BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 15, 2023

INFO ON UNION COUNTY CRASH SOUGHT BY POLICE

Police are seeking information from anyone who witnessed a three vehicle crash on Route 15 South in Union County Tuesday around 3pm.  According to State police at Milton, the crash occurred near William Penn Drive in Kelly Township.  According to reports the unnamed motorcyclist swerved into the left lane of the interstate and struck a white F250 pickup, losing control and hitting a Jeep Wagoneer.  The motorcyclist was injured, but no other injuries were reported. Police are looking for additional details in the crash, if you can provide information, call 570-524-2662.

FIVE RESIGNATIONS AT OLD LYCOMING TOWNSHIP

Officials in Old Lycoming Township have accepted the resignations of five township employees after tensions have risen between the township and a group of citizens who are resisting certain changes there.  According to the Sun Gazette, during the meeting Tuesday there was disappointment expressed by some officials that there was disrespect shown to the those employees who worked hard and achieved good growth in Old Lycoming Township, but with their decision to step down leaves crucial gaps.  Positions vacated include manager, road department/operating mechanic, sewer department, treasurer and bookkeeper, and sewer enforcement officer.  One area the citizens group is dissatisfied with is the recent regionalization of the police department.

EAST BUFFALO TOWNSHIOP CAN NOW HAVE CHICKENS, LIVESTOCK

Residents in zone 1 of East Buffalo Township have been given the preliminary OK by the supervisors to raise chickens or domestic livestock under certain conditions depending on lot sizes and number of animals, and having a manure management plan through the Union County Conservation District.  According to the Standard Journal, the supervisors plan to adopt the ordinances at their August meeting.

US ARMY FIELD BAND TO PERFORM IN MILTON THIS MONTH

The world famous United States Army Field Band and Soldiers Chorus will perform a free concert at the Milton Area High School Auditorium on Sunday, June 28th at 7pm, sponsored by the Central Susquehanna Valley Veterans Council.  Free tickets are available at the News Item office in Shamokin and the Standard Journal Office in Milton.  There is free transportation available from Shamokin by Catawese Coach – meeting in the Shamokin municipal parking lot at 5:45 June 28th.   The United States Army Field Band and Soldiers Chorus is considered by music critics to be one of the most versatile and inspiring musical organizations in the world.

WOMAN ARRESTED AFTER THREATENING POLICE

A Coal Township woman was arrested after being combative with police and threatening them after she was allegedly drunk and sitting in the middle of a Dollar Tree store.  According to North Central PA dot com, 63 year old Brenda L. Kosmer was handcuffed at the store and police helped her to stand when she became aggressive and they led her to a cruiser where she kicked at the windows and threatened to kill four officers from Shamokin and Coal Township on the scene. Once in custody in her holding cell, Kosmer revealed she had smuggled a lighter in after attempting to set fire to a plastic tray under the toilet.  Kosmer was charged with felony aggravated assault, risking a catastrophe and several misdemeanors.  She is in Northumberland County Prison with a preliminary hearing June 20th.

NO PROPERTY TAX-HIKE FOR WILLIAMSPORT

For the second consecutive year the Williamsport area school district will not be raising taxes, after the school board approved the zero-increase budget at this week’s meeting.  According to the Sun Gazette, 80 percent of the 2023-2024 budget for this fiscal year is attributed to instructional costs and support services – about 118.8 million dollars, with 28 million dollars of income coming from state funding.  The Williamsport area school board meets next on July 11th at the District Center on West Fourth Street in Williamsport.

GRANT POSSIBLE TO ADDRESS FLOODING ISSUES AT GRAFIUS RUN

A Washington DC based consulting firm is working with the city of Williamsport to identify potential projects that could utilize a grant to address climate-change-related issues, like flooding at Grafius Run.  According to the Sun Gazette, executives from Keller & Partners and city engineer Jon Sander are focusing on a movable trash rack system that can sense when trash and debris need to be moved and potentially can eliminate the damming of water that spills onto the streets and into homes’ basements.  The Trash Rack system is estimated to cost 2.4 million dollars.

JUNETEENTH HOLIDAY CLOSES DMV FOR THE WEEKEND

PennDOT has announced they will be closing area offices in observance of the federal holiday Juneteenth.  According to the department, all drivers license and photo centers and the full-service center in Selinsgrove will be closed Saturday through Monday.  Customers can still obtain forms, publications, and most services online at dmv.pa.gov.  June 19th is now a federal holiday that marks the day in 1865 when Union Soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, ending the Civil War and freeing enslaved people.

SPORTS

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

MLB Draft League
Wmspt Crosscutters 12         WV Black Bears 10
The Cutters have an off day today but head to Mahoning Valley Friday night to go up against the Scrappers.

GOLF
The 123rd U.S. Open starts today at the Los Angeles Country Club in California.
* The first time the venue will host the championship and the first time in LA since 1948 when the tournament was played at the Riviera Country Club at nearby Pacific Palisades.
* The first major tournament since the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf announced a partnership.
*Scottie Scheffler is ranked 1st as a US Open World Leader, followed by Jon Rahm and Rory McElroy

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 14, 2023

FATAL FIRE IN CLINTON COUNTY

A Clinton County man is dead after a fire at his residence late Saturday night.  According to the Sun Gazette, the remains of 69 year old Gregory Martin were found inside the structure on Tobacco Shed Road after fire crews extinguished the blaze that they were called to about 8pm Saturday night in Dunnstable Township.  Multiple emergency departments were on the scene including Woolrich, Hand in Hand Lock Haven, Avis, Dunnstown, Beech Creek, Jersey Shore and others.  There was no announcement of the cause of the fire, but State fire marshals were on the scene until about 1:30am Sunday.

RIFLE SHOT SENDS YOUNG MAN TO JAIL

A young man from South Williamsport was arraigned in district court after police say he aimed a rifle at a person then raised it in the air and fired one shot in trhe borough on May 21st.  According to the Sun Gazette, Jacoby Benway was charged with terroristic threats, reckless endangerment and simple assault.  He was initially incarcerated but then released on 15 thousand dollars bail.

PHILLY INTERSTATE COLLAPSE TO BE CLEANED UP TODAY

I-95 repair efforts continue near Philadelphia and a demolition of the collapsed structure is expected to be complete by this morning.  According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg who was in Philadelphia yesterday Tuesday to visit the site of the collapse and said upfront federal funding has been released to address the immediate effort to reopen the interstate since it’s a key corridor in eastern Pennsylvania.  PennDOT says detours are in place to help safely accommodate and redirect the traffic.

GROUP FORMS TO ADVOCATE FOR LOCAL AIRPORT

An advocacy coalition has formed, comprising of concerned stakeholders and a group of airports , RESTORE Air Service. According to RESTORE spokesperson and Williamsport Regional Airport Executive director, Richard Howell says the coalition will be working with Congress and the Biden Administration to promote changes in the 2023 FAA Reauthorization Bill to better support rural and small community airports after Williamsport Regional airport lost daily service since the pandemic. There is legislation addressing the small community air issue, including the bi-partisan “Essential Air Service Reform Act”,  introduced by Congressman Dan Meuser and Congressman David Trone, which would re-open the Essential Air Service program for 3 years.

CAR CHASE ENDS IN TASTER FIRE AS SUSPECT TRIES TO FLEE

A 36 year old man from Lycoming County is in custody after a long police pursuit from Muncy to Picture Rocks that occurred June 6th following the suspect driving the wrong way in an alley outside of Muncy.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say Kyle Wesley Keiser drove at a high rate of speed through Hughesville, running several stop signs and recklessly driving past other drivers on 220 and eventually driving through fields before bailing out of the car on Main Street in Picture Rocks and running from the car.  Police used a Taser to stop Keiser who is now in Lycoming County Prison on a probation violation and charged with felony fleeing, agricultural vandalism and more, in lieu of 15 thousand dollars bail.

RENOVO WOMAN CAUGHT SELLING PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE

An arrest warrant was recently served on a woman from Renovo who allegedly sold prescription medication to an undercover informant June 7th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 64 year old Jenean Mace was the subject of an investigation involving the unlawful sale of Suboxone pills between December 2022 and May 2023. Police say Mace was handed a dozen felony counts including possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance.  She is in the Clinton County Correctional facility in lieu of 100 thousand dollars bail.

LEWISBURG FLOOD MEETING LEADS TO PUBLIC PRESENTATION

A public presentation is coming up June 20th to consider the adoption of the Lewisburg Borough Flood Mitigation Study after the final public meeting was held last week where they decided next steps to develop programs and create flood plans.  According to the Daily Item, Lewisburg Borough Community Development Grant Manager Shannon Berkey said the final study will provide the Borough a planning tool in the short and long term to address additional needs to continue to make the borough a thriving community despite the threat of flooding.  The project is being funded by a $100,000 grant from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Strategic Management Planning Program Grant program.

FIRST LITTLE LEAGUE GAMES SCHEDULED

The first matchups are set for the summer as the Little League World Series arrives in August.   According to Little League International the 2023 Little League Baseball World Series starts August 16 through the 27th and will feature 20 teams from around the globe competing through the U.S. and International brackets. The first game is between Europe-Africa and Panama on August 16th in Volunteer Stadium starting at 1pm.  Game 2 will be in Lamade and is between Mountain Region vs. Metro Region.  Get the full bracket listing at little league dot org.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Softball State Championship Final
Class 2A
Bald Eagle Area 4        South Williamsport 0

NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 5
Golden Knights 9        Panthers 3
Vegas tops Florida and Panthers win the series to capture their first Stanley Cup Title

NBA Finals Game 5
Nuggets 94                   Heat 89
Denver wins their first NBA Finals Championship

MLB
Padres 6               Guardians 3
Orioles 11            Blue Jays 6
Rockies 7             Red Sox 6
Yankees 7            Mets 6
Twins 7                Brewers 5
Giants 11             Cardinals 3
Angels 7               Rangers 3
Cubs 11                Pirates 3
Reds 5                  Royals 4
Astros 6               Nationals 1
Mariners 9            Marlins 3
Phillies 15            Diamondbacks 3
A’s 2                              Rays 1
Dodgers 5             White Sox 1
Braves and Tigers were postponed

MLB Draft League
Monday’s game was canceled…
Last night
WV Black Bears 3       Crosscutters 1
Williamsport tries again tonight at home 6:35pm 1st pitch
Crosscutters get an off-day Thursday

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 9, 2023

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR STABBING NEIGHBOR

A Lycoming County woman is accused of stabbing her neighbor and was arrested late Thursday at a trailer park in Lycoming Township.  According to WNEP, police say, Savana Hauke admitted to threatening the victim earlier in the night, who is still being treated for their injuries at this time.  Hauke will face harassment and assault charges, and has been incarcerated in Lycoming County Prison.

MAN EXTRADICTED FROM NC OVER SEX CHARGES

A former Muncy Township man was arrested in North Carolina for over 15-hundred counts of  sexual assault and involuntary servitude of a girl over a four year period, and returned to Williamsport yesterday.  According to the Sun Gazette, police have charged 34 year old Jarron Buie formerly of Endicott, New York, with rape of a child, indecent exposure, assault and other offenses between April 2019 and last December.  He was denied bail by District Judge Williams Solomon and committed to Lycoming County Prison.

SETTLEMENT FOR JERSEY SHORE FOOTBALL PLAYER

A former Jersey Shore football player who suffered a traumatic brain injury during practice while wearing head protection, has been awarded a settlement from the national helmet manufacturer and related companies.  According to the Sun Gazette, 18 year old Caleb Leone suffered the injury after colliding with another player August 14, 2018 and was in a coma for weeks, later showing great progress in his recovery.  The family sued Riddel, Incorporated in federal court, and recently agreed on a 100 thousand dollar settlement that was placed in an irrevocable trust for Leone.  After the accident, the Jersey Shore Bulldogs retired Caleb’s #20 jersey in tribute.

BILL INTRODUCED TO SAVE K-9 OFFICERS

A bill to help save police dogs from overheating in hot cars has been proposed in the PA legislature.  According to North Central PA dot com House Bill 1334 is also known as Totti’s Law for a K-9 officer who died in 2016 in a hot police car.  State Rep. Scott Conklin of Centre County introduced the bill that would mandate that any emergency vehicle transporting a K-9 officer be fitted with a K-9 heat-detection device which would automatically open windows when reaching a certain temperature.  Conklin said the $900 cost for a detector is small  compared to $20 thousand dollars it costs to train a new police dog. 

CODE ORANGE AIR QUALITY ALERT TODAY

The air quality alert over Eastern Pennsylvania’s central and northern mountains is now labeled as Code Orange today,  with the IQ air website posting moderate levels – around 80 out of a possible 500 for air pollution that we’ve seen most recently from wildfires burning in Canada.  According to the National Weather service,  Code orange is still an alert for sensitive groups, including children and those with lung or heart issues.  The hazardous air quality alert in Lycoming County is in place until midnight tonight.  In addition, the burn ban is still in effect in the city of Williamsport and Old Lycoming Township until Friday evening at 8:30pm, when fire officials will revisit the ban and see if it still needs to be in place.

MILL HALL MOTHER CHARGED AFTER CHILD WANDERS

A mother from Mill Hall was charged with third-degree felony endangering the welfare of children after state police at Lamar say she was asleep around noontime when her toddler wandered for blocks with no shoes in 87 degree weather.  According to North Central PA dot com, 33 year old Chelsea Autumn Miller, allegedly believed her child was home when State Police Troopers spoke with her last June 3 near the 600 block of Girard Street after witnesses found the child several blocks away at a yard sale. Miller was released on $10,000 unsecured bail with a preliminary hearing on July 3.

MAN INJURES BEAR WITH PISTOL

A man who allegedly shot a bear on his property with a .22 caliber pistol has been charged with unlawful killing of big game.  According to North Central PA dot com, 88 year old Sheldon Sharpless injured the bear that was eating bird seed in his feeders around 9pm March 31st when he said he fired one shot into the bear’s back, wounding it to the point where it could not run away .  When a PA Game Commission officer arrived he made the decision to put the bear down.  There was no bail listed for Sharpless who faces the misdemeanors July 12th for a preliminary hearing.

NEW BERLIN SNOWBOARD COMPANY TO REOPEN IN SELINSGROVE

Gilson Snow, the international snowboard manufacturing business in New Berlin that was destroyed by fire in November 0f 2022 is getting ready to reopen in Selinsgrove.  According to the Daily Item, Nick Gilson said he signed an agreement earlier this week to lease the space used by former Wood Metal on Sherman Street.  The new space is over seven times larger than their previous facility and Gilson says new equipment is arriving at the new location and 90 percent of the staff that was with the company will return after the grand opening in September.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Baseball State Quarterfinals
Class 5A
Strath Haven 14 Selinsgrove 3
Class 4A
Archbishop Wood 9 Montoursville 1
Class 3A
Saucon Valley 6 Hughesville 0
Class 2A 
Kutztown 9 South  Williamsport 0

PIAA State HS Softball Quarterfinals
Class 2A
South Williamsport 10 Bristol 0
Class 3A
Palisades 5 North Penn Liberty 1
Class 4A
Blue Mountain 4 Jersey Shore
MLB

Guardians 10               Red Sox 3
Dodgers 6                   Reds 0
Rays 4                         Twins 2
Orioles 6                      Brewers 3
Giants 6                       Rockies 4
White Sox 6                Yankees 5  Game 1
Yankees 3                   White Sox 0 Game 2
Phillies 3                      Tigers 2
Blue Jays 3                  Astros 2
Braves 13                    Mets 10
Angels 3                      Cubs 1
Diamondbacks and Nationals postponed due to air quality in Washington, DC.


NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 3
Panthers 3           Golden Knights 2 OT  Vegas leads 2-1

NBA Finals Game 4 Tonight
Denver @ Miami 8:30pm  ABC Denver leads 2-1

MLB Draft League
Crosscutters 12   Black Bears 7
Cutters come home tonight through the weekend to host the Mahoning Scrappers 6:35pm first pitch

NASCAR
Toyota 300 in Sonoma, California Prerace coverage 2:30pm, Green Flag Racing at 3:30pm on our sister station, the Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network or WILQ’s HD3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 8, 2023

CODE RED AIR QUALITY AGAIN TODAY

The Environmental Protection Agency continues the Code Red Air Quality alert today after  the haze and smoke smell in the air yesterday caused Loyalsock Township to dismiss students early.  According to the Sun Gazette the weather pattern is expected to shift today but those who are vulnerable to issues from the particulates in the air are still advised to stay careful about breathing the outdoor air.  The burn ban remains in the City of Williamsport and Old Lycoming Township in effect until Friday evening. 

BAIL DENIED FOR MAN WHO SCUFFLED IN COURTROOM

A man facing charges in district Judge Gary Whiteman’s courtroom Tuesday caused a disturbance during a lull in court proceedings, which resulted in damage being done to a wall.  According to the Sun Gazette, Mark Taylor Kuntz, who was handcuffed and awaiting prison-commitment papers got into a struggle with troopers who were securing him.  After learning of the disturbance, Judge Whiteman said that his original determination that Kuntz was eligible for 50 thousand dollars bail would be changed to no bail.  Kuntz is in custody over a domestic disturbance in Plunkett’s Creek Saturday.

EYEGLASSES THEFT IN MONROE TOWNSHIP

Pennsylvania State police at Selinsgrove have reported a theft incident at an eyewear store in Monroe Township. According to  North Central PA.com, The suspect allegedly made off with a significant amount of eyeglasses, estimated to be worth between $2,000 and $2,500. The incident took place on May 9 after 2pm at the LensCrafters store located in Monroe Marketplace. In case you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Pennsylvania State Police in Selinsgrove at 570-374-8145.

81ST ANNUAL LAUREL FESTIVAL STARTS THIS WEEK

The 81st Annual Pennsylvania Laurel Festival starts this Saturday and continues through June 18th in Wellsboro. The public can enjoy events in town all week, Family Day will be on the Green Saturday and their pet parade Sunday  in the Packer Park Picnic area.  Free entertainment continues all week and Friday at noon is the welcome for last year’s Laurel Queen and the 2023 queen candidates on the Tioga County Courthouse steps with the Queens Preview & Laurel Concert Friday at 4:30 p.m on the Deane Center Outdoor Stage. Get details about the Tioga County Laurel Festival at wellsboropa.com.

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR THREATENING WITH A GUN

A Williamsport woman who is on probation for a previous felony is in custody again after witnesses say she brandished a firearm on her front porch May 14th and threatened a person in front of neighbors and others who were outside her home.  According to the Sun Gazette, 37 year old Keira Elouise Blunt  was interviewed by responding police and found to have the unauthorized loaded firearm which they seized.  She was taken into custody on charges of terroristic threats, convicted felon not to possess a firearm, simple assault and more.  Blunt is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 85 thousand dollars bail.  

NAME CHANGE FOR THE PA DEP

The state Senate approved legislation to change the name of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), to the Department of Environmental Services according to sponsor of the bill Sen. Gene Yaw , chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.  Senate Bill 691 will have no effect on the jurisdiction or current statutory or regulatory authority of the department. Yaw said shifting the focus to services implements a much-needed culture change at the department. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

PENNDOT JOB FAIR IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

PennDOT has announced a job fair for people to work with the department in Northumberland County. The job fair will be held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Wednesday, June 21, at the Northumberland County Maintenance Office, 355 Dewart Street, Sunbury.   Recruiters will be available to discuss current and future openings within the commonwealth for CDL operators. Some positons must have a valid CDL permit on their first day of employment.  On-the-spot applications will take place. Applicants for the Transportation Equipment Operator A positions must bring their current CDL license.  For more information, please call 570-286-7178.

TURBOTVILLE FIREWORKS CANCELLED AGAIN TONIGHT

Officials from the Turbotville Area Community Carnival postponed their fireworks show last night and now the decision has been made that they will cancel again tonight due to visibility issues again from the Canadian wildfires.  The fireworks are rescheduled for Turbotville’s August 19th event. The Roost also sponsors entertainment tonight by Milltown Blues starting at 7pm and there are always games nightly on the midway.

SPORTS

PIAA High School Baseball Quarterfinals Today
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 Today
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

Guardians 5               Red Sox 2
A’s 9                           Pirates 5
Padres 10                  Mariners 3
Marlins 6                   Royals 1  
Rays 2                        Twins 1
Diamondbacks 6      Nationals 2
Blue Jays 3                Astros 2
Reds 8                        Dodgers 6
Braves 7         Mets 5
Brewers 10    Orioles 2
Cardinals 1   Rangers 0
Giants 5         Rockies 4
Angels 6         Cubs 2
Phillies & Tigers and the
Yankees & White Sox were postponed due to the air quality on the East Coast.


MLB Draft league
Crosscutters 13 WV Black Bears 1
Crosscutters stay in West Virginia tonight but return to Bowman Field Friday night against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, 6:35 first pitch.

NBA Finals Game 3
Nuggets 109 Heat 94 – Denver/ 2-1
NBA Finals Game 4 Friday
Denver @Miami  8:30pm on ABC

NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 3 Tonight
Vegas @ Florida  8pm on TNT Vegas / 2-1

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

Upcoming

Nov 16

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