The Journal-Herald, July 14, 2022

ST. PATRICK’S

SUMMER FESTIVAL 411 Allegheny Street, White Haven Fri., July 15, 4-9 p.m.

Sat., July 16, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Rain or Shine

J

the

ournal-herald THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022 • Volume 41 – No. 46 ©2022, THE JOURNAL-HERALD. All Rights Reserved

CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–143rd YEAR, NO. 33

(USPS 277440)

CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–143rd YEAR, NO. 7

Mountain Laurel Golf seeking change in East Side zoning

by Ruth Isenberg

THE PROPOSED ZONING CHANGE is presented by Tom Shepstone, as East Side secretary Carol Lenahan and council president Louis Esa look on from left, and council members Rudy Schoch and Sharon Mrozinski, and Atty. Stephanie Koval view it from the right.

JH: Ruth Isenberg

SINGLE COPY– 75¢

The future of the Mountain Laurel Golf Course is uncertain, East Side Borough Council learned at its July 7 meeting, but it seems clear it will not remain a golf course if current owners get their wish. The meeting opened with a presentation requesting a change in zoning for the property from its current CR (recreation) to B1 (highway business).

Atty. Stephanie Koval of Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba opened the discussion, calling the start of a dialogue with the borough. She emphasized that these were early stages and they were hoping to obtain feedback, but that the intent was to sell the property for other uses.

Planner Tom Shepstone of Shepstone Management Company of Honesdale noted that there are limited uses for properties in a CR zone, and would not permit the “highest and best use” of the site. The nearby intersection of Route 534 and Interstate 80 means the area has matured to allow for broader uses to include warehouses, waterparks and other commercial businesses. He added that the 30′ height restriction in a CR zone would increase to 40′ in B1, thought for a warehouse that might need to also be amended taller.

See MT. LAUREL GOLF, page 3

Come see Kurt Busch & his McDonald’s-sponsored #23 NASCAR show car at the White Haven-Lake Harmony McDonald’s (Rt. 940 & I-80) 3-5 p.m. Thursday, July 21

Medium Soft Drinks

23¢ All Day

PAGE 2 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

THE JOURNAL-HERALD (USPS 277-440) Published weekly at 211 Main Street, White Haven, PA 18661 Telephone (570) 215-0204

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

Periodicals postage paid at White Haven, PA 18661.

POSTMASTER, send address change to:

THE JOURNAL-HERALD 211 Main Street, White Haven, PA 18661

(JAY E. HOLDER, Co-Publisher 1954-1997; CLARA HOLDER, Co-Publisher 1954-2014)

Seth Isenberg, Advertising Sales Ruth Isenberg, Editor Steve Stallone, Sports Editor

Member, White Haven Chamber of Commerce Carbon County Chamber of Commerce Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce White Haven Economic Development Association

Archives From The Journal-Herald Issue of July 9, 1992 Editors & Publishers Jay and Clara Holder

The front page photo shows PA Senator James Rhoades’ Good Citizenship Awards winners Weatherly Area Elementary/Middle School 5th graders John McGee and Melissa Miller, and 8th graders Alan Chyko and Amy Sandt.

THE JOURNAL-HERALD is printed with U.S. made soy inks on part-recycled newsprint.

© Copyright 2022, The Journal-Herald

Editorial

A tale of the trail

by Seth & Ruth Isenberg On Tuesday as we completed this issue of The JournalHerald, there was no construction activity on the north end of White Haven’s Main Street at the trail head to the hiking and biking trail. You can access the trail from Scales Siding in Dennison Township and follow it to within 100′ of Main Street, where’s it’s fenced off.

Meanwhile at the south end of Main Street, crews were finally at work on the trail connection into the area of the Lehigh Gorge State Park that is closed all the way to Tannery.

White Haven remains an island on the D&L trail, cut off both north and south.

There was a glimmer of hope that the work on the north end would be done in June. Here we are in mid-July.

As for the south end work, DCNR State Parks officials said it would be open this fall. I see indicators that it will not be.

Our State Representatives and Senators are running into a firm “NO” from DCNR about work-arounds to get the south access to the trail reopened early, even on a limited weekend or special event basis. The north end work, which is a parking lot and drainage improvement, should already be done.

If it sounds like we’re whining, well yes, we are. It’s frustrating that a natural resource the community has had access to freely for many years for hiking, fishing and hunting is now closed by the state, with no concessions for the economic harm being done.

In our area, we truly desire a good working relationship with the DCNR and the Lehigh Gorge State Park but are baffled by the decisions being made. Our small borough is up against a big state bureaucracy — and we need help.

Louise Phipps, the longest serving member of the Crestwood School Board and only White Haven area member, is set to resign from the Board on July 18.

She has sold her house and is relocating out of the area.

She was appointed in 1972, and elected to her first term in 1973, then re-elected four times since.

In this week’s editorial, Clara Holder wrote to urge interested locals to submit letters of interest to the Crestwood School Board in the hope that the area would not lose an advocate.

Lehigh Township supervisor Glennys Sanute will resign from that position at the end of July. She noted a conflict with her work schedule, and her return to school in September to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

In other Lehigh Twp. business, planning consultant Gene Butler reported the planning commission is about ¾ of the way through writing their new ordinances. The township will be seeking bids for a new garbage collector.

The White Haven Area Senior Citizens have filled a bus to travel to the Medieval Dinner Theater in Lyndhurst, NJ on July 15. Dr. Larry Skinner, candidate for the PA House of Representatives, was guest speaker for this week’s meeting.

The second annual reunion of veterans of the Sampson Naval Training Center will be held on July 31 at the Ugly Mug Restaurant in White Haven.

The event organizer is Harold Kroninger.

The Freeland ShurSave Market bought a full-page ad in this issue for their customer appreciation/ Hatfield meats truckload sale. The event features the World’s Largest Sausage Pattie Cookout on Friday afternoon.

At a special meeting to finish June, the Weatherly Area School Board voted to approve a 25 mill increase in taxes (on a split vote).

The Board also voted not to renew superintendent Clyde Blair’s contract.

The annual Armed Forces Air Show will be held this weekend at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.

This week’s dining article was about the food stand at Eurana Park. Among the items was Ray Adams’ “Famous Barbecue” — tasty beef bbq sandwich.

Richie’s advertised a Friday Lobster Feast, with a whole lobster, soup, salad, and a vegetable for $15.95.

Jay and Clara Holder, editors and publishers, received a letter from their friend Peter Bennet, the former Mayor of Whitehaven, England. The letter shares some Whitehaven history, and notes the 300th anniversary of St. Nicholas Church there, along with an invite to anyone from White Haven, PA who might want to come there to visit next year during the celebrations.

From White Haven Journal Issue of July 9, 1942 W. C. Taylor, Publisher Betty Schafer, leader of the White Haven Girl Scout Troop, has been appointed counselor of the Pathfinder Unit at Camp Shehaqua for the last three weeks of camp. Among the locals enrolled for a two-week camping trip there are Marilyn Feist, Marjorie Lou Kocher, Miriam Snell, Mary Reidy, Jacqueline Williams and Ariane Yohey. The Allentown Lehigh County Girl Scouts are now at Camp Moseywood for the summer.

The two bridges on the Bear Creek–White Haven highway in the vicinity of the General Crushed Stone Company plant that were washed out by the flash flood on May 22 will be eliminated when the State Highway Department rebuilds the road.

Local golfer Ralph Baetz tied for third place, of 100, in a tournament Saturday at Valley County Club.

“The Atlas employees held a clambake outing at their park grounds last Sunday.”

Public Notices PUBLIC NOTICE

MUNICIPAL SALE OF REAL ESTATE Request for Bids SEALED BIDS WILL BE RECEIVED BY WEATHERLY BOROUGH, AT THE WEATHERLY BOROUGH MUNICIPAL BUILDING AT 61WEST MAIN STREET, WEATHERLY, PENNSYLVANIA, 18255, UNTIL 4:00 P.M. PREVAILING TIME ON AUGUST 2, 2022, AND OPENED AND READ AT THAT SAME DATE, AT THAT SAME PLACE, AT THE COUNCIL MEETING BEGINNING AT 4:00 P.M., PREVAILING TIME, FOR THE SALE OF TWO PARCELS 10,000 SQUARE FEET EACH OF VACANT LAND LOCATED ALONG HUDSONDALE STREET, WEATHERLY, CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, BEING DESCRIBED IN CARBON COUNTY DEED BOOK VOLUME 2425 AT PAGE 763 AND THE SECOND PARCEL IN CARBON COUNTY DEED BOOK VOLUME 2425 AT PAGE 760 PROPOSAL FORMS, INSTRUCTIONS AND OTHER CONTRACT DOCUMENTS MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE WEATHERLY BOROUGH MUNICIPAL BUILDING AT THE AFOREMENTIONED ADDRESS. EACH PROPOSAL SHALL BE ACCOMPANIED

BY A CERTIFIED CHECK IN THE AMOUNT OF NOT LESS THAN 10% OF THE TOTAL BID AMOUNT, PAYABLE TO WEATHERLY BOROUGH. THE COUNCIL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS, TO WAIVE ANY TECHNICAL DEFECTS OR INFORMALITIES IN BIDS RECEIVED, AND TO ACCEPT ANY BID THEY MAY DEEM TO BE FOR IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE BOROUGH. HAROLD J. PUDLINER JR BOROUGH MANAGER WEATHERLY BOROUGH 7/21

THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022 — PAGE 3

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Board of Supervisors of Lehigh Township will hold a public hearing regarding a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance of Lehigh Township. The hearing will be held on Monday, August 1, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at the Lehigh Township Municipal Building located at 1741 South Lehigh Gorge Drive, Lehigh Township, Pennsylvania.

Notice is further given that copies of the proposed Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance are on file and available for public inspection during normal business hours at The Journal-Herald at 211 Main Street White Haven, PA 18661 and the Carbon County Law Library, Carbon County Courthouse, Jim Thorpe, Pa during regular business hours. The Ordinance will also be available for public inspection by contacting the Township Secretary to make an appointment at (570) 443-7011.

A summary of the contents of the Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance is as follows: 1. Definitions. The entire Definition Section of the Ordinance shall be restated including new definitions for words applicable to the balance of the Amendment of the Zoning Ordinance.

2. Section 503.3 shall be amended to add Short Term Rentals as a conditional use in the R2 Zone.

3. Section 504.3 shall be amended to add Short Term Rentals as a conditional use in the C1 Zone.

4. Section 506.3 shall be amended to add Wind Energy Conservation System and Wind Turbines, Solar Electric Energy Systems and Solar Electric Facilities as a conditional use in the S1 Zone.

5. A new Section 707.5 shall be added to provide supplementary regulations for Short Term Rentals.

6. Section 1115 shall be amended to add Short Term Rentals shall have one parking space per bedroom and one parking space for each anticipated paid guest.

7. A new Section 707.6 shall be added to provide supplementary regulations for Wind Energy Conservation/Wind Turbines.

8. A new Section 707.7 shall be added to provide supplementary regulations for solar electric systems, solar electric energy facilities. This will provide that the system shall be permitted as a conditional use in certain zones subject to conditions as set forth in the Ordinance.

9. A new Section 707.8 shall be added to provide supplementary regulations for forestry and timber harvesting activities.

Forestry and timber harvesting activities conducted in any zone shall be permitted by right or by condition as set forth by each zone, subject to the requirements set forth in this amendment.

The full text of the proposed Ordinance in its entirety may be examined at the Lehigh Township Municipal Building by contacting the Township Secretary to make an appointment at (570) 443-7011. A copy of the full text of the proposed Ordinance has also been provided to The Journal Herald, 211 Main Street White Haven, PA 18661, and the Carbon County Law Library located at the Carbon County Courthouse, Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania and may be examined there.

LEHIGH TOWNSHIP Carol Lenahan, Township Secretary 1741 S. Lehigh Gorge Drive Weatherly, PA 18255 JAMES R. NANOVIC, ESQUIRE Borough Solicitor 57 Broadway Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 7/21

LEGAL NOTICE

Estate of Connie Mae Provizzi a/k/a Connie M. Provizzi a/k/a Connie Provizzi Late of the Borough of Weatherly, 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: James Provizzi 147 Brenkman Dr. Weatherly, PA 18255 or to his Attorney: THOMAS S. NANOVIC, ESQUIRE NANOVIC LAW OFFICES 57 Broadway, P.O. Box 359 Jim Thorpe, PA 18229-0359 7/21

Mt. Laurel Golf Continued from page 1

Such use would generate tax revenues and jobs for the borough, he said. He volunteered to draft a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance for the borough.

Council had many questions. Council president Louis Esa asked what the use would be if the property was amended. “We’re certainly considering a warehouse.”

Shepstone answered.

Council member Mike Best asked if it might be sold to another golf course. The answer was no. Numbers of rounds have gone down significantly, and people don’t have the extra money to spend on golf. Three golf courses exist within 15 minutes of the Mountain

White Haven Borough Council will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at 6 p.m. at the borough building, 312 Main Street, to open the bids for the final phase of work at the borough building and the ADA improvements for the building.

Linda Szoke Borough Manager

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Articles of Incorporation of a PA Nonprofit Corporation were filed with the PA Department of State, Harrisburg, PA by Sole of A Phoenix on December 20, 2021, under PA Non-Profit Corporation Act of 1988, as amended.

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

Laurel, and owners say neither it nor its restaurant has been profitable for years, but subsidized by their other businesses.

Esa thanked the group for their willingness to come to council and discuss the issue. He called it “a loss for the community if it disappears, especially the restaurant.”

Council member Rudy Schoch expressed concern about sewage treatment. If the purchaser has to hook up to public sewer, sufficient EDUs may not be available in the White Haven Sewage Treatment Plant operated by Aqua Pennsylvania.

No action was taken.

Council will discuss the issue with solicitor Jim Nanovic, who was not present.

More on this meeting next week.

PAGE 4 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Obituaries

Penn Lake handles Short Term Rentals issues, hears of progress on dam repairs

Joe Travis Horton, Jr., 77 years of age, of Weatherly, died on Saturday, July 2, 2022, at Weatherwood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Weatherly.

Born Thursday, August 3, 1944 in San Diego, California, he was the son of the late Joe, and Frances (Metz) Horton. Joe was also predeceased by a brother, Stanley.

Surviving are sisters, Sherry “Cheri” Horton, and Kathleen Horton; sister-inlaw, Ann Horton; nieces and

In public comment at the start of Penn Lake Council’s June meeting, held June 9, Harry and Ann Marie Bruley spoke about changes to Penn Lake caused by Short-Term Rental (STR) properties.

They asked about the regulations STR owners need to follow, how many people are allowed to stay in a property, quiet hours, parking restrictions, trash, and more. They wrapped up by asking who will enforce the regulations.

Council will be contacting the owner of a short-term rental property to have them pay their permit fee, and a late penalty. Revisions to the STR ordinance will be sent to Council for their review and will be on July’s agenda.

Regarding the dam, grant writer Jim Brozena is making progress on corralling this year’s funds from the 2021

JOE TRAVIS HORTON JR.

nephews.

Joe served his country honorably during the Vietnam War. Private arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Weatherly.

Interment will be in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown.

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

ERIC D. CRAIGIE SR. Eric D. Craigie Sr., Sr., husband, father, brother, grandfather, 64 years of age, of West Sixth Street Jim Thorpe, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 8, 2022, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Salisbury Twp. Born in Kalkaska Michigan on Tuesday, June 3, 1958, he was the son of the late George, and Charlotte (Grier) Craigie. He was also predeceased by his namesake Eric D. Craigie II in November of 2021.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 45 years, Francine M. (O’Donnell) Craigie; sons, Steven Craigie and his wife Stephanie of Jim Thorpe, and Timothy Craigie and his wife Kathleen of Lehighton;

brothers, Neal, Robert, and Charles Craigie and his wife Sharon; sister, Ann Pack; grandchildren, Taylor, Matthew, Eli, Ethan, and Emily; maternal mother-inlaw, Joanne O’Donnell; daughter-in-law, Amy (Smith) Craigie. Nieces and nephews also survive Eric.

Eric was a self employed contractor, plumber, and electrician in Jim Thorpe for many years. When not working, Eric could be found in the garage working on cars. Eric enjoyed collecting model trains.

Eric will be greatly missed.

Private funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of Tamaqua.

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

by Seth Isenberg

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

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

All arrangements and consultations from the comfort of your home.

Guiding families through difficult times.

BRIC Grant application, which was approved for $307,500. Determining what that means, how much of the $200,000.00 that has been spent to date that counts toward the 25% match, and how to obtain the money remains to be seen.

Dam Advisory member Dan George and council president Paul Rogan plan to attend a dam owners’ workshop in Altoona. Expenses of $260 for both to attend were approved.

On June 7 dam engineer Streamline sent an e-mail explaining that the DEP is “still deliberating” on their preliminary review of Penn Lake Hydrology and Hydraulics report and proposed remedies. The “go ahead” for the preferred approach to increasing the spillway capacity is a prerequisite to moving to the next phase of the dam project: detailed design and permitting. The Dam Advisory Group and Council are eager to have a public meeting to present and discuss the planned approach with the public; however, the meeting will not occur until the DEP hurdle is cleared.

No bids were received from the ad seeking paving contractors. Council held a special

meeting on June 22 and hired Kislan’s Trucking of Weatherly to do pothole patching and some shoulder repair and paving, for $14,000.

Trish Bartlett is working to organize a CPR/First Aid/ AED class. Cost would be $131.25 each. If interested, call her at 570-479-0131.

Two Zoning Board hearings were held June 28 for variances for Preedy for an addition and for a special exception for Woods for a shed.

Water test results are posted on the borough’s bulletin boards and website.

Guidelines for water safety are also posted. Irv Carter obtained a price per acre for bladderwort spraying but the acreage has not been determined. Council member Dan Eustice informally spoke with a game warden about beavers doing property damage.

Council approved paying bills of $21,775. Receipts for the month were $193,067.

Council unanimously made a $500 donation to the Penn Lake Association.

White Haven Police provided Penn Lake with 30.5 hours of service for May. Incidents were 1 missing juvenile, 1 brush fire, 1 disabled vehicle, 1 overdose, and 1 traffic violation.

See ARCHIVES, page 5

Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc. White Haven, PA

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

Serving White Haven, Weatherly and surrounding communities

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

(570) 443-9816

THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022 — PAGE 5

Kidder Supervisors approve development extensions, receive no tree trimming bids again

by Seth Isenberg Kidder Township supervisors made quick work of their agenda at their June meeting, held on the 28th.

Requests for extensions by the developers of the Graystone Preserve — for 90 days — and for the Jack Frost Golf Course PRD — for two years, were both approved. The Jack Frost development has been held up by needed permits from the PA Department of Environmental Protection.

The Graystone Preserve needed “a little bit more time” for their paperwork.

The Thornton subdivision was given conditional approval, subject to an agreement on the maintenance of the private road there. The Ledgestone Properties LLC land improvement and maintenance agreements was approved.

There were no bids again regarding tree trimming from the township’s ads.

The township seeks to have the trees cut back along its town roads. The township has run five series of ads starting in 2021 and has had no responses. The ads required the bidder to offer a fixed plan for the whole job and a price with a bid bond,

WHC

Continued from page 4 In additional public comment, Robert Scott suggested removable speed bumps to be placed around

then have a substantial performance bond in place.

Now the township will reach out to tree trimming companies to see if they can get parts of the work done.

Kidder Police will add patrolman David Toughill to the roster, effective July 5, providing he passes all the requirements. In his report, Police Chief Matthew Kuzma planned to have extra police on for the July 4 weekend.

The department is receiving noise complaints — “don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1.”

Roadmaster Bruce Berger reported that the North Lake Drive paving will be completed after the July 4 weekend.

A group of 12 property owners in Split Rock provided a Hold Harmless Agreement to the township so that they can connect their properties to the township’s sewers. Many plan to build new homes.

In regular business, the township’s regular insurance package from Joyce Insurance was ratified.

The costs of $40,752 are up about $12,000.

Eward Richards of West Palm Beach, Florida, bought two vacant pieces of land in Holiday Pocono from the Carbon County Tax Claim Bureau for $900 each. These will return to the tax rolls.

Lakeview Dr. to curtail speeding.

Penn Lake Park Borough Council will hold their July meeting tonight, July 14, in person at the Community House, and online via GoToMeeting, beginning at 7 p.m.

Supervisors okayed monthly bills of $589,566.

The majority of that was payments for emergency services — $161,271 for the Lake Harmony Rescue Squad, $124,055 into the fire equipment fund, and $62,027 each for the township’s two fire companies. County Waste’s monthly bill is $28,589. $25,085 went to IRS taxes and $3,190 to PA taxes. $17,826 paid for health insurance for township staff. $10,907 to HARIE for their township insurance package; $7,447 to solicitor Robert Yurchak; $6,762 to Building Inspection Underwriters; $5,518 to Suburban Propane for

diesel, gasoline and propane (plus $1,768 for gasoline from Button Oil); $5,000 went to buy markings for one of the traffic lights from Reliable Sign; $2,816 for to pay charges and for supplies form Cardmember Services; $2,754 for sewage enforcement services from Brior Environmental; $2,726 for vehicle repair at Kovatch; and 44 other smaller bills.

Solicitor Robert Yurchak told supervisors that he is watching several bills in the PA legislature, including one that returns regulations to fireworks use, and another that allows police departments to confiscate ATVs, dirt bikes and the like that are seized during illegal

activity.

Township manager Suzanne Brooks, in her report, notes the start of peak season in township.

Noise complaints are up. She also asks that citizens call 9-1-1 for noise complaints.

She congratulated the Albrightsville Fire Company for bringing home six prizes from a recent fire company parade.

As the meeting wrapped up, a citizen asked supervisors about the potholes on the roads in Split Rock. She was told by supervisors’ chairman Thomas Bradley to contact Split Rock, who owns and maintains those roads.

PAGE 6 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Seth’s Sightings

As I pulled our car to the STOP sign ahead of turning onto Route 93, the Broad Mountain highway, on Monday, I watched a tractor-trailer load of Chiquita bananas drive by. As this drive has a big climb followed by the bigger decline into Jim Thorpe, the Harry Chapin song 30,000 Pounds of Bananas came immediately to mind. We wanted to be well beyond the truck before it was driven down the hill. The truck was slow up the hill, so I was able to pass as the truck driver made room.

Also on Monday, as we drove through Jim Thorpe

on my way to treatment, we passed a line of Mini Coopers travelling along Route 209. As we continued, there were more stacked up at the traffic light in Jim Thorpe, likely more than 200 in total. On returning to work that day, I looked up on the internet and found that they were part of the 8th annual Mini Takes The States rally that had started in Burlington, Vermont on the 9th, and was on day 3 of a trip that would end in the Greenville-Spartanburg area of South Carolina on the 15th for a weekend of fun there through the 17th. We sighted cars from all over the U.S.,

by Seth Isenberg

and a wonderful variety of Minis.

Critter sightings include a lucky doe and her fawn who crossed Route 209 through heavy traffic on Monday afternoon. Other sightings included turkey, fox and also a heron standing in the shallows of a White Haven area pond. Locally grown food sightings include sweet corn, blueberries and peaches.

This past Friday evening was spent on the grass in a lawn chair, enjoying music at the Briggs Farm Blues Fest. Friday’s feature was the Davy Knowles Band — who were wonderful, playing

SUMMER FESTIVAL

St. Patrick’s Parish

their set until near 11:30 (it was a late night). Saturday we were back in the late afternoon to enjoy music by The Tribe, and the closing act of the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band — good fun while enjoying a beautiful sunset and then the festival by moon and starlight.

On Sunday, we drove to near the Philadelphia Airport to meet with my brother Matthew and sisterin-law Elsie for a meal and some talk ahead of them flying home. They were in New Jersey for a funeral. It was nice to see them. We then touristed a bit around Philly before heading home on back roads.

Looking ahead, this Friday evening and Saturday is the Saint Patrick’s Church festival in White Haven.

411 Allegheny Street, White Haven

Fri., July 15, 4-9 p.m.

Sat., July 16, 11 a.m.-8 p.m

.

Rain or Shine

Great Tricky Trays, Gigantic Flea Market, Games and Face Painting FOOD: American, Polish, Italian, Potato Pancakes, Funnel Cakes, Homemade Desserts

POLKA MASS Saturday, 5 p.m.

Entertainment :

Friday 5:30-8 ALV DJ & KARAOKE Saturday 12-3: Fr. Mike and His Heavenly Delight Saturday 4-8: Local Talent

NASCAR

Ambetter 301

Sun., July 17 - 3 p.m.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway

We are planning to attend both days for some food and fun. On the weekend, there will be a Pow-Wow at Camp Rotowanis in Drums, featuring some locals. There will be traditional dancing, native American crafts, foods and more. Our plan is to attend when it’s not too hot.

I’m hoping my energy levels hold up.

The next weekend is NASCAR at Pocono Raceway. As a treat, on Thursday the 21st the McDonald’s at the Turnpike will host race car driver Kurt Busch and the McDonald’s sponsored #23 race car from 3 to 5 p.m. Then Friday evening is the ARCA race for a fun and inexpensive preview of Race Weekend (tickets just See SIGHTINGS, page 7

THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022 — PAGE 7

Sightings

Continued from page 6 $10). There’s race qualifying that afternoon, then the checkered flag drops on the General Tire 200 at 6:30.

Saturday features the trucks and Xfinity races — an awesome superspeedway double header. Saturday morning has Xfinity race qualifying, then the flag drops on the Brakleen 150 60-laps trucks race at noon. The afternoon

will have NASCAR practice and qualifying followed by the Xfinity 90 lap race at 5. Sunday’s NASCAR race begins at 3.

On that Saturday, Ruth and I will leave the Raceway and head for the Pocono

Mountain East School Campus to see Broadway stars Josh Young and Emily Padget, husband and wife, perform Broadway hits from ‘Mega Musicals of the 80s’ including Les Mis, Phantom, and Cats. The performance

is part of this year’s Pocono Mountains Music Festival.

That’s going to be a busy day.

To all, enjoy these beautiful summer days in good health.

Bible Trivia Night set Friday at Eurana Park Test your knowledge of the Bible! Centenary invites you to a Bible Trivia Night, July 15. A light dinner and refreshments are to be served at 6:00 p.m. with trivia following at 6:30.

Bring your own team or

Travel Plaza Route 534, White Haven 570.443.7443

Open 6 am–10 pm

www.ihop.com

join one that night. Come to participate or to learn. Join us for a night of fellowship, discovery, and fun! Both dinner and trivia will be held at the Eurana Park shelter in Weatherly. The event will be held rain or shine.

PAGE 8 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Journal-Herald Classifieds

Deadline is 5 p.m. Monday. $13/col. in. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express, as well as cash and checks. Call 570-215-0204 xt 2 to place your ad.

Help Wanted FULL-TIME or PART-TIME Cooks Dishwashers Servers

White Haven Apply at

onvojobs.com Seasonal jobs at 940 GOLF AND FUN, Pocono Lake.

Apply in person.

MURPHY’S LOFT is hiring dishwashers, starting $12/hr. Call (570) 646-2813 or email jb@murphysloft.com

Announcements

Events

SELL YOUR ANTIQUE OR CLASSIC CAR. Advertise with us. You choose where you want to advertise. 800-450-6631 visit macnetonline.com for details.

Auto Insurance Looking for auto insurance? Find great deals on the right auto insurance to suit your needs. Call today for a free quote! 866-924-2397

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5. “Live and ____” 6. Description for twins 7. Auto pioneer 8. Banana remnant 9. Puerto ____ 10. Compass bearing 12. “Jane Eyre” author 13. Pig part 14. *Action under mistletoe 19. Like a damaged apple, possibly 22. Jam container

23. Torn down 24. Fill with optimism 25. Sweating room 26. *Thanksgiving’s main event?

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44. Deteriorate 46. Just about 48. Jumped aside 49. Lacked 50. Type of cotton 51. Female gamete 52. *Valentine’s Day tradition 53. *New Year’s resolution weight or savings target 54. One in a roster 55. Red-encased cheese 56. *Graduation flyer

PAGE 10 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Veterans Corner

Commentary by John Kearns, USCG Ret., chiefkearns@gmail.com

WHAT IS A VETERAN? PENNSYLVANIA Amends term VETERAN. A new law signed by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf amends the definition of a veteran in Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 849 changes the meaning of veterans’ employment preference for veterans discharged because of a medical disability.

Specifically, the bill amends the definition of a “veteran” to include an individual who has served in the armed forces of the United States and whose last discharge was due to a disability under conditions other than dishonorable.

“Veteran.” The term includes (1) An individual who served, as evidenced by the veteran’s discharge papers or separation documents, or hereafter serves in any of the following: (i) in the armed forces of the United States, including a reserve component or National Guard, has completed their initial contractual military service obligation and their last discharge or release was under conditions other than

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dishonorable. (ii) in the armed forces of the United States, including a reserve component or National Guard, has served during a period of war or armed conflict as determined by the United States Department of Defense, has completed a tour of active duty for purposes other than training, was released from that period of active duty under conditions other than dishonorable and continues to serve; [or] (iii) in the armed forces of the United States, including a reserve component or National Guard, has completed an initial contractual military service obligation and continues to serve; [or] (iv) in the armed forces of the United States, including a reserve component or National Guard, whose last discharge was due to a disability and under conditions other than dishonorable.

(2) An active duty member of the armed forces of the United States who is completing a tour of active duty that is three years or more and is within 90 days of an approved discharge or release, as evidenced by doc-

umentation of the projected discharge or release from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable.

The nationally recognized term for a veteran is: A veteran (from Latin vetus ‘old’) is a person who has significant experience (and is usually adept and esteemed) and expertise in a particular occupation or field. A military veteran is a person who is no longer serving in the military but retains vast knowledge and expertise.

Noted scholars describe a military veteran that has served directly in combat in a war is further defined as a war veteran (although not all military conflicts, or areas in which armed combat took place, are necessarily referred to as wars).

Military veterans are unique as a group as their lived experience is strongly connected to the conduct of war in general and the application of professional violence. Therefore, a large body of knowledge developed through centuries of scholarly studies that seek to describe, understand, and explain their lived experience in and out of service.

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College Notebook Solonoski has strong freshman season at KU Weatherly Area High School graduate Jacob Solonoski recently completed a strong freshman season with the Kutztown University men’s track and field team.

The former Wrecker basketball and track and field athlete was a thrower for the Golden Bears this past spring, competing in the discus, shot put and hammer throw.

Solonoski’s best performance came in late April at East Stroudsburg University’s All-American Meet. There he threw for

a season-best 135-11 in the discus, 37-8 in the shot put and 119-3 in the hammer throw.

In addition, he was 12th in the discus at the Paul Keiser Classic, hosted by Shippensburg University, with a throw of 130-1.

Solonoski placed 16th in the discus at the season-ending Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Outdoor Championships, going 131-11.

Solonoski is a criminal justice major.

THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022 — PAGE 11

College football realignment is changing the sport

by Frank Fear Major college football isn’t what it used to be. Numbers drive the sport — not passing yards or defensive stats — but business-related numbers. Advertisers pay the media, and the media pay conferences, in a metamorphosis that has made major college football a proxy for the media/ marketing sectors.

Big money comes by way of selling media rights. So, with new media contracts being negotiated, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing a flurry of conference realignments as conferences jockey for financial positioning. It started when the Southeastern Conference plucked Oklahoma and Texas from the Big 12, and it picked up steam when the most unlikely of conversions took place -- two West Coast

schools, USC and UCLA, jumped to the Big 10.

Where will it end? The answer is anybody’s guess, but one betting line is that “The Power 5” conferences (the Atlantic Coast.

Pacific-12, and the Big 12, in addition to the SEC and Big 10) probably won’t exist as they do today. That’s because the goalposts keep moving. Most at risk is the PAC-12. Losing marque schools in the nation’s #2 media market (Los Angeles) was a huge blow. Now, the Big 12 is reportedly “going aggressively after” six current PAC-12 schools –Arizona, Arizona State, Utah, Colorado, and possibly Oregon and Washington.

“Possibly” is the word of choice because Oregon and Washington have already approached the Big 10 about joining that league.

Reports are that the Big 10

said no, at least for now, waiting (so we were told) for Notre Dame’s decision about whether it will give up independent status for conference membership.

Two 20-team super conferences - the SEC and Big 10 - may be on the horizon with an expanded Big 12, a diminished ACC, and a defunct PAC-12. But no matter where things settle, one thing is for sure: a select set of major schools want a larger cut of the revenue pie. Moreover, they are in a position to get it because of fan base numbers. Those numbers drive the commercial media world, and the gap between college football haves and have-nots is crystal clear.

One analysis of the football numbers comes from AltimoreCollins, which recently released a study of 130 major college football programs. Here are a few of the findings.

Across 130 schools, 50% of all major college football fans cheer for 16 teams.

In alphabetical order, the list includes Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Southern Cal, Syracuse, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, and Wisconsin.

Moreover, 50% of those fans (N=8 of 16 schools) root for teams in one conference, the Southeastern Conference.

The SEC is the kingpin of college football, combining athletic and financial clout.

The Big 12 does not have a team on that list. Since 2010, six teams have left the conference - Nebraska for the Big 10, Colorado for the PAC-12, and Missouri, Texas A&M, Texas, and Oklahoma

for the SEC. Only Texas Tech and Oklahoma State (sustaining members before and after realignment) have estimated fan bases of over 1 million, and only two Big 12 newcomers have sizable fan bases - West Virginia (nearly 2 million fans) and BYU (a bit over 1 million fans). Newbies Houston, UCF, and Cincinnati may bring competitive strength, but they do not have large fan bases, and neither do the other existing Big 12 teams - Baylor, Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, and TCU. None of this has anything to do with football quality but in a media-driven world eyeballs matter.

Will the PAC-12 survive? The lion’s share of West Coast eyeballs is on three PAC-12 teams--USC (nearly 5 million fans), UCLA (about 2.5 million fans), and Oregon (5.5 million fans). With two of those teams already gone, it means the future of the conference may rest on what Oregon decides to do, and the betting money is that the Ducks will migrate. If they do, that will open the door for other schools to settle elsewhere. And if the Ducks stay, replacement options for USC and UCLA are few and far between.

San Diego State and the Air Force Academy (mentioned frequently as conference targets) have neither the cache nor the fan base that the league desperately needs to retain national prominence.

The Atlantic Coast Conference also has fan base issues. One reason is that the ACC has more private schools than the other Power 5 conferences

combined (N=6), and six conference programs overall (private and public) have <1 million fans each. There is a small-number Wake Forest and NC State for every big-number Syracuse and Miami. Moreover, because generally high-quality academic schools constitute the ACC (e.g., UNC, UVA, Duke), the ACC could be a target for the academically exclusive Big 10 should that league decide to expand to 20 schools. And, because of geographic location, ACC schools are a short reach (and grab) for the SEC. Reports identify North Carolina as the league’s most attractive football program from a media/marketing perspective.

While conference commissioners, university presidents/chancellors, and athletic directors are “all in” on finding ways to compete in the new world of college football, fan reaction is mixed. Confirmation of that assertion is accessible by scrolling through your social media feeds. Some fans relish the idea of a UCLAMichigan match-up in the Rose Bowl and USC visiting Happy Valley regularly.

Still, others are upset at how realignment has severely diminished - and in some cases ended - traditional rivalries.

It is unlikely that the trend will change direction. It’s a big money train. The only question is whether it will stop at your favorite school.

Frank Fear is the editor of The Sports Column

PAGE 12 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Weatherly Hillclimb Association president Joe Cyburt presents the Charles W. Potter MD Memorial Award for the fastest time of the weekend to Mark Aubele of Irwin, PA. Aubele drove his Ford Mustang in a time of 51.540 seconds, quickest of all drivers at the Spring Hillclimb.

Submitted photo

Locals fare well at Spring Hillclimb Five members of the Weatherly Hillclimb Association recorded top times in their division, as another edition of the Weatherly Hillclimb went off without a hitch last month.

Al Corazza of Fairway Subaru, the event’s major sponsor, had the best time of the weekend in the Street Modifieds, winning the category with a 57.614-second showing up “The Hill.”

Meanwhile, Ray “Chinny” Kochin from Weatherly finished first in his category of Special 2 with the best time of 54.911, and Weatherly’s Jody Miller placed first in the category of D Street Prepared 60.530 seconds.

Dustin Halechko, also of Weatherly, finished third in the D Street Prepared with a time of 61.815.

The feel-good story of the two-day event went to Weatherly’s Crystal Whisler, another Hillclimb Association member, who finished first in the F Street Prepared category clocking a time of 68.902 seconds. She also served as the event’s registrar and was the corner worker coordinator. She is also a new mom to a baby girl, and she and her fiancée Matt Hoegg are busy planning their September wedding which will be held during the Fall Hillclimb event September 17 at the start line.

The winner of the Spring Hillclimb’s Charles W. Potter MD Memorial Award for the fastest overall time of the weekend was Mark Aubele of Irwin, PA. He drove his Ford Mustang to the fastest time of 51.540 seconds.