©2025, THE JOURNAL-HERALD. All Rights Reserved
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2025 • Volume 44 – No. 26 (USPS 277440)
CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–146th YEAR, NO. 13
New part-time police officer Katherine Lopez was sworn in last week by White Haven Mayor Tim Janosco. Lopez was approved for employment during the January borough council meeting. Photo courtesy Holly Potance
by Suzanne Winters
Penn Lake Borough Council discussed raising fees for zoning hearings when it met February 13 for its monthly work session and regular meeting.
Council discussed needing to raise fees for the Zoning Hearing Board process, as they are losing money with each zoning hearing due to rising costs. Solicitor Dan Mulhern said he will look into how to proceed with modifying the ordinance, and he would also find out the requirements for replacing the borough’s tax collector, possibly with someone from outside the borough.
Mulhern also presented the Phillips easement, which was executed at the work session. His other activities in the past month included consulting with the borough’s grant writer, and attending to routine dam project issues.
Borough secretary Karen Burden reminded residents garbage goes in the green bins.
Councilmember Corey Beltz asked if there were any continuing education courses the borough needed. Council member Sue George said she would like to attend a
See PENN LAKE, page 5
CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–145th YEAR, NO. 39
Mid-week Lenten services are returning to Weatherly, after an absence of several years. Here is the schedule from the Weatherly Area Ministerium:
March 5 - Salem United Church of Christ will host the Community Ash Wednesday Service with the distribution of ashes and holy communion. The service is at 7 p.m. in the church social hall.
March 12 - Zions Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7 p.m.
March 19 - St. Matthew’s Union Church 7 p.m.
April 9 - Centenary United Methodist Church 7 p.m.
The Community Lenten Services on March 12, March 19 and April 9 will be followed by a time of fellowship and light refreshments. All are welcome.
At their meeting on January 10, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 in Weatherly honored the winners of the American Legion Auxiliary’s Americanism Essay Contest. The Essay Title was: “What does America the Beautiful mean to me (regarding veterans and our military)?” The unit received 61 entries. The winners each received a certificate and a monetary prize. The first place essay winners will be sent to the Council level for judging. Shown from left, first row, Class II 2nd place winner Benjamin Steward, Class I 1st place winner Mia Durham, and Judy Desrosiers, Unit 360 Americanism Chairman. Back row, Georgeann Herling, President Unit 360, Class III 1st Place winner Evan Janiec, and Class II 1st Place winner Maddie McGee. Not present was Class II Honorable Mention winner Rachel Lech.
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Ruth Isenberg, Editor
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by Ruth Isenberg
I am tired of Artificial Intelligence being added to every computer program I open. It slows things down, and offers me features I really don’t want like summarizing and simplifying every article I open to read, or “suggesting” it should write things for me. It’s not that I don’t see value in some of what AI offers. There are routine tasks, like making lists and formatting copy that don’t require personal attention. Many processes that used to take hours can now be completed much more quickly. Tools that make life easier, and give us more time to do more meaningful tasks are good things. Unfortunately, there are also some bad things about what AI can do. Relying too much on artifical intelligence may come at the cost of creativity and originality. It also may stifle our ability to reason and think for ourselves. It is far easier to accept the summary provided by AI than to read through source materials and draw conclusions. But we give up our power when we let something else do our thinking. It may be a clear case of use it or lose it. Unless we are willing to make the effort to be skeptics, to challenge, to investigate, to look for multiple sources, we run the risk of buying whatever is being sold to us. Unless we retain the ability to reason, to invent, to create, our society and our world will never progress beyond where we are now. AI must be a tool. But it must never be allowed to replace the human ability to learn and create. It’s a trap all of us may fall into if we aren’t careful.
If you find the current temperatures cold, your animals do too. They may have fur. They still get cold. Bring them inside until the weather breaks. Spring really is coming.
From The Journal-Herald February 24, 2005
Clara R. Holder, Publisher
The front page looked back, with a photo contributed by Ray Ward of the 5th grade at the White Haven Public School, 1939-40, which included 21 very serious looking boys and girls, and one (unnamed) teacher standing on the step in front of the main entrance.
Packer Township Supervisors were considering a suit against Ford Motor Company for over $12,000 in engine work that had to be done on their newly purchased truck, which Ford refused to cover under warranty. Sue Ann Gerhard was named Code Enforcement Officer to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Tony Caso.
Because of the extreme damage created by ice storms in the first part of February, White Haven Borough Council decided to pick up brush put out at the curb in “reasonable-sized bundles.” They also decided to either borrow or rent a chipper, rather than burn the collected branches at Linesville Park. Complaints had been made to the Department of Environmental Protection about open burning of such materials.
The Quakake Lions Club honored winners of their annual Christmas Lighting Contest at a dinner at the Crystal Inn, including Mr. and Mrs. Frank Raynock, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hartz, Mr. and Mrs. John Hinkle, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Sernak, and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hoffman. Not present were Mr. and Mrs. Norman Richie.
Installation of a guide rail and some hazard clearance markings were called for on the bridge over the Penn Lake dam. Dam inspection found that the valve needed replacement, and a wooded island in the stream on the outlet side had to be removed as soon as possible.
There was also discussion about the placement of grinder
pumps for the new sewer project, with the explanation that the plans called for keeping the laterals out to the street as straight as possible.
Butler Township manager Maryanne Petrilla announced that she was a candidate for Luzerne County Controller.
Our Dining Out column featured a vegeterian restaurant in Jim Thorpe (no longer in operation), which featured delicious food, small-sized entrées, and ended up costing us more than we usually spent on meals that included both alcohol and meat, which this did not.
Crestwood High School announced plans for a Celebration of the Arts, to include an art exhibit, with entertainment by jazz musicians from the high school band, followed by a sit-down dinner, all to benefit the senior lock-in for the class of 2005.
State Police reported two burglaries in Lausanne Township, with electronics, pistols, and jewelry stolen.
From The Weatherly Herald February 24, 1955 R.V. Faust, Publisher
White Haven, Slatington and Catasauqua were charged with pollution of the Lehigh River by the Lehigh River Restoration Association in a formal complaint filed with the state. Editor Faust noted, “There are other towns along the river which discharge sewage and other pollution in the Lehigh, and the Black Creek, which carries sewage from the eastern section of Hazleton City, Beaver Meadows and Weatherly, empties into the Lehigh at Penn Haven Junction.”
Preliminary surveys of county schools to ascertain the needs of vocational eduction were planned for Carbon County by the Philadelphia area coordinator for trade and industrial education.
Weatherly Borough (Owner) is requesting Bids for the construction of the following Project:
Eurana Park Improvements
Bids for the construction of the Project will be received in person at the administrative office of Weatherly Borough located at 61 West Main Street, Weatherly, PA 18255, until Monday, March 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM local time. Bids received will be publicly opened and read at the Borough Council meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025 at approximately 5:15 PM (meeting begins at 5:00).
The Project includes the following Work:
Construction of one fence enclosed Basketball court and two fence enclosed Pickleball courts with adjacent ADA accessible courtyard, three (3) ADA accessible parking spaces, one ADA accessible road crossing, two (2) ADA accessible ramps with detectable warning surfaces (two sides of amphitheater seating area), grading and bituminous paving to provide an ADA accessible pathway throughout Eurana Park, bituminous paved amphitheater seating area, and plantings.
The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: Weatherly Borough
61 West Main Street, Weatherly, PA 18255
Prospective Bidders may obtain or examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office on Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:00 pm, and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing Office as described below. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing Office. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office.
Printed copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Issuing Office at no cost and are available at the Borough of Weatherly, 61 West Main Street during office hours (8:00 AM through 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday).
A pre-bid conference for the Project will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the administrative Office Weatherly Borough, 61 West Main Street, Weatherly, PA 18255. Attendance at the pre-bid conference is encouraged but not required. Bid security in the amount of 10% of the bid will be required. The successful Bidder will execute and file the proposed contract and furnish and pay for performance and payment bonds in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract price as security for the performance and payment of all costs thereof within ten (10) days after the issuance of the intent to award of the contract. A maintenance bond in the amount of 10% of the contract award price will also be required.
The successful bidder will comply with The Pennsylvania State Prevailing Wage Rates and DCNR Nondiscrimination/Sexual harassment policy.
For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents.
This Advertisement is issued by:
Owner: Weatherly Borough
By: Harold Pudliner
Title: Borough Manager
Date: February 13, 2025
Sealed bids will be received until March 24, 2025 at 4:00 P.M. in the Office of the Borough Secretary, Weatherly Borough Building, 61 West Main Street; Weatherly, Pennsylvania 18255 and publicly opened and read at the Weatherly Borough Council Regular Meeting, Monday, March 24, 2025 at 5:15 P.M. at the Municipal Building, 61 West Main Street; Weatherly, Pennsylvania for the following.
Due to Budget Constraints, the Borough of Weatherly will award ONE (1) Project Location of the two locations. Location 1: North Street from Allen Ave to Dead End. Furnish all labor, equipment and materials necessary with the application of approximately 4,770.33 square yards more or less, Superpave Asphalt Mix Design, WMA Wearing Course, PG 64-22, <0.3 million ESAL’s, 9.5mm Mix Design, SRL-L, 180 lb./ sy. Location 2: Second Street from Carbon Street to Blakeslee Ave. Furnish all labor, equipment and materials necessary with the application of approximately 4,972.00 square yards more or less, Superpave Asphalt Mix Design, WMA Wearing Course, PG 64-22, <0.3 million ESAL’s, 9.5mm Mix Design, SRL-L, 180 lb./sy. In addition (Second Street from Carbon Street to Blakeslee Ave.) Milling of approximately 1,808.00 square yards 1.5” to 0” over 6’.
As well as tack coat and sealer in all areas and curb line road milling at intersections, driveways and around manholes/water valves.
A Pre-Bid meeting will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at Borough Hall at 61 West Main Street, Weatherly, PA 18255, all interested bidders should attend. This is not a mandatory meeting however this is the only field view to be conducted by the Municipality and only questions presented at this meeting will be addressed prior to award unless the Municipality feels additional items or explanations need to be presented. After the pre-bid meeting these will be in the form of a written notice to all bidders. For further information contact Tracy Grover at 570-427-8640, between the hours of 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday.
Detailed specifications may be obtained from the Office of the Borough Secretary at the address listed above, Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Proposals must be on the forms furnished by the Borough of Weatherly.
Bids must be clearly marked “Sealed Bids - Road Repairs”. Materials and application shall meet specification of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (Pub. 408). The supplier must also furnish a Form TR-465 “Daily Bituminous Mixture Certification”
No bids may be withdrawn from sixty (60) days after the schedule closing for receipt of bids.
Bid must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond in the amount of 10% of the bid, made payable to the Borough of Weatherly.
The Borough of Weatherly reserves the right to accept or reject any or all parts of bids and to waive informalities in any bid for the best interest of the Borough of Weatherly.
BOROUGH MANAGER
Harold J. Pudliner Jr.
Charles E. Scott, 87 years of age, passed away Friday, February 14, 2025 at his home in Weatherly.
Born in Weatherly, January 31, 1938, he was a son of the late Clyde and Catherine (Davis) Scott. Charles was also predeceased by brothers, Clyde, Carl, and Clifford Scott.
Charles was a 1955 graduate of Weatherly High School. He retired as a core maker working for Weatherly Foundry.
He was a member of Weatherly Centenary United Methodist Church, and was an avid fisherman who also loved jazz and playing the trumpet.
Surviving is his very close friend Carol Furmanchin; son, Charles Scott and his wife Leslie; two daughters, Vicky Price and Kelly Scott and her companion Charlie; brother, Claude Scott; eight grandchildren; eight greatgrandchildren, and one expected on the way.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Weatherly.
ABranchofHolmes–GriffithsF.H.,Inc. 211FirstStreet,Weatherly,PA18255 570-427-4231
E.FranklinGriffithsIIIF.D.
PhilipJ.JeffriesF.D./Supervisor www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
Anewapproachtofuneraland cremationcare.Lookingforwardto servingWhiteHaven,Dennison, Lehigh,andFosterTownships. Allarrangementsandconsultations fromthecomfortofyourhome. Guidingfamiliesthrough difficulttimes.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 20, from the funeral home. The Rev. Daniel Meader will be officiating. Friends may call from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Internment will follow in Union Cemetery, Weatherly. Online condolences or a fond memory of Charles may be made to the family at www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com
Raymond Taurino Sr., 58, of Weatherly passed away Friday, February 7, 2025 at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton.
Born in Philadelphia August 27, 1966, he was the son of the late Romeo and Dolores (Klucznik) Taurino. Ray was a graduate of North Catholic High School, Philadelphia. He was employed at Schiff’s Food Service in Easton.
An avid hunter, he enjoyed the outdoors and was a member of the Beaver Run Rod and Gun Club, a social member of the Weatherly Fire House. He loved the Philadelphia Eagles, Flyers and his 5 cats Luna, Gemini, Oden, Finn, Ace, and his dog Gigi.
Surviving are his wife Catherine (Lencovich) Taurino; two sons, Raymond Taurino Jr. and his wife Jordan, Lansdale, and Matthew Taurino and his wife Maggie, New Jersey; daughter Jessica Taurino, Lansdale; two step-sons Bret Stover, McAdoo, and Jake Stover, Winchester VA; stepdaughter Nicole Markovchick and her husband Jamie, Lebanon; brother, Christopher Taurino, Philadelphia; four sisters, Mary Lou Taurino, Philadelphia, Susan Tobin, Philadelphia, Cynthia Taurino, Philadelphia, andNicole Reese and her husband Daemen, Egg Harbor NJ; five grandchildren, Grant, Evie, Aviana, Trevor and
JOHN J. KANYAK, JR.
John J. Kanyak. Jr., 89, of Weatherly, passed away February 10, 2025, in Forest Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation. He was the husband of Janice N. (Eroh) Kanyak, to whom he was married on October 3, 1970. Born July 27, 1935, in Foster Township, he was the son of the late John and Mary (Husovich) Kaynak, Sr. He was a graduate of Foster
Township High School.
John was employed by A&P as a clerk and retired from Weatherly Area School District as a custodian.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.
Lucas; many nieces, nephews and extended family.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother Michael Taurino and sister-in-law Andrea McGuire, surviving husband Sean.
A mass of Christian Burial was held February 17, from Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Weatherly.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Raymond’s name may be made to the Carbon County Animal Shelter, 63 Broad Street, Nesquehoning, PA 18240.
Funeral Services have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services Weatherly.
John was a member of St. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church. He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid fly fisherman, who tied his own flys. He is survived by his wife Janice of 54 years and a brother Stephen Kanyak of St. Johns. He was preceded in death in his sister, Mary Gombeda. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to St. Peter and Paul’s Byzantine Catholic Church, 119 Berwick St, Beaver Meadows, PA 18216. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Weatherly.
Online condolences or a fond memory of John may be made to the family at www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com
WhiteHaven,PA
PATRICKM.LEHMAN,PRESIDENT RUSSELLC.TETER,JR.,SUPERVISOR
ServingWhiteHaven,Weatherlyandsurroundingcommunities www.LehmanFuneralHome.com BranchofLehmanFamilyFuneralService,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.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Kathryn Karpowich, of Freeland, Pennsylvania, in the Estate of Lois Down, late of Drums, Pennsylvania, who died on January 13, 2025. 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:
Conrad A. Falvello, Esquire
THE FALVELLO LAW FIRM, P.C.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids for the Multi-Use Trail Phase 11 Drainage Pipe Placement and Tree Clearing Project will be received by the Borough of Weatherly, until 4:00 P.M. on Monday, March 24, 2025. Bids will be opened and read aloud at the Borough Council meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025 at approximately 5:15 P.M (meeting starts at 5:00). The bid award date will be Monday, March 24, 2025, intended to immediately follow bid opening.
Bids will be received for Contract No. 11 –Multi-Use Trail Phase 1 Pipes I (Trail Station 31+98) and J (Trail Station 36+20), and Tree Clearing (Trail Station 23+25)
Bids will only be received in person and all documents and solicitation details are available at no cost at the Borough of Weatherly, 61 West Main Street, Weatherly, PA 18255 during office hours Monday –Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
A pre-bid conference for the Project will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the administrative Office Weatherly Borough, 61 West Main Street, Weatherly, PA 18255. Attendance at the pre-bid conference is encouraged but not required.
The Borough hereby reserves the right, which is understood and agreed to by all bidders, to refuse any or all bids submitted; and also reserves the right to waive any informality in bids received, but any contract awarded will be to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder
There are no Davis-Bacon requirements associated with the AMLER Program.
Prevailing wage rates are also not required for grants.
This Contract is to be substantially completed in 45 days and final completion in 60 days.
DATE: February 20, 2025 Harold Pudliner Borough Manager
Continued from page 1
playground safety class.
The secretary had received correspondence regarding possible reimbursement for recycling education in the borough. Beltz said he would look into this.
There was a zoning hearing on January 13 for the Dipipi property, and their request for a dimensional variance and accessory structure was approved.
Councilman Dan Eustice noted that he made some calls about restocking fish. Dam Advisory Group (DAG) member Dan George was in attendance, and he said the issue would need further discussion. The borough will need a permit to draw down the lake. He also noted later in the meeting that the borough still has no approval on its dam construction permit.
Eustice said he has also been researching traffic studies and other traffic issues.
Beltz said the borough has 9 new grinder pumps on hand, and that there were a few sewage service calls last month due to frozen discharge outlets, which were remedied.
Short Term Rentals were brought up by the secretary and councilman John Burden. There are 8 STR permits authorized in the borough. Six have paid to date for 2025 permits, and the other two are expected to do so shortly. The secretary noted there is some conflicting language in the STR ordinance and the application regarding due dates for the applications. The issue should be addressed. This will be added to the March agenda, as well as the ZHB issues.
Councilmember and DAG member Lisa Stuart gave a dam report. She said the DAG hopes to hold a public meeting when the weather improves. She said the projected cost of the dam is now up to $5.8 million. The borough has been awarded several grants already. There is concern the $1.7 million pending FEMA grant may not be awarded due to DOGE cuts, but this is unclear at this time. Stuart noted that it is important for the community to stay
engaged in the process. If the FEMA funds are not received, they will have to figure out an alternative.
Porta Potty rental was approved for 2025. Biros will supply the unit from May to October, at a cost of $155 per month per Sue George.
Beltz said that a Municipal Notification of Planned Land Development needed signatures. This is regarding using the land behind the ballpark for the dam project.
Beltz also said the borough paid for several NPDES permits, also regarding the dam project, and asked that authorization be made for a “Not to Exceed” amount in order to pay any additional permits fees. This was approved.
Kislan Trucking’s representative was in attendance. She reported they made temporary repair to the stop sign on Carter Drive that had been knocked down. They will do a proper repair when things warm up. She did not have a quote available yet. Council member Burden noted there are three council openings this year. He suggested that if anyone is interested in running, they start circulating their petitions. They need to be submitted by March 18 for the primary. These are all four-year positions.
Liz Berger has been providing Tag & Title, DCNR, Boat and Fish Commission, and general Notary services in White Haven for over 30 years. As the local community Notary Public with years of experience, there is no question she can’t answer. Find her at Lehigh Gorge Campground, 4585 State Street in East Side, or under the More tab at: lehighgorgecampground.com 570-443-9191
Middle School Principal Anthony DeSpirito has announced the names of the students who were nominated and selected as Weatherly Area Middle School Students of the Month for January. The award is based on academic achievement, attendance, extra-curricular involvement, and service to school and community.
Chase Bachert, left, son of Clinton and Nicole Bachert, Weatherly, is the 6th grade student of the month. Chase plays Weatherly Baseball and fall ball, and is also a member of the Weatherly Youth Basketball League. Chase also enjoys playing
video games with his friends.
Gianna Guerra, center, daughter of Ralph Guerra and April Benko, Weatherly, is the 7th grade student of the month. Gianna is a member of the “What’s so cool about Manufacturing” club. She enjoyed running a lemonade stand during the summer.
Brianna Kiddish, right, daughter of Leeann Kiddish, Weatherly, is the 8th grade student of the month. Brianna is a cheerleader, and a member of chorus at school. Outside of school she is an active member of her church and sings in the choir.
Weatherly Area Elementary School announces that kindergarten registration for the 2025/2026 school year will be held Wednesdays, March 12 and March 19. The snow date is set for March 26.
Registration is by appointment only. Please call 570-427-8687 to set up an appointment.
Requirements for your child are as follows:
Child must be 5 years old by September 1, 2025
Required are1 of the following; Birth Certificate, Baptism Certificate or Hospital Registration
Along with:
Child’s immunizations
Parent Driver’s license
2 proofs of residency
Ralph Herling, son of former Weatherly resident Jeff Herling, was selected to participate in the JLCMTA (Jefferson-Lewis County Music Teachers Association Bi-County Band Festival). All elementary band teachers in Jefferson and Lewis counties in upstate New York were asked to submit a select few student’s names for an Honors Music Festival, students who are very strong musicians in their own school bands. The festival organizers will create a band with balanced instrumentation from all of the students submitted from all over the two counties.
This year’s concert will take place at the Watertown High
School on April 5.
Ralph was a participant in last year’s Honors Music Festival.
He is the grandson of Georgeann Herling, Weatherly and Les Herling, Lehighton.
The Crestwood School District has announced the upcoming dates and times for kindergarten registration for the 2025 / 2026 school year. Fairview Elementary registration will be held on April 1 and 2, 9 a.m.-Noon and 1-3 p.m. The enrollment process should take approximately an hour.
Children must be 5 years old by September 1, 2025. Please bring your child with you for academic, speech and vision screenings. Parents must bring a copy of their child’s birth certificate and current immunization records.
Three (3) proofs of residency are required; all must show name and current address. Please start with one (1) of the following: a copy of the Deed to your home, agreement of sale, or a copy of your lease.
Support that document with two (2) of the following: homeowner’s / tenant’s insurance statement, a current utility bill (gas, electric, water, sewer), PA driver’s license, PA vehicle registration, a property tax bill, current credit card bill, W-2 statement, voter registration card noting township or borough, a copy of State/Federal program enrollment.
In accordance with District Policy, in cases where the legal
guardian is not the lessee or homeowner, but is residing with someone who is, please submit the above documents along with a notarized affidavit. Affidavits are available upon request from the school office.
Enrollment packets will be found on the websites for both Fairview Elementary and Rice Elementary at https://www. csdcomets.org/Domain/70
Parents may print out the packet and complete all forms at home which will save time during the enrollment process. Please bring your completed enrollment packet to the registration along with all needed documentation. Enrollment packets will also be available during registration for parents without access to a printer.
Should you have further questions, please call the Fairview Elementary office at (570) 474-5942.
Commonwealth University President’s List
Ethan Broskoskie, of Weatherly-Bloomsburg, Owen Broskoskie, of Weatherly-Bloomsburg
Commonwealth University Dean’s List
Grace Miller, of WeatherlyBloomsburg, Isabella Ramirez, of White Haven-Bloomsburg, Scott Zoscin, of Weatherly-Lock Haven
King’s College
Madisyn Von Frisch, Rebecca Schell, Weatherly, Alicia Schertrumpf, Weatherly, Katherine Kogoy, White Haven, Michael Mohan, Freeland, Miguel Saldana, Freeland
Western Carolina University Chancellor’s List
Emily Toronzi, White Haven
Wilkes University
Skylar Koslop, Weatherly, Alianna Hernandez, Weatherly, Taylor Davidovich, Weatherly, Hailey Borsuk, White Haven, Andrew Lenahan, White Haven, Eric Walsh, White Haven
Southern New Hampshire University
President’s List
Jennifer Evans of White Haven, Nathaniel Carrion of Weatherly
The first meeting of the White Haven Area Community Library’s Garden Club will take place on Thursday, March 6 in the John Murphy Conference Room at 1 p.m.
At this meeting, there will be seed sharing time, with paper envelopes provided for established gardeners to share their stockpiles, and newer gardeners can get both seeds and tips. Anyone brining seed is asked to check them for viability. The group will also decide on this year’s topics and outings, ranging from session about how to grow various plants, to taking trips to places like the Hershey Rose Gardens, Chatincleer Garden House, and other spots, plus possible strawberry and flower picking excursions. There are lots of proposed sites, and more ideas will be discussed at the meeting.
Denise Weiss is coordinating the group this year, and says future meetings will most likely be the second Thursday of the month. New members are very welcome.
Love Your Library Month continues at the White Haven Area Community Library, and we have received many wonderful donations already. There are still some hearts left on our beautiful tree, though. If you are able, please choose a heart, purchase the item, and return it to the library. Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated.
February 22 will be Kids Hangout Day where kids can discover new wonders play, creativity and friendship. Children aged 7 through 14 can join us from 12 to 1:30. Light snacks are provided for all kid’s activities. Bring your own water bottle. Please remember to stop into the library for your Take and Make Craft Project while supplies last.
The Original Book Club choice is Emma Grey’s The Last Love Note. This club will meet on March 5 at 6:30.
The book is available in the library in hardcover, or if you prefer, you can borrow a preloaded Kindle.
Join us on February 25 at 6:30 in The John Murphy room to learn more about the current Bird Flu Epidemic. Speaker Molly Giles of the PA Game Commission will discuss how flu spreads and how we can protect ourselves, our children and our pets. There is no registration needed.
Calendars are free and available by stopping at the circulation desk. The calendars contain pictures and a history of the
borough for you to enjoy.
Please mark your calendars for the Musicians of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chamber Music Society Concert on Sunday, March 16 at 3 p.m. Their third annual concert will feature works by Felix Mendelssohn, Arthur Foote, Amy Beach and Luigi Boccherini.
Artists Leslie Cullen, flute; John Vaida, violin; Arthur Moeller, violin, Amy Iwazumi, viola; and Lisa Caravan, cello will perform in the intimate setting of the library’s John Murphy Room, which in past years, has delighted sell-out audiences. Seating is limited. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at the library or by calling 570-443-8776. Credit cards are accepted. Doors will open at 2 p.m., and refreshments will be served prior to the concert.
The WHAC Library follows the Crestwood School District for weather related closings. If the school is closed, the library is closed. For weather events on days when school is not in session, the decision to close the library will be made at least one hour prior to its scheduled opening and posted on the library Facebook page.
Molly Giles of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Lauren Maxwell of Penn Vet will be sharing current information on the concerning spread of the avian flu among birds, animals and humans at the White Haven Area Community Library on Tuesday, February 25 at 6:30 p.m. Learn what you can do to stay safe as well as helping to prevent the spread. The program is free.
The library originally planned to include a combined informational session along with the avian flu material regarding
the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) among the Pennsylvania deer population; however, that portion of the program will be presented by the PA Game Commission on Thursday, February 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Penn State Hazleton, Graham Building Room 115, Parking Lot F. Penn State Hazleton Campus address is 76 University Drive, Hazleton PA 18202. Contact the Game Commission’s CWD Hotline at 1-833-INFOCWD, email INFOCWD@pa.gov or visit www.arcg.is/1G4TLr for more information.
Be amazed and entertained by the magic and illusion of Phil Crossen, the master magician known as Magical Mr. C. He will be appearing at Heritage Hill Senior Living Community in Weatherly on Wednesday, March 5, at 2.m. RSVP by February 28 by calling Rachael or Matthew at 570-420-7335.
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 in Weatherly will host the Veterans Coffee Club on March 7 from 9 a.m. until Noon at the post home. Our Commons Ground Coffee Club offers you the opportunity to meet other veterans, share your experiences serving in the military, and learn more about how the Victory for Veterans program can support you. This event is free and open to all veterans. Coffee and donuts will be served plus a free lunch.
In recognition of Black History Month, the Hazleton Art League, in partnership with Waverly Community House and historian EJ Murphy, presents “The Underground Railroad in Northeastern Pennsylvania” on Saturday, February 22, at 2 p.m. at the Hayden Family Center for the Arts. Admission is free. This special program will explore the crucial role Northeastern Pennsylvania played in the 19th-century abolitionist movement, shedding light on the region’s hidden history of resistance and freedom. Historian EJ Murphy
will share compelling stories of the brave individuals who fought against slavery and helped those seeking freedom, offering a deeper understanding of our local and national history. The public is invited to join the Hazleton Art League at 31 West Broad Street, Hazleton, to honor Black History Month through education and reflection. Come and experience the amazing artwork of Wander Matos and Gary Jones on view through Sunday, February 23. For more information, visit www.hazletonartleague. org or call 570-455-3333.
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by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
PLAINS TWP. — The Crestwood girls have enough size and talent to beat most teams, even if they aren’t playing at their best.
When they are up against a team like Hazleton Area, though, their margin for error is far less.
For three quarters of Sunday’s Wyoming Valley Conference Basketball Championship showdown here, the Lady Comets were equal to or better than their undefeated rivals.
For one painful quarter, however, Crestwood fans watched in dismay as the Lady Cougars displayed once again why they are one of the best bigschool teams in the state.
Clinging to a slim one-point lead, Hazleton Area opened the second quarter on a 22-2 blitz and rode that to a 63-51 victory and the WVC Tournament title.
It was Crestwood’s third loss of the season to these Lady Cougars, though this was by far the closest outcome of the three.
Crestwood surrendered 18 consecutive points to LakeLehman in the semifinal round three days earlier, only to bounce back and take a late lead in a 48-45 victory.
The Lady Comets rallied once again on Sunday, but could not overcome the state’s top-ranked Class 6A team.
“That’s actually been the case the last couple of games. Even though we’ve won, we’ve been having one bad quarter,” Crestwood head coach Mary
Mushock-Namey said afterward. “I think the last couple games we had two quarters where we only made one shot. And we’re not making free throws, so that doesn’t help when you’re playing a team like this.”
Hazleton Area (24-0) eased past Crestwood in each of their two regular-season meetings en route to the WVC Division 1 crown, and was believed to be a shoe-in for the tournament championship as well.
Head coach Joe Gavio, who has led the Lady Cougars to more than 500 career victories, knew otherwise.
“It was a God-given thing that we were winning this,” he said, tongue-in-cheek. “People were saying you beat them by 35 points, by 29 points. That’s what they say. But winning is hard on any level, especially against a quality team like that. They’ve got good players. I know those players. Our kids play with them in AAU. We play them in the summer, and we’ve played them about six times this year. We know what they can do, so you better bring the ‘A-game’ against them.”
Crestwood (19-4) started slowly, missing its first five shots from the field and turning it over five times in the first four minutes. But two free throws from Jordan Andrews, two more from Kendall Petrosky and another from Charlie Hiller kept the Lady Comets within 9-5 at that point.
Jackie Gallagher caught fire from there, scoring three straight Crestwood baskets to
Crestwood’s Kate Gallagher (22) closes fast on Hazleton Area’s Alexis Reimold as Lady Comet Charlie Hiller (10) awaits a rebound during Sunday’s WVC Girls’ Basketball Championship game in Plains Twp. Gallagher had 15 rebounds and five blocked shots in the title game, won by Hazleton Area 63-51. JH: Steve Stallone
ignite her team. Hiller scored later on a press break, Andrews converted a layup, and Cameron Vieney drained a 3-pointer in the closing seconds as the Lady Comets drew within a point (1918) after one period.
At that point, things turned ice-cold for Crestwood.
The Lady Comets’ came up empty on 15 of their next 16 possessions, going 1-for-9 from the field, 0-for-4 at the foul line, and turning it over six
times against Hazleton Area’s signature pressure defense. They were hampered further when team scoring leader Jackie Gallagher was whistled for her third foul and missed the remaining 4:28 of the half. Only Vieney’s runner in the lane at the 5:46 mark broke up the Lady Cougars’ 22-2 assault, fueled primarily by Alexis Reimold. The junior wing
CRESTWOOD GIRLS, page
Continued from page 10
had six points, four rebounds, two steals and a pair of assists during the second quarter alone, when Hazleton turned a onepoint lead into a 17-point spread (41-24) by intermission.
Reimold finished the game with a game-high 22 points to go along with eight rebounds, four steals and six assists.
“What a game she had,” noted Gavio. “She’s been coming on. I’ve got four studs and she’s one of them, and she’s the quiet one that no one knows about. She’s a mismatch problem, and the last two or three games she’s been hitting the boards.
“She goes left and right, she goes inside and then outside. What a time for her to have a great game? She’s just playing phenomenal.”
Crestwood still had plenty of fight left, and came out in the second half on a mission.
“That was my message at halftime, just win each quarter,” offered Mushock-Namey. “That’s what I’m looking for right now. We know they’re a good team and they’re so deep, so it’s hard to keep up with them when we’re only playing six girls, but they did what I asked them to in the second half so I’m very proud of them.”
All they did was outscore the high-flying Cougars 29-22 in the second half, and throw a miniscare into Gavio and the state’s top-ranked 6A team.
“They made us sweat a little bit,” Gavio admitted.
A pair of rebound buckets from Reimold, sandwiched around a Kaitlyn Bindas driving basket extended Hazleton Area’s lead to 22 points (47-25) before Crestwood came to life.
Kate Gallagher converted a free throw, then scored inside
Kendall Petrosky (11) of Crestwood pressures Hazleton Area’s Sophia Benyo (2) in the corner during Sunday’s WVC Girls’ Basketball Championship game held at Wilkes-Barre Area High School.
JH: Steve Stallone
off an Andrews assist to get things going. From there, Hiller stuck a pull-up jumper in transition, Kate Gallagher scored off a Vieney feed, and Vieney slashed through the lane for a bucket, highlighting a 9-2 surge that breathed life into the Lady Comets.
Jackie Gallagher scored in the paint, and Hiller converted a three-point play to finish off a 14-12 quarter for the Lady Comets.
While Kate Gallagher swatted a pair of shots inside to spark the defense, Hiller scored a pair of baskets at the other end, and Jackie Gallagher added deuce inside as the Lady Comets opened the fourth on a 6-2 run that had them within 11 points (55-44), the closest they’d been since the second quarter. Later, Vieney converted a three-point play and Hiller took a steal endto-end for a basket that made it 59-49 with 2:42 to go,
But Bindas, the conference’s MVP this season, hit back-toback baskets to help curb the bleeding during that stretch, and senior Sophia Shults calmly drained a 3-pointer from the corner with 2:13 to play that pushed the lead back to 13 and
basically sealed the game.
Hiller finished with 16 points and eight rebounds, and Vieney and Jackie Gallagher both had 10 points for Crestwood. Kate Gallagher was an inside force with 15 rebounds and five blocked shots.
“Kate’s been big for us. Her senior leadership is really coming through,” said Mushock-Namey of her six-foot center. “She just wants it, and you can tell by the way that she boxes out anymore and gets rebounds. If we can just get her the ball inside a little bit more I’d be happier.”
Gavio said his team could have played better, but was more than happy with the outcome.
“The object is to win the championship,” he said. “I thought we had a chance to put them away a couple of times, and give them credit, they kept battling back and making plays. We missed some bunnies, but that happens sometimes. We never shoot the ball too well at this gym for some reason, but that was a good game and a W is a W. Championships are hard to win.”
He said Sunday’s game, and the regular battles they have with their Route 309 rivals, will help the Lady Cougars as they move forward in the District 2 Class 6A Tournament and beyond.
“You won the championship, you’re undefeated, you’re the No. 1 team in the state. You didn’t play like it, but sometimes the pressure and hearing all those outside noises and stuff gets to you,” he explained. “These kinds of games are only going to help us.”
The Crestwood girls are also still learning and growing. Fortunately, they won’t have to deal with Hazleton Area anymore this season. The Lady Comets are the top seed for the District 2 Class 5A Tournament, and will host a semifinal game on Saturday afternoon. With a win, they will clinch a spot in the district final and a berth in the state tournament that follows.
“We’re still young. We’re still playing three sophomores most of the game,” said MushockNamey. “I’m not saying we’re inexperienced, but we’re taking it one day at a time.”
In the opening game of Sunday’s double-header at
Wilkes-Barre Area High School, the Dallas boys rallied from 13 points down in the fourth quarter to stun Holy Redeemer, scoring the game’s final 16 points for a 54-51 victory and the WVC boys’ championship.
CRESTWOOD (51) Hiller 7 2-8 16, Petrosky 1 4-4 6, J. Gallagher 5 0-0 10, Andrews 1 2-2 4, K. Gallagher 2 1-2 5, Vieney 4 1-3 10. Totals 20 10-19 51. HAZLETON AREA (63) Benyo 3 0-0 6, Bindas 7 0-0 15, Lagowy 3 0-0 7, Reimold 8 5-6 22, S. Shults 2 0-2 5, Marolo 1 1-2 3, Williams 2 0-0 5, E. Shults 0 0-0 0. Totals 26 6-10
Crestwood 48, Lake-Lehman 45 In last Thursday’s semifinals at Nanticoke Area High School, the Lady Comets withstood LakeLehman’s 18-0 first-half run to rally and early a spot in the final.
Charlie Hiller’s rebound basket with 26 seconds to play completed the comeback, and Jordan Andrews’ two free throws with 4.7 seconds left sealed the semifinal victory.
Crestwood was up by nine points midway through the first quarter, but went on a shooting drought just as Lehman caught fire. Ella Wilson’s jumper started that 18-0 spurt that put her team in front 25-16.
The Lady Comets responded with a 10-0 burst of their own to make it a one-point game (2726) at the half.
Although Lake-Lehman was still in front 42-36 early in the fourth, Crestwood ended the game on a 12-3 run to move on to the finals.
Hiller had a double-double for the Lady Comets with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Kate Gallagher added 10 points.
Kathryn Morgan paced LakeLehman (17-6) with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Wilson had a double-double with 15 points and 11 boards.
The loss ended LakeLehman’s 13-game win streak, but not its season. The Black Knights will play Carbondale this week in the District 2 Class 3A Tournament.
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by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
High School basketball’s “second season” continues in earnest this week, as the District 11 and District 2 basketball tournaments get under way at sites throughout the area.
The Weatherly Area boys and Crestwood girls have already competed in their respective league tournaments and now will join their school’s other basketball teams at districts.
All four Journal-Herald coverage teams will be in the postseason, with the Weatherly Area and Crestwood boys getting things started on Tuesday of this week. The Weatherly Area girls play Friday, and the Crestwood girls on Saturday.
The Crestwood girls are the top seed in District 2 Class 5A, and the Crestwood boys are seeded third in their Class 5A tournament. Meanwhile, the Wreckers and Lady Wreckers are both seeded fourth in their respective District 11/2 Class A subregional.
Tickets for all district playoff games are $6 and available at piaad2.org (for Crestwood games) and districtxi.com (for Weatherly games) through the Hometown Ticketing link. You will also be charged a processing fee.
A breakdown of the playoff road ahead for all our area teams follows:
District 11/2 Class A
Subregional
It’s been a season of great strides for the Wreckers, who catapulted from a 2-21 campaign in 2023-24 to an 11-win turnaround so far in 2024-25. Taking a 13-10 record into the District 11/2 Class A Tournament that begins this week, the fourthseeded Wreckers were to face No. 5 Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg in the quarterfinal round on Tuesday evening at Lehighton High School.
The winner of that quarterfinal advances to this Friday’s semifinal round
against top-seeded Bethlehem Christian (20-2). That game will also be played at Lehighton High School, with a 7:30 p.m. tip., following the other boys’ semifinal between No. 2 Lincoln Leadership Academy (16-5) and No. 3 Nativity (14-8).
The final and the third-place game will be played next week, with the top three teams from the subregional advancing to the PIAA Class A Tournament. The third-place finisher from the subregional will face the District 6 third-place finisher in a play-in game for states.
While the Wreckers have played the top three seeds in the District 11/2 Class A field already this season, going 0-4 against those teams, this is the first meeting between Weatherly and Notre Dame (11-11) this year.
The two programs met in the 2021-22 District 11 Class A semifinals, with Notre Dame winning a close game and ending the Wreckers’ season.
Notre Dame lost to Nativity in the final that season, but has captured the last two district championships.
The Crusaders needed to win their final two games to qualify for this year’s postseason, punching their ticket with a 68-50 victory over East Stroudsburg South in their regular-season finale.
Weatherly has made a big imprint in Year 2 under head coach Luke Medico, going 8-6 in Division 2 play to reach the Schuylkill League playoffs for the first time. And despite a loss to Minersville in the quarterfinal round, the Wreckers bounced back to defeat Northumberland Christian 58-47 in their regularseason finale last week.
The Wreckers, looking for their first district championship in 23 years, have been powered by their high-octane guard trio of Ian McKeegan (18.4 ppg, 27 3-pointers, 76 percent FTs), Niko Saldukas (14.3 ppg, 22 3FG) and Corbin Wagner (10.8 ppg, 28 3FG). McKeegan has been ultra-consistent, reaching
double figures scoring in all but one game this season.
Six-foot-2 forward John Donish (5.2 ppg, 9 3FG), the lone senior starter, gives the Wreckers rebounding and some inside scoring. Five-foot-11 sophomores Chance Stauffer (4.9 ppg) and Dominick Kokinda (3.6 ppg) round out the regular rotation, with both players having started and come off the bench as the team’s top reserve. Sophomore Matt Adler (6-2) and junior Brandon Davis (5-10) provide added depth for the Wreckers.
Bethlehem Christian, which placed third in last year’s subregional and reached the second round of states, enters this year’s tournament as the top seed and most accomplished team. Among its 20 wins are two one-sided victories over Notre Dame (70-56, 91-66) and an 83-49 rout of Weatherly. Notre Dame has also lost twice to Lincoln Leadership (59-19, 45-39) this season.
The Wreckers lost twice to Nativity (81-69, 74-50) in league play, and dropped a four-point verdict to 2-seed Lincoln Leadership (70-66) in those head-to-head meetings. Meanwhile, in a preview to their semifinal, Nativity lost to Lincoln Leadership 79-73 during the regular season.
The Crestwood boys (13-9) garnered the third seed in District 2 Class 5A, and were scheduled to host a quarterfinal game against No. 6 Nanticoke Area (7-15) on Tuesday evening. A win there would earn the Comets a semifinal date at No. 2 seed Abington Heights (12-10) this Friday at 7 p.m. in Clarks Summit.
Pittston Area (14-8) is the top seed, and will meet the winner of No. 4 Wallenpaupack (11-11) and No. 5 North Pocono (6-16) in the other semifinal.
The Class 5A title game is slated for Feb. 28 at Mohegan Sun Arena, with the top two teams in the district moving on to states.
The Comets and Nanticoke split their regular-season meetings, with the Comets winning 51-32 in mid-January and the Trojans getting a onepoint win (30-29) at the end of the season.
Crestwood, which is led offensively by junior Ayden Agapito and senior Ryan Sechleer, has struggled to score points on a consistent basis. However, defense is once again a Crestwood staple, as the Comets allowed just 44 points per game this season.
Abington Heights is the two-time defending district champion in Class 5A, but is playing for a new head coach in JC Show.
District 11/2 Class A Subregional Weatherly Area (4-18), which opened the season with just six players and only one senior on the roster, still managed four victories and kept the program moving forward. Now, the young Lady Wreckers get to experience a playoff game together, taking on top seed Bethlehem Christian (13-5) in the District 11/2 Class A Subregional semifinals. The four-team playoff field also includes No. 2 Notre DameEast Stroudsburg (7-15) and No. 3 MMI Prep (4-18).
The top two teams advance to the state tournament.
Bethlehem Christian and Weatherly met on Jan. 11, with Bethlehem Christian posting a 45-17 homecourt victory. Bethlehem Christian also owns a pair of close wins over 2-seed Notre Dame (33-23, 45-38) this season.
The Lady Wreckers missed out on a chance to be the 3-seed, falling to MMI Prep twice during the regular season (42-21, 28-23) as the Lady Preppers slipped past them late in the season.
Weatherly has been led by the steady play of do-it-all junior Kelly Reiner (10.6 ppg, 20 3-pointers), who has 12 double-figure scoring games despite receiving top attention from opposing teams. Courtney Wagner (3.5 ppg) has emerged as a reliable inside presence in her first varsity season, scoring in all but one game while
See TOURNEY PREVIEW, page 15
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also battling on the boards.
Crestwood head coach Mary Mushock-Namey would prefer to have a first-round game and keep her team active.
However, the Lady Comets earned the top seed for the district 2 Class 5A Tournament, and with it came a first-round bye straight to the semifinals.
There, Crestwood (19-4) will host the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between No. 4 Abington Heights and No. 5 North Pocono. Saturday’s semifinal game will be played at Crestwood, with a 1 p.m. tip.
“It’s not what I wanted. We get a first-round bye and I would love to play again to get ready,” Mushock-Namey said Sunday. “We get the winner of Abington Heights and North Pocono. Either team is strong and powerful, so it should be a battle no matter which team we play.”
A semifinal win would punch Crestwood’s ticket to states, and also its berth in the district championship game on March 1 at Mohegan Sun Arena. The top two finishers in the district advance to PIAA play.
Crestwood is coming off a strong 19-win season, accomplished with a young lineup and without junior all-star point guard Keira Dougherty, who had a season-ending injury during the summer.
Sophomore wing Jackie Gallagher (16.2 ppg, 52 3FG during regular season), soph forward Charlie Hiller (12.9 ppg) and senior guard Kendall Petrosky (9.0 ppg, 28 3FG) have been the offensive standouts.
Senior Kate Gallagher (6.4 ppg), sophomore guard Cameron Vieney (5.7 ppg) and junior guard Jordan Andrews (4.3 ppg) round out the Lady Comets’ regular rotation.
Crestwood finished second to unbeaten Hazleton Area in the WVC Division 1 standings to reach the WVC Tournament, then ended Lake-Lehman’s 13-game winning streak with a 48-45 semifinal win. The Lady Comets fell to Hazleton Area 63-51 in the title game.
Three of Crestwood’s four losses this season have come
at the hands of Hazleton Area (24-0), the top-ranked Class 6A school in the state. The other came to Scranton 65-60 on opening night.
Crestwood boasts the tallest team in the tournament, with six-footers Kate Gallagher and Hiller, and the 5-foot-11 Jackie Gallagher making up a formidable front line. The Lady Comets allow just 38 points per game, and score at a 55.8 clip.
If the seeds hold up, Crestwood and Pittston Area would meet in the final.
Crestwood won both of their regular-season meetings against the Patriots, who boast one of the area’s top players in Daniella Ranieli.
Dallas, the third seed, also owns a pair of wins against Pittston Area this season and has size of its own in 6-foot-3 freshman center Odessa Kanton.
The Crestwood boys’ and girls’ wrestlers will take part in the District 2 Class 3A Individual Wrestling Championships this weekend at Wilkes-Barre Area High School in Plains Twp.
The two-day tournament gets under way Friday afternoon at 4:30 with the preliminary and quarterfinal rounds taking place. The first round of consolations will close the first evening of competition.
On Day 2 Saturday, action begins at 10 a.m. The finals and consolation finals are set to start at approximately 1 p.m.
The top three boys and top four girls in each weight
class move on to the regional tournaments the following weekend.
A seeding meeting was held Monday evening, and seeds were to be released on Tuesday of this week. The seedings had not yet been released as of press time. Tickets for the event must be purchased online, and can be done so in the Hometown Ticketing link at piaad2.org. Tickets must be purchased individually for each day. The snow date is set for Sunday. For more on the tournament and the seedings, please see the District 2 website.
You are an NFL GM. Would you go after Sam Darnold in free agency? (here’s what I’d do)
by Jonathan Burton
Sam Darnold is coming off the best season of his professional career. He set a career-high in passing yards (4,319), touchdowns (35), completions (361), and completion percentage (66.2). He was also selected to the first Pro Bowl of his career this year.
Per Spotrac, Darnold is rumored to be getting a four-year, 160-million-dollar contract. So, if he had the best season of his career, is he worth a high-end quarterback contract?
Could Darnold be a product of the Vikings system?: The Vikings ended the season with a 14 and 3 record, the best Vikings regular season record since 1998 with a 15 and 1 record. Was the solid record a product of Darold being the key to the Vikings’ success, or is it the team around him? First, the Vikings have one of the best receiver duos in the NFL. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison combined for the second most yards as a receiving duo (2,408) and the third most receiving touchdowns (19). Second, per Pro Football & Sports Network, the Vikings’
offensive line was the tenth-best this season. Third, per the NFL, the Vikings finished sixteenth best in the NFL. Darnold has some great talent around him that could’ve elevated his game compared to his starting jobs on the Jets and Panthers.
Can Darnold Handle the “Bright Lights”?: On Oct 21, 2019, the Jets played the Patriots on Monday Night Football and lost 33-0. Famously, during the game on the sideline, Darnold said he was “seeing ghosts.” This year, he saw them again in the most important games of his career. On January 5, the Vikings faced the Lions and lost 31-9. This game would have won the NFC North and the NFC Conference as a whole, giving them a bye week in the first round of the playoffs. Sam Darnold went 18-41 in that game and had 166 passing yards. At one point during that game, Sam Darnold had six incompletions in the red zone across two drives. Two drives that could’ve been two touchdown drives instead of settling for field goals. That’s the first meaningful game he failed to show up for the Vikings. The following week was the wildcard weekend, and the Vikings faced
the Rams to go to the divisional round. In this game, Darnold was 25-40, threw for one touchdown, and had 245 yards. He also threw one interception and was sacked nine total times. While you can say Darnold wasn’t entirely responsible for the loss, his poor play the week before put the spotlight on him, and he couldn’t deliver.
Conclusion: Should Sam Darnold be getting his high-end contract? No, I don’t think that he deserves a contract like he’s projected to get yet. He has the potential to be a good starting quarterback in the league, but his inability to perform for his team in big games should make any team hesitant to pull the trigger on signing him. So, if I were a team needing a quarterback, I would give him a one-year deal to prove himself. If he rises to the occasion, he can earn his contract, but if he continues seeing ghosts, he will return to quarterback irrelevance.
Jonathan Burton writes periodically for The Sports Column and can be heard regularly on JB’s Sports Podcast at https://www.buzzsprout. com/1265540/follow
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
The Weatherly Area boys’ basketball team closed out its regular-season schedule on a solid note last week, beating Northumberland Christian 58-47 on Senior Recognition Day for the Wreckers.
Seniors John Donish and Sebastian Williams got starts for the Wreckers, and Donish delivered a 3-pointer in the opening quarter. But Northumberland Christian proved a tough opponent, taking an 11-10 lead after one period.
Five different Wreckers scored in the second stanza, sparking an 11-8 edge that put the hosts on top 21-19 at intermission.
The Wreckers finally gained some separation in the third quarter, outscoring Northumberland 19-11 in the period. Ian McKeegan scored 10 of his team-high 22 points in the quarter, and teammate Corbin Wagner tallied seven of his 15 points to lead the charge.
McKeegan scored seven points in an 18-17 fourth, including 5-of-6 free throws, to help ice the regular-season finale.
Connor Bennett poured in a game-best 29 points and went 8-of-9 at the foul line to keep Northumberland Christian in the game. He scored 21 of his points in the second half. Ethan Bennett added 10 points, but the rest of the team combined for just eight.
Pennsylvania Game Commission Northeast Regional Director Michael Beahm announced that a big game scoring session will be held on Saturday, March 22, at the Northeast Regional Headquarters building in Dallas. “It’s been over a year since an organized official scoring event was held in the region, and due to the success and popularity of last year’s scoring event, this will be another great opportunity for someone who harvested a Pennsylvania deer, bear, or elk that has record book potential to have that rack or skull scored. The Northeast Region has three game wardens who are certified by the Boone and Crockett Club as official scorers, and they’ll be on hand for the day’s event,” said Beahm.
The Boone and Crockett Club is an American nonprofit organization that advocates fair chase hunting in support of habitat conservation and is North America’s oldest wildlife and habitat conservation organization and was founded in 1887 by Theodore Roosevelt.
“Since racks and skulls
will be measured for possible inclusion in the Pennsylvania Big Game Record Book, only those Whitetail Deer, Elk, and Black Bear that were lawfully harvested in Pennsylvania through fair chase methods will be accepted for scoring,” said Beahm.
Because of the expected turnout, reservations are required, and whitetail racks must have a minimum of eight points to be scored at this session.
The scoring event will run from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., and reservations can be made by registering online at https:// doodle.com/sign-up-sheet/ participate/b2d0ad7d-cb1c468c-bbc9-37b7858f56ad/ select or by following the below QR code. Limited space will be available, and reservations will be accepted until full.
The Northeast Regional Office is located at 3917 Memorial Highway in Dallas.
Niko Saldukas joined McKeegan and Wagner in double figures with 10 points for the Wreckers, who take a 13-10 record into the District 11/2 Class A Tournament that begins this week. The fourth-seeded Wreckers were to face No. 5 Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg in the quarterfinal round on Tuesday at Lehighton High School.
The winner of that quarterfinal will advance to Friday’s semifinal round against top-seeded Bethlehem Christian (20-2). That game will also be played at Lehighton High School, with a 7:30 p.m. tip, following the other semifinal between No. 2 Lincoln Leadership Academy (16-5) and No. 3 Nativity (14-8).
The final and third-place game will be played next week, with the top three teams from the subregional advancing to the PIAA Class A Tournament. The third-place team from the subregional would play the District 6 No. 3 team in a play-in game for states.