BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 4, 2023

WILLIAMSPORT APARTMENT BUILDING FIRE

Tenants at the Victoria Gardens apartment complex on Hepburn Street in Williamsport were temporarily displaced yesterday afternoon after a kitchen fire erupted from a first floor apartment there.  According to the Sun Gazette, city firefighters responded to the call just after 3pm and witnessed smoke coming from the unit, and said the fire took about ten minutes to extinguish.  Authorities say the electricity and gas is shut off in the building while the fire remains under investigation.  The Red Cross is assisting the families who will likely be able to return to their homes Monday, except for the tenant in the unit from which the fire originated.

WOMAN ATTACKS MAN WITH GLASS JAR, KNIFE

A Williamsport woman is in custody after she attacked a man with a glass jar and knife at a fight at the home on Wells Road in Limestone Township.  According to North Central Pa dot com, police say they had been called to the home earlier in the day July 27th for a domestic disturbance when 52 year old  Cynthia Marie Peacock then injured the man more severely later on when police returned.  Emergency responders said the man refused treatment for his cuts, stabs and bites .  Peacock was taken into custody and later released on 50 thousand dollars bail.  She has an August 8th preliminary hearing.

SOUTHSIDE APPROVES 25 YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH LITTLE LEAGUE

South Williamsport Borough recently approved a new 25 year lease agreement with Little League that is set to bring about a new borough building and ensure free parking for the Little League World Series through 2049.  According to the Sun Gazette, the agreement which renegotiates the present-day lease that was signed in 1999, to provide the borough $1 million over the next 10 years and help with the parking needs during the annual world series.  An initial contribution of $500,000 in the first year of the agreement, will cover payments for a planned 8,000 square foot building to be located at the site of the former swimming pool complex. Other costs will be covered by state and federal grants and a small amount of reserve funds, avoiding any long-term debt.

PENN COLLEGE GRADUATION CEREMONY SATURDAY

Pennsylvania College of Technology is preparing for graduation ceremonies Saturday August 5th after the Summer 2023 sessions and have announced that nearly 150 students have petitioned to graduate.  According to the school, a livestream of the commencement ceremonies will be available with links at pct.edu/events/commencement.  110 students will march in the ceremony that will feature speaker and Dean’s list student Kathryn Ann Plankenhorn, of Montoursville.  The event begins at 11am.

WOMAN, UBER DRIVER’S CAR ATTACKED WITH BASEBALL BAT

A Williamsport woman is facing charges in Lycoming County Court after she allegedly beat another woman at the 1000 block of Vine Avenue with a baseball bat in the street as the victim was taking an Uber on July 6th. According to North Central PA dot com, 25 year old Terry Laurnea Moore ran from the scene where witnesses say she hit the victim and the Uber Driver’s car.   The victim was interviewed at UPMC Williamsport by police who said they were unable to locate a bat, but found a bent metal crutch at the scene.  Moore was charged with simple assault and harassment charges, which are similar charges that she just received in July.  She’s set for an August 29th preliminary hearing.

MAN ARRESTED AT WALMART AFTER SECOND DISTURBANCE

A Philadelphia man who was already banned from the Lewisburg Walmart last December for causing a disturbance, caused another one July 28th.  According to the Daily Item, witnesses said customers in the parking lot and inside the store were alarmed when 41 year old Christopher D. Reyers was hostile, agitated and foaming at the mouth, and allegedly unable to communicate properly. Police placed him under arrest after he told them he was under the influence of methadone.  Reyers was sent to the Union County Jail after his arraignment in lieu of 250 thousand dollars cash bail.  His preliminary hearing is August 10th.

BILL BANS HUNTING/ARCHERY EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS

Federal legislation called the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, sponsored by Republican Senator Marco Rubio and supported by the Biden administration, will restrict education funds from being used for school-based archery and hunting programs.  According to North Central PA dot com, Representative Jamie Flick opposed the decision saying it was an egregious attack on education, sporting activities, and the culture of his district .  In response, the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act bill was introduced Tuesday by Republican Representative Mark Green of Tennessee.

ANGLERS ASKED TO KILL NORTHERN SNAKEHEADS

The PA Fish and Boat Commission is asking anglers to catch and dispose of invasive Northern Snakeheads that have recently been spotted in Conowingo Reservoir.  In a Facebook post by the Fish and Boat Commission, they say the invasive species and voracious predator  may cause declines in other fish species.  Northern Snakeheads have no size or creel limits and may be taken by hook and line or bowfishing.  They can live outside of water and should be killed by removing the head. It’s illegal to possess, transport or import live snakeheads in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

SPORTS

MLB
Phillies 4              Marlins 2
Rangers  5           White Sox 3
Royals 9               Mets 2
Orioles 6              Blue Jays 1
Giants 1               Diamondbacks 0
Yankees 4            Astros 3
Brewers 14                     Pirates 1
Twins 5                Cardinals 3
Cubs 5                  Reds 3
Mariners 5           Angels 3
Dodgers 8             A’s 2

MLB Draft League
Williamsport Cross Cutters 1        West Virginia Black Bears 0

*The Cutters stopped the Blackbears 2-1 in the series finale last night.  They stay home tonight and host Trenton Thunder at Muncy Bank Ballpark in Historic Bowman Field.  6:35pm 1st pitch.

Major League Soccer NEWS
Tickets for soccer star Lionel Messi’s first road game with Inter Miami sold out in 22 minutes on Thursday as they face FC Dallas on Sunday in a Leagues Cup match.  

*The home of FC Dallas, Toyota Stadium in Frisco, has a capacity of 20,500.
*Inter Miami’s home Stadium holds 21,000 seats and was also sold out for Messi’s debut.

WNBA NEWS
Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi is the first WNBA player to reach 10,000 points.

*She made a 3-pointer with 8:23 left in the third quarter in a game last night in Arizona; ultimately it contributed to a Mercury win over the Atlanta Dream 91-71.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 3, 2023

MISSING HIKER FOUND NEAR EAGLES MERE

A 17 year-old girl from Chicago visiting in Sullivan county was found safe after she failed to return from a hike Tuesday near Eagles Mere.  According to the Sun Gazette, when the girl didn’t return from a hike after 6:30 pm family members and emergency responder spent several hours searching the remote trails of the borough and Shrewsbury Township to find her.  The girl had become lost, but told police she came upon other hikers who were familiar with the Loyalsock Trail near the Kettle Creek Gorge area and the three remained camped for the night until the next day when they resumed walking and found an area with cell service.  The search team picked up the teen along where High Knob Road turns to Dry Run Road.  She was not injured.

WOMAN CONVICTED OF MURDERING HUSBAND WANTS NEW TRIAL

The woman recently sentenced to life in prison for poisoning and defrauding her husband in 2018, has asked the court for a new trial after her defense attorney claimed in a document that jury deliberations – just 50 minutes – were hasty and that the appropriate deliberative process did not take place and other accusations.  According to the Daily Item, 77 year old Myrle Miller was sentenced to life last month for the first-degree murder conviction as well as a consecutive sentence of 104 to 294 months for additional five felonies.  The judge has 120 days to respond to the document.

CITY FINANCES OK SO FAR

The Williamsport City Council Finance Committee has reviewed the first and second quarter reports for the city and have determined the expenditures and revenues are accurate for the mid-point of the year.  According to the Sun Gazette, the manager of Government Finance Solutions, the Harrisburg-based service hired to audit and reconcile city finance matters, Tracy Rash, says she continues to work on providing financial information to other auditors, and is  expected to provide a mid-year financial report for the council finance committee. The results of the 2019 audit are expected this autumn. 

FIRST FRIDAY COMING TOMORROW

There will be lots to do in downtown Williamsport during First Friday tomorrow presented by Lycoming Arts from 5 until 9pm on West Fourth St. between Market St. & Hepburn Street. There will be a chance to see the 1966 replica of the Batmobile in downtown Williamsport, and the Lycoming County United Way will hold their 10th annual Kids Carnival in Pine Square, too, hosted by the Brickyard and Stonehouse and staffed by volunteers who will run the carnival with prizes for the games and a bicycle and helmet give away!  Local celebrities will get in the dunk tank for charity, too! The event is rain or shine.  Find out more about the Lycoming County United Way  at lcuw.org

NEW YORK MAN INJURED WHEN TRUCK OVERTURNS

A Monday afternoon milk truck accident in Union County sent one man from New York to the hospital with suspected serious injuries.  According to State Police at Selinsgrove, 41-year-old Adam Champaign was driving the truck on the Route 147 off ramp onto Route 15 south, when he miscalculated and hit the guide rail, the truck overturned on its right side and struck the bridge abutment.  No medical update was available for Champaign, but police say he will be charged with a traffic violation.

FORMAL SEARCH FOR ELDERLY WESTFIELD WOMAN CALLED OFF

The formal search has been called off for an 85 year-old Tioga County woman who has been missing since Friday, July 21st.  According to a post on the Facebook page dedicated to finding the missing Phylis Potter of Westfield, who is 5’2” and 150 pounds, who may have disappeared almost two-weeks ago in a white 2009 Subaru Outback with PA plates DKL1425.  A search has been ongoing involving PA State Troopers, Westfield Police, Westfield Paramedics and EMT’s and almost every Fire Department in Potter and Tioga Counties.  The family thanked the large group of people who helped look for Phylis including businesses who let them view security footage.  If you have information about Ms. Potter, call Mansfield State police at 570-662-2151.

BUDGET MOVES IN HARRISBURG

Senate Republicans will be in session today and say they sign off on the spending plan. According to ABC27 President Pro Tempore Kim Ward yesterdayt set the session for the Senate at 1 p.m. to finalize the General Appropriations Budget (HB 611). The Pennsylvania state budget was due June 30.  The move will allow funding to flow for the vast majority of recipients of the $45.5 billion spending plan including schools, counties and social service programs that rely heavily on that money. Accompanying codes bills to complete the budget process will not be finalized until September.

WAHS ANNOUNCES OPEN HOUSE DATES AND TIMES

The annual open house dates for the Williamsport Area School District have been announced.  According to the district website, the Williamsport Middle School open house is Tuesday, August 22nd , starting at 6 for 7th grade students and at 6:30pm for 8th grade.  Curtin and Lycoming Valley will have their open house Wednesday August 23rd at 5:30pm, with the 5th and 6th grades starting at 6:15pm.  Cochran, Hepburn-Lycoming and Jackson will have their open house at 5:30pm on Thursday, August 24th.  The Williamsport Area High School open house for freshmen and new students starts at 7 Thursday night, with a presentation for 11th and 12th graders available to explore options for post-graduation at 7:30pm. Go to wahs.org for more details.

SPORTS

MLB
Astros 3               Guardians 2
Braves 12            Angels 5
Tigers 6               Pirates 3
Nationals 3         Brewers 2
Padres 11            Rockies 1
Mariners 6          Red Sox 3
Marlins 9            Phillies 8
Yankees 7           Rays 2
Blue Jays 4         Orioles 1
Cardinals 7         Twins 3
Rangers 11          White Sox 1
Cubs 16               Reds 6
Royals 4              Mets 0
Giants 4               Diamondbacks 2
Dodgers 10         A’s 1

MLB Draft League
West Virginia Black Bears 12       Williamsport Crosscutters 2
*WV took Game 2 of the series, last night (12-2), but the Cutters will attempt to avoid a sweep by West Virginia tonight at Muncy Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field – 6:35pm First Pitch
*Crosscutters stay at home for the weekend, hosting Trenton Thunder. 

NBA News
Philadelphia 76ers Center Montrezl Harrell tore his ACL and meniscus in his right knee, and had an MRI to assess swelling yesterday. The reserve big man suffered the injury during offseason workouts.

*The 76ers re-signed Harrell last month after he played in 57 games, starting seven in his first season in Philadelphia.

*The former Louisville standout has shot at least 55 percent every season of his eight-year career since being drafted in 2015 by the Houston Rockets.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 2, 2023

KITCHEN KNIFE USED IN DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE

A Williamsport man was charged with terroristic threats after pulling a kitchen knife on two people in a domestic dispute.  According to the Sun Gazette, 22 year-old Bryce Zimmerman allegedly threatened to stab a woman and another person at the Tucker Street residence July 12th after an argument a little after 3pm.  Police were called and arrested Zimmerman, charged with the threats, simple assault and harassment; he was jailed in lieu of 20 thousand dollars and waived the case to county court.  

CITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS TWO OFFICER HIRES THIS WEEK

Two new Williamsport Bureau of Police officer candidates are trained and ready to hire, bringing about an opportunity for the City Council Public Safety Committee to bring the department up to 49 of the 51 officers that are budgeted.  According to the Sun Gazette, a discussion about their potential employment will take place at Thursday’s meeting, while other items of business yesterday include discussion over raising funds to add another K-9 Unit in the city, with a third ballistics dog looking to be brought on, according to City Police Chief Justin Snyder.

PATRIOTS CONTINUE TO PURSUE FORENSIC AUDIT

Two members of the conservative Patriots organization are continuing their pursuit of a forensic audit of Lycoming County’s November 2020 general election results for president after Judge Eric R. Linhardt ruled on their complaint July 5th.  According to PennLive, in the ruling, a judge said Richard Houser and Catherine Burns did not adhere to the statutory requirements for contesting an election after the results are certified, so the court has no jurisdiction to order any audit of the results.  Houser and Burns have named the county and its election board, voter services director Forrest K. Lehman and the Lycoming County Commissioners Metzger, Mussare, and Mirabito in their latest filing.

BLOOMSBURG FAIR RACEWAY ORDERED TO SHUT DOWN

The Bloomsburg Fair Raceway has been shuttered due to an exception of a noise ordinance that was amended last November.  According to a court filing yesterday, a Columbia County judge ruled to remove the event from the annual fair.  The Fair Association said that the town had approved the upgraded surface conditions for 2022, which saw upgraded racing and brought about noise complaints, bringing about the hearing which ultimately cancelled the Fair’s exception to a 65 decibel limit.  A different lawsuit has been filed by the Fair Association asking to restore the long-standing exemptions.

WOMAN BREAKS IN, ATTACKS EX’S NEW GIRLFRIEND

A Cogan Station woman was arrested June 29th after allegedly breaking into the home of an ex-boyfriend to assault his current girlfriend.  According to the Sun Gazette, police reports state that they were called  after 23 year old Taylor Divel broke through a door and attempted to attack the woman that night.  Police also say Divel allegedly assaulted the same woman the previous day.  Divel was charged with burglary, criminal trespass, harassment, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct, and was arraigned in district court and posted the 25 thousand dollars bail.

MAN LEAVES YOUNG CHILDREN ALONE IN LOCKED ROOM

A Williamsport man, who last year pled guilty to distributing fentanyl, was recently charged for leaving his minor children home alone locked in a room of an apartment on the 1000 block of Vine Avenue on June 16th.  According to North Central PA dot com, the mother showed police text messages from 28 year old Darnell Steven Cotton  who admitted to leaving the 4 and 5 year old children alone and locked in a roombefore she could return .  He has been charged with endangering the welfare of children and is being held at the Lycomign County Prison on 50 thousand dollars monetary bail.

NORRY CHILDREN AND YOUTH WORKERS WANT PAY RAISES

The Northumberland County commissioners heard from the Northumberland County Children and Youth caseworkers yesterday who say they need to increase their wages and add more staff.  According to the Daily Item, during a public meeting Tuesday, the commissioners learned that the staff level is at 39 when it should be 87, and that staff members and caseworkers fear for the children in unsafe situations.  Caseworkers told the commissioners Children and Youth workers in Northumberland County are paid $8,000 less than other counties to start.  Starting salaries range from $32,000 to $35,000 for a caseworker and Commissioner Sam Schiccatano said they are working with the union and there are ongoing negotiations for wages.

PENNDOT SEEKING STUDENT AMBASSADORS

Rising 10th through 12th grade students in Pennsylvania are being invited to be part of the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania program to help keep Pennsylvania clean.  According to PennDOT, this is the second year for the successful program, which is meant to inspire students who are passionate about the environment and committed to making Pennsylvania the best place to live, work and play through volunteerism and leadership.  The Chosen candidates will serve as an Ambassador from this October through May 2024, and have opportunities for continuing education.  Apply today through September 14th at keep pa beautiful dot org.

SPORTS

MLB
Astros  2     Guardians  0 (the 16th no-hitter in Houston Astros history)
Phillies  3    Marlins  1
Brewers  6 Nationals  4
Rays  5       Yankees  2
Pirates  4    Tigers  1
Orioles  13 Blue Jays  3
Braves  5    Angels  1
Twins  3      Cardinals  2
Rangers  2 White Sox  0
Cubs  20     Reds  9
Royals  7    Mets  6
Padres  8    Rockies  5
Red Sox  6 Mariners  4
Giants 4      Diamondbacks  3
Dodgers  7 A’s  3

MLB Draft League
West Virginia Black Bears 5          Williamsport Crosscutters 2
Cutters dropped the opener at home last night, but try for the win again tonight at Muncy Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field. 6:35pm 1st pitch

GOLF News

*Tiger Woods joined the PGA Tour board as the organization agreed to transparency and new governance measures.

*The new agreement is billed as an assurance that the PGA Tour remains for the players and by the players.

*The new board will be comprised of six player directors, five Independent directors, and the PGA of America Director. Other players on the board include Rory McIlroy, and Webb Simpson.

*More than three dozen players sent a letter to PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan on Monday demanding a bigger voice in the future of the sport.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 1, 2023

MURDER-SUICIDE IN MIFFLINBURG

Mifflinburg Police are investigating a murder-suicide that occurred over the weekend in the borough.  According to a report by Mifflinburg Police, a family member discovered the bodies of 64 year old Tharifah Wenrich and 63 year old Jeffery Wenrich, and called police to the 100 block of Scottsdale Drive Sunday morning.  Police think Jeffery Wenrich shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself.  The Union County Coroner assisted at the scene and police are asking anyone with additional information about the shooting to call Mifflinburg police at 570-966-1027.

WATSONTOWN WOMAN SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON

A Watsontown woman was sentenced to up to 7 years in state prison yesterday in Northumberland County Court for providing drugs that killed a Watsontown man in September of 2021.  According to Penn Live, 39 year old Samantha Jo Acy, pleaded no contest in May to a charge of involuntary manslaughter and criminal use of a communication facility, other original charges were dismissed.  According to an affidavit, 43 Earnest Lee Sharr Jr had just been released from Lycoming County Prison days before his death and had allegedly asked Acy to provide the drugs for him after his release. Sharr had overdosed two previous times after getting out of jail. Acy has already served a year in jail for being unable to post bail following her arrest in 2021.

STOLEN SNAP BENEFITS TO BE REPLACED

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 is set to provide the federal replacement funds for those who have had SNAP benefits electronically stolen on or after October 1st 2022.  A victim can apply for the replacement, but will not have funds replaced if they lost their physical card or gave their EBT card and PIN to someone who then stole funds.  Recipients who are eligible for replacement of benefits can go to dhs.pa.gov and receive in a single reimbursement, up to two months’ worth of their regular SNAP payments or the amount that was stolen, whichever is less.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT TONIGHT

The Williamsport City Police will hold a National Night Out event tonight at 5pm til 8 at Firetree Place at 600 Campbell Street.  National Night out is a time when communities and neighbors get to know first responders and spend time together in a relaxed setting.  Tonight parents and children can expect to see patrol and emergency response vehicles, and ambulances and participate in activities with public safety partners, including PA State Police and The National Guard.  Lycoming Regional Police Department will also have events in two locations from 6-8 tonight.  At Fairlawn Community Church on Pleasant Hill Road in Cogan Station and Jersey Shore Community Pool on Thompson Street in Jersey Shore. Sunbury’s National Night Out is from 5-8 p.m. at the Sunbury Community Pool and Lewisburg’s National Night Out is from 6-9 p.m. at the Lewisburg Area Recreation Park.

PETA SEEKS SUPPORT OF ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE

A guinea pig breeding mill in Lycoming County has been exposed by the USDA in a recent report.  According to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) there have been numerous infractions at the facility and the non-profit is asking the public to contact the Lycoming County District Attorney, Ryan Gardner so that the Guinea pigs are required to have proper veterinary care and an investigation can continue into the animal welfare concerns.  The facility is owned by Benuel Stoltzfus and animal cruelty charges that have been filed by PETA after new state law says the USDA cannot aid or relieve suffering animals during inspections.

SENIOR FACILITY FACES CIVIL SUIT

Following the charges filed against two former employees of Heritage Springs Memory Care of Lewisburg, for criminally photographing residents of the facility in a demeaning way, a civil suit has been filed in Union County Court on behalf of one resident of the facility.  According to PennLive, 18 year old Madison Laine Cox, and a 17-year-old boy, both from Montgomery took cruel videos and pictures of resident Alice Longenberger and others over 8 months, sharing them on social media, while they were employed there.  The suit is seeking more than 50 thousand dollars in damages for negligence and battery against the two teens, and breach of fiduciary duty against defendants at Heritage Springs.

RESURFACING THIS WEEK IN NORTHUMBERLAND

Resurfacing and base repairs will continue this week between Front Street in Sunbury and Route 11 in Northumberland Borough where drivers will see single lane conditions from 8pm til 4am throughout the week.  This morning you may see a contractor working on the ADA accessible sidewalk and curb project along Route 11 in Northumberland Borough. Work will be performed between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.  New Enterprise Stone and Lime, Co., says work on this project is expected to be completed in September of 2023.

GAS PRICES UP

The price for gasoline is up in Pennsylvania as the hurricane season approaches with the average price for a gallon of gas in the Commonwealth at $3.86.  According to GasBuddy.com, the national average could get to over $4 per gallon as Saudia Arabia and Russia are cutting production and heat-related refinery outages plague the US.  Fuel analysts say oil prices recently surged to their highest level in months, rising to over $80 per barrel. Gas in the Harrisburg area increased 16.7 cents week last week.

SPORTS

MLB
Astros 7                Guardians 3
Phillies 4               Marlins 2
Nationals 5                     Brewers 3
Rays 5                  Yankees 1
Orioles 4              Blue Jays 2
Angels 4               Braves 1
Reds 6                  Cubs 5
Rockies 4             Padres 3
Mariners 6           Red Sox 2
Diamondbacks 4  Giants 3

MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters are back home tonight for the series opener against the 1st place West Virginia Black Bears.  6:35pm first pitch.

NFL NEWS
*Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, whose cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2 , had his first padded football practice yesterday since the incident.
*Hamlin suffered from a bout of commotio cordis, a rare cause of cardiac arrest caused by a blow to the chest in a precise spot at just the wrong time in the heartbeat, according to the American Heart Association.

2023 Women’s World Cup
The United States pulled a draw against Portugal at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand this morning.
As runners-up in the match, the US advances to the Women’s World Cup round of 16.

National Night Out Information

National Night out locations Tuesday August 1st
The National Association of Town Watch sponsors a nationwide community-policing event known as “National Night Out.”  Free attendance at all locations

Williamsport City Police – Firetree Place  – PA State Police and other first responders will be there –  600 Campbell Street 5pm til 8. 

Lycoming Regional Police Department

– Fairlawn Community Church on Pleasant Hill Road in Cogan Station 6-8 tonight.   

 -Jersey Shore Community Pool on Thompson Street in Jersey Shore 6-8 tonight. 

Sunbury – National Night Out is from 5-8 p.m. at the Sunbury Community Pool
 Lewisburg – National Night Out is from 6-9 p.m. at the Lewisburg Area Recreation Park.

Trout Run – TROUT RUN VOL. FIRE CO +  K-9 RESCUE, LAW ENFORCEMENT VEHICLES  6PM TO 8PM

Watsontown   –  Warrior Run area Fire Department  – food and local businesses and local PD, EMS and Fire Department in Watsontown from 6 to 8.

Snyder County  – Their event is August 9th from4-7 @ East Snyder Park

The City of Shamokin Chief of Police Raymond J. Siko II announced Thursday, that they have canceled National Night Out this year for 2023 due to time restraints.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 31, 2023

TWO-ALARM FIRE SATURDAY

The Red Cross is assisting two Williamsport adults who were displaced from their home after a 2-alarm fire Saturday that firefighters believe to be caused by live powerlines that were knocked down from a fallen tree.  According to the Sun Gazette, heavy winds around 4:30pm brought trees down on the property near 2220 Johnston Place.  No one was at the home at the time, and there were no injuries reported, but firefighters rescued two dogs from the home, as volunteers from Williamsport and Old Lycoming Township fought the blaze.  There is an investigation continuing over the fire.

CANADIAN MAN KILLED IN I-180 CRASH THURSDAY

A Canadian man died in the fatal motorcycle crash on I-180 last Thursday afternoon before 5:30pm that snagged traffic for hours in Fairfield Township.  According to Northcentralpa.com, Lycoming County Coroner Charles E. Kiessling, identified the motorcyclist as 72 year old Barry Forsyth, of Drumbo, Canada, who suddenly lost control of his motorcycle.  Forsyth was pronounced dead at the crash scene.

STATE POLICE STOP DRUG TRAFFICKERS NEAR DANVILLE

A traffic stop near Danville Thursday morning yielded more than 45 pounds of marijuana by State Police.  According to the Daily Item, two people from New Jersey face drug charges in Montour County from the traffic stop that occurred around 9:30 a.m. According to court records, Matthew Hoffman and Amanda Alcantara-Delacruz, were arraigned Thursday in front of Montour County District Judge William Wilt and they are being held in Montour County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail each. Their preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 9.

STATE OF NATURAL GAS

The Marcellus Shale Coalition, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, and community and business leaders from across the region gathered earlier this week at the Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Williamsport campus to provide an update on the state of the natural gas industry. During the policy portion of the forum, State Sen. Gene Yaw highlighted the need to improve the stability of Pennsylvania’s power grid through a diverse energy portfolio, while discussing Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale Impact Fee, which continues to deliver millions of dollars to county and local governments to directly benefit communities across the Commonwealth.

WOMAN TRAPPED IN SUV ACCIDENT

Emergency crews responded to a single car accident Friday morning around 10:30am at the 700 block of Northway Road Extension, and worked to free a woman from her vehicle that had struck a utility pole.  According to the Sun Gazette, a woman, whose name has not been released, lost control of her Buick Rendezvous SUV for about 240 feet before leaving the roadway and striking the pole.  She was trapped for about 15 minutes and then was taken to UPMC Williamsport for treatment – no word on her injuries today.  The road reopened after the crash was cleared before noon.

ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE

An animal cruelty case investigation is underway with the Pennsylvania Game Commission in in Jackson Township, Snyder County. According to Selinsgrove State police, two sheep were shot and killed sometime between last Sunday and Monday. Police say the sheep had been in a fenced-in field next to Tame Deer Road. If you have any information on the shooting, please contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission or the Selinsgrove State Police.

EVANGELICAL GET FIVE-STAR RATING

Evangelical Community Hospital has received a five-star rating for overall quality from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the most recent release of their Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings. Evangelical is the only healthcare provider in the Central Susquehanna Valley region to achieve this honor. Only 18 hospitals in Pennsylvania and just 483 hospitals across the country earned this distinction. The data used to determine Evangelical Community Hospital’s 5-star ranking for Overall Hospital Quality is from July of 2018 to March of  2022.

CHALLENGER GAME WILL BE LIVE STREAMED

Little League Challenger Division has announced that the Exhibition game, which will be played at the Volunteer Stadium in South Williamsport between a team from Lancaster, PA and Syracuse New York, will be streamed live on public television, as well as be available to watch on ESPN+.  According to North Central PA dot com, game will stream live on WVIA.org, on the WVIA PBS app. The game is Saturday, August 26 starting at 10:30am. The Little League Challenger Division has gained a large fan base since the introduction of the Challenger Division Exhibition Game to the Little League World Series in 2001.

SPORTS

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


MLB Draft League
The Williamsport Crosscutters forced sudden death last night on the road and defeated the Trenton Thunder, 8-8, sweeping the two-game series at Trenton Thunder Ballpark.
* The game was tied at eight with no scoring in the ninth, the Cutters pitched a Sudden Death and with the win and the series sweep, Williamsport improves to 8-11 in the MLB Draft League 2nd Half Standings but remain in 5th place. 
*Cutters are off today but stay home and host the 1st place West Virginia Black Bears Tuesday thru Thursday.

NASCAR
Chris Buescher pulled away on a restart with three laps to go to win at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, snagging one of the final spots in NASCAR’s playoff field.  Denny Hamlin, who was booed by his hometown crowd, finished second, Kyle Busch was third, followed by Joey Logano  and Ryan Preece.

NCAA Football NEWS
*  Texas quarterback, Arch Manning sold his first trading card at auction Saturday through Panini America’s website and broke a record with a one-of-one Prizm Black autographed card. 
*The card sold for $102,500. That is the highest-selling card through the company’s website.
*All of the proceeds from the sale will benefit a Central Texas nonprofit. The sale was part of Manning’s first name, image and likeness deal he has agreed to since signing with Texas in the 2022 class.
*Arch was the No. 3 prospect overall and is the son of Cooper Manning, nephew of Peyton and Eli and grandson of Archie.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 28, 2023

SUSPECTED FATAL ACCIDENT SHUTS DOWN I-80 EAST

An accident shut down I-180 eastbound yesterday near the Lycoming Mall exit around 5pm.  According to the Sun Gazette, traffic was managed and rerouted to Fairfield Road by Lycoming County Fire police after Montoursville Borough Police assisted State Troopers at the scene.  A forensics vehicle was reportedly at the accident scene as well, and the eastbound side of the interstate reopened between 9 and 9:30pm following the police investigation.

FATAL MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

A Blanchard woman died last Saturday after a motorcycle accident in Boggs Township.  According to the Lock Haven Express, 52 year old Jeremy M. Frigo, of Blanchard, was traveling along North Eagle Valley Road with his passenger, 49 year old Barbara S. Frigo, when police say the brakes of Frigo’s 2005 Harley Davidson Road King locked for an unknown reason then  crossed the center ine into the opposite lane before overturning.  Both were taken to Geisinger by Life Flight Helicopter in suspected serious condition. Barbara passed away from her injuries at the Danville hospital.  Jeremy is still suffering from his injuries.  An investigation into the crash continues.

COMMISSIONERS APPROVE SALE OF EXECUTIVE PLAZA BUILDING

The sale of the Executive Plaza building on Pine Street for just over 3.6 million dollars to Horizon Federal Credit Union was approved 3-0 by the Lycoming County Commissioners yesterday.  According to North Central PA dot com, the credit union plans to bring about 100 corporate jobs to the downtown area within the next five years following renovations after the county vacates the offices by December 31st of this year.  The county offices planned for 33 West Third street are underway with approved architectural plans in place.

BE CAREFUL OF STUDENT LOAN SCAMMERS

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance agency is warning student loan borrowers to be aware that there are financial aid scammers attempting to take advantage of those confused by the recent Supreme Court ruling about the cancellation of student loan debt.  According to a press release from the PHEAA, a recent reports say student loan scammers stole more than 5 billion dollars from Americans last year, and use tricks to pose as government representatives, such as look-alike websites and logos.  Go to Studentaid.gov for links and info to all the debt-relief programs the US Department of Education offers.

MAN ESCAPES MAJOR INJURIES AFTER ROLLOVER ACCIDENT

A man from Lewisburg escaped major injuries after an intense crash Tuesday along Route 304.  According to State Troopers, 46 year old Brian Huff was traveling west on Route 304 near the Route 15 intersection in Union Township and failed to make the right-hand curve when he struck a utility pole, a stump, and  rolled in the air before landing on all four tires.  Huff suffered only minor injuries while wearing his seatbelt improperly, he will also be charged with other traffic violations.

WOMAN CHARGED IN CHILD’S FENTANYL DEATH

A 27 year old Cambria County woman turned herself in this week to authorities and was arrested on charges relating of the fentanyl death of her 5 year old daughter in 2022.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say the defendant Volaura Askew was charged with endangering the welfare of two children, and police say two other suspects, Albert Spicer and Elyse Young, of Johnstown, were accused of drug-dealing offenses in the case.  Askew was unable to post the $500,000 monetary bail and was remanded to Cambria County prison Tuesday night. The Cambria County determined the cause of death of the 5 year-old was acute fentanyl toxicity and ruled the manner of death as homicide.

REPRESENTATIVE PAUSES SALARY UNTIL PA BUDGET IS PASSED

Representative Jamie Flick of South Williamsport and almost a dozen other members of the House have asked to withhold their pay during the budget impasse in the Pennsylvania legislature.  According to the Sun Gazette, Flick says adopting the state budget in a timely manner is one of the most important jobs the General Assembly can do, which then sets the fiscal year right from the start. Flick says in addition to opting out of his pay, he has co-sponsored legislation that will suspend the compensation of the governor, lieutenant governor and members of the General Assembly until the impasse is over.

BISON BASKETBALL GOES TO ITALY

The men’s basketball team from Bucknell will be going on a tour of Italy next week and will be playing basketball over the ten days they are there amidst the planned sightseeing.    According to the Sun Gazette, the team leaves next Wednesday and will tour Rome, Vatican City, Florence, Pisa, Milan and Como.  First-year coach John Griffin III, will accompany the team on the European trip that the school authorizes for athletic teams every four years.  As a student, Griffin went to Ireland and England with the Bisons in 2005 and as assistant coach for Bucknell, he toured the Netherlands, Belgium and France in 2018.  Bucknell will play three local teams while on the trip.

SPORTS

MLB
Guardians 6        White Sox 3
Angels 6              Tigers 0  Game 1
Angels 11            Tigers 4 Game 2
Mets 2                 Nationals 1
Cubs 10               Cardinals 3

MLB tonight
Phillies are in Pittsburgh @ 7:05

MLB Draft League
State College Spikes 6          Williamsport Crosscutters 5
Cutters will try to tie up the four game series tonight at home at Muncy Bank Ballpark in Historic Bowman Field – 6:35pm first pitch

NASCAR Sunday
Cook Out 400 at Richmond Motor Speedway
Pre Race Coverage starts at 2pm – Green Flag at 3pm on the Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network or WILQ’s HD3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 27, 2023

STABBING SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

State Troopers from Rockview and police from Bellefonte Borough and Springfield Township took a suspect who allegedly stabbed a victim in Bellefonte into custody Tuesday morning.  According to North Central PA dot com,  29-year-old James Surovec fled the scene Monday night along the 100 block of West High Street, after 911 received calls for a man who was stabbed there.  Surovec was arrested and charged for attempted homicide, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, arson and possession of an instrument of crime.  He is being held without bail at the Centre County Correctional Facility.

DANVILLE WOMAN ARRESTED AFTER HINDERING INVESTIGATION

Montour County authorities are seeking Michael Mcadoo, a suspect in an armed assault that happened June 12th in Danville, and have recently taken into custody another person involved in the case for hindering the investigation.  According to the Daily Item, 31 year old Jasmine Yeater of Kriner Street is in custody today for failing to identify Mcadoo to police during an investigation, after it was discovered she had a connection with him and allegedly was a witness to the prior assault.  Police say the found an unloaded gun in Yeater’s car during a search.  Her preliminary hearing is August 8th.

HEAT ADVISORY FOR SOUTHERN COUNTIES OF CENTRAL PA

There’s a heat advisory in place from noon today until 8pm Friday night for Southern Lycoming, Union, Snyder, Montour, Northumberland, Columbia and Schuylkill Counties where a maximum heat index of 100 to 103 is expected according to the National Weather Service, the hot temperatures and high humidity can cause illnesses in sensitive groups.  Consider checking on the elderly and provide pets with plenty of water and shelter from the sun.  Heat safety information is available at weather.gov/safety/heat.

FROZEN MOZERELLA STICK RECALL

There is a recall of frozen breaded mozzarella sticks from Sam’s Club after egg and soy were detected in the product aren’t listed on the ingredient panel.  According to North Central PA dot com, 5 lb boxes of Member’s Mark Breaded Mozzarella Sticks – Best Used By 12/28/2024 (UPC number 078742226880) were recalled from Sam’s Club retail stores in Pennsylvania, and other states after the manufacturer discovered that an incorrect raw material was used during the manufacturing process.  If you have questions about a product you bought, return it to the store for a refund, or contact Rich’s Product Helpline at 1-800-356-7094  8:30 to 5pm Monday through Friday.

TWO FROM NEW YORK INDICTED FOR USING COUNTERFEIT MONEY

An indictment was handed down this week for two New York men who used counterfeit money as they traveled across Pennsylvania between February 4th to the 22nd of this year.  According to the Daily Item, police say 21 year old Eli Lewis, and 26 year old Dejuan Smartt, typically purchased a small item first and then made another, larger transaction for prepaid debit cards or CashAPP transactions.  Invalid purchases were made locally at the Sheetz  and Dollar General Store in Selinsgrove.  Police say the men may have witnessed a third person as an accomplice to the scheme.

LOCK HAVEN AUTHORITY MAY DISSOLVE

Lock Haven City Council may dissolve the Lock Haven City Authority, in a move that could give the city direct ownership of the water system there. According to the Lock Haven Express, a reading of the ordinance passed unanimously on the first reading earlier this week and could be adopted upon a second reading at the next township meeting Monday the 7th of August. Three options are being considered by council on how to operate the water system and they are seeking public input on a survey on the City’s Civil Space page.  https://lockhavenpa.civilspace.io/en/projects/lock-haven-water-rate-survey until Sept. 10. 

TRAFFIC CONCERNS OVER DETOUR FOR CSVT PROJECT

Selinsgrove residents expressed traffic safety concerns during Tuesday’s township  supervisors meeting after they say construction vehicles are using residential roads in Monroe Manor to avoid PennDOT’s detours along Mill Road. According to the Daily Item, the detours are in place due to the construction of the CSVT project and is expected to be in place until December. Residents along Greenbrier Avenue, Augusta Drive and other roads in the development, say vehicles are speeding and tearing up the road, and that it’s only a matter of time before a tragedy occurs.  Some are asking the supervisors to implement speed bumps, additional signage or to collaborate with local police patrols.

HIGH SPEED INTERNET COMING TO PARTS OF WATSONTOWN

High Speed internet access is becoming a reality in some rural areas of Central PA.  According to media outlets internet provider Kinetic along with state and local officials announced more than 2,600 homes businesses, and schools in Watsontown and other areas in upper Northumberland and Union counties are now eligible for high-speed fiber internet Wednesday. Residents can go to kinetics dot com to check for eligibility or head out to an event today at Wagging Tail Coffee Co in Watsontown from 8 a.m. to noon to check for eligibility.

SPORTS

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

MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters 6 State College Spikes 5
Cutters come home tonight and tomorrow to play the Spikes at Historic Bowman Field – 6:35pm first pitch.

FIFA Soccer Women’s World Cup
1-1 Draw with Netherlands last night
USA next faces Portugal Tuesday August 1st 7pm on FOX

NFL NEWS
 New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has signed a reworked contract in which he voluntarily reduced his salary by about $35 million over the next two seasons.  Rodgers, signed a two-year, $75 million contract that is fully guaranteed, a source said even though it’s an uncommonly large pay cut. He was due to make close to $110 million in guarantees on his previous contract.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 26, 2023

MAN CHARGED WITH KIDNAPPING WATSONTOWN WOMAN

A man from Cogan Station is incarcerated after Watsontown Police say he attacked a woman outside of her home Monday .  According to the Sun Gazette, 72 year old Byron Magargle allegedly waited outside the home on East Brimmer Avenue early Monday and when the woman exited the house, he hit her, gagged her and and tied up her hands and feet.  A neighbor heard the struggle and called police. The man was charged with assault and kidnapping.  No word on whether bail was set for Magargle who remains in Northumberland County Jail.

FUGITIVE COUPLE CAPTURED IN NORTH CAROLINA

The fugitive couple from Lock Haven who skipped their sentencing hearing this month in Clinton County Court, were caught in North Carolina Monday. According to North Cetnral PA dot com, William Sean and Candy Jo Laubscher were taken into custody by the Gaston County Sherriff’s office about 20 miles from Charlotte.  Court records say the Laubschers were convicted of threatening a tenant with guns earlier this year, but never arrived for the sentencing hearing July 17th.  The couple is fighting extradition according to the Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse.

RIBBON CUTTING FOR NEW SCHOOL NEXT MONTH

A new 28 million dollar elementary school in the Warrior Run School District is set to celebrate the building’s opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony August 21st.   According to the Daily Item, Warrior Run Superintendent Thor Edmiston told the school board the remaining construction that is nearly complete is not anything that would keep them opening on the first day of school.  The board also looked at three bids for the Turbotville Elementary School building, which is still for sale, but rejected them since they each were much lower than the appraised value.  Board President Doug Whitmoyer suggested putting the structure up for auction.

UNITED WAY UNVEILS 2023 LITTLE LEAGUE PIN

The Lycoming County United Way is getting ready for the Little League World series and are featuring their 2023  Little League Trading Pin, to benefit local United Way community partners.  Each  Pin is five dollars and are available in Downtown Williamsport at one west third  Street – suite 208.  Pin trading is a tradition during the time surrounding Little League World Series which will take place beginning August 16th in South Williamsport.  The United Way pin is available on a first come first served basis.

MAN CHASES VICTIM WITH BASEBALL BAT

A Williamsport man was charged with simple assault after he chased another man down the street from his First Avenue apartment with a baseball bat.  According to North Central PA dot com, 30 year old Kyle Daniel Connors admiotted to police that he had threatened the victim with a baseball bat for acting weird toward his girlfriend while they were at a store on Memorial Avenue.  Connors was charged, but no bail was listed.  He faces a preliminary hearing on August 31st. 

DUI CHARGES LEAD TO STATE PRISON SENTENCE

A Williamsport man will spend 8 to 24 years in state prison after pleading guilty Tuesday to two counts of homicide by vehicle while DUI and other DUI charges. According to North Central PA dot com, 37 year old Matthew Bower was driving under the influence in July of 2020 when he hit James Neufer and Amanda Bergstrom who were on a motorcycle on the Arch  Street Bridge near the intersection with Hiawatha Boulevard.  Neufer was pronounced dead at the scene, Bergstrom died later at the hospital.  Passengers in a second vehicle involved in the crash and suffered injuries. Bower had been held in Lycoming County Prison since he  was originally denied bail in April of 2021.

EMTS HONORED FOR ACTIONS

Honored for their actions while saving two people and evacuating five others from a

burning building along Buffalo Road five months ago First responders from

William Cameron Engine Company and Buffalo Valley Regional Police Department were given medals in recognition yesterday at the Chief Robert E. Stackhouse Training Center . The firefighters are Lt. Broc Smith, Lt. T.J. Mocniak, Paramedics Ryan Funk and Michael Poust, and EMTs Dylan Mattison, Dale Schrader and Justin Blount. The officers are Cpl. Travis Burrows and Patrolman Caleb Gehman. It was February 19th at the Twin Oaks apartments in Lewisburg when the EMT’s evacuated the 5 and saved two occupants from the second floor structure who only suffered minor injuries.

NEW APP TO KEEP UP WITH 2023 WORLD SERIES

A new free app is available this year for those who want to stay connected to the 2023 Little League World Series.  In addition to the personalized content, push notifications, a FanCam and an opportunity to watch game highlights and features in the app, any stadium seating for the Championship Weekend on August 26th and 27th will be distributed exclusively through the app, as well.  More features are to be announced in the near future.  Go to LittleLeague.org/LLWSApp to download the app.

SPORTS

MLB

Guardians 5        Royals 1

Angels 7              Tigers 6 /10

Phillies 4             Orioles 3

Rays 4                 Marlins 1

Nationals 6         Rockies 5

Mets 9                 Yankees 3

Red Sox 7           Braves 1

Mariners 9          Twins 7

Cubs 7                 White Sox 3

Reds 4                 Brewers 3

Astros 4               Rangers 3

Diamondbacks 3 Cardinals 1

Padres 5              Pirates 1

Giants 2               A’s 1

Dodgers 8           Blue Jays 7 /10

MLB Draft League

State College Spikes 7          Williamsport Crosscutters 4 Game 1 of 4 this week

Williamsport stays on the road until tomorrow, hosting State College Thursday and Friday at Historic Bowman field. 6:35pm first pitch both nights

NFL News

The Dallas Cowboys signed two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs to a five- year extension that sources said is worth $97 million and includes a $21.25 million signing bonus.

*  Diggs is guaranteed $42.3 million.

*  Diggs was scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent after the 2023 season, but he is now signed through 2028. The deal can max out at $104 million if he hits on incentives

NBA News
Bronny James, the eldest son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, suffered cardiac arrest Monday, was treated in the ICU and is now  in stable condition, according to a statement from the James family. Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed they sent paramedics to the Galen Center Monday at 9:26am .

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 25, 2023

SELINSGROVE WOMAN AVOIDS SERIOUS INJURIES IN CRASH

A Selinsgrove woman attempted to avoid a head-on collision but was injured after overturning her vehicle on Brush Valley Road in Rockefeller Township July 17th.  According to State Police, 41-year-old Sara Lauver tried to avoid a head-on collision and swerved off the roadway, hit gravel, and lost control.  Lauver hit an embankment and flipped.  Emergency responders transported her to Geisinger with minor injuries – she was wearing her seatbelt at the time.  State Troopers at Stonington say the other driver who had traveled into Lauver’s lane causing her to swerve, left the scene of the Northumberland County crash.

WILLIAMSPORT EXPECTING REVIEW OF 2019 CITY AUDIT

The Williamsport City Council will continue to use the current financial management service, Government Finance Solutions and voted recently to do another review of the needs for the service in three months.  According to the Sun Gazette, council was also briefed recently about the plans to review a 2019 audit of the city finances and the finance committee is expecting an update from the auditors  with Zelenkofske Axelrod,  a Pennsylvania based regional CPA firm.

SHEEP APPROVED TO MAINTAIN SOLAR PANEL FIELD

The East Lycoming School Board has approved a proposal to use sheep to maintain vegetation around delicate solar panels on the school property.  According to the Sun Gazette, Superintendent Dr. Mark Stamm originally didn’t consider sheep as a solution to the risks mowing weeds caused around the panels, but told the board it’s an environmentally safe solution with a service called Sheepscape Solar who provide the sheep and maintain ungrazed weeds, as well.  A variance must be obtained from Wolf Township to allow the animals on the property within the township limits.

NATIONAL PADDLING EVENT SLATED FOR CLINTON COUNTY

For only the second time since 2014, Clinton County will be hosting the United States Canoe Association’s (USCA) National Canoe & Kayak Marathon Championships the second weekend in August.  According to the Daily Item, race coordinators Dan and Deb Glover say participants from 18 states and Australia and Germany will be take part in the national event.  Races take place in Lock Haven at the Lockport Boat Launch, with the USCA’s headquarters based out of a camper, courtesy of Bill’s Happy Camper RV.  The event is sponsored by the Clinton County Recreation Advisory Committee and others.  Get details on the full weekend of activities at uscanoe.com.

MAN JAILED FOR THROWING INFANT IN CAR SEAT

A Williamsport man is in jail after he threw a three-month old infant in a car seat onto Market street as he argued with the child’s mother last Tuesday night.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say 30 year old Kadeem Montez Middleton, also injured the mother of the child when he grabbed her by the hair and threw her to the ground. After the incident, Middleton picked up the crying baby and went to his home on Market Street where police arrested him a short time later. He was charged with felony endangering the welfare of children, simple assault, resisting arrest and more, and is jailed in lieu of $100,000 monetary bail.

PRE-K CLASSES COULD BE ALL-DAY

The Loyalsock Township School Board approved the process of reconfiguring Pre-K classes at Schick Elementary School so that they can allow for a full day for their youngest students.  However, according to the Sun Gazette, the board is still uncertain as to whether there will be funding for the full day Pre-K program after PA budget talks are stalled in Harrisburg.  The board also recently approved some new and revised policies that relate to home school students participating in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.  The next Loyalsock Township school board meeting is August 9th.

FETTERMAN’S BILL ON OIL RESERVE HEADS TO FULL SENATE

Legislation introduced by US Senator John Fetterman prohibiting the sale of crude oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve to adversarial nations was passed in the Senate last Thursday, the freshman senator’s first piece of legislation to receive a vote by the full senate.  According to the Bradford Era, the amendment to the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act is slated for passage from the full senate next week.  The Strategic Petroleum Reserve, was established by Congress in 1975to minimize the impacts of oil supply shocks on the United States.

CHOP COORDINATES A BACKPACK PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS

In an effort to make going back to school more food-secure for families in Lycoming County, a new backpack and in-school food pantry program is available.  According to Child Hunger Outreach Partners or CHOP, they work with local organizations and school partners to provide children with food and added meal support for the school year.  PALCO Federal Credit Union provided the 500 dollar financial gift that will serve the school food-pantries that are available to students so they can focus on school work and not be hungry.

SPORTS

MLB
Royals 5              Guardians 3
Tigers 5               Giants 1
Orioles 3             Phillies 2
Rockies 10          Nationals 6
Twins 4               Mariners 3
Brewers 3            Reds 2
Astros 10            Rangers 9
Cardinals 10       Diamondbacks 6
Pirates 8              Padres 4
Blue Jays 6         Dodgers 3

MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters on the road tonight and tomorrow in State College. They finish up a four-game series with the Spikes at home Thursday and Friday night –  Muncy Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field, 6:35pm first pitch.


Little League baseball Junior State Tournament
Montoursville Junior baseball defeated Springfield 3 -1
They advance to the Pennsylvania winners bracket Wednesday in Athens @2pm

FIFA Women’s World Cup Soccer
United States vs the Netherlands tomorrow 9 PM on Fox from Wellington New Zealand

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 24, 2023

POLICE ARREST MAN AT UPMC WILLIAMSPORT

Staff at UPMC Williamsport were forced to call police when they suspected a man visiting the hospital was smoking marijuana in the patient’s 5th floor room June 15th. According to North Central PA dot com, police say 44 year old, Michael Laquay Smith had a strong odor of marijuana but denied smoking it recently.  When officers asked to detain him until they could confirm his ID, Smith tried to flee the scene and fought police, allegedly calling them racist.  Smith was charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and possession of marijuana.

REMAINS OF MAN FOUND OFF ATV TRAIL

The remains of a 50 year old Locustdale man who was reported missing Friday were thought to be found near an ATV trail in Conyngham Township by State Police.    According to North Central PA dot com, Bloomsburg State Police say they were called to the Columbia County area Saturday around 6:45pm and the man thought to be David Lamb and some of his possessions were found.  According to the County Coroner, Jeremy Reese said they will do fingerprint and DNA analysis to confirm the missing man’s identity and conduct an autopsy today to determine the manner of his death.

THREE BIDS FOR CITY HALL BUILDING

Although condemned, the historic Williamsport City Hall, located on West Fourth Street, received three bids for sale. As reported by SUN Gazette, bids will be reviewed by the Fish Commerical Group, a member of the Williamsport City Council and the administration. Bids have been received from the JBAS Realty of Jessup, for $555,500; Neil L. Felver, owner of Herbal Gifts of South Williamsport for $499,000; and Tim Butters of Williamsport submitted $100,000. In addition to having a working plan for the structure, bidders are required to provide proof they are financially stable.

SECOND ROUND OF DEER LICENSE SALES START TODAY

The second round of antlerless deer license sales, begins today at 8 a.m. Antlerless licenses are available anywhere hunting licenses are sold, including online at HuntFish.PA.gov. More than 480,000 antlerless licenses and more than 490,000 general hunting licenses have sold since licenses went on sale June 26. According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the 26,000 licenses were gone as of Friday for 2G, which includes parts of Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter and Tioga counties. 

LIFE SENTENCE FOR WIFE WHO POISONED HUSBAND

The woman accused of fatally poisoning her husband at their home near Mifflinburg in 2018, was sentenced to life in prison in Union County Court Friday.  According to WNEP, 78 year old Myrle Miller was found guilty in April for multiple counts against her, including first degree murder for the death of John Nichols.  In the trial earlier this year, it was shown that Miller gave Nichols a lethal dose of heart medication.

PITBULL SHOOTING DEATH RULED JUSTIFIED

A Woodward Township Police officer was attacked by a loose pitbull June 23, and  shot the animal in self-defense and this past week District Attorney Dave Strouse announced that after review, the responding police officer acted reasonably and was justified in using force. The incident on Coudersport Pike, in Woodward Township, has led DA Strouse to refer the matter to the Clinton and Centre County Dog Law Warden for further investigation and potential criminal charges pursuant to Pennsylvania Law.

OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP APPOINTS A FEW FOR VACANT POSITIONS

With the goals of progress and reorganization  in Old Lycoming Township, the new leadership is picking up the pieces after resignations left the township positions vacant  last month. According to the Sun Gazette, a special meeting took place on on Thursday to fill new positions including, Richard Metz as vice chairman of the board and also a member of the Lycoming Regional Police Commission and Scott Williams has been appointed as the new solicitor.

FUNDRAISER FOR K’S FOR CANCER

There was a summer street fair Saturday at the Brickyard that raised money for cancer patients and their families, hosted by the non-profit K’s for Cancer.  According to the Sun Gazete, Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter, State Representative Jamie Flick, Williamsport/Lycoming County Chamber of Commerce President Jason Fink, and Brickyard employee Katie Cassidy all braved the dunk tank for charity.  Williamsport resident Troy Mercer ate 9 and a half Country Store hot dogs to win  the first hot dog eating contest for the Pine Square Block Party. , K’s for Cancer has provided more than $300,000 to over 600 cancer ptients and their familes after it was founded by Rex and Cathy Hilton in 2013 after the passing of their son, Justin.

SPORTS

MLB
Phillies 8              Guardians  5
Tigers 3                Padres 1
Yankees 8            Royals 5
Nationals 6                     Giants 1
Reds 7                  Diamondbacks 3 
Orioles 5              Rays 3
Marlins 3              Rockies 2
Braves 4               Brewers 2
Twins 5                White Sox 4
Cubs 7                  Cardinals 2
Rangers 8             Dodgers 4 
Astros 3               A’s 2
Angels 7               Pirates 5
Blue Jays 4                     Mariners 3
Red Sox 6            Mets 1
MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters 5          Frederick Keys 4
Cutters win the series 2-1.
They’re off tonight and head to State College for two midweek games with the Spikes.

NASCAR
Denny Hamlin was victorious at Pocono Raceway Sunday. 2nd – Tyler Reddick, followed by Martin Truex Jr., Kevin Harvick, and Ty Gibbs.
*With Toyotas 600th NASCAR victory, Hamlin passed Hall of Famer, Jeff Gordon, for the most wins at the track.
*Hamlin had his first place finish thrown out last year at Pocono for aerodynamics violations.

GOLF
American, Brian Harman claimed the 2023 British Open at Royal Liverpool winning the 151st at -1 under 70.

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