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.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 5, 2022

LYCOMING COUNTY APPROVES HAND RECOUNT OF 2020 BALLOTS

The decision to recount all of the ballots cast in the 2020 general election in Lycoming County was approved by the County Commissioners in a 2-1 vote yesterday, and it will start in January.  One of the state row office votes will also be recounted. According to Penn Live, Commissioners Scott L. Metzger and Tony R. Mussare, voted for the total recount.  The board will meet before the recount January 9th to set rules for the recount, including rules on camera and writing instrument usage and who can observe the count.  Democrat Commissioner Richard Mirabito said approving the recount establishes a very dangerous precedent.

REGIONAL POLICE COMMISSION ESTABLISHED

The newly formed Lycoming Regional Police Commission held their initial meeting this week and elected their governing officers at the Jersey Shore Municipal Building.  According to the Sun Gazette, Sean Simcox was elected chairman and David Kay, vice Chairman.  Erv Rauch was approved as treasurer and Sam Augnst as secretary with Cody Hoover appointed as recording secretary. The group will manage the Lycoming Regional Police Department, including officers from Jersey Shore, and Old Lycoming and Porter Townships. The commission will meet the first Monday of each month at 7:30.

WILLIAMSPORT WOMAN FACES CRUELTY TO ANIMALS CHARGES

A woman who tied a cat to her Park Avenue porch so tightly it was suffocating, is facing third degree felony aggravated cruelty to animals, misdemeanor cruelty and neglect. According to the Sun Gazette,  a neighbor  called police after freeing the cat once and finding it tied up and in distress again a few days later, to the point where it may have died without being helped.  Police arrested 38 year old Lashanda Bullock October 2nd.  Bullock said the cat got itself stuck in the railing.

DMV CLOSED FOR COLUMBUS DAY

PennDOT announced today that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, October 8, through Monday, October 10, in observance of Columbus Day. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.   

REVENGE PORN INCIDENT SENDS AGRESSOR TO JAIL

In an act of jealousy, a 22 year old city man sent explicit photos and videos he had made four years prior with a former girlfriend to her current boyfriend in retaliation for her not rekindling the relationship – and that turned out to be a crime.  According to the Sun Gazette, Jordan Zane Bickel is now facing over 150 felony charges for illegal use of a communication device, sharing images without permission, as well as having videos of a person who was a minor at the time they were taken – which is possession of child pornography. Police obtained a search warrant for the Bickel’s cell phone and extracted the videos.   Bickel was arrested Monday and was incarcerated in lieu of 50 thousand dollars bail.

VICTIM SUCKER PUNCHED IN FAMILY DOLLAR

A Williamsport man is in custody after sucker punching a victim so hard at an area Family Dollar store on Memorial Avenue, that his jaw was broken in two places.  According to North Central PA dot com, 48 year old David Evans Braxton attacked the man who was shopping on September 22nd and was later charged with first-degree felony aggravated assault.  The victim first went to UPMC Williamsport, then was transported to Geisinger in Danville for treatment.  Braxton will have a preliminary hearing October 6th and is in jail in lieu of 25 thousand dollars bail.

SUSPECT IN HIGH SPEED CHASE ARRESTED WITH DRUGS

A man from Philadelphia was arrested in South Williamsport after a high speed chase ended in an accident near East Southern Avenue and Main Street last May and he has now been arraigned in District Court. According to the Sun Gazette,  32 year old Elijah Gamon was stopped by police for an expired registration and ultimately drove away from the scene starting a high speed chase that reached speeds of 100 miles per hour on Riverside Drive and Southern Avenue.  After the crash, Gamon was apprehended and was found to allegedly have marijuana, crack cocaine and a large amount of cash.  Gamon has been released from jail on 10 thousand dollars bail, and faces charges for felony fleeing police and drug charges.

ANNUAL SHIKELLAMY BONFIRE THIS SUNDAY

Members of the senior class will participate in preparing for the traditional Shikellamy School District bonfire that will be held Sunday at 6pm in the campus stadium for the first time in two years due COVID-19.  According to the Daily Item, the annual homecoming game will once again feature the traditional bonfire,  that had to be held at Spyglass winery the past two years.  Other activities include a performance by the Braves Marching Band and several flag football games with guest referees including Ron Pratt, Mike Hoover and Ron Marshall. The event is free and open to the public with concessions available at the stadium. The bonfire is set to be lit around 8pm.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4
Boys Soccer
Wellsboro 7                    NE Bradford 1
Montoursville 3             Juniata Christian 1
Girls Soccer
Lewisburg 5                   Williamsport 0
Central Columbia 7       Warrior Run 0
Shamokin 2                             Central Mountain 1
Montoursville 4             Selinsgrove 1

MLB
Yankees 5            Rangers 4 Game 1
Rangers 3             Yankees 2 Game 2
Mets 4                  Nationals 2 Game 1
Mets 8                  Nationals 0 Game 2
Guardians 5                   Royals 3
Cardinals 8                     Pirate 7
Braves 2               Marlins 1
Reds 3                  Cubs 2
Red Sox 6            Rays 0
Astros 10             Phillies 0
Blue Jays and Orioles were postponed due to rain

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has hit his 62nd home run of the 2022 MLB season, setting the single-season record for the American League.  The historic home run moved him past Maris, who held the previous Junior Circuit record with 61 home runs in 1961. Judge joins Babe Ruth and Maris as the only AL players to hit 60 or more home runs in a season.

MLB Post Season Game Schedule
Wildcard games on ESPN start Friday with Game 3 Sunday if necessary.
October 11 – American league division series Game 1 on PBS
                    National league division series Game 1 on Fox or FS 1
– The first game of the World Series is Friday, October 28
NBA PreSeason
Knicks 117                     Pistons 96
Timberwolves 121         Heat 111
Pelicans 129                   Bulls 125
Jazz 118                         Trailblazers 101

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 4, 2022

ACCUSED ACCOMPLICE HAS HOMICIDE CHARGES DROPPED

A York County woman who was jailed for her accomplice-role in a fatal shooting in August at the Liberty interchange of Route 15, had charges of conspiracy to commit homicide dropped in district court this week. According to the Sun Gazette, 32 year old Denissa Alvarez-Matias still faces charges of endangering the welfare of children and hindering apprehension in county court, for which bail has been set at 150 thousand dollars. State police originally charged that Alvarez-Matias was an accomplice to 33 year old Leonardo Pagan-Acevedo when he allegedly fatally shot Jesus Alicia-Santiago during a child custody exchange August 26th.  According to an autopsy Alicia-Santiago was struck by one bullet to his spleen.  He was found deceased in a vehicle at a convenience store just off the interstate in Liberty.

JUDGE DECIDING ON CHARGES AGAINST SUNBURY MAN

A Northumberland County Judge has held off on a decision to determine whether to dismiss a defense Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus in the case of 31 year old Benton Ross of Sunbury.  According to North Central PA dot com,  Ross is accused of shooting Brian Cunningham in august of 2020 at a Mile Post Road residence.  He faces felony attempted homicide, two counts of aggravated assault and discharging a firearm inside a structure.  Ross posted 100 thousand dollars cash bail in June of 2021.  Northumberland County President Judge Charles Saylor says he will issue a decision at a later date.

STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE IDENTITY THEFT IN MONTOUR COUNTY

An Anthony Township man says his identity was stolen so the suspect could use it to apply for unemployment.  According to the Daily Item, an unidentified 33 year old male victim from Danville reported the problem to state police at Milton last Thursday morning. Police have now opened an investigation in Montour County.

CUTTER’S DIRECTOR OF SMILES TO BE HONORED AT BANQUET

Rashan West-Bey, the Williamsport Crosscutters Director of Smiles, will be honored by the West Branch Valley Sports Hall of Fame as the Volunteer of the Year during the annual Hall of Fame banquet at the Genetti Hotel & Suites in Williamsport, on Sunday, November 13.  West-Bey joined the Cutters during the 2003 season and has been a fixture at Historic Bowman Field ever since. According to Gabe Sinacropi, VP of Marketing for the Williamsport Crosscutters,  Rhashan is recognized everywhere he goes and is easily the most popular person in the ballpark.  Cutters fans are invited to come to the induction banquet. $35 tickets are available e-mailing [email protected]

SOME CHARGES DISMISSED FOR FORMER WASD TEACHER

A former Williamsport Area teacher facing two cases of unlawful contact with a minor, has had all charges in one case dismissed.  According to the Sun Gazette, a district judge determined there was insufficient evidence in the case of Christopher Yoder who a judge said was involved in an inappropriate conversation – but not to the level of criminality.  Yoder does still face statutory sexual assault and other charges from his alleged relationship with a female student during the 2011-2012 school year.

SOLAR ARRAY TO BE DEDICATED THIS WEEK

Bucknell University has a 1.76-megawatt solar array and they will dedicate it later this week.  According to a statement by the school, Encore Renewable Energy of Burlington Vermont will be at the event Thursday at 2pm to be held at the project site off Smoketown Road between the Bucknell Golf Club and the Art Barn Complex.  The array will supply up to seven percent of the University’s electricity and is projected top allow the university to be carbon neutral by 2030.  The school says they will pay the East Buffalo Township property taxes on the site.

CONSULTING FIRM TO SEEK FUNDING FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT

The same consulting firm seeking funding for the recently discussed levee project in Williamsport, is also seeking funding to assist in justice and law enforcement funding.  According to the Sun Gazette, Keller Partners and Company of Washington DC, is working with the City to seek grant potential through the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program or Connect and Protect – also known as part of JMHCP.  Overall the millions of dollars in potential funding sought, can be used by the bureau of police for staffing, infrastructure and covering the costs of programs that lower the amount of violent crime in our city. 

MORE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS ACTIVITIES

UPMC is going pink this month for Breast Cancer Awareness, by lighting the hospital buildings pink, asking staff to wear pink, offering educational programs as well as discounted  mammograms in three locations around north central Pennsylvania;  Williamsport, Muncy and Wellsboro.  Around town, you will see UPMC sponsor local sporting teams’ Pink Out games, and there will be a Pretty in Pink event held by “Renew You” a UPMC women’s group, Thursday evening October 13th at the Holiday Inn in Williamsport, that will include health screenings, shopping, beauty experts and other women’s activities.  Get details at UPMC.me/prettyinpink

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 – Girls Soccer
Muncy 18                     CMVT 0
Wellsboro 1                  Jersey Shore 1 (2OT)
Southern Columbia 9  Montgomery 1
Williamson 3                Sullivan County 1
Shikellamy 4                Danville 1

Boys Soccer
South Williamsport 2  North Penn-Liberty 1
East Juniata 3               St. Joseph’s Catholic 0
Danville 3                     Central Columbia 1
Line Mountain 2                   Shamokin 1
Selinsgrove 5               Midd-West 3
Southern Columbia 2 Hughesville 1


NFL Monday night football
49ers 24              Rams 9
Thursday night Football Colts and Broncos @ 815 on Prime Video

MLB
Royals 5              Guardians 2 /10
Pirates 3              Cardinals 2
Marlins 4            Braves 0
Reds 3                 Cubs 1
Blue Jays 5         Orioles 1
Yankees 3           Rangers 1
Red Sox 4           Rays 3
Phillies 3             Astros 0
Nationals and Mets were postponed due to rain with a doubleheader today.
The Phillies have clinched their first postseason berth since 2011 with a 3-0 win over the Houston Astros. Game 1 of the wild-card series will be Friday night.

NBA preseason
76ers 127            Nets 108
Grizzlies 109      Magic 97
Thunder 112       Nuggets 101
Kings 105           Lakers 75
Clippers 102       Trailblazers 97

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS OCTOBER 3, 2022

EXPLOSIVES TAKEN FROM LOYALSOCK TWP HOME

Police have identified the man who was arrested after a bench warrant on another matter uncovered he had homemade explosive devices inside a Loyalsock Township home.  According to the Sun Gazette,   37 year old Steven Guthrie, formerly of Cogan Station, was being taken into custody by a fugitive taskforce team last week when the officers saw the devices that were functioning weapons of mass destruction they said.  The State police Hazardous device  and explosives unit removed the explosives from the home on Cemetery Street Wednesday.  No charges have been filed yet in the case, as the investigation is ongoing.

ANOTHER WASD TEACHER CHARGED

A third Williamsport Area High School Teacher has been charged with inappropriate contact with a student.  According to the Sun Gazette, 52 year old Michelle Pulizzi had a relationship with a student for four months in 2018.  State police said the victim, who was also a confidential informant, received sexually explicit images and messages, allegedly from Pulizzi.  She was charged with third-degree sexual contact with a student and has been released on 75 thousand dollars bail.  Pulizzi will appear for her preliminary hearing October 13th.

CONSULTANT HELPS WILLIAMSPORT FUND LEVEE SYSTEM REPAIR

A Washington based consulting firm is assisting the city of Williamsport secure a possible 8 million dollars in funding for various projects taking place on the levee system.  According to North Central PA dot com, Keller Partners & Company gave a quarterly presentation at the City Council meeting this week and say they expect to see a bill passed through the House Appropriations Committee in Washington by the end of the year that could make these funds available. In addition, the Army Corps of Engineers told council they will begin the levee risk assessment to start the process of bringing the levee system into compliance within the next couple of weeks.

GEISINGER TURNS PINK FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Geisinger Hospitals will be lit pink in October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Geisinger is working to raise awareness about the importance of early breast cancer detection. The pink lights also honor the millions of patients and families affected by the disease.  Breast health experts at the hospital say most lives are saved with annual mammograms beginning at age 40, but those with a family history of breast cancer should screen earlier. For patients who are underinsured, a free government-based program can assist in covering the cost of the vital health screening.

POLICE ID BODY FOUND IN MONTGOMERY

A body was found off of Route 54 near Montgomery Friday morning and the Lycoming County Coroner has made an identification.  According to the Sun Gazette, 34 year old Brett Diehl was found deceased in the yard at 37 School House Road. State Police were called to the scene about 7:45 am Friday where they shut down the roadway from Route 54 almost to Schnee Avenue for police to process the area. No other details have been released about the circumstances surrounding the case at this time.

PRISON GUARD ATTACKED IN CLINTON COUNTY

A guard was attacked by a prisoner early last month at the Clinton County  Correctional Facility while he was being fitted with a suicide smock.  According to North Central PA dot com, 23 year old Nathaniel Lee Baney became combative at the Pine Mountain Road facility and punched and strangled a guard, breaking his glasses before other officers could free him.  Baney was charged with aggravated assault and other charges.  He is incarcerated in lieu of 100 thousand dollars bail with a preliminary hearing scheduled for tomorrow morning.

OVERNIGHT GUARDRAIL WORK THIS WEEK

There will be a PennDOT Guard rail project in Northumberland County this week that may cause overnight delays in Point Township.  Watch for crews to be on Route 11 between Northumberland and Montour County between 7pm and 5am this Monday through Friday.  Crews will have alternating lane restrictions in place in the active work zone.

FLAGS LOWERED FOR PA CHIEF JUSTICE

Flags were ordered to half-staff Saturday by Governor Tom Wolf, to honor  74 year old Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Max Baer who died at his home in Pittsburgh on Friday.  According to a statement by the state court system, Baer was a Duquesne University Law School graduate, and elected to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas in 1989.  He was first elected to the state’s highest court in 2003, and became chief justice last year after Chief Justice Thomas G. Saylor retired.  Taking his place will be Justice Debra Todd, who is the longest continuously serving member and the first woman to serve as chief justice of the state Supreme Court.

SPORTS

NFL
Chiefs 41             Buccaneers 31
Giants 20             Bears 12
Eagles 29              Jaguars 21
Jets 24                  Steelers 20
Bills 23                 Ravens 20
Packers 27           Patriots 24
Vikings 28           Saints 25
Cowboys 25         Commanders 10

NFL News
A spectator at Sunday’s game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets died following a fall on an escalator at Acrisure Stadium. According to Pittsburgh Public Safety a male spectator fell around 4:45 p.m., shortly after the end of New York’s 24-20 victory over the Steelers. Paramedics transferred the victim, whose identity has no t been released, to the hospital in critical condition where he died shortly after.


MLB
Braves 5               Mets 3
Rockies 4              Dodgers 1
Pirate 7                 Cardinals 5
Guardians 7                   Royals 5
Blue Jays 6                     Red Sox 3
Phillies 8              Nationals 1
Orioles 3              Yankees 1

NBA preseason matchups
Golden State Warriors 104               Washington Wizards 95
Boston Celtics 134                            Charlotte Hornets 93 in the NBA Japan games
Preseason NBA Tonight
76ers are in Brooklyn to play the Nets at 7:30 on NBA TV
NASCAR
Chase Elliot earned the automatic berth into the third round of the Cup Series playoffs yesterday at Talladega Alabama, followed by Ryan Blaney , Michael McDowell,  Ross Chastain, and then Denny Hamlin, fifth. 
The elimination playoff race this coming Sunday is at The Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The field will be trimmed from 12 to eight.

NHL NEWS
The Seattle Kraken officially have named a mascot and it was certainly not the one hockey fans were expecting.  On Saturday, during the team’s preseason game against the Vancouver Canucks, the Kraken announced their newest mascot “Buoy”, a sea troll inspired by a Seattle landmark, the Fremont Troll.

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