BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 10, 2023

INJURED PASSENGER LEFT ON ROADWAY IN MCCLURE

A preliminary hearing is coming up this month for a Mifflin County man who was arrested after police say a passenger in his vehicle on June 19th was found lying in the roadway in McClure with critical injuries.  According to Middleburg police, 43-year-old Samuel Smith of Reedsville is allegedly responsible for the victim who was found injured in the middle of Route 522 by a passing motorist. According to media outlets, police say after the accident, the victim was flown to Geisinger and underwent extensive medical procedures and rehabilitation, but there is no information on their condition today.  Smith had been released on unsecured bail after his arraignment.

MAN CHARGED FOR WAVING A HANDGUN AT NEIGHBOR

A Jersey Shore man has been jailed after a neighbor says he waived a firearm at him Sunday night after he was confronted for taking pictures of the neighbor’s minor child.  According to the Sun Gazette, the neighbor showed Lycoming Regional police a video of an incident between him and 58 year old Robert Nothstein of S. Main St, in which Nothstein brandished what looked like a handgun and yelled to keep the kids away from him.  The man was arraigned on charges of possession of an instrument of crime, simple assault and disorderly conduct.  He is incarcerated in lieu of 10 thousand dollars bail.

MONTGOMERY LOOKING FOR NEW MAYOR

Montgomery Borough continues to seek a new mayor after one new appointee recently changed their mind about the job and another person of interest who didn’t meet residency requirements.  According to North Central PA dot com, interim mayor Rocky Sanguedolce said ideally, they would like to hear from interested candidate before their September 12th meeting, if they are a voter of any party who has resided in the borough for at least one year.  If appointed, then they would be expected to report on borough business and attend council meetings along with other ceremonial duties, and expected to vote to break a tie when council votes on borough matters.  Those who want to send a letter of interest can email donnajmiller1 @ Comcast dot net.

TENNESSEE LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM PULLS A THREE-PEAT

Nolensville, TN baseball is celebrating after beating Lake Mary, FL 4-1 in Warner Robins, Georgia earlier this week, winning the South East region championship and advancing to the 2023 Little League World Series, making history by earning the berth for the third consecutive season in a row.  According to The Tennessean, Nolensville manager Randy Huth, who was interviewed by ESPN for the accomplishment, said it’s a team effort to get three different teams to Williamsport three years in a row, and that it’s a big deal for the kids.  Nolensville will represent the Southeast Region and will play Friday, August 18th at 3pm in Lamade Stadium.

MAN ARRESTED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT

A 62 year-old man is in prison after sexually assaulting a woman who was allowing him to stay at her apartment for a few days while he was homeless.  According to the Sun Gazette, Anthony Fred Benson attacked the woman on the morning of July 9th , and prevented her from leaving the apartment for a time, until she escaped and called police.  Benson was charged with numerous felonies including  rape, false imprisonment and sexual assault and was arraigned before District Judge Christian Frey.  He is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 95 thousand dollars bail.

GROCERY STORE WORKER ARRESTED FOR MONTHS OF THEFT

A Jersey Shore woman who worked for a local grocery store for more than a year, admitted recently to stealing items over that entire time.  According to North Central PA dot com, Lycoming County Regional Police say 38 year old Tara Marie Crawford admitted to the thefts after she was confronted with video footage dating back to May of this year.  Crawford reported to the Lycoming Regional Police Department after being processed by Weis Markets asset protection and was charged with third-degree felony retail theft for items that could value over three thousand dollars.  She was released on 10 thousand dollars bail and has a preliminary hearing August 16th.

KIWI FRUIT RECALLED IN PENNSYLVANIA

If you bought a certain brand of kiwi fruit in Pennsylvania, it’s being recalled for Listeria contamination.  According to North Central PA dot com, David Oppenheimer and Company have recalled all one pound plastic clamshells of organic green kiwifruit with the Zespri brand written on them that were distributed throughout the Commonwealth.  The fruit affected by the recall was shipped between June 14 and July 7. Listeria infection in healthy people causes unpleasant short-term symptoms, but can cause serious complications among pregnant women (The recalled products have the UPC code 8 18849 02009 3 and contain fruit stickered with the GTIN barcode 9400 9552)

BODY CAMERAS TO BE TESTED ON STATE POLICE IN CARLISLE

Some Pennsylvania State Police will be wearing body-worn cameras after the state police released a statement August 7th about the start of the new program.  According to the statement, Troop H in Carlisle will participate in a 60-day trial of the equipment that will help determine the best practices to use while using the features or software that accompany the body-worn cameras.  Carlisle was chosen for the trial because of its geographic area which is representative of the communities served by the Pennsylvania State Police.  18 cameras will be shared by the Troop H officers for the next 60 days.

SPORTS

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

MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters 6          State College Spikes 1
Crosscutters tied up the series last night on the road and come home tonight for game 3 at Muncy Bank Ballpark in Historic Bowman Field.  6:35pm first pitch.

 

2023 Little League Regional Tournaments today

Mid Atlantic Region
Middletown Delaware vs Washington DC 3pm on ESPN
(winner vs Media, PA in the MidAtlantic Championship tomorrow)

Great Lakes Region Championship Game
Elmhurst, Illinois vs New Albany, Ohio 5pm ESPN

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 9, 2023

WILLIAMSPORT MAN REJECTS PLEA DEAL

A man accused of providing drugs to a woman who overdosed and died in 2021 has rejected a 20 year plea deal and now may face a life sentence if found guilty in federal court.  According to Penn Live, 45 year old Daquan Alterki Alford allegedly provided heroin and fentanyl to the woman for payment of a rental car she provided to transport the drugs from New Jersey to Pennsylvania.  Police arrested Alford and his son in Williamsport the day they discovered the woman dead in her Montgomery apartment and charged them with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and maintaining drug-involved premises.  Both men are now awaiting trial.

BREAK-IN TO IMPOUND LOT AT POLICE BARRACKS

Three men were arrested after they were discovered to have broken into police barracks in Montoursville to allegedly recover contraband inside an impounded vehicle awaiting a search warrant by investigators.  According to North Central PA dot com, 47 year old John Easton told police he and two others, including Lance Gingery who owned the impounded vehicle were involved in the break-in and that Gingery and Richard Hunley recovered items that had been seized with the intent to destroy them.  Easton, Gingery and Hunley all face several felony charges including criminal conspiracy, conspiracy to commit burglary and more.  They were all committed to Lycoming County Prison.

BILL INTRODUCED TO STOP EMISSION INSPECTIONS IN PA

State Rep. Jamie Flick has introduced a bill in the Pennsylvania legislature that seeks to end what he says is the outdated vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program, or the IM Program.  According to the Sun Gazette, Flick has asked other lawmakers to co-sponsor the bill that represents a substantial financial burden to citizens struggling with income or small business owners, in the wake of more efficient cars that make the inspections seem unnecessary to check for emissions.  If the bill stopping the federally mandated IM program passed, Flick says he would then petition the EPA to exclude Lycoming County from it.

BARREL 135 TO BE FEATURED ON AMERICA’S BEST RESTAURANTS

Williamsport’s own Barrel 135 Restaurant will be featured on America’s Best Restaurants in the coming weeks and owner Joshua Aucker is preparing for the film crew to be on site next week at their West Third Street location.  The date the episode will be available to view will be announced soon and the program will be posted extensively on social media channels at a later date.  According to North Central PA dot com, Restaurants featured on the ABR Roadshow are found through customer nominations or by a restaurant applying to be featured.  Find out more at barrel 135 dot com.

CAR STRIKES SECOND STORY OF HOUSE

A car went airborne and crashed into the second story of a house in Mifflin County Sunday. According to PennLive, the 20-year-old driver, Evan Miller veered off  a rural road in Decatur Township, crossed a field, hit an embankment on the property and launched into the home’s second-story bedroom, partially coming to rest on the front porch roof.  No one was seriously hurt, but the home owner, Joan Lepley, was present during the crash and said the accident violently shook the house. Police allege that Miller’s act was deliberate and he was transported to Geisinger Lewistown and was charged with aggravated assault, causing injury with extreme indifference, reckless endangerment and other charges.

LEWISBURG CARE FACILITY LOSES COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

The certificate of compliance for a Lewisburg senior care facility has been revoked by the state after new violations came forward in the latest inspection report.  According to the Daily Item, the latest inspections conducted at Heritage Springs Memory Care in April, May, and June added 24 other violations from previous months.  Another on-site inspection is required to be conducted before August 24th.  The most recent violations do not reflect the current criminal investigation where two teen employees were accused of elder abuse after they posed for pictures and videos with patients who were care-dependent.

ROADWORK IN TURBOTVILLE

There will be tar and chip work done on the roads around Turbotville borough this week.  According to the Daily Item, when the road work begins, borough workers will notify residents along the roads that will be done so they can move their vehicles from the roadway.  Roads affected include Locust Lane; Paradise Street from Main Street to King Street; West Golf Street from Locust Street to King Street; and Ball Street from Main Street to King Street.

BLOOD SHORTFALL MEANS MORE DONATIONS NEEDED

Citizens who want to help the American Red Cross through a shortfall in blood donations this summer are being asked to find a blood drive near you and give!  According to the American Red Cross, they most need type O negative, type O positive, type B negative and type A negative blood donors.  You can schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, go to RedCrossBlood.org.  or call 1-800 Red Cross. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

SPORTS

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

MLB Draft League
State College Spikes 6          Williamsport Crosscutters 2
*Cutters try to stop the Spikes again tonight on the road, but return to Williamsport Thursday Night to host State College for Game 3 6:35pm first pitch

Little League 2023 Mid-Atlantic Region Tournament yesterday
Middletown DE 12     Germantown MD 6
Media, PA 16               Washington DC 3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 8, 2023

FATAL ACCIDENT ON I-81 NEAR HARRISBURG

Three people died late Sunday night near Harrisburg after a charter bus carrying up to 50 people overturned on I-81 in heavy rain around 11:50pm.  According to WGAL, State Police released a statement on the accident that happened around mile marker 74 in Lower Paxton Township, saying that a charter bus was traveling south on I-81 in the right lane when it came around a curve to stopped traffic and to avoid it, the bus went off the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned.  State police said the Dauphin County Coroner declared three people deceased at the scene.  Other patients were transported to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and another local hospital with injuries ranging from minor to severe.

MIFFLINBURG MAN ARRESTED FOR CHILD ENDANGERMENT

Police say a Mifflinburg man assaulted his girlfriend’s daughter by slapping and choking her while he was high on methamphetamines.  According to the North Central PA dot com, police say a family friend called them after learning that 26  year old Brandon Nicholas Murray had allegedly grabbed and lifted the girl by the neck, threw her down and slapped her face at their home April 15th.  Murray was charged with felony aggravated assault, strangulation, endangering the welfare of children and other misdemeanors.  He is jailed with bail set at 75 thousand dollars unsecured.  His preliminary hearing is October 3rd.

OVERSIZE MOVE CLOSES UNION COUNTY ROAD TODAY

Contractors are set up to move a house today that will close a road in Union County for a short time around 9am.  Route 45 or Old Turnpike Road will close this morning in Buffalo Township between Skunk Hollow Road and Grove Road so that Wolfe House Movers, LLC can perform the oversize load move.  According to PennDOT, the house  is 50-feet long, 35-feet wide, 35-feet in height, and weighs 150,000 pounds.

LOOSE ALLIGATOR CAUGHT IN WATERS NEAR PITTSBURGH

Rumors of  the alligator spotted in Pennsylvania waters turned out to be true and two kayakers and police in Westmoreland County have removed it from the local waters.  According to the Tribune-Review, the gator was spotted last month in the Kiski River and again recently when Kiski area police and the people who spotted the animal and worked together to catch it.  Authorities transported the alligator now named “Chomper” to the Humane Animal Rescue League shelter where it will be cared for until they determine where it will go. Releasing a pet alligator in Pennsylvania is a violation of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s code.

SAFETY IN PLACE FOR GRAND SLAM

Those attending the Grand Slam Parade next Monday, celebrating the Little League World Series in downtown Williamsport, can expect to see the new barriers filled with water providing a secure environment for parade goers and participants this year.  According to the Sun Gazette, the purchase of about 100 barriers for 40 thousand dollars was recently approved for use by the City Council , which are designed to stop an intentional or unintentional vehicle from breaking into the crowd or parade route.  Williamsport Bureau of police ask the public to increase their patience with the thousands of pedestrians they will see in the two weeks starting with the Grand Slam parade on the 14th through the Williamsport Welcomes the World events through August 27th.  A shuttle from River Valley Transit to take visitors to the series and back to the city will be available outside the Third Street parking garage.

FUNDS APPROVED FOR PRESERVATION ORDINANCE UPGRADE

Funds have been approved by Williamsport City Council to go toward a 10 thousand dollar grant match from the Pennsylvania Historical and Preservation Office.  According to the Sun Gazette, two thousand dollars will come from the legislative contingency fund so that the city can complete a rewrite of its Historical Architectural review Board ordinance, with which the city is getting help from McKissick Architects.  Officials say it’s been 40 years since some of the work has been done to update the ordinance.

GEISINGER NAMED ONE OF PA’S BEST HOSPITALS

Seven Geisinger hospitals have been recognized for high performance in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” rankings. Geisinger Medical Center and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center were named among the Best Hospitals in Pennsylvania. Also recognized were Geisinger facilities in Bloomsburg – for maternity care and their treatment of pneumonia; in Lewistown – for heart and maternity care and in  Jersey Shore for their high levels of performance in respect to the treatment of Pneumonia.

MIFFLINBURG TO CELEBRATE 125TH ANNIVERSARY

Local businesses are invited to participate in the 125th-anniversary parade and two-day celebration for the Mifflinburg Hose Company next month.  According to the Daily Item, the department that was founded in 1898 will have food, games and entertainment on Friday September 29th  and Saturday September 30th in Mifflinburg Community Park. Friday night features a car cruise and those who want to be in the parade on Saturday at 4pm can contact the fire department on its Facebook page.  There will be fireworks in the park at the Saturday night conclusion of the event.

SPORTS

MLB
Blue Jays 3         Guardians 1
Dodgers 13         Padres 7
Reds 5                 Marlins 2
Twins 9               Tigers 3
Pirates 7              Braves 6
Mets 11               Cubs 2
Red Sox 6           Royals 2
Brewers 12          Rockies 1
White Sox 5       Yankees 1
Giants 8               Angels 3
Rangers 5            A’s 3
Nationals and Phillies postponed for weather

MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters are on the road with the State College Spikes tonight and tomorrow, the Spikes come back for game 3 in the series Thursday night at Historic Bowman Field, 6:35pm first pitch.

Little League Regional Tournaments today
Mid Atlantic Region
Maryland vs. Delaware 12:02pm ESPN+
Pennsylvania (Media, PA) vs Washington DC 7pm ESPN

NASCAR
Chris Buescher won his second straight NASCAR Cup Series race in the rain delayed FireKeepers 400 yesterday by holding off points-leader Martin Truex, Jr.,   Denny Hamlin was third followed by Brad Keselowski and Kyle Larson rounding out the Top 5.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 7, 2023

TEEN TO BE CHARGED AS AN ADULT FOR ARMED ROBBERY

A 15 year old from Philadelphia is in custody this morning after he allegedly tried to rob another juvenile at gunpoint early Sunday on the 700 block of West Fourth Street in Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, Jayden Tymir Witherspoon pulled a handgun and attempted to rob another male who was meeting him to sell a set of headphones.  Police say they were called to the scene for an assault in progress and a short time later, apprehended Witherspoon near the 300 block of Walnut Street.  Police say the weapon was stolen from South Williamsport.  Witherspoon will be tried as an adult and is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 150 thousand dollars bail.

BODY PULLED FROM SUSQUEHANNA IDENTIFIED

A body recovered from the Susquehanna River near Danville Saturday has been identified as a woman from Berwick.  According to WNEP, the Montour County Coroner’s Office had sought information in the identity of a woman pulled from the Susquehanna River in Mahoning Township. According to authorities, the female is identified as Susan Guthrie, but no other details have been released.  Anyone with information should call the Montour County Coroner’s Office at (570) 275-1867.

PENNDOT TO INSPECT LIGHTS ALONG I-180 THIS WEEK

Motorists are advised of lane restrictions tomorrow on Interstate 180 in both directions on the bridges over Loyalsock Creek in Loyalsock Township, Lycoming County., a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) maintenance crew will be inspecting the light poles on the bridges tomorrow along the interstate between 9am and 1pm. The right lane will be closed where work is being performed.

TWO OFFICERS JOIN CITY POLICE

The Williamsport City Police have two new officers in the 49-officer department.  Williamsport City added Officers Quinn Fry and Tyler Corter last week.   Police officer Fry is a veteran of the US Army and was recently employed by the Manheim Township Police Department. Police Officer Corter is a veteran of the US Air Force and is a recent graduate of the Lackawanna College Police Academy. The hiring of both officers was approved by City Council late last week and the officers begin their Field Training on Monday, August 7th.

BEAR ATTACK IN DANVILLE

A Danville man is continues to recover following the brutal attack he suffered on Thursday night in his own garage. According to the Sun Gazette, John Swartz was attacked by a bear and suffered bite marks to his head and had a deep wound on the top of his skull. He was taken to Geisinger and received treatment. Swartz said according to video footage, he stumbled over the bear when he was in the garage, and was lucky the bear didn’t continue attacking. The Pennsylvania Game Commission has set up a trap at the Danville residence.

STORE EMPLOYEE ATTACKED

An employee at the Lewisburg Walmart was attacked by a West Milton man and an accomplice August 1st, while the employee was working in an aisle at the store.  According to North Central Pa dot com, 20 year old Jovan Markus Garcia and another man approached the victim and threw him to the ground, continuing to punch and kick the man while witnesses said they tried to stop the fight.  Garcia attempted to flee the scene but was stopped by troopers.  He faces felony aggravated assault charges along with misdemeanor simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment.  No charges were filed for the accomplice in the fight.

SHAPIRO SIGNS PENNSYLVANIA’S BUDGET

After a budget impasse that has been drawn out since the June 30th deadline, Governor Josh Shapiro signed the fiscal budget for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania last week and said in a press release that will make good on a promise to deliver the largest targeted tax cut for seniors in almost two decades, expand vo-tech and apprenticeship programs, support state troopers and local first responders.  Shapiro also signed the expansion of the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate.  Some Republicans say an opportunity has been missed to work better across the aisle for Pennsylvania’s students and families after the disagreement mostly hinged on a school voucher program.

DOG SWIM COMING TO SUNBURY

The Sunbury community pool has brought back their “Dog Swim” to benefit a local spay and neuter charity.  According to social media, organizers say they will have the event August 13th from noon til 6pm to benefit SUN Pets.  People swim free with their dogs when they bring them to the pool for 10 dollars admission, with up to date shots and a friendly demeanor.  The Sunbury Pool’s last normal open day of the summer is Saturday August 12th.

SPORTS

MLB

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

MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters 8 Trenton Thunder 6
* Cutters complete a two-game sweep after Friday’s game was cancelled by rain. 
*Williamsport is off today then they go to State College for a two-games away and a third series-game at home Thursday.  6:35pm 1st pitch.

Little League Baseball Mid Atlantic Region

Media, PA 6                Maryland   2

Washington DC  4      Delaware 0

Today Maryland vs Delaware – 5pm on ESPN+

Tomorrow Media, PA vs Washington, DC – 7pm on ESPN
NASCAR
The NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday was suspended due to rain and is scheduled to resume today at noon eastern. 
*The race started rain-delayed by an hour and 43 minutes.  The field managed to complete 74 of the scheduled 200 laps, but more showers halted the event.
NFL NEWS
 – The Philadelphia Eagles signed linebackers Myles Jack and Zach Cunningham to one-year deals.
*Jack spent six seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, until they released him in 2022, Jack signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers before being released again in March.
*Cunningham played only six games last season because of an elbow issue, but he led the NFL in tackles (164) in 2020 with the Houston Texans, before joining the Tennessee Titans in December 2021. The former second-round pick was released in February.
Major League Soccer
Lionell Messi and Inter Miami are moving on in the Leagues Cup after a thriller yesterday in Dallas. Messi scored two goals, including one to tie the game at 4 in the 85th minute, and Inter Miami advanced past FC Dallas with a 5-3 edge on penalty kicks.
Women’s World Cup Soccer
US was defeated in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16 match by Sweden at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.  Sweden won 5-4 on penalties.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 4, 2023

WILLIAMSPORT APARTMENT BUILDING FIRE

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

WOMAN ATTACKS MAN WITH GLASS JAR, KNIFE

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

SOUTHSIDE APPROVES 25 YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH LITTLE LEAGUE

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

PENN COLLEGE GRADUATION CEREMONY SATURDAY

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

WOMAN, UBER DRIVER’S CAR ATTACKED WITH BASEBALL BAT

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

MAN ARRESTED AT WALMART AFTER SECOND DISTURBANCE

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

BILL BANS HUNTING/ARCHERY EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS

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

ANGLERS ASKED TO KILL NORTHERN SNAKEHEADS

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

SPORTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 3, 2023

MISSING HIKER FOUND NEAR EAGLES MERE

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

WOMAN CONVICTED OF MURDERING HUSBAND WANTS NEW TRIAL

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

CITY FINANCES OK SO FAR

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

FIRST FRIDAY COMING TOMORROW

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

NEW YORK MAN INJURED WHEN TRUCK OVERTURNS

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

FORMAL SEARCH FOR ELDERLY WESTFIELD WOMAN CALLED OFF

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

BUDGET MOVES IN HARRISBURG

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

WAHS ANNOUNCES OPEN HOUSE DATES AND TIMES

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

SPORTS

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

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

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

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 2, 2023

KITCHEN KNIFE USED IN DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE

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

CITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS TWO OFFICER HIRES THIS WEEK

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

PATRIOTS CONTINUE TO PURSUE FORENSIC AUDIT

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

BLOOMSBURG FAIR RACEWAY ORDERED TO SHUT DOWN

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

WOMAN BREAKS IN, ATTACKS EX’S NEW GIRLFRIEND

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

MAN LEAVES YOUNG CHILDREN ALONE IN LOCKED ROOM

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

NORRY CHILDREN AND YOUTH WORKERS WANT PAY RAISES

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

PENNDOT SEEKING STUDENT AMBASSADORS

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

SPORTS

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

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

GOLF News

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

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

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 1, 2023

MURDER-SUICIDE IN MIFFLINBURG

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

WATSONTOWN WOMAN SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON

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

STOLEN SNAP BENEFITS TO BE REPLACED

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

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT TONIGHT

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

PETA SEEKS SUPPORT OF ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE

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

SENIOR FACILITY FACES CIVIL SUIT

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

RESURFACING THIS WEEK IN NORTHUMBERLAND

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

GAS PRICES UP

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

SPORTS

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

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

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

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

National Night Out Information

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

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

Lycoming Regional Police Department

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 31, 2023

TWO-ALARM FIRE SATURDAY

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

CANADIAN MAN KILLED IN I-180 CRASH THURSDAY

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

STATE POLICE STOP DRUG TRAFFICKERS NEAR DANVILLE

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

STATE OF NATURAL GAS

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

WOMAN TRAPPED IN SUV ACCIDENT

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

ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE

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

EVANGELICAL GET FIVE-STAR RATING

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

CHALLENGER GAME WILL BE LIVE STREAMED

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

SPORTS

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


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

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 28, 2023

SUSPECTED FATAL ACCIDENT SHUTS DOWN I-80 EAST

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

FATAL MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

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

COMMISSIONERS APPROVE SALE OF EXECUTIVE PLAZA BUILDING

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

BE CAREFUL OF STUDENT LOAN SCAMMERS

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

MAN ESCAPES MAJOR INJURIES AFTER ROLLOVER ACCIDENT

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

WOMAN CHARGED IN CHILD’S FENTANYL DEATH

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

REPRESENTATIVE PAUSES SALARY UNTIL PA BUDGET IS PASSED

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

BISON BASKETBALL GOES TO ITALY

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

SPORTS

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

MLB tonight
Phillies are in Pittsburgh @ 7:05

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

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

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