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©2025, THE JOURNAL-HERALD. All Rights Reserved
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2025 • Volume 45 – No. 14 (USPS 277440)
CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–146th YEAR, NO. 53
East Side write-ins confirmed
by Ruth Isenberg
Carbon County’s Election Board certified the general election results this week. There were no surprises or changes in the unofficial results.
Because there was only one candidate on the ballot for borough council in East Side, but four openings, certification confirmed the names of the write-in candidates who will be seated in January.
Sharon Mrozinski, whose name appeared on the ballot, received 62 votes.
Incumbent Michael Best received the most write-ins, with See ELECTION, page 6
Weatherly manager to retire
Harold Pudliner’s last day after 28 years as Weatherly Borough Manager will be December 28. Borough council at its meeting Monday accepted his letter of resignation.
(The file photo above was taken in September 2023, when Pudliner received the Seven Hats Award.)
CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–146th YEAR, NO. 27
Hometown Holidays Festival to light up White Haven
The holiday spirit is alive and well in downtown White Haven as the community comes together for the annual Hometown Holidays celebration this Saturday, November 29. Packed with festive activities, delicious treats, and familyfriendly fun, this event promises to be a memorable day for all, and a great start to the holiday shopping season.
Live Reindeer and Educational Fun
Kick off the festivities with a visit to the Borough’s parking Lot at 312 Main Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can enjoy a free educational display and take pictures with live reindeer, a magical experience for kids and adults alike.
Build Your Own S’mores Adventure
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., participants can collect ingredients for their own s’mores by visiting various local businesses. Stop by G&A Hardware (107 Susquehanna St.), Trinity Artisans Fine Art (238 Main St.), Thimbleberry (400 Main St.), Antonio’s Pizza (501 Main St.), and Tavern on the Trail (520 Main St.) to gather everything you need for this sweet treat. Then visit the Fire Pits and enjoy.
Children’s Activities at the Library
The White Haven Area Community Library at 121 Towanda Street will host fun-filled children’s activities from 1 to 3 p.m., including cookie decorating at 2 p.m. No registration is required, so families can drop in and join the holiday cheer.
Holiday Photo Ops
Explore the town and find seven unique holiday photo opportunities, including spots at Trail Town Bikes, the Caboose, Thimbleberry, the Diner, Suitch Agency, Fire Pits, and former Rite Aid store. Share your festive snapshots using #WhiteHavenHolidays Warm Up by the Fire Pits
From 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., head to the corner of Northumberland and Main Street to get cozy by the fire pits. Enjoy toasting s’mores and hot dogs while sipping on hot toddies, hot cocoa, or hot apple cider.
Community Paint Project Reveal
At 12:15 p.m., the Borough Building at 312 Main Street will host the reveal of the Community Paint Project, a collaborative effort with artist Michelle Lee started at the summer’s Jam Below the Dam. The painting will be unveiled at 12:30 p.m.
Vendors and Letters to Santa
PA STATE REPRESENTATIVE JAMIE WALSH attended the White Haven Borough Council meeting on November 24, talking with council about grants and funding opportunities in this legislative district. The project council is pursuing on several fronts is the Main Street streetscape, shown on the display to Walsh’s left. Council hopes to assemble enough money from three separate sources to start the first section from Main Street to Towanda Street, this coming year. More on this meeting next week.
JH: Ruth Isenberg
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., visit the Borough Building to shop from local vendors and drop
See HOMETOWN HOLIDAY, page 6
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Ruth Isenberg, Editor
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editoriAl Gratitude attitude
by Ruth Isenberg
Writing editorials is sometimes easy. Something hits you so hard, you just have to speak out. There’s an injustice, and staying silent isn’t an option.
Other times it’s more difficult. Things are quiet. Everyone seems to be getting along. There are no burning issues to discuss. That’s the time for topics like Don’t Litter or Watch Out for Deer. Writing editorials can be bad for you. When you are constantly on the alert for topics, you tend to gravitate toward the negative. This can create a somewhat jaundiced view of life.
This age of social media can amplify our differences. Anonymous posters, often from foreign countries, manipulate opinion by stoking rage with sensational stories. All of us unwittingly play into their hands when we like or repost things that dovetail with what we already believe.
That’s why it’s nice to have civic occasions like the Thanksgiving holiday to focus on. Thinking about what to write for Thanksgiving leads to topics like counting blessings, of which our area has many: active and involved citizens, abundant natural resources, and a spirit of caring for neighbors.
Thanksgiving is also an opportunity to reflect on history, and to remember the freedoms we have—and must protect. We may worship however we choose, or not at all. We may hold diverse opinions, and express them without fear of punishment. We may assemble in groups, even if the reason we are assembling is to protest the government.
Thanksgiving gives us the chance to step away from clickbait and use social media for a truly social purpose—connecting with family and friends. Thanksgiving is a time for connection, whether online or face to face. It’s also a time for homecoming, and reuniting family and friends who may have relocated, but still call our area home. Let’s be grateful for our many blessings, for each other, and for times that bring our reasons for gratitude into sharper focus. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
From The Journal-Herald November 17, 2005
Clara R. Holder, Publisher
At the top of page 1, a group of girls from Weatherly are shown at the book release party at Barnes & Noble in Wilkes-Barre for the sixth installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.
Also at the top of page 1, details about Santa’s annual visit to White Haven and the community tree lighting. That year, Santa arrived via helicopter at Lehigh Park, then went to the Community Building to hand out gifts, sponsored by the Rec Board.
At the White Haven Borough Council meeting, engineer Dominic Yanuzzi expressed optimism that an application made by the borough and Dennison Township to the Luzerne County Office of Community Development for funding to fix a stormwater problem on Hazle and Chemung Streets would be approved.
The Crestwood High School Band won the US Scholastic Band Association All-States Championship for Group 1A in Hershey. An article related the band’s long journey, starting with the late start of band camp for the year, the appointment of a new band director, ee Wygant, the adaptation of a show originally performed in 1990, quick learning by the band, the competition weekend, and the outcome—best percussion, best visual and general effect, and best music—to make them top band of the five in their division.
Sports Editor Steve Stallone wrote a column about Hazleton native Joe Maddon being named the fourth manager in the short history of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, after a 28-year history with the Los Angeles Angels.
The Weatherly Rotary Foundation for the preservation of the steel plant announced
a fundraising project, Light One Little Candle for Your Community, selling batteryoperated candles to shine in windows all over town.
From The Weatherly Herald November 17, 1955
R.V. Faust, Publisher
Charles Hinterleiter was named as a councilman for the Fourth Ward, following the election of Clarence Krieger as janitor of the borough building (he had been a councilman, but had to resign upon accepting the janitor’s post).
At a meeting of the Weatherly Area Joint School Board, a full discussion was held pertaining to the proposed construction of an elementary school building. A proposal that a committee be named to proceed with the preliminaries necessary before definite building plans are drawn was passed up in favor of one whereby all directors of each district board would participate.
From The Journal November 11, 1976 Jay & Clara Holder, Publishers
Plans for First Eastern Bank’s new White Haven office were outlined for members of White Haven Borough Council. Making the presentation was Burton Schafer, First Eastern’s vice0president in charge of the local branch, and Norman Paul of the architectural firm Eyerman, Csala and Paul of Wilkes-Barre.
American Legion Post 592 plans to close down its bar facility later this month. The Legion bar and Post Home is located in a former church building on the southeast corner of Church and Northumberland streets. It has had a commercial (not club) liquor license since 1955. (The building today is home to Laurel Lodge F&AM.)
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
WHITE HAVEN BOROUGH PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the proposed 2026 White Haven Borough Budget is available for public inspection at the White Haven Borough Building during regular business hours and at The JournalHerald newspaper offices by appointment.
The proposed budget includes a 0.75-mill increase to the real estate property tax rate, which is a modest adjustment necessary to support essential Borough services and operations.
Further notice is given that the ordinance to adopt the 2026 real estate tax rate, including the above-referenced increase, is also available for public inspection at the same locations.
The Borough Council will consider adoption of the 2026 Budget and the tax rate ordinance at its next regular meeting on December 22 at 7:00 PM. All interested persons are invited to review the documents and attend the meeting.
Linda Szoke Borough Manager
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted by the Register of Wills of Luzerne County, PA, on November 6, 2025, in the Estate of Dolores R. Falatko, late of Freeland Borough, who died October 4, 2025, to Robert Falatko, Executor.
All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims to present them immediately to:
SENAPE LAW
James V. Senape, Jr., Esquire
Catherine A. McGovern, Esquire
Michael B. Senape, Esquire 612-614 Main Street, P. O. Box 179 Freeland, PA 18224-0179 570-636-3133 12/11
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Roland Lowery, Jr., of Drums, Pennsylvania, in the Estate of Jean Lowery, late of Drums, Pennsylvania, who died on October 25, 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 Executor named or to:
Conrad A. Falvello, Esquire
THE FALVELLO LAW FIRM, P.C.
641 State Route 93 Sugarloaf, PA 18249 12/11
NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION have been granted to RAYMOND C. MYLET of the Estate of Mary E. Mylet, a/k/a Mary Ella Chernansky Mylet, deceased and late of Sugarloaf, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, who died on November 5, 2010. 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 12/4
NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY have been granted to REBECCA J. HOLMES of the Estate of Joan L. Sorrels, deceased and late of Weatherly, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, who died on October 7, 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 12/4
Business is routine at Penn Lake Council
by Suzanne Winters
The agenda for the November Penn Lake Borough council meeting was light. There were no initial public comments. There were no petitions or complaints, and only one piece of correspondence was received from Rick Johnson, who resigned from the Zoning Hearing Board.
Solicitor Dan Mulhern is planning a phone conversation with Breezeline in the next week or two regarding their proposed franchise agreement. He had no further updates.
Borough Secretary Karen Burden said there was one zoning permit issued for a demolition at 1607 Lakeview Drive.
The Porta Potty at the ballpark has been removed for the winter, per Councilmember Sue George.
There were no reports available regarding lake management, goose abatement or roads this month as Councilmember Dan Eustice was absent.
The final PennVest sewer payment was December 1, according to Councilmember Corey Beltz. Penn Lake resident Betty McGarrigan asked at the
end of the meeting what the new sewer payment would be. Beltz said it would be $96 until February or March, then it would revert to $79. He said the borough still has to maintain the sewer, and Treasurer Theresa Wojciechowski said there have been several Aqua fee increases over the years that had not been passed on to residents.
The Short-Term Rental permit form was updated per Councilmember John Burden.
Beltz reported that Councilmember Lisa Stuart, who was absent, indicated the dam status remained the same. Dam Advisory Committee member Dan George was in the audience and said they have been talking with DEP. Also, Jim Brezena has requested 1-year extensions on any PEMA grants having need of one.
A motion to advertise the 2026 meeting dates was passed. In January, the first Monday of the month will include swearing in of newly elected officials. February through November meetings will be on the second Thursday of the month, and December will be the 3rd Thursday of the month.
The first reading of the 2026 budget was completed and a motion to advertise it was passed.
The Astra policy renewal was included with the meeting materials online for review. During the end of meeting public comments, McGarrigan asked if there would be any possible changes with Breezeline over the winter, and Beltz said he did not foresee this. He said they have been inquiring with other cable/internet providers like Loop and Service Electric, but none have Penn Lake on their map for future service.
Trish Bartlett asked if council could start using the microphone for meetings again, and Beltz said they can do so.
Cindy Yurchak
obituAries
DOROTHY REINER
Dorothy Reiner, 87 years of age, a cherished mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 23, 2025, while a guest at St. Luke’s Manor in Hazleton. She resided on Plane Street in Weatherly.
Born in Highland, PA, on Friday, April 22, 1938, Dorothy was the daughter of the late Benjamin Sr. and Catherine (Malletz) Gelezinsky. She was a 1956 graduate of Weatherly High School.
A devoted member of Our Lady of Lourdes R.C.C., Dorothy lived a full life centered around family and community. She was a talented seamstress who found joy in quilting and crocheting, and she also enjoyed ceramics, puzzles, and was an avid reader. Known as a doting “Granny,” she never missed an opportunity
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to attend her children and grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities. Dorothy loved a good card game, enjoyed dancing and listening to music, and was a terrific baker who made holiday decorating an annual event to look forward to.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Ronald W. Reiner; her sister, Cecelia Gower; and her brothers, Benjamin, Vincent, and Stanley Gelezinsky.
She is lovingly remembered by her surviving family: daughters Susan A. Sarosky and her husband John, and Brenda M. Parise and her husband Christopher; son Craig M. Reiner and his wife Lori. She also leaves behind her sister, Genny Macurak; grandchildren Joshua Reiner, Luke Reiner, Lynea Reiner, Erin Daily and her husband Brian, and Shannon Sarosky and her husband Brian Dubble; greatgranddaughter Summer Daily; sisters-in-law Elaine, Ellen and Kerrie Gelezinsky and Dorothy Adams; brother-in-law Al Gower, along with many special nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Weatherly.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Dorothy’s name on Saturday November 29, at 10 a.m. from Our Lady of Lourdes, 318 Plane Street, Weatherly. Friends and family may call Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home, 211 First Street, Weatherly.
Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Weatherly. Memorials in Dorothy’s name can be made to a charity of your choice.
Online condolences or a fond memory of Dorothy may be made to the family at www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com
LANNY J. WILDRICK
Lanny J. Wildrick, 67, of White Haven, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday, November 24, 2025. Born in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Fred and Jean (Feist) Wildrick. Lanny was a proud graduate of Crestwood High School. A dedicated and hardworking man, he owned and operated L&D Painting, a business he poured his heart into for many years.
Lanny found joy in the simple and beautiful parts of life. He enjoyed fishing, spending time in nature, and caring for and feeding the animals around him.
A loyal Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan, he rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his favorite teams. Above all, Lanny cherished time spent with his family—especially his grandchildren—who were the light of his life. He will be
remembered as a gentle soul whose kindness and quiet strength touched everyone who knew him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Cynthia Day Wildrick.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Heather (Luke) Colleran of White Haven, Nicole (Justin) Eroh of Weatherly, and Melissa (Scott) Eroh of Weatherly; grandchildren, Wade, Lincoln, Emerson, and Edison Eroh; Luke and Kate Colleran; siblings, Kathleen Wildrick Draus, and Cynthia (Edward) Stec; nieces and nephews.
A Blessing Service will be held on Monday, December 1, at 11 a.m. at the Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc., White Haven. Interment will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, White Haven.
Friends are invited to join the family for a visitation from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.
Visit www. LehmanFuneralHome.com for additional information.
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obituAries
JOHN P. FRABLE
John P. Frable, 94 years of age a life-long resident of Weatherly, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Heritage Hill Senior Living 800 Sixth Street Weatherly. Born Tuesday, July 21, 1931 in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Elwood K. and Nora Elizabeth (Faust) Frable. A 1949 graduate of Weatherly High School, John served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War, rising to the rank of Cpl. John retired as a Vice President of the Hazleton National Bank. An active member of Zions Evangelical Lutheran Church of Weatherly, John served on the Altar Guild. John was an avid runner and enjoyed fishing. Surviving are his beloved wife of 67 years Jean E. (Sachs)
Frable; son, David J. Frable and his wife Tracy; cherished granddaughter, Sarah C. Palmero and her husband Anthony; sister, Ruth Ann Schaeffer and her husband Samuel. Also surviving is his niece Janet Schaeffer.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Weatherly.
A Celebration of John’s life will be held on December 6, at 11 a.m. from Zions Evangelical Lutheran Church, 335 Third Street, Weatherly. Interment with Military Honors bestowed will take place in Union Cemetery, Weatherly. Memorials in John’s name to: Zions Evangelical Lutheran Church 335 Third Street, Weatherly, PA 18255; Weatherly Area Museum, 100 Steelplant Road, Weatherly, PA 18255 or to Weatherly Area Community Library, 1518 Brenkman Dr, Weatherly, PA 18255.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com
WILLIAM EDWARD DEMPSKI
William Edward Dempski, Mountain Top, died November 22, 2025 at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Hazleton. Born in Wilkes-Barre Township, June 30,
1933, he was the son of the late Brinley and Helen (Yankoski) Dempski. Also preceding Bill in death was his brother, the late Brinley Dempski, Jr.
Bill, as he preferred to be called, resided in Mountain Top, for the past 62 years and was the owner of Dempski Business Equipment Company until retirement. He was always a true role model for his employees, who learned so much from him. Bill was previously employed 20 years for SCM Corporation, Wilkes-Barre.
He was a 1951 graduate of Wilkes-Barre Twp. High School and a Korean War Veteran, with the US Navy, where he traveled abroad.
Bill was well known as an avid hunter and fisherman, earning many trophies in competitive events for over 65 years. He mentored young hunters and was involved with the Lions Club
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Fishing Derby and PA Hunter Safety Training. Being a PA Forest Fire Warden for 35 years, Bill, along with his crew, was involved with Forest fire fighting training. He had a well-known reputation as an accomplished taxidermist.
Bill was a member of St. Jude’s Church, Mountaintop, The Knights of Columbus Council No. 6440, and a Fourth Degree Member of Bishop William J. Hafey Assembly. He was a lifelong member of the Georgetown Conservation Club, serving on the Board of Directors and a member of the Mountain Top Social Club and Mountain TTop Lions Club.
Bill enjoyed family gatherings, especially during the holidays, and Easter egg hunts with the grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. He always looked forward to the Conservation Club Labor Day outing and the club venison dinners. He treasured the times he spent hunting and fishing with his son, Bill Jr. Bill Sr. could create or fix anything, better than anyone you could hire – a natural talent according to his daughter, Renee.
Surviving are his wife, the former Joan Yankoski; daughter Renee and husband Ralph DiBattista, Fredericksburg, VA; son William and wife Terri, Apalachin, NY; sister JoAnn and husband Frank Erwetowski, Swan Point, MD; sister-in-law Beverly Dempski, Pringle; grandchildren Mark and wife Julie Dempski, great-grandchildren Maggie and Greyson, Lakewood, NY; David Dempski and wife Kelly Guardia, Ashburn, VA; Amanda DiBattista, wife of John Reardon, great-grandchildren Jack and Liam, Vienna, VA. Arrangements for Bill’s burial are being handled by DesiderioLehman Funeral Home in Mountain Top.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, December 2, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Jude Church, Mountain Top. Private Interment will be at Saint Mary’s Chapel Mausoleum, St. Francis of Assisi Walk, St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Georgetown Conservation Club, 233 ½ Pulaski St., WilkesBarre Twp., PA 18702. Get your Journa l-H erald in the mail each week. Or send it to
Election
Continued from page 1
17. Former council president John Marotta received 13 (plus one mail-in for John Moratta, presumably also meant for him), followed by Allan Hollrigl with 12. They will be seated in January.
Also receiving write-in votes were Raymond Fisher with 6, Gerald Jones with 4, Louis Esa and Joe Lachette with 2 each, and 1 vote each for John Irvin, John Cepiel, Debbie Sabella and Vicki Cerula.
Weatherly Area School Board
Gerard Grega was the only candidate for the 2-year seat on the board, and he received 874 votes for that post.
He also received 725 votes for one of the four open 4-year seats, so the board will have to appoint someone to whichever seat he does not accept. There were a large number of names write-in for both the 2-year and 4-year term, but only one person received a significant number of votes was Jacob Kunkle, who received 79 for the 4-year term, and 47 for the 2-year term.
Kidder Township
The Carbon County Election Bureau had an error on the ballots for Kidder Township, listing an open 4-year seat for Supervisor. In reality, there were two open seats for 6-year terms, with two candidates. Republican Ellwood Zimmerman received 316 votes, and Democrat Daniel Collins received 208 votes. Five people wrote in names for the non-existent 4-year term.
Hometown Holiday
Continued from page 1
off letters to Santa. Be sure to include a return address and submit your letter by December 19.
Santa and the Grinch Appearances
Keep an eye out for Santa and the Grinch as they make appearances throughout the day. Don’t miss the chance to grab a photo or catch the Grinch in action.
Community Tree Lightings and Santa Parade
The day will conclude with two magical tree lighting ceremonies.
The first will take place at the Fire House at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Santa Parade down to the Caboose. At 6 p.m., the community tree lighting at the Caboose will bring everyone together for hot cocoa and ice cream sandwiches, courtesy of Woods Ice Cream.
For more information, visit www.WhiteHavenChamber. com. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the season with your friends, family, and neighbors on Small Business Saturday in White Haven.
Santa visits in Mountain Top
Santa Claus and his helpers will be visiting the Mountain Top Historical Society’s Red Caboose on Sundays from Noon until 4 p.m. on November 30, December 7, 14, and 21. Children of all ages are welcome to come and have their picture taken with Santa.
Admission is free, but donations to the Eric Aigeldinger Memorial Scholarship Fund are appreciated. Free parking is available at the Caboose, which is located in Fairview Township on Route 309 next to Baab’s Jewelry,
librAry corNer
The White Haven Area Community Library would like to thank everyone who donated a basket for the Annual Quilt and Craft Show to be held on Saturday, December 6. There are many beautiful baskets currently on display at the library. Come take a look and try your luck for a good cause. The tickets are 20 for $10 and are available at the front desk. Admission tickets for the Quilt and Craft show are also available for $5. All proceeds will go to supporting library programs such as Kid’s Summer Camp, weekend and evening children’s activities, the Book Clubs, and many more.
The library, together with The Soapy Bee Café, is hosting a Children’s Christmas Party on Saturday, November 29. Please join us from 1 to 3 p.m. for cookie decorating, holiday games, snacks and an Elf Costume Parade judged by Santa himself. The event is free for all area children, and no registration is required.
On Thursday, December 4, there will be a special Santa Tot Time from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Children 8 years old and younger are invited to hear a story and complete a simple craft.
Save the date for the Library Holiday Open House, to be held on Friday, December 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join us for light bites and refreshments, as well as music by Frank Balon. If you are interested in volunteering at the library, we would love to meet you. There are a variety of opportunities available for you to share your skills and experience. Please call 570-443-8776 or stop in.
The library follows the Crestwood School District for weather related closings. If school is closed, the library is closed. For 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.
seth’s sightiNgs
During my recovery I had been exercising by taking short walks outside. I never thought that the walking would set me back, but on the Monday before this, I tripped over something and fell hard. The fall opened up a nasty cut on my face.
We handled the cut at St. Luke’s, who cleaned and stitched it, so now I’m moving even slower, making sure that my feet are secure and that I’m in balance.
My being outside has allowed for sightings of a variety of birds, and a few squirrels. The squirrels seem busy, and I’m hoping it’s not an indication of a harsh winter.
The birds have found things to eat among our various bushes and trees, and we’re happy to provide these in exchange for
their visits. The cardinal family has appeared often in the bird show. A group of playful blue jays came through to show off their color.
So except for the fall and the trip to the ER, I’ve not had a bad couple of weeks.
In football, the Philadelphia Eagles didn’t put enough points on the board, so there’s a bit of a cloud over Philadelphia and fans elsewhere. This week a win could bring sunshine, as the Chicago Bears come in to Lincoln Financial Field on Black Friday.
Penn State football has one game remaining in this disappointing season. The best fans can expect is that the team will be selected as the opponent in some obscure bowl game, provided they beat Rutgers on
JOURNAL-HERALD SERVICE DIRECTORY
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the road on Saturday. This is the Thanksgiving issue of The Journal-Herald, so to all the readers, a hearty Happy
Thanksgiving wish, and good health to you all.
Seth
Community rallies for Donna Rossman benefit
The Lehigh & Lausanne Rural Fire Company, Carbon County Fire District 19, is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner and Basket Raffle Benefit to support Donna Rossman. The event will take place on Saturday, December 13, at the fire house at 390 South Lehigh Gorge Drive, Weatherly.
The community is invited to enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner, with take-out available from 3 to 7 p.m. Attendees can participate in a Tricky Tray raffle, which will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Winners will be announced immediately following the event. A 50/50 raffle will also be held, and
participants do not need to be present to win.
The benefit will feature a bake sale and other exciting activities, which will be announced closer to the event date. Tickets for the dinner can be purchased from Celine (Cindy) Gerhart at 570-956-5111, Suzanne Hines at 570-436-1967, or Becky Gregory at 570-956-3458.
Organizers are seeking community support through donations of tricky trays, baked goods, monetary contributions, or volunteer time. Those interested in contributing can contact the individuals listed above.
TATU members show why quitting is the way to go
November 25 students at Weatherly Area High School honored The Great American Smoke-Out, a day to encourage all people who smoke, to quit for one day. Why not consider quitting for good? Students from the Weatherly Area High School TATU (Teens Against Tobacco Group) participated in an activity to help spread the message that tobacco use is deadly. At the beginning of each class period, a police chalk outline was created in the hallway. Inside were 17 tally marks, representing the number
of people who died in the US from a tobacco related illness during that “early dismissal” 18-minute class period. Information and statistics regarding the negative effects of tobacco were read over the sound system each period.
The Great American Smokeout began in the 1970s as an idea for a one-day quit event, first held in California in 1976. The American Cancer Society took it nationwide the following year. The California event led to a nationwide push in 1977 that helped shift public attitudes towards tobacco and has since
Steffie says tell your friends, “There are tons of great gifts for all ages at G&A Hardware. Stop in and see on Small Business Saturday, November 29”
supported millions in their attempts to quit permanently.
TATU members include Madeline Rhodes, Willem Grant, Angelina Ieraci, Mary Portell, Rebecca Caldwell, Ben Kropp,
Emilio Valenzuela, Jeremiah Donadi, Jillian Russell and Kameron Jacoby, TATU advisor is school nurse Rebekah McFadden.
Crestwood Boys Basketball Preview Comets hope to be a sleeper in Wyoming Valley Conference D-1 race
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
The Crestwood boys got barely a mention when the Wyoming Valley Conference basketball coaches were identifying this year’s contenders at their annual pre-season press conference recently.
That’s all right with long-time head coach Mark Atherton, whose Comets have won numerous championships and have had targets on their back for many years.
“One word that describes my team is ‘sleeper’ because nobody at the press conference other than Pittston Area mentioned us,” Atherton said when asked to describe this year’s squad. “I said that’s nice, because maybe we could sneak up on teams or whatever. We’re the sleeper.”
Does Atherton look at his team as a sleeper?
“I think we could be sneaky good,” he said Monday. “We have to have everything going right, and any injury and we’re in trouble because we’re going to start a freshman point guard and we don’t have much depth.
“We could be a team that you could look at later in the season and say ‘What happened to Crestwood?’ or ‘Wow!’”
Atherton’s hope for the “wow factor” this season starts with returning senior Ayden Agapito, a three-year starter and the Comets’ top scorer a year ago. The 6-foot-4 guard-forward has a long wing span and a unique offensive game that has college coaches taking notice.
“Ayden is our big gun,” noted Atherton. “He’s started three years and got minutes his freshman year.
“He’s a true basketball player. He can handle the basketball, he’s crafty around the hoop and has a great mid-range game, which is very unusual in high school basketball and anywhere. It’s usually threes or drive to the hoop. He’s one of those throwback types of players.”
The Comets will lean heavily
on his scoring talents.
“He’s playing well and I expect a lot out of him,” Atherton said. “He’s our main guy and should be one of the better players in the league.”
Senior Gio Barna and junior Jack Rodgers, a pair of athletic players and also standout receivers from the football team are ready to step into starting roles on the hardwood. Both saw action in a reserve role last season, and Barna made a few starts as well.
“Gio’s a good athlete but a skilled basketball player,” Atherton said of the 5-10 guard. “Gio likes to score the ball. He can dribble and drive the ball and shoot the ball.”
The 6-foot-2 Rodgers is a versatile forward who can rebound and defend, and has a high motor that Atherton loves.
“Jack is a hard-nosed kid who’ll run through the wall for you,” he said. “His minutes went up as the season went on last year, but he’s a kid who can get into foul trouble easily. We’re trying to eliminate the fouls.
“He’s a tough rebounder and strong kid. We want to make him our defensive specialist too. He’s 6-2 and quick enough to guard a guard, and big enough to guard a big. It’s ideal,” Atherton continued. “He’s every coach’s dream. If he could let the game slow down for him, he could really help us.”
Atherton will look to 6-foot-3 senior forward Connor Wagaman to be a physical presence inside for the Comets.
“Connor is our big kid,” Atherton said. “He’s not going to wow you on offense, but then when the game’s over you look up and see he had eight points. He has some size and he can shoot a three.”
While Atherton has four starters with a good deal of varsity experience, he’s handing the basketball to freshman Miles Metz to run the show.
“Miles is a good player, a throwback type of kid in that he works his tail off,” Atherton
stated. “He’s here all the time working out, and not just shooting, he’s working out. He’s going to be a good one.”
Like Atherton, Metz is the son of a basketball coach who brings special traits to the court and special qualities to the team, something you want out of your point guard.
“I don’t mind (starting) one freshman if he’s good enough, and this kid’s good enough,” noted Atherton. “He’s an extension of the coach on the court. He’s probably our best shooter. He’s not a big kid yet, so if he’s going against a senior it’s going to be tough for him. It’s going to be everyone on
board to help him along and relieve the pressure off him.”
Atherton will also be looking to a pair of freshmen coming off the bench in 5-foot-9 guard Zach Sechleer and 6-2 forward Avery Brace. Sechleer and Metz in the backcourt together is something Comets fans will get a preview of this season.
“I think the freshmen are going to play a huge role,” Atherton stressed. “Zach and Miles are two good guards and the future of our guard play is good. Brace is a bigger kid and he’s going to have to come in and give us a few minutes.”
Senior forward Brady Johnson
See CHS BBALL, page 11
CHS Bball
Continued from page 10
and senior guard Ruben Montanari, an exchange student from Spain, add to the Comets’ depth.
Cole Pugh, Cole Naperkowski, Chase Oravic, Jeremiah Jennings, Jeremiah Flores and Kell Edwards round out the junior class. Edwards is battling his way back from an injury suffered last season, and is currently out.
Sophomores Braiden Rowland, Cai’lyn Anderson and Alex Kucuk, and freshmen Kieren Koons and Jacob Bechtel round out the Crestwood roster.
Atherton is being assisted by Len Butczynski, Cole Wasco, Eric Lawson, Jeff Bellas and Donny Hopkins.
One of the keys to the Comets’ season is how they perform in the exhibition portion of their schedule. That includes road games at Shamokin Area, Hanover Area, Danville Area, North Pocono, Bethlehem
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Catholic, Scranton as well as two games at the CYC McGrane Tournament. Their only home games in their exhibition schedule are with West Scranton on Saturday and Williamsport in mid-December.
“The big thing is our exhibition schedule,” Atherton said. “Last year we had a good exhibition season, but they were mostly home. This year they’re all away. If we go into our league (play) and we are 2-7, it’s going to be a problem with these kids mentally.”
A good start is paramount if they want to be a sleeper among the WVC contenders this season. The WVC portion of the schedule will be difficult as usual.
“Wilkes-Barre has their guys back and they’re loaded,” Atherton said when asked to pick favorites in Division 1. “I think the second team is Dallas. Hazleton Area’s down a little bit but they have the Stish kid back, who could be the best player in the league. Pittston Area and us are close to each other, behind them.”
Atherton is anxious to get the season started.
“It’ll be fun,” he said. “It’ll be interesting.”
2025-26 ROSTER
Seniors–Ayden Agapito, Brady Johnson, Gio Barna, Connor Wagaman, Ruben Montanari.
Juniors–Cole Pugh, Jack Rodgers, Cole Naperkowski, Chase Oravic, Jeremiah Jennings, Kell Edwards, Jeremiah Flores.
Sophomores–Braiden Rowland, Cai’lyn Anderson, Alex Kucuk.
Freshmen–Miles Metz, Kieren Koons, Zach Sechleer, Avery Brace, Jacob Bechtel.
2025-26 SCHEDULE
November 29 - West Scranton.
December
2 - at Shamokin Area; 5 - at Hanover Area; 6 - at Danville Area; 8 - at North Pocono; 11 - Williamsport Area; 13 - at Bethlehem Catholic; 18 - Pittston Area; 20 - Wilkes-Barre Area; 22 - at Scranton; 29-30 - at CYC McGrane Tournament.
January
3 - Wyoming Valley West; 6 - at Hazleton Area; 10 - at Nanticoke Area; 15 - Dallas; 17 - at Pittston Area; 20 - at Wilkes-Barre Area; 23 - at Wyoming Valley West; 27 - Hazleton Area; 30 - Nanticoke Area.
February 5 - at Dallas
Scholastic Schedule Winter sports season gets underway this weekend for area teams
It’s tip-off time for the winter sports season.
The 2025-26 season for area high school basketball and wrestling teams begins this weekend, with the Weatherly Area and Crestwood boys in action right away.
On Saturday, the Wreckers play host to Panther Valley at 7:30 p.m. following the junior varsity game at 6.
Meanwhile, the Comets also open at home on Saturday, taking on West Scranton at 7:30 after the JV tilt at 6.
The Weatherly Area and Crestwood girls will have to wait until Monday evening to start their seasons.
The Lady Wreckers are at MMI Prep for a non-league game, and the defending District 2 Class 5A champion Lady Comets are on the road at Scranton High School.
Crestwood’s boys and girls wrestling teams begin their seasons on Wednesday of next week, when they both travel to Hanover Area for a dual meet double-header.
A look at the early-season scholastic schedule involving Crestwood and Weatherly Area’s varsity winter sports teams follows:
SATURDAY, NOV. 29
Boys Basketball
Panther Valley at Weatherly Area
West Scranton at Crestwood
MONDAY, DEC. 1
Girls Basketball
Weatherly Area at MMI Prep
Crestwood at Scranton
TUESDAY, DEC. 2
Boys Basketball
Lincoln Leadership Academy at Weatherly Area
Crestwood at Shamokin Area
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3
Girls Basketball
Weatherly Area at Lincoln Leadership Academy
Girls Wrestling
Crestwood at Hanover Area
Boys Wrestling
Crestwood at Hanover Area
THURSDAY, DEC. 4
Boys Basketball
Weatherly Area at Marian Catholic
Girls Basketball
Crestwood vs. Jersey Shore at Selinsgrove Tournament
FRIDAY, DEC. 5
Boys Basketball
Crestwood at Hanover Area
Girls Basketball
Marian Catholic at Weatherly Area
Crestwood vs. TBD at Selinsgrove Tournament
Boys Wrestling
Crestwood at DKI Tournament, Bloomsburg
SATURDAY, DEC. 6
Boys Basketball
Crestwood at Danville
Boys Wrestling
Crestwood at DKI Tournament, Bloomsburg
Journal-Herald Classifieds
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THEME: HAPPY HOLIDAYS
ACROSS
1. Shapeless form
5. Hot springs resort
8. Not square
11. Private theater box
12. Relating to ear
13. Rome’s Colosseum, e.g.
15. I ____ you so!
16. *The opposite of a store the day before Christmas?
17. *”Auld Lang Syne” poet
18. *Partridge’s perch (2 words)
20. Vegas numbers
21. New Zealand’s indigenous people
22. Fuss
23. Tabby’s favorite herb
26. More so than swell
30. Big-headedness
31. Resembling an ape
34. John Wayne Gacy’s the Clown
35. Photographer Dorothea of
“Migrant Mother” fame
37. Type or kind
38. Like a sheep after a haircut
39. D’Artagnan’s weapon of choice
40. Superlative of #33 Down
42. U.S. central bank
43. Wilma and Fred’s hometown
45. *Latke’s main ingredient
47. Word of possibility
48. Turning token taker
50. Exclamation of sorrow
52. *____ Odbody of “It’s a Wonderful Life”
55. Raspberry drupelets
56. Saintly glow
57. Letter opener
59. Hunts for food
60. Banana leftover
61. Guesstimate phrase
62. *Color on a Kwanzaa flag
63. Not divisible by two
64. Scholarship criterion
DOWN
1. Deli acronym
2. Chicago’s central district, with The 3. Gawk at
4. Wish harm upon, arch.
5. One of The Beatles
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7. “The Road Runner” corporation
8. Group of cows
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10. *”The Nutcracker” step
12. Certain cephalopod, pl.
13. It’s sometimes humble
14. *Chuck Berry’s “Run, ____, Run”
19. Reason to strike
22. Grass bristle
23. Famous one, slangily
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26. Hot alcoholic beverage
27. Washing sponge
28. Type of heron
29. Rondeau, alt. sp.
32. *Santa’s beverage of choice
33. Not well
36. *Original home of Christmas tannenbaum
38. Fur shawl
40. Extremely unfriendly
41. Plane trick
44. Reprieve in a desert
46. Muscle to bone connector
48. Skidded
49. Weighed
50. 4,840 square yards
51. Told an untruth
52. Head of family
53. Wrap in waxy cloth
54. Comfort
55. Financing acronym
58. Stewart of “Maggie May” fame
Weatherly Boys Basketball Preview
Wreckers have the pieces in place for another successful run
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
It was a season to remember.
The 2024-25 Weatherly Area boys got a long-awaited win over Marian Catholic, reached the Schuylkill League playoffs, won a district playoff game for the first time in 19 years, and came within one point of keeping their season going into the state tournament.
The Wreckers’ 14-win season marked a 12-win improvement over the year before, and had the community buzzing.
Third-year head coach Luke Medico enjoyed the ride as much as anyone. But last year was last year.
“Last year is well over. We’re done thinking about it,” Medico said. “It was a good time and we will remember it years from now. It was awesome. Let’s go make other memories for the team and for this school and for the community.”
With their top three scorers and core group returning from last year’s memorable run, there’s plenty of reason for optimism. And also a realization that it will be harder still to repeat that run - or perhaps better it.
“The first thing is focusing on the proof that they have that they can indeed do it. We’re past the excuses point,” Medico said.
“The next phase of this is you’ve got to understand last year you surprised a lot of
The Weatherly Area High School boys basketball team will open its 2025-26 at home on Saturday evening, when the Wreckers face Panther Valley. Members of this year’s Weatherly Area team are, kneeling from left: Wyatt Kokinda, Josh Almanzar, Jameson DeLauretis, Jacob Hinkle, Niko Saldukas, Dominic Kokinda, Matt Adler, Bradlee Connors and Eli Brown. Standing: Assistant coach Rob Bryan, manager Chance Stauffer, Khrystian Rivera, Levi Aneskevich, Charles Perez, Vincent Cuddeford, Jaxon McKeegan, Brandon Davis, Corbin Wagner, Ian McKeegan, manager Kam Jacoby, and head coach Luke Medico.
people. It’s not that way this year. We’re marked. We beat teams we ‘should not have’ and people are going to put a target on our back. They’re going to be coming for us.”
Medico has stressed to his team the importance of working hard and doing the little things right if they hope to have another successful season.
“I keep going over with the guys every day. The way we practice here is very important.
Puzzle Answers
We can’t just mail it in. The way you do one thing is the way you do everything. I believe in that statement 95 percent of the time. So if we practice hard and we take everything serious out here, I think it will translate well to the game,” he said.
The Wreckers’ success will hinge primarily but not exclusively on the “Big Three” in returning seniors Ian McKeegan, Corbin Wagner and Niko Saldukas. All averaged in double figures a year ago, can bury the triple or drive to the rim, and use their quickness to baffle opposing defenses.
They will be joined in the regular rotation by three players who saw varsity action in a reserve role prior to this season: Six-foot-2 juniors Dominic Kokinda and Matt Adler, and six-foot senior Brandon Davis.
So far, Medico has liked what he’s seen out of all six players, and feels the three newcomers to the rotation have made great strides over the past 12 months.
JH Photo by Steve Stallone
“We have six legitimate starters; that’s a good problem to have,” Medico said.
“Brandon Davis just wants to win, He doesn’t care if he scores, he’s just out there to be a dog,” Medico said. “He brings a lot of energy and he doesn’t back down from anybody. He loves to play defense, he finds the open man. He’s going to be a good asset all year long.
“The growth I’m most impressed with is Dom Kokinda,” Medico continued. “He might be the tallest kid on the team now, so he grew a lot. But his game grew a lot. He has excellent footwork and court vision. He can shoot mid-range and he can shoot 3-pointers, but him doing moves down low is something you haven’t seen done in years. His brother Wyatt plays very similar basketball.
“Matt Adler has the experience of playing a lot of games as a freshman, last year
Continued from page 14
he played a lot, and this year we’re looking for him to take it to the next level,” he added. “Again, a lot of growth with Matt, too.”
Those six and the other Wrecker varsity players have been putting in the work and coming together as a team, spending a ton of time together since the end of last season.
“There’s been a lot of improvement. They played a lot of basketball together this summer. We had them in three different summer leagues, open gym all summer, routine workouts. As school started we just kept pushing it up and up,” noted Medico, who will again be assisted by Rob Bryan. “The three that have been putting in the work, and meshing another three with them, it’s going to be pretty exciting. I’m excited to see how they play.
“This year is the year where I’m hopeful that it will really come together. They’re playing really good team basketball. There’s not a level of selfishness going on. They understand each person has roles and responsibilities. I’m seeing a lot of good stuff in that.”
Weatherly’s rugged Schuylkill League schedule and non-league opposition will provide a stern test to the Wreckers’ ability to reach their ultimate goals. At the head of that list is Nativity, which beat the Wreckers in all three meetings last season, including a 52-51 gut-wrencher that ended Weatherly’s 14-12 season in the District 11/2 consolation round.
“Nativity’s always tough, Schuylkill Haven is a tough team, the kids out at Marian are always working hard there and will be a hard team. Lourdes always gives us a hard time. TriValley is good every year. The field’s wide open again,” Medico said, “and it’s anybody’s to take. We’re going to try to take it.”
The Wreckers plan to do that not just with their talent, but with their effort and energy.
“What can you control? Some days we’re going to make a lot of shots. Some days we won’t make so many. But you can always have effort. Effort and attitude
are things you can control all the time,” Medico said. “We’re trying to get that locked in at a high level.
“We understand there’s no easy games, and we’re going to have to surpass the level of effort and energy that we put in last year, and we’re going to have to more than double it this year to be successful,” he continued. “This group could end up winning five games and they could end up winning 20.”
What you can expect is a wide-open attack that the Wreckers have been playing with since Medico took over at his alma mater in 2023.
“I don’t have a system. We play to our strengths,” he said. “We’re fast, we have a lot of stamina, and they play good team ball. We’re going to try to run, but we’re jelling in the halfcourt offense this year too.”
With the excitement level as high as it’s been in two decades, could this be the year the Wreckers bring home a championship?
“See that blank banner on the wall?” Medico told his team in the preseason. “Let’s get our names on that. And it’s possible.
“We want to play as many games as we can. So that means make it to leagues and win leagues, District 11 playoffs, and make it to states and see how far you can go.
“We want to put a banner on the wall and we want to play in March. We want to have fun, enjoy the process and give it our absolute best.”
The start to that journey begins Saturday night at home against Panther Valley.
2025-26 ROSTER
Seniors–Corbin Wagner (5-8), Brandon Davis (6-0), Niko Saldukas (6-1), Ian McKeegan (5-8).
Juniors–Matt Adler (6-2), Dominic Kokinda (6-2), Jacob Hinkle (6-2), Khrystian Rivera (5-11), Bradlee Connors (5-10).
Sophomores–Vincent Cuddeford (6-0), Charles Perez (5-7), Josh Almanzar (5-11).
Freshmen–Wyatt Kokinda (6-1), Jaxon McKeegan (5-4), Eli Brown (5-10), Jameson DeLauretis (5-10), Levi Aneskevich (5-6).
2025-26 SCHEDULE
November
29 - Panther Valley.
December
2 - Lincoln Leadership Academy; 4 - at Marian Catholic; 8 - Schuylkill Haven; 11 - at Nativity; 13 - at Millville Area; 15 - at Shenandoah Valley; 18 - Lourdes Regional.
January
3 - at Salem Christian; 5 - at Tri-Valley; 8 - Williams Valley; 13 - Marian Catholic; 15 - at Northumberland Christian; 16 - at Schuylkill Haven; 20 - Nativity; 23 - Shenandoah Valley; 24 - at MMI Prep; 27 - at Lourdes Regional; 29 - at Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech; 31 - Tri-Valley.
February
3 - at Williams Valley; 5 - Palmerton Area.
Sports Brief Weatherly Area sets season ticket sales
The Weatherly Area School District Athletic Department has released season ticket information for the 2025-25 basketball seasons. Season ticket prices are as follows:
JV/Varsity Boys Basketball$30 (10 home games)
Varsity Girls Basketball - $30 (10 home games)
Adult Combination Package
- $50 (All varsity girls, JV and varsity boys home games)
Student Combination Package
- $15 (All varsity girls, JV and varsity boys home games)
Gate admission is $4 for adults and $1 for students for all varsity games, and $2 for adults and $1 for students for all junior high games. Season tickets are not valid for junior high games.
Tickets may be purchased in the high school main office from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Residents age 65 and older may also obtain a free gold card, which provides entry to all /Weatherly sporting events except playoffs and tournaments with proper ID and proof of residence in the Weatherly Area School District.
NBA Check Up:
by Ethan Barilla
The NBA has been shaken up since the start of the season. In the East the Wizards are last at 1-15 and barely ahead of them are the Pacers at 2-14 and Nets at 3-13. The Pacers start of the season was supposed to be a good start but with star Tyrese Haliburton out with an Achilles tear and they just traded center Myles Turner it has been a slow start.
Next there is the Hornets at 4-13 and then it jumps to mid teams. The Bucks are 8-9 and the Celtics are 9-8 with Jayson Tatum out.
It gets interesting with the Magic at 10-8, and the conference leaders at the start of the season in the Bulls and 76ers both at 9-7. Ahead of them are the Knicks at 9-6. Next there are close teams with the Hawks at 11-7, the Heat at 11-6, and the Cavaliers at 12-6.
At the top of the East are the Raptors and Pistons, which are surprisingly leading the East. The Raptors picked up Brandon Ingram in the off season and have young star Scottie Barnes.
The Pistons were a playoff team last year and didn’t really make any big moves during the off season. They just have a developing young team led by Cade Cunningham.
Moving to the West, the Pelicans are last with a 2-15 record. Ahead of them are the Kings at 4-13, Mavericks at 5-13, Clippers at 5-12, and the Jazz at 5-11. The Grizzlies are 6-11 with issues with star Ja Morant, and the Trail Blazers are 7-10 with Damian Lillard returning to Portland.
After them are the Warriors that started off as one of the top teams, but is now 9-9. Then are the Timberwolves at 10-6, Suns at 11-6, and Spurs at 11-5. The Rockets are 10-4 with Kevin Durant.
We have a tie between the Nuggets and Lakers, both at 12-4. At the top of the west are the Thunder with a great record of 17-1 and they are creating a dynasty with the youngest team in the league.
The NBA has been shaken up and will keep changing all year.
Weatherly Girls Basketball Preview
With nucleus back and influx of talent, Lady Wreckers eager for more wins
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
Low on numbers and nearly forced to forgo the season, the Weatherly Area girls battled forward in 2024-25, oftentimes with just five healthy players suited up.
Still, they pulled out four wins and played a competitive game in the postseason to wrap up what was a rewarding season for the program.
The Lady Wreckers return virtually that entire lineup, have added reinforcements from the junior high level, and even got some unexpected help from a few newcomers to the program for 2025-26.
With the influx in talent and numbers, head coach Jason Kane is hoping the team will not only continue to progress, but to turn some of those close losses from a year ago into victories this time around.
“I knew it was going to be a tough year (numbers-wise). We lost one senior in Mackenzie Rhodes, but I knew we were going to have everybody left returning this year. But we still needed more,” noted Kane.
First off, they added two girls who played for the eighth-grade team. Another who hadn’t played since her biddy ball years joined the team, and still another moved into the district and was convinced to join up. When a returning player got cleared to play following a summer injury, the Weatherly girls welcomed nine players to the start of their season.
“We’re in way better shape than we were at this point last year,” Kane stressed.
As was the case last year, the Lady Wreckers will need another big year from do-it-all senior Kelly Reiner (11 ppg in 2024-25). The team leader in virtually every category last season, the 5-foot-9 senior scored in double figures in 13 of 23 games last season despite facing constant double-teams. Kane feels Reiner is poised for her biggest season yet.
The Weatherly Area High School girls basketball team will tip off the 2025-26 season on Monday, taking on MMI Prep in Freeland. Members of this year’s Lady Wrecker squad are, front row from left: Alexia Kehler, Maci Kane and Jillian Russell. Back row: Head coach Jason Kane, Olivia Marasco, Abby Weston, Kelly Reiner, and assistant coach Chris Gaydoscik. Players missing from the photo include McKenna Gerhard, Cortney Snyder and Alize Way-Heffner.
JH Photo by Steve Stallone
The fifth starter will be one of two returning players, 5-10 senior Olivia Marasco or 5-11 junior Cortney Snyder. Both saw significant minutes last year, and are interchangeable at the five position.
Junior guard Jillian Russell also saw extensive time a year ago and she will bolster the backcourt. Adding to the team’s depth are program newcomers in senior McKenna Gerhard and junior Alize Way-Heffner, whom Kane hopes will be contributing as they get their feet wet.
With more numbers and talent, Kane is hoping to sprinkle in some more man-toman defense this season, but will likely use a lot of zone to keep his team fresh.
“I think so. I hope so,” he said. “Last year she had to play every position at one point. She had to be the point guard, she had to be the shooter, she had to be the scorer, she had to be the rebounder. She had to be everything.”
With some of those ball handling duties going now to freshman Maci Kane, it will free up Reiner to be even more of an offensive threat for the Lady Wreckers.
“I’m going to move her primarily to point guard and have Kelly off the ball,” Kane said of his daughter, a 5-foot-6 freshman with plenty of travel ball and junior high experience under her belt. “I’m hoping we can avoid those double teams on Kelly that teams did last year. It’s going to open up the floor more and I think we’ll be better off.
“Kelly will have big games this year. Everything’s going to go through her eventually. She is our leader, we need her to be that.”
Kane said he feels his daughter can handle the heat
that comes her way at the point.
“Maci’s been playing travel ball since the fifth grade so she’s cool as can be out there,” he noted. “She doesn’t get frustrated. I think from playing travel ball she’s seen everything. I know she’s going to be playing against a lot of 15-17-year-olds so it’s going to be physical, but I think she can handle it.”
Joining her from the junior high ranks is 5-foot-4 freshman guard Alexia Kehler, who has already made a name for herself on the varsity level in a different sport. She was named a Schuylkill League all-star and earlier this month she became the first Weatherly Area cross country runner to compete at the state championships.
“Lexi has really developed from last year to this year,” Kane said.
A fourth starter will be senior Abby Weston, a fourth-year player and one of the best female athletes in the school.
“Abby’s a great defensive player, and her game has come a long way since she started. She’s a really good athlete,” Kane said.
“My hope is to play some man this year only because I always like playing man, but when you have small numbers it’s hard to play man,” he explained. “My five starters I’m pretty sure we can match up. We are going to play both, switch it up a little.”
Getting some early-season success could go a long way in the development of this year’s squad, something Kane talked about in the preseason.
“I’m really hoping we can do that this year,” he said. “I think we can do it. I think we’re going to sneak some wins out.”
The Lady Wreckers open up their season at MMI Prep on Monday, and will play at Lincoln Leadership Academy on Dec. 3. Their home opener is Dec. 5 against Marian Catholic.
2025-26 ROSTER
Seniors–Kelly Reiner (5-9), Abby Weston (5-4), Olivia Marasco (5-10), McKenna Gerhard (5-7).
Juniors–Cortney
2025-26 SCHEDULE
December
1 - at MMI Prep; 3 - at Lincoln Leadership Academy; 5 - Marian Catholic; 9 - at Mahanoy Area; 11 - Nativity; 16 - Shenandoah Valley; 19 - at Lourdes Regional.
January
3 - at Salem Christian; 6 - Tri-Valley; 9 - at Williams Valley; 12 - at Marian Catholic; 15 - Mahanoy Area; 17 - at Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech; 19 - at Nativity; 22 - at Shenandoah Valley; 24 - MMI Prep; 26 - Lourdes Regional; 29 - at Tri-Valley; 30 - Northumberland Christian. February 2 - Williams Valley; 5 - Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech; 6 - Lincoln Leadership Academy.
Snyder (5-11), Alize Way-Heffner (5-6), Jillian Russell (5-3).
Freshmen–Maci Kane (5-6), Alexia Kehler (5-4).