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THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021 • Volume 41 – No. 37 ©2021, THE JOURNAL-HERALD. All Rights Reserved
CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–142nd YEAR, NO. 20
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CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–141st YEAR, NO. 46 On April 8, PA state representative Gerald Mullery brought together members of Luzerne County’s council and administration for a tour of the White Haven Area Community Library building, on the idea that Luzerne County might consider moving the county’s Visitors and Tourism office here. That office is proposed to move from Public Square in Wilkes-Barre this year. At left, Rep. Mullery presents his thoughts to those at the meeting and online on the video screen. JH: Seth Isenberg
Food service and nurse given credit for COVID school year successes by Weatherly Area School Board by Seth Isenberg
At April 7’s Weatherly Area School Board caucus meeting, Food Service manager Jeanine Snyder reported that they had served 88,296 meals so far this school year. About 200 students are getting breakfast and lunch each week, and 150 are also taking home weekend meals. The Food Service received extra praise from the Board for preparing meals for the traveling sports teams, who cannot stop for a meal after a game due to COVID. At the meeting, there was also on display Backpack Buddies
where non-perishable foods and other items are sent home with students in a backpack. Board members also offered a ‘shout-out’ of praise to schools’ nurse Becky McFadden, whose work has been key to keeping school in session. Weatherly Area School Board business manager Natasha Milazzo recommended the Board transfer surplus funds of $291,390 from the IU21 trust account to the Public School Health Insurance Cooperative medical trust account. From the same IU21 account, she recommended transfer of $484,026 into the
District’s general fund. Discussion of this noted that there is also a probable $90,000 project to repair and repoint brickwork on the district buildings. Another open item is whether the board should budget for an engineer to supervise the coming major paving project, a $9,000 to $18,000 cost. The lower amount would pay for a part-time supervisor. Kelly Royer, student representative to the School Board, invited fans to come out to the home softball games and cheer for the locals (socially distanced). Team members really appreciate hav-
ing fans at the games. The board voted 6-0 to reinstate Debra Spaide as a full-time paraprofessional, effective April 8. They were 6-0 again to approve the memorandum of understanding between the District and the Weatherly Area Support Personnel Association which settles recent grievances. Jael Maue is resigning as part-time Business Office confidential secretary as of April 30. Interviews are underway of two applicants for the coming vacancy. Custodian John Shemansik has filed for retirement, to be
effective July 16. At April 14’s regular meeting, the School Board will be asked to approve agreements between school police officers Thomas Major and William Bartel, from July 1, 2021 to June 20 of 2022, each with a 3% raise. Effective April 22, guidance counselor Sarah Minnick will qualify for a salary increase at Masters Degree plus 30, to $56,299 at step 7; and Spanish teacher Gina Dinko to $58,012 for Masters Degree plus 45, also at step 7.