CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–145th YEAR, NO. 41
The Crestwood girls’ basketball team celeb rates with their championship plaque after beating Dallas 54-31 Saturday for the program’s firstever District 2 Class 5A championship. They will b e back in action on Saturday, hosting a PIAA opening-round game against District 2 fourthplace finisher Manheim Central. The game will be played Saturday at 2 p.m. at Crestwood. For the game story, please turn to page 10. Also inside, Crestwood wrestling wins, and all the details about Weatherly Area girls’ and boys’ playoff games.
JH
WHVFC gets help with equipment repair
by Ruth Isenberg
A contingent of officers and members of the White Haven Volunteer Fire Company attended the February 24 White Haven Borough Council meeting with a simple plea help us keep our fire equipment on the road. They sought $7,306 to repair the engine head gasket on the 2001 engine.
This is the piece of equipment that will be sold when the new vehicle is delivered this fall, but in the meantime the 2001 is the primary responder for accidents. If it is not fixed, it will be worth very little and difficult to sell. The WHVFC does not have a
backup for this vehicle, and the funds they have is all pledged to pay for the new truck.
Borough manager Linda Szoke met with Fire Chief Dean Raudenbush, and agreed that while it’s not an expense anyone wants to cover, it is necessary. She noted that money in the borough’s PLIGIT account is also pledged toward the new vehicle, so the funds will have to come from the borough’s investment account.
Because he is also WHVFC president, borough council president John Klem relinquished the chair to president pro temp Bob Lamson, and abstained from the vote.
The other members present, Julie Fallon, Lamson, Zane Writer, and John Zugarek, voted to take the money from borough investments; Charlie Best and Harvey Morrison were absent.
Progress on Garden Grant
Planning is continuing for the educational garden around the caboose. The Blueprint committee was offered a $4,000 grant, and a committee has designed a layout for a pollinator garden. Because the land where the caboose sits is owned by Aqua PA, an easement will be necessary. Solicitor Sean
Logsdon said the easement has been drafted and forwarded to Aqua, who requested that PA One Call be contacted and the 700 square foot area marked off for utilities before digging. Street commissioner Sean Reynolds will assist with the process.
Atty. Logsdon also discussed possible ordinances to prohibit camping on public property. Szoke said she saw it more as a zoning issue. No action was taken.
See WHITE HAVEN, page 5
Photo: Steve Stallone
THE JOURNAL-HERALD
(USPS 277-440) Published weekly at 211 Main Street, White Haven, PA 18661
Telephone (570) 215-0204
Subscription Price—$40 per year in Luzerne & Carbon Counties, Pennsylvania, payable in advance. $45 per year elsewhere, payable in advance.
Periodicals postage paid at White Haven, PA 18661. POSTMASTER, send address changes to: THE JOURNAL-HERALD
211 Main Street, White Haven, PA 18661
(JAY E. HOLDER, Co-Publisher 1954-1997; CLARA HOLDER, Co-Publisher 1954-2014)
Seth Isenberg, Advertising Sales
Ruth Isenberg, Editor
Steve Stallone, Sports Editor
Member, Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce Carbon County Chamber of Commerce
Climb Every Mountain is an inspiring song from The Sound of Music, but it’s bad advice if applied to the waterfalls at Glen Onoko. The trail, which once led to a resort hotel and was a popular hike, is in an extreme state of disrepair. It’s posted as closed, marked as dangerous, and is for some reason attractive to people who are illprepared and prone to accidents.
Last month, the Lehigh & Lausanne Fire Company was part of a three-hour rope rescue operation at the falls. The L&L and other local fire and rescue units provided 35 volunteers to rescue a hiker with two broken ankles. Getting down the trail with a Stokes basket stretcher was perilous for the rescuers as well as the injured party, because of the icy conditions. Volunteers took turns guiding the basket, struggling to stay on the trail themselves.
Part of the closed trail is in Lehigh Township. There are two access points, one through the State Game Lands at the top of Broad Mountain to the top of the falls, and the other from the bottom, accessed from Mauch Chunk.
Ironically, the accident happened just as an announcement came from the governor’s office that the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources was planning to reconstruct the trail, and re-open it to the public, after a land swap with the PA Game Commission. This will be an expensive project, because there is a lot of work to do even just to put the existing infrastructure back into good repair. Making it safe for general recreation will take major redesign work.
No matter how many safety measures are put into place, it’s best to be prepared for more accidents. Guard rails and signs are no match for people who don’t understand that they need to have proper gear and proper preparation for outdoor adventure.
Let’s hope that improvements to the trail are accompanied by sizeable grants to local fire and rescue squads for equipment and training. Odds are good they will need both to assist with future accidents on the trail.
From The Journal-Herald March 10, 2005
Clara R. Holder, Publisher
Weatherly Area School Board put out a call for a representative to the Carbon County Area Vocational-Technical School to replace David Novitsky, who resigned at the end of 2004. Weatherly pays for 20.5 slots at the facility, but only 14 students were currently attending, with several graduating and not a lot of interest from younger students. There were concerns that costs to the participating districts might rise significantly.
Dennison Township supervisors discussed entering into an inter-governmental agreement with White Haven’s police department. It would include round the clock emergency calls, 10 hours a week patrol, and enforcement of criminal and vehicle codes, but not zoning or township ordinances. Cost was set at $1,250 per month.
Foster Township approved the upgrade design phase for the East District Wastewater System.
Harold Kresge announced that he was seeking re-election as Kidder Township tax collector. He was first elected in 1990.
Judy Moon announced that she was seeking re-election as Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court of Carbon County. She was appointed to the post in 1994 upon the death of Margaret O’Donnell, then elected to office three times.
Seth’s Sightings included details of a visit to the auction of furnishings from Mount Airy Lodge, where we ran into friends who had purchased one of statues that had stood outside one of the newer hotel buildings. Though only two and a half feet tall, it was surprisingly heavy, so Seth helped them get it to their car. Then we walked our dogs on the old Mount Airy driving range, letting them play in the deep snow.
Jeremy Leach of Weatherly Area High School was named a finalist in the 50th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. He was one of only 15,000 of the more than 1.3 million juniors who took the qualifying test and became eligible for Merit Scholarships.
An accident at the entrance to Hickory Hills trapped two people in their vehicle for about a half an hour, before they were transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hazleton by the White Haven Ambulance.
Members of the Weatherly Robotics team competed at the University of Pittsburgh; a photo showed the model the team constructed in the social hall at First Presbyterian Church and was taking to the competition.
Editor’s Note: These two items are left over from the March 3, 2005 paper: White Haven Cub Scouts celebrated its 75th anniversary. Pack 25 held its annual Blue and Gold Banquet, and noted their 75th anniversary. The Scouts and their families were treated to a fantastic presentation by “Scout Lifer” William Radley of White Haven, who shard with them the changes in Scouting throughout the years, and his experiences. They also held a Feller Cake Bake and Auction to raise funds for the Pack. Scouts and an adult partner made cakes, which were judged and then auctioned off. Judges had a hard time selecting the top three winners, since all were “extremely creative.” Winners were Avery Haas, Ben Stortz, and Michale Szmurlo.
Ashley Kessell of Weatherly was part of the Penn State Hazleton basketball team that defeated Penn State Delaware 81-79 to secure a spot in their first CCAC women’s basketball championship game, facing Penn State York. (Kessell scored 21 points in that game, as recorded in the March 10 paper, but PSU-Hazleton lost, 81-78.)
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
Packer Township Planning meetings scheduled and April Supervisors meeting time change:
Notice is hereby given that Packer Township Planning Commission will meet on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m for a re-organization meeting. A meeting to review Sernak-Grover Lot Line Consolidation Plan will immediately follow.
The Packer Township Supervisors will hold its regular monthly meeting on April 1, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
All meetings are held at 2234 Hudson Drive, Weatherly. Stephanie Stolpe
Secretary Packer Township Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION have been granted to Robert Viechec of the Estate of Sandra Jean Kauker, deceased and late of Freeland, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, who died on December 8, 2024. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make payment, and those having claims, present same to: Susan Sernak-Martinelli, Esquire
Law Office of Susan Sernak-Martinelli
199 North Church Street
Hazleton, Pennsylvania 18201 3/13
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Kathryn Karpowich, of Freeland, Pennsylvania, in the Estate of Lois Down, late of Drums, Pennsylvania, who died on January 13, 2025. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims or demands to present the same without delay to the Executrix named or to: Conrad A. Falvello, Esquire THE FALVELLO LAW FIRM, P.C.
641 State Route 93 Sugarloaf, PA 18249 3/6
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LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION have been granted to ELIZABETH M. TROTMAN of the Estate of Elizabeth Snyder, deceased and late of Lansford, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, who died on January 6, 2025. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make payment, and those having claims, present same to:
Susan Sernak-Martinelli, Esquire
Law Office of
Susan Sernak-Martinelli
199 North Church Street Hazleton, Pennsylvania 18201
3/13
The Journal-Herald is for sale at: White Haven Market, Soapy Bee and 940 Plaza in White Haven, Wawa at the Turnpike in Kidder, Weasel’s in Dennison, and TJ’s One Stop in Weatherly.
Foster Township adopts new STR rules
by Jim Dino
Short-term rental properties will not be allowed in A-1 agricultural zoning districts in Foster Township in the future.
At a public hearing February 12, the township supervisors adopted a new vacation home
rental ordinance that permits short-term rental properties in R-2 residential, C-1 commercial, B-2 business and B-3 business zoning districts, but not in A-1 zones.
The change was spurred by complaints from residents in the Sandy Valley section of the
township, who said four such properties were either built or under construction there.
Any short-term rentals already in existence are grandfathered in, meaning they can continue to exist because they existed before the new law.
Attorney Donald Karpowich,
the township solicitor, said negotiations about the status of those four properties will be held, “or a court will decide” their fate, in light of the new law.
Anyone who applies in the residential, commercial or business zoning districts will have to meet strict criteria, and apply for zoning board approval, which will require a hearing, where neighbors could voice objections.
In other business, the supervisors approved a resolution to accept a tax collector fee increase from $10 to $17 per duplicate.
Graher and Associates CPA was hired at $15,950. The township hires the firm annually.
Sarah Evancho was appointed to fill the seat of Madison Malloy on the township recreation board, with a term through December 31, 2029.
The White Haven Police Department patrolled 234 hours in Foster Township in January. Three motor vehicle accidents were handled, and seven traffic citations were issued.
obituAries
JOAN W. HITTINGER
Joan W. Hittinger, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-greatgrandmother, of Weatherly passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025, as a guest of Heritage Hills Senior Community in Weatherly. She was 91 years of age.
Born Wednesday, February 14, 1934 in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late Howard M., and Ruth Emma (Croman) Swank. Joan was also predeceased by husband, Gerald E. Hittinger; brothers, Donald and Bruce Swank.
Surviving are daughters Lucille M. Hill, wife of Terry R., and Alice F. McQuaide, wife of Kenneth both of Weatherly; son David L. Hittinger and his wife Francine of Ladson, SC; grandchildren Christopher
Hittinger, Nicholas Hittinger and his wife Lindsay, Brandon Murphy and his wife Andrea, Kete McQuaide, Emma Hinkle and her husband Warren, Alyssa Barnasevitch, Justin Hill and his wife Heather, Sean Barnasevitch and his fiancée Courtney Lovett, Robert Hill and wife Carla; great-grandchildren, Ella and Waylon Hinkle, Takoda Hill and wife Nicole, William Hittinger, great-granddaughter Hill expected in April; great-greatgrandchild, Lydia Hill.
A 1951 graduate of Weatherly High School, Joan was a banker for many years, beginning her career with Anthracite Building and Loan in Weatherly working through their many mergers as a teller, loan officer, and bank manager.
A devoted member of Salem U.C.C. of Weatherly, Joan served as the first female president of the church consistory, and held the role of church secretary. Joan also served as Secretary of Union Cemetery for many years.
A talented seamstress, Joan sewed many wedding gowns and bridal maids’ dresses. Joan accompanied her bridal party dresses with miniature dolls matching the bridal party. Joan was also accomplished in quilting, and cross stitch. Joan and Gerald enjoyed camping and traveling together, and as a family.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Weatherly.
Graveside services were held on March 3 from Union Cemetery, Weatherly, the Rev. Sharon Frye officiating. Memorials in Joan’s name to: Salem U.C.C. 330 First Street Weatherly, PA 18255 Online condolences or a fond memory of Joan may be made to the family at www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com
Weatherly Area Ministerium Community Midweek Lenten Services added
March 5 - Salem United Church of Christ will host the Community Ash Wednesday Service with the distribution of ashes and holy communion. The service is at 7 p.m. in the church social hall.
March 12 - Zions Evangelical Lutheran Church 7 p.m.
March 19 - St. Matthew’s Union Church 7 p.m.
March 26 - Our Lady of Lourdes 7 p.m.
April 2 - First Presbyterian Church of Weatherly 7 p.m.
April 9 - Centenary United Methodist Church 7 p.m.
The Community Lenten Services on March 12,19, 26, April 2 and 9 will be followed by a time of fellowship and light refreshments. All are welcome.
Homemade Easter Eggs at Centenary UMC
Weatherly Centenary United Methodist Church is having a Homemade Easter Egg sale. Varieties available are Coconut Cream, Peanut Roll, Butter Cream, Assorted, Milk or Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter. Each 1-pound box is $14. Advance orders only—no special orders. Order deadline is Sunday, March 30.
To order call Ruth: 570-4278173, Phyllis: 570-427-4305, Stephanie 570-582-5507, Lisa: 570-401-4128, Wayne: 570-5825154, or Donna 570-427-4094. At Evergreen Apartments see Georgeann.
Pickup is Friday, April 11, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Church social room.
Roll & Paska Bread sale
Weatherly Centenary United Methodist Church is having a Royal Bakery Roll sale and a Paska Bread sale. Roll flavors available are Nut, Poppyseed, Cheese, Apricot, or Prune. All roll flavors are $18 each. Paska bread is 9 inches round and is available plain or with raisins. Either Paska is $12 each. Orders are due Sunday, April
6. To order call Ruth: 570-4278173, Phyllis: 570-427-4305, Stephanie: 570-582-5507, Wayne: 570-582-5154, or Donna: 570-427-4094. At Evergreen Apartments see Georgeann.
Pickup date for all sale items is Friday, April 11, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Church social room.
Chamber Festival-Main Street will be closed from G&A Hardware to Northumberland Street. Wagman will have concrete trucks go down Northumberland & Towanda Streets during the two-day event, July 25 and 26.
Lions Club-Maple Street will be one way for the annual spaghetti dinner at St. Patrick’s April 14.
Other Business
The Durango police vehicle was sold at auction for $12,400.
Tax Collector Kathy Oross will hold hours from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Fallon raised the issue of new construction in Woodhaven. While she welcomes more homes along the lake, she is concerned about the condition of the dirt road that is North Woodhaven, citing a crushed pipe and holes. She felt the road should be brought up to state standards, so that emergency services can access the new home and others that are sure to follow.
Because Woodhaven is a private development, the borough’s power is limited, Szoke noted. Atty. Logsdon said he would look at the developer’s agreement, which was first approved in the 1960s, to see how many homes would be needed to make the developer put in the road. The road was originally supposed to go all the way around the lake.
A cleaning company will take care of the bathrooms at Lehigh Park on a weekly basis at a cost of $275 per month, plus an additional $100 after events, to be paid by the organizing group.
Palko Sr. appointed Freeland mayor
by Jim Dino
Freeland’s former police chief is the town’s new mayor.
Joseph Palko Sr. was appointed mayor by a 4-2 vote of borough council at a special meeting February 27.
He succeeds his son, Joseph Palko Jr., who passed away February 7. He will serve until the end of 2025.
Four residents applied for the position, including Kevin Palko, brother of the late mayor and son of the new mayor. One of the four applications was
withdrawn in favor of one of the Palkos being chosen.
At council’s regular meeting February 20, councilwoman Barbara Tulanowski was appointed council president pro tempore, and councilman Rich DeStefano was appointed council vice-president.
Chuck Krone was appointed borough zoning officer, and James Laputka and Reikley DeStefano were appointed to the borough zoning hearing board. Ryan Pienkowski was appointed to the IPMC (International Property Maintenance Code)
review board.
Rental property, Garbage Ordinances
Council approved a new rental licensing program which sets an inspection every other year of all rental properties to ensure they meet building, zoning and fire safety rules prior to being rented, and when there is a change in tenants.
The garbage ordinance sets timeframes and procedures for terminating garbage collections for non-payment, including municipal liens and execution.
librAry corNer
On Saturday March 8, The White Haven Area Community Library will celebrate Dr. Suess’ birthday by hosting a scavenger hunt for children aged 7 to 15. Join us searching for clues from 12 to 1:30. Registration is not required. Light refreshments will be served. Bring your own water bottle. There will also be Lego Club and free play during this time, as well as on March 22. Tot Time with Miss Victoria is scheduled for March 15 from 10:15 to 11 a.m.
While visiting the Children’s library, check out the librarian’s picks. Miss Victoria and Miss Jill have chosen a few books to recommend. Remember – open your mind –read a book!
The Scrabble Club will meet this month on March 6 and 20 at 6 p.m. March 6 is also
East Side Borough’s Council meeting at 6:30. The Fiber Arts group will meet at 10 a.m. on March 13 and 27 and Trout Unlimited will meet at 1 p.m. on March 22.
The Garden Club will hold their first meeting of the new season on March 6 from 1 to 2:30. It’s time to think Spring. Come and help plan this year’s activities.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, hosted by Joan Gower, will hold their next meeting on March 18 at 6:30 p.m. Drop ins are welcome, however if childcare is needed, please call ahead to let us know at 570-443-8776.
years, has delighted sell-out audiences. Seating is limited. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at the library or by calling 570-443-8776. Credit cards are accepted. Doors will open at 2 p.m., and refreshments will be served prior to the concert.
Mark your calendars for May 10 to attend a Community Engagement event at the WHACL. There will be entertainment, crafts refreshments, and an opportunity to learn more about White Haven’s Blueprint Community endeavors. More information will follow as the event gets closer.
County Law Office since 1991
The Musicians of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chamber Music Society will hold a Concert on Sunday, March 16 at 3 p.m. Their third annual concert will feature works by Felix Mendelssohn, Arthur Foote, Amy Beach and Luigi Boccherini.
Artists Leslie Cullen, flute; John Vaida, violin; Arthur Moeller, violin, Amy Iwazumi, viola; and Lisa Caravan, cello will perform in the intimate setting of the library’s John Murphy Room, which in past
WHACL 2024 Souvenir Calendars are free and available by stopping at the circulation desk. The calendars contain pictures and a history of the borough for you to enjoy.
The WHACL follows the Crestwood School District for weather related closings. If the school is closed, the library is closed. For weather events on days when school is not in session, the decision to close the library will be made at least one hour prior to its scheduled opening and posted on the library Facebook page.
Crestwood sending three wrestlers to PIAA Championships in Hershey
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
Three Crestwood High School wrestlers battled through regional consolation brackets last week and powered their way into this weekend’s PIAA Class 3A Wrestling Championships.
The Comets’ Lincoln Bibla (fourth place) and Kyle Draina (fifth place) excelled at the Class 3A Northeast Regional in Bethlehem. Meanwhile, the Lady Comets’ Samara Bailey (fourth) moved on from the Girls’ Central Region Tournament in Milton.
BOYS
Draina, a two-time District 2 Class 3A heavyweight champion, needed to win his fifth-place consolation match with Delaware Valley’s Chris Dellabella to advance to states, and did just that with a 7-1 decision.
Draina opened the regional with a 13-0 decision over Northeast Philadelphia’s M. Farooq. However, a 10-2 setback to Northampton’s Gavin Grell in the quarterfinals sent Draina to the 285-pound consolation bracket.
Back-to-back decisions over Pleasant Valley’s A. Mihalichko and Liberty’s D. Morrison moved Draina to the consolation semifinals, where he lost a tough 2-1 verdict to Selinsgrove’s Jack Peters, setting up the fifth-place match with Dellabella. Draina went 4-2 on the weekend.
“Kyle is a brute,” Crestwood boys’ head coach Martin Bibla said. “He wears down opponents with his physicality and endless gas tank. His (calm) demeanor catches his opponents off guard,
Crestwood’s Lincoln Bibla, left, shown here competing at districts in February, advanced to the PIAA Class 3A Wrestling Championships this weekend in Hershey. He will be joined there by teammate Kyle Draina, and Lady Comets wrestler Samara Bailey. All three were placewinners at their respective regional competitions last weekend.
and his heavy-hitting nature and reflexes finish them off.”
Meanwhile, Lincoln Bibla also battled back after a quarterfinal loss to reach the consolation final at 215 pounds, and settled for fourth place to punch his ticket to states.
Bibla began with an 11-3 decision over Pleasant Valley’s E. Gillespie, but a 6-4 setback to St. Joseph Prep’s John Boggs put the Comet into the consolation bracket.
Bibla responded with three straight wins, beating Archbishop Wood’s J. Johnson (3-3, tiebreaker), Wallenpaupack’s X. Schock (6-3) and Roman Catholic’s Freddie DiNardo (1-0) to get to the consolation final.
Facing Boggs of St. Joeseph’s Prep again, Bibla lost a 4-0 verdict to settle for fourth place. Bibla also went 4-2 in
commitment to the grind, and let me tell you this is the hardest sport. Every win and every loss came with a learning experience that is needed to have the ability to peak at the right time.
“Both have unfinished business and have been historic to Crestwood’s deep pride in wrestling.”
GIRLS
the tournament, his only losses coming to Boggs.
“Link is a ferocious wrestler with tons of power and great athleticism which has gotten him to this point, beating numerous state-ranked opponents,” his father and coach said. “He has had a tremendous career, reaching 100-plus wins by being disciplined and focused.”
The top five finishers from the Northeast Regional now move on to the PIAA Class 3A Tournament this weekend at the Giant Center in Hershey.
“We are not finished,” Coach Bibla proclaimed, after watching his two matmen battle through the state’s toughest regional to keep their seasons alive.
“Becoming a champion requires a winning attitude, and both boys have that and more. Both have wrestled each other in our room and took it to another level.
“At the beginning of our season in December, I approached them and told them they were going to states no matter what, so they would need to approach every practice and match as if it was a rehearsal for states,” Coach Bibla continued.
“I’ve been impressed all season long and way before with their
Wrestling at 235 pounds, Bailey lost in her opening Round of 16 match to A. Rine of Montgomery, but bounced back in the consolation rounds with decisions over Altoona’s L. Boose (10-0), Central Mountain’s A. Miller (10-0) and Towanda’s S. Morris (6-0). In the third-place match, Bailey lost by pinfall to Athens’ Leah Nason (4:30) to settle for fourth place. The top four girls in each weight class advance to states.
Four other Lady Comets also competed in the doubleelimination tournament, but were unable to extend their seasons to this weekend.
Seeded seventh at 136, Crestwood’s Emma Selfe opened with an 11-7 decision over Belfonte’s Ella Johnsonbaugh, but lost decisions to secondseeded K. Springer (3-0) of Selinsgrove and R. Ziants (4-0) of Shikellamy.
At 124 pounds, second-seeded Rachel Shoemaker dropped a 3-0 decision to Shikellamy’s R. Campbell in the quarterfinal round, and fell to Western Wayne’s A. Daniels by a 7-4 decision in the consolations.
The Lady Comets’ Alexis Richmond competed at 148 pounds, where she lost an 8-1 decision to Northeast Bradford’s Ava Lambert and a 7-3 verdict to Meyers’ A. Tackes.
And at 190 pounds Taryn Kakalecik fell to Juniata’s Katelynn Krepps (3-0) and to Council Rock’s E. Neeper (4-0).
Bailey is now the second Lady Comet to reach the PIAA Championships. Shoemaker was the first to qualify for states in 2024.
Photo by Bob Gaetano
sightiNgs
Check out the history article on the D&L blog, on the Upper Upper Grand from White Haven to Stoddardsville. It tells a fascinating story about our area. You’ll find all the details at https:// canals.org/2025/02/12/ the-upper-upper-grand/
The bikes are back! It’s a sure sign of Spring that trail bikes are back in the kiosk at the end of Main Street, ready for riders.
Another indication of Spring is the number of birds and other creatures that are returning to our yard. We’ve seen blue jays, little fat birds that are too fast to identify, and even a couple of times squirrels climbing in the lower branches of the
Rhododendron outside our window.
Speaking of creatures, what I think may have been a mink sped in front of my car one morning this week. It was definitely some kind of weasel, and it was fast.
Our dogs are attention-getters when we walk in the evening. Kids like them, and they like the attention from the kids. They’d like to meet the other dogs we encounter, but so far we’ve avoided that complication.
Overheard at the market Child: Look, Easter Egg dye! Let’s get some. Mom: At $8 a dozen, you’ll be dying plastic eggs this year!
Kidder Township’s new police vehicle is in service and on the road. Police Chief Matthew Kuzma shows it off. It replaces a unit that’s been turned over to Code Enforcement. Note the cameras on top of the car. These license plate readers are connected to a data base in the vehicle to provide information about the status of passing cars and trucks in real time.
JH: Ruth Isenberg
Members of American Legion Auxliliary Unit 360 presented seven members of the Weatherly Area Middle School Honor Society with Certificates of Appreciation for their help in counting the socks collected in the Warm Tootsies Contest held in November. The socks were distributed to veterans in Heritage Hill Assisted Living Center, Forest Hills Nursing /Rehab Facility, the WBVA and Valor Clinic for homeless veterans. Shown from left are Georgeann Herling, President/Education Chairman, Avery McLaurin, Melina Ayala, Kendall Gerhard, John Thomas, Maci Kane, Ava Zimmerman, Elizabeth DiGennaro, and Andrea Romig, Education Co-Chairman.
ALA Happenings
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 in Weatherly will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, March 10, at the post home starting 4 p.m. Please note the time change for the winter months.
The winners of the Poppy Poster contest will be recognized at the meeting. All members are urged to attend and bring their service hours sheets.
Visit our website at pocononewspapers.com for in-between-issue stories and events
Pizza Sale
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 in Weatherly will hold the monthly unbaked pizza sale on Friday, March 21. Pick up is 4-6 p.m. at the post home. Deadline to order pizza is Friday, March 14. A regular pizza is $13 and additional toppings are $3 each. Toppings include Extra Cheese, 3-Cheese, Mushroom, Sausage, and Pepperoni.
Contact Georgia Farrow directly to order your pizza at 570-427-4527.
Breakfast at Silver Ridge
Silver Ridge Hunting Club, 2200 East Main St. Weatherly, will hold its all-you-can-eat breakfast from 7 a.m. to Noon this Sunday, March 9, at the clubhouse.
The menu includes eggs (any style), home fries, Bacon,
sausage, ham, pancakes, toast and creamed chipped beef. Drinks include coffee, tea, hot chocolate, orange and tomato juice.
Take-outs are available. Children under 6 free.
WeAtherly AreA school NeWs
by Elizabeth DiGennaro & Jillian Esposito
READ ACROSS AMERICA: March 3rd through March 7th is Read Across America week. Pre K - 8th will be dressing up to match different Dr. Suessrelated themes.
SCIENCE OLYMPIAD: The Science Olympiad team has been practicing non-stop for their upcoming competition on March 12th.
Need an Extra Copy of this issue?
The Journal-Herald is for sale at: White Haven Market, Soapy Bee and 940 Plaza in White Haven, Wawa at the Turnpike in Kidder, Weasel’s in Dennison, and TJ’s One Stop in Weatherly.
Discover what’s happening at HAL this Spring
The Hazleton Art League (HAL) is welcoming the season with a fantastic lineup of events, exhibitions, and classes at the Hayden Family Center for the Arts.
The Members’ Exhibition, running through March 23, showcases a variety of artwork from HAL members. The exhibition concludes with
Acoustic Jam on Sunday, March 23, from 1-3 p.m., featuring live music by local musicians.
For a hands-on creative experience, join the “Paint and Be a Dreamcatcher” Paint & Sip Workshop with Michelle Lee on Saturday, March 22, from 12:303:30 p.m.
The Hazleton Academy of Arts and Humanities Student
Exhibition will run March 28-30, highlighting the work of talented senior students. The opening reception takes place Friday, March 28, from 5-8 p.m.
Spring classes are now open for registration, and an annual
membership is just $30. Visit www.hazletonartleague.org, call 570-455-3333, or stop by 31 W. Broad Street, Hazleton, PA 18201 for details. Follow HAL on Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky for updates.
Daffodil Days offer hope and spring blooms
The American Cancer Society is currently taking orders for its annual Daffodil Days. The daffodils are available in single stems for $1, bunches of 10 for $12, with a vase for $15, or potted for $12 that can be replanted in the garden and enjoyed for years to come. Again this year the American Cancer Society is offering tulip
bunches of 10 for $14, and with a vase for $16.
Not a fan of flowers? You can make a Gift of Hope donation in any amount. Contact Lori DeMoor at 570-401-2092 or Georgia Farrow at 570-427-4527 to order.
Deadline to order is March 10. Cash or checks are accepted.
Still room in CACE classes
Crestwood Area Community Education (CACE) classes began on March 3, however there is still time to register for some of the wonderful classes being held in April and May. Just some of the offerings include Basic Principles of Plyometrics, Speed and Agility Training; Observational Writing; Herbs and Holistic Support for Anxiety and Stress; Retirement Planning: 6 Smart Moves if You’re Under 40; Ready to Respond in an Emergency;
Intentional Goal Setting; and an additional Gemstone Tree class. See the Crestwood Area Community Education Facebook page for more information, or pick up our brochure at the White Haven Market, Library or Post Office. Waivers are required for all students. Classes have been filling up quickly, so come join us this Spring.
JourNAl-herAld sPorts Lady Comets bring home first district basketball championship
Crestwood girls crush Dallas to win District 2 Class 5A title
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
WILKES-BARRE
TWP. When the Crestwood Lady Comets woke up Sunday morning, they were likely wondering if it was all a dream. As a matter of fact it was...a dream come true.
On Saturday night at Mohegan Arena, the Lady Comets completed their history-making journey to the District 2 Class 5A basketball championship. Powered by a huge first half and key contributions from the entire rotation, Crestwood steamrolled Dallas 54-31, securing the program’s first district championship.
“This is surreal,” second-year head coach Mary MushockNamey said. “When I came here I did not know that they had not won a championship. It’s just an absolutely unbelievable feeling to have these girls be the ones to bring it home for Crestwood.”
“We’re all so excited because
this is what we wanted, the whole team,” beamed Kate Gallagher, who along with Kendall Petrosky are the lone seniors on the team. “I am just so proud of everyone.”
The top-seeded Lady Comets (21-4) had already defeated the No. 3 Mountaineers (15-10) twice during the regular season, and brought plenty of confidence into the title matchup.
Kate Gallagher’s two early free throws, and an up-and-under move on 6-foot-3 freshman Odessa Kanton at the 4:18 mark staked the Lady Comets to a 4-2 lead they would not relinquish.
From there, sophomore sister Jackie Gallagher scored on a break, Cameron Vieney came off the bench to score on a drive, Jackie Gallagher banged home a 3-pointer, and Kate Gallagher added a stickback for a 13-4 first quarter that already had Dallas reeling.
“From the beginning we wanted to come out and step on their throats and that’s
Crestwood’s Jordan Andrews, from White Haven, takes the ball upcourt during Saturday’s District 2 Class 5A girls’ basketball championship game against Dallas at Mohegan Arena. The Lady Comets scored a 54-31 victory for the program’s first-ever district championship.
exactly what we did,” noted Kate Gallagher. Her inside play, and that of sophomore Charlie Hiller and Jackie Gallagher was dominant, as they had a 14-7 edge on the boards (7-0 offensive) in the first quarter alone, while holding Dallas to 2-of-10 shooting and forcing four turnovers.
“It got the momentum going, it definitely worked and that was our goal. I just think that set the mood for the entire game,” Kate Gallagher added.
A Caitlyn Mizzer basket and a free throw from Kanton got the Mountaineers within eight (157) early in the second quarter. They would get no closer.
Vieney’s layup off a Jackie Gallagher feed ignited an incredible 20-0 run over the final six minutes of the first half, stretching a 15-7 lead to 35-7 by intermission.
Hiller, Vieney, Petrosky and Jordan Andrews all hit 3-pointers during the blitz, and
the Lady Comets were 4-of-7 from beyond the arc in that pivotal second quarter, one in which the Crestwood defense held Dallas without a field goal for more than nine minutes.
Norah Sklarosky came off the bench to finish off the rally, hitting a long 2-pointer that sent Crestwood to the locker room up 28 points.
Vieney scored seven of her team-high 12 points in the opening half, and brought the energy that helped carry them to victory.
“Sixth man off the bench, I feel that’s as big a role as our starters,” Vieney said afterward. “Our starters are amazing and I feel like we just need someone to bring up the energy.”
“I do stress the sixth man role being almost more important than the starting role,” stated Mushock-Namey. “She comes off the bench with a spark on
Photo by Bob Gaetano
District Champs
Continued from page 10
defense all the time, but today she came on both. She gave us buckets when we needed them, big ones, and just her energy out there. You could see her screaming and yelling. She brought it, she really did. I’m so proud of her.”
“I love Cameron. I always think of her as the spark of the team,” added Kate Gallagher. “She came in, she knew what she had to do, and she did it. She’s that type of player. She’ll attack, she’ll do anything she can.”
While the Lady Comets were in complete control, there was still another half to play.
“I said it’s 0-0,” said Mushock-Namey, sharing her halftime message to the team. “I said go out there and pretend we’re just starting this game. It’s 18 fresh minutes. Continue to
keep stepping on it.”
And while Dallas was finally able to get its offense going a little in the second half, the Mountaineers were unable to make any significant dent in the Crestwood lead.
Hiller scored five points,
while Andrews, Vieney and Kate Gallagher added buckets to help Crestwood outscore Dallas 11-10 in the third for a 46-17 advantage. Vieney’s steal and layup at 2:22 of the third invoked the PIAA mercy rule for a running clock.
From there, the Lady Comets kept Dallas at arm’s length and wound down the clock to their first-ever district championship.
“They just love to have fun,” said Mushock-Namey of her special group. “That’s all we want to do is make basketball fun for them, and that’s exactly what they’re doing. They’re all best friends on the court and off the court, and you can’t get a better group of girls.”
Vieney had 12 points and eight rebounds, and Hiller had a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds along with two blocks.
Andrews, Jackie Gallagher and Kate Gallagher all finished with nine points, while the latter had five rebounds and limited Kanton to 10 points and five rebounds.
“I think I did a good job on her. I held her to a low amount of points each time we played, and I just did what I had to do,” Gallagher said.
Up next for the Lady Comets is a PIAA opening-round game against District 2 fourth-place finisher Manheim Central (17-9). The game will be played Saturday at 2 p.m. at Crestwood.
“It’s one game at a time, one step at a time,” said MushockNamey. “I haven’t even really
thought about (states). This was our goal. I never look forward because I like to focus on one game at a time.”
Kate Gallagher wants to extend her high school career some more, and is pumped for the opportunity.
“There is (more left),” Gallagher said amidst the excitement on the Mohegan Arena floor. “I’m excited to see what we can do at the state level. I think when we play together we can do anything. We’re such a special team, and I’m just excited to see where it takes us.”
The Crestwood girls’ basketball team poses with the championship plaque at Mohegan Arena after capturing the program’s first District 2 Class 5A championship, beating Dallas 54-31.
JH Photo: Steve Stallone
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Wreckers drop playoff heartbreaker, see special season end
Last-second free throw sends Nativity past Weatherly Area boys, 52-51
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
MINERSVILLE For basketball teams this time of year, the formula is simple: Survive and advance.
The Nativity boys did just that last Tuesday night.
Playing to keep their season alive and reach states, the Hilltoppers had to first get past Weatherly Area in the District 11/2 Class A Subregional consolation game here.
And when the Wreckers rallied from a 15-point deficit to take a fourth-quarter lead, it was a battle to the finish.
With the game tied and Weatherly holding for a final shot, Nativity got a key turnover call with 12 seconds to play, then used a Noah Dolbin free throw with four seconds left to escape with a 52-51 victory.
The Hilltoppers (15-9) moved on to the state play-in game for a spot in the PIAA Class A 32-team tournament.
“It was a good basketball game. That’s what the playoffs are, they’re fun,” said Nativity head coach Mike Walborn, whose team beat Weatherly by 12 and 24 points during the regular season, but had to sweat out the third one.
“It’s tough when you play somebody three times,” he said. “The stakes were different this time. It’s the W that counts, not the point differential.”
The Wreckers, meanwhile, saw their program-changing season end at 14-12.
“It’s amazing. I couldn’t be more proud,” said second-year head coach Luke Medico, whose team made a 12-win improvement over a year ago, won a district playoff game for the first time in 19 years, and came within one basket of advancing further.
“I don’t think they understand from where they were to what they’ve created this year,” he
added. “These kids love to play. To get the opportunity to play four postseason games is huge. We’re pissed we’re not playing Saturday but we can’t change that.”
Until the final horn, it was unclear who was going to represent the district in the state play-in game.
Nativity extended its ninepoint halftime lead to 15 points (36-21) on Sammy Wolborn’s steal and layup at the 6:20 mark of the third quarter.
Despite missing 12 of their first 15 second-half shots including several layups the Wreckers began creating havoc on defense, turning the Hilltoppers over and slowly navigating their comeback.
Matt Adler’s fast-break basket, another by Ian McKeegan, two Dominick Kokinda free throws and a John Donish layup off McKeegan’s assist had the Wreckers within seven (37-30) heading to the fourth.
The Wreckers would continue on their 19-3 run in the fourth, as Niko Saldukas and Corbin Wagner each hit a deuce and a 3-pointer to start the period. Saldukas’ triple from the left wing at the 6:34 mark gave the Wreckers their first lead (40-39) since 7-4 in the early going.
“We were mixing the press in,” Medico said of the uptick in pressure. “They’re well-coached, and when we put the press on, Mike will adjust. We just tried to mix it up, between our press and between our defenses. We were man most of the game, we ran box-and-one to try to keep Trey (Keating) in check, and it was very effective.”
McKeegan’s driving basket and dish to Saldukas for two more had the Wreckers up 44-41 before Keating bombed in his third triple of the game to knot things at 44 and set up a wild finish.
Wagner hit two free throws
Nativity’s Nicholas Clarke (23) finds himself surrounded by Weatherly Area’s Ian McKeegan, left, and John Donish during last week’s District 11/2 Class A boys’ basketball tournament consolation game at Minersville Area High School. Nativity outlasted the Wreckers 52-51 to keep its season alive, while ending Weatherly’s memorable 14-win season.
for a 46-all tie, before Nativity’s Dolbin converted a baseline drive and Walborn stuck a 3-pointer for a 51-46 Hilltoppers lead with 2:43 left.
Weatherly quickly tied it back up on McKeegan’s drive and Wagner’s fourth 3-pointer of the evening, making it 51-all with 1:50 to play.
After a series of misses and miscues on both sides, the Wreckers gained possession with 57 seconds remaining and elected to play for a final shot. They spread things out and began working the clock
JH Photo: Steve Stallone
as Nativity chased them on the perimeter.
“We were out extending them in their halfcourt, two guys playing three and the other three guys playing down,” Nativity coach Walborn remembered. “Thank God they didn’t drive because the middle was wide open.”
“That was it. We said this is how we’re going to rock. We’re going to go down with one,” Medico said of the Wreckers’ decision to play for a final shot
Weatherly Boys
Continued from page 14
or make the Hilltoppers send them to the line. “Unfortunately there was a call that I’d like to review.”
With 12 seconds to play, Nativity had Weatherly trapped along the sideline, and after some apparent contact, the ball went out of bounds and it was called Hilltoppers’ ball.
“I don’t expect officials to get everything correct, ever. It’s part of the game. But some things at some certain points in time, when they’re questionable, should never be called,” noted Medico. “That was a call that either it was a foul, or it was out of bounds and our ball. That was disheartening.”
Nativity capitalized. After Keating was fouled on the
baseline with 5.8 seconds to play, the Hilltoppers inbounded to the 6-foot-5 Dolbin, who was fouled going up for a shot. Despite coming up short on his first free throw, the senior calmly sank the second for the deciding point.
Wagner got off a desperation 3-pointer under heavy duress, but it was off the mark as the final horn sounded.
“He was in foul trouble, and then he snapped his ankle. I didn’t think he was going to come back in, but he said ‘I’m good’ and he came back in,” Walborn said of Dolbin, who finished with nine points and seven rebounds. “He’s going to West Point for football, so he’s a tough kid. He got back in and got us a play.”
Keating finished with a game-high 20 points for Nativity, but had to work hard for all of them. Walborn
Crestwood Girls Basketball Preview
chipped in with 10 points for the Hilltoppers, who won three straight subregional titles from 2019-22, but haven’t been back to states since.
Wagner scored a team-high 18 points to go with seven rebounds and two steals, and McKeegan finished with 11 points and four steals to lead Weatherly. Saldukas scored all seven of his points during the fourth-quarter rally and also contributed six rebounds and two blocks.
Sophomores Kokinda and Adler combined for 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Wreckers, who graduate the 6-feet-1 Donish (8 rebounds, 2 blocks) but return the rest of the rotation for next season.
“The main thing is these guys didn’t quit at all,” Medico said. “All you have to do is your best. I told them all I care about is that you guys give a whole 32
(minutes) with no quit, and the score’s going to be what it’s going to be. I feel that’s a metaphor for life as well. You’ve got to do the best that you possibly can, and in the end whatever results you have is beyond your control.
“In this game, we were right at the door. We’ll be back at it (Wednesday) for one more practice, close up the year with some good talks, give it a little time, and get back to things for next year.”
Lady Comets host PIAA opener on Saturday
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
The Crestwood girls will match up with Manheim Central out of District 3 when the PIAA Class 5A Girls’ Basketball Tournament tips off Saturday.
The Lady Comets (21-4), fresh off winning the program’s firstever District 2 championship, will host the opening-round game at 2 p.m. at Crestwood High School.
Manheim Central (17-9) is the fourth-place finisher from the District 3 Class 5A Tournament. Manheim entered the tournament as the No. 6 seed, and quickly dispatched Cocalico 32-25 in the opening round. A 36-34 upset of No. 3 Northern York put Manheim in the semifinals. It lost
to No. 2 Middletown 48-39, then fell in the consolation final to No. 4 West York 56-50 in overtime.
Manheim Central averaged 39 points per game during its fourgame district tournament run. Its last District 3 championship came all the way back in 1995, when the school was known as Manheim Township and was competing in Class 4A.
The Lady Comets are coming off a 54-31 rout of Dallas in last Saturday’s District 2 5A title game at Mohegan Arena. They beat Abington Heights 56-39 in the district semifinal round.
Crestwood’s only losses have come to Class 6A schools. They lost all three meetings against unbeaten Hazleton Area (26-0), the state’s top-ranked 6A team. Their other loss was a 65-60 overtime game at Scranton in their season-opener.
Tickets for Saturday’s game are available at piaa.org.
Saturday’s winner will move on to the second round on Wednesday, March 12 against the winner of the Freire Charter (16-11) and Unionville (16-9) game. Second-round games will be played at neutral sites to be announced.
The Crestwood girls break the huddle after a timeout during the District 2 Class 5A semifinals against Abington Heights last month. The Lady Comets will play host to Manheim Central on Saturday afternoon in the opening round of the PIAA Class 5A Tournament.
JH
Photo: Steve Stallone
Lady Wreckers’ season ends with playoff loss
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
ALLENTOWN Regardless of the outcome of last Wednesday’s District 11/2 Class A girls’ basketball semifinal here, the Weatherly Area girls had already recorded their most important win this season: they kept the program going.
With just seven players on the roster, no junior varsity team, and sometimes just five healthy players for varsity games, the Lady Wreckers still managed to get through their entire 22-game schedule. They also won four games, and showed up Wednesday looking to upset topseeded Bethlehem Christian and keep their season going.
And while they gave the Lady Panthers some anxious moments, too many mistakes ultimately cost fourth-seeded Weatherly the chance to pull that upset.
Undone by 41 turnovers, and unable to match the 1-2 scoring punch of BC’s Giana Kasper (20 points) and Abby Wilson (15), the Lady Wreckers dropped a 47-21 verdict that put an end to their program-saving season at 4-19.
“We just didn’t have a good night,” remarked Weatherly Area head coach Jason Kane. “We turned the ball over way too many times. That was the name of the game. We just couldn’t pass and couldn’t catch.”
The Lady Wreckers fell behind 12-4 after one quarter, getting off just five shots and making two. They turned it over nine times in the opening frame.
Things got worse in a scoreless second quarter, when they went 0-for-6 from the field and had 10 miscues.
Wilson scored five points and Kasper hit a triple during an 11-0 run that staked Bethlehem Christian (14-5) to a 20-4 halftime lead.
“I think the layoff hurt, because that first half we couldn’t find our groove,” offered Kane, whose Lady Wreckers were off since the regular season ended on Feb. 10. After playing five games in 11 days to end the season, the Lady Wreckers hadn’t played in more than two weeks.
“It was like we never played basketball. It’s hard to mimic (game action) at practice,” he said. “I think it really hurt us in the first half. Young kids, when they have a layoff like this, I think it hurts more than it helps.”
The Lady Panthers opened the second half with a Kasper basket, but had to brace themselves to withstand Kelly Reiner and the Lady Wreckers.
Reiner hit a 3-pointer, a driving basket, and then two more triples over the final 5:31 of the third quarter, giving Weatherly new life heading to the fourth.
The Lady Wreckers’ surge continued into the fourth, when Courtney Snyder had a corner swish, Reiner hit the back end of a two-shot foul, then buried her fourth triple of the half — completing a 9-0 run that had Weatherly within 15 points (3621) with 5:21 to play.
“I really have respect for Weatherly, especially (Reiner),” said BC head coach Greg Duff. “She brings it. We absolutely wanted to key on her. We took off the full-court press, but then I put it back on (when they rallied).”
The rally basically ended 11
seconds later, when Reiner was whistled for her fifth foul going for a steal. After scoring 19 of her team’s 21 points, along with six rebounds and two steals, her stellar junior season was over.
“We were on a good run there,” noted Kane. “We came back and hit a few big shots. And then unfortunately Kelly fouled out and that broke the momentum.”
Bethlehem Christian ended the game on an 11-0 run to secure its spot in the subregional final, and a berth in the upcoming state tournament.
“From the beginning we were focused, and we took care of what we were supposed to do,” Duff said.
Abby Weston sparked the Weatherly defense with
five steals and Mackenzie Rhodes, the team’s only senior, contributed six rebounds.
With the rest of the lineup back, and some help coming from within the program, Kane is hopeful the Lady Wreckers will continue their upward climb next season.
“Almost all (our players) are coming back and we have some athletic eighth-graders coming up,” he said. “I think next year will be a good group.”
Weatherly Area’s Courtney Snyder (54), Olivia Marasco (2) and Kelly Reiner (23) look to get open on an inbounds play during last week’s District 11/2 Class A basketball semifinal playoff game at Executive Education Charter School in Allentown.
