BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS DEC 24, 2021

CHILD MOLESTATION CHARGES

A Cogan Station man was arrested for molesting a child in Hepburn Township. Jeremy Earnest allegedly had inappropriate contact with a female victim when he sexually assaulted her in a home in mid-October. According to SUN Gazette, Earnest was charged with multiple counts including, but not limited to, two each of indecent assault and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse.  Charges were filed with District Judge William Solomon and Earnest was committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail.

SEXUAL ASSAULTS FROM OVER 20 YEARS AGO

A Williamsport man was arrested for sexually assaulting two children. According to city police, Erick Johnson, is said to have committed the crimes when he was between the ages of 14 to 18, which was over 20 years ago. As reported by the SUN Gazette, Johnson allegedly raped one child when starting when she was 4-years-old to when she turned 8-years-old, upwards of 100 times at residences in Jersey Shore and Williamsport. The second victim was 5-years-old through 9-years-old when the assaults took place. Johnson was arraigned in front of District Justic Biichle for charges of sexual assault, set his bail at $150,000 and incarcerated him at the Lycoming County Prison.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT ON A POLICE OFFICER

A Jersey Shore woman shoved a police officer and violently swung her arms at him during a disturbance call at her home on Dec. 4.  Terra Lee Bertin, disregarded orders to calm down and instead assaulted the police. She was arrested on multiple charges, including aggravated assault. She was arraigned in front of District Justice Frey, where she posted $20,000 bail.

REINDEER READY TO FLY

Governor Tom Wolf was joined by Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding and Pennsylvania State Veterinarian Dr. Kevin Brightbill to meet Santa and his nine reindeer at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane today to announce that the reindeer have received a clean bill of health and are cleared for take-off on December 24. According to Gov. Tom Wolf in a press release, Santa’s reindeer are in good health–despite one’s very bright red nose–and ready to deliver toys to the good girls and boys of Pennsylvania tomorrow evening. All nine reindeer are physically fit and in good spirits, they’re ready to fly this holiday season. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph received clearance to fly to Pennsylvania.

​MORE STATE POLICE GRADUATED

Colonel Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, announced today that 59 cadets graduated from the State Police Academy in Hershey and have been assigned to troops across the commonwealth. The men and women represent the 162nd graduating cadet class. The ceremony returned to the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Harrisburg for the first time since December 2019 in front of a limited amount of family members. Cadet Matthew J. Condrad spoke on behalf of the graduating class. The ceremony was live streamed on the academy Facebook page and YouTube channel.

 

POLICE REMIND YOU TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PETS NEEDS

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is reminding pet owners, including those who keep their pets outdoors, that they are required to provide the animals with basic needs, as defined by law, or face potential animal neglect and/or cruelty charges. “Basic needs include the proper sustenance to maintain a healthy body weight, as well as clean, unfrozen water to avoid dehydration,” said Corporal Michael Spada, PSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation Animal Cruelty Officer. “It is important to note that animals need just as much water in the cold of winter as they do in the heat of summer.” Animals must also have access to an appropriate-sized shelter that provides protection from the weather, keeps the animal dry, and allows it to retain its body heat. The shelter must also be clean and sanitary.

 

STATE SUPREME COURT RATIONAL ON RULING

The state Supreme Court on Thursday released its rationale for why it ruled that Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration had no legal authority to require masks in Pennsylvania’s schools and child care centers, even amid a pandemic and surging cases of COVID-19. The Democratic-majority court ruled 6-0 on Dec. 10, immediately ending the statewide mask mandate, except in school districts that still required them. Justice Thomas Saylor did not participate in the decision. The justices’ 58-page opinion released Thursday does not discuss whether school districts have the legal authority to require masks. But the justices wrote that the Republican-controlled Legislature’s move in June to end Wolf’s COVID-19 emergency disaster declaration also eliminated any legal justification for a school mask mandate.

 

RELEASED FROM DUTY FOLLOWING ACCIDENT

A Mifflinburg Police Officer lost his job eight days after he crashed the police cruiser while engaged in a pursuit into Limestone Township and down Red Ridge Road. Former officer Riley Bremigen was uninjured, according to the Daily Item. The Mifflinburg Borough Council voted 4-1 during an executive session at Tuesday’s council meeting.

LOCAL COVID-19 CASES

The Pennsylvania Dept of Health released updated COVID-19 case information from yesterday.  Tioga County added 19 cases, Lycoming had 62, Clinton 14 new cases, Centre added 126, Northumberland 49, Snyder added 23, Union County had 46 and Montour County added 11 new COVID-19 cases yesterday.

DOMESTIC INJURES CHILD

A domestic dispute brought Sunbury Police to a residence to find an injured 11-month-old. Anthony Dudley and Adreana Merigris of Sunbury, according to police, were engaged in a violent physical altercation, when the child somehow their child obtained multiple  scratches and a bloody nose. Both Dudley and Merigris were taken to District Judge Toomy and then committed to the Northumberland County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash bail.

MIDDLEBURG POLICE QUESTION REQUESTS IN MAIL

Police in Middleburg are calling it a possible fraud, many residents received in the US mail asking them to join nextdoor.com. Officers say the invites appear to have come from a local resident.  However, that person says they were not organizing an online neighborhood community.Middleburg police say they are suspicious and don’t advise Middleburg residents to participate in what they call a possible fraud. According to an online media source,  the investigation is continuing.

 

CHILD ENDANGERING IN NORTHUMBERLAND

A Northumberland woman was found heavily intoxicated while caring for her three children ages 8, 6, and 4 years.  Jaquelin Stasik, according to a media outlet, is facing several charges, including endangering the welfare of three young children. Police reported they were dispatched Stasik’s home for a domestic disturbance.  Reports from the residence indicate she was intoxicated to the extent she was unable to take care of herself or her children.  Police say officers found her so intoxicated she couldn’t take care of herself or her children. She was taken to Geisinger for treatment and her boyfriend is now caring for the children at her home.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS DEC 23, 2021

FIRE DESTROYS BUSINESS

It was an early morning three alarm blaze that destroyed a business and everything inside, just days before Christmas.  Multiple fire companies responded to Mike Miller’s, a large truck repair, on Pine Run Road yesterday around 4:30 a.m. According to Township Fire Chief Richard Whalen, losses could be estimated at $2 million or higher. As reported by SUN Gazette, the state police fire marshal was on scene and the fire remains under investigation.

 

DRIVER IDENTIFIED IN FATAL I-180 ACCIDENT

The Lycoming County Coroner’s Office was called to the westbound exit #17 ramp off of I-180 for a motor vehicle crash.  Mr. Jared Hess was driving a FedEx Home Delivery Truck that struck the back of a parked tractor trailer on the north berm of the ramp.  He was not wearing a seatbelt and sustained multiple blunt force traumas upon impact.  He was unresponsive upon arrival of EMS personnel.  The deceased was extricated from the vehicle by Fire Rescue personnel from Muncy Twp., Muncy, and Montoursville.  The passenger in the truck was transported to UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital for treatment of injuries.

​HELP THE MAIL CARRIERS HELP YOU

As the winter season approaches, it is important that property owners make sure their mailbox is in the correct location to ensure the efficiency of both the mail service and the snow plowing operations. In addition, property owners should also inspect their mailbox to verify it has a strong support. Mail carriers will make every effort to deliver the mail. However, if the mailbox is not accessible to the carrier due to snow build up, or if it is not properly located along the roadway, you may have to pick up your mail at the post office.

 

MUNCY BOROUGH COUNCIL HELD REGULAR MEETING

It was an eventful meeting, finding approval to move ahead on the acquisition of a new property and the passing of the 2022 budget, successfully, without an increase in taxes.  Muncy Borough Council took the necessary steps to begin annexing a property on Old Glade Run, which is currently owned by the borough, but a part of a Creek Township. According to SUN Gazette, the property will be utilized for “other potential borough uses.”  Muncy Borough’s tax remains at a rate of 5.3 mills, and borough council unanimously passed the budget. Muncy Borough Council will next meet Monday, Jan. 3, at 6 p.m. in the Muncy Area Volunteer Fire Department’s fire hall.

 

TRAVEL NURSES AND SURGICAL TECHS WANTED

UPMC has created UPMC Travel Staffing, a new in-house travel staffing agency as a solution to the nationwide nursing shortage and to attract and retain highly skilled nurses and surgical technologists to its workforce. Building upon its strong global reputation as health care innovators and leaders, UPMC is believed to be the first health system in the country to launch its own staffing agency—initially for registered nurses and surgical technologists, with the potential to evolve to include additional job roles.  The program will be open to nurses and surgical technologists who have left UPMC and have an interest in coming back, are working for outside travel agencies, are already employed by UPMC, or who have not yet worked at UPMC and would like to join the team.

 

TRAVEL NURSES AND SURGICAL TECHS WANTED

UPMC, like virtually every health care system in the nation, has brought in external travel nurses and surgical technologists to help at the bedside and in operating rooms throughout the past year. The goal of UPMC Travel Staffing is to rely less on outside agency staff and empower UPMC employees who would like to travel to UPMC hospitals across Pennsylvania, Maryland and New York—wherever and whenever the need is greatest. This new program will provide needed support for our frontline caregivers and career growth opportunities for UPMC nurses and surgical technologists interested in travel. Not only will the program be a retention tool for our current staff, it also will fuel a new pipeline to recruit nurses to UPMC and to bring people back who left UPMC.

GOVERNOR SIGNS MULTIPLE BILLS

Governor Tom Wolf signed House Bill 291 and 1260. Together, these bills will ensure that older adults in Pennsylvania continue to have access to crucial savings through PACENET, a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of older adults who need assistance with paying for their prescription medications. He also signed House Bill 2071, which establishes the PA Broadband Development Authority to provide broadband Internet access to unserved or underserved residents, and provides for powers and duties of the authority.

COVID-19 CASES LOCALLY YESTERDAY

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 13 new cases. In Centre County 99 new cases. Lycoming County added 49 new cases. Tioga County added 28. Yesterday, the DOH reported 67 in Northumberland County, 31 in Snyder, 25 in Union and 11 in Montour.

 

POLICE REMIND YOU TO LOCK YOUR CARS

Thefts from cars are on the rise in Lewisburg and the Linntown areas. Buffalo Valley Regional Police remind motorists to lock vehicles, and don’t have any valuables in plain sight. According to a media outlet, items taken include purses, computers, GPS units and other items taken through either an unlocked door or when a window is broken. Anyone with information should contact Buffalo Valley Regional Police.

 

 

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS DEC 22, 2021

ARMED ROBBERY AND POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR SUSPECTS

An armed robbery at the Mulan Massage and Spa on Dotterers Rd in Porter Township, Clinton County is under investigation by the Lamar State Police. According to police, the armed robbery occurred at approximately 7:40pm on Monday evening. Suspect #1, a black male suspect approx. 6’5” tall and skinny, wearing a black jacket, black pants, white socks, and black shoes came in for a massage. Suspect #2 entered, he is a black, and non-hispanic male described as approximately 6’0” tall and skinny, wearing all black clothing, along with a black mask and black gloves. He allegedly grabbed the victim by the neck, pointed a gun at the back of her head and demanded her to give him the money. Both suspects fled the scene in an unknown direction. The victim was not injured during the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the State Police in Lamar.

 

FATAL ACCIDENT NEAR LYCOMING MALL ROAD

Lycoming County Coroner is investigating a fatal crash that occurred yesterday afternoon. According to police, a FedEx home delivery truck struck the rear of a parked tractor-trailer truck, as it sat along the berm of the Lycoming Mall Road exit ramp of Interstate 180 West in Muncy Township. The driver was killed and his passenger, a male juvenile, was injured and taken to UPMC via ambulance. Identities of both the driver and passenger may be released today, according to SUN Gazette. As the scene was investigated, state police had the off-ramp closed upwards of two hours.

 

UPDATED COVD-19 CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 17 new cases. In Centre County 126 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 45 new cases. On Tuesday, the DOH reported 47 in Northumberland County, 34 in Union, 24 in Snyder and 20 in Montour. Tioga County had 11 new cases reported yesterday.

 

PENNSYLVANIA LAWMAKER REFUSES INVITATION

Republican Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania on Tuesday rebuffed a request for him to sit down for an interview and turn over documents to the House panel investigating the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection, joining other allies of former President Donald Trump in trying to stonewall the committee. In a statement, Perry called the committee “illegitimate.” In a letter to Perry on Monday night, Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson, the Democratic chairman of the panel, said the panel had received evidence from multiple witnesses, including then-acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen and then-acting Deputy Attorney General Richard Donoghue, that Perry had “an important role” in efforts to install Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark as acting attorney general.

 

AMENDMENT ENDED BEFORE IT BEGAN

Pennsylvania’s highest court on Tuesday hammered a final nail into the coffin of a proposed victims’ rights constitutional amendment that has never gone into effect, even though state voters supported it by a large margin in a referendum more than two years ago. The justices ruled 6-1 that the sprawling proposal violated the Pennsylvania Constitution’s requirement that amendments address a single topic to prevent lawmakers from bundling together items that might not pass on their individual merits. Unofficial tallies indicate the so-called “Marsy’s Law” amendment would have spelled out 15 rights for victims, including notification about cases and a right to attend and weigh in during plea hearings, sentencings and parole proceedings. It also would have addressed how victims can recover property and given them an ability to reject defense subpoenas.


WORKERS IN 25 STATES WILL SEE THEIR PAYCHECKS GROW WHEN MINIMUM

Wage increases go into effect in 2022, but Pennsylvania is not one of them. According to a new report from the National Employment Law Project, 21 states have minimum-wage increases set to go into effect Jan. 1, 2022. Four more states have increases slated for later in the year. Each of Pennsylvania’s six neighboring states already have minimum wages higher than Pennsylvania’s $7.25 an hour, and several of them are among the 25 states with planned increases for 2022. On Jan. 1, 2022, Pennsylvania will be surrounded by states with the following minimum wages: Delaware ($10.50); Maryland ($12.20); New Jersey ($13); New York ($13.20); Ohio ($8.80); and West Virginia ($8.75). Modernizing the outdated minimum wage would benefit workers over age 20, as well as women, people of color and workers in rural communities.

 

FRESH EXPRESS SALAD RECALL

Fresh Express is recalling certain varieties of its branded and private label salad products produced at the company’s Streamwood, Illinois facility because the product has the potential to be contaminated with an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, the infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Consumers with these symptoms should consult their health care provider.  The recall includes all Use-By Dates of fresh salad items with product codes Z324 through Z350. Product codes are located on the front of the packages below the Use-By Date, as shown above. No other Fresh Express products are subject to recall.

 

TRIAL ENDED WITH A SENTENCE

A New Columbia woman was convicted in a Union County jury trial, where Melissa Keister was charged with felony child welfare for treating a 9 year old girl like that of a dog, according to Union Co DA Pete Johnson. Keister received a 3 year sentence of restrictive probation  including a 4 month term of house arrest with electronic monitoring.

 

 POLICE CHIEF URGING COMMUNITY TO ASK NOT ASSUME

Conflicting stories surround the reports of a “violent sexual attack” in the borough of Danville.  According to Danville Borough Police Chief Jonathan Swank, on a Facebook statement, The Danville Police Department has been fielding many questions and phone calls regarding the ongoing assault investigation. There have been no further reports of similar assaults in Danville Borough. Multiple Law Enforcement Agencies are working together on this investigation. When information can be released regarding this case, it will come from official sources. The police will provide as much factual information as we can without compromising the investigation. With all that being said, Danville Borough is not Mayberry RFD, but it is also not Chicago  Be smart, Be safe.

 

WEIS MARKETS PULLING FRESH EXPRESS BAGGED SALADS

According to a report from Weis Markets, they have pulled products from their shelves, following the recent recall of Fresh Express bagged salads with use-by dates that feature codes Z324 through Z350.  Fresh Express is recalling certain varieties of its branded and private label salad products produced at the company’s Streamwood, Illinois facility because the product has the potential to be contaminated with an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

WAIVED HIS RIGHT TO A HEARING

A Coal Township man charged with the violent killing of his mother, waived his right to a hearing, sending the criminal case to Northumberland County Court.  According to a media outlet, Christopher Depka is accused of attacking his mother with a baseball bat and using her credit card. The county prosecutors haven’t said if they’ll seek the death penalty.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS DEC 21, 2021

ANOTHER KITCHEN FIRE

A kitchen fire in Williamsport sent fire crews to the 800 block of West Third Street Sunday night. According to SUN Gazette, there was an estimated $15,000 in damage when the resident fell asleep, only to be woken by her smoke alarm. Nikkia Scott was able to escape without injuries. The cause of the fire, according to Williamsport Bureau of Fire Platoon Chief Sam Aungst, was unattended cooking. He goes on to remind the community to remain vigilant when cooking and not to utilize the oven to heat the house.

ARRAIGNED IN HOSPITAL ROOM

A pursuit ended in a fiery crash on Kehrer Hill Road in Fairfield Township. Just over two weeks later, the driver and his passenger remain in the hospital. It was in his hospital room, where Gavin Schomburg, of Hughesville, was arraigned on charges of felony fleeing, DUI, endangering the welfare of a child and possession with intent to deliver controlled substances. According to SUN Gazette, once he is released from UPMC Williamsport, Schomburg will be free on $75,000 intense supervised bail set by Magisterial District Judge Whiteman.

 LOCAL COVID-19 CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health added new cases. In Centre County 26 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 21 new cases. There were 27 new cases in Northumberland County, 17 in Snyder, 11 in Union, six in Montour and Tioga County had 5 new cases listed yesterday.

DEPORTATION FROM JAIL

A Northumberland County man who pleaded no contest on Monday to sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl will be deported at the conclusion of the case in Northumberland County Court. Jose Figueroa-Cante, pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of indecent assault. According to the Daily Item, it is the intention of the U.S. Government, through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to deport Figueroa-Cante to his home country of Honduras at the conclusion of the county case. He is a a county inmate in lieu of $250,000 cash bail, has credit for 717 days of jail time. A sentencing date is not yet scheduled.

FREE SMOKE DETECTORS TO WILLIAMSPORT RESIDENTS

The Williamsport Bureau of Fire provides Fire, Rescue, and EMS service to the City of Williamsport which also serves as the county seat for Lycoming County, PA. The City encompasses over nine square miles and has a permanent population of approximately 30,000 residents as well as 10,000 college students. The Williamsport Bureau of Fire was organized in 1874 as a career department with a staff of 33 sworn personnel and one Administrative Aide. The Williamsport Bureau of Fire offers FREE smoke detectors to residents of the City of Williamsport.  The Bureau will come out and install these smoke detectors for you at NO CHARGE. In order to obtain a FREE smoke detector, you can stop by Fire Headquarters at 440 Walnut Street, Williamsport, PA, and a Fire Fighter will review all of the information with you.  Smoke detectors are available to everyone.

MUSIC IN THE VALLEY FOR 2022

Music continues at the Uptown Music Collective! The Collective’s winter enrollment week begins on December 13th for both in-person and virtual private lessons on Guitar, Vocals, Bass, Keyboards, and Drums. The Winter Semester will begin on January 10th, 2022, and will run for 15 weeks. The Winter Semester will see the continuation of in-person classes and workshops, as well as the Adult Music Program known as “AMP”.  In the last 21+ years, the Uptown Music Collective has grown from what many used to call “the best-kept secret in the Williamsport area,” to one of the area’s most highly respected, non-profit, educational organizations. There are currently openings for students of all levels who are looking for private instruction. The school also offers financial assistance upon request and scholarship opportunities every year.  For more information call the Uptown Music Collective.

 

NO SURPRISES ACT

Governor Tom Wolf today was joined by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID), stakeholders, and a consumer who has fallen victim to surprise billing to celebrate the upcoming implementation of the federal No Surprises Act on January 1, 2022. The No Surprises Act will protect patients from receiving surprise medical bills.  A surprise bill is an unexpected medical bill that a patient receives when they unintentionally obtain health care from a provider that is outside their plan’s provider network. Today, Gov. Wolf also signed an Executive Order designating the PID as the lead agency to coordinate implementation of the No Surprises Act in the Commonwealth.

 SENIORS DECORATE THE TREE AT THE CAPITAL

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging announced that visitors to the State Capitol Main Rotunda during the holiday season can check out handmade ornaments hung on the holiday tree that were created by Pennsylvania seniors. Older adults from more than 32 Senior Community Centers in 27 counties across the commonwealth submitted ornaments in response to an annual request by the department. The tree will remain in the rotunda until January 10. Here is a list of Senior Community Centers that submitted holiday ornaments: Columbia County – Benton Senior Center, Bloomsburg Senior Center, Catawissa Senior Center, Lycoming County – George C. Meck Senior Community Center, Jersey Shore Senior Community Center, Tioga County – Wellsboro Senior Center Individuals can get a closer look at the ornaments made by the older adults, as well as information about resources and programs for seniors, by visiting the Department of Aging’s Facebook.

 

STUDENTS FACING CHARGES

Students were behind a written threat and led to the evacuation of Jersey Shore High School Friday face charges. According to an online media outlet, a written threat involving the high school building was taken seriously, as the entrance to the high school was closed, students were moved and the middle school placed on alert. Jersey Shore Super indent Ulmer reported the student who made the threat was identified and the building was still searched to make sure it was safe for students to return Monday. The Tiadaghton Regional Police are not releasing the names of the students, as they are juveniles.

MANY ARE HITTING THE ROAD THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Even with the increase in COVID-19 cases nationally, millions of Americans are expected to travel for the holidays, a number industry experts say could be triple the number of people who traveled a year ago.Americans who had to cancel getaways and get-togethers last year because of the pandemic are making up for lost time this holiday season. More than 109 million people — an almost 34% increase from 2020 — will travel 50 miles or more as they hit the road, board airplanes or take other transportation out of town between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2.

PENNSYLVANIA LAWMAKER CALLED OUT

The House panel investigating the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection requested an interview and documents from Republican Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania on Monday, marking the first time the committee publicly sought to sit down with a sitting member of Congress. The latest request launches a new phase for the lawmakers on the committee, who have so far resisted reaching out to one of their own as they investigate the insurrection by President Donald Trump’s supporters and his efforts to overturn the election. Perry and other congressional Republicans met with Trump ahead of the attack and strategized about how they could block the results at the Jan. 6 electoral count.

    

WORKING TO KEEP LAW ENFORCEMENT HEALTHY

Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) funds are used to improve the delivery of and access to mental health and wellness services for law enforcement through the implementation of peer support, training, family resources, suicide prevention, and other promising practices for wellness reform. The 2021 LEMHWA program funded projects that develop knowledge, increase awareness of effective mental health and wellness strategies, increase the skills and abilities of law enforcement, and increase the number of law enforcement agencies and relevant stakeholders using peer programs.

Pennsylvania Philadelphia, City of $125,000 Snyder, County of $109,885

BRIDAL EXPO 2024

BRIDAL EXPO 2024

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER!

SAMANTHA JOHNSON OF MONTOURSVILLE

Join us for the 2024 Bridal Expo!
Sunday, February 4, Noon until 4:00pm
at the Holiday Inn in Downtown Williamsport

WHY go to a Bridal Expo?…
1. Bridal swag!
2. Prize Package!
3. Fun way to check off multiple wedding list to-dos.
4. Face-to-face conversations with potential vendors makes the final booking decision a whole lot easier.
5. Bridal shows give you a chance to make personal connections with vendors across every category!

In order to register for a chance to win the grand prize package, fill out an insert (at our booth) with your contact information. Have all of the vendors initial next to their business name, then drop the form into the registration box at the Backyard Broadcasting sign in table.

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS TO THE EVENT

BRIDAL EXPO SPONSORS 2024

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CONGRATULATIONS to Samantha Johnson of Montoursville, grand prize winner of our Bridal Prize Package!

FUTURE BRIDES WILL ALSO HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN A BRIDAL PRIZE PACKAGE THAT INCLUDES…

– A 4 NIGHT, ALL INCLUSIVE VACATION TO PUNTA CANA FOR 2 FROM WORLD TRAVEL, 700 AIRPORT ROAD IN MONTOURSVILLE. 

– IV VITAMIN INFUSION FOR THE BRIDE & UP TO 5 FRIENDS FROM INFINITY HYDRATION AND WELLNESS BAR, 75 CHAD ROAD, MUNCY.

– AN $800 VOUCHER TOWARDS A WEDDING DRESS FROM AMBER ROSE BRIDAL AND FORMAL WEAR, 123 W. 4TH STREET, WILLIAMSPORT.

– $200 VOUCHER TOWARDS WEDDING FLOWERS FROM JANET’S FLORAL, 1718 FOUR MILE DRIVE, WILLIAMSPORT.

– 10% OFF A WEDDING PACKAGE A THE HOLIDAY INN/THE JAMES, 100 PINE STREET IN WILLIAMSPORT.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS DEC 20, 2021

A KITCHEN FIRE

A kitchen fire on Sunday morning sent a Williamsport woman to UPMC Williamsport for burns.  The residents of Grier Street Manor in Williamport were evacuated, but permitted to return, as the origin of the fire only suffered water damage, according to SUN Gazette.  The woman’s name and updated medical condition have not been released.

SOLAR POWER IN LYCOMING COUNTY

An ordinance for Solar Power, both commercial and residential use, is a possibility in Lycoming County. Concerns the ordinance would address could include making sure that all solar energy sites remain compatible with the landscape, according to Mark Haas, county development services supervisor. As reported by the SUN Gazette, it was discussed at the recent Lycoming County Planning Meeting that our neighbors to the south, Montour County, have successfully passed an ordinance set to regulate the nearly 5,000 acres that are proposed there for solar energy.

 

COVID-19 LOCAL UPDATES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Sunday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 18 new cases. In Centre County 124,  Lycoming County added 46 new cases. State Health officials recorded 72 new cases in Northumberland County, 29 in Montour, 21 in Union and 13 in Snyder County. Tioga County reported 25 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday.

 

ARTIFACTS STOLEN FROM PA MUSEUMS

Federal authorities say 15 historical artifacts stolen almost a half-century ago from a number of Pennsylvania museums have been returned to the institutions. The FBI art crime team and other law enforcement agencies repatriated the 18th- and 19th-century rifles and pistols as well as a Native American silver concho belt in a ceremony Friday at the Museum of the American Revolution. FBI art crime agents and detectives from the Upper Merion Township Police Department recovered the artifacts as part of an investigation into the 1971 theft and 2018 sale of a rare 1775 rifle made by Pennsylvania master gunsmith Christian Oerter, officials said.

 

TAX RELIEF FOR PSLF AND SLRN PROGRAMS

Governor Tom Wolf announced today that Pennsylvanians will not have to pay state income tax on the student loan debt relief they get from the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program and the Pennsylvania Student Loan Relief for Nurses (SLRN) Program. The decision by the Wolf Administration will save people eligible for those programs potentially thousands of dollars in state tax. According to Gov Wolf, in a statement, the point of student loan forgiveness programs for public servants is that these are people who have chosen jobs, often in lower paying fields, because they want to make a difference.   Student loan forgiveness is not considered taxable income at the federal level, and the decision announced by the governor brings Pennsylvania in line with the majority of other states.

 

GEISINGER LIMITING VISITORS FOR INPATIENT SETTINGS

As COVID-19 cases continue to increase systemwide, GMC is limiting visitors for inpatient settings. Effective, Monday, Dec. 20, one visitor is permitted per hospitalized adult patient. Other family members, friends and general visitors will not be permitted at this time. In the Geisinger  system, one in four inpatients has COVID and we are reaching or exceeding capacity in some hospitals. These guidelines protect the health and safety of our patients and staff. Having fewer visitors allows our staff to focus on treating our patients.

 

LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY REACCREDITATION

Over the last three years, Lock Haven University has been engaged in a reaccreditation process through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), in which the institution has been accredited by since 1949. In mid-October, a MSCHE team virtually visited LHU’s campus to discuss the university’s self-study and meet with the campus community. The MSCHE team found that Lock Haven has met each of the seven standards for reaccreditation and 15 requirements of affiliation. During the exit interview, the team commended LHU’s faculty for the exceptional work done in the area of assessment, noting that, “LHU has built a comprehensive system of student learning outcomes assessment from the ground up.” The team also extended a commendation to the faculty, staff and administration for their dedication and loyalty to the institution and willingness to work above and beyond. In his final comments, the team chair stated that, “LHU is truly a caring, student-centered community.”

FED COURT ALLOWED BIDEN’S COVID-19 VACCINE MANDATE

A federal appeals court panel on Friday allowed President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for larger private employers to move ahead, reversing a previous decision on a requirement that could affect some 84 million U.S workers. The 2-1 decision by a panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati overrules a decision by a federal judge in a separate court that had paused the mandate nationwide. The mandate from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration was to take effect Jan. 4. With Friday’s ruling, it’s not clear when the requirement might be put in place, but the White House said in a statement that it will protect workers: “Especially as the U.S. faces the highly transmissible Omicron variant, it’s critical we move forward with vaccination requirements and protections for workers with the urgency needed in this moment.” Republican state attorneys general and conservative groups said they would appeal Friday’s decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

 

GUN SHOT IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

A projectile, fired from a gun, struck  a  house in Loyalsock Township.  According to State Police in Montoursville, on December 12, they were dispatched to Richard Avenue to find that an unknown person had shot her bathroom window. Sometime between Thursday, December 9 and Friday December 10, a BB struck the side of the home, breaking one window and becoming encapsulated between the panes.  This incident remains under investigation.

 

KAUPAS CAMP

For one month each summer, roughly 60 middle-school students around Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, descend on the campus of Bucknell University to attend the Kaupas Camp, a free day camp to learn sports, ecology, playing instruments and more.  These opportunities are provided in large part by philanthropists serving long-term sentences at a nearby medium-security state prison in Coal Township, where about 250 men participate in the Lifeline Association, a giving circle that contributes to local charities. Many of its members are incarcerated for life; the rest will have spent at least 10 years in prison by the end of their sentences.  Lifeline primarily contributes to charities that promote the well-being of children, for example, they raised $3,743 for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and $500 for Marley’s Mission, a local nonprofit that offers horseback-riding therapy to children overcoming trauma.

This article was provided to The Associated Press by the Chronicle of Philanthropy. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy.

TERRORISTIC THREATS IN WATSONTOWN

A Watsontown man allegedly pulled the Victim’s hair and threatened to kill the Victim in the 600 block of Elm Street on Friday morning. David E. Phillips was taken into custody, charged with a misdemeanor count of Terroristic Threats and a summary count of Harassment, arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Michael I. Diehl and committed to the Northumberland County Jail in lieu of $50,000.00 bail.

 

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

A nationwide effort hits home with ‘Wreath’s Across America‘, an event full of history and lessons for the young, when wreaths were placed on the graves of U.S. veterans of all wars past. In total, according to Dori Rankinen, the coordinator for Central Pennsylvania Wreaths Across America, 12 cemeteries in Lycoming and Sullivan Counties were covered Saturday. As she mentioned on In Touch,  “They say a person dies twice. First, when they take their last breath physically, and then again when there’s no one left to say their name and tell their story.”  The ceremony started at 10 a.m. in Montoursville and upwards of 300 volunteers honored the fallen with a wreath and a mention of their names. It was a successful event of remembrance and respect. Congratulation to Dori and the Central Pennsylvania Wreaths Across America for a successful event.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS DEC 18, 19, 2021

TERRORISTIC THREATS

A Watsontown man allegedly pulled the Victim’s hair and threatened to kill the Victim in the 600 block of Elm Street on Friday morning. David E. Phillips was taken into custody, charged with a misdemeanor count of Terroristic Threats and a summary count of Harassment, arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Michael I. Diehl and committed to the Northumberland County Jail in lieu of $50,000.00 bail.

LOCK HAVEN REACCREDITED

Over the last three years, Lock Haven University has been engaged in a reaccreditation process through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), in which the institution has been accredited by since 1949. In mid-October, a MSCHE team virtually visited LHU’s campus to discuss the university’s self-study and meet with the campus community. The MSCHE team commended LHU’s faculty for the exceptional work done in the area of assessment, noting that, “LHU has built a comprehensive system of student learning outcomes assessment from the ground up.” The team also extended a commendation to the faculty, staff and administration for their dedication and loyalty to the institution and willingness to work above and beyond. In his final comments, the team chair stated that, “LHU is truly a caring, student-centered community.”

 

LOCAL COVID-19 CASES

On Saturday, the DOH reported there were 126 new Valley cases, the 11th time in 12 days with at least 100 cases. State Health officials recorded 66 new cases in Northumberland County, 34 in Snyder, 22 in Union and nine in Montour. Centre added 115, Clinton 26, Lycoming 72, Montour 9 and Tioga County added 17 new COVID-19 cases yesterday.

 

GEISINGER MEDICAL CENTER MOVING TO LIMIT VISITATION

As COVID-19 cases continue to increase systemwide, we are limiting visitors for inpatient settings. Effective, Monday, Dec. 20, one visitor is permitted per hospitalized adult patient. Other family members, friends and general visitors will not be permitted at this time. In the Geisinger  system, one in four inpatients has COVID and we are reaching or exceeding capacity in some hospitals. These guidelines protect the health and safety of our patients and staff. Having fewer visitors allows our staff to focus on treating our patients.

 

THREAT TAKEN SERIOUSLY

A bomb scare on Friday closed the entrance to the Jersey Shore Area Senior High School. According to police, students were moved to another building and were reported to have been released at regular dismissal bells. As reported by the Express, state police with a bomb-detection k-9 arrived around 3 p.m. There were no injuries reported. This is an ongoing story.

MILITARY SHARE PROGRAM IN DUBOISTOWN

Military Share program food distribution early Wednesday morning at the VFW Duboistown Post 7863 provided meals from the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.  According to Angel Fortin, the coordinator of Military Share Program for the DuBoistown area, the meal of frozen turkey, milk, eggs, potatoes, apples and more were given to veterans and their families through the fundraising efforts of the VFW and a grant of $15,000 from Highmark. according to sun gazette, at the end of the day, over 375 families were provided meals.

VACCINE MANDATE MOVES AHEAD

A federal appeals court panel on Friday allowed President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for larger private employers to move ahead, reversing a previous decision on a requirement that could affect some 84 million U.S workers. The 2-1 decision by a panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati overrules a decision by a federal judge in a separate court that had paused the mandate nationwide. The mandate from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration was to take effect Jan. 4. With Friday’s ruling, it’s not clear when the requirement might be put in place, but the White House said in a statement that it will protect workers: “Especially as the U.S. faces the highly transmissible Omicron variant, it’s critical we move forward with vaccination requirements and protections for workers with the urgency needed in this moment.” Republican state attorneys general and conservative groups said they would appeal Friday’s decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

A RESIDENCE SHOT IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

A projectile, fired from a gun, struck a house in Loyalsock Township.  According to State Police in Montoursville, on December 12, they were dispatched to Richards Avenue to find that an unknown person had shot her bathroom window. Sometime between Thursday, December 9 and Friday December 10, a BB struck the side of the home, breaking one window and becoming encapsulated between the panes.  This incident remains under investigation.

TAX RELIEF FOR THOSE RECEIVING LOAN FORGIVENESS IN TWO PROGRAMS IN PA

Pennsylvania will no longer impose state income taxes on public sector workers and nurses who receive student loan forgiveness from two major programs, the Wolf administration announced Friday. The change impacts participants in the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which provides debt relief to teachers, social workers, military members and other public servants, and the Pennsylvania Student Loan Relief for Nurses Program, a recent pandemic-era initiative to forgive up to $7,500 in student loan debt incurred by state-licensed nurses. According to Gov Tom Wolf in a news conference yesterday,  “These people have chosen to serve the public, and often in lower-paying fields, because they want to make a difference. They don’t have thousands of dollars lying around to pay a one-time tax bill. So it’s wrong to take what should be a blessing and turn it into just another burden.”

COVID-19 CASES UPDATED

The state Department of Health registered new cases on Friday statewide. State Health officials recorded 76 new cases in Northumberland County, 41 in Snyder, 20 in Montour and 17 in Union. Lycoming County added 57, Clinton 18, Centre 88, Tioga County had 23 new cases, 76 in Northumberland and 20 new COVID cases listed yesterday in Montour County.

 

KAUPAS CAMP AT BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY

For one month each summer, roughly 60 middle-school students around Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, descend on the campus of Bucknell University to attend the Kaupas Camp, a free day camp to learn sports, ecology, playing instruments and more.  These opportunities are provided in large part by philanthropists serving long-term sentences at a nearby medium-security state prison in Coal Township, where about 250 men participate in the Lifeline Association, a giving circle that contributes to local charities. Many of its members are incarcerated for life; the rest will have spent at least 10 years in prison by the end of their sentences.  Lifeline primarily contributes to charities that promote the well-being of children, for example, they raised $3,743 for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and $500 for Marley’s Mission, a local nonprofit that offers horseback-riding therapy to children overcoming trauma.

 

COVID-19 CASES UPDATED

On Saturday, the DOH reported there were 126 new Valley cases, the 11th time in 12 days with at least 100 cases. State Health officials recorded 66 new cases in Northumberland County, 34 in Snyder, 22 in Union and nine in Montour. Centre added 115, Clinton 26, Lycoming 72, Montour 9 and Tioga County added 17 new COVID-19 cases yesterday.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

A nationwide effort hits home with ‘Wreath’s Across America‘, an event full of history and lessons for the young, when wreaths were placed on the graves of U.S. veterans of all wars past. In total, according to Dori Rankinen, the coordinator for Central Pennsylvania Wreaths Across America, 12 cemeteries in Lycoming and Sullivan Counties were covered Saturday. As she mentioned on In Touch,  “They say a person dies twice. First, when they take their last breath physically, and then again when there’s no one left to say their name and tell their story.”  The ceremony started at 10 a.m. in Montoursville and upwards of 300 volunteers honored the fallen with a wreath and a mention of their names. It was a successful event of remembrance and respect. Congratulation to Dori and the Central Pennsylvania Wreaths Across America for a successful event.

SMOKE DETECTORS AVAILABLE TO WILLIAMSPORT RESIDENTS

The Williamsport Bureau of Fire provides Fire, Rescue, and EMS service to the City of Williamsport which also serves as the county seat for Lycoming County, PA. The City encompasses over nine square miles and has a permanent population of approximately 30,000 residents as well as 10,000 college students. The Williamsport Bureau of Fire was organized in 1874 as a career department with a staff of 33 sworn personnel and one Administrative Aide. The Williamsport Bureau of Fire offers FREE smoke detectors to residents of the City of Williamsport.  The Bureau will come out and install these smoke detectors for you at NO CHARGE. In order to obtain a FREE smoke detector, you can stop by Fire Headquarters at 440 Walnut Street, Williamsport, PA, and a Fire Fighter will review all of the information with you.  Smoke detectors are available to everyone.

 

FIREFIGHTERS TAKING EQUIPMENT TO KENTUCKY

When asked for help, the call is answered. Firefighters from our area are sending that help to fellow firefighters in Kentucky, who lost everything in last Friday’s massive tornadoes.  The equipment is set to leave for Mayfield tonight and has firefighting gear and apparatus from our local heroes. Departments lending their hand are the Muncy Area Volunteer Fire Co, Clinton Township Vol Fire Co and have extended to county wide efforts from Lycoming, Clinton, Tioga and Columbia Counties.  According to SUN Gazette, this has been a combined efforts of firefighters reaching out  to help other firefighters to help others.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS DEC 17, 2021

COVID-19 CASES UPDATED

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 21 new case. In Centre County 98 there were new cases. Lycoming County added 76. State Health officials recorded 89 new cases in Northumberland County, 45 in Snyder, 31 in Union and 20 in Montour. Tioga County had 25 new cases reported yesterday.

 

CHARGED AND CONVICTED

A Clinton County man was charged and convicted for making unwanted sexual and physical contact with three women on three separate occasions in Avis and Pine Creek Township in September and November of 2020. Eric King, was convicted of 7 of 8 crimes charged by a Clinton County jury yesterday, following a 1 day trial.  The jury returned guilty verdicts on multiple misdemeanors including three counts of Indecent Assault. King was ordered to be evaluated by the Pennsylvania Sexual Offenders Assessment Board to determine if he should be classified as a Sexually Violent Predator pursuant to Megan’s Law.  He is scheduled for sentencing on March 7 and faces a potential maximum penalty of 7 years and 9 months in prison.

 

GRANT FUNDING FOR 33 COUNTIES

Governor Tom Wolf today announced $17.4 million in grant funding for projects in 33 counties across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, highlighting their path-breaking work to improve the health of local streams, rivers, and lakes by reducing nutrient and sediment pollution.

The funding announced today includes $15 million from the Pennsylvania Environmental Stewardship Fund, primarily the Growing Greener Program, and $2.4 million from EPA.   DEP leaders announced grant awards to county teams during visits today  which included the Lycoming County Conservation District in Montoursville. The following counties received funding to coordinate and implement Countywide Action Plan projects and verify BMPs: Clinton County Commissioners: $344,505, Lycoming County Commissioners: $527,391, Montour County Conservation District: $729,331 for Montour, Columbia, and Sullivan counties, Snyder County Conservation District: $966,491 for Snyder and Union Counties.

 

NONSPECIFIC THREAT ON INTERNET

A TikTok post has received attention. Schools across the commonwealth received a post with open threats to no specific school, town or even state yesterday. Local school shared the post and are aware of the situation  and take it, and every threat, seriously. According to Lewisburg Superintendent Jennifer Baugh, the PA Dept of Education has sent messages to Commonwealth schools. The message was also received in Danville. According to the Daily Item, Shikellamy School District Police Chief Shawn Williams said the district was made aware of the threat as well.  Parents, student and educators are urged to utilize the tipline   “Safe to Say Something” to make anonymous reports of any suspicious behaviors. The tipline, which goes to the state Attorney General’s office, is 844-723-2729, or online at www.safe2saypa.org.

SMOKE DETECTORS FOR WILLIAMSPORT RESIDENTS

The Williamsport Bureau of Fire provides Fire, Rescue, and EMS service to the City of Williamsport which also serves as the county seat for Lycoming County, PA. The City encompasses over nine square miles and has a permanent population of approximately 30,000 residents as well as 10,000 college students. The Williamsport Bureau of Fire was organized in 1874 as a career department with a staff of 33 sworn personnel and one Administrative Aide. The Williamsport Bureau of Fire offers FREE smoke detectors to residents of the City of Williamsport.  The Bureau will come out and install these smoke detectors for you at NO CHARGE. In order to obtain a FREE smoke detector, you can stop by Fire Headquarters at 440 Walnut Street, Williamsport, PA, and a Fire Fighter will review all of the information with you.  Smoke detectors are available to everyone.

FIREFIGHTERS SENDING HELP

Firefighters from our area are sending that help to fellow firefighters in Kentucky, who lost everything in last Friday’s massive tornadoes. Departments lending their hand are the Muncy Area Volunteer Fire Co, Clinton Township Vol Fire Co and have extended to county wide efforts through  Lycoming,  Clinton, Tioga and Columbia Counties, according to SUN Gazette.

BUCKNELL PROFESSORS GAINING GRANTS FOR RESEARCH

Three Bucknell professors received grant funding through The Charles E. Kaufman Foundation. Matthew Clark, assistant professor, department of biology, received a New Investigator research grant totaling $150,000 split over two years. Moria Chambers and Sarah Lower, assistant professors of biology, received $195,230 spread over two years from The Pittsburgh Foundation.

WILLIAMSPORT BUREAU OF POLICE LOOKING FOR HELP

WBP In# 21-11084 – Request to Identify – The Williamsport Bureau of Police is currently attempting to identify the pictured individual in relation to an active investigation. Anyone with information regarding the identity of this individual is asked to contact Sgt Brian McGee at 570-327-7560 ext 7642, or Lycoming County Communications at 570-329-4066.

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://lycoming.crimewatchpa.com/williamsportpd/15317/post/subject-identified-21-11084-request-identify

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS DEC 16, 2021

TAXPAYER-FUNDED ELECTION INVESTIGATION

A legislative subpoena issued as part of a taxpayer-funded election investigation — specifically its request for the personal information of 9 million Pennsylvania voters — went before Commonwealth Court Wednesday, with arguments surrounding its purpose and intragovernmental sharing of information. A panel of five judges heard arguments in the now-consolidated case brought by legislative Democrats and Attorney General Josh Shapiro to challenge the review of the 2020 general and 2021 primary elections, and prohibit the release of voters’ driver’s license numbers and partial Social Security numbers.

LEGISLATION TO BAN PRIVATE FUNDING OF PENNSYLVANIA ELECTIONS

House Bill 2044, sponsored by Rep. Eric Nelson, R-Westmoreland, would prohibit county and state elections officials from accepting private donations to administer elections.The move was inspired by millions of dollars in grants to local election offices provided by nonprofits controlled by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg during the last election cycle. Republicans in the House State Government Committee highlighted in November $35 million in grants from nonprofits, including the Center for Tech and Civic Life, controlled by Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, to help administer elections in 24 of the state’s 67 counties. Centre County was among the recipients. The House sent HB 2044 to the Senate on a vote of 113-90.

COVID-19 LOCAL CASES UPDATED

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Wednesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported 34 new cases. In Centre County 90 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 63 new cases.  85 new cases in Northumberland County, 34 in Snyder, 15 in Union and five in Montour. Tioga County 31 new cases reported yesterday.

REMOTE LEARNING FOR ANOTHER AREA SCHOOL

COVID-19 is blamed for another school moving to remote learning. Selinsgrove elementary school is moving to remote learning beginning tomorrow until Wednesday December 22. Selinsgrove Elementary Superintendent Frank Jankowski posted to the district’s website, indicating their reasoning was based upon the “current number of positive COVID cases, quarantining of students and staff members, and projected impact on operations.” The move impacts the elementary school only, Jankowski said. According to the district’s COVID update, there are six positive cases at the school.

POLICE ARE ASKING FOR HELP

Police are asking for your help. The investigation into the “violent sexual assault” in Danville Borough on December 6th still has investigators scratching their heads. Reports say the incident happened in the area of East Market and Mill Streets.  Although Danville Police report there is no imminent threat to the public, the suspect remains at large and police are asking residents to remain vigilant. According to an online media outlet, the suspect was described as white male, medium build and about six-feet tall. Anyone with information is asked to call Danville Police 570-275-2101.

PENNSYLVANIA ASKS FEMA FOR HELP WITH COVID SURGE

Pennsylvania asked the federal government on Wednesday to send health care workers to hospitals and nursing homes that are increasingly under stress from persistent staffing shortages and the latest COVID-19 surge. The Wolf administration requested Federal Emergency Management Agency “strike teams” for hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and ambulance companies in the hardest-hit areas of the state. Pennsylvania also asked FEMA for 1 million rapid at-home coronavirus tests and for an increase in the state’s allocation of monoclonal antibody treatments, to be targeted to “rural areas, regions with higher social vulnerability, and lower vaccinations rates.”

OVERHAUL PROBATION IN PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania’s state Senate on Wednesday approved legislation to overhaul how probation is handled, in an effort to clamp down on people being stuck on an endless probation cycle or being sent back to jail for minor violations. The vote, 46-4, sends the bill to the House of Representatives, where a previous Senate bill died without a vote last year. The bill aims to limit the length of probation sentences and the circumstances under which a non-violent offender on probation can be sent to jail, part of a nationwide reconsideration of probation and parole measures. State law does not limit the length of probation sentences and critics say non-violent offenders are often incarcerated for technical violations that aren’t crimes, disrupting their families and employment. It also disproportionately affects racial minorities, they say.

CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS

The Republican-controlled state House of Representatives voted Wednesday to block the centerpiece of Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan to fight climate change, a cap-and-trade program to clamp down on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, although the chamber for now lacks the votes to stop it. The vote, 130-70, was on a resolution that Wolf can veto, and the authorizing regulation — which would make Pennsylvania the first major fossil fuel state to adopt carbon pricing — can take effect if both the House and Senate cannot must a two-thirds majority to override the veto. The regulation calls for Pennsylvania to join a multistate consortium, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which sets a price and declining limits on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.

MORE WATER DAMAGE TO WILLIAMSPORT CITY HALL

Williamsport Bureau of Fire responded to an alarm at Williamsport City Hall, where they determined a coil broke in the air handler within the heating system above the second floor ceiling.  At 1:30 am yesterday morning, the plumbing to burst releasing extremely hot water. The basement, first floor, and second floor sustained significant water damage. According to Williamsport Mayor Slaughter, the building is being evaluated for structural integrity. The damage is extensive with ceiling tiles fallen on the second and first floors according to  Jon Sander, city engineer. According to SUN Gazette, this is a second significant water leak at City Hall. The other, in July, rain came through the leak in the roof.

VOTERS REQUIRED TO PRESENT VALID ID


In an effort to allow the public to have the final say on a series of issues many Pennsylvanians consider to be a priority, the House advanced a package of constitutional amendments, said Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster). One amendment in particular filed by Rep Jeff Wheeland passed in the House would require voters to present valid identification prior to voting, regardless of voting method.

COURT APPEARANCE RESCHEDULED

A New Columbia woman received a rescheduled date for her appearance at Union County Court.  Melissa Keister is required to report for sentencing December 21. Keister was convicted in September in a jury trial for one count of endangering the welfare of a child. According to the Daily Item, State Police accused her of intentionally starving a child in her guardianship.

POLICE CRASH DURING PURSUIT IN UNION COUNTY

A Mifflinburg Police officer crashed his cruiser Monday night. There were no injuries and according to Mifflinburg Police Chief Jeffrey Hackenburg, the accident was a result of a pursuit from Monday night around  11:45 p.m.  The cruiser suffered major damage, as the cruiser left the roadway, hit a fence and rolled over along Red Ridge Road near the intersection with Wildwood Road. Officer Bremigen was not injured and the accident remains under investigation.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING, LOCAL NEWS DEC. 15, 2021

2022 BUDGET HAS NO TAX INCREASE IN LOYALSOCK TOWNSHIP

No increase in real estate or other taxes in Loyalsock Township, according to the 2022 budget adopted by the Township Supervisors Tuesday. As reported by SUN Gazette, the tax rate remains at 0.5 mills. In other township news, sketch plans were presented to the Supervisors in an attempt to remedy the Dunkin Donuts traffic debacle. Two drive-thru lanes were proposed to improve safety on the Golden Strip, where traffic issues have been a regular occurrence at this location for many years.

 

WILLIAMSPORT GIRL NEEDS A KIDNEY

Focal segmental glomerulosclereosis or FSGS is a rare disease affecting the filters in the kidneys. It has been part of Madeline Fausnaught’s life since she was 7. Now, as a 8th grader at the Williamsport Area Middle School, the community has come together to find her a kidney.  #RedKidneyStrong is the hashtag we use to try and show awareness that I need a kidney and try to get donors,” according to SUN Gazette. Maddy needs a donor between 18 and 55 years old with type “O” blood. For more details see the #RedKidneyStrong page on Facebook

 

TAX INCREASE BY A QUARTER OF A MILL FOR 2022 IN JERSEY SHORE

An increase in taxes by a quarter of a mill for 2022 in Jersey Shore was approved by the borough council, who voted to increase taxes in hope of balancing expenditures of $1.7 million. According to SUN Gazette, property taxes for the new year will be 9.216 mills. In addition, it was approved for Lycoming County to collect taxes for Jersey Shore borough at $1.50 per tax bill, in a renewed 4-year-contract.  Finally, the contract with River Valley Transit was renewed for the another year  at $2,280.25. A reorganizational meeting is scheduled for Jan. 3, where the new mayor will be sworn in and a new President of Borough Council will be selected. Their next public meeting is Jan 10 th at 7 pm.

 

SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR SENTENCED

Gideon L. Miller, 32, of North Mill Street, Loganton, was sentenced Monday afternoon to a maximum term of 22 years in a State Correctional Institution on 10 counts of Indecent Assault, 3rd degree felonies, and Indecent Assault, 1st degree misdemeanors.  Miller will be eligible to apply for parole after 5 years.  Clinton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael F. Salisbury imposed the sentence on Miller on the charges stemming from Miller sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl.  Gideon Miller was also classified as a Sexually Violent Predator and a lifetime Megan’s Law registrant.  Source:  Clinton County District Attorney’s Office

 

LOCALLY UPDATED COVID CASES

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday reported new COVID-19 cases. Clinton County reported seven new cases. In Centre County 52 new cases were recorded. Lycoming County added 67 new cases. State Health officials recorded 83 new cases in Northumberland County, 51 in Snyder, 41 in Union and six in Montour.  Tioga County had 23 new cases listed yesterday.

US DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION GRANT

Governor Tom Wolf announced ​today that the ​commonwealth will receive a $17 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) to buoy the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors as part of the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act. After consulting with tourism partners across the state and colleagues around the nation, the Pennsylvania Tourism Office at the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) will invest the $17,086,197 in multiple projects, as it was part of $510 million directed through EDA’s Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation program, which is focused on accelerating the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors.

 

PENNSYLVANIANS ARE ASKED TO SUBMIT A PROPOSED CONGRRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING MAP

Governor Tom Wolf is encouraging Pennsylvanians to submit their own proposed congressional redistricting maps for him to consider by Wednesday, Dec. 15.  Pennsylvanians can submit maps and comments and view maps submitted by other people at the Redistricting Public Comment Portal. The governor has repeatedly said that gerrymandering is harmful to democracy and that politicians should not redraw district boundaries to choose their own voters. The maps will determine the boundaries of 17 congressional seats that Pennsylvania voters will select starting with the primary and general election.

STRANGULATION CHARGES

Charged with Strangulation, simple assault and harassment, which stemmed from an incident Sunday in the 100 block of Bennage Ave, sent a Lock Haven man before MDJ Kibler.  Following his arraignment, Barnard Scott was given a bail of $10,000 and then incarcerated in the Clinton County Correctional Facility when he was unable to post bail.

 

FLAG AT HALF STAFF FOR UNION COUNTY FIREFIGHTER

Governor Tom Wolf ordered the commonwealth flag on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds in Union County to fly at half-staff immediately in honor of firefighter Tod “Cleever” Steese, of the Mifflinburg Fire Department, who died on Sunday, December 12, 2021. The commonwealth flag shall be flown at half-staff until sunset on Monday, December 20, 2021. The United States flag is to remain at full-staff. All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute.

STATE SENATOR GENE YAW HONORS LEWISBURG BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM

State Sen. Gene Yaw welcomed the Lewisburg High School Green Dragons Boys Cross Country Team to the state Capitol building in Harrisburg. The team was honored by the Pennsylvania Senate upon capturing First Place in the Class AA Boys’ Team Rankings during the 2021 PIAA State Cross Country Championships in Hershey on Nov. 6. Earning their fourth undefeated season and having a record with a total 61 wins and zero losses, the team distinguished itself by winning their third consecutive District IV title and their fourth Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference title.

MAN SENDS HIS AGGRESSIVE DOGS TO ATTACK STATE TROOPERS IN NEW COLUMBIA

“Sick em boy, go get em.” Orders to an aggressive Pit-Bull sent to attack State Troopers from Milton when they responded on Monday to check the welfare of a 9 year-old-juvenile. Reports to the police were that Jerry Proffit of New Columbia had strangled and then struck the juvenile victim in the head. When the troopers attempted to make contact with the Proffit, he released his aggressive dog. When he ran at the police, following behind the dog, he was placed into custody and evaluated by EMS on scene for injuries, but not before kicking an EMT in the head. Proffit was arraigned by MDJ Hackenburg and placed in Union County Jail in lieu of $150,000 bail.

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