BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 30, 2023

GREENHOUSE BUILDINGS BURN IN LIMESTONE TOWNSHIP

A 3-Alarm fire destroyed a business in Oval Monday afternoon.  According to the Sun Gazette, the store and two greenhouses at Country Acres Greenhouse on School House Road in Limestone Township were on fire when first responders arrived.  Fire officials from Nippenose Valley immediately called a second alarm upon arrival at about 12:15pm and multiple tankers arrived from Lycoming, Clinton and Northumberland Counties.  A third alarm was called at 12:45pm.  Firefighters stopped the radiant heat from destroying David King’s home – about 30 feet from the store.  Two firefighters needed medical attention; one for smoke inhalation and one for heat exhaustion, understandable in the low 80 degree heat yesterday.

MOUNT CARMEL WOMAN SENTENCED TO 40 YEARS FOR STABBING

A plea of no contest to the charge of third-degree murder on Friday in Northumberland County Court sends a Mt. Carmel woman to upwards of 40 years in state prison. According to the Daily Item, Lisa Karlaza was accused of fatally stabbing her husband, Richard Karlaza, in July 2021. Northumberland County President Judge Paige Rosini scheduled sentencing for Aug 3 at 10 a.m. Karlaza remains incarcerated without bail in the Northumberland County Jail.

CITY COUNCIL APPROVES SHARED SERVICES PLAN

A resolution for a memorandum of understanding for use of shared professional services and information technology has been approved by Williamsport City Council  between the city and River Valley Transit Authority, which are separate entities.  According to the Sun Gazette, depending on need, the two departments will be authorized to share employees in circumstances where coordinated efforts are needed to solve problems, or when the authority needs electrical work done and would use the city’s electrician as one example, with reimbursement possibly coming from the general fund.  The agreement will be for one year, once the shared service agreement is finalized in two-weeks.

OPEN HOUSE AT SELINSGROVE AIRPORT

There will be a second annual Airport Open House this Saturday at the Penn Valley Airport in Selinsgrove. According to the Airport and the Airport Pilots Organization, the State Police Aviation Unit, Cirrus Aircraft, Angel Flight East, Life Flight and a vintage DC-3 military aircraft will all be on display. In addition to exhibits and tours, displays of local aircraft and Military Transport vehicles will be on hand. The public is welcome to attend with airplane and helicopter rides available and food trucks on site from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

WOMAN HOSPITALIZED AFTER BRUTAL ATTACK

A Williamsport woman was assaulted inside her Sherman Street home and her accuser has been jailed.  According to North Central PA dot com, 38 year old Antoine Atkinson allegedly punched the victim just after 1am on May 23rd and was taken to UPMC Williamsport for injuries she sustained to her eyes and face during the attack.   Atkinson was charged with simple assault, terroristic threats and more, and is at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 25 thousand dollars bail. His preliminary hearing is June 1st.

WILLIAMSPORT GOVERNMENT UNCHANGED FOR FALL BALLOT

Heading into the fall general election, Williamsport government looks mostly the same. According to the Sun Gazette,  the official results were recently finalized from the May 16 municipal primary.  Democrat Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter remains unchallenged, and the Lycoming County Board of Elections displayed no new nominees for write-ins for City Council, but with the nominees set to be Democrat Jon Mackey, and Republicans Bonnie Katz, Vincent Pulizzi and Adam Yoder, according to official election results.

NORRY NAMED IN FEDERAL SUIT OVER PAROLEE DISCRIMINATION

An amended civil rights complaint was filed against the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania and four county courts, including Northumberland, by the U.S. Department of Justice. According to the Record Online, the complaint  alleges that the courts in Blair, Lackawanna, Jefferson and Northumberland Counties discriminate against those people who are on probation and parole due to their policies and practices that limit access and restrict use of their prescribed opioid medication. The Unified Judicial System, which oversees courts in all 67 counties, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, because of its authority over lower courts, are co-defendants. The UJS has denied the allegations.

ATV TRAILS OPEN FOR THE SUMMER

DCNR has announced the opening of the ATV Regional Trail Connector Pilot for the 2023 riding season, which includes more than 400 miles of township roads, 163 miles of state forest roads and trails, and 33 miles of PennDOT-administered roads. New connections for this year’s pilot include: Cross Fork to Whiskey Springs ATV Trail, Cross Fork to North Bend, Black Forest to Haneyville.  The pilot riding area will open for use until, Sunday, September 24. Additional information about the ATV Regional Trail Connector pilot program is online at dcnr.gov.

SPORTS

District 2/4 6A HS Baseball Championship Game @ PNC Field yesterday
Hazleton 8          Williamsport 2
Hazleton now moves to the PIAA Class 6A State Tournament vs District 1’s 4th seed on Monday, June 5
PIAA District 4 Softball Playoffs All Games @4:30 Elm Park, Williamsport

Today
Class A
Canton vs Bucktail
Class 2A
Muncy vs South Williamsport
Tomorrow
Class 3A
Warrior Run vs Liberty
Class 4A
Jersey Shore vs Montoursville
NASCAR

Ryan Blaney got the checkered flag at the rescheduled Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway yesterday, followed by William Byron, Martin Truex, Jr., Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick rounding out the top 5.
*Josef Newgarden, also of Penske Racing, earned his 19th record-extending win at the Indianapolis 500, Sunday.
*Blaney’s win broke his personal 59-race winless streak.

MLB

Guardians 5                   Orioles 0
Rangers 5             Tigers 0
Royals 7               Cardinals 0
Cubs 1                  Rays 0
Diamondbacks 7   Rockies 5
Twins 7                 Astros 5

Giants 14             Pirates 4
A’s 7                     Braves 2
Angels 6               White Sox 4
Dodgers 6             Nationals 1
Yankees 10          Mariners 4
NBA
 
East Finals Game 7

Miami 103  Celtics 84 Miami wins series 4-3
NBA Finals
Thursday June 1st 8:30pm on ABC Heat vs Nuggets in Denver, CO


NHL

West Final Game 6
Golden Knights 6 Stars 0
Vegas wins the series 4-2
NHL Stanley Cup Finals
Game 1 Saturday, June 3
Panthers vs Golden Knights 8pm on TN
T

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 26, 2023

SELINSGROVE WOMAN GETS TO 5 TO 25 YEARS FOR DUI ACCIDENT

The Selinsgrove woman who crashed her vehicle onto the roof of a Shamokin Dam restaurant with an improperly restrained one year old in the vehicle, has been sentenced to 5 to 25 years in state prison.  According to media outlets, Snyder County District Attorney Mike Piecuch said 44-year-old Theresa Risso also received 10 years of probation for the incident to which she was found to be impaired by alcohol more than four times the legal limit in March of 2022 and pleaded guilty in April. Risso had been released initially on bail, but violated conditions and was re-incarcerated prior to her trial.

VETERAN OFFICER TO BE CHIEF OF POLICE AT PENN COLLEGE

The Pennsylvania College of Technology police officer honored with a Silver Star for Bravery has been named the new campus chief of police and director of campus safety who will replace the retiring Chris Miller.  According to North Central PA dot com, David C. Pletz will assume the role Miller has held for 21 years on June 1st.  Pletz was recently recognized by The National Association of Chiefs of Police for his response to an off-campus incident last year where he assisted in apprehending an armed suspect on September 28th on Vine Avenue in Williamsport, just north of campus.  Pletz has been with Penn College police since 1997 and will now oversee 13 police officers and two support staff.

CAC RECEIVES DONATION FOR EDUCATION SERIES

The Community Arts Center in Williamsport is a recipient of a 20 thousand dollar donation from Citizens & Northern Bank as part of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.  According to executives at C&N they are  proud to continue the support of these programs that allow our younger generation to gain exposure to the arts in a facility that has a rich history.  Jim Dougherty, Executive Director of the CAC says the financial support is essential to provide quality educational programming to area K-12 learners through their Educational Series.  The Community Arts Center is an approved Educational Improvement Organization by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

DMV CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND

PennDOT says they are closing all driver license and photo centers for Memorial Day weekend, Saturday through Monday, However, online services will continue to operate throughout the holiday. Residents can renew driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals, get driver license and photo ID duplicates, schedule driver exams and more. Get more information at pa.gov.

PARENT TO BE SENTENCED IN CHILDS ACCIDENTAL FENTANYL OVERDOSE

A man from Danville who admitted he was using illegal drugs when his child overdosed on fentanyl will be sentenced May 30th.  According to the Daily Item, police say 34 year old Justin Cressinger was charged with felony endangering the welfare of a child after the child swallowed a pill he illegally purchased that had fallen on the floor.  Cressinger did seek medical treatment for the 16 month old when they went into cardiac arrest from the drug.  The child was given Narcan at Geisinger and survived the incident.  Cressinger will be sentenced by Montour County President Judge Gary E. Norton.

MOTORCYCLE THEFT CHARGES FOR MUNSON MAN

A man from Munson who was to fix up a motorcycle for a woman, instead traded it to another man and then reported the bike stolen when the owner came looking for it in August of 2022.  According to North Central PA dot com, the victim, Dawn McGarry told state police at Rockview that she had asked Jeffrey Allen Clark to store the bike on  his property after he agreed to fix it but when she came back for it, he said it had been stolen and was at another location.  State police investigated and was told by Shawn Wilkinson, also of Munson that he had received the 2010 black Yamaha in a trade for a van and another bike.  Clark was charged with felony theft and theft by deception along with other charges.  His preliminary hearing is June 1st.

ELSD WORKING ON BIDS FOR ASHKAR RENOVATION

Bids for the construction of the new Ashkar elementary school in the East Lycoming School District were officially rejected this week after they came in millions of dollars more than the district’s budget would allow.  According to the Sun Gazette, ELSD Superintendent Dr. Mark Stamm said they are working on a solution and  hoping for a revised plan for board consideration sometime this summer.  Dr. Stamm said the district is working with architectural and construction firms that are guiding the district through the bidding process.

BOAT LAUNCH RIBBON CUTTING THIS WEEK

There was a ribbon-cutting this week at the new Winfield Access area, along the West Branch Susquehanna River in Union Township.  According to the Standard Journal, the public access point was built in partnership with PennDOT, and is a designated Pennsylvania Water Trail, for powered and unpowered boats.  The PA Fish and Boat Commission event had local leaders on hand to cut the ribbon including Sen. Lynda Culver, PFBC executive director Tim Schaeffer and others.  The Winfield access point includes parking for several dozen vehicles and boat trailers.  National Safe Boating Week continues through this week.

SPORTS

HS Baseball 

Williamsport 11  Wyoming Valley West 5

Six A Championship Game 

Williamsport vs Hazelton 
Memorial Day Monday 4pm  at PNC Field in Moosic
HS Baseball District 4 Championships
All games @ Bowman Field

Friday
Class A
   Northeast Bradford vs Benton 4pm
Class 3A
   Central Columbia vs Hughesville 6:30pm
Saturday
Class 2A
  Wyalusing vs South Williamsport 12pm
Class 4A
   Montoursville vs Mifflinburg 3pm
PIAA District 4 Softball Playoffs
Class A
  Bucktail 12                 Montgomery 2
Class 4A
  Montoursville 8         Selinsgrove 3
  Jersey Shore 6            Shamokin 5
Playoffs Today All games @ Elm Park

Class 2A
  Northeast Bradford vs Muncy – 3pm
  Troy vs South Williamsport 4:30pm
Class 3 A
  Mifflinburg vs Liberty – 3pm
  Towanda vs Warrior Run – 4:30pm
Softball Playoffs Tuesday May 30th@ Elm Park
Class A
  Canton vs Bucktail – 4:30pm 
Class 4A
    Jersey Shore vs Montoursville – 4:30p

MLB

Cardinals 2                     Reds 1
Rays 6                  Blue Jays 3
Rockies 7              Marlins 6

Padres  8              Nationals 6
Tigers 7                White sox 2
Orioles 3              Yankees 1
Braves 8               Phillies 5
Mets 10                Cubs 1
Giants 5                Brewers 0
Mariners 3           A’s 2


NASCAR Sunday

Coca-Cola 600 @ Charlotte Motor Speedway Pre-Race coverage 5pm,  Green flag at 6pm on the Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network and WILQ’s HD3

NBA

East Finals Game 5
Celtics 110 Heat 97 Miami up 3-2
Game 6 Saturday 8:30pm on TNT
NHL
West Finals Game 4
Stars 3  Golden Knights 2  Vegas leads 3-1
Game 5 Saturday 8pm on ABC

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 25, 2023

MAN IN POLICE CHASE STILL AT LARGE

A man previously convicted of leading police on a chase while towing a livestock trailer filled with sheep and goats, led police on a pursuit Wednesday in Shamokin and is still at large.  According to the News Item police are seeking 42 year old Jarrett Lee Castelonia who has an active warrant for previously fleeing and eluding police.  City police say they attempted to stop Castelonia on the first block of North Vine Street, even drawing their weapons.  Castelonia then rammed the cruiser with his car and fled, heading onto state Route 125 with police in pursuit until weather conditions caused police to call of the chase in Coal Township.  Northumberland County Communications put out an alert for a red Ford F-350 truck with a green-colored tailgate.  Anyone with information about Castelonia should call Shamokin Police at 570-648-5708.

DUI FOR WILLIAMSPORT MAN WITH CHILDREN IN CAR

A man from Williamsport was arrested for DUI and endangering the welfare of children in Union Township after being stopped by police April 8th on Route 15 near Murray Street for speeding.  According to the Daily Item, when 34 year old Thomas L. Amons was stopped for speeding by Milton State Troopers, he allegedly smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech and tried to conceal a can of beer inside the car.  Police say there were four juveniles in the vehicle ages 7,8,10, and 12, at the time of the incident, and that Amons’ blood alcohol level was found to be .296.  His preliminary hearing is June 8th.

LOCAL NEWSPAPER NOT PUBLISHING TODAY

Subscribers to the print editions of the Standard Journal and the News Item newspapers will not have a Thursday paper delivered today.  According to Publisher, Amy Moyer, the snag in delivery is due to technical issues at their press plant and they appreciate customers bearing with them as they work to correct it.  Full access to the online editions of each paper will be available for free today to all subscribers and non-subscribers at standard, hyphen, journal dot com and news item dot com.

SU FEATURED ON “THE COLLEGE TOUR” TV SHOW

Susquehanna University was featured this week in an Amazon Prime video program about life on campus at universities across the United States.  According to the school, they were chosen to be featured in Season eight of the show “The College Tour”.  Amazing Race winner Alex Boylan hosts the show that tells the story of schools through a diverse, student led lens.  Ten SU students were selected to share their story on the show that originally premiered in March but can now be seen  Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Tubi.

SUSPECT IN HOMICIDE TRIAL SENTENCED

A Middlecreek Township man who pleaded guilty in April to an attempted homicide in May of 2022, has been sentenced in Snyder County Court.  According to PennLive, 42 year old Justin T. Yerger will spend 10 to 30 years in prison for pulling a gun and shooting at the victim, Chad Howard, and his family, in front of witnesses at the residence where they lived.  Yeager was charged with aggravated and simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and possession of an instrument of crime.  He had been incarcerated in lieu of 200 thousand dollars bail since the crime occurred.

MAINTENANCE SHED WILL BE BUILT FIRST AT AIRPORT

CARES Act funding is to be used for a new maintenance building at the Williamsport Municipal Airport after a construction contract for it was recently approved by the Authority there.  According to the Sun Gazette, construction of a planned 10 bay T-hangar facility will be put on hold while they break ground for the maintenance building that will be used for housing snow equipment, trucks and other apparatus.  Airport director Richard Howell says they should start soon since the COVID funding runs out next year.  The 5.3 million dollar project is set to be completed by Lundy Construction.

NEW SHEETZ NEAR BLOOMSBURG

A new Sheetz location opens in Buckhorn today.  According to North Central PA dot com, there will be prize giveaways and a ribbon-cutting around 10:45 am at the 6 Wedgetown Road location just off I-80 near Bloomsburg.  They will offer free self-serve coffee and soda for the entire event.  The new store with 26 parking spaces, features four high flow diesel lanes and DEF for semi trucks.  Customers are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to which Sheetz will donate 25 hundred dollars as well as a giving a planned donation to Special Olympics of Pennsylvania.

SPEAKER NAMED FOR MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE IN WILLIAMSPORT

US Army Retired Colonel Jack H Jacobs has been invited as a guest speaker this Saturday at the Lycoming County Memorial Day Service at the Lycoming County Veterans Memorial Park, at West Fourth Street and Wahoo Drive.  Colonel Jacobs is a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, and a Vietnam War combat veteran. According to the co-sponsors of the event, the Lycoming County Veterans Memorial Park Commission and the Lycoming County Veterans Council Inc, the Service will be held rain or shine at 11 a.m. on Saturday with a tent available.  On Memorial Day weekend, we honor those who died serving in the U.S. Military and who are remembered for their ultimate sacrifices.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 HS Baseball
Class 2A
  South Williamsport 3         Muncy 0
  Wyalusing  4                       Canton 2
HS Baseball Championships All games @ Bowman Field
Friday
Class A
   Northeast Bradford vs Benton 4pm
Class 3A
   Central Columbia vs Hughesville 6:30pm
Saturday
Class 2A
  Wyalusing vs South Williamsport 12pm
Class 4A
   Montoursville vs Mifflinburg 3pm
PIAA District 4 Softball Playoffs Today All games @ Elm Park
Class A
   St John Neumann vs Canton 3pm
    Montgomery vs Bucktail 4:30pm
Class 4A
    Shamokin vs Jersey Shore 3pm
    Selinsgrove vs Montoursville 4:30pm
MLB
White Sox 6         Guardians 0
Rangers 3             Pirates 2
Phillies 6              Diamondbacks 5
Brewers 4             Astros 0
Twins 7                 Giants 1
Reds 10                Cardinals 3

Orioles 9              Yankees 6
Nationals 5                    Padres 3
Braves 4               Dodgers 3
Tigers 6                Royals 4
Cubs 4                  Mets 2
Marlins 10            Rockies 2
Angels 7               Red Sox 3
Mariners 6            A’s 1

NHL

East Final

Panthers 4           Hurricanes
Florida wins the series
NHL Tonight
West Final Game 4

Golden Knights vs Stars 8pm ESPN
Vegas leads 3-0

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 24, 2023

JUVENILE CHARGED WITH THREATENING SCHOOL

The Snyder County District Attorney has announced terroristic threat charges have been filed against a juvenile accused of making the threats at the Selinsgrove area School District.  According to DA Mike Piecuch, the alleged offender, who posted threatening comments on social media posing as another individual is not being publicly identified.  Through the investigation using digital forensics, police found that the threats were not credible.  The juvenile faces charges of felony terroristic threats and misdemeanor stalking, cyber harassment and more, and will face a Common pleas judge to determine the truth of the allegations and next steps.

TWO CHILDREN ATTACKED BY A BEAR

Two children were attacked by a bear while playing in the driveway of their home near Walden Park in Wright Township.  According to WTAJ, the PA Game Commission said the children ages 14 months and 5 years old were treated at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital for bites and scratches, and they are unsure what provoked the attack.  PGC investigators have set traps nearby and are attempting to capture the bear for testing.  Officials advise Pennsylvanians to keep your distance from bears since they are fast and strong.  You can find information about living safely and responsibly with bears at bearwise.org.

CHECK ELECTRIC RATES BEFORE JUNE CHANGE

Electric rates are set to change for residential and small business June 1st according to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.  Officials from the PUC say now is the time to evaluate energy options for optimal rates heading into the summer months when upcoming price changes and increased utility use could mean generally higher bills anyway.  Check your contract expiration dates if you’ve chosen competitive energy suppliers and if you have problems with your current supplier, contact the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services at 1-800-692-7380.

WILLIAMSPORT POOL TO OPEN FOR THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND

The City Pool at Memorial Park opens for the holiday weekend Friday.  According to the Sun Gazette the City of Williamsport’s Public Works Committee announced the grand opening and say it will be open again the next weekend and then open regularly for the season on June 10th.  The day before the opening on June 9th, the city will hold a festival at the park with activities including food vendors, alongside the US Air Force who donated portions of the upgraded facilities.

OFFICE AIDE AT MIFFLINBURG CHARGED FOR CHILD PORN

A man formerly employed as an office aide by the Mifflinburg Area School District is facing possession and dissemination of child pornography charges.  According to Penn Live, Police interviewed 25 year old Brendan Stepp at his Sunbury home.  Police say that during the interview,  he admitted to uploading the pornographic content.  Stepp was initially jailed, and then posted 25 thousand dollars bail after his arraignment.  According to Mifflinburg Superintendent  Kenneth Dady Jr., Stepp no longer has any access to the school, even though no criminal activity ever took place on school property.

FORMER GYM COACH FOUND NOT-GUILTY

The former cheerleading coach from Montoursville accused of rape of a former student has been found not-guilty before President Judge Nancy Butts yesterday evening.  According to North Central PA dot com, the verdict ends the three year ordeal for 46 year old George William Scholl who owned Epidemic Stunt and Tumble Gym, which is now closed.  The accuser testified about the incidents that allegedly happened between June 2016 to February 2018  from a remote location during the trial.

TWO GUN CONTROL BILLS PASS IN DEM CONTROLLED HOUSE

The Pennsylvania House Democrats could only get two of four bills passed in the house on gun control  after Republicans argued the bills run afoul of the U.S. and Pennsylvania constitutions and won’t necessarily prevent gun violence carried out by those involved in criminal activity.  According to WGAL, one of the two bills that were approved require background checks for private long gun sales and the other , a “red flag” bill, allows judges to let police to seize firearms when a person is in crisis.  The bills must still go through the Senate, which Republicans still control by six votes.

WMSPT BASKETBALL STANDOUT CHOOSES MISSOURI STATE

St John Neumann’s standout basketball player, Davion Hill, has made it official that he will be a Bear next year at Missouri State following in the footsteps of his older brothers, David Hill and Alize Johnson.  Davion became the first player in Williamsport area history to earn first team all-state honors in all four years of high school basketball. According to Hill’s mother, Chanelle Edwards, her son has wanted to go to Missouri State since he was in 9th grade.  Hill, the 6-foot-2 guard from Williamsport, Pa., was twice named Pennsylvania Player of the Year.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Playoffs


HS Baseball
Class 3A
Hughesville 8                 Warrior Run  1
Central Columbia  6      Mount Carmel  3
Class 4A
Mifflinburg 10               Athens  4
Montoursville 1             Midwest 0

Class 2A HS Baseball Today
Wyalusing vs Canton @ MU 4:30pm
Muncy vs South Williamsport
        @ Central Columbia HS 6pm
HS Softball PIAA District 4 Playoffs

Class A
Montgomery 16   Sullivan County 4
Class 2A
S. Williamsport 3   E. Juniata 2
Troy 12                Wyalusing 2
NE Bradford 5     Cowanesque Valley 2
Muncy 2               Northwest 0
Class 3A
Mifflinburg 3        Midd-West 2
Warrior Run 5      Central Columbia 3
Towanda 6           Loyalsock 4

MLB

White Sox 4         Guardians 2
Rangers 6             Pirates 1
Diamondbacks 4 Phillies 3
Cardinals 8           Reds 5
Blue Jays 20         Rays 1
Yankees 6            Orioles 5
Padres 7               Nationals 4
Dodgers 8             Braves 1
Royals 4               Tigers 1
Brewers 6             Astros 0

Cubs 7                  Mets 2
Giants 4                Twins 3  
Rockies 5              Marlins 4
 
Angels 4               Red Sox 0
Mariners 3            A’s 2

NBA

East Finals Game 4
Celtics 116 Heat 99
Miami leading 3-1
NHL

West Final Game 3
Golden Knights 4 Stars 0 Vegas leads 3-0
NHL Tonight 8pm on TNT

East Final Game 4
Hurricanes vs Panthers Florida leads 3-0

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

THURSDAY, MAY 25th

LINE MOUNTAIN

MILTON

TUESDAY, MAY 30th

SHAMOKIN

WEDNESDAY, MAY 31st

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT GRADE K-6

WYALUSING

THURSDAY, JUNE 1st

JERSEY SHORE

KEYSTONE CENTRAL

FRIDAY, JUNE 2nd

BALD EAGLE AREA

BLOOMSBURG

CANTON

EAST LYCOMING

MIFFLINBURG

MONTGOMERY

MOUNT CARMEL

MUNCY

SELINSGROVE

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT GRADES 7-12

TROY

WARRIOR RUN

MONDAY, JUNE 5th

ATHENS

BENTON

MILLVILLE

TUESDAY, JUNE 6th

LEWISBURG

TOWANDA

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7th

NORTHEAST BRADFORD

ST. JOHN NEUMANN REGIONAL ACADEMY

WELLSBORO

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 23, 2023

SOCIAL MEDIA THREAT AT SELINSGROVE INTERMEDIATE

There was a threat at the Selinsgrove Intermediate School yesterday that prompted school officials there to bring in extra security measures.  According to the Daily Item, Superintendent Frank Jankowski sent an email notifying the school community of threatening comments made on social media Sunday night.  Jankowski said they were in contact with borough and state police, and informed parents that there are no concerns about normal school operations this week.  School administrators say they expect to keep the extra police presence in place until the end of the school year on June 2nd

POLICE SEEK PERSON WHO STOLE MONEY FROM PARKED CARS

State police say someone stole money from two parked vehicles near a residence in White Deer Township.  According to North Central PA dot com, suspects broke into a Ford Focus at the home near the 100 block of Woodland Road and took over 400 dollars from a wallet.  Police say about 10 dollars in loose change was also taken from a Chevy Tahoe.  If you have information about the theft, please call State police at 570-524-2662.

BLACK BEAR YEARLING REMOVED FROM HUGHESVILLE TREE

Wardens from the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Hughesville police removed a yearling black bear from a tree yesterday near a residence in downtown Hughesville.  According to a Woodlands Bank YouTubeVideo presentation via Dave Kennedy from the Sun Gazette, a team worked with Warden Jon Wyant of the Pa. State Game Commission, who gave an ad lib presentation about their procedure to the onlookers after tranquilizing the cub.  Wyant said it’s indicative for a male bear yearling to be in neighborhoods after newly leaving the mother bear.  The officers tagged the 136 pound bear and took it to a less populated area. 

WWII SOLDIER IDENTIFIED, WILL RETURN TO US FOR BURIAL

WWII SOLDIER IDENTIFIED, WILL RETURN TO US FOR BURIAL
The remains of a South Williamsport man who was killed during World War Two have been identified and will be returned to Lycoming County for burial.  According to the Sun Gazette, 25 year old James Litherland was co-piloting a B-17F Flying Fortress in February of 1944 when he was struck by anti-aircraft fire and crashed before being able to parachute to safety over France. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency used dental and anthropological analysis to identify Litherland.  A rosette will now be placed next to his name at a American Battle Monuments Commission site in Belgium, where his name is on the Tablet of the Missing, now indicating that he has been identified.

TREVORTON WOMAN IN SERIOUS CRASH

A serious crash in Union County on Sunday has a woman from Trevorton in critical condition after being transported to Geisinger with suspected serious injuries.  According to Milton State police, 34 year old Tiffany Smokowitz may have been under the influence of alcohol when she traveled off the roadway, down an embankment, and struck a tree along Creek Road in Hartley Township.  Police say the investigation is ongoing and that Smokowitz could be facing DUI charges.

WELFARE CHECK LEADS TO FELONY FIREARMS CHARGES

State Troopers who went to a Union County home last month to perform a welfare check, found a firearm leaning against a wall in the subject’s home, later discovered through a criminal history check that he had a prior felony conviction in 2006.  According to the North Central PA dot com, police returned to the Hartley township home April 29th after filing felony firearms charges against 36 year old Jessie Lee Edison who resisted arrest and now faces a preliminary hearing June 27th.  He posted three thousand dollars bail.

MAN BREAKING INTO CARS FOUND WITH ILLEGAL FIREARM

A West Milton man and a juvenile were caught attempting to break into a parked car and police say one had an unlicensed firearm at the time.  According to Northcentral pa dot com, 19 year old Jovan Markus Garcia and the minor suspect were seen by Milton State Troopers April 30th when they were trying to break into the cars along Mains Street in New Columbia and later the pair were stopped by police along Broad Street and searched.  Garcia was found with a loaded unregistered semi-automatic handgun, the juvenile had a handgun that had been reported stolen in 2017 as well as other items reported as stolen from West Milton in a backpack.  Garcia now faces felony firearms charges along with identity theft, conspiracy to receive stolen property and more.  The case has been held for court.

SIREN SYSTEM TO BE TESTED IN LEWISBURG THIS WEEK

Testing of the new CodeRED siren system will be happening this week in Lewisburg. According to media outlets, the siren will be tested at approximately 2pm Thursday and the test will last about 15-20 seconds.  Installation of this equipment was funded by a Community Development Block Grant through the Department of Community and Economic Development.  Officials say the tests start with a voice recording, followed by the siren and then the voice recording again. Expect the borough to use sirens, phonecalls and texts to keep residents notified about emergencies and other notifications.  Call the borough office with questions at 570-523-3614 extension 314.

SPORTS

HS Baseball
District 6 Class 5A Championship

Central Mountain 10
Hollidaysburg 5

PIAA District 4 HS Baseball Playoffs Today
Class 3A
  Mount Carmel vs Central Columbia at Bloomsburg HS – 3pm
  Warrior Run vs Hughesville @Bloomsburg HS – 5:30pm
Class 4A
    Midd-West vs Montoursville @Montgomery HS – 4:30
    Mifflinburg vs Athens @ Mansfield U. – 4:30
PIAA District 4 HS Softball Playoffs Today. All games at 4:30

Class A
   Sullivan County @ Montgomery
Class 2A
    East Juniata @ South Williamsport
    Northwest @ Muncy
    Troy @ Wyalusing
    NE Bradford @ Cowanesque Valley
Class 3A
   Towanda @ Loyalsock
   Midwest @ Mifflinburg
   Warrior Run @ Central Columbia
Class 4A Softball is Thursday at Elm Park
    Shamokin vs Jersey Shore – 3pm
    Selinsgrove vs Montoursville 4:30pm  

MLB

Guardians 3                   White Sox 0
Pirates 6               Rangers 4
Diamondbacks 6 Phillies 3
Reds 6                  Cardinals 5
Rays 6                  Blue Jays 4
Dodgers 8             Braves 6
Tigers 8                Royals 5
Astros 12              Brewers 2
Giants 4                Twins 1
 
Rockies 5              Marlins 3
Angels 2               Red Sox 1
Mariners 11          A’s 2
NBA

Nuggets 113       Lakers 111
Denver wins the series 4-0
Nuggets advance to their first NBA finals after sweeping the Lakers and LeBron James.
NBA Tonight at 8:30 on TNT
East Finals Game 4

Celtics vs Heat  Miami leads 3-0

NHL
East Final Game 3
Panthers 1 Hurricanes 0  (FL up 3-0)
NHL Tonight at 8 PM on ESPN
West Final Game 3 Knights vs StarsVegas leads 2-0

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 22, 2023

RAPE TRIAL FOR MONTOURSVILLE GYM COACH BEGINS TODAY

The two day trial begins today in Lycoming County Court for the Montoursville gym coach charged with rape of a child and other sexual assault charges that stemmed from an incident at the Epidemic Stunt and Tumble Gym in September of 2022.  The gym has since closed.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say George William Scholl lured a fourth grade girl who was a member of a cheerleading squad into an office while at his gym and allegedly committed the assault. Scholl has been out on $150,000 monetary bail since last June.

LOCK HAVEN MAN SENTENCED FOR SELLING METH

A former Lock Haven man who was convicted of selling meth and prescription medication in March has been sentenced to nine years in state prison.  According to North Central PA dot com, 27 year old Kyle James St. Clair, who represented himself at his trial, was given the almost decade long  sentence by Judge Michael Salisbury in Clinton County Court for three counts each of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

METHODIST MEMBER CHURCHES CHOOSE TO LEAVE CONFERENCE

Over 141 member churches took steps to vote to go their own ways, moving away from the United Methodist Church at the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church held in Williamsport. According to the Sun Gazette, reports say most, if not all of the 141 disaffiliations were as a direct result of the stance held by the United Methodist church concerning the ordination of those from the LGBTQ community and the question of same-sex weddings performed by ministers in the church.

LEGION LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO PLACE FLAGS

The Lewisburg American Legion Post 182 are seeking volunteers to place American flags on veterans’ graves this evening.  According to media outlets, volunteers can join others with the American Legion at the Lewisburg Cemetery tonight at 6 p.m. on South Seventh Street when they place about 1,100 flags.  Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to meet at the cemetery entrance. In Northumberland, the American Legion and other volunteers will place flags at veteran’s graves Thursday at 6pm.

RACIAL HARASSMENT TRIAL DISMISSED IN FEDERAL COURT

A civil rights suit against Jersey Shore Schools has been dismissed in US Middle District Court after a judge said school leaders there are not culpable for the alleged environment of racial harassment suffered by the plaintiff and their family.  The court determined the district’s response to the family’s complaints leading up to the lawsuit were reasonable; such as family meetings with faculty and disciplinary actions.  According to PennLive, the family of the black student who relocated from the Jersey Shore School District is eligible to file an amended complaint of the suit, but he only recommended it if there were new allegations within the dismissed lawsuit.

WASHINGTONVILLE COPPER THIEVES SOUGHT BY POLICE

Police are seeking two suspects who stole copper pipe from a home in Washingtonville. According to North Central PA dot com, State troopers say the men broke into the home at 27 Water Street May 16th at about 8:35 am and were seen leaving the residence after the theft.  One man goes by “Curtis” and is about 6’1” with short brown hair and average build, the other man was called Jake and was wearing a camo army jacket and jeans.  If you have information about the Montour County theft or the suspects, call state police.

SUMMER READING PROGRAM IN UNION COUNTY

The Union County Library System’s Summer Quest reading program starts June 1st and features several kick-off events at their three locations.  According to a press release from UCLS, the summer reading program runs from June 1 – August 12, with lots of opportunities for all ages to promote reading as well as enjoy a live reptile show, weekly crafts, movie nights, and S.T.E.A.M. activities.  Go online eto UnionCountyLibraries.org/SummerQuest2023 to find out about the events happening at the Herr Memorial Library in Mifflinburg, the Public Library for Union County in Lewisburg and West End Library in Laurelton.

FLY-IN PANCAKE BREAKFAST IN TIOGA COUNTY

This Memorial Day weekend will feature the Canyon Pilots Association annual pancake breakfast at the Grand Canyon Regional Airport this Sunday May 28th in Tioga County.  According to North Central PA dot com, the breakfast is open to the public from 8am til noon at the corporate hangar at the airport, just west of Wellsboro in Delmar Township where planes will fly-in and the Canyon Country Ultralight Club will have some aircraft on display.  Get details by emailing canyon pilots at gmail dot com.

SPORTS

NBA
East Finals Game 3
Heat 128             Celtics 102
Miami leads the series 3-0



MLB
Mets 5                  Guardians 4 Game 1
Mets 2                  Guardians 1 Game 2
Yankees 4            Reds 1
Phillies 2              Cubs 1
Nationals 6                     Tigers 4
Braves 3               Mariners 2
Diamondbacks 8 Pirates 3
Orioles 8              Blue Jays 3
Brewers 6             Rays 4
White Sox 5                    Royals 2  
Astros 2                A’s 0
Cardinals 10        Dodgers 5
Rangers 13           Rockies 3
Giants 7                Marlins 5
Angels 4               Twins 2
Padres 7               Red Sox 0

NHL
West Final Game 2
Golden Knights 3 Stars 2 /OT Vegas up 2

NASCAR
Kyle Larson picked up the million dollar Sunday night in the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway in NC.  Bubba Wallace was second, Tyler Reddick third , Chase Briscoe  4th, and Chase Elliott rounded out the top 5.
– Kyle Larson is the first to win the All-Star race at three different tracks – previously at Charlotte in 2019 in Texas in 2021
– 11th win for Hendrick
– Larson is only the 4th  driver to win the All-Star race 3 times; Jimmie Johnson won 4,  Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt also won 3.

GOLF
46 year old Michael Block, head pro at a public golf club in California, drilled a hole-in-one to seal a remarkable performance at the PGA Championship Sunday at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York.  Block finished 15th – enough to stamp his ticket to the 106th edition of the major next year and earning  $288,333 in prize money. Bruce Koepka finished the PGA Championship at -9 for his 5th major.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 19, 2023

ATTEMPTED ROBBERY SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

Surveillance video caught the scene of a failed attempted robbery and shooting near Aubrey Circle in Williamsport May 5th and the suspect is in custody.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say 27 year old John Kyle Smith attempted to rob the victim outside the home, who then flees the scene before shots are fired toward them by Smith just after 9pm.  He is charged with four counts of first-degree felony robbery, simple assault, terroristic threats and more.  He is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 125 thousand dollars monetary bail.

WORK NEXT WEEK ON I-80

PennDOT will be working along I-80 next week in Northumberland County, doing bridge flushing and side-dosing on the shoulders of the interstate.  According to a press release, drivers will see alternating lane restrictions along East and westbound I 80 between mile marker 211 and mile marker 213, which is located east of the Route 15 interchange.   Work will be performed during daylight hours, weather permitting.

MEMORIAL DAY MARCH AND PROGRAM IN SHAMOKIN

There will be a Memorial Day March Monday starting in Coal Township that will head through to Shamokin.  The group of marchers will pause at a few locations for the laying of wreaths and paying respects to the veterans honored along the route.  Those interested in participating can meet Monday, March 29th at 9am at the playground at Arch and Locust Streets.  The march will go to the Timothy DiOrio memorial, the Corporal David Witmer Memorial and then finally to the Price of Freedom memorial on Lincoln Street in Shamokin where members of the Joint Area Veterans Organizations will lay a wreath, hold a brief service and play Taps.

NO ARREST OF STABBING SUSPECT

Williamsport police are unable to make an arrest in a reported stabbing of a man on Tuesday afternoon, after witnesses to the incident will not cooperate with law enforcement.  According to the Sun Gazette, city police said a few individuals were at the scene of the store where the stabbing occurred around 4:30pm at the 300 block of Memorial Avenue, but would not tell police what they saw.  The condition of the victim of the stabbing is unknown at this time, but police say if you have information about the crime, to report it.

SHAMOKIN MURDER SUSPECT PLEADS GUILTY TO ALL COUNTS

A Shamokin man admitted to a judge Wednesday that he shot and killed 23 year old Kassandra Ortiz and fired on police during a standoff in Shamokin in 2018.  According to the Daily Item, 46 year old Jose Colon pleaded guilty to all nine counts related to the murder of Ortiz and 56 counts, related to the standoff at an apartment at West Sunbury Street in Sunbury.   Northumberland County DA Tony Matulewicz, says this keeps family Ortiz’s members from testifying in the difficult case. Colon remains incarcerated with sentencing scheduled for 11 a.m. September 26th.

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS FOR LOCAL NON-PROFIT SCHOOLS

Five local schools, including St. John Neumann, received a portion of a 35 thousand dollar scholarship award through Senator Gene Yaw and representatives from the Bridge Educational Foundation through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania .  According to Senator Yaw, public-private partnerships like this strengthen local educational programs, and expand academic opportunities for children in the state.  The program provides companies with a 75 percent tax credit, 90 percent for a two-year commitment, for funds donated to approved, non-profit scholarship or educational improvement organizations.  Get details at bridge edu dot org.

MEMORIAL DAY DUI CHECKPOINTS ANNOUNCED

State Police in Montoursville are announcing their annual Memorial Day DUI Roving Patrols and Sobriety checkpoints throughout the holiday weekend.  According to State police, the checkpoints in Lycoming County will target high DUI related crash areas that are determined through compiled statistical data.  Pennsylvania State Police also remind drivers to continue to wear seatbelts and to comply with the Move-Over law, which requires a motorist to move into an open lane when passing an emergency vehicle with flashing lights along the roadside.

SPORTS

HS Softball
Loyalsock 13      Warrior Run 0
Towanda 19                           Sullivan County 0
Shamokin 16                         Midd-West 6
Bucktail 16                            St John Neumann 1
Williamsport 9                      Holy Redeemer 0
Canton 14                              Montgomery 11
Wellsboro 12                         Sayre 11
South Williamsport 15         Jersey Shore 2
Northeast Bradford 16          Williamson 1

MLB
Guardians 3        White Sox 1
Angels 6              Orioles 5
Mets 3                 Rays 2
Marlins 5            Nationals 3
Yankees 4           Blue Jays 2
Cardinals 16       Dodgers 8

NBA
West Finals Game 2
Nuggets 108       Lakers 103 Denver 2-0
NBA tonight
East Finals Game 2
Heat vs Celtics @8:30 on TNT Miami up 1

NHL
East Final Game 1
Panthers 3           Hurricanes 2
NHL Tonight
West Game 1
Stars vs Golden Knights @8:30pm – ESPN
NASCAR Sunday
All-Star open @6pm with the Race at 8pm from the North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina pre race coverage @ 5pm Green flag 6pm.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 18, 2023

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER TO PLEAD GUILTY FOR BANK FRAUD

Two women who worked at a credit Union in Northumberland County have recently plead guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud in federal court.  According to North Central PA dot com, 58 year old Mindy Plasters and her daughter, 35 year old Brittany Aikey, both of New Columbia told the court they took close to $1 million over the eight-year period Northumberland Union County Credit Union (NUCCU) in Milton.  The pair said they lied about financial information on member applications for loans and took cash advances using member’s MasterCard accounts.  Plasters and Aikey were indicted last June and await sentencing in United States Middle District Court.

MAN CHARGED FOR IMPERSONATING GAME COMMISSION AGENT

A Williamsport man is facing charges of impersonating a public servant after police say witnesses claim he was checking licenses of people fishing in Lycoming Creek April 1st .  According to North Central PA dot com, 65-year-old David Butters allegedly approached a group of men and demanded to see their licenses without authority, however he told a neighbor he worked for the PA Fish and Game commission.  PA Fish and Game Commission officials say he never worked for them.  Butters also faces charges of interference of lawful fishing with a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 21st.

MATULEWICZ WILL APPEAR ON NOVEMBER BALLOT

Despite missing the deadline in March for appearing on this week’s Primary Election ballot, Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Matulewicz  secured the votes and will appear on the November ballot as  the Democratic nominee.  According to voter services, Matalevitz garnered 739 write-in votes. He will now face Michael O’Donnell in the fall for the DA seat. O’Donnell ran unopposed in the Primary for the Republican nomination.

GIRLS WRESTLING IS A SANCTIONED SPORT IN PA

Girls Wrestling has just been sanctioned as a PIAA Sport as of yesterday morning.  Accordin got the Sun Gazette, the PIAA Board of Directors voted unanimously at the final reading of the vote that got started with positive momentum several years ago.  The number of schools required for the PIAA to consider a sport to sanction is 100, and now Pennsylvania is the 38th state to have girls wrestling with 111 teams across the commonwealth as of this year.  It’s available in all 12 Districts, with Hughesville putting a girls team together last year to join teams from Athens, Benton, Central Mountain, Hughesville, Milton, Montgomery and Williamsport.  Loyalsock, Jersey Shore, South Williamsport and North Penn-Liberty include girls in their programs, as well.

TWO GARAGE FIRES MONDAY

Two West Buffalo Township garage fires happened in union county Monday, but no cause of the incident has been announced.  The first fire was at about 4:30 pm Monday at a garage at a home on Skunk Hollow road and Route 45.  The second fire Monday was also a garage structure in the area of Stony Creek Lane and Buffalo Road. According to media outlets, first responders arribed to the blaze around 7:15 pm, which was fully engulfed, and witnesses say the smoke from the fire could be seen for miles. A second alarm was called soon after, but no injuries were reported.

ELYSBURG UNDER BOIL WATER ADVISORY

A boil water advisory is in place for the Elysburg area of Northumberland County after a water main break is being repaired.  According to Aqua Wter Company, over 1,300 customers affected in northern Ralpho Township and northeastern Shamokin Township. DEP regulations require the boil water advisory to be in place until at least Friday. Crews are investigating what led to the water main break, and customers may experience low water pressure as the system recovers from the repair.  Residents with questions can call  877.987.2782.

DEMOCRATS PREVAIL IN THE PA HOUSE

As of this week’s special election in the primaries, Democrats have the advantage in the PA House on the upcoming agenda on abortion, gun rights and election law legislation.  In the House, Heather Boyd won and now represents the Philadelphia suburbs, beating Republican Katie Ford, giving Democrats the minimum to control the chamber – 103.  Republican Michael Stender won his election in the primaries yesterday for the vacant House seat in Central PA, giving the GOP 101 seats.  According to PennLive, 1st term democratic governor, Josh Shapiro will have at least one chamber to aid his agenda going into the final month of budget negotiations.  Republicans still control the PA Senate.

SPRINGFEST AT HILLS CREEK STATE PARK SUNDAY

Families can go to Tioga County this Sunday for Springfest at Hills Creek state park, to participate in a variety of outdoor activities for free, rain or shine.  According to step outdoors.org, the event will feature paddling sports with kayak club members offering equipment to borrow and volunteers on hand to help.  Other groups at springfest will include Pine Creek Headwaters group, Pheasants forever and more with Trout Unlimited Tiadaghton Chapter 688 volunteers providing fly tying  materials and equipment free of charge. Families can bring bikes to ride with helmets and food is available at the park concession stand from 12 – 3.  Details by emailing [email protected].

SPORTS

HS Baseball
Central Columbia 3       Wyalusing 1
Northeast Bradford 7    Sugar Valley 6 |
Williamsport 13             Milton 7
Cowanesque Valley 13 Millville 12
Jersey Shore 16             Shamokin 6
Loyalsock 4                             Danville 3  
Montgomery 14             Towanda 13
Southern Columbia 16   Line Mountain 4
Warrior Run 14             Muncy 3
Shikellamy  13               Wellsboro 2
Waverly 9                      South Williamsport 4

HS Softball
Bald Eagle Area 7                   Jersey Shore 5
Wellsboro 14                 Coudersport 4
St. John Neumann 14    Millville 4
South Williamsport 10 Northeast Bradford 5
Danville 6                      Southern Columbia 5
N. Penn Liberty 12        Addison 3
MLB

White Sox 7       Guardians 2
Pirates 8              Tigers 0
Dodgers 7           Twins 3
Rockies 11          Reds 6
Diamondbacks 5 A’s 3
Giants 7               Phillies 4
Royals 4              Padres 3
Orioles 3             Angels 1
Marlins 4            Nationals 3
Blue Jays 3         Yankees 0
Red Sox 12         Mariners 3
Mets 8                 Rays 7
Cardinals 3         Brewers 0
Braves 6              Rangers 5
Astros 7               Cubs 6
NBA
East Finals Game 1
Heat 123 Celtics 116
NBA Tonight
West Finals Game 2 @8:30pm on ESPN,
Nuggets vs Lakers in Denver (Denver leads 1-0)
NHL
East Final Game 1
Panthers vs Hurricanes @8pm on TNT from Raleigh, North Carolina

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