The Journal-Herald, Thursday, June 6, 2024

theJournal-herald

©2024, THE JOURNAL-HERALD. All Rights Reserved

CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–145th YEAR, NO. 28

SINGLE COPY– 75¢

THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2024 • Volume 43 – No. 41 (USPS 277440)

CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–145th YEAR, NO. 2

THE SECOND ANNUAL TROUT FESTIVAL put on by the Western Pocono chapter of Trout Unlimited and the White Haven Area Community Library on Saturday, June 1, drew crowds of outdoor enthusiasts to visit a wide variety of booths both inside and outside the library, and to enjoy a fish fry to benefit the library’s children’s programming. JH: Ruth Isenberg

Freeland looking at ambulance options

by Jim Dino

The Freeland Northside Community Ambulance Association (FNCAA) has made a counter proposal for the borough to buy its building and thus give them funding to begin

operating again.

At the latest borough council meeting May 23, Councilman Frank Kislan, also a member of the ambulance unit’s board of directors, said that board discussed the proposal council made to them to give them the

money for the building so they could resume coverage that ended last October.

“The price they are willing to sell the building for is $150,000,” Kislan told council.

See FREELAND, page 5

Kidder

Supers OK Fireworks

and Fire Cos. offer thank yous

by Seth Isenberg

Kidder Supervisors made quick work of their May 28 agenda. In public comment, Lake Harmony Rescue Squad director of operations Scott Wuttke thanked supervisors for their covering fuel costs for the LHRS vehicles. Chief of the Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Co. Ralph Lennon also offered a hearty thank you from the LHVFC for covering their fuel costs. He added an invitation to attend that Saturday’s truck housing event.

Albrightsville VFD Chief Al Blew sent a letter of thanks to supervisors for covering fuel costs.

In business, Split Rock Resort was authorized for a fireworks display on their property on July 5 (with a rain date July 8).

The Shaw lot consolidation and improvement subdivision was approved as they met all conditions. Also approved were the two sewage planning modules for new lots at the Split Rock Country Club. The Camptel-Maison Lodging plan was given a 60-day extension (to

See KIDDER, page 5

THE JOURNAL-HERALD

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Subscription Price—$40 per year in Luzerne & Carbon Counties, Pennsylvania, payable in advance. $45 per year elsewhere, payable in advance.

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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

Not just a bad idea

by Ruth Isenberg

Trying to use your cell phone to text while driving has always been a bad no, a terrible idea. No matter how coordinated you think you are, you can’t text without taking your eyes off the road. Even if it’s just for the couple of seconds it takes to grab your phone and answer it while driving, you are distracted. And it only takes a few seconds for an accident to happen.

Now it’s more than a terrible idea to drive using a hand-held device. It’s also illegal in Pennsylvania. Governor Josh Shapiro on Wednesday signed Senate Bill 37, Paul Miller’s Law, into law prohibiting the use of hand-held devices while driving. Pennsylvania is the 29th state to enact such a ban, which is in place in all our neighboring states.

The bill passed with support from both political parties. It has northeast Pennsylvania roots. Senator Rosemary Brown was its prime sponsor. The bill is named for a 21-year-old man who was killed in 2010 in an accident caused by a distracted tractor-trailer driver, through no fault of his own. Sadly, this scenario is becoming all too common as a cause of motor vehicle accidents with other motorists, and with pedestrians.

Drivers can still utilize electronic communications that are built in to their vehicles. But they are not allowed to hold them in their hands, or rest them on their bodies. Texting is not allowed. Although built-in phones are permitted, drivers should remember that it’s easy to get caught up in conversation and lose track of traffic.

Law enforcement may issue warnings for the next six months. A fine of $100 (but no points) is established for violations. There is an option sentence enhancement for people who are found guilty of homicide by vehicle.

While the prohibition may be inconvenient for some drivers, it isn’t meant as a punishment for them. Instead, it is meant to protect innocent drivers who could become their victims.

No text or call is important enough to risk the lives of others.

From The Journal-Herald Issue of June 2, 1994 Editors & Publishers Jay and Clara Holder

A major renovation of the White Haven Fire Company social club building is proposed. The project would remove the third floor and put a new façade on the remaining two floors.

Weatherly Council okayed the use of the Philip Cain/Serguis Blumer garage on their West Main Street property as a place of worship for the Chapel of the Archangel, over the objections of some of the neighbors.

Civil War Re-enactors from the 81st PA Volunteer Infantry were shown in this week’s photo providing a tribute to White Haven’s Civil War heroes.

Weatherly Area School Board is proposing an 18 mil tax increase for next year. The big number is in part related to the reassessments of the Mountain Laurel Resort to 30% of its previous value, and of the old Howard Johnson Motor Lodge to half of its previous value, as well as the bankruptcy sale of the former Pocono Ramada Inn (no transfer tax and reduced valuation). That’s an over $600,000 change to revenue to spread over the district’s roughly 2,400 homes and 100 businesses.

The Weatherly Area Marching Band was in fine form at the Weatherly Memorial Day parade.

Weatherly will host another parade this coming weekend on Saturday when the firemen parade to Citizens Fire Co. to dedicate their new 1994 Kovatch Mobile Equipment rescue truck. There will be a Firemen’s Bazaar both Saturday and Sunday with bands, home cooking and kids’ rides.

Another photo in this issue shows 25 members of Saint Patrick Church’s first Holy Communion class.

Senior profiles this week were high school seniors Jason Holmberg, Jamie Alice Keeshock and April L. Hoffman.

Pastor the Rev. Thomas Ramsay of God’s Missionary Church offered a missive on Satan’s Imposition on the Church.

18 people from throughout Carbon County were hired for summer positions at Weatherwood.

Steve Stallone wrote a “Wind Down” of the spring sports season, then noted Little League, the Keystone Games and the summer’s NASCAR races will fill the summer days.

Phil Engman was Ramblin’ On about New York City being the “Center of the Sports Universe” with the Rangers in the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Knicks in the NBA playoffs, the Yankees having the best record in baseball, and the Mets still being over .500.

Phil Jeffries wrote about getting in shape for upcoming races, as well as his training route of up the Hill Climb and over to the water pipeline road, then along that to behind the Country Inn, then home. His run took about an hour and a half. He rewarded himself after the run with a hamburger at the Family Diner.

This week’s Dine-Out column was about festivals and festival food. We visited Mayfair in Allentown, sampling gyros and batterdipped vegetables, French crepes and an apple dumpling. We also attended the Greek festival at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Stroudsburg moussaka, pastichio, dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), spanakopita and some baklava. We went home and stopped into the Poconos’ Greatest Irish Festival at Jack Frost. The three-day weekend See ARCHIVES, page 3

Archives

Continued from page 2

made it possible to add one more event the Memorial Day street fair in Freeland.

The issue had a large ad from Hersheypark, inviting all comers to try their new Splashdown flume ride.

From The Journal

Issue of June 1, 1944

Editor W.C. Taylor

At commencement exercises for the White Haven High School Class of 1944 on Friday, June 2, diplomas will be awarded to three students now serving in the armed forces: Rocco Bonomo, Thomas Orlowskey and Joseph Sullivan.

The Nuangola Grove Theatre will open its 11th season the week of June 5th with “Junior Miss,” a new comedy.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

Estate of John William Healey

a/k/a John L. Healey

Late of Kidder Township, 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:

JOHN L. HEALEY, Administrator

JACQUELINE M. ROMANO, Administrator or to their Attorney:

JAMES R. NANOVIC, ESQUIRE

NANOVIC LAW OFFICES

57 Broadway, P.O. Box 359 Jim Thorpe, PA 18229-0359 6/13

Atty. Cindy Yurchak

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Regular Meeting of the Weatherly Area School District Board of Directors has been changed from Wednesday, June 12, 2024 to Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 6:00 in the MS LGI room.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Penn Lake Park Borough Zoning Hearing Board will hold public hearing June 25, 2024, 6:00 pm at Penn Lake Borough Community Building, 1744 Lakeview Drive, Penn Lake, White Haven, PA 18661 to consider application by Irvin & Carol Blakesley for 1155 Lakeview Drive, White Haven, PA 18661 (R-1 Zoning District) for dimensional variances and special exception approval for enlargement of a nonconforming structure (as well as any attendant variances for the same) with first floor addition and deck. Application available to public by contacting Barry Jacob, Zoning Officer (570-899-7149).

McNealis Law Offices, Solicitor for Zoning Hearing Board 6/13

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Weatherly Borough Council will hold a public hearing on June 24, 2024, at 5:00 p.m., prevailing time at the Weatherly Municipal Building located at 61 West Main Street, Weatherly, PA. The purpose of the public hearing will be to take comments to assist Borough Council in determining boundaries for the LERTA (Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act) Program. At this public hearing, Taxing Authorities, Planning Commissions, individuals, and agencies may present their recommendations concerning the location of the boundaries of a deteriorated area or areas within the Borough of Weatherly.

HAROLD PUDLINER, Borough Manager Weatherly Borough 61 West Main Street Weatherly, PA 18255

JAMES R. NANOVIC, ESQUIRE Borough Solicitor 57 Broadway, P.O. Box 359 Jim Thorpe, PA 18229

obituAries

MARY ANN TYLER ROMANO, R.N.

May 25, 1942 - May 26, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Mary Ann Tyler Romano, R.N., on May 26, 2024. A cherished longtime resident of Weatherly, Mary Ann had recently made her home in The Villages in Florida.

Mary Ann was born in White Haven in 1942 to the late Howard and Anna (Deubler) Tyler. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Glennys Sanute and Keith Tyler, as well as her son-in-law, Todd W. Titus. She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Louis V. Romano Jr.; her loving daughters, Michele Palko and her husband Jerome, and Nicole Borland and her husband Craig. Mary Ann’s legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren who fondly called her Nanny, Todd and Tyler Titus, Taylor (Titus)

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.

Gregory, Casey Olszewski, and Rheese Borland, and her adored great-grandchildren, Ryder Titus, Grant Gregory, and Grayson Titus.

Mary Ann was an alumna of Weatherly High School. She pursued her passion for nursing, earning her R.N. from St. Luke’s School of Nursing, her B.S.N. from Bloomsburg University, and her Master of Science from the University of Scranton.

Her career was marked by dedicated service as a nursing instructor and Director of Medical Records at Hazleton State Hospital, and later as a Quality Assurance Evaluator for the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

An accomplished duplicate bridge player, Mary Ann earned the prestigious designation of Life Master and was an active member of the American Contract Bridge League. She found great joy in teaching bridge and sharing her expertise.

Her commitment to her community was evident through her service as president of the Community Chest in Weatherly, president of the United Way, and as a dedicated member of the Salem U.C.C. Consistory and a Sunday school teacher. Mary Ann found joy in boating, golfing, and, most importantly, in spending time with her beloved family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 8, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes R.C.C., 318 Plane Street, Weatherly, with Rev. Eugene P. Ritz officiating. Interment will follow at Union Cemetery, Weatherly.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Office of Development, P.O. Box 27106, New York, NY 10087-7106.

Condolences may be shared online by visiting www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com Arrangements are entrusted to Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Weatherly.

Reinmiller service postponement

The Reinmiller family has postponed the memorial service for Carl Reinmiller.

Paula Oross, 79, of East Side Borough, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.

Born in Bronx, NY, she was the daughter of the late Hipolito Monoz and Anna Olenik.

Paula was raised by her foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Victorio Cimmo, and Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Parco.

She was a graduate of Dodge Vocational High School and Lenox Hill Hospital where she earned her Nursing license. Paula worked as charge nurse for many nursing homes and hospitals, during her nursing career. She later did private duty nursing for HSJMC, Hazleton and was also an office nurse at various doctors’ offices.

Paula enjoyed painting, sewing, and crocheting, and was an avid reader.

She was a member of St. Patrick’s Church, White Haven, and its choir. She assisted at

church activities and Knights Of Columbus events. She assisted in the summer religious instruction classes, volunteered for the Red Cross working blood drives and was an assistant Girl Scout Troop leader, and assisted at local boy scout troop activities.

Paula was a member of the local PNA at Weatherwood Nursing Home.

In addition to her parents and foster parents, she was preceded by her loving husband, Edmund Oross and sisters Marie Caprero and Betty Bonifacio Left to cherish her memory are her children Kathryn Oross of White Haven, and John (Roxanne Hoffman) Oross of White Haven; four grandchildren and their spouses; and three great grandchildren.

A funeral service was conducted June 3, from the Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc., White Haven, with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Patrick’s Church, White Haven. Interment followed in the parish cemetery. For additional information, visit www. LehmanFuneralHome.com

WhiteHaven,PA

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

ServingWhiteHaven,Weatherlyandsurroundingcommunities www.LehmanFuneralHome.com

BranchofLehmanFamilyFuneralService,Inc. (570)443-9816

Obituary Policy: The Journal-Herald does not charge for the publication of obituaries. They are treated as news articles, and edited to fit our requirements, as are all news items. Pictures may be included when available. Obituaries with special wording may be published as Tribute advertising, at regular rates. Call 570-215-0204 xt2 for more information.

PAULA OROSS

Freeland

Continued from page 1

“The building is appraised at $320,000. We have money to pay two months of bills. We still have money coming in from last July and August.”

Volunteer and paid ambulance units have the ability to charge insurance companies for ambulance runs.

Council members said they will discuss the counter proposal.

The problems volunteer ambulance units have operating, especially attracting trained volunteers, are common in the area.

Council voted to sign a letter of intent for a PA Department of Community & Economic Development study about

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

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) regionalization. Council

President Josh Richie said council’s support of that effort is independent from the situation with the Freeland ambulance unit.

On council’s meeting agenda, there were potential motions to continuing the EMS tax the borough levies for the ambulance unit, and putting the purchase of the ambulance building on the ballot for voters to decide. None of the motions were made by council members.

Funding

The borough is getting a $100,000 Local Shares Account (LSA), or gaming grant. Richie said the borough applied for the money for a project to make improvements to the borough building.

The original scope of work, Richie said, was to make improvements to the building’s HVAC system, roof repairs and the installation of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) handicapped accessible bathrooms.

Richie said the borough asked for over $200,000, so the work will have to be scaled down.

Council also voted to apply for a $68,261.80 Greenways, Trails and Recreation grant from DCED, and approved a cooperative agreement with the Freeland YMCA for enhancements at the Freeland Public Park. Richie said those improvements include fencing around the playground area, and mulch to level out areas around

tree roots that are sticking up from the ground.

Garbage changes

Council also accepted a proposal from a private firm, Pennsylvania Municipal Services, to do the borough’s garbage and stormwater billing. Richie said the borough will pay 65¢ per bill, but all other charges are on the end user, or the party being billed. The firm will be responsible for handling collections and delinquents.

Josh Kreitzer, the owner of Anthracite Waste, the garbage collection service the borough uses, asked council if the firm could change collection days. Currently, trash is picked up on Tuesday on one side of the borough and on Wednesday on the other side. Kreitzer wanted to change the Tuesday collection to Friday. He also said both sides could be done on Fridays. Council will mull his offer.

In other actions, council: Approved a motion to establish a Junior Council Person position.

Voted to purchase a Voice Stress Analyzer for the police department. The device is used to question suspects to determine if they are telling the truth.

Appointed Scott Slank and Walter Dianese to the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) appeals board, which hears appeals from decisions made based on the internationallyrecognized building code.

Kidder

Continued from page 1

remove unapproved structures).

In reports, supervisor Noel Torres was given recognition for stepping up to be a translator for two police cases. As roadmaster, Torres referred to the township engineer’s report on the Meckes Lane bridge, where a bit of scour and minor undermining of a pier both need to be taken care of. The bridge is sound, and with the work done, will return to an every-six-month inspection rotation.

Police report 219 calls for April, 113 of those being traffic. A breakdown of those include 10 speeding tickets 5 each on Route 940 and Route 903, 6 STOP sign violations, 28 equipment violations (trucks) 21 on Route 940, 10 license violations, 13 moving violations 11 on Route 940, and 46 warnings 10 in Lake Harmony, 15 on Route 903 and 21 on Route 940.

Kidder Township Police patrolled 10,923 miles with their five units in April.

Lake Harmony VFC was called out 21 times, and Albrightsville VFC 11.

The Lake Harmony Rescue Squad was called 18 times in April, 13 in Lake Harmony, 3 in the White Haven area, 1 in the Weatherly area, and 1 into Tobyhanna Twp. They also went out 5 times on fire alarms. Total driving was 1294 miles. Fuel usage was 137 gallons.

Bills of $242,632 were approved for payment $65,169 was for the emergency services toward equipment, contract bills were $82,956 (mostly taxes and insurances), ordinary bills were $56,558 and garbage cost was $28,599.

Kidder Supervisors will meet next on June 25, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the township building.

Saluting Our Graduates

For the next few weeks, The Journal-Herald will be featuring graduations. If you would like to submit a picture of your graduate for inclusion, email it to journalruth@gmail.com

Post 360 Honor Guard: Rick Blair, Paul Bray, Joe Badulka, Ray Desrosiers, Joe Sherman, Post 360 Commander Harry Shelhamer.

The Second Annual White Haven Trout Festival was a huge success with several hundred visitors attending!

We would like to thank the following:

The DLNHC and the DCNR, who provided partial funding and coordination of the 5K Race in support of the event.

Western Pocono Trout Unlimited, especially Mike Gondell, for hosting the event and coordinating all the exceptional exhibitors.

Members of the White Haven Firemen’s Social Club, especially Jeff Carter, Kevin Carter, Mike Dotter, Mike Shea, Joe Pohida and Theresa Ritz, for cooking and serving all the delicious food. Proceeds from the fish fry will be used for the summer children’s program.

Sean Reynolds, the White Haven Borough Maintenance Manager, for assisting with the site set up and clean up.

And we would like to recognize and thank all the volunteers of the White Haven Area Community Library who provided the hard work of planning, coordinating, setting up, manning the food and desk stations and tearing down after it was all done. We are so fortunate to have an amazing group of people all working together to make good things happen in our community!

White Haven Area Community Library Board of Directors

Memorial Day in Weatherly

The American Legion Family, consisting of members of Post 360 and Unit 360, participated in Memorial Day ceremonies at the Spring Street War Memorial, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Union Cemetery and the Eurana Park Pavilion. This included the laying of a Memorial Wreath at the Monument by Miss Poppy, Aurelia Rambaran, and a Gun Salute by the Post 360 Honor Guard. At the Eurana Park Pavilion, there were several musical selections by the

Weatherly Area High School chorus under the direction of Daniel Derflinger. Student speakers were Mellanie Marshman (In Flanders Fields) and Jack James (Gettysburg Address). District President Georgeann Herling spoke on the history of Memorial Day. Unit 360 President Georgia Farrow read a poem about the Old Gray Brigade. Main speaker was Sergeant Major Mark Baylis, founder and CEO of the Valor Clinic Foundation.

From left, Ray Desrosiers, Unit 360 President Georgia Farrow, Paul Bray, Rick Blair, Judy Desrosiers, Andrea Romig, Post 360 Commander Harry Shelhamer, Carol Eroh, Trinity Baptist Church pastor David Clark, District President Georgeann Herling, MC Shane Moran, WAHS Band member Macke Rhodes (Bugler), Miss Poppy Aurelia Rambaran, Sally Mitchell, and Karen Andrews.

letter to the editor

To the Editor:

My father was stationed in Olympia, WA in the summer of 1945 preparing to board ships to finish invading Japan. In August, President Truman ended the war without losing one soldier.

My father was NOT a “loser” and a “sucker” as a man from Florida claims. Neither was John McCain. Your editorial notes that our politicians continue

to trade “insults and cheap shots,” but there is a much more poisonous to democracy rhetoric coming only from one side. This “both-side” false equivalency coming from the media needs to be halted. Only one side speaks the language of dictators. In fact, the GOP candidate promises to be a dictator “from day one.”

Only one side wants to suspend the Constitution, tear gas peaceful protestors,

and execute General Miley for treason.

Only one side uses phrases like “vermin” and “human scum” to describe fellow Americans. Only one side says Americans “seem to like dictators.” Only one side promises to separate parents from children at the border, and then not keep records to reunite them. Only one side said Putin was a “brilliant genius” for invading Ukraine.

The other side supports the Constitution and promotes democratic countries worldwide.

So, please differentiate

seth’s sightiNgs

Another week, another set of deer to dodge. One night this week, I encountered two deer standing in the center of the road so I rolled up on them slowly and they finally took the hint and leapt away. A little ways later, a single deer was up against a fence and decided

to run across the road, again I rolled up behind it, urging it on.

That same ride, I spotted another fox.

Other sightings include a raccoon on garbage night, and a good-sized skunk at the end of the block where we live.

Ruth and I were out late a

between the language normal politics engenders & the antidemocracy language employed only by the GOP in this year’s election cycle.

Democrats do not incessantly attack democracy and our 250 year old republic. Democrats decry rather than glorify violence as a solution to disagreements.

There are no “both sides” to tyranny and despotism. May God help us save American democracy for our 250th celebration in 2026.

Dave Panckeri Weatherly

by seth iseNberg

couple of nights and tried to see Northern Lights no luck.

I’m happy to cheer the Boston Celtics in the NBA finals. Ideally, they will win the first two at home to set the tone. We shall see but go Celtics.

As for the NHL, the Stanley Cup finals pit Edmonton from

Canada against the New York Rangers. This should be a great matchup, with games going into mid-June. Canadians will be conflicted when hockey runs up against Canadian football. The Edmonton Elks start their season the same night as the Stanley Cup kickoff, thought two hours earlier due to Eastern time (Edmonton is on Mountain time).

With flowers, mountain laurel is beginning a showy early bloom in Hickory Run State Park. Roses are getting the sun and moisture they need. At the office, our big rose bush is blooming beautiful deep red. Nearby, there’s a wild rose blooming pink flowers. At home, it’s lilies and some pansies in a pot. Our mock orange plant is showing white flowers all over, its best bloom yet.

We are looking at adding tomatoes, also in a pot. I’ve lost the energy to plant and sow, so potted and hanging tomatoes are just my speed this year. I did have energy to do some bushes trimming, cutting back on the forsythia as it throws growth where I don’t want it. Now if I can keep up.

I am pushing to get short walks into my busy pre-summer schedule, working to rebuild stamina. The weather has mostly cooperated, giving us some lovely late spring days.

So here’s to easy yardwork, sunshine and not-too-hot days, and good health to you.

Crestwood High School celebrates Class of 2024 graduation

Crestwood High School is proud to congratulate the graduating Class of 2024. The 2024 Crestwood Graduation Ceremony was held on June 1, at The Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre.

This year’s graduating class was comprised of 218 students who have demonstrated remarkable academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.

Principal John Gorham stated, “Consider the legacy you wish to leave behind and envision the lasting impact you can have on the world around you.” Superintendent Natasha Milazzo reminded the students of a popular Crestwood saying of “Comets let’s SOAR!”

Highlights of the ceremony included

- Opening remarks by Class of 2024 Vice President, Morgan Koons

- Musical performances by Mia Costello, Natalie Hunsinger, and Phoenix Davis

- Presentation of diplomas by class advisors Bill Kane and Christy Laubach

- Keynote Speakers John Gorham, Principal; Megan Laskoski, Class President; and Natasha Milazzo, Superintendent

- Representative Alec Ryncavage was a special guest for the ceremony

In addition to the traditional

commencement exercises, Crestwood hosted senior parade and sunset on May 24, an awards night and class night on May 28, and a Walk of Graduates on May 29 to further celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates.

MILITARY FUTURE: Front row from left, Mary Kate Banford, Jayden Castroman, Margaret Kozich; back row, Joseph Sando, Dylan Minet, Sean Rodgers

CHS CLASS OF 2024 OFFICERS: From left, Magaret Kozich, Treasurer; Emily DelVecchio, Secretary; Megan Laskoski, President; Morgan Koons, Vice President.

TOP 10 STUDENTS, CHS CLASS OF 2024: First row, from left, Charlene Daisey, Magaret Kozich, Megan Laskoski, Aubrey Macri, Mia Costello; second row, Elizabeth Kozich, Mary Kate Banford, Saif Rehman, Eliza Seifert, and Victoria Lupo

CRESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2024: Row 1, from left, Naviah M. Labar, Annabel G. Bogdon, Leila A. McGraw, Aleah Marchese, Haniyya Qirat Faisal, Mallory Myers, Kyra Alyssa Daniel, Cheyenne Theresa Straub, Anna Thomas, Madalyn E. Smith, Margaret Kozich, Emily Judith DelVecchio, Morgan Laity Koons, Megan Elizabeth Laskoski, Kayla Rihanna Shaw, Olivia Mitchell, Hibba Zainab Mehran, Jenna Marie Medvetz, Gianna Musto, Haily Elizabeth Morales, Paige A. Ceaser, Olivia L. Lockman, Cieraena Joely Eppley, Charlene Marie Daisey, Anna Belle Elliott; Row 2: Anthony M. Slivinski, Kalya L. Wisniewski, Gabriella Rose Ambosie, Levi Richman, Elisa Elena Reluzco, Olivia Elisabeth Oresick, Margaret C. Modrovsky, Maggie Amelia Riccio, Shelby Pavlick, Emma Lynn Pahler, Ashton Medeiros, Alexandra Hargreaves, Lily Marie Hughes, Ainsley Iriana Webby, Emma Elizabeth Suhoski, Alese Kathryn Ritts, Morgan Elizabeth Hudak, Jessica Lee Golden, Vianca Espinoza, Phoenix Leigh Davis, Julia Rose Baron, Natalie Matthews, Aubrey Macri, Lindsey Gustas, Madelyne Paige Carmichael, Autumn F. Bork; Row 3: Saif U. Rehman, Carley Pocono, Avena Maria McDonough, Victoria M. Lupo, Olivia Pesta, Gavin Allen Barrett, Daksh Patel, Logan Patrick Marko, Ryan Kozich, Juliette M. Witkowski, Megan Reilly Werger, Bianca Carol Long, Momina Khan, Scarlett Marie Evans, Brianna Jane Dessoye, Sydney Lynn Churchill, Mary Kate Banford, Natalie Hunsinger, Mandi Crosley, Mia Rose Costello, Cadee Leigh Cameron, Mikayla Mae Sullick, Sydney Magda, Elizabeth Kozich; Row 4: Mykenzie Balon, Emma Rose Perrins, Ilona B. Stoffa, Joshua R. Woodworth, Nathan James Wolsieffer, Dev Patel, Daevin Myers, Dylan J. Minet, Logan Cole Jasnoski, Christian Howard-Wojciechowski, Jayden A. Castroman, Jade Aryona Kenner, Samuel Philip Jeckell, James Liam Grosz, Steven William Randolph Dick, Donald Wayne Croughn III, Isabella I. Colandrea, Molly E. Berry, Victoria Athena Allen, Ethan S. Pinto-Alexander, James Gary Barrett, Hanane Aoun, Jacob Yongzu Marich, Kyle Orrson, Kennedy G. Mullen; Row 5: Mason Kostrzewski, Michael Matthew O’Donnell, Austin C. Massaker, Tyler Kruczek, Zachariah J. Neeley, Madelyn Elizabeth Yohey, Katelyn Arlene Yohey, Stephanie Nicole Scott, Evan Corey Poncavage, Raymond Myers, Michael Mullisky, Richard Dean Kline, Edwin Thomas Kimsal, Syed Abbas Hamdani, Andrew P. Fenstermacher, Taiden L. Cull, Andrew Lawrence Castaneda, Henry Canela Jr, Jayden Brown, Allen Angon, Ashton Spaide, Logan S. Rolles, Deven Hazlak, Nicki Borelli, Allyson Babula, Juliana Ambosie; Row 6: Cameron William Randall, Sean Rodgers, Tobin M. Strawser, Giovanni Michael Anthony Medvitz, Robert Charles Duffy III, Trevor James Miller, Naythan Peter Wielgopolski, Zachary Alan Updyke, Luke John Swerdon, Jason M. Swank, Joshua David Rotski, Mason Myers, Declan Patrick Munley, Andrew Patrick Lenahan, Kara Collins, John Thomas Barr, Grayson Alexander Koons, Fredrick Hopersberger, Logan R. Henry, Mayson Alexander Girton, Evan Richard Finn, Bailey Tobin Durofchalk, Aidan DeMarzo, Shayne A. Sharma; Row 7: Michael John Muth, Jeremy Hart, Mason Anthony Tomek, Brian Charles Smith, Joseph M. Sando, Alan Porro, Stephen Petty, Caleb Stephen Partington, Gabriel J. McLaughlin, Connor Kearns, George Jennings IV, Justin George Hischar, Osten Michael Grigas, Donte Fanelli, Mason Perry Czapla, Donnie Casterline, Austin Campbell, Timothy Bates, Christopher Michael Harmon Jr, William Alexander Doan, Nicholas Danishefsky, Brayden Michael Wanchisen; Row 8: Ryan Elsasser, Gauge David Burnett, Joshua Roman, David Furcal, Brandon James Evans Jr, Chester Thomas Wright III, Matthew Scott O’Boyle, Lars Stephensson, Matthew K. Sklarosky, Xaiver James Hendon, Lukas James Lawson, Colten N. Kolasensky, Maxwell E. Davis, Matthew B. Kralj, Derek Joseph Johnson, Nathaniel Stortz, Eliza Grace Seifert; Missing from photo: Lillianna L. Ashby, Philip P. Barr III, Dominick Engler, Nicholas C. Fisher, Lexa Ann Gluc, Nora Jean Grimes, Daniel Jacob Grimm, Gianna Jane Higdon, Edwin Leelan Kania, Kenneth D. Kellpinger Jr, Anastasia Alexandra Kostin, Matthew Joseph Levier, Julian Michael Lewin-DiTulio, Joseph J. Lokuta, Kenneth John Lynch Jr, Joshua P. MacDonald, Enderlis Martinez Zacaris, Hunter A. Motel, Joshua Petrey, Rachel Rick, Julia Marie Sinavage, Joseph Victor Urbanski, Jason Tyler Williams, Mariah Wilson

2024 District 10 North Song Fest: Last month, seven students from the Weatherly Area Elementary School Chorus were chosen to participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association 2024 District 10 North Song Fest held at Pleasant Valley High School in Brodheadsville. Students from the region gather together to form a choir, rehearsing during the day and performing a concert that evening. Guest conductor Sean Hackett conducted close to 200 students from 17 chosen schools from the area. Selected music included Cantate Domino by Nancy Hill Cobb, When I Close My Eyes by Jim Papouis, Ton The by Jeanne & Robert Gilmore, arr. Susan Brumfield, Blowin’ in The Wind by Bob Dylan, arr. Len Thomas, The Storm Is Passing Over by Charles Albert Tindley, arr. Barbara W. Baker, and Cantar! by Jay Althouse. Students from Weatherly Area were accompanied to the event by Elementary Band & Chorus director Donald Trenn. 5th Grade students included from left, Rachel Clark, Zachary Hayes, Kaden Witner, Madilyn McGee, Amelia Petka, Alexis Masterson and Silas Eckert.

Museum to “Energize Eckley” with new speaker series

Eckley Miners’ Village will offer programs featuring leading writers and researchers of the anthracite region during Energize Eckley, a speaker series running on most Saturdays from late June through August 2024. Curated walking tours, field tests, demonstrations, lectures, cultural performances, and a new virtual-reality experience will invite learners of all ages to reconsider the anthracite region’s rich heritage from unfamiliar perspectives. Energize Eckley is designed to make emerging research about the anthracite region accessible to the public and to foster dialogue between the museum’s visitors and its university partners.

Proceeds from Energize Eckley will help match a National Endowment for the Humanities grant for Eckley to rehabilitate two of its buildings as overnight lodging and educational facilities, part of a long-term effort to preserve the village and enhance

The Journal-Herald costs $45 per year outside of Carbon and Luzerne Counties; $40 in Carbon & Luzerne Counties—less than buying at the store. Send the form below with your check, or call 570-215-0204 xt304 to order and pay with a credit card. Make check payable to: CANWIN Mail to: 211 Main St., White Haven PA 18661

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visitor experience. Tickets are $12/event and must be reserved in advance at www. EckleyMinersVillage.com/ Energize. A season pass to all 6 events is available for $60. The series schedule is as follows:

Sat. June 29—Edward Slavishak, PhD | Susquehanna University, History / “Bleak Truthfulness: Hollywood Comes to Eckley”

Sat. July 13—Bobby Karimi, PhD | Wilkes University, Earth Systems / “What Lies Beneath: Geophysical Investigations of Minelands”

Sat. July 20—Jennifer Baka, PhD | Penn State, Geography / “Anthracite Heritage Immersion: A VR Tour of Eckley”

Sat. August 3—Karol Weaver, PhD | Susquehanna University, History / “Medical Caregiving in the Anthracite Coal Region: A Walking Tour”

Sat. August 10—Paula Holoviak, PhD | Kutztown University, Philosophy & Government / “Ukrainian Immigration to the Anthracite Coal Region” w/ Kazka Folk Ensemble dancers

Sat. August 17—Kyla Cools & Aryn Schriner | University of Maryland, Anthropology / “History Beneath Our Feet: Heritage and Archaeology at Eckley Miners’ Village” Programs will begin at 2 p.m. and last for approximately one hour, followed by a meet-andgreet with the featured speaker.

The series is presented by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission with support from PNC Bank and Mauch Chunk Trust.

Eckley Miners’ Village is committed to preserving and interpreting the lives and culture of people from around the world who came to Northeastern Pennsylvania to mine anthracite coal and fuel America’s industrial might. Eckley is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, the Commonwealth’s official heritage agency.

Eckley’s regular hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.

Summer Reading at WACL

The Summer Reading program will be held July 22 to 25, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Weatherly Area Community Library for children going into

first, second, or third grade next year.

Please call the library, 570427-5085, to register, there are only 24 openings.

Shepherd House Food Distribution

Food will be distributed on Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. - Noon. Weatherly’s Shepherd House is located at 335 Fell Street.

Upcoming distributions dates are July 6 and August 3.

Biggest fish, 18 inches, caught by Allison Alston at the Hickory Hills Fishing Derby. Prizes were donated by G&A Hardware and the HHPOA Board of Directors.

Photos: Alice Lachewitz

librAry corNer

The YMCA Food and Fun Program, hosted by the White Haven Area Community Library begins June 24 and ends August 16. Each day the program will run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. It is a free program offering a nutritious lunch and snacks provided by the Wyoming Valley YM/YWCA.

There will be outdoor games, crafts, team building, day trips to Camp Kresge, special guest presentations, scavenger hunts and more. All area children who have completed Kindergarten through age 17 are welcome.

Regular programs continue at the library, including Scrabble Club, June 6 and 20 at 6 p.m., Knitting in the Park, June 8 at 10 a.m., Fiber Arts Club June 13 and 27 at 10 a.m., Lil Legos for Tots June 20 at 4 p.m. and Craft Night June 26 at 6 p.m.

The library welcomes residents of the greater White Haven community as well as visitors to our area. Computers and free wi-fi are available to everyone.

If you are interested in volunteering at the library, we would love to meet you. There are a variety of opportunities available for you to share your skills and experience. Please call 570-443-8776 or stop in during library hours.

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

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Hard to imagine communities without a YMCA

by Steve Stallone Sports Editor

The Village People said it best in their hit song from the 1970s: “It’s fun to stay at the YMCA!”

Sadly, it’s been nearly five years since the Hazleton YMCA shuttered. On June 30 of 2019, the long-standing hub of youth sports and community activity closed its doors, with a lack of money and a lack of credentials by those who oversaw the building the primary reasons.

I was shocked. How could this have happened, I wondered, and where would the community’s youth turn to? I couldn’t imagine a community without one. Certainly, my formative years growing up in Western Pennsylvania were greatly influenced by the local YMCA. Just a three-block walk from my house, I spent countless hours there doing anything you can imagine.

That sprawling one-story building, which had been built

just a few years earlier, featured an olympic-size swimming pool and seating area, a brightly-lit gymnasium with bleachers, racquetball/handball courts, a large recreation room, large locker rooms and showers for the men and women, and several other smaller rooms for gatherings and meetings.

I learned how to swim at the Franklin YMCA, taught by my teenage friends after failing to learn how from swim lessons a few years earlier.

I also honed my basketball skills there, and became a master of pinball, ping pong, foosball, air hockey and 8-ball pool. When it was nice outside, we were outside doing our thing. When it wasn’t, we were at the “Y” hanging out with friends, playing ball and enjoying life.

You could pay a daily rate to use the Y’s facilities, but my parents quickly learned that the one-year memberships were the way to go for me and my siblings.

One of the coolest features of the Y’s recreation room was a DJ booth equipped with the latest music system and a vast assortment of albums (called vinyl nowadays). Situated up a flight of steps high above the room in one of the corners was the DJ booth, where you could overlook the entire recreation room, or go to the other side of the booth and look out over the gymnasium next door.

There was some sort of DJ club we were a part of, so we were able to get the key to the booth and access it whenever it was free. And on Friday nights, the Y would sponsor youth dances, and we could spin our own records.

The YMCA was a huge part of my life growing up, something I feel the youth of the Greater Hazleton area has been missing these past five years.

Fortunately, a push is on to renovate and reopen the Hazleton YMCA at its same location, just a block from the

city’s center along Church Street. Grants, local investments, and donations have helped raise more than $2 million over the past three years, and work has been underway since last year. The goal is to be up and running this fall.

The new Hazleton YMCA is scheduled to feature an early education and childcare center and outdoor play area. The gymnasium is being restored to accommodate before- and after-school programs as well as adult fitness and adult sports programs. And the Y’s existing pool will be used for adult swim, swim lessons and the youth swimming program.

Kudos to the local businesses, government agencies, the Greater Wyoming Valley YMCA and all the individuals behind the scenes for their efforts in remaking the Hazleton YMCA and getting back such a vital part of the community.

The college baseball team without a college

by Matthew Paris

It’s that time of year when college baseball teams wind up conference play, and the best teams go on to play for a national championship in what’s called “The College World Series.” Major schools (Division I in baseball) get most of the attention, just as they do in football and basketball. Still, there’s also great competition in other divisions, called Division II and Division III. This story is about the 2024 Division III championship and a school that competed in this year’s tournament, Birmingham-

Southern College (BSC).

BSC is a liberal arts school with a good college baseball team that won over thirty games this year. The team qualified for this year’s NCAA D-III tournament and cruised through its first five games, qualifying for the opportunity to play for the D-III national championship. Still, what makes BSC’s story worth telling?

Founded in 1856 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church, BSC has struggled financially. Despite considerable effort, the financial burden could not be eased. Eventually, the school’s board of trustees made a painful decision--to close the college and cease operations. “This is a tragic day for the College, our students, our employees, and our alumni,” said Board Chair Rev. Keith D. Thompson when announcing the decision in March of this year. “It is also a terrible day for Birmingham, the neighborhoods surrounding our campus for more than 100 years, and for Alabama.”

Friday, May 31, would be its last day of existence, and as the weeks flew by to the end of May, the school’s baseball team became a public representation of the college. The Birmingham community rallied around the team, including organizing a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to fly the Panthers to Ohio for the Division III College World Series.

Last Friday, May 31, the Panthers played Salve Regina University (RI) as the clock back home ticked to zero for their college. By the time the game was over, so too was BSC -- but not for its baseball team. Even though Salve Regina won the game in this double-elimination tournament, BSC would play at least one more day.

The Panthers took the field on Saturday to play Randolph Macon University (VA), and as the game progressed, it looked like the end of the season was near. RMU put up seven runs late in the game to grab the lead, but, as Yogi Berra said, “The game ain’t over ‘til it’s over.” The

Panthers pulled out the win via a 9th-inning home run, which meant there was still life in this team without a college.

Sunday’s opponent was the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater, and this time, it looked like the Panthers would advance to the national semifinals. But that’s when another cliche came into the picture, the one that says, “Turnabout is fair play.” This time, Whitewater hit a gamewinning homer in the 9th inning, and that clout ended BSC’s storybook season. There’s that famous line from the film A League of Their Own, “There is no crying in baseball.” But this time, there is for the team and the college they represented.

Matthew Paris writes human interest stories in sports. You can read his work online at The Sports Column, https://www.thesportscol.com/ category/matts-musings/

On the Sly

Celtics will raise 18th NBA championship banner

by Steve Stallone Sports Editor

Boston Celtics fans have been eager to see an 18th NBA championship banner being raised to the rafters at the TD Garden for some time now. Their best chance at ending a 16-year title drought starts this week when the top-seeded Celtics take on the Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. The best-of-seven series opens Thursday night in Boston. You have to go back to 2008 when the Celtics last hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy, with the trio of Kevin Garnet, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen leading Boston to its 17th championship. Before that, the Celtics hadn’t won it all since Larry Bird led them to the last of his three titles in 1986. Make no mistake, the Celtics have been close of late. They reached the finals two years ago, losing to the Golden State Warriors in six games, and have been to the Eastern Conference Finals five of the last six seasons. Powered by its All-Star tandem of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, this year’s Celtics blitzed through the regular season with an NBA-best 64-18 record. They have been equally dominant in the postseason, going 12-2 in these playoffs, and sweeping the Indiana Pacers in the East Finals.

And they’ve done it without starting center Kristaps Porzingis, who has missed all

but four games this postseason with a calf strain. The 7-foot-3 Porzingis is expected to return in the series, and even if he’s rusty, will give them an added perimeter shooter and a solid rim protector.

The NBA Finals will have plenty of star power. Dallas counters Boston’s Tatum-Brown duo with a dynamic duo of its own in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Doncic averaged nearly 34 points per game during the regular season and is also a great passer (9.8 apg), and Irving has been outstanding as his running mate in the backcourt.

Where I think this series will turn will be on the play of Boston’s backcourt of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, two of the league’s best defenders. The Celtics can throw both Holiday and White at Doncic and Irving, but can also insert Brown on either one of them, and possibly Tatum as well. Doncic may still get his 30 points, but he will have to work hard for them.

If the C’s can keep Doncic to 30 and Irving to 20, the league’s best defensive team should have no problem shutting down a Mavs team that really doesn’t have a third scoring option, much less a fourth or fifth one, as Boston does.

Although the Mavs have had a stellar postseason, knocking off the first, third and fourth seeds, they won’t have enough weapons - or enough in the tank - to take down a much deeper and more

talented Boston team. Boston snaps a tie with the Lakers (17 titles each), and two-time NCAA champion Al Horford (University of Florida) finally gets his first NBA championship ring.

The prediction: Boston in 6 games.

NCAA IN THE NEWS

The NCAA and the nation’s five biggest conferences announced in May that they have agreed to pay nearly $2.8 billion to settle a host of antitrust claims, a monumental decision that sets the stage for a groundbreaking revenue-sharing model that could start directing millions of dollars directly to athletes as soon as the 2025 fall semester.

NCAA President Charlie Baker along with the commissioners of the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 and Southeastern Conference released a joint statement saying they had agreed to settlement terms. They called the move “an important step in the continuing reform of college sports that will provide benefits to studentathletes and provide clarity in college athletics across all divisions for years to come.” The deal still must be approved by the federal judge overseeing the case and challenges could arise, but if the agreement stands it will mark the beginning of a new era in college sports where athletes are compensated more like professionals and schools can compete for talent using direct payments.

PHILLIES ON FIRE

As of this writing, the Philadelphia Phillies are tied with the New York Yankees with baseball’s best record at 42-19.

Powered by a potent offense, the Phils have outscored the opposition by 101 runs so far, and their 316 runs scored lead all of Major League Baseball. Their 25-9 home record is also the best in the bigs, and their home field advantage is significant. The Phillies are playing to a virtual sellout crowd at Citizens Bank Park each game.

AROUND THE HORN

With the Summer Olympics fast approaching, Simone Biles left no doubt who the women’s gymnast to beat at the Paris Games will be. Biles won her record ninth U.S. championship on Saturday. ...The eyes of the women’s golf world were on Lancaster, Pa. over the weekend as the U.S. Women’s Open was played at the Lancaster Country Club. Yuka Saso, 22, won her second U.S. Open title in three years. ... Stewart-Haas Racing, a two-time NASCAR championship team with 69 Cup Series victories since its 2009 formation, will close its organization at the end of the race season. ... Race leader Ryan Blaney ran out of gas on the final lap, handing teammate Austin Cindric the victory in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway. The Cup Series will return to Pocono Raceway in Long Pond on Sunday, July 14.

JourNAl-herAld sPorts

Miners run past Pioneers for UNICO All-Star victory

The Miners threw all of six passes in Saturday night’s 73rd annual UNICO All-Star Football Classic. With a roster chock full of talented running backs, they didn’t even need to throw the football that much.

Nanticoke Area’s Zack Fox rushed for 141 yards and two touchdowns and teamed with Hazleton Area’s Brady Mizenko and Wilkes-Barre Area’s Howie Shiner for 281 yards and 30 points in the Miners’ 42-6 win over the Pioneers in West Pittston.

Fox had touchdown runs of 18 and 44 yards in the second quarter, and answered the Pioneers’ only score with an 85-yard kickoff return for a third-quarter touchdown that put an exclamation point on the victory.

Mizenko powered his way for 82 yards on 11 carries and ran in a pair of two-point conversions, while Shiner finished with 58 yards on six carries, a short TD run and a two-point conversion. In all, the Miners racked up 292 yards on the ground and averaged 9 yards per carry.

The game, which pitted the top senior players from the Wyoming Valley Conference against one another, was

scoreless after one quarter before the Miners lit up the scoreboard for 26 secondquarter points to take control of the contest.

Quarterback Drew DeLucca of Pittston Area ran in a fiveyard touchdown to open the scoring early in the second quarter. Fox followed with his two touchdown runs, before Hazleton Area defensive lineman Peter Youngcourt returned a Pioneers’ fumble 8 yards for another score.

Wyoming Valley West’s Isiah Cobb (18 carries, 81 yards) broke up the Miners’ shutout bid with a 1-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter, but Fox answered with his 85-yard kickoff return moments later, stealing momentum back and all but cementing the all-star victory.

Fox, Nanticoke’s alltime rushing leader and a Lackawanna College football recruit, received the George Curry Trophy as the game’s MVP.

The Miners team included players from Crestwood, Dallas, Hanover Area, Hazleton Area, Holy Redeemer, Nanticoke Area, Pittston Area and WilkesBarre Area. The Pioneers

included seniors from Berwick, Lake-Lehman, Tunkhannock, Wyoming Area, Wyoming Seminary and Wyoming Valley West.

Crestwood’s James Barrett (K/P/RB), Mason Girton (LB), Logan Rolles (RB/LB), Matt Sklarosky (WR/DB) and Jason Swank (WR/DB) were selected to play for the Miners.

New Pittston Area coach Joe DeLucca coached the Miners. Randy Spencer coached the Pioneers.

UNICO All-Star Football Classic Miners 42, Pioneers 6 Miners........0 26 8 8 — 42 Pioneers..... 0 0 6 0 — 6 Second quarter

Miners — Drew DeLucca 4 run (run failed), 11:53

Miners — Zack Fox 18 run (pass failed), 5:43

Miners — Fox 44 run (pass failed), 3:57

Miners — Peter Youngcourt 8 fumble return (Howie Shiner pass from DeLucca), 2:55

Third quarter

Pioneers — Isaiah Cobb 1 run (run failed), 5:38 Miners — Fox 85 kick return (Brady Mizenko run), 5:26

Fourth quarter

Miners — Shiner 5 run (Mizenko run), 6:03 Team statistics

Penalties-yards 2-10 1-5 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING — Miners, Fox 11-141, Mizenko 1182, Shiner 6-58, DeLucca 1-12, Connor Kelly 1-0, team 1-(minus-1). Pioneers, Cobb 18-81, Ethan Lear 6-(minus-8), Lucas Zdancewicz 7-37, Nick Scalzo 1-0, Ty Makarewicz 1-1.

PASSING — Miners, DeLucca 1-5-0-6, Seth Raymer 0-1-0-0. Pioneers, Zdancewicz 3-7-1-39, Lear 0-2-1-0.

RECEIVING — Miners, Ariel Lopez 1-6. Pioneers, Makarewicz 2-12, Skyler Pierce 1-27. INTERCEPTIONS — Miners, Lucas Tirpak 1-0, Fox 1-0.

VALLEY WOMEN’S FLY FISHING ASSOCIATION was just one of the many groups that set up a table at the second annual Trout Festival in White Haven. “We meet on the stream,” is one of the group’s mottoes. They plan events for women anglers (and their allies), both on and off the water. JH: Ruth Isenberg