CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–146th YEAR, NO. 48
WASD welcomes its next superintendent
by Ruth Isenberg
Robert Croop is no stranger to small school districts. The newly appointed superintendent for Weatherly Area School District has been working for the past year as high school/ middle school principal at Benton School District—almost identical in size to Weatherly. In a telephone interview this
week, Dr. Croop said he felt that experience has helped prepare him for his new job in Weatherly.
Croop said he’s always had an interest in education. He started his college studies at Mansfield University with an interest in fish biology, or education. He soon chose education, and See WASD Super, page 5
WELCOME TO WEATHERLY: Incoming Weatherly Area School District Superintendent D. Robert Croops, with wife Diane and son Lincoln. JH: Ruth Isenberg
CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–146th YEAR, NO. 22
WINNERS OF THE INAUGURAL Scarecrow Contest, sponsored by the White Haven EMS on Saturday. There were 14 entries. Prizes were donated by the White Haven Lions, Penn Lake Community, and Tavern on the Trail.
Crestwood SD names
Shawn Gallagher to board
by Ruth Isenberg
The Crestwood School Board held a special meeting on October 17. At that session, one piece of business was the appointment of a new member to replace John Peter Webby II, who resigned from the board on September 18.
All six members present (Anna Bibla, Barry Boone, Marla Campbell, Craig Champi, John Macri and Lauren McCurdy) voted in favor of Shawn Gallagher, one of seven applicants for the post. Denise Chaydor-Zugarek and Richard Nardone were absent.
Among the factors that influenced board member votes was the need for a person with experience to help with buildings and grounds. Gallagher has worked with construction and heavy equipment, and is a business owner. Gallagher will serve through 2027, since Webby’s resignation came too late to have the open seat included on the November 4 general election ballot.
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
For many of us, the federal government shutdown seems pretty remote. Until it doesn’t. Our area is about to be impacted in a big way, and those who will be hit the hardest are those who are already having a difficult time.
Pennsylvania will not be able to send out SNAP benefit cards for November because of a lack of funding through the United States Department of Agriculture. That means people who rely on government help to feed their families will be out of luck. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is an important source of food for nearly two million Pennsylvanians. If you have a picture in your mind of who the typical SNAP recipient is, you may need to refocus. Many are families with children. Many are senior citizens. Many are working people who just don’t earn enough to pay rent, health insurance, automobile expenses, medication and food. Some of them are your friends and neighbors.
What will happen to people who rely on SNAP to help feed their families? Some will put off paying other bills. Some will go hungry. Some will turn to local food pantries that are already overloaded, and that also receive food through the USDA and other federal agencies. School district breakfast and lunch programs offer some relief to families at least their children are being fed at least for now. USDA programs help supply the nation’s school lunch and breakfast programs, and there’s no way of knowing how long that will continue. School districts that might have stepped in to fill the gap may not be able to right now, since the lack of a state budget means their funds are tight as well.
Donating to Shepherd House and the White Haven Food Pantry is always a good thing. Those programs, their volunteers, and especially the people they serve can use your help more than ever right now.
Archives
From The Journal-Herald October 13, 2005
Clara R. Holder, Publisher
Salem United Church of Christ in Weatherly prepared to host a Harvest Home Service and Festival. Worship-goers were asked to bring items to be donated to the Shepherd House Food Pantry. The festival was to feature games, crafts, and refreshments.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in White Haven scheduled a concert by Captive Free, a contemporary music ministry sponsored by Youth Encounter. The program was to include Christian music, puppetry, drama and personal sharing.
The Weatherly Area Community Library was participating in RSVP’s Sock It To Us project, setting up a deposit box for new pairs of socks, any size or color. Donated socks were going to human service agencies and shelters in the area, as well as to hurricane victims.
The Weatherly Rotary had placed a huge pumpkin behind the borough building on Wilbur Street, and sold tickets for people to guess the weight of the giant squash. The winning entry, closest to the weight without going over, was to receive half of the proceeds collected and the pumpkin. The winner was to be announced at the Trick or Treat Hot Dog Night at Zions Lutheran Church, also sponsored by the Rotary.
Laurel Cemetery in White Haven issued a notice that all summer plants, logs, etc., should be removed from graves for fall clean-up.
From The Journal October 7, 1976
Jay & Clara Holder, Publishers
Swine Flu shots were scheduled to be given in White Haven in the Lutheran Parish House, administered free by
the Pennsylvania Department of Health. They were limited to people age 65 and older, and people with chronic illnesses.
White Haven Lions Club moved its regular bi-monthly meetings to a new location, the Mr. Seafood Restaurant on North Main Street.
On October 1, 1976, Lamay Variety Store, Main Street, officially became Millie’s Variety and Hardware Store, operating at the same location but under the new management of Dom and Millie Bianco of Albrightsville. The former owners, Ralph “Cy” and Lamay Sensenbach were assisting during the transition in management. They purchased the business in July 1956 from Harold Teel. The business, one of the oldest in continuous operation in White Haven, was then known as Teel’s. The business was started by Harold Teel’s father, Robert Teel Sr. in 1903.
From The Weatherly Herald September 22, 1955 R.V. Faust, Publisher
The newly formed football team of St. Nicholas Parish School, the St. Nicholas Elves, will play their first game this Saturday afternoon on the Eurana Park field. Their opponents will be the team of the Holy Family Parish School of New Philadelphia.
Work on viaducts and bridges which will carry the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike over rivers, ravines and other highways on the route, is progressing satisfactorily, and will be mostly all completed before wintry weather sets in. Probably the highest bridge is over Mud Run [which] crosses a ravine approximately 300 feet above the stream. What will probably be the longest bridge on the extension route is being built near Clarks Summit. It will be three-tenths of a mile long.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
THAT There will be a Meeting of the Packer Township Zoning Hearing Board on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. at the Packer Township Municipal Building, 2234 Hudson Drive, Weatherly, PA 18255, to hear and possibly act on the following new application:
PADEP Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation, 400 Market Street, 13th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17106, is seeking a use variance to Sections 504.2, 504.3, and 504.4, related to the types of uses permitted, for a proposed Mine Treatment Facility, and a dimensional variance to Section 504.6.E for the minimum side yard in the C-1 Conservation District. The associated property is located on Wetzel Run Drive, Carbon County, Tax Parcel ID: 119-45-B16AA.
SEALED PROPOSALS will be received by Carol Lenahan, Secretary, East Side Borough 100 N. Sheaman Road, White Haven, Pa. until 12:00 Noon on Thursday, November 6, 2025 for the following: SNOW REMOVAL SERVICES
DESCRIPTION: Vendor to supply snow removal services for the Borough of East Side, beginning January 1, 2026 and ending December 31, 2026, with the option of renewing the contract for an additional 2 - 1 year periods. Bid to include the cost of equipment with operator(s) for the following:
Truck with snow plow and rock salt spreader
Wheeled front end loader
Estimated cost for rock salt, including hauling
Bidders must be able to provide rock salt. Location of storage area must be noted on bid proposal.
Bidders must provide proof of liability insurance coverage in the amount of $500,000 and Workman’s Compensation Insurance (if applicable) when submitting bid proposal.
Proposals must be upon the forms furnished by the Municipality. Forms can be obtained from the Secretary, Carol Lenahan, 100 N. Sheaman Road, White Haven, Pa. 18661 Phone Number: 570-4437011.
Bids will be opened and publicly read at the regular monthly meeting of East Side Borough Council scheduled for 6:30 P.M. on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at the White Haven Library, 125 Towanda Street, White Haven, Pa.
East Side Borough Council reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or portions thereof.
Carol Ann Lenahan, Secretary 10/23
NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION have been granted to JEFFREY W. LEIBY of the Estate of Janice L. Sigmund, deceased and late of Hazleton, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, who died on August 19, 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
10/30
KIDDER TOWNSHIP HONORED FIRE CHIEF: At the September 25 Kidder Township Supervisors’ meeting, Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Company Chief Ralph Lennon was honored for his decades of fire-fighting service. Lennon began as a fire fighter 60 years ago. He has served as Lake Harmony’s chief for many years, and been a member of the fire company even before moving to Lake Harmony full-time.
Shown from left are supervisors Bruce Berger, Noel Torres, and Ray Gluck, Chief Lennon holding a placque presented to him by Police Chief Matt Kuzma during the meeting, and supervisors Wilson Klotz and Louis Pantages.
JH: Ruth Isenberg
obituAries
ROBERT GEORGE WOODBURY
Robert George Woodbury (Bob) passed away on September 24, 2025 in White Haven, at the age of 82.
Born in Woodstock, New Hampshire, he graduated from high school in Lincoln, NH where he then worked in the local paper mill.
Bob next traveled, exploring parts of the USA and Germany before operating a souvenir shop in Lincoln. He subsequently moved to White Haven, where he sold time shares for a resort in the Poconos, then worked at a local cigar factory until it closed.
In retirement Bob found pleasure in nature, spending many summer hours swimming in a nearby river and listening to the ball games of his favorite team, the Red Sox. He enjoyed many friends in the White Haven area and found great solace in his church.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Scott and Evelyn Woodbury, brother Eugene Woodbury and sister Anne Barlow. He is survived by his brother Raymond Woodbury in
Albuquerque, New Mexico, and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church in White Haven on Monday, October 27, at 10 a.m. with a reception immediately following at the parish hall. Friends are invited to attend.
Burial will take place in the family plot in Woodstock, NH.
Honoring veterans at Heritage Hill lunch
Heritage Hill Senior Community will show its appreciation for military veterans on Friday, November 7, with a complimentary meal. Veterans may choose to enjoy a sit-down luncheon with an honorary program from 1:30-3 p.m., or pick up a dinner to go from 4-5 p.m. In-house seating is limited, and each veteran may select one mealtime option. All veterans will receive a certificate of appreciation and a commemorative medal. Reservations are required by October 31. Please call Rachael at 570-427-4500 or email rtimm@heritagehillsenior. com.
JOHN MICHAEL NOONAN
John Michael Noonan, 84, of Weatherly, passed away October 20, 2025, in Lehigh Valley Hazleton campus. He was the husband of Shirley Mae (Pugh) Noonan, and they were married for 53 years.
Born August 15, 1941, in Worcester, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Elizabeth (Williams) Noonan.
He was a graduate of South High School located in Worcester.
John proudly served his country in the United States Navy for eight years. He was past commander for the Weatherly American Legion, Post 360.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Weatherly, where he served on the board.
John was culinary arts instructor for the Keystone Job Center for over 25 years.
In his spare time John was a volunteer with the Tresckow Food Pantry and Share Care, was a volunteer cook for the LST 325 Museum ship, and was the USS Witek EDD 848 reunion planner. He also coached biddy basketball, tee ball, and little league when his children were younger.
Surviving in addition to his wife are his children, Shawn, husband of Brenda Noonan of Drums, and Shannon, wife
of Mark Dudek of WilkesBarre;grandchildren, Kayla and Shane Noonan, Connor and Ashlynn Dudek; and greatgrandson Ethan Noonan. Many nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Beverly Bullard and Ruth Rocheleau.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday, October 27,from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home, 211 First Street, Weatherly. A funeral service will be held immediately following the viewing, Rev. Ed Unangst officiating.
Burial will be held in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Weatherly American Legion Auxiliary Post #360.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Weatherly. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com
Take-out from Salem UCC
Salem United Church of Christ, 330 First St., Weatherly, will hold its annual take-out only Election Day Pork & Sauerkraut Supper on Tuesday, November 4, from 4-6 p.m. The menu includes pork, homemade sauerkraut, real mashed potatoes, green beans, applesauce, roll, and dessert. Tickets are by advance sales only. Contact Linda Garber at 570-401-3710. Deadline is Saturday, November 1.
Visit our website at pocononewspapers.com for in-between-issue stories and events
WASD Super
Continued from page 1
completed his undergrad work at Bloomsburg University. Right out of school, he started work in Therapeutic Staff Support, while continue toward his Master’s degree at Wilkes University. He taught in the Berwick School District for eight years, then took on various administrative roles, including
vice-principal, principal and director of curriculum. His Doctorate in Education came through Delaware Valley University.
The new superintendent coached football for many of his 20-some years in education, so he’s looking forward to being a Weatherly fan. “I support athletics, music, theater. Every student should have an opportunity to participate in what excites them,” he said.
Dr. Croop is eager to get to know the staff, students and the community, and be part of the
team. He’s not looking to change everything in a healthy district. “Weatherly is a very good district,” he said.
One area he’d like to work on is improving math scores, an area he notes lots of districts are struggling with. He promises to look at curriculum and see if tweaks can help.
Regarding cyber and charter schools, “I’m a firm believer that students should be in their home schools,” he said, to achieve the most benefit. Paying for outside education is financially hurting districts. He’s hoping to see
some relief through action being considered by the Pennsylvania legislature.
Croop resides outside of West Hazleton with his wife, Diane, and son, Lincoln, 4. He has another son, Blaze, age 18, who is a junior at Penn State.
Dr. Croop is scheduled to begin his tenure at Weatherly Area on December 15. “I’m really excited to be part of the community,” he concluded. “If anyone needs something, please reach out. I look forward to becoming part of the district.”
WPTU program features bamboo rod craftsmen
Western Pocono Trout Unlimited will have a meeting on Tuesday, October 28, at 7 p.m. at the White Haven Area Community Library, 121 Towanda Street, White Haven. Two local master bamboo rod making craftsmen, Brian Farrel and Ed Kania, will display and demonstrate their work. These accomplished rod builders will also explain the history of this unique craft used by early anglers going back centuries long before the advent of synthetic rods like fiberglass, carbon fiber, boron etc.
Specially made bamboo rods can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and original rods made in the past centuries are often prized as works of art and have great historic and monetary value. Special equipment is needed to make these artisanal works along with special bamboo from China, known as Tonkin cane. The two master craftsmen will demonstrate their work at the WPTU meeting.
Folks can also arrive early to obtain several recently donated high quality trout fishing books being sold as a fund raiser for WPTU. The books were donated by Janice Kanyak, wife of WPTU founding member, John Kanyak, who passed recently. WPTU thanks the Kanyak family. The meeting is free to the public. Call 570 454 4862 for more info or WHAC Library at 570-443-8776.
Friday, October 24—Catholic Social Services Food Truck, 12-1:30 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes, Weatherly (everyone welcome)
Saturday, October 25— Weatherly Halloween Parade, 2 p.m. (Raindate, October 26, 2 p.m.)
Wednesday, October 29— Roast Pork Dinner, 1-4 p.m., St. Patrick’s Parish Center, White Haven
Saturday, November 1—Craft & Vendor Fair, 2-4 p.m., Foster Township Municipal Building
Tuesday, November 4— Pork & Sauerkraut Take-Out Dinner, 4-6 p.m., Salem UCC, Weatherly (ticket deadline Nov. 1, 570-401-3710)
Saturday, November 8—Live Painting by Michelle Lee Arts of Jam Below the Dam project, Noon, on Facebook (https://www.Facebook. com/MichelleLeeArts)
Saturday, November 8— Sock Hop, sponsored by Mountain Top Historical Society, 6-10 p.m., Broadway Tavern, Mountain Top
Friday and Saturday, November 7, 5-8 and November 8, 11-2—Zions Basket Raffle, Third and Fell Sts. Weatherly
Sunday, November 9— Veterans Take-Out Dinner, 2-5 p.m., American Legion Post 360, Weatherly (sign up by Oct. 24, 570-427-4527)
Tuesday, November 11— Veterans Day observance, 9 a.m., Weatherly Area High School
Tuesday, November 11— Veterans Day observance, 11 a.m., Weatherly Monument, Spring Street
Tuesday, November 11— Extravaganza of Prizes drawing, Noon, American Legion Post 360, Weatherly Friday, November 14—Fall Raffle, 8-11 p.m., Citizens’ Fire Company, Weatherly Friday and Saturday, November 14, 6-10 p.m. and November 15, 1-6 p.m.— Basket Raffle, Citizens’ Fire Company, Weatherly
Sunday, November 16— Bingo, Noon, Our Lady of Lourdes, Weatherly Friday, November 21— Turkey Raffle, 7-10 p.m., Lehigh & Lausanne Volunteer Fire Company, Lehigh Township
Saturday, November 29—
Small Business Saturday, White Haven
Saturday, November 29—
9th annual Christmas Event, Weatherly Area Museum
Saturday, December 6— Quilt & Craft Show, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., White Haven Area Community Library & the Victorian Connection 2026
Saturday & Sunday, July 25 & 26—Jam Below the Dam, White Haven
Weatherly Halloween Parade is this weekend
The Greater Weatherly Area Community Chest’s annual Halloween Parade will be held this Saturday, October 25, with a rain date of October 26.
Registration will take place at Tweedle Park on High Street, beginning at 1 p.m. Participants are asked not to park in the area in front of the park, so the floats can be lined up there.
Following registration, the parade will form and begin at 2 p.m. The route will be onto High Street to Franklin Street; down Franklin Street to West Main Street; down West Main Street to Plane Street and then follow the regular route over the bridge past the old borough building to Eurana Park, where prizes will be awarded, candy distributed and refreshments served.
JOURNAL-HERALD SERVICE DIRECTORY
Organizations wishing to participate need only to show up and register.
The Weatherly Area Community Chest parade is open to the public and we encourage anyone, any organization or political representatives, to join in on the fun and take part in the event, whether it be walking, in a car, or on a float.
Any questions contact parade chairperson, Mary Rose Minnick at 570-427-8865 or 570-582-9335.
Food distribution
The Shepherd House in Weatherly will be distributing food at Zion’s Evangelical Church, corner of 3rd and Fell Street, on the following dates from 9 a.m.–11 a.m: November 1 will include a Thanksgiving basket per family December 6
If you are having a food emergency, please contact Keri Darraugh, 570-436-4598, or Eva Labanoski, 570-751-6323.
White Haven Halloween Parade is spooky fun
Quilt designer to highlight Cranberry Quilt Guild program
Cranberry Quilt Guild will hold its October meeting at Faith United Church of Christ off Airport beltway in Hazle township on Monday, October 27, with light refreshments beginning at 5:45. October program will be presented by Cheri Troester, quilt designer, and teacher. Cheri is a pattern designer and members will view her quilts and be able to shop before and after her program.
Business will include voting on officers for the 2026-2028 term, and holiday plans for the annual November covered dish Italian Christmas dinner. Those attending can still add their food or dessert dishes to the roster.
The Quilt of Valor chapter within the guild has been steadily hosting veterans’ presentations. This year, veterans door banners (sample shown top right) have become a new workshop for the guild. The door banners have been delivered to local personal care residences. Each veteran receives a banner. The guild members have diligently made these banners with a second distribution coming up in November.
New projects and a possible quilt show later in 2026 are being explored. Members are urged to plan accordingly to assist with group projects and staffing a quilt show. Many hands are needed to put on a large show and these events are always enjoyed by the public.
New Fabric Art forms are displayed and members can get busy planning their individual items and volunteer times. Collage has become the buzz word in the quilting community. Collage features pictorial quilted items with sometimes very small pieces of fabric being coordinated together and fused to backgrounds. The results are amazing and really define as a piece of art. Several workshops and programs for this have been very popular within the guild group.
Cranberry Quilt guild strives to donate useful pieces within the local communities. Every year the group offers items to local causes. Many members participate in these projects resulting in very busy times for the quilters. While November brings the meeting season to an end, the work continues throughout the winter. All the beauty springs forth in March when meetings resume.
Pictured above are Bernie and JoAnne Perch, who have provided children from White Haven with fun activities, games and prizes for many years as part of the White Haven Area Community Library’s children’s committee. Also shown in the picture are just a few of the children who participated in the library’s Boo Bash on Saturday, October 18. Both Bernie and JoAnne have been instrumental in assisting with the summer reading programs, holiday parties, and special events since the library first began in 1997. They have decided to retire as volunteers from the children’s committee and we are all very grateful for their many years of service to the library, the children and our community.
Order pies and cake rolls
from Centenary UMC
Weatherly Centenary United Methodist Church will hold a Pie and Cake Roll Sale with pick-up on Monday, November 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church. Eight-inch pies at $8 each include apple, pumpkin, blueberry, cherry, coconut custard, and peach, as well as no-sugar-added apple, blueberry, or cherry.
Cake rolls at $10 each include pumpkin, red velvet, or carrot. Order deadline is November 9. To order call Ruth 570-4278173, Phyllis 570-427-4305, Wayne 570-582-5154, Stephanie 570-582-5507, Lisa 570-4014128, or Donna 570-427-4094. At Evergreen Apartments contact Georgeann.
librAry corNer
The White Haven Area Community Library and the entire White Haven Area Community would like to express overwhelming appreciation for the kindness and generosity of Joanne and Bernie Perch. Over the years they have helped bring joy to so many by donating their time as well as an endless amount of needed supplies to make holidays brighter for children and adults alike. According to the Perches, their favorite holiday is Halloween, which was most apparent this past Saturday. The children had a wonderful time at both BooBash and BooBash Jr., playing games of skill, doing crafts and playing Halloween Bingo. Every child went home with a bag of treats and prizes, along with big smiles. When you see the Perches, please join us and
thank them for all they have done for the community. We wish them much happiness.
The library has several Youth Girl size XL new and gently used Halloween costumes available at no cost on a first come first served basis. Stop in during regular library hours and take a
look at what’s available.
Lego and Free Play time returns to the library beginning Saturday, November 1, from Noon to 2 p.m. Registration is not needed. Just show up and join in the fun. Bring your own water bottle. A simple snack will be provided.
There will be a Seminar on Human Trafficking on October 24 at 3 p.m. hosted by State Representative Jamie Walsh and the NEPA Task Force Against Human Trafficking. Seating will be limited. Please RSVP by calling 570-359-2138 or register on-line at www.RepWalsh.com The event is geared towards adults. Feel free to bring your teenage children. Subject matter is not recommended for young children.
On October 29 join us for the Murder Mystery Book Club at 6:30 p.m. in the John
Murphy Room. For additional information on all library events, check our Facebook page or call the library at 570-443-8776. Our regular Book Club will meet on November 5 at 6:30 p.m. This month’s read is NY Times bestseller The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark. As always, the book is available in the library in print, or downloaded onto a Kindle for loan.
Please remember to look for and purchase delicious Gertrude Hawk Chocolate bars at many area merchants as well as at the library desk. Every bar purchased helps us to plan more exciting events for our community.
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 We are especially interested in individuals who would like to oversee a weekday morning Tot Play time. Please call 570-4438776 or stop in during library hours if interested.
Vets dinner
hosted by ALA 360
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 in Weatherly will hold its annual Veterans Take Out Turkey Dinner on Sunday, November 9. Pick up is at the post home from 2 until 5 p.m.
Each Veteran will receive two dinners which includes turkey, filling, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green beans, cranberry sauce, and pie. A monetary donation is asked to provide food gift cards for 10 families for the holiday season.
Contact Georgia Farrow at 570-427-4527 to register for the dinners by October 24.
After Schuylkill League tune-up, Wrecker runners ready for districts
Amid the colorful fall backdrop of White Birch Golf Course, the Orange and Black uniforms of Weatherly Area runners stood out at the annual Schuylkill League Cross Country Championships held last week.
Alex Best and Alexia Kehler earned top-20 finishes alongside the league’s best runners, highlighting Weatherly’s day at the Barnesville setting.
Best was the Wreckers’ best, clocking a time of 18:28 in the boys race, good for 18th place. Teammate Raymond Montz was 39th overall in 19:53.
Together, they helped the Wrecker boys place 11th in the team standings with 223 points.
Blue Mountain won the boys team title with 45 points, followed by Tamaqua (115), Nativity (122) and Marian Catholic (138). Wade Eroh paced the Colts with a seventh-place finish in 17:50.
Shenandoah Valley’s Robert Espinal placed first overall in a time of 16:19, easily besting runner-up Aidan Elston (17:00) of
Tamaqua. Shane Meyer of Nativity was third in 17:23, followed by Blue Mountain’s Francesco Carr (17:30) and Brody Moyer (17:30), who crossed together to pace the winning Blue Eagles.
Weatherly Area’s Alexia Kehler, the lone runner on this year’s Lady Wrecker roster, placed 19th in the girls race. Her time was 23:27.
North Schuylkill’s Genevieve Dando won the race with ease, clocking a time of 19:50, 45 seconds in front of Minersville runner-up Marley Zimmerman (20:35). Tamaqua freshman Shaylee Gormley of Tamaqua was third in 20:39.
Blue Mountain’s girls made it a clean sweep, joining the boys as team champions with 31 points. Tamaqua was second with 73 and Minersville third with 82. Marian Catholic finished sixth with 124 points, led by Teaghan Biros’ eighth-place finish in 21:58.
The league’s runners will head to DeSales University on Wednesday of this week for the District 11 Cross Country Championships,
NFC Mid-Season Check-Up
by Ethan Barilla
With last week’s article being AFC, that means it’s time for the NFC. Starting with the NFC South, the Bucs are leading the division with a 5-2 record and behind them are the Panthers at 4-3 and the Falcons at 3-3. Last in the division is the Saints with a 1-6 record. The NFC South has been the same for a couple years now with the Bucs leading, the Panthers and Falcons being mid, and the Saints being horrible.
Now let’s jump to the really good NFC West.
The West has been really tight with the Rams, 49ers,and the Seahawks tied for first with a 5-2 record, while the Cardinals are 2-5. The 49ers have a tough decision to make. Backup QB Mac Jones has been playing really well in the past couple of weeks and starting QB Brock Purdy has an injury
problem, only playing 2 games this year.
The NFC East has been a mid division with the defending champs Eagles leading with a 5-2 record. QB Jalen Hurts has gotten a lot of criticism in the passing game but in his last game against the Vikings he threw for 326 yards and 3 TDs.
Trailing behind the Eagles are the Cowboys at 3-3-1 and the Commanders at 3-4. In last is the Giants but they have some hope with young star QB Jaxson Dart and star RB Cam Skattebo.
Lastly, let’s jump to the NFC North. The North is one of the best divisions in the NFL with the Packers leading at 4-1-1 and the Lions right behind at 5-2. Right behind the Lions are the Bears with a 4-2 record and the Vikings at 3-3.
Like always all divisions will come close but it’s only half-way through the season.
with district medals and state berths at stake.
Weatherly Area head coach Ryan Kately is hopeful the Wreckers’ top runners can take that next step and qualify for the PIAA championships.
“Alex Best and Raymond Montz have been our leaders and have been solid throughout the season,” Kately said. “Alex just won his first high school race at Mahanoy Area and is peaking at the right time. Both Raymond and Alex have a shot at qualifying for states if they run their races.”
Kehler has made a name for herself in this, her first varsity season. She won three Schuylkill League races this fall and was voted a Schuylkill League All-Star as a freshman.
“A top-15 finish at the league meet and a medal at districts are goals for Alexia,” Kately said. “Also, qualifying for states and being the first Weatherly girl to do so is the ultimate goal for her.
“She has bought into all of the training and miles, which is tough being the only girl from your team toeing the line,” he added. “However, she has exceeded all expectations and looks to make a splash this postseason.”
Wednesday’s Class A boys race is set for 1 p.m. and the Class A girls will follow at 1:40. The Class
2A and 3A boys and girls races will take place later in the afternoon.
The top two girls and boys teams in Class A will qualify for states, along with the top 10 individual race finishers not already on a state-qualifying team.
The PIAA Cross Country Championships are scheduled for Nov. 1 at Parkview Cross Country Course in Hershey.
Girls Volleyball
Executive Education Charter 3, Weatherly Area 1 - In their regular-season finale, the Lady Wreckers beat Executive Education Charter 25-18 in the opening set.
The next three sets all went down to the wire, and all went to EEC. The Allentown-based school won by set scores of 29-27, 25-23 and 26-24 to pull out the four-set victory in dramatic fashion.
For Weatherly Area, Abby Weston recorded 13 service points with two aces, and also had 14 assists and three digs.
Kendra Moyer contributed 17 points with two aces, and added five digs for the Lady Wreckers. Abigail Binder led at the net with seven kills and a block to go with five points and three digs. Kelly Reiner finished with four points and five digs.
Crestwood earns WVC D-1 field hockey championship, top seed for districts
Comet volleyball, soccer teams also set to begin playoffs
Members of the Crestwood High School field hockey team celebrate a goal in this file photo from earlier this season. The Lady Comets defeated Wyoming Area 2-1 in a special tie-breaker playoff Saturday to win the Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 championship. Crestwood is the top seed for the District 2 Class 2A tournament, and will receive a bye through the quarterfinals and into the semifinal round. Crestwood will play Wednesday of this week against the Shikellamy-Pittston Area winner.
Photo courtesy of Bob Gaetano
will open defense of their district crown Wednesday of this week, hosting a semifinal against the quarterfinal winner of Shikellamy and Pittston Area. Dallas (15-3) is the 2-seed and Wallenpaupack (15-3) the 3-seed.
Wyoming Area (14-2), the top seed in Class A, will also receive a bye into the semifinals. The Warriors will host the Nanticoke Area-Wyoming Seminary winner on Thursday.
Wilkes-Barre Area is the top seed in Class 3A.
Girls Volleyball
Crestwood won its ninth and 10th consecutive matches last week to close out the regular season with a 16-2 record.
The Lady Comets dusted Wyoming Area 3-0, and then defeated MMI Prep 3-0 to make it 10 straight matches.
Against Wyoming Area, Crestwood won by set scores of 25-8, 25-16 and 25-15.
Crestwood was seeded third entering the District 2 Class 3A Tournament, behind only Berwick (15-1) and unbeaten Abington Heights (19-0).
Comets, who beat out No. 2 Abington Heights (15-2-1) and No. 3 Valley View (13-2-1) for the top seeding. North Pocono (12-6) is fourth and Dallas (8-81) fifth in teams with .500 or better records.
The tournament is set to begin this Saturday, with quarterfinal games at the sites of the higherseeded teams. If less than eight teams qualify, Crestwood would receive a bye into the semifinal round, which is Wednesday, Oct. 29.
Boys Soccer
Lewisburg 9, Crestwood 0 - Lewisburg spoiled Crestwood’s regularseason finale, breaking the nonconference matchup wide open with six second-half goals. Victory Permyashkin and Isaac Ayers each scored twice to power the Lewisburg offense. Roan Beachy, Jack Johnson, Keegan Crosby, Lincoln Ayers and Dylan Vogel added solo goals.
Crestwood rallied with two second-half goals Saturday to defeat Wyoming Area 2-1 in a special playoff for the Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 field hockey championship.
A playoff was necessary after the two teams finished the regular season in a tie atop the division.
Wyoming Area, the defending District 2 Class A champion and state semifinalist, broke free from a scoreless tie with a goal late in the first half. Lucia Campenni scored the game’s
first goal off an assist from Julianna Siani.
But the Lady Comets were equal to the challenge.
The district’s defending Class 2A champs tied the contest early in the third quarter when Allie Myers scored off an assist from Alex Geiger.
Then, just over a minute later, Crestwood moved in front when Myers assisted Kasey Obes on what would be the gamewinning goal.
From there, the Lady Comets rode their defense and the play of goalkeeper Madi Geiger (5 saves) to the division championship. Crestwood handed Wyoming Area its only two losses this season.
Rylee Muniz made three saves in goal for Wyoming Area. Both teams are the top seeds for the district tournaments that began this week.
Crestwood (14-2-2) is the top seed in District 2 Class 2A, and will receive a bye into the semifinal round. The Comets
Tunkhannock (12-4), Dallas (14-4), North Pocono (13-5) and Nanticoke Area (8-10) have also punched their ticket to the tournament.
Crestwood has not lost a match since the Lady Comets fell to Berwick 3-0 on Sept. 16. Their only other loss came a week earlier against Delaware Valley (3-2).
The Lady Comets will open tournament play at home Friday, likely against 6-seed North Pocono, in the quarterfinal round. The semifinals are Tuesday, Oct. 28, and the finals are the following Thursday, Oct. 30.
Girls Soccer
The Crestwood girls defeated Wilkes-Barre Area (11-3), Dallas (2-1) and Williamsport (6-1) last week to close out their regular season with a 16-1 mark.
The three-win week also clinched the top seed for the upcoming District 2 Class 3A Tournament for the Lady
Lewisburg had a 25-10 advantage in shots, and a 5-1 in corner kicks. Gabe Powling made eight saves in goal for the shutout.
Crestwood goalkeepers Matthew Miller and Andrew Beurmann combined for 19 saves.
Crestwood (5-12) is the seventh and final seed for the upcoming District 2 Class 3A Tournament. The Comets will play at No. 2 seed North Pocono (13-4-1) in a quarterfinal matchup on Friday.
Abington Heights (17-1) earned the top seed and a bye into the semifinal round. Dallas (11-6-1), Wallenpaupack (107-1), Pittston Area (11-7) and Valley View (9-9) complete the seven-team tournament.
Girls Tennis
The Crestwood doubles tandem of Jillian Laskoski and Pirya Shah won their openinground match at the District 2 Class 3A Tennis Championships last week, but fell in the next round and were eliminated from the doubles tournament.
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THEME: HALLOWEEN
ACROSS
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15. New Haven University
16. Unrivaled
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42. Cleopatra’s cause of death, supposedly
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45. *Silver ammo, useful against werewolves, sing.
47. Rooster’s girlfriend
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52. *One of two first ever fun size candy bars
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56. In ____ of
57. Lash mark
59. Missouri River tributary
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64. Oxen’s harness
DOWN
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33. Old horse
36. *What Michael Myers says
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40. Skin cyst
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51. Big cat sound
52. No neatnik
53. City in Nevada
54. Did like the Titanic
55. *What ghost says
58. Bruce or Spike
Comets fall in home finale, face must-win scenario in Week 10
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
Football is a game of momentum and emotion.
Ryan Arcangeli has been preaching that since Day 1, and for the most part the Crestwood Comets have been following that to the letter this season.
In Friday night’s regularseason home finale, however, it was the visiting Wolfpack from Wilkes-Barre Area who seized the early momentum, taking the wind right out of the Comets’ sails.
The Wolfpack thwarted two Crestwood scoring chances in the opening minutes, turning them into touchdowns of their
own enroute to a 35-7 Wyoming Valley Conference victory.
Record-setting quarterback Jake Howe threw for two touchdowns and ran for a third as the Wolfpack enhanced their chances of a top seed in District 2 Class 6A, improving to 6-3 heading into the final week of the regular season.
Crestwood, meanwhile, saw its playoff chances take a hit. The Comets (4-5) are clinging to the fourth and final playoff spot in the Class 4A tournament, and will likely need to beat Wyoming Valley West (1-8) in Kingston this Friday night to keep their season alive.
“It’s a momentum game,” Arcangeli said. “We didn’t get any
early momentum, and we probably could have had a little bit there that maybe would have changed the course of the game, but we didn’t make those plays. (Wilkes-Barre) did. When they needed to, they answered the call.”
After Tyler Herbert returned the opening kickoff to near
midfield, the Comets threw deep on their first play, and had the Wolfpack beat for a touchdown. The pass was just inches too long, falling harmlessly incomplete.
Two plays later, Gene Ardo intercepted a Crestwood pass
See CHS FOOTBALL, page 15
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The Crestwood Comets run onto the field to fireworks prior to the start of Friday night’s home football game against Wilkes-Barre Area. JH photo by Steve Stallone
Crestwood running back Jake Jeckell (21) is tackled by a Wilkes-Barre Area player during Friday night’s home football game at Crestwood High School.
JH photo by Steve Stallone
CHS Football
Continued from page 14
and returned it 50 yards into Comet territory. And on the Wolfpack’s first snap, Davon Underwood weaved his way through the defense for a 28-yard touchdown run and an early 7-0 lead for the visitors.
Unfazed, Crestwood took its second possession right down the field, using eight straight runs to march to the WilkesBarre 9-yard line.
The Wolfpack defense stopped the Comets cold on the next three plays, however, and Crestwood’s 25-yard field goal try sailed wide left.
Wilkes-Barre answered with a long scoring drive featuring the arm of Howe and aided by a personal foul penalty on the Comets, who were penalized seven times for 77 yards on the night.
Jonathan Otway-Kellom’s leaping touchdown catch in the end zone covered the final 26 yards of the drive, and the Wolfpack had the Comets on their heels already trailing 14-0.
Wilkes-Barre Area head coach Ciro Cinti liked what he saw from his team, which delivered its most complete performance of the season.
“That shows the maturity of the kids out there, the bend-butdon’t break mentality,” Cinti said of his team’s ability to keep the Comets off the board early.
“They did some nice things, and it’s confusing. When you play a Crestwood team it’s very tough to emulate what they do in practice. They do so many shifts and so much misdirection, it’s tough to emulate that,” Cinti said. “Defensively we played outstanding today. Except for one play we played outstanding in all three phases. We threw the ball all over the place, we ran well, and the defense came to play.
“At this time of year you have to play defense, that’s the bottom line.”
Forcing a three-and-out, the Wolfpack put together another long scoring drive capped by Howe’s 1-yard touchdown dive that made it 21-0 by halftime.
With Wilkes-Barre Area getting unexpected success on the ground, the Comets were forced to scrap their defensive
Crestwood players follow head coach Ryan Arcangeli out of the locker room prior to the start of Friday night’s regularseason home finale against Wilkes-Barre Area.
JH photo by Steve Stallone
keep trying, keep working.”
Next up is a Wyoming Valley West team that has lost eight of nine, but has shown the ability to score points and to play better at home.
“It’s always the next one, and it’s not going to get any easier at Spartan Stadium. It’s a tough place to play,” Arcangeli acknowledged. “We have to win to get in, to keep our team together.
“We’re going to have to navigate that a little bit here differently. When we come up to the week of practice we’ll do that, because we want to send these guys out the right way. They’re too good to not get any more wins, so we have to find a way to win.”
North Pocono (9-0) is the top seed for the D-2 Class 4A tournament, while Valley View (5-4) and Dallas (4-5) are battling for the 2-seed. The Comets are attempting to hold off Wallenpaupack (3-6), which closes its regular season at Valley View on Friday night. If the Comets are to capture the fourth and final playoff spot, they would open the district tournament at unbeaten North Pocono in Week 11.
Game Summary
Wilkes-Barre
game plan to address that issue.
“We made some adjustments in our defense, and I’m really proud of our defensive guys to go back to base and change kind of what the plan was and we aborted that to go back and give us a chance. They did that,” Arcangeli said. “But we just played so uncharacteristic of what we’ve built here and what our kids are known for, and that’s toughness and grit and doing things the right way. We didn’t do that in the first half and we talked about it in the locker room, about being embarrassed, not at the score but just how we were active because it’s a game of emotion.
“I’m really proud of our seniors for settling in, for coming back in the second half and at least fighting their tail off for the last time here at home.”
Wilkes-Barre Area got the ball to start the second half and Howe—the WVC’s all-time leader in touchdown passes and passing yards—added to
his record-setting totals with a 6-yard scoring pass to Gino Dalessandro.
Underwood’s second touchdown run of the game, a 21-yarder with 3:17 to play in the third quarter kicked in the PIAA Mercy Rule and the game was played with a running clock the rest of the way. Underwood finished with 102 yards on 13 carries, and the Wolfpack had 213 of their 315 offensive yards on the ground.
“I think the whole team came to play,” Cinti said. “At this time of year you’ve got to be able to run. Today we showed another aspect of our offense with our running game.”
Crestwood scored late in the third quarter when fullback Matthew Bealla took a fourthand-one carry through the line and broke into the open, racing 68 yards for a Comet touchdown that spoiled the shutout bid.
“I’m proud of our guys, but we have to get some things fixed,” Arcangeli said. “We’re going to
First Quarter
WBA - Davon Underwood 28 run (Jaedyn Sanchez kick), 10:46
WBA - Jonathan Otway-Kellom 26 pass from Jake Howe (Sanchez kick), 3:30 Second Quarter
WBA - Howe 1 run (Sanchez kick), 8:03 Third Quarter
WBA - Underwood 21 run (Sanchez kick), 3:17 C - Matthew Bealla 68 run (Cooper Laubach kick), 0:43
TEAM STATISTICS
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING: Wilkes-Barre Area - Davon Underwood 12-102, Jake Howe 7-31, Jonathan Otway-Kellom 1-22, Kevon Creech 1-21, Gene Ardo 4-20, Khalil Smith 3-13, Treyvon Gembitski 1-4, Gino Dalessandro 1-1, Team 1-(minus-1). CrestwoodMatt Bealla 9-98, Jake Jeckell 8-34, Jaden Shedlock 6-26, Jack Rodgers 3-12, Nate Walsh 3-10, Gio Barna 1-7, Tyler Herbert 2-7.
PASSING: Wilkes-Barre Area - Howe 8-16-0-102. Crestwood - Shedlock 5-12-1-33, Rodgers 1-1-0-4, Teddy Taylor 0-1-0-0.
RECEIVING: Wilkes-Barre Area - Jordan Kieselowsky 4-43, Otway-Kellom 1-26, Ardo 1-15, Nick Saracino 1-12, Dalessandro 1-6. CrestwoodRodgers 2-13, G. Barna 2-5, Walsh 1-15, Bealla 1-4. INTERCEPTIONS: Wilkes-Barre Area - Ardo.
Kozich, Crestwood girls run to WVC cross country championships
Comets’ Staude is runner-up in boys race; districts this week
Katie Kozich brought home the gold medal, and the Crestwood High School girls cross country team completed their run through the conference by capturing the team championship at the Ed Narkiewicz Wyoming Valley Conference Coaches Meet last Wednesday.
Kozich covered the 3.1-mile Wyoming County Fairgrounds course in a time of 19:06.1, leading a 1-2-3 Crestwood finish that also included younger sister Mollie Kozich (19:33.1) and Adrienne Shebelock (20:21.5).
Riley Ruch (20:46.6) and Alyssa Leicht (21:46.5) was 18th to complete Crestwood’s team scoring, as the Lady Comets’ 26 points easily outdistanced runner-up Hazleton Area (73) and third-place Lake-Lehman (94).
Also competing and placing in the top-25 for the Lady Comets were Lila Ruch (19th, 20:00.8), Lily Dorshefski (20th,22:03.3) and Maddie Danko (22nd, 22:07.4).
Crestwood’s dominant performance in the meet punctuated a dominant conference regular season in which the Lady Comets went 16-0, and ultimately beat out Pittston Area (15-1) and Hazleton Area (14-2) for the Division 1 regular-season title.
The Crestwood boys also enjoyed a strong showing both
during the regular season and at last week’s all-conference meet.
Led by Mason Staude’s runner-up finish, the Comets placed third with 84 team points. Lake-Lehman won the boys team title with 58 points.
The meet also served as a tiebreaker for the Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 boys championship after Crestwood, Hazleton Area and Pittston Area all finished the regular season with 15-1 records.
At the WVC Meet, Hazleton Area (73) finished second, ahead of Crestwood (84) and Pittston Area (85) to win the tie-breaker and the D-1 title.
Northwest’s Michael Fritz won the WVC boys individual title, finishing in a time of 15:54.9 to edge Staude (16:19.8) as the two finished 1-2 for a second straight year.
Hazleton Area’s Christian Matos Mendez was a distant third in 16:57.5.
Also contributing to Crestwood’s third-place finish with top-25 efforts last week were Rowan Dietrich (12th, 17:50.9) and Ethan Deivert (20th, 18:14.3).
Both Crestwood teams are back in action this week, returning to the Wyoming County Fairgrounds for the District 2 Class 3A Cross Country Championships, with district medals and state berths at stake.
Crestwood’s Katie Kozich, shown during a meet earlier this season, ran her way to the Wyoming Valley Conference individual girls cross country championship last Wednesday at the Wyoming County Fairgrounds. Her win also helped the Lady Comets claim the WVC girls team championship after also winning the regular-season title. Kozich and her teammates will compete for district gold at the District 2 Cross Country Championships Wednesday of this week, back in Meshoppen.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 22
Cross Country
Photo courtesy of Bob Gaetano
Scholastic Schedule
MONDAY, OCT. 27
Weatherly Area at District 11 Championships, DeSales University
Crestwood at District 2 Championships, Wyoming County Fair Grounds
Field Hockey
Crestwood vs. TBD at District 2 2A Tournament semifinals
THURSDAY, OCT. 23
No events scheduled
FRIDAY, OCT. 24
Football
Crestwood at Wyoming Valley West
Boys Soccer
Crestwood at North Pocono, in District 2 Class 3A Tournament quarterfinals
Girls Volleyball
Crestwood vs. TBD, at District 2 Class 3A Tournament quarterfinals
SATURDAY, OCT. 25
Girls Soccer
Crestwood vs. TBD, at District 2 Class 3A Tournament quarterfinals
