years old between July of 2020 and June of 2022. In the agreement, Bell will undergo an evaluation for the Men Against Abuse program and is to have no direct contact with the victim and cannot visit her school, or interact on social media. He is in custody in lieu of 50 thousand dollar bail.
ENCINA WILL NO LONGER PURSUE PLANT NEAR SUSQUEHANNA
The company that was planning a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Point Township has announced they are not moving forward with the project. According to a statement by Encina, they will pursue other projects in the United States, Saudi Arabia and Southeast Asia for the opportunities that will meet their customers’ needs. Encina began the pursuit of building a plant between Route 11 and the North Branch of the Susquehanna River, near Strong Industries in April of 2022. Residents of Point Township, Danville, Northumberland, and the surrounding area voiced strong opposition to the project that has now been abandoned.
EAST LYCOMING PROPERTY VALUE SET TO GO UP
Some property owners in the East Lycoming School District recently expressed their dissatisfaction over a proposed .5 mill budget increase this week at the school board meeting with the tax increase passed by the board 6-3. According to the Sun Gazette, Floyd Swales, Scott Ritter and Craig Dudek were opposed to raising property taxes by 50 dollars for every hundred of a property’s assessed value. District residents questioned the board’s transparency, after a letter went out in early April from a district employee about renovations at the school in June before the potential renovation project was even approved by the board. If the proposed 2024-25 final budget is approved next month with the increase, the new tax rate would be 16.91 mills.
NO EAGLETS IN HANOVER THIS YEAR
There won’t be any eaglets growing up in the Hanover Bald Eagle nest this year. According to the York Dispatch, around April 8th, new eagle parents named Duke and Duchess fought in the nest over a fish and trampled an egg, destroying it. After the remaining eagle egg hatched Duke snuck in and killed the baby bird when Dutchess was not nearby. When she did return, she ate both the baby and the remains of the egg. Experts say the father eagle is inexperienced and may not have hormonally switched into brooding mode. Fans of the live cam sight have their hopes set on next year for eaglets.
SPORTS
PIAA HS Baseball
Central Mtn 3 Williamsport 2
Warrior Run 9 Hughesville 6
Troy 12 Wellsboro 2
Boys Tennis
Montoursville 5 Williamsport 0
PIAA HS Softball
Montoursville 14 Central Columbia 2
Muncy 6 Northwest Area 0
Central Mtn 4 Williamsport 1
Sullivan Co. 13 St John Neumann 3
NP Liberty 5 Troy 0
MLB
Guardians 5 Red Sox 4
Rays 2 Angels 1
Rangers 9 Tigers 7
Giants 5 Diamondbacks 0
Marlins vs Cubs postponed/ rain
MLB Today
Red Sox vs Pirates 6:40pm
White Sox vs Phillies 6:40pm
Rays vs Yankees 7:05pm
Orioles vs Royals 7:40pm
Mets vs Dodgers 10:10pm
NHL
Kraken 4 Wild 3
Jets 4 Canucks 2
Flames 5 Sharks 1
Avalanche 5 Oilers 1
Ducks 4 Golden Knights 1
Kings 5 Blackhawks 4 /OT
NHL Saturday
East 1st Round Game 1
Islanders vs Hurricanes 5pm TBS
Toronto vs Boston 8pm TBS
NHL Sunday
Capitals vs Rangers 3pm ESPN
NBA Tonight8th seed games
Bulls vs Heat 7pm ESPN
Kings vs Pelicans 9:30pm TNT
NASCAR
Geico 500 from Talldega Alabama
2pm Pre-race/3pm green flag racing
Twin Valley’s Talk /WILQ’s HD3
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 18, 2024
ONE PERSON OF INTEREST IN CUSTODY IN MILTON SHOOTING
Police in Milton are still investigating Tuesday’s double shooting near the 10 block of Broadway that sent both victims to Geisinger Medical Center. According to the Standard Journal, Milton Police and EMS first responders assisted the two victims Tuesday afternoon around 4pm. During an investigation, Police discovered a firearm at the scene with an altered manufacturer’s serial number and with a search warrant for Rodriguez Lassalle’s Broadway Street residence, they found a 9mm Diamondback firearm with an altered serial number. Lassalle was taken into custody for felony possession of a firearm arraigned and committed to Northumberland County Prison. Call the Milton Police Department if you have information that will help the investigation, 570-742-8757.
FUGITIVE ARRESTED AFTER 220 TRAFFIC STOP
A 26 year old woman from Lock Haven was recently charged with hindering an investigation after Lycoming Regional police stopped her car along Route 220 near Jersey Shore with a Lock Haven man who was a known fugitive in her car. According to the Lock Haven Express, Makayla Wetzel was stopped December 1st at about 1:30am and 33 year old Mubarik Graves was forced from the car at gunpoint. He was then jailed on the felony charges he previously faced. Wetzel also was also charged for having a controlled substance. She waived her preliminary hearing and posted 25 thousand dollars bail.
LOCAL PENNSYLVANIA LAUNDRY LOCATION IN CITY TO CLOSE
A federally required notice to close several Pennsylvania industrial laundry facilities, including one in Williamsport has been filed with the state Department of Labor & Industry. According to PennLive, Paris Uniform Services projected the date to close the Harrisburg, Bradford, DuBois, and the 333 Rose Street location in Williamsport is June 30th. The closures are a result of a sale of the business to Cincinnati-based Cintas Corp., and are expected to take away about 138 jobs across the state.
HORSEBACK RIDING FACILITY LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS
A non-profit horseback riding facility in Montgomery that offers therapeutic riding sessions for riders with special needs and other traditional riding activities is looking for volunteers as they begin their spring season. According to North Central PA dot com, Sunny Brook Meadows with 10 horses on site, is looking for helping hands to maintain upkeep and help breathe new life into the stables. Individual volunteers and groups, can log hours at the stable to work with the horses or assist outside the arena or in the office. Volunteers under 12 must have an adult with them. Check out sunnybrookmeadows.com for information about volunteering.
SAYRE MAN ARRESTED FOR HAVING METH LAB IN HIS HOME
A man from Bradford County who police were investigating for making and selling methamphetamine earlier this year has now been charged with operation of a methamphetamine lab out of his Linden Street home in Sayre. According to North Central PA dot com, police were alerted to suspicious trash outside of 44 year old Sean Hall’s home that they found contained precursor chemicals for making methamphetamine and it was seized in a trash pull for evidence. Police say Hall was tracked attempting to purchase pseudoephedrine products 47 times in the last year, and was successful at purchasing it 29 times. He is being held at the Bradford County Prison on $200,000 monetary bail.
US MARSHALS SEEK A SHAMOKIN MAN
A Shamokin property at 21 N. Market St. was raided Wednesday morning after members of the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force sought a suspect they believed was there, but the apprehension was unsuccessful. According to the Standard Journal, the owners of the business at that location said the fugitive was not a legal resident of the property. Police shut down Market and Diamond Streets for about two hours during the raid and were later reopened to vehicle and foot traffic around noon. 52 year old Matt McElhone of Shamokin was charged with disorderly conduct for shouting vulgarities at police during their presence there yesterday. The search for the original suspect is ongoing.
MIFFINBURG POOL NEEDS APPLICANTS FOR LIFEGUARDS TO OPEN
The Mifflinburg Community Pool may not be able to open this year without employees and lifeguards to maintain the facility safely. According to the Daily Item, Mifflinburg borough council members voted to open the pool at North Fifth Street if they could find enough employees, saying they need to fill 22 summer positions with only 14 applicants, so far. Borough officials say there will be employment interviews within a week, along with lifeguard certification courses, and if they can hire enough staff, the pool will open on May 25 and will remain open until Aug. 18, with rates and hours to be determined.
RELAY FOR LIFE FUNDRAISER FRIDAY
A fun evening is planned for Friday as Lycoming College’s Beta Phi Gamma sorority hosts a fundraising event for annual Relay for Life a nationwide fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. According to North Central PA dot com, the community is invited to the Keiper Recreation Center for a variety of activities and a chance to sign up as a team to participate in the relay, with walkers taking turns around a track non-stop, to symbolize that cancer never sleeps. There will be a signature Luminaria Ceremony to honor those who have been lost and to support those who fight. The evening is from 4pm to 8pm and features a Taylor Swift theme.
SPORTS
PIAA HS Baseball
Jersey Shore 5 Danville 4
Shikellamy 9 Lewisburg 2
HS Softball
South Williamsport 17 Bloomsburg 2
College Wrestling
The Nittany Lion Wrestlers are hosting the 2024 US Olympic Team Trials at the Bryce Jordan Center this Friday and Saturday. 19 Penn State athletes have qualified to compete in the event.
MLB
Red Sox 2 Guardians 0
Orioles 4 Twins 2
Mets 9 Pirates 1
Braves 5 Astros 4
Yankees 6 Blue Jays 4
Nationals 2 LA Dodgers 0
Phillies 7 Rockies 6
MLB Today
Cleveland vs Boston 1:35pm
NBA Playoffs
76ers 105 Heat 104
Bulls 131 Hawks 116
NBA Friday 8th seed games
Bulls vs Heat 7pm ESPN
Kings vs Pelicans 9:30pm TNT
NHL
Lightning 6 Maple Leafs 4
Islanders 5 Penguins 4
Stars 2 Blues 1
Coyotes 5 Oilers 2
NHL Tonight
Kraken vs Wild 7pm ESPN
Oilers vs Avalanche 9:30pm ESPN