BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 23, 2022

WASD ADMINISTRATORS RESPOND TO PRINCIPAL’S ARREST

Williamsport School District issued an official statement yesterday, responding to the arrest of school principal Roger Freed on sexual assault charges.  According to the statement, the district is suspending Freed with pay as the investigation into the charges continues.  They are also offering counseling for any student who wishes to call 570-323-8411 and make an appointment. According to the Sun Gazette, Freed was originally hired as a math teacher at the school in 2011, but was most recently a 9th grade principal.  The felony charges stem from a relationship Freed began with a student in 2014 until this past April.  He is free on 175 thousand dollars intense supervised bail.

UPDATE ON SELINSGROVE MOTORCYCLE CRASH

More information about the victim critically injured in a high speed crash Monday in Selinsgrove has been released.  According to media outlets, state police say 39 year old Adam Hummel from Middleburg hit a pole while allegedly speeding on University Avenue travelling west near East Snyder Park.  Life flight was called to the scene along with other volunteers and EMS staff.  Hospital officials say Hummel was flown to Geisinger in critical condition, but no word on his progress today. 

LOCAL COFFEE BAR AND CAFÉ TO CLOSE

A favorite Williamsport farm to table restaurant and coffee bar will be closing this Monday.  The Sawhorse Café, at 303 Washington Blvd, made the statement on their Facebook page that they are closing down for now, to focus on their personal well-being and maybe will reopen in the future with fresh energy and new ideas. According to the Sun Gazette, Hannah and Jesse Darrow opened the Sawhorse in 2015, and say that their other business, Buzzsaw Coffee at the Pajama factory will remain open.

TICKET SWEEPSTAKES FOR LITTLE LEAGUE CLASSIC IN AUGUST

Major League Baseball is offering a chance for Lycoming County residents to win tickets to the Major League Baseball Little League Classic again this year, for the game to be played Sunday, August 21st between the Red Sox and the Orioles on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball.  According to the Sun Gazette, legal Lycoming County residents 18 and older can enter the sweepstakes by going online to MLB.com/LLClassic by noon Wednesday June 29th.  There will be fifty chances awarded for the tickets.  This will be the 5th MLB Little League Classic game held at Historic Bowman field.  There was no game in 2020 because of the pandemic.

WOODWARD TOWNSHIP RESPONDS TO WASD PRINCIPAL ARREST

 In light of the allegations against the 9th grade principle at Williamsport Area School District, the Woodward Township Board of Supervisors sent a letter to each of the members of the Williamsport School Board requesting the termination of Superintendent, Dr. Timothy Bowers.  According to North Central PA dot com,  the letter states that the school leadership at Williamsport failed to keep children safe after allegations were brought forth against Principle Roger Freed, of Cogan Station, who allegedly had a long term relationship with a student from 2014 until this spring.  Williamsport area Schools issued a statement yesterday saying they would suspend Freed with pay while the investigation continues.

ADDITIONAL CHARGES FOR HIT AND RUN SUSPECT

A Williamsport man originally jailed for reckless endangerment and hit and run after hitting another with his Chevy Cruze and fleeing on May 11th, has had additional attempted homicide charges levied against him.  According to the Sun Gazette, following the apprehension and arrest of Gregory Emerick, police searched Emerick’s car and found dash cam evidence that  his actions, police say, were deliberately trying to cause serious injury towards Jeremie Dunham, who was hospitalized with multiple serious injuries.  Emerick was arraigned  yesterday for the additional felony charges involving personal injury in a hit and run.  He remains incarcerated on no bail.

CONNECTOR WORK STALLED BY FALCONS WILL START

Work on the Bald Eagle Valley Bike Trail that was supposed to resume the linking of Wayne and Pine Creek Townships over the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in May was delayed six weeks because a nest of young peregrine falcons was discovered on one of the bridge piers there. According to the Record Online work will pick up again this summer since the PA Game Commission gave the go-ahead after the young falcons took flight last week.  The delay has pushed the work back further than originally planned, but the Clinton County Planning Department says there will be a ribbon cutting for the connector in August.

PA’S RANK IN MAPLE SYRUP PRODUCTION DROPS

Even with five thousand more taps than 2021, Pennsylvania’s ranking as a leading producer of Maple Syrup has dropped to number 7 after only producing 164 thousand gallons of syrup this season – 4 thousand less gallons of the stuff than last year.  The number one producer in the nation is Vermont with a record 2 million 550 thousand gallons, followed by New York, Maine, Wisconsin, Michigan, and New Hampshire. 

SPORTS

HS Baseball
The Mid Penn Conference baseball all-star team was announced yesterday and  Muncy was honored with two top nods… Muncy Coach Chris Persing was named Coach of the Year and the league’s MVP spot was shared between Ross Eyer, a junior from Muncy, and Landon Evans, a senior at Millville. 

NHL
Avalanche 3 Lightning 2
Stanley Cup Final Game 4 Colorado leads 3-1
NHL Friday
Stanley Cup final Game 5 Tampa Bay in Colorado @8pm on ABC and ESPN+

MLB
Astros 5               Mets 3
Rangers 4           Phillies 2
Dodgers 8           Reds 4
Cubs 14               Pirates 5
Orioles 7              Nationals 0
Red Sox 6           Tigers 2
Yankees 5           Rays 4
Braves 4              Giants 3
Guardians 11      Twins 10

MLB Draft League
Game 3 between the Crosscutters and Black Bears was rained out.  Williamsport heads to Mahoning Valley for Game 1 out of 3 tonight 7:05 first pitch.

NASCAR

Bruton Smith, a longtime NASCAR fixture and a Hall of Fame inductee for building and promoting auto racing events nationwide, died Wednesday at age 95 of natural causes. Born Ollen Bruton Smith in 1927, the North Carolinian worked as a track promoter before making his mark designing and building Charlotte Motor Speedway, a 1.5-mile oval now known for annually hosting NASCAR’s longest race at 600 miles in length.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 22, 2022

WASD PRINCIPAL CHARGED WITH FELONY SEXUAL ASSAULT

A Williamsport Area School District principal was arrested yesterday on felony charges after it was discovered that he allegedly sustained a long term relationship with a male student from 2014 until April of 2022.  According to the Sun Gazette, 34 year old Roger Weaver Freed of Cogan Station faces more than 30 felony counts of sexual assault and corrupting the morals of a minor, as well as misdemeanors of furnishing alcohol to a minor.  Freed is a ninth grade principal at Williamsport, on deck to take over as head principal.  He was arraigned and is free on 175 thousand dollar intense supervised bail, with an ankle monitor. 

FAST PLAY LOTTERY WINNER IN LYCOMING COUNTY

A Pennsylvania Lottery  Pennsylvania Progressive game has made a Lycoming County customer at the Dandy Mini Mart in Jersey Shore on June 14th  862 thousand, eight hundred and three dollars and fifty cents richer.  According to North Central PA dot com, one player played Pennsylvania Progressive Fast Play Game last week and brought home a winner – Fast Play is similar to scratch-off tickets without the need for scratching a paper ticket.  The Dandy Mini Mart received a five thousand dollar bonus for selling the ticket.  Fast Play prizes must be claimed within one year of the ticket’s purchase date.

AUSTRALIA EARNS A SPOT IN THE LLWS

A little league baseball team from Queensland, Australia has earned their direct entry in the 2022 Little League World Series in Williamsport this week after they dominated a seven game tournament.  According to a press release by little league international, the Australia Region champion joins the Panama Region winner as the first two teams to confirm a spot for the World Series.  First-round matchups include Brisbane North Region LL squaring off against the winner of the Canada Region in Game 3 on Wednesday, August 17, at 5pm in Volunteer Stadium.

LINDEN MAN SAID HE WANTED TO BE ARRESTED

An allegedly drunk man from Linden called state police this week before he caused a commotion at the Sheetz in Woodward Township and told them he wanted to go to jail.  According to the Sun Gazette, 22 year old Nyreece Speck arrived at the store in his 2004 Nissan Sentra, harassed employees and refused to leave the premises when asked, until Troopers arrived.  Speck allegedly fought the police, too, resisting arrest, and was charged with resisting, several counts of assault, DUI and disorderly conduct.  Speck is in the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 75 thousand dollars bail.

TWO MOTORCYCLISTS ARRESTED AFTER HIGH SPEED CHASE

Two young men were charged with fleeing a police officer May 16th after they attempted to elude officers in Snyder County with a high speed chase.  According to North Central PA dot com, 20 year old Zachary Beiler of Sunbury and 19 year old Elijah Bailor from Selinsgrove were traveling on Route 204 in Jackson Township going 77 in a 45 mph zone, and were spotted by a state trooper.  The officer activated his cruiser lights and the two men fled the scene.  While police were in pursuit, Bailor lost control of his motorcycle and crashed a short time later.  Beiler pulled his motorcycle over and both men were then arrested and charged with misdemeanors.  Both will have a preliminary hearing July 7th.

PA REPUBLICANS BLOCK GUN REFORM BILL

A proposal to prevent those under 21 to have assault style weapons was blocked by State House Republicans yesterday instead changing the bill to an amendment to allow anyone to carry concealed guns . According to information from the Pennsylvania General Assembly, it was the second week in a row that Republicans in the Judiciary Committee used their majority to defeat Democratic proposals to address gun violence.  The vote was nearly on party lines, with only one Republican from Philadelphia, crossing lines to vote against it. What is known as constitutional carry has wide support among Republicans in the legislature, but a bill to allow it was vetoed by Gov. Tom Wolf in December.

BIG CATFISH TOPS THE PA ANGLERS LIST

The PA Angler Awards have been announced and a fisherman from Selinsgrove broke the record for the largest fish caught in the commonwealth in 2021.  According to North Central PA dot com, it took Garrett Hollenbach 15 minutes to catch the 57 pound 9 ounce flathead catfish while competing in the 24 hour Iron Man event within the Catfish Mafia Tournament Series along the Susquehanna River last September.  The Angler Awards list the top five fish by type – determined by the weight.  Hollenbach’s fish is technically the largest fish caught in Pennsylvania, but the PA Fish and Boat Commission won’t certify the catch because there was no official officer at the tournament where he competed last year. 

SPORTS

MLB
Dodgers 8           Reds 2
Pirates 7              Cubs 1
Nationals 3         Orioles 0
Red Sox 5           Tigers 4
Rays 5                 Yankees 4
Giants 12            Braves 10
Guardians 6        Twins 5
Rangers 7            Phillies 0
Astros 8               Mets 2


MLB Draft League
West Virginia 11 Williamsport 4
MLB Draft League Tonight
Crosscutters and Black Bears play Game 3 out of 3 in West Virginia,  then Williamsport plays out the week in Mahoning Valley.  The Crosscutters play the West Virginia Black Bears at home next Tuesday, June 28th with a 6:35pm first pitch.

NHL Tonight
Colorado (2-1) is in Tampa Bay for the Stanley Cup Final Game 4 @8pm on ABC and ESPN+

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 21, 2022

POLICE, MARSHALS APPREHEND FUGITIVE

A man wanted by the Lycoming County Sheriff’s Office for various offenses including possession with intent to deliver and DUI, has been apprehended.  According to the Sun Gazette, 23 year old Fareed Kale was located by police and the US Marshals service April 25th at a Williamsport residence on Vine Avenue, He ran from the area before being captured a few blocks away in a yard on Grier Street.  Kale was arraigned for flight to avoid apprehension, a felony charge, and is in custody in lieu of 50 thousand dollars bail.

TAX HIKE FOR SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT

South Williamsport Area School District has approved a resolution that leads to a tax hike for the upcoming school year’s budget.  According to the Sun Gazette, property owners are going to see real estate tax millage rising by one point fro last year’s budget, setting it at 18.75.  Board President Todd Engel was a dissenting vote, making the statement that he wanted to keep the increase to just .75 mills. 

PA PARKS COULD TRADE-IN LIQUOR LICENSE

Amusement parks in Pennsylvania could expand their sale of alcohol if the Pennsylvania House of Representatives approves a bill that will allow parks to trade-in their restaurant liquor license for a Public Venue License.  State Representative Ryan Mackenzie says a Public Venue License makes more sense for amusement parks since it’s used in hotels, golf courses, ski resorts, bowling allies, museums, and science centers.  The House Liquor Control Committee already passed this bill in December.  It now will go for a second consideration by the full House today.

SUMMER PROGRAM COORDINATOR RECOGNIZED BY PA WILDS

A Pennsdale woman is one of nine people or organizations to win the 2022 Champions of the PA Wilds Awards, and she and the other Champions will be recognized at the PA Wilds Dinner and Awards event July 28th .  According to the Sun Gazette, Lu Potter, one of the founders of what is now known as Project Nature C.A.M.P., formerly Summer Alive in Montgomery was given the Inspiring Youth Award for her work overseeing programming and enrichment for children including a nutritious food program during summers.  Nominations for the PA Wilds Awards are generated by the public.  The banquet to be held next month, will honor all the winners, registration is required to attend. Pawildscenter.org.

TWO ARRESTS AFTER INITIAL HIGH SPEED CHASE

The passenger in a crash following a high speed chase near the Market St. bridge near I-180 June 12th was taken into custody for having a firearm with the serial number altered.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say 18 year old Nyla Daniels of Red Lion, drove from the Maynard Street Sheetz at a high rate of speed, sparking a chase by police which involved one stop before Daniels fled the scene.  Police were called a few minutes later to an accident off the Market St Bridge in Williamsport.  Daniels had wrecked.  Police say during the search of the car, her passenger, 18 year old Taiyanna Lopez, was found to have an unregistered Glock 26 with two 9mm magazines of ammunition.  Both women were incarcerated for separate charges, in lieu of 25 thousand dollars bail. Their preliminary hearings are today.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP CRASH UPDATE

The other three people who were injured in the fatal Washington Township accident last Monday that killed passenger 36 year old Cody Rishel along I-80, have been identified.  According to the Sun Gazette 47 year old Eric Stroup of Hughesville was driving his Ford Edge and hit the back of a tractor trailer in the westbound passing lane of the interstate, back seat passengers, 39 year old Ryan Hoy of Watsontown, and 31 year old Michael Miller of San Angelo, Texas were seriously injured and taken to UPMC Altoona for treatment. The driver of the tractor trailer was not injured.  Rishel was trapped in the wreckage and was declared deceased at the scene by the Jefferson County Coroner.

FENTAYL STRIP LEGISLATION HEADS TO THE PA SENATE

Legislation to decriminalize test strips that let drug users identify deadly doses of fentanyl was passed in the House yesterday.  According to Indiana, Pennsylvania Republican Jim Struzzi the simple tool of a test strip can help reduce deaths and give heroin users a second chance, as well as allowing them to avoid the risk of added drug charges.  Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is added to other drugs to make them stronger and with uncontrolled dosage levels can be deadly.  The legislation was sent to the Senate for consideration.

DANVILLE FARMLAND DEDICATED FOR ATHLETICS NOW

The final sales agreement that will transform Danville area farmland to athletic fields for the school district there was approved last week.  According to the Daily Item, just over 20 acres of land formerly used by the Danville State Hospital is adjacent to the school and is meant to be used only for athletic fields.  A new primary school was built on some of the land by the district, taking the space formerly used for soccer, softball, baseball and field hockey fields, but when Ironmen stadium was built it gave the school more athletic use options.  Danville Soccer park is used for the school competitions.

SPORTS

NHL
Stanley Cup Final Game 3
Lightning 6 Avalanche 2 – Colorado still leads the series 2-1
NHL this week
Colorado stays in Tampa for Game 4, Wednesday @8pm on ABC and ESPN+ 

MLB
Mets 6        Marlins 0
Pirates 12 Cubs 1
Red Sox 5 Tigers 2
Yankees 4 Rays 2
Braves 2    Giants 1

MLB Draft League
West Virginia Black Bears 13       Williamsport Crosscutters 4

MLB Draft League Tonight
Crosscutters stay in WV tonight for Game 2 out of 3.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 20, 2022

ROUTE 15 CRASH KILLS ONE, INJURES ONE

One man was killed and another suffered minor injuries Saturday morning about 9:45 when a their  box truck went over an embankment and overturned on Route 15 South , just north of the Trout run interchange.  According to the Sun-Gazette the 26 year old driver, Travis Fedoriw of Williamport, died in the crash.  Police say he failed to negotiate a curve, first going down a 15-foot embankment then sliding down another 125 feet, to the west berm of the northbound lanes of Rt 15.  Fedoriw was killed instantly after being partially ejected from not wearing a seatbelt. The 26 year old passenger, Kaamal Barnes, of Williamsport, who was wearing a seatbelt was treated at the scene for minor injuries. Emergency crews closed the northbound lanes for several hours to clear the accident.

EMPLOYEE SEEN TAKING LOTTERY TICKETS FROM EMPLOYER

A Williamsport man is free on bail after he was arrested for stealing lottery tickets from a convenience store where he worked.  According to the Sun Gazette, 33 year old Donnell Robert Edwards is facing felony charges of thefts and receiving stolen property after police say he was seen on surveillance footage using keys from his employer to take lottery tickets from the lottery vending machine at the 7-11 on Dewey Avenue.  Edwards was arraigned in front of Judge William Solomon and posted the 15 thousand dollars bail.

IMPACT FEES COMING BACK TO LOCAL COUNTIES

State Senator Gene Yaw has announced that several counties and local municipalities in the region will be receiving Marcellus Shale Impact Fee monies after the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has decided to release another round of disbursements. In a press release from Yaw, who serves as Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, he said approximately $234 million was distributed statewide in the most recent round of funding based on natural gas production in 2021. Of that, over $48 million will be sent back to Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Union counties and municipal governments.

TWO HOSPITALS GET AWARDS FOR STROKE CARE

Two Central Pennsylvania hospitals have received American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines – Stroke quality achievement awards. UPMC Williamsport received GoldPlus recognition and UPMC Lock Haven received SilverPlus which recognize the hospitals’ commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved. Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability nationwide.

CANTON MAN FACES 150 COUNTS FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

A Canton area man faces child pornography charges for downloading various images and videos including ones involving minors. According to North Central Pa dot com, police arrested 57 year old Duane William Molyneux who was already a lifetime offender on the sexual predator registry. Molyneux was charged with 50 counts of second – and another 100 counts of a third-degree felony child pornography, as well as distribution and misuse of communication device charges.  Molyneux is being held at the Bradford County Prison on $2 million bond with a preliminary hearing June 22nd.

TWO JAILED FOR MOTORCYCLE THEFT

Two men from Muncy are facing burglary and theft charges after they allegedly stole a motorcycle from a garage on Water Street in Muncy in April. According to the Sun Gazette, police say a township employee uncovered the motorcycle abandoned in a wooded area off  E. Mechanic Street and 18 year old Benjamin Fulger admitted his involvement in the theft to authorities while incarcerated on another matter. Dennis Edwartd Vanness was also allegedly involved in the crime.  Bothe are in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 75 thousand dollars bail.

BLOOMSBURG MALL FACING AUCTION

Another mall in Pennsylvania could be dying – The Columbia Colonnade, near Buckhorn exit of Interstate 80, is set to be auctioned off at the end of July. According to North Central Pa dot com, the starting bid for the property is set at $3.4 million.  According to public records, PPL has posted $10,973 in back payments owed by today. The 34-acre site has seen a similar fate as other malls, with only a few anchor businesses remaining.  There is a Veterans Affairs clinic portion of the property operating inside the 400,000-square-foot building, which is also for sale.

FIRE ALLIANCE BETWEEN LOYALSOCK AND SOUTHSIDE

An alliance of fire-fighting services in Loyalsock Township and South Williamsport has been approved by both municipalities leadership.

According to the Sun Gazette, the agreement known as the Susquehanna Mutual Aid Regional Team, or SMART, will include a provision for paid fire protection and rescue services. Departments and apparatus will be funded through existing fire taxes. SMART will start with four full-time  positions, with one shared administrative position providing oversight. The five-year cooperative agreement is anticipated to have two separate firefighter crews, with one crew to be stationed at Loyalsock Township, and one at South Williamsport.

SPORTS

MLB Draft League – Sunday
Williamsport Crosscutters 6  Mahoning Valley Scrappers 3 – the Crosscutters are on the road tonight  in West Virginia with the Black Bears with a 7:05 first pitch.

MLB
Nationals 9         Phillies 3
Pirates 4              Giants 3
Red Sox 6           Cardinals 4
Orioles 2             Rays 1
Blue Jays 10       Yankees 9
Marlins 6            Mets 2
Brewers 6            Reds 3
Guardians 5        Dodgers 3

NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 2 from Saturday …
Avalanche 7 Lightning 0 –  Colorado up 2.  They play Game 3 tonight in Tampa 8 PM on ABC and ESPN+

Golf
England’s Matt Fitzpatrick won the his first PGA tour victory at the 122nd US Open at The Country Club outside Boston Sunday with a 1 shot win over Will Zalatoris and Masters champ Scottie Scheffler


USA Basketball

Two Lycoming basketball standouts, Mo Terry and Dyson Harward, have been selected to play for the USA East Coast Basketball all-star team. The team will play in Athens, Greece, and will be coached by University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Darrell Walker, who was also an NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls in 1993. The team will have a two-day training camp at Columbia before heading to Athens to face some of Greece’s top pro teams.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 17, 2022

LIGHTNING STRIKES CASCADE CABIN

Lightning yesterday morning started a cabin fire near Rose Valley Lake in Cascade Township.  According to the Sun Gazette, about 6:30 Thursday the structure was set on fire when storms moved through the remote area.  Trout run fire officials said the cabin had burned down to the ground before crews got to the scene on Vargis Lane north or Murray Run Road.  There were no injuries reported. 

POLICE SEEK SANDWICH THIEF

A man who Sheetz employees are calling the “Big Mozz Bandit”, who comes to the Loyalsock store between 11am and noon, takes a drink from the cooler, orders the Big Mozz chicken sandwich and leaves without paying, is being sought by Montoursville State Police.  According to a spokesperson for the store say the man who is African American, wears Yankees or Mets clothing, and has a moustache and goatee, has repeatedly stolen other  items from the store – several times in May and most recently on June 10th.  If you know anything about the suspect please call PSP at 570-368-5700.

GROUP WANTS TO PAUSE POLICE REGIONALIZATION

A grassroots group of citizens in Old Lycoming Township is asking authorities to pause their police regionalization process with the Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police until they can restructure and get more of the public involved as they proceed.  According to the Sun Gazette, the group of former government and community emergency management personnel, who call themselves Concerned Citizens of Old Lycoming Township, presented the supervisors with analysis of a Department of Community and Economic Development study on police regionalization they have referenced, but are asking them to proceed using  recommended guidelines put forth by DCED. The group also wants a more transparent process moving forward.  Lyco Township supervisors say they are waiting on information about pension and salary collective bargaining units before they can decide on regionalizing the police department.

D4’S RED RAIDERS ARE CLASS A SOFTBALL STATE CHAMPIONS

The Montgomery Area High School softball team got their parade through the borough after winning the PIAA Class A State Championship in State College yesterday against Dubois Central Catholic earning a spot in history being the first in the school’s program to successfully reach the championship.  According to the Sun Gazette, in the last three games, Montgomery who was 22 and 4 for the season, beat the best teams in the state by a 27-2 margin, Congratulations to the Montgomery Red Raiders!

MAN WHO THREW VICTIMS’ SEVERED LEGS OFF BRIDGE PLEADS GUILTY

The Montoursville man arrested in 2019 for the murder of his girlfriend in 2003 has entered a plea agreement of guilty, avoiding a jury trial and a longer prison sentence.  According to the Sun Gazette, 52 year old Jade Babcock of Montoursville plead guilty to killing 37 year old Brenda Jacobs following an argument, then storing her body for years and severing her legs before discarding them in the Susquehanna River off the Maynard Street bridge in Williamsport.  Babcock has already spent the last three years in prison, he’ll now serve 15-30 for his crime.

MOTHER WHO STARVED CHILDREN CHARGED WITH FRAUD

The woman who is facing homicide charges for the starving deaths of two of her children, has now been charged with theft and fraud for receiving public benefits for children who were deceased but she claimed were alive.  According to North Central Pa dot com, police say 33 year old Marie Sue Snyder took almost 70 thousand dollars in benefits between 2016 and 2021 from the PA department of Human services while she lied about the eligibility of her family. Snyder said in sworn testimony in March that she and another intentionally starved daughters 6 year old Nicole and 4 year old jasmine causing their deaths in2016 and 2017. Snyder has a hearing on the fraud charges June 27th and will be in court June 17th for motions on the homicide case.

ARMORY SIREN WENT OFF BY ACCIDENT

If you heard the siren coming out of the Penn Street Armory Wednesday around 12:30, it was set off in error.  According to a statement from the Williamsport Bureau of Fire, the system malfunctioned causing the warning to be triggered accidentally, but no city or county official initiated the siren and there was no emergency.  In the event of an emergency, the siren alerts residents to tune into local TV and radio for direction.  If a test is to be performed, the community will be given ample notice before the emergency warning siren goes off.

PENNDOT SURVEY ON ELECTRIC CHARGING STATIONS AVAILABLE

PennDOT is seeking feedback from the public as they determine how to distribute over 171 million dollars in federal funding on the way for an electric vehicle charging infrastructure over the next 5 years.  According to a statement, PennDOT will have the survey on their website available until June 30th, which will help them build a deployment plan due to the US department of Transportation this August.  The project is to comply with the Alternative Fuel Corridor requirements mandating a charging station no farther apart than 50 miles from each other and no further than a mile from a highway intersection or interstate exit. Take the survey here; Electric Vehicles and Alternative Fuels (pa.gov)

SPORTS

The Montgomery Red Raiders are the PIAA Varsity Softball Class A State Champions, they defeated DuBois Central Catholic 5-1 yesterday at Nittany Lion Softball Park, Penn State University.

Class 3A Championship Avonworth Antelopes  7  Lewisburg Green Dragons 2

PIAA Varsity Baseball State Class 5A Championship           
Today
Selinsgrove vs Bethel Park -Medlar Field, Lubrano Park, Penn State University @ 4:30

NBA Finals Game 6
Warriors 103                Celtics 90
Golden State Warriors wins the series 4-2 earning their 4th Title in 8 years.


MLB
Orioles 10           Blue Jays 2
Guardians 4        Rockies 2
Phillies 10           Nationals 1
Yankees 2           Rays 1
Mets 5                 Brewers 4

NHL Tomorrow night
Stanley Cup Finals Game 2

Tampa Bay plays in Colorado 8 PM on ABC and ESPN+  Colorado’s up 1

No NASCAR this weekend … Racing comes back June 26 in Nashville for the Ally 400. Listen on WILQ ‘s HD3 or our sister station the Twin Valleys Talk Radio Network.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 16, 2022

INCARCERATED WASD STUDENT CLEARED OF WRONGDOING

The Williamsport High School Student who was accused of sending terroristic threats through a school messaging platform and incarcerated for four weeks as a result of those charges has been cleared by authorities.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say a 16 year old student gained access to the school account of Lucaus Adam Butler, to send the threatening messages that looked like they were sent from Butler but were not.  Police say the juvenile has admitted to the charges and he will now be petitioned into juvenile court.

INMATE DIES OF SUSPECTED SUICIDE

A Snyder County prison inmate died Tuesday morning of suspected suicide according to prison officials.  The identity of the 36 year old inmate was not released, but according to the daily item, the man was not under suicide watch and was considered low risk for self-harm.  The Snyder County District Attorney and state police came to the prison after he was discovered unresponsive in his cell at about 3am – they have determined that there was no foul play involved.  Prison staff performed CPR but the man was pronounced dead by emergency responders at the Union County facility.

MAN JAILED FOR CODE INFRACTIONS

Warnings and summary citations were not enough to get a 46 year old Lycoming County property owner to clean up his home when codes enforcement officers in Williamsport inspected and deemed its condition poor. According to North Central PA dot com, Michael Greco of Coal Township was arrested and charged with first and second degree failure to comply with code requirements after officers came to the property and continually found debris strewn about including appliances, metal, metal sheets and other items on the  lawn and around the house.  Greco posted $5 thousand dollars unsecured bail and will have a preliminary hearing June 21st .

NEW TRAINING FOR LITTLE LEAGUE COACHES

Little League International has implemented a new pilot training program for coaches.  According to the Little League website, the “Little League Diamond Leader Training Program,” will educate volunteer coaches on their role supporting the social and emotional well-being of the players, using up to date materials and interactive scenarios so volunteers can get the resources and guidance they need to  help the players have the best possible experience every season.  A full launch of the Diamond Leader Training Program is planned for the 2023 season.

COURT DATE SET FOR ALLEGED SWORD WIELDING SUSPECT

A Shamokin man who is in custody for allegedly killing a woman in his home with a sword will have his preliminary hearing June 21st.  According to the Daily Item, Corey Quincy allegedly stabbed Rhonda Pearce with the weapon in early April after an argument involving drugs at his Vine Street home. Police say they got a tip from a family member about Quincy’s drug use and when they went to the home, discovered Pearce’s body which was left in an upstairs bedroom from the altercation a few days prior.  Quincy was arrested on April 8th and denied bail.

PROBATION OFFICER APPOINTED TO MAGISTRATE COURT

A former probation officer in Snyder County has been nominated to fill the vacant magisterial district judge position, previously held by Judge Lori Hackenberg.  According to media outlets, state senator John Gordner said Bo Trawitz has been nominated to the commonwealth court.  Trawitz was a Mifflin county probation officer from 2003 to 2013 and has Snyder County’s Chief Probation officer since then.  Hackenberg’ seat was vacant after she was elected to the Court of Common Pleas for Snyder and Union Counties.

GROUNDBREAKING PLANNED IN WILLIAMSPORT

There will be a groundbreaking ceremony June 22nd for the expansions planned for future growth in Williamsport at West Pharmaceutical Services. According to a news release, the Reach Road expansion will include three stories for operations in 37 thousand square feet of space, which will allow the company to produce compounded rubber materials that are then processed at their Jersey Shore facility for global use. The company says the expansion in the Lycoming County region will create many family sustaining jobs.

BLACK BEAR SEEN IN SELINSGROVE BOROUGH

The Pennsylvania Game Commission was called yesterday after witnesses said a black bear was wandering through Selinsgrove borough.  According to the Daily Item, the officer was unable to locate the bear that was seen near the community pool.  The agency is looking to capture and relocate the bear to a less populated area.  If you have information about or see the bear, call 911 or 814-643-1831 and report the bear sighting.

SPORTS

PIAA Varsity Softball State Championships New Start times today!
Class 1A
Montgomery vs DuBois Central Catholic – Beard Field, Nittany Lion Softball Park, Penn State University @10:30am
Class 3A
Lewisburg vs Avonworth – Beard Field, Nittany Lion Softball Park, Penn State University @12:30pm


MLB Draft League

Williamsport Crosscutters 7  Trenton Thunder 5
Williamsport and Trenton meet up again tonight @ Muncy Bank Ballpark – first pitch @6:35

MLB

Phillies 3                      Marlins 1
Diamondbacks 7          Reds 4
Braves 8                        Nationals 2
Yankees 4                     Rays 3
Bluejays 7                    OrioleS 6
Brewers 10                   Mets 2
Red Sox 10                  A’s 1
Pirates 6                        Cardinals 4
Guardians 7                  Rockies 5

NHL

Avalanche 4        Lightning 3 – Stanley Cup Finals Game 1
Stanley Cup Finals Game 2 – Tampa Bay @Colorado Saturday 8pm on ABC and ESPN+

NBA Tonight

NBA Finals Game 6 Golden State at Boston 9 PM on ABC Golden State leads 3-2


BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 15, 2022

FATAL I-80 ACCIDENT IN DUBOIS MONDAY

A man from Hughesville was killed and two passengers plus the driver were injured in a crash on I-80 westbound near Dubois Monday.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Jefferson County Coroner pronounced 36 year old Cody Rishel dead at the scene when the car he was in hit a tractor trailer in a construction zone about 5:45pm.  Rishel was the passenger in the front and was wearing a seatbelt.  The three others injured in the wreck were flown to trauma centers for treatment of serious injuries.  State police are expected to release more information as they learn more about the victims.

VICTIM IDENTIFIED IN I-80 CRASH NEAR LOGANTON

The victim in the multiple vehicle crash that shut down I-80 westbound Monday evening near mile marker 186 near Loganton has been identified.  According to the Clinton County Coroner, 55 year old Mirzod Ayubox, of Brooklyn, NY, was the passenger who died in the car that failed to brake for slowing traffic in a construction zone.  Police say that move set off an accident that had a domino effect with four other vehicles, including a fully loaded charter bus.  Emergency crews say one person was injured in the crash.  According to the Sun Gazette, an autopsy will be performed on Ayubox at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, but police say he was not wearing his seatbelt.

PENNDOT OFFERS ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

With high gas prices and busier traffic conditions, PennDOT is encouraging all Pennsylvanians to take a look online at their website and fill out the application to be eligible for alternative public transportation options.  Governor Wolf recently urged the use of the Commonwealth’s Find My Ride site where you can get information about the available transportation options at apply.findmyride.penndot.pa.gov.  Based on 2018 numbers, PennDOT says people who ride public transportation can save, on average over 10 thousand dollars annually.

BLOOMSBURG COUNCIL VOTES TO KEEP GEESE FOR NOW

The geese in Bloomsburg Town Park have been spared for at least a year, after the council there voted to strike down a USDA plan to cull the flock.  According to North Central Pa dot com, council found the latest 7 thousand dollar cost to be substantial and also had resident animal rights groups protesting the potential euthanization plan for months.  In a Monday night meeting it was decided that volunteers will now have to come up with a mitigation plan for goose waste and maintain it.  In a letter to the council from a biologist with the USDA, there were suggestions for managing the goose population that could also benefit all parties, including non-lethal harassment and working with the airport to establish safety protocols involving the human and goose population.

ROCHESTER MAN ARRESTED WITH ILLEGAL CIGARETTES

A man from Rochester New York was stopped by a state trooper along Route 15 in South Williamsport Monday, who had more than 1500 cartons of cigarettes that were not marked with a state stamp. According to the Sun Gazette, 27 year old Mahmood Saleh Mamdoh was arrested after troopers noticed suspicious behavior and got a warrant to search the vehicle, discovering the cache of cigarettes – which were seized – along with marijuana and drug paraphernalia.  Mamdoh was arraigned with District Judge Christian Frey and is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 125 thousand dollars bail.

BRADFORD COUNTY CONSTABLE OUSTED FOR CRIMINAL HISTORY

A constable from Sheshequin Township in Bradford County who was elected by one write-in vote last November, has been ordered removed from office after a sordid history of sex abuse has surfaced, and officials there learned he was a Megan’s Law registrant.  According to North Central PA dot com, once Shane Peters was elected complaints began to come in over his criminal history which included what the Bradford County District attorney calls “infamous crimes”, including a conviction of second degree sexual abuse of a minor.

ARSON SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

The cause of a two-alarm fire that broke out in Milton early this month, that brought extensive damage to a home on Myrtle Street, has been determined.  According to Milton police, a juvenile has been charged with arson in the devastating blaze that began about 10pm on June 2nd.  Police have not released the person’s name, only that they interviewed numerous suspects to identify the person of interest they have in custody.  The burned home was occupied by the Berkheimer family the night of the fire and they were able to escape safely.  Fire crews from Union Northumberland and Snyder County responded to the incident. 

PA RENT REBATE DEADLINE EXTENDED

The PA Department of Revenue and Aging has announced that the deadline for applying for rent and property tax rebates for the 2021 tax year for seniors and the disabled, has been extended through December 31st.  Governor Wolf has also proposed a one-time bonus rebate that, if approved by the General Assembly, would double the amount of an applicant’s rebate for this filing period.  The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Get details at mypath.pa.gov.  Distribution of rebates begins July 1st.

SPORTS

Three District 4 teams still alive for their State Championship matchups!
PIAA Varsity Baseball State Class 5A Championship           
Friday
Selinsgrove vs Bethel Park -Medlar Field, Lubrano Park, Penn State University @ 4:30


PIAA Varsity Softball State Championships
TOMORROW

Class 1A    Montgomery vs Dubois Central Catholic –  Beard Field, Nittany Lions Softball Park, Penn State University @11am
Class 3A    Lewisburg vs Avonworth – Beard Field, Nittany Lions Softball Park, Penn State University @1:30pm

MLB
Game 1 Cardinals 3     Pirates 1
Game 2 Cardinals 9     Pirates 1
          Braves 10            Nationals 4
          Marlins 11          Phillies 9
          Yankees 2           Rays 0
          Orioles 6             Blue Jays 5
          Mets 4                 Brewers 0
          Red Sox 6           A’s 1
          Guardians 4        Rockies 3
          Reds 5                 Diamondbacks 3


NHL Tonight  Stanley Cup Final
Lightning vs Avalanche  Game 1 @8pm on ABC and ESPN+ in Denver, CO


NBA Finals Tomorrow
Game 6 in Boston @9pm on ABC  Golden State leads 3-2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 14, 2022

FATAL ACCIDENT SHUTS DOWN I-80 WEST

It was a multiple vehicle rear-end accident that shut down I-80 westbound last night before 7pm in Greene Township about a mile from the Loganton exit 185.  According to State Police, in the area of the construction zone warning near mile marker 186.6, a driver from Brooklyn New York rear-ended the vehicle in front of them as a result of slowing down from construction traffic, that vehicle was pushed into a fully loaded commercial bus with 55 passengers, which crashed into the truck in front of them and that vehicle hit the 5th one in front of them.  The driver from New York was the person who Clinton County Coroner pronounced dead at the scene, no word from police yet on their identity, but troopers say the victim was not wearing a seatbelt.  Traffic was rerouted for several hours but westbound I-80 re-opened about 3:30am this morning.

AMISH MEN INJURED IN FALL

Two men who were repairing a roof at a business in Oval escaped serious injury yesterday around 3pm, after the trusses they were standing on while working, suddenly gave way.  According to the Sun Gazette, the two, who were Amish, were working at Wild Rose Concrete when the scaffold collapsed and they fell through the section they stood on 24 feet to a concrete floor below.  They were transported to Geisinger Jersey Shore and each only suffered minor injuries. Witnesses say the outcome of the Limestone Township accident could have been much worse.

FLAG BURNING CEREMONY TONIGHT

It’s Flag Day!  The annual flag retirement service will be held tonight at 7pm in Northumberland.  According to media outlets, Boy Scouts will be on hand at the American Legion Post 44, at 301 Point Township Drive, to assist the leadership of the American Legion Post, the auxiliary and the Sons of the Legion, in burning of the American flags that have been brought in for retirement.  The Point Township Fire Department will monitor the burning and the ashes will be retained so they can be buried after the event.

WINNERS IN 2022 SOAPBOX DERBY

Williamsport’s Soapbox derby took place in downtown Williamsport last Saturday and two young women won the two divisions for 2022.  According to the Sun Gazette, 9 year old Grace Stoltz won the stock division, and 9 year old Alivia Lukowsky won the super stock division.  They will now join the other local champions who earned a trip to Akron, Ohio this summer for the 84th FirstEnergy All American Soap Box Derby, July 23rd.  The world Championship features a whole week of festival activities for champions and their families.

HEARING CHANGED AGAIN FOR ALLEGED SUNBURY SHOOTER

The man accused of shooting a victim at a local convenience store May 19th who was found by US Marshalls five days later in Philadelphia after he fled the scene in Sunbury, has had his preliminary hearing date changed again after two previous rescheduled court dates.  According to the Daily Item, 23 year old Ajani Munsh-Ousha Uhuru will face Sunbury District Judge Mike Toomey June 24th at 1:30 in the Northumberland County Courthouse.  His father Ajani Munsh-Uche Uhuru was also charged with felonies in the same case for attempting to conceal the getaway car the day of the shooting when the younger Uhuru was being sought by police.  30 year old Kareem Jakes who was allegedly shot by Uhuru after an argument inside the Penn Jersey Food Mart, died at the scene.  Both suspects are in the Northumberland County Prison.

HOUSE FIRE IN NISBET

A fire in Nisbet caused about 70 thousand dollars worth of damage at an East Village Drive home yesterday morning.  According to the Sun Gazette, Suzanne and Donald Butters were alerted to a fire in their home by smoke detectors and escaped at about 6:50am.  Volunteers from Nisbet, DuBoistown, nippenose Valley, South Williamsport and Woodward Township worked the scene where the state fire marshal determined the blaze to be accidental caused by careless smoking.   

ROAD WORK WILL SLOW FESTIVAL TRAFFIC IN RENOVO

Expect travel delays through Renovo this week as Clinton County PennDOT says there will be crews performing sealcoat work along Tamarack Road from Route 120 to the Potter County line.  Those traveling to the Smoked Country Jam Bluegrass fest at the Quiet Oaks Campground this Thursday through Saturday should expect delays and slower traffic, so plan accordingly.  Crews will be working on Rt 144 from 7am to 7pm each day.

FOOD PROGRAMS THIS SUMMER FOR THE FOOD INSECURE

Children and their caretakers can take advantage of summer food assistance programs now that the school year is over and some families face serious food insecurity during summer break.  According to Feed America, 22 million children experience summer hunger and the Department of Agriculture, Department of Education and Department of Health of PA each have programs that provide nutrition, make enrichment activities available during the break and provide backpack programs.  There are also state food programs for seniors or seniors taking care of children such as the PA Senior Food Box Program that provides food to supplement the caregiver’s regular groceries, or Meals on Wheels programs are available through area agencies on aging.

SPORTS

Three District 4 teams still alive for their State Championship matchups!
PIAA Varsity Baseball State Semifinals
Class 5A             Selinsgrove 2      Archbishop Wood 1
Friday –Selinsgrove vs Bethel Park -Medlar Field, Lubrano Park, Penn State University @ 4:30

PIAA Varsity Softball State Semifinals
Class 1A              Montgomery 9   Glendale 0
Thursday-Montgomery vs Dubois Central Catholic –  Beard Field, Nittany Lions Softball Park, Penn State University @11am
Class 3A             Lewisburg 7        Palmerston 2
Thursday – Lewisburg vs Avonworth – Beard Field, Nittany Lions Softball Park, Penn State University @1:30pm

NBA
Warriors 104      Celtics 94  – Golden State leads 3-2
NBA Thursday Game 6 in Boston @9pm on ABC

NHL Tomorrow Stanley Cup Final –  Lightning vs Avalanche  Game 1 @8pm on ABC and ESPN+ in Denver.

MLB
Braves 9              Nationals 5
Phillies 3             Marlins 2
Blue Jays 11       Orioles 1
Cardinal 7           Pirates 5
Reds 5                 Diamondbacks 4

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 13, 2022

WILLIAMSPORT MAN ARRESTED AFTER HIGH SPEED CHASE

A 20 year old man from Williamsport has been denied bail after he eluded police but was taken into custody Thursday following a high speed chase that ended in a crash just off of West Fourth St.. According to the Sun Gazette, police tried to stop Douglas Robinson who was driving a 2002 Nissan Altima on I-180 in the city with a broken brake light. Police say Robinson exited at Maynard and ran a light and another stop sign which started the police pursuit that reached speeds of 100 miles per hour.  Both the Altima and a police vehicle were involved in the accident.  Robinson who was found to be on State parole has been charged with felony fleeing police, and illegal firearms charges and reckless endangerment.

MAN CHARGED WITH STRANGULATION

A 37 year old man from Williamsport was charged with second degree felony strangulation and harassment after a confrontation near the 2000 block of Federal Avenue on June 7th. According to North Central Pa dot com, an argument over a vehicle allegedly erupted and Dwayne Westley Short, pushed the victim to the ground with his hands around their neck, causing them to nearly lose consciousness. Short will have a preliminary hearing tomorrow and is being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bond

IN-STATE PENN COLLEGE TUITION GOING UP

The Pennsylvania College of Technology Board of Directors have announced that they will be raising the rates for in-state students. According to the Sun-Gazette, citing the impacts of national trends on college enrollment and an increase in costs; the 2022-23 total budget of $161.5 million, will include a 1.87% increase in tuition for in-state. The total budget represents a 3.22% increase over the current budget.

PA GAME COMMISSION HUNTING LICENSES AVAILABLE TODAY

The Pennsylvania Game Commission says their 2022-23 hunting licenses go on sale today online and in person for licenses valid starting July 1st.  General hunting licenses and furtaker licenses each cost $20.97 for Pennsylvania residents and $101.97 for nonresidents, but cost only a dollar for Hunter-Trapper Education instructors in Pennsylvania plus $1.97 in administrative fees.  The first round of antlerless deer licenses are on sale July 11th and non-residents can apply for a doe license starting July 18. The second round of doe licenses begins Aug. 1. Online at Pgc.pa.gov

CANINE UNIT DISCOVERS DRUGS IN NEW JERSEY MAN’S CAR

A New Jersey man is facing felony charges after police discovered drugs in his vehicle during a traffic stop on I-80 last week.  According to  the Standard Journal    police say 39 year old Nyjuane Kelly, of Irvington, New Jersey gave consent for a canine search of his car which turned up heroin and crack cocaine.  Kelly was arrested and charged with four felony counts of possession with intent to deliver and is incarcerated under 300 thousand dollars bail

ASSAULT OF A MINOR CHARGES DROPPED FOR CITY MAN

Charges against a Williamsport man who was accused of inappropriate contact with minors 8-10 years ago have been dropped in Lycoming County District Court.  According to the Sun Gazette, court records show that the alleged victims did not show up for the preliminary proceedings against 35 year old Tyler Stradley and State Police have withdrawn charges of aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children and other charges. 

NEW APPRAISER NEEDED

The City of Williamsport is looking for a new appraisal firm for services regarding first steps in making a decision about the fate of City Hall.  According to North Central PA dot com, Nesterick Appraisal and Consulting has withdrawn their offer for services according to information given at last week’s City Council meeting. City Engineer Jon Sander said that he plans to have another resolution for appraisal services back in front of council within the next couple weeks. The next meeting is scheduled to be held June 23.

LLI PRESENTS UVALDE TEAM WITH COMMUNITY AWARD

The Little League President and CEO, Steven Keener has recognized a Uvalde Texas team with an annual award in the wake of the tragic shooting that occurred at Robb Elementary School there on May 24th, which directly affected several little league families.  Hoping for healing for the entire Uvalde community, Keener awarded the Uvalde Little League with the 2022 Carl E. Stotz Little League Community Award saying that maybe the community can find comfort while being together at the little league fields.

SPORTS

PIAA Varsity Baseball State Semifinals
Class 5A     Selinsgrove vs Archbishop Wood  at Walter Stump Stadium in Pine Grove at 4 PM
PIAA Varsity Softball State Semifinals
Class 1A –   Montgomery vs Glendale at Milesburg Little League Complex at 2pm
Class 3A  –   Lewisburg vs Palmerton at Central Columbia HS @4pm
                   Bald Eagle Area vs Avonworth at Saint Francis University @4:30pm

MLB
Guardians 8                  A’s 3
Diamondbacks 13        Phillies 1
Yankees 18                   Cubs 4
Brewers 4                     Nationals 1
Braves 5                        Pirates 3
Orioles 10                     Royals 7
Reds 7                           Cardinals 6
Mets 4                           Angels 1

NASCAR
Daniel-Suarez earned an historic victory Sunday at Sonoma Raceway, becoming the first Mexican-born driver to win a Cup race followed by Chris Buescher, Michael McDowell, Kevin Harvick and Austin Cindric  

NBA tonight

The Warriors tied it up 2-2 last Friday night in the NBA Finals Game 4, 107 – 97, they play Game 5 tonight in San Francisco 9 PM on ABC.

NHL this week
Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals starts Wednesday between Lightning and Avalanche at 8pmon ABC and ESPN+

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