BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 24, 2023

JUVENILE CHARGED WITH THREATENING SCHOOL

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

TWO CHILDREN ATTACKED BY A BEAR

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

CHECK ELECTRIC RATES BEFORE JUNE CHANGE

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

WILLIAMSPORT POOL TO OPEN FOR THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND

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

OFFICE AIDE AT MIFFLINBURG CHARGED FOR CHILD PORN

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

FORMER GYM COACH FOUND NOT-GUILTY

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

TWO GUN CONTROL BILLS PASS IN DEM CONTROLLED HOUSE

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

WMSPT BASKETBALL STANDOUT CHOOSES MISSOURI STATE

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

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Playoffs


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

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

MLB

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

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

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

THURSDAY, MAY 25th

LINE MOUNTAIN

MILTON

TUESDAY, MAY 30th

SHAMOKIN

WEDNESDAY, MAY 31st

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT GRADE K-6

WYALUSING

THURSDAY, JUNE 1st

JERSEY SHORE

KEYSTONE CENTRAL

FRIDAY, JUNE 2nd

BALD EAGLE AREA

BLOOMSBURG

CANTON

EAST LYCOMING

MIFFLINBURG

MONTGOMERY

MOUNT CARMEL

MUNCY

SELINSGROVE

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT GRADES 7-12

TROY

WARRIOR RUN

MONDAY, JUNE 5th

ATHENS

BENTON

MILLVILLE

TUESDAY, JUNE 6th

LEWISBURG

TOWANDA

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7th

NORTHEAST BRADFORD

ST. JOHN NEUMANN REGIONAL ACADEMY

WELLSBORO

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 23, 2023

SOCIAL MEDIA THREAT AT SELINSGROVE INTERMEDIATE

There was a threat at the Selinsgrove Intermediate School yesterday that prompted school officials there to bring in extra security measures.  According to the Daily Item, Superintendent Frank Jankowski sent an email notifying the school community of threatening comments made on social media Sunday night.  Jankowski said they were in contact with borough and state police, and informed parents that there are no concerns about normal school operations this week.  School administrators say they expect to keep the extra police presence in place until the end of the school year on June 2nd. 

POLICE SEEK PERSON WHO STOLE MONEY FROM PARKED CARS

State police say someone stole money from two parked vehicles near a residence in White Deer Township.  According to North Central PA dot com, suspects broke into a Ford Focus at the home near the 100 block of Woodland Road and took over 400 dollars from a wallet.  Police say about 10 dollars in loose change was also taken from a Chevy Tahoe.  If you have information about the theft, please call State police at 570-524-2662.

BLACK BEAR YEARLING REMOVED FROM HUGHESVILLE TREE

Wardens from the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Hughesville police removed a yearling black bear from a tree yesterday near a residence in downtown Hughesville.  According to a Woodlands Bank YouTubeVideo presentation via Dave Kennedy from the Sun Gazette, a team worked with Warden Jon Wyant of the Pa. State Game Commission, who gave an ad lib presentation about their procedure to the onlookers after tranquilizing the cub.  Wyant said it’s indicative for a male bear yearling to be in neighborhoods after newly leaving the mother bear.  The officers tagged the 136 pound bear and took it to a less populated area. 

WWII SOLDIER IDENTIFIED, WILL RETURN TO US FOR BURIAL

WWII SOLDIER IDENTIFIED, WILL RETURN TO US FOR BURIAL
The remains of a South Williamsport man who was killed during World War Two have been identified and will be returned to Lycoming County for burial.  According to the Sun Gazette, 25 year old James Litherland was co-piloting a B-17F Flying Fortress in February of 1944 when he was struck by anti-aircraft fire and crashed before being able to parachute to safety over France. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency used dental and anthropological analysis to identify Litherland.  A rosette will now be placed next to his name at a American Battle Monuments Commission site in Belgium, where his name is on the Tablet of the Missing, now indicating that he has been identified.

TREVORTON WOMAN IN SERIOUS CRASH

A serious crash in Union County on Sunday has a woman from Trevorton in critical condition after being transported to Geisinger with suspected serious injuries.  According to Milton State police, 34 year old Tiffany Smokowitz may have been under the influence of alcohol when she traveled off the roadway, down an embankment, and struck a tree along Creek Road in Hartley Township.  Police say the investigation is ongoing and that Smokowitz could be facing DUI charges.

WELFARE CHECK LEADS TO FELONY FIREARMS CHARGES

State Troopers who went to a Union County home last month to perform a welfare check, found a firearm leaning against a wall in the subject’s home, later discovered through a criminal history check that he had a prior felony conviction in 2006.  According to the North Central PA dot com, police returned to the Hartley township home April 29th after filing felony firearms charges against 36 year old Jessie Lee Edison who resisted arrest and now faces a preliminary hearing June 27th.  He posted three thousand dollars bail.

MAN BREAKING INTO CARS FOUND WITH ILLEGAL FIREARM

A West Milton man and a juvenile were caught attempting to break into a parked car and police say one had an unlicensed firearm at the time.  According to Northcentral pa dot com, 19 year old Jovan Markus Garcia and the minor suspect were seen by Milton State Troopers April 30th when they were trying to break into the cars along Mains Street in New Columbia and later the pair were stopped by police along Broad Street and searched.  Garcia was found with a loaded unregistered semi-automatic handgun, the juvenile had a handgun that had been reported stolen in 2017 as well as other items reported as stolen from West Milton in a backpack.  Garcia now faces felony firearms charges along with identity theft, conspiracy to receive stolen property and more.  The case has been held for court.

SIREN SYSTEM TO BE TESTED IN LEWISBURG THIS WEEK

Testing of the new CodeRED siren system will be happening this week in Lewisburg. According to media outlets, the siren will be tested at approximately 2pm Thursday and the test will last about 15-20 seconds.  Installation of this equipment was funded by a Community Development Block Grant through the Department of Community and Economic Development.  Officials say the tests start with a voice recording, followed by the siren and then the voice recording again. Expect the borough to use sirens, phonecalls and texts to keep residents notified about emergencies and other notifications.  Call the borough office with questions at 570-523-3614 extension 314.

SPORTS

HS Baseball
District 6 Class 5A Championship
Central Mountain 10
Hollidaysburg 5

PIAA District 4 HS Baseball Playoffs Today
Class 3A
  Mount Carmel vs Central Columbia at Bloomsburg HS – 3pm
  Warrior Run vs Hughesville @Bloomsburg HS – 5:30pm
Class 4A
    Midd-West vs Montoursville @Montgomery HS – 4:30
    Mifflinburg vs Athens @ Mansfield U. – 4:30
PIAA District 4 HS Softball Playoffs Today. All games at 4:30
Class A
   Sullivan County @ Montgomery
Class 2A
    East Juniata @ South Williamsport
    Northwest @ Muncy
    Troy @ Wyalusing
    NE Bradford @ Cowanesque Valley
Class 3A
   Towanda @ Loyalsock
   Midwest @ Mifflinburg
   Warrior Run @ Central Columbia
Class 4A Softball is Thursday at Elm Park
    Shamokin vs Jersey Shore – 3pm
    Selinsgrove vs Montoursville 4:30pm  

MLB

Guardians 3                   White Sox 0
Pirates 6               Rangers 4
Diamondbacks 6 Phillies 3
Reds 6                  Cardinals 5
Rays 6                  Blue Jays 4
Dodgers 8             Braves 6
Tigers 8                Royals 5
Astros 12              Brewers 2
Giants 4                Twins 1  
Rockies 5              Marlins 3
Angels 2               Red Sox 1
Mariners 11          A’s 2
NBA
Nuggets 113       Lakers 111
Denver wins the series 4-0
Nuggets advance to their first NBA finals after sweeping the Lakers and LeBron James.
NBA Tonight at 8:30 on TNT
East Finals Game 4
Celtics vs Heat  Miami leads 3-0

NHL
East Final Game 3
Panthers 1 Hurricanes 0  (FL up 3-0)
NHL Tonight at 8 PM on ESPN
West Final Game 3 Knights vs StarsVegas leads 2-0

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 22, 2023

RAPE TRIAL FOR MONTOURSVILLE GYM COACH BEGINS TODAY

The two day trial begins today in Lycoming County Court for the Montoursville gym coach charged with rape of a child and other sexual assault charges that stemmed from an incident at the Epidemic Stunt and Tumble Gym in September of 2022.  The gym has since closed.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say George William Scholl lured a fourth grade girl who was a member of a cheerleading squad into an office while at his gym and allegedly committed the assault. Scholl has been out on $150,000 monetary bail since last June.

LOCK HAVEN MAN SENTENCED FOR SELLING METH

A former Lock Haven man who was convicted of selling meth and prescription medication in March has been sentenced to nine years in state prison.  According to North Central PA dot com, 27 year old Kyle James St. Clair, who represented himself at his trial, was given the almost decade long  sentence by Judge Michael Salisbury in Clinton County Court for three counts each of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

METHODIST MEMBER CHURCHES CHOOSE TO LEAVE CONFERENCE

Over 141 member churches took steps to vote to go their own ways, moving away from the United Methodist Church at the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church held in Williamsport. According to the Sun Gazette, reports say most, if not all of the 141 disaffiliations were as a direct result of the stance held by the United Methodist church concerning the ordination of those from the LGBTQ community and the question of same-sex weddings performed by ministers in the church.

LEGION LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO PLACE FLAGS

The Lewisburg American Legion Post 182 are seeking volunteers to place American flags on veterans’ graves this evening.  According to media outlets, volunteers can join others with the American Legion at the Lewisburg Cemetery tonight at 6 p.m. on South Seventh Street when they place about 1,100 flags.  Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to meet at the cemetery entrance. In Northumberland, the American Legion and other volunteers will place flags at veteran’s graves Thursday at 6pm.

RACIAL HARASSMENT TRIAL DISMISSED IN FEDERAL COURT

A civil rights suit against Jersey Shore Schools has been dismissed in US Middle District Court after a judge said school leaders there are not culpable for the alleged environment of racial harassment suffered by the plaintiff and their family.  The court determined the district’s response to the family’s complaints leading up to the lawsuit were reasonable; such as family meetings with faculty and disciplinary actions.  According to PennLive, the family of the black student who relocated from the Jersey Shore School District is eligible to file an amended complaint of the suit, but he only recommended it if there were new allegations within the dismissed lawsuit.

WASHINGTONVILLE COPPER THIEVES SOUGHT BY POLICE

Police are seeking two suspects who stole copper pipe from a home in Washingtonville. According to North Central PA dot com, State troopers say the men broke into the home at 27 Water Street May 16th at about 8:35 am and were seen leaving the residence after the theft.  One man goes by “Curtis” and is about 6’1” with short brown hair and average build, the other man was called Jake and was wearing a camo army jacket and jeans.  If you have information about the Montour County theft or the suspects, call state police.

SUMMER READING PROGRAM IN UNION COUNTY

The Union County Library System’s Summer Quest reading program starts June 1st and features several kick-off events at their three locations.  According to a press release from UCLS, the summer reading program runs from June 1 – August 12, with lots of opportunities for all ages to promote reading as well as enjoy a live reptile show, weekly crafts, movie nights, and S.T.E.A.M. activities.  Go online eto UnionCountyLibraries.org/SummerQuest2023 to find out about the events happening at the Herr Memorial Library in Mifflinburg, the Public Library for Union County in Lewisburg and West End Library in Laurelton.

FLY-IN PANCAKE BREAKFAST IN TIOGA COUNTY

This Memorial Day weekend will feature the Canyon Pilots Association annual pancake breakfast at the Grand Canyon Regional Airport this Sunday May 28th in Tioga County.  According to North Central PA dot com, the breakfast is open to the public from 8am til noon at the corporate hangar at the airport, just west of Wellsboro in Delmar Township where planes will fly-in and the Canyon Country Ultralight Club will have some aircraft on display.  Get details by emailing canyon pilots at gmail dot com.

SPORTS

NBA
East Finals Game 3
Heat 128             Celtics 102
Miami leads the series 3-0



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

NHL
West Final Game 2
Golden Knights 3 Stars 2 /OT Vegas up 2

NASCAR
Kyle Larson picked up the million dollar Sunday night in the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway in NC.  Bubba Wallace was second, Tyler Reddick third , Chase Briscoe  4th, and Chase Elliott rounded out the top 5.
– Kyle Larson is the first to win the All-Star race at three different tracks – previously at Charlotte in 2019 in Texas in 2021
– 11th win for Hendrick
– Larson is only the 4th  driver to win the All-Star race 3 times; Jimmie Johnson won 4,  Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt also won 3.

GOLF
46 year old Michael Block, head pro at a public golf club in California, drilled a hole-in-one to seal a remarkable performance at the PGA Championship Sunday at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York.  Block finished 15th – enough to stamp his ticket to the 106th edition of the major next year and earning  $288,333 in prize money. Bruce Koepka finished the PGA Championship at -9 for his 5th major.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 19, 2023

ATTEMPTED ROBBERY SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

Surveillance video caught the scene of a failed attempted robbery and shooting near Aubrey Circle in Williamsport May 5th and the suspect is in custody.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say 27 year old John Kyle Smith attempted to rob the victim outside the home, who then flees the scene before shots are fired toward them by Smith just after 9pm.  He is charged with four counts of first-degree felony robbery, simple assault, terroristic threats and more.  He is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 125 thousand dollars monetary bail.

WORK NEXT WEEK ON I-80

PennDOT will be working along I-80 next week in Northumberland County, doing bridge flushing and side-dosing on the shoulders of the interstate.  According to a press release, drivers will see alternating lane restrictions along East and westbound I– 80 between mile marker 211 and mile marker 213, which is located east of the Route 15 interchange.   Work will be performed during daylight hours, weather permitting.

MEMORIAL DAY MARCH AND PROGRAM IN SHAMOKIN

There will be a Memorial Day March Monday starting in Coal Township that will head through to Shamokin.  The group of marchers will pause at a few locations for the laying of wreaths and paying respects to the veterans honored along the route.  Those interested in participating can meet Monday, March 29th at 9am at the playground at Arch and Locust Streets.  The march will go to the Timothy DiOrio memorial, the Corporal David Witmer Memorial and then finally to the Price of Freedom memorial on Lincoln Street in Shamokin where members of the Joint Area Veterans Organizations will lay a wreath, hold a brief service and play Taps.

NO ARREST OF STABBING SUSPECT

Williamsport police are unable to make an arrest in a reported stabbing of a man on Tuesday afternoon, after witnesses to the incident will not cooperate with law enforcement.  According to the Sun Gazette, city police said a few individuals were at the scene of the store where the stabbing occurred around 4:30pm at the 300 block of Memorial Avenue, but would not tell police what they saw.  The condition of the victim of the stabbing is unknown at this time, but police say if you have information about the crime, to report it.

SHAMOKIN MURDER SUSPECT PLEADS GUILTY TO ALL COUNTS

A Shamokin man admitted to a judge Wednesday that he shot and killed 23 year old Kassandra Ortiz and fired on police during a standoff in Shamokin in 2018.  According to the Daily Item, 46 year old Jose Colon pleaded guilty to all nine counts related to the murder of Ortiz and 56 counts, related to the standoff at an apartment at West Sunbury Street in Sunbury.   Northumberland County DA Tony Matulewicz, says this keeps family Ortiz’s members from testifying in the difficult case. Colon remains incarcerated with sentencing scheduled for 11 a.m. September 26th.

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS FOR LOCAL NON-PROFIT SCHOOLS

Five local schools, including St. John Neumann, received a portion of a 35 thousand dollar scholarship award through Senator Gene Yaw and representatives from the Bridge Educational Foundation through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania .  According to Senator Yaw, public-private partnerships like this strengthen local educational programs, and expand academic opportunities for children in the state.  The program provides companies with a 75 percent tax credit, 90 percent for a two-year commitment, for funds donated to approved, non-profit scholarship or educational improvement organizations.  Get details at bridge edu dot org.

MEMORIAL DAY DUI CHECKPOINTS ANNOUNCED

State Police in Montoursville are announcing their annual Memorial Day DUI Roving Patrols and Sobriety checkpoints throughout the holiday weekend.  According to State police, the checkpoints in Lycoming County will target high DUI related crash areas that are determined through compiled statistical data.  Pennsylvania State Police also remind drivers to continue to wear seatbelts and to comply with the Move-Over law, which requires a motorist to move into an open lane when passing an emergency vehicle with flashing lights along the roadside.

SPORTS

HS Softball
Loyalsock 13      Warrior Run 0
Towanda 19                           Sullivan County 0
Shamokin 16                         Midd-West 6
Bucktail 16                            St John Neumann 1
Williamsport 9                      Holy Redeemer 0
Canton 14                              Montgomery 11
Wellsboro 12                         Sayre 11
South Williamsport 15         Jersey Shore 2
Northeast Bradford 16          Williamson 1

MLB
Guardians 3        White Sox 1
Angels 6              Orioles 5
Mets 3                 Rays 2
Marlins 5            Nationals 3
Yankees 4           Blue Jays 2
Cardinals 16       Dodgers 8

NBA
West Finals Game 2
Nuggets 108       Lakers 103 Denver 2-0
NBA tonight
East Finals Game 2
Heat vs Celtics @8:30 on TNT Miami up 1

NHL
East Final Game 1
Panthers 3           Hurricanes 2
NHL Tonight
West Game 1
Stars vs Golden Knights @8:30pm – ESPN
NASCAR Sunday
All-Star open @6pm with the Race at 8pm from the North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina pre race coverage @ 5pm Green flag 6pm.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 18, 2023

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER TO PLEAD GUILTY FOR BANK FRAUD

Two women who worked at a credit Union in Northumberland County have recently plead guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud in federal court.  According to North Central PA dot com, 58 year old Mindy Plasters and her daughter, 35 year old Brittany Aikey, both of New Columbia told the court they took close to $1 million over the eight-year period Northumberland Union County Credit Union (NUCCU) in Milton.  The pair said they lied about financial information on member applications for loans and took cash advances using member’s MasterCard accounts.  Plasters and Aikey were indicted last June and await sentencing in United States Middle District Court.

MAN CHARGED FOR IMPERSONATING GAME COMMISSION AGENT

A Williamsport man is facing charges of impersonating a public servant after police say witnesses claim he was checking licenses of people fishing in Lycoming Creek April 1st .  According to North Central PA dot com, 65-year-old David Butters allegedly approached a group of men and demanded to see their licenses without authority, however he told a neighbor he worked for the PA Fish and Game commission.  PA Fish and Game Commission officials say he never worked for them.  Butters also faces charges of interference of lawful fishing with a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 21st.

MATULEWICZ WILL APPEAR ON NOVEMBER BALLOT

Despite missing the deadline in March for appearing on this week’s Primary Election ballot, Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Matulewicz  secured the votes and will appear on the November ballot as  the Democratic nominee.  According to voter services, Matalevitz garnered 739 write-in votes. He will now face Michael O’Donnell in the fall for the DA seat. O’Donnell ran unopposed in the Primary for the Republican nomination.

GIRLS WRESTLING IS A SANCTIONED SPORT IN PA

Girls Wrestling has just been sanctioned as a PIAA Sport as of yesterday morning.  Accordin got the Sun Gazette, the PIAA Board of Directors voted unanimously at the final reading of the vote that got started with positive momentum several years ago.  The number of schools required for the PIAA to consider a sport to sanction is 100, and now Pennsylvania is the 38th state to have girls wrestling with 111 teams across the commonwealth as of this year.  It’s available in all 12 Districts, with Hughesville putting a girls team together last year to join teams from Athens, Benton, Central Mountain, Hughesville, Milton, Montgomery and Williamsport.  Loyalsock, Jersey Shore, South Williamsport and North Penn-Liberty include girls in their programs, as well.

TWO GARAGE FIRES MONDAY

Two West Buffalo Township garage fires happened in union county Monday, but no cause of the incident has been announced.  The first fire was at about 4:30 pm Monday at a garage at a home on Skunk Hollow road and Route 45.  The second fire Monday was also a garage structure in the area of Stony Creek Lane and Buffalo Road. According to media outlets, first responders arribed to the blaze around 7:15 pm, which was fully engulfed, and witnesses say the smoke from the fire could be seen for miles. A second alarm was called soon after, but no injuries were reported.

ELYSBURG UNDER BOIL WATER ADVISORY

A boil water advisory is in place for the Elysburg area of Northumberland County after a water main break is being repaired.  According to Aqua Wter Company, over 1,300 customers affected in northern Ralpho Township and northeastern Shamokin Township. DEP regulations require the boil water advisory to be in place until at least Friday. Crews are investigating what led to the water main break, and customers may experience low water pressure as the system recovers from the repair.  Residents with questions can call  877.987.2782.

DEMOCRATS PREVAIL IN THE PA HOUSE

As of this week’s special election in the primaries, Democrats have the advantage in the PA House on the upcoming agenda on abortion, gun rights and election law legislation.  In the House, Heather Boyd won and now represents the Philadelphia suburbs, beating Republican Katie Ford, giving Democrats the minimum to control the chamber – 103.  Republican Michael Stender won his election in the primaries yesterday for the vacant House seat in Central PA, giving the GOP 101 seats.  According to PennLive, 1st term democratic governor, Josh Shapiro will have at least one chamber to aid his agenda going into the final month of budget negotiations.  Republicans still control the PA Senate.

SPRINGFEST AT HILLS CREEK STATE PARK SUNDAY

Families can go to Tioga County this Sunday for Springfest at Hills Creek state park, to participate in a variety of outdoor activities for free, rain or shine.  According to step outdoors.org, the event will feature paddling sports with kayak club members offering equipment to borrow and volunteers on hand to help.  Other groups at springfest will include Pine Creek Headwaters group, Pheasants forever and more with Trout Unlimited Tiadaghton Chapter 688 volunteers providing fly tying  materials and equipment free of charge. Families can bring bikes to ride with helmets and food is available at the park concession stand from 12 – 3.  Details by emailing [email protected].

SPORTS

HS Baseball
Central Columbia 3       Wyalusing 1
Northeast Bradford 7    Sugar Valley 6 |
Williamsport 13             Milton 7
Cowanesque Valley 13 Millville 12
Jersey Shore 16             Shamokin 6
Loyalsock 4                             Danville 3  
Montgomery 14             Towanda 13
Southern Columbia 16   Line Mountain 4
Warrior Run 14             Muncy 3
Shikellamy  13               Wellsboro 2
Waverly 9                      South Williamsport 4

HS Softball
Bald Eagle Area 7                   Jersey Shore 5
Wellsboro 14                 Coudersport 4
St. John Neumann 14    Millville 4
South Williamsport 10 Northeast Bradford 5
Danville 6                      Southern Columbia 5
N. Penn Liberty 12        Addison 3
MLB

White Sox 7       Guardians 2
Pirates 8              Tigers 0
Dodgers 7           Twins 3
Rockies 11          Reds 6
Diamondbacks 5 A’s 3
Giants 7               Phillies 4
Royals 4              Padres 3
Orioles 3             Angels 1
Marlins 4            Nationals 3
Blue Jays 3         Yankees 0
Red Sox 12         Mariners 3
Mets 8                 Rays 7
Cardinals 3         Brewers 0
Braves 6              Rangers 5
Astros 7               Cubs 6
NBA
East Finals Game 1
Heat 123 Celtics 116
NBA Tonight
West Finals Game 2 @8:30pm on ESPN,
Nuggets vs Lakers in Denver (Denver leads 1-0)
NHL
East Final Game 1
Panthers vs Hurricanes @8pm on TNT from Raleigh, North Carolina

JOBS IN THE AREA

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BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 5, 2023

NURSE CHARGED WITH STEALING MEDS FROM PATIENTS

A Williamsport nurse is being charged with felony possession of controlled substances and more after he was interviewed by authorities and he admitted that he stole pain medication from patients at UPMC Williamsport over several months in 2022.  According to North Central PA dot com, 29 year old Peter Silas Tubbs was audited for drug activity last October and police found a drug diversion incident – when a prescription drug is used in an unlawful way or is administered but undocumented. Tubbs was released on 25 thousand dollars unsecured bail and has a preliminary hearing this week.

DUI CHARGE FOR MOUNT CARMEL WOMAN

A Mount Carmel woman is facing charges for DUI, hit and run, and endangering a person since she was pregnant with twins at the time of the incident.  According to Mount Carmel Borough police, Jennifer Garzelli, who is known for her community fundraising  efforts, was apprehended in March after she allegedly drove while drunk, hitting a few houses and cars on her way from a bar. Police say Garzelli’s blood alcohol level was almost 5 times the legal limit and that she drove with a suspended license and no insurance.  Garzelli was arraigned this week and released when she posted $40,000 cash bail.

PA LAWMAKERS REJECT SAFE INJECTION SITES

The PA Senate approved legislation to ban safe-injection sites in the Commonwealth; which is a facility where an opioid drug user can inject the drug with supervision, avoiding overdoses.  According to Penn Live, Philadelphia has been in the midst of a legal battle over whether to open safe haven offices, despite the false thought that drugs are provided at these facilities.  The bill to ban the sites passed 41-9 with every Republican in favor and Democrats with a split vote.  Governor Shapiro has said he is opposed to the safe injection sites.

VAPE DETECTORS TO BE INSTALLED AT SCHICK

Vape detectors have been approved for Shikellamy Schools after directors there applied for the over 47 thousand dollar Safe School grant through district police Chief Shawn Williams to install the detectors this summer.  According to the Daily Item, Superintendent Jason Bendle said 34 thousand of the grant will be used for the detectors which monitor noise, air quality and are tamper resistant.  Williams says the detectors are educational for students and act as a deterrent to using vapes in schools.

ENDANGERMENT CHARGES FOR BRADFORD COUNTY WOMAN

A Bradford County woman has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child after state police were dispatched for the fourth time to the area for a child wandering unattended.  According to North Central PA dot com, a neighbor discovered the child with no jacket or shoes around 8am on February 17th and called police. When troopers attempted to return the child to her home she cried and allegedly told police she didn’t want to go back and get hit.  Police say 56 year old Penny Golden of Stevensville was taken into custody with no bail listed.  Her preliminary hearing is May 23rd.

MAN CHARGED WITH CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

A Jersey Shore man who tied a female pitbull to a tree before he attempted to fatally shoot it in January, has plead guilty to several counts of animal cruelty after the animal, though injured, survived the shooting and was rescued by a passing motorist.  According to the Lock Haven Express, James Standridge told police that he decided to kill the dog after she had attacked another dog in the house in front of children and once the shots were fired he left quickly after he saw a car nearby.  A police investigation by Pine Creek Township police uncovered that Standridge was the shooter.  He was charged with felony 3 aggravated cruelty to animals by torture and by inflicting serious bodily injury.  His sentence, which could be a maximum of 14 years in prison, will be decided in the coming weeks in Clinton County Court.

UBLIC CAN COMMENT ON MD GUARD AIRSPACE ISSUE UNTIL MAY 17

Public comment over the controversial proposal by the Maryland Air National Guard to lower the altitude of training fighter jets over the Pennsylvania Wilds is open until May 17th. According to Spotlight PA, military officials claim the change for the threshold to be as low as 100 feet will not have a significant impact on the area.  The Shapiro administration stated the military’s finding of no significant impact is flawed. The email and physical addresses to use for your comments can be found in the news section on any backyard broadcasting website.  The guard currently operates at 8,000 feet above sea level and higher over all or part of Cameron, Clinton, Elk, McKean, Potter, and Tioga Counties in north-central Pennsylvania. Public comments can be emailed to [email protected], or mailed to Kristi Kucharek, National Guard Bureau, 3501 Fetchet Avenue, Joint Base Andrews, MD 20762-5157.  

FIRST FRIDAY TONIGHT IN WILLIAMSPORT

It’s First Friday in downtown Williamsport tonight.  Events include local restaurants offering small plates during a Taste of Williamsport, the UPMC kids Carnival with activities at West Fourth Street in the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce Parking lot and other activities.  There will be food and art vendors, with live music with Williamsport School district students in Lamar Park and Gabe Stillman on Pine Street.  The event is from 5- 9.

SPORTS

HS Baseball
Muncy 18             Bucktail 0
Warrior Run 4      Southern Columbia 2
Selinsgrove 16      Shikellamy 0
Mifflinburg 6        Danville 0
Elk Lake 14                    Canton 11
Midd-West 9        Lewisburg 5
HS Softball
Montoursville 2    Lewisburg 0
Muncy 3               Bucktail 0
Northwest 5         Montgomery 2
Loyalsock 8          Midd-West 4
Bloomsburg 12    Hughesville 2
Warrior Run 9      Southern Columbia 2
Shamokin 12        Milton 2
NP Liberty 10      Athens 2
Mifflinburg 5        Central Columbia 2


MLB
Nationals 4                     Cubs 3
Tigers 2                Mets 0
Rays 3                  Pirates 2
Angels 11             Cardinals 7
Orioles 13            Royals 10
Twins 7                White Sox 3
Rockies 9             Brewers 6
Mariners 5           A’s 3
Braves 6               Marlins 3
Red Sox 11                    Blue Jays 5

NBA
West Semifinals Game 2
Warriors 127      Lakers 100
NBA Tonight
East Semifinals Game 3 Series tied 1-1
Boston comes to Philly and tip off with the 76’ers at 7:30 on ESPN
West Semifinals Game 3
Denver @Phoenix 10pm on ESPN

NHL
East 1st Round Game 2
Panthers 3 Maple Leafs 2 (FL leads 2-0)
West 2nd Round Game 2
Stars 4        Kraken 2 (series tied 1-1)

NASCAR Sunday
AdventHealth400 @ Kansas Motor Speedway
PreRace coverage 2pm/ Green Flag at 3pm on Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network or WILQ’s HD3

HORSE RACING
149th Kentucky Derby Saturday Post time 6:45pm at Churchill Downs

GOLF
2023 Wells Fargo Championship  Round 2 today at Quail Hollow in North Carolina.
Rory McIlroy tees off at 12:54 p.m. ET with Matt Fitzpatrick and Jason Day.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 4, 2023

MAN JAILED FOR ASSAULTING TROOPERS

A Williamsport man was caught inside a Lycoming Creek Road apartment and attacked the state troopers who responded to apprehend him April 30th.  According to the Sun Gazette, Christian King-Lewis threw items at and bit officers as they attempted to restrain him after he had broken windows and climbed into the apartment that was occupied at that time by an ex-girlfriend and two other of her friends.  King-Lewis had bloody hands and face and he, along with both troopers who were injured were treated at UPMC Williamsport.  After King-Lewis was discharged from the hospital, he was arraigned on charges of aggravated and simple assault, harassment, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, felony trespassing and more.  He is in the Lycoming County prison in lieu of 200 thousand dollars bail.

MAN CHARGED FOR THROWING ROCK AT A CAR

Hughesville police say a Muncy man threw a rock at a moving car in Picture Rocks on February 4th and is facing criminal mischief charges.  According to the Sun Gazette, 28 year old Joseph Bradley Bower allegedly threw the rock at a car along  Route 220 and Laurel Run Road which shattered the passenger side window, where passenger, Caleb Rooker was sitting.  Rooker had minor injuries.  Bower is free on 5 thousand dollars bail.

TIOGA COUNTY PAVING PROJECT TO CLOSE RAMP

Tioga County has a five month paving project starting this week that could close the ramp throughout the project at exit 179 off of Route 15.  The ramp will be closed 3 days through this weekend for paving weather permitting and a detour will be in place using Route 15 north to Route 6 in Mansfield Borough.  PennDOT says the contractor, HRI will be working on the 3.2 million dollar project into the summer from a mile south to a mile north of the Canoe Camp Creek exit. You can check 511PA dot com 24/7 to see if the closures are in place.

FOUR DAY WORK WEEK LEGISLATION INTRODUCED IN PA

State representatives from Dauphin, Chester and Lehigh counties introduced a bill in the House Friday that will give incentives to companies who implement a 4 day, 32 hour work week.  According to WGAL, the companies who participate in the 4-day workweek pilot program through the Department of Labor and Industry, would be eligible for state tax credit. Supporters of the bill say a four day work week reduces employee stress and allows more flexibility with families.

MAN WHO SHOT AT TROOPERS SENTENCED

A man from Cogan House Township who shot at state troopers in a stand-off in April of 2021 was sentenced in Lycoming County court this week.  According to the Sun Gazette, 25 year old Nakoma J Ross will spend 44 to 88 years behind bars for the shooting that began with him not taking mental health medication and led to the shots fired at troopers at a residence along Ross Road. One bullet hit a cruiser, but no one was injured in the incident.  Ross must also pay over 8 thousand dollars in restitution.

VICTIM CHOKED IN DOMESTIC INCIDENT

A man from Mount Carmel was charged after a domestic incident brought police to his home on East Fifth Street.  According to North Central PA dot com, 38 year old Jamie Stine was allegedly in a verbal argument on April 29th with the victim who police said he then punched and kept in a choke hold until he couldn’t breathe. He suffered minor injuries.  Police arrested Stine at the scene and faces felony strangulation.  He was jailed in Northumberland County in lieu of 35 thousand dollars cash bail.

NEW CONSTRUCTION IN TURBOTVILLE

Turbotville is seeing new construction this week as the 2023 Community Hall Renovation project there is underway.  According to the Standard Journal, T-Ross Brothers Construction is working to install new double entry doors, and a bathroom remodel.  The project funding which totals over 19 thousand dollars, is provided by the Ralph and Josephine Smith Fund at the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania.  The FCFP works to improve the quality of life in north central Pennsylvania through community leadership, the promotion of philanthropy, the strengthening of nonprofit impact, and perpetual stewardship.

CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK IN WILLIAMSPORT

The James V. Brown Library is celebrating Children’s Book Week in downtown Williamsport this week.  According to North Central PA dot com, parents, children, and book lovers alike can come to the library on 19 East Fourth Street through May 7th to find a favorite book and participate in fun activities that reflect the slogan for this year’s Children’s Book Week; “Read Books. Spark Change”.  Research shows that parent involvement is the number one predictor of early childhood reading success and future academic achievement. Get details at jvbrown.edu.

SPORTS

HS Baseball
Hughesville 11             Southern Columbia 0
Wyalusing 11               Williamson 4
N. Penn Mansfield 15 Northern Potter 0
HS Softball
Bucktail 12                   Montgomery 2
Benton 27                     CMVT 17

MLB

Yankees 4            Guardians 3 /10
Tigers 6                Mets 5 in game 1
Tigers 8                Mets 1 in game 2
Diamondbacks 12 Rangers 7
Giants 4                Astros 2
Dodgers 10           Phillies 6
Padres 7               Reds 1
Braves 14             Marlins 6  
Rays 8                  Pirates 1
Nationals 2          Cubs 1
White Sox 6          Twins 4
Red Sox 8             Blue Jays 3
Royals 6               Orioles 0
Angels 3               Cardinals 4
Rockies 7              Brewers 1
Mariners 7           A’s 2
NBA
East Semifinals Game 2 / 1-1
Celtics 121           76ers 87
NBA Tonight, West Semifinals Game 2 – Lakers vs Golden State @9pm ESPN (LA up 1)

NHL
2nd Round Game 1, East
Hurricanes 5                   Devils 1
West
Golden Knights 6           Oilers 4

HORSE RACING

The Kentucky Derby is this Saturday.  The 149th Run for the Roses will be at the iconic Churchill Downs. Post time is 6:45pm

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 3, 2023

MOTHER OF TEEN IN RELATIONSHIP WITH AN ADULT CHARGED

The mother of a 16 year old girl was charged with felony corruption of minors after denying to police that her daughter was involved with a 39 year old man who was staying at their home in Coal Township.  According to North Central PA dot com, 41 year old Nicole Decker told Children and Youth Services nothing inappropriate was happening between her daughter and David Glatfelter, when they followed up on a tip to ChildLine on March 28th.  Following an investigation, including an interview with the teen, a relationship with Glatfelter was revealed.  Decker also told police that she didn’t reveal the relationship since she had been threatened by the man in the past and that he carries a firearm.  Glatfelter fled the area and was last seen in New York State or Western PA  and there is a warrant out for his arrest.

ACCIDENT BLOCKED TRAFFIC ON SOUTHSIDE

There was slow traffic on the South side of Williamsport yesterday afternoon around 5pm when a two vehicle accident shut down the major roadway for about 45 minutes.  According to the Sun Gazette, three people were injured when a Subaru Ascent and a pickup crashed around the 300 block of Market Street.  Tractor trailers, unable to turn around on the one way street were blocked-in southbound, while authorities diverted traffic onto West Southern Avenue.  First responders from UPMC and Duboistown transported two victims to the hospital for minor injuries and one victim was treated at the scene.

SOUTHSIDE BUILDING CAN BE DEMOLISHED

After the owner of a property on the Southside of Williamsport near the Maynard Street Bridge appealed a demolition notice, a judge in Lycoming County ruled in favor of the borough, that the property, including the 3 story Protasio Building at the northeast corner of Riverside Drive, can be demolished.  According to the Sun Gazette, Brad Gordner, owner of @Your Convenience store at that nearby location, requested that the court add a condition to the demolition notice for the blighted property, that it remain standing if it can be rehabilitated, but Judge Eric Linhardt would not include the condition and stated the demolition was not unreasonable.

BILL PASSED IN HOUSE TO KEEP MILK HAULERS ON THE ROAD

A new bill has been approved by the PA House, keeping those who haul milk on the road when a travel ban due to weather or a related disaster is in place.  According to Senators Judy Ward and Gene Yaw, Senate Bill 153 was introduced after producers and processers of milk had to dispose of milk due to the weather-related commercial vehicle restrictions in place.  The legislation calls for a special decal for licensed milk haulers.  The bill now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

TWO MEN ARRESTED AFTER KULPMONT FIGHT

Two men got into a fight outside a Kulpmont bar last Thursday and following the altercation, one fled in a vehicle and crashed into parked vehicles Street. According to the News Item, police say 31 year old Christopher Henley of Shamokin allegedly started the altercation with 49 year old Wayne Bryan of Kulpmont, and they fought at the EndZone Bar & Grill until Bryan left the scene in his vehicle and crashed.  State Troopers at Stonington responded to the accident and interviewed Bryan who told police the other suspect, Henley, had left.  Police investigated and found the man had gone to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital.  Both were arrested with Henley remanded to Northumberland County Jail in lieu of $75,000 straight bail and Bryan released on 50 thousand dollars unsecured bail.

RUNAWAY FROM LATROBE FOUND IN WHITE DEER TWP

A 16 year old young woman who had run away from her Latrobe PA home last weekend, was found by state police in White Deer Township on Sunday.  Troopers were on the lookout for the missing girl, when they observed her vehicle along I-80 east in Union County.  The missing teen continued to elude police for 15 miles after they identified her until authorities had to lay spike strips on the interstate.  She stopped the car before hitting the strips and she was taken into custody.  She will face juvenile probation   for fleeing and eluding, and was released to the custody of her parents.

FLOODING CLEARED, AREA ROADS REOPEN

The flooding conditions that closed area roads have been cleared on all the affected roadways listed this week, according to Penn DOT. In Northumberland County, Shakespeare Road between Hobbes Road and Purple Heart Highway just reopened yesterday afternoon in East Chillisquaque Township.  Portions of Route 61 in and just outside the City of Sunbury that experienced detours this week are also back to normal.

EMERGENCY DRILL SATURDAY AT PENN COLLEGE

Penn College announced they will hold a full-scale emergency management exercise Saturday morning as a learning experience for students and others in emergency management fields.  According to the press release, the drill is aligned with U.S. Department of Homeland Security methodology and protocols and will be as close to the real thing as possible, involving realistic elements like sights sounds and the operation of equipment.  The public should be aware that this activity will take place 8am til noon May 6th   on the Penn College property adjacent to the Bush Campus Center and the campus mall. Details at PCT dot EDU.

SPORTS

HS Baseball
Montgomery 17             Bucktail 0
Athens 12                      Towanda 2
Canton 13                      Sayre 4
Troy 8                            Wellsboro 6
HS Softball
Troy 24                Wellsboro 8
Towanda 3           Athens 2
Liberty 6              Wyalusing 1
HS Tennis
Hughesville defeated Loyalsock 3-1
MLB
Yankees 4            Guardians 2
Braves 6               Marlins 0
Rays 4                  Pirates 1
Nationals 4          Cubs 1
White Sox 3          Twins 2
Red Sox 7             Blue Jays 6
Orioles 11            Royals 7
Angels 5               Cardinals 1
Rangers 6             Diamondbacks 4
Giants 2                Astros 0
Rockies 3              Brewers 2
Mariners 2           A’s 1
Reds 2                  Padres 1
Dodgers 13          Phillies 1
Mets and Tigers were postponed due to rain in Michigan.


NBA Playoffs
East Semifinals Game 2
Knicks 111                    Heat 1051-1
West Semifinals Game 1
Lakers 117           Warriors 112
NBA Tonight
76’ers @ Boston tonight – 8pm on TNT

NHL Playoffs
East 2nd Round Game 1
Panthers 4            Maple Leafs 2  
West 2nd Round Game 1
Kraken 5              Stars 4

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