NORTH STAGECOACH ROAD in Lausanne Township, seen from South Stagecoach Road where it crosses Buck Mountain Road.
JH: Ruth Isenberg
Relief coming for Lausanne roads Nearly $940,000 for Carbon County Road Improvement Projects
Carbon County municipalities were recently awarded nearly $940,000 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) to improve local roadways, according to Rep. Doyle Heffle (R-122) and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29).
Projects that received grants include:
Carbon County — $350,000 to refurbish County Bridge
SNOW WAS EVERYWHERE: The weekend snowstorm dropped well over a foot of snow throughout the area, and it had to go somewhere. An attempt was made to capture the time and temperature on the White Haven Market sign, but it did not cooperate with timing. Tuesday afternoon it read 16°.
JH: Ruth Isenberg
#18, Tannery, which spans the Lehigh River between Kidder Township, Carbon County and Foster Township, Luzerne County.
Lausanne Township — $586,000 to reconstruct and pave North and South Stagecoach Road and North Church Road.
See ROADS, page 6
Preserving the past
The White Haven Area Community Library is partnering with The JournalHerald newspaper to digitize over one hundred years of local Journal newspapers. This project has enormous historical value for the people of White Haven and the surrounding communities.
Library patrons will be able to search Journal articles dating back to the late 1800s on the computer when the project is completed.
The Journal was established in 1879. Many of its old editions are still available, but are in very fragile condition. Digitizing these files is the only way to safely provide public access.
See PRESERVING, 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 © Copyright 2026, The Journal-Herald
editoriAl
Respect works better than force to gain cooperation
by Ruth Isenberg
One of the most troubling aspects of the recent ICE shootings in Minneapolis is the attitude displayed by ICE and Border Patrol agents toward the public under the current administration.
Law enforcement is a tough job. One of the hardest aspects is the dual nature of acting swiftly and sometimes harshly against criminals, and still creating a sense of safety and trust with the public. Police officers and other public safety personnel must exercise goo judgement, and not let their concentration on stopping crime cause them to treat ordinary people as though they too are criminals.
Extensive training goes into developing good law enforcement officers. They must learn how to evaluate each situation, respond wit restraint to provocation, and use the appropriate amount of force in each instance the less, the better.
Parents tell their children to turn to police officers if they get lost or need help. Our local police departments do a great job at creating a sense of safety, engaging in community activities like trunk or treat and summer programs so that kids get to know them, and trust them. This proactive approach creates an attitude of mutual respect that goes a long way toward making our communities safer.
This is not to suggest that ICE agents should be involved in community-building activities. That’s not their role. They should, however, be adequately trained to use the minimum amount of force required, to use force only when absolutely necessary to de-escalate situations, and to show respect for the public.
There has been effective immigration control in the past including the Bush, Obama, and even previous Trump administrations without the necessity for masked enforcement officers treating the public with contemp
No one likes to be criticized, and the people protesting the ICE operations in their cities are certainly being critical. They have a right to be critical a right guaranteed by the Constitution. They should not be threatened, tear-gassed, and definitely not shot for exercising that Constitutional right.
Archives
From The Journal-Herald January 31, 1991 Jay & Clara Holder, Publishers
Another flag picture tops this issue. Double flags are shown on Main Street in White Haven, at the municipal building, and behind it at the Gower building.
The project of restoring and preserving the Mrs. C.M. Schwab portrait in Weatherly got off to a good start, following two well-attended meetings. Jack Koehler was elected treasurer, with Betty Henry president, Tim Frable vicepresident, and Loretta Allison secretary. They adopted the name “Weatherly Citizens Committee,” which is how the school board referred to it in its resolution to accept and house the portrait in the new high school building. The actual restoration costs, estimated at between $6,000 and $10,000, will be covered by Cable TV Company owners Joseph and Irene Gans, but more money will be needed to repair the frame and move the portrait.
White Haven Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 named its officer for 1991. Fire chief was Paul Yankanich Jr. Dean Raudenbush was first assistant fire chief, an John Klem and David Searfoss were assistant fire chiefs. On the corporation side, David Searfoss was president, Darrin Gallagher was vice-president, John Klem was secretary, and Zina Klem was treasurer.
Carbon County Commissioner Dean D.W. DeLong announced that he was a candidate for reelection. A Republican, he served as minority commissioner.
A letter to the editor announced that no Homecoming would be held in White Haven in 1991, because of a lack of interest evidenced by poor attendance at a planning meeting. A second letter from the wife of a service member serving in the Persian Gulf
praised the caring and concern expressed by the community after she returned to the area to be with her family during his deployment.
An advertisement announced the grand opening of Here We Grow Again! Children’s Consignment Shoppe at the rear of Caster’s Floral and Gift Shop. Another announced the opening of Poco-West Veterinary Clinic in White Haven, Dr. Renny Shoop, V.M.D.
Lutheran Welfare Service offered counseling for relatives of service personnel, free of charge to those with feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, grief or overwhelming memories.
St. Jude’s School in Mountaintop announced participation in the Children’s Education Fund, which donated 25¢ for every purchase of a Duncan Hines or Jif product, between January 15 and May 30. The school was also collecting Acme cash register receipts toward school computers.
Families in the areas served by the White Haven and Weatherly Post Offices and adjacent area who have a relative serving in Saudi Arabia were offered a free fax service to contact them, through Jack Swartz’s Carpet Workroom, Main Street in White Haven.
Security Savings of Hazleton announced the installation of a Night Depository at its Weatherly branch.
The Professional Office of Weatherly (18 Carbon Street) ran an ad announcing its newest member Arnold G. Nance, Certified Public Accountant, offering tax return preparation, corporate and individual accounting service, and estate planning and related professional services. Other tenants were Atty. Daniel A. Miscavige, ProFAX, Public FAX Service, and David T. Novitsky (The Prudential), with Gerard E. Grega, Owner.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
Packer Township
Auditors Meeting Rescheduled Notice is hereby given that on Monday, February 2, 2026 at the Packer Township Municipal Building, 2234 Hudson Drive, Weatherly, PA 18255 the Packer Township Auditors will hold their re-organizational meeting for 2026 at 4:00 P.M.
Stephanie Stolpe Secretary/Treasurer
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE of CATHERINE FRANCES MILLER aka CATHERINE MILLER, deceased, late of the Borough of Nesquehoning, Carbon County, Pennsylvania.
LETTERS TESTAMENTARY have been granted to the undersigned who requests all persons having claims or demands against the estate of said decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payments, without delay, to the Co-Executors:
Harry M. Miller, Jr. 231 Stock Street Nesquehoning, Pa. 18240
Melanie Miller 231 Stock Street Nesquehoning, Pa. 18240 or to their Attorney:
Robert T. Yurchak, Esquire 1 East Catawissa Street Nesquehoning, PA 18240 1/29
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Sherry Lee Ramirez, of Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania, in the Estate of Nancy J. Laubach, late of Conyngham, Pennsylvania, who died on December 8, 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 Administrator named or to:
Conrad A. Falvello, Esquire
THE FALVELLO LAW FIRM, P.C. 641 State Route 93 Sugarloaf, PA 18249 1/29
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY have been granted to LAUREN ELIZABETH KORSHALLA of the Estate of Joseph Daniel Korshalla, deceased and late of Weatherly, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, who died on December 9, 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 1/29
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that East Side Borough Council will conduct their regular monthly meetings on the firstThursday of the month (unless otherwise noted) during the Year 2026. The meeting dates are as follows:
February 5, 2026
March 5, 2026
April 9, 2026
May 7, 2026
June 4, 2026
July 2, 2026
August 6, 2026
September 3, 2026
October 1, 2026
November 5, 2026
December 3, 2026
All meetings will begin at 6:30 P.M. in the John Murphy Room of the White Haven Library, 121 Towanda Street, White Haven, Pa. 18661
Carol Ann Lenahan, Secretary
Need an Extra Copy of this issue?
The Journal-Herald is for sale at: White Haven Market, Soapy Bee and 940 Plaza in White Haven, Wawa at the Turnpike in Kidder, Weasel’s in Dennison, and TJ’s One Stop in Weatherly.
obituAries
CHARLOTTE M. BODER
Charlotte M. Boder, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026, at the age of 89.
Born on May 6, 1936, in Wilkes-Barre, Charlotte was the beloved daughter of the late Stanley and Charlotte (Hajduk) Sudu. She was raised in White Haven and was a graduate of White Haven High School. Following her education, Charlotte became a certified beautician and worked in the profession for several years until marrying her husband, Joseph.
After their marriage, Charlotte and Joseph lived in Gladwyne, where they raised their children and built a loving family life. In her later years, Charlotte made her home in Wilmington, Delaware, where she was a faithful member of Resurrection Parish in Pike Creek. Charlotte was deeply devoted to her family and found her greatest joy in time spent with them. She loved traveling, especially to the western national parks, where she admired the beauty of the mountains. She was an avid sewer and baker, talents
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she shared generously with those she loved. Charlotte was also a faithful reader of The Philadelphia Inquirer, which she read each day.
She is survived by her daughter, Lauren Boder, and her companion, William Muzzi, of Wilmington, Delaware; her son, Stanley Boder, and his wife, Dolores Boder, of Wellsboro; her cherished grandchildren, Summer and Samuel Boder; and her sisters, Barbara DeFazio and her husband, Robert, of Dickson City, and Joyce Musto and her husband, Dominick, of Middlesex, New Jersey.
In addition to her parents, Charlotte was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Boder, and her sister, Dolores Zampetti.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Church in White Haven. Funeral and visitation times are being finalized and will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Lehman Family Funeral Service, White Haven.
Frank “Cheech” Russo, 87, of Weatherly, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, at St. Luke’s Manor.
Frank was born on July 1, 1938, in Calabria, Italy. He later made his way to the United States, where he built a life.
For many years, Frank worked as a hairstylist, a role that suited him well, as he genuinely enjoyed talking with people. Later in life, he transitioned
ELEANOR WEEKS
Eleanor Weeks, 85, of White Haven, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026.
Born on October 2, 1940, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Eleanor was the daughter of the late George and Cecelia (Nugent) Crilly. She was a graduate of Battin High School and went on to work for many years in a cigar factory, where she was known for her strong work ethic.
Eleanor was an avid knitter and a lifelong reader who found joy in quiet moments and creative pursuits. Her faith was central to her life, and she was a devoted and active member of St. Patrick’s Church in White Haven. There, she generously gave her time helping with the food pantry, volunteering in the church kitchen for parish events, and selling gift cards to support church fundraising efforts
She was especially passionate about her involvement in the Pro-Life movement. Eleanor proudly ran St. Patrick’s White Haven Mother’s Day Carnation
Sale, ensuring that all proceeds were donated to Pro-Life causes, a mission close to her heart.
Eleanor is survived by her daughter, Joanie Yankanich and her husband, Paul; her sons, Bill Weeks and Jim Weeks, all of White Haven; three grandchildren, Megan Meikrantz and her husband Chris, Christine Radjavitch, and James Dietrich and his wife Rachel; seven beloved great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
In addition to her parents, Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, William Weeks, and her brothers, George J. and David C. Crilly.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, White Haven, Saturday, February 7, at 11 a.m., with a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lehman Family Funeral Service.
into construction, working as a laborer until his retirement.
Frank loved going to the racetrack and, above all else, treasured time spent with family both by blood and by heart. He was a constant presence, a steady source of care, and a figure of love and guidance, especially to the Falco family, where he adopted the name “Uncle Cheech.”
He is survived by his loving
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cousin, Antoinette Falco, who cared for him devotedly for many years. He also leaves behind his cherished family members: Rocco Falco; Frank Falco (and Lisa Savino); Cristine McElmoyle (and Jason McElmoyle); Stephanie Falco; and Michelle Connors (and Rocco Connors), all of whom he loved dearly.
Frank is preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Russo, and his cousin, Frank Falco.
Frank especially enjoyed spending time with his greatnieces and great-nephews: Samantha Brooks, Nikolas Falco, Christopher Jacobacci, Natalia Falco, Frank Romano, Gia Falco, Gisella Candelario, and Joshua Connors, each of whom brought him great joy and pride.
Services will be private, at the convenience of the family.
Griffiths Family Funera Home of Weatherly is in charge of arrangements.
FRANK RUSSO
Carbon County property transfers through January 11
Banks Township
Nancy L. Kunkel to Robert A. Villegas Agramonte, McAdoo, property at 719 N. Madison St., $1.
Thomas M. Vercusky to Juan Espino Calcano, 26 S. Birch St., P.O. Box 399, Tresckow, property at 26 S. Birch St., $125,000.
Beaver Meadows
Jason Pendal to Jason Pendal, 121 Short St., P.O. Box 364, Beaver Meadows, property at 121 Short St., $1.
JAV Realty, LLC, to Jose Manuel Madera, 2 Berwick St., Beaver Meadows, property at 2 Berwick St., $89,000.
Kidder Township
Land Tycoon, Inc., to Ryan Kraft, Schwenksville, property
on Route 940, $40,000.
Jerelyn N. Pugh to Roger Mark Gerdes, 601B W. Oak Lane, White Haven, property at 601B W. Oak Lane, $289,000.
Oleg Levit to Todd Hanks, West Chester, property at 33 Down Hill, Lake Harmony, $262,500.
Ralph Harold Holland to Cathleen Thyne, Middlesex, New Jersey, property at 11 Down Hill, Lake Harmony, $200,000.
William Dietz to 108 Telemark Partners, LLC, Nyack, New York, property at 108 Telemark, Lake Harmony, $250,000.
Larry Kamnik to Linda G. Calabrese, 5 Lehigh Drive, White Haven, property at 5 Lehigh Drive, $185,250.
George G. Slayback Jr. to Michael J. Mahmde, 32 Swamp Hollow Lane, Albrightsville, lots 50 and 52, Block I, Hemlock Forest Section, Holiday Poconos,
$35,000.
Dale A. Minnich to Amanda Bennitt, Levittown, property at 1370 N. Old Stage Road, Albrightsville, $1.
Jeffrey R. Pietralk to Philly Luxury, LLC, Yardley, Unit 529, Laurelwoods, $700,000.
V and S Land, LLC, to Keith Peckman, Highland Park, New Jersey, property at 148 Crest Drive, Lake Harmony, $525,000.
Jason C. Halsey to HLH Longview Holdings, LLC, West Chester, property at 149 Longview Drive, Lake Harmony, $685,000.
Champions Investment Group, LLC, to Richard P. Brooks, East Setauket, New York, property at 7 Midlake Drive, No. 201A, Lake Harmony, $340,000.
34 Mountainwoods, LLC, to Steven Allan Burriudge, 34 Mountainwoods Drive, Lake Harmony, property at 34 Mountainwoods Drive, $516,000.
Margarite Investment Group, LLC, to Sybcor III, LLC, Blue Bell, property at 10 Red Oak Road, Lake Harmony, $580,000.
Myti Properties, LLC, to Robert Edward Pittman, Bangor, property on North Old Stage
Road, Albrightsville, $150,000. Wilfrid Boursiquot to Yanick Moyen, East Meadow, New York, Lot 44, Section Hemlock Forest, Holiday Poconos, $1.
Packer Township
Joseph M. Kelly to Hannah K. Dtyefansky, 751 Hudson Drive, Weatherly, property at 751 Hudson Drive, $280,000.
Weatherly
Kathleen Paul to Dawn A. Clark, 237 Fourth St., Weatherly, property at 237 Fourth St., $1. Pasco Umbriac to Logan A. Lichtenwalner, 631 Third St., Weatherly, property at 631 Third St., $217,000.
Royale Homes, LLC, to Eric Benson, 58 Hudsondale St., Weatherly, property at 58 Hudsondale St., $187,000. Catherine E. Fiolich to John H. Fiolich, 321 Fourth St., Weatherly, property at 321 Fourth St., $1.
Thomas M. Vercusky to Jennifer Michel Castillo, 671 W. Main St., Weatherly, property at 671 W. Main St., $119,000. Dan Charles Andrews to M & T Realty, Inc., Hazleton, property on East Main Street, $315,000.
Preserving
Continued from page 1
The papers provide a glimpse at local and national life over the past 147 years. Making that history available and accessible has been a dream of publisher
Roads
Continued from page 1
“Repairing bridges and roads is about more than convenience; it’s about safety,” Heffley sai “When a bridge is out, it can delay first responders, school transportation and everyday travel for families. I’m glad to have worked to secure this funding.”
“Improved roads and streetscapes are key to breathing new life into our older downtowns,” Argall said. “I am pleased these local communities were awarded this highly sought-
Ruth Isenberg, who along with co-publisher Seth represents the fourth generation of family ownership.
“This partnership has the potential to turn that dream into reality,” she said. “We look forward to this important project.” Watch for updates as the work proceeds.
after funding to support economic development and improve safety for residents and visitors.”
The MTF, created by the General Assembly, provides funding to encourage economic development and a safe, reliable system of transportation to residents of Pennsylvania. The funding was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, an independent agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development which administers many of Pennsylvania’s economic development and community improvement programs.
Lehigh Gorge Notary
Members of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 thanked the members of the Weatherly Police Department for their service and dedication to keeping our community and its residents safe on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Each member received a Dunkin Gift card. Shown from left are ALA president Georgeann Herling, ALA chaplain Theresa D’Andrea, WPD Chief Michael Bogart, WPD administrative assistant Julie Stefanowicz, and ALA sgt-at-arms Donna Thomas.
Visit our website at pocononewspapers.com for in-between-issue stories and events
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
Lenten services set in Weatherly
Weatherly Area Ministerium announces Community Midweek Lenten Services
February 18–Centenary United Methodist Church will host the Community Ash Wednesday Service with the distribution of ashes and holy communion at 7 p.m.
February 25–First Presbyterian Church of Weatherly at 7 p.m.
March 4–Zions Evangelical Lutheran Church at 7 p.m.
March 11–Salem United Church of Christ at 7 p.m.
March 18–Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church at 7 p.m.
March 25–St. Matthew’s Union Church at 7 p.m.
The Community Lenten Services on February 25, March 4, 11, 18, and 25 will be followed by a time of fellowship and light refreshments. All are welcome.
deANs list roster
Commonwealth University
Dean’s List
Caelyn Fisher, of White Haven: CU-Bloomsburg; Mackenzie Miller, of White Haven: CU-Bloomsburg; Ashley Pleban, of Weatherly: CU-Bloomsburg; Molly Simko, of White Haven: CU-Bloomsburg
President’s List
Owen Broskoskie, of Weatherly: CU-Bloomsburg;
Brianna Pugh, of Weatherly: CU-Bloomsburg; Isabella Ramirez, of White Haven: CU-Bloomsburg
Delaware Valley University
Amanda Colecio of Weatherly, Abigail Hinkle of Weatherly
East Stroudsburg University
Luke Colleran, an Undeclared major from White Haven; Katherine Gallagher, a Nursing major from White Haven; Ainslee Green, a Biology major from White Haven; Kiley Holman, a Nursing major from Weatherly; Bethany Houser, a Athletic Training major from Weatherly; Aaron Kogoy, a Computer Science major from White Haven; Grace Legg, a Communication Sciences & Disorders major from White Haven
Lehigh Carbon Community
College
The Journal-Herald costs $45 per year outside of Carbon and Luzerne Counties; $40 in Carbon & Luzerne Counties—less than buying at the store. Send the form below with your check, or call 570-215-0204 xt2 to order and pay with a credit card. Make check payable to: CANWIN Mail to: 211 Main St., White Haven PA 18661
Send The Journal-Herald to:
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If a gift, sign the card from:
Beaver Meadows: Risel Vargas; Weatherly: Rhiannon Dempsey, Ryan Gillott
Southern New Hampshire University
Dean’s List
Lauren Myers of Weatherly
President’s List
Liernest Varona of Weatherly
Quilt of Valor presented to Richard Garibay
Quilt of Valor…a quilt that is an expression of gratitude meant to thank and comfort our service members and veterans. Whether in time of crisis or in time of peace we honor those who left loved ones and all they held dear to serve their country. This Quilt of Valor says thank you for your service, sacrifice and Valor in serving our nation. To date, over 400,00 Quilts of Valor have been awarded across all 50 states in our great nation.
Marie Shulenski, group leader of the Hazleton Area Chapter of Quilts of Valor, recently awarded a Quilt of Valor to Specialist Richard Garibay, who was nominated by his wife, Donna. Specialist Garibay served in the United States Army from 1954 -1956 during the Cold War. He completed his training as a tele repeater installer at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey and served in Germany. His unit was the 596SigCo (SPT) APO46 which was the Signal Corps, Signals Operations Support Specialist. The APO46 was an old Army post designated for a location in Germany where soldiers provided critical communication systems support. This branch was responsible for creating and managing communications and information systems. Specialist Garibay oversaw all radio communications.
Specialist Garibay received the Good Conduct Medal UCT (United Commercial Travelers)
Medal during his years of service. He noted, at his present age of 91 saying, “I would serve again if I could!” He truly was immensely proud to have served his country.
Family and friends attending the presentation were proud to note that they were a true military family, having sons and brothers who, too, served years in uniform and still serve today! Two of his young grandchildren were all smiles and proud to hold the flag as everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Specialist Garibay’s special Quilt of Valor was machine pieced by Marian Jaxheimer, quilted by Debi Giordano and bound by Debbie Kessell, all members of the Quilt of Valor Foundation and members of the Cranberry Quilt Guild of Hazleton.
In addition to the Quilt of Valor, Specialist Garibay received a Certificate of Appreciation for his service from the Quilt of Valor Foundation.
comiNg eveNts
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 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, 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, July 25 & 26—Jam Below the Dam, White Haven
Saturday, September 12—Car Show, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Lehigh Park, White Haven
Love songs in concert for Valentines Day
Join us for an enjoyable evening of classic love inspired music selections from the 1950s -1980s featuring vocalist Jack James and trumpeter, Frank Balon. The date is Saturday, February 14, 5 – 8 p.m. at Woodie’s Restaurant, 632
Centre Street, Freeland. Concert is free for dining guests. Reservations can be made by phoning (570) 4548000 or (570) 636-3333. (Snow date is Sunday, February 15, 1 - 4 p.m.)
librAry corNer
WHACL candy sales
The White Haven Area Community Library continues to have Gertrude Hawk Chocolate bars for sale as a fundraiser. Thinking ahead to Valentine’s day, stop in and purchase some chocolate for that special
someone!
A new order is being placed for T-shirts and sweatshirts with a variety of sizes, so if you were looking for a certain size please check back soon.
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 White Haven Area Community Library is excited to encourage children to read this February with a special reading incentive program.
Starting now through the first week of February, please stop by the library to pick up a worksheet and a pack of crayons. To participate, have your child read or be read to for 15 minutes each day throughout February, coloring in a picture on their worksheet for every day they complete.
At the end of the month, bring the completed calendar worksheet back to the library. Your child will then get to adopt a fuzzy stuffed penguin to take home, complete with its own carrier and adoption certificate
This program is open to children of all ages while supplies last. We look forward to seeing you at the library.
The library follows the Crestwood school district 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.
The library adult book club will be meeting on February 4 at 6 p.m. when the book The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb will be discussed.
WACL book memorials Memorial books recently donated to the Weatherly Area Community Library include: In memory of Jennifer Thrash by Barbara and Dale Walck:
Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm by Charlie Mackesy Cross and Sampson by James Patterson
Gone before Goodbye by Harlan Coban/Reese Witherspoon
The Invisible Woman by James Patterson
The Kings Ransom by Janet Evanovich
Nash Falls by David Baldacci
Twice by Mitch Albom
In Memory of Joseph Bellas by Anna Marie Michaels
The Collector by Daniel Silva
Denied Access by Vince Flynn
JourNAl-herAld sPorts
Weatherly Boys Basketball Roundup Wreckers reel off three straight wins, punch their ticket to districts
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
The Weatherly Area Wreckers are back in the district basketball playoffs
On Saturday at MMI Prep, the Weatherly boys rolled to a 72-46 non-league win over the Preppers, giving the Wreckers their third victory of the week and punching their ticket to their second straight District 11-2 Class A Subregional Tournament that takes place next month.
With wins over Nativity, Shenandoah Valley and MMI Prep in a five-day span, the Wreckers improved to 11-6 to reach the magic number of wins necessary to qualify. They entered this week with five regular-season games remaining.
“It feels great,” stated senior
Weatherly Area’s Brandon Davis (23) takes a shot in the lane during Saturday’s boys basketball game against MMI Prep, in Foster Township.
Niko Saldukas, one of the core group of players who have been up on the varsity for four years now. “We went from a team that would maybe win a handful of games, and now being able to clinch playoffs earlier on in the season is a great feeling.”
Fellow senior Corbin Wagner agreed.
“It feels amazing. I love the feeling of clinching playoffs,” Wagner said. “The fact that we only won one or two games our freshman and sophomore years, it just feels great being a better team.
“I feel like we’re doing great. We definitely got better as the season’s gone on, and throughout our whole high school careers.”
The Wreckers had been up and down since returning from a long holiday break, but seemed to have found their groove starting with a thrilling 69-68 homecourt win over Schuylkill League Division II rival Nativity last Tuesday evening.
“It was a real breakthrough for them, a real turning point,” third-year head coach Luke Medico said of the Nativity comeback. “One thing they have not experienced and done is being down 10-12 points or whatever, and then saying ‘No, not on my watch’, and turning around and going all-out.”
The Wreckers followed it up on Friday night with a 94-69 dusting of Shenandoah Valley, then had to be on the bus to MMI Prep on Saturday morning for an afternoon game. The quick turnaround failed to derail the red-hot Wreckers, who took a 12-2 first-quarter lead and gradually pulled away from the Preppers (2-13) for the convincing non-league win.
“Today, their energy was off. We just played last night, and we’re here on the bus at
Weatherly Area’s Niko Saldukas (15) works down low on MMI Prep’s Nate Kringe (22) during Saturday’s boys basketball game, in Foster Township. JH Photo by Steve Stallone
11:30,” Medico said. “This gym is quiet, cold. It’s just a different atmosphere. I said you can’t let the atmosphere here dictate how you act and how you’re going to do things. I pulled that together early. We got out there and ran. It was good.”
Wagner, Saldukas and Ian McKeegan all scored four points in that 12-point opening quarter, and helped force the issue at the other end with pressure defense and blocked shots.
The Preppers were back within seven points (16-9) when Jandel Figuerroa nailed a 3-pointer at the 6:20 mark of the second quarter. However, he was whistled for a technical foul a minute later, and Saldukas’ ensuing free throw started a 9-0 Weatherly run that had the Wreckers in complete control. While their pressing defense was effective in helping to create 22 MMI turnovers, the Wreckers had numerous baskets on assists at the other end, sharing the ball and looking more and more like a team that can make a deep postseason run.
JH Photo by Steve Stallone
WAHS Bball
Continued from page 10
“They played nice team ball today,” Medico said. “The past couple of games they’ve moved the ball well. They truly don’t play selfish basketball.
The Wreckers’ balance was on full display Saturday. Wagner and Saldukas shared game scoring honors with 16 apiece, McKeegan followed with 14, Dominick Kokinda scored 11 and Brandon Davis hit for 10 as all five starters reached double digits.
“Before break we were clicking as a team, but having two weeks off without a game kind of slowed us down,” Saldukas assessed. “After Nativity, I really feel like we started caring more about the team than personal stuff. We’re just putting team ahead of everything right now.”
Saldukas has been dealing with shin splints and a tailbone injury that limited his playing time over the past four games, but he is slowly returning to full health and started on Saturday.
“Coach has been working to get me back in the mix fully, and I’m starting to reach that now, playing the majority of the game and not coming off the bench any more,” Saldukas said. “Whatever the team really needs. I’m fine coming off th bench or starting.”
The Wreckers are heading to the home stretch a confident bunch, a core group that earned a district playoff win last season and came within one victory of a state play-in game.
“I can see us winning out the rest of the season and going into districts, make a big push there, making state playoffs and winning a couple of games there,” Saldukas said.
His teammates share his confidence
“I think we’re going to make the district championship and hopefully win it, and go far in the state playoffs,” Wagner chimed in.
Medico is excited for what could lie ahead for his Wreckers.
whole time and we’re going to gamble, make it happen. If we win, awesome. If we lose, it happens, but don’t quit.”
While the Hilltoppers had Keating, the Wreckers had more collective firepower
Ian McKeegan scored 15 of his team-best 32 points in the pivotal fourth quarter, and teammate Dominick Kokinda scored 12 of his 22 points in that last period as Weatherly outscored Nativity 30-15 down the stretch to win it.
“Everything just came together,” Medico beamed. “That was amazing to see.” Keating finished with four 3-pointers, including the 300th of his career. Layne Pasker (12) and Nick Clarke (10) joined him in double figures for Nativity.
NATIVITY (68) - Clarke 3 4-5 10, Boloman 0 5-6
Weatherly
“This was the magic number, 11. We’re sitting at 11-6 with five games left,” he said. “I think we need help and would need to win out, but could still magically slip into leagues. My mind is now on Lourdes. We’re just
Weatherly Area’s Ian McKeegan defends MMI Prep’s Jandel Figuerroa (3) during Saturday’s boys basketball game at MMI.
trying to finish the year strong the next five games, and get our two weeks of preparation,” Medico added, noting the time between the end of the regular season and the start of districts. “There’s some nagging (injuries) going on. It will give us time to talk, give us time to watch film together.”
The Wreckers’ game at Lourdes was moved from Tuesday to Wednesday of this week due to the winter storm. They will travel to ColumbiaMontour Vo-Tech on Thursday before hosting Tri-Valley for Hall of Fame Night on Saturday. Next week they have games with Williams Valley and Palmerton.
The Wreckers are currently ranked second in the District 11-2 Subregional ratings, trailing only Bethlehem Christian (16-2). Others still in playoff contention behind them include Nativity (8-10), Lincoln Leadership Academy (10-7), Salem Christian (7-10) and Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg (4-9).
MMI won Saturday’s junior
JH Photo by Steve Stallone
varsity game 56-46.
WEATHERLY AREA (72) - Adler 1 3-4 5, D. Kokinda 5 1-2 11, I. McKeegan 7 0-1 14, Saldukas 5 6-8 16, Davis 4 2-2 10, Wagner 7 2-2 16. Totals: 29 14-17 72.
MMI PREP (46) - Figuerroa 2 2-4 7, Temchatin 0 0-0 0, Kringe 4 0-0 8, Dovciak 2 1-2 5, Arias 6 0-0 12, Parikh 0 0-0 0, Gombeda 7 0-0 14, Mayernik 0 0-0 0, DeAngelo 0 0-0 0, Jordan 0 0-0 0, Drobnock 0 0-0 0. Totals: 21 3-6 46. Weatherly Area.....12 19 24 17 - 72
MMI Prep............... 2 13 14 17 - 46 3-FG: Figueroa.
Weatherly Area 69,
Nativity 68 - The Wreckers overcame a 20-point second-half deficit and a 35-point effort fro Nativity senior Trey Keating for a huge win over their Schuylkill League Division II and District 11 Class A rivals last Tuesday night in Weatherly.
The Wreckers trailed 29-27 at the half before Nativity came out on fire in the third, with Keating bombing in 15 of his points in a 24-12 burst that put the Hilltoppers in front.
“We were down 20 with 2:47 in the third, and with six minutes left in the fourth we were down 14 still,” Medico recalled. “I told them we’re going to stay in the press the
Area 94, Shenandoah Valley 69Corbin Wagner had a monster floor game with 24 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and eight steals - just missing a rare quadruple-double - to help power the Wreckers past the visiting Blue Devils in Division II play.
Wagner had plenty of help in the scoring department.
Ian McKeegan led the Wreckers’ balanced attack with 26 points, while Brandon Davis and Dominick Kokinda each chipped in 12, Niko Saldukas tallied 11 and Matt Adler nine. David Burrows hit for 28 points, including five 3-pointers, to lead the Blue Devils.
Shenandoah Valley won the junior varsity opener, 45-41. Jaxon McKeegan and Wyatt Kokinda each scored 11 points for the Wreckers.
SHENANDOAH VALLEY (69) - Reyers 1 0-0 2, Rivera 3 0-0 6, Nunez 1 0-0 2, Gonzalez 0 0-0 0, Burrows
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THEME: LOVE’S IN THE AIR
ACROSS
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5. Aldous Huxley’s drug of choice
8. *Certain Courtney
12. Tear violently
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14. Al Roker’s show
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DOWN
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32. *Lemming relative, or anagram of love
33. Tokyo, formerly
36. *Couch for two
38. Lumps in liquid
40. Knave
41. Unit of electric current flo
44. Absurd
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48. Nutritious beans
49. Black tie one
50. Grain grinder
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53. Occasional heart condition
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55. Riddle without solution
56. Tree juice
Crestwood Wrestling Roundup
Comets’ Engleman, Bibla place at Coal Cracker Boys Wrestling Tournament
Crestwood’s Micah Engleman placed fourth at 147 pounds, and teammate Mariusz Bibla was seventh at 191, leading the Comets at the 15th annual Coal Cracker Boys Wrestling Tournament over the weekend.
Held last Friday and Saturday at Lehighton Area High School, the tournament featured a star-studded field with 57 teams and many of the top wrestlers in the state.
Crestwood and Hazleton Area were among the area teams competing in the twoday event, as well as many teams from the Wyoming Valley Conference and Schuylkill League.
Hazleton Area’s Gabe Benyo brought home the 116-pound championship, and Hanover Area’s CJ Caines (129) was also a champion. Pittston Area’s Brody Spindler placed second at 217 pounds.
Other placewinners from Hazleton Area included Jacob Benyo (third at 123), Tyler Youngocurt (sixth at 162) and Jude Salko (seventh at 135).
Three-time defending PIAA Class 2A champion Faith Christian captured the team title with 265.5 points, easily beating out runner-up Germantown Academy (166.5) and third-place Central Dauphin (162.5).
Crestwood wrestler Micah Engleman, top, placed fourth at 147 pounds over the weekend at the prestigious Coal Cracker Boys Wrestling Tournament held in Lehighton. Comet teammate Mariusz Bibla finished seventh at 191 JH Photo courtesy of Bob Gaetano
BOYS
Hazleton Area 55, Crestwood 6 - The Cougars rolled past the visiting Comets last Wednesday in the final Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 match of the season for both.
In one of the evening’s most anticipated bout at 189 pounds, Hazleton Area’s Mason Marolo scored a 17-2 technical fall over Crestwood standout Mariusz Bibla.
In another key bout,
Puzzle Answers
Hazleton’s Jaxon Johnson surprised the Comets’ Nathan Wisniewski with a 10-2 major decision after Wisniewski beat him in the WVC Tournament.
The Cougars finished the conference season at 4-1, with their only loss to Division 1 champion Wilkes-Barre Area (5-0).
The Comets closed their WVC dual meet season with a 2-3 mark, finishing fourth out of six teams.
GIRLS
Hazleton Area 42, Crestwood 24Crestwood’s Jailah Gil scored a fall at 171 pounds, but the host Lady Cougars proved too much in last Wednesday’s meeting.
In one of the night’s featured matches, Hazleton’s Shaniece Brown posted a second-period fall over Emma Selfe in a battle of District 2 title contenders.
Weatherly Girls Basketball Roundup
Lady Wreckers complete sweep of MMI Prep, still second in district rankings
Playing shorthanded for the second time in three days, the Weatherly Area girls put together a 31-12 victory over visiting MMI Prep Saturday afternoon in Weatherly.
Taking to the court for their second straight game without scoring leader Kelly Reiner, the Lady Wreckers saw others step up and deliver on Saturday.
Freshman Alexia Kehler scored a team-high 12 points, including six in a breakaway third quarter for Weatherly.
Classmate Maci Kane checked in with six points and senior Abby Weston scored all five of her
points in the opening quarter, helping the Lady Wreckers bolt out to a 9-2 lead they would never surrender.
Defensively, the Lady Wreckers held MMI to just two first-quarter points, and only four field goals for the game
With the win, Weatherly swept the season series with MMI and pushed its overall record to 5-10. The Lady Wreckers remained second in the District 11-2 Class A Subregional rankings, ahead of No. 3 Susquehanna Community (3-12) and No. 4 Salem Christian (6-8) among others.
Crestwood Girls Basketball
Defending champion Bethlehem Christian (12-3) is the top seed.
MMI PREP (12) - Drobnock 3 1-2 9, Serrano 1 1-2 3, Abdulrahman 0 0-0 0. Schultz 0 0-2 0, Mooney 0 0-0 0, Washko 0 0-0 0. Totals: 4 2-6 12.
WEATHERLY AREA (31) - Marasco 0 0-0 0, Russell 0 0-0 0, Kane 2 1-2 6, Kehler 5 2-2 12, Way-Heffner 1 0-0 2, Weston 2 0-0 5, Gerhard 1 0-0 2, Snyder 2 0-0 4. Totals: 13 3-4 31.
MMI Prep.............2 0 6 4 - 12
Weatherly Area.... 9 2 16 4 - 31 3-FG: Drobnock 2. Kane, Weston.
Shenandoah Valley 47, Weatherly Area 10 - The Lady Devils raced out to a 22-point first quarter and eased past visiting Weatherly for a Schuylkill League Division II
win last week.
Jocelyn Chagolla led Shenandoah’s balanced attack with 15 points, as all five starters scored at least six points.
The Lady Wreckers were paced by Maci Kane’s eight points.
WEATHERLY AREA (10) - Russell 0 0-0 0, Kane 3 2-4 8, Kehler 0 0-5 0, Way-Heffner
Lady Comets notch third straight; showdown at Hazleton now Saturday
The Crestwood girls kept their Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 title hopes alive last week, rolling past Wyoming Valley West 62-24 for their third straight victory.
Keira Dougherty and Jackie Gallagher each deposited 20 points to share scoring honors for the Lady Comets (17-2, 8-2 WVC Division 1).
With Gallagher drilling a pair of 3-pointers and another basket in the opening quarter, Crestwood pulled out to a 17-7 lead it would not relinquish.
Eleven Crestwood players saw action in the contest, and eight hit the scoring column.
Crestwood’s second-half showdown with first-place Hazleton Area (17-1 overall, 8-0 WVC) will have to wait until Saturday. The game was moved from Monday night due to the weather.
While the Lady Comets currently trail Hazleton and Dallas (8-1) in the WVC standings, they are very much alive for the title and a
Crestwood’s Cameron Vieney surveys the court in the Lady Comets’ 62-24 win over Wyoming Valley West last Thursday in Wright Twp.
JH Photo courtesy of Bob Gaetano
spot in the postseason WVC Tournament.
Crestwood is also currently seeded behind Dallas (18-1 overall) for the upcoming District 2 Class 5A Tournament. North Pocono
(13-3) entered the week third and Abington Heights (11-5) was fourth.
Before their showdown at Hazleton Area, the Lady Comets will first play at Berwick (6-11) on Thursday in a divisional game.
JourNAl-herAld sPorts
Crestwood Boys Basketball Roundup Comets stop three-game slide, beat Valley West to reach 12 wins
Crestwood’s Wyoming Valley Conference losing streak reached three games when Wilkes-Barre Area dealt the visiting Comets a 42-39 defeat early last week at WBA. But the Comets responded on Friday, defeating Wyoming Valley West 65-48 to get back to their winning ways.
Crestwood 65, Wyoming Valley West 48Ayden Agapito tore it up with a game-high 28 points, and the Comets snapped their seasonlong slide in strong fashion.
Miles Metz (12 points) and Jack Rodgers (11) joined Agapito in doubles, while Gio Barna tallied eight and Connor Wagaman six in the balanced attack.
Valley West hung tough early, and trailed by just four (32-28) at the half before the Comets gradually pulled away in the second half. Crestwood outscored the Spartans 18-7 over the final eight minutes
The Spartans (1-8 WVC) also had three players in double figures, led by AJ Hickson’s 19 points. Hicks had four of his team’s seven 3-pointers.
Crestwood (12-6 overall, 6-3 WVC Division 1) was to host Hazleton Area (6-2) Tuesday of this week and Nanticoke Area (0-8) on Friday. The Comets are to visit Shamokin Area for a non-conference game on Saturday.
Jr. High Basketball Roundup
Wrecker junior high teams record sweep of Panther Valley
Boys
Eighth Grade
Weatherly Area 31, Panther Valley 29 - Vincent Garcia scored seven points, Forest Clark added six, and the Wreckers edged the Panthers for the win.
Isaac Schoenberger paced PV with 13 points and Yaasir Jackson scored nine.
Seventh Grade Weatherly Area 36, Panther Valley 32 - Silas Zink’s 17 points showed the way in Weatherly’s four-point win.
MJ Ryan chipped in with nine points.
For Panther Valley, Noah Seifert scored 11 and Keion Wheeler had seven.
Girls
Eighth Grade Weatherly Area 37, Panther Valley 10 - Sophia Durham scored 11 points and Riley Bachert followed with eight as Weatherly overwhelmed Panther Valley.
Lucy Uher topped PV with seven points.
CRESTWOOD (65) - Johnson 0 0-0 0, Barna 3 1-3 8, Metz 5 0-0 12, Wagaman 3 0-0 6, Sechleer 0 0-0 0, Rodgers 3 5-7 11, Brace 0 0-0 0, Agapito 12 4-8 28. Totals: 26 10-18 65.
VALLEY WEST (48) - Mondesis 1 0-0 2, Hickson 7 1-1 19, Carlo 0 0-0 0, J. Smith 4 1-2 10, Syndor 5 1-1 11, Lee 2 0-2 6, I. Smith 0 0-0 0. Totals: 18 3-5 48.
Crestwood.....17 15 15 18 - 65 Valley West...18 10 13 7 - 48 3-FG: Metz 2, Barna. Hicks 4, Lee 2, J. Smith.
Wilkes-Barre Area 42, Crestwood 39 - WilkesBarre Area pulled out to a 27-13 halftime lead, but had to hold off Crestwood’s huge second-half rally to pull out the Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 victory early last week.
The Comets started to cut into the 14-point halftime deficit, using an 8-6 third quarter to inch closer.
In the fourth, Connor Wagaman scored six of his team-
high 10 points as Crestwood outscored the Wolfpack 18-9 to make things tight at the end.
David Jannuzzi poured in 22 points, including four triples in the first quarter, to set the pace for the Wolfpack.
In addition to Wagaman’s 10 points, the Comets received nine points from Ayden Agapito and eight from Jack Rodgers.
CRESTWOOD (39) - Barna 2 0-0 6, Metz 2 0-0 6, Wagaman 4 1-1 10, Sechleer 0 0-0 0, Rodgers 4 0-0 8, Brace 0 0-0 0, Agapito 4 1-2 9. Totals: 16 2-3 39.
WILKES-BARRE AREA (42) - Williams 0 0-0 0, D. Jannuzzi 7 4-5 22, Magee 1 0-0 2, Keating 3 3-4 9, Shovlin 1 0-0 2, L. Jannuzzi 2 0-0 5, Fuentes 1 0-0 2, Sillah 0 0-0 0. Totals: 15 7-12 42. Crestwood........ 6 7 8 18 - 39 Wilkes-Barre...17 10 6 9 - 42 3-FG: Barna 2, Metz 2, Wagaman. D. Jannuzzi 4, L. Jannuzzi.
Scholastic Schedule
THURSDAY, JAN. 29
Boys Basketball
Weatherly Area at ColumbiaMontour Vo-Tech
Girls Basketball
Weatherly Area at Tri-Valley Crestwood at Berwick
FRIDAY, JAN. 30
Boys Basketball
Nanticoke Area at Crestwood
Girls Basketball
Weatherly Area at Northumberland Christian
SATURDAY, JAN. 31
Boys Basketball
Tri-Valley at Weatherly Area
Crestwood at Shamokin Area
Girls Wrestling
Crestwood at Williamsport Area
MONDAY, FEB. 2
Girls Basketball
Williams Valley at Weatherly Area
TUESDAY, FEB. 3
Boys Basketball
Weatherly Area at Williams Valley
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4
Girls Basketball
Dallas at Crestwood
Girls Wrestling
Crestwood at Wyoming Valley West
THURSDAY, FEB. 5
Boys Basketball
Palmerton at Weatherly Area
Crestwood at Dallas
Girls Basketball
Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech at Weatherly Area
FRIDAY, FEB. 6
Girls Basketball
Lincoln Leadership Academy at Weatherly Area