BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 28, 2023

MAN ARRESTED FOR OPEN LEWDNESS

A 65 year old man from Snyder County has been arrested for exposing himself to minors in the doorway of his home at Countryside Village in Monroe Township in early November. According to North Central PA dot com, Selinsgrove State police say Michael Scott Brouse allegedly stood naked at his front door in view of a 17 year old girl who was on the porch of a neighbor.  Police charged Brouse with felony corruption of minors, indecent exposure and open lewdness.  His preliminary hearing is December 4th.

HOUSE MOVING WILL CLOSE ROADWAY TODAY

Part of Route 61 will be closed for a short time starting this morning for a contractor to move an oversized load.  According to PennDOT, Wolfe House Movers, LLC.is moving a 90 thousand pound frame house that is 75-feet long, 33-feet wide and 18-feet tall.  Mount Carmel-Centralia Road will be closed between East Fifth Street in Mount Carmel Borough, Northumberland County and Myers Street in Centralia, Sugarloaf Township, Columbia County starting at 9am – the work is expected to take around 15 minutes weather permitting.  A detour using local roads will be in place.

LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT ACCREDITED

The Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association accredited the Mahoning Township Police Department recently after they were officially rewarded for their work this past July.  According to the Daily Item, the department is among about 13 percent of all 1,100 municipal police departments in Pennsylvania who have accreditation, and joins the PA State Police and Bloomsburg University Police – the only other accredited departments in a dozen North Central PA counties. Accredited departments renew the accreditation annually through self-assessment and every three years with a new set of assessors from the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.

VIGIL TO REMEMBER VICTIMS OF GUN VIOLENCE

There will be a Community Vigil to Remember Victims of Gun Violence this coming Sunday at 4pm in Lewisburg.  According to the Standard Journal, co sponsors of the event include First Baptist Church on Third Street, where the vigil will be held, the CommUnity Zone of Lewisburg and Citizens for Gun Safety, a newly formed grassroots organization.  Organizers of the event say persons of all faith traditions or no faith traditions are welcome.  There will be readings with members of the community and musical selections with vigil starting indoors, ending with a candlelight procession outside to the front steps of the church to remember not only the victims of gun violence but also the survivors.

CONVICTED FELON ARRESTED AFTER CRASH FOR HAVING TWO GUNS

Two guns and numerous drugs were discovered inside the vehicle of a convicted felon after crashing it near Hughesville earlier this month. The accident happened in the 900 block of Holmes Road. 51 year old Donald Woodside was charged with 1st Degree Felony Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Controlled Substance, DUI and other charges. Woodside was released on $50,000 unsecured bail and is scheduled to appear in court in early December.

BERWICK WOMAN CHARGED WITH CHILD ENDANGERMENT

A Berwick woman who was awaiting an ambulance outside in her yard left her child behind in filthy conditions in October without telling authorities the 5 year old autistic girl was inside.  According to North Central PA dot com, 45 year old Angela M. Klum was taken to the hospital, but didn’t tell first responders about her daughter.  Briar Creek Township police said Klum’s sister and boyfriend found the girl alone and brought her to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville to meet up with the mother.  Police later interviewed the family at the home after discovering the non-verbal child lived in bad conditions and looked and smelled of filth.  Klum was charged with felony endangering the welfare of a child and reckless endangerment, and is awaiting a preliminary hearing.

NEW SUPERINTENDENT AT KEYSTONE CENTRAL

A new Superintendent of Keystone Central School District is set to be appointed at a special voting meeting this week.  According to the Lock Haven Express, the school announced that Dr. Francis Redmon will take the superintendent reigns from Dr Jacquelyn Martin in February when her 5 year contract ends.  A US Navy veteran, Dr. Redmon has years of experience in teaching in science and math, as well as administration experience at the Quilcene School District in Washington where he was previously superintendent. He was chosen through a comprehensive national search and is expected to enter into a 4 and a half year contract with Keystone Central School District.

SENSORY SANTA EVENT IN DANVILLE NEXT MONTH

Kids who have health circumstances that keep them from comfortably attending mainstream public Christmas events, will have an opportunity to visit with Santa during a Sensory Santa event in the borough of Danville in December.  According to the Daily Item, Traveling Santa will make the special stop at the Shiloh United Church of Christ at 500 Bloom Street December 16th from 1-4pm .  Get information online at hand in hand dot org and register by calling 717-887-6609.

SPORTS

NFL Monday Night Football
Bears 12              Vikings 10
NFL Thursday Night Football
Seattle @ Dallas 8:15pm Prime Video

NBA
Wizards 126                 Pistons 107
Trail Blazers 114         Pacers 110
76’ers 138                    Lakers 94
Jazz 114                        Pelicans 112
Nuggets 113                 Clippers 104

NHL
Panthers 5           Senators 0
Sabres 5              Rangers 1
Blue Jackets 5     Bruins 2
Avalanche 4        Lightning  1
Flames 2              Golden Knights 1
Sharks 2              Capitals 1
NHL Tonight
NY Islanders @ NJ  7pm
Carolina @ Philadelphia 7:30pm Hulu/ESPN+
Pittsburgh @ Nashville8pm
PIAA HS Football Semi-Finals

District 3 champ Steelton-Highspire and District 4 champ South Williamsport meet in a Class 1A semifinal at Shamokin High School at 7 p.m. Friday.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 27, 2023

WILLIAMSPORT VAPE STORE ROBBED SUNDAY

There was a robbery Sunday in Loyalsock Township and police are investigating.  According to the Sun Gazette, a white male claimed to have a firearm while robbing the clerk at a vape shop at 1349 Washington Boulevard at about 6:15pm.  State Police were told the suspect was wearing a black jacket and blue jeans and fled on foot in an unknown direction and they are seeking information about the robbery.  No word on how much money was stolen, if any.  Call State police if you have information about the weekend hold-up.

DUI CHARGES FOR MILTON MAN

A Milton man is facing charges for DUI after police say he was involved in a road rage incident November 8th.  According to WBRE, PA State Troopers reported to a call involving two drivers along State Route 254 in Montour County.  Police say 20 year old Torrence Hummel was given a field sobriety test and did not pass it.  Troopers filed the DUI charges against Hummel in district court. 

ONE WMU STILL OPEN FOR BEAR SEASON

Even with the initial bear season over for most hunters, there is an additional season for bear in WMU 4E according to officials from the state Game Commission.  WMU4E includes some areas in Union and Snyder County, all of Northumberland and Montour counties, and portions of Columbia, Dauphin, and Schuylkill counties  The extra season coincides with the first week of the rifle deer season which is going on now, and goes until next Saturday, December 2nd.  The PA Game Commission App can assist hunters in knowing exactly where the border of WMU 4E is, and information is available at pgc.pa.gov.

SALVATION ARMY NEEDING BELL RINGERS, DONATIONS DOWN

The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign has recently kicked off and according to the officials at the Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division they are facing a shortage of volunteer bell ringers and they have also seen a decline in holiday fundraising by 15 percent.  The Divisional Commander of the Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division, Lt. Colonel Larry Ashcraft, says the funds so generously given are a lifeline of support for those in need throughout the year and  individuals and groups such as clubs, church groups, and families are encouraged to volunteer at red kettles, by signing up online. The public is also encouraged to go to the online red kettle page give.salvationarmy.org, or donate by text by sending kettle to 31333.  This year’s theme for the Salvation Army is “Love Beyond Christmas”

FATAL FIRE IN MIFFLIN COUNTY

There was a fatal fire Thursday morning at an apartment in Mifflin County.  According to WHTM, the three alarm fire brought crews from the Granville Fire Company to 196 South Main Street around 5am and fire officials reported that a firefighter and three others were rescued and hospitalized.  One victim of the fire died later at the hospital and was identified by the Mifflin County Coroner as 49 year old resident of the apartment, Shawna Snyder.  There are no details about the fire being released at this time, but the state police say the fire marshal is investigating the blaze.

WOMAN STEALS CIGARETTES IN TURBOTVILLE

A West Milton woman was seen on surveillance cameras after she allegedly stole multiple cartons of cigarettes from a local convenience store in Turbotville.  According to North Central PA dot com, state police from Milton released the footage from the Turkey Hill store at 4760 Route 54 in order to identify the suspect who stole 431 dollars-worth of the tobacco product, and was able to press charges against the woman.  Police say 28 y6ear old Tommie Schooley was the person who allegedly stole the 6 cartons November 10th, and they arrested her and charged her with retail theft. 

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS AVAILABLE

Daytime grief support group sessions are being offered in Muncy and Lock Haven starting this week for six weeks through UPMC, for those who may have lost a loved one as we approach the holidays.  According to North Central Pa dot com, a team of UPMC grief support specialists will host the two groups. In Muncy on Tuesdays from 10 til 11 at UPMC Muncy Place on E Water St, and in Lock Haven at UPMC Haven Place, on Cree Drive, Wednesdays from 1 til 2pm.

WELLSBORO WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL TO BE REDEDICATED

A special ceremony to rededicate the World War II Memorial in Wellsboro, PA will be on Thursday, December 7th, near the Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center at 134 Main Street in Wellsboro.  According to North Central PA dot com, the outdoor event will be  held at 1pm and be led by Tim Cleveland of the Tioga County Veterans Affairs office.  The World War II memorial has been renovated over the past year through efforts by the “Lest We Forget” committee who invite you to come honor our Veterans and see the changes that make the Tioga County memorial site more visible and accessible to the community.

SPORTS

HS Football
South Williamsport defeated Cambria Heights 33-0 Saturday night in the PIAA State Quarterfinals   –  South now faces the defending state champ, Steelton-Highspire on Friday.
NFL
Steelers 16                      Bengals 10
NY Giants 10       Patriots 7
Eagles 37              Bills 34
Ravens 20            Chargers  10 
Chiefs 31              Raiders 17
Broncos 29                     Browns 12
NFL Monday Night Football
Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings 8:15pm ABC/ESPN

NBA
Magic 130            Hornets 117
Bucks 108            Trail Blazers 102
Celtics 113                     Hawks 103
Suns 116              Knicks 113
Nets 118               Bulls 109
Nuggets 132         Spurs 120
NBA Tonight
Lakers @ 76’ers 7pm NBA TV

NHL
Red Wings 4         Wild  1
Blues 4                 Blackhawks 2
Blue Jackets 2      Hurricanes 3
Predators 3                     Jets 2
Oilers 8                Ducks 2
NHL Tonight
Buffalo @ NY Rangers 7pm ESPN+
NHL Tuesday
NY Islanders @ NJ 7pm
Carolina @ Philadelphia 7:30pm Hulu/ESPN+
Pittsburgh @ Nashville 8pm

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 24, 2023

AMISH WEDDDING GUESTS ESCAPE BURNING VAN ON I-180

Over 50 Amish passengers and the driver of a travel bus all escaped serious injuries after the vehicle they were using caught fire Thursday morning off of I-180 in Muncy Township.  According to the Gazette, the group was heading to a wedding in New York State at about 4am and the driver exited at the Lycoming Mall Road  to check a problem since he smelled smoke.  After the occupants of the vehicle got off the bus, it was discovered that the brakes we on fire which spread to other parts of the bus. Muncy Fire authorities arrived to the whole bus on fire and took about 30 minutes to extinguish it.  Passengers were sheltered temporarily by first responders from UPMC Williamsport, but then the group was able to continue to their destination when another bus arrived.

BALLOTS MISSING DATES ON OUTSIDE ENVELOPE TO BE COUNTED

A judge in Harrisburg ruled Tuesday that mail-in ballots in Pennsylvania without accurate handwritten dates on their exterior envelopes must still be counted if they are received in time.  According to PennLive, U.S. District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter a Pres. Trump appointee, sided with the American Civil Liberties Union, which argued that refusing to count such ballots violates the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964, that says immaterial errors or omissions should not be used to prevent voting.  The GOP has repeatedly fought in court to get such ballots thrown out.

NEW TRAFFIC LIGHT FUNCTIONAL

There is a newly installed traffic signal at Fairfield Road and Brushy Ridge which has been fully activated this week after being in  flashing mode only.  Penn DOT recommends motorists drive with caution in the area while drivers get accustomed to the newly installed signal. The traffic signal work  at this intersection is part of a multi-year project that will reconstruct Fairfield Road from the intersection with Lycoming Mall Drive up to the Interstate 180 eastbound off ramp and will replace the structure carrying Lycoming Mall Drive over Bennetts Run.

DEER SEASON STARTS SATURDAY

Statewide firearms bear season that started on November 18th, ended Friday.  According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the state’s north central region usually leads the state in bear harvests.  In 2022 the county with the highest number of bear taken was Tioga County with 187 and Lycoming coming in next at 152 with a limit of one bear per hunter during a licensed year.  Pennsylvania’s statewide firearms deer season starts tomorrow.  Go to pgc.pa.gov for information.

FATHER DOESN’T SEEK MEDICAL CARE AFTER JUVENILE SON IS SHOT

A father from Hepburn Township is facing child endangerment charges after one of his two juvenile sons shot the other in the buttocks October 14th and the man didn’t seek medical care for him.  According to the Sun Gazette, Lycoming Regional Police say when the 7 year old boy fired the non life-threatening shot and struck the 11 year old,  35 year old Mark Anthony Dunlap Sr., refused him care and ordered the boys not to tell authorities about what really  happened.  After the injured boy was absent from school for a few days, kept from returning to the care of their mother, then discovered to have a bleeding wound by the school nurse, the boys told police the truth.  The 11 year old was treated November 5th  at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre for the gunshot wound that still had bullet fragments in it. Dunlap admitted his role in the felony and was arraigned.  He posted 10 thousand dollars bail.

INJURY ACCIDENT NEAR ELYSBURG

There was an accident near Elysburg Tuesday that sent two people to the hospital.  According to the Press-Enterprise, the two drivers were injured when they collided on Route 487 between Elysburg and Paxinos, which closed the roadway for about an hour.  The wreck was reported near Industrial Park Road and there were reports of a dog that got loose from one of the vehicles around 1:30pm, but fire personnel caught the dog and kept him safe.  Ralpho Township police are investigating the crash.

MUNCY HIGH SCHOOL HOLDING COMMUNITY CLOSET DAY

Community Closet Day is coming to Muncy December 2nd and Muncy High School Students are asking for help with their annual service project this year.  According to North Central PA dot com, the high school’s FBLA club works to support underprivileged community members by providing access to free, quality clothing through organized community donations. The event is free and open to the public who can bring new or lightly used clothing in clean condition  to the Ward L. Myers Elementary School gymnasium at125 New Street in Muncy December 2nd from 9am til  noon. 

SUNBURY CITY BAND TO PLAY FREE CONCERT

The annual holiday concert performed by the Sunbury City Band is coming up December 3rd.  The free concert will be at Zion Lutheran Church on the corner of Market and Fifth streets in Sunbury and will feature traditional holiday and Christmas tunes presented through  sacred, classical, popular and jazz genres.  The Sunbury City band will also perform today at the Sunbury Litefest .

SPORTS

NFL
Packers 29          Lions 22
Cowboys 45       Commanders 10
49’ers 31            Seahawks 13
NFL Today

Miami vs Jets 3pm Prime Video
NFL Sunday

Steelers vs Bengals 1pm CBS
Patriots vs NY Giants 1pm FOX
Cleveland @ Denver 4:05pm FOX
Buffalo @ Philadelphia 4:25pm CBS
Ravens vs LA Chargers 8:20pm NBC

NCAA Football Today
Memphis @ Temple 12pm ESPN
Penn State @ Michigan State 7:30pm NBC
NCAA Football SATURDAY
Ohio State @ Michigan  12pm FOX
Pitt @ Duke  12pm ACCN
Notre Dame @ Stanford 7pm


HS Football Friday

State Quarterfinals
AA – Bald Eagle Area @ Southern Columbia
Triple A –  Danville vs Wyomissing  @ Albright College – Reading, PA
Quad A – Juniata @ Selinsgrove
HS Football Saturday
Class A – Cambria Heights vs South Williamsport @ STA Stadium, Williamsport
NBA Today
Celtics vs Magic  2:30pm NBA TV
Heat vs Knicks 7:30 pm ESPN
Spurs vs Warriors 10pm ESPN

NHL

NY Rangers vs Philadelphia Flyers 1pm NHL NET
Penguins vs Sabres 6pm TNT
NY Islanders vs Senators 7:30pm ESPN+
Avalanche vs Wild 8:30pm TNT

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 22, 2023

FIRE DISPLACES PENN TOWNSHIP FAMILY

A fire in Lairdsville displaced a Penn Township family early Tuesday morning.  According to the Sun Gazette, the unnamed couple and their 11 year old granddaughter escaped the fire along Lakeside Drive after they awoke to the smell of smoke at about 2:20am.  Firefighters said they arrived to the home with an outer wall to the chimney on fire, and had to stretch the fire hose about 800 feet to reach the blaze which took about an hour to control.  The mobile home was a total loss, and the Red Cross is assisting the family. Lairdsville, Hughesville, Muncy Valley, Muncy Area, Picture Rocks, Pennsdale and Montoursville responded to the scene during the call.

WILLIAMSPORT MAN CHARGED WITH ALLEGED THREATS

A man from Williamsport who threatened another local man and claiming he put a bounty on his head in November is facing charges.  According to the Sun Gazette,  46 year old Raymond Antoni Richards allegedly told the victim on the phone that he should have killed him and that same victim and his girlfriend received other threats from Richards at a home in Loyalsock Township November 7th.  Police said Richards also damaged the victim’s car that same day.  He waived his preliminary hearing and is free on 10 thousand dollars bail.

ELEMENTARTY SCHOOL BUILDING SOLD

The Warrior Run School board approved the sale of the former Watsontown Elementary School building to the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit.  According to the Standard Journal, the agreement between the two parties was for the 610 thousand dollar price covered by the CSIU’s capital reserve budget.  The new Watsontown elementary school opened to about 780 students this fall.

HOT STOVE BANQUET COMING IN 2024

The Williamsport Crosscutters’ Hot Stove Banquet is coming back January 17th at the Genetti Ballroom in Downtown Williamsport.  According to the team, three special guests have been invited to the popular charity event including Kent Tekulve, former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher; Tim Kurkjian, ESPN baseball analyst; and Chris Carlin, ESPN radio host. Portions of the proceeds of the typically sold out event will benefit the Lycoming County United Way. The evening will include inductions of the latest members to the Bowman Field Hall of Fame and the Lycoming County Sports Walk.  Get details about tickets to the Hot Stove banquet at crosscutters.com.

TWO TEENS ESCAPE CASE WORKER’S CUSTODY

Two teenage boys in the custody of Bradford County Children and Youth case workers escaped as they were being transported to Pittsburgh, running into the woods near Roaring Branch on Monday.  According to North Central PA dot com, State Police at Towanda say 17-year-old Romeo Brown and 15-year-old Cedric Brown were last seen fleeing on foot along State Route 14 near McCracken.  If you have information about the boys please call state police at 570-265-2186. Troopers say anyone who is knowingly transporting the two teens or assisting them could face criminal charges.

COAL TOWNSHIP MAN SENTENCED FOR MURDER OF HIS MOTHER

A man from Coal Township has been sentenced to years in prison for killing his mother.  According to court records, 40-year-old Christopher Depka was facing third-degree murder charges in September for beating his mother with a baseball bat on Holly Street in 2021, but plead guilty in Northumberland County Court.  According to the Daily Item, Monday Depka was given 20 to 40  years for the death of 61 year old Sarah Jones. 

DISABLED MOTORIST RESCUED FROM EMBANKMENT

A man who ran out of gas became trapped on a highway embankment in Williamsport Monday afternoon.  According to North Central PA dot com, an unnamed motorist left his disabled vehicle along Rt 15 in Old Lycoming Township and proceeded to climb to the bottom of the hill to walk for help.  According to police, a fence at the bottom of the embankment trapped the man since he could no climb back up the steep hill.  The man who was uninjured, got help from Lycoming Regional Police, Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company, and Williamsport Bureau of Fire who cut the fence to free him. 

MEALS SERVED TO VETERANS AT GEISINGER

Almost 3 thousand meals were served to veterans during Geisinger’s drive-through veteran appreciation dinners to celebrate our appreciation during the Veterans Day week.  According to a press release from the hospital, dinners were provided November 9th at  11 locations across the Geisinger Service area.  The dinners for U.S. military veterans and guests were provided at no cost to participants in Bloomsburg, Danville, Jersey Shore, Lewistown, Mifflintown, Muncy, Pittston, Scranton, Shamokin, State College and Wilkes-Barre. Members of Geisinger’s executive leadership team, regional leaders and volunteers attended the event to hand out meals and some handmade cards to veterans.

SPORTS

HS Football Friday
State Quarterfinals
Double A – Bald Eagle Area @ Southern Columbia
Triple A –  Danville vs Wyomissing  @ Albright College – Reading, PA
Quad A – Juniata @ Selinsgrove
HS Football Saturday
Class A – Cambria Heights vs South Williamsport @ STA Stadium, Williamsport

NCAA Men’s College Basketball
Marquette  73     Kansas 59
Purdue 71           Tennessee 67
Duke 95              LaSalle 66
Gonzaga 76         Syracuse 57
Florida State 77 Colorado 71

NCAA Football Friday

Memphis @ Temple 12pm ESPN
Penn State @ Michigan State 7:30pm
NCAA FOOTBALL SATURDAY
Wake Forest @ Syracuse 2pm
Notre Dame @ Stanford 7pm
NBA
Magic 126           Raptors 107
Pacers 157          Hawks 152
Cavaliers 122     76’ers 119
Suns  120            Trail Blazers 107
Lakers 131          Jazz 99
NBA Tonight
Milwaukee @ Boston 7:30pm ESPN
Brooklyn @ Atlanta 7:30pm
76’ers @ Minnesota 8pm
Golden State @ Phoenix 10pm ESPN
NFL Thanksgiving Day Football

Green Bay @ Detroit 12:30pm FOX
Washington @ Dallas 4:30pm CBS
San Francisco @ Seattle 8:20pm NBC
Friday
Miami vs Jets 3pm Prime Video
NFL Sunday
Steelers vs Bengals 1pm CBS
Patriots vs NY Giants 1pm FOX
Cleveland @ Denver 4:05pm FOX
Buffalo @ Philadelphia 4:25pm CBS
Ravens vs LA Chargers 8:20pm NBC

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 21, 2023

STABBING IN WILLIAMSPORT

A city woman is in custody today after police say she stabbed her boyfriend during an argument Monday morning in her Memorial Avenue apartment.  According to the Sun Gazette, 19 year old Anastasia Wingo called 911 saying she stabbed the victim, but the boyfriend told police the injuries were self-inflicted and was treated at the scene, denying more treatment.  Wingo was taken into custody for assault and committed to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 10 thousand dollars bail. Paramedics say they returned to the scene an hour later and transported the boyfriend to UPMC Williamsport for treatment of injuries.

POLICE SEEK HIT AND RUN SUSPECT

Police are seeking a Hit and Run driver who crashed into a shed structure in Turbotville last Wednesday night in Northumberland County.  According to North Central PA dot com, State police at Milton said witnesses told them the driver of a red sedan with a loud muffler smashed into the shed and fled south afterwards near Locust Lane and the intersection with Washington Street.  Police say the passenger side of the vehicle will have damage and the car is missing a passenger side mirror.  If you have information call State police barracks a 570-524-2662.

PENNDOT CLOSING DMV FOR THANKSGIVING

All DMV locations will be closed this Thursday and Friday to observe the Thanksgiving Holiday, this includes the Harrisburg service center on South Front Street.  According to PennDOT, all driver and vehicle products, including forms, publications and driver training manuals will still be available online at www.dmv.pa.gov.  Online services are available 24/7 and there is no additional cost for using these services.]

FREE THANKSGIVING MEALS IN THE AREA THIS WEEK

There are several places in Lycoming County that are providing free Thanksgiving meals this Thursday.  According to North Central PA dot com, American Rescue Workers on Elmira Street will serve a drive through or walk up meal from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m, The Newberry Church of Christ at 2100 Linn Street will serve from 11am til 2pm providing a blanket for each family that attends.  Hughesville Friends Church on South 3rd Street will have a meal from noon until 3 and Muncy VFW will have a meal Thursday at 11am at their location at 12 North Market Street.  The New Love Center in Jersey Shore will have a Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday from 11am until 12:30, but will be closed Thursday.

WOMAN WHO SOLD DRUGS TO UNDERCOVER OFFICER ARRESTED

A Lock Haven woman has been arrested for selling methamphetamine to an undercover informant several times between last August and this past summer.  According to North Central PA dot com, 45 year old Amanda Maggs completed four drug deals from various locations around Lock Haven with officers.  Maggs was charged with eight counts of possession with intent to deliver and four counts of criminal use of a communication facility. She posted $50,000 unsecured bail earlier in November.

ASSAULT AND RAPE CHARGES IN SHAMOKIN

A 42 year old man from Paxinos has been incarcerated for strangulation, rape and assault at his home.  According to the News-Item, police say a victim reported that Dennis Allen Kodack Jr engaged in a fight with her that led to the rape and assault, after which she reported the crime at the Shamokin Police Department.  Since the incident happened under the jurisdiction of the Stonington State police, they conducted the interview with Kodack who said the incident was consensual. He was committed to Northumberland County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash bail.

WILLIAMSPORT WINS GRANT FOR RECREATION AT SHAW PARK

The Pennsylvania DCNR has awarded the City of Williamsport grant money to continue development of Shaw Park including include site improvements and the construction of a pump track.  According to Mayor Derek Slaughter, the competitive grant of over 224 thousand dollars was awarded through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program with a variety of federal and state resources.  Slaughter thanked Senator Gene Yaw and Representative Jamie Flick along with officials from DCNR and Governor Shapiro, for the investment in the city, specifically for the recreational improvements that have been a top priority for his administration.  The proposed pump track will include a beginner, intermediate and advanced track and will provide an inclusive, accessible space to explore recreational activity and fitness for residents.

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY TRAVEL MAY SEE WEATHER CHALLENGES

Triple A says between 55 and 56 million people are traveling over the week surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday and Pennsylvania is expecting to face weather issues that could slow down that travel today and tomorrow with another separate storm expected  by the weekend according to Accuweather.  Some gas prices have been reduced at local Sheetz locations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia, who report they have lowered their Unleaded 88 gas price to $1.99 a gallon until Monday, Nov. 27 at midnight.

SPORTS

NFL Monday Night Football
Eagles 21            Chiefs 17
ThanksgivingDay Football
Green Bay @ Detroit 12:30pm FOX
Washington @ Dallas 4:30pm CBS
San Francisco @ Seattle 8:20pm NBC
Friday
Miami vs Jets 3pm Prime Video
NFL Sunday
Steelers vs Bengals 1pm CBS
Patriots vs NY Giants 1pm FOX
Cleveland @ Denver 4:05pm FOX
Buffalo @ Philadelphia 4:25pm CBS
Ravens vs LA Chargers 8:20pm NBC
NCAA FOOTBALL FRIDAY
Penn State vs Michigan State 7:30pm

NBA
Hornets 121        Celtics 118
Bucks 142           Wizards 129
Heat 118             Bulls 100
Timberwolves 117  Knicks 100
Clippers 124       Spurs 99
Warriors 121      Rockets 116

NHL
Dallas Stars 6      NY Rangers 3

NHL Wednesday

Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers 7pm TNT
NY Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins 7pm ESPN+
Buffalo vs Washington 7pm ESPN+
Philadelphia vs NY Islanders 7:30pm ESPN+
Vegas vs Dallas 9:30 TNT

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 20, 2023

SATURDAY ACCIDENT IN MUNCY

A Saturday morning accident between a cement truck and SUV in Muncy sent three people to the hospital just after 6:20am.  According to the Sun Gazette, the female driver of the SUV was thrown from the vehicle when the collision happened at Clarkstown Road and Route 442, and she and the juvenile in her car were taken to UPMC Williamsport for treatment.  The driver of the cement truck was transported to UPMC Muncy. PennDOT was on the scene to clean up an undetermined amount of cement that had spilled form the truck that had to be towed from the accident scene. An investigation is ongoing.

TWO MORE CHARGES FOR ELEVATOR CONTRACTOR

A man already incarcerated for theft by deception for not completing elevator installation work that he took money for in Luzerne County, pleaded guilty to two more similar counts in Lycoming County Court Friday.  According to the Sun Gazette, 45 year old Michael William Bloom, the former owner of Keystone Lift and Elevator Company, appeared in court via video link and had 11 other counts against him dismissed through the plea deal with the Senior Deputy Attorney General.  Bloom will face sentencing with the victims present January 2nd

PA RESIDENTS BANNED FROM CASINOS FOR NEGLECTING CHILDREN

During the latest meeting of the Pennsylvania Gaming Board, four Commonwealth residents were banned from all casinos in Pennsylvania after they were caught gambling while they left children in their care unattended.  According to a press release from the Gaming Board, this situations ranged from leaving children ages infant to age 13 unattended while the adult left them to gamble.  All four incidents happened in Montgomery, Westmoreland and Philadelphia Counties.  There is a current campaign started by the PAGB is underway in the state, encouraging residents to not bring children along when they choose to gamble.

CITY TRASH STATION CLOSED TOMORROW

Tomorrow, the Lycoming County Resource Management Services transfer station on West Third Street in Williamsport will be closed for mandatory maintenance.  According to North Central PA dot com, the public and other waste haulers will be able to utilize the facility again starting Wednesday morning at 8:30am.  Those needing to dispose of waste during the day of closure, can go to the landfill location at 447 Alexander Drive, Montgomery, which is usually open Monday through Friday, 7am to 4:30pm and Saturday, 7am til noon.

FATALWRECK ON ROUTE 220 LAST TUESDAY

The crash that closed Route 220 last Tuesday afternoon in Wolf Township was a fatal wreck that took the life of a Hillsgrove man.  According to the Sun Gazette, 44 year old Jason Randall was killed in a one-vehicle crash just north of Hoagland Branch in Elkland Township.  Police say Randall drove his truck off the east side of the road, striking a tree.  Hillsgrove and Eldredsville first responders were on the scene.  State Police in Laporte say Randall was wearing his seatbelt but was declared dead at the scene by the Lycoming County Coroner.

MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WROTE FRAUDULENT PRESCRIPTIONS

A Lock Haven woman is facing identity theft, and possession of a controlled substance charges after she fraudulently filled prescriptions for patients but kept the medicine for her personal use. According to investigators, 50 year old Sondra Suzette Perry, a medical professional, wrote and filled prescriptions of Percocet over three months, for a patient who was out of the country.  When a Weis Pharmacy manager contacted a doctor about the suspicious prescription, and Perry was confronted, she confessed to her boss and the pharmacist. Perry also admitted she took pills from another patient’s prescription supply.  Perry faces the 6 counts of identity theft and other charges, and posted 15 thousand dollars bail.

REWARD FOR INFORMATION ABOUT MINK RELEASE GROWS

The Northumberland County District Attorney continues to investigate the release of hundreds of mink into the wild from a fur farm near Sunbury in September, as the reward continues to grow for information leading to the arrest of the party responsible for the attack.  According to the Daily Item, executives from the Fur Commission USA say the reward is now 22 thousand dollars, but representatives from animal liberation press office dot org, where an anonymous message was posted claiming responsibility for the release of mink from the Richard H. Stahl fur farm, say they will not be deterred by the reward, as they fight to liberate wildlife.  Those from the Fur Commission USA, say the minks’ release sealed their fate since they have no survival skills.  If you have information call PA Crime Stoppers.

GIANT TO FUND A MOBILE FOOD PANTRY

Giant Foods along with Geisinger and another community partner are working to combat food insecurity in the Central Susquehanna River Valley.  According to the Standard Journal, The GIANT Company will to cover startup costs for the mobile food pantry initiative by committing $597,000.  The mobile food pantry is expected to serve fresh, healthy food 75 families at first.  Central Susquehanna Opportunities, a community action agency for Columbia, Montour and Northumberland counties, will staff the unit, provide nutrition education and give referrals to Geisinger for any clinical care needs.

SPORTS

NFL
Cowboys 33       Panthers 10
Browns 13          Steelers 10
Lions  31             Bears 26
Packers 23          Chargers 20
Dolphins 20        Raiders 13
Bills 32               Jets 6
Broncos 21         Vikings 20

NFL Monday Night Football

Eagles vs Chiefs 8:15pm ABC/ESPN

NBA
76’ers 121           Nets 99
Magic  128          Pacers 116
Celtics 102          Grizzlies 100
Suns  140                      Jazz 137
Lakers 105          Rockets 104
NHL
Maple Leafs 4     Wild 3
Flyers 5               Blue Jackets 2
Penguins 3          Golden Knights 0
Sabres 3              Blackhawks 2
Blues 3                Ducks 1

MLB NEWS

Pitcher Aaron Nola and the Phillies agreed to a seven-year contract on Sunday, the team announced. Sources told ESPN the deal is worth $172 million.

The 30-year-old right hander has spent all 10 years of his professional career with the Phillies, who took him with the seventh pick in the 2014 draft and promoted him to the major leagues barely a year later.
* Nola is 90-71 with a 3.72 ERA. Over 1,422 innings, he has struck out 1,582, walked 371 and allowed 169 home runs.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 16, 2023

STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE GUNSHOTS IN LOYALSOCK

Pennsylvania State Police responded to reports of a gunshot on Monday at the 200 block of Russell Avenue in Loyalsock Township.  According to North Central PA dot com, the deceased victim was identified as Jeffrey Aderhold II and police are involved in an active investigation.  According to police scanner information, Aderhold’s death may have been caused by a self-inflicted gunshot.  If you have information, please call State Police at Montoursville 570 368-5700. 

EVIDENCE IN ARMORY BREAK-IN DISCOVERED DURING SEARCH

Information has just been released this week about an investigation into a juvenile being shot November third that police say may have uncovered evidence about a burglary at the National Range and Armory at 531 Washington Blvd.  According to the Sun Gazette, a 14-year-old and a juvenile friend sought treatment for the injured teen who told police he was shot in the foot while standing inside a home on Memorial Avenue.  After obtaining a search warrant, city police discovered evidence that was consistent with the injuries the boy sustained and also with evidence found at the armory, such as broken glass and discovery of clothes that the suspects were allegedly wearing while caught on surveillance footage.  Police say seven guns were stolen during the break-in last month, but no arrests have been made as of yet.

PLAN PRESENTED FOR FORMER LYCOMING MALL PROPERTY

FAMVEST, the developer and owner of the land in Muncy Township that was once the Lycoming Mall, have announced upcoming plans for the project and have chosen a name for the mixed use site.  According to executives at FAMVEST, they have dubbed the soon to be thriving commercial community  “The District at Lycoming Valley” and expect to offer a diverse mix of retail and commercial options, healthcare services, housing, and recreational space. “The District” will be able to offer hundreds of full and part-time positions for those in the region.

WOODLANDS BANK DONATES THROUGH EITC PROGRAM

Woodlands Bank has given a 5 thousand dollar donation to the Community Arts Center in downtown Williamsport thanks to the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program or EITC. Every year since 2007, the Community Arts Center provides exceptional arts programming that enhances the classroom curriculum of nine school districts across a multi-county geographic reach in Northcentral Pennsylvania.  According to president of Woodlands bank, Jon Conklin, the bank’s ability to utilize the EITC program and help support the CAC enriches the lives of all those who reside here , and it brings a cultural depth to the region that their organization is proud to support.

DRUG OFFICERS ARREST WILLIAMSPORT MAN

A Williamsport man is in custody after Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit detectives said he dealt cocaine and methamphetamine from his Glennwood Avenue apartment to multiple people, including confidential informants.  According to North Central PA dot com,  police say 40 year old Victor Lamar Gibbs, a known local cocaine dealer, had football sized chunks of cocaine in his possession, and allegedly manufactured meth in the home before selling 61 grams of it to the undercover detective who videotaped the interactions.  Gibbs will be charged with felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility, and is being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 95 thousand dollars bail monetary.

TEEN DRIVER IDENTIFIED IN MONDAY’S FATAL CRASH

Reports of the identity of the Middleburg teenager who was killed Monday in a car accident along Route 104 and Troxelville Road in Center Township have been released.  According to the Standard Journal, 16-year-old Midd-West student Hayden Gipson was the teen driver who lost his life.  Gipson’s 2001 Mitsubishi collided with a truck-tractor combination driven by 49 year old Jason Sones of Watsontown.  At a high rate of spend with a frosted windshield, Gipson struck the truck and the vehicle became trapped underneath the frame of the tractor trailer.  The truck driver was not injured.

FALLEN SHAMOKIN OFFICER HONORED

A memorial was dedicated to honor a Shamokin City Police Department officer who was killed in the line of duty on November 13th, 1983.  According to WNEP, Corporal David Whitmer was shot by Preston Pfifley when he was drunk and shooting at police.  Pfifley was convicted of first-degree murder, but was spared the death penalty and died in prison in 2013.  Whitmer was the first and only Shamokin police officer to be killed in the line of duty.  Dozens of police officers from the region gathered in memory of such a dedicated law enforcement member.

ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DINNER IN SUNBURY

The free annual Thanksgiving dinner in Sunbury is set to go on this year, despite slower than normal donations.  According to coordinators who plan to serve 700 to 1,000 meals Thanksgiving Day, they are grateful for the number of volunteers who have helped prepare the dinners for the community over the past 25 years. The meal will be prepared and served at the  Zion Lutheran social Hall on 5th and Market Streets starting with coffee and donuts starting at 9am.  The meals will be ready at noon and will also be delivered to the high rises across the city.  Those who want to donate of volunteer to help serve or deliver meals, call Rhonda Fisher at 570-765-3850 or 570-658-2634.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Football Playoffs Week 3 Tomorrow
Class A Championship South Williamsport @ Muncy – BYB Game of the Week
Double A Championship Southern Columbia @ Troy
Triple A Championship Loyalsock @ Danville
States Quad A Round 3  Selinsgrove vs Bethlehem Catholic @ Catasqua

NBA
Mavericks 130     Wizards 117
Knicks 116          Hawks 114
Celtics 117          76ers 107
Bucks 128            Raptors 112
Suns 133              Timberwolves 115
Kings 125            Lakers 110
Cavaliers 109       Trail Blazers 95

Men’s College Basketball Friday

Bucknell @ Duke in Durham, NC 6pm (ACCN)
Butler @ Michigan State
Stonehill @ Kentucky 7pm ESPN
UCR @ North Carolina
Maryland @ Villanova8:30pm FS1

NHL
Flyers 3               Hurricanes 1
Oilers 4                Kraken 3
Avalanche 8        Ducks 2
Canucks 4           Islanders 3

NFL Thursday night Football

Cincinnati @ Baltimore 8:15pm Prime Video
NCAA Football This week
Tonight –     Pitt vs Boston College 7pm ESPN
Saturday –   Rutgers @ Penn State 12pm  FS1
                   Wake Forest @ Notre Dame 3:30pm NBC

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 15, 2023

POLICE INVESTIGATE BODY FOUND IN HUMMELS WHARF

Police found a body in a Monroe Township and have begun an investigation. According to State Police, the victim in the case is 35 year old Tiffany Judge who was found deceased in the Valley Lodge Motel in Monroe Township on North Susquehanna Trail in Hummels Wharf earlier this week.  If you have any information that can aid the investigation, call Snyder County or Pennsylvania State police.

MIDD-WEST STUDENT KILLED IN CAR ACCIDENT

The Midd-West School District,  released information that an unnamed student was killed in a tragic car accident on Monday.  According to Police, the accident happened at Route 104 at Centerville Street and Troxelville Road involving a car and a tractor trailer, but no details of the accident have been revealed.  In a statement from the Midd-West School District they say a beloved high school student lost their life as a result of the wreck and that counseling is available for students and staff trying to cope with the circumstances. 

DANCE RECITAL AT CU-LOCK HAVEN

The Commonwealth University-Lock Haven Dance Consort will hold its semi-annual Showcase on with three shows on Nov. 17th and 18th  in the John Sloan Fine Arts Center Auditorium.  The recital will highlight the dancing and choreography of the current students in the program. Donations of period products will be accepted at each show to benefit LHUPCSS Period Poverty program on campus.  Tickets are free to the public and can be reserved prior to the shows, available at the university box office.  Email [email protected].

TASTY SPCA FUNDRAISER COMING SOON

The 22nd Annual Lycoming County SPCA “For the Love of Paws” fundraiser will be this Saturday at the Holiday Inn in Williamsport. The event, formerly known as Sweet Temptations, will offer food tastings that will include silent auction bidding, raffles, and recently adopted animals walking the red carpet.  The money raised supports the SPCA in working towards its mission which includes efforts to protect all domestic animals providing shelter, emergency treatment, investigation and prosecution of cruelty or abuse and more.  Get information and a link to purchase tickets at lycomingspca.org.

LEWISBURG MAN JAILED AFTER DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE

A man from Lewisburg is charged with felony aggravated assault after police say he cut his wife with a knife and attacked officers who responded to the domestic disturbance October 25th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 58 year old Peter Holmes allegedly attacked his wife with the small knife, took her phone and money and became combative with police who eventually took him into custody at their Brown Street apartment.  He was charged, and remanded to the Union County Prison in lieu of 75 thousand dollars bail.  Holmes has a preliminary hearing November 30th.

MAN WHO ESCAPED WARREN COUNTY JAIL TO BE SENTENCED

The man who eluded police last summer after his escape from the Warren County Prison has now pleaded guilty for two more charges lodged against him; kidnapping a Pennsylvania couple and driving them to South Carolina as he evaded murder charges in New York, and for the prison escape July 6th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 34 year old Michael Burham was a fugitive until Pennsylvania State Police captured him on July 15th.  He will be sentenced January 5th for the charges in both cases in Warren County Court. 

RECALL OF FRITO-LAY CRISPS

Consumers of Frito-Lay Off The Eaten Path Chickpea Veggie Crisps are being made aware of a recall of 16 thousand bags of the snack due to a potential milk allergen.  According to North Central PA dot com, the crisps that were distributed in September in Pennsylvania contain undeclared milk ingredients due to the unintended presence of caramel seasoning.  A consumer filed a complaint which brought about the investigation of allergic reactions with the chickpea veggie crisps only, no other Off The Eaten Path products are affected.  Discard the product if you have sensitivity to milk products, or call 1-844-683-7284 with any questions.

PSP RECEIVES FUNDING FOR OPIOID INVESTIGATIONS

Funding totaling over 5.9 million dollars has been given to the Pennsylvania State Police from the Department of Justice for the locating and investigating of activities related to manufacturing and distributing meth, heroin, and fentanyl in the Commonwealth.  According to North Central PA dot com, the grants are from Anti-Heroin Task Force and Anti-Methamphetamine Program and are for agencies with high rates of primary treatment admissions for heroin and other opioids.  Troopers in Pennsylvania seized $65.4 million worth of illegal drugs in 2022.

SPORTS

PIAA Girls Soccer Semi-Finals
Class 2A
Central Columbia 4       Northwestern Lehigh 0
 Central Columbia advances to the PIAA State Girls Soccer Finals on Friday
Class 3A
Abington Heights 3        Shikellamy 1
PIAA Boys Soccer Semi-Finals
Class 2A
Quaker Valley 1             Central Columbia 0

PIAA Field Hockey Semi-Finals

Class 1A
Lackawanna Trail 5       Lewisburg 0

NBA
Pacers 132          76’ers 126
Nets 124              Magic 104
Jazz 115              Trail Blazers 99
Nuggets 111       Clippers 108
Timberwolves 104 Warriors 101
Lakers 134          Grizzlies 107

NCAA Men’s Basketball
Kansas 89           Kentucky 84
Marquette 71      Illinois  64
UConn 87           Miss. Valley State 53
Tennessee 82      Wofford 61
Duke  74             Michigan State 65
Gonzaga 123      Eastern Oregon 57

NHL
Penguins 5  Blue Jackets 3
Capitals 3  Golden Knights 0
NHL Tonight
Flyers vs Carolina Hurricanes 7:30pm TNT
NY Islanders vs Vancouver 10pm TNT
PIAA District 4 Football Playoffs Week 3 Friday

Class A Championship South Williamsport @ Muncy – BYB Game of the Week
Double A Championship Southern Columbia @ Troy
Triple A Championship Loyalsock @ Danville
States Quad A Round 3  Selinsgrove vs Bethlehem Catholic @ Catasqua


NFL Thursday night Football

Cincinnati @ Baltimore 8:15pm Prime Video
NCAA Football This week
Thursday – Pitt vs Boston College 7pm ESPN
Saturday – Rutgers @ Penn State 12pm  FS1
                 Wake Forest @ Notre Dame 3:30pm NBC

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 14, 2023

NO EXPLOSIVES FOUND IN SUNBURY FROM BOMB THREAT

There were no explosives found by bomb sniffing dogs brought in to investigate three separate bomb threats in Sunbury over the weekend.  According to the Daily Item, Sunbury police say an investigation is underway and they suspect that one individual is responsible for the series of calls and threats against the Burger King Restaurant on North 4th Street came in between Saturday night and Sunday when a third bomb threat causing another evacuation and lock down.  Authorities say there is no threat to the public, but if you have information about the weekend incidents in Sunbury, call Northumberland County 911.

NEW YORK MAN SENTENCED FOR INDECENT EXPOSURE

A man from Ghent, NY who was charged for sharing sexually explicit video material with a minor and took a plea deal was sentenced this week to 3 to 9 years in state prison for corruption of minors and indecent exposure.  According to North Central PA dot com, 41 year old Jeremy Thomas Frick was granted the chance to spend Thanksgiving with his family before he reports to serve his term, after the defense asked President Judge Nancy Butts to delay the sentence until January 1st.  Frick must report to the Lycoming County Prison December 4th, and following his release will be on the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) list for 25 years.

REAL ESTATE TAX INCREASE A POSSIBILITY IN WILLIAMSPORT

Monday night’s budget work session with City Council and Mayor Derek Slaughter proposed the idea of a 1 mil increase in real estate taxes for 2024.  According to the Sun Gazette, City Council is considering the increase even though the city anticipates being over in the general fund, there was still an 800 thousand dollar deficit the city has to make up for its share of debt service.  The 1 mil tax increase could make up for it.  Mayor Slaughter said expenditures are down and surely there will be more conversations about the budget going forward. Another Council work session for the budget is this Wednesday night.

WEIS DONATES TO PVA

Weis Markets announced it has donated $200,000 to Paralyzed Veterans of America. Officials from Weis Markets presented the check to PVA on Friday at their Enola, PA, store.  The donation was raised through a four-week in-store campaign in October and includes a corporate donation, supporting  PVA’s mission to help our most severely injured heroes have access to quality health care, and meaningful careers.

STATE POLICE SEEKING SHEEP SHOOTER

Another instance of someone shooting sheep near Winfield in Snyder County has occurred.  According to State Police at Selinsgrove, another sheep being killed was reported, this instance was along Apple Butter Hollow Road in Jackson Township.  The animal was in its enclosure and was hit with a small caliber bullet sometime overnight on either October 27th to 28th.  If you have any information about three local sheep shootings, please contact Selinsgrove State Police.

NEW TRAFFIC SIGNAL FLASHING AT FAIRFIELD AND BRUSHY RIDGE

There is a newly installed traffic light at Fairfield Road and Brushy Ridge Road that is expected to be active this week and motorists are advised to use caution  when approaching the new signal.  According to PennDOT, Fairfield Road will have a flashing yellow light and drivers should proceed through the intersection with care.  Brushy Ridge Road will have a flashing red light requiring motorists to stop and check for a clear intersection before proceeding. The intersection lights will flash for a week before the signal becomes fully activated after next Tuesday the 21st of November. The traffic signal at this intersection is part of a multi-year project that will reconstruct Fairfield Road, replacing the structure carrying Lycoming Mall Drive over Bennetts Run.

WILD BOAR SPOTTED IN PA

Feral Swine, or wild boar, have been spotted in just over 20 percent of Pennsylvania counties and there is worry that their destructive behavior could cause problems by disturbing local ecosystems.  According to North Central PA dot com, a study by University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health the boar are an invasive species growing in population throughout the country.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the hogs can cause approximately $2.5 billion in damages each year.  Wild hogs are most active at night and hunting them is completely unregulated in Pennsylvania. If you suspect wild boar activity near you contact wildlife authorities and report them.

FCFP BRINGS ON NEW CFO

The First Community Foundation Partnership has brought on a new chief financial officer who brings over two decades of accounting and finance experience to the team.  According to the FCF Partnership website, Steven Simms most recently comptroller and business operations manager at Lycoming County Resource Management Services and will now oversee the financial, accounting, and investment activities of the Foundation, including the FCFP Philanthropy Center and Rider Park. The Foundation works to improve the quality of life in north central Pennsylvania through community leadership, the promotion of philanthropy, the strengthening of nonprofit impact and perpetual stewardship.  Get Info about FCFP at 570-321-1500.

SPORTS

PIAA State Soccer Semi-Finals Today
Girls
Class 2A Central Columbia vs Northwestern Lehigh @ Harman-Geist Memorial Field in Hazelton 5pm
Class 3A Shikellamy vs Abington Heights @ Harman-Geist Memorial Field in Hazelton 5pm
Boys
Class 2A Central Columbia vs Quaker Valley @ Mansion Park Stadium in Altoona 6pm

PIAA District 4 Football Playoffs Week 3 Friday

Class A Championship South Williamsport @ Muncy – BYB Game of the Week
Double A Championship Southern Columbia @ Troy
Triple A Championship Loyalsock @ Danville
States Quad A Round 3  Selinsgrove vs Bethlehem Catholic @ Catasqua


NFL Monday Night Football
Broncos  24        Bills  22
NFL Thursday night Football
Cincinnati @ Baltimore 8:15pm Prime Video
NCAA Football This week
Thursday – Pitt vs Boston College 7pm ESPN
Saturday – Rutgers @ Penn State 12pm  FS1
                 Wake Forest @ Notre Dame 3:30pm NBC

NBA
Celtics 114          Knicks 98
Raptors 111        Wizards 107
Bucks 118           Bulls 109
Kings 132           Cavaliers 120

NHL
Oilers 4               Islanders 1
Avalanche 5        Kraken 1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 13, 2023

SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER LIFTED IN SUNBURY

Sunbury police have now lifted a shelter in place warning again after two separate bomb threats in a four-block area Saturday.  According to the Daily item, police deemed the threats credible and first reported there were threats against police, a bomb threat at a fast food restaurant, making them close and evacuate multiple streets near North 4th and North 5th streets.  Sunbury Police say another bomb threat came in after 7 Saturday and the second shelter in place warning was active through Sunday morning. A bomb-detecting dog from Geisinger Medical Center, from Danville was in Sunbury twice Saturday to clear the area of any explosives . An investigation continues, and authorities ask that if you have information about the weekend incidents, to call Sunbury police or Northumberland County 911.

SHAMOKIN MOTHER CHARGED FOR ENDANGERMENT

A Shamokin woman has been charged with child endangerment after a caseworker from Northumberland County Children and Youth Services asked for police assistance October 18 for a home visit that uncovered filthy conditions in the home.  According to North Central PA dot com, 31-year-old Tara Baker was in the process of cleaning up dog feces and suspected dog urine from the floor with roaches and bugs on the walls, when police and the landlord arrived to investigate.  The child was not in the home at the time, and in addition to felony child endangerment, was charged with misdemeanors of disorderly conduct and public nuisance.  Her preliminary hearing is December 5th.

WORK THIS WEEK ON I-180

Interstate 180 east and westbound in Montoursville Borough, and Loyalsock, Fairfield, and Muncy townships will see work continue tomorrow and Wednesday. According to PennDOT, a contractor will be removing the lighting/poles from both structures carrying Interstate 180 over the Loyalsock Creek between the hours of 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM.  Work on this project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024, with a winter shutdown before the new year.

STATE POLICE LOOKING FOR NEW RECRUITS

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) has opened anew cadet application cycle with no college credit requirement for those seeking careers as state troopers. At the direction of Governor Shapiro, the PSP suspended the educational requirement of 60 college credits on August 28, when it opened a two-month hiring cycle that resulted in 1,545 eligible cadet applications received.  Applications for the current cycle remain open through this January 31st.

MAN THREATENS EMPLOYEES AT SHAMOKIN DOCTORS OFFICE

A man claiming to be having a psychiatric episode threatened to kill staff and the doctors at a local medical office after the employees there found the man wasn’t a patient and recommended he go to the closest emergency room for help.  According to North Central PA dot com, 36 year old Robert Louis Villari Jr caused alarm when he locked himself in a bathroom October 25th at a Shamokin doctor’s office where employees suspected he had a weapon.  The office was evacuated by local police and Villari was handcuffed and searched. He was charged with a felony terroristic threats and more, and committed to Northumberland County Prison in lieu of $10,000 bail.

HOUSE FIRE REIGNITES SATURDAY NIGHT

A State fire marshal is expected to be on the scene of a house fire in Woodward Township that reignited late Saturday night after an initial fire was reported Saturday at 1656 Queneshaque Road earlier that afternoon around 3:15.  According to the Sun Gazette, firefighters knocked out the first blaze just after 4pm, which already was a total loss of the home, but a passerby noticed flames again later around 1am Sunday. There were no reports of injuries. It took about two hours for firefighters to extinguish the second fire.

OPEN HOUSE SOON AT CU-CLEARFIELD

Commonwealth University-Clearfield will host an open house on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 9 a.m. in Founder’s Hall.   Prospective students are encouraged to attend to learn more about what CU-Clearfield has to offer. While on campus for the program, students will learn about the admissions process, meet individually or in groups with faculty experts, take a tour of campus with current students, enjoy light refreshments and get some Clearfield SWAG. Space is limited so register at commonwealthu.edu/Clearfield or call 814-765-0559.

LYCO SPECIAL OLYMPIC SEEKING ATHLETES

Lycoming County Special Olympics are looking for new members, specifically to join up with fellow athletes for their local soccer team.  According to the Sun Gazette, students with qualifying special needs age 8 and older can participate for the program for free with all uniforms and equipment  provided thanks to community donations.  Special Olympics coordinators say winter sports begins soon and athletes can participate in 13 different sports throughout the year.  Get information on events, sign-ups and registration at   S O LYCO  dot  org.

SPORTS

NFL
Steelers 23          Packers 19
Buccaneers 20    Titans 6
Vikings 27          Saints 19
Browns 33          Ravens 31
Cowboys 49       Giants 17
Seahawks 29       Commanders 26
Raiders 16           Jets 12


NFL Monday Night Football
Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills 8:15pm ABC

NCAA Football News
*Penn State fired offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich on Sunday, a day after they struggled in a high-profile loss for the second time this season, scoring only 15 points with just 238 yards of offense in Saturday’s 24-15 loss to Michigan.   The team’s offense also struggled in a 20-12 loss to Ohio State on Oct. 21st.
NBA
Knicks 129                   Hornets 107
Nets 102                        Wizards 94
76’ers 137                     Pacers 126
Timberwolves 116      Warriors 110
Lakers 116                    Trail Blazers 110

PIAA State Soccer Quarterfinals Saturday
Class 2A Boys  Central Columbia 2 General McLane  1
Class 1A Girls  – South Williamsport lost to Moravian Academy 2-1
Class 2A Girls Central Columbia 3 Wyomissing 0
Class 3A Girls Shikellamy 2 Red Land 0

Class 1A Field Hockey Quarterfinals Saturday
Lewisburg 2  Susquenita 1

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