©2026, THE JOURNAL-HERALD. All Rights Reserved
CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–147th YEAR, NO. 9
NEWLY APPOINTED WEATHERLY BOROUGH COUNCIL MEMBER Traci Mengle posed with District Magisterial Judge Joseph Homanko after he administered the oath of office on January 2
JH: Ruth Isenberg
by Ruth Isenberg
Weatherly Borough Council unanimously appointed Traci Mengle to the vacant seat created by the earlier appointment of Michael Bellizia as Mayor as one of the first orders of business at the January 28 council meeting. Council received two letters of interest, from Mengle and from Kelly Medico. District Magisterial Judge Joseph Homanko was present to swear her in, and she was seated for
the balance of the meeting. There were a number of public comments to open the meeting, and many of them concerned police coverage. Rumors that police officers had resigned an might not be replaced were brought up. Coverage by the police at high school sporting events was also questioned. Chief Michael Bogart said the department currently has four full-time and three part-time officers, and is working eigh
See WEATHERLY, page 3
SINGLE COPY– 75¢
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 • Volume 45 – No. 23 (USPS 277440)
CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–146th YEAR, NO. 35
by
Ruth Isenberg, with input by Sue Therriault and Seth Isenberg
Changes to the White Haven Family Diner that might be needed to bring it into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act was a topic at the January 28 White Haven Borough Council meeting.
Prospective purchaser Robert Scolnick had been listed on the agenda, but requested to put off his presentation until the February 23 meeting to gather more information.
Accessibility to bathrooms and to the banquet room are concerns, and it might not be possible to solve them without
See WH COUNCIL, page 3
WINTER WATCHER: This snowman in the window of G&A Hardware is keeping a close eye on Main Street in White Haven. JH: R. Isenberg
(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 © Copyright 2026, The Journal-Herald
by Ruth Isenberg
We are coming to the end of National News Literacy Week, an educational effort to teach young people about what news is and isn’t, and to help them develop the skills to separate fact from fiction. It’s a big job, and it’s tougher than ever today.
There is a stunning amount of misinformation online.
In the early days of the internet, most of the problem posts were fairly easy to spot. Even if an article started out sounding like real medical advice, it would quickly turn into a sales pitch for vitamins or a diet plan. News pieces would show their liberal or conservative leanings, but the basic facts would be the same from any source.
The advent of artificial intelligence changed things. It became far easier to manipulate photos to make them to look like what you wanted them to show. Is it any wonder polls show that young people have very low trust in news media of any kind?
That mistrust may be a good thing, if it keeps people from falling for fake news. But it also creates an attitude of cynicism and alienation that makes civic engagement very difficul
There are proposals to require that all work produced through artificial intelligence be labeled as such. That’s not a bad idea, since it could prompt people to seek secondary sources for confirmation. But rules are probably not going to do much to stop people who are producing sensational information to get more clicks online. And as always, those who are deliberately trying to mislead will pay no attention to the rules.
The second word in News Literacy is also a concern. Our online world encourages short attention spans and a preference for watching video rather than reading text. Reducing ideas to short visual formats may make them accessible to more people, but it also may discourage any real thinking about them. Without a literate, thinking population, our society will be in real trouble.
There’s no simple answer. But education is the starting point, and continuing to read, to discuss, and to engage must be the ultimate goal for a literate, rational world.
February Historical Trivia, presented by the White Haven Historical Society:
1. The White Haven Mountain was called many names, some were:
2. What disease was treated in White Haven and also in facilities on the East Side? These sites were picked due to White Haven’s supposedly clean, fresh air.
3. The White Haven Area had many outstanding baseball players. Who was lucky to see Pro Playing time?
4. What was the local baseball team’s name?
5. Name some major railroads that ran through White Haven during the 60’s, 70’s?
6. What equipment, vital to northeastern USA was manufactured at Wilmot Engineering?
Find the answers on page 8.
From The Journal-Herald February 7, 1991
Jay & Clara Holder, Publishers
The Junior Auxiliary of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 of Weatherly held a meeting to sign Valentines and write letters to local service people, as well as to their “adopted” units, the USS Ranger and the Tiger Brigade. The 10 girls who are members had sent almost 200 pieces of mail since they started the project in November, and had been receiving personal responses.
White Haven Fire Company Lines described a 30-hour course being planned to start the first week in April. The water movement and pump course was funded by the Pennsylvania Fire Academy, Luzerne County Community College, and was open to interested firefighter from White Haven or Kidder Township.
A window display honoring troops overseas at the Weatherly office of District Magistrat Paul John Hadzick was inspired by the fact that his brother, Air Force Captain Edward J. Hadzick, was now in the Persian Gulf, flying a KC10 tanker. The display included the names of 34 local military personnel currently overseas.
The White Haven Area Sports Association received a check for $400 from the initial Hanna’s Ugly Mug White Haven Golf Classic. WHASA was financially committed to helping with improvements at Lehigh Park in the spring, specifically with the new concession/storage building which will also make handicapped rest room facilities available at the park.
A letter to the editor from a readers in Wilton, Connecticut, pointed out that several times, he received not only his own Journal-Herald, but also two others, clearly labeled and neatly tied in a bundle, to other subscribers in Connecticut. While he promised to take them to his local post office to be sent o he suggested that “In the interest of good service to your subscribers you might want to look into this as these recent instances are the first experienced in all th years I have been receiving your paper.” The Editor’s Comment notes that the paper is following postal regulations, and that similar complaints have been received from other areas. They cite a subscriber in Creamery who did not receive any of the first three issues of 1991. This Editor’s Comment the same subscriber in Creamery still has delivery issues from time to time. Then, as now, there was high praise for local postal delivery.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION have been granted to PHYLLIS A. REINMILLER of the Estate of Carl James Reinmiller, A/K/A Carl J. Reinmiller, deceased and late of White Haven, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, who died on May 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 2/19
Frontier provides flat-rate residential service for $7.52$22.85 and business service for $17.69 - $49.00. Other taxes, fees, and surcharges may apply. Frontier offers single party service, touch tone, toll blocking, access to long distance, emergency services, operator assistance, and directory assistance. Use of these services may result in additional charges. Budget or economy services may also be available.
Frontier offers Lifeline service which is a nontransferable government assistance program that provides a $5.25 discount on the cost of monthly telephone service or $9.25 on eligible broadband or bundled voice and broadband products (where available) and is limited to one discount per household.
If you have any questions regarding Frontier’s rates or services, please call us at 1-800-FRONTIER for further information or visit us at www. Frontier.com.
2/12/26
CNS-4009246#
JOURNAL OF THE POCONOS PLATEAU
using the borough parking lot. The potential loss of parking spaces concerned council, since parking is already tight.
Building code officer Denni Peters has noted that because of the age and structure of the building, full ADA compliance may not be required if it is physically impossible without demolition and rebuilding.
Council appointed part-time police officer Nicholas Gant as officer-in-charge, wit intentions of appointing him as chief at the February meeting. His training and qualifications were questioned by another part-time office
The borough Recreation Board is being revived, and planning the annual Easter Egg Hunt is one of the first items of business. The Rec Board will also be important if council decides to apply for a $40,000 DCNR grant for new playground equipment at Lehigh Park. The grant would require a 50/50 match, and $20,000 could be reallocated from another project.
The current equipment is over 20 years old. Replacement costs could be as high as $80,000 to $100,000.
The decision was tabled until the Recreation Board reconvenes.
hour shifts. Bellizia said they were a “pro-police council,” but noted it is not easy to find officers
In order to start the process, council needed to reactivate the Civil Service Commission. Two of the members who had served in the past, Jerome Grega and Lori Ursta, agreed to continue, so Grega was named to a 6-year term, and Ursta to a 4-year term. The third spot had been filled by Bellizia, but because he is now mayor, he can no longer serve. From the audience, Robert Maclachlan, one of the speakers who expressed concerns about the department, volunteered and was promptly appointed to a 2-year term. Council authorized them to create a Civil Service list from which council can hire officer
A motion to employ former borough manager Harold Pudliner as a consultant for urgent needs was modified by council member Jeff Miller to limit his time to 100 hours, but that motion did not pass. Voting in favor were Bellizia, Miller and Greg Walters; opposed were Vincent Cuddeford, Mengle, and Norm Richie. Joseph Cyburt was absent.
Council voted to advertise to reopen the budget for revisions. It also adopted a resolution for a $125,000 tax anticipation loan.
Proposed zoning fee, subdivision and land development fee schedules were tabled for further study.
A motion to eliminate the nepotism policy from the employee handbook passed 4-2, with Bellizia, Cuddeford, Mengle, and Walters in favor, and Miller and Richie opposed.
Tom Bretznitsky was appointed Emergency Management Coordinator; he had been filling in since the retirement of former Police Chief Markovchik.
Council also approved a petition to vacate Blakeslee Street, Walnut Alley and Seventh Street. The action was originally approved in 2023 by council. A letter was received from Gerard Grega asking them to table action, because the school district might want to retain that parcel for future growth. However, the school district had already signed the petition, and both Atty. Cindy Yurchak, representing the property owner on either side of the parcel in question, and borough solicitor Atty. Jim Nanovic said that the board president and district administration had confirmed that the action should be completed.
Both Chief Bogart and Borough Manager Tracy Grover praised the hard work of the street department in dealing with the water leaks and the massive snow storm.
MICHAEL W. DIXON
Michael W. Dixon, 56, of Laurel Run, passed away suddenly on January 27, 2026. He was born on August 30, 1969, in WilkesBarre, to William T. Dixon and the late Barbara Ann Lenhart.
Michael was a 1987 graduate of Crestwood High School, and went on to earn his MBA degree from Bloomsburg University. He built a successful career as the financial controller (CPA, CFE. CISA) at DeAngelo Contracting in Hazleton.
A proud veteran, Michael served his country in the United States Army Reserves and Pennsylvania National Guard, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. He served as a Medical Supply Specialist with the 300th Field Hospital in Saudi Arabia during the Persian Gulf War. He later served as a Tank Commander and Finance officer with Pennsylvania’s th Division.
He was a life member of VFW Post 6615, and member of American Legion Post 0405. He was a loyal, lifelong fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies, always cheering them on each season with his nephews, niece, and friends. His passionate team spirit will live on in the memories of everyone he shared it with.
Michael greatly enjoyed trap shooting, skiing, and concerts. He was a member of the Amateur Trapshooting Association, associated with Barren Acres Gun Club, Nuangola Gun Club, and the Scranton Ski Club, where he valued camaraderie, service, and the friendships he built. He found great joy in entertaining and coordinating gatherings and travel plans with his family and friends.
He is survived by his father, William T. Dixon; his brother, Thomas Dixon and wife Kelly; his nephews, Mark Dixon, Brandon Dixon; and his niece, Julia Dixon.
He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Barbara Ann Lenhart.
Michael will be remembered for his service to his country, his dedication to his family, and his quest to help others.
Blessing service will be conducted on Saturday, February 7, at Noon at the Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc., White Haven with Reverend Michael Kloton officiatin Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to Noon.
Following the service there will be a luncheon at the White Haven VFW. Visit www. LehmanFuneralHome.com for additional information.
Visit our website at pocononewspapers.com for in-between-issue stories and events
SHARON A. WARHOLAK
Sharon A. Warholak, 81 years of age of Hazleton, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, as a guest of The Manor at St. Luke Village Hazleton. Born Monday, March 6, 1944 in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Hannah (Thrash) Coxe. Sharon was also predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert J. Warholak Sr.; infant daughter, Diane Marie Warholak; and sister, Donna Bresnock.
JOAN KOCHIN LOGAN
Joan Kochin Logan, 81, of Brooksville, Florida, passed away December 21, 2025 in Florida. Born in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Helen Kochin, Beaver Meadows.
She was the loving wife of Edward Logan for 36 years, who lovingly took care of her til she passed.
Joan was of the Catholic faith. She was an LPN at Weatherwood many years ago until retirement.
Joan enjoyed golfing with her husband and golfed on many ladies’ leagues in Pennsylvania and Florida.
Joan was predeceased in addition to her parents by her brother Raymond Kochin and her ex-husband Nicholas Lauro. She is survived by her son Nicholas Lauro, Florida; and her brother’s children, Colleen, Ray, Michele, Peggy and Kimberly. She is also survived by her stepdaughters Tracy and Denise and their families.
A memorial will be held in the Spring in Pennsylvania.
Surviving are son, Robert S. Warholak, Jr. and his wife Kelly; daughter, Donna Nelmes wife of Steuart; brother, Dan Coxe and his wife Rebecca; sisters, Robin Coxe, and Wanda Englehart, wife of Clinton; grandchildren, Tyler Nelmes, Keith Nelmes, Allison, Skylar and Jordan Warholak; great-grandchildren Gaige and Ella Nelmes.
A Weatherly High School graduate, Sharon was a homemaker and later worked at St. Luke’s Manor in housekeeping and in the laundry. Sharon was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Weatherly.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc of Weatherly.
A Celebration of Sharon’s Life will be held on Monday, February 9, at 11 a.m. from the funeral home. Friends and family may call from 10 a.m. until the time of services.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www. griffithsfuneralhomes.c
ABranchofHolmes–GriffithsF.H.,Inc. 211FirstStreet,Weatherly,PA18255
E.FranklinGriffithsIIIF.D. PhilipJ.JeffriesF.D./Supervisor www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
Anewapproachtofuneraland cremationcare.Lookingforwardto servingWhiteHaven,Dennison, Lehigh,andFosterTownships. Allarrangementsandconsultations fromthecomfortofyourhome. Guidingfamiliesthrough difficulttimes.
IRMA RUTH REIMOLD
MICHAEL T. FULTON
Michael T. (Mike) Fulton, Sr, 80, of Norman St, Weatherly, passed away too soon Jan. 28, 2026.
He was born August 30,1945 in Stockton #8 and was the son of the late Michael and Martha (Dufallo) Fulton.
Mike graduated from Hazle Township High School in 1963. After high school, he worked at Barrett, Haentjens & Co for 22 years, IMR Digital in Valmont for 24 years, then was a school van driver for Rohrer Bus Service, driving for the Weatherly Area School District for several years.
He was a faithful longtime member of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Weatherly.
Mike enjoyed watching and participating in all sports. He was an All-Star guard on his high school basketball team. He coached midget football for the Greater Hazleton Athletic Club for 5 years. He played in and also ran the Hazleton Industrial Basketball League for 15 years. Mike played for and managed fast pitch softball teams for 45 years. He also was the president of the Hazleton-Freeland Fast Pitch League for several years. He managed Hazleton Pumps and Keating’s Fitness Center teams to a total of 9 ASA FastPitch State Championships and 3 ASA National Fast-Pitch Championships. Mike was well-known and well-respected by players, other coaches, and official He gave 100% to everything he did.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Michael (2009) and Martha (2011) and several uncles and aunts.
Mike will be missed by many, but no one will miss him more than his family. He was the
rock of his family who was always helping in any way possible. Nothing made him happier than spending time with family and sharing stories and laughs. He never forgot a special occasion and always made sure he made his family feel safe and loved. He is survived by his loving wife Mary Kay (O’Donnell), to whom he was married for 60 wonderful years; son Michael Jr, Weatherly; daughter Michele Sensenig, her husband Chad, and his two adored grandchildren, Ella and Chase Sensenig, Drumore; brothers and sisters, Ronald and his wife Brenda, NC; Sandi Hydock and her husband Thomas (TR), Burke, VA; Richard and his wife Dottie, Zion Grove; Lori Hischar, Parker, FL; several cousins, nephews and nieces.
A funeral mass was held February 2, at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Weatherly.
Arrangements are being handled by the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Weatherly.
Online condolences or a fond memory of Michael may be made to the family at www. griffithsfuneralhomes.c
Irma Ruth Reimold, 98, formerly of White Haven, passed away January 26, 2026, at Heritage Hill Senior Community in Weatherly where she had been a guest for the past three years.
Born in West Hazleton, August 5, 1927, she was the daughter of the late William H. and Louise (Walter) Lauderman and spent 37 years in White Haven, after moving from Clarksboro, NJ.
Irma was a graduate of Hazleton High School class of 1945. She was employed as a clerical worker for New Jersey Bell in Woodbury, NJ for 38 years, having retired in 1985. She was a devoted member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, White Haven and served on the Penn Lake Zoning Hearing Board.
She was preceded in death, in addition to her parents, by her loving husband, Donald J. Reimold, who passed away February 1, 2022; a brother, Kenneth W. Lauderman; and five sisters, Mae Krumm, Esther Klotz, Leatha Dry, Neva Lauderman, and Pearl Oleksa.
Surviving are several nieces and nephews.
Her funeral will be held Wednesday, February 4, at 7 p.m. from Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. (East), 669 W. Butler Dr, Drums. Private interment will take place in Mount Zion Cemetery, Briggsville. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday
Stefanie L. Blose, 58, of Weatherly, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Forest Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Weatherly.
Born on August 8, 1967 in Allentown, she was the daughter of Marita (Kniess) Blose of Weatherly and the late Walter V. Blose.
Stefanie worked as a social worker in Philadelphia, serving many organizations before retiring in 2016 while working for the VA.
Surviving in addition to her mother are a sister, Christine Blose, and her companion,
Jeffrey Oswald, of Slatington; a niece Davina, wife of Dustin Matrishin of Fleetwood; a nephew, Jeffrey WW Oswald, and his companion, Amy Haas, of Slatington; four greatnephews and two great-nieces, along with one on the way; and two uncles in Germany. She was also predeceased by a paternal aunt, Betty J. Blose.
A funeral service took place Jan. 23, in Northampton, with the Rev. Joel W. Biggers officiatin Contributions in Stefanie’s memory may be made to a charity of choice. Condolences may be made at www.schislerfuneralhomes.com
from 6 – 7 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 414 Berwick St, White Haven, PA 18661. Online condolences can be entered, and more information is available at www. harmanfuneral.com.
Peter B. Calarco, 46, of White Haven, passed away Sunday at Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton. Born in Hazleton, he was the son of Dennis and Frances (Cervasio) Calarco, White Haven. He graduated Hazleton Area High School and Penn State LPN program. He was an avid hunter and diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. He loved snowboarding and skateboarding and having a good time.
Surviving, in addition to his parents, are son Austin Calarco; daughter Kaitlyn Calarco; brothers Denis Calarco, Drums, Timothy Calarco. Oneida; sister Jenny Croughn and husband Donny, White Haven; and several nieces and nephews. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memoria donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or charity of one’s own choice.
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
Kellyanne Kennelly, daughter of Michael and Cynthia
Kennelly, White Haven, has been named Senior of the Month for November at Weatherly Area High School.
Kellyanne serves as co-vice president of the Kindness Club, and secretary of SGA. Additionally, Kellyanne is a member of the girls’ varsity soccer team, the Weatherly Area High School chapter of the National Honor Society, Yearbook Club, Interact, and Kufro’s Closet.
In the community, Kellyanne volunteers her time with the NECA Soccer Club in WilkesBarre, and serves as a lesson reader for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in White Haven, where she is also a member.
Sponsor for the month of November is Mengle Coal & Oil Company, Weatherly.
WAES names October Students of the Month: Weatherly Area Elementary School announces October Students of the Month. Shown in the first row, from left, are First Grade: Emmiline Troxell and Jenna Malt; Second Grade: Adleigh Michael and Angelina DeFrancisco; second row, Third Grade: Karlee Bachart and Aubrey Clabia; Fourth Grade: Mia Durham and Rose Napolitano; Fifth Grade: Cadence McAndrew and Lydia Zink.
Middle School Principal Anthony DeSpirito has announced the names of the students who were nominated and selected as Weatherly Area Middle School Students of the Month for October. The award is based on academic achievement, attendance, extra-curricular involvement, and service to school and community.
Ava Keating, left, is the 6th grade student of the month. Ava is the daughter of Linda and Ian Keating, Weatherly. Ava is a member of Middle School chorus, and enjoys helping her neighbors and babysitting.
Gia Jones, center, is the 7th grade student of the month. Gia
Color printing has been restored to the Journal-Herald’s digital printer, and as evidenced on this page, we have some catching up to do. We made the decision to hold student pictures
until we could print them in color, and will be catching up over the next few weeks.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
is the grandaughter of Holly Jones, East Side. Gia enjoys spending time with her friends, helping out at church events, shopping and getting her nails done. Gia is also a softball player and will be playing for the Jr. High team this year.
Dinah Janiec, right, is the 8th grade student of the month. Dinah is the daughter of Anna and Boguslaw Janiec, Weatherly. Dinah is in science club, a member of the science Olympiad team, in band and chorus, a member of the National Junior Honor Society, Reading Olympics, and Math Counts club. Dinah also is an altar server at her church.
It seemed like weeks that the sun was hidden behind heavy clouds. And then there was a sunset. These past several days offered nice blue skies, although still a bit chilly. I’m enjoying these days, and the changes in weather.
Our townships and boroughs are still dealing with the aftereffects of getting about a foot
by sEtH isENbErg
and a half of snow. It’s been quite a few years since we’ve gotten this much snow, and then a sustained cold.
It’s hard to believe that we’ve come to Super Bowl Sunday. It’s been a long ride since summer, and here we are at the game that will crown the champion. I’m having a hard time believing that it’s the New England Patriots. Festivities begin around 6 p.m., with a variety of activities at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. New England got to this game the hard way, winning 17 games, and with a record of 17-3. Their opponent, the Seattle Seahawks, fought their way to the big game by winning 16 games.
As a long-time New England Patriots fan, this is a big deal. I even unearthed my Patriots gear.
So good football, and good health to you all.
Seth
The White Haven Garden Club’s first meeting for 2026 will be Thursday, February 19, at 1 p.m. in the John Murphy Room of the White Haven Area Community Library.
Some tentative plans for the year will be discussed. Mary Lemerise will give a presentation and tips on Seed Stratification. Suggested supplies to bring:
One large (gallon size) opaque plastic jug (milk, water, tea, vinegar)
Pair of sharp scissors
Dark nail polish for labeling (if you have one). Nail polish will not fade!
Potting soil if you have some. (Mary and Denise will bring what they have on hand).
The White Haven Area Community Library incentive program for children started on February 1. There is still time to get your reading in.
The library continues to have Gertrude Hawk Chocolate bars for sale as a fundraiser. With Valentine’s day right around the corner, stop in and purchase some for that special someone.
The Scrabble Club meets on Thursday, February 5, at 6 p.m.
There will be a Tot Time at the Library on Saturday, February 7
from 10:15-11 a.m.
Construction of the upstairs of the library will hopefully be starting in the not so distant future. Library hours will be limited during construction. Please look for any changes to the schedule.
The library follows the Crestwood School District schedule for inclement weather. If the school is closed the library is also closed. Weekend closures will be at the discretion of the library. Check our Facebook page for closures.
White Haven • 570-443-9633 An IRS Unenrolled Tax Agent (AFSP) (RTRP)
40+ Years Experience | Since 1984 | taxman@pa.metrocast.net
Hours Monday through Saturday, 9a-6p, Sunday, 9a-5p w/appointment
Accepting checks, cash & money orders in payment
Must bring 1095-A forms if you have ObamaCare Medical Insurance
Must have current valid ID to match Tax Return
PA Property Tax Rebate/Rent Rebate Income limit increased to $48,110 NEW FOR 2025: FORM SCHEDULE 1A. QUALIFIED TIP CREDIT
QUALIFIED OT WAGE CREDIT— NEED LETTER FROM EMPLOYER FOR PROOF OVER 65—$6,000 CREDIT ADDED TO STANDARD DEDUCTION
BOUGHT A NEW CAR OR MOTORCYCLE IN 2025?
MUST BE ASSEMBLED IN USA. NEED PENNDOT REGISTRATION FORM FOR PROOF OF VIN#. NEED FORM 1098-VLI FOR INTEREST CREDIT. ONLY PERSONAL VEHICLES ALLOWED MUST HAVE VALID BANK ACCOUNT NO CHECKS FOR REFUND, NO CHECKS FOR PAYMENT
Reasonable Rates | Accurate Returns | Direct Deposit/Payment FREE Pickup and Delivery to Seniors
Salem United Church of Christ, 330 First Street, Weatherly, will hold a Chicken & Waffle Dinner on Saturday, February 28. The event will be take-out only. Dinners can be picked up from 4 to 6 p.m.
The menu includes chicken, waffles, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and dessert. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for children 4-12 years old.
Deadline to purchase tickets is Wednesday, February 25. For tickets call L inda at (570) 401-3710.
Saturday, February 7—Super
Bowl Slider Sale pickup, Noon-2 p.m., Zions Lutheran Church annex, Weatherly
Sunday, February 8—Super Bowl Hoagie Sale pickup, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., White Haven Fire Co. No. 1
Sunday, February 8—Super Bowl Slider Sale pickup, Noon-2 p.m., Zions Lutheran Church annex, Weatherly
Wednesday, February 11—Valentines Bingo, 6 p.m. (doors open 4:30), St. Patrick’s Parish Center, White Haven
Friday, February 13—ALA
Persian Donut Sale pickup, Noon-6 p.m., Post 360, Weatherly
Saturday, February 14— Great Backyard Bird Count,
9-11 a.m., Nescopeck State Park, & 1-3 p.m., Hickory Run State Park
Saturday, February 14— ALA Persian Donut Sale pickup, 10 a.m.-Noon, Post 360, Weatherly
Sunday, February 15—Bingo, Noon, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Weatherly
Saturday, February 28— Chicken & Waffles Take-Ou Dinner, 4-6 p.m., Salem UCC, Weatherly
Friday, March 13—Designer Purse Bingo & Basket Raffle 4 p.m., Carbon Career & Technical Institute, Jim Thorpe
Saturday, March 28—Youth Fishing Event, sponsored by Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce
Sunday, April 26—Purse Bingo, sponsored by Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce
Saturday, May 30—Art Walk, sponsored by Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce
Saturday & Sunday, June 6 & 7—Weatherly Spring HillClimb
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
Saturday & Sunday, September 19 & 20— Weatherly Fall HillClimb
Friday & Saturday, October 2 & 3—Weatherly Area Community Library Basket Auction
1. a. White Haven Sanitorium
b. Pennhurst Annex
c. White Haven State School and Hospital
d. Holy Protection Monastery
2. Tuberculosis
3. White Haven Aces. Players: Ron Mrozinski, Brad Kocher
4. a. Lehigh Valley
b. Jersey Central
c. Delaware and Hudson
5. Coal breaker equipment for manufacturing of coal.
Want to learn more? The White Haven Historical Society meets on the third Sunday of the month at 6 p.m. in the John Murphy Room of the White Haven Area Community Library.
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
HAZLE TWP. - After losing four straight games to their Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 rivals over the past two seasons, the Crestwood girls didn’t need any magical plan to beat Hazleton Area.
They knew they had the talent. They simply realized they needed to turn those hard knocks into hard work, prepare even harder, and tap into their confidence and energy levels in order to get it done.
On Sunday evening, Crestwood’s perseverance paid off as the Lady Comets shocked
Hazleton 63-51, easing the sting of a homecourt loss to these same Lady Cougars last month, while also keeping their own hopes of a WVC playoff berth alive.
Crestwood (19-2 overall, 9-2 WVC) will close its regular season on Wednesday night at home, facing Dallas (19-2, 9-2) in a winner-take-all game. The winner advances to the next week’s four-team WVC Tournament, featuring the top two finishers in each of the two divisions. Hazleton Area (19-2, 10-1) has already locked up a spot in the tournament.
The winner of Wednesday’s showdown at Crestwood will
Crestwood guard Jordan Andrews brings the ball up court on a fast break ahead of Hazleton Area’s Kaitlyn Bindas, left, during Sunday night’s key WVC Division 1 girls basketball game, in Hazle Twp.
not only clinch that final playoff spot, but also the top seed for the upcoming District 2 Class 5A Tournament later this month.
The loser will be No. 2.
On Sunday, the Lady Comets received clutch performances from all six players in the rotation, none coming up bigger than star point guard Keira Dougherty and power forward Charlie Hiller.
Dougherty poured in a gamehigh 25 points and carved up Hazleton Area’s vaunted press like an experienced surgeon, setting up her teammates while providing a calm against the Lady Cougars’ chaotic approach.
Meanwhile, Hiller helped anchor a defense that held Hazleton Area to just 51 pointsthis after the Lady Cougars lit up Dallas for 107 points in a 107-71 dusting just four days earlier.
The six-foot Hiller muscled her way for 11 rebounds and swatted eight shots away as the Comets’ protector of the rim.
“I thought I was going to have a heart attack. My heart
started pounding. I felt like I was out there playing, it was that exciting,” stated Crestwood head coach Mary Mushock-Namey. “It was one of those games that you want to coach.
“We had so many blowouts this year, which wasn’t as fun for them as much, and it’s hard to prepare in practice. But this is what you play for,” she continued. “This is exactly why you play the game, to put on a show in front of fans like that. I know at our place it was a packed house and they didn’t play like they wanted to, so they felt like they disappointed our fans.
“They came out tonight and proved them wrong.”
Dougherty, who missed all of last season rehabbing from a serious knee injury, said the difference between their firs game with Hazleton (a 63-53 loss) and this one was simple.
“Definitely our energy and our confidence,” she said.
See CHS GIRLS, page 16
The Weatherly Area High School Hall of Fame grew by three members on Saturday, as former star athletes Brian Hallahan and Conrad Pfeiffer, and former cheer coach and longtime educator Barbara Sipler were inducted during ceremonies at the varsity gymnasium.
Saturday’s ceremonies at the Weatherly Area Middle School included a Hall of Fame dinner, followed by induction ceremonies prior to the varsity boys basketball game between the Wreckers and visiting Tri-Valley.
A biography for each of this year’s inductees follows:
A member of the Weatherly Area High School Class of 1986, Brian Hallahan stands as among the most accomplished twosport athletes in school history.
A fierce competitor with natural leadership skills, Hallahan epitomized the grit and dedication that defines Weatherly athletics.
As a standout on the Wreckers varsity football team, he was known for his versatility and toughness on both sides of the ball. Playing primarily as a halfback, fullback and linebacker, he led the team in rushing yards and tackles for three straight seasons. An anchor on the defense, he had a nose for the football that put him among the top tacklers in the area. A three-year team captain and letterman, Hallahan’s power, quick decision-making, and fearless play earned the respect of teammates and rival coaches alike.
He brought that same drive and determination to the hardwood, where he was a four-year letter winner for the Wrecker basketball team.
As a point guard for the 1985-86 District 11 Class A champions, Hallahan was known for his defensive intensity, court vision and clutch performances. He averaged 8.5 points per game as a senior, and was instrumental in several signature wins that energized the Weatherly faithful.
His passion for the game and unselfish style elevated those around him, and helped lead the Wreckers to a 21-6 record in that 1985-86 season, defeating
Freeland 54-51 for the District 11 Class A title.
A heavy equipment operator and driller by trade, Brian credits the tremendous support of his family during that time and through the years, including his father Robert Hallahan, mother Ann Marie Jennings, stepfather Joseph Jennings, stepmother Connie Knepper, sister Brenda Moyer and stepsister Donna Knepper.
Conrad Pfeiffer (Class of 2004) was an 11-time varsity letterman at Weatherly Area, participating in the basketball, baseball and soccer programs.
On the basketball court, he was a sophomore member of the 2001-02 District 11 Class A champion Wreckers, coming off the bench in relief for the forwards that season before becoming a fixture in the starting lineup during his junior and senior years, averaging 9.0 and 12.1 points per game, respectively, including a careerhigh 30-point performance during his senior season. He was named honorable mention all-state by the Associated Press and was on several all-area teams.
On the baseball diamond, Pfeiffer was a four-time letterman and starter in the outfield while occasionally relieving either on the mound or behind the plate as catcher.
His memorable moments include throwing out a runner at the plate during a bases-loaded situation to help preserve a 3-1 win, and also hitting a grand slam to tie a game.
On the pitch, he was a four-time letterman and starter for the Wrecker soccer team, spending most of his early high school career as goalkeeper. In the net, he had a 28-save game to his credit, and made numerous assists for his teammates. He had more opportunities to play midfield
Continued from page 10
later in his career, and made an impact with his goal-scoring, assists and defensive tackling.
Pfeiffer was a member of playoff-qualifying teams and served as co-captain across all the sports he participated in at Weatherly, and received the Ronald C. Kelshaw Award as Weatherly’s outstanding senior male athlete in 2004.
Upon graduating from Weatherly, Pfeiffer earned a Bachelor of Science degree focused on General Chemistry from York College of Pennsylvania, then attended Temple University where he earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Organic Chemistry. He followed that with three years of postdoctoral training in Cellular Biology at Duke University Medical Center.
Over the course of his professional career, Dr. Pfeiffer has published his research in peer-reviewed scientific journals multiple times and has been recognized with several awards, including the Horst Witzel Fellowship Award in 2011 and the Foresight Institute Distinguished Student Award in 2016.
Dr. Pfeiffer is currently employed in the pharmaceutical industry and resides in Bangor with his wife, Maureen and their young children Luka and Rose.
Barbara Sipler, or “Mrs. Sip” as she was known to her students, served the Weatherly Area School District for 43 years, first as a high school English teacher, and then as a Title I Coordinator and teacher. She wrote the grant that established Title I in the district and initiated the Read Across America celebration, and also got well-known children’s science author Sy Montgomery to come to the district for a presentation for the elementary and middle school students.
During her tenure, she served as Oratory Coach, started and advised Student Government for both the high school and middle school levels, and served as an advisor to the Junior and Senior Classes.
Sipler also coached the varsity cheerleading squad at Weatherly, and led them to a trophywinning at the Schuylkill County Championships, which qualified them for the Grand Finals competition in Williamsburg, Va., where they earned honorable mention honors. She also chaperoned the squad to cheerleading camp each summer, where they learned new routines and cheers. Spending time with the cheerleaders is among her fondest memories.
In her freshman year at Penn State Hazleton, she was honored to be named in the Who’s Who Among Students in America for academic standing and leadership. She was president of the Student Government Association, editor of the Highacres Collegian newspaper in 1968-69, was the recipient of the Parnassus Outstanding Freshman of the Year Award, was a member of the Belles-Lettres Literary Club, the Hazleton campus history club, and the Student Union Board.
On Nov. 17, 1969 while president of the Student Government Association, she proudly accepted the Nittany Lion statue that still resides on campus today.
Sipler went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature from Wilkes University and a Masters degree in Reading from Bloomsburg University. She is the mother of three children: Harry, Paul and Charlaine, and has six grandchildren.
The Crestwood boys capped a 3-0 week on Saturday, going to Shamokin and coming home with a 40-32 non-conference victory in a week that enabled the Comets to see their postseason plans more clearly.
Crestwood started the week with Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 wins over rival Hazleton Area and Nanticoke, keeping its WVC playoff hopes very much alive.
With Saturday’s victory, Crestwood moved to 15-6 overall, and kept their hold on second place in the District 2 Class 5A rankings behind Abington Heights (13-5). Pittston Area (8-11) and Wallenpaupack (6-10) are currently 3-4.
Crestwood (15-6, 8-3 WVC) was to close out its regular season Thursday at Dallas (17-3, 9-0 WVC) in a matchup of the top two teams in WVC Division 1. Wilkes-Barre Area (7-3) and Hazleton Area (6-4) were also still in the mix for one of the two spots available in the upcoming WVC Tournament.
Dallas and Wilkes-Barre Area were to play one another on Tuesday, and Hazleton Area hosts Wilkes-Barre on Thursday. A Wilkes-Barre loss on Tuesday clinches the playoff spot for Crestwood regardless of what happens on Thursday.
The Wyoming Valley Conference Tournament will take place next Thursday (semifinals) at Wilkes-Barre Area High School, with the
final next Saturday, Feb. 14, at Hazleton Area High School.
Crestwood 40, Shamokin 32
- The Comets led 28-26 heading to the fourth quarter, then outscored the host Indians 12-6 down the stretch to secure the non-conference road win.
Ayden Agapito scored six of his game-leading 14 points in that pivotal fourth quarter, while teammate Gio Barna went 4-for-4 at the foul line in that period. Miles Metz had nine points for the Comets.
CRESTWOOD (40) - Johnson 2 0-0 4, Barna 0 5-6 5, Metz 3 2-2 9, Wagaman 2 0-0 4, Sechleer 0 0-0 0, Rodgers 2 0-2 4, Brace 0 0-0 0, Agapito 5 4-4 14. Totals: 14 11-14 40. SHAMOKIN (32) - Paul 4 3-8 11, Koklinski 0 0-0 0, Schroyer 2 0-0 4, Steinhart 5 1-3 12, Walsh 0 0-0 0, Zeffler 1 0-0 2, Kaletja 0 3-4 Totals: 12 7-15 32.
Crestwood......9 9 10 12 - 40
Shamokin.......5 8 13 6 - 32
3-FG: Metz. Steinhart.
Crestwood 59, Hazleton Area 42 - The Comets concluded a home-andhome sweep of the rival Cougars last Wednesday, picking up the key WVC victory that kept Crestwood in the conference playoff picture
This one was close early, as the visiting Cougars led 13-11 after one quarter.
Crestwood amped things up after that, outscoring Hazleton 30-13 over the middle two quarters to take complete control.
Connor Wagaman scored 15 of his 19 points in the opening half for Crestwood, while teammate Ayden Agapito 12 of his 19 in the second half as the Comets kept their foot on the gas pedal. Miles
Metz added nine points and Gio Barna had seven for the Comets. Yo-Yo Moran scored 12 points and Dylan Stish had nine to pace Hazleton (9-11, 6-4).
HAZLETON AREA (42) - Paulino 0 0-0 0, Moran 3 3-4 12, Stish 4 0-0 9, Ortiz 3 0-0 7, Vasquez 2 3-4 7, Macko 2 0-0 4, Heck 0 1-2 1, Lucas 0 0-0 0, Lantigua 0 0-0 0, Ramirez 1 0-0 2. Totals: 16 7-10 42.
CRESTWOOD (59) - Johnson 0 0-0 0, Barna 3 0-2 7, Metz 2 4-4 9, Wagaman 8 2-3 19, Montanari 0 0-0 0, Sechleer 0 1-2 1, Rodgers 1 2-5 4, Brace 0 0-0 0, Agapito 8 3-4 19. Totals: 22 12-20 59. Hazleton Area.....13 6 7 16 - 42 Crestwood...........11 19 11 18 - 59 3-FG: Moran, Stish, Ortiz. Barna, Metz, Wagaman.
Crestwood 57, Nanticoke Area 17 - The Comets stifled the visiting Trojans, holding them to just six baskets on the evening in a onesided WVC Division 1 contest.
The Comets limited Nanticoke to just three first-half points in powering their way to a 35-3 halftime lead.
The Comets nailed 10 3-pointers in the game and saw 10 different players hit the scoring column, led by Miles Metz’s game-high 14 points. Brady Johnson and Connor Wagaman each scored nine, with Johnson reaching his season high with all nine points coming in the second quarter.
NANTICOKE AREA (17) - Maga 0 0-0 0,
Crestwood.....8 27 8 14 - 57
3-FG: Mishanski 4, Ball. Metz 4, Johnson, Wagaman, Montanari, Naperkowski, Oravic, Agapito.
5 p.m.
Want more customers? Get your ad in front of 1.2 million local readers for just $100 a week in publications like this. One ad. Six states + D.C.. Countless new customers. Contact info@macpa. net or call Alyse at 484-269-6367
Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-877-327-0686 today!
Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920 Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-866-482-1576 or visit dorranceinfo.com/macnet
Get a break on your taxes!
Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, nocost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-844-320-2804 today!
Burgundy Color, 36 Coverage Ag Panel, Metal Roofing & Siding, Winter Special $2.00 L.F. $.67 SQ.FT. Made in Ephrata Pa. Email; sales@7174455222. com 717445-5222 FINANCIAL
Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit Cards. Medical Bills. Car Loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call NATIONAL DEBT RELIEF and find out how to pay off your debt for significantl less than what you owe! FREE quote: Call 1-866-272-0492 Your ad here. 570-215-0204 xt2
$13/col.
Do you know what’s in your water? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-996-1526
DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-877-553-1891 www. dental50plus.com/macnet #6258
Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-844-317-5246
Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-833-356-1954
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855465-7624 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
No more cleaning out gutters. Guaranteed! LeafFilter is backed by a no-clog guarantee and lifetime transferrable warranty. Call today 1-855-791-1626 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation estimate. Get 15% off your entie order. Plus, Military & Seniors get an additional 10% off. Limited time onl. Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty and offer details
Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material – steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer – up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for militar, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-855-338-4807
Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waiving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. (Offer ends 12/27/26.) Call 1-844-826-2535
New windows from Window Nation. Special money saving offer – zeo down, zero payments, zero interest for TWO years AND buy 2 windows and get 2 FREE! Offer is valid for select models. Labor not included. Other restrictions apply. Call Window Nation today! 844-513-2646
No more cleaning out gutters. Guaranteed! LeafFilter is backed by a no-clog guarantee and lifetime transferrable warranty. Call today 1-855-569-3087 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation estimate. Get 15% off your entie order. Plus, Military & Seniors get an additional 10% off. Limited time onl. Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty and offer details
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-888605-4028 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material - steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer - up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for militar, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-844-290-9042
The bathroom of your dreams in as little as 1 day. Limited Time Offer - $1000 off or No Payment and No Interest for 18 months for customers who qualify. BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Call Today! 1-855-504-4710
DIRECTV OVER INTERNET - Get your favorite live TV, sports and local channels. 99% signal reliability! CHOICE Package, $84.99/ mo for 12 months. HBO Max and Premium Channels included for 3 mos (w/CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-629-6086
We buy 8,000 cars a week. Sell your old, busted or junk car with no hoops, haggles or headaches. Sell your car to Peddle. Easy three step process. Instant offe. Free pickup. Fast payment. Call 1-833-926-4725
DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-335-6094
The Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit’s (CSIU) Keystone Purchasing Network (KPN), is soliciting bids for Indefinite Quantity Construction (IDIQ) Services to perform work for KPN members in PA. Bids will be received for GC, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, and Paving in twelve regions. Webinar Pre-Bid Meetings will be held on February 4 & 5, 2026. For more information: www.theKPN. org Bids due February 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Interested bidders must register online at kpn.ionwave.net. Bid opening February 25, 2026 @ 11:00 AM @ CSIU Main Office, 90 Lawton Lane Milton, PA. The CSIU reserves the right to reject any or all bids or any part thereof or items therein and to waive informalities and/ or technicalities as it deems best to protect its interest.
Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts
Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 855-402-5341
ACROSS
1. Action word
5. Sierra Nevada, e.g.
8. Do like Lindsey Vonn
11. Sheltered, nautically speaking
12. a.k.a. Daminozide
13. a.k.a. tangelos
15. Ladder crosspiece
16. Rigatoni relative
17. Earth tremor
18. *Buchanan’s or Lincoln’s birth place (2 words)
20. Odds’ partners
21. Completely dedicated (2 words)
22. Street in France
23. *The Era of Good Feelings president
26. Ground red peppers spice
30. Paleozoic or Victorian, e.g.
31. Talking pet
34. Flock’s affirmtion
35. Phonograph media
37. It doesn’t mix with water
38. Key, in Spanish
39. Letter before kappa
40. Conjured
42. Bathtub hooch
43. “You don’t bring me flowers ____
45. Silvery-white, in heraldry
47. The night before
48. Add something extra (2 words)
50. Eye rakishly
52. *Millard’s last name
55. Unwelcome software message
56. Double reed woodwind
57. Actress Sorvino
59. Carell on “The Office
60. Falling out
61. Grand in scale
62. *Buchanan who ran for president in 1992 and 1996
63. Dental school alternative to MCAT
64. Tiresias in “Oedipus Rex,” e.g.
1. Variable, abbr.
2. Twelfth month of Jewish civil year
3. *Attorney General under Bill Clinton
4. Panhandler
5. “My wife can vouch for me”, e.g.
6. Ancient Romans’ language
7. Julia Roberts’ Academy Award-winning role
8. Went down slippery slope
9. Gene Simmons’ rock band
10. Belief or philosophy
12. Popular floweing shrub
13. Deplete (2 words)
14. *Eisenhower or Grant, pre-presidency
19. Horse hoof sounds
22. One in Dean Martin’s pack?
23. Means of mass communication
24. Belted starman
25. Highly unpleasant
26. *Between Tyler and Taylor
27. Visual representation
28. Macaulay Culkin’s famous character
29. Beside, archaic
32. *Karl ____, “The Architect” of George W. Bush’s campaigns
33. Grande or Bravo, e.g.
36. *Nickname for Kennedy’s presidency
38. Read-only memory device
40. Before, old-fashioned
41. Aerie baby
44. Blatant
46. Mythological garden guardians
48. Fibula’s partner
49. Marriott hotel brand
50. “Blackfish” (2013) subject
51. Small cave
52. *Model T namesake or U.S. President
53. Ready for picking
54. Lake north of Cleveland
55. Clairvoyance
58. Acronym, abbr.
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
It goes down in the record books as a 9-point defeat, there’s no debating that.
But make no mistake about it, Saturday night’s 79-70 setback to Schuylkill League Division II champ Tri-Valley will be a positive the Weatherly Wreckers can draw on as they prepare for the postseason.
Playing in front of a large Hall of Fame night crowd at the Weatherly Area Middle School varsity gym, the Wreckers gave the highly-touted Bulldogs all they could handle in a game that wasn’t decided until the final minutes.
It was a far cry from their first encounter with the Bulldogs this season, a 92-64 loss at TriValley in early January.
Not one for moral victories, Weatherly head coach Luke Medico couldn’t have been more pleased with his team.
“That’s one of the better games that they’ve played, ever,” he said. “We didn’t win, but I put these four things on the board before the game. Play with heart, that’s number one. They did that the entire time. Their attitude was great, their intensity was great, their effort was great.
“They put all four of them together for one game. Unfortunately we got outmatched. Tri-Valley’s a good team.”
Playing without starting forward Dominick Kokinda, who was injured in last week’s CMVT win, the shorthanded Wreckers took it to the visiting Bulldogs from the opening tap.
With Corbin Wagner scoring eight of his team-best 26 points and Ian McKeegan six of his 18 points, the Wreckers inched out to a 21-19 lead through one quarter.
The fast-paced, up-and-down action continued into the second quarter, with the Wreckers going up by as many as eight points (36-28) after Matt Adler’s shot
JH
block led to Wagner’s fast-break basket with 2:48 to go in the half.
But the Bulldogs closed the quarter on a 9-0 run, with Kingsley Johnson coming off the bench to score five of those points, and Gavin Klock getting a late basket that gave Tri-Valley a 37-36 halftime lead.
The Bulldogs continued to light it up from the perimeter in the third quarter, hitting four triples in the period to lead by as many as seven (61-54) on Braeden Doyle’s trey at the 55-second mark. A Niko Saldukas free throw and Adler’s lane jumper in the closing seconds cut it to 61-57 heading to the fourth.
Wagner’s 3-pointer and drive down the lane, McKeegan’s feed to Adler, and then McKeegan’s own driving basket had the Wreckers within five (71-66) with 3:23 to play, but they could get no closer. Klock converted an old-fashioned 3-point play, then added 3-of-4 free throws in the final minute as the Bulldogs (19 2, 13-0 D-II) were finally able to escape with the hard-fought win, remain perfect in division play, and end the Wreckers’ five-game win streak.
“It was a good game, the best effort that they could possibly give,” Medico said. “Unfortunately it didn’t work out. We might have run out of gas a little at the end, but they kept going. What could we have possibly done differently? Maybe get some more rebounds, but whatever.
“They did their best and it wasn’t for a lack of trying, but sometimes people can jump higher than you. The effort was there. I’m happy. I think this is the first loss I’ve experienced where this is good. We had them for a while.”
Wagner’s 26 points, McKeegan’s 18, Saldukas’ 12 and Adler’s 10 paced the offense, but the play of little-used junior forward Jacob Hinkle was perhaps the Wreckers’ biggest bright spot of the evening. Coming off the bench in all four quarters, Hinkle gave the team a huge lift with his rebounding and hustle plays, keeping the ball alive on both ends of the floor. He finished with si rebounds.
“Dom hurt his ankle the other day. He might be back (this) week,” Medico confirmed, “but Jacob Hinkle, that was the most
experience he’s had in varsity ever, and I can tell you that kid, for his first time out there, had all four going: Heart, effort, attitude, intensity. He gave everything he possibly could (with) blocks, steals; he kept the ball alive. Fundamentally, how he plays basketball is beautiful. The kid just wants to play and win. That made me happy today.”
Although the loss dropped the Wreckers to 6-7 in league play, they were still alive for the third and final playoff spot ou of the division for the upcoming Schuylkill League playoffs. They were in a four-team battle with Nativity (7-6), Williams Valley (7-6) and Marian Catholic (6-7) for that final spot. Weatherly needed a win at Williams Valley on Tuesday and a Nativity loss to force a tie and a playoff for the final spot, which would be played on Wednesday.
The Wreckers (13-7 overall) also have a non-league game with Palmerton scheduled for Thursday at home to conclude the regular season. They entered the week seeded second in the District 11-2 Class A rankings, behind Bethlehem Christian (18-2) and ahead of Nativity (10-11) and Lincoln Leadership Academy (10-9).
“Especially without Dom tonight, to be able to put that effort out there is big,” Medico concluded, noting the team is playing its best ball at the right time.
“The momentum is going. We want to play basketball in March,” he said, referring to a deep postseason run. “It’s a good group. It would be cool to see them out with a good run.”
Tri-Valley won Saturday’s junior varsity game 55-47. TRI-VALLEY (79) - Carl
Continued from page 14
Weatherly Area 103, Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech 71 - The Wreckers reached the century mark for the first time in recent memory, overpowering CMVT with a whopping 43 made baskets in the runaway road victory last Thursday.
Ian McKeegan poured in a career-high 35 points to lead the offensive explosion, but was by no means alone. Corbin Wagner scored 23 points, Niko Saldukas had 16 and Dominick Kokinda 13 before turning an ankle that forced him to the bench for the second half. Matt Adler and Brandon Davis each chipped in with eight points for Weatherly. The Wreckers got separation
with a 27-13 first quarter and continued to pile on the points. The Mercy Rule went into effect with 2:16 to play.
Weatherly also won the junior varsity game, 39-15, behind Eli Brown’s 12 points.
WEATHERLY AREA (103) - Adler 4 0-0 8, D. Kokinda 6 1-1 13, I. McKeegan 12 9-12 35, J. McKeegan 0 0-0 0, Hinkle 0 0-0 0, Saldukas 7 1-2 16, Davis 4 0-1 8, Aneskevich 0 0-0 0, Brown 0 0-0 0, Wagner 10 2-2 23. Totals: 43 13-18 103. CMVT (71) - Treon 0 1-2 1, Koserz 1 1-4 3, Molicle 8 1-2 18, Morgan 9 0-0 18, Mitzel 2 0-0 6, Auldsworthy 3 2-2 8, Demko 5 2-4 12, Carr 1 0-0 2, Torres 0 1-2 1, Makarzs 1 0-0 2, Rodgers 0 0-2 0. Totals: 30 8-18 71.
Weatherly Area....27 23 26 27 - 103
CMVT...................13 21 22 15 - 71
3-FG: I. McKeegan 2, Saldukas, Wagner. Mitzel 2, Molicle.
Weatherly Area 74, Lourdes Regional 71 - Last Wednesday in Shamokin, the Wreckers and Indians went to overtime before their Schuylkill League Division II contest was decided.
The Wreckers trailed by 10
points (34-24) at halftime, but a 24-point third quarter got them back in it, and they outscored Lourdes 40-30 in the second half to force overtime.
Weatherly outscored Lourdes 10-7 in the extra session, getting five points from Ian McKeegan to help seal the deal.
McKeegan finished with 20 points, while Corbin Wagner (18), Niko Saldukas (16) and Matt Adler (12) joined him in doubles.
Lourdes had five players in doubles, led by Trebor Moore’s 20 points and six 3-pointers.
WEATHERLY AREA (74) - Adler 5 1-3 12, D. Kokinda 2 4-6 8, I. McKeegan 7 4-10 20, Saldukas 6 0-0 16, Davis 0 0-0 0, Wagner 6 5-6 18. Totals: 26 14-25 74.
LOURDES REGIONAL (71) - Williams 0 0-0 0, Scicchitano 5 2-6 12, B. Renn 0 0-0 0, Rischel 4 2-5 10, Sheganoski 0 0-0 0, Rishel 6 0-1 12, Moore 7 0-0 20, G. Renn 7 0-0 17, Pulaski 0 0-0 0. Totals: 20 4-12 71.
Weatherly Area......10 14 24 16 10 - 74
Lourdes Regional...15 19 13 17 7 - 71
3-FG: Saldukas 4, I. McKeegan 2, Adler, Wagner. Moore 6, G. Renn 2.
Weatherly Area’s Ian McKeegan pulls up in front of the Wrecker bench for a corner jumper during the fourth quarter of Saturday’s basketball game against visiting Tri-Valley.
JH Photo by Steve Stallone
Playing their fourth game in seven days, the Weatherly Area girls fell to Williams Valley 54-5 in Schuylkill League Division II girls basketball play on Monday. A 20-0 start for Williams Valley left no doubt to the outcome. Mallory Miller led the Vikings’ balanced offensive attack with 13 points.
The Lady Wreckers, who finished 2-12 in Schuylkill League play, dipped to 5-14 overall heading into their final three regular-season games, starting with Thursday’s home game with Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech. They host Lincoln Leadership Academy on Friday, and visit CMVT next Wednesday, Feb. 11 prior to the start of the district playoffs.
Weatherly is currently the third seed for the District 11-2
Class A Subregional, set to begin later this month, trailing top seed Bethlehem Christian (14-3) and No. 2 Salem Christian (7-9).
WILLIAMS VALLEY (54) - Shomper 1 0-0 3, Kobulark 4 1-2 9, Miller 5 0-0 13, Koppenhaver 2 0-0 6, Smeltz 4 0-0 9, Readinger 2 0-0 4, Kasper 4 0-0 10. Totals: 22 1-2 54.
WEATHERLY AREA (5) - Russell 0 0-0 0, Kane 1 1-2 3, Kehler 0 0-0 0, Way-Heffner 0 0-0 0, Reiner 0 2-2 2, Weston 0 0-0 0, Gerhard 0 0-0 0, Snyder 0 0-0 0. Totals: 1 3-4 5. Williams Valley.....20 9 12 13 - 54
Weatherly Area.......0 2 0 3 - 5
3-FG: Miller 3, Koppenhaver 2, Kasper 2, Shomper, Smeltz.
Northumberland Christian 33, Weatherly Area 19 - Clinging to a 20-14 halftime lead, Northumberland Christian posted a 9-2 third-quarter run that gave it separation in a non-league win over visiting Weatherly on Saturday.
Emma Conner paced the winners with 16 points and
Hannah Millett joined her in doubles with 10.
Kelly Reiner hit for 14 points in leading the Lady Wreckers.
WEATHERLY AREA (19) - Kane 2 0-0 5, Kehler 0 0-0 0, Way-Heffner 0 0-0 0, Reiner 5 0-0 14, Weston 0 0-0 0, Snyder 0 0-0 0. Totals: 7 0-0 19.
NORTHUMBERLAND CHRISTIAN (33)Conner 6 4-5 16, Lamey 0 0-0 0, Reitz 0 0-0 0, Bennett 1 0-0 2, Phillips 2 0-0 5, Millet 4 1-2 10, Hamilton 0 0-0 0. Totals: 13 5-7 33. Weatherly Area........6 8 2 3 - 19 Northumberland......8 12 9 4 - 33 3-FG: Reiner 4, Kane. Phillips, Millet.
Tri-Valley 38, Weatherly Area 29 - Avery Miller scored 14 of her gamehigh 17 points in the second half to help rally Tri-Valley past visiting Weatherly Area Friday.
The Lady Wreckers got the early jump, using eight Kelly Reiner points to break out to a 10-3 first-quarter lead. They led 15-14 at the half.
Tri-Valley moved in front 28-24 after three quarters before outscoring Weatherly 10-5 in the fourth to secure the Schuylkill League Division II win.
Tri-Valley’s Ava Snyder scored eight of her 10 points in the second half to back Miller.
Reiner finished with 12 points, and Maci Kane chimed in with 11 for the Lady Wreckers.
WEATHERLY AREA (29) - Kane 3 4-9 11, Kehler 2 0-0 4, Way-Heffner 0 0-0 0, Reiner 5 1-6 12, Weston 0 0-0 0, Snyder 1 0-0 2. Totals: 11 5-15 29. TRI-VALLEY (29) - A. Miller 5 5-6 17, G. Miller 1 0-0 2, Sittlinger 0 0-0 0, Sankas 3 1-4 7, Detrich 0 0-0
Miller 2.
Lourdes Regional 65, Weatherly Area 5 - Lourdes Regional remained unbeaten in Schuylkill League Division II play, moving to 12-0 with the road win at Weatherly last Wednesday. Hannah Lokitis scored 17 points and Sophia Karlovic followed with 16 to pace Lourdes.
The Red Raiders have already clinched a berth in the upcoming Schuylkill League playoffs, which will begin Feb. 7 and conclude with a Feb. 13 championship game at Martz Hall in Pottsville. They are also regarded as a top contender for a District 4 championship and a deep
Continued from page 9
“Sometimes you get a little overhyped, but this time we knew what we had to do, we practiced very hard. We believe in each other, we pick each other up instead of yelling at each other, and we listen to the coach and nobody talks back. I think our energy and our connection are really what helped us.”
And they didn’t just discard the first meeting with Hazleton Area. They studied it.
“We watched film today an we watch it as much as we can,” she said. “Playing them the first time at home, it really helps me understand what I’ve got to do better. My teammates do the same thing. This time instead of taking wild shots after breaking their press, we stayed composed and played as a team.”
The Lady Comets were able to slow a potent Hazleton Area attack in the halfcourt game, while also keeping the Lady Cougars from getting out and running as they like to do.
That defensive effort started i the back line with Hiller.
“I went into this game knowing defense is all that matters,” Hiller said afterward. “I don’t care about points, I don’t care about anything like that, just all defense.”
And rather than going to a zone in order to keep fresh later in the game, as they did in the first meeting, the Lady Comets went right at Hazleton Area.
“To be honest, I talked with my assistant coaches and we all wanted to play man secretively,” admitted Mushock-Namey, “The last game we said you don’t want to exert all your energy because when you play man it exerts a lot more energy. Two days ago, (the players) said we’re playing man. It was straight-up man. And when we play man, sometimes we just lock in and it makes us overall better on both ends of the court.”
Played in front of a large and vocal crowd at HAHS, the game had a distinct playoff feel, as th first meeting did.
The first half was a back-andforth tussle with neither team getting out to much of a lead. The score was tied 16-all after one quarter, and was still deadlocked at 24 midway through the second when Dougherty drove to the
Crestwood’s Jamie Dougherty poured in a game-high 25 points to lead the Lady Comets past Hazleton Area 63-51 on Sunday evening, in Hazle Twp. Photo courtesy of Bob Gaetano
basket for her third straight field goal.
Jordan Andrews hit a free throw, Dougherty got to the rim for two more, and Norah Sklarosky came off the benc and buried a corner shot to keep Crestwood in front. Dougherty’s late 3-pointer gave her 11 of the Lady Comets’ 16 points in the quarter, and a 32-29 halftime lead.
“It wasn’t one of our better performances,” offered Hazleto Area head coach Joe Gavio. “We missed a ton of layups that keeps you in the game. And for some reason we looked tired in the first minute of the game. We looked a little gassed. But you can’t miss layups like that against a good team, and they’re a good team.”
Reigning WVC D-1 Player of the Year Kaitlyn Bindas (22 points) scored the first two baskets of the second half to put Hazleton back on top 33-32. But Cameron Vieney hit a free throw, and Hiller went end to end for a layup and a 35-33 Crestwood lead the Lady Comets would not relinquish.
Dougherty hit a long 3-pointer and Jackie Gallagher added a breakaway basket to make it 40-35, and later Dougherty converted a spin move in the lane before drilling another triple to put the Lady Comets up 45-37 heading to the fourth.
“I thought their secondary players played well,” Gavio said. “I thought Andrews played well,
Sklarosky played well, Vieney played really good. Dougherty had a tremendous game. I thought we did a good job on Gallagher and Hiller, but the other kids made plays without scoring. They just made a lot of good plays.”
Andrews scored twice on breakaways to start the fourth, Hiller added a fast break bucket, and Dougherty broke the press and dished to Gallagher for an easy deuce as the Crestwood lead swelled to 14 points (53-39) midway through the final period. Hazleton never got closer than eight points the rest of the way, and Crestwood salted it away at the foul line, making 8-of-10 in the final 2-plus minutes.
Dougherty finished with three steals and numerous assists, while Andrews also enjoyed a strong floor game with 13 points five rebounds and four steals. Gallagher scored 11 and made three steals.
It was Crestwood’s first win over Hazleton Area in three years, and Dougherty was savoring it.
“Right now, I’m still taking it in, but it feels amazing,” the senior point guard said. “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates, and it feels great to be in an atmosphere like this and doing it with the people I love the most. I have my ups and downs, and it happens, but I’m 100 percent back for sure.”
Mushock-Namey is certainly glad Dougherty is back in the
fold and quarterbacking the Lady Comets.
“Her senior leadership is fantastic,” the Lady Comets’ coach said. “She had some hard times this year, thinking about last year and not being a part of it. She just proved herself tonight. That’s what we missed out on (last year), and now that she’s playing at the top of her game, (and) no better time to do it.”
Hazleton Area responded one day later by wrapping up no less than a tie for first place with a 83-28 win over Berwick on Monday.
Gavio said he doesn’t think he’s seen the last of Crestwood.
“We were feeling real good, we just scored 107, but maybe a loss sometimes is not a bad thing,” Gavio noted, saying “I believe we’ll be playing them again, and that would be really great.”
For Crestwood, there was big business to attend to first before they could think of any kind of WVC title game rematch, won by the Lady Cougars last season.
“I definitely think it does raise our confidence a lot, but we do have to beat Dallas, that’s what matters,” Hiller said.
“That should be pretty exciting. That’s a big game. Just take the momentum with us and keep going.”
CRESTWOOD (63) - Vieney 1 3-4 5, Hiller 3 1-2 7, Gallagher 5 1-2 11, Andrews 4 4-7 13, Dougherty 8 6-8 25, Sklarosky 1 0-2 2. Totals: 22 15-25 63.
HAZLETON AREA (51) - Marolo 1 5-6 7, Benyo 1 0-2 2, Bindas 9 3-4 22, Lagowy 0 0-0 0, Reimold 5 1-2 12, Silva 1 0-0 2, Rodger 0 2-2 2, Fritz 1 0-0 2, Temchatin 1 0-0 2, Chupela 0 0-0 0. Totals: 19 11-16 51.
Crestwood...........16 16 13 18 - 63
Hazleton Area.....16 13 8 14 - 51
3-FG: Dougherty 3, Andrews. Bindas, Reimold.
Crestwood 62, Berwick 45 - Last Thursday at Berwick, Crestwood placed all five staters in double figures to beat host Berwick in WVC Division 1 play.
Jackie Gallagher showed the way with 15 points, and was followed closely by Keira Dougherty (13), Charlie Hiller (12), Cameron Vieney (11) and Jordan Andrews (11).
Abby Calarco scored 14 points to lead Berwick.
CRESTWOOD (62) - Korpusick 0 0-0 0, Vieney 4 1-1 11, Hiller 6 0-0 12, Gallagher 5 4-4 14, Andrews 4 1-2 11, Lapsansky 0 0-0 0, Sklarosky 0 0-0 0, Dougherty 5 3-4 13.
Totals: 24 9-11 62.
BERWICK (45) - Calarco 4 6-6 14, Zanoline 0 0-0 0, Robbins 4 2-7 10, Post 4 0-0 10, Remley 0 0-0 0, Fraind 2 0-2 4, Zakrewsky 3 0-1 7. Totals: 17 8-16 45.
Crestwood.....21 16 13 12 - 62
Berwick.........13 8 12 12 - 45
3-FG: Vieney 2, Andrews 2, Gallagher. Post 2, Zakrewsky.