BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 27, 2024

FATAL UNION COUNTY ACCIDENT

One man from Lewisburg was killed in a crash yesterday involving two vehicles.  According to the Daily Item, the Union County Coroner said 37 year old Chad Terry was declared deceased at the scene after he was ejected from one of the cars that crashed before 5pm at the 1500 block of Col. John Kelly Road.  Another individual was transported via Life Flight to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, but Milton State Police did not release any more information about the individuals involved in the accident as they worked to reconstruct the scene which closed Col. John Kelly Road in both directions from Hospital Drive to the entrance to Stolzfus’ grain silos.  Evangelical EMS, and William Cameron Fire Rescue 1 and 2 responded to the crash.

POLICE ARREST LOCK HAVEN MAN WITH WARRANT

A Lock Haven man has been charged after he ignored an attempted traffic stop by Williamsport City Police in February.  According to the Lock Haven express, Vincent Anthony Mauck was followed by police since they were seeking him for a state police arrest warrant on drug charges.  Police apprehended Mauck and took him into custody at the 300 block of Park Avenue after a struggle. Mauck was first taken to the state police barracks in Montoursville, then committed to Clinton County prison on 75 thousand dollars bail.

CLINTON COUNTY MANUFACTURER CONTINUES EXPANSION

Broadart in McElhattan will close up shop in the next few months to make way for First Quality Products to expand more of their facilities in Clinton County.  According to the News Item, Broadart’s contents and equipment were sold to Toledo Furniture based in Stroudsburg, PA this year and about 40 people are affected by the closing with 10 employees being asked to stay on with the Stroudsburg company. First Quality purchased the buildings and acreage for $12.5 million on February 6th, and remain Clinton County’s largest employer with no public announcement yet on what they plan to do with the space. 

APRIL BIDS COMING FOR MIDD-WEST ATHLETIC STADIUM

Midd-West School District will soon be soliciting bids for a multi-million dollar athletic field and stadium project at the Middleburg campus, the fourth phase of which had just been reviewed by the school board this week.  According to the Daily Item, bids for the proposed field house will start in April and with an approved bid, construction could start in May .  The new construction is expected to include restrooms, locker rooms, a weight room and concession area with five serving windows. 

POLICE SEEK SUSPECT IN ATTEMPTED ROBBERY IN MUNCY

A suspect is being sought by police after police say they broke into two properties in Muncy on or around March 22nd.  According to the Sun Gazette, there was an attempted burglary at JL Winters Jewelers on John Brady Drive in Muncy Creek Township early in the morning, when a person broke glass and tried to reach into the store to steal items between 6 and 6:30am.  Shortly after, the suspect allegedly broke into a garage nearby by breaking a window, but no items were reported taken.  Police say they fled toward Muncy Borough, and was wearing a dark colored jacket with a hood, blue jeans and black and tan boots.  If you have any information call police.

INVESTIGATION INTO THEFT OF A SAFE IN LOYALSOCK

Police are investigating a theft that occurred at a property in Loyalsock Township in February.  According to North Central PA dot com, State police at Montoursville say someone broke into a property along Freedom Road in Williamsport  and stole a safe.  The victim of the theft said there was more than 30 thousand dollars inside the safe along with 700 dollars-worth of coins.  If you have any information about the theft of the safe, or the suspect, contact state police Montoursville at 570 368-5700.

MAN CHARGED AFTER FIGHT AT BASKETBALL GAME

Following an investigation by Lycoming Regional Police into a fight that broke out at a Jersey Shore vs Milton basketball game on January 11th, a west Milton man has been charged with assault on a sports official and disorderly conduct.  According to the Sun Gazette, a police citation says 42 year old Brian Hunter ran from the stands  with others during the final minutes of the game as two players started fighting and he allegedly grabbed a coach who was on the ground, pulling him and then lifting him by his neck. In a statement to the Milton school board, Hunter alleged instances of discrimination and racism toward his son, and questioned why he was the only parent charged.  Both school districts denounced the violent behavior at the game.

PRICE FOR FISHING LICENSES GOING UP FOR 2024       

The PA Fish and Boat Commission plan to raise fishing license prices again in 2024 after the State legislature did not increase the fee from for over 15 years until last year.  According to the PFBC, they were granted the ability to set license fees starting in 2020, and waited through COVID to raise prices with more than 790,000 fishing licenses sold last year.  The regular 2024 fishing season gets underway at 8 a.m. April 6, but PA’s annual Mentored Youth Trout Day is March 30 from 8am till 7:30pm.  Children and their  guardians should pick up a Voluntary Youth Fishing Licenses and  free Mentored Youth Trout Permit – find out more at fish and boat dot com.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Sports

Baseball
So. Wmsport 15   Lewisburg 5 (5 innings)
Midd-West 9        Loyalsock 4
Montgomery 11   Sugar Val Rural Charter 1
St. John Neumann 6      Bucktail 5
NP-Mansfield 9    Wellsboro 6

Softball

Shikellamy 8        Shamokin 7
Warrior Run 11    Milton 0
Muncy 5               Southern Columbia 0
NP-Liberty 15      Wellsboro 0 (4 innings)
Jersey Shore 15    Montoursville 5
Sullivan Co. 21    Millville 0 (3 innings)


NCAA Men’s Basketball March Madness
Thursday, March 28 Sweet 16/ East & West
(6) Clemson  vs (2) Arizona 7pm CBS
(5) San  Diego State  vs (1) UConn  7:30pm TBS/TruTv
(4) Alabama  vs (1) UNC 9:30pm CBS
(3) Illinois vs (2) Iowa State 10pm TBS TruTv

NBA

Warriors  113     Heat  92
Lakers  128         Bucks  124
Thunder  119      Pelicans  112
Mavericks  132  Kings  96

NBA Tonight

Cavaliers vs Hornets  7pm
Nets vs Wizards  7pm
Clippers  vs 76ers  7:30pm ESPN
NY Knicks  vs Raptors  7:30pm
Suns vs Nuggets  10pm ESPN

NHL
Bruins  4             Panthers 3
Rangers  6           Flyers  5
Penguins  4         Hurricanes  1
Capitals 4            Red Wings  3
Devils  6              Maple Leafs  3

NHL Tonight

Ottawa vs Buffalo  7pm
Boston  vs Tampa Bay 7:30pm TNT

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 26, 2024

CRASH CAUSED BY MEDICAL EMERGENCY

A truck crash that blocked the northbound lane of  Route 287 in Pine Township last Thursday morning was allegedly caused by a medical emergency.  According to the Sun Gazette, 64 year old  Richard L. Masorti of Flemington was traveling southbound on Route 287 around 11am when he failed to negotiate a curve and swerved between the north and southbound lanes before the truck turned on its passenger side, sliding south along the northbound guiderail.  Police say Masorti was not wearing a seatbelt and sustained minor injuries from the crash, but that a medical issue may have been the catalyst in the accident.  He was taken to Geisinger Jersey Shore for treatment and the truck had to be towed from the scene.  Morris Volunteer Fire Department responded to the wreck.   

SUSPECT IN 2021 SUNBURY MURDER WANTS CHANGE OF VENUE

The homeless man from Sunbury who is on trial for allegedly killing three people in 2021 from a dispute over a car deal, and who recently filed an unsuccessful motion that he hadn’t tried in a timely manner in Northumberland County court, wants a change of venue in a move to have the death penalty  against him dropped.  According to the Daily Item, a defense team for 26 year old Matthew Reed, who remains incarcerated,  asked for the hearing to be moved to benefit Reed’s emotional health and well-being.  A hearing will be scheduled on the venue change, with Reed’s trial tentatively scheduled for this fall.

PENNDOT PREPPING FOR BRIDGE PROJECT

This Thursday, a portion of the two-year roadway project will continue along Interstate 180 east and westbound in Montoursville Borough, and Loyalsock, Fairfield, and Muncy townships. According to PennDOT, a contractor will be performing repairs on a bridge joint on I-180 eastbound over the Muncy Creek in Muncy Township. Watch for the right  lane to be restricted between 7am and 2pm weather permitting.

SALVATION ARMY THRIFT STORE IN LOCK HAVEN CLOSING

After years of operating losses the Salvation Army in Lock haven has made the decision to close the thrift store on East Main Street as of May 18th.  According to the Lock Haven Express, the Salvation Army Lock Haven Corps says the location would need thousands of dollars in repair to continue to operate safely, and that they are seeking partnerships with other community organizations to continue to provide essential services to those who have come to rely on the Salvation Army there.  Find the Lock Haven Corps online for information or questions easternus.salvationarmy.org  /eastern-pennsylvania/lock-haven/.

MAN WHO THREATENED TENANT GIVEN JAIL TIME

The husband of the woman who was charged and sentenced  last fall for terroristic threats, simple assault, and firearms charges for threatening a tenant while trying to evict them in Dunnstable township, was given 20-84 months in jail last week.  According to North Central PA dot com , police say 54 year old William Laubscher and his wife Candy, who was sentenced to 144 months in prison on the same charges, had begun eviction proceedings against the tenant but allegedly chose to enter the residence and threaten the 19 year old woman who lived  there. The Laubschers fled from Pennsylvania while released on bail and later were found in North Carolina last July before being brought back to Lycoming County to face trial.

MAN ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGED STRANGULATION

A Montgomery man was charged with strangulation, aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, DUI and other charges after police say he assaulted a woman while drunk at a home along State Route 15 and left the property.  According to North Central PA dot com, 33 year old Andrew Robert Buck, was arrested at the Sheetz in Montgomery about 11pm March 9th after the victim called the police about the physical altercation that happened earlier in the day.  Buck admits to the DUI charges but denies that he assaulted the woman by strangulation,  He is being held at the Lycoming County Prison on $50,000 monetary bail.

BRIDGE WORK ON ROUTE 220 THIS WEEK

The bridge replacement and rehabilitation project will continue this week along Route 220 in Woodward Township during off peak hours . This project replaced the northbound structure carrying Route 220 over the Fourth Street off ramp and rehabilitated northbound structures over Antlers Lane and the Lycoming Valley Railroad during the 2023 construction season, and next week, there will be sign work along both the Route 220 northbound and southbound lanes in preparation for upcoming construction. The southbound structures are scheduled to be completed by this fall.

DIGITAL SAFETY PROGRAM AT LEWISBURG HIGH SCHOOL

An agent from the Federal bureau of investigation will be the guest presenting a special program at Lewisburg Area High School on April 16 to learn more about digital safety for middle schoolers According to the Daily Item, parents and guardians who participate will learn valuable tips about online safety for youth, using social media and apps; recognizing dangerous situations and types of communication trends.  The event hosted by Transitions of PA will be at 6 p.m. April 16 at the high school auditorium on Newman Road in Lewisburg.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Sports
Softball

Loyalsock Township  23      Lewisburg  1

NCAA Men’s Basketball March Madness
Thursday, March 28 Sweet 16/ East & West
(6) Clemson  vs (2) Arizona 7pm CBS
(5) San  Diego State  vs (1) UConn  7:30pm TBS/TruTv
(4) Alabama  vs (1) UNC 9:30pm CBS
(3) Illinois vs (2) Iowa State 10pm TBS TruTv

NBA

Cavaliers 115     Hornets  92
Hawks  120         Celtics  118
Knicks  124        Pistons  99
Nets  96               Raptors  88
Wizards  107      Bulls 105
Spurs 104           Suns  102
Kings  108          76ers  96
NBA Tonight
LA Lakers  vs Milwaukee Bucks  7:30pm TNT
Dallas vs Sacramento  10pm TNTNHL
Golden Knights 2        Blues  1
Kings  3                        Canucks  2
NHL Tonight
Flyers vs NY Rangers  7pm
Hurricanes vs Penguins  7pm
Red Wings vs Capitals  7pm
Devils vs Maple Leafs 7:30pm ESPN+/Hulu

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 25, 2024

UNDERCOVER POLICE CHARGE WILLIAMSPORT MAN

A Williamsport man was charged with possession with intent to deliver after he sold cocaine to undercover officers at the end of 2023.  According to North Cetntral PA dot com, 32 year old Trevor Daniel Fraboni, 32, exchanged drugs with investigators from  Lycoming County from November of last year to January totalling over 10 thousand dollars.  Fraboni is also being charged with criminal use of a communication facility and is free on $10,000 unsecured bail.

ACCIDENT CAUSED AFTER DRIVER SWERVES FOR CAT

A vehicle accident last Wednesday on Route 405 was allegedly caused when one driver tried to keep from hitting a cat.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say tWo women from Muncy, 65 year old Elizabeth Johnson and 33 year old Tiffany Solomon collided just before 7am in the southbound lane near the 2500 block of Route 405 at about 45 miles per hour.  Both cars needed to be towed from the scene, and Johnson required hospitalization for a foot injury and was charged with a traffic violation in the incident. Solomon declined treatment at the scene.

SOLAR ENERGY PROJECT IN CLEARFIELD COUNTY

Federal officials are injecting 90 million dollars into a solar energy project in Clearfield County, PA, one of five other solar projects across the country .  According to the Sun Gazette,  Mineral Basin Solar Power says Clearfield County’s former mines offer an unparalleled opportunity to repurpose reclaimed mine land for solar development.  The project expects to create more than 750 construction and operations jobs.  The funds from the Department of Energy will help Mineral Basin partner with Clearfield County Community Technical Center and Penn State University to add benefits and job training by engaging with local leaders, colleges, and apprentice programs.

ECLIPSE PRGRAMS AT UNION COUNTY STATE PARK

Raymond B Winter State park is planning two solar eclipse programs next week prior to the eclipse event April 8th.  According to the Daily Item, one program will be March 30th called Exploring Eclipses, and the other a DIY Eclipse projector class will be April 3rd at the Environmental Learning Center. The classes are recommended for homeschool students children and teens. Register for the April 3rd event and get information at events.dcnr.pa.gov.

MAN ARRESTED FOR THREATENING TO BURN DOWN HOUSE

A domestic incident at a residence in Gregg Township, brought police to investigate after a victim alleged an Allenwood man threatened to burn down the house before 1am on March 20th.  According to State police at Milton, 30 year old Zachary Delroy Reaser was taken into custody for terroristic threats, resisting arrest and more.  A 16 year old minor was also present when the man threatened and one person in the home was injured according to police.  Reaser was taken to Union County Prison on 25 thousand dollars bail.

MISSING TRAVEL TRAILER FROM RETAIL LOT

A 38 foot long Jayco travel trailer is missing from the storage parking lot of an RV retailer along Lycoming Creek Road.  According to Lycoming Regional Police Department they were contacted by the owner of Rhones RV who said the theft occurred Sometime between February 6th and March 19th.  The camper is grey over white with three slide-out sections and no windows on the driver’s side.  Call 911 if you spot the 2022 Jayco 34RSBS RV; use the case number 24-1129.

BRIDGE INSPECTION FOR FUTURE PROJECT

A bridge inspection project will start next week on Lewisburg River Bridge between Lewisburg Borough, Union County and West Chillisquaque Township, Northumberland Borough and the Route 642 bridges over the West Branch Susquehanna River between Northumberland County and Kelly Township. According to PennDOT, starting Monday, March 25th, a contractor will be performing bridge sounding work in preparation for an upcoming bridge preservation project during daylight hours, weather permitting, and will take about one week to complete.

DUMP OPEN FOR SPRING CLEANING

Sunbury has the Sunbury Clean Sweep this week for residents who want to take advantage of cleaning out attics or basements.  According to the Daily Item, city officials say there will be a free drop off for unwanted items Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 1pm until 7pm at the Sunbury Municipal Authority proof of residency in Sunbury.  Items not being accepted include  household garbage, appliances with Freon, hazardous materials, brush, contractor waste, items containing asbestos, tires and liquids of any kind.  Call with questions 570-286-7820.

SPORTS

NASCAR
William Byron took the checkered flag on Sunday at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Christopher Bell was 2nd, Ty Gibbs 3rd, Alex Bowman 4th and Tyler Reddick rounded out the Top 5.
NCAA Wrestling    
Lock Haven’s Anthony Noto finished the 2024 NCAA Division 1 Wrestling Championship tournament in Missouri  with a record of 5-1, placing 3rd at 125.  He has a career record at Lock Haven 87-10.

NCAA Men’s Basketball March Madness
2nd Round Sunday
(1) Purdue 106               (8) Utah St 67
(1) UConn 75                 (9) Northwestern  58
(1) Houston 100            (9) Texas A&M 95
(2) Marquette  81                     (10) Colorado  77
(6) Clemson  72              (3) Baylor  64
(4) Duke  93                   (12) James Madison  55
(4) Alabama  72            (12) Grand Canyon  61
(5) San Diego St  85      (13) Yale  57

NBA
Pelicans  114        Pistons  101
76ers  121            Clippers 107
Heat  121             Cavaliers  84
Bucks  118                     Thunder  93
Timberwolves  114  Warriors  110 
Lakers  150          Pacers 145
NBA Tonight
Boston vs Atlanta 7:30pm NBAtv
Detroit vs NY Knicks  7:30pm
Washington vs Chicago  8pm
76ers  vs Sacramento  10pm  NBAtv
NHL
Capitals  3                     Jets  0
Avalanche  5        Penguins 4
Devils  4               NY Islanders  0
Senators  5                     Oilers 3
Panthers  4                     Flyers  1

NHL Tonight

Vegas vs St Louis 8pm NHL Net
LA Kings  vs Vancouver  9pm ESPN+

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 20, 2024

MAN WHO VIOLATED PFA IN RENOVO THREATENS AGAIN

A Renovo man who was arrested in February and ordered to stay away from an Allison Township residence due to a previous PFA, was arrested again for threatening to kill a woman with her own gun March 6th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 31 year old Adam Shaffer went to the vicitm’s home along the 900 block of Renovo Road just after he had been released from prison from his previous charge. Shaffer had her gun when the victim arrived, and fired it inside her home several times during an argument.  The woman eventually escaped and was able to call 911.  Police arrived and took Shaffer into custody.

JUDGE SAYS HOMICIDE SUSPECT IS DETAINED LEGALLY

A Mount Carmel man was recently denied a Rule 600 motion after being accused of attempted homicide in 2022.  According to the Daily Item, lawyers for 38 year old Bruce Thompson argued that he was not brought to trial by the state Attorney General’s Office within 180 days, but the judge determined that the state was in the required timeline over the past two years because of filings by the defense.  Thompson was arrested after he allegedly shot at a victim in May of 2022 along South Poplar Street in Sunbury and then fled causing a crash at Second and Plum streets.  Police charged Thompson with felony attempted homicide, and other assault charges. He remains in Northumberland County Jail.

FIRE IN DUSHORE DISPLACES EIGHT

Eight tenants were displaced Tuesday after a fire broke out in a multi unit Victorian along Route 487 in Dushore.  According to the Sun Gazette, a safety officer for the Mildred Volunteer Fire Company was nearby and noticed smoke coming from the structure around the same time the call was dispatched just after noon, and he assisted in getting the residents out of the home.  Firefighters discovered flames in a second floor apartment bathroom and extinguished the fire within 15 minutes.   There was water damage to the home at 201 Bernice Road, but officials say most tenants should be back in their apartment within a few weeks.  The Red Cross is assisting the families who were displaced.

ROAD WORK IN COLUMBIA COUNTY SCHEDULED TODAY

There is a lane restriction this week on I-80 eastbound in Scott Township, Columbia County, for a soil remediation project due to a previous crash.  A contractor will be working today eastbound at mile marker 237, just east of the Buckhorn interchange.  Watch for the left lane and shoulder to be restricted between the hours of 8am and 5pm weather permitting.

SOUTHSIDE WOMAN ARRESTED AFTER AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR

A woman from South Williamsport was arrested by police after she originally called them to complain about her neighbors causing a disturbance, but after a confrontation with the officers she was arrested and taken into custody. According to the Sun Gazette, Megan Butler called police last Wednesday evening saying she feared for her life from her neighbor’s harassment, but when police questioned the neighbors, they showed a video of Butler yelling toward them from out of an open upstairs window.  When police asked her to stop yelling, Butler raised he voice at officers and began acting aggressively, even striking an officer with a metal exterior door before she resisted arrest and had to be carried to the police cruiser.  She was jailed at Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 50 thousand dollars bail.

INMATE FLUSHED BEDSHEETS

A Northumberland County Prison inmate is facing a felony count of institutional vandalism and misdemeanor criminal mischief after he flushed bedsheets down the toilet to force officers to move him from his cell.  According to North Central PA dot com, 19 year old James Heller told officers he would find a way to make them move his location, and allegedly caused the sewer backup before he admitted to the incident.  A plumber found the sheets in the sewer system which cost almost 5 hundred dollar to reapir.  Heller awaits an arraignment in Northumberland County Court.

TARGET TO LIMIT SELF-CHECKOUT

Over 2000 Target locations nationwide are changing the way they offer check-out lanes in their stores.  According to North Cetnral PA dot com, since their Express Self-Checkout came about during the COVID-19 pandemic, store executives said they expanded the service.  They are now making a change back to more traditional check-out experiences according to corporate.target.com.  One change includes limiting express self check-out to 10 items or less as well as expanding traditional lanes staffed by employees.

CONTRACT APPROVED TO FIND NEW POLICE CHIEF

A $6,000 contract to assist in finding a new police chief was approved by the Buffalo Valley Regional Police Commission last week. According to the Daily Item, the contract with the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association was approved to find a successor to current police chief Paul Yost. Yost plans to retire this coming January after holding the position since 2012. The association has a 30-day period to accept applications for a hiring process that can take as long as four months to complete.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Sports
Softball
Mifflinburg 13               Selinsgrove  3
Baseball
So. Columbia 10            Lewisburg  1
Boys Lacrosse 
Lewisburg 21                 Mifflinburg  0
Selinsgrove 22               Lake-Lehman  3

NBA

Magic  112          Hornets  92
Rockets  137       Wizards  114
Pelicans 104       Nets  91
Mavericks 113  Spurs  107
Nuggets  115      Timberwolves  112

NBA Tonight

Milwaukee vs  Boston  7:30pm ESPN
Phila 76ers vs Phoenix Suns 10pm
Memphis vs Golden Stater  10pm ESPN

NHL
Bruins  6             Senators 2
Red Wings 4       Blue Jackets 3
Devils  5              Penguins  2
Jets  4                  Rangers  2
Flyers  4              Maple Leafs 3
Hurricanes  4      Islanders  1
Oilers  3              Canadiens 2 OT

NHL Tonight

Toronto  Maple Leafs vs Washington  Capitals 7:30pm TNT
Minnesota Wild vs LA Kings  10pm TNT

NHL News

Former NHL winger Chris Simon has died at 52. In a statement, his family revealed their belief that Simon suffered from CTE (Chronic traumatic encephalopathy)  which contributed to his death by suicide Tuesday.  Simon spent the bulk of his career with the Washington Capitals and scored a career-high 29 goals and 49 points during the 1999-2000 season. He would also play for the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, Islanders and Minnesota Wild over his career.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 19, 2024

UNION COUNTY POLICE SEARCH FOR MAN WHO SKIPPED COURT

Police have issued an arrest warrant for a suspect in a 2020 shooting in East Buffalo Township who wasn’t at his a pre-trial hearing last week in Union County court.  According to North Central PA dot com, when 27 year old Julio Gonzalez failed to appear in court for attempted homicide charges last week, Union County Judge Michael Piecuch issued a felony bench warrant for Gonzalez’s arrest.  He was allegedly involved in a drive-by shooting that injured 22 year old Daevon Bodden and another man who were sitting outside of a home on West Market Street.  Police say Bodden returned fire, which didn’t injure anyone but caused damage to some property in the area.

FOSTER MOTHER CHARGED WITH ABUSE

A foster mother from Cogan Station has her preliminary hearing April 17th after authorities charged her with 11 counts of felony child endangerment and 11 counts of simple assault for abusing a 5 year old non-verbal autistic girl in her Quenshukeny Road home over the course of a year.  According to North Central PA dot com, experts say while in the care of 24 year old Jeanette Hunsberger, the child suffered injuries consistent with abuse and according to an independent review by child abuse experts, once she was taken from her care the child’s physical condition improved, a sign of previous abuse. 

PA LOTTERY SYSTEM UPGRADE TODAY

The PA Department of Revenue, the bureau that manages the Pennsylvania Lottery, has announced that a system upgrade is taking place today that will keep retail customers from buying any Fast Play tickets or Draw Game tickets at lottery retail locations or online.  Scratch-Off tickets will be available with cash at the counter and at vending machines at lottery retailers, and payouts will be paused during the update as well. The process began at midnight and will continue into today with updates about the system progress announced on social media sites and the PA lottery Website at  Palottery.com.

DANVILLE HS STUDENTS TO HOLD BASKETBALL FUNDRAISER

Students involved in the Danville Area High School’s Students Preserving Mental Health club are sponsoring a ‘Hoops for Mental Health’ fundraiser where students and district staff will compete together on the court.  During the game, a special message will be presented at halftime to let those who suffer from mental health issues know they are not alone.  The game is Saturday March 23rd  at 6pm in the Danville High School Gym, and costs 5 dollars for adults and 3 dollars for students and will feature concessions, a 50/50 and a basket raffle.

MAN THREATENS WOMAN AT HER SELINSGROVE WORKPLACE

A man from Selinsgrove is in custody after threatening a woman with a gun at her workplace last week.  According to the Daily Item, 35 year old Brendan Lafferty came to the woman’s workplace and forced her to text and call his girlfriend.  When the victim asked what would happen if she didn’t contact the girlfriend,  he allegedly showed a pistol from under the seat.  After Lafferty left the business in Monroe Township, he was apprehended at a downtown Selinsgrove business.  He was charged with misdemeanor terroristic threats and simple assault and is in Snyder County Jail in lieu of 25 thousand dollars bail.

LIFE IN PRISON FOR BRAD BAILOR

A Snyder County judge found Brad A Bailor guilty of first and third degree murder last week in his bench trial for killing his estranged wife Leslie Bailor in their home during an argument while their two children were away with other family members in April of 2022.  According to North Central PA dot com, Senior Judge Harold Woelfel Jr. sentenced Bailor to life in prison without parole for the murder charge as well as a one month to five year sentence for a misdemeanor possession of an instrument of crime charge to run concurrently.   Bailor had waived his right to a jury trial.

SOUTHERN AIRWAYS PLANS WEEKEND FLIGHTS

The Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority has recently been given a revised flight schedule by Southern Airways Corp for the return of air travel out of Montoursville, and it now includes weekend flights. According to the Sun Gazette, with the return of opportunities for travelers in May to the Williamsport/ Lycoming Regional Airport, they begin a standard two-year agreement with Southern Airways at no cost to the carrier for lease and use of airport facilities which has been approved by airport authorities.  Adding weekend flights could reduce the number of flights in and out of Williamsport on weekdays, but will add more opportunities for domestic and international travelers to and from the region.

AG SAFETY FAIR IN CLINTON COUNTY

Geisinger is planning an Agricultural Safety Fair at the Clinton County Fairgrounds in April and invite the public to take part in an important educational event.  According to Geisinger’s Trauma team, who is sponsoring the fair, there will be educational safety exhibits that will teach all ages about firearm safety, grain silo rescue, and more and will help raise awareness and prevent farm related injuries in the commonwealth’s rural communities.  Local agencies including Goodwill Hose Company and Safe Kids Pennsylvania and many others will be in attendance on Saturday April 13th from 10 til 1.   

SPORTS

PIAA HS Basketball
Class 3A Playoffs
Lancaster Catholic 53   Loyalsock 43

NBA
Cavaliers  108    Pacers  103
Celtics  119         Pistons  94
76ers  98             Heat  91
Bulls  110           Trail Blazers  107
Timberwolves  114  Jazz  104
Knicks  119        Warriors  112
Kings  121          Grizzlies  111
Lakers  136         Hawks 105
NBA Tonight
Houston vs Washington  7pm
New Orleans vs Brooklyn  7:30pm

NHL
Capitals  5           Flames  2
Sabres  6             Kraken  2


NHL Tonight 
Penguins vs Devils  7pm
Jets vs Rangers  7pm
Maple Leafs vs Flyers  7pm
Hurricanes vs Islanders  7:30pm ESPN/Hulu

MLB Spring Training Scores
Guardians 8        White Sox 5
Rays  7                Braves  3
Twins 5               Red Sox  2
Pirates  11           Phillies  2
Yankees 4           Phillies 3
Nationals  10      Astros  1

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 18, 2024

MORE ASSAULT CHARGES FOR FORMER CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

More sexual assault charges have been brought against a former female corrections officer at Clinton County Correctional Facility.  According to North Central PA dot com, 31 year old Kelly Lynn Fye had already been charged with assaulting an inmate while she was employed there. New charges, including three counts of third-degree felony institutional sexual assault from February 10th  have been added. Fye will have a formal arraignment at the end of March., she is free on 50 thousand dollars bail.

FARMERS TO BE SENTENCED FOR POISONING BIRDS

Two PA farmers will be sentenced May 29th after being found guilty of poisoning more than two dozen migratory birds with a banned chemical.  According to the US Department of Justice, Robert Yost, the operator of Yost Farms, in Beaver County, and Jacob Reese, an employee in June 2020, laced feed with a pesticide called carbofuran and killed 17 Canada geese, 10 red-winged blackbirds, and a mallard duck.  THE EPA banned the substance in 2009.   According to court records, the men destroyed the feed and lied to government officials during the investigation.   Both Yost and Reese face a maximum prison term of 13 months and a fine of $31,000.

CITY COUNCIL REAFFIRMS LYCOMING COUNTY NOT A SANCTUARY AREA

City Council members addressed rumors last week reaffirming that neither Lycoming County nor the City of Williamsport are areas withy a sanctuary status for undocumented migrants.  According to the Sun Gazette, Council President Adam Yoder clarified the role of the Immigration and Custom Enforcement office on South Reach Road – which is merely administrative – not a facility to house or detaining undocumented people.  Yoder also invited anyone who had not heard the most recent broadcast of the Lycoming County Commissioners meeting answering questions regarding the response to a non-government website incorrectly posting that our area was a sanctuary area, to listen to the meeting for more details and answers to questions.

KEYSTONE CENTRAL SCHOOL ANNOUNCES LATEST EMT GRADUATES

Five students and six adults, recently graduated from the first Keystone Central School District EMT class . According to the Record Online, the announcement was made at the Thursday night voting session for the Keystone Central School District school board by  Lock Haven EMS Chief Gerard Banfill.  The program, that started May 20, was a partnership between Lock Haven EMS and the school district to get students and the general public an avenue to explore careers in the health services and emergency services fields. The next class is set to begin August 2024.

MAN STARTS POLICE CHASE OVER SUMMARY TRAFFIC VIOLATION

A 22 year old driver chose to elude state police, refusing to pull over along I-180 last Thursday, which started a chase that reached up to 100 miles per hour.  According to the Sun Gazette, police attempted to pull over Thomas Baldwin Gibson after 11pm starting in Loyalsock Township, where a chase started going until he exited I-180 at Reach Road.  Police say they later located Gibson’s 2003 Mitsubishi abandoned  near the 100 block of Valley Street, and found Gibson and his passenger walking along Route 654.  He was taken into custody for felony fleeing, resisting arrest, endangering another person and more.  Originally Gibson was being pulled over for malfunctioning license plate lights.  He’s in Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 25 thousand dollars bail.

MAN WHO SHOT FAMILY MEMBER SEEKS A CHANGE IN BAIL DECISION

A man awaiting trial for shooting his brother in law in Old Lycoming Township last year has appealed the ruling that has denied him bail.  According to the Sun Gazette, 66-year-old Kenneth Michaels, in September, was arrested for the fatal shooting of John Roskowski in his workplace.  He is now awaiting an answer about the petition filed that says the issue facing Judge Tira was not IF Michaels shot Roskowski, but rather if he intended to kill him, which could change the outcome of a bail decision.  Michaels was arrested for homicide and possession of an instrument of crime.

PERMITS FOR DRIVEWAYS ADJACENT TO STATE ROADS REQUIRED

For homeowners who want to construct or pave a driveway take advantage of spring weather, PennDOT is reminding property owners that if planned improvements connect to a state highway, a Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP) must first be obtained by PennDOT.  The State Highway Law through Section 420 of Title 36, requires homeowners to apply HOPs 30 days prior to the project start so that it can be checked for compliance with applicable laws, drainage needs and other required standards. Permit applications can be obtained from PennDOT county offices or by searching for PennDOT HOP online.

SIBLINGS MAKE A DONATION TO WARRIOR RUN FOUNDATION

A pair of siblings has made a five-year commitment to provide 100 thousand dollars for the Warrior Run Community Education Foundation.  According to the Standard Journal, the brother and sister philanthropists graduated from the school in the mid-1960s and did not wish to be identified.  According to school district Superintendent Dr. Thor Edmiston said the gift reinforces a commitment to Warrior Run students for generations to come.  As part of the First Century Campaign, the gift gives the donor the naming designation privilege for the to the junior and senior high school auditorium.

SPORTS

PIAA State Playoffs
Semi Final Tonight
3A Girls
Loyalsock vs Lancaster Catholic  @ Shamokin HS 7pm

NASCAR
*  Denny Hamlin won the NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday, for his fourth victory at the bullring.  It was Hamlin’s 52nd career win and locks him into the playoffs.
* Martin Truex Jr. was  2nd, Brad Keselowski finished third, Alex Bowman was fourth and  Kyle Larson rounded out the top five.

NCAA Men’s Basketball Sunday
(12) Auburn       Florida  67
(13) Illinois        Wisconsin 87

NBA
Bucks  140                     Suns  129
Heat  104             Pistons  101
Mavericks  107    Nuggets  105
Magic  111           Raptors  96
Celtics  130          Wizards  104
Spurs  122           Nets  115
Hawks  110          Clippers   93

NBA Tonight

Detroit  vs Boston  7:30pm
Miami vs Phila 7:30pm  ESPN
NY Knicks  vs Golden State 10pm ESPN

NHL
Rangers 5             Islanders  2
Golden Knights 3           Devils  1
Hurricanes 7         Senators  2
Penguins  6           Red Wings  3
Jets  6                   Blue Jackets  1
Blackhawks  5      Sharks  2
Blues  4                Ducks  2
NHL Tonight
Washington  vs Calgary  8:30pm
Buffalo vs Seattle  10pm

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 14, 2024

MUNCY MAN PULLS GUN ON GAME WARDEN

A Muncy man has been charged with assault after he pulled a firearm on a PA Game Warden who was doing a license and safety check last November.  According to the Sun Gazette, 35 year old Erik Olsen was with his minor son and was seen baiting deer with a substance by a game warden who approached to question him.  Following a tense interaction, Olsen drew a loaded firearm at the officer who also pulled their service revolver and order the man to drop his weapon.  The situation de-escalated when Olson placed his revolver on the ground, apologizing to the game warden.  He was charged with simple assault and corrupting the morals of a minor and 6 other summary offenses including using unlawful devices while hunting deer, and was released on 5 thousand dollars bail.

MAN HEADBUTTS WOMAN IN MIFFLINBURG

A man from Mifflinburg is facing charges after he allegedly head butted a woman March 9th during an argument in Adams Township.  According to State police at Selinsgrove, charges were filed against 22 year old Trent William Barger who caused a cut over the woman’s eye.  Police said Barger committed misdemeanor simple assault and summary harassment according to the court records of of District Judge Bo Trawitz . 

WORK TO START ON OLD LYCO TWP LITTLE LEAGUE FIELDS

Work is expected to start this week in Old Lycoming Township on the little league fields and facilities for little league baseball this spring.  According to the Sun Gazette, the Old Lycoming Township supervisors announced at their meeting this week that the work should be done by opening day and the repairs will improve the dugouts, the concession stands and lighting.  To complete the project, Old Lycoming Township has partnered with an outreach program through Pennsylvania College of Technology.

RAISE THE REGION ON THE WAY TO GOAL

Raise the Region is going strong today!  The 30 hour fundraising event coordinated by the First Community Foundation Partnership has already exceeded donations totaling over 1 million dollars for over 335 area non-profit organizations from 7 counties across our region.  $175,000 in stretch funds have been donated by Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships and are being used as incentives for fundraising strategies that help the pre-registered groups available  Browse the list at Raise the region dot org. The event continues throughout today with folks from FCFP checking in to Backyard broadcasting as we count down to midnight and the end of Raise the Region 20224.  FCFP has raised over $16.79 million for area non profits since starting Raise the region in  2013.

THREE WOMEN ARRESTED FOR A MURDER IN BRADFORD COUNTY

A gruesome murder is being investigated near Troy and charges have been filed against three residents there.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say 46  year old Terry Lynn Parker and 48 year old Rhonda Parker had a problem with Michael Pruitt and lured him to her home in March of 2023, where he was then shot.  State police were called about a possible homicide at the 1400 block of Sawyer Road in Springfield Township, where they later executed a search warrant. A third suspect 26 year old Summer Lynn Heil also admitted her involvement in the crime and that drugs were involved while the three women cut up and disposed of the body. Rhonda and Terry Lynn Parker are both being charged with conspiracy to commit criminal homicide, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence.  Heil is being charged with abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. Bail was denied and their preliminary hearings are on March 27th.

SHAMOKIN OFFICER INJURED DURING CHASE

Two people were fleeing from officers during a chase Tuesday and a car accident during the incident injured Shamokin police officer. According to the News Item, police were responding to a foot pursuit of two suspects about 10:45 Tuesday morning, where a female suspect was followed to a home on Arch Street and  a male suspect to a home on West Walnut Street.  As officials were repsonding to the chase, a county probation vehicle struck a Shamoking police cruiser at the 800 block of West Walsnut.  The officer was transported to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.  Both suspects were taken into custody.

WILLIAMSPORT CASE CITED IN FEDERAL REPORT

A 2023 annual report as part of a Pennsylvania initiative call Project Safe Streets, highlighted a local case in which a Philadelphia man who trafficked drugs to Williamsport was arrested and charged.  According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of PA, the example cited is about 23 year old Naim Taylor, and 23 year old  Antwan Dozier, who were indicted by a federal grand jury and jailed for 96 months for conspiracy to distribute and possession of drugs in spring of 2021.  Project Safe Streets is a Pennsylvania program that uses law enforcement to target trafficking of heroin and narcotics in the middle district.

LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT GRANT FOR MUNCY

A grant has been given to the Borough of Muncy so they can off-set some costs of a needed new full-time officer. According to the Sun Gazette, five thousand dollars was earmarked from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency that supports the Muncy police staff including two full-time officers and three part-time, with an opening being listed now for a prospect officer.  The grant comes from the part of the law enforcement recruitment program that is designed to hire and train new police officers across the Commonwealth.

SPORTS

PIAA Basketball 2nd Round yesterday
3A Boys
    Loyalsock Twp 62   Notre Dame Green Pond 56
1A Girls
    Linville Hill 47  Lourdes Regional  27
    Greenwood 41 Meadowbrook Christian 36
    St. John Neumann 52  Mt. Calvary Christian 41
4A Girls
    Central Columbia 50  Nazareth Academy 37
NBA
Pistons  113                   Raptors  104
Magic  114                     Nets  106
Bulls 132              Pacers 129
Nuggets  100        Heat  88
Hornets  110        Grizzlies 98
Cavaliers 116       Pelicans  95
Mavericks  109    Warriors  99
Trail Blazers  106          Hawks  102
Kings  120                     Lakers 107

NBA Tonight

Phoenix vs Boston  7:30pm TNT
76ers  vs Milwaukee Bucks  8pm
Dallas  vs Oklahoma City  10pm TNT
Knicks vs Portland  10pm


NCAA Men’s Basketball
(20) BYU   87      UCF  73
Cincinnati   72      (16) Kansas  52
Penn State  66      Michigan  57
NCAA Men’s Basketball Quarterfinals Today
Xavier vs (2) UConn 12pm FS1
Florida State vs (4) North Carolina  12pm ESPN
(20) BYU vs (25) Texas Tech 12:30pm
TCU vs (1) Houston  3pm ESPN
NC State vs (11) Duke  7pm ESPN
Duquesne vs (24) Dayton  7:30pm USA
Villanova  vs (10) Marquette  9:30pm  FS1
Cincinnati vs (14) Baylor  9:30pm  ESPN2

NHL

Blues  3                       Kings  1
Predators  4                 Jets  2
Oilers  7                       Capitals  2
Avalanche 4                Canucks  3

NHL Tonight

NY Islanders vs Buffalo  7pm
San Jose vs Pittsburgh  7pm
Toronto vs Phila Flyers 7:30pm Hulu/ESPN+
NJ Devils vs Dallas  8pm

PIAA State Playoffs Quarterfinals 

Friday March 15th

Girls Double A

Muncy vs Minersville (6pm at Hazleton)

Girls Triple A

Loyalsock vs Holy Redeemer (730pm at Hazleton)

Hughesville vs Lancaster Catholic 

(730pm at Pottsville)

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 13, 2024

HOMICIDE TRIAL BEGINS FOR PENN TOWNSHIP MAN

A trial for the man accused of shooting his estranged wife in Penn Township in April of 2022 starts today in the Snyder County Court of Common Pleas.  According to North Cetnrtal PA dot com, 35 year old Brad Alan Bailor is on trial for homicide and first-degree murder for fatally shooting his estranged wife, Leslie Marie Bailor.  Bailor waived his right to a jury trial, so the judge will hear testimonies and attorney arguments and will render the final decision based upon the law. The DA is not seeking the death penalty in this case.

SOUTHSIDE MAN ACCUSED OF STRANGULATION

A South Williamsport man has been charged after his girlfriend says he forcibly tried to sexually assault her February 29th .  According to North Central PA dot com, 42 year old Kyle Nevin Hahn attempted to assault the woman while she fought back and protested, until he attempted to strangle her before she escaped the home and called 911.  Hahn was arrested for strangulation, indecent assault, simple assault, and harassment.

DANVILLE CONTRACTOR TAKES MONEY FOR NO WORK

A Montour County man hired to do work for a Buckhorn homeowner cashed the check and never did the work.  According to North Central PA dot com, 61 year old Randy Wilson allegedly took a check over 4 thousand dollars for materials that were to be used for a construction project last July, but never returned to the home, and never contacted the victim to repay the money.  Wilson who has an address in Danville is facing two felony counts of theft by deception. 

ELECTRIC VEHICLE FLEET FUNDING SEMINAR NEXT MONTH

In order to provide the knowledge needed to navigate incentives for municipalities, school districts, fleets and businesses to take advantage of state and federal funding for alternative fuel vehicles, the Central PA Chamber of Commerce will hold a training seminar next month.  According to the Daily Item, a Seminar & Training Series event “Charging at Work and Alternative Fuel Vehicles within Your Fleet,” will host officials from state agencies such as the Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation (EP-ACT), the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Protection, and Office of Environmental Management.  The general public is invited to the seminar that will be April 10th from 10am til 3pm at the Central PA Chamber on Lawton Lane in Milton.  Register at centralpachamber.com/events. 

POINT TOWNSHIP FOOD MANUFACTURER CLOSES

A food manufacturing company in Point Township suspended operations today due to a pending foreclosure that forced the termination of 48 employees who worked at the Blue Hill Road facility.  According to the Daily Item, a realty transfer deed was filed according to Northumberland County officials in January and the secured lender of River Run Foods held their deed as collateral in the 1.8 million dollar transaction.  The lender who secured their interest, exercised the deed for River Run Foods that was used as collateral.   Point Township Supervisor President Randy Yoxheimer said he hadn’t been informed of the situation before Tuesday.  River Run CEO Roger Hoffman said the company is considering alternatives for resuming operations but there are no guarantees.

SOFTWARE IN PLACE THWARTS THEFT FROM GENERAL FUND

East Buffalo Township officials were able to thwart a potential theft of money from the General Fund after systems put in place to catch such activity worked. According to the Daily Item, it was discussed at the public meeting Monday that an unknown person tried several times to cash fraudulent checks over a week and a service called Positive Pay prevented the transaction – the largest of which was up to 49 thousand dollars. After a fraudulent check processed last year, and the money was recovered the township took steps to avoid similar crimes in the future.  No money was taken in the latest scam attempts.

SELINSGROVE DOG PARK TO CLOSE FOR UPGRADES

Improvements are on the way after the Selinsgrove borough council approved a fence bid for the dog park off of Sassafras Street in Selinsgrove last week.  According to the Daily Item,  the dog park will temporarily close next Monday to allow the improvements and an expansion to begin.   Council has not indicated a completion date for the project since the work is weather dependent.  The fence bid was awarded to Buffalo Valley Fence Company in Lewisburg.

TIOGA COUNTY TEAM WINS PENNDOT CHALLENGE

PennDOT has announced that a team of students from Wellsboro Area School district in Tioga County were selected for the District 3 winner of the 7th Innovations challenge.  The team of students participated in a statewide challenge to develop creative solutions and strategic solutions to real-world transportation challenges. Students Carter Knowlton, Natalie Cleveland, and Ian Hoose along with faculty mentor Francis Novak, will present their solutions to PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll and a panel of judges in Harrisburg on May 1, where a statewide winner for 2024 will be determined.

SPORTS

PIAA Basketball State Playoffs 2nd Round
Boys
4A – Carver E&S 45                        Danville 38
5A – Franklin Regional  56             Selinsgrove  45
Girls
2A – Muncy  42                                Sacred Heart Acad.  36
3A –  Loyalsock  59                         Lake Lehman  32
        Hughesville 46                         West Catholic  38
PIAA Basketball 2nd Round Today
Boys   3A Loyalsock vs Notre Dame Green Pond 7:30pm @Hazelton
Girls  Class A 
  Lourdes Regional  vs Linville Hill 6pm  @ Hamburg
  Meadowbrook Christian  vs Greenwood  7pm @ Shamokin
  St. Johhn Neumann  vs Mount Calvary Christian  6pm Central Dauphin East
Class  4A  
  Central Columbia vs Nazareth Academy  6pm @ Catasaqua

NCAA Men’s Basketball

St Mary’s  69       Gonzaga 60

NCAA Men’s Basketball Today

UCF vs (20) BYU 12:30pm ESPN2
NC State vs Syracuse  7pm ESPN2
St Louis vs Duquesne 7:30pm USA
Michigan Vs Penn State 8:30pm Peacock
DePaul vs Villanova  9pm FS1
Cincinnati vs (16)Kansas 9:30pm ESPN
NBA

Knicks 106                     76ers  79
Grizzlies  109       Wizards  97
Pacers  121                     Thunder 111
Rockets  103        Spurs  101
Celtics  123          Jazz  107
Timberwolves  118  Clippers  100
Kings  129                      Bucks  94
NHL
Sabres  7               Red Wings  3
Canadiens  3        Blue Jackets  0
Senators  2                     Penguins  1
Flyers   3              Sharks  2
Rangers  1           Hurricanes  0
Panthers  4                     Stars  3
NHL Tonight
Kings vs St Louis  7:30pm TNT
Washington vs Edmonton  10pm TNT

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 12, 2024

TREE FALLS ON MT HOLLY SPRINGS HOUSE, KILLS OCCUPANT

Heavy winds caused a tragic accident early Monday that brought a tree down onto a Mt Holly Springs home and killed a man inside.  According to the Daily Item, a large tree on the 800 block of Baltimore Pike in South Middleton Township fell at about 3:10am where 43 year old Scott Quickel was inside the home and was fatally injured.  The Cumberland County Coroner, Charley Hall said that Quickel’s death was an accident and that he suffered from multiple traumatic injuries.  Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the incident. 

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT AFTER PUNCHING OFFICER

A Williamsport woman who punched a city officer March 6th has been charged with assault. According to the Sun Gazette, 41 year old Nytasha Jordan attacked the officer after they were called to her Hepburn Street home for a disturbance at about 8:50pm last Wednesday.  Jordan allegedly punched and grabbed the officer causing cuts and abrasions, and removed a flashlight from their vest, threatening to spit on them.  She was arrested and faces the assault charges along with robbery, resisting arrest, reckless endangerment and more.  Jordan was committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 85 thousand dollars bail.

OLD CITY WILLIAMSPORT PROJECT PARTICIPANTS CHANGING

The Old City revitalization project in Williamsport will be moving forward without the participation of the Williamsport Redevelopment Authority.  According to the Sun Gazette, members of the RDA formally requested to be removed from further negotiations with Pine Ridge Construction Management Inc. of Williamsport and Delta Development Group, the developers and consultants working on the Old City Williamsport project.  Skip Memmi, the executive director of Williamsport’s community and economic development said there have been no negotiations in 6 months, and RDA is no longer interested in being involved.  Lycoming County and Lycoming College are still involved in the mixed-use project, but officials say in a different way from how it was originally envisioned.

SOIL REMEDIATION IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

A lane of I-180 in Northumberland County will be restricted tomorrow for a soil remediation project after a previous car accident.  According to PennDOT, a contractor will be on the westbound side of I 180 Wednesday approximately 2.5 miles from the Interstate 80 interchange.  Watch for the right driving lane and shoulder to be restricted between the hours of 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, weather permitting.

ONE CAR ACCIDENT IN FLEMINGTON

Flemington Goodwill Hose Company assisted at the scene Monday morning after a one-car accident may have injured a child.  According to the Lock Haven Express, the accident occurred about 8:30am and witnesses say there were four people in the car that crashed at Huston and High Streets in Flemington.  Emergency responders said a child may have suffered a head injury and was hospitalized.  State police at Lamar were also on the scene and blocked the road for about 30 minutes while they cleared the crash.  No victims in the accident have been named at this time.

WOMAN FACES TEN FELONIES FOR DEFRAUDING BANK

A Williamsport woman is facing up to10 felony fraud charges after she wrote bad checks and defrauded an East Third Street bank in June of 2022.  According to the Sun Gazette, court records say 20 year old Imunique Johnson took part in a scheme in which she deposited bogus checks into several accounts at Woodlands Bank using local and out of state ATMs.  She then withdrew funds before fraudulent deposits were discovered by bank officials. The fraud totaled close to 20 thousand dollars.  Johnson was arraigned Friday and released on 15 thousand dollars bail.

WARRIOR RUN FIRE VOLUNTEERS COULD SEE TAX BREAK

The Watsontown borough Council last night approved an income tax exemption for fire department personnel who live there. According to the Daily Item, the ordinance through the Volunteer Service Credit Program is approved for those who are active volunteers living in Watsontown Borough and are members of Warrior Run Fire Department.  Borough officials said the program has been authorized in Pennsylvania since 2017 and will now allow an income tax exemption for those who qualify of up to $300 per year.

EASTER EGG EVENT IN BELLEFONTE

Historic Bellefonte is planning the Bellefonte Easter Egg Hunt for 2024 that will be held Saturday, March 30th at 1pm snow, rain or shine.  According to the Lock Haven Express, the event is free with no registration for children 12 and under, and plans to have an Easter Bunny visit along with 15 thousand eggs supplied by many volunteers and members of the local community.  Those who have special needs should contact the organizers to make arrangements by March 15th at [email protected].  The event is recommended for student volunteers who have to complete community service hours, call 814-574-3240 for more information.

SPORTS

PIAA Basketball Tonight
State Playoffs Second Round 
Boys Quad A
Danville vs Carver E&S (6pm at Catasaqua)
Boys 5A
Selinsgrove vs Franklin Regional  (730pm at Altoona)
Girls Double A
Muncy vs Sacred Heart Academy  (730pm at Pottsville)
Girls Triple A
Loyalsock vs Lake Lehman (730pm at Berwick)
Hughesville vs West Catholic  (6pm at Pottsville)

NCAA Men’s Basketball
West Coast Conference Tournament
Gonzaga 89          San Francisco  77
St Mary’s  79       Santa Clara  65
NCAA Men’s Basketball Tonight
(17) Gonzaga vs (21) St Mary’s  9pm ESPN

NBA

Piston 114                     Hornets  97
Suns  117             Cavaliers  111
Mavericks 127     Bulls  92
Warriors 112        Spurs 102
Nuggets 125         Raptors  119
Celtics  121          Trail Blazers 99
NBA Tonight

76ers vs NY Knicks  7:30pm TNT
Celtics vs Utah  9pm
Minnesota vs LA Clippers  10pm TNT

NHL

Blues  5      Bruins  1
Rangers  3  Devils  1
Jets  3         Capitals  0
Kings  3      NY Islanders  0

NHL Tonight

Detroit vs Buffalo  7pm
Pittsburgh vs Ottawa  7pm
San Jose vs Phila  7pm
NY Rangers vs Carolina  7pm


NFL News
Securing a new backup for Aaron Rodgers and adding to his offensive line, the New York Jets agreed to terms Monday night with former New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor and former Baltimore Ravens guard John Simpson. The Jets also finalized a deal with former San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw who was a 2020 first-round pick.

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS MARCH 11, 2024

WIND ADVISORY THROUGH THIS EVENING

A wind advisory remains in effect today until 8pm with the National Weather Service saying there could be intermittent wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour and northwest winds 20 to 30 miles per hour expected as well.  Watch for downed  tree limbs that could effect wires and bring about power outages.  Penn DOT says some roads in Union county were closed yesterday for flooding in the area of Creek Road between Millmont Road in Lewis Township and Shirk Road in Hartley Township.

ONE-CAR ACCIDENT KILLS NEWPORT MAN

A Newport man was killed in a one-vehicle accident last Wednesday in Perry County.  According to the  Daily Item, State police say 30 year old Roberto Lugo III lost control of his Mitsubishi Outlander while traveling west on Newport Road and veered off the northern side of the roadway, before veering back and hitting a guardrail and then an embankment, overturning.  The Perry County chief Coroner pronounced Lugo deceased at the scene.  Newport road was closed for the investigation over two hours with Newport Fire & EMS assisting on site.

TEMPORARY POLLING PLACE FOR THIRD WARD THIS APRIL

Williamsport’s Third Ward has a temporary voting location change for their upcoming April 23rd primary election.  According to the Sun Gazette, director of Elections said delayed water and sewer construction has forced them to change to the Monsignor Fleming Center at 720 West Fourth Street.  The Third Ward previous voting site at Williams-Hepburn is expected to be ready for November.  The ninth ward will share the Fleming Center location this spring, but at the opposite side of the room.  The county is working toward making all polling sites compliant with the American with Disabilities Act, so that the facilities are accessible to all voters in the future.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR MIFFLINBURG STUDENTS

The Mifflinburg Area Community Scholarship Trust is offering 60 thousand dollars in scholarships to high school students looking to attend a 2 or 4 year institution or trade school.  According to the Daily item, applications are  due by April 15th and are available online at www.macst.org under the Forms tab.  The mission of the Mifflinburg Area Community Scholarship Trust, Inc. is to provide a perpetual source of funds for deserving Mifflinburg Area High School graduates. Winners will be announced at the end of the school year.

FUGITIVE FROM SUNBURY CAUGHT

The man who escaped from a Sunbury home on North Second Street on February 26th during a police stand-off,  returned to the area and is now in custody.  According to the Daily Item, 41-year-old Barry Beaver was found inside the home where the previous stand-off took place last Thursday following the issuance of a search warrant by Sunbury police.  A female who had been in the home during in February had been taken into custody on a Northumberland County warrant.  Beaver will now be extradited to Texas for charges against him there.

BLOOMSBURG MAN FACES CAHRGES FROM 2023 DRUG ARREST
A Bloomsburg man was arrested last November after police found him with 29 pills of fentanyl and various other drugs and charges have now been filed.  According to media outlets, a consensual encounter with Bloomsburg police at the Unity Mart in the 300 block of East Seventh Street, brought about a search of Shawn Spink’s vehicle. Police found two warrants out of Monroe and Schuylkill counties for him before finding the drugs, that later tested positive for fentanyl, in his car. 

LEGISLATION APPROVED TO ALLOW SCHOOL BUS CAMERAS

Pennsylvania legislators have updated by Act 19 which allows school districts to install and operate automated camera systems for the purpose of enforcing Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law and increasing safety for children riding school buses across the state.  Violations identified by a camera system are reviewed by police under agreement with the school district. Also under the law, the car owner has the right to request a hearing to contest liability before a PennDOT Hearing Officer.. For more information on school bus safety and Act 19, visit  PennDOT.pa.gov/Safety.

JANE FONDA TO SPEAK AT BUCKNELL

Polarizing actor, producer, author, and activist Jane Fonda, will be featured in a program at Bucknell University next week.  Fonda will close out the Bucknell Forum 2023-24 series, presenting in a moderated discussion with Bucknell President John Bravman on the theme “Freedom of Expression” at 7:30 p.m. March 19, in the Weis Center for the Performing Arts. She will do a limited  Q&A, taking questions from Bucknell students.  Fonda is a two-time Academy Award-winning actor, and has accumulated more than 50 film credits while also championing political causes such as women’s rights, Native American rights, and environmental advocacy.

SPORTS

PIAA Wrestling Saturday
Champions
Brandt Harer, Montgomery – 133
Reagan Milheim, Warrior Run – 145
Conner Harer, Montgomery – 160 
Runners-up
Mason Barvitskie, Southern Columbia  145
 Garrett Garcia, Southern  Columbia  189
Austin Johnson  Muncy  215
PIAA Basketball tomorrow
State Playoffs Second Round 
Boys Quad A
Danville vs Carver E&S (6pm at Catasaqua)
Boys 5A
Selinsgrove vs Franklin Regional  (730pm at Altoona)
Girls Double A
Muncy vs Sacred Heart Academy  (730pm at Pottsville)
Girls Triple A
Loyalsock vs Lake Lehman (730pm at Berwick)
Hughesville vs West Catholic  (6pm at Pottsville)

NCAA Men’s Basketball Sunday
(3) Purdue  78  Wisconsin  70
(12) Illinois  73  Iowa  61
NCAA Men’s Tonight
West Coast Conference Tournament Semifinal
Santa Clara  vs (23) St Mary’s 9pm  ESPN
San Francisco vs (19) Gonzaga 11:30pm ESPN

NBA
Bucks  124                     Clippers  117
Pelicans  116        Hawks  103
Wizards  110        Heat 108
Pacers  111                    Magic  97
76ers  79              Knicks  73
Nets  120              Cavaliers  101
Thunder   124      Grizzlies  93
Lakers 120                     Timberwolves 109

NHL
Oilers 4                 Penguins  0
Wild  4                  Predators  3
Hurricanes  7        Flames  2
Blackhawks  7      Coyotes  4
Islnaders  6                    Ducks  1

NASCAR
Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs racing got the checkered flag at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday.   Chris Buescher 2nd , Ty Gibbs  3rd, Brad Keselowski 4th , and Ryan Blaney rounded out the Top 5.

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