BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 24, 2023

AMISH WEDDDING GUESTS ESCAPE BURNING VAN ON I-180

Over 50 Amish passengers and the driver of a travel bus all escaped serious injuries after the vehicle they were using caught fire Thursday morning off of I-180 in Muncy Township.  According to the Gazette, the group was heading to a wedding in New York State at about 4am and the driver exited at the Lycoming Mall Road  to check a problem since he smelled smoke.  After the occupants of the vehicle got off the bus, it was discovered that the brakes we on fire which spread to other parts of the bus. Muncy Fire authorities arrived to the whole bus on fire and took about 30 minutes to extinguish it.  Passengers were sheltered temporarily by first responders from UPMC Williamsport, but then the group was able to continue to their destination when another bus arrived.

BALLOTS MISSING DATES ON OUTSIDE ENVELOPE TO BE COUNTED

A judge in Harrisburg ruled Tuesday that mail-in ballots in Pennsylvania without accurate handwritten dates on their exterior envelopes must still be counted if they are received in time.  According to PennLive, U.S. District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter a Pres. Trump appointee, sided with the American Civil Liberties Union, which argued that refusing to count such ballots violates the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964, that says immaterial errors or omissions should not be used to prevent voting.  The GOP has repeatedly fought in court to get such ballots thrown out.

NEW TRAFFIC LIGHT FUNCTIONAL

There is a newly installed traffic signal at Fairfield Road and Brushy Ridge which has been fully activated this week after being in  flashing mode only.  Penn DOT recommends motorists drive with caution in the area while drivers get accustomed to the newly installed signal. The traffic signal work  at this intersection is part of a multi-year project that will reconstruct Fairfield Road from the intersection with Lycoming Mall Drive up to the Interstate 180 eastbound off ramp and will replace the structure carrying Lycoming Mall Drive over Bennetts Run.

DEER SEASON STARTS SATURDAY

Statewide firearms bear season that started on November 18th, ended Friday.  According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the state’s north central region usually leads the state in bear harvests.  In 2022 the county with the highest number of bear taken was Tioga County with 187 and Lycoming coming in next at 152 with a limit of one bear per hunter during a licensed year.  Pennsylvania’s statewide firearms deer season starts tomorrow.  Go to pgc.pa.gov for information.

FATHER DOESN’T SEEK MEDICAL CARE AFTER JUVENILE SON IS SHOT

A father from Hepburn Township is facing child endangerment charges after one of his two juvenile sons shot the other in the buttocks October 14th and the man didn’t seek medical care for him.  According to the Sun Gazette, Lycoming Regional Police say when the 7 year old boy fired the non life-threatening shot and struck the 11 year old,  35 year old Mark Anthony Dunlap Sr., refused him care and ordered the boys not to tell authorities about what really  happened.  After the injured boy was absent from school for a few days, kept from returning to the care of their mother, then discovered to have a bleeding wound by the school nurse, the boys told police the truth.  The 11 year old was treated November 5th  at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre for the gunshot wound that still had bullet fragments in it. Dunlap admitted his role in the felony and was arraigned.  He posted 10 thousand dollars bail.

INJURY ACCIDENT NEAR ELYSBURG

There was an accident near Elysburg Tuesday that sent two people to the hospital.  According to the Press-Enterprise, the two drivers were injured when they collided on Route 487 between Elysburg and Paxinos, which closed the roadway for about an hour.  The wreck was reported near Industrial Park Road and there were reports of a dog that got loose from one of the vehicles around 1:30pm, but fire personnel caught the dog and kept him safe.  Ralpho Township police are investigating the crash.

MUNCY HIGH SCHOOL HOLDING COMMUNITY CLOSET DAY

Community Closet Day is coming to Muncy December 2nd and Muncy High School Students are asking for help with their annual service project this year.  According to North Central PA dot com, the high school’s FBLA club works to support underprivileged community members by providing access to free, quality clothing through organized community donations. The event is free and open to the public who can bring new or lightly used clothing in clean condition  to the Ward L. Myers Elementary School gymnasium at125 New Street in Muncy December 2nd from 9am til  noon. 

SUNBURY CITY BAND TO PLAY FREE CONCERT

The annual holiday concert performed by the Sunbury City Band is coming up December 3rd.  The free concert will be at Zion Lutheran Church on the corner of Market and Fifth streets in Sunbury and will feature traditional holiday and Christmas tunes presented through  sacred, classical, popular and jazz genres.  The Sunbury City band will also perform today at the Sunbury Litefest .

SPORTS

NFL
Packers 29          Lions 22
Cowboys 45       Commanders 10
49’ers 31            Seahawks 13
NFL Today

Miami vs Jets 3pm Prime Video
NFL Sunday

Steelers vs Bengals 1pm CBS
Patriots vs NY Giants 1pm FOX
Cleveland @ Denver 4:05pm FOX
Buffalo @ Philadelphia 4:25pm CBS
Ravens vs LA Chargers 8:20pm NBC

NCAA Football Today
Memphis @ Temple 12pm ESPN
Penn State @ Michigan State 7:30pm NBC
NCAA Football SATURDAY
Ohio State @ Michigan  12pm FOX
Pitt @ Duke  12pm ACCN
Notre Dame @ Stanford 7pm


HS Football Friday

State Quarterfinals
AA – Bald Eagle Area @ Southern Columbia
Triple A –  Danville vs Wyomissing  @ Albright College – Reading, PA
Quad A – Juniata @ Selinsgrove
HS Football Saturday
Class A – Cambria Heights vs South Williamsport @ STA Stadium, Williamsport
NBA Today
Celtics vs Magic  2:30pm NBA TV
Heat vs Knicks 7:30 pm ESPN
Spurs vs Warriors 10pm ESPN

NHL

NY Rangers vs Philadelphia Flyers 1pm NHL NET
Penguins vs Sabres 6pm TNT
NY Islanders vs Senators 7:30pm ESPN+
Avalanche vs Wild 8:30pm TNT

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 22, 2023

FIRE DISPLACES PENN TOWNSHIP FAMILY

A fire in Lairdsville displaced a Penn Township family early Tuesday morning.  According to the Sun Gazette, the unnamed couple and their 11 year old granddaughter escaped the fire along Lakeside Drive after they awoke to the smell of smoke at about 2:20am.  Firefighters said they arrived to the home with an outer wall to the chimney on fire, and had to stretch the fire hose about 800 feet to reach the blaze which took about an hour to control.  The mobile home was a total loss, and the Red Cross is assisting the family. Lairdsville, Hughesville, Muncy Valley, Muncy Area, Picture Rocks, Pennsdale and Montoursville responded to the scene during the call.

WILLIAMSPORT MAN CHARGED WITH ALLEGED THREATS

A man from Williamsport who threatened another local man and claiming he put a bounty on his head in November is facing charges.  According to the Sun Gazette,  46 year old Raymond Antoni Richards allegedly told the victim on the phone that he should have killed him and that same victim and his girlfriend received other threats from Richards at a home in Loyalsock Township November 7th.  Police said Richards also damaged the victim’s car that same day.  He waived his preliminary hearing and is free on 10 thousand dollars bail.

ELEMENTARTY SCHOOL BUILDING SOLD

The Warrior Run School board approved the sale of the former Watsontown Elementary School building to the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit.  According to the Standard Journal, the agreement between the two parties was for the 610 thousand dollar price covered by the CSIU’s capital reserve budget.  The new Watsontown elementary school opened to about 780 students this fall.

HOT STOVE BANQUET COMING IN 2024

The Williamsport Crosscutters’ Hot Stove Banquet is coming back January 17th at the Genetti Ballroom in Downtown Williamsport.  According to the team, three special guests have been invited to the popular charity event including Kent Tekulve, former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher; Tim Kurkjian, ESPN baseball analyst; and Chris Carlin, ESPN radio host. Portions of the proceeds of the typically sold out event will benefit the Lycoming County United Way. The evening will include inductions of the latest members to the Bowman Field Hall of Fame and the Lycoming County Sports Walk.  Get details about tickets to the Hot Stove banquet at crosscutters.com.

TWO TEENS ESCAPE CASE WORKER’S CUSTODY

Two teenage boys in the custody of Bradford County Children and Youth case workers escaped as they were being transported to Pittsburgh, running into the woods near Roaring Branch on Monday.  According to North Central PA dot com, State Police at Towanda say 17-year-old Romeo Brown and 15-year-old Cedric Brown were last seen fleeing on foot along State Route 14 near McCracken.  If you have information about the boys please call state police at 570-265-2186. Troopers say anyone who is knowingly transporting the two teens or assisting them could face criminal charges.

COAL TOWNSHIP MAN SENTENCED FOR MURDER OF HIS MOTHER

A man from Coal Township has been sentenced to years in prison for killing his mother.  According to court records, 40-year-old Christopher Depka was facing third-degree murder charges in September for beating his mother with a baseball bat on Holly Street in 2021, but plead guilty in Northumberland County Court.  According to the Daily Item, Monday Depka was given 20 to 40  years for the death of 61 year old Sarah Jones. 

DISABLED MOTORIST RESCUED FROM EMBANKMENT

A man who ran out of gas became trapped on a highway embankment in Williamsport Monday afternoon.  According to North Central PA dot com, an unnamed motorist left his disabled vehicle along Rt 15 in Old Lycoming Township and proceeded to climb to the bottom of the hill to walk for help.  According to police, a fence at the bottom of the embankment trapped the man since he could no climb back up the steep hill.  The man who was uninjured, got help from Lycoming Regional Police, Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company, and Williamsport Bureau of Fire who cut the fence to free him. 

MEALS SERVED TO VETERANS AT GEISINGER

Almost 3 thousand meals were served to veterans during Geisinger’s drive-through veteran appreciation dinners to celebrate our appreciation during the Veterans Day week.  According to a press release from the hospital, dinners were provided November 9th at  11 locations across the Geisinger Service area.  The dinners for U.S. military veterans and guests were provided at no cost to participants in Bloomsburg, Danville, Jersey Shore, Lewistown, Mifflintown, Muncy, Pittston, Scranton, Shamokin, State College and Wilkes-Barre. Members of Geisinger’s executive leadership team, regional leaders and volunteers attended the event to hand out meals and some handmade cards to veterans.

SPORTS

HS Football Friday
State Quarterfinals
Double A – Bald Eagle Area @ Southern Columbia
Triple A –  Danville vs Wyomissing  @ Albright College – Reading, PA
Quad A – Juniata @ Selinsgrove
HS Football Saturday
Class A – Cambria Heights vs South Williamsport @ STA Stadium, Williamsport

NCAA Men’s College Basketball
Marquette  73     Kansas 59
Purdue 71           Tennessee 67
Duke 95              LaSalle 66
Gonzaga 76         Syracuse 57
Florida State 77 Colorado 71

NCAA Football Friday

Memphis @ Temple 12pm ESPN
Penn State @ Michigan State 7:30pm
NCAA FOOTBALL SATURDAY
Wake Forest @ Syracuse 2pm
Notre Dame @ Stanford 7pm
NBA
Magic 126           Raptors 107
Pacers 157          Hawks 152
Cavaliers 122     76’ers 119
Suns  120            Trail Blazers 107
Lakers 131          Jazz 99
NBA Tonight
Milwaukee @ Boston 7:30pm ESPN
Brooklyn @ Atlanta 7:30pm
76’ers @ Minnesota 8pm
Golden State @ Phoenix 10pm ESPN
NFL Thanksgiving Day Football

Green Bay @ Detroit 12:30pm FOX
Washington @ Dallas 4:30pm CBS
San Francisco @ Seattle 8:20pm NBC
Friday
Miami vs Jets 3pm Prime Video
NFL Sunday
Steelers vs Bengals 1pm CBS
Patriots vs NY Giants 1pm FOX
Cleveland @ Denver 4:05pm FOX
Buffalo @ Philadelphia 4:25pm CBS
Ravens vs LA Chargers 8:20pm NBC

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 21, 2023

STABBING IN WILLIAMSPORT

A city woman is in custody today after police say she stabbed her boyfriend during an argument Monday morning in her Memorial Avenue apartment.  According to the Sun Gazette, 19 year old Anastasia Wingo called 911 saying she stabbed the victim, but the boyfriend told police the injuries were self-inflicted and was treated at the scene, denying more treatment.  Wingo was taken into custody for assault and committed to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 10 thousand dollars bail. Paramedics say they returned to the scene an hour later and transported the boyfriend to UPMC Williamsport for treatment of injuries.

POLICE SEEK HIT AND RUN SUSPECT

Police are seeking a Hit and Run driver who crashed into a shed structure in Turbotville last Wednesday night in Northumberland County.  According to North Central PA dot com, State police at Milton said witnesses told them the driver of a red sedan with a loud muffler smashed into the shed and fled south afterwards near Locust Lane and the intersection with Washington Street.  Police say the passenger side of the vehicle will have damage and the car is missing a passenger side mirror.  If you have information call State police barracks a 570-524-2662.

PENNDOT CLOSING DMV FOR THANKSGIVING

All DMV locations will be closed this Thursday and Friday to observe the Thanksgiving Holiday, this includes the Harrisburg service center on South Front Street.  According to PennDOT, all driver and vehicle products, including forms, publications and driver training manuals will still be available online at www.dmv.pa.gov.  Online services are available 24/7 and there is no additional cost for using these services.]

FREE THANKSGIVING MEALS IN THE AREA THIS WEEK

There are several places in Lycoming County that are providing free Thanksgiving meals this Thursday.  According to North Central PA dot com, American Rescue Workers on Elmira Street will serve a drive through or walk up meal from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m, The Newberry Church of Christ at 2100 Linn Street will serve from 11am til 2pm providing a blanket for each family that attends.  Hughesville Friends Church on South 3rd Street will have a meal from noon until 3 and Muncy VFW will have a meal Thursday at 11am at their location at 12 North Market Street.  The New Love Center in Jersey Shore will have a Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday from 11am until 12:30, but will be closed Thursday.

WOMAN WHO SOLD DRUGS TO UNDERCOVER OFFICER ARRESTED

A Lock Haven woman has been arrested for selling methamphetamine to an undercover informant several times between last August and this past summer.  According to North Central PA dot com, 45 year old Amanda Maggs completed four drug deals from various locations around Lock Haven with officers.  Maggs was charged with eight counts of possession with intent to deliver and four counts of criminal use of a communication facility. She posted $50,000 unsecured bail earlier in November.

ASSAULT AND RAPE CHARGES IN SHAMOKIN

A 42 year old man from Paxinos has been incarcerated for strangulation, rape and assault at his home.  According to the News-Item, police say a victim reported that Dennis Allen Kodack Jr engaged in a fight with her that led to the rape and assault, after which she reported the crime at the Shamokin Police Department.  Since the incident happened under the jurisdiction of the Stonington State police, they conducted the interview with Kodack who said the incident was consensual. He was committed to Northumberland County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash bail.

WILLIAMSPORT WINS GRANT FOR RECREATION AT SHAW PARK

The Pennsylvania DCNR has awarded the City of Williamsport grant money to continue development of Shaw Park including include site improvements and the construction of a pump track.  According to Mayor Derek Slaughter, the competitive grant of over 224 thousand dollars was awarded through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program with a variety of federal and state resources.  Slaughter thanked Senator Gene Yaw and Representative Jamie Flick along with officials from DCNR and Governor Shapiro, for the investment in the city, specifically for the recreational improvements that have been a top priority for his administration.  The proposed pump track will include a beginner, intermediate and advanced track and will provide an inclusive, accessible space to explore recreational activity and fitness for residents.

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY TRAVEL MAY SEE WEATHER CHALLENGES

Triple A says between 55 and 56 million people are traveling over the week surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday and Pennsylvania is expecting to face weather issues that could slow down that travel today and tomorrow with another separate storm expected  by the weekend according to Accuweather.  Some gas prices have been reduced at local Sheetz locations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia, who report they have lowered their Unleaded 88 gas price to $1.99 a gallon until Monday, Nov. 27 at midnight.

SPORTS

NFL Monday Night Football
Eagles 21            Chiefs 17
ThanksgivingDay Football
Green Bay @ Detroit 12:30pm FOX
Washington @ Dallas 4:30pm CBS
San Francisco @ Seattle 8:20pm NBC
Friday
Miami vs Jets 3pm Prime Video
NFL Sunday
Steelers vs Bengals 1pm CBS
Patriots vs NY Giants 1pm FOX
Cleveland @ Denver 4:05pm FOX
Buffalo @ Philadelphia 4:25pm CBS
Ravens vs LA Chargers 8:20pm NBC
NCAA FOOTBALL FRIDAY
Penn State vs Michigan State 7:30pm

NBA
Hornets 121        Celtics 118
Bucks 142           Wizards 129
Heat 118             Bulls 100
Timberwolves 117  Knicks 100
Clippers 124       Spurs 99
Warriors 121      Rockets 116

NHL
Dallas Stars 6      NY Rangers 3

NHL Wednesday

Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers 7pm TNT
NY Rangers vs Pittsburgh Penguins 7pm ESPN+
Buffalo vs Washington 7pm ESPN+
Philadelphia vs NY Islanders 7:30pm ESPN+
Vegas vs Dallas 9:30 TNT

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 20, 2023

SATURDAY ACCIDENT IN MUNCY

A Saturday morning accident between a cement truck and SUV in Muncy sent three people to the hospital just after 6:20am.  According to the Sun Gazette, the female driver of the SUV was thrown from the vehicle when the collision happened at Clarkstown Road and Route 442, and she and the juvenile in her car were taken to UPMC Williamsport for treatment.  The driver of the cement truck was transported to UPMC Muncy. PennDOT was on the scene to clean up an undetermined amount of cement that had spilled form the truck that had to be towed from the accident scene. An investigation is ongoing.

TWO MORE CHARGES FOR ELEVATOR CONTRACTOR

A man already incarcerated for theft by deception for not completing elevator installation work that he took money for in Luzerne County, pleaded guilty to two more similar counts in Lycoming County Court Friday.  According to the Sun Gazette, 45 year old Michael William Bloom, the former owner of Keystone Lift and Elevator Company, appeared in court via video link and had 11 other counts against him dismissed through the plea deal with the Senior Deputy Attorney General.  Bloom will face sentencing with the victims present January 2nd

PA RESIDENTS BANNED FROM CASINOS FOR NEGLECTING CHILDREN

During the latest meeting of the Pennsylvania Gaming Board, four Commonwealth residents were banned from all casinos in Pennsylvania after they were caught gambling while they left children in their care unattended.  According to a press release from the Gaming Board, this situations ranged from leaving children ages infant to age 13 unattended while the adult left them to gamble.  All four incidents happened in Montgomery, Westmoreland and Philadelphia Counties.  There is a current campaign started by the PAGB is underway in the state, encouraging residents to not bring children along when they choose to gamble.

CITY TRASH STATION CLOSED TOMORROW

Tomorrow, the Lycoming County Resource Management Services transfer station on West Third Street in Williamsport will be closed for mandatory maintenance.  According to North Central PA dot com, the public and other waste haulers will be able to utilize the facility again starting Wednesday morning at 8:30am.  Those needing to dispose of waste during the day of closure, can go to the landfill location at 447 Alexander Drive, Montgomery, which is usually open Monday through Friday, 7am to 4:30pm and Saturday, 7am til noon.

FATALWRECK ON ROUTE 220 LAST TUESDAY

The crash that closed Route 220 last Tuesday afternoon in Wolf Township was a fatal wreck that took the life of a Hillsgrove man.  According to the Sun Gazette, 44 year old Jason Randall was killed in a one-vehicle crash just north of Hoagland Branch in Elkland Township.  Police say Randall drove his truck off the east side of the road, striking a tree.  Hillsgrove and Eldredsville first responders were on the scene.  State Police in Laporte say Randall was wearing his seatbelt but was declared dead at the scene by the Lycoming County Coroner.

MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WROTE FRAUDULENT PRESCRIPTIONS

A Lock Haven woman is facing identity theft, and possession of a controlled substance charges after she fraudulently filled prescriptions for patients but kept the medicine for her personal use. According to investigators, 50 year old Sondra Suzette Perry, a medical professional, wrote and filled prescriptions of Percocet over three months, for a patient who was out of the country.  When a Weis Pharmacy manager contacted a doctor about the suspicious prescription, and Perry was confronted, she confessed to her boss and the pharmacist. Perry also admitted she took pills from another patient’s prescription supply.  Perry faces the 6 counts of identity theft and other charges, and posted 15 thousand dollars bail.

REWARD FOR INFORMATION ABOUT MINK RELEASE GROWS

The Northumberland County District Attorney continues to investigate the release of hundreds of mink into the wild from a fur farm near Sunbury in September, as the reward continues to grow for information leading to the arrest of the party responsible for the attack.  According to the Daily Item, executives from the Fur Commission USA say the reward is now 22 thousand dollars, but representatives from animal liberation press office dot org, where an anonymous message was posted claiming responsibility for the release of mink from the Richard H. Stahl fur farm, say they will not be deterred by the reward, as they fight to liberate wildlife.  Those from the Fur Commission USA, say the minks’ release sealed their fate since they have no survival skills.  If you have information call PA Crime Stoppers.

GIANT TO FUND A MOBILE FOOD PANTRY

Giant Foods along with Geisinger and another community partner are working to combat food insecurity in the Central Susquehanna River Valley.  According to the Standard Journal, The GIANT Company will to cover startup costs for the mobile food pantry initiative by committing $597,000.  The mobile food pantry is expected to serve fresh, healthy food 75 families at first.  Central Susquehanna Opportunities, a community action agency for Columbia, Montour and Northumberland counties, will staff the unit, provide nutrition education and give referrals to Geisinger for any clinical care needs.

SPORTS

NFL
Cowboys 33       Panthers 10
Browns 13          Steelers 10
Lions  31             Bears 26
Packers 23          Chargers 20
Dolphins 20        Raiders 13
Bills 32               Jets 6
Broncos 21         Vikings 20

NFL Monday Night Football

Eagles vs Chiefs 8:15pm ABC/ESPN

NBA
76’ers 121           Nets 99
Magic  128          Pacers 116
Celtics 102          Grizzlies 100
Suns  140                      Jazz 137
Lakers 105          Rockets 104
NHL
Maple Leafs 4     Wild 3
Flyers 5               Blue Jackets 2
Penguins 3          Golden Knights 0
Sabres 3              Blackhawks 2
Blues 3                Ducks 1

MLB NEWS

Pitcher Aaron Nola and the Phillies agreed to a seven-year contract on Sunday, the team announced. Sources told ESPN the deal is worth $172 million.

The 30-year-old right hander has spent all 10 years of his professional career with the Phillies, who took him with the seventh pick in the 2014 draft and promoted him to the major leagues barely a year later.
* Nola is 90-71 with a 3.72 ERA. Over 1,422 innings, he has struck out 1,582, walked 371 and allowed 169 home runs.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 16, 2023

STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE GUNSHOTS IN LOYALSOCK

Pennsylvania State Police responded to reports of a gunshot on Monday at the 200 block of Russell Avenue in Loyalsock Township.  According to North Central PA dot com, the deceased victim was identified as Jeffrey Aderhold II and police are involved in an active investigation.  According to police scanner information, Aderhold’s death may have been caused by a self-inflicted gunshot.  If you have information, please call State Police at Montoursville 570 368-5700. 

EVIDENCE IN ARMORY BREAK-IN DISCOVERED DURING SEARCH

Information has just been released this week about an investigation into a juvenile being shot November third that police say may have uncovered evidence about a burglary at the National Range and Armory at 531 Washington Blvd.  According to the Sun Gazette, a 14-year-old and a juvenile friend sought treatment for the injured teen who told police he was shot in the foot while standing inside a home on Memorial Avenue.  After obtaining a search warrant, city police discovered evidence that was consistent with the injuries the boy sustained and also with evidence found at the armory, such as broken glass and discovery of clothes that the suspects were allegedly wearing while caught on surveillance footage.  Police say seven guns were stolen during the break-in last month, but no arrests have been made as of yet.

PLAN PRESENTED FOR FORMER LYCOMING MALL PROPERTY

FAMVEST, the developer and owner of the land in Muncy Township that was once the Lycoming Mall, have announced upcoming plans for the project and have chosen a name for the mixed use site.  According to executives at FAMVEST, they have dubbed the soon to be thriving commercial community  “The District at Lycoming Valley” and expect to offer a diverse mix of retail and commercial options, healthcare services, housing, and recreational space. “The District” will be able to offer hundreds of full and part-time positions for those in the region.

WOODLANDS BANK DONATES THROUGH EITC PROGRAM

Woodlands Bank has given a 5 thousand dollar donation to the Community Arts Center in downtown Williamsport thanks to the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program or EITC. Every year since 2007, the Community Arts Center provides exceptional arts programming that enhances the classroom curriculum of nine school districts across a multi-county geographic reach in Northcentral Pennsylvania.  According to president of Woodlands bank, Jon Conklin, the bank’s ability to utilize the EITC program and help support the CAC enriches the lives of all those who reside here , and it brings a cultural depth to the region that their organization is proud to support.

DRUG OFFICERS ARREST WILLIAMSPORT MAN

A Williamsport man is in custody after Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit detectives said he dealt cocaine and methamphetamine from his Glennwood Avenue apartment to multiple people, including confidential informants.  According to North Central PA dot com,  police say 40 year old Victor Lamar Gibbs, a known local cocaine dealer, had football sized chunks of cocaine in his possession, and allegedly manufactured meth in the home before selling 61 grams of it to the undercover detective who videotaped the interactions.  Gibbs will be charged with felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility, and is being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 95 thousand dollars bail monetary.

TEEN DRIVER IDENTIFIED IN MONDAY’S FATAL CRASH

Reports of the identity of the Middleburg teenager who was killed Monday in a car accident along Route 104 and Troxelville Road in Center Township have been released.  According to the Standard Journal, 16-year-old Midd-West student Hayden Gipson was the teen driver who lost his life.  Gipson’s 2001 Mitsubishi collided with a truck-tractor combination driven by 49 year old Jason Sones of Watsontown.  At a high rate of spend with a frosted windshield, Gipson struck the truck and the vehicle became trapped underneath the frame of the tractor trailer.  The truck driver was not injured.

FALLEN SHAMOKIN OFFICER HONORED

A memorial was dedicated to honor a Shamokin City Police Department officer who was killed in the line of duty on November 13th, 1983.  According to WNEP, Corporal David Whitmer was shot by Preston Pfifley when he was drunk and shooting at police.  Pfifley was convicted of first-degree murder, but was spared the death penalty and died in prison in 2013.  Whitmer was the first and only Shamokin police officer to be killed in the line of duty.  Dozens of police officers from the region gathered in memory of such a dedicated law enforcement member.

ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DINNER IN SUNBURY

The free annual Thanksgiving dinner in Sunbury is set to go on this year, despite slower than normal donations.  According to coordinators who plan to serve 700 to 1,000 meals Thanksgiving Day, they are grateful for the number of volunteers who have helped prepare the dinners for the community over the past 25 years. The meal will be prepared and served at the  Zion Lutheran social Hall on 5th and Market Streets starting with coffee and donuts starting at 9am.  The meals will be ready at noon and will also be delivered to the high rises across the city.  Those who want to donate of volunteer to help serve or deliver meals, call Rhonda Fisher at 570-765-3850 or 570-658-2634.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Football Playoffs Week 3 Tomorrow
Class A Championship South Williamsport @ Muncy – BYB Game of the Week
Double A Championship Southern Columbia @ Troy
Triple A Championship Loyalsock @ Danville
States Quad A Round 3  Selinsgrove vs Bethlehem Catholic @ Catasqua

NBA
Mavericks 130     Wizards 117
Knicks 116          Hawks 114
Celtics 117          76ers 107
Bucks 128            Raptors 112
Suns 133              Timberwolves 115
Kings 125            Lakers 110
Cavaliers 109       Trail Blazers 95

Men’s College Basketball Friday

Bucknell @ Duke in Durham, NC 6pm (ACCN)
Butler @ Michigan State
Stonehill @ Kentucky 7pm ESPN
UCR @ North Carolina
Maryland @ Villanova8:30pm FS1

NHL
Flyers 3               Hurricanes 1
Oilers 4                Kraken 3
Avalanche 8        Ducks 2
Canucks 4           Islanders 3

NFL Thursday night Football

Cincinnati @ Baltimore 8:15pm Prime Video
NCAA Football This week
Tonight –     Pitt vs Boston College 7pm ESPN
Saturday –   Rutgers @ Penn State 12pm  FS1
                   Wake Forest @ Notre Dame 3:30pm NBC

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 15, 2023

POLICE INVESTIGATE BODY FOUND IN HUMMELS WHARF

Police found a body in a Monroe Township and have begun an investigation. According to State Police, the victim in the case is 35 year old Tiffany Judge who was found deceased in the Valley Lodge Motel in Monroe Township on North Susquehanna Trail in Hummels Wharf earlier this week.  If you have any information that can aid the investigation, call Snyder County or Pennsylvania State police.

MIDD-WEST STUDENT KILLED IN CAR ACCIDENT

The Midd-West School District,  released information that an unnamed student was killed in a tragic car accident on Monday.  According to Police, the accident happened at Route 104 at Centerville Street and Troxelville Road involving a car and a tractor trailer, but no details of the accident have been revealed.  In a statement from the Midd-West School District they say a beloved high school student lost their life as a result of the wreck and that counseling is available for students and staff trying to cope with the circumstances. 

DANCE RECITAL AT CU-LOCK HAVEN

The Commonwealth University-Lock Haven Dance Consort will hold its semi-annual Showcase on with three shows on Nov. 17th and 18th  in the John Sloan Fine Arts Center Auditorium.  The recital will highlight the dancing and choreography of the current students in the program. Donations of period products will be accepted at each show to benefit LHUPCSS Period Poverty program on campus.  Tickets are free to the public and can be reserved prior to the shows, available at the university box office.  Email [email protected].

TASTY SPCA FUNDRAISER COMING SOON

The 22nd Annual Lycoming County SPCA “For the Love of Paws” fundraiser will be this Saturday at the Holiday Inn in Williamsport. The event, formerly known as Sweet Temptations, will offer food tastings that will include silent auction bidding, raffles, and recently adopted animals walking the red carpet.  The money raised supports the SPCA in working towards its mission which includes efforts to protect all domestic animals providing shelter, emergency treatment, investigation and prosecution of cruelty or abuse and more.  Get information and a link to purchase tickets at lycomingspca.org.

LEWISBURG MAN JAILED AFTER DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE

A man from Lewisburg is charged with felony aggravated assault after police say he cut his wife with a knife and attacked officers who responded to the domestic disturbance October 25th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 58 year old Peter Holmes allegedly attacked his wife with the small knife, took her phone and money and became combative with police who eventually took him into custody at their Brown Street apartment.  He was charged, and remanded to the Union County Prison in lieu of 75 thousand dollars bail.  Holmes has a preliminary hearing November 30th.

MAN WHO ESCAPED WARREN COUNTY JAIL TO BE SENTENCED

The man who eluded police last summer after his escape from the Warren County Prison has now pleaded guilty for two more charges lodged against him; kidnapping a Pennsylvania couple and driving them to South Carolina as he evaded murder charges in New York, and for the prison escape July 6th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 34 year old Michael Burham was a fugitive until Pennsylvania State Police captured him on July 15th.  He will be sentenced January 5th for the charges in both cases in Warren County Court. 

RECALL OF FRITO-LAY CRISPS

Consumers of Frito-Lay Off The Eaten Path Chickpea Veggie Crisps are being made aware of a recall of 16 thousand bags of the snack due to a potential milk allergen.  According to North Central PA dot com, the crisps that were distributed in September in Pennsylvania contain undeclared milk ingredients due to the unintended presence of caramel seasoning.  A consumer filed a complaint which brought about the investigation of allergic reactions with the chickpea veggie crisps only, no other Off The Eaten Path products are affected.  Discard the product if you have sensitivity to milk products, or call 1-844-683-7284 with any questions.

PSP RECEIVES FUNDING FOR OPIOID INVESTIGATIONS

Funding totaling over 5.9 million dollars has been given to the Pennsylvania State Police from the Department of Justice for the locating and investigating of activities related to manufacturing and distributing meth, heroin, and fentanyl in the Commonwealth.  According to North Central PA dot com, the grants are from Anti-Heroin Task Force and Anti-Methamphetamine Program and are for agencies with high rates of primary treatment admissions for heroin and other opioids.  Troopers in Pennsylvania seized $65.4 million worth of illegal drugs in 2022.

SPORTS

PIAA Girls Soccer Semi-Finals
Class 2A
Central Columbia 4       Northwestern Lehigh 0
 Central Columbia advances to the PIAA State Girls Soccer Finals on Friday
Class 3A
Abington Heights 3        Shikellamy 1
PIAA Boys Soccer Semi-Finals
Class 2A
Quaker Valley 1             Central Columbia 0

PIAA Field Hockey Semi-Finals

Class 1A
Lackawanna Trail 5       Lewisburg 0

NBA
Pacers 132          76’ers 126
Nets 124              Magic 104
Jazz 115              Trail Blazers 99
Nuggets 111       Clippers 108
Timberwolves 104 Warriors 101
Lakers 134          Grizzlies 107

NCAA Men’s Basketball
Kansas 89           Kentucky 84
Marquette 71      Illinois  64
UConn 87           Miss. Valley State 53
Tennessee 82      Wofford 61
Duke  74             Michigan State 65
Gonzaga 123      Eastern Oregon 57

NHL
Penguins 5  Blue Jackets 3
Capitals 3  Golden Knights 0
NHL Tonight
Flyers vs Carolina Hurricanes 7:30pm TNT
NY Islanders vs Vancouver 10pm TNT
PIAA District 4 Football Playoffs Week 3 Friday

Class A Championship South Williamsport @ Muncy – BYB Game of the Week
Double A Championship Southern Columbia @ Troy
Triple A Championship Loyalsock @ Danville
States Quad A Round 3  Selinsgrove vs Bethlehem Catholic @ Catasqua


NFL Thursday night Football

Cincinnati @ Baltimore 8:15pm Prime Video
NCAA Football This week
Thursday – Pitt vs Boston College 7pm ESPN
Saturday – Rutgers @ Penn State 12pm  FS1
                 Wake Forest @ Notre Dame 3:30pm NBC

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 14, 2023

NO EXPLOSIVES FOUND IN SUNBURY FROM BOMB THREAT

There were no explosives found by bomb sniffing dogs brought in to investigate three separate bomb threats in Sunbury over the weekend.  According to the Daily Item, Sunbury police say an investigation is underway and they suspect that one individual is responsible for the series of calls and threats against the Burger King Restaurant on North 4th Street came in between Saturday night and Sunday when a third bomb threat causing another evacuation and lock down.  Authorities say there is no threat to the public, but if you have information about the weekend incidents in Sunbury, call Northumberland County 911.

NEW YORK MAN SENTENCED FOR INDECENT EXPOSURE

A man from Ghent, NY who was charged for sharing sexually explicit video material with a minor and took a plea deal was sentenced this week to 3 to 9 years in state prison for corruption of minors and indecent exposure.  According to North Central PA dot com, 41 year old Jeremy Thomas Frick was granted the chance to spend Thanksgiving with his family before he reports to serve his term, after the defense asked President Judge Nancy Butts to delay the sentence until January 1st.  Frick must report to the Lycoming County Prison December 4th, and following his release will be on the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) list for 25 years.

REAL ESTATE TAX INCREASE A POSSIBILITY IN WILLIAMSPORT

Monday night’s budget work session with City Council and Mayor Derek Slaughter proposed the idea of a 1 mil increase in real estate taxes for 2024.  According to the Sun Gazette, City Council is considering the increase even though the city anticipates being over in the general fund, there was still an 800 thousand dollar deficit the city has to make up for its share of debt service.  The 1 mil tax increase could make up for it.  Mayor Slaughter said expenditures are down and surely there will be more conversations about the budget going forward. Another Council work session for the budget is this Wednesday night.

WEIS DONATES TO PVA

Weis Markets announced it has donated $200,000 to Paralyzed Veterans of America. Officials from Weis Markets presented the check to PVA on Friday at their Enola, PA, store.  The donation was raised through a four-week in-store campaign in October and includes a corporate donation, supporting  PVA’s mission to help our most severely injured heroes have access to quality health care, and meaningful careers.

STATE POLICE SEEKING SHEEP SHOOTER

Another instance of someone shooting sheep near Winfield in Snyder County has occurred.  According to State Police at Selinsgrove, another sheep being killed was reported, this instance was along Apple Butter Hollow Road in Jackson Township.  The animal was in its enclosure and was hit with a small caliber bullet sometime overnight on either October 27th to 28th.  If you have any information about three local sheep shootings, please contact Selinsgrove State Police.

NEW TRAFFIC SIGNAL FLASHING AT FAIRFIELD AND BRUSHY RIDGE

There is a newly installed traffic light at Fairfield Road and Brushy Ridge Road that is expected to be active this week and motorists are advised to use caution  when approaching the new signal.  According to PennDOT, Fairfield Road will have a flashing yellow light and drivers should proceed through the intersection with care.  Brushy Ridge Road will have a flashing red light requiring motorists to stop and check for a clear intersection before proceeding. The intersection lights will flash for a week before the signal becomes fully activated after next Tuesday the 21st of November. The traffic signal at this intersection is part of a multi-year project that will reconstruct Fairfield Road, replacing the structure carrying Lycoming Mall Drive over Bennetts Run.

WILD BOAR SPOTTED IN PA

Feral Swine, or wild boar, have been spotted in just over 20 percent of Pennsylvania counties and there is worry that their destructive behavior could cause problems by disturbing local ecosystems.  According to North Central PA dot com, a study by University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health the boar are an invasive species growing in population throughout the country.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the hogs can cause approximately $2.5 billion in damages each year.  Wild hogs are most active at night and hunting them is completely unregulated in Pennsylvania. If you suspect wild boar activity near you contact wildlife authorities and report them.

FCFP BRINGS ON NEW CFO

The First Community Foundation Partnership has brought on a new chief financial officer who brings over two decades of accounting and finance experience to the team.  According to the FCF Partnership website, Steven Simms most recently comptroller and business operations manager at Lycoming County Resource Management Services and will now oversee the financial, accounting, and investment activities of the Foundation, including the FCFP Philanthropy Center and Rider Park. The Foundation works to improve the quality of life in north central Pennsylvania through community leadership, the promotion of philanthropy, the strengthening of nonprofit impact and perpetual stewardship.  Get Info about FCFP at 570-321-1500.

SPORTS

PIAA State Soccer Semi-Finals Today
Girls
Class 2A Central Columbia vs Northwestern Lehigh @ Harman-Geist Memorial Field in Hazelton 5pm
Class 3A Shikellamy vs Abington Heights @ Harman-Geist Memorial Field in Hazelton 5pm
Boys
Class 2A Central Columbia vs Quaker Valley @ Mansion Park Stadium in Altoona 6pm

PIAA District 4 Football Playoffs Week 3 Friday

Class A Championship South Williamsport @ Muncy – BYB Game of the Week
Double A Championship Southern Columbia @ Troy
Triple A Championship Loyalsock @ Danville
States Quad A Round 3  Selinsgrove vs Bethlehem Catholic @ Catasqua


NFL Monday Night Football
Broncos  24        Bills  22
NFL Thursday night Football
Cincinnati @ Baltimore 8:15pm Prime Video
NCAA Football This week
Thursday – Pitt vs Boston College 7pm ESPN
Saturday – Rutgers @ Penn State 12pm  FS1
                 Wake Forest @ Notre Dame 3:30pm NBC

NBA
Celtics 114          Knicks 98
Raptors 111        Wizards 107
Bucks 118           Bulls 109
Kings 132           Cavaliers 120

NHL
Oilers 4               Islanders 1
Avalanche 5        Kraken 1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 13, 2023

SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER LIFTED IN SUNBURY

Sunbury police have now lifted a shelter in place warning again after two separate bomb threats in a four-block area Saturday.  According to the Daily item, police deemed the threats credible and first reported there were threats against police, a bomb threat at a fast food restaurant, making them close and evacuate multiple streets near North 4th and North 5th streets.  Sunbury Police say another bomb threat came in after 7 Saturday and the second shelter in place warning was active through Sunday morning. A bomb-detecting dog from Geisinger Medical Center, from Danville was in Sunbury twice Saturday to clear the area of any explosives . An investigation continues, and authorities ask that if you have information about the weekend incidents, to call Sunbury police or Northumberland County 911.

SHAMOKIN MOTHER CHARGED FOR ENDANGERMENT

A Shamokin woman has been charged with child endangerment after a caseworker from Northumberland County Children and Youth Services asked for police assistance October 18 for a home visit that uncovered filthy conditions in the home.  According to North Central PA dot com, 31-year-old Tara Baker was in the process of cleaning up dog feces and suspected dog urine from the floor with roaches and bugs on the walls, when police and the landlord arrived to investigate.  The child was not in the home at the time, and in addition to felony child endangerment, was charged with misdemeanors of disorderly conduct and public nuisance.  Her preliminary hearing is December 5th.

WORK THIS WEEK ON I-180

Interstate 180 east and westbound in Montoursville Borough, and Loyalsock, Fairfield, and Muncy townships will see work continue tomorrow and Wednesday. According to PennDOT, a contractor will be removing the lighting/poles from both structures carrying Interstate 180 over the Loyalsock Creek between the hours of 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM.  Work on this project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024, with a winter shutdown before the new year.

STATE POLICE LOOKING FOR NEW RECRUITS

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) has opened anew cadet application cycle with no college credit requirement for those seeking careers as state troopers. At the direction of Governor Shapiro, the PSP suspended the educational requirement of 60 college credits on August 28, when it opened a two-month hiring cycle that resulted in 1,545 eligible cadet applications received.  Applications for the current cycle remain open through this January 31st.

MAN THREATENS EMPLOYEES AT SHAMOKIN DOCTORS OFFICE

A man claiming to be having a psychiatric episode threatened to kill staff and the doctors at a local medical office after the employees there found the man wasn’t a patient and recommended he go to the closest emergency room for help.  According to North Central PA dot com, 36 year old Robert Louis Villari Jr caused alarm when he locked himself in a bathroom October 25th at a Shamokin doctor’s office where employees suspected he had a weapon.  The office was evacuated by local police and Villari was handcuffed and searched. He was charged with a felony terroristic threats and more, and committed to Northumberland County Prison in lieu of $10,000 bail.

HOUSE FIRE REIGNITES SATURDAY NIGHT

A State fire marshal is expected to be on the scene of a house fire in Woodward Township that reignited late Saturday night after an initial fire was reported Saturday at 1656 Queneshaque Road earlier that afternoon around 3:15.  According to the Sun Gazette, firefighters knocked out the first blaze just after 4pm, which already was a total loss of the home, but a passerby noticed flames again later around 1am Sunday. There were no reports of injuries. It took about two hours for firefighters to extinguish the second fire.

OPEN HOUSE SOON AT CU-CLEARFIELD

Commonwealth University-Clearfield will host an open house on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 9 a.m. in Founder’s Hall.   Prospective students are encouraged to attend to learn more about what CU-Clearfield has to offer. While on campus for the program, students will learn about the admissions process, meet individually or in groups with faculty experts, take a tour of campus with current students, enjoy light refreshments and get some Clearfield SWAG. Space is limited so register at commonwealthu.edu/Clearfield or call 814-765-0559.

LYCO SPECIAL OLYMPIC SEEKING ATHLETES

Lycoming County Special Olympics are looking for new members, specifically to join up with fellow athletes for their local soccer team.  According to the Sun Gazette, students with qualifying special needs age 8 and older can participate for the program for free with all uniforms and equipment  provided thanks to community donations.  Special Olympics coordinators say winter sports begins soon and athletes can participate in 13 different sports throughout the year.  Get information on events, sign-ups and registration at   S O LYCO  dot  org.

SPORTS

NFL
Steelers 23          Packers 19
Buccaneers 20    Titans 6
Vikings 27          Saints 19
Browns 33          Ravens 31
Cowboys 49       Giants 17
Seahawks 29       Commanders 26
Raiders 16           Jets 12


NFL Monday Night Football
Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills 8:15pm ABC

NCAA Football News
*Penn State fired offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich on Sunday, a day after they struggled in a high-profile loss for the second time this season, scoring only 15 points with just 238 yards of offense in Saturday’s 24-15 loss to Michigan.   The team’s offense also struggled in a 20-12 loss to Ohio State on Oct. 21st.
NBA
Knicks 129                   Hornets 107
Nets 102                        Wizards 94
76’ers 137                     Pacers 126
Timberwolves 116      Warriors 110
Lakers 116                    Trail Blazers 110

PIAA State Soccer Quarterfinals Saturday
Class 2A Boys  Central Columbia 2 General McLane  1
Class 1A Girls  – South Williamsport lost to Moravian Academy 2-1
Class 2A Girls Central Columbia 3 Wyomissing 0
Class 3A Girls Shikellamy 2 Red Land 0

Class 1A Field Hockey Quarterfinals Saturday
Lewisburg 2  Susquenita 1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 10, 2023

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT INJURES MILLMONT MAN

An 80 year old man from Millmont is hospitalized in serious condition after a motorcycle accident with a tractor on Route 45 near the intersection with Shuck Road Tuesday.  According to the Daily Item, Patrick D. Ofallon was traveling east on Old Turnpike Road and the 16 year old driver of the tractor pulling farm equipment, turned onto Shuck road when Ofallon struck the front left tire of the tractor and was thrown. State Police say Ofallon, who was wearing a helmet, was transported via Life Flight to Geisinger in Danville, the juvenile was also thrown from the tractor but was not injured.

MOUNT CARMEL FIRE SPARES TWO

A family escaped serious injury after a fire tore through their Mount Carmel home Wednesday morning.  According to the Daily Item, the home, owned by Casey McCracken sustained a two-alarm blaze at 150 South Hickory Street.  First responders took about 2 hours to control the fire that allegedly started in the rear of the home on a second floor porch, causing heavy damage to the home.  Police say McCracken and his son were able to escape safely.

SALAZAR NOT GUILTY OF ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE

A Lycoming County jury determined yesterday that Teresa Salazar, the woman who drove a van into the World of Little League Museum in July of 2022, was not guilty of attempted homicide and aggravated assault but was found guilty on some other charges.  According to the Sun Gazette, after a two day trial, Salazar was found guilty of risking catastrophe, terroristic threats, criminal trespass,  and more. She allegedly caused the accident in an agitated state as retribution for not including her or members of her family as co-founders of Little League Baseball in Williamsport.  No one was injured in the potentially catastrophic crash that cost over 74 thousand dollars to repair.  Salazar is jailed without bail until her upcoming sentencing date which is as yet undetermined.

ELECTRIC OUTAGE IN NEWBERRY THURSDAY

Lycoming County’s department of Public Safety reported an electric outage yesterday morning in the City’s Newberry neighborhood.  According to the Sun Gazette, an estimated 175 customers were effected when the area of Valley Street and Royal Avenue were without service, including areas of Trenton Avenue and Reach Road.  According to PP&L, the cause of the outage was a tripped breaker of blown fuse that was restored by the afternoon.

MAN OUT ON BAIL CHARGED WITH DUI

A Mifflinburg man who was allegedly seen Monday driving drunk and urinating on the road was jailed in Union County. According to North Central PA dot com, state police say 52 year old Nyahuma Spivey was intoxicated and drove his 2010 Chevrolet Silverado truck into a yard at 307 Strawbridge Road in Buffalo Township where he was seen by witnesses.  Spivey was free on 50 thousand dollars bail from previous charges in Lewisburg of rape and burglary, with that trial beginning this January, and was most recently charged with DUI, public drunkenness, and indecent exposure.  Bail for these charges was set at 15 thousand dollars.

WARREN COUNTY ESCAPEE PLEADS GUILTY

The man who escaped from a Northwestern PA prison for over a week in July before he was discovered by a family’s pet dog, pleaded guilty yesterday on his original charges.  According to the Standard-Journal, 34-year-old Michael Burham had been charged with kidnapping a couple in Pennsylvania and driving them to South Carolina to evade a murder investigation in New York State. Police say while he was in custody, Burham used bedsheets to escape from the Warren County jail facility and was on the run for more than 7 days.  His sentencing is January 5th.

MORE REWARD MONEY FOR INFO ABOUT SUNBURY MINK RELEASE

The reward has increased for information leading to the arrest of people involved in releasing minks from the Sunbury fur farm struck in September of this year.  According to the daily item, collectively, Richard Stahl’s fur farm, the Fur Commission USA and the Unified Sportsmen of Pennsylvania are offering 11 thousand dollars so that law enforcement can continue to pursue any alleged suspects and complete an investigation.  An anonymous posting on  animal liberation press office dot org, claimed responsibility for the alleged attack that allowed hundreds of minks to escape the enclosure to fend for themselves with no skills for wild living. If you have information, call Stonington State police.

LYCO COUNTY CHURCHES TO RAISE FUNDS FOR ISRAEL

A partnership has been established between The United Churches of Lycoming County and the Jewish National Fund-USA, and an emergency fundraiser will take place this Sunday in Williamsport.  According to North Central PA dot com, the New Covenant United Church of Christ at 202 E. 3rd St., will host the event at 6pm, where the JNF’s Israel Programs Admissions Director for Small Communities, Dov Gordon will speak about, the current needs of the Israeli people, and how donations can make an impact.  Get information about the event or how to donate by emailing, [email protected].

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Football Tonight
Class A Semifinals
Northwest vs Muncy
South Williamsport vs Canton
Double AA Semifinals
Line Mountain vs Troy
Mount Carmel Area vs Southern Columbia
Triple A Semifinals
Lewisburg vs Danville
Warrior Run vs Loyalsock – Backyard Broadcasting Game of the Week
Quad A Championship Tonight
Jersey Shore at Selinsgrove 
The Bulldogs are going for their 6th straight District 4 championship. 
In the last 3 years, Jersey Shore’s only losses have been in the state playoffs
.
PIAA State HS Soccer Quarterfinals Saturday
Girls
Class A  Moravian Academy vs South Williamsport @ N. Schuylkill HS 1pm
Class AA Central Columbia vs Wyomissing @ Northern Lehigh HS 2pm
Class AAA Rend Land vs Shikellamy @ Midd-West HS 2pm
Boys
Class AA Central Columbia vs General McLane @ PennWest University, Clarion 2pm
Class AAA Selinsgrove vs  Radnor @ Lower Dauphin MS, Hummelstown 11am

NBA
Pacers 126  Bucks 124
Hawks 120  Magic 119


NHL

Bruins 5 Islanders 2
Canucks 5  Senators 2
Rangers 4  Wild 1
Penguins 4 Kings 3

NFL
Bears 16  Panthers 13

NFL Sunday

Packers vs Steelers 1pm CBS
Cleveland Browns vs Baltimore Ravens 1pm FOX
NY Giants vs Dallas Cowboys 4:25 FOX
NY Jets vs Las Vegas Raioders 8:20pm NBC
Eagles have a Bye
Denver is in Buffalo Monday night 8:15 ABC

NCAA Football Saturday
Michigan @ Penn State noon FOX
Pitt @ Syracuse 3:30pm
Western Carolina @ Notre Dame 2pm ESPN+

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 8, 2023

LYCOMING COUNTY ELECTION RESULTS

All 81 precincts reported results in the general election yesterday with an overall average turnout of 35.78 percent in Lycoming County. In the Commissioner race, incumbent Scott Metzger received 37.22 percent of the vote and will serve with 2nd place Republican Marc Sortman who was elected with 32.17percent of the vote.  Democrat Mark Mussina garnered a seat with just over 17 percent According to the unofficial results from the Office of Lycoming County Voter Services, the two judges chosen for the Court of Common Pleas are Ryan C. Gardner and William P Carlucci.   Get the full slate of results from the municipal elections at lyco.org/vote.

POLICE TO SEARCH PHONE RECORDS OF ACCIDENT SUSPECT

The investigation into the accident on Route 487 last month that killed Selinsgrove Area Middle School student, Christopher Sensenig, has led police to obtain a search warrant to see the phone records of the 20 year old woman who allegedly caused the accident.  According to North Central PA dot com, Ralpho Township police say they will find out if Emilee Bland was using her cell phone October 16th around 2:30pm, at the time when witnesses say her Nissan Rogue ultimately swerved into the oncoming lane striking the vehicle carrying Sensenig and two passengers who survived the crash with injuries.  Police say Bland was hospitalized for serious injuries at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

GAME COMMISSION SEEKS INPUT ABOUT ENDANGERED BIRD

With the population of the Black Rail bird dwindling, the PA Game Commission is considering adding it to the threatened bird species list. According to the Game commission, a Black Rail is a federally protected species, and considered uncommon in the state, but officials say evidence indicates some territories of the bird may have been established in the Commonwealth and nesting may have been attempted. Public comment and feedback about the classification will continue through January 24th. Go to pgc.pa.gov for information and the chance to offer your opinion.

VETERANS DAY DANCE IN LOCK HAVEN FRIDAY

The public is invited to attend Veterans Day ceremonies and programs across the region this week.  The Lock Haven Sons of Italy will host a Veterans Day Dance Friday evening at 6:30pm at their location on North Henderson Street.  According to the Sun Gazette, music will be courtesy of Private Stock Trio and tickets are available at 570-295-9330 with proceeds going toward Heroes and Horses who provide Equine Assisted Programs free to veterans and active duty military.

WILLIAMSPORT AND PA COURT ELECTION RESULTS
After Tuesday’s General Election, Williamsport City Council positions were unofficially determined. Mayor Derek Slaughter and the four members of city council whose terms were up were running unopposed with Mayor Slaughter re-elected, getting 92% of the vote.  Councilman Jon Mackey received 2,337 votes and Councilmen Adam Yoder and Vincent Pulizzi and Councilwoman Bonnie Katz secured their Council seat with just over 2,100 votes each. The projected Williamsport Area School District School Board winners are Scott R. Williams with 18.72%, Lori Baer with 18.4%, Thomas Adams Sr. with 18.19% and Michelle Hazel with 17.75%. For Pennsylvania’s Justice of the Supreme Court, Republican Carolyn T Carluccio lost to Democrat Daniel McCaffrey by a slim margin, and in the much-watched Northumberland County District Attorney race, Republican Michael O’Donnell is the projected winner against incumbent, Democrat, Tony Matulewicz.

MAN ARRESTED FOR SHOOTING BLANKS FROM GUN

A 38 year old man who fired blanks from a realistic looking gun Sunday in Shamokin has been charged by local police.  According to WBRE, Christian Medina of South Diamond Street was seen outside his home where witnesses say he fired a gun 3 to four times and fled.  Police were called to 100 block of West Montgomery Street and later blocked part of South Diamond Street the street to conduct an investigation around 6pm.  Medina was charged with public drunkenness and disorderly conduct.

DRUG DEALER ARRESTED AFTER VICTIM OVERDOSES

A man from Bellefonte is in custody after he admitted to police he sold pills containing fentanyl that he purchased on the dark web, after his customer overdosed and identified him to police. According to North Central PA dot com, 23 year old Brett Dean Oliphant from Port Matilda was named as the dealer by the victim, along with three other witnesses who police identified through entries on a seized cellphone.  Police obtained a search warrant to go through Oliphant’s home, where they found more drugs and drug paraphernalia; including similar fentanyl pills from what they say the victim described.  He is in Centre County Prison on 100 thousand dollars bail with a preliminary hearing next week.

BRIDGE WORK IN SUNBURY THIS WEEK AND NEXT

Motorists are advised of a maintenance project this week and next week on the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Sunbury.  Today and tomorrow, a PennDOT maintenance crew will be replacing the delineators on the Veterans Memorial Bridge, with work then continuing next  Monday through Thursday the 16th.   Motorists can expect lane restrictions between the hours of 8am and 1pm while work is being performed.

SPORTS

PIAA Soccer State Playoffs 
Girls  
Class A   South Williamsport 2        Lancaster Mennonite 1
               South advances to Quarterfinals coming up Saturday, November 11
Double A Trinity 2                  Montoursville 1
Triple A   Shikellamy 5           Southern Lehigh 1
Boys Soccer 
Double A Central Columbia 6          Penn Cambria 0
                 Blue Mountain 2    Midd-West 0

Triple A   Selinsgrove 7                    Whitehall 0
Girls Volleyball 

Class A  Nativity BVM 3        South Williamsport 0
NHL
Penguins 2          Ducks 0
Sharks 2              Flyers 1
Wild 4                 Islanders 2
Rangers 5  Red Wings 3

NBA Tonight
Celtics vs 76’ers 7pm
Clippers vs Nets 7:30pm
Spurs vs Knicks 7:30 ESPN
Warriors vs Nuggets 10pm ESPN

NFL Thursday Night Football
Carolina Panthers vs Chicago Bears 8:15pm Prime Video

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