CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–147th YEAR, NO. 1
Welcome
home
by Ruth Isenberg
The White Haven Volunteer Fire Company started the process of obtaining a new piece of apparatus in the spring of 2023. Two and a half years later, on November 26, Rescue 186, a 2025 Pierce Enforcer, arrived at the fire house on Buffalo Stree
A variety of funding methods were used to pay for the $855,000 vehicle. The old Rescue unit is being sold to the West Side fire company in West Virginia for $115,000.
Luzerne County supplied a
See WELCOME, page 2
CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–146th YEAR, NO. 28
The Lehigh & Lausanne Fire Company hopes some of its budget woes will be helped by the new Verizon cell tower going up on its property. Construction started this week on the 170-foot tower.
JH: Ruth Isenberg
Garbage fees left unpaid cause budget woes in Lehigh Township
by Ruth Isenberg
If everyone in Lehigh Township paid their garbage fees, the township’s financial situation would be fine. Because a significant number of residents have not been paying, supervisors have had to borrow from the general fund to pay the township’s garbage collection bill.
At the December 1 township supervisors’ meeting, the 2026 budget was adopted. It does not include an increase in taxes. It does, however, increase garbage fees, to $95 per quarter, $380 per year.Payment is due January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1. If the fee is upaid after 45 days, a 20% penalty will apply.
Until the first quarter
payments come in, the contract will have to be paid out of the general fund.
Supervisors are not planning to let the situation stay this way. After the first of the year, they plan a vigorous campaign to get those who are delinquent to pay up. A list is being prepared to go to the solicitor to file for hearings with Magisterial District Judge Joseph Homanko. Liens may also be filed against delinquent properties.
In other business, supervisors granted conditional approval for the Gower Reverse Subdivision,
See LEHIGH, page 6
THE JOURNAL-HERALD
(USPS 277-440) Published weekly at 211 Main Street, White Haven, PA 18661
Telephone (570) 215-0204
Subscription Price—$40 per year in Luzerne & Carbon Counties, Pennsylvania, payable in advance. $45 per year elsewhere, payable in advance.
Periodicals postage paid at White Haven, PA 18661. POSTMASTER, send address changes to: THE JOURNAL-HERALD 211 Main Street, White Haven, PA 18661
(JAY E. HOLDER, Co-Publisher 1954-1997; CLARA HOLDER, Co-Publisher 1954-2014)
Seth Isenberg, Advertising Sales
Ruth Isenberg, Editor
Steve Stallone, Sports Editor
Member, Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce Carbon County Chamber of Commerce
It isn’t officially winter for a few more weeks, but Tuesday’s sno storm tells the real story—winter is back. Not everyone was ready. The six or more inches of snow gave us a chance to refresh our memories about when to park when, how to safely shovel, and safe driving on snowy roads. It reminded us to check our snow gear, everything from boots and shovels to windshield scrapers and snow tires.
For the most part, things went well. Street and road crews were out promptly, and did a good job at clearing the roads. Most people were cautious, and there were few accidents. It was a good start to the season.
Festive Season
Speaking of the season, both White Haven and Weatherly had good starts to the holiday season on Saturday. Christmas at the Museum in Weatherly was a fun time, with a train display, crafts and stories, and of course, Santa Claus.
Santa was also in White Haven, along with the Grinch and various Elves. There, the firepits for s’mores were popular gathering places. The Christmas music on the Main Street sound system was (and continues to be) a mood brightener. And with two Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, followed by hot chocolate and cookies, it really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
Giving Season—For Pets, Too
Tuesday was also Giving Tuesday, and you were probably inundated with requests for donations. Here’s a suggestion. Our local food pantries could really use your help. They will be happy for canned goods, dry goods, gift cards, checks, and at least in White Haven, pet food and cat litter. Anyone interested in donating the pet items can take it to the Food Bank on Fridays from 9:30 to Noon at the White Haven Center, or call 570-239-5060 for more information.
Archives
From The Journal-Herald December 5, 1991 Jay & Clara Holder, Publishers
Top of page 1 was a picture of Debbie Murphy with children Michael and Erin, with Steve Brynok Jr., proprietor of Steve’s Mobil, White Haven. Murphy purchased the winning ticket for the Mobil Toys ‘R’ Us Holiday Toy Fest Shopping Spree there, and ended up one of 15 or fewer nationwide winners.
The Lehighton Band scheduled a performance of The Joyous Sounds of Christmas in Zion Lutheran Church, Weatherly. It was sponsored by Branch #8650 of Lutheran Brotherhood in honor of Zion’s 125th anniversary.
VFW Post 6615 of White Haven, the Ladies’ Auxiliary and the local AMVETS Post sponsored a Christmas Dinner Dance at the Sandy Valley Campground. Music was provided by Touch of Country, and cost was $10 per person.
Hemlock Farms Nursery advertised cut or dug Christmas Trees—Douglas Fir, Norway Spruce, Scotch Pine, or Blue Spruce, as well as wreaths and lawn ornaments.
Another large holiday advertisement promoted Farmers’ Dairy Egg Nog—“Fantastic for Holiday Entertaining. A delicious and nutritious part of your seasonal
Welcome
Continued from page 1
$500,000 grant. Donations came from White Haven Borough and Penn Lake Park Borough. And the fire company raised $177,000 with hoagie sales, potato pancakes, and events at the Social Club . That left $135,000 to be financed. A 2% loan the company is applying for will reduce the interest and shorten the span of the loan.
hosting preparations!” Cloverdale Farms also advertised Fresh Cut Christmas Trees.
Weatherly Area Elementary/ Middle School students were pictured with four Thanksgiving food baskets they prepared for families in the district. A sock hop was held for all Middle School students, and admission to the dance was a canned or dry good item for the food baskets.
A legal notice concerned the application to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for the transfer of the Woodhaven Water Company, Inc. to White Haven Municipal Authority. No hearing was required, but protests or petitions could be filed with the PUC
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of White Haven erected a Hat & Glove Tree. People were invited to decorate the tree with hats and gloves, and other small items, all to be donated to the White Haven Center for Christmas presents for the residents.
All fire sirens in Carbon County were scheduled to be sounded at 12:55 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. White Haven Volunteer Fire Company #1 announced that it would also sound its siren at the same time.
A number of firefighters wer on hand to welcome the new vehicle. It has a different color scheme, with white and dark gray in the back, and yellow in the front. A different pump is located lower on the vehicle; this will enable them to load more equipment on it, in a more organized way.
Fire Chief Dean Raudenbush was very happy the vehicle was finally home. Firefighters will b working in the next few weeks on getting it set up, he said, so stop by and see it for yourself.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Roland Lowery, Jr., of Drums, Pennsylvania, in the Estate of Jean Lowery, late of Drums, Pennsylvania, who died on October 25, 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 Executor named or to:
Conrad A. Falvello, Esquire THE FALVELLO LAW FIRM, P.C.
641 State Route 93 Sugarloaf, PA 18249 12/11
NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION have been granted to RAYMOND C. MYLET of the Estate of Mary E. Mylet, a/k/a Mary Ella Chernansky Mylet, deceased and late of Sugarloaf, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, who died on November 5, 2010. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make payment, and those having claims, present same to:
Susan Sernak-Martinelli, Esquire
Law Office o Susan Sernak-Martinelli
199 North Church Street
Hazleton, Pennsylvania 18201 12/4
BUDGET NOTICE
WEATHERLY BOROUGH AVAILABILITY OF PROPOSED BUDGET
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE 2026 PROPOSED BUDGET IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS 8:00AM TO 4:00PM AT THE BOROUGH OFFICE, LOCATED AT 61 WEST MAIN STREET.
LORI O’DONNELL, BOROUGH SECRETARY DECEMBER 4, 2025
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted by the Register of Wills of Luzerne County, PA, on November 6, 2025, in the Estate of Dolores R. Falatko, late of Freeland Borough, who died October 4, 2025, to Robert Falatko, Executor.
All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims to present them immediately to:
SENAPE LAW
James V. Senape, Jr., Esquire
Catherine A. McGovern, Esquire
Michael B. Senape, Esquire 612-614 Main Street, P. O. Box 179 Freeland, PA 18224-0179 570-636-3133 12/11
NOTICE
Notice is given that the Zoning Hearing Board of Dennison Township will hold a public hearing at the Dennison Township Building, 76 Walnut St, White Haven, PA on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 6:30 PM to consider the following applications:
Christopher Keil, Owner for the property on 120 Middleburg Road, White Haven, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania located in an R-2 Zoning District. This application constitutes a variance request to allow the construction of a deck in the back yard within required 15’ side yard setback from the property lines. The request is to allow the relief from the regulation from 15’ to 5’.
The above referenced requests, applications and plans submitted by the foregoing applicants/owners may be examined by the public at the officeof the Dennison Township Zoning Officerin Wilkes Barre during regular business hours.
Suzanne M Popko
Zoning Officer and Building Code Officia Dennison Township 12/11
NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY have been granted to REBECCA J. HOLMES of the Estate of Joan L. Sorrels, deceased and late of Weatherly, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, who died on October 7, 2025. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make payment, and those having claims, present same to:
Susan Sernak-Martinelli, Esquire
Law Office o Susan Sernak-Martinelli
199 North Church Street Hazleton, Pennsylvania 18201 12/4
NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LETTERS OF TESTAMENTARY have been granted to SEAN C. O’DONNELL of the Estate of Richard J. O’Donnell, deceased and late of Weston, Luzerne County, Blackcreek Township, Pennsylvania, who died on September 19, 2025. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make payment, and those having claims, present same to: Susan Sernak-Martinelli, Esquire Law Office o Susan Sernak-Martinelli 199 North Church Street Hazleton, Pennsylvania 18201 12/18
obituAries
REGINA MULLIGAN JARICK
Regina Mulligan Jarick was born on October 4, 1938, in Philadelphia. She is the daughter of the late Margaret Schuster, Raymond Mulligan, and stepfather
Howard Moran. She raised her family in Trenton, New Jersey, before moving to her longtime home in White Haven.
Jeanie was filled with an unforgettable spark. She lived to be with her family and the little ones she loved to babysit, filling their days with laughter, joy, and her signature silliness. Her warmth and playful spirit brought light to everyone around her. She was the life of every party.
Her legacy lives on in her husband of 68 years, James Jarick; her children James Jr. (Sherri) and Carol Weaver (Roger); her grandchildren Lori Will (Nathan), Karen Weaver, Elliott Burlett (Kylie), Stephanie
Vital (Mark); and her greatgrandchildren Sabrina, Everett, Ava, Adeline, Dominick, Finn, and Isabella. She is survived by her sister, Megan Gordon. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Hazleton Animal Shelter 101 North Poplar St. Hazleton PA 18201.
MARY ELLEN LESKO
Mary Ellen Lesko, 92, of Lausanne Township, Weatherly, passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton Campus.
Born in Freeland on Saturday, August 4, 1933, she was the daughter of the late John and Gazella (Znachko) Yuhas.
A proud graduate of Freeland High School, Mary Ellen pursued a career in nursing after earning her Practical Nursing Certification from the Carnegie Institute. She dedicated many years of service to the residents of the White Haven Center.
Gregory J. Bruno, 78 years of age, of Rush Township, Tamaqua, passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. Gregory’s passing comes with many blessings for his beloved wife Helene and family, for it was seven years ago on July 4, 2018 that Gregory was given the Gift of Life in Temple receiving a lung transplant that gave him and his family these seven precious years together.
Born Saturday, September 6, 1947, in Hazleton, he was the son of the late Ernest and Mary (Moisey) Bruno.
Surviving are his beloved wife, Helene T. (Tarone) Bruno; daughter, Kimberly Ann Handlong, wife of Robert III; granddaughter, Englysh Ann (Handlong), wife of James Enochs; brother, Lester Bruno and his companion Doris; sisters, Deborah ( Bruno) Motika – Lorah, wife of Denny Lorah, and Janet Houseknecht,
wife of Richard. Many nieces and nephews also survive Gregory.
A Hazleton High School graduate, Gregory was a selftaught stone mason who owned and operated his own business for many years.
Private funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funer Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of Tamaqua.
Interment will be in Sky View Memorial Park, Tamaqua.
Memorials in Gregory’s name may be made to: Gift of Life Howie’s House 401 Callowhill Street Philadelphia, PA 19123 or Leader Dogs for the Blind 1039 S. Rochester Road Rochester Hills MI 48307-3115
Online condolences or a fond memory of Gregory may be made to the family at www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com
Mary Ellen embraced life with a quiet strength and a loving heart. She found joy in the simple pleasures: being out in her gardens, spending time outdoors, being with family, and always enjoying a good card or word game. An adventurer at heart, she loved traveling the country alongside her long-time companion, Jim, as he delivered motorhomes. Above all, Mary Ellen cherished her role as “Nana” and loved her family deeply, leaving them with legacy stories of warmth and devotion that her family will never forget. She was a member of Salem U.C.C. of Weatherly.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, John P. Lesko Sr.; sons, John P. Lesko, Jr. and Barry P. Lesko; and her grandson, Jeffrey esko.
Mary Ellen is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Rusden and her husband Bob; her sister, Marguerite Offidan her companion of 30 years, Jim Light; grandchildren, Matthew Lesko, Jared Lesko, Zach Lesko, Jennifer Rusden, and Stephanie Rusden; great-grandchildren, Carter and Regan Lesko; and many other loving relatives and friends.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Hom & Cremation Services of Weatherly.
Graveside services will be announced and scheduled for a later date at Union Cemetery in Weatherly.
Online condolences or a fond memory of Mary Ellen may be shared with the family at www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com.
GREGORY J. BRUNO
Hometown Holiday is special Small Business Saturday celebration in White Haven
FUN AT THE FIREPITS: Groups gathered with the pieces of s’mores they’d collected from businesses and enjoyed them with hot chocolate or hot toddies. It was a nice way to warm up on a chilly day.
JH:
Ruth Isenberg
PAINTING UNVEILED: Michelle Lee stands with the completed painting started as a community project at summer’s Jam Below the Dam. The painting will remain at the Borough Building on Main Street, Lee said.
librAry corNer
The White Haven Area Community Library Annual Quilt and Craft Show will be held this Saturday December 6 at both the library and the Victorian Connection, 231 Wilkes-Barre Street. Admission tickets are $5 and can be purchased at either location on the day of the event. Once again, there will be a basket raffle You can try your luck for a good cause. Tickets are 20 for $10 and are available at the library front desk. All proceeds will support library programs such as Kid’s Summer Camp, weekend and evening children’s activities, the Book Clubs, and more.
On Thursday, December 4, there will be a special Santa Tot Time from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Children 8 years old and younger are invited to hear a story and complete a simple craft.
The Library Holiday Open
House will be held on Friday, December 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join us for light bites and refreshments as we celebrate a year of exciting, fun and educational programming. Musical entertainment will be provided by Frank Balon.
The Gertrude Hawk Chocolate Fundraiser is still underway. Remember chocolate bars make great stocking stuffers and help support library programs throughout the year.
If you are interested in volunteering at the library, we would love to meet you. There are a variety of opportunities available for you to share your skills and experience. Please call 570-443-8776 or stop in during library hours.
We would also like to remind everyone that the 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.
Blue Christmas service planned in White Haven
The White Haven Ministerium, comprised of all the churches in White Haven, will be holding a ‘Blue Christmas’ ecumenical service designed for those who may not find the holiday season particularly jolly or are experiencing some form of loss. Pastor John “Jack” Orr from the White Haven First United Methodist Church will be presenting the sermon at this service to be held on Sunday, December 21, at 4 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of White Haven, 305 Berwick Street. Light refreshments will be served following the service in the Fellowship Hall.
Poinsettias will decorate the church
Orders are being taken for Holiday Poinsettias at $8 each. Please contact Mary Alford (570.443.7004) or Eric Siglin (570.578.3101) for more information. Order forms (below) can be mailed to the Presbyterian Church at 305 Berwick St., White Haven PA 18661. Please make checks payable to the Presbyterian Church of White Haven. Cash payments should be given to either Mary or Eric. Payments and orders are due December 14. Plant dedications will be listed in the bulletin.
COLOR QUANTITY
RED _______ x $8 = _______
AlA hAPPeNiNgs
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 in Weatherly will host the Veterans Coffe Club on Friday, December 5, from 9 a.m. until Noon at the post home. Our Commons Ground Coffe Club offer 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. Coffe and donuts will be served plus a free lunch. Contact Georgia Farrow at 570427-4527 to register or if you have any questions.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 in Weatherly will co-host a Vietnam Veterans Coffee and Camaraderie o Friday, January 9, from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the post home. Each month, TWV NEPA (Together with Veterans Northeastern Pennsylvania) hosts a coffee club at variou locations around Carbon County for Vietnam era veterans. Please contact
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.
Christine LeClair at 570-3253986 or cleclair@carboncounty. net (Carbon County Veterans Affair Director) if you ar interested in attending or to learn about the program.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 in Weatherly will hold their last monthly unbaked pizza sale for 2025 on Friday, December 10. Pick up is 4-6 p.m. at the post home. The deadline to order pizza is Friday, December 5. A regular pizza is now $14, please note the price increase; and additional toppings are $3 each. The toppings include Extra Cheese, 3-Cheese, Mushroom, Sausage, and Pepperoni. Contact Georgia Farrow directly to order your pizza at 570-427-4527.
Lehigh
Continued from page 1
after a Planning Commission meeting on the subject.
Cindy Baade was appointed to a 4-year term as a township auditor. Cindy Schweitzer was elected to a 6-year term in November. There is still an opening for a 2-year term.
Deborah A. Kohler was named Deputy Tax Collector for the township, replacing the late Carol Tulay.
Zoning officer Rich Giordan reported that Judge Homanko had levied a fine of $5,000 plus costs of $268.25 against Jessica Jones. Jones reportedly plans to appeal the decision.
seth’s sightiNgs
We’re considering having a combined issue for the week between Christmas and New Year, due to the fact that the holidays are Thursdays. We’ll let you know how this develops, but please send any items for that time period as soon as you can.
So Monday night offered beautiful red sunset. I speculated that that should bode well for our Tuesday, which was forecast to have a small snowstorm. The ditty about “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight” probably means sailors out at sea had a nice clear day, but it didn’t apply to us.
I managed some shoveling of some of the heavy wet snow out on our patio. I was able to balance to dig at the stuff, but ran out of light to push through
by seth iseNberg
to the garage. I figured we’d wait until morning to clear the car.
Penn State football eased its way into the off-season wit an all too narrow victory over Rutgers. Thanks for the wins. We’ll be very interested in seeing who the new coach is going to be.
Ruth and I sighted a trio of little fat birds seeming to play up in the Rhododendron bush outside our bedroom window. They were knocking snow off the branches as I was knocking cobwebs out of my head while preparing for the day ahead.
Stay warm, stay healthy, be careful shoveling. For that matter, be careful walking in the snow!
Seth
comiNg eveNts
Saturday, December 6—
Quilt & Craft Show, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., White Haven Area Community Library & the Victorian Connection
Saturday, December 6—Tree Trimming Contest & Holiday Open House, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Heritage Hill Senior Community, Weatherly Sunday, December 7—The Most Wonderful Christmas concert, 1 p.m., Woodie’s Restaurant, Freeland, tickets 570-454-8000
Friday, December 12— Holiday Open House, 6:308:30 p.m., White Haven Area Community Library
Saturday, December 13—Spaghetti Dinner/Basket Raffle Benefit for Don
Rossman, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., L&L Fire Company, Lehigh Township/Weatherly
Sunday, December 14—Christmas in the Park, 3:30-6:30 p.m., Eurana Park, Weatherly
Friday, December 19—Cookie Sale, 11 a.m., Centenary United Methodist Church, Weatherly
2026
Saturday & Sunday, July 25 & 26—Jam Below the Dam, White Haven
Saturday, September 12—Car Show, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Lehigh Park, White Haven
Features added to WHACL Quilts and Crafts show
Included with the annual Holiday Quilts & Crafts Show is the large selection of beautiful raffle baskets. Show are some of the committee members. From left are Linda Kiesel, Kathy Nuss, Robin Reilly, Renee Monahan, Kathy Rice and Charlotte Carter.
The annual Holiday Quilts and Crafts Show sponsored by the White Haven Area Community Library will be
held on Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The show will include beautiful quilts created by the Cranberry Quilt Guild as well as craft vendors, featuring pottery, photography, hand knitted items, soaps, metalwork, pet beds, homemade jams and jellies, doll clothes and Christmas stockings, hand sewn items, live green wreaths and centerpieces, holiday decorations, painted glassware, and more!
The show will be held in two locations, with quilts and craft vendors displayed at both. The location at the former De Witt homestead at 231 Wilkes-Barre Street in White Haven will showcase its Victorian beauty with antique furniture, restored wood work and quaint floor plan. The second location is at the library, located at
121 Towanda Street, in the former Lehigh Valley Railroad Engine House, with many of its historical architectural features intact.
A new addition this year will be homemade soups and chili available for purchase at the library and carolers entertaining guests as they explore the show. Raffle basket tickets and bake goods will also be for sale.
Another new addition this year will be a featured Quilt of Valor hanging in the tot library with the Guild’s coordinator, Marie Shulenski, on hand to inform visitors about the program.
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased before the show at the library and at each location on December 6. For more information, call 570-443-8776. All proceeds benefit the library
Bach and Handel Chorale present 41st Christmas Concerts
The Bach and Handel Chorale, based out of Jim Thorpe, will perform their 41st year Christmas Concerts in December. Randall Douglas Perry, Founder, Artistic Director and Conductor, will accompany and conduct the chorale in three concerts of sacred music spanning the seasons of Advent and Christmas.
The opening concert will be held on Saturday, December 6, beginning at 2 p.m., in St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 526 North Street in Jim Thorpe. Tickets are $20 for all adults, and children 10 and under are free. Tickets may be purchased at the door, at Sound Check Records and
Jingle Bells Christmas Shoppe in Jim Thorpe, or by calling the Chorale Office at 570 -325 -4794.
Two other concerts will be performed. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 158 Fish Hill Road in Tannersville will host the chorale on Saturday, December 13, beginning at 3 p.m. St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 1249 Trexlertown
Road in Trexlertown will host the last Christmas concert for the year on Sunday, December 14, beginning at 3 p.m. Both of these concerts have no admission charge but a free will offering will be accepted. Everyone is invited to any or all of these concerts as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ with text and music.
Hazleton Art League announces new exhibition: Abstract/Landscapes by Earl W. Lehman
The Hazleton Art League is pleased to announce Abstract/Landscapes, a new exhibition by regional artist Earl W. Lehman, on view from Friday, December 5, through Sunday, January 18, at the Hayden Family Center for the Arts. The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, December 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. This festive evening of art and community coincides with several downtown holiday celebrations, offering visitors an ideal opportunity to enjoy Hazleton’s cultural and seasonal events.
Beginning at 4:30 p.m., downtown will host Wassailfest and the CAN DO Community Park tree lighting. Participants may register for a free mug at hazletonfortheholidays.com and tour as many as 20 local businesses serving a variety
of holiday beverages. The Hazleton Art League will join in the festivities by offering both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, ensuring that all visitors can take part. During the opening, guests may also enter a drawing to win a floral arrangement created by Barbara Grosso of the Hazleton Area Garden Club.
Looking ahead, the Annual Member Show will be held from January 30 through February 22. Members may submit up to three works in any medium, with online registration open through Friday, January 23. Memberships—valid through December 31, 2026—are available at $30 for adults, $15 for students, and $60 for families, with Patron, Corporate, and Sustaining levels also offered. The Art League encourages the
community to explore its full schedule of art classes, workshops, and weekly open studios, available online.
The Hazleton Art League is grateful to Food Universe, the December parking sponsor. Please note that the Art League will be closed for the holidays from Wednesday, December 24 through Thursday, January 1. For more information, call 570-455-3333, visit hazletonartleague.org, or stop by the Hayden Family Center for the Arts, 31 West Broad Street, Hazleton.
Cookie sale at Centenary
Weatherly Centenary United Methodist Church will hold a Homemade Cookie Sale on Friday, December 19, from 11 a.m. until sold out. No advance orders will be accepted. Cookies will be available on a first come basis. Cost is $10 for a 1-1/4 pound container.
Santa’s Mailbox is back on Main St.
Santa has been keeping a close eye on White Haven, and he’s thrilled with how wonderful the children have been this year. To celebrate, he’s sending back a bit of holiday magic for Year 2—the special North Pole Express Mailbox is back.
You’ll find the festive mailbox in front of the borough building at 312 Main Street. Gather your holiday wishes and get those letters ready for Santa’s elves to whisk away.
Crestwood Boys Basketball Comets hold off West Scranton in OT to claim season opener
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
Things were looking grim for the Crestwood boys late in Saturday night’s home basketball opener.
Visiting West Scranton had a two-point lead with 8.6 seconds to play in regulation, and had their best player at the line eying up two free throws that would seal the Invaders’ upset victory. But when Nate Schimelfenig missed both ends of the twoshot foul, it left the door cracked open for the Comets.
After rebounding the second miss and calling time out, the Comets inbounded to senior guard Gio Barna with 7.3 seconds remaining. Barna pushed the ball down the court and got up a shot that bounced off the rim
Ayden Agapito’s rebound putback also bounced off the iron, but Crestwood teammate Connor Wagaman was there to tip-in the tying basket as the buzzer sounded, sending the game into overtime.
From there, Comets freshman Miles Metz helped ice things by making all eight of his free throws as they outscored West Scranton 13-9 in overtime to pull out the improbable 56-52 victory.
Lehigh Gorge Notary
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
“That was exciting for our first game, right?” Crestwood head coach Mark Atherton deadpanned to open his post-game interview.
Fans certainly got their money’s worth.
“What more can you ask for? Overtime, we took the lead, we gave up the lead, and we were down seven at one point,” he continued.
Atherton learned a lot about his team’s resolve throughout the opening-night game, and particularly during the sequence that sent the non-conference clash to overtime.
“We got the ball in Gio Barna’s hands at the end. He got the ball on the run and he knew to get to the basket,” Atherton said, describing the final possession of regulation. “It just rolled off the rim and our guys didn’t get caught watching the final shot, they attacked the rim.
“Agapito was the first who tipped, and then Wagaman still stuck in there and made the
shot. I give my guys credit,” he said. “A lot of guys end up watching the final shot and seeing if it’s the game-winner; they went to the boards hard.”
Barna scored off an assist from Agapito off the opening jump over overtime as the Comets took a lead they would not relinquish again.
After Metz hit his first two free throws, Crestwood’s Jack Rodgers stole the ball from Schimelfenig and then induced the fifth foul on the Invaders’ senior. Rodgers was awarded two free throws and hit both with 1:37 left for a six-point cushion.
“I thought that steal on the sideline when he got fouled was big, and their best player fouled out on that. That was a big play,” noted Atherton. “Jack has got the biggest heart when he plays. He’s going to give you 150 percent every time. Today he guarded their best guy for much of the game, he got some huge rebounds in there. He played a great game.”
Metz made six consecutive free throws over the final 50 seconds of OT to keep the Invaders from mounting a rally and ensure that his varsity debut would be a successful one.
“Give a shout out to Miles Metz who hit those free throws, 8-for-8 in overtime. He came up huge for us,” Atherton said.
Another freshman who gave the Comets a lift was Zach Sechleer, whose play off the bench in the third quarter helped his team rally from a seven-point deficit
When Schimelfenig stuck a jumper with 4:30 to play in the third, the Invaders had their biggest lead (24-17) and the Comets were looking for a spark. They found it in the 5-foot-9 Sechleer.
“The Sechleer kid got in there and I thought his minutes turned it around for us a little bit,” Atherton said. “I thought his energy coming in, just a little bit of a different look, we took out a big and went with him as a little guard.”
Sechleer got a steal, a rebound and a free throw, and provided the spark to an 11-0 run over the three-minute stretch that put the Comets back in the lead at 28-24.
Metz hit a corner three, Agapito added two free throws, and Barna found Metz cutting to the basket for a layup that tied things at 24. Agapito’s putback and Sechleer’s free throw concluded the key sequence.
“Those few minutes changed things up a little bit,” Atherton stressed. “I was proud of him.”
The 6-foot-4 Agapito posted a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds to go with three blocked shots to pace the Comets’ attack. Metz had 15 in his varsity debut, and Barna finished with 11 points, six rebounds, three steals and a charge.
Wagaman pitched in with eight points and six rebounds, while Rodgers contributed six
Crestwood’s Ayden Agapito (24) passes to teammate Miles Metz (3) before a cut to the basket during Saturday night’s boys basketball game against West Scranton, at Crestwood High School. JH Photo by Steve Stallone
Crestwood’s Jack Rodgers (12) defends West Scranton’s Fabian Ortiz (44) during Saturday’s non-conference boys basketball opener at Crestwood High School.
CHS Boys
Continued from page 10
rebounds (four offensive) two steals and a block, and scored all five of his points in the second half, going 5-for-6 at the foul line.
Crestwood was able to overcome a rough second quarter in which they were outscored 8-2, shot 1-of-5 and committed eight turnovers. They had 17 turnovers for the game (11 in the first half) and shot 66 percent from the foul line (26-of-39).
“We’ve got to shoot free throws better, obviously, take care of the ball, and run our offense better,” Atherton explained.
“I thought we had two really good scrimmages offensively. All of a sudden I just didn’t think we shared the ball. We were trying to go one-on-one, guys were trying to hit game-winners when it’s the first quarter for no reason. It was a little disheartening to watch that, but we can show the film and if you learn from it, we can be better. If these guys don’t learn from it
Crestwood Girls Basketball
Lady Comets top Scranton in season debut
The Crestwood High School varsity girls basketball team opened its 2025-26 season on the road at Scranton High School on Monday night, and came away with a 63-41 non-conference victory over the Knights.
Jackie Gallagher topped all scorers with 24 points for the Lady Comets. Teammate Charlie Hiller followed with 16 points.
Point guard Keira Dougherty, who missed all of last season with an injury, returned to the lineup and scored 11 points.
Chrissy Jacklinski paced Scranton (0-1) with 25 points and
Rhylee Bell added 10.
The win avenged a loss to Scranton in last year’s opener, one of only five losses Crestwood suffered last season enroute to a 24-5 season, the program’s first District 2 Class 5A championship and a spot in the PIAA Class 5A semifinals
The Lady Comets (1-0) return to action Thursday and Friday in the Selinsgrove Tournament. They will face Selinsgrove in Thursday’s semifinal round.
Crestwood begins its home schedule Dec. 9 against Wallenpaupack.
and this is the way they want to play, then we’re in trouble.
“I hope they learn when you share the ball and you balance your scoring you’re going to be a lot better off than one guy trying to score 20-some points. We just have to trust each other.”
In the junior varsity opener, West Scranton scored a 53-37 win led by Jeriel Perez with 16 points and Seamus Wallace with 11. The two combined for seven of the Invaders’ nine 3-pointers.
Cole Naperkowski scored 12 points to pace the Comet jayvees. Ruben Montanari chipped in with six.
The Comets were scheduled to play at Shamokin Area on Tuesday of this week, but that was postponed due to the weather. They are at Hanover Area for another non-conference game on Friday evening.
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.
JH Photo by Steve Stallone
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The Borough of Freeland Municipal Authority has an opening for a water/wastewater operator.
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THEME: DISNEY CHARACTERS
ACROSS
1. Imperfections
6. Part of T.G.I.F.
9. Stark daughter on “Game of Thrones”
13. Kind of print, for short
14. Hula dancer’s flower
15. Kitchen tear-jerker
16. Viva voce
17. Draft beer container
18. Confused
19. *Irreverent Disney nanny
21. *Scar’s older brother
23. Famous T-Rex
24. Gardening tool
25. Louisville Slugger
28. Stallion’s mate
30. Famous ciphering machine
35. D’Artagnan’s weapon of choice
37. Essence
39. Gloomy and drab
40. Containing limestone
41. Scrawny one
43. Purse to match a gown
44. Spot for boutonniËre
46. John Oates’ partner Daryl
47. Prepare for a rainy day
48. Catch in a snare
50. Rapper LL ____ J
52. ____ Aviv
53. Wholly engrossed
55. Call to Bo Peep
57. *Shere Khan’s sworn enemy
60. *Marie’s and Toulouse’s younger brother
64. Beneficiar
65. Opposite of nothing
67. Pancho’s last name
68. Weasel’s aquatic cousin
69. “New” prefi
70. *Like Iago in “Alladin” or Laddy Kluck in “Robin Hood”
71. Karate blow
72. Not safe in baseball
73. Like salad greens
DOWN
1. Part of an envelope
2. *Nani Pelekai’s little sister and new pet owner
3. At the summit of 4. Beats, slangily
5. Hypertension sufferer’s dietary concern
6. Sorts
7. Driver’s aid
8. Fraternity letter
9. Dwarf buffalo
10. Oil field strutures
11. Moving meditation practice
12. “____ day now”
15. Hurt or upset
20. Some tides
22. Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s strings
24. Take back
25. *Beast’s love interest
26. Bee-related
27. Act like a siren
29. Macaulay Culkin’s “Richie ____”
31. Wraths
32. Gain access to (2 words)
33. Shade of violet
34. *a.k.a Little
Mermaid
36. Ogler
38. Angel’s headgear
42. Geography class prop
45. “____ than life”
49. Chum
51. Immature, as an undeveloped insect
54. Baby grand
56. Full of pep
57. It’s drawn to light
58. “I’m ____ you!”
59. Shed tears
60. Soak some ink
61. Hipbones
62. *”I am ____, and I like warm hugs”
63. Goofy or silly
64. *Leader of the seven dwarfs
66. Romanian money
Out in the Open Most Hunting Done, Time for Reloading Fun
by Alex Zidock
A tiny percentage of Pennsylvania hunters participate in the late archery, flintlock, or small-game hunting seasons. Now is a good time to spend that extra time reloading ammunition. It’s a hobby almost anyone can enjoy.
I have a good friend, answers to Bill who lives high on a Pocono hill, Every year, when he kills his deer it’s the coldest time of the year.
Bill has guns, but only hunts with one others, he shoots under the summer sun, Competition is his warm-weather game aiming down range for fun and fame.
Soon after ringing the New Year’s bells his thoughts turn to reloading shells, For many years, it’s something he’s done sitting at his bench is relaxing and fun.
Used brass he’ll tumble shiny like new saved from bullets he shot, quite a few, From his rifle and pistol on the groun he picks up and saves every round.
Snow is falling, he’s out of the cold the best time to calculate and reload, Sorting brass according to each game he’ll load some different, some the same
Prepare the hand press, sort the dies remove spent primers, easy work, time flies Check the books, find the proven loa powder in the tube, bullets on hold.
Cartridge in the shell holder and ready insert the primer, pull the lever steady, Measured powder into the case as needed finally, the bullet on top, precisely seated
This bullet you made, you’ll shoot with pride target game or punch holes in paper, you decide, It’s time well spent, and a hobby that will endure saves money, and you’ll shoot better for sure.
For information about reloading you can contact Jim Meola, president, at the nation’s oldest continuously operating rod and gun club, Blue Ridge Cherry Vally Rod and Gun Club (BRCV-rodgun.org).
Fast start fuels Weatherly Area girls to season-opening road win over MMI Prep
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
FOSTER TWP. - With two new freshmen in the starting lineup and a difficult earl season schedule looming, it was imperative for the Weatherly Area girls to get off to a fast start in their season-opening basketball game at MMI Prep on Monday evening.
The Lady Wreckers did just that.
Sparked by a hounding defense and a red-hot Kelly Reiner, Weatherly scored the game’s first 24 points on its way to an easy 37-17 non-league victory. The fast start in the game led to a much-needed fast start to the Lady Wreckers’ season.
“I think it was a really good game to start offthe season with, just for our freshmen to start off on a good note,” stated Reiner, a four-year starter herself and the unquestioned leader of the squad. “We have a rough week this week with Lincoln Leadership (Wednesday) and Marian (Friday) coming up. To start off with some confidence i definitely good for us.
Weatherly fans got a preview of the future right away when freshman point guard Maci Kane passed to fellow frosh Alexia Kehler for a fast-break score and a quick 2-0 lead in the opening minute of the game.
Reiner followed with a steal, and then stepped into a 3-pointer to make it 5-0. On the ensuing play, senior Abby
Weston stole the ball and went end to end for a layup that had the Lady Wreckers up 7-0 and MMI calling for time just 2:08 into the game.
“I knew we needed to get off to a fast start,” Weatherly Area
Puzzle Answers
head coach Jason Kane said. “Last year we’d be like in slow motion and I know the zone (defense) does that. I said we’re coming out and we’re playing man and then we’re going to build some energy.
“Our goal is to push the ball as much as we can, not necessarily for a fast break, just push it up and try to catch the other team off guard, maybe steal a couple easy baskets here and there.”
Reiner continued the onslaught by banking in a perimeter shot, then Maci Kane got her first varsity basket with a putback for an 11-0 lead.
With under a minute to play in the quarter, Reiner converted a spin move into two more points, then stole the ball and
launched a 25-foot shot that went through the net at the buzzer for her second triple and a 16-0 cushion after one period.
“I felt really good. I missed a couple shots, but overall I think it was a good game to come out and start it off with,” said Reiner, moments after posting a triple-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 steals.
Kehler’s first career 3-pointer, a Reiner fast-break basket, and then a third 3-pointer from the senior guard upped the Lady Wrecker lead to 24-0 at 3:04 of the second quarter.
After her team missed its first 15 shots, MMI’s Georgia Washko finally broke the ice with a 3-pointer from the top of the key at the 2:02 mark, and the half ended that way at 24-3.
Reiner’s steal, basket and free throw got Weatherly rolling again in the third quarter. She also hit a jumper in the lane, Kehler cashed in another steal for a layup, and Reiner added a pull-up jumper in a 9-8 quarter
See WA GIRLS, page 15
Kelly Reiner launches a 3-point shot as Weatherly Area head coach Jason Kane watches during Monday’s game at MMI Prep.
Weatherly Area’s Abby Weston (24) has her drive to the basket stopped by a double-team headed by MMI Prep’s Georgia Washko (23) during Monday evening’s varsity girls’ basketball game in Foster Twp. JH Photo by Steve Stallone
JH Photo by Steve Stallone
WA Girls
Continued from page 14
that extended the Orange and Black lead.
From there, the Lady Wreckers cruised to the finish line and headed home 1-0.
Reiner likes what she sees out of this year’s squad.
“I see more positivity, more hustle, more effort, and I think it’s going to be really good as the season continues,” she said.
Her head coach also liked what he saw Monday.
“It was a good team effort,” Jason Kane said. “We missed some foul shots, and in the first half we missed three or four layups, so right there that’s 12 points off the board. We can’t afford to miss layups and foul shots, so we’ve got to work on that.
“But I’m very pleased. We were very unselfish.
He also liked what he saw from his two new freshman starters, including point guard
daughter Maci, who had four points, four rebounds, two steals and controlled the Lady Wrecker offense while she was on the floor
“I always tell Maci you don’t need to score, you need to be the controller out there. I think she did that,” Coach Kane said.
Kehler had seven points, three steals and a pair of rebounds in her debut.
“Lexi stepped it up. She had a good game,” Kane said. “She hasn’t had the game experience at the varsity level, but she didn’t look rattled at all.”
Weston chased down eight rebounds and had a strong defensive game for the Lady Wreckers, who will play MMI again Jan. 24 in Weatherly.
Abdulrahman, Weatherly Area’s Maci Kane, and MMI’s Georgia Washko (23) are among the players battling for a rebound during Monday evening’s varsity girls basketball game in Foster Twp.
Scholastic Schedule
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3
Girls Basketball
Weatherly Area at Lincoln Leadership Academy
Girls Wrestling
Crestwood at Hanover Area
Boys Wrestling
Crestwood at Hanover Area
THURSDAY, DEC. 4
Boys Basketball
Weatherly Area at Marian Catholic
Girls Basketball
Crestwood vs. Jersey Shore at Selinsgrove Tournament
FRIDAY, DEC. 5
Boys Basketball
Crestwood at Hanover Area
Girls Basketball
Marian Catholic at Weatherly Area
Crestwood vs. TBD at Selinsgrove Tournament
Boys Wrestling
Crestwood at DKI Tournament, Bloomsburg
SATURDAY, DEC. 6
Boys Basketball
Crestwood at Danville
Boys Wrestling
Crestwood at DKI Tournament, Bloomsburg
MONDAY, DEC. 8
Boys Basketball
Schuylkill Haven at Weatherly Area
Crestwood at North Pocono
Girls Wrestling
Crestwood at Wallenpaupack
TUESDAY, DEC. 9
Girls Basketball
Weatherly Area at Mahanoy Area
Wallenpaupack at Crestwood
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10
Boys Wrestling
Wilkes-Barre Area at Crestwood
Girls Wrestling
Wilkes-Barre Area at Crestwood
THURSDAY, DEC. 11
Boys Basketball
Weatherly Area at Nativity
Williamsport at Crestwood
Girls Basketball
Nativity at Weatherly Area
Crestwood at Williamsport
FRIDAY, DEC. 12
No events scheduled
SATURDAY, DEC. 13
Boys Basketball
Weatherly Area at Millville
Crestwood at Bethlehem Catholic, 1 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Crestwood at Lackawanna College Shootout, 4 p.m.
Girls Wrestling
Crestwood at Honesdale Tournament
JH Photo by Steve Stallone
JourNAl-herAld sPorts
Weatherly Boys Basketball
Wreckers take down Panther Valley for opening-night victory
Ian McKeegan scored 11 of his game-high 27 points in the final quarter as the Weatherly Area boys held off visiting Panther Valley for an intense 67-55 win on Saturday night, giving the Wreckers a solid start to their 2025-26 basketball season.
McKeegan was one of three Wrecker seniors to reach double figures in the home opener. Corbin Wagner rimmed 14
points and Niko Saldukas was right behind with 13.
The Wreckers inched out to a 17-14 first-quarter lead as McKeegan and Saldukas combined for 10 of those points. Wagner’s six second-quarter points helped Weatherly take a 29-23 lead to the locker room at intermission.
Still, the Wreckers were unable to shake the Panthers,
JOURNAL-HERALD SERVICE DIRECTORY
who used a 17-16 third quarter to remain within five points (45 40) entering the final frame
McKeegan took things over in the fourth, getting an early bucket and an old-fashioned three-point play to help fuel a 22-point fourth quarter for the Wreckers. McKeegan went 7-for-9 at the foul line in that fourth quarter - and 9-for-11 for the game - to slam the door on the Panthers.
Jarell Thomas topped Panther Valley with 19 points. Chase McArdle and Brody Breiner each scored nine.
Panther Valley eased to a 71-47 junior varsity victory in the night’s first game. Ten different Panthers hit the scoring column, led by Darian Revell’s 19 points.
Jaxon McKeegan scored a game-high 20 points for the Weatherly jayvees. Eli Brown pitched in with eight points for the Little Wreckers, who had nine players score in the opener.
The Wreckers were scheduled to be back in action Tuesday evening at home against Lincoln Leadership Academy, although that was postponed due to the weather. They will travel to Marian Catholic on Thursday for their Schuylkill League Division II opener.
