BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 3, 2023

PPL RESTORES ELECTRIC AFTER GUSTY WEEKEND

All electrical outages under PPL’s jurisdiction have been restored according to their outage map this morning. High winds this weekend gusted up to 55 miles per hour brought down limbs and trees, stripped siding from homes and had Central Pennsylvania  emergency crews clearing roadways of downed poles and wires in some areas.  According to the Sun Gazette, in Williamsport the exterior overhang at the front of Tony’s Deli on Washington Boulevard was brought down by the windy conditions. No injuries were reported – the store was not open at the time.

TRACTOR TRAILER ACCIDENT SHUTS DOWN I-80 EAST

Both Lanes of eastbound I-80 were closed this morning after a tractor trailer accident occurred there around 4am this morning.  According to PennDOT, there are no specific details about the crash but the interstate was shut down eastbound between mile marker 178 – the Route 220 Lock Haven exit and mile marker 210, the Route 15 south, Lewisburg exit.  Go online to check 511pa dot com 24/7 to find out all Pennsylvania road conditions.

WILLIAMSPORT SPRING CLEAN UP STARTING APRIL 10

The annual spring clean-up in Williamsport is on the way this month, and residents will be able to place yard debris at the curb for pick up.  According to Mayor Derek Slaughter, between Monday April 10th and Sunday April 16th, property owners can collect loose limbs, leaves, plant, and shrub clippings and place it along a main Street in the city for pick-up, but no debris will be collected from alleyways and side streets due to the size of the collection equipment.  NO grass clippings will be accepted and there will be on collection only.  If residents miss the collection time, yard debris can be brought to the brush pile at 1550 West Third Street.  Placing yard debris is only permitted in Williamsport during the designated pick-up days. 

NEW ROOF FOR WILLIAMSPORT FIRE DEPARTMENT

After years of patching the roof when necessary at the Williamsport Bureau of Fire headquarters on Walnut Street, a contract to replace it has been approved by the Williamsport City Council. According to the Sun Gazette, a fabric roofing system that meets the city’s energy codes will be installed by Hillside Roofing of Allentown for just over 75 thousand dollars, which will come from facility maintenance in the capital budget. The new roof will dispel rainwater and snowmelt as well as deflect sun and ultraviolet rays. Fire Chief Sam Aungst said the fire headquarters was originally built in 1979 and has been leaking over the years.

WRONGFUL DEATH SUIT FILED BY INMATE’S MOTHER DISMISSED

A federal lawsuit filed by Sherry Beers,  the mother of a Northumberland County Jail inmate who took his life while incarcerated there in 2021, was dismissed by a federal judge. As reported by the Daily Item, Chief United States District Judge Matthew W Brann granted the county’s motion to dismiss, without prejudice. According to reports, Brann indicated that the lack of staffing or training is not either a policy or custom but an unfortunate state of affairs.  Beers had been seeking damages in excess of $225,000.

FUNDING IN CITY TO FIGHT HOMELESSNESS

With funding from the Williamsport Department of Community and Economic Development and help from non-profit agencies in the area, a plan for over 880 thousand dollars is available from the Williamsport City Council to address the concern of homelessness in the city.  According to the Sun Gazette, the city will behave as a pass-through for the funding allowing various organizations to submit proposals for use of the funds and use them in the best way.  Non-profits such as YWCA, American Rescue Workers and STEP Inc would be funded to help those most affected by the problem of homelessness.

FIRST FEMALE WARDEN AT LEWISBURG

The US Penitentiary at Lewisburg has hires their 30th warden and the first female to lead the facility. According to the Daily Item, 43 year old Jessica Sage had worked as a staff psychologist at the Union County prison in 2013 and set her sights then on becoming the warden – which officially took place February 27th.  Sage is one of only 27 female wardens in the Bureau of Prisons and began her career in Tucson in 2009 . She’s in charge at the US Penitentiary at Lewisburg, known as The Big House, which houses just over 1,000 total male inmates.

COUNTIES ADDED TO SPOTTED LANTERNFLY QUARANTINE

Clinton and Clearfield Counties were added to the list of counties under a quarantine for spotted lanternfly the quarantine covers 51 of the Commonwealth’s 67 counties. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, residents are encouraged to remove and scrape egg masses before they hatch, which usually occurs in May-June.  Ag Secretary Russell Redding said spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest that is disruptive and damaging to Pennsylvania’s agriculture commodities and a nuisance pest for all Pennsylvanians.

SPORTS

NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship
LSU 102             Iowa 85
NCAA Men’s Basketball
San Diego State 72  Florida Atlantic 71
UConn 72 Miami  59
NCAA Men’s Championship tonight
San Diego State vs UConn  9:20 PM on CBS from Houston, TX

NASCAR
Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway, VA – Kyle Larson took the checkered flag followed by  Chase Elliot, Ross Chastain, Christopher Bell and Kevin Harvick rounding out the Top 5.

NBA
Raptors 128        Hornets 108
Nets 111              Jazz 110
Bulls 128            Grizzlies 107
Trailblazers 107 Timberwolves 105
Hawks 132          Mavericks 130
Knicks 118         Wizards 109
Magic 128           Pistons 102
Spurs 142           Kings 134
Lakers 134          Rockets 109
Suns 128             Thunder 118
Cavaliers 115     Pacers 105
Bucks 117           76ers 104
Nuggets 112       Warriors 110

NHL
Rangers 5            Capitals 2
Bruins 4              Blues 3
Hurricanes 2       Islanders 1
Blue Jackets 4     Senators 3
Penguins 4          Flyers 2
Red Wings 5       Maple Leafs 2
Jets 6                   Devils 1
Flames 5              Bucks 4
Kings 4                Canucks 1
MLB
Guardians 6        Mariners 5
Nationals 4         Braves 1
Rays 5                 Tigers 1
Red Sox 9           Orioles 5
Yankees 6           Giants 0
Mets 5                 Marlins 1
Reds 3                 Pirates 1
White Sox 6        Astros 3
Twins 7                 Royals 4
Cardinals 9         Blue Jays 4
Brewers 9             Cubs 5
Angels 6               A’s 0
Diamondbacks 2   Dodgers 1
Padres 3               Rockies 1
Rangers 2            Phillies 1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 31, 2023

POLICE ARREST WOMAN FOR POSSESSING FENTANYL

A Williamsport woman who was found to have fentanyl at her home after a police search, had her preliminary hearing yesterday for felony criminal attempt and possession with intent to deliver.  According to the Sun Gazette, Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement Unit detectives recognized 32 year old Kortney Marie Lunger when they called a random phone number known for drug activity last March 15th and set up a drug transaction at the 800 block of Hepburn Street.  According to court records, Lunger had been held on 50 thousand dollar monetary bail.

NO INJURIES IN SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT

There was a minor school bus accident on Route 184 yesterday morning in Cogan House Township within the Southern Tioga School District.  According to the Sun Gazette, an unknown number of students were on the bus at the time of the accident, about 7:30am, but no injuries were reported.  The bus went over a slight embankment about 2 miles west of Route 15 and the crash blocked the roadway.  Trout Run Fire officials and Southern Tioga representatives were on the scene before 8am and State police at Montoursville will lead the investigation into the crash that involved two other vehicles, one of which, police say, may have hit the school bus.

WATSONTOWN MAN CAPTURED BY POLICE

Watsontown police have captured a local man after he had eluded police for more than a month.  According to the Daily Item, Ernest Reynolds III was sought by police for his role in a child abuse case in January, charges for which the mother, 25 year old Amanda Parker, is currently incarcerated.  Watsontown police did not release any details about the capture of Reynolds but posted his status on their social media page; currently incarcerated at SCI Smithfield, awaiting a court date in front of Milton District Judge Michael Diehl.

WASD SUICIDE PREVENTION VIDEO WINS AWARD

A Williamsport Area High School club focused on a message of hope – preventing teen suicide, has won first place honors for the second year in a row in a statewide video contest conducted by Prevent Suicide PA (PSPA).  The 30-second video entry submitted by the WAHS club SADD, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and features a student facing hurdles yet choosing to stay in the race.  The video won the honors through online votes from students and the public.  The club will be recognized next month at an on-field ceremony at PNC Park in Pittsburgh during a Pirates game.  Watch the video on the school’s website at wasd.org under the “News” tab.

MOTHER OF SHOOTING SUSPECT

The mother of one of the teens being charged for firing shots into an occupied structure last September in the Newberry neighborhood is facing perjury charges after allegedly falsely testifying in court that her son was not in Williamsport the day of the shooting.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say 46 year old Lakeisha White of Pennsauken, New Jersey, the mother of shooting suspect Keyon White, testified that her son was enrolled in his New Jersey school on the day of the incident, but investigators found that was not the case.  16 year old White is accused along with 17 year old Nazir Thrower of the shooting on Lila Lane at about 3am September 12th, 2022, and both teens will be tried as adults.  White’s mother was arraigned and released on 50 thousand dollars bail.

OFFICER SUSPECTED OF UNLAWFULLY TAKING DEER

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is investigating a Westmoreland County police officer accused of unlawfully taking a deer behind a Pittsburgh Walmart last October. According to WPXI, Game Commission officers say Jacob Pollick, an officer from Arnold concealed evidence of the trophy buck and intimidated a friend to lie about the sequence of events the day he allegedly killed the deer.  Pollick is currently on administrative leave from his job with charges pending from the PA Game Commission.

CRASH VICTIM FELL ASLEEP BEHIND THE WHEEL

An 18 year old man from Selinsgrove was injured in a Snyder County crash Monday when police say he fell asleep at the wheel on Route 204 in Penn Township.  According to State police at Selinsgrove,  Emerson Voss was hospitalized following the incident Monday afternoon in which he allegedly fell asleep, went into a yard, hit a tree and overturned.  Troopers say Voss was wearing his seat belt, but there was no word on Voss’s condition today.

ALPACA EVENT AT THE FARM SHOW COMPLEX

A free event featuring an Alpacas and vendors offering Alpaca themed items will be at the Harrisburg Farm Show complex today through Sunday.  According to WHTM, the Eastern Alpaca Jamboree will have alpaca shows in ring competition judged by experts from Australia, West Virginia, New York and Ohio, and will even have llamas in costume during the program Saturday.  The show is free and runs from 9-5 each day.

SPORTS

MLB
Mariners 3          Guardians 0
Braves 7              Nationals 2
Yankees 5           Giants 0
Orioles 10           Red Sox 9
Cubs 4                  Brewers 0
Rays 4                  Tigers 0
Rangers 11          Phillies 7
Twins 2                Royals 0
Mets 5                 Marlins 3
Pirates 5              Reds 4
Blue Jays 10       Cardinals 9
White Sox 3         Astros 2
Rockies 7             Padres 2
A’s 2                    Angels 1
Dodgers 8           Diamondbacks 2

NHL
Bruins 2              Blue Jackets 1
Panthers 5           Canadiens 2
Devils 2               Rangers 1
Senators 5           Flyers 4
Penguins 2          Predators 0
Lightning 5         Capitals 1
Red Wings 3       Hurricanes 2
Blues 5                Blackhawks 3
Oilers 2               Kings 0
Kraken 4             Ducks 1
Sharks 4              Golden Knights 3
NBA
Celtics 140          Bucks 99
Pelicans 107       Nuggets 88

NASCAR Sunday
Toyota Owners 400 – Richmond Raceway, VA.  Pre-Race coverage starts at 2:30pm on our sister station the Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network or WILQ’s HD3

NCAA Men’s Basketball Final 4 Saturday, April 1
Florida Atlantic vs San Diego State 6pm on CBS
Miami vs UConn 8:45pm on CBS
NCAA Men’s Championship Monday 9:20pm on CBS

NCAA Women’s Basketball Final 4 Friday, March 31
Virginia Tech vs LSU 7pm on ESPN
South Carolina vs Iowa 9pm on ESPN
NCAA Women’s Championship Sunday 3:30pm on ABC

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 31, 2023

VIOLENT CRASH SHUTS DOWN EAST THIRD STREET

State police are investigating a crash that happened on East Third Street yesterday around 1:30pm and sent one driver to the hospital.  According to the Sun Gazette, witnesses say a three car collision happen at Westminster Drive with one of the cars, a Mazda, flipping up in the air and landing on its roof.  Crews from Loyalsock Township and South Williamsport responded to the scene and extricated the driver from the Mazda and transported her to UPMC Williamsport.  No one else was hurt in the crash.

MURDER CHARGES THROWN OUT

Third degree murder charges against a 21 year old Williamsport woman who gave birth to a premature baby at home, who later died, have been thrown out by a Williamsport district judge, but charges of felony endangering the welfare of a child were upheld.  According to the Sun Gazette, District judge Christian Frey said no evidence supports that Chemari Truax acted with malice in the death of the baby, there were only her reactions to a confusing, unanticipated birth at home. Truax called the hospital that night and brought the infant to the ER an hour after delivery, however resuscitative efforts were not successful.  Truax is free on bail.

TEEN SUFFERS FROM SELF-INFLICTED GUNSHOT

A teenager from Williamsport suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his hand Wednesday just after 3:30pm.  According to the Sun Gazette, Williamsport police say the accidental shooting happened at the 900 block of Poplar Street that brought paramedics to the scene and transported the boy to UPMC Williamsport.  City police originally thought there was more than one party involved in the shooting, but are now trying to determine who owns the gun and how the minor had the weapon in his possession.  

NO MORE INPATIENT SERVICES AT UPMC LOCK HAVEN

UPMC Lock Haven will no longer be admitting patients to the hospital as inpatients, instead transitioning the facility to an Emergency Outpatient Emergency Department this spring.  According to the Lock Haven Express, president of UPMC Lock Haven, Ron Reynolds, said March 29th was the last day the hospital admitted inpatients and the hospital will begin the transition this Monday.  Reynolds said 18 of 25 employees from the inpatient side of the hospital have moved jobs within the UPMC system, and that Williamsport Regional Medical Center keeps 4-5 inpatient beds open on a daily basis to accommodate patients being treated at Lock Haven’s ER. The hospital will be recognized with the new designation as Emergency Outpatient Emergency Department on April 20th and the services are to begin April 21st.

UPCOMING VOTE WILL DECIDE FATE OF LOCAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The fate of the Salladasburg Elementary School building is coming in April when the Jersey Shore area school board will vote on student placement and whether to close one of the three elementary schools in the district.  According to the Sun Gazette, there are three scenarios the school board is considering.  Scenario A which is the only one that closes the Salladasburg building, would move k-3 students to Jersey Shore elementary and grades 4 & 5 go to Avis elementary.  Scenario B Jersey Shore gets all students in grades 3-5 and Avis and Salladasburg would each take half the k-2 grade students.  Scenario C would keep all the buildings k-5, but students would be shifted to other buildings for equal class sizes.  The board will meet April 24th to discuss the scenarios and vote.

SECOND FLOOR APARTMENT NEAR IUP COLLAPSES

Twelve people were injured after the second floor of an off-campus apartment at Indiana University of Pennsylvania collapsed Saturday night.  According to State police and social media the apartment was about a mile from campus and the floor caved in just before midnight.  It’s not clear whether all the people who were injured were IUP students – but police say everyone inside the apartment escaped – some having to break windows to get out of the structure.  Seven people were hospitalized and are being evaluated after the accident.  State police are investigating the cause of the collapse.

ACCIDENT VICTIM CAN FILE PUNATIVE DAMAGES

A woman from Nebraska who was seriously injured in the multi- vehicle pile-up in Clinton County along I-80 in December of 2020, will be allowed to pursue punitive damages in federal court.  According to the Sun Gazette, Bianca Armbruster says in a court filing that the defendants did not drive with proper vigilance or at a safe speed during the snow squall conditions that caused 64 cars and trucks to collide and become stranded in winter conditions.  Two people died in the ordeal and 22 were hurt, including Armbruster.  She is seeking in excess of 75 thousand dollars from the drivers of four rigs the woman said overrode her Jeep on the interstate during the accident.  Nine others are named in the suit but unidentified.

PA LANDMARK TO BE FEATURED ON GHOST HUNTERS

A Pennsylvania landmark will be featured on an upcoming episode of Ghost Hunters on the Travel Channel.  According to PennLive, Lehigh Valley news dot com reports that the George Taylor Mansion built in Catasauqua, Lehigh County in 1768, will be the focus of the May 4 episode.  Recent visitors claim to see ghostly presences in the home, one said to be Taylor himself, who was an Irishman and Philadelphia resident who was an original signer of the Declaration of Independence.  The episode will feature the investigation of the claims done by the Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS).

SPORTS

NCAA Basketball News
Penn State hired a new men’s basketball head coach yesterday. Mike Rhoades is the former head coach of VCU in Richmond, Va and a Pennsylvania native from Mahanoy City.  Rhoades has produced a 373-189 record, seven NCAA Tournament and nine national postseason appearances across 19 seasons as a head coach. 

NCAA Men’s Basketball Final 4 Saturday, April 1
Florida Atlantic vs San Diego State 6pm on CBS
Miami vs UConn 8:45pm on CBS
NCAA Men’s Championship Monday 9:20pm on CBS

Women’s Basketball News – Iowa star Caitlin Clark was awarded Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year yesterday.  Throughout the NCAA tournament so far, Clark had 41 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists in the No. 2 Hawkeyes’ Elite Eight victory over the No. 5 Louisville Cardinals, a win that sent Iowa to the Final Four for the first time since 1993.

NCAA Women’s Basketball Final 4 Friday, March 31
Virginia Tech vs LSU 7pm on ESPN
South Carolina vs Iowa 9pm on ESPN
NCAA Women’s Championship Sunday 3:30pm on ABC

NBA
Bucks 149                    Pacers 136
Nets 123                       Rockets 114
Knicks 101                   Heat 92
76ers 116                      Mavericks 108
Lakers 121                    Bulls 110
Clippers 141                Grizzlies 132
Thunder 107                Pistons 106
Jazz 128                        Spurs 117
Kings 120                     Trailblazers 80
Suns 107                      Timberwolves 100

NHL
Panthers 3           Maple Leafs 2
Islanders 2          Capitals 1
Wild 4                 Avalanche 2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 29, 2023

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SECONDARY SCHOOL STILL CLOSED AFTER FIRE

Classes are still out today for Loyalsock Township high school and middle school after a small early morning fire in an office kept students and staff from the building yesterday.  According to the Sun Gazette, Loyalsock Township and Southside firefighters and school maintenance staff responded to alarms that went off about 1:30 am Tuesday.  Montoursville, Eldred Township and DuBoistown also were dispatched to help contain the fire and smoke to one area of the school. Professional cleaning crews took care of smoke damage and safely restored the air quality in the school.  The cause of the fire is not suspicious, but is under investigation by the state police fire marshal.

MUNCY MAN CHARGED WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY

A Muncy man was charged this week with animal cruelty after he locked a neighbor’s dog inside a barn, and refused to let him out August 31st of last year.  According to the Sun Gazette, state police say 45 year old Roland Argot was upset that a 5 month old Australian Shepherd would run onto his property off of Route 442, so he captured the dog and locked him in a stable, refusing release it to the owner.  Argot has been charged with misdemeanor theft and cruelty to animals and was released on 25 hundred dollars bail.

BEEF RECALL DUE TO POTENTIAL E-COLI

Over 34-hundred pounds of beef is being recalled by Elkhorn Valley Packing.  According to North Central PA dot com, the USDA announced the boneless beef chuck product may be contaminated with an E. coli strain. There are no confirmed reports of any reactions to this product, but the product went to distributors, federal establishments, retail locations, and wholesale locations.  Authorities say look for a package date of Feb. 16, 2023. If you have questions email [email protected] or look for serial numbers of the recalled product at www.fsis.usda.gov.

NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY

Today is National Vietnam War Veterans Day, with the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 signed into law by former President Trump. Today give tribute to those who took part in the Vietnam War from 1959 to 1975.  According to the Sun Gazette, 43 Lycoming County residents who served in the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force and gave the ultimate sacrifice are honored with a special monument at Veterans Memorial Park in Williamsport at Wahoo Drive and W. Fourth Street.  By proclamation, the monument honors Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice, with distinct recognition of former POWs and of those still listed as missing in action.

FORMER LHU STUDENT FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

A former Lock Haven University Student was found guilty of sexual assault a felony of the second degree and misdemeanor indecent assault after a jury deliberated in Clinton County Court for four hours yesterday. According to the Record OnlIne this is the second conviction 22 year old Devon Jarrett Bushor, has been given, but that information was not permitted to be shared with the jury in thE trial that began Friday.  The Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse called Bushor a sexual predator but Bushors attorney claimed the young woman was the aggressor. Bushor could be classified as a Sexually Violent Predator after an evaluation and faces a maximum sentence of up to 12 years in a State prison.

ASSAULT SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

A Milton man is a suspect in an assault that occurred Sunday and state police have taken him into custody.  According to police records, they arrived at the home of Scott Alan Derk III of Lunar Lane in West Chillisquaque Township after 5am March 26th  after the victim, 21 year old Jason Hackenberg, told police Derk choked him and hit him in the head with a hammer.  Hackenberg was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and Derk was charged with aggravated assault, strangulation and more.  He is in the Northumberland County prison in lieu of 75 thousand dollars bail with a preliminary hearing coming up April 12th.

BOOKS FOR INMATES WITH LIBRARY GRANT

The Bucknell Community Engagement Fund has recently provided a one thousand dollar grant for the Public Library in Union County to purchase new books for its Prison Outreach program. According to the Daily Item, Kassondera Walters, the library’s Adult Outreach Coordinator said books that are donated or withdrawn from the library’s collection are sent monthly to USP Allenwood Medium Security prison and FCC Allenwood Maximum Security Prison, bu the grant will allow the library to buy newer titles and refresh the collection.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS EVENT FRIDAY IN DANVILLE

Students at Danville High School will host a Hoops for Mental Health this Friday evening in the school’s gymnasium.  According to the Daily Item, a team of kids from the Students Preserving Mental Health Club at Danville Area High School will take on about 25 of  the k-12 faculty who have signed up to participate in the fundraising basketball game.   Three dollar tickets for students and $5 tickets for adults will be available at the door starting just before 6pm Friday and proceeds will support mental health awareness and scholarship funds in honor of students who were recently lost.  There will be a half-time show with DHS cheerleaders and staff with concessions available.

SPORTS

NBA
Hornets 137                 Thunder  134
Wizards 130                 Celtics 111
Hawks 120                   Cavaliers 118  
Raptors 106                  Heat 92
Grizzlies 113                Magic 108  
Warriors  120               Pelicans 109

NHL
Predators 2          Bruins 1
Lightning 4         Hurricanes 0  
Redwings 7         Penguins 4
Rangers 6            Blue Jackets 2
Flyers 3               Canadians 2
Blues 6                Canucks 5
Stars 4                 Blackhawks 1
Flames 2              Kings 1
Oilers 7               Golden Knights 4  
Sharks 3              Jets 0

NCAA Women’s Basketball Final 4 Friday, March 31
Virginia Tech vs LSU 7pm on ESPN
South Carolina vs Iowa 9pm on ESPN
NCAA Women’s Championship Sunday 3:30pm on ABC

NCAA Men’s Basketball Final 4 Saturday, April 1
Florida Atlantic vs San Diego State 6pm on CBS
Miami vs UConn 8:45 on CBS
NCAA Men’s Championship Monday 9:20pm on CBS

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 28, 2023

FATAL MOTORCYCLE CRASH

A Mifflinburg man was thrown from a motorcycle and killed after a crash Sunday evening in Union County.  According to state police at Milton, 34 year old Tyler Reichenbach was traveling west at a high rate of speed along Route 45 and crested a hill in Lewis Township at the same time a car turned into Reichenbach’s path  when entering a driveway.  The Union County Coroner said Reichenbach was fatally struck before he was thrown from the motorcycle, but no other injuries were reported.

CLOTHING COLLECTION FOR DISPLACED FAMILIES IN SUNBURY

After the two alarm fire disrupted the lives of four families Sunday in Sunbury, some area organizations and businesses are organizing to collect clothing for them.  According to WNEP, Sweet Chaos, located on Market Street in Sunbury, is holding a clothing collection for two of the families during their normal business hours and Good Will Hose Company is also hosting a clothing and toys collection for the other two families who also have a dog. There is more information about the needs of the families through links on the Facebook page, “Stay Sunbury Informed and Beyond”.  Two people were hospitalized and over ten others left homeless when a fire tore through a home on Miller Street, also damaging the neighboring homes.  Sunbury fire officials say the blaze was not suspicious.

FLAGS AT HALF-MAST FOR EXPLOSION VICTIMS

Governor Shapiro has ordered Commonwealth flags to fly at half-mast to honor the seven people who died from the powerful explosion at the R.M. Palmer Co. chocolate factory in West Reading Pennsylvania Friday afternoon, as reported by the Daily Item.  Rescue dogs did find one woman alive in the rubble Saturday, but authorities did not release more information beyond that out of the 10 injured patients treated, two were transferred to other facilities, two others admitted and the others had been discharged. State authorities are still trying to determine the cause of the blast.

BRIDGE WORK SHIFTS TRAFFIC

Residents are experiencing traffic changes as construction work is underway on Route 220 west of Williamsport.  According to PennDOT, the next stage in the bridge work by Glenn O. Hawbaker has brought about a traffic shift to the southbound side of the bridge, making traffic unable to make left turns from Queneshaque Road to Route 220 North.  Motorists will now travel 220 south first then use the U-turn lanes at the former Woodward Township elementary school to proceed northbound.  Traffic from Linden will have to use 220 north to the  Grandview jug handle to go south on 220.  Traffic is down to two lanes at 45 miles per hour through Queneshaque Road and Route 220.

ELECTIRCAL FIRE CLOSES LOYALSOCK MIDDLE

The Loyalsock Township Middle school will be closed today due to a minor electrical fire inside the building.  According to Loyalsock Township School District, the students and staff at the secondary campus will not report today, but the elementary school will operate as normal.  According to school administrators, the Loyalsock Township athletic events will take place as scheduled.

POLICE SEARCH FOR BREAK-IN SUSPECT

There was a break-in to a shed and a nearby home along Route 11 and state police at Montoursville say over two thousand dollars-worth of tools were stolen between January first and March 15th.  According to North Central PA dot com, an unknown suspect forced their way into a shed in Jordan Township and took an 18 hundred pound winch and also broke into a home stealing other auto parts, tools, ammunition, and other miscellaneous items. If you have any information about a suspect or whereabouts of the items, call Pennsylvania State police at Montoursville.

FEES TO INCREASE AT COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY

Fee equality at Commonwealth University has caused the price to go up slightly for undergraduates for next year’s fall and spring semesters.  According to the Press-Enterprise, fees are charged to undergraduates are in addition to tuition and the increase for $22 at Bloomsburg is the smallest increase being assessed between the three schools.  Lock Haven students fee increase is $69 and Mansfield’s increase of $84 has been imposed in a tiered increased over the next two years. Total fees for students at Commonwealth University are now $1,650 per semester and generate 13.5 million dollars in income for the schools.

ROUTE 880 TO SEE TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGNALS

Temporary traffic changes are coming to Loganton this week which will remain in place a few months to include alternating traffic signals on the roadway through the beginning of the summer.  According to PennDOT, crews involved in a private project east of 880 require signal lights that will flash until April 4th when the signals transition to full function, forcing an alternating traffic pattern along 880.  PennDOT officials say the work will be in place through June and they will continue to update the public as to when traffic conditions will change.

SPORTS

NCAA Women’s Basketball Elite Eight last night
South Carolina 86       Maryland 75
LSU 54                         Miami 42
Virginia Tech 84          Ohio State 74
Iowa 97                         Louisville 83
NCAA Women’s Basketball Final 4 Friday
Virginia Tech vs LSU at 7pm on ESPN
South Carolina vs Iowa 9pm on ESPN

NBA
Bucks 126                     Pistons 117  
Mavericks 127             Pacers 104
Knicks 137                   Rockets 115
Suns 117                       Jazz 103
Nuggets 116                 76ers 111
Pelicans 124                 Trailblazers 91
Timberwolves 119      Kings 115
Clippers 124                Bulls 112

NHL  
Canadiens 4        Sabers 3
Senators 5           Panthers 2
Islanders  5         Devils 1
Wild 5                 Kracken 1
Avalanche 5        Ducks 1
Oilers 5               Coyotes 4

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 27, 2023

SUSPECT IN BEATING DEATH PLEADS GUILTY

A Watsontown man pled guilty Friday to the beating death of another man, but family members are awaiting trial in the case. According to the Daily Item, Thomas Allen Huffman of Watsontown was accused in the beating death of Richard Leroy Jameson II and then burying him on their property in 2020. Huffman is facing upwards of 40 years in state prison with his sentencing scheduled for June.  In addition to Huffman, his wife Dorothy has been charged and awaits further court proceedings and couple’s nephew,  Kayden Koser, is also to be sentenced on May 26.

NORRY DA WILL NOT BE ON MAY PRIMARY BALLOT

A judge ruled on Friday afternoon that Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Matulewicz will not be appearing on the May primary ballot. After almost four hours and 9 witness’s testimony in Northumberland County Court, Columbia County Senior Judge Thomas James explained that Matulewicz on March 7th missed the 4:30 deadline to file petitions to get on the May primary election ballot. Matulewicz, a Republican, was seeking his third four-year term as district attorney. He must now run as a write-in candidate in the May primary.

CONTROLLED LIVE BURN DRILLS IN WILLIAMSPORT

For the first time in several years, Old Lycoming Township held a controlled live burn exercise at a training class Saturday in a building scheduled for demolition off of Lycoming Creek Road in Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, almost 40 firefighters participated in drills during the training day behind the former Shirn’s Dealership.  Seven state-certified fire instructors led the Structural Burn Session class that included drills for search and rescue and interior-attack operations.  Firefighters from Montoursville, South Williamsport, Trout Run, Nisbet, DuBoistown and Old Lycoming and Loyalsock Townships participated in the class.

PA MENTORED TROUT DAY SUCCESSFUL

Mentored Youth Trout Day was last Saturday.  Licensed adult mentors and  youth anglers ages 15 and under spent the day on hundreds of waters in all 67 counties of the Commonwealth.  Trout stocking events continue this week in Lycoming County in Hoagland Run, Lycoming Creek, Mill Creek in Warrensville, Pine Creek, Pleasant Stream and Rock Run. For a detailed list, go to fishandboat.com. Opening day for Trout Season is this Saturday, April 1 at 8 am.

THIRD DEGREE MURDER CHARGES QUESTIONED

A Lycoming County judge questioned third degree murder charges last week against a young mother who on March 7th gave birth to a newborn that later died at UPMC Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, 21 year old Chermari Truax, who has been incarcerated since the day after giving birth is accused of allegedly not seeking medical attention for the newborn who was breathing when she brought it to the emergency room.  According to Penn Live, Chief Deputy Coroner Kathryn Keissling told the court there is no autopsy report on the infant at this time.  Judge Christian Frey allowed supervised bail for Truax, who has no criminal record, at 95 thousand dollars.

SUNBURY FIRE DISPLACES THREE FAMILIES

A two alarm fire in Sunbury Sunday sent two people to the hospital and displaced about a dozen residents.  According to Northumberland County Communications, a fire call occurred at about 11:30-am Sunday to the 11hundred block of Miller Street, and a second call went out a few minutes later.  Crews who first arrived said flames were coming out of the roof and the fire damaged two neighboring homes.  According to the Sunbury fire officials the invstigation continues today, but it’s not being considered a suspicious fire. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help Holly Kenworthy and the other families affected by the blaze.

WEEKEND BIKE RACE COULD AFFECT TRAFFIC IN WHITE DEER

Motorists who travel in Union County are advised a bicycle race next weekend may impact travel in White Deer and Kelly Townships.  According to the Daily Item, on Saturday April 1 residents will see bicycle traffic from 8am until 4pm Roadways along Pleasant View Road, Cross Roads Drive, Sunrise Road, Fort Titzell Road, and New Columbia Road.  Residents along the race course were to be notified by race organizers, the Bucknell Cycling Team. You can check conditions statewide 24/7 at 511pa.com.

SHREDDING EVENT FOR EARTH DAY

In observance of Earth Day, Geisinger will host free community shred events across northeastern and central Pennsylvania throughout the month of April with the ones closest to us, at the Jersey Shore Geisinger April 11th 7-11am and April 17th at Geisinger Muncy from 7 to 11am with two other events the next weekends in Bloomsburg and Danville. Employees and members of the public are invited to bring any personal or professional confidential documents — such as bank statements, credit card bills and tax forms — to be securely shredded on-site and recycled.  Each person is limited to three boxes. 

SPORTS

PIAA 1A State Championship
The Union High School girls basketball team beat Lourdes Regional, 46-29, on Friday afternoon at the GIANT Center in Hershey to win their first State title.
NCAA Men’s Basketball Elite Eight
Saturday
UConn 82                     Gonzaga 54 West region
Florida Atlantic 79      Kansas State 76 East
Sunday
Miami 88                      Texas 81 MidWest
San Diego State 57      Creighton 56 South region
That sets up the Final 4 next Saturday, April 1
Florida Atlantic vs San Diego State at 6pm on CBS  & Miami vs UConn 8:45 on CBS

NBA
Hornets 110                 Mavericks 104
Bulls 118                      Lakers 108
Grizzlies 123                Hawks 119
Celtics 137                   Spurs 93
Cavaliers 108               Rockets 91
Magic 119                    Nets 106
Raptors 114                  Wizards 104
Thunder 118                Trailblazers 112
Timberwolves 99         Warriors 96

NHL
Avalanche 4                 Coyotes 3
Bruins 4                        Hurricanes 3
Canucks 4                     Blackhawks 2
Maple Leafs 3              Predators 2
Kings 7                         Blues 6
Flyers defeated the Red Wings on Saturday 3-0 and Pens beat the Capitals 4-3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 24, 2023

LIFE IN PRISON FOR MURDERER OF WILLIAMSPORT MOM

The man who was accused of killing Heather Cohick in the doorway of her Williamsport apartment in September of 2022 with her toddler son looking on, plead guilty in Lycoming County Court yesterday and was given life without the possibility of parole.  According to the Sun Gazette, 39 year old Tyree Cleveland of Berks County also confessed to robbing a Family Dollar clerk at gunpoint and stealing cash three days before Cohick’s death.  Cleveland received an additional consecutive 20 to 40 years in addition to the life sentence for first-degree murder, robbery and charges for a felon possessing a firearm. 

DUI CHARGES IN ONE CAR ACCIDENT

A man from Sunbury is facing charges after he was involved in a violent one car wreck on Route 225 in Jackson Township March 17th.  According to Stonington State police, 25 year old Keith Elliott was driving south on 225 in Northumberland County before 3am, when he swerved between on and off road, striking two utility poles, causing the car to catch fire.  Troopers say he escaped from the car and was wearing his seatbelt.  Elliott suffered minor injuries from the crash and will face DUI charges as a result.

PENNDOT LITTER CLEAN UP ON AREA HIGHWAYS

PennDOT will continue their spring litter clean-up project in Lycoming County next week.  According to a press release, PennDOT maintenance crews in Lycoming County will continue picking up litter next week along Interstate 180 and Routes 220 and 15.  Watch for crews to continue the work through March 31st weather permitting.  You can check the roadways all across Pennsylvania 24/7 by going online to 511PA dot com for real time road conditions.

FIRETREE PLACE SEEKS SUMMER VOLUNTEERS

Firetree Place is non-profit community center in the heart of downtown Williamsport that is focused towards youth development and they are seeking volunteers for summer programs.  According to their website, positions are available for help during Summer Camp, Williamsport Youth Football & Cheer, and recreational and educational programs and much more with clearances required. Volunteers can go online for information and to fill out an application at firetreeplace dot org. 

FOUR CHARGED WITH KIDNAPPING IN SHAMOKIN

Three Coal Township men and one from Shamokin Dam were arrested for felony kidnapping and assault after they injured a 16-year old at a Coal Township Home March 12.  According to the Daily Item, police say 21 year old William and 20 year old Silas Latorre, 24 year old Brandon Colon and 26 year old Rasha Williams, entered the home and trapped the resident inside while they allegedly tried to steal a phone.  The victim was hit in the back of the head with a weapon and later treated for his injuries.  The four were charged and will appear in Shamokin District Court, with an investigation ongoing.

MAN ATTEMPTS TO STOP INVESTIGATION

A Lock haven man has been charged and taken into custody after attempting to stop an officer from detaining a person during an investigation.  According to the Record Online, Lock Haven police say 30 year old Mark Renzo lunged at an officer on North Vesper Street at about 2am last Sunday, grabbing him around the waist and pushing him.  Renzon was charged with obstructing justice and aggravated assault. He was arrested and charged.

NO ADOPTIONS FEES IN DANVILLE SATURDAY

The Danville SPCA is full to the brim with dogs and the facility will waive all the adoptions feesfor dogs on Saturday between 12:30 and 6pm.  According to North Central PA dot com, officials at the Danville SPCA sponsoring the Saturday adoption event hope  to find homes for many of the dogs housed there and open up space for more dogs that will come in.  The adoption fees are being waived, but all other adoption processes and policies will be followed.  Get information about the SPCA policies and procedures for adopting at pspca.org.

LHU WRESTLER HONORED

Lock Haven University’s Anthony Noto, the 125 pound wrestler from Lima New York, who secured Division I All-American status this spring with a 4th place finish at the 2023 Championships, has been named the 2022-23 Mid-American Conference Wrestler of the Year.  Noto also secured his second individual MAC title on March 4th in only his second year at LHU.  Noto was named the MAC freshman of the year at the end of his first season with the Bald Eagles.

SPORTS

PIAA State HS Basketball Championships

Lourdes Regional will face District 7 champion Union Area in the title game today.  They tipped off at Hershey’s Giant Center at noon. 

NCAA Men’s Basketball
(3)Gonzaga 79              (2)UCLA 76
UConn 88                     Arkansas 65
Kansas State 98           Michigan State 93
Florida Atlantic 62      Tennessee 55
NCAA Men’s Basketball – Sweet 16 continues tonight
(5) San Diego State vs (1) Alabama at 6:30pm TBS
(5) Miami vs (1) Houston 7:15pm CBS
(15) Princeton vs (6)Creighton 9pm TBS
(3)Xavier vs (2)Texas  9:45pm CBS

NBA
Pelicans 115         Hornets 96
Magic 111             Knicks 106
Cavaliers 116       Nets 114
Clippers 127        Thunder 105

NHL
Flyers 5                Wild 4
Bruins 4               Canadians 2
Rangers 2             Hurricanes 1
Blues 4                 Red Wings 3  
Maple Leafs 6      Panthers 2
Senators 7            Lightning 2
Capitals 6             Blackhawks 1
Predators 2                     Kraken 1
Golden Knights 3           Flames 2
Stars 3                  Penguins 2
Jets 3                              Ducks 2
Canucks 7            Sharks 2
NASCAR Sunday
Echopark Automotive Grand Prix from the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas – Pre-race coverage starts at 2:30pm on the Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network or WILQ’s HD3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 23, 2023

POLICE ARREST SUSPECT AT LOCAL BAR

A Williamsport man accused of choking, stabbing and punching a 51 year old relative at a home on Bent Road was taken into custody at Kelly’s Grill in W. Fourth Street after an arrest warrant had been issued for him March 21st.  According to North Central PA dot com, 30 year old Alex Gary Morgan allegedly caused injury to the victim with knives from the home Tuesday and fled before emergency crews arrived and transported the victim to the UPMC Susquehanna Emergency Room.  Following an investigation, Morgan was found at the local bar and arrested.  He was charged with second degree felony strangulation and aggravated assault and more, and is being held at the Lycoming County Prison on 50 thousand dollars monetary bail.

SPACE HEATER CAUSED MOBILE HOME FIRE

Fire officials suspect it’s a space heater that caused the Wednesday morning fire that damaged a Lycoming Creek Road mobile home.  According to the Sun Gazette, the family of five and their two dogs escaped the blaze that started in a back bedroom around 4am. One family member was not home at the time.  It took firefighters from Hepburn and Old Lycoming Township, Trout Run and Duboistown about 30 minutes to contain the fire.

NEW BOWMAN FIELD RENTAL AGREEMENT APPROVED

A rental agreement was recently approved for Historic Bowman field in Williamsport and fees to use the facility could increase as a result of the need for maintaining the facilities and upgraded equipment.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Muncy Bank and Trust holds the naming rights of the field in a six year agreement with the City of Williamsport, and Williamsport City Council members say it has been several years since the rental agreement has been revisited for use of the park by private groups.  The base fee for rental of the park at this time is $800 dollars.  Bowman Field is the second-oldest ballpark in minor-league baseball in the United States which opened in 1926.

UNION COUNTY RESIDENTS CAN RECYCLE HAZARDOUS WASTE

A hazardous waste collection event is happening this Friday and Saturday in Union County.  Union County residents can bring household and agriculture chemical waste materials like aerosols, batteries, flammables, pesticides, pool and lawn chemicals, and automotive products, as well as cooking grease, mercury thermometers, fire extinguishers and more.  The full list of acceptable and unacceptable materials is at unioncountypa.org.  The event is at the Silvermoon Flea Market in Lewisburg Friday from 10 til 4 and Saturday 8 to 2pm with proof of Union County residency required. 

BARN FIRE NEAR JERSEY SHORE

A barn fire near Jersey Shore could be seen for miles yesterday around 6:30 pm.  According to WNEP, many firefighters from Clinton and Lycoming Counties responded to the blaze that had the barn on the property in Oval Limestone Township completely engulfed in flames.  Officials from the Nippenose Valley Volunteer Fire Company report the fire began from a diesel motor used for the equipment to milk cows.  Water was hauled in tankers from about 4 miles away.  No firefighters, Amish residents or animals were harmed, and all the cows got out of the barn.  Crews took about 2 hours getting the huge blaze under control and then put out hotspots for several more hours.  The community plans to start work Saturday on replacing the barn.

MAN ARRESTED FOR PUNCHING COP AFTER DOMESTIC INCIDENT

A Williamsport man who state police said they were only going to cite for a domestic disturbance, got belligerent with officers and ended up being arrested March 7th at his Lycoming Creek Road home.  According to North Central PA dot com, officers took handcuffs off 33 year old Allen Smith once they determined there was no more threat from the man, he began to head-butt a brick wall showing the officers that a metal plate kept him from feeling anything.  When Smith was ordered to stop by officers when he began to bleed, he punched a state trooper with a closed fist. He was charged with second-degree felony aggravated assault, simple assault, and resisting arrest and is being held on 50 thousand dollars monetary bail.

EASTER DISPLAY APPROVED TO BE IN LOCK HAVEN

There will be an Easter installation in Lock Haven’s Triangle Park from April 1-10th, which was approved by the Lock Haven City Council on Monday.  According to the Lock Haven Express, a request to place three wooden crosses on a platform in the park is an acceptable display since it falls within the range of parameters regarding religious displays in public areas.   The display was requested by Zelma Lang and William Stankiewicz and will be included with other Easter decorations chosen by Downtown Lock Haven, Incorporated.

FREE MEDICAL CLINIC IN SPRINGS MILLS THIS WEEKEND

A Centre County non-profit that provides dental, vision and medical care clinics will offer free services this weekend at Penns Valley Elementary School in Springs Mills.  According to North Central PA dot com, Remote Area Medical (RAM) will take patients starting at 6am Saturday until noon Sunday.  The parking lot at 4528 Penns Valley Road, Spring Mills will open at exactly midnight Friday with services on a first-come first-serve basis.  Lab work will be available. No ID is required. Find out more details on Facebook “RAM Free Clinic – Spring Mills, Pa”.

SPORTS

HS Softball
Montoursville 14                  Warrior Run 5
Northeast Bradford 14              Montrose 2
Towanda 9                                   Williamson 2
Juniata 8                                 Selinsgrove 0

Baseball
Towanda 10                           Williamson 6
Bloomsburg 7                        Berwick 1
Selinsgrove 12                       East Pennsboro 4

Girls Lacrosse
Selinsgrove 20                       Bellefonte 10

Boys Lacrosse
Danville 11                            Lewisburg 8

NCAA Men’s Basketball
* The University of Notre Dame reports their next men’s basketball coach is Penn State’s Micah Shrewsberry.   After just two years in Happy Valley, Shrewsberry will sign a 7-year contract to lead the Fighting Irish.  The school is expected to make a formal announcement tomorrow. The coaching change comes after Mike Brey leaves after 23 seasons. 
Tonight Sweet 16 East & West Regions
(7)Michigan State vs (3)Kansas State 6:30 pm TBS
(8) Arkansas vs (4) UConn 7:15pm CBS
(9) Florida Atlantic vs (4) Tennessee  9pm TBS
(3) Gonzaga vs (2) UCLA  9:45pm CBS

NBA
Nuggets 118                 Wizards 104
Heat 127                       Knicks 120
Pacers 118                    Raptors 114  
Warriors 127                Mavericks 125
76ers 116                      Bulls 91
Grizzlies  130               Rockets 125
Bucks 130                    Spurs 94  
Timberwolves 125      Hawks 124
Trailblazers 127           Jazz 115
Lakers 122                    Suns 111

NHL
Penguins 5          Avalanche 2
Oilers 4               Coyotes 3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 22, 2023

SECOND MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE

A young man from New Jersey is now the second person officially charged in an attempted homicide case in Williamsport from last September.  According to the Sun Gazette, Keyon A White is now facing the charges from when he and accomplice allegedly went to Lila Lane in the Newberry neighborhood and fired gunshots inside two residences.  Nazir Thrower was charged last week and both suspects are being held in Lycoming County prison.  Both have been denied bail. 

POSTAL CARRIERS INDICTED FOR STEALING MAIL

Three people who were Pennsylvania postal carriers have been indicted in federal court over allegedly stealing pieces of mail in 2022.  According to North Central pa dot com, 38 year old Adam Gallager of Rochester, 39 year old Christina Ankney of Braddock and 47 year old India Schatzman of McKees Rocks have each been accused by the US Postal Inspection Service of stealing mail and may face a prison sentence of 5 years, a fine of up to 250 thousand dollars or both.  If you have information about mail theft or other postal crimes, call 1-877-876-2455,  or go online at postalinspectors.uspis.gov.

ROAD CLOSURE TONIGHT ON ROUTE 6

PennDOT is reporting a road closure for today in Sullivan Township in Tioga County.  According to a press release, Route 6 is going to be closed in both directions tonight for police activity.  Drivers along that route can expect a detour in place between the hours of 7:30 and 10pm between Bungy Road and Elk Run Road in Sullivan Township.  You can check 511PA dot com anytime for road conditions and closures around the state.

SHAPIRO ANNOUNCES NEW MILITARY LICENSE PLATES

The Department of Transportation is offering new license plates honoring Pennsylvania’s military members and their families.  The Air Medal plate, Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans license plate and the Blue Star Family license plate are all available by special application available at dmv.pa.gov.  According to an announcement by the Shapiro Administration, recently passed legislation allows plates for passenger cars or trucks for a fee of $23.  Retired Brig. Gen. of PA Maureen Weigl and Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs said the plates that will be seen throughout the Commonwealth; remind citizens that we owe a debt of gratitude to all who served to defend our freedom.

SCI ROCKVIEW INMATE FOUND UNRESPONSIVE IN CELL

A 61year old inmate at the State Correctional Institution at Rockview was found to be unresponsive when found in his cell and later died Mount Nittany Medical Center on March 6th.  According to North Central PA dot com, emergency crews responded and attempted to revive Andrew Yuhas who passed away at 7:30am.  Deemed a sexually violent predator, Yuhas was serving a 16- 32 year sentence for rape in Luzerne County and  had been in the facility since November of 1998.  State police will conduct an investigation and the Centre County Coroner has yet to determine the official cause of death.

TRACTOR TRAILER CRASH IN SHAMOKIN DAM

A tractor trailer carrying cat food overturned on Routes 11-15 in Shamokin Dam Monday morning and slowed traffic for several hours near the W&L Collision Center.  According to the Daily item, as 48 year old Hector Baez of Lancaster, PA, turned left from Route 11 to 11-15 and the rig overturned in the right southbound lane.  Authorities took a few hours to clean the overturned cargo, and cited Baez for traveling too fast.  He was not injured in the accident.

PA WEATHER STATION NETWORK EXPANSION PLANNED

Penn State is planning to expand an already 17 station Environmental Monitoring Network in Pennsylvania to 50 stations across the commonwealth to provide enhanced surveillance of atmospheric and soil conditions. According to the Sun Gazette, the network now is located mostly at Penn State Campus facilities, state parks, airports and more.  The expanded network is planned for k-12 state schools with the goal of having a weather station in every county, in an effort to get real-time environmental data into the schools for educational programs.

NEW BASKETBALL COACH AT BUCKNELL

Bucknell’s director of athletics and recreation, Jermaine Truax has announced that they have chosen their new men’s basketball coach.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Bison’s men’s basketball program welcomes the return of John Griffin, III, who graduated from Bucknell in 2008.  Griffin went to the NCAA Tournament 4 times, as a player in 2005 and 2006 and as an assistant coach in2017 and 2018.  Griffin becomes the 22nd coach of the Bison’s men’s basketball program after his position as associate head coach at Saint Joseph’s University. 

SPORTS

PIAA State Championships
Girls Basketball

Class 1A Semi-Finals
Lourdes Regional 34             Mountain View 33
HS SPORTS
Baseball – Southrn Columbia 16    CMVT 2

Softball – Mifflinburg 3                  Selinsgrove 0

Boys Lacrosse
            Lewisburg 14            Mifflinburg 4
            Selinsgrove 10          Lake-Lehman 2

Boys Tennis – Wellsboro 5 Cowanesque Valley 0

NBA
Magic 122           Wizards 112
Hawks 129          Pistons 107
Cavaliers 115      Nets 109
Pelicans 119        Spurs 84
Celtics 132          Kings 109
Thunder 101        Clippers 100

NHL
Bruins 2               Senators 1
Predators 7          Sabers 3
Canadiens 3         Lightning 2
Hurricanes 3        Rangers 2
Wild 2                  Devils 1
Flyers 6                Panthers 3
Blue Jackets 7     Capitals 6
Islanders 7           Maple Leafs 2
Red Wings 3        Blues 2
Jets 2                    Coyotes 1
Kracken 5            Stars 4
Flames 5              Ducks 1
Golden Knights 4 Canucks 3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 21, 2023

WILLIAMSPORT WOMAN ARRESTED AFTER A HIT AND RUN

A Williamsport woman was arrested February 24th for resisting arrest and other charges after police had to forcibly remove her from her vehicle following her involvement in a hit and run.  According to the Sun Gazette, court records say 32 year old Sarah Valencia was seen by police at the accident scene in a nearby alley after she rammed her car into a parked pickup truck on the 900 block of High Street.  Valencia then attempted to evade police in her car, but was stopped on High Street and kicked an officer while being taken into custody.  She has been arraigned and released on 75 thousand dollars bail.

MAN CHARGED WITH MISDEMEANOR STRANGULATION

A Thompsontown man has been charged after strangling his step-daughter’s ex-boyfriend on February 24th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 34 year old John Steward Leach was arguing with the victim and allegedly closed his hands around the man’s throat causing the victim to turn purple.  Williamsport police were called to the scene and interviewed the victim and a witness after 7pm.  Police said Leach has been charged with second degree misdemeanor strangulation and has been jailed with no bail listed and has a preliminary hearing April 27th.

BILL PROPOSED TO BAN ASSAULT WEAPONS IN PA

Two Philadelphia area lawmakers are proposing a bill that will ban assault weapons in the state.  According to WHTM, the bill would outlaw over 150 models of guns, and the sale of gun magazines with the capacity of more than 10 rounds.  In addition there would be a voluntary buy back program for guns under the legislation.  State Senators Santasiero of Bucks County and John Kane of Chester and Delaware counties say military weapons have no place in a civilian society, and that their bill would mirror the legislation enacted in Connecticut after Sandy Hook.

GRANT WILL IMPROVE OLD LYCO FIRE DEPARTMENT BUILDING

A million dollar state grant has been given to Old Lycoming Township Fire Company for upgrades and renovations that should begin after plans are complete this summer.  According to WNEP, Chief Joseph Hopple says updates to the 33 year old building are coming, including an addition of more than 3000 square feet which will include an upgraded kitchen, space for volunteers to stay overnight, a decontamination shower and more.  According to the Sun Gazette, the grant was made possible through gaming money, secured by Representative Joe Hamm Hopple says the facility will be brought up to the 21st century.

WOMAN KILLED BY NEIGHBORS DOGS

A Perry County woman was mauled to death by two Great Danes at her neighbors home where she was caring for their pets while they were out of town.  According to Penn Live, 38 year old Kristen Potter of New Bloomfield entered the home to feed the animals at the 700 block of Clouser Hollow Road in Centre Township about 5pm and was attacked.  According to the Perry County Coroner, Potter dies of multiple traumatic injuries suffered in the dog mauling.  The two dogs involved in the accident were euthanized by a local veterinarian.  There was a third dog remains at the home with the family because he was not involved in the attack.

EVANGELICAL ON DIVERT STATUS

Evangelical Community Hospital released a statement yesterday that their emergency department is on “divert” status as necessary.  According to the President and CEO Kendra Aucker, there is an increase in patients due to a variety of health conditions as they aggressively attempt to recruit new staff.  Aucker says the walk-in patients at Evan should be prepared to have longer wait times, and ambulances will be sent elsewhere for the time being.

PENNDOT WILL REPLACE SOME BRIDGES OVER 220

A bridge replacement project started this week and crews are set to replace both structures carrying traffic on Route 220 over the Fourth Street off ramp rehabilitating both structures over Antlers Lane and the Lycoming Valley Railroad.  The northbound structures are first on the list and beginning in May, motorists using both directions will be traveling on the southbound side of the highway. A daily moveable barrier system will separate north and southbound traffic and will allow for two lanes of traffic during heavy traffic during commute times.  Structure repair on the southbound side is set to begin in 2024.

HARVEST MOON LANES FOR SALE

Fish Real Estate has listed Harvest Moon Lanes property in Linden for sale for 1.5 million dollars, after the family there decided to retire after 49 years, with hopes that the new owner will keep the bowling alley business open.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Harvest Moon Lanes on Route 220 has 16 lanes and a bar at the property which is part of 19 thousand square feet on 2 and a half acres of land.   It was originally purchased in 1974 by Vance and Evelyn Miller of Williamsport and has been in business, run by the Miller family in the winter and fall months, since. 

SPORTS

HS Baseball
Selinsgrove 4      Jersey Shore 0
Mifflinburg 10   Shamokin 0
HS Girls Lacrosse
Selinsgrove 13   Midd-West 3
Lewisburg 18      Mifflinburg 2

NBA
Hornets 115                  Pacers 109
Bulls 109                      76’ers 105
Timberwolves 140      Knicks 134
Warriors 121                Rockets 108
Grizzlies 112                Mavericks 108
Jazz 128                        Kings 120

NHL
Panthers 5           Red Wings 2
Senators 2           Penguins 1
Avalanche5         Blackhawks 0
Oilers 5               Sharks 4
Kings 8                Flames 2

NCAA Men’s Basketball
Thursday Sweet 16 East & West Regions
(7)Michigan State vs (3)Kansas State 6:30 pm TBS
(8) Arkansas vs (4) UConn 7:15pm CBS
(9) Florida Atlantic vs (4) Tennessee  9pm TBS
(3) Gonzaga vs (2) UCLA  9:45pm CBS

Upcoming

Facebook

Powered By SoCast