BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 6, 2022
AVIS MAN ARRESTED AFTER HIGH SPEED CHASE
A man from New Jersey, who kept an Avis address, was involved in a high speed chase on a motorcycle Saturday with state police through parts of Clinton and Washington townships. According to the Sun Gazette, 31 year old Bueno Munoz led police for 15 minutes at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, later crashing on Route 44 near Elimsport. Police say he tried to flee from the scene but was tased and taken into custody. Police found him with a loaded handgun but no permit to carry a concealed weapon. Munoz was charged with felony fleeing, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest and other traffic violations. He was taken to Lycoming County Prison in lieu of bail.
ILLEGAL WINDOW TINT LEADS TO DRUG CHARGES
Williamsport police pulled a Philadelphia man over along High and 3rd Streets in the City for a window tint violation and after smelling marijuana, carried out a search of the man’s vehicle, finding more drugs and a Springfield Armory XD40 firearm without a license. According to North Central PA dot com, 20 year old Carlos Salinas-Davis was charged with third-degree felony firearm, drug charges as well as improper sun screening. He is being held on $20,000 bond at the Chester County Prison on a statewide warrant for the charges.
PA LAWMAKERS NOT PASSING THE BUDGET YET
Still no budget, or even much budget activity, as of yesterday in the Pennsylvania State Capitol. According to the Sun Gazette, plans for the state legislature to return to session in Harrisburg have been up in the air, with the state House – controlled by majority Republicans – saying they will return this afternoon with public notices of a floor session to start tomorrow as well as Friday in the Capitol. The Senate said they may return to session today but details were forthcoming. Governor Wolf’s administration says the outcome looks good for a final budget product this week.
GAME COMMISSION HAS AN ONLINE TURKEY POPULATION SURVEY
The PA Game Commission wants input from residents for their Wild Turkey Sighting Survey this summer running now through August 31st. Even though the app previously used is no longer available, turkey sightings can be reported online at pgcdatacollection.pa.gov/ Turkey Brood Survey and will collect data about the number of turkey’s in an area, the location, date and the survey taker’s information so if biologists have questions they can contact you. According to Game Commission turkey biologists, last year was an above average reproduction season after the 17-year Brood X cicada hatched; providing a food source for turkeys as well as new turkey poult predators.
MAN WALKS OUT OF LOYALSOCK DETENTION CENTER
A 48 year old man from Williamsport is back in prison after walking out of a Loyalsock Township pre-release center on June 17 following his previous criminal conviction on June 10th. According to the Sun Gazette, an affidavit from the office of District Judge Gary Whiteman says, Todd Aaron Hill has since been captured and arraigned on that felony escape charge, but also faced a sentence of 5 days to six months in prison in his previous case and a permanent county probation detainer for a theft conviction. Police have not released any information about Hill’s previous cases.
TWO SENIORS INJURED IN NATALIE ACCIDENT
An accident on State 54 near Natalie Mountain Sunday around 6pm, involved a car and a motorcycle, and caused injuries to both operators. According to the Daily Item, the 71 year old man from Mt Carmel, who was on his motorcycle was more seriously injured when he struck a car driven by 74 year old RoseAnn Stewart who was driving westbound toward Natalie. The man who allegedly caused the accident when he veered into the westbound lane of Route 54, was transported to Marion Heights Baseball Field where he was stabilized before Geisinger Life Flight took him to the hospital. No word on his or Stewart’s condition today.
NEW APPRAISER RECOMMENDED BY FINANCE COMMITTEE
Williamsport City Council has another appraisal firm willing to appraise the condemned Williamsport City Hall building and the city’s finance committee has given a positive recommendation for the work. According to the Sun Gazette, Harrisburg based Don Paul Shearer Associates submitted a proposal to complete the work by September for five thousand dollars, five hundred dollars more than the previous proposal. City Hall was condemned last September after there was serious water damage done over the year from leaking pipes and cracks in the roof.
RIDE THE HISTORIC RAILROAD IN SUNBURY
Fans of the railroad have a chance to ride the historic Reading Line from Sunbury to Snydertown this weekend as part of Sunbury’s 250th Anniversary and Celebration Days on Saturday. According to the Daily Item, tickets are available at the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall or at Indie Made on Market Street for 10 dollars and fees or at sunbury250.org. There will be rides Saturday at 10am, 12:30pm, 3 and 5:30 for the 90 minute trip departing from Raspberry Avenue in Sunbury.
SPORTS
MLB
Reds 1 Mets 0
Pirates 5 Yankees 2
Orioles 10 Rangers 9
Phillies 11 Nationals 0
Tigers 11 Guardians 4
Rays 8 Red Sox 4
Braves 7 Cardinals 1MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters 6 Trenton Thunder 2 (1-1)
Game 3 of 3 is tonight in Trenton, 1st pitch @7pm
Crosscutters come back to Muncy Bank Ballpark Friday to play the State College Spikes
Tennis
Two Americans have advanced to the Grand Slam Quarterfinals at Wimbledon today, Taylor Fritz and Amanda Anisimova. Anisimova will play 2019 Wimbledon Champion Simona Halep, and Fritz takes on Rafael Nadal, 22-time major champion and one of the greatest players in history.
2022 Set the Night to Music
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 5, 2022
ACCIDENT INTO LITTLE LEAGUE MUSEUM ALLEGEDLY INTENTIONAL
A Williamsport woman with ties to historic Little League Baseball drove her vehicle through the front doors of the Little League Museum in South Williamsport Sunday afternoon and is being treated for non-life threatening injuries following her arraignment in District Court. According to the Sun Gazette, Theresa Robinson Salazar who is related to George and Bert Bebble, 2 of the first three managers of the Little League along with Carl Stotz in 1939, was arrested following the allegedly intentional accident that thankfully did not injure any of the over 40 people inside the museum. Salazar was charged with felony terroristic threats, causing or risking a catastrophe and other charges. She was remanded to Lycoming County Prison with no bail. There was about 25 thousand dollars damage done to the museum.
MAN THREATENS ELDERLY RELATIVE WITH KNIFE
Police say a Danville man held a knife to the throat of an elderly relative before she fled from the home they shared on Maple Street June 23rd. According to North Central PA dot com, 30 year old Kevin James Millard was allegedly acting out of his mind from methamphetamine and threatened his relative before the 85 year old woman fled the home and called the Mahoning Township Police Department. Millard then barricaded himself inside with the 13 inch knife. Police then arrested Millard and took him into custody, charging him with felony harassment and terroristic threats. His preliminary hearing is July 25th and he’s incarcerated under 250 thousand dollars bail.
FARMERS CAN GET DEP REGULATION PLAN FROM SNYDER COUNTY
Snyder County farmers who want plans to follow PA DEP regulations can sign up at the Snyder County Conservation District. According to a press release, the Conservation District can help develop a manure management or agricultural erosion & sedimentation plan so farmers can comply with new agricultural environmental regulations. The PA Chesapeake Bay Program Countywide Action Plan Implementation Grants are also available for farmers for help installing or improving their operations. Farmers can apply with the Conservation District in Middleburg, or call 570-837-3000,
MU STUDENTS TO PERFORM WITH JOSH GROBAN TONIGHT
Twenty music students from Mansfield University including Emma Criswell from Lewisburg and Rachael Karwowski from Lock Haven, will perform with global recording artist and Grammy winner, Josh Groban at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, NY, on Tonight. According to a press release from the Mansfield University music department, Groban’s agent contacted the MU Director of Choral Activities requesting students from the school to provide vocals for several selections in the show, using three-part Gospel style singing. The concert by is part of Groban’s 25 city Harmony tour across the US.
SUNBURY SHOOTER GETS ANOTHER CONTINUANCE
The man who allegedly shot and killed 30 year old Kareem Jakes in a Sunbury convenience store in May, has received another continuance for his preliminary hearing coming up in Northumberland County Court. According to North Central PA dot com, 23 year old Ajani Munsh-Ousha Uhuru will face Sunbury District Judge Mike Toomey July 15th at the Northumberland County courthouse due to security concerns. Uhuru has been incarcerated without bail since he was taken into custody by US Marshals in Philadelphia May 24th while he was on the run from the shooting at Penn Jersey Food Mart May 19th.
TWO THIEVES CAUGHT BY TRAIL CAMERA
A trail camera caught the image of two thieves who was breaking into campers in Montour County in June. According to North Central PA dot com, police say 22 year old Daryl Anthony Campbell, of Berwick and 21 year old Christopher James, of Philadelphia were captured on video by the owner of the camper at the 2000 block of River Drive who reported it to Staet police in Milton. Both James and Campbell were charged with first-degree felony burglary and second-degree criminal trespassing along with criminal mischief and theft by unlawful taking. Both are scheduled to appear July 18 for a preliminary hearing.
BUCKNELL SURVEY ASKS CHILD SUPPORT QUESTION
A Bucknell Institute for Public Policy survey has discovered through recent polling out of 1500 people, nearly half the respondents gave the opinion that they would be in favor of child support payments that would begin at conception. According to the Bucknell Poll, Republicans and Democrats, as well as in those who describe themselves as pro-life and pro-choice, almost half of every group was in favor of the child support payment question. About 28 percent opposed it and about 25 percent weren’t sure. The poll was conducted by YouGov America and was done last month between June 13th and June 23rd.
JERSEY SHORE TOWN MEETING THIS WEEK
The 61st annual Jersey Shore Town Meeting Fourth of July celebration started Sunday and will continue through this Saturday. The event which celebrates the Tiadaghton area’s revolutionary war history of declaring Independence before the Founding father’s did in 1776 continues traditions all week in addition to free entertainment, rides, carnival games, and over 30 food vendors. A fireworks show will be held at 9:45on Saturday night. The Queen Tiadaghton crowning will be held on Thursday evening.
SPORTS
MLB
Marlins 3 Nationals 2
Orioles 7 Rangers 6
Tigers 4 Guardians 1 Game 1
Tigers 5 Guardians 3 Game 2
Red Sox 4 Rays 0
Brewers 5 Cubs 2
Mets 7 Reds 4
Braves 6 Cardinals 3
Twins 6 White Sox 3
The Chicago White Sox and Major League Baseball discussed postponing their game against the Minnesota Twins after a gunman opened fire on an Independence Day parade Monday in suburban Chicago, killing at least six people. But the game was played as scheduled, however they did cancel postgame fireworks and observed a moment of silence before the first pitch of the Twins’ 6-3 victory.
MLB Draft League
Trenton Thunder 7 Williamsport Crosscutters 4
Cutters stay on the road tonight for Game 2 of a 3 Game series /7pm 1st pitch.
Williamsport is back in Muncy Bank ballpark Saturday against State College Spikes/6:35 1st pitch
NASCAR
Tyler Reddick outdueled Chase Elliot who had the pole position and lead for 36 of 62 laps, by just over three seconds Sunday at Road America followed by Kyle Larson, Ross Chastain, and Daniel Suarez rounded out the top five
Hot Dog Eating
Joey Chestnut won Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest for a 15th time, eating 63 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes – down from the record 75 he set last year. Women’s record holder Miki Sudo chomped 40 hot dogs to win the women’s title after skipping last year because she was pregnant.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JULY 1, 2022
FIRE DESTROYS MONTGOMERY HOME
A devastating multi-alarm fire in Montgomery destroyed a home yesterday about 2pm and killed the family’s dogs, but no humans were injured. According to the Sun Gazette, Eli Hessler and his daughter who is 14, escaped the fire after unsuccessfully attempting to rescue the animals at the home on First and Broad Streets. Hessler’s wife Steph and two other children were not home at the time. Montgomery firefighters were close to the fire at their carnival grounds and responded right away however, water pressure was an issue from the hydrants in the community, so nine other companies were dispatched to the scene to assist with more tankers of water. Fire officials say the sides of home collapsed after 20 minutes and it was under control about 3pm. Damage was estimated at about 150 thousand dollars.
SLOW TRAFFIC ON ROUTE 147 AGAIN TODAY
The soil remediation project that began yesterday along Route 147 in West Chillisquaque Township will cause delays again today as Penn DOT says they’ve extended the work through Friday. There were significant delays yesterday throughout the day north and southbound on Route 147 with a flagger on the scene taking traffic down to one lane before Ridge Road. The crews will work on the southbound side where an accident had occurred earlier this year. Work is scheduled to be complete by 6pm tonight.
ROW HOME FIRE IN NORTHUMBERLAND
Several row homes in Northumberland County were damaged by fire early Thursday. According to the Daily item, a fire broke out in the homes along East 7th Street in Mount Carmel about 7am. The Northumberland County Firewire reported that everyone who was a resident in the homes escaped safely, but there is no word at this time on what caused the blaze. Officials should be determining that today.
PA LEGISLATURE APPROVES KEY ISSUES
Five important measures were approved this week in the Pennsylvania House and Senate, with the Republican majority mostly carrying the approval. According to the Daily Item, there were approvals for designating athletics by biological sex and one expanding access for poll watchers, each were sent to the Governor for approval. Other bills seek to prohibit classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and they went to the house for consideration. A fifth resolution called for a Select Committee investigation into Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner who has been accused of dereliction of duty with respect to gun crime in the state’s largest city.
MAN DIES FROM TRACTOR ACCIDENT
A man from Beaver springs who was cutting brush in a field in Snyder County was killed Wednesday morning and police are unsure of exactly what happened. According to the Daily Item, there were no witnesses when the man who was using a tractor in a field near 1662 Middle creek road was mortally injured; either from falling from the tractor and being struck, or from a medical incident. The Snyder County Coroner has not released the identity of the victim, pending family notification. The tractor was located in another field from where the man’s body was discovered.
PA BUDGET IS BEHIND SCHEDULE
Governor Wolf and the Republican controlled legislature have been called weekend voting sessions in order to get a working $42 million budget plan signed before the 4th of July. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, talks have been stalled due to different priorities among the Governor and Republican leaders and exact details on the state’s multibillion-dollar spending plan, along with hundreds of pages of accompanying legislation, were still being debated as of Thursday’s budget deadline – even with a multi-billion dollar surplus in the bank. Some of the details of the budget have not been disclosed .
PENNDOT HOSTS A RIBBON CUTTING AT CSVT BRIDGE
The ribbon cutting for state dignitaries was held this week for the new CSVT bridge and the its’ northern section and the ceremonial groundbreaking for the southern section also occurred for work to be completed in 2027. According to the Daily Item, Eric High, the PennDOT District 3 Executive for Engineering hosted republican senator John Gordner from Berwick and US Senator Bob Casey who said the bipartisan infrastructure bill passed last November also played a big role in the completion of both sections of CSVT. The bridge and new highway is slated to open to traffic after the 4th of July.
EVANGELICAL CLOSES ON SUSQUEHANNA MALL PROPERTY
Evangelical Hospital has purchased the Susquehanna Valley Mall property at 21 Susquehanna Valley Mall Drive. According to North Central PA dot com, the property right now houses SUN Orthopedics of Selinsgrove and their Imaging Center, Evangelical’s Physical Therapy practice, Family Practice facilities and Corbin Audiology. According to hospital administrators, Corbin will move to a new location this month and other imaging and orthopedic practices will relocate to the mall in 2023. Negotiations were announced last March and the closing on the property was yesterday.
SPORTS
MLB
Guardians 5 Twins 3
Phillies 14 Braves 4
Astros 2 Yankees 1
Pirates 8 Brewers 7
Cubs 15 Reds 7
MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters 8 West Virginia Black Bears 5
Williamsport gets the series victory.
MLB Draft League tonight The Cutters host the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in their next 3-game series – 1st pitch tonight @6:35
(Saturday night’s Red, White and Boom features fireworks after the game – at Historic Bowman Field. )
Big Ten Football
In a surprising and seismic shift in college athletics, the Big Ten has voted to add Southern California and UCLA as conference members beginning in 2024. The expansion to 16 teams will make the Big Ten the first conference to stretch from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The announcement comes almost a year after Oklahoma and Texas formally accepted invitations to join the Southeastern Conference in July 2025.
NBA Draft
In NBA Free Agency, Karl Anthony Towns stays in Minnesota with a 224 million dollar, 4 year supermax deal…Nikola (knee COLA) Jokic (JOKE itch) 5 years, 270 million with the Denver Nuggets and the Philadelphia 76ers sign former Miami Heat forward PJ Tucker for 3 years and 33 million dollars.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 30, 2022
WILLIAMSPORT NEEDS NEW FINANCE DIRECTOR
Members of City Council have received notice that Joseph Pawlak, Williamsport’s Interim Finance Director will no longer be working for the city, and that the critical position needs to be filled quickly. According to the Sun Gazette, there is no information given about whether Pawlak was let go or took another position elsewhere. City officials said that as an at-will employee, Pawlak is not able to appeal or have a hearing on the matter. He was first brought on in October 2005 with Mayor Mary Wolf, later with Mayor Campana and now with Mayor Slaughter since 2020. Pawlak handled payroll, cut checks and would provide information to council and finance committees.
ELDERLY WOMAN WHO CRASHED IN PARKING GARAGE DIES
The 90 year old woman from Danville who was seriously injured Monday after hitting several vehicles in a parking garage has died, According the Montour County Coroner’s office. Edith Barnhart crashed into multiple vehicles in her Toyota Camry Monday around 1pm while she was at a Geisinger outpatient clinic parking garage. Barnhart’s initial accident began a chain reaction of accidents that caused her serious injury. She was transported by ambulance to Geisinger but passed away overnight Tuesday.
WILLIAMSPORT CONTRACT CHARGED WITH FELONIES
A Lycoming County Contractor has been charged by the Pennsylvania Attorney General for taking over 86 thousand dollars from clients and never delivering the work. According to North Central PA dot com, Michael Bloom of Williamsport will face 37 felonies including home improvement fraud and theft by deception. If you or anyone you know has been defrauded by Bloom, file a complaint online with the Bureau of Consumer protection or email scams@attorneygeneral dot gov, or call 800-441-2555.
LANE CLOSURE TO CAUSE SLOWDOWNS
There will be a lane closure in West Chillisquaque Township in Northumberland County today so that PennDOT crews can complete a soil remediation project following a previous crash. According to PennDOT, a contractor will have Route 147 southbound down to one lane just before the Ridge Road intersection. The right travel lane and shoulder will have flaggers alternating lanes between 7am and 6pm.
POLICE INVESTIGATE SHOTS FIRED AT A VEHICLE
State Police in Selinsgrove are investigating reports of shots fired at a vehicle on June 24th while it was traveling on Route 35 in Snyder County. According to North Central PA dot com, the driver of a Toyota Yaris says their vehicle was struck by small round object from a bb or pellet gun. Police say it was between 9:30 and 10:30pm last Friday. If anyone has information that can assist in the investigation, call State Police in Selinsgrove.
TWO WOMEN TO BE CHARGED WITH HARASSMENT
Charges of harassment are pending after two women threw water bottles and slushies at each other during a concert at a winery in Rockefeller Township June 24th. According to State police in Stonington, a child spilled shaved ice on the shoulder of the woman sitting right in front of him. This accident prompted the woman to turn and throw a water bottle at the woman who was with the child. That woman then threw a slushy on her. Police continue to investigate the Northumberland County incident, and say they will file harassment charges.
LOCAL JUDGE TO DECIDE ON ALLOWING A REVEAL OF VOTER RECORDS
Lebanon PA private investigator may get a ruling from a judge in Lycoming County for a chance to examine voter-by-voter records from the 2020 elections, even though the state Office of Open Records said the records are confidential and previously denied her request. Heather Honey of Haystack Investigations is still seeking a digital copy of the Lycoming County “cast vote record”, but now county officials say what she is looking for could disclose the identity of voters. Governor Tom Wolf asked acting Secretary of State Leigh Chapman to intervene, saying in court earlier this month that records Honey seeks from many counties in Pennsylvania, are produced before tabulation and counting of votes has occurred, so it isn’t a really digital tally that Honey would get. She would get the unprocessed data and Chapman says that is problematic.
FORMER LEWISBURG MAYOR HONORED
A former Lewisburg Mayor has been honored with a Bronze star that is displayed now on Market Street after a ceremony Tuesday. According to media outlets, Judy Wagner was honored as athank you for her work as the mayor of Lewisburg for 20 years. Wagner retired in December. She was also a teacher and guidance counselor in the Lewisburg Area School District for 38 years and now serves on the Regional Police Commission and the Lewisburg Shade Tree Commission.
SPORTS
MLB
Yankees 5 A’s 3
Pirates 8 Nationals 7
Astros 2 Mets 0
Mariners 9 Orioles 3
Braves 4 Phillies 1
Red Sox 6 Blue Jays 5
Guardians 7 Twins 6
Cubs 8 Reds 3
MLB Draft League
Williamsport Crosscutters 5 West Virginia Black Bears 4
(1-1) Game 3 tonight -Muncy Bank Ballpark, 1st Pitch @6:35pm
NBA
Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden has declined his $47.3 million option and will become a free agent, according to ESPN. Harden could negotiate a new deal with Philly that would deliver the Sixers roster-building flexibility in free agency — including use of the full $10.5 million exception. Teams may begin negotiating deals with free agents starting at 6pm tonight. However, those players cannot officially sign until 12:01 p.m. Eastern on July 6.
NCAA Football
The 21 thousand seat student sections at Penn State’s Beaver stadium sold out in minutes again this year as reported by Penn Live, as each section is sold in waves to each incoming class – but there are still seats available around the stadium for the seven home games this year. First game is at Beaver Stadium on Sept. 10 against Ohio. The annual Whiteout game is Oct. 22 against Minnesota, and Ohio State is here Oct. 29.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 29, 2022
SHEETZ LOWERS PRICES FOR SOME GAS
A local convenience store lowered the price for Unleaded 88 and E85 gasoline Monday to 3.99, a gallon trying to ease the pain at the pump for the upcoming holiday weekend. According to North Central PA dot com Sheetz says their Unleaded 88 can be used in vehicles made in 2001 or newer, including light-duty trucks, SUVs and flex fuel vehicles. E85 contains more ethanol and is designed specifically for flexible fuel vehicles not standard vehicles. Customers should check their owner’s manual. The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Pennsylvania today is $4.95.
SHAMOKIN MAN CHARGED WITH STRANGULATION
A Shamokin man is in jail today after he was accused of head butting and strangling a person outside a pizza shop near S. Market Street. According to North Central PA dot com, police arrested 44 year old Bobby Antonio Colon, following an investigation into an altercation in which witnesses said he fought with the victim outside the pizza place after being asked to leave a nearby residence June 20th. Police identified Colon, and then charged him with felony strangulation, simple assault, and harassment. He has a preliminary hearing in Northumberland County Court on July 5th.
BILL SHOULD END SNAP BENEFITS FOR THE DECEASED
A bill in the Pennsylvania House has been proposed that would help ensure that SNAP food stamp benefits would not be sent to previous recipients who may have died. According to a legislative memo written by a Republican senator from Berks and Schuylkill counties, after an investigation, they found that DHS policy allowed public assistance benefits to be paid to recipients up to 12 months after death. Officials found 2,324 deceased recipient cardholders’ accounts that were actively being recharged adding up to $700,000 in benefits for deceased beneficiaries. Senate Bill 1124 would require the Department of Human Services to run a monthly check of death certificates with the Bureau of Vital Statistics. No state audit of the EBT program has been conducted since 2016.
BETTER LYME DISEASE TREATMENT PROPOSED IN PA
There could be better coverage for the treatment of Lyme disease in Pennsylvania after a bill introduced in the Senate has passed making it easier for patients to receive treatment for their long-term symptoms of Lyme Disease. Senate Bill 1188 improves diagnostic techniques and increases medical coverage for treatments for lyme. According to North Central PA dot com, East Stroudsburg University reports there is Lyme detected in 32 percent of deer ticks tested in the state. In 2018, the DOH estimated 119,000 cases in the state, 35 percent of which were expected to develop long-term symptoms. The bill now goes to the House for consideration.
SENIOR SUFFERS INJURIES AFTER CRASH IN PARKING GARAGE
A 90 year old woman from Danville was seriously injured Monday after hitting several vehicles in a parking garage. According to the Daily Item, police say Edith Barnhart pulled her Toyota Camry into a parking spot at the Geisinger Woodbine Outpatient Clinic about 1pm and hit the wall in front of her. She then backed out of the spot and hit a 30 year old woman from Danville driving a Ford Explorer. After doing that damage, Barnhart accelerated forward hitting a parked Chevy S10 pickup owned by a Danville man. After that collision, the woman accelerated again and struck another wall head-on. She was transported by ambulance to Geisinger with critical injuries. The other people in the cars struck were not injured, but their vehicle needed to be towed from the scene. East End Fire Company assisted at the scene.
PA MINIMUM WAGE COULD RISE TO $15 AN HOUR BY 2028
Governor Wolf wants a minimum wage increase for Pennsylvanians and a deadline to decide on the budget is coming up in the PA Legislature Thursday of this week. According to North Central PA dot com, a brief from the Keystone Research Center estimated 1.46 million workers would benefit from the increase to $15 dollars an hour by 2028; this mostly for workers in health care, retail, social services and more. The increase could amount to about a $3,800 raise each year.
INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT AT DANVILLE
In a board meeting Monday night, the Danville Area School District appointed an acting superintendent until they can make a new hire. According to media outlets, the Danville board approved former Central Columbia School District Superintendent Henry Mathias for now. He will be paid 700 dollars per day and work just 4 days per week. Current Danville Superintendent Dr. Rikki Boyle has announced she will be taking a new position at Bloomsburg University. The board also approved Brian Albertson as their new full-time athletic director by a 6-3 vote. Albertson is the son of former Danville Area athletic director and baseball coach Harold Albertson.
CVST RIVER BRIDGE DUE TO OPEN IN JULY
After PennDOT hosted the well-attended gathering at the new CVST River bridge for walkers and bikers last weekend, they have now announced that the bridge is scheduled to open soon to traffic. Crews will need a couple days for line painting July 6th through the 9th and they will hold a private ribbon cutting for dignitaries. There will be more information listed about the actual events surrounding the bridge opening at penndot.pa.gov.
SPORTS
MLB
Game 1 Guardians 3 Twins 2
Game 2 Twins 6 Guardians 0
Braves 5 Phillies 3
Yankees 2 A’s 1
Nationals 3 Pirates 1
Blue Jays 6 Red Sox 5
Astros 9 Mets 1
Mariners 2 Orioles 0
Reds 5 Cubs 3
MLB Draft League
West Virginia Black Bears 9 Williamsport Crosscutters 3
Game 2/3 tonight at Muncy Bank Ballpark 6:35 – 1st Pitch
Local Soccer
North Union United -Lewisburg
NUU currently has three teams which will be competing in national tournaments in early July. The NUU U19 boys, NUU 06F (U16) girls and NUU 08F Valor (U14) girls are all headed to the national tournament.
Tennis
Serena Williams has exited Wimbledon early after playing her first competitive singles match in just over a year losing 7-5, 1-6, 7-6, to Harmony Tan. The match had a 10 point third-set tiebreak. There is speculation as to whether Williams, a 23 time grand slam title Champion, is considering retirement.
NBA
In 2018, the LA Clippers partnered with the Los Angeles Parks Foundation and pledged to renovate all LA Area public basketball courts. The vow was fulfilled yesterday when the 350th court was complete with a ribbon cutting at the Michelle and Barrack Obama Sports Center in Los Angeles. The 10 million dollar donation from Clippers owner Steve Ballmer was the largest donation ever to the City of Los Angeles’ parks system.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 28, 2022
LYCO RESIDENTS INVOLVED IN JANUARY 6TH PLEAD GUILTY
A South Williamsport man and a Williamsport woman entered guilty pleas in a Washington DC court yesterday for their role in the January 6th insurrection of the US Capitol. According to the Sun Gazette, 47 year old Mark Aungst and 51 year old Tammy Bronsburg will face sentencing on misdemeanors of demonstrating in a restricted building on September 27th, which could bring 6 months of jailtime or probation plus a fine and restitution. Court records show the two traveled by bus to Washington for former President Trump’s stop the steal rally and marched to the Capitol with others.
EX GIRLFRIEND CHARGED WITH HARASSMENT
Harassment charges have been filed against a 23 year old woman from Catawissa who may have made over 43 calls to her ex in a 22 hour period during a time when police were investigating a theft at his home. According to police, Trey Harkins reported a break in to his home alleging that ON June 19th his ex, Kaitlin McKenna, had come to the Pine Street house where they used to live together; assaulting him and stealing money. Police say the harassing phone calls began after Harkins reported the theft. McKenna was charged with harassment, but no charges have been filed as of yet in the break-in.
ROAD WORK IN MUNCY THIS WEEK
Penn DOT has updated information about road work that continues this week in Muncy. According to a press release, the intersection of Water and Washington streets will be closed so that Susquehanna Valley Construction Corporation can install new drainage, inlets, and ADA ramps. There will be long term detours in Muncy on Route 405 north and southbound as well as posted detours for truck traffic heading between I-180 and Montgomery which will take exit 5 for Turbotville, using 54 and 405 into Montgomery. All work is weather permitting.
FUTURE MASTER GOLFER LIVES IN SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT
Logan McGinn, a ten year-old golfer from South Williamsport, won the 73rd Annual Future Masters Tournament that wrapped up in Dothan, Alabama last Saturday. According to the Sun Gazette, Logan shot a 67 on the 10-under course, one stroke under the course record. Logan has become an accomplished golfer with previous wins in the Colonial Williamsburg Classic and Copperhead Classic, runner-up in the Holiday Classic, as well as taking third at the Jekyll Island Cup. Logan is in Palm Beach Gardens Florida for the Under Armor Summer Nationals at PGA National this week, before he comes back home to compete in Little League all-stars in Williamsport this summer.
FORMER PSU STUDENT ADMITS TO VANDALISM
A former Penn State student faces four felony charges after she admitted to vandalizing the Nittany Lion Shrine on May 7th of this year. According to North Central PA dot com, the Daily Collegian reported 23 year old Julia Cipparulo of New Jersey said she broke the ear off the lion and splashed paint on the shrine in response to the school’s cover up of abuses, hazing and student deaths. Cipparulo will have her preliminary hearing on charges of institutional vandalism, criminal mischief, theft, and receiving stolen property this week.
CONTRACTOR FACES CRIMINAL CHARGES
A local contractor is facing criminal charges after he signed a contract and took money to remodel a bathroom in a Muncy Creek home in 2021 and only did the demolition work. According to the Sun Gazette, Albert Zeitler of No Boundaries Construction was charged with theft by deception failure to perform services and making false statements. He waived his preliminary hearing and is free today on five thousand dollars bail.
IMPACT FEE PAYOUTS DISTRIBUTED
Payments from Natural gas impact fees have been distributed across our area according to a notice by 83rd District Representative Jeff Wheeland of Loyalsock Township. The Sun Gazette reports that out of 123.2 million dollars provided to communities directly affected by drilling through Act 13 of 2012, the city of Williamsport has received over 528 thousand dollars of it. Other Lycoming County communities receiving payments include Armstrong, Clinton, Loyalsock, Old Lycoming, Susquehanna and Woodward townships as well as DuBoistown, Montgomery, and South Williamsport Boroughs.
NEW PUMP TRACK INSTALLED IN WATSONTOWN PARK
The Watsontown borough has used a 32 thousand dollar award from DCED Greenways Trails and recreation fund to install a new pump track for recreational skateboarding and biking in Watsontown Memorial Park. The installation of a 53 x 20 foot pump track from American Ramp Company was approved by council and cost a total of 37 thousand dollars. The gravel pad had already been prepared for the area where the track is installed, but the portable nature of the project can allow for a new layout or additions when funds allow. The borough said that TK Tackle has a food truck and vendor event planned for the park July 9th.
SPORTS
MLB
Yankees 9 A’s 5
Nationals 3 Pirates 2
Blue Jays 7 Red Sox 2
Twins 11 Guardians 1
Orioles 9 Mariners 2
Rockies 4 Dodgers 0
Angels 4 White Sox 3
Rangers 10 Royals 4
Cardinals 9 Marlins 0
MLB News
After Sunday’s brawl between the Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Angels, punishment was handed down by Major League Baseball. Yesterday they suspended 12 players, managers and coaches for a total of 47 games after an extensive fight that began after Angels pitcher Andrew Wantz hit Mariners outfielder Jesse Winker with a pitch.
MLB Draft League
Crosscutters come home tonight for a three game series this week against the West Virginia Black Bears – first pitch at 6:35pm
NCAA Athletics
Penn State Harrisburg Athletics has been awarded the 2021-22 the United East Conference Presidents’ Cup. They earned four United East championships, including men’s basketball, baseball, and men’s and women’s soccer. Men’s and women’s cross-country, men’s golf, and men’s and women’s tennis earned runner-up finishes at their respective championship events, while women’s volleyball, women’s basketball and softball also earned postseason tournament nods. Cups are awarded for athletic success, academic excellence, community service and sportsmanship.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 27, 2022
PA LEGISLATION HAS RESPONSE TO ABORTION RULING
Following the decision of the US Supreme court to overturn Roe vs Wade last week, it’s noted that Pennsylvania does not have an automatic legal restriction of abortion services, but legislation has been introduced that faces all those legal hurdles on both sides of the issue. According to the Sun Gazette, legislation has been introduced this session that seeks to protect as well as change the current law allowing an abortion for women in their 24th week or later if the mother’s life is at risk. Governor Wolf has vetoed bills attacking current law in the past. In the upcoming election climate, democratic candidate Josh Shapiro supports current law upholding abortion rights, Doug Mastriano wants a total ban on abortions with no exceptions.
TWO EMPLOYEES INDICTED IN CREDIT UNION LOAN FRAUD
Two credit union employees from New Columbia, a mother and daughter, have been indicted after using member’s names and information to fraudulently apply for loans totaling up to 1.2 million dollars. According to Penn Live, 68 year old Mindy Plasters and 33 year old Brittany Aikey were arraigned and later released following charges against them including conspiracy to commit bank fraud against Nu Credit Union In Milton. According to court records the two allegedly worked together to complete the fake transactions between 2009 and 2017.
FIREFIGHTER BILL CAN HELP JUNIOR FIREFIGHTERS
In an effort to try and turn around an urgent need for trained firefighters in Pennsylvania, House Bill 2268 has unanimously passed in the House allowing a 17-year-old junior firefighter to complete the Interior Firefighting Module with Live Burns training program in the Fire Training System. This would allow junior firefighters to become full-fledged members of a firehouse as soon as they become 18. To take the additional training at 17, junior firefighters would need to have the permission of their parents and fire chief. The legislation now goes to the Senate for consideration.
PENN COLLEGE TO HONOR GILMORE
With the upcoming retirement of Penn College President, Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour on June 30th, the Board of Directors there is honoring her achievements, by renaming of the Student & Administrative Services Center building in her honor. The board also granted emeritus status to Gilmour, who retires after 24 years as President. She was an instructor at the school since 1977.
NURSE’S AIDE CHARGED WITH STEALING MEDS
An Avis woman is in trouble after falsifying documents and stealing opioids from a facility where she worked as a nurses aide. According to the Sun Gazette, 33 year old Joanna Marie Beck, stole oxycodone pills after falsely recording that she administered them to a patient at the former Manor Care, now known as Promedica Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center in Jersey Shore. Beck has been charged with theft and furnishing false information and has been terminated from her position at the center. She is free on 25 thousand dollars bail after waiving her preliminary hearing.
MAN AND HIS DOG SURVIVE VEHICLE CRASH
A man from Delaware County and his dog, Liz, had a close call Sunday around noon after his vehicle went airborne over an embankment on Route 15 north, south of the Rt. 184 interchange crashing 50 feet below and they survived. According to the Sun Gazette, the 50 year old man was wearing a seatbelt in the crash that was potentially caused by a high rate of speed. Police say he climbed up the embankment from where his 2011 Dodge Ram truck crashed with only a bit of assistance from Trout Run firefighters who had arrived on the scene. Liz, who was a passenger in the truck but uninjured, was cared for at the fire house while her owner was treated for his injuries at UPMC Williamsport.
WATER AND SEWER RATES GOING UP
Rates for water and sewer are going up July 1st. According to the Sun Gazette, 51 thousand Municipal water and sanitary customers in Williamsport will see a rate increase and other townships also will raise rates. According to the Sun Gazette, with new budgets for the fiscal year, the increases are set through til 2023. Water authority officials say that water rates will increase by five percent and sewer will go up by 4 percent – about a 34 dollar increase for an average home.
NEW PA PRIDE BEER AVAILABLE
Highlighting the love and pride it has for Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry, PA Pride has released its’ 6th beer in an 8 beer series, all featuring ingredients exclusively found in Pennsylvania; called Fruited Sour. According to North Central PA dot com, Bald Birds Brewery in Jersey Shore is one place in Central PA to try the new offering. State sourced ingredients include grain and malt from Deer Creek Malthouse in West Chester, hops from Southern Aroma in King of Prussia and the special Philly Sour Yeast that was isolated in West Philadelphia by a research team from University Of The Sciences. Two more beers are expected in the series; Amber Lager and a Multi-Grain Saison. Go to breweries in pa dot com for more information.
SPORTS
NASCAR
After a rain delay for the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway, Chase Elliott beat Kurt Busch in a restart and held the lead with nine laps to go, followed by Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, and Ross Chastain to round out the top five.
NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Final
Avalanche 2 Lightning 1
Colorado wins the Stanley Cup Final for the 3rd time in franchise history
MLB
Marlins 3 Mets 2
Yankees 6 Astros 3 /10 innings
Red Sox 8 Guardians 3
Rays 4 Pirates 2
White Sox 4 Orioles 3
Nationals 6 Rangers 4
Reds 10 Giants 3
Phillies 8 Padres 5
Dodgers 5 Braves 3
MLB Draft League
Crosscutters return home to Muncy Bank Ballpark tomorrow night against the West Virginia Black Bears with a first pitch at 6:35.
BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS JUNE 24, 2022
POLICE: DRIVE-BY SHOOTING COULD BE RETALIATION FOR MURDER
Police suspect three men they have in custody and one for whom they have a warrant, attempted to retaliate against the murder of the man killed May 19th in the Penn Jersey Mart in Sunbury, by participating in a drive by shooting June 15th. According to North Central PA dot com, police are investigating seven shots fired at a relative of suspect Ajani Munsh-Ousha Uhuru, and following the disvoery of surveillance video footage of the shooting, took Francky Riche of Sunbury into custody yesterday on attempted homicide charges, and Isaac Holley of Northumberland and Reggie Houseal Jr of Sunbury were also charged as accomplices. Police say they have a warrant for a fourth suspect, Anthony Moultrie, of Sunbury, who will also be charged with attempted homicide.
DUI SUSPECT CHARGED WITH ASSAULT AFTER KICKING OFFICER
A Williamsport woman became unruly during a traffic stop, and later kicked a Williamsport officer, and now also faces assault charges. According to the Sun Gazette, 29 year old Amanda Rivera was stopped initially due to being seen by police almost hitting a parked car. When police discovered her with a suspended license and an open container on the passenger seat, they attempted to perform field sobriety tests ,but Rivera was uncooperative. She was taken to police headquarters where she kicked an officer. She was arraigned on the aggravated assault charge and DUI and is Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 25 thousand dollars bail.
RIVER VALLEY TRANSIT BECOMES AN AUTHORITY SOON
The process to transition the city and regional bus service to an authority from under the umbrella of Williamsport City Government is about complete, with fiscal year July 1st being the first day for operations of the River Valley Transit Authority. According to the Sun Gazette, a five member authority board will work with the authority staff to maintain transparency and keep city government in the loop. The City Council transit oversight committee gave positive recommendations for resolving to finalize employee pensions and health care, as well as transfer the bus ownership and funds to the Authority.
LYCOMING COLLEGE RECOGNIZED AS A GOOD VALUE
Lycoming College has received recognition as one of the best values in a college education by Money Magazine. According to the Sun Gazette, out of 236 private colleges with enrollment less than 25-hundred students, Lycoming College ranked number 46. According to Money magazine the criteria used to develop rankings for their college lists include quality of education, affordability, and outcomes. Lycoming also received one of the highest Return on Investment rankings as recognized by the Princeton Review.
FIREARMS CHARGES AGAINST CLINTON COUNTY MAN
A man from Clinton County is now facing charges for an illegal sale of a firearm that took place in 2020. According to the Sun Gazette, 40 year old Rodney Lee Tyger of Lock Haven tried to buy a gun at National Sporting Goods in Jersey Shore in December 2020 and was found to have put down false information on a legal document. Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police have charged Tyger with illegal sale or transfer of a firearm and making unsworn falsification on a legal document for authorities. He is free on 5 thousand dollars bail.
POLICE SEEK MAN WHO DAMAGED PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
A bald man wearing sunglasses who entered the new playground at Hufnagle park in Lewisburg Monday about 7:45 pm and damaged the safety surface that had just been installed is being sought by Buffalo Valley Regional Police. According to North Central Pa dot com, police say a man and a small child walked along the railroad tracks toward Market St and entered the Kidsburg playground area, then exited the park heading east on St. Louis St, after doing more than 2 thousand dollars worth of damage – in addition to some damage which cannot be repaired. If you have information about the suspect should contact the Buffalo Valley Regional Police Department. (570) 524-4302.
GROUND BREAKING AT WEST PHARMACEUTICAL
A ground breaking event happened this week with local leaders participating in the ceremony for the expansion of West Pharmaceutical on Reach Road in Williamsport. According to the Sun Gazette, the new construction at West represents an important investment for the company and the community. The Governor’s Action team coordinated the expansion project which could bring at least 200 good paying jobs to the area. Loyalsock Township’s Senator Gene Yaw was on hand for the groundbreaking as well, announcing 500 thousand dollars in state funding to secure the expansion.
NEW FEMALE POLICE CHIEF IN SELINSGROVE BOROUGH
Selinsgrove borough has hired a new police chief, the first ever female chief according to Snyder County area history. According to a press release, Shanee Mitchell will lead the force after a successful 20 year career with the City of Philadelphia Police Department. Her tenure begins after her background check and clearances are returned and finalized; sometime in mid-July. Mitchell has a husband Wesley and three children.
SPORTS
MLB
Pirates 8 Cubs 7
Braves 7 Giants 6
Dodgers 10 Reds 5
Twins 1 Guardians 0
Yankees 7 Astros 6
Orioles 4 White Sox 0
Phillies 6 Padres 2
NHL Tonight
Tampa Bay is in Colorado for the Stanley Cup Final – Game 5 @8pm on ABC and ESPN+
NASCAR
The Ally 400 – Nashville Superspeedway Sunday w/ Coverage starting @5pm on our sister station WWPA, the Twin Valley’s Talk Radio Network or WILQ’s HD3
MLB Draft League
Williamsport 9 Mahoning Valley 7
Crosscutters and Scrappers play game 2 out of 3 tonight in Mahoning Valley at Eastwood Field.