BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 16, 2023

ROOMATES JAILED AFTER STABBING

Two female roommates in a mobile home in Trout Run were arrested after a domestic disturbance between them turned violent Wednesday morning.  According to the Sun Gazette, troopers were called when a stabbing was reported at the home on Bittner Park Road.  Police say the two were arguing over money, methamphetamine, and television.  42 year old Jennifer Markwith and 37 year old Jasmine Fulton-May were treated at the scene for lacerations and other injuries and then charged by police with harassment and simple assault.  Both are at Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 25 thousand dollars bail each.

UTAH PARENTS CLAIM LITTLE LEAGUE KNEW OF PRIOR INJURIES

A fifth amended complaint has been filed by the parents of the 12 year old Utah Little League player who fell from the upper bunk, and suffered a traumatic brain injury during the Little League World Series.  According to Penn Live, Jace and Nancy Oliverson’s claim in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court says that Little League International knew about other injuries from past falls over the years and did not install railings on the upper bunks to prevent future accidents. The manufacturer of the beds, John Savoy and Son Inc., of Montoursville is also named in the suit, but stated that the quotes they prepared for the beds came with recommendations for guard rails and ladders for safety.  A judge has ordered the dorm room carpet preserved for testing.

LYCO DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES RESIGNS

The Old Lycoming Township Supervisors accepted the resignation of their Director of Emergency Services, Joe Hopple, at their most recent meeting. According to the Sun Gazette, Hopple is leaving to accept another position and served the township in various capacities of emergency services over the last four years.  His resignation is effective March 31st and Hopple said he will help the township moving forward through the transition.

FEMA GRANT FOR MONTOURSVILLE

The Montoursville Fire Department was awarded a FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant for over 380 thousand dollars this week.  According to a statement by the department,  grant will focus solely on Recruitment and Retention of Volunteer Firefighters in Montoursville including PPE for new recruits, tuition assistance and higher education opportunities a nominal stipend for station staff and media campaign costs.  The SAFER grant will be allocated in Montoursville over the next four years.

WILLIAMSPORT DRUG DEALER IN COURT

A man who delivered cocaine to the same confidential informant twice in Williamsport, has been charged with two counts for possession with intent to deliver.  According to North Central PA dot com, 45 year old Carlton William Cowen allegedly set up two drug deals in January and March through social media, then delivered or had the drug delivered to two locations in Williamsport.  Cowen was held at the Lycoming County Prison on 75 thousand dollars bail, and had his preliminary hearing yesterday in front of Judge Christian Frey.

LYCO DA HOPEFUL’S RESIDENCY CHALLENGED

The nomination petition submitted by the man hoping to become the Lycoming County District Attorney has been challenged in court.  According to North Central PA dot com, Tom Marino, former four-term Congressman and U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced a run for the position in February, but a Williamsport social media show host says Marino cannot prove residency for a year before he holds office.  Tom Bartley’s filing claims Marino said he resided in Florida since last fall and holds a Florida Driver’s license. Marino said he maintains a home in Lycoming County.  Senior Judge Edward D. Reibman from the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas will rule on the case after  President Judge Nancy Butts has recused all Lycoming County judges from hearing the litigation, citing conflict of interest.

FUEL LEGISLATION PASSES IN SENATE

Legislation ensuring that state residents have options when it comes to fuel availability was approved last week by the full Senate.  According to the bill’s  prime sponsor Sen. Gene Yaw, the “Energy Choice” legislation, limits municipal entities from banning a specific type of fuel source for appliances and heating homes or businesses.  The language is fuel-neutral. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

SHICK DRUG SWEEP TURNS UP NOTHING

A surprise drug sweep was held this week at Shikellamy High School by the K-9 drug dog from the Central Columbia School District Police Department and found no evidence of drugs in the school.  According to the Daily Item, Police say they were in coordination with the school district and along with Sully, the K-9 officer, they were happy to report the results. The sweep took about 20 minutes at about 10 am Tuesday while students and staff were in restrictive movement.  Officers said having Sully in the school is a deterrent for nefarious behavior and it has made the district safer for students.

SPORTS

PIAA HS State Championships
Boys Basketball
Holy Cross 66              Muncy 38
Deer Lakes 67              Loyalsock 59
Girls Varsity Basketball
Lansdale Catholic 79             Jersey shore 42
Lourdes Regional 55             Shade 34
St John Neumann 40             Christian Academy 37
1st time in Elite 8 in program history
Meadowbrook Christian 40           Linville Hill 24
NBA
76ers 118            Cavaliers 109
Heat 138             Grizzlies 119
Kings 117           Bulls 114
Rockets 114        Lakers 110
Celtics 104          Timberwolves 102
Mavericks 137   Spurs 128
Clippers 134       Warriors 126

NHL
Avalanche 2        Maple Leafs 1
Capitals 5            Sabres 4
Wild 8                 Blues 5
Islanders 6          Ducks 3

NCAA Men’s Basketball
East Region – Fairleigh Dickinson 84    Texas Southern 61
West Region – Arizona State 98              Nevada 73
First Rounds Today including…
South Region (9) West Virginia vs (8) Maryland 12:15 on CBS
West Region (1) Kansas vs Howard  2pm on TBS
Midwest Region  Penn State vs Texas A&M  9:55pm on TBS

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 15, 2023

TEEN PLEADS GUILTY TO TERRORISTIC THREATS

The 18 year old charged with terroristic threats and disorderly conduct, who threatened to “shoot” a Loyalsock Township school during a conference call with students, recently plead guilty in Lycoming County Court. According to the Sun Gazette, Dejuan Rivera faces the charges from the December incident.  A charge against Rivera for possession with intent to deliver was addressed in court along with one other charge.  According to Penn Live, a sentencing hearing will be held at a later date.

BOARD TO DECIDE FATE OF SALLADASBURG SCHOOL

The Jersey Shore School Board will take 30 days before they vote on a decision to close Salladasburg Elementary School.  According to the Sun Gazette, Board President Mary Thomas said the discussions about the school has gone on for a while with final costs about transportation identified so they can make an informed decision about costs and how they relate to the rearranging of students in the district. There are three scenarios the board will consider for taxpayers.  Some district parents making statements at the meeting urged residents to consider the costs the school pays to charter schools – up to 3 million dollars a year – and to ask state legislators to change charter school legislation; this to possibly offset costs. The next board meeting is March 27th at 7pm.

THIRD ARREST FOR LOCK HAVEN WOMAN

For the third time in less than a year, a Lock Haven woman was arrested for assault and harassment charges Sunday.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say 23 year old Desirea Anna Jordan allegedly assaulted two people before 8:30pm close to the 40 block of Lenape Trail, and when interviewed by responding officers after the incident, made more verbal threats toward the victims which brought on the charges. Police records say Jordan was previously charged after striking a customer at a local convenience store last summer, and for allegedly stealing items from a gas station September 22nd.

DOORLESS DRIVING COULD COME TO PA

The Pennsylvania Senate unanimously passed a bill this week that would allow doorless driving on Pennsylvania roads, a act now that is only legal while off-roading in the commonwealth.  According to North Central PA dot com, Senator Devlin Robinson introduced the bill that will bring our state in alignment with every other state that allows driving doorless.  The new legislation, Senate Bill 298, will now be presented to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for a vote.

NORTHUMBERLAND DA FILING INJUNCTION OVER ELECTION PETITION

An immediate injunction is being sought by the Northumberland County District Attorney, Tony Matulewicz, following his election petitions being accepted in the office but being ultimately denied last week for allegedly being late. According to the Daily Item, Matulewicz’s attorney said his client only heard of the rejection of his petition through media reports and has not received any written notification from the board of elections about the incident.  According to the petition filed yesterday, the time of filing is in question after the office was allegedly to be open until 5pm according communication from Chief Registrar Lindsay Phillips, who later said state officials said the office closed at 4:30pm.  A court date has yet to be scheduled.

WOMAN WHO DROVE INTO MUSEUM GETS NEW ATTORNEY

Theresa Salazar, the woman charged for driving a van into the Little League Museum July 3rd 2022, wants police body cam footage of the incident, and is asking for a new lawyer and says she plans to challenge the attempted murder charge in Lycoming County Court.  According to North Central  PA dot com, Salazar was given access to video from the museum that day, but claims the police video will show that a different woman was handcuffed after the crash – inconsistent with the court record of events.  Police told the defense that footage was not preserved for the preliminary hearing.  Salazar requested and was assigned a new public defender, saying she could not communicate with her current counsel.  Attorney Nicole Spring has withdrawn from the case.

RAPE CHARGES AGAINST PHILADELPHIA MAN DROPPED

The Lycoming County DA’s Office has dropped rape and assault charges against a Philadelphia man who was accused by a woman who told a local hospital security guard that the man walking into the facility behind her committed the crime in Loyalsock Township home.  According to the Sun Gazette, all criminal charges against 49 year old Kenneth D. Lyles Jr., were dropped after the woman told police the incident did not happen.  No word if charges will be filed against the woman, or if the two were acquaintances.

ROTATING PARKING BAN IN SUNBURY TIL NOVEMBER

The rotating parking ban ordinance in the City of Sunbury begins today in the city and will run through November.  According to the City of Sunbury the parking ban provides an opportunity for the city and contractors to provide a variety of services to the city’s residents, such as utility repairs, street repairs, maintenance, weed spraying, street sweeping, painting, tree maintenance, and more.The schedule for where and when parking is prohibited is online at sunburypa.org.

SPORTS

PIAA State HS Basketball Championships – 2nd Round Tuesday night
Boys Basketball
Chester Charter School 56                  Northumberland Christian 38
Girls Basketball
Sacred Heart Academy 42                  Line Mountain 40

Mount Carmel 48                                West Catholic Prep 38
Faith Christian 35                               South Williamsport 28

PIAA State HS Basketball 2nd Round Tonight
Boys Basketball
Muncy vs Holy Cross at Hazelton Area HS 7 PM
Loyalsock vs Deer Lakes at Altoona HS  7pm
Girls Basketball
Lourdes Regional vs Shade  – Cumberland Valley HS  at Mechanicsburg 6pm
Jersey shore vs Lansdale Catholic –  at Minersville HS 7pm

NCAA Men’s Basketball First Four
South Region
Texas A&M – Corpus Christi 75                Southeast Missouri State 71
Midwest Region
Pittsburgh 60                                              Mississippi State 59
First Four Tonight
East Region
(16s) – Fairleigh Dickinson vs Texas Southern at 6:40
West Region
(11s) – Nevada vs Arizona State at 9:10



NBA
Cavaliers 120               Hornets 104
Wizards 117                 Pistons 97
Raptors 125                  Nuggets 110
Lakers 123                    Pelicans 108
Thunder 121                Nets 107
Spurs 132                     Magic 114
Bucks 116                    Suns 104  
Knicks 123                   Trailblazers 107



NHL  
Hurricanes 5                 Jets 3
Rangers 5                      Capitals 3
Lightning 4                   Devils 1
Golden Knights 5        Flyers 3
Canadian 6                   Penguins 4
Predators 2                   Red Wings 1
Blackhawk 6                Bruins 3
Oilers 6                         Senators 3
Coyotes 4                     Flames 3
Canucks 5                     Stars 2
Kings 5                         Islanders 2
Blue Jackets 6              Sharks 5

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 14, 2023

NOR’EASTER TO STRIKE EASTERN PA

The Eastern portion of the state is under a winter weather advisory til 6pm tonight and could be socked with up to a foot of snow in the Poconos and north eastern PA.  According to Accuweather, Williamsport may see up to two inches of snow with Bradford, Wyoming, Luzerne, Lackawanna Pike and portions of Wayne mostly affected by the warning.  Those traveling into the path of the nor’easter are reminded to take emergency supplies and check 511pa dot com before you go.

TROOPER SERVING WARRANT ASSAULTED BY FAMILY

State police went to Union County home March 9th to serve a Children and Youth Services court order and an officer was assaulted by the family who lived there.  According to North Central PA dot com, three members of the Miller family all face charges in the assault after being allegedly uncooperative and resistant when the trooper came to the Maze Lane home.  Twenty one year old Zedekiah, and 19 year old Keziah Miller both face felony aggravated assault, misdemeanors of simple assault, resisting arrest and more.  Forty three year old Desiree Miller was also arrested for resisting.  All three are jailed in lieu of bail and have a preliminary hearing Aril 6th.

THREE NEW ADA COMPLIANT POLLING PLACES IN MAY

The Lycoming County Board of Elections determined that three precincts will have a change of polling sites in the upcoming May 16th primary.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Department of Justice visited all 81 county polling places, and found some out of compliance with the American with Disabilities Act requirements.  As a result, three sites needed to be addressed immediately with Cummings Township residents to use the Township building which has had recent improvements, including an accessible ramp and parking space.  It was also determined that Montgomery Borough and Clinton Township voters will go to the Clinton Township fire hall on Route 54.

RIVER VALLEY TRANSIT TESTING ROUTE TO WAHS

A 90 day experimental trial run of bus service from downtown Williamsport to Williamsport Area High school is being offered by River Valley Transit Authority. According to a press release from Todd Wright, acting Executive Director of River Valley Transit,   riders can use any of the designated bus stops along West Fourth Street between William Street and Millionaire Drive to get to the school with four round trips between the hours of 7:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays. Look for the illuminated sign on the front of the bus that says Millionaire Express.  Regular fare applies with a $1 per ride rate for students under 17.  After 90 days, if the route has ridership, they will discuss continuing the service. Get details at ride RVT.com

EARLY MORNING WOODWARD TOWNSHIP FIRE

There was a fire at Nork Concrete off Queneshaque Road in Woodward Township Monday around 12:30am that caused extensive damage.  According to the Sun Gazette, the roof to the business had collapsed by the time firefighters arrived on the scene and it took them two hours to put out the fire.  Woodward Township assistant chief Dean Burkholder said the fire remains under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal’s office.  Crews responded from Williamsport, Old Lycoming, DuBoistown, Hepburn Township, Nisbet, Montoursville, Loyalsock and Jersey Shore.

MILTON MAN FACES KIDNAPPING CHARGES

A Milton man is facing charges after police say he held two women at knifepoint in a home on Hepburn Street.  According to media outlets, state police say 30-year-old Joseph Reyes-Gonzalez held two victims for an hour threatening to kill them, but when a third woman came to the home, she was threatened but allowed to leave the property.  Police say she is the one who called 911.  Milton and Watsontown police coordinated to take Reyes-Gonzales into custody.  He has been charged with kidnapping, unlawful restraint, terroristic threats and more.  Reyes-Gonzalez is in the Northumberland County Prison waiting to be arraigned.

TIKTOK BANNED FROM PA ISSUED DEVICES, NETWORKS

The popular social media app, TikTok has been banned from all state-owned devices and networks in Pennsylvania after Senate Bill 379 was recently approved.  According to North Central PA dot com, Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill sponsored the bill and highlighted the importance of protecting the people of Pennsylvania from cyber vulnerabilities.  Nine states, including Maryland, Texas, Alabama, and Utah, have already taken steps to ban TikTok from state-owned devices and networks.  Federal action is still stalled on the issue even after FBI director Chris Wray warned of the potential cyber threat.

MAPLE WEEKEND IN NORTHERN TIER

Potter and Tioga Counties celebrate their upcoming Annual Maple Weekend and invite the public to take a self-guided educational tour across the region at several locations including Brydonson Farm, Hamilton’s Maple Products, Cary Hose Co.,and other locations for demonstrations, samplings, vendors, food, and even live music.  Hills Creek State Park also has a related event on Saturday only that will include interactive tapping of sugar maples. Sponsored by visit Potter-Tioga, the events runs 10am to 4pm this Saturday and Sunday.  Details online with a map at visitpottertioga dot com.

SPORTS

P I-AA  Boys Basketball Championship Second Round
Tonight  
1A – Northumberland Christian vs Chester Charter Academy at Hamburg HS 7:30pm
Wednesday, March 15
2A – Muncy vs Holy Cross at Hazelton Area HS 7 PM
3A – North Penn Mansfield vs Executive Education at Shamokin HS 7pm      Loyalsock vs Deer Lakes at Altoona HS  7pm
P I-AA  Girls  Basketball Championship Second Round
Tonight
2A – South Williamsport vs Faith Christian Academy Martz Hall, Pottsville 6 PM
         Line Mountain vs Sacred Heart Academy at Hamburg Area HS 6 PM
3A – Mount Carmel vs West Catholic at Manheim Township HS 6pm
Wednesday March 15
1A – St John Neumann vs Christian Academy – at Blue Mountain HS 730
      Lourdes Regional vs Shade  – Cumberland Valley HS  at Mechanicsburg 6pm
 4A – Jersey shore vs Lansdale Catholic –  at Minersville HS 7pm

NBA
Pistons 117                  Pacers 97
Timberwolves 136      Hawks 115
Heat 119                       Jazz 115
Grizzlies 104                Mavericks 88
Rockets 111                 Celtics 109
Warriors 123                Suns 112
Bucks 133                    Kings 124

NHL
Avalanche 8        Canadians 4
Sabres 4              Maple Leafs 3
Stars 5                 Kraken 2

NCAA Men’s Basketball
Tonight- the first four in the South region in Dayton, Ohio
Southeast Missouri State vs Texas A&M @ 6:40pm
Midwest Region
Pitt vs Mississippi @ 9:10pm

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 13, 2023

PSP DISCOVER SUSPECTS OF ID THEFT RING DURING TRAFFIC STOP

State troopers stopped two men from Florida on the Route 15 off-ramp of I-80 in White Deer Township on March 7th who were allegedly part of an identity theft ring and later took the two into custody.  According to North Central PA dot com, the driver, 28 year old Lontre Antonie Smith and passenger, 30 year old Robert Ellis Norris Jr. fled a traffic stop at speeds up to 120 mph, including going the wrong way on I-80 west after police discovered the passenger had a full extradition probation violation warrant out of Florida.  The pair attempted to turn again in the median, became disabled and fled on foot before police tased and arrested the two.  A search warrant turned up some drugs and over100 state ID cards, debit and credit cards and several checkbooks, evidence in an alleged ID theft case. Norris and Smith are in Union County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail with a preliminary hearing March 21.

ONE INJURED, ONE KILLED IN BRADFORD COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Bradford County woman died in a vehicle accident Thursday night and her passenger suffered critical injuries.  According to North Central PA dot com, State Police at Towanda report 50-year-old Letitia Lynn Frye-Irish died in the one-vehicle crash.  Thirty-two year old Desiree Lynn Bump who is 14 weeks pregnant was flown to Robert Packer hospital and was last reported in critical condition.  Emergecny crews responded to the accident that occurred at the 200 block of Beaman Road near Columbia Crossroads.

ZONING CHANGE REQUEST CHANGE DENIED FOR RECYCLING FACILITY

The Point Township zoning board has denied a request last week by Encina Fort Union LLC, the company planning to build a $1.1 billion plastics recycling facility there, for relief of a zoning ordinance limiting the height of buildings in an industrial district to 50 feet.  According to the Daily Item, the company proposed reducing the footprint of the facility with a taller building plan at 80 feet.  Representatives from the company say they will now have to go back to the drawing board in development of the building.  The facility is planned to be built at 3288 Point Township Drive, along Route 11, by 2025.

WOMAN OF EXCELLENCE AWARD TO TIOGA COUNTY RESIDENT

A Tioga County resident is one of eight women chosen in the United States who have been awarded a 2023 Woman of Excellence Award, an award given by the non-profit to women who  make a lasting impact in their communities.  According to First News Now, Tasha Pratt of Wellsboro, is the Wellness Director at the Tioga County YMCA  and was celebrated March 8th in Mansfield.  Mayor Kathy  Barrett declared the day as Tasha Pratt Day because of the achievement.

DUSHORE MAN ARRESTED FOR STALKING

A man from Dushore was jailed in the Bradford County Prison for stalking an employee of a local Dollar General store there.  According to North Central Pa dot com, State police at Laporte say 72 year old James Richard Rouse repeatedly sought out an employee, attempting to make advances, giving gifts and asking for dates in a series of incidents that had increased in severity since last fall.  Police say the store’s General Manager had banned Rouse from the property.  An employee at another local business reported Rouse leaving gifts there as recently as the end of February.  Rouse faces harassment and stalking charges in both cases and posted a total of 40 thousand dollars bail with a preliminary hearing March 15th.

IGNORING SEX REGISTRY REQUIREMENT LEADS TO MORE JAIL

A Snyder County man who had recently been paroled on his felony unlawful contact with a minor sentence, has been sentenced to six more years in state prison for failing to comply with Megan’s Law requirements.  According to media outlets, the Snyder County District Attorney says Nicholas Barnhart of Port Trevorton obtained social media accounts and cellular devices but didn’t register them with State police.  Police say Barnhart used the devices to access pornography.

WILLIAMSPORT MAN JAILED ON DRUG CHARGES

A Williamsport man is facing drug and resisting arrest charges after Lycoming County Narcotics Enforcement officers found methamphetamine with a search warrant at his High Street Apartment February 2nd and took him into custody.  According to the Sun Gazette, court records say 50 year old Mark T Robinson allegedly sold the drug to an undercover officer in Loyalsock Township February 1st.  Robinson is incarcerated for the drug charges in lieu of 85 thousand dollars bail.

PENNDOT PERFORMING ROAD CLEAN UP THIS MONTH

PennDOT is gearing up to begin their effort to improve the environment and clean up local roadways.  According to a press release, maintenance crews in Lycoming County are scheduled to begin picking up litter along Interstate 180 and Routes 220 and 15, from today through Friday, March 31, weather permitting, during daylight hours. There will be no impacts to traffic during litter cleanup activities. But do use caution if you see PennDOT crews working along the roadway. Check conditions 24/7 at 511pa dot com.

SPORTS

PIAA District IV State Basketball Playoff
Boys Basketball
Class 1A
Northumberland Christian 73  Forest City 61
Linville Hill Christian 74          N P-Liberty 39
LaAcademia  69                       Sullivan County 26
Class 2A
Muncy 73                                 Mount Union 58
Lancaster Mennonite 62          St. John Neu. 61
Mahanoy Area 63                    Northwest  52
Line Mountain 56                    Northern Lehigh 50
Class 3A
North Penn-Mansfield 68         Delone Catholic 65
Loyalsock 59                                            Bishop Guilfoyle 57
Mid Valley 62                                          Troy 42
Class 4A
Valley View 53                        Shamokin 39
Littlestown 64                                          Lewisburg 23
Eastern York 56                      Danville 52
Class 6A
Lower Merion 65                      Williamsport 58

Girls Basketball
Class 1A
Meadowbrook Christ. 41         Hrsbrg Acad. 18
Lourdes Regional 38                                Nativity BVM 22
St. John Neumann 57                               Weatherly 24
Class 2A
So. Williamsport 64                  Lanc. Mennonite 22
Montrose 46                                            Northwest Area 28
Class 3A
Mount Carmel 46                     Holy Redeemer 36
Dunmore 64                                            Bloomsburg 33
Columbia 55                                            Loyalsock 33
Class 4A
Jersey Shore 52                        Wyoming Area 39
Scranton Prep 68                     Lewisburg 35
Trinity 46                 Central Columbia 45 (OT)

PIAA State Championship Wrestling tournament in Hershey this weekend…
Double A – Montgomery’s Conner Harer won his second straight state title… Muncy’s Austin Johnson won his first and was a perfect thirty nine and oh on the year. 
Silver medals
Warrior Run’s Reagan Millheim and Cameron Millheim … Meadowbrook Christian’s Cade Wirnsberger, Connor Heckman of Midd-West, plus Montgomery’s Brandt Harer. 
In Triple A…for the first time since 1990, Williamsport has a state champion as Cael Nasdeo posted a 4-and oh shutout.  Central Mountain’s Luke Simcox also won gold. 
Warrior Run’s Jeremy Betz won Coach of the year award and Central Mountain’s Dylan Caprio named the state’s Assistant Coach of the year. 


NBA
76ers 112                                Wizards 93
Nets 122                  Nuggets 120
Cavaliers 114            Hornets 108
Pelicans 127                            Trailblazers 110
Thunder 102                            Spurs 90
Knicks 112                              Lakers  108
NCAA Men’s Basketball
Purdue 67                                Penn State 65
Memphis 75                            Houston 65
Alabama 82                             Texas A&M 63
Tuesday night – South & Midwest Regions – 1st 4
NHL
Penguins 3                               Rangers 2
Red Wings 5                            Bruins 3
Devils 3                    Hurricanes 0
Golden Knights 5     Blues 3
Jets 3                                       Lightning 2
Flames 5                   Senators 1
Predators 5                              Ducks 4
Coyotes 5                                Wild 4

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 10, 2023

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY UNTIL SATURDAY MORNING

Winter weather is expected today with a winter weather advisory in place until 7am tomorrow morning for our area, with parts of Lycoming, Clinton, Potter, Tioga and Sullivan Counties possibly seeing up to 6 inches of snow.  Schools will be making decisions about early dismissals throughout the day today and we will continue to add to the list. Be sure to keep up to date with all the delays cancellations and closings at all the Backyard Broadcasting websites.

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN STUDENT CHARGED WITH ASSAULT

Charges were filed against a 17 year old Lock Haven woman who is accused of attacking a fellow student inside Central Mountain High School on Monday.  According to the Daily Item, State Police at Lamar say the juvenile attacked a younger student in the restroom and other students caught the incident on camera.  The Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse approved the charges of felony first degree aggravated assault, other assault charges and reckless endangerment that were filed in the Clinton County Juvenile Court Division. An upcoming hearing will determine if the woman should remain in a detention facility due to the severity of the crimes.  The criteria in the case are being considered for adult criminal court.

RAISE THE REGION RAISES RECORD FUNDS

After the 30 hour fundraiser “Raise the Region” wrapped up last night at midnight a new record was realized!  According to the raise the region website, the record total of funds raised was 2,320,586.  There were a total of 8068 unique donors for the fundraiser that has now raised almost 17 million dollars since its inception in 2013.  The event hosted by the First Community Foundation partnership of Pennsylvania saw 175 thousand dollars in stretch funds from Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships help boost funds for over 330 non profit organizations across a seven county area.  For details go to Raise the Region dot org.

GRANDSON OF LOCAL COUPLE GIVEN DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS

The grandson of a Williamsport couple, recently received the Distinguished Flying Cross medal for his heroism as a C-17 Globemaster pilot in Afghanistan in August of 2021.  According to the Sun Gazette, Captain Howlett D. Cohick, grandson to Betty and Herb Cohick, is stationed in Charleston South Carolina and was among 50 other airmen and officers who received the same recognitions for extraordinary achievement while participating in flight.  Cohick is a 2017 graduate of the US Air Force Academy.  Other notable recipients of the Distinguished Flying cross include John Glenn, George H.W. Bush, Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh.

MAN JAILED FOR PUNCHING TROOPER

A Williamsport man was arrested after he allegedly punched a state trooper who was at his home Tuesday for a domestic disturbance.  According to the Sun Gazette, 33 year old Joshua Allen Smith of Lycoming Creek Road was involved in an altercation with his grandmother at their home about 4pm Tuesday afternoon and became aggressive with officers who were attempting to deescalate the situation.  When troopers attempted to keep the man from causing harm to himself, Smith punched one of the officers who took him to the ground.  Smith was charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest and other charges.  He is in Lycoming County Prison under 50 thousand dollars bail.

NORRY DA MISSES FILING DEADLINE FOR MAY ELECTION

The Northumberland County District Attorney missed the deadline for filing a petition to run in the May 16th 2023 primary election and his name will not appear on the ballot.  According to the News Item, the Department of State’s deadlines for handing in the petitions for the state offices was 5pm and county offices at 4:30pm, and Tony Matulewicz’s paperwork was filed in the election office at 5:01pm.  Chief Registrar Lindsay Phillips consulted with the Department of State over the deadlines who confirmed the deadline was when the county office closed; which was 4:30 on March 7th.  The other Republican candidate for DA, Mike O’Donnell is now set to run unopposed on the ballot.

NEW NOTIFICATION SYSTEM IN LEWISBURG

Residents in the borough of Lewisburg can now sign up to use the new CodeRED emergency notifications system through their phone, landline or email and stay up to date on borough notifications fot situations such as flooding, road closures or other information.  Sign up for CodeRED notifications on your mobile device by texting “Lewisburg PA” to 99411. A siren system is to be installed this spring that will be capable of projecting audio messages through speakers.  Residents can also sign up at the Lewisburg Borough website lewisburgborough.org.

BAND FESTIVAL AT MANSFIELD THIS WEEKEND

A 20-school intercollegiate band festival and will take place this weekend at the Mansfield campus of Commonwealth University.  According to North Central PA dot com, over 115 musicians who were each nominated to perform in the 75th anniversary of the event will come to the school and prepare for the weekend prior to the show Sunday.  The event is hosted by Dr. Adam F. Brennan, of Mansfield, and co-hosted by Mansfield alumnus Jeffrey Tylutki, of Keystone College.  Students will perform an original composition by Composer Matthew Jackfert at the concert that is on Mansfield ‘s  Steadman theater at 2pm Sunday March 12th.

SPORTS

PIAA Class 5A Boys Basketball rescheduled game for Saturday 5/12
Lampeter Strasburg @Central Mountain 5pm

NBA
Hornets 113         Pistons 103
Pacers 134            Rockets 125
Jazz 131               Magic 124
Grizzlies 131        Warriors 110
Bucks 118            Nets 113
Kings 122             Knicks 117



NHL
Hurricanes 1         Flyers 0
Islanders 4            Penguins 3
Stars 10                Sabers 4
Rangers 4             Canadiens 3
Golden Knights 4           Lightning 3
Devils 3                Capitals 2
Oilers 3                Bruins 2
Blues 4                 Sharks 2
Coyotes 4             Predators 1
Kings 5                 Avalanche 2
Senators 5            Kraken 4

NCAA Men’s Basketball  
UCLA 80             Colorado 69
Kansas 78            West Virginia 61
Texas 61              Oklahoma State 47
Iowa State 78       Baylor 72
UConn 73            Providence 66
TCU 80                Kansas State 67
Virginia 68           North Carolina 59
Xavier 89             Depaul 84
Duke 96               Pitt 69
Creighton 87        Villanova 74



NCAA News – Patrick Ewing will not return as men’s basketball coach of the Georgetown Hoyas next season.  Ewing, one of the greatest college basketball players of all time while at Georgetown, had been the head coach of his alma mater for six years and finishes with a 75-109 record.


NASCAR
United Rentals Work United 500 Sunday @ Phoenix Raceway 2:30 Pre Race coverage / 3:30 green flag start on the Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network and WILQ’s HD3


PIAA District 3 State Wrestling tournament is underway in Hershey, Pennsylvania at the Giant Center through Saturday, March 11.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 9, 2023

JERSEY SHORE MAN VICTIM IN FATAL CRASH

A Jersey Shore man was the victim of a fatal vehicle accident Tuesday night in Bastress Township.  According to the Lycoming County Coroner, 61 year old Ronald Ohlsson was the driver who died in the SUV that went off of Route 654, continued through a field, and hitting a fence  at Mountain Spring Lane. According to the Sun Gazette, police say Ohlsson may have suffered a medical episode before the accident.   DuBoistown ambulance crews responded, attempting to resuscitate the victim enroute to UPMC Williamsport, where Ohlsson was pronounced dead.  State Police and the Coroner are investigating the incident.

TWO SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS ACCUSE LOYALSOCK MAN

A Loyalsock Township man was arrested Tuesday for charges lodged against him for a series of sexual assaults that allegedly took place in 1994.  According to the Sun Gazette, 70 year old Robert Lee Garison was accused of inappropriate contact and aggravated indecent assault by two victims and was arraigned on four counts each, as well as other charges including unlawful contact with a minor.  Garison is free on 50 thousand dollars bail.

SOUTHSIDE ELEMENTARY RENOVATIONS COMING

The South Williamsport Area School Board is planning renovations this year at Central Elementary that might take students from eight classrooms and relocate them to other elementary school buildings in the district.  According to the Sun Gazette, four fourth grade classes along with two third grades and autism and learning support classrooms would be affected for the 2023-2024 school year.  Rommelt has been tapped as the location for the fourth grade classes so far, but no word on the plans for the other students involved in the relocation. In addition, the school board is planning to approve a contractor’s quote to tear down the house close to the school at the March 20th meeting because that project is expected to take place before the school renovations that are slated to begin in August.

RAISE THE REGION IS TODAY

According to the First Community Foundation Partnership, there are 334 non-profit organizations from seven counties to choose from and even a dollar makes a difference.  Stretch funds provided by Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships boost the totals for everyone – plus, your donations can trigger additional support through thousands of dollars in monetary prizes.  Raise the Region has raised over 14 million dollars for area non-profits since 2013.

WILLIAMSPORT WOMAN CHARGED IN INFANT DEATH

A Williamsport woman is in Lycoming County prison after police found she gave birth to a 23 week old infant and did not seek immediate care, allegedly causing death of the baby.  According to the Sun Gazette, a police investigation found that 21 year old Chemari May Truax unsuccessfully attempted to terminate her pregnancy last November but she learned from doctors in February it was unsuccessful.  Police say Truax tested positive for using cocaine at that time and when she arrived at the hospital with the baby this week was questioned about drug use.  The baby died just after 4pm Tueday. Truax was charged with felony third degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child Wednesday in Lycoming County District Court.

PENNSYLVANIA MAN KILLED IN FLORIDA PLANE CRASH

One of the people who died in a mid-air collision over Winter Haven Florida Tuesday is from Pennsylvania.  According to Penn Live, 67 year old Randall Elbert Crawford from Carlisle in Dauphin County was in one of the planes involved in the crash.  The other person in the plane with Crawford has not yet been identified.  A 24 year old pilot/instructor from Sunrise Aviation and a 19 year old student were the other two people identified in the crash.   The NTSB and FAA are investigating.

PA DEMOCRAT TO RESIGN AMID HARASSMENT ACCUSATIONS

A House democrat in Harrisburg has announced his resignation after being accused of sexual harassment by two Republicans.  According to Spotlight PA, in a letter to Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, State Reresentative Mike Zabel said he will resign March 16.  Accusations come from union lobbyist Andi Perez who publicly accused Zabel the same day state Rep. Abby Major of Armstrong County made a similar statement.  Zabel’s former campaign manager, Colleen Kennedy has also made statements about his harassment. Dozens of rank-and-file Democrats had previously called on Zabel to resign.

PUBLIC HEARING ABOUT PA OPIOID CRISIS TODAY

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board of Directors, including Senator Gene Yaw, will livestream a public hearing this morning at 9am on new developments in the opioid and substance use disorder crisis in Pennsylvania. They will highlight new developments in the supply of narcotics, data resources that are available to track opioids/overdoses, funding for prevention and treatment services, and treatment workforce and staffing issues.  A host of presenters will be on hand from agencies like the Pennsylvania State Police, Penn State Abington, Commonwealth Prevention Alliance, Fayette County Drug & Alcohol Commission and others.  A link to the meeting is available at

https://www.pasen.gov/Video/8e.cfm?room=b

SPORTS

PIAA State Basketball Championships 1st Round  Friday 3/10
Boys Class 1A
North Penn Liberty vs Linville Hill Christian @ Manheim Township HS 7pm
LaAcademia @ Sullivan County 7pm
Boys Class 4A
Eastern York @Danville 7pm
Shamokin Area @ Valley View 7pm
Littlestown @ Lewisburg 7:30pm
Girls Class 2A
Lancaster Mennonite @ South Williamsport 7pm
Northern Lehigh @ Line Mountain 7pm
Girls Class 3A
Bloomsburg @ Dunmore 7pm
Holy Redeemer @ Mount Carmel 7pm

NBA
Hawks 122                    Wizards 120
Celtics 115           Trailblazers 93
Cavaliers 104       Heat 100
Pelicans 113         Mavericks 106
Bulls 117              Nuggets 96
Suns 132              Thunder 101
Clippers 108        Raptors 100

NHL
Red Wings 4         Blackhawks 3
Wild 4                  Jets 2
Canucks 3            Ducks 2

NCAA Men’s Basketball
Pitt 89                  Georgia Tech 81
La Salle 81           Duquesne 70
Villanova 80        Georgetown 48
Wake Forest 77    Syracuse 74
Depaul 66            Seton Hall 65
Ohio State 65       Wisconsin 57
West Virginia 78 Texas Tech 62
North Carolina 85         Boston College 61

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 8, 2023

RAPE CASE AGAINST MUNCY MAN HELD FOR TRIAL

Accusers took the stand in the preliminary hearing of the rape trial of Timothy Darren Stroud Sr. yesterday in Lycoming County Court, presenting testimony that resulted in over a thousand counts against him held for trial.  According to court records the 54 year old Muncy man heard victims describing to the court the encounters with the man, which has him facing 1,019 sexual crimes.  Stroud was arrested February 22nd after investigators were alerted to his behavior last December and opened an investigation into the sexual assault case.

PENNDOT REOPENS SOME ROADS AFTER HEAVY SNOW

PennDOT has reopened several roadways that had downed trees and utilities after  heavy snow hit the region early Tuesday morning.  Jack Hollo Road between Bennardi Development Road and Mosquito Valley Road is cleared of trees in Armstrong Township, and Route 554 between Route 15 in South Williamsport and Elimsport Road has reopened today.  In Northumberland County, Musser Lane is reopened between Dugan Road and the Lycoming County Line in Delaware Township. Penn DOT announced this morning that Beauty’s Run Road, Pine Run Road, Spook Hollow Road in Piatt Township, Little Pine Creek Road in Pine Township are now reopened.  However, Route 864 between Railroad street and Laurel Run Road in Picture Rocks Borough is still closed for downed utilities.

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO DELIVERS PA BUDGET

Governor Josh Shapiro delivered his first budget yesterday to a joint session of the House and Senate in Harrisburg, boosting spending for public schools but proposing no increases in income or sales tax.  According to the Sun Gazette, Shapiro’s administration wants to increase spending by 6 percent and also invest in building the economy by pulling in about 2 billion dollars from reserves.  The budget will require approval from the Legislature.  Shapiro also asked lawmakers to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour next year from the federal minimum of $7.25.

LOCAL SOCCER LEAGUE HOLDING TRYOUTS

Men and women who want to play in the United Premiere Soccer league with the Williamsport Lions for their second season are invited to tryout this Saturday.  According to the Lions website, women’s tryouts are at 9am at Liberty Arena in downtown Williamsport and men’s team tryouts will start after at 10:30 til noon.  The Williamsport Lions men’s team won the 2022 UPSL D1 South Championship and finished their first season undefeated. A $25 dollar fee is required with registration online; citylionssc.com.

SECOND SUSPECT ARRESTED IN 2020 WILLIAMSPORT MURDER

Another man from Williamsport has been arrested for his connection in the murder of 18 year old Semaj Mozee that occurred in October of 2020 in Williamsport as a result of alleged gang activity.  According to the Sun Gazette, 22 year old Rocellus Carter was taken into custody Monday at his Randall Circle home for being seen running from the murder scene with the alleged gunman who shot Mozee who later died at the hospital.  Seneca Martin Mitchell Jr. was taken into custody last Wednesday and automatically jailed on his charges.  Carter was also charged with second degree murder, conspiracy and related offenses.  He was also automatically jailed at Lycoming County Prison.

LYCOMING COUNTY WOMAN IN FEDERAL COURT FOR DRUG CASE

A Muncy woman is one of 57 defendants charged in a federal narcotics case that could put each of them behind bars for at least ten years.  According to the Sun Gazette, after multiple investigations by agents from the FBI and Homeland Security into gang violence in Pennsylvania, Ashley Weston was included allegedly selling to undercover agents and participating in drug trafficking activity recorded through court ordered wire-taps.  The investigation broadened to reveal a scheme that stretched across the US and into Mexico that involved over 2 million fentanyl pills and more than 400 pounds of methamphetamine.  Weston is the only defendant listed in the suit from Lycoming County.

FUNERAL SERVICE FOR MIDDLEBURG BOY FRIDAY

Funeral services are scheduled for one of the two teen brothers from Middleburg who died in a car accident on Route 104 in Perry Township Monday morning.  According to media outlets, 17 year old  Josiah M. Wenger and his 14 year old brother Gabriel Wenger were killed in the accident after losing control on the hill near Kelsey Lane.  According to the Daily Item, Josiah will be laid to rest this Friday morning  after visitation services tomorrow from 2-4pm and from 6-8pm  at Morningstar Church of God in Christ, in Mifflinburg.  No word on funeral arrangements for Gabriel.

PEAK TIMES FOR SNOW GEESE HAPPENED EARLY

The Pennsylvania Game Commission reports that expected peak numbers of snow geese have occurred a month early according to the officials who estimate their numbers at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area.  According to Penn Live, the peak happened around the end of January with 79 thousand snow geese and almost 2 thousand tundra swans.  The peak number of Canadian Geese stopping at the Lebanon and Lancaster County facilities peaked in February 17th at about 2 thousand 250 birds.

SPORTS

PIAA State Basketball Championships 1st Round Friday 3/10
Boys Class 1A
North Penn Liberty vs Linville Hill Christian @ Manheim Township HS 7pm
LaAcademia @ Sullivan County 7pm
Boys Class 4A
Eastern York @Danville 7pm
Shamokin Area @ Valley View 7pm
Littlestown @ Lewisburg 7:30pm
Girls Class 2A
Lancaster Mennonite @ South Williamsport 7pm
Northern Lehigh @ Line Mountain 7pm
Girls Class 3A
Bloomsburg @ Dunmore 7pm
Holy Redeemer @ Mount Carmel 7pm



NBA
76ers 117             Timberwolves 94
Bucks 134           Magic 123
Wizards 119         Pistons 117
Hornets 112         Knicks 105
Nets 118               Rockets 96
Thunder 137        Warriors 128
Mavericks 120     Jazz 116  
Lakers 112           Grizzlies 103

NHL
Penguins 5           Blue Jackets 4
Lightning 5           Flyers 2
Panthers 2            Golden Knights 1
Hurricanes 4         Canadiens 3
Maple Leafs 4      Devils 3
Islanders 3           Sabers 2
Flames 1               Wild 0
Coyote 6              Blues 2
Avalanche 6         Sharks 0
Kraken 5              Ducks 2



NCAA Men’s Basketball
Gonzaga 77                  St Mary’s 51
Gonzaga secures the West Coast Conference.

NCAA Men’s Today
The 2nd Round in the New York Life ACC tournament
 Pitt vs Georgia Tech in Greensboro, NC at 2:30pm on ESPN

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 7, 2023

HEAVY SNOW BRINGS DOWN TREES, POWER LINES

The wet heavy snow has brought wires, trees and tree limbs down overnight.  There are numerous scanner reports of issues around the region, and PennDOT has reduced speeds on I-80 this morning to 45 miles per hour.  In Lycoming County there are downed trees along Route 554 between Route 15 known as Market Street  and Montgomery Pike in South Williamsport and Elimsport Road in Washington Township, and Little Pine Creek Road between Route 44 in Cummings Township and English Run Road in Pine Township.  In Northumberland County, watch for utilities impacted by branches and trees down along Musser Lane between Dugan Road and the Lycoming County line in Delaware Township.

MAN IN CRASH AFTER POLICE PURSUIT IDENTIFIED

The man involved in a police pursuit in Loyalsock Township that ended in a crash and the discovery of the driver dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound has been identified.  According to PennLive, 36 year old Timothy James Bird of Sunbury was stopped initially on I-180 east around 12:54 am on Sunday, then eluded police starting a chase toward the Northumberland County line. Bird went off the roadway and overturned in the roll-over crash.   Once they investigated the scene, state police found weapons in the car and according to the Lycoming County Coroner, the cause of death was the gunshot.

FUEL AVAILABILITY BILL HEADING TO PA SENATE

Legislation ensuring that state residents have options when it comes to fuel availability was approved this week by the Senate Local Government Committee.  According to prime sponsor Sen. Gene Yaw the “Energy Choice” legislation, limits municipal entities from banning a specific type of fuel source for appliances and heating homes or businesses.  The language is fuel-neutral. Yaw said some states are looking to ban certain fuel sources, but Pennsylvania residents have a lots of energy options. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration. 

PLANETARIUM SHOWS COMING BACK TO LYCOMING COLLEGE

Lycoming college is bringing back the First Friday Planetarium shows that have been paused since the pandemic.  According to WNEP, the state-of-the-art Lynn Science Center is offering a free show this Friday starting at 5pm which at the moment is sold out and has a wait list of over 250.  According to the planetarium manager, Melissa Kiehl, there will be two shows on each Friday after the opening weekend and the shows will feature monthly show themes.  March will feature strange objects in the sky and the stories behind them.

SNYDERTOWN MURDER TRIAL DELAYED

A man accused of killing three people in Snydertown will have his trial delayed after new information has come to light according to the man’s legal team.  According to the Daily Item, Northumberland County President Judge Paige Rosini granted a motion of continuance for 25 year old Matthew Reed, accused of killing Susan Williams, and James Dicken and John Paul Dicken in 2021. Rosini said since they are hearing a death penalty case, time will be granted for more preparation.  Jury selection was originally scheduled for May 8th, but now a status conference will be held in April to see where the defense stands.  Reed is facing three counts of homicide, two felony counts of robbery and more and is being held without bail in the Northumberland County jail.

ELDERLY MAN WAS VICTIM IN HOUSE FIRE

A 78 year old man died in a house fire in Dewart Sunday.  According to the Sun Gazette, Warrior Run Area Fire Chief Douglas Funk said the fire destroyed the home on Spencer Street and 76 year old Dennis Hassenplug, perished in the fire.  According to the Daily item, state police fire marshals said Hassenplug died as a result of a fire-related elevation of carbon monoxide.  Firefighters from Milton, White Deer Township, Turbot Township, Lewisburg, Montgomery and Muncy worked for 30 minutes to bring the fire under control.  The blaze is reported to be accidental.

RAISE THE REGION STARTS TOMORROW

The 30 hour online giving event called Raise the Region begins tomorrow with a 6pm launch with First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania at the Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships.  According to a press release, 334 nonprofit organizations from Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder Tioga and Union Counties are all eligible to benefit from the fundraising efforts.  This is the 11th year FCFP has held Raise the Region and since 2013, has raised over 14.4 million dollars for area nonprofits.  Find out more at raise the region dot org.

SPORTS

PIAA State Basketball Championships 1st Round Friday 3/10
Boys Class 1A
North Penn Liberty vs Linville Hill Christian @ Manheim Twp HS 7pm
LaAcademia @ Sullivan County 7pm
Boys Class 4A
Eastern York @Danville 7pm
Shamokin Area @ Valley View 7pm
Littlestown @ Lewisburg 7:30pm
Girls Class 2A
Lancaster Mennonite @ South Williamsport 7pm
Northern Lehigh @ Line Mountain 7pm
Girls Class 3A
Bloomsburg @ Dunmore 7pm
Holy Redeemer @ Mount Carmel 7pm

NBA
76ers 147            Pacers 143
Cavaliers 118     Celtics 114
Trailblazers 110 Pistons 104
Heat 130             Hawks 128
Nuggets 118       Raptors 113
Kings  123          Pelicans 108

NHL
Oilers 3               Sabers 2
Sharks 3              Jets 2
Flames 5              Stars 4
Blackhawks 5     Senators 0
Kings 4                Capitals 2
Canucks 4           Predators 3

NCAA Men’s Basketball
West Coast Conference Tournament Semifinal
Gonzaga 84         San Francisco 73
St Mary’s 76       BYU 69  

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 6, 2023

FATAL CRASH IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

Police have not yet released the name of the person involved in the fatal crash that happened early Sunday in Loyalsock Township.  According to the Pennsylvania State police at Montoursville, troopers had initiated a traffic stop at about 12:54am along I-180 in Williamsport and the driver then fled the away from police and was involved in an accident.  The driver was pronounced dead at the scene according to the Lycoming County Coroner.  An investigation is ongoing.

MAN FLOWN TO ALLENTOWN WITH BURN INJURIES

A Lycoming Township man is being treated for injuries he suffered after his mobile home caught fire Saturday at 1970 Beech Street.  According to the Sun Gazette, Lycoming Regional Police say 38year old Dustin Hargenrader escaped his burning home by breaking a front door window and crawling out of the home that was filled with black smoke according to witnesses who called 911 about 2:45 pm.  Volunteer fire companies from Hepburn Township, Old Lycoming Township, Trout Run and DuBoistown responded to the fire that took about 30  minutes to get under control.  Hagenrader was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown.

INDIANA FUGITIVE CAPTURED IN JERSEY SHORE

A 46 year old man wanted in Indiana was taken into custody during an unrelated traffic stop in Jersey Shore on Saturday.  According to Lycoming Regional Police, they initiated a stop for a traffic violation along the 800 block of Allegheny Street and while interviewing the driver, could not get a positive identity of his passenger who said he had no ID. Police then requested a search of the vehicle, which turned up a bag of suspected methamphetamine and an Indiana driver’s license for Stephen Dale McMullen, of Plainfield, Indiana, the passenger, who was discovered to be a fugitive from justice.  He was charged with giving false identification to police and drug offenses, and was committed to Lycoming County Prison on 100 thousand dollars bail.

BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY LOOKING FOR NEW BASKETBALL COACH

Bucknell director of athletics and recreation Jermaine Truax announced last week that Nathan Davis will be leaving the program to pursue other opportunities following eight seasons as head coach of the men’s basketball program. Davis compiled a 129-115 record during his eight seasons as head coach and guided the Bison to NCAA tournament appearances in 2017 and 2018. He also served a five-year stint as an assistant coach at Bucknell from 2003-08. Bucknell will immediately launch a national search to identify the next head coach of the men’s basketball program.

MAN THREATENS LIQUOR STORE EMPLOYEE, STABS BYSTANDER

A Middleburg man faces criminal attempted murder of the first degree and other felonies after he threated a state store employee and attacked a bystander Saturday morning.  According to Mifflinburg Police report that around 10:30 am, Barry Eugene Kline entered the Mifflinburg Fine Wine and Good Spirits Store in the Chestnut Street Plaza and took a bottle of rum, while displaying a knife to the store attendant.  Police say Kline and stabbed a victim in the back before fleeing and was later taken into custody without incident. The unnamed victim was transported and remains in stable condition at the Geisinger Medical Center. Kline is incarcerated at the Union County Jail with his bail set at $250,000.

EXPLOSIVE ITEM FOUND AT STATE COLLEGE AIRPORT

A suspicious item was found in the University Park Airport last Saturday evening causing an evacuation on the same day thousands of college students were leaving State College for Spring Break. According to the  Center Daily Times, the item, found in a piece of checked luggage on Friday evening around 6:30 pm shut down operations and grounded flights. Hours later, Penn State Police issued a statement just ahead of 11 pm and advised the hazardous device team was able to “render safe” the bag and its contents. Normal flight operations resumed Sunday  at 4 am.

NEW LYCOMING COUNTY DEPUTY CORONER

Lycoming County Commissioners have approved the addition of Kathryn Kiessling as the Lycoming County Chief Deputy Coroner. As reported by the SUN Gazette, the position of Chief Deputy Coroner was open due to the unexpected passing of Jerrold Ross in January. Kiessling leaves her position as administrative assistant in the coroner’s office and will assume her new role on March 5.  The Lycoming County Commissioners will meet again on March 9th at 10 am.

RUFFED GROUSE STUDY

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is seeking the public’s help in conducting a genetics study for the Pennsylvania state bird – the Ruffed Grouse – in cooperation with Pennsylvania State University. The Game Commission is encouraging Pennsylvanians to report the location of any “tame” grouse they see this spring by sending an email to the Game Commission with the date of the sighting, location of the encounter and a description of the grouse’s behavior – they should also include their name and phone number. For more details see the Pa Game Commission website.

SPORTS

P I-AA District 4 Basketball – Saturday
Boys – Class 3A Championship
Troy 50 North Penn Mansfield
Girls – Class 3A Championship
Mount Carmel 37  Loyalsock 32

NCAA Men’s Basketball
Senior Day at the Jordan Center yesterday, Penn State came back from 15 points down with only 12 minutes to go … Cam Wynter hit the game winning shot with under a second to go, for a dramatic 65-64 win over number 21 Maryland.  The Nittany Lions head to Chicago next for the Big Ten tournament on Thursday. 

Penn State 65     Maryland 64
Houston 67         Memphis 65
Purdue 76           Illinois 71
Indiana 75                    Michigan 73 OT

NFL
Mill Hall native Robbie Gould says he won’t return to kick for the San Francisco 49ers and plans to test free agency.  Gould is 10th all-time in points scored during his 18 year career, including 6 with the 49ers. 

NBA
Suns 130              Mavericks 126
Pacers 125           Bulls 122  
Lakers 113           Warriors 105
Nets 102               Hornets 86
Trailblazers 122   Magic 119
Rockets 142         Spurs 110
Thunder 129        Jazz 119
Knicks 131                     Celtics 129 2OT
Bucks 117           Wizards 111
Clippers 135        Grizzlies 129


NHL
Flyers 3                          Red Wings 1
Hurricanes 6                  Lightning 0
Golden Knights 4                     Canadians 3
Devils 5                         Coyotes 4
Kraken 3                        Avalanche 2


NASCAR
William Byron captured the checkered flag in overtime yesterday in Las Vegas at the Pennzoil 400, edging out Kyle Larson who was 2nd followed by Alex Bowman in a 1-2-3 for Hendrick Motorsports. Bubba Wallace was 4th and Christopher Bell 5th.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 3, 2023

MORE CHARGES FOR ALLEGED BLOW MOLD THIEF

As the scope of the thefts into blow mold Christmas decoration thefts in  our area becomes more clear through police investigation, one of two who were charged in November for receiving stolen property has been handed more charges for the thefts.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say Christopher Fraunfelter of South Williamsport is connected to thefts at six properties in South Williamsport and Duboistown and waived his preliminary hearing earlier this week.  Farunfelter is free on 15 thousand dollars bail.

ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

A suspect has been taken into custody for the armed robbery that occurred in Hughesville last November 18th at the Citgo gas station on North Main Street.  According to State Police, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Connor J. Winter after a thorough investigation, and he was arrested yesterday.  Winter was arrainged in Lycoming County court and has been committed to Lycoming County Prison on 99 thousand dollars bail.

CAMERAS FOR THE STORM DRAIN SYSTEM IN LOYALSOCK

In relation to being in compliance with a municipal separate sewer storm system mandate from the DEP, Loyalsock Township Supervisors approved a purchase for a camera system to view the storm sewers from the inside. According to the Sun Gazette, Loyalsock Town manager Bill Burdette says the robotic camera purchase thanks to the MS4 mandate, will ultimately help reduce pollution in storm water runoff through the system of conveyances like the storm drains, pipes and ditches that collect it.  The cost of the camera system is 107 thousand dollars.

TEACHER’S UNION ASKS FOR BETTER SALARIES

The Pennsylvania State Education Association is asking lawmakers in PA to boost starting salaries for classroom professionals and support personnel in order to combat labor shortages and improve the candidate pool for the jobs for which they are trying to hire. According to the Daily Item, the PSEA seeks a statutory minimum salary of $60,000 for certified teachers and $20 hourly for support staff like bus drivers and cafeteria workers. The minimum salary for teachers allowed by state law is $18,500 and is unchanged since 1989, but on average in the Commonwealth  salaries for teachers are at about 46 thousand dollars. 

DUI FOR BEAVERTOWN MAN WHO CRASHED INTO HOUSE

A Beavertown man who crashed his car into a home in January and just missed the resident who was sitting inside in his living room by inches, is facing charges in Snyder County Court.  According to North Central PA dot com, 20 year old Kobe Douglas Strawser said slippery conditions caused him to crash into the home in West Beaver Township.  Police say Strawser was impaired when he lost control of his Buick Regal while going an estimated 100 miles per hour, striking the carport of Robert Smith’s home and a car parked at at 22276 Route 522.  Streawser was charged with DUI, reckless endangerment and other offenses.  His preliminary hearing is March 28th. 

PA MAN ARRESTED FOR HAVING EXPLOSIVE DEVICE AT AIRPORT

A man from Pennsylvania is in custody after police stopped him trying to get on a flight at the Lehigh Valley Airport headed for Orlando Florida with a explosive device hidden in his suitcase Monday.  According to NPR, an alarm was triggered when Marc Muffley tried to check the bag with a device inside that an FBI safety bomb technician said contained parts that were consistent with an explosive item.  TSA agents attempted to detain Muffley at the airport, but were unsuccessful.  They later arrested him at his Lansford, PA home and was arraigned in court yesterday.

STARBUCKS REBUILD COMING NEXT YEAR

2024 should see a brand new Starbucks rebuilt in the River Valley Plaza after discussions about the plans for it happened this week with the Williamsport City Council Economic Revitalization Committee.  According to the Sun Gazette, the developer of the River Valley Plaza, Rick Mahonski has already secured some funding for the plaza through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program and is working with Starbucks to coordinate their rebuild project of the new store that is expected to be a regional draw. The consulting Firm Penn Strategies says the Williamsport Starbucks is considered the second busiest in the state after the one in State College.

SPRING BREAK TRAFFIC TODAY IN BELLEFONTE

Penn DOT is reminding motorists of the extra traffic and messy weather that could complicate Friday afternoon in Bellefonte, as Penn State dismisses the students from campus for Spring Break.  According to North Central PA dot com, 99 Northbound sees heavy congestion as drivers head to I-80.  Changeable message signs will be activated in the area and drivers may see PA state and PennDOT on hand.  Motorists are encouraged to use 511PA dot com before you leave to check road conditions in Pennsylvania.

SPORTS

P IAA District 4 Basketball Playoffs
Girls Basketball
Class A Championship
Meadowbrook Christian 57    St John Neumann 47 OT
Class AA Championship
South Williamsport 49 Line Mountain 19
Class AA Consolation
Northwest Area 41                  Northeast Bradford 38 OT
Boys Basketball
Class A Consolation
North Penn Liberty 39   Galeton 21

GIRLS
Class AAAA Finals Tonight 6pm
Central Columbia vs Jersey Shore @ Milton HS
Class AAA Final Saturday 3pm
Mount Carmel vs Loyalsock  @ Milton HS,
Class AAAA Consolation  Saturday 1:30pm
Shamokin vs Lewisburg Milton HS

BOYS
Class 3A Consolation Tonight at 6pm
Loyalsock vs Warrior Run @ Montoursville HS
Class 3A Final Saturday 7pm
Mansfield vs Troy @ Mansfield University

NBA
Mavericks  133 76ers 126
Wizards 119       Raptors 108
Spurs 110           Pacers 99
Warriors 115      Clippers 91

NCAA Men’s Basketball
Houston 83         Wichita State 66
UCLA 79            Arizona State 61
Purdue 63           Wisconsin 61
Arizona 87          USC 81
NHL Penguins 5          Lightning 4
Bruins 7              Sabers 1
Kraken 5             Red Wings 4 (OT)
Predators 2          Panthers 1
Senators 5           Rangers 3
Stars 5                 Blackhawks 2
Maple Leafs 2     Flames 1
Wild 2                 Canucks 1
Kings 3                Canadiens 2
Blues 6                Sharks 3

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