CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–145th YEAR, NO. 33
White Haven Center, other state properties, subject of PA Senate hearing Thursday
The Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Sen. Dave Argall (R-29), will kick off its slate of 2025 public hearings and workshops on Thursday, January 9, reviewing new uses for three vacant state centers in Hamburg, White Haven, and Polk that have sat unused for many years, costing millions of taxpayer dollars. Several people from the White Haven area are planning to attend to make a case for use of the former White Haven Center. Among them will be Linda Miller, member of the community’s BluePrint committee and past president of the Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce. The workshop discussion, hosted by Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) and Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-21), will take place from 2-4 p.m. at the Hamburg Strand Theater,
WH CENTER, page 3
Walsh, Heffley take oaths of office to PA House
Jamie Walsh, left, takes oath of office for first term
Rep. Jamie Walsh (R-Luzerne) was officially sworn into office Tuesday, January 7, along with his colleagues in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, during a ceremony at the state Capitol. Walsh is beginning his first term serving residents of the 117th Legislative District, which includes parts of Luzerne County.
“I am truly humbled to be given the opportunity to advocate for our region in Harrisburg and to be the voice of
Doyle Heffley, left, takes oath of office, with wife Kelly holding Bible.
Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) took the oath of office Tuesday, January 7, to begin a new term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
“It is truly an honor to serve the people of Carbon County, and I am deeply humbled by the trust and support they have shown me. I am committed to doing my absolute best to represent the needs and
White Haven Center. JH: Ruth Isenberg
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
Becoming President of the United States is a high honor, not easily achieved, and subject to blistering criticism. The nature of our political system makes it almost inevitable that the chief executive will receive plenty of negative opinions about his performance.
Usually when a former president dies, the obituary is focused on the steps taken to achieve that rank, and a description of the policies enacted and situations faced during his time at the helm, with a mention of the presidential library the extent of coverage of what came after the White House.
It’s a different story for 39th president Jimmy Carter, whose funeral is this Thursday. President Carter served only one term, at a difficult time for the nation. Iran was holding American citizens hostage, and the economy was very poor. Those factors led to his defeat when he ran for a second term.
That information hasn’t been left out of news coverage since Carter died last week at the age of 100. But it’s only a small part of the story. The larger part is the kind of person Carter was his integrity, his faith, and especially his practicing what he preached. He worked for human rights and international peace for many years, and was especially active with Habitat for Humanity, helping provide housing for people who needed it.
That’s a legacy worth leaving, a legacy of honor, an example to emulate.
Winter blues
Apologies for the small size of this week’s paper, but there just isn’t that much happening these first few weeks of the year, except cold and snow. Don’t despair it’s only two months until Daylight Saving returns, and less than two weeks later, it’s Spring.
Archives
From The Journal-Herald January 13, 2005
Clara R. Holder, Publisher
A snow and ice storm coated branches and brought down wires. Roads were closed and power was out for many residents, some for days in the Blakeslee area. There were several pictures of icy covered trees and roads.
Seth’s Sightings included a sighting of a homeowner preparing his dinner by flashlight on an outdoor gas grill.
Lehigh Township held its annual reorganization meeting, and Larry Skinner was reappointed as chairman. Only change was the naming of Paula Sakse-Hoffman as secretary/ treasurer, following the resignation of Carol Lenahan.
Dennison Township also reorganized, keeping Sam Macurak as chairman and Michael Mack and vice-chairman.
Flu shot clinics were scheduled at local senior centers, for residents age 60 and older. Shots were free for those with Medicare, or $15 for others.
Ice and snow storms caused changes in the Crestwood School District, with make-up days taking away planned days off for students.
Weatherly also scheduled make-up days, though didn’t need quite as many, as of January, as Crestwood, because Crestwood was also making up strike days.
The Weatherly Area High School Alumni Association visited the newly updated weight room at the high school after their meeting. The alumni association helped purchase the new equipment for the room.
Paul Michael Miller was the December Student of the Month at Weatherly Area High School.
Icy roads caused an incident outside Charlie Weaver’s Restaurant in Dennison Township, where a pickup truck swerved to avoid a car pulling out of the parking lot and ended up crashing into the corner of the building. Dennison Township Fire Department and the White Haven Ambulance responded.
Inductees to the Weatherly High School Athletic Hall of Fame were listed Paul Burkey, John A. Cherba, Jay Hess, Nick Jemo, Mark Reiner and Bob Pugh.
From
The Weatherly Herald
January 13, 1955
R.V. Faust, Publisher
Weatherly Borough Council on recommendation of the finance committee cut a half mill off the bond tax levy, and passed an ordinance setting the 1955 tax levy at 8.5 mills for general borough purposes, and 3 mills for bond purposes.
A conference was held Tuesday afternoon at the Tung-Sol offices wen the suspension of work at the Weatherly Steel Castings Co. plant was discussed. Financial losses in plant operations and the generally poor economic conditions throught the region, with the resultant lack of orders, were the causes for the suspension, which has idled between 20 and 25 workers.
Ritz Theatre advertised these movie attractions: Clifton Webb and Dorothy Maguire in Three Coins in the Fountain, Victor Mature and Susan Hayward in Demetrius and the Gladiators.
A number of offices were filled by the American Legion Drum Corps this week, as follows: Drum Sergeant, James Somers; Bugle Sergeant, Eugene Kunkel; Property Man, Jack Hartzog. The group plans for rehearsals on each Thrusday evening at 7 o’clock.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
Dennison Township Planning Commission will meet on the third Monday of each month on the following dates for 2025:
January 20, 2025
February 17, 2025
March 17, 2025
April 21, 2025
May 19, 2025
June 16, 2025
July 21, 2025
August 18, 2025
September 22, 2025
October 20, 2025
November 17, 2025
December 15, 2025
All meetings will be held at 6:00 pm in the Dennison Township Municipal Building. The Planning Commission will not meet on months without business on the monthly meeting agenda.
Bruce Thomas
Continued from page 1
those I represent,” said Walsh. “There is some difficult work ahead of us and I look forward to the challenge.”
Walsh’s priorities during the 2025-26 legislative session include property tax relief, election reform, parental rights, illegal immigration and protecting our constitutional freedoms.
Walsh has opened a district office in Sugarloaf Township, located at 669 State Route 93, Suite 3. He expects to open a second district office in Dallas in the coming weeks.
“One of the most important parts of my job is to help residents who have a staterelated question or concern,” Walsh added. “I encourage them to call or stop by one of my district offices for assistance.”
Walsh directs residents to visit his website, www.RepWalsh. com, for news from Harrisburg and the district. They can also register there to receive his weekly email updates. In
PUBLIC NOTICE
2025 White Haven Borough Council Meeting Schedule
Meetings are the fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Borough Building, 312 Main Street, except as noted.
January 27
February 24
March 24
April 28
May 19 (1 week early due to holiday)
June 23
July 28
August 25
September 22
October 27
November 24
December 22
The agenda will be posted 24 hours before the meeting and on the bulletin board outside the borough offices. The agenda will also have instructions to watch via Zoom.
addition, residents can connect with Walsh on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ RepJamieWalsh and follow him on X at @RepJamieWalsh.
Prior to his election to the House of Representatives, Walsh owned and managed a small business in Luzerne County. He and his wife, Nancy, reside in Sweet Valley and are the parents of two children, Logan and Ava.
The 117th Legislative District includes the townships of Black Creek, Butler, Conyngham, Dennison, Dorrance, Fairmount, Foster, Hollenback, Hunlock, Huntington, Lake, Lehman, Nescopeck, Ross, Salem, Slocum, Sugarloaf and Union; and the boroughs of Conyngham, Dallas, Freeland, Harveys Lake, Jeddo, Nescopeck, New Columbus, Nuangola, Penn Lake Park, Shickshinny and White Haven in Luzerne County.
WH Center
Continued from page 1
located at 6 South 4th Street in Hamburg.
“Spending millions of taxpayer dollars each year maintaining these three longvacant properties is completely irresponsible,” said Argall. “This waste of taxpayer dollars, this bureaucratic nightmare needs to stop.”
“These now vacant facilities were once cornerstones of their communities,” said Gebhard. “It is imperative the state does not let these buildings become dilapidated, as has happened in other instances, and get these pieces of real estate back in action contributing to the local economy again.”
“The decision by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to close Polk, Hamburg, and White Haven state centers reveals not only a lack of forward planning but also a lack of understanding and compassion for the vulnerable individuals who called these places home,” said Hutchinson. “Be that as it may, allowing these facilities to remain vacant and incur maintenance costs is an inefficient use of resources and taxpayer dollars. I look forward to hearing from Administration officials about what I hope will be a detailed plan for the future of these properties.”
Thursday’s workshop discussion will also include Catherine Califano, Deputy Secretary for Business Operations, Pennsylvania Department of General Services; Eryn Spangler, Legislative Director, Pennsylvania Department of General Services; Susan Williams, President and CEO, Venango Area Chamber of Commerce; Linda Miller, past president, Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce; Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24); Rep. Jamie Barton (R-124); and other members of the General
Need an Extra Copy of this issue?
The Journal-Herald is for sale at: White Haven Market, Soapy Bee and 940 Plaza in White Haven, Wawa at the Turnpike in Kidder, Weasel’s in Dennison, and TJ’s One Stop in Weatherly.
Assembly. Miller intended to talk about the economic hardships caused by the closing of the White Haven Center, both the loss of employment for local residents, and the impact on the local businesses.
Additionally, she intended to urge private development of the site for possible development and uses such as housing, which would provide an immediate boon to the local economy.
The hearing will be livestreamed on the Senate Majority Policy Committee’s website, https://policy. pasenategop.com/ policy-010925/
Heffley
Continued from page 1
interests of our community in Harrisburg. The work ahead is important, and I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to address the challenges we face. As a strong supporter of property tax relief, I am dedicated to finding solutions that lower costs for working families and seniors. I am confident that common ground can be found on these critical issues while at the same time, not compromising our core values. I truly appreciate folks entrusting me with this responsibility, and I will serve them with dedication and integrity.”
Cindy Yurchak Carbon County Law Office since 1991
Carbon, Luzerne & Schuylkill Counties
obituAries
RICHARD W. CARTER
Richard W. Carter, 90, of White Haven, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 28, 2024 in Gino Merli Veterans Center, Scranton.
Born in Freeland, he was the son of the late Richard and Cathrine Kobza Carter and was a graduate of Freeland High School. He served his country proudly in the US Navy and worked for the White Haven Center as a utility operator, prior to retirement.
Richard was a member of the White Haven United Methodist Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching golf, baseball and basketball and taking long rides thru the Francis Walter Dam and Hickory Run State Park. He was also a life-time member at Kidder Township Social Club.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by
Left to cherish his memory is his wife for 65 years, Lorraine Maughan Carter; children Beverly Davis of PeachTree City, Georgia, Bill Carter and his wife Connie, of White Haven, Brenda Schmaeling of White Haven, and Bonnie Sheaman of White Haven; 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; sister Geraldine Gaffney of South Carolina; nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, January 11, at 2 p.m. from the White Haven United Methodist Church, Buffalo St,. White Haven with Pastor Maurice Delgado officiating. Service starts at 2, with visitation from 1 p.m.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc. White Haven.
CHIEF PETTY OFFICER (RET) JOHN A. KEARNS
Chief Petty Officer (Ret) John A. Kearns, 73, of White Haven, passed away at home, Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late James and Anna Klem Kearns. He was a graduate of Crestwood High School.
John served his country proudly in the United States Coast Guard, retiring as Boatswain Mate Chief and qualified as a Navy Diver among other things. He enjoyed fishing, scuba diving, flying, was an awesome chef and loved anything where he could be outdoors, on the water or in the ocean. He was an advocate for veterans, helping many veterans over his lifetime. He even authored a book about a submarine in the Great Lakes.
Learn Hand Knitting at WACL
The Weatherly Area Community Library is hosting a learn to knit with your hands class on Saturday, January 25, at 10 a.m. The cost of the program is $60. All supplies are provided by the instructor, from Art Party Place. You will be making a small blanket.
The deadline to sign up is Saturday, January 18. To sign up, send or drop off a check made out to the library, and pick your colors for the blanket. You
will receive 5 skeins of yarn to make the blanket. The colors available are light blue, dark blue, light grey, dark grey, ivory, light pink, cranberry, sage, dark green, mustard yellow, teal, purple, and tan.
There must be 10 people signed up by the 18th, or the class will be cancelled and checks will be returned to participants. The library’s mailing address is PO Box 141, Weatherly PA 18255.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Judy Hartley, nephew Joseph Hartley, and niece Cindy.
Left to cherish his memory are his sons, James, Luke, John and Jacob Kearns; grandchildren Alexander and Aaron Kearns; longtime girlfriend Hope Littleton of White Haven; and mother of his sons, Bridget Gilligan. He is survived by his brothers Jim and Joe.
Memorial service will be conducted on Sunday, January 19, at 2 p.m. from the Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc. 403 Berwick St. White Haven.
Friends are invited to join the family from Noon until service time.
Visit www. LehmanFuneralHome.com for additional information.
ALA meets on Monday
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 in Weatherly will hold the first monthly meeting of 2025 on Monday, January 13, at the post home starting 4 p.m. Please note the time change for the winter months. All members are urged to attend and bring their calendars.
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 in Weatherly will hold the first unbaked pizza sale of 2025 on Friday, January 17. Pick up is 4-6 p.m. at the post home.
Deadline to order pizza is Friday, January 10. A regular pizza is $13 and additional toppings are $3 each. Toppings include Extra Cheese, 3-Cheese, Mushroom, Sausage, and Pepperoni.
Contact Georgia Farrow directly to order your pizza at 570-427-4527.
sightiNgs
On my way to White Haven around 9 a.m. one day last week, I was treated to the sight of a bald eagle, which flew in front of my car, quite low, wings outspread. I don’t think I’ve ever been that close to an eagle, except for the pair in an enclosure at Knoebels. It was magnificent.
Eagles green is being sighted around Pennsylvania, with considerable excitement about their chances in the playoffs. If they win Thursday, a planned trip to Philadelphia next week should see lots of green lights on buildings, and team spirit all around.
Penn State football fandom is in high gear, though some Notre Dame flags have also been spotted around the area.
Little birds continue to visit our yard, specifically the Rhododendron bush outside our bedroom window. The snow and wind this week hasn’t slowed them down at all.
We took a cold (and short) walk at Nescopeck State Park on Sunday. The lake was in the process of freezing over. Highlight of the walk for our Spookie (a beautiful mixed breed female) sighting a handsome poodle. Though we were some distance away, she let out a sound somewhere between a bark and a squeak to try to attract its attention, to no avail.
We were very sad to learn of the death of John Kearns on New Years day. For many years, John supplied this newspaper with a Veterans Corner article, with advice to veterans on obtaining earned benefits mixed in with history and fascinating facts about military service. He had a true love for his fellow vets, and will be missed.
Argall begins new Senate term
Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) was sworn into office Tuesday, January 7, for an additional term as the state senator for Schuylkill, Carbon, and southern Luzerne counties.
“I was honored that every single precinct in the 29th district, from Pitman to the Poconos, voted to send me back to Harrisburg as their voice in our state senate,” said Argall. “My main goal remains the same: to continue to work with my local partners to breathe new life into all of our towns across this senate district.”
Argall was appointed the chair of the Senate Majority Policy Committee for the 2025-26 legislative session by President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39). In this role, Argall will crisscross the state, holding public hearings and workshops on a wide range of issues facing Pennsylvanians. The committee
will kick off its slate of hearings on Thursday in Hamburg, where it will examine how to reuse long-vacant state properties.
“Chairing the Majority Policy Committee allows me to examine a great variety of legislative ideas through public hearings and careful review, including the shortage of quality housing, the spread of blight, and the impact of crime on our largest cities and smallest neighborhoods,” said Argall.
Argall reminds any of his constituents who need assistance with state-related issues to contact his district offices in Hazleton, Pottsville, Mahanoy City, and Weissport, which are open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. He also encourages all who wish to keep up to date with state government news and local happenings to subscribe to his weekly e-newsletter and follow him on Facebook.
Rachel Rosenlund is WAHS
December
Senior of the Month
Rachel Rosenlund, daughter of Chris Rosenlund, White Haven, has been named Senior of the Month for December at Weatherly Area High School.
Rachel serves as vice president of the Class of 2025, president of the Interact Club, captain of the varsity volleyball team, and secretary of SGA. Rachel is also a member of the varsity softball team, Science Olympiad, Envirothon, Teens Against Tobacco Use, the Health Careers Club, and the Weatherly Area School District chapter of National Honor Society.
In the community, Rachel volunteers her time with the Weatherly Hillclimb and various NHS-sponsored activities.
Rachel is employed as a snack bar worker at Whitewater Challengers, and as a rental associate at Jack Frost Ski Resort.
Sponsor for the month of December is Sernak Farms, Inc., in Weatherly.
librAry corNer
WHACL plans busy January
It’s been a cold January so far, but it’s warm again inside the White Haven Area Community library. We invite you to join other community members at one or more of our regular scheduled activities, or special events.
The Scrabble Club will meet on January 16 at 6 p.m. Both novice and experienced players are welcome to attend. Bring your Scrabble dictionary if you have one. Cheat sheets with helpful two and three letter words will be provided. It’s a fun and relaxing non-competitive group.
The Fiber Arts Group will meet on January 9 and 23 from 10 a.m. to Noon.
The Romantasy Book Club (over 18 years of age please) will meet on January 22, and their chosen read is New York Times #1 bestseller Quicksilver by Callie Hart. The book is available in the library in hardcover, or if you prefer, you can borrow a preloaded Kindle.
The Lego Club met on January 4, and decided there will be a theme for the next get together on the 18th. The theme will be Carnival Rides. Light snacks are provided. Bring your own water bottle. Kids aged 7 through 15
are welcome to join us at the library from 12 to 1:30 p.m.
Tot Time is on January 25 from 10:15 to 11 a.m. Kids aged 6 and under are invited to do a simple craft and listen to a story. Parents are requested to stay with their child.
There is another Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support seminar set for Tuesday, January 21, at 6:30 p.m. Joan Gower will facilitate the group. The library play areas will be available for school-aged children. Dropins are welcome, however if childcare is needed for younger children please reach out to the library in advance. Light snacks will be provided.
We would also like to remind everyone that the library follows the Crestwood School District for weather related closings. If the school is closed, the library is closed. For weather events on days when school is not in session, the decision to close the library will be made at least one hour prior to its scheduled opening and posted on the library Facebook page.
Please remember to check the Facebook page for additional info and special events.
WeAtherly AreA school NeWs
by Elizabeth DiGennaro & Jillian Esposito
DAR CONTEST: Dr. Leach received a grand total of 74 different submissions for the DAR Contest. The students have been working very hard and have done an amazing job.
5TH GRADE: 5th grade did a recycling project where they took something they would have thrown and made it into something useful. Some of the things they made were pencil cases, bird feeders, vases, and piggy banks.
SENIOR OF THE MONTH:
Rachel Rosenlund was awarded senior of the month for December 2024.
PEP RALLY: The 8th grade won the winter pep rally on December 20, 2024. See the photo below to understand why.
Save the date for donuts
The American Legion Auxiliary Persian Donut Sale will be held Friday, February 14, pick-up 12-6 p.m., and Saturday, February 15, pick-up 10 a.m.-Noon.
Advance orders only—there will be no walk-ins and the
deadline for all donut orders is Friday, February 1. Please contact any auxiliary member or Georgia Farrow at 570-427-4527 starting January 14, to order your donuts. The cost this year is $3 each.
Breakfast at Silver Ridge
Silver Ridge Hunting Club, Weatherly, will hold an all you can eat breakfast from 7 a.m. to Noon Sunday, January 12, at the clubhouse.
The menu includes eggs any style, home fries, bacon, sausage, ham, pancakes, toast
and creamed chipped beef. Take outs are available. No charge for children under 6.
Lehigh Gorge Notary
Liz Berger has been providing Tag & Title, DCNR, Boat and Fish Commission, and general Notary services in White Haven for over 30 years. As the local community Notary Public with years of experience, there is no question she can’t answer. Find her at Lehigh Gorge Campground, 4585 State Street in East Side, or under the More tab at: lehighgorgecampground.com 570-443-9191
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THEME: SNOW DAY
ACROSS
1. Larger-than-life
5. Capone’s family
8. Wild swine
12. “You’re not allowed,” to a baby
13. Deal with it
14. Cunningly 15. Shower with affection
16. Allege 17. City in Belgium 18. *Snow Day exercise?
20. Poet Pound 21. Ovine sign of the zodiac 22. Tasseled hat 23. All together (2 words)
26. Military College of South Carolina, with The 30. For every 31. a.k.a. association football
34. *All-day Snow Day garb?
35. Delete 37. Crude fuel
38. Read-only disc
39. Good’s counterpart
40. Popular flowering shrub
42. Female ancestor
43. Two heads are better than one, e.g.
45. Bering Strait state
47. Rudolph’s Clarice, e.g.
48. Like thick smoke
50. Fountain option
52. *No two are alike, sing.
56. Surround (2 words)
57. Tangerine plus grapefruit
58. *Like a river, with over
59. #51 Down, pl.
60. Heidi’s “Magic Wooden Shoe”
61. Olufsen’s partner
62. Sound of a bell
63. Not him
64. Surfer’s stop
DOWN
1. Odds’ partners
2. Tubby little cubby
3. “He’s Just Not That ____ You”
4. Of the same period
5. *Popular Snow Day pastime
6. Some tournaments
7. Zugspitze, e.g.
8. *Severe weather
9. Deed hearing
10. Algae, sing.
11. Marble bread
13. ____ Jack, English pirate
14. *As opposed to rain
19. Irregular
22. Type of conifer
23. Musketeers’ swords
24. High-strung
25. Cerebellum location
26. Unit of life
27. Students’ dwellings
28. *Snow Day reading choice
29. Helping theorem
32. *Like soft pj’s
33. Intelligence org.
36. *Slope fun
38. Shorter than California
40. Number of years
41. No, it doesn’t crawl in one’s ear
44. Horse of certain color, pl.
46. Spontaneous additions
48. Obtuse one
49. Tom Cruise’s “The ____ of Money”
50. Highway hauler
51. Bad sign
52. Of a particular kind
53. Smoothie berry
54. Superman’s last name
55. Part of a seat
56. *Like chocolate on a Snow Day
Weatherly Basketball Roundup
Wrecker rally falls just short against top-ranked LLA
The Weatherly Area boys’ potential path to success in the District 11 Class A Basketball Tournament later this season will likely run through Lincoln Leadership Academy.
On Saturday in Allentown, the Wreckers showed they can compete with the district’s elite, using a big second-half rally to nearly stun the Lions on their home court.
Ultimately, Lincoln Leadership (9-1) held on for a 70-66 non-league victory to keep its hold on the top spot in the latest district rankings.
The Wreckers (4-4) are currently sixth in the chase for a playoff spot in the District 11/2 subregional that also includes MMI Prep from District 2. Had the Wreckers pulled the upset, they would have vaulted to third in the rankings, showing just how close things are in the jumbled playoff race.
Weatherly Area was to have hosted Schuylkill League
Division 2 frontrunner TriValley (8-2) on Monday night of this week, but that contest was postponed until Tuesday evening due to the winter storm that came through the region.
The Wreckers visit Williams Valley (4-6) for another league game Thursday and return home Saturday afternoon for a nonleague game with ColumbiaMontour Vo-Tech, their third game in five days.
In their first game of the new year Saturday, the Wreckers got off to a slow start against the top-seeded Lions, trailing 15-10 after one quarter and 27-18 by intermission.
Although the Wreckers more than doubled their first-half output with a 20-point third quarter, the Lions outscored them 22-20 to increase their lead to 11 points (49-38) heading to the fourth. Corbin Wagner and Ian McKeegan both scored six points in the third for the Orange and Black.
Scholastic Schedule
Wednesday, Jan. 8
Boys/Girls Wrestling
Crestwood at Nanticoke Area
Thursday, Jan. 9
Boys Basketball
Weatherly Area at Williams Valley
Girls Basketball
Williams Valley at Weatherly Area
Wyoming Valley West at Crestwood
Friday. Jan. 10
Boys Basketball
Crestwood at Wyoming Valley West
Boys Wrestling
Crestwood at Mid-Winter Mayhem Tournament, at IUP
Saturday, Jan. 11
Boys Basketball
Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech at Weatherly Area
Girls Basketball
Weatherly Area at Bethlehem
Christian
Monday, Jan. 13
Girls Basketball
Marian at Weatherly Area
Wilkes-Barre Area at Crestwood
Tuesday, Jan. 14
Boys Basketball
Weatherly Area at Marian
Crestwood at Wilkes-Barre Area
Wednesday, Jan. 15
Girls Basketball
Crestwood at Berwick
Boys Wrestling
Crestwood at Pittston Area
Thursday, Jan. 16
Boys Basketball
Nanticoke Area at Crestwood
Girls Basketball
Weatherly Area at Mahanoy Area
Friday, Jan. 17
Boys Basketball
Schuylkill Haven at Weatherly Area
Girls Basketball
Crestwood at Pittston Area
Girls Wrestling
Crestwood at Coal Cracker Invitational, Jim Thorpe H.S.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Boys Basketball
Pittston Area at Crestwood
Girls Wrestling
Crestwood at Coal Cracker Invitational, Jim Thorpe H.S.
Weatherly continued to light it up in the fourth, as McKeegan’s 12-point quarter and Niko Saldukas’ seven points led to a 28-21 push that made the final margin just four points.
Dwight Prudhomme led all scorers with 32 points, and Isiah Medina followed with 11 for the Lions.
McKeegan finished with 24 points 18 in the second half for the Wreckers. Saldukas checked in with 14 points and three triples, while Wagner had nine points and John Donish eight.
Lincoln Leadership opened the evening with a 56-24 junior varsity win behind Brandon Parker’s 17 points. Bradlee Conners paced the Wrecker jayvees with eight points, including a pair of 3-pointers.
Lincoln Leadership 50, Weatherly Area 25 Bria Kringe led a trio of Lincoln Leadership players in double figures with 15 points as the Lady Lions roared past visiting Weatherly Area last Saturday.
Arielle Taylor (13) and Chloe
Hannigan (10) joined Kringe in doubles for LLA, which grabbed an 18-2 first-quarter lead and didn’t look back.
Kelly Reiner paced the Lady Wreckers with 10 points and Courtney Snyder finished with a season-high nine points.
Lourdes Regional 65, Weatherly Area 11 Kylla Sandri scored 10 of her gamehigh 16 points in a 23-3 firstquarter burst, leading Lourdes Regional to the Schuylkill League Division 2 win in Weatherly.
Onaleigh Barnes followed with 15 points, and Hannah Lokitis rimmed 10 for Lourdes.
Kelly Reiner scored nine of the Lady Wreckers’ 11 points. The Lady Wreckers will host Williams Valley on Thursday for another Division 2 matchup.
Crestwood Basketball Roundup
Crestwood girls soar past Dallas in WVC D-1 showdown
The Crestwood girls rang in the new year in style last Friday night, riding Jackie Gallagher’s game-high 27 points to a 72-41 rout of visiting Dallas.
Crestwood jumped on the Mountaineers from the opening tap, extending a 19-12 firstquarter lead to 22 points (46-24) by halftime, outscoring Dallas 27-12 in the second period.
From there, the Lady Comets (9-2 overall, 2-1 WVC) limited Dallas to 17 second-half points to finish off the key early-season Division 1 win.
Gallagher knocked down five of the Lady Comets’ eight 3-pointers and received scoring support from Charlie Hiller (15)
and Kendall Petrosky (12), who combined for the other three triples on the night.
Odessa Kanton scored 13 and Brianna Casey had 10 for Dallas (6-6, 2-1).
Crestwood will return to WVC action on Thursday evening when it hosts Wyoming Valley West.
3-pointers: Brunn, Casey. J. Gallagher 5, Petrosky 2, Hiller.
BOYS
Dallas 55, Crestwood 48 Trailing by six points at halftime, Dallas stormed back to slip past Crestwood and remain unbeaten in WVC Division 1 play.
Joey Nocito showed the way with a game-high 20 points for the Mountaineers (8-4 overall, 2-0 WVC). Tyce Mason joined him in double figures with 12 points.
Ayden Agapito paced the Comets with 15 points and Ryan Sechleer followed with 10.
The Comets (8-5, 0-3) pay a visit to Wyoming Valley West on Friday night in another WVC Division 1 contest.
The NIL era in college football: Revolution or Pandora’s Box?
by Shaun Pryor
The NCAA transfer portal is now open, and college athletes are making pivotal decisions about their futures. While the portal impacts all collegiate sports, none garners as much attention—or financial intrigue— as college football. Fans are glued to their screens, anxiously waiting to see which players might leave their favorite team and join a new program. At the heart of this frenzy are three divisive letters: NIL, “Name, Image, and Likeness.” “Collectives”—donor-driven organizations that pool money to attract and retain top talent—have become a new staple of the sport, offering lucrative deals to players who can negotiate effectively.
When NIL was introduced, many viewed it as a way to right historical wrongs. Stories of past sanctions against athletes who accepted small gifts or sold memorabilia are still fresh in fans’ minds. Reggie Bush’s infamous forfeiture of his Heisman Trophy for receiving improper benefits at USC is a prime example. Though his Heisman has been reinstated, the ordeal highlighted the game’s hypocrisy.
What was initially envisioned as a way for athletes to earn modest compensation for their brands has evolved into a multi-million-dollar market. For some, this signals progress—a long-overdue shift in power dynamics. For others, it’s evidence that college football has
NIL was supposed to help athletes cover the basic costs of college life—meals, dates, trips home, and other necessities. However, with top-tier players signing deals worth millions of dollars, questions arise about how this system impacts the broader landscape of college sports. A primary concern is the potential widening gap between large, well-funded programs and smaller schools. Universities with deep pockets and passionate collectives are wellpositioned to dominate the NIL arms race, leaving less wealthy programs struggling to compete. Moreover, the advent of revenue sharing between colleges and athletes looms large. If schools must treat athletes as employees and share revenue, the financial strain could ripple throughout the education system.
NIL isn’t what it was designed to be, and the system now resembles Pandora’s box, opened with no way to shut it. What began as an effort to empower student-athletes has introduced many new challenges, threatening to reshape college sports dramatically. As fans, we must
ask ourselves, Is this the future we want? College football’s charm has always been its blend of raw passion, tradition, and unpredictability. But, today, the sport is at a crossroads, with NIL deals, transfer portal dramas, and debates looming over revenue sharing.
The questions raised by NIL are not quickly answered. Is it fair for athletes to profit from their hard work and talent? Absolutely! But how do we balance that fairness with the need to preserve what makes college football unique? How do we ensure that smaller schools and non-revenue sports aren’t left behind?
The NIL era is here to stay, but as with any revolution, its ultimate impact will depend on how it’s managed. Today’s answer is “not well.” Whether that will change remains to be seen.
Oklahoma City-based Shaun Pryor is well-versed in college football matters. His podcast, “Pryor to the Snap,” is a popular forum for discussing what’s right and what needs to be fixed in the game today. He also writes for The Sports Column.
JourNAl-herAld sPorts
Crestwood Wrestling
Pittston Area outlasts Crestwood for WVC Wrestling Tournament title
Finals
Lady Comets’ Shoemaker wins gold in first-ever girls’ tourney
A one-point victory in basketball usually translates to a thrilling game and finish.
A half-point win in wrestling? It doesn’t get any closer than that.
Pittston Area held on to the bitter end and ultimately won by a technicality to claim the Wyoming Valley Conference Wrestling Tournament last Saturday at Wilkes-Barre Area High School.
The Patriots accumulated 159 team points, edging out runner-up Crestwood (158½) by the thinnest possible margin in team wrestling for one of the season’s biggest prizes.
Trailing Crestwood heading into the final round of wrestling, Pittston Area finally overtook the Comets on Brody Spindler’s win at 215 pounds and a Noah Gruber pin in the third-place match at 285.
It all came down to the final bout of the tournament, where Crestwood’s Kyle Draina needed at least a 4-point major decision over Wyoming Area’s Nate Obrzut in the 285-pound championship match for the Comets to emerge with the team title.
Although Draina went on to post a 4-0 decision and claim the 285-pound title, it left the Comets a half-point short of the team championship.
Spindler earned the Outstanding Wrestler Award after recording three pins and then beating Crestwood’s Lincoln Bibla by 6-2 decision in the 215-pound final, helping put the Patriots in front.
In the day’s marquee matchup, Spindler and
Bibler who had a combined 33-3 record with 26 pins coming in battled through two scoreless periods before Spindler took control in the third.
He scored the first points of the bout midway through the period on a reversal, then turned Bibla for four points late to secure things. Bibla got a two-point reversal in the closing seconds to account for the 6-2 final.
The difference in the final team score came down to a violation. A Crestwood wrestler was called for unsportsmanlike conduct for pulling the shoulder straps of his singlet down before leaving the mat, costing the Comets one team point in what was a razor-thin finish.
In addition to Draina’s gold and Bibla’s silver, the Comets sent a third wrestler to the finals. Nathan Wisniewski ultimately settled for second, falling to Hazleton Area’s Mason Marolo by pin in the 189-pound title bout.
Crestwood sent six wrestlers to the consolation finals, with two of them (Mariusz Bibla at 172, Anson Jumper at 121) coming away with decision victories for their third-place finishes.
GIRLS
Wyoming Valley West’s Isabella Seip was named the Outstanding Wrestler with her title at 118 pounds, and WilkesBarre Area’s Taydem Sanchez won by fall at 190 in the day’s final bout to lift the Wolfpack to the team championship at
the first-ever Wyoming Valley Conference Girls’ Wrestling Tournament.
With girls’ wrestling still in its infancy, the tournament had a different look than the boys. Although there were nine teams represented, four weight classes did not have brackets, with three consisting of a round-robin among three wrestlers and the other a best-of-three between the only two competitors in the division.
Even teammates had to wrestle one another. Hanover Area teammates Claire Gyle and Morgan Osburn faced off in the 100-pound final, with Gyle winning by pinfall in 22 seconds.
Wilkes-Barre Area finished with 146 points. Nanticoke Area followed with 142½ and Wyoming Valley West was third with 89½, a half-point ahead of Hanover Area (89). Crestwood was a close fifth with 87 points.
The Lady Comets crowned their first champion too, as returning state qualifier Rachel Shoemaker secured the 124pound title with a 54-second pin of Hazleton Area’s Shaniece Brown.
Crestwood wrestlers Emma Selfe and Jailah Gil placed third to bring home bronze medals. Selfe pinned Hazleton Area’s Kimberly Ramirez in 3:55 of their 136-pound consolation final. Gil decisioned Wyoming Valley West’s Sariya Edwards (9-1) at 190 pounds for her bronze.
WVC Wrestling Tournament Results
BOYS
Team standings
Pittston Area (PA) 159, Crestwood (Cr) 158½, Hanover Area (Han) 130, Hazleton Area (Haz) 110, Wyoming Valley West (WVW) 109, Dallas (D) 96, Wyoming Area (WA) 95, Wilkes-Barre Area (WBA) 84, Berwick (B) 83½, Lake-Lehman (LL) 62, Nanticoke (N) 39 ½, Tunkhannock (T) 13½.
107: Chase Smith (Hanover Area) pinned Chase Wilhelm (WA), 3:22. 114: CJ Caines (Han) pinned Nick Webb (Cr), 1:25. 121: Carlo Salinas (Wilkes-Barre Area) dec. Tibor Toth (PA), 15-7. 127: Conner Novakowski (WA) dec. Tyler Youngcourt (Haz), 11-4. 133: Louden Giza (Wyoming Valley West) by medical forfeit over Sawyer Keller (Berwick). 139: Treston Allen (N) dec. Jeff Peck (Han), 16-5. 145: Troy Jones (Dallas) pinned Michael Perez (Han), 3:29. 152: Caleb Hoffman (WVW) tech. fall over Chase Baron (PA), 18-1, 3:45. 160: Dominic Innamorati (PA) pinned Brock Simms (Berwick), 1:31. 172: Jimmy Mitkowski (LL) dec. Hunter Pitcavage (Dallas), 14-3. 189: Mason Marolo (Hazleton Area) pinned Nathan Wisniewski (Cr), 0:28. 215: Brody Spindler (PA) dec. Lincoln Bibla (Cr), 6-2. 285: Kyle Draina (Cr) dec. Nate Obrzut (WA), 4-0. Consolation finals 107: Luke Pollard (WBA) pinned Dylan Bellas (Crestwood), 0:40. 114: Timothy Riefler (PA) pinned Jayson Sanchez (WBA), 2:24. 121: Anson Jumper (Cr) dec. Ethan Noe (HAN), 9-5. 127: Derek Warman (Han) dec. Jahiem Butler (Pittston Area), 17-3. 133: Jude Salko (Haz) pinned Connor Higgins (LL), 2:23. 139: Conner Roberts (B) pinned Jacob Jeckell (Cr), 3:57. 145: Simon Zamudio (Haz) dec. Thomas Stavitzski (Cr), 13-3. 152: Logan Pop (Haz) pinned Hunter Konshnick (Cr), 2:52. 160: Robert Booth (D) dec. Sam Kelley (D), 12-4. 172: Mariusz Bibla (Cr) dec. Gene Ardo (WBA), 8-6. 189: Reilley Kirkutis (LL) dec. Jordan Sachs (WVW), 4-0. 215: Gunner Giza (WVW) pinned Owen Atkins (N), 2:18. 285: Noah Gruber (PA) pinned Altamir Terry (WBA), 1:09. GIRLS
Team standings Wilkes-Barre Area (WBA) 146, Nanticoke (N) 142½, Wyoming Valley West (WVW) 89½; Hanover Area (Han) 89, Crestwood (Cr) 87, Hazleton Area (Haz) 69½, Berwick (B) 36, Wyoming Area (WA) 21, Dallas 0. Finals
