BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 6, 2023

YMCA CHILD CARE CENTER CLOSED INDEFINITELY

After a series of inspections by the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning, the Williamsport YMCA Child Care Center on Walnut Street in Williamsport has been closed and their childcare license revoked.  According to a social media post by the Williamsport Branch YMCA, even though the corrective measures were implemented at the facility, the decision to close continued to move forward, and an appeal process is expected to take place. A notice to parents went out yesterday that other arrangements must be made for their children, since the center is closed indefinitely beginning today.  

SEARCH FOR ESCAPED CONVICT IN CHESTER COUNTY CONTINUES

The area in Chester County where police are searching for escaped convicted murderer 34 year old Denelo Cavalcante has shifted south after the man was seen on surveillance cameras outside of the original perimeter.  According to the Daily Item, two nearby school districts the Kennett Consolidated and Unionville-Chadds Ford School Districts are taking flexible instruction daysout of extreme caution.  Police held a press conference yesterday asking the public to check their home cameras for a sighting of Cavalcante.  He was most recently seen on a trail camera at Longwood Gardens

EAST END FIRE DEEMED ACCIDENTAL

The fire that broke out in the East End of Williamsport has been ruled accidental by city fire officials.  According to the Sun Gazette, a garage caught fire at the rear of 437 Germania Street requiring first responders to come to the property.  Those investigating the blaze, said an outdoor burning pit was placed too close to the building, causing the building to catch fire at about 11pm Sunday.   The fire was extinguished in about ten minutes after firefighters arrived at the scene. 

BUCKNELL ANNUAL SPEAKERS FORUM STARTS THIS MONTH

The 2023 season of the Bucknell Forum speaker series is set to start again Tuesday September 19th and their first event features US columnist George Will in the Weis Center for the Performing Arts.  According to Bucknell dot edu, the theme of this year’s forum is “Freedom of Expression,” and Will is expected to share his informed perspectives and understanding of the current, historic political times.  Current Bucknell students and employees may receive up to two free tickets at any Campus Box Office location, or online, on Monday, Sept. 18, a day prior to the event.  Remaining tickets are then available at the Weis Center box office beginning at 6 p.m. on the day of the event.

POLICE SEARCH FOR SUSPECT IN HORSE INJURY ACCIDENT

State troopers at Stonington are seeking information about an accident that injured a two-year-old horse in Jordan Township.  According to police, a person crashed in Northumberland County near the area of 405 Old State Road, leaving the roadway and hitting a fence which caused serious injuries to the animal.  The suspect in the incident fled the scene and drove west toward Klingerstown Road in a red or maroon vehicle with damage to the front headlights, side mirrors and roof.  The accident happened sometime between August 26th and 27th .  if you  have information call State police. 

NEW FIRE EQUIPMENT COMING TO WILLIAMSPORT

New fire equipment in the City of Williamsport is expected next spring as Williamsport Bureau of Fire officials work on plans to sell the current functioning fire truck by securing agreements before the new fleet gets here.  According to the Sun Gazette, a new aerial truck is arriving in March and two new engines ordered for later in the year, which were paid for using a combination of Community Development Block Grant Funds and 2.6 million dollars in American Rescue Plan Funds.  City council approved a third party service, Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus , to assist with the sales of the older apparatus through anticipated bids in a nationwide forum.

ROAD WORK CLOSING ROAD IN MONTOUR COUNTY

A portion of County Line Drive in Cooper Township, Montour County will have a detour in place tomorrow and Friday as crews work on a pipe line replacement project.  According to PennDOT,  County Line Drive will be closed between Ridge Drive and Mount Zion Drive.  Motorists should watch for a detour in place using Ridge Drive and Route 11.  You can check road conditions all over the commonwealth before you travel 24/7 at 511pa dot com.

STAR PARTY AT RIDER PARK THIS FRIDAY

The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania is hosting a star party at Rider Park this Friday, with the Central Pennsylvania Observers, a local astronomy club on hand to interpret the night sky.  Rain date is Saturday with schedule updates on social media sites for @FCFPGives.org.  The free event is open to families who should pre-register by calling the foundation or emailing [email protected].  Get details about the park and the night sky opportunities at rider park dot org.

SPORTS

MLB

Twins 8                Guardians 3
Brewers 7             Pirates 3
Rays 8                  Red Sox 6
Marlins 6              Dodgers 3
Reds 7                  Mariners 6
Yankees 5            Tigers 1
Mets 11                Nationals 5
Cardinals 10         Braves  6
Royals 7               White Sox  6
Cubs 11                Giants 8
Astros 14              Rangers 1
Orioles 5              Angels 4
Rockies 3              Diamondbacks 2
Blue Jays 7                     A’s 1
Padres 8               Phillies 0

NFL
Week 1 Starts tomorrow night between the Detroit Lions and the Kansas City Chiefs kickoff 8:20pm – NBC
PIAA HS Soccer
Girls
Williamsport 6     Loyalsock 1
Danville 3            Midd-West 1
Bloomsburg 3      Wyoming Valley West 1
Towanda 5                     N.P. Mansfield 1
Troy 1                  Wyalusing 0
Williams Valley 1  Shamokin 0
Boys
Lewisburg 7         Loyalsock  0
S. Williamsport 5  Sullivan County 2
Benton 4              Montgomery  1
Northumberland Christian 3  Juniata Christian 2
Field Hockey 
Line Mountain 3  Muncy  0
Lewisburg 2         Lake Lehman 0
Southern Columbia  3  Milton 0
TENNIS  – US OPEN
 * Novak Djokovic reached his record 47th Grand Slam semifinal, breaking a tie with Roger Federer for the most by a man, by defeating American Taylor Fritz 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 at the US Open yesterday.
* Coco Gauff heads to the  semifinals at the US Open after defeating  Jelena Ostapenko 6-0, 6-2 yesterday, becoming the first American teenager to reach the final four at Flushing Meadows since Serena Williams in 2001.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 5, 2023

HIKER RESCUED FROM WORLDS END STATE PARK

First responders from Forksville, Hillsgrove, Eagles Mere, Laporte and Mildred were among those who worked to rescue a 20 year-old woman at Worlds End State Park who had allegedly fallen 50 feet from a waterfall there.  According to the Sun Gazette, it took a specialized task force about three hours to lift the woman from an area of the gorge known as Cottonwood Falls near Cabin Bridge Road.   The unnamed woman was flown to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville with a suspected head injury.  NO word today on her identity or her current condition.

CEO OF CABLE SERVICE COMPANY ARRESTED FOR MURDER

The chief executive officer of the Cable Services Company, Kenneth Michaels, was taken into custody Friday in Cape May, New Jersey for the shooting and murder of his brother-in-law and former business partner, John Roskowski. The fatal shooting was in the lobby of the Cable Services Company on Marydale Ave in Old Lycoming Township last month.  According to the Sun Gazette, Michaels surrendered without incident.  According to Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner, Michaels will be arraigned in Lycoming County once he is extradited.

PENNDOT WORKING ON I-180 THIS WEEK

Drivers on Interstate 180 near Montoursville can expect delays tonight as a contractor  will perform epoxy overlays on westbound structures over Loyalsock Creek, Route 87, Fairfield Road, and Brushy Ridge Road, as well as eastbound over Wolfe Run starting at about 7pm.  The project is planned to continue through  2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8. Drivers can expect lane closures and some delays during  peak travel hours.

WILLIAMSPORT LIBRARY ANNOUNCES EXTENDED HOURS

The James V. Brown Library will extend its Saturday hours this month.  Starting Sept. 9, the library will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays which can provide expanded access for to library programs and passport services, along with expanded access to resources.  The library offers online resources that cardholders can access anytime, anywhere.  Find out more at jvbrown.edu.

FATAL ACCIDENT CLOSES ROUTE 14 FOR SEVERAL HOURS

A 29 year old man from Clarion County was the victim in the fatal accident that occurred Friday afternoon at Route 14 and Field Station Road.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say Tyler Parks was traveling south on Route 14 and crossed the center line for an unknown reason and first hit a pickup truck then crashed intot he camper that truck was pulling. Police say is was a violent crash that killed Parks, but the South Williamsport couple who were driving the pickup were not hurt in the accident. The accident closed Route 14 near Field Station Road in Lewis Township for several hours.

HUGHESVILLE MAN INJURED IN I-180 CRASH

A Hughesville man was hospitalized for serious injuries after a crash on I-180 in Northumberland County Saturday at about 5:30pm.  According to the Sun Gazette, state police say 36 year old Anthony Hurst lost control of his 1997 Honda CRV when he was traveling westbound on the interstate and was ejected from the car after it overturned from hitting an embankment.  A Hughesville woman, 36 year old Jacqueline Neron and three minor children were passengers in the car and suffered minor injuries in the crash.  No word on their condition today.

CONDITIONAL APPROVAL FOR MONTGOMERY SCHOOL PROJECT

Conditional use approval was the final answer by the Clinton Township supervisors in a slim 3-2 vote last week for the Montgomery Area School building and facilities project, which involves the relocation of the junior/senior high school students to the Montgomery Area Community Center. According to the Sun Gazette the public shared opinions for several hours at the township fire hall for and against the project, which carries a $35 million price tag and includes, among other things, the expansion of building, parking and athletic facilities.

DOVE HUNTING STARTED SATURDAY

Pennsylvania Game Commission has announced that Pennsylvania’s dove hunting season opened Saturday! Dove season runs from September 1st through November 26th  and December 16th through January 1st.  Hunters may harvest 15 doves daily but are only allowed to possess 45. For more information on locations to dove hunt, dove hunting strategies and dove management head to the Pennsylvania Game Commission web site at pgc.pa.gov. 

SPORTS

NCAA Football
Duke defeated Clemson yesterday 28-7
and Saturday it was Penn State 38 West Virginia 15 in successful home opener for the Nittany Lions.

NFL
Week 1 Starts Thursday night between the Detroit Lions and the Kansas City Chiefs kickoff 8:20pm

MLB

Twins 20             Guardians 6
Royals 12            White Sox 1
Cubs 5                 Giants 0
Astros 13             Rangers 6
Blue Jays 6         A’s 5
Red Sox  7           Rays 3
D’backs 4            Rockies 2
Reds 6                 Mariners 3
Pirates 4              Brewers 2
Phillies 9             Padres 7
Orioles 6             Angels 3


NASCAR

Southern Cookout 500 at Darlington Sunday
Kyle Larson got the checkered flag after leading 11 previous Cup Series races at Darlington but never winning. He was followed by Tyler Reddick, Chris Buescher, William Byron, and Ross Chastain rounding out the top 5

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

NEW FINANCE DIRECTOR APPROVED FOR CITY

An approval for a resolution to appoint a new Director of Finance for the City of Williamsport has been approved by the city Council.  According to the Sun Gazette, the resolution was presented by Mayor Derek Slaughter, and after a process of interviewing candidates, Heather Jacoby, a Tioga County native and Bloomsburg graduate, who at one time was the director of finance there in Columbia County, was chosen.  Jacoby will learn from the current finance manager, Tracy Rash of Government Finance Solutions, who was contracted by the city as an overseer as it expects results from prior-year audits in the next few months.

UPDATE ON WILLIAMSPORT BICYCLIST AND BUS ACCIDENT

Police have determined that it was the bicyclist who struck a slow-moving city bus Monday afternoon, and required treatment at UPMC Williamsport after the accident.  According to the Sun Gazette, 43 year old Wakeem Robinson of Williamsport was traveling north near West Willow and Williams Street on a bike at about 2:10pm when he drove around a parked bus and struck a River Valley Transit bus head-on. The bus was being driven by Tracie Smith of Williamsport. There are no reports of any charges being filed in the incident.

HUGHESVILLE MAN ARRESTED FOR METH SALES

A man from Hughesville sold drugs to undercover State police agents from his home this past June is in custody.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say 43 year old Richard Dale Hunley sold 16 grams of methamphetamine to undercover agents who contacted him by phone before the drugs were purchased.  He was arrested and charged with possession with intent to deliver and was committed to the Lycoming County Prison on $50,000 monetary bail.  Hunley was also allegedly involved in breaking into the state police impound facility earlier this year and currently faces several felonies from that incident.

TWO DAY BLOOD DRIVE NEXT WEEK IN LOCK HAVEN

Lock Haven’s two-day Red Cross blood drive will be next week, Tuesday, Sept. 5, and Wednesday, Sept. 6, from 1-6 p.m. each day at the Student Recreation Center.  The event is sponsored by the Lock Haven Red Cross Club and is open to the public. Donors are required to schedule an appointment to ensure a donation time at the event that will take place at 550 Railroad Street in Lock Haven.  Schedule a donation time by calling 1-800-733-2767 or go online at redcrossblood.org and enter code LHU.

TWO CAR CRASH NEAR HARLETON

Three people were injured in a two-car crash near Harleton along Route 45 this week.  According to Pennsylvania State Troopers, both drivers were cited for their involvement in the crash, one who was driving with a suspended license.  Police say 21 year old James Andrews from Butler County was turning into a parking lot from Route 45 and allegedly turned into the path of Millmont resident, Helen Foster, who lost control of the car and went off the road, striking a light pole and a mailbox.  Andrews and his passenger were transported to  Evangelical Community Hospital and Foster was taken to Geisinger.  No word on the medical condition of any of the victims of the crash today.

COAL TOWNSHIP WOMAN ARRESTED FOR THREATS

A woman from Coal Township has been arrested for terroristic threats and simple assault after she yelled at neighbors, threatening to stab them with a knife, throwing items at them and threatning to burn down their house.  According to the News Item, police say  23-year-old Debra Marcano threatened six people Tuesday night in a back yard along West Gowen Street.  Police recovered a knife in the grass between Locust and Pine streets.  Marcano was committed to Northumberland County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash bail.

WAWA COMING TO WILLIAMSPORT

Williamsport City Council has approved the land development for a 6 thousand square foot WAWA store at 154 Maynard Street.  According to the Sun Gazette, the store will feature 70 parking spaces, a dozen charging stations for electric vehicles and accessibility paths and a pedestrian crossing at First Street.  WAWA is based in Philadelphia and the new store will be open sometime in 2024, with the construction of a concrete pad being planned depending on weather. The developer also is planning an alternate access road to Maynard Street behind the Fairfield Inn.

TRAIL GRANTS AWARDED LOCALLY

Grants have been awarded in the state for ATV and snowmobile trails in Northumberland and Clinton Counties.  According to North Central PA dot com, the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area in Coal Township received  over 160 thousand dollars for trail rehabilitation, equipment purchase and storage and Central Mountains ATV Association, Inc in South Renovo borough received over 300 thousand dollars for the development of 6 miles of trail starting at Whiskey Springs. Funds for these grants are provided by registration fees for snowmobiles and ATVs.

SPORTS

MLB
Tigers 4               Yankees 3
Marlins 6            Nationals 1
Giants 7               Padres 2
Braves 8              Dodgers 7

MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters 5          State College Spikes 3
* Cutters take 2 out of the series with the Spikes
* They are home tonight with the first of the last two home games of the season.  6:35 first pitch tonight with a 1:05pm 1st pitch Saturday afternoon.

NCAA Football
PennState vs West Virginia Saturday 7:30pm NBC
Wofford @ Pitt 3:30pm

TENNIS
The 143rd US Open continues through Sept. 10 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City.

  • USA’s Jessica Pegula crushed Patricia Maria Tig of Romania 6-3, 6-1 at the U.S. Open on last night in New York to set up a third-round match with Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina.
  • Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz moved into the US Open third round on Thursday with a  6-3, 6-1, 7-6(4) win over South Africa’s Lloyd Harris 

NASCAR Sunday
The Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington SC Raceway
5pm Pre-Race coverage, Green flag racing at 6pm – Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network /WILQ’s HD3

*The 121st Cup race hosted at the 1.33-mile oval 

NFL Week 1 Next Thursday

Detroit Lions @ Kansas City Chiefs 8:20pm NBC

Penn State Ticket Giveaway!

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED! CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRAND PRIZE WINNER PAT MCFADDEN OF WILLIAMSPORT. WE’D ALSO LIKE TO CONGRATULATE OUR RUNNER UP WINNERS….

TANNER LONG OF TROUT RUN, RACHEL MAKLEY OF MONTGOMERY, KIM BLACK OF MONTOURSVILLE, TRACY LEITCH OF LOCK HAVEN. RUNNER UP WINNERS RECIEVED A PAIR OF TICKETS FOR THE GAME.

LISTEN FOR THE “SOUNDS OF PENN STATE FOOTBALL” ON WBZD FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN 4 TICKETS TO THIS SATURDAY”S PENN STATE GAME AGAINST DELAWARE AT BEAVER STADIUM!  TO REGISTER, BE CALLER 5 OR 9 WHEN YOU HEAR THE “SOUND OF PENN STATE FOOTBALL!”  

THAT’S NOT ALL… WE’LL ALSO HOOK UP THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER WITH $20 IN TONY’S DELI GIFT CERTIFICATES, A 15 PACK OF BUDWEISER, PROUDLY DISTRIBUTED BY E.H. KLECKNER INCORPORATED, A CASE OF PEPSI PRODUCTS AND AN ASSORTMENT OF QUALITY UTZ BRAND SNACKS.  

YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OF AGE TO REGISTER AND YOU MAY ONLY REGISTER ONCE.  THE WINNER BE CHOSEN IN A RANDOM DRAWING THIS FRIDAY AT 9AM WITH THE JAKE MICHAELS MORNING SHOW. WE’LL HAVE A RUNNER UP PRIZE OF A PAIR OF TICKETS TO THE GAME.

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR – “THE SOUND OF PENN STATE FOOTBALL”

Backyard Broadcasting Official Rules

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 31, 2023

SCHOOL BUS CRASH SENDS FOUR TO AREA HOSPITALS

The crash involving a school bus yesterday along Route 15 at Blind Road in Clinton Township sent four people to the hospital, including three students  from the Montgomery School District.  According to the Sun Gazette, state troopers originally said the victims sustained minor injuries, but the driver of an SUV involved in the crash was admitted to UPMC Williamsport with more serious injuries. The three students were treated for minor injuries.  According to state police, the bus was pulling from Blind Road to head south on Route 15 when it collided with a Toyota Highlander SUV.  There were a total of nine students on the bus when the accident happened.  There were reconstructionists on the scene yesterday after the crash which kept the interstate shut down until about 11:30am.

THIRD SUSPECT ARRESTED IN LOCAL SEX TRAFFICKING CASE

Another person has been charged in a Williamsport sex trafficking case involving minors, which already includes two city residents who are incarcerated and facing trafficking and prostitution charges.  According to the SUN Gazette, Victor Eugene Booth II was taken into custody and is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 125 thousand dollars bail along with 36 year old Jennifer Gibbs, of Williamsport, who was also allegedly engaged in grooming young girls.  Police say 39 year old Allen Arthur Frazier, of Williamsport is in state Correctional Institution at Smithfield, Huntingdon after recently being taken into custody for a parole violation.  Williamsport City police are continuing the investigation into the trafficking case, and seek information from the public.

DMV CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY

Just a reminder that all PennDOT driver’s license and photo centers will be closed Saturday, September 2nd, through Monday, September 4th  in observance of the Labor Day holiday.   Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services at dmv.pa.gov.

BEITERS RECOGNIZED IN NATIONAL MAGAZINE

The management and staff at the 5 locations of Beiter’s Furniture Mattress and Appliance want to thank the community for the years of support after they were recently recognized in a national magazine, earning a ‘Beyond the Top 100’ distinction of furniture businesses in the country.   According to a press release by the store, they were featured in the June 2023 issue of Furniture Today.  Beiter’s flagship store is on Route 15 in South Williamsport and also has locations in Sunbury, Milton, Mansfield and Lock Haven they’ve been in business here since 1966.

WILLIAMSPORT WOMAN WITHDRAWS ABUSE OF CORPSE GUILTY PLEA

A Williamsport woman has withdrawn her guilty plea for the abuse of a corpse charge over failing to report the death of a friend who had overdosed on fentanyl inside an apartment she used in January.  According to PennLive, 34 year old Amber Nicole Burkhart went back to the Blanchard Avenue apartment in Old Lycoming Twp where 56 year old Robert Ulmer had allegedly passed away from the drug use days after police had secured the scene, and was arrested for burglary.  Burkhart could have received a sentence from Judge Ryan Tira after he had revoked her supervised bail for the incident or withdraw her guilty plea which she did.  Tira said in court records that he believes Burkhart needs help for mental health and dependency issues.

FAILURE TO REPORT CHARGES AGAINST TEACHER DROPPED

Charges of failing to report against a Milton Area elementary teacher have been dropped.  According to the Daily Item, 51 year old Jacqueline Martin who is a Baugher Elementary kindergarten teacher, was accused of allegedly failing to report within 48 hours suspected abuse and the presence of drugs in the home of a student.  The Winfield woman had been charged with the misdemeanor in Northumberland County Court and the District Attorney there announced the dismissal of the charges this week.

MIFFLINBURG YMCA FITNESS CENTER TO CLOSE

After stating that the Mifflinburg community needs have changed, executives at the  Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA said the YMCA Fitness Center on Chestnut Street will be closing permanently and transitioning to programs only through other locations in the borough, which will allow then to focus on specific youth programs which, after an evaluation, is more needed. CEO Bonnie McDowell said members can continue their wellness journeys at the Lewisburg, Milton, or Sunbury locations, and that members will be contacted soon about their memberships.

TRAFFIC SIGNAL GRANT AWARDED TO WILLIAMSPORT

Over 600 thousand dollars has been awarded to the City of Williamsport from PennDOT to support the Little League Boulevard/Hepburn Street and Little League Boulevard/Market Street Traffic Signal Modernization Project. Governor Shapiro recently announced PennDOT’s “Green Light-Go” program of which Williamsport receives a portion of over $35.5 million for traffic signal upgrades.  In a statement, Mayor Derek Slaughter thanked the governor, saying that the new traffic signals increase safety and mobility for residents, improve traffic flow and decrease congestion in the city. The project will be funded through the appropriation for fiscal year 2023-24.

SPORTS

MLB

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



MLB Draft League
State College Spikes 10        Williamsport Crosscutters 3
*Game three on the road again tonight back to State College where the Cutters will try for another win in the series.
*Last two home games of the season are tomorrow night (6:35pm) and a Saturday afternoon game (1:05pm) against Trenton Thunder.

TENNIS
The 143rd US Open continues through Sept. 10 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City.

  • Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark defeated Petra Kvitova  of the Czech Republic 7-5, 7-6 (5) in Arthur Ashe Stadium and will head to the third round against America’s Jennifer Brady tomorrow.
  •  Wozniacki previously won the 2018 Australian Open and reached No. 1 in the rankings during her first stint on tour but left in 2020 after starting a family with NBA player David Lee.
  • 10th seeded  US’s Frances Tiafoe’s took a second-round victory over Sebastian Ofner of Austria 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 last night in just over 1½ hours.

NFL Week 1 Next Thursday
Detroit Lions @ Kansas City Chiefs 8:20pm NBC

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 30, 2023

MIFFLINBURG MAN CHARGED IN 1986 CASE

A man from Mifflinburg has been charged with obstruction for admitting he lied about information he knew about the disappearance of 2-year-old Corey James Edkin from Union County over 35 years ago.  According to North Central PA dot com, state police say a state grand jury determined that 54 year old  Henry Gust Bush be charged after reviewing the case and that in 2022, new evidence pointed to a family member being involved in the disappearance of the boy who disappeared from his mother’s Second Street bedroom in New Columbia the night of Oct. 13, 1986.

COAL TOWNSHIP MAN SENTENCED FOR INDECENT ASSAULT

A man from Coal Township was sentenced to state prison for 9 to 20 years after being sentenced for felony aggravated indecent assault.  According to the Daily Item, 35 year old Christopher Allen Biddinger, was found guilty by a jury in May after being incarcerated for the past three years for alleged sex crimes that occurred in Delaware Township in Milton. There was a four hour deliberation by the jury in the Northumberland County Courtroom before they convicted Biddinger, who court records say had several outbursts in front of Judge Hugh Jones and was found in contempt of court and escorted from the courtroom before closing arguments

COUNCIL TO TAKE TWO WEEKS TO DECIDE ON CITY HALL BID

After a special public meeting to discuss the bids submitted for Williamsport’s City Hall Building on West Fourth Street, council will take two weeks to decide on whether to accept the  highest bid for the sale of the building or reject the offer altogether.  According to the Sun Gazette, the highest bid was 555 thousand, five hundred, submitted by JBAS Realty of Jessup, whose owner said at the meeting, their plan for the building is retail on the first floor and apartments on the upper floors.  Council has requested Mayor Derek Slaughter draft a resolution on the bid so they can vote to accept or reject the offer at their meeting in two weeks.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND DUI CHECKPOINTS PLANNED

Lycoming County motorists should be aware that Pennsylvania State police will be conducting roving DUI patrols and checkpoints in Lycoming County during the Labor Day weekend.  According to a media release from state police at Milton, troopers will be centering their enforcement campaign around areas that are traditionally known for DUI-related crashes.  Drivers should also remember the “Duty of Driver in Emergency Response Area” law, that requires cars to slow down and move to an open travel lane as they approach an emergency vehicle with flashers activated.

OUT–OF-CONTROL PATIENT AT UPMC ARRESTED

Williamsport police were called to UPMC Williamsport Divine Providence Hospital for an out-of-control patient who was threatening nurses and police staff last month.  According to North Central PA dot com, 18 year old Ryan Lucio Hernandez of Muncy allegedly forced his way into a nurses station and charged at hospital police when they responded to the scene and was handcuffed to a chair before city police arrived. According to court records, Hernandez was charged with harassment and aggravated and simple assault, was unable to post 15 thousand dollars bail and remains in Lycoming County Prison.

NEW VOTING LOCATIONS IN JERSEY SHORE

The Jersey Shore Borough has two new 3rd & 4th ward polling places pending approval by the Lycoming County Board of Elections so they can be accessible and ADA compliant.  According to the SUN Gazette, the tentative locations for the Third ward will be at the Jersey Shore Area School District Administration Building on 175 A&P Drive. The Fourth ward will vote at the Jersey Shore Borough Building at 232 Smith St.  The First United Methodist Church in Muncy and the Muncy Historical Society building are currently the polling places for the first and second precincts.

ENROLLMENT UP AT COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY

First year undergraduate enrollment is up at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania following the integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities there.  Enrollment has gone up across the university by more than 10% since last fall, and graduate enrollment up more than 25%. According to a statement from the president of Commonwealth University, the incoming first-year class includes students from throughout Pennsylvania as well as students from as far away as Arizona, Oregon and Washington.  A complete census of fall enrollment numbers will be shared by Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) in the coming weeks.

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL FOR SUICIDE VICTIMS

There will be a candlelight vigil hosted by the Behavioral Health team at UPMC Williamsport is hosting for community members wishing to honor those affected by suicide on Friday, Sept. 8, on UPMC Williamsport’s front lawn, at  High St., Williamsport.  According to a press release, September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and organizers hope the vigil gives everyone who wants to a chance to pay homage to those lost to suicide. If you or a loved one is considering suicide, dial 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 

SPORTS

MLB
Guardians   4      Twins 2
Phillies 12           Angels7
Yankees 4           Tigers 2
Rays  11              Marlins 2
Orioles 9             White Sox  3
Nationals 5         Blue Jays 4
Astros 6               Red Sox 2
Rangers 2  Mets 1
Cardinals 6         Padres 5
Cubs 1                 Brewers 0
Pirates 6              Royals 3
Braves  3             Rockies  1
A’s  3                   Mariners 1
Giants 6               Reds 1
Dodgers 9           Diamondbacks 1

MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters 5          State College Spikes 4
* Williamsport Crosscutters back tonight hosting the State College Spikes with a 6:35pm first pitch at Historic Bowman Field, and if the Cutters win the game tonight everyone in attendance gets a free ticket voucher to the season finale game on September 2!
*Last two home games of the season are Friday night (6:35pm) and a Saturday afternoon game (1:05pm) against Trenton Thunder.

TENNIS
The 143rd US Open continues through Sept. 10 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City.
*Defending champion Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz cruised into the second round of the US Open yesterday after his opponent, Dominik Koepfer of Germany, retired because of an injury during their prime-time match in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

*Alcaraz will play Lloyd Harris of South Africa in the second round.

* Venus Williams was eliminated 6-1, 6-1 by Belgian qualifier Greet Minnen in the first round.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 29, 2023

FATAL MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT NEAR DEWART

A man from Montgomery lost his life Friday after his motorcycle collided with a vehicle near Dewart.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Northumberland County Coroner reported that 56 year old Kenneth Feaster was the victim in the fatal crash just before 3pm after his motorcycle and a car driven by 87 year old Shirley Grady of Watsontown collided at the intersection of Route 405 and True Blue Road.  Feaster was not wearing a helmet.  Grady had no injuries, but her passenger, 55 year old Lori Schaeffer was treated at the scene by first responders from Warrior Run Area Fire Department and EMS.

PARKING METER RATE INCREASE IN CITY

Parking meter rates in the City of Williamsport are going up. According to the Sun Gazette, Williamsport Parking Authority will adjust the on-street meter rates from 30 minutes for a quarter to 20 minutes, 12 minutes for a dime to 8 and 6  minutes for a nickel to 4, to take effect on September 5th.  On street meter rates in the City have not gone up in over 15 years, and according to the parking authority, the rate increase should improve turnover at street meters which can provide more parking opportunities for patrons for downtown businesses.

RENOVATIONS SLATED FOR SELINSGROVE LICENSE CENTER

The Selinsgrove Driver License Center, located along Route 522, will be closed for about three months during renovations, according to state Rep. David Rowe, of District 85.  The construction schedule and closure is set to begin on Monday, Sept. 11, and run through Monday, Dec. 4. The center is tentatively scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, Dec. 5.   A photo-only license center remains open in Lewisburg, and other full-service driver license centers are located in Shamokin, Elizabethville and Lewistown.

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO TAKES IN LITTLE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

The Governor of Pennsylvania came to Sunday’s Championship Little League game and was joined by now 22 year old Mo’ne Ikea Davis who was the first girl to earn a win and to throw a shutout in Little League World Series history.  According to the Sun Gazette, during a statement, Governor Josh Shapiro recognized Steve Keener, president and CEO of Little League Baseball and the whole LL team for doing a great job and keeping the community engaged, as well as remarking that Davis is a Pennsylvania woman and leader who continues to inspire a generation of young athletes.  She was the first Little League baseball player to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated as a Little Leaguer.

BICYCLIST HURT IN BUS ACCIDENT

Emergency responders treated a bicyclist and transported him to the hospital after he was allegedly hit by a bus as it was making a right turn onto Williams Street near the city terminal.  According to North Central PA dot com, witnesses who were involved say there were arguments going on inside the bus just before the accident happened, and that the man who was injured on his bike was riding through the crosswalk.  Police say they dispatched another ambulance and EMTs to treat any passengers on the bus, but there were no reports of any major injuries during the low-speed accident.

PA STATE TROOPER CADETS NO LONGER REQUIRE COLLEGE CREDITS

The requirement for potential State Troopers to have an Associate’s Degree or 60 college credit hours as a cadet applicant has been dropped,  as hundreds of new troopers are about to be hired. According to a press conference at the State Police Academy, the latest class of cadets, which graduated last week, saw only 50 join PA State Police, noting that police departments across the country, state and municipal, are struggling to fill officer openings. The 2024 state budget includes funding to hire up to 384 new troopers this fiscal year, with a starting salary for troopers at just over $66 thousand per year plus benefits.

FARMLAND PRESERVED THANKS TO CONSERVATION EASEMENTS

The state Agricultural Land Preservation Board has announced the recent approval of the purchase of conservation easements which will protect additional acres of farmland in the 23rd Senatorial District.  According to Senator Gene Yaw, Three local crop and livestock operations were part of 2,645 total acres across the state and 35 farms in 18 counties that were approved for preservation, one each on Wolf, Munch and Kelly townships. The Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program, as it is formally known, is dedicated to slowing the loss of prime farmland to non-agricultural uses. To learn more visit  agriculture.pa.gov.

WILLIAMSPORT PUBLIC MEETING ON CITY HALL BIDS

There will be a public meeting this evening to share information about the bids received for the City Hall building  at 245 W. Fourth St.in the City of Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, there were three bids received for the building and Mayor Slaughter says each are under discussion as they are reviewed with Fish Commercial Group.  The public meeting about the historic building that has been vacant for two years will be at the Trade and Transit II building tonight at 7pm.

SPORTS

MLB
Twins 10             Guardians 6
Phillies 6             Angels 4
Yankees 4           Tigers 1
Orioles 9             White Sox  0
Blue Jays 6         Nationals 3
Astros 13            Red Sox  5
Rangers 4  Mets 3
Padres 4              Cardinals 1
Brewers 6            Cubs 2
Pirates 5              Royals 0
Braves 14            Rockies 4
Mariners 7          A’s 0
Giants 4              Reds 1
Dodgers 7           Diamondbacks  4

MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters on the road tonight for the first in a three game series with State College Spikes.  They’re back tomorrow night for one game at Historic Bowman Field 6:35pm first pitch.
*Last two home games of the season are this weekend at Muncy Bank Ballpark  – Friday night (6:35pm)  and a Saturday afternoon game (1:05pm) against Trenton Thunder.

TENNIS
The 143rd US Open continues through Sept. 10 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City.

* Coco Gauff beat German qualifier Laura Siegemund 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 to  reach the second round at Flushing Meadows.

*Novak Djokovic, who is seeking his 24th major championship, made a winning return last night after missing the tournament last year, rolling to a 6-0, 6-2, 6-3 victory over Alexandre Muller .

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 24, 2023

THREE JUVENILES ARRESTED FOR THEFTS IN MIFFLINBURG

The Mifflinburg police department has arrested three juveniles they say broke into cars throughout the borough overnight on August 19th.  According to police reports, the male suspects who are ages 11, 14 and 16, were captured on video surveillance cameras and sought by police after reports of theft of property from local cars and residential porches.  Mifflinburg officers apprehended the suspects after midnight August 20th in the area of Community park.  The teens were charged with theft from a motor vehicle, loitering and prowling, and will face other charges from the Union County Juvenile Probation department.  They were released to the custody of their guardians.  Restitution has not yet been determined.

JERSEY SHORE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR DISMISSED

After a 5 hour hearing Tuesday, the dismissal of Jersey Shore’s Athletic Director, Serena Henry will stand, pending the possibility of an appeal.  According to the Sun Gazette, the school board held the public hearing at Henry’s request and upheld their prior decision of dismissal in light of the evidence they say shows multiple incidents of incompetence according to Section 514 of the Pennsylvania Public School Code; including purchasing of equipment, scheduling transportation and communicating with colleagues in a timely manner.  Henry’s supporters were at the hearing and spoke in her favor as athletic director . Henry says she was “targeted” by the administration and held to standards that other employees were not.

VAPE DETECTION FOR LEWISBURG SCHOOLS
There are vape detection systems in place at Lewisburg Area School District as students come back to class this week.  According to the Daily Item, around August 14th the district installed the Halo vape detection systems in the high school and middle school for a total cost of $66,665.59 which was funded by capital project funds.  Other schools in the region are also considering vape detectors.  Shikellamy school district was recently awarded a $47,680 Safe Schools Targeted Grant they plan to use to install the detectors in high school and middle school bathrooms.

VINTAGE TROLLEY FROM KNOEBELS HAS A NEW HOME

A 1906 vintage trolley car used by guests for over 80 years at Knoebles amusement resort was delivered to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum last Wednesday for their use.  According to the Daily Item, the rare, semi-convertible #33 streetcar was built by J.G. Brill for the Shamokin & Mt Carmel Electric Railway Company which served the anthracite coal communities in Northumberland County before it was used as a cottage and later for storages and other uses at Knoebels beginning in 1938.  The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum did not announce their immediate plans for the vintage trolley.

COUPLE BREAKS IN TO EX’S HOME, STEALS BLANK CHECKS

A warrant is out for the arrest of a woman from Milton and an Elmira New York man who were charged with felony burglary trespass and forgery after they broke into the woman’s ex-boyfriend’s Williamsport home and stole money and blank checks. According to North Central PA dot com,21 year old Adrianna Yazmine Caddell, and 19 year old Benjamin David White, were seen  leaving Justin Jackson’s home on Aberdeen Road on July 31 as he was coming back home. Jackson discovered a break-in and called police.  They say the couple cashed forged checks amounting to hundreds of dollars. Charges against Caddell and White are filed at the office of District Judge Christian D. Frey. 

THREE INJURED IN I-80 ACCIDENT SUNDAY

Three people from Ohio were injured in a crash along I-80 Sunday allegedly caused by a man from Dallas who veered out of his lane, striking another car.  According to State Police in Milton, 49 year-old Michael Cole of Dallas, drifted across the line around mile marker 195 on I-80 West before striking the rear of the car driven by 31year-old Crysta Rolling of Ohio, who lost control of her car and struck a tree.  Rolling and two passengers, who were all wearing seatbelts, were taken to Geisinger for treatment, but there is no information released about their condition today.  Cole was not injured, but was cited with a traffic violation.

ANIMAL RESCUE OWNER CITED FOR NEGLECT

The owner of an animal rescue facility has been charged with neglect after a humane society police officer inspected the premises and found larges dogs living in unsanitary conditions and in need of veterinary care.  According to the Daily Item, a complaint was received against Ann Gibbs, the owner of K9 Hero Haven in Herndon, by the state Bureau of Dog Law Warden who inspected the facility in June.  During a follow- up inspection in August, the animals were still in unsatisfactory conditions.  Gibbs was charged with misdemeanor neglect of multiple dogs.  Her preliminary hearing is October 3rd.

WELLSBORO CAR RALLY IS ON NEXT MONTH

The 46th Annual Waste Management STPR Super Regional Car Rally is coming back to Tioga and Potter Counties September 15th and 16th.  According to North Central PA dot com, the annual event features two days of racing on forest roads in the region and two Friday stages on Waste Management, Inc. property, near Wellsboro – those point scores will count towards the American Rally Association East Regional Championship series. Each STPR rally team has a driver and co-driver, or navigator, who only have one chance to review the course at public speed before the race.  Registration is open until September 14th.

SPORTS

MLB

Cardinals 6          Pirates 4
Cubs 6                  Tigers 4
Brewers 8             Twins 7
White Sox 5         Mariners 4
Royals 4               A’s 0
Giants 8                Phillies 6
Reds 9                  Angels 4 Game 1
Reds 7                  Angels 3 Game 2
Padres 4               Marlins 0
Rays 6                  Rockies 5
Orioles 7              Blue Jays 0
Yankees 9           Nationals 1
Braves 7               Mets 0
Red Sox 7            Astros 5
Dodgers (3) and Guardians (1)
suspended in the 2nd  due to rain and will resume today at noon.

MLB Draft League

*Williamsport Crosscutters suffered another loss to the State College Spikes on the road last night 8-7.
*Williamsport Crosscutters return home tonight and will attempt to break the Spikes’ sweep of the series at Historic Bowman Field – 6:35 first pitch.
Little League 2023 World Series
Game 29 – Chinese Taipei (Asia-Pacific) 9               Curacao (Caribbean) 1
Game 30 – Needville TX (Southwest) 1                    Seattle WA (Northwest) 0
Game 31 – Mexico 2    Japan 0
Game 32 –  ElSegundo CA (West) 5                          Nolensville TN (Southeast) 3
Little League Today
Game 33 International Semi-Final
Curacao (Caribbean) vs Tijuana Mexico 3pm Lamade
T-Mobile Little League Home Run Derby 5pm Volunteer
Game 34 US Semi-Final
Seattle, WA (Northwest) vs ElSegundo, CA (West) 7pm Lamade
LL Saturday
Challenger Exhibition Game (Presented by Eggland’s Best) 10:30am Volunteer
Challenger of Lancaster County LL vs New York Division 8 LL Challenger Division from Syracuse
NFL PreSeason Tonight

Steelers vs Falcons 7:30pm – Atlanta
Colts vs Eagles 8pm – Philadelphia

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 23, 2023

YOUNG DRIVER IDENTIFIED AFTER ROUTE 15 CRASH

A Williamsport man was involved in a fatal crash Saturday along Route 15 in Clinton Township.  According to the Lycoming County Coroner, 21 year old Tyjair Barbee was traveling north on 15 when he lost control of the vehicle and skidded across the southbound lanes of travel, causing him to overturn and hit a tree.  Officials say Barbee was traveling too fast and was not wearing a seatbelt, and died of blunt force trauma after being partially ejected from the car.  Clinton and Washington Township officials responded to the accident and extricated the man from the car.  Pennsylvania State Police are continuing an investigation.

BLIND PEDESTRIAN HIT AND RUN

A blind pedestrian was hit by a car Saturday and police are asking the public for help identifying the hit and run suspect.  According to North Central PA dot com, Milton State Police  are investigating the incident in which 41 year old Lavette Lewis of Lewisburg was walking along the west side fog line of JPM Road with her guide stick and was struck by car.  Due to her disability, Lewis did not see the driver and no witnesses were at the scene.  Contact Milton State police if you have information about the accident.  

ASHKAR ELEMENTARY TO OPEN THURSDAY

The air quality at Ashkar Elementary has passed inspection and classes will begin there on time when the school opens tomorrow.  According to Superintendent, Dr. Mark Stamm, air quality test results  in the school building last week have returned showing reduction in the mold spores that were discovered there and cleaned by a specialized contractor last week.  In a letter to district families, Dr. Stamm said they are working on a permanent solution to address the air quality and groundwater management challenges at the school.  No other East Lycoming Schools in the district were affected.

SECOND PUZZLE IN CLINTON COUNTY SERIES FOR SALE

The second puzzle in the annual “Clinton County Landmarks” Puzzle Series is now available for those who pre-ordered and also for those who are interested in purchasing it now.  According to the Lock Haven Express, the Clinton County Visitors Bureau has made available the 550-piece, 18×24-inch jigsaw puzzle featuring a winter scene of the Logan Mills Covered Bridge .  They are available at the Clinton County Economic Partnership/Visitors Bureau office at 212 N. Jay St., Lock Haven, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.  The image on the puzzle was captured by George Masden of Mackeyville with the box designed by Steve Getz.  Get information at 570-748-5782

FATAL BOATING ACCIDENT IN LOGANTON

A Loganton family has lost two members to drowning after a boat mishap while they were fishing on Saturday.  According to North Central PA dot com, Pennsylvania State Police responded to a pond at the property of Samuel Z and Lydia B Zook for a boat accident.  Police say an adult male and his son, a juvenile male, drowned after their fishing boat capsized.  Two other of the man’s minor children who were also on the boat, swam to shore of the pond located on the 116 acre property along West Valley Road in Logan Township. 

FIRE DISPLACES FOUR FAMILIES

A two-alarm blaze which overtook a duplex home, closed Route 61 for several hours and left four families homeless on Saturday afternoon near the Hamilton underpass in Sunbury. The fire, which drew multiple fire crews was on State Street in Upper Augusta Township, Northumberland County. The Penitent Souls Motorcycle Club reached out to the fire victims this week, including several children, who lost everything, and gave them gift certificates and gift cards as well as food, clothing and school supplies that they will need in the next few weeks. The fire remains under investigation.

VETTED NURSES TO BE AUTHORIZED TO WORK IN PA

Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses who have a multi-state license will now be able to practice in Pennsylvania after an announcement yesterday from the Shapiro Administration.  According to North Central PA dot com, on September 5th RNs and LPNs with an NLC or Nurse Licensure Compact which recognizes nurses in the agreement among 41 states and territories.  This is a move by state to expand the pool of recruits for health care facilities and help alleviate burdens on overworked nursing staffs, providing hospitals with access to an approved, vetted group of licensed RNs and LPNs.

SPCA WAIVING FEES THIS SATURDAY IN SOME LOCATIONS

Adoption fees for the Pennsylvania SPCA will be waived this weekend at several locations throughout the state.  According to North Central PA dot com, the SPCA says many shelters are at capacity across the state and will offer the no fee day Saturday with all normal policies and adoption procedures followed.  The shelter at Danville is open noon until 6pm.  Some other fees for accessories and cardboard carriers may apply.  Get details on the adoption process at  pspca.org

SPORTS

MLB

Guardians 8         Dodgers 3
Tigers 8                Cubs 6
Rays 12                Rockies 4

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

Little League World Series
Game 25 – Mexico 3               Venezuela 1
Game 26 – Nolensville, TN (Southeast) 2            Henderson, Nevada (Mountain) 1
Game 27 – Japan 5                 Panama 4
Game 28 – El Segundo, CA (West) 9                   Smithfield, RI (Metro) 3
Little League Today
Game 29 – Chinese Taipei (Asia-Pacific) vs Curacao (Caribbean)  1pm Volunteer
Game 30 – Needville, TX (Southwest) vs Seattle, WA (Northwest) 3pm Lamade
Game 31 – Japan vs Mexico 5pm Volunteer
Game 32 – Nolensville, TN (Southeast) vs ElSegundo, CA (West) 7pm Lamade

MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters suffered a 3-3 sudden death loss to the State College Spikes on the road last night. With last night’s loss to the Spikes and Mahoning Valley’s win over Frederick, Williamsport falls to 15-21 and drops to 6th place in the MLB Draft League Second Half, a half-game behind the 5th place Scrappers.

Williamsport Crosscutters are in State College one more night tonight then return home tomorrow for the 3rd game in the series with the Spikes at Historic Bowman Field – 6:35 first pitch.

NFL PreSeason Tomorrow
Steelers vs Falcons 7:30pm – Atlanta
Colts vs Eagles 8pm – Philadelphia

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 22, 2023

WHEREABOUTS OF CUBAN COACH STILL UNCLEAR

The investigation continues into the Cuban Little League Coach who disappeared from the International Grove complex last Saturday night.  According to the Sun Gazette, Jose Perez was seen in surveillance video getting into a car driven by someone else along Route 15 outside the Little League Complex around 11pm August 19th.  According to Penn Live, reports from an entrepreneurial magazine say Perez has been spotted in Barcelona, Spain, and officials surmise that Perez may be seeking to change his visa status. The relationship with the Cuban Baseball Foundation and Little League International remains strong, there was an agreement recently signed to work together through 2025.

OVERTURNED TRUCK LEADS TO DRUG ARREST

Police charged a Michigan truck driver for drug after he overturned his rig Saturday morning at the Route 973 off ramp and they found suspected methamphetamine in the vehicle.  According to the Sun Gazette, police went into the cab of the truck driven by 44 year old Deangelo Colen who overturned on the west off-ramp of Route 15 South.  When police went to obtain the registration and insurance information, a white crystal substance was seen in the console, after which a search warrant was obtained.  Lycoming Regional Police allegedly found four bags of the drug and charged Colen with possession of a controlled substance and  summary traffic violations after he was discharged from UPMC Williamsport for minor injuries. He is in Lycoming County prison in lieu of bail.

MOLD COULD DELAY CLASSES AT ASHKAR

Mold has been detected in the Ashkar Elementary School after storms brought about a few leaks in the building, and classes may be postponed while they await test results from a recent clean-up.  According to the Sun Gazette, Superintendent Dr. Mark Stamm said in a letter to parents that if test results on mold spore levels are not back by Thursday, Ashkar Elementary families may have to delay returning to school until the air quality results are satisfactory.  No other schools in the East Lycoming School district are affected.  The Ashkar PTA Welcome Back Night has been rescheduled to Monday, August 28th and all teacher in-service activities scheduled for this week have been moved to the high school.

WELLSBORO TO HOLD FLY-IN BREAKFAST

The Labor Day weekend Fly-in Breakfast will be held September 3rd in Delmar Township, Tioga County.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Canyon Pilots Association annual event will be at the corporate hangar at the Grand Canyon Regional Airport 112 Runway Road in Wellsboro.  The public can watch pilots arrive for the breakfast and talk to them about their planes.  Proceeds from the breakfast are used to help support youth over 16 who are interested in aviation.  The fly-in will feature various full-size aircraft, weather permitting, airplane rides for a fee and a raffle for helicopter rides.  Email [email protected] for information.

MAN INJURED IN WILLIAMSPORT SHOOTING

A man was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound Friday after Williamsport police say shots were fired near the 800 block of High Street at about 1:45am. According to the Sun Gazette, an unidentified male victim was privately transported to the hospital before police arrived at the call location and processed evidence found there.  Police are asking the public for help in identifying the suspect and are looking for more information surrounding the incident, email [email protected].

TROOPER WHO ALLEGEDLY CAUSED CRASH TURNS HIMSELF IN

The off-duty state trooper who allegedly caused a fatal crash that killed a Tioga County teacher February 11th, has turned himself in and was charged with vehicular homicide by PA Attorney General Michelle Henry.  According to the Sun Gazette, investigators say Michael J. Brown was traveling west in a Jeep Grand Cherokee on Route 6 in Sullivan Township when he allegedly attempted to pass a vehicle by crossing the double yellow line, and struck an oncoming vehicle at the crest of a hill.  Forty seven year old Christine Woodward, a 15 year teacher from Troy area Schools was the victim in the crash.  Authorities say Brown also suffered significant injuries and was hospitalized in Sayre after the crash.  His bail was set at 50 thousand dollars.

ONE LEGAL CLAIM AGAINST LITTLE LEAGUE DROPPED

One of the legal claims in the lawsuit brought about by the family of a Little League baseball player from Utah who fell from a bunk bed last year during the Little League World series against Little League and John Savoy and Son Inc. of Montoursville, was dismissed in a Philadelphia common pleas courtroom last week.  According to Penn Live, Judge Linda A. Carpenter dismissed amended claims of negligent infliction of emotional distress brought about by the father of the player who fell, saying he did not see the accident occur. No word from the judge on the request to dismiss the suit brought on by Little League and Savoy who requested to move the case to Lycoming County where the accident happened.  After the incident in 2022, all upper bunks in Little league dorms were moved to the floor.

GRANT TO HELP FIGHT HOMELESSNESS IN UNION/SNYDER COUNTIES

A grant has been awarded to the Union-Snyder Community Action Agency (CAA) to assist families facing immediate housing issues.  According to the Standard Journal, 20 thousand dollars was provided by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh and PA Housing Finance Agency through Home4Good Homeless Initiative, to provide diversion strategies through community partners for families instead of them being forced to use emergency housing or homeless shelters which can cause immediate trauma in some cases.  The CAA’s mission is to reduce poverty in Union & Snyder Counties through self-sufficiency initiatives.

SPORTS

MLB
Cubs 7                 Tigers 6
Phillies 10           Giants 4
Pirates 11            Cardinals 1
Mets 10               Braves 4
Astros 9               Red Sox  4
Mariners 14        White Sox 2
A’s 6                    Royals 4
D’backs 4            Rangers 3
Padres 6              Marlins 2
Reds & Angels postponed for wet grounds in Anaheim.

2023 Little League World Series
Game 21 – Curacao (Caribbean) 2                   Venezuela (Latin America) 1
Game 22 – Seattle WA (Northwest) 6              Nolensville TN (Southeast) 2
Game 23 – Chinese Taipei (Asia-Pacific) 10       Tokyo (Japan) 0
Game 24 – Needville TX (Southwest) 3        ElSegundo CA (West) 1
Little League Today
Game 25 Mexico vs Venezuela (Latin America) 1pm Volunteer
Game 26 Nolensville TN (Southeast) vs Henderson NV (Mountain) 3pm Lamade
Game 27 Tokyo (Japan) vs Panama 5pm Volunteer
Game 28 El Segundo, CA 9West) vs Smithfield RI (Metro) 7pm Lamade

MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters are in State College tonight and tomorrow, then return home Thursday night for the 3rd game in the series with the Spikes at Historic Bowman Field – 6:35 first pitch.

NFL PreSeason Monday Night Football
Commanders   29         Ravens  28

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