Join Jake along with his wife Kathy on board the beautiful Celebrity Eclipse for a 7 night Bermuda cruise from July 7th through the 14th. Call AAA Travel in South Williamsport at 570-323-8431 for more details.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 9, 2023
MAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT WITH A BOX CUTTER
A Williamsport man was arrested after allegedly slashing another man with a box cutter near the 1900 block of West Fourth Street on Tuesday. According to the Sun Gazette, police say Dennis Prieto, Jr. attacked Maxwell Stokely in the neck, hand and face with the weapon and fled from the scene, and apprehended a short time later about a block away. Police found 11 ounces of marijuana when Prieto was searched. Stokely was treated UPMC Williamsport. Prieto faces felony aggravated assault charges and misdemeanor drug possession charges, and is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 100 thousand dollar bail.
NINE YEAR OLD GIRL LOSES LIFE AFTER FREAK ACCIDENT
The 9 year old daughter of a staff member of Mifflinburg Area High School football team has died after an accidental injury she sustained after being struck by a falling tree September 1st. Nine year-old Joslyn Noelle Flickinger, a fourth-grade student at Mifflinburg Area Intermediate School and the daughter of Luke and Mandie Flickinger, passed away Tuesday according to a social media post by the family, that thanked those who prayed and attended a vigil for Joslyn. A fund has been created at Mifflinburg Bank & Trust to support the family, called the “Flickinger Family Medical Fund.”Joslyn will be honored at the Shamokin football game this Friday by attendees wearing her favorite color, light blue or teal, and Buffalo Valley Church and Hillside Coaches will also collect donations for the family.
WOMAN SELLS TRAILER THAT WAS NOT HERS
A woman from White Deer Township has been charged with felony theft by deception for selling a house trailer that was not hers. According to the Daily Item, Amy R. Wells sold the trailer to a 44 year old male victim for 5 thousand dollars, and it was only later he found out that Wells was not the owner of the property. State Police at Milton were made aware of the theft on August 5th and now Wells was arraigned August 30th with a preliminary hearing scheduled for September 19th.
PRE REGISTRATION DEADLINE TODAY FOR CAMP SUSQUE RUN
Camp Susque has invited the public to participate in their Harvest Festival and Trail Run coming up on September 16 in Trout Run. The festival event is free to the public with the morning kicking off with a 5/10K trail race and fun race at 9:30am. Today is the deadline to pre-register for the race for a T-shirt. Camp Susque is a non-profit, non-denominational and ACA accredited Christian camp with programs like boys and girls summer camps, family camps, winter camps and year-round retreats. Register for the Trail Run race and get information online www. susque.org .
MAN ARRESTED FOR THREATENING PENNDOT WORKERS WITH RIFLE
A Williamsport man is facing charges after threatening PennDOT workers while holding a rifle at a construction site near his home August 26th. According to North Central PA dot com, 66 year old Dwight Wayne Mosteller approached workers near the 170 block of Sholder Road on an ATV and was allegedly upset over workers dumping stone near his property. Throughout the morning witnesses say Mosteller continued to watch the workers and remained agitated, even raising the gun toward workers before a family member came and removed the gun from the man’s hands. He was charged with st-degree misdemeanor terroristic threats, simple assault, and disorderly conduct, and released on 55 thousand dollars unsecured bail.
TEEN IN CUSTODY AFTER WIELDING A KNIFE AT HOME
A 13 year old girl from Milton was charged with attempted homicide after family members called police when she attempted to stab her father with a knife over an argument over the appropriateness of posters in her room. According to the Daily Item, state police were called to the home Monday afternoon along Main Street in West Chillisquaque Township in Northumberland County. Police say when the girl was taken into custody, she told police that she wanted to kill her father and grandmother. According to court documents, drug paraphernalia was also found in the girl’s bedroom She was released to medical staff on $25,000 unsecured bail.
RENOVO MEDICAL CENTER IN FINANCIAL TROUBLE
Bucktail Medical Center in South Renovo is facing financial difficulties and may have to close its doors, leading to a loss of jobs and a 40 minute commute for the community to get to the next closest healthcare facility. The non-profit hospital officials say they may soon struggle to pay employees. The Bucktail Medical Center in South Renovo provides emergency room services, skilled nursing, imaging, and EMS services. A GoFundMe Account has been set up to help the hospital and a community meeting is set for 7 p.m. Monday at the Chapman Township Fire Hall in North Bend to discuss the facility’s future.
LIVE UNITED THREE TONIGHT
Come out to the Williamsport Community Arts Center to support the Lycoming County United Way tonight! UPMC presents LIVE UNITED in Music III 7pm in Downtown Williamsport. Join home grown talent and blossoming recording artists Morgan Myles, Dylan Rockoff, and Beane on the stage to benefit LCUW and their community partners. Attendees are reminded of the new handbag policy at the CAC. Small clutch purses & wallets 6.5 x 4.5 , clear totes one foot square, or (1) one-gallon, zip-close style plastic bag may be carried into the venue, but all other bags are prohibited.
SPORTS
MLB
Guardians 2 Twins 1
Pirates 5 Brewers 4
Cubs 8 Giants 2
A’s 5 Blue Jays 2
D’backs 12 Rockies 5
Phillies 5 Padres 1
Rays 3 Red Sox 1
Marlins 11 Dodgers 4
Mariners 8 Reds 4
Yankees 4 Tigers 3
Nationals 3 Mets 2
Cardinals 11 Braves 6
White Sox 6 Royals 4
Astros 12 Rangers 3
Orioles 10 Angels 3
NFL Week 1 Tonight
Detroit Lions vs Kansas City Chiefs kickoff 8:20pm – NBC
Upcoming NCAA Football
Delaware vs Penn State noon @ Beaver Stadium
Cincinatti vs Pitt 6:30 @ Acrisure Stadium
TENNIS
The US OPEN continues through September 10 @ Flushing Meadows New York
* American Madison Keys defeated reigning Wimbledon champ Marketa Vondrousova 6-1, 6-4 on Wednesday night to reach the US Open semifinals.
* Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz defeated Germany’s Alexander Zverev on Wednesday night 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
*Alcaraz is a step closer to becoming the first man to win consecutive titles at Flushing Meadows since Roger Federer collected five in a row from 2004 to 2008.
Sports NEWS
About a third of those who ran in the Mexico City Marathon last month were disqualified after many cut the course during the event. Of the 30,000 that entered the August 27the race, after tracking data showed about 11,000 bypassing entire sections of the 26.2-mile course. There were allegations that some runners used using public transportation, vehicles and bicycles to finish the race. The Mexico City Marathon has had issues in the past with cheating. More than 6,000 runners were booted from the 2017 race and did not receive medals for finishing, and almost 3,100 racers were disqualified the next year.
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