BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 11, 2023

ROAD RAGE INCIDENT

A Danville man is facing charges for flashing a 9mm handgun at driver from New York State in a vehicle along Route 15 in Union County last month.  According to North Central PA dot com, the victim told state troopers that he accidentally merged near a F-150 truck driven by 45 year old David Andrew Hess about 3:30pm on March 30th causing Hess to brake check the man and pull the handgun until the victim pulled over.  Police say Hess pulled into a gas station in New Columbia and turned around pulling back out onto Route 15 north.  During an investigation Hess admitted to showing the gun to the victim who was with his wife and two young children.  Hess was charged with felony aggravated assault, terroristic threats, disorderly conduct, and more with bail set at 75 thousand dollars and a preliminary hearing May 23rd.

WATER MAIN BREAK IN WILLIAMSPORT

There was work last night on a water main break on Alvin Avenue in Williamsport just south of Ritchey Street that may or may not affect the water pressure or access to water in the area today.  According to the Sun Gazette, a section of the street was dug to do an evaluation of the extent of damage in the 6 inch cast iron pipe, how long a repair would take and if there would be loss of water use at all.  The decision was based on whether the problem was a circular break or a crack since a crack would take many more hours to repair.  Watch for a section of the street around the road work to be closed if work continues today.

HAZMAT TRAINING AT UPMC WILLIAMSPORT

Training for HAZMAT and mass casualty response will be taking place this morning at UPMC Williamsport at 700 High Street.  According to North Central Pa dot com, hospital officials want to reinforce that the emergency preparedness planning, which involves setting up tents and other equipment, is only training and the community should not be alarmed.  Watch for UPMC and Susquehanna Regional EMS to be in the 699 Parking lot near the Emergency area from 7am through 5pm today.

EAGLE WATCH AT LITTLE PINE STATE PARK SATURDAY

The public is invited to watch bald eagles this Saturday at the Eagle Watch at Little Pine State Park.  According to the Lock Haven Express binoculars and a spotting scope will be provided to observe some of the eagles that make their home in Little Pine Creek Valley.  All children must be accompanied by an adult to participate.  Those interested should meet Saturday at the Eagle Watch at 4205 Little Pine Creek Road in Waterville at 9:30am.

WOMAN CHARGED FOR TWO SPITTING INCIDENTS

A woman from Milton was arrested on March 13th for spitting on a state trooper during a domestic incident in Kelly Township, and during her booking at the prison facility, she allegedly spit on a corrections officer and received more charges.   According to North Central PA dot com, 37 year old Kimberly Mae Dieffenderfer had previously been charged with disorderly conduct, harassment, DUI and more, but now faces felony aggravated assault by a prisoner, and a judge has set bail at five thousand dollars.  She remains incarcerated at Northumberland County Prison.

THREE SELINSGROVE COUNCIL MEMBERS RESIGN

Three Selinsgrove council members have submitted individual letters stating their intent to  resign after they feel they have had to endure an uncomfortable and unprofessional environment on the council. Separate letters from Council President Marvin Rudnitsky, and council members Sara Lauver and Christopher Kalcich were submitted to borough Solicitor Robert Cravitz just before last Monday’s public meeting.  According to the Daily Item, Vice President Richard Mease and council members Bobbie Owens, Scott Frost and Sara Maul remain and some have only speculated as to why the three left all at once.

SENATOR BOB CASEY TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION

Democratic US Senator, Bob Casey announced his bid for reelection Monday, a successful run would mean his fourth term in office.  According to a press release, Casey points to the successful landmark legislation that has come about in the Democratic controlled Congress, like spending on infrastructure, reinvigorating the domestic semiconductor industry, subsidizing hydrogen fuel plants and lowering drug costs for Medicare recipients. Casey aligns with labor unions and President Biden.  He turns 63 this week.

CUTTERS TO CELEBRATE THE POTATO CAPER

Williamsport Crosscutters celebrated the Great Potato Caper last year by inviting the man responsible, Dave Bresnahan, back for the 35th anniversary of the trick that got him kicked out of the league, but secured his place in baseball history.  Now the Cutters will spend some of this season wearing the  new and specially designed jerseys and hats assuming the identity of the Potato Capers for all six of the Friday night home games, in honor of Bresnahan’s throw of a peeled potato during the game instead of a baseball.  Watch crosscutters.com for a full promotional schedule to be released at the end of the month.

SPORTS

HS Baseball
South Williamsport 9    Montoursville 4
HS Boys Tennis
Loyalsock 5          Bloomsburg 0
Danville 3             Montoursville 2
Jersey Shore 4      Milton 1
College Baseball
Lycoming College 8 Kings 5
MLB
Guardians 3                   Yankees 2
White Sox 4          Twins 3
Orioles 5              Athletics 1
Astros 8               Pirates 2
Rays 1                  Red Sox 0
Phillies 15             Marlins 3
Mets 5                  Padres 0
Braves 5               Reds 4
Cubs 3                  Mariners 2
Rangers 11           Royals 2
Rockies 7              Cardinals 4
Nationals 6           Angels 4  
Diamondbacks 3   Brewers 0
Dodgers 9             Giants 1



NHL
Stars 6                  Red Wings 1
Maple Leafs 2      Panthers 1
Sabers 3                Rangers 2
Senators 3           Hurricanes 2
Capitals 5             Islanders 2
Jets 6                   Sharks 2
Wild 4                  Blackhawks 2
Predators 3          Flames 2
Kraken 4              Coyotes 1
Kings 3                 Canucks 0

NBA Tonight
NBA Play-In East and West
Hawks and Heat @ 7:30pm on TNT
Timberwolves and Lakers @ 10pm TNT

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 6, 2023

GARAGE FIRE SPREADS TO JERSEY SHORE HOME

Smoke could be seen from across the valley Tuesday evening in Crawford Township when a garage fire spread into the home of a Jersey Shore couple on Fox Road.  According to the Sun Gazette, a fire was reported at the home of Kenneth Heck around 5:30pm and due to lack of fire hydrants in the area and no access to private ponds at the time, firefighters had to set up a fill stations at Ravensburg State Park just outside of Rauchtown and haul water to fight the blaze. Almost a dozen companies from Lycoming and Clinton Counties responded and controlled the fire in about an hour.  The home sustained water smoke and fire damage and the Red Cross is assisting the family.  No injuries were reported.   

DUI SUSPECT WHO DESTROYED RESTAURANT PLEADS GUILTY

The woman accused of DUI who crashed and flipped her car into the Golden Chopsticks restaurant in Shamokin Dam in March of 2022, plead guilty this week in Snyder County Court to felony endangering the welfare of children, aggravated assault with DUI and risking a catastrophe.  According to court records, 44 year old Theresa Risso drove with a blood alcohol level more than 4 times the legal limit with her one year old daughter improperly restrained in a vehicle at a high speed, which resulted in the car flipping over a concrete barrier crashing into and demolishing the restaurant.  Risso will be sentenced at a later date. She is free on 200 thousand dollars bail.

SHOOTING BY TROOPERS JUSTIFIED

A determination has been made in whether a shooting was justified by state troopers last November when a man who killed three seemed to go on a rampage that started in a home near Unityville. According to PennLive, the Lycoming County District Attorney, Ryan C. Gardner, says when State Troopers from Bloomsburg shot Brian A. Taylor after he had shot his wife Linda and two others, it stopped his “homicidal mayhem”.  Gardner made the decision after reviewing mobile video recordings and investigative reports.

CUTTERS TO SALUTE THE MILITARY AGAIN THIS SEASON

The Williamsport Crosscutters have announced that they, along with partner EQT, will continue the special Military Salute to active and retired military members at all Williamsport Crosscutter home games this season.  According to Crosscutters Vice President of Marketing Gabe Sinicropi, nominated members of the armed forces will be highlighted in a pregame ceremony.  To nominate someone, go online to crosscutters dot com and fill out a short form.  Those armed forces members who are chosen will receive 4 tickets to the game, given a cutters gift card and will throw in the ceremonial first pitch.  Online nominations will stay open till all the spots have been filled. EQT Corporation is a leading independent natural gas producer with an evolutionary focus on the future.

PATIENT THREATENED HOSPITAL STAFF OVER CELL PHONE

A patient at UPMC Williamsport was charged with terroristic threats after he was prohibited from using his cell phone and threatened to come back to the facility with a weapon when he was discharged to kill everyone there.  According to the Sun Gazette, hospital police say Joshua Roy-Morrison of Shamokin became angry about 6pm Saturday in the hospital emergency room special unit where he could not use his phone, when witnesses say he made the threats about bringing back an AR-15 rifle.  Roy-Morrison was arraigned in Lycoming County Court and jailed in lieu of 20 thousand dollars bail.

GRANDCHILD SCAM TRICKS ELDERLY WOMAN

An elderly woman from Paxinos was scammed out of about 96 thousand dollars when someone calling saying they were her granddaughter had legal trouble and needed the money for fines after a drug conviction.  Police say over thirty days the 81 year old woman continued to send money to the scammer, ignoring warnings from the police as well as warnings from the money transfer service that recognized the scam activity.  The Northumberland County District Attorney’s office says that any resident who gets a call like this need only call the grandchild or a family member directly, or check with the grandchild’s friends or colleagues to confirm.

WESTERN PA COAL PLANT TO CLOSE

A coal plant 50 miles east of Pittsburgh that has been in operation since 1969, will close this July.  According to the Center Square dot com, the Homer City Power plant will be decommissioned after a study determined it has been running at half capacity since 2015 and only at 20 percent since 2022.  According to WTAE, more than 100 people will be laid off and even though environmental groups are happy about the move, local leaders are concerned about the loss of jobs and what the plant closing will do to the local economy.  The plant itself has struggled through financial hardship and ownership changes in the last few years.

PUBLIC COMMENT SOUGHT FOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS

It’s time for PennDOT to update their 12 year program and the department is seeking input from the public during a public forum coming up the evening of April 12th.  The comment period has been available since March 1st and will continue through April 30th and is provided for public feedback and opinion via email about the needs and priorities for transportation projects. Register and submit questions in advance by going online to “talk pa transportation.com”, and attend the online forum next Wednesday from 6:30 to 8pm on PA cast or through PennDOT social media channels.

SPORTS

One HS Baseball score after a rainy Wednesday
Midd-West 8      Central Columbia 5

NCAA Football
Penn State gets a running back as Williamsport native Trey Potts transfers out of Minnesota to join the Nittany Lions.  In high school, Potts totaled 59 touchdowns on the ground for the Millionaires and has two years of eligibility remaining. 

MLB

Guardians 6                             A’s 4
Yankees 4                      Phillies 2
Rays 7                           Nationals 2
Braves 5                        Cardinals 2
Pirates 4                         Red Sox 1
Brewers 7                      Mets 6
Rangers 5                       Orioles 2
Marlins 5                       Twins 2
Astros 8                         Tigers 2
White Sox 7                   Giants 3
Angels 4                         Mariners 3
Blue Jays 3                              Royals 0
Cubs and Reds were postponed due to weather

NBA


Nets 123              Pistons 108
Knicks 138         Pacers 129
Hawks 134          Wizards 116
Celtics 97            Raptors 93
Bucks 105           Bulls  92
Pelicans 138       Grizzlies 131  
Mavericks 123   Kings 119
Clippers 125       Lakers 118

NHL  
Rangers 6   Lightning 3
Flames 3              Jets 1
Oilers 3                Ducks 1

GOLF
The Masters Tournament at Augusta National begins today.  Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson will serve as honorary starters this morning at 7:40am. Tiger Woods, a five time Masters champion, is set to play.  He’ll tee off at 10:18 this morning and 1:24pm tomorrow.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 5, 2023

WILLIAMSPORT MAN ACCUSED OF MURDER DENIED BAIL

An incarcerated man charged with rape, attempted murder and other assault charges, has been denied bail again in a Lycoming County Court.  According to the Sun Gazette, 24-year-old Unique Terrell Robinson’s alleged victim testified in court that Robinson had cut her throat with a knife during the assault January 2nd and she was fearful of Robinson.  Judge Ryan Tira denied his request for bail that had originally been denied in January during his preliminary hearing.  Robinson remains in custody at the Lycoming County Prison with nine counts held for court.

TEEN WHO TREATENED LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL SENTENCED

A teenager from Williamsport has been sentenced to over 5 months in prison and 2 years of probation for threatening to shoot up Loyalsock Township School while on the phone with several students there last December.  According to Penn Live, 18 year old Dejuan Angel Rivera, was sentenced by President Judge Nancy Butts after pleading guilty to terroristic threats last month.  Rivera is also ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.  Prior cases of possession with intent to deliver marijuana and disorderly conduct were also resolved by the current sentence.

FIRE DISPLACES EAST END FAMILY

Another family in Williamsport has been displaced by fire.  According to the Sun Gazette, a two-alarm fire broke out at 838 Tucker Street in the East End of the City at about 2:30 am Tuesday, and three adults, two children and a cat escaped the burning home.  City Fire officials say the fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes, which was found in the walls of the home with smoke pouring from the attic as well.  Montoursville and Old Lycoming Fire departments responded to the blaze and the Red Cross is assisting the family who was left homeless by the fire that remains under investigation.

PA VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE MAY 1, 2023

Pennsylvania residents are reminded to make sure they are prepared for the May 16th municipal primary, by checking their voter status and registering before May 1st, 2023.  To be eligible, you must be a US citizen for one month before the primary, a resident of PA and a resident of the district in which you will vote for 30 days and 18 years old on or before Election Day.  Pennsylvania is a closed primary, meaning Republicans and Democrats only are allowed to choose their own party’s nominees.  Go to Lyco.org to check your voter status.

NEW CHARGES ADDED TO CAREGIVER IN FORGERY AND THEFT CASE

A woman who cared for an elderly couple beginning in October of 2018, who was charged with felony forgery and aggravated assault for cashing checks and using funds from their accounts and mixing poison into their cigarette tobacco plead guilty yesterday in Northumberland County Court.  According to the Daily Item, charges against 41 year old Tina Marie Young were amended yesterday to include the poisoning charge from an incident investigators say happened in June of 2019.  Young is free on 100 thousand dollars unsecured bail.

MIFFLIN COUNTY MAN GIVEN 84 MONTHS IN STATE PRISON

A man from Mifflin County has been sentenced to 7 years in state prison for an August 2022 burglary at Peters Marine in Mill Hall, the maximum sentence possible.  According to the Record Online, police say 48 year old Daniel Elroy Powell attempted to steal a motorcycle from a shed at the business on Eagle Valley Road, but couldn’t start it, causing damage to other equipment on the property.  Powell was ordered to pay restitution to the victim and is eligible for parole in 12 months.

100K GRANT AWARDED TO COUNTY CORONER

One hundred thousand dollar grant for the purchase and development of a new building for the Lycoming County Coroner was awarded  to the office and according to the Sun Gazette, Coroner, Charles Keissling, Jr. said that Representative Jamie Flick of South Williamsport  and Representative Joe Hamm of  Hepburn Township were instrumental advocates for the much-needed funding.  Flick recently announced the grant made possible through the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act which provides gaming revenue distributions for projects of public interest in the state. Talks of a new facility for the county coroner have been taking place for years; Keissling says he hopes the grant will expedite the project.

BIPARTISAN PROPOSAL FOR SOLAR COMMUNITIES IN PA

In a creative solution to try and maintain reasonable utility costs, a bipartisan proposal is now in the Pennsylvania General Assembly that would allow Pennsylvania to join 22 other states that allow “community solar” projects giving solar access for all Pennsylvanians whether they have panels on their property or not. According to the Capital Star, the bill is sponsored by Sen. Rosemary Brown, a Republican from Monroe County and it could green light over 230 community solar projects, including 5 in Lycoming County. According to the website EnergySage, community solar programs can save participants between 5% to 15% off their typical electricity bills , create more than 12,000 jobs statewide, and generate $1.8 billion in economic activity in the state.

SPORTS

HS Softball
Montoursville 8                    Central Columbia 7
Selinsgrove 1               Jersey Shore 0
Warrior Run 4              Bloomsburg 1
Midd-West 9                Hughesville 5
Williamsport 6             Central Mountain 5
HS Baseball
Selinsgrove 15             Shikellamy 5
Northwest 17               Sullivan County 4

MLB

A’s 4                    Guardians 3
Diamondbacks 8         Padres 6
Cubs 12                       Reds 5
Marlins 1                     Twins 0
Phillies 4             Yankees 1
Rays 10               Nationals 6
Pirates 4              Red Sox 1
Brewers 9            Mets 0
Blue Jays 4                  Royals 1
Braves 4              Cardinals 1
Orioles 7             Rangers 2  
Tigers  6                      Astros 3
Mariners 11                 Angels 2
Dodgers 5                   Rockies 2

NBA   Raptors 120               Hornets 100
Heat 118                    Pistons 105
Cavaliers 117            Magic 113
Bucks 140                 Wizards 128  
Timberwolves 107  Nets 102
76ers 103                   Celtics 101
Hawks 123                Bulls 105
Rockets 124             Nuggets 103 
Grizzlies 119            Trailblazers 109
Kings 121                  Pelicans 103
Lakers  135               Jazz 133
Warriors 136             Thunder 125
Suns 115                    Spurs 94
NHL
Hurricanes 3                         Senators 2
Panthers 2                  Sabers 1
Red Wings 5             Canadians 0
Devils 5                     Penguins 1
Maple Leafs 4           Blue Jackets 2
Predators 3                Golden Knights 2
Blues 4                       Flyers 2
Blackhawks 4           Flames 3
Kraken 5                    Canucks 2
Oilers 3                      Kings 1
Avalanche 4             Sharks 3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 4, 2023

CHILD DIES IN I-80 CRASH MONDAY

The early morning crash Monday  along I-80 in White Deer Township killed a 5-year old boy who was a passenger in the minivan involved in the crash with a tractor trailer.  According to state police at Milton the crash happened after 12:30am when the 27 year old driver of the tractor trailer from California rear-ended the minivan, driven by a 44 year old man from Ohio who may have been stationary in his lane or traveling slowly in the eastbound lanes.  The tractor trailer driver was not injured and the occupants of the minivan only sustained minor injuries.  The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and police will release the name of the victim when they have more information.

HUGHESVILLE MAN SURVIVES COLUMBIA COUNTY ACCIDENT

A man from Hughesville survived head-on collision Friday morning in Hemlock Township that took the life of the other driver.  According to North Central PA dot com, 24 year old Eugene Travelpiece Jr. allegedly swerved his 2001 Ford Ranger pick-up into the southbound lane of the 1900 block of Millville Road at about 1am, which struck a Chevy Cruze driven by  31-year-old Christopher Vonneida.  Both drivers were trapped in the wreckage.  Travelpiece suffered severe injuries and was transported to Geisinger in Danville.  The Columbia County coroner said the cause of death for Vonneida is still pending and will continue the investigation. 

FIRE STRIKES SELINSGROVE CHURCH

A fire struck the Salem Lutheran Church near Selinsgrove yesterday morning and will affect Easter services at the building this weekend.  According to the Daily Item, church and fire officials said the structure was saved when a dozen fire companies from three counties responded to the two alarm blaze.  The interior and basement of the 125 year old church on Salem Road in Penn Township is severely damaged, and the state police fire marshal said the cause was an accidental electrical fire.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION AT RIDER PARK

There will be an Earth Day celebration April 22nd at Rider Park near Warrensville sponsored by the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania.  According to a news release from the FCFP attendees can participate in up to three activities that focus on the theme “Investing in Our Planet”, a bird walk with Lycoming Audubon Society members, volunteering to plant native trees and shrubs in the park, and/or a Forest Health hike with Rider Park staff.  Pre-registration is required by calling the Community Foundation at 570-321-1500. Details and times of the activities at riderpark.org.

UTV ACCIDENT KILLS ON, INJURES TWO

One person was killed and two others injured in a Utility Task Vehicle accident that happened Saturday in rural Clinton County.  According to the Sun Gazette, 38 year old Rachel Gaddis of Spring Mills was a passenger on the UTV with two others when it left Stewart Hill Road and went down an embankment overturning.  According to Penn Live, the driver and other passenger were ejected but Gaddis was pinned by the roll cage and the Clinton County Deputy Coroner pronounced her dead at the scene.  38 year old Preston Gaddis of Spring Mills and Samuel G Hoy, III were transported to an area hospital with unknown injuries, and an investigation is ongoing.

ACCIDENT DESTROYS PORTION OF GUARDRAIL

A one car accident sent a man driving a Chrysler Sebring near the West Third Street exit in Williamsport to the hospital with unknown injuries this weekend. According to the Sun Gazette, the man was ejected from his vehicle about 4:15 am Sunday when he hit a guardrail along Route 15 north.  Police say emergency responders from Williamsport Fire, UPMC Williamsport and PennDOT were at the scene and about 70 feet of guardrail was destroyed in the crash.  No word on the condition of the accident victim today. 

MEDICAL BENEFIT FOR LYCO EMPLOYEES

In a world of rising health care costs, Lycoming County employees are now able to take advantage of the new Partnership Health Center for health care.  According to the Sun Gazette, a ribbon cutting happened yesterday for a grand opening of the facility operated by Integrity Health.  County employees can come to the center in the Third Street Plaza building for same day primary care appointments that coordinate with their health plan for no charge other than their normal premium.  The Lycoming County Commissioners were noted to be influential in making the center a reality for employees and saving them millions in the previous projections for self-paid health care through the county without the new benefit.

CHEAP TRICK TO PLAY WILLIAMSPORT

Williamsport’s Community Arts Center in coordination with Backyard Broadcasting announced yesterday that beloved Rock & Roll band Cheap Trick will be performing in Williamsport at the CAC on Saturday, September 2nd.   Cheap Trick’s pioneering sound has earned them over 20 million in total record sales and more than 40 international gold and platinum certifications. They were inducted in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. Cheap Trick has been performing together for 47 years.

SPORTS

BASEBALL
Wyalusing 11            North Penn-Mansfield 0 (5 innings)
Loyalsock 2              Southern Columbia 1
Mount Carmel 10     Bloomsburg 8
Montoursville 12     Central Columbia 11
Hughesville 17         Warrior Run 3
Midd-West 7             Danville 1
Montgomery 3          St. John Neumann 2
Selinsgrove 6                        Jersey Shore 3
Milton 7                     Shikellamy 2
Lewisburg 7              Mifflinburg 6
Muncy 21                  Bucktail 4
SOFTBALL
Canton 16                  Sayre 1
Jersey Shore 5          South Williamsport 3
N. Penn-Liberty 6     Wyalusing 1
Muncy 1                    Bucktail 0
Troy 17                      Wellsboro 1 (4 innings)
Montgomery 10        St. John Neumann 0
Benton 29                  Millville 27
Towanda 9                 Athens 2

MLB
Guardians 12       A’s 11
Brewers 10                    Mets 0
Giants 12             White Sox 3
Reds 7                  Cubs 6
Twins 11          Marlins 1
Yankees 8            Phillies 1
Rays 6                  Nationals 2
Pirates 7               Red Sox 6
Royals 9          Blue Jays 5
Braves 8          Cardinals 4
Tigers 7           Astros 6
Angels 7          Mariners 3
Padres 5          Diamondbacks 4
Dodgers 13     Rockies 4

Orioles 2              Rangers 0


NHL
Golden Knights 4                    Wild 3
Stars 5                           Predators 1
Kraken 8                        Coyotes 1
NCAA Men’s College Basketball Championship
UConn 76            San Diego State 59   UConn’s 5th  Men’s NCAA title
NBA Tonight   – 76ers play the Celtics 8pm on TNT

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 3, 2023

PPL RESTORES ELECTRIC AFTER GUSTY WEEKEND

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

TRACTOR TRAILER ACCIDENT SHUTS DOWN I-80 EAST

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

WILLIAMSPORT SPRING CLEAN UP STARTING APRIL 10

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

NEW ROOF FOR WILLIAMSPORT FIRE DEPARTMENT

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

WRONGFUL DEATH SUIT FILED BY INMATE’S MOTHER DISMISSED

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

FUNDING IN CITY TO FIGHT HOMELESSNESS

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

FIRST FEMALE WARDEN AT LEWISBURG

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

COUNTIES ADDED TO SPOTTED LANTERNFLY QUARANTINE

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

SPORTS

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

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

NBA

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 31, 2023

POLICE ARREST WOMAN FOR POSSESSING FENTANYL

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

NO INJURIES IN SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT

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

WATSONTOWN MAN CAPTURED BY POLICE

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

WASD SUICIDE PREVENTION VIDEO WINS AWARD

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

MOTHER OF SHOOTING SUSPECT

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

OFFICER SUSPECTED OF UNLAWFULLY TAKING DEER

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

CRASH VICTIM FELL ASLEEP BEHIND THE WHEEL

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

ALPACA EVENT AT THE FARM SHOW COMPLEX

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

SPORTS

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

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

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

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 31, 2023

VIOLENT CRASH SHUTS DOWN EAST THIRD STREET

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

MURDER CHARGES THROWN OUT

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

TEEN SUFFERS FROM SELF-INFLICTED GUNSHOT

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

NO MORE INPATIENT SERVICES AT UPMC LOCK HAVEN

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

UPCOMING VOTE WILL DECIDE FATE OF LOCAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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

SECOND FLOOR APARTMENT NEAR IUP COLLAPSES

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

ACCIDENT VICTIM CAN FILE PUNATIVE DAMAGES

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

PA LANDMARK TO BE FEATURED ON GHOST HUNTERS

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

SPORTS

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

NCAA Men’s Basketball Final 4 Saturday, April 1

Florida Atlantic vs San Diego State 6pm on CBS
Miami vs UConn 8:45pm on CBS
NCAA Men’s Championship Monday 9:20pm on CBS

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

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

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 29, 2023

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SECONDARY SCHOOL STILL CLOSED AFTER FIRE

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

MUNCY MAN CHARGED WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY

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

BEEF RECALL DUE TO POTENTIAL E-COLI

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

NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY

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

FORMER LHU STUDENT FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

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

ASSAULT SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

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

BOOKS FOR INMATES WITH LIBRARY GRANT

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

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS EVENT FRIDAY IN DANVILLE

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

SPORTS

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

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

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

NCAA Men’s Basketball Final 4 Saturday, April 1

Florida Atlantic vs San Diego State 6pm on CBS
Miami vs UConn 8:45 on CBS
NCAA Men’s Championship Monday 9:20pm on CBS

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 28, 2023

FATAL MOTORCYCLE CRASH

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

CLOTHING COLLECTION FOR DISPLACED FAMILIES IN SUNBURY

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

FLAGS AT HALF-MAST FOR EXPLOSION VICTIMS

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

BRIDGE WORK SHIFTS TRAFFIC

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

ELECTIRCAL FIRE CLOSES LOYALSOCK MIDDLE

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

POLICE SEARCH FOR BREAK-IN SUSPECT

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

FEES TO INCREASE AT COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY

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

ROUTE 880 TO SEE TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGNALS

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

SPORTS

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

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 27, 2023

SUSPECT IN BEATING DEATH PLEADS GUILTY

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

NORRY DA WILL NOT BE ON MAY PRIMARY BALLOT

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

CONTROLLED LIVE BURN DRILLS IN WILLIAMSPORT

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

PA MENTORED TROUT DAY SUCCESSFUL

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

THIRD DEGREE MURDER CHARGES QUESTIONED

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

SUNBURY FIRE DISPLACES THREE FAMILIES

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

WEEKEND BIKE RACE COULD AFFECT TRAFFIC IN WHITE DEER

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

SHREDDING EVENT FOR EARTH DAY

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

SPORTS

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

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

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

Facebook