BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 28, 2022

TWO PA AMBER ALERTS CANCELLED

Both Amber alerts that were active yesterday in Pennsylvania have been cancelled with all the children involved found safe.   Two toddlers who were seen being forced into a car in Dauphin County near Harrisburg earlier this week were located and no details have been reported about their alleged abductor.  According to authorities however, 6 year old Zoe Moss was taken from her school neighborhood near Downingtown Monday by her biological mother, Venessa Gutshall.  According to Penn Live, they were spotted numerous times near Wrightsville in York County and police recovered the child safely Thursday afternoon after responding to witness accounts. 

PA SUPREME COURT WILL CONSIDER BALLOT QUESTION

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has taken up the issue of counting ballots with a missing or incorrect date on the outer envelope, after briefs were filed by senior elections officials arguing the matter.  The filing was scheduled last week so that State and national Republican Party representatives could dispute the counting of incorrectly dated ballots, with Department of State officials under Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf also filing brief arguing that the requirement to count the date is an immaterial error or omission.  According to Fox News, the PA Supreme Court will rule soon without holding oral arguments on the matter.

GAS COMPANY TO START WORK IN DUBOISTOWN NEXT WEEK

Next Wednesday, Duboistown residents can expect a gas main replacement project to begin on Euclid Avenue between Clarendon Street and Spring Street.  PennDOT is reporting that a contractor for UGI will be working in the area with alternating lanes for traffic when active work is going on, and residents may see the intermittent work being done through this December during the day.  You can check conditions on major roadways in the Commonwealth at 511PA.com.

GENERAL ELK SEASON STARTS MONDAY

General elk season starts on Monday, and ends Saturday, Nov. 5 in Pennsylvania.  According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, General Elk season remains the biggest in th area in terms of participation, with more than half of available elk licenses being allocated.  This year, 101 of the 178 Pennsylvania elk licenses are valid next week. Of those, 31 hunters will be hunting antlered elk, or bulls, and 70 will be hunting antlerless elk, or cows.  Following completion of the general elk season, 48 hunters will participate in late season that runs from December 31 through January 7.

FEMALE INMATES RELOCATED FOR STAFFING SHORTAGE

Twelve female inmates from the Lycoming County Prison have been transferred away from the facility due to staffing shortages.  According to Penn Live, the move is a way to redistribute overtime hours within the prison system.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Lycoming County Commissioners upped the pay for starting correctional officers to 20 dollars an hour to improve retention; ten part-time positions were also approved by the commissioners to alleviate some mandatory overtime some officers face at some facilities.  Even if current hires happen, there is still time to wait to increase staffing due to the required training period. 

HANGAR TO BE CONSIDERED IN SELINSGROVE

A plan to  add a new hangar at the Penn Valley Airport in Selinsgrove will go up before the Monroe Township planning commission in November.  According to the Daily item, construction could start in the spring to meet demand that has the current facility full with a wait list for aircraft storage.  The cost of the project is estimated to be up to 400 thousand dollars with expenses offset with a 100 thousand dollar contribution from the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber.  

CLEAN SCHOOL BUS FUNDING FOR PA

Lycoming, Potter and Tioga Counties are benefitting from a recent US Environmental Protection Agency Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, and will be able to purchase clean school busses thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.  According to the Sun Gazette, the clean vehicles will be low- and zero-emission school buses that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts and produce cleaner air.  US Senator Bob Casey of Scranton recently announced that eighty nine new busses will be purchased throughout the state with about 34 million dollars of the federal funds.

NORTHERN LEG OF CSVT PROJECT COMPLETE

PennDOT has announced the completion of the northern section of the CSVT project.  According to a statement from the agency, long-term lane restrictions are being lifted on Route 147 in Point Township, Northumberland County, but motorists can still expect some occasional short-term lane closures as the final details of the highway are completed. The southern  section of the CSVT is under construction currently and is expected to have that work continue through 2027.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 HS Football Week 10

MONTOURSVILLE VS LOYALSOCK
(BYB GAME OF THE WEEK)
(BATTLE FOR THE BRIDGE)

TUNKHANNOCK VS WILLIAMSPORT

JERSEY SHORE VS CENTRAL MOUNTAIN

MUNCY VS HUGHESVILLE

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT vs NORTHWEST AREA

COLUMBIA-MONTOUR VO-TECH vs MONTGOMERY

MIDD-WEST vs SELINSGROVE

MILTON vs WARRIOR RUN

LEWISBURG vs MIFFLINBURG
(LITTLE BROWN JUG GAME)

BLOOMSBURG vs CENTRAL COLUMBIA

DANVILLE vs HUNTINGDON AREA

SOUTHERN COLUMBIA vs SHIKELLAMY

SHAMOKIN vs MOUNT CARMEL

TROY vs CANTON


PIAA Class A Girls Soccer Playoffs – Saturday, Oct 29
Southern Columbia vs Muncy @ Danville HS – 12pm
Northeast Bradford vs Wyalusing @Towanda HS 2pm
Meadowbrook Christian vs Benton @ Loyalsock HS 6pm
PIAA Class A Boys Soccer Playoffs – Saturday, Oct 29
Sullivan county vs South Williamsport @ Loyalsock HS noon
Benton vs Southern Columbia @ Loyalsock HS 4pm
Warrior Run vs Milton noon @Balls Mills Sports Complex 
Wellsboro vs Midd-West 2pm @Balls Mills Sports Complex
Lewisburg vs Central Columbia 4pm @Balls Mills Sports Complex 
Danville vs Loyalsock 6pm @Balls Mills Sports Complex
Jersey Shore vs Shikellamy @ Milton HS noon

NFL Thursday night Football
Ravens 27           Buccaneers 22

NFL Sunday

Denver vs. Jacksonville at 9:30 AM on ESPN+ from London
1:00 pm Sunday
Chicago is in Dallas – Fox
New England is in NY to play the Jets – Fox
Pittsburg Steelers play the Eagles – CBS
Sunday night football
Green Bay comes to Buffalo at 8:20 on NBC
Monday night football
Bengals play the Browns in Cleveland at 8:15 on ESPN
Chiefs and Chargers have a bye week

NHL
Bruins 5               Red Wings 1
Canadiens 3         Sabers 2
Wild 4                  Senators 2
Flyers 4                Panthers 3
Predator 6            Blues 2
Oilers 6                Blackhawks 5
Stars 2                  Capitals 0
Canucks 5            Kraken 4
Jets 6                    Kings 4
Sharks 4               Maple Leafs 3
NBA
Mavericks 129     Nets 125
Thunder 118        Clippers 110
Warriors 123        Heat 110
Grizzlies 125        Kings 110
MLB
118th World Series Friday 8:03pm
Philadelphia Phillies vs the Houston Astros @ Minute Maid Park in Houston

NCAA Football

Notre Dame is at Syracuse Noon on ABC
13th ranked Penn State hosts the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes this Saturday at noon on FOX

NASCAR

Xfinity 500 Martinsville VA Sunday

PreRace coverage 1pm/Green Flag 2pm on the Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network or WILQ’s HD3

7 drivers will be searching for a chance to win a spot in the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Four in the final race of the Round of 8.  Joey Logano secured one of the four positions at Las Vegas. No playoff contenders won last week at Homestead-Miami, so three championship spots are available Sunday.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 27, 2022

SUSPECTED DUI BECOMES DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE LATER

A man who police had processed for suspected drunk driving early Wednesday and taken to his Eldred Township home by police as a courtesy, was arrested a few hours later for a domestic disturbance.  According to the Sun Gazette, police were called back to the home on Morse Drive when 34 year old Brendt Kling allegedly fired a handgun toward his wife, threatening to kill her fleeing the scene when 911 was called.  Police took Kling into custody after 5am after deploying a taser since he would not comply with officers.  Kling was arraigned on charges of homicide, aggravated and simple assault resisting arrest and other charges.  He is in  Lycoming County Prison and bail has been denied.

MONTOURSVILLE CONSIDERING ARMED SECURITY

Discussions about hiring an armed school security officer went on this week at the work session of the Montoursville Area School Board, and a vote was taken on approving a job description for the position, which was approved 6-2.  According to the Sun Gazette, in a survey taken earlier in the year, of which a third were returned, seventy percent of the responses were in favor of armed security in the school, but some comments from the board suggest the survey was not properly done.  The job description of a potential security officer is to monitor school property to deter crime by an experienced or retired police, trooper or military officer with weapons qualifications Act 120 certification.

TRUMP HOLDING RALLY IN LATROBE

According to The Hill and WHTM, just days ahead of the November midterm elections, Former President Donald Trump’s Save America PAC said he will be in Pennsylvania endorsing GOP Senate hopeful Mehmet Oz and Republican gubernatorial nominee Doug Mastriano on Saturday November 5th at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.  First come first serve tickets for the Latrobe rally can be reserved on the Save America rally website.

CLINTON COUNTY INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES

A CARES Act Community Development Block Grant has been earmarked for phase two of a new skate park at Hoberman Park in Lock Haven and for phase three of their 911 tower upgrades including a variety of infrastructure updates for communities in the Commonwealth. According to the Record online, out of the 45 million dollar grant, just over 730 thousand dollars is for the skate park construction and over 8.1 million to the Clinton County Commissioners to use for the 911 towers such as the installation of microwaves and a new digital radio system.

POLICE SAY GIRLFRIEND STABBED MAN

A Williamsport man told police he had stabbed himself in the chest at a nearby park, Sunday, but police allege that the man’s girlfriend is the person who wielded the knife they reportedly found in a sewer grate.  According to the Sun Gazette, police answered to a report of a stabbing on Tucker Street just before 4:30 pm and saw Timothy Smith with a bloody shirt.  Police questioned Smith’s girlfriend who later admitted the two had fought in the home and she attempted to slice him with a knife.  Police say Shanique Norman had blood on her clothes and that they took her into custody.  She was charged with aggravated assault and harassment and released on 25 thousand dollars bail.

MINOR ARRESTED FOR ONLINE THREAT TOWARD SCHOOL

State Police in Montoursville have now arrested a minor in Muncy Creek Township for making threats Sunday night against Muncy Junior/Senior High School on the social media platform YikYak.  According to North Central PA dot com, police were notified about the threat October 23rd around 11pm, and notified the school to form an action plan for the following day.  The juvenile whose name was not released has been charged with third-degree felony terroristic threats and is in the custody of juvenile probation. In an unrelated case, a 13 year old from Mifflinburg was taken into custody last week for threats against their school.

MAYNARD STREET SHOPPING COMPLEX PROPOSED

The Williamsport City Council Economic Revitalization Committee has been asked to apply American Rescue Plan Act funds toward the tax abatement of a multi-million dollar commercial development project near Maynard and First Streets.  According to the Sun Gazette, a spokesperson from the developer Famvest, proposed yesterday the potential of “Maynard Street Commons”, which would start as a convenience store with other tenants to be determined.  Initially the city is being asked to allocate about one million dollars for water, sewer and stormwater management for the parcel. Twenty five million dollars has been awarded to Williamsport that is released by the US Treasury to counter the effects of COVID.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Girls Soccer Playoffs

Class AA
Central Columbia 7     Warrior Run 0
Hughesville 6               Troy 0
Lewisburg 2                 Bloomsburg 1 (OT)
Montoursville 1 (4)     Milton 1 (2) (in a shootout)

PIAA Class A Girls Soccer Playoffs – Saturday, Oct 29
Southern Columbia vs Muncy @ Danville HS – 12pm
Northeast Bradford vs Wyalusing @Towanda HS 2pm
Meadowbrook Christian vs Benton @ Loyalsock HS 6pm
PIAA Class A Boys Soccer Playoffs – Saturday, Oct 29
Sullivan county vs South Williamsport @ Loyalsock HS noon
Benton vs Southern Columbia @ Loyalsock HS 4pm
Warrior Run vs Milton noon @Balls Mills Sports Complex 
Wellsboro vs Midd-West 2pm @Balls Mills Sports Complex
Lewisburg vs Central Columbia 4pm @Balls Mills Sports Complex 
Danville vs Loyalsock 6pm @Balls Mills Sports Complex
Jersey Shore vs Shikellamy @ Milton HS noon

NBA
Cavaliers 103               Magic 92
Hawks 118                   Pistons 113
Knicks 134                   Hornets 131
Raptors 119                  76ers 109
Bucks 110                    Nets 99
Bulls 124                      Pacers 109
Timberwolves 134      Spurs 122
Jazz 109                        Rockets 101
Heat 119                       Trailblazers 98
Nuggets 110                 Lakers 99

NHL
Islanders 3                    Rangers 0
Oilers 3                         Blues 1
Lightning 4                   Ducks 2

NFL Thursday Night Football tonight
Baltimore @ Tampa Bay 8:15 on Prime Video

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2022

THREE TEENS CHARGED WITH ARMED ROBBERY IN WILLIAMSPORT

A couple were robbed at gunpoint and fired upon late Monday afternoon at the 11-hundred block of Market Street in Williamsport and three teenagers have been taken into custody after a short search around the scene of the crime.  According to the Sun Gazette, 19 year old Nyreese Turner, 16 year old Aajujuan Johnson and a 13 year old juvenile, all of Williamsport, who police say each have a criminal history fled from the scene.  The three demanded money and possessions from the victims who ran away when shots were fired in their direction.  Police say they may be seeking a fourth suspect involved with the two teens who have been arraigned on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges and jailed with no bail.  Police say the juvenile suspect will be petitioned into court on similar charges.

SECOND FIRE IN 8 DAYS IS SUSPICIOUS

The state Fire marshal is investigating in Hepburn Township after a fire yesterday morning was at the same property as the barn that was destroyed in a fire last week.  According to the Sun Gazette, volunteer firefighters were called back to 1708 Rose Valley Road at 4am where the home at the property was engulfed in flames.  There were no injuries, police say the residents were not home at the time.  It was declared under control after 5:15 and the fire marshal has opened a case, since the cause was undetermined in the barn fire that had occurred October 17th at the same address.

VICTIM IN I-80 CRASH IDENTIFIED

The man killed in the tractor trailer accident Sunday I-80 east in Union County has been identified.  According to the Daily item, police say 70 year old Thomas K. Loner, of Coburn Centre County was hauling milk around 12:15pm when his vehicle drifted off the south shoulder, striking a guardrail, and overturning in a ditch about four miles west of  the Route 15 exit to White Deer.  He was pronounced dead at the scene. Another car, driven by 58 year old Cheryl-Anne Harte of New Wales in the eastbound lane, was struck by Loner before the truck went off the road.  Harte was not injured.

LYCOMING COLLEGE NAMES STADIUM FOR HEAD COACH

Lycoming College has named their stadium for their longtime head football coach, Frank Girardi at a ceremony Tuesday at the college.  According to North Central PA dot com, the unveiling included Lycoming dignitaries, coaches, former and current players, and numerous family members of the coach.  The former head coach was with th team from 1972 until 2007 and has been recognized for many accolades as well as winning 257 games, two national championship games, and for being a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. The Lycoming Warrior football team will play its home games on David Person Field at Girardi Stadium beginning in 2023.

BED MAKER JOINS LITTLE LEAGUE IN SUIT

Local furniture manufacturer, John Savoy and Son Inc. of Montoursville and Little League International have joined together to request the dismissal of the suit filed by the parents of the Utah Little League player who was seriously injured when he fell from his bunk at the Little League World Series in August.  The defendants say the suit requires more specific allegations of negligence in order to prepare a defense.  They also have joined to request the venue of the case be moved to Lycoming County, it is currently in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and seeks damages in excess of 50 thousand dollars.

WOMAN REQUIRED TO GIVE UP MEDICAL CARD AFTER MISDEMEANOR

A woman from Lycoming County who allowed a child playing at her house with her daughter, to eat a marijuana laced Rice Krispy Treat she made in the home,was charged with disorderly conduct and was required to surrender her Pennsylvania Marijuana Medical Card.  According to North Central PA dot com, 42 year old Heather Ann Smith pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge in District Court and will serve 6 months’ probation. Charges of endangering the welfare of a child were dismissed, but Smith had to provide her fingerprints at the conclusion of the hearing.  This is the first time a Lycoming County resident has had to give up a medical card after an arrest.

LAWYER FOR FORMER DA WANTS DUI DISMISSED

Lawyers for former PA Attorney General Kathleen Kane are seeking to have her DUI case dismissed after they say the prosecution could not present sufficient evidence supporting the case.  According to the Standard Journal, the Times Tribune of Scranton says Kane’s attorney wants the court to disallow Kane’s field sobriety results and video of her drinking at a bar prior to an accident last March 12th in Scranton.  That DUI arrest led to Kane’s probation violation of her 2016 conviction from leaking secret investigative files as Attorney General to embarrass a rival prosecutor and lying about it.  Kane was sentenced to two months to a year, but was directly paroled to a residential alcohol treatment center.

FARMERS CAN PROVIDE THEIR LAND FOR PROFIT

Farmers interested in retaining the ownership of their farm while realizing an income from the property, can apply to participate in the Agricultural Land Preservation Program in Lycoming County. According to the Sun Gazette, through a combined state/county purchase, farmers can submit an application for the use of their entire parcel of land if they have 50 acres or more, made up of at least 50 percent crop or grazing land or pasture.  Deadline to Apply is October 31st with a $50 processing fee for each application.  For information call 570-433-3003.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4
Class AA
Girls Tennis State Championship 1st Round
Hughesville defeated Wyomissing 4-1
Lancaster Country Day beat Jersey Shore 4-1

Class AA Boys Soccer
Central Columbia 3     Williamson 0
Loyalsock 2                  Montoursville 1
PIAA Girls Soccer today @Loyalsock HS
Troy vs. Hughesville  – 6pm
Montoursville vs. Milton  – 8pm

NBA
Wizards 120                 Pistons 99
Pelicans 113                 Mavericks 111
Thunder 108                Clippers 94
Suns 134                      Warriors 105
NHL
Bruins 3                        Stars 1
Coyotes 6                     Blue Jackets 3
Devils 6                        Red Wings 2
Wild 3                           Canadiens 1
Blackhawks 4               Panthers 2
Avalanche 3                 Rangers 2
Flames 4                       Penguins 1
Kraken 5                       Sabers 1
Kings 4                         Lightning 2

NFL Thursday night football tomorrow Baltimore is in Tampa Bay at 8:15 on prime video
MLB
Phillies vs Astros at Minute Maid Park in Houston – Friday 8:03pm 118th World Series

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 25, 2022

STUDENT DEATH REPORTED AT WASD

The Superintendent for Williamsport Area Schools issued a statement yesterday via social media announcing the death of a student in the district.  In the statement, Dr. Timothy Bowers said the administration had learned of the death of the high school student earlier on Monday and that they extend their condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.  The school has announced that there will be grief counselors on hand at the school today for students, faculty and staff.  No other details have been released surrounding the incident.

MAN ARRESTED AFTER GRABBING POLICE TASER

A Cogan Station man who tried to take a taser from a city police officer while he was being placed under arrest, is facing a list of assault charges after police were called to a domestic disturbance at an apartment off Lycoming Creek Road in Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, police were called when 33 year old Maurice Thomas allegedly was destroying things and refusing to leave the home of a friend.  When Thomas refused to tell police his identity and resisted arrest he went to grab the taser after the officer had deployed it.  Thomas was arraigned in Lycoming County district court and is incarcerated in lieu of 75 thousand dollars bail.

DEFENDANT IN LITTLE LEAGUE SUIT REQUESTS VENUE CHANGE

The local furniture manufacturer named in the lawsuit along with Little League International for negligence when a player fell from a top bunk and was seriously injured during the Little League World Series, has requested a dismissal or a change of venue of the trial.  According to the Sun Gazette, lawyers for Montoursville’s John Savoy and Son Inc. contested the lawsuit Friday, saying the claims that the injury inflicted upon the player, Easton Oliverson were willful or malicious, do not have factual support. They also contest the accident occurred in Lycoming County, so the suit filed in Philadelphia Court is the wrong venue.  Easton Oliverson continues to recover from the skull fracture and multiple surgeries at his home in Santa Clara. Utah.

TELEVISED US SENATE DEBATE TONIGHT

The political debate between the candidates running for Pennsylvania US Senate will happen tonight in a televised event broadcasting from the ABC 27 studios in Harrisburg.  According to the Sun Gazette, the hour long debate between Democrat Lt Governor John Fetterman and Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz hosted by Nexstar Media Group will be moderated by WPXI anchor Lisa Sylvester and ABC27 news anchor Dennis Owens.  The debate will be carried live on local stations WBRE, WYOU and WETM.  It will also be streamed live online at dcnewsnow.com and several other websites.

EARLY MORNING FIRE REPORTED IN COGAN STATION

There was a structure fire reported on Rose Valley Road in Cogan Station early this morning.  Traffic was affected on Rose Valley Road and Flanagan Hill in both directions between Pleasant Valley Road, and Trout Run Mountain Rd. Multiple fire crews reported to the scene, including Hepburn Township, Loyalsock, Warrensville, Old Lycoming Township and other area fire companies.  The blaze was brought under control before 6am. The state fire marshal was called to the scene.

SERVICE MEMBER DIES AT FORT INDIANTOWN GAP

There was a fatal accident that took the life of a service member Saturday at Fort Indiantown Gap.  According to Penn Live, 20 year old Specialist Mackenzie L. Shay of New Castle was killed in an accident involving multiple service vehicles.  Shay was an Army petroleum supply specialist assigned to the 28th Infantry Division’s Company G, 128th Brigade Support Battalion.  There were three other Pennsylvania National Guard service members injured in the accident, they were treated and released from Penn State Hershey Medical Center as of today.  The last death occurred at Fort Indiantown Gap in 2003 when 25 year old Sgt. Rudolph B. Flaim of Johnstown was shot during a training exercise.

OUTDOOR SIREN TEST AT BUCKNELL TODAY

Bucknell University will be testing its outdoor emergency notification system Tuesday. The university says it will take place at 12 noon and will be broadcast over the campus-wide public address system. The message will also likely be heard by neighbors in residential areas around campus, including both sides of Route 15. During the test, Bucknell will also send a notification via text message, email, and phone to students, faculty and staff who have signed up to receive emergency notifications.

ST JOHN NEUMANN SENIOR NAMED AS PENNDOT AMBASSADOR

There is one Lycoming County representative out of 35 in the state who was named as a PennDOT Young Ambassador of Pennsylvania for 2022-2023.  According to a press release, St. John Neumann Regional Academy senior Jaden Nixon was chosen by officials from the Keep America Beautiful program seeking to inspire young Pennsylvanians to be civic leaders with a shared vision of clean communities.  The fledgling ambassador program was recommended in Governor Wolf’s litter action plan and chose students based on a competitive application process.  The students will serve as ambassadors for 8 months.

SPORTS

PIAA Division 4 Soccer Playoffs this week
Girls Soccer – Class AA

Milton 4                        Williamson 0
Warrior Run 1              Midd-West 0
Boys Soccer – Class AA
Midd-West 6                Lourdes Regional 0


MLB
118th World Series Friday 8:03pm
Philadelphia Phillies vs the Houston Astros @ Minute Maid Park in Houston

The last time the World Series started on a Friday was 107 years ago, when the Phillies vs Boston Red Sox in the 1915 World Series that started Oct. 8. Red Sox won the Series.

NFL Monday Night Football
Bears 33              Patriots 14
NFL Thursday night football
Baltimore is in Tampa Bay at 8:15 on Prime Video.

NBA
76ers 120            Pacers 106
Raptors 98          Heat 90
Knicks 115         Magic 102
Bulls 120            Celtics 102
Rockets 114        Jazz 108
Grizzlies 134      Nets 124
Spurs 115           Timberwolves 106
Trailblazers 135 Nuggets 110

NHL
Capitals 6                      Devils 3
Senators 4                     Stars 2
Oilers 6                         Penguins 3
Jets 4                             Blues 0
Golden Knights 3        Maple Leafs 1
Hurricanes 3                 Canucks 2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 24, 2022

VICTIM JUMPS FROM THIRD FLOOR OF BUILDING ON FIRE

The Red Cross is assisting tenants who were victims in a fire where one victim jumped from a 3rd floor window to escape the blaze that happened at 2205 W. Fourth Street at 1:40am early Sunday morning. According to North Central PA dot com, the two alarm fire brought firefighters and crews from Old Lycoming Township, Montoursville, and South Williamsport was declared under control at 2:04 a.m. The woman who jumped was treated and released from UPMC Williamsport.  Police determined the origin of the fire to be from a third floor porch and deemed accidental.  There was about 50 thousand dollars-worth of damage assessed at the scene.

PAROLEE JAILED FOR HAVING DRUGS BUT NO PRESCRIPTION

A Luzerne County parolee who was found in August to have meds on her person but no prescription, has been incarcerated in the PA Correctional Institution at Muncy.  According to the Sun Gazette, police allege that 29 year old Emily Kia Clark violated parole by possessing the drug gabapentin, while staying at the Transitional Living Center on West Third St. in Williamsport.  She was charged with misdemeanor of contraband and is jailed on 15 thousand dollars bail.

COURT TO CONSIDER MAIL-IN BALLOT COUNTING

Late Friday, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court said it will consider whether election officials should count votes cast by voters who fail to put a handwritten date on their mail-in or absentee ballots.  According to the Capital Star, the court asked Republican Party officials to file briefs by noon today and gave acting Secretary of State Lehigh Chapman until noon on Tuesday to respond.  The order comes a little more than two weeks before the Nov. 8 election where voters will choose Pennsylvania’s next governor, U.S. Senator, and hundreds of state lawmakers.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES HEADING TO THE WORLD SERIES

After 45,000-plus fans witnessed the Philadelphia Phillies win last night  at Citizens Bank Park, the celebration spread through the streets of Center City. Witnesses say crowds congregated at Broad and Locust Streets, barely yielding to traffic, and against the city’s best efforts, most utility poles had climbers. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, outside City Hall, fans partied in every Philly sports team jersey imaginable and city crews blocked off the intersection at Frankford and Cottman Avenues, in the Northeast. Police say they did have to calm a rambunctious crowd later in the night with at least one person was taken into custody.

WILLIAMSPORT WOMAN ARRESTED FOR KICKING OFFICER

Police took a Williamsport woman into custody under a bench warrant and also charged her with kicking a deputy while she was being taken from a vehicle in which she was a passenger.  According to the Sun Gazette, 28 year old Nyema Jordan of Third Avenue, was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and resisting arrest for kicking an officer.  Jordan was arraigned and taken into custody but was released on 75 hundred dollars bail.

PENN COLLEGE CHILD CARE COSTS TO BE COVERED BY GRANT

Penn College’s Dunham Children’s Learning Center has been granted over ninety six thousand dollars from the U.S. Department of Education to help reduce fees for eligible students whose children are enrolled at the early childhood education facility in 2022-23.  The grant helps the Penn College students with childcare discounts when their income makes them eligible for federal Pell Grants. Possibly saving them 25% to 75% of the Children’s Learning Center fees, based on a student’s income. Get details about the learning center at www.pct.edu/childcare

LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN PA

Monday the 24th of October is the last day to register to vote online or in-person at local election offices in Pennsylvania.  According to the Pennsylvania Secretary of State’s office, mail voter registration applications must also be received by Monday. To be eligible to register to vote, you must be a US citizen for at least one month before the election, a resident of PA and of the election district in which you want to register and vote for at least 30 days before the election, and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. Check your registration status at vote.pa.gov.

PENN COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION PASSED THE TORCH

The eighth president of Penn college of technology was made official during an inauguration ceremony yesterday at the community arts Center.  According to the Sun Gazette, Dr. Michael J. Reed received the Presidential Medallion by former President Dr. Jane Gilmour symbolizing the passing of the office.

SPORTS

Major League Baseball

Phillies 4 Padres 3

     -Bryce Harper who had already hit five home runs this postseason hit an eighth-inning drive against San Diego on Sunday in Game 5
      – Phillies finishing third in the National League east of 87 and 75 14 games behind the Braves
       – Phillies are in the World Series for the first time since 2009
       – Harper is the NL Championship Series MVP.

Astros 6 Yankees 5
Houston Wins Game 4 of the ALCS now in the World Series for the 4th time since 2017.

It’s the Phillies and the Astros World Series Game 1 Friday, October 28 on Fox

NASCAR
Kyle Larson got the checkered flag at Homestead Miami yesterday leading 199 of the 267 laps, he can’t win the title but Hendrick Motorsports could still win the owners championship. Ross Chastain was second, A.J. Allmendinger third, Austin Dillon fourth, Brad Keslowski fifth.
Seven drivers compete next week for the round of four in Martinsville for the three remaining spots. Joey Logano clinched his birth in Las Vegas.

NCAA Football Saturday
Penn State 45  Minnesota 17 Whiteout.
NFL
Dolphins 16                 Steelers 10
Chiefs 44                      49ers 23
Jets 16                           Broncos 9
Ravens 23                     Browns 20
Giants 23                      Jaguars 17
Panthers 21                  Buccaneers 3
Commanders 23           Packers 21
Cowboys 24                 Lions 6
Bengals 35                    Falcons 17


NBA

Trailblazers 106           Lakers 104
Hornets 126                 Hawks 109
Cavaliers 117               Wizards 107
Jazz 122                        Pelicans 121
Timberwolves 116      Thunder 106
Warriors 130               Kings 125
Suns 112                      Clippers 95
NHL
Blackhawks 5               Kraken 4  
Red Wings 5                Ducks 1
Panthers 3                     Islanders 2
Blue Jackets 5              Rangers 1
Sharks 3                        Flyers 0

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 21, 2022

MIFFLINBURG STUDENT IN CUSTODY AFTER INCIDENT WITH A WEAPON

A thirteen year old male juvenile has been charged with terroristic threats, ethnic intimidation and possessing prohibited weapons after an incident at Mifflinburg School District yesterday.  According to a press release from the Mifflinburg police department, the young man is in the custody of the Union County Juvenile Probation department with charges filed at the Union County Courthouse.  A social media message went out around 9pm last night from the Mifflinburg School District noting they plan to take extra precautions during the school day, even though the threat was handled by local authorities which included Buffalo Valley Regional Police, Middleburg Police and Mifflinburg School Police.

FETTERMAN RELEASES MEDICAL RECORDS

Updated medical records from last week have been released from Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, PA Lt. Gov. John Fetterman.  According to the report, Fetterman continues to improve from a stroke suffered last May and speaks without cognitive defects.  Doctors say Fetterman does continue to suffer from an auditory processing disorder where he might miss a word being spoken.  A debate between Fetterman and Senate rival Dr. Mehmet Oz is set to take place Tuesday October 25th at 8pm in Harrisburg hosted by Nexstar Media.

COUNTRY CUPBOARD EXPRESS FOOD TRUCK IN LEWISBURG

The Country Cupboard food truck made a debut this week with a taste of the traditional food that had been served in the classic restaurant along Route 15 in Lewisburg for almost 50 years before it closed last February.  According to media outlets, their famous sides and entrees are baked in an off-site kitchen and served cold in pint and quart containers.  The Country Cupboard Express Food Truck will be in the parking lot of the Best Western Country Cupboard Inn each Wednesday from 11am to 5pm, according to a social media post published by the Hamm family.

FANS WITH PHONES CAN PARTICIPATE IN WHITE-OUT PRE-GAME

The Penn State Athletic app is allowing fans to get in on the pregame fun tomorrow, as PSU takes on Minnesota for the annual White-Out game.  Beaver stadium plans to feature a synchronized light show using the cell phones of all those in attendance.  TO participate, download the official Penn State Athletics App, click on Lion Lights in the bottom right side of the screen, and when you see “waiting to sync” it’s ready for Saturday’s game.  The pregame show will feature fans’ cellphone lights synced during the introduction video to create a one-of-a-kind experience.

MUNCY MAN SENTENCED FOR CONTACT WITH MINORS

A man from Muncy may face over 19 years in prison for having contact with two minors and offering to exchange items for their worn underwear.  According to North Central PA dot com, Gregory Scott Person was found guilty of unlawful contact with a minor, interference with custody of a child, and corruption of minors; two felonies and a misdemeanor.  Police say surveillance video shows Person buying vape pens at a convenience store while with the underage teens, and Facebook messages confirm that they planned to meet weekly for the exchanges.  A judge will decide if Person is considered a sexually violent predator before a sentencing hearing early next year. Person pled guilty to a statutory rape charge in 1994 and to corruption of minors in 2006.

WOMAN INVOLVED IN 2021 DUI, BAIL REVOKED FOR SHOPLIFTING

The woman who is facing charges of DUI and endangering the welfare of children after she flipped her car onto the roof of The Golden Chopsticks restaurant in Shamokin Dam last March 4th , has had her bail revoked for being charged this month with shoplifting at a Selinsgrove Weis market.  According to North Cetnral PA dot com, 43 year old Theresa J. Risso had been released from Snyder County Prison on Aug. 22, but is back in custody with a preliminary hearing for the shoplifting charges coming up on November 14th.

PA LEGISLATION FOR BREAST CANCER TREATMENT

Two pieces of legislation were approved this week in the Pennsylvania Senate removing out of pocket costs for breast cancer screenings and costs for genetic testing and counseling for hereditary cancers.  According to the Record Online, the founder of the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, says the legislation will ensure early detection of breast cancer, when it most treatable.  The bill authored by Sen. Bob Mensch, of Montgomery County along with another similar bill, goes now to the House for consideration.

FORMER PRO GIRLS BASEBALL PLAYERS IN TOWN THIS SUNDAY

The Campus Theatre in Lewisburg will host two original members of All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during a screening of  the 1992 movie to be shown Sunday – “A League of their Own” According to a statement from The Campus Theater JoAnne McComb, who played for the Springfield Sallies and Sarah Jane Sands Ferguson, who played for the Rockford Peaches will be in attendance when the film begins at 1pm.  Other recognition Sunday will go to the Lewisburg Area Girls Softball team for a great season and former Olympic medalist for Team Canada Softball, Joey Lye.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4
HS FOOTBALL

NORTHWEST AREA
MUNCY
(BYB GAME OF THE WEEK)

WILLIAMSPORT
HAZELTON

JERSEY SHORE
CANTON

HUGHESVILLE
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT

MONTGOMERY
PHILLIPSBURG-OSCEOLA

LOYALSOCK
TROY

SELINSGROVE
MONTOURSVILLE

COWANESQUE VALLEY
MILTON

LEWISBURG
BLOOMSBURG

BELLEFONTE
DANVILLE

SHIKELLAMY
MOUNT CARMEL

WYOMING AREA
SOUTHERN COLUMBIA

CENTRAL COLUMBIA
ATHENS

NFL
Thursday night football
Cardinals 42       Saints 34
NBA
Bucks 90             76ers 88
Clippers 103       Lakers 97
MLB
American League Championship Series
Astros 3     Yankees 2 – Houston leads 2-0
National League Championship series
Phillies and Padres play Game 3 tonight for the in Philly 7:37pm on FS1(1-1)
Game 4 Phillies and Padres Saturday 7:45 PM on Fox.
Game 3 for the Yankees and Astros Saturday 5:07 PM on TBS
NCAA football tonight
Tulsa‘s at Temple 7:30 PM on ESPN2
Iowa is at Ohio State tomorrow at noon on Fox
The Penn State Nittany Lions host Minnesota at Beaver Stadium Saturday for the annual White-Out game 7:30 PM on ABC
NASCAR
Dixie vodka 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway in Florida –  middle race in the round of 8 with pre-race coverage at 1:30/Green Flag at 2:30
on the Twin Valleys Talk Radio Network or sister station WILQ HD three

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 21, 2022

WILLIAMSPORT TEEN TO BE CHARGED AS AN ADULT

State police say the teenager who was driving a stolen car when a high speed chase on Lycoming Mall Drive ended in a collision with a police cruiser last Sunday will be tried as an adult in Lycoming County Court. According to the Sun Gazette, police say 16 year old Tyreel Labounty, who is already on juvenile probation, is one of the suspects who fled from the scene after the crash with police near O’Dell Road at the Muncy-Fairfield Township line.  He was arraigned this week on felony and misdemeanor charges, including felony fleeing police and 15 summary offenses.  Labounty is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 75 thousand dollars bail.

FAKE BAIL BONDSMAN SCAM

A man in Northumberland County impersonated a bail bondsman and stole money from an 81-year old.  According to Milton State Police, a tall white male wearing a blue surgical mask, sunglasses, a blue zip-up sweatshirt and Yeezy Sneakers,  took 9 thousand dollars from the victim.  Police are asking the public if there have been any similar incidents to this and are continuing the investigation.  If you have information, call Milton State Police.  

WATER SHUT-OFF IN THE CITY

Some properties in downtown Williamsport will have the water shut off today according to a notice on the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority website.  A social media post was published by the authority on Tuesday, saying the water shut down will affect properties north of West Fourth Street, south of Little League Boulevard, west of State Street, and east of William Street from 7:30am until 3:30pm today. No reason for the shutdown has been posted as of this morning.

CROSSCUTTERS ARE BACK FOR 2023

The schedule for the 25th anniversary season of the Williamsport Crosscutters has been announced.  According to a press release from Gabe Sinacropi, Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations for the Cutters, Opening Day will be June 1st and the season will take on the same split season format with the fisrt half of the season featuring top draft-eligible prospects from across the country until July 4th and the second half play continuing until September 2023.  Some noted changes for the 2023 season, all games will be 9-innings  and the MLB Draft League will include a pitch clock.  Over 130 MLB Draft League players were drafted of signed to professional contracts last season. Season or individual passes are available November 1st at crosscutters.com.

PA MAN INDICTED FOR THREATENING THE PRESIDENT

A Berwick man was indicted in federal court this week for threatening the president of the United States.  According to North Central PA dot com, court records say 25 year old Robert Maverick Vargo allegedly sent a letter containing white powder to the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington October 11th , threatening to kill United States Congressman of Mississippi, Bennie Thompson and his family, as well as President Biden and other officials, alluding  their roles in the January 6th Select Committee.  Officials say Vargo sent the letter from the Luzerne County Correctional Facility in Wilkes-Barre and determined the powder in the letter was not a safety hazard. U.S. Capitol Police, Protective Service Bureau and the U.S. Secret Service continue the investigation into the case.

MAN WHO INVOKED BRUTAL ASSAULT ARRESTED

A Williamsport man is in custody today after a woman accused him of assaulting her and holding a blow torch close to her face in a Loyalsock Township hotel room October 6th. According to North Central PA dot com, city police were called to the scene where they noticed wounds and bruises on the woman’s body and took 32 year old Corey Bradford into custody.  He was charged with second degree strangulation and simple assault and was unable to post five thousand dollars monetary bail, so he remains in Lycoming County Prison – his preliminary hearing this week was held over until October 24th.

INEVITABLE TAX INCREASES IN LEWISBURG BOROUGH

A 7.6 percent tax increase is almost official for Lewisburg Borough after the Borough Council voted recently to advertise its 2023 budget.  The final adoption is expected to occur Nov. 15 with the millage set at 14.10, one mill over the 2022 budget.  The increases are due to increased services available to the community as well as requests from Buffalo Valley Regional Police Department, William Cameron Engine Company, and the Buffalo Valley Recreation Authority.  According to Borough Manager William Lowthert the tax increases are still below the level of inflation.  Since 2017, the real estate tax millage rate has increased by 1.36 mills.

LOCAL CRAFT BREW EXPANDS TO MORE STATES

Yuengling Beer is expanding to three more states next year, taking the Pottsville based brewer to 26 total states in the Union in 2023. According to the Morning Call, customers in Kansas Missouri and Oklahoma will be able to purchase Yuengling in their states after January 1st.   The Yuengling company, which is a a partnership of D.G. Yuengling & Son with the Molson Coors Beverage Company, began in September of 2020 to allow distribution of Yuengling further west.  They remain the nation’s top craft brewer and the seventh largest brewery in the United States.

SPORTS

P I-AA District 4 Class AA Girls Tennis Finals
Jersey Shore defeated Central Columbia yesterday 3-2 and it was Hughesville over Bucktail 3-0

Class AA Girls Tennis Championship today
Jersey Shore and Hughesville will compete @ Williamsport HS – 4pm

MLB
National League championship series Game 2
Padres 8               Phillies 5  (1-1)
American League Championship Game 1
Astros 4               Yankees 2
Yankees and Astros play Game 2 tonight at 7:37pm on TBS
Phillies play the Padres @ home Game 3 Friday at 7:37pm on FS1

NHL
Panthers 4           Flyers 3
Jets 4                   Avalanche 3
Blues 4                Kraken 3
 
NBA
Pistons 113         Magic 109
Wizards 114       Pacers 107
Hawks 117          Rockets 107
Pelicans 130       Nets 108
Bulls 116            Heat 108
Raptors 108        Cavaliers 105
Grizzlies 115      Knicks 112 OT
Timberwolves 115 Thunder 108
Hornets 129        Spurs 102
Jazz 123              Nuggets 102
Suns 107             Mavericks 105
Trailblazers 115 Kings 108

NFL
Thursday night football
New Orleans Saints @ Arizona Cardinals 8:15pm tonight on Prime Video

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 19, 2022

A MUNCY MAN INCARCERATED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT

A Muncy man is in custody after he allegedly assaulted a female acquaintance last Friday night in Muncy Creek Township. According to the Sun Gazette, 49 year old Rodney Poust of Pepper Street, was handed a host of charges including attempted homicide, rape, strangulation, false imprisonment and others after court records state the victim escaped the home and sought medical care after Poust fell asleep.  Bail was denied for Poust after he was arraigned in Lycoming County District Court.

NON-US CITIZEN FOUND WITH ILLEGAL FIREARMS IN CAR ON I-80

A man from Connecticut has been incarcerated after state troopers found an unlicensed handgun in his back seat during a traffic stop on I-80 in Lamar Township.  According to North Central PA dot com, Raul Enrique Jimenez who is not a US citizen, told police he bought the gun from a man in Indiana who had legally purchased it, but he didn’t have his name.  Police searched the car and discovered two magazines and the firearm in separate bags, which Jimenez says was a way to keep him from getting in trouble.  The man was cited for traffic violations, and he is also being held in Clinton County Prison on third degree fire-arms charges. 

DROUGHT CONDITIONS LIFTED FOR PARTS OF PA

The drought watch has been lifted for some Pennsylvania counties after 36 were placed in the drought zone last August 31st.   According to the Reading Eagle, Tioga, Bradford, and Sullivan counties are among 16 eastern PA counties that have recovered from drought conditions and no longer have to voluntarily conserve water.  Lycoming County along with Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming , Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Union and the other remaining counties on the original list still have water levels below average and the public is being asked to continue to reduce the use of water a day by 3-6 gallons.

CHAMPION PA HOMEBREWER BELT AND PRIZE AWARDED

The championship of the Pennsylvania Homebrew Invitational took place last weekend at Rusty Rail Brewing, with the honor of “Best Homebrewer In Pennsylvania” given to a man from Doylestown for the first annual event.  According to North Central PA dot com, Adam Carter of Perfect Chemistry brewing competed with a Mixed Fermentation Sour style beer and won the championship belt and a $2,000 grand prize.  Five regional competitions were held in PA previously in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Erie, the Poconos, and Central Pennsylvania with the top three competing in the final in Mifflinburg.

LOCK HAVEN MAN ASSAULTS MOTHER AND CHILD WITH URINE

A Lock Haven man is in the Clinton County Prison after he allegedly threw urine on a mother and infant in a stroller on the 100 block of East Main Street on October 6th.  According to North Central PA dot com, the woman who had the baby checked by doctor, described the suspect to police who later took 39 year old Robin Craig Allen into custody.  He was charged with first and second degree simple assault as well as disorderly conduct and reckless endangerment.  Allen was held on seventy five hundred dollars monetary bail, with a preliminary hearing December 6th.

ALTOONA MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY BY US MARSHALS

US Marshals arrested a man in Altoona yesterday after he was accused of causing an overdose death in Altoona last April. According to the Altoona Police, 49 year old Timothy Toombs was accused of giving heroin to a victim who then died from the Fentanyl overdose and was found in a Cambria County rehab facility hiding in a ceiling area in a community room.   Tombs was arraigned and charged with drug delivery resulting in death, delivery of a controlled substance.  He was placed in Blair County Prison on $300,000 cash bail.

RAZOR BLADES PLANTED IN CAMPAIGN SIGNS

Southeastern Pennsylvania police are seeking answers about who is booby trapping campaign signs representing Democrat candidates in Southeastern PA.  According to the Washington Examiner, police reported signs for some Democratic candidates including John Fetterman and Josh Shapiro, are allegedly being placed in resident yards without permission with razor blades placed around the edges, so that when people go to remove them their hands are cut.  The Upper Makefield Police made a statement on social media that such a stunt is a criminal act.  No arrests have been made, but an investigation continues.

FLAMING FOLIAGE FESTIVAL QUEEN NAMED

A senior from Bucktail High School is the Flaming Foliage Festival Queen for the 73rd Annual event in Renovo Saturday that was held in just one day again this year due to COVID concerns. According to the Sun Gazette, Bella English was crowned as the Queen at the coronation event Saturday.  Some first place entries in the weekend parade include Central Mountain Cheerleaders in the Competitive Unit, Bucktail class of 1976 won the large float competition, Renovo 4-H won for small floats, Citizen’s Hose of South Renovo won in the Firetruck category and Central Mountain as the first place band.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4  Girls Soccer

Mifflinburg 8                        Line Mountain 0
Shikellamy 9                         Loyalsock 1
Crestwood 4                          Williamsport 1
Hughesville 4                        Muncy 0
Selinsgrove 1                        Milton 0Boys Soccer
Bloomsburg 3                       Muncy 2
Lewisburg 3                          Central Columbia 0
Benton 5                                Sullivan County 0
Northeast Bradford 3           Montgomery 1
Shikellamy 8                         Williams Valley 2
Wellsboro 5                          Hughesville 0
Jersey shore 2                       Williamsport 1
Warrior Run 2                       Milton 0
Central Mountain 1             Mifflinburg 0
Danville 6                              Millville

NBA
Celtics 126                   76ers 117
Warriors 123                Lakers 109
The 76ers host Milwaukee Bucks Thursday at 7:30 on TNT
MLB
Yankees 5           Guardians 1
 – Yankees win the American League Division series 3-2, and will play the Astros tonight at 7:37 PM on TBS for the American League Championship Series Game 1
National League championship Game 1
Phillies 2             Padres 0
– Phillies & Padres -National League Championship Series Game 2 today at 4:35 PM on Fox.
NHL
Blue Jackets 4                         Canucks 3
Devils 4                                   Ducks 2
Senator 7                                 Bruins 5
Flyers 3                                   Lightning 2
Islanders 5                   Sharks 2
Flames 3                                  Golden Knights 2
Sabers 4                                   Oilers 2
Kings 4                                    Predators 3
NASCAR NEWS
NASCAR suspended Bubba Wallace for one race on Tuesday after he spun reigning champion Kyle Larson at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday and then confronted him afterward.  Wallace, who is the first Cup Series driver to be suspended for an on-track incident since 2015, will miss Sunday’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway in South Florida.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 18, 2022

BARN FIRE IN HEPBURN TOWNSHIP

There was a barn fire reported around 2:30 am yesterday on Rose Valley Road in Hepburn Township that brought ten community fire companies to fight the blaze.  According to the Sun Gazette, the large barn was full of bales of hay that caught fire inside the structure which contributed to the total loss of the barn.  Fire officials say two goats and a horse escaped the blaze but another horse perished.  There were no other injuries.  The state police fire marshal was on the scene yesterday but has yet to announce a cause of the fire.

NORTHUMBERLAND CRASH VICTIM IDENTIFIED

It was a Coal Township woman who died in a crash in Northumberland County Saturday that brought EMS and firefighters from Trevorton, Coal Township and Shamokin to the scene.  According to the News Item, 75-year-old Bettie Harris died in the accident on state Route 890 just south of Birch Road. Police say the vehicle went airborne and hit a tree, which split the vehicle in two.  A member of the Northumberland County Coroner’s Office said Harris was wearing her seat belt but was declared dead at the scene.  She was the only occupant in the car.

BALLOTS WITHOUT DATES ARE TO BE COUNTED

Governor Wolf has announced to counties in the Commonwealth, that ballots are to  be included in the official returns even if they lack proper dates on the outer envelope; even though, as of Sunday, the GOP has sued again to block those mail-in ballots without a handwritten date.  According to a statement from the Wolf administration, almost 1.2 million voters had applied for a mail-in ballot with Democrat applications outnumbering Republicans 4-to-1.  It is three weeks until Election Day in Pennsylvania. Get information about the November 8th ballot at vote.pa.gov.

FUNDS AWARDED FOR WILLIAMSPORT WALKWAYS

Williamsport has been awarded fifty thousand dollars from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to build a trail connector from Basin Street to the Susquehanna Riverwalk.  According to a press release from the office of Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter, the funds were made possible by a portion of the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program from the Marcellus Legacy Fund.  The project will provide ADA access ramps to cross I-180 and the railroad tracks, forming a cohesively connected system of sidewalks and greenways. Mayor Slaughter says the project helps fully develop the city’s outdoor recreation resources and amenities.  The Basin Street Connector project will link the City’s Greenway system to Old City’s sidewalk system.

CHARGES FILED IN 2021 ACCIDENT

A Jersey Shore truck driver is facing homicide charges after a crash last year killed a 78 year old man from Northumberland.  According to North Central PA dot com, 42 year old  Robert John Harrow rear-ended a vehicle driven by Charles Lehman who had be extricated from the car and was taken to Geisinger  where he later succumbed to his injuries.  After reviewiung video footage of the crash and interviewing witnesses, police say Harrow was reckless while driving the tractor trailer and exceeded the speed limit.  Harrow has a preliminary hearing October 25th.

LANDFILL FIRE AT WHITE PINES

A landfill fire burned out of control for a few hours last Thursday in Columbia County.  According to the Sun Gazette, three county volunteer fire companies battled the flames that came from deep within the large pile of debris at the White Pines Landfill along Route 442.  Unityville, Lairdsville, Muncy area and Hughesville firefighters assisted five other companies that responded and they remained on the scene until just before midnight when they finally got the fire out.  There were no injuries reported and police are investigating the incident.

REGISTER TO VOTE BY OCTOBER 24

Pennsylvanians have until October 24th to register to vote in the November 8th general election.  According to a press released by the PA Secretary of State, Leigh Chapman, in order to register, you must be a US Citizen for a month, a resident of the election district in which you are voting for 30 days, and at least 18 years old on or before the election date.  The election will ask voters to choose governor, and Lieutenant governor along with 17 congressional representatives, half the state senators, and over 200 state House members.  Go to Vote.gov to check your voting status. 

TWO FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOPS PLANNED AT PENN COLLEGE

Penn College is offering a free FAFSA workshop next month and in January, so any student currently enrolled or planning to enrolling any college or university can get assistance with their online applications.  According to a press release, parents and students will be shown how to utilize the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to determine eligibility for federal and state grants, federal loans, and some scholarships. Those planning to attend on November 15th should create an FSA ID at least three days prior at studentaid.gov. Both this class and the one offered January 23, 2023, will be held in Room 202 of the college’s Madigan Library.  Details about registration can be found at pct.edu.

SPORTS

P I-AA District 4
Girls Tennis Doubles Championship
Kara Mann and Alaina Marchioni of Montoursville defeated Kylie Kilgore and Annika Bruder of Hughesville 6-3,6-4.
Montoursville’s 5th doubles title since 2017

NFL
Monday Night Football
LA Chargers 19 Denver Broncos 16 in OT
NFL Thursday Night Football
New Orleans @ Arizona – 8:15 on Prime Video

MLB
Guardians and Yankees were postponed last night due to rain. They play Game 5 of the American League Division Series today at 4:07 in New York on TBS
National League Championship Series Game 1 – Phillies play the Padres tonight 8:03 on FS1
American League Championship Series starts tomorrow…

NHL
Bruins 5              Panthers 3
Kings 5                Red Wings 4
Canadiens 3        Penguins 2
Ranger 6              Ducks 4
Coyotes 4            Maple Leafs 2
Capital 6             Canucks 4
Avalanche 6        Wild 3
Stars 4                 Jets 1
Hurricanes 5       Kraken 1

NBA Season Openers
Philadelphia’s in Boston tonight at 7:30, LA plays Golden State at 10 PM  – both games on TNT

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 17, 2022

MUNCY MAN LEAVES TOWN WITH GIRLFRIEND’S CAR

Police are seeking a man who stole his girlfriend’s car on October 8th and took money from her bank account and disappeared.  According to NorthCentral PA dot com, police say there is a warrant out for 58 year old Frederick Collins who was living with the victim before he left with the car, and withdrew money from her accounts using her bank cards that were in a wallet in the car.  Collins has been unreachable by phone and police have filed theft and access device fraud charges in Muncy magisterial court.

SOUTH RENOVO FIRE SUNDAY

There was a fire reported in South Renovo Sunday.  According to the Record online, a neighbor saw flames at 621 First Street and called authorities just before 6pm.  Fire crews reported they had difficulty finding the source of the fire, and have not released any more details about the cause of the blaze.  The owners of the home, which is a second residence for them, were in town but were not at the home at the time. 

PROPOSAL TO REMOVE CONVICTED SEDITIONISTS FROM BALLOT

A senator from Philadelphia is calling for any officials, who have been convicted of seditious conspiracy from actions related to January 6th 2021, be taken off the ballot.  According to the Sun Gazette, democrat Art Haywood is proposing a resolution that would disqualify any lawmaker who engaged in an insurrection or rebellion against the United States.  Rep. Jared Solomon also of Philadelphia says he will propose a committee to investigate Pennsylvania officials who allegedly attempted to overturn the 2020 election.  Senator Doug Mastriano, who was present in Washington on the day the Capitol building was breached, is not facing any charges in the January 6th incident.

FALL GRANTS FROM FIRST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The First Community Foundation Partnership has approved over a million dollars in community funds grants for Williamsport and Greater Susquehanna Valley non-profit agencies. According to a news release from FCFP, the Advisory board considered over 2.5 million dollars during this fall grant cycle, and worked with foundation staff to distribute the funds in the most advantageous way.  Some recipients in Williamsport include Habitat for Humanity, North Central Sight Services, the YWCA, STEP, Inc and others. 

ONE CAR INVOLVED IN FATAL CRASH

There was a fatal crash in Northumberland County Saturday that brought EMS and firefighters from Trevorton, Coal Township and Shamokin to the scene.  According to the News Item, the accident occurred on state Route 890 just south of Birch Road when police say the vehicle was split in two when it hit a tree after traveling up the southbound shoulder going airborne. A member of the Northumberland County Coroner’s Office pronounced the victim dead at the scene but has not released their name before notifying next of kin.  The driver was the only occupant in the car.

POLICE PURSUE, COLLIDE WITH STOLEN CAR

An accident between a stolen car and a police cruiser led to one adult and two juveniles being taken into custody Sunday night.  According to the Sun Gazette, the three were driving a Ford Fiesta that had been reported stolen from Cemetery Street earlier in the day and were spotted by State Police around S. Lycoming Mall Road in Muncy Township.  The two vehicles collided after a short pursuit close to the Muncy-Fairfield township line and the three suspects ran from the car.  Police located the three suspects within the hour, close to O’Dell Road.  There were no injuries reported from the crash or pursuit, and no other details about the arrest.

PARKING FEES GOING UP IN SUNBURY

Starting January 1st, there will be a price increase for parking fees and fines in Sunbury and a new system using text to pay will be installed.  According to the Daily item, City Council voted to increase meter fees from 25 cents an hour to 50 cents and hours and changing the parking lot meters from 75 cents for three hours to 50 cents an hour.  The new digital system will also allow people to still use coins.  Council also changed all-day parking passes from $2 to $5 and added a weekly parking pass to the fee schedule for a price of $20.  Council invested $70,000 into at least 400 parking meters and will also use American Rescue Funds for the installation.

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE PENNSYLVANIA TRAIL

The Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee is seeking nominations for the 2023 PA Trail of the year.  The annual designation is an effort to build enthusiasm and raise awareness for the impact the more than 12 thousand miles of trails in the Commonwealth can have on PA residents.  They are asking the public to nominate a trail that provides unique opportunities or enhances a community, submit a nomination online by November 11th 2022 at dcnr.pa.gov/Communities. The Delaware Canal State Park Towpath is Pennsylvania’s 2022 Trail of the Year.

SPORTS

NFL
Eagles 26            Cowboys 17
Bills 24               Chiefs 20
Giants 24            Ravens 20
Jets 27                 Packers 10
Bengals 30          Saints 26
Falcons 28          49ers 14
Patriots 38          Browns 15
Steelers 20          Tampa Bay 18
Vikings 24          Dolphins 16
Rams 24              Panthers 10
Seahawks 19       Cardinals 9
Colts 34              Jaguars 27
Monday night football tonight
Broncos and the Chargers 8:15 PM on ESPN

MLB

American League Division Series Playoffs yesterday
Yankees 4 Guardians 2 (2-2)
Game 5 tonight 7:07 first pitch in New York on TBS
National League
Phillies play again Tuesday in San Diego at 8:03 on FS1

NASCAR
Joey Logano qualified for the NASCAR finale at Las Vegas after getting the checkered flag at the South Point 400 Sunday afternoon, 2nd was  Ross Chastain, followed by Kyle Busch, Chase Briscoe, and  Denny Hamlin.

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