The Journal-Herald, Thursday, December 28, 2023

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ournal-herald THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023 • Volume 43 – No. 18 ©2023, THE JOURNAL-HERALD. All Rights Reserved

CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–145th YEAR, NO. 5

SINGLE COPY– 75¢ (USPS 277440)

CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–144th YEAR, NO. 31

Ambulance concerns at Penn Lake

by Suzanne Winters

VOLUNTEERS at St. Patrick’s Parish in White Haven put together a Christmas party for the kids of the parish on December 17. Santa, Grinch and kitchen crew, assisted by elves of various ages and sizes, ensured everyone had a good time. For more pictures, turn to page 8.

Emergency Management Coordinator Chris Zweibel addressed the Penn Lake Borough Council at this month’s work session to advise council of the current state of White Haven Ambulance services.

Unfortunately, although the WH Ambulance is financially sound at this time, they are running very limited shifts due to staffing shortages. There will be a meeting in a few months to work on a solution to ensure our area is covered by ambulance services. One possible solution could be regionalization of ambulance providers.

Also discussed at the work session were issues concerning

See PENN LAKE, page 5

Rail service to NYC on the right track Photo and story

by Eric Siglin

The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, joined by partners in the Pocono Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, the NEPA Alliance, the Scranton Rail Restoration Coalition, and Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, hosted a public rail rally on Tuesday, December 19 at Kalahari Resort.

Congressman Matt Cartwright along with other officials from the Commonwealth and AMTRAK, discussed the next steps of the proposed rail line to connect Scranton, Mount Pocono, East Stroudsburg, and

New York City which, once funding is approved, should be operational by the end of 2028.

Future updates about the project along with highlights from the rally, answers to submitted questions, and more resources about how to help build momentum and show your support of the proposed line can be found at https:// www.poconomountains.com/ rail.

Information about the rally had not yet been published on their website as of press time; however, they did announce several times during the event that the questions submitted would be published.

Congressman Matt Cartwright speaks during the rally to bring rail service back to the Poconos.

PAGE 2 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

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

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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, White Haven Chamber of Commerce Carbon County Chamber of Commerce Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce White Haven Economic Development Association THE JOURNAL-HERALD is printed with U.S. made soy inks on part-recycled newsprint. © Copyright 2023, The Journal-Herald

Editorial

There’s something happening here…

by Ruth Isenberg …but what it is, ain’t exactly clear…

Those lines won’t mean anything to readers who are too young to recognize the iconic Buffalo Springfield song For What It’s Worth, but they will still make sense to anyone who tries to stay informed about current events.

A problem exists on every level of society, from the most local to the international. Facts are hard to come by.

Take the recent events in Lehigh Township, where a major police operation took place, with a fugitive being hunted but no information being released to local residents, or even to township officials.

While police investigations are taking place, it’s understandable that officers don’t want members of the public getting in the way.

Unfortunately, by failing to provide even basic information (We’re looking for a fugitive. Stay in your homes. If you see anything, call this number.), the agencies involved not only scared people, and prompted wild speculation, they also created distrust and resentment that won’t help future incidents resolve quickly.

There was a time, before the internet, that incidents could be hushed up, or at least minimized. That time is over. Now, that information is broadcast, amplified and distorted.

If people don’t know what is happening, they speculate. And some people have very vivid imaginations. Some people are paranoid; they see threats where none exist. Some people like to cause trouble — and they can use the internet to do so, especially if there isn’t any good information out there.

Information is a key resource to fix those issues. Information can keep people feeling secure and safe. Prompt and correct information is the only way to stop falsehoods from spreading.

Archives From The Journal-Herald Issue of December 30, 1993 Editors & Publishers Jay and Clara Holder The front page has a letter from exchange student Jane Seigendall who is spending four months from November 25 in Tenerife, Spain, on the Canary Islands as a Rotary Exchange student. She lives in a third-floor apartment with her host family and their 13-year-old daughter.

The home has a view of the ocean. She notes that the dinner meal is served about 10:30 p.m. each day, and that there is a lot of fresh tuna, eggs and olive oil.

One of the most active organizations at Crestwood High School is the Social Studies Club, who decorated the beautiful Christmas tree in the school lobby.

The Hampton Players of Barnstead, NY, recently presented their version of A Christmas Carol at the St. Jude’s School in Mountaintop.

Kidder Township’s 1994 budget increases 1 mill, to 8 mills. The cost will be about $1 in additional taxes for each $1,000 of assessed property value. PennDOT has responded to the township’s request for a traffic study of the intersection of Moseywood Road and Route 940, asking for Kidder to hire an engineer ahead of an official application and a letter of financial commitment. The writer of the story was Perri Iezzoni.

Weatherwood will begin a program to train and utilize Candy Stripers. Twelve volunteers will be needed for the first class. Youths aged 12 and over are invited.

Phil Engman Rambled On about a decisive but meaningless win by the Patriots over the Colts, but with both teams eliminated from the playoffs.

He wishes all a very happy and prosperous New Year.

Wayne Wagner’s column about Weatherly Youth Basketball showcases the American Legion Senior League team’s 43-28 victory over Gerhard Roofing. The Legion is now 7-0. In the Junior League, the Storks beat Hinkle Roofing 37-30, and are now 8-0.

Phil Jeffries offered Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays in his Runner’s Rundown column.

Among the New Year’s greetings are Law Realty, Sal’s Ceramics, Freeland Shur Save, Cloverdale Farms and Security Savings.

The dining review of the issue was dinner at the Hickory Run Plaza in East Side — soup, salad, and pot roast on a cold winter’s day.

The issue featured a long story about a short trip Ruth and I made to Florida over Thanksgiving. After day 1 at EPCOT, we went to Disney MGM Studios and started with Catastrophe Canyon, lunch at the Sci-Fi drive in, then The Muppet Theater, then the Star Wars ride, a movie on sound effects, and finally, the Indiana Jones Stunt Show. It was raining steadily so we called it a day.

A beautiful “Crimson King” maple was recently planted at the entrance of Fairview Elementary School, and dedicated in the memory of Graydon W. Hoyt.

From The Journal Issue of December 30, 1943 Publisher W. C. Taylor Earl G. Funk , well known trapper of White Haven, is a winner of a Daily Award for correct pelt preparation in the 15th National Fur Show conducted by the Raw Fur Marketing Service of Sears, Roebuck and Company. His prize was $5.

THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023— PAGE 3

Lehigh OKs Grist Mill work

Public Notices PUBLIC NOTICE

White Haven Borough will hold its reorganization meeting on January 2, 2024 at 312 Main Street, White Haven PA 18661.

Meeting will start at 5:45 with swearing in of council members with the honorable Judge Ferris Webby. The reorganization meeting will be held directly after the swearing in of members.

Linda Szoke Borough Manager

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Louise Kirschner, of Butler Twp., Pennsylvania, in the Estate Glenn Alan Kirschner, late of Butler Twp., Pennsylvania, who died on October 29, 2023. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims or demands to present the same without delay to the Executrix named or to: Alexis C. Falvello, Esquire THE FALVELLO LAW FIRM, P.C. 641 State Route 93 Sugarloaf, PA 18249 1/11

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters of Administration have been granted by the Register of Wills of Luzerne County, PA, on October 10, 2023, in the Estate of Linda Jean Dianese, a/k/a Linda Dianese, late of Hazleton City, who died September 21, 2023, to Sandra A. Hoppey, Administratrix.

All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims to present them immediately to: SENAPE & ASSOCIATES James V. Senape, Jr., Esquire Catherine A. McGovern, Esquire Michael B. Senape, Esquire 612-614 Main Street, P. O. Box 179 Freeland, PA 18224-0179 570-636-3133

LEGAL NOTICE

1/4

LEGAL NOTICE

Estate of Donald E. Snyder a/k/a Donald Snyder Late of Weatherly Borough, Carbon County, Pennsylvania Letters Testamentary in the above estate have been granted to the undersigned, who requests all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment, without delay to: Carol M. Cipperley 4384 Haines Ave. San Jose, CA 95136 or to her Attorney: THOMAS S. NANOVIC, ESQUIRE NANOVIC LAW OFFICES 57 Broadway, P.O. Box 359 Jim Thorpe, PA 18229-0359 12/21

12/28

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Estate of John J. Raynock, Sr. a/k/a John Raynock, Sr., a/k/a John Raynock Late of Weatherly Borough, Carbon County, Pennsylvania Letters Testamentary in the above estate have been granted to the undersigned, who requests all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment, without delay to: Eleanor Raynock 829 E. Main St. Weatherly, PA 18255 or to her Attorney: MEGAN A. NANOVIC, ESQUIRE NANOVIC LAW OFFICES 57 Broadway, P.O. Box 359 Jim Thorpe, PA 18229-0359

by Ruth Isenberg

Beastie Treats

Pet Supplies & Grooming 409 Route 940 in Blakeslee PA 18610

Lehigh Twp. Supervisors accepted an estimate of $12,175 from RH Construction during their December 4 meeting to remove rock along Grist Mill Road in order to improve visibility. They also approved a quotation for the rental of a hydro-hammer from Dominic Rentals for the project. The road will be closed while the project is ongoing.

The budget and tax resolution were approved. Supervisor Len Weston questioned the amount of amusement tax paid by Whitewater Challengers. Years ago, the firm sued the township to have the 5% tax apply to only 40% of their receipts, since their office is located in East Side. The judge ruled in Whitewater’s favor.

As part of the Lehigh & Lausanne Fire Co. report, chief Tim Rossman noted more changes at White Haven Ambulance. Concerns about coverage prompted discussion of alternatives, but no action was taken.

Supervisor Larry Skinner commented on a situation last month in the township that involved state police response and a lot of activity, but no communication with township officials.

Office and road department equipment will be purchased to close out the ARP funds.

Roadmaster Weston noted he may be contracting for help with plowing. The proper insurance will be required.

PAGE 4 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

Obituaries DONNA BROWN Donna Brown, age 68, of White Haven, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.

Born in WilkesBarre, she was one of the daughters of the late Thomas and Jessie Brown.

She graduated from Crestwood High School. She was a member of the St. Patrick Parish in White Haven.

With her passion for cooking, Donna worked in the restaurant business most of her life.

Remembered fondly by her children, among her favorite things to bake is apple pie, the recipe of which was passed on by her late mother, whom she loved and missed dearly.

Before her death, she worked in Evans’ Roadhouse restaurant - a place she loved and where she was loved. At the Roadhouse,

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.

DEBRA J. SEARFOSS

she was able to work with her daughters and grandchildren, whom she absolutely adored. At home, she enjoyed gardening, collecting dried butterflies and beautiful crystal rocks, and caring for her beloved pet dog, Bennett.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Brian R. Vonglis and son-in-law Sean McCoy. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Jolene McCoy of Tower City, Crystal Burns of Drums, and Brian J. Vonglis of Plainsboro, NJ; sons-inlaw, Richard Burns and Mark Martirez; grandchildren, Ethan Vonglis, Angel O’Donnell, and Dalen McCoy; siblings, Tommy Brown of White Haven, Carol Carter of Mountain Top, Bernie Brown of White Haven, Donald Brown of White Haven, and Reverend James Brown of New Milford, NJ; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family and friends celebrated her life on December 19, at the Lehman Family Funeral Service Inc., White Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial was held in St. Patrick Parish Church, White Haven.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Marine Corps League (https://www. mcleaguelibrary.org/about/), which Donna supported.

Debra L. Searfoss, of Buck Township, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023 in Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center.

Born in Berkeley County, West Virginia, she was the daughter of Jewel Kravich and the late John Kravich. She was a graduate of Crestwood High School and Lock Haven University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree. She was employed as a customer service representative in the healthcare industry.

Debra was an amazing soul and with her time on earth she touched the hearts of all those she encountered. Debbie was sweet, generous, and selfless her whole life. If anybody needed anything she was the first to offer whatever she could to help, because she believed one thing that truly mattered, was to always be kind to those around you.

Debbie was a devoted mother, grandmother, and wife. She often found her joys in life spending time with her loved ones and baking. It wasn’t just the taste of her baked goods that made them special; it was the love and care she poured into every ingredient and every step of the process.

Debbie was known for her boundless love and nurturing

Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc. White Haven, PA

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

Serving White Haven, Weatherly and surrounding communities

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

(570) 443-9816 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.

nature. She always put the needs of her family, friends and loved ones around her. Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we find solace in the memories of her love, kindness, and guidance. She will forever be remembered as a loving mother who touched our lives in the most profound and beautiful ways.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her loving husband, Ernest F. Searfoss; three sons, Shane Edwin Searfoss (Amanda James), Justin Joseph Searfoss, and John Barry Searfoss; grandson, Colt Ernest Searfoss; and brother, Lewis Kravich; extended family Mark and Becca Evaldi.

Funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday, December 27, at 11 a.m. from the Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc., 403 Berwick St., White Haven.

Coming Events

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13—Winterfest 200th Birthday Fireworks Celebration, 6:30 p.m., Linesville Park, White Haven THURSDAY, MARCH 21—Come Celebrate Big For the Arts, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Hazleton Art League, Hazleton SATURDAY, MAY 26— Family Fun Day/Memorial Day Parade & Celebration, 1-4 p.m., Lehigh Park, White Haven FRIDAY, JUNE 26-SUNDAY, JUNE 28—200th Birthday Summer Street Festival, Main Street, White Haven

THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023— PAGE 5

Penn Lake

Continued from page 1 Short Term Rentals being advertised on various on-line sites other than Airbnb, sewer delinquencies, the 2024 budget, and plans to get the pickle ball court repaired in 2024. Most of these items were also discussed and acted upon during the regular meeting that followed.

There were complaints received from residents about large fuel spots left behind after the plow truck treated some of the roads, according to borough secretary Karen Burden. She reported the truck was checked and did not appear to be leaking.

Kislan’s representative at the meeting said they also replaced the motor on the spreader just in case that may have been leaking.

Correspondence was received from White Haven Borough inviting Penn Lake Borough to its 200th Anniversary festivities beginning in January.

Also received was a letter from Barry Jacobs stating his desire to remain the borough Zoning Officer for 2024.

Mayor Tom Carter did not have anything to report, but he did want to publicly thank outgoing councilmembers Shaun Kuter and Dave Longmore for their years of service to the borough.

Solicitor Kristyn Jeckell reported on the two recent short term rental hearings. Christine Stoner was a no-show at the hearing and had also called to say she would not contest the decision. This case is still open for an appeal.

The Penn Lake Homes, LLC property did not appeal the decision, and fees can now be collected. The solicitor said any further violations are subject to a fine of $1,000. Councilman Paul Rogan asked her how the borough goes about collecting the fines, and she said she would find out the procedure.

There was a Zoning Hearing Board regarding requested variances by Lois Glass for a carport, and Dan Eustice for an addition and a garage.

Kuter noted the geese are not a problem at this time of year, and he again asked residents to stop feeding the wildlife. He also thanked everyone for having

him on council for the last 12 years.

Rogan reported letters of collection will be going out from the solicitor to residents who are in arrears with sewage fees.

If no payment is received in response, liens will be placed on delinquent properties, if they are not already in place. As of December 1, any properties in arrears of $500 or more will be considered delinquent.

A motion to adopt the 2024 budget was made and approved, subject to having corrections made to two items pointed out by incoming Councilman Corey Beltz who was in the audience.

Rogan said he would make the corrections.

The ARPA project at 54 Williams Drive is complete. Treasurer Theresa Wojciechowski stated she still needs a bill for this work. The remaining ARPA funds will go to drainage work on Hollenback Road and Horseshoe Drive.

This work has already been advertised at a cost of $9,873. If this additional work exceeds the remaining ARPA funds, Council discussed using other available funds to make up the difference, possibly Liquid Fuels money.

Resolution #10 was adopted, setting the tax rate for 2024 at 4.6 mils, unchanged from 2023.

This resolution also sets the garbage fee at $343 for 2024, which is a 4% increase over last year.

Council voted to continue insurance coverage with DGK Insurance after getting a few items clarified. The premium for 2024 is $3,592.

The updated Short Term Rental ordinance was also adopted at this month’s meeting.

Rogan provided a brief Dam report. The DEP permit application was filed November 30, and Rogan thanked the Dam Advisory Group (DAG) for their efforts in making this happen. The DAG expects to meet in January or February to start discussions scheduling, bid preparation and evaluations, as well as awarding construction contracts. He said there should be some public information meetings as the summer approaches, and they remain optimistic that construction will begin in autumn of 2024.

Rogan also stated Borton Lawson completed the borough’s

annual dam inspection report.

Jim Brozena continues to work on obtaining requested grant money. The status of the county LSA grant of $2.6 million the borough applied for should be known in the spring, and that of the state LSA grant of $1 million should be known in the fall.

The final agenda item was public comments. One complaint was presented by resident Keith Lukens at 1182 Lakeview Drive. His complaint is not new, as the same concern was also presented a few months ago by one of his neighbors.

Both complained about a trash problem with 1175 Lakeview Drive. This is a rental property across the road from Lukens, which is operating without a

permit. There are large groups constantly renting this property, always leaving the waste cans overflowing with bags of trash.

The local bear drags the bags down the bank next to Lukens’ property, where it is left strewn all along the property line. It was reported the property owner has refused to rectify the situation, and Lukens asked council to act.

Council discussed taking action using both the Short Term Rental ordinance and the Nuisance Ordinance.

Councilman John Burden again suggested having the mess cleaned up and billing the property owner for the cost. The solicitor said she can cite the owner again, which would now carry a fine of $1,000 a day.

Property taxes will not rise in Packer Township

by James Hunter At their most recent meeting December 5, the Packer Township supervisors approved a tentative spending plan worth $300,210 that calls for the same property tax millage as in 2022—.5 of a mill for general purposes, .1 mill for the special fund, and .97 of a mill for fire protection.

The township began the 2023 with a $475,507 fund balance, Incoming revenue amounted to $42,876, but expenses are expected to end the year at $67,410 a deficit of $14,543.

The supervisors expect to begin 2024 with a $450,964 fund balance. Revenue is budgeted at $218,975, while expenses are expected to be $300,210, an $81,235 deficit, leaving $269,729 at the end of 2024.

Supervisor Bob Selert said the only major project the township will undertake in 2024 will be drainage work – piping and culverts – along Grist Mill Road.

Last year, new culverts were installed along Wetzel’s Road, and allowed to settle over the winter before paving was done.

The supervisors have dedicated $100,000 from state liquid fuels funds, and have applied for a $100,000 Local Shares Account (LSA), or gaming grant, to help fund the work over the next two years.

There is a $53,245 fund balance in the liquid fuels account. Combined with $47,919 anticipated from liquid fuels in 2024, the $100,000 set aside for the Wetzel’s Road project will leave a fund balance of $1,164 at the end of 2024.

The garbage fund will start off 2024 with a $40,052.

The supervisors expect to collect $185,714 from garbage collection, while having expenses of $210,848, leaving a $25,134 deficit. But thanks to the fund balance, there will still be $14,898 left over at the end of 2024.

The park fund began 2023 with a $4,272 fund balance, and received $10,000 from the Andreuzzi Family Fund, leaving a $13,272 balance at the end of 2023. With $2,000 of anticipated expenses in 2024, a $11,272 fund balance is expected at the end of 2024.

The special fund will begin 2024 with a $41,240 fund balance. With no anticipated expenses and $3,570 of income expected during the year, a $44,810 fund balance is expected at the end of 2024.

In other business, the supervisors voted to advertise the 2024 meeting schedule, which will keep the monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the township building in Hudsondale.

PAGE 6 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

Library Corner

Lori Lesante, President/CEO of Community Services for Sight and her client, Heather Bayliff, make a presentation to Junior Leadership Hazleton students with some Leadership Hazleton team members listening in. Some students donned restrictive eyewear as part of the presentation for the United Way Youth Allocation Panel session held on December 12.

JLH holds United Way Youth Allocation Panel Four Greater Hazleton United Way, Inc. agencies made requests to Junior Leadership Hazleton (JLH) students for funds to complete certain projects needed by their agencies.

Agency participation was coordinated by Mary Jane Ricco, Director of Agency Relations. The students reviewed support material and asked a lot of detailed questions before making their final decisions following a spirited discussion. The allocation decisions will be turned over to the United Way of Greater Hazleton Board for their approval.

JLH Program Coordinator Michael Dougherty says, “It

is always interesting to see what the students do with the opportunity to determine who has done the best job in presenting their needs and who deserves a portion, and how much, of the funds available.”

The next session is Monday, January 15 at the Hazle Township Commons Building with the focus on local government.

Junior Leadership Hazleton is a program administered

by Leadership Hazleton, an affiliate of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce. Funding for the program is provided, in part, by the CAN DO Community Foundation.

The White Haven Area Community Library is closed until January 2, so our volunteers can enjoy the holidays.

The Book Club moves to a new day in the new year. The next meeting will be the first Wednesday of the month, January 3, at 6:30 p.m.

January’s book is Pretty Girls, a thriller by Karin Slaughter.

The library has a new on-line catalogue, and it can be found at https://whitehavenarea.library. site . Please ask about getting a log-in account so you can check out what books are available in the library.

Scrabble Club will resume on January 4 at 6 p.m. and will continue to meet on the first and third Thursday of each month.

Lego Club returns on January 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. It is open to children aged 5-15.

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

Be sure to check out our Facebook page for up to date offerings and events!

Seth’s Sightings Grocery shopping on Christmas Eve was more of a challenge than we’d expected.

We were out in the late afternoon to make a run to Staples for the business and figured some grocery shopping would fit. We arrived at the Weis Market in Mountain Top to find it had just closed at 4, so we went into Wilkes-Barre, bought what we needed at Staples, then went to Wegman’s. It was busy.

Ruth noted that it was far busier in the grocery store than Staples and its plaza neighbors combined.

We enjoyed a walk at Hickory Run State Park’s Sand Springs Day Area with the dogs on Christmas Day. Four or five geese were happily munching away on grass in the middle of the big field above the swimming lake, and Ruth was

concerned that the dogs would sight them and want to go after them. Instead, the geese stealthily walked themselves down the hill to the lake, unnoticed.

Penn State football kicks off Sunday at noon in their Peach Bowl matchup against Ole Miss.

Here’s to a PSU bowl victory.

Our local Penguins won four in a row on the road last week before getting cooled off just before Christmas (one loss). The locals are home this weekend for a winnable back-to-back matchup with Charlotte on Friday and Saturday.

We enjoyed the Christmas Eve service at the Weatherly Presbyterian Church… carols and candlelighting. For New Year’s, we are looking forward to a quiet time with friends.

Best to all readers through the holidays – a happy and more importantly healthy time for all.

Peace.

Your newspaper.

ts scores.  Grandkids’ spor ing.  Restaurant open

 Financial advice.

Your local newspaper has what you need to live your best life.

THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023— PAGE 7

Carbon County property transfers through December 10 Banks Township Almir Selimovic to Anyelo Pena Sanchez, Bronx, New York, property at 43 E. Market St., Tresckow, $260,000.

Mark R. Kelly to Shawn Kelly, P.O. Box 357, Tresckow, property at Market and Fern streets, Tresckow, $1.

East Side Borough Gerald D. Jones Sr. to Gerald D. Jones Jr., 426 Washington St., White Haven, property at 569 State St., White Haven, $1.

Kidder Township Donna Marie LaFrance to Donna Marie LaFrance, 33 Helen Way, White Haven, property at 33 Helen Way, $10.

Edgar L. Getz to Todd E. Walker, Hatfield, property at 6 State Rt. 940, $200,000 Christopher Ognibene to Paul Senkowski, Lancaster, property at 50 Split Rock Road, Lake Harmony, $500,000.

Sanket Rupareliya to Arking Elly Enterprises, LLC, Cinnaminson, New Jersey, property at 12 Castagnola Drive, Lake Harmony, $210,000.

Raymond T. Molnar Jr. to Bags Lux, LLC, Drums, property at 217 Moseywood Road, White Haven, $125,000.

Tammy A. McMahon to Stephen E. Williams, P.O. Box 2071, Albrightsville, property at 136 Holiday Drive, Albrightsville, $210,000.

Tax Claim Bureau of Carbon County to Selvin A. Lima Y. Lima, Trenton, New Jersey, two transactions in Holiday Poconos development as follows:

property on Timberline Drive, $780; and property on Henning Drive, $830.

Anthony J. D’Angelo Jr. to Huiqun Wang, Princeton Junction, New Jersey, property at 54 Splitrock Road, Lake Harmony, $290,000.

Blue Ridge Real Estate Company to Intuitive Investments, LLC, Ambler, Lot 439, Mountainwoods Drive, $120,000.

Paul G. Kaylor to Matthew Gabel, Webster, New York, property on old Stage Road, $3,834.

Dmitri Pavlov to Karina Binegt Vasquez, 109 Tanglewood Drive, Albrightsville, property at 109 Tanglewood Drive, $177,500.

TMC Management Corporation to Raymond A. Jackson Sr., 603B W. Oak Lane, White Haven, property at 603B W. Oak Lane, $275,000.

James Fullan to Fisher Real Properties, LLC, Fort Worth, Texas, property at 35 Cedar Grove Road, Lake Harmony, $425,000.

Holiday Pocono Civic Association to Edward Ratka, Gwynedd Valley, Lot 607, Section C, Holiday Poconos, $5,000.

Holiday Pocono Civic Association to Harry J. Taylor, P.O. Box 963, Albrightsville, lots 3 and 4, Block K, Trail Ridge, Holiday Poconos, $5,010.

Holiday Pocono Civic Association to Connie L. Eldridge, 2146 Ranch Road, Slatington, two transactions, lots 181 and 182, Section D, Holiday

Sunday, January 7

Poconos, $4,000 each.

Holiday Pocono Civic Association to Matthew Sullivan, Lakewood, New Jersey, Lot 12, Block G, Section Hemlock Forest, Holiday Poconos, $5,050.

Thomas M. Kandle to Eddie Bowen, Chalfont, Lot 1313, Section DI, Lake Harmony Estates, $315,000.

Alice L. Kosyla to Alice L. Koslya, Philadelphia, property at 52 Tamarack Trail, Albrightsville, $1.

Tax Claim Bureau of Carbon County to Marbel Daniel Lopez Hernandez, Hamilton, New Jersey, Lot 825, Section C, Holiday Poconos, $950.

Tax Claim Bureau of Carbon County to Adriana Paola Guzman Garcia, Ewing, New Jersey, Lot 13, Section A, Holiday Poconos, $856.

Tax Claim Bureau of Carbon County to Jose S. DeLeon, Trenton, New Jersey, Lot 826, Section C, Holiday Poconos, $889.

Tax Claim Bureau of Carbon County to Normilda Marisol Mata Sandoval, Trenton, New Jersey, Lot 215, Section C, Holiday Poconos, $850.

Tax Claim Bureau of Carbon County to Ludin C. Sandoval, Trenton, New Jersey, Lot 213, Section C, Holiday Poconos, $850.

Tax Claim Bureau of Carbon County to David Palacios Guerrero, Bensalem, Lot 573, Section C, Holiday Poconos, $750.

Hesham Hussin Mohamed to Hesham Hussin Mohamed, Staten Island, New York, property at 478 Moseywood Road, Lake Harmony, $1.

Marcelle A. Moyer to Aashay Kirit Shah, Chester Springs, property at 347 Moseywood Road, Lake Harmony, $530,000.

Tax Claim Bureau of Carbon County to Heriberto R. Marin, Bronx, New York, property on Ashley Lane, Holiday Poconos, $1,000.

Tax Claim Bureau of Carbon County to Silvia A. Lopez Hernandez, Hamilton, New York, property on Wychewood Road, Holiday Poconos, $950.

Tax Claim Burau of Carbon County to Jose David Membreno

Aguilar, Hamilton, New Jersey, property on Foxhaven Road, Holiday Poconos, $950.

West Invest, LLC, to Julian Staniec, Doylestown, property at 7 Holiday Drive, Albrightsville, $190,000.

Matthew P. Holt to Judith A. Millman, Springfield, New Jersey, property at 25 Midlake Drive, Unit 102, Lake Harmony, $381,000.

Thegoodlife, LLC, to Joaquin Alejandro Peirano, Miami, Florida, property at 49 Forest Drive, Lake Harmony, $624,000.

Tad D. Ronnie to As Twenty7, LLC, Voorhees Township, New Jersey, lots 405, 406 and 407, Section D, Holiday Poconos, $75,000.

Stephen M. Melniczak to Jeremy Snell, Bryn Mawr, property at 106 Pineknoll Drive, Lake Harmony, $875,000.

Packer Township Barbara A. Genetti to Department of Environmental Protection, Harrisburg, parcel No. 126-46-A43AOP4, $1.

Department of Environmental Protection to Barbara A. Genetti, 4116 Quakake Road, Weatherly, parcel No. 126-46-A43, $1.

Jesse J. Dellen Jr. to Charles Doherty, Upper Darby, parcel No. 112-45-A10.03, $100,000.

Robert J. Hinkle Jr. to Robert J. Hinkle III, 5760 Quakake Road, Weatherly, property at 5760 Quakake Road, $1.

Joan M. Brown to Paulene Maddison, 740 Round Head Drive, Weatherly, property at 740 Round Head Drive, $300,000.

Weatherly Luke Medico to Damian M. McAndrew, 4 Eurana Ave., Weatherly, property at 4 Eurana Ave., $190,000.

Beverly E. Moser to Alan D. Knepper, 528 Fairview St., Weatherly, property at 528 Fairview St., $1.

Goliath Properties, Inc., to Sheila Brill, 243 Maple St., Weatherly, property at 243 Maple St., $159,900.

Nancy Dawson to A & K Affordable Homes., LLC, Freeland, property on Kline Street, $55,000.

PAGE 8 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

Merry Christmas at St. Patrick’s Parish

Photos courtesy John Marotta

THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023— PAGE 9

Students of the Month at WAMS

Amazon AVP1 of Hazleton recently presented students from science teacher Erin DiGennaro’s class with tools and competition supplies (balsa wood, wood dowels, etc.) worth $500. Shown here are Tammy Kates of Amazon AVP1, Noah Maranyuk, Lily Keiper, Jilian Esposito, Elizabeth DiGennaro, Trinity Spence, Rayelle Hughes of Amazon AVP1, and superintendent of schools Daniel Malloy. At right is a sampling of the items that were donated.

Pictured are Sophie Durham, 6th grade; Dominick Gudoski, 7th grade; Mitchel Knock, 8th grade and Mr. Chistopher Kimmel, Vice Principal.

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.

Sophia Durham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Durham, was chosen as the 6th grade Student of the Month. Sophia is a member of the Weatherly Area Middle School Science Club, the Student Government Association, as well as the decorating committee and the Weatherly Biddy Basketball League. She babysits and helps her neighbors and her grandmothers. Sophia volunteers at the yearly special needs dance, participates in the food drive and donates a portion

of her allowance to the weekly mission that benefits those in need. She is also a lector at Sunday Masses at her church.

Dominick Gudoski, son of Ms. Mary Gudoski, Weatherly, was chosen as the 7th grade Student of the Month. Dominick is a member of the Weatherly Area Middle School Band, the Reading Olympics and the Art Club. He also plays baseball for Weatherly Little League.

Dominick is a member of Holy Rosary church and attends CCD classes.

Mitchel Knock, son of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Knock, Weatherly, was chosen as the 8th grade Student of the Month.

He is a member of the Weatherly Area Middle School Basketball team as well as the Weatherly Track Team. Mitchel is active in the community by helping his family and neighbors.

PAGE 10 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

Crestwood Sports Roundup

Lady Comets, Comets capture WVC openers The Crestwood girls opened their Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 schedule in winning fashion, knocking off Wyoming Valley West 64-52 last Thursday in Plymouth. Both teams entered the game 3-3 overall, but it was the visiting Lady Comets (4-3, 1-0 WVC) who took control of this division tussle, and then repeatedly turned back Valley West’s comeback attempts.

Crestwood broke out to a 14-10 first-quarter lead, but the teams were still deadlocked at 20 apiece when the Lady Comets used a quick 5-0 spurt to move in front to stay.

Sophomore point guard Keira Dougherty, who scored a teamhigh 20 points, made it 46-35 by

closing the third quarter with a spinning drive to the basket.

Valley West (3-4, 0-1) used a 7-2 run to cut a double-digit deficit to six (52-46), capped by Thalia Irizzary’s 3-pointer with 1:58 to play in the fourth.

But Crestwood answered as Dougherty hit a rebound basket and nailed two free throws to keep control. Though Valley West was still within five (57-52) with 36 seconds left, Crestwood sealed it with seven free throws in the final half-minute.

Freshman Jackie Gallagher scored 19 points and grabbed six rebounds, and fellow freshman Charlie Hiller posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds for Crestwood.

Dougherty also pulled down

eight rebounds, and junior Kate Gallagher pitched in with five points and six rebounds.

Irizzary and Marsola each scored 15 points, and Mackenzie Perluke added 14 for Valley West.

CRESTWOOD (64) — Vieney 0 0-0 0, Hiller 5 3-7 13, Petrosky 2 1-2 5, J.Gallagher 5 6-6 19, Andrews 0 2-6 2, K.Gallagher 2 1-2 5, Dougherty 7 6-6 20. Totals 21 19-29 64.

WYO. VALLEY WEST (52) — Novitski 0 0-0 0, Marsola 5 0-0 15, Perluke 4 5-9 14, Sierra 0 0-0 0, Irizzary 5 4-8 15, Richet 1 0-0 2, Rinehimer 2 2-2 6. Totals 17 11-19 52.

Crestwood.......14 17 15 18 — 64 Valley West.....10 15 10 17 — 52 3-pointers: K.Gallagher 3. Marsola 5, Perluke, Irizarry.

BOYS Crestwood 58, Valley West 44 - Chaz Wright, Mason Czalpa and Derek Johnson all finished in

double figures, and the Comets turned back visiting Wyoming Valley West in the teams’ Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 opener last Friday.

Wright finished with 14 points, Czapla followed with 12 and Johnson 11 for the Comets, who improved to 4-2 overall.

For Valley West (2-6), Will Wojciechowski scored 13 points.

WYO. VALLEY WEST (44) — Wojciechowski 4 2-2 13, Wells 3 4-6 10, Weatherspoon 3 1-2 8, Stevens 2 1-2 6, Dittus 2 1-1 5, Reyes 1 0-0 2, Terry 0 0-0 0. Totals 15 9-13 44.

CRESTWOOD (58) — Wright 6 2-4 14, Czapla 5 1-2 12, Johnson 5 1-1 11, Agapito 4 0-0 9, Sklarosky 1 4-4 7, Sechleer 1 1-2 3, Jennings 1 0-0 2, Feisel 0 0-0 0. Totals 23 9-13 58.

Valley West.......12 14 9 9 — 44 Crestwood........ 21 10 19 8 — 58 3-pointers: Wojciechowski 3, Stevens, Weatherspoon. Agapito, Czapla, Sklarosky

Atlantic Coast Conference is under duress, could the Big 12 be next?

by Frank Fear

We’ve seen enough to know that major college football recently to know that it has a rocky and unpredictable terrain.

Schools jump conferences, conferences engaging in poaching, and media companies compete to get the best lineups possible. The Power 5 became the Power 4 in a flash of an eye with the Pacific-12’s demise, and there’s no assurance that the compression will end there.

With Florida State making it clear that it is unhappy with the

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ACC and considering leaving, the conference has a target on its back. Could the Big 12 be next?

If that happens, then the conference may regret its recent move after brand names Texas and Oklahoma bolted the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference. The Big 12 replaced those iconic brands with the University of Central Florida, Houston, Cincinnati, and Brigham Young. It was an unprecedented move, too. When the Big 10 replaced Chicago with Michigan State (1953, first year of play) and expanded with Penn State (1993), and later with Nebraska (2011), Maryland, and Rutgers (both 2014), it did so by absorbing major schools into the fold. The SEC walked the same path with South Carolina, Arkansas, Texas A&M, and Missouri, and the ACC did the same with Florida State, Miami, Syracuse, Pitt, etc.

Not so with the Big 12. For sure, the four Big 12 newcomers have had football success over time, albeit episodically.

BYU won the 1984 national championship as a member

of the Western Athletic Conference, and Houston was a force in the old Southwest Conference under Bill Yeoman (1962-86) with the Veer offense he refined and made famous.

More recently, Luke Fickel’s American Conference Bearcats won 75+% of games played and made the 2021 College Football Playoff. Then there’s UCF, a school that rapidly rose in about two decades from no football to major status (first-year FBS, 1996). Since then, it made national headlines by beating the likes of Florida, Auburn, Georgia, and Louisville.

But being successful at that level of college football doesn’t predict success at the major level, and the numbers show why. In 2022 - the last before they joined the Big 12 - the quartet won nearly 66% of their games (34-19 collectively) and all played in bowl games. In 2023, the first year in the Big 12, the four teams won 37% of their games overall (18-31), 22% of their league games (8-28), and none finished with a winning record--in a year many analysts

considered a down year from the Big 12. Only UCF (6-6) qualified for a bowl, and the Knights were dispatched 30-17 by mediocre Georgia Tech (7-6 after the win) in the United Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl.

I’d be the first to say that one year doesn’t make a trend, and nobody can predict the future. But (there’s that word again), let’s not fool ourselves into thinking that the gamble is over. It’s not. The four newcomers will need to prove their standing on the field. The stakes are high, too. It would be myopic to believe that the issues involved are just about the four programs; at stake is the viability of the Big 12 as a power league.

Frank Fear is managing editor of The Sports Column.

THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023— PAGE 11

Weatherly Area Boys’ Basketball

Wreckers gear up for push into 2024 The Weatherly Area boys’ basketball team, still searching for its first win with new head coach Luke Medico, will be looking to knock that off their holiday wish list starting with this week’s Columbia-Mountour Holiday Tournament in Bloomsburg.

The Wreckers are scheduled to tangle with Bucktail in Wednesday’s 6 p.m. tourney semifinals. The title game and consolation will take place

Thursday evening back at CMVT. From there, Medico and the Wreckers (0-6 overall, 0-3 league) will dive into their Schuylkill League Division III schedule at Nativity on Jan. 4, and visit non-league foe Panther Valley on Jan. 5 before finally returning to their home court for a D-III matchup with Shenandoah Valley on Jan. 8.

Assistant head coach Rob Bryan, who was subbing for an

under-the-weather Medico in the team’s latest game before Christmas, reiterated the Wreckers’ resolve is steadfast and that their mission remains the same. “Our idea, Coach Medico and myself, we’re just trying to right the ship here and try to steer it in the right direction,” Bryan said.

“We’re really looking to go (to CMVT) and make a big impact on that tournament,” he said.

“I think there’s some good

matchups for us. Hopefully we’ll come out with a W or two. Then we go into January, and we’ll be playing 2-3 days a week.”

A win or two in the tournament would go a long way in the confidence department for a young Wrecker team oozing with talent, though short on experience and physicality. Most of the players on the court are either sophomores or freshmen still finding their way on the varsity level.

Jr. High Basketball Roundup

Little Wreckers top Tamaqua for first victory BOYS Eighth Grade Weatherly Area 43, Tamaqua 25 - The Little Wreckers took down Tamaqua

for their first win of the season despite several close games.

Mitchell Knock powered the win by knocking down a gamehigh 17 points. Teammate Aiden Slovick rimmed eight points for the winners.

Chance Makovec paced the Blue Raiders with eight points and DeAndre Marshall added six.

Seventh Grade HOSTS: Alex & JoAnne Zidock THURS. 9:30 PM

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tallied 13 points and Anderson Otero chipped in with eight.

GIRLS Eighth Grade Tamaqua 27, Weatherly Area 25 - Millie Black’s game-high 17 points enabled Tamaqua to escape with the win against visiting Weatherly Area.

The Lady Wreckers received 16 points from Maci Kane and five from Katie Knock.

Panther Valley 21, Weatherly Area 17 - Danika Blazosky scored eight points, Kathryn Breslin had six, and Panther Valley held on for the home court win.

For Weatherly, Katie Knock scored seven points and Maci Kane tallied six.

Tamaqua 33, Weatherly Area 31 Tamaqua slipped past Weatherly behind the 1-2 punch of Jayden Vozicki (13 points) and Sam Vinc (11).

For the Wreckers, Eli Brown

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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.

PAGE 12 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

Weatherly Area Girls’ Basketball

Marian flexes its muscle, overpowers Weatherly Area girls The Weatherly Area girls’ basketball team got its first look at division rival Marian last week. The veteran-laden and highly-touted Fillies showed why they are a favorite not only for the Schuylkill League Division III title, but for a long run in the league, district and state tournaments that will follow.

Frankie Martinelli poured in

a game-high 17 points, senior classmate Carly Minchhoff deposited 16, and the Fillies rolled to their sixth straight victory, a 61-13 runaway in Hometown. Martinelli was dialed in from deep, collecting five of her team’s seven 3-pointers as part of her game-high total for Marian (6-1 overall, 3-0 D-III).

Kelly Reiner had both of her team’s treys and finished with six points for the Lady Wreckers (1-5, 0-3), who dropped their fifth straight game.

The Lady Wreckers return to action Thursday at home against Schuylkill Haven. They will then be off until a Jan. 5 Schuylkill League Division III game with

Nativity.

WEATHERLY AREA (13) — Gaydoscik 1 0-0 2, Binder 0 0-0 0, Houser 1 0-0 2, Davidovich 1 1-2 3, Weston 0 0-0 0, Reiner 2 0-0 6, Snyder 0 0-0 0. Totals 5 1-2 13.

MARIAN (61) — Pugh 2 0-0 4, Martinelli 6 0-1 17, Fritz 4 1-2 9, Minchhoff 7 1-1 16, Tikhtova 2 0-0 4, Hasara 2 1-2 6, Carone 0 0-0 0, O. Thomas 2 1-2 5, Corrado 0 0-0 0, K. Thomas 0 0-0 0, Hannis-Mishar 0 0-0 0, Osenbach 0 0-0 0, Katner 0 0-0 0. Totals 25 4-8 61.

Weatherly Area.....0 9 4 0 — 13 Marian................ 21 25 13 2 — 61 3-pointers: Reiner 2, Martinelli 5, Minchhoff, Hasara

On the Sly Column

Wishes for a healthy, happy and peaceful new year

by Steve Stallone Sports Editor I was listening to the radio on my way home from shopping the other day, and the contemporary Christmas classic “Grown Up Christmas List” came on.

The song made popular by Amy Grant and later Kelly Clarkson, outlines a Christmas wish list of an adult, long removed from her childhood days on Santa’s lap. They aren’t things you would find under the Christmas tree.

“No more lives torn apart; That wars would never start; And time would heal all hearts.

“Everyone would have a friend; And right would always win; And love would never end.

“This is my grown up Christmas list.”

If you think about those beautiful lyrics, more of all of those things would mean far less suffering, and a far greater world for all.

As we huddle with family and friends this holiday season, and look toward 2024 with hope, may we ask for some of the things on this list, both here and abroad, and for the things on your own grown up Christmas list that will make this holiday

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

season joyful and bright.

My heartfelt wish to you is a healthy, happy, prosperous, and peaceful new year!

MY SPORTS WISHLIST When it comes to the world of sports, I’ve got a pretty long list of things I’d like to see change in 2024. Granted, I realize that most of these will not come to fruition. Nonetheless, I remain hopeful.

Here is my list of things that I hope will be done away with in this coming year, if not someday. * Pay TV for sports -- Why do I need Amazon Prime to watch a football game I could always see on cable? * High prices -- It costs a small fortune to attend a professional sporting event, considering the price of the ticket, parking, food, beverage, and souvenirs. Unfortunately, the situation won’t get any better. * NASCAR’s points setup -- I enjoyed NASCAR better when a race wasn’t broken down into three stages, when I could understand how the points system worked, and before there was a playoff to determine the champion. * The Quarterback Slide -- Remember when you could make contact with a quarterback in the NFL? Nowadays, you can barely look in a QB’s direction without getting a flag. In today’s NFL, the offensive player has all the advantages.

* Throwback jerseys -- I’m okay with throwback jerseys once a year, but seeing them half the season is annoying -especially when a player looks like a bumblebee flying around on the football field. * Baseball free agency -- Granted, you can’t do away with free agency, but you certainly can come up with a better system. As is always the case in baseball free agency, the top-spending teams get the players, and the small-market teams are left with the scraps. * Most of the bowl games -- When two 6-6 teams get together thousands of miles from home for a meaningless game that draws less than 8,000 fans, I’d say you have too many college bowl games at

the end of the season. * Analytics -- Too much emphasis is put on numbers and not enough on knowledge and insight. It seems the human element is being replaced by some computer. * Poor sportsmanship -- Too many athletes spend too much time trying to show up the opposition and not enough time playing the game the right way. * Poor sportsmanship in the stands -- Too often, unruly fans turn a good contest on the field into an ugly situation in the stands. The price of a ticket does not entitle a fan to belittle an official, an athlete or a team.

Scholastic Schedule

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27 Boys Basketball Weatherly Area vs. Bucktail at CMVT Tournament, Bloomsburg, 6 p.m.

Crestwood at CYC McGrane Tournament Girls Basketball Crestwood vs. North Pocono at Akens Holiday Tournament, North Pocono, 4:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 28 Boys Basketball Weatherly Area vs. TBA at CMVT Tournament, Bloomsburg Crestwood at CYC McGrane Tournament Girls Basketball Schuylkill Haven at Weatherly Area Crestwood at Akens Holiday Tournament, North Pocono Wrestling Crestwood at Bob Rohm Memorial Tournament, Bloomsburg SATURDAY, DEC. 30 Boys Basketball Crestwood at Loyalsock WEDNESDAY, JAN. 3 Girls Basketball Pittston Area at Crestwood Wrestling Crestwood at Hazleton Area THURSDAY, JAN. 4 Boys Basketball Weatherly Area at Nativity Crestwood at Pittston Area

THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023— PAGE 13

PAGE 14 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

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Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

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When fully charged the M150 provides enough power to charge all your devices– laptops, phones, tablets, earbuds and more for work and fun. Give the gift of portable power this holiday season – only $199.

Go to portablepower.info/193

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Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920 Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for Your Free Author’s Guide 1-877-670-0236 or visit dorranceinfo.com/pasn

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Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material - Steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer - 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-844-290-9042.

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ACROSS 1. Front of the leg Stroke and Cardiovascular 5. Load cargo disease are leading causes of death, according to the 9. Petal-pullers American Heart Association.

Screenings can provide peace word of mind or early detection!

Contact Life Line Screening 12. Highway secto schedule your screening.

Special offer - 5 screenings for tion just $149. Call 1-855-672-8674 13. Attendant Safe Step. North America’s #1 14. Habitual manWalk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line ner installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! 15. Detroit product Call today! Financing available.

16. Consecrate Call Safe Step 1-833-437-1428 18. Golden-haired Wanted 20. Sovereign 21. Update BUYING CLASSIC CARS, TRUCKS, SUVs **American and 25. “Stand ____ Foreign** Any Condition. Buying entire car collections. $$PAYING Deliver” CA$H$$ Please call 717-5778206 Krmiller1965@yahoo.com 28. ____ tradition 29. Barcelona cry WANTED! MOTORCYCLES! ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC. 32. Dove’s sound Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Triumph, BSA, and 33. Chinese mamother foreign models. $$PAYING CA$H$$ 717-577-8206 mal Krmiller1965@yahoo.com 35. Strife 36. “A Tale of ____ Cities” 37. Earth 38. Health establishment

Insert numbers 1 through 9 in each block; no repeats in any row or column.

39. Umpire’s cousin 42. Hooded reptile 44. Sag 49. Passed beyond 53. Unique person 54. Good buddy 55. Rushed 56. Particular place 57. Building addition 58. Visualized 59. Ladder rung

17. Pool shark’s need 19. Fall sharply 22. Clear, as a videotape 23. Lord’s property 24. Song from yesteryear 25. Drama part 26. This minute!

27. Entrance chime 30. Race section 31. Notable timespan DOWN 34. Brewed drinks 1. Cement chunk 40. Slip up 2. Lug 41. Goes without 3. ____ thin air food 4. Downtown light- 42. Make do ing 43. Almost round 5. Feeling low 45. Negative profit 6. Dead heat 46. Military division 7. Out of the ordi- 47. Dole (out) nary 48. Get ready 8. Peculiar 50. Garden tool 9. Gulps 51. Valuable dirt 10. Despise 52. ____-gallon hat 11. Ogler

PAGE 16 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

Vietnam vets enjoy coffee and camaraderie in Weatherly

Members of American Legion Post 360 and Unit 360 American Legion Auxiliary assisted at the Vietnam Veterans Coffee and Camaraderie event sponsored by Carbon County Veterans Affairs and veteran Christine LeClair, held recently at Post 360. The veterans and their guests enjoyed doughnuts, coffee and good conversation while listening to holiday music provided by veteran Bill Job. Each attendee received a small gift from the Veterans Affairs office.

First row, Christine LeClair, Carbon County Director of Veterans Affairs and veteran Christine LeClaire. Back row: Betty Henry, District President Georgeann Herling, Theresa D’Andrea, Donna Thomas, Post 360 Commander Harry Shellhammer, Carol Eroh, Unit 360 President Georgia Farrow.