BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2023

SOUTHSIDE MAN FIRES WEAPON INSIDE HOME

A South Williamsport man was jailed for firing a gun within an occupied structure Sunday night at about 9pm.  According to the Sun Gazette, borough police say 48 year old Chad Armond was intoxicated inside his home, handling two guns and waving them around threatening to harm himself.  When his wife and two children left the home, he shot the weapon inside the house on Mountain Avenue.  Two people were still in the home when Armond shot the weapon, but no one was injured.  Armond was taken into custody at Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 50 thousand dollars bail.

MOBILE HOME FIRE IN HUGHESVILLE

Five fire companies responded to a mobile home fire last night around 8:30pm when witnesses in Hughesville say an explosion was heard.  According to the Sun Gazette, the home along Boak Ave in Wolf Township was heavily damaged and there was one alleged injury when an ambulance was dispatched to the scene, but no word on whether it was a resident or first responder who required treatment.  Hughesville, Picture Rocks, Muncy Area, Pennsdale and Montgomery firefighters were on the scene and got the fire under control just before 9pm.  AN investigation continues into the cause of the fire.

CITY COUNCIL PREPARING TO VOTE ON APPROVING 2019 AUDIT

After a disclaimer of opinion came with information preceding the results of the 2019 audit for the City of Williamsport, there was a discussion with the city finance committee this week on future steps to get accurate numbers for the end of 2022 and focus on the correct start to 2023 as they get ready for an upcoming vote on the 2019 audit itself.  According to the Sun Gazette the most recent audit results do not include those audits underway at River Valley Transit and Williamsport Parking Authority that are ongoing. Representatives of Government Finance Solutions are working to correct accounting for the prior city administration, with the 2019 results expected to assist in budget decisions next month.

SUSTAINABILITY FUNDRAISER IN MIDDLEBURG

A Middleburg farm and students from Bucknell University are working together to prepare for a fundraiser that will focus on sustainability.  According to the Daily Item, students from the Freeman College of Management at Bucknell, known as Company B are partnering with Walnut Farms on Keene Lane in Middleburg to build signs, picnic tables and fire pits as they get ready for their Fall Festival coming up the evening of November 12th. There will be a free bonfire and live music, with donations encouraged, all in an effort to raise awareness and funding for the farm. Get information at Bucknell.edu.

MARIJUANA FOUND IN TRUNK DURING TRAFFIC STOP

A man from Woodhaven, New York, was stopped by police earlier this month and was found to have 15 pounds of marijuana in the trunk of his car.  According to PA State Police, 29 year old Jerich Magno was pulled over on I-80 October 11th and denied a search of the car.  Once a search warrant was obtained by an on-call judge, and a K-9 unit arrived on the scene alerting at the trunk of the vehicle, they found 15 parcels of the drug packaged in vacuum sealed bags.  Magno was charged with possession with intent to deliver and posted 20 thousand dollars monetary bail in Clinton County court.  His preliminary hearing is November 6th.

MISSING PAXINOS BOWHUNTER FOUND DECEASED

An autopsy has been scheduled by the Northumberland County Coroner’s Office after a missing Paxinos bowhunter was found Tuesday during a search for him. According to Northumberland County Communications a search in rural Paxinos for 61-year-old Robert Plasters went missing Monday and a search began overnight, ending around 2pm Tuesday.  The hunter’s Toyota Tacoma truck was located along a grassy path off Irish Valley Road and after Plasters was found, he was pronounced dead at the scene by the county coroner, no word on the nature of his death. 

CENTRE COUNTY ROAD WORK

The right lane of I-80 eastbound and westbound in Centre County will be closed starting today between mile markers 165 and 168  during daylight hours.   According to PennDOT, a contractor will mill and pave the right shoulder as part of a larger project to replace four bridges along I-80. The work is expected to be completed in one day.   Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. of State College is the contractor for this $22 million project that will continue through the 2026 construction season.

BUS SAFETY POSTER CONTEST RESULTS

PennDOT, Pennsylvania State Police and Pennsylvania school bus safety advocates honored PA students for communicating important school bus safety messages through their submissions to this year’s School Bus Safety Poster Contest recently in coordination with School bus Safety Week, the 16th through the 20th of this month.  Bald Eagle area middle school student Alexionna Kephart, of Wingate, Centre County was the one local entrant recognized in the results. This year’s winners were chosen from 127 student entries from schools across Pennsylvania. The first-place entries will move on to the national competition, which will be judged at the end of this month.

SPORTS

PIAA Girls Soccer Championships
Class 2A

Warrior Run 4      Shamokin 0
Hughesville 5       Towanda 2
Milton 7               Williamson 2
Bloomsburg 1 (5) Danville 1 (4) (2OT)
Midd-West 3        Troy 1

NBA
Celtics  108         Knicks 104
Cavaliers  114    Nets  113
Maverick’s 126  Spurs  119

NBA Tonight
76’ers @ Milwaukee Bucks 7:30 TNT

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

NFL Thursday Night Football Tonight
Tampa Bay @ Buffalo 8:15pm Prime Video

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 25, 2023

MAN FALLS ASLEEP, DRIVES INTO PINE CREEK

A man escaped serious injury after he told police he thinks he fell asleep behind the wheel and ended up driving his Cadillac into Pine Creek yesterday morning around 3am.  According to police scanner reports, emergency responders from Citizens Hose Company arrived at Route 220 Southbound and Railroad Street bridges near the Clinton-Lycoming County line where the driver was able to get out of the car and walkout of the water.  According to the Sun Gazette, the man who seemed uninjured at the scene, was taken to Geisinger Jersey Shore for evaluation .

FORMER PRINCIPAL CHARGED WITH ABUSE, IN COURT THIS WEEK

Court proceedings went on yesterday in Lycoming County as former principal, 35 year old Roger Weaver Freed of Cogan Station sat for motions focused on discovery of evidence for an upcoming trial.  According to North Central PA dot com,  Freed’s defense attorney presented evidence that shows the victim was allegedly asked to exaggerate the charges against Freed, but state police presented statements and interviews with the victim and Judge Nancy Butts allowed them to be admitted for trial.  Freed faces 30 counts of corruption of minors, sell or furnish liquor to a minor, sexual assault, and other assault charges.  He is free on 175 thousand dollars bail.

REWARD FOR INFO ON DEATH OF 19 YEAR MAN FOUND ALONG I-80

Police are seeking additional information and Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information on the shooting death of 19 year old Kevin Cagle, who was found deceased along I-80 on October 13th.  According to Pennsylvania State Police in Milton, Cagle was allegedly shot in Williamsport then his tampered-with body thrown from an overpass over Creek and Mexico Roads near Mooresburg in Liberty Township in Montour County. Cagle’s body was discovered in a garbage bag at the scene by a woman walking her dog nearby.  Anyone with information is asked to call state police at Milton 570-524-2662 or Montoursville 570-368-5700 or Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers at 800-472-8477.

WHISKEY LOTTERY FRIDAY

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board will hold an online whiskey lottery this Friday for over 44-hundred bottles of rare liquor.  According to fine wine and good spirits dot com,  PA residents and licensees can opt into the lottery at the website before Friday at 5pm, for the whiskey; including  bottles of Eagle Rare Straight Bourbon 17-Year-Old 2022 Release, Heaven Hill Heritage Collection Straight Corn Whiskey 20-Year-Old 2023 Edition and others.  Winners will be selected randomly by computer and witnessed by an independent third party, and successful candidates will be notified by email.

MOTORCYCLE CRASH VICTIM IDENTIFIED

A 21 year old man from Williamsport was identified as the victim in the fatal crash at the West Fourth Street entrance to the Route 15 South on-ramp Monday evening that stopped traffic for a few hours while police investigated.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Lycoming County Coroner Charles Kiessling Jr., said Maddyx Vollmer was the driver of the motorcycle who was killed instantly after he collided with a pickup truck just after 6pm.  Vollmer’s cause of death was multiple blunt-force traumatic injuries.  The driver of the truck was not identified and there were no reports of any other injuries in the crash.

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR THREATENING TO BURN VICTIMS TRUCK

A Lycoming County woman who police arrested this month for theft in Lycoming Township, was taken into custody October 18th for pouring gas on a man’s truck and threatening to ignite it with a lit cigarette.  According to the Lycoming Regional Police Department, a victim called police to an address along a Lycoming Creek Road where Lindsay Bliss had made the threat before she fled the scene.  Police stopped Bliss after the incident while she was walking along Linn Street and she resisted arrest before elbowing an officer in the face.  She is in custody at Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 10 thousand dollars. 

SHAMOKIN MARIJUANA OPERATION LEADS TO CHARGES

Charges have yet to be filed by Shamokin and Coal Township police after they obtained a search warrant and found two people growing marijuana who also had drug paraphernalia as well as firearms and ammunition.  According to police, 51-year-old Rafael Vigo Jr. and 37-year-old Sheri Stock are facing numerous felony drug and child endangerment charges after four children were at the home where the marijuana operation was taking place.  A third person who was present was released by police and are not facing the charges that police are expected to file jointly between Shamokin and Coal Township police departments.

MONTOUR PRESERVE RECEIVES FUNDING

The Montour Preserve has secured an additional $100,000 per year in funding for Montour Area Recreation Commission (MARC), after Montour County commissioners completed a three-organization change to the county hotel tax yesterday to create the Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership.  According to The Daily Item, the educational partnership will include more than 20 groups willing to conduct programs, donate, or lend equipment or other resources for environmental/STEM education.  The partners will also help develop sustainable long-term support for the preserve. Get details at middlesusquehannariverkeeper.org

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 HS Soccer
Boys Playoffs Class 2A
Montoursville 6           NP Liberty  0
Midd-West  6               Lourdes Regional 0
Danville 6                     Warrior Run  0

Girls Playoffs Today Class 2A
Midd-West @ Troy  4pm
Williamson @ Milton  5pm
Towanda @ Hughesville  6pm
Shamokin  @ Warrior Run  6pm
Danville @ Bloomsburg  6pm

MLB NLCS Game 7
Diamondbacks 4          Phillies 2  Arizona wins the series 4-3
World Series starts Friday, October 27
Game 1 – Arizona Diamondbacks @ Texas Rangers 8:03pm FOX

NBA Season Opener
Denver Nuggets 119    LA Lakers 107
Phoenix Suns 108       Golden State Warriors 104

NBA Tonight
Celtics vs Knicks 7pm  ESPN
Cleveland vs Brooklyn 7:30pmNBA Thursday
76’ers @ Milwaukee Bucks 7:30 TNT

NFL Thursday Night Football Tomorrow
Tampa Bay @ Buffalo 8:15pm Prime Video

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 24, 2023

FATAL MOTORCYCLE WRECK IN WILLIAMSPORT

A fatal motorcycle accident yesterday evening at the West Fourth Street entrance to Route 15 South near Bowman field detoured traffic for several hours as police and the Lycoming County Coroner and his chief deputy investigated the accident.  According to the Sun Gazette, a pickup truck heading west was turning from Fourth Street to the entrance ramp of Route 15 South just after 6pm when the motorcyclist who was heading east collided with the truck.  Coroner Charles Kiessling said the victim died instantly in the accident, but no word on the condition of the pickup truck driver today.  A state police reconstructionist may have been called to the scene as police shut down Fourth Street from Arch Street to Bowman Field, as well as the West Fourth Street off-ramp of Route 15.

SECOND ACCIDENT IN SAME AREA AS FATAL MOTORCYCLE WRECK

Several moments before the aforementioned fatal accident occurred on West Fourth Street in Williamsport yesterday, a three car accident happened nearby at Pine Street and Little League Boulevard around 6pm, in which a driver inside one car was trapped.  According to the Sun Gazette, city firefighters responding to the accident used an extrication tool to remove the door of the vehicle to rescue the victim who was then transported to UPMC Williamsport.

TUNNEL WORK ALONG ROUTE 54 IN DANVILLE

A portion of Route 54 will be closed Thursday in Danville Borough for inspection and maintenance of the tunnel that carries Route 54 under local roadways.  According to PennDOT On, Route 54 will be closed in both directions between Front Street and Mahoning Street, while a maintenance crew performs the necessary work on the tunnel between the hours of 10pm and 6pm, weather permitting.  A detour using Route 11, Mill Street and Front Street will be in place while workers are on the site.

GRAND RE-OPENING OF LYCO FIRE TRAINING CENTER

A newly renovated fire training facility in Lycoming County that hasn’t been fully operational since 1998 when it was built, celebrated a grand-re-opening Saturday.  According to North Central PA dot com, the Central Area Fire Chiefs Association Emergency Services Training Center at 1750 W. Third Street had lacked funding and couldn’t stay operational for live fire training purposes, but since 150 thousand dollars was allotted by Act 13 monies and a 100 thousand dollar grant from the First Community Foundation Partnership of PA was provided, the CAFCA can fund the final phase for the facility to serve as a regional training facility to firefighters from numerous counties in central PA.  The next step is to wired the building fully by PPL, as they use generator power at this time.  

MAN HAS BACKPACK FULL OF DRUGS AT ASSISTANCE OFFICE

Police executed a search warrant after an employee at the Lycoming County Assistance Office was suspected to have drugs in a backpack September 28th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 44 year old Alex Christophe DeJesus refused a search of the bag he had on the premises of the assistance office at 400 Little League Boulevard, and police then found needles and baggies of methamphetamine and white powder along with other paraphernalia.  DeJesus was handed several counts of possession of narcotics and intent to deliver a controlled substance and was released on 50 thousand dollars unsecured bail.

MUNCY VALLEY MAN CITED FOR HARRASSMENT

A man from Muncy Valley has been cited for harassment of his neighbors on Bender Road.  According to North Central PA dot com, State police at Laporte say 56 year old Robert Brown had been asked several times to stay off the property of his neighbors but continued to use threatening and obscene language toward a male and female resident at the home.  According to court records, Brown was given a citation for harassment and defiant trespass .

UNION COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PASSES AWAY

The Union County District Attorney passed away Saturday at age 68.  According to the Daily Item, several judges from the 17th Judicial District Office recently expressed their sorrow over the loss of District Attorney, D. Pete Johnson, who worked in the county office where he served for 28 years.  An appointment to fill his position has been deferred since the election is less than a month away.  Possible replacements for the DA position could be Union County First Assistant District Attorney Brian Kerstetter or Robyn Zenzinger, the First Assistant District Attorney in Northumberland County. 

RECYCLING COMPANY WITHDRAWS CRITICAL PERMIT APPLICATION

After an 11-month review by the DEP, Encina, the Texas-based company that has proposed advanced plastic recycling facility in Point Township, recently withdrew a critical permit application.  According to the Daily Item, the Clean Air Council is requiring the permit to prevent potential pollution in the Susquehanna River that could result from construction runoff, and the DEP reported that they found deficiencies in Encina’s design and modeling approach which they called “wholly inadequate”.  Encina’s executives said they are fully committed to the safety of the environment and the communities where they plan to operate.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Soccer District 4 Playoffs Today
Boys
Midd-West vs Lourdes Regional 6pm @ Midd-West HS
Danville vs Warrior Run 6pm @ Danville HS
Montoursville vs NP Liberty 6pm @ Montoursville HS

MLB

ALCS Game 7 
Rangers 11          Astros 4  /TEX wins the American League Championship Series 4-3
NLCS Game 6 
Diamondbacks 5  Phillies 1 / tied up 3-3
MLB Tonight
NLCS Game 7
Diamondbacks vs Phillies 8:07pm TBS

NBA Season Opener Tonight

Lakers vs Nuggets 7:30pm TNT
Suns vs Warriors 10pm TNT

NHL

Montreal Canadiens 3           Buffalo Sabres 1
NHL Tonight
Dallas @ Pittsburgh 7:30 ESPN+
Flyers @ Vegas 11pm ESPN

Cabinet Surplus

Cabinet Surplus is giving away a Free Sedona Chestnut Display Kitchen and YOU could be the winner! Simply visit Cabinet Surplus at 2135 Main Street in Dewart PA during normal business hours from now until October 31, 2023 and fill out the entry form. It’s that simple! NO purchase is necessary. Sedona Chestnut is a discontinued style that is no longer available to order add-on pieces. We are including the Antique Mascarello Countertop by Formica and Stone Mill Hardware’s French Country Knobs and Handles with a retail value of $6,372.00 for the entire package! The winner will be responsible to pay any and all taxes and to pick up their prize. Must be 18 years or older to enter. The winner will be drawn on Friday, November 1, 2023 and need not be present to win. The drawing is limited to one entry per household. Good luck.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 8am until 5pm and Saturday, 9am until 12pm.

Good Luck!

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 23, 2023

AVIS MAN ARRESTED IN DRUG INVESTIGATION

An Avis man was arraigned on an arrest warrant that was obtained by the Pine Creek Township Police Department following an ongoing drug delivery investigation Friday.   According to police, Gilbert J. Stevenson of West Martin Steet, was charged with two felony counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and multiple other felony drug counts. Stevenson is accused of selling 5.2 grams of bath salts and 30 grams of methamphetamine informants. Bail was set at $50,000 and a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for today and he remains committed to the Clinton County Correctional Facility.

SUSPICIOUS EMAILS ARE FROM SCAMMERS

The Pine Creek Township Police have received a report of suspicious emails being sent out that appear to be from Township officials. The emails received are requesting the person  purchase funds in the form of pre-paid cards or gift certificates that would be used to benefit those in need. According to Pine Creek Township Police, Pine Creek Township Officers, Officials or employees never send out emails or make phone calls requesting donations of pre-paid cards, gift certificates or money from citizens. If you receive any emails, calls or letters of this type please do not respond to them and notify the Police Department to have the incident documented.

DAN MEUSER SUBMITS BID FOR SPEAKER

Through his social media account, US Representative Dan Meuser, a Republican from Dallas, PA, announced Sunday, his bid for Speaker of the House of Representatives. According to his X account (formerly Twitter) has said as a candidate for speaker of the House he will be focused on politics of inclusion where every Member of the Republican Conference is part of policy making, legislation, and communications. He also said he would support anyone who has that vision of unity who has a better chance of getting 217 votes.   Meuser was first elected to Congree in 2018, replacing former Hazelton Mayor Lou Barletta.

UPTOWN MUSIC COLLECTIVE’S FIRST PERFORMANCE OF THE SEASON SOON

The first show of the Uptown Music Collective’s 2023-2024 Performance Season will be Friday and Saturday November 10th and 11th at the Community Arts Center in Downtown Williamsport. According to Jared Mondell, Assistant Executive Director says the show ”It Came From the ’80s: New Wave to Pop Rock” is presented in partnership with UPMC North Central Pa and UPMC Health Plan, and features 27 students from 13 to 18 years old, performing some of the most iconic hits of the 1980s.  20 dollar advance tickets for the performance ($25 at the door, plus fees) are available through the Community Arts Center box office at 220 West Fourth St., or their website (www.caclive.com). For more details about It Came From the ’80s, visit uptownmusic.org/80s or call 570-329-0888.

SNYDER COUNTY MAN STOPPED FOR SPEEDING

A 42 year old man from Selinsgrove was stopped for speeding in Snyder County and troopers also discovered an illegal firearm, marijuana and methamphetamine in the car following the receipt of a search warrant October 16th.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say 42 year old Joseph Michael Sikoskie Jr. was found to be under the influence of drugs after a field sobriety test and they took him into custody.  Sikoskie was charged with felony possession of a firearm prohibited, DUI, possession of a controlled substance, and other charges.  HIs bail is set at $50,000 with a  preliminary hearing November 6th

MAN CHARGED FOR SHOOTING MAN WHILE TURKEY HUNTING

A Lake Ariel man who fired a 12-guage shotgun last April while turkey hunting, killing a person on Susquehannock State Forest property, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and injury or killing of a human hunting.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say 64 year old Thomas Lamare reported his shotgun went off when he turned to look at a group of turkeys behind where he was in the woods, striking the person behind him who was then transported to Geisinger in Danville and later died of their injuries. Lamare’s charges are both mis-demeanors.

BRIDGE WORK CONTINUES THIS WEEK IN LYCOMING COUNTY

Motorists are advised that the bridge preservation project on Lycoming Creek Road over the Lycoming Creek in Old Lycoming, Loyalsock, and Lycoming townships, Lycoming County, continues this week. According to PennDOT, beginning today, a contractor will begin concrete repairs on the structure carrying Lycoming Creek Road over the Lycoming Creek near the intersection with Route 973. Motorists can expect changing traffic patterns controlled by 24-hour flagging. Work on this phase is expected to be completed within two weeks. HRI, Inc. is the prime contractor for this $1.3 million bridge preservation project.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR PA TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.  According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Teacher of the Year program celebrates excellence in teaching and honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the young people of Pennsylvania.  The chosen applicant for 2025 Teacher of the Year will be announced at a state awards ceremony this December and will represent the Commonwealth at various local, regional, and national functions culminating in the National Teacher of the Year ceremony at the White House in Washington DC. Get more information at Education.pa.gov.

SPORTS

NFL
Bears 30              Raiders 12
Browns 39          Colts 38

Patriots 29          Bills 25
Giants 14            Commanders  7
Falcons  16         Buccaneers 13
Ravens 38           Lions  6
Steelers  24         Rams 17
Seahawks  20      Cardinals 10
Broncos 19         Packers  17
Chiefs 31            Chargers 17
Eagles 31            Dolphins  17

NFL Monday Night Football

49er’s vs Vikings 8:15 ABC/ESPN

MLB
ALCS
Rangers  9  Astros  2
MLB Tonight
NLCS – Game 6 – Diamondbacks Vs Phillies in Philly 5:07pm TBS PHL leads 3-2
ALCS – Game 7 – Rangers vs Astros in Houston 8:03pm FOX Series tied 3-3

NASCAR
Christopher Bell held off Ryan Blaney for a win that locked him into next month’s NASCAR championship finale.
* Blaney, led for 53 laps and moved above the cut line from seventh. Tyler Reddick and William Byron finished third and fourth and are still vying for a spot in the Nov. 5 title-deciding finale.  AJ Allmendinger was 5th.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 20, 2023

CITY MAN IN CUSTODY FOR THREATS, STRANGULATION

A Williamsport man who strangled and terrorized a woman near the 2000 block of West Third Street October 14th is in custody and charged with simple assault, strangulation, stalking, terroristic threats, and unlawful restraint. According to North Central PA dot com, 22 year old Kavaughn Clifton Williams, attacked and choked the victim and then left her passed out, injured  and locked in a bedroom, and after her escape and contact with relatives and the police,  sent threatning text messages. Williams is being held at the Lycoming County Prison on $50,000 monetary bail. 

MAN CAUGHT WITH OUNCE OF METHAMPHETAMINE

Lycoming Narcotics Enforcement Unit officers and Williamsport police arrested a man for possession October 5th, after he left a known area for drugs, and a traffic stop that led to him admitting he had an amount of methamphetamine the size of a racquetball.  According to North Central PA dot com, after obtaining the search warrant for 39 year old Harold Hakeem Rainier’s car, officers located about an ounce of the drug, which is what they said was in excess of what a normal user would have.  Rainier was charged with a felony for possession and intent to deliver a controlled substance and was jailed in lieu of 25 thousand dollars monetary bail.

LEAF COLLECTION STARTS MONDAY IN WILLIAMSPORT

Williamsport’s public works department has announced leaf collection in the city will begin Monday.  According to the Sun Gazette, loose leaf collection is scheduled for the curb line of primary streets, but not the alleys due to the large size of the leaf collection equipment, and that it’s important that residents do not mix brush, yard waste or limbs in with the leaves.  Residents can get an access card for the mulch pile at the brush recycling center located at 1550 W. Third St.  Leaf collection will continue at least weekly through December.

STUDENTS TO WEAR GREEN FOR FRIEND KILLED IN CRASH

Students at Selinsgrove Area school district who were shocked and saddened this week after a car crash along Route 487 on Monday, killed 8th grade student Christopher Sensenig, will wear green today to support Christopher’s family and friends.  Selinsgrove Superintendent Frank Jankowski said the school is in collaboration with Christopher’s family and hope everyone can support this positive show of remembrance. The Mifflinburg Area School District is also encouraging students to wear green today. Two other family members were also injured in the Northumberland County accident.

INMATE FACES MORE CHARGES AFTER KICKING CO

An inmate at SCI Coal Township is facing an additional felony assault charge after officers said he kicked a CO in the face as he was being transported.  According to State police at Stonington, 37 year old Leonard Garfield Young Jr, kicked one of the officers who was attempting to re-cuff him after he dropped to the ground in an attempt to allegedly avoid transport.  Young had been charged September 17th  for misdemeanor simple assault, and summary harassment.  His preliminary hearing is October 27th.

LAYOFFS AT WOOD MODE LLC IN KREAMER

A layoff of employees has occurred at Wood-Mode LLC in Kreamer.  According to the Daily Item, PA Career Link received the notification of the layoff  of 35 employees from the company October 13th .  Administrators from the Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation said it may only be a seasonal payoff and not a permanent one.  A Rapid Response Assistance program will be held Tuesday at the CareerLink office in Sunbury for the employees who were laid off, with unemployment representatives on site to help guide them to training services and health care information.

NEW POLLING PLACE FOR THIRD WARD

Williamsport’s 3rd Ward will be required to vote at a new location on Election Day this year, after emergency circumstances at the previous facility.  According to the Lycoming County Board of Elections, 3rd ward residents will vote at the Monsignor Fleming Parish Center at 720 W. Fourth St in Williamsport.  Notification letters will be mailed to the households of all registered voters and signs will be placed at the old polling place to inform those who may not have heard about the change for Election Day, November 7th.  If you have questions call the office of voter services at 570-327-2267.

PHEASANT SEASON STARTS TOMORROW

There’s another round of pheasants being released by the PA Game Commission which coincides with the beginning of Ring-necked pheasant hunting season tomorrow.  According to the Game commission’s website (pgc.pa.gov), there will be weekly releases from mid-October through mid-November in every county but Franklin and in the Central Susquehanna area for the Game Commission’s Wildlife Operations.  Adult and some seniors who wish to hunt pheasants are required to purchase a pheasant permit in addition to a general hunting license, except for  senior lifetime resident license holders and youth hunters must have a free permit. Stocking schedules are available online at pgc.pa.gov.

SPORTS

MLB
NLCS   Diamondbacks 2      Phillies 1
ALCS  Astros 10                   Rangers  3
MLB Tonight

Houston @ Texas 5:07 FS1  2-2
Phillies @ Arizona 8:07 TBS  PHL up 2

NFL Thursday Night Football
Jaguars 31  Saints 24
NFL Sunday
Buffalo @ New England  1pm CBS
Washington @ New York Giants 1pm
Steelers vs LA Rams 4:05pm Fox
Chiefs vs LA Chargers 4:25pm CBS
Miami Dolphins @ Philadelphia Eagles 8:20pm NBC
*Jets have a Bye
PIAA HS Soccer

Girls
Williamsport 1     Milton 0
Hughesville 3       Bloomsburg 2
Lewisburg 4         South Williamsport 0
Mifflinburg 4        Jersey Shore 0
Muncy 11             Montgomery 0
Loyalsock 2          Shamokin 1
Williamson  3       NP Mansfield 0
Midd-West 8        Mt Carmel 0
Danville 3             Benton 0
Shikellamy 4        Berwick 0
Boys 
Lewisburg 8         South Williamsport 0
Montgomery  2    Muncy 1
Danville 2             Warrior Run 0
Wellsboro 2          Montoursville 0
Central Col. 3       Berwick 1
Shikellamy 10      Williams Valley 0
Mifflinburg 2        Mifflin County 0
Williamson 1        Athens 1

PIAA HS Football Tonight
Backyard Broadcasting Game of the Week
Troy @ Loyalsock 6:30 Pre-Game/7pm Kickoff
on Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network or WILQ’s HD3

NASCAR Sunday

4EVER 400 Presented by Mobil1 @ Homestead-Miami Speedway
1:30pm Pre-race/2:30 Green Flag Racing on Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network or WILQ’s HD3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 19, 2023

MORE JAILTIME, RESTITUTION ADDED TO BOWER’S SENTENCE

The man who was sentenced in July to 8-24 years in prison for his role in the DUI death of a couple on a motorcycle near the Arch Street bridge in July of 2020, has been given additional jail time and ordered to pay restitution to a woman injured in the accident that day.  Court records say James “Jimmy” Neufer and his girlfriend, Amanda Bergstrom, who were both on a motorcycle were killed in the high speed wreck.  According to the Sun Gazette, Matthew Bower, will now serve two more years concurrently to his current sentence, and pay Crystal Lee Smith restitution in the amount of 66 thousand dollars.  Smith testified in court this week that the accident that Bower caused, negatively impacted her life leaving her unable to work due to her injuries.  Bower was remanded to Lycoming County Prison. 

MOUNT CARMEL MAN SENTENCED IN BEDFORD COUNTY

A 26 year old man from Mount Carmel was sentenced in Bedford County Court after pleading guilty to fatally shooting another man with a crossbow in 2021.  According to the Tribune review, 26-year-old Alec Rhoads pleaded no contest to one count of involuntary manslaughter in the case, but had to recently refile the guilty plea after the resignation of Bedford County District Attorney Lesley Childers-Potts.  He will face 15 months to 5 years for fatally shooting 53-year-old Daren Lingenfelter, of Claysburg in the throat with the arrow, while he was inside his Liberty Township home. Rhoads’ plea enabled him to avoid a potential life in prison sentence.

WOMAN CAUGHT WITH DRUGS AT LOCK HAVEN RAILS TO TRAIL AREA

A Lock Haven woman was arrested after being found sitting in the Rails to Trail parking lot with drugs and drug paraphernalia in her car on August 16th.  According to the Sun Gazette, 20 year old Rachel McClosky was observed in her vehicle by Lycoming Regional Police at about 2am, and after they performed a consensual search, officers found a gravity bong and other drug accessories along with other controlled substances in baggies.  McClosky recently waived her preliminary hearing after being charged with three counts of drug and paraphernalia possession.

CASH 5 WINNER IN MUNCY

There was a winner in Muncy for the Pennsylvania Lottery Cash 5 with Quick Cash game on Tuesday.  The ticket was sold at the Ben Franklin Store on Route 442 Highway and they earn a 500 dollar bonus for selling the winning ticket that matched all five balls drawn for $300,000 less withholding. Winners can be identified only after prizes are claimed and tickets validated which must be claimed within one year of the purchase date.  Questions call 1-800-692-7481.

MAN SENTENCED FOR SHOOTING FRIEND IN CHEST

The Lock Haven man who shot 21 year old Jakob Haines, at point bank range in the chest in February of 2021, at his home on Brewery Hollow Road in Woodward Township was sentenced Tuesday in Clinton County court.  According to North Central PA dot com, 22 year old Brian St. John was given to 51 months to 20 years for aggravated assault and nine months to five years for manslaughter charge to run consecutively.  St. John was credited for 961 days served and will serve his sentence at the state penitentiary in Camp Hill.

MIFFLINBURG WOMAN CHARGED FOR BAD CHECKS

A woman from Mifflinburg wrote several bad checks totaling over 470 dollars this past summer and now faces charges in district court.  According to PA State Police, say 49 year old Angela Marie Listman wrote four separate checks worth $471 to a victim between June 30th and July 29th and none of them cleared. A certified letter was sent but Listman responded by not signing the letter.  She was cited last week for misdemeanor of bad checks and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for November 21st.

HABITAT RECEIVES GIFT IN PENN COLLEGE COLLABORATION

A Williamsport property at 508 Fifth Avenue has been gifted to Habitat For Humanity from the Pennsylvania College of Technology for the future construction of a single family home by Penn College students.  According to the Sun Gazette, Robert Robinson, new executive director of Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity said the project is a joint commitment between habitat and the college to develop a model to propagate an environmental approach in future builds, while engaging students who are the future construction leaders.  The Lycoming County Commissioners approved a grant for $100,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding for construction materials for the project.

MUNCY STUDENT CHOSEN AS PENNDOT AMBASSADOR

PennDOT and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful announced the 2023-2024 list of Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania. Students applied to the program and were chosen through a competitive application process, and  have committed to eight months of service as an ambassador while representing and upholding the mission and values of KPB developing  civic leadership skills and experience to champion and advocate for clean and beautiful communities across Pennsylvania from October through May 2024.  Among over 30 students around the commonwealth, Cy Dixon an 11th grade student at Muncy High School was chosen as an ambassador.  Details at keep pa beautiful .org.

SPORTS

MLB
American League Championship Series
Astros 8               Rangers 5
MLB Tonight
National League Championship Series
Philadelphia Phillies @ Arizona Diamondbacks Game 3 – 5:07pm TBS PHL up 2
American League Championship Series
Houston Astros @ Texas Rangers Game 4 – 8:03pm FS1 TEX 2-1

NHL

Senators 6           Capitals 1
Red Wings 6       Penguins 3

WNBA Finals Game 4

Las Vegas Aces 70                New York Liberty 69
* The Las Vegas Aces claimed 2023 WNBA championship over the New York Liberty last night 70-69.
* The Aces join the Houston Comets (1997-2000) and Los Angeles Sparks (2001-02) as the only franchises to win multiple championships in a row.

NFL Thursday

Jacksonville Jaguars @ New Orleans Saints 8:15 Prime Video
NFL Sunday
Buffalo @ New England  1pm CBS
Washington @ New York Giants 1pm
Steelers vs LA Rams 4:05pm Fox
Chiefs vs LA Chargers 4:25pm CBS
Miami Dolphins @ Philadelphia Eagles 8:20pm NBC
*Jets have a Bye

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 18, 2023

POLICE BLAME MIFFLINBURG BUS ACCIDENT ON DRIVER ERROR

After all 16 students escaped injury after a bus accident Monday in Mifflinburg police reported at the borough council  meeting last night that the cause of the crash was allegedly caused by driver error.  According to the Daily Item, the bus jumped the curb near on Sixth Street onto Chestnut Street ultimately traveling onto the sidewalk and getting wedged between a tree and the porch of a home.  No one was at the property at the time of the accident.  Police say they shut down the road while they extracted the bus from the area by cutting down an already dead tree and using a heavy duty wrecker to avoid any more damage to nearby houses. The children were evacuated from the bus without incident in to the custody of their parents. The police investigation into the accident continues.

MAN CAUGHT DRIVING STOLEN CAR

A man from Lawrenceville was stopped by police along Route 49 near Merrick Hill Road in Deerfield Township for a traffic violation and they discovered the car he was driving was stolen.  According to North Central PA dot com, 39 year old Adam Putnam allegedly stole the 2010 Nissan Versa from Corning, N.Y., and upon arrest was found to have methamphetamine and marijuana in his possession.  Putman was arraigned and taken to Tioga County Prison in lieu of 15 thousand dollars bail.

YAW ANNOUNCES GRANTS FOR RURAL FIRE SAFETY

Grants for funding to help rural communities increase protection from wildfires, while encouraging fire safety was awarded to eight local volunteer fire companies across the 23rd District this week.  According to Senator Gene Yaw, grant recipients in Lycoming County include South Williamsport’s Independent Fire Co. No. 1 and Lairdsville Community Volunteer Fire Company.  Eldredsville Volunteer Fire Co. Inc.in  Forksville were also awarded funding to assist with rural fire services.  Four companies in Tioga and one in Bradford County were also awarded grants in District 23.   The grant program is offered through DCNR and funded through federal grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

“SEALANT SATURDAY” COMING TO PENN COLLEGE IN NOVEMBER

Free dental care, to include oral health screenings, sealants, and dental health education will be available November 4th from 9am til noon at Penn College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic.  According to Penn College, low-cost sealants done by volunteer dentists, dental hygienists, and Penn College students will be available to the public ages 7 – 18, by appointment for “Sealant Saturday” taking place on the second floor of the Breuder Advanced Technology Health Sciences Center.  Call 570-320-8007 to make your appointment. Penn College has been a Sealant Saturday host since 2003.

SELINSGROVE STUDENT DIES IN CAR CRASH

A serious crash on Route 487 between Paxinos and Elysburg killed an eighth grader from Selinsgrove area school district Monday, and also injured other members of the student’s family. According to the Daily item, the crash at 2:30pm trapped four victims in the vehicle that had caught fire, before first responders could extinguish the flames and rescue the victims.  Two were flown to Geisinger and two transported to Danville by ambulance.  Ralpho Township Police have provided no details on the crash, but two SUV had extensive damage at the scene according to police. Selinsgrove Area School District Superintendent Frank Jankowski, said that Christopher Sensing was the victim of the crash, and that counseling and support is available the school.

KENTUCKY WOMAN CRASHES OFF OF ROUTE 15

A woman from Kentucky escaped serious injury last weekend after a car crash along Route 15 in Union Township.  According to State Police, 30 year old Helen Coleman was allegedly speeding along the Union County highway when she hydroplaned and spun off the road, heading down an embankment, spinning and striking two utility poles before the vehicle caught fire.  Coleman was transported to Evangelical Hospital and troopers gave her a citation for speeding.

SOUTHSIDE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL STEPS DOWN

The principal of Central Elementary within the South Williamsport Area School District is stepping down next month and the school board has voted on her interim replacement for the end of the year.  According to the Sun Gazette, the South Williamsport area school board received and accepted the resignation of Dr. Michelle Loomis, and from November 10th through the Christmas break, Patricia Cross who is a retired Sullivan County superintendent and former principal will take her place.  The next South Williamsport school board meeting is November 6th at  6pm at the high school library.

DRIVE-THROUGH FLU SHOT CLINIC SATURDAY

Geisinger will be holding their flu shot clinics again this Saturday October 21st from 9am til 1am for all members of the public ages 3+ at no cost.  Over 30 locations around North Central PA will hold drive-through clinics, including Geisinger Muncy at 255 Route 220 Highway and Geisinger Lock Haven at 68 Spring Street.  Those needing vaccinations who are under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian with them and children ages 5 and under or those afraid of needles will be vaccinated inside the clinic. Get details at geisinger.org/flu.

NO THREAT FROM NATURAL GAS SMELL IN WILLIAMSPORT

The Williamsport Bureau of Fire has released a statement on the Natural Gas odor that was noticed around Williamsport City and Old Lycoming Township.  According to the bureau, the odor is a result of a natural gas line repair that caused technicians to bleed the gas off a 24 inch main line.  The repair is complete and there is no concern needed by the public.  The smell of natural gas may still be in the atmosphere today because of the current weather conditions and air quality level. There is no danger to the public but if you do have concerns, contact the fire department (570) 327-1536.

SPORTS

MLB
National League Championship Series
Phillies 10           Diamondbacks 0  – PHL up 2
MLB Tonight
American League Championship Series
Houston Astros @ Texas Rangers Game 3 – 8:03pm FS1
MLB Thursday
National League Championship Series
Philadelphia Phillies @ Arizona Diamondbacks Game 3 – 5:07pm TBS
American League Championship Series
Houston Astros @ Texas Rangers Game 4 – 8:03pm FS1

NHL Tonight

Pittsburgh @ Detroit 7:30pm TNT
NFL Thursday
Jacksonville Jaguars @ New Orleans Saints 8:15 Prime Video
NFL Sunday
Buffalo @ New England  1pm CBS
Washington @ New York Giants 1pm
Steelers vs LA Rams 4:05pm Fox
Chiefs vs LA Chargers 4:25pm CBS
Miami Dolphins @ Philadelphia Eagles 8:20pm NBC
*Jets have a Bye

NCAA Football Saturday
Penn State @ Ohio State noon FOX
PIAA HS Soccer

Boys

S. Williamsport  2         Montgomery 1
Wellsboro 3                   Hughesville 1
Milton 6                         Warrior Run 0
Central Mountain 2       Mifflinburg  1
Midd-West 6                  Bloomsburg 0

Girls

Crestwood 5                  Williamsport 2
NP Mansfield 5              Montgomery 3
Shikellamy 7                  Loyalsock 1
Milton 4                         Selinsgrove 1
Danville 5                      Millville 2
Central Columbia 11     Mount Carmel 2
Troy 5                            Towanda 2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 18, 2023

POLICE BLAME MIFFLINBURG BUS ACCIDENT ON DRIVER ERROR

After all 16 students escaped injury after a bus accident Monday in Mifflinburg police reported at the borough council  meeting last night that the cause of the crash was allegedly caused by driver error.  According to the Daily Item, the bus jumped the curb near on Sixth Street onto Chestnut Street ultimately traveling onto the sidewalk and getting wedged between a tree and the porch of a home.  No one was at the property at the time of the accident.  Police say they shut down the road while they extracted the bus from the area by cutting down an already dead tree and using a heavy duty wrecker to avoid any more damage to nearby houses. The children were evacuated from the bus without incident in to the custody of their parents. The police investigation into the accident continues.

MAN CAUGHT DRIVING STOLEN CAR

A man from Lawrenceville was stopped by police along Route 49 near Merrick Hill Road in Deerfield Township for a traffic violation and they discovered the car he was driving was stolen.  According to North Central PA dot com, 39 year old Adam Putnam allegedly stole the 2010 Nissan Versa from Corning, N.Y., and upon arrest was found to have methamphetamine and marijuana in his possession.  Putman was arraigned and taken to Tioga County Prison in lieu of 15 thousand dollars bail.

YAW ANNOUNCES GRANTS FOR RURAL FIRE SAFETY

Grants for funding to help rural communities increase protection from wildfires, while encouraging fire safety was awarded to eight local volunteer fire companies across the 23rd District this week.  According to Senator Gene Yaw, grant recipients in Lycoming County include South Williamsport’s Independent Fire Co. No. 1 and Lairdsville Community Volunteer Fire Company.  Eldredsville Volunteer Fire Co. Inc.in  Forksville were also awarded funding to assist with rural fire services.  Four companies in Tioga and one in Bradford County were also awarded grants in District 23.   The grant program is offered through DCNR and funded through federal grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

“SEALANT SATURDAY” COMING TO PENN COLLEGE IN NOVEMBER

Free dental care, to include oral health screenings, sealants, and dental health education will be available November 4th from 9am til noon at Penn College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic.  According to Penn College, low-cost sealants done by volunteer dentists, dental hygienists, and Penn College students will be available to the public ages 7 – 18, by appointment for “Sealant Saturday” taking place on the second floor of the Breuder Advanced Technology Health Sciences Center.  Call 570-320-8007 to make your appointment. Penn College has been a Sealant Saturday host since 2003.

SELINSGROVE STUDENT DIES IN CAR CRASH

A serious crash on Route 487 between Paxinos and Elysburg killed an eighth grader from Selinsgrove area school district Monday, and also injured other members of the student’s family. According to the Daily item, the crash at 2:30pm trapped four victims in the vehicle that had caught fire, before first responders could extinguish the flames and rescue the victims.  Two were flown to Geisinger and two transported to Danville by ambulance.  Ralpho Township Police have provided no details on the crash, but two SUV had extensive damage at the scene according to police. Selinsgrove Area School District Superintendent Frank Jankowski, said that Christopher Sensing was the victim of the crash, and that counseling and support is available the school.

KENTUCKY WOMAN CRASHES OFF OF ROUTE 15

A woman from Kentucky escaped serious injury last weekend after a car crash along Route 15 in Union Township.  According to State Police, 30 year old Helen Coleman was allegedly speeding along the Union County highway when she hydroplaned and spun off the road, heading down an embankment, spinning and striking two utility poles before the vehicle caught fire.  Coleman was transported to Evangelical Hospital and troopers gave her a citation for speeding.

SOUTHSIDE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL STEPS DOWN

The principal of Central Elementary within the South Williamsport Area School District is stepping down next month and the school board has voted on her interim replacement for the end of the year.  According to the Sun Gazette, the South Williamsport area school board received and accepted the resignation of Dr. Michelle Loomis, and from November 10th through the Christmas break, Patricia Cross who is a retired Sullivan County superintendent and former principal will take her place.  The next South Williamsport school board meeting is November 6th at  6pm at the high school library.

DRIVE-THROUGH FLU SHOT CLINIC SATURDAY

Geisinger will be holding their flu shot clinics again this Saturday October 21st from 9am til 1am for all members of the public ages 3+ at no cost.  Over 30 locations around North Central PA will hold drive-through clinics, including Geisinger Muncy at 255 Route 220 Highway and Geisinger Lock Haven at 68 Spring Street.  Those needing vaccinations who are under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian with them and children ages 5 and under or those afraid of needles will be vaccinated inside the clinic. Get details at geisinger.org/flu.

NO THREAT FROM NATURAL GAS SMELL IN WILLIAMSPORT

The Williamsport Bureau of Fire has released a statement on the Natural Gas odor that was noticed around Williamsport City and Old Lycoming Township.  According to the bureau, the odor is a result of a natural gas line repair that caused technicians to bleed the gas off a 24 inch main line.  The repair is complete and there is no concern needed by the public.  The smell of natural gas may still be in the atmosphere today because of the current weather conditions and air quality level. There is no danger to the public but if you do have concerns, contact the fire department (570) 327-1536.

SPORTS

MLB
National League Championship Series
Phillies 10           Diamondbacks 0  – PHL up 2
MLB Tonight
American League Championship Series
Houston Astros @ Texas Rangers Game 3 – 8:03pm FS1
MLB Thursday
National League Championship Series
Philadelphia Phillies @ Arizona Diamondbacks Game 3 – 5:07pm TBS
American League Championship Series
Houston Astros @ Texas Rangers Game 4 – 8:03pm FS1

NHL Tonight

Pittsburgh @ Detroit 7:30pm TNT
NFL Thursday
Jacksonville Jaguars @ New Orleans Saints 8:15 Prime Video
NFL Sunday
Buffalo @ New England  1pm CBS
Washington @ New York Giants 1pm
Steelers vs LA Rams 4:05pm Fox
Chiefs vs LA Chargers 4:25pm CBS
Miami Dolphins @ Philadelphia Eagles 8:20pm NBC
*Jets have a Bye

NCAA Football Saturday
Penn State @ Ohio State noon FOX
PIAA HS Soccer

Boys

S. Williamsport  2         Montgomery 1
Wellsboro 3                   Hughesville 1
Milton 6                         Warrior Run 0
Central Mountain 2       Mifflinburg  1
Midd-West 6                  Bloomsburg 0

Girls

Crestwood 5                  Williamsport 2
NP Mansfield 5              Montgomery 3
Shikellamy 7                  Loyalsock 1
Milton 4                         Selinsgrove 1
Danville 5                      Millville 2
Central Columbia 11     Mount Carmel 2
Troy 5                            Towanda 2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 17, 2023

TWO IN CUSTODY AFTER POLICE INVESTIGATE METH RING

The Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement unit assisted police in taking two men into custody after an investigation led to a confidential informant assisting police in a drug ring that was discovered in August of this year.  According to North Central PA dot com, 29 year old Dondre Terrell McMillan and 35 year old Rashaun Fleming were allegedly running a methamphetamine and marijuana distribution chain.  Fleming was under investigation in August.   McMillan was ultimately caught October 12th for meeting an informant to purchase an ounce of methamphetamine and after the transaction, police attempted to stop him in a vehicle on I-180 in Williamsport.  McMillan fled police traveling over 100 miles per hour, crashing and then fleeing on foot until he was captured a short distance away.  He was charged with several felonies including aggravated assault, criminal mischief and escape. Both Fleming and McMillan were arrested in lieu of monetary bail.

CITY COUNCIL DELAYING CITY HALL VOTE AGAIN

There is still no decision on whether City Council will vote about the agreement of the sale of the former City Hall building on West Fourth Street in downtown Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, several members of the administration were not at the meeting, so there was no discussion on the matter.  Slaughter previously said that they await results of pending state and federal investigations, including a special audit from the Federal Transit Administration which influences their decision making timetable.  Get information by emailing; city clerk at city of Williamsport dot org.

GRANTS FOR CENTRE COUNTY FIRE SAFETY

The Shapiro administration and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources awarded a grant to a rural fire department in Milesburg.  According to  82nd Legislative District, Rep. Paul Takac, the grant provides $2,660 in funding to Citizens Hook and Ladder Company #1 to support their efforts to partner with DCNR combating wildfires and brush fires in Centre County, enhancing safety for residents in rural Pennsylvania.

UPDATE FROM FAMILY ON AIDEN WALLACE

There was another message shared Friday by Montoursville Area High School on behalf of the family of Aiden Wallace the student who was rescued after a fall during a field trip at Jacoby Park.  According to the Facebook post, they say Aiden continues to improve, as he is awake, recognizing family and responding appropriately and that they are reading cards and messages to him.  They say there is still a need to limit any visitors since his doctors at Geisinger feel it’s important to introduce that process slowly.   The family says they continue to feel gratitude for all the support, prayers and outstanding care Aiden has received.   

DEATH OF WILLIAMSPORT MAN RULED A HOMICIDE

The body of a Williamsport man that was found Friday near Interstate 80 has been ruled a homicide.  According to the Daily Item, the man identified Saturday as 19-year-old Kevin Cagle was found by police to have had a criminal record that included robbery,  simple assault, theft, disorderly conduct, possession of marijuana and more.  The Montour County Coroner’s office has not released any more information about the investigation at this time, but if you have information surrounding  Cagle’s case, contact State Police at Milton or Montoursville.

MAN FLEES POLICE FACES CHARGES IN SELINSGROVE

A man who fled the scene of an accident in Shamokin Dam is facing several charges in Northumberland County court.  According to State Police in Selinsgrove say 30-year-old Levi Swancer crashed at the intersection of Routes 11 & 15  September 30th around 1am  – after the police pursued him for speeding.  He failed to negotiate a left hand turn and hit a curb in the area, ending up in a parking lot with damage and attempted to flee again.  Swancer was charged for fleeing as well as driving while his license was suspended or revoked.

RENOVATION OF CONTROL TOWER AT AIRPORT COMPLETE

The renovation of the control tower at Williamsport Municipal Airport is complete and the airport authority members expressed their approval with the project done by Lundy Construction.  According to the Sun Gazette, interior construction, installation of new windows, and the fire alarm system was upgraded and payment was approved for just over 200 thousand dollars which is derived from CARES Act funding. Another part of the project under consideration is to expand Montour Street to the airport to bring another access road to the airport, and Airport authority director Richard Howell said there is a meeting to consider the new road next week.

SUNBURY POLICE TO HOLD MEET AND GREET

One of several scheduled “Meet the Police” events will take place in Sunbury beginning tonight at Lincoln and Memorial Drive where police will be under a tent from 5 til 7pm so they can talk with residents.  According to the Daily Item, Acting Sunbury Police Chief Travis Bremigen said the new initiative is in place to bridge the gap between the police and the community and also allow those with concerns or issues to share them with law enforcement.  Other “Meet the Police” events will take place October 21st from 9am til noon in the 400 block of Market Street and on October 28th from 6 til 8 p.m. at Front and Chestnut streets.  The October 28th event will be like a trunk or treat where children can dress up and the public can decorate their vehicles – with prizes from the officers for their Top 3 favorite cars.

SPORTS

MLB
Philadelphia Phillies beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3 to win Game 1 of the National League Championship Series on Monday night.

American League Championship Game 2
Rangers 5  Astros 4

NFL  Monday Night Football

Cowboys 20       Chargers 17

PIAA HS Soccer
Boys
Benton 3                       Muncy  2
Central Columbia 2     Lewisburg 0
Southern Columbia 4  Midd-West 2 

Girls
Muncy  6                       Wellsboro 0
Warrior Run 3               Berwick 1
Williamson 3                 NE Bradford 2
Shamokin  6                  Lourdes Regional 2
Wyalusing  2                  Athens 0
Southern Columbia  4    Benton 3
Midd-West 2                  Central Mountain 0

PIAA HS Girls Tennis
Sarah Buck of Hughesville captured the victory over Jersey Shore’s Peyton Dincher at the District 4 singles Tennis Championship Game in three sets 6-3, 6-8, 6-3.

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