“One Last Ride” Benefit for Chris Silvagni
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 4, 2024
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY FIRE FRIDAY
Fire crews responded to a blaze at a home 1000 block of Mexico Road in East Chillisquaque Township Friday. According to the Standard Journal, fire officials said the fire broke out at the Northumberland County home at about 11:15am. Crews battled the blaze that officials said appeared to start on the exterior of the home, and worked its way up to the attic, but the home was ultimately saved. There were no injuries reported.
BAIL MODIFICATION HEARING TODAY FOR FUR FARM VANDALS
A formal arraignment is coming up November 18th for the pair of alleged vandals from Massachusetts who are accused of releasing hundreds of mink from a fur farm in Northumberland County on October 19th. According to North Central PA dot com, 25 year old Christopher Jacob Legere, and 23 year old Cara Ashley Mitrano face felony counts of burglary, ecoterrorism, agricultural vandalism, misdemeanor cruelty to animals, and related charges. The judge withdrew a conspiracy charge for both defendants in their preliminary hearing last week. They remain at Northumberland County Prison in lieu of $150,000 cash bail with a bail modification hearing coming up today. Police say the two are connected to two anarchist communes in Massachusetts.
DROUGHT WARNING CONDITIONS IN PA
35 counties, including Columbia, Montour, and Northumberland, are under a Drought Watch after not getting significant rainfall in weeks. According to North Central PA dot com, the Pennsylvania Drought Task Force is also monitoring other areas of the state. Lycoming County is under normal conditions at this time. In the watch counties, residents and businesses are encouraged to voluntarily conserve water by reducing nonessential water use. Drought declarations are based on four factors – precipitation, stream flows, groundwater levels, and soil moisture. Dry conditions have also heightened wildfire risk with a burn ban reported in the city of Williamsport, Old Lycoming Township and Northumberland County.
MU GRADUATE DONATES FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
A graduate and former athlete at Mansfield University has made a half-million dollar gift to support student-athlete scholarships through the Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation. According to ‘go mounties dot com’, the football and track and field standout, Mark Doherty of the Class of 1995, makes the 500 thousand dollar gift to honor his late football coach, Tom Elsasser, who passed away in May of 2023. Doherty earned a degree in criminal justice from Mansfield in 1995 and a master’s degree in special education in 1998. He is the owner and co-founder of Foundation Lending, a premiere investment, construction, and commercial lender.
TWO ARRESTED FOR FIGHT IN JERSEY SHORE
Two people were charged in District court last week after a fight August 31st at the Jersey Shore American Legion. According to the Sun Gazette, 51 year old Lannette Kae Garms was charged with charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and harassment for allegedly causing a disturbance after she was asked to leave. 34 year old John Charles Stewart of Avis was charged for simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment after he attempted to intervene in the fight between Garms and another individual. Garms also faces a drug paraphernalia charge after a police search turned up a glass methamphetamine pipe. Stewart and Garms waived their preliminary hearings and posted their respective bail.
MAN ARRESTED FOR DOWNLOADING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
A man from Watsontown is free on bail after he was arrested following a cybertip in August from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that he had uploads of child pornography on his computer. According to North Central PA dot com, police obtained a search warrant after tracing the alleged activity to 29 year old Michael Anthony Brady and filed 40 felony counts each of child pornography and disseminating child pornography. Brady’s formal arraignment is November 12th in Northumberland County court.
WILLIAMSPORT HOTEL GETS GRANT FOR UPGRADES
A 2 million dollar state Department of Community and Economic Development grant was awarded to Genetti Hotel recently for renovations at 200 W. Fourth Street. According to the Sun Gazette, the owner of the 102 year old building, Gus Genetti, says the grant, which was secured through assistance of state Sen. Gene Yaw, is part of a $6 million hotel upgrade that ensures the historic building will last another century for tourists and guests. Upgrades to update the interior are expected in the lobby, and some guest rooms, including an upgraded security system as well as a possible ramp heading to the pool area. The work is anticipated to be complete in March of 2025.
NEW $2 MILLION FIRE TRUCK FOR MILTON
The Milton Borough Council has approved the $2.1 million purchase of a 100’ Pierce Enforcer aerial platform fire truck for the Milton fire department. According to the Standard Journal, Milton Fire officials say the department’s current aerial, or ladder, truck is 20 years old and they have been working for over 2 and a half years to line up funding with the truck price going up percentages every quarter but that there are discounts to be had if payments are made in a certain way. Manufacturers are backed up on production at this time so it will be at least 48 months until the new truck is delivered to Milton.
SPORTS
PIAA HS Sports
In Cross Country, Warrior Run’s Claire DuFrene wins her 3rd consecutive state title
In tennis, sophomore Addison Lindsay from Central Mountain takes the Triple A singles state title…the first girl to do that in Wildcats history.
NFL
Falcons 27 Cowboys 21
Bills 30 Dolphins 27
Bengals 41 Raiders 24
Commanders 27 Giants 22
Ravens 41 Broncos 10
Eagles 28 Jaguars 23
NFL Monday Night Football
Buccaneers vs Chiefs 8:15pm PrimeVid
NASCAR Xfinity 500
* Ryan Blaney had a victory Sunday at Martinsville Speedway, a win that launched NASCAR’s defending champion into the title-deciding season finale.
2nd – Chase Elliot, 3rd – Kyle Larson, 4th – Austin Cindric, 5th Denny Hamlin
* The 2024 NASCAR Cup title goes to the highest-finishing driver next Sunday between Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Joey Logano and Tyler Reddick.
NBA
Pistons 106 Nets 92
Hawks 126 Pelicans 111
Mavericks 108 Magic 85
NBA Tonight
Celtics vs Hawks 7:45pm
Grizzlies vs Nets 8pm
Knicks vs Rockets 8:45pm
76ers vs Suns 10:15pm NBAtv
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS NOVEMBER 1, 2024
SUSPECT IN SCHOOL SHOOTING THREAT WAIVES HEARING
The 18 year old accused of calling and threatening a student at Montoursville High School on October 11th waived his preliminary hearing in Lycoming County Court this week. According to North Central PA dot com, Yaa-Sir Jennings-Cornelius of Williamsport is being charged with terroristic threats and harassment and is also accused of using a .380 Ruger stolen from a Hughesville gun store to make the threats. Police say Jennings-Cornelius made a snapchat video showing the stolen gun and threatening to shoot up the school. He was identified by detectives through social media accounts as a student a Williamsport Area High School.
ROAD RAGE BRINGS AN ARREST FOR ADAMS COUNTY MAN
A man from Adams county was arrested after he allegedly pulled out a handgun while he drove, showing it to another driver while they traveled through Selinsgrove . According to North Central PA dot com State police at Selinsgrove say 32-year-old Robert Irvin Sentz Jr got into an argument with the other driver along North Susquehanna Trail/U.S. Route 11 in Monroe Township and showed the firearm. Police were called and detained Sentz at the Selinsgrove bypass and cited him with disorderly conduct for the road rage incident.
PARTY RESPONSIBLE FOR MANURE SPILL IDENTIFIED
Authorities have discovered the responsible party for the manure spill that closed a lane of I-180 October 22nd near the Route 87 interchange in Montoursville. According to the Sun Gazette, on the social media page of Montoursville Borough Police TWR Auto Transport out of Harrison Valley was the company involved and that drivers who experienced damage or needed maintenance after being victims of the spill should provide vehicle information for insurance. If you would like to contact police about getting the information to make a claim, call 570-368-2488.
WILLIAMSPORT MAN TO DELIVER HURRICANE RELIEF TO NC
Another county resident is taking cash and in-kind donations and will distribute the items next week in Banner Elk and Boone, North Carolina – an area of North Carolina that was hit hard by Hurricane Helene. According to the Sun Gazette, 57 year old Kevin Breen and his wife, who own a transportation hauling service, will leave tomorrow morning to take the items he has been collecting and storing drop-off location at 127 Reynolds St. in South Williamsport. They will continue to accept donations 2-7pm today and there is a list of items most needed some of which include; dehumidifiers, camping propane cylinders, kerosene heaters, insulated tents, chainsaws and accessories and much more that is listed in a public post on Kevin Breen’s Facebook page. Helene has caused at least 98 reported deaths in the western Appalachian region.
CAUSES OF DEATH IN TWO SEPARATE FATAL FIRES DETERMINED
The state police fire marshal determined the fire that killed an 81 year old woman in Mifflin Township this week was electrical in nature and ruled accidental. According to the Sun Gazette, 81 year old Lois Breon died of smoke inhalation at the home on226 Zinck Road where she lived with her son, Matthew, who escaped the blaze. In the second fatal fire that killed 56 year old Lori Toner Wednesday morning this week, fire officials determined the fire at the mobile home on West Emery’s Church Road in Woodward Township was caused by careless smoking. Toner also perished from smoke inhalation. Officials are still working to find the cause of the third fire that occurred in the county Wednesday morning at 2224 Newberry Street in Williamsport.
BURN BAN IN WILLIAMSPORT CITY, OLD LYCO TOWNSHIP
Fire Chiefs in the city of Williamsport and Old Lycoming Township have announced that critical fire weather conditions have brought about a burn ban in local municipalities. According to Chief Sam Aungst, the fire ban means no open outdoor burning is permitted either in a container or on the ground and recreational burning is also prohibited. The restriction will be in place effective immediately until November 20th when the ban will be re-evaluated byt fire officials in the city. Violators are subject to legal punishment and fines.
VETERAN’S EVENT IN DANVILLE SATURDAY
There will be a Veterans Community Day tomorrow from 10 to 2 at the Danville Area Community Center. According to the DACC, the event will have resources for veterans about employment, outdoor healing programs and connections to find out more about specialized home care services. There will be a discussion concerning veterans’ needs by Retired Sgt. Major Kevin Bittenbender. Representatives from regional offices, including Congressman Dan Meuser’s staff, will also attend. There will be free pizza on hand provided by Weis. Get information online at danvilleacc.com or call 570-275-3001.
LOCK HAVEN SHOE BANK TO OFFER BOOTS FOR WINTER
Clinton County families with children up to 18 who have Compass, are referred by an agency or are in the Liberty-Curtin School area, are eligible to make an appointment to visit the Boot Room at The Lock Haven Area Shoe Bank and get free boots for winter. According to the Lock Haven Express, the boot event is Saturday, November 9th at the Covenant United Methodist Church at 44 W. Main St Families who visited the shoe bank this summer can come for boots – even though they are not eligible yet for new shoes. Call Diahann at 814-571-5324 any weeknight from 7-9pm to make an appointment and determine eligibility.
SPORTS
PIAA HS Soccer
Girls
Class A Championship
South Williamsport 1 Muncy 0
Class 2A Championship
Central Columbia 1 Hughesville 0
Boys
Class A Championship
Northumberland Christian 4 Millville 1
Class 2A Championship
Lewisburg 2 Midd-West 1
HS Football Playoffs Tonight
BYB HS Football Game of the week
AA Quarterfinals
Warrior Run vs Loyalsock 6:30/7pm
Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network /WILQ HD3
NFL Thursday Night Football
Jets 21 Texans 13
Upcoming NFL Sunday Football
Dallas vs Atlanta 1pm FOX
Dolphins vs Bills 1pm CBS
Commanders vs Giants 1pm
Jaguars vs Eagles 4:05pm CBS
Monday Night Football 11/4
Buccaneers vs Chiefs 8:15pm ABC
NBA
Grizzlies 122 Bucks 99
Rockets 108 Mavericks 102
Spurs 106 Jazz 88
Suns 125 Clippers 119
NBA Tonight
Celtics vs Hornets 7pm
Magic vs Cavaliers 7pm ESPN
Knicks vs Pistons 7pm
Bulls vs Nets 7:30pm
Nuggets vs Timberwolves 9:30pm ESPN
NHL
Maple Leafs 4 Kraken 1
Flyers 2 Blues 1
Penguins 2 Ducks 1
Capitals 6 Canadiens 3
Hurricanes 8 Bruins 2
Oilers 5 Predators 1
Sharks 3 Blackhawks 2
NHL Tonight – ESPN+
Islanders vs Sabres 7pm
Senators vs Rangers 7pm
NJ Devils vs Calgary Flames 9pm
NASCAR Sunday
Xfinity 500 Martinsville Speedway
1pm PreRace/2pm Green Flag
Twin Valleys Talk Radio Network/WILQ HD3
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 31, 2024
TWO WOMEN DIE IN UNRELATED FIRE INCIDENTS
Two unrelated structure fires in Lycoming County yesterday took the lives of two women. According to State Police at Montoursville, 56 year old Lori Toner was found deceased inside the structure when crews arrived at 1547 W. Emerys Church Road in Woodward Township. The fire at the mobile home was reported by a passerby at about 6:45am. An earlier fire Wednesday at 226 Zinck Road in Mifflin Township, was called in at about 4:30am, and two people who lived at the home got out, but 81 year old Lois Breon was taken by ambulance to Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital and succumbed to her injuries just before 6am. Her son Matthew was not injured. According to the Sun Gazette, it’s believed that this is the first time in decades that two people were killed on the same day in separate structure fires in the county.
SOUTHSIDE WOMAN ARRESTED FOR DRUG POSSESSION
A South Williamsport woman is facing drug charges after police impounded her car after a traffic stop and found drugs after a search. According to Montoursville State police, 36 year old Ashley Smith was stopped for a window tint and turn signal violation October 15th and allegedly appeared overly nervous and sweaty to the officer who ordered the vehicle towed from the scene to the Montoursville State Police Barracks. After the officer applied for a search warrant to go through the car, they found 47 grams of cocaine, and charged Smith with delivery of a controlled substance. After her arraignment, Smith posted 50 thousand dollars bail and will have a preliminary hearing next month.
SELINSGROVE VFW COLLECTING ITEMS FOR HURRICANE VICTIMS
A Penn Township VFW is working to collect items to donate to the victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. According to WNEP, Selinsgrove VFW post 6631 is accepting donations and filling a trailer that will head to the North Carolina department headquarters of the VFW Spring Lake, North Carolina when it’s full. Harold Aucker is the service officer at the Selinsgrove VFW said that volunteers are collecting toys for kids, non-perishable food items, pet supplies; but donors are being asked to call the Selinsgrove VFW before dropping items off at the Route 522 location in Selinsgrove, 570- 374-3912.
EARLY THANKSGIVING DINNER TO BENEFIT CAMP VICTORY
There will be an early Thanksgiving dinner held in November to raise funds for Camp Victory and the public is invited. According to North Central PA dot com, the traditional dinner will be Sunday, November 10th from 11:30 til 2:30pm and those interested should RSVP by calling 570-458-6530. Camp Victory is in Millville and is a 130-acre summer camp that hosts children, families, and individuals facing a variety of medical and life challenges. Get more information at camp victory dot org.
NEWBERRY FIRE TEMPORARILY DISPLACES TWO FAMILIES
Electric service was shut down along the whole block yesterday while crews worked a two alarm duplex fire at a fire at 2224 Newberry St. According to the Sun Gazette, there were no injuries, with no one was home on the side where the fire broke out – and crews worked to keep the fire from spreading to the other side of the structure. According to fire officials they could see the smoke from the fire along Reach Road and while near Bowman Field as they arrived. The owner of the home said her daughter and granddaughter are the residents there and had two dogs and a cat, with firefighters confirming that one dog died in the fire. The blaze was declared under control before 9am. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
DRIVE-BY SUSPECT ON TRIAL IN NOVEMBER
A Lewisburg man will be on trial starting November 18th after a jury was selected this week in Union County Court. According to the Daily Item, 28 year old Julio Gonzalez is accused of shooting and wounding two men during a drive-by attack in June of 2020. Two co-conspirators of Gonzalez’s were accused of being involved in the drive-by shooting, but their cases were continued. A man who returned fire toward Gonzalez in the incident, pleaded guilty to a felony count of discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure in September 2021 and served up to 70 months in state prison.
BURN BAN FOR NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY
A countywide burn ban was issued in Northumberland County by the county commissioners in their meeting yesterday, saying it will be in effect from noon on Saturday through December 2nd, unless otherwise extended. According to DCNR record-breaking high temperatures and a recent absence of rain have made for a dry autumn and urged Pennsylvanians to exercise extreme caution when burning items. Officials say brush fires are caused by embers from people burning trash in burn barrels, improperly extinguished campfires, or diesel engine car exhaust, they rarely start without human intervention. Get information about brush fires and wildfires at dcnr.pa.gov.
BRIDGE WORK TODAY ON I-180 WEST
There will be lane restrictions today on Interstate 180 westbound in Loyalsock Township for bridge maintenance. According to PennDOT, a bridge crew will be repairing a bridge joint I-180 westbound between the Faxon Exit and 23 A / B at Warrensville Road and Third Street. Watch for alternating lane restrictions between the hours of 9am til noon.
SPORTS
PIAA Soccer
D2-4 Girls Class 4A Championship
Wilkes-Barre 1 Williamsport 0
Girls Class 3A Championship
Shikellamy 3 Selinsgrove 1
Boys Class 3A Championship
Selinsgrove 2 Athens 0
Girls Class A Championship Today
South Wmsprt vs Muncy @ Bloomsburg HS 5:30pm
Girls Class 2A Championship
Central Columbia vs Hughesville @ Milton HS 7:30pm
Boys Class A Championship
Northumberland Christian vs Millville @ Bloomsburg HS 7:30pm
Boys Class 2A Championship
Lewisburg vs Midd-West @ Shikellamy HS 7:30pm
MLB
The LA Dodgers won Game 5 against the New York Yankees last night, 7-6, in a come-from-behind victory – clinching their eighth title in franchise history, their first since the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season and their first in a full season since 1988.
NBA
Cavaliers 134 Lakers 110
Pacers 135 Celtics 135
Pistons 105 76ers 95
Wizards 133 Hawks 120
Knicks 116 Heat 107
Nets 119 Grizzlies 106
Warriors 104 Pelicans 89
NBA Today
Bucks vs Grizzlies 8pm NBA-TV
Suns vs Clippers 10:30pm NBA-TV
NHL
Blue Jackets 2 Islanders 0
Jets 6 Red Wings 2
Lightning 5 Avalanche 2
Utah 5 Flames 1
Kings 6 Golden Knights 3
Devils 6 Canucks 0
NHL Tonight
Blues vs Flyers 7pm
Ducks vs Penguins 7pm
Canadiens vs Capitals 7pm
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 30, 2024
FIRST RESPONDERS BUSY WEDNESDAY MORNING
Emergency Crews in several areas of our region are busy this morning , with one accident closing an exit along Route 15 near Buttonwood and a working house fire in Mifflin Township called in at about 4:30 this morning that required a resuscitated victim to be Life Flighted to an area hospital in critical condition. PennDOT reported the tractor trailer rollover at the northbound exit 158 in Jackson Township that has a detour in place. Northbound vehicles will us Route 15 northbound exit 162 at Liberty, Route 414 and Route 284. According to scanner reports, multiple fire crews including Jersey Shore remain on the scene this morning at 225 Zinck Road just south of Salladasburg.
SOUTHSIDE MAN ARRESTED AFTER FLEEING BEFORE TRIAL
A South Williamsport man is now in custody after removing his ankle monitor and skipping his trial on drug charges in June for which he was tried in abstentia and found guilty. According to the Sun Gazette, 30 year old Dondre Terrell McMillan was apprehended in September and now faces new charges of fleeing to avoid apprehension, trial or punishment. He was incarcerated in lieu of 50 thousand dollars bail.
HOUSING GRANTS FOR LYCO NON-PROFITS
Through an agreement with the state Housing Finance Agency, a 1.3 million dollar Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement grant was approved by the Lycoming County Commissioners recently. According to the Sun Gazette, eleven projects are earmarked for the funds that will go toward affordable housing issues in the county. Grantees who are slated to receive the boost include Habitat for Humanity, Lycoming-Clinton Joinder Board, Sojourner Truth Ministries, STEP, the YWCA and others. The next commissioners meeting is tomorrow in the Commissioners’ Board Room, at the Third Street Plaza in Williamsport.
CANDY BUYBACK FOR VETERANS
A local boutique is spearheading an effort to buyback Halloween candy from those who have too much in order to “Treat Our Troops” this season. According to the Sun Gazette, the owner of Shali Rose Co, whose family supports members of the military is offering a candy buyback program for families who find themselves with an overwhelming amount of candy from numerous Halloween activities held in our area that will be sent to men and women currently serving our nation. For information on the Treat Our Troops Halloween Candy Buyback or if you know residents currently on deployment, check out the Shali Rose Co.’s Facebook page or email [email protected].
SHAMOKIN HIGH SPEED CHASE
A man from Coal Township was arrested after leading police on a high speed chase in Shamokin Monday. According to the News Item, 29 year old Kenneth Raymond Sampsell Jr who is wanted in Northumberland County for failing to appear for a previous hearing, was spotted on South Shamokin Street near East Pine Street and was followed by police at speeds of up to 130 miles per hour. He allegedly traveled through town, attempting to elude police and did get away, ditching the mini van he was driving, until other police units located Sampsell running on West Holly Street. He was arraigned on felony fleeing or attempting to elude police, misdemeanors of evading arrest or detention on foot, flight to avoid apprehension, recklessly endangerment and more and was committed to Northumberland county prison in lieu of 25 thousand dollars bail.
BERWICK MAN ARRESTED FOR IMPERSONATING TROOPER
A man from Berwick was arrested for impersonating an officer while trying to get a items from a voided transaction at a Snyder County store. According to North Cetnral PA dot com, 32 year old Tyler James Bitler called a Monroe Township sporting goods store September 19th claiming to be a State trooper and trying to get items given to him from a transaction from earlier in the month. Employees at the store said Bitler threatened them when they wouldn’t comply with him. Bitler was charged with misdemeanor impersonating a public servant and harassment and has a preliminary hearing November 18th.
CREWS WORKING AT CHURCH DAMAGED BY FIRE
Work continues this week to shore up the façade of the Calvary Baptist Church that suffered a two-alarm fire last Wednesday during the evening hours. According to North Cetnral PA dot com, a contractor began work yesterday to secure the front brick and structure to safely re-open Washington Blvd to traffic. The goal is to restore the building to code so worship services can begin there again. The State police fire marshal says they are still investigating the origin and cause of the fire. state police at 570-368-5700.
UNITED WAY PLANNING PURSE BINGO FOR NOVEMBER FUNDRAISER
The Lycoming County United Way is planning on bringing back a popular fundraiser to support the 33 programs they manage in Lycoming, Sullivan and Tioga Counties. According to Ron Frick, President of the United Way, their previous Basket bingo event raised almost 20 thousand dollars during it’s last run in 2017. The new designer purse bingo event will be held Sunday, November 10th at the Woodward Township Volunteer Fire Company Social Hall in Linden. Over 50 designer purses, handcrafted jewelry, and cash prizes will be available to win through regular and special bingo games. Get advance tickets at givebutter.com/LCUWPurseBingo.
SPORTS
PIAA D4 HS Soccer Playoffs
Girls Class A
South Wmspt 1 East Juniata 0
Muncy 2 Millville 0
Boys Class A
Norry Christian 2 Southern Columbia 1
Millville 3 Benton 2
Boys Class 2A
Lewisburg 4 Wellsboro 0
Midd-West 2 Central Columbia 1
Girls 3A Championship Today
Shikellamy vs Selinsgrove @ Balls Mills 8pm
Class A Championship Tomorrow
South Wmspt vs Muncy @ Bloomsburg HS 5:30pm
Class 2A Championship Tomorrow
Cntrl Columbia vs Hughesville @ Milton 7:30pm
MLB
World Series Game 4
Yankees 11 Dodgers 4 LA up 3-1
Game 5 Tonight
Dodgers vs Yankees 8:08pm FOX
NHL
Flyers 2 Bruins 0
Ducks 3 Islanders 1
Wild 5 Penguins 3
Senators 8 Blues 1
Capitals 5 Rangers 3
NHL Tonight
Islanders vs Blue Jackets 7pm ESPN+
Golden Knights vs Kings 10pm TNT/MAX
Devils vs Canucks 10:30pm ESPN+NBA
Nuggets 144 Nets 139
Mavericks 120 Timberwolves 114
Kings 113 Jazz 96
Warriors s 124 Pelicans 106
NBA Tonight
Lakers vs Cavaliers 7pm
Celtics vs Pacers 7pm
Pistons vs 76ers 7pm
Knicks vs Heat 7:30pm
Nets vs Grizzlies 8pm
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 29, 2024
JURY FOR FORMER WASD PRINCIPAL CHOSEN FOR NOVEMBER TRIAL
Jury selection was competed yesterday in the case over the former Williamsport high school principal charged with grooming and maintaining a sexual relationship with a student from 2017 through 2022. According to the Sun Gazette, 36 year old Roger Weaver Freed faces 30 counts of sexual contact with a minor and a count of corruption of minors and will have a three-day trial beginning November 5th. Freed was suspended with pay at first in 2022, but since the pay was suspended after an employment hearing that same year. He is free on 175 thousand dollars unsecured bail.
SUSPECTS IN MINK FARM VANDALISM MEMBERS OF ANARCHIST GROUP
The preliminary hearing of the two suspects who released over 600 mink from a fur farm in Northumberland County on October 19th is today. According to North Central PA dot com, State police in Stonington say 25 year old Christopher Legere and 23 year old Cara Ashley Mitrano, 23, are part of an anarchist commune out or Worchester Massachusetts and while jailed, Legere contacted an unidentified individual about a 50 thousand dollar payment expected for the vandalism they allegedly carried out. In an amended criminal complaint the two were charged with added counts of eco-terrorism, corrupt organizations, burglary, and misdemeanors of theft and related charges, along with the original charges of agricultural vandalism and misdemeanor cruelty to animals. Representatives from Robert H. Stahl Sons in Rockefeller Township say 619 mink had been recovered and 64 were still missing. Three died after they were brought back. Legere and Mitrano remain in Northumberland County Jail in lieu of $150,000 cash bail.
MAIL BALLOT REQUEST DEADLINE TODAY
The deadline for Pennsylvanians to request a mail ballot to submit by 8pm on Election Day is today at 5pm. According to recent legislation, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court says that any voter who attempted to vote by mail but had the ballot rejected can then vote provisionally on Election Day. Voters can request a ballot at their county elections office or online through the Department of State.
FISH LADDER STILL MALFUNCTIONING
Officials from DCNR Tiadaghton say they are still working to repair the Williamsport mechanical gateway, or fish ladder that allows fish to pass around the dam near Hepburn Street. According to the Sun Gazette, damage to the structure was reported in April to the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, but repairs were not started until this month after parts to fix the structure were delayed and weather events interfered with the work. After initial work last week, the gate continues to malfunction. DCNR says they are consulting with a team and the gate manufacturer to prepare for and complete the repair.
MAN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY BREAKING INTO BUSINESS
A man from Williamsport was arrested by police after being found walking along Lycoming Creek Road in the morning hours of October 18th with a tool allegedly used to smash a window of a local business that had been broken into. Police say 42 year old Douglas Hockenberry was stopped by police while walking away from Cotter’s Auto Sales shortly after a call of a burglary had taken place. Hockenberry was arraigned in Lycoming County and charged with felony attempted burglary, possession of an instrument of crime, criminal mischief, trespassing, loitering and disorderly conduct. He was released on 35 thousand dollars bail with a preliminary hearing in November.
ACCOMPLICE IN DOUBLE MURDER TRIAL IN COURT
A hearing for Muhammad Davis, an alleged accomplice of Troy Bennett Bailey Sr in the January 11 double homicide in Williamsport of Alicia Seese and Ronald Dailey, Jr. was held last Thursday. According to the Sun Gazette, court records say the cell phone of Seese was found in Lycoming Creek near the West Third Street overpass, but no data information was released at the court hearing. Davis faces two counts of second degree murder, theft by unlawful taking, unlawful restraint, reckless endangerment, false imprisonment, plus multiple counts of robbery and kidnapping,. Davis’s defense attorney Donald Martino is seeking the dismissal of all counts related to robbery and theft. No trial date has been set.
CU-CLEARFIELD TO HOLD OPEN HOUSE
Commonwealth University-Clearfield will host an open house on Saturday, November 9th beginning at 9:30 a.m. in Founder’s Hall. Prospective students are encouraged to attend to learn more about what CU-Clearfield has to offer. Expert faculty will be part of a program where potential students can ask about degrees and potential career options, engage with current students on a campus tour and learn about campus life, the admissions process, financial aid, scholarship information, class options and more. To schedule a visit or register for the open house, visit commonwealthu.edu or email clearfieldadmissions @commonwealthu.edu.
BOATERS, ANGLERS REMINDED ABOUT WINTER LIFE JACKET LAW
The Fish and Boat Commission, at their most recent quarterly business meeting made reference to the many advantages anglers and boaters have to be in close proximity of the Susquehanna River, but to remember the annual cold weather life jacket requirement that begins on Nov. 1, 2024, and lasts through April 30, 2025. It requires wearing of a life jacket on all kayaks, canoes, and boats under 16 feet. It was also mentioned at the meeting that the application period remains open for the PFBC’s popular Boating Facility Grant Program with applications due by November 30th. Get details at fishandboat.com.
SPORTS
PIAA D4 Soccer Playoffs
Girls Class 2A
Hughesville 4 Troy 0
Central Columbia 3 Warrior Run 2
Girls Soccer Playoffs Today
South Williamsport vs East Juniata @ Bloomsburg HS 6pm
Muncy vs Millville @ Central Columbia 6pm
Boys Class A Today
Northumberland Christian vs Southern Columbia @ Bloomsburg HS 8pm
Benton vs Millville @ Central Columbia HS 8pm
Boys Class 2A Today
Lewisburg vs Wellsboro @ Balls Mills Complex 6pm
Central Columbia vs Midd-West @ Balls Mills Complex 8pm
MLB World Series
Dodgers 4 Yankees 2
World Series Game 4 Tonight
Dodgers vs Yankees 8:08 FOX
NFL Monday Night Football
Steelers 26 Giants 18
NFL Thursday Night Football
Houston Texans vs NY Jets 8:15pm PrimeVidNHL
Panthers 5 Sabres 2
Blue Jackets 6 Oilers 1
Lightning 3 Predators 2
Maple Leafs 6 Jets 4
Blackhawks 5 Avalanche 2
Sharks 5 Utah 4
Hurricanes 4 Canucks 3
Golden Knights 5 Flames 0
NHL Tonight
Flyers vs Bruins 7pm
Ducks vs Islanders 7pm
Wild vs Penguins 7pm
Rangers vs Capitals 7:30pm ESPN
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 28, 2024
FOUR ARRESTED IN WILLIAMSPORT FOR FENTANYL, FIREARMS POSSESSION
A Williamsport woman was stopped on suspected drug charges by the Lycoming County Narcotics Unit October 9th which led to the arrest of three others allegedly involved in the purchase and possession of fentanyl. According to North Central PA dot com, 36 year old Jocelyn Nicole Gardner-Fox and another woman were seen by detectives leaving a home on Park Avenue and were stopped at a gas station on High Street. Police detained Gardner-Fox, on a warrant and found her to have drug parphrenalia. Police went back to the Park Avenue home with a search warrant and arrested John Kyle Smith and Kyle Boynak on drug and firearm charges. 36 year old Cassandra Jene Hughes of Williamsport, who has felony convictions in Florida was found by police holding a firearm and was also charged. All four suspects are in custody.
POLICE SEEK INFO ON CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH FIRE
Police have opened an investigation into the fire that happened last week at Calvary Baptist Church on Washington Boulevard in Williamsport. According to the state police fire Marshall, the damage is estimated to be at about 100 thousand dollars. According to North Cetnral PA dot com, since the damage has not allowed the building to be cleared for use, church members gathered outside the building Sunday, thanks to the Muncy Baptist Church loaning the chairs for the service. If you have any information about Wednesday’s fire call state police at 570-368-5700.
DETOURS IN PLACE FOR CSVT PROJECT IN SNYDER COUNTY
Construction continues this week on the Southern Section of the CSVT project in Snyder County. According to PennDOT, a portion of Eleventh Avenue in Shamokin Dam Borough and Monroe Township to be closed between North Susquehanna Trail and Park Road, as the contractor begins installation of steel beams for future the CSVT highway over Eleventh Avenue. Watch for a detour in place utilizing Park Road for the project which is expected to last approximately three weeks.
NOMINATE A WATERWAY FOR RIVER OF THE YEAR
You can nominate your favorite waterway in Pennsylvania for DCNR’s Annual River of the Year Competition. According to state officials, rivers and streams support Pennsylvania’s $17 billion-dollar outdoor recreation industry, provide habitat for wildlife, and anchor communities. You can vote through Monday, November 11, at 5pm with selected nominations voted on by the public beginning in late November. GO to pawatersheds.org to nominate a river or waterway, on the Grants and Awards webpage and clicking “apply”. The Allegheny River was the winner of River of the Year in 2024.
UNDERCOVER OFFICERS ARREST MAN FOR MAKING DRUG DEAL
A 23 year old man set up a drug deal with an informant in Williamsport and was arrested by detectives from the Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit. According to North Central PA dot com, Jaqua Strickland met with undercover officers near Third Avenue and Park Avenue after setting up the seal previously. Strickland was then charged with delivery of a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility. He is free on 50 thousand dollars bail with a future preliminary hearing.
FUGITIVE MAN FOUND IN VACANT HOME IN UNION TOWNSHIP
A Williamsport man being sought by police on several warrants in Lycoming County was located and taken into custody October 8th inside a vacant home. According ot the Daily Item, 25 year old Michael Good had fled a vehicle that had been stopped by Buffalo Valley Regional police on West Branch Highway in East Buffalo Township, and was later seen on a bicycle near Park Road in Winfield with police efforts to find h im being unsuccessful. He was later located inside a home in Union Township. Good with was arrested and charged with burglary, felony trespassing, resisting arrest, evading arrests and flight to avoid apprehension and more.
UNDEFEATED SHAMOKIN WINS COAL BUCKET FRIDAY
Fans of the Shamokin Indians football team won’t soon forget the history making win of the Coal Bucket last week. The players delivered a 21-0 victory Friday over Mount Carmel for the first time in 29 years. According to the News Item, the team came back to town late Friday night with sirens blaring from several buses from Catawese Coach Lines – bringing people out of their homes to congratulate team members. Coach Marc Persing and his players will now be hard at work preparing for the first round of the PIAA District 4 playoffs.
MIFFLINBURG 5K TO RAISE FUNDS FOR HS LACROSSE TEAM
It’s time to prepare for the annual Mifflinburg Turkey Trot hosted by the Mifflinburg Area High School boys lacrosse team, to raise money for their equipment, team meals and bus meals for away games. According to the New Item, activities surrounding the the 5k and Fun Run will be held Thursday, Nov. 28 with the 5k stepping off at 9am. A mystery individual is slated to dress up in a turkey costume and race along with competitors, and if runners bring a non-perishable food item for Hope’s Haven Food Pantry — they are able to line up ahead of the mystery turkey. Age group medallions will be given to first, second and third place winners for both men and women.
SPORTS
PIAA D4
Girls Soccer Playoffs Today
Class 2A
Troy vs Hughesville @ Loyalsock 6pm
Central Columbia vs Warrior Run @ Loyalsock 8pm
Girls Soccer Playoffs Tomorrow
South Williamsport vs East Juniata @ Bloomsburg HS 6pm
Muncy vs Millville @ Central Columbia 6pm
Boys Class A Tomorrow
Northumberland Christian vs Southern Columbia @ Bloomsburg HS 8pm
Benton vs Millville @ Central Columbia HS 8pm
Boys Class 2A Tomorrow
Lewisburg vs Wellsboro @ Balls Mills Complex 6pm
Central Columbia vs Midd-West @ Balls Mills Complex 8pm
NASCAR Sunday
Strait Talk Wireless 400 Homestead-Miami
* Tyler Reddick won Sunday overtaking Ryan Blaney on the final turn to win and secure a spot in NASCAR’s winner-take-all finale in Arizona in two weeks, giving Michael Jordan’s team a chance to win another title a championship at Phoenix again after his first in 1993.
* Denny Hamlin — a part-owner of Reddick’s car — was third. Playoff drivers took the top six spots, with Christopher Bell fourth, Chase Elliott fifth and William Byron sixth.
NFL
Eagles 37 Bengals 17
Browns 29 Ravens 24
Patriots 25 Jets 22
Falcons 31 Buccaneers 26
Bills 31 Seahawks 10
Chiefs 27 Raiders 20
49ers 30 Cowboys 24
NFL Monday Night Football
Giants vs Steelers 8:15pm ABC/ESPN
MLB Tonight
LA leads the World Series 2-0
Dodgers vs Yankees 8:08pm FOX
NHL
Oilers 3 Red Wings 2
Devils 6 Ducks 2
Canadiens 4 Flyers 3
Avalanche 5 Senators 4
NHL Tonight
Oilers vs Blue Jackets 7pm ESPN+
Predators vs Lightning 7:30pm Hulu
Hepburn Township Vol. Fire Department Purse Bingo
THE HEPBURN TOWNSHIP VOL. FIRE DEPARTMENT IS HAVING PURSE BINGO ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30TH. DOORS OPEN AT 3PM, BINGO BEGINS AT 4PM. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TICKETS, CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE HEPBURNFIRE.COM AT THE EVENT SECTION, OR MESSAGE US ON FACEBOOK. THEY WILL HAVE MICHAEL KORS, COACH,VERA BRADLEY,AND KATE SPADE AS PRIZES, AND SIDE RAFFLES. FOOD WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE IN THE KITCHEN.