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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 21, 2022

MAN KILLED BY HIS OWN TRUCK

A Bradford County man was killed earlier this month when his water tanker truck rolled over him at a fill site in Cascade Township, and the Lycoming County Coroner has completed the investigation into the incident.  According to the Sun Gazette, County Coroner Charles Kiessling, Jr. said 74 year old Donald Maus of Troy was struck by his tanker truck that had not had the emergency brake applied on an incline about 6:30am December 9th after Maus left the cab to secure the gate at the site off of Rose Valley Road.  Kiessling said Maus was killed instantly by the impact and the truck continued another 100 yards crashing into a power pole and going off the roadway.  There were no witnesses, but a neighbor called 911 after hearing the crash. Stae police and Trout Run volunteer firefighters responded.

COUPLE WRITES BAD CHECK FOR NEW TRUCK

A Mifflinburg woman who recently pleaded no contest to access device fraud charges for allegedly using her employers credit card in August to charge more than $26,000 in personal expenses, has been charged with felony receiving stolen property and misdemeanor writing bad checks. According to North Central PA dot com, 39 year old Tonya Marie Struble along with 36 year old Casey Jay Zimmerman wrote a 15 thousand dollar check to a car dealership for a down payment on a new truck knowing they didn’t have the money.  After the dealership sent several certified letters and the couple claimed they would deposit the money, they could not cover the check.  They said they would not  return the truck worth over 52 thousand dollars.  Both Struble and Zimmerman were arraigned December 1st under 15 thousand dollars unsecured bail.

UTILITY WORK IN WHITE DEER TOWNSHIP TODAY

A portion of White Deer Pike and West Brimmer Avenue will be closed today in White Deer Township, Union County and Watsontown, Northumberland County for a utility project.  According to PennDOT, White Deer Pike will be closed between Old Route 15 in White Deer Township and Route 405 in Watsontown, while Windstream replaces wires across the roadway. A detour using local roadways will be in place while work is being performed between the hours of 7:30am and 2:00pm, weather permitting. Get the details of PA roadways at 511pa.com

MORGAN MILES INVITED TO PERFORM  AT THE RYMAN

Native Williamsport musician Morgan Miles, who was a recent finalist on the national music contest, NBC’s “The Voice”, has been invited to perform on the Grand Old Opry Stage at The Ryman next month in Nashville. According to the Sun Gazette, Miles will play her original music at the event, her next performance following directly after the finals of the TV show recently filmed in Los Angeles.  While a student at Loyalsock Township High School 20 years ago, Miles studied at the Uptown Music Collective and performed in school musical productions.  You can get tickets to Morgan Mile’s performance for Friday January 6th at opry dot com.

AUTHORITIES DETERMINE DEATH OF DANVILLE MAN A HOMICIDE

After an investigation into the death of a 27 year old dependent man from Danville, by the Danville Police Department, PA State Police and the Montour County District Attorney’s Office, as well as an autopsy by the Montour County Coroner’s Office, they determined it to be a homicide due to the man being physically restrained.  According to North Central PA dot com, Adam Kortes died July 21st while under the care of his parents, 67 year old Richard Kortes and 59 year old Kristine Kortes, and they were arrested for involuntary manslaughter, unlawful restraint, tampering with physical evidence, and other charges. They  are incarcerated in lieu of 10 thousand dollars bail each with a preliminary hearing on December 29th.

SELINSGROVE OFFICER SUSPENDED FOR TEXT MESSAGES

The employment status of a veteran Selinsgrove police officer will be discussed at tonight’s Borough Council meeting, after he allegedly sent threatening text messages and emails to newly hired Chief Shanee Mitchell. According to local media outlets,  Officer Scott Grove is now off the job with pay for sending messages such as “Walk Away” or “Leave Selinsgrove” that may or may not be racially motivated.  Mitchell said she hadn’t noticed any negative interactions with Grove before the messages were sent.  Mitchell is the Valley’s first black and female police chief .

RENT REBATE PROGRAM DEADLINE DECEMBER 31

Pennsylvanians 65 and older, widows and widowers aged 50 and older, and people with disabilities who are at least 18 have until December 31st to apply for Pennsylvania’s rent and property tax rebate program, which saw a recent increase from lawmakers in the latest state budget.  It aims to help older and disabled Pennsylvanians with annual income limit of $35,000 per year for homeowners and $15,000 per year for renters.  The funding boost signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf for  a one-time bonus rebate from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.  According to the Record online, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and representatives from the he Department of Revenue can help with the MYPath or paper application.

E-BIKES APPROVED FOR STATE PARKS

The Department of Natural Resources has approved E-bikes for use on lands around state parks and forests with some safety guidelines in place for riders.  According to the DCNR website, bikes that weigh less than 100 pounds, have motors that do not exceed 20 miles per hour or 750 watts, and have operable pedals are ok for use.  Other lands open to the public in Pennsylvania (such as federal lands, local parks, gamelands, and preserves) have different requirements related to e-bikes. Users should check the guidelines before they travel to their destination. Designated hiking trails are not open for e-bikes.

SPORTS

PIAA D4
Boys Basketball
Shamokin 56               Loyalsock 45
Milton 49                    Central Columbia 44
Danville 63                  Hughesville 55
Girls Basketball
Central Columbia 39   Mount Carmel 36
Loyalsock 46               Williamsport 34
S. Williamsport 63      St. John Neumann 44
Canton 50                   North Penn-Liberty 36
Line Mountain 46       Muncy 33
Wrestling
Milton 40                    Lewisburg 29
Montgomery 49          Hughesville 17
Montoursville 71         Shamokin 6
Shikellamy 72             Loyalsock 6
Southern Col. 41         Muncy 24

NBA
Jazz 126              Pistons 111
Bulls 113            Heat 103
Knicks 132         Warriors 94
Wizards 113       Suns 110
Nuggets 105       Grizzlies 91



NHL
Flyers 5               Blue Jackets 3
Penguins 3          Rangers 2
Hurricanes 4       Devils 1
Maple Leafs 4     Lightning 1
Jets 5                   Senators 1
Kraken 5             Blues 2
Kings 4                Ducks 1
Flames 7              Sharks 3
NCAA Bowl Games Today
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl in New Orleans, LA
Western Kentucky v South Alabama 9pm –  ESPN
Bowl Games Tomorrow
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, TX  
Baylor vs Air Force 7:30pm – ESPN


World Cup 2022
Argentina’s World Cup team had to abandon an open-top bus parade yesterday as an estimated over 4 million ecstatic fans flooded onto the streets and brought the city to a standstill. Lionel Messi and his teammates were whisked into helicopters to complete the planned celebrations.

The victory made the country world champions for the first time since 1986
MLB News
Carlos Correa, has now agreed on a 12-year, $315 million contract with the New York Mets, backing away from a previous 13-year agreement with the San Francisco Giants. Correa agreed to terms last week with the Giants on a historic 13-year, $350 million contract, tying Bryce Harper for the longest free-agent deal in baseball history.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 20, 2022

MAN ARRESTED FOR STALKING EX-GIRLFRIEND

A South Williamsport man is free on bail after he was accused of stalking an ex-girlfriend on December 7th.  According to the Sun Gazette, city police say 25 year old Brandon Allen Leslie Sweat followed the victim for much of the day, video recording her and calling her repeatedly, causing the victim distress.  Sweat waived his preliminary hearing in district court and posted the 50 thousand dollars bail.

TRUCK DRIVER CHARGED FOR ACCIDENT DURING SNOWSTORM

A truck driver was charged with driving too fast for conditions by State police last Thursday during the severe winter weather.   According to the Standard Journal, 28-year-old Karanjeet Singh of Nobelsville, Indiana , collided with a PennDOT truck and fire truck at the scene of a previous accident along I-80 in Northumberland County where a tractor-trailer hit an embankment just before noon. Traffic was reduced to one lane during the heavy snow, and Tier 1 conditions were implemented on the interstates.  Police say Singh drove over road flares and crashed after he attempted to change lanes in the accident zone.  No one was injured, but the Turbot Township Fire Company special unit vehicle is out of service after the wreck.

PENNSYLVANIA SPECIAL ELECTIONS TO TAKE PLACE IN FEBRUARY

Barring a court order, three special elections for three state House vacancies will take place this February in Pennsylvania after state Rep. Bryan Cutler’s lawsuit sought to stop the elections that were scheduled by the House’s newly sworn-in presiding officer, Rep. Joanna McClinton of Philadelphia.  Democrats had won a one seat majority in the November election, but one member passed away before his name could be removed from the ballot and two other members resigned their positions.  According to the Sun Gazette, Lawyers for the Department of State and acting Secretary of State Leigh Chapman responded to the Lancaster County Republican’s lawsuit, saying that his dispute is with McClinton, who was not named in the suit. There will be a status conference next week.

SALVATION ARMY DISTRIBUTION TODAY IN WILLIAMSPORT

The Salvation Army in Partnership with the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program and the community’s Angel Tree Wishes, is distributing food and Christmas assistance today to more than 400 families coming to town for the pick up day.  According to a press release, qualified households are expected at 457 Market Street in Williamsport today from 9am until 4pm.  Traffic could be heavy at times and families are asked to come to the gymnasium accessible from Court Street.  The Salvation Army’s holiday message this year is to Love Beyond Christmas, to help and care for neighbors in need not only during the holidays, but also year-round.

THREE ARRESTED FOR INFANT DEATH

Arrests were made yesterday in Sullivan County and police took three individuals allegedly responsible for the death of an infant last January into custody.  According to North Central PA dot com, Amy and Drew Hoenigke of Mildred, Pa., and Brigette Meckes of North Lawrence, NY were charged for manslaughter, endangering the welfare of children and other offenses.  State Police say that they were called to the Hoenigke’s home January 20th for the death of an infant that they  discovered had died days earlier, allegedly without receiving proper health care since being in distress from birth around January 15th.  This case was referred to the Office of Attorney General from the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office.

FORMER PENNSYLVANIA DA AQUITTED OF DUI

Former Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane was acquitted of DUI yesterday in a one-day bench trial in Lackawanna County Court.  Fifty six year old  Kane, was charged with DUI by Scranton police after she got into a minor car crash March 12, and allegedly failed a field sobriety test. Kane’s lawyer said police body camera footage showed her entering and exiting a vehicle without difficulty and that officers did not detect impairment, but she was seen on surveillance footage drinking alcohol earlier in the night. Kane had resigned as AG after being convicted in 2016 of perjury, obstruction and other counts for leaking secret investigative files to embarrass a rival prosecutor.

PHONE SCAMS ARE BACK FOR THE HOLIDAYS

State police in Milton are warning the public again about the latest phone scams with a local couple most recently losing over seven thousand dollars.  According to north central pa dot com, the elderly couple from Union County fell for it when someone called saying they won the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes.  State police say the call was placed on November 12 and the scammers asked the couple to cover costs associated with the win – they sent two checks.   Police remind the public to be extra vigilant about phone scams during the holidays .

FIRST DAY HIKES IN TIOGA AND POTTER COUNTIES

There will a bounty of activities during the winter months at state parks in Tioga and Potter Counties for 2023.  According to North Central PA dot com, the first of these will be First Day Hikes on Sunday, January 1st; Sinnemahoning State Park will host a free, easy 2.5-mile guided hike along fairly level trails @10am in Austin, Potter County, Hills Creek State Park in Tioga County will offer a First Day Hike or Snowshoe & 5K at 12:30pm, and Lyman Run State Park will have an easy, less than 1 mile First Day Hike at 1pm.  Get more details about what you should bring along at dcnr.pa.gov.

SPORTS

NFL Monday Night Football
Packers 24          Rams 12
NFL Thursday Night
 Jacksonville @ Jets on Prime Video at 8:15 PM

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 Games Today
The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Eastern Michigan vs San Jose State at 3:30pm – ESPN
RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl
Liberty University vs Toledo at 7:30pm  – ESPN



NBA
76ers 104            Raptors 101
Cavaliers 122     Jazz 99
Hawks 126          Magic 125
Spurs 124           Rockets 105
Timberwolves 116 Mavericks 106
Bucks 128           Pelicans 119
Thunder 123       Trailblazers 121
Suns 130             Lakers 104
Hornets 125        Kings 119

NHL
Bruins 7              Panthers 3
Stars 2                 Blue Jackets 1
Capitals 4            Red Wings 3
Predators 4          Oilers 3
Avalanche 1        Islanders 0  
Canadians 3        Coyotes 2
Sabers 3              Golden Knights 2
Blues 5                Canucks 1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 16, 2022

SNOW CLEANUP BEGINS

The area is cleaning up the heavy wet snow this morning with some schools north of Lycoming County remaining closed today, but most on a two or three hour delay.  Continue to check cancellations and delays at any backyard broadcasting website such as wilq.com or wbzd.com.  On area roadways, lanes of Interstate 80 and Interstate I-180 reopened to restricted speeds according to Penn Dot after multi-vehicle accidents plagued the area yesterday for most of the day.

BRUSH PILE IS CLOSED UNTIL 2023

The City of Williamsport has closed the brush pile for the remainder of the year.  According to a press release by Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter, the brush pile is full and will not be ground up until after the New Year.  Grinding of the debris will take place January 3rd and the brush pile should be operational and open again January 9th 2023.  The automatic gate that is accessed with a resident key car is located at 1500 W. Third Street.

K-9 UNIT COMING BACK TO SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT

A police k-9 Unit is coming back to South Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, the South Williamsport Borough Council approved the K-9 and appointed a handler, who will start a 6-week training schedule in January at a K-9 kennel facility in North Carolina.  The dog will be trained as a dual purpose k-9 officer for chase & bit and narcotics detection. Council also approved a new Dodge Durango that will be retrofitted to serve the new K-9 handler.  According to borough officials, adding a K-9 to the unit, can ease a burden currently on the city’s two K-9 units.

EAGLES PLAYERS RECORD A CHRISTMAS ALBUM FOR CHARITY

A legit Christmas album performed by Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson, Jason Kelce and Jordan Mailata — with background vocals by other teammates has been released, called “A Philly Special Christmas.” According to the Standard Journal, proceeds go to the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center in Philadelphia. More than $100,000 has already been raised.  Portions of “A Philly Special Christmas” is available to stream now but the full album will be available online December 23rd.  The Eagles play the Dallas Cowboys Dec. 24.

LOCK HAVEN STILL RESTRICTING PARKING TODAY

The City of Lock Haven declared a snow emergency yesterday and has restricted on street parking there until 3pm today.  According to a press release from the city, there will be no on-street parking on E Main from First Street to Henderson, E Church from Bellefonte Ave to N Jay Street,  Bellefonte Avenue and other areas, but free parking will be provided in all city-owned, off-street metered parking lots in downtown today for those who have to park. 

STATE POLICE SEEK PORTA-POTTY VANDAL IN TIOGA COUNTY

Police are looking for a person who vandalized a porta-potty in Tioga County and caused about 2 thousand dollars in damage.  According to North Central PA dot com, a property owner in Clymer Township called police December 12th after they had discovered that a porta potty located at Beachwood place and Ackley Road had been cut into, causing all the liquid in the facility to drain out.  State police in Mansfield are asking anyone with information about the incident to call state police at 570-662-2151.

TOOMEY SAYS FAREWELL TO THE SENATE

U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) delivered his farewell speech on the Senate floor yesterday, after two decades in Congress. Toomey joined the U.S. Senate from Pennsylvania in 2011. His platform included economic and job growth, restoring fiscal responsibility, and creating stronger, safer communities.  The senator served on the Senate’s Banking, Budget, and Finance committees.  .A graduate of Harvard University, he lives in the Lehigh Valley.

SPORTS

NFL Thursday Night Football
49’ers 21   Seahawks 13
49’ers secure the top spot in the NFC West Division

NFL football Saturday on NFL Network
1pm – Colts vs Vikings  
4:30pm – Ravens vs Browns
8:15 Dolphins vs Bills
NFL Sunday 1pm
Eagles vs. Chicago Bears FOX
Steelers vs. Carolina CBS
Cowboys vs. Jaguars
Chiefs vs Texans
Cincinnati vs Tampa Bay
NFL Sunday Night Football
8:20pm Giants vs Commanders NBC

NHL
Penguins 4          Panthers 2
Flyers 2               Devils 1
Kings 3                Bruins 2
Hurricanes 3       Kraken 2
Ducks 5               Canadians 2
Rangers 3            Maple Leafs 1
Lightning 4         Blue Jackets 1
Stars 2                 Capitals 1
Jets 2                   Predators 1 
Golden Knights 4  Blackhawks 1
Sabers 4              Avalanche 2
Blues 4                Oilers 3

NBA  
Heat 111             Rockets 108
Grizzlies 142      Bucks 101
Jazz 132              Pelicans 129
Suns 111             Clippers 95

2022 World Cup Sunday
Argentina vs France 10am on Fox

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 14, 2022

BIG SNOW ON THE WAY

The area is bracing for an accumulation of snow through Friday with the National weather service in State College calling for up to 8 inches of snow in the region expanding northeast over Williamsport.  Travel is expected to be most affected for the Thursday morning and afternoon commutes with the most intense snow seen in the region Thursday afternoon.  PennDOT is preparing for the storm by pre-treating roadways with salt-brine and plan to be out and in place the entire time snow is falling.  High temperatures are only expected to reach 34 degrees Thursday with wind gusts expected up to 25 miles per hour.

HAND COUNT OF TWO 2020 ELECTION CONTESTS APPROVED

Rules for a hand count of the two statewide election contests from 2020 have been approved by the Lycoming County Board of Elections.  According to the Sun Gazette, the director of voter services Forrest Lehman suggested several guidelines to the board about supervision of the process and which contests would be counted.  These were then approved in a split decision 2-1, with Commissioner Rick Mirabito voting against.  The official date for the hand count of the 202 Presidential and Auditor General contests will be between January 9th and 31st. Further discussion of more details will be at the next Lycoming County Election Board meeting.

HUGHESVILLE TO RAISE REAL ESTATE TAX

Noting inflation and higher overall costs for services, the Hughesville borough Council this week approved a real estate tax increase for the first time in 12 years.  According to the Sun Gazette, a .25 tax millage hike to 5.25 mills, will be imposed on property owners, which will add 25 dollars to homeowners’ tax bill for each 100 thousand dollars of assessed property value.  The 2022 budget came in about 62 thousand dollars over the 1.06 million dollar spending plan that was approved by the council.  Tax revenues are expected to bring in just over 440 thousand dollars.

GAME COMMISSION SURVEY RESULTS

According to information gathered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, hunters have adjusted to the change in traditionally starting deer season to the Saturday after Thanksgiving rather than the Monday after Thanksgiving.  Sixty percent of Pennsylvania deer hunters surveyed by the Game Commission strongly or moderately support opening day of the regular firearms deer season on Saturday, compared to 27% who strongly or moderately oppose it – with many citing tradition as their reason. In the PGC annual report from the 2021 deer season the harvest was larger at 435 thousand deer compared to 375 thousand deer in the 2018-19 season. 

MORE CHARGES FOR WILLIAMSPORT BLOW MOLD THIEF

The South Williamsport woman originally charged December 1st by Old Lycoming Police after they discovered she had allegedly stolen holiday blow mold decorations from neighborhoods around Williamsport has had more charges filed against her.  According to North Central PA dot com, 40 year old  Lane E. Sarcinella was charged yesterday for another theft of decorations worth about 450 dollars from a Jamison Street yard in Linden.  Sarcinella and 34 year old Christopher Fraunfelter, her partner in crime who allegedly also stole decorations earlier this month and faces charges by the Williamsport City Police, were turned in by a person who realized they had bought stolen property and called police leading to an investigation and arrest of the pair.

PENNSYLVANIANS ENCOURAGED TO CARRY NAXALONE

The acting Pennsylvania Physician General spoke yesterday at an event in Hershey, PA to raise awareness on the opioid epidemic, encouraging pharmacies to get prepared to help people suffering from overdoses by allowing access to Naxalone whether a person has a prescription or not.   According to CBS Philadelphia Dr Denise Johnson said all Pennsylvanians are encouraged to carry Naxalone since there no telling when someone you come in contact with may need it.  Any resident of Pennsylvania can get the anti-opioid drug for free online at nextdistro.org.

PENN COLLEGE ANNOUNCES FALL COMMENCEMENT

Pennsylvania College of Technology will hold a commencement ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Community Arts Center for the almost 300 students who have petitioned to graduate after the Fall semester of 2022.  Maci Nicole Ilgen who is a Dean’s List student being awarded a Bachelor of Science in nursing, will be the student speaker.  The college will also present an Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award to Anthony J. Peachey of Construction Specialties in Muncy. Penn College President Michael J. Reed along with board member Steven P. Johnson will confer degrees and certificates upon the graduates.

SPORTS

PIAA District IV
Boys Basketball
Montoursville 66           Shikellamy 54
Line Mountain 70                    Upper Dauphin 46
Central Mountain 77     Mifflinburg 69

Girls Basketball
Mount Carmel 48                    Shikellamy 31
Mifflinburg 46               Central Mountain 38
Athens 52                      North Penn-Liberty 30
South Williamsport 61 Montgomery 3
Hazleton Area 50                    Williamsport 30


Wrestling
Montoursville 53           Hughesville 12
Milton 51                       Mifflinburg 17
Shikellamy 39                Montgomery 30
Jersey Shore 40             Sugar Valley Rural Charter 15
Muncy 39                      South Williamsport 36


NHL
Avalanche 3        Flyers 2
Bruins 4              Islanders 3
Sabers 6              Kings 0
Hurricanes 1       Red Wings 0
Panthers 4           Blue Jackets 0
Stars 4                 Devils 1
Lightning 6         Kraken 2  
Maple Leaf 7      Ducks 0
Oilers 6               Predators 3
Golden Knights 6 Jets 5
Capitols 7           Black Hawks 3
Sharks 3              Coyotes 2



NBA
76ers 123            Kings 103
Bucks 128           Warriors 111
Rockets 111        Suns 97
Jazz 121              Pelicans 100
Celtics 122          Lakers 118

NFL Thursday Night Football
San Francisco @ Seattle 8:15 Prime Video

2022 World Cup Semifinal
Argentina defeated Croatia in a 3-0 victory
France & Morroco have their semifinal today at 2pm eastern

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 13, 2022

WOMAN RESCUED FROM MIFFLINBURG FIRE

Firefighters in Mifflingburg who were working the Mifflinburg Hose Company stand at the Christkidl Market were quickly on the scene of a house fire at the 200 block of Walnut street  Friday.  According to the Standard Journal, the fire was called in about 240pm and when crews arrived, the homeowner, Sandra Bowes, was found unresponsive inside the front door.  Bowes was revived using CPR and was ultimately flown to Lehigh Valley Burn Center in Allentown where she is recovering. Fire officials say the fire was started by overloaded receptacles or powerstrips and caused about 200 thousand dollars worth of damage.  Supporting companies, included the William Cameron Engine Company and New Berlin Fire Department.

NEW YORK MAN FOLLOWS WOMAN FROM CASINO TO ROB HER

An Owego, New York man is in custody after police say he followed a Canton woman home from Tioga Downs Casino on November 22nd  with the intention of robbing her.  According to North Central PA dot com, 41 year old Andrew Honnick followed the 75 year old woman to her home, and entered her garage, taking her purse, cash and other items.  Honnick fled the scene, but State Police say his vehicle was identified and he was taken into custody in New York state by the Tioga County Sheriff’s department on a Pennsylvania warrant.  Honnick was charged with four felonies including criminal trespass.  He is in Bradford County Correctional Facility in lieu of 150 thousand dollars bail.

ACCUSED KILLER IN SHAMOKIN HAS TRIAL DATE SET

The man accused of killing a Shamokin woman in February of 2018 before he was shot in a standoff with police at his West Sunbury Street apartment has had a trial date set for next June.  According to the Record Online, 46 year old Jose Colon is accused of criminal homicide after Kassandra Ortiz was allegedly shot by him in Shamokin.  According to the Northumberland County District Attorney, Colon’s homicide and police standoff charges were consolidated.  Two weeks have been set for the trial June 20th beginning with jury selection in the case.

PGC STOCKING FOR PHEASANT SEASON

It’s ring necked pheasant season through December 23rd,   and the Pennsylvania Game Commission reports they have stocked State Game Lands statewide with about 16 thousand birds.  The season continues December 26th through February 27th as well.  In Lycoming County, SGL 252 and openings at Ridge, Pikes Peak, Alvira and Mill Roads will be stocked with pheasants, in Northumberland County birds will be stocked along Route 225 in Dornsife and along Irish Valley Road.  According to the Sun Gazette, in Lycoming County, a total of 690 birds were released in 2021.

ADDED DRUG CHARGES FOR WILLIAMSPORT WOMAN

A Williamsport woman has had new drug charges added to existing ones.  According to the Sun Gazette, court records say 36 year old Ashley Ann Johnson was taken into custody last January after police suspected her of selling fentanyl.  During her arraignment on these charges,  police say Johnson was arranging drug deals on her cell phone.  She had already been jailed on other charges, Johnson was recommitted at Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 50 thousand more dollars bail.

SERIAL SHOPLIFTER ARRESTED IN CENTRE COUNTY

A Centre County woman is in custody for repeated shoplifting, this time at the State College Walmart.  According to North Central PA dot com, Carrie Confer who has had two previous shoplifting convictions in Pennsylvania, was seen on surveillance cameras putting items in her purse and leaving without paying for the items found to be worth about 70 dollars.  Patton Township Police say 45-year-old Confer  was charged with third-degree felony retail theft, and was released on her own recognizance. A preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 4. 

RECOUNT IN ROCKEFELLER TOWNSHIP

Rockefeller Township held a recount of the more than eleven hundred recent ballots and it came out the same as the general election count in November. According to the Daily Item, a county judge granted the recount after petitioners who live in the township requested it after a few issues on Election Day.  Northumberland County Commissioners say they are happy to recount and provide transparency.  In the recount, Republican Mehmet Oz had 873 votes as the leading candidate for U.S. Senator,  Republican Douglas Mastriano led with 813 votes for  Pennsylvania governor,  Republican Representative Dan Meuser and Lynda Schlegel Culver were also the lead candidates in their races.

STROEHMANN BUILDING WILL COME DOWN

City Council voted in a 6-1 vote to raze the former Stroehmann Bakeries building at 339 Washington Boulevard in Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, Councilwoman Liz Miele was the dissenting vote against tearing down the iconic building.  The owner,  Benjamin Stopper, reported that there are no plans for the space at this time, once the debris from the demolition is cleared from the area.  But Stopper said that the part that is Benjie’s will not be removed.

SPORTS

PIAA District IV
Boys Basketball
Muncy 65                      Warrior Run 56
Sullivan County 57        Canton 30
Athens 86                      Williamson 27
Danville 55                    Milton 52
Selinsgrove 49               Hughesville 45 (OT)
Bloomsburg 68              St. John Neumann 55
Girls Basketball
Hughesville 42               Selinsgrove 33
Shamokin 43                 Montoursville 39
Lewisburg 37                 Warrior Run 32
Lake-Lehman 59 Southern Columbia 39

NFL Monday Night Football
Patriots 27 Cardinals 13
NFL Thursday
San Francisco @ Seattle 8:15 on Prime Video

NHL
Penguins 2           Stars 1
Canadians 2         Flames 1
Rangers 4             Devils 3
Senators 3            Ducks 0
Wild 2                  Oilers 1
Blues 1                 Predators 0

NBA
Heat 87                Pacers 82
Nets 112              Wizards 100
Grizzlies 128       Hawks 103
Mavericks 121     Thunder 114
Spurs 112             Cavaliers 111
Trailblazers 133  Timberwolves 112
clippers 113         Celtics 93

Upcoming NCAA Bowl Games Friday December 16th
Hometown Lenders Bahamas Bowl, Miami (OH) vs UAB at 11:30 on ESPN
@Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, Nassau

2022 World Cup
The semifinal matches are set with Argentina vs. Croatia today and France vs. Morocco on Wednesday.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 12, 2022

FATAL ACCIDENT IN LAMAR TOWNSHIP

There was a fatal accident Thursday that claimed the life of a Mill Hall man and injured another.  According to the Record online, state police say a vehicle crash along Route 64 in Lamar Township caused 20 year old Jayden M. Eisenhower to be ejected from the car.  His passenger, 21 year old, Gavin R. Rafter, also from Mill Hall, survived the accident but  was transported to UPMC Williamsport around  9:53 with serious injuries.  Police said Eisenhower lost control at a high rate of speed in his 2002 Honda Civic northbound on Route 64.  The vehicle occupants were not wearing seatbelts.

FIRST READING OF WILLIAMSPORT BUDGET APPROVED

After a first-reading of the proposed 31 million dollar budget for 2023, Williamsport City Council approved it with a no-tax increase last week in a 6-1 vote.  According to the Sun Gazette, Councilwoman Liz Miele, chairwoman of the finance committee, voted against it to avoid a more drastic millage increase in 2024. Revenues for 2023 in the general fund are 24.8 million with expenditures at 27.6 million.  A second reading of the proposed 2023 budget is set for this Thursday at 7pm.

INVESTIGATION INTO RACIST VIDEOS FOLLWING FOOTBALL WIN

The Pittsburgh Public School District has asked the PIAA to investigate racist  banners and Tik Tok videos made by players after Southern Columbia won the state championship Friday.  There are also questions about a pep rally in Ralpho Township before the game, which showed in videos, signs shown that could be interpreted as racist. The Southern Columbia Area School District released a statement on Facebook decrying any racism or  harassment saying the matter was under investigation.

UNION COUNTY COURTHOUSE REDEDICATED

Northumberland County leaders re-dedicated the 157 year-old County Courthouse in a ceremony Friday following the conclusion of its $4.7 million renovation project. The courthouse at 201 Market Street in Sunbury, first heald court hearings August 6, 1866. According to The Daily Item, the building was officially positioned on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. According to county leaders, the work continues as the next phase, the illumination of the clock tower – that proposal will head to state for approval in the spring.

WOMAN WHO SLAMMED LITTLE LEAGUE MUSEUM REMAINS JAILED

The Williamsport woman charged with slamming her minivan into the World of Little League Museum in July remains in jail today.  According to Penn Live, the defense for Theresa Robinson Salazar argued against her attempted homicide and aggravated assault charges.  However, a Lycoming County judge determined there was still concern about the safety of the community with Salzar at large and rejected the defense’s argument.  Lycoming County District Judge Gary Whiteman did not set bail for Salazar, who remains incarcerated.

COUPLE CHARGED WITH ENDANGERMENT

A couple in Williamsport faces charges of endangering the welfare of children after being in possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia when officers were called to their apartment last Wednesday.  According to the Sun Gazette, a landlord called police after hearing screaming children in the apartment of 43 year old Lawrence Weaver and 42 year old Dina Kuns at about 5:40pm.  When officers arrived they found marijuana and paraphernalia within reach of a 5 and 2 year old and arrested the two. Weaver and  Kuns were arraigned and each released on 25 thousand dollars bail.

WILLIAMPSORT SETTLES CIVIL SUIT

A Harrisburg man has been awarded 50 thousand dollars in a settlement against a Williamsport Bureau of Police Officer.  According to the Sun Gazette, in the federal civil suit, the Harrisburg man alleged he was harassed and then handcuffed without cause during an incident in July of 2021. Keith Anderson used a mediator to reach the settlement without the defendant, Patrolman Clinton J. Gardner, admitting liability. Charter Oak Fire Insurance Company will pay the $50,000 according to terms of the settlement.

BROADBAND SERVICE POSSIBILITIES IN UNION COUNTY

Union County Commissioners are hoping to get broadband Internet service where it is either non-existent or barely there.  According to the Daily Item, commissioners asking residents to report on their website so they can apply for funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. According to Commissioner Stacy Richards, billions of dollars are invested in internet service around the country and Union County should also get a share of it.  You can participate and verify your address at unioncountypa.org until January 13th.

SPORTS

NFL Sunday
Eagles 48             Giants  22 (Officially punching the Eagles’ ticket to the postseason)
Cowboys 27         Texans  23
Ravens 16            Steelers 14
Bills 20                Jets 12
Bengals 23         Browns 10
Lions 34               Vikings 23
Chiefs 34             Broncos 28
49’ers  35             Buccaneers 7
Panthers 30          Seahawks 24
Chargers 23         Dolphins 17

NFL Monday Night football
Patriots play the Cardinals in Arizona 8:15 PM on ESPN

NHL
Coyotes 5             Flyers 4 /OT
Avalanche 3         Blues 2 /OT
Blue Jackets 6     Kings 5 /OT
Kracken 5            Panthers 2
Capitals 5            Jets 2
Bruins 3               Golden Knights 1
NBA
76ers 131             Hornets 113
Pelicans 129        Suns 124 /OT
Lakers 124                    Pistons 117
Knicks 112          Kings 99
Magic 111           Raptors 99
Hawks 123                    Bulls 122
Rockets 97                    Bucks 92

NCAA Football News
USC quarterback Caleb Williams was the Heisman Trophy winner from Saturday

Army 20  Navy 17

PI-AA Class 2A State Championship
Southern Columbia defeated Westinghouse  37-22 Friday afternoon to claim a record sixth consecutive state championship at Cumberland Valley HS

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 9, 2022

RIVER VALLEY TRANSIT AUTHORITY UNDER INVESTIGATION

An investigation is open in Williamsport about the handling of federal funding within River Valley Transit Authority.  According to the Sun Gazette, Mayor Derek Slaughter said the Federal Transit Administration has hired a contractor to perform a special review to look at grant agreements and examine checks and balances that were or were not in place.  A review team will next meet with Mayor Slaughter and interim General Manager of RVTA, Todd Wright to complete a Financial Management Oversight Special Review.  In a previous audit from 2019, the bus system came out 11 million dollars in debt, with auditors unable to determine what funds were appropriately related to RVTA.

LYCO COMMISSIONERS WILL APPEAL LATEST COURT RULING

The Lycoming County Commissioners announced at their meeting yesterday that they will appeal the latest court ruling that put the functions of payroll, general ledger and accounts receivable back into the hands of the county controller, Krista Rodgers.  According to the Sun Gazette, Commissioners Rick Mirabito and Tony Mussare, continue to seek clarity of the fiscal functions. Commissioner Scott Metzger stated he would prefer to avoid the legal cost. All three commissioners in a statement said that the new appeal only seeks to make sure they are properly handling the financial affairs of the county which is their duty by statute.

MONTOURSVILLE RE-ELECTS PRESIDENT, HIRES SECURITY CAPTAIN

In their annual reorganization meeting this week, the Montoursville Area School District decided on the hire of a security captain, and re-elected the current president and vice president of the school board.  According to the Sun Gazette, Dave Shimmel who represents the borough, is President and Dottie Mathers, who represents Fairfield and Upper Fairfield Townships is Vice President.  New security captain, LaRue Stelene, originally from Nisbet and a former State police trooper, said his military background and supervisory experience makes him a good fit for the job that will pay 56 thousand dollars per year.  Regular school board meetings at Montoursville will continue on the second Tuesdays of the month at 7 p.m. except in December.

DROUGHT LIFTED FOR LYCOMING COUNTY AND 14 OTHERS

At a meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force, The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced that drought watch conditions have been lifted for 15 counties including Lycoming, Northumberland, Montour, Snyder and Union counties that had been watching their water consumption, but the watch still remains for Carbon, Luzerne, Northampton, Potter, and Schuylkill counties.  Drought watch means  consumers are asked to reduce their individual water use by 5-10%, or three to six gallons of water per day.

FORMER MOUNT CARMEL FOOTBALL PLAYERS CHARGED WITH HAZING

The Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania has charged nine former area high school football players for a hazing incident that occurred in 2020.  According to North Central PA dot com, court records say in two incidents, football players from Mount Carmel were at the football captain’s house to watch football game footage and burned new players with sticks and fireworks as part of what they said was an informal initiation.  Reed Witowski, Damon Dowkus and a third captain who was a juvenile at the time, have each been charged with hazing, simple assault, and intimidation of a victim.  Six players on the team have also been charged with hazing.

DRIVER FLEES FROM VIOLENT WRECK

Police say a person who was involved in a vehicle accident Wednesday night at the 600 block of Beeber Street in Williamsport, fled the scene and is still at large.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say just after 7pm  the driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee hit a parked Nissan Sentra and overturned creating a loud noise that caused neighbors to think a nearby building had been hit.  The Jeep hit the parked car with such force it was pushed 35 feet.  Fire and ambulance crews responded to the scene, but no injuries were reported.  If you have information about the driver of the Jeep, call Williamsport police.

MONTOUR COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH 84 GRAMS OF COCAINE

A Washingtonville man has been arrested for having 84 grams of cocaine in his apartment after a family member in the home called police about it.  According to NorthCentral PA dot com, State Police in Milton were called to an apartment November 10th and shown the bag of the suspected drug sticking out from a bathroom cabinet.  Police say once the substance was tested, it was determined to be cocaine.  An arrest warrant was issued for 45 year old Jeremy Michael Simmons who faces felony possession charges with intent to deliver and a misdemeanor possession charge.  Charges were filed against Simmons December 1st.

NORTH BRANCH NOMINATED FOR RIVER OF THE YEAR

The North Branch of the Susquehanna River is one of four finalists for 2023 Pennsylvania River of the Year recognition.  According to the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper, other finalists include the Conestoga River, a tributary in the Lower Susquehanna watershed, and both the Schuylkill River and Perkiomen Creek from the Delaware River basin. Recognition from a River of the Year win for the North Branch would help partnering agencies tackle a number of issues for the waterway, including excessive sedimentation.   One vote is allowed per email between now and 5pm on January 14th .  Learn more about each of the 2023 River of the Year finalists at Pawatersheds.org.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Boys Basketball
Northumberland Christian 71       Hughesville 68
Selinsgrove 53                                Bellefonte 49

PIAA 2A Football Championship Today
Southern Columbia vs. Westinghouse
1pm Mechanicsburg, PA


NCAA Football Saturday
Army / Navy game  3 PM on CBS

NFL Thursday Night Football
Rams 17              Raiders 16
NFL this weekend
Eagles vs. Giants, Ravens vs Pittsburgh 1 PM on Sunday

NHL
Lightning 5                   Predators 2
Maple Leafs 5              Kings 0
Panthers 5                     Red Wings 1
Jets 5                             Blues 2
Stars 4                           Senators 3

NBA
Heat 115                       Clippers 110
Spurs 118                     Rockets 109
Nuggets 121                 Trailblazers 120

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