The Journal-Herald, Thursday, February 22, 2024 by canwinjournal

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CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–145th YEAR, NO. 13

SINGLE COPY– 75¢ (USPS 277440)

CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–144th YEAR, NO. 39

Foster Twp. sprucing up by Jim Dino The Foster Township Board of Supervisors have taken several more steps to revitalizing the corner of Centre Street and Route 940 near the entrance to Freeland. At their latest meeting February 14, the supervisors voted to advertise for a Request for Proposals (RFP) to remove eight underground gas tanks from the former Heller’s Gas Station that stood at the corner for many years. The next step to remodeling the intersection is to tear down an abandoned home to the rear of where the gas station building stood. Attorney Donald Karpowich, the township’s solicitor, explained the history of the double home. Last year, the township purchased the side of the home at 108 Centre Street for $9,000. Karpowich said the supervisors have been trying to buy the other half, at 104-106 Centre Street, but have not been able to find the owner. Wednesday night, the supervisors began legal proceedings to obtain the property by eminent domain for the appraised price of $8,500. The township can use eminent domain because they would be alleviating a public nuisance due to the danger the building poses—it could potentially fall down, Karpowich said. Once the township owns both halves of the home – which is in such disrepair that it would be dangerous to enter – they will tear down the structure, and get the site “pad ready” for a developer to build something there. All of the work is being done with a $209,445 Local Shares Account (LSA) grant the township obtained for the project.

There is one more double home – which is still occupied – between the site and the MMI Preparatory School. Municipal Building Renovations The supervisors voted to advertise for bids to do renovations to the township municipal and Department of Public Works (DPW) garage at building at 1000 Wyoming Avenue. Work at the municipal building includes: Repair the concrete entrance ramp and landing, and install drains; replace the entrance door, windows, and replace 760 square feet of vinyl flooring in the meeting room; repair drywall and paint in the meeting room and entrance lobby; replace carpet at the entrance, and repair a leak in the roof. In the mechanical room, repair the entire length of exterior soffit above the side entrance, replace a mechanical room door and provide stairs to access the second floor. Install a new security system for the municipal building and garage, install two new canopies for each entrance, and replace a 20 by 14-foot overhead door in the salt building. In the DPW garage, work includes refastening an overhead door frame, replacing and refastening the entrance door and frame with a new door and frame for the office leading into the garage, removing and replacing overhead lighting with LED lighting, replacing two overhead garage door openers, replacing one overhead garage door to match the existing door, and replacing one man door and frame. All of that work is being done with another LSA grant, this one for $100,495.

This photo from last week’s storm arrived after we printed, but it’s still timely. The truck was unable to climb the hill on Route 940 through East Side, resulting in a blocked River Street. The truck was on Route 940 because Interstate 80 eastbound was closed, due to a truck accident. Traffic was heavy through White Haven for several hours. Photo courtesy Daryl Jones.

PAGE 2 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

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 Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce © Copyright 2024, The Journal-Herald

Archives From The Journal-Herald Issue of February 10, 1994 Editors & Publishers Jay and Clara Holder The White Haven Municipal Authority okayed a property lease for by Cellular Plus on WHMA owned land in Foster Township. Weatherly Borough council voted 5-2 to suspend police chief Robert Koch for thirty days as a result of four offenses. The Rev, Connell McHugh wrote a Lenten Pastor’s Corner.

LOVE Kidder Township presents truck terminal opposition info submitted by Beth Hurley On Monday night Feb. 12, LOVE Kidder Township sponsored a call-to-action meeting, at The Hub (15 Wolf Hollow Road, Lake Harmony), to discuss the truck terminals to be built on Rt 940. There were approximately 60 attendees representing Kidder Twp and other local communities. The presentation outlined the status of truck terminal construction in Kidder Twp: #1 The already built 1.1M sq ft facility #2 The truck terminal starting construction across Rt 940 from Harmony Beverage #3 The parcel across the street from #1 has already received Preliminary Approval from KT Planning Commission and is expected to seek approval at next Supervisors meeting

on Feb. 27, 2024 at 5:30 pm. #4 Parcel at Rt.940 and Moseywood Road. Plans have not yet been submitted by property owner but is expected to do so. It was discussed that the first three truck terminals will create approx 2.2M sq ft of warehouse space with considerable impervious surface that will discharge into the EPA High Quality Black Creek, related unnamed tributaries, the Tobyhanna Creek and into the Lehigh River. Concerns were raised pertaining to the high volume of truck traffic on Rt 940 and other local roads. It was noted that there are no current traffic studies encompassing all three together. Neither PennDOT nor PADEP will be considering the cumulative impacts of truck traffic, noise and air pollution on Kidder

Township. Multiple counties and townships are affected by these truck terminals. LOVE Kidder Township presenters asked meeting attendees to attend Board of Supervisors meetings to voice their concerns. The next BOS meeting is Tuesday, Feb 27, at 5:30pm. Everyone should join, we need to fill the room up with concerned residents and motorists. Come 5 minutes early to put your name on the list if you would be willing to speak. To receive LOVE Kidder Township action alerts and updates, Find LOVE Kidder Township on Facebook and sign up for LKT email list. There is also a petition to appeal to the KT Board of Supervisors regarding the warehouses and high traffic truck terminals. So far over 400 signatures are recorded.

The Weatherly Area School Board came to an agreement with the Weatherly teachers to extend their contract with the District on a 6-3 vote. The original contract was due to expire on August 31 of 1994. Teachers will get their step increases during the three-year extension, but no overall extra pay. Berger Lumber, which suffered a building collapse three weeks ago, was in the process of cleaning up last Thursday when a fire started. Staff on scene tried to stop the fire with extinguishers. As the first fire companies arrived, a second alarm was called in, then a third. The fire made its way to lumber stored beneath the collapsed portion of the building. The fire was confined to the storage area, but the store also suffered smoke and water damage. People interested in creating a library for Weatherly are invited to attend a meeting at the Weatherly Borough Building... Steve Stallone wrote about the return of NASCAR and its growth. Two wins by the Suitch Insurance team last week moved them into second place in the White Haven Area Sports Association Youth Basketball standings. Phil Engman Rambled On about the Winter Olympics. McGinley’s on Route 115 served up a Valentine’s meal with an Irish flair for us. We both enjoyed the salad and vegetable buffet. Seth selected roast turkey, while I [Ruth] chose shrimp scampi. Each was a generous helping. We saved room for desserts — chocolate cake for me, a slice of cherry pie for Seth. The meals with desserts and soft drinks cost about $20 with tip.

THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024 — PAGE 3

flowers Public Easter at Centenary Library Corner Notices LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters of Administration have been granted to Lauren Metzger, of Sugarloaf Twp., Pennsylvania, in the Estate of Brandon Metzger, late of Sugarloaf Twp., Pennsylvania, who died on November 16, 2023. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims or demands to present the same without delay to the Administratrix named or to: Alexis C. Falvello, Esquire THE FALVELLO LAW FIRM, P.C. 641 State Route 93 Sugarloaf, PA 18249 3/7

Centenary United Methodist Church, Carbon Street in Weatherly, is placing Spring flowers in the church sanctuary for Easter. Varieties available are lilies for $10, and hyacinths, tulips, begonias and daffodils for $8. Anyone who would like to place one in memory or honor of someone can do so by calling Lori at 484-695-5973; please leave a message and your call will be promptly returned. Monetary donations are also being accepted. Deadline to order is Sunday, March 3.

Atty. Cindy Yurchak Carbon County Law Office since 1991

Visit our website at pocononewspapers.com for in-between-issue stories and events

•Family Law •Real Estate •Civil Law •Criminal Defense Carbon, Luzerne & Schuylkill Counties

570-427-9817 121 Carbon St., Weatherly

The White Haven Area Community Library recently received the designation of “D&L Trail Friendly Business” by the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. The library will be listed on the website Trail Friendly Businesses - D&L - Delaware & Lehigh (delawareandlehigh.org) under Historical Sites, Libraries, Museums. The overall goal of this program is to promote, connect, and support businesses that cater to trail users and support trails. Having local businesses that cater to trail users’ needs supports economic development and improves the quality of life for the community. This great achievement is a reflection of the wonderful support the library receives from community members, and especially from all the dedicated library volunteers. There is still time to show your library some love by choosing a heart from the tree in the lobby. Each heart contains an item the library needs. If you

Seth’s Sightings Our mid-winter days have not been too harsh — above freezing during the day, and not lower than teens at night. As a kid, I worked at ski hills in Maine and remember days when the temperature did not rise above freezing. One day stands out. I was outside all day in temperatures that were single digits. I wasn’t happy about it, because there wasn’t a lot of activity, and on a side note there was no warming hut at the bottom of the lift where I was stationed. At the same resort I sometimes worked the top of the chairlift, enjoying a beautiful view but some frigid temperatures. With that job, I could ride up with my skis on, and then ski down at the end of the day.

Now, our weather predicts a warm day with likely rain Friday, then back to colder weather and maybe light snow next week. California mountains are back to getting feet of snow. I’ve begun to refer to the mountaincam at Boreal ski area, which is near the Interstate 80 pass over the Sierras. I also tune in to Donner Ski Ranch’s cameras, which is at the pass but on the local road. Both ski areas are about the size of Jack Frost. Saturday we were out to the L&L Fire Company fundraiser to support Amanda and Nathaniel Neidlinger as they continue to recover from having their home burn down. We had some food and played the tricky tray, and won a men’s soap basket. Saturday night we attended

can, we would be so grateful if you could donate the suggested item to the library. ‘Love Your Library Month’ continues until the end of February. Children still have time to pick up a piece of poster board and a coloring page to decorate. All artwork will be displayed in the library. Winners of the poster contest will be determined at the end of the month and receive a prize. A Pysanky Egg Workshop is planned for Saturday, March 9 from Noon to 3 p.m. Advance registration with payment is required. The cost is $40. Stop in the library or call 570-4438776 for additional information. Some tickets remain for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chamber Music Society concert on Sunday, March 17, from 3-5 p.m. The cost is $25. There will be refreshments prior to the concert. Be sure to check out the library Facebook page for more information on events.

by Seth Isenberg

an ELO tribute show at the Mauch Chunk Opera House, squeezing into a full house. As fans of the work of Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra, it was a fun night of music, sweetened by some of Lynne’s production work with Tom Petty and the Traveling Wilburys. It was a good night. Check out the fabulous shows coming up at the Mauch Chunk, tributes to Elvis, Heart and Linda Ronstadt are on the list of fun. We were in Brodheadsville on Sunday to do shopping. At the Weis parking lot, vees of geese were flying overhead, going in different and altogether opposite directions, and landing in the pond behind the store. We drove past Hickory Run State Park and sighted some snowmobilers enjoying the foot of snow that

had fallen. I am enjoying not having to shovel more snow this week, or at least not until Saturday morning. My cold seems to have run its course, so I’m shovel ready again. Happy Presidents’ week, and Good health to you all.

Wild holding Weatherly office hours Congresswoman Susan Wild’s Mobile Office Hours are this Thursday, February 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Weatherly Borough Hall, 61 Main St, Weatherly.

PAGE 4 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Obituaries JUDITH ANN FISHER Judith Ann Fisher, of White Haven, died on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 in Geisinger South. Born in Freeland, she was the daughter of the late Vincent and Anna Job Magarosky. She was a graduate of Freeland High School. Judy enjoyed going to dinner with family and her many friends, an occasional trip to the casino, where it seemed luck was always on her side, and watching her favorite soap opera, General Hospital. She loved being a Girl Scout Brownie Leader, which she did for 14 years in Freeland and is still remembered fondly by her now grown-up Scouts. She was always the first to help out anyone in need. She, along with her husband Luke, provided constant care for her late mother Anna Magarosky

Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services A Branch of Holmes – Griffiths F.H., Inc. 211 First Street, Weatherly, PA 18255

570-427-4231 E. Franklin Griffiths III F.D. Philip J. Jeffries F.D./Supervisor www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com A new approach to funeral and cremation care. Looking forward to serving White Haven, Dennison, Lehigh, and Foster Townships. All arrangements and consultations from the comfort of your home.

Guiding families through difficult times.

EDWARD F. LAWLOR

Wheeler, late stepfather Arthur Wheeler, and late cousin Mary Louise Gowen in their last years. She made a great pair with her best friend, the late Louise Mealing, and they got into many fun escapades together. She went on many, many road trips with her husband, Luke, and loved to explore new places. She always supported her son, Matt, whether it involved watching him play or coach baseball and basketball or giving him sage advice to navigate life’s many ups and downs. She doted on her grandchildren, who were a great source of joy and pride and always made her smile. Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 50 years, Lucius “Luke” Fisher, who dedicated all of his time to her care and support; son, Matthew “Matt” Fisher (wife Beth) of Shady Side, Maryland; brother, Vince Magarosky (wife Dottie) of Mountain Top; grandchildren, Jacob Fisher, Olivia Fisher, Cassandra Fisher, and Nicholas Fisher of Wapwallopen, and Colton Fisher, Eleni Paximadas, and Evan Paximadas of Shady Side; plus many nieces and nephews. Funeral service was conducted February 19, from the Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc., White Haven. Visit the funeral home website for additional information at www.LehmanFuneralHome. com

Edward F. Lawlor, 80, of White Haven, died at home on Sunday evening, February 18, 2024. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Richard and Catherine Cooper Lawlor. He graduated in the Philadelphia area. Ed helped his dad repair automobiles at his shop and was an avid Philadelphia Eagles, Flyers and Phillies Fan. He was a true biker, owning many motorcycles over his years. He was a Breed Nomad member of the PA chapter of the Breed Motorcycle Club, a social member of the White Haven

Fireman’s Club, and he enjoyed fishing. In addition to parents, he was preceded in death by daughter Catherine Lawlor, and brothers Richard Lawlor Jr. and Frank Lawlor. He is survived by his loving partner Patty Dietsch of Philadelphia and White Haven; children John Duffy of Philadelphia, Peter Lawlor of Pittsgrove, NJ, Carol O’Brien of White Haven, Edwardine Maude of Blackwood, NJ, and Edward Lawlor of Nanticoke; 18 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; sister Catherine Lawlor-Mollen of Effort, NJ; nieces and nephews. Visitation for Ed will be held on Saturday, February 24, from 2 to 5 p.m. from the Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc. 403 Berwick St. White Haven. Visit ww. LehmanFuneralHome.com for additional information.

CACE classes begin March 11 Registration is now open for students age 18 and over to participate in informative and fun classes, including Muscle Loss, American Red Cross CPR, Strength Training, Self Defense, Pysanky, Jewelry Making, Creative Writing and more, as part of the Crestwood Area Community Education program. Brochures are available at the White Haven Area Community

Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc. White Haven, PA

PATRICK M. LEHMAN, PRESIDENT RUSSELL C. TETER, JR., SUPERVISOR

Serving White Haven, Weatherly and surrounding communities

www.LehmanFuneralHome.com Branch of Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc.

(570) 443-9816

Library and Post Office or by contacting either the cacecoordinator2@gmail.com or caceregistrar01@gmail.com for an email brochure.

Dept. of Revenue in Weatherly Representatives of the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue will be at the Weatherly Senior Center, 335 Third Street, on Friday, March 1, for anyone who wants assistance in filing their property tax and rent rebate forms electronically. There is no charge, but appointments must be made in advance, by calling 570-427-8175.

THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024 — PAGE 5

Obituaries THERESA ENGMAN Theresa Engman, 76, of White Haven, passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024 in Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. Born in WilkesBarre, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Winifred Helferty Brennan. She was a graduate of Meyers High School. She was a nurse’s aide for White Haven Center prior to retirement, and was an active member of St. Patrick’s Church ,volunteering where needed. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Philip D. Engman; infant son; and siblings, Michael Brennan and Ann Dane.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, son Philip Engman, Esq. and his wife, Marianne of Wellington, FL; daughter Erin Carrozza and her husband, Frank of Dallas; two grandchildren, Christian and Gabriella Engman; siblings, Margaret Williams and her husband, Donald of Gambrills, MD, and Edward Brennan of Wilkes-Barre; and several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 23, at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church, White Haven. Everyone attending Mass is asked to go directly to the church. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Lehman Family Funeral Home, White Haven. Family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to Dr. Lawrence Matthews and the exceptional ICU staff. Visit www. LehmanFuneralHome.com for additional information.

ROLF LYNG MATHISON Rolf Lyng Mathison, husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, 81 years of age of Long Pond, passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Lehigh ValleyHazleton Campus in Hazleton. Rolf has been a recent guest of Heritage Hill Senior Living in Weatherly. Born Saturday, February 13, 1943 in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late Mathias and Hjordis (Lyng) Mathison. Surviving are his beloved wife of 57 years, Ruth (Monge) Mathison; daughter, Kristina L. Cosgrove, wife of Brian of Hempstead, TX; grandchildren, Finn, Lukas, Molly, Jakob, Collin, and Hanna; greatgrandchildren, Madelyn and

Clark A graduate of Poly Technical High School in Brooklyn, New York, Rolf served honorably in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War as a Bomber Navigation Systems Mechanic. Rolf worked at Hewlett-Packard for 50 years as an engineer. He was a gadget guy who embraced technology, worked on computers, and invented gadgets. A Trivia buff, his family kidded him that he was a purveyor of useless knowledge. Private arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Weatherly. Interment with Military Honors bestowed will be in Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. Online condolences may be made to the family at www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Trout fishing literature topic of Trout Unlimited session at WHACL Fishermen have been telling fish stories for as long as they have been fishing. Trout fishing in particular is especially rich with documented tales and advice going back centuries. On Wednesday, February 28, at 7 p.m. Western Pocono Trout Unlimited will hold a special meeting at the White Haven Area Community Library. WPTU members and the public are invited to bring their favorite books, articles, essays or poems on trout fishing and join others in reading brief passages from those materials, then explaining and discussing why those stories hold such personal meaning for them. Those attending this winter meeting can participate or simply listen and enjoy words that have captured for so long the hearts and imaginations of so many who love trout fishing.

From ancient texts by Dame Juliana Berners and Izaak Walton to Ernest Hemingway’s classic short story, Big Two Hearted River, which deals with a young man’s post war emotional struggles that he seeks to come to terms with through trout fishing in the Michigan wilderness, to the devilishly humorous character of one Mr. Theodore Castwell, and his tale that has a distinct and timelessly familiar Faustian twist. Likewise, Field and Stream humorist Ed Zern wrote of Herman the German, an especially elusive large trout, Patrick MacManus drew chuckles over his character Rancid Crabtree, and John Gierach simply chronicled his own humorous exploits as the original Trout Bum. Some stories have been made into popular movies like a River

Runs Through It by Norman MacClean that expressed the passions, traditions and way of life that trout fishing can inspire. Others eloquently tell stories of nature’s beauty and trout fishermen attempting to connect more closely with that beauty and the natural rhythms of rivers and streams, the hidden aquatic life that inhabits them and the fish that live with them serving as living symbols of such beauty. Some legendary authors have capitalized on the lyrical names of trout flies, like writer Arnold Miller and his particularly colorful nom de plume, Sparse Grey Hackle (get it?). Other writers like Ernie Schwiebert wrote with passion and knowledge in many forms that simply reflected their genius. Trout Unlimited through its excellent quarterly publication, TROUT, has allowed eloquent

writers like Chris Camuto and Nate Schweber to capture special moments afield or keep us informed on important issues in addition to their fine books. What better venue to enjoy warm rooms filled with good books, and good conversation on a cold winter’s evening when river life lies dormant awaiting the first warm rays of spring than the historic White Haven Area Community Library, our own local repository of books and chronicles filled with fish tales located so close to our own local source of trout fishing adventures—the legendary Lehigh River. The meeting is free to the public and we hope to have some warm beverages and light refreshments. Call Mike at 570-454-4862 or library at 570443-8776 in case of inclement weather cancellation.

PAGE 6 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Collecting coupons and tabs at Legion

ALA Unit 360 presented a Good Deed Award to the advisor and members of the Weatherly Area High School’s Interact Club. The members collected personal care items, snacks, puzzle books, etc. for residents at Forest Hills, which includes a number of veterans, for Christmas. Shown from left in the first row are Mason Veasie, Sofia Evans, Nathanial Pinkeiro, Juliette Bartel, Milana Grier, Kendall Gerhart, Reina Whalen, Ava Sahaida, and Isabel Jones. In the back row are superintendent Daniel Malloy, Raymond Montz, Abigail Weston, Kelly Reiner, Frédérique Allen, Amanda Whale, Kiley Holman, Grace Portillo, Rachel Rosenlund, Trinity McCutcheon, advisor Shane Moran, and ALA District President and Unit 360 member Georgeann Herling.

Coming Events SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24—Chicken &Waffle Dinner, 4-6 p.m., Salem UCC, Weatherly SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25—Soup & Chili Contest, sponsored by White Haven Firemen’s Social Club to benefit White Haven Community Lunch Program, 1-3 p.m., WHFC Social Club

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25—Designer Purse Bingo, sponsored by Mountain Top Rotary to benefit Crestwood School District students, Noon, Crestwood High School cafeteria, 570-262-0548 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28—Trout Fishing in Literature, special meeting of Western Pocono Trout

Unlimited 7 p.m., White Haven Area Community Library THURSDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29-MARCH 2—The Sound of Music, Zion Opera Workshop, 7:30 p.m., Zion UCC, Lehighton (also 2 p.m. March 2), 610-392-1810 SATURDAY, MARCH 9—Pysanky Egg Workshop, 12 p.m., White Haven Area Community Library

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 in Weatherly has started to collect coupons again to help veterans and their families on military bases throughout the world. The coupons cannot be expired more than two months. Please do not place coupons in the mailbox. You can drop them off at one of the Legion events or place them on the bench in front of the building. ALA Unit 360 in Weatherly is still collecting aluminum beverage tabs for Ronald McDonald House at Geisinger in Danville. You can drop them off at one of the Legion events or place them on the bench in front of the building.

SUNDAY, MARCH 17— Northeast Pennsylvania Chamber Music Society concert, 3-5 p.m., White Haven Area Community Library, 570-443-8776 THURSDAY, MARCH 21—Come Celebrate Big For the Arts, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Hazleton Art League, Hazleton

Here’s what’s happening this week at Tavern on the Trail 520 Main St., White Haven Open 7 days a week for family-friendly dining

570-443-9044 Follow our Facebook page for regular updates Served after 4 p.m. — •Fresh Cod w/garlic sauce served with mashed potatoes

•Captain’s Platter: Fried Fish/ Crab Patty/Clam Strips/ French Fries & Cole Slaw •Shrimp Basket •Fish Sandwich •Crab Cakes

•Meatloaf with mashed potatoes •Shepherd’s Pie

Grandma’s Sunday Dinner Ribs with mashed potatoes Beef Stroganoff

Assorted Desserts & Drink Specials

THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024 — PAGE 7

Scouts recognize achievements and leadership Scout Troop 25 and Pack 25 recently held their Winter Pack & COH recognitions. All the Cubs received Adventure belt loops for activities they had completed. They also were given the Pinewood derby car kit for them to assemble and decorate for the Pinewood Derby on February 19. The Scouts were awarded six rank advancements along with a few merit Badges worked on during the previous months. The Marcus family was noted by all of their children having attained Ranks. The three sons all attained the Star Scout Rank and received the Rank Patch & Parent Pin. Their daughter in Cubs attained the highest Cub Rank of Arrow of Light and will cross over to the newly formed Scouts BSA female Troop 6615 Pictured are the three Marcus sons and daughter with their parents at the Rank Advancement.

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koff o o C i l i h C Soup & Club pany Social m o C e ir F n e v a White H 5, 1-3 p.m. 2 y r a u r b e F , y a Sund ilis —

and ch ll the soups a le p m sa s! $10 to your favorite ilis and vote for 2 s & top ch p u o s p to 3 for the Cash prizes is $15 Cost to enter 885 at 570-443-8 b lu c e th ll a c To enter bartender or talk to the Program munity Lunch m Co n ve a H e it fit Wh Proceeds bene

at the Blue & Gold Ceremony in February. The female Troop is sponsored by the VFW Post and is the first in the area since BSA sanctioned female Scout Troops. Any family interested in having their child involved in either Cub Scouts or Scouts BSA, both males and females, can contact either Janet Jungermann at 570 582-5221 or Herb King at 570 582-8203 for more information about the programs. Submitted by Herb King, Troop 25

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

PAGE 8 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Journal-Herald Classifieds

Deadline 5 p.m. Monday. $13/col. in. Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, PayPal, cash, checks. Call 570-215-0204 xt 2 to place your ad. Announcements

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PAGE 10 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

High School Basketball Preview

Comets, Lady Comets, Wreckers in district hoops tourneys Weatherly Area boys at MMI Prep Friday night The Crestwood boys and girls, and the Weatherly Area boys will be part of their respective basketball tournaments when the District 2 and 11 Basketball Tournaments get under way this week. Seedings were announced Monday evening, for the District 2 tournaments. The District 2/11 Class A Subregionals were announced over the weekend. The Weatherly Area boys garnered the sixth and final seed for the District 2/11 Class A Subregional, where the Wreckers will play neighboring MMI Prep in Freeland. The quarterfinal-round game will be

played Friday night at 7, at the MMI Prep gymnasium. In their regular-season meeting earlier this month, also in Freeland, the District 2 Preppers (13-9) pulled away from the District 11 Wreckers (2-20) for a 56-30 non-league win on their way to the tournament’s third seed. In their earlier meeting, the Preppers inched out to a 38-26 lead through three quarters before stepping on the gas in an 18-4 fourth-quarter finish. In that one, the Preppers were powered by the 1-2-3 punch of Ryan Sones (21), Nick Pantages (19) and Brendon

Brobst (10), who combined for 50 of MMI’s 56 points. Corbin Wagner led the Wreckers with 12 points, but no other player had more than five points. Friday’s winner will advance to the semifinal round against second-seeded Bethlehem Christian (16-6) the following Tuesday in what will be a home game for the 2-seed. The Crestwood boys (14-8) earned the third seed for the District 2 Class 5A Tournament, and were scheduled to host 6-seed Pittston Area (9-13) Tuesday evening at Crestwood High.

The survivor moves on to Thursday’s semifinal round against either Dallas or West Scranton. The 5A championship game is set for Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. at Mohegan Sun Arena. The Crestwood girls (15-7) captured the fifth seed for their District 2 Class 5A Tournament, and were set to pay a visit to No. 4 North Pocono (15-7) in Wednesday’s quarterfinal round of the 8-team tourney. If the Lady Comets win, they would get the survivor of number 8 Honesdale and topseeded Scranton (20-2) in the semifinal round on Friday. The girls’ 5A championship game is slated for Feb. 29 at 6 p.m. at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Comet wrestlers set for District 2 3A Championships Friday-Saturday The Crestwood High School varsity wrestlers got their final regular-season match in the books on Saturday, and warmed up for this weekend’s District 2 Class 3A Individual Wrestling Championships against top team Berwick. The Wyoming Valley Conference Division 2-champion Bulldogs rallied with wins over the final three bouts to

edge the Division 1-Comets 36-30. Berwick finished 14-1 in conference play and atop the D-2 standings. Crestwood ended at 11-7 in the WVC. The match started at 215 pounds, and the Comets built a 30-24 lead through the first 10 contests. Crestwood received pins from Kyle Draina (285), Nicholas Webb (114), Sam

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Jeckell (121) and decisions from Ethan Zabroski (145) and Thomas Stavitski (152), along with a six-point forfeit from Dylan Bellas (107). Berwick’s late push started with a 6-3 decision from Braylon Hawkins at 160 pounds. Colin Hornberger’s third-period pin at 172 put the Bulldogs in front, and James DeAndrea’s 3-point decision at 189 sealed the team victory. On Monday evening, Crestwood was to learn how their wrestlers would be seeded for the upcoming District 2 3A Championships, set for Friday and Saturday at Wilkes-Barre Area High School. The event begins Friday and runs through Saturday, with the top wrestlers advancing to the Northeast Regional March 1-2 at Liberty High School, Bethlehem. This year’s PIAA Championships conclude the season March 7-9 in Hershey. This weekend’s schedule starts Friday with 3 p.m. weighins at Wilkes-Barre Area High School. Wrestling gets under way at 4:30 p.m., with the first

round consolations set for a 6 p.m. start On Saturday, 9 a.m. weigh-ins precede the start of wrestling at 10 a.m. with the semifinals and second round consolations. The third round of consolations will begin at approximately 11:30 a.m. The Parade of Champions is set for 12:30 p.m., followed at 1 p.m. by the consolation finals, the fifth place bouts, and the championship finals. At press time, the list of seedings for this weekend’s tournament had not yet been released on the district’s website. Berwick 36, Crestwood 30 — 215: Liam Carroll (BER) won by forfeit; 285: Kyle Draina (CRE) pinned Mike Fell, 1:00; 107: Dylan Bellas (CRE) won by forfeit; 114 Nicholas Webb (CRE) pinned Carmen Malt, 2:49; 121: Sam Jeckell (CRE) pinned Christopher Mayorga, 2:19; 127: Kyle Winter (BER) pinned Mason Ford, 2:33; 133: Sawyer Keller (BER) won by forfeit; 139: Tyler Winter (BER) pinned Jacob Jeckell, 1:41; 145: Ethan Zabroski (CRE) dec. Joshua Kishbaugh, 7-1; 152: Thomas Stavitski (CRE) dec. Jacob Guerriero, 6-4; 160: Braylon Hawkins (BER) dec. Mariusz Bibla, 6-3; 172: Colin Hornberger (BER) pinned Gonzalo Lozano, 6:17; 189: James DeAndrea (BER) dec Nate Wisniewski, 5-1.

THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024 — PAGE 11

On the Sly

A celebration, and a tragedy wrapped into one by Steve Stallone Sports Editor

The Kansas City Chiefs’ thrilling 25-22 overtime victory over the San Francisco Giants was one of the best Super Bowls I’ve seen — certainly from the second half on. It was the team’s third Super Bowl win in the past four seasons, and their second straight Lombardi Trophy. Although I didn’t call OT, I correctly picked the Chiefs winning by three points (38-35), and successfully hit the season’s final playoff three winners. Guess I should have been putting some money down on those. Perhaps next season. WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN — A parade through downtown Kansas City, and a celebration that followed at Union Station was all about the love that Chiefs Nation has for its team. And then, shots rang out. What had been a joyous time turned into tragedy, as one

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person died and more than 20 were injured after a gunfight erupted not far from the stage. Many of the injured were children who were dismissed from school that day in the city to help the team celebrate. Lawmakers. Gun owners. People:…We need to do more to keep guns out of the hands of those who by age, mental capacity, or a past violent crime should not possess a firearm or be able to purchase one. Parents:…We need to do a better job. Period.

SPRING IS IN THE AIR — This week in Florida and across the country in Arizona, pitchers and catchers began to report to their respective teams. And just like that, Spring Training is back! Major League Baseball returns with spring exhibition games starting as soon as this weekend, and continuing through March. Will the Philadelphia Phillies recapture their postseason magic and make a run at the World Series? Will the crossstate Pittsburgh Pirates continue their upward trend and make a playoff push in 2024? Who are the teams and players to watch for this season? The Phillies begin their exhibition schedule this Saturday against Toronto, and play the Yankees on Sunday. When the regular season does begin in late March, the Phils jump right into the thick of it with a three-game home series against the rival Atlanta Braves, starting Thursday, March 28. The Pirates open their regular

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season on the road at the Miami Marlins, a four-game set that starts Thursday, March 28. The Pirates go to Washington for three before their home opener April 5 against the Baltimore Orioles. And by the way, the Bucs will pay a visit to Citizens Bank Park for a four-game series with the Phillies April 11-14. More on all of that in the coming weeks!

THAT’S NOT FLOWERS I SMELL — Another All-Star dud, for sure. Against my better judgement, I tuned in to the annual NBA All-Star game on Sunday evening. Sadly, I didn’t even make it to halftime. Quite honestly, I’ve seen better defense in the men’s leagues I’ve played in, and certainly on the Division III level in college. Even though the East and West All-Stars tested the limits of the scoreboard, and set records for most points by a winning team (East won, 211186) and by two teams combined (397), the 73rd edition of the once-prestigious game turned into a “game” of uncontested dunks and equally-uncontested 3-pointers in the worst excuse for defense I’ve ever seen (or not seen). I know, I know. Players don’t want to get hurt — or hurt one

another — during the course of their high-flying moves, so they just get out of the way. I get it. But I don’t have to like it. I remember when Bird, Magic, Kareem, Erving, Jordan, Kobe, Malone, Barkley, Garnet and the like battled and scrapped — and played defense — doing all they could to bring home a win for their conference. Somewhere along the way, the competitiveness of those games has been lost. The NBA and the NFL (the Pro Bowl is another joke) could at least take a few pointers from Major League Baseball, whose own all-star game is still competitive — and still a real game. HEAVEN CAN WAIT — Late last week, after the snowstorm, I had the great privilege of making my longawaited visit to “Fighter’s Heaven,” the 1970s training camp of boxing great Muhmmad Ali. Located near Orwigsburg in rural Deer Lake, Schuylkill County, the camp has been restored to the way it was when Ali trained there for some of his greatest fights. It’s less than an hour drive from the Weatherly and White Haven area, and well worth the trip. Next week, we’ll take you on a little trip to boxing heaven…on the road at “Fighter’s Heaven.”

PAGE 12 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Out in the Open

Marten or Martian? by Alex Zidock

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is looking to reintroduce the American Pine Marten in Pennsylvania. The pine marten was a native species of Pennsylvania but was extirpated about 100 years ago due to deforestation, trapping, and hunting. While the state can claim victory reintroducing white-tailed deer, wild turkey, elk, river otter, beaver, osprey, and bald eagles back into our forests, some say bringing another weasel into the ecosystem could be more like a sci-fi body-

snatching Martian that could negatively impact the efforts of preserving and protecting other of Pennsylvania’s wild and domestic animals. “The basis of my concern is spending over two million of our precious sportsman’s dollars to import an additional grouse predator when we are working diligently to restore our greatly decreased grouse population,” said Timothy Flanigan, author of Grouse and Woodcock, Birds of My Life (Wild River Press). “We lead the nation in grouse research. How foolish it is for us to import another grouse predator at this time,” he says.

Appreciate Mahomes for his greatness by Leslie Monteiro You shouldn’t have been surprised. You knew Patrick Mahomes would create an amazing moment, and that’s exactly what he did in Super Bowl LVIII, engineering yet another comeback in the Kansas City Chiefs’ 25-22 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Mahomes knew exactly what to do in that final drive in the 4th Quarter. Rather than play hero ball (hear that, Josh Allen), Mahomes managed the clock by completing dink-and-dunk passes, running the ball, and throwing it away when needed. What’s more, Mahomes showed poise orchestrating that drive, an ability that comes from innate capacity plus being there before in a game of this magnitude. The stage was set for overtime. With the 49ers holding a 22-19 lead and needing just one more stop to win the game, it was Mahomes who made it happen, coming up with an answer three times in what turned out to be the winning drive. On fourth-and-1, it appeared the 49ers had Mahomes where they wanted him — until they

didn’t. He escaped the sack and ran for eight yards for a first down. Then, on third-and-6, he did it again with a throw to Rashee Rice for 13 yards. On third-and-1, he scrambled up the middle for 19 yards. The finishing plays came with Isiah Pacheco running for three yards and Mahomes throwing a sevenyard pass to (guess who?) Travis Kelce. Mecole Hardman finished off the game by catching a short pass for the win. Mahomes made it look so easy. He figured the 49ers out because that’s what he does. Sure, we can rip the 49ers for squandering the lead, but doing that would be doing Mahomes a disservice. We are talking greatness here, and only the great ones pull off a performance like Mahomes did in Las Vegas. Now, the stage is set for KC to win three Super Bowls in a row, a challenge Mahomes will relish. We thought we might never see another quarterback like Tom Brady. We were wrong. Leslie Monteiro writes for The Sports Column.

The American Pine Marten is an agile climber and vicious predator. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is considering reintroducing the weasel in Pennsylvania. Flanigan is referring to the marten’s diet. While the marten is about the size of a mink, about 1-3 pounds, it is an agile climber and vicious predator. Pine martens are omnivores, while their main diet consists of insects and small mammals such as voles, mice, or rabbits; they eat fungi, berries, eggs, and almost anything else they can kill. Ground nesting birds, including turkey, grouse, and their eggs, are easy meals. Thomas Keller, furbearer biologist for the Pennsylvania Game Commission studying the introduction of the marten, says, “Its reintroduction is important for various reasons, such as rodent population management control and seed dispersal.” “But we also see consumptive users like hunters and trappers spending millions of dollars to hunt deer, turkey, or trap river otter, beaver, fisher, and others reintroduced at one time,” he says. “And then, of course, the idea that there’s a legacy in Pennsylvania of generations of Pennsylvanians valuing wildlife enough to bring them back for the future generation.” Farmers raising domestic poultry say they have enough of a problem protecting their chickens and ducks from weasels, raccoons, mink, and other predators. But Keller says the martens would be introduced in the big woods area of northcentral Pennsylvania known as the Pennsylvania Wilds. “If your chickens are protected from

some of the predators we have now, like raccoons, mink, or weasels, they are definitely going to be protected against martens,” he said. The Pennsylvania Game Commission polled 1000 Pennsylvania residents; most favor the reintroduction plan. However, of 9,000 hunters polled, only 37 percent were in support, 32 percent against, and 31 percent neutral. Some of the hunters showed concern over the impact of the martin on small game such as rabbits. The Game Commission has tabled moving ahead with securing martens from neighboring states, voting 6-3 to table the plan. The commissioners said that the final figure is highly unusual, and while the commission’s marten plan is well-researched, the survey results indicate the agency has some work to do with hunters before moving forward. For more information and to comment, go to www. pamarten.pa.gov