©2024, THE JOURNAL-HERALD. All Rights Reserved
CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–146th YEAR, NO. 4
SINGLE COPY– 75¢
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024 • Volume 44 – No. 17 (USPS 277440)
CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–145th YEAR, NO. 30
by Jim Dino
Property taxes will stay the same in Foster Township in 2025.
At their latest meeting
December 11, the township supervisors voted unanimously to adopt a $2,711,087.52 spending plan that calls for the same 1-mill property tax assessment as in 2024.
GREATER WHITE HAVEN CHAMBER SAYS THANK YOU! During its annual Christmas Party held December 17 at the Tavern on the Trail, the Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce presented outgoing president Linda Miller with a gift of thanks for her 11+ years of leadership. Flanking her are Linda Szoke, left, and Ruth Isenberg, right, representing the small number of members at the start of Miller’s term. The organization’s growth and progress over those years has been steady and remarkable. Photo by Holly Potance
The budget lists $1,838,028.52 in incoming revenue, plus a $873,061 balance being carried over from 2024,
The three biggest revenue generators are: $802,800 in taxes; $588,315 in charges for services, and $402,080,51 in intergovernmental revenue.
Included in charges for services is $500,000 for the monthly sewer fee, $28,000 for landlord-tenant registration,
and $15,000 for building permits,
Some of the major drivers in operating expenses are $219,000 in operating grants and $146,590 in liquid fuels funds used for road maintenance.
On the spending side, $561,911.91 is dedicated to highways, roads and streets; $537,968.38 to general government; $201,300 to health
See FOSTER, page 6
SINGING WITH ELSA AND ANNA at Christmas in the Park in Weatherly on Sunday. More pictures, page 7. JH: Ruth Isenberg
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(JAY E. HOLDER, Co-Publisher 1954-1997; CLARA HOLDER, Co-Publisher 1954-2014)
Seth Isenberg, Advertising Sales
Ruth Isenberg, Editor
Steve Stallone, Sports Editor
Member, Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce Carbon County Chamber of Commerce
Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce © Copyright 2024, The Journal-Herald
by Ruth Isenberg
Christmas is still a week away. Christmas is almost here. Christmas is almost over and New Year’s Eve is almost here. We are already operating in 2025.
All those statements are true. Perhaps because Christmas is midweek, it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly where in the season we are. Despite Advent study group, several Christmas parties, and at least a start on shopping, the reality of Christmas hasn’t quite sunk in yet.
Someone suggested an alternate title for this editorial Christmas Grouching. While I rejected the premise, there are some aspects of the season that can grate. Christmas gift advertisements can be especially annoying. The holiday is an important economic factor for business, and the commercial aspects have their place, but too much materialism can overshadow the religious and social importance of Christmas, and make it more about greed.
A funny thought we look to the skies for the star of Bethlehem, but apparently in many areas we are now seeing drones. I didn’t see drones or meteors over the weekend, although Friday and Saturday were reportedly the high point of the Gemenied meteor showers. The full moon was spectacular, and probably blew out meteor sightings.
Whether you celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday or a family celebration, it is an opportunity to set aside the cares of everyday life and concentrate on enjoying each other. Reach out to those who have lost loved ones; the holidays can be a tough time with poignant memories. If you can, send a gift to the local food banks, veterans organization, or social service agency.
May this Christmas bring you peace and joy.
From The Journal-Herald December 17, 1992 Jay & Clara Holder, Co-Publishers
The White Haven Municipal Authority announced that it would be publishing the names of people who routinely have not paid their bills, approximately 20-25 people. They were given until mid-February to avoid having their names printed in The Journal-Herald, and until mid-March to avoid having their water shut off.
Names of the people who volunteered to serve on the citizens’ committee to monitor the Muncipal Authority and audit their books were listed. The committee issued a statement that called the $2.1 million debt to pay for recent water improvement “beneficial to White Haven Borough residents and will guarantee a clean water supply for years to come.” However, they were concerned about the heavy financial burden this would place on the taxpayers of the town.
Meanwhile, sewer rates were rising in Weatherly by 50%. Also increasing were Pocono Cable T.V. rates to $18.95 per month for basic cable, $10.95 for HBO or Cinemax, $11.95 for Prism and $17.95 for HBO and Cinemax. The low bid for garbage collection came from Knepper Sanitation at $110,330 for one year.
Lehigh Township Supervisors took heat from citizens for the newly enacted garbage collection fee of $30 per quarter.
White Haven Borough Council sold its old police cruiser, a 1984 Ford, for $229.69.
Peter McMonigle was appointed acting superintendent of Weatherly Area School District to replace superintendent Clyde Blair, who was going on sabbatical leave through June 1993. A permanent replacement was
to be named at that time; McMonigle was a candidate for the job.
The Presbyterian Church of White Haven hosted The Joy of Sharing Christmas for over 100 children and their families, offering a maze of activities ranging from a tour of the church including a demonstration of the church organ, various crafts, stories in the balcony and a chance to ring the church bell, and much more even a petting zoo. Pictures were very cute.
Ads included a Wild Week Sale from the new Radio Shack in Blakeslee, and Christmas gift suggestions from Gebhardt Billiard & Games in Hazleton, The Personal Touch gift shop in Weatherly, Howard’s Jewelers at the Laurel Mall, and Chaskin Jewelers on Wyoming Street in Hazleton.
The Mountain Laurel Resort scheduled a Festival of Ice for mid-January, featuring ice carving competitions for the fourth year in a row.
Youth Basketball Leagues in Weatherly were in full swing, with six teams in the Junior League, and six teams in the Senior League.
White Haven Area Sports Association reported on four teams vying for their championship.
There were team pictures and schedules published for both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams of Weatherly Area and Crestwood High Schools, with advertisements from local businesses wishing them good luck for the season.
The Weatherly Wreckers defeated the Crestwood Comets 53-50 in the Anthracite Hall of Fame basketball tournament, as reported by Carl Schigner. Weatherly defeated MMI in the leadup game, and Crestwood beat Nativity to earn its spot in the championship game.
The Board of Supervisors of Lausanne Township is looking for 2 Auditors to support our township for the upcoming 2025 Audit. Must be a resident of Lausanne Township.
This would be an appointed position with a pay rate of $12.00 an hour.
Please submit a letter of interest to lausannetownshipcc@gmail. com
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Lehigh Township Board of Auditors will reorganize on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 7:30 P.M. in the Lehigh Township Municipal Building, 1741 S. Lehigh Gorge Drive, Weatherly, Pa.
Cynthia Baade, Chairman
Notice is hereby given that the January 2025 meeting of East Side Borough Council will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025 beginning at 6:30 P.M. in the White Haven Community Library, 121 Towanda Street, White Haven, PA.
Carol Ann Lenahan, Secretary
Lausanne Township New meeting location/Date
Lausanne Township meetings for 2025 will now be held the first Monday of the month at the address below:
River Run Center for the Healing Arts Building 3907 Buck Mountain Road Weatherly, PA, 18255
Melissa Urbanski Secretary Treasurer
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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Lehigh Township Supervisors will reorganize and hold their January regular monthly meeting on Monday, January 6, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. in the Lehigh Township Municipal Building, 1741 S. Lehigh Gorge Drive, Weatherly, Pa.
Carol Ann Lenahan, Secretary
PackerTownship
Notice is hereby given that on Monday, January 6, 2025 at the Packer Township Municipal Building, 2234 Hudson Drive, Weatherly, PA 18255 the Packer Township Supervisors will hold their re-organizational meeting for 2025 at 6:00 P.M. The regular monthly meeting will immediately follow the re-organizational meeting. The Packer Township auditors will hold their re-organizational meeting on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at the Packer Township Municipal Building, 2234 Hudson Drive, Weatherly, PA 18255 at 6:00 p.m. The Packer Township Supervisors will hold their regular monthly meetings for the year 2025 at the Packer Township Municipal Building located at 2234 Hudson Drive, Weatherly, PA on the following dates: January 6 following re-organizational meeting, and at 6:00 P.M. on February 4, March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3, July 1, August 5, September 2, October 7, November 3 and December 2.
Stephanie Stolpe Packer Township Secretary/Treasurer
The White Haven Borough Planning Commission will hold a meeting on January 2, 2024, at 6 pm at the White Haven Borough offices at 312 Main Street, White Haven PA.
The meeting will be to review the application submitted by Aqua PA for their project titled White Haven Treatment Well PFAS Remediation located in the borough. This project will include the construction of a new treatment building that will augment the existing treatment facilities at the site.
NOTICE OF TRUST ADMINISTRATION
NOTICE is hereby given of the administration of THE MARY E. GALLAGHER REVOCABLE TRUST, dated September 16, 1991. Mary E. Gallagher, settlor of the trust, late of the Township of Butler, County of Luzerne, and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, died on June 24, 2024. Ann Gallagher and Susan Stefanick, Trustees, request all persons having claims or demands against the Trust to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the Decedent to make payments without delay to the Trustees, c/o Stacey F. Acri, Esquire, Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak, 273 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. 12/26
ESTATE of DURELL SEIP, deceased, late of the Borough of Palmerton, Carbon County, Pennsylvania.
LETTERS TESTAMENTARY have been granted to the undersigned who requests all persons having claims or demands against the estate of said decedent to make know the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payments, without delay, to the Executrix: Donna Trimmel 144 West Columbus Avenue Nesquehoning, PA. 18240 or to her Attorney: Robert T. Yurchak, Esquire 1 East Catawissa Street; POB 127 Nesquehoning, PA 18240 12/26
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters of Administration have been granted by the Register of Wills of Luzerne County, PA, on September 18, 2024, in the Estate of Esteban Jimenez, late of Freeland Borough, who died March 23, 2024, to Sandra Jimenez, Administratrix. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims to present them immediately to:
SENAPE LAW
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
12/26
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Tina Biasi, of Hazle Twp., Pennsylvania, in the Estate of Carole Ann Palermo a/k/a Carole Palermo, late of Hazle Twp., Pennsylvania, who died on September 24, 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 Executor named or to: Alexis C. Falvello, Esquire
THE FALVELLO LAW FIRM, P.C.
641 State Route 93 Sugarloaf, PA 18249 1/2
PAUL GENE DICE, JR.
Paul Gene Dice, Jr., husband, son, father, 54 years of age of Weatherly, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at home while in the loving care of his family after a courageous three-year battle against brain cancer.
Born Friday, July 17, 1970 in Hazleton, he is survived by mother, Louise (Ackers) Kirschner and her husband Alvin of Drums; beloved wife of 31 years, Beth A. (Kunkel) Dice; daughter, Kari E. Dice; son, Kyle A. Dice; sister-in-laws Tami Ambosie, wife of Darin and their daughter Juliana, Lori Clabia, wife of Steve and their children, Melanie, and Stephen. Three great nieces and one great nephew also survive Paul.
Paul was predeceased by; father, Paul G. Dice Sr., and brother, Glenn A. Kirschner. A 1988 graduate of Weatherly Area High School, Paul worked at the Weatherly Foundry as
ABranchofHolmes–GriffithsF.H.,Inc. 211FirstStreet,Weatherly,PA18255 570-427-4231
E.FranklinGriffithsIIIF.D. PhilipJ.JeffriesF.D./Supervisor www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
Anewapproachtofuneraland cremationcare.Lookingforwardto servingWhiteHaven,Dennison, Lehigh,andFosterTownships. Allarrangementsandconsultations fromthecomfortofyourhome. Guidingfamiliesthrough difficulttimes.
a core-maker and served as a union officer until taking ill. Entranced as a boy watching midget racing at Dorney Park in his worn jean jacket covered with patches, Paul and his family have had a multi-generational love for the sport, operating Dice Racing. Paul raced at Mahoning Speedway, and Evergreen, taking on different roles from driver, mechanic to pit crew. While off the track, Paul was always working on cars, or spending time in his garage. After retiring from his racing career, Paul also served as a board member of the former Lehigh Valley Quarter Midget Racing Club where he spent most weekends maintaining the track and mentoring his son, Kyle, on the sport.
Paul would watch WWE, follow his favorite NASCAR team, the NBA and was a New York Jets fan. During Paul’s illness he enjoyed the companionship of his dogs Jack and Scout.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Weatherly. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday December 20, from the funeral home. Friends may call on Thursday, December 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Weatherly.
Families may make a memorial contribution to a charity of one’s choice in Paul’s name.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com
Barbara Ann Lenhart Melluzzo, 77, of Laurel Run, passed away on Friday evening, December 13, 2024. Born in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Matilda Lenhart and was a graduate of Freeland High School, Class of 1964. She worked in White Haven, Mountain Top and Florida, for 30 years in the banking industry. She was a member of St. Mary/St Nicholas Church, Wilkes-Barre and a former member of St. Patrick’s Church, White Haven, where she was a lector and Sunday school teacher.
In addition to her parents and brother, Attorney LeRoy Lenhart, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Melluzzo.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Michael Dixon of Laurel Run, Thomas Dixon of White Haven, grandchildren, Mark, Brandon and Julia, and father of her children, William T. Dixon.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, December 20, at 10:30 a.m. from the Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc., White Haven, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church, White Haven.
Friends are invited to join the family at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. Visit www.
LehmanFuneralHome.com for additional information.
KEVIN J. EGAN
Kevin J. Egan, 82, of White Haven, passed away on Friday, December 13, 2024 in the VA Medical Center.
Born in the Bronx, New York, June 27, 1942, he was the son of the late Patrick and Kathleen Gibbons Egan.
He served his country proudly in the United States Army. He was a detective with the New York City Police Department, retiring after 20 years. He then went on to work as Chief Engineer at the Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY.
He enjoyed playing the lottery and watching football and baseball games. He loved to
WhiteHaven,PA
PATRICKM.LEHMAN,PRESIDENT RUSSELLC.TETER,JR.,SUPERVISOR
ServingWhiteHaven,Weatherlyandsurroundingcommunities www.LehmanFuneralHome.com BranchofLehmanFamilyFuneralService,Inc. (570)443-9816
read and spend time with family and friends. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Church, White Haven.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Hand, Una Longergan, Bernadette Kennedy, Sister Eileen Egan, and Brenda Egan; and brother Desmond Egan.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 57 years, Nancy Ann Stemple Egan; brother Patrick Egan, Long Beach, NY; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 21, at 11 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church, White Haven, with Reverend Michael Kloton officiating. Interment will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
Friends are invited to join the family for a visitation from 10 a.m. until Mass time.
Arrangements under the direction of the Lehman Family Funeral Service, White Haven. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Kevin’s Memory may be made to St. Patrick’s Church.
Obituary Policy: The Journal-Herald does not charge for the publication of obituaries. They are treated as news articles, and edited to fit our requirements, as are all news items. Pictures may be included when available. Obituaries with special wording may be published as Tribute advertising, at regular rates. Call 570-215-0204 xt2 for more information.
WILLIAM WALTER ROSS
William Walter Ross, aged 86, passed away on December 9, 2024 at Geisinger Hospital in Wilkes Barre, PA.
Known as “Bill” by his friends, he was born January 15, 1938 in Luzerne, to parents Anna Zagorski and Peter Ross Sr.
William was a graduate of Luzerne High School. He attended Tulane University for a brief time on a football scholarship, then served as a seaman in the Merchant Marines and then he also served in the US Army. He graduated from Kings College, WilkesBarre, with a degree in English. After graduation he went on to work for International Harvester and then State Farm
John A. Dias
Michael E. Dias
Merry Christmas
The hardest thing in life to bear
Is to want your loved one and he is not there.
So forgive us Lord if we still weep for the one we loved and long to keep.
The sorrow we feel and cannot explain For the ache in our hearts will forever remain.
Love, Your Family
Insurance where he was a bodily injury adjuster for more than 30 years. After retiring he enjoyed participating in various roles as a member of the Pennsylvania Claims Association, and especially enjoyed spending time with his friends golfing, hunting and fishing. One of his favorite things to do was to search for clams and oysters with his family in Rhode Island.
William was preceded in death by his brother Peter Ross Jr. and half-brother Herman Slauzis. He was also preceded in death by his wife Barbara Ross, who passed away in August of 2023.
William is survived by his son Jeffrey Ross and many cousins of the Bogumil, Serignese, Trojnacki, McAvoy and Jablowski families.
A memorial service was held at the Desiderio Lehman Funeral Home, Mountain Top, on December 15.
Visit our website at pocononewspapers.com for in-between-issue stories and events
December 20
Michael E. Dias
Birthday Memorial
You are not forgotten, loved one Nor will you ever be
As long as life & memory last We will remember thee
We miss you now, our hearts are sore
As time goes on, we miss you more.
Your loving smile, your gentle face
No one can fill your vacant place.
Your loving family
JAMES PRICE SR.
James (Jim) Price, Sr., 78, of Carlsbad, CA, formerly of White Haven, passed away on December 9, 2024. Jim was a beloved father, husband, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Jim was born on March 13, 1946, to Jack and Margaret Price. Jim enlisted in the Marine Corps and was medically retired as a Lance Corporal in 1968, remaining in San Diego County, California, for much of his life. He later worked in the aircraft/ turbine engines sector.
He graduated from National University, class of ’83, with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on personnel management. Jim was offered a position in human resources which eventually led him to the executive level as vice-president of human resources of GKN, a global
aerospace company.
In his free time, Jim enjoyed camping, fishing, reading his Bible, and was always eager to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with others. He and his wife Judy hosted Growth Group meetings, a weekly ministry of North Coast Church.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brothers Jack, Thomas, Brian and Kevin, and his sister, Margaret.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Judy; his children, Lori, Jim Jr. and Lisa, as well as eight grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren; his brothers, David, Frederick, Derek, Albert, Edward, Vincent, Desmond, and William; and his sisters, Ann Marie and Pauline.
A private funeral serice was held for family and close friends.
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Continued from page 1
and welfare; $194,841.25 to debt service, and $184,275 to public safety.
Two features of general government are: $117,353.30 for building repairs, and $65,000 for secretary wages,
The biggest chunk of public safety expense goes to police coverage, $118,975. Under health and welfare, $180,000 is dedicated to east end sewer maintenance.
The supervisors approved a resolution to appoint five members to a township recreation board.
The board members, and their terms, are: Madison Malloy, five years; Colleen Chamness, four years; Lorie Malloy, three years; Amanda Stratchko, two years, and former supervisor Georgiann Eckrote, one year.
The supervisors also voted to purchase and erect a “Welcome to Foster Township” sign on the recently-cleared site of the former Heller’s gas station on Route 940/Centre Street.
The three-foot by four-foot vinyl sign is being purchased from John Kanucks Graphics and Designs for $1,200.
by Jim Dino
Property taxes will rise slightly in Packer Township in 2025.
At their latest meeting December 3, the supervisors voted to approve a $306,725 budget that calls for the same .5 of a mill for general purposes and .1 of a mill for the special fund, but a raise from .97 of a mill to 1.151 mills for fire protection.
Supervisor Robert Selert said the fire protection hike was needed to pay for the new fire protection contract with Weatherly.
The township will carry over $410,680 from 2024. While $342,280 in expected in income in 2025, expenses are expected to be $446,685, leaving a $104,405 deficit.
The carryover will make up the deficit and leave a surplus at the end of 2025 of $306,275.
Of the $172,800 expected to come in from taxes, $140,000 is expected from earned income tax.
Another large chunk of expected income will be from highways and streets grants, $100,000.
The largest expenditure is expected to be from professional engineering services, $39,000.
Of the $58,945 budgeted for public safety, the largest amount goes for contributions to volunteer fire companies, $33,000.
The largest line item under the $264,400 public works and recreation budget is for $200,000 for maintenance and repair or roads and bridges.
In the garbage fund, the township is carrying over $64,298. With $185,714 the estimated income from garbage collection, expenses are expected to be $210,848. The $25,134 deficit will be made up by a portion of the carryover, leaving a $39,164 surplus at the end of 2025.
A $106,018 balance in the state fund will cover a projected $104,527 deficit, leaving a $1,491 balance at the end of 2025. A $47,472 liquid fuels allocation against $152,000 budgeted for highway construction and rebuilding creates the deficit.
No expenditures are expected in the special fund and park fund.
A $46,347 balance at the end
The White Haven Area Community Library would like to invite everyone to a holiday party on Friday, December 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be free live music by The Freeland Brass, as well as food and drinks. Registration for this event is required. Call the library at 570-443-8776, stop by in person or email WHACL. LIBRARY@yahoo.com and provide your name, phone, email and how many will be attending.
There will be a Family Friendly Literary Celebration of Christmas Stories performed by Steven Reiss on Saturday, December 21, from 3-4:30 p.m. Readings will include The Polar Express, The Gift of the Magi and ‘Twas the Night Before
of 2024 in the special fund will get another $3,320 added to it to create a $49,667 balance at the end of 2025.
In the park fund, a $3,802 balance will be carried over, With $500 expected to be spent, a $3,302 balance is expected at the end of 2025.
A big road project will start 2025. The supervisors voted to award a $164,958 contract to Bruce Excavating, Kunkletown, to install 13 crossings and eight culvert boxes along Grist Mill Road. Selert said Gentile was the lowest of three bidders for the project.
The original bids were rejected in October, and readvertised for the contractor to do the work, but the township supply the building materials, which the supervisors are purchasing for $41,000.
The supervisors also approved their meeting dates for 2025. Their reorganization and regular meeting in January will be held Monday, January 6 at 6 p,m,
The rest of the meetings will be held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p,m,, except for Monday, November 5, which is the day before Election Day.
Christmas. Adult supervision is required for all children who attend this special free event. Registration is required. Stop by the library, call or email to let us know you are coming.
There is still time to stuff your Christmas stockings with Gertrude Hawk candy bars. They can be purchased at the Library, G&A Hardware, Jireh’s Pizza, White Haven Vet, Connie Job Beauty, LK Hair, Thimbleberry, Hair2Dye4, Murphy Lumber, Barb Stemple Beauty Shop, Antonio’s Pizza, Aqua PA, SueAnn Sewing, The Hearing Center in Kingston, Gino’s Fairview Shoe, Northeastern Eye in Mountaintop, Holy Ghost Distillery and Dominic’s Pizza in Pocono Lake.
The original Book Club will meet on January 8, and the chosen read is The Boys of Riverside by Thomas Fuller. It is the inspiring story of a deaf high school football team and one of the top books of 2024. Please check Facebook for the next meeting of the new Romantasy Book Club (over 18 years of age please) as well as other upcoming library events.
We would also like to remind everyone that the library will be closed effective Tuesday, December 24 and will reopen Thursday, January 2. The library also 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.
Holiday lights are making things much brighter as the day with the shortest span between dawn and dusk of the year, and the first day of winter on Saturday. From Sunday on, every day will have a bit more daylight, dawn will be a minute or two earlier, and sunset a minute or two later.
Some people are still putting up their holiday displays, and were helped out by the 50° weather on Tuesday.
We experienced what we think was an owl overflight on the way home one early evening last week. The blocky bird flew low over our car, flapping broad wings. Other bird sightings include blue jays in our yard. The cardinals have not appeared this week.
Next Wednesday is both Christmas Day and the first night of Chanukah. Whatever you celebrate, enjoy!
Here are more pictures taken at last Sunday’s Christmas In the Park, both inside and out, at Eurana Park in Weatherly.
JH: Ruth Isenberg
Salem United Church of Christ
Salem’s Christmas Eve Service with carols, candlelight and holy communion will be held Tuesday, December 24 at 9:30 p.m. at 330 1st Street, Weatherly. All are welcome.
St. Matthew’s Union Church
St. Matthew’s Christmas Eve Service with the Sunday school program, candlelight, and holy communion will be held Tuesday, December 24 at 7 p.m. at 3153 Quakake Road, Weatherly. All are welcome.
First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church, Spring Street in Weatherly, will hold a candlelight Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24. The Rev. Andrew Barton will lead the service of carols. All are welcome.
Faith Church
Monday, December 23, at 7 p.m., Weatherly Faith Church will be holding a Christmas Eve Eve candle light service. Everyone is welcome.
The Hazleton Art League is excited to announce its partnership with Damenti’s Restaurant, located at 5 Bowman’s Mill Road in West Hazleton, for the renowned Ice Bar event, ICE4U2C. Running from January 10–30, 2025, this annual attraction combines the magic of winter with the creativity of local artistry.
Visitors to the Ice Bar will marvel at intricate ice sculptures crafted by master ice carvers from both near and far while soaking in the artistic ambiance at Damenti’s. The Ice Bar tradition began in 1986 when Kevin McDonald created a small ice castle for his daughter’s 3rd birthday, and he and his wife Helen have carried it forward ever since. “Helen and I believe the Ice Bar is a true asset to our community and NEPA, as there are only a handful of Ice Bars in the U.S.,” Kevin said. “Damenti’s welcomes everyone to experience this unique winter attraction.”
In addition to the ice sculptures, local artists will display and sell their creations, giving attendees the chance to support the arts while acquiring one-of-a-kind works. Visitors can also purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes valued at $250 or more, generously donated by community partners. Proceeds from ticket and raffle sales will benefit the Hazleton Art League’s programs and initiatives.
The Hazleton Art League is seeking volunteers to assist with
ticket sales and to promote its programs at the Hayden Family Center for the Arts in downtown Hazleton. Volunteering is a meaningful way to connect with the community and support local arts and culture.
During this time, visitors are encouraged to stop by the Hazleton Art League to view its current exhibition, Bob McCormick: Reclamation— From Coal Dust to Hope. This thought-provoking collection,
coinciding with Anthracite Coal Month, delves into life in the Anthracite Coal Mining Region, showcasing the resilience of the area through deeply emotional artworks. Each painting tells a story, and McCormick’s book, which further explores his artwork, is available for purchase at the Art League.
The Hazleton Art League also invites the community to consider membership for 2025. Members enjoy exclusive benefits, including updates on exhibitions, access to cultural events, and discounts on art classes for all ages. Membership not only provides these perks but also supports the League’s mission to foster creativity and enrich the community.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a one-of-a-kind winter event while championing local art and culture. For more information about volunteering or membership, contact the Hazleton Art League at 570-455-3333 or visit hazletonartleague.org.
CCEEC is planning a Winter Solstice Walk for Saturday, December 21, from 6 to 8 p.m.
The solstice signals the beginning of winter and marks the longest night of the year in our Northern Hemisphere. CCEEC celebrates with a quiet, self-guided walk through woods and fields, with luminarias along the way.
The lighted trail leads roughly a quarter mile out to the edge of Mauch Chunk Lake, then returns by the same route. A few short stops along the way allow participants to listen for owl calls. Cocoa, cookies, and a small nature craft station can be enjoyed afterward afterwards.
The evening is free for everyone, with no registration
required. If cancelled or postponed due to bad weather, notice will be made on CCEEC’s facebook page, and on their website at www.carboneec.org.
The center is located at the west end of Mauch Chunk Lake Park, just outside Jim Thorpe, along Lentz Trail.
Cookies, hotdogs, cotton candy, Philly pretzels, games, and a craft were all part of the celebration. Santa had a gift for each child, and the children had a wonderful time.
by LaShaun Pryor
“Rivalry Week” is when old grudges are reignited, and teams battle for more than just a win. They’re playing for a year’s worth of bragging rights. But this year, rivalry week took an ugly turn, with fights and postgame melees overshadowing on-field action.
The most talked-about clash came during the MichiganOhio State matchup, where tensions boiled into a full-blown altercation. Campus police resorted to using pepper spray to break up the chaos. The brawl even resulted in an OSU police officer being injured and needing medical attention—a somber reminder of how far things spiraled out of control.
In Tallahassee, the Florida
Gators claimed victory at Doak Campbell Stadium. Then, Florida’s defensive end, George Gumbs Jr., planted the Gators’ flag right in the middle of Florida State’s logo. That action predictably led to a post-game brawl, as players and staff from both sides clashed.
Meanwhile, NC State continued its dominance over North Carolina with a 35-20 win in the Tobacco Road rivalry. Fireworks ensued after the final whistle when NC State players brought a flag onto the field to plant at midfield. UNC wide receiver JJ Jones intervened, snatching it away before hitting the ground, sparking another confrontation as players from both teams had to be separated by staff.
Out west, the Arizona State Sun Devils trounced the rival
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Girls Basketball
Pittston Area at Crestwood
Lincoln Leadership Academy at Weatherly Area
Thursday, Dec. 19
Boys Basketball
Crestwood at Pittston Area
Weatherly Area at East Stroudsburg North
Friday, Dec. 20
Girls’ Basketball
Crestwood at Hazleton Area
Lourdes Regional at Weatherly Area
Boys Basketball
Weatherly Area at Bethlehem Christian
Saturday. Dec. 21
Boys Basketball
Hazleton Area at Crestwood
Girls Wrestling
Crestwood at Hanover Area Tournament
Thursday, Dec. 26
Boys Basketball
Crestwood at CYC McGrane Tournament
Friday, Dec. 27
Boys Basketball
Crestwood at CYC McGrane Tournament
Saturday, Dec. 28
Girls Basketball
Pleasant Valley at Crestwood
Boys Wrestling
Crestwood at Rohm Memorial Tournament, Bloomsburg University
Girls Wrestling
Crestwood at Iasiello Tournament, Bethlehem Catholic H.S.
Arizona Wildcats 49-7, which led defensive lineman Jacon Kongaika to make a statement, driving ASU’s trident into Arizona’s midfield logo. Wildcats receiver Montana LemoniousCraig wasn’t having any of that, ripping it out of the ground, sparking another midfield scuffle.
These incidents raise a crucial question: Is it time for the NCAA to ban flag-planting celebrations?
While we all know college football is built on tradition, passion, and pride, where do we draw the line regarding post-game displays? The specter of past incidents looms large, such as the egregious NBA’s “Malice in the Palace.” I bring this up because we may be one
step away from having college football brawls spill into the stands, involving fans and/or escalating into physical harm.
It’s time to reconsider how we handle victory celebrations. Rivalries are fought on the field, where they should stay until the final whistle is blown. Post-game, ensuring the safety of players, staff, and fans is more important than any bragging rights.
It’s a conversation worth having. Otherwise, it’s reasonable to assume that the hits will keep coming ... long after the clock hits zero.
Oklahoma City’s LaShawn Pryor writes for The Sports Column and hosts the Pryor to the Snap radio show.
Weatherly’s Jacob Solonoski wasted no time getting his indoor track and field season off to a strong start.
The Kutztown University senior placed second in the weight throw event at the season-opening Lehigh Fast Times Before Finals meet earlier this month at Lehigh University in Bethlehem.
Solonoski placed second among 24 competitors in the weight throw, with a top throw of 16.09 meters (52 feet, 9.5 inches). Lehigh’s Liam Lovering won the event with a throw of 18.05 meters (59-2.75).
Solonoski’s effort qualified him for the 2025 PSAC Indoor Championships. The Weatherly Area High School graduate is coming off a stellar junior season, when he placed third in the weight throw at the 2024 PSAC Indoor Championships, and fourth at the 2024 PSAC Outdoor Championships in the hammer throw.
Former Marian Catholic High School sprint standout Michael Fellin of Sheppton is a junior on the Kutztown men’s track and field team.
The Golden Bears are off for the holiday break, and will return to action Jan. 18 for the Alvernia Winter Invitational at Alvernia College in Reading.
The Crestwood boys’ basketball team picked up three non-league victories last week, sandwiching home wins over Bethlehem Catholic (55-47) and North Pocono (56-46) around a big 61-51 road win at Williamsport.
Crestwood 55, Bethlehem Catholic 47 — Kell Edwards led four Crestwood players in double figures with 15 points as the Comets (6-2) soared past visiting Bethlehem Catholic to conclude the week.
Connor Wagaman followed with 13 points, while Ryan Sechleer and Ayden Agapito each chipped in with 10.
Ethan Roman scored a gamehigh 21 points with five triples,
and Jackson Wickenheiser tallied 10 points for Bethlehem Catholic.
BETHLEHEM CATHOLIC (47) Jackson Wickenheiser 4 0-0 10, Parker McClary 2 0-0 6, Ethan Roman 8 0-0 21, Sammy Barona 1 0-0 2, Jack Rushe 1 4-4 6, Lazarus Carrasquilla 1 0-0 2. Totals 17 4-4 47.
CRESTWOOD (55) Ryan Sechleer 3 2-2 10, Jacob Feisel 2 0-0 4, Connor Wagaman 4 2-2 13, Jack Rogers 0 0-0 0, Brady Grevera 1 1-2 3, Ayden Agapito 4 2-2 10, Kell Edwards 6 0-0 15, Tommy Biscotti 0 0-0 0. Totals 20 7-8 55.
B. Catholic......18 5 16 8 — 47
Crestwood......18 12 13 12 — 55
3-pointers: Roman 5, McClary 2, Wickenheiser 2. Wagaman 3, Edwards 3, Sechleer 2.
Crestwood 61, Williamsport 51 — Ayden Agapito poured in 25 points, and Crestwood held off a late Williamsport rally for the big road win.
Crestwood led 18-9 after
one quarter and extended it well into double digits, only to see the Millionaires shave the deficit to six points with two minutes remaining. From there the Comets held firm to hold off their non-league rival.
Brady Grevera pitched in with 11 points and Connor Wagaman had eight for Crestwood.
Tevin Williams’ 11 points paced Williamsport. Micah Washington added nine and Quincy Williams eight.
A complete boxscore from the game was not available.
Crestwood 56, North Pocono 46 Ryan Sechleer scored eight of his team-high 15 points during a
21-5 second-quarter push that helped the Comets turn back visiting North Pocono.
Ayden Agapito added 10 points, and four others scored at least six for the balanced Comets.
North Pocono’s Cole West led all scorers with 17.
NORTH POCONO (46) Cole West 6 4-4 17, Josh Staples 2 0-0 5, Anthony Maros 0 0-0 0,
Sechleer 2, Barna, Grevera, Edwards.
The Crestwood girls’ basketball team soared past Williamsport 55-19 and turned back Wallenpaupack 49-36 for a pair of non-league victories last week, improving to 4-1 on the season.
Crestwood 55, Williamsport 19 Crestwood jumped visiting Williamsport from the opening tap, outscoring the Millionaires 12-0 through one quarter en route to the nonleague win.
Kendall Petrosky and Cameron Vieney each scored 12 points to pace Crestwood’s balanced scoring attack. Jackie Gallagher added 10 points and Charlie Hiller followed with nine.
WILLIAMSPORT (19) Makayla Cerami 0 0-0 0, Kingsley Cannode 0 0-0 0, Zoelana Minor 2 0-1 4, Ella Ballard 1 0-0 3, Jaelynn Helmrich 2 0-0 4, Nadriah Tutler 1 0-0 2, Khamya Moate 2 0-2 4, Isabelle Campbell 1 0-0 2. Totals 9 0-2 19. CRESTWOOD (55) — Addison Korpusik 0 0-0 0, Cameron Vieney 5 1-1 12, Charlie Hiller 4 1-2 9, Kendall Petrosky 5 1-2 12, Jackie Gallagher 4 0-0 10, Jordan Andrews 2 2-2 6, Annika Leno 0 0-0 0, Mia Manoski 0 0-0 0, Kate Gallagher 2 0-2 4, Norah Sklarosky 0 0-0 0, Emilie Stofko 1 0-0 2. Totals 23 5-9 55. Williamsport......0 8 4 7 — 19 Crestwood.........12 21 19 2 — 55 3-pointers: Ballard. J. Gallagher 2, Vieney, Petrosky.
Crestwood 49, Wallenpaupack 36
Jackie Gallagher knocked down six 3-pointers en route to a game-best 24 points and Charlie Hiller added 14 points as Crestwood won at Wallenpaupack.
Leading 24-17 at the break, Crestwood took complete control with a 16-6 third-quarter run.
Ella Smith led Wallenpaupack with 15.
CRESTWOOD (49) Aryanna Kijek 0 0-0 0, Cameron Vieney 1 0-0 2, Charlie Hiller 6 2-2 14, Kendall Petrosky 1 0-0 3, Jackie Gallagher 8 2-2 24, Jordan Andrews 1 0-0 2, Mia Manoski 0 0-0 0, Kate Gallagher 1 2-2 4, Norah Sklarosky 0 0-0 0, Emilie Stofko 0 0-0 0. Totals 18 6-6 49. WALLENPAUPACK (36) — Ashley Vanderputen 2 0-0 4, Laura Pasdon 1 0-0 3, Ella Smith 4 6-8 15, Lillian Williams 1 0-0 2, Sarah Decker 2 0-0 4, Lily Macion 3 2-3 8. Totals 13 8-11 36. Crestwood............ 17 7 16 9 — 49 Wallenpaupack.....11 7 6 12 — 36
3-pointers: J.Gallagher 6, Petrosky. Pasdon, Smith.
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Kelly Reiner poured in a season-best 24 points and outscored visiting Nativity by herself last Friday, powering the Weatherly Area girls’ basketball team to a 30-17 triumph for its first win of the 2024-25 season.
Reiner scored 10 of her game-high total in the opening quarter, including a pair of 3-point plays, and Jillian Russell also scored as part of a 13-5 opening run for Weatherly.
Reiner added five more in the second period as the Lady Wreckers took an 18-10 lead to the locker room.
Courtney Snyder, Russell
and Reiner all scored baskets in the third quarter before Reiner closed out the Schuylkill League Division 2 game in the fourth, scoring all seven points for the Lady Wreckers— including a 5-for-6 showing at the foul line. She finished the night 12-of-14 from the stripe.
Finley McNamara was the Golden Girls’ top scorer with five points.
NATIVITY (17) — Miller 0 0-0 0, Kingler 1 0-0 2, McNamara 2 1-2 5, Fox 0 2-4 2, Del Rosalsiles 0 0-0 0, Stewart 1 1-2 4, Evans 2 0-0 4. Totals: 6 4-13 17.
WEATHERLY AREA (30) — Marasco 0 0-0 0, Russell 2 0-0 4, Rhodes 0 0-0 0. Reiner 6 1214 24, Weston 0 0-2 0, Binder 0 0-0 0, Snyder 1 0-0 2. Totals: 9 12-16 30.
The Weatherly Area boys won back-to-back games for the first time in three years, and continued their early-season push with recent wins over Shenandoah Valley (52-43) and MMI Prep (63-40).
With Monday’s Schuylkill League Division 2 win over Shenandoah Valley, the Wreckers improved to 3-3 overall and have already eclipsed last season’s win total of two.
Weatherly Area 52, Shenandoah Valley 43 — The Wreckers finished strong, outscoring Shenandoah Valley 16-12 in the fourth as they secured their third win in four games and improved to 2-2 in Division 2 play.
Niko Saldukas, Ian McKeegan and Corbin Wagner combined for all 16 of Weatherly’s fourthquarter points. McKeegan finished with a team-best 16 points, Wagner had 11, Chance Stauffer nine and Saldukas eight.
David Burrous paced the Blue Devils (2-5, 0-4 league) with 16 points and was joined in doubles by Iszayah Lopez with 12.
Weatherly Area’s Kelly Reiner drives to the basket against Nativity during their Schuylkill League girls’ basketball game last season in Weatherly. Last Friday, also in Weatherly, Reiner poured in a season-high 24 points and powered the Lady Wreckers to their first win of the season, a 30-17 victory over the visiting Golden Girls.
In the junior varsity opener, Shenandoah Valley held off the Wreckers for a 40-39 win behind Ethan Burke’s 11 points. Brandon Davis topped the Wrecker jayvees with 10.
SHENANDOAH VALLEY (43) — Hernandez
1 0-0 2, Rivera 0 0-0 0, Teeter 2 0-0 4, Reyes 0 0-0 0, Elchisak 0 0-0 0, Burke 1 0-2 2, Burrous 7 1-1 16, Maksimik 3 0-0 7, Boris 0 0-0 0, Lopez 3 6-7 12, Castro 0 0-0 0. Totals: 17 7-10 43.
WEATHERLY AREA (52) — Adler 1 0-0 2, McKeegan 6 3-6 16, Stauffer 4 1-2 9, Saldukas 2 3-4 8, Donish 3 0-0 6,. Wagner 5 0-1 11, Kokinda 0 0-0 0. Totals: 21 7-13 52.
Shenandoah Valley.......6 12 13 12 — 43
Weatherly Area...........10 15 11 16 — 52
3-pointers: Burrous, Maksimik. McKeegan, Saldukas, Wagner.
Weatherly Area 63,
MMI Prep 40 In a rematch from last year’s District 2-11 subregional playoff opener won by MMI Prep, the host Wreckers gained their measure of revenge on Saturday.
Ian McKeegan scored nine of his season-high 27 points in a 23-4 first-quarter push, and the verdict was never in doubt after that.
Niko Saldukas added a dozen points to the victory total for the Wreckers.
Jandel Figueroa topped the
Preppers (0-3) with 15 points and Nate Kringe pitched in nine. Weatherly made it a clean sweep with a 52-33 junior varsity win to open the evening. Brandon Davis led a trio of Wreckers in double figures with 16 points, with Matt Adler and Dominick Kokinda each scoring 14.
Ian Composto paced the Preppers with nine.
MMI PREP (40) — Kringe 2 3-5 9, Figueroa 7 1-4 15, Hosier 0 3-4 3, Gombeda 1 0-0 2, Dovicak 1 0-2 2, Frask 1 2-3 4, Mayernik 0 0-0 0, Skuba 2 1-2 5, Schwabe 0 0-0 0. Totals: 14 10-20 40.
WEATHERLY AREA (63) — Adler 3 0-0 6, Kokinda 1 0-0 2, McKeegan 11 5-5 27, Stauffer 3 0-2 6, Saldukas 6 0-2 12, Donish 1 2-4 4, Wagner 1 4-6 6. Totals: 26 11-19 63.
MMI Prep................4 14 13 9 — 40 Weatherly Area..... 23 13 14 13 — 63 3-pointers: Kringe 2.
— The Wreckers ran into a buzzsaw atop Lawton’s Hill last Thursday, where Trey Keating and the Hilltoppers were waiting.
Keating poured in 30 points — including the 1,000th of his career — and Nativity used a 24-11 opening quarter to gain
separation and grab the first of two meetings between the Schuylkill League Division 2 teams this season.
Keating had 18 of his points in the opening half, while Noah Doblin tallied 14 of his 20 points in the second half as the Hilltoppers (3-1 league) held off Weatherly’s charge. Sammy Wolburn and Layne Paskar each finished with 10 points.
Corbin Wagner scored a teamhigh 22 points for the Wreckers, and was joined in doubles by Ian McKeegan (18) and Chance Stauffer (14).
The junior varsity game also went to Nativity, 59-39.
Jacob Swartz tallied 19 points for the winners. Brandon Davis paced the Wreckers with 10 points and Zane Lare added nine.
WEATHERLY AREA (69) — Adler 1 0-0 2, Kokinda 0 0-0 0, McKeegan 7 1-4 18, Stauffer 7 0-0 14, Saldukas 2 0-0 4, Donish 2 3-4 7, Davis 1 0-0 2, Wagner 8 2-3 22. Totals: 28 6-11 69. NATIVITY (81) — Kreitzer 0 0-0 0, Bowman 3 0-0 7, Wolburn 4 1-2 10, Doblin 8 4-10 20, Grabowski 0 0-0 0, Paskar 4 2-2 10, Clarke 2 0-0 4, Keating 10 8-10 30. Totals: 31 15-24 81. Weatherly Area..... 11 16 19 23 — 69 Nativity..................24 15 19 23 — 81 3-pointers: Wagner 4, McKeegan 3. Keating 2, Bowman, Wolburn.
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
Although the NFL, NBA and NHL are all in full swing, not to mention men’s and women’s college basketball, a lot of focus is now on college football.
The expanded 12-team College Football Playoffs get under way this weekend, and Penn State is one of four teams to earn a home game for the opening round.
The sixth-seeded Nittany Lions (11-2), who reached the Big Ten title game before falling to top-ranked and unbeaten Oregon, will square off with ACC runner-up SMU (11-2), the No. 11 seed, with the winner moving on to the Fiesta Bowl and a quarterfinal-round game against No. 4 Boise State.
In addition to game-planning for SMU the Nittany Lions have had to deal with the departure of backup quarterback Beau Pribula, who entered the transfer portal Monday and will not be with the team for the playoffs.
Pribula, a redshirt sophomore who has excelled in limited duty, made that decision after starting quarterback Drew Allar informed coaches that he intends to return for his senior season.
Nittany Lions fans are hoping nothing happens to Allar during their playoff run. Their current backup is now true freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer, who has not yet played a down of college football.
A pair of Penn State players were rewarded for
their outstanding individual seasons last week. Defensive end and pass-rushing standout Abdul Carter was named the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year and a first team All-American, this after winning the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Award earlier. Meanwhile, versatile senior tight end Tyler Warren claimed the John Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end. He was overlooked for first team All-America, instead settling for second team honors.
Both are expected to be first-round draft picks when the NFL Draft rolls around in a few months.
Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter captured the 90th Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, beating out runner-up Ashton Jeanty of Boise State along with quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel (Oregon) and Cam Ward (Miami) for college football’s most coveted individual award. Hunter, a throwback player who plays on both sides of the football, starred at receiver and cornerback for the Buffaloes. He is the first defensive player since Michigan’s Charles Woodson in 1997 to win the award, and first receiver since Alabama’s DeVonta Smith in 2020. In any other year, Jeanty would have been a shoe-in to win the Heisman Trophy. In leading Boise State to a 12-1 record and its second straight Mountain West title, Jeanty has rushed for a whopping
2,497 yards in 13 games. The next-closest runner in the FBS is North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton at 1,660.
Jeanty needs just 132 yards to pass Barry Sanders for the single-season rushing record, a mark Sanders has held for more than three decades.
Penn State will get an up-close look at Jeanty if they can beat SMU on Saturday.
While not many are talking about it nationally, there is a feeling closer to home that last weekend’s Keystone State battle between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles could have served as a preview for the Super Bowl.
After Sunday night’s convincing 27-13 victory over the Steelers, the Eagles (12-2) have now won 11 straight games and have shown they are at least equal to Detroit (12-2) in NFC Super Bowl hopefuls. The Lions had their 11-game win streak snapped by Buffalo.
Coming into Sunday’s game, the Eagles did their best to quell rumors that their star receivers were upset they weren’t getting the ball enough. You had to know that the Eagles were going to look to get them involved early and often. Apparently, the Steelers didn’t get that memo.
Although the Steelers were able to keep star running back Saquon Barkley in check, holding him to under 70 yards, they had no answer for the Eagles passing game. Quarterback Jalen Hurts threw for 290 yards, with receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith combining for 18 catches, 200-plus yards and a pair of touchdowns.
While the Steelers (10-4) have clinched a playoff berth, they will need to beat the Ravens (9-5) in Baltimore on Saturday to hold on to the AFC North Division lead. And with the 13-1
Kansas City Chiefs coming to town on Christmas Day, they can ill-afford to lose to the Ravens and have their division title hopes depend on beating the Chiefs and the Bengals in Week 17.
Bill Belichick threw his hat into the college football ring when North Carolina named him its new head coach last week. A six-time Super Bowl-winning coach with the Patriots, Belichick inked a three-year deal for this, his first college coaching job. UNC brass hopes the 72-year-old coach can make the Tar Heels a national power in football, as they are in basketball. “Chapel Bill” anyone?...Speaking of basketball, former Mahanoy Area High School star Mike Rhodes has led the Penn State men’s basketball team to a 9-2 mark so far in this, his second season as head coach with the Nittany Lions. Penn State knocked off a ranked Purdue team for its first Big Ten win in its conference opener. Ace Baldwin Jr. is emerging as one of the top point guards in the country, and set a new school record with 16 assists Saturday against Coppin State...The bad news continues for the Philadelphia 76ers, as All-Star center Joel Embiid suffered a sinus fracture after being elbowed during a game against Indiana last week. Embiid, who has played in just six of the team’s 24 games thus far due to lingering knee issues, is listed as week to week. Meanwhile, top rookie Jared McCain, who was averaging 15 points per game, will undergo knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus and will be out indefinitely. The Sixers entered this Friday’s game with Charlotte at 8-16, but have won five of their last seven games to climb out of the Atlantic Division cellar.
by Alex Zidock, Jr.
If you have the posthunting blues and can’t wait for trout season to open, you can fill those in-between recreational hours by reloading your metallic cartridges. It’s easy, it’s fun, it can be a family activity, and there’s a lot of support to get you started.
You can call it handloading or reloading, but it’s the same process. “I call it handloading because it’s a hands-on process,” says James Meola, President of the Blue Ridge Cherry Valley Rod and Gun Club (BRCV-RG) in Sciota and avid handloader. In addition to Meola, several other members of the BRCV-RG club are well-versed in reloading and offer help to beginners. Meola also conducts classes for beginners at Buck Hill Firearms in Cresco.
“I handload because I’m a competition shooter, and I want to match my ammunition so I’m sure every bullet is exactly the same,” he says. While commercially produced
ammunition is good quality, and the average target shooter or hunter will barely notice the difference if one bullet hits its mark an inch away from the last, the competition shooter wants to make sure if that happens, it’s not the fault of the ammunition.
“While I shoot many more rounds than the average hunter or target shooter, there are big savings in handloading your own ammunition,” Meola says. While the initial cost of purchasing the equipment could be from a couple hundred dollars to more, once the investment is made, significant savings will be had. “For example, I shoot a lot of .44-40 ammunition, and a box of 50 rounds costs about $125.00. I can reload that box for about $5.00,” he adds.
Most companies produce single-stage presses for beginners and those who only want to reload smaller amounts of cartridges. Most also make progressive-stage models for those looking to reload large quantities in the shortest time. Some companies even make it easier for beginners by offering a
Meola prepares to insert a primer into a metallic rifle cartridge using a single-stage reloading press as part of the classes he conducts for beginners.
complete reloading package. Reloading ammunition is a precise process and a very safe sport. “Many books are available, usually titled ‘Reloading Manuals,’ and it is essential that the handloader follow the instructions and use only the tested powder loads provided for each caliber,” Meola emphasizes to his classes.
Anyone interested in learning to reload metallic cartridges can contact James Meola at president@brcv-rodgun.org. As a side note, Blue Ridge Cherry Valley Rod and Gun Club in Sciota was established in 1874, making it the nation’s oldest continuously operating club of its type.
