Julie

Julie

Hey, I’m Julie! I am the newest member of the WBZD family from all the way down in Lewisburg, the “real” BURG as we like to call it. I was born and raised in Lewisburg, where my mom also grew up (my dad is a Billtown native), and I am here to stay. There is just so much to do and beautiful places to explore here in the Susquehanna Valley. Heck, I’m still discovering new places everyday and if you ever have any suggestions, I’d love to hear from you too. When I’m not at the radio station, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, roller skating, and actually going on long walks, especially at the beach. Ocean City, Maryland is my favorite!

Like everyone else, music is my life. I was involved with band, choir, and musical all through High School and even in college. I’m a 2018 graduate of Susquehanna University, where I worked at their college radio station and got bit by the “radio bug.” From there on, I got my first radio gig in Selinsgrove, PA and learned it all: traffic, sales, promotions, productions, and on-air. Call me the Jack or Jill of all trades, I guess, haha. I finally found my way up the mountain to Backyard Broadcasting and couldn’t be happier!

You can catch me on WBZD every Saturday from 10am-3pm and I might even make a few appearances on Sunday as well. Get ready to party with me every weekend! I’ve got all your favorite classic hits from the 70’s and 80’s, your crazy holiday of the day, as well as tons and tons of stuff going on in your backyard. I can’t wait for you to tune in!

– Julie

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 4, 2024

FORMER COMMISSIONER ACCUSED OF BURGLARY, TRESPASSING

Former Lycoming County Commissioner, Rick Mirabito, is free on bail after he surrendered Wednesday morning with his attorney over felony burglary and trespassing charges involving a landlord –tenant dispute.  According to the Sun Gazette, city police say Mirabito illegally evicted a tenant from a Vine Avenue apartment New Year’s Day and allegedly entered the woman’s apartment to take back the unit’s keys.  District Attorney Tom Marino initially withdrew the charges against Mirabito earlier this week, but refiled them yesterday after noting the case is a criminal matter, separate from the eviction issue. Mirabito’s preliminary hearing is January 16th.

SHAMOKIN MAN LEADS POLICE ON CHASE, CRASHES

Charges are pending against a Shamokin man who led police on a chase Tuesday morning before he crashed into a pole along State Route 61.  According to the News Item, a caller contacted police about 38 year old Kyle J. Brown who they said was getting angry and not acting right.  When police arrived at the 6th street residence, Brown left the property carrying a rifle which he threw into the car before he recklessly accelerated and left, nearly hitting an officer who had blocked his path.  Police followed but soon stopped the chase due to the high speed, and Brown crashed nearby.  He sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized.  He was then arrested and taken to the Northumberland County Jail.

STUDENT LOANS CANCELED FOR FORMER PCI STUDENTS

Students who attended the former Pittsburgh Career Institute on loans, will not have to pay back their debt.  According to Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry, PA schools were given 18 months to find a new accreditor after the Department of Education changed policies in November of 2022.  PCI chose to close instead, leaving some students with outstanding balances that will be wiped out now by the Commonwealth.

SIGNIFICANT SNOW POSSIBLE FOR NORTHEAST

Northeast PA may see a significant amount of snow if the models meteorologists are watching prove true. According to Accuweather, a cross-country storm could  intensify late in the week in time for the weekend causing travel snags in many locations around the I- 95 corridor. The storm is forecast to collide with an area of colder air in place across the Great Lakes and Northeast, allowing for a zone of snow to unfold.  Accuweather predicts the worst of the storm will be limited to about 12-18 hours or so from late Saturday into Sunday evening with conditions likely to deteriorate in New England and upstate New York before Monday.

MAN DESTROYS SECURITY CAMERA WITH HAMMER

A Williamsport man was arrested after police discovered he destroyed a security camera at a Second Street property December 16th with a hammer.  According to the Sun Gazette, 41 year old Michael Demers was recognized on camera wearing a black clothing and black mask  before he smashed the camera and fled, leaving blood at the scene.  Police arrested Demers at his home on West Fourth Street and charged him with simple assault , criminal mischief and tampering with evidence.  He was later released on 10 thousand dollars bail.

TRUCK TRAIN COLLISION IN SUNBURY

Area roads were closed for about an hour in Sunbury Tuesday after a truck collided with a train before 11am along Market Street.  According to police, no injuries were reported when a truck was hit on the driver’s side and was pushed by the train for several feet.  Other roads in the area were closed around the intersection while they cleared the crash.  The roads reopened just before noontime.

SCAMMER ARRESTED IN UNION COUNTY

An elderly Union County man was scammed out of 400 thousand dollars over several years, after a woman from Nebraska claimed he won the Publisher’s Clearing House lottery and had him continue to pay taxes and other charges, while he still expected the prize money.  According to State Police at Milton, the victim contacted them in August and an investigation into his allegations turned up suspect, 51 year old Candi Brown who left a trail of fraudulent activity in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Nebraska, Ohio, and Illinois with ATM withdrawals from Brown’s accounts taking place in Jamaica.  Investigators found Brown had a history of fraud crimes, and was arrested.  She is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing in Union County Court on February 8th.

PENN DOT CHARITABLE GIVING IN 2023

PennDOT District 3 employees made fundraising for local charities a priority in 2023 and recently announced the effort and positive influence employees have in their local communities.  District 3 employees participated in several charitable events, including a competition between units to raise the most money for Footprints of Montgomery, a Lycoming County Food bank, collecting the equivalent of almost 5 thousand pound of food. In addition, bikes were collected and given to Bikes for Tykes, in honor of the late Bill Craver, a PennDOT Maintenance worker who personally donated bikes to the charity annually.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Basketball

Boys
Montgomery 80        Williamson 74 (OT)
Mifflinburg 65          Midd-West 34
Cow Valley 45          Towanda 43
Shamokin 86             Jersey Shore 29
Hughesville 44         Warrior Run 43
Loyalsock 77                        Bloomsburg 54
Selinsgrove 70          Milton 26
Montoursville 41     Danville 38
Central Col. 49         Lewisburg 45
Mount Carmel 58     Southern Columbia 52
Cntrl Mountain 72   Shikellamy 45
Girls
Loyalsock 42                        Bloomsburg 39
Williamson 45          Wellsboro 33
Benton 46                  Northwest Area 32
Troy 54                      Athens 28
Muncy 48                  South Williamsport 22
Towanda 57              Wyalusing 48
Canton 46                  Cowanesque Valley 33
Millville 54               Sullivan County 26
NP Liberty 49           Sayre 15
NE Bradford 58        NP Mansfield 28
St. John Neuman 55 Bucktail 40

NCAA Football News
In college football, former Ohio State wide receiver Julian Fleming will transfer to Penn State next season.  Fleming was ESPN’s No. 1 recruit in the country in 2020 after his high school days at Southern Columbia. 

NBA

Cavaliers  140      Wizards  101
Pacers  142                     Bucks  130
Brooklyn  101      Rockets  112
Knicks  116          Bulls 100
Heat  110             Lakers 96
Kings  138                      Magic 135
NBA Tonight
Milwaukee vs San Antonio  7:30pm TNT
Denver @ Golden State  10 pm TNT

NHL
Devils 6                Capitals 3
Maple Leafs  2     Ducks 1

NHL Tonight
Penguins vs Bruins 7pm  ESPN
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Phila Flyers 7pm
Chicago vs Rangers  7pm
Islanders vs Arizona 9pm

NCAA Football
National Championship Monday, January 8
Washington Huskies vs Michigan Wolverines  7:30pm ESPN  Houston, TX
NFL Saturday
Pittsburgh vs Baltimore  4:30pm ESPN

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 3, 2024

UNITYVILLE MAN SENTENCED FOR CRUEL ANIMAL CRIME

A Unityville man has been sentenced in Lycoming County Court after he pled guilty to all counts related to stealing and brutally killing two dairy cows who were the pets of two young girls in the local 4-H program in January of 2020.  According to the Sun Gazette, the courtroom was full, supporting the victims – the Kitzmiller family, as President Judge Nancy Butts gave 60 year old Gary Colastosti of Woods Road up to 12 months of the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program which requires paying restitution, a letter of apology to the family, a donation to the Dairy County Dairy Committee and 50 hours of community service, and no contact with the victims.  The guilty plea allowed Colatosti to escape a possible 31 year sentence and 90 thousand dollar fine.

FAMILY OF DECEASED INMATE FILES SUIT FOR NEGLIGENCE

A federal lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a Williamsport man who died in the custody of the Lycoming County Prison. According to WNEP, the family of 33 year old inmate, Chaz Donya Turner, seeks damages for claims of negligence and civil rights violations after he died January 15th 2022 following complications from COVID and diabetes.  He went to the hospital January 2nd, for abdominal issues where he allegedly assaulted two nurses and was arrested. County officials have not responded to the lawsuit.

SUNBURY TO NAME ALLEYWAYS

Aiding emergency responders is the goal of Sunbury officials who want to officially name multiple so-far unnamed alleys in the city of Sunbury. According to the Daily Item, the city will ask for the public’s help in naming at least 8 or more currently unnamed alleys. The naming of the local alleys will cut down on confusion in the city for 911 operators and first responders in future emergency situations.

PUBLIC INVITED TO FARM SHOW RECEPTION

The public is invited to the 108th PA Farm Show’s PA Preferred® Reception, at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg this Friday, January 5th.  According to Agriculture Secretary, Russel Redding, the ticketed reception is 40 dollars for the general public, 20 dollars for PA Preferred members, but free for military-veteran farmers who are members of Home Grown by Heroes.  The event features a short program featuring the people and products of Pennsylvania Agriculture.  Get details at farmshow.pa.gov.

ONE KILLED, ONE INJURED IN RIDE-SHARE VEHICLE ACCIDENT

A passenger in a motor vehicle crash in Montour County was killed on I-80 Monday night and the ride-share driver was injured.  According to State Police 23 year old passenger Yainyles Gomez and the ride-share driver of the 2011 Toyota Highlander, 44 year old Anthony Machi of Hughesville, were heading to Wilkes-Barre when Machi reportedly lost control of the vehicle at about 3:38 am in Liberty Township at about mile marker 217 and overturned before striking a tree.  Gomez was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash by the Montour County Coroner and an autopsy will take place tomorrow.  Machi was transported to Geisinger Medical Center with minor injuries.  Both were not wearing their seatbelts.

ALLEGED DEALER CHARGED FOR SELLING FATAL HEROIN DOSE

An Old Lycoming Township man has been charged with a felony for delivering drugs that caused the death of a Williamsport woman in May of 2019.  According to the Sun Gazette, 44 year old Alex DeJesus allegedly sold heroin to 36 year old Teresa Holtzman, who was later found unresponsive at home from an apparent overdose and died a few days later at UPMC Williamsport from what toxicology reports say was a fatal mixture of benzos and fentanyl.  DeJesus was recently taken into custody but was released from Lycoming County Prison on 95 thousand dollars bail.

ELUSIVE PIEBALD DEER TAKEN IN YORK COUNTY

A 13 year old Schuylkill County girl took the buck of her lifetime in York County on December 9th, the last day of Pennsylvania’s rifle season.  According to GoErie dot com,  Alex Eckenrod of Hegins was hunting with her  grandfather when they spotted a locally elusive 9 point piebald deer with a 17 inch spread that locals had nicknamed “The Ghost”.  Eckenrod used a 12-gauge shotgun and harvested the deer with a rifled slug.  PA Game Commission wildlife biologists say piebald condition is an inherited genetic trait that shows speckles or whitewashed flanks.  If the deer has white speckled fur, brown eyes and black hooves the deer is considered piebald and not albino.

JERSEY SHORE SENDS THREE TO PIAA ALL-STATE TEAM

Three Jersey Shore football players have been named and are All State bound. According to the Daily Item, this is the 5th straight year Jersey Shore Football has sent players with all-state honors, including linebackers Bo Sechrist and Elijah Jordan and lineman Dyson Delaney.  Jersey Shore head coach Tom Gravish has also been tapped to lead Team Pennsylvania in next year’s Big 33 Football Classic – slated to kick off at Cumberland Valley High School’s Chapman Field in Mechanicsburg on May 26th.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Basketball

Girls
Shamokin 46                  Midd-West 8
Central Columbia 53     Mifflinburg 28
Hughesville 65               Warrior Run 39
Shikellamy 36                Central Mntn 34
Selinsgrove 43               Danville 35
Jersey Shore 56             Lewisburg 42

Boys
Muncy 66                      S.Williamsport 20
St. John Neumann 67    Bucktail 58
NP-Liberty 65      Meadowbrook Christian 54
Northwest Area 56                  Benton 29
Sullivan County 55        Millville 31
Halifax 69                      Line Mountain 55
Greenwood 58               East Juniata 38

NBA

76ers  110           Bulls 97
Grizzlies  106     Spurs  98
Pelicans 112       Nets  85
Thunder  127      Celtics  123
Warriors  121     Magic  115

NBA Tonight
Washington vs Cleveland 7pm
Chicago Bulls vs NY Knicks 8:30pm ABC
Miami Heat vs LA Lakers 10pm ESPN

NHL
Hurricanes 6       Rangers  1
Bruins  4             Blue Jackets 1
Capitals  4           Penguins 3
Avalanche  5       Islanders  4
Oilers  5              Flyers  2
NHL Tonight
NJ vs Washington 7pm TNT
Toronto vs Anaheim Ducks 9pm

NCAA Football
National Championship Monday, January 8
Washington Huskies  vs Michigan Wolverines  7:30pm ESPN  Houston, TX

NFL Saturday
Pittsburgh vs Baltimore  4:30pm ESPN

Totally Awesome 80’s with Kent Jones

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

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

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