BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 8, 2023

LYCOMING COUNTY ELECTION RESULTS

All 81 precincts reported results in the general election yesterday with an overall average turnout of 35.78 percent in Lycoming County. In the Commissioner race, incumbent Scott Metzger received 37.22 percent of the vote and will serve with 2nd place Republican Marc Sortman who was elected with 32.17percent of the vote.  Democrat Mark Mussina garnered a seat with just over 17 percent According to the unofficial results from the Office of Lycoming County Voter Services, the two judges chosen for the Court of Common Pleas are Ryan C. Gardner and William P Carlucci.   Get the full slate of results from the municipal elections at lyco.org/vote.

POLICE TO SEARCH PHONE RECORDS OF ACCIDENT SUSPECT

The investigation into the accident on Route 487 last month that killed Selinsgrove Area Middle School student, Christopher Sensenig, has led police to obtain a search warrant to see the phone records of the 20 year old woman who allegedly caused the accident.  According to North Central PA dot com, Ralpho Township police say they will find out if Emilee Bland was using her cell phone October 16th around 2:30pm, at the time when witnesses say her Nissan Rogue ultimately swerved into the oncoming lane striking the vehicle carrying Sensenig and two passengers who survived the crash with injuries.  Police say Bland was hospitalized for serious injuries at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

GAME COMMISSION SEEKS INPUT ABOUT ENDANGERED BIRD

With the population of the Black Rail bird dwindling, the PA Game Commission is considering adding it to the threatened bird species list. According to the Game commission, a Black Rail is a federally protected species, and considered uncommon in the state, but officials say evidence indicates some territories of the bird may have been established in the Commonwealth and nesting may have been attempted. Public comment and feedback about the classification will continue through January 24th. Go to pgc.pa.gov for information and the chance to offer your opinion.

VETERANS DAY DANCE IN LOCK HAVEN FRIDAY

The public is invited to attend Veterans Day ceremonies and programs across the region this week.  The Lock Haven Sons of Italy will host a Veterans Day Dance Friday evening at 6:30pm at their location on North Henderson Street.  According to the Sun Gazette, music will be courtesy of Private Stock Trio and tickets are available at 570-295-9330 with proceeds going toward Heroes and Horses who provide Equine Assisted Programs free to veterans and active duty military.

WILLIAMSPORT AND PA COURT ELECTION RESULTS
After Tuesday’s General Election, Williamsport City Council positions were unofficially determined. Mayor Derek Slaughter and the four members of city council whose terms were up were running unopposed with Mayor Slaughter re-elected, getting 92% of the vote.  Councilman Jon Mackey received 2,337 votes and Councilmen Adam Yoder and Vincent Pulizzi and Councilwoman Bonnie Katz secured their Council seat with just over 2,100 votes each. The projected Williamsport Area School District School Board winners are Scott R. Williams with 18.72%, Lori Baer with 18.4%, Thomas Adams Sr. with 18.19% and Michelle Hazel with 17.75%. For Pennsylvania’s Justice of the Supreme Court, Republican Carolyn T Carluccio lost to Democrat Daniel McCaffrey by a slim margin, and in the much-watched Northumberland County District Attorney race, Republican Michael O’Donnell is the projected winner against incumbent, Democrat, Tony Matulewicz.

MAN ARRESTED FOR SHOOTING BLANKS FROM GUN

A 38 year old man who fired blanks from a realistic looking gun Sunday in Shamokin has been charged by local police.  According to WBRE, Christian Medina of South Diamond Street was seen outside his home where witnesses say he fired a gun 3 to four times and fled.  Police were called to 100 block of West Montgomery Street and later blocked part of South Diamond Street the street to conduct an investigation around 6pm.  Medina was charged with public drunkenness and disorderly conduct.

DRUG DEALER ARRESTED AFTER VICTIM OVERDOSES

A man from Bellefonte is in custody after he admitted to police he sold pills containing fentanyl that he purchased on the dark web, after his customer overdosed and identified him to police. According to North Central PA dot com, 23 year old Brett Dean Oliphant from Port Matilda was named as the dealer by the victim, along with three other witnesses who police identified through entries on a seized cellphone.  Police obtained a search warrant to go through Oliphant’s home, where they found more drugs and drug paraphernalia; including similar fentanyl pills from what they say the victim described.  He is in Centre County Prison on 100 thousand dollars bail with a preliminary hearing next week.

BRIDGE WORK IN SUNBURY THIS WEEK AND NEXT

Motorists are advised of a maintenance project this week and next week on the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Sunbury.  Today and tomorrow, a PennDOT maintenance crew will be replacing the delineators on the Veterans Memorial Bridge, with work then continuing next  Monday through Thursday the 16th.   Motorists can expect lane restrictions between the hours of 8am and 1pm while work is being performed.

SPORTS

PIAA Soccer State Playoffs 
Girls  
Class A   South Williamsport 2        Lancaster Mennonite 1
               South advances to Quarterfinals coming up Saturday, November 11
Double A Trinity 2                  Montoursville 1
Triple A   Shikellamy 5           Southern Lehigh 1
Boys Soccer 
Double A Central Columbia 6          Penn Cambria 0
                 Blue Mountain 2    Midd-West 0

Triple A   Selinsgrove 7                    Whitehall 0
Girls Volleyball 

Class A  Nativity BVM 3        South Williamsport 0
NHL
Penguins 2          Ducks 0
Sharks 2              Flyers 1
Wild 4                 Islanders 2
Rangers 5  Red Wings 3

NBA Tonight
Celtics vs 76’ers 7pm
Clippers vs Nets 7:30pm
Spurs vs Knicks 7:30 ESPN
Warriors vs Nuggets 10pm ESPN

NFL Thursday Night Football
Carolina Panthers vs Chicago Bears 8:15pm Prime Video

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 7, 2023

NEW JERSEY MAN STEALS AMBULANCE, CRASHES

A man from New Jersey stole an ambulance Monday morning and crashed it in a wooded area near Montoursville.  According to the Sun Gazette, Marcus Stapleton took the ambulance from the Almond Street in the city’s East End, first stopping at a convenience store to ask directions in a panic, according to witnesses.  Police say Stapelton then crashed into the convenience store wall with the ambulance, and left the scene after hitting a stopped state trooper.  After a short pursuit, the man crashed the vehicle a second time at Fairfield road, where he fled on foot.  Police apprehended him in a local business parking lot near Choate Circle.  Stapleton was charged with felony charges of aggravated assault, hit and run and others and committed to the Lycoming County Prison on no bail.

DRIVER, EMPLOYER MAY BE SUED FOR DAMAGE TO STREET LIGHT

The driver of a truck that struck and damaged the decorative street light in Selinsgrove and fled may have to face charges for leaving the scene of an accident.  According to the Daily Item, an agreement with the truck company and the borough meant the company would cover the cost of the light fixture, and the driver would not be charged, but now the insurance offering may not be enough to cover the damage.  If the cost isn’t covered, the municipality could sue the driver and his employer for property damage within two years from the date of the incident.

ELECTION DAY TODAY

It’s Election Day in Pennsylvania a guide to what you need to know today is online at vote.pa.gov or through the county website at lyco.org.   Sample ballots are available to see your choices for a new state Supreme Court justice and new judges to sit on Commonwealth and Superior Courts.  According to Penn Live, these important races will shape laws on a range of issues including abortion, the environment, and school funding.  Municipal elections are taking place across the county as well. Polls open at 7am and close at 8pm and you are entitled to cast a ballot as long as you are in the voting line by 8 o’clock tonight

LEWISBURG INVITED TO NATIONAL VETERANS PARADE IN WASHINGTON

Students with the Lewisburg Area Marching Band have been invited to take part in the first National Veterans Parade this weekend in Washington DC. According to the Daily Item, the National Veterans Parade Foundation, is the host of the inaugural parade at noon Sunday along Constitution Avenue.  The parade is under the permitting assistance of the Mayor’s Special Events Task Group.  Lewisburg Band Director Daniel Schwanger said he applied earlier this year with information about the band, amount of students, musical selections, and videos of prior performance and Lewisburg was selected to perform.  Sixty students will perform their field show  Saturday on the National Mall next to the Washington Monument.

CATAWISSA FIRE KILLS OCCUPANT

There was an early morning fire Saturday in Catawissa that took the life of one of the occupants and the lives of the family’s five cats.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say 38 year old Stacey Whitehair initially made it out of the house on North Third Street with her husband 37 year old Justin, but she went back in to retrieve a fire extinguisher from the second floor and never made it back out of the home, her husband was not injured . Police say the battery of an electric bicycle that was plugged in may have been the source of the fire that tripped fire alarms in the home about 3am, but a state police fire marshal was on the scene for the investigation.

JUVENILE ADJUDICATED  IN ABUSE OF CARE DEPENDENT PERSON CASE

The juvenile who was 17 when he and a 19 year old co-worker allegedly took and shared photographs and videos of 17 residents in compromised positions between December and April at Heritage Springs Memory Care in Lewisburg was adjudicated in Union County court yesterday.  According to the Daily Item, the First Assistant District Attorney Brian Kerstetter said to be adjudicated in juvenile procedures is the equivalent of being found guilty in an adult criminal case.  The other defendant, 19 year old Madison Laine Cox, has been charged with 17 misdemeanor counts of abuse of a care-dependent person and will have a future court date for these proceedings.

PA POWER LIBRARY FEATURES UPGRADED

Any PA resident with a public library card is now eligible to use new features that have recently been added to the POWER Library, the state’s online electronic library.  According to North Central PA dot com, The POWER library provides access to books, newspapers, historical archives, and other resources including career and finance guidance, and a 24/7 live chat service with librarians.  Some other new options are language learning platform and a children’s e-book database from Cricket Media. GO to Power library dot org for access and more information.

VETERAN’S DAY EVENTS IN LYCOMING COUNTY

The public is invited to attend Veterans Day ceremonies and programs across the region this week.  According to the Sun Gazette, two particular  ceremonies are planned for the public at the Montoursville Cemetery on Broad Street Friday at 11am hosted by the Montoursville Cemetery Association to honor veterans, featuring guest speakers including Rep. Jamie Flick, a Republican from South Williamsport along with musical selections provided by students from Lyter Elementary school.  On Saturday the 20th annual Veterans Day Prayer for America Service will be at the Jersey Shore Presbyterian Church on S. Main Street at 7pm, featuring music before the service by Fair Play Brass.

SPORTS

PIAA State Soccer Championships Today
First Round Boys
Class 1A Moravian Academy vs Benton @ Balls Mills Complex 7pm
Class 2A Blue Mountain vs Midd-West @ Midd-West HS 6pm
Class 3A Whitehall vs Selinsgrove @ Shikellamy HS 6pm
First Round Girls
Class 1A Lancaster Mennonite vs South Williamsport @ Balls Mills Complex 5pm
Class 2A Trinity vs Montoursville@ Trinity HS (Camp Hill, PA) 6pm
                Schuylkill Valley vs  Central Columbia @ Central Columbia HS @ 7pm
Class 3A Southern Lehigh vs Shikellamy @ Shikellamy HS 7pm

NFL Monday Night Football
Chargers 27        Jets 6
Thursday Night Football
Carolina Panthers vs Chicago Bears 8:15pm Prime Video

NCAA Men’s Basketball
Delaware 78        Bucknell 57
Penn State 79     Delaware State 45
Kansas 99           North Carolina Central 56
UConn 95           Northern Arizona 52
Villanova 90       American University 63

NBA
76’ers 146             Wizards 128
Warriors 120        Pistons 109
Bucks 129            Nets 125
Knicks 111           Clippers 97
Timberwolves 114 Celtics 109

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 6, 2023

SUNBURY MAN FACES CRIMINAL HOMICIDE FOR SHOOTING DEATH

Charges were filed Friday morning against an 18 year old man from Sunbury accused of shooting another man over a woman and leaving him to die in the street late Thursday.  According to the Daily Item, Jose David Jusino-Morales now faces criminal homicide charges in the death of Eliud Marrero-Morales.  Jusino-Morales and a 21 year old suspect, Armando Pena-Alvayero, of Sunbury, both appeared in Sunbury District Court.  Pena-Alvayero was sent to Northumberland County Jail in lieu of $350,000 cash while Jusino-Morales was remanded to the county jail without bail. Both men have a preliminary arraignment November 14th.

SUSPECT’S CHILD REPORTS DRUG ACTIVITY TO POLICE

Four adults are facing felony child endangerment after police were tipped off about drug use and neglectful conditions at a home along Bear Valley Avenue in Shamokin, by one of the suspect’s children October 26th.  According to North Central PA dot com, the child of 31 year old Kimberly Chadwick came to the Shamokin Police station and reported the drug use by adults in the home.  Police came to the residence and investigated, finding multiple drugs and paraphernalia scattered around the home within reach of children. In addition to Chadwick being arrested, 32 year old Kyle William Fabian,  and 34 year old Jade A. Smith, both of Paxinos were detained.  A warrant is out for Dalton Smith, who left the scene.

DRIVER’S LICENSE OFFICES CLOSED FOR VETERANS DAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day.  The full-service center in Harrisburg and the Pittsburgh Driver License Center location will also close Friday, November 10, 2023.Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.   

SOAP BOX DERBY OPEN HOUSE

Interested volunteers in the 2024 Soap Box Derby event in Williamsport, are invited to an open house this week.  According to the social media of Soap Box Derby Williamsport, PA, they are looking for volunteers in management and steering committee positions and encourage anyone with a love of speed adventure and fun to attend the open house and find out more at the Williamsport Race Shop at 110 Reynolds Street in South Williamsport, 6:30pm til 8pm this Wednesday.  Information at soapboxderby.org/williamsport

FORMER POLICE CHIEF ACCUSED OF THEFT WAIVES HEARING

Former Sunbury Police Chief Brad Hare, who faces a felony theft by unlawful taking charge, recently waived his right to a preliminary hearing. According to the Daily Item, Hare, who also served as secretary for the Americus Hose Company is accused of taking more than six thousand dollars from the Sunbury fire and EMS station.  According to reports, Hare has returned the money to the department. He is scheduled for a formal arraignment Nov. 27.

MULTIPLE 911 CALLS LAND MIDDLEBURG MAN IN JAIL

Repeated calling of the 911 center without an emergency has a Mifflinburg man facing charges. According to the Daily Item, 42 year old Brandon Wayne Hassenplug was charged with a misdemeanor of intentionally calling the 911 emergency number for reasons other than an emergency purpose by Mifflinburg Police. Police say Hassenplug allegedly called 911 two times on Oct. 28th without an emergency.  He was advised that he would be arrested if he continued. Hassenplug placed a third call, was charged and will appear District Court for a preliminary hearing on December 12.

TRANSPARENCY COMMITTEE FORMED IN HARRISBURG

Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed an executive order, creating the Pennsylvania Citizen Law Enforcement Advisory and Review Commission. The CLEAR Commission brings together law enforcement experts and criminal justice reform advocates from across the Commonwealth to support public safety and ensure accountability for state law enforcement agencies. The Commission will have oversight of multiple agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor including the Pennsylvania State Police to increase transparency and accountability within law enforcement, and will submit annual reports and hold quarterly commission meetings that will be made publicly available.

WHITE DEER TOWNSHIP BRIDGE REOPENS

There was a ribbon cutting ceremony last week in White Deer Township to celebrate the re-opening of the renovated Factory Covered Bridge that has been closed since April.  According to the Daily Item, the rehab project cost over 1.3 million dollars.  The re-opening of the 143-year-old bridge over White Deer Creek along Gray Hill Road is a relief for the residents since the detour has been lifted removing the need to drive around.  Officials from the Union County Planning and Economic Development said the county owns 26 bridges total, four of which are covered.

SPORTS

NFL
Bengals 25                     Bills 18
Chiefs 21              Dolphins 14
Vikings 31                      Falcons 28
Browns 27                     Cardinals 0
Commanders 20   Patriots 17
Ravens 37            Seahawks 3
Raiders 30           Giants 6
Eagles 28              Cowboys 23

NFL Monday Night Football
LA Chargers vs NY Jets  8:15 ABC/ESPN

NASCAR Championship Sunday
Ryan Blaney finished runner-up to Ross Chastain in the season finale at Phoenix Raceway, but claimed his first Cup title by beating the other three championship contenders in the 312-lap shootout.
* Blaney out-dueled Kyle Larson, who finished third, and William Byron, at fourth, to claim the crown for team owner Roger Penske’s second consecutive Cup title, following Joey Logano’s win in 2022.
* The title was the fourth in the Cup Series for Penske with 44 total championships across motorsports including IndyCar racing.

NBA
Mavericks 124  Hornets 118
Suns 120             Pistons 106
Raptors 123        Spurs 116
Cavaliers 115     Warriors 104
Grizzlies 112      Trail Blazers 100

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 3, 2023

FORMER OFFICERS ASK FOR A DELAY IN THEIR FEDERAL TRIAL

An attorney for three former police officers from Mount Carmel is asking that the federal trial set to begin on November 6th be delayed for 90 days.  According to the Daily Item, Former officers Kyle Schauer and Jonathan McHugh and retired Lt. David Donkochik were indicted in July for using excessive force against citizens who they were arresting from 2018 through 2021.  A defense attorney filed a motion to delay, but US District Judge Matthew Brann has not ruled on it.  Authorities say the officers allegedly made sure video of the arrests was not captured by police cameras and failed to take steps to ensure that footage involving the incidents was preserved.

ANOTHER GUILTY PLEA FOR MAN FROM LEMONT

A man from Lemont this week pleaded guilty in Clinton County Court for charges connected to an armed robbery from earlier this year.   According to North Central PA dot com, 36 year old Craig Steven Hauke-Miller was arrested after a high speed chase following the robbery at a convenience store in February, and has  been sentenced to 3 to 14 years for that crime, in addition to more time for attempting to escape from the Clearfield County Jail in May.  The most recent case of fleeing, reckless endangerment and possession of drug parphrenalia could earn Hauke-Miller a maximum of 31 years in prison.  His sentencing is next month.

MAN ASSAULTS VICTIM WITH A CANE

A Sunbury man accused of assault is facing felony charges from an incident in September.  According to the Daily Item, 65-year-old Edwin Alequin-Martinez Sr allegedly hit the victim in the head with a cane at the 300 block of South Fourth Street in Sunbury.  The victim sustained cuts and bruises fromteh incident.  Police say they identified Alequin-Martinez through sureviellance footage in the area and will have a court date in the near future. 

LOCAL FOOTBALL PLAYERS USING DONATED SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Thanks to money donated by local businesses, student athletes on the Montoursville football team now have protective coverings provided for their helmets to help make practices safer.  According to the Sun Gazette, varsity and junior high students were recently given Guardian Caps, the same that NFL required players to use for a time during training camp which reduced the rate of head injuries for linemen, linebackers and tight ends. In the wake of losing varsity football player,  Max Engel, recently to a fatal head injury, Montoursville Warriors Head Coach Joe Hanna said he plans to have his players continue to wear the extra protection to reduce impact to their heads through the hard shells of the helmets striking each other.

SHOOTING IN SUNBURY

There was police activity because of a shooting in Sunbury last night.  According to the Daily Item, multiple agencies responded to reports of shots fired near 438 Market St and a witness told emergency communications that they heard about 6 shots and that a person was lying in the street across from the former Sunbury Police Department building.  Police shut down Market Street from Fourth Street to Fifth Street to conduct an investigation last night, and the Northumberland County Deputy Coroner was on the scene before midnight, but no other information has been released at this time.

PARENTS OF ABANDONED BOY BEING SOUGHT BY POLICE

Two people from Northumberland County are missing after police say they left a 4 year old boy behind at a McDonalds in Danville in September.  According to State police, 40 year old Tristan McGill and Nicolle Ierley allegedly left their child in a play area at the Montour County fast food restaurant and he wandered in the drive thru line and outside the facility before the employees got him to safety.  McGill and Ierley are missing and arrest warrants have been issued for the pair.  If you have information, call state police.

UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT DENOUNCES SYMBOL FOUND AT BUCKNELL

The President of Bucknell has issued a social media statement after a swastika was found recently on a wall in a residence hall on campus.  Dr John Bravman said he is outraged and disappointed about the vandalism and took swift action, quickly concluding the conduct process.  Bravman went on to say that hateful speech, acts or symbols — directed toward any individual or group — have no place at Bucknell and that they are subject to prosecution by law enforcement.  Any student, faculty or staff member who experiences hate speech or discrimination should report the incident according to  Bucknell’s Bias Incident Policy.

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY IN WILKES-BARRE

There will be a Veterans Day ceremony next week at the Wilkes Barre VA Medical Center.  According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the program will take place on November 8th, and will include key note speaker, Retired United States Air Force Colonel Carmen Perone who served with both the United States Strategic Command Headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.. The event will take place in the Recreation room of the Wilkes-Barre VA facility on East End Avenue next Wednesday at 10am.

SPORTS

PIAA D4 Boys Soccer Championships
Class A Benton 1                    East Juniata 0
Class 2A Midd-West 1  Cntrl Columbia 0
PIAA D4 Girls Soccer Championships
Class A  S. Wmsprt 3    Mdowbrk Christ. 2
Class 2A Cntrl Columbia 3  Montoursville 0
District II/IV Class 4A Semifinals
Williamsport 2     Wyoming Valley W.  1
D4 Volleyball
Class A  S. Wmsprt 3  Cowansque Valley 2
Williamsport plays Delaware Valley Tomorrow 1pm in Milford

PIAA HS Football Playoffs Tonight 7pm
Class A Northwest vs Bucktail
AA Quarterfinal
Towanda vs Line Mountain
AAA Quarterfinals
Athens vs Danville
Warrior Run vs Mifflinburg
Backyard Broadcasting Game of the Week
Cowanesque Valley vs Loyalsock

NFL Thursday Night Football
Steelers 20 Titans 16

NFL Sunday
Miami vs Kansas City / Frankfurt 9:30am NFL Net
Seattle @ Baltimore 1pm CBS
Dallas @ Philadelphia 4:25pm FOX
NY Giants @ Las Vegas 4:25pm
Buffalo @ Cincinnati 8:20pm NBC

NCAA Football
Notre Dame @ Clemson 12pm ABC
Navy @ Temple 2pm ESPN+
Florida State @ Pitt 3:30pm ESPN
Penn State @ Maryland 3:30pm FOX

NBA
76’ers 114  Raptors 99
Pelicans 125 Pistons 116
Magic 115 Jazz 113
Spurs 132  Suns 121
NBA Tonight
Knicks vs Bucks 7:30pm ESPN
Mavericks vs Nuggets 10pm ESPN

NASCAR Cup Series Championship Sunday
Phoenix Raceway
Pre Race coverage 2pm Green Flag racing 3pm
Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network WILQ’s HD3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 2, 2023

WILLIAMSPORT MAN JAILED FOR ABUSE OF TODDLER

A 19 year old man is being charged with abuse after a toddler in his care was seriously injured in July.  According to Penn Live, Johnathan Gerome Fox, of Williamsport is responsible for abdominal injuries of a 15 month old girl after her mother, Faith Murray discovered her acting strangely at their West Third Street apartment the morning of July 14 following the evening before when Fox had watched the girl.  She was taken to the ER at UPMC Williamsport and later admitted to Geisinger Medical Center where a pediatric specialist said the injuries to the girl’s liver, spleen, and other internal organs are not accidental.  Murray obtained a PFA against Fox on October 18th after a domestic incident and he was taken into custody and charged with strangulation, simple assault, and criminal mischief, after also being charged with endangering the welfare of a child from the incident in July.

LEWISBURG WOMAN INJURED IN I-80 CRASH TUESDAY

A woman from Lewisburg was injured in a four car-crash Tuesday morning that shut down interstate 80 eastbound near the Limestone Exit for over an hour.  According to State Police, Pamela Burns was driving one of four vehicles that failed to stop and striking a truck from behind which started a chain reaction accident.  Burns’ car burst into flames after the crash, but she was able to escape the wreckage and was transported to Geisinger Medical Center with serious injuries.  The other drivers involved were not injured.

KNOEBELS DAY IN PA COULD HAPPEN

Pennsylvanians may be able to celebrate “Knoebels Amusement Resort Day” soon, after a PA lawmakers proposed April 28th for the honor.  According to North Central PA dot com, representatives from Columbia, Montour, Schuykill and Northumberland Counties put forth the legislation to set aside a special day to recognize America’s largest free-admission amusement park that has been in operation since 1926.  Despite operational challenges over the years with flooding, the park has always bounced back and continues to serve approximately 1.4 million guests who visit each year.

MARCHING BAND PREVIEW CONCERT AT LOCK HAVEN

The annual Lock Haven Marching Band Review concert is coming up Saturday evening, November 11th from 5-7 in the Sloan Auditorium on the Lock Haven campus.  According to a press release from the University the free concert will feature the Lock Haven Cheerleaders who will join the band for a performance of three rock and roll classics from Van Halen, Led Zepplin and Chicago.  The band has been performing at all the halftime shows during home Bald Eagle football games.

SUNBURY MAN IN CUSTODY AFTER DOMESTIC INCIDENT

A Sunbury man was taken to the Snyder County Prison after a recent domestic incident.  According to State police, 34-year-old Adam Tanner was arraigned on terroristic threat charges along with simple assault after he threated to slit the throat of a woman and run her over with the car.  Tanner also faces child endangerment charges since the woman’s 1 and 3 year old were nearby in the Monroe Township home.  No bail was listed for Tanner.

TWO STEAL FROM EMPLOYER AND DISAPPEAR FROM THE AREA

Williamsport police are looking for two people accused of stealing from their employer who may have left the state.  According to North Central PA dot com, Lycomign Regional police say 46 year old Lyle Smith and 44 year old Bobbie Jo Probst, took lottery tickets and cigarettes and haven’t been seen.  Police have charged the pair who they say are known around the Jersey Shore and Lock Haven area with theft by unlawful taking and conspiracy to commit theft, and ask that anyone with information call Lycoming Regional Police  570-323-4987.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENTS WORK ON AGREEMENT

After there were complaints about Freeburg Fire Company’s response times to emergencies, members of Freeburg and Fremont fire companies met Sunday which led to the formulation of an agreement to improve service in Washington Township.  According to the Daily Item, the township supervisors recently polled Middleburg residents about their preference when it came to fire companies responding to emergencies, and they will now review the agreement, which is designed to dispatch both fire companies to all emergency calls from Summit Road toward Route 35, at the November 14th meeting.

PLANNERS SCRAMBLE TO HIRE REINDEER FOR CHRISTMAS DISPLAYS

Local event planners looking for Christmas reindeer are struggling this year.  According to the Daily Item, the discontinuation of Lake Tobias Wildlife Park’s rental service for the animals has caused those holiday events that want to have a live reindeer display to branch out while they seek other ideas. Representatives from the Watsontown Area Business Association said the Winter Wonderland celebration in December will not have the animals this year.  Organizers from the Tharptown Christmas Display in Coal Township are still holding out hope they will find other arrangements to have a reindeer display, and the Sunbury Litefest Committee is also searching for a company to help populate their deer pen in Cameron Park, Sunbury.

SPORTS

PIAA D4 HS Soccer Playoffs
Boys Class 3A Selinsgrove 4              Mifflinburg 0
Girls Class 3A Shikellamy 3               Selinsgrove 1

PIAA D4 Boys HS Soccer Championship Today
Class A  East Juniata vs Benton @ Balls Mills Complex 6pm
Class 2A Championship
Central Columbia vs Midd-West @ Milton HS 8pm

PIAA D4 Girls  HS Soccer Championship Today
Class A S.Williamsport vs Meadowbrook Christian @ Balls Mills Complex 8pm
Class 2A  Montoursville vs Central Columbia @ Milton HS 6pm

Girls District II/IV Class 4A Semifinals Today
Williamsport vs Wyoming Valley West @ Wyoming Valley West  6:15pm

MLB
World Series Game 5 
Texas Rangers 5           Arizona Diamondbacks 0  Texas WINS the Fall Classic 4-1
 – The Rangers finished the greatest postseason in their history with an 11-0 record on the road. It helped make them the third team in baseball history to win the World Series within two seasons of losing 100-plus games, joining the 1969 New York Mets and the 1914 Boston Braves.

NBA
Hawks 130            Wizards 121
Celtics 155           Pacers 104
Nets 109              Heat 105
Cavaliers 95         Knicks 89
Warriors 102        Kings 101
Lakers 130          Clippers 125
NBA Tonight
Toronto vs Philadelphia 7pm NBA-TV

NCAA Basketball News
Hall of Fame Coach Bobby Knight passed away Wednesday at his home in Bloomington, Indiana surrounded by family.  He was 83.  Knight’s career was highlighted by three national titles at Indiana.  He became the youngest coach at a Division I school in 1965 when he broke in at Army at 24. But at Indiana, he won a school-record of 661 games and got to the NCAA tournament 24 times in 29 seasons. Knight’s first NCAA title came in 1976 when Indiana went undefeated, a feat no team has accomplished since.

NFL Tonight
Tennessee Titans vs Pittsburgh Steelers 8:15pm Prime Video

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 1, 2023

CONTRACTOR CHARGED WITH FRAUD

A Unityville man is facing charges for failing to complete a construction project on Roderick Road last year.  According to the Sun Gazette, 28 year old contractor Brandon Lee O’Connell, faces the felony charges after he allegedly failed to complete a $65,000 home-improvement project in April 2022. Court records say O’Connell and the victim signed a contract in which the work was to be completed in three to four months.  After almost that amount was invested and the work was not done over repeated visits to the site,O’Connell was charged with home improvement fraud, theft by deception and fraudulent business practices, O’Connell has waived his preliminary hearing and is free on $50,000 bail.

TWO WOMEN CHARGED FOR INTIMIDATION OF A WITNESS

Two young women from Lock Haven are facing intimidation of a witness charges for threatening a pregnant teenage girl who had provided a statement to police about an incident in which they were allegedly involved in August.  According to North Central PA dot com, Natia Caris and Jasmine Crissman, both 18, yelled at the victim as they drove past her near the 100 block of Bellefonte Avenue.  Police say Crissman, prior to confronting the victim, jumped from the moving car that she was riding in. No bail was listed for either woman.

DRUG CHARGES DROPPED

Drug charges against a Williamsport couple have been thrown out by a Lycoming County District Judge.  According to the Sun Gazette, 62 year old Jack Larue Howlett, and his wife, 54 year old Barbara Lynn Howlett were facing charges of an alleged sale of almost 4 grams of methamphetamine , but there was no evidence presented in court to support the charges, and each of the counts of possession and conspiracy were dropped.  Original charges were filed in March of 2023.

UPTOWN MUSIC COLLECTIVE FUNDRAISING TO START

The Uptown Music collective has begun their annual campaign for the nonprofit school of music for it’s 23rd year and has announced that tuition fees have remained the same.  According to Assistant Executive director, Jared Mondell, the goal for 2023-24 is 40 thousand dollars and the school’s programming wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of its donors.  First in this year’s performance line-up includes It Came From the ‘80s: New Wave to Pop Rock at the Community Arts Center Stage 7:30 p.m. on Friday November 10 and Saturday November 11th. Get tickets at caclive.com and information about the school and the shows at uptown music dot org.

HOME HEALTH WORKER CHARGED WITH EXPLOITING PATIENT

A home health worker is now free on bail after she was accused of exploiting the elderly patient for whom she was caring, by using her credit cards to pay her utility bill.  According to North Central PA dot com, Mill Hall police say 45 year old Shannon Marie Schenck of Lock Haven had permission to use the victim’s card one time to pay a one thousand dollar electric bill in September, but she continued to pay bills with the card.  Police say Schenk negotiated with them, confessing to some offenses and later not appearing for an interview about the incident with law enforcement.  She has now been charged with felony financial exploitation of care of a dependent person and access device fraud, and has a preliminary hearing in December.

ELDERLY WOMAN ROBBED

An elderly woman from Beaver Springs recently told police she was the victim of a robbery.  According to North Central PA dot com, Pennsylvania State police at Selinsgrove responded to the home of the 82 year old woman on Deerfield street in Spring Township, who said 17 hundred dollars in cash and her checkbook were missing.  She told officers the theft occurred sometime between 9am on October 24th and 9:30pm on October 27th.  If you have information call PA State Police at 570 374-8145. 

EV COURSES EXPANDED AT PENN COLLEGE

Penn College has added more new technology to its curriculum and adapted their education offerings in the field of Electrical Vehicle systems after only offering a one-credit course in a Hybrid Vehicles for 10 previous years.  According to Penn College, with the rapid expansion of the EV market, this semester was the first to offer the new three-credit course for Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology. The two faculty members in the emphasis, Christopher Holley, and Charles Probst were both recently credentialed as EV Pro+ certified instructors.  Two 2023 all-electric vehicles, were also recently donated by Blaise Alexander Hyundai in State College.

FFA FRUIT FUNDRAISER ON MIFFLINBURG

The annual fruit fundraiser with the Mifflinburg FFA has begun and this year!  According to the Daily Item, the MFFA has teamed up with Pee Jay’s Fresh Fruit to offer peck and half-peck fruit baskets that are hand-packed by the students themselves. Contact any Mifflinburg FFA member or order online at http://FreshFruitOrder.org/MifflinburgFFA or email Jarod Armstrong at [email protected]. Orders are being taken until Nov. 19 and will be delivered Dec. 5.  Funds raised help support FFA members for field trips, conferences and competitions.

SPORTS

PIAA D4 HS Soccer Tonight
3A Girls Finals
Selinsgrove vs Shikellamy @ Midd-West HS 6pm
3A Boys Finals
Mifflinburg vs. Selinsgrove @ Midd-West HS – 8pm
(tickets @ piaad4.net)
HS Volleyball Finals Tomorrow 11/2
CV vs South Williamsport @ Athens HS  – 5pm

MLB
World Series Game 4
Rangers 11           Diamondbacks 7  TEX leads 3-1
MLB Tonight
World Series Game 5
Rangers vs Diamondbacks Game 5 8:03pm FOX

NBA
Knicks 109                     Cavaliers 91
Spurs 115            Suns 114
Clippers 118        Magic 102

NHL
Kings 4                 Maple Leafs 1
Canucks 5            Predators  2

NFL Tomorrow/Thursday
Tennessee Titans vs Pittsburgh Steelers 8:15pm Prime Video
NFL Sunday
Miami vs Kansas City / Frankfurt 9:30am NFL Net
Seattle @ Baltimore 1pm CBS
Dallas @ Philadelphia 4:25pm FOX
NY Giants @ Las Vegas 4:25pm
Buffalo @ Cincinnati 8:20pm NBC

NCAA Football Saturday
Notre Dame @ Clemson 12pm ABC
Navy @ Temple 2pm ESPN+
Florida State @ Pitt 3:30pm ESPN
Penn State @ Maryland 3:30pm FOX

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 31, 2023

FATAL ACCIDENT IN ELYSBURG

A two vehicle crash resulted in one fatality Sunday morning near Elysburg. According to Ralpho Township police the accident involved a pick up and a car on Route 54 at Yucha Road around 8:30am.  Both drivers were injured and taken to Geisinger Medical Center and one was pronounced dead at the hospital. According to the Press Enterprise, 69 year old William Hopkins, of Summit Station, died from his injuries, according to Montour County Coroner.

MAN ARRESTED AFTER USING CHAINSAW TO CUT INTO HOME

Woodward Township police took a Lock Haven man into custody after he vandalized a home that he had been asked to leave last Saturday evening. According to North Central PA dot com, 41 year old William Lewis Dale threatened officers and negotiated with them for 30 minutes outside a home at the 30 block of Crist Lane after he had stalked the home and then finally attempted to cut a window out of the structure with a chainsaw because the occupants wouldn’t buy him alcohol.  Dale also allegedly fought with police and kicked the seats of the police cruiser after he had been taken into custody.  Dale has been charged with criminal trespassing, public drunkenness, disorderly conduct and more, and is being held at the Lycoming County Prison on 25 thousand dollars bail.

OLD LYCO TOWNSHIP SEEKS TO HIRE A FORENSIC AUDITOR

In an effort to discover why there are discrepancies in the books from 2018 through present day in Old Lycoming Township, the supervisors there are now actively seeking a firm to perform a forensic audit.  According to the Sun Gazette, the newly appointed township Open records Officer, Ann Marie Brown, says the discrepancies have to do with missing Act 13 funds or natural gas impact fees.  The evaluation of a company’s records through a forensic audit can be for several investigative reasons such as a search for embezzlement or fraud, but can also uncover non-fraudulent reasons for missing funds on the books.  The next scheduled supervisor’s meeting is November 14th at 6:30pm at the township building on Green Avenue.

RAILROAD REPAIR NEXT WEEK IN MONTANDON

There will be a closure next week on Route 45 or Main Street in Montandon, West Chillisquaque Township, for emergency repairs. According to PennDOT, next Monday, November 6th through Friday the 10th,  Main Street will be closed between Railroad Street and Atlantic Avenue, while Norfolk Southern performs emergency repairs on the railroad tracks crossing the roadway.  Residents can expect a detour using Route 147, Ridge Road, and Route 405 while work is being performed. between the hours of 7am and  4pm, weather permitting.

WOMAN IN CUSTODY AFTER THREATENING FAMILY

A Lewisburg woman was taken into custody after assaulting family members and threatening a dog at a South Front Street home on October 12th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 44 year old Heidi Fonda Gesselman cam to her mother’s house after work and Buffalo Valley Regional Police were told that family members said the woman seemed impaired and started a fight after she was asked to leave for threatening the animal.  When police arrived on the scene Gesselman had fled and was later found outside laying on the ground near the home. Gesselman was charged with simple assault, disorderly conduct, and summary harassment with bail was set at $5,000 and a preliminary hearing November 9th.

FORMER POLICE CHIEF HEARING DELAYED

The former Sunbury Police Chief charged with theft will not have his preliminary hearing today as expected.  According to the Daily item, the hearing was continued for 47 year old Brad Hare until November 14th.  Hare who  was with the Americus Hose Company for  22 years, is free on  $15,000 unsecured bail following his arraignment, and allegedly stole over six thousand dollars when he served as secretary of the fire department.  Hare submitted his retirement to the Sunbury City council October 9th.

TRAIL CAMERA THEFT IN MANSFIELD

Mansfield State police are seeking information about a suspect who stole a trail camera from property in Ward Township in Tioga County.  According to North Central PA dot com, the theft occurred around October 19th near Old Mine Road and the victim reported the theft to police and also reported the theft of a 55 gallon drum filled with a liquid.  Police say the total value of the items comes to 250 dollars, and if you have information please call State police.  570 662-2151. 

PA SENATORS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM JUDICIAL CANDIDATES

Democratic US Senators John Fetterman and Bob Casey are accepting applications for those who may be considered for an appointment to be a Federal District Court Judge for the Eastern District and Middle District of Pennsylvania.  According to the Sun Gazette, Bob Casey said the cooperation between himself and Fetterman continues a tradition of PA Senators seeking to identify and recommend highly qualified judicial candidates; who possess the necessary experience, character, and temperament for lifetime appointments to the federal judiciary.  District Commissions in the two districts will be formed to review applications and interview applicants.  Interested candidates must fill out an application by November 27th.   https://casey.senate.gov/federal-judgeships

SPORTS

MLB
World Series Game 3
Texas Rangers 3  Arizona Diamondbacks 1 /TEX up 2-1
MLB Tonight
World Series Game 4
Rangers vs Diamondbacks 8:03pm FOX in Phoenix, AZ

NBA

Nets 133               Hornets 121
Bulls 112              Pacers 105
Celtics 126          Wizards 107
Hawks  127          Timberwolves 113
Trail Blazers 99    Raptors 91
Mavericks 125     Grizzlies  110
Bucks  122           Heat 114
Warriors 130        Pelicans 102
Thunder  124       Pistons 112
Nuggets 110         Jazz 102
Lakers 106             Magic 103

NBA News
The LA Clippers acquired 10-time All-Star guard James Harden in a huge trade with the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night. The 76ers sent Harden, P.J. Tucker and Filip Petrusev to the Clippers for Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, Nic Batum, KJ Martin, a 2028 unprotected first-round pick, two second-round picks, a 2029 pick swap and an additional first-round pick that’ll be routed from a third team.  The Clippers and a third team were still finalizing those details late last night.

NHL
Hurricanes 3             Flyers 2
Ducks 4                     Penguins 3
Red Wings 4             Islanders 3
Rangers 3                 Jets 2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 31, 2023

FATAL ACCIDENT IN ELYSBURG

A two vehicle crash resulted in one fatality Sunday morning near Elysburg. According to Ralpho Township police the accident involved a pick up and a car on Route 54 at Yucha Road around 8:30am.  Both drivers were injured and taken to Geisinger Medical Center and one was pronounced dead at the hospital. According to the Press Enterprise, 69 year old William Hopkins, of Summit Station, died from his injuries, according to Montour County Coroner.

MAN ARRESTED AFTER USING CHAINSAW TO CUT INTO HOME

Woodward Township police took a Lock Haven man into custody after he vandalized a home that he had been asked to leave last Saturday evening. According to North Central PA dot com, 41 year old William Lewis Dale threatened officers and negotiated with them for 30 minutes outside a home at the 30 block of Crist Lane after he had stalked the home and then finally attempted to cut a window out of the structure with a chainsaw because the occupants wouldn’t buy him alcohol.  Dale also allegedly fought with police and kicked the seats of the police cruiser after he had been taken into custody.  Dale has been charged with criminal trespassing, public drunkenness, disorderly conduct and more, and is being held at the Lycoming County Prison on 25 thousand dollars bail.

OLD LYCO TOWNSHIP SEEKS TO HIRE A FORENSIC AUDITOR

In an effort to discover why there are discrepancies in the books from 2018 through present day in Old Lycoming Township, the supervisors there are now actively seeking a firm to perform a forensic audit.  According to the Sun Gazette, the newly appointed township Open records Officer, Ann Marie Brown, says the discrepancies have to do with missing Act 13 funds or natural gas impact fees.  The evaluation of a company’s records through a forensic audit can be for several investigative reasons such as a search for embezzlement or fraud, but can also uncover non-fraudulent reasons for missing funds on the books.  The next scheduled supervisor’s meeting is November 14th at 6:30pm at the township building on Green Avenue.

RAILROAD REPAIR NEXT WEEK IN MONTANDON

There will be a closure next week on Route 45 or Main Street in Montandon, West Chillisquaque Township, for emergency repairs. According to PennDOT, next Monday, November 6th through Friday the 10th,  Main Street will be closed between Railroad Street and Atlantic Avenue, while Norfolk Southern performs emergency repairs on the railroad tracks crossing the roadway.  Residents can expect a detour using Route 147, Ridge Road, and Route 405 while work is being performed. between the hours of 7am and  4pm, weather permitting.

WOMAN IN CUSTODY AFTER THREATENING FAMILY

A Lewisburg woman was taken into custody after assaulting family members and threatening a dog at a South Front Street home on October 12th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 44 year old Heidi Fonda Gesselman cam to her mother’s house after work and Buffalo Valley Regional Police were told that family members said the woman seemed impaired and started a fight after she was asked to leave for threatening the animal.  When police arrived on the scene Gesselman had fled and was later found outside laying on the ground near the home. Gesselman was charged with simple assault, disorderly conduct, and summary harassment with bail was set at $5,000 and a preliminary hearing November 9th.

FORMER POLICE CHIEF HEARING DELAYED

The former Sunbury Police Chief charged with theft will not have his preliminary hearing today as expected.  According to the Daily item, the hearing was continued for 47 year old Brad Hare until November 14th.  Hare who  was with the Americus Hose Company for  22 years, is free on  $15,000 unsecured bail following his arraignment, and allegedly stole over six thousand dollars when he served as secretary of the fire department.  Hare submitted his retirement to the Sunbury City council October 9th.

TRAIL CAMERA THEFT IN MANSFIELD

Mansfield State police are seeking information about a suspect who stole a trail camera from property in Ward Township in Tioga County.  According to North Central PA dot com, the theft occurred around October 19th near Old Mine Road and the victim reported the theft to police and also reported the theft of a 55 gallon drum filled with a liquid.  Police say the total value of the items comes to 250 dollars, and if you have information please call State police.  570 662-2151. 

PA SENATORS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM JUDICIAL CANDIDATES

Democratic US Senators John Fetterman and Bob Casey are accepting applications for those who may be considered for an appointment to be a Federal District Court Judge for the Eastern District and Middle District of Pennsylvania.  According to the Sun Gazette, Bob Casey said the cooperation between himself and Fetterman continues a tradition of PA Senators seeking to identify and recommend highly qualified judicial candidates; who possess the necessary experience, character, and temperament for lifetime appointments to the federal judiciary.  District Commissions in the two districts will be formed to review applications and interview applicants.  Interested candidates must fill out an application by November 27th.   https://casey.senate.gov/federal-judgeships

SPORTS

MLB
World Series Game 3
Texas Rangers 3  Arizona Diamondbacks 1 /TEX up 2-1
MLB Tonight
World Series Game 4
Rangers vs Diamondbacks 8:03pm FOX in Phoenix, AZ

NBA

Nets 133               Hornets 121
Bulls 112              Pacers 105
Celtics 126          Wizards 107
Hawks  127          Timberwolves 113
Trail Blazers 99    Raptors 91
Mavericks 125     Grizzlies  110
Bucks  122           Heat 114
Warriors 130        Pelicans 102
Thunder  124       Pistons 112
Nuggets 110         Jazz 102
Lakers 106             Magic 103

NBA News
The LA Clippers acquired 10-time All-Star guard James Harden in a huge trade with the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night. The 76ers sent Harden, P.J. Tucker and Filip Petrusev to the Clippers for Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, Nic Batum, KJ Martin, a 2028 unprotected first-round pick, two second-round picks, a 2029 pick swap and an additional first-round pick that’ll be routed from a third team.  The Clippers and a third team were still finalizing those details late last night.

NHL
Hurricanes 3             Flyers 2
Ducks 4                     Penguins 3
Red Wings 4             Islanders 3
Rangers 3                 Jets 2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 30, 2023

NEIGHBOR HELPS DURING FIRE

A fire in Williamsport on Saturday threatened to displace a family before a neighbor helped fight it and de-escalated a situation that police say  could have been worse. According to the Sun Gazette, there were no injuries after the neighbor doused a kitchen fire with a portable fire extinguisher at 244 Seminary Street before 4:30pm.  First responders from Citizens Hose Company were able to put the fire out completely with one hose in just a few minutes.  Damage was under $5,000, and the family, now staying with relatives, should be back in their house this week.

MOUNT PLEASANT MILLS MAN ARRESTED FOR DUI

A Snyder County accident led to a DUI charge for a Mount Pleasant Mills man.  According to Selinsgrove State police, 38-year-old Aaron Aikey allegedly caused a two-vehicle crash October 16 along PA route 104 in Perry Township and fled the scene.  State police later located Aikey and arrested him, saying he showed signs of impairment and admitted to drinking alcohol before driving.  He refused a blood alcohol test and will face the charges in District Court.

NO APPOINTMENT FOR THE VACATED UNION COUNTY DA POSITION

Following the death of long time District Attorney D. Peter Johnson,  Two Union County judges rejected the motion from Union County Assistant DA Martin R Wilson to appoint Brian Kerstetter, who is a Union County DA candidate and First Assistant DA to fill the position. According to the Daily Item, the judges wrote that the court has no authority to appoint under section 1404, and by the operation of law, the first assistant is the acting district attorney and has already assumed and is exercising the duties of the office.  The person who will fill the position will be determined by the voters in Union County in the November 7th election.

QUARTER-FOR-A-CART PROGRAM AT WEIS WILL NOT CONTINUE

Weis Markets has stopped the trial program of renting a cart for a quarter at select stores around Central PA.  According to Penn Live, a Weis grocery store spokesperson said stores in Williamsport as well as in Milton, Bloomsburg and Mt. Pocono tested the cart payment system where the user gets the quarter back after the cart is returned, and they will not be implementing the program at this time.  The test was in place to find ways to lower prices, ensure shopping carts were available, and minimize theft and damage to cars caused by loose carts.

BUCKNELL STUDENT FACES DUI CHARGES

A 21 year old Bucknell student is facing DUI charges and traffic summaries after he crashed his Jeep Compass into a home in East Buffalo Township on September 9th.  According to North Central PA dot com, Mason J. Muir was allegedly high when he went off the road near the intersection of Westbranch Highway and Furnace Road, and crashed into a nearby house.  Police say none of the 5 occupants of the home were injured, but the home was seriously damaged before Muir then fled the scene on foot, returned to the crash scene a short time later, and was apprehended.  His preliminary hearing is November 2nd.

PAXINOS HUNTER IDENTIFIED

The cause of death has been released for the Paxinos bow hunter who was found deceased earlier this week in Shamokin Township.  According to the Daily Item, 61 year old Robert Plasters died after falling from a tree while he was hunting Monday night.  When Plasters did not return Monday night, a ground search with state police and Pennsylvania game wardens began in the area of Irish Valley where Plaster’s car was found parked in a wooded area.  Authorities say the man fell about 40 feet from the tree and was found at its base Tuesday around 4:30pm.

PENNDOT RESURFACING IN LYCOMING COUNTY THIS WEEK

PennDOT says the resurfacing project along I-180 is returning this week in Montoursville Borough, and Loyalsock, Fairfield, and Muncy townships.  According to PennDOT, contractor will be installing new foundations for highway lighting at the Fairfield Road interchange and at the on-ramp from Broad Street westbound to I-180 westbound.  Work is expected to be done between 6am and 2pm, weather permitting.

PA DOG LAW UPDATED

Governor Josh Shapiro signed a bill last week updating Pennsylvania’s Dog Law to improve public safety in communities and improve conditions for dogs in breeding kennels, day cares, and shelters statewide. According to WPVI, all dogs three months and older in Pennsylvania will now be required to be licensed at the time of purchase. Changes to the law take effect after 90 days. Get information on registering your dog at ‘License your dog pa.pa.gov’.

SPORTS

SUNDAY NFL
Panthers 15          Texans 13
Vikings 24            Packers 10
Cowboys 43         Rams  20
Titans 28              Falcons 23
Saints 38              Colts  27
Dolphins 31          Patriots  17
Jets  13                 Giants 10 
Jaguars 20             Steelers 10
Eagles 38              Commanders 31 
Seahawks 24        Browns 20 
Broncos 24           Chiefs 9
Ravens 31            Cardinals 24

MLB
World Series Game 2 Saturday
Diamondbacks 9          Rangers 1  Tied up 1-1
MLB Tonight
Rangers vs Diamondbacks @ Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona 8:03pm FOX

NASCAR
*Ryan Blaney got the checkered flag and qualified for the championship with a win at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday, followed by Aric Almirola, Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe and Joey Logano.
*Ryan Blaney will race for his first Cup title. Blaney is in the final four next week at Phoenix Raceway, where he will race Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell and William Byron for the Cup championship.

NBA
Nuggets 128         Thunder 95
Warriors 106        Rockets 95
Hawks 127            Bucks 110
76’ers 126            Trail Blazers 98
Clippers 123        Spurs 83
Kings 132             Lakers 127

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 27, 2023

MAN JAILED FOR TERRORISTIC THREATS TOWARD NURSE

A man who threatened a nurse at a Geisinger Jersey Shore facility was charged with terroristic threats and imprisoned.  According to the Sun Gazette, 68 year old David Allen Deuel was allegedly frustrated about getting a  prescription refilled and when the nurse was unable to refill the medicine he wanted after he had also tried earlier in the day, he said he would get his gun and blow up the CVS pharmacy.  Lycoming Regional police responded to the store on Allegheny Street Thursday after 11am and found Deuell there in his vehicle, where they took him into custody.  He was arraigned and taken to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 25 thousand dollars bail.

FORENSIC AUDIT PLAN WILL MOVE FORWARD IN OLD LYCO TOWNSHIP

There was a motion to hire a new a Right to Know officer  in Old Lycoming Township during a special meeting called Thursday morning, and at the same meeting Old Lycoming Township Officers also voted to continue the plan to complete a forensic audit  from 2018 to the present.  According to North Central PA dot com, the township believes they should have over a million dollars of Act 13 funds, but only have just over 130 thousand in their accounts and cannot track the whereabouts of the missing money.  Amy Hammaker, who was relieved of her position as the previous Right to Know officer was replaced by Ann Marie Brown, and Bethany Jones, has been hired to serve the township as treasurer, township manager, and accountant.  The next Old Lycomgin Township Board of Supervisors meeting is November 14 at 6:30pm.

PENNDOT TO WORK ON MIFFLINVILLE BRIDGE MONDAY

There will be maintenance work next Monday on the Mifflinville Bridge in Mifflinville Borough in Columbia County.  According to PennDOT their maintenance crew will be removing light poles on the Mifflinville Bridge. You can expect single lane conditions with flagging at the work site between the hours of 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM, weather permitting.

CITY COUNCIL APPROVES APPLICATION FOR GRANT

Over 600 thousand dollars in funds that were previously allocated for potential upgrades and additions to Newberry Park are available to be the matching funds for a competitive grant that the City of Williamsport will attempt to acquire.  According to the Sun Gazette, the approval of a grant proposal for the Keystone Communities Program was completed yesterday, which will be submitted to the state Department of Community and Economic Development.  The matching funds come from the city’s Community Development Block Grant funds, and if the grant comes through, ideas for the park include pickleball courts, a soccer field and restrooms.

RAPIST SKIPS WILLIAMSPORT TRIAL, FOUND IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

A man accused of raping a child who was expected in court Monday morning for jury selection was taken into custody Wednesday morning in a Concord, New Hampshire hotel by U.S. Marshals after a warrant was issued for his arrest.  According to North Central PA dot com, 37 year old Marcus McDaniel, who was absent from court, was tried through absentia and found guilty for the charges that occurred with the consent of the victim’s mother, Michelle Strayer.  McDaniel was found guilty on 11 counts of sexual assault, as well as criminal solicitation, and intimidation.  Strayer who testified in court this week is charged with conspiracy to committee rape of a child, endangering the welfare of children.

REWARD FOR INFORMATION IN SUNBURY MINK RELEASE CASE

A reward has been established to help catch the person or persons who were responsible for the releasing of hundreds of minks from Richard Stahl Fur Farm on route 890, just outside of Sunbury.  According to the Daily Item, the Unified Sportsmen of Pennsylvania is offering the $1,000 reward to support the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Game Commission who continue the investigation into the release of the animals September 17th.  Police say an anonymous letter was posted on the website, animal liberation press office dot org, claiming responsibility for the alleged attack.

DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY SATURDAY IN PA

The City of Williamsport and the Lycoming County Sheriff’s Department are included locations for a drug take-back Day that is being held tomorrow at facilities across Pennsylvania.  According to officials for Pennsylvania Drug and Alcohol Programs, the  DEA has offered National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day since 2010 and most recently collected more than 29,000 pounds of unused medication in Pennsylvania alone across nearly 260 collection sites.  Susquehanna Health Pharmacy is also a Willaimsport location to return unused medication on Saturday during business hours.  Go to ddap.pa.gov to find other locations across the state that accept old and unused prescriptions. 

DEER CRASHES THROUGH BERWICK SCHOOL WINDOW

A deer crashed through a window at Berwick Middle School Wednesday, and ran through the school before wildlife officials captured it and removed it from the building.  According to school officials the deer went through a fifth and sixth-grade classroom window around 9:30am, and only a small group of teachers and students were affected.  PA Game Commission officers were called to the scene to recover the deer and Berwick and Salem Township police officers covered its head with a blanket while they safely walked it outdoors.

SPORTS

PIAA District IV Field Hockey Playoffs
Class 1A
Lewisburg 2                             Line Mountain 0
Northwest Area 3           Mifflinburg 2
Central Columbia 4       Bloomsburg 0
Midd-West 3                  Muncy 1

PIAA HS Football Friday
BYB Game of the Week
Loyalsock vs Montoursville
6:30 pre-game/7pm kickoff
On the Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network or WILQ’s HD3


PIAA HS Football Saturday 1pm
Montgomery @ CMVT
PIAA D4 Soccer Playoffs Saturday
Class 1A Boys
Montgomery vs East Juniata
@ Midd-West 4pm
South Williamsport vs Southern Columbia @ Midd-West HS 6pm
Class 2A Boys
Midd-West vs Milton
 @ Bloomsburg HS 2pm
Montoursville vs Lewisburg
@ BallsMills Complex 6pm

NFL Thursday Night Football
Buffalo Bills 24           Tampa Bay Buccaneers 18

NBA
Bucks 118           76’ers 117
Lakers 100          Suns 95

MLB
World Series Game 1 Tonight
Arizona Diamondbacks @ Texas Rangers 8:03pm FOX

NASCAR Sunday
Xfinity 400 @ Martinsville Speedway
1pm Pre-Race Coverage/2pm Green Flag Racing on the Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network or WILQ’s HD3

Upcoming

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