THE HEPBURN TOWNSHIP VOL. FIRE DEPARTMENT IS HAVING PURSE BINGO ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30TH. DOORS OPEN AT 3PM, BINGO BEGINS AT 4PM. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TICKETS, CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE HEPBURNFIRE.COM AT THE EVENT SECTION, OR MESSAGE US ON FACEBOOK. THEY WILL HAVE MICHAEL KORS, COACH,VERA BRADLEY,AND KATE SPADE AS PRIZES, AND SIDE RAFFLES. FOOD WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE IN THE KITCHEN.
St. Lawrence Catholic Church Pancake Breakfast
ST LAWRENCE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 800 WEST CENTRAL AVENUE, SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, IS HAVING A PANCAKE BREAKFAST ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH FROM 8AM TILL 12:30. COST IS $10.00, CHILDREN UNDER 12 ARE FREE. WE WILL HAVE PANCAKES, SAUSAGE, SCRAPPLE, JUICE, COFFEE, TEA, AND SWEET TREATS.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 25, 2024
ASSAULT CHARGES FOR TWO WILLIAMSPORT WOMEN
Two women from Williamsport entered a home and allegedly assaulted two others who lived there. According to Williamsport Bureau of Police 22 year old Nahjay Ciarra Jackson and 25 year old An-Nisa Nichole Jones forced their way into a residence at the 600 block of Third Avenue during an argument October 16th. The victim tried to block the entry of the women, but then Jackson chased the victim inside before she escaped the home. Witnesses said she was hit several times by Jackson in the face and body while outside. A second victim was assaulted when she tried to break up the fight. Both Jones and Jackson are being charged with criminal trespassing, simple assault, and harassment and have been jailed in lieu of 15 thousand dollars bail.
WEST MILTON MOM ARRESTED FOR ARGUING ON CHILD’S BUS
A woman from West Milton is facing disorderly conduct charges after she entered her children’s school bus September 19th and shouted obscenities. According to State police at Milton, 37 year old Jennifer Lynn Reppert was allegedly angry that children got off the Union County bus without waiting for special needs children to exit first, and despite being told not to enter the vehicle, she did and became argumentative. Police say video surveillance is consistent with reports from witnesses. The woman also faces misdemeanor charges of unauthorized school bus entry. Her preliminary hearing is October 29th.
POLICE SEEK DRIVER IN MANURE SPILL
After the manure spill on Tuesday that shut down a lane of traffic and required plowing from PennDOT to clear it from I-180 west, police are seeking the identity of the driver who is responsible. According to the Facebook Page representing the Montoursville Police Department they have an image of the driver and are asking for help identifying him to they can question him about the spill that occurred near Indian Park at about 2:30pm. If you have information that could help the investigation, call 570-368-2488.
FEMA DEADLINE SOON FOR T.S. DEBBY VICTIMS
The deadline for flooding victims of Tropical Storm Debby to apply for assistance from FEMA is approaching. According to the SUN Gazette, after federal approval for assistance for individuals affected by Tropical Storm Debby on Aug. 9 or 10 in Lycoming, Potter, Tioga and Union counties the window for applications closes November 12th. The remaining Disaster Recovery Center is at the Valley Christian Church, 146 Maple St., Westfield. Officials remind homeowners to specifically check furnaces and other cold weather appliances that might have been damaged from the storm.
FUR FARM VANDALS MUST STAY IN PENNSYLVANIA
The two suspects from Massachusetts arrested for releasing hundreds of mink October 19th from a Northumberland County fur farm are in jail, but must stay in Pennsylvania if they post bail. According to the Daily Item, 25 year old Christopher Legere, and 27 year old Cara Mitrano, were charged with felony agricultural vandalism, criminal mischief, damage to property, cruelty to animals and more after they were apprehended at a traffic stop in Ralpho Township and questioned. This is the second act of vandalism at the Stahl Fur Farm in a year. Legere and Mitrano are due in court next week. An anonymous letter was posted to the website of the North American Animal Liberation Press Office claiming responsibility for the attack.
HURRICANE HELENE BENEFIT IN SUNBURY
A benefit to help victims of Hurricane Helene will be held in Sunbury on Saturday at Cameron Park. According to the Daily Item, the Hope for the Hills Benefit Concert will have free admission with area acts throughout the day from 10am til 10pm. Each band will be performing in partnership with a local business that is providing funding for their performance. There will be a basket auction and other opportunities to donate money and supplies for hurricane victims. Cameron Park is on Market Street. Found out more at “benefit for Hurricane Helene Victims” in Sunbury on Facebook.
DANVILLE FIRE POLICE MEMBER PASSES WHILE ON DUTY
A man from Danville who was a dedicated member of the Danville Fire Police passed away while working at a primary school Halloween event Tuesday night. According to WOLF, 95-year-old Robert Myers Sr was at the Danville Primary School’s trunk-or-treat event when a fellow officer found him unresponsive when he didn’t return from a break around 7:30pm. Bystanders attempted lifesaving efforts but were unsuccessful. Myers served as past president of the Goodwill Hose Company and had been with the Fire Police since 1975. He was predeceased by his wife and son, but is survived by another son and three daughters.
COAL BUCKET FOOTBALL IN MOUNT CARMEL WILL BRING CROWDS
Some high school football rivalry games will be played this weekend, including the Coal Bucket game between Shamokin Area, who are 9-0, and Mount Carme who are 7 and 2 after the last games of the regular season. Administrators from the schools say thousands of people are expected at the 73rd annual matchup with tickets available at the school through Friday at 1pm. Joseph Eroh, who played in the first Coal Bucket game in 1951, will participate in the ceremonial coin toss before the game Friday at 7pm at the Silver Bowl at Mount Carmel. WKMC’s YouTube channel will broadcast the game.
SPORTS
PIAA District 4
BYB HS Football Game of the Week
“Battle of the Bridge”Loyalsock vs Montoursville 6:30 pregame/7pm Kickoff
Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network
NFL Thursday Night Football
Rams 30 Vikings 20
NFL Sunday
Eagles vs Bengals 1pm CBS
Ravens vs Browns 1pm
Jets vs Patriots 1pm
Bills vs Seahawks 4:05pm FOX
Chiefs vs Raiders 4:25pm CBS
Cowboys vs 49ers 8:20pm NBC/Peacock
Monday Night Football 10/28
Giants vs Steelers 8:15pm ESPN /ABC
NHL
Red Wings 5 Devils 3
Panthers 3 Rangers 1
Avalanche 5 Utah HC 1
NHL Tonight
Islanders vs Devils 7pm ESPN+
Penguins vs Oilers 9pm ESPN+
NCAA Football
Pitt 41 Syracuse 13
NCAA Football Saturday
Notre Dame vs Navy 12pm ABC/ESPN+
Temple vs East Carolina 2pm ESPN+
Penn State vs Wisconsin 7:30pm NBC/Peacock
NASCAR Sunday
Straight Talk Wireless 400
1:30pm Pre-Race/2:30pm Green Flag
Top 8 drivers 1-Christopher Bell, 2-Kyle Larson, 3-William Byron, 4-Joey Logano, 5-Denny Hamlin, 6-Tyler Reddick, 7-Ryan Blaney, 8-Chase Elliot.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL OCTOBER 24, 2024
CHURCH FIRE ON WASHINGTON BOULEVARD
There were no injuries reported in a fire that broke out at the Calvary Baptist Church on Washington Blvd in Williamsport last night. According to the Sun Gazette, firefighters from Old Lycoming Township, Montoursville, Loyalsock Township and South Williamsport responded to the fast moving two alarm fire near Packer Street just after 8pm. Church members say they had just left the building from a Bible study when there was a scanner call about the blaze at the 135 year old building where witnesses say smoke was pouring from the basement. Fire was brought under control around 9:30pm but crews worked the hot spots after that.
EARLY VOTING COUNT
Early voting has brought about more than 1 million votes cast in Pennsylvania already. According to the Center Square, that as of 8am yesterday more than half of the 1.8 million ballots requested have been returned with more than 9 million residents of the Commonwealth registered to vote. The Department of State says ballots from Democrats total almost 650 thousand with 40 percent yet to be cast, from Republicans – just over 300 thousand ballots have come back with 57 percent unreturned. As far as Independent voters in Pennsylvania, there is a total of 1.4 million registered, making those supporting votes some of the most important in the General Election for PA. Voter registration was complete on Monday, October 21st.
ENERGY IMPROVEMENT FUNDS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Funding for energy improvements in the state have been secured thanks to the U.S Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America or REAP program. According to the Sun Gazette, US Senator Bob Casey confirmed that a portion of 24 million dollars in federal funds are earmarked for expansion for access to clean energy for farmers and small businesses in PA , including a 415 thousand dollar investment for the Pajama Factory to install a solar photovoltaic system which turns light into electric power. That installation could potentially save the business over 12 thousand dollars per year.
SEALANT SATURDAY COMING SOON
Penn College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic will hold their free clinic for children next month, dubbed “Sealant Saturday”. According to a press release from the college, Saturday November 9th volunteer dentists and dental hygienists will serve children and teens ages 7 to 18 – with appointments – for free education, oral screenings and sealants. Penn College has hosted sealant Saturday since 2003 and have given more than 1000 patients free care. Appointments can be made by calling 570-320-8007. Get information about the program online at www.pct.edu/dentalhygiene.
MUNCY WOMAN ARRESTED FOR HARRASSING MINORS
A Muncy woman was arrested for terroristic threats corrupting the morals of a minor, drug possession and more after she approached a group of juveniles offering to sell them marijuana and ended up threatening them. According to the Sun Gazette, police say 46 year old Trina Mae Bogart threatened and used racial slurs in front of the four youth on August 2nd along East Water Street. Bogart waived her preliminary hearing and posted 5 thousand dollars bail.
INMATE ASSAULTS ANOTHER
A 19 year old inmate at the Bradford County Prison is facing more charges after he kicked another man for allegedly stealing his commissary and bragging about it. According to North Central PA dot com, state police say Judah Nathias Porter of Troy kicked the victim who was doing pushups so hard it knocked him unconscious, with witnesses saying that there was no argusment or fight before the incident. Porter was originally jailed for a burglary charges in Towanda but now will be charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, and harassment. A judge set Porters bail at 85 thousand dollars.
CAMP MOUNT LUTHER REACHES FUNDRAISING MILESTONE
A Mifflinburg summer camp facility has announced that they have surpassed their goal of one million dollars in capital campaign funding while working on their challenge goal of 2 million dollars. According to a press release from Camp Mount Luther, donors, volunteers, congregations, and community partners helped reaise the funds planned to be used for facility improvements including a new bath house to be ready for summer of 2025. Camp facilities are used for retreats and other church, community, and civic group meetings, including fifth grade outdoor education in the Shikellamy and Midd-West School Districts. More information is available at campmountluther.org.
MAPLE PRODUCTS MAP AVAILABLE IN PA
A map showing where to find with Pennsylvania-produced maple products is now available online. According to the US Department of Agriculture funded the map to connect shoppers with the businesses that serve or sell local maple syrup and other maple items. Nearly 300 farms produce maple syrup for sale, and 790,000 trees are tapped in the Commonwealth. , Pennsylvania ranks sixth nationally in production. Get details at pa.gov under agencies – US Dept. of Agriculture – click on the map to find maple products by location or filter by county using the dashboard.
A map showing where to find with Pennsylvania-produced maple products is now available online. According to the US Department of Agriculture funded the map to connect shoppers with the businesses that serve or sell local maple syrup and other maple items. Nearly 300 farms produce maple syrup for sale, and 790,000 trees are tapped in the Commonwealth. , Pennsylvania ranks sixth nationally in production. Get details at pa.gov under agencies – US Dept. of Agriculture – click on the map to find maple products by location or filter by county using the dashboard.
SPORTS
PIAA HS Soccer Playoffs
Girls Class 2A
Hughesville 12 Montoursville 0
Cntrl Columbia 8 Loyalsock 1
Warrior Run 2 Bloomsburg 1
Troy 4 Williamson 0
Boys D6 Class 3A
Hollidaysburg 1 Central Mountain 0
Boys D2-4 Class 4A
Wilkes-Barre 2 Williamsport 1
NBA
Hawks 120 Nets 116
Magic 116 Heat 97
Bucks 124 76ers 109
Suns 116 Clippers 113
Warriors 139 Trail Blazers 104
NBA Tonight
Celtics vs Wizards 7pm
Spurs vs Mavericks 7:30pm TNT
Thunder vs Nuggets 10pm TNT
NHL
Capitals 6 Flyers 3
NHL Tonight
Devils vs Red Wings 7pm ESPN+
Panthers vs Rangers 7pm ESPN+
Avalanche vs Utah 9pm ESPN+
NFL Thursday Night Football
Vikings vs Rams 8:15pm PrimeVidMLB World Series
Game 1 Friday 8:08pm
Yankees vs Dodgers FOX
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 22, 2024
GAS LEAK IN WILLIAMSPORT
A gas leak brought firefighters and emergency crews to an address at the 400 block of East Third Street in Williamsport yesterday afternoon. According to the Sun Gazette, police say a tenant and a caretaker at the residence reported feeling ill and reported the leak just before 10am Monday. Officials found a leak in one of the multiple apartments there which temporarily displaced the tenant at that residence. The gas company and codes department were dispatched to the scene to investigate and initiate repairs. The two people declined medical treatment after saying they felt better after getting fresh air.
CO-DEFENDANT IN BRADFORD COUNTY MURDER PLEADS GUILTY
The woman involved with a couple from Bradford County who allegedly killed and attempted to cover up the murder of Michael Pruitt last April has made a plea deal in the case last Thursday and will testify against her co-defendants, Ronda and Terry Parker. According to North Central PA dot com, police say 37 year old Summer Lynn Heil of Harrisburg was charged with a felony count of hindering apprehension or prosecution along with several misdemeanors for being a witness to the alleged dismembering and burning of the victim’s body by Terry Parker on his property. The DA says that evidence supports the fact that Heil was not involved in the murder, only the aftermath. She is set to be sentenced in December.
BEAR CHECK STATION MOVED FOR THIS SEASON
After flood waters from Tropical Storm Debbie damaged the Trout Run Fire Hall this August, the bear check station that is normally held there for hunting season will be moved this year. According to the Sun Gazette, Hepburn Township Fire Hall will take over as the Bear check station for this year. Wildlife management officials from the Game Commission say hunters are required to bring in the bears they harvest within 24 hours. Early season started October 18th and regular bear firearm season is November 23rd & 24th. A total of 170 bears were harvested in Lycoming County last year and the public can see the bears up close and in person at each of the bear check stations.
PUBLIC INPUT REQUESTED BY CITY OVER RECREATION DECISIONS
There will be three public sessions this week in Williamsport as the City is seeking input about their 10-year parks and recreation plan. Two workshops will be held today about the Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Green Infrastructure Plan. The city Recreational Department will hold the first workshop at the JV Brown Library at 19 E. Fourth St from 11:30 til 1pm, and city officials will have the second at the YMCA at 641 Walnut Street from 4:30 til 6pm. A third workshop to address the pump track at Shaw Park will be Wednesday from 6 til 7:30pm at Trade & Transit II 144 West Third Street.
WHITE DEER TRAFFIC STOP YIELDS DRUG ARREST
A man from Monroe County was stopped in White Deer earlier this month and police found the equivalent of 350 bags of opioids and other drugs during a search. According to State police at Milton, Raheem Derron Wiggins-Smith was pulled over in his Chevy Malibu by Troopers October 4th around 11am when they observed criminal activity and obtained a search warrant. State police then confiscated seven bricks of heroin and fentanyl, as well as crack and powdered cocaine, and found Wiggins-Smith to have an arrest warrant out on him in Luzerne County. He was charged with three counts of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver and possession of drugs, was arraigned and jailed in lieu of 50 thousand dollars unsecured bail.
PEDESTRIAN HIT IN THE CITY
A Lewisburg man was arrested after police say he hit a pedestrian and drove away on October 13th in Williamsport. According to the Sun Gazette, witnesses say 22 year old Alec Matthew Reed made a high speed U-Turn at the dead end of an unnamed alley off of West Fourth Street in the city, and struck the victim. They were transported to UPMC Williamsport where they were treated for a broken neck. Reed was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, and reckless endangerment and is jailed in lieu of 50 thousand dollars monetary bail.
FUNDS FOR TIOGA COUNTY MANUFACTURING BUSINESS
1.5 million dollars in state funding has been given to a Tioga County box manufacturing plant for a continuing expansion. According to a press release from Senator Gene Yaw who advocated for the funding that Tyoga Container will use to expand and redesign their facility which at this time totals close to 265 thousand square feet. Executives from Tyoga Container, which was established as a family business in 1970, say they employ over 180 people in Tioga County with this being their thirteenth expansion project in the history of the company.
JV BROWN LIBRARY SEEKING NEW FRIENDS
The public is invited to join Friends of the James V Brown Library group this week during their 19th annual celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week, October 20th through October 26th. According to the library, it’s $20 dollars to join the Friends group that typically take on volunteering to sort books, plan book sales and assist with mailing from the library and more. Members also receive a bi-monthly newsletter, access to Friends-only previews and specials at the book store located in the Welch’s Children’s wing located on the third floor of the library at 19 E. Fourth Street. Get more details at jvbrown.edu.
SPORTS
PIAA D4
Class 2A Boys Soccer Playoffs
Loyalsock vs Williamson 4pm @ Williamson
Lourdes Regional vs Milton 6pm @ Milton
NP Liberty vs Warrior Run 6pm @ Warrior Run
D4 Class A Girls Soccer Playoffs
Meadowbrook Christian vs Wyalusing @ Wyalusing 4pm
Sullivan County vs Montgomery @ Montgomery 4pm
NFL Monday Night Football
Ravens 41 Buccaneers 31
Cardinals 17 Chargers 15
NFL Thursday Night Football
Vikings vs Rams 8:15pm PrimeVid
NHL Monday Night
Maple Leafs 5 Lightning 2
NHL Tonight
Capitals vs Flyers 6pm ESPN
Lightning vs Devils 6:45pm ESPN+
Rangers vs Canadiens 7:15pm ESPN+
Red Wings vs Islanders 7:45pm ESPN+
Penguins vs Calgary Flames 9:30pm ESPN+
NBA Tonight
Knicks vs Celtics 7:30pm TNT
Timberwolves vs Lakers 10pm TNTMLB World Series
Game 1 Friday 8:08pm
Yankees vs Dodgers FOX
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 21, 2024
ANOTHER MINK RELEASE IN ROCKEFELLER TOWNSHIP
Two people have been arrested for releasing 200 minks from Stahl Fur Farm in Rockefeller Township, Northumberland County According to the state police, 2 residents of Massachusetts were arrested Thursday for the crime committed overnight at the fur farm which was seen on video surveillance footage. Suspects, 27-year-old Cara Mitrano and 25-year-old Christopher Legere are being held and awaiting arraignment at Northumberland County prison. They are being charged with agricultural vandalism, criminal mischief, theft by unlawful taking, cruelty to animals, burglary, and criminal trespass. This incident is similar to the release of mink last September at the same location, but no arrests have been made in that case.
WARRANT OUT FOR 70 YEAR OLD WHO SOLD DRUGS TO INFORMANT
There is a warrant out for a 70 year old man from Williamsport who police say sold drugs to an undercover informant two times earlier this year. According to the Sun gazette, Leonard Brooks of West 4th Street is facing felony charges of possession of narcotics with intent to deliver, after an undercover officer said he exchanged money for crack cocaine once last April and another time in May. The charges were filed last week in Williamsport which also included two charges of criminal use of a communication facility.
PRISON ESCAPEE LOST RIGHT TO APPEAL
The man who escaped from the Chester County Prison only to be captured 2 weeks later, has lost his appellate rights after the case came to trial while he was missing from law enforcement. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Danilo Cavalcante escaped from custody shortly after he was incarcerated and the 30 day window for an appellate review expired before his attorney could file the appeal to his first-degree murder conviction in Superior Court. Cavalcante remains jailed, serving his life sentence at SCI Greene – south of Pittsburgh. After his capture in August he pleaded guilty to escape, burglary, and firearms violations and must serve an additional 15 to 30 years in state prison.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE FOR NOVEMBER 5TH
Today is the deadline to register to vote in the November 5th General Election in Pennsylvania. You are eligible to register to vote if you have been a citizen of the US for a month, and a resident of Pennsylvania and the election district in which you’ll vote for 30 days, and be 18 years old on November 5th. You can register in person, online or even at the DMV. You must provide identification like a PA driver’s license, a PennDOT ID card number or the last four digits of your social security number. Lycoming County residents should go to lyco dot org under voter services for information about registering to vote and polling locations.
MOUNT CARMEL FIRE SUNDAY
There was a two-alarm fire in Mount Carmel last night that damaged multiple residential properties. According to the Standard Journal, the fire at 145 S. Chestnut St was called in before 9:45 p.m. Sunday. It took about 45 minutes to have the fire under control but fire officials say they worked inside and outside at the Chestnut street residence to extinguish hot spots until after midnight. No civilian injuries were reported in the fire but Mount Carmel fire officials say one firefighter was evaluated for suspected exhaustion.
FATAL ACCIDENT IN MAINESBURG
A 75 year old man from Mainesburg was killed in an accident last Wednesday along Route 6. According to state police Ronald Padleski was pulling off from the side of Route 549 in his Jeep, about to turn left onto Route 6 east, when he was hit by a tractor trailer traveling west on Route 6, driven by 58 year old Patrick Powers of Mansfield. Police say Padleski was wearing his lap and shoulder belt, but was taken to UPMC in Wellsboro where he died from his injuries. An investigation has been opened about the crash.
FUNDING FOR POLE BARN AT HUGHESVILLE FAIRGROUNDS
Funding has been approved by the Lycoming County Commissioners for the construction of a 6,000-square-foot pole building for housing animals at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds in Hughesville. According to North Central PA dot com, the 260 thousand dollar grant contract was approved with the Lycoming County Fair Association to use American Rescue Plan Act Funds to build the barn that will be used during showmanship competitions and livestock exhibitions. Two buildings in the agriculture area will come down to make room for the new facility. It may then also be used during the off-season for a farmer’s market.
MITTEN TREE EVENT IN LAURELTON
The West End Library in Laurelton is holding a mitten tree event. According to the library’s social media pages, beginning Thanksgiving week, the facility will be collecting children’s hats, scarves, and mittens or gloves for the mitten tree that is available during library hours at their 45 Ball Park Road location. The collecting of warm clothes for kids will go on two weeks through December 17th. The donations will then be given to the Mazeppa Manna Food Pantry. Get details at unioncountylibraries.org.
SPORTS
NFL Sunday
Commanders 40 Panthers 7
Jaguars 32 Patriots 16
Bills 34 Titans 10
Bengals 21 Browns 14
Lions 31 Vikings 29
Eagles 28 Giants 3
Chiefs 28 49ers 18
Steelers 37 Jets 15
NFL Monday Night Football
Ravens vs Buccaneers 8:15pm ESPN/ABC
Chargers vs Cardinals 9pm ESPN+
MLB
NLCS Game 6
Dodgers 10 Mets 5 LA wins series 4-3
* On Saturday , Yankees defeated the Guardians (5-2) in the American League Championship Series and face the Dodgers in the World Series starting Friday October 25th on FOX
NHL
Jets 6 Penguins 3
Avalanche 4 Sharks 1
Kings 4 Ducks 1
NHL Tonight
Lightning vs Maple Leafs 7:30pm NHL Network
NASCAR
South Point 400 Las Vegas Motor Speedway
* Joey Logano got the checkered flag, Christopher Bell 2nd, Daniel Suarez 3rd, William Byron 4th, Alex Bowman Rounded out the top 5.
*Top 4 Drivers head to next round – Logano (locked into the Championship 4 positon), Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson, William Byron.
*2 Races remain in the round of 8 including drivers Denny Hamlin, Tyler Reddick, Ryan Blaney, and Chase Elliot.
WNBA Finals
NY Liberty 67 MN Lynx 62 /OT 3-2
NY claims their first WNBA title
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 18, 2024
TWO JUVENILES ACCUSE MONTOURSVILLE MAN OF SEXUAL ASSAULT
A Montoursville man is facing charges after two underage victims came forward alleging sexual abuse in two separate incidents. According to the Sun Gazette, in 2019 and 2022 34 year old Joshua Joseph Kutza had inappropriate contact with minors who were 12 years old at the time, one of which was told by Kutza to be quiet about the abuse or he would cause problems with her family, the other reported through a child line report by a school counselor in whom the victim confided. The man is entitled to be free on bail but has been given stringent conditions by the judge, including being required to wear a GPS monitor and adhering to exclusion zones near the victims and an order of no contact with victims, witnesses or other minors.
COUNTY INMATE ASSAULTS CORRECTIONS OFFICER
A Lycoming County Prison inmate from Williamsport is facing charges after assaulting a corrections officer last month and allegedly causing a concussion . According to North Central PA dot com, county detectives say 24 year old Bruce Edward Kane fought with a cellmate September 13th and when officers responded to remove Kane from the area, he struck and officer in the head injuring them. Kane was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, and resisting arrest and has bail set at 25 thousand dollars monetary. Kane was originally jailed for defiant trespassing and reckless endangerment charges last year, according to court records.
LUZERNE COUNTY SETTLES BALLOT PAPER SHORTAGE LAWSUIT
The two voters who filed a Lawsuit in Luzerne County in March of 2023 over a ballot paper shortage have settled the case with the county. According to the York Dispatch, Luzerne County will pay $30,000 for litigation expenses and will train election workers after ballot paper shortages caused problems during the 2022 election and kept voters from casting ballots in Freeland and Shickshinny polling places. The suit, filed in federal court in Scranton stated that there was chaos on Election Day that was preventable, and required judges to extend poll hours and delay the report of election results from 16 of Luzerne’s 143 polling locations. In June of 2023, the Luzerne County District Attorney reported that the investigation found no evidence of criminal activity or purposeful efforts to prevent voting.
UMC TO PERFORM AT COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER IN NOVEMBER
The Uptown Music Collective is ready to kick off the 2024-2025 performance season next month and announced that tickets sales have begun for Midnight Train to Memphis: A Tribute to Modern Country . The Collectives’ Special Performance Group , which consists of UMC students aged 13 to 18, will perform the music of as Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, Tyler Childers, Taylor Swift and other in partnership with UPMC North Central Pa and UPMC Health Plan. Get tickets for the November 8 and 9th 7:30pm performance through the Community Arts Center box office and at caclive.com.
VICTIM LIFE FLIGHTED AFTER WINFIELD CRASH
A two vehicle accident on Route 15 tied up traffic for several hours Wednesday in Snyder county. According to the Daily Item, the crash near Winfield happened before 3pm and authorities say one unnamed person suffered critical injuries, requiring a Life Flight to Geisinger. Police remained on the scene for an investigation that shut down an area around Grangers Road in Winfield after the wreck. No other injuries were reported and additional details have not yet been released.
CANNABIS DISPENSARY TO OPEN IN WOODWARD TOWNSHIP
Approval was granted to a medical marijuana dispensary at the end of September to Terrapin, an Avis-based grower and processor of medical cannabis to open a local store. According to the Lock Haven Express, the Woodward Township Board of Supervisors have been considering the potential of the dispensary that is now expected to be housed at a vacant bank location in Lock Haven at 209 Woodward Avenue. The conditional use hearing occurred in August where concerns about and support for the project was discussed, which included concerns about security and the possibility of increased crime – but supporters said they have found Terrapin to be a responsible corporate partner and that a lock Haven company will provide security for the facility.
BRIDGE REPLACEMENT WORK NEXT WEEK
Watch for a bridge replacement project next week in Sullivan County on Route 487 in Cherry Township. According to PennDOT, starting Monday Route 487 will be closed between Old Bernice and Jackson Street/School Road while a contractor begins installation of the new bridge including removing the temporary bridge, paving, and setting of the guiderail. Drivers will see a detour in place using Old Bernice Road Route 220, and East Main Street or Route 87 through Friday, November 15th.
PENNVEST LOANS FOR MIDDLEBURG SEWER UPGRADES
Middleburg Borough in Snyder County will benefit from a low interest PENNVEST loan to rehabilitate its sewage collection system. According to the Standard Journal, the 1.2 million dollar loan will replace approximately 3,200 feet of aging sewer main with a new, 8-inch sewer main, and upgrade 25 sewer manholes in the municipality. Loans and grants from PennVEST, also went to municipalities in Juniata and Mifflin Counties for wastewater treatment plant upgrades. Each project is said to significantly improve water quality and public health in the region.
SPORTS
PIAA HS
Boys Soccer
Williamsport 2 Belefonte 2 /2OT
Lewisburg 4 Hughesville 0
MIdd-West 3 Montoursville 1
Girls Soccer
Muncy 5 Wellsboro 2
Hughesville 3 Lewisburg 2
South Wmspt 3 Midd-West 1
Cntrl Columbia 5 Milton 1
Selinsgrove 4 Warrior Run 1
Girls Volleyball
Altoona 3 Williamsport 0
HS Football Tonight
BYB Game of the week
Athens @ Muncy
6:30pm pre-game/7pm Kick-off
NFL
Broncos 33 Saints 10
NFL Sunday
Eagles vs Giants 1pm FOX
Chiefs vs 49ers 4:25pm FOX
Jets vs Steelers 8:20pm NBC/Peacock
MLB
NLCS Game 3
Guardians 7 Yankees 5 NY leads 2-1
ALCS Game 4
Dodgers 10 Mets 2 LA leads 3-1
MLB Today
Game 4 Yankees vs Guardians 8:08pm TBS
Game 5 LA Dodgers vs Mets 5:08pm FS1
NHL
Devils 3 Senators 1
Capitals 3 Stars 2
Blue Jackets 6 Sabres 4
Rangers 5 Red Wings 2
Blues 1 Islanders 0
Kraken 6 Flyers 4
NHL Today
Hurricanes vs Penguins 7pm NHL Net
WNBA Finals Game 4 Friday
Liberty vs Lynx 8pm ESPN
NASCAR Sunday
South Point 400 Las Vegas Motor Speedway 1:30pm Pre-Race/2:30pm Green Flag
Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network WILQ’s HD3