BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 20, 2022

POLICE SEEK SUSPECT IN SUNBURY

Police and investigators in Sunbury are seeking a suspect in a deadly shooting at an area convenience store.  According to WNEP, 23 year old Ajani Uhuru is the man police say shot 30 year old Hamkeem Jakes at the Penn Jersey Food Mart, before he fled in a vehicle that was later found down the street.  Police will be looking at the surveillance video today to gain more information about the shooting that happened right inside the store.  Investigators say Uhuru, who is a 6 foot 2 black male in dark clothing, may be in the Elysburg area and heading toward Pittsburgh – he is considered armed and dangerous.   Anyone with information should contact Sunbury Police at (570) 286-4584.

WASD STUDENT WHO THREATENED OTHERS, HAD OTHER CHARGES

The Cogan Station teen who was recently jailed due to threatening messages sent to two students over the Williamsport School District messaging portal, has had other charges lodged against him.  According to the Sun Gazette, 18 year old Lucaus Adam Butler had previously waived his preliminary hearing last week for an indecent assault charge that he received in early April for inappropriate contact with a minor in Lycoming Township.  He is currently committed to Lycoming County prison on 9 misdemeanor counts of terroristic threats with no bail.

BLUEBERRIES FOR LIBRARIES

The Fresh Blueberry Sale in Selinsgrove is being held now through June 26th.  According to the Daily Item, the annual sale is held by the Friends of the Rudy Gelnett Library in Selinsgrove to raise money for the library and its programs.  Those interested can pre-order and pre-pay for the seven quart boxes or 10 pounds of freshly picked blueberries for $33 before June 26th with pick up at the Selinsgrove VFW on July 6th from 10am til 3pm.  Pick up an order form at any branch of the Snyder County Library System.  Or email [email protected]

“143 DAY”, MONDAY HONORS A PENNSYLVANIA SON

Governor Wolf has announced a celebration of the 4th annual 1-4-3 Day to honor Pennsylvania’s Fred Rogers of the iconic Mister Roger’s Neighborhood this Monday, May 23rd . According to a press release, Governor Wolf said Pennsylvanians are honored to carry out kind words and deeds to our community to celebrate the life of Fred Rogers who regularly used the numbers 1-4-3 as a way of saying I-Love-Lou.  May 23rd is the 143rd day of the year.  You can go to pa.gov to find inspiration for 1-4-3 Day as well as use #143DayinPA on Social media.  The Pennsylvania Tourism Office offers guests an experience on the Fred Rogers Trail with stops in Latrobe and Pittsburgh – go to visitpa.com/fredrogers.

PEDESTRIAN HIT BY CAR ON ROUTE 6

A tractor trailer driver from Sayre who had exited his vehicle along Route 6 in Bradford County was hit by another driver earlier this month.   According to a Pennsylvania State Police report, 55 year old Joseph Lane had parked his truck along the westbound lane side of Rt 6, about 4:45 am, just east of Red Rock Road in Wysox Township, and was removing a deer from the road.  34 year old Ronnie Johnson of Towanda was traveling on the eastbound side of route 6 and struck the driver of the truck along the side of the road.  Police say the Bradford County Coroner reported Lane deceased at the scene and that he died upon impact.

HEARING FOR FORMER NORRY PRISON DEPUTY WARDEN SET

The former Northumberland County prison deputy warden who allegedly held a gun to his girlfriend’s head earlier this month, has a preliminary hearing on June 21st.  According to the Daily Item, 62 year old David McCoy of Catawissa is facing misdemeanor charges of terroristic threats and endangering another person after he was agitated at his home around 8pm May 2nd over police being called to his property.   He was incarcerated at Columbia County Prison, but posted 100 thousand dollars cash bail through a local professional bondsman.  McCoy was fired May 4th from the deputy warden position at Northumberland after working there only a month. 

NATURAL GAS RATES TO RISE

Natural gas rate hikes are next on the utility agenda with UGI customers getting the message that as of June 1st natural gas costs will go  up over 7%, with a second rate hike on the way in December.  According to North Central Pa dot com, administrators from UGI say wholesale costs of all energies are going up, even though Marcellus Shale locally helps stabilize the price increases compared to nationwide hikes. Utility companies do not profit from the natural gas commodity portion of a customer’s bill and are required to pass costs of energy they purchase directly to the customer with no markup by law.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR THE UPTOWN MUSIC COLLECTIVE

Williamsport’s non-profit school of music, the Uptown Music Collective is now accepting applications for 13 needs and merit based scholarships, for any current or new student wishing to join the school next fall.  There is a group of several organizations, who provide funding for the scholarships including the First Community Partnership via the Lew Gilberti Fund, Hudock Capital Group, Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships and others. The deadline to apply for to 2022-23 school year scholarships is June 6th and they will be awarded in July.  Details at uptown music dot org.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Varsity Softball
Central Mountain clinched their conference yesterday over Milton 11-2
Sullivan county 11               St John Neumann 1
Jersey Shore 16                     Shamokin 6
North Penn Liberty 3            Cowanesque Valley 2
Bloomsburg 11                      Southern Columbia 1

NBA  
Celtics 127 Heat 102   tied 1-1
NBA tonight
Dallas is at Golden State @9 PM on TNT
Miami and Boston meet up again Saturday night @8:30 on ABC.

NHL
Lightning 2                   Panthers 1 Tampa Bay leads 2-0 in the East 2nd Round
Blues 4                          Avalanche 1 tied 1-1
NHL tonight
Rangers and Hurricanes in Raleigh @8 PM on ESPN
Oilers & Flames in Calgary at 10:30 PM on ESPN  

MLB
Orioles 9             Yankees 6
Padres 2              Phillies 0
Mets 7                 Cardinals 6 in10 innings
Reds 4                 Guardians 2  make up from Wednesday
Red Sox 12         Mariners 6
White Sox 7       Royals 4
Diamondbacks 3 Cubs 1
Astros 5               Rangers 1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 19, 2022

US SENATE RACE STILL TOO CLOSE TO CALL

It’s one day after the election, and the battle between David McCormick and Dr. Mehmet Oz for the Republican nod for the open seat in the US Senate is unresolved and too close to call.  According to the Sun Gazette, late last night, there were only just over 17 hundred votes keeping Oz ahead of McCormick, but there are still 22 thousand mail-in votes to count and thousands of ballots still coming in, to add to the 1.3 million votes already counted.  The closeness in the race will automatically set up a recount since the candidate’s margin of separation is smaller than five tenths of a percentage point. Counties in the Commonwealth legally have until next Tuesday to certify their election results.

MILTON STUDENT HAS GUN IN SCHOOL

A student in the Milton Area School District brought a handgun and ammunition to school Monday and police are investigating the incident.  According to WNEP, police say a juvenile had a Glock and 16 rounds with him on school property.  Milton Borough Police responded quickly to the school when school officials discovered a student had a gun and they have now opened a criminal investigation.  No one was injured. 

WASD SCHOOL BOARD VOTES TO CLOSE STEVENS PRIMARY

After due diligence by the Williamsport Area School District to assess the pros and cons of upgrading or closing one of the oldest buildings in the district, Stevens Primary School, the vote this week was unanimous to close the school building as of June 30th.   According to the Sun Gazette, the building began as a junior high school in 1927 and currently has four grade levels with almost 300 students and staff there.   Superintendent Timothy S Bowers said no furloughs will happen due to the closure and much work has been done to carefully reassign students and teachers for next school year.   He said families will have an opportunity to visit their new primary buildings in the district.

BUCKNELL TO HOLD DOUBLE COMMENCEMENT

Potentially, over one thousand students and their families could be in Lewisburg this weekend for a double commencement at Bucknell University on Saturday for the Class of 2020 and Sunday for the class of 2022.  According to media outlets, Saturday’s ceremony is a make-good for the students who were forced to delay their walk across the stage for their diploma due to the pandemic. The 2020 graduation was held technically online.   Both events will be held in a traditional manner at the Malesardi Quadrangle starting at 10am and will feature remarks by Bucknell President John Bravman.

STUDENT JAILED FOR THREATENING MESSAGES

A Williamsport High School student who allegedly sent threatening messages to other students earlier this week for removing him from an online chat has been sent to Lycoming County Prison without bail.  According to the Sun Gazette, police allege that Lucas Adam Butler of Cogan Station sent texts that were lewd and life threatening through the Williamsport School messaging platform and denied the allegations when questioned by police.  District Judge Denise Dieter said she chose to incarcerate Butler due to the seriousness of the charges and for threatening others’ lives.

FIRE INVESTIGATION REVEALS FIREARMS, DRUGS

After Pennsylvania State police investigated a fire that happened at the home of a Danville man in April, and he now faces controlled substance and felony firearms charges.  According to North Central PA dot com, 43 year old George Fox told police the drug paraphernalia and guns they found during the investigation on Leiser Road  in White Deer Township were his.  Police say Fox had been convicted of crimes in the past that determine that he should not have a weapon. He is free on bail and will have a preliminary hearing May 23rd.

SUNBURY PLAYGROUND SET TO OPEN

The City of Sunbury has made an announcement that the Oppenheimer Playground will be open and operating as normally as possible for the Summer of 2022.  The COVID-19 pandemic shut the program down in 2020 and then hindered their ability to hire enough help in 2021.  The popular playground will feature certified staff members as counselors and reading teachers along with foster grandparents helping for the season.  OPG is slated to open June 1st and will be open Monday through Friday 11-6, Saturday noon til 5 and closed on Sundays.  Go to the Oppenheimer Playground Facebook page for updated details.

PSU ALUMNI CHAPTER HOLDING RECRUITING EVENT

A recruiting event for the Greater Susquehanna Valley Penn State Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association will be held in Lewisburg today.  According to the Daily Item, Chapter President Curt Rothermel said they are looking to boost enrollment, looking for new vibrant members to join the current ones.  A Happy hour will take place this afternoon from 5:30 to 7:30 at Jackass Brewing Company in Lewisburg and you do not have to be an alumnus of PSU to be a member of the chapter. 

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Varsity Baseball
Selinsgrove 3                         Central mountain 1
Mount Carmel 15                  Milton 8
Williamson 23                       Bucktail 0
Cowanesque Valley 11         North Penn Mansfield 7
South Williamsport 13         Loyalsock 1
St John Neumann 17            Sugarvalley Rural Charter 2
Southern Columbia 6           Line Mountain 0
Troy 5                                    Towanda 4
Port Allegany 16                   Galeton 2
Lewisburg 6                           Montoursville 5
Danville 10                            Jersey Shore 1
Central Mountain 8               Selinsgrove 2
Midwest 9                              Hughesville 3

PIAA District 4 Varsity Softball
Lewisburg 4                           Montoursville 0
Muncy 15                              Benton 0
Sullivan County 15              CMVT 5
Midwest 4                              Selinsgrove 2
Central Columbia 11            South Williamsport 1
Montgomery 15                     Athens 0
Towanda 3                             Sayre 1
Millville 8                              Southern Columbia 7
Shamokin 13                         Mifflinburg 8
Northwest 7                           Forest City 5
Williamsport 6                      Loyalsock 1
Bucktail 11                            Williamson 0

NBA
Warriors 112                Mavericks 87 in theW finals game one
NBA Tonight
@8:30 Celtics play Heat in Miami on ESPN  

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs 2nd Round
Hurricanes 2                 Rangers 1 in OT  Game 1
Flames 9                        Oilers 6 Game 1
NHL Tonight
Lightning play the Panthers in Sunrise, FL at 7 PM on TNT
Blues and Avalanche are in Denver at 9:30 PM on TNT  

MLB
Brewers 7            Braves 6 in 11 innings
Red Sox 5           Astros 1
Nationals 5         Marlins 4
Phillies 3             Padres 0
Yankees 3           Orioles 2
Mets 11               Cardinals 4
Pirates 3              Cubs 2
Reds and Guardians were postponed due to rain

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 18, 2022

PA REPUBLICAN SENATE BATTLE TOO CLOSE TO CALL

With most votes counted across the Commonwealth, chosen results for the November ballot are all but locked in for the Democrats.  Lt Gov. John Fetterman, who is recovering from a stroke last week, captured at least 59 percent of the vote, and gubernatorial candidate Josh Shapiro ran unopposed on the Democrat side.  In the Republican race for the Governor’s mansion in Harrisburg, Doug Mastriano is the projected winner with 44.4 percent of the polls in his favor, a clear lead over Lou Barletta.  The Senate race for the Republicans is being said its too close to call between Mehmet Oz and David McCormick however, McCormick was the winner in Lycoming County’s unofficial election results.

FLICK IS REPUBLICAN NOMINEE FOR REP OF 83RD DISTRICT

In other unofficial results, Jamie Flick is projected to win the Republican nomination for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives 83rd District. According to North Central PA dot com, despite having no major endorsements from the Republican Party, Flick won the nomination with just over 51% of the vote.   Rep. Jeff Wheeland announced in February that he would retire at the end of his term.

MAN ATTACKED WHILE WAITING FOR PIZZA

Police say a Berwick man, waiting outside his home for the pizza delivery person, was randomly attacked by a neighbor.  According to North Central PA dot com, Edward Howe was waiting at the apartment on Spring Garden Avenue around 2pm on May 7th when Christopher Broyan came from a lower level apartment and began stabbing Howe in the face head and shoulders for no apparent reason.  A friend of Howe’s heard the commotion from his apartment and went to his aid, shoving Broyan away from his victim.  Howe was taken to Geisinger in Danville.  Broyan was charged with attempted homicide and aggravated assault.  He remains incarcerated at Columbia County prison and has a preliminary hearing May 23rd. 

BILLTOWN BLUES FESTIVAL COMING IN JUNE

Tickets for the 32nd annual Billtown Blues Music Festival are on sale now for the event coming up next month at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds in Hughesville. The Billtown blues Association hosts the 2022 festival June 10th through12th with available camping, lodging, plus craft and food vendors. Tickets are available at Billtownblues.org, the Community Art Center box office, the Lockard Agency in Hughesville, and other ticket outlets.  The Billtown Blues Association is supported by grants from the Pennsylvania Council in the Arts, the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau and the City of Williamsport.

PA GENERAL ELECTION SENATE, LT GOV RACE PROJECTIONS

As the 2022 Primary General Election tallies are completed across the Commonwealth, Mehmet Oz  and hedge-fund manager David McCormick are neck and neck for the US Senate seat vacated earlier this year by Senator Pat Toomey.  But in Lycoming County, McCormick garnered 6876 votes to Oz’s 5911.  According to information from Lycoming County Voter Service the total ballots cast in the county came to 25588 out of 61, 606 Registered Voters.  That’s an overall turnout of 41.53% with all 81 precincts reporting.  On the Republican side of the Lt Governor ticket, Carrie Lewis DelRosso captured 24.7 percent of the vote in Lycoming County to comfortably win over Rick Saccone who had 15 percent.  DelRosso is the projected Republican Lt Gov. candidate in Pennsylvania.

WOMAN STEALS CAR FROM PERSON OFFERING HER A RIDE

A Williamsport woman has been arrested after stealing the car from the person who offered her a ride on River Avenue in Loyalsock Township.  According to the Sun Gazette, 46 year old Kendra Darby was the passenger in a 2005 Nissan Sentra when the driver exited the car to go into a bank.  Police say Darby fled with the car and later told police she left because she had to get home.  Police records say the stolen car was parked in a business lot at 6th and High Streets. She has been charged with felony theft and unauthorized use of a vehicle and has been incarcerated in lieu of 15 thousand dollars bail.

MAN ARRESTED AFTER SHOVING PAVING WORKER

A Shamokin Dam man has been charged after he harassed a pavement company worker in Union County.  According to police reports, 42 year old Robert Ashford was heading through a construction zone in the area of Hospital Drive near Route 15 in Kelly Township last Friday.  State police say there was a verbal argument between Ashford and the victim about the traffic pattern and Ashford exited his car and pushed the worker.  Police say the man has been cited for harassment of another person. 

ENERGY COURSE CORRECTION WITH KELLER LEGISLATION

With inflation causing fuel prices to tick up dramatically, US Representative Fred Keller of Kreamer has introduced legislation that calls for the Biden administration and other lawmakers to invest in American energies like domestic oil and natural gas via drilling.  Keller received support for his House Resolution from American energy industry leaders who say an energy course correction is needed to help people who are facing economic challenges thanks to high energy costs. 

SPORTS


PIAA District 4 Varsity Baseball
Punxsutawney 9                      Williamsport 8
Mifflinburg 10                        Lewisburg 1
Mount Carmel 12                   Nativity BVM 2
Cowanesque Valley 11           Towanda 1
South Williamsport 9              North Penn Mansfield 2
Hughesville 12                         Warrior Run 2
Jersey Shore 11                       St John Neumann 1
Loyalsock 12                           Southern Columbia 11
Wellsboro 9                             Coudersport 4
Sayre 12                                  Troy 1
SugarValleyRuralCharter 9     Northwest 2
Midd-west 17                          Greenwood 0
Muncy 17                                Bucktail 2

PIAA District 4    Varsity Softball
Central Columbia 5                 Montgomery 3
Williamsport 9                        Shikellamy 6
Troy 21                                   Sayre 0
Canton 13                               Millville 4
Bloomsburg 13                        Northwest 1
Jersey Shore 12                       Milton 2
Mifflinburg 6                           Danville 5
Bucktail 7                                Warrior run 4
Shamokin 16                           Sugarvalley Rural  Charter 0
Southern Columbia 6              Hughesville 3

NBA
Heat 118 Celtics 107 in the East Finals Game 1
NBA tonight
Mavericks and Warriors meet at 9 PM on TNT for the West Finals Series





MLB
Game 1 Mets 3             Cardinals 1
Game 2 Cardinals 4     Mets 3
Reds 5                 Guardians 4 in 10 innings
Marlins 5            Nationals 1
Padres 3              Phillies 0
Yankees 5           Orioles 4
Cubs 7                 Pirates 0
Braves 3              Brewers 0

NHL
Lightning 4         Panthers 1  East 2nd Round
Avalanche 3        Blues 2 Colorado leads in the West
NHL Tonight
East 2nd Round – Rangers and Hurricanes in Raleigh, NC @7 PM on ESPN
Oilers & Flames in Calgary @ 9:30 on ESPN in the West 2nd Round

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 17, 2022

MANY WATCHING THE PENNSYLVANIA PRIMARY TODAY

It’s Election Day today.  Republicans and Democrats will be at the polls today for the 2022 General Primary deciding some very hot races in the commonwealth that many are watching around the country.  Since incumbent U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, a Republican from Lehigh County will not seek re-election, that open seat could be the one that could tip control in the Senate from a current 50-50 line up in Washington, DC.  In the Governor’s race, Unopposed Democrat Josh Shapiro is set to be on the ticket and the Republican field is shuffling to back a more viable candidate than far-right candidate Doug Mastriano who might not appeal to moderate voters in Philadephia and Pittsburgh.  Polls in Lycoming County are open until 8pm tonight.  Go online to lyco.org to confirm your polling place.

MAN ATTACKS EX-GIRLFRIEND, STEALS PHONE

A Williamsport man has been charged with robbery after he attacked an ex-girlfriend inside a Northway Road Convenience store and stole her phone in late April.  According to the Sun Gazette, surveillance video shows Nicole Noel Peterson inside the Quick-Mart when 31 year old Mikahil Gregory Jones entered, struck Peterson in the face, grabbed her Samsung Galaxy S8 phone and fled from the area.  Jones was arrested by Williamsport City Police and is being charged with strangulation, assault, robbery and harassment.  He has a preliminary hearing for these charges on May 23rd. 

MILL HALL WOMAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT IN PARKING LOT

A Mill Hall woman has been charged by police after an incident that took place in the parking lot of the Lowes on Hogan Boulevard last Saturday.  According to North Central PA dot com, 32 year old Elizabeth Ann Fausey punched 37 year old Sara Shade also of Mill Hall, in the face, and dragged her from the car by her hair.  Troopers were called by witnesses around 6pm and they will be charging Fausey with assault.  The victim suffered minor injuries and was able to speak with officers at the scene.

A $2000 CHECK COULD COME TO SOME PENNSYLVANIANS

Pennsylvania households that earn 80 thousand dollars or less per year, could get up to two thousand dollars through the PA Opportunity Program according to a press release by Governor Wolf on Friday.  The Governor made the statement in Harrisburg calling on Republican General Assembly to act to support the American Rescue Plan which is the legislation that makes the checks for millions of Pennsylvanians possible.   Democrats in the Senate and House have introduced legislation that supports the Opportunity Program, but Republicans are slower committing the federal funding or introduce a plan for the dollars.

FETTERMAN WILL SIT OUT ELECTION NIGHT, RECOVERS FROM STROKE

Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, Democratic candidate for US Senate who leads in the polls and his ability to fund raise, will remain in the hospital through this evening as he continues to recover from a stroke that was discovered while he was campaigning in Lancaster PA late last week.  Fetterman released a statement yesterday explaining his health concerns and that he’s is on the road to a full recovery.  According to Media outlets, on the Republican side in the US Senate race, attack ads and strategies are part of the last minute scramble to gain Republican control of the  US Senate after  incumbent U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, a Republican from Lehigh County decided earlier this year to not seek re-election.  Polls are open in Lycoming County until 8pm tonight.

FATAL CRASH IN CENTRE COUNTY

A 22 year old man from state college was killed in an early morning crash in Centre County Saturday.  According to the Record Online, Jordan A. Henry was involved in a one car accident along northbound I-99 in Patton Township when he failed to negotiate his 2003 Honda Accord around a left hand curve in the road.  Once Henry went off the roadway, he hit an embankment and overturned several times coming to rest on the roof of the car.  The Centre County Coroner pronounced Jordan dead at the scene.  The right lane of I-99 North was closed between mile markers 71-73 for about five hours. 

OWNERS OF NUISANCE PROPERTIES COULD BE FINED

Williamsport Codes officials met recently and are calling out owners to tend to city properties that are considered a nuisance – or properties that have high uncut grass and weed overgrowth as well as those who place trash outside the homes without a proper container.  According to the Sun Gazette, the city codes administrator, Joseph Gerardi said that there are four codes enforcement officers who will be visiting properties one time with a warning and then there could be a 200 dollar fine imposed at minimum for each property maintenance code offense.  Rental property owners are also reminded that a codes officer will give a ten day notice for them to schedule an inspection with the city.  Those properties with code violations that don’t get inspected within the time allotted could be shut down and renters displaced.

NEW HIRE IN THE OFFICE AT LITTLE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL

There is a new marketing and communications person starting this week at Little League International Headquarters in Williamsport.  According to a press release, Lance Lovett joins LLI after his last position as Inside Sales Account Executive for the Detroit Lions where he helped with ticket sales, outreach, tracking, and special fan engagement events.  Lovett has a Bachelor in Science in Sport Management from Eastern Michigan and an Associate’s degree from Macomb Community College where he played baseball. 

SPORTS

MLB

Marlins 8 Nationals 2
Yankees 6 Orioles 2
Red Sox 6 Astros 3
Brewers 1 Braves 0
Cubs 9 Pirates 0
White Sox 5 Royals 3
Cardinals and Mets were postponed due to Rain

NBA tonight
Boston goes to Miami at 8:30 on ESPN for the East Finals Game 1
Tomorrow Dallas is it Golden State at 9 PM on TNT for the West Finals Game 1

NHL tonight
Tampa Bay Rays play the Florida Panthers 7 PM on TNT  in the East 2nd Round
St. Louis is in Colorado at 9:30 on TNT in the West 2nd Round

GOLF
The PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa starts this week – on Thursday the 19th.  The second major of the year is in Oklahoma for the first time since 2007 when Tiger Woods won his 13th major title.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 16, 2022

MAN CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY FACES FELONY CHARGES

A Lewisburg man will face 28 felony charges after police obtained a search warrant and found videos of child pornography on his phone in early May.  According to North Central PA dot com, two phone apps, KIK and Snapchat, detected downloads on their service that allegedly included sexual content involving children and sent the information to police.  The IP address matched up with devices owned by 25 year old Scott Feaster and Pennsylvania State Police made the arrest May 3rd.  Feaster is in the Union County Prison in lieu of bail.

MASTRIANO GETS TRUMP ENDORSEMENT SATURDAY

Doug Mastriano, a far-right Pennsylvania Candidate for Governor, received an endorsement from Former President Donald Trump Saturday.  Lou Barletta who campaigned in Williamsport that day, threw a few punches toward Mastriano in reaction to the sting of rejection from Trump.  Some Republicans think that Mastriano, a retired Army Colonel, is too extreme to win moderate voters in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in November against unopposed Democrat Josh Shapiro.  Trump’s 2018 choice for US Senate, Lou Barletta has said there are few policy differences between him and Mastriano.

RIBBON CUTTING AT NEW LYCO COURT OFFICES

There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony this morning to celebrate the new location for Lycoming County Magisterial Court at 2107 Lycoming Creek Road.  Community members who need to come to the offices of District Judge William Solomon, President Judge Nancy Butts and the Lycoming County Commissioners will find better access to the court and better security in the new location.  The public is invited to the ribbon cutting that will take place at 10am today.

OLDEST BUILDING IN NORRY BOROUGH UP FOR AUCTION

There will be an auction of the former Jerre Wirt Blank Funeral Home, the oldest building in Northumberland Borough at 309 Water Street on June 2nd.  The owner of the property who was also the funeral director, Jerre Wirt Blank passed away November 22nd  at the age of 82.  According to the Daily Item, Auctioneer Jeffery Dunkelberger of Paxinos has the auction scheduled onsite and online.  The home built in three parts has four stories and 44 rooms and was known as the Elliot Davis House.  The contents will be involved in an online auction until May 19th at 5pm. Go to Hibid.com for information about the online auction.

HIT AND RUN SUSPECT ARRESTED

Witnesses say a Williamsport woman involved in a hit and run stopped, exited her vehicle to look at the victim before she drove away. According to the Sun Gazette, 29 year old Marlena Nicole Kania allegedly hit a motorcycle with her car at the 200 block of Hepburn Street on April 12th.  Police found Kania at her home after the incident and she has now been arrested on aggravated assault by vehicle and accidents involving death or injury charges.  Police say they arrived on the scene to see the victim, who may have sustained substantial injuries, being attended to by EMS personnel.

FETTERMAN SUFFERS STROKE

Pennsylvania’s leading Democrat in the Senate race, Lt Gov. John Fetterman cancelled weekend campaign appearances and later released a statement that he suffered a stroke that his doctors caught early before any cognitive damage could happen.  According to his campaign the stroke was caused by a clot that formed after his heart beat with an irregular rhythm for too long.  Doctors at Lancaster General Hospital were able to remove the clot and reverse the stroke.  Fetterman says he will stay in the hospital for observation but he was unsure for how long.  The Pennsylvania Primary is tomorrow.

HART BOWS OUT OF GUBERNATORIAL RACE

Allegheny County Lawyer and candidate for the Republican gubernatorial race Melissa Hart has bowed out and endorsed Lou Barletta in an attempt to rally around a more electable candidate than far-right leaning, Doug Mastriano who is emerging as the front runner in the Pennsylvania primary this week and received an endorsement from former President Trump Saturday.  According to Penn Live, two other GOP candidates, Dave White and Bill McSwain have not said they are willing to leave the race.  Jake Corman left the 9 candidate group last week.

PORTION OF CSVT OPENING UP FOR SUMMER

PennDOT says that sections of the Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation project are opening soon and a July ribbon cutting is planned.  According to a press release, the Northern Section of the CSVT and Winfield bridge are opening soon.  Lane restrictions are planned for the summer as the project winds down.  The southern section is on deck next.  According to officials from PennDOT, a new contract was signed last week that sets up ground breaking earthmoving work so that the entire highway can hit the deadline of completion by 2027. 

SPORTS

NHL
Rangers 4            Penguins 3 in OT – New York wins series
Flames 3              Stars 2 – Calgary wins the series in the West
No NHL tonight

NBA
Celtics 109          Bucks 81 Boston wins the East semi-finals
Mavericks 123   Suns 90 Dallas wins the West semifinals

MLB
Despite no hits, it was Pirates 1 Reds 0 – Only the sixth time in big league history since 1901 that a team won despite not getting any hits.
Astros 8               Nationals 0
Tigers 5               Orioles 1
Mariners 8          Mets 7
Twins 3               Guardians 1
Yankees 5           White Sox 1
Dodgers 5           Phillies 4

NASCAR
Kurt Bush got the checkered flag at the Advent Health 400 @ Kansas Speedway yesterday followed by (2)Kyle Larson (Chevy) (3) Kyle Bush (Toyota) (4)Denny Hamlin (Toyota) and (5)Christopher Bell (Toyota)  

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 13, 2022

DECEASED MOTORCYCLIST IDENTIFIED

The man who was killed in the motorcycle accident on Lycoming Creek Road on Wednesday after he collided with a garbage truck has been identified.  According to the Sun Gazette, 31 year old Jabe Walters of Cogan Station was not wearing a helmet when ran into a garbage truck in front of him that slowed to turn onto Mahaffey Lane.  Police report that Walters was traveling at a high rate of speed and never regained consciousness from the accident.  He was transported around 1pm to UPMC Williamsport where he was pronounced deceased by the the Lycoming County Coroner.

CANNABIS BUSINESS EXPANDS IN CLINTON COUNTY

A National Cannabis business has purchased a growing and processing facility for over 10 million dollars in Avis, bringing many more millions of dollars in operations and expansions to Clinton County.  According to the Sun Gazette, Terrapin Care Station has worked closely with Clinton County in its’ commitment to a local workforce and employing and serving veterans, who as a spin-off company “VetForce”, employ 80%  of veterans for an expanding security and transport company.  The facility will be at 180 Henry Street and in coordination with M&R Contracting from Lock Haven, will complete a 200 thousand square foot expansion there in June.

GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE TO DROP OUT AGAIN

Jake Corman announced yesterday for a second time that he will drop out of Pennsylvania’s gubernatorial race.  According to PennLive, sources say the Senate President ProTem will be endorsing Lou Barletta. The GOP is seeking to elect a candidate to beat Josh Shapiro, the presumptive Democratic nominee for governor with some questioning Doug Mastriano’s ability to do that in November.  Corman will retire from the Senate after serving 6 four-year terms.  Corman re-entered the race last month after an initial decision to leave the crowded 9-person field after former President Donald Trump convinced him to stay in the race.

FUNDRAISER TO SEND KIDS TO CAMP

A local non-profit childcare licensed community center is hoping to raise enough money to send 56 at risk children from Williamsport to summer camp this year.  According to the Sun Gazette, Firetree Place is holding a fundraiser to give low income children a chance to have positive guidance and the potential for mentorship to success in the future.  The camp goes for 10-weeks Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for kids 5 to 12. Those who want to contribute can go to mightycause dot com.

CAUSE OF MAHONING TOWNSHIP FIRE UNDETERMINED

Fire Marshalls said the cause of the blaze that destroyed the home of a former Montour County Commissioner in Mahoning Township Tuesday was accidental and undetermined.  According to the Daily item, as firefighters arrived on the scene, ninety year old Thomas Herman was injured but talking to family members who assisted him out of the burNing home. He was flown to Lehigh Valley regional Burn Center from Geisinger.  Initial reports were that Herman’s terrier perished in the fire but witnesses have said they saw her escape.  Smoke from the flames could be seen for 10 miles. 

CONTRACT RENEWED FOR TWO POSITIONS IN THE BOROUGH

The Borough Council in South Williamsport renewed the contract this week for their borough manager and director of public safety, Steven Cappelli, with only one dissenting vote over the renewal due to equity in benefits.  According to the SUN Gazette, Cappelli noted that the borough has not had any operating budget tax increases since he took office, as well as other positive outcomes like the merger of Southside and Duboistown borough  to provide 24/7 police coverage and more.  For the two positions Cappelli will earn 120 thousand a year for five years. 

NEW COLLEGE SAVINGS ACCOUNT HOLDERS COULD WIN

The PA Treasury Department announced today a promotion that could award new PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan account holders extra money for their college savings bottom line.  According to a press release, Pennsylvanians who open a new 529 GSP account are automatically eligible to win a top award of over five thousand dollars, or one of 67 county specific awards.  529 Day, or May 29th is a day to highlight the benefits of saving for a post-secondary education. PA 529 accounts can be used to pay for tuition, fees, books, equipment and room and board at technical schools, apprenticeship programs, community colleges, and four-year colleges nationwide. Visit PA529.com for information.

BUSINESSES ALONG ROUTE 6 CAN SUPPORT BIKE TOURISM

A new free program for bike-friendly businesses along the Route 6 corridor and beyond, has been announced to support bike tourism in the region.  According to the PA Route 6 Alliance, in order to be approved as a bike-friendly business along the corridor, they must provide services for bicyclists, including maps and info, wi-fi and more.  Businesses can go to paroute6.com for a checklist to prepare for the application process.  In 2017, the Outdoor Industry Association found that bicyclists nationally spend $83 billion per year on trip-related sales.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Varsity Baseball
Wallenpaupack 8                    Wyalusing 2
Central Columbia 10               Warrior Run 2
Sayre 18                                  Northeast Bradford 1
Canton 6                                 Troy 5
Muncy 24                                Bucktail 0
St. John Neumann 10              Northwest 0

PIAA District 4 Varsity Softball
Bucktail 5                                Muncy 4
Lewisburg 7                             Loyalsock 3
Sullivan County 15                 Sayre 14
Shamokin 14                           Selinsgrove 2
Montgomery 12                       St John Neumann 1
Jersey Shore 7                         Shikellamy 4
Northwest 16                          CMVT 1
Towanda 5                               Wellsboro 3
Hughesville 17                         Southern Columbia 4
Central Columbia 1                 Bloomsburg 0

NBA
Heat 99                76’ers 90 Miami wins series 4-2
Mavericks 113 Suns 86  3-3 in the West
Tonight NBA
Celtics and Bucks @7:30 ESPN Milwaukee leads 3-2
Grizzlies and Warriors play @10 on ESPN Golden State leads 3-2
NHL
Bruins 5              Hurricanes 2  Tied up 3-3
Lightning 4         Maple Leafs 3 tied up 3-3 in the East
Blues 5                Wild 1       St. Louis wins 4-2
Oilers 4               Kings 2 their series tied up 3-3
Tonight NHL
Rangers and Penguins @ 7 PM on TNT Pittsburgh leads 3-2
Panthers and Capitals @7:30 on TBS Florida leading 3-2
Flames and stars @9:30 on TNT Calgary leads 3-2

MLB
Mets 4                  Nationals 1
Orioles 3              Cardinals 2
Reds 4                  Pirates 0
Yankees 15            White Sox 7
Phillies 9              Dodgers 7

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 12, 2022

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT SHUTS DOWN LYCO CREEK ROAD

Southbound lanes of Lycoming Creek Road were shut down for about two and a half hours yesterday after a collision between a motorcycle and a garbage truck sent a man to the hospital with dire injuries.  According to the Sun Gazette, just after 12:30pm Wednesday, when a garbage truck was turning west on Mahaffey Lane from northbound Lycoming Creek Road, a 30 year old man hit part of the back of the truck, and sustained major injuries. Police, fire and EMS responded and he was transported to UPMC Williamsport where he later died.  Old Lycoming Township Police have begun an investigation into the crash.

FORMER COMMISSIONER INJURED IN HOUSE FIRE

A former Montour County Commissioner, Tom Herman, was seriously injured in a house fire in Mahoning Township on Tuesday afternoon.  According to the Free-Enterprise, Herman, who owned the home, suffered serious burns and was taken to the Lehigh Valley burn Center.  The mobile home with additions at 26 Ridge Drive – which was insured – was on fire and when emergency crews arrived on the scene their truck got stuck in the mud along the lane to the home.  A dog reportedly died in the blaze and police are now investigating what started the fire.

MAN CHARGED WITH DECEPTION FOR NOT BUILDING BARN

A 25 year old man from Loganton has been accused of failing to complete an over 110 thousand dollar construction project after a 74 year old woman paid two installments up front.  According to the Record online, Rockview police say the man cashed two checks for 55 thousand dollars each and never built the barn they agreed on him building.  The Walker Township woman told police she tried contacting the man about the work and he never responded. The unidentified man has been charged with crime by deception.

UPMC WILLIAMSPORT GETS “A” GRADE BY PEERS

A Williamsport hospital joins 16 others in its UPMC system in receiving an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade which is a peer-reviewed grading system that measures general hospitals’ prevention of medical errors and harms to patients nationwide. Close to us, UPMC Williamsport and UPMC Altoona got top grades in the bi-annual evaluation showing the dedication of doctors, nurses and staff to maintain safe, high quality care. 

ANOTHER CAR FIRE SHUTS DOWN ROUTE 15 SOUTH

In the same area where a truckload of hay caught fire and shut down Route 15 south earlier this month, another car fire shut down the highway yesterday afternoon. According to the Sun Gazette, at about 1pm, 2 miles north of Hepburnville, the motor in a camper pulling a pickup truck malfunctioned and a fire began in the back of the vehicle.  Police say a couple from Galeton escaped injuries even though the fire spread to the truck being pulled and to some brush along the side of the road.  Fire companies from Montoursville, Hepburn and Old Lycoming Township and Trout Run volunteers responded to assist.

MAN SENTENCED FOR 2020 STABBING

A North Bend man was sentenced Tuesday to five years three months to ten years, six months in State Prison after he was found guilty by a jury for stabbing a man multiple times in a Noyes Township parking lot in 2020.  According to Crimewatch, court records say at the time, Shawn Mills was said to be highly intoxicated in the parking lot of the Green Lantern bar and stabbed a victim 17 times in the leg with a knife that police say was later found in Mills’ home and had DNA evidence on it.  Mills was identified by witnesses at the scene as the suspect, and was charged with felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.  The victim has required multiple surgeries to recover from his wounds.

MOTHER OF TODDLER BEATEN TO DEATH FOUND GUILTY

A Northumberland County jury found the mother of deceased 3 year old Arabella Parker, 26 year old Samantha Delcamp, guilty on 3 out of 4 counts after deliberating less than 3 hours.  According to PennLive, District Attorney Tony Matulewicz said the charges were involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of children, but acquitted her of third degree murder in the beating death of her daughter.  Delcamp’s boyfriend, 21 year old Jahrid Burgess, had been found guilty of third degree murder and was sentenced last January to 24-50 years in prison.  Delcamp’s sentencing will be scheduled in about 90 days.

POLICE SAY SPRING PHONE SCAMS ARE HAPPENING

State Police at Lamar are warning residents of springtime scams that have caused losses for community members this year already totaling over 13 thousand dollars.  According to the Record online, a 70 year old Beech Creek woman was defrauded by people posing as anti-virus computer technicians and forced her to pay over 12 thousand dollars in Bitcoin. In Bald Eagle Township, a Mill Hall woman attempted to purchase game consoles from a Twitter Account and paid over one thousand dollars without getting the merchandise.  These scams happened in April.  Police say residents should be wary of phone and online offers from strangers.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Varsity Baseball
Montgomery 19                    Sugar Valley Rural Charter 4
Central Columbia 1     Southern Columbia 0
Loyalsock 7                  Mount Carmel 1
Northwest 7                  Benton 3
Canton 9                       Towanda 5
Selinsgrove 9               Montoursville 2 

PIAA District 4 Varsity Softball

Muncy 4                       East Juniata 3

NBA
Bucks 110           Celtics 107 Milwaukee leads 3-2
Grizzlies 134      Warriors 95 Golden State leads the series 3-2
NBA Tonight
Heat and the 76ers play in Philadelphia at 7 PM on ESPN … Miami leads the series 3-2
Suns and Mavericks on at 9:30 … Phoenix leads 3-2

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs
Rangers 5            Penguins 3 Pittsburgh up 3-2
Panthers 5           Capitals 3 Florida leads 3-2
Flames 3              Stars 1 Calgary up 3-2

NHL Tonight
Hurricanes and Bruins play @7 in Boston on TNT  Carolina Leeds three to
730, Maple Leafs and Lightning on TBS Toronto Leeds three to
9:30 PM on TNT Wild and Blues  play in St. Louis they lead 3-2
Oilers and Kings play in LA @10 on TBS LA leads 3-2

MLB
Pirates 5              Dodgers 3
Reds 14               Brewers 11
Yankees 5           Blue Jays 3
Phillies 4             Mariners 2
Nationals 8         Mets 3
Braves 5              Red Sox 3
Cardinals 10       Orioles 1
Guardians and White Sox were postponed due to COVID restrictions 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 11, 2022

HEROIN DEALER GETS 12 YEARS

A Williamsport man will spend 12 years in jail and more for his role in the local distribution of heroin and fentanyl in Lycoming County.  According to the Sun Gazette, court records say 26 year old Quran Geddy was the founder of a gang in Williamsport responsible for drug distribution and Chief US District Court Judge Matthew Brann sentenced him this week to 144 months in prison and 4 years supervised release.  Federal, state, and local law enforcement have coordinated with the US Attorney’s Office in recent months to target heroin traffickers in Pennsylvania, as part of a nationwide initiative to combat the opioid epidemic.

NEW MAYOR IN JERSEY SHORE

The Jersey Shore Borough Council has filled the mayor position vacancy left by the resignation of Sally Ann Combs in April.  According to the Sun Gazette, Lon Myers, a former member of the borough zoning board was appointed to be Mayor of Jersey Shore, by the borough council this week.  Myers will remain in that position until the end of 2023. Council also filled the position of zoning officer in the borough.  Retired State Trooper Brett Herbst was approved for that position.

OVERNIGHT PAVING WORK IN WILLIAMSPORT

The city of Williamsport has more milling and paving projects continuing overnight this week with PennDOT.  Watch for crews between the hours of 7pm and 7am along Campbell Street between West Fourth and West 3rd and West Third Street between Campbell and Walnut.  The existing roadway will be milled and repaved, including base repairs and construction of ADA curb ramps.  HRI, Inc should complete the work by this August.

ST JOHN NEUMANN COACH STEPPING DOWN

After getting the Knight’s to their first state championship opportunity in 50 years St. John Neumann boys basketball coach, Jamie Spencer, is stepping away from the position he’s held for only 2 years  According to the Sun Gazette, Spencer said in a letter that it was a challenge to balance his life and his hobby of basketball since he was sacrificing some of his family life.  Spencer, who was a Williamsport High School Graduate, has coached at Montgomery and Montoursville school districts as well.

FATAL CLINTON COUNTY CRASH

A Sunday night crash took the life of a Lock Haven woman in Clinton County.  According to the Sun Gazette, 32 year old Marie S. Harris was involved in a one-vehicle crash along state Route 120 in East Keating Township.  State police at Lamar say Harris wasn’t wearing a seatbelt when she went off the road about 11pm Sunday, into a culvert causing her 2015 Jeep Compass to flip after hitting a utility pole.  The Clinton County Coroner pronounced Harris deceased at the scene. 

MEN CHARGED AFTER BREAKING INTO CABINS

A Berwick man and a Pennsdale man have been charged with over 270 felonies for allegedly breaking into over 23 cabins in Sullivan County and also for a string of robberies police say they committed in Columbia County.  According to North Central PA dot com, 30 year old Colton Oppel and 30 year old Joshual Yeick admitted to police their role in the burglaries and they recovered stolen items from the pair who stored them in a barn in Franklin County.  Oppel and Yeick have been in Columbia County prison since March for these incidents.

SECOND PERSON SENTENCED FOR COVID LOAN FRAUD

A second person has been sentenced for a scheme to defraud the government of COVID-19 money.  According to WNEP, Darryl Corradini of Bloomsburg, filed for paycheck protection loans to pay employees he didn’t have.  The loans were supposed to be available for legitimate businesses to pay employees who were not working due to the COVID-19 pandemic shut-down.    Corradini will spend up to 18 months in federal prison.  He had an accomplice, Vicki Hackenburg – who was sentenced for this crime earlier in 2022.  The scheme allowed Corradini and Hackenburg to glean almost 300 thousand dollars in pandemic loan money.

POSITIVE RECOMMENDATION FOR CITY PARK SUMMER HELP

COVID-19 relief funds will help cover the costs for the City of Williamsport to hire seven members of STEP Americore to be camp counselors and chaperones for camp programs at Memorial Park, Brandon Park and the pool this summer.  According to the Sun Gazette, City Council gave a positive recommendation for the hire and say the personnel are there to add fun for the kids who are participating in the summer camps that continue for 10 weeks.  The city finance director reported that the cost was almost 15 thousand dollars to bring on six people last year.  They are also seeking lifeguards for the parks this summer as well. 

SPORTS

P I-AA District 4 Varsity Baseball
South Williamsport 7           Muncy 1
Loyalsock 14                         Milton 4
Montgomery 13                              Benton 1
Hughesville 2                        Central Columbia 1
Wyalusing 19                        Northeast Bradford 0
Wellsboro 13                         Williamson 0

PIAA District 4 Varsity Softball
Saint Mary’s 1                       Williamsport 0
Shamokin 4                           Milton 3
Lewisburg 12                         Warrior run 0
Shikellamy 7                         Mifflinburg 6
Jersey Shore 4                       Selinsgrove 1
Loyalsock 13                         Hughesville 0
Bucktail 15                            Saint John Neumann 0
Shenandoah Valley 13         CMVT 1
Millville 9                              Sullivan County 8
Bloomsburg 13                      Montoursville 7

NHL
Hurricanes 5       Bruins 1 – Carolina leads 3-2
Maple Leafs 4     Lightning 3 Toronto leads 3-2
Blues 5                Wild 2 in the West St. Louis leads 3-2
Kings 5                Oilers 4 LA leads 3-2
NHL Tonight
Penguins and Rangers @Madison Square Garden at 7 PM on ESPN2  PIT up 3-1
Capitals and Panthers at 7:30 on ESPN2 – 2-2
Stars & Flames at 9:30 on ESPN – tied up 2-2

 


NBA
Heat 120             76ers 85 Miami leads 3-2
Suns 110             Mavericks 80 PHX leads 3-2
NBA tonight
Bucks and Celtics are on TNT at 7 PM in Boston 2-2
Warriors and Grizzlies at 9:30 on TNT  Golden State up 3-1
MLB
Dodgers 11         Pirates 1
Brewers 5            Reds 4
Mets 4                 Nationals 2
Yankees 6           Blue Jays 5
Orioles 5             Cardinals 3
White Sox 4       Guardians 1
Padres 5              Cubs 4
Mariners 5          Phillies 4
Red Sox 9           Braves 4

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 10, 2022

POLICE LOOK FOR DANVILLE MAN WHO LED HIGH SPEED CHASE

Police are looking for a Danville man who police say led them on a high speed chase in Columbia County on April 24th and that they identified him because of his unique mohawk hairstyle.  According to North Central PA dot com, police noted they saw a man with a Mohawk – who matches the description of 41 year old Josiah D. Musselman’s driver’s license records, leave a Hemlock Township gas station on a motorcycle.  He allegedly committed a traffic violation which led to police pursuing Musselman west on Route 254 in Madison Township at speeds over 100 miles per hour until they stopped for safety reasons.  Police say later, the man denied he was involved when they contacted him by phone.  Now there is a warrant out of Musselman’s arrest for a felony charge of fleeing police and other traffic summaries. 

MAN APPREHENDED AFTER SHOOTING ANOTHER AT A BAR

Police apprehended a Mount Carmel man after he fled from the scene of a shooting at a bar on Friday night.  According to media outlets, police said they responded at about 12:30am to a report of shots fired inside a bar along the 100 block of South Poplar Street.  The victim required a life-saving rescue from the gunshot wound, and police said later that they had the identity of the suspect.  Police apprehended 36 year-old Bruce A Thompson on Saturday night and took him to the Northumberland County Prison.

BRIDGE CLOSED IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

PennDOT has closed a Northumberland County bridge for the week.  According to a press release, the Mile Post Road bridge over Gravel Run near Wolverton Road in Upper Augusta Township will have a PennDOT maintenance crew working through Friday, May 13th doing emergency bridge work.  There will be a detour in place using Mile Hill Road in Klines Grove in Rush Township.  All work this week is weather permitting.  You can see the conditions in real time at 511PA dot com.

PENN COLLEGE COMMENCEMENT INFORMATION

Penn College is planning three separate Commencement days coming up for the almost 750 students graduating this semester.  The Schools of Business, Arts & Sciences and Nursing & Health Sciences will graduate Friday, May 13th at 3pm.  Saturday the 14th there will be two ceremonies for the School of  Engineering Technologies at 10am and at 1:30pm.  Degrees will be conferred by President Davie Jane Gilmour, accompanied by state Sen. Gene Yaw, chairman of the college’s Board of Directors.  Get more commencement details at www.pct.edu.

FIRE SPREADS THROUGH THREE HOMES IN KULPMONT

Three homes were damaged in Kulpmont last week because of an electrical short that began in a home on Spruce Street that was being remodeled.  According to the Daily Item, the state fire marshal said an electrical issue sparked a fire at 734 Spruce street that eventually spread to the other half of the double home and to the home next door.  Fire officials say no tenants were living in the three homes at the time  so very few belongings were lost in the fire.  The call went in to 911 a little after 1:30 Friday afternoon and multiple fire community agencies turned out to assist Kulpmont in the knocking down of the two-alarm fire.

PENN DOT WORK THIS WEEK ON I-80 WEST

Watch for slow traffic Wednesday and Thursday afternoon on I-80 west in White Deer Township, as PennDOT plans to alternate single lanes at mile marker 207, west of the Route 15 interchange for epoxy work this week. Work has been going on in this area recently, but PennDOT says this week could cause more significant delays between the peak traffic hours of 2pm til 6pm.  Workers will be on the scene on I-80 west from 7am until 7pm as part of the 3.3 million dollar bridge reconstruction project that will wrap up next month. 

LEHIGH COUNTY AG WANTS TO MONITOR DROPBOXES

With the Primary in Pennsylvania on the way May 17th, and drop-boxes provided as a legal means to vote in the commonwealth since 2019, the Lehigh County Attorney General James Martin is proposing that police detectives monitor the activity at drop boxes in his county to avoid people dropping off multiple ballots.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Acting Secretary of State sent a letter to Martin reminding him that those with disabilities are legally allowed to ask another person to cast a mail-in ballot.  Members of the American Civil liberties union argued that the AG’s plan to monitor the 5 drop-boxes in their county an intimidation tactic to discourage legal voting.  There are drop boxes available in 22 Pennsylvania Counties.  The PA Legislature’s own review has determined that mail-in voting in the past has been secure.

CANNABIS HEARING IN PHILADELPHIA THIS WEEK

The House Democratic Policy Committee is meeting this week in Philadelphia for a hearing about the potential revenue that could be generated in the commonwealth by legalizing recreational cannabis and building up Pennsylvania’s Hemp Industry.  According to the Record Online, Pennsylvania has issued 426 hemp growing permits, but growers report they have a hard time staying within the strict guidelines of the state regulations.  Hemp can be used to make everything from textiles and construction materials to oils and extracts for medicinal use.   

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Varsity Baseball
Wellsboro 4                 Wyalusing 2
Selinsgrove 6               Shikellamy 1
Montoursville 11         Mifflinburg 1
Shamokin 8                  Sugar Valley Rural Charter 4
Athens 7                       N. Penn Mansfield 0
Muncy 16                     Millville 3
Canton 7                       Williamson 3

PIAA District 4 Varsity Softball
St John Neumann 23   CMVT 8
Montgomery 16          Northwest 0
Lewisburg 11               Danville 1
Wyalusing 10               Wellsboro 9

NBA
Celtics 116 Bucks 108 Series tied 2-2
Warriors 101 Grizzlies 98 Golden State leads 3-1
NBA Tonight
76ers and Heat @7:30 on TNT 2-2
Mavericks and Suns play @10 2-2

NHL
Panthers 3           Capitals 2 /OT 2-2
Penguins 7          Rangers 2 Pittsburgh leads 3-1
Flames 4              Stars 1 2-2
Avalanche 5        Predators 3  Colorado wins series 4-0
NHL tonight
Bruins and Hurricanes @7 – ESPN
Lightning and Maple Leafs @7:30 on ESPN2
Blues and Wild @9:30 on ESPN
Kings and Oilers @10 on ESPN2
MLB
Orioles 6             Royals 1
Yankees 1           Rangers 0
Pirates 5              Dodgers 1
Guardians 12      White Sox 9
Phillies 9             Mariners 0
Reds 10               Brewers 5

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 9, 2022

MAN FLED FROM POLICE, ACCUSED OF DUI

A Williamsport man was taken into custody following a foot chase with police Friday night after he was found trying to stop his car in a parking lot while allegedly under the influence of alcohol.  He had with 4 passengers and an infant in the car with him.  According to the Sun Gazette, police subdued 22 year old Austin Bower of Memorial Avenue after he fled from his car and ran to a ravine.  Bower was found to already have a suspended license due to a prior DUI incident.  He was charged with aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child and resisting arrest. He is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 100 thousand dollars bail.

PENN STATE VANDALS MESS UP GRADUATION PHOTOS

Vandalism hindered the opportunities for traditional photos over the weekend at Penn State University and police are investigating.  According to SI online the Nittany Lion Shrine was closed to photos after someone sprayed red paint on the lion and broke the ear.  Campus officials also said there was vandalism reported at the Old Main Building and Hintz Family Alumni Center.  Authorities are seeking anyone with information about the crime call University Police 814-863-1111 or online at www.police.psu.edu.

PENNSYLVANIA DEMOCRAT CANDIDATES IN WILLIAMSPORT

Gubernatorial candidate and current Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, along with state representative Austin Davis, who is running for lieutenant governor; made an appearance in Williamsport Saturday evening at the young men’s Democratic club in a packed setting.  The two candidates discussed key issues that Pennsylvania voters are talking about including the recent discussion of Roe vs Wade, and various tax and other key issues. The primary in Pennsylvania is May 17th. 

TWA 800 MEMORIAL NEEDS FUNDS FOR RENOVATIONS

The Montoursville Memorial Gardens on Broad Street, was dedicated in 1999 to honor the students and chaperones who lost their lives in the TWA 800 flight to Paris crash on  July 17th, 1996.  It now needs extensive repairs and the Montoursville Area School District Memorial Fund is accepting donations to raise 200 thousand dollars for the project as well as for the upkeep.    Renovation plans have been approved by the Montoursville Borough Council and the School Board.  Those who want to continue to honor those who lost their lives can send funds to the MASD Office at 50 North Arch Street in Montoursville, PA 17754.

MAN ARRESTED FOR STEALING FROM CARS

A Williamsport man was charged with robbery after he was seen taking a bag of credit cards from the vehicle of an 81 year old man who was parked in the city.  Police say they later detained 48 year old George Maurice Fleming along the 700 block of Second St, where witnesses say he was entering other vehicles in the area.  According to North Central PA dot com, Fleming was charged with 3rd degree felony robbery and other misdemeanors including receiving stolen property after he was found with the bag of credit cards.  He has a preliminary hearing May 19th.

POLICE RESPOND TO KNIFE ASSAULT CALL

Police in Sunbury responded to a caller inside a home on N. 5th Street where they  had been threatened with a knife.  According to North Central PA dot com, 61 year old Jay Lou Bingaman allegedly lunged at 52 year old Jamie Buckles Sr. with the weapon and police took her into custody following the discovery of drugs and drug paraphernalia in the residence.  Bingaman was charged with first degree aggravated assault and other charges and is in the Northumberland county jail on 5 thousand dollars bond. 

EVAN VEHICLE IN CAR ACCIDENT

Milton police are investigating an accident happened at the intersection of Hepburn Street and Turbot Avenue Sunday involving an EMS vehicle operated by Evangelical Community Hospital. Police say there was a two vehicle crash at 8:30am involving two SUVs. Media Outlets say no one was hurt in the SUV but the person in the other vehicle sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital.

SPONGY MOTH SPRAYING THIS MONTH ON STATE GAME LANDS

Spraying for spongy moths will be taking place this spring, according to the PA Game Commission.  North Central PA dot com reports that this month the spraying will continue on 27 state game lands over 62 thousand acres and each area can be treated in just hours – the insecticide they reportedly use is called Mimic 2LV.  A map with updates of the spraying program and this year’s progress can be found at pgc.pa.gov.  Spongy moths were previously known as gypsy moths until the Entomological Society of America changed its name this year.

SPORTS

NBA
 Mavericks 111            Suns 101 Series tied up in the West 2-2
76ers 116                      Heat 108 Series tied 2-2
NBA tonight
Celtics and Bucks at 7:30 on TNT
Grizzlies and Warriors on after that at 10.

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs
Bruins 5              Hurricanes 2 – 2-2
Blues 5                Wild 2 – 2-2
Lightning 7         Maple Leafs 3 – 2-2
Kings 4                Oilers 0  – 2-2
NHL Playoff Games continue  tonight starting at 7 PM with the Panthers and Capitals on TBS  – Game 4 of the East first Round. Washington leads that series 2-1.

MLB
Game 1      Phillies 3   Mets 2
Game 2      Mets 6        Phillies 1
Game 1      Yankees 2 Rangers 1
Game 2      Rangers 4 Yankees 2
Game 1      Royals 6 Orioles 4
Game 2      Orioles 4 Royals 2
          Angels 5    Washington Nationals 4

Horse Racing
At the Kentucky Derby Saturday, Rich Strike came up with the 2nd biggest upset in the Derby’s 148 year-history when he won at Churchill Downs, beating 4-to-1 favorite Epicenter by 3/4 of a length.

NASCAR
Joey Logano bumped William Byron in the next to last lap at Darlington to win the Goodyear 400 Sunday.  He was followed by Tyler Reddick, Justin Haley and Kevin Harvick – Chase Elliott rounded out the top 5

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