Month: August 2023

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Nanticoke

Look Back: All-American football and World War I hero hailed from Nanticoke

Nanticoke was the birthplace of an All-American football player, a volunteer of the Mexican War, a decorated hero as a U.S. Army captain and major during World War I and a Luzerne County assistant district attorney.

Thomas Alexander Butkiewicz was born June 21, 1883, to Nanticoke postmaster Thomas Butkiewicz and his wife, Anna. After graduating Nanticoke High School, he studied law at Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

While attending UPenn, Butkiewicz signed up to play football for the Quakers, playing on the offensive line for three years. For the 1904 season, the Quakers went undefeated outscoring all of their opponents 222-4 to a 12-0 record and being named by sports writers of the time as the nation’s best collegiate football team in the country.

Butkiewicz was admitted to the Luzerne County Bar Association on Sept. 25, 1905, and began his law career being named assistant district attorney under District Attorney Abram Salsburg.

“Assistant District Attorney Thomas Butkiewicz again held forth in court room No. 1 yesterday and succeeded in disposing a number of cases on the criminal calendar,” reported the Wilkes-Barre Record on April 25, 1908.

Butkiewicz continued his career with the district attorney’s office through the 1900s and into the early 1910s. As the conflict with Mexico grew over the border, Butkiewicz answered the call for volunteers and enlisted in the U.S. Army as a lieutenant in 1916, taking a leave of absence as an assistant district attorney.

“He served for several months and developed a military aptitude that elevated him from lieutenant to captain to major,” the Record reported.

As the United States took a neutral position at the outbreak of World War I, Butkiewicz volunteered to go to France as a member of the Princeton…

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Mohegan

How to watch Dirk Nowitzki’s hall of fame induction

Dirk Nowitkzi is adding one more jewel to his crown this week in being inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, during a weekend of ceremony and celebration in Springfield, Massachusetts. A first-ballot selection, the Dallas Mavericks legend is joined by a decorated class of inductees, featuring the likes of Gregg Popovich, Tony Parker, Pau Gasol, and Dwyane Wade among others. Festivities will begin on Friday.

Over 21 seasons with the Mavericks, Nowitzki amassed an arena’s worth of recognitions including: 12-time All-NBA, 2007 MVP, 2011 Finals MVP, 2011 NBA Champion, 14-time All Star, as well as being named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team. The former ninth overall pick — who in the last 18 months has seen both his Mavericks and German national team jerseys retired, a Dallas street named in his honor, as well as a statue placed outside American Airlines Center in Dallas — becomes the seventh player that wore a Mavericks uniform to be inducted in to the hall, and undoubtedly the most important.

There will be a full slate of activities during the celebration, here are some highlights and how to watch or take part:

Friday, August 11

Class of 2023 Autograph Session at Mohegan Sun (Uncasville, Conn.)

11:00 AM ET

Meet the Class of 2023 at their first public Enshrinement Weekend event! A ticket to this event will give you the opportunity to receive one autograph per class member.

Enshrinement 2023 Press Conference Media Availability at Mohegan Sun

2:00 PM ET

The official media availability for the Hall of Fame Class of 2023. This availability is only open to credentialed members of the media, along with VIP Package ticket holders and will be held at Mohegan Sun. The press conference will be televised by NBA TV….

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Mohegan

Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2023 enshrinement schedule

A star studded class will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame this weekend to take their place in basketball history.

It will be a busy weekend of activities to commemorate the class of 2023 that kicks off on Friday, Aug. 11 at Mohegan Sun before the enshrinement ceremony takes place on Saturday in Springfield.

This year’s class, which was announced in April, includes Gene Bess, Pau Gasol, David Hixon, Gene Keady, Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, Gregg Popovich and Dwyane Wade, Gary Blair and Becky Hammon.

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Here’s a full rundown of events for the weekend.

FRIDAY AUGUST 11TH AT MOHEGAN SUN CASINO

Autograph Session 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM – Mohegan Sun, Convention Center

The kickoff event for Enshrinement Weekend will allow ticket holders to receive one autograph per class member. Only one outside item per ticket holder is permitted.

Press Conference – 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (NBATV) – Mohegan Sun, Cabaret

Media availability for the Hall of Fame Class of 2023 is only available to the credentialed media.

Tip-Off Celebration & Awards Gala – 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM – (NBATV) – Mohegan Sun

The Class of 2023 and the Hall’s annual award winners will be celebrated at this event with the Class of 2023 rings and Hall of Fame jackets being presented.

SATURDAY…

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Mohican

James Ward-Prowse interview: West Ham midfielder discusses David Beckham’s influence and his new surroundings in east London

In his Southampton farewell video, there was a clip of a teenage James Ward-Prowse revealing two career aims: to get a scholarship with the Saints and to play for England. Internally, there was another dream – and that was to be David Beckham.

Not similar to David Beckham, or close to David Beckham. To actually be him.

“I copied a few of his hairstyles along the way,” the midfielder tells Sky Sports about his childhood days. “I went for the mohican, the grade two all over.”

The midfielder’s long-term association with Beckham through free-kick-taking has been long known and talked about. But the link between the pair went up a notch when Ward-Prowse took the No 7 shirt at new club West Ham, following his £30m move from Southampton.

Needless to say that the 28-year-old has been wearing that number on his back for years given his long-term fandom of Beckham.

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Becks vs JWP After admitting that Beckham was his hero and the reason he picked number seven at West Ham, we look at some of the stunning free-kicks from Ward-Prowse and Beckham

“To emulate him in that way with the No 7 is a good opportunity as he was someone I emulated growing up in the garden,” Ward-Prowse says when asked about his new squad number and its link to his childhood hero.

“It was just in general, the way that he was. I would watch his game on the TV live and I would be straight out in the garden trying to perfect it, shouting ‘Beckham’!

“It was the classic Mum calling you in for dinner but I wanted to keep practicing. And I smashed a few greenhouses along the way!

“But it’s all been worth it -…

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Unami

Survivor of the Canal Hotel Bombing Reflects on the Attack

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Mohegan

Mohegan ‘focused’ on growing digital as land venues decline

Mohegan is focused on growing its digital segment as revenue during the second quarter of 2023 fell slightly in comparison to the previous year.

Digital operations improved across all financial measurements, but land-based operations failed to match online’s strong performance during the quarter.

Publishing its Q2 results, Mohegan declared overall revenue of $415.4m, down 0.4 per cent in comparison to the previous year’s $417.1m. However, Q2’s revenue is an improvement on Q1’s $405.8m.

Income from operations dropped as well by 8.6 per cent year-over-year to $82.4m (2022: $90.1m), while net income fell by 14.8 per cent to $50.6m (2022: $59.4m).

However, while adjusted EBITDA also declined by 9.5 per cent YoY to $108.7m (2022: $120m), the quarter’s figure was the third-highest quarterly total in the operator’s 26-year history, with the previous year’s figure being the highest.

AEBITDA margin came in at 26.2 per cent, 268 basis points favourable in comparison to Q3 2019 and 262 basis points unfavourable in comparison to Q2 2022.

As of June 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022, Mohegan held cash and cash equivalents of $188.2m and $164.7m, respectively.

Commenting on the results, CEO Raymond Pineault said: “Our consolidated adjusted EBITDA of $108.7m was the third highest quarterly total in our 26-year history, while the prior-year comparable quarter was the highest to date.

“We continue to see strong results from our digital segment and are focused on growing that line of business.”

Per segment, Mohegan’s Digital revenue improved by 56.6 per cent YoY to $16.7m thanks to strong growth in Connecticut and the addition of Ontario. Connecticut online casino gaming win rose by 65 per cent to $42.8m (2022: $26m) with 10,000 active daily players. 

For Ontario’s Play Fallsview, unique players, deposits and wagering…

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Nanticoke

Addison F Kreamer Jr. 1939-2023

Addison F Kreamer Jr., 84, of Nanticoke, Luzerne County, passed away the evening of Monday, August 14, 2023 at the River View Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Wilkes-Barre.

Addison F Kreamer Jr.Addison F Kreamer Jr.Addison F Kreamer Jr.

He was born on May 13, 1939, a son of the late Addison F. and Louise E. (Truckenmiller) Kreamer, Sr.

Addison enjoyed fishing, farming, and anything that had to do with nature. He was also a United States Navy Veteran.

He is survived by his wife, Eileen M. (O’hern) Kreamer; three children, Michael Kreamer of Newville, Christine Kreamer of Kingston, and Jason Kreamer of Nanticoke; five grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four siblings, Ruth Rosenberry, Patricia Peiffer, Helen Reese, and Richard Kreamer.

Addison’s graveside service will be held on Monday, August 21, 2023 at 11 a.m. in the Spring Hill Cemetery. Pastor Bruce Levy will officiate. There will be no public viewing or visitation.

Arrangements are entrusted to Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be expressed at the funeral home’s website.

MORE OBITUARIES



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Mohegan

Oktoberfest is Back at Mohegan Pennsylvania

WILKES-BARRE — Mohegan Pennsylvania takes over the harness track & track infield to celebrate the return of NEPA’s largest outdoor beerfest — Oktoberfest 2023! Return of the popular beer festival is set for Friday, September 15 and Saturday, September 16

Guests can enjoy 50+ domestic and imported beer options, delicious food, live music, cornhole tournaments, wiener dog racing (yes, you read that correctly) and much more!

Germany’s own, Romy also returns for her 7th Consecutive Performance at Oktoberfest.

Tickets are $5.00 per day at the door. Friday’s hours are 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Saturday’s are 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Mohegan Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Event Venue.

The region’s largest Oktoberfest is back where it all started. The festivities will kick off with a ceremonial keg tapping from each of our participating distributors for Oktoberfest at 5:00 p.m. on September 15.

Over the course of this two-day event, guests will enjoy award-winning traditional entertainers, local bands, authentic German American cuisine, wiener dog racing, NEPA cornhole tournaments, strong arm contests and more than 50 beer selections such as Shangy’s – The Beer Authority, Northeast Eagle, Wallenpaupack Brewing Co and L.T. Verrastro. Guests will also have the option to enjoy wine, spirits and various seltzers.

NEPA Cornhole will be conducting walk-up tournaments throughout the festival which will take place on the racetrack infield.

Live entertainment at Mohegan Pennsylvania’s Oktoberfest includes fan-favorites like Bavarski Band, Schützengiggles Oompah Band, Joe Stanky and the Cadets, Alpine Horns Ensemble, HSV Bavaria, Ken Norton, Jay Luke and the return of multi-talented German singer, Romy. The main stage will feature an area of over 1,000 seats for guests to enjoy,

This diverse lineup features some artists based right out of NEPA, such as Schützengiggles Oompah Band who are a traditional German/Bavarian Brass band from Scranton. There’s also…

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Nanticoke

Resurrecting Espy Run: A Victorious Restoration of a Coal-Mined Waterway

Terence Ostrowski recently embarked on a hike through Hanover Township, revealing a sight that never fails to amaze him—the crystal clear waters of Espy Run flowing towards the Nanticoke Creek and eventually, the Susquehanna River. What sets this stream apart from others in the region is the fact that it is brand new—the reestablishment of a waterway that disappeared seventy years ago due to coal mining.

Ostrowski, President/CEO of the nonprofit Earth Conservancy, displayed a series of maps at their headquarters in Ashley to showcase the significance of this achievement and its recent recognition with an environmental award. One of the maps, dated 1894, depicted Espy Run flowing from Hanover Reservoir through the West Hanover section of Nanticoke. Another map from the 1939 showcased the stream’s similar path.

However, on a map from the 1950s, the stream abruptly vanished due to strip mining at the Bliss Colliery. Mining activities caused fractures in the earth, swallowing up the stream underground. Instead of continuing its natural course, the water ended up in the strip pits, resulting in heavily contaminated runoff resurfacing through boreholes at the Askam pond area.

A 2001 study highlighted the severe water quality issues caused by Espy Run’s disappearance, leading to a 2005 assessment of the Nanticoke Creek Watershed and plans for the restoration of the waterway. The Earth Conservancy designed a riparian forest buffer to enhance habitat and create a wildlife corridor.

The construction of a new 6,000 linear feet stream began in 2016, with slight alterations to the path to avoid disrupting a residential area. The new channel closely resembles a natural stream, meandering with pools and rifts, and is heavily vegetated. To prevent water infiltration below, the entire channel was lined with clay, and over 1,500 coniferous and deciduous trees were planted along its course.

Elizabeth Hughes, Earth Conservancy’s communications director,…

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Munsee

Anishinabek Nation hosts Eshki-niigijig Maawanjidiwaad youth gathering

Lance Copegog, Anishinabek Nation Eshki-niigijig Advisory Council Southeast male representative and Beausoleil citizen, addresses youth on Day 3 of the Anishinabek Nation’s Eshki-niigijig Maawanjidiwaad 2023 Youth Gathering. – Photos by Ryan Peplinskie

By Rick Garrick

THUNDER BAY — Climate change, housing needs, and mental health and addictions support were among the issues raised during the Anishinabek Nation’s Eshki-niigijig Maawanjidiwaad 2023 Youth Gathering, held from Aug. 10-13 at Lakehead University’s Thunder Bay campus.

“This youth assembly was an opportunity for the youth to provide their input and direction to the Anishinabek Nation on their priorities,” says Lance Copegog, Eshki-niigijig (Youth) Advisory Council Southeast male representative and Beausoleil citizen. “We heard that addressing climate change, creating housing for our families in our communities, and supports for mental health and addictions are among the top priorities for youth.”

Copegog says the youth are also looking into doing more gatherings to provide youth with opportunities to give direction to the Anishinabek Nation.

“We are doing a lot of work to build capacity in First Nation communities to support youth leadership initiatives, one of them being the creation of community-based youth councils,” Copegog says. “That is really important to give youth the opportunity in their communities to work on these issues, to advocate, and to represent their peers.”

Katelyn Peters, Eshki-niigijig Advisory Council Southwest female representative and Munsee Delaware Nation citizen, says this was the first youth gathering since 2019.

Katelyn Peters, Eshki-niigijig Advisory Council Southwest female representative and Munsee Delaware Nation citizen.

“I feel like it has been quite difficult, especially considering they experienced COVID-19 for the past three years,” Peters says. “They haven’t been able to see their peers, their own family members, other [citizens] of the Anishinabek Nation, but I…

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