BACKYARD BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS DECEMBER 28, 2023

CRASH CLOSES ROUTE 487

A crash closed a part of Route 487 yesterday in both directions after a fuel delivery driver allegedly fell asleep at the wheel, crashing and overturning around 9am.  According to WNEP, 487 was closed in both directions from Columbia County to Northumberland County after crews were on the scene to clean up between 300 and 1,000 gallons of fuel that had spilled.  Two different detours were in place for commercial truck traffic and passenger cars and the roads reopened by Wednesday just before 6pm.  The truck driver was hospitalized but is expected to be alright.

FORMER CONVENIENCE STORE CONDEMMED

The Sunbury Code Department has taken action on the former Turkey Hill store on Front Street that had been vacant since 2022, and condemned the property which is currently in eminent domain status.  According to the Daily Item, city officials have tried unsuccessfully for years to contact the owner, listed as Pamela Gartin, with addresses in Ohio and Arizona.  Code officials deemed the deteriorating property unfit to use in October and with no response to the numerous citations to Gartin, have now gone one more step in taking the property over.

BILL INTRODUCED FOR PANIC ALARMS IN PA CLASSROOMS

Pennsylvania politicians want schools in the Commonwealth to have access to panic alarms within classrooms.  According to WHTM, four democratic lawmakers introduced a bill that would add PA to a list of states asking schools to consider the device.  Five states have adopted Alyssa’s Law in honor of Alyssa Alhadeff, who was one of 17 people killed in the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida.

STATE POLICE RELEASE CRASH STATISTICS

Crash and enforcement statistics have been released by the Pennsylvania State Police for the Christmas holiday.  According to the report, 200 arrests for DUI were made over the three days, from December 23rd to the 25th.  State Police investigated 404 crashes, where three individuals died, and 70 others were injured. Investigators noted alcohol was a factor in 36 crashes, with over one thousand speeding citations issued, including 123 citations for failing to wear a seat belt and 22 citations for improper use of child safety seats.

SON ARRESTED FOR FATAL STABBING OF HIS MOTHER

State police have released information about a fatal stabbing in Columbia County yesterday.  According to the Standard Journal, 60 year old James Gary Cosper  of Bloomsburg is in the Columbia County Prison after Scott Township Police allege he stabbed his 82 year old mother to death at their Old Berwick Road home Wednesday just before 1pm.  Pennsylvania State Police say there is no threat to the community and Cosper is charged with criminal homicide, felony aggravated assault, and more, with a preliminary hearing coming up January 10th.

SHAMOKIN MAN CHARGED WITH BURGLARY, ASSAULT

A Shamokin man is in custody after he resisted arrest after an alleged assault on Monday.  According to the News Item, police say 35 year old Harry Wheary III struck a resident in the eye at a North Market Street apartment, causing injury and then smeared blood on the walls of the home.  When police arrived Wheary tried to leave the apartment and then was cited for resisting when police attempted to put handcuffs on him.  He complied after police threatened to tase him.  Wheary was charged with burglary, simple assault, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and harassment and is in Northumberland County Jail in lieu of $10,000 straight cash bail.

GRANT MONEY FOR CAMP VICTORY

The Berwick Health and Wellness Fund of the Community Giving Foundation has provided grant money for Camp Victory in Millville.  According to the Standard Journal, the camp in Columbia County was given 20 thousand dollars for programs for children with specials needs, including special camps for children diagnosed with diabetes and cancer.  The 130-acre facility partners with other independent camps to host week-long and weekend camps from March to November.

NEW YEAR DAY HIKE IN DANVILLE

There is a New Year’s day hike at the Montour Preserve coming up Monday at noon at the visitor’s Center 374 Preserve Road, Danville that is free an open to the public.  According to the Montour Area Recreation Commission says the four-mile hike will be family friendly with one stop along the way.  Walkers should plan to hike four miles in roughly three hours. Participants are reminded only service animals are allowed and to wear sturdy and proper footwear, and bring your own water and snacks.  Get details at Montour Preserve dot org.

SPORTS

NBA
76’ers 112           Magic  92
Raptors  132       Wizards  102
Bucks  144          Nets  122
Suns  129                     Rockets  113 
Knicks  120        Thunder 129
Cavaliers 113     Mavericks 110

NHL
Senators  4          Maple Leafs  2
Rangers  5           Capitals  1
Bruins  4             Sabres  1
Penguins 7          Islanders 0
NHL Tonight
Flyers vs Vancouver  10pm

SPORTS
NFL News
Bloomsburg University graduate Jahri (JAH-ree) Evans, is one of 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Evans spent 12 years in the NFL; 11 with the New Orleans Saints. The Class of 2024 will be announced in February. 

NCAA Football

Virginia Tech 41          Tulane  20- Military Bowl presented by GoBowling.com
West Virginia 30         North Carolina 10  – Dukes Mayo Bowl
NCAA Football Friday

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl – Kentucky vs Clemson  12pm ESPN/ Jacksonville, FL
Tony the Tiger Bowl – Oregon State vs Notre Dame   2pm CBS  El Paso TX
AutoZone Liberty Bowl  – Memphis vs Iowa State  3:30pm  Memphis TN
Goodyear Cotton Bowl – Missouri vs Ohio State  8pm  Arlington TX

NFL Tonight
NY Jets vs Cleveland  8:15pm Prime Video
NFL Saturday
Detroit vs Dallas 8:15pm  ABC/ ESPN

NFL Sunday

New England vs Buffalo 1pm
LA Rams vs NY Giants 1pm
Arizona vs Philadelphia 1pm FOX
Miami vs Baltimore 1pm
Pittsburgh vs Seattle  4:05pm FOX
Green Bay vs Minnesota 8:30pm NBC

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