The Journal-Herald, Thursday, March 21, 2024

theJournal-herald

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024 • Volume 43 – No. 30

©2024, THE JOURNAL-HERALD. All Rights Reserved

CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–145th YEAR, NO. 17

WHACL hosting education forum

by Ruth Isenberg

Funding local schools and providing a good education for local students is a concern for every property owner, parent and grandparent. Recent court decisions have impacted the way school funding will work in the future. On Saturday, March 23, from 12 to 1:30 p.m., the White Haven Area Community Library is hosting a forum to explore some of the ways funding may change, and why change is necessary.

Kristin Volchansky, the Advocacy Director of In This Together NEPA, provided some background about education funding in Pennsylvania and

See FORUM, page 4

(USPS

CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–144th YEAR, NO. 43

EGGS FOR EVERYONE: The Weatherly Recreation Committee’s Easter Egg Hunt at Eurana Park on March 17 provided plenty of eggs for every age group, and plenty of treats and prizes as well. The Easter Bunny and a Leprechaun were present for photo ops, and members of Faith Church provided hot chocolate and crafts.

JH: Ruth Isenberg

Bridge failure in Packer

by Ruth Isenberg

The bridge on Ochre Mill Road in Packer Township over Blair Creek collapsed on March 12. At left, a concrete pillar shows the break, and to the right the steel plates that were installed to provide access are visible. Supervisors’ chairman Bob Selert said the iron pipe under road rusted out from the bottom. With the recent heavy rains, the fill washed out, leading to the collapse.

Three 1.75" steel plates, the center one 10,000 pounds,

make it safe for the residents of the five homes on the road to travel, as well as provide access for emergency vehicles and fire trucks.

The township supervisors have declared a state of emergency. Carbon Engineering is preparing bid specifications for installation of a box culvert. Because a Community

THE JOURNAL-HERALD

(USPS 277-440) Published weekly at 211 Main Street, White Haven, PA 18661

Telephone (570) 215-0204

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Periodicals postage paid at White Haven, PA 18661.

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THE JOURNAL-HERALD

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(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

editoriAl

Meeting of the minds

by Ruth Isenberg

Over the last six months to a year, various people have expressed concerns about keeping volunteer ambulance service alive. A shortage of both volunteers and paid EMTs has put several local emergency services at risk, including White Haven. Weatherly has not had its own volunteer ambulance service for several years. Freeland is going through a period of reorganization.

This Thursday, March 21, at 6 p.m., PA Representative Mike Cabell is holding a town meeting in the John Murphy Room of the White Haven Area Community Library. One of the promised topics is ways local ambulance services can work together. Regionalization may be the only way to preserve the heritage of volunteer ambulance service that is affordable and reliable.

If this issue is of concern to you, come out to the meeting. Even if you don’t live in Cabell’s district, your voice is important. This is a problem that will only be solved if people want to work together to make something happen.

If you wait for someone else to do it, you may find that only for-profit paid ambulance services will be around when you need transportation to the hospital. You may also find that you can’t afford their prices, or that they aren’t willing to send an ambulance to your rural home when you need one.

Similarly, if you are the parent or grandparent of a child in school, or if you are a taxpayer, consider coming to another meeting at the library on Saturday, March 23, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. At that time, a panel discussion about education funding will take place. Education funding through property taxes is a hot button issue. Don’t hesitate to come out, just because you aren’t sure you will agree with the positions of the panelists. It’s important to learn about how funds can be generated and how they may be used.

Changes are coming to the way education is funded. You can choose to be part of the conversation and part of the solution. Or not.

Archives

From The Journal-Herald Issue of March 17, 1994

Editors & Publishers

Jay and Clara Holder

The front page photo was of groundbreaking ceremonies for the expansion of the sewer plant.

Cleanup of the collapsed addition of the empty BonnarVawter printing plant started Monday in White Haven.

White Haven council voted to give officer Thomas Szoke a 15¢ an hour raise, and placed a commendation in his file for the arrest of a murder suspect the previous week.

Emily Searfoss of White Haven, daughter of Martha and Barry Searfoss, was elected vice president of the Pennsylvania Future Homemakers of America at their state conference March 9 to 11.

Foster Township supervisors gave preliminary approval to the developers of Polonia Estates 42 lots on 67 acres that can be expanded onto an adjacent 100 acres.

Dr. Larry Skinner sent a letter withdrawing as candidate for the PA House of Representatives as of March 14.

The Pastor’s Corner this week was by the Rev. Thomas Ramsey of God’s Missionary Church.

Wheeler’s Variety Store on Carbon Street in Weatherly is closing. Dolores Wheeler and her husband Charles ran the store from 1975 until his passing in 1990. She continued to run the store, but the last four year have been lonely she misses her husband. The once bustling store is now all too quiet. The store was up for sale, but no buyer stepped forward, so she is selling off the inventory. Writer Donnell Stump added a few paragraphs about shopping stores like Sturdevant’s, Koehler’s and Wheeler’s while in high school stopping in for a Coke with choices from regular to cherry, chocolate or vanilla. She remembered buying Hallmark cards, and having ice creams.

Mrs. Wheeler shared that “when the high school was right up the hill, there were kids there a lot … I miss them…”

Former Weatherly mayor Rosebud Leppler grilled current council over items such as plowing the ambulance parking lot, hiring at the sewer plant, and the 1994 budget as prepared by manager Jay Willard.

A photo shows Dr. Larry Skinner and his daughter, Sarah, with their Newfoundland dog, “Gus,” at Pet Day in Mr. Van Horn’s class at the Weatherly Area Elementary School.

Steve Stallone noted that after 200 and some hours of Olympics coverage comes the NCAA basketball tournament.

Phil Engman Rambled

On to make predictions for the men’s basketball final four Connecticut, Duke, Arkansas and Louisville.

Pete Chapla reviewed Mrs. Doubtfire, starring Robin Williams.

We were in Allentown at dinner time this weekend and found Aladdin’s just outside of downtown. The outside didn’t look like much, but we ventured inside to find a very low key, attractive dining room. We chose babaganouj for an appetizer. Ruth chose lamb shish kabobs. For me, I chose shish taouk, grilled skewered chicken with lots of lemon garlic marinade. It was delicious. For dessert, a rich sweet cheese baklava was a big success.

From The Journal

Issue of March 16, 1944

Editor W.C. Taylor Word arrived here that Miss Edith Hybel, once a nurse at Clairmont and later at the White Haven Sanatorium back in the early 1900s had recently died in Erie. While here, she was instrumental in founding the Nurses’ Training School department at the WH Sanitorium.

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

Penn Lake Park Borough is accepting bids for pothole patching, paving, and repair of winter damage. The request for bid is available at the Penn Lake website at https://pennlakeborough.com/ government/Request For Proposals/2024 RFPs/Penn Lake 2024 Patching/Winter Damage Repair. The last date for accepting bids is 5/7/2024.

Penn Lake Park Borough Council

PUBLIC NOTICE

Penn Lake Park Boro is accepting bids on the following scope of work: Fixed price for 5 months of grass cutting on and around the baseball field at 2 cuts per month, maintenance of the playground as necessary, 3 cuts of the dam area and roadside late May, early July, and late August. Cutting of weeds and grass on Lakeview, Horseshoe, and Hollenback as needed. Please quote an hourly rate for additional work requested by the Penn Lake road master. Bids will be accepted until 5/7/2024. Bids can be mailed to Penn Lake Park Boro, PO Box 14, White Haven, Pa 18661 or emailed to plpborosecretary@yahoo.com.

LEGAL NOTICE

Estate of Roy C. Paisley Late of East Side, Carbon County, Pennsylvania

Letters Testamentary in the above estate have been granted to the undersigned, who requests all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment, without delay to:

Alex J. Schipin

581 Leslie Run Rd. Weatherly, PA 18255 or to their Attorney:

MEGAN

A. NANOVIC, ESQUIRE

NANOVIC LAW OFFICES

57 Broadway, P.O. Box 359 Jim Thorpe, PA 18229-0359 3/28

PUBLIC NOTICE

Packer Township

April 2, 2024 Supervisors

Regular Meeting Time Change

Notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at the Packer Township Municipal Building, 2234 Hudson Drive, Weatherly, PA 18255 the Packer Township Supervisors will hold their regular meeting at 4:00 P.M. This meeting time change is only for April 2nd.

Stephanie Stolpe Packer Township Secretary/Treasurer

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted by the Register of Wills of Carbon County, PA, on March 13, 2024, in the Estate of Rose Boni, a/k/a Rosa Boni, late of Mahoning Township, who died December 9, 2023, to Lorena L. Zebert, Executrix.

All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims to present them immediately to:

SENAPE & ASSOCIATES

James V. Senape, Jr., Esquire

Catherine A. McGovern, Esquire

Michael B. Senape, Esquire 612-614 Main Street, P. O. Box 179 Freeland, PA 18224-0179 570-636-3133

MEETING NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT There will be a Meeting of the Packer Township Zoning Hearing Board on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. at the Packer Township Municipal Building, 2234 Hudson Drive, Weatherly, PA 18255 to hear the following new application:

Stephen Hinkle, 1206 Quakake Road, Weatherly, PA 18255, is seeking a variance to Zoning Ordinance § 501.2, regarding a proposed change of use from an Agricultural Building to a Contractor’s Office and Storage Yard in the A-1 Agricultural Zoning District. The property is located along Quakake Road, Parcel ID: 120-45-A12, Packer Township, Weatherly, PA 18255, in an A-1 Zoning District.

BY ORDER OF:

Chip Stalega, Zoning Officer Packer Township 2234 Hudson Drive Weatherly, PA 18255 3/21

Museum opening features Eurana Park talks and food trucks

The Weatherly Area Museum has announced its opening weekend, April 6 and 7, from 1-4 p.m. with food trucks and special speakers.

‘Eurana Park: Then & Now,’ a two-day history and open discussion about one of Weatherly’s most iconic and beloved attractions, will feature stories of the past from a former park employee and manager. Come share some stories and reminisce over light refreshments. There is no admission fee; donations are greatly appreciated.

On Saturday, April 6, the Grill Reaper Food Truck will be on-site from 1-3 p.m.; discussion is from 2-3 p.m.

On Sunday, April 7, For His Kingdom Coffee Truck will be on-site from 1-4 p.m., with discussion from 2:30-3:30 p.m.

obituAries

DEBRA E. LITHKOUSKY

Debra E. Lithkousky, of West Main Street, Weatherly, died on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at home.

Born in Hazleton, Debra is survived by mother, Dolores (Kistler) McInroy; husband, Leonard J. Lithkousky; son, Jason Barker; brother, Eric McInroy and his wife Sharon, their children, Bryce, and Brooke.

Debra was predeceased by

ABranchofHolmes–GriffithsF.H.,Inc. 211FirstStreet,Weatherly,PA18255

570-427-4231

E.FranklinGriffithsIIIF.D.

PhilipJ.JeffriesF.D./Supervisor www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Anewapproachtofuneraland cremationcare.Lookingforwardto servingWhiteHaven,Dennison, Lehigh,andFosterTownships. Allarrangementsandconsultations fromthecomfortofyourhome.

Guidingfamiliesthrough difficulttimes.

father, Edward “Ted” McInroy.

A Weatherly Area High School graduate, Debra served honorably in the United States Army. She enjoyed painting, yard sales, long walks, and the companionship of her dog Chaos.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Weatherly.

Graveside service will be held Monday, March 25, at 1 p.m. in Union Cemetery, Weatherly.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com

ALA Happenings

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 in Weatherly will hold its monthly unbaked pizza sale on Friday, April 19. Pick up is 4-6 p.m. at the post home.

Deadline is Friday, April 12. A regular pizza is $12 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.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 in Weatherly is currently collecting fleece blankets to donate to ER at the VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre. Blankets can be dropped off at any auxiliary event or contact Georgia Farrow at 570-427-4527.

LehmanFamily FuneralService, Inc.

WhiteHaven,PA

PATRICKM.LEHMAN,PRESIDENT RUSSELLC.TETER,JR.,SUPERVISOR

ServingWhiteHaven,Weatherlyandsurroundingcommunities

www.LehmanFuneralHome.com

BranchofLehmanFamilyFuneralService,Inc.

(570)443-9816

Forum

Continued from page 1

how it is structred.

The PA Schools Coalition is a group that advocates for increased school funding. Six school districts brought a suit against the PA Department of Education, alleging that their districts are underfunded, and that the state is not fulfilling its obligation for every child to have a complete education. Last year Commonwealth Court agreed, but didn’t define how to provide equitable funding.

The governor and legislature agreed use the Basic Education Funding Commission to hold hearings in 2023. Eleven hearings were held around the state, and wrapped up at the end of January.

The Commission’s report, which was adopted by the legislature, found that education across the state is underfunded by $6.2 billion. The question is how that money is to be generated, Volchansky said, and what fair funding would mean to Pennsylvania school districts.

The districts that are underfunded would be able to provide a complete education, but districts with a more robust

Military children to be honored

The American Legion Auxiliary celebrates military children during the month of April. There are more than 1.6 million military children who face many challenges and unique experiences as a result of their parents’ service. While military members serve around the world, we often forget the challenges faced by their children.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 in Weatherly will host a celebration of the military child on Friday, April 12, at the post home from 5-7 p.m. The celebration will start with a Victory Garden ceremony followed by a pizza and ice cream party.

The public is invited to attend the event. R.S.V.P. Georgia Farrow 570-427-4527 by April 10.

tax base and higher budget would also benefit. By resetting the base level of funding to 2023, districts like Crestwood that include rural areas would have more stability and be able to plan and budget long-term.

Changes to charter school law that have been proposed would mean $124,000 savings in tuition per year for Crestwood.

The governor’s budget that came out in February includes almost all of that report, according to Volchansky. Would be transformative. Stability for rural districts, underfunded districts like WB.

“Every district has a unique need,” she said, from underfunded districts like Wilkes-Barre to more rural districts like Crestwood.

Taking part in the panel discussion at the forum on Saturday will be Susan Spicka, Executive Director of Education Voters of PA, who will provide a state level view of what’s happening. Two directors from Crestwood School District will talk about the local aspect of what they are seeing, and local challenges.

Alisha Hoffman-Mirilovich, Executive Director of In This Together NEPA lives in Mountain Top. Her son is a student in the Crestwood District, so she sees the impact of retirements and staff cuts. Panelists will discuss what this level of funding might mean to the district, including staffing.

The first forum held by In This Together NEPA was held in Bloomsburg on February 28. Another was held this past Monday at that Hazleton Intergration Project.

Everyone is welcome to attend the forum, from Crestwood or other districts, since this is a statewide issue. Following the panel discussion, there will be lots of time for questions and comments.

Volchansky is proud to be a graduate of a Pennsylvania school. She sees amazing people in public schools, trying to do the best they can with limited resources. “It’s about our kids, it’s about the future of our kids, it’s about our communities,” she said. “Our kids are in a race for their futures. We need to provide them the best preparation possible.”

Beaver removal project underway in Penn Lake

by Suzanne Winters

At the March 14 Penn Lake Park council meeting, Mayor Tom Carter reported he had been in contact with someone regarding extraction of the beaver in the lake, saying they would be coming that weekend to set up, at a cost of $375. A further fee of $45 per beaver will apply. They located the beaver hut, and based on its size, estimated there are probably only one or two beavers living inside. It was decided the mayor will pay the cost and the borough will reimburse him.

Solicitor Kristyn Jeckell reported she amended 9 sewer liens, adding additional overdue fees to them, and identified 7 other properties in arrears with sewer fees. Thirty-day notices are required to be sent before placing new liens, and these have been sent. If balances are not paid in 30 days liens will be placed on these additional properties.

The solicitor also filed a complaint regarding a Short Term Rental property operating without a permit in the borough. A hearing is scheduled for April 24.

The Basler easement hearing was rescheduled to March 20.

One zoning permit was issued to 1480 Lakeview Drive per secretary Karen Burden. This was for a roof and interior alterations. Council then discussed and agreed a permit was not required for this type of work, but noted any contractors

working in the borough do need a permit. It was then asked who issues permits to contractors. The answer was not clear.

Regarding Recreation, council member Sue George reported she would be ordering the placement of a Porta Potty at the ballpark since the weather is warming and baseball practice is starting.

Council member Dan

Eustice reported receiving a fee schedule for lake spraying from Natureworks. Council briefly discussed whether or not they will spray the lake this year. This will depend on possible need to drain the lake for the dam repairs.

Eustice also reported he talked with a representative from USDA regarding the goose mitigation. He signed the borough up for egg addling from March 1 to June 30. He again explained the requirement for the borough to attempt measures to discourage the geese for two years before requesting euthanasia as an option. It was again noted residents should not feed the geese or they will not leave.

Water main repairs to Williams Drive and half of Horseshoe Drive will begin in 2-3 weeks. When all work is completed, both of these areas will also be repaved. Substantial completion is expected by June 21, with final completion by July 16. Affected homeowners will be notified. There is also an ARPA drainage project for Horseshoe Drive and Hollenback Road to

start next month. Problems with the school bus and home access are not anticipated per Eustice.

He and council president Paul Rogan marked potholes within the borough needing repair.

One sewage grinder pump needed repair this past month per council member Corey Beltz. He also reported they repaired three manhole covers that had been displaced due to snowplowing.

Secretary Burden reported five Short Term Rental permits have been renewed and two more are in the process of submitting documents for permit renewal. Penn Lake LLC continues to operate without a permit.

Rogan gave a dam report, indicating they continue working on obtaining grant money already awarded to the borough, as well as working on additional grant applications. They are also trying to expedite the processing of the borough’s dam permit which appears to be stalled at DEP.

Bridge

Continued from page 1

Development Block Grant of approximateoy $132,000 will be used for the project, supervisors must follow federal guidelines,

Council member John Burden reported he has emailed other local municipalities about code enforcement issues and is awaiting responses.

There was another discussion regarding an STR property owner refusing to clean up trash. The borough will ask both Kislan and Paragon if either would be interested in getting this mess cleaned up. The trash cleanup costs would then be charged to the property owner, separate from the legal filings already in the works, per the solicitor.

The only new business was that the borough will advertise for 2024 lawn care.

There were no public comments requiring action, but Mr. and Mrs. Heck commented it would be great if more residents would attend the council meetings. The meetings are the second Thursday of each month; the next is scheduled for April 11. The work session is at 7 p.m. with the meeting following directly after.

including prevailing wage requirements for the project. They will be able to purchase the box culvert through Co-Stars, which should result in significant savings. That should be ordered by the end of this week, and bid advertisement is expected to go out next week.

Ovation Playhouse holding area premiere of Jersey Boys

Saturday, May 4

Bus leaves White Haven Park & Ride at 6:30 a.m., arrives Howard County Fairgrounds 10 a.m., returns 7:30 p.m. Save your seat; call today.

322 Main Street, White Haven PA 18661 (570) 401-3239

Thimbleberryyarn.com

The hit band Philadelphia Freedom: A Tribute to Elton John will be the production pit for the area premiere of Jersey Boys by Ovation Playhouse NEPA at Dallas Middle School (2020 Conyngham Ave, Dallas). This show includes numbers like Big Girls Don’t Cry, Sherry, December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night), My Eyes Adored You, Stay, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.

The nine performance dates are Fri., Sat., Sun., Mar. 22, 23, 24 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sat., Sun., Mar. 23, 24 at 2 p.m.

For tickets and additional

information, ovationticketleap. com or 570-846-0707.

Packer finalizes fire protection pact

by Jim Dino

Packer Township finally has a fire protection agreement with the Borough of Weatherly. At their March 5 meeting, the township supervisors voted unanimously to accept Weatherly’s latest offer of a contract for the rest of 2024 that calls for a 5.4 percent increase.

“That’s what they asked for in the beginning,” noted supervisors’ chairman Robert Selert. The offer, which Selert said was received via email, also includes a clause requiring reimbursement of maintenance costs exceeding $4,000, with a limit of five

times during the year, payable within 30 days.

Weatherly Borough Manager Harold Pudliner said borough council had previously approved the same agreement, meaning it is now in force.

In August, the supervisors said a three-year offer of $2,413.96, $2,515.35 and $2,631.05 was made by the borough. An offer to extend the agreement to 2033 included a minimum 2% increase per year, based on the Social Security Administration’s Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).

But the supervisors were not comfortable signing on with this contract due to the uncertainty

of the COLA for the next 10 years.

Selert said the Packer supervisors countered with a ten-year offer that would have had Packer paying $41,798 annually by 2033. The percentages annually over the last seven years would have been 4.4, 4.6, 4.5, 4.7 and 4.7, a total of 43.1%. But that offer was turned down.

On November 30, Packer officials presented the same three-year contract Weatherly had originally proposed, but it was rejected.

The supervisors said at that time they prefered to sign a contract for three years, as

seth’s sightiNgs

Winter returned to our area just ahead of spring’s formal arrival. Just as the string of warm days ended, cold nights resumed. Even as I write this, it has been lightly snowing. Tomorrow night, Accuweather is predicting lows in the high teens so cover any spring plants blooming early. At home, I saw early yellow buds on our forsythia so am hoping the cold doesn’t burn out the bloom.

Critter sightings is limited to my drive through a herd of deer in Split Rock on Tuesday night. It was snowing, and the deer

WASB meetings next month

Weatherly Area School

District Board of Education has the following April meetings scheduled:

Personnel/Policy Committee Meeting - Wednesday, April 3, at 5:30 p.m., MS LGI Room

Caucus Meeting - Wednesday, April 3, at 6 p.m., MS LGI Rm.

Budget Meeting - Wednesday, April 10, at 5:30 p.m., MS LGI Rm.

Regular MeetingWednesday, April 10, at 6 p.m., MS LGI Rm.

were bouncing across the road and parted to both sides of it as I slowly rolled through. A few deer skittered away, but most stayed to watch me drive by.

Most of my free time involves checking sports scores. March Madness has a hold on me except I’m mad for ice hockey, and then basketball.

The Women’s Frozen Four ice hockey teams are set for this Friday, with top seed Ohio State, winners 9-0 over MinnesotaDuluth, paired with Clarkson who beat Minnesota 3-2. Colgate is paired with Wisconsin in the

presented by the borough, and at the end of 2026, meet with the borough with the possibility of signing on with a ten-year contract depending on the status of the economy.

Packer supervisor Terry Davis said the township wants to begin negotiating for the next contract soon. “Over the summer months, hopefully we can come up with a longer-term contract with them (Weatherly),” Davis said.

Township residents are among the volunteers who staff the Citizens Fire Co. No. 1 of Weatherly, which is the firefighting force for the borough and township.

by seth iseNberg

other semi-final. Colgate is a small school, and Clarkson not that much bigger so it comes down to recruiting, and great coaching. Here’s for cheering for the underdogs. Go ’Gate.

Selection for the Men’s ice hockey tournament will be this Sunday.

As for basketball, I’m following UConn and the rest is just noise for now.

Baseball spring training is here. It’s a reminder of the warm weather to come but not a call to pay much attention except to highlights. I’d rather follow

CACE classes still open

Crestwood Area Community Education, (CACE) would like to remind you that it is not too late to sign up for classes. Our classes are open to students ages 18 and over, and looking to learn a new skill or hobby, and make friends while there. Upcoming classes include Basketball on Mondays and Thursdays, Self Defense, Quilting, Jewelry

Making, Creative Writing, Intermediate Knitting, Sewing, Bonsai, Creating Healthy Habits, Painting and more. Brochures are available at the White Haven Market, library and post office, or by contacting cacecoordinator2@gmail. com or caceregistrar01@ gmail.com. For more information, look for us on Facebook.

pro-hockey over baseball, even as the losses pile up for the big Penguins. The local Pens are playing hard to stay ahead of Hartford and Charlotte as March winds down. Getting a win streak going right now would be just what they need. This Saturday, the Utica Comets visit Mohegan Sun–Pocono for a must win game for the locals.

March 23 is also the day of the free sportsman’s expo at the Penn Forest #1 fire hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s worth the short ride.

Here’s to a good week.

Healthy good wishes to all.

Archives

Continued from page 2

A Luzerne County report just made public about the amount of liquor purchased at state stores shows $34,942.84 spent at the White Haven State Liquor Store in 1943.

The greatest concern of the Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania is that it is unable to fully meet public demand for telephones, owing to war-time material shortages.

Many WASD students win DAR contests

Weatherly Area School District has state, regional, and national winners in the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Junior American Citizens competition. This year’s theme was, ‘Sparkling in the Stars with the 50th Anniversary of the NASA Space Shuttle Program.’ Students competed in art contests and writing contests in their grade level.

Students and parents recently attended an awards ceremony to note their achievements.

Winning first place at the State level:

Individual Awards

Maci Kane and Tyler Keck - Stamp

Theodore Zink, Lydia Zink, Mitch Knock - Poster

Abby Guth, Lydia Zink - Short Story

Lydia Zink, Elizabeth DiGennaro - Poem

Group Award

Melina Ayala, Kendall Gerhard, Willow Lare, Jillian Esposito, Avery McLaurin - Banner

Winning first place at the State and at the Regional Level:

Individual Awards

Brandon Antolickn - Graphic Novel

Thomas Sypeck - Short Story

Victor Perez, Brandon Weaver, Miranda Otero - Poem Group Award

Silas Eckert, Madilyn McGee, Cameron Snyder - Banner

Winning first place at the State and Regional level, and winning a National award:

State, Regional and National Winners

Individual Awards

Madilyn McGee, Poster - 3rd

Katie Knock, Poster - Honorable Mention

Emily Clark, Poster - 5th

Brent Gerhard, Poster - 2nd

Abby Guth, Stamp - 2nd

Maura Brewer, Stamp - 2nd

Mya Binder, Photo Essay - 1st

Elizabeth DiGennaro, Digital Art - Honorable Mention

Jaxon McKeegan, Digital Art - 1st

Kolton Reiner, Digital Art - 3rd Banner Group Projects

Mason Sholtis, Jaxson Shaeffer, Mason Keefer - 1st Brayden Gill, Edward Masterson, Odin Eckert, Derek Ochs - Honorable Mention

Photos courtesy of Terry Hartz

First Place Winners at the State level.

Cranberry Quilt Guild kicks off season

The Cranberry Quilt guild will begin the 2024 season with a meeting Monday, March 25, at Faith United Church of Christ, Airport Beltway, Hazle Township. Doors will open at 6 p.m. The meeting plans will include quilt show information, as well as show and tell.

Members are requested to bring a small item that would be of interest to the group. Members then will be asked to give a small history of the item and how they came to own and enjoy it.

Plans are moving ahead for the Guild’s quilt show, to be held September 14 and 15. A beautiful handmade quilt will be the top raffle prize. Cheryl Shank took on the task this year. Tickets will

be available soon from any guild member, or by calling Deb at 570-436-1469.

comiNg eveNts

THURSDAY, MARCH

21—Ambulance & Other

Topics with Rep. Mike Cabell, 6 p.m., White Haven Area Community Library

THURSDAY, MARCH

21—Come Celebrate Big For the Arts, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Hazleton Art League, Hazleton

FRIDAY, MARCH 22—Spring Raffle, 6-8 p.m., Citizens’ Fire Company, Weatherly (kitchen open 6-10 p.m.)

SATURDAY, MARCH 23— Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by White Haven EMS, White Haven Volunteer Fire Co. & Dennison Twp. Volunteer Fire Co., 1 p.m., Lehigh Park, White Haven

FRIDAY, MARCH 29—Fish

Fry Dinner, 4-7 p.m., Citizens’ Fire Company, Weatherly

SATURDAY, MARCH

3o—Easter Egg Hunt, 11 a.m., Faith Lutheran Church, Blakeslee (register by March 27, 570-646-0309)

SATURDAY, APRIL 6—

Weatherly Area Museum season opening, 1-4 p.m.

SUNDAY, APRIL 7—

Weatherly Area Museum season opening, 1-4 p.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9—Annual Membership Meeting, 6:30 p.m., White Haven Area Community Library

This year’s show will feature quilts of every genre—from king size bed quilts to mini quilts, table runners and wall hangings. Every year members are offered a challenge. This year the challenge is to construct a red and white or blue and white quilted item. This promises to be a unique exhibition of technique and style as the quilters can use a pattern or design their own. Cranberry Quilt guild holds a large quilt show every 2 years. Featured will be the popular mini quilt raffle, quilt boutique, tricky tray raffle, vintage spot and numerous vendors. New offerings are being discussed and all members can provide input regarding the show at the upcoming meetings.

The 2024 season program committee is off to a running start. Plans are in place to have hands on workshops, and speakers. The Quilts of Valor project within the guild now has 30 members. This group will continue to seek new veterans to be presented with a Quilt of Valor, honoring their military service. This year’s quilt show is also planning to do presentations of the quilts during the show. Chairperson, Marie Shulenski will put the presentation together with the veteran. Anyone wishing to sponsor a veteran family member, neighbor, or friend can contact Marie for an application at mshulenski@yahoo.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 12—

Celebration of the Military Child, 5-7 p.m., American Legion Post 360, Weatherly

SATURDAY, APRIL 13— Main Street Market, 8 a.m.3:30 p.m., White Haven

SATURDAY, APRIL 20— Earth Day Cleanup, 8-10 a.m., meet at the Caboose, White Haven

FRIDAY, APRIL 26—“I Hate Shakespeare” Drama Club performance, Weatherly Area High School gym

SATURDAY, APRIL 27— Community Purse Bingo to benefit Community Lunch Program, 2 p.m. (doors open 12:30 p.m.), St. Patrick’s Parish Center, White Haven

SATURDAY, MAY 4— Cemetery Walk, sponsored by Weatherly Area Museum, 1 p.m., Union Cemetery

SATURDAY, MAY 11—Main Street Market, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., White Haven

SATURDAY, MAY 25— Memorial Day Car Show, Front Street in Freeland

SUNDAY, MAY 26—Family Fun Day/Memorial Day Parade & Celebration, 1-4 p.m., Lehigh Park, White Haven

SATURDAY, JUNE 1—Trout Festival, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., White Haven Area Community Library

SUNDAY, JUNE 2— Weatherly Area High School Baccalaureate Service, 6 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 8 & 9—Weatherly HillClimb

SATURDAY, JUNE 8—Trail Fest, Main Street, White Haven

SATURDAY, JUNE 8—Main Street Market, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., White Haven

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 15 & 16—Patchtown Days, Eckley Miners’ Village

Hazleton Art League Celebrate Big for the Arts Fundraiser

The Hazleton Art League’s fundraiser, Celebrate Big for the Arts takes place from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, March 21 at the Hayden Family Center for the Arts in downtown Hazleton. This year’s main sponsor is the Luzerne Foundation, and donations to support the Art League are still being sought. Other donors include One Trinity Real Estate, Hayden

Power Group, PFNonwovens, Wendy’s, and Fairway Motors among others.

The art on display in the Main Gallery for this event is the yearly Members’ Exhibition, with works by local talent. You are welcome to come to Celebrate Big for the Arts and view the artwork, enjoy refreshments and good food by Capriotti’s while listening to

Thimbleberry sponsoring bus trip to Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival

Thimbleberry Yarn and The Working Yarn Shop in Avoca are offering a one-day bus trip to the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival on Saturday, May 4. AJ Limo Coach will be departing from two locations: the Park & Ride at 213 Route 315 in Pittston at 6 a.m. and the Route 940 Park & Ride in White Haven at 6:30 a.m. Arrival at the Howard County Fairgrounds is expected to be by approximately 10 a.m. Find details about the festival (and purchase admission ticket) at www.sheepandwool.org

The S&W Festival is held rain or shine.

There are lots of fun activities for the whole family, not just knitters and fabric

fans. There are sheep herding demonstrations, sheep shearing contests, delicious food and over 150 vendors to explore.

Tickets can be purchased at Thimbleberry Yarn in White Haven or by going to Thimbleberryyarn.com

The non-refundable ticket registration includes bus transportation, and a reusable market bag and swag to the first 40 to sign up. Not included: Festival entry, $12.50 when purchased on-line, $15 at the gate.

We recommend checking the weather, dressing in layers, and choosing footwear for uneven and sometimes muddy ground.

the music of Tommy Molinaro. Tickets to this event are $65 and are available at the Hazleton Art League’s website or at the door.

Sunday, March 24, from 1-3 pm is Acoustic Jam, with local musicians playing in the Main Gallery. Admission for regular events is always free.

Gallery hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday-Sunday 1-4 pm, closed Mondays and

holidays.

For information on classes, programs, and other events follow us on social media or go to our website: hazletonartleague.org

The Hazleton Art League is located in the Hayden Family Center for the Arts, 31 W. Broad Street, Hazleton, PA 18201, 570-455-3333

This past February, the Weatherly Area High School’s Kindness Club, advised by Bobi Ann Kufro, did a fundraiser throughout the district for the homeless and needy veterans, assisted by the VA Hospital in Wilkes-Barre. The club’s goal was to reach $1,000 in either cash or gift cards. Not only was the targeted amount met, but it was well exceeded. The $1,415 raised in the form of cash and gift cards will help support the many different social services the VA hospital offers to our veterans. Shown are some integral members of the WAHS Kindness Club, Madeline Rhodes, Mackenzie Rhodes and Ben Kropp.

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

Friday & Saturday Dinner Specials Ribs served w/ mashed potatoes, soup or salad and dessert Fresh Cod with Garlic Sauce. Served with mashed potatoes, soup or salad and dessert

Grandma’s Sunday Dinner

Chicken Parmigiana, Soup or Salad & Dessert

This Friday-Solo Acoustic

St. Paul’s lists Easter season services

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of White Haven will be observing the Easter season with religious services being held in the sanctuary at 418 Berwick St., White Haven.

A Palm Sunday service will be held on Sunday, March 24, at 9 a.m., which will include a procession with palms, the reading of the passion according to St. Mark, and Holy Communion.

A Maundy Thursday service will be held on March 28 at 6 p.m. and will include a ceremonial stripping of the altar, a confession with the laying on of hands, and Holy Communion.

librAry corNer

The White Haven Area Community Library is hosting a School Funding Forum on Saturday March 23 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. The goal is to educate community members about how they can be advocates for public education funding, and will include a panel discussion and time for Q & A. The event is free, and you can reserve a seat at https://bit. ly/crestwoodED. The event is sponsored by ‘In This Together NEPA.’

The Fiber Arts group will meet on the 28th from 10 a.m. to noon and the Scrabble Club will meet on the 21st at 6 p.m. There will be a public meeting with Representative Mike Cabell on the 21st at 6 p.m. Community members are encouraged to attend.

The Book Club choice for April is NY Times bestseller The Teacher by Freida McFadden. It is available to check out at the library and is currently free if you have Kindle Unlimited or with your subscription to Spotify. Devices to read the book in digital format are available for short

term loan at the library. Join us on April 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the John Murphy room.

Mark your calendar for The White Haven Trout Festival, hosted by Western Pocono Trout Unlimited. This great event will include plenty of family friendly activities, as well as activities for the experienced fisherman. A 5K Family Fun Run is planned along the D&L River Trail. The library will again be sponsoring a fish fry to benefit children’s programs. Admission to the Trout Festival is free. Tents with displays and vendors will be outside in the Rail Yard Park with more activities inside too. It is scheduled for Saturday, June 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.

Be sure to check out the library Facebook page for more information on events.

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

The Good Friday Tenebrae service will be held on Friday, March 29 at 6 p.m., which includes the reading of the Passion according to St. John and a dramatic extinguishing of the sanctuary lights.

Easter Sunday will be a celebration of the resurrection of Christ beginning at 9 a.m. on March 31.

All members of St. Paul’s and the community are welcome to participate in the services of the Easter season. For more information, call the church office at 570-443-9424 on Wednesday and Friday mornings.

CHAMBER MUSIC FANS & MUSICIANS: John L. Sullivan and Ann Marie Dixon, front, are shown with two of the musicians at the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chamber Music Society concert on March 17 at the Engine House. Amy Iwazumi, left, and John Vaida, were joined by Sofia Kim and Zachary Mowitz to perform to a sold-out venue.

Photo courtesy of Maureen feissner

JourNAl-herAld sPorts

It’s tournament time: Let the Madness begin!

by Steve Stallone Sports Editor

Sixty-eight teams. Sixtyfive games. Three weeks of basketball heaven.

Welcome to March Madness, 2024!

The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament is under way, and appears as wide-open as ever. As top seeds look to advance to the Final Four, and Cinderella teams search for their one shining moment, it’s time to break down this year’s tournament (which began with two play-in games on Tuesday, and opened with first-round games Thursday and Friday).

But first, a little tournament trivia.

Did you know that ...

* All four No. 1 seeds reached the Elite Eight just once in the past 13 tournaments (2016), and last year marked the first time an Elite Eight did not have at least one top seed present.

* There were no top seeds in last year’s Final Four, ending a streak of 10 straight tournaments with at least one No. 1 there.

* A 15-seed has won a firstround game in each of the last three years, and all three went on to reach at least the Sweet 16 (Princeton, Saint Peter’s,

Oral Roberts).

* A 5-seed has lost to a 12-seed in 32 of the last 38 tournaments dating back to 1985.

* A double-digit seed has advanced to the Sweet 16 in 15 straight tournaments, and 36 of 38.

* There has not been a repeat champion since Florida went back-to-back in 2006 and 2007. Since then, no defending champion has advanced past the Sweet 16.

* No team has ever won a national championship after losing its first game in the conference tournament.

* It’s been 11 years since the last time the overall No. 1 seed has won the title, when Louisville did it in 2013. UConn is the defending champion and overall No. 1 seed this year.

EAST REGIONAL

Top Seed: UConn

Upset Special: No. 11 Duquesne out of the Atlantic 10 Conference stuns No. 6 BYU from the Mountain West in a first-round shocker.

Regional Semifinals: No.

1 UConn over No. 5 San Diego State; No. 2 Iowa State over No. 3 Illinois.

Regional Final: After storming past Stetson and Florida Atlantic and taking out

San Diego State in a rematch of last year’s title game, UConn overwhelms 2-seed Iowa State in the regional final to return to the Final Four.

SOUTH REGIONAL

Top Seed: Houston

Upset Special: No. 12 James Madison gets the traditional 12-5 upset this year, taking down No. 5 Wisconsin out of the Big Ten.

Regional Semifinals: No. 1 Houston over No. 4 Duke; No. 7 Florida over No. 3 Kentucky.

Regional Final: This Houston team is built for tournament success, and can score in bunches. Watch for the Cougars to take a relatively easy ride to the Final Four, with wins over Longwood, Nebraska, Duke and Florida.

MIDWEST REGIONAL

Top seed: Purdue

Upset Specials: Two that stand out for me, including a second 12-5 upset with McNeese State running past No. 5 Gonzaga in the first round. In the second round, No. 8 Utah State takes down mighty Purdue to bust the bracket wide open.

Regional Semifinals: No. 8 Utah State over No. 4 Kansas; No. 2 Tennessee over No. 6 South Carolina.

Regional Final: No. 2 Tennessee survives a secondround scare from No. 7 Texas, then outlasts surprising South Carolina and Utah State to reach the Final Four.

WEST REGIONAL

Top seed: North Carolina

Upset Special: No. 11 New Mexico over No. 6 Clemson in the first round.

Regional Semifinals: No.

1 North Carolina over No. 4 Alabama; No. 2 Arizona over No. 3 Baylor

Regional Final: Topseed North Carolina and No. 2 Arizona are destined to collide in the regional final. First, the Tar Heels have to outlast No. 4 Alabama in a semifinal shootout. In the final, former Tar Heels star guard Caleb Love now with Arizona and current Tar Heels star guard R.J. Davis each drop 30 points, but UNC prevails to get to the Final Four.

FINAL FOUR

UConn vs. North Carolina Huskies won early regular-season meeting with Tar Heels, 87-76, but Carolina is a better team than it was at that point of the season. Since no team has gone back-toback in nearly two decades, UConn falls in overtime, and Tar Heels advance to title game, 87-80.

Tennessee vs. Houston

After scoring just 41 points in a blowout loss in its tournament, Houston has its high-octane offense back in high gear against Vols. Cougars advance, 95-84.

North Carolina vs. Houston Carolina can play a little defense, and will have to against the high-flying Cougars. Armando Bacot turns in another double-double, R.J. Davis wraps up tournament MVP honors with another gem, and North Carolina cuts down the nets in Indianapolis with a 75-69 victory.

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On the Sly Eagles, Steelers have bolstered their offenses in free agency

by Steve Stallone Sports Editor

Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers fans saw their teams shake up their respective offensive backfields over the past week or so, as the two will sport very different looks when they take the field later this year.

In Philly, the Eagles made a huge splash in free agency, nabbing New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley and signing him to a three-year deal for $37M and change. The move adds punch to the Eagles’ running game and also gives them a talented receiver coming out of the backfield. Barkley will wear the number 26 he wore with both the Giants and when he starred as an All-American at Penn State.

It is a homecoming of sorts for Barkley, who starred at Whitehall High School and grew up in Allentown as an Eagles fan.

The Eagles newest addition to their quarterback room is coming home, too.

Kenny Pickett, whose experiment as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback ended after just two seasons, is heading home after the Eagles traded for the former Pitt star to back up Jalen Hurts. The Birds surrendered a pair of draft picks to land Pickett, who said he was looking for a fresh start where it all began for him. He went to high school in Ocean Township, New Jersey.

“I just felt like it was time from things that transpired and wanted to get a chance to go somewhere else to continue to grow my career,” Pickett said upon leaving the team that drafted him in the first round in 2022 to be Ben Roethlisberger’s replacement. “The fact that it’s in Philly, the place I grew up and found a love for the game here, with a great coaching staff and great players…I think it’s an awesome opportunity here to join this team.”

Pickett’s sudden jettison from Pittsburgh became apparent after the Steelers last week went out and acquired nine-

time Pro Bowl quarterback

Russell Wilson from the Denver Broncos and signed him to a one-year contract for the veteran minimum of $1.2M. A Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson is coming off two up-and-down seasons in Denver. He bounced back after a poor 2022 to throw for over 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns against eight picks in 2023 but had a falling out with management and head coach Sean Payton late in the season, and his days in Colorado were numbered.

And, shortly after the Steelers sent Pickett to the Eagles, they traded a conditional sixth round draft pick for former Chicago Bears starting quarterback Justin Fields, with the Bears moving on from the former first round pick and looking to use the first overall pick in this year’s draft to upgrade the position.

So now, the Steelers have two former starters, though Wilson is thought to be the guy who will be starting this season in Pittsburgh while grooming the 25-year-old Fields to take the reins next season or beyond.

From this vantage point, it appears that both the Eagles and Steelers upgraded their respective backfields during free agency. Their final grade will come once the 2024 season is written.

PLAY BALL! The start of the Major League Baseball season is a week away, and for the first time in many, many years, I am feeling confident that the Pittsburgh Pirates can be contenders in the National League Central Division.

I watched a good many games on TV last season (and one in person) and witnessed the young Pirates make strides in 2023, and ultimately make a 10-game improvement from 2022 and fight their way out of the cellar.

As I’ve watched this spring, the young players from last year are looking more and more solid, and the lineup appears formidable. In fact, the Bucs lead all teams in Spring Training home runs as of this writing.

One of the most exciting third base-shortstop combinations in all of baseball is growing in Pittsburgh, where Ke’Bryan Hayes the son of former big league player Charlie Hayes and Oneil Cruz are ready to make a big splash. During an injury-plagued 2023 season, Hayes showed outstanding glove skills at the hot corner, and flashed .300/30 HR potential at the plate.

Cruz’s big debut a year ago ended after just a handful of games, when he broke his leg sliding into home during an early-season game in April, causing him to miss the rest of the season. The 6-foot-7 shortstop has hit the ground running this spring, leading all of baseball with seven spring training home runs and 15 RBIs. On Monday, he smashed two home runs among his three hits, and drove in six runs in the Bucs’ 11-2 rout of the Phillies in Clearwater, Fla.

With Hayes, 27 and Cruz, 25 showing the way, and a wealth of good young players throughout the lineup, including Bryan Reynolds, Jack Suwinski and Henry Davis, watch out for the Bucs in 2024.

SPRING FORWARD

Although this week’s cold snap put a damper on what we had hoped would be an early spring, the scholastic spring sports season is now upon us. Spring sports teams from Weatherly Area and Crestwood high schools have been practicing for a few weeks, and some have already played a scrimmage

and opened up their season this week.

In Weatherly, the Wrecker varsity baseball team was slated to open up at ColumbiaMontour Vo-Tech on Monday of this week, and was to pay a visit to Executive Education Charter School on Wednesday for another non-league game. The Wreckers begin their home and Schuylkill League schedule next Tuesday, March 26, against Marian.

Meanwhile, the Lady Wrecker softball team had its home opener slated for this past Saturday against Hanover Area, a non-league game at CMVT on Monday of this week, and another at Executive Education Charter School on Wednesday. The Lady Wreckers visit Lourdes Regional this Saturday. Their home opener is next Tuesday with Marian.

The Weatherly Area boys’ and girls’ track and field teams have an opening date of Tuesday, March 26, at Panther Valley. The Wreckers will “host” a trimeet with Marian and Nativity Tuesday, April 2 at Tamaqua Area High School’s track.

At Crestwood, the varsity baseball team is scheduled to open at Wyoming Seminary on Wednesday of this week, and will be at Honesdale next Tuesday, March 26.

The school’s varsity softball squad is in line to open its season Thursday afternoon at home against Holy Redeemer. On Saturday, the Lady Comets will visit Hanover Area.

See ON THE SLY, page 15

Puzzle Answers

Continued from page 14

The Crestwood girls’ lacrosse team was set to debut on Thursday at Delaware Valley, the first of three away matches to start the season. The Lady Comets are at Holy Redeemer next Tuesday, and at Lakeland next Thursday.

The boys’ lacrosse team will open its season next Tuesday at Lakeland, and the Comets will host Minisink Valley next Thursday.

The Crestwood boys’ volleyball team was slated to

begin its season Monday with a home match against Mountain View, before hosting Valley View on Thursday. The Comets are at Elk Lake on Saturday.

The Crestwood boys’ and girls’ track and field teams are the last program scheduled to start, with their first meet set for April 6 at the Haverford Invitational.

STRONG SEASONS A pair of Marian High School girls’ basketball players with Weatherly ties enjoyed standout seasons for the Fillies in 2023-24.

Freshman guard Deanna Pugh of Weatherly played in all 28 games, averaging 7.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. A defensive catalyst, Pugh’s 3.2 steals per contest ranked second on the team.

Senior guard Frankie Martinelli capped a stellar four-year career by averaging 10.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game this season. She also led the team in assists (4.6 per game) and steals (3.7).

Martinelli is the daughter of Weatherly High School all-time basketball great and Weatherly

Area Sports Hall of Fame player

Sue (Sernak) Martinelli.

The Fillies went 22-6 this season, winning the Schuylkill League Division III title, placing third in the District 11 Class 2A tournament, and winning a pair of PIAA Tournament games over Northeast Bradford and Northern Lehigh before falling to Marion Center in the quarterfinal round.

No area boys’ team went further than MMI Prep. which won a pair of PIAA Class A interdistrict games before District 3 champion Linville Hill ended the Preppers’ stellar season in the quarterfinal round.

The Preppers, who eliminated Weatherly Area in the opening round of the District 2/11 Class A Tournament, went on to win the District 2 title, place second in the 2/11 subregional, and beat Galeton and High Point Baptist in the state tournament. For the Preppers (16-11), it was their best season and deepest state tourney run since they won the PIAA Class C (small school) state championship in 1973.

HOMETOWN HEROES

As of this writing, my high school alma mater is playing in the PIAA Class 3A boys’ basketball semifinals, with a spot in Saturday’s title game in Hershey at stake. The Franklin Area Knights (23-5) were scheduled to face District 10 nemesis Girard (27-2) in the semifinal showdown, a rematch of the district championship game from two weeks earlier. That was won by Girard, 60-50, snapping the Knights’ 13-game win streak.

Since then, Franklin has reeled off three straight victories and knocked off a pair of district champions in Chestnut Ridge (District 5) and Deer Lakes (District 7). If the Knights take out Girard, they’ll be back in the state final for the first time since winning it all in the 2005-06 season, beating Communications Tech in the 3A championship. That Comm. Tech team eliminated the Crestwood Comets in the quarterfinals that season.

My hometown Knights have won 23 games for a third consecutive season. A year ago, they advanced to the state quarterfinals.

Basketball tradition at Franklin runs deep in my family. I’m a 1981 graduate and former co-captain of the basketball Knights, while my cousinsEthan and Alex Umbenhaur - are members of this year’s varsity squad at FHS. Congrats guys, and to all the Knights.

JourNAl-herAld sPorts

This college football player became a mobster

by Matthew Paris

Owen Hanson played college football as a walk-on at the University of Southern California. Caught up in the SoCal lifestyle, partying led

to gambling, drugs, and a prosperous life in crime.

Eventually, he got caught and is serving prison time. He just published his autobiography, and a Netflix series is in the works.

Born and raised in Southern California, Hanson excelled at football in high school but could not earn a college football scholarship. So, he tried out at USC and made the squad, playing on the 2004 Trojans national championship team.

He loved to party and was part of the in-crowd, living the Southern California lifestyle. According to Rolling Stone, he started dealing drugs while at USC and earned the nickname “O-Dog.” “If you wanted something, you went to O-Dog,” a friend at the time recalled. “Cocaine, steroids, you name it. He got it for you.”

After graduation, he got heavily involved in sports betting, working as a bookie for LA clients, and graduated to running a gambling business. As one person said, “He (Hanson) ran it like a gangster.”

Soon, his aspirations evolved into the drug business, and he built an empire called “O-Dog Enterprises.” Hanson built a mansion in Redondo Beach, California, replete with an

Olympic-sized swimming pool and chock-full of AK-47s.

Things were so profitable that Hanson expanded internationally, but the bubble burst when a situation went wrong in Australia. He was arrested in 2015, and over twenty members of his operation were also arrested on gambling charges and drug trafficking. For his part, Hanson pleaded guilty to racketeering and the conspiracy to distribute drugs. The sentence was 21 years in prison.

While there, Hanson wrote a book, published this year, entitled “The California Kid: From USC Golden Boy to International Drug Kingpin” and there’s more to come. Actor Mark Wahlberg is developing a docuseries on Hanson’s life for Netflix.

Matthew Paris loves covering the sports entertainment business and writes at The Sports Column.