A five-hour tour through the pop, rock, and party hits of the 80s. The songs
and artists that defined the decade including Madonna, Pat Benatar, Phil Collins,
Michael Jackson, John Cougar Mellencamp, Hall & Oates, Huey Lewis & The
News, George Michael, Gloria Estefan, Cyndi Lauper, Heart, Billy Joel, Bangles,
Go-Gos, J. Geils Band, Culture Club, Prince, Pointer Sisters, Journey, and many
more. Feature artists, themes, and years highlight the fun accented with requests,
current info about the artists, and the 80s movie and TV quiz
Kent Jones
Totally Awesome 80s with Kent Jones
It’s a five-hour tour through the pop, rock, and party hits of the 80s. The songs and artists that defined the decade including Madonna, Pat Benatar, Phil Collins, Michael Jackson, John Cougar Mellencamp, Hall & Oates, Huey Lewis & The News, George Michael, Gloria Estefan, Cyndi Lauper, Heart, Billy Joel, Bangles, Go-Gos, J. Geils Band, Culture Club, Prince, Pointer Sisters, Journey, and many more. Feature artists, themes, and years highlight the fun accented with requests, current info about the artists, and the 80s movie and TV quiz.
About Kent:
A 45-year radio veteran, Kent’s career has taken him to New Jersey, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Oklahoma, and Washington. In the 80s, he hosted the award winning “Hit Magazine” on WTVN, Columbus. He went on to be morning personality and Program Director at Classic Hits stations in Indianapolis and Oklahoma City. He programmed the legendary Classic Hits KOMA for more than three decades, consistently achieving top-5 ratings. Kent was also named medium market Program Director of the year by Radio and Records magazine.
Kent now resides in Spokane, Washington where he manages 6 radio stations and hosts mornings on Classic Hits, KEYF (Key 101). Kent says, “The 80s was a decade that was really fun for me in radio. The music was great and life was good. We had great movies, classic video games, the advent of CDs, VCRs, and the personal computer revolution was just beginning. It was an exciting time and the music of the 80s brings it all alive again!”
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 29, 2023
HUGHESVILLE MAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT
A Hughesville man has been arrested for pointing a gun a woman who was visiting his Wistar Road home. According to North Central PA dot com, the accuser made a remark that upset 25 year old Dakota Michael Burke while he was searching for keys that he had lost inside the home. Police say he allegedly got a gun from his room and pointed it at the woman, telling her to leave. He was charged with simple assault, reckless endangerment and more and is jailed in lieu of 35 thousand dollars monetary bail.
CHARGES DROPPED AGAINST MILTON MAN
A Williamsport woman has chosen to drop the charges against a Milton man who allegedly assaulted her at a Newberry Estates apartment December 13th. According to the Sun Gazette, criminal charges against Dondre Glasper over the domestic incident, including terroristic threats, simple assault and criminal mischief were originally filed after Glasper allegedly kicked in the woman’s door at 2500 Federal Avenue and threatened her and her children. He will not face any charges about this particular disturbance.
AVIAN FLU THREAT CHANGES PA PHEASANT RELEASE SCHEDULE
Avian Flu was recently detected at one private Northumberland County farm, and as a result, the Game Commission has altered its upcoming pheasant release schedule for the Commonwealth. According to the PGC, there will be fewer pheasants released statewide for the next two weeks, but in the eastern part of the state, the final two releases will be combined this week with no releases next week. The Game Commission will continue to hold the hens and 5 percent of the roosters at Mahantongo Game Farm and continue testing for the HPAI. Get specific details about the pheasant release schedule at pcg.pa.gov.
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTDOWN TO NOON SATURDAY
There will be a free “Countdown to Noon” event Saturday morning at Christ United Methodist Church hosted by the Priestley-Forsyth Memorial Library and the Northumberland Fire Department. According to the Daily Item, families and kids of any age are invited to spend Saturday morning starting at 10am at the church preparing to ring in the new year at 12 noon with crafts, storytime, members of the Shikellamy Theatre Department dressed as princes and princesses, a DJ and age appropriate beverages for the kids; who will countdown 2024 to the falling of an “Isotope” – in honor of former Northumberland resident and scientist, Joseph Priestley, credited for discovering oxygen.
MAN THREATENS FORMER COWORKERS IN MUNCY TOWNSHIP
A former employee at a storage building in Muncy Township went on the property near Lycoming Mall Road last week, and threatened employees there, including former coworkers, and allegedly causing damage to property. According to the Sun Gazette, police say in an affidavit, that 23 year old Jamaire Burget entered the storage facility about 4pm last Friday and told the men there that he would be back to “get them”, and allegedly next did damage to an employee’s vehicle in the parking lot. The victims locked the door and called police, who took Burget into custody on Tuesday after an investigation. He is in Lycoming County prison in lieu of 10 thousand dollars bail.
GAME COMMISSION CHARGES HUNTER FOR BEING INTOXICATED
The Pennsylvania State Game Commission has charged a man from Allentown for hunting while under the influence of a controlled substance in Washington Township on September 2nd. According to the Sun Gazette, officers were conducting hunting license checks and detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from 31 year old John Scanzaroli, but not from other members of his party. Police say Scanzaroli admitted to smoking near his parked car, but would not submit a blood sample. He was charged with possession of paraphernalia and other summary violations, and is free on bail.
WARD MANUFACTURING DONATES TO HAMILTON GIBSON
A Tioga County manufacturing business has donated funds to a Wellsboro theater venue as their Season Sponsor for 2024. According to North Central PA dot com, Ward Manufacturing of Blossburg provided funds that are for general use, not for any speciufic programs. According to artistic director for Hamilton-Gibson Productions, Thomas Putnam they are gratefule for the large number of donors who help them remain sustainable. For questions, or to donate, contact the HG office at 29 Water Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901, call 570-724-2079, or email [email protected].
SUNBURY TO HAVE NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION
The New Year’s eve celebration in Sunbury put off for two years due to COVID will go on Sunday! New Year’s Eve begins at 1pm at the Sunbury Ice Rink for a free skate party. Cameron Park will then offer big screen TVs for watching football and the city has lifted its open container law for the day. At midnight the Edison Light bulb will drop near City Hall on Market Street before the fireworks. A shuttle service is available from Sunbury to Northumberland, with pickup locations at all city fire departments and Pineknotter Brewing Company, on Front Street in Northumberland. Find details on Facebook at Sunbury New Year’s Eve Celebration.
SPORTS
NCAA Football
Alamo Bowl Arizona 38 Oklahoma 24
Pop-Tarts Bowl Kansas State 28 NC State 19
Fenway Bowl Boston College 23 SMU 14
* At the Pinstripe Bowl in New York, Canton native Timmy Ward recovered a blocked punt in the end zone that scored a 3rd quarter touchdown, helping Rutgers defeat Miami 31-24.
NCAA Football Today
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl – Kentucky vs Clemson 12pm ESPN/ Jacksonville, FL
Tony the Tiger Bowl – Oregon State vs Notre Dame 2pm CBS El Paso TX
AutoZone Liberty Bowl – Memphis vs Iowa State 3:30pm Memphis TN
Goodyear Cotton Bowl – Missouri vs Ohio State 8pm Arlington TX
NCAA Football Saturday
Ole Miss vs Penn State 12pm ESPN Chik-Fil-A Peach Bowl Atlanta, GA
Auburn vs Maryland 2pm ABC TransPerfect Music City Bowl Nashville, TN
Georgia vs Florida State 4pm ESPN Capital One Orange Bowl Miami Gardens FL
NBA
Lakers 133 Hornets 112
Celtics 128 Pistons 122
Pacers 120 Bulls 104
Heat 114 Warriors 102
Spurs 118 Trail Blazers 105
NBA Tonight
NY Knicks vs Orlando 7pm
Brooklyn vs Washington 7pm
Milwaukee vs Cleveland 7:30pm NBAtv
76ers vs Houston 8pm
NHL
Hurricanes 5 Canadiens 3
Flyers 4 Canucks 1
Golden Knights 3 Kings 2
Oilers 5 Sharks 0
NHL Tonight
Devils vs Senators 7pm
Rangers vs Panthers 7pm
Capitals vs Islanders 7:30pm
Flyers vs Kraken 10pm
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 28, 2023
CRASH CLOSES ROUTE 487
A crash closed a part of Route 487 yesterday in both directions after a fuel delivery driver allegedly fell asleep at the wheel, crashing and overturning around 9am. According to WNEP, 487 was closed in both directions from Columbia County to Northumberland County after crews were on the scene to clean up between 300 and 1,000 gallons of fuel that had spilled. Two different detours were in place for commercial truck traffic and passenger cars and the roads reopened by Wednesday just before 6pm. The truck driver was hospitalized but is expected to be alright.
FORMER CONVENIENCE STORE CONDEMMED
The Sunbury Code Department has taken action on the former Turkey Hill store on Front Street that had been vacant since 2022, and condemned the property which is currently in eminent domain status. According to the Daily Item, city officials have tried unsuccessfully for years to contact the owner, listed as Pamela Gartin, with addresses in Ohio and Arizona. Code officials deemed the deteriorating property unfit to use in October and with no response to the numerous citations to Gartin, have now gone one more step in taking the property over.
BILL INTRODUCED FOR PANIC ALARMS IN PA CLASSROOMS
Pennsylvania politicians want schools in the Commonwealth to have access to panic alarms within classrooms. According to WHTM, four democratic lawmakers introduced a bill that would add PA to a list of states asking schools to consider the device. Five states have adopted Alyssa’s Law in honor of Alyssa Alhadeff, who was one of 17 people killed in the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida.
STATE POLICE RELEASE CRASH STATISTICS
Crash and enforcement statistics have been released by the Pennsylvania State Police for the Christmas holiday. According to the report, 200 arrests for DUI were made over the three days, from December 23rd to the 25th. State Police investigated 404 crashes, where three individuals died, and 70 others were injured. Investigators noted alcohol was a factor in 36 crashes, with over one thousand speeding citations issued, including 123 citations for failing to wear a seat belt and 22 citations for improper use of child safety seats.
SON ARRESTED FOR FATAL STABBING OF HIS MOTHER
State police have released information about a fatal stabbing in Columbia County yesterday. According to the Standard Journal, 60 year old James Gary Cosper of Bloomsburg is in the Columbia County Prison after Scott Township Police allege he stabbed his 82 year old mother to death at their Old Berwick Road home Wednesday just before 1pm. Pennsylvania State Police say there is no threat to the community and Cosper is charged with criminal homicide, felony aggravated assault, and more, with a preliminary hearing coming up January 10th.
SHAMOKIN MAN CHARGED WITH BURGLARY, ASSAULT
A Shamokin man is in custody after he resisted arrest after an alleged assault on Monday. According to the News Item, police say 35 year old Harry Wheary III struck a resident in the eye at a North Market Street apartment, causing injury and then smeared blood on the walls of the home. When police arrived Wheary tried to leave the apartment and then was cited for resisting when police attempted to put handcuffs on him. He complied after police threatened to tase him. Wheary was charged with burglary, simple assault, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and harassment and is in Northumberland County Jail in lieu of $10,000 straight cash bail.
GRANT MONEY FOR CAMP VICTORY
The Berwick Health and Wellness Fund of the Community Giving Foundation has provided grant money for Camp Victory in Millville. According to the Standard Journal, the camp in Columbia County was given 20 thousand dollars for programs for children with specials needs, including special camps for children diagnosed with diabetes and cancer. The 130-acre facility partners with other independent camps to host week-long and weekend camps from March to November.
NEW YEAR DAY HIKE IN DANVILLE
There is a New Year’s day hike at the Montour Preserve coming up Monday at noon at the visitor’s Center 374 Preserve Road, Danville that is free an open to the public. According to the Montour Area Recreation Commission says the four-mile hike will be family friendly with one stop along the way. Walkers should plan to hike four miles in roughly three hours. Participants are reminded only service animals are allowed and to wear sturdy and proper footwear, and bring your own water and snacks. Get details at Montour Preserve dot org.
SPORTS
NBA
76’ers 112 Magic 92
Raptors 132 Wizards 102
Bucks 144 Nets 122
Suns 129 Rockets 113
Knicks 120 Thunder 129
Cavaliers 113 Mavericks 110
NHL
Senators 4 Maple Leafs 2
Rangers 5 Capitals 1
Bruins 4 Sabres 1
Penguins 7 Islanders 0
NHL Tonight
Flyers vs Vancouver 10pm
SPORTS
NFL News
Bloomsburg University graduate Jahri (JAH-ree) Evans, is one of 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Evans spent 12 years in the NFL; 11 with the New Orleans Saints. The Class of 2024 will be announced in February.
NCAA Football
Virginia Tech 41 Tulane 20- Military Bowl presented by GoBowling.com
West Virginia 30 North Carolina 10 – Dukes Mayo Bowl
NCAA Football Friday
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl – Kentucky vs Clemson 12pm ESPN/ Jacksonville, FL
Tony the Tiger Bowl – Oregon State vs Notre Dame 2pm CBS El Paso TX
AutoZone Liberty Bowl – Memphis vs Iowa State 3:30pm Memphis TN
Goodyear Cotton Bowl – Missouri vs Ohio State 8pm Arlington TX
NFL Tonight
NY Jets vs Cleveland 8:15pm Prime Video
NFL Saturday
Detroit vs Dallas 8:15pm ABC/ ESPN
NFL Sunday
New England vs Buffalo 1pm
LA Rams vs NY Giants 1pm
Arizona vs Philadelphia 1pm FOX
Miami vs Baltimore 1pm
Pittsburgh vs Seattle 4:05pm FOX
Green Bay vs Minnesota 8:30pm NBC
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 27, 2023
MARKET STREET HOUSE FIRE IN WILLIAMSPORT
A family escaped serious injury just a couple days before Christmas when a fire broke out in the apartment above the business at 537 Market Street Saturday morning. According to the Sun Gazette, two adults jumped from the burning building from the third floor to a carport, and two adults and two children evacuated the building using stairs. No one was injured beyond three being treated for smoke inhalation and the business was not affected by the blaze. Williamsport Firefighters controlled the fire in about 30 minutes, and said there were no working smoke detectors in the building. Traffic was closed on Market Street from Washington Boulevard to Little League Boulevard while crews cleared the scene.
MUZZLELOADER ACCIDENT INJURES TWO BLOOMSBURG MEN
A gun accident sent two Bloomsburg men to the hospital on Christmas day. According to State Police 47 year old Charles and 20 year old Weston, Kingston were using a muzzleloader for target shooting when the gun malfunctioned and exploded, causing injuries to both men. Charles’ right arm was injured and he was transported to Geisinger medical center at Danville, Weston sustained a leg injury and got himself to the hospital for treatment. Police ruled the incident accidental.
TURNPIKE COSTS GOING UP
The cost is going up again for travel on the PA Turnpike. According to the PA Turnpike Commission on January 7, tolls will increase about 5% from 1.80 to 1.90 for the most common EZ Pass tolls for passenger vehicles. The Commission is required to increase tolls annually through at least 2053 because the Act 44 funding plan requires borrowing 30-year bonds. At this time, there is an $100 million in uncollected tolls.
FUNDRAISER TO HELP AFFORD HEALTH SCREENINGS
THE WILLIAMSPORT BUREAU OF FIRE IS ASKING THE COMMUNITY TO help SAVE LIVES by contributing to a new FUNDRAISER That is to PAY FOR CRITICAL HEALTH SCREENINGS. According to statistics, the MOST DANGEROUS THREAT TO FIREFIGHTERS HEALTH AND SAFETY IS NOT THE FIRES THEY FIGHT BUT THE RISK OF DYING FROM CANCERS ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR OCCUPATION. They hope to RAISE 65,000 DOLLARS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE THE SCREENINGS BOTH BY DIRECT DONATIONS AND THROUGH A GO FUND ME ACCOUNT. CHECKS CAN BE MADE PAYABLE TO WILLIAMSPORT FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 736, with a GO FUND ME LINK at WILLIAMSPORT FIREFIGHTERS CANCER SCREENINGS.
SELINSGROVE CNA ARRESTED
A Selinsgrove woman working as a CNA is accused of taking money for a prescription for a patient, but not returning with the medication in December. According to North Central PA dot com, 43 year old Jacqueline Denise Carlisle, now of Marshall Texas, was accused of offering the accuser the medication and taking two payments totaling 700 dollars. Police say after an interview it was determined that Carlisle never was authorized to prescribe the medication. She was charged with a misdemeanor count of manufacture of a controlled substance and felony criminal use of a communication facility. She has a preliminary hearing January 8th.
ARSON SUSPECT ARRESTED
A Williamsport woman was taken into custody after police say she is responsible for a fire at 1626 High Street in January. According to the Sun Gazette, 27 year old Nefertiti New, allegedly threatened to destroy property of her boyfriend’s if he didn’t return a phone to her, with surveillance cameras showing New leaving the home and a fire erupting from the home moments later. State fire marshals say the fire began in a kitchen closet and was not accidental. It took city firefighters about 15 minutes to control. New faces felony arson and recklessly endangering, and is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 25 thousand dollars bail.
SOLAR FARM TO EXPAND IN SHAMOKIN
The Northumberland County Planning Commission approved a solar project along Shamrock Road, in Shamokin Township. According to the News Item, the county commission was tasked with reviewing the plans for the project since Shamokin Township does not have its own planning commission. The project is expected to encompass the construction of solar arrays within approximately 420 acres near 1824 Shamrock Road.
ADAMS COUNTY SPCA EMPTIED FOR CHRISTMAS
All the dogs were adopted from a PA SPCA shelter which emptied the facility for the first time in 47 years this Christmas. According to social media, the Adams County SPCA had a full shelter 2 weeks ago, but adopted out 598 animals and reunited 125 strays with their owners, in what they called a true Christmas miracle. This week they plan to pull animals from other PA shelters to help lighten the load for the other facilities.
SPORTS
NBA
Nets 118 Pistons 112
Magic 127 Wizards 119
Bulls 118 Hawks 113
Pacers 123 Rockets 117
Jazz 130 Spurs 118
NBA Tonight
76’ers vs Orlando 7pm
Milwaukee vs Brooklyn 7:30pm
Knicks vs Oklahoma City 8pm
NHL Tonight
Blue Jackets vs NJ Devils 7pm
Capitals vs NY Rangers 7pm
Penguins vs Islanders 7:30pm
Bruins vs Sabres 7:30pm TNT
NCAA Football Today
Military Bowl presented by GoBowling.comVirginia Tech vs Tulane 2pm ESPN Annapolis, MD
Dukes Mayo BowlNC vs West Virginia 5:30pm ESPN Charlotte, NC
DirecTV Holiday BowlLouisville vs USC 8pm FOX San Diego, CATaxAct Texas Bowl
Texas A&M Vs Oklahoma State 9pm ESPN Houston, TXNFL Tomorrow
NY Jets vs Cleveland 8:15pm Prime Video
NFL Saturday
Detroit vs Dallas 8:15pm ABC/ ESPN
NFL Sunday
New England vs Buffalo 1pm
LA Rams vs NY Giants 1pm
Arizona vs Philadelphia 1pm FOX
Miami vs Baltimore 1pm
Pittsburgh vs Seattle 4:05pm FOX
Green Bay vs Minnesota 8:30pm NBC
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 21, 2023
DANVILLE HS VIRTUAL TODAY AFTER WATER MAIN BREAK
A water main break at Danville Area High School has brought about a virtual school day today. According to the district administrators, students were originally scheduled to have a half day for Thursday but announced the change on their website. The other schools in the district will operate on a three hour early dismissal schedule as originally planned, with busses operating as normal. In addition, the Danville, Southern Columbia basketball game is postponed due to the same water main issue and will be rescheduled.
MAN STABBED IN FRONT OF CHILDREN
A Williamsport woman is in custody after police say she stabbed a man at a home in the 700 block of Elmira Street December 14th. According to North Central PA dot com, 35 year old Lacey Marie Griffith allegedly attacked the victim with a folding knife during an argument while her 6 and 8 year old children were present, after which the man was found by police walking down Elmira street bleeding from his hand. Police arrested Griffith and discovered the weapon and drug paraphernalia in her pockets. She is n Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 85 thousand dollars bail.
PA PASSES LAWS TO PROSECUTE PORCH PIRATES
Legislation has just been passed in Pennsylvania making the Commonwealth one of 8 states taking action against any porch pirates; people who steal packages off front porches that don’t belong to them. According to KDKA, lawmakers in Harrisburg created the legislation that makes it a criminal offense to target at-home delivery packages and Governor Shapiro signed it into law. The bill will take effect in early 2024.
MUSSELS TO BE REPLENISHED IN WEST BRANCH OF SUSQUEHANNA
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is a project partner with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission who received a grant recently to reintroduce mussels to the upstream portion of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River near Tidlow Dam in Lock Haven. According to Lock Haven Express a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Chesapeake Watershed Investment for Landscape Defense grant will help grow Freshwater mussel communities that they say are absolutely essential to healthy rivers and streams. Of the 53 freshwater mussels in PA, 11 are threatened or endangered. Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania’s Lock Haven campus is planning a future workshop for mussel tagging later this year.
MOTHER ARRESTED FOR CHILD ENDANGERMENT
A young mother involved in a domestic dispute with her mother was arrested after police were called to her State College home October 3rd. According to North Central PA dot com, 30 year old Kelley Claire Sherlock was shirtless and fought with her mother driving a motorized scooter who was trying to get into a medical transport van around 11am. Police say while holding the 2-month old infant without holding it’s head for support, Sherlock tried to pull her mother’s scooter from the van, until she laid the infant down on the ground and covered it with dirt and leaves before police took her into custody. Police say the house on Piersol lane was in disarray and there was no food for the infant. Sherlock was charged with one count of felony endangerment, with an open lewdness charge dismissed.
WOMAN POSTS NUDE PHOTOS THREATENS MAN
A citation was filed against a Tioga County woman for posting a covered nude photo of a man online and threatening him. According to State Police in Mansfield, the accuser said Monday that 34 year old Cynthia Strope of Mansfield posted the photos and made the derogatory remarks about him and showed police the evidence. The citation means that Strope will face harassment charges for the alleged threats.
BRIDGE WORK IN LEWISBURG TODAY
PennDOT says drivers should be aware of the work along Route 45 that is taking place today in Lewisburg. According to the department, the light post installation project on the Lewisburg River Bridge will bring work crews, flaggers and single lane conditions from 8am til 3pm. Crews will be installing light posts on the bridge that carries Route 45 over the West Branch Susquehanna River in West Chillisquaque Township, Northumberland County, and Lewisburg Borough in Union County.
NEW LAWS FOR DOG OWNERS
Dog owners are being reminded of a new law taking effect January 21st requiring all dog owners to license their pet. According to PA Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, all dogs three months of age and older are required to be licensed for an annual fee of $6.70, or lifetime fee of $31.70 – fees are higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Lifetime licenses require a microchip or tattoo. Fines for unlicensed dogs can go up to 300 dollars. Funds from fees and fines go toward the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, and can be purchased at county treasurer’s offices. Get information at agriculture.pa.gov.
SPORTS
PIAA HS Basketball
Boys
Pottsville 43 Williamsport 37
Muncy 47 Montgomery 17
Lewisburg 66 St John Neumann 33
Mansfield 12 Troy 0
Mifflinburg 56 East Juniata 46
Girls
Muncy 67 Montgomery 34
Lewisburg 34 Milton 23
Bloomsburg 48 Central Mountain 31
Selinsgrove 49 Midd-West 26
Millville 59 CMVT 15
Line Mountain 47 Southern Columbia 34
NCAA Football
* Penn State signed running back and receiver from PIAA Class 3A champion Belle Vernon, Quinton Martin Jr., yesterday in what is being called a drama-free signing day. As a number 1 recruit from Pennsylvania, Martin follows in the footsteps of prior top-rated PA recruits Nick Singleton and J’ven Williams who also landed with Penn State on Signing Day.
* Wyomissing lineman Caleb Brewer also signed a letter of intent with the Nittany Lions.
NCAA Football Tonight
RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl
South Florida vs Syracuse 8pm ESPN Boca Raton, FL
NBA
Cavaliers 124 Jazz 116
Heat 115 Magic 106
76ers 127 Timberwolves 113
Knicks 121 Nets 102
Bulls 124 Lakers 108
Celtics 144 Kings 119
NBA Friday
Toronto Raptors vs 76ers 7pm
Denver Nuggets vs Brooklyn Nets 7:30pm
Washington Wizards vs Golden State 10pm ESPN
NHL
Capitals 3 Islanders 2
Jets 5 Red Wings 2
Kraken 2 Kings 1
NHL Tonight
Nashville vs Phila Flyers 7pm
Carolina vs Pittsburgh Penguins 7pm
Edmonton vs New Jersey Devils 7:30pm ESPN+Hulu
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 20, 2023
HUGHESVILLE MAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT
A Hughesville man has been charged with illegal possession of a firearm, carrying a firearm without a concealed carry permit, simple assault, and other drug charges According to Norht Central PA dot com, Dustin Michael Zink, 33, allegedly loaded and pointed a Kimber Custom II handgun in the sky after getting into an argument with a man and a woman while at a Race street home on December 2nd. Zink left the area before police arrived and was found in a dollar general parking lot in Wolf Township. Zink has previously been convicted of felony criminal trespass in 2015 and was not allowed to own a gun.
GUILTY PLEA BRINGS CONCURRENT SENTENCE
A Williamsport man will serve 9 to 18 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of aggravated assault from an incident in October 2022. The victim said she was strangled and assaulted by 49 year old Rodney Poust before she was able to escape nd call police. According to the Sun Gazette, Judge Ryan Tira said due to the drawn out nature of the crimes Poust will serve the sentence concurrently. He was remanded to Lycoming County Prison.
FLOOD WARNINGS EXPIRE TODAY
The flood warning brought about by heavy rains from the weekend expired in Danville and Riverside this morning at 4am. According to the National Weather Service, the Susquehanna River crested there at just about 20 feet yesterday afternoon. The crest of 20.8 feet, well below flood stage in Sunbury, is also passed. In Clinton County, they are working to clear part of Route 11 between Creek and Southwick Roads which had to be closed for flood waters. .PennDOT says In Northumberland County, the flood prone section of Shakespeare Road is closed, and several roads in Sullivan County are still closed. Route 61/Hamilton Underpass is open.
NEW STATE POLICE HEADQUARTERS GROUNDBREAKING
The groundbreaking ceremony took place Tuesday for the new Pennsylvania State Police Academy in Hershey yesterday, with design plans unveiled for the world-class training facility. According to the Daily Item, the current academy facility opened in the 1960s and will go under a with state-of-the-art upgrade with facilities totaling 366,000 square feet at the 146-acre site. Facilities will include a new headquarters for the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, horse stables for the Mounted Unit, a central supply warehouse , a vehicle garage, and more. Architectural illustrations are available at psp.pa.gov.
MAN WHO JUMPED FROM BRIDGE RESCUED NEAR SUNBURY
Volunteers from several local fire and rescue crews in Northumberland County as well as officers from the state Game Commission worked quickly to rescue a 26 year old man who had allegedly jumped from the Edison Bridge between Sunbury and Packer Island Saturday around 10am. According to state police, the man was reached by swift water rescue officers while he was in the water, and was taken to a medical facility with unknown injuries. The incident is under investigation and no other details were released.
YAW, FLICK, COLLABORATE FOR WATER SYSTEM PROTECTION GRANT
Over 3 million dollars in state funding has been awarded to four projects in Lycoming and Union Counties, thanks to local lawmakers. Senator Gene Yaw and Representative Jamie Flick collaborated to bring about over 3.5 million dollars through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The largest awards went to the Williamsport Sanitary Authority, which received $3,000,000 in H2O funding for its Sanitary Sewer Bloomingrove Road Environmental Protection Project. The grants are funded from multiple sources with the largest being federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money appropriated for recreation and conservation.
CONTRACT FOR NEW VOTER SYSTEM IN PAN CANCELLED
The contract that had been signed in 2020 for an upgrade to Pennsylvania’s system for managing voter rolls has been cancelled. According to Penn Live, the Department of State already decided to keep the older system, Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors, known as SURE, in place for 2024. Administrators say the SURE system that was brought online in 2003 can be unstable and unpredictable. In one instance, Mercer County election officials said the SURE System went down for 24 hours before the 2022 election as they printed poll books. According to the Shapiro Administration, the company has agreed to return all money paid to it, a total of $720,400. The SURE system is not connected to the internet.
AED’S DONATED TO CLINTON AND LYCOMING COUNTIES
First Quality Enterprises, LLC recently donated 100 AED’s or Automated External Defibrillator to UPMC and Susquehanna Health Foundation for use in Clinton and Lycoming counties. According to North Central PA dot com, First Quality manufactures personal care and household paper products in Clinton County and supports UPMC’s Minutes Matter campaign which aims to increase survival rates after cardiac arrest in north central Pennsylvania by increasing community access to AEDs. According to administrators from UPMC after AED’s are distributed, education and training of the basic knowledge required to use and maintain the device will be given.
SPORTS
PIAA HS Basketball
Boys
So. Williamsport 56 Bucktail 55
Girls
Bloomsburg 43 Danville 20
Jersey Shore 52 Montoursville 50
Loyalsock Twp 49 Williamsport 41
NCAA Football
Penn State Football head coach James Franklin announced the hiring of Tom Allen as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Allen spent the previous seven seasons as the head coach at Indiana.
NBA
Grizzlies 115 Pelicans 113
Bucks 132 Spurs 119
Warriors 132 Celtics 126
Trail Blazers 109 Suns 104
NBA Tonight
Timberwolves vs 76ers 7pm
Knicks vs Nets 7:30pm
NHL
Rangers 5 Maple 2
Flyers 3 Devils 2
Islanders 3 Oilers 1
Coyotes 4 Senators 3
NHL Tonight
Islanders vs Capitals 7:30 TNT
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 19, 2023
FLOODING IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY
There are a few roadways still impacted by flood waters after weekend rains brought about flood watches and warnings for some counties in North Central PA. In Northumberland County, Route 61, the Hamilton Underpass, between Highland Avenue in Sunbury and Green Street in Upper Augusta Township has reopened after flooding caused the closure early Monday. However, according to Penn DOT, Shakespeare Road between Route 45 and Hobbes Road in East Chillisquaque Township is still closed. A few closures in Montour and Sullivan Township are still affected this morning, with a National Weather Service flood warning this morning through till tomorrow afternoon in Bloomsburg for the Susquehanna River which is expected to crest at 20 feet this afternoon. Motorists are advised to never drive into flood waters.
SPEED NOT A FACTOR IN FATAL ACCIDENT IN LEWISBURG
Police completed the investigation into the fatal pedestrian accident on Market Street in Lewisburg Friday. According to the Daily Item, Buffalo Valley Regional Police say speed was not a factor in the accident that killed 77 year old Mabel Shively of Millmont after she was hit by a tractor-trailer in the 300 hundred block of Market Street before noon Friday. Reports say Shively attempted to cross Market Street in the middle of the block and was struck. Emergency responders said the truck driver was uninjured and no charges will be filed against him.
NEW PROBABTION LAWS IN PENNSYLVANIA
In Harrisburg last week, a new Pennsylvania probation law that aims to limit the length of probation to help prevent people from being sent back to jail for minor violations was passed, as well as the passage of a bill that allows courts to seal records of non-violent drug felonies with a minimum sentence of under 2 1/2 years in prison. According to the Lock Haven Express, the bill also prohibits courts from extending someone’s probation for not paying fines or court costs if they are found to be unable to afford it. The ACLU says the law doesn’t fix the problems that plague Pennsylvania’s probation system.
NEW YEARS DAY HIKES
New Year’s Day in the Commonwealth brings the chance to take “First Day Hikes” planned and hosted by DCNR and 43 state parks and two forest districts. According to DCNR, the New Year’s Day hikes are designed to be fun and support a healthy start for 2024. State park and forest staff and volunteers lead the hikes, which are usually about one or two miles. Many Pennsylvania state parks also have self-guided hikes, story walks, and adventure labs available year-round find out more at events.dcnr.pa.gov.
FLOOD STAGE FOR SUSQUEHANNA
The National weather service is forecasting flood stage conditions this morning through early tomorrow for the Susquehanna River at Bloomsburg. According to an emergency weather message for Pennsylvania, there is a warning for high water conditions that when over 19 feet affect homes along River Road, at the Fairgrounds and surrounding properties. The river at Bloomsburg is expected to crest at 20 feet this afternoon – overnight the river was t 17.5 feet. In Danville, the similar warning for the Susquehanna starts this afternoon and goes until late tonight with flood water impact in Riverside, also at 20 feet, and the crest is expected this afternoon, only to fall below flood stage by tonight.
MAN ELUDES POLICE, GETS ARRESTED
Police from Shamokin, who were trying to stop a man driving a Chevy Cobalt for an expired registration and inspection on November 30th, were led on a chase for a few miles through the streets of Shamokin. According to North Central PA dot com, 30 year old Mark Getz Jr., sped up, allegedly attempting to flee from police when they turned their cruiser lights on, leading the chase ultimately up Big Mountain Road where police stopped the pursuit. Officers searched for Getz in the area knowing the car he drove belonged to another resident. They charged Getz with felony fleeing, and other traffic summaries, his preliminary hearing is January 23rd.
FREE FRIENDLY PHONE LINE IN PA
Pennsylvanians who need an emotional boost, have an opportunity to hear words of encouragement, jokes or pep talks through a free You’ve Got a Friend in Pennsylvania, a phone line, which features searchable recorded messages done by students in grades K-12 across Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Education says callers can access the line at 717-772-4737 and select from menu options anytime during the holiday season, a time when people can struggle with mental health, and can use a little pick-me-up. Go to Education .pa.gov for information.
GEISINGER RECOGNIZED AS A GREAT PLACE TO EMPLOY VETERANS
Geisinger has been recognized as a top employer for its continued support of military veterans and active service members with two recent designations. The Pennsylvania-based health system earned the 2024 Military Friendly Employer with Gold distinction designation and was also recognized by Military Times on its 2023 Best for Vets: Employers list. This is the fifth consecutive year Geisinger has been recognized with a Military Friendly Employer designation and the second year in a row the system has achieved the gold ranking. It’s also the fourth consecutive year Geisinger has been recognized by Military Times.
SPORTS
PIAA HS Basketball
Girls
Hughesville 44 Lewisburg 41
Shamokin 50 Danville 24
Norry Christian 58 Midd-West 42
Boys
Loyalsock 78 Shamokin 76
Central Mountain 77 Montoursville 59
Canton 51 Sullivan County 45
NFL Monday Night Football
Seahawks 20 Eagles 17
NBA
Cavaliers 135 Rockets 130
Bulls 108 76’ers 104
Jazz 125 Nets 108
Kings 143 Wizards 131
Knicks 114 Lakers 109
NBA Tonight
Memphis vs New Orleans 7:30pm TNT
Celtics vs Golden State 10pm TNT
NHL
Ducks 4 Red Wings 3
Penguins 4 Wild 3
Canadiens 3 Jets 2
Stars 4 Kraken 3
Flames 3 Panthers 1
NHL Tonight
Rangers vs Maple Leafs 7pm
Flyers vs NJ Devils 7pm
Edmonton vs NY Islanders 7:30pm ESPN+/Hulu
NCAA Football Tonight
Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl
USTA vs Marshall 9pm ESPN – Frisco, TX
NCAA Football Thursday
RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl
South Florida vs Syracuse 8pm ESPN Boca Raton, FL
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 18, 2023
WILLIAMSPORT MAN’S SUPERVISED RELEASE REVOKED
A man from Williamsport who police say violated terms of his supervised prison release, has been incarcerated. According to North Central PA dot com, court records say 30 year old Michael William Wright was found in possession of a firearm while allegedly committing a felony for drug trafficking October 7th, after which he was arrested for a domestic violence assault. Wright will now face imprisonment for 18 months in a federal facility.
PENN DOT BRIDGE WORK THIS WEEK
Motorists are advised of single lane conditions next week on Route 45 in West Chillisquaque Township, Northumberland County and Lewisburg Borough, Union County for a light post installation project on the Lewisburg River Bridge. This Thursday, December 21, 2023, a PennDOT maintenance crew will be working on the bridge that takes Route 45 over the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. Motorists can expect single lane conditions with flagging between the hours of 8am and 3pm, weather permitting.
DOJ GRANT FOR PENN COLLEGE’S PRISON TO COLLEGE PROGRAM
The Department of Justice has awarded a grant for over 865 thousand dollars for Penn College’s Lycoming County Prison-to-College Program that began as a pilot program in 2022. According to the school, the highly competitive grant was awarded through the Second Chance Act Improving Reentry Education and Employment Outcomes program, which is an evidence-based approach that provides meaningful opportunities, interrupts the cycle of unemployment, improves economic mobility and promote reentry success for formerly incarcerated adults. The Prison-to-College Program offers the college’s entry Communications course to inmates at no cost. Go to PCT.edu for more information.
MEGAN’S LAW OFFENDER ATTEMPTS TO ELUDE POLICE
A man from Potter County who is a Megan’s Law offender attempted to move him and his family to Tennessee in October without telling police about the move. According to North Central PA dot com, a school resource officer in in Hamblen County, Tennessee became suspicious about the circumstances when Roy Robert Button and his wife were trying to register their three children for school there. After an investigation, police caught up with Button and charged him with failure to comply with Megan’s Law registration requirements. Police say, Button has recently been arrested in two counties in Tennessee for sex offender registry violations and for child abuse.
NOT GUILTY FOR FORMER WASD TEACHER
A former Williamsport area school teacher was found not guilty Friday on 22 sexual assault related charges following a two-day trial last week. According to the Sun Gazette, Christopher Yoder who was alleged to have an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student during the 2011-12 school year, had faced statutory and institutional sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault and other charges. A jury of 8 men and 2 women brought the verdict before a full courtroom in front of Judge Ryan Tira. Yoder, was previously exonerated by a jury in November of similar charges by another student.
NON-PROFIT WORKSHOPS IN JANAUARY WITH FCFP
The First Community Foundation Partnership will be holding workshops in January to help local nonprofits organizations apply for funding. Grant opportunities for 2024 are available through funds known as Century Funds, Greater Susquehanna Valley competitive grants, Lindig Lewisburg Foundation and others. The two days of workshops are January 17th in person and January 18th online. Go to fcf partnership dot org to get information, or call 570-321-1500.
911 SURCHARGE TO GO UP
The phone surcharge for 911 service is going up. According to WHTM, the 30 cent increase is expected in 2024 to bring in $392 million in a full fiscal year, compared to the $331 million that the lower surcharge generated in a fiscal year, according to the law’s fiscal note. The new rate of $1.95 a month is a compromise on a proposal Gov. Josh Shapiro made during the budget process who wanted the surcharge to be $2.03. Under the new law, the previous surcharge was set to expire in February, the new price will now extend until January 31, 2026.
SPORTS
NFL Sunday
Browns 20 Bears 17
Buccaneers 34 Packers 20
Dolphins 30 Jets 0
Chiefs 27 Patriots 17
Saints 24 Giants 6
Bills 31 Cowboys 10
Ravens 23 Jaguars 7
NFL Monday Night Football
Eagles vs Seahawks 8:15pm ABC
NBA
Celtics 114 Magic 97
Pelicans 146 Spurs 110
Bucks 128 Rockets 119
Suns 112 Wizards 108
Warriors 118 Trail Blazers 114
NBA Tonight
Bulls vs 76ers 7pm
Nets vs Jazz 9pm
Knicks vs Lakers 10:30pm
NHL
Canucks 4 Blackhawks 3
Capitals 2 Hurricanes 1
Ducks 5 Devils 1
Avalanche 6 Sharks 2
Golden Knights 6 Senators 3
NHL Tonight
Wild vs Penguins 7pm
Flyers play the Devils Tuesday
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 15, 2023
SECOND TRIAL FOR FORMER WASD TEACHER
A former Williamsport Area School District teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a minor student started his second trial this week in Lycoming County Court. According to the Sun Gazette, 43 year old Christopher Yoder allegedly had contact with the minor during the 2011-12 school year and is facing statutory and institutional sexual and other assault charges. Yoder previously faced six counts of unlawful contact with a minor but he was not convicted in November of 2022.
ACCIDENT TUESDAY IN SHAMOKIN DAM
State Police are investigating a crash that happened near Shamokin Dam Tuesday near the Routes 11 & 15 intersection. According to police, 45-year-old John Lower of Sunbury was not wearing a seatbelt when he crashed into the mountainside along Route 11 at about 5:30pm. Lower had suspected serious injuries but there is no word on what facility the man was taken to. Hummels Wharf fire and EMS crews, PennDOT, and local fire police were on the scene.
CLINTON COUNTY WOMAN SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN PRISON
A Lock Haven woman was sentenced in Clinton County Court on Tuesday for charges against her for eight separate criminal offenses relating to an April home invasion on the 300 Block of Pennsylvania Avenue in South Renovo. According to the Lock Haven Express, Common Pleas Judge Michael F. Salisbury said 26 year old Breanna Englert must serve a 12 year sentence for felony Criminal Trespass, Terroristic Threats Recklessly endangerment, simple assault, and one count of Cruelty to Animals. DA Dave Strouse had asked for Englert to receive the maximum sentence; 25 years, saying a lesser sentence would be an injustice, because it’s his opinion that Englert will re-offend.
NEW ALERT SYTEM COMING TO SUNBURY
An emergency alert system is expected to be implemented next year that Sunbury officials say will allow city officials to alert residents of announcements, such as council meetings, street sweeping, planned events as well as emergency or weather announcements. According to the Daily Item, Sunbury Mayor Josh Brosious says they are considering a system that also has a new time card feature for city employees who will then be required to use city-issued identification badges to log in and out of work for their shifts. Both new initiatives are set to begin in early 2024.
MAN DIDN’T LEAVE WILLIAMSPORT HOME AFTER BREAK-IN
A man who was discovered inside a Williamsport woman’s home December 4th was arrested by city police. According to North Central PA dot com, the Germania Street homeowner said she went to investigate a noise and found 56 year old Bradley James Ryan had entered her home through an unlocked door looking for someone the woman said didn’t live there. Ryan left the home but stayed on the property, later attempting to enter the home through a basement door. When police arrived they took Ryan into custody and he was committed to Lycoming County Prison on 15 thousand dollars bail.
ROAD RAGE LEADS TO BROKEN CAR WINDOW
Police say a driver involved in a road rage incident Saturday, fled the scene after throwing an object at the victim’s car and breaking their rear window in Snyder County. According to North Central PA dot com, the victim was driving along Ninth Street and N. Susquehanna Trail in Monroe Township, when another driver, possibly in a maroon Dodge Ram pickup truck threw an unknown object breaking the back window of the Subaru Forester, before they drove north on Airport Road. If you have information about the incident, call police at 570 374-8145.
HALF MIL INCREASE FOR WILLIAMSPORT REAL ESTATE TAX
Williamsport City Council has adopted a half mil real estate tax increase along with the 2024 budget this week. According to the Sun Gazette, after previous readings and work sessions through the budget, the rate was set Thursday at 16.72 mills. Homeowners with property assessed at a value of 100 thousand dollars will now pay 1,672 dollars per year. Councilwoman Liz Miele was a dissenting vote, saying the half mil will not work with the expected financial circumstances.
AUDUBON SOCIETY WANTS TO WORK ON THIRD BIRD ATLAS
People who live in Tioga or Potter Counties are invited to partner with the Tiadaghton Audubon Society to help work on the third edition of a birdwatchers’ database project. According to the society, the third Pennsylvania Bird Atlas compiles birdwatchers’ observations to determine changes in bird populations, locations, and behaviors. There will be an in-person information session about the project on Wednesday, December 20 at 6 p.m. in the old music room of the Wellsboro Area School District Administration Building at 22 Nichols Street, Wellsboro. For more details, email the Tiadaghton Audubon Society by emailing TAS member at yahoo.com.
SPORTS
PIAA HS Basketball
Boys
Williamsport 49 Crestwood 47
Shamokin 67 Montoursville 46
Mount Carmel 54 Jersey Shore 43
Milton 61 Midd-West 37
Norry Christian 63 Weatherly 53
Girls
Hughesville 75 St. John Neumann 16
Jersey Shore 52 Mount Carmel 31
Sullivan Co. 63 CMVT 15
Williamson 47 Towanda 37
Benton 31 Midd-West 19
Greenwood 44 Line Mountain 38
NFL Thursday Night Football
Raiders 63 Chargers 21
Saturday NFL this week
Vikings vs Bengals 1pm NFL Net
Steelers vs Colts 4:30pm NFL Net
Broncos vs Lions 8:15pm NFL Net
NFL Sunday
Jets vs Miami Dolphins 1pm CBS
Chiefs vs Patriots 1pm FOX
Giants vs Saints 1pm
Dallas vs Buffalo 4:25pm FOX
Baltimore vs Jacksonville 8:20 NBC
NCAA Bowl Games Saturday
Myrtle Beach Bowl from Conway, SC
Georgia Southern vs Ohio Bobcats 1am ESPN
Avocados from Mexico Bowl in Orlando, Florida
Miami (OH) vs Appalachian State 3:30pm ABC
NBA
Celtics 116 Cavaliers 107
Bulls 124 Heat 116
Nuggets 124 Nets 101
Kings 128 Thunder 123
Clippers 121 Warriors 113
NBA Tonight
Detroit vs 76ers 7pm
Lakers vs San Antonio 7:30 ESPN
Knicks vs Phoenix 10pm ESPN