BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 14, 2023

ACCIDENT SHUTS DOWN INTERSTATE

Penn DOT says I-180 is reopened this morning after an accident overnight closed the westbound side of the interstate between the Watsontown and McEwensville exit and the Route 54 and Turbotville in Northumberland.  There may still be debris on the shoulder near mile marker 3.  According to social media reports, a passenger car and a semi-truck collided near in Delaware Township, but no serious injuries were reported.  The truck may have been carrying mattresses and crews are cleaning the debris from the area.  Scanner reports say there may have been a fuel spill.  You can check conditions on all area roadways 24/7 at 511PA dot com.

MILL HALL MAN GUILTY ON FOUR OF FIVE COUNTS

A jury decided yesterday that a man from Mill Hall on trial from shooting in Porter Township in 2022, was guilty on four of the five counts in Lycoming County Court.  According to the Sun Gazette, 39 year old Nigel Lee faces sentencing for first and second degree aggravated assault, and firearms charges for the shooting of Adam Butler, but the jury deadlocked on a count of criminal attempt at first degree murder.  Butler was shot through the hand.  Lee’s sentencing is scheduled for early February.

POLICE SEEKING LOST RIFLE IN BRADFORD COUNTY

State police in Towanda say a man from New Albany who was hunting in Bradford County November 27th, propped his rifle against a tree and forgot to pack it in his car when he left, and now the rifle is missing.  According to North Central PA dot com, the 64 year old hunter finished his morning hunt in Overton Township and propped the black Ruger American 6.5 Creedmoor rifle with a Vortex Diamondback scope against a tree along Bahl Road before he left the area in his car.  No word on how much time elapsed between him leaving the firearm behind and then trying to retrieve it.  If you have information on the missing rifle, call PSP Towanda at 570-265-2186.

BASKETBALL FUNDRAISER FOR WASD EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation will host a fundraiser basketball game between the Harlem Wizards and the “Millionaire Magicians” team, which is comprised of teachers, principals, staff and students from across the Williamsport district at the Magic Dome at Williamsport High School Wednesday, January 17th at 6:30.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Harlem Wizards, a New Jersey-based organization promises a night of spontaneous humor and excitement.  Doors open at 5:30 and tickets are available through the education foundation’s website under “Events” at www.wasdeducationfoundation.org or at www.harlemwizards.com. 

LOYALSOCK MAN STEALS CAR, LEADS CHASE WITH POLICE

A man from Loyalsock Township was incarcerated after authorities say he stole his mother’s vehicle, causing numerous crashes and leading police on a pursuit Saturday night until he went down an embankment near Rural Avenue.  According to the Sun Gazette, 39 year old Rory McCormick Soha was allegedly drunk and was not injured.  Police discovered he had already lost his license due to a previous DUI conviction, and  was unable to stand while at the DUI center, where he refused a blood draw.  He was later arraigned for felony fleeing, theft and more.  His is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 30 thousand dollars bail.

HOMICIDE CHARGES HELD OVER FOR NORRY COURT

Charges are to be bound over for court in Northumberland County for a homicide suspect who fatally shot a man November 2nd in Sunbury in an argument over a woman while his co-defendant was in the car.  Eighteen year old Jose Jusino-Morales, of Susquehanna Avenue was in court Tuesday with 21 year old Armando Pena-Alvayero of Church Street, who testified for the prosecution.  Court records say, that after the shooting, Jusino-Morales gave Pena-Alvyero the gun he used to shoot the victim on Market Street and threatened him not to talk before they left the victim for dead at about 11:30pm.  Sunbury police say Pena-Alvayero turned the weapon in and told police about the shooting that night, and waived his preliminary hearing this week for tampering with evidence.

RAIL FREIGHT PROJECTS ANNOUNCED FOR PA

Penn DOT announced this week the approval of 25 rail freight improvement projects that are aligned with Governor Shapiro’s commitment to improve Pennsylvania’s infrastructure, supporting economic growth.  Officials from PennDOT said, Pennsylvania’s rail freight network supported by state and federal funding will support nearly 300 family-sustaining jobs and connect Pennsylvania communities to the global economy.  Pennsylvania has 65 operating railroads, which is more than any other state.

WOMEN’S HEALTH CLINIC COMING TO SELINSGROVE

A new women’s health clinic is coming to Selinsgrove.  According to Evangelical Community Hospital, OB/GYN of Evangelical will open Monday December 18th with physicians, physician assistants, and midwives available to see patients Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 21 Susquehanna Mall Drive – next to the Sheetz on Route 15.  The specialty clinic can be a convenient location for patients of Snyder County and surrounding areas.  Make an appointment by calling the Selinsgrove location by calling 570-523-8700.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Basketball

Boys
Athens 70             North Penn-Liberty 59
NE Bradford 54   Wellsboro 46
Troy 74                Sayre 32
Muncy 69             Bucktail 30
NP Mansfield 76  Williamson 49
Canton 52            Towanda 48

Girls
St. John Neumann 49    Muncy 26
Shamokin 43                 Williams Val. 26
South Williamsport 52  Montgomery 24
Sullivan County 63        CMVT 15
Northwest Area 49                  Millville 38
Central Mountain 55     Mifflinburg 33

PIAA HS Wrestling
Montgomery 47             Shikellamy 16
Line Mountain 44          Upper Dauphin 24

NFL Thursday night Football Tonight
LA Chargers vs Las Vegas Raiders 8:15pm Prime Video

NBA
76ers 129             Pistons 111
Pelicans 142         Wizards 122
Bucks 140            Pacers 126
Lakers 122                     Spurs  119
Nets  116              Suns 112
Jazz 117               Knicks 113
NBA Tonight
Cleveland vs Celtics 7:30pm NBA TV
Brooklyn vs Denver 9pm
Golden State vs Clippers 10:30pm NBA TV

NHL
Penguins 4            Canadiens 3 
Devils 2      Bruins 1
Islanders 4            Ducks  3
Avalanche 5  Sabres 1
Jets 5          Kings 2
NHL Tonight
Washington vs Phila. 7pm

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 13, 2023

FIRE IN MILL HALL TUESDAY MORNING

There was a structure fire in Mill Hall yesterday that had multiple crews on the scene.  According to the Lock Haven Express, a fire at 119 Dewey Street broke out about 7:45 am according to police reports.  Main Street was shut down around 8am and traffic diverted around the area, including Central Mountain School buses and other vehicles directed with traffic control around Pennsylvania Avenue.  Crews working the blaze reported it under control just before 8:30am and officials from the Suburban Water Authority were also called to the area.  No reports on what caused the blaze.

FORMER EMPLOYEES WANT INVESTIGATION INTO DEA HAZARDS

The Lycoming County District Attorney has been asked to open an investigation into the criminal allegations by former employees that the Eureka Resources Oil & Gas Wastewater Treatment Co. in Williamsport committed environmental violations.  According to the Sun Gazette, the request also includes an internal audit by OSHA and a probe into the willful neglect of the matter by the company.  The request was made during a recent press briefing held by several former employees who allege they were exposed to dangerous chemicals while working and three democratic State Senators who are looking for District Attorney Ryan Gardner  to open the criminal investigation.

SHOE BANK OPEN THIS WEEKEND

The Lock Haven area Shoe bank will be open this Saturday for eligible teens and kids to choose two pairs of shoes free by appointment.  Those who have students attending in Clinton County or at the Liberty Curtin School  is invited to book a time-slot by calling Diahann at 814-571-5324.  The Lock Haven Area Shoe Bank is inside Covenant United Methodist Church, 44 W. Main Street, and is generally open one Saturday a month.  Funding is provided by the Clinton County Community Foundation, the M&T Bank Charitable Foundation, civic groups, churches and individual donors.  Go to “Lock Haven Shoe Bank” on Facebook.

NEW POLICE CHIEF IN SUNBURY

Sunbury Mayor Josh Brosius swore in the city’s new police chief Monday night, with city council voting unanimously for Travis Bremigen to officially take the post. According to the Daily Item, Bremigen, who has been with the department for 22 years, has been serving as interim chief since former police Chief Brad Hare stepped down in the midst of charges of stealing money from the Americus Hose Company in October.  Chief Bremigan signed a three year contract with the city and says he plans to have an open-door policy with city residents.

MAN BACK IN CUSTODY AFTER ACCIDENTAL RELEASE

A Cogan Station man who had been accused of shaking a 5-month old baby was released inadvertently from the Northumberland County Jail through a clerical error, but voluntarily turned himself in December 7th after being released in November through no fault of his own.  According to the Daily Item, 33 year old Owen Moore is facing felony aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children charges after being arrested last May when emergency responders were dispatched to his Court Drive home, in Gregg Township, Union County for an unresponsive infant, where they found the 5-month old that hospital officials said suffered from a traumatic brain injury consistent with shaking.

THEFT AT WEGMANS CAUGHT ON CAMERA

Williamsport police say officers nabbed two people October 30th at Wegmans in Williamsport when they tried to leave the store with a cart full of items without paying.  According to North Central PA dot com, 34 year old Patrick Brian Haught and 24 year old Kimberly Bella Rhee were seen on video surveillance by officers when they tried to exit an east side exit of the store near Williams Street.  Police stopped the pair just after they left the store.  Haught and Rhee were charged with theft misdemeanors, and have preliminary hearings later this month.   

KEYSTONE CENTRAL STATEMENT ON ACTIVE INVESTIGATION

The Keystone Central School District has released a statement about the active investigation that began in early November over inappropriate activity between a Central Mountain student and adult female staff members at Central Mountain Middle School.  According to school officials, the alleged inappropriate contact between the parties did not happen on school property, and all those involved, except for one person who is no longer employed by the school, have been placed on leave.  Administrators from the school said they will make further statements upon the conclusion of the investigation. 

PA TEACHER OF THE YEAR NAMED

A Mifflin County High School Grade 10 English teacher has been chosen as the 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.  According to the PA Education Secretary, Susquehanna University graduate, Ashlie Crosson was recognized at the PA Department of Education’s annual professional development conference Monday.  Stephanie Machmer of Jersey Shore Area school district was also a finalist of 12 teachers statewide. Crosson will travel the state next year to meet and collaborate with other educators. She will represent the state in next year’s National Teacher of the Year competition.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Basketball


Boys
Northwest Area 52     Millville 27
Muncy 72                    St. John Neumann 49
Danville 57                  Milton 44
Lewisburg 66              Jersey Shore 38
Central Mountain 61   Mifflinburg 56



Girls
Shikellamy 49             Mount Carmel 28
Troy 60                        Sayre 19
Jersey Shore 48           Muncy 23
NP -Liberty 36            Athens 29
Central Columbia 45   Southern Columbia 23
Midd-West 60             CMVT 6
NE Bradford 67          Wellsboro 45
Williamson 43             NP-Mansfield 24

Wrestling
Benton 40                             Lake-Lehman 24
Williamson 50                      Troy 21
Warrior Run 72                    Muncy 3
Milton 35                              Mifflinburg 33
Canton 58                             Northeast Bradford 11
Montoursville 40                 Hughesville 21

NFL  Thursday night Football Tonight
LA Chargers vs LA Raiders 8:15pm Prime Video



NBA
Celtics 120          Cavaliers 113
Mavericks 127  Lakers125
Nuggets 114       Bulls 106
Suns  119                     Warriors 116
Clippers 119       Kings 99


NBA Tonight
76’ers vs Detroit 7pm
Brooklyn vs Phoenix 9pm
Knicks vs Utah Jazz 9pm


NHL
Maple Leafs 7     Rangers 3
Penguins 4          Coyotes 2
Predators 3          Flyers 2
NHL Tonight
Pittsburgh @ Montreal 7pm
Boston @ New Jersey 7:30pm TNT
Anaheim @ NY Islanders 7:30pm
Buffalo @ Colorado 10pm TNT

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 12, 2023

WILLIAMSPORT SHOOTING VICTIM IDENTIFIED

Police continue to investigate the fatal shooting on Memorial Avenue in Williamsport Saturday night, and have identified the victim who they found lying in the street about 3:30am. According to North Central PA dot com, a delay in contacting the Lycoming County coroner resulted in the time of death for 29 year old Jermaine Derick Mullen, who had been hit with multiple gunshots, being close to 6:15am, about 2 hours after police responded to the scene.  Police have not named a suspect in the shooting and ask that if anyone has information about the incident ot call Williamsport City police. 

FATAL CAR CRASH NEAR LOCK HAVEN SUNDAY

A Loganton man died Sunday after an accident along I-80 near Lock Haven.  According to WNEP, 43 year old Benjamin Snook was near mile marker 180 around 6pm Sunday when he lost control of the vehicle.  Police say Snook, who was not wearing a seatbelt, hit an embankment, and was thrown from the car.  He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.  Police say evidence of alcohol or another controlled substance use may have played a part in the crash.

UNION COUNTY DA APPOINTEE HEARING TODAY

The hearing for appointing the Union County District Attorney is scheduled for today. According to the Daily Item, a hearing to present the case for appointing Union County District Attorney-elect Brian Kerstetter will be held front of Union County Judge Michael Piecuch.  Kerstetter was denied the appointment in October for the position left vacant by the death of longtime District Attorney D. Peter Johnson, who held the position for nearly 28 years. Newly elected or reelected officials in Union County will be sworn in, at the Union County Courthouse, Lewisburg on January 2nd.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA SATURDAY

December 16th is National Wreaths Across America Day as declared by the US Congress beginning in 1992.  The national tradition typically takes place next Saturday in many cemeteries across the US, including dozens of local cemeteries in Lycoming County and beyond.  Volunteers will place over 2 million evergreen wreaths on veteran’s graves that will remain in place until January 20th.  Get details about volunteering at local cemeteries and find out when their ceremony and wreath-laying events will be held by going online to Wreaths Across America dot org.

VISA FRAUD LANDS MAN WITH JAIL SENTENCE

A man from India who owned a gas station in Clinton County has been convicted of Visa fraud after staging a robbery at the business so he could apply for a special U-Visa available to crime victims.  According to State Police, they investigated and found 50 year old Vinaykumar Patel, who is a citizen of the Republic of India, had asked an associate to hire someone to rob his store in June of 2019.  After a 3-day trial last week, Patel was found guilty and could face up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced.

TEMPORARY LYCO SPCA CLOSURE AFTER PARVO DETECTED

The Lycoming County SPCA has been forced to temporarily close after one dog came in tested positive for Canine Parvovirus, a highly contagious illness for dogs, and one other dog was exposed.  SPCA officials say all other dogs have been tested and boosted and they are fine. According to WNEP, adoptions and dog intakes in Lycoming County are not allowed at this time, but they are continuing to test and monitor for the virus and as long as the health of the animals remains ok, they are set to reopen on December 23rd.  They welcome any donations to help offset the costs for their healthy homeless pets campaign.  Go to Lycoming spca.org.

UNION COUNTY TREE SALE

The Union County Conservation District in Lewisburg has begun taking orders for their 2024 Tree Sale.  According to published materials from the county, orders for a series of seedlings are available with orders being accepted through April 12th and deliveries will be at the end of April.  Soil test kits from Union County are also available.  Go to union county pa dot org for information.

POTENTIAL RETURN TO PASSENGER RAIL IN NE PA DESIGNATED

The Federal Railroad Administration is looking to develop more rail lines between American cities and has named a line between Scranton and New York City as a possible location for passenger rail through the Corridor Identification and Development Program.  According to Senator Bob Casey, designating passenger rail for service in the North East PA region again can be a game-changing force for our economy.  Rail service previously ran on the Lackawanna Cut-Off directly between Scranton and New York, but was discontinued in 1970.  The designation is considered a key step toward getting federal funding for the proposed rail service.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Basketball

Boys
Loyalsock 57        Central Columbia 42
Mansfield 81        South Williamsport 31
Abington 78         Shamokin 46
St John Neumann 63  Bloomsburg 56
Danville 57           Milton 44
Selinsgrove 64      Hughesville  31

Girls
Loyalsock 53        Central Columbia  29
Hughesville 55     Selinsgrove 20
Meadowbrook Christian 50    Canton  30
Lewisburg  40      Warrior Run  37


NFL Monday Night Football
Titans 28              Dolphins 27
NY Giants 24       Packers 22
NFL  Thursday night Football
LA Chargers vs LA Raiders 8:15pm Prime Video

NBA
Magic 104            Cavaliers 94
76ers 146              Wizards 101
Nuggets 129         Hawks  122
Knicks 136                     Raptors 130
Bucks 133           Bulls 129
Kings 131             Nets 118
NBA Tonight
Lakers vs Dallas 7:30 TNT
Golden State vs Phoenix 10pm TNT

NHL
Sabres 5                Coyotes 2
Islanders 4           Maple Leafs  3
Stars 6                  Red Wings 3
Avalanche 6         Flames 5
NHL Tonight
Arizona vs Pittsburgh Penguins 7pm
Toronto vs NY Rangers 7pm
Flyers vs Nashville 8pm

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 11, 2023

DEADLY SHOOTING IN WILLIAMSPORT SATURDAY

Williamsport City Police went to the 1000 block of Memorial Avenue early Saturday morning after a call for shots fired at about 3:30am.  According to North Central PA dot com, after arrival, police found an unresponsive male with multiple gunshot wounds lying in the roadway.   Emergency crews attempted to revive the man who had been shot, but pronounced him dead at the scene.  Police are seeking information surround the shooting and ask you call Agent Ben Hitesman if you can help with the investigation.  570-327-7560 ext. 7595.

WOMAN THREATENED WHILE DRIVING

A man from Cogan Station was arrested for following a woman in her car and threatening her over the phone while driving along Route 45 November 30th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 24 year old James Micah Rooker U-turned on the roadway near Lewisburg to follow his accuser until she pulled into a parking lot of Old Turnpike Raod.  Police say another tried to help the woman and Rooker also threatened to kill him before he fled the scene.  Police later took him into custody and he has a preliminary hearing December 21st.

FIRST READING OF WILLIAMSPORT BUDGET PASSES 1 MIL HIKE

A 1 mil real estate tax hike was passed on the first budget reading by the Williamsport City Council Thursday. According to the SUN Gazette, the first reading included the real estate tax increase due to the city’s responsibility to the debt service, previously funded by River Valley Transit – now River Valley Transit Authority, which is approximately $800,000 a year. Council members say they will continue their research of the updated reduced budget deficit changes as they approach another budget reading date.

WILLIAMSPORT HS SINGERS PERFORM AT WHITE HOUSE

Williamsport Area High School’s Millionaire Singers visited and performed at the White House this past week.  As reported by SUN Gazette, the 32 members wore black tuxedos and gowns as they performed in the East Room of the White House. The singers have performed at the White House for every administration starting with President Bill Clinton. Even though the students did not meet the president or first lady, they enjoyed a self-guided tour of one of the most famous sites in the United States. The students are slated to perform their annual holiday concert, at 3 p.m., Dec. 17 at the high school auditorium.

THREE OFFICERS’ TRIAL SET FOR FEBRUARY

The trial for three former Mount Carmel police officers has been scheduled for early next year. According to the Daily Item, jury selection for former officer Kyle Schauer, retired Lt. David Donkochik and former officer Jonathan McHugh, is slated to start on Feb 5th at the Federal Courthouse in Williamsport. All three defendants were arrested in June when a federal indictment alleged all three officers, in upwards of 22 different arrests, used excessive force against arrestees from 2018-2021.

ELECTRONICS THEFT AT SELINSGROVE WALLMART

Thieves stole almost three thousand dollars-worth of electronics from the Best Buy store in Selinsgrove December 2nd.  According to State police in Selinsgrove, a black couple in a silver Nissan sedan was seen at the store around 4pm.  They allegedly entered the store and stole five PlayStation 5’s and five Playstation controllers.  Police say an Hispanic male driving a burgundy Subaru was seen talking with one of the suspects in the parking lot before the theft, but police do not know how or if he is involved in the theft.  Call state police with any information you know about the theft or the suspects.

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE RIVER CANDIDATE

It’s time to vote for your favorite Pennsylvania River of the Year for 2024.  According to DCNR, this year’s contestants are the Allegheny River, Lackawaxen River, and Youghiogheny (yacka gainey) River and the competition is here to highlight Pennsylvania’s special waterways and the benefits they bring for conservation, recreation, economic development, and so much more.  The 2023 River of the Year designation was awarded to North Branch of the Susquehanna River.  Voting will remain open through 5 p.m. Friday, January 19th.  Get details at pa watershed .org.

NEW MILK SHAKE FLAVOR COMING TO FARM SHOW FOR 2024

Another fun flavor has been added to the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association milkshake menu for the 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show – salted caramel.  The new flavor milkshakes will be available to purchase along with vanilla, chocolate and mixed flavors during this year’s Farm Show, January 6th through 13th in Harrisburg.  Dairymen’s Association is partnering with The Giant Company who will host the pop-up tasting stands, at their locations this month in Lancaster, Carlisle and Camp Hill.  The organization raises proceeds to support programs including Fill A Glass With Hope, PA Farm Bureau Mobile Ag Education Lab and PA Dairy Princess and Promotion Program.

SPORTS

NFL Sunday
Buccaneers 29    Falcons 25
Bengals 34          Colts 14
Browns 31          Jaguars 27
Jets 30                 Texans  6
Ravens 37           Rams 31
Bills 20               Chiefs 17 
Cowboys 33       Eagles 13
Broncos 24         Chargers 7
NFL Monday Night Football
Titans vs Dolphins 8:15pm ESPN
Packers vs Giants  8:15pm  ABC

NBA In Season Tournament Championship Saturday
Lakers 123          Pacers 109
NBA Tonight
Washington Wizards vs Philadelphia 76ers 7pm
Toronto vs Knicks 7:30pm
Brooklyn vs Sacramento 10pm

NHL
Panthers 5           Blue Jackets 2
Oilers 4                Devils 1
Rangers 4  Kings 1
Capitals 4            Blackhawks 2
NHL Tonight
Arizona vs Buffalo 7pm
Toronto vs NY Islanders 7pm

Upcoming

Nov 9

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