BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 13, 2023

PSP DISCOVER SUSPECTS OF ID THEFT RING DURING TRAFFIC STOP

State troopers stopped two men from Florida on the Route 15 off-ramp of I-80 in White Deer Township on March 7th who were allegedly part of an identity theft ring and later took the two into custody.  According to North Central PA dot com, the driver, 28 year old Lontre Antonie Smith and passenger, 30 year old Robert Ellis Norris Jr. fled a traffic stop at speeds up to 120 mph, including going the wrong way on I-80 west after police discovered the passenger had a full extradition probation violation warrant out of Florida.  The pair attempted to turn again in the median, became disabled and fled on foot before police tased and arrested the two.  A search warrant turned up some drugs and over100 state ID cards, debit and credit cards and several checkbooks, evidence in an alleged ID theft case. Norris and Smith are in Union County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail with a preliminary hearing March 21.

ONE INJURED, ONE KILLED IN BRADFORD COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Bradford County woman died in a vehicle accident Thursday night and her passenger suffered critical injuries.  According to North Central PA dot com, State Police at Towanda report 50-year-old Letitia Lynn Frye-Irish died in the one-vehicle crash.  Thirty-two year old Desiree Lynn Bump who is 14 weeks pregnant was flown to Robert Packer hospital and was last reported in critical condition.  Emergecny crews responded to the accident that occurred at the 200 block of Beaman Road near Columbia Crossroads.

ZONING CHANGE REQUEST CHANGE DENIED FOR RECYCLING FACILITY

The Point Township zoning board has denied a request last week by Encina Fort Union LLC, the company planning to build a $1.1 billion plastics recycling facility there, for relief of a zoning ordinance limiting the height of buildings in an industrial district to 50 feet.  According to the Daily Item, the company proposed reducing the footprint of the facility with a taller building plan at 80 feet.  Representatives from the company say they will now have to go back to the drawing board in development of the building.  The facility is planned to be built at 3288 Point Township Drive, along Route 11, by 2025.

WOMAN OF EXCELLENCE AWARD TO TIOGA COUNTY RESIDENT

A Tioga County resident is one of eight women chosen in the United States who have been awarded a 2023 Woman of Excellence Award, an award given by the non-profit to women who  make a lasting impact in their communities.  According to First News Now, Tasha Pratt of Wellsboro, is the Wellness Director at the Tioga County YMCA  and was celebrated March 8th in Mansfield.  Mayor Kathy  Barrett declared the day as Tasha Pratt Day because of the achievement.

DUSHORE MAN ARRESTED FOR STALKING

A man from Dushore was jailed in the Bradford County Prison for stalking an employee of a local Dollar General store there.  According to North Central Pa dot com, State police at Laporte say 72 year old James Richard Rouse repeatedly sought out an employee, attempting to make advances, giving gifts and asking for dates in a series of incidents that had increased in severity since last fall.  Police say the store’s General Manager had banned Rouse from the property.  An employee at another local business reported Rouse leaving gifts there as recently as the end of February.  Rouse faces harassment and stalking charges in both cases and posted a total of 40 thousand dollars bail with a preliminary hearing March 15th.

IGNORING SEX REGISTRY REQUIREMENT LEADS TO MORE JAIL

A Snyder County man who had recently been paroled on his felony unlawful contact with a minor sentence, has been sentenced to six more years in state prison for failing to comply with Megan’s Law requirements.  According to media outlets, the Snyder County District Attorney says Nicholas Barnhart of Port Trevorton obtained social media accounts and cellular devices but didn’t register them with State police.  Police say Barnhart used the devices to access pornography.

WILLIAMSPORT MAN JAILED ON DRUG CHARGES

A Williamsport man is facing drug and resisting arrest charges after Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement officers found methamphetamine with a search warrant at his High Street Apartment February 2nd and took him into custody.  According to the Sun Gazette, court records say 50 year old Mark T Robinson allegedly sold the drug to an undercover officer in Loyalsock Township February 1st.  Robinson is incarcerated for the drug charges in lieu of 85 thousand dollars bail.

PENNDOT PERFORMING ROAD CLEAN UP THIS MONTH

PennDOT is gearing up to begin their effort to improve the environment and clean up local roadways.  According to a press release, maintenance crews in Lycoming County are scheduled to begin picking up litter along Interstate 180 and Routes 220 and 15, from today through Friday, March 31, weather permitting, during daylight hours. There will be no impacts to traffic during litter cleanup activities. But do use caution if you see PennDOT crews working along the roadway. Check conditions 24/7 at 511pa dot com.

SPORTS

PIAA District IV State Basketball Playoff
Boys Basketball
Class 1A
Northumberland Christian 73  Forest City 61
Linville Hill Christian 74          N P-Liberty 39
LaAcademia  69                       Sullivan County 26
Class 2A
Muncy 73                                 Mount Union 58
Lancaster Mennonite 62          St. John Neu. 61
Mahanoy Area 63                    Northwest  52
Line Mountain 56                    Northern Lehigh 50
Class 3A
North Penn-Mansfield 68         Delone Catholic 65
Loyalsock 59                                            Bishop Guilfoyle 57

Mid Valley 62                                          Troy 42
Class 4A
Valley View 53                        Shamokin 39
Littlestown 64                                          Lewisburg 23
Eastern York 56                      Danville 52
Class 6A
Lower Merion 65                      Williamsport 58

Girls Basketball
Class 1A
Meadowbrook Christ. 41         Hrsbrg Acad. 18
Lourdes Regional 38                                Nativity BVM 22
St. John Neumann 57                               Weatherly 24
Class 2A
So. Williamsport 64                  Lanc. Mennonite 22
Montrose 46                                            Northwest Area 28
Class 3A
Mount Carmel 46                     Holy Redeemer 36
Dunmore 64                                            Bloomsburg 33
Columbia 55                                            Loyalsock 33
Class 4A
Jersey Shore 52                        Wyoming Area 39
Scranton Prep 68                     Lewisburg 35
Trinity 46                 Central Columbia 45 (OT)

PIAA State Championship Wrestling tournament in Hershey this weekend…
Double A – Montgomery’s Conner Harer won his second straight state title… Muncy’s Austin Johnson won his first and was a perfect thirty nine and oh on the year. 
Silver medals
Warrior Run’s Reagan Millheim and Cameron Millheim … Meadowbrook Christian’s Cade Wirnsberger, Connor Heckman of Midd-West, plus Montgomery’s Brandt Harer. 
In Triple A…for the first time since 1990, Williamsport has a state champion as Cael Nasdeo posted a 4-and oh shutout.  Central Mountain’s Luke Simcox also won gold. 
Warrior Run’s Jeremy Betz won Coach of the year award and Central Mountain’s Dylan Caprio named the state’s Assistant Coach of the year. 


NBA

76ers 112                                Wizards 93
Nets 122                  Nuggets 120
Cavaliers 114            Hornets 108
Pelicans 127                            Trailblazers 110
Thunder 102                            Spurs 90
Knicks 112                              Lakers  108
NCAA Men’s Basketball
Purdue 67                                Penn State 65
Memphis 75                            Houston 65
Alabama 82                             Texas A&M 63
Tuesday night – South & Midwest Regions – 1st 4
NHL

Penguins 3                               Rangers 2
Red Wings 5                            Bruins 3
Devils 3                    Hurricanes 0
Golden Knights 5     Blues 3
Jets 3                                       Lightning 2
Flames 5                   Senators 1
Predators 5                              Ducks 4
Coyotes 5                                Wild 4

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 10, 2023

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY UNTIL SATURDAY MORNING

Winter weather is expected today with a winter weather advisory in place until 7am tomorrow morning for our area, with parts of Lycoming, Clinton, Potter, Tioga and Sullivan Counties possibly seeing up to 6 inches of snow.  Schools will be making decisions about early dismissals throughout the day today and we will continue to add to the list. Be sure to keep up to date with all the delays cancellations and closings at all the Backyard Broadcasting websites.

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN STUDENT CHARGED WITH ASSAULT

Charges were filed against a 17 year old Lock Haven woman who is accused of attacking a fellow student inside Central Mountain High School on Monday.  According to the Daily Item, State Police at Lamar say the juvenile attacked a younger student in the restroom and other students caught the incident on camera.  The Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse approved the charges of felony first degree aggravated assault, other assault charges and reckless endangerment that were filed in the Clinton County Juvenile Court Division. An upcoming hearing will determine if the woman should remain in a detention facility due to the severity of the crimes.  The criteria in the case are being considered for adult criminal court.

RAISE THE REGION RAISES RECORD FUNDS

After the 30 hour fundraiser “Raise the Region” wrapped up last night at midnight a new record was realized!  According to the raise the region website, the record total of funds raised was 2,320,586.  There were a total of 8068 unique donors for the fundraiser that has now raised almost 17 million dollars since its inception in 2013.  The event hosted by the First Community Foundation partnership of Pennsylvania saw 175 thousand dollars in stretch funds from Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships help boost funds for over 330 non profit organizations across a seven county area.  For details go to Raise the Region dot org.

GRANDSON OF LOCAL COUPLE GIVEN DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

The grandson of a Williamsport couple, recently received the Distinguished Flying Cross medal for his heroism as a C-17 Globemaster pilot in Afghanistan in August of 2021.  According to the Sun Gazette, Captain Howlett D. Cohick, grandson to Betty and Herb Cohick, is stationed in Charleston South Carolina and was among 50 other airmen and officers who received the same recognitions for extraordinary achievement while participating in flight.  Cohick is a 2017 graduate of the US Air Force Academy.  Other notable recipients of the Distinguished Flying cross include John Glenn, George H.W. Bush, Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh.

MAN JAILED FOR PUNCHING TROOPER

A Williamsport man was arrested after he allegedly punched a state trooper who was at his home Tuesday for a domestic disturbance.  According to the Sun Gazette, 33 year old Joshua Allen Smith of Lycoming Creek Road was involved in an altercation with his grandmother at their home about 4pm Tuesday afternoon and became aggressive with officers who were attempting to deescalate the situation.  When troopers attempted to keep the man from causing harm to himself, Smith punched one of the officers who took him to the ground.  Smith was charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest and other charges.  He is in Lycoming County Prison under 50 thousand dollars bail.

NORRY DA MISSES FILING DEADLINE FOR MAY ELECTION

The Northumberland County District Attorney missed the deadline for filing a petition to run in the May 16th 2023 primary election and his name will not appear on the ballot.  According to the News Item, the Department of State’s deadlines for handing in the petitions for the state offices was 5pm and county offices at 4:30pm, and Tony Matulewicz’s paperwork was filed in the election office at 5:01pm.  Chief Registrar Lindsay Phillips consulted with the Department of State over the deadlines who confirmed the deadline was when the county office closed; which was 4:30 on March 7th.  The other Republican candidate for DA, Mike O’Donnell is now set to run unopposed on the ballot.

NEW NOTIFICATION SYSTEM IN LEWISBURG

Residents in the borough of Lewisburg can now sign up to use the new CodeRED emergency notifications system through their phone, landline or email and stay up to date on borough notifications fot situations such as flooding, road closures or other information.  Sign up for CodeRED notifications on your mobile device by texting “Lewisburg PA” to 99411. A siren system is to be installed this spring that will be capable of projecting audio messages through speakers.  Residents can also sign up at the Lewisburg Borough website lewisburgborough.org.

BAND FESTIVAL AT MANSFIELD THIS WEEKEND

A 20-school intercollegiate band festival and will take place this weekend at the Mansfield campus of Commonwealth University.  According to North Central PA dot com, over 115 musicians who were each nominated to perform in the 75th anniversary of the event will come to the school and prepare for the weekend prior to the show Sunday.  The event is hosted by Dr. Adam F. Brennan, of Mansfield, and co-hosted by Mansfield alumnus Jeffrey Tylutki, of Keystone College.  Students will perform an original composition by Composer Matthew Jackfert at the concert that is on Mansfield ‘s  Steadman theater at 2pm Sunday March 12th.

SPORTS

PIAA Class 5A Boys Basketball rescheduled game for Saturday 5/12
Lampeter Strasburg @Central Mountain 5pm

NBA
Hornets 113         Pistons 103
Pacers 134            Rockets 125
Jazz 131               Magic 124
Grizzlies 131        Warriors 110
Bucks 118            Nets 113
Kings 122             Knicks 117



NHL
Hurricanes 1         Flyers 0
Islanders 4            Penguins 3
Stars 10                Sabers 4
Rangers 4             Canadiens 3
Golden Knights 4           Lightning 3
Devils 3                Capitals 2
Oilers 3                Bruins 2
Blues 4                 Sharks 2
Coyotes 4             Predators 1
Kings 5                 Avalanche 2
Senators 5            Kraken 4

NCAA Men’s Basketball  
UCLA 80             Colorado 69
Kansas 78            West Virginia 61
Texas 61              Oklahoma State 47
Iowa State 78       Baylor 72
UConn 73            Providence 66
TCU 80                Kansas State 67
Virginia 68           North Carolina 59
Xavier 89             Depaul 84
Duke 96               Pitt 69
Creighton 87        Villanova 74



NCAA News
Patrick Ewing will not return as men’s basketball coach of the Georgetown Hoyas next season.  Ewing, one of the greatest college basketball players of all time while at Georgetown, had been the head coach of his alma mater for six years and finishes with a 75-109 record.


NASCAR

United Rentals Work United 500 Sunday @ Phoenix Raceway 2:30 Pre Race coverage / 3:30 green flag start on the Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network and WILQ’s HD3


PIAA District 3 State Wrestling tournament is underway in Hershey, Pennsylvania at the Giant Center through Saturday, March 11.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 9, 2023

JERSEY SHORE MAN VICTIM IN FATAL CRASH

A Jersey Shore man was the victim of a fatal vehicle accident Tuesday night in Bastress Township.  According to the Lycoming County Coroner, 61 year old Ronald Ohlsson was the driver who died in the SUV that went off of Route 654, continued through a field, and hitting a fence  at Mountain Spring Lane. According to the Sun Gazette, police say Ohlsson may have suffered a medical episode before the accident.   DuBoistown ambulance crews responded, attempting to resuscitate the victim enroute to UPMC Williamsport, where Ohlsson was pronounced dead.  State Police and the Coroner are investigating the incident.

TWO SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS ACCUSE LOYALSOCK MAN

A Loyalsock Township man was arrested Tuesday for charges lodged against him for a series of sexual assaults that allegedly took place in 1994.  According to the Sun Gazette, 70 year old Robert Lee Garison was accused of inappropriate contact and aggravated indecent assault by two victims and was arraigned on four counts each, as well as other charges including unlawful contact with a minor.  Garison is free on 50 thousand dollars bail.

SOUTHSIDE ELEMENTARY RENOVATIONS COMING

The South Williamsport Area School Board is planning renovations this year at Central Elementary that might take students from eight classrooms and relocate them to other elementary school buildings in the district.  According to the Sun Gazette, four fourth grade classes along with two third grades and autism and learning support classrooms would be affected for the 2023-2024 school year.  Rommelt has been tapped as the location for the fourth grade classes so far, but no word on the plans for the other students involved in the relocation. In addition, the school board is planning to approve a contractor’s quote to tear down the house close to the school at the March 20th meeting because that project is expected to take place before the school renovations that are slated to begin in August.

RAISE THE REGION IS TODAY

According to the First Community Foundation Partnership, there are 334 non-profit organizations from seven counties to choose from and even a dollar makes a difference.  Stretch funds provided by Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships boost the totals for everyone – plus, your donations can trigger additional support through thousands of dollars in monetary prizes.  Raise the Region has raised over 14 million dollars for area non-profits since 2013.

WILLIAMSPORT WOMAN CHARGED IN INFANT DEATH

A Williamsport woman is in Lycoming County prison after police found she gave birth to a 23 week old infant and did not seek immediate care, allegedly causing death of the baby.  According to the Sun Gazette, a police investigation found that 21 year old Chemari May Truax unsuccessfully attempted to terminate her pregnancy last November but she learned from doctors in February it was unsuccessful.  Police say Truax tested positive for using cocaine at that time and when she arrived at the hospital with the baby this week was questioned about drug use.  The baby died just after 4pm Tueday. Truax was charged with felony third degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child Wednesday in Lycoming County District Court.

PENNSYLVANIA MAN KILLED IN FLORIDA PLANE CRASH

One of the people who died in a mid-air collision over Winter Haven Florida Tuesday is from Pennsylvania.  According to Penn Live, 67 year old Randall Elbert Crawford from Carlisle in Dauphin County was in one of the planes involved in the crash.  The other person in the plane with Crawford has not yet been identified.  A 24 year old pilot/instructor from Sunrise Aviation and a 19 year old student were the other two people identified in the crash.   The NTSB and FAA are investigating.

PA DEMOCRAT TO RESIGN AMID HARASSMENT ACCUSATIONS

A House democrat in Harrisburg has announced his resignation after being accused of sexual harassment by two Republicans.  According to Spotlight PA, in a letter to Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, State Reresentative Mike Zabel said he will resign March 16.  Accusations come from union lobbyist Andi Perez who publicly accused Zabel the same day state Rep. Abby Major of Armstrong County made a similar statement.  Zabel’s former campaign manager, Colleen Kennedy has also made statements about his harassment. Dozens of rank-and-file Democrats had previously called on Zabel to resign.

PUBLIC HEARING ABOUT PA OPIOID CRISIS TODAY

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board of Directors, including Senator Gene Yaw, will livestream a public hearing this morning at 9am on new developments in the opioid and substance use disorder crisis in Pennsylvania. They will highlight new developments in the supply of narcotics, data resources that are available to track opioids/overdoses, funding for prevention and treatment services, and treatment workforce and staffing issues.  A host of presenters will be on hand from agencies like the Pennsylvania State Police, Penn State Abington, Commonwealth Prevention Alliance, Fayette County Drug & Alcohol Commission and others.  A link to the meeting is available at

https://www.pasen.gov/Video/8e.cfm?room=b

SPORTS

PIAA State Basketball Championships 1st Round  Friday 3/10
Boys Class 1A
North Penn Liberty vs Linville Hill Christian @ Manheim Township HS 7pm
LaAcademia @ Sullivan County 7pm
Boys Class 4A
Eastern York @Danville 7pm
Shamokin Area @ Valley View 7pm
Littlestown @ Lewisburg 7:30pm
Girls Class 2A
Lancaster Mennonite @ South Williamsport 7pm
Northern Lehigh @ Line Mountain 7pm
Girls Class 3A
Bloomsburg @ Dunmore 7pm
Holy Redeemer @ Mount Carmel 7pm

NBA
Hawks 122                    Wizards 120
Celtics 115           Trailblazers 93
Cavaliers 104       Heat 100
Pelicans 113         Mavericks 106
Bulls 117              Nuggets 96
Suns 132              Thunder 101
Clippers 108        Raptors 100

NHL
Red Wings 4         Blackhawks 3
Wild 4                  Jets 2
Canucks 3            Ducks 2

NCAA Men’s Basketball
Pitt 89                  Georgia Tech 81
La Salle 81           Duquesne 70
Villanova 80        Georgetown 48
Wake Forest 77    Syracuse 74
Depaul 66            Seton Hall 65
Ohio State 65       Wisconsin 57
West Virginia 78 Texas Tech 62
North Carolina 85         Boston College 61

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 8, 2023

RAPE CASE AGAINST MUNCY MAN HELD FOR TRIAL

Accusers took the stand in the preliminary hearing of the rape trial of Timothy Darren Stroud Sr. yesterday in Lycoming County Court, presenting testimony that resulted in over a thousand counts against him held for trial.  According to court records the 54 year old Muncy man heard victims describing to the court the encounters with the man, which has him facing 1,019 sexual crimes.  Stroud was arrested February 22nd after investigators were alerted to his behavior last December and opened an investigation into the sexual assault case.

PENNDOT REOPENS SOME ROADS AFTER HEAVY SNOW

PennDOT has reopened several roadways that had downed trees and utilities after  heavy snow hit the region early Tuesday morning.  Jack Hollo Road between Bennardi Development Road and Mosquito Valley Road is cleared of trees in Armstrong Township, and Route 554 between Route 15 in South Williamsport and Elimsport Road has reopened today.  In Northumberland County, Musser Lane is reopened between Dugan Road and the Lycoming County Line in Delaware Township. Penn DOT announced this morning that Beauty’s Run Road, Pine Run Road, Spook Hollow Road in Piatt Township, Little Pine Creek Road in Pine Township are now reopened.  However, Route 864 between Railroad street and Laurel Run Road in Picture Rocks Borough is still closed for downed utilities.

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO DELIVERS PA BUDGET

Governor Josh Shapiro delivered his first budget yesterday to a joint session of the House and Senate in Harrisburg, boosting spending for public schools but proposing no increases in income or sales tax.  According to the Sun Gazette, Shapiro’s administration wants to increase spending by 6 percent and also invest in building the economy by pulling in about 2 billion dollars from reserves.  The budget will require approval from the Legislature.  Shapiro also asked lawmakers to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour next year from the federal minimum of $7.25.

LOCAL SOCCER LEAGUE HOLDING TRYOUTS

Men and women who want to play in the United Premiere Soccer league with the Williamsport Lions for their second season are invited to tryout this Saturday.  According to the Lions website, women’s tryouts are at 9am at Liberty Arena in downtown Williamsport and men’s team tryouts will start after at 10:30 til noon.  The Williamsport Lions men’s team won the 2022 UPSL D1 South Championship and finished their first season undefeated. A $25 dollar fee is required with registration online; citylionssc.com.

SECOND SUSPECT ARRESTED IN 2020 WILLIAMSPORT MURDER

Another man from Williamsport has been arrested for his connection in the murder of 18 year old Semaj Mozee that occurred in October of 2020 in Williamsport as a result of alleged gang activity.  According to the Sun Gazette, 22 year old Rocellus Carter was taken into custody Monday at his Randall Circle home for being seen running from the murder scene with the alleged gunman who shot Mozee who later died at the hospital.  Seneca Martin Mitchell Jr. was taken into custody last Wednesday and automatically jailed on his charges.  Carter was also charged with second degree murder, conspiracy and related offenses.  He was also automatically jailed at Lycoming County Prison.

LYCOMING COUNTY WOMAN IN FEDERAL COURT FOR DRUG CASE

A Muncy woman is one of 57 defendants charged in a federal narcotics case that could put each of them behind bars for at least ten years.  According to the Sun Gazette, after multiple investigations by agents from the FBI and Homeland Security into gang violence in Pennsylvania, Ashley Weston was included allegedly selling to undercover agents and participating in drug trafficking activity recorded through court ordered wire-taps.  The investigation broadened to reveal a scheme that stretched across the US and into Mexico that involved over 2 million fentanyl pills and more than 400 pounds of methamphetamine.  Weston is the only defendant listed in the suit from Lycoming County.

FUNERAL SERVICE FOR MIDDLEBURG BOY FRIDAY

Funeral services are scheduled for one of the two teen brothers from Middleburg who died in a car accident on Route 104 in Perry Township Monday morning.  According to media outlets, 17 year old  Josiah M. Wenger and his 14 year old brother Gabriel Wenger were killed in the accident after losing control on the hill near Kelsey Lane.  According to the Daily Item, Josiah will be laid to rest this Friday morning  after visitation services tomorrow from 2-4pm and from 6-8pm  at Morningstar Church of God in Christ, in Mifflinburg.  No word on funeral arrangements for Gabriel.

PEAK TIMES FOR SNOW GEESE HAPPENED EARLY

The Pennsylvania Game Commission reports that expected peak numbers of snow geese have occurred a month early according to the officials who estimate their numbers at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area.  According to Penn Live, the peak happened around the end of January with 79 thousand snow geese and almost 2 thousand tundra swans.  The peak number of Canadian Geese stopping at the Lebanon and Lancaster County facilities peaked in February 17th at about 2 thousand 250 birds.

SPORTS

PIAA State Basketball Championships 1st Round Friday 3/10
Boys Class 1A
North Penn Liberty vs Linville Hill Christian @ Manheim Township HS 7pm
LaAcademia @ Sullivan County 7pm

Boys Class 4A
Eastern York @Danville 7pm
Shamokin Area @ Valley View 7pm
Littlestown @ Lewisburg 7:30pm
Girls Class 2A
Lancaster Mennonite @ South Williamsport 7pm
Northern Lehigh @ Line Mountain 7pm
Girls Class 3A
Bloomsburg @ Dunmore 7pm
Holy Redeemer @ Mount Carmel 7pm




NBA

76ers 117             Timberwolves 94
Bucks 134           Magic 123
Wizards 119         Pistons 117
Hornets 112         Knicks 105
Nets 118               Rockets 96
Thunder 137        Warriors 128
Mavericks 120     Jazz 116  
Lakers 112           Grizzlies 103

NHL
Penguins 5           Blue Jackets 4
Lightning 5           Flyers 2
Panthers 2            Golden Knights 1
Hurricanes 4         Canadiens 3
Maple Leafs 4      Devils 3
Islanders 3           Sabers 2
Flames 1               Wild 0
Coyote 6              Blues 2
Avalanche 6         Sharks 0
Kraken 5              Ducks 2



NCAA Men’s Basketball
Gonzaga 77                  St Mary’s 51
Gonzaga secures the West Coast Conference.

NCAA Men’s Today

The 2nd Round in the New York Life ACC tournament
 Pitt vs Georgia Tech in Greensboro, NC at 2:30pm on ESPN

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 7, 2023

HEAVY SNOW BRINGS DOWN TREES, POWER LINES

The wet heavy snow has brought wires, trees and tree limbs down overnight.  There are numerous scanner reports of issues around the region, and PennDOT has reduced speeds on I-80 this morning to 45 miles per hour.  In Lycoming County there are downed trees along Route 554 between Route 15 known as Market Street  and Montgomery Pike in South Williamsport and Elimsport Road in Washington Township, and Little Pine Creek Road between Route 44 in Cummings Township and English Run Road in Pine Township.  In Northumberland County, watch for utilities impacted by branches and trees down along Musser Lane between Dugan Road and the Lycoming County line in Delaware Township.

MAN IN CRASH AFTER POLICE PURSUIT IDENTIFIED

The man involved in a police pursuit in Loyalsock Township that ended in a crash and the discovery of the driver dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound has been identified.  According to PennLive, 36 year old Timothy James Bird of Sunbury was stopped initially on I-180 east around 12:54 am on Sunday, then eluded police starting a chase toward the Northumberland County line. Bird went off the roadway and overturned in the roll-over crash.   Once they investigated the scene, state police found weapons in the car and according to the Lycoming County Coroner, the cause of death was the gunshot.

FUEL AVAILABILITY BILL HEADING TO PA SENATE

Legislation ensuring that state residents have options when it comes to fuel availability was approved this week by the Senate Local Government Committee.  According to prime sponsor Sen. Gene Yaw the “Energy Choice” legislation, limits municipal entities from banning a specific type of fuel source for appliances and heating homes or businesses.  The language is fuel-neutral. Yaw said some states are looking to ban certain fuel sources, but Pennsylvania residents have a lots of energy options. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration. 

PLANETARIUM SHOWS COMING BACK TO LYCOMING COLLEGE

Lycoming college is bringing back the First Friday Planetarium shows that have been paused since the pandemic.  According to WNEP, the state-of-the-art Lynn Science Center is offering a free show this Friday starting at 5pm which at the moment is sold out and has a wait list of over 250.  According to the planetarium manager, Melissa Kiehl, there will be two shows on each Friday after the opening weekend and the shows will feature monthly show themes.  March will feature strange objects in the sky and the stories behind them.

SNYDERTOWN MURDER TRIAL DELAYED

A man accused of killing three people in Snydertown will have his trial delayed after new information has come to light according to the man’s legal team.  According to the Daily Item, Northumberland County President Judge Paige Rosini granted a motion of continuance for 25 year old Matthew Reed, accused of killing Susan Williams, and James Dicken and John Paul Dicken in 2021. Rosini said since they are hearing a death penalty case, time will be granted for more preparation.  Jury selection was originally scheduled for May 8th, but now a status conference will be held in April to see where the defense stands.  Reed is facing three counts of homicide, two felony counts of robbery and more and is being held without bail in the Northumberland County jail.

ELDERLY MAN WAS VICTIM IN HOUSE FIRE

A 78 year old man died in a house fire in Dewart Sunday.  According to the Sun Gazette, Warrior Run Area Fire Chief Douglas Funk said the fire destroyed the home on Spencer Street and 76 year old Dennis Hassenplug, perished in the fire.  According to the Daily item, state police fire marshals said Hassenplug died as a result of a fire-related elevation of carbon monoxide.  Firefighters from Milton, White Deer Township, Turbot Township, Lewisburg, Montgomery and Muncy worked for 30 minutes to bring the fire under control.  The blaze is reported to be accidental.

RAISE THE REGION STARTS TOMORROW

The 30 hour online giving event called Raise the Region begins tomorrow with a 6pm launch with First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania at the Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships.  According to a press release, 334 nonprofit organizations from Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder Tioga and Union Counties are all eligible to benefit from the fundraising efforts.  This is the 11th year FCFP has held Raise the Region and since 2013, has raised over 14.4 million dollars for area nonprofits.  Find out more at raise the region dot org.

SPORTS

PIAA State Basketball Championships 1st Round Friday 3/10
Boys Class 1A
North Penn Liberty vs Linville Hill Christian @ Manheim Twp HS 7pm
LaAcademia @ Sullivan County 7pm
Boys Class 4A
Eastern York @Danville 7pm
Shamokin Area @ Valley View 7pm
Littlestown @ Lewisburg 7:30pm
Girls Class 2A
Lancaster Mennonite @ South Williamsport 7pm
Northern Lehigh @ Line Mountain 7pm
Girls Class 3A
Bloomsburg @ Dunmore 7pm
Holy Redeemer @ Mount Carmel 7pm


NBA

76ers 147            Pacers 143
Cavaliers 118     Celtics 114
Trailblazers 110 Pistons 104
Heat 130             Hawks 128
Nuggets 118       Raptors 113
Kings  123          Pelicans 108

NHL
Oilers 3               Sabers 2
Sharks 3              Jets 2
Flames 5              Stars 4
Blackhawks 5     Senators 0
Kings 4                Capitals 2
Canucks 4           Predators 3

NCAA Men’s Basketball
West Coast Conference Tournament Semifinal
Gonzaga 84         San Francisco 73
St Mary’s 76       BYU 69  

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 6, 2023

FATAL CRASH IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

Police have not yet released the name of the person involved in the fatal crash that happened early Sunday in Loyalsock Township.  According to the Pennsylvania State police at Montoursville, troopers had initiated a traffic stop at about 12:54am along I-180 in Williamsport and the driver then fled the away from police and was involved in an accident.  The driver was pronounced dead at the scene according to the Lycoming County Coroner.  An investigation is ongoing.

MAN FLOWN TO ALLENTOWN WITH BURN INJURIES

A Lycoming Township man is being treated for injuries he suffered after his mobile home caught fire Saturday at 1970 Beech Street.  According to the Sun Gazette, Lycoming Regional Police say 38year old Dustin Hargenrader escaped his burning home by breaking a front door window and crawling out of the home that was filled with black smoke according to witnesses who called 911 about 2:45 pm.  Volunteer fire companies from Hepburn Township, Old Lycoming Township, Trout Run and DuBoistown responded to the fire that took about 30  minutes to get under control.  Hagenrader was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown.

INDIANA FUGITIVE CAPTURED IN JERSEY SHORE

A 46 year old man wanted in Indiana was taken into custody during an unrelated traffic stop in Jersey Shore on Saturday.  According to Lycoming Regional Police, they initiated a stop for a traffic violation along the 800 block of Allegheny Street and while interviewing the driver, could not get a positive identity of his passenger who said he had no ID. Police then requested a search of the vehicle, which turned up a bag of suspected methamphetamine and an Indiana driver’s license for Stephen Dale McMullen, of Plainfield, Indiana, the passenger, who was discovered to be a fugitive from justice.  He was charged with giving false identification to police and drug offenses, and was committed to Lycoming County Prison on 100 thousand dollars bail.

BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY LOOKING FOR NEW BASKETBALL COACH

Bucknell director of athletics and recreation Jermaine Truax announced last week that Nathan Davis will be leaving the program to pursue other opportunities following eight seasons as head coach of the men’s basketball program. Davis compiled a 129-115 record during his eight seasons as head coach and guided the Bison to NCAA tournament appearances in 2017 and 2018. He also served a five-year stint as an assistant coach at Bucknell from 2003-08. Bucknell will immediately launch a national search to identify the next head coach of the men’s basketball program.

MAN THREATENS LIQUOR STORE EMPLOYEE, STABS BYSTANDER

A Middleburg man faces criminal attempted murder of the first degree and other felonies after he threated a state store employee and attacked a bystander Saturday morning.  According to Mifflinburg Police report that around 10:30 am, Barry Eugene Kline entered the Mifflinburg Fine Wine and Good Spirits Store in the Chestnut Street Plaza and took a bottle of rum, while displaying a knife to the store attendant.  Police say Kline and stabbed a victim in the back before fleeing and was later taken into custody without incident. The unnamed victim was transported and remains in stable condition at the Geisinger Medical Center. Kline is incarcerated at the Union County Jail with his bail set at $250,000.

EXPLOSIVE ITEM FOUND AT STATE COLLEGE AIRPORT

A suspicious item was found in the University Park Airport last Saturday evening causing an evacuation on the same day thousands of college students were leaving State College for Spring Break. According to the  Center Daily Times, the item, found in a piece of checked luggage on Friday evening around 6:30 pm shut down operations and grounded flights. Hours later, Penn State Police issued a statement just ahead of 11 pm and advised the hazardous device team was able to “render safe” the bag and its contents. Normal flight operations resumed Sunday  at 4 am.

NEW LYCOMING COUNTY DEPUTY CORONER

Lycoming County Commissioners have approved the addition of Kathryn Kiessling as the Lycoming County Chief Deputy Coroner. As reported by the SUN Gazette, the position of Chief Deputy Coroner was open due to the unexpected passing of Jerrold Ross in January. Kiessling leaves her position as administrative assistant in the coroner’s office and will assume her new role on March 5.  The Lycoming County Commissioners will meet again on March 9th at 10 am.

RUFFED GROUSE STUDY

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is seeking the public’s help in conducting a genetics study for the Pennsylvania state bird – the Ruffed Grouse – in cooperation with Pennsylvania State University. The Game Commission is encouraging Pennsylvanians to report the location of any “tame” grouse they see this spring by sending an email to the Game Commission with the date of the sighting, location of the encounter and a description of the grouse’s behavior – they should also include their name and phone number. For more details see the Pa Game Commission website.

SPORTS

P I-AA District 4 Basketball – Saturday
Boys – Class 3A Championship
Troy 50 North Penn Mansfield
Girls – Class 3A Championship
Mount Carmel 37  Loyalsock 32

NCAA Men’s Basketball
Senior Day at the Jordan Center yesterday, Penn State came back from 15 points down with only 12 minutes to go … Cam Wynter hit the game winning shot with under a second to go, for a dramatic 65-64 win over number 21 Maryland.  The Nittany Lions head to Chicago next for the Big Ten tournament on Thursday. 

Penn State 65     Maryland 64
Houston 67         Memphis 65
Purdue 76           Illinois 71
Indiana 75                    Michigan 73 OT

NFL
Mill Hall native Robbie Gould says he won’t return to kick for the San Francisco 49ers and plans to test free agency.  Gould is 10th all-time in points scored during his 18 year career, including 6 with the 49ers. 

NBA
Suns 130              Mavericks 126
Pacers 125           Bulls 122  
Lakers 113           Warriors 105
Nets 102               Hornets 86
Trailblazers 122   Magic 119
Rockets 142         Spurs 110
Thunder 129        Jazz 119
Knicks 131                     Celtics 129 2OT
Bucks 117           Wizards 111
Clippers 135        Grizzlies 129


NHL
Flyers 3                          Red Wings 1
Hurricanes 6                  Lightning 0
Golden Knights 4                     Canadians 3
Devils 5                         Coyotes 4
Kraken 3                        Avalanche 2


NASCAR
William Byron captured the checkered flag in overtime yesterday in Las Vegas at the Pennzoil 400, edging out Kyle Larson who was 2nd followed by Alex Bowman in a 1-2-3 for Hendrick Motorsports. Bubba Wallace was 4th and Christopher Bell 5th.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 3, 2023

MORE CHARGES FOR ALLEGED BLOW MOLD THIEF

As the scope of the thefts into blow mold Christmas decoration thefts in  our area becomes more clear through police investigation, one of two who were charged in November for receiving stolen property has been handed more charges for the thefts.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say Christopher Fraunfelter of South Williamsport is connected to thefts at six properties in South Williamsport and Duboistown and waived his preliminary hearing earlier this week.  Farunfelter is free on 15 thousand dollars bail.

ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

A suspect has been taken into custody for the armed robbery that occurred in Hughesville last November 18th at the Citgo gas station on North Main Street.  According to State Police, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Connor J. Winter after a thorough investigation, and he was arrested yesterday.  Winter was arrainged in Lycoming County court and has been committed to Lycoming County Prison on 99 thousand dollars bail.

CAMERAS FOR THE STORM DRAIN SYSTEM IN LOYALSOCK

In relation to being in compliance with a municipal separate sewer storm system mandate from the DEP, Loyalsock Township Supervisors approved a purchase for a camera system to view the storm sewers from the inside. According to the Sun Gazette, Loyalsock Town manager Bill Burdette says the robotic camera purchase thanks to the MS4 mandate, will ultimately help reduce pollution in storm water runoff through the system of conveyances like the storm drains, pipes and ditches that collect it.  The cost of the camera system is 107 thousand dollars.

TEACHER’S UNION ASKS FOR BETTER SALARIES

The Pennsylvania State Education Association is asking lawmakers in PA to boost starting salaries for classroom professionals and support personnel in order to combat labor shortages and improve the candidate pool for the jobs for which they are trying to hire. According to the Daily Item, the PSEA seeks a statutory minimum salary of $60,000 for certified teachers and $20 hourly for support staff like bus drivers and cafeteria workers. The minimum salary for teachers allowed by state law is $18,500 and is unchanged since 1989, but on average in the Commonwealth  salaries for teachers are at about 46 thousand dollars. 

DUI FOR BEAVERTOWN MAN WHO CRASHED INTO HOUSE

A Beavertown man who crashed his car into a home in January and just missed the resident who was sitting inside in his living room by inches, is facing charges in Snyder County Court.  According to North Central PA dot com, 20 year old Kobe Douglas Strawser said slippery conditions caused him to crash into the home in West Beaver Township.  Police say Strawser was impaired when he lost control of his Buick Regal while going an estimated 100 miles per hour, striking the carport of Robert Smith’s home and a car parked at at 22276 Route 522.  Streawser was charged with DUI, reckless endangerment and other offenses.  His preliminary hearing is March 28th

PA MAN ARRESTED FOR HAVING EXPLOSIVE DEVICE AT AIRPORT

A man from Pennsylvania is in custody after police stopped him trying to get on a flight at the Lehigh Valley Airport headed for Orlando Florida with a explosive device hidden in his suitcase Monday.  According to NPR, an alarm was triggered when Marc Muffley tried to check the bag with a device inside that an FBI safety bomb technician said contained parts that were consistent with an explosive item.  TSA agents attempted to detain Muffley at the airport, but were unsuccessful.  They later arrested him at his Lansford, PA home and was arraigned in court yesterday.

STARBUCKS REBUILD COMING NEXT YEAR

2024 should see a brand new Starbucks rebuilt in the River Valley Plaza after discussions about the plans for it happened this week with the Williamsport City Council Economic Revitalization Committee.  According to the Sun Gazette, the developer of the River Valley Plaza, Rick Mahonski has already secured some funding for the plaza through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program and is working with Starbucks to coordinate their rebuild project of the new store that is expected to be a regional draw. The consulting Firm Penn Strategies says the Williamsport Starbucks is considered the second busiest in the state after the one in State College.

SPRING BREAK TRAFFIC TODAY IN BELLEFONTE

Penn DOT is reminding motorists of the extra traffic and messy weather that could complicate Friday afternoon in Bellefonte, as Penn State dismisses the students from campus for Spring Break.  According to North Central PA dot com, 99 Northbound sees heavy congestion as drivers head to I-80.  Changeable message signs will be activated in the area and drivers may see PA state and PennDOT on hand.  Motorists are encouraged to use 511PA dot com before you leave to check road conditions in Pennsylvania.

SPORTS

P IAA District 4 Basketball Playoffs
Girls Basketball
Class A Championship
Meadowbrook Christian 57    St John Neumann 47 OT
Class AA Championship
South Williamsport 49 Line Mountain 19
Class AA Consolation
Northwest Area 41                  Northeast Bradford 38 OT
Boys Basketball
Class A Consolation
North Penn Liberty 39   Galeton 21

GIRLS
Class AAAA Finals Tonight 6pm

Central Columbia vs Jersey Shore @ Milton HS
Class AAA Final Saturday 3pm
Mount Carmel vs Loyalsock  @ Milton HS,
Class AAAA Consolation  Saturday 1:30pm
Shamokin vs Lewisburg Milton HS

BOYS
Class 3A Consolation Tonight at 6pm

Loyalsock vs Warrior Run @ Montoursville HS
Class 3A Final Saturday 7pm
Mansfield vs Troy @ Mansfield University

NBA
Mavericks  133 76ers 126
Wizards 119       Raptors 108
Spurs 110           Pacers 99
Warriors 115      Clippers 91

NCAA Men’s Basketball
Houston 83         Wichita State 66
UCLA 79            Arizona State 61
Purdue 63           Wisconsin 61
Arizona 87          USC 81
NHL Penguins 5          Lightning 4
Bruins 7              Sabers 1
Kraken 5             Red Wings 4 (OT)
Predators 2          Panthers 1
Senators 5           Rangers 3
Stars 5                 Blackhawks 2
Maple Leafs 2     Flames 1
Wild 2                 Canucks 1
Kings 3                Canadiens 2
Blues 6                Sharks 3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 2, 2023

WILLIAMSPORT MAN ARRESTED FOR 2020 HOMICIDE IN CITY

A Williamsport man was taken into custody yesterday for the homicide of a one-time friend in October of 2020.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say following an investigation, 21 year old Seneca Martin Mitchell Jr. was the primary suspect in the shooting of 18 year old Semaj Mozee at a Campbell Street apartment in what police say was motivated by rival gang activity.  Mitchell was arraigned on criminal homicide, aggravated assault and other charges.  He was incarcerated in Lycoming County Prison on no bail.

FIBER OPTIC NETWORK COMING SOON TO WILLIAMSPORT

Within two months, the Greater Williamsport area will see the beginning stages of a fiber-optic network being constructed as part of a multi-year expansion to extend high speed internet to rural areas.  According to the Sun Gazette Mayor Derek Slaughter expressed enthusiasm about the choices of high –speed internet that FastBridge Fiber will bring to businesses and residents in Williamsport.  According to Eric Warren, the CEO of FiberBridge, unlike cable networks, the proposed fiber-optic network expected in Williamsport is considered “future proof”.

PENNDOT SEEKS INPUT FOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS

PennDOT is anticipating a busy 2023 with several new transportation projects as well as the continuance of projects from 2022.  According to a press release,  the department anticipates investing more than $275 million this year in PennDOT Engineering projects.  Work will include the southern section of the CSVT project, which is roughly 6-miles of new four-lane, limited-access highway connecting Route 11/15 north of Selinsgrove to Route 15 and the CSVT Northern Section south of Winfield.  Other projects in Lycoming County include resurfacing a 13 mile area of I-180 in Muncy Township, Route 220 bridge improvement in Williamsport and bridge replacement over Bennett’s Run.

BIG FENTANYL BUST IN PENNSYLVANIA

A drug bust in Pittsburgh last week by the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Narcotics Enforcement Team seized an estimated 48 thousand doses of fentanyl and took a massive amount of the dangerous drug off the streets.  According to North Central PA dot com, the street value of 962 bricks of the drug was estimated at over 288 thousand dollars.  Police say the traffickers who were using the bus system in the Commonwealth to move the contraband, were caught through a joint collaboration between police in Pittsburgh, New York City and Philadelphia.  Two men were taken into custody.

SAFETY ZONE AVAILABLE IN DUBOISTOWN

For over a year now, Duboistown has provided a Safe Exchange Zone for the public to use while exchanging kids between custodial parents, for internet shopping transactions with strangers or for any reason they might need a safe place to meet-up.  According to  North Central PA dot com,  the public can utilize the parking spot behind the  Duboistown Borough office at any time since the borough council last year voted unanimously to provide the safety area that has 24 hour police surveillance.  Duboistown is the only municipality in our area to provide a safety zone, but they encourage every community to consider one.

TRANSPORTATION SURVEY FOR THE PUBLIC

Penn DOT and the State Transportation Commission  is asking for your feedback to help update Pennsylvania’s 12 year program.  The public comment period for the update is going on now and  continues through Sunday, April 30. Those residents who want to participate can go to penndot.pa.gov to will help identify needs and prioritize transportation projects across the state.  PennDOT will also host an online public forum on Wednesday, April 12, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM so Pennsylvanians can ask transportation-related questions to PennDOT leadership and members of the STC during the public forum. The Transportation Performance Report (TPR) is a is updated every two years.

WILLIAMSPORT SALVATION ARMY NEEDS FOOD DONATIONS

The Salvation Army in Williamsport is struggling to meet the food supply needs of the almost 200 families who rely on them for relief each month.  According to WNEP,   The Salvation Army gets food from the local food bank and donations, but with high demand across the region the shelves empty faster than they can fill them.  The Williamsport offices are accepting food donations of cereal, soups, pasta, including hamburger helper as well as dairy and meat donations.  The public can go to the Salvation Army on Market Street in Williamsport or drop off donations at the YMCA in Williamsport.

SPORTS

P I-AA District 4 Boys Basketball Playoffs
Class A Finals
Sullivan County 52      Northumberland Christian 41
Class AA Finals
Muncy 65                      St. John Neumann 54
Class AA Consolation  
Northwest 64                 South Williamsport 40
Girls Basketball
Class A Consolation
Lourdes Regional 48      N.P. Liberty 35
Class 3A semifinals
Mount Carmel 60                    Southern Columbia 56
Loyalsock 40                 Bloomsburg 36

GIRLS
Class A Finals Tonight 6pm

St. John Neumann vs Meadowbrook Christian @ Milton HS
Class AA Finals Tonight 7:30pm
South Williamsport vs Line Mountain @ Milton HS
Class AA Consolation Tonight 7pm
Northeast Bradford vs Northwest @ SullivanCo.
BOYS
Class A Consolation Tonight 7pm

Galeton vs N.P. Liberty  @ Wellsboro HS
Class 3A Final Saturday 7pm
Mansfield vs Troy @ Mansfield University
Class AAA Consolation Friday at 6pm
Loyalsock vs Warrior Run @ Montoursville HS

NBA
76ers 119             Heat 96
Suns 105              Hornets 91
Bulls 117              Pistons 115
Celtics 117           Cavaliers 113
Knicks 142           Nets 118
Grizzlies 113        Rockets 99
Bucks 139           Magic 117
Lakers 123           Thunder 117
Pelicans 121         Blazers 110
NHL
Rangers 3                    Flyers 2
Oilers 5                        Maple Leafs 2
Stars 4                         Coyotes 2
Devils 7                       Avalanche 5
Capitals 3                    Ducks 2
Golden Knights 3 Hurricanes 2
NCAA Men’s Basketball last night
Alabama 90                    Auburn 85
TCU 75                Texas 73
Gonzaga 104        Chicago State 65
Kansas State 85   Oklahoma 69  
UConn 88            Depaul 59
Xavier 94             Providence 89
Ohio State 73       Maryland 62
Vanderbilt 68       Kentucky 66
Notre Dame 88  Pittsburgh 81

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 1, 2023

PHILLY WOMAN FACES MURDER CHARGES IN WILLIAMSPORT

A Philadelphia woman was extradited to Williamsport this week to face charges in the April 2020 killing of a Williamsport man in the Bridge Street Commons.  According to the Sun Gazette, 21 year old Shakya El allegedly exchanged text messages with 27 year old Amir Nobles to lure him to the parking lot on Bridge Street where he was then shot by two gunmen.  Nobles was pronounced dead at the scene.  Williamsport police filed the arrest warrant for El Tuesday at the same time State police in Lancaster County happened to be processing her for an unrelated crime.  She has been committed to Lycoming County Prison on no bail.

HOSPITAL POWER OUTAGE REPORT

Officials at UPMC Williamsport have uncovered the source of the power outages last Thursday night that caused the hospital to go into emergency procedures when the back-up generators also malfunctioned.  According to the Sun Gazette, a hospital spokesperson said there is a long-term contingency plan to avoid this situation in the future.  Williamsport Bureau of Fire officials reported that first, wires in an underground vault shorted out cutting power to the hospital and the generator worked normally for 12 minutes when part of the generator control system failed which caused the total power failure. Second, an electrical relay that allowed electricity to feed the building also malfunctioned .  Generator power was restored to the hospital after 8:30pm and  the full system was restored last Friday morning.

LYCOMING MALL FINALLY CLOSED

The Lycoming Mall finally closed its doors last weekend putting signs up notifying mall walkers that there was no longer access available inside the building.  According to North Central PA dot com, the mall opened in in 1978 and featured over 80 stores including Hess’s, Woolworth, the Bon-Ton, KB Toys and others.  Most recently, the last tenants included Burlington Coat Factory and Books-A-Million who received notice a month ago about the changes and that they would not be evicted.  FAMVEST LLC is planning to purchase and repurpose the mall into a mixture of residential and commercial services. 

COMPUTER CODING BOOK CLUB FOR KIDS AT THE LIBRARY

A new program for elementary school students who want to learn to write computer code starts today at the James V. Brown Library on East 4th Street in Williamsport . According to the library’s website, “Girls Who Code” is a book club for all genders in 3rd through 5th grade to learn about the foundational skills and understanding of computer science concepts.  There is a daytime program for homeschooled students at 1pm and an after school program at 4pm. Register now at jvbrown.edu.

WILLIAMSPORT COUPLE CHARGED WITH CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

A couple in Williamsport have been charged for neglecting a 14 month old pitbull who had to have emergency surgery to save its life.  According to North Central PA dot com, the owners of “Mocha” had hesitated to treat the dog, they said for a badly infected wound due to financial reasons, but when the dog was checked at the Loyalsock Animal Hospital, the doctors there determined the dog was underweight and malnourished.  Animal control officers said an investigation started in January after a concerned person reported the animal often alone in an apartment  on Bridge Street in Williamsport.  The owners of the dog, Jessica Lowmiller and Joshua Franklin Parker, were charged with two counts of felony aggravated cruelty to animals, neglect of animals and other charges.  They both posted $15,000 unsecured bail. Mocha has been adopted.

CLINTON COUNTY COMPANY PURCHASES CANADIAN PULP MILL

First Quality Enterprises has announced they are expecting to close a deal for a pulp mill in Ontario, Canada which will secure work for Clinton County’s largest employer which provides tissue and paper towel products.  According to the Sun Gazette, the purchase price was not disclosed for the mill that was previously owned by Domtar Corporation, a subsidiary of Paper Excellence Group.  In a statement by First Quality about the acquisition, closing should take place in the third quarter of 2023. 

MANSFIELD FUNERAL HOME HAS NEW OWNER

A Pennsylvania funeral director has purchased the former Gary W Wilston Funeral Home and Cremation Service at 130 South Main Street in Mansfield and has rebranded the facility to reflect the new ownership.  According to a news release, the Wilston-Currie Funeral Home and Cremation Service is now owned by Tyler Currie of Gillet, who earned an undergraduate degree from Mansfield University and his funeral service degree from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.  Currie has served in the funeral industry for 15 years and as a funeral director for over seven years in Mansfield, Troy, Wellsboro and Coudersport.

LITTLE LEAGUE CHALLENGER GAME TEAMS SET FOR SUMMER

Two eastern teams have been chosen to compete in the Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game during the 2023 Little League Baseball World Series this August.  Teams from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Syracuse, New York  will compete and  this is the first time a team from Lancaster County will be represented in Williamsport.  Little LeagueInternational supports the participating leagues with a $15,000 grant to help offset the costs of participation in the Exhibition Game.  The 2023 Little League Baseball World Series will start August 16th and run til August 27th.  Details at littleleague.org.

SPORTS

PIAA Boys Basketball Semifinals
Class 3A
Troy 67                          Warrior Run 42
N. Penn-Mansfield 66    Loyalsock 62

Class 4A
Lewisburg 54                 Shamokin 52 (OT)
Danville 52                              Athens 48

Girls Basketball Semifinals

Class 4A
Jersey Shore 50 Lewisburg 37
Central Columbia 52 Shamokin 14

PIAA District 4
Boys Basketball tonight

Class A Final
Sullivan County vs Northumberland Christian @ Montoursville HS 6pm
Class AA Final
Muncy vs St John Neumann @Montoursville HS 7:30pm
Class AA Consolation
Northwest vs Williamsport @ Montgomery 7:30 PM
Girls Basketball tonight
Class A Consolation
Lourdes Regional vs North Penn Liberty @ Montgomery 6 PM
Class AAA Semifinal
Southern Columbia vs Mount Carmel @ Shamokin 7:30pm

NBA
Wizards 119                Hawks 116
Bucks 118                   Nets 104
Raptors 104                 Bulls 98
Grizzlies 121               Lakers 109
Nuggets 133                Rockets 112
Kings 123                    Thunder 117
Pacers 124                   Mavericks 122
Spurs 102                    Jazz 94
Warriors 123               Trailblazers 105
Timberwolves 108       Clippers 101
NCAA Men’s Basketball
Kansas 67                    Texas Tech 63
Marquette 72               Butler 56
Tennessee 75               Arkansas 57
Virginia 64                  Clemson 57
Texas A&M 69           Ole Miss 61


NHL
Penguins 3            Predators 1
Senators 6            Redwings 1
Panthers 4            Lightning 1
Blue Jackets 5      Sabers 3
Wild 2                  Islanders 1
Kraken 5              Blues 3
Kings 6                 Jets 5
Coyotes 4             Blackhawks 1
Bruins 4               Flames 3
Canadiens 3         Sharks 1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS FEBRUARY 28, 2023

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY STILL IN PLACE

Another day of wintry weather with the Winter Weather Advisory in place til 11 am this morning with several schools on two and three hour delays this morning. The weather forecaster’s call tomorrow the first day of meteorological Spring – March 1st – and temperatures are on the rise according to Accuweather.  Even so, as we deal with the precipitation, PennDOT Crews will be treating roads in the region until roads are clear. 

ONE RESCUED FROM HOUSE FIRE MONDAY

One person was rescued from a fire Monday morning in Shamokin.  According to media outlets, Northumberland County communications said volunteers were called to a fire that broke out around 4am yesterday at a home on East Commerce Street where flames were coming through the roof at the time of first responders’ arrival. The victim in the fire was successfully pulled from the home and treated for minor injuries at the scene and will be helped by the American Red Cross.  The Sunbury ladder truck assisted along with crews from Shamokin, Coal Township, Kulpmont, Elysburg and Overlook.

TROUT RUN MAN ARRESTED FOR THEFT

A Trout Run man has been charged with felony burglary, theft and receiving stolen property after he allegedly stole over 22 thousand dollars-worth of cash and other items from his brother’s home in Cogan House Township and attempted to use the money for a down payment on a used truck at a dealership in Mansfield last August.  According to the Sun Gazette, PA State Police say Cody Short was recently arraigned for the cash theft as well for the alleged theft of power tools and four guns as well as a 2007 Jeep Wrangler which was later found abandoned.  Short was released on 50 thousand dollars bail.

LEGISLATION TO KEEP DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

As we face spring forward soon, a Pennsylvania State Senator representing Berks and Lancaster County has re-introduced legislation to make Daylight Saving Time Permanent.  According to WHTM, Senator Scott Martin says the State Senate Government Committee previously passed a resolution and that the US Senate previously approved the Sunshine Protection Act or 2021, but it did not pass in the house.  At this time, 29 state have legislation on the books to end the annual Fall Back, Spring forward routine.  We spring ahead one hour in Pennsylvania March 12th .

JERSEY SHORE FAMILY IN TROUBLE AFTER DISPUTE

A Jersey Shore woman is now facing charges after she got involved in an altercation that one of two of her brothers had between himself and a neighbor in January.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say 46 year old Amanda Cooper drove onto the property at the 100 block of Whyne Road as her brother, 44 year old Adam Worden, III, was joined by another brother, 41 year old Kris Worden, who were both involved in an argument that escalated to an alleged assault on the State Troopers who initially arrived on the scene.  Cooper allegedly ignored trooper’s orders to stop her vehicle during the incident, putting police in danger of being hit by her vehicle.  Both Worden brothers were arrested Janaury 7th and face further court action.  Cooper was now also arraigned on assault charges, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.

ARIZONA MAN ARRESTED IN WILLIAMSPORT FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENESS

A 30 year old man from Tucson Arizona was arrested for public drunkenness in Williamsport February 11th .  According to the Sun Gazette, police say Dylan Helm was heavily intoxicated and threw a skateboard at a parked vehicle at the 300 block of Laurel Street.  When authorities arrived around 11:30pm they said Helm refused to be handcuffed and required assistance to stand up. Helm is now is free on 5 thousand dollars bail after waiving his preliminary hearing. 

RENOVATIONS FOR CITY HOUSING

Eight units managed by the Lycoming Housing Authority in Williamsport will be upgraded after bids for the materials for countertops and cabinets were approved this month.  According to the Sun Gazette, Your Building Center had the successful bid of just over 39 thousand dollars.  The renovations are necessary after the housing units were not ADA compliant.  Units at the William Hepburn High Rise, the Peter Herdic High Rise and Robert Montgomery Homes will see the kitchen and bathroom renovations that will accommodate wheelchairs. The lowest bid for the building project without the materials was 647,571 dollars.

UNION COUNTY SEEKING LIVING WWII VETERANS

The volunteers who worked to gather names for the Union County World War II Honor Roll in the Mifflinburg Community Park are working now to locate any living veterans among the 2,260 who are listed on the permanent monument.  According to the Standard-Journal, Volunteer Doug Walter and his father-in-law, Al Hess along with World War II veteran Drew Machamer created the idea for the now 20 year old memorial that rests between the Little League fields and community swimming pool at the park. To provide the name of a World War II veteran from Union County who is still living, contact Walter at 570-713-8919 or e-mail at [email protected].

SPORTS

P I-AA District 4 Basketball Playoffs Tonight
Boys Class 3A
Warrior Run vs Troy @ Montoursville HS 6:30pm
Loyalsock vs Mansfield @Montoursville HS 8pm
Class 4A
Lewisburg vs Shamokin @Danville HS 6:30pm
Athens vs Danville @Montoursville HS at 5 PM

Girls Class 4A
Lewisburg vs Jersey shore @ Danville HS 5pm
Shamokin vs Central Columbia @ Danville HS 8pm


NBA
Heat 101             76ers 99
Hornets 117        Pistons 106  
Knicks 109         Celtics 94
Mgic 101            Pelicans 93

NHL
Senator 6             Redwings 2
Canucks 5           Stars 4
Bruins 3              Oilers 2
Avalanche 3        Golden Knights 0
Ducks 4               Blackhawks 2

NCAA Men’s Basketball
Baylor 74            Oklahoma State 68

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