BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 7, 2023

BURN BAN IN THE CITY AND TOWNSHIP

A burn ban has been implemented immediately in the City of Williamsport and Old Lycoming Township by orders of the Fire Chiefs and is to be in place until 8pm Friday June 16th.  Williamsport Bureau of Fire says no recreational or open outdoor burning is permitted which is including but not limited to; paper, grass twigs, or wood, whether in a container or on the ground. Chief Sam Augnst says the ban will be re-evaluated after this week.

MAN WHO CAUSED POLICE CHASE IN CUSTODY

A man from New York State is in custody after leading a police chase that continued through Bradford County, ending near Ulster on Sunday May 28th just after 2am.  According to North Central PA dot com, 33 year old Jory Michael Ball, 33, of Newark Valley rammed police cruisers after they tried to stop him as he continued toward Route 220 from I-86.  Ball kept driving, hitting another cruiser hard enough to injure an officer, then after police used stop sticks, he continued for a couple more miles on destroyed tires before being taken into custody.  A woman was in the vehicle and told police Ball wouldn’t let her out of the car.  He has been charged with aggravated assault, kidnapping, DUI, criminal mischief, resisting arrest and more.  He is in the Bradford County Prison.

MAN TRIES TO BREAK IN TO HOME WITH CHISEL

A 71 year old Renovo man tried to force his way into  a woman’s apartment on 11th Street on May 31st after an argument between them earlier in the evening.  According to North Central PA dot com, State police at Lamar say Paul Brown allegedly had pointed a shotgun at a 53 year old woman at a home on Farewell Avenue before she fled to her apartment, but was ultimately followed.  Brown attempted to use a chisel to enter the victim’s residence.  He was arrested and taken to the Clinton County correctional facility.

KID OLYMPICS IN LEWISBURG SUNDAY

The 2023 Kid Olympics event is at the Lewisburg Children’s Museum Green Space Center this Sunday.  According to the museum kids can register for ten dollars to participate in obstacle courses, limbo, and 20-40 meter dashes.  Registration is open through Saturday and check-ins Sunday begin at 1:30pm. There are prizes and a bike raffle for everyone and medals for the kids who win competitions, with refreshments provided.  Get details at lewisburgchildrensmuseum.org

FIRE WATCH COULD CONTINUE TODAY

Due to the limited rainfall, temperatures, and humidity The National Weather service called a fire watch for some Central PA counties yesterday until 8pm including Clinton, Centre, Lycoming, Sullivan, Union, Snyder, Montour, Northumberland, and Columbia. There is potential that the will be repeated today and through the weekend as the weather remains hot and dry with only pop up showers and storms which carry potential lightning strikes that can start fires. There is a burn ban in the City of Williamsport and Old Lycomign Township to start immediately until Friday.  Get state burn restriction news and information at dcnr.pa.gov/communities/wildfire.

US MARSHALS ARREST DANVILLE FUGITIVE IN VIRGINIA

A man from Danville who successfully fled from Shamokin police, striking several cruisers in a high speed pursuit May 24th was captured Monday in Virginia.  According to local police reports Jarrett Castelonia was located by US Marshals in Fredericksburg Monday around 4pm and taken into custody.  Castelonia is being charged with criminal attempt to commit murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault and more.  He was being sought after failing to appear to begin serving a sentence at Northumberland County Jail from a conviction on another fleeing from police case in 2017.

MUNCY MAN ARRESTED FOR STALKING, HARASSMENT

A Muncy man waived his preliminary hearing after he allegedly stalked and harassed his estranged wife, shouting expletives at her at her place of employment on April 26th.  According to the Sun Gazette, Muncy Borough Police allege that John Edward Maxwell harassed and threatened his wife in person and through text messages.  The couple is in the process of a divorce.  Maxwell was charged with stalking disorderly conduct and harassment and posted 5 thousand dollars bail.

YAW ANNOUNCES CHESAPEAKE BAY AWARENESS WEEK

It’s “Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week” through this Saturday and Sen. Gene Yaw, member of the Chesapeake Bay Commission (CBC), and other CBC officials remind us that half of the Commonwealth waters drain to the Chesapeake, so this week is an opportunity to call attention to the challenges facing the Bay and to celebrate successes in reducing nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution. The Chesapeake Bay is the largest and most productive estuary in the United States, spanning six states and the District of Columbia.

SPORTS

PIAA High School Baseball Quarterfinals start Thursday
Class 2A
South Williamsport vs Kutztown @ Walter Stump Stadium – Pine Grove 6pm
Class 3A
Hughesville vs Saucon Valley @ Walter Stump Stadium – Pine Grove 3:30pm
Class 4A
Montoursville vs Archbishop Wood @ Wenger Field – Fredericksburg noon
Class 5A
Selinsgrove vs Strath Haven @ Walter Stump Stadium – Pine Grove 1pm

HS Softball Quarterfinals Thursday
Class 2A
South Williamsport vs Bristol @ Patriots Park – Allentown 3:30pm
Class 3A
North-Penn Liberty vs Palisades @ Central Columbia HS Bloomsburg 2pm
Class 4A
Jersey Shore vs Blue Mountain @ Bloomsburg University 4pm

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

NBA Finals Game 3 Tonight
Nuggets vs Heat in Miami
8:30 PM on ABC

NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 3  – Thursday 8 PM on TNT

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 6, 2023

WARRANT OUT FOR MAN WHO SET FIRE TO STOLEN TRUCK

Police are looking for a Muncy Borough man who allegedly stole a box vehicle from Geisinger Medical Center and set it on fire May 14th at the Muncy Heritage and Nature Trail kin Muncy Creek Township.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say after an investigation, 39 year old Joseph Artley is responsible for the theft of the truck and the fire that brought the Muncy Area Fire Company to the scene.  Damages are estimated at 83 thousand dollars.  Arson and theft charges have been filed by authorities and if you know of Artley’s whereabouts contact State Police 570-368-5700.

MAN SHOT IN FOOT WITH CONCEALED PISTOL AFTER FALLING

A man from Cogan Station who was carrying another person’s 9mm pistol on May 15th without a concealed carry permit, tripped on a rock while walking near Brass’s Bridge and shot himself.  According to North Central PA dot com, Brian James Wagner called 911 after seriously injuring his foot before Lycoming Regional Police and EMS arrived on the scene, which disrupted traffic for about an hour. Investigators discovered that Wagner had been drinking alcohol the night the shooting happened, and charged him with disorderly conduct and carrying a firearm without a license.

SHADE MOUNTAIN FIRE MOSTLY CONTAINED

Fire risk is a serious problem in our region as we wait for more significant rain, and a fire that started Friday around Shade Mountain in Snyder County has recently been contained.  According DCNR, containment lines are now around the fire that ravaged a portion of forest about 150-200 acres in size.  According to North Central PA dot com, crews from Freeburg, Freemont, Middleburg, Milton, and Penns Creek worked the blaze and then cleaned up hotspots and smoldering fires around the edges Monday. According to a social media post by the Freemont Fire Department, rain late Saturday helped the firefighters gain control of the fire. The cause is under investigation – there was no prescribed or controlled burn scheduled.

APPLY TO BE A FISH AND BOAT COMMISSIONER

Qualified candidates are being sought to serve as commissioners with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.  According to North Central PA dot com, four Districts including Lycoming and Northumberland County’s District 5 need representation and the Shapiro Administration is seeking a diverse group of applicants.  Interested volunteers who are well informed on conservation, restoration , and fishing as well as knowledge of boats and boating can write a letter of intent and submit a resume  through June 30th  to DEEberly @ PA dot GOV, in order to schedule an interview with the advisory council.

THREE SHEDS DESTROYED BY FIRE

With dry conditions, fire risk is very high for the region and more property was destroyed in Moreland Township Monday before 8am after a shed caught fire and spread to others along Ridge Road according to Muncy Area fire officials.  The Sun Gazette reports that the original fire started in one 12 by 20 foot shed and two others next to it caught fire with a fourth shed saved by crews who responded from Hughesville, Picture Rocks, Pennsdale, Clinton Township, Lairdsville and Millville.  The fire could be seen by witnesses for miles and there were no injuries, but the fire remains under investigation.  An unknown number of chickens in the first shed perished in the blaze.

MAN CRASHES INTO WILLIAMSPORT BUSINESS

A 41 year old Williamsport man was hospitalized in critical condition last Thursday after he rammed his Jeep into the front steps of Castle Furniture and Bedding on West Fourth and Cemetery Streets at about 8:45 pm.  According to the Sun Gazette, Seth Allison was admitted to intensive care at UPMC Williamsport after he was pulled from the fiery wreckage by an off-duty paramedic who was nearby and an unnamed bystander who was visiting a home near the store.  Witnesses say Allison was headed west when he jumped the curb and struck the building causing a fire in the engine and undercarriage.  An investigation is pending according to city police.  No word on Allison’s condition today.

SUN GAZETTE HONORED

The Pennsylvania Newsmedia Association presented a set of top 2022 Keystone Media Awards to the Sun Gazette for feature and sports page design as well as other awards in photo illustration, investigative and sports reporting and headline writing.  According to the publisher of the Sun Gazette, Bob Rolley, the honors reflect the whole staff who is recognized for their daily work behind the scenes. 

16 AREA SENIORS RECEIVE STOTZ SCHOLARSHIP

Recognizing academic excellence of high school students in the community the Carl E. Stotz Little League Baseball Scholarships have been awarded to 16 area seniors.  According to North Central PA dot com, the scholarship program started in 1994 to perpetuate the memory of Little League’s founder and recognize his commitment to the development of the young people of Lycoming County.  The seniors who won the $750 dollar scholarship money applied with an essay on “The importance of Little League Baseball to me. The list of students include;

  • Carter Cowburn and Cedar MucCusker (Hughesville High School)
  • Luke Springman and Breanna Corlew (Jersey Shore Area Senior High School)
  • Luke O’Brien and Emma Strickland (Loyalsock Township High School)
  • Westin Pick and Samantha Goyer (Montgomery Area Junior/Senior High School)
  • Matthew Conklin and Hanna Klotz (Montoursville Area High School)
  • Benjamin Manning and Hannah Boyles (South Williamsport Junior/Senior High School)
  • Benjamin Manetta and Aubrianna Blair (Williamsport Area High School)
  • Alaina Brelsford (Muncy Senior High School)
  • Lily Reed (St. John Neumann Regional Academy)

SPORTS

PIAA Baseball Playoffs
Class A
NE Bradford 5          Susquehanna Community 3
Class 2A
So. Williamsport 3               Schuylkill Haven 1
Mount Union 7                     Wyalusing 3
Class 3A
Hughesville 3                        Riverside 1
Class 4A
Montoursville 7                    Blue Mountain 5
Hanover 6                              Mifflinburg 2
Class 5A
Selinsgrove 6                        Warwick 1

PIAA HS Softball Playoffs
Class A
Old Forge 8                             Bucktail 2
Class 2A
South Williamsport 15 Newport 0   /3
Bald Eagle Area 1                   Muncy 0
Class 3A
North Penn Liberty 3     Susquenita 2
Mid Valley 7                  Warrior Run 1
Class 4A
Jersey Shore 7               East Pennsboro 6

MLB
Rays 4                 Red Sox 1
Phillies 8             Tigers 3
Marlins 9            Royal 6
Pirates 5              A’s 4  
Astros 11            Blue Jays 4
Reds 2                 Brewers 0
Rangers 4            Cardinals 3
Padres 5              Cubs 0

NHL
Stanley Cup Final Game 2
Golden Knights 7        Panthers 2 Vegas leads 2-0
NHL Thursday Stanley Cup Final Game 3  – 8 PM on TNT

NBA Finals Game 3 Tomorrow (Wed.)
Nuggets vs Heat in Miami
8:30 PM on ABC

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 5, 2023

LANDFILL FIRE SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Fire crews from multiple companies from multiple counties responded to a fire at the Lycoming County Landfill Saturday around 4:30pm.  According to the Standard Journal, fire officials said a rapidly expanding fire broke out at the landfill in Clinton Township.  In addition to firefighters at the scene, about 20 landfill employees also were on the scene working to put out the fire. According to the Clinton County Volunteer fire Department social media post,  A tanker shuttle operated from two fill sites within the landfill property which supplied the 3500 gallon per minute master-stream firefighting operation.  The fire that burned into the evening started as a 200’x400’ area which was contained by Sunday.

DUI CHARGES FOR MILTON MAN

A West Milton man drove the wrong way on Route 15 in an alleged attempt to flee the police. According to the Daily Item, 28-year-old Jordan Kline Klinger of Highland Avenue in West Milton was allegedly drunk and was charged with a felony count of fleeing, two misdemeanor counts of DUI and one count of recklessly endangering another person.  Klinger was arraigned on Wednesday and committed to Union County Jail in lieu of $75,000 with his preliminary hearing on June 8.

COMMISSIONERS TO VOTE THIS WEEK ON LYCO MALL AGREEMENT

The agreement between FamVest LLC, who is the developer poised to purchase the Lycoming Mall property, and the county, is set to go up for a vote at the Lycoming County Commissioners meeting on June 8th.  According to the Sun Gazette, plans for the use of the space in Muncy Township will be addressed and the public is urged to attend if they have questions before the closing of the property scheduled for June 16th.  The commissioners agreed to loan 5 million dollars toward the purchase of the property which will be covered by gas well impact fees. The commissioners will meet in the Commissioners Board Room at 330 Pine Street at 10am next Thursday.

CAC GIFTED WITH MORE EITC FUNDS

The community Arts Center received another donation as part of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program.  The CAC announced the gift from Jersey Shore State Bank.  Jim Dougherty says the funds are so appreciated and play a critical role in community outreach initiatives, including our ongoing Educational Series performances.  The CAC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pennsylvania College of Technology, get details about them at pct.edu, and find information on performances at the Community Arts Center at caclive.com.

MAN ARRESTED FOR HAVING PROHIBITED TASER

A man from Selinsgrove was charged with possession of a prohibited offensive weapon after witnesses called state police and they found him in his vehicle with a TW-10 stun gun.  According to North Central PA dot com, troopers confiscated the taser from 57 year old Harry Grace III, on May 9th along Creek Road in Monroe Township after he told them he thought people were following him.  Grace has a preliminary hearing June 23rd. 

HAZING SUIT FILED AGAINST MOUNT CARMEL SCHOOL, OTHERS

A federal lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. Middle District in Williamsport by one of the victims in the Mount Carmel Area School District hazing case. As reported by the Daily Item, the suit names the district and multiple people for upwards of $1.25 million and claims intentional infliction of negligence and assault and battery. The lawsuit claims three of the accused burning the victim with lit sparklers and punks. Mount Carmel Area School District Solicitor Ed Greco denied comment on the suit.

JUNIOR GAME WARDEN CAMPS FOR KIDS THIS SUMMER

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is holding one-day Junior Game Warden Camps across the Commonwealth, providing those who attend a structured, fun-filled day learning about the career of a Pennsylvania State Game Warden. This summer, youths ages 12 to 15 will spend the day with game wardens, gaining insight into the job and the Game Commission’s mission of managing and protecting the state’s wildlife and habitats while promoting hunting and trapping. Registration can be completed online at pgc.pa.gov

VETERANS CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CANCER SCREENING TOOL

Veterans will soon have a chance to test a new cancer screening tool. The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Health Foundation have partnered with GRAIL, LLC to provide veterans access to a  groundbreaking multi-cancer early detection blood test. GRAIL will make its Galleri MCED test available to 10,000 veterans across approximately 10 sites over the next three years. The Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center will be one of those sites. Veterans interested in the early cancer detection test and REFLECTION study can ask their primary care provider for more information on how to participate.

SPORTS

NBA
Heat 111    Nuggets 108 1-1
NBA Game 3 Wednesday
Denver @ Miami 8:30 PM on ABC

NHL
Stanley Cup Final Game 2 Tonight
Panthers vs Golden Knights Vegas leads 1-0
8 PM on TNT

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

NASCAR
Kyle Busch got the Checkered flag at the Enjoy Illinois 300 followed by Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Kyle Larson, and Martin Truex, Jr., rounded out the top 5.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 2, 2023

MAN JAILED FOR ARSON IN LYCOMING TOWNSHIP

A Lycoming Township man who was arrested for arson in March had his arraignment yesterday and is now in custody on several felony and misdemeanors.  According to the Sun Gazette, police allege Dustin Hargenrader set fire to a mobile home he had just signed over to the lot owner to settle back rent and other debts.  Hargenrader suffered severe smoke inhalation during the incident and was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown from UPMC Williamsport.  Hargenrader faces charges of failure to prevent a catastrophe, recklessly endangering another person and criminal mischief.  He is in Lycoming County prison in lieu of 100 thousand dollars bail.

ONE ABUSER OF SEX-TRAFFICKED MINOR ARRESTED IN WELLSBORO

A 17 year old girl called police from a motel in Tioga County this spring asking for help from the people who held her captive and trafficked her sexually since she was 14 years old, and a woman from Mississippi who worked at the Green Home in Wellsboro was taken into custody on May 3rd by FBI agents.  According to First News Now, 25 year old Aubreanna Marie Barbara Odendahl most recently stayed in the motel with the victim after an unnamed male suspect brought her to the area in April.  Odendahl was employed as a transport driver for the Green Home. She faces numerous charges including unlawful contact with a minor, aggravated indecent assault and more.  Her preliminary hearing is August 15th, she is out on 100 thousand dollars bail through a bondsman. No word on the identity of or charges against the male suspect.

AMISH REBUILDING SUGAR VALLEY GREENHOUSE THAT BURNED

The community has gathered around the family who suffered a fire Tuesday afternoon at the Sugar Valley Greenhouse owned by Sarah Stolzfus and managed by Feenie Esh in Limestone Township.  According to the Express, the Sugar Valley Fire Company arrived so fast, it’s why many think only a work area, a tobacco shed and some equipment was destroyed.  No other structures, flowers or plants were lost and no official cause of the fire was announced yet, but witnesses say filling their forklift with propane could have been the origin of the fire.  Almost a dozen companies responded after 2:30pm Tuesday, but building of a new facility was already underway on Wednesday.

SUNBURY INSTALL NEW CAMERA SYSTEM

A new camera system is now online in Sunbury and there are more cameras on the way.  According to Sunbury police, 11 total cameras are set to be installed with the first in place covering most of Front Street, including the intersection with Market Street and the riverfront gazebo.  The previous system of cameras had been offline since 2016, with funds only available recently to upgrade the system and make it operational.

HUGHESVILLE WOMAN LEAVES TODDLER HOME ALONE TO GO DRINK

A Hughesville woman has lost custody of her two year old daughter after she told police she didn’t realize she left her 2 year old alone at home while she went out to drink alcohol.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say 35 year old Tamika Mickel Koons was drunk when she said she was unaware her boyfriend had left her home before she did on May 13th.  Police say witnesses heard the child crying inside the home after 10pm when Children and Youth Services were called and took custody of the child.  Koons was charged with 3rd degree felony endangering the welfare of a child and is being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 15 thousand dollars monetary bail, with a formal arraignment on June 12th.

70 YEAR SENTENCE FOR VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER

A 28 year old man from Mount Carmel who faced charges of voluntary manslaughter and homicide by vehicle this spring was sentenced up to 70 years in state prison in Northumberland County court Wednesday.  According to the Daily Item, court records say Stephen Kruskie pleaded guilty in March to the death of 21-year-old Cheyenne Swartz that occurred when the two allegedly argued in a car in Coal Township and Kruskie said Schwartz attempted to get out of the vehicle while traveling at a high rate of speed.  The Montour County Coroner said Schwartz died from blunt force trauma.

DRIVER WHO RAMMED CROWD IN BERWICK PLEADS GUILTY

The man who intentionally drove his vehicle into a crowd gathered for a fundraiser in Berwick before he killed his mother with a hammer last August, pleaded guilty in Columbia County Court Wednesday.  According to the News Item, 25 year old Sura Reyes of Nescopek allegedly killed 50 year old Rebecca Reese of Wilkes-Barre and injured about a dozen others, some critically, who were struck while they were gathered to raise money for a family of 10 who had perished in a house fire August 5th.  Reyes is facing two counts of criminal homicide and 19 counts of attempted homicide.

ROADWORK CONTINUES ON THE SOUTHSIDE

Road work will continue into next week on Route 15 in South Williamsport with resurfacing complete southbound and one lane to go northbound  between the McDonalds today  and West southern Avenue.  According to PennDOT, Glenn O. Hawbaker will continue placement of the new scratch and wearing course from this Sunday, June 4 through Friday, June 9.  Work includes resetting a temporary concrete barrier in the northbound lane over Hagerman’s Run.  Work will be performed between the hours of 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

SPORTS

MLB Draft League
State College Spikes 4          Williamsport Crosscutters 0
They meet up again tonight 6:35 first pitch

MLB
Twins 7               Guardians 6
Blue Jays 3         Brewers 1
Mets 4                 Phillies 2
Padres 10            Marlins 1  
Diamondbacks 5 Rockies 4
Red Sox 8           Reds 2
Astros 5               Angels 2

NBA Finals Game 1
Nuggets 104       Heat 93
NBA Finals Game 2
Sunday 8 PM on ABC

NHL
Stanley Cup Finals Game 1
Florida vs Vegas
Saturday, 8 PM on TNT.

NASCAR SUNDAY
Enjoy Illinois 300 from Madison, IL Pre-Race Coverage @ 2:30 – Green flag racing @3:30 on the Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network or WILQ’s HD3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 1, 2023

MAN ASSAULTED IN WILLIAMSPORT PARKING LOT

Witnesses say a Williamsport man was assaulted in a parking lot outside a laundromat on Pine Street before police arrived to find him on the ground; bloodied and semi-conscious.  According to North Central PA dot com, 53 year old Maurice Gilmore was also on the scene and eventually admitted to police he had struck the injured man in the face with his fists and took 800 dollars from him.  The victim was transported to UPMC Williamsport where he was treated for facial fractures, a dislocated jaw and other lacerations.  Gilmore was charged with felony aggravated assault and robbery and is in Lycoming County prison in lieu of 95 thousand dollars monetary bail prior to his preliminary hearing on the 1st.

MAYOR TOUR HIGHLIGHTS RESCUE PLAN FUND USE

As a way to highlight the investments made using American Rescue Plan Funds, there was a press conference yesterday at Shaw Place Park where a community splash pad will open this summer.  According to the Sun Gazette, Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter hosted Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti yesterday at the park, as they talked about the numerous upgrades and projects being taken care of through historic payments made to American cities, including Williamsport that received 25.5 million dollars. The mayors are in the midst of a cross-state tour taking them to Allentown, Lancaster, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh then onto the US Conference of Mayors Meeting in Columbus, Ohio.

TRUCKING COMPANY WINS SAFETY AWARD

Great Dane in Elysburg has been chosen for the Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association’s Plant Safety Award.  According to the Daily Item, the plant in Elysburg employs 400 people and went 130 days without a recordable injury in 2022.  Great Dane has received 47 awards since they started recognizing local plants in 1971. Great Dane Elysburg manufactures Great Dane’s Champion dry freight van series, find out more at great dane dot com.

PUBLIC PROGRAM FRIDAY TO HELP IDENTIFY SCAMS

There will be a public event tomorrow at the Loyalsock Township Volunteer Company Fire Hall from noon to 2, addressing the rise in online and phone scams and ways to identify and avoid them.  Representative Jamie Flick will host the program that will include Fraud Bingo, an educational game presented by representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities.  According to a study by Social Catfish, Pennsylvanians lost over $108 million through online scams in 2020.

“JUGGALO” ASSAULTS HIS HALF-BROTHER

A man who calls himself a “Juggalo” assaulted his half-brother while in a parking lot in Lewisburg on May 13th, allegedly in response to a heated conversation on social media recently about a problem from years before.  According to North Central PA dot com, Buffalo Valley Regional Police arrested 31 year old Clyde Francis Burgit after they say he punched and kicked his accuser and stole the man’s wallet and two cell phones.  Burgit who has face tattoos to look like a clown, was jailed in Union County Prison on charges of felony robbery – inflicting immediate bodily injury, misdemeanor simple assault, and summary harassment ion liue of 75 thousand dollars bail.

MILL HALL WOMAN FACES CHARGES FOR NOT PAYING TAXES

A Mill Hall business owner is being charged with 25 counts of felony theft by failure to deposit funds after collecting but failing to pay taxes at various businesses she has owned, including Cottage Restaurant in Mill Hall. According to North Central PA dot com, a government special agent says 52 year old Fay Louise Courter also failed to report her personal income taxes from 2017-2021.  She was released from custody on 25 hundred dollars bail and has a formal arraignment June 27th in Clinton County.

NEW SEWER SYSTEM RIBBON CUTTING IN LAIRDSVILLE

Lairdsville has implemented the new Sewage Treatment facility and there was a ribbon cutting at the facility in Franklin Township this week with representatives from various state and local authorities on hand.  According to the Sun Gazette, legislation was enacted in Lycoming County in the 1960s that planned for future sewage issues which was then required to be updated by the Department of Environmental protection in 2007.  These plans have now led authorities to install the new system required in Lairdsville for the 52 homes in the township.  Residents must now connect to the system by installing laterals, with some able to qualify for installation assistance through a Community Development Block Grant program through SEDA-COG.

SCIENCE STUDENTS DO WELL AT COLORADO COMPETITION

The Windbreakers, the fifth graders from Montgomery who raised money in May to travel to Boulder, Colorado for the eighth annual National KidWind Challenge, came home after being named a top performer in the Elementary division of the competition.  The team, coached by Montgomery science teacher Peter Ruhl, had been invited to the challenge after taking first in the regional competition at Penn State.  For more information about the student organization, go to kidwind.org.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Softball Championships
Class 3A
North Penn Liberty 7            Warrior Run 1
Class 4A
(2)Jersey Shore 4                  (1)Montoursville 3

MLB Draft League Tonight – 1st pitch 6:35pm
Crosscutters vs. State College Spikes

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

NBA Finals
Game 1 Tonight 8:30pm on ABC
Heat vs Nuggets in Denver, CO

NHL Stanley Cup Finals
Game 1 Saturday, June 3, 8pm on TNT
Panthers vs Golden Knights

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 31, 2023

RALSTON MAN DIES AFTER HIGH VOLTAGE ACCIDENT

A man from Ralston was found deceased in his garage after an electrical incident overnight Sunday.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Lycoming County Coroner Charles Kiessling, Jr., said that Joseph Sechrist was using a fractal wood burning technique that he had allegedly learned online, using high voltage electrical current, and a short in the device caused the fatal accident.  Sechrist, who lived off of Route 14 was found at 6am Monday when he was to go fishing with a relative.  First responders from Ralston said Sechrist had been dead several hours before they arrived on the property.

MOTORCYCLE WRECK CLOSES ROUTE 405

Noon traffic was snarled yesterday when Route 405 was closed for a short time in Muncy Borough from a crash at Armstrong Road.  According to the Sun Gazette, State Police say a 40 year old man from Williamsport who was traveling on a motorcycle collided with a van with unknown occupants at Route 405 and Armstrong in Clinton Township.  He was transported to Geisinger in Danville with suspected serious injuries.  No word on the condition of the driver of the van.  The detour that took southbound traffic from Route 405 to Angletown Road was used until about 1:30pm yesterday when both lanes reopened.

TRAFFIC DOWN TO ONE LANE IN LOYALSOCK TODAY

Watch for slow traffic on Warrensville Road starting today between Third Street and Four Mile Drive, as crews are out today through this Friday, June 9th working on soil borings.  According to PennDOT, the work in Loyalsock Township is projected to start at 6am and continue through the afternoons at 3pm.  Single lane conditions will be in place with a flagger on the scene.  Use 511pa dot com to check traffic conditions across the state 24/7.

LAWMAKERS PUSH BACK ON AIR FORCE LOW ALTITUDE PLAN

Joining several state organizations in the pushback against using the PA Wilds Region airspace for low-altitude military training by the Air Force and National Guard Bureau, State Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman have sent a letter stressing the negative impact such a proposal could cause in this region. They asked the  Maryland Air National Guard and the Air National Guard Readiness Center for a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of the plan.  The disputed proposal intends to lower the current altitude for jets flying in the area, currently at 8 thousand feet, to as low as 100 feet above sea level, three days a week, up to 4 hours a day over parts of Elk, Cameron, Clinton, McKean, Potter, and Tioga counties.

HOMELESS MAN ARRESTED AFTER DISTURBANCE

A 51 year old man has been jailed after he came to a family property and caused a disturbance in Porter Township when he is prohibited from being there.  According to the Sun Gazette, a protection from abuse order had been filed by a family member against Shannon Marshall Bowes who has no permanent address, and when he arrived on the property at the 1500 block of River Road, police had to remove him from the scene.  Bowes, who was given the option of going to a motel, kicked officers and struggled with police before he was taken into custody for resisting arrest, terroristic threats and aggravated assault. He waived his preliminary hearing.

MAN JAILED FOR SOLICITING NAKED PICTURES FROM MINOR

A 26-yr-old Danville man will appear for a preliminary hearing next month after state police allege he received naked photos of a juvenile. State police received a Childline Referral and CyberTipline report and arrested Christopher Watson on May 10. According to the Daily Item, Watson allegedly solicited the nude photos of the teen through Snapchat. Watson was incarcerated at the Montour County Prison before posting the $25,000 bail. His preliminary hearing, in front of District Judge James Tupper, is June 20.

HELP SHIKELLAMY FAMILY AFTER WEEKEND FIRE

HELP SHIKELLAMY FAMILY AFTER WEEKEND FIRE
The family of Shikellamy teacher and soccer coach Jon Steese lost many belongings in a devastating house fire on Saturday and friends are working to raise funds for them.  According to media outlets both Jon and his wife Leslie work at Shikellamy School district and are grappling with the aftermath of the blaze that brought first responders to their Northumberland County home over the holiday weekend.  There were no injuries, with their dog located, but they are still holding out hope for their still missing cat. Those interested in supporting the family can search GoFundMe.com for “Steese Family PA Fire”.

YOUTH CAN LEARN TO ROW

A Learn-How-To-Row  program is being offered in Sunbury for new rowers ages 12 to 18 beginning next Wednesday June 7th.  According to the Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association, this free program will be held at the CPRA boathouse at Shikellamy State Park.  Rowing sessions will be Mondays Wednesday and Fridays from 8:15 to 10:15 am.  The program is free thanks to donations from Raise the Region and the Degenstein Foundation.  Participants will need to purchase a $25 US basic rowing membership.  The public is invited to a sneak peek of the program in the boathouse at the park for National Learn-to-Row Day this Saturday, June 3rd.  Details at rowpa.org/youth-learn-to-row.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Softball Championships
Class A
Bucktail 10                             Canton 2
Class 2A
South Williamsport  3          Muncy 2

HS Softball Championship Today @ Elm Park – 4:30pm All Games
Class 3A
Warrior Run vs Liberty
Class 4A
Jersey Shore vs. Montoursville

MLB

Orioles 8              Guardians 5
Padres 9               Marlins 4
Rangers 10           Tigers 6
Blue Jays 7                     Brewers 2
Reds 9                  Red Sox 8
Mets 2                  Phillies 0  
Cardinals 2                    Royals 1
Cubs 2                  Rays 1
White Sox 7                    Angels 3
Astros 5                Twins 1
A’s 2                              Braves 1
Diamondbacks 5   Rockies 1
Yankees 10                    Mariners 2
Pirates 2               Giants 1
Dodgers 9             Nationals 3
NBA Finals Tonight
Game 1
Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets  
8:30pm on ABC in Denver, CO

NHL Stanley Cup Finals Saturday
Game 1
Panthers vs Golden Knights
8pm on TNT in Las Vegas, NV

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 30, 2023

GREENHOUSE BUILDINGS BURN IN LIMESTONE TOWNSHIP

A 3-Alarm fire destroyed a business in Oval Monday afternoon.  According to the Sun Gazette, the store and two greenhouses at Country Acres Greenhouse on School House Road in Limestone Township were on fire when first responders arrived.  Fire officials from Nippenose Valley immediately called a second alarm upon arrival at about 12:15pm and multiple tankers arrived from Lycoming, Clinton and Northumberland Counties.  A third alarm was called at 12:45pm.  Firefighters stopped the radiant heat from destroying David King’s home – about 30 feet from the store.  Two firefighters needed medical attention; one for smoke inhalation and one for heat exhaustion, understandable in the low 80 degree heat yesterday.

MOUNT CARMEL WOMAN SENTENCED TO 40 YEARS FOR STABBING

A plea of no contest to the charge of third-degree murder on Friday in Northumberland County Court sends a Mt. Carmel woman to upwards of 40 years in state prison. According to the Daily Item, Lisa Karlaza was accused of fatally stabbing her husband, Richard Karlaza, in July 2021. Northumberland County President Judge Paige Rosini scheduled sentencing for Aug 3 at 10 a.m. Karlaza remains incarcerated without bail in the Northumberland County Jail.

CITY COUNCIL APPROVES SHARED SERVICES PLAN

A resolution for a memorandum of understanding for use of shared professional services and information technology has been approved by Williamsport City Council  between the city and River Valley Transit Authority, which are separate entities.  According to the Sun Gazette, depending on need, the two departments will be authorized to share employees in circumstances where coordinated efforts are needed to solve problems, or when the authority needs electrical work done and would use the city’s electrician as one example, with reimbursement possibly coming from the general fund.  The agreement will be for one year, once the shared service agreement is finalized in two-weeks.

OPEN HOUSE AT SELINSGROVE AIRPORT

There will be a second annual Airport Open House this Saturday at the Penn Valley Airport in Selinsgrove. According to the Airport and the Airport Pilots Organization, the State Police Aviation Unit, Cirrus Aircraft, Angel Flight East, Life Flight and a vintage DC-3 military aircraft will all be on display. In addition to exhibits and tours, displays of local aircraft and Military Transport vehicles will be on hand. The public is welcome to attend with airplane and helicopter rides available and food trucks on site from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

WOMAN HOSPITALIZED AFTER BRUTAL ATTACK

A Williamsport woman was assaulted inside her Sherman Street home and her accuser has been jailed.  According to North Central PA dot com, 38 year old Antoine Atkinson allegedly punched the victim just after 1am on May 23rd and was taken to UPMC Williamsport for injuries she sustained to her eyes and face during the attack.   Atkinson was charged with simple assault, terroristic threats and more, and is at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 25 thousand dollars bail. His preliminary hearing is June 1st.

WILLIAMSPORT GOVERNMENT UNCHANGED FOR FALL BALLOT

Heading into the fall general election, Williamsport government looks mostly the same. According to the Sun Gazette,  the official results were recently finalized from the May 16 municipal primary.  Democrat Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter remains unchallenged, and the Lycoming County Board of Elections displayed no new nominees for write-ins for City Council, but with the nominees set to be Democrat Jon Mackey, and Republicans Bonnie Katz, Vincent Pulizzi and Adam Yoder, according to official election results.

NORRY NAMED IN FEDERAL SUIT OVER PAROLEE DISCRIMINATION

An amended civil rights complaint was filed against the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania and four county courts, including Northumberland, by the U.S. Department of Justice. According to the Record Online, the complaint  alleges that the courts in Blair, Lackawanna, Jefferson and Northumberland Counties discriminate against those people who are on probation and parole due to their policies and practices that limit access and restrict use of their prescribed opioid medication. The Unified Judicial System, which oversees courts in all 67 counties, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, because of its authority over lower courts, are co-defendants. The UJS has denied the allegations.

ATV TRAILS OPEN FOR THE SUMMER

DCNR has announced the opening of the ATV Regional Trail Connector Pilot for the 2023 riding season, which includes more than 400 miles of township roads, 163 miles of state forest roads and trails, and 33 miles of PennDOT-administered roads. New connections for this year’s pilot include: Cross Fork to Whiskey Springs ATV Trail, Cross Fork to North Bend, Black Forest to Haneyville.  The pilot riding area will open for use until, Sunday, September 24. Additional information about the ATV Regional Trail Connector pilot program is online at dcnr.gov.

SPORTS

District 2/4 6A HS Baseball Championship Game @ PNC Field yesterday
Hazleton 8          Williamsport 2
Hazleton now moves to the PIAA Class 6A State Tournament vs District 1’s 4th seed on Monday, June 5
PIAA District 4 Softball Playoffs All Games @4:30 Elm Park, Williamsport

Today
Class A
Canton vs Bucktail
Class 2A
Muncy vs South Williamsport
Tomorrow
Class 3A
Warrior Run vs Liberty
Class 4A
Jersey Shore vs Montoursville
NASCAR
Ryan Blaney got the checkered flag at the rescheduled Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway yesterday, followed by William Byron, Martin Truex, Jr., Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick rounding out the top 5.
*Josef Newgarden, also of Penske Racing, earned his 19th record-extending win at the Indianapolis 500, Sunday.
*Blaney’s win broke his personal 59-race winless streak.

MLB

Guardians 5                   Orioles 0
Rangers 5             Tigers 0
Royals 7               Cardinals 0
Cubs 1                  Rays 0
Diamondbacks 7   Rockies 5
Twins 7                 Astros 5
Giants 14             Pirates 4
A’s 7                     Braves 2
Angels 6               White Sox 4
Dodgers 6             Nationals 1
Yankees 10          Mariners 4
NBA  
East Finals Game 7
Miami 103  Celtics 84 Miami wins series 4-3
NBA Finals
Thursday June 1st 8:30pm on ABC Heat vs Nuggets in Denver, CO

NHL
West Final Game 6
Golden Knights 6 Stars 0
Vegas wins the series 4-2
NHL Stanley Cup Finals
Game 1 Saturday, June 3
Panthers vs Golden Knights 8pm on TNT

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 26, 2023

SELINSGROVE WOMAN GETS TO 5 TO 25 YEARS FOR DUI ACCIDENT

The Selinsgrove woman who crashed her vehicle onto the roof of a Shamokin Dam restaurant with an improperly restrained one year old in the vehicle, has been sentenced to 5 to 25 years in state prison.  According to media outlets, Snyder County District Attorney Mike Piecuch said 44-year-old Theresa Risso also received 10 years of probation for the incident to which she was found to be impaired by alcohol more than four times the legal limit in March of 2022 and pleaded guilty in April. Risso had been released initially on bail, but violated conditions and was re-incarcerated prior to her trial.

VETERAN OFFICER TO BE CHIEF OF POLICE AT PENN COLLEGE

The Pennsylvania College of Technology police officer honored with a Silver Star for Bravery has been named the new campus chief of police and director of campus safety who will replace the retiring Chris Miller.  According to North Central PA dot com, David C. Pletz will assume the role Miller has held for 21 years on June 1st.  Pletz was recently recognized by The National Association of Chiefs of Police for his response to an off-campus incident last year where he assisted in apprehending an armed suspect on September 28th on Vine Avenue in Williamsport, just north of campus.  Pletz has been with Penn College police since 1997 and will now oversee 13 police officers and two support staff.

CAC RECEIVES DONATION FOR EDUCATION SERIES

The Community Arts Center in Williamsport is a recipient of a 20 thousand dollar donation from Citizens & Northern Bank as part of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.  According to executives at C&N they are  proud to continue the support of these programs that allow our younger generation to gain exposure to the arts in a facility that has a rich history.  Jim Dougherty, Executive Director of the CAC says the financial support is essential to provide quality educational programming to area K-12 learners through their Educational Series.  The Community Arts Center is an approved Educational Improvement Organization by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

DMV CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND

PennDOT says they are closing all driver license and photo centers for Memorial Day weekend, Saturday through Monday, However, online services will continue to operate throughout the holiday. Residents can renew driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals, get driver license and photo ID duplicates, schedule driver exams and more. Get more information at pa.gov.

PARENT TO BE SENTENCED IN CHILDS ACCIDENTAL FENTANYL OVERDOSE

A man from Danville who admitted he was using illegal drugs when his child overdosed on fentanyl will be sentenced May 30th.  According to the Daily Item, police say 34 year old Justin Cressinger was charged with felony endangering the welfare of a child after the child swallowed a pill he illegally purchased that had fallen on the floor.  Cressinger did seek medical treatment for the 16 month old when they went into cardiac arrest from the drug.  The child was given Narcan at Geisinger and survived the incident.  Cressinger will be sentenced by Montour County President Judge Gary E. Norton.

MOTORCYCLE THEFT CHARGES FOR MUNSON MAN

A man from Munson who was to fix up a motorcycle for a woman, instead traded it to another man and then reported the bike stolen when the owner came looking for it in August of 2022.  According to North Central PA dot com, the victim, Dawn McGarry told state police at Rockview that she had asked Jeffrey Allen Clark to store the bike on  his property after he agreed to fix it but when she came back for it, he said it had been stolen and was at another location.  State police investigated and was told by Shawn Wilkinson, also of Munson that he had received the 2010 black Yamaha in a trade for a van and another bike.  Clark was charged with felony theft and theft by deception along with other charges.  His preliminary hearing is June 1st.

ELSD WORKING ON BIDS FOR ASHKAR RENOVATION

Bids for the construction of the new Ashkar elementary school in the East Lycoming School District were officially rejected this week after they came in millions of dollars more than the district’s budget would allow.  According to the Sun Gazette, ELSD Superintendent Dr. Mark Stamm said they are working on a solution and  hoping for a revised plan for board consideration sometime this summer.  Dr. Stamm said the district is working with architectural and construction firms that are guiding the district through the bidding process.

BOAT LAUNCH RIBBON CUTTING THIS WEEK

There was a ribbon-cutting this week at the new Winfield Access area, along the West Branch Susquehanna River in Union Township.  According to the Standard Journal, the public access point was built in partnership with PennDOT, and is a designated Pennsylvania Water Trail, for powered and unpowered boats.  The PA Fish and Boat Commission event had local leaders on hand to cut the ribbon including Sen. Lynda Culver, PFBC executive director Tim Schaeffer and others.  The Winfield access point includes parking for several dozen vehicles and boat trailers.  National Safe Boating Week continues through this week.

SPORTS

HS Baseball 

Williamsport 11  Wyoming Valley West 5

Six A Championship Game 

Williamsport vs Hazelton 
Memorial Day Monday 4pm  at PNC Field in Moosic
HS Baseball District 4 Championships
All games @ Bowman Field
Friday
Class A
   Northeast Bradford vs Benton 4pm
Class 3A
   Central Columbia vs Hughesville 6:30pm
Saturday
Class 2A
  Wyalusing vs South Williamsport 12pm
Class 4A
   Montoursville vs Mifflinburg 3pm
PIAA District 4 Softball Playoffs
Class A
  Bucktail 12                 Montgomery 2
Class 4A
  Montoursville 8         Selinsgrove 3
  Jersey Shore 6            Shamokin 5
Playoffs Today All games @ Elm Park
Class 2A
  Northeast Bradford vs Muncy – 3pm
  Troy vs South Williamsport 4:30pm
Class 3 A
  Mifflinburg vs Liberty – 3pm
  Towanda vs Warrior Run – 4:30pm
Softball Playoffs Tuesday May 30th@ Elm Park
Class A
  Canton vs Bucktail – 4:30pm 
Class 4A
    Jersey Shore vs Montoursville – 4:30p

MLB

Cardinals 2                     Reds 1
Rays 6                  Blue Jays 3
Rockies 7              Marlins 6
Padres  8              Nationals 6
Tigers 7                White sox 2
Orioles 3              Yankees 1
Braves 8               Phillies 5
Mets 10                Cubs 1
Giants 5                Brewers 0
Mariners 3           A’s 2

NASCAR Sunday
Coca-Cola 600 @ Charlotte Motor Speedway Pre-Race coverage 5pm,  Green flag at 6pm on the Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network and WILQ’s HD3

NBA
East Finals Game 5
Celtics 110 Heat 97 Miami up 3-2
Game 6 Saturday 8:30pm on TNT
NHL
West Finals Game 4
Stars 3  Golden Knights 2  Vegas leads 3-1
Game 5 Saturday 8pm on ABC

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 25, 2023

MAN IN POLICE CHASE STILL AT LARGE

A man previously convicted of leading police on a chase while towing a livestock trailer filled with sheep and goats, led police on a pursuit Wednesday in Shamokin and is still at large.  According to the News Item police are seeking 42 year old Jarrett Lee Castelonia who has an active warrant for previously fleeing and eluding police.  City police say they attempted to stop Castelonia on the first block of North Vine Street, even drawing their weapons.  Castelonia then rammed the cruiser with his car and fled, heading onto state Route 125 with police in pursuit until weather conditions caused police to call of the chase in Coal Township.  Northumberland County Communications put out an alert for a red Ford F-350 truck with a green-colored tailgate.  Anyone with information about Castelonia should call Shamokin Police at 570-648-5708.

DUI FOR WILLIAMSPORT MAN WITH CHILDREN IN CAR

A man from Williamsport was arrested for DUI and endangering the welfare of children in Union Township after being stopped by police April 8th on Route 15 near Murray Street for speeding.  According to the Daily Item, when 34 year old Thomas L. Amons was stopped for speeding by Milton State Troopers, he allegedly smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech and tried to conceal a can of beer inside the car.  Police say there were four juveniles in the vehicle ages 7,8,10, and 12, at the time of the incident, and that Amons’ blood alcohol level was found to be .296.  His preliminary hearing is June 8th.

LOCAL NEWSPAPER NOT PUBLISHING TODAY

Subscribers to the print editions of the Standard Journal and the News Item newspapers will not have a Thursday paper delivered today.  According to Publisher, Amy Moyer, the snag in delivery is due to technical issues at their press plant and they appreciate customers bearing with them as they work to correct it.  Full access to the online editions of each paper will be available for free today to all subscribers and non-subscribers at standard, hyphen, journal dot com and news item dot com.

SU FEATURED ON “THE COLLEGE TOUR” TV SHOW

Susquehanna University was featured this week in an Amazon Prime video program about life on campus at universities across the United States.  According to the school, they were chosen to be featured in Season eight of the show “The College Tour”.  Amazing Race winner Alex Boylan hosts the show that tells the story of schools through a diverse, student led lens.  Ten SU students were selected to share their story on the show that originally premiered in March but can now be seen  Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Tubi.

SUSPECT IN HOMICIDE TRIAL SENTENCED

A Middlecreek Township man who pleaded guilty in April to an attempted homicide in May of 2022, has been sentenced in Snyder County Court.  According to PennLive, 42 year old Justin T. Yerger will spend 10 to 30 years in prison for pulling a gun and shooting at the victim, Chad Howard, and his family, in front of witnesses at the residence where they lived.  Yeager was charged with aggravated and simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and possession of an instrument of crime.  He had been incarcerated in lieu of 200 thousand dollars bail since the crime occurred.

MAINTENANCE SHED WILL BE BUILT FIRST AT AIRPORT

CARES Act funding is to be used for a new maintenance building at the Williamsport Municipal Airport after a construction contract for it was recently approved by the Authority there.  According to the Sun Gazette, construction of a planned 10 bay T-hangar facility will be put on hold while they break ground for the maintenance building that will be used for housing snow equipment, trucks and other apparatus.  Airport director Richard Howell says they should start soon since the COVID funding runs out next year.  The 5.3 million dollar project is set to be completed by Lundy Construction.

NEW SHEETZ NEAR BLOOMSBURG

A new Sheetz location opens in Buckhorn today.  According to North Central PA dot com, there will be prize giveaways and a ribbon-cutting around 10:45 am at the 6 Wedgetown Road location just off I-80 near Bloomsburg.  They will offer free self-serve coffee and soda for the entire event.  The new store with 26 parking spaces, features four high flow diesel lanes and DEF for semi trucks.  Customers are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to which Sheetz will donate 25 hundred dollars as well as a giving a planned donation to Special Olympics of Pennsylvania.

SPEAKER NAMED FOR MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE IN WILLIAMSPORT

US Army Retired Colonel Jack H Jacobs has been invited as a guest speaker this Saturday at the Lycoming County Memorial Day Service at the Lycoming County Veterans Memorial Park, at West Fourth Street and Wahoo Drive.  Colonel Jacobs is a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, and a Vietnam War combat veteran. According to the co-sponsors of the event, the Lycoming County Veterans Memorial Park Commission and the Lycoming County Veterans Council Inc, the Service will be held rain or shine at 11 a.m. on Saturday with a tent available.  On Memorial Day weekend, we honor those who died serving in the U.S. Military and who are remembered for their ultimate sacrifices.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 HS Baseball
Class 2A
  South Williamsport 3         Muncy 0
  Wyalusing  4                       Canton 2
HS Baseball Championships All games @ Bowman Field
Friday
Class A
   Northeast Bradford vs Benton 4pm
Class 3A
   Central Columbia vs Hughesville 6:30pm
Saturday
Class 2A
  Wyalusing vs South Williamsport 12pm
Class 4A
   Montoursville vs Mifflinburg 3pm
PIAA District 4 Softball Playoffs Today All games @ Elm Park
Class A
   St John Neumann vs Canton 3pm
    Montgomery vs Bucktail 4:30pm
Class 4A
    Shamokin vs Jersey Shore 3pm
    Selinsgrove vs Montoursville 4:30pm
MLB
White Sox 6         Guardians 0
Rangers 3             Pirates 2
Phillies 6              Diamondbacks 5
Brewers 4             Astros 0
Twins 7                 Giants 1
Reds 10                Cardinals 3
Orioles 9              Yankees 6
Nationals 5                    Padres 3
Braves 4               Dodgers 3
Tigers 6                Royals 4
Cubs 4                  Mets 2
Marlins 10            Rockies 2
Angels 7               Red Sox 3
Mariners 6            A’s 1

NHL

East Final
Panthers 4           Hurricanes
Florida wins the series
NHL Tonight
West Final Game 4
Golden Knights vs Stars 8pm ESPN
Vegas leads 3-0

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 24, 2023

JUVENILE CHARGED WITH THREATENING SCHOOL

The Snyder County District Attorney has announced terroristic threat charges have been filed against a juvenile accused of making the threats at the Selinsgrove area School District.  According to DA Mike Piecuch, the alleged offender, who posted threatening comments on social media posing as another individual is not being publicly identified.  Through the investigation using digital forensics, police found that the threats were not credible.  The juvenile faces charges of felony terroristic threats and misdemeanor stalking, cyber harassment and more, and will face a Common pleas judge to determine the truth of the allegations and next steps.

TWO CHILDREN ATTACKED BY A BEAR

Two children were attacked by a bear while playing in the driveway of their home near Walden Park in Wright Township.  According to WTAJ, the PA Game Commission said the children ages 14 months and 5 years old were treated at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital for bites and scratches, and they are unsure what provoked the attack.  PGC investigators have set traps nearby and are attempting to capture the bear for testing.  Officials advise Pennsylvanians to keep your distance from bears since they are fast and strong.  You can find information about living safely and responsibly with bears at bearwise.org.

CHECK ELECTRIC RATES BEFORE JUNE CHANGE

Electric rates are set to change for residential and small business June 1st according to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.  Officials from the PUC say now is the time to evaluate energy options for optimal rates heading into the summer months when upcoming price changes and increased utility use could mean generally higher bills anyway.  Check your contract expiration dates if you’ve chosen competitive energy suppliers and if you have problems with your current supplier, contact the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services at 1-800-692-7380.

WILLIAMSPORT POOL TO OPEN FOR THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND

The City Pool at Memorial Park opens for the holiday weekend Friday.  According to the Sun Gazette the City of Williamsport’s Public Works Committee announced the grand opening and say it will be open again the next weekend and then open regularly for the season on June 10th.  The day before the opening on June 9th, the city will hold a festival at the park with activities including food vendors, alongside the US Air Force who donated portions of the upgraded facilities.

OFFICE AIDE AT MIFFLINBURG CHARGED FOR CHILD PORN

A man formerly employed as an office aide by the Mifflinburg Area School District is facing possession and dissemination of child pornography charges.  According to Penn Live, Police interviewed 25 year old Brendan Stepp at his Sunbury home.  Police say that during the interview,  he admitted to uploading the pornographic content.  Stepp was initially jailed, and then posted 25 thousand dollars bail after his arraignment.  According to Mifflinburg Superintendent  Kenneth Dady Jr., Stepp no longer has any access to the school, even though no criminal activity ever took place on school property.

FORMER GYM COACH FOUND NOT-GUILTY

The former cheerleading coach from Montoursville accused of rape of a former student has been found not-guilty before President Judge Nancy Butts yesterday evening.  According to North Central PA dot com, the verdict ends the three year ordeal for 46 year old George William Scholl who owned Epidemic Stunt and Tumble Gym, which is now closed.  The accuser testified about the incidents that allegedly happened between June 2016 to February 2018  from a remote location during the trial.

TWO GUN CONTROL BILLS PASS IN DEM CONTROLLED HOUSE

The Pennsylvania House Democrats could only get two of four bills passed in the house on gun control  after Republicans argued the bills run afoul of the U.S. and Pennsylvania constitutions and won’t necessarily prevent gun violence carried out by those involved in criminal activity.  According to WGAL, one of the two bills that were approved require background checks for private long gun sales and the other , a “red flag” bill, allows judges to let police to seize firearms when a person is in crisis.  The bills must still go through the Senate, which Republicans still control by six votes.

WMSPT BASKETBALL STANDOUT CHOOSES MISSOURI STATE

St John Neumann’s standout basketball player, Davion Hill, has made it official that he will be a Bear next year at Missouri State following in the footsteps of his older brothers, David Hill and Alize Johnson.  Davion became the first player in Williamsport area history to earn first team all-state honors in all four years of high school basketball. According to Hill’s mother, Chanelle Edwards, her son has wanted to go to Missouri State since he was in 9th grade.  Hill, the 6-foot-2 guard from Williamsport, Pa., was twice named Pennsylvania Player of the Year.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Playoffs


HS Baseball
Class 3A
Hughesville 8                 Warrior Run  1
Central Columbia  6      Mount Carmel  3
Class 4A
Mifflinburg 10               Athens  4
Montoursville 1             Midwest 0

Class 2A HS Baseball Today
Wyalusing vs Canton @ MU 4:30pm
Muncy vs South Williamsport
        @ Central Columbia HS 6pm
HS Softball PIAA District 4 Playoffs
Class A
Montgomery 16   Sullivan County 4
Class 2A
S. Williamsport 3   E. Juniata 2
Troy 12                Wyalusing 2
NE Bradford 5     Cowanesque Valley 2
Muncy 2               Northwest 0
Class 3A
Mifflinburg 3        Midd-West 2
Warrior Run 5      Central Columbia 3
Towanda 6           Loyalsock 4

MLB

White Sox 4         Guardians 2
Rangers 6             Pirates 1
Diamondbacks 4 Phillies 3
Cardinals 8           Reds 5
Blue Jays 20         Rays 1
Yankees 6            Orioles 5
Padres 7               Nationals 4
Dodgers 8             Braves 1
Royals 4               Tigers 1
Brewers 6             Astros 0
Cubs 7                  Mets 2
Giants 4                Twins 3  
Rockies 5              Marlins 4  
Angels 4               Red Sox 0
Mariners 3            A’s 2

NBA
East Finals Game 4
Celtics 116 Heat 99
Miami leading 3-1
NHL
West Final Game 3
Golden Knights 4 Stars 0 Vegas leads 3-0
NHL Tonight 8pm on TNT
East Final Game 4
Hurricanes vs Panthers Florida leads 3-0

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