BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 16, 2023

PERCEIVED THREAT CAUSES SCHOOL LOCKDOWN

A group of State Troopers heading through 220 to 118 last week were rushing to the scene of suspicious activity at the East Lycoming School District’s Renn Elementary Friday morning at about 10:30 am. According to Northcentralpa.com, witnesses say a vehicle entered the school parking lot, traveling the wrong direction, and abruptly left but then returned. Staff called 911 and the school was locked down. Police say the driver of the vehicle had been dealing with a medical emergency and no weapons were recovered. The school remained on lockdown for about an hour before resuming normal operations.

WOMAN CHARGED FOR UNDER-RINGING ITEMS AT GROCERY STORE

A woman from Muncy has ultimately been charged with felony retail theft after Weis employees recently caught her under-wringing items at the check out November 16thwhich, at the time, resulted in a misdemeanor.  According to North Central PA dot com, after investigators checked surveillance camera footage, it turns out 30 year old Shelby Hoffman had under-rang items 27 times at the Muncy Weis Markets before – between Sept. 1 to Nov. 14, 2022. It was discovered she had stolen over 26-hundred dollars-worth of items.  Hoffman was arraigned this week in District Court.

HAND RECOUNT IN LYCOMING COUNTY RESULTS RELEASED

In the hand re-count of the November 2020 Election in Lycoming County had small fluctuations in the total but nothing close that had been alleged by the concerned citizens seeking to find answers about alleged miscounted votes and ballot harvesting.  According to the Sun Gazette, Trump actually won by seven fewer votes than had originally been reported following the election — 41,462 to 41,455. Biden, according to the hand count lost in the county by 15 more votes –16,971 to 16,956. Jo Jorgenson, the Libertarian candidate gained four votes — 821 to 825. The board of elections will meet at 10 a.m. Jan. 24 at the commissioners’ Board Room, 330 Pine St., to discuss the results.

DREAM WEEK 2023 INCLUDES PEACE WALK TODAY

Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service is today Monday January 16th and Dream Week 2023 continues in Williamsport this week There will be opportunities on the Penn College and Lycoming College campuses to perform acts of Service and through the week and the STEP AmeriCorps will have their Peace Walk, at noon starting at the Jackie Robinson statue at Third and Market Streets in Williamsport.  Activities at the James V Brown Library start at 10:30 for children.  More information at pct.edu or Lycoming .edu.

LOYALSOCK MAN CHARGED WITH PROWLING

The Loyalsock Township man who faced charges of assaulting a police officer after he refused to leave UPMC Williamsport on October 23rd has been arrested again on loitering charges after he was found prowling at the 500 block of Pine Street January 3rd.  According to the Sun Gazette, 44 year old Thomas Daniel Ertel was charged with the assault, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct last year, but now faces more along with loitering, Ertel was charged with public drunkenness.  He is jailed in lieu of 10 thousand dollars bail.

POINT DRIVE-IN WILL HAVE A 2023 SEASON

Plans for the Solar Farm that was to take over the land and close Point Drive-in between Northumberland and Danville have fallen through and the owners of the drive-in have announced there will be a 2023 season!  According to a Facebook post by David Renn, the owner of the drive-in said that there won’t be any season passes sold for now, but they will be hiring for the season soon and  are looking forward to seeing you under the stars!  The Point Drive-in is on Route 11 between Northumberland and Danville.

INAUGURATION DAY IN HARRISBURG TODAY

Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro named more members of his administration – this time in the arena of public safety at the end of last week, including the first woman to ever be named as the Secretary of Corrections, Dr. Laurel Harry who has 24 years of Commonwealth Experience in the Department of Corrections and was named 2019 Warden of the Year.  Also named were , Randy Padfield as Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency director, Christopher Paris as state police commissioner, Tom Cook as state fire commissioner, and Mark Schindler as adjutant general.  Rep. Mike Carroll, a Democrat from Luzerne County, was also tapped Friday for the top job at the Department of Transportation.  Shapiro will be sworn in Tuesday at the State Capitol Building in Harrisburg.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR PA SENIORS

Graduating High School Seniors may be able to take advantage of a new scholarship program vreated by the PA House.  According to North Central PA dot com, the 2023 Pennsylvania House of Representatives Scholarship program is administered through The Foundation for Enhancing Communities and provides four-year scholarships to two high school seniors per year.  Those who qualify will be legal residents of PA, have a 3.0 or better GPA, exhibit leadership  and a commitment to their community, have financial need, and attend a PA College, university, or career school as a full-time student.  Details at www.tfec.org.

SPORTS

NFL Sunday
Bengals 24          Ravens 17
Bills 34               Dolphins 31
Giants 31            Vikings 24

NFL Monday Night Football
NFC wildcard Playoffs
Cowboys vs the Buccaneers Tampa at 8:15 on ABC
Saturday, January 21

AFC:    4:30 PM Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs NBC

NFC:    8:15 PM New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles FOX

Sunday, January 22

AFC:    3:00 PM Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Bills CBS

NFC:    6:30 PM Dallas/Tampa Bay at San Francisco 49ers FOX


The AFC and NFC Championship Games, presented by Intuit TurboTax, will take place on Sunday, January 29

NBA
76ers 113            Lakers 112
Knicks 117         Pistons 104  
Clippers 121       Rockets 100
Bulls 132            Warriors 118
Thunder 112       Nets 102
Kings 132           Spurs 119
Nuggets 119       Magic 116
Trailblazers 140 Mavericks 123

NHL
Canucks 4           Hurricanes 3
Canadiens 2        Rangers 1
Jets 2                   Coyotes 1


NCAA basketball
St. John’s 85       UConn 74
Xavier 80            Marquette 76

NASCAR Kevin Harvick announced that 2023 will be his final full-time season according to his social media accounts. The 2023 NASCAR season kicks off with the Clash at the Coliseum next month, February 5th , then the Daytona 500 is February 16th , in Daytona Beach, Florida.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 13, 2023

MONTOUR TOWNSHIP HOME BURNS TO THE GROUND

A home in Montour Township burned to the ground yesterday morning before volunteer firefighters could get water up a steep hill to extinguish it. According to the Press Enterprise, crews from Buckhorn, Catawissa and Bloomsburg were first called at about 4am to the home at 86 Harp Lane along a winding Road off Hollow Road in Rupert. Firefighters from other companies were forced to ferry water to a portable pond from the Catawissa boat club until they finally charged the lines to get to the top of the hill, by that time the home was down to ashes. Police say Route 42 from Train Street to Grovenia Avenue was closed yesterday morning from 5 to 7am. Mahoning Township, Espy, Lightstreet, Riverside and Danville also assisted with the blaze.  The home had been on the real estate market for about 3 months, there were no reports of injuries.

FATAL ACCIDENT IN LOCK HAVEN FOR BLANCHARD MAN

A 28 year old Blanchard man suffered fatal injuries last weekend in an accident along Railroad Street in Liberty Township.  According to the Lock Haven Express, Levi Confer hit two trees after going off the roadway at a high rate of speed in his Saturn Ion at about 2am.  State police at Lamar say Confer was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and his vehicle sustained total damage.  Confer was a member of #824 Laborer’s Union in Bellefonte and had attended Central Mountain High School.

WILLIAMSPORT WOMAN TO APPEAR ON JEOPARDY TONIGHT

A local woman who has been taking the “Jeopardy!” online test for years to become a contestant, will have a chance to win on the show tonight.  According to the Sun Gazette, Brenda Crowell from Williamsport, who can’t talk yet about the results of the show that was taped back in November, says it was a once in a lifetime experience.  Crowell said she had been taking the online test since it had been made available and just last year got picked for an audition and chosen for the show.    Crowell competes on Jeopardy tonight at 7:30 on WBRE.

DREAM WEEK 2023 INCLUDES NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE

Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service is coming up Monday January 16th and Dream Week 2023 will officially start tomorrow night with a meal and service provided by United Churches of Lycoming County at Sojourner Truth Ministries, 501 High Street, Williamsport.  There will be opportunities on the Penn College and Lycoming College campuses to perform acts of Service and The STEP AmeriCorps will be coordinating their Peace Walk, starting at noon at the Jackie Robinson statue at the corner of Third and Market Streets in Williamsport with a few words from Dr. Nate Woods of Penn College.  More information at pct.edu or Lycoming .edu

NORTHUMBERLAND MAN JAILED FOR THREATS

A man from Northumberland who police say threatened a woman by saying he would shoot her like the woman who had been shot by her ex-boyfriend in Danville on January 3rd  is in custody.  According to North Central PA dot com, court records show 28 year old Christopher Ward faces charges of terroristic threats and harassment when he called his victim over 60 times and threatened to kill her, sending her pictures of handguns.  Ward is in the Northumberland County jail in lieu of 45 thousand dollars bail with a preliminary  hearing January 17th.

UPMC TO BOOST MINIMUM WAGE FOR NEW EMPLOYEES

As the largest employer in Lycoming County, UPMC has announced they are planning to increase minimum wage for entry-level positions to $18 dollars an hour by January 2025.  According to the Sun Gazette, officials at a press briefing at UPMC Pittsburgh said the wage increase will help with nurse to patient ratios and they say along with their benefits package, UPMC employees receive an equivalent of $27 per hour.  The wage increases affect UPMC Williamsport, Lock Haven, Coudersport Cole Memorial, Muncy and Wellsboro. Ninety-five thousand employees work at UPMC across all their  facilities. 

PARKING ORDINANCE SET IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

An ordinance has been passed in Loyalsock Township that will allow enforcement of the parking ban on Warren Avenue and portions of Pennsylvania Avenue.  According to the Sun Gazette, the signs have been in place for years, but an official ordinance has never been in place.  Now, if there are issues about parking in these areas, there is a way for it to be legally enforced.  The proposed ordinance was reviewed by the township solicitor, Michael Wiley.

DAIRY CHARITY MAKES GOAL AFTER FARM SHOW DONATIONS

The joint venture between the PA Dairymen’s Association, American Dairy Association North East and Feeding Pennsylvania, known as Fill A Glass with Hope is celebrating at the PA Farm Show this week after a series of local and corporate donations totaling over 201 thousand dollars has helped them achieve a record goal.  According to North Central PA dot com, the Fill A Glass with Hope program raises funds that let food banks purchase fresh milk from local dairy processors at a reduced price.  You can help provide fresh dairy products to PA families in need by donating at the Feeding Pennsylvania website or making a donation this week at any PA Dairymen milkshake booth at the Expo Center at the Farm Show in Harrisburg.

SPORTS

NBA
Thunder 133                  76ers 114
Celtics 109                    Nets 98
Heat 108                        Bucks 102
Raptors 124                   Hornets 114
Mavericks 119              Lakers 115 2OT
Cavaliers 119                Trailblazers 113

NHL
Kraken 3                        Bruins 0
Jets 4                             Sabres 2
Hurricane 6                   Blue Jackets 2
Red Wings 4                 Maple Leafs 1
Canadiens 4                   Predators 3
Rangers 2                      Stars 1
Lightning 5                   Canucks 4
Wild 3                           Islanders 1
Flames 4                        Blues 1
Blackhawks 3                Avalanche 2
Senators 5                     Coyotes 3
Golden Knights 4          Panthers 2

NCAA Men’s Basketball
UCLA over Utah 68-49
Gonzaga beat BYU 75-74
Arizona over Oregon State 86-74

NFL
Saturday, January 14

 4:30 PM Seattle @ San Francisco FOX

 8:15 PM LA Chargers@ Jacksonville NBC

Sunday, January 15

1:00 PM Miami @ Buffalo CBS
4:30 PM NY Giants @  Minnesota FOX
8:15 PM  Baltimore @ Cincinnati NBC
Monday, January 16

8:15 PM Dallas @ Tampa Bay ABC

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 12, 2023

FATHER OF ACCUSED MURDERER TO FACE TRIAL

Endangering the welfare of children and obstruction of justice charges will not be dismissed against Ronald Butler, the father of one of the women who are accused of killing a 4 and 6 year old girl in 2021 in Hepburn Township.  According to Penn Live, the case will proceed to trial after Judge Nancy L. Butts said there is evidence that 54 year old Butler knew the children were in danger yet didn’t stop the abuse, and that he knew his daughter Echo, and Marie Sue Snyder fled the county to avoid an investigation by Children and Youth before the girls’ remains were found buried behind Butler’s Livermore Road home.

ELECTION HAND RECOUNT IS COMPLETE IN LYCOMING COUNTY

The hand recount of the November 2020 election in Lycoming County was completed yesterday, much sooner than originally anticipated.  According to the Sun Gazette, actual results for the public to analyze are going to take a little longer since the information has to be compiled from hand written pages.  According to the director of Voter Services, Forrest Lehman, a final result comparing the recount result with the original official certified results will be announced next week. Results from the presidential and auditor general races in 2020 were the ballots involved in the recount.

PHILLY DA IMPEACHMENT TRIAL POSTPONED

After a Commonwealth Court judge has ruled that the articles of impeachment against Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner don’t meet the constitutional standard for misbehavior in office, the POA Senate voted to indefinitely postpone the trial that was set to begin January 18th.  According to the Daily Item, Republicans in the House and Senate now have to decide whether to appeal the ruling.  There is criticism of Krasner’s internal policies and approach to prosecuting crime in Philadelphia that some say further risks public safety. Krasner has repeatedly denied the accusations against him and say it’s an attempt to undercut Philadelphia voters who successfully voted for him twice.

NEW FOOD COURT ITEMS AT 2023 THE FARM SHOW

There are new food court items to try at the 2023 Pennsylvania Farm Show through this Saturday, the final day of the annual agriculture event in Harrisburg.  Pierogis in butter and sautéed onions are featured by the PA Cooperative Potato Growers as a new option, the Orange cream milkshake is a featured flavor this year from the PA Dairymen’s Association, too.  There’s Apple Cotton candy from the state Horticulture association and Portabella Jerky from the Mushroom Farmers of PA.  According to farmshow.pa.gov, the food court is open 8am til 9pm through Friday and 8am til 5pm on Saturday night. 

LOCK HAVEN MAN FACES MORE FELONIES FOR FLEEING CUSTODY

A formerly convicted felon from Lock Haven has been convicted of more felonies for attempting to flee Sherriff’s custody after sentencing for theft charges in July of 2021.  According to the Record Online, 36 year old Matthew Joseph Cole was convicted in a one-day jury trial last Friday where he represented himself in Clinton County Court.  Court records say Cole had just been sentenced to 15-48 months in state prison over a year ago, before running and escaping custody, requiring him to be tackled by deputies and eventually subdued by a taser.  The sentencing for this will be in March when Cole goes to trial on charges of a prior attempted escape from the Clinton County Correctional Facility on September 14, 2021.

EMPLOYEE ARRESTED FOR JEWELRY THEFT

A Lycoming County woman is free on bail after she allegedly stole jewelry from her employer.  According to the Sun Gazette, 42 year old Melissa Marie Badger faces felony theft charges after a search warrant turned up over 5 thousand dollars-worth of items police say she took from from Marc Williams Goldsmith, where she had been employed for three months beginning last April.  Badger’s bail was set at 25 thousand dollars during her arraignment in District Court.

PENNDOT SAYS SEATBELTS SAVE LIVES

The seatbelt usage statistics for the last full year in Pennsylvania have come in from PennDOT who remind you that drivers and passengers 18 years and older are required to wear a seat belt when behind the wheel or in the front passenger seat.  PennDOT says there were 12,672 crashes in PA in 2021 where at least one person was not wearing a seat belt, resulting in 378 fatalities. In District 3, which includes our local counties, there were 505 crashes where at least one person was not wearing a seat belt, resulting in 27 fatalities with 68 suspected serious injuries in that same year.   Transportation experts continually say wearing a seat belt is the best defense against injury or death in the event of a crash.

PA LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD TO RAISE PRICES

The PA Liquor Control Board is raising prices in the Commonwealth on wine and liquor starting January 15th .  The 4 percent increase on about 35 hundred products statewide is the first time prices have gone up since 2019.  Officials from the PLCB say it’s necessary to maintain the service and products customers expect as well as off-set costs from the past 3 years.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4Boys Basketball
Northwest Area 44                 Montgomery 13
Sullivan County 47                 Muncy 38
Danville 46                              Lewisburg 44
Shamokin 69                           Central Mountain 51
Millville 57                              Bucktail 43
Milton 61                                            Jersey Shore 50
North Penn-Liberty 63            Williamson 22
Montoursville 61                     Midd-West 55
Mount Carmel 47                    Warrior Run 45
South Williamsport 62            CMVT 16
Selinsgrove 52                         Shikellamy 35
Central Columbia 46               Mifflinburg 44
Loyalsock 54                           Hughesville 51

Girls Basketball
Minersville 39                         South Williamsport 37

Wrestling
Canton 47 – Wyalusing 19
Line Mountain 41- Susquenita 34

Mid-Penn Championshipss
Benton 44 – Montgomery 29


NBA
Pistons 135                    Timberwolves 118
Wizards 100                  Bulls  97
Bucks 114            Hawks 105
Celtics 125           Pelicans 114
Knicks 119                    Pacers 113
Grizzlies 135                  Spurs 129  
Nuggets 126                   Suns 97
Kings 135                      Rockets 115

NHL
Flyers 5                Capitals 3
Maple Leafs 2      Predators 1
Oilers 6                Ducks 2
Kings 4                 Sharks 3




NCAA Men’s Basketball
Texas beat TCU 79-75
Duke over Pitt 77-69
Marquette beat UConn 82-76
Houston over South Florida 83-77
Alabama def. Arkansas 84-69

NFL
Saturday, January 14

 4:30 PM Seattle @ San Francisco FOX

 8:15 PM LA Chargers@ Jacksonville NBC

Sunday, January 15

1:00 PM Miami @ Buffalo CBS
4:30 PM NY Giants @  Minnesota FOX 8:15 PM  Baltimore @ Cincinnati NBC

Monday, January 16 8:15 PM Dallas @ Tampa Bay ABC

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 11, 2023

FORKSVILLE WOMAN FACES HIT AND RUN CHARGES

A Forksville woman is facing hit and run charges and more after police say she fled the scene of an accident in Eldred Township October 28th.  According to the Sun Gazette, 44 year old Bonnniegene Boyles was driving an SUV on Warrensville Rd and was allegedly seen on video footage involved in a two-car accident around 2:40pm and fleeing.  After a Police investigation into the video that was posted online, court records say they named Boyles as the suspect.  In addition to the hit and run, she was charged with careless driving and other summary offenses, and is free today on five thousand dollars bail.

SELINSGROVE OFFICER SUSPENDED WITHOUT PAY

It’s a month suspension without pay for the veteran police officer in Selinsgrove who sent potentially threatening messages to his supervisor and other Selinsgrove borough officials.  According to North Central PA dot com, Officer Scott Grove faces the discipline after texts and messages were sent to newly hired Police Chief Shanee Mitchell and others, that some perceived as threatening.  Mitchell, who was hired this past August did not indicate whether she felt the messages were racially motivated.  Borough officials said the solicitor will implement return to work procedures for Grove.

BIDS BEING SOUGHT FOR BRANDON PARK BALLFIELDS

Sealed bids are being accepted by the City of Williamsport until January 31st for the reconstruction of two ballfields in Brandon Park.  According to the Sun Gazette, the work is for a Little League Baseball and softball field.  The field is expected to undergo upgrading, including adding Kentucky Bluegrass sod, new scoreboards fencing and dugouts and more, as well as removing trees and grading the field.  Other current rehabilitation projects of recreation areas in the city include a new bandshell in the park and new tennis courts.

ANNOUNCEMENT AT FARM SHOW BY GOVERNOR ELECT SHAPIRO

Appropriately during the 107th Pennsylvania Farm Show this week, Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro announced nominations for agriculture related cabinet positions in his Administration, calling each of the nominees dedicated and experienced public servants. According to WHTM, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding was renamed for another term, and Cindy Dunn was tapped to continue as secretary of conservation and natural resources, and Rich Negrin, who most recently served as head of external affairs at Commonwealth Edison, would be Pennsylvania’s first secretary of environmental protection.  Shapiro will be sworn in as Pennsylvania’s 48th Governor on Jan. 17, 2023, at the State Capitol in Harrisburg.

THREATENING CALLS TO 911 LAND MAN IN JAIL

A man from McClure was arrested for calling 911 repeatedly and threatening State Police on January 4th. According to North Central PA dot com, 49 year old William Allen called police to his home after a domestic incident and allegedly started making threats, calling back over ten more times and escalating to threatening the barracks with pipe bombs.  State police at Selinsgrove took Allen into custody at his home and charged him with felony aggravated assault, terroristic threats, harassment and more.  His bail is set at 50 thousand dollars with a preliminary hearing January 20th.

OFFICIAL COMPLAINTS TO BE FILED AGAINST CABLE COMPANY

After receiving hundreds of complaints from local customers over unreliable cable service in the Northern tier, a formal complaint has been filed against Frontier Communications by Representatives in Tioga, Bradford and Wyoming Counties.  According to North Central PA dot com, officials from the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate, or OCA, say they will gather additional testimony and finalized dates and times for those sessions soon.  If you have a complaint, you can email the OCA at [email protected] or call their consumer hotline at 1-800-684-6560.

SUNBURY BOROUGH SAYS NO ATVS ON LEVEE

After city employees in Sunbury have had to repair damage several times to the levee there, Sunbury police say those who use off-road vehicles causing this damage will be prosecuted if they are caught.  According to the Daily Item, the levee that extends from behind Zimmerman Motors, off of the Walnut Street Extension, and to Veteran’s Memorial Bridge, has sustained ATV damage that could lead to conditions that could cause a failure of the system. Police say there have been two serious motorcycle accidents on the levee in the past 5 years.The Sunbury Flood Reduction Project is inspected thoroughly annually by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.

SHAPIROS AG PORTRAIT TO BE PAINTED BY NATIVE LINDEN MAN

A native Linden man who studied art in New York City and is now faculty at Susquehanna University, has been commissioned to paint the portrait of outgoing Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro.  According to the Standard Journal, Jeffery Martin has been painting portraits full time since 1987.  Gov Shapiro’s picture will hang in the lobby of the AG’s office in Strawberry Square, along with the other previous Attorneys General portraits Martin has painted, including the one of Ernie Preate.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4
Girls Basketball
Shamokin 54                 Milton 29
Northwest Area 57                  Montgomery 8
Central Columbia 45     Montoursville 20
Shikellamy 41                Selinsgrove 22
Lewisburg 48                 Central Mountain 38
N. Penn-Liberty 40        N. Penn-Mansfield 15
South Wmspt  67          CMVT 3
Millville 42                    Bucktail 33
Loyalsock 47                 Hughesville 42
Jersey Shore 49             Danville 35
St. John Neumann 51    Benton 49
Muncy 36                      Sullivan County 14

NBA
76ers 147            Pistons 116
Heat 112             Thunder 111
Raptors 132        Hornets 120
Jazz 116              Cavaliers 114
Suns125              Warriors 113
Magic 109           Trailblazers 106
Clippers 113       Mavericks 101



NHL
Penguins 5          Canucks 4 
Kraken 4             Sabers 3
Devils 5               Hurricanes 3
Red Wings 7       Jets 5
Rangers 4            Wild 3
Lightning 6         Blue Jackets 3
Stars 2                 Islanders 1
Blues 4                Flames 3
Sharks 4              Coyotes 2
Panthers 5           Avalanche 4


NCAA Men’s Basketball
Kansas 79           Oklahoma 75
Tennessee 77      Vanderbilt 68
Kansas State 65 Oklahoma State 57 
Virginia 65         North Carolina 58 
Iowa State 84      Texas Tech 50
Michigan St. 69  Wisconsin 65

Collegiate Wrestling
The 34th annual Budd Whitehill National Duals wrestling Tournament  hosted by Lycoming College starts this Friday.


Six rounds of the duals will take place January 13, with four matches taking place in each round in Lamade Gymnasium.

On Saturday, Jan. 14, the tournament will conclude with four rounds of wrestling. The championship round is set for 1:30 p.m. with the tournament awards following at 3 p.m. 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 10, 2023

LOYALSOCK MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE

A man from Loyalsock Township is facing attempted homicide and other assault charges after police say he fired a gun at a group outside his home while he was intoxicated.  According to the Sun Gazette, witnesses say 40 year old Coy Daniel Thornton arrived at his home on Walters Road driving erratically down the private drive, then when confronted by neighbors about his driving, Thornton went into his home and brought out a gun and allegedly shot several times at the people he had been arguing with.  State police arrived on the scene and took Thornton into custody without incident and charged him with 6 counts of attempted homicide and other charges, including DUI.  District Judge Denise Deiter denied him bail.

HAND RECOUNT MOVING QUICKLY

The director of voter services in Lycoming County, Forest Lehman, says the hand recount of the 2020 election results that began yesterday is on track to be complete by the end of the week.  According to the Sun Gazette, in the recount of the auditor general and presidential ballots, county employees working on the project, finished the first quarter of the votes from mail-in and provisional ballots and moved on to in-person ballots late Monday.  The recount was requested by concerned citizens and voted upon and approved by County commissioners. Lehman anticipates that the latest count will be very close to the official results.

PA TURNPIKE TOLLS GO UP

Traveling on the Pennsylvania Turnpike just got five percent more expensive.  According the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the hike affects cash payers more than EZ pass customers since the most common toll for cars goes up to one dollar eighty for the EZ-Pass but 4 dollars and forty cents for toll-by plate customers.  The change took place at midnight Sunday and this increase marks the 15th year in a row that the tolls have gone up. 

SHUNK RESIDENT ENTERS APPLE PIE AT FARM SHOW

A 90 year old woman from Shunk got a top five finish out of 72 entries for her apple pie at the Pennsylvania Farm show this week.  According to North Cetnral PA dot com, this was the first year Eloise Caseman entered at the Farm Show – the first person from Sullivan County to ever enter at this high level.  Caseman who has lived in Shunk for 30 years is an active community member, was awarded  a Lifetime achievement award by the Sullivan County Commissioners in 2022. Get Farm Show details at farmshow.pa.gov.

WILLIAMPSORT WOMAN CHARGED WITH ABUSE OF A CORPSE

A woman who stayed in a Williamsport apartment doing drugs after the man who lived there had died, was charged with abuse of a corpse and theft on Friday.  According to Penn Live, 33 year old Amber Nicole Burkhart told investigators that she had stayed at the Blanchard Street apartment of Ronald Ulmer doing drugs with him last week until he died and never called law enforcement, she also admitted taking money from Ulmer.  After a welfare check that led to discovering Ulmer’s body inside the home, police secured the apartment and left, but Burkhart allegedly returned and was found inside when a burglary was reported at the site.  The Lycoming County Coroner said he will have more information on Ulmer’s death after toxicology tests are returned.

POLICE CHASE THROUGH HUGHESVILLE ENDS IN ARREST

Charges are expected to be filed in the case of a Williamsport man who led state police on a vehicle chase on I-80 and through Hughesville last month.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say 32 year old Elijah Gamon was driving a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and failed to stop for a state trooper along I-80 westbound December 18th.  Gamon exited at Pennsdale, hitting PennDOT signs and flattening a tire.  Police continues to follow along Route 220 north, then to 405 and several turns after that until Gamon struck another sign and a tree before disabling his vehicle.  He was transported to UPMC Williamsport and police are continuing an investigation.

GAS DEVELOPMENT FORUM WEDNESDAY NIGHT

The public is invited to a forum on gas development issues at Lycoming College Wednesday .  According to the Sun Gazette, the Chief of the Oil, Gas Minerals Division of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Michael DiMatteo will focus on on issues surrounding natural gas leasing and development as well as lead a discussion  on ways to reduce the negative impacts of natural resource extraction on the land, water and animals in the Loyalsock Creek watershed on State Game lands. The meeting is tomorrow at 6:30pm in the Heim Science building on the Lycomiong College campus , with parking at Washington and Mulberry.  Details at susquehannatu.com

“WALK-IN WEDNESDAYS” COMING TO UPMC

Those who might be seeking a new employment opportunities have another option in your job search in North Central PA.  According to a press release by UPMC, recruiters are inviting any community member to the UPMC Community Life Center, 641 Walnut St., Williamsport on January 18th and every following third Wednesday each month for “Walk-In Wednesdays”, where there is an opportunity to learn more about available careers at UPMC.  The one-on-one meetings do not require appointments and are offered each of these Wednesdays from 7:30 to 9:30am and 2:30 to 4:30 pm.  Find out more at Careers.UPMC.com.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4
Boys Basketball
Line Mountain 52                 Montgomery 38
Shamokin 60                         Montoursville 43
Wellsboro 48                         Jersey Shore 47
Hughesville 68                      St. John Neumann 53
Williamsport 59                    Selinsgrove 56
Southern Columbia 50         Central Columbia 42
Mount Carmel 59                  South Williamsport 51
North Penn-Liberty 60         Wyalusing 30

Girls Basketball
Meadowbrook Christian 34 Muncy 28
Troy 53                                  Montgomery 9

Wrestling
Canton 66           Sayre 0


NCAA Football
College Football Playoff  National Championship presented by AT&T
Georgia routed TCU 65 -7 giving them their 2nd straight title

NBA
Pelicans 132                 Wizards 112
Celtics 107                   Bulls 99
Bucks 111                    Knicks 107
Grizzlies 121                Spurs 113
Nuggets 122                 Lakers 109
Kings 136                     Magic 111

NHL
Flyers 4               Sabers 0
Kraken 4             Canadiens 0
Predators 3          Senators 0
Kings 6                Oilers 3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 9, 2023

FUNERAL SERVICES PLANNED FOR TEEN CRASH VICTIM

A seventeen year old girl from Montoursville was the victim in Friday morning’s crash in Eldred township that closed Northway road until 12:30pm.  According to the Sun Gazette,  the Lycoming County Coroner, Charles Keisling Jr., said Hailey Bailbay died from her injuries following the one vehicle accident that occurred following a flash of severe winter weather.  A visitation will be held for Hailey this Wednesday evening at the Hepburn Township Volunteer Fire Company, 615 Route 973, Cogan Station from 5 until 8pm, with services Thursday at 10:30am in the same location.

HAND RECOUNT IN LYCOMING COUNTY STARTS TODAY

The hand recount of the November 2020 Ballots will begin today by Lycoming County Voter Services and should continue through January 31st.  According to the Sun Gazette the ballots for president and auditor general total at 59, 481.  There are rules in place for the recount that were presented by the director of elections and approved by the Lycoming County Commissioners, which include a limited amount of people on the premises during the recount, no phones, cameras, recording devices, or outside writing devices, and two person canvassing teams to count the ballots and other guidelines.  A group of concerned citizens requested the recount in order to show the accuracy of the electronic voting system. 

STATE POLICE WANT PUBLIC INPUT ON ACCREDITATION SURVEY

The Pennsylvania State police are looking for help from the public to help them acquire their 4 year law enforcement accreditation known as CALEA.  According to a press release, the public is asked to fill out a survey online and share input available to be done through the end of January.  Got to psp.pa.gov for more information.   CALEA is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization that ensures public safety agencies are abiding by current best practices.

IT’S FARM SHOW WEEK

The farm show continues this week after a successful weekend that avoided the traditional snow and bad weather that can sometimes plague travel and parking at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.  There are great events to look forward to for the week, including the FFA state convention today, and Pennsylvania’s Greatest Whoopie Pie contest tomorrow.  The popular sheep to shawl event is Wednesday at 3pm and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s circuit finals rodeo is Thursday and Friday.  Thursday is Military Veteran’s and Families Day, active duty and military veterans can show ID to receive various discounts. The Farm show opens each day at 8am through this Saturday.  Get details at farmshow.pa.gov

MAN WITH ILLEGAL GUN ARRESTED

A New York Man will face more felony charges after a disturbance brought police to the 1700 block of Randall Circle in Williamsport Sunday and found him with an illegal handgun in his pocket.  According to the Sun Gazette, 44 year old Jermain Goodridge will be charged with a convicted felon not to possess a firearm and possessing a firearm with an altered or obliterated serial number.  Goodridge was arraigned and jailed in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 15 thousand dollars bail. 

LOCAL HOTEL SOLD

The Fairfield Inn and Suites on Maynard Street in Williamsport has been sold for 4.61million dollars.  According to the Sun Gazette, commercial real estate brokerage firm Marcus and Millichap closed on the 83-room property last week. Investment managers said in a press release the buyer saw the opportunity in an underperforming asset and took advantage of the rebounding COVID market.  The transaction was first announced in December of 2022.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS CHANGE IN WILLIAMSPORT

Williamsport City Council has changed residency requirements for non-union employees working for the city. According to sun gazette, the council revised the residency ordinance on first reading with the final vote on the revision in two weeks. A previous ordinance required all non-union job prospects to become residents of Williamsport within 240 days of employment or face termination. Mayor Derek Slaughter, says the move brings new leverage for the city with a deeper pool from which candidates can apply.

PGA SEEKING TO TRAP TURKEYS

The Game Commission is asking for the public’s help finding turkey flocks to trap for ongoing turkey projects. The agency is encouraging Pennsylvanians to report the location of any turkey flocks they see between now and March 15 with information being collected online  Game Commission crews will visit sites to assess them for the potential to trap turkeys, then will leg band and release the birds. In four Wildlife Management Units (WMUs),  some also will be outfitted with GPS transmitters, then released back on site to be monitored over time. The studies are being done in partnership with Penn State University and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wildlife Futures Program.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4
Boys Basketball
North Penn-Mansfield 48       Wellsboro 47
Athens 58                                Troy 51
Towanda 45                            Wyalusing 37
Lewisburg 57                          Mifflinburg 45
Sayre 52                                  North Penn-Liberty 51 (OT)
Muncy 73                                Montgomery 35
Millersburg 65                         Line Mountain 51

Girls Basketball
Shamokin 49                           Mifflinburg 19
Jersey Shore 54                       Selinsgrove 34
Danville 50                              Central Mountain 33
South Williamsport 52            Bucktail 19
Northeast Bradford 51                       Canton 26
Loyalsock 49                           Warrior Run 32
Central Columbia 57               Milton 24
St. John Neumann 53              Northumberland Christian 43
Southern Columbia 49            Hughesville 45
Montoursville 60                     Midd-West 20
Shikellamy 39                         Lewisburg 30
NCAA Men’s basketball
Purdue 76           Penn State 63
Maryland 80       Ohio State 73
Northwestern 84 Indiana 83
Houston 72         Cincinnati, 59

NBA
76ers 123            Pistons 111
Raptors 117        Trailblazers 105
Pacers 116          Hornets 111
Nets 102              Heat 101
Grizzlies 123      Jazz 118
Timberwolves 104 Rockets 96
Thunder 120       Mavericks 109
Cavaliers 112     Suns 98
Hawks 112          Clippers 108

NFL
Saturday –
Chiefs beat the Raiders 31-13 on Saturday, Jaguars over the Titans 20 -16
Sunday –
Steelers 28                   Browns 14
Commanders 26           Cowboys 6
Falcons 30                    Buccaneers 17
Bills 35                         Patriots 23
Vikings 29                    Bears 13

Bengals 27                    Ravens 16
Texans 32                     Colts 31
Dolphins 11                 Jets 6
Panthers 10                  Saints 7
Broncos 31                   Chargers 28
49’ers 38                      Cardinals 13
Seahawks 19                Rams 16
Lions 20                       Packers 16
Eagles 22                     Giants 16
NHL
Penguins 4           Coyotes1
Maple Leafs 6      Flyers 2
Jets 7                              Canucks 4
Stars 5                  Panthers 1
Capitals 1             Blue Jackets 0
Blackhawks 4       Flames 3
Blues 3                 Wild 0
Bruins 7               Ducks 1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 4, 2023

ALLEGED RAPIST IN CUSTODY

A man from Old Lycoming Township has been denied bail after police took him into custody for allegedly attempting to kill a Williamsport woman after a sexual assault and cutting her throat with a knife at a home on Memorial Avenue on Monday.  According to the Sun Gazette, 23 year old Unique Robinson faces felony charges of attempted homicide, rape, aggravated assault and other charges and was taken into custody without incident at the home in the 900 block of Memorial Avenue and was arraigned. The victim was transported by ambulance to UPMC Williamsport for treatment.

DOMESTIC DISPUTE LEADS TO ARSON

A White Deer man is in custody after a domestic dispute with a neighbor allegedly lead to arson on Sunday.  According to state police, 35 year old Jamarro Wells was seen on surveillance cameras setting fire to items on a neighbor’s porch in Union County about 1:30am.  Police say Wells had a beef with his neighbor and was arrested after volunteer firefighters discovered the signs of arson and called police.  No one was injured in the fire. Wells was incarcerated and held in lieu of 100 thousand dollars bail.

NEW SPEAKER FOR PA HOUSE

A Reading area democrat has been voted in as the new speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives after lawmakers in Harrisburg resolved the questions surrounding the leadership following three vacancies after the last Election Day.  According to the Sun Gazette, Representative Mark Rozzi of Berks County who began a 6th 2 year term this week, was named speaker in a 115 to 85 vote over Republican Representative Carl Walker of Somerset. An election is scheduled for February to select candidates for the open seats that were vacated by the death of state Rep. Tony DeLuca, Rep. Summer Lee who left to become a member of Congress and Rep. Austin Davis resigned his lieutenant governor position.

ANNUAL REQUEST FOR MAIL-IN BALLOTS HEADING TO THE MAIL

Lycoming County Office of Voter Services has announced that a mailing that residents may have opted to receive, will be arriving by mail later this month and early next month.  According to the Pennsylvania Election Code, the mailing that goes to voters who opt-in for the Annual Request to apply to vote by mail also will include a cover letter and an option to cancel the annual application.  An online option is also available to vote by mail at votes.pa.com/applymailballot.

COMMONWEALTH FLAG AT HALF-STAFF FOR FALLEN OFFICER

Following the fatal shooting of a Pennsylvania  police chief in the line of duty January 2nd,  commonwealth flags will be at half staff on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds until the  interment of Brackenridge Police Chief Justin McIntire, which has yet to be announced. The United States flag is to remain at full-staff during the tribute. According to WHTM, Allegheny County and state police had tried to stop 28 year old Aaron Lamont Swan Jr of Duquesne who allegedly fired the shots during a foot pursuit that killed McIntyre and wounded two other officers.  Authorities in western Pennsylvania say five guns were recovered from the shooting suspect, who was killed by police during the altercation.

AUTOPSY ORDERED FOR WILLIAMSPORT SHOOTING

The Lycoming County Coroner has released information about a fatal shooting that occurred in Williamsport early Saturday morning.  According to Charles Kiessling Jr, an autopsy was performed this week to support the investigation into the death of 25 year old Quahdeir Durrant, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds at the intersection of West Fourth and Grier Streets at about 2:30am.  According to police, he was transported to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries.  The investigation is ongoing.

NEW TEMPORARY LT. GOVERNOR IN PENNSYLVANIA

PA Representative Kim Ward of Westmoreland County took over as current Lt. Governor yesterday after outgoing Lt Governor John Fetterman resigned prior to being sworn in as the Commonwealth’s newest Senator.  According to the Sun Gazette, Ward is the president pro tempore – the first woman to hold the position in Pennsylvania, and will hold the office for two-weeks.  Then Lt. Gov.-elect Austin Davis, a Democrat who was elected Nov. 8, will be inaugurated on Jan. 17 with Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro.

WORLD WAR II TRIBUTE IN RENOVO ON THE WAY

A local artist has been commissioned by the Greater Renovo Area Heritage Park to create a mural that will honor local veterans who served in bombers during World War Two.  According to the Record Online, Robert “Haney” Calhoun will create the 10×10 mural to be displayed on the eastern wall of Tony’s Hardware at 7th Street and Huron Avenue in Renovo called  “Flyboys of WWII”,  which is the latest effort of the park to create and recognize public art in the Renovo area that helps share the story of the region’s heritage.  An unveiling and dedication ceremony is being planned for May 28, 2023.

SPORTS

P I-AA District 4 Girls Basketball
Montoursville 54         Milton 22
Jersey Shore 44           Lewisburg 37
Bucktail 40                  Muncy 18
Hughesville 47            Warrior Run 26
Shikellamy 47             Central Mountain 36
Shamokin 70               Midwest 20
Bloomsburg 43            Loyalsock 31

NBA
Bucks 123           Wizards 113
Thunder 150       Celtics 117  
Kings 117           Jazz 115
NHL
Panthers 5           Coyotes 3
Rangers 5            Hurricanes 3
Senators 4           Blue Jackets 0
Blues 6                Maple Leafs 5
Sabres 5              Capitals 4
Predators 6          Canadiens 3
Jets 3                   Flames 2
Lightning 4         Blackhawks 1
Kraken 5             Oilers 2
Kings 3                Stars 2
Islanders 6          Canucks 2Upcoming NFL Games Saturday
Kansas City Chiefs @ Las Vegas 4:30pm ABC/ESPN /ESPN+
Tennessee @Jacksonville 8:15 on ABC/ESPN /ESPN+
NFL Sunday
1pm Cleveland @ Pittsburgh – CBS
4:2pm Giants @Philadelphia – CBS

NCAA National Championship Monday 1/9
TCU vs Georgia 7:30pm on ESPN  – SoFi Stadium Inglewood CA

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 3, 2023

AVIS MAN ARRESTED AFTER ASSAULT AT JERSEY SHORE VFW

An Avis man has been charged with assault after an altercation November 30th at a VFW in Jersey Shore that sent a victim to the hospital with a traumatic brain injury.  According to the Sun Gazette, 35 year old Michael Alan Smith was charged with harassment and aggravated assault after he allegedly pushed John Eck following a confrontation about what music was playing.  Police say Eck suffered a fractured skull and is recovering at UPMC Williamsport. Smith waived his preliminary hearing and is free on 50 thousand dollars bail.

MAN ARRESTED FOR PULLING GUN AND ASSAULT

A Williamsport man who pulled a gun on another man and punched him early Sunday morning in the 300 block of Market Street was incarcerated after his arraignment yesterday.  According to the Sun Gazette, city police say 52 year old Ameer Williams brandished the handgun after assaulting the victim on the street.  He was charged with convicted felon not to possess a firearm, possession of an instrument of crime, recklessly endangering another person and other charges.

CONVERSATION CONTINUES ON DETAILS OF RECOUNT

After Lycoming County Commissioners voted in October to recount the 2020 election results, recent discussions at the commissioners meeting still have details to be worked out about a recount estimated to begin around January 9th.  According to the Sun Gazette, the talk surrounds the cost of the recount, the amount of time needed to conduct the recount and whether or not to use county employees for the work.  Costs have been estimated between 50 thousand and 160 thousand dollars.  Four percent of the county’s population signed a petition this year calling for the recount. 

NFL PLAYER A GUEST FOR FARM SHOW AT MILK FUNDRAISER

Torrey Smith, two-time Super Bowl Champion wide receiver with the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens, will be a featured guest this Friday at the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association Fill A Glass with Hope fundraising event at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.  The campaign is in place to connect Pennsylvania families with fresh milk daily. The NFL wide receiver will be joined by the Pennsylvania Dairy Princess Royalty, the Chairman of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, business sponsors, and additional government leaders. So far, the program has provided over 34 million servings of fresh milk through Feeding PA’s nine-member food banks.

DANVILLE HOSPITAL SHOOTING VICTIM IDENTIFIED

A Berwick woman was gunned down by a former boyfriend in the parking lot of the Geisinger medical facility in Danville over the weekend, and the man was found deceased an hour after the incident in a car accident on Route 42 in Columbia County.  According to North Central PA dot com, 48 year old David Morgan was seen on security cameras near the hospital as the suspect who shot 49 year old Vikki Wetzel at about 5pm Friday, and then allegedly fled the scene in a dark colored SUV.  Police say Morgan was discovered with a gunshot wound following being found ejected from his vehicle after an alleged one-car wreck near Weiser State Forest.  Morgan was pronounced dead at the scene.

CITY COUNCIL WORKING ON BUDGETS FOR 2023

Williamsport’s Mayor and City Council continue to work on budget increases for County employees in 2023, the majority of which are union contracts.  According to the Sun Gazette, Mayor Slaughter included a three percent increase in the budget for the non-union employees – about 11 percent of 130 employees.  Council members most recently approved a raise for the city clerk and a zoning officer due to additional duties being added to the position, and they considered developing a new process for employees to fairly be evaluated for said raises.  The next council meeting is this Thursday at 7pm.

PINE TOWNSHIP HAS CHANGED POLLING PLACES

The Lycoming County Board of Elections has changed the polling place for Pine Township. The changes take effect immediately. The new polling location is the Pine Township building at 825 Oregon Hill Rd. in Waterville. The first election of the new polling place will be the May 16, 2023 municipal primary.

NAXOLONE AVALABLE TODAY IN BLOOMSBURG

The Susquehanna Valley United Way is giving away free Naxolone today in Columbia County.  According to United in Recovery, a division of the SVUW, the Bloomsburg office at 36 East Main Street will be giving away naloxone kits as well as information on substance use disorder treatment, counseling services, peer support, and other assistance from noon til 1pm today.  Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. There will be another giveaway in February.

SPORTS

PIAA D4 Wrestling from Friday
MyHouse Trojan Wars
2. Warrior Run – 158
20. Southern Columbia – 86
23. Selinsgrove – 77
25. Milton – 70
30. Canton – 65
34 – Lewisburg – 61

Powerade Tournament
22. Montoursville – 58
30. Muncy – 52
32. Williamsport – 48.5
37. Benton – 46

Red Devil Duals
Penn Cambria 48         South Williamsport 30
Central Cambria 42     South Williamsport 30

PIAA D4 Basketball from Friday
Boys
Sayre 77                      Williamson 32
Sullivan County 57     Wyalusing 49
Milton 54                   Warrior Run 42
Canton 50                   Northeast Bradford 40
Hughesville 74            Jersey Shore 43
Central Mountain 75   St. John Neumann 69
Pottsville 32                Shamokin 31
Girls
Canton 36                               Millville 31
Meadowbrook Christian 48    Midd-West 23
North Penn-Liberty 59            Galeton 25
Milton 43                                Montgomery 28
Tunkhannock 61                     Northeast Bradford 31
Carlisle 41                               Williamsport 31


NFL Monday Night football
Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest and medical teams revived him with CPR during the game against the Bengals last night. He’s now hospitalized in critical condition.  24-year-old Hamlin collapsed following a tackle from Bengals wide receiver, Tee Higgins. Hamlin was taken off the field in the ambulance. The Bills/Bengals game has been postponed.

NCAA Football
The Rose Bowl presented by Prudential
Penn State 35                 Utah 21
CFP National Championship presented by AT&T Monday 1/9
TCU vs Georgia 7:30 PM on ESPN



NBA
76ers 120                        Pelicans 111
Knicks 102                               Suns 83
Lakers 121                     Hornets 115
Cavaliers 145                 Bulls 134 OT
Pacers 122                      Raptors 114
Nets 139                         Spurs 103
Mavericks 111               Rockets 106
Timberwolves 124         Nuggets 111
Warriors 143                 Hawks 141
Trailblazer 135              Pistons 106
Heat 110                        Clippers 100

NHL
Bruins 2                Penguins 1
Flyers 4                Ducks 1
Golden Knights 3  Avalanche 2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 23, 2022

ARCTIC COLD APPROACHING THE AREA

The wild weather has most of the region waiting on a dip in temperatures that could be potentially dangerous for the unprepared.  According to the national weather service, artic cold is coming to Williamsport by this afternoon with wind gusts approaching 40 miles per hour bringing wind chills down to negative 15 degrees.  According to the Sun Gazette, PennDOT has prepared roadways with salt and anti-skid to ensure the roads are clear, but ice is still a factor on many routes in the area. They recommend avoiding unnecessary travel, but if you must go, prepare an emergency kit with blankets, shovels, medications your family needs, pet food and bottled water.  It’s also recommended to keep your gas tank at least half full, carry a cell phone and if you are stranded, stay in your car until help arrives. 

LYCO CONTROLLER SEEKS LEGAL FEES FROM COURT

A request was filed in Potter County Court this week by the Lycoming County Controller, Krista Rogers, for legal costs upward of 82 thousand dollars to cover the ongoing legal dispute between her office and the county commissioners.  According to the Sun Gazette, the costs requested are close to double the costs claimed in July when the court ruled for her and agreed to pay those expenses. In the case between the Controller’s Office and the count commissioners, the commissioners are asking for clarity about who has the direction and authority under the county code drafted by the state legislators to be responsible for the fiscal affairs of the county.  Rogers recently released a statement saying their most recent appeal is frivolous.

PA HOUSE STILL TO DECIDE ON SPECIAL ELECTIONS

Democrats and Republicans in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives are still in dispute over when to hold three special elections for open seats that will determine control of their chamber.  According to Penn Live,  closed-door negotiations failed this week. All three vacancies are Democratic-leaning districts in Allegheny County, where elections officials have begun the preliminary work needed to hold the special elections on Feb. 7.

PA TREASURY BANS TIK TOK APP FROM GOVERNMENT DEVICES

Pennsylvania is one of a few states now banning the use of the social media app TikTok on their cell phones and other treasury-issued devices.  According to a press release by State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, TikTok is owned by a company in Beijing China and has been called a national security concern.  In an internal review, there have not been any treasury issued devices found to have been using the app, but in a pre-emptive move, access has been blocked in the Treasury IT network.  Congress may soon ban employees from using TikTok on federal government devices.

ACCIDENT CLOSED I-80 DURING STORM

The snowy conditions in the region yesterday caused fender benders around the region, but I-80 was shut down westbound for most of the afternoon in Northumberland County.  According to North CentralPA dot com, a jack-knifed tractor trailer  caused the interstate closure between the Limestoneville exit and the eastbound I-180 ramp.  Interstate traffic was detoured on Routes 254 and 147 for several hours.  State Police reopened the roadway after 4pm and there are no delays at this time. 

INMATE IN RELATIONSHIP WITH OFFICER WILL GO TO COURT

All the charges will be held for court against a Lycoming County Prison inmate who was in a relationship with a corrections officer and gained access to drugs, a phone, and a weapon.  According to North Central PA dot com, James King began the relationship in February with officer Olivia Katzmaier, which was discovered by June.  Prison authorities then found the contraband, including a shank, in Kings cell.  Several other witnesses testified last week that they knew of the relationship, or that they saw the shank or the drugs. King will be back in court January 9th.  Katzmaier who was suspended pending termination from the prison, will also have a preliminary hearing in January for third-degree felony institutional sexual assault, forgery and obstruction of administrative law.

MAN THREATENS FORMER EMPLOYER

A Coal Township man is free on bail after he was accused of threatening a former employer at a business along Route 61 December 4th .  According to North Central PA dot com, after 43 year old Brent Tomcavage went to the business and demanded the owner of Full Service 122 call him, he told him that he had a machine gun for him in his car and made other accusations.  Police interviewed Tomcavage after viewing video footage of him at the scene, and then charged him with first –degree terroristic threats.  He posted the 10 thousand dollars unsecured bail after his preliminary hearing.

TRANSIT COMPANY CLOSING EARLY FOR HOLIDAY

Those who use Rabbittransit will have a schedule change for the holidays. The fixed route service says it will end early, at 6:30 pm, on Saturday, Christmas Eve, and also next Saturday for New Year’s Eve.  According to a statement by Rabbittransit, ADA Paratransit Service will also end at 6:30 pm on these two days and no reservations will be accepted for pick-up later than 5:30 pm.   In addition, there will be no service for the next two Sundays in observance of the holidays. Get information at rabbit transit.org

SPORTS

PIAA District 4
Boys Basketball
Meadowbrook  Christian 45   Millville 29
Shikellamy 73                         Mount Carmel 72
Girls Basketball
North Schuylkill 56                 Shamokin 34
Central Columbia 51               Berwick  26

NFLThursday Night Football
Jaguars 19           Jets 3

Christmas Eve NFL Football 1pm
Buffalo Bills @ Chicago
New Orleans Saints @ Cleveland
Seattle @ Kansas City
NY Giants @ Minnesota
Bengals @ New England Patriots.
Detroit @Carolina
Atlanta @Baltimore

Eagles @ Dallas – 4:25pm on FOX
Las Vegas @ Pittsburgh at 8:15pm on NFL Network

NCAA Football Bowl Schedule
Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in Shreveport
Louisiana vs Houston 3 PM on ESPN
Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa
Wake Forest vs Missouri 6:30pm on ESPN
NCAA Football Christmas Eve
The Easy Post Hawaii Bowl in Honolulu
Middle Tennessee vs San Diego State at 8pm on ESPN



NBA
Pelicans 126                 Spurs  117
Jazz 120                        Wizards 112






NHL
Maple Leafs 4              Flyers 3
Hurricanes 4                 Penguins 3
Bruins 3                        Jets 2
Rangers 5                      Islanders 3
Capitals 3                     Senators 2
Canucks 6                     Kraken 5
Kings 4                         Flames 3
Sharks 5                        Wild 2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 22, 2022

WINTRY MIX AHEAD OF EXTREME COLD FOR CHRISTMAS

Our area is once again bracing for some winter weather today with warm temperatures ahead of freezing temperatures that could for sure at least make a very cold Christmas in some areas of Pennsylvania. Today will see a mix of snow and rain which will transition into warm temperatures with extreme cold settling in later in the weekend.  Several Schools have decided to pre-empt the storm and call for some early dismissals or flex days. Go online for closing, cancellation and delay information updates at any backyard broadcasting website.

MOTHER OF SUSPECT IN HOMICIDE GET SUPERVISED RELEASE

The mother of one of the two suspects accused of fatally starving two young girls in Hepburn Township in 2021, has been approved for intensive supervised bail.  According to the Sun Gazette, 49 year old Michelle L Butler, the mother of 27 year old Echo Butler, who is awaiting trial on first degree homicide in the case, will not have to post the 95 thousand dollars bail for this specialized release.  Butler will have to report daily, and undergo drug and alcohol assessments, and may not have contact with any other defendants in the case.  The Lycoming County District Attorney said he did not oppose the specialized release since Butler has been cooperating and plans to plead guilty to third degree homicide and other charges.

SHAMOKIN GETS FAÇADE GRANTS

The Keystone Communities Program has awarded a 50 thousand dollar grant to the city of Shamokin to focus on improving the existing facades in the downtown area.  According to the Daily Item, the Shamokin Facade Grant Program is one of 247 projects statewide since 2015 that is part of support for towns and cities with initiatives to create growth and stability in their neighborhoods.

ISHY AWARDED TO LITTLE LEAGUE MUSEUM

The World of Little League Museum has earned another ISHY Award as presented by the International Sports Heritage Association for their video Short Seven Firsts featuring the female trailblazers who helped shape the Little League program into what it is today.  The winning video is shared on the Little League’s Official Facebook Page and celebrates the 5th year in a row the museum has been awarded an ISHY. An ISHY is awarded for excellence in publications and exhibits by  member sports museums, hall of fame, or sports heritage organizations.

WOMAN THREATENS POLICE AFTER ALARMING COMMENTS

Staff and Security police at a hospital in Williamsport were concerned for public safety when a woman there made alarming comments.  According to North Central PA dot com, 51 year old Blythe Demory arrived at the Campbell Street facility stating she didn’t kill her son, prompting security to attempt to interview her. According to court records, Demory pulled two knives from her clothes threatening the officers.  After Williamsport police were called, Demory was taken into custody, charged with first-degree misdemeanor terroristic threats, possession of an instrument of crime and other charges.  She is being held on 50 thousand dollars monetary bail with a preliminary hearing this week.

ASSAULT CHARGES FOR WOMAN WHO ALLEGEDLY KICKED POLICE

A Williamsport woman who was arrested for stealing two cellphones from a West Third Street apartment December 12th, also faces charges for assault after allegedly kicking a police officer during her incarceration.  According to the Sun Gazette, Abigail Braim resisted officers during her arrest for the theft by kicking at an officer and screaming while they tried to walk her to the police cruiser. Once inside the police station Braim allegedly lunged at and tried to bite an officer there.  She faces felony aggravated assault and theft charges and is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 35 thousand dollars bail.

FIRE CREWS SHUT DOWN ROUTE 64

State Route 64 was shut down Tuesday afternoon for several hours between Snydertown Road and Pike Road following a fire that began in the 4000 block of Nittany Valley Drive at about 1:20pm.  According to Walker Township Fire Company officials said state fire marshals have been called to determine the cause of the blaze, but that it seems to have started in the rear of a single-story home.  One person was reportedly inside the home when the fire began, and two residents were displaced after the fire caused a total loss.   The fire was deemed under control by 3pm.

OPTIONS FOR THOSE WITH FACE HOMELESSNESS, LACK OF FOOD

With dangerous cold temperatures descending on our region for the weekend, concern for those who may be homeless or without resources in the cold is at a high level.  According to the Sun Gazette, there are options for free or low cost winter clothing, shelters and hot meals available in Williamsport.  The first resource is to always call 211 and a person with the United Way will connect you with the resources you need.  For emergency shelter, American Rescue Workers can be contacted about their three facilities.  West End Christian Community Center offers low cost clothing at 901 Diamond St in the city and has hot meals at their center Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 11am til to 12:30pm.  The American Rescue Workers are offering a free walk up or drive through Christmas Dinner Sunday.

SPORTS

NFL Thursday Night
Jacksonville Jaguars @ New York Jets at 8:15 on Prime Video

Christmas Eve NFL Football 1pm
Buffalo Bills @ Chicago
New Orleans Saints @ Cleveland
Seattle @ Kansas City
NY Giants @ Minnesota
Bengals @ New England Patriots.
Detroit @Carolina
Atlanta @Baltimore

Eagles @ Dallas – 4:25pm on FOX
Las Vegas @ Pittsburgh at 8:15pm on NFL Network

NFL News
The Eagles lead the NFL in invitations to the Pro Bowl Games with 8 players making the NFC team yesterday ( including QB – Jalen hurts, AJ Brown, Landon Dickerson, Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson  Haason Reddick,  Miles Sanders and Darius Slay). Seven members of the Cowboys and the Chiefs were also invited. It was decided in September that the Pro Bowl will this year be a series of events, including multiple skill competitions, and a flag football game scheduled for February 5th in Las Vegas.  Peyton Manning is the AFC coach and Eli Manning is the NFC coach.


NBA
76ers 113             Pistons 93
Cavaliers 114      Bucks 106
Bulls 110             Hawks 108
Pacers 117           Celtics 112
Nets 143              Warriors 113
Raptors 113         Knicks 106
Magic 116           Rockets 110
Mavericks 104     Timberwolves 99
Thunder 101        Trailblazers 98
Kings 134             Lakers 120
Clippers 126        Hornets 105

NHL
Redwings 7         Lightning 4
Devils 4               Panthers 2
Avalanche 2        Canadiens 1
Predators 4          Blackhawks 2
Oilers 6               Stars 3
Wild 4                 Ducks 1
Golden Knights 5 Coyotes 2

NCAA Bowl Games Today
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, TX 
Baylor vs Air Force 7:30pm – ESPN

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Sep 29

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