BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 26, 2022

DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE LEADS TO WOMAN’S ARREST

Police arrested a Williamsport woman after police answered a domestic disturbance call Saturday night on Trenton Avenue.  According to the Sun Gazette, 40 year old Ashley Barnfield was questioned and then detained by city police as she allegedly was drunk and started yelling at the officers.  Later when another officer assisted, an affidavit says Barnfield kicked the second officer before she was arrested and again at police headquarters.  She was arraigned on charges of public drunkenness, disorderly conduct and assault, and is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 15 thousand dollars bail.

POLICE INCIDENT RECORDED BY SUSPECT ON FACEBOOK

Police arrested a Hazelton woman in Mount Carmel who was livestreaming the arrest and pror incidents on Facebook.  According to North Central PA dot com, BobbiJo Lopez was originally stopped by police for impeding traffic as she recorded herself walking around outside her vehicle at a red light with her phone.  When police stopped Lopez and tried to give her a ticket, she threw her phone and sped away, starting a chase in which she drove in the wrong lane of traffic, sometimes at high speeds until finally arriving at a West Third Street residence where police took her into custody.  Police found methamphetamine at the home and charged her with possession of drug paraphernalia in addition to the felonies for fleeing police and resisting arrest.  Lopez was arraigned and posted 25 hundred dollars unsecured bail.

AVIAN FLU STAYING IN SOUTHERN PA FOR NOW

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania has been struggling with outbreaks of avian flu, but according to the Daily item, there are no cases that have spread as of yet to the Valley. Official reports say there are about 10,360 poultry operations statewide. Department of Agricutlture Secretary Russel Redding says the state has had $2 million set aside since 2016 to respond to avian influenza.  If you raise chickens and have concerns about Avian Flu, call the Pennsylvania Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services at 717-772-2852. 

FARMER’S MARKET SET TO START

Williamsport Growers Market Peak Season marker is set to start up Saturday morning.  Officials from the market say that customers will be able to purchase affordable healthy food using cash as well as the token system using debit or SNAP Cards.  A person can use their card to purchase $1 to $20 tokens that each vendor at the market will accept.  The Growers Market runs Saturdays April 30th through November each Saturday from 8am til noon during peak season at 249 Little League Blvd.

WILLIAMSPORT BROTHERS DISPLACED BY FIRE

The Red Cross is assisting two brothers who were displaced by fire yesterday.  According to the Sun Gazette, a fire started in the bedroom of a two-unit apartment at 917 Washington Boulevard around 3am.  Williamsport firefighters responded to the early morning incident and found that the two occupants had safely escaped the apartment. No one was injured.  It took a few minutes to extinguish the fire and officials say the cause is under investigation. 

TURKEY HILL ICE CREAM RECALL

If you bought Turkey Hill Chocolate Marshmallow Premium ice cream lately and have a peanut allergy, check it before you eat it!  It’s been recalled.  According to a press release from Turkey Hill Dairy of Conestoga, PA, the recall applies to 385, 48 ounce containers of the chocolate marshmallow premium ice cream bought between April 14th and 19th that may have been filled with chocolate peanut butter cup ice cream instead.  The dairy has not received any complaints of illness at this time and says the recall doesn’t apply to any other product.  The UPC Code of the product is 020735420935.  If you purchased any of the product, you can return it to the store for a full refund or call 1800 MY DAIRY.

BOOSTER SHOT CLINIC ON THE WAY

If you are eligible and interested in getting a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster shot, Geisinger is hosting four clinic days at the Hughes Center in Danville; April 27-28 (tomorrow and Thursday) and May 4th and 5th. Those over 50 and who are immunocompromised benefit from the extra dose, avoiding severe disease, according to data from the CDC. Ask your doctor if you qualify for the booster.  Geisinger retail pharmacies are taking appointments through online scheduling or at 570-284-3657.

BRIDGE TO BE NAMED FOR WWII VETERAN

A World War II veteran who passed away in April of 2020 will have a Pine Creek Township bridge named for him next month.  According to the Record Online, the 76th District State representative, Stephanie Borowicz announced a dedication and unveiling ceremony will take place Tuesday May 3rd at 10 am next to the bridge on State Route 1010 over Chatham Run to honor the late Tech Corporal Lee R. Phillips.  Phillips was a Howard native and graduated from Lock Haven High School in 1944 before he was drafted and assigned to 3rd Army, Company A, 787th battalion where he drove tanks under General Patton. 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 25, 2022

HIGH SPEED CHASE LEADS TO JAIL FOR MOTORCYCLIST

A high speed chase between a motorcyclist and state troopers last Monday that started at the Lycoming Mall Interchange and went to the Northumberland county line landed the motorcyclist in jail.  Police say 35 year old Milton C. Frost III, most recently from Canton, got up to around 95 miles per hour during the chase on a bike on I-180 East just after noon on April 18th .  Police determined the bike had been stolen in Broome County, New York, and report Frost knew the VIN was compromised.  Frost was charged with fleeing police and receiving stolen property.  He is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 40 thousand dollars bail.

EMPLOYER INCARCERATED FOR TAX EVASION

A man from State College who owned a medical Billing Company and didn’t pay employment taxes was sentenced to 15 months in jail and restitution last week in District Court.  The Sun Gazette reported that 44 year old Scott Lykens had pled guilty last December for failure to pay tax withholdings, like Medicare and Social Security that he collected from his employees from 2010 til 2019. Lykens has been ordered by Chief District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann to pay the IRS the total tax loss of just about 1.5 million dollars.

PHILLY MAN SENTENCED TO 8+ YEARS FOR DRUG CONSPIRACY

A former Williamsport resident from Philadelphia who pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute the dangerous drugs fentanyl and Tramadol has been sentenced to over 8 years in federal prison plus 3-years of probation.  The Sun Gazette reports that 33 year old Ira Sims was charged with eight others  in August of 2020 for their role in a drug conspiracy around Williamsport in 2019.  There was an 11-count indictment brought against the defendants.  According to Court records, Sims was in jail on a prior offense during some of the time police were investigating the drug conspiracy.

K-9 GETS DONATED VEST

Williamsport Bureau of Police K-9, Tacoma, has received a gift of life-saving body armor which is bullet and stab protective, as a charitable donation from the non-profit “Vested Interest in K9s, Inc”, after a fundraiser was held by Williamsport West Veterinary Hospital in Duboistown.  According to Crimewatchpa.com Tacoma’s custom fitted vest has a value of over two thousand dollars and will be delivered in eight to ten weeks.  Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, accepts donations and has volunteer information at www.vik9s.org.

SHOOTING IN JACKSON TOWNSHIP

State police have not released any more information about a shooting that occurred at a Jackson township home near Herndon in Northumberland County.  Emergency communications between first responders indicated that a victim had a gunshot wound to the throat and was having difficulty breathing around 3pm Friday.  After two hours following the original call, the Northumberland County Coroner was on the scene and later, the Pennsylvania State Police Forensics Unit was called in.  State Police in Stonington are handling the investigation and at this time report the incident they are investigating as an accident. 

FATAL ACCIDENT IN WALKER TOWNSHIP

A woman from Bellefonte died in a two car accident Friday afternoon along Route 64.  According to the Record Online, 47 year old Sherry Thompson’s car struck a vehicle driven by 54 year old James Ashpole who had slowed down on Route 64 to take a left turn onto Snydertown Road.  According to Rockview State police, Thompson was not wearing a seatbelt and was taken by life flight to UPMC Williamsport.  Hospital officials report that that coroner pronounced Thomspon deceased upon arrival to the facility.  Ashpole was not injured in the Walker Township crash, he had been wearing a seatbelt.

WILLIAMSPORT RESURFACING PROJECT CONTINUES THIS WEEK

PennDOT says overnight work will continue this week on the pedestrian access ramps along West Third and Market Streets which is part of the 2.5 mile resurfacing project that continues along West Fourth and Campbell, Market Street, Hepburn Street and Ridge Avenue.  There will be resurfacing starting up again today on West Fourth and Campbell which will include milling the existing roadway, base repairs and ramp construction.  Motorists are asked to watch for changing traffic patterns.  The $2 million resurfacing project is set to be completed this August. 

GOFUNDME SET UP FOR VICTIM IN DOMESTIC PENN TWP SHOOTING

A GoFundMe page has been set up for the woman allegedly shot by her husband last week in Penn Township.  According to the Daily item, friends of Leslie Bailor said that she was a devoted mother to four children and several dogs and had been estranged from her husband, Brad Bailor, since last January.  Brad Bailor is being held without bail for the shooting that occurred last Monday when Leslie was at the home for a moment caring for her dogs.  Their children ages 3, 5, 7 and 10 were not at home at the time.  Bailor told police that he had slapped his wife in the face and shot her when he thought she was calling the police.  He is in Snyder County prison on homicide charges.

FORMER SUNBURY MAYOR PASSES

A former mayor of Sunbury has passed.  Donald Morgan, who also owned the Edison Hotel, was mayor for three terms starting in 1972 and served another term in 1984, originally as a Democrat, but finally as a Republican.   According to media outlets, Morgan graduated from Hegins Township High School, George Washington University, and then was a full Lieutenant in the US Navy.  He was 90 years old.

SPORTS

NBA
Milwaukee leads the series 3-1 after Game 4 in the East 1st Round yesterday
Bucks 119           Bulls 95
In the West 1st   Round Games
Nuggets 126       Warriors 121 Golden State leading 3-1
Heat 110             Hawks 86 Miami leads the series 31
Pelicans 118       Suns 103 Their series tied up 2-2 in the West first round

NASCAR
Ross Chastain got a victory at Talladega Superspeedway with his 2nd cup win in the past five races.
2. Austin Dillon
3. Kyle Busch
4. Kyle Larson
5. Martin Truex Jr., rounded out the top five.

MLB
 
Yankees 10         Guardians 2
Giants 12            Nationals 3
Pirates 4              Cubs 3
Angels 7              Orioles 6
Mets 6                 Diamondbacks 2
Brewers 1            Phillies 0

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 22, 2022

DEPLORABLE CONDITIONS IN COGAN STATION HOME

A Cogan Station couple has been arrested after narcotics detectives executed a search warrant and found deplorable living conditions in a home with 5 young children on April 14th.  According to a press release by the Old Lycoming Police Department, police investigating drug offenses found 34 year old Jeffery Howlett and 29 year old Lindy Beck both of Beech Street, to have dangerous drug paraphernalia, exposed wires, and food and animal waste scattered throughout the home.  Police then obtained a second warrant, charging the couple with felony endangerment of children.  Both Howlett and Beck faced District Magistrate Judge William Solomon and were committed to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 75 thousand dollars bail each.  The children were placed with relatives.

SUNBURY DRUG SWEEP NETS 30 SUSPECTS

After several controlled drug buys by police earlier this week in Sunbury, police conducted a drug sweep and outstanding warrant search which netted the arrest of 30 people in the city.  According to The Daily Item, Sunbury Police said they had assistance from other Valley departments and together seized guns and over 300 grams of drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, spice and other drugs.  Sunbury District Judge Mike Toomey worked in conjunction with police to reserve a full day in his court to clean up the warrant list they had to tackle.  The city has more sweeps planned for the future.

LOCAL HOSPITAL RECEIVES FEDERAL GRANTS

Evangelical Community Hospital is one of six hospitals in Pennsylvania to receive almost 490 thousand dollars in an Emergency Rural Health Care Grant from the USDA through the American Rescue Plan act, funding made available through historic legislation by the Biden Harris Administration.  According to The Express, Evangelical will use the grant to support their Advanced Life Support Unit and other ancillary equipment for in and outpatients.  The five other recipients of the 3.9 million dollar grant include the Clinton County Department of Emergency Services, Lock Haven Emergency Medical Services, Centre Care, Inc, Citizens Hose Company and Broad Acres Nursing Home in Tioga County. 

CROSSCUTTERS LOOKING FOR ANTHEM SINGERS

The Williamsport Crosscutters are seeking National Anthem singers for the upcoming 2022 season.  Those interested in applying, can email a link or audio file of themselves performing the traditional rendition of the song, a Capella.  Submissions along with a short application, are due by May 13th, the song should be 90 seconds or less in length and will be reviewed following the deadline.  Those chosen will be contacted for performances coming up on opening night with the State College Spikes June 2 through the end of the season, September 1st.  

MAN SHOOTS UP HOUSE OVER DEATH OF PET

A man who was reacting to the family’s dogs killing his pet bird, opened fire in the basement of his Jackson Township home on April 16th around 9:30am, which prompted the other occupant of the home to call police.   According to the Sun Gazette, Nicholas Jennings, who lives on Blockhouse Rd. with his sister and her two children, fired rounds in the basement and then more rounds outside the house after learning about the death of his pet, which caused about 1000 dollars-worth of damage.  When police arrived, Jennings was taken into custody and charged with 1 felony count of discharging a firearm into an occupied structure and other misdemeanors for reckless endangerment.  He is in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of bail.

FIRE DESTROYS MILL HALL GARAGE AND CONTENTS

A Mill Hall man suffered the loss of two Mustangs, several motorcycles and yard equipment after a fire began in his three bay concrete block garage just off Fishing Creek last night.  According to the Record Online, property owner Tim Yost guessed that an electrical cord could have started the blaze, but a State Police Fire Marshal will be called to the scene today to determine the origin of the fire.  Firefighters from Mill Hall, Lock Haven, Flemington and Lamar Township were on the scene and had the fire knocked down in about 20 minutes.  Smoke was reportedly seen from as far away as Lock Haven.

UNITYVILLE MAN ARRESTED FOR SEXUAL CONTACT WITH MINOR

A former Unityville man accused of molesting a female minor  in Franklin Township has been jailed in Lycoming County.  According to the Sun Gazette, 42 year old Ronald P Wert was accused of multiple indecent assault charges, including felony count of unlawful contact with a minor.  The incidents happened between November of 2021 and March 2022.  Wert had recently moved to a Unityville campground from Fairview Road, but is now incarcerated in lieu of 95 thousand dollars bail. 

BENEFIT CONCERT FOR UKRAINE

Susquehanna University is hosting a benefit concert for Ukraine Saturday April 30th at 7:30pm.  According to a press release from the university, local musicians will gather in Stretansky Concert Hall in the Cunningham Center for Music and Art under the direction of Jordan Smith visiting assistant professor of music.  A collection will be taken to help the organization supporting refugees, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.  Music performed will include the Ukrainian National Anthem, Prayer for Ukraine by Lysenko and The Great Gate of Kiev by Mussgorsky.  Find more details here.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4

Varsity Baseball
Hughesville 2                 Midd-west 1
Wyalusing 5                   Cowanesque Valley 2
Athens 8                        Williamson 2
Lewisburg 6                   South Williamsport 1
Northeast Bradford 6    Towanda 3
Sayre 11                        Wellsboro 1

Varsity Softball
NE Bradford 10             Towanda 0
Cowanesque Valley 4 Wyalusing 3
Wellsboro 18                 Sayre 2
Lewisburg 4                   Montoursville 3
Shikellamy 15                Milton 5
Shamokin 3                   Midd-west 2
Athens 13                      Williamson 3
Montgomery 13             Sullivan County 2
Bloomsburg 14              Central Columbia 4
Central Mt 11                Selinsgrove 0
St John Neumann 15     CMVT 14
Williamsport & Danville and Muncy & Benton didn’t play

NBA
Game 3 of the West 1st Round
Grizzlies 104        Timberwolves  95 – Memphis leads 2-1
Mavericks 126     Jazz 118  Dallas leads that 2-1
Warriors 118        Nuggets 113 Golden State is 3-0
Tonight
Game 3 of the East 1st Round has the Heat and the Hawks @7 on ESPN,  Bucks & Bulls @8:30 on ABC, and Suns & Pelicans @930 on ESPN

MLB
Guardians 6 White Sox 3
Tigers 3 Yankees 0
Mets  6 Giants 2
A’s 6 Orioles 4
Diamondbacks 4 Nationals 3
Pirates 4 Cubs 3

NHL
Flyers 6 Canadiens 3
Panthers 5 Redwings 2
Sabers 5 Devils 2
Penguins 4 Bruins 0
Hurricanes 4 Jets 2
Rangers 6 Islanders 3
Lightning 8 Maple leafs 1
Wild 6 Canucks 3
Flames 4 Stars 2
Kings 4 Blackhawks 1
Blues 3 Sharks 1

NASCAR this Sunday @3pm Geico 500 in Talladega, Alabama
Listen on our sister station WWPA, the Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network or WILQ’s HD3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 21, 2022

PENN DOT:  LYCOMING COUNTY ROADS ARE OPEN

PennDOT reports that the closures on Jacks Hollow Road and Route 554 between Market street to Elimsport Road in Washington Township have reopened and trees have been removed from the roadway.  The heavy wet snow that fell early Tuesday, brought trees down on power lines and caused lots of electrical and traffic issues.  In Sullivan County, Route 154 between Route 220 in Laporte and Worlds End Road, opened this morning. 

MUNCY MAN POINTS GUN AT ANOTHER

A Muncy man is free on $25,000 bail after he was charged with reckless endangerment, simple assault and pointing a handgun at a man who was parked on his property last Saturday afternoon.  According to the Sun Gazette,   62 year old Carl Schultz of Linvic Road, approached a person parked on the side of the road in a van, who police say was unaware the area was private, and had a verbal confrontation.  As the victim attempted to leave the property, Schultz went to his truck, got a handgun and pointed it at the man. He fled to a nearby business to call police.  Troopers searched a garage following the incident at 5058 Route 220, where they found Schultz and the suspected weapon.  Police then took him into custody. 

MAN WHO FLED POLICE IN SHAMOKIN CHARGED

Charges are pending for a Coal Township man who fled from police in Shamokin last month.  According to police reports, 21 year old Shane Frizell attempted to flee from Shamokin City Police March 26th and was allegedly driving without lights to avoid identification or arrest.  Police say that Frizell lost control of the car as he was trying to turn from Route 61 to Route 487, where he hit concrete lane dividers and rolled his vehicle.  The man ran from police after the accident but was caught.  Frizell was hospitalized at Geisinger medical Center for some minor injuries.  An investigation is ongoing.

INDIVIDUAL SPORTS REMAIN AT INTEGRATED PA UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES

Even though the campuses of Mansfield, Bloomsburg , Lock Haven, California, Clarion and Edinboro are integrating, the NCAA Division II Membership Committee has approved individual athletic programs will remain on each individual campus.  According to a press release, the full complement of athletic programs at each school will continue to use their current branding and stay wholly independent of each other.  Lock Haven has Division I  Men’s wrestling as a member of MAC, a good field hockey program and 19 other varsity athletic programs there.  Mansfield University features Collegiate Sprint Football with 13 varsity programs on campus.  California, Clarion, and Edinboro universities are uniting as Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) with intercollegiate sports on each campus.

SELINSGROVE MAN IN CUSTODY FOR MURDER

A suspect in the fatal shooting that occurred at a South Market Street home in Selinsgrove Monday has been arrested.  According to the Daily Item, the Snyder County DA said State police in Selinsgrove took the property owner, 33 year old, Brad A. Bailor into custody, to be arraigned for allegedly killing his wife Leslie M Bailor.  Witnesses say there was yelling and a police commotion around 1:30 Monday on South Market Street in Penn Township, when a man emerged from the home with a gun over his head which he then dropped.  Police entered the home and Bailor was arrested.  He is in custody at the Snyder County Prison without bail for criminal homicide and first degree murder.  Bailor’s preliminary hearing is April 28th in Middleburg.

UNSEALED RECORDS SHOW WOMEN SOUGHT TO SELL DAUGHTER

Information has been unsealed in the case of two Lycoming County women who are accused of intentionally starving their two small children in Old Lycoming Township, and has been revealed that a relative said they sought to sell one of the daughters for $1000 a few days before both girls were found in a shallow grave in Hepburn Township after dying from starvation in the Livermore Road home.  The mother, Marie Sue Snyder and Echo Butler confessed to the killing.  According to Penn Live, Echo Butler’s Aunt told Old Lycoming Township police information she knew Echo Butler talked about selling 6 year old Nicole Elisabeth.  District Attorney Ryan C. Gardner confirmed information about the sale.

POLICE DISCOVER WMD DURING TRAFFIC STOP

Police stopped a Lock Haven man who was driving an RV with the wrong license plate and discovered  him to have an extensive criminal record  which has been was bound over on all charges after his arrest in Flemmington.  According to the Daily Record 35 year old James Schmidtberg had a previous criminal record that at minimum kept him from owning a firearm in Pennsylvania.  However, after obtaining a search warrant police found 6 firearms, ammunition, magazines and other weapons and accessories as well as a weapon of mass destruction all in the RV on March 2nd,  Schmidtberg is in custody in Clinton County.  Bail is set at 250 thousand dollars.

ORDINANCE PENDING FOR RESIDENTS TO PAY STORM WATER FEE

Lock Haven City Council voted to propose an annual 100 hundred dollar ERU fee that is the first step to having an ordinance in which local users will assist with financing the future maintenance and upgrades to the local  stormwater system.  According to the Record online, Council will need to construct the ordinance, present the proposal to City Council for consideration, advertise the plan, and hold a public hearing all before adopting the ordinance and implementing it.  City Manager Greg Wilson envisions the fee to be billed quarterly.  Projects and upgrades planned for the next 30 years are estimated to potentially cost 1.1 million dollars per year, funding will also come from the city’s general fund.   A survey to learn more and provide feedback is available HERE.

SPORTS
P I-AA District 4
Varsity Baseball
Williamsport 9               Wyoming seminary 0
Danville 8                       South Williamsport 7
Muncy 7                        CMVT 2
Millville 10                              Saint John Neumann 8
Canton 12                      Towanda  2
Selinsgrove 5                 Montoursville 4
Loyalsock 7                   Mount Carmel 1
Cowanesque Valley 4    North Penn Mansfield 2
Warrior Run 9               Bloomsburg 6
Mifflinburg 11               Shamokin 1
Sullivan County 15        Bucktail 2
Central Columbia 16     Southern Columbia 2
Sayre 7                          Athens 1
Midd-West 18                Milton 3
 PIAA District 4
Varsity SoftballSouth Williamsport 12 Wellsboro 2
Lewisburg 3                   Loyalsock 1
Central Mountain 7       Midd-West 1
Northwest 15                 Sugar Valley Rural Charter 0
Jersey Shore 10             Mifflinburg 3
Athens 15                      Sayre 2
Canton 16                      Towanda 2
Montoursville 3             Warrior Run 2
North Penn liberty 4      Cowanesque  Valley 1
PIAA District 4
Boys Tennis
South Williamsport over Bloomsburg 4-1
Lewisburg defeated Danville 5-0
Hughesville over Loyalsock 5-0
Central Columbia bit Milton 5-0
Mifflinburg defeated Jersey Shore 4-1

NBA
76ers  104   Raptors 101
Celtics 114 Nets 107
Bulls 114    Bucks 110
NBA Basketball tonight
West first round continues- Game 3 for Grizzlies and the Timberwolves, Mavericks and Jazz and Warriors and Nuggets play at 10pm
MLB
Brewers 4             Pirates 2
Game 1 – Guardians 11 White Sox 1
Game 2  – Guardians 2 White Sox 1
Phillies 9               Rockies 6
Orioles 1               A’s 0
Yankees 5             Detroit Tigers 3
Diamondbacks 11 Nationals 2
Giants 5               Mets 2
NHL
Oilers 5                Stars 2
Blackhawks 4       Coyotes 3
Golden Knights 4   Capitals 3
Kraken 3              Avalanche 2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 20, 2022

POWER BEING RESTORED, SOME ROADS STILL CLOSED

PPL’s outage map looks a lot less dramatic today with just a few outages remaining in Lycoming County after yesterday’s heavy spring snow brought trees down on some power lines.  PennDOT has reported there are still some trees down and work continues today, with closures on Jacks Hollow Road between Bennardi Development Road in Armstrong Township and Woodside Avenue in Duboistown, Route 554 to Elimsport Road is also still closed today.  In Picture Rocks, Route 864 in Wolf Township and Court Street opened up around 7:30 pm last night. 

TRUCKER COMPETENT TO STAND TRIAL

A psychological evaluation of the man who is accused of killing a New York City Model has been completed and he has been found competent to stand trial.  Tracy Ray Rollins, Jr. allegedly killed 47 year old Rebecca Landrith in February 2021, and left her body at an Interstate 80 exit near Loganton.  He faces homicide and abuse of a corpse charges.  A note in Landrith’s pocket led investigators to Rollins, who was apprehended at a truck stop in Connecticut, a few days after police discovered the woman’s body on the road.  Rollins is being held without bail.

BLOOMSBURG COUNCIL VOTES TO EUTHANIZE GEESE

Through a program with the US Department of Agriculture, the Bloomsburg Town Council has voted to euthanize nearly 40 adult geese this summer and send the birds to food banks in Pennsylvania – a state with a program in place to process and distribute wild geese. According to WNEP, Mayor Justin Hummel said some birds will be trapped and moved from Bloomsburg Town park where the permanent resident geese are causing a mess, each bird potentiallycreating 2 pound of goose poop per day.  The USDA’s goose removal project has assisted New York City airport officials with goose removal and can help municipalities and other private landowners locally.

DANVILLE WOMAN HIRED FOR LITTLE LEAGUE PROJECT ANALYST

A woman from Danville has been named Business Analyst and Project Manager within the Information Technology Department for Little League International in Williamsport.  According to a release from Andy Frederick, Little League Senior Director of  IT, Autumn Llewellyn, who holds an MBA from Misericordia University and has more than a decade of experience at Geisinger Health System, will join the IT department to evaluate and schedule project requests and strengthen their technology services to local leagues overall. Llewellyn’s new role with Little League International began yesterday. 

CENTRE COUNTY CRASH KILLS ONE

There was a crash between a vehicle and an UTV that killed a 28 year old woman from Mingoville yesterday.  According to StateCollege dot com,  Anjelica Meile was driving with a passenger in a Jeep Grand Cherokee on Nittany Valley Drive when an 85 year old man from Bellfonte on a UTV crossed in front of her car from a side road in Walker Township and collided with her car.   State police at Rockview, say Meile was ejected from the vehicle when she swerved and hit a ditch on the side of the road which caused her Jeep to flip multiple times in a field.  She was pronounced dead at the scene.  The driver of the UTV and the passenger in the Jeep were transported to the hospital for minor injuries.  State police are investigating. 

FATAL SNYDER COUNTY CRASH

There was a Snyder County car accident that took the life of a 19 year-old Mt Pleasant Mills man early Sunday.  According to State Police, Daryl Z. Brubaker was killed when he failed to negotiate his 2001 Ford Explorer through a left hand turn on Troup Valley Road and overcorrected, losing control and overturning around 7am Sunday. Police say Brubaker was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene in Perry Township.

FIRE IN DANVILLE

There was a fire around 12pm at Strong Industries in Danville yesterday after construction crews using a torch caught materials and an inside wall on fire, while working to join an old section of the building to a new one.  According to North Central Pa dot com, Firefighters arrived to flames coming through the roof at the warehouse on Industrial Court, but managed to save much of the hot tub manufacturing parts that were threatened by the fire.  Danville Fire Chief John Bruckenburger  said they had the fire out quickly and it was a good save.

NEW HEALTH SECRETARY NAMED IN PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania’s acting Health Secretary Keara Klinepeter is stepping down April 22nd after three months on the job, and Governor Tom Wolf has announced her replacement.  According to a press release, Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson will be PA’s next top Health Official.  Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam, who took the post after Dr. Rachel Levine was selected to serve in President Biden’s administration, was replaced by Klinepeter in January.  Johnson previously worked as Meadville Medical Center’s chief medical officer and was Pennsylvania’s interim Physician General for a time.

WILLIAMSPORT’S TREASURER TO STEP DOWN

Williamsport City’s treasurer and tax collector, Nicholas Grimes, has given notice of his resignation.  According to the Sun Gazette, he will work until May 1st.  Grimes submitted a letter of resignation to Council President Adam Yoder stating that he felt good about the growth he has accomplished in the department.  City Council will accept applications for Grimes’ position through Monday April 25th, and if qualified and background checked, they will be interviewed and approved that week in a special meeting, and could fulfill the position for the remainder of the term.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 19, 2022

HEAVY SNOW, TREES DOWN, POWER OUT

There were utility outages across out region this morning with approximately 12,000 PP&L customers without power.  Penn DOT is reporting closures of main roadways in Lycoming County;  Route 864 between Rt 87 and Simpler Hollow Road in Upper Fairfield Township, Jacks Hollow Road between Bennardi Development Road in Armstrong and Woodside Avenue in Duboistown.  Warrensville Road is shut down between Four Mile Drive and Barneys Drive in Loyalsock.  Route 287 has been closed in both directions since early this morning, between Rt 973 and Beech Grove Road.  Rt 554 between Market Street and Elimsport Road in Washington Township was also closed from trees and power lines down from the heavy snowfall.

TREVORTON WOMAN DIES FROM INJURIES

A woman from Trevorton died at Hershey Medical Center after sustaining serious injuries in a one car accident that happened near Harrisburg on April 3rd.  According to The Daily Item, 35 year old Mahogany Marie Peters was the passenger in a car driven by 40 year old Richard Ditzler of Middletown, when he lost control of the car after a deer ran out in front of him on a Dauphin County road.  The 2009 Ford Escape went out of control, hit a stump and flipped, coming to rest on its’ roof.  Both occupants were transported to the hospital from the scene.  Peters had been wearing a seatbelt, but succumbed to her injuries last Wednesday.  Ditzler was not wearing a seatbelt and sustained moderate injuries. 

FATAL SHOOTING IN SELINSGROVE

Authorities say they have taken one man into custody after a fatal shooting occurred in Selinsgrove yesterday afternoon.  According to a press release from the Pennsylvania State police in Selinsgrove, at least one person was discovered deceased after troopers were called to a home in the 11-hundred block of South Market Street after noon yesterday.  Police say there is no threat to the public at this time, an no further details were released.

RESIDENTS CAN CHIME IN ON PADDLE BOAT ADDITION

The Borough of Northumberland is giving the public an opportunity to voice their opinion about adding a 149-passenger paddleboat at the Sea Scout Dock Area in Pineknotter Park.  You are invited to a meeting at the Northumberland Borough Hall May 9th at 7pm to discuss a proposal from the Central Susquehanna Riverboat Society to bring the 92 foot long Mark Twain, operated by Pinacle Marine Corporation to the County.  Officials want residents to voice any concerns before the decision on whether to add the paddle boat, is voted upon. 

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY DEBATE TONIGHT

There will be a 90 minute debate between 5 candidates who are running for the Republican nomination for the state’s gubernatorial primary.  According to the Daily Item, Spotlight PA will host the debate at Gettysburg College, and it will not be open to the public, but it will be freely available on YouTube and Facebook Live at 7pm tonight.  Five of nine candidate will participate, Jake Corman, Joe Gale, Charlie Gerow, Melissa Hart and Nche Zama and Scott LaMar will moderate. 

EARTH DAY CLEAN UPS FOR VOLUNTEERS IN THE REGION

There are clean up days scheduled in our area for Earth Day 2022 and the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is looking for volunteers in Lock haven, Williamsport, Selinsgrove, Bloomsburg, Newberry, Montgomery, Sunbury, Athens, and Sayre.  SGP can help groups plan cleanup days and provide clean up materials like bags gloves and vests.  To get involved,  online susquehannagreenway.org.

KEYSTONE CENTRAL SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER RESIGNS

Randy Strouse, who has served Region VI within the Keystone Central School Board as vice-president since 2019, submitted his resignation and it was approved at last week’s meeting.  According to the Daily Item, during a voting session of the school board, some members thanked Strouse for his service to the board and some mentioned their respect for him.  Strouse represented Allison Township and Lock Haven’s 2nd and 3rd Wards.  A special meeting will be scheduled to interview candidates and appoint a replacement within 30 days.  The Keystone Central school board will have a meeting open to the public at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 5.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 18, 2022

BODY FOUND ON SU CAMPUS

There was a body found near the perimeter of the campus of Susquehanna University on April 9th and State Police are investigating.  According to North Central PA dot com, the Snyder County Coroner has determined that the person found took their own life.  University officials say there is no information that points to the individual found having any ties to the local college community.  Police did not release the name of the deceased person.

TWO OF EIGHT CHARGES AGAINST LOYALSOCK DROPPED

Chief Judge Matthew Brann dismissed two of the eight counts of allegations in federal court, that stated Loyalsock High School knew a person accused of being a sexual predator was employed by the district before 2018.  According to North Central PA dot com, a middle school basketball coach later pleaded guilty to third degree sexual contact with a student and first degree corruption of a minor after some victims at the school reported the abuse.  In this case, Brann’s dismissal refers to the liability and intentional infliction of emotional distress, but other charges like negligence and Title IX violations will stay in the lawsuit against Loyalsock Township School District. 

DEBRIS CLEANING IN SUNBURY

Penn Dot has announced that beginning on Monday they will be doing debris clearing on the veterans memorial bridge in Sunbury.  The work will last approximately one week, weather permitting.  There will be lane restrictions in place during the project along Route 61 that will see the right driving lane restricted in the northbound direction.  The restriction will be in place each day from 9am – 3pm.

TIME TO BUY REUSABLE BAGS

A company policy by Wegmans to eliminate plastic bags by the end of 2022 is about to effect local stores. The grocery chain hopes to continue their environmental successes in the Commonwealth since officials estimate about 345 million single use bags have been kept out of circulation since their elimination policy has been in place in other states.  Paper bags will be available for a 5 cent charge per bag, and the money raised goes to the store’s local food bank and the United Way.  According to North Central PA dot com, Wegmans donated 1.7 million dollars of the paper bag fees in 2021.

MILL HALL MAN JAILED FOR NOT COMPLYING WITH MEGAN’S LAW

A Mill Hall man who is required to register as a sex offender has been jailed after he didn’t update his address under Megan’s Law.  According to North Central PA dot com, State Police in Lamar say 48 year old Sylvester Leroy  Young, who is a Tier 3 offender and stays on the registry for life, was charged with a 2nd degree felony for failing to update his location with authorities.  Young, formerly of Pennsylvania Avenue in Mill Hall is being held under 12 thousand dollars bail and has a preliminary hearing tomorrow. 

HOUSE FIRE HOSPITALIZES ONE

A house fire on First Street in Shamokin on Friday sent a firefighter to the hospital.  According to media outlets, several homes were damaged by the blaze and one firefighter was taken to Geisinger Shamokin for treatment.  Two others were treated at the scene for minor injuries.  There has not been a cause of the fire released by local police at this time. 

CO-WORKER OVERHEARS ALLEGED THREATS TO BUSINESS

Two men from Montgomery were overheard by another employee allegedly quoting movie lines which sounded as if they wanted to shoot up the factory as they worked at Custom Container Solutions and they have now been charged with misdemeanor counts of terroristic threats, simple assault and disorderly conduct.  According to the Daily Item, 33 year old Paul Michael Temple and 32 year old Charles Anthony Adams were identified by the co-worker who accused them March 21st about 9am.  Police say one of the men had a loaded weapon in his locker at work.  The men said they were saying lines from the movie, “Full Metal Jacket”.  They are scheduled for a preliminary hearing at the end of this month in from of District Judge Michael Diehl.

LAWMAKERS PAVE THE ROAD FOR LEGAL CANNABIS IN PA

A bipartisan bill passed 46-3 in the Pennsylvania Senate that will allow banks and insurance companies a way to serve cannabis businesses without the fear of any legal reprisals.  According to the Sun Gazette, one spokesman of the bill, John DiSanto,  a Dauphin County Republican said allowing cash transactions for medical cannabis users will lower costs and boost the economy.  There are other plans to propoes a bill that will allow edible cannabis products to be sold for medical use in Pennsylvania dispensaries.  Medical marijuana was legalized in PA in 2016, but recreational use is still controversial. 

SPORTS

NASCAR
Kyle Busch in the #18 Toyota came in first of the Food City Dirt Race at Bristol Motor Speedway yesterday – he led Tyler Reddick, Joey Logano, Kyle Larson, and Ryan Blaney who filled out the top five.

Easter Sunday Major League Baseball
Orioles 5              Yankees 0
Pirates 5               Nationals 3
Mets 5                  Diamondbacks 0
Marlins 11           Phillies 3
Giants 8               Guardians 1

NHL
Panthers 6           Redwings 1
Sabers 5               Flyers 3
Blues 8                Predators 3
Wild 5                 Sharks 4
Maple Leafs 4     Islanders 2
Ducks 6               Blue Jackets 4

NBA in the East First Round Games
Heat 115             Hawks 91
Celtics 115          Nets 114
Bucks 93             Bulls 86
Suns 110             Pelicans 99
First round continues tonight with second games between Raptors and the 76ers,
Jazz and the Mavericks, and the Warriors and the Nuggets.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 15, 2022

NO FLIGHTS UNTIL SUMMER

Officials at Williamsport Regional Airport confirmed this week that Southern Airways will not have the expected commercial flights in place this month, instead holding off until at least late summer.  According to the Sun Gazette, airport director Richard Howell said Southern reconsidered their plans for Williamsport’S 3 flights per day on 9 planes, after SkyWest Airlines made an announcement to remove 29 cities from their flight roster.  Howell also reported at the Airport Authority meeting that the facility benefits from 3.7 million dollars in total CARES Act funding at this time. 

100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION FOR THE UNITED WAY

The Lycoming County United Way celebrated their 100th Anniversary yesterday.  Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter, along with representatives from Pennsylvania’s government were at the event to acknowledge the LCUW’s landmark.  The First Community Foundation Partnership, a solid partner of the United Way presented them with a gifted contribution of 250 thousnad dollars.  The two groups were instrumental joining forces during the shut downs the COVID pandemic caused in the past few years, by helping to provide resources to the community.

BRIDGE REPLACEMENT BRIDGE IN MUNCY

There will be a bridge replacement project started next Monday in Muncy that will close Water Street between Main Street and Green Street.  There will be detours in place.  Truck traffic coming from Interstate 180 to the Industrial Park in Muncy Township will use exit 17, Lycoming Mall Road. According to a press release, Susquehanna Valley Construction Corporation will begin by removing the existing bridge over Glade Run.  Work will include new drainage and inlets, upgraded ADA ramps, realignment of the intersection, new traffic signals, and paving.

WASD NOTED AS A “BEST COMMUNITY” FOR MUSIC EDUCATION

A National designation as one of the Best Communities for Music Education  has come to Williamsport High School for the 20th time in 21 years, showcasing an outstanding commitment to student musicians.  The National Association of Music Merchants or NAMM Foundation selected on 738 school districts nationwide to be a Best Community providing music access and education to all students.  Find to full list of school at namm foundation dot org.

SECOND PERSON CHARGED IN WILLIAMSPORT STATUE DAMAGE AND THEFT

A New Jersey 19 year old is the second person to be charged for the damage and theft of the bronze baseball bat from the Little League statue at third and Market streets last October in Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, Shane Thomas Perry, of Denville, faces one felony count of criminal mischief and was recently arraigned in district court for damaging and placing the bronze bat worth 5 thousand dollars on the ground.  A former South Williamsport resident was previously charged with receiving stolen property after she took the bat from in front of the statue.  Perry is free on 15 thousand dollars bail. 

PA UNIVERSITIES FREEZE TUITION

A New Jersey 19 year old is the second person to be charged for the damage and theft of the bronze baseball bat from the Little League statue at third and Market streets last October in Williamsport.  According to the Sun Gazette, Shane Thomas Perry, of Denville, faces one felony count of criminal mischief and was recently arraigned in district court for damaging and placing the bronze bat worth 5 thousand dollars on the ground.  A former South Williamsport resident was previously charged with receiving stolen property after she took the bat that Perry allegedly damaged.  He is free on 15 thousand dollars bail. 

COMMISSIONERS APPROVE DISASTER DECLARATION

An emergency disaster declaration has been approved by the Lycoming County Commissioners after a tornado hit Lairdsville in late March.  According to North Central Pa dot com local and state representatives surveyed the damage that happened to 25 homes and a barn, with some of the homes being lifted from their foundations. The declaration  is a way for the Coms to get FEMA and PEMA funding, but Commissioner Mirabito pointed out, to get that funding,there needs to be 20 million dollars in minimum damage.   They plan to seek other funds for Lairdsville relief where the average household has an income of 29 thousand a year and some have no insurance. 

SCHICK STUDENTS WILL TRAVEL TO ODYSSEY OF THE MIND WORLDS

The group of Odyssey of the Mind students from Donald E Schick Elementary has advanced to the World finals taking place in Iowa this May.  Odyssey of Mind is a problem-solving competition that encourages students to be creative  while planning a presentation of the project that they have been challenged with.  The six student team from grades 3 and 4 have advanced through regional and state competitions already.  If you’d like to support the Schick Elementary school’s travel budget by donating on their GoFundMe Page “Help Schick Elem OM team get to Worlds”  – or click here. https://gofund.me/87a830c0

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 14, 2022

ILLEGAL WINDOW TINT LEADS TO POLICE CHASE

No bail has been set for a Kulpmont man who started a police chase in Coal Run Township over an illegal window tint.  According to North Central PA dot com, 58-year old James Campbell fled from officers who initiated the traffic stop February 20th. Stonington State Police say Campbell committed numerous traffic violations including running stop signs, hitting other vehicles and failing to signal before he lost control of the car on Wabash Street.  Police then pursued Campbell through St Edwards Cemetery on foot.  He will be charged with misdemeanors for assault, reckless endangerment, flight to avoid arrest and over 35 traffic offenses.  CamPbell will appear in Northumberland county Court May 10th.

FUNDRAISER FOR ERWAY FAMILY

There has been an overwhelming response to the tragic house fire that took the lives of five teenagers and seriously injured 2 adults in Potter County earlier this week.  According to media outlets, Brothers Raymond, Tristan, and Evan Erway, who were 17, 16 and 14 respectively, and two friends, Krysta Kane and Mikalah Roulo were the victims of the fire.  Officials have ruled the cause undetermined at this time, but evidence points to a wood stove malfunction. The three boys attended Northern Potter High School in Ulysses where grief counseling is being provided for students. There will be a fundraising auction day at the school April 24th from 11am til 3pm. Parents, Michelle and Charles Erway, were lifeflighted to a burn unit in New York state, after police say they tried to save the children from the fire that broke out in their in Genesee township home in the early morning hours Monday. 

JERSEY SHORE BOROUGH SEEKING NEW MAYOR

The Mayor’s job is available in Jersey Shore Borough, after current Mayor Sally Ann Combs announced her resignation at this week’s meeting.  Council accepted Combs’ resignation since she has moved from the borough and now they have 30 days to fill the position.   According to the Sun Gazette, borough manager Cody Hoover will advertise the position and do personnel reviews. 

PENNDOT SURVEY ABOUT LAST WINTER

PennDOT has published an online survey so that the public can give feedback on their winter operations.   According to a press release, the survey is available through April 29th and should take about five minutes to complete.  The survey has 17 questions and will ask the anonymous respondents to rank snow removal priorities, to state a reasonable timeline for safe and passable roads and how they rate PennDOT services.  Those who take the survey will also be asked whether they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services.  Find a link for the survey at www.penndot.pa.gov  under “Travel in PA” and then “Winter”.

HARTLEY TOWNSHIP GRASS FIRE

There was a wildfire yesterday afternoon near Paddy Mountain Road that burned for about half an hour after volunteer crews arrived to extinguish it.  According to media outlets, the Hartley Township fire was reported around 12:30 pm and emergency communication officials say there were two foot flames moving moderately and was a 60 by 60 foot area.  DCNR will investigate the Union County fire.  No one was injured in the incident. 

MAN JAILED AFTER SELLING HOT BOW

A man who tried to sell a stolen bow at a Mill Hall gun shop has been jailed in Clinton County and also faces charges in Mifflin County after he admitted to stealing items from an auction in Belleville.  According to the Record Online, 27 year old Christopher Secrest, of Huntingdon, tried to sell the stolen Hoyt Carbon Rx1 at Millers Gun Shop before the shop employee became supicous and called police.  They found the bow to be one of a few stolen items.  Secrets is being held in the Clinton County Correctional facility.

GRAFIUS RUN COULD SEE IMPROVEMENTS

In an effort to design a solution for the high stream waters and other issues that cause problems for residents at Grafius Run, officials in Williamsport are seeking design and construction plans that might control the conditions of the area.  According to the Sun Gazette, cross pipe replacement, pump station repair and solid engineering design are being considered to recertify the flood wall nearby that protects structures that are close by.  Mayor Derek Slaughter told the paper that getting the flood risk reduced for Grafius Run is a high priority, since it’s been impacting residents a long time. 

CORMAN BACK IN THE GOVERNOR’S RACE

In a flip flop move, Pennsylvania Senate pro tem, Jake Corman, filed the paperwork to withdraw from the Pennsylvania GOP Gubernatorial race, but then changed his mind Tuesday by filing a discontinue to withdraw petition.  According to WGAL, Corman who is from Bellefonte, released a statement that he spoke with former President Trump about the contest and was encouraged to keep fighting.  Trump has not endorsed any of the 9 republican candidates for PA Governor.  Recent polls have Corman in fifth place behind Sen. Doug Mastriano, former US Congressman Lou Barletta, businessman David White and former US Attorney, Bill McSwain.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4
Varsity Baseball
Central Mountain 4               Danville 2
Canton 13                              Millville 7

Varsity Softball
Muncy 10                              Millville 0

MLB
Nationals 3                   Braves 1
Pirates 6                        Cubs 2
Guardians 7                  Reds 3
Mets 9                           Phillies 6
Brewers 4                     Orioles 2
Blue Jays 6                   Yankees 4
NHL
Rangers 4                      Flyers 0
Blue Jackets  5             Canadiens 1
Avalanche 9                  Kings 3
The Kracken and Jets were postponed till May 1.

NBA
Play-in East
Hawks 132 Hornets 103
Play-in West
Pelicans 113 Spurs 103
Post Season –East and West First Rounds starts on Saturday 4/16 –
Game 1 for – Jazz & Mavericks, Timberwolves vs Grizzlies, Raptors & the 76ers and the Nuggets vs the Warriors

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 13, 2022

POTTER COUNTY FIRE KILLS 5, INJURES 2

Two adults were injured and five teenagers killed when a fire tore through a Potter County home about 3:30am Monday.  According to Penn Live, Michelle and Charles Erway, are currently in a burn unit at a hospital in New York, after police say they tried to save three boys, ages 14, 16, and 17, and two girls, both 16, who were sleeping in their Genesee Township home. The Olean Times reports that two of the teens were friends of the Erway’s three children who were sleeping over.  An investigation has pointed to a wood stove chimney malfunction in the basement may have caused the fire, but the damage is too extensive to determine at this time. The deaths are being ruled accidental.

MAN CHARGED WITH RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT

A Waterville man has been charged with four counts of reckless endangerment after he fired a handgun from a moving truck along Little Pine Creek toward people who were fishing nearby.  According to the Sun Gazette, 23 year old Dalton Laubenstein had been arguing with a girlfriend and then told police he had fired toward a road sign after he left the Pine Township area.  Police say in an affidavit that Laubenstein was riding in a truck driven by a minor who had been drinking, and may have provided alcohol for them.  Laubenstein faces more charges for corrupting the morals of a minor and disorderly conduct.

SOUTHSIDE SCHOOL BOARD ADD IN-SERVICE DAYS

Two professional development days were added to the South Williamsport School Calendar for 2023 during this week’s school board meeting. Teachers from Central Elementary came forth recently addressing the need for them.  According to North Central Pa dot com, the Southside Schoolboard approved February 17th and May 23rd  to be added next year for kindergarten through 6th grades so that teachers can utilize important  professional development days. In addition, a new superintendent hiring process will begin this month as Dr. Mark Stamm submitted his resignation.  Dr. Stamm will be transitioning to the East Lycoming School District. 

HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION IN CENTRE COUNTY

There will be a hazardous waste collection event on April 28th through 30th in Centre County that will utilize pre-registration to alleviate long lines of cars at the disposal site.  According to the Express, the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority will collect hazardous waste like insecticides, pool chemicals, poisons and corrosives, oil based paints, CFL bulbs and fluorescent tubes.  Latex paints, oil, antifreeze, medications, batteries and explosives are not accepted.  To pre-register for the event at 253 Transfer Rd in Bellefonte, go to www.centrecountyrecycles.com or call (814) 238-7005

AT LEAST ONE GUILTY PLEA EXPECTED IN 2016 STARVATION CASE

One of four people involved in the starvation death of two little girls from Lycoming County has scheduled a guilty plea for the third-degree murder she faces for later this year.  According to Penn Live, 49 year old Michelle Butler waived her arraignment this week and has not made any plea deal with DA, Ryan C. Gardner.  Butler’s husband Ronald is also on trial for obstruction of child abuse has also waived his arraignment.  The Butler’s daughter, Echo, and her partner, the girls’ mother, Marie Sue Snyder, are primarily accused of starving 6 year old Nicole Elisabeth and 4 year old Jasmine Jean Snyder in May of 2016, with their bodies found in Hepburn Township that November.  Court records say Michelle Butler allegedly knew of the abuse but concealed it from a Children and Youth Caseworker.  All the women are incarcerated without bail.  Ronald Butler is in jail in lieu of bail.  Both girls weighed less than ten pounds at their death. 

CONTRACTOR ACCUSED OF TAKING FUNDS, NOT DOING WORK

A Muncy paving contractor has been charged with several felonies for failure to provide service, deceptive business practices and theft by deception.  According to the Sun Gazette, 48 year old Brian Richard Jacobs, owner of B&B Sealcoat, took deposits from three separate customers in April of 2021 and gave a verbal time frame for completing work, but did not start the projects.  Jacobs eventually refused to return the deposits and the victims called police.  He has been arraigned in District Court and is free on $15,000 bail. 

STATE POLICE SETTLE WITH ACLU

In a settlement to potentially avoid lengthy litigation, the PA State Police have reached an agreement of 865 thousand dollars with the ACLU.  According to NorthCentral PA dot com, Marquez et. al. vs the Commonwealth  et. al. was filed by the ACLU on behalf of 10 people who say their civil rights were violated during their immigration detention.  Since the suit began, federal laws have been revised so that policies and training are consistent with current immigration case laws.  Part of the settlement includes mandatory training to help enlisted members become familiar with new procedures. 

WELLNESS CENTER GETS A NEW LOCATION

Evangelical’s Community Health and Wellness department will move to a new location next month.  According to a press release, the new location will be at The Miller Center beginning May 2nd.  The new location will allow easier access to programming activities as the facility is built around the focus of healthy living.  Anyone attending events at The Miller Center should use the main entrance that faces Giant during their business hours from 8am until 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. 

SPORTS

PIAA District 4
Varsity Baseball
Sullivan county 13                Sugar Valley Rural Charter 8
Muncy 16                               Millville 3
CMVT 7                                 Montgomery 3
Benton 19                               Bucktail 4
Wellsboro 15                         Towanda 6
North Penn Mansfield 14     Troy 8
Varsity Softball
Warrior Run 12                     Hughesville 1
North Penn Liberty 11          Troy 1
Montoursville 19                  Southern Columbia 6
Central Mountain 15            Mifflinburg 0
Muncy 10                              Millville 0
Cowanesque Valley 12         Williamson 0.

NBA
The NBA Play-in East
 7th place vs eighth place
Nets 115  Cavaliers 108
In the NBA Play-in West
Timberwolves 109 Clippers 104

Major League Baseball of note
Guardians 10      Reds 5
Cubs 2                 Pirates 1
Mets 2                 Phillies  0
Brewers 5            Orioles 4
Yankees 4           Blue Jays 0
Braves 16            Nationals 4

NHL
Blues 4                Bruins 2
Sabres 5               Maple Leafs 2
Panthers 3           Ducks 2 in OT
Hurricanes 4       Rangers 2
Capitals 9            Flyers 2
Senators 4          Redwings 1
Islanders 5          Penguins 4
Wild 5                Oilers 1
Predators 1          Sharks 0
Kings 5                Blackhawks 2
Flames 5              Kracken 3
Stars 1                 Lightning 0
Canucks 5           Golden Knights 4
Devils 6               Coyotes 2

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