The Journal-Herald, Thursday, December 22, 2022

theJournal-herald

THURSDAY,

CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–144th YEAR, NO. 4

CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–143rd YEAR, NO. 30

Penn Lake OKs budget with zero tax hike, small garbage fee increase

by Suzanne Winters

A dark, snowy evening did not keep the Penn Lake Borough Council from meeting December 15. A few brave residents ventured out to hear the brief work session and the monthly happenings.

Prior to the night’s business, council president Paul Rogan offered condolences for another long time resident of the borough, Donna Martin, who passed away recently.

WAESP contract was long time coming

by Seth Isenberg

The Weatherly Area School Board approved the agreement with the Weatherly Area Education Support Personnel union after several months of negotiations. The contract is for three years, giving raises to the staff of $1.25 an hour

this school year, $1 an hour for the 2023-2024 year, and 75¢ an hour in the 20242025 year. Union members contribute a 3% of salary for healthcare this school year, 3.5% next and 4% in the 3rd year, capped at $1,600 in year 1, $1,700 in year 2 and $1,800 in the third year. Base rates for new full-

time hires were raised this year to $12 an hour for cafeteria workers, secretaries, and cleaning staff (formerly $8.79, $9.80 and $9.89 per hour respectively). Custodians were raised to $14.35, and district mechanic to $16.51. All of these positions will see the $1 raise for the

The main task for this meeting was to pass the 2023 budget which was done by unanimous vote. Rogan asked the borough secretary if anyone had asked to see the budget, but she stated no one had. However, councilman John Burden noted he had read it online, as did this writer, so it should not be assumed no one has read it.

The tax rate for 2023 remains unchanged at 4.6 mills. 2023’s garbage costs are up $2,145 to $81,617.76 for 2023. Resolution #5 of 2022 was passed to add $330 to each tax bill to cover garbage collection for 2023 a slight increase.

With regard to the dam, the Emergency Action Plan needs to be updated every 5 years, and Penn Lake’s is now 8 years old. Borton Lawson Engineering was asked to submit a proposal for completing this, but they have not done so. Streamline Engineering did a proposal with a cost of $2,200 for the EAP and will also distribute it to all required emergency management agencies at an additional cost of $500. All members were in favor of Streamline completing the EAP at a total cost of $2,700.

There was again discussion at both the work session and the regular meeting, over how to manage the Dam Fund which is sitting in a bank account with an interest rate of 2.75% over 10 years. Rogan said Luzerne Bank had indicated they have no restrictions on when the borough can withdraw money from the account since it is a line of credit, but there was some concern over the IRS

LIGHTING UP THE SEASON: Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce’s Festival of Trees continues to provide a bright spot around the caboose in the shopping plaza.

Photo by Precision Imagery

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Editorial

Season of Lights

by Seth Isenberg

Sunday night was the start of Chanukah, the Jewish festival of lights, celebrated by a few people here in White Haven and Weatherly. Candles are lit for each night of the eight-day celebration, and small gifts exchanged. At our house, we use an electric menorah.

At homes all around our area, there are holiday lights and Christmas displays, which adds to the fun of the season, and makes this a true season of lights.

On Wednesday the 21st, it’s the darkest day of the season, the Winter Solstice, but all of our lights make this short day… brighter. Now nature and our decorations will bring more light to us all.

Sure, some of us will put away the holiday lights after New Year’s Day, and pack away the inflatables, but this week in particular, all of us can celebrate the Season of Lights. Happy Chanukah and Merry Christmas to everyone.

Clear it before it’s covered

by Ruth Isenberg

If you haven’t cleared your sidewalks from the first snowstorm of the season (and quite a few of you haven’t), better get out there. More snow, ice and slush are coming, and it’s going to be hard to get rid of the resulting mess if you don’t.

Archives

From The Journal-Herald December 24, 1992

Editors & Publishers Jay and Clara Holder Rita Quinn sent a letter of thanks from the White Haven Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary to the organizations and merchants who supported their annual Santa Claus visit this past Saturday.

East Side Borough council voted to establish its first ever garbage collection fee, of $12 a month.

Kidder Township supervisors were pinching pennies to get to their budget numbers for 1993. The police budget was cut, and pay was reduced for the supervisors, and for the sewage enforcement officer and zoning officers.

Christmas greeting ads included Community News, Wheeler’s Variety Store, White Haven Bakery, Saints Peter & Paul Eastern Orthodox Church (Weatherly), Buttons & Bows Child Care, Kunkel Lumber, Meier Auto Repair, Mario Iezzoni tax preparation, Warner’s Central Garage, EMCEE, Kidder Township Volunteer Fire Co. #1, Security Savings, First Eastern Bank, East Side Inn, Wilmot Engineering, Pocono CATV, Thomas Kitchens, PA Representative George Hasay, John Africa Dentist, and Doc & Ann Ravina.

Harry C & Co are the planned entertainment for the New Year’s dinner at Edgewood in the Pines, Drums. The Daisy Jug

Band was the featured entertainment for the New Year’s Eve Party at the Ramada Inn Pocono, while Good Hearts was performing at the Lounge both Friday and Saturday.

Among the specials for New Year’s Eve dinner at Hanna’s Ugly Mug Filet Mignon w/mushroom caps $18.95, and with Lobster Tail $22.95 to Chateau Briand for two for $30.95.

Shenanigans reopens Christmas Day at 7 p.m.

Ed Gower writes that the Lehman Funeral Home team “continued its winning ways with a 26-12 victory over the Lions’” team in White Haven Youth Basketball. Danielle Chmielinski led the winners with 18 points. The Ugly Mug team earned its first win 19-14 over the Suitch Insurance team, with Buddy Meier leading his team “with 8 markers.”

Phil Engman writes that for the fifth consecutive season, the Weatherly Wrecker basketball boys defeated Crestwood. He congratulated the Berwick Bulldogs for their 33-6 victory in the national championships.

Crestwood’s boys went down to defeat again the day after their loss to Weatherly, battling from down 24 to lose 72-60 at Lake-Lehman. Crestwood’s basketball girls are off to a 2-1 start led by Angie Grossman.

Engman predicts a Penn State football win over Stanford in the Blockbuster Bowl.

In Wayne Wagner’s column, the Storks went down to defeat by H&S Suds’ team in a close game, 34-31 in Weatherly Youth Basketball. Albert Donadi had 20 points for the winners, and got support from Fritz Herling who added 12 and “some strong rebounding.” The league now goes on holiday break until January.

Ruth and I co-wrote a review of a prime rib dinner we enjoyed at the Treetops Dining Room at the Mountain Laurel Resort. It was a wonderful meal, each thick prime rib cooked to our orders. A special treat was that each came with a popover (Yorkshire Pudding) an absolute favorite thing for me since years ago at special meals at Anthony’s Steak House on the waterfront in Boston (with a view of Logan Airport).

“The dining room was not crowded even though the hotel was busy, because most of the guests were taking part in the Dickens Christmas performance/ feast… with hotel staff dressed in Victorian outfits, ladies in long gowns and ruffed aprons, etc., and gentlemen in top hats, frock coats and the like…”

From The Journal

December 24, 1942

Publisher W. C. Taylor 3,000 soldiers are scheduled to be in training at Tobyhanna shortly.

The Atlas Powder Company management provided their annual free

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

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted in the Estate of Edna Mae Randis, late of Butler Twp., Luzerne County, PA (Date of death: October 10, 2022). All persons indebted to said estate are required to make payments and those having claims or demands to present the same without delay to the Executrix; Lynn Bostic, 173 E. Foothills Dr., Drums, PA 18222, or: Donald G. Karpowich, Esquire 85 Drasher Road Drums, PA18222 12/22

PUBLIC NOTICE

Packer Township 2023 Re-organizational/ Regular Meetings Notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, January 3, 2022 at the Packer Township Municipal Building, 2234 Hudson Drive, Weatherly, PA 18255 the Packer Township Supervisors will hold their re-organizational meeting for 2023 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 Wednesday, January 4, 2022 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 2023 at the Packer Township Municipal Building located at 2234 Hudson Drive, Weatherly, PA on the following dates: January 3 following re-organizational meeting, and at 6:00 P.M. on February 7, March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6, July 3, August 1, September 5, October 3, November 6 and December 5.

Stephanie Stolpe Packer Township Secretary/Treasurer

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Weatherly Borough Regular Council Meeting will be held on December 28 at 4 p.m. at the borough offices.

Harold Pudliner Borough Manager

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters of Administration have been issued in the Estate of Joanne Carol Wheeler a/k/a Joanne C. Wheeler a/k/a Joanne Wheeler, late of the Township of Lausanne, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, who passed away on the 15th day of October, 2022 by the Register of Wills of Carbon County to Kimberly A. Wheeler, 245 Company Field Road, Weatherly, PA 18255. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims should present the same without delay to the Administrator or to: Casey A. Gillespie, Esquire Gillespie Miscavige & Ferdinand, LLC 3 E. Butler Drive, Suite 102 Drums PA 18222 (570) 788-7440 Ext. 114 12/22

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted in the Estate of Thomas R. Titus, late of the 5488 Quakake Road, Town of Weatherly, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, who died on October 27, 2022. 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: Judith A. Veglia, Executrix c/o Peter O’Donnell, Esquire 305 South Church Street, Suite 175 Hazleton, PA 18201 12/22

matinee to the kiddies at the Legion Theatre this week Wednesday afternoon.

Among the businesses sponsoring ads in this issue were: Teel’s Ben Franklin

Store, Jacoby Pharmacy, Ferndale Dairy, C. A. Albee Coal, Earnhart Furniture and Undertaking, Geo. Kolcun Shoe Repair, Bonomo’s Jewelry Store, Timinsky Restaurant, Louise’s Beauty Shop, Schafer’s Garage, and Decker’s FairLawn Grocery Store.

Kramer inducted into Tri-Alpha Honor Society

On November 10, Rosemarie Kramer of White Haven was inducted into the Zeta Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha), a national honor society for firstgeneration college students. The mission of the honor society, which was founded at Moravian University in 2018, is to encourage and reward academic excellence among first-generation college students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at accredited institutions of

higher learning. Tri-Alpha chapters provide members opportunities for personal growth, leadership, and campus and community service.

RIT grad

Edward McNulty of White Haven received a BS in environmental sustainability, health and safety from Rochester Institute of Technology.

Obituaries

RAYMOND E. GERHART

Raymond E. Gerhart, 76 of Weatherly, passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at home while in the care of his wife of 22 years, Deborah A. (Robinson) Gerhart.

Born Tuesday, October 29, 1946 in Weatherly, he was the son of the late Earl L. and Ruth M. Gerhart.

Surviving are sons, Raymond E. Gerhart and his wife Pattty, Ronald Gerhart, Terry Wilkins and his wife Cheryl, Nathan Harris and his wife Sarah, and Jeremy Harris and his wife Stephanie; daughters, Jane Giorgio, wife of Franco, and Tishe Skwiat and her husband Christopher; brother, Butch Gerhart

and his wife Cindy; 30 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.

Raymond retired from the Pa. Heavy Equipment & Highway Contractors, having worked as a bridge builder, and steel worker. Raymond was an avid outdoorsman who liked to hunt and fish.

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

A celebration of Raymond’s life will be held at a later time.

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

ROBERT L. RITTENHOUSE

Robert L. Rittenhouse, age 87, of Weatherly passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Hazleton. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 58 years, Nancy J. (Miller) Rittenhouse; and his brother, Leonard Rittenhouse of Georgia. Born in Black Creek Township on July 19, 1935, he was a son of the late Amos and Wilda (Roach) Rittenhouse Sr. He was educated in Black Creek Township schools. Bob worked for Westinghouse in New Jersey for 17 years. Later, he was a self-employed truck driver with his wife Nancy, hauling potatoes for Wise Potato Chips.

Bob enjoyed hunting, as well as watching NASCAR. He was a Dale Earnhardt fan for many years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ken, Roy and Carl Rittenhouse; sisters, Shirley Rittenhouse; Thelma Gulliver; and Ida Magill.

At his request there will be no services. Burial will take place in Elan Memorial Park, Bloomsburg at the convenience of his family.

Arrangements are entrusted to Heller Funeral Home, LLC, Nescopeck. Online messages of comfort may be sent to condolences@ hellerfuneralhomellc.com.

Lorraine E Yurkasitis, 95, formerly of White Haven, a guest at Heritage Hill Senior Living Community in Weatherly, passed away Sunday, December 18, 2022 at Heritage Hill.

Born May 14, 1927 in Courtdale, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Theron and Laura (Williams) Morgan. Surviving are her son Jay Bonnell and his wife Remy; daughters Laura King and her husband Leon, Cindy Clark and her fiancé Bill Behret, and Lorie Williams; and stepdaughter Sharon Manko. Grandchildren, great grandchildren, greatgreat grandchildren and many nieces and nephews also survive.

Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Christmas Worship services planned

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, White Haven

Philip J. Jeffries

Funeral Home & Cremation Services

A Branch of Holmes – Griffiths F.H., Inc.

211 First Street, Weatherly, PA 18255 570-427-4231

E. Franklin Griffiths III F.D. Philip J Jeffries F D /Supervisor www griffithsfuneralhomes com

A new approach to funeral and cremation care Looking forward to serving White Haven, Dennison, Lehigh, and Foster Townships. All arrangements and consultations from the comfort of your home Guiding families through difficult times.

A traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at 418 Berwick Street in White Haven on Saturday, December 24 at 4 p.m. The Sunday service on Christmas Day will be held at 9 a.m. Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate the Christmas season.

Centenary United Methodist Church, Weatherly Centenary United Methodist Church, Carbon Street, Weatherly, will hold Christmas Eve Candlelight services at 4 p.m. Saturday. Christmas Day will be celebrated with scripture and carols at 8:30 a.m. New Years Day and weekly services are held Sundays at 8:30 a.m. Everyone is

Lehman Family Funeral Ser vice, Inc.

White Haven, PA PATRICK M. LEHMAN, PRESIDENT RUSSELL C. TETER, JR., SUPERVISOR Ser ving White Haven, Weatherly and surrounding communities www.LehmanFuneralHome.com Branch of Lehman Family Funeral Ser vice, Inc. (570) 443-9816

welcome to come hear the Good News.

First Presbyterian Church, Weatherly The First Presbyterian Church in Weatherly will hold a candlelight service for Christmas Eve, starting at 7 p.m. on December 24. All are welcome.

There will be no worship service on December 25.

New Year’s Day worship will be held at Freeland Presbyterian Church, beginning at 9:15 a.m. on January 1.

Faith Church Weatherly

Faith Church Weatherly will have a Christmas Eve Eve Service on December 23 at 6 p.m. Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord with a candlelight service.

Salem United Church of Christ, Weatherly Salem’s Christmas Eve Service with carols, candlelight and holy communion will be held December 24 at 9:30 p.m. Worship with us Christmas morning, New Year’s Day and every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. at 330 First Street, Weatherly. All are welcome.

St. Matthew’s Union Church, Packer Township St. Matthew’s Christmas Eve Service with the Sunday school program, candlelight, and holy communion will be held December 24 at 7 p.m. at 3153 Quakake Road, Weatherly. All are welcome.

possibly seeing this as some sort of arbitrage issue, where the borough was simply ‘borrowing money to make money.’ Eventually the borough will have to start drawing down this account. The borough will consider doing so in the future, then putting the funds in a higher yielding account, such as a CD or T-Bill, since interest rates are now approaching 5%.

At both the work session and meeting there was discussion regarding ordinance and zoning code enforcement. Rogan noted there is currently no one to enforce any ordinances. He will contact current Zoning Officer Barry Jacobs and ask if he is interested in taking this on. Jacobs had submitted a

John A. Dias Michael E. Dias Merry

Christmas

request to be reappointed as Zoning Officer for 2023, and council voted to approve him to continue.

If Jacobs is not willing to take on these additional tasks, the borough will look for someone else in the area currently able to enforce zoning ordinances.

Borough solicitor Kristen Giarrantano Jeckell reported she is still reviewing borough ordinances for any necessary updates or revisions, including for reverse subdivisions.

The Treasurer’s Report shows receipts of $26,703 for last month, and bills of $34,138 authorized to be paid.

Borough secretary Karen Burden reported there was one complaint regarding a drainage grate outside of the Community House that collapsed, and a child’s foot went through it. Councilman Dave Longmore reported Kislan Trucking was called and they did a temporary repair.

Another complaint had been received concerning icy conditions at the main entrance to the lake that night. Anti-skid should have already been applied by the time of the meeting.

Council is still pricing stone for the repairs needed near the dry hydrant at the Public Beach. Council agreed to set aside funds for this project not to exceed $1,000.

It appears PPL may have replaced the bulb in the main entrance street light, which seems to be brighter.

Secretary Burden reported that three Short Term Rental applications have come in. The Fisher application has met all requirements, and Perrone reported the check is in the mail. Foster submitted no documents with a Penn Lake address so all documents were returned Foster has not followed up.

Rogan met with Elliot-Greanleaf to discuss use of the approximately $32,000 ARPA funds the borough has received. No projects have been identified for use of this money as of yet, but it was noted there are drainage issues that need to be addressed.

Veterans Corner

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

A CHRISTMAS CARD FROM 1944

Most have heard of or seen in the movie “Patton,” where he ordered Chaplain to write a prayer for better weather to kill the Germans more efficiently in the winter of 1944. Few know, however, that a Christmas Greeting was issued along with the prayer. It is not correct that the prayer was written for the Battle of the Bulge. It was on the 14th of December that General Patton had the famous exchange with Chaplain O’Neill to write a prayer for good weather and to give a copy to every member of the Third Army. The Chaplain objected that it’s not customary to pray for clear weather to help to kill fellow men.

Patton replied, “Chaplain, are you teaching me theology, or are you the Chaplain of the Third Army? I want a prayer.” Under Patton’s orders, every member of the Third Army (approximately 250,000) was to be issued a small card on the 22nd of December, 1944. By this time, the Battle of the Bulge was underway. With an Army on the move, this was a logistical nightmare. But it was accomplished. On one side of the card was the famous prayer: “Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee, of thy great goodness, to restrain these immoderate rains with which we have to contend. Grant us fair weather for battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call upon Thee that, armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory, and crush the opposition and wickedness of our enemies and establish Thy justice among men and nations.”

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

Mayor Tom Carter reported Emergency Management Coordinator Chris Zweibel is stepping down. There is no immediate replacement for him.

The Zoning Report included issuing of 4 permits: 2 for unattached structures, 1 for an addition and one for a Zoning Hearing. The Lokuta Zoning Hearing was granted a continuance until February 6.

Longmore noted Kislan Trucking had completed the repairs on the drain in front of the Ciula residence on Lakeview Drive.

There were only a couple of questions from the audience of three. A resident has ongoing concerns over regulating dock sizes and placement, as well as the condition and upkeep of lakefront walls. They asked who is responsible for these repairs. A discussion ensued concerning deed covenants from the 1930s, the need for surveys, DEP regulations and the cost to the borough to undertake this project. There was no immediate remedy or plan to solve this age-old issue.

This same resident had some safety advice, reminding anyone out enjoying the lake or fishing at this time of year to wear their cold weather life jackets, stating the Game Commission will check for these.

Patton originally ordered the cards made for distribution, and some of the General’s men convinced him to include a Christmas greeting for the troops. With a broad smile, Patton took a seat at his desk beneath the ceiling fans and wrote a personal greeting to every member of the Third Army. On the reverse side, the card had a private message from the General: “To each officer and soldier in the United States Third Army, I wish you a Merry Christmas. I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle. May God’s blessing rest upon you on this Christmas Day. G.S. Patton Jr, LT General, Commanding Third United States Army.”

The next day, it was said that against all weather predictions, the weather cleared and remained perfect for about six days while the Third Army pushed North to relieve the 101st Airborne at Bastogne.

What is the significance of all this? When the weather cleared, it allowed the US fighter bombers into the air; as a direct result, hundreds of German tanks and armored vehicles were destroyed, never making it to the battle of the Bulge; the result was thousands of young Americans came home from the war who otherwise would be killed by the German’s onslaught of armor and firepower. Never underestimate the power of prayer.

Believe it or not, 250,00 US troops going into an impossible battle heard the tale of their Commanding General getting on his knees and praying for them. By the time they received their personal Christmas card from their General, they had watched in the distance as US warplanes destroyed the enemy that would have caused massive casualties on them.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

At the Hickory Hills holiday party for kids, the children made crafts to take home. Santa had gifts for everyone and every child was given a new hat knitted by Florence Frey. Thanks to Florence Frey, Alice Lachewitz, Celina Gonzales and Paul Mulcahy for these photos.

Seth’s Sightings

Last week finished with a snowstorm Thursday, which led to us working at home. I love snow driving, so before sundown, Ruth, the dogs and I piled into our car for a slow drive to the office in White Haven. As normal, Lehigh Gorge Drive was plowed in Carbon County, and not in Luzerne. That led to driving in the tracks of some truck that had driven the stretch before us slow and steady going until we reached Route 940. There wasn’t much snow in White Haven along Main Street, but what was there

had a frozen bottom and a soggy top. I dug along to get the area clear in front of the office. It was a good thing I did it then, as the remainder froze up that night. Even with my treatments, I had energy enough to shovel the wet and soggy snow. I am hoping for light and fluffy snow later this week, but that not looking likely with Accuweather predicting snow with a touch of ice from Thursday into Friday, then frigid temperatures. Time to get the really cold weather gear out ahead of Christmas …

by Seth Isenberg

Ho – Ho – Ho.

We enjoyed the White Haven Area Community Library Christmas party with its awesome music this past Saturday. It is a joy to be in that beautifully restored building for a festive occasion.

We left the holiday party to attend the second of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins games of a home and home weekend versus the Hershey Bears. Our team won the first game Friday with some excellent hockey, and followed that up with a hard-fought tie Saturday night though losing in overtime. It was a 3-point weekend as the team is playing well ahead of Christmas. This coming week, the team plays three teams in Canada, ending with a Christmas eve game versus Laval (in Montreal).

The Penguins have a Tuesday night home game this coming week, on the 27th, again vs. Hershey.

On Sunday afternoon, we were out to Heckman Orchard on their last day of the season to buy some of the last of their cider. Only half gallons remained as all the gallons were sold, and their apples were all gone except for deer apples. They’ll reopen May 1.

Since we didn’t find the apples we wanted, we drove through Brodheadsville to Gould’s Orchard, just east of town. There we did buy Stayman apples, and some produce. Gould’s will be open weekends starting after the new year.

Before dark, we went out to the West End Dog park for a short outing for the dogs (short due to the

cold). Bull found a giant tennis ball too big for him to carry. I found a regular tennis ball to throw, and Bull happily chased for a bit before telling us he was cold. Spookie just wandered around. Both dogs ignored a nice old Labrador that was in the big dog area, politely exchanging sniffs before heading off on their own. The Lab, however, also greeted both of us, so all was well.

Speaking of dogs, a story was shared with us about someone who was walking their dog this past week. The dog had taken an interest in some of the flat inflatables on a yard that was along their walk. Suddenly, the inflatables began to inflate. The dog freaked, literally peeing itself as it fled to safety behind its master, who was laughing hard. He ended up having to carry the dog home.

We found regular gasoline for $3.37.9 at stations in Brodheadsville, so we topped off. It’s nice to see prices dropping. Dropping faster would be better, especially for diesel and heating oil.

In sports, the Eagles ground out another win, clinching a playoff spot. The Patriots took themselves out of contention with easily the stupidest play of the year. Tom Brady is still pitching TDs as his team crumbles around him sad.

My FCS/1-AA cheering interest the Incarnate Word U’s Cardinals, went down to defeat versus North Dakota State in the Fargodome 35-32 on Friday. They had a fantastic run, and will be a team to watch in the future.

The FCS championship game pits North Dakota State versus South Dakota State at the far warmer than their homes location of Frisco, Texas, at 2 p.m. on January 8 and on ABC TV. College hockey shows both Penn State men’s and women’s team playing well. I am also following Union College’s teams, where the women’s team has started to shine. The Pittsburgh Penguins are playing very well a highlight reel every game.

Sightings this week include a hefty snowman built on the parking lot of the White Haven Area Community Library, and others of varying sizes in families’ yards hereabouts. During the snow drive, we drove up on a medium sized buck, so busy eating that he didn’t notice us until we were just feet away. We are seeing a lot of birds in our yard, as they come to eat the seeds and berries from our plants. Once I get the birdfeeder up, I expect lots and lots more.

The only other sighting is of one of the ‘feral’ cats who wander out neighborhood, who was sitting on our sidewalk in front of our house as if ‘he’ owned the place. Our dogs thought differently.

There’s work to do on newspapers ahead of Christmas, and Chanukah to celebrate this week with lighting our menorah and gifts. Being able to sleep in on Christmas day will be a wonderful shared gift for us, followed by calls to relatives.

Happy Chanukah to those who celebrate, and Merry Christmas with everyone receiving the gift of good health.

Middle School Principal Anthony DeSpirito has announced the names of the students who were selected as Weatherly Area Middle School Students of the Month for November. The

award is based on academic achievement, attendance, extra-curricular involvement, and service to school and community.

Brandon Antolick, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Antol-

ick, Weatherly, was chosen as the 6th grade Student of the Month. Brandon is a member of the Boy Scouts, along with the Weatherly Area Community Library. See STUDENTS OF MONTH, page 9

Assistant principal Chris Kimmel with, from left, Brandon Antolick, Evan Perez and Matthew Adler.

Students of Month

Continued from page 8

He is also a ball runner for the Weatherly Wreckers Soccer Team. Brandon is a member of Holy Rosary

Church where he attends CCD classes and enjoys helping his neighbors.

Evan Perez, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Perez, Weatherly, was chosen as the 7th grade Student of the Month. Evan enjoys playing video games and helping his family and neighbors.

Matthew Adler, son of Mr. Matthew Adler Sr., Weatherly, was chosen as the 8th Grade Student of the Month. Matthew is a member of Weatherly Wreckers Middle School Basketball Team, and Weatherly Area Track and Field Team, and the Weatherly Youth Basketball League. He is a member of Centenary United Methodist Church, where he is an acolyte, usher and producer for their live stream online church services. Matthew also is a dog walker and a pet sitter.

ALA essay contest underway now

Each year, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) sponsors an Americanism Essay Contest for students in grades 3-12, including students with special needs. Grade levels are divided into six classes. One award in each of the six classes will be presented in each division. This year’s essay title

is: “What does patriotism mean to you?” The deadline to submit an essay is January 26. There is a cover sheet which is required for submission of an essay; please contact Georgia Farrow at 570-427-4527 for a copy. All youth that reside in the Weatherly area are eligible to participate in the contest.

next school year and raise of 75¢ for the following. The previous contract had a 38¢ raise scheduled.

Board vice president Bill Knepper praised members of the negotiating team, including board member Christy Minor, for their hard work. There was also some audience applause.

The district will be looking for a Junior High Softball Coach. Board member Matt von Frisch happily reported

there are enough girls to field a team this spring. In personnel, an unpaid intermittent leave of absence absence and two FML absences were approved. All will be covered, , assured superintendent Daniel Malloy. LeeAnn Hadzick will become a full-time cleaning aide, starting December 19, at an hourly rate of $12 plus benefits, per the WAE Support Personnel contract. Assistant baseball coach Brian Rubasky submitted his resignation; it was accepted and the open position advertised.

The board approved an agreement with Questeq for technology services. They will install and upgrade switches for the WiFi, and make recommendations on additional equipment needed for a $4,800 fee. Most of their work is reimbursable through E-Rate, 80% reimbursed-20% WASD, depending on the actual work.

Apple Tree Educational Services was approved as a provider of psychological services on an as needed basis (specialty is bi-lingual services).

Property taxes will not rise in Foster

by James Hunter

Property taxes will not rise in Foster Township in 2023. At their regular meeting on December 14, Foster supervisors approved a $3,063,478 spending plan that calls for the same 19.4095 property tax rate as in 2022. That breaks out to 12.2399 mills for the Hazleton Area School District, 6.1696 mills for Luzerne County, and 1.0 mills for the township.

A $650,000 carryover is added to $2,413,478 in new revenue. A good chunk of the carryover money comes from the $1.1 million sale of the sewer system on the west side of the township.

A letter to the township a few months ago suggested the money from the sale be used for street and other infrastructure improvements in that area of the township. “We were doing that anyway,” supervisor Wilson Malloy said. “We’ve paved four roads. We are focusing on streets and stormwater projects. We are doing drainage work with

$186,000 left in COVID money we got. We are doing stormwater and drainage before we pave streets. We are doing as many streets as we can.”

The supervisors were supposed to advertise for bids to remove underground gasoline tanks at the former Heller’s gas station along Route 940 at the entrance to Freeland, but Malloy said the bids were delayed because two grants to pay for the work are pending – a $43,000 state Department

of Environmental Protection (DEP) grant and a $250,000 Local Shares Account (LSA) gaming grant.

A 10-ton weight limit was placed on the newly-paved Carbon Street. The ordinance the supervisors approved also protects a bridge along the street.

Supervisors were supposed to open bids for snow plowing, and also for pipe work for streets, but did not receive any bids for either. The issues were tabled.

Bills of $707,893 were approved from the general fund, and $70,116 from the cafeteria account.

Director of maintenance Bill Moyer reported that, after extensive work on the district truck, it is back with a new dump body and a quality used gas tank to replace the leaking one. It’s ready to use (and was during recent snows). Moyer reported that the gym floor at the Middle School had lost tackiness, so the floor was deep cleaned and treated.

Von Frisch confirmed that the floor was ‘slick’ and the treatment has made it “safer, and playable.” Moyer explained that the gym is used “more than ever,” like for recess, and people bring in dirt which is absorbed into the finish. Daily cleaning helps, but he recommended purchasing more mats to protect the floor.

In public comments, Tyree Harris of Weatherly asked about the still unfinished work by Umbriac Construction, not complete after over a year. He was told there is litigation. The project was bonded and there are discussions about what action to take in closed meetings due

to it being a legal matter. Harris, who worked for the District as a paraprofessional (though not this year) then complained about a post on the internet retweeted by board president April Walters. He provided a copy of a shared document, reading “When is White History Month.” Harris said he considers this racist, and ignorant. Walters replied that it was posted “seven years ago.” Harris became agitated, and board vice president Knepper asked him to “be respectful.” It was reported elsewhere that the original post was made in 2018.

John Shelly of West Hazleton addressed the board. He previously worked for the district. It became clear his comments would reference a personnel matter between him, another employee, and administrators. Board solicitor Christopher Slusser guided the matter as Shelly laid out some accusations. The matter will be looked into just not at a public meeting.

The WASB will next meet for a caucus on January 11, and their regular meeting on the 18th.

Eastern Pennsylvania Native Americans–Past & Present topic of upcoming Weatherly Library program

Chief Little Wolf (aka Lynn Hoffman) of Lehigh Township will present a program on Friday, January 13, at 7 p.m. at the Weatherly Area Community Library. He will discuss the history of the Lanape tribe who lived in this area

long before any white man set foot in North America.

Hoffman will also talk about the Delaware Indian trail that crosses this area, and the efforts of the Wyoming Trail Council to retaian as much of the ancient culture of native

American anscestors as possible. This informative program is geared toward adults. Interested students are welcome as well.

Artifacts will be on display, and a question and anwer period will be included in the program. Anyone interested in learning more about the cultures and traditions, ceremonies and language of the Native American people who lived and still live in northeast Pensylvania should plant to attend.

Please sign up at the library at 1518 Brenkman Drive, or call 570-4275085 and leave a message. Advance registration is not required, but will allow the library to notify you if the program in postponed because of bad weather.

Chief Little Wolf

CHRISTMAS SWING: The White Haven Area Community Library’s Christmas party on Saturday featured music ranging from rock to blues by duo B&P Music, as well as food and festive fun.

JH: Ruth Isenberg

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On the Sly Champion Comets got it done the old-fashioned way

by Steve Stallone Sports Editor

I’m about as “old school” as it gets.

When it comes to my football, I love defense, and I enjoy a good running game that sets up the pass. I mean, I hate seeing teams line up in a shotgun, spread formation and empty backfield on third-and-two! In my day, you brought in an extra tight end, got behind your fullback and you ground out a first down.

Anyway, I digress.

As I was saying, if you’re anything like me, you had to enjoying watching and following the Crestwood High School Comets as they performed this past season. They brought their lunch pail to work, performed in all three facets of the game, and never wavered in a record-setting 14-2 season that didn’t end until basketball season had already tipped off.

On defense, they were nasty, getting after it with all 11 guys flying to the football. They gave up yards grudgingly, and the studs up front controlled the line of scrimmage. They had the area’s best pressure game and its premier pass-rusher in Magnus Bibla. Veteran linebackers Cole Kakalecik, Lincoln Bibla and Logan Rolles brought a confident and aggressive style, and safety Nick Miscavage made splash plays all over the field to highlight an active secondary.

Whew!

On offense, they lined up and said try to stop us. And few could.

Powered up front by 3and 4-year starters like John Jones, Aiden Jardine and Chris Smolenak, they could play smashmouth with you, or out-quick you and get the edge.

And they brought back the old playbook for that offensive success.

Former head coach Greg Myers, whose single-wing attack was so instrumental in the Comets’ district-championship run of 2014, returned to the staff to help the offense grasp it and fine-tune it. This year’s version was a pretty similar look to the 2014 one, complete with ball fakes, misdirection and the element of surprise. And each had a standout tailback. Back then, it was Frank Aigeldinger.

This season, it was talented senior running back Noah Schultz, who slashed and dashed his way to more than 2,000 yards and a program-record 35 rushing touchdowns. He’ll be everyone’s offensive player of the year, and a sure-fire all-state selection when those teams are announced in the coming weeks.

Running behind the offensive line, Schultz averaged nearly 10 yards per carry, and the team averaged an obscene 8.5 per touch with big contributions from Brendan Dennis and Robert Knight.

Freshman quarterback Jaden Shedlock rushed for over 1,000 yards himself in a breakout season. With the success they had on the ground, they rarely had to throw the football, keeping the pressure off Shedlock as he developed and learned

the position.

Few teams reach championship levels without the play of their special teams, and the Comets were no exception, getting punt and kickoff returns for scores, and big plays from their coverage teams all season. Meanwhile, Logan Rolles stepped into the role of kicker and punter and did a stellar job with little formal training.

Behind it all was a head coach who is also grounded to the old-school principles of defense, special teams, and a team-first approach. Ryan Arcangeli laid out the

groundwork for this team, what they would have to do to rebound from a disappointing 3-8 season in 2021. And he got them to believe again, believe in themselves and in what he was telling them.

They bought into that approach, put together a school-record 13-game winning streak, won the program’s second District 2 Class 4A championship in three years, and beat Bonner-Prendergast for the school’s first-ever state playoff win.

It took eventual state champion Bishop McDevitt

to finally end the Comets’ run in the PIAA semifinals, but not before Crestwood produced the most accomplished season in its program’s history.

And they did it the old-fashioned way.

You just had to love it. Congratulations to the Comets, and to all of the area’s sports teams and athletes on what was a very memorable 2022 year in sports.

Have a safe, healthy and happy holiday with teammates, friends and loved ones, and be proud of your accomplishments!

Weatherly Area Girls Basketball

Mahanoy Area girls turn back Lady Wreckers

Felicia Bro scored 17 points, and Mahanoy Area gave new head coach Monica Williams her first win as the Lady Bears beat visiting Weatherly Area 53-35 last week in Schuylkill League Division III girls’ basketball action in Mahanoy City.

Olivia Kennedy added nine points and Maddison Bowles eight for the Black and Gold.

For the Lady Wreckers (2-2, 0-2 league), freshman Kelly Reiner scored 12 points, Bethany Houser had nine and Emma Kane eight.

WEATHERLY AREA (35) — Kane 2 4-6 8, Binder 0 0-0 0, Gaydoscik 1 0-0 2, Houser 4 1-2

9, Davidovich 0 0-0 0, Reiner 4 4-6 12, Pugh 1 2-6 4, Paisley 0 0-0 0. Totals: 12 11-22 35.

MAHANOY AREA (53) — McGowan 2 3-4

7, Wiekyras 1 2-2 4, Bro 6 4-4 17, Kane 2 0-0 5, Gonzalez 1 0-0 3, Bowles 3 0-0 8, Kennedy 4 1-2

9. Totals: 19 10-12 53.

Weatherly Area.........8 10 10 7 — 35

Mahanoy Area.........15 10 16 12 — 53

3-pointers: Kane. Bowles 2, Bro, Gonzalez.

Eagles are the first to punch ticket

by Brandon King

The NFL season is now 15 weeks in. Five teams have been eliminated from playoff contention mathematically these teams are the Houston Texans, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, and Arizona Cardinals. This story is not about those five teams though it’s about the one team that has separated itself from the rest and had a major turnaround from last season, our Home State Philadelphia Eagles.

The Eagles are off to a jaw dropping 13-1 start and do not look to be slowing down anytime soon. Their point differential is the highest of any team in the league this season standing at a +143. Now this is no surprise when you think of what the Eagles were able to do this offseason securing a wide receiver for Jalen Hurts in AJ Brown, and adding numerous draft prospects including the big interior defensive lineman Jordan Davis.

Name, Image, and Likeness business is on the rise

by Louis Bolling

SponsorUnited has released its 2022 Sports Sponsorship Year in Review,

and the report offers a comprehensive view of sports sponsorship and endorsement trends. From January 2022 through November 2022, the company found a 102% increase in brands buying sponsorships or media deals across NIL (Name, Image, Likeness). Because of recent state legislative action, college athletes across the country can now be compensated for sports sponsorships.

In the 2022 report, football led the way with 598 deals, including 12 players with social media-focused deals worth more than $1 million. Men’s basketball followed with 328 deals, and women’s basketball took third with 234 deals. The report also revealed that endorsement/media deals

grew 20% year-over-year for female professional and NIL athletes.

“2022 has been a year to remember for the sports sponsorship industry,” said Bob Lynch, Founder, and CEO of SponsorUnited. “From the bounce-back in sponsorship deals and entitlements led by disruptive categories and companies to the significant expansion in social endorsements –particularly on TikTok for female athletes– this year has brought a wave of new opportunities for brands across numerous industries.”

Read more about this story and other sports-related offerings at https:// louisbolling.com/.

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 570-215-0204 xt2.

Hurts already has more passing yards than he did in all of 2021 – 3,472 compared to 3,144 for all last season. He also has more passing touchdowns with 22 this season to only 16 for all last year. A lot of this newfound success can be credited not only to Hurts but AJ Brown, who is already over 1,000 yards on the season sitting at 1,201 to be exact with 10 touchdowns. That is a big improvement from his prior season with the Titans where Brown finished with 869 receiving yards and only 5 touchdowns.

The defense of the Eagles has also improved drastically and that is in part to Darius “Big Play” Slay, rookie Jordan Davis clogging up the middle, and Hassan Reddick who is over double digit sacks this season - the third season in a row for him, his first for the Eagles. Reddick becomes the first player in three consecutive seasons to put-up double-digit sacks with three different teams.

The defense is allowing the 7th fewest points in the league, and the offense is the best in the league at putting up points.

One problem has recently called for concern and that is Jalen Hurts’ injury this past week where he sprained his shoulder, leaving the rest of the regular season in doubt.

Are the Eagles destined for a Super Bowl run where they will finally prove to their fans that Jalen Hurts is the right option?

Or

Will they fall short like the Cardinals did last season with a similar play style offense?

Brandon King, from White Haven, has returned to write a sports column.

Crestwood Boys Basketball Millionaires slip past Comets in non-league tussle

George Whaley scored 18 points, and host Williamsport (3-1) finished the non-league boys’ basketball game on a 13-7 run to edge visiting Crestwood last week. Brandon Burbank scored a career-high 23 points, including six 3-pointers, to lead Crestwood (4-2), which saw its four-game win streak snapped. Drew Sechleer added 13 points for the Comets.

CRESTWOOD (42) — R. Sechleer 0 0-0 0, Czapla 0 0-3 0, Johnson 0 0-0 0, Sklarosky 1 0-1 2, Wright 2 0-0 4, Hilpp 0 0-0 0, D. Sechleer 4 3-4 13, Agapito 0 0-0 0, Burbank 8 1-2 23. Totals: 9 4-10 42.

Weatherly Area Boys Basketball Colts gallop past Wreckers in Division III clash

Frank Valente scored 14 of his game-high 24 points in a decisive 26-4 first-quarter

start, as the Marian Colts galloped past the visiting Weatherly Area Wreckers

77-25 in a Schuylkill League Division III boys’ basketball game Monday evening at Marian Catholic High School.

Chris Chambers, Joey Walko and James Rodino all scored 10 for the Colts (2-3 overall, 2-0 league), who had 11 players in the scoring column and recorded the program’s 100th win over Weatherly, according to Marian records.

Jesse Rodino grabbed seven rebounds, and James

Rodino had five boards and two blocks.

Ian McLaurin scored six points for the Wreckers (0-5, 0-3). WEATHERLY

WILLIAMSPORT (47) — Harden 4 0-2 8, Lake 3 0-0 7, Holt 0 2-2 2, Johnson 0 0-0 0, Kline 3 0-0 6, Whaley 6 6-8 18, White 0 0-0 0, Lowe 0 0-0 0, Faustnaught 3 0-0 6. Totals: 19 8-12 47.

NEW QUADS: Jack Frost Ski Area officially opened two of their three new chairlifts on Saturday, to an enthusiastic reception.

JH: Seth Isenberg