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BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
TWO CAR ACCIDENT INJURES SIX
A two-car accident in Williamsport that also involved a bicyclist, sent six people to the hospital yesterday afternoon. According to the Sun Gazette, two cars collided at Park Avenue and Walnut Street about 5:30pm. The two drivers and three minor passengers were injured in the crash. A man on a bicycle who was also traveling through the intersection, was struck by one of the vehicles after the initial accident and was also injured. All parties were taken to UPMC Williamsport, but no word on the nature of their injuries or their condition today.
PROPANE LEAK ALONG ROUTE 522 IN SELINSGROVE
A propane leak has been reported and a portion of Route 522 in Selinsgrove was closed down last night around 7pm. According to emergency services, a leak was reported at K& L Feeds in Selinsgrove and was extremely close to the roadway near the Clifford Road intersection. A cause of the leak has not been released, but no injuries have been reported. There is no word on when the section of Route 522 will be reopened.
BALLOT REFERENDUM BEING REMOVED FOR NOVEMBER
In the wake of the arrival of a letter from the State Department, Lycoming County’s Election Board has now voted to remove the recent referendum that was to be placed on the upcoming ballot about using electronic voting systems. According to the Sun Gazette, the State Department says the local Election Board does not have the authority to place the referendum on the ballot because of a case in Westmoreland Township requiring electronic voting due to the Help America Vote Act, addressing accessibility for the disabled voter. A group of concerned citizens recently presented signature filled petitions asking for the upcoming ballot to contain the question for the voters, on whether to hand count ballots and remove the electronic voting system.
TOP COASTER HONORS FOR KNOEBELS
Knoebels Amusement Park has received top honors for a popular rollercoaster at the park for the fourth year! According to their social media page, The Phoenix is the Golden ticket winner as the top wooden roller coaster in the world according to Amusement Today magazine. The Knoebel family was in San Antonio Texas to accept the award recently since the ride was brought from the Lone Star State in 1985. The Golden Ticket award was also given to Knoebels for the best food.
SUNBURY MAN WANTED FOR BLOOMSBURG SHOOTING
Police are seeking Sunbury man who shot another man in the leg while they were at at Bloomsburg bar. According to media outlets, they are seeking 21 year old Kenny Meeker who police say was seen on surveillance cameras at the bar on East Main Street shooting a victim in the right knee. Bloomsburg police say Meeker is facing aggravated and simple assault charges as well as reckless endangerment. If you know the whereabouts of Meeker, contact Bloomsburg police 570-784-4155
CONTRACTOR CHARGED FOR TAKING PAY AND NOT WORKING
A Loganton man is free on bail after he was charged with felony theft for failure to honor a construction contract for work to be done. According to the Sun Gazette, South Williamsport Police say the owner of Black Bear Construction, Dustin Allen Butler, also faces receiving stolen property charges after accepting 14 thousand dollars from a DuBoistown man who hired him to build a garage on Euclid Avenue last February. Butler was arraigned with bail set at 25 thousand dollars.
MOST PA NURSING HOMES REACH AGREEMENT
A tentative contract agreement has been reached between Comprehensive Healthcare and both Priority and SEIU Healthcare PA. According to the Sun Gazette, picketing was paused on Friday due to the agreement with 13 out of 14 nursing homes across Pennsylvania however contract details were not released. The dispute that began the strike on September 2nd, was over pay, benefits and staffing levels. About 700 union members were involved in the strike, Shenandoah Heights nursing home in Schuylkill County is an independently owned nursing home which has yet to reach an agreement to end their walk-out.
WILLIAMSPORT AIRPORT TOWER TO BE UPGRADED
Improvements to the tower are set to begin soon at the Williamsport Regional Airport. According to Airport Executive Director, Richard Howell, about 700 thousand dollars in federal funds from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law money and CARES Act funding will be used for a tower upgrades to the windows, energy system improvements and general building rehabilitation. In other matters at the Regional Airport Authority meeting last week, Howell said the Montour Street project to extend the roadway to the south end of Montoursville is on track, he said about one million dollars in CARES Act funding total has been utilized at the airport.
SPORTS
PIAA District IV
Girls Soccer
Southern Columbia 4 Midd-West 2
Warrior Run 3 Loyalsock 1
Selinsgrove 4 Williamsport 1
Milton 6 Mifflinburg 2
Central Columbia 6 Hughesville 0
Boys Soccer
Sullivan County 4 Northeast Bradford 2
Wellsboro 8 North Penn-Liberty 0
Volleyball
Loyalsock 3 Sugar Valley Rural Charter 0
Wellsboro 3 South Williamsport 0
Bald Eagle Area 3 Williamsport 0
NFL
Seahawks 17 Broncos 16
NFL Thursday 9/15
Los Angeles @ Kansas City 8:15 on Prime Video.
MLB
Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout homered in his seventh consecutive game Monday night, one shy of the major league record. Ken Griffey Jr., Don Mattingly and Dale Long share the major league record of eight straight games with a home run.
Guardians 5 Angels 4
Astro 7 Tigers 0
Pirates 6 Reds 3
Cubs 5 Mets 2
Dodgers 6 Diamondbacks 0
Giants 3 Braves 2
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 12, 2022
THE 911 MEMORIAL MOTORCYCLE RIDE, LET FREEDOM ROAR
Let Freedom Roar, the 911 memorial coalition held their annual 911 memorial ride yesterday. Chaplain of the coalition Reverend Gary Smith was one of the speakers along with other members of the coalition. The rain didn’t dampen the spirits, but solidified the message that after 21 years, Americans in our area for sure still remember that horrible day in 2001. Spectators including whole families lined the 42 mile route yesterday flying American flags and cheering on the column of riders who departed and returned to the Clinton Township Volunteer Fire department building on Route 54 in Montgomery.
WOMAN WHO CRASHED INTO MUSEUM AWAITING TRIAL
The woman that crashed her mini-van into the Little League Museum in South Williamsport, this past July, is in jail and is awaiting her court appearance. According to the Sun Gazette, 57 year old Theresa Salazar, 57, of Williamsport had a preliminary hearing before District Magistrate Gary Whiteman last week who rejected the defense’s argument that the additional attempted homicide and aggravated assault charges should be dismissed. Judge Whiteman did dismiss harassment by communication against the woman.
UPCOMING VIGIL FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and there will be a candlelight vigil this week to honor those gone because of suicide, and to open a dialogue about mental health, in the community. The public is invited to gather Wednesday on the front lawn of UPMC Williamsport on High Street from 6 to 7pm. Representatives will be on-hand at the event to offer multiple resources for mental health at the event this week as well as provide the area with community education and outreach for the rest this month.
WOMAN CHARGED FOR LYING ABOUT HUSBAND WITH A GUN
A Jersey Shore woman has been charged with false reports and disorderly conduct after she entered a doctor’s office in Loyalsock Township telling the staff her husband was on the way to the office with a gun to shoot everyone last June. According to the Sun Gazette, the staff at the River Avenue clinic, evacuated the premises and according to police, when the man arrived he was unarmed and had never made those threats. Darlene McKean waived her preliminary hearing last week and is free on 5 thousand dollars bail.
HUGHESVILLE MAN CHARGED WITH INAPPROPRIATE CONTACT
A Hughesville man was charged with inappropriate contact with a child less than 5 years of age. According to North Central PA dot com, a Pennsylvania State Police investigation says the mother filed a report in June 2021, that the child had told another family member of the multiple incidents, accusing 25 year old Derek Maggs. Maggs was arraigned on September 6th, with unsecured bail set at 99 thousand dollars . Maggs will have a preliminary hearing on September 16th.
PIPE UPGRADE COMING FOR LAWSHE RUN
Lycoming County Commissioners are putting $1 million dollars into the restabilization of a culvert pipe that feeds into Lawshe Run in Jersey Shore Borough. According to the Sun Gazette, the pipe runs underneath the heavily-traveled Allegheny Street, and is at risk of a total collapse. The project is expected to cost a total of $9 million dollars. Other funding sources are being sought for the project. If the pipe would collapse, it would affect thousands of residents and businesses, in the area.
ILLEGAL BIKES OR ATVS COULD BE SEIZED
A new law that was signed this summer by Governor Wolf about illegal riding of ATVs and Dirt bikes took effect Friday. According to pa.gov, police who stop people riding illegally on the roads can seize the property and possibly destroy it. In a measure sponsored by state senator Pat Browne, they say they intend to send a message that breaking the law on illegal operation of the vehicles is not going to be tolerated.
FREE BREAKFAST FOR PA SCHOOL CHILDREN
There will be free breakfast for every child enrolled in Pennsylvania public schools this academic year, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Friday. According to the Phildelphia Inquirer, the program, costs $21.5 million in state funds, affect 1.7 million children in public, private, and charter schools that participate in the National Free Lunch Program.The program begins Oct. 1 and will last through the end of the school year. It will be paid for through the state’s School Food Services General Fund appropriation, which has extra money from when the federal government provided free breakfast and lunch to all schoolsduring the first two years of the pandemic.
SPORTS
NFL Sunday
Saints 27 Falcons 26
Steelers 23 Bengals 20
Eagles 38 Lions 35
Ravens 24 Jets 9
Commanders 28 Jaguars 22
Browns 26 Panthers 24
Giants 21 Titans 20
Chiefs 44 Cardinals 21
Buccaneers 19 Cowboys 3
NFL tonight
Broncos and Seahawks wrap up Week 1 @8:15 on ABC
MLB
Red Sox 1 Orioles 0
Phillies 7 Nationals 5
Cardinals 4 Pirates 3
Yankees 10 Rays 4
Mets 9 Marlins 3
Guardians 4 Twins 1
Mariners 8 Braves 7
NASCAR
Bubba Wallace won his second career NASCAR cup series race yesterday in Kansas followed by Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, Alex Bowman and Martin Truex, Jr
Wallace is not among the 16 racing for the title, but yesterday Christopher Bell secured his spot in the next round on points. The other 11 spots are open as the cup series heads to Bristol next Sunday
TENNIS
US Open
19 yr old Carlos Alcaraz of Spain won the US open yesterday by defeating Casper Ruud of Norway 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3 at Flushing Meadows becoming the youngest man now seeded at #1 in men’s tennis history.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS – September 11, 2022
Today marks the 21st Anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States. Extremists hijacked planes and crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Here in Lycoming County, the 9/11 Coalition will be holding a memorial motorcycle ride that will take bikers along a 42 mile journey, beginning at 3pm. The ride will start from the Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company in Montgomery. With the ride, it will also have road delays for motorists. Listen to one of the Backyard Broadcasting stations to get up-to-the-moment traffic reports. The 9/11 Memorial Ride for today, is rain or shine.
Lycoming County Commissioners are putting $1 million dollars into improving a situation in Jersey Shore Borough, that will see the restabilization of the culvert pipe that feeds into Lawshe Run. The pipe runs underneath the heavily-traveled Allegheny Street, and is at risk of a total collapse. The project is expected to cost a total of $9 million dollars. Other funding sources are being sought for the project. If the pipe would collapse, it would affect thousands of residents and businesses, in the area.
A prison guard from Mount Carmel is now behind bars for institutional sexual assault, that occurred at the Columbia County Prison. Joseph Rogustski was charged with the assault, harassment, and indecent assault on the female inmate. The alleged assault took place on August 31st. The inmate’s fiancé contacted police about the incident and who then promptly initiated the investigation. Bloomsburg state police are continuing the investigation.
A man accused of robbery, stood in front of a judge on Friday morning, in a preliminary hearing. Demetri Carroll, of Philadelphia, was charged with first-degree felony robbery, third-degree robbery, first-degree misdemeanor terroristic threats, theft by unlawful taking and simple assault. However, Judge Ryan Tira dismissed the terroristic threat charges, after prosecutors withdrew that charge. Carroll was initially held on $100,000 monetary bail; but, was modified to unsecured bail on April 19th. The robbery occurred at a home along West Third Street, in March of this year.
Many area counties around Central Pennsylvania, have received election integrity grants through the the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Under Act 88 of 2022, DCED established this program to provide grants to counties for elections administration. The amount of funding each county received was determined by the number of registered voters within the county in the previous primary election. Lycoming County received $366,000; Northumberland County got $298,551.81; Columbia County received $198,195.15; Sullivan County received the smallest amount at $22,529.78. However, Clinton, Snyder, Union and Tioga counties also received grant funds.
A father and son in Williamsport, were arrested for assault, after a confrontation resulted between the two men and another neighbor, along Wildwood Boulevard in June. Donald and Justin Fisher were charged on August 25th, with second-degree misdemeanor simple assault and harassment, and are both scheduled to appear before District Magistrate Christian Frey on October 10th.
According to Northcentral PA dot com, a third Williamsport teacher is being investigated by police for inappropriate contact with a student. Michelle Pulizzi, who formerly taught English at the high school, was allegedly involved with a student, who also was a confidential informant for the police. Pulizzi was implicated after former high school principal, Roger Freed, confirmed to police about the incidents involving Pulizzi and the student. Freed is facing 30 charges of sexual abuse of students. Recently, Chris Yoder was suspended without pay, since last Fall, for similar indiscretions involving students. No charges have been filed against Pulizzi, as of yet.
Motorists that travel along Route 64, near Lamar, in Clinton County; should expect to see delays as construction crews will be setting beams over Fishing Creek, just North of the village. Delays are expected for up to 15 minutes at a time. The $1.8 million dollar project is expected to last until mid-November.
PennDOT crews in Clinton County will be performing numerous maintenance and upgrade needs around the county, this coming week. The Paul Mack Boulevard bridge, just off Route 220 in Lock Haven, is expected to see some bridge repairs. Route 144 (also known as the Ridge Road near Renovo) will have crews performing crack sealing repairs. In addition, crews will be mowing all along Interstate 80, from the Lamar area to near the Jersey Shore exit.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SCORES –
Philadelphia 8, Washington 5
St. Louis 7, Pittsburgh 5
NY Mets 11, Miami 3
NY Yankees 10, Tampa Bay 3
Boston 17, Baltimore 4
Cleveland 6, Minnesota 4
Seattle 3, Atlanta 1
San Francisco 5, Chicago Cubs 3
Chicago White Sox 10, Oakland 2
Milwaukee 5, Cincinnati 1
Colorado 4, Arizona 1
Detroit 8, Kansas City 4
LA Angels 6, Houston 1
LA Dodgers 8, San Diego 4
Toronto 11, Texas 7
HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS TENNIS –
Lewisburg blanked Selinsgrove, 5 to 0
Bloomsburg edged Danville, 3 to 2
Towanda over North Penn – Liberty, 4 to 1
HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER –
Milton over Shamokin, 4 to 0
Midd-West over Milton, 4 to 0
Danville over Midd-West, 2 to 1
Wyalusing Valley blanked North Penn-Mansfield, 6 to 0
Troy over Wellsboro, 3 to 0
Central Columbia defeated Bloomsburg, 2 to 0
Hughesville over Selinsgrove, 4 to 1
Mifflinburg defeated Jersey Shore, 7 to 2
Southern Columbia tied Danville, 3 all
Montoursville blanked Loyalsock, 5 to 0
Millville doubled up Sullivan County, 4 to 2
Williamson edged Meadowbrook Christian, 2 to 1 in OT
HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER –
Selinsgrove over Mifflin County, 7 to 1
Wellsboro blanked Troy, 6 to 0
Northern Bradford edged North Penn – Liberty, 5 to 3
Athens over Galeton, 3 to 1
South Williamsport defeated Millville, 5 to 1
Sullivan County edged Montgomery, 1 to 0
Williamsport slipped past Warrior Run, 2 to 1
Williamson blanked Towanda, 14 to 0
Danville defeated Benton, 4 to 0
Midd-West blanked Milton, 4 to 0
Benton slipped past Milton, 2 to 1
North Schuylkill over Lourdes Regional, 1 to 0
Nativity BVM blanked Shamokin, 7 to 0
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAMES –
Berwick(1-2) blew out Abington Heights(0-3), 49 to 0
Northwest Area(3-0) defeated Towanda(1-2), 45 to 12
COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAMES –
Penn State defeated the Ohio Bobcats, 46 to 10
Lycoming edged Lebanon Valley, 21 to 20
Susquehanna defeated Franklin & Marshall, 30 to 28
VMI defeated Bucknell, 24 to 14
Mercyhurst upended Lock Haven, 49 to 7
Bloomsburg defeated Clarion, 42 to 3
NFL FOOTBALL GAMES TODAY –
Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions, 1pm
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals, 1pm
San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears, 1pm
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins, 1pm
Cleveland Browns at Carolina Panthers, 1pm
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans, 1pm
New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons, 1pm
Baltimore Ravens at NY Jets, 1pm
Jacksonville Jaguars at Washington Commanders, 1pm
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings, 4:25pm
NY Giants at Tennessee Titans, 4:25pm
Las Vegas Raiders at LA Chargers, 4:25pm
Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals, 4:25pm
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys, 8:20pm
Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks, 8:15pm – Monday
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS – September 10, 2022
The Salary Board and the Lycoming County Commissioners are facing ever-demanding issues with keeping employees at a modest rate of pay. The Salary Board, which consists of the commissioners and County Controller, Krista Rogers, met to discuss pay raises for some staff positions at the Lycoming County Pre-Release Center, near Montoursville. At this week’s meeting, the nursing staff at the PRC, were given pay raises, that were retroactive to June 1st.
The Loyalsock Township Area School District is looking for a new school board member, after the board accepted the resignation of Valerie Komarnicki. According to School Board President Carolyn Strickland, the board will accept applications for the open seat until September 28th, with interviews occurring on October 3rd.
A former store manager for a convenience store has been arrested and charged for theft. Nicole Lee, of Spruce Street, Williamsport, is accused of stealing $2300 from the Puff’s store on Washington Boulevard. Lee has since been terminated and was arraigned by a District Magistrate and is free on bail.
A Duboistown man was arrested for allegedly pointing a gun at another individual’s head, in what the suspect thought was a “drug deal” taking place near Edgewood and Cochran in the borough. Daniel Smith, 51, was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another; after the incident last Saturday evening. Smith was arraigned before Magistrate Christian Frey and jailed in lieu of $150,000 bail.
A Philadelphia man was jailed after a vehicle stop by state police recently in Williamsport. Sharief Clay, 22, was arrested after troopers discovered 48 bags of heroin, three packets of crack cocaine, and a loaded handgun, in a glove compartment of a vehicle. District Magistrate Denise Dieter jailed Clay with no bail set, and is in the Lycoming County Prison.
A Hughesville man was charged with inappropriate contact with a child, who is less than 5 years of age. Pennsylvania State Police investigated the case, after the mother filed a report in June 2021, that the child had told another family member of the multiple incidents that has accused 25 year old Derek Maggs. Maggs was arraigned on September 6th, with bail set at $99,000 unsecured bail. Maggs will have a preliminary hearing on September 16th.
IN SPORTS…
High School Football –
In The Backyard Broadcasting High School Football Game of the Week, the South Williamsport Mounties annihilated Columbia-Montour Vo Tech, 72 to 6. The Mounties are now 2 and 1, on the season. Meanwhile, the Loyalsock Lancers upset perennial favorite Southern Columbia, 27 to 10. It was the first loss by the Tigers, at home in Catawissa, since losing to Lewisburg in 2010.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCORES –
Athens 55, Wyalusing Valley 7
Bloomsburg 18, Hughesville 14
Canton 35, Wellsboro 0
Danville 69, Central Columbia 0
Dallas 41, Williamsport 20
Elk County Catholic 30, Bucktail 16
Jersey Shore 63, Selinsgrove 0
Mifflinburg 35, Shamokin 21
Milton 42, Midd-West 0
Montgomery 36, Cowanesque Valley 20
Montoursville 24, Lewisburg 21
Mount Carmel 55, Warrior Run 7
Shikellamy 23, Central Mountain 3
Tri Valley 35, Line Mountain 20
Troy 56, North Penn-Mansfield 14
BOYS SOCCER –
Meadowbrook Christian 2, Belleville Mennonite 0
Muncy 1, Millville 1
Northumberland Christian 9, Blair County Christian 0
GIRLS SOCCER –
Meadowbrook Christian 4, Belleville Mennonite 0
Northumberland Christian 9, Blair County Christian 1
GIRLS TENNIS –
Bucktail 4, Cowanesque Valley 1
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SCORES –
Philadelphia 5, Washington 3
Pittsburgh 8, St. Louis 2
Miami 6, NY Mets 2
Tampa Bay 4, NY Yankees 2
Baltimore 3, Boston 2
Cleveland 7, Minnesota 6
Atlanta 6, Seattle 4
Chicago Cubs 4, San Francisco 2
Chicago White Sox 5, Oakland 3
Cincinnati 8, Milwaukee 2
Colorado 12, Arizona 10
Detroit 10, Kansas City 2
Houston 4, LA Angels 3
San Diego 5, LA Dodgers 4
Toronto 4, Texas 3
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAMES TODAY –
Berwick vs. Abington Heights – 1pm
Towanda vs. Northwest Area – 7pm
COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAMES TODAY –
Ohio vs. Penn State – Noon
Lycoming vs. Lebanon Valley – 1pm
Franklin & Marshall vs. Susquehanna – 1pm
Bucknell vs. VMI – 1:30pm
Mercyhurst vs. Lock Haven – 6pm
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS SEPTEMBER 8, 2022
SOUTHSIDE LOCKDOWN AFTER PARENT THREAT
An alleged threat from a Clinton County parent who had previously been served a PFA, that he might take a gun to the South Williamsport school when he picked up his kids, sparked lockdowns at three district buildings yesterday. According to the Sun Gazette, state police took the man into custody a little after 1pm while Central, Rommelt and the junior and senior high schools were locked down for safety. Police and public safety officers on the scene commended parents and guardians who were alerted to the threat, because they were cooperative and patient while they waited around the block until they could connect with their children. The man who made the threat never was on school grounds and officers have not said whether charges will be filed against him.
DUBOISTOWN MAN THREATENS ANOTHER WITH A FIREARM
A confrontation between neighbors has resulted in a DuBoistown man being taken into custody last Saturday. According to the Sun Gazette, 51 year old Daniel Smith accused a group juveniles who were gathered at Edgewood and Cochran Avenues of being drug dealers, when the kids returned with their parents to speak with Smith, he brought a gun from inside his residence. Police say Smith pointed the weapon at Brian Reagan’s head then fired it in the air. Reagan and his family left his property and called 911. Smith was arraigned and taken into custody and is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 150 thousand dollars bail.
FETTERMAN AGREES TO DEBATE OZ
According to Politico John Fetterman, Lt Governor of Pennsylvania, has agreed to one debate against his Republican rival and political novice, Dr. Mehmet Oz some time in October. Oz has been questioning Fetterman’s health after his stroke last May after Fetterman himself says he has lingering effects of his stroke, like slower auditory processing speed, meaning he can’t respond quickly to what he’s hearing. Details on the debate against the men vying for the US Senate seat vacated by Senator Pat Toomey, will be announced when they are arranged.
VALLEY UNITED WAY TO PROVIDE TUTORS FOR K-12 STUDENTS
The Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way and Bucknell and Susquehanna Universities are partnering to offer virtual tutoring for K-12 students in the Susquehanna Valley. According to a press release, student tutors from the universities will provide virtual sessions on Zoom for up to 2 hours per week for elementary and high school students who need help in Reading or Early Literacy, Math, Science, Literature and English, and History. There are also Pre-K through 5th grade options for reading and early literacy and math. Sign up for the United we learn program at gsvuw.org.
FORMER WASD STUDENT FILES SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE
A former Williamsport Area High School student has come forward with allegations that he was sexually abused by another student while on a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with the high school baseball team in 2018, and says district officials covered up the assault. According to the Sun Gazette, a lawsuit was filed in US Middle District Court this week alleging former district officials, including then-principal Brandon Pardoe, then Assistant Principal Roger Freed and Athletic director Sean McCann and others, knew of the assault by the unnamed John Doe, and that there was video evidence of other assaults on the same trip they asked students to delete after being told of the incident despite being mandated reporters. Law enforcement officials say the school district has countered with a response, but it is unknown at this time.
FACEBOOK DRUG DEALER ARRESTED
A man conducting drug transactions over Facebook Messenger for several months was arrested after he delivered heroin to a confidential informant and undercover detective three times. According to North Central PA dot com, 35 year old Dallas Grove from Williamsport arranged to meet with the officers at a local convenience store on West Fourth Street where the drugs were exchanged for marked cash and each time he was followed by police. Grove was taken into custody and arraigned in Lycoming County District Court August 30th. He was released on 85 thousand dollars bail.
BICYCLIST STILL CRITICAL AFTER LAST WEEKEND ACCIDENT
A 61 year old Danville man who was sideswiped by a car while riding a bicycle along Continental Blvd in Montour County August 31st , is still in critical condition according to Geisinger officials. Police say Larry Robbins of Danville was traveling east on Routes 44 and 54 in Limestone Township when 41 year old Michael Carr of Pottsville, also traveling east in a 2011 Subaru Outback approaching Robbins from behind his bike, drifted onto the south shoulder of the roadway and struck the man. Robbins flew from his bicycle, both coming to rest in a ditch on the south shoulder . No word on whether Carr will be charged.
LOCAL STUDENT CHOSEN FOR FFA BAND
A trumpet player from Line Mountain High School has been chosen to play in the National Future Farmer’s of America Band at the 2022 National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis in October. According to the Daily item 16 year old Line Mountain junior Levi Ferster from Dalmatia, who is the president of the Line Mountain Mahantango FFA Chapter in Herndon will perform several times from October 26th to 29th.
LANE RESTRICTION IN SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT TODAY
There will be a lane restriction today on Route 654 – in South Williamsport for a maintenance project. According to Penn DOT, the crew will be performing an inlet repair on West Southern Avenue. So, motorist can expect a man on the scene flagging on West Southern between Sidney and Lowe Streets. Work on this project starts after 8:30am and goes until 2:30 PM, weather permitting.
SPORTS
PIAA District IV
Boys Soccer
Lewisburg 3 Midd-West 2
Northeast Bradford 5 Troy 3
Benton 7 Montgomery 0
Athens 1 North Penn-Liberty 0
Wellsboro 2 Williamson 0
State College 4 Williamsport 0
Girls Soccer
Hughesville 5 Troy 2
Shikellamy 4 Warrior Run 0
MLB
Game 1 – Mets 5 Pirates 1
Game 2 – Mets 10 Pirates 0
Game 1- Yankees 5 Twins 4
Game 2 – Yankees 7 Twins 1
Braves 7 A’s 3
Rays 1 Red Sox 0
Phillies 4 Marlins 3
Blue Jays 4 Orioles 1
Cardinals 6 Nationals 5
Men’s Tennis US Open
America’s Frances Tiafoe (tee AHF oh) beat Andre Rublev of Russia 7-6, 7-6, 6-4, earning the first trip to the US Open semifinals by an American man since 2006.
(22 seed Tiafoe beat 2nd seed Rafael Nadal Monday in the Fourth Round of the US Open)
Andy Roddick, who was in Arthur Ashe stadium yesterday, was the last U.S. man to get to the semifinals in New York, losing to Roger Federer in the title match 16 years ago.
NFL Tonight
Buffalo @ Los Angeles 8:20pm on NBC
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS – September 6, 2022
A Western Clinton County project that will produce shale natural gas – fired electricity to thousands in New York and Pennsylvania; will proceed despite an Environmental Hearing Board ruling saying that state – approved emission limits for sulfur dioxide and volatile organic compounds are too high. The facility will be located at the former Pennsylvania Railroad railcar and repair shop, that sits on 68 acres, in Renovo. The project investment could top $850 million dollars, and provide some 70 jobs in the construction phase and bring 30 permanent jobs to the Renovo Energy Center.
A Mifflinburg woman, who was formerly employed by Bucknell University, has been charged with a felony of access device fraud; after allegedly making 140 charges to Amazon, with the university credit card, for personal use. Tonya Struble, 39, had made the improper charges between February 7th and May 26th. Struble was arraigned in district court and bail was set at $25,000 unsecured. Struble had previously been charged for forging her clearances, when she applied for a job in March with Geisinger in Danville.
With the Old City project in downtown Williamsport moving along, with the public-private partnership; it has got other area locations wanting to becoming a part of the renaissance of the downtown area, especially near the Interstate 180 area. Rick Mahonski, the owner of River Valley Plaza, is looking at improving the look and feel of the plaza, to bring further growth to the area. The Starbucks location is looking at making improvements to the restaurant, by adding an additional drive through for customers. The improvements are just some of the things that will be done after Williamsport City Council approved the developers to apply for a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant. The RACP grant being applied for is not to exceed $4 million and will come at no cost to the city.
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams-Dunn has announced the appointment of Gregory Kisko, as the District Forester for Sproul State Forest. Sproul State Forest is located in Clinton and Centre counties, which is a part of the Pennsylvania Wilds. Kisko will oversee management of the forest, which covers more than 305,000 acres and features steep and rugged hillsides cut by the West Branch of the Susquehanna River and its tributaries.
Lycoming County Commissioners are hoping to address the housing shortage that is being experienced in the area. The housing shortage was identified during meetings earlier this year to explore how best to allocate the county’s American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds. Now, the commissioners have a plan to address that need. Out of the meetings with area developers, realtors and water authorities, a small task force was formed to explore the issue and try to come up with solutions. From that, an application was developed for the Housing Supply Initiative Grant Program. Interested parties can begin to submit applications to the county on Oct. 1st.
The Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Loyalsock Creek Watershed Association are inviting the public to a picnic and joint meeting, that will include a tour of the Lycoming College Biology Field Station. The tour will include research and demonstration projects on conservation and restoration of the Loyalsock Creek riparian floodplain and ecosystem. Reservations are requested for the event.
A South Williamsport man has been arrested and charged in relation to sexual molestation of a 10 year old child. Dalton William Schlee, 29, was jailed for felony and misdemeanor charges in Williamsport. Schlee faces three counts of aggravated indecent assault, two counts of indecent assault and one count each of unlawful contact with a minor and corrupting the morals of a minor. The alleged incident occurred sometime between June 2019 and March 2020, police said. Following his arraignment, Schlee is jailed in the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $125,000 bail.
A refuted gang member has been arrested in Williamsport, for a felony charge of illegal possession of a firearm. Steven Oliver Singletary, a former member of the “Tat Gang” which sold heroin and cocaine in the Williamsport area between 2012-2014, was arrested stemming from an incident at his girlfriend’s home in the city on August 24th. Due to his drug conviction six years ago in federal court, the 35-year-old man is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Singletary is free on bail.
A New Berlin man was charged with felony sexual assault and forcible compulsion after an alleged incident last August, at a hotel near Lewisburg. Abdur-Rahim Harper, 30, was arraigned on September 1st, with bail set at $50,000 unsecured, with a preliminary hearing set for September 15th.
A Lewisburg contractor is accused of taking a deposit from a couple and failed to start the home improvements as promised. Francisco Avila, 31, owner of Avila’s Home Improvement, gave a quote to the couple and placed a $3,000 deposit with the contractor; but, did not return to complete the work. Avila was charged with Theft by Deception, deceptive business practices, and other related charges. A bench warrant is out for Avila’s arrest.
IN SPORTS…
MLB Draft League –
The Williamsport Crosscutters have clinched the second half title of the MLB Draft League, after defeating the Frederick Keys, on the road in Maryland. The Cutters defeated the Keys, 5 to 3, on Sunday evening and will now head to West Virginia tonight, to face the Black Bears, who won the 1st half title, for the MLB Draft League Championship.
MLB SCORES –
NY Yankees over Minnesota, 5-2
Toronto defeated Baltimore, 7-3 in Game 1
Toronto doubled up Baltimore, 8-4 in Game 2
Tampa Bay slipped past Boston, 4-3
Cleveland doubled up Kansas City, 6-3
Washington blanked St. Louis, 6-0
Milwaukee edged Colorado, 6-4
Chicago White Sox over Seattle, 3-2
Arizona blanked San Diego, 5-0
Houston edged Texas, 1-0
LA Angels annihilated Detroit, 10-0
San Francisco defeated LA Dodgers, 7-4
COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS –
AP Top 25
Alabama remains at #1 after their victory over Utah State on Saturday. Ohio State drops from #2 to #3, with Georgia, leapfrogging the Buckeyes to #2, Clemson and Michigan, round out the Top 5. Texas A&M, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Baylor and Oklahoma State, round out the Top 10. Pittsburgh was picked at #19. Penn State did not make the rankings for the week.
Backyard Broadcasting Podcasts
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS – September 4, 2022
Former President Donald Trump was in Wilkes Barre last night at Mohegan Sun Arena, his first appearance publicly since the raid on his Mar-A-Lago home, in which the feds recovered classified materials. Trump reiterated the fact, that the 2020 election was stolen from him, and that the raid on his home was a travesty of justice. Trump appeared on behalf of Dr. Mehmet Oz, who’s running for the U.S. Senate; Doug Mastriano, who is the Republican candidate for PA Governor. In addition, the candidate for U.S. Congress, Jim Bognet.
A Turbotville man was found not guilty earlier last week, in relation to a 2021 incident in which Patrick Racey, was charged with Rape and Sexual Assault. After a day-long trial on August 29th, in which a jury found Racey not guilty on the four charges against him. The prosecution had attempted to bring up previous “bad acts” but, the judge did not allow the testimony to be included, so as not to taint the jury’s view.
The Jersey Shore Borough Council is set to hold a public hearing on September 12th, on regionalizing its Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police Department with Old Lycoming Township, Porter Township, and Hepburn & Lycoming Townships. The hearing is to determine the viability of such an endeavor, in which the Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police and Old Lycoming Township Police should become one entity. Old Lycoming Township Police currently serves residents in Hepburn and Lycoming Townships, at the moment. The public hearing is slated for 7pm, at the borough office on Smith Street in Jersey Shore.
The City of Williamsport and The River Valley Transit Authority are trying to figure out on how much money that the City has invested in the properties that the new authority has a stake in. This comes after councilmen Adam Yoder and Eric Beiter questioned the rationalization of transferring the properties to the new transit authority from the city. The resolution is an authorization of the transfer of the following properties: 1500 W. Third St., 100 W. Third St., 127 W. Fourth St., 11 W. Church St. and 144 W. Third St. to the authority for $1. The city also is trying to figure out how certain sub-parcels, such as Elm Park and the recycling center, are going to be divided up.
An employee with The American Rescue Workers is in trouble with the law, after taking valuable pieces of jewelry and selling them to a local pawn shop. Allan Diggan, 36, was charged for the theft of the items. Police were notified after store employees noticed that valuables were placed in the basement of the organization, even though they are typically stored in an upper floor. Police were able to identify Diggan through a I.D. at the pawn shop. Diggan was charged with two first degree misdemeanors and awaits a preliminary hearing in October.
The Columbia Mall in Bloomsburg was set to be auctioned off last month; however, the bids did not meet the reserve price, so no sale occurred. However, the owner of the property is anticipating a lot of growth for the property, near Interstate 80. The owner is in the process of constructing a Hilton branded hotel that will have 84 rooms in a four story structure. Some of the possibilities for growth include a possible Arby’s, Chipotle, and a Michael’s craft store.
A Sunbury woman is charged with filing false reports of a dead newborn recently. Kelani Betts, 23, told police that she gave birth to the newborn on August 17th at a friend’s house in Snyder County, and that the newborn had died a short time later; with the friend disposing of the body. However, after an investigation by State Police, it was determined that the woman had never been pregnant and no such birth had taken place.
The Lock Haven Jaycees Labor Day Regatta continues today along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, in Lock Haven. Fireworks are planned for Sunday evening, pending cooperating weather. The 51st Annual event continues through Monday in Clinton County.
IN SPORTS…
MLB Draft League –
The Williamsport Crosscutters won their game on Saturday night, winning in sudden-death, 4-3 over the Frederick Keys. The Cutters wrap up their season, in Frederick this evening at 6pm.
NASCAR –
The playoffs begin tonight in NASCAR Cup action at Darlington, South Carolina. The Cookout Southern 500 will get underway at 6pm, on The Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network, AM 1340/FM 101.7 – WWPA, AM 1380/FM 94.5 – WMLP, and at WILQ HD3.
MLB Scores –
San Francisco edged Philadelphia, 5-4
Toronto cruised past Pittsburgh, 4-1
Washington defeated NY Mets, 7-1
Tampa Bay slid past NY Yankees, 2-1
Baltimore upended Oakland, 8-1
Boston over Texas, 5-3
Seattle blanked Cleveland, 4-0
Kansas City defeated Detroit, 12-2
St. Louis doubled up Chicago Cubs, 8-4
Chicago White Sox blanked Minnesota, 13-0
Atlanta edged Miami, 2-1
Milwaukee defeated Arizona, 8-6
LA Angels narrowly defeated Houston, 2-1
LA Dodgers shellacked San Diego, 12-1
College Football Scores –
Lock Haven defeated C.W. Post, 35-34
The Bald Eagles defense stopped a game-winning two point conversion, to seal the victory on the road.
Susquehanna upended Lycoming, 45-16
Stonehill College defeats Bloomsburg, 33-30 in 2OT’s
Towson edged Bucknell in overtime, 14-13
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS – September 3, 2022
The recent appointment of David Kay, as a Old Lycoming Township Supervisor,was done improperly by the board. Now, the Old Lycoming Township Solicitor is trying to right a misstep, according to a report in the Williamsport Sun-Gazette. Kay applied and was appointed as a Supervisor, in May. Kay however did not get voted on in a proper manner. Now, the Solicitor is petitioning the Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas, to help them correct the procedural matter. Kay took the place of former Supervisor Sam Aungst, whose last day was April 12th.
The Old City Williamsport Project is moving one step closer to a reality, after the Williamsport City Council, approved on a first reading, the appropriation of $900,000 in American Rescue Plan funds to put toward the $22.9 million dollar project. The mixed use and residential space located on Basin Street, 3rd Street and 4th Street, will be constructed in three phases. The area is located adjacent to Lycoming College, and will have many uses, including residential apartments, retail businesses, an outdoor garden and a parking deck. Pine Ridge Construction Management is the developer for the project, with participation from the City of Williamsport, Lycoming County, Lycoming College, the Sewer & Water Authority, and the First Community Foundation of Pennsylvania.
The Lock Haven Jaycees Labor Day Regatta is underway this weekend for the 51st year; but, making the event run much smoother this year and for years to come, was improvements to the Lockport Boat Launch, located on the Northside of the Susquehanna River’s West Branch. A 175 foot enhancement to the boat launch was unveiled in a ceremony on Friday. The improvement offers boat racers to have expanded shore access and will help stabilize the riverbank. The enhancement of the riverbank will also allow a “soft” access for kayaks and canoes for the public’s usage. The regatta runs through Monday, in Lock Haven.
A 21 year old Williamsport man who was charged with attempted homicide in 2020, plead guilty to two counts of reckless endangerment and was placed on three years of probation. The plea agreement was based on the unwillingness of witnesses to come forward and provide information with the investigation, according to Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner. Jordan Artley was accused of firing into a crowd of four individuals, wounding one of the victims, in the groin.
Two individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riot from Central Pennsylvania, will face hearings in the coming month of September. Tammy Bronsburg, 51, of Williamsport, will face sentencing on September 27th. However, a former State College resident who now lives in Lock Haven, is seeking to have three charges dismissed. Brian Gunderson and his attorney is seeking to have Obstruction of An Official Proceeding, Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building, and Engaging in Violence in a Restricted Building, tossed out. Federal prosecutors have until September 12th to respond to the motions to dismiss. Judge Thomas Hogan will make a ruling on the motions on September 19th.
Voter eligibility questions have came up recently, as a phony campaign to obtain voter information, including an individuals Social Security number. Lycoming County Board of Elections are urging residents to contact the county directly, if they have any questions in regards to their voter registration in the county. In order to register to vote, an applicant must provide date of birth and their PA drivers license number, or else date of birth and the last 4 digits of their Social Security Number. Applicants are NOT required to provide a full Social Security Number or financial information in order to register to vote.
Lycoming County is set to receive $278,638 in Community Development Block Grant funding for projects that benefit county residents. An additional $597.566 will go toward projects in Jersey Shore, Montoursville and South Williamsport boroughs, are a part of the county’s contract as well for projects to be funded. According to SEDA-COG, approximately $1.5 million in funds were requested by eight municipalities for projects recently, using CDBG funds from 2022.
Former President Donald Trump will make a campaign visit to Northeast Pennsylvania this evening. Trump will speak at Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes Barre, tonight at 7pm. Doors will open at 2pm for the event. Trump will be campaigning for Republican candidates Dr. Mehmet Oz for the U.S. Senate, Congressional candidate Jim Bognet and Doug Mastriano for Governor. Pennsylvania is typically considered a battleground state, and with these mid-term elections even more important for the party. Trump’s visit comes days after President Joe Biden made an appearance in Wilkes Barre at Wilkes College.
IN SPORTS…
Friday Night Football –
The Backyard Broadcasting High School Game of the Week featured the Pittston Patriots on the road to face the Williamsport Millionaires. Williamsport was looking to get their first victory of the year, after losing last week to State College. The Millionaires trailed Pittston, 12 to nothing at Halftime; but, answered with 29 – 2nd Half points, to get the victory, at STA Stadium. Williamsport won the contest 29 to 12.
Other High School Football Games/Scores –
Mount Carmel over Dunmore, 42-14
Jersey Shore shellacked Lewisburg, 70-6
Southern Columbia blanked Shamokin, 43-0
Loyalsock Township defeated Hughesville, 27-0
Selinsgrove edged out Juniata, 17-14
Danville over Line Mountain, 52-0
Mifflinburg blanked Central Columbia, 35-0
Milton over Towanda, 21-0
Midd-West defeated Halifax, 48-14
Muncy over Wellsboro, 30-22
Troy defeated Montoursville, 28-7
South Williamsport spanked Montgomery, 59-14
Bloomsburg upended Central Mountain, 42-21
Hamburg defeated Warrior Run, 48-7
COLLEGE FOOTBALL TODAY –
Susquehanna at Lycoming, 1pm
Lock Haven at C.W. Post, 1pm
Stonewall College at Bloomsburg, 2pm
Towson at Bucknell, 6pm
MLB SCORES…
Toronto over Pittsburgh, 4-0
San Francisco walloped Philadelphia, 13-1
NY Mets over Washington, 7-3
Tampa Bay blanked NY Yankees, 9-0
Seattle defeated Cleveland, 6-1
Boston over Texas, 9-1
Baltimore defeated Oakland, 5-2
Cincinnati edged Colorado, 3-2
Detroit defeated Kansas City, 5-4
Atlanta over Miami, 8-1
Chicago White Sox edged Minnesota, 4-3
St. Louis over Chicago Cubs, 8-0
Houston over LA Angels, 4-2
San Diego defeated LA Dodgers, 7-1
Arizona edged Milwaukee, 2-1