BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 19, 2024

ACCOMPLICE WILL NOT FACE FIRST DEGREE MURDER CHARGES

The man who was recently taken into custody for his alleged role in the kidnapping and murders of Alisha Seese and Ronald Dailey Jr. will no longer face 1st degree murder charges, according to a ruling in district court late Thursday.  According to the Sun Gazette, Muhammad Davis, who is a suspected accomplice of Troy Bailey,Sr., will still face two counts of second degree murder in the case as well as theft by unlawful taking, robbery and robbery of a motor vehicle.  Defense attorneys for Davis argued that he had no knowledge during the kidnapping that Bailey planned to kill Seese and Dailey.  The Lycoming County First Assistant District Attorney said there is additional evidence in the second degree murder case against Davis that is still being processed.  There is no trial date set.

POLICE SEEK HIT AND RUN SUSPECT

A juvenile riding a bicycle was hit by a driver who fled the scene April 10th.  According to Mount Carmel Township Police they are seeking a suspect who struck the boy along Route 61 in front of HPCI between Kulpmont and Strong.  The victim was injured and taken to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville last Wednesday at about 9pm.  Authorities are continuing the investigation, and if you have information call the Mount Carmel Township Police.

TORNADO SIREN TEST SATURDAY IN MIFFLINBURG

The Mifflinburg Hose Company said they cancelled a tornado siren test last Saturday, but will run the test this weekend.  According to the Daily Item, high winds hindered the test on April 13th which is a high pitch tone that stays for three minutes.   Mifflinburg Hose Company officials say the physical siren has been in place for two years, and they will test it tomorrow at noon.  Three EF-1 tornados touched down on July 2 in Lewisburg, Hartleton and Mifflinburg. Serious tornado damage was reported by Just Lite It fireworks along Route 15, a section of the nearby Silver Moon Flea Market, and at 10 properties in Union County.

PURPLE LIGHT IN CLOUDS ON SOUTHSIDE IDENTIFIED

If you saw a purple light shining in the clouds Wednesday night, officials at the Little League complex have claimed responsibility.  According to North Central PA dot com, the purple light that illuminated the sky in South Williamsport was a result of a remnant of purple tint from the Girls With Game experience last fall they uncovered while they were re-sodding the field and the reflection and diffusion of light on the fog and low cloud deck that night caused the phenomena that drew a lot of attention on social media at Howard J. Lamade Stadium.

ASSAULT CHARGES DROPPED FOR AGREEMENT OF PFA

Felony charges of unlawful contact with a minor and misdemeanor indecent assault will be dropped against a Williamsport man if he maintains a protection from abuse order for 3 years filed by a female minor who was the victim in his case.  According to the Sun Gazette,  41 year old Harry Thomas Bell was in state prison and corresponded with the victim’s mother before he began addressing letters to just her daughter who was between 12 and 14 years old between July of 2020 and June of 2022.  In the agreement, Bell will undergo an evaluation for the Men Against Abuse program and is to have no direct contact with the victim and cannot visit her school, or interact on social media. He is in custody in lieu of 50 thousand dollar bail.

ENCINA WILL NO LONGER PURSUE PLANT NEAR SUSQUEHANNA

The company that was planning a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Point Township has announced they are not moving forward with the project.  According to a statement by Encina, they will pursue other projects in the United States, Saudi Arabia and Southeast Asia for the opportunities that will meet their customers’ needs.  Encina began the pursuit of building a plant between Route 11 and the North Branch of the Susquehanna River, near Strong Industries in April of 2022.  Residents of Point Township, Danville, Northumberland, and the surrounding area voiced strong opposition to the project that has now been abandoned.

EAST LYCOMING PROPERTY VALUE SET TO GO UP

Some property owners in the East Lycoming School District recently expressed their dissatisfaction over a proposed .5 mill budget increase this week at the school board meeting with the tax increase passed by the board 6-3.  According to the Sun Gazette, Floyd Swales, Scott Ritter and Craig Dudek were opposed to raising property taxes by 50 dollars for every hundred of a property’s assessed value.  District residents questioned the board’s transparency, after a letter went out in early April from a district employee about renovations at the school in June before the potential renovation project was even approved by the board.  If the proposed 2024-25 final budget is approved next month with the increase, the new tax rate would be 16.91 mills.

NO EAGLETS IN HANOVER THIS YEAR

There won’t be any eaglets growing up in the Hanover Bald Eagle nest this year.  According to the York Dispatch, around April 8th, new eagle parents named Duke and Duchess fought in the nest over a fish and trampled an egg, destroying it.  After the remaining eagle egg hatched Duke snuck in and killed the baby bird when Dutchess was not nearby.  When she did return, she ate both the baby and the remains of the egg.  Experts say the father eagle is inexperienced and may not have hormonally switched into brooding mode.  Fans of the live cam sight have their hopes set on next year for eaglets.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Baseball
Central Mtn  3      Williamsport  2
Warrior Run  9     Hughesville  6
Troy  12               Wellsboro  2
Boys Tennis 
Montoursville 5    Williamsport 0

PIAA HS Softball
Montoursville 14           Central Columbia 2
Muncy  6              Northwest Area  0
Central Mtn  4      Williamsport  1
Sullivan Co. 13    St John Neumann  3
NP Liberty  5       Troy  0

MLB
Guardians  5       Red Sox  4
Rays 2                 Angels  1
Rangers  9           Tigers  7
Giants 5               Diamondbacks  0
Marlins vs Cubs postponed/ rain

MLB Today
Red Sox vs Pirates  6:40pm
White Sox vs Phillies  6:40pm
Rays vs Yankees  7:05pm
Orioles  vs Royals  7:40pm
Mets vs Dodgers 10:10pm

NHL
Kraken 4             Wild  3
Jets  4                  Canucks  2
Flames  5             Sharks  1
Avalanche  5       Oilers  1
Ducks  4              Golden Knights  1
Kings  5               Blackhawks  4  /OT
NHL Saturday
East 1st Round Game 1
Islanders vs Hurricanes  5pm TBS
Toronto  vs Boston  8pm  TBS
NHL Sunday
Capitals vs Rangers  3pm ESPN

NBA Tonight8th seed games
Bulls vs Heat  7pm ESPN
Kings vs Pelicans  9:30pm TNT

NASCAR
Geico 500 from Talldega Alabama
2pm Pre-race/3pm green flag racing
Twin Valley’s Talk /WILQ’s HD3

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 18, 2024

ONE PERSON OF INTEREST IN CUSTODY IN MILTON SHOOTING

Police in Milton are still investigating Tuesday’s double shooting near the 10 block of Broadway that sent both victims to Geisinger Medical Center.  According to the Standard Journal, Milton Police and EMS first responders assisted the two victims Tuesday afternoon around 4pm.  During an investigation, Police discovered a firearm at the scene with an altered manufacturer’s serial number and with a search warrant for Rodriguez Lassalle’s Broadway Street residence, they found a 9mm Diamondback firearm with an altered serial number.  Lassalle was taken into custody for felony possession of a firearm arraigned and committed to Northumberland County Prison. Call the Milton Police Department if you have information that will help the investigation, 570-742-8757.

FUGITIVE ARRESTED AFTER 220 TRAFFIC STOP

A 26 year old woman from Lock Haven was recently charged with hindering an investigation after Lycoming Regional police stopped her car along Route 220 near Jersey Shore with a Lock Haven man who was a known fugitive in her car.  According to the Lock Haven Express,  Makayla Wetzel was stopped December 1st at about 1:30am and 33 year old Mubarik Graves was forced from the car at gunpoint.  He was then jailed on the felony charges he previously faced.  Wetzel also was also charged for having a controlled substance.  She waived her preliminary hearing and posted 25 thousand dollars bail.

LOCAL PENNSYLVANIA LAUNDRY LOCATION IN CITY TO CLOSE

A federally required notice to close several Pennsylvania industrial laundry facilities, including one in Williamsport has been filed with the state Department of Labor & Industry.  According to PennLive, Paris Uniform Services projected the date to close the Harrisburg, Bradford, DuBois, and the 333 Rose Street location in Williamsport is June 30th.  The closures are a result of a sale of the business to Cincinnati-based Cintas Corp., and are expected to take away about 138 jobs across the state.

HORSEBACK RIDING FACILITY LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

A non-profit horseback riding facility in Montgomery that offers therapeutic riding sessions for riders with special needs and other traditional riding activities is looking for volunteers as they begin their spring season.  According to North Central PA dot com, Sunny Brook Meadows with 10 horses on site, is looking for helping hands to maintain upkeep and help breathe new life into the stables.  Individual volunteers and groups, can log hours at the stable to work with the horses or assist outside the arena or in the office.  Volunteers under 12 must have an adult with them.  Check out sunnybrookmeadows.com for information about volunteering.

SAYRE MAN ARRESTED FOR HAVING METH LAB IN HIS HOME

A man from Bradford County who police were investigating for making and selling methamphetamine earlier this year has now been charged with operation of a methamphetamine lab out of his Linden Street home in Sayre.  According to North Central PA dot com, police were alerted to suspicious trash outside of 44 year old Sean Hall’s home that they found contained precursor chemicals for making methamphetamine and it was seized in a trash pull for evidence.  Police say Hall was tracked attempting to purchase pseudoephedrine products 47 times in the last year, and was successful at purchasing it 29 times.  He is being held at the Bradford County Prison on $200,000 monetary bail.

US MARSHALS SEEK A SHAMOKIN MAN

A Shamokin property at 21 N. Market St. was raided Wednesday morning after members of the US Marshals  Fugitive Task Force sought a suspect they believed was there, but the apprehension was unsuccessful.  According to the Standard Journal, the owners of the business at that location said the fugitive was not a legal resident of the property.  Police shut down Market and Diamond Streets for about two hours during the raid and were later reopened to vehicle and foot traffic around noon.  52 year old Matt McElhone of Shamokin was charged with disorderly conduct for shouting vulgarities at police during their presence there yesterday.  The search for the original suspect is ongoing.

MIFFINBURG POOL NEEDS APPLICANTS FOR LIFEGUARDS TO OPEN

The Mifflinburg Community Pool may not be able to open this year without employees and lifeguards to maintain the facility safely.  According to the Daily Item, Mifflinburg borough council members voted to open the pool at North Fifth Street if they could find enough employees, saying they need to fill 22 summer positions with only 14 applicants, so far.  Borough officials say there will be employment interviews within a week, along with lifeguard certification courses, and if they can hire enough staff, the pool will open on May 25 and will remain open until Aug. 18, with rates and hours to be determined.

RELAY FOR LIFE FUNDRAISER FRIDAY

A fun evening is planned for Friday as Lycoming College’s Beta Phi Gamma sorority hosts a fundraising event for annual Relay for Life a nationwide fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.  According to North Central PA dot com, the community is invited to the Keiper Recreation Center for a variety of activities and a chance to sign up as a team to participate in the relay, with walkers taking turns around a track non-stop, to symbolize that cancer never sleeps.  There will be a signature Luminaria Ceremony to honor those who have been lost and to support those who fight.  The evening is from 4pm to 8pm and features a Taylor Swift theme.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Baseball
Jersey Shore 5  Danville  4
Shikellamy  9  Lewisburg  2

HS Softball
South Williamsport  17  Bloomsburg  2

College Wrestling
The Nittany Lion Wrestlers are hosting the 2024 US Olympic Team Trials at the Bryce Jordan Center this Friday and Saturday.  19 Penn State athletes have qualified to compete in the event.

MLB
Red Sox  2          Guardians  0
Orioles  4            Twins  2
Mets  9                 Pirates  1
Braves  5            Astros  4
Yankees  6          Blue Jays  4
Nationals  2        LA Dodgers  0
Phillies  7            Rockies  6
MLB Today
Cleveland vs Boston  1:35pm

NBA Playoffs
76ers  105  Heat  104
Bulls  131  Hawks 116
NBA Friday 8th seed games
Bulls vs Heat  7pm ESPN
Kings vs Pelicans  9:30pm TNT

NHL
Lightning  6        Maple Leafs  4
Islanders  5         Penguins  4
Stars  2                 Blues 1
Coyotes  5           Oilers  2
NHL Tonight
Kraken vs Wild  7pm ESPN
Oilers vs Avalanche  9:30pm  ESPN

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 17, 2024

DRUG CHARGES LEAD TO STATE PRISON

A Williamsport woman who pleaded guilty to drug charges that were connected to the death of a 30 year old city woman in July of 2020 was sentenced in Lycoming County court this week.  According to the Sun Gazette, Kijifa Anderson was given 27 months to 15 years in state prison for one count of delivery of a controlled substance, but the charge of drug delivery resulting in death was withdrawn.  Police say Darcia Stewart died in the backyard of her Eldred Street home just a few  hours after purchasing an unidentified drug from Anderson.

POLICE SEEK MISSING JERSEY SHORE MAN

A Jersey Shore man is missing and police are seeking his whereabouts.  According to North C entral PA dot com, the Lycoming Regional Police Department says 64-year-old David Benis and his German shepherd left for a trip to Pittsburgh Tuesday morning around 6:30am and never arrived at his son’s home.  Police say family members say Benis has several medical issues.  If you have information, call Lycoming County Regional Police Department.

NEW FACILITIES ON THE WAY FOR THE  LYCO CORONER

The Lycoming County Coroner may finally have adequate space to work after the Williamsport City Council recently said construction can begin after approving a building land development plan.  According to North Central PA dot com, Charles E. Kiessling Jr. said many people and agencies worked hard to plan and design a proper facility to handle day to day operations as well as help with emergencies while working with other county coroners through mutual aid agreements in the area.  Kiessling also said the new building will allow autopsies to be performed in Lycoming County again, a service that has not been available here since 2008.  There will be an addition to the existing structure at 3341 Wahoo Drive for a total of 12,922 square feet.

FISHING WITH FLICK AND SLAUGHTER SATURDAY

Area families can “Fish with Flick and Mayor Slaughter” this Saturday at Lycoming Creek.  According to the Sun Gazette, State Rep. Jamie Flick and Mayor Slaughter invite kids ages 4 to 16 years to come can come to the creek across the street from Bowman Field, near the Original League baseball field in Williamsport and pair up with a parent or mentor for a Mentored Youth Trout Day and learn how to fish.  Younger anglers from 4-6 will learn about fishing basics with a special activity organized by the local Trout Unlimited chapter.  Partners will offer short clinics and activity stations at the beginning of the event that will go from 10am til 2pm April 20th.  Get your required fishing permit online at huntfish.pa.gov.

DOUBLE SHOOTING IN MILTON

There was a shooting reported in Milton Tuesday that shut down the 10 block of Broadway around 4pm.  According to the Standard Journal, multiple police and emergency responders arrived on the scene, where one victim was transported to Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, and police say an ambulance responded downtown to treat a second shooting victim who was transported to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.  Police activity was then reported at a fast food restaurant parking lot outside of Milton, but no word on whether there are suspects in custody this morning or the condition of the victims.

ALLEGEDLY IMPAIRED WOMAN STRIKES PEDESTRIANS

A woman from Sunbury with a 12 year old child in the car was charged after police say she was allegedly impaired and hit two pedestrians who were crossing in the street on April 10th.  According to North Central PA dot com, 49 year old Erin Wagner was driving at South Seventh and Market streets and struck an 83 year old man with a walker and a36 year old man who were crossing  the intersection.  The men were transported to to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville with suspected moderate to serious injuries.  Police said they noticed Wagner seemed impaired and through a breath test report she had a .235 blood alcohol level.  She faces felony aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, DUI and more, and is free on 75 thousand dollars bail.

PRESIDENT BIDEN CAMPAIGNS IN PA THIS WEEK

President Joe Biden was in Scranton yesterday for the first of three days in the Commonwealth.  According to WHTM, Biden talked about inflation and elevated interest rates despite low unemployment, as well as higher taxes on the rich.  The President heads to Pittsburgh this morning, then back to Washington until he returns for an event in Philadelphia.  Biden is taking advantage of campaigning in PA, since former president Donald Trump is in New York City for his criminal trial this week.

SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY RECEIVES SCIENCE RESEARCH GRANT

A 300 thousand-dollar grant for 15 students to participate in a paid, eight-week Summer Research Partners Program in the sciences has been awarded to Susquehanna University.  According to the university, the three year-grant will support wages, housing, research supplies and conference travel for students who will be able to spend their summer in a full-time, faculty-mentored research position. The grant was made possible by the Sherman Fairchild Foundation.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Baseball
Muncy  19                      Sullivan County 4
Montoursville 10           Danville 0
Canton 9               Troy  7
NP Mansfield  3  Sayre  2
Millville 5             St John Neumann  1

PIAA HS Softball
Jersey Shore  16  Danville 3
Muncy  15                     CMVT  0 /4
Loyalsock  12       Midd-West  2 /5
Montoursville 16           Lewisburg  5  /6
Warrior Run 11    Southern Columbia  2
Shikellamy 8        Williamsport 6
Neumann 20         Millville 5
Shamokin  12       Milton  2
South Wmsprt 12          Berwick 0 /3

MLB
Guardians  10     Red Sox 7
Orioles  11          Twins 3
Phillies  5            Rockies  0
Blue Jays 5         Yankees  4
Mets  3                Pirates  1
Braves  6             Astros  2
Dodgers  6          Nationals 2
MLB Today
Minnesota vs  Baltimore  1:05pm
Pittsburgh vs NY Mets  1:10pm
Rockies vs Phillies  6:05pm
Cleveland vs Boston  7:10pm

NBA Playoffs
West
Lakers 110          Pelicans  106
Kings  118          Warrior 94
NBA East Tonight
Miami  vs 76ers 7pm ESPN
Atlanta  Chicago  9:30pm ESPN

NHL
Senators  3           Bruins  1
Capitals  2                     Flyers  1
Blue Jackets  6    Hurricanes 3
Gldn Knights  3  Blackhawks 1
Canucks  4           Flames  1
NHL Tonight
Toronto vs Tampa Bay 7pm TNT
Pittsburgh  vs NY Islanders  7pm
St Louis vs Dallas  9:30pm TNT
Edmonton vs Arizona 10pm

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 16, 2024

ELDER ABUSE PLEA DEAL REJECTED BY JUDGE

A Union County judge rejected the plea deal of the 19 year old woman who pleaded guilty to elder abuse when she was an employee at a dementia care facility in Lewisburg last February, saying the punishment was not sufficient. According to the Sun Gazette, Madison Cox of Montgomery yesterday was expecting a sentence of two years in jail with the possibility of house arrest, but Judge Michael Piecuch has sent the case back to pre-trial list meaning they could arrange a new plea deal, or it could go to trial.

EXCAVATOR THEFT LEADES POLICE TO ARMSTRONG COUNTY

An Indiana County man is in custody after he stole an excavator from a gas well pad job site in the Loyalsock State Forest in Plunketts Creek Township in February and exchanged it for three snowmobiles owned by a man from Armstrong County.  According to the Sun Gazette, 46 year old Brian Mitchell Baker was arrested last week on felony charges of theft and receiving stolen property after State Police located the stolen excavator, worth 65 thousand dollars, at the home of Jerry Beck, of Kittanning.  Baker was arraigned last week and was released on $50,000 bail.

FENCE ELECTRIFIED BY A WIRE AT LITTLE LEAGUE GAME

During a Little League baseball game Sunday at Bruce E. Henry Park on Ritchey Street in Loyalsock Township, a powerline blew off a nearby transformer which sent electric current through a fence at the ballpark, shocking a coach, but not injuring him.  According to the Sun Gazette, officials stopped the game and cleared the public from the fence until the Loyalsock Township Fire department arrived to check the fence and clear the scene. The game resumed at about 5:30, but may have been interrupted again by the strong line of storems that passed through the area Sunday evening. Lycoming County’s Department of Public Safety said the 911 center received close to 50 emergency calls that were storm related.

NEW SCEHDULE FOR ANTLER LICENSE SALES

In order to reduce wait times for Pennsylvania hunters purchasing licenses throughout the first round of resident antler license sales, the state Game Commission is making some changes for 2024.  Sales for Resident antlerless license sales open for WMUs 1B, 2G, and 3A will begin June 24th since they traditionally sell out during the first round, and the remaining WMU sales will start Thursday June 27th.  Resident antlerless licenses are guaranteed for the later WMUs in the first round only until July 7.

HAWK CAUSES ACCIDENT ON I-80

A red-tailed hawk crashed into a car along I-80 in Turbot Township last Thursday.  According to North Central PA dot com, Emergency services from Milton Fire Department responded to a vehicle accident that happened around mile marker 212 and discovered the driver of the car along the side of the road with the deceased hawk through the glass.  Multiple units were called to the scene but the driver was not reported to be injured.

TWO MEN CHARGED FOR USING A FAKE 100 DOLLAR BILL

A fake 100 dollar bill was used to make purchases at a convenience store in Lewisburg on April 5th.  According to Buffalo Valley Regional Police, two men, 22 year old Donyae Jarmon Austin, from Williamsport and 47 year old Shannan Eric Smith from Milton were charged with the theft after they went to the Firefly Convenient Store and passed the fake money to purchase food and other items.  Smith allegedly tipped the clerk ten dollars from his change, and told police during an interview that he knowingly used the fake money. Both men face two misdemeanor counts of theft by deception and receiving stolen property and a summary count of retail theft.

WORK ZONE SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK

The public is invited to join in on social media during National work Zone awareness week this week by joining the online conversation about safety for workers on our roadways in Pennsylvania using hashtag #Work Zone Awareness or #Slow4Zone.  According to Penn DOT,  there was a ceremony in Harrisburg yesterday to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives while working to maintain Pennsylvania’s infrastructure.  With more workers on area roads this Spring, state agencies began enforcement of the Work Zone Speed Safety Camera program this year to detect and record motorists exceeding posted work zone speed limits.  Get details at penndot.pa.gov.

LOYALSOCK MUSIC TEACHER NOMINATED AS AMERICA’S FAVORITE

A Loyalsock Township music teacher is looking for support after being nominated for America’s Favorite Teacher, a contest sponsored by Reader’s Digest.  According to North Central PA dot com, the public can cast one free vote for David Tini and cast additional paid votes to support the Teach For America program with a mission to find and educate quality teachers.  TIni was a Staff Sargeant and senior musician with the United States Army, and former assistant band director at Slippery Rock High School.  Cast your free vote at  https://americasfavteacher.org/2024/david-tini

SPORTS

PIAA HS Baseball
Loyalsock 11                  Hughesville 4
St John Neumann  17    CMVT  10
Softball 
Jersey Shore  7              Williamsport  6
St John Neumann 14     CMVT  8
Boys Tennis
Montoursville 5             Mifflinburg  0
South Williamsport  5  NP Liberty  0
Lewisburg  5                  Jersey Shore  0
Central Mountain 4       Shikellamy  1

MLB
Guardians  6        Red Sox  0
Orioles  7             Twins  4
Phillies  2             Rockies  1
Blue Jays  3          Yankees 1
Mets  6                 Pirates  3
Braves 6               Astros  1
Cardinals  3          A’s 1
Nationals  6          Dodgers  4

MLB Tonight
Twins vs Orioles  6:35pm
Rockies vs Phillies 6:40pm
Yankees vs Blue Jays 7:07pm
Cleveland vs Boston  7:10pm
Pittsburgh vs Mets 7:10pm
Washington vs LA Dodgers  10:10pm

NBA Playoffs Tonight
West
LA Lakers vs New Orleans  7:30pm TNT
Golden State vs  Sacramento  10pm TNT
East
Miami vs 76ers  7pm ESPN
Atlanta vs Chicago  9:30pm ESPN

Men’s Olympic Basketball
* Team USA is finalizing a 2024 Paris Olympics men’s basketball roster that includes the Lakers’ LeBron James, Warriors’ Stephen Curry, Suns’ Kevin Durant and 76ers’ Joel Embiid.
*  Team USA coach Steve Kerr will be coaching.
*  Durant is one of only two players ever to win three men’s basketball Olympic gold medals, along with Carmelo Anthony.
*  LeBron James is playing in his fourth Olympics, he won a bronze medal in 2004 and gold medals in 2008 and 2012.
NHL
Red Wings  5      Canadiens  4
Sabres  4              Lightning  2
Islanders  4         Devils 1
Penguins  4         Predators  2
Capitals 2           Bruins 0
Rangers  4           Senators  0
Oilers  9               Sharks  2
Wild  3                Kings  1

NHL Tonight
Washington vs Phila Flyers7pm
Toronto Florida 7:30pm ESPN
Chicago vs Vegas  10pm Hulu/ESPN+
Calgary vs Vancouver  10pm Hulu/ESPN+

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 15, 2024

ROADS AFFECTED BY FLOODING AND DOWNED UTILITIES

Rain has affected some area roadways with flooding or trees down affecting utilities.  According to PennDOT, in Lycoming County, Route 642 between Nisbet Terrace and Valley Road in Susquehanna Township has reopened this morning.  In Northumberland County, a new spot to watch includes Route 147 south of Herndon at the split with Route 225 to Carls Hill Road in Lower Mahanoy Township. Check 511PA dot com for road conditions of flood prone roadways near you. 

MIFFLINBURG TEEN FIRE VICTIM SERVICES SET FOR SATURDAY

Services have been set for a 16 year old sophomore at Mifflinburg Area High School who was killed after he was trapped in a house fire early Friday morning in Buffalo Township.  According to the Daily Item, Reese Donovan Conklin, was the victim in the fatal fire.  State police at Milton say Conklin’s mother and brother, who were in the home at 6491 Buffalo Road at the time of the blaze, escaped and were treated at Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg for smoke inhalation.  State police are investigating the fire.  A visitation for family and friends is scheduled at 10am on Saturday, April 20th  at St. George Roman Catholic Church in Mifflinburg, before a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. 

VOLLEYBALL APPROVED FOR MONTOURSVILLE GIRLS

There will be volleyball for junior and senior high school girls at Montoursville after school board directors this week approved the creation of the club.  According to the Sun Gazette, support for the club by students,  parents and school officials was given at the March 26th school board meeting and was approved with some debate over start-up costs.  The estimated cost to start-up the program was 70 thousand dollars, but the Montoursville superintendent said as a yet to be developed program, the costs would likely be less and also spread over two years.

BECOME AN ORGAN DONOR

PennDOT and the PA department of Health, Gift of Life Donor Program  and others put out a call to action Friday for  National Donate Life Day – a day asking residents to become organ donors by updating their driver’s licenses.  According to PennDOT, if you’re considering it, you don’t have to wait until you have to renew your license, you can opt-in anytime at dmv.pa.gov.  About 5 million Pennsylvanians are organ donors – about 49 percent of all current drives and ID holders.

HOMELESS MAN THREATENS LAUDROMAT EMPLOYEES

A homeless man previously from West Milton was taken into custody April 4th for threatening employees of a local laundromat in east Buffalo Township.  .  According to North Central PA dot com, 26 year old Gustavo Alexander Gutierrez, allegedly ran into the business  on North Derr Drive with a rock, throwing a cart, and threatening one employee and then yelling at, and threatening the manager when she arrived asking him to leave the premises.  Gutierrez fled out the back door when the police were about to be called, and was later taken into custody for misdemeanor simple assault, terroristic threats, disorderly conduct and more and was incarcerated in lieu of 10 thousand dollars bail.  His preliminary hearing is May 2nd.

MAN DRAGS WOMAN WITH MOVING CAR

A man from Trevorton has been charged with misdemeanor reckless endangerment after he drove away with a person hanging on to his vehicle Thursday at about 7pm.  According to the Daily Item, 30 year old Jonathan Martinez was arrested after police responded to a domestic incident at the intersection of Race and Second Street, where a woman was laying in the roadway.  Police say Martinez said the woman was trying to hit him when he drove away trapping the victim’s arm in the car window causing her to grab the roof rack of the car. She fell and was injured and treated at the scene.  Martinez was located and arrested, and is incarcerated in lieu of 5 thousand dollars bail. He has an upcoming preliminary hearing.

POWER OUTAGES IN NORTH CENTRAL PA

Just over 900 customers in Clinton County are dealing with power outages this morning from heavy rains recently.  There are only about 100 customers affected by power issues in Lycoming County this morning.  PennDOT is reporting some flooded roadways this morning.  In Columbia County Back Branch Road between Whites Church Road and Millertown Road in Mt. Pleasant Township still has downed utilities, so watch for a lane restriction there.   Check 511PA dot com for road conditions of flood prone roadways near you. 

TAX DEADLINE DAY TODAY

Today is Tax Day in the United States, and millions of Americans are racing to file their 2023 income tax returns before the midnight deadline.  However, there are some exceptions. If you request an extension, your deadline to file will be October 15, 2024. For various tax information and forms in Lycoming County, go to lycomingtax.org.

SPORTS

NASCAR Sunday – Auto Trader 400,  Texas Motor Speedway
*  Chase Elliott pulled ahead and cleared Ross Chastain on the first lap after the second restart in overtime Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway, ending his 42-race winless streak.
*  The race ended on the 16th caution after Elliott had taken the white flag for the 276th lap in a race scheduled for 267 laps. 
* Brad Keslowski was 2nd, William Byron 3rd, Tyler Reddick 4th and Daniel Suarez rounded out the top 5.
* It was the fifth win this season for Hendrick Motorsports, the 306th for NASCAR’s winningest team, but the first for Elliott in this No. 9 Chevrolet since Talladega in October 2022.

Golf – Masters Tournament, Augusta National Golf Course, Augusta, GA
* Scottie Scheffler got his second Green Jacket in three years at the 2024 Masters Sunday.
* Tiger Woods is the only other player who has won multiple majors as World No. 1.
* Scheffler finished 68 in Round 4 Sunday and completed the tournament at No. 1 winning a 3.6 million dollar purse. 
* Tiger Woods who made the Master’s Cut for the weekend and shot a 77 Sunday, finished in the last position for the Tournament – he won $44K.

MLB
Guardians  8        Yankees  7
Red Sox  5                     Angels  4
Orioles 6              Brewers 4 
Pirates  9              Phillies  2
Braves  9              Marlins 7 
Mets 2                  Royals  1
A’s  7                   Nationals  6
MLB Today
Cleveland vs Boston  11:10am
Twins vs Orioles 6:35pm
Rockies vs Phillies 6:40pm
Yankees vs Toronto 7:07pm
Pittsburgh vs NY Mets  7:10pm
Washington vs LA Dodgers 10:10pm

NBA
Celtics  132          Wizards  122
NY Knicks  120  Bulls 119
76ers  107            Nets  107
Warriors  123       Jazz 116
Rockets  116        Clippers  105

NHL
Blues  4                Kraken  1
Golden Knights 4           Avalanche  3
Hurricanes  4        Blackhawks  2
Flames  6              Coyotes  5

NHL Tonight
Canadiens  vs Red Wings  7pm
Islanders vs  Devils  7pm
Predators vs Penguins  7pm
Senators  vs NY Rangers  7:30pm
Sharks vs Oilers  9:30pm
Wild vs Kings  9:30pm ESPN

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 10, 2024

MORE SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES FOR MUNCY MAN

The Muncy man already jailed on over one thousand sexual assault, and child pornography  charges in Lycoming County, is facing more sexual assault charges after an alleged victim testified in court this week.  According to the Sun Gazette, 55 year old Timothy Stroud, Sr. has been again charged with statutory sexual assault with a person under 16, aggravated indecent assault and more which is now a third case against him.  District Judge Denise Dieter denied bail determining there are no conditions she could place on Stroud that would guarantee the safety of the community.  He will remain incarcerated.

WOMAN SCAMS MONEY, CLAIMED IT WAS FOR NEEDY FAMILIES

A woman from Newburg has been arrested for fraud after she scammed almost 60 thousand dollars in donations meant for needy families.  According to State police at Milton, the victims told officers that 42 year old Lori Ann Ketcham, took their money through an online app, but when they asked for verification that the families were being helped, Ketchum would not share photos and discouraged contact.  Police say Ketchum could not show them where the money she received between March of 2022 and September of 2023 had gone.  Ketchum had been arrested for fraud in 2016 when she was a certified peer specialist, and was charged with falsifying patient records to inflate her billable services for which she received probation.  Her preliminary hearing for this charge is May 30th.

PA TURNPIKE COMMISSION WARNS OF SCAM

There’s a new scam for those who use the E-ZPass toll system, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is warning customers.  According to the Bucks County Courier Times, there have been texts and emails sent recently to EZ Pass account holders requesting a settlement of accounts.  Customers are advised to not click on the link, and instead file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.  They can also use the official PA Turnpike E-ZPass website or the PA Toll Pay app to check their account.

VOTERS GUIDE AVAILABLE IN UNION COUNTY

The League of Women Voters of the Lewisburg Area have published a “Voters Guide for the 2024 April General Primary Election” to help Union County residents be more informed as we approach Primary Election Day, April 23rd in Pennsylvania. According to the Daily Item, the nonpartisan guide contains the names of all candidates that appear on the ballot and is available at Union County libraries and post offices as well as online at the  League of Women Voters website at www.lwvlewisburgarea.org.

SELINSGROVE TRUCK DRIVER DIES IN ACCIDENT IN EASTERN PA

A Selinsgrove man died in Lehigh Township in Northampton County close to the New Jersey border on Tuesday morning, when the tri-axle dump truck he was driving was involved in an accident.  According to the Morning Call, the Northampton County coroner said 52 year old Lincoln Brown was traveling yesterday morning along Route 145 near Mulberry Drive at about 6:30am when he sustained fatal injuries in the crash. There is no word on whether any one else was involved in the incident Lehigh Township Police said Route 145 opened around 11:30 yesterday morning after police concluded their investigation at the scene.

RAPIST SENTENCED TO POSSIBLE 15 YEARS

A man charged with assault for holding to a knife to a female victim’s throat during the attack in January of 2023 has been sentenced to 7 and a half to 15 years in prison.  According to the Sun Gazette, court records say 25 year old Unique Robinson chose not to tell the truth about cheating to his girlfriend, and instead tried to silence the victim about their infidelity.  The  Assistant District Attorney Martin Wade argued there was a high probability that Robinson would hurt others if not locked up.  Robinson’s family asked he not be taken away from h is 6 year-old daughter.  Robinson also faces 12 months of supervised probation upon his eventual release.

PSP SEEK MAN WHO FLED ON FOOT IN TURBOTVILLE

State Police say the public is not in danger, but they are looking for a suspect who fled from police in Turbotville on Monday morning.  According to media outlets, the high speed chase started when a man with a beard wouldn’t stop for officers along Pleasant Grove Road near Turbotville and once he stopped the chase, fled on foot and got away.  State police are investigating and request you call PSP at Milton if you have information 570-524-2662.

RIDER PARK ART TO BE FEATURED IN JULY FIRST FRIDAY

Rider Park on Caleb Creek Road in Trout Run is hosting an Artist in Residency program in May and invites participants to join in making handcrafted clay creations inspired by nature in a series of classes this season.  According to North Central PA dot com, local clay artist Kathy Görg will teach a 15 person class, creating art pieces that will be displayed during Williamsport’s July First Friday event at Lycoming Arts, on West 4th Street.  For more information about the class or about “Art in Rider Park”, email [email protected] or go to Riderpark.org.  Limited scholarships are available for the 5 week class that starts Tuesday, May 28th.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Sports

Baseball 
Muncy  16                     Bucktail 1
Montgomery  4    St John Neumann  2

Softball  
Milton  24            Central Columbia  23 /10
Boys Tennis 
South Wmsport  5  Hughesville 0

MLB
White Sox  7      Guardians  5
Tigers  5              Pirates  3
Orioles  7            Red Sox  1
Brewers  9           Reds  5
Yankees 3           Marlins 2
Braves  6             Mets  5
Royals  4             Astros  3  /10
Cardinals  3        Phillies  0
Nationals 5         Giants 3

MLB Today  
Phillies  vs St Louis  1:15pm
Diamondbacks vs Colorado  3:10pm ESPN+
Miami vs Yankees 7:05pm

NBA
Mavericks  130            Hornets  104
76ers  120                     Pistons  102
Bucks  104                   Celtics  91
Knicks  128                  Bulls  117
Timberwolves  130     Wizards 121
Warriors  134               Lakers  120

NBA Tonight
Dallas vs Miami  7:30pm ESPN
Minnesota vs Denver 10pm ESPN

NHL
Hurricanes 4       Bruins  1
Canadiens  9       Flyers  3
Capitals  2           Red Wings  1
Maple Leafs 5     Devils 2
Islanders  4         Rangers  2

NHL Tonight
Vegas vs Edmonton 8:30pm TNT

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 9, 2024

COLLISION INJURES TWO, ONE LIFE FLIGHTED

A head on collision yesterday along Route 220 near McElhattan injured both drivers involved.  According to the News Item, Police say one driver was heading in the wrong direction along Route 220 and collided on the northbound side at mile marker 116 around 10:30am causing a serious crash that involved entrapment.  According to Clinton County Department of Emergency services the Life Flight helicopter was called just after 11am and transported one patient after multiple emergency crews from Clinton County and Lycoming County responded to the collision.  The north side of Route 220 was closed until about 12:30pm yesterday.  Pine Creek Township police are investigating the incident.

TEENAGER ARRESTED FOR STABBING ADULT

A 15 year old from Shamokin has been arrested after stabbing last Thursday night around the 100 block of West Independence Street.  According to the News Item, a 24 year old city man was the victim in the incident, but no word on whether he is still hospitalized after the stabbing.  Shamokin police said the teen stabbed the victim multiple times during a fight at approximately 9pm.  They then charged the teen with felony of aggravated assault and misdemeanors of simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and disorderly conduct, and a summary of harassment, through Northumberland County Juvenile Court Services.

LEVEE PROJECT FUNDING WILL REMOVE SOME RISK OF FLOODING

Funding for Williamsport’s levee flood control project was included in FY24 Appropriations legislation was recently signed into law and the financial support will allow the city to address the looming threat of damage to the city’s assets by flooding.  According to North Cetnral PA dot com, Congressman Dan Meuser said he helped secure 3.5 million dollars to enhance the levee system and mitigate risk so the system can become compliant for certification,  allowing insurance premiums to remain reasonable that would otherwise impact taxes. 

SHOE BANK OPEN THIS MONTH IN LOCK HAVEN

Lock Haven’s Shoe Bank will be open April 20th and is taking appointments for the event that will take place inside Covenant United Methodist Church on West Main Street in Lock Haven.  Any child from infants to teens in Clinton County or in the Liberty-Curtin School attendance area with an active Compass app, or referred by an agency can book an appointment for a pair of new shoes, socks and books for free by texting or calling weeknights 7 to 9pm 814-571-5324.  The Shoe bank will hold one more event in May before they close for the summer. More details at Lock Haven Shoe Bank on Facebook.

ROUTE 104 CLOSED MONDAY MORNING AFTER ACCIDENT

There was an accident yesterday morning that closed Route 104 in both directions between Middle Road and New Berlin Highway in Center Township in Snyder County.  According to police, one vehicle struck a utility pole, knocking the wires down around 6:30am Injuries were reported in the accident that occurred near Penns Creek, but no word on the conditions of the victims in the accident today.  According to PennDOT, Route 104 reopened after 1pm.

BENTON MAN IDENTIFIED AS DROWNING VICTIM

Police have announced the name of the fishing victim who was found unresponsive in Young Woman’s Creek Saturday afternoon in Clinton County on the first day of Trout season in Pennsylvania.  According to the Lock Haven Express, 31 year old James Ray from Benton was the victim of the fatal incident in Chapman Township.  The Chief Deputy Coroner of Clinton County is investigating the drowning.

SEWER SERVICE APPROVED BY WATSONTOWN BOROUGH

Watsontown is the sixth municipality to approve sewer service to East Chillisquaque and Turbot townships with the Milton Regional Sewer Authority (MRSA) after their borough council meeting this week.  according to the Standard Journal, Turbot Township is now the seventh municipaliuty that also must adopt a mandatory connection ordinance for the expanded service plan to take place.  The sewer service is specifically addressing service for the Potts Grove, Mahoning Manor and Pleasant Valley Village areas.

FINANCIAL AID SEMINAR AT CU-LOCK HAVEN

Commonwealth University Lock Haven Office of Financial Aid will hold a  FAFSA Completion Workshop next Thursday April 18th in Stevenson Library for students and their parents with an active FSA ID and 2022 tax information.  Families without an FSA ID can go online to student aid dot gov to create an account.  Register for the event at apply.commonwealthu.edu or call the Office of Financial Aid at CU-Lock Haven for information 570-484-2424.

SPORTS

PIAA HS Sports
Baseball
Williamsport  17  Milton  1
Loyalsock  3  Warrior Run  1
South Williamsport  8 Troy  2
Central Mountain 5  Jersey Shore 2

Softball
Montgomery  17  St John Neumann 2 /3
Boys Tennis 
Central Mnt  4  Williamsport 1
Loyalsock  5  Bloomsburg  0
Jersey Shore  5  Milton  0

March Madness
NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship
(1) UConn  75      (1) Purdue  60

UConn is the third team to win back-to-back titles since the NCAA tournament expanded in 1985 and is the betting favorite to win it again next year. The only team to three-peat is UCLA, which won seven straight titles under John Wooden from 1967-73.  Neither of the other two teams to repeat since then (Florida & Duke)  made it to the second weekend of the NCAA tournament the third time around.

NBA Today
Pistons  vs 76ers  7pm
Celtics vs Bucks  7:30pm TNT
Knicks vs Bulls   8pm
Wizards  vs Timberwolves  8pm
Warriors  vs Lakers  10pm  TNT

NHL
Maple Leafs  3          Penguins  2  /OT
Canucks  4                 Golden Knights  3

NHL Tonight
Flyers vs Canadiens 7pm Montreal, QC
Capitals vs Red Wings  7pm
Maple Leafs  vs Devils  7pm
Rangers  vs Islanders  7pm

MLB
Guardians  4              White Sox  0
Yankees  7                 Marlins  0
Pirates 7                     Tigers  4
Reds  10                     Brewers  8
Mets  8                       Braves  7
Dodgers  4                 Twins  2
Phillies  5                   Cardinals  3
Nationals  8  Giants  1

MLB Today
Detroit vs Pittsburgh  12:35pm
Baltimore  vs Boston 2:10pm
Miami  vs NY Yankees  7:05pm
Mets  vs Atlanta  7:20pm ESPN+
Phillies vs St Louis  7:45pm

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 8, 2024

WILLIAMSPORT FIRE DISPLACES FIVE

A two-alarm fire Sunday in Williamsport displaced five people from a four-unit apartment building on West Fourth Street.  According to the Sun Gazette, just after 7pm,  neighbors and witnesses along the street alerted tenants to the fire they saw coming from an air conditioning unit on the second floor.  City firemen rescued a woman from a second floor apartment where there was smoke coming from the window.  Two tenants were taken to UPMC Williamsport for tr5eament of smoke inhalation, and the fire was under control in about 15 minutes.  Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Company, along with South Williamsport and Montoursville responded to the second alarm and assisted Williamsport.  The Red Cross is assisting the families and the fire is under investigation.

BODY OF FISHERMAN FOUND UNRESPONSIVE

There is a report that law enforcement officials are conducting a death investigation of an unidentified person who was found dead while fishing Saturday.  According to State Troopers the 31 year old fisherman was found unresponsive in the “Young Woman’s Creek”  in Chapman Township Saturday afternoon at about 2pm.  No other information has yet been released, and an investigation is ongoing.

MANY MAIL IN BALLOT REQUESTS FROM BOTH PARTIES

Close to a million people in Pennsylvania have requested mail-in or absentee ballot for Pennsylvania’s April 23 primary.  According to WHTM, As of April 3rd, 74% of requested mail ballots have been from registered Democrats, but more than 200,000 have been requested by Republicans. The deadline to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is 5 p.m. on April 16 and all ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on April 23.  The deadline to register to vote is April 8.

ECLIPSE TRAVLERS REMINDED OF TRAFFIC ISSUES

Travelers heading out to see the solar eclipse today in Western Pennsylvania are reminded of available resources from PennDOT and VisitErie dot com.  The path of the eclipse starts in Pennsylvania at approximately 2pm with totality expected at 3:16pm and will conclude at approximately 4:30pm Nearly 435,000 Pennsylvanians live in the path of this eclipse. State Police will be posted at each exit to keep traffic moving and people gathered at rest stops will be directed to view the eclipse elsewhere.  Find an updated webpage at 511pa.com/eclipse24.

FAST FOOD EMPLOYEE THREATENED POLICE WITH KNIFE

A fast food employee in Lewisburg pulled a knife March 22nd and threatened patrons and police.  According to North Central PA dot com, 68 year old Ronald Shumate was working when a manager discovered him threatening to harm himself and called police.  Milton State Police asked Shumate to step outside for questioning, he pulled out the knife and began yelling, and scaring customers, some who had children with them, causing them to evacuate the store.  Shumate was charged with terroristic threats, reckless endangerment, and disorderly conduct, his preliminary hearing is May 2nd.

MAN CHARGED A SIXTH TIME FOR FELONY THEFT AT GROCERY STORE

A man from Sunbury is in custody after he allegedly stole items from Weis Markets and gave police a fictitious name when they were questioning him March 23rd.  According to North Central PA dot com, 32 year old Nicholas Hurd was identified as a trespasser in the store after witnesses say they previously saw him with drug paraphernalia in the restroom and had been kicked out.  Police arrived at the scene and discovered Hurd with about 63 dollars worth of items in his pockets as well as bags and suspected methamphetamine as he left the store.  Hurd admitted to police he took drugs and then required hospitalization.  He was charged with felony retail theft and possession with intent to deliver.  Hurd has been charged and convicted 5 previous times for retail theft. He is incarcerated in liue of 150 thousand dollars bail.

A man from Sunbury is in custody after he allegedly stole items from Weis Markets and gave police a fictitious name when they were questioning him March 23rd.  According to North Central PA dot com, 32 year old Nicholas Hurd was identified as a trespasser in the store after witnesses say they previously saw him with drug paraphernalia in the restroom and had been kicked out.  Police arrived at the scene and discovered Hurd with about 63 dollars worth of items in his pockets as well as bags and suspected methamphetamine as he left the store.  Hurd admitted to police he took drugs and then required hospitalization.  He was charged with felony retail theft and possession with intent to deliver.  Hurd has been charged and convicted 5 previous times for retail theft. He is incarcerated in liue of 150 thousand dollars bail.

As Pennsylvania remains a battleground state in the upcoming presidential election, we will have visits from the current Vice President of the United states and  former President Donald Trump prior to the Presidential primary April 23rd.  According to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Kamala Harris will be in Philadelphia today to discuss how to continue to lower inflation in the Commonwealth, and next Saturday, Former President Donald Trump will visit Schnecksville Fire Hall on Old Packhouse Road in North Whitehall Township at 7pm. 

RESPASZ BAND OFFERING FREE CONCERT THIS MONTH

The Williamsport Community Arts Center is hosting the Respasz Band this month and they’ll be sharing a celebration of springtime and Broadway musicals for free.  According to the band, “Musical Memories”  will feature songs from 16 different musicals from composers including Andrew Lloyd Webber, John Philip Sousa, and Leonard Bernstein.  Repasz conductor Jeff Dent says many of the numbers are award-winners, from Tonys , Grammys, Golden Globes and the Oscars.  The show at 7:30 on Tuesday April 16th will also include the presentation of the Repasz Band Senior Awards, given annually to one senior from each high school in Lycoming County.

SPORTS

NASCAR
William Byron took the lead with 73 laps to go and held on to win at Martinsville Motor Speedway Sunday, giving Hendrick a 1-2-3 finish.  Kyle Larson rallied to finish second, Chase Elliott third, Bubba Wallace fourth and Ryan Blaney, last fall’s winner here, fifth. The fourth Hendrick driver, Alex Bowman, finished eighth.

March Madness
NCAA Women’s National Championship
South Carolina 87         Iowa 75
South Carolina, led by Dawn Staley, entered the women’s NCAA Tournament as the overall No. 1 seed, and won their third national championship Sunday.
NCAA Men’s National Championship Tonight
Purdue vs UConn 9:20pm TBS

MLB
Braves  5              Diamondbacks  2
Pirates  3              Orioles 2
Nationals  3          Phillies  2
Yankees 8            Blue Jays  3
Mets  3                 Reds  1
Cubs  8                 LA Dodgers  1
Red Sox  12         Angels  2
Astros  3              Rangers 1

MLB Tonight
Miami vs NY Yankees  6:05pm
Detroit vs Pittsburgh  6:40pm
Mets  vs Atlanta  7:20pm
Phillies vs St Louis  7:45pm
Washington vs San Francisco  9:45pm

NHL
Red Wings 3         Sabres  1
Senators  3           Capitals  2
Predators  3          Devils  2
Rangers  5            Canadiens  2

NHL Tonight  
Pittsburgh vs Toronto  7pm

NBA
Clippers  120       Cavaliers  118
Celtics  124          Trail Blazers  107
Knicks  122          Bucks  109
76ers  133            Spurs  126
Kings  107              Nets  77
Warriors 118        Jazz 110

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 5, 2024

FLOOD WATERS IMPACTING AREA ROADS

Flooding is still impacting roadways in some area counties.  According to PennDOT, as of last night in South Williamsport, there is still a lane restriction at Second Avenue  between East Second and Sylvan Dell Park Road in the borough.  In Northumberland County, there is a new trouble spot at Route 405 in Turbot Township between Susquehanna Trail and the Milton Borough line, and Shakespeare Road between Hobbes Road and Route 45 in East Chillisquaque Township remains restricted with flooding as well.   In Union County,  River Road between Tabernacle Road and New Columbia Road in White Deer Township also has flood conditions to contend with.

MAN WHO ABANDONED CAR AFTER A POLICE CHASE IS ARRESTED

A driver who eluded police after a thirty minute high speed chase around the city, and abandoned the car used in the pursuit in the Newberry neighborhood Wednesday night, has been taken into custody.  According to the Sun Gazette, police say 20 year old Kyle Alexander Grugan who is on probation for a firearm violation, didn’t stop when Lycoming Regional police attempted to stop him for a traffic violation at Mahaffey Lane and Green Avenue in Old Lycoming Township about 9:15 p.m and a high speed chase started that lasted over 20 minutes and wound around the city until Grugan got away.  After a tip came in about an abandoned Chevy Cobalt found at the 2700 block of Grand Street, police got a search warrant for the address they believed was Grugan’s and arrested him for felony fleeing police, reckless endangerment and more. He is at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of 75 thousand dollars bail.

TURBOTVILLE ARMED ROBBERY

A gunman surprised a person who was getting off of work Wednesday night at the 4600 block of Route 54 in Turbotville  at about 8:30pm, attempting to rob them.  According to the Sun Gazette, the victim was able to run from the altercation into the Valero and called 911 before anything was stolen or anyone was injured.  Police say the suspect who attempted the armed robbery fled the scene with a silver handgun and wearing camouflage clothing.  If you have information call the Milton state police at 570-524-2662.

WWII MEMORIAL IN MIFFLINBURG TO BE REFURBISHED

Craftsmen from Finleyville have begun working on the memorial in Mifflinburg this week, in an effort to restore the Union County World War II Honor Roll at Mifflinburg Community Park.  According to the Daily Item, the North Fifth Street location is on the original site of the draft board in 1940.  According to the Union County Veterans Foundation the smaller panels have been taken to be refurbished and the large panels will be worked on on-site.  About 19 thousand dollars in funds were raised for the restoration that is expected to be complete by Memorial Day.

FATAL ACCIDENT IN SNYDER COUNTY

There was another fatal car accident this week in Snyder County.  According to State police at Selinsgrove, 63-year-old Glenn Bossinger from Thompsontown, Juniata County was driving on Route 235 on Wednesday at about 6pm.  Troopers say Bossinger may have been traveling at excessive speed before he spun out on a wet road and hit a tree, the impact of which destroyed his vehicle.  Officials had Route 235 closed for almost 2 hours while they investigated the crash.  The Snyder County Coroner pronounced Bossinger dead at the scene. 

STATE POLICE SEEK A TURBOTVILLE BURGLARY SUSPECT

A burglary took place at the Turbotville Great Value store earlier this month and state police are looking for a suspect.  According to North Central PA dot com, police say the Great Value store along State Highway 54 was burglarized last spring.  Authorities say the suspect took off with an undisclosed amount of cash, an air conditioner, a broom, a cash register server and register parts, as well as an ATM, a lottery ticket machine and computer monitors.  If you have information that could lead to the arrest of this suspect or suspects, call State police at Milton, 570-524-2662.

ELECTRIC INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDS DISTRIBUTED

PennDOT announced $20 million in investments for an early round of federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding. This funding is part the commonwealth’s commitment to providing Pennsylvanians with transportation options that are cleaner, safer , and more reliable.  Twenty-nine projects in 19 counties across the state were selected to fill in gaps on the Alternative Fuel Corridors in the state. The $20 million federal investment is part of the $171.5 million PennDOT will receive and distribute for EV charging infrastructure over five years through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

ROAD SAFETY CONCERNS DURING ECLIPSE MONDAY

If you happen to be driving next Monday during the solar eclipse that is set to darken the skies between approximately 2pm and 4pm, the Pennsylvania State Police, PEMA and the PA Turnpike commission  advise motorists to be aware of conditions on the roadway especially if you are traveling toward Erie in northwestern PA.  State Police will be directing traffic off of the interstate shoulders and out of the rest stops Monday afternoon for safety reasons.  The City of Erie will have one of the longest periods of darkness from the eclipse as they are in the path of totality.  To find a location to watch the eclipse in western PA Monday go to Visit Erie dot com.

SPORTS

MLB
Guardians  4       Twins  2
Pirates  7             Nationals  4
Cardinals  8        Marlins 5
Game 1  Tigers  6        Mets  3/11
Game 2  Mets  2           Tigers  1

MLB Today
Toronto vs  NY Yankees  1pm
Orioles  vs Pittsburgh  4pm
Mets vs Cincinnati  6:30pm AppleTv+
Phillies vs Washington  6:45pm

NBA
76ers  109           Heat  105
Knicks  120        Kings  109
Mavericks  109  Hawks  95 
Warriors  133     Rockets  110
Clippers  102      Nuggets  100
NBA Tonight
Portland vs Washington  7pm
Sacramento vs Boston 7:30pm NBATv
Knicks vs Chicago  8pm
Minnesota vs Phoenix  10pm  NBATv

NHL
Panthers  6          Senators  0
Penguins  4         Capitals  1
Islanders  4         Blue Jackets  2

NHL Tonight
Flyers  vs Buffalo  7pm
NY Rangers  vs Detroit  7pm
Washington vs Carolina  7pm

NHL Saturday
Lightning vs Penguins  1pm ABC
Flyers vs Columbus  7pm


NCAA Women’s Final 4 Tonight
(3) NC State  vs (1) South Carolina  7pm ESPN
(3) UConn  vs (1) Iowa 9pm ESPN
NCAA Women’s Championship  Sunday, April 7th – 3pm

NCAA Men’s Final Four Saturday April 6
(11) NC State  vs (1) Purdue  6:09pm TBS
(4) Alabama vs (1) UConn  8:49pm TBS
NCAA Men’s Championship Monday, April 8th –  9:20pm

BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS APRIL 3, 2024

FLOOD WATCH THROUGH TOMORROW FOR NEPA

There’s a flood watch in effect through tomorrow morning for Lycoming County and other northeastern Pennsylvania counties according to the National Weather Service.  PennDOT is reporting some flooding this morning in Union County on 8th Street between Valley Road and Route 45 in Mifflinburg Borough.  Beaver Run Road is also reported to be flooding between Route 192 and Johnson Mill Road in Buffalo Township.  In addition, Bald Eagle Creek is approaching flood stage and residents are advised of a warning for minor flooding through Saturday morning.  As of this morning, Bald Eagle Creek near Beech Creek Station was at 9.8 feet with flood stage at 11 feet.  The river is expected to crest by midnight tonight at 12.9 feet.

ELDERLY COUPLE DIES IN UNION COUNTY ACCIDENT

The Union County coroner reports that two elderly residents were killed Monday after a traffic accident in Union Township.  According to State police, 72-year-old Jerry Bower and 60-year-old Etta Mendler-Bower who was his passenger were driving a small SUV when they allegedly pulled out in front of a pick-up truck driven by 19-year-old Remington Lenig at about 2:45pm at the intersection of Route 304 and Stein Lane.  Lenig and his passenger sustained minor injuries.  The Bowers died at the scene of the crash. 

MAN ACCUSED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AGAINST MINOR PLEADS GUILTY

A Lamar Township man has pleaded guilty to second degree aggravated assault against a 9 year old girl, and will avoid the jury trial that was scheduled for him in Clinton County Court this upcoming May. According to the Clinton County District Attorney’s Office, 25 year old Emanuel King will face sentencing after the Pennsylvania Sexual Offenders Assessment board determines whether he is considered a violent sexual predator.  King was arrested in August of 2023 for aggravated assault charges and unlawful contact with a minor, against multiple victims under the age of 13.

SHAW PLACE PARK LOOKING FOR DESIGN PARTNERS

The City of Williamsport , as they make plans to upgrade and improve Shaw Place Park, are seeking  to partner with architectural consultants and design-build firms to create a space for a mountain bike skills park, which will  include an integrated  network of trails of various skill levels, and will complement the walking paths, and the recently completed Splash pad within the park.  According to the Sun Gazette, DCNR awarded the city over 220 thousand dollars for the park along Sheridan Street, and those who could provide professional design services have until April 22nd at 3pm to submit their proposals.

MAN WHO THREW CARSEAT INTO STREET GET PROBATION

A man from Williamsport has been given probation for throwing a car seat holding his 3-month old child in it into the street last April during an argument with the baby’s mother as part of a plea agreement in Lycoming County Court. The baby was unhurt.  According to the Sun Gazette, 30 year old Kadeem Middleton pleaded guilty to a count of disorderly conduct after originally being charged with felony child endangerment assault charges and resisting arrest.  Middleton will serve the 12 months and also be required to perform community service.

THEFT SUPECT FOUND ALSO TO BE SUSPECT IN A VEHICLE THEFT

A 34 year old former Scranton man who was apprehended and jailed for stealing items from a police cruiser parked at a car dealership near Muncy on February 25th, has been charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle from earlier that same day. According to the Sun Gazette, Jesse Greiner had stolen two ATV’s, taking one from a dealer along Legion Road first around 10:30 am and driving it from the store, then returning it, and taking another ATV for a ride before noon.  Police say Griner overturned the 2nd ATV near the location where police arrested him for the theft from the cruiser.  He is in Lycoming County Prison on 25 thousand dollars bail.

WATSONTOWN MUSEUM REOPENS

The Watsontown Historical Museum is reopened after they shut down for five months after part of the ceiling fell down in November, not causing  any injury, just a mess.  According to the Daily Item, volunteers worked to restore the museum that opened on Monday that features five connecting rooms that feature artifacts reflecting Watsontown’s history.  The Watsontown Historical Association used funds from a $150,000 Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) grant to pay for the renovations. Get details at mywatsontown.com.

KULPMONT CLEAN UP DAY APRIL 20

A former Kulpmont Borough Councilman is spearheading an Earth Day clean-up of Veteran’s Memorial Field and other high-traffic areas on April 20th.  According to the Daily Item, Joseph Dowkus and interested volunteers are meeting Saturday the 20th at 8am for a clean up that Dowkus says is more than borough workers can keep up with.  Bags will be provided but participants are encouraged to wear gloves or bring tools like a trash grabber. Questions can be directed to Dowkus on Facebook at Sons of the American Legion page.  The Kulpmont clean-up is expected to last until noon.

SPORTS

NCAA Women’s Final 4 Friday, April 5
(3) NC State  vs (1) South Carolina  7pm
(3) UConn  vs (1) Iowa 9pm
NCAA Women’s Championship  Sunday April 3pm

NCAA Men’s Basketball Saturday 4/6
Final Four
(11) NC State  vs (1) Purdue  6:09pm TBS
(4) Alabama vs (1) UConn  8:49pm TBS
NCAA Men’s Championship Monday April 8 9:20pm

MLB
Guardians 5         Mariners 2
Brewers  3                     Twins 2
Royals  4              Orioles  1
Phillies  9             Reds  4
Red Sox  5                     A’s 4  /11
Diamondbacks  7           Yankees 0
Tigers vs Mets  postponed til Thursday

NBA
Lakers 128                     Raptors  111
Wizards  117        Bucks  113
76ers  109            Thunder  105
Heat  109             Knicks  99
Cavaliers  129      Jazz  113
Warriors  104       Mavericks  100
NBA Tonight
Oklahoma City vs Boston  7:30pm ESPN
Pacers vs Nets  7:30pm
Cleveland vs Phoenix 10pm ESPN

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