©2025, THE JOURNAL-HERALD. All Rights Reserved
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025 • Volume 44 – No. 27 (USPS 277440)
CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–146th YEAR, NO. 14
CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–145th YEAR, NO. 40
by Ruth Isenberg
Weatherly council members will sit down with borough department heads and other employees to improve communications and come up with suggestions for improvements, following the formation of a committee for that purpose during the February 24 council meeting. Council member Mike Bellizia proposed that he, Norm Richie and Vincent Cuddeford II make up the first group; other council members may rotate through, but to stay on the right side of Sunshine Law requirements, only three will serve at any one time.
The committee was the result of discussions at the January council meeting about salaries, job duties, and appreciation for borough employees. Borough
department heads were present on Monday, and will reach out to Bellizia to set up a time to meet.
An ordinance to require that keys to certain buildings be provided to Citizens Fire Company, to be held in a lockbox and used for access in case of emergency was discussed. Cuddeford said the lockboxes on the fire apparatus would be coded for security, and could prevent damage to buildings in case of fire. Council agreed that it was a good idea, but tabled the issue for more information about costs and a list of buildings that would be included.
The borough’s ordinances will be amended to add provisions requiring an inspection before properties that have been without power for more than a year before they are re-connected.
Phase one of a significant project to improve downtown White Haven and better connect the borough with the Delaware and Lehigh (D&L) Trail was awarded $350,000 in state funding this week, according to Rep. Jamie Walsh (R-117) and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29).
Once completed, this $6,000,000 project will provide a streetscape on Main Street and connect the D&L Trail at the northern and southern ends of the borough. Proposed work includes building a multi-use 8-foot-wide trail along the east side of Main Street, a gateway over Main Street, and a small
plaza with a gathering area. Additional work would include reconstructing the sidewalks, curbing, and crosswalks and making other improvements to beautify the area.
Once completed, this new section of trail would fill a major missing gap in the D&L Trail’s regional network.
“This grant is an important step forward in the revitalization of downtown White Haven,” said Walsh. “By enhancing public spaces, improving accessibility and supporting local businesses, we are
The discussion that began in January regarding the borough’s form of government continued. Solicitor Jim Nanovic explained that first step would be a referendum to decide if a commission should be set up to study the proposal. If that passed, the commission would
be selected and give time to make a recommendation about keeping or discarding the current form of government. If the commission recommended changing the current form of government, another referendum to approve or
Crestwood’s Jackie Gallagher eyes up a 3-pointer from the corner as Abington Heights’ Sarah Cantner (50) attempts to defend. Gallagher had four triples in Crestwood’s 56-39 victory. Story, page 14.
JH: Steve Stallone
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(JAY E. HOLDER, Co-Publisher 1954-1997; CLARA HOLDER, Co-Publisher 1954-2014)
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Ruth Isenberg, Editor
Steve Stallone, Sports Editor
Member, Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce Carbon County Chamber of Commerce
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by Ruth Isenberg
There is a certain irony to the issuance of a news release by the Social Security Administration regarding National Slam the Scam day on March 6. It urges people to “recognize Social Security-related scams and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information.” It comes at the same time an un-elected Elon Musk is demanding access to the personal data collected over the years of every citizen and business in this country, inforation that has been carefully guarded with the highest levels of security.
DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency established by President Trump, is supposed to root out wasteful spending and fraud and abuse. There’s no question that improvements can and should be made in how government operates. There are plenty of places where problems can be found, and presumably corrected.
It can also presumably be done without exposing private data across the board to people without security clearances. We don’t know what use will be made of this data, and we don’t know who all will have access to it. This is hacking made official government business. Getting back to protecting your data the press release offers some good suggestions. Learn the signs of a scam, such as pressure to act immediately, promise of a big prize or benefit increase, and demands for payment in an unusual form such as gold bars, cryptocurrency or wire transfers.
The press release goes on to recommend that suspected scams be reported as soon as possible. “Victims shouldn’t be embarrassed if they shared personal information or suffered a financial loss. We are all vulnerable.”
That last sentence rings very true in the current climate.
From The Journal-Herald March 3, 2005
Clara R. Holder, Publisher
The front page picture, by Steve Stallone, celebrated the Crestwood High School boys basket ball team posing with their medals and championship plaque at King’s College, after winning their second straight District 2 Class 3A title with a 54-49 victory over Wyoming Area.
A Celebration of Spring was scheduled by the Weatherly Events Committee, to be preceded by the annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Quakake Valley Lions and the Weatherly Community Chest. The Easter Bunny was scheduled to appear.
The January ice storm was still a topic of discussion at the Lehigh Township supervisors’ March meeting, as the Lehigh & Lausanne Fire Company reported its expenses incurred serving as an emergency shelter for 60 hours. Emergency management cordinator Charlie Puzzetti reported that 14 volunteers gave nearly 500 hours of their time, some of them losing days at work as a result. Costs for water, groceries, fuel and parts for the generator added up to nearly $1,000. Supervisors responded by making a donation of $1,000 to the L&L.
Winners of the Weatherly Area PTA’s Reflections contest whose first place entries at the local level were sent on to the council level were pictured.
Theresa Harashic and Joseph Perkins were pictured as the Valentine Queen and King, as chosen by the White Haven Area Senior Citizens.
The Army Corps of Engineers announced a new flow management plan for the Francis Walter Dam and Lehigh River for the year during a public meeting at Split Rock Resort. The new
plan was meant to enhance and expand the warm water fishery in the reservoir above the dam, enhance the fishery in the river below the dam by increasing minimum flows during the sumer, and provide additional whitewater boating opportunities through a series of modest summer weekend releases. To accomplish these goals, the reservoir was to be raised 35 feet above the present level, thanks to the construction of the new roadway across the top of the dam.
MMI’s Mathcounts team won its regional competition, and advanced to the state tournament, while the Weatherly Area Elementary and Middle School’s students took part in the WordPower Challenge, and several advanced to the regional competition. Jeff Howard and Jessica O’Lear won at that level, and moved on to the state competition.
Dining Out was a review of the late, great Blakeslee Inn, which we visited with some friends who were in the area skiing. It was a wonderful meal, and included an amuse bouche, compliments of the chef “a scallop, coated in a dusting of black truffle, topped with a dab of crème fraiche and golden caviar, on a bed of julliened pickled carrot and zucchini.” (Editor’s note: reading this review brought back some wonderful memories, and also made me very sad, remembering the fire that destroyed the Blakeslee Inn.)
A turkey hunting/calling seminar was slated at the Good Shepherd Church in Drums, sponsored by the Honey Hole Longbeards Chapter, NWTF, and the Butler Township Recreation Board.
A photo presented the cast of Bye Bye Birdie, slated as part of the Crestwood High School Night of Culture on the Mountain. Among those pictured was artistic set designer Bernie Perch.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION-LAW NO. 24-CV-2480
RORY JOHN KING and HERBERT C. FRYE, Plaintiffs vs.
R. ALAN PREDMORE aka RODNEY ALAN PREDMORE and VERONICA E. PREDMORE and GREGORY PREDMORE and each of their Heirs, personal representatives, executors, administrators, successors and any other person having or claiming to have any right, title, interest or claim to the real property described herein through either defendant or in their own right, Defendants NOTICE
To the above named Defendants, R. Alan Predmore a/k/a Rodney Alan Predmore, Veronica Predmore and Gregory Predmore: BY ORDER DATED February 10, 2025, the Court of Common Pleas entered an Order authorizing plaintiffs herein to serve their complaint upon you by publication.
TAKE NOTICE THAT THE plaintiffs, RORY JOHN KING and HERBERT C. FRYE, have filed an action on November 7, 2024 seeking to Quiet Title in themselves, as above captioned:
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this Complaint and Notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the Court your defense or objections to the claims set forth against you.
You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the complaint or for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP North Penn Legal Services 2 East Broad Street Hazleton, Pa. 18201
TELEPHONE: (877)953-4250
FAX: (570)455-3625 or
Carbon County Lawyer Referral
777 Blakeslee Blvd. Dr., Suite 2
Lehighton, Pa. 18235
Phone 1-610-379-4950
Fax (610)379-4952
AVISO
Le ban demandado a usted en la corte. Si usted quiere defenderse de estas demandas expuestas en las paginas siguientes, usted tiene veinte (20) dias de plazo alpartir de la fecha de la demanda y la notificacion. Hace falta ascentar una comparencia escrita o en persona o con un abogado y entregar a la corte en forma escrita sus defensas o sus objeciones a las demandas en contra de su persona/ sea avisado que si usted no se dafiende, la corte tomara medidas y puede continuar la demanda en contra suya sin previo aviso o notificacion. Ademas, la corte puede decidir a favor del demandante y requiere que usted cumpla con todas las provisiones de esta demanda. Usted puede perder dinero o sus propiedades u otros derechos importantes para usted.
LLEVE ESTA DEMANDA A UN ABOGADO IMMEDIATAMENTE, SI NO TIENE ABOGADO O SI NO TIENE EL DINERO SUFICENTE DE PAGAR TAL SERVCIO, VAYA EN PERSONA I LLAME POR TELEFONO A LA OFICINA CUY A DIRECCION SE ENCUENTRA ESCRITA ABAJO PARA AVERIGUAR DONDE SE PUEDE CONSEGUIR ASISTENCIA LEGAL.
North Penn Legal Services
2 East Broad Street
Hazleton, Pa. 18201
TELEPHONE: (877)953-4250
FAX: (570)455-3625 or
Carbon County Lawyer Referral
777 Blakeslee Blvd. Dr., Suite 2
Lehighton, Pa. 18235
Phone 1-610-379-4950
Fax (610)379-4952
Robert T. Yurchak, Esquire
1 East Catawissa Street; POB 127 Nesquehoning, PA 18240
Phone 570-669-6650
Notice is hereby given that East Side Borough Council will conduct their regular monthly meetings on the first Thursday of the month (unless otherwise noted) during the Year 2025. The meeting dates are as follows:
March 6, 2025
April 3, 2025
May 1, 2025
June 5, 2025
July 10, 2025**
**Second Week of July
August 7, 2025
September 4, 2025
October 2, 2025
November 6, 2025
December 4, 2025
All meetings will begin at 6:30 P.M. in the John Murphy Room of the White Haven Library, 121 Towanda Street, White Haven, Pa. 18661
Carol Ann Lenahan, Secretary
Need an Extra Copy of this issue? The Journal-Herald is for sale at: White Haven Market, Soapy Bee and 940 Plaza in White Haven, Wawa at the Turnpike in Kidder, Weasel’s in Dennison, and TJ’s One Stop in Weatherly.
JOAN L. STOUT
Miss Leona M. Ackers of White Haven passed away in her sleep peacefully on the morning of February 22, 2025. She was born June 27, 1931 and was the daughter of the late Mary and Leo Ackers.
Born and raised in White Haven, Leona was a fiercely independent woman who started her career after graduation from White Haven High School by moving to Philadelphia to work for Bell of Pennsylvania. In the 1980s she returned to the family homestead in White Haven after being transferred to the Lehigh Valley office for what is now Verizon. She was in charge of the region’s directory assistance department which is now a thing of the past. After retirement she enjoyed nothing more than to prepare holiday meals for the entire family to visit her home
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throughout the day, attending her many nieces’ and nephews’ special events, traveling with family, and most importantly shopping for whatever gadget was new on QVC.
She is lovingly survived and will be dearly missed by her sisters, Elaine Smith (Donald) of White Haven and Mary Alice Quinn (Jack) of Torrington, CT, along with sisters-in-law Beverly Ackers (Gordon) of White Haven and Janet Ackers (Daniel) of Effort. Also surviving are 12 adoring nieces, nephews, plus great-nieces and nephews to whom she was known as Aunt Leona, Honey or Nonie, and she will forever hold a special place in their heart.
Preceding her in death along with her parents were her older sister, Dorothy Herbener, and three younger brothers, Gordon L. Ackers, Leo Ackers and Daniel F. Ackers. She was also predeceased by nephews David Ackers, Steven Quinn, Keith Smith, niece Barbie Herbener plus brothers-in-law Peter Herbener, Donald Smith and Jack Quinn.
As she requested, services will be private for the family and held at a later date. Memorial contributions, if you are so inclined, can be made in Leona’s memory to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 414 Berwick Street, White Haven, PA 18661.
Joan L. Stout, 90, of Mountain Top, passed away on Wednesday morning, February 19, 2025, with family by her side in Allied Hospice Meade Street.
Born in WilkesBarre, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Josephine L. Yatko and was a graduate of GAR High School. Joan worked as a waitress at Desiderio’s Restaurant, Mountain Top and Host Motel, Wilkes-Barre prior to retirement and was an auxiliary member of the Wright Township Fire House.
As a child Joan loved spending time at Lake Wallenpaupack, with her father teaching her the ins and outs
of a successful day with rod and reel and traveling with her mother to see family members.
As an adult she continued her love of fishing and looked forward to traveling and trips to various casinos, being one of the luckiest people. She was a great cook and looked forward to trying new restaurants for culinary delights.
Left to cherish her memory is her husband Robert “Skip” Stout; daughter Jean Bennett and her husband Terry of Oklahoma; son Frank Daniels and his wife Linda of Missouri; grandchildren Joseph Parks, Leann Daniels, Frank Daniels and half-sister Theresa Gyure of Las Vegas Funeral service weere held February 24, from the Desiderio-Lehman Funeral and Cremation, Mountain Top with interment following in Albert Cemetery.
Lawrence Spaide, Sr. 76, of Wapwallopen, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025 in the VA Medical Center. Born in Amsterdam, NY he was the son of the late Clarence and Agnes Sack Spaide.
He served his country proudly in the United States Army and Marine Corps and was the
WhiteHaven,PA
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.
recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and Sharpshooter Medal.
Larry was employed as a truck diesel mechanic and operated Lily Lake Hotel. He enjoyed spending time with family; cooking and was a life member of Slocum Fire and Ambulance, Mountain Top American Legion and Slocum Volunteer Fire Dept. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Dolores Spaide; siblings, Carl and Bill Spaide, Susan Nesbitt and Joan Konitzer.
Larry is survived by his sons, Lawrence (Valerie) Spaide, Michael Spaide, and Joseph Cook; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Richard Spaide, Edward Spaide, Michelle Young, Diane Guziak, Deborah Yost, and Mary Kay Boyer, and many nieces and nephews.
Private funeral services were held at the convenience of the family with interment in Slocum Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of the DesiderioLehman Funeral and Cremation, Mountain Top www. MountainTopFH.com
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION have been granted to Robert Viechec of the Estate of Sandra Jean Kauker, deceased and late of Freeland, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, who died on December 8, 2024. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make payment, and those having claims, present same to:
Susan Sernak-Martinelli, Esquire
Law Office of Susan Sernak-Martinelli
199 North Church Street
Hazleton, Pennsylvania 18201 3/13
Continued from page 1
investing in the community’s long-term prosperity. This project will not only beautify the area but also foster a stronger sense of pride and connection among residents. I look forward to its competition and seeing the positive impact it will have on White Haven’s future.”
“Local leaders in White Haven have worked tirelessly to breathe new life into their town, despite
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.
641 State Route 93
Sugarloaf, PA 18249 3/6
facing significant challenges,” said Argall. “This funding is the next step in turning this dream into a reality. With their acceptance into the Blueprint Communities program, the opening of the new entrance to the D&L Trail from Lehigh Gorge State Park, and new train excursions from Jim Thorpe and other communities, I’m convinced the borough’s best days are ahead!”
This funding was awarded through the Multimodal Transportation Fund, which
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION have been granted to ELIZABETH M. TROTMAN of the Estate of Elizabeth Snyder, deceased and late of Lansford, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, who died on January 6, 2025. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make payment, and those having claims, present same to:
Susan Sernak-Martinelli, Esquire
Law Office of Susan Sernak-Martinelli
199 North Church Street
Hazleton, Pennsylvania 18201 3/13
Continued from page 1
provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation. The grants were approved during a public meeting of the Commonwealth Financing Authority today, an independent agency with fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth.
Borough manager Linda Szoke expressed gratitude for this first step, and said the funds will most likely be used as matching money for more grants.
disapprove would be held. Mayor Paul Hadzick made the case again for making the change, saying it comes down to the mayor faving some kind of authority. Cuddeford questioned what kind of authority; Hadzick responded that the mayor would be chief law enforcement officer. No action was taken by council. A thank you letter was received from Donna Murmello. Council member Joe Cyburt told council the two Hillclimbs may be bigger than ever this year. Working with the Pocono Visitors Bureau, plans are to have hill professionally filmed from top to bottom, with each car’s ride shown on a big screen TV at the bottom. Cyburt suggested setting up a shuttle to parking lots, and eliminating parking on North Street. He pointed out the economic impact of the two events on the area. Last year, local non-profits raised $25,000 by providing food for the drivers and spectators.
The annual Fishing Contest sponsored by the Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce is changing this year. On Saturday, March 29, tagged fish will be stocked in several locations in the Lehigh River as usual. People catching the fish will be able to turn in the tags at White Haven Market and receive a $25 cash prize.
Sponsor sign-up for the contest will end March 15. Contact chair Linda Miller at 570-582-9934 or Linda.M@ WhiteHavenChamber.com for information.
So what’s the change? March 29 is Mentored Youth Trout Day in Pennsylvania. It is the only day trout fishing is allowed in Pennsylvania until official
opening day on April 5.
On March 29, Youth anglers 16 and under need a Mentored Youth Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License from the PA Fish Commission and to be accompanied by a licensed adult angler to participate. With their License or Permit, they can take a total of two trout (combined species) with a minimum length of 7”. Adult anglers are prohibited from possessing trout.
Anglers 16 years of age or older are adult anglers and need a valid Pennsylvania Fishing License and a current Trout Permit. To participate on MYTD, anglers over 16 must be accompanied by an eligible holder of a Mentored Youth
Fishing Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License from the Commission.
Cost to fish on Mentored Youth Trout Day
The Mentored Youth Permit is free - OR -
The Voluntary Youth License is $2.97 ($1 cost + $1 issuing agent fee + $0.97 PALS transaction fee).
(Adult Anglers need an annual fishing license and current trout/salmon permit)
Get the youth permit/ buy the youth voluntary license at HuntFishPA.gov or at a licensing agent, such as G&A Hardware in White Haven, open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Note: Youth must have their own HuntFish.PA.gov account for their MYTD permit or license.
Voluntary Youth Licenses support youth programs. While both the permit and the Voluntary Youth License provide the opportunity for youth to fish on Mentored Youth Fishing Days, the Voluntary Youth License provides an extended return for both Pennsylvania’s youth and the Commission, the Commission encourages anglers to purchase either a Voluntary Youth License or a Voluntary Youth License Voucher for the future of fishing.
by Ruth Isenberg
An upgrade to a Premium Community Checking Account by East Side Borough can earn higher interest than a CD, council learned at their February 6 meeting. The adjustable rate with Mauch Chunk Trust is currently 3.58%. Council voted to switch to this account, which is strictly for municipalities.
Because there was no December meeting, bills were ratified that were already paid.
The January bills including charges for plowing from last year. Some of the charges seemed high to council members, including cost of storage of salt. A salt shed is figured into the design of the community building council is planning. Council paid the bill as presented, but decided to put the contract out for bid for the coming season.
One of the reasons for concern is the need to clear for the school bus. Council members questioned why the bus has to go up Bridge Street; Mayor Eric Siglin will talk to the Weatherly Area School Board’s transportation committee to see if it can be changed.
Solicitor Jim Nanovic reported on the Hollrigl Subdivision. The Planning Commission recommended approving five waivers requested. Council
granted conditional approval, based on compliance with Atty. Nanovic’s January 7 letter and obtaining a Highway Occupancy Permit.
Dennis Berger was reappointed to a 4-year term on the Planning Commission. There is a vacancy on the Zoning Hearing Board. A suggestion was made to move alternate Sandra Cepiel into that spot; she will be asked to consider the move.
Borough salaries were approved as follows: Secretary/ treasurer-$500/month; Zoning Officer-$200/month; Street Foreman and Street Laborer-$20/hour.
Meeting dates will continute to be the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m., except for July, when the eeting will be the 10th, in the John Murphy Room of the White Haven Area Community Library.
Also approved were re-appointments of Benesch Engineering, and auditor Michael Gavigan & Co.
Sale of a mobile home by Carbon County Tax Claim Bureau from the repository was approved.
Carbon County 9-1-1 requested renumbering several houses with incorrect addresses. This was held over until the March 6 meeting, in order to talk to the
property owners.
Delinquent garbage and sewer accounts were reviewed. Liens will be placed on the top three.
Street foreman Rudy Schoch reported lots of snow removal. Shelves in the new shed were donated by John Marotta. Edgar Getz donated some 2x4s, and Schoch built a loft. Borough equipment has all been moved there, and tools hung on the wall.
Mayor Siglin has ordered more signage to calm traffic, such as Watch Children, Playground,
Pedestrian Crossing Sign for on the bridge.
He announced that Senator David Argyll will be hosting a meeting regarding the future of the White Haven Center on April 10, at 5:30 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Center.
Zoning Officer Allan Hollrigl reported several calls on property behind the golf course. A shed was put up without a permit; he will send a letter to the propety owner along with an application.
Over February, the Weatherly Interact Club fundraised for our local chapter of Leukemia and Lymphoma Society based out of the Lehigh Valley. The students designed T-shirts, baked goods, and then sold them to benefit our annual fundraiser. A special thank you to all the Interact Club members who helped bake goods and design the T-shirts. If anyone is interested in a T-shirt, reach out to Mr. Moran at Weatherly Area High School.
by Ruth Isenberg
A large number of delinquencies for the $5 per capita tax in Lehigh Township prompted a discussion at the February 3 township supervisors’ meeting that ended with a decision to look into eliminating the tax in the future.
As of the meeting, secretary Carol Lenahan said the delinquencies added up to $220 outstanding. Because fees get added on the amount once the delinquencies are sent to Berkheimer Associates to collect, as a courtesy in the past the supervisors have sent letters to those owing before turning the list over. The per capita tax only brought in about $1,300 total last year.
Supervisors Larry Skinner and Len Weston decided to send the courtesy letter again this year, but to look into eliminating the tax in the future. Supervisor Pawel Fiolek was absent.
The treasurer’s report included a notation about interest received on township accounts since switching the depository to Mauch Chunk Trust.
A short-term loan from the general fund may be needed to pay the township’s garbage hauler. Lenahan suggested waiting a couple of weeks to see if garbage payments come in to cover them.
The Lehigh & Lausanne Rural Volunteer Fire Company was granted permission to hold or attend various events, parades and boot drives during the year, both in and outside the township.
Fire Chief Tim Rossman reported a busy month, with 8 calls, 5 in Lehigh Township, 1 in Lausanne Township, 1 in Weatherly and 1 in Packer Township.
Of note was a hazmat spill on Turn 3 of the Hillclimb on January 31. Two tractor trailers got stuck on the road during the month; a spill occurred during the removal of one of them. Better signage warning drivers about the road was suggested. The warming station at the firehouse was opened during one of the ice storms. Weston suggested looking for a better generator for the location.
As roadmaster, Weston suggested ordering 22 ton of anti-skid annually, at the same time salt is purchased. Weatherly Borough stores the township’s salt at their location. New zoning officer Richard Giordano was introduced.
During January, he issued a perit for a swiming pool at 101 Buck Mountain Road, and investigated a civil complaint about the Jones property on Lehigh Gorge Drive.
Weatherly Area School District Students of the Month for January are, first row from left, 1st Grade - Kevelly Mota and Phoenix Mumaw, 2nd Grade - Marisa DeFrancisco and Joseph Tessitore, 3rd Grade - Mia Durham and Jayke Dembrosi, back row, 4th Grade Gavriella Hall and Steven Miller, 5th Grade - Rylee Minnick and Ivy Graver.
Food will be distributed on March 1 from 10 a.m. to Noon at Shepherd House in Weatherly, located at Zions Lutheran Church at the corner of 3rd and Fell Streets.
Weatherly Area Community Library extends congratulations to the winner of the wooden American Flag, Amanda Sewell, and the Diamond Dot painting, Tracy Zellers.
Upcoming Events, call library to register (570-427-5085): March 14 - Storytime for Children, 4:30-5:30 p.m. March 27 - Book Club, 10 a.m. April 12 - Psyanky Egg Class, 9 a.m. - Noon. $40/person.
Visit our website at pocononewspapers.com for in-between-issue stories and events
This week that includes more photos from high school basketball playoff games
Join us at the White Haven Area Community Library on Saturday March 8 to celebrate Dr. Suess’ birthday. Children aged 7 to 15 can help us search for clues in a Dr. Suess themed Scavenger Hunt from 12 to 1:30. Registration is not required. Light refreshments will be served. Bring your own water bottle.
The Original Book Club will meet on March 5 at 6:30 in the John Murphy room. This month the book choice is Emma Grey’s The Last Love Note. The book is available in the library in
hardcover, or if you prefer, you can borrow a preloaded Kindle.
WHACL 2024 Souvenir 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 library welcomes residents of the greater White Haven Community as well as
It was a perfectly chilly day for a Chili Day in Hickory Hills. Everyone enjoyed warm bowls of chili with warm and friendly neighbors. An added bonus was grilled hot dogs smothered in sauerkraut, onions and, of course, chili...yummy!
Photos by Alice Lachewitz
visitors. Computers and free wi-fi are available to everyone. If you are interested in volunteering at the library, we would love to meet you. There are a variety of opportunities available. Please call 570-4438776 or stop in during library hours.
The WHACL follows the Crestwood School District for weather related closings. If the school is closed, the library is closed. For weather events on days when school is not in session, the decision to close the library will be made at least one hour prior to its scheduled opening and posted on the library Facebook page.
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
LEHIGHTON — Tears of joy were streaming down junior guard Corbin Wagner’s face. Fans overtook the court, hugging and highfiving players and each other in a joyous celebration.
Yes, the Weatherly Area Wreckers are making noise in the basketball playoffs once again.
Nineteen years had passed since the Wreckers last won a boys’ basketball playoff game. Until last Tuesday night.
Fourth-seeded Weatherly overcame an eight-point fourth-quarter deficit, and Niko Saldukas scored the game’s final five points as the Wreckers upended perennial power Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg 70-66 on the opening night of the District 11/2 Class A Tournament.
The quarterfinal win was the Wreckers’ first playoff victory since the 2005-06 team beat Pius X on its way to a runner-up finish in the district and the program’s last state playoff appearance.
“It’s been a very long time, yes it has,” a smiling Saldukas said of the long playoff drought. “It feels amazing. We’ve made so much history these past few games, and we just continue to move forward this season.”
Although the Wreckers fell to top-seeded Bethlehem Christian 86-52 three nights later in the semifinal round, the Wreckers season was still alive this week. Weatherly was to play third-seeded Nativity in the Class A consolation game, with the winner getting a chance to move on to the state tournament play-in game against the District 6 No. 3 team.
The Wreckers’ season continued into this week in no small part to Saldukas, who scored a team-high 23
points, grabbed a game-best 16 rebounds, and willed them to victory over the final 37 seconds.
After Weatherly’s Matt Adler buried a 3-pointer to tie the game with 1:15 to play, Marc Jackett hit the front end of a two-shot foul to put Notre Dame back in front 66-65 at the 1:03 mark.
From there, the Wreckers worked the ball around to Wagner, who drew in the defense and then passed to an open Saldukas at the left of the key. The junior guard calmly knocked down the triple his fifth of the game to put the Wreckers in front to stay at 68-66.
“I know my teammates have faith in my shot, and I knew I did right there. It went up and it went in,” he said. But with 37 seconds on the game clock, there was more work still to do.
The Spartans’ Preston Protheroe, who led all scorers with 32 points, came down and saw his 3-point attempt bounce off the rim, and Saldukas dived on the loose ball to give the Wreckers possession with 20 seconds left.
Forced to foul twice to get Weatherly in the bonus, the Spartans eventually sent Saldukas to the line for a two-shot foul with 3.9 seconds remaining. He calmly drained both free throws, and the Wreckers’ magical season continued on.
“I’ve also been practicing my free throws a lot for these situations in particular,” Saldukas added, “and it came through today.”
“Niko went wild,” stated head coach Luke Medico, referring not only to the final sequence, but the entire game. “Niko was throwing up after the game. That kid’s toughness from last year to this year is unmatched. All these guys have gotten so tough.
“We have 5-6 guys on the team that are capable of that kind of
Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg’s Marc Jackett soars to the rim past Weatherly Area’s Niko Saldukas (15) for a two-handed slam, one of his two dunks during last week’s District 11/2 Class A quarterfinal game in Lehighton. Saldukas and the Wreckers had the last word, however, posting a 70-66 victory over the two-time defending subregional champs. JH: Steve Stallone
outcome at any point in time. That’s really a nice thing to see,” Medico said. “Today was his day.”
While he did a lot of heavy lifting, Saldukas had plenty of help. Ian McKeegan scored 16 points with three steals, Wagner drained four triples on his way to 14 points, and Adler scored eight points and provided a big defensive spark off the bench for the Wreckers. John Donish, Chance Stauffer and Dominick Kokinda also delivered several key plays in the team victory, one that ended Notre Dame’s two-year reign as subregional champion.
“The energy, from the bench to the guys on the floor to the fans, everything that was going on was unmatched. Everything just kind of came together,” Medico said.
There were two ties and eight lead changes in an action-filled first half, and when the 6-foot-5 Jackett went down the lane and slam-dunked the game’s first basket for NDES, it was game on.
Weatherly was clinging to a 19-18 lead when Adler entered the game early in the second quarter and quickly hit a 3-pointer from the corner. That started a 16-8 Wrecker run that eventually gave them their biggest lead of the half at 35-26 on a Saldukas inside cut.
But the Spartans (11-12) scored nine of the next 11 points to close the half, including a Roderick DelaPaz 3-pointer late that cut the deficit to four (37-33) at intermission.
When Notre Dame opened the second half on an 11-0 burst including nine from Protheroe for a 44-37 lead, Wrecker faithful may have been getting worried. But not the Wreckers.
McKeegan stopped the bleeding with a triple from the corner, Stauffer scored inside, and Wagner got a 3-pointer to double-bank in to keep NDES in their sights.
See QUARTERFINAL, page 11
Continued from page 10
Saldukas fed Kokinda for two, Stauffer scored down low, and Saldukas hit two free throws to end the quarter with Weatherly trailing 58-52 and within striking distance.
“I feel like right out of halftime we came out flat, and as soon as the middle of the third quarter hit, we just caught fire,” Wagner explained. “And we just never quit.”
“We came out slow in that third quarter. We got down, but a lot of the games we win we come back late in the fourth quarter, and we did exactly that tonight,” added Saldukas.
The Wreckers turned up the defensive pressure higher in the fourth, holding the Spartans to just two baskets and turning them over three times as they made their move.
The Spartans were still up eight (62-54) on Jackett’s two free throws at the 4:53 mark, but would not score again until a Theodore Dilmohamed layup with 2:28 to play.
Meanwhile, Saldukas swished a triple and passed to Adler for a layup, before Wagner’s 3-pointer from the left side got the Wreckers within two (64-62) at the 2:07 mark.
Four missed free throws by the Spartans in those finals two minutes helped keep the door open for Weatherly, and the Wreckers knocked it down. Adler stepped into his second 3-pointer to tie the game at 65, and set the stage for Saldukas’ late heroics.
“When this team creates chaos, they thrive,” Medico said. “In the beginning they were playing kind of timid, just trying to contain them. When they started to go for it and believe in themselves and see what’s going on, they took off.
“When we got Matt Adler in the game and let him run, Protheroe is a great kid and a great player, but we were able to slow him down just a little bit,” he explained. “And then Matt was contributing on offense, and it changed things because everyone got behind it real quick. The kids just executing and following through with the game plan was great.”
And now, the team’s historymaking season will continue on.
“I’m so proud of my
teammates and I’m so proud of myself,” an emotional Wagner said. “I’ve put in so many hours of work, (going) from eighth grade not even caring about basketball, to my junior year now, and I just love it so much. It feels incredible.”
Medico and the Wreckers’ list of accomplishments this season already include a first-ever trip to the Schuylkill League playoffs, a 12-win turnaround from last season and now, a district playoff win.
“We talk about it always, that this is bigger than basketball. It’s about the town of Weatherly, and basketball is just a vehicle,” Medico stressed. “I love what I’m seeing from the kids and from the town. It’s something to sink into, for the town, for these kids.”
NOTRE DAME-ES (66) Dilmohamed 1 0-0
2, DelaPaz 2 0-2 5, Barrett 2 0-0 5, Jackett 7 5-6 20, Carter 0 0-2 0, Protheroe 10 10-11 32, Katranis 1 0-0 2. Totals: 23 15-21 66.
WEATHERLY AREA (70) Adler 3 0-0 8, Kokinda 1 0-2 2, McKeegan 5 5-6 16, Stauffer 2 0-0 4, Saldukas 7 4-4 23, Donish 1 0-0 3, Davis 0 0-0 0, Wagner 5 0-1 14. Totals: 24 9-15 70. Notre Dame-ES..... 16 17 25 8 66
Weatherly Area......19 18 15 18 70
3-pointers: Protheroe 2, DelaPaz, Barrett, Jackett. Saldukas 5, Wagner 4, Adler 2, McKeegan, Donish.
The Weatherly Area girls were set to open the District 11/2 Class A Subregional tournament Wednesday of this week, when they face top seed Bethlehem Christian (13-5) in the semifinal round. The game will be played at 6 p.m. at Executive Education Charter School.
The Lady Wreckers (4-18) opened the season with just six players and only one senior on the roster, but still managed four victories and kept the program moving forward. Now, the young Lady Wreckers get to experience a playoff game together.
The four-team playoff field also includes No. 2 Notre DameEast Stroudsburg (7-15) and No. 3 MMI Prep (4-18). They play Wednesday at 6 at Stroudsburg High School.
The finals are Saturday at a time and site to be determined, with the top two teams also advancing to the state tournament.
Bethlehem Christian and Weatherly met on Jan. 11, with the Lady Panthers 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 lost twice to MMI Prep during the regular season (42-21, 28-23) as the Lady Preppers slipped past them late in the season to grab the third seed.
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 also battling on the boards.
The Crestwood boys opened the basketball postseason last week by defeating Nanticoke Area 44-24 in the quarterfinal round. Crestwood lost to Abington Heights 63-31 in the semifinals to see its season come to an end.
Crestwood 44, Nanticoke Area 24 —
Third-seeded Crestwood held the No. 6 Trojans without a point in the opening quarter and to just 12 points over the first three as they rolled into the semifinal round.
The Comets’ defense allowed just 10 baskets over 32 minutes of play.
On offense, it was Ayden Agapito leading the way with a game-high 18 points, including four 3-pointers. Brady Grevara was next with seven points.
Mathias Mitchell had nine points to pace Nanticoke Area. NANTICOKE AREA (24) Brogan 2 0-0 5, E. Ball 1 0-0 2, Pearson 2 0-0 5, Mullery 0 0-0 0, Yendrzeiwski 1 0-0 2, Stachowiak 0 1-2 1, Mitchell 4 0-2 9, D. Ball 0 0-0 0. Totals 10 1-4 24.
CRESTWOOD (44) Sechleer 1 0-2 3, Feisel 1 0-0 2, Barna 2 0-0 6, Wagaman 1 0-0 2, Scotti 0 1-2 1, Rogers 2 1-2 5, Grevara 3 0-2 7, Agapito 7 0-0 18, Biscotti 0 0-0 0, Nulton 0 0-0 0. Totals 17 2-8 44. Nanticoke Area..... 0 8 4 12 — 24 Crestwood.............4 13 15 12 — 44 3-pointers: Brogan, Pearson, Mitchell. Agapito 4, Barna 2, Sechleer, Grevara.
Abington Heights 63, Crestwood 31 — Secondseeded Abington Heights turned the tables on Crestwood in Friday night’s Class 5A semifinal, using its defense to shut down the local Comets and march into the championship game.
Abington Heights (13-10) dominated the boards (34-24) and limited Crestwood to 11 second-half points, pulling away to clinch a spot in Friday night’s final at Mohegan Sun Arena. Abington will play Pittston Area, which rallied past Wallenpaupack in its semifinal.
Robby Lucas powered the Abington Heights offense with 24 points, including four of the team’s 10 3-pointers. Jordan Shaffer contributed 17 points and
Andrew Kettel had 13 points and sparked the defense with four steals to go with his 10 rebounds.
A 14-0 run that spanned the second and third quarters gave Abington Heights a 23-point cushion midway through the third, and the host Comets pulled away from there.
Ayden Agapito paced Crestwood (14-10) with 13 points and also blocked three shots. The junior standout will be returning next season. Connor Wagaman added eight points and six rebounds.
Both Abington Heights and Pittston Area have qualified for the PIAA state tournament with their wins, regardless of this Friday’s outcome.
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Lady Comets headed to their first final at Mohegan Sun Arena
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
The Crestwood girls are playing for a district championship and heading to the state basketball tournament.
On Saturday, the top-seeded Lady Comets dispatched Abington Heights 56-39 in their District 2 Class 5A semifinal, securing Crestwood a spot in this Saturday’s championship game at Mohegan Sun Arena. Crestwood will face third-seeded Dallas (15-9) in the 6 p.m. championship game, and both teams will move on to the PIAA Tournament in March.
Dallas upset No. 2 Pittston Area 47-36 in Saturday’s other semifinal.
After the final horn sounded Saturday at the Crestwood High School gym, there was celebration and also a sense of relief for the Lady Comets of second-year head coach Mary Mushock-Namey.
“It’s like relief for these girls,” Mushock-Namey said. “From the moment I met them two years ago, we had one vision and one goal, and that was to get to the arena and win a district championship. The fact that they have this opportunity now is just the best feeling in the world. I am so happy for them.”
The journey hasn’t been the easiest one, but the Lady Comets have embraced it and tackled it head-on. The loss of standout point guard Keira Dougherty to a season-ending injury during the summer admittedly made for a huge hurdle.
“They really did (respond),” Mushock-Namey said. “Everybody doubted us as soon as Keira went down. And as good as Keira is, we still have a great, great team, and I think they just rallied around each other and they use the word together. They played together all season long, and that’s what we did again today.”
Powered by a strong defense, a dominant inside game and balanced scoring, Crestwood (20-4) grabbed the early lead on the first of four Jackie Gallagher 3-pointers and never relinquished it against fifth-seeded Abington Heights (13-11).
Clinging to a 9-8 lead, Crestwood slowly gained
separation in the second quarter, with back-to-back Jackie Gallagher triples, putbacks from Charlie Hiller and Kate Gallagher, and the latter’s 3-pointer from the key extending the lead to seven points. When Jordan Andrews dished to Hiller for an inside score, Crestwood had a 24-17 cushion at the half.
The Lady Comets were able to exploit their size advantage inside, which not only gave Abington fits, but also opened up the perimeter game.
“Coach has definitely been stressing that (inside game),” Andrews, their junior guard, said. “We have a few plays, and we knew that coming in our girls were bigger, and they were able to seal the smaller girls from Abington Heights. I think they did a good job of sealing so we could get the ball to them, and they went up strong and were able to finish their layups. That definitely helped today.”
“We have really good outside shooters and we have a great post game. So I think just working in and out, looking for those connections really helped us a lot,” added six-foot senior center Kate Gallagher. “That’s what we wanted to do.”
Abington Heights got as close as four points (27-23) in the third quarter when Sarah Cantner got a 15-footer to roll in, but would get no closer.
Kate Gallagher drove down the lane for two points, Hiller and Andrews each hit two free throws, Hiller executed a spin move down low for another bucket, and Jackie Gallagher swished her fourth triple of the game from the corner, culminating an 11-3 run that extended Crestwood’s lead to 38-26.
Although Maggie Coleman hit two free throws with no time on the third-quarter clock, and nailed a 3-pointer early in the fourth to pull Abington within nine points (40-31), Crestwood held the visitors to just two baskets and five total points over the game’s final six-plus minutes to assume complete control. Their defense, particularly on Coleman, was lights-out.
“It was kind of like a special defense we made up,” noted Kate Gallagher. “We had two girls kind
of staying in the middle at all times for help, and we really emphasized face-guarding their good shooters.”
Enter Andrews. Her job was to slow Coleman, and she did just that, limiting the high-scoring guard to just three baskets and 10 total points.
“I was definitely out of breath early on, but I think the adrenaline kept me going,” Andrews said afterward. “I knew I had to shut down (Coleman) because she’s a great shooter and a great ball handler. I knew I had to lock her down and I think I was able to do that today.”
“I just told the girls offensively, I know we’re going to score because we’re a very good offensive scoring team. However, defense is going to win us this game,” offered Mushock-Namey. “We had Jordan, who I think is one-on-one the best defender in the entire league. We knew she could really frazzle Maggie and I think she really did that. I don’t think she got many wide-open shots whatsoever, we pinched, we doubled. Our goal was to stop her and I think that’s what we did and I think that’s why we won the game.”
Crestwood hit 12-of-15 free throws in the final quarter, including their last nine, to secure the victory and earn the program’s first-ever trip to Mohegan Sun Arena for the championship game.
Hiller led Crestwood’s balanced scoring attack with 18 points, and also yanked 10 rebounds for a double-double. Jackie Gallagher scored 14 points, and older sister Kate Gallagher (10 points, 12 rebounds) produced a double-double.
Meanwhile, Andrews finished with nine points, five assists and two steals while holding Coleman in check. Lilly Scoblick had 11 points to lead Abington Heights.
The Lady Comets were unable to contain their excitement, finally realizing their dream of getting to the arena, and taking the program where it hasn’t been before. They all agree that they’ve done it together.
“It’s just so exciting because it’s never been done before, and I’m so proud of our team because we all worked together for this,” Kate Gallagher said. “It was definitely a tough adjustment because Keira’s
Charlie Hiller of Crestwood makes a low post move against Abington Heights during Saturday’s District 2 Class 5A girls’ basketball semifinal. JH: Steve Stallone
such a huge part of our team, but that proves how strong we are. We came together to overcome that, and that’s just a testament to us.”
“We have so much chemistry, we all hang out off the court, so I definitely think that helps,” Andrews said. “We’re all friends, we’re all close in age.”
And while there was plenty of celebrating going on Saturday, the Lady Comets’ journey is far from over.
“One hundred percent we want to bring home a D-2 win!” Kate Gallagher exclaimed. “We’ve never won one before, so that’s been our goal since the beginning of last year. That’s all we think about.”
Andrews simply pointed to the team’s banner on the wall.
“It feels so good, and we are so excited. We’ve been working hard since Day 1 to get here,” she said, “but we don’t have any ‘D-Chips’ on our banner, so we’re hoping to get one.
“We played this team before, and we’re so ready to get that ‘D-Chip’ on that banner.”
Crestwood and Dallas played twice during the regular season, with the Lady Comets coming out on top each time (72-41, 47-39).
ABINGTON HEIGHTS (39) E. Coleman
3 0-0 7, Schneider 0 0-0 0, Walsh 1 2-2 4, M. Coleman 3 3-5 10, Scoblick 5 0-0 11, Pallman 0 1-2 1, Cantner 3 0-2 6. Totals: 15 6-11 39. CRESTWOOD (56) Vieney 0 0-0 0, Hiller 6 6-9 18, Petrosky 1 2-2 5, J. Gallagher 4 2-2 14, Andrews 2 5-6 9, K. Gallagher 4 1-2 10. Totals: 17 16-21 56. AH (13-11)...... 8 9 11 11 39 CRE (20-4).....9 15 14 18 56
3-pointers: E. Coleman, M. Coleman, Scoblick. J. Gallagher 4, Petrosky, K. Gallagher.
By Steve Stallone Sports Editor
LEHIGHTON Fresh off their first playoff win in nearly two decades in Tuesday’s quarterfinal round, the Weatherly Area Wreckers came into last Friday night’s District 11/2 Class A boys’ basketball semifinal riding high.
Twelve minutes into their showdown with top-seeded Bethlehem Christian, the fourthseeded Wreckers had matched the highly-touted Panthers point for point, as the two were deadlocked at 23 midway through the second quarter.
But Gabe Transue and the Panthers were just warming up.
Transue’s low-post basket, 3-point play in transition and tip-in over the next three minutes ignited a 16-3 run that gave the Panthers separation. From there, they heated up outside, Transue dominated inside, and the Panthers became a runaway train that the Wreckers could not contain.
The Panthers (21-2) outscored Weatherly 54-26 in the middle two quarters to pull away to an 86-52 victory that put them into the championship game against
2-seed Lincoln Leadership Academy at a date and site still to be announced. LLA outlasted third-seeded Nativity 65-60 in the opening game of the Class A double-header at Lehighton Area High School’s varsity gymnasium.
The 6-feet-2 Transue amassed 39 points and 16 rebounds and was joined in double figures by Deion Swift (20) and Myles Harris (18) as the trio scored 77 of the Panthers’ 86 points and eight of their nine 3-pointers.
When the Panthers did misfire from deep, Transue was often there to clean things up. Half of his game-high 16 boards were on the offensive end, five resulting in baskets. The Panthers had 12 offensive rebounds in all, converting seven into layups.
“We know we can knock down shots,” Panthers head coach Matt De Jesus said. “It wasn’t falling in the first quarter, but it started falling, which opens up a lot for us. Gabe can have a game like that, but we had multiple guys in double digits so it’s good to see them sharing the basketball.”
For the first quarter-and-ahalf, the game appeared like it would be a wire-to-wire thriller.
Corbin Wagner (45) of Weatherly Area drives on Bethlehem Christian’s Deion Swift (24) during last Friday’s District 11/2 Class A semifinal game played in Lehighton.
a good team, a good shooting, passing, rebounding team. And we just had to settle down. I think we were rushing a little bit, and they were definitely speeding us up. We just had to get back to playing our pace. We just tried to play unselfishly and move the basketball.”
The Wreckers still led 17-13 on McKeegan’s driving basket at the 2:38 mark before Bethlehem Catholic ended the quarter on a 5-0 push, with Harris’ corner 3 and Roman Rex’s stickback giving the Panthers an 18-17 lead through one.
A Donish tip-in, McKeegan’s drive, and Wagner’s finish at the rim had the upstart Wreckers tied at 23-all. That’s when Transue and the Panthers began to impose their will.
After scoring seven first-quarter points, Transue deposited 11 in the second. In the final 2:06 of the half he converted a three-point play and rebound basket, while Harris hit a putback and a buzzerbeating triple to make it 39-26 at the break.
“It’s a level of athleticism, honestly,” Medico added. “We have an athletic team, they’re awesome, they work hard. But (Bethlehem Catholic) is a little bigger, and they’re athletic.”
Led by their pair of 1,000-point scorers in Harris and Transue, the Panthers have accomplished much in their five years as a high school program. They reached the second round of states last season, but still have something missing on their resume.
“Two years ago, we lost in the district semifinals, and last year we lost in the semifinals, so they’ve been through these games, which I think helped a lot,” De Jesus said. “Our goal was to get back to states, so that’s what we were aiming for first. I’m just excited that we got there, now we’ve just got to get over the hump.”
JH: Steve Stallone
The Wreckers (14-11) got an early triple from Niko Saldukas, a three-point play by John Donish, a 3-pointer from Corbin Wagner, and an Ian McKeegan three-point play to grab a 12-11 lead. When Wagner buried his second triple midway through the quarter to make it 15-11, De Jesus needed a quick timeout to settle his troops. “We had to play better defense,” he explained. “Weatherly’s
Another Harris 3-pointer and three more Transue baskets helped balloon the lead to 23 points (53-27) before the Wreckers got their first basket of the second half, a Saldukas triple at the 4:49 mark.
The Panthers then closed out a 33-point third quarter with four more 3-pointers, and the game was played with a running clock the rest of the way.
Bethlehem Catholic also beat Weatherly by 34 points during the regular season (83-49), a fact not lost on head coach Luke Medico.
Medico pointed to the Wreckers’ inability to create turnovers, guard the 3-point line and control Transue as the main issues on Friday. Ultimately, he said, the Panthers’ talent level was the deciding factor.
“We executed part of our game plan, it’s just that they’re a better basketball team. I don’t like to say that but it’s the truth of the matter,” noted Medico. “They have 5 to 7 players that are just very good players. They’re very good individual players. Our guys thrive off creating chaos because we are quick, and we weren’t able to do that today. I don’t even know if we got a steal off the press.
McKeegan paced the Wreckers with 15 points, six rebounds and all of their three steals. Saldukas had a double-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks; Wagner added 10 points; and Donish chipped in with nine points and eight rebounds. Matt Adler scored seven off the bench. Medico said Friday’s setback will remind the Wreckers of the work that lies ahead.
“This game, it sucks in the moment, but at the same time it’s a great benchmark for us,” he noted. “Hey, we want to get back here next year and win the whole thing. That’s going to be our focus.”
Despite the setback, the Wreckers’ season remained alive. They were to face Schuylkill League Division 2 rival Nativity on Tuesday night in Minersville in the District 11/2 Class A consolation game. The consolation winner moves on to face the District 6 thirdplace finisher in a PIAA play-in game to earn a spot in the field of 32 Class A teams.
WEATHERLY AREA (52) Adler 2 1-2 7, Kokinda 0 0-0 0, McKeegan 5 4-5 15, Stauffer 0 1-2 1, Saldukas 4 0-0 10, Davis 0 0-0 0, Donish 4 1-1 9, Wagner 4 0-0 10. Totals: 19 7-10 52.
BETHLEHEM CHRISTIAN (86) Kasper 3 0-0 7, Harris 7 0-0 18, G. Transue 16 5-5 39, Wescoe 0 0-0 0, R. Rex 1 0-0 2, Brown 0 0-0 0, Swift 6 6-8 20, Fraser 0 0-0 0. Totals: 33 11-13 86. Weatherly Area...... 17 9 17 9 52 Beth. Christian.......18 21 33 14 86
3-pointers: Adler 2, Saldukas 2, Wagner 2, McKeegan. Harris 4, G. Transue 2, Swift 2, Kasper.
Crestwood’s Kyle Draina completed the defense of his 285-pound title by winning his second straight heavyweight championship at the District 2 Class 3A Wrestling Tournament Saturday at Wilkes-Barre Area High School.
Draina got a 30-second pin and an 18-second mat slap in the quarterfinals on his way to the championship bout. In a rematch of last year’s final, Draina rode out a 5-1 decision against Delaware Valley’s Chris Dellabella to take the gold once again.
Crestwood teammate Lincoln Bibla (215) also reached the finals on Saturday, where he squared off with Pittston Area’s Brody Spindler for the third time this season, each winning once. The rubber match went to Spindler, who captured a 10-5 decision to take the gold medal. Bibla had a pair of first-period falls en route to the finals.
Bibla’s runner-up finish earned him a spot in this weekend’s Northeast Class 3A Regional in Bethlehem, as the top three in each weight class advance. He will be joined there by Draina. Wallenpaupack won the Class 3A team title with ease, beating out runner-up Abington Heights 200-160.5. Crestwood placed fifth with 128.5 points.
RESULTS
District 2 Class 3A Boys’ Wrestling Championships Team Standings — 1. Wallenpaupack (WAL) 200; 2. Abington Heights (AH) 160.5; 3. Delaware Valley (DV) 148.5; 4. Hazleton Area (HAZ) 140.5; 5. Crestwood (CRE) 128.5; 6. West Scranton (WSC) 121.5; 7. Wilkes-Barre Area (WBA) 120.5; 8. Pittston Area (PA) 110; 9. Wyoming Valley West (WVW) 84.5; 10. Scranton (SCR) 69.5; 11. North Pocono (38); 12. Nanticoke Area (NAN) 20.5. Championship Round 107 — Santino Aniska (WSC) pinned Mikel Roman (PA), 3:04; 114 — Connor Lagier (WSC) dec. over Jake Schiavone (AH), 5-1; 121 — Giovanni Lomonaco (WAL) tech. fall over Carlo Salinas (WBA), 192; 127 — Mason Whitney (AH) tech. fall over Tyler Youngcourt (HAZ), 17-1; 133 — Jude Salko (HAZ) dec. over Louden Giza (WVW), 14-8; 139 — Brady Colville (DV) dec. over Luke Evans (AH), 7-3; 145 Michael Turi (WSC) tech. fall over Caleb Hoffman (WVW), 18-2; 152 — Liam Evanko (WBA) maj. dec
over Luke Brazanskas (DV), 13-4; 160 — Gene Ardo (WBA) pinned Tristan Braxton (WAL), 3:14; 172 Brian Heard (AH) tech. fall over Gabriel Caufield (WAL), 20-2; 189 — Mason Marolo (HAZ) maj. dec. over Conan Kier (WAL), 21-11; 215 — Brody Spindler (PA) dec. over Lincoln Bibla (CRE), 10-5; 285 Kyle Draina (CRE) dec. over Chris Dellabella (DV), 5-1.
Crestwood’s Rachel Shoemaker captured the gold medal at 124 pounds at last weekend’s District 2 Class 3A Girls’ Wrestling Championships at Wilkes-Barre Area High School.
Shoemaker rolled into the finals with a pair of falls, then pinned Hazleton Area’s Shaniece Brown in 3:12 of their 124-pound final.
Crestwood’s Samara Bailey joined her teammate on the medal stand, taking second place at 235 pounds.
Bailey fell to Honesdale’s Jaidyn Mikulak by technical fall (15-0) in the title match, but still punched her ticket to regionals this weekend. In girls’ competition, the top four finishers in each
weight class at districts move on to regional competition.
Delaware Valley won the girls’ Class 3A team title with 166 points, edging runner-up Wallenpaupack (162.5). Crestwood was seventh out of 16 teams with 91.5 points.
District 2 Class 3A
Girls’ Wrestling Championships Final Team Standings — 1. Delaware Valley (DV), 166; 2. Wallenpaupack (WAL), 162.5; 3. Hazleton Area (HAZ), 118; 4. Nanticoke Area (NAN), 117; 5. Western Wayne (WW), 110; 6. Hanover Area (HAN), 96; 7. Crestwood (CRE), 91.5; 8. Honesdale (HON), 88.5; 9. Wilkes-Barre Area (WBA), 75; 10. Wyoming Valley West (WVW), 55.5; 11. Berwick (BER), 33.5; 12. Scranton Prep (SP), 18; 13. Lackawanna Trail (LT), 17; 14. Mid Valley (MV), 13; 15. Valley View (VV), 5; 16. North Pocono (NP), 3; 16. Wyoming Area (WA) 3. Championship Round 100 — Claire Gyle (HAN) pinned Matilda Serrano (NAN), 0:30; 106 — Mia Gifford (WW) dec. over Santina Saraka (HAN), 7-1; 112 — Emily Kivler (NAN) dec. over Gia Silva (WAL), 16-10; 118 — Saige Olver (HON) maj. dec. over Isabella Seip (WVW), 11-0; 124 — Rachel Shoemaker (CRE) pinned Shaniece Brown (HAZ), 3:12; 130 — Kaidence Ankner (HAN) pinned Lynzee Andreuzzi (HAZ), 2:22; 136 — Miah Molinaro (HAZ) pinned Alayna Atos (WAL), 1:59; 142 — Julie Fitzpartrick (DV) pinned Maddison Miller (HON), 5:31; 148 — Olivia Montanino (DV) won by forfeit; 155 — Kate Prior (DV) won by forfeit; 170 — Sierra Ripka (NAN) pinned Emily Smith (DV), 0:52; 190 — Michelle Pastuizaca (NAN) pinned Taydem Sanchez (WBA), 5:17; 235 — Jaidyn Mikulak (HON) tech. fall over Samara Bailey (CRE), 15-0.
by Alex Zidock
Here they come! Trout that is. Paid for by the fishing licenses you purchase.
From now until the beginning of the statewide trout seasons, the big white trucks from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will be delivering hatchery-raised trout to area impoundments. You can check the commission’s web site for the stocking schedule.
Except for the mentored youth program on Saturday, March 29, all state-designated trout waters are closed to fishing until Saturday at 8 a.m. on April 5, when the trout season officially opens statewide.
The regulation is that everyone 16 years of age and older must possess a current fishing license and a trout/ salmon permit to fish for trout in Pennsylvania. Licenses and permits may be obtained online or at one of the approximately 700 retail license centers across
At a past K of C children’s fishing contest this young angler admires some trophy trout. The PFBC stocks trophy Rainbow Trout and trophy golden Rainbow Trout. All of Pennsylvania’s golden Rainbow Trout were developed from one fish with a genetic mutation found in a West Virginia hatchery in 1954. (Photo by Alex Zidock)
the state.
By opening day, the PFBC will stock 3.2 million trout in 691 streams and 130 lakes across the commonwealth. Of that, 2.4 million Rainbow, 693,000 Brown, and 125,000 Brook trout will be stocked before opening
day and in season.
Most stocked trout are about 11 inches and weigh a little over half a pound; however, the PFBC will stock 72,000 mixed species that are trophysized 14 to 20 inches. In addition, 70 percent of the allocated 14,000 trophy golden Rainbow Trout will be stocked before opening day and the remainder 30 percent in season.
Golden Rainbow Trout was developed from one fish with a genetic mutation found in a West Virginia hatchery in 1954. Through selective breeding, the
strain of the golden Rainbow was developed and are now stocked throughout the state.
In the 1960s, Pennsylvania stocked a Palomino Trout subspecies that was less vibrant than the golden Rainbow. The Palomino Trout was a variant of a golden Rainbow crossed with a rainbow trout, while the golden Rainbow is a golden rainbow crossed with another golden rainbow.
Wild brook trout are Pennsylvania’s only native species. They are fun to catch, and most anglers practice catch-and-release. However, trout hatchery-raised by the PFBC is meant to be enjoyed by some anglers who may practice catch-and-release and by many families looking to enjoy a meal of fresh-caught trout.
Once the season opens, anglers may keep five combined species of trout that are a minimum of 11 inches long. For complete fishing information, go to the PFBC website.