BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

PA STATE POLICE CONTINUE SEARCH FOR ELDERLY WOMAN

The search has been renewed for a missing elderly woman who disappeared in July from the Westfield area of Potter County.  According to the Sun Gazette, PA State Police have asked the public, including hunters, to help the search for 85 year old Phyllis Potter or her vehicle – a white 2009 Subaru Outback.  Potter was last seen July 21st around 5am after leaving the home of a friend.  Searches have been ongoing, but have not turned up any information.  Potter has no known medical conditions that may have contributed to her disappearance.  Call 1-8004PATIPS  if you have information that can help Mansfield State Police (570) 662-2151.

OHIO WOMAN IN CUSTODY FOLLOWING TRAFFIC STOP

Two women from Ohio were stopped by Milton State Police on I-80 in Liberty Township September 22nd and one was taken into custody after troopers found narcotics and weapons inside the car.  According to North Central PA dot com, State police say the driver of the car fled on foot after the stop, and 27 year old Denisse Rosado Martinez attempted to walk away from the scene.  She was taken into custody and charged with felonies of possession of a controlled substance, and illegally carrying firearms. Maritnez was committed to Columbia County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail. 

SHIKELLAMY STATE PARK DAM TO DEFLATE STARTING SUNDAY

Residents in Sunbury can expect the deflation of the Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam to begin October 1st, effectively ending the boating season at Shikellamy State Park.  Those with a boat in a slip at the marina are asked to remove their boats by Saturday night at sunset.  The park docks are removed after the deflation of the dam on the Susquehanna which takes about two weeks to complete. 

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT DONATION APPROVED AT JERSEY SHORE

The Jersey Shore Area School Board approved a donation of protective equipment for the district’s varsity and junior varsity football players.  According to the Sun Gazette, the McCracken family provided 40 Q-Collars, an FDA approved method of protecting players from brain injuries.  The donation is in response to the death of Max Engel, a senior varsity football player who collapsed on the field during a game this month and died a week later on September 15th from traumatic brain injury, according got the Montour County Coroner.  An investigation into the timeline of Engel’s injury is ongoing.

MOUNT CARMEL CARJACKING SUSPECTS ARRESTED

Police arrested two men from Mount Carmel after an alleged carjacking Monday.  According to Mount Carmel police, the incident in Northumberland County happened at the convenience store at Fifth and Market Streets in Mount Carmel.  Police say the two suspects, 24 year old Jordan Lutz and a 17 year old juvenile entered the victim’s car, assaulted them and made off with the vehicle.  After police saw the two a short time later, they abandoned the car and fled on foot.  After their apprehension, Lutz was charged with aggravated assault, theft and more. 

CITY AUDITORS FILE A “DISCLAIMER OF OPINION”

As the city awaits details from audits of Williamsport finances from 2020, 2021 and 2022, auditors currently working on the 2019 audit have released a “disclaimer of opinion”.  According to the Sun Gazette, an official from Zelenkofske Axelrod of Harrisburg, told the City Council Finance committee that information about 2019 financials and documents managed under former Mayor Gabriel J. Campana and former Finance Director and River Valley Transit General Manager William E. Nichols Jr are part of the finding.  RVT and Williamsport Parking Authority financial records have not been available for auditors.  A disclaimer of opinion means auditors cannot form a basis of opinion either due to limitation of scope or involvement of significant uncertainties.

ONLINE SURVEY FROM PENNDOT

PennDOT is asking for feedback from the community through an online survey through October 20th.  The 2023 PennDOT Construction/Maintenance Customer Satisfaction Survey asks respondents how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations in construction and maintenance activities.  The 24-question survey also asks about experiences with reporting concerns to the department, and whether or how consumers use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. Find information about the survey at https://penndot.pa.gov/ www.surveymonkey.com/r/2023PDConstruction

CAR DEALERS, PAVING COMPANY TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CANCER CENTER

Local businesses are raising funds for state-of-the-art-cancer care and prevention with Susquehanna Health Foundation in the 2023 Drive for a Cause.  According to North Central PA dot com, several area car dealers will each donate $25 to UPMC’s Kathryn Candor Lundy Breast Health Center in Williamsport for every car that is sold through October 31st, and ALL Excavating & Paving will also donate $50 for each driveway they pave in October.  Contributing sponsors for 2023 Drive for a cause include UPMC and UPMC Health Plan and several media sponsors.  Get more information at SusquehannaHealthFoundation.org/Donate.

SPORTS

MLB

Reds 11                Guardians 7
Rockies 4              Dodgers 1 Game 1
Dodgers 11          Rockies 2 Game 2
Orioles 1              Nationals 0
Tigers  6               Royals 3
Phillies  3              Pirates 2
Yankees 2            Blue Jays 0
Rays 9                  Red Sox 7 
Braves 7               Cubs  6
D’backs 15           White Sox 4
Twins 11               A’s 3
Cardinals 4          Brewers 1
Angels 9               Rangers 3
Padres 4               Giants 0
Mariners 6            Astros 2
Marlins / Mets postponed for wet ground


MLB NEWS
The Brewers clinched the National League Central title for the third time in six seasons last night despite a 4-1 loss to the last-place St. Louis Cardinals. This for Milwaukee after the Chicago Cubs lost to the Braves in a come from behind win.


WNBA Semi-Finals Game 2
NY Liberty 84                        Connecticut Sun 77
Las Vegas Aces 91                Dallas Wings 84
Game 3 Friday night
Liberty vs Sun in CT 7:30pm ESPN2
Aces vs Wings in TX 9:30pm  ESPN2
NCAA Football
Thursday
Temple @ Tulsa 7:30pm ESPN
Friday
Cincinnati @ BYU 10:15pm ESPN
Saturday
Penn State @ Northwestern (Illinois) noon Big Ten Network
Michigan @ Nebraska 3:30pm FOX
Notre Dame @ Duke 7:30pm ABC
Michigan Staet @ Iowa 7:30pm NBC
Pitt @ Virginia Tech 8pm ACCN
West Virginia @ TCU 8pm ESPN2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

BROKEN TAIL LIGHT RESULTS IN ARREST OVER DRUGS, GUNS

A man from Jersey Shore faces a host of charges after police stopped him for a broken tail light and found drugs and guns inside his car.  According to North Central PA dot com, 58 year old Miles Ray Moore was stopped by the Lycoming Regional Police department September 17th and admitted to police he had drank one beer before they found he had a car breathalyzer on his vehicle.  Police said Moore admitted he was nervous and acted so, before consenting to a search that turned up suspected cocaine, meth, marijuana and firearms inside the car.  Moore who is legally not allowed to carry a gun was charged with third-degree felony firearms along with the drug charges and is being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $15,000 monetary bail.

WOMAN ASLEEP IN VEHICLE AT INTERSECTION CHARGED WITH DUI

A Williamsport woman was arrested after police found her sleeping behind the wheel of her car at the intersection of Lose Avenue and Sheridan Street.  According to police, 55 year old Anna Smith had the odor of alcohol and was slow to wake inside her 2015 Subaru.  She failed sobriety tests at the scene.  Smith refused lab work and did not provide correct phone numbers for anyone who could move her vehicle for her before police took her into custody.

LOCK HAVEN CITY HALL REOPENS TOMORROW

The final series of legionella bacteria tests have returned negative, allowing the Lock Haven City Hall building on East Church Street to reopen tomorrow.  According to the Lock Haven Express, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires Disease and Pontiac Fever that was found last month, has been eliminated from the building’s water supply and HVAC water cooling tower.  City office workers will transition from their temporary locations to City Hall today and the facility will reopen at 8:30am Wednesday morning.  Get information and phone numbers to city departments at lock haven pa dot gov.

BACK TO SCHOOL FUNDRAISER FOR UPTOWN MUSIC COLLECTIVE

The Uptown Music Collective is headlining an inaugural fundraising event on the outdoor stage this Saturday 4 til 8pm at New Trail Brewing on Arch Street in Williamsport.  According to UMC marketing director, Jared Mondell, “Back to School Blues” features the newest Community Performance Groups who have been working hard at the beginning of this school year to compile sets of blues, jazz, classic rock, and R&B performances.  A full lineup of the Collective’s upcoming fundraising campaign will be announced soon so that they can continue to provide the assistance to deserving music students and keep tuition costs consistent along with an annual corporate partnership program.  Get ticket details for Saturday’s “Back to School Blues” at Eventbrite.com or information at uptownmusic dot org.

CHILDREN REMOVED FROM FILTHY HOME

A Lock Haven woman was charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child after the father of her two children called police to report the filthy condition of their home.  According to North Central PA dot com, Troopers notified Children and Youth Services before entering the home on Davidson Road in Crawford Township September 8th  where 25 year old Kayla Alexis Pickering lived with two children age 3 and 5.  Police say the home smelled of urine and feces and the children were taken from the home to be in the care of their father.  Pickering will have a preliminary hearing October 16.

TROOPER WHO CAUSED FATAL ACCIDENT WILL FACE TRIAL

A fatal crash that killed a teacher in Tioga County is headed for trial. According to the Sun Gazette, a Luzerne County District Judge upheld charges last week against Michael Brown, a suspended state trooper, saying he caused the fatal crash on February 11th.  Police say Brown was passing another car on Route 6 and his vehicle collided with a car driven by Christine E. Woodward, of Troy. According to reports, Woodward was trapped and perished in her car when her vehicle caught  fire.  Brown was suspended without pay but remains free on unsecured bail.

GAMING REVENUES UP IN PENNSYLVANIA

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reports that for the month of August, gaming revenue in the commonwealth brought in over $457 million, which is an over 7 percent increase from last year at this time.  The PGCB considers slot machines, table games, internet gaming, sports wagering, fantasy contests and video gaming terminals all part of the gaming revenue totals.  The most increases were seen in internet casino gaming for the largest monthly total over 144 million dollars, an increase from last year of 35.27%.

MIFFLINBURG HOSE CELEBRATES 125 YEARS

The Mifflinburg Hose Company No. 1 will celebrate 125 years of service Sept 29th and 30th.  According to the Daily Item, weekend activities will include a parade, a two-day carnival at community park, live music and fireworks. The parade, which will feature life members and John Heiges, Jr (HIKE US) who is the department’s longest-serving fire chief, will start at 4 pm on Saturday on East Chestnut St.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Soccer
BOYS
Williamsport  6    Jersey Shore 1
Montgomery 2     Meadowbrook Christian 1
Mifflinburg  5       Hughesville 2
Wellsboro 6          Northeast Bradford 0
Benton 4              Millville 0

GIRLS
Towanda 7            Sullivan County 3
Midd-West 2        Mifflinburg 1

Field Hockey
Muncy  4              Southern Columbia 0
Benton 3              Warrior Run 0
Northwest Area 2  Shikellamy 0

NFL
Bengals 19          Rams  16 
Eagles 25            Buccaneers 11

NFL News
*Former Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson and former Bengals quarterback Boomer Esiason were officially enshrined in the Bengals’ Ring of Honor during halftime of Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams.

*  The Pittsburgh Steelers’ charter flight home following a Sunday night win in Las Vegas made an emergency landing in Kansas City early Monday. The plane landed in Kansas City just before 5am Eastern  with an oil pressure failure in one of the engines. There were no injuries and a team spokesman said they made the necessary plans to arrive back in Pittsburgh Monday afternoon.

MLB
Yankees 6           Diamondbacks 4
Rangers 5  Angels 1
Astros 5               Mariners 1
Giants 2               Padres 1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

CEO WILL FACE TRIAL IN HOMICIDE OF BROTHER IN LAW

Kenneth Michaels learned he was going to stand trial for the homicide of John Roskowski his former business partner and brother-in-law Friday, in a crowded Lycoming County courtroom.  According to the SUN Gazette, Michaels was charged with the shooting of Roskowski on Aug. 17th at Cable Services Company in Old Lycoming Township. Magistrate Judge Solomon held over charges of criminal homicide and voluntary manslaughter for trial. With no court date set, Michaels was recommitted to the Lycoming County Prison with no bail.

INFORMANT LEADS POLICE TO A DRUG ARREST

Two men, one from Philadelphia, were arrested last week after selling an informant a pound of marijuana inside a car along the 300 block of Park Avenue.  According to the Sun Gazette, 24 year old Saladin Brown of Cherry Street and 34 year old John Jahil Carter were both taken into custody on felony drug charges after police stopped the vehicle following the transaction.  In an affidavit by the Narcotics Enforcement Unit, the two sold a pound of the drug for 18 hundred dollars prior to the traffic stop.  Their vehicle was impounded pending a search warrant and they were each arraigned on the drug and conspiracy charges and committed to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 50 thousand dollars bail.

PASSENGER RAIL FOR WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

PennDOT has finalized an agreement with Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS) to expand passenger rail service on the Pennsylvanian Amtrak line in Western Pennsylvania, allowing access to modern passenger rail connecting communities and bringing jobs, economic development, and infrastructure investment along with it.  The Pennsylvanian Amtrak service currently travels roundtrip between New York City and Pittsburgh via Harrisburg once daily.   The Pennsylvanian is a key passenger rail route  and is one of the busiest and fastest links on Norfolk Southern’s network, connecting with major terminals in Toledo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and the Lehigh Valley.

PA FALL FOLIAGE WEBSITE FOR 2023

DCNR is offering a website featuring fall foliage reports beginning this week.  According to the department, weekly updates about where to find the greatest autumn leaf viewing experience will be provided by experts in the commonwealth who represent various regions.  According to North Central PA dot com,  Chris Firestone, wild plant program manager of Tioga State Forest District in Wellsboro is the expert available in Northcentral Pennsylvania.  DCNR says Pennsylvania has a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state in the nation, and that hotel stays add between $350 million to $450 million to the state’s economy during the month of October. Find out more at dcnr.pa.gov.

FUGITIVE FROM DUI IN 2021 CAPTURED IN KENTUCKY

A man who was involved in a crash on Auction Road in Lamar Township on March 10, 2021 and was on the run was apprehended on Friday in Louisville, Kentucky by the Louisville Metro Police Department Fugitive Task Force. Mill Hall police said James A Biederman crashed into an occupied vehicle causing injury to the victim, then fled the scene. He was charged with DUI and other charges and fled the state several days later. Biederman remains in the Metro Dept of Corrections in Louisville while he awaits extradition back to Pennsylvania.

CONTRABAND STASHED IN PROSTHETIC LEG

A Bloomsburg woman who stashed contraband in her prosthetic leg was caught August 23rd when Corrections officers at Columbia County Prison followed a tip at the prison about the issue and investigated.   According to North Central PA dot com, 57-year-old Maribeth Endress’s leg was searched by prison hospital staff and suboxone strips were found in a silicone outer layer of the prothestic.  Endress first denied knowing about the drug, but later admitted to police that they were hers but didn’t share them with anyone.  She was charged with felony contraband.

LOCK HAVEN BRIDGE TO OPEN TODAY

PennDOT confirmed that it will reopen one lane of the Flemington Bridge along Route 150 near Lock Haven by 1:00 pm today. PennDOT closed the bridge to traffic in June as part of a bridge preservation project that will extend the life of this and two other structures in Clinton County. This morning the contractor will install guide rail and place temporary traffic signals at each end of the bridge to enforce an alternating traffic pattern once the lane is open. The bridge will remain closed to pedestrians.

SELINSGROVE POOL FEES WILL GO UP NEXT SEASON

The Selinsgrove Area Recreational Inc. pool board has announced that they will raise rates next summer, due to higher operating costs.  According to the Daily Item, pool board president Richard Mease said costs for pool chemicals and materials as well as tests and other products needed to run the pool have risen exponentially and even though attendance was good for the previous summer, individual daily rates will go from 5 to 6 dollars and a season pass will rise to 250 dollars.  The Swimming pool on Linda Lane in Selinsgrove is a nonprofit organization and Mease says they accept tax-deductible donations and continue to recruit lifeguards year round.

SPORTS

NFL

Seahawks 37        Panthers 27
Browns 27                     Titans 3
Lions 20               Falcons 6
Packers 18                      Saints 17 
Dolphins 70         Broncos 20
Chargers 28          Vikings 24
Patriots 15                     Jets  10
Bills 37                 Jaguars 17
Colts 22               Ravens 19
Chiefs 41              Bears 10
Cardinals 28         Cowboys 16
Steelers 23           Raiders 18


NFL Monday Night Football Tonight
Philadelphia Eagles @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7:15pm ABC
LA Rams @ Cincinnati Bengals 8:15pm ESPN

* Taylor Swift, wearing  red and white, took up All-Pro tight end’s Travis Kelce’s invitation to attend Sunday’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium.  She sat in Kelce’s suite with his mother, Donna.
MLB

Orioles 5             Guardians 1
Blue Jays 9         Rays 5
D’backs 7            Yankees 1
Nationals 3         Braves 2
White Sox  3      Red Sox 2
Marlins 6            Brewers 1
Reds 4                 Pirates 2 
Twins 9               Angels 3
Royals 6              Astros 5
Cubs 4                 Rockies 3
Rangers 9  Mariners 8
Tigers 2               A’s 0
Padres 12            Cardinals 2
Phillies 5             Mets 2
Braves 8              Nationals 5
Dodgers 3           Giants 2
NASCAR
William Byron  advanced into the round of eight of NASCAR playoffs at the AutoTrader EchoPark 400 at Texas.  Ross Chastain second, ahead of Bubba Wallace, Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin. Retiring driver Kevin Harvick was sixth and playoff driver Brad Keselowski seventh.

Byron got a milestone win for his team by winning the opener of the second round of the playoffs giving them the 300th victory for Hendrick Motorsports.

NCAA Football Saturday Scores

Michigan 31    Rutgers 7
Ohio State 17 Notre Dame 14
Penn State 31              Iowa 0 (White Out)
N. Carolina 41             Pitt 24
Oklahoma 20              Cincinnati 6

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 22, 2023

LESS MINK ESCAPED FROM FARM THAN FIRST THOUGHT

The investigation into the alleged release of thousands of mink from a Sunbury farm has resulted in the discovery that the number of escaped animals is more like hundreds instead of thousands that were originally reported.  According to the Daily Item, the PA Game Commission is working with the mink farm and Sunbury Animal Hospital to get accurate numbers of loose mink following their possible deliberate release by animal activists wishing to liberate them from the fur farm.  State police are investigating online activity and messages posted by the North American Animal Liberation Press Office that claim responsibility for the vandalism that freed the animals.  Officials recommend not approaching mink if you see one since they are aggressive, but if you capture any, take them to the Sunbury Animal hospital on Route 890.

SOUTHSIDE HOMEOWNERS CAN APPLY FOR REHAB GRANTS

The previous waiting list for no-cost repairs in South Williamsport Borough through its housing rehabilitation program has been cleared and officials are prepared to review new applications.  According to the Sun Gazette, Southside home owners who qualify and agree to certain guidelines are eligible for up to 50 thousand dollars in grant funds more funds could be available for homes identified with lead based paint. Borough officials say the program helps residents bring their property up to code with energy efficient upgrades adding  value to local homes.  Email [email protected] for information.

PAVEMENT PATCHING NEXT WEEK ON I-80 IN  UNION COUNTY

Motorists are advised of lane restrictions next week on Interstate 80 westbound in White Deer, West Buffalo and Lewis townships in Union County. This Monday, through Thursday, September 28, 2023, a PennDOT maintenance crew will be performing pavement patching between mile marker 207, west of the Route 15 interchange, and the Mile Run Exit.  Motorists should expect alternating lane restrictions where work is being done between the hours of 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM, weather permitting.

JERSEY SHORE MEMORIAL AND VISITATION FOR MAX ENGEL

There will be an opportunity for the community to remember and celebrate the life of Maxwell Maitland Engle this weekend.  Max passed away Friday, September 15th.  According to the Frederick B. Welker Funeral home website, the public is welcome to gather for a visitation this Sunday, September 24th from 1 til 5 at Bald Birds Brewing Company on Shaffer Lane in Jersey Shore.  The family asks that in lieu of flowers,  contributions in Max’s name can be made to Caleb Latimer and his family or a charity of your choice. Share your condolences online at welker funeral home dot com.

CASH THEFT AT LEWISBURG FITNESS CENTER

There was a theft of cash at the Lewisburg Planet Fitness.  According to North Central PA dot com, a victim called police after discovering cash missing from his personal belongings that were in a locker inside the facility that he put there while he was working out between 12 and 1 a.m. September 13th.  State Police at Milton are investigating the Kelly Township theft and ask that anyone with information call PA State Police (570-524-2662 incident number PA23-1206378)

POLICE SEARCH FOR COAL TOWNSHHIP TEEN MISSING TWO WEEKS

Coal Township police are searching for a teen who went missing nearly two weeks ago.  According to the Daily Item, the parents of 16 year old Richard David Jilinski III, known as Richie, say he left home September 7th around 1am and hasn’t been heard from since.  Jilinski is 5-foot-11 inches and around 120 pounds with blue eyes and blonde hair dyed reddish brown with a nose piercing in his left nostril and his parents say he normally wears what is called an Elmer Fudd hat.  Contact the Coal Township Police Department if you know of his whereabouts, 570-644-0333. 

DEMS KEEP SLIM MAJORITY IN HOUSE

It’s a one-vote majority for Democrats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives following an election this week in the Pittsburgh area, tapping former congressional aide Lindsay Powell.  The House majority is now 102-101 in the divided legislature that sees a Republican majority in the Senate at 28-22.  Thirty two year old Powell says her priority issues include affordable and dignified housing, a strong local economy and community assets. She has worked for U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries previously in Washington, DC. The House is in session next week in Harrisburg to resume work on a long-overdue state budget.

CU-LOCK HAVEN HOSTS FAMILY WEEKEND

It’s Family Weekend next weekend  hosted by Commonwealth University-Lock Haven, kicking off with a concert at the Roxy Theater.  According to the Sun Gazette. The concert featuring two bands (Kate & the Alchemists, followed by DuMM), is open to the public with the campus trolley available between campus and downtown, encouraging CU students to shop locally.  There will sports events to attend plus lots of activities for students at the Parsons Union Building.  Get concert tickets at roxymovie.com or check lockhaven.edu/familyday for a full line up of events October 6th and 7th.

SPORTS

NFL Thursday Night Football
San Francisco 49er’s 30  NY Giants 12
NFL News 
*Dallas Cowboys star cornerback Trevon Diggs suffered a season-ending torn ACL in his left knee during Thursday’s practice.

*Diggs was spotted inside the team facility on crutches before undergoing an MRI, which revealed the tear.
*Since entering the NFL in 2020, Diggs has 18 interceptions — tied for the most in the NFL with J.C. Jackson of the Los Angeles Chargers.
NFL Sunday
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Las Vegas Raiders Sunday  8:20 NBC
Monday Night Football (9/25)
Philadelphia Eagles @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7:15pm ABC

MLB
Guardians 5                 Orioles 2
Rays 5                         Angels 4
Brewers 6                    Cardinals 0
Braves 10                    Nationals 3
Yankees 5                   Blue Jays 3
Phillies 5                      Mets 4
Pirates 8                      Cubs 6
Tigers 7                       A’s 3
Dodgers 7                   Giants 2

PIAA HS Football Tonight
BYB Game of the Week
Canton @ South Williamsport
6:30 pre-game/7pm kick-off
On the Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network
(*Saturday 7pm games – Jersey Shore @Mifflinburg and Selinsgrove @ Shikellamy)

NASCAR Sunday
AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 @ Texas Motor Speedway
PreRace coverage 2:30pm /Green Flag 3:30pm

WNBA Semifinals Sunday 9/24
Connecticut Suns vs New York Liberty 1pm  ESPN
Dallas Wings vs Las Vegas Aces 5pm ESPN2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

HOUSE FIRE IN PICTURE ROCKS

Seven companies arrived to fight a fire in Picture Rocks Wednesday that led to the total loss of the home, but no injuries were reported.  According to the Sun Gazette, the one story home along Pine Tree Road was engulfed in flames after homeowners Anthony and Marcia Clark called 911 and escaped with their grandson and another family member who suffered minor burns and was transported to a local hospital.  Hughesville firefighters shuttled over 15 thousand gallons of water to the scene of the fire where Muncy Area, Muncy Valley, Pennsdale, Clinton Township and Montgomery volunteers were working.  Fire officials say a propane tank at the property fed the fire that was under control by 1. The family is insured and the local Red Cross Chapter is offering assistance as well.

VICTIM IN FATAL BASTRESS ACCIDENT IDENTIFIED

The motorcycle crash in Bastress Township that happened late Monday afternoon, took the life of an 85 year old man who was operating the bike.  According to the Lycoming County Coroner Charles E Kiessling Jr., Frederick Morris was traveling at the 400 block of Mountain Road while wearing a helmet and was ejected from the motorcycle after the crash, but the helmet became dislodged and fell off causing traumatic injuries.  First responders and other emergency personnel attempted life saving CPR, but Morris was pronounced dead after arriving at emergency department of UPMC Williamsport.

NEW SAFETY POLICY APPROVED AT MONTOGOMERY SCHOOLS

The Montgomery Area School board approved a new policy this week concerning transportation guidelines for emergencies concerning bus accidents and student safety.  This after a recent school bus accident in Clinton Township caused some students to suffer minor injuries.  The board approved on the first reading, policy that will keep students on the scene of an accident to be checked by emergency personnel and later by school medical officials, more work is to be done on the policy, but a final reading will be at the next Montgomery Area School Board meeting Tuesday October 17th.  IN other school board news, Hugh Umpstead, who represents Clinton Township Region 2, stepped down from his board position with no reason for the change given.

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER NEXT MONTH FOR HAILEY BILBAY

A first annual ride to raise money for a new Loyalsock High School scholarship fund is set to take place October 8th for a local student who died in an automobile accident on Northway Road on January 6th of this year. Friends and family of Hailey Bilbay will host the event that will start at the Hepburn Lycoming Ballfield in Cogan Station and travel to the Hepburn Volunteer fire company, where a meal, auction, and 50/50 drawing will take place.  Register on the 8th at 9am at the ballfield with kickstands up at 11am.   

SUNBURY WOMAN CHARGED WITH INFANT DEATH

Shamokin police have charged a Sunbury woman with murder and aggravated assault charges after her 7-month old baby was brought unresponsive to Geisinger Shamokin last weekend.  Police say 38 year old Krystal Semerod has four felonies against her and other agencies may consider filing charges against her in Northumberland County.  An official autopsy is pending after the infant died Tuesday.  According to hospital officials the child could be a victim of shaken-baby syndrome.

WOMAN CRASHED INTO BUILDING

A woman from Middleburg was injured after crashing into a building along route 304 Monday evening in Center Township.  According to  Selinsgrove State Police say 57-year-old Colleen Holohan was stopped at a stop sign along Salem Church Road at the intersection with Route 104, when she turned right into the path of another vehicle before she crashed into a nearby structure.  The other driver was not transported to the hospital. Holllohan was taken to Geisinger with possible injuries and will be cited  with a traffic violation.

DIESEL FUEL STOLEN

Milton State Police say 300 hundred gallons of diesel fuel was stolen from a company in Winfield last week.  According to the Daily Item, the fuel worth about 12 hundred dollars was taken from a Trumbell Corporation construction site along Park Road in Union Township.  Police say the theft may have occurred between 3pm Friday, September 15th through 8am Tuesday, September 19th.  If you have information contact state police – (570) 524-2662

MAYOR’S COMMENTS ABOUT CITY HALL BUILDING DECISIONS

Mayor Derek Slaughter has recently released a statement amidst the ongoing debate about the condemned City Hall building on West Fourth Street in the city of Williamsport.  This, in an attempt to fully inform the general public of important facts about the background and present realities city council faces about the property, which includes a federal lawsuit against the city, citing lack of compliance with ADA requirements.  Slaughter’s statement says his administration is now working with auditors to unravel the city’s prior financial intricacies so they can know exactly where the city stands financially, and that the council now has two options, either move on from City Hall by finding a new location for city employees, or raise city taxes for many years to fund the millions of dollars in required repairs of the historic building in downtown Williamsport.  City Council plans to announce decisions about the recent bid process of the building by the end of this month.

SPORTS

NFL Thursday Night Football tonight
New York Giants @ San Francisco 8:15pm Prime Video
NFL Sunday
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Las Vegas Raiders Sunday  8:20 NBC
Monday Night Football (9/25)
Philadelphia Eagles @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7:15pm ABC

PIAA HS
Girls Soccer
Montoursville 5             Williamsport 0
Muncy 18                       CMVT 0
Wyalusing 3                   Wellsboro 1
Bloomsburg 5                Mifflinburg 3
Warrior Run 14             Mount Carmel 0
Troy 5                            North Penn-Mansfield 0
Central Columbia 6       Shikellamy 0
Shamokin 4                   Danville 3
Milton 6                         Southern Columbia 2

Boys Soccer
Loyalsock 1                             Hughesville 0
MLB

Royals 6               Guardians 2
Phillies 6              Braves 5
Twins 5                Reds  3
Nationals 13         White Sox 3
Rangers 15                     Red Sox  5
Astros 2               Orioles 1
Mariners 6                      A’s  3
D’backs 7              Giants 1
Padres 3               Rockies 2
Angels 8               Rays 3 
Mets 8                  Marlins 3
Blue Jays 6                     Yankees 1
Pirates 13             Cubs 7
Brewers 8              Cardinals 2
Tigers 4                Dodgers 2


WNBA Finals Round 1 Game 3
Connecticut Suns 90  Minnesota Lynx  75 – CONN wins the 3-game series
WNBA Semifinals Sunday 9/24
Connecticut Suns vs New York Liberty 1pm  ESPN
Dallas Wings vs Las Vegas Aces 5pm ESPN2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

TRUCK OVERTURNS NEAR CSVT RIVER BRIDGE RAMP

An accident shut down Route 15 yesterday afternoon for several hours after a tractor trailer hauling canned peaches overturned on the ramp way.  According to Penn Dot, the  closure of the Route 15 SB on ramp from Route 147 SB and CSVT River Bridge in Northumberland County caused drivers to use Routes 405 and 11 as a detour.  According to the Hummels Wharf Fire Rescue Facebook page, the driver of the truck got out of the overturned vehicle without assistance, and it took first responders about an hour and half to clear the accident so the tow company could take the truck.

INTERNET ACCESS COMING TO NEWBERRY PARK

Williamsport City Council has authorized a resolution allowing the city to purchase internet access so that surveillance cameras can be installed at Newberry Park.  According to the Sun Gazette, a contract with River Valley Internet was approved after the company offered to install and provide Wi-Fi service for the system that will ultimately assist the city’s public safety personnel including city police and Bureau of Codes officers.  Mayor Derek Slaughter has made public safety a top priority during his administration, with the new camera system similar to what has been installed in Shaw Place Park.

MORE INTERSTATE SLOWDOWNS THIS WEEK

Interstate 180 westbound will be slow again today due to epoxy being applied to the structure over the Loyalsock Creek in Montoursville Borough and Loyalsock Township in Lycoming County.  According to PernnDOT, watch for the left lane to be restricted near mile marker 23, just past Loyalsock Avenue / Route 87.  This is part of a two-year roadway resurfacing project of Interstate 180 between Warrensville Road in Loyalsock Township to west of the Lycoming Mall Road interchange in Muncy Township.   Traffic can back up significantly about a mile from the construction area during peak travel hours.  Use 511pa dot com to check road conditions anywhere in the commonwealth 24/7. 

AUTOMATIC VOTING STARTS IN PENNSYLVANIA

It was announced yesterday that registering to vote will be able to take place at the DMV for those getting or renewing a driver’s license there.  According to the Shapiro Administration, DMV workers will no longer offer the chance to register to vote verbally, but it will be offered as prompts on the computer screen used to confirm information for DMV customers.  Pennsylvania is now the 24th state to implement automatic voter registration. National Voter Registration Day was Monday.

FED EX DRIVER ARRESTED FOR CAUSING ACCIDENT, DUI

Police say a Fed Ex Driver who allegedly said he had a death wish was highly intoxicated and caused an accident Monday afternoon on Interstate 180, just west of the Loyalsock Township line.  According to the Sun Gazette, 50 year old Brad Loomis was the driver of the truck who witnesses said intentionally ran Penny Pardoe off the roadway, causing the accident that ended up in the grassy median.  No injuries were reported.  Police took the Fed Ex driver into custody and he was charged with DUI, felony aggravated assault and recklessly endangering.  Loomis was committed to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 95 thousand dollars bail.

HIGH SPEED CHASE LEADS TO AN ARREST

There was a high speed chase that ended in an accident in Snyder County September 6th.  According to State police at Selinsgrove, they attempted to pull over a blue Suzuki motorcycle on Route 147 at the Northumberland and Union County line after the driver, later identified as 19 year old Westley Eugene Palmer Jr passed them at a high rate of speed.  After the trooper’s sirens and lights were engaged, Palmer took the exit ramp in Monroe Township and went on the berm around a pulled over pickup truck until he then hit the back of another truck at the end of the exit ramp.  Palmer was found driving with a suspended license, no current registration for the motorcycle, and has an active bench warrant for his arrest in Lycoming County. He was charged misdemeanor fleeing or attempting to elude an officer and various traffic summaries.

CARD SKIMMER FOUND AT LUZERNE COUNTY WALMART

A Luzerne County Walmart was found to have a card skimmer, an electronic device that steals card numbers unbeknownst to users at a self-checkout register.  According to the Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department says anyone who used the store’s self checkout register number 39 anywhere between September 6 and September 18 should contact their card company and investigate whether they are the victim of the fraud.  No other devices were found at the store.  Pictures of the suspects police are attempting to identify are also available to see on the Wilkes-Barre police Facebook page, Call  Wilkes-Barre Township Police with information at 570-208-4635 x268.

FETTERMAN LEADS NEED FOR NO DRESS CODE ON SENATE FLOOR

The dress code has been changed in the Senate after former Pa Lt. Governor, John Fetterman now a PA State Senator, continued to wear his signature casual clothing while voting in Washington near the Senate floor.  According to ABC 27 Harrisburg, the chamber’s Sergeant-at-Arms who are known to be the Senate’s clothes policy police, will no longer enforce a dress code on the Senate floor.  Recently the change allows Senators to choose what they wear, but staffers must still adhere to the dress code.  Majority leader Chuck Schumer made a statement without mentioning Fetterman, but said he will continue to choose to wear a suit to work.

SPORTS

NFL Thursday Night Football tomorrow
New York Giants @ San Francisco 8:15pm Prime Video

PIAA HS Boys Soccer
Wellsboro 5           Troy 1
Williamson 2,       N P -Liberty 1 (2OT)
S. Wmsport 2       Millville 1
Benton 6              Muncy 1
Hughesville 6       Bloomsburg 1
Mifflinburg 1        Warrior Run 0
Lewisburg 9          Shamokin 0
Cntrl Columbia 2  Montoursville 0
Athens 8               Towanda 0
Milton 3               Central Mountain 0
Shikellamy 4        Williamsport 0

Girl’s Volleyball
North Penn-Liberty 3     Canton 0
Loyalsock 3                   Midd-West 0
Williamson 3                 Athens 0
Williamsport 3               Wellsboro 0
Wyalusing 3                   Sayre 0
Cowanesque Valley 3    Troy 2
Northeast Bradford 3    Towanda 0

MLB

Royals 7               Guardians 6
Rays 6                   Angels 2
Twins 7                Reds 0
Marlins 4              Mets 3
Nationals 4          White Sox 3
Blue Jays 7           Yankees 1
Braves 9               Phillies 3
Cubs 14                Pirates 1
Brewers 7            Cardinals 3
Rangers 6            Red Sox  4
Orioles 9               Astros 5
Mariners 7             A’s 2
Diamondbacks 8  Giants 4
Padres 2               Rockies  0
Dodgers 3             Tigers 2

MLB News
Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani had elbow surgery yesterday, and his doctors expect he will be able to hit on Opening Day next season and pitch in 2025.  Ohtani tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow Aug. 23, but he continued as a batter through Sept. 3 until an oblique strain.

WNBA Finals First Round
NY Liberty 90              Washington Mystics 85 NY wins the series
Dallas Wings 101        Atlanta Dream 74 Dallas wins the series

Connecticut Sun @ Minnesota Lynx play tonight Final First round Game 3 – 8pm ESPN

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

FATAL MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

The Lycoming County Coroner said the identity of the motorcyclist who died yesterday in Bastress Township will be released today.  According to the Sun Gazette, an off-duty sheriff’s deputy who allegedly witnessed the accident near Jacks Hollow Road Monday afternoon just after 4:30, performed CPR when he discovered the victim in cardiac arrest.  Crews from DuBoistown arrived and also attempted life saving measures, but according to Charles Kiessling, Jr. the man passed away shortly after arriving at UPMC Williamsport.  PA State Police are investigating the crash and more information is expected from authorities today.

FED EX DRIVER CHARGED AFTER ACCIDENT

Police say a Fed Ex Driver was highly intoxicated while involved in an accident Monday afternoon on Interstate 180, just west of the Williamsport/Loyalsock Township line.  According to the Sun Gazette, witnesses told Williamsport police the truck driver attempted to run a woman driving a Subaru Legacy off the roadway, causing the accident that ended up in the grassy median, but no injuries were reported.  Police took the Fed Ex driver into custody and he was charged with felony aggravated assault and recklessly endangering.

LOCK HAVEN  CITY HALL TESTED FOR LEGIONELLA BACTERIA

Lock Haven City Hall is free of legionella bacteria after the first tests have come back and they forecast it will be safe for employees to return to work.  According to the Lock Haven Express, City Manager Greg Wilson said City Hall closed on Aug. 30 due to positive tests of the bacteria in its HVAC system.  After the discovery the building was cleaned and disinfected.  The final set of tests is due next week when the city will make an announcement that the building can be fully occupied again.  Lock Haven City Police are continuing to operate out of a temporary facility at Commonwealth University of Lock Haven and remaining offices at City Hall are operating out of the city’s Public Works facility at 99 Second Ave.

MINKS ESCAPE FROM SUNBURY FARM

A vandal allegedly cut a hole in the fence Sunday at a Northumblerland County mink farm and between 6,000 and 8,000 of the animals  escaped.  According to Penn Live the fence was damaged at Richard H. Stahl Sons Inc. fur farm in Rockefeller Township and the animals got out after their pens were allegedly opened.  A person familiar with animal rights groups who typically cause this kind of damage to fur farms to liberate the animals told the paper that the vandalism is consistent with what the FBI calls extremist group behavior.  Mink are aggressive animals and family pets in the area should be kept in for now.  Any captured mink can be brought to the  Sunbury Animal Hospital  on Route 890.

MONTOURSVILLE MAN ARRESTED FOR STEALING DRIVEWAY STONE

A man from Montoursville, who told officials he was a tax payer entitled to take driveway stones from the township without paying, was charged with theft by unlawful taking.  According to North Central PA dot com, 59 year old Douglas Lyle Watts was spotted taking the stones July 23rd by a township supervisor, he refused to return them when asked, first saying he was given permission 20 years ago by a former Upper Fairfield Township Supervisor to take the stones, then saying he deserved them.  Watts was also charged with driving an unregistered vehicle he used to haul the stones.  His preliminary hearing is October 2nd. 

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES INTO 9/11 MEMORIAL RIDE ACCIDENT

The South Williamsport Police Department continues the investigation into the injury of a fire police officer during the 9/11 Memorial Coalition Ride the evening of September 11th, as the community rallies around William Howlett during his recovery in intensive care at UPMC Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, Howlett is a retired custodian of the South Williamsport School District, and was struck at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Maynard Street allegedly by a participant in the ride who was blinded by the sun.  Police said first responders worked to get Howlet free from the three wheeled motorcycle for about ten minutes before he was transported to the hospital.  There is no official release of information into the accident at this time.

NINE ESCAPED JUVENILE OFFENNDERS RECAPTURED

The nine teenagers who escaped from a juvenile detention facility outside of Phildelphia late Sunday, were all captured less than 12 hours after their escape.   According to Penn Live, the first four were taken into custody early Monday, the other five were involved in a car chase with police before they were recaptured, one of those fove tried to run from that scene but was caught a short time later in a nearby field.  State and local police were required to take control of the center near Morgantown, PA after two of the teens who attempted the escape got possession of keys after overpowering a staff member.  All the boys will face additional charges for the escape.

BID IN FOR SECOND PHASE OF CSVT

 Bids for work on nine bridges and noise walls over six miles of the Southern Section of the Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation Project opened last year. The section now in consideration is part two of the CSVT project which includes an interchange/connector to Routes 11/15 and Route 61 the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Shamokin Dam. According  PennDOT, an apparent low bid of $106.4 million was submitted by Walsh Construction Company II LLC of Chicago, Illinois. Work on the structures is expected to begin in early 2024 with completion anticipated by early 2026.

SPORTS

NFL Monday Night Football
Pittsburgh Steelers  26          Cleveland Browns 22
New Orleans Saints 20         Carolina Panthers 17

NFL News
*  The Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes have restructured his agreement, giving him $210.6 million between 2023 and 2026, the most money in NFL history over a four-season span. His compensation for those years is now guaranteed.
*  Mahomes became the NFL’s highest-paid player in the summer of 2020 when he signed a 10-year extension worth $450 million.
*  BUT – Several quarterbacks have passed Mahomes in average annual pay, including four this year — Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow.

PIAA HS Football
Jersey Shore 61            Shikellamy 12
This Saturday night (9/23) it will be a 7pm Kick-off for  
Jersey Shore @ Mifflinburg, and Shikellamy @ Selinsgrove

MLB
Royals 6              Guardians 4
Reds 7                 Twins 3
Mets 2                  Marlins 1
White Sox  6      Nationals 1
Phillies 7             Braves  1
Cardinals 1         Brewers 0
Red Sox 4           Rangers 2
Orioles 8             Astros 7
Mariners 5          A’s 0
Padres 11            Rockies 9
Dodgers 8           Tigers 3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 18, 2023

FATAL ACCIDENT IN LIVERPOOL TOWNSHIP

A Liverpool man was killed as he attempted to cross Route 11/15 on foot just before 4pm Saturday .  According to North Central PA dot com, 59 year old Robert C. Reish successfully crossed the southbound lanes of the highway near 100 Old Trail Road in Liverpool Township, but state Troopers said as he tried to cross the northbound lanes, he was struck by a pickup truck.  First responders and EMS responded and closed the northbound side of the highway for several hours.  Reish was pronounced dead at the scene by the Perry County Coroner.

POLICE RESPOND TO BREAK-IN IN DUBOISTOWN

After responding to an alleged burglary attempt in the 200 block of Edgewood Avenue in DuBoistown, South Williamsport police are seeking any surveillance footage residents may have in the area around 7:30pm Saturday.  According to the Sun Gazette, police are seeking video footage around the area of Edgewood or Cochran Avenues at the time surrounding the call.  Officers surrounded the home after being called for the break-in, which according to scanner reports, was called in by the homeowner watching live camera footage of their property, but the suspect fled.  Police closed roads around the area as they investigated the crime.  If you have information call South Williamsport Police, 570-327-8152.

FORMER TREASURER SENTENCED TO TEN YEARS PROBATION

A New-Columbia woman who pleaded guilty to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars during her time as White Deer Township Volunteer Fire Company treasurer avoided jail time but was sentenced Thursday to ten years’ probation with her initial sentence being served under house arrest. According to the Standard Journal, Leanna Fisher admitted to stealing 377 thousand dollars from the fire department and has agreed to never again hold position of financial responsibility over any individual or entity.  Fischer is also required to pay a balance of her 177 thousand dollars in restitution by Monday.

JERSEY SHORE WILL PLAY FOOTBALL TONIGHT IN MAX’S HONOR

The Jersey Shore community leads the region in mourning the loss of Max Engel the senior football player who passed away Friday.  There is an outpouring of love and support evident for the Jersey Shore football player who collapsed during the game against Selinsgrove September 8th.  The Jersey Shore Shikellamy football game set to go on tonight, after the School District released a statement on social media saying the team made the decision wanted to play tonight in Max’s honor.  Gates will open at Jersey Shore at 5:45pm for students and staff, general admission at 6pm and students grades K-8 are asked to be accompanied by an adult.  To inquire about remaining reserved tickets available, call the Athletic office beginning at 8am today.  The family also shared online, their appreciation for the support the community has shown them during this difficult time.   

MIFFLINBURG MAN CAUSES STAND OFF WITH POLICE

A Mifflinburg man, wanted on various charges, led Mifflinburg Police on a chase before pulling two guns on officers last Sunday.  According to the Standard Journal, 33-year-old Timothy Bungart Jr. was arrested following the incident September 10th on Chestnut Street, which involved more than7 law enforcement agencies.  Police say they were involved in a standoff with Bungart for about 20 minutes.  He is now in jail in lieu of $200,000 and facing multiple felony charges, including aggravated assault of a police officer and terroristic threats.

HORSHAM MAN CHARGED WITH TRANSPORTING TRACTORS

A man from Horsham was in federal court in Williamsport after he was charged with allegedly hauling stolen tractors across state lines.  According to North Central PA dot com, 64 year old Joseph John Waldron plead guilty to interstate transportation of stolen goods after police say he hauled a Kubota, backhoe and excavator, and a John Deere tractor between August and December 2021.  The equipment had a value of about 137 thousand dollars.  Waldron could be sentenced up to 10 years in prison.

PA VETERAN’S TREATMENT COURT TO EXPAND

The Pennsylvania Courts have announced the establishment of a Regional Veterans Treatment Court which will add coverage for more underserved central Pennsylvania counties. The Court is anticipated to begin proceedings in early 2024. Currently, Blair, Clinton, Centre and Mifflin counties host treatment courts within their judicial districts – and among them, only Clinton County has an existing veterans court program. The new Regional Veterans Court will include Huntingdon, Perry, Juniata and Clearfield counties and will expand the veterans treatment court network to cover 32 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. Pennsylvania currently has 25 county Veterans Court programs, the first of which opened in Lackawanna County in Nov. 2009.

ROAD SURFACING IN UNION COUNTY THIS WEEK

Road resurfacing will continue on Route 15 in White Deer Township, Union County. The project, which continues this week, extends from Interstate 80 to White Deer Township in both directions with single lane restrictions.. Paving is anticipated to be completed by October. You can check road conditions online before you leave at 511PA dot com –  Pennsylvania’s official travel information service.

SPORTS

NFL

Falcons 25            Packers 24
Bills 38                 Raiders 10
Ravens 27            Bengals 24
Seahawks 37         Lions 31
Titans 27              Chargers 24
Buccaneers 27      Bears 17
Chiefs 17              Jaguars 9
Colts 31                Texans 20 
49ers 30               Rams 23
Giants 31             Cardinals 28 
Cowboys 30         Jets 10 
Commanders 35  Broncos 33 
Dolphins 24         Patriots 17

NFL Tonight
Saints vs Panthers @Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte 7:15 ESPN
Browns vs Steelers @Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh 8:15pm ABC

PIAA HS Football tonight
Shikellamy vs Jersey Shor e  7:05pm

MLB

Guardians 9         Rangers 2
Orioles 5              Rays 4
Pirates 3               Yankees 2
Blue Jays 3            Red Sox 2
Marlins 16             Braves 2
Mets 8                  Reds 4
Astros 7                Royals 1
Twins 4                 White Sox 0
Nationals 2           Brewers 1
Cardinals 6           Phillies 5
Giants 11              Rockies 10
Tigers 5                Angels 3
Padres 10             A’s 1
Dodgers 6             Mariners 1
Diamondbacks  6   Cubs 2

NASCAR
Denny Hamlin collected the checkered flag at Bristol’s Saturday night Race followed by
Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Chris Buescher and Ty Gibbs rounding out the top 5.
*  Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick were both eliminated from title contention as both NASCAR champions failed to advance out of the first round.
*  Logano became the first reigning champion eliminated in the first round when he crashed early in the third stage and finished 34th.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 15, 2023

BAIL DENIED FOR BUSINESS OWNER ACCUSED OF MURDER

A Williamsport judge has denied bail for the business owner who shot his brother in law in the lobby of the business August 16th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 65 year old Kenneth Richard Michaels waived his preliminary arraignment yesterday.  Police were called to Cable Services Company on Marydale Drive in Williamsport last month after Michaels allegedly shot John Roskowski, in the abdomen and failed to call for help.  Police took Michaels into custody last week in Cape May New Jersey, his preliminary hearing is September 22nd in Lycoming County Court.

MOUNT CARMEL MAN FACES DRUG CHARGES

A Mount Carmel man who turned himself in this summer for his role in the drug death of his teenage brother last April, has waived his preliminary hearing in  Northumberland County Court of Common Pleas.  According to the News Item, 21 year old Christopher Payne is charged with two felony counts of drug delivery resulting in death, delivering a controlled substance and criminal conspiracy and other misdemeanors in the death of 15 year old Ricky Payne who was found dead at home in the morning of Aril 6th this year.

PENNDOT JOB FAIR

A PennDOT job fair is planned for the end of September for open positions with the department in Sullivan County.  Recruiters will be available for on the spot applications September 28th from 2 until 6pm at the Sullivan County Maintenance Office, on  Park Street in Laporte.  Applicants for the Transportation Equipment Operator A and Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic positions must bring their current CDL license. Other open positions include Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee, Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee, and Winter CDL Equipment Operators. Get detailed information employment.pa.gov.

SUPPORT SURROUNDS JERSEY SHORE PLAYER

There has been no official word of football player Max Engel’s medical condition released, as there is an outpouring of support shown regionally.  According to media outlets, schools throughout North Central PA have decided to wear orange in support of the Jersey Shore Bulldog who collapsed on the field at last Friday night’s game.  The Jersey Shore SHikellamy football game scheduled for tonight has been postponed after an agreement by both teams. A go fund me account to “Help the Family of Max Engel” has been started and has reached over 45 thousand dollars.

WALMART SHOPLIFTERS ARRESTED

Three men are in custody today after police apprehended them after they stole items from the Walmart in Montoursville.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say 32 year old Gabriel Munoz, 25 year old Byran Garcia, and Jose Perez took more than one thousand dollars-worth of clothing, shoes, and jewelry from the store and left the store, only to be stopped by police at Lowe’s a short time after.  Police say Perez ran from officers and was found by Hughesville police and taken into custody.  The two other men were arrested and charged for third-degree felony retail theft. Police retrieved the stolen items from a white Jeep with out-of-state plates that the trio was using.

TRUCK AND UNIFORMS STOLEN FROM HISTORIC SITE IN SCRANTON

A government truck and park ranger uniforms were stolen from an historic site in Scranton Pennsylvania yesterday and police are seeking information about the theft.  According to WNEP, Scranton police say a white Ford F-350 utility truck with government plates (G632007V), and the uniforms with National Park Service patches were taken with no known motive.  The theft was discovered at the Steamtown National Historic site Thursday after 7pm.  Call the Scranton Police Department ((570) 348-4130) if you have information.

SCHOOL BUILDING SALE APPROVED

The sale of Thaddeus Stevens Primary school, which has been closed for about a year, was approved by the Williamsport Area School Board this week.  According to the Sun Gazette, a sales agreement with Moonrise Acquisitions LLC is in place and will allow for the purchase of the Williamsport buildings and grounds.  There will be a petition filed stating the purchase price at 850 thousand dollars for the facility at 1150 Louisa Street.  The new owner did not state any plans publicly for the newly acquired building.

DENTON HILL SET TO REOPEN

After almost 10 years of being closed, plans are in place to restore skiing and expand four-seasons recreation at Denton Hill State Park in Ulysses by DCNR.  According to North Central pa dot com, DCNR will partner with a new local business, Denton Go, to build out recreational opportunities at the 700 acre-park on Route 6 in Potter County.  Three local people started Denton Go in order to run operations and the concessions at the park according to a press release.  The two entities are working out the terms of a 35-year lease, after which, the design plans for the park will get underway.

SPORTS

NFL
Philadelphia Eagles 34         Minnesota Vikings 28

NFL Sunday
Vegas Raiders @  Buffalo Bills @1pm CBS
Giants @ Arizona Cardinals 4:05pm FOX
NY Jets @ Dallas Cowboys 4:25pm CBS
Monday Night Football
Cleveland @ Pittsburgh ABC/ESPN+

NCAA Football This Saturday
Penn State heads to Illinois for a match-up at noon on FOX
Pitt is @ West Virginia 7:30pm ABC

HS Football  
BYB High School Football Game of the Week
Berwick @ Williamsport 6:30 pre-game/7pm kickoff
Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network or WILQ’s HD3

MLB
Pirates 2     Nationals 0
Tigers 8      Reds 2
Red Sox 5  Yankees 0 Game 1
Yankees 8  Red Sox 5 Game 2
Brewers 4    Marlins 2
Mets 11      Diamondbacks 1
Rangers 9  Blue Jays 2
Rays 4        Orioles 3
Twins 10     White Sox  2
Giants and Rockies postponed

NASCAR Saturday Night
Bass Pro Shops Night Race in Bristol 
Pre Race coverage starts at 6:30pm on the Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network or WILQ’s HD3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

RE-CAPTURED CONVICT SLEPT IN THE WOODS, ATE WATERMELON

More details are coming in about how Danelo Cavalcante eluded state troopers for nearly two weeks before he was captured near Pottstown, PA in Chester County, Wednesday morning.  According to PennLive, police said in a press conference yesterday, that after Cavalcante escaped August 31st, he lived on watermelon and stream water, and at one point early in the search, the fugitive, told authorities that one officer almost stepped on him hiding in the underbrush.  Ultimately, thermal imaging from above was used to locate the man.  Cavalcante was taken to the Avondale State Police barracks around 9:30 a.m. yesterday and was arraigned for the escape charge. His preliminary hearing is September 27th.

K-9 OFFICER YODA ASSISTS POLICE IN CAPTURING ESCAPEE

More details are coming in about how Danelo Cavalcante eluded state troopers for nearly two weeks before he was captured near Pottstown, PA in Chester County, Wednesday morning.  According to PennLive, police said in a press conference yesterday, that after Cavalcante escaped August 31st, he lived on watermelon and stream water, and at one point early in the search, the fugitive, told authorities that one officer almost stepped on him hiding in the underbrush.  Ultimately, thermal imaging from above was used to located the man while he was sleeping in the woods of South Coventry Township on Wednesday morning, lying on top of a rifle he had stolen. A police dog named Yoda was released to find Cavalcante, and he bit him and prevented him from using the rifle before police took him into custody and processed him at the Avondale State Police barracks and was arraigned for the escape charge. His preliminary hearing is September 27th.

FIFTEEN YEARS FOR PORNOGRAPHY SENTENCE

A man from Williamsport was recently handed a 15 year sentence after a second conviction for receiving child pornography within a five year period.  According to the Sun Gazette, along with the prison time, 42 year old Wayne Stanford Keen, III, will have 10 years supervision after his term, must pay restitution to three victims, have no contact with anyone under the age of 18 and submit to lie detector tests to curb pornography viewing.  Keen was sentenced in 2017 on one child pornography charge for which he received 6 months to a year of prison time. 

ROUTE 220 SOUTH HAS CONSTRUCTION THIS WEEK

PennDot will be patching main roads tomorrow on Route 220 SB in Williamsport, Lycoming County.  According to the Department, motorists should expect lane restrictions on Route 220 southbound between Route 15 southbound and Reach Road.  Motorists can expect alternating lane restrictions where work is being performed.  Traffic entering Route 220 southbound from the Route 15 southbound exit ramp will be maintained using a stop sign.

JERSEY SHORE FOOTBALL PAUSED THIS WEEK

The Jersey Shore football team has announced that they will postpone the Jersey Shore/Shikellamy High School Football game tomorrow out of respect for Max Engel and his family after he suffered a serious injury at last Friday night’s game. In a recent letter to the community, Superintendent Dr. Brian Ulmer, brought word from the Engels that Max’s condition has ‘rapidly declined’, but no other details have been shared. The school community continues to support the family.  A go fund me account called “Help the family of Max Engel” has reached over 42 thousand dollars at this time.   Dr. Ulmer says the Center for Community resources is available for anyone in the community needing support.

WILLIAMSPORT MAN ASSAULT GROCERY LOSS PREVENTION OFFICER

A Williamsport man was arrested Monday after hitting loss prevention officer at Wegman’s who was trying to stop him from stealing.  According to North Central PA dot com, 31 year old Darlo Vicente Blount was confronted at the store about 2:30pm and fled following the assault, and was caught a short time later at the Trade & Transit Center.  Polcie allegedly found marijunana in a bag Blount was carrying after he was detained.  He was charged with second-degree felony robbery, possession of marijuana, and retail theft, and will have a preliminary hearing September 28th.

RADAR CENTER EXPERIENCES TWO-ALARM ELECTRICAL FIRE

There was a two-alarm fire reported Tuesday morning at the Red Rock Radar Center in Colley Township, following an electrical problem in the elevator service room of the 5-story building. According to the Sun Gazette, firefighters from four counties were called to the scene on Mountain Springs Road just after 10am.  With first responders carrying hoses and other heavy equipment up two stairwells of the 70×75  dome structure, and the fire was extinguished in about 30 minutes .  Dushore Fire Chief John Yonkin estimated the damage done to the building at about 200 thousand dollars. The facility provides data for both the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre and New York City Center airports.  No injuries were reported and electric service was restored to the facility by the evening.

MAN FOUND DECEASED IN SUNBURY DIED OF NATURAL CAUSES

No suspicious activity was announced after individuals found a deceased male laying in the 200 block of South Third Street Tuesday and called police.  According to the Daily item, Sunbury Police said they originally thought the incident was nefarious, but determined the 70 year old man discovered just before 5pm, died of natural causes.  Police closed roads in the area Tuesday evening as they completed an investigation.  The identity of the man has not yet been released. 

KNOEBELS’ PHOENIX ROLLERCOASTER HONORED AGAIN

At the Golden Ticket Awards at Dollywood Theme Park in Pigeon Forge Tennessee on Saturday, Knoebels Amusement Resort’s Phoenix roller coaster and food were ranked at #1 in the world.  According to Amusement Today, the Phoenix was named the #1 wooden roller coaster in the world for the fifth time and the park’s food secured the #1 spot again marking them being recognized as the best 20 times in the last 23 years:  Knoebels was also a finalist in the Best Guest Experience and Best Dark Ride categories. The awards are calculated from an international poll.

SPORTS

MLB

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

Yankees and Red Sox postponed for rain

NFL Tonight
Minnesota Vikings vs Philadelphia Eagles 8:15pm Prime Video
NFL News
* Three key Philadelphia Eagles  — running back Kenneth Gainwell, cornerback James Bradberry and safety Reed Blankenship — have been ruled out of Thursday’s home opener against the Minnesota Vikings.  Bradberry remains in concussion protocol while Gainwell and Blankenship are dealing with rib injuries. Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox has a rib injury as well and is listed as questionable.

MLB News
*  The Braves clinched their sixth straight NL East title, beating the Philadelphia Phillies 4-1 last night after Spencer Strider’s major league-leading 17th win and Austin Riley’s two-run homer.
* Atlanta (96-50) clinched in 146 games, its second-quickest clinch in the divisional era. The division title was the Braves’ record 26th, two more than the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees,

NBA News
* The NBA board of governors unanimously voted yesterday to approve tougher resting policy rules and punishments for star players who sit out games.  NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the rule would ultimately give the league office authority for greater oversight over discipline for missed games and an ability to fine teams more than $1 million for each instance for it.

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Nov 24

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