Backyard Broadcasting

Rosa Yoo, a Forest Health Manager for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), gives an update on the Spongy Moth population in Pennsylvania and what they are doing, in coordination with other agencies, tosuppress the Spongy Moth caterpillars that are expected to emerge this spring.  The goal of the DCNR Spongy Moth suppression program, through ground crew analyzation and aeria...

Shawn Carey is joined by Jason Fink (President/CEO, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce) for our 3rd Backyard Business Spotlight of 2025. We re-cap the 2025 West Branch Susquehanna Builders Association Home Show, get an inside look at the Business PA program, how Leadership Lycoming makes such a great impact on the area and a look ahead to the April PM Exchanges.

The staff at Lycoming County Veteran’s Affairs works hard helping Veterans and their families, providing information about VA Health Care, compensation and benefits, GI Bill Information, widows’ benefits, prescription enrollment and more.  Freddi Hammer talks with the Deputy Director of Veteran’s Affairs, Natalie Steppey and VSO Jeff Hamilton, about the Early Bird Special when sponsoring the Homet...

Supporting Special Olympics helps children and adults with intellectual disabilities develop physical fitness skills, demonstrate courage and experience joy with their peers through wholesome competition. Freddi meets regional Special Olympics administrators and interviews local athlete, Jacob Carey, about how important being a Special Olympics Representative is to him.

The River Valley Film Festival committee is accepting submissions of independent films for their event coming up July 17th through 20th and invites the public to save the date! Festival Director, Corey Baney, and Lycoming Arts Film Chair, Noah Beiter, share with Freddi Hammer how their event can inspire local residents to watch independent films AND show film makers around the world that Lycoming...

Raise the Region is a 30 hour online giving campaign that serves non-profits in a 7-County area in North Central PA. The donation window opens March 12th at 6pm.     Erin Ruhl Director of Community Engagement from the First Community Foundation Partnership explains how they, along with Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships, will use their online platform and stretch funds to elevate local non-profit...

It's the February 2025 Backyard Business Spotlight with Jason Fink (President/CEO, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce).  Jason, along with Shawn Carey, recap the chamber's 139th annual meeting plus salute the award winners.  We also discuss the second Lycoming County Wawa to be built later this year, the City Hall building downtown with a possible option on the table that offices co...

Colorectal Cancer Awareness month is coming up inMarch! Dr. Nancy Fitch from MedExpress talks about a newstudy reveals that one in five people under the age of 55 are being diagnosed with colon cancers.  However, more peopleare surviving colon cancer than ever before, too!  Find out how a healthy lifestyle really can help prevent  this life-threatening disease, what the risk factors are and what s...

The American Rescue Workers of Williamsport has partnered with the “Coldest Night of the Year Fundraiser” coming up Saturday, February 22nd.  Freddi Hammer talks with Jen Remkey, Director of Development and Community Engagement about the community effort that supports their people and programs. Start your own team or support someone who is walking the 2k or 5k in Williamsport next Saturday support...

The Annual Rose sale in Beiter’s parking lot starts this Wednesday the 12th through Friday the 14th to raise funds for new equipment for the South Williamsport Fire Department.  Freddi Hammer talks with South Williamsport Fire Department member Grover Danley about how the Rose Sale started,  how they have kept it going all these yearsand how they’d like to see you there this week!

WILQ’s Ted Bennett catches up with country star Lee Brice to talk life, love, and lyrics! From stories about his wife to the songs that hit home, and of course, his big night at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport for the You, Me & My Guitar Tour —don’t miss this fun and candid conversation!

Author and Veteran Travis Hartman, offers a chance for those who serve to tell their story and create peace for themselves by using creative writing and music instruction through “JokersPromise.com” Freddi Hammer speaks with Travis Hartman, author of “Remote Outpost: Fighting with the US Army in Afghanistan”, who started the 501(c)(3) nonprofit to empower veterans and first responders by providing...

It's the first Backyard Business Spotlight of 2025 with Jason Fink (President/CEO, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce).  Wawa has finally opened in Williamsport and we recap their huge Grand Opening! 2024 was a big year in downtown Williamsport as more people are returning there for food, entertainment, shopping and many other options!  We continue to be impressed on the outstanding sta...

Starting the new year at your healthiest might mean making sure you’re protected from illnesses like the Flu, RSV, and COVID. Dr. Theresa Metanchuk, is a Pennsylvania doctor who says it’s not too late to get your immunizations.  She recommends the latest vaccines for these respiratory illnesses and shares tips about the CDC education campaign;  “Risk Less, Do More”

Step Americorp, other partners including Central PA Food Bank and the Lycoming County United Way invite you to participate in the MLK Day of Service and Williamsport’s DREAM WEEK January 17th through the 25th! Rochelle Abbott and Carrie Bruning of STEP AmeriCorps and Pastor Brad Walmer, of the New Covenant United Church of Christ describe the activities scheduled all week that promote service, inc...

Thinking about going from Couch to 5k in 2025?  “ParkRun” is a great way to get started! Event Director Jeff Newman shares information about how all are invited to the Susquehanna Riverwalk ParkRun every Saturday at 9am to walk, run, or jog a 5k at a free event that is organized by volunteers for the benefit of everyone. 

It's the final Backyard Business Spotlight of 2024 with Jason Fink (President/CEO, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce).  We give credit to the Williamsport Regional Airport as they were brought into action to accept private flights from SMU fans that couldn't fly straight into University Park for the College Football Playoff game.   Plus, we reflect on the life of one of the greatest baseba...

Doug Lane is the coordinator for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program and talks with Freddi Hammer about the completion of 2024’s campaign and what’s ahead for the new coordinator next year.  As always, we’re grateful for the donations from the community, who help the Toys for Tots Foundation collect thousands of toys that stay here in the region and give Christmas joy to financially dis...

When life-changing hardships happen to families, often, children who need the most support can fall through the cracks.  But the Favors Forward Foundation was established in Lycoming County to serve children and adults working their way past hardships like a death in the family, military service, domestic violence, even divorce and separation.  Find out more from Beth McMann, President and Founder...

Freddi Hammer talks with Jackie Kaiser-Rist, a treatment specialist from Allenwood Penitentiary, about the Battle Buddy Team and their inaugural event; The Veteran and Military Resource Fair, Thursday, December 19th from 10a til 3p. Allenwood staff can take advantage of information about services available, but it’s also for the public involved in law enforcement, retired veterans, and military fa...

The Central PA Food Bank is fighting hunger, improving lives, and strengthening communities – this is their mission:  to end food insecurity for the thousands of people who struggle in the 27 counties in Pennsylvania that they serve. Freddi Hammer talks with Joe Arthur, the CEO of the Central PA Food Bank, and he explains how individual monetary donations from Pennsylvania residents help so many h...

It's the November Backyard Business Spotlight with Jason Fink (President/CEO, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce).  Shawn and Jason discuss the $10 million dollars that have been earmarked for select businesses and future ventures in Lycoming County, including New Trail Brewing Company and Fam Vest Partners, who currently have the former Lycoming Mall property, now known as The District at...

Grief affects each person differently.  Feelings of loss and sadness can show up without warning, even many years after losing someone you love.  The holidays, with traditions, events, group meals and difficult family time, can heighten or reignite these intense feelings of loss.  Freddi Hammer will go over 10 strategies of coping with intense feelings and grief over the holidays with a grief coun...

Kip Winger from the rock band Winger took some time to speak with WZXR's Freddi Hammer about the band's upcoming show with Dokken at the Community Arts Center in downtown Williamsport on Saturday, November 23rd.

The Salvation Army has just kicked off their Red Kettle Campaign and are looking for volunteers this season to ring the bell!  You can also help by visiting the decorated Festival of Trees display at 33 West Third Street in Williamsport and vote for your favorite decorated Christmas tree for just $1 per vote! Freddi Hammer Talks with Major Shirley Hershey of the Salvation Army Williamsport about t...