The Journal-Herald, Thursday, November 28, 2024 by canwinjournal

theJournal-herald

CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–146th YEAR, NO. 1

Façade rules OKed in White Haven

by Ruth Isenberg

Only one White Haven business spoke at the hearing on Monday, November 25, that White Haven Borough Council held regarding its proposed zoning amendment to regulate facades in the commercial district. Aqua Pennsylvania’s Northeast District Manager Dave Hoogstad and an attorney

they retained appeared in opposition to the measure. Borough solicitor Don Karpowich opened the hearing, noting that a new Section 412 would create a Commercial Overlay District in the borough. Luzerne County Planning Commission sent a no comment letter, and the borough Planning Commission favored it.

See WHITE HAVEN, page 3

To commemorate its 75th anniversary, the Weatherly Area Community Chest had its 1954 Queen, Gloria Eroh, right, crown the 2024 Queen, Rachel Downs, prior to the annual Halloween Parade. For more photos, please turn to page 6.

SINGLE COPY– 75¢

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2024 • Volume 44 – No. 14 (USPS 277440)

CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–145th YEAR, NO. 27

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK a lot like a Hometown Holiday Festival, which means it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Preparations were going on throughout the White Haven business district for this Saturday’s Hometown Holiday Festival, sponsored by the Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce. Above, lights go on the borough’s Christmas Tree by the Caboose, in preparation for the official lighting at 6 p.m. on November 30, preceded by the lighting of the tree at Wilkes-Barre and Buffalo Streets at 5:30. But the festivities begin long before that, with a breakfast buffet with Mrs. Claus and her elves at the Soapy Bee from 9 to Noon, live reindeer from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lot at 217 Main Street, a gigantic train display by the Searfoss family in the borough building from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and an Elf Parade for kids and adults (and wellbehaved dogs) starting at 12:45 at Tavern on the Trail, and proceeding to the White Haven Area Community Library’s Railyard Park, where there will be children’s activities to enjoy. Filling in a special Shop Local Bingo card, which you can pick up at the Soapy Bee, will enter you into a drawing for a gift-filled basket from local stores. Drop it off at the Soapy Bee by 3:45 p.m. to qualify for the live drawing at 4. Santa will be making the rounds of local businesses, and there will be professional photos with Santa as well. Finish off the day by joining the parade from the honor roll tree to the caboose, then enjoy hot chocolate and ice cream sandwiches, courtesy of Wood’s Ice Cream. JH: Ruth Isenberg

THE JOURNAL-HERALD

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

Telephone (570) 215-0204

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

Periodicals postage paid at White Haven, PA 18661. POSTMASTER, send address changes to: THE JOURNAL-HERALD

211 Main Street, White Haven, PA 18661

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

Seth Isenberg, Advertising Sales

Ruth Isenberg, Editor

Steve Stallone, Sports Editor

Member, Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce Carbon County Chamber of Commerce

editoriAl Gratitude & thankfulness

by Ruth Isenberg

Gratitude and thankfulness are emotional responses to situations that impact our lives. And sometimes, those conditions make it difficult to be automatically thankful. Those are the times we need to reach down deep to counteract resentment and anger (which are also sometimes quite appropriate emotions).

Thanksgiving is a perfect opportunity to take stock of the blessings we have. We live in a beautiful part of our country, one with four distinct seasons. Our communities are vibrant and friendly. When we don’t like a political decision, we have the right to express our opinion and vote for changes. We have the freedom to move about as we choose, to associate with whomever we want, to practice any religion (or none) without government interference.

Personal situations vary, and times of illness, financial difficulty, and loss can make it harder to be thankful. Surprisingly, many people find it easier to remember all the things they are grateful for when ties are tough companssionate health care workers, aid from family and friends, good memories of loved ones who have died.

It’s when things are going relatively smoothly that we often forget to be appreciative. Little annoyances get blown out of proportion. Taking time to reflect helps restore the right balance.

Everyone has challenges. And everyone has things to be grateful and thankful about. Concentrate on the good, this Thanksgiving.

Shop small all season

by Ruth Isenberg

Small Business Saturday is a great reminder that local stores offer great things. Shopping local suports local businesses, who support local organizations. Shop local on Saturday, and continue into 2025.

From The Journal-Herald November 25, 1981 Jay & Clara Holder, Publishers

White Haven Fire Company Auxiliary elected officers for 1982. Sue Carter was president, Virginia Bartosevich was vicepresident, Ethel Zehner was secretary-treasurer, and Lois Gower was publicity chairman. Plans include a Valentine Dance on February 14 in the White Haven Community Building.

The White Haven Senior Citizens Club honored their members who were 80 or older, and couples who had been married 50 or more years. The writer, Mildred Carter, noted that “these honored guests are still active in service to the community and lending moral support whenever and wherever needed.” The accompanying photo showed 16 guests who were so honored.

The White Haven Ministerium scheduled a Community Thanksgiving Service in the United Presbyterian Church, with Father Edward Barrett, assistant pastor of St. Patrick’s Church, providing the sermon.

John Klem and David Searfoss, assistant chiefs of the White Haven Fire Department, and Donna and Stanley Fisher of White Haven Ambulance Association staff, attended a seminar at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville regarding “Live Flight”— Geisinger’s critical care response program featuring helicopter transport.

1981 was the year the Holders purchased The Weatherly Herald, and November 25 was only the 12th combined issue. There were two front pages in this issue though one was on page 3. One featured White Haven news; one featured Weatherly news.

Weatherly Area School Board named James Henry as Junior High JV Basketball coach, by a vote of 7-2.

An Echoes of the Past article by Jack Koehler detailed the wreck of LVRR No. 211 in 1917. It was helmed by veteran engineer Fred Shafer Jr. of Weatherly and fireman Anton Leppler, also of Weatherly, who first took it from Weatherly to Mauch Chunk. Holiday traffic caused delays in a train arrival in Mauch Chunk from Buffalo NY, so No. 211 had to make up time returning. Taking the heavy train up the steep Weatherly Hill toward Hazleton, it stalled. It was backed down below the Steel Works for another try, and after much effort to maintain enough steam, made it to Hazle Creek Junction. But as the train neared the lower yard at Hazleton, the heavy driving rods of the engine broke and the engine and car derailed. Shafer was scalded, Leppler had a severly sprained leg, but none of the passengers were injured. They were taken the rest of the way into Hazleton in another train in the yard.

Joseph S. Gans, owner of Cable TV, Inc., was unanimously re-elected as a member of the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Cable Television Association during the annual meeting and convention held at the Pocono Hershey Resort in White Haven.

Weatherly’s annual Community Thanksgiving was set for Wednesday, November 25, in St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church.

L&L Fire Company scheduled a block shoot at the Fire House in Laurytown.

Centenary United Methodist Church announced plans for its annual Christmas Bazaar. Craft tables and variety of foods were featured, including a salad bar.

The Weatherly Flower Club planned to join the Hazleton Flower Club for a Christmas luncheon in Stan Genetti’s Empire Room. Flower arranger and speaker was Mrs. George Makin.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters of Administration have been granted in the Estate of George Paul Hoherchak, a/k/a George P. Hoherchak, a/k/a George Hoherchak, late of the Borough of Lehighton, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, who died on October 8, 2024. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims or demands against the Estate are to present the same without delay to:

Tanya Hoherchak, Administratrix

c/o Peter O’Donnell, Esquire 1402 North Church Street Hazle Township PA 18202 11/28

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Susan L. Larock, of Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania, in the Estate of Janet A. Radziewicz a/k/a Janet Radziewicz, late of Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania, who died on August 22, 2024. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims or demands to present the same without delay to the Executrix named or to:

Alexis C. Falvello, Esquire THE FALVELLO LAW FIRM, P.C. 641 State Route 93

Sugarloaf, PA 18249 12/12

Readers—want your organization’s activities featured in these pages? Send news tips, press releases and photos to the editor at journalruth@pa.metrocast.net, or call 570-215-0204xt2.

White Haven

Continued from page 1

Atty. Maura Tunis, from the firm of Saporito, Falcone & Watt, spoke about Aqua’s concerns with ordinance. Aqua has purchased Wilmot lots 10 & 14 at an auction sale. She noted that they did not have an opportunity to inspect the building for structural integrity at the time, and felt the zoning amendment could limit their ability to demolish the structure, if they were unable to retrofit it. Façade requirements, such as streetfacing windows, could increase the cost of a new building.

She added that Aqua has specific needs for storage, and specific building materials would increase costs, which could then increase user rates.

Unintended consequences, she concluded, might deter people from improving structures in the borough.

Audience member Chris Roberts expressed his support for the ordinance, and the record was closed with no other comments.

Discussion continued when the amendment was brought up for a vote.

Council member Bob Lamson said council doesn’t want to prevent development, but they also don’t want a concrete monolith at the entry to the community, nor an aluminum pole barn.

Hoostad responded that the ordinance means Aqua can’t build a pole building garage, which is what they need.

Atty. Karpowich noted Aqua would need a land development agreement in any case if putting up a new buiding, with or without the amendment, and would have to obtain a conditional use. He also said that the requirements would only affect the side of the building that faces the road.

Council member Julie Fallon noted that in the location right off the bridge over the Lehigh River, the building would serve as a greeting to the community. Without standards, she said, White Haven could end up with a Dollar General type building on Main Street.

Hoogstad maintained that the PUC wants the company to do what’s best for the rate payers. Lamson responded that enhancements should be included in the original design of a structure, and would be permitted by the PUC.

The amendment was then approved, with council members Charlie Best, Fallon, John Klem, Lamson, Zane Writer and John Zugarek voting in favor, and Harvey Morrison absent.

In other business:

A letter from Penn Lake Mayor Tom Carter expressed gratitude to the White Haven Volunteer Fire Company for assisting in clearing downed trees after last weekend’s storm. Klem said the fire company answered 19 calls on Friday. He also thanked street commissioner Sean Reynolds for his work during the storm.

The 2025 general fund, liquid fuels, and trash and recycling budgets were approved as presented.

Also unanimously approved was an ordinance setting a .5 mil tax increase for 2024. Current taxes collected for October were $1,136.52. Local Realty Transfer Tax for October was $2,459.80, and delinquent taxes for September were $3,585.63.

On the recommendation of Mayor Fred Meier, council will advertise for part-time officers. Council accepted a letter of resignation from Officer Gilbert Diaz. Police Chief Rich Mocafin commented that Diaz did a lot of positive things for the community, including planning this year’s National Night Out event.

Council member Zugarek gave a promo for Saturday’s Hometown Holiday Festival.

The Blueprint Planning Group is working on its 5-year plan, which needs to be done by April.

Lamson’s verbal resignation from the borough Planning Commission was acknowledged. People interested in serving on the Planning Commission should contact borough manager Linda Szoke with a letter of interest prior to the next meeting, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. on December 23.

obituAries

ALLAN THOMAS

Allan Thomas, 88, of White Haven Poconos, passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Lehigh Valley Medical CenterHazleton Campus surrounded by his loving family. Born in Wilkes Barre, he was the son of the late Evan and Elizabeth (LaBar) Thomas.

Allan was a graduate of Coughlin High School. He served in the United States Air Force, stationed in Germany. He worked in the Maintenance Department at RCA in Mountain Top prior to retirement.

Allan loved NASCAR and was an avid Penn State Football fan, attending many bowl games. He and his wife, Arlene, loved to travel, and visited 49 states and 28 countries. They were very active with the Blakeslee United

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In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Kathleen (Casey) Thomas, and brother Charles Thomas.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 27 years, Arlene (Sholedice) Thomas; children Catherine (Willard) Hauze, Elizabeth Thomas, Allan Thomas, Susan (Sean) Silfee, Lois (Barry) Hanson, Lisa (Britt) Jarick, and Linda Miller; grandchildren, Willard Hauze III, Jason Hauze, Bailey Meyer, Shaylee Silfee, Jason Hanson, Quenton Hanson, Brandon Hanson, Leeanne Jarick Kauker, Laura Miller, and Kristopher Miller; two great-grandchildren, Tori Meyer and Ian Kauker; siblings, John (Barbara) Thomas, Louis Thomas, and Karen Jones; nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2025 and will be announced under the direction of the Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc., White Haven.

JOHN PAFTINOS

John Paftinos of Weatherly passed away Saturday evening, November 16, 2024, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Hazleton, at the age of 90.

Born in Lemnos, Greece, John was the son of the late Panagiotis and Androniki Paftinos. He served in the Hellenic Armed Forces. John came to the United States in 1959, and worked as a selfemployed contractor for over 40 years.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife Christina Paftinos, son Peter (Ann), daughter Michele (Nicholas), five grandchildren John, Michael and Matthew Paftinos, James and John Adamidis.

A funeral service was conducted November 19, in Holy Protection Monastery, White Haven, with interment following in Holy Protection Monastery Cemetery.

Arrangements were under the direction of Lehman Family Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Holy Protection Monastery, I St. Josephs Way, White Haven, PA, 18661.

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DIANE GOLDEN

January 8, 1949 –November 14, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Diane Golden, a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished grandmother, who peacefully departed this life. Diane was a woman of strength and deep faith that admired angels, whose love and devotion to her family, community, and God shaped the lives of all who knew her.

Diane was born in Nanticoke to Henry Rishkofski and Pauline (Olshefski). She is survived by her loving husband James of 55 years. She is also survived by her brother Henry (wife Kim). Diane was a true matriarch, dedicated to her children and grandchildren, who brought her immense joy. She was the proud mother of James (fiancée Lisa) of Archbald, Jeffrey of Mountain Top, and Jason (wife Jacquelyn) of Clarks Summit; and a loving grandmother to Jeffrey, Jessica, and Justin. She also had several great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

As an entrepreneur, Diane was the driving force behind two successful Wilkes-Barre businesses, Diane’s Rainbows and Roses and Diane’s Pro Sports.

A funeral was held November 20 at Desiderio Lehman Funeral Home in Mountain Top, with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Church, Dorrance. Interment followed in Albert Cemetery, Mountain Top. Visit www.MountainTopFH. com for additional information

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

Dam progress discussed at Penn Lake council session

by Suzanne Winters

At the November 14 Penn Lake Park Borough council meeting, Mayor Tom Carter reminded everyone that due to the dry conditions, there is an ongoing Burn Ban in the borough.

Solicitor Dan Mulhern gave an update on the timeline for the Basler easement appeal. Expert reports are due December 31, rebuttals are due February 18, and all hearings should be concluded by April 4, after which the board will decide

on the fair market value of the property in question.

The Phillips property easement is still under litigation, and therefore, the council met in an executive session directly after the regular meeting for discussion with the solicitor.

Secretary Karen Burden noted there was a Zoning permit and a Building permit issued to 23 Williams Drive for a garage.

There were two Right-ToKnow requests this month per councilman John Burden. One has been completed and the other is still open. Burden had

nothing new to report regarding Short Term Rentals (STR). Council president Paul Rogan asked during the meeting if there was any need to make changes to the STR ordinance. Council members did not feel there was a need for any changes at this time, and they will continue to review the ordinance for changes yearly.

Rogan reported that Aqua will be replacing the water main on Horseshoe and Darby Drives. Permits for this work have been issued. There was no timeframe for the project provided.

Sewer line flushing on the 1700 side of Lakeview Drive was set for November 18, per councilman Corey Beltz. They should be able to get this work completed between school bus runs.

The following are a few highlights from Rogan’s dam report.

He noted that on November 8 a notice was received from PEMA, indicating reimbursement in the amount of $88,122.37 has been initiated. These funds will be available in approximately 30-45 days.

Survey work between Darby and Carter Drives was completed and sent to Streamline for submission to DEP on November 2.

In October, a Statewide LSA grant award of $750,000 was

made. Rogan said this addresses half of the dam funding shortage.

The completed project on the Hollenback Road culverts and shoulder repair, and the ongoing drainage work on the corner of Horseshoe Drive and Hollenback Road, are being paid for by the remaining ARPA funds.

Under new business, Rogan advised council they need to ratify the recent email poll authorizing the survey necessary for the DEP dam permit. This should not exceed $3,500, and all voted in favor.

There was a first reading of the borough’s 2025 budget. Rogan will make the adjustments discussed at the work session, some items need to be added, and a motion was approved to advertise the 2025 budget.

Rogan had already advertised for 2025 trash collections bids. No motion was made to advertise. He said he is authorized to spend up to $500 without needing a motion. These bids will be opened at the December meeting.

Council clarified for the audience that the December meeting will be the third Thursday of the month, December 19, due to the need for advertising the 2025 budget.

75 years of service celebrated by Community Chest

Prior to the Weatherly Halloween parade, to commemorate its 75th anniversary, the Weatherly Area Community Chest had its 1954 Queen, Gloria Eroh, back center, crown the 2024 Queen, Rachel Downs. Members of the court are Ellen Whisler, left, and Kiley Holman, right. The three students are seniors at Weatherly Area High School.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER

30—Christmas at the Museum, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Weatherly Area Museum

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER

30—Hometown Holiday Festival, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., White Haven

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER

30—Tree Lighting Ceremonies, 5:30-7 p.m., White Haven

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER

30—Small Business Saturday to benefit Zions Nursery School, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Eurana Park Pavillion, Weatherly

SATURDAY, DECEMBER

7—Quilt Show, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., White Haven Area Community Library & The Victorian Connection, White Haven

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15— Christmas in the Park, 3:30 p.m., Eurana Park Pavillion, Weatherly

2025

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2025—Car Show, White Haven

The calendar is light right now, but it will fill up fast. Get your events listed early. By coordinating dates, everyone gets the opportunity to thrive. Send events to journalruth@ gmail.com

The weather promises to be cold this weekend, but don’t let that keep you from coming out to enjoy all the Small Business Saturday activities planned around the area. In Weatherly, enjoy a craft and vendor fair at Eurana Park that will benefit Zions Nursery School, then stop by the Weatherly Area Museum for Santa, stories, and goodies.

In White Haven, play Small Business Bingo, enjoy live reindeer, Santa stops, a terrific train display, and an Elf Parade, then Christmas tree lightings with carols, hot chocolate, and ice cream sandwiches.

Christmas lights are going up around the areea, and making things bright and cheery.

Lots of trees (and wires) came down around the area from last Friday’s storm. Very little accumulation in Weatherly, but more in White Haven, and Penn Lake got creamed.

by seth & ruth iseNberg

That rain predicted for Thanksgiving may make travel tough. Backups were reported on Interstate 80 as early as Tuesday, as temporary one-lane passage eastward on the bridge over the Lehigh at White Haven slowed things up. There is still a lot of construction throughout the area, so add some time to your travel plans.

The new White Haven Market signs includes

a Time & Temperature component always a handy reminder of how late we’re running!

Speaking of late, this year is flying by. Before we know it, we

will be starting a new year. The proposed Israel-Hezbollah cease fire at least offers hope it may be more peaceful.

Happy Thanksgiving to all our readers. We are grateful for you.

Lehigh Twp. changes banks, ups garbage fee

by Ruth Isenberg

Lehigh Township Supervisors started their November 4 meeting with a presentation by Casey Greenfield from Mauch Chunk Trust. She broke out services provided by the bank, including a small interest payment on balances over $1,000. She noted that the bank is working on adding deposits at the ATM at the Weatherly Borough Building. In the meantime, secretary Carol Lenahan said she had no problem going to the branch in Albrightsville. She said she was very glad East Side, where she is also secretary, moved to Mauch Chunk Trust earlier this year.

Following the presentation, supervisors voted to switch township accounts from Truist to Mauch Chunk Trust.

Bills were approved for payment, including Lehigh Asphalt’s bill once a mixup on the weight sheets is corrected.

Supervisors approved a request from Denise A. Gentile for an exemption for replacement of the septic system at 2538 S. Lehigh Gorge Drive.

Because of the pitch of the land, the system will only be 75’ from the existing well.

The township opted out of continuing as members of the Carbon County Council of Governments.

Supervisors accepted the 2024 budget on the first reading. Because of the new garbage contract, it includes a garbage rate increase to $95 per quarter. Discussion included stronger efforts to collect delinquent fees, including using a constable to go after delinquents.

Lehigh & Lausanne Fire Company reported five calls for the month. A second load of relief supplies was collected and sent to Tennessee—a 16’ trailer packed to top, and a second 26’ box truck packed to top.

The next meeting is Monday, December 2, at 1 p.m.

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

Main Street, White Haven, on Friday afternoon.

Hazleton Art League presents: Bob McCormick — Reclamation: From Coal Dust to Hope

The Hazleton Art League’s December/January art exhibition, Bob McCormick Reclamation: From Coal Dust to Hope opens with a reception Friday, December 6, from 5-8 p.m. at the Hayden Family Center for the Arts. Born in Big Mine Run, PA in 1952, McCormick experienced the decline of Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Era first-hand. His paintings and writings articulate memories, concerns, and musings regarding the history of coal in Pennsylvania, its lasting impact, and the state of our nation.

The gallery opening coincides with Wassail fest, the CAN DO Community Park tree lighting, pictures with Santa and more. It is fun for the whole family.

Coffee Talk, a discussion with the artist about his work, takes place from 1-3 p.m. Sunday,

Artist Bob McCorminck and the painting Pat Stood on Slag, taken at the Art of the State 2024 exhibition at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg.

December 8. Admission is free, and light refreshments are served.

PGC Office open Friday

Pennsylvania Game Commission Northeast Region Director Michael Beahm announces that the Northeast Region Office will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Friday, November 29, to accommodate persons wishing to purchase a hunting license.

“There is an annual rush to purchase general hunting licenses just prior to the regular

firearms deer season and many state offices will be closed that Friday,” Beahm said. “We try to accommodate the increase in demand by offering additional office hours for license sales.”

Normal Northeast Region Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Monday-Friday. The office is located at 3917 Memorial Highway in Dallas.

Acoustic Jam with live music in the Gallery is Sunday, December 22 from 1-3 p.m.

From Coal Dust to Hope art exhibition runs from December 6-January 26. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1 - 4 p.m.; closed Mondays and holidays.

For up-to-date information on classes, programs, and other events follow us on Facebook, Instagram (hazletonsartleague), and “X” (HALfortheArts). The Hazleton Art League, Hayden Family Center for the Arts, 31 W. Broad Street, Hazleton, PA 18201 www.hazletonartleague. org 570-455-3333

librAry corNer

This Saturday, the White Haven Area Community Library will be part of the Hometown

Holiday Festival. There will be a variety of fun activities throughout town, beginning at 9

a.m. The Elf Parade will begin at The Tavern on the Trail at 12:45 p.m. and end at the Library Rail Yard Park, where there will be free children’s activities. Dress up like an Elf and join in the fun. Free Elf hats will be given out that day.

The Library’s Original Book Club will meet on Wednesday, December 4, at 6:30 p.m. This month’s book is The Wish by Nicholas Sparks. Please note the Book club was such a success, that it has since developed into two Book Clubs – Original and Romantic/Fantasy. Watch our Facebook page for additional dates and book choices.

There will be a children’s Christmas Party on Saturday, December 14, from 12-2 p.m. More information to follow soon.

The library is sponsoring a Holiday Quilts and Crafts Show on Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beautiful quilts will be on display at both the library and The Victorian Connection. There will also be original art, photography, pottery, holiday decorations, fabric art and more. There will be home baked goods and raffle baskets too. Raffle basket tickets are available at the library. Tickets are 20 for $10, or $1 for one. Winning tickets will be pulled on Tuesday, December 10. Admission to the Quilt Show is $5 and tickets can be purchased at the library.

The Scrabble Club will meet on Thursday, December 5 and 19, and the Fiber Arts Club will meet on Thursday, December 12. Please continue to support the library by purchasing Gertrude Hawk Candy Bars. We are proudly selling all 10 available varieties for $2. If you are looking for your favorite flavor, and can’t find it, chances are the WHACL will have it for you to enjoy.

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.

The WHACL follows the Crestwood School District for weather related closings. If the school is closed, the library is closed. For weather events on days when school is not in session, the decision to close the library will be made at least one hour prior to its scheduled opening and posted on the library Facebook page.

STUDENTS COLLECT PLASTIC BAGS FOR WEATHERLY POUND: Students in 7th and 8th grade at Weatherly Area collected plastic bags to help clean litter boxes. at the Weatherly Pound. This was a civics project to promote helping our community. Shown from left are Lillianna Sincavage, Riley Zawilski, Emma Moyer, Elizabeth DiGennaro, Ava Zimmerman, Ryley Jacoby, Robert Kelly, Dinah Janiec, Ryan Johnson, Evan Janiec, Cam Zimmerman, Sophia Durham, Helena Williams, Lilah Gower, and SpEd paraprofessional Tara Keck.

WeAtherly AreA school NeWs

by Elizabeth DiGennaro & Jillian Esposito

DAR CONTEST: K-12 will be participating in the DAR contest where they can make a poster, a stamp, a photographic essay, a digital drawing, a banner, a poem, a short story, or a comic strip about the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Please turn in all projects to Dr Leach by December 4th.

WARM TOOTSIES

CONTEST: The Warm Tootsies contest is where the students compete to see who can bring in the most pairs of new socks that will be donated to veterans in nursing homes.

LUNCH WITH A LOVED

ONE: Kindergarten through 3rd grade students were able to bring in family members to have lunch with on the following days: Tuesday the 19th, Wednesday the 20th, Thursday the 21st, and Monday the 25th.

Need an Extra Copy of this issue?

The Journal-Herald is for sale at: White Haven Market, Soapy Bee and 940 Plaza in White Haven, Wawa at the Turnpike in Kidder, Weasel’s in Dennison, and TJ’s One Stop in Weatherly.

Family reunion draws from near and far

The 63rd annual Minnick / Reznick family reunion was held at Tweedle Park, Weatherly, with 98 family members and guests attending.

The traditional men-only breakfast, cooked by Dave Cerulla, began at 9 a.m.

It was a very good year in that no moment of silence had to be observed for the loss of family members.

New leafs added to the family tree are: Emma Gerhard, daughter of Cody and Allie (Hayes) Gerhard; Amelia Maguschak, daughter of Rich and Amber (Hornick) Maguschak; John Michael Mayer, son of Michael and Amanda (Sechrist) Mayer and Matthew Grant Pane, son of Kyle and Kelsie (Gregory) Pane.

The egg toss game trophy was awarded this year to the team of Carter Minnick and Thomas Maguschak, and that’s no yolk.

The annual white elephant sale as well as the Chinese auction was also held, and all enjoyed the delicious food throughout the event. The consensus of those attending was that the taste of the New England clam chowder far outweighed that of the bean soup.

The children, as well as the adults, were treated to a show presented by special guest, magician Jonathan Bonner from All That Magic.

See REUNION, page 11

Reunion

Continued from page 10

Attending were: Weatherly – Keith, Vicki, Anthony and Thomas Maguschak, Timothy Maguschak and Kelly Michaels; Ken and Mary Rose Minnick; Curt and Kelly Osman; Chris and Tara Moser; ; Dave and Jonathan Cerulla; Nick, Heather and Evelyn Cerulla; Lucy Minnick; Kyle, Sarah, Carter and Rylee Minnick; Kenny, Crystal, Maverick and Moxie Minnick; Marie Seibel; Alan, Kristen, and Shaun Caldwell; Jean Galvin; Jeff, Kristin, Logan, Levi, Lincoln and Ledger Aneskevich; Bill and Donna Gerhard.

Hazleton - Lori Hill; Ilson and Lisa Reyes; Aleah, Alaysia and Amiyah Curry; Brian Maguschak.

Beaver Meadows - Richie Mehalick; Rich, Amber, Carson and Amelia Maguschak.

Drums - Bobby, Alyssa and Sam Hornick.

White Haven - Joan Cerulla; Vickie Cerulla; Steven Curry. Harwood - Dave, Nicki, and Andrew Vajda.

Mountaintop - Breanne, Makenna and Maddox Myers; Lauren and Peyton Nagle; Doug and Denise Nagle.

Bear Creek - Lynn Hill and Tamara Burr.

Wilkes Barre - Joan, Stormi, Skai, Sophia and Savana Saxon.

Elizabethtown – Cody, Allie and Emma Gerhard

Emmaus - John and Violet Gregory; John David Gregory; Josh Gregory; Glen and Chris Gregory; Doris Reznick Gilette.

Allenown - Kyle, Kelsie Gregory and Matthew Kane

Quakertown - Matthew, Samantha and Rayne Schoch. Middletown, Maryland - Larry and Karen Geiser; Zachary and Easton Geiser. Fairfax, Virginia - Jane Altmann; Curtis Altmann. Cheektowaga, New YorkPatrick Maggiore

The 2025 reunion will be held at Tweedle Park on Aug. 31.

Remembering Dikembe Mutombo

by Doug Whiteside

We lost the great Dikembe Mutombo on September 30. He was a basketball Hall of Famer and ambassador for his home country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Having worked in public education for some time, I have worked with and developed friendships with educators raised in and emigrated from that country.

Education is rightfully seen in the Congo as the focal point of personal growth and essential for success.

The Republic of the Congo has gone through a period of civil unrest for most of the past three decades. Infrastructure has suffered, and poverty has long been a severe issue for the people. Mutombo and his ten siblings were fortunate because they were far from the conflict. They grew up in the 1970s and 80s in the capital city of Kinshasa. The capital is located in the Western part of the country and was able to function as a city should, with public works properly in effect in terms of schools, hospitals, and a local government.

His parents were educators, and his father was a Kinshasa Department of Education principal. They emphasized the value of education early on with their immediate family. Mutombo gained entry into a local Jesuit private school that offered a small teacherto-student ratio and a variety of sports. By the time he was ready to enter high school, Dikembe was approaching 7 feet tall and was beginning to show agility, reflexes, and skill. Basketball, though, still needed to be added to the radar. Young Dikembe was starting to show skill as a soccer goalie. By batting, swatting, and deflecting oncoming kicks, he gave onlookers a glimpse of a future defensive superstar in a different sport, one that would better suit his towering and imposing physical stature.

Basketball was a sport introduced previously in the Congo, and a national team had already been formed in Kinshasa. The coaching staff had heard of Dikembe’s ability on the soccer field and recruited him to work with the team. As a raw, young player, Mutombo took rather quickly to the fundamentals of the game. Using his height and stature to block shots and deflect passes made him a defensive force. He eventually made the team and competed in regional competitions against neighboring countries in Western Africa. His defensive abilities caught the attention of U.S. Ambassador Herm Henning, who was living and working at the embassy in Kinshasa. Henning was a former basketball coach and player himself.

Once he saw Mutombo in action, he approached him and his father with a plan and proposition to start discussions with some major college basketball programs in the U.S. after establishing a shortlist of choices for Dikembe to consider. He ultimately accepted a Georgetown scholarship under the legendary coach John Thompson. Mutombo knew that coach Thompson had successfully played the center position himself and that he had led the Hoyas to a National Championship in 1984. The legacy of dominant centers was highlighted by Patrick Ewing leading the team to two consecutive final four appearances, including the championship run of ‘84. Dikembe and Alonzo Mourning would carry the torch and later reaffirm Thompson’s teams as an impenetrable wall in the paint.

While at Georgetown, Mutombo would evolve as a player who not only would earn the Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 1990 and ‘91 but also developed the ability to hit the layup, the odd dunk, and post up for a shot with a high rate of success. He would leave the Hoyas and declare for the 1991 draft after averaging over 15 points per game and is listed as having a 70% success shooting rate from the free-throw line, not bad for a defensive specialist who never really took to the game

until his late teenage years. Despite a grueling basketball schedule, Mutombo’s strong family emphasis on education continued through his college years. He graduated with dual degrees in Linguistics and Diplomacy, a solid accreditation and accomplishment that further solidified his platform and efforts to later give back to his home country and help it to build and grow. Then, he was selected 4th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1991 NBA draft. Rather quickly, he found himself engulfed in fame and fortune but would not act unwisely and squander it. Through an 18-year career featuring eight trips to the NBA All-Star game and being awarded defensive player of the year 4 times, Mutombo was focused on directing attention toward the need for social services and infrastructure in his home country.

Often devoting much of his finances to the cause, he used his trademarked “finger wag,” a sign to competitors that they would not score over him. It was also a way to call out injustice and corruption in the Congo or anywhere else. Mutombo founded the “We Are Family” Foundation to respond, which supported improved healthcare and educational facilities in impoverished and war-torn areas. For that work, many universities and government dignitaries awarded him for humanitarian service in the U.S. and internationally.

Dikembe Mutombo was a great ambassador for the human spirit. He will be dearly missed.

Doug Whiteside lives in Toronto and writes for The Sports Column.

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THEME: SPORTS

ACROSS

1. Combat vehicle

5. Semi

8. *Biathlon gear, sing.

11. Keiko of “Free Willy”

12. *Ashi Waza and jugodi sport

13. Audienceís approval

15. Tandoori bread

16. Ned Stark’s daughter, “Game of Thrones”

17. Rˆntgen beams

18. *Warning track sport

20. Monetary “thank you,” pl.

21. Indigo dye shrubs

22. “Arabian Nights” bird

23. Destroyer

26. Danced to certain Polish music

30. Crematorium container

31. One without magic powers in Harry Potter stories

34. Largest volcano in Europe

35. Do nothing (2 words)

37. Singer Yoko

38. Be at the helm

39. Tropical tuber

40. *Player who delivers in a crucial sports moment

42. Recipe qty.

43. Display proudly (2 words)

45. Smells

47. Lake, in France

48. Clean a spill (2 words)

50. #8 Across, pl.

52. *Cornerback and direct snap sport

55. Russian pancake

56. Pasta option

57. Go cold turkey

59. *Reward for multiple sports championships, pl.

60. “Breaking Bad” victim

61. The Beehive State

62. King Kong, e.g.

63. Type of lightbulb, acr.

64. Spooky DOWN

1. Boatload

2. Riyadh native

3. *Collegiate sports grp.

4. Topeka native

5. Not urban

6. Short poems of pastoral life

7. *Hockey score

8. *Powerful shot in hockey

9. 11th letter of Roman alphabet, pl.

10. Elvis’ “____ Now or Never”

12. White and black stork

13. Glorify

14. *Gully and deep

mid wicket sport

19. Foe

22. Fish eggs

23. Corrodes

24. Heep of “David Copperfield”

25. Preface

26. Scheme

27. Mr. T’s TV show “The ____”

28. Olden days constipation treatment

29. *Bag of nails and baby ton sport

32. *Eagle and mulligan sport

33. African migrator

36. *Turkey and split sport

38. Woody perennial

40. Chlorofluorocarbon, abbr.

41. He gets a flag?

44. Reprieve in a desert

46. Not light-transmitting

48. Dots and dashes code

49. Did like goo

50. Women’s underskirt

51. Plural of cow, arch.

52. *Sports transgression

53. Plucked string instrument

54. Pinocchio, e.g.

55. Type of undergarment

58. Olden day “your”

Crestwood Boys Basketball Preview

Crestwood boys open bball season Friday vs Scranton

Cast of Comets changes, but team goals remain the same

by Steve Stallone Sports Editor

Year in and year out, the Crestwood boys’ basketball program can be found at or near the top of the Wyoming Valley Conference and District 2 standings.

The proof is in the banners hanging inside the Crestwood High School gymnasium.

That consistency starts with longtime head coach Mark Atherton, and the expectations are always to compete at the highest level.

In 30 seasons at the helm, Atherton has guided the Comets to eight WVC titles and seven District 2 championships. He earned his 500th victory at Crestwood last winter, when the Comets beat Holy Redeemer for yet another CYC McGrane Holiday Tournament championship.

“We feel that our program should always make it a goal to win championships,” Atherton said. “It starts with the McGrane Christmas Tournament, and then hopefully we could compete for a (WVC) title and finally get to the (Mohegan Sun) Arena for the 5A District 2 championship.

“These goals may be lofty,” Atherton admits, “but that is what we work for.”

The Comets graduated four starters off of last year’s 14-9 squad, which went 9-5 in conference play but fell in the opening round of the District 2 5A Tournament. The good news is they return one of the WVC’s top performers in 6-foot-4 junior swingman Ayden Agapito (9.8 ppg), one of the team’s leading scorers from last season as the McGrane Tournament MVP.

“Ayden will be one of the top players in the league,” Atherton predicted.

He will be surrounded in the starting lineup by seniors Ryan Sechleer (5-9), Jacob Feisel (6-4) and Brady Grevera (6-0), reserves a year ago who will be asked to step up their games.

Vying for the fifth starting

spot are juniors Connor Wagaman (6-3) and Gio Barna (5-10), and sophomore Jack Rodgers (6-2). The other two will be the first players off the bench.

Atherton will also look to senior guards Tommy Biscotti (5-11) and Cam Scotti (5-9) and senior forward Adam Nulton (6-3) to bolster the rotation. Nulton is currently injured, but is due to return in January.

The Comets can also call on junior guards Warren Farley (5-9), Brady Johnson (5-11) and MJ Walsh (5-8), junior forward Carter Wanyo (6-3), and sophomores Cole Naperkowski (5-9), Chase Oravic (5-9), Cole Pugh (5-9), Rehan Raza McCurdy (6-0), Kell Edwards (5-10), Alan Seifert (6-3) and Jeremiah Flores (5-11).

“They’re athletic and they’re blue collar workers,’ Atherton said of his team. “We have some size and length and extremely coachable players who are working hard to get better each

day.

“Although we won’t be young, we don’t have a lot of varsity experience. Building chemistry and developing depth may take time that we don’t have.”

Atherton will be assisted by Len Butczynski, Cole Wasco, Eric Lawson, Jeff Bellas and Donny Hopkins.

The Comets open the season Friday night at home against four-time defending District 2-4 Class 6A champion Scranton, and welcome Hanover Area the following day. Their rugged non-conference schedule also includes Shamokin, Williamsport, Bethlehem Catholic, West Scranton, North Pocono and Loyalsock.

Home-and-away meetings with WVC Division 1 rivals Hazleton Area, Dallas, Pittston Area, Wilkes-Barre Area, Wyoming Valley West and Nanticoke Area round out a difficult gauntlet the Comets will have to navigate through if they hope to meet those “lofty goals”

come February.

“We have a very challenging exhibition schedule to help get us prepared for a difficult Division 1 in the WVC,” Atherton said. “Hazleton Area and Pittston Area will be the top teams in the WVC, with both teams returning key players.”

ROSTER

Seniors

Ryan

Sophomores

SCHEDULE

November

29 - Scranton; 30 - Hanover Area.

December

3 - Shamokin; 7 - at West Scranton; 9 - North Pocono; 12 - at Williamsport; 14 - Bethlehem Catholic; 16 - Loyalsock; 19 - at Pittston Area; 21 - Hazleton Area; 27-28 - at McGrane Holiday Tournament.

January

3 - at Dallas; 10 - at Wyoming Valley West; 14 - at Wilkes-Barre Area; 16 - Nanticoke Area; 18Pittston Area; 21 - at Hazleton Area; 24 - Dallas; 31 - Wyoming Valley West.

February

4 - Wilkes-Barre Area; 6 - at Nanticoke Area. Get your Journa l-H erald in the mail each week. Or send it to a friend. 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 Send The Journal-Herald to: NAME

_________________________________ If a gift, sign the card from:

Sechleer (5-9 G), Jacob Feisel (6-4 F), Cam Scotti (5-9 G), Brady Grevera (6-0 G), Tommy Biscotti (5-11 G), Adam Nulton (6-3 F). Juniors

Ayden Agapito (6-4 G/F), Gio Barna (5-10 G), Warren Farley (5-9 G), Connor Wagaman (6-3 F), Brady Johnson (5-11 G), Carter Wanyo (6-3 F), MJ Walsh (5-8 G).

Jack Rodgers (6-2 F), Cole Naperkowski (5-9 G), Chase Oravic (5-9 G), Cole Pugh (5-9 G), Rehan Raza McCurdy (6-0 F), Kell Edwards (5-10 G), Alan Seifert (6-3 F), Jeremiah Flores (5-11 F).

Winter Sports Season gets underway Friday

by Steve Stallone Sports Editor

High school athletes who are reaching for that extra helping of stuffing, turkey or pumpkin pie this week may want to resist the temptation. After all, the winter sports season is upon them!

Friday, the day following Thanksgiving, marks the official start of the 2024-25 winter sports season, and a pair of area boys’ basketball teams are scheduled to tip off their respective seasons while the calendar still shows November.

On Friday, the Crestwood boys will host four-time defending District 2-4 Class 6A champion Scranton in their lidlifter. The Comets will also play Saturday at home against Hanover Area.

Also on Saturday, the Weatherly Area boys will begin their season with a road game at Panther Valley.

The Crestwood girls will have to wait until Monday to tip off their season. The Lady Comets will be at home against Scranton.

And on Tuesday, the Weatherly Area girls begin their campaign with a home game against MMI Prep. Meanwhile, the Crestwood boys and girls open their wrestling seasons at Wallenpaupack that same evening.

The varsity schedule for

the opening week-plus of the scholastic winter sports season is as follows:

Friday, Nov. 29

Boys Basketball

Scranton at Crestwood

Saturday, Nov. 30

Boys Basketball

Weatherly Area at Panther Valley

Hanover Area at Crestwood

Monday, Dec. 2

Girls Basketball

Scranton at Crestwood

Tuesday, Dec. 3

Boys Basketball

Shamokin at Crestwood

Girls Basketball

MMI Prep at Weatherly Area

Boys Wrestling

Crestwood at Wallenpaupack

Girls Wrestling

Crestwood at Wallenpaupack

Wednesday, Dec. 4

Boys Wrestling

Hanover Area at Crestwood

Girls Wrestling

Crestwood at Hanover Area

Thursday, Dec. 5

Boys Basketball

Marian at Weatherly Area

Girls Basketball

Crestwood vs. Jersey Shore at Selinsgrove Tournament

Friday, Dec. 6

Girls Basketball

Weatherly Area at Marian

Crestwood at Selinsgrove Tournament

Boys Wrestling

Crestwood at DKI Tournament, Bloomsburg

Saturday, Dec. 7

Boys Basketball

Crestwood at West Scranton

Boys Wrestling

Crestwood at DKI Tournament, Bloomsburg

College Notebook

Bibla off to strong start at Buffalo

Former Crestwood wrestling and football standout Magnus Bibla is off to a strong start in his second season as a wrestler at the University of Buffalo.

The 285-pound sophomore picked up a pair of wins at the season-opening WrangleMania event in Bethlehem, posting decisions over wrestlers from Sacred Heart (10-3) and Cal Baptist (4-2). The Bulls split the two matches.

The Bulls have also competed in the Journeymen Classic in Bethlehem, and also dropped decisions to Purdue, Army and Cornell, all ranked in the Top-25 at the time.

Bibla is 7-4 in individual matches thus far in 2024-25, and 2-1 in dual matches.

The Bulls are off until Dec. 6, when they take on American University.

0-0-0

Ryan Petrosky, a junior wide receiver from Mountain Top, played in a pair of late-season games for the Bloomsburg University football team this season.

The 6-2, 190-pounder saw action against Slippery Rock and Millersville, and had a fumble recovery on punt coverage in the Slippery Rock game, setting up an early Huskies touchdown. Bloomsburg finished the season at 6-5. Petrosky, who starred for Crestwood High School, is a finance major.

Hunters take aim at trophy buck as rifle season begins

by Steve Stallone Sports Editor

If you’ve been seeing an increase in deer activity while you are driving or just taking a walk or looking in the backyard, you’re not alone.

The deer have been on the move for weeks, and hunters are hoping they remain on the move starting this weekend.

Buck Photo Caption

This six-point buck was following a group of doe in Kidder Twp. last week, not far from the shores of Lake Harmony. Pennsylvania’s rifle deer season opens Saturday and runs through Dec. 14. Photo by Steve Stallone

Pennsylvania’s rifle deer season opens Saturday, and runs through Dec. 14. If you’ve purchased a license for both, you can hunt antlered and antlerless deer during the upcoming twoweek hunting season.

Even though the expansion and rise in popularity of the archery season that runs prior to it has been significant, firearms season can still provide plenty of opportunities to

harvest that trophy buck or doe or both.

According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the 2023-24 rifle season accounted for 50 percent of the overall antlered harvest and 65 percent of the antlerless harvest. Meanwhile, archers accounted for 36 percent of last year’s overall deer harvest.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission reports strong deer numbers for the upcoming season, although food and water sources are spotty.

The recent drought has had more deer gravitating to water sources like lakes, ponds and creeks, a spot where hunters may find some success come Saturday and beyond.

EAGLE RUNS LIKE A DEER If you caught the NFL Sunday Night Football game this past weekend, that wasn’t a deer you were seeing darting, dancing and sprinting through the Rams’ defense.

It was simply Saquon Barkley showing why he is the league’s best running back, hands down.

The former Whitehall High School and Penn State University star formerly of the New York Giants had Eagles fans jumping up and down, and kept his new team’s Super Bowl mission right on track.

Barkley exploded for touchdown runs of 70 and 72 yards in the second half, part of a franchise-record 255-yard rushing day in Philadelphia’s 37-20 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Not only did he shatter LeSean McCoy’s record of 217 yards, his rushing total was the ninth-most in NFL history.

Barkley finished with 302 yards from scrimmage, logged his seventh 100-yard game, and upped his league-leading rushing total to 1,392 yards in 11 games.

More importantly, Barkley’s play continues to spark the 9-2 Eagles, who won their seventh straight game and are now 2.5 games up on the second-place Washington Commanders (7-5) in the NFC East.

TALKING TURKEY

Thanksgiving Day is all about

the turkey and trimmings, family and friends, warming drinks and conversation.

And plenty of football!

An NFL tripleheader is once again on tap, giving you plenty of football to squeeze in and around dinner and those return trips to the fridge for leftovers!

Thursday’s lineup begins at 12:30 p.m., when the red-hot Detroit Lions (10-1) host division rival Chicago (4-7) in an NFC Central showdown.

At 4:30, two teams who have failed to meet expectations tangle when the Dallas Cowboys (4-7) entertain the New York Giants (2-9) in an NFC East contest.

Then, at 8:20, the Miami Dolphins (5-6) and Green Bay Packers (9-2) will kick it off from Lambeau Field.

With apologies to the Dolphins, Bears and Giants, the most disappointing team in Thursday’s lineup would have to be the Cowboys.

Dallas fans had hoped their defense, sparked by All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons, and an offense triggered by quarterback Dak Preskot and wideout CD Lamb would carry their team to a division title and a deep playoff run.

Instead, Parson was injured early in the season and missed multiple games, Preskot and Lamb created few magical moments, and Preskot eventually suffered a seasonending injury.

But just when the Cowboys appeared to be an afterthought to this season, they showed signs of life on Sunday. Going into Washington to face the surprising Commanders, the Cowboys got two touchdown passes from backup Cooper Rush, and a pair of long kickoff returns for touchdowns in a wild fourth quarter as they escaped with a 34-26 victory, ending a five-game skid.

“We’re not done yet,” was what Parsons proclaimed while leaving the field. And perhaps he’s right.

If the Cowboys can muster up enough to beat the hapless 2-9 Giants at home on Thanksgiving Day, they will improve to 5-7

and actually still be in the conversation for an NFC wild card spot. That’s no easy task, considering the Cowboys are 0-5 at home this season.

Their next two games after that are against Cincinnati (4-7) and Carolina (3-8). In the NFC, just one game separates the current No. 9 seed (5-6 Tampa Bay) with the 14-seeded Cowboys (4-7), and that could all flip-flop in the next few weeks.

AROUND THE HORN

Pittsburgh Penguins’ star Sidney Crosby became just the 21st player in NHL history to reach 600 goals, scoring the milestone goal in a loss to Utah on Saturday night. The one-timer from the right side gave Crosby his 600th career goal—all with the Pens—as he joined Mario Lemieux (690) as the only two Penguins to reach that mark. ...Penn State (10-1) and Notre Dame (10-1) are now ranked 4-5 as they continued their run to the College Football Playoffs with wins on Saturday. It wasn’t easy for the Nittany Lions, who needed three fourthdown conversions in the final minutes to run out the clock and escape Minnesota’s Huntingdon Bank Stadium with a 26-25 victory. The Irish pounded previously unbeaten Army in a game played at Yankee Stadium, and now have won 10 straight. ...Major League Baseball and his native Dominican Republic is mourning the death of former standout Rico Carty, who died over the weekend at 85. He was one of the first groundbreaking Latino stars in the majors, breaking into the bigs with the Milwaukee Braves in 1964, batting .330 with 22 homers and 88 RBIs, and finishing second in the voting for NL Rookie of the Year to Dick Allen. His best year came in 1970, when he hit .366 to win the NL batting title, along with 25 homers and 101 RBIs. That year he played alongside Hall of Fame outfielders Willie Mays and Hank Aaron for the NL in the All-Star Game. Carty finished his 15-year career in 1979, retiring with a .299 average, 204 home runs and 890 RBIs.