BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 17, 2022

MANY WATCHING THE PENNSYLVANIA PRIMARY TODAY

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

MAN ATTACKS EX-GIRLFRIEND, STEALS PHONE

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

MILL HALL WOMAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT IN PARKING LOT

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

A $2000 CHECK COULD COME TO SOME PENNSYLVANIANS

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

FETTERMAN WILL SIT OUT ELECTION NIGHT, RECOVERS FROM STROKE

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

FATAL CRASH IN CENTRE COUNTY

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

OWNERS OF NUISANCE PROPERTIES COULD BE FINED

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

NEW HIRE IN THE OFFICE AT LITTLE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL

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

SPORTS

MLB

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

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

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 16, 2022

MAN CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY FACES FELONY CHARGES

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

MASTRIANO GETS TRUMP ENDORSEMENT SATURDAY

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

RIBBON CUTTING AT NEW LYCO COURT OFFICES

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

OLDEST BUILDING IN NORRY BOROUGH UP FOR AUCTION

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

HIT AND RUN SUSPECT ARRESTED

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

FETTERMAN SUFFERS STROKE

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

HART BOWS OUT OF GUBERNATORIAL RACE

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

PORTION OF CSVT OPENING UP FOR SUMMER

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

SPORTS

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

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

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 13, 2022

DECEASED MOTORCYCLIST IDENTIFIED

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

CANNABIS BUSINESS EXPANDS IN CLINTON COUNTY

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

GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE TO DROP OUT AGAIN

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

FUNDRAISER TO SEND KIDS TO CAMP

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

CAUSE OF MAHONING TOWNSHIP FIRE UNDETERMINED

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

CONTRACT RENEWED FOR TWO POSITIONS IN THE BOROUGH

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

NEW COLLEGE SAVINGS ACCOUNT HOLDERS COULD WIN

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

BUSINESSES ALONG ROUTE 6 CAN SUPPORT BIKE TOURISM

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

SPORTS

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

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

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 12, 2022

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT SHUTS DOWN LYCO CREEK ROAD

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

FORMER COMMISSIONER INJURED IN HOUSE FIRE

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

MAN CHARGED WITH DECEPTION FOR NOT BUILDING BARN

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

UPMC WILLIAMSPORT GETS “A” GRADE BY PEERS

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

ANOTHER CAR FIRE SHUTS DOWN ROUTE 15 SOUTH

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

MAN SENTENCED FOR 2020 STABBING

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

MOTHER OF TODDLER BEATEN TO DEATH FOUND GUILTY

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

POLICE SAY SPRING PHONE SCAMS ARE HAPPENING

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

SPORTS

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

PIAA District 4 Varsity Softball

Muncy 4                       East Juniata 3

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

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

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 11, 2022

HEROIN DEALER GETS 12 YEARS

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

NEW MAYOR IN JERSEY SHORE

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

OVERNIGHT PAVING WORK IN WILLIAMSPORT

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

ST JOHN NEUMANN COACH STEPPING DOWN

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

FATAL CLINTON COUNTY CRASH

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

MEN CHARGED AFTER BREAKING INTO CABINS

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

SECOND PERSON SENTENCED FOR COVID LOAN FRAUD

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

POSITIVE RECOMMENDATION FOR CITY PARK SUMMER HELP

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

SPORTS

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

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

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

 


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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 10, 2022

POLICE LOOK FOR DANVILLE MAN WHO LED HIGH SPEED CHASE

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

MAN APPREHENDED AFTER SHOOTING ANOTHER AT A BAR

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

BRIDGE CLOSED IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

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

PENN COLLEGE COMMENCEMENT INFORMATION

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

FIRE SPREADS THROUGH THREE HOMES IN KULPMONT

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

PENN DOT WORK THIS WEEK ON I-80 WEST

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

LEHIGH COUNTY AG WANTS TO MONITOR DROPBOXES

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

CANNABIS HEARING IN PHILADELPHIA THIS WEEK

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

SPORTS

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

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

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 9, 2022

MAN FLED FROM POLICE, ACCUSED OF DUI

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

PENN STATE VANDALS MESS UP GRADUATION PHOTOS

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

PENNSYLVANIA DEMOCRAT CANDIDATES IN WILLIAMSPORT

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

TWA 800 MEMORIAL NEEDS FUNDS FOR RENOVATIONS

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

MAN ARRESTED FOR STEALING FROM CARS

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

POLICE RESPOND TO KNIFE ASSAULT CALL

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

EVAN VEHICLE IN CAR ACCIDENT

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

SPONGY MOTH SPRAYING THIS MONTH ON STATE GAME LANDS

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

SPORTS

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

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

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

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

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

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 6, 2022

BOMB THREAT CALLED IN TO SCHOOL

Police are continuing an investigation after a bomb threat was called into the Jersey High School yesterday.  According to North Central PA dot com, the call came in around 12:30pm and the Tiadaghton Police evacuated all students to the middle school until family members could come and get them.  Police report there were no injuries and all students and staff were safe.  They haven’t released whether  they have a suspect at this time or any other details about the incident.

SUNBURY DRUG DEALER OFF THE STREETS

A Sunbury man who sold drugs to a confidential informant twice earlier this year has appeared before a district judge and has been incarcerated.  According to North Central PA dot com, 24 year old Nataniel Riveria was watched by police conduct drug transactions in January and February and now faces multiple felony drug charges.  Riveria, who will have his preliminary arraignment on May 10th , is in the Northumberland County Jail.

COUNCIL SUPPORTS A NATURAL GAS PLANT IN RENOVO

A project to bring a natural gas fired power plant to Renovo has received unanimous support from the Clinton County Commissioners at their meeting yesterday.  The Express reports the project is set to invest millions of dollars into providing power to customers in Pennsylvania and New York by tapping natural gas in the Marcellus Shale, according to the CEO of the Clinton County Economic Partnership, Michael Flanagan.  Work continues with the Renovo Energy Center to secure the location for the plant – potentially in the former railyard at the Renovo Industrial Park.  There is pushback to the plan due to environmental concerns.  The Clean Air Council, says harmful pollution would be emitted and the community must consider the seven miles of pipeline to move the natural gas through Noyes and Chapman Townships. 

KNOEBELS IS HAVING A HIRING EVENT TODAY

Knoebels is holding a hiring open house event today from 5-7pm.  According to administrators from the park there will also be team transportation available for employees in June, so that if getting to work is a problem from Bloomsburg, Shamokin or Sunbury, that barrier has been taken away.  The open house event will take place at the Impulse roller coaster area and will give future employees a behind the scenes tour, meet department managers and learn about the increase in wages this year.   Students 14 and older can work in food service for the summer, and 16 and older in ride operations.  Find out more about the open house today from 5-7 at www.knoebels.com/jobs. 

DEPUTY WARDEN FIRED AFTER PULLING A GUN ON GIRLFRIEND

The Northumberland County Prison Board voted unanimously to fire their acting deputy Warden after he was jailed for allegedly holding a gun to his girlfriend’s head Monday night at his home in Catawissa.  According to media outlets, during a public meeting Wednesday, Northumberland County President Judge Charles Saylor and the county board voted to terminate 51 year-old David McCoy from the position he has only had for about a month when he replaced Jim Smick who had retired just days after he was hired.  McCoy is incarcerated at the Columbia County prison in lieu of 100 thousand dollars bail.

WILLIAMSPORT MAN GETS LIFE FOR MURDER PLOT

The man who hired a hitman to kill his wife and their dogs in 2018, pleaded guilty and was sentenced this week in Lycoming County Court.  According to North Central PA dot com, 52 year old Edward Heck received a life sentence and must pay fees and restitution to the Victim Compensation Fund.  Heck will not be eligible for parole throughout the course of his life.  He was taken to the State Correctional institution at Camp Hill/Muncy by the Lycoming County Sheriff.

PPL ANNOUNCES A RATE HIKE FOR SUMMER

There is an electric utility rate hike coming next month.  According to Penn Live, PPL Electric is raising the rate from 8.941 cents per kilowatt-hour to 12.366 cents per kilowatt-hour in June, which is a 38 percent increase.  Energy officials say consumers don’t always know they can shop around for different electric rates after Pennsylvania deregulated the energy utility companies about 10 years ago.  The majority of PPL customers – about 63% – pay the default price for energy. To get help with your bill or to utilize budget billing or payment plans, go to pplelectric.com / bill help or call  1-800-342-5775.

GAS-N-GO TO BREAK GROUND IN MONTOURSVILLE

The Montoursville Borough Council at their meeting this week, approved the land development plan for the Weis Market Gas-n-Go station with a 204-square-foot kiosk and six fueling spots.  According to the Sun Gazette, Weis market representatives said they should break ground on the gas station in about 8 weeks.  They anticipate the opening of the Gas-N-Go to be later in 2022.  It should bring 6 jobs to the area.  Both gasoline and diesel fuel will be sold at this location in coordination with the nearby market at 801 Loyalsock Avenue.

SPORTS

PIAA varsity baseball
N. Penn Mansfield 10    Troy 7
Hughesville 12               Bloomsburg 6
Southern Columbia 8     Mount Carmel 6
South Williamsport 9    Northwest 2
Muncy 5                        Montgomery 2
Sayre 14                        NorthEast Bradford 1
Loyalsock 16                 Warrior run 3
Selinsgrove 7                 Danville 1
Wellsboro 17                 Towanda 5
Montoursville 10           Shamokin 0

PIAA District 4 Varsity Softball
St. John Neumann 16    Sugar Valley Rural Charter 2
Northeast Bradford 18 Sayre 0
Wellsboro 10                 Towanda 3
Central Columbia 6       Loyalsock 2
Williamsport 9               Lewisburg 4
Bucktail 17                              Northwest 0
Central Mountain 12     Mifflinburg 0
Shamokin 4                             Selinsgrove 0
Midd-west 14                 Milton 7
North Penn Liberty 10   Troy 0
Shikellamy 4                  Danville 3
Montoursville 13           Southern Columbia 0
Millville 18                              CMVT 2

NHL Stanley Cup playoffs
Rangers 5                      Penguins 2 in the East 1st Round – tied 1-1  
Panthers 5                     Capitals 1 tied 1-1
Avalanche 2                 Predators 1 Colorado leads 2-0
Stars 2                           Flames 0  tied up 1-1 in the West first round  
NHL tonight
Carolina is in Boston @7    Toronto in Tampa Bay @7:30
Minnesota at St. Louis @9:30   Edmonton plays Los Angeles at 10

MLB
Rockies 9 Nationals 7
Guardians 6 Blue Jays 5
Mets 8 Phillies 7
Orioles 5 Twins 3
Brewers 10 Reds 5

NBA no games last night
NBA tonight
76ers are in Miami to play Heat @7 – Game 3 Miami leads 2-0
@9:30 Suns and the Mavericks are in Phoenix – PHX leads 2-0

NASCAR
Hendrick motorsports signed a three-year contract extension with William Byron to keep him in the number 24 Chevrolet through 2025. Byron was the 2017 Xfinity series champion.

Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway – Pre-race coverage starts this Sunday at 3 o’clock on the Twin Valley‘s Talk Radio Network WWPA or WILQ HD3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 5, 2022

MULTIPLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT SHUTS DOWN A LANE ON I-80

PennDOT has reported an interstate lane restriction due to an overnight accident that might slow your commute a little bit this morning.  A vehicle crash was reported along I-80 West at mile marker 196 in Union County.  Police have not released any details about any victims in the crash – just that the restriction is approximately 3 miles east of the Mile Run Exit. 

PARENTS CHARGED IN INFANT DEATH

Two people were charged this week with felony counts of endangering the welfare of a child after their 8 week old infant died at Geisinger Shamokin Area Hospital after being pinned beneath the father who was sleeping.  According to the Daily Item, Patricia Ann Zimmerman of South 7th Street waived her preliminary hearing Tuesday in District court, but no county court date has been set.  Police said, the father of the infant, Brandon Grancheski had methamphetamine in his system at the time of the incident and is now incarcerated in lieu of 30 thousand dollars cash bail.  Zimmerman is being held under 25 hundred dollars unsecured bail.

PA TROOPER CHARGED WITH DRUG POSSESSION

A Pennsylvania State trooper has been arrested on drug possession charges after a postal inspector flagged a package and obtained a federal search warrant.  According to a press release, State Police arrested Trooper Joseph Czachorowski this week after the warrant turned up several Schedule III controlled substances.  At a later search at the officer’s home, officers found other drug paraphernalia. Czachorowski has been a trooper since November 2014 and was assigned to Troop K, Philadelphia and has been suspended without pay.

NEW MEMBER RECOGNIZED ON THE SPORTS WALK OF FAME

The 26th member of the Lycoming County Sports Walk was officially celebrated yesterday after a formal induction at the Hot Stove Banquet in 2020.  Hal Spooner was a stand-out athlete who participated in football basketball and track at Williamsport High School and then as a Midshipman, quarterbacked Navy’s 1960 a trip to the Orange Bowl with a record ranking in the AP poll.  Spooner’s medallion installation and unveiling was delayed from 2020 after his formal induction due to the pandemic.  He was inducted into the West Branch Sports Hall of fame in 1996 and the PA State Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.

CREWS WORK TO PUT OUT HAY FIRE ON TRAILER

A loaded trailer of hay that caught fire shut down Route 15 South temporarily on Tuesday and multiple fire companies responded to help.  According to the Sun Gazette, the driver of the trailer heard on his CB that the hay he was carrying was on fire and pulled over to unhook the cargo. Crews responded and worked to contain the fire along Rt. 15 a mile north of Hepburnville just before 6pm.  After the immediate danger had passed, the driver hooked the trailer back up and pulled off the highway where firefighters continued to hit hotspots.  Traffic was moving again by 6:30pm.

MAN SHOT BY ROOMATE

A Snyder county man is in critical condition after he was shot in the head by a roommate who was upset over the electric bill.  According to North Central PA dot com, Justin T Yerger and Chad Howard lived at the residence on Molly Lane in Middlecreek Township and the electric bill went up.  Yerger cut power to the breaker box on May 2nd and when Howard discovered this, he became upset, which prompted Yerger to pull a gun from his shirt and fire a round at Howard’s head.  He was flown to Geisinger medical center in Danville.  Yerger was charged with attempted homicide and other charges – he is in Snyder County Prison in lieu of $200,000 cash bail.

MOTHER ARRESTED FOR LEAVING TEEN OUTSIDE IN THE COLD

A mother was charged with endangering the welfare of a child after she kicked him out of the house and left their Old Berwick Residence last February.  Police say they were called to the home in response to a burning complaint, found a teenage boy trying to warm himself with a gas lit fire on the porch.  According to North Central Pa dot com, police took the boy to the police station for warmth and could never get in touch with family members via Columbia County Children and Youth.  The mother, Rachel Elaine Trivelpiece was eventually found and charged. She has a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 11th.

DCNR STARTS ATV CONNECTOR ROAD PROGRAM BY PERMIT

A two-year pilot ATV Regional Trail Connector program was announced by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources yesterday.  This, in response to the growing public demand for ATV riding areas and opportunities, will open miles of designated trails in Lycoming, Clinton, Tioga, and Potter Counties on May 27th.  DCNR will use the program in conjunction with the bureau of Forestryto track the value of the program against its impact on the environment, law enforcement and public safety.  ATV riders will need to be in person to purchase a permit to use the designated PennDOT and State Forest ATV Connector Roads, at Tiadaghton, Susquehannock, Sproul, or Tioga State Forest district offices.

SPORTS

PIAA District 4 Varsity Baseball
South Williamsport 13         Canton 3
Mifflinburg 18                      Jersey Shore 7
Midd-west 3                          Bloomsburg 2

PIAA District 4 Varsity Softball
South Williamsport 4           Montgomery 2

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs
The East 1st  Round
Hurricanes 5                 Bruins 2 Carolina up 2-0
Lightning 5                   Maple Leafs 3 Series tied 1-1
The West 1st Round
Wild 6 Blues 2  Series tied 1-1
Oilers 6 Kings 0 Series tied 1-1
NHL today
Penguins & the Rangers tonight @7/TNT
Capitals & Panthers at 7:30 /TBS
Predators & Avalanche @9:30/TNT
Stars & Flames @10/ TBS

NBA
Heat 119             76ers 103 Miami leads 2-0
Suns 129             Mavericks 109 Phoenix 2-0.
No NBA tonight
Miami comes to Philadelphia on Friday night at 7 PM for Game 3
 Phoenix plays in Dallas on Friday @10pm
MLB
Couple of Doubleheaders from makeup games yesterday…
Game 1      Tigers 3               Pirates 2
Game 2      Pirates 7              Tigers 2
Game 1      Padres 5              Guardians 4
Game 2      Guardians 6        Padres 5
Braves 9              Mets 2
Cardinals 10       Royals 0
Orioles 9             Twins 4
Blue Jays 2         Yankees 1
Rockies 5            Nationals 2

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MAY 4, 2022

PROTESTS OVER INFORMATION FROM LEAKED DRAFT OPINION

There was a crowd of people in front of the federal Court house on West Third Street in Williamsport yesterday, protesting about information that was leaked about the possible overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court.  According to the Sun Gazette, about 40 people were assembled and heard community members speak and share experiences surrounding the support of keeping abortion a legal procedure.  Some speakers encouraged the crowd there to vote coming up in the Pennsylvania primary on May 17th, some suggested donating to causes which are in support of a woman’s right to choose.

FATAL CRASH IN WYSOX

There was a crash in Bradford County that shut down Route 6 for several hours yesterday. According to PennDOT, the Route 187 detour reopened around 10am yesterday for the wreck that occurred between Coolbaugh Road and Red Rock Road on Route 6 in Wysox.  According to WNEP, the Bradford County Coroner was called to the scene and at least one person died in the accident. Police have not released any more details about the crash or the identity of any victims.

PA BUSINESS COULD GET TAX BREAK

Pennsylvania businesses could get a corporate tax break if a recently proposed bill by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives moves on and amends the Tax Reform Code of 1971.  If approved, the Corporate Net Income Tax rate would go down to 8.99% starting in January, currently the rate is 9.99%. Under the bill, further reductions would be made if there is a budget surplus.  Its passage would also increase the percentage of taxable income that can be carried over as a net operating loss to 45%.  The senate will now consider the bill.

SUSQUEHANNA RIVERBOAT CRUISES ABOUT TO START

The Hiawatha is about to launch their season on the Susquehanna River.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Paddlewheel Riverboat was at the dock at Susquehanna State Park Monday after some repairs were made to get the paddleboat to the launch location.  The captain of the vessel for 9 years, Michael Strunk, told the paper that the tongue of the trailer for the boat had a broken weld and after Allison Crane came in and repaired it – there weren’t any problems once they got on the water.  In May, the Hiawatha runs weekends only, but beginning in June through August, public cruises take place Tuesday to Saturday.  Mother’s Day brunch cruise kicks off their 41st season. 

DEPUTY PRISON WARDEN ARRESTED

Police arrested the acting deputy warden of the Northumberland County Prison Monday at his Krick Road House around 8pm after a he pulled a gun on his girlfriend.  According to North Central Pa dot com, the girlfriend of 62 year old David Allen McCoy said he had been missing since the morning and first called police to investigate, about the same time McCoy arrived at his house after crashing his motorcycle along Route 487.  Police say they were called a second time when he was allegedly drunk and reportedly agitated at his girlfriend for the police being on his property.  McCoy pulled a gun and held it at her head.  When police arrived McCoy resisted arrest but was disarmed and taken into custody.  He was charged with terroristic threats and reckless endangerment, and has been suspended from his acting deputy warden position. His preliminary hearing is May 17th.

REP. KELLER CRITICIZES DRAFT OPINION BREACH

US Representative Fred Keller of Kreamer has criticized the breach of confidentiality in the leak of information about the draft opinion which could lead to overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court.  According the Sun Gazette, Keller’s news release said that leaks of Supreme Court business undermine the ability for the court to deliberate impartially.  Representative Keller’s office supports limiting abortions before pregnancies are viable and supports legislation that upholds the case that Roe was wrongly decided. 

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY SUMMIT

There will be a Northumberland County Summit this Friday morning and the hosts of the event would like everyone to come together and voice their opinions about community changes and strengths, as well as their own vision for the county and how established goals can be accomplished.  According to administrators from the Northumberland County Area on Aging / Veteran’s Affairs the all day summit begins at 9am Friday at Whispering Oaks Vineyard and runs through 3:30pm when an optional happy hour is scheduled.  Contact the Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way or Bucknell University for information.

REPUBLICAN SENATE DEBATE TONIGHT

There will be a Pennsylvania Republican Senate Primary Debate tonight at, at 8:00 PM, at the Grove City College ion Grove City, PA which will be broadcast on Newsmax TV.  Candidates who will be at the debate in Ketler Auditorium include, Dr. Mehmet Oz, U.S. Ambassador Carla Sands, David McCormick, Kathy Barnette and Jeff Bartos.  Veteran TV personality Greta Van Susteren will be the special moderator for the program.   

SPORTS

PIAA District 4
Varsity Baseball
Canton 4                       Northeast Bradford 2
Wellsboro 11               Athens 4
Central Columbia 9     Loyalsock 4
Montoursville 7            Jersey Shore 0
Sayre 12                       Williamson 8
Wyalusing 4                 Troy 0
N. Penn Mansfield 7   Towanda 1
Mount Caramel 11      Southern Columbia 7
Midd-west 5                 South Williamsport 1

PIAA District 4 Varsity Softball
Bucktail 16                   Sugar Valley Rural Charter 0
Sullivan county 20      CMVT 2
Muncy 17                     St John Neumann 2
Central Mountain 6     Danville 1
Lewisburg 14               Southern Columbia 3
N. Penn Liberty 11      Towanda 0
Loyalsock 9                  Montoursville 1
Williamson 6               Sayre 0
Wellsboro 13               Athens 3
Central Columbia 14 Warrior Run 1
Shamokin 14                Mifflinburg 2
Selinsgrove 7                Milton 5
Jersey Shore 7              Midd-west 1
Bloomsburg 6              Hughesville 3



NHL
Stanley Cup Playoffs
Penguins 4          Rangers 3 / 3OT
Capitals 4            Panthers 2
Avalanche 7        Predators 2
Flames 1              Stars 0
MLB
Game 1 – Mets 5          Braves 4
Game 2 – Mets 3          Braves 0
Rangers 6            Phillies 4
Twins 7               Orioles 2
Yankees 9           Blue Jays 1
Nationals 10       Rockies 2
Guardians and Padres and Pirates and Tigers postponed til today for bad weather.

NBA
Celtics 109          Bucks 86              1-1 in the East SemiFinals
Grizzlies 106      Warriors 101       1-1 in the West

NBA tonight 76ers and the Heat are in Miami at 7:30
Mavericks and the Suns in Phoenix at 10 both those games on TNT

Upcoming

Facebook

Powered By SoCast