BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 18, 2022

BARN FIRE IN HEPBURN TOWNSHIP

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

NORTHUMBERLAND CRASH VICTIM IDENTIFIED

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

BALLOTS WITHOUT DATES ARE TO BE COUNTED

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

FUNDS AWARDED FOR WILLIAMSPORT WALKWAYS

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

CHARGES FILED IN 2021 ACCIDENT

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

LANDFILL FIRE AT WHITE PINES

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

REGISTER TO VOTE BY OCTOBER 24

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

TWO FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOPS PLANNED AT PENN COLLEGE

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

SPORTS

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

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

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

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 17, 2022

MUNCY MAN LEAVES TOWN WITH GIRLFRIEND’S CAR

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

SOUTH RENOVO FIRE SUNDAY

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

PROPOSAL TO REMOVE CONVICTED SEDITIONISTS FROM BALLOT

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

FALL GRANTS FROM FIRST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

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

ONE CAR INVOLVED IN FATAL CRASH

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

POLICE PURSUE, COLLIDE WITH STOLEN CAR

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

PARKING FEES GOING UP IN SUNBURY

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

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE PENNSYLVANIA TRAIL

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

SPORTS

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

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 14, 2022

ACCUSED MOM TO PLEAD GUILTY TO MURDER

The mother accused of starving her 6 and 4 year old daughters has agreed to cooperate with the prosecution and will plead guilty to first-degree murder in Lycoming County Court.  According to the Sun Gazette, in addition to the murder charge, 32 year old Marie Sue Snyder has also been implicated in allegedly receiving over 70 thousand dollars in supplemental benefits meant for her daughters, who were later found already buried in Hepburn Township at the time.  Snyder’s partner, 26 year old Echo Butler, has also been accused of the abuse. Butler’s mother, Michelle is set to plead guilty in the case today before Judge Ryan Tira.

EMPLOYEE SEXUALLY ASSAULTED AT AREA HOTEL

A man staying in a Shamokin Dam hotel has been taken into custody after he was accused of sexually assaulted an 18 year old employee there on October 10th.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say 25 year old Lawrence Thompson first asked the woman to drink alcohol with him and when she said she refused because she was underage, he allowed her in the room to clean, but after she entered, Thompson allegedly assaulted her without consent. He will face a preliminary hearing October 25th in Northumberland County court.

BUS STOP CAMERAS COULD BE COMING TO EAST LYCOMING SCHOOLS

The East Lycoming School Board approved an agreement this week to install bus stop arm cameras to catch people who pass a stopped school bus flashing its lights in their district.  According to the Sun Gazette, the board agreed that Bus Patrol will install the cameras on 18 buses at no cost to the school.  Superintendent Dr. Mark Stamm said after the installation, anyone breaking the law will be fined 300 dollars per violation with some of the money being distributed to the School Bus Safety Grant Program.  State law says no one can drive by a school bus – from either side when it’s stopped in the road with flashing red signal lights.

PA POST OFFICES ARE HIRING

Pennsylvania post offices are already struggling to keep up with demand and plan a hiring blitz this month as they head into the holidays.  According to North Central PA dot com, the worker shortage means some post offices have to close early, so they hope to add 28 thousand seasonal workers across PA and at least 1000 truck drivers, letter carriers, and processing team members.  Three Pennsylvania Congressional members recently asked Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, to address ongoing mail-service problems in PA.  Get details about jobs available at USPS dot com.

PAROLEE FROM CANTON IN TROUBLE FOR ATTEMPTING TO BUY GUN

A man from Canton has been jailed for attempting to buy a firearm as a paroled felon.  According to North Central PA dot com, 23 year old Chandler Allen Trowbridge lied on an application at a sporting goods store in September.  State police interviewed Trowbridge September 14th where he admitted to trying to buy the gun for hunting and uncovered that the man was on parole for pleading guilty to possession of a firearm without a license in New Jersey in 2020 – which is a third-degree felony. Trowbridge has been charged with third-degree felony sell or transfer of firearms and misdemeanor statement under penalty of law and has a preliminary hearing October 25th.  No bail was listed for Trowbridge.

PA TASK FORCE RETURNS FROM HELPING IN FLORIDA

Members of FEMA’s Pennsylvania Task Force 1 who were deployed to help victims of Hurricane Ian September 28th, have returned to Philadelphia after serving as part of a 45-member Urban Search and Rescue Team on the ground in Florida.  According to a press release, PTF-1 operated predominantly in the Fort Myers Beach area, searching for remains in what has been one of the deadliest hurricanes in Florida and U.S. history.  Some members were also deployed to Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Fiona as well as to Columbia SC anticipating fallout from Ian there.

STATE POLICE REMIND THE PUBLIC ABOUT SCAMS FOR THE HOLIDAY

The Pennsylvania State police have sent out a reminder that as the holidays approach, there are many scams via telephone email and social media, that are always using new ways to obtain money and personal information from the public. The police say that any legitimate company or department would never request gift cards for payment and to remind you to never give out personal information or money to someone you don’t trust or know. Never agree to meet up with someone you don’t know to give them money or information. Find out more about common scams at media.pa.gov.

LOCAL WINNER FOR PENNDOT CONTEST

Avery Herlocher of Sugar Valley Rural Charter School in Loganton, Clinton County is one of nine K-8 grade students in all of Pennsylvania who was recognized in  the 3rd grade to 5th grade category in a statewide poster contest sponsored by PennDOT.  According to a press release the 2022 School Bus Safety Poster Contest theme was  “1 Bus + 1 Driver = A Big Impact on Education” – stressing the important dynamic between students and their school bus drivers, who navigate commonwealth roadways daily and keep children safe.  Members of the Pennsylvania State Police, presented certificates to the students in recognition of their efforts.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 HS Football Friday Night

TOWANDA VS HUGHESVILLE

(BYB GAME OF THE WEEK)

WILLIAMSPORT VS WILKES-BARRE

MONTOURSVILLE VS JERSEY SHORE

MONTGOMERY VS WARRIOR RUN

COWANESQUE VALLEY VS MUNCY

MIFFLINBURG VS MILTON

WYALUSING VS LOYALSOCK

BLOOMSBURG VS SHIKELLAMY

MOUNT CARMEL VS SOUTHERN COLUMBIA

SHAMOKIN VS CENTRAL COLUMBIA


NFL Thursday Night Football
Commanders 12   Bears 7
NFL Games coming up Sunday @1pm
Jets in Green Bay, Cincinnati is in New Orleans, Baltimore goes to New York to play the Giants, Tampa Bay is in Pittsburgh, @4:25 Buffalo goes to Kansas City to play the Chiefs, and Dallas in in Philly at 8:20pm on NBC for Sunday Night Football.
MLB
American League Game 2
Astros 4               Mariners 2
Guardians and Yankees were postponed due to weather – they’ll play today at 1:07pm on TBS
National League – Braves and the Phillies play Game 3 today @4:37pm FS1, and the Dodgers and Padres Game 3 is @8:37pm on FS1
NASCAR
The South Point 400 from Las Vegas Motor Speedway Pre race coverage starts at 1:30pm on the Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network or WILQ’s HD3
Eight drivers remain in the race for the championship Round of 8; Chase Elliott Joey Logano, Ross Chastain, Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe.

NHL
Sabers 4                       Senators 1
Flyers 5                       Devils 2
Penguins 6                   Coyotes 2
Panthers 3                   Islanders 1
Maple Leafs 3             Capitals 2
Rangers 7                    Wild 3
Stars 4                         Predators 1
Flames 5                      Avalanche 3
Golden Knights 2 Blackhawks 0
Kraken 4                     Kings 1


BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 13, 2022

POLICE SEIZE SMALL ARSENAL FROM JERSEY SHORE MAN

Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police took a Jersey Shore man into custody yesterday after authorities were informed he was a parolee, and had a large amount of firearms on the property.  According to North Central PA dot com, 36 year old Robert Benjamin Seese was ordered to surrender all firearms and ammunition when he was served with a temporary PFA on September 20th, and was found to have pled guilty to other felony charges from 2012, that kept him from being able to own guns.  Authorities say they seized a small arsenal including ammunition for shotguns, rifles, and handguns.  Seese faces second-degree misdemeanor failure to relinquish firearms and is in the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of twenty five thousand dollars monetary bail.

REWARD FOR MISSING NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY TEEN

Crimestoppers is offering a cash reward for information leading to the solving of a missing person case out of  Northumberland County.  According to North Central PA dot com, 17 year old Angel Gonzalez was last seen October 2nd in Shamokin about 1am around Shamokin Street.  Stat e police at Stonington say Gonzalez is a Hispanic male, 5’9” and was wearing black pants and a white shirt.  Call 1-800

4PA TIPS if you have information.

JAKE BRAKE BAN ON ROUTE 54

There was a public meeting in East Buffalo Township this week, and the supervisors there voted to ban the use of jake brakes in the eastbound lane of Route 45 between Route 15 to Fairground Road.  According to the Daily item, the excessive noise is what drove the township to adopt the ordinance, and there is discussion of the same ban for the westbound lane of Route 45 from Market Street to Fairground Road and the southbound lane on Route 15 from Hillcrest Lane to Moore Avenue.  Compression engine brakes are already banned on the northbound lane of Route 15 from Armory Boulevard to Hillcrest Lane.

YMCA SEEKING COAT DRIVE DONATIONS

The Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA is seeking donations for their winter coat drive coming up next month that can provide warmth for the more than 600 children and families who will be in need of it by the time the cold weather arrives this year.  According to the Standard Journal, donations for the drive may be dropped off at YMCA branches in Sunbury, Milton, Mifflinburg and Lewisburg.  The giveaway days are coming up November 7th -9th in Sunbury.  Steiningers Laundry and Dry Cleaning in Selinsgrove will clean and prepare all the donated items.

NORRY OFFICER INJURED BY INMATE

A Northumberland County Jail correctional officer was injured by an inmate on September 24th and will face new charges for the incident.  According to North Central PA dot com, 28 year old Daniel Walter was charged with simple assault and a count of harassment for striking the officer during a fight with another inmate.  CO Austin Reinard was struck in the mouth as Walter resisted being subdued from the fight.  He was treated and released from Geisinger Shamokin.  Walter who was not injured, is now an inmate at Columbia County Prison in Bloomsburg.

TAX INCREASED EXPECTED IN LEWISBURG

After a Lewisburg borough Council meeting this week, residents may see a 1 mill tax increase after an upcoming vote on the proposed 2023 spending plan.  According to the Daily Item, the increase on the 3.8 million dollar budget plan is required to fund police and fire departments responding to a growing and thriving community.  Some council members spoke during this week’s meeting of the attention Lewisburg is getting in the state for the positive progress that is being made, including construction of an amphitheater at Hufnagle Park.

MONTOURSVILLE SCHOOLS DISCUSSING ARMED SECURITY

A survey was distributed to parents in the Montoursville School District about attitudes toward armed security officers in district schools and the school board this week debated on the topic.  According to the Sun Gazette, the school received almost 550 responses to the over 1500 surveys sent to parents who responded and many are in favor of armed personnel in the schools.  Discussion about research deterring crime on school campuses, the financial aspect of armed personnel and whether it is even an issue since many parents didn’t respond to the survey took place.  The Montoursville school board agreed to continue discussion on the matter, but took no action.

FETTERMAN OZ DEBATE SET

A date has been set for exclusive prime-time debate between Democrat U.S. Senate nominee John Fetterman and Republican Mehmet Oz according to WHTM.  Fetterman suffered a stroke in May and requested closed captioning be available at the debate. Oz has agreed to that request.  Nexstar Media will host the debate October 25th at 8pm at the abc27 studio in Harrisburg. It will air on WTAJ in State College, WBRE and WYOU in Scranton. The debate will be moderated by Dennis Owens and Lisa Sylvester.

SPORTS

MLB
National League Division Series Game 2
Braves 3               Phillies 0
Padres 5               Dodgers 3 Both series tied up 1-1
American League games today
Mariners and Astros 3:37pm on TBS
Guardians and Yankees play in New York at 7:37pm on TBS

NHL yesterday
Hurricanes 4         Blue Jackets 1
Canadiens 4         Maple Leafs 3
Bruins 5               Capitals 2
Avalanche 5         Blackhawks 2
Ducks 5                Kraken 4
Oilers 5                Canucks 3

NBA
Cavaliers 105       Hawks 99
Pacers 109 Knicks 100
76ers 99               Hornets 94
Heat 120              Pelicans 103
Nets 107               Bucks 97
Timberwolves 118 Lakers 113
Kings 105             Suns 104
Nuggets 126         Clippers 115

NCAA Football
Wednesday – University of Louisiana 23 Marshall 13
Games today – Baylor is @ West Virginia 7pm on FS1
Temple goes to the University of Central Florida (UCF) 7pm on ESPN
Penn State  preparing to go to Michigan – noon Saturday on Fox

PIAA District 4

Girls Soccer
South Williamsport 7          Sullivan County 0
Muncy 7                                            Millville 0
Wellsboro 4                          N. Penn Mansfield 0
Athens 2                           Northeast Bradford 1
Montoursville 2               Southern Columbia 1
Williams Valley 4                            Shamokin 2

Boys Soccer
Jersey Shore 2                                  Milton 1
Warrior Run 2                                   Midd-west 0
Danville 3                                          Shikellamy 0
Loyalsock 3                                      Mifflinburg 1
Selinsgrove 1                                Williamsport 0
Central Mountain 6                          Shamokin 1
Central Columbia 6                      Bloomsburg 1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 11, 2022

DANVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL DISMISSES EARLY MONDAY

There was an early dismissal at the Liberty Valley Intermediate School yesterday after staff found damage done at the school by a bullet, and there was uncertainty of the threat to the school community.  According to a press release by the Danville School, broken glass and evidence of a shooting was found Monday morning about 7:30am by a school employee inside a classroom.  When Principal Lee Gump was notified, he alerted the district superintendent and district police who called State police to the scene.  The students who were arriving to school at the time were kept inside the school in a lock down away from windows and doors.  Even though administrators found the shooting likely occurred on Saturday and there was no threat to the students – they still dismissed the students around 10:15 am yesterday to buses that had been staged at an area away from the campus. State police continue the investigation.

DYNAMITE TRUCK EXPLODES IN SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

There were reports of an explosion at a Schuylkill County quarry yesterday.  According to North Central PA dot com, a dynamite truck exploded at the Summit Quarry in Joilett, PA yesterday.  Schuykill County emergency dispatch reports that at least 5 people were injured, and one was flown by helicopter for emergency medical treatment.  OSHA and Mine Safety and Health Administration were keeping unessential parties away from the scene after the incident yesterday, and no other information has been released about the cause of the explosion or the condition of the victims.

NEW BIDS REQUESTED FOR WELL REHAB PROJECT

Because prior bids have been rejected due to them being over budget, the County Commissioners have requested new bids for the Williamsport Region Relief Well Rehabilitation and Replacement project.  According to the Sun Gazette, officials from the county’s Planning and Community Development Department said the Army Corps of Engineers gave input on the new bid requirements.  The project will be on PennBid and be advertised in the newspaper and will be due in November. 

BAND EXPO THIS WEEK AT LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP HS

The Loyalsock Township High School will host the 2022 Lycoming County Marching Band Exhibition tomorrow at 7pm at the school in Loyalsock Township.  All Lycoming County  high school bands will perform their halftime shows, including Williamsport, Montoursville, South Williamsport, Muncy, Hughesville, Jersey Shore, Montgomery as well as Loyalsock.  There will be a performance of the Lycoming County Mass Band – when more than 450 students perform for the grand finale. The public is invited to attend the show with tickets at $6 for adults and $ 4 for students and seniors.

MAN WHO RAMMED FUNDRAISER CROWD FACES NEW CHARGES

The man who drove into a crowd of people at a fundraiser in Berwick and later went on to allegedly kill his mother in August, has had additional charges brought against him.  According to North Central PA dot com, Adrian Sura Reyes was originally charged with two counts of criminal homicide.  It was announced by investogators yesterday that Reyes now faces an additional 19 counts of attempted criminal homicide and 19 counts of aggravated assault.  One woman was killed in the incident, while 17 people were reported injured, according to statements made by the Pennsylvania State Police. Reyes is still jailed in Columbia County.

EDKIN COLD CASE GETTING NEW ATTENTION

The case of Corey James Edkin, the toddler who was abducted from his New Columbia home in 1986, is getting some more attention lately after state police report they have new evidence that points to a new person of interest. Investigators never turned up any sign of the young boy, even after using bloodhounds and searching the Susquehanna River during the original investigation of the case.  The 2 year-old boy had been sleeping in bed with his mother, Debbie Mowery, who left the Second Street house in the middle of the night for a few minutes to go to a convenience store.  When she returned the boy was gone.  There is a 10 thousand dollar cash reward being offered for any more information about the boy.

MAN TRICKED BY BITCOIN SCAMMERS

A Port Trevorton Man who got involved in Bitcoin investing through Instagram and a banking app, lost his money and received a briefcase full of toilet paper and books instead of the cash he was expecting.  According to state police at Selinsgrove the man in Snyder County was taken advantage of when he sent 23 thousand dollars through CashApp to the scammers and expected to get back 210 thousand dollars in cash.  When the briefcase arrived he was charged more money to pen the case which contained the paper.  State police are working on the investigation.

PLANS TO RESTORE BLUE CATFISH TO PA RIVERS

There is a plan by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to reintroduce the blue catfish to the area.  According to a release by the PFBC, it is the largest catfish species in North America found throughout the Ohio and western Pennsylvania rivers, until the early 1900s when pollution and habitat changes caused their extinction from the area.  State officials say the environment may be good again to restore  the species locally, with exact plans on how to bring back the Blue to PA in the works.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4

Girls Tennis Singles Tournament
Semi-Finals
Peyton Dincher (Jersey Shore) def. Anna Hall (Loyalsock) 6-1, 6-1
Sarah Buck (Hughesville) def. Kara Mann (Montoursville) 6-3, 6-3
Finals
Peyton Dincher (Jersey Shore) def. Sarah Buck (Hughesville) 6-4, 6-4

NFL
Monday Night Football
Chiefs 30 Raiders 29.
Thursday Night Football
Washington is in Chicago 8:15pm Prime Video

MLB Today
National League
Phillies vs Atlanta Braves at 1:07 on Fox
San Diego vs LA Dodgers at 9:37pm FS1
American League
Seattle’s in Houston at 3:37pm on TBS
Cleveland’s in New York to play the Yankees at 7:37pm on TBS

Phillies and Atlanta Game 2 tomorrow 4:35 PM on Fox

World Series Game 1 is Friday October 28th

NCAA football
Louisiana is @ Marshall tomorrow 7:30 PM on ESPN2
Thursday Baylor goes to Morgantown to play WVU – 7 PM on FS1
Temple is it University of Central Florida at 7 PM on ESPN
Penn State comes up Saturday @ Michigan – noon on Fox

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 7, 2022

SUSPECT IN MUSEUM CRASH WANTS CHARGES DROPPED

The woman from Williamsport who drove a van into the Little League Museum July 3rd with a beef about her family member’s recognition in the creation of little league organization, is seeking to have charges of intent to kill and risking a catastrophe dropped in District court.  According to the Sun Gazette, not enough evidence was established in a September preliminary hearing against 57 year old Theresa Salazar, in regards to those charges.  Salazar did almost 50 thousand dollars-worth of damage to the museum when she crashed into the front – no one was injured in the incident.

ANIMAL CRUELTY COUNTS FOR TEMPORARY WORKERS

Eleven men have been named in an animal cruelty case in which they were observed abusing turkeys in July of 2021 at a farm on Tower Road in Limestone Township.  According to the Standard Journal, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals obtained a video of the suspect behavior and turned it in to State Police.  The group of workers were with a temporary agency and face total of 139 charges, including six felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and 76 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. Charges have also been filed in 5 other counties of Pennsylvania.  The preliminary  hearing in Union County is October 25th.

SPLASH PAD PREPARED FOR 2023

The Splash Pad at Shaw Place Park is being winterized now, but there are plans in place for next season.  According to the Sub Gazette, the Sherman Street Park will be prepared and ready for operation for the summer as the 550 thousand dollar bill for the facility has been satisfied with funds from the American Rescue Plan.  The Splash Pad is a feature introduced after Mayor Derek Slaughter saw the water feature in other cities.  The water sprays for five minutes each time the button is pushed.  More recreation is slated to come to Shaw Place Park including word of a BMX trail.

STUDENTS TO DO SURVEY ON ATTITUDES ON LOCAL POLICE

Criminal Justice majors at Lycoming College will be conducting a research project for the next few weeks in a collaborative effort between the Williamsport Bureau of Police and the Lycoming College Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, as a way to assess attitudes toward the local police.  According to the Sun Gazette, the trained students wearing identification badges will survey four Williamsport neighborhoods and Newberry now through November 11th. This same survey had been done in Old Lycoming Township, Tiadaghton Valley and Jersey Shore in previous years. Lycoming College Criminal Justice Department faculty will supervise the students, and participants in the survey will be eligible to win gift cards to be drawn at a later date.

FATHER AND DAUGHTER IMPRISONED FOR SELLING DRUGS

A father and daughter have each been charged with intent to deliver drugs after the daughter told police he helped her father sell drugs to earn extra money.  According to the Sun Gazette, 57 year old Dwayne Wiggins was charged by Lycoming County’s Narcotics Enforcement Unit with two counts of delivery of a controlled substance and illegal use of a cell phone.  Wiggin’s daughter, 28 year old Shameeka Dixon faces one count of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.  Wiggins and Dixon were both arraigned and incarcerated at Lycoming County Prison in lieu of bail.

WATER MAIN BREAK IN SUNBURY

Traffic should be back to normal today in Sunbury after a water main break shut down roads yesterday morning. A water main break caused traffic to be rerouted from Fourth Street.  According to media outlets, the break occurred at Packer and Regan Street and blocked the roadway for a few hours.  Sunbury Municipal authority did not make a statement on the reason for the water main break – but Fourth Street re-opened by noon.

NEW SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

There was a new member sworn in at this week’s school board meeting in Loyalsock Township.  According to  North Central PA dot com, Lynn Frey takes the seat previously held by Valerie Komarnicki who left the board last month.  The board held a special meeting earlier in the week for the interviews of the candidates for the position.  In addition, a new eSports coach was hired by the school. Benjamin Lorson, the district’s athletic director said an eSports team could be competing for Loyalsock by the end of the year.

DWELL ORPHAN CARE OPENS HOPE CHEST IN BLOOMSBURG

Williamsport based Dwell Orphan care, a non-profit organization that supports children in foster care, has opened a second Hope Chest Foster Closet in Bloomsburg.  The new location of the Hope Chest Foster Closet offers new and like new clothing, hygiene essesntials, new shoes and toys for kids entering the foster system, is at Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomsburg.  Administrators for Dwell say having a facilities like this in multiple locations gives resources to more families who can be foster families for longer.  Get information from their Market Street office in Williamsport, or at DwellOrphanCare.org.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4
HS Football
Backyard Broadcasting Game of the Week Thursday

Muncy 21             South Williamsport 14

HS Football Tonight 7pm

WYOMING VALLEY WEST VS WILLIAMSPORT

DANVILLE VS MONTOURSVILLE

SHAMOKIN VS JERSEY SHORE

MONTGOMERY VS CANTON

MOUNT CARMEL VS HUGHESVILLE

MILTON VS BLOOMSBURG

LOYALSOCK VS LEWISBURG

WARRIOR RUN VS MIDD-WEST

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN VS SELINSGROVE

MIFFLINBURG VS SHIKELLAMY

SOUTHERN COLUMBIA VS CENTRAL COLUMBIA

NFL Thursday Night
Colts 12              Broncos 9

NFL Sunday
Giants play the Green Bay Packers 9:30 AM on Sunday from London on NFL Network
Other Sunday games 1pm… Pittsburgh and Buffalo, Dolphins come to play the Jets, Cowboys are in Los Angeles to play the Rams.  Cincinnati is in Baltimore for Sunday Night Football at 8:20 on NBC.

MLB
Wildcard games start today
American League – Tampa Bay is in Cleveland for their Game 1at 12:07pm  on ESPN
Seattle and Toronto is at 4:07pm on ESPN,
Phillies are in St. Louis for the National League Wildcard Game 1 at 2:07pm on ABC, and San Diego play the Mets at 8:07pm on ESPN

NASCAR fined Kevin Harvick for modifications found on his Ford at Talladega. Crew chief Rodney Childers is suspended for the next four races.
NASCAR Sunday
Week 6 of the playoffs
The Roval 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Pre-race coverage starts at 1pm on the Twin Valleys Talk Radio Network

BOOMER’S DRIVE-THRU TRICK OR TREAT 2022

The Williamsport Crosscutters, in association with the City of Williamsport, have announced the return of Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat, a free trick or treating experience for children and their families. The event will take place in the Muncy Bank Ballpark parking lot on Friday, October 28 from 6pm-9pm and is sponsored by UPMC, the UPMC Health Plan and Backyard Broadcasting.

The event will be hosted by Boomer, the Cutters popular mascot, and give children age 14 and under in costume, the opportunity for a fun, safe, trick or treating experience. Over twenty other exhibitors, including some of Boomer’s mascot buddies, are slated to be part of Boomer’s Drive-Thru Trick or Treat.

Crosscutters Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations Gabe Sinicropi stated, “Due to the overwhelming attendance over the past two years, we have added an extra hour so that we can accommodate as many children as possible.” Over 800 kids passed through the event in 2021.

All participants will be required to stay inside their vehicle as they receive treats from the Williamsport Crosscutters and other area businesses. Those attending are required to enter the Muncy Bank Ballpark lot via the West 4th Fourth Street entrance only. Entry to the stadium property will close at 9pm. All vehicles will exit at the back of the stadium on Blaine Street.

Any local businesses who would like to be part of this event, at no charge, can contact the Cutters at (570) 326-3389.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 6, 2022

GARAGE FIRE EXTINGUISHED BEFORE FIRE SPREADS

Muncy area volunteer firefighters worked a garage fire yesterday and managed to save the home on the property at 263 Pepper Street.  According to the Sun Gazette, Muncy Fire Chief Scot Delany said that the garage on the property – which stood about 5 feet from the home of James and Jessica Hartman, was engulfed in flames when they arrived.  Delany said there was some damage to the homes’ siding but no fire damaged the inside of the Hartman’s home. Fire crews from Hughesville, Pennsdale, Montoursville, and Picture Rockes were on the scene. The fire’s cause was ruled accidental.

MAN IMPERSONATES OFFICER

A man from Winfield impersonated a police officer at the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant on September 5th and is facing charges in Snyder County. According to North Central PA dot com, 29 year old Nikolas Bolig identified himself as an off-duty police officer to a man who told state police later that Bolig detained him, patted him down, brought up a previous DUI conviction and threatened him with jail time.  State police say Bolig was charged with impersonating a public servant, disorderly conduct and harassment.  He has a preliminary hearing October 26th.

GAME WARDEN LOOKING FOR SUSPECT WHO KILLED DEER

The Pennsylvania game commission‘s north central region is seeking information related to the illegal taking of a trophy class Whitetail deer in Union County close to the federal penitentiary. According to the Union County Pennsylvania sheriffs office, the game warden was made aware of a dear that had been shot and concluded that it was taken with a small caliber fire arm October 3 around 11 PM.  If you have any information about the person who shot the deer that was found in the field along route 44 in Greg Township, please report it to the Pennsylvania game commission‘s north central region at 1-833-PGC WILD.

LEAF COLLECTION TO START IN OCTOBER

Leaf collection in the city of Williamsport will begin on October 24th and should continue into December.  According to the Sun Gazette, residents are asked to just use main roads for leaves as the larger trucks don’t fit in all the alleyways.  Residents are also asked to only put loose leaves out for the trucks since sticks, limbs and other brush can jam and damages the city equipment.  Leaves and debris – but no grass clippings – can be taken to the City Brush pile at any time for any city resident with a card for the brush recycling center.

COUNTRY CUPBOARD PROPERTY TO BE TORN DOWN

The demolition of the former Country Cupboard Restaurant and Gift Shops along Route 15 in Lewisburg is set to begin October 11th.  Evangelical Community Hospital acquired the property after the restaurant operated in that location for 49 years, and closed in February of this year. According to the Standard-Journal, the process will come in phases so that utilities can be rerouted to the surrounding businesses – this will take through the end of the year.  Officials from Evangelical say there are no plans at this time to use the property.

POLICE SEEK DIESEL FUEL THIEF

Someone is syphoning gas out of parked trucks in Delaware Township.  According to State Police at Milton, there was a theft of 500 dollars-worth of diesel fuel from a parked truck by someone driving a white Ford service truck model year between 2017 and 2019 with an auxiliary fuel tank on the back.  The theft occurred sometime between Friday, September 30th and Saturday, October 1st,  while the vehicle was parked in the Cleveland Brother’s Equipment parking lot.  If anyone has information call state police.

HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES APPEAL SUIT DISMISSAL

Over 100 former Geisinger employees who were fired over the health system’s implementation of a COVID-19 vaccine and testing policy have appealed the dismissal of their lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Middle District.  The former employees some of whom received religious exemptions to the health system’s vaccine mandate, named nine issues they are appealing, including their claim that they were threatened with termination if they were to reject three PCR or antigen tests. The former employees, from 14 Geisinger affiliates, sought lost wages and benefits, loss of future pay, compensatory and punitive damages and attorney’s fees.  Federal Judge Matthew Brann had dismissed the case in August.

PA LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD MADE RECORD FUNDS LAST YEAR

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board reports that the unaudited financial results for fiscal year 2021-22 reflect a record net income and the first time gross wine and spirits sales topped $3 billion.  Contributions to state and local governments go in part to the General Fund, which finances Pennsylvania’s schools, health and human services programs, law enforcement, and public safety initiatives, among other important public services.  The liquor control board regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania, operates 600 wine and spirits stores statewide, and licenses 20,000 alcohol producers, retailers, and handlers. 

SPORT

PIAA District 4
Girls Soccer
 Sullivan County 4      Montgomery 1
S. Williamsport 4        Muncy 2
Troy 2                           Williamson 1
Athens 3                       Wellsboro 2
Boys Soccer
Benton 4             Muncy 0
Williamsport 7   Shamokin 1
Warrior Run 5    Hughesville 2

MLB
Game 1 Orioles 5         Blue Jays 4
Game 2 Blue Jays 5     Orioles 1
Pirates 5              Cardinals 3
Rangers 4            Yankees 2
Astros 3               Phillies 2
Diamondbacks 4 Brewers 2
Guardians 9        Royals 2
Marlins 12          Braves 9
Mets 9                 Nationals 2
Red Sox 6           Rays 3
Cubs 15               Reds 2
MLB News – Manager Mike Matheny and pitching coach Cal Eldred were fired by the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night, shortly after they finished the season 65-97 with a 9-2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians.NFL
Thursday Night Football Indianapolis is in Denver at 8:15 on Prime Video
NFL Sunday
Giants play the Green Bay Packers 9:30 AM on Sunday from London on NFL Network
Other Sunday games 1pm… Pittsburgh and Buffalo, Dolphins come to play the Jets, Cowboys are in Los Angeles to play the Rams.  Cincinnati is in Baltimore for Sunday Night Football at 8:20 on NBC.

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