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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 7, 2023

NEW JERSEY MAN STEALS AMBULANCE, CRASHES

A man from New Jersey stole an ambulance Monday morning and crashed it in a wooded area near Montoursville.  According to the Sun Gazette, Marcus Stapleton took the ambulance from the Almond Street in the city’s East End, first stopping at a convenience store to ask directions in a panic, according to witnesses.  Police say Stapelton then crashed into the convenience store wall with the ambulance, and left the scene after hitting a stopped state trooper.  After a short pursuit, the man crashed the vehicle a second time at Fairfield road, where he fled on foot.  Police apprehended him in a local business parking lot near Choate Circle.  Stapleton was charged with felony charges of aggravated assault, hit and run and others and committed to the Lycoming County Prison on no bail.

DRIVER, EMPLOYER MAY BE SUED FOR DAMAGE TO STREET LIGHT

The driver of a truck that struck and damaged the decorative street light in Selinsgrove and fled may have to face charges for leaving the scene of an accident.  According to the Daily Item, an agreement with the truck company and the borough meant the company would cover the cost of the light fixture, and the driver would not be charged, but now the insurance offering may not be enough to cover the damage.  If the cost isn’t covered, the municipality could sue the driver and his employer for property damage within two years from the date of the incident.

ELECTION DAY TODAY

It’s Election Day in Pennsylvania a guide to what you need to know today is online at vote.pa.gov or through the county website at lyco.org.   Sample ballots are available to see your choices for a new state Supreme Court justice and new judges to sit on Commonwealth and Superior Courts.  According to Penn Live, these important races will shape laws on a range of issues including abortion, the environment, and school funding.  Municipal elections are taking place across the county as well. Polls open at 7am and close at 8pm and you are entitled to cast a ballot as long as you are in the voting line by 8 o’clock tonight

LEWISBURG INVITED TO NATIONAL VETERANS PARADE IN WASHINGTON

Students with the Lewisburg Area Marching Band have been invited to take part in the first National Veterans Parade this weekend in Washington DC. According to the Daily Item, the National Veterans Parade Foundation, is the host of the inaugural parade at noon Sunday along Constitution Avenue.  The parade is under the permitting assistance of the Mayor’s Special Events Task Group.  Lewisburg Band Director Daniel Schwanger said he applied earlier this year with information about the band, amount of students, musical selections, and videos of prior performance and Lewisburg was selected to perform.  Sixty students will perform their field show  Saturday on the National Mall next to the Washington Monument.

CATAWISSA FIRE KILLS OCCUPANT

There was an early morning fire Saturday in Catawissa that took the life of one of the occupants and the lives of the family’s five cats.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say 38 year old Stacey Whitehair initially made it out of the house on North Third Street with her husband 37 year old Justin, but she went back in to retrieve a fire extinguisher from the second floor and never made it back out of the home, her husband was not injured . Police say the battery of an electric bicycle that was plugged in may have been the source of the fire that tripped fire alarms in the home about 3am, but a state police fire marshal was on the scene for the investigation.

JUVENILE ADJUDICATED  IN ABUSE OF CARE DEPENDENT PERSON CASE

The juvenile who was 17 when he and a 19 year old co-worker allegedly took and shared photographs and videos of 17 residents in compromised positions between December and April at Heritage Springs Memory Care in Lewisburg was adjudicated in Union County court yesterday.  According to the Daily Item, the First Assistant District Attorney Brian Kerstetter said to be adjudicated in juvenile procedures is the equivalent of being found guilty in an adult criminal case.  The other defendant, 19 year old Madison Laine Cox, has been charged with 17 misdemeanor counts of abuse of a care-dependent person and will have a future court date for these proceedings.

PA POWER LIBRARY FEATURES UPGRADED

Any PA resident with a public library card is now eligible to use new features that have recently been added to the POWER Library, the state’s online electronic library.  According to North Central PA dot com, The POWER library provides access to books, newspapers, historical archives, and other resources including career and finance guidance, and a 24/7 live chat service with librarians.  Some other new options are language learning platform and a children’s e-book database from Cricket Media. GO to Power library dot org for access and more information.

VETERAN’S DAY EVENTS IN LYCOMING COUNTY

The public is invited to attend Veterans Day ceremonies and programs across the region this week.  According to the Sun Gazette, two particular  ceremonies are planned for the public at the Montoursville Cemetery on Broad Street Friday at 11am hosted by the Montoursville Cemetery Association to honor veterans, featuring guest speakers including Rep. Jamie Flick, a Republican from South Williamsport along with musical selections provided by students from Lyter Elementary school.  On Saturday the 20th annual Veterans Day Prayer for America Service will be at the Jersey Shore Presbyterian Church on S. Main Street at 7pm, featuring music before the service by Fair Play Brass.

SPORTS

PIAA State Soccer Championships Today
First Round Boys
Class 1A Moravian Academy vs Benton @ Balls Mills Complex 7pm
Class 2A Blue Mountain vs Midd-West @ Midd-West HS 6pm
Class 3A Whitehall vs Selinsgrove @ Shikellamy HS 6pm
First Round Girls
Class 1A Lancaster Mennonite vs South Williamsport @ Balls Mills Complex 5pm
Class 2A Trinity vs Montoursville@ Trinity HS (Camp Hill, PA) 6pm
                Schuylkill Valley vs  Central Columbia @ Central Columbia HS @ 7pm
Class 3A Southern Lehigh vs Shikellamy @ Shikellamy HS 7pm

NFL Monday Night Football
Chargers 27        Jets 6
Thursday Night Football
Carolina Panthers vs Chicago Bears 8:15pm Prime Video

NCAA Men’s Basketball
Delaware 78        Bucknell 57
Penn State 79     Delaware State 45
Kansas 99           North Carolina Central 56
UConn 95           Northern Arizona 52
Villanova 90       American University 63

NBA
76’ers 146             Wizards 128
Warriors 120        Pistons 109
Bucks 129            Nets 125
Knicks 111           Clippers 97
Timberwolves 114 Celtics 109

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 6, 2023

SUNBURY MAN FACES CRIMINAL HOMICIDE FOR SHOOTING DEATH

Charges were filed Friday morning against an 18 year old man from Sunbury accused of shooting another man over a woman and leaving him to die in the street late Thursday.  According to the Daily Item, Jose David Jusino-Morales now faces criminal homicide charges in the death of Eliud Marrero-Morales.  Jusino-Morales and a 21 year old suspect, Armando Pena-Alvayero, of Sunbury, both appeared in Sunbury District Court.  Pena-Alvayero was sent to Northumberland County Jail in lieu of $350,000 cash while Jusino-Morales was remanded to the county jail without bail. Both men have a preliminary arraignment November 14th.

SUSPECT’S CHILD REPORTS DRUG ACTIVITY TO POLICE

Four adults are facing felony child endangerment after police were tipped off about drug use and neglectful conditions at a home along Bear Valley Avenue in Shamokin, by one of the suspect’s children October 26th.  According to North Central PA dot com, the child of 31 year old Kimberly Chadwick came to the Shamokin Police station and reported the drug use by adults in the home.  Police came to the residence and investigated, finding multiple drugs and paraphernalia scattered around the home within reach of children. In addition to Chadwick being arrested, 32 year old Kyle William Fabian,  and 34 year old Jade A. Smith, both of Paxinos were detained.  A warrant is out for Dalton Smith, who left the scene.

DRIVER’S LICENSE OFFICES CLOSED FOR VETERANS DAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day.  The full-service center in Harrisburg and the Pittsburgh Driver License Center location will also close Friday, November 10, 2023.Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.   

SOAP BOX DERBY OPEN HOUSE

Interested volunteers in the 2024 Soap Box Derby event in Williamsport, are invited to an open house this week.  According to the social media of Soap Box Derby Williamsport, PA, they are looking for volunteers in management and steering committee positions and encourage anyone with a love of speed adventure and fun to attend the open house and find out more at the Williamsport Race Shop at 110 Reynolds Street in South Williamsport, 6:30pm til 8pm this Wednesday.  Information at soapboxderby.org/williamsport

FORMER POLICE CHIEF ACCUSED OF THEFT WAIVES HEARING

Former Sunbury Police Chief Brad Hare, who faces a felony theft by unlawful taking charge, recently waived his right to a preliminary hearing. According to the Daily Item, Hare, who also served as secretary for the Americus Hose Company is accused of taking more than six thousand dollars from the Sunbury fire and EMS station.  According to reports, Hare has returned the money to the department. He is scheduled for a formal arraignment Nov. 27.

MULTIPLE 911 CALLS LAND MIDDLEBURG MAN IN JAIL

Repeated calling of the 911 center without an emergency has a Mifflinburg man facing charges. According to the Daily Item, 42 year old Brandon Wayne Hassenplug was charged with a misdemeanor of intentionally calling the 911 emergency number for reasons other than an emergency purpose by Mifflinburg Police. Police say Hassenplug allegedly called 911 two times on Oct. 28th without an emergency.  He was advised that he would be arrested if he continued. Hassenplug placed a third call, was charged and will appear District Court for a preliminary hearing on December 12.

TRANSPARENCY COMMITTEE FORMED IN HARRISBURG

Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed an executive order, creating the Pennsylvania Citizen Law Enforcement Advisory and Review Commission. The CLEAR Commission brings together law enforcement experts and criminal justice reform advocates from across the Commonwealth to support public safety and ensure accountability for state law enforcement agencies. The Commission will have oversight of multiple agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor including the Pennsylvania State Police to increase transparency and accountability within law enforcement, and will submit annual reports and hold quarterly commission meetings that will be made publicly available.

WHITE DEER TOWNSHIP BRIDGE REOPENS

There was a ribbon cutting ceremony last week in White Deer Township to celebrate the re-opening of the renovated Factory Covered Bridge that has been closed since April.  According to the Daily Item, the rehab project cost over 1.3 million dollars.  The re-opening of the 143-year-old bridge over White Deer Creek along Gray Hill Road is a relief for the residents since the detour has been lifted removing the need to drive around.  Officials from the Union County Planning and Economic Development said the county owns 26 bridges total, four of which are covered.

SPORTS

NFL
Bengals 25                     Bills 18
Chiefs 21              Dolphins 14
Vikings 31                      Falcons 28
Browns 27                     Cardinals 0
Commanders 20   Patriots 17
Ravens 37            Seahawks 3
Raiders 30           Giants 6
Eagles 28              Cowboys 23

NFL Monday Night Football
LA Chargers vs NY Jets  8:15 ABC/ESPN

NASCAR Championship Sunday
Ryan Blaney finished runner-up to Ross Chastain in the season finale at Phoenix Raceway, but claimed his first Cup title by beating the other three championship contenders in the 312-lap shootout.
* Blaney out-dueled Kyle Larson, who finished third, and William Byron, at fourth, to claim the crown for team owner Roger Penske’s second consecutive Cup title, following Joey Logano’s win in 2022.
* The title was the fourth in the Cup Series for Penske with 44 total championships across motorsports including IndyCar racing.

NBA
Mavericks 124  Hornets 118
Suns 120             Pistons 106
Raptors 123        Spurs 116
Cavaliers 115     Warriors 104
Grizzlies 112      Trail Blazers 100

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 3, 2023

FORMER OFFICERS ASK FOR A DELAY IN THEIR FEDERAL TRIAL

An attorney for three former police officers from Mount Carmel is asking that the federal trial set to begin on November 6th be delayed for 90 days.  According to the Daily Item, Former officers Kyle Schauer and Jonathan McHugh and retired Lt. David Donkochik were indicted in July for using excessive force against citizens who they were arresting from 2018 through 2021.  A defense attorney filed a motion to delay, but US District Judge Matthew Brann has not ruled on it.  Authorities say the officers allegedly made sure video of the arrests was not captured by police cameras and failed to take steps to ensure that footage involving the incidents was preserved.

ANOTHER GUILTY PLEA FOR MAN FROM LEMONT

A man from Lemont this week pleaded guilty in Clinton County Court for charges connected to an armed robbery from earlier this year.   According to North Central PA dot com, 36 year old Craig Steven Hauke-Miller was arrested after a high speed chase following the robbery at a convenience store in February, and has  been sentenced to 3 to 14 years for that crime, in addition to more time for attempting to escape from the Clearfield County Jail in May.  The most recent case of fleeing, reckless endangerment and possession of drug parphrenalia could earn Hauke-Miller a maximum of 31 years in prison.  His sentencing is next month.

MAN ASSAULTS VICTIM WITH A CANE

A Sunbury man accused of assault is facing felony charges from an incident in September.  According to the Daily Item, 65-year-old Edwin Alequin-Martinez Sr allegedly hit the victim in the head with a cane at the 300 block of South Fourth Street in Sunbury.  The victim sustained cuts and bruises fromteh incident.  Police say they identified Alequin-Martinez through sureviellance footage in the area and will have a court date in the near future. 

LOCAL FOOTBALL PLAYERS USING DONATED SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Thanks to money donated by local businesses, student athletes on the Montoursville football team now have protective coverings provided for their helmets to help make practices safer.  According to the Sun Gazette, varsity and junior high students were recently given Guardian Caps, the same that NFL required players to use for a time during training camp which reduced the rate of head injuries for linemen, linebackers and tight ends. In the wake of losing varsity football player,  Max Engel, recently to a fatal head injury, Montoursville Warriors Head Coach Joe Hanna said he plans to have his players continue to wear the extra protection to reduce impact to their heads through the hard shells of the helmets striking each other.

SHOOTING IN SUNBURY

There was police activity because of a shooting in Sunbury last night.  According to the Daily Item, multiple agencies responded to reports of shots fired near 438 Market St and a witness told emergency communications that they heard about 6 shots and that a person was lying in the street across from the former Sunbury Police Department building.  Police shut down Market Street from Fourth Street to Fifth Street to conduct an investigation last night, and the Northumberland County Deputy Coroner was on the scene before midnight, but no other information has been released at this time.

PARENTS OF ABANDONED BOY BEING SOUGHT BY POLICE

Two people from Northumberland County are missing after police say they left a 4 year old boy behind at a McDonalds in Danville in September.  According to State police, 40 year old Tristan McGill and Nicolle Ierley allegedly left their child in a play area at the Montour County fast food restaurant and he wandered in the drive thru line and outside the facility before the employees got him to safety.  McGill and Ierley are missing and arrest warrants have been issued for the pair.  If you have information, call state police.

UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT DENOUNCES SYMBOL FOUND AT BUCKNELL

The President of Bucknell has issued a social media statement after a swastika was found recently on a wall in a residence hall on campus.  Dr John Bravman said he is outraged and disappointed about the vandalism and took swift action, quickly concluding the conduct process.  Bravman went on to say that hateful speech, acts or symbols — directed toward any individual or group — have no place at Bucknell and that they are subject to prosecution by law enforcement.  Any student, faculty or staff member who experiences hate speech or discrimination should report the incident according to  Bucknell’s Bias Incident Policy.

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY IN WILKES-BARRE

There will be a Veterans Day ceremony next week at the Wilkes Barre VA Medical Center.  According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the program will take place on November 8th, and will include key note speaker, Retired United States Air Force Colonel Carmen Perone who served with both the United States Strategic Command Headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.. The event will take place in the Recreation room of the Wilkes-Barre VA facility on East End Avenue next Wednesday at 10am.

SPORTS

PIAA D4 Boys Soccer Championships
Class A Benton 1                    East Juniata 0
Class 2A Midd-West 1  Cntrl Columbia 0
PIAA D4 Girls Soccer Championships
Class A  S. Wmsprt 3    Mdowbrk Christ. 2
Class 2A Cntrl Columbia 3  Montoursville 0
District II/IV Class 4A Semifinals
Williamsport 2     Wyoming Valley W.  1
D4 Volleyball
Class A  S. Wmsprt 3  Cowansque Valley 2
Williamsport plays Delaware Valley Tomorrow 1pm in Milford

PIAA HS Football Playoffs Tonight 7pm
Class A Northwest vs Bucktail
AA Quarterfinal
Towanda vs Line Mountain
AAA Quarterfinals
Athens vs Danville
Warrior Run vs Mifflinburg
Backyard Broadcasting Game of the Week
Cowanesque Valley vs Loyalsock

NFL Thursday Night Football
Steelers 20 Titans 16

NFL Sunday
Miami vs Kansas City / Frankfurt 9:30am NFL Net
Seattle @ Baltimore 1pm CBS
Dallas @ Philadelphia 4:25pm FOX
NY Giants @ Las Vegas 4:25pm
Buffalo @ Cincinnati 8:20pm NBC

NCAA Football
Notre Dame @ Clemson 12pm ABC
Navy @ Temple 2pm ESPN+
Florida State @ Pitt 3:30pm ESPN
Penn State @ Maryland 3:30pm FOX

NBA
76’ers 114  Raptors 99
Pelicans 125 Pistons 116
Magic 115 Jazz 113
Spurs 132  Suns 121
NBA Tonight
Knicks vs Bucks 7:30pm ESPN
Mavericks vs Nuggets 10pm ESPN

NASCAR Cup Series Championship Sunday
Phoenix Raceway
Pre Race coverage 2pm Green Flag racing 3pm
Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network WILQ’s HD3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 2, 2023

WILLIAMSPORT MAN JAILED FOR ABUSE OF TODDLER

A 19 year old man is being charged with abuse after a toddler in his care was seriously injured in July.  According to Penn Live, Johnathan Gerome Fox, of Williamsport is responsible for abdominal injuries of a 15 month old girl after her mother, Faith Murray discovered her acting strangely at their West Third Street apartment the morning of July 14 following the evening before when Fox had watched the girl.  She was taken to the ER at UPMC Williamsport and later admitted to Geisinger Medical Center where a pediatric specialist said the injuries to the girl’s liver, spleen, and other internal organs are not accidental.  Murray obtained a PFA against Fox on October 18th after a domestic incident and he was taken into custody and charged with strangulation, simple assault, and criminal mischief, after also being charged with endangering the welfare of a child from the incident in July.

LEWISBURG WOMAN INJURED IN I-80 CRASH TUESDAY

A woman from Lewisburg was injured in a four car-crash Tuesday morning that shut down interstate 80 eastbound near the Limestone Exit for over an hour.  According to State Police, Pamela Burns was driving one of four vehicles that failed to stop and striking a truck from behind which started a chain reaction accident.  Burns’ car burst into flames after the crash, but she was able to escape the wreckage and was transported to Geisinger Medical Center with serious injuries.  The other drivers involved were not injured.

KNOEBELS DAY IN PA COULD HAPPEN

Pennsylvanians may be able to celebrate “Knoebels Amusement Resort Day” soon, after a PA lawmakers proposed April 28th for the honor.  According to North Central PA dot com, representatives from Columbia, Montour, Schuykill and Northumberland Counties put forth the legislation to set aside a special day to recognize America’s largest free-admission amusement park that has been in operation since 1926.  Despite operational challenges over the years with flooding, the park has always bounced back and continues to serve approximately 1.4 million guests who visit each year.

MARCHING BAND PREVIEW CONCERT AT LOCK HAVEN

The annual Lock Haven Marching Band Review concert is coming up Saturday evening, November 11th from 5-7 in the Sloan Auditorium on the Lock Haven campus.  According to a press release from the University the free concert will feature the Lock Haven Cheerleaders who will join the band for a performance of three rock and roll classics from Van Halen, Led Zepplin and Chicago.  The band has been performing at all the halftime shows during home Bald Eagle football games.

SUNBURY MAN IN CUSTODY AFTER DOMESTIC INCIDENT

A Sunbury man was taken to the Snyder County Prison after a recent domestic incident.  According to State police, 34-year-old Adam Tanner was arraigned on terroristic threat charges along with simple assault after he threated to slit the throat of a woman and run her over with the car.  Tanner also faces child endangerment charges since the woman’s 1 and 3 year old were nearby in the Monroe Township home.  No bail was listed for Tanner.

TWO STEAL FROM EMPLOYER AND DISAPPEAR FROM THE AREA

Williamsport police are looking for two people accused of stealing from their employer who may have left the state.  According to North Central PA dot com, Lycomign Regional police say 46 year old Lyle Smith and 44 year old Bobbie Jo Probst, took lottery tickets and cigarettes and haven’t been seen.  Police have charged the pair who they say are known around the Jersey Shore and Lock Haven area with theft by unlawful taking and conspiracy to commit theft, and ask that anyone with information call Lycoming Regional Police  570-323-4987.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENTS WORK ON AGREEMENT

After there were complaints about Freeburg Fire Company’s response times to emergencies, members of Freeburg and Fremont fire companies met Sunday which led to the formulation of an agreement to improve service in Washington Township.  According to the Daily Item, the township supervisors recently polled Middleburg residents about their preference when it came to fire companies responding to emergencies, and they will now review the agreement, which is designed to dispatch both fire companies to all emergency calls from Summit Road toward Route 35, at the November 14th meeting.

PLANNERS SCRAMBLE TO HIRE REINDEER FOR CHRISTMAS DISPLAYS

Local event planners looking for Christmas reindeer are struggling this year.  According to the Daily Item, the discontinuation of Lake Tobias Wildlife Park’s rental service for the animals has caused those holiday events that want to have a live reindeer display to branch out while they seek other ideas. Representatives from the Watsontown Area Business Association said the Winter Wonderland celebration in December will not have the animals this year.  Organizers from the Tharptown Christmas Display in Coal Township are still holding out hope they will find other arrangements to have a reindeer display, and the Sunbury Litefest Committee is also searching for a company to help populate their deer pen in Cameron Park, Sunbury.

SPORTS

PIAA D4 HS Soccer Playoffs
Boys Class 3A Selinsgrove 4              Mifflinburg 0
Girls Class 3A Shikellamy 3               Selinsgrove 1

PIAA D4 Boys HS Soccer Championship Today
Class A  East Juniata vs Benton @ Balls Mills Complex 6pm
Class 2A Championship
Central Columbia vs Midd-West @ Milton HS 8pm

PIAA D4 Girls  HS Soccer Championship Today
Class A S.Williamsport vs Meadowbrook Christian @ Balls Mills Complex 8pm
Class 2A  Montoursville vs Central Columbia @ Milton HS 6pm

Girls District II/IV Class 4A Semifinals Today
Williamsport vs Wyoming Valley West @ Wyoming Valley West  6:15pm

MLB
World Series Game 5 
Texas Rangers 5           Arizona Diamondbacks 0  Texas WINS the Fall Classic 4-1
 – The Rangers finished the greatest postseason in their history with an 11-0 record on the road. It helped make them the third team in baseball history to win the World Series within two seasons of losing 100-plus games, joining the 1969 New York Mets and the 1914 Boston Braves.

NBA
Hawks 130            Wizards 121
Celtics 155           Pacers 104
Nets 109              Heat 105
Cavaliers 95         Knicks 89
Warriors 102        Kings 101
Lakers 130          Clippers 125
NBA Tonight
Toronto vs Philadelphia 7pm NBA-TV

NCAA Basketball News
Hall of Fame Coach Bobby Knight passed away Wednesday at his home in Bloomington, Indiana surrounded by family.  He was 83.  Knight’s career was highlighted by three national titles at Indiana.  He became the youngest coach at a Division I school in 1965 when he broke in at Army at 24. But at Indiana, he won a school-record of 661 games and got to the NCAA tournament 24 times in 29 seasons. Knight’s first NCAA title came in 1976 when Indiana went undefeated, a feat no team has accomplished since.

NFL Tonight
Tennessee Titans vs Pittsburgh Steelers 8:15pm Prime Video

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 1, 2023

CONTRACTOR CHARGED WITH FRAUD

A Unityville man is facing charges for failing to complete a construction project on Roderick Road last year.  According to the Sun Gazette, 28 year old contractor Brandon Lee O’Connell, faces the felony charges after he allegedly failed to complete a $65,000 home-improvement project in April 2022. Court records say O’Connell and the victim signed a contract in which the work was to be completed in three to four months.  After almost that amount was invested and the work was not done over repeated visits to the site,O’Connell was charged with home improvement fraud, theft by deception and fraudulent business practices, O’Connell has waived his preliminary hearing and is free on $50,000 bail.

TWO WOMEN CHARGED FOR INTIMIDATION OF A WITNESS

Two young women from Lock Haven are facing intimidation of a witness charges for threatening a pregnant teenage girl who had provided a statement to police about an incident in which they were allegedly involved in August.  According to North Central PA dot com, Natia Caris and Jasmine Crissman, both 18, yelled at the victim as they drove past her near the 100 block of Bellefonte Avenue.  Police say Crissman, prior to confronting the victim, jumped from the moving car that she was riding in. No bail was listed for either woman.

DRUG CHARGES DROPPED

Drug charges against a Williamsport couple have been thrown out by a Lycoming County District Judge.  According to the Sun Gazette, 62 year old Jack Larue Howlett, and his wife, 54 year old Barbara Lynn Howlett were facing charges of an alleged sale of almost 4 grams of methamphetamine , but there was no evidence presented in court to support the charges, and each of the counts of possession and conspiracy were dropped.  Original charges were filed in March of 2023.

UPTOWN MUSIC COLLECTIVE FUNDRAISING TO START

The Uptown Music collective has begun their annual campaign for the nonprofit school of music for it’s 23rd year and has announced that tuition fees have remained the same.  According to Assistant Executive director, Jared Mondell, the goal for 2023-24 is 40 thousand dollars and the school’s programming wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of its donors.  First in this year’s performance line-up includes It Came From the ‘80s: New Wave to Pop Rock at the Community Arts Center Stage 7:30 p.m. on Friday November 10 and Saturday November 11th. Get tickets at caclive.com and information about the school and the shows at uptown music dot org.

HOME HEALTH WORKER CHARGED WITH EXPLOITING PATIENT

A home health worker is now free on bail after she was accused of exploiting the elderly patient for whom she was caring, by using her credit cards to pay her utility bill.  According to North Central PA dot com, Mill Hall police say 45 year old Shannon Marie Schenck of Lock Haven had permission to use the victim’s card one time to pay a one thousand dollar electric bill in September, but she continued to pay bills with the card.  Police say Schenk negotiated with them, confessing to some offenses and later not appearing for an interview about the incident with law enforcement.  She has now been charged with felony financial exploitation of care of a dependent person and access device fraud, and has a preliminary hearing in December.

ELDERLY WOMAN ROBBED

An elderly woman from Beaver Springs recently told police she was the victim of a robbery.  According to North Central PA dot com, Pennsylvania State police at Selinsgrove responded to the home of the 82 year old woman on Deerfield street in Spring Township, who said 17 hundred dollars in cash and her checkbook were missing.  She told officers the theft occurred sometime between 9am on October 24th and 9:30pm on October 27th.  If you have information call PA State Police at 570 374-8145. 

EV COURSES EXPANDED AT PENN COLLEGE

Penn College has added more new technology to its curriculum and adapted their education offerings in the field of Electrical Vehicle systems after only offering a one-credit course in a Hybrid Vehicles for 10 previous years.  According to Penn College, with the rapid expansion of the EV market, this semester was the first to offer the new three-credit course for Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology. The two faculty members in the emphasis, Christopher Holley, and Charles Probst were both recently credentialed as EV Pro+ certified instructors.  Two 2023 all-electric vehicles, were also recently donated by Blaise Alexander Hyundai in State College.

FFA FRUIT FUNDRAISER ON MIFFLINBURG

The annual fruit fundraiser with the Mifflinburg FFA has begun and this year!  According to the Daily Item, the MFFA has teamed up with Pee Jay’s Fresh Fruit to offer peck and half-peck fruit baskets that are hand-packed by the students themselves. Contact any Mifflinburg FFA member or order online at http://FreshFruitOrder.org/MifflinburgFFA or email Jarod Armstrong at [email protected]. Orders are being taken until Nov. 19 and will be delivered Dec. 5.  Funds raised help support FFA members for field trips, conferences and competitions.

SPORTS

PIAA D4 HS Soccer Tonight
3A Girls Finals
Selinsgrove vs Shikellamy @ Midd-West HS 6pm
3A Boys Finals
Mifflinburg vs. Selinsgrove @ Midd-West HS – 8pm
(tickets @ piaad4.net)
HS Volleyball Finals Tomorrow 11/2
CV vs South Williamsport @ Athens HS  – 5pm

MLB
World Series Game 4
Rangers 11           Diamondbacks 7  TEX leads 3-1
MLB Tonight
World Series Game 5
Rangers vs Diamondbacks Game 5 8:03pm FOX

NBA
Knicks 109                     Cavaliers 91
Spurs 115            Suns 114
Clippers 118        Magic 102

NHL
Kings 4                 Maple Leafs 1
Canucks 5            Predators  2

NFL Tomorrow/Thursday
Tennessee Titans vs Pittsburgh Steelers 8:15pm Prime Video
NFL Sunday
Miami vs Kansas City / Frankfurt 9:30am NFL Net
Seattle @ Baltimore 1pm CBS
Dallas @ Philadelphia 4:25pm FOX
NY Giants @ Las Vegas 4:25pm
Buffalo @ Cincinnati 8:20pm NBC

NCAA Football Saturday
Notre Dame @ Clemson 12pm ABC
Navy @ Temple 2pm ESPN+
Florida State @ Pitt 3:30pm ESPN
Penn State @ Maryland 3:30pm FOX

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