BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 31, 2023

VIOLENT CRASH SHUTS DOWN EAST THIRD STREET

State police are investigating a crash that happened on East Third Street yesterday around 1:30pm and sent one driver to the hospital.  According to the Sun Gazette, witnesses say a three car collision happen at Westminster Drive with one of the cars, a Mazda, flipping up in the air and landing on its roof.  Crews from Loyalsock Township and South Williamsport responded to the scene and extricated the driver from the Mazda and transported her to UPMC Williamsport.  No one else was hurt in the crash.

MURDER CHARGES THROWN OUT

Third degree murder charges against a 21 year old Williamsport woman who gave birth to a premature baby at home, who later died, have been thrown out by a Williamsport district judge, but charges of felony endangering the welfare of a child were upheld.  According to the Sun Gazette, District judge Christian Frey said no evidence supports that Chemari Truax acted with malice in the death of the baby, there were only her reactions to a confusing, unanticipated birth at home. Truax called the hospital that night and brought the infant to the ER an hour after delivery, however resuscitative efforts were not successful.  Truax is free on bail.

TEEN SUFFERS FROM SELF-INFLICTED GUNSHOT

A teenager from Williamsport suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his hand Wednesday just after 3:30pm.  According to the Sun Gazette, Williamsport police say the accidental shooting happened at the 900 block of Poplar Street that brought paramedics to the scene and transported the boy to UPMC Williamsport.  City police originally thought there was more than one party involved in the shooting, but are now trying to determine who owns the gun and how the minor had the weapon in his possession.  

NO MORE INPATIENT SERVICES AT UPMC LOCK HAVEN

UPMC Lock Haven will no longer be admitting patients to the hospital as inpatients, instead transitioning the facility to an Emergency Outpatient Emergency Department this spring.  According to the Lock Haven Express, president of UPMC Lock Haven, Ron Reynolds, said March 29th was the last day the hospital admitted inpatients and the hospital will begin the transition this Monday.  Reynolds said 18 of 25 employees from the inpatient side of the hospital have moved jobs within the UPMC system, and that Williamsport Regional Medical Center keeps 4-5 inpatient beds open on a daily basis to accommodate patients being treated at Lock Haven’s ER. The hospital will be recognized with the new designation as Emergency Outpatient Emergency Department on April 20th and the services are to begin April 21st.

UPCOMING VOTE WILL DECIDE FATE OF LOCAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The fate of the Salladasburg Elementary School building is coming in April when the Jersey Shore area school board will vote on student placement and whether to close one of the three elementary schools in the district.  According to the Sun Gazette, there are three scenarios the school board is considering.  Scenario A which is the only one that closes the Salladasburg building, would move k-3 students to Jersey Shore elementary and grades 4 & 5 go to Avis elementary.  Scenario B Jersey Shore gets all students in grades 3-5 and Avis and Salladasburg would each take half the k-2 grade students.  Scenario C would keep all the buildings k-5, but students would be shifted to other buildings for equal class sizes.  The board will meet April 24th to discuss the scenarios and vote.

SECOND FLOOR APARTMENT NEAR IUP COLLAPSES

Twelve people were injured after the second floor of an off-campus apartment at Indiana University of Pennsylvania collapsed Saturday night.  According to State police and social media the apartment was about a mile from campus and the floor caved in just before midnight.  It’s not clear whether all the people who were injured were IUP students – but police say everyone inside the apartment escaped – some having to break windows to get out of the structure.  Seven people were hospitalized and are being evaluated after the accident.  State police are investigating the cause of the collapse.

ACCIDENT VICTIM CAN FILE PUNATIVE DAMAGES

A woman from Nebraska who was seriously injured in the multi- vehicle pile-up in Clinton County along I-80 in December of 2020, will be allowed to pursue punitive damages in federal court.  According to the Sun Gazette, Bianca Armbruster says in a court filing that the defendants did not drive with proper vigilance or at a safe speed during the snow squall conditions that caused 64 cars and trucks to collide and become stranded in winter conditions.  Two people died in the ordeal and 22 were hurt, including Armbruster.  She is seeking in excess of 75 thousand dollars from the drivers of four rigs the woman said overrode her Jeep on the interstate during the accident.  Nine others are named in the suit but unidentified.

PA LANDMARK TO BE FEATURED ON GHOST HUNTERS

A Pennsylvania landmark will be featured on an upcoming episode of Ghost Hunters on the Travel Channel.  According to PennLive, Lehigh Valley news dot com reports that the George Taylor Mansion built in Catasauqua, Lehigh County in 1768, will be the focus of the May 4 episode.  Recent visitors claim to see ghostly presences in the home, one said to be Taylor himself, who was an Irishman and Philadelphia resident who was an original signer of the Declaration of Independence.  The episode will feature the investigation of the claims done by the Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS).

SPORTS

NCAA Basketball News
Penn State hired a new men’s basketball head coach yesterday. Mike Rhoades is the former head coach of VCU in Richmond, Va and a Pennsylvania native from Mahanoy City.  Rhoades has produced a 373-189 record, seven NCAA Tournament and nine national postseason appearances across 19 seasons as a head coach. 

NCAA Men’s Basketball Final 4 Saturday, April 1
Florida Atlantic vs San Diego State 6pm on CBS
Miami vs UConn 8:45pm on CBS
NCAA Men’s Championship Monday 9:20pm on CBS

Women’s Basketball News – Iowa star Caitlin Clark was awarded Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year yesterday.  Throughout the NCAA tournament so far, Clark had 41 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists in the No. 2 Hawkeyes’ Elite Eight victory over the No. 5 Louisville Cardinals, a win that sent Iowa to the Final Four for the first time since 1993.

NCAA Women’s Basketball Final 4 Friday, March 31
Virginia Tech vs LSU 7pm on ESPN
South Carolina vs Iowa 9pm on ESPN
NCAA Women’s Championship Sunday 3:30pm on ABC

NBA
Bucks 149                    Pacers 136
Nets 123                       Rockets 114
Knicks 101                   Heat 92
76ers 116                      Mavericks 108
Lakers 121                    Bulls 110
Clippers 141                Grizzlies 132
Thunder 107                Pistons 106
Jazz 128                        Spurs 117
Kings 120                     Trailblazers 80
Suns 107                      Timberwolves 100

NHL
Panthers 3           Maple Leafs 2
Islanders 2          Capitals 1
Wild 4                 Avalanche 2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 29, 2023

LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP SECONDARY SCHOOL STILL CLOSED AFTER FIRE

Classes are still out today for Loyalsock Township high school and middle school after a small early morning fire in an office kept students and staff from the building yesterday.  According to the Sun Gazette, Loyalsock Township and Southside firefighters and school maintenance staff responded to alarms that went off about 1:30 am Tuesday.  Montoursville, Eldred Township and DuBoistown also were dispatched to help contain the fire and smoke to one area of the school. Professional cleaning crews took care of smoke damage and safely restored the air quality in the school.  The cause of the fire is not suspicious, but is under investigation by the state police fire marshal.

MUNCY MAN CHARGED WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY

A Muncy man was charged this week with animal cruelty after he locked a neighbor’s dog inside a barn, and refused to let him out August 31st of last year.  According to the Sun Gazette, state police say 45 year old Roland Argot was upset that a 5 month old Australian Shepherd would run onto his property off of Route 442, so he captured the dog and locked him in a stable, refusing release it to the owner.  Argot has been charged with misdemeanor theft and cruelty to animals and was released on 25 hundred dollars bail.

BEEF RECALL DUE TO POTENTIAL E-COLI

Over 34-hundred pounds of beef is being recalled by Elkhorn Valley Packing.  According to North Central PA dot com, the USDA announced the boneless beef chuck product may be contaminated with an E. coli strain. There are no confirmed reports of any reactions to this product, but the product went to distributors, federal establishments, retail locations, and wholesale locations.  Authorities say look for a package date of Feb. 16, 2023. If you have questions email [email protected] or look for serial numbers of the recalled product at www.fsis.usda.gov.

NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY

Today is National Vietnam War Veterans Day, with the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017 signed into law by former President Trump. Today give tribute to those who took part in the Vietnam War from 1959 to 1975.  According to the Sun Gazette, 43 Lycoming County residents who served in the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force and gave the ultimate sacrifice are honored with a special monument at Veterans Memorial Park in Williamsport at Wahoo Drive and W. Fourth Street.  By proclamation, the monument honors Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice, with distinct recognition of former POWs and of those still listed as missing in action.

FORMER LHU STUDENT FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

A former Lock Haven University Student was found guilty of sexual assault a felony of the second degree and misdemeanor indecent assault after a jury deliberated in Clinton County Court for four hours yesterday. According to the Record OnlIne this is the second conviction 22 year old Devon Jarrett Bushor, has been given, but that information was not permitted to be shared with the jury in thE trial that began Friday.  The Clinton County District Attorney Dave Strouse called Bushor a sexual predator but Bushors attorney claimed the young woman was the aggressor. Bushor could be classified as a Sexually Violent Predator after an evaluation and faces a maximum sentence of up to 12 years in a State prison.

ASSAULT SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

A Milton man is a suspect in an assault that occurred Sunday and state police have taken him into custody.  According to police records, they arrived at the home of Scott Alan Derk III of Lunar Lane in West Chillisquaque Township after 5am March 26th  after the victim, 21 year old Jason Hackenberg, told police Derk choked him and hit him in the head with a hammer.  Hackenberg was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and Derk was charged with aggravated assault, strangulation and more.  He is in the Northumberland County prison in lieu of 75 thousand dollars bail with a preliminary hearing coming up April 12th.

BOOKS FOR INMATES WITH LIBRARY GRANT

The Bucknell Community Engagement Fund has recently provided a one thousand dollar grant for the Public Library in Union County to purchase new books for its Prison Outreach program. According to the Daily Item, Kassondera Walters, the library’s Adult Outreach Coordinator said books that are donated or withdrawn from the library’s collection are sent monthly to USP Allenwood Medium Security prison and FCC Allenwood Maximum Security Prison, bu the grant will allow the library to buy newer titles and refresh the collection.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS EVENT FRIDAY IN DANVILLE

Students at Danville High School will host a Hoops for Mental Health this Friday evening in the school’s gymnasium.  According to the Daily Item, a team of kids from the Students Preserving Mental Health Club at Danville Area High School will take on about 25 of  the k-12 faculty who have signed up to participate in the fundraising basketball game.   Three dollar tickets for students and $5 tickets for adults will be available at the door starting just before 6pm Friday and proceeds will support mental health awareness and scholarship funds in honor of students who were recently lost.  There will be a half-time show with DHS cheerleaders and staff with concessions available.

SPORTS

NBA
Hornets 137                 Thunder  134
Wizards 130                 Celtics 111
Hawks 120                   Cavaliers 118  
Raptors 106                  Heat 92
Grizzlies 113                Magic 108  
Warriors  120               Pelicans 109

NHL
Predators 2          Bruins 1
Lightning 4         Hurricanes 0  
Redwings 7         Penguins 4
Rangers 6            Blue Jackets 2
Flyers 3               Canadians 2
Blues 6                Canucks 5
Stars 4                 Blackhawks 1
Flames 2              Kings 1
Oilers 7               Golden Knights 4  
Sharks 3              Jets 0

NCAA Women’s Basketball Final 4 Friday, March 31
Virginia Tech vs LSU 7pm on ESPN
South Carolina vs Iowa 9pm on ESPN
NCAA Women’s Championship Sunday 3:30pm on ABC

NCAA Men’s Basketball Final 4 Saturday, April 1
Florida Atlantic vs San Diego State 6pm on CBS
Miami vs UConn 8:45 on CBS
NCAA Men’s Championship Monday 9:20pm on CBS

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 28, 2023

FATAL MOTORCYCLE CRASH

A Mifflinburg man was thrown from a motorcycle and killed after a crash Sunday evening in Union County.  According to state police at Milton, 34 year old Tyler Reichenbach was traveling west at a high rate of speed along Route 45 and crested a hill in Lewis Township at the same time a car turned into Reichenbach’s path  when entering a driveway.  The Union County Coroner said Reichenbach was fatally struck before he was thrown from the motorcycle, but no other injuries were reported.

CLOTHING COLLECTION FOR DISPLACED FAMILIES IN SUNBURY

After the two alarm fire disrupted the lives of four families Sunday in Sunbury, some area organizations and businesses are organizing to collect clothing for them.  According to WNEP, Sweet Chaos, located on Market Street in Sunbury, is holding a clothing collection for two of the families during their normal business hours and Good Will Hose Company is also hosting a clothing and toys collection for the other two families who also have a dog. There is more information about the needs of the families through links on the Facebook page, “Stay Sunbury Informed and Beyond”.  Two people were hospitalized and over ten others left homeless when a fire tore through a home on Miller Street, also damaging the neighboring homes.  Sunbury fire officials say the blaze was not suspicious.

FLAGS AT HALF-MAST FOR EXPLOSION VICTIMS

Governor Shapiro has ordered Commonwealth flags to fly at half-mast to honor the seven people who died from the powerful explosion at the R.M. Palmer Co. chocolate factory in West Reading Pennsylvania Friday afternoon, as reported by the Daily Item.  Rescue dogs did find one woman alive in the rubble Saturday, but authorities did not release more information beyond that out of the 10 injured patients treated, two were transferred to other facilities, two others admitted and the others had been discharged. State authorities are still trying to determine the cause of the blast.

BRIDGE WORK SHIFTS TRAFFIC

Residents are experiencing traffic changes as construction work is underway on Route 220 west of Williamsport.  According to PennDOT, the next stage in the bridge work by Glenn O. Hawbaker has brought about a traffic shift to the southbound side of the bridge, making traffic unable to make left turns from Queneshaque Road to Route 220 North.  Motorists will now travel 220 south first then use the U-turn lanes at the former Woodward Township elementary school to proceed northbound.  Traffic from Linden will have to use 220 north to the  Grandview jug handle to go south on 220.  Traffic is down to two lanes at 45 miles per hour through Queneshaque Road and Route 220.

ELECTIRCAL FIRE CLOSES LOYALSOCK MIDDLE

The Loyalsock Township Middle school will be closed today due to a minor electrical fire inside the building.  According to Loyalsock Township School District, the students and staff at the secondary campus will not report today, but the elementary school will operate as normal.  According to school administrators, the Loyalsock Township athletic events will take place as scheduled.

POLICE SEARCH FOR BREAK-IN SUSPECT

There was a break-in to a shed and a nearby home along Route 11 and state police at Montoursville say over two thousand dollars-worth of tools were stolen between January first and March 15th.  According to North Central PA dot com, an unknown suspect forced their way into a shed in Jordan Township and took an 18 hundred pound winch and also broke into a home stealing other auto parts, tools, ammunition, and other miscellaneous items. If you have any information about a suspect or whereabouts of the items, call Pennsylvania State police at Montoursville.

FEES TO INCREASE AT COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY

Fee equality at Commonwealth University has caused the price to go up slightly for undergraduates for next year’s fall and spring semesters.  According to the Press-Enterprise, fees are charged to undergraduates are in addition to tuition and the increase for $22 at Bloomsburg is the smallest increase being assessed between the three schools.  Lock Haven students fee increase is $69 and Mansfield’s increase of $84 has been imposed in a tiered increased over the next two years. Total fees for students at Commonwealth University are now $1,650 per semester and generate 13.5 million dollars in income for the schools.

ROUTE 880 TO SEE TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGNALS

Temporary traffic changes are coming to Loganton this week which will remain in place a few months to include alternating traffic signals on the roadway through the beginning of the summer.  According to PennDOT, crews involved in a private project east of 880 require signal lights that will flash until April 4th when the signals transition to full function, forcing an alternating traffic pattern along 880.  PennDOT officials say the work will be in place through June and they will continue to update the public as to when traffic conditions will change.

SPORTS

NCAA Women’s Basketball Elite Eight last night
South Carolina 86       Maryland 75
LSU 54                         Miami 42
Virginia Tech 84          Ohio State 74
Iowa 97                         Louisville 83
NCAA Women’s Basketball Final 4 Friday
Virginia Tech vs LSU at 7pm on ESPN
South Carolina vs Iowa 9pm on ESPN

NBA
Bucks 126                     Pistons 117  
Mavericks 127             Pacers 104
Knicks 137                   Rockets 115
Suns 117                       Jazz 103
Nuggets 116                 76ers 111
Pelicans 124                 Trailblazers 91
Timberwolves 119      Kings 115
Clippers 124                Bulls 112

NHL  
Canadiens 4        Sabers 3
Senators 5           Panthers 2
Islanders  5         Devils 1
Wild 5                 Kracken 1
Avalanche 5        Ducks 1
Oilers 5               Coyotes 4

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 27, 2023

SUSPECT IN BEATING DEATH PLEADS GUILTY

A Watsontown man pled guilty Friday to the beating death of another man, but family members are awaiting trial in the case. According to the Daily Item, Thomas Allen Huffman of Watsontown was accused in the beating death of Richard Leroy Jameson II and then burying him on their property in 2020. Huffman is facing upwards of 40 years in state prison with his sentencing scheduled for June.  In addition to Huffman, his wife Dorothy has been charged and awaits further court proceedings and couple’s nephew,  Kayden Koser, is also to be sentenced on May 26.

NORRY DA WILL NOT BE ON MAY PRIMARY BALLOT

A judge ruled on Friday afternoon that Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Matulewicz will not be appearing on the May primary ballot. After almost four hours and 9 witness’s testimony in Northumberland County Court, Columbia County Senior Judge Thomas James explained that Matulewicz on March 7th missed the 4:30 deadline to file petitions to get on the May primary election ballot. Matulewicz, a Republican, was seeking his third four-year term as district attorney. He must now run as a write-in candidate in the May primary.

CONTROLLED LIVE BURN DRILLS IN WILLIAMSPORT

For the first time in several years, Old Lycoming Township held a controlled live burn exercise at a training class Saturday in a building scheduled for demolition off of Lycoming Creek Road in Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, almost 40 firefighters participated in drills during the training day behind the former Shirn’s Dealership.  Seven state-certified fire instructors led the Structural Burn Session class that included drills for search and rescue and interior-attack operations.  Firefighters from Montoursville, South Williamsport, Trout Run, Nisbet, DuBoistown and Old Lycoming and Loyalsock Townships participated in the class.

PA MENTORED TROUT DAY SUCCESSFUL

Mentored Youth Trout Day was last Saturday.  Licensed adult mentors and  youth anglers ages 15 and under spent the day on hundreds of waters in all 67 counties of the Commonwealth.  Trout stocking events continue this week in Lycoming County in Hoagland Run, Lycoming Creek, Mill Creek in Warrensville, Pine Creek, Pleasant Stream and Rock Run. For a detailed list, go to fishandboat.com. Opening day for Trout Season is this Saturday, April 1 at 8 am.

THIRD DEGREE MURDER CHARGES QUESTIONED

A Lycoming County judge questioned third degree murder charges last week against a young mother who on March 7th gave birth to a newborn that later died at UPMC Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, 21 year old Chermari Truax, who has been incarcerated since the day after giving birth is accused of allegedly not seeking medical attention for the newborn who was breathing when she brought it to the emergency room.  According to Penn Live, Chief Deputy Coroner Kathryn Keissling told the court there is no autopsy report on the infant at this time.  Judge Christian Frey allowed supervised bail for Truax, who has no criminal record, at 95 thousand dollars.

SUNBURY FIRE DISPLACES THREE FAMILIES

A two alarm fire in Sunbury Sunday sent two people to the hospital and displaced about a dozen residents.  According to Northumberland County Communications, a fire call occurred at about 11:30-am Sunday to the 11hundred block of Miller Street, and a second call went out a few minutes later.  Crews who first arrived said flames were coming out of the roof and the fire damaged two neighboring homes.  According to the Sunbury fire officials the invstigation continues today, but it’s not being considered a suspicious fire. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help Holly Kenworthy and the other families affected by the blaze.

WEEKEND BIKE RACE COULD AFFECT TRAFFIC IN WHITE DEER

Motorists who travel in Union County are advised a bicycle race next weekend may impact travel in White Deer and Kelly Townships.  According to the Daily Item, on Saturday April 1 residents will see bicycle traffic from 8am until 4pm Roadways along Pleasant View Road, Cross Roads Drive, Sunrise Road, Fort Titzell Road, and New Columbia Road.  Residents along the race course were to be notified by race organizers, the Bucknell Cycling Team. You can check conditions statewide 24/7 at 511pa.com.

SHREDDING EVENT FOR EARTH DAY

In observance of Earth Day, Geisinger will host free community shred events across northeastern and central Pennsylvania throughout the month of April with the ones closest to us, at the Jersey Shore Geisinger April 11th 7-11am and April 17th at Geisinger Muncy from 7 to 11am with two other events the next weekends in Bloomsburg and Danville. Employees and members of the public are invited to bring any personal or professional confidential documents — such as bank statements, credit card bills and tax forms — to be securely shredded on-site and recycled.  Each person is limited to three boxes. 

SPORTS

PIAA 1A State Championship
The Union High School girls basketball team beat Lourdes Regional, 46-29, on Friday afternoon at the GIANT Center in Hershey to win their first State title.
NCAA Men’s Basketball Elite Eight
Saturday
UConn 82                     Gonzaga 54 West region
Florida Atlantic 79      Kansas State 76 East
Sunday
Miami 88                      Texas 81 MidWest
San Diego State 57      Creighton 56 South region
That sets up the Final 4 next Saturday, April 1
Florida Atlantic vs San Diego State at 6pm on CBS  & Miami vs UConn 8:45 on CBS

NBA
Hornets 110                 Mavericks 104
Bulls 118                      Lakers 108
Grizzlies 123                Hawks 119
Celtics 137                   Spurs 93
Cavaliers 108               Rockets 91
Magic 119                    Nets 106
Raptors 114                  Wizards 104
Thunder 118                Trailblazers 112
Timberwolves 99         Warriors 96

NHL
Avalanche 4                 Coyotes 3
Bruins 4                        Hurricanes 3
Canucks 4                     Blackhawks 2
Maple Leafs 3              Predators 2
Kings 7                         Blues 6
Flyers defeated the Red Wings on Saturday 3-0 and Pens beat the Capitals 4-3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 24, 2023

LIFE IN PRISON FOR MURDERER OF WILLIAMSPORT MOM

The man who was accused of killing Heather Cohick in the doorway of her Williamsport apartment in September of 2022 with her toddler son looking on, plead guilty in Lycoming County Court yesterday and was given life without the possibility of parole.  According to the Sun Gazette, 39 year old Tyree Cleveland of Berks County also confessed to robbing a Family Dollar clerk at gunpoint and stealing cash three days before Cohick’s death.  Cleveland received an additional consecutive 20 to 40 years in addition to the life sentence for first-degree murder, robbery and charges for a felon possessing a firearm. 

DUI CHARGES IN ONE CAR ACCIDENT

A man from Sunbury is facing charges after he was involved in a violent one car wreck on Route 225 in Jackson Township March 17th.  According to Stonington State police, 25 year old Keith Elliott was driving south on 225 in Northumberland County before 3am, when he swerved between on and off road, striking two utility poles, causing the car to catch fire.  Troopers say he escaped from the car and was wearing his seatbelt.  Elliott suffered minor injuries from the crash and will face DUI charges as a result.

PENNDOT LITTER CLEAN UP ON AREA HIGHWAYS

PennDOT will continue their spring litter clean-up project in Lycoming County next week.  According to a press release, PennDOT maintenance crews in Lycoming County will continue picking up litter next week along Interstate 180 and Routes 220 and 15.  Watch for crews to continue the work through March 31st weather permitting.  You can check the roadways all across Pennsylvania 24/7 by going online to 511PA dot com for real time road conditions.

FIRETREE PLACE SEEKS SUMMER VOLUNTEERS

Firetree Place is non-profit community center in the heart of downtown Williamsport that is focused towards youth development and they are seeking volunteers for summer programs.  According to their website, positions are available for help during Summer Camp, Williamsport Youth Football & Cheer, and recreational and educational programs and much more with clearances required. Volunteers can go online for information and to fill out an application at firetreeplace dot org. 

FOUR CHARGED WITH KIDNAPPING IN SHAMOKIN

Three Coal Township men and one from Shamokin Dam were arrested for felony kidnapping and assault after they injured a 16-year old at a Coal Township Home March 12.  According to the Daily Item, police say 21 year old William and 20 year old Silas Latorre, 24 year old Brandon Colon and 26 year old Rasha Williams, entered the home and trapped the resident inside while they allegedly tried to steal a phone.  The victim was hit in the back of the head with a weapon and later treated for his injuries.  The four were charged and will appear in Shamokin District Court, with an investigation ongoing.

MAN ATTEMPTS TO STOP INVESTIGATION

A Lock haven man has been charged and taken into custody after attempting to stop an officer from detaining a person during an investigation.  According to the Record Online, Lock Haven police say 30 year old Mark Renzo lunged at an officer on North Vesper Street at about 2am last Sunday, grabbing him around the waist and pushing him.  Renzon was charged with obstructing justice and aggravated assault. He was arrested and charged.

NO ADOPTIONS FEES IN DANVILLE SATURDAY

The Danville SPCA is full to the brim with dogs and the facility will waive all the adoptions feesfor dogs on Saturday between 12:30 and 6pm.  According to North Central PA dot com, officials at the Danville SPCA sponsoring the Saturday adoption event hope  to find homes for many of the dogs housed there and open up space for more dogs that will come in.  The adoption fees are being waived, but all other adoption processes and policies will be followed.  Get information about the SPCA policies and procedures for adopting at pspca.org.

LHU WRESTLER HONORED

Lock Haven University’s Anthony Noto, the 125 pound wrestler from Lima New York, who secured Division I All-American status this spring with a 4th place finish at the 2023 Championships, has been named the 2022-23 Mid-American Conference Wrestler of the Year.  Noto also secured his second individual MAC title on March 4th in only his second year at LHU.  Noto was named the MAC freshman of the year at the end of his first season with the Bald Eagles.

SPORTS

PIAA State HS Basketball Championships

Lourdes Regional will face District 7 champion Union Area in the title game today.  They tipped off at Hershey’s Giant Center at noon. 

NCAA Men’s Basketball
(3)Gonzaga 79              (2)UCLA 76
UConn 88                     Arkansas 65
Kansas State 98           Michigan State 93
Florida Atlantic 62      Tennessee 55
NCAA Men’s Basketball – Sweet 16 continues tonight
(5) San Diego State vs (1) Alabama at 6:30pm TBS
(5) Miami vs (1) Houston 7:15pm CBS
(15) Princeton vs (6)Creighton 9pm TBS
(3)Xavier vs (2)Texas  9:45pm CBS

NBA
Pelicans 115         Hornets 96
Magic 111             Knicks 106
Cavaliers 116       Nets 114
Clippers 127        Thunder 105

NHL
Flyers 5                Wild 4
Bruins 4               Canadians 2
Rangers 2             Hurricanes 1
Blues 4                 Red Wings 3  
Maple Leafs 6      Panthers 2
Senators 7            Lightning 2
Capitals 6             Blackhawks 1
Predators 2                     Kraken 1
Golden Knights 3           Flames 2
Stars 3                  Penguins 2
Jets 3                              Ducks 2
Canucks 7            Sharks 2
NASCAR Sunday
Echopark Automotive Grand Prix from the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas – Pre-race coverage starts at 2:30pm on the Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network or WILQ’s HD3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 23, 2023

POLICE ARREST SUSPECT AT LOCAL BAR

A Williamsport man accused of choking, stabbing and punching a 51 year old relative at a home on Bent Road was taken into custody at Kelly’s Grill in W. Fourth Street after an arrest warrant had been issued for him March 21st.  According to North Central PA dot com, 30 year old Alex Gary Morgan allegedly caused injury to the victim with knives from the home Tuesday and fled before emergency crews arrived and transported the victim to the UPMC Susquehanna Emergency Room.  Following an investigation, Morgan was found at the local bar and arrested.  He was charged with second degree felony strangulation and aggravated assault and more, and is being held at the Lycoming County Prison on 50 thousand dollars monetary bail.

SPACE HEATER CAUSED MOBILE HOME FIRE

Fire officials suspect it’s a space heater that caused the Wednesday morning fire that damaged a Lycoming Creek Road mobile home.  According to the Sun Gazette, the family of five and their two dogs escaped the blaze that started in a back bedroom around 4am. One family member was not home at the time.  It took firefighters from Hepburn and Old Lycoming Township, Trout Run and Duboistown about 30 minutes to contain the fire.

NEW BOWMAN FIELD RENTAL AGREEMENT APPROVED

A rental agreement was recently approved for Historic Bowman field in Williamsport and fees to use the facility could increase as a result of the need for maintaining the facilities and upgraded equipment.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Muncy Bank and Trust holds the naming rights of the field in a six year agreement with the City of Williamsport, and Williamsport City Council members say it has been several years since the rental agreement has been revisited for use of the park by private groups.  The base fee for rental of the park at this time is $800 dollars.  Bowman Field is the second-oldest ballpark in minor-league baseball in the United States which opened in 1926.

UNION COUNTY RESIDENTS CAN RECYCLE HAZARDOUS WASTE

A hazardous waste collection event is happening this Friday and Saturday in Union County.  Union County residents can bring household and agriculture chemical waste materials like aerosols, batteries, flammables, pesticides, pool and lawn chemicals, and automotive products, as well as cooking grease, mercury thermometers, fire extinguishers and more.  The full list of acceptable and unacceptable materials is at unioncountypa.org.  The event is at the Silvermoon Flea Market in Lewisburg Friday from 10 til 4 and Saturday 8 to 2pm with proof of Union County residency required. 

BARN FIRE NEAR JERSEY SHORE

A barn fire near Jersey Shore could be seen for miles yesterday around 6:30 pm.  According to WNEP, many firefighters from Clinton and Lycoming Counties responded to the blaze that had the barn on the property in Oval Limestone Township completely engulfed in flames.  Officials from the Nippenose Valley Volunteer Fire Company report the fire began from a diesel motor used for the equipment to milk cows.  Water was hauled in tankers from about 4 miles away.  No firefighters, Amish residents or animals were harmed, and all the cows got out of the barn.  Crews took about 2 hours getting the huge blaze under control and then put out hotspots for several more hours.  The community plans to start work Saturday on replacing the barn.

MAN ARRESTED FOR PUNCHING COP AFTER DOMESTIC INCIDENT

A Williamsport man who state police said they were only going to cite for a domestic disturbance, got belligerent with officers and ended up being arrested March 7th at his Lycoming Creek Road home.  According to North Central PA dot com, officers took handcuffs off 33 year old Allen Smith once they determined there was no more threat from the man, he began to head-butt a brick wall showing the officers that a metal plate kept him from feeling anything.  When Smith was ordered to stop by officers when he began to bleed, he punched a state trooper with a closed fist. He was charged with second-degree felony aggravated assault, simple assault, and resisting arrest and is being held on 50 thousand dollars monetary bail.

EASTER DISPLAY APPROVED TO BE IN LOCK HAVEN

There will be an Easter installation in Lock Haven’s Triangle Park from April 1-10th, which was approved by the Lock Haven City Council on Monday.  According to the Lock Haven Express, a request to place three wooden crosses on a platform in the park is an acceptable display since it falls within the range of parameters regarding religious displays in public areas.   The display was requested by Zelma Lang and William Stankiewicz and will be included with other Easter decorations chosen by Downtown Lock Haven, Incorporated.

FREE MEDICAL CLINIC IN SPRINGS MILLS THIS WEEKEND

A Centre County non-profit that provides dental, vision and medical care clinics will offer free services this weekend at Penns Valley Elementary School in Springs Mills.  According to North Central PA dot com, Remote Area Medical (RAM) will take patients starting at 6am Saturday until noon Sunday.  The parking lot at 4528 Penns Valley Road, Spring Mills will open at exactly midnight Friday with services on a first-come first-serve basis.  Lab work will be available. No ID is required. Find out more details on Facebook “RAM Free Clinic – Spring Mills, Pa”.

SPORTS

HS Softball
Montoursville 14                  Warrior Run 5
Northeast Bradford 14              Montrose 2
Towanda 9                                   Williamson 2
Juniata 8                                 Selinsgrove 0

Baseball
Towanda 10                           Williamson 6
Bloomsburg 7                        Berwick 1
Selinsgrove 12                       East Pennsboro 4

Girls Lacrosse
Selinsgrove 20                       Bellefonte 10

Boys Lacrosse
Danville 11                            Lewisburg 8

NCAA Men’s Basketball
* The University of Notre Dame reports their next men’s basketball coach is Penn State’s Micah Shrewsberry.   After just two years in Happy Valley, Shrewsberry will sign a 7-year contract to lead the Fighting Irish.  The school is expected to make a formal announcement tomorrow. The coaching change comes after Mike Brey leaves after 23 seasons. 
Tonight Sweet 16 East & West Regions
(7)Michigan State vs (3)Kansas State 6:30 pm TBS
(8) Arkansas vs (4) UConn 7:15pm CBS
(9) Florida Atlantic vs (4) Tennessee  9pm TBS
(3) Gonzaga vs (2) UCLA  9:45pm CBS

NBA
Nuggets 118                 Wizards 104
Heat 127                       Knicks 120
Pacers 118                    Raptors 114  
Warriors 127                Mavericks 125
76ers 116                      Bulls 91
Grizzlies  130               Rockets 125
Bucks 130                    Spurs 94  
Timberwolves 125      Hawks 124
Trailblazers 127           Jazz 115
Lakers 122                    Suns 111

NHL
Penguins 5          Avalanche 2
Oilers 4               Coyotes 3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 22, 2023

SECOND MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE

A young man from New Jersey is now the second person officially charged in an attempted homicide case in Williamsport from last September.  According to the Sun Gazette, Keyon A White is now facing the charges from when he and accomplice allegedly went to Lila Lane in the Newberry neighborhood and fired gunshots inside two residences.  Nazir Thrower was charged last week and both suspects are being held in Lycoming County prison.  Both have been denied bail. 

POSTAL CARRIERS INDICTED FOR STEALING MAIL

Three people who were Pennsylvania postal carriers have been indicted in federal court over allegedly stealing pieces of mail in 2022.  According to North Central pa dot com, 38 year old Adam Gallager of Rochester, 39 year old Christina Ankney of Braddock and 47 year old India Schatzman of McKees Rocks have each been accused by the US Postal Inspection Service of stealing mail and may face a prison sentence of 5 years, a fine of up to 250 thousand dollars or both.  If you have information about mail theft or other postal crimes, call 1-877-876-2455,  or go online at postalinspectors.uspis.gov.

ROAD CLOSURE TONIGHT ON ROUTE 6

PennDOT is reporting a road closure for today in Sullivan Township in Tioga County.  According to a press release, Route 6 is going to be closed in both directions tonight for police activity.  Drivers along that route can expect a detour in place between the hours of 7:30 and 10pm between Bungy Road and Elk Run Road in Sullivan Township.  You can check 511PA dot com anytime for road conditions and closures around the state.

SHAPIRO ANNOUNCES NEW MILITARY LICENSE PLATES

The Department of Transportation is offering new license plates honoring Pennsylvania’s military members and their families.  The Air Medal plate, Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans license plate and the Blue Star Family license plate are all available by special application available at dmv.pa.gov.  According to an announcement by the Shapiro Administration, recently passed legislation allows plates for passenger cars or trucks for a fee of $23.  Retired Brig. Gen. of PA Maureen Weigl and Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs said the plates that will be seen throughout the Commonwealth; remind citizens that we owe a debt of gratitude to all who served to defend our freedom.

SCI ROCKVIEW INMATE FOUND UNRESPONSIVE IN CELL

A 61year old inmate at the State Correctional Institution at Rockview was found to be unresponsive when found in his cell and later died Mount Nittany Medical Center on March 6th.  According to North Central PA dot com, emergency crews responded and attempted to revive Andrew Yuhas who passed away at 7:30am.  Deemed a sexually violent predator, Yuhas was serving a 16- 32 year sentence for rape in Luzerne County and  had been in the facility since November of 1998.  State police will conduct an investigation and the Centre County Coroner has yet to determine the official cause of death.

TRACTOR TRAILER CRASH IN SHAMOKIN DAM

A tractor trailer carrying cat food overturned on Routes 11-15 in Shamokin Dam Monday morning and slowed traffic for several hours near the W&L Collision Center.  According to the Daily item, as 48 year old Hector Baez of Lancaster, PA, turned left from Route 11 to 11-15 and the rig overturned in the right southbound lane.  Authorities took a few hours to clean the overturned cargo, and cited Baez for traveling too fast.  He was not injured in the accident.

PA WEATHER STATION NETWORK EXPANSION PLANNED

Penn State is planning to expand an already 17 station Environmental Monitoring Network in Pennsylvania to 50 stations across the commonwealth to provide enhanced surveillance of atmospheric and soil conditions. According to the Sun Gazette, the network now is located mostly at Penn State Campus facilities, state parks, airports and more.  The expanded network is planned for k-12 state schools with the goal of having a weather station in every county, in an effort to get real-time environmental data into the schools for educational programs.

NEW BASKETBALL COACH AT BUCKNELL

Bucknell’s director of athletics and recreation, Jermaine Truax has announced that they have chosen their new men’s basketball coach.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Bison’s men’s basketball program welcomes the return of John Griffin, III, who graduated from Bucknell in 2008.  Griffin went to the NCAA Tournament 4 times, as a player in 2005 and 2006 and as an assistant coach in2017 and 2018.  Griffin becomes the 22nd coach of the Bison’s men’s basketball program after his position as associate head coach at Saint Joseph’s University. 

SPORTS

PIAA State Championships
Girls Basketball

Class 1A Semi-Finals
Lourdes Regional 34             Mountain View 33
HS SPORTS
Baseball – Southrn Columbia 16    CMVT 2

Softball – Mifflinburg 3                  Selinsgrove 0

Boys Lacrosse
            Lewisburg 14            Mifflinburg 4
            Selinsgrove 10          Lake-Lehman 2

Boys Tennis – Wellsboro 5 Cowanesque Valley 0

NBA
Magic 122           Wizards 112
Hawks 129          Pistons 107
Cavaliers 115      Nets 109
Pelicans 119        Spurs 84
Celtics 132          Kings 109
Thunder 101        Clippers 100

NHL
Bruins 2               Senators 1
Predators 7          Sabers 3
Canadiens 3         Lightning 2
Hurricanes 3        Rangers 2
Wild 2                  Devils 1
Flyers 6                Panthers 3
Blue Jackets 7     Capitals 6
Islanders 7           Maple Leafs 2
Red Wings 3        Blues 2
Jets 2                    Coyotes 1
Kracken 5            Stars 4
Flames 5              Ducks 1
Golden Knights 4 Canucks 3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 21, 2023

WILLIAMSPORT WOMAN ARRESTED AFTER A HIT AND RUN

A Williamsport woman was arrested February 24th for resisting arrest and other charges after police had to forcibly remove her from her vehicle following her involvement in a hit and run.  According to the Sun Gazette, court records say 32 year old Sarah Valencia was seen by police at the accident scene in a nearby alley after she rammed her car into a parked pickup truck on the 900 block of High Street.  Valencia then attempted to evade police in her car, but was stopped on High Street and kicked an officer while being taken into custody.  She has been arraigned and released on 75 thousand dollars bail.

MAN CHARGED WITH MISDEMEANOR STRANGULATION

A Thompsontown man has been charged after strangling his step-daughter’s ex-boyfriend on February 24th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 34 year old John Steward Leach was arguing with the victim and allegedly closed his hands around the man’s throat causing the victim to turn purple.  Williamsport police were called to the scene and interviewed the victim and a witness after 7pm.  Police said Leach has been charged with second degree misdemeanor strangulation and has been jailed with no bail listed and has a preliminary hearing April 27th.

BILL PROPOSED TO BAN ASSAULT WEAPONS IN PA

Two Philadelphia area lawmakers are proposing a bill that will ban assault weapons in the state.  According to WHTM, the bill would outlaw over 150 models of guns, and the sale of gun magazines with the capacity of more than 10 rounds.  In addition there would be a voluntary buy back program for guns under the legislation.  State Senators Santasiero of Bucks County and John Kane of Chester and Delaware counties say military weapons have no place in a civilian society, and that their bill would mirror the legislation enacted in Connecticut after Sandy Hook.

GRANT WILL IMPROVE OLD LYCO FIRE DEPARTMENT BUILDING

A million dollar state grant has been given to Old Lycoming Township Fire Company for upgrades and renovations that should begin after plans are complete this summer.  According to WNEP, Chief Joseph Hopple says updates to the 33 year old building are coming, including an addition of more than 3000 square feet which will include an upgraded kitchen, space for volunteers to stay overnight, a decontamination shower and more.  According to the Sun Gazette, the grant was made possible through gaming money, secured by Representative Joe Hamm Hopple says the facility will be brought up to the 21st century.

WOMAN KILLED BY NEIGHBORS DOGS

A Perry County woman was mauled to death by two Great Danes at her neighbors home where she was caring for their pets while they were out of town.  According to Penn Live, 38 year old Kristen Potter of New Bloomfield entered the home to feed the animals at the 700 block of Clouser Hollow Road in Centre Township about 5pm and was attacked.  According to the Perry County Coroner, Potter dies of multiple traumatic injuries suffered in the dog mauling.  The two dogs involved in the accident were euthanized by a local veterinarian.  There was a third dog remains at the home with the family because he was not involved in the attack.

EVANGELICAL ON DIVERT STATUS

Evangelical Community Hospital released a statement yesterday that their emergency department is on “divert” status as necessary.  According to the President and CEO Kendra Aucker, there is an increase in patients due to a variety of health conditions as they aggressively attempt to recruit new staff.  Aucker says the walk-in patients at Evan should be prepared to have longer wait times, and ambulances will be sent elsewhere for the time being.

PENNDOT WILL REPLACE SOME BRIDGES OVER 220

A bridge replacement project started this week and crews are set to replace both structures carrying traffic on Route 220 over the Fourth Street off ramp rehabilitating both structures over Antlers Lane and the Lycoming Valley Railroad.  The northbound structures are first on the list and beginning in May, motorists using both directions will be traveling on the southbound side of the highway. A daily moveable barrier system will separate north and southbound traffic and will allow for two lanes of traffic during heavy traffic during commute times.  Structure repair on the southbound side is set to begin in 2024.

HARVEST MOON LANES FOR SALE

Fish Real Estate has listed Harvest Moon Lanes property in Linden for sale for 1.5 million dollars, after the family there decided to retire after 49 years, with hopes that the new owner will keep the bowling alley business open.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Harvest Moon Lanes on Route 220 has 16 lanes and a bar at the property which is part of 19 thousand square feet on 2 and a half acres of land.   It was originally purchased in 1974 by Vance and Evelyn Miller of Williamsport and has been in business, run by the Miller family in the winter and fall months, since. 

SPORTS

HS Baseball
Selinsgrove 4      Jersey Shore 0
Mifflinburg 10   Shamokin 0
HS Girls Lacrosse
Selinsgrove 13   Midd-West 3
Lewisburg 18      Mifflinburg 2

NBA
Hornets 115                  Pacers 109
Bulls 109                      76’ers 105
Timberwolves 140      Knicks 134
Warriors 121                Rockets 108
Grizzlies 112                Mavericks 108
Jazz 128                        Kings 120

NHL
Panthers 5           Red Wings 2
Senators 2           Penguins 1
Avalanche5         Blackhawks 0
Oilers 5               Sharks 4
Kings 8                Flames 2

NCAA Men’s Basketball
Thursday Sweet 16 East & West Regions
(7)Michigan State vs (3)Kansas State 6:30 pm TBS
(8) Arkansas vs (4) UConn 7:15pm CBS
(9) Florida Atlantic vs (4) Tennessee  9pm TBS
(3) Gonzaga vs (2) UCLA  9:45pm CBS

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 17, 2023

TWO TEENS CHARGED AS ADULTS IN SHOOTING

A 17 year old Williamsport man will be charged as an adult, along with another teen in a recent shooting incident from September 12th in the Newberry neighborhood.  According to the Sun Gazette, Nazir Thrower and is charged with first degree attempted homicide , attempted aggravated assault and more for alleged shots fired into two homes on Lila Lane.  A juvenile probation officer says there is evidence that Thrower was at the scene in question along with 16 year old suspect, Keyon Anthony White, of Pennsaken, NJ, according to Northcentral pa dot com.  Both are now incarcerated in Lycoming County Prison and are awaiting developments in the case.

KEYSTONE SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT CALLS MEETING

The school board president at Keystone Central Schools has scheduled a public meeting for next Wednesday to continue ongoing efforts addressing public concern regarding safety in the schools.  According to the Record Online, President David Dietrich is asking the board and the public to bring ideas to the meeting that could enhance existing safety related programs and policies.  The meeting will be in the Central Mountain High School Auditorium Wednesday March 22nd at 6:30pm.

MAYOR SLAUGHTER ANNOUNCES RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN

Williamsport’s Mayor Derek Slaughter has announced his re-election campaign. 
Mayor Slaughter is asking for a second term after he says his first has been laser focused on resetting Williamsport’s foundation which is highlighted by millions of dollars in grants that are upcoming investments in key business, community and park improvements.  Slaughter also said in the statement that the completion of the city’s financial strategic plan is on track to allow the use of tax dollars to be viewed in real-time, keeping city government compliant with overall budget management.  He says he would like to be elected for four more years to build off our successes and find solutions to the challenges.

PENN STATE TO HONOR FOOTBALL WITH LEGACY PLAZA

Penn State Athletics will create an all-new Legacy Plaza to honor the rich history of Penn State Football.  The tribute will be located on Curtin Road, next to the famed south endzone tunnel and will showcase plaques from every season, including each team’s schedule, results and team captains.  Fans will be able to order a paver  for display in Legacy Plaza in three different sizes, with or without a logo, to cost between 350 and 1000 dollars. Order a paver at PennStateLegacyPlaza.com. The project is set to be completed before the 2023 football season.

WILLIAMSPORT MAN CHARGED FOR DISCHARGING FIREARM INSIDE

A Williamsport man was arrested for discharging a firearm into the floor of an apartment, shooting through to the apartment below where a tenant later found a bullet on the floor.  According to the Sun Gazette, 21 year old Isiah Hanif White was in the upper floor apartment of a friend at the 1000 block of West Fourth Street and the friend said White accidentally dropped the gun causing it to go off and penetrate the ceiling of the lower apartment.  Police say the evidence doesn’t support that claim, and charged White with recklessly endangerment, and felony discharge of a firearm in an occupied structure.  He was released on 25 thousand dollar bail.

ONE MILE RUN ADDED TO FIREFIGHTER TEST

The Williamsport Bureau of Fire has told Williamsport City Council that they will present a resolution to the city Bureau of Fire Civil Service a change in rules and regulations to include a 1 mile run as part of the agility test for firefighters.  According to the Sun Gazette, the public safety committee members heard from fire officials who say the biggest challenge at the fire academy is the 1 and a half mile run which can sideline some recruits.  Requiring candidates to run a distance of one mile in 10 minutes in a pass fail scenario is a helpful increment of the run for the future academy challenge.

SUNBURY RECYCLING CENTER REOPENS MONDAY

The equipment that closed the Sunbury Municipal Authority Recycling Center at the beginning of the year has been repaired and the facility will reopen Monday. According to Sunburyma.org, the center had closed in January after a baler needed attention, and they recently noted on the website their appreciation for the patience in the community while they waited for the parts and repair.  The hours of the facility at 511 Fawn Lane in Sunbury beginning on March 20th are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 7:30am to 3:30pm and Saturday 7am to 3pm.

PA TEEN BREAKS TRACK WORLD RECORD

A Dallastown Pennsylvania eighth grader has broken a World Record after running at the Nike Indoor Nationals in New York City last Friday.  According to North Central PA dot com,  14 year old Sophia Rodriguez set a new World U14 two-mile record, clocking 10:20.68, smashing the previous record.  Rodriguez won the Pennsylvania state middle school championship and the Nike Northeast Regional Open Race. On the track, she has set multiple middle-school all-time bests in Pennsylvania.  Her picture was featured on the jumbo screen in Times Square in NYC after her victory.

SPORTS

PIAA State Basketball Championship

Girls 3A Quarterfinal Tonight
Mount Carmel vs Lancaster County Christian  @Hamburg 7pm
Girls Class A Quarterfinals Saturday
Meadowbrook Christian vs Mountain View @Wyoming Area HS 1pm
Lourdes Regional vs St John Neumann @ Muncy HS 3pm

NCAA Wrestling
Penn State leads the way at the NCAA Wrestling Championships in first place in the team race after day one.  Seven wrestlers are in the quarterfinals this afternoon. 

Lock Haven University’s Anthony Noto also made it into today’s quarterfinals.  


NCAA Men’s Basketball
Maryland 67                West Virginia 65
Alabama 96                  Texas A&M Corpus Christi 75
Houston 63                  Northern Kentucky 52
Kansas 96                     Howard 68
Texas 81                       Colgate 61
Princeton 59                 Arizona 55  
Furman 68                    Virginia 67
Auburn 83                    Iowa 75
Northwest 75                Boise State 67
Penn State 76               Texas A&M 59
          This is the first time in 12 years that Penn State been in the tournament and the first time in 22 years since they advanced to round two.

NBA
Nuggets 119         Pistons 100
Kings 101             Nets 96
Raptors 128                   Thunder 111
Pacers 139           Bucks 123 
Suns 116              Magic 113

NHL
Panthers 9                   Canadiens 5
Rangers 4                    Penguins 2
Lightning 4                 Devils 3
Avalanche 5                Senators 4
Blackhawks 2             Predators 1
Bruins 3                       Jet 0
Oilers 4                        Stars 1
Coyotes 3                    Canucks 2
Flames 7                      Golden Knights 2
Kings 4                        Blue Jackets 1
Kraken 2                     Sharks 1

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

Upcoming

Nov 17

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