Hepburn Twp. Vol. Fire Co. Open House
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 6, 2024
COUPLE ARRESTED FOR CHILD ENDANGERMENT
Police responded to a 911 call from neighbors who said two people were drunk and arguing outside their home August 25th before they fled with a child in their vehicle. According to the Sun Gazette, police say they stopped 33 year old Janelle Renzo and boyfriend 38 year old Kenneth Frey III after a short pursuit from Broad Street to the Jersey Shore High School parking lot. Renzo was arrested after failing field sobriety tests and Frey resisted arrest, attempting to assault the officers on the scene – and was ultimately subdued with pepper spray. Both were charged with multiple charges, including DUI, felony fleeing and child endangerment for Renzo, and Frey was charged with felony aggravated assault, resisting arrest and more. Both are free on bail.
PROVISIONAL BALLOTS IN BUTLER COUNTY ARE VALID
In a lawsuit from Butler County over the rejection of two mail-in voters ballots for not using the secrecy envelope and then rejecting their provisional ballots on Elections Day, the Commonwealth court decided yesterday that provisional ballots in the case are valid. According to the Sun Gazette, this means that when a voter’s ballot is rejected for mistakes like an incorrect date, or forgetting the date on the outside of the envelope, they can cast a provisional ballot – which are separated from regular ballots and used when election workers need more time to determine the voter’s eligibility to vote. About 21,800 mail ballots were rejected in the general election of 2020, out of about 2.7 million mail ballots cast in Pennsylvania.
CITY MAYOR CHOSEN FOR FEDERAL LEADERSHIP GROUP
Williamsport’s Mayor Derek Slaughter has been chosen to be part of a 15-member class of inductees as part of a national network of Democratic state and local elected officials called NewDEAL, which stands for Developing Exceptional American Leaders. According to new deal leaders dot org, mayor Slaughter was chosen with one other Pennsylvanian, Rachael Heisler, a City Controller from Pittsburgh. New DEAL leaders have found broad bipartisan support since its inception, while working to build a more prosperous and equitable future. Find out more at The New DEAL on Facebook.
“FARM SHOW MILKSHAKE” IS TRADEMARKED NOW
Pennsylvanians know Farm Show milkshakes are a thing, but now it’s official with the state Department of Agriculture who won a recent lawsuit to legally use a trademark for the popular dairy treat. According to WHP, with the trademark “Farm Show Milk Shake”, the Dept. of Agriculture and PA Dairymen’s Association agreed to an exclusive 10-year license to use the trademark with the possibility of renewal, the state will also receive 2% of gross milkshake sales made outside of the PA Farm Show.
MAN ON SKATEBOARD KILLED IN ELYSBURG ACCIDENT
A man skateboarding at 10pm in Elysburg was struck and killed by a tanker truck near the intersection of West Valley Avenue, Route 487, and Spruce Street. According to the News Item, authorities from the Northumberland County Coroner’s office pronounced the victim dead at the scene but have not yet released his name or his age. Ralpho Township police say the victim exited Spruce Street and rode into the path of a 2012 Peterbilt tanker truck on West Valley Avenue driven by 54 year old Ramon DeJesus of Shamokin. Police impounded the tanker to allow the state police forensics unit to complete the investigation.
LABOR DAY CRASH RESULTS
The PA State Police have released the statistics of the Labor Day weekend enforcement results. According to PA State Police, total vehicle crashes from 2023 to 2024 decreased from the same time last year, but DUI arrests were equal from the year before, at 514 for the weekend period between August 30th to September 2nd. The incidents investigated by Pennsylvania State police for Labor Day 2024 include 580 crashes, five of them fatal with 6 people being killed and 170 injuries. Three of the fatal crashes were DUI related. Get more statistical information online at pa.gov.
CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSPECTION EVENT IN DANVILLE
Geisinger Danville will hold a child safety seat inspection and used seat collection event. According to the Daily Item, PennDOT, Safe Kids PA Susquehanna Valley Partner, State Farm and the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital welcomes the public next Thursday September 12th on the second floor of the Geisinger Woodbine parking garage.. The collection of child seats is for those that are unsafe with expired, broken, or rusted parts, are on a recall list, or have been involved in a serious crash. Those interested in a safety inspection can come September 12th from 5 to 7pm.
YAW, HAMM, HOST A SENIOR EXPO COMING TO MONTOURSVILLE
The annual Senior Expo hosted by State Senator Gene Yaw and State Representative Joe Hamm will scheduled for Thursday September 19th at the Community Baptist Church, on Route 87 in Montoursville. More than 75 exhibitors will be there from 9:30am til 1pm to provide the most current information on state programs and federal services available to Pennsylvania’s older residents. Senator Yaw says the event will provide seniors with a “one-stop resource” for information for services that may be free of charge or available at a reduced cost. The public is encouraged to also bring unused and expired prescription medications to deposit in a Prescription Drug Take-Back Box, provided by the Lycoming County Sheriff’s Office. Get information about the senior expo at senator gene yaw.com.
SPORTS
PIAA D4 Soccer
Girls
Milton 4 Williamsport 0
Central Columbia 1 Hughesville 0
Line Mountain 4 Midd-West 0
Muncy 2 Millville 1
Loyalsock 4 Jersey Shore 0
East Juniata 2 Mifflinburg 0
South Wmspt 9 Sullivan County 1
Bloomsburg 4 Dallas 1
Boys
Williamson 1 Athens 0 (2OT)
Norry Christian 2 Selinsgrove 1
Central Columbia 2 Warrior Run 1
Wellsboro 4 North Penn-Liberty 1
Danville 2 Bloomsburg 2 (2OT)
NE Bradford 3 Troy 0
Midd-West 7 East Juniata 0
Towanda 6 Galeton 0
Juniata 2 Shikellamy 1
HS Football Thursday
Wyalusing 13 Wellsboro 0
HS Football Friday night BYB Game O’ Week Hughesville @ Loyalsock 6:30 pre-game/7pm Kick
MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters 5 Trenton Thunder 4
Cutters capture their first MLB Draft League Championship and 1st League Title since 2003
MLB
Reds 1 Astros 0
Phillies 5 Marlins 2
Pirates 9 Nationals 4
Rockies 3 Braves 1
MLB Today
Yankees vs Cubs 2:20pm
Nationals vs Pirates 6:40pm
Rays vs Orioles 7:05pm
Reds vs Mets 7:10pm
Phillies vs Marlins 7:10pm
Guardians vs Dodgers 10:10pm
NFL
Chiefs 27 Ravens 20
NFL Tonight
Green Bay Packers @ Philadelphia Eagles 8:15pm Peacock
NFL Sunday
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons 1pm FOX
Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills 1pm CBS
Minnesota Vikings vs NY Giants1pm
Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns 4:25pm FOX
NASCAR Sunday
Quaker State 400 available at Walmart Atlanta Motor Speedway
2pm Pre-race/3pm Green flag Racing
Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network WILQ HD3
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 5, 2024
POLICE SEEK WANTED MAN WHO GAVE FALSE ID TO POLICE
Witnesses reported to police four individuals walking along Bloomingrove Road Wednesday morning around 5am wearing all black clothes. Lycoming Regional Police investigated but did not locate any suspects, However, officers did later locate and question the four people who admitted to be the ones walking along Bloomingrove road that morning when they were later seen in the 3300 block of Lycoming Creek Road in Old Lycoming Township. Police later learned that one of the four was a man who was wanted on warrants in two states and had falsely identified himself to police. His name is Matthew A Ringheiser. If you have information about this suspect, call Lycoming Regional Police Department at 570-323-4987 or submit a tip on Lycoming.Crimewatchpa.com.
PEDESTRIAN STUCK NEAR ELYSBURG
A pedestrian was struck yesterday in Elysburg and emergency personnel responded to the wreck. According to the Daily Item, the unidentified person was hit around 10 pm at West Valley Avenue, which is Route 487, near the intersection with Spruce Road. Route 487 was shut down from Bottle Drive to Route 54, or S. Market Street. No word on the condition of the pedestrian victim.
WRITE-IN NAMES MUST BE SPELLED CORRECTLY TO COUNT
A Union County commissioner made a motion this week at a public meeting to return to a pre-2023 practice that would allow election officials to interpret misspellings on write-in candidate’s names, however it was not seconded or carried. According to the Daily Item, moving forward in elections in Union County, the only way to accumulate votes as a write-in candidate now, is to have the candidate’s name spelled 100 percent correctly on the ballot. According to the Election code, a person who believes a vote was written for them can petition the court within five days after the certification of the county board. The general election is coming up November 5th.
WASD RECOGNIZING WAHS ALUMNI THIS MONTH
Three Alumni from Williamsport Area High School have been selected to receive the 2024 Distinguished Alumni awards. According to the Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation the second Cherry & White Appreciation Night will be held September 19th in downtown Williamsport with former Millionaires to be recognized including; Frances Tipton Hunter, from the Class of 1914 who will receive the award posthumously, John Maietta ’67 with the Distinguished Alumni Humanitarian Award for his military service and more and Joe Person of the class of ’88, will be given the award for his career as a collegiate football player and professional sports writer. For more information go to www.wasdeducationfoundation.org.
STATE POLICE IN MANSFIELD INVESTIGATING GUN THEFT
Several guns and pieces of jewelry were stolen from the home of an elderly woman in Tioga County and State police are investigating. According to North Central PA dot com, Troopers from Mansfield responded to the report of a theft of items from the home at the 1000 block of Mulberry Hill Road, Richmond Township. The guns in question include a Springfield Arms Company .22 caliber bolt action rifle with blonde stock and a Henry Gun Company lever action rifle with walnut-colored stock. The two rings are from Williamson High School in 1959 and 1964. Call Mansfield State police if you have information 570-662-2151.
CITY MAN TURNS HIMSELF IN FOR DEFRAUDING NEIGHBOR
A man from Williamsport turned himself in after he says he defrauded an elderly neighbor of several thousand dollars so he could gamble. According to North Central PA dot com, 61 year old Lorenza Petrella told the Lycoming Regional Police that he intentionally lied to his 96 year old neighbor to obtain money. Saying that he needed cash to pay bills or repair lawn equipment, but he used it for skills games and other gambling between August of 2022 and July of 2024. Petrella was charged with financial exploitation of an older adult and theft by deception. He was released on 15 thousand dollars bail.
PUBLIC ASKED TO TAKE PENNDOT SURVEY ON EV CHARGING
PennDOT and the Shapiro Administration as they work on deployment of federal electric vehicle charging investments, the public is invited to submit feedback on the agency’s proposal to invest in a charging infrastructure in communities statewide. The survey can be found at penndot.pa.gov and will remain available until October 11th. The 2024 NEVI State Plan Update to the Federal Highway Administration outlines progress on the EV program and how the remaining $102 million in funding will be used.
PUBLIC TROUT UNLIMITED MEETING AND PICNIC NEXT WEEK
The Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited invites the public to a picnic and outdoor meeting at the Trout Run Park Pavilion next Wednesday. According to the Sun Gazette, Susquehanna TU will hold the meet and greet and will present a demo on fishing from a kayak, providing some equipment to try. Food will be provided, but you can bring a dish to share Wednesday at 5:30pm. Get details and a map to Trout Run Park which is south of Trout Run and accessed from the old Route 15, at susquehannatu.com.
SPORTS
PIAA District 4 Soccer
Boy’s
Jersey Shore 2 Loyalsock 0
Montoursville 3 Danville 2
Muncy 3 Montgomery 0
Benton 4 South Williamsport 0
Selinsgrove 2 Hughesville 1
Girl’s
Montoursville 4 Danville 0
NE Bradford 5 NP Mansfield 2
Troy 4 Wellsboro 0
Girls Tennis
South Wmspt 3 Central Columbia 2
Loyalsock 5 Wellsboro 0
MLB Draft League
State College Spikes 16 Williamsport Crosscutters 3
MLB Draft League Championship Game
Williamsport vs Trenton @ Journey Bank Ballpark and Historic Bowman Field 6:35pm 1st pitch
MLB
Royals 4 Guardians 1
Phillies 4 Blue Jays 2
White Sox 8 Orioles 1
Marlins 4 Nationals 3
Mets 8 Red Sox 3
Cubs 12 Pirates 0
Rangers 10 Yankees 6
MLB Tonight
Astros vs Reds 1:10pm ESPN+
Phillies vs Marlins 6:40pm
Nationals vs Pirates 6:40pm
Rockies vs Braves 7:20pm
US Open
Women’s Tennis
*Jessica Pegula (puh GOOL a) pulled off a major upset of 1st seed Iga Swiatek (schvee AH tek) at the US Open 6-2, 6-4 on Wednesday night to win a Grand Slam quarterfinal for the first time in 7 tries.
Her win guarantees the US Open will feature multiple American men and women in the semifinal round, the first time that has happened since 2003 (Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick; Lindsay Davenport and Jennifer Capriati).
Men’s Tennis
* Top-ranked Jannik Sinner playing for Italy got to the US Open semifinals for the first time by getting past 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev of Russia 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 6-4 and will go up against No. 25 Jack Draper of Britain on Friday for a berth in the title match
* The other semifinal Friday will be No. 12 Taylor Fritz vs. No. 20 Frances Tiafoe in the first all-American men’s matchup at this stage at a major in 19 years.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 4, 2024
MAN ARRESTED FOR EXTORTING DUBOISTOWN COUPLE
A former Montgomery man was arrested for attempting to extort a Duboistown couple who tried to help him. According to the Sun Gazette, police say 66 year old Glenn Stephens III, who was given help along with a place to stay after he had lost a job, continued to stay at the couple’s property for several months without paying until he was asked to leave. Police say he then sent numerous emails in August threatening to call the police on the people who helped him unless they gave him 25 hundred dollars in cash. South Williamsport Police apprehended Stephens and he was arraigned, then committed to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 15 thousand dollars bail.
MISSING MONTGOMERY MAN FOUND
Police found the man from Montoursville who was reported missing Saturday. According to police, the public were asked to be on the lookout for 76 year old Robert E. Laudig who went missing after he was seen driving a Dodge Charger Hellcat near the 900 block of Broad Street in Montoursville. Police responded to several leads and reported Laudig safe and back home on Monday.
ROUTE 14 HAS TEMPORARY ROADWAY AROUND FLOOD DAMAGE
Route 14 in Trout Run, Lewis Township has reopened to traffic utilizing a temporary roadway that bypasses the damaged bridge that has been out of operation since severe flood waters came through August 9th. According to PennDOT, state leaders and industry partner were on hand this week to reopen the road that connects Route 14 to Lycoming Creek Road. PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said that replacingthe bridge is a top priority in the region and anticipates the bridge to be completed by next fall.
MILTON STATE TROOPER HONORED WITH PURPLE HEART
A Pennsylvania State Trooper in Milton and Benton native, Tpr. Logan C. Spiece was awarded the Pennsylvania State Police Purple Heart during an awards ceremony last week in Lancaster County. According to a news release, Trooper Spiece was shot while assisting Watsontown Police in a foot pursuit of 23-year-old Hunter Shaheen who was later prosecuted on attempted homicide charges in Northumberland County court. At the same ceremony, Lt. James Wagner of the Bedford State Police barracks, was named Trooper of the Year and also received the Purple Heart honors for bravery in the line of duty when he was shot outside the Lewistown barracks on June 17, 2023.
SUNBURY MAN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES
A man from Sunbury fled from police after they attempted a traffic stop on August 22nd, and was later arrested on drug charges. According to North Central PA dot com, Police say they spotted Jack Boyle driving with expired registration and as they attempted to stop him, he fled at a high rate of speed through Reagan Street, Eleventh Street, and Snydertown Road, at times topping 100 miles per hour. Police say Boyle stopped after he turned onto Black Mill Road. He was found with methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia and was charged with felony fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, misdemeanor DUI, and drug use/possession. He is jailed in lieu of 10 thousand dollars bail.
POLICE SEEKING SUSPECT IN RESTAURANT BURGLARY
Lycoming Regional Police are seeking a burglar who broke into a Cummings Township restaurant on Little Pine Creek Road over the Labor Day weekend. According to North Central PA dot com, police were called to Happy Acres Restaurant and Gift Shop about 8:30 September 2nd and saw that the business had a forced entry, but did not indicate whether anything was taken from the property. If you have any information about the early morning break-in, call Lycoming Regional Police Department at 570-323-4987 or online at Lycoming.crimewatchpa.com.
PPL GRANTS DISTRIBUTED TO NORTH CENTRAL PA COUNTIES
The second round of grants has been awarded by the PPL Foundation to several non-profits in our region. According to PPL Electric Utilities the grant program focuses on environmental stewardship, education, economic, and workforce development. Ten non-profits in Clinton, Lycoming, Union, Snyder, Columbia, and Montour counties will share over 90 thousand dollars. Recipients include Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity, Susquehanna Health Foundation, Clinton County Economic Partnership Foundation and American Red Cross and others. To apply for the 3rd round of grants supporting STEM Education go to www.pplcares.com by September 15th.
PICKLEBALL FUNDRAISER IN LOCK HAVEN
A pickleball tournament is to be held in Lock Haven Saturday September 8th at Hanna Park, in an effort to gather the community and start a conversation about future improvements to the facility. According to the City of Lock Haven, they are partnering with Lock Haven Area Pickleball for the event that will also serve as a fundraiser for the athletic group. 16 teams will play in a double elimination tournament until one winner stands. Hanna park is the next site in Lock haven slated for improvements, and feedback is needed to support grant applications in 2025
SPORTS
PIAA District 4 Soccer
Boys
Warrior Run 2 Williamsport 1
NP Liberty 2 Galeton 0
Southern Columbia 2 Milton 1
Central Columbia 1 Lewisburg 0
Girls
Williamsport 2 Danville 1
Mifflinburg 2 Loyalsock 1
South Wmspt 4 Williams Valley 0
Lewisburg 4 Selinsgrove 3
MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters 14 State College Spikes 4
MLB Draft League Tonight
Williamsport Crosscutters hosts State College Spikes at Journey Bank Ballpark & Historic Bowman field 6:35pm 1st pitch
MLB
Guardians 7 Royals 1
Orioles 9 White Sox 0
Nationals 6 Marlins 2
Phillies 10 Blue Jays 9
Mets 7 Red Sox 2
Pirates 5 Cubs 0
Rangers 7 Yankees 4
MLB Today
Phillies vs BlueJays 3:07pm
White Sox vs Orioles 6:35pm
Nationals vs Marlins 6:40pm
Red Sox vs Mets 7:10pm
Pirates vs Cubs 7:40pm
Yankees vs Rangers 8:05pm PrimeVideo
US Open Men’s Tennis
* Frances Tiafoe made it to the final four at Flushing Meadows when his quarterfinal opponent, Grigor Dimitrov, had an injury in the fourth set. Tiafoe was leading 6-3, 6-7 , 6-3, 4-1 when Dimitrov retired from the match.
* Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz are set up for an all-American semifinal at the US Open .
* This guarantees a US win for the men’s Grand Slam tournament for the first time in 18 years.
Women
* No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, from Belarus – last year’s US Open runner-up, defeated Qinwen Zheng 6-1, 6-2 and set up a semifinals clash with American Emma Navarro on Thursday.
NCAA Football Saturday 9/7
Bowling Green comes to (8) Penn State – noon /BTN
Tennessee tech vs (1) Georgia 2pm ESPN+
Northern Illinois vs (5) Notre Dame 3:30pm NBC/Peacock
Western Michigan vs (2) Ohio State 7:30pm/BTN
Spaghetti Dinner Benefit for Destiny Alexander
THE CLINTON TOWNSHIP VOL. FIRE COMPANY IS HOSTING A SPAGHETTI BENEFIT ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH FROM 4PM TO 7PM. SPAGHETTI DINNER TO BENEFIT CTVFC MEMBER DESTINY ALEXANDER WHO RECENTLY SUFFERED A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. DESTINY HAS MEDICAL EXPENSES AND WILL BE UNABLE TO WORK FOR SOME TIME. MEAL WILL INCLUDE SPAGHETTI, SALAD AND GARLIC BREAD. COST IS $10 PER PERSON.
Balls Mills United Methodist Church Fall Festival
BALLS MILLS FALL FESTIVAL AT THE BALLS MILLS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12TH FROM 11AM TO 5PM. CORNER OF BLOOMINGROVE ROAD AND ROUTE 973. COME EARLY AND ENJOY THEIR VENDORS AND HOMEMADE VEGETABLE OR HAM AND BEAN SOUP, FRENCH FRIES, HOT DOGS, SAUSAGE SANDWICHES, PULLED PORK, AND APPLE DUMPLINGS AND DESSERTS TOPPED OFF WITH THEIR FAMOUS HOMEMADE ICE CREAM.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 30, 2024
FLASH FLOODING IN LOCK HAVEN
A heavy thunderstorm struck Lock Haven last night with water rising to flood levels quickly in several spots around the area forcing emergency crews to rescue scenes in Lock Haven, Flemington and Mill Hall. According to the Lock Haven Express, the intersection of Bellefonte Avenue and Commerce Street was flooded, trapping motorists back to Spring Street. In Flemington, flash floods trapped residents in their houses who had to call for help. Some areas of Vesper and Water Streets were closed, along with flooding reported near the Bald Eagle Township Building. Some buildings on the CU Lock Haven Campus were affected by the storm as well. The Student Rec Center, Price Auditorium, and Himes will be closed until 10 am this morning with the elevator in Sloan closed until further notice. Report any campus flood damage by calling 484-2278.
SUNBURY MAN ARRESTED FOR STABBING ANOTHER
A Sunbury man was taken into custody Wednesday night after he allegedly stabbed a victim inside a building near the 900 block of Market Street. According to the Daily Item, Marquis McDowell faces felony aggravated assault, several misdemeanors including recklessly endangering another person after witnesses say the victim who had been in an agitated state had allegedly been arguing with McDowell throughout the day. They were treated at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville after the stabbing. McDowell is scheduled to be arraigned in Sunbury District court.
PENN DOT TO RESCHEDULE FOURTH STREET PAVING PROJECT
Due to inclement weather, the milling and paving that was expected to begin on Fourth Street between Route 220 in Woodward Township and Hillside Avenue in the City of Williamsport this week has been rescheduled for next week starting Tuesday, September 3rd during daylight hours. According to PennDOT, motorists should see single lane conditions with flagging in the work zone.
CUTTERS JERSEYS RAISE MONEY FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS
The Williamsport Crosscutters, Director of Smiles, Rhashan West-Bey, celebrated his half-birthday in June by being the face on the special jerseys worn by the players during a game with West Virginia, and they have now been auctioned off. According to the Crosscutters, Bower Electric sponsored the jerseys and the auction raised just over 45 hundred dollars for Lycoming County Special Olympics; for which Rhashan competes in the bowling category. He has been a morale booster for the Crosscutters for years – beginning a valuable working relationship with the team and a familiar face to guests at the park since 2002.
FATAL MOWING ACCIDENT IN WEST HEMLOCK TOWNSHIP
A man from Columbia County was killed from injuries sustained while mowing a lawn with a commercial mower on Wednesday. According to Milton State Police, 42-year-old Corey Harner was mowing a slope in West Hemlock Township when the machine overturned. The Montour County Coroner’s Officewas on the scene and authorities noted in the investigation that the mower’s safety roll bar wasn’t in the correct position at the time of the accident. Washingtonville Fire Department and Valley Township Fire Department assisted at the scene.
VICTIM IDENTIFIED IN ROUTE 405 CRASH AND FIRE
The single-vehicle accident that caused a house fire that closed Route 405 Wednesday after 7pm, killed a man from Lewisburg and sent his juvenile passenger to the hospital with injuries. According to State police at Milton, 49 year old Cornelius McMullen’s car ended up in the basement of a home at 4140 Route 405 after he crossed the center line of the roadway and hit the home owned by Ronald Specht, who was not injured in the accident. The male passenger was transported to Geisinger-Danville and is in stable condition. The impact of the accident in the basement of Specht’s home caused a fire to start that brought multiple companies. Route 405 between Route 45 and Housels Run Road reopened last after an investigation was completed by state police.
APPLICANTS SOUGHT FOR STATE TROOPER CADET CYCLE
There is a new application cycle starting for those interested in becoming a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper. According to a news release, Gov. Josh Shapiro suspended the educational requirement of 60 college credits last year and report a huge uptick in applications since last May. Applications for this round should be submitted via the employment.pa.gov by November 27th. Applicants who meet all eligibility requirements then move on to a qualifying written examination. Cadet training lasts approximately 28 weeks.
SULLIVAN COUNTY FAIR THIS WEEKEND
The Sullivan County fair kicked off this week and continues through the weekend with cow pie bingo and a demolition derby closing out the fair Sunday night at 6pm. Michelle Vera from Towanda was crowned as the Sullivan County Fair Queen. At the Forksville fair today, all horse pulls are cancelled due to the wet conditions on the track in the grandstand caused by the storm last night, but all other events will continue as normal. Admission is 8 dollars per person and children under 2 are free. Get information about the schedule and other exhibits at sullivancountyfair.org.
SPORTS
PIAA District 4
HS Football rained out last night between Canton and South Williamsport – Make up Game 10am Saturday 8/31
HS Football tonight 7pm kick-off
Delaware Valley vs Jersey Shore (6pm kick-off )
Williamsport @ Hazelton
Loyalsock @ Southern Columbia
Towanda @ Hughesville
Warrior Run @ Montgomery
Milton @ Montoursville
Wellsboro @ Muncy
MLB Draft League
Trenton Thunder 4 Williamsport 1
Cutters are back home tonight vs Mahoning Valley Scrappers 6:35pm first pitch
MLB
Mets 3 Diamondbacks 2
Reds 10 A’s 9
Phillies 5 Braves 4
Dodgers 6 Orioles 3
MLB Tonight
Braves vs Phillies 6:40pm
Cubs vs Nationals 6:45pm
Cardinals vs Yankees 7:05pm
Pirates vs Guardians 7:10pm
Mets vs White Sox 8:10pm ESPN+
Orioles Rockies 8:40pm
US Open
Men’s Tennis
Carlos Alcaraz’s 15-match Grand Slam unbeaten streak was over with a 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 loss to 74th-ranked
Botic van de Zandschulp. (BO-tick fon de SAHND shulp) at Arthur Ashe Stadium yesterday.
Women’s Tennis
Past US Open champion, Naomi Osaka, was sent home Thursday by Karolina Muchova 6-3, 7-6 NCAA FootballThis Week
Penn State @ West Virginia Saturday, August 31st noon FOX
Kent State vs Pitt Noon EspnU
Bucknell vs Navy Noon CBSSN
Notre Dame vs Texas A&M 7:30pm ABC
NASCAR Sunday
Cook Out Southern 500 Darlington Raceway, Darlington SC
5pm pre-Race coverage/7pm Green flag Racing
Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network/WILQ’s HD3
Hughesville Pop-Up Food Pantry
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 28, 2024
SNYDER COUNTY HOUSE FIRE TUESDAY
A morning fire brought Snyder County firefighters to a home on Blue Hill in Monroe Township yesterday just after 8am. According to the Daily Item, State police fire marshal on the scene deemed the fire accidental and that it originated and was contained to the attic space of the home at 1967 County Line Road. Hummels wharf fire officials say two adults escaped the blaze and were not injured. The fire was brought under control just before 8:30. Companies from Shamokin Dam, Selinsgrove, Point Township, Sunbury, Winfield, Lewisburg, Kreamer and Fremont also assisted with the fire.
COGAN STATION MAN CHARGED WITH ASSAULT AND DUI
A man from Cogan Station was taken into custody for a host of charges including DUI and assault on an officer, after he threatened a bouncer at a bar who witnessed him fight with a woman inside the business. According to the Sun Gazette, police say 22 year old James Nicholas Carr was seen with a machete by a witness before he aggressively pulled a woman out of a vehicle, and left with her moments later. After police responded to a 911 call, they located Carr and the woman on the first block of Maynard Street where they both behaved with belligerence. Carr was charged and taken to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 75 thousand dollars bail.
RECYCLING IN SUNBURY TO RAISE FUNDS
There is a recycling initiative in Sunbury to support the local skate park and assist a young community member in need. According to the Sunbury Mayor’s Office, event will take place on September 14 from 9 to noon at the Ice Rink parking lot, the proceeds of which will go towards medical treatment for Alec Litchard, a sixth grader at Shikellamy, who is bravely battling cancer. Residents are encouraged to recycle tires for $5 each and donate any type of metal. The proceeds from tire recycling will benefit the Sunbury Skatepark project. Participants are asked to let the city know how many tires you’ll be recycling for storage purposes. For information call (570) 286-7820, ext. 502.
DMV CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND
All Pennsylvania driver license and photo centers, including the full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed this Saturday through Monday in observance of Labor Day. According to PennDOT, the holiday closure doesn’t affect online products and services that are available 24/7. You can get driver training manuals, renew or restore your driver’s license, photo ID, and vehicle registration or do REAL ID pre-verification and driver exam scheduling at DMV.pa.gov.
MOTHER SON TEAM SUSPECTS IN DOLLAR STORE THEFT
Witnesses say it was a mother and son team who stole items from the Dollar Store in Muncy and fled the scene. According to State Police at Montoursville, the thefts allegedly took place August 24th at the store on Route 405, where Troopers were called in at about 1pm. Employees described the pair of suspects possibly as mother and son who drove from the store before law enforcement arrived. Police say almost 70 dollars-worth of items were stolen. If you have information about the incident, please contact State Police at Montoursville at 570-368-5700.
WILKES BARRE MAN FOUND GUILTY FOR EMBEZZELMENT
A man from Wilkes-Barre who embezzled funds from his employer to use for online sports betting was sentenced to two and a half years in prison and 3 years supervised release for wire fraud. According to WNEP, the US Attonrey’s office says 39 year old Lawrence Malachefski was the financial controller for a eastern PA HVAC business and took more than 1.5 million dollars between March and May of 2023. He pleaded guilty last April after a federal indictment. Malachefski is also ordered to pay $1,586,557.45 in restitution to the company.
APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN FOR DEP GRANTS
Schools, colleges, nonprofits, county conservation districts, and businesses are invited to apply for DEP’s 2025 Environmental Education Grants, after nearly $1 million has been made available for projects that are set up to engage the public about clean water and climate change. According to North Central PA dot com, a free program webinar will be held on Oct. 10, at 11:30am so that DEP staff can provide proposal tips and instructions for completing required application forms. Register by September 30th. Local, regional and statewide initiatives can receive up to 30 thousand dollars. Get details at DEP.pa.gov.
9/11 RIDE SET FOR PATRIOT DAY
The annual 9/11 Memorial Coalition is gearing up for their Memorial ride on Patriot Day that heads through 42 miles and 14 municipalities of Lycoming County to honor and remember over 3000 who died and those who then survived, on one of the darkest days in America’s history. According to the coalition, the plans for the annual T-shirt printing initially fell through and they had to seek donations for the first time in its 23-year history to make up for the shirt sales that support the coalition’s efforts. According to Tank Baird, early donations did allow the coalitions to order replacement shirts. On September 11th, thousands of riders roar across the county in a symbol of strength and unity. Participants must register for the free ride, and assemble at the Clinton Township Volunteer Company, 2311 Route 54, Montgomery starting at 10am.
SPORTS
MLB
Royals 6 Guardians 1
Cubs 9 Pirates 5
Phillies 5 Astros 0
Nationals 4 Yankees 2
Mets 8 Diamondbacks 3
Orioles 3 Dodgers 2
MLB Today
Cubs vs Pirates 12:35pm
Astros vs Phillies 4:05pm
Yankees vs Nationals 6:45pm
Mets vs Diamondbacks 9:40pm
Orioles vs Dodgers 10:10pm
MLB Draft League
Williamsport and Trenton tied 8-8 and the Cutters won in sudden death in Game 1 last night.
Williamsport Crosscutters stay in Trenton tonight for Game 2 of 3 – 7pm first pitch with live coverage at crosscutters.com.
Cutters are back home Friday vs Mahoning Valley Scrappers 6:35pm first pitch
US Open
Men’s Tennis
Carlos Alcaraz was given a scare by Australian qualifier Li Tu in the first round of the US Open yesterday before winning the match 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1
Women’s Tennis
Two-time champion Naomi Osaka made an impressive return to the tournament by beating
No. 10 Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 6-2 in a rare first-round clash between former major winners.
High School Football this week Thursday
Backyard Broadcasting Game of the Week
Canton vs South Williamsport
6:30 pre-game/7pm kick-off
NCAA Football This Week
Penn State @ West Virginia Saturday, August 31st noon FOX
NFL Week 1 Thursday, Sep 5
Ravens vs Chiefs 8:20pm NBC/Peacock
Friday, September 6
Packers vs Eagles 8:15pm Peacock
Sunday, September 8
Steelers vs Falcons 1pm FOX
Cardinals vs Bills 1pm CBS
Vikings vs Giants 1pm FOX
Dallas vs Cleveland 4:25pm FOX
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 27, 2024
PROBATION OFFICERS OBSERVE DRUG ACTIVITY, INFORM POLICE
Police in Shamokin have arrested a couple on drug charges August 15th after they were called to a home where probation officers saw paraphernalia and firearms in plain sight during a check. According to North Central PA dot com, police searched the home of 35 year old Robert D. Stewart, and 42 year old Crystal G. Bingaman, and along with drugs and packaging, found one of the multiple guns had been reported stolen to the Pennsylvania State Police in Stonington. Stewart and Bingaman were arrested on felony counts of possession of drugs with intent to deliver. Bail for Bingaman’s was set at $5,000. Stewart has yet to be arraigned.
DOMESTIC ARRESTS IN LEWISBURG
Police responded to a domestic dispute in progress in Lewisburg July 26th and now the couple both are facing charges in Northumberland County Court. According to North Central PA dot com, Buffalo Valley Regional Police were called during the early morning and interviewed 21 year old Alyssa Fogle, and 27 year old Liam Conner Schum, who had been fighting when police arrived. According to a police affidavit, Schum was observed to have visible injuries. Both he and Fogle were charged with misdemeanors of simple assault.
PA SENATE CONSIDERING HOSPITAL CHARGE TRANSPARENCY BILL
Local legislators who sponsored a bill to provide state-level oversight and require hospitals to maintain a publicly available list of standard charges, saw it easily pass in the PA House and will now see what the PA Senate will do with House bill 2339. According to the Daily Item, this bill is seeking to increase hospital pricing transparency requiring lists to be displayed in a prominent location on the home pages of hospital websites. At the time, Geisinger provides patients with documentation about avoiding billing surprises. Evangelical hospital offers a price estimator tool at evanhospital.com, under the for patients tab.
GAME COMMISSION SETS SUNDAY HUNTING DATES
Sunday hunting dates for 2024-25 have been announced by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The current law permits Sunday hunting on three days: once during rifle deer season, once during archery deer season, and an additional Sunday. Hunters should mark their calendars for November 17th, November 24th and December 1st. House Bill 2106 calling for an expansion of Sunday hunting in the state was introduced to the state legislature. Hunters can hunt all game in season on these days, except turkeys and migratory game birds.
DRUG CHARGES FOR LEWISBURG MAN
A man from Danville who was caught with over 600 grams of marijuana, suspected meth and drug paraphernalia in March, was recently arraigned and is expected to appear in Montour County District Court this afternoon. According to the Daily Item, 47 year old Thomas Kurland, is facing felony manufacture delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver and other misdemeanors. Kurland is being held in Montour County Prison in lieu of $20,000 monetary bail.
FEDERAL INDICTMENT FOR BRADFORD COUNTY MAN
A man from Columbia Crossroads in Bradford County was caught allegedly trafficking drugs with unauthorized firearms in May, and was recently indicted by a federal grand jury. According to North Central PA dot com, 32 year old Jamar McDowell was charged in the middle district of Pennsylvania for possession with intent to distrubute cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, mushrooms and marijuana, by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security, the Buffalo Border Enforcement Taskforce, Elmira Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police.
GRANT ALLOWS TREE PURCHASE FOR TURTLE CREEK PARK
Turtle Creek Park in East Buffalo Township will use grant funds to purchase trees for this fall and is looking for volunteers to help plant them. According to the Standard Journal, the 2024 Healing the Planet grant from The GIANT Company and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful will provide 24 hundred dollars for 40 4- to 7-foot-tall hardwood trees, as they continue to work to bring the park back to a more natural state. The funds were from when customers at Giant and Martin’s stores rounded up their total grocery bill. Turtle Creek Park was purchased by East Buffalo Township in 2022.
ALL HOME DAYS IN ELYSBURG
Elysburg will celebrate the 105th All Home Days this weekend with a parade, daily community breakfast and a festival with fireworks in Center Street Community Park going on Saturday through Monday. Enjoy the parade Saturday at 11, breakfast each morning at the park, and fireworks 9:15 Saturday night. The annual celebration started in 1919 to welcome World War I troops back home, but has since been expanded into a way to honor all veterans.
SPORTS
MLB
Royals 4 Guardians 3
Royals 9 Guardians 4
Cubs 18 Pirates 8
Phillies 3 Astros 2
Yankees 5 Nationals 2
The New York Yankees beat the Washington Nationals, 5-2 last night during which Aaron Judge singled in the ninth inning for career hit No. 1,000.
MLB Today
Cubs vs Pirates 6:40pm
Astros vs Phillies 6:40pm TBS
Royals vs Guardians 6:40pm
Yankees vs Nationals 6:45pm
Mets vs D’Backs 9:40pm
Orioles vs Dodgers 10:10pm ESPN+
US Open
Men’s Tennis
* Novak Djokovic is hoping to earn a record 25th Grand Slam title and tie Roger Federer with his 89th match win at the US Open, defeating Radu Albot of Moldova 6-2, 6-2, 6-4.
* Djokovic competed for the first time since claiming an Olympic gold medal three weeks ago at the Paris Games.
Women’s Tennis
*Coco Gauff opened her U.S. Open title defense by beating Varvara Gracheva 6-2, 6-0.
MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters are in Trenton tonight – 7pm Game 1 of 3.
Cutters are back home Friday vs Mahoning Valley Scrappers 6:35pm first pitch
NCAA Football This Week
Penn State @ West Virginia Saturday, August 31st noon FOX
NFL Week 1 Thursday, Sep 5
Ravens vs Chiefs 8:20pm NBC/Peacock
Friday, September 6
Packers vs Eagles 8:15pm Peacock
Sunday, September 8
Steelers vs Falcons 1pm FOX
Cardinals vs Bills 1pm CBS
Vikings vs Giants 1pm FOX
Dallas vs Cleveland 4:25pm FOX