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Nanticoke

H.S. Girls Basketball: Lake-Lehman routs Nanticoke Area to clinch state playoff spot

LEHMAN TWP. — The third meeting on Tuesday resembled the second meeting three weeks earlier.

That was good for Lake-Lehman and bad for Nanticoke Area.

Lehman shut down Nanticoke Area’s 3-point shooting and dominated inside with its size just like last time as the Black Knights posted a 55-33 win in the District 2 Class 4A girls basketball third-place game.

Ella Wilson led the scoring with 15 followed by Claire Dougherty with 14 and eight rebounds. Brenna Hunt had 11 and Hailey Kline scored eight and had a game-high 10 boards. Lia Keefe’s defense at the top of the zone constantly disrupted Nanticoke Area’s perimeter shooting.

“Keefe just adds to that,” Nanticoke Area coach Ed Grant said. “She’s long, she’s aggressive, she’s relentless. And Dougherty is good inside. Wilson can hit some shots and she’ll be a problem for a while.”

Lehman (20-4) secured a spot in the PIAA Class 4A state playoffs with the victory. The Black Knights will play the District 3 runner-up — either Delone Catholic (25-1) or Berks Catholic (21-5) — in the first round next week. The District 3 title game is Saturday afternoon.

“It’s big,” Lehman coach Charlie Lavan said. “Last year, they only took one team (because of the pandemic). We’re in a tough bracket. You’d like to be at the arena and like to come home with a district title, but you have to know who you’re in there with.”

Nanticoke Area ended its season at 13-12. The Trojanettes, though, were the only team to defeat eventual Division 2 champion Lehman in during the Wyoming Valley Conference regular season. They did so with an array of 3-pointers. Riley Baird had eight of the 14 treys and finished with 42 points in the 70-58 win…

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Mohegan

Boys basketball: Bears hold off Windham, capture first ECC tournament championship

UNCASVILLE — Heading into Tuesday’s ECC Division II tournament final, Stonington boys basketball coach Jay Wosencroft had acknowledged that defense was not the master key to the Bears’ near-perfect run through the conference.

The Bears allowed too many points for his liking in a number of victories and missed opportunities to upset higher-division powers New London and St. Bernard because of defensive lapses in an otherwise impressive season.

But with 20 seconds left in the D-II final against Windham, and with his Bears clinging to a three-point lead, Wosencroft trusted his senior-laden team to play defense to secure the program’s first ECC tourney championship.

And it did just that. Windham missed 3-point attempts with five and one second left, and top-seeded Stonington emerged with a 65-62 victory — its 15th in a row — in front of about 1,690 at Mohegan Sun Arena.

With three fouls to give before No. 2 Windham would reach the one-and-one bonus, conventional strategy called for fouls to delay an opponent’s offensive attack and prevent a potential tying 3-pointer. Wosencroft, however, instructed his players not to foul and instead play tight defense. The strategy worked.

“We talked about giving fouls, we’ve practiced those late-game situations, but I wasn’t comfortable with us deliberately fouling,” he said. “I wanted us to play tough defense and see what happened.”

Windham’s top two shooters, Travis Mangual and Malcolm Hunter, missed game-tying 3s. Yes, defense evidently does win championships.

It was a well-earned championship for the Bears (19-3), their first in three finals appearances after losing in 2011 and 2019.

The young Whippets (16-7) showed up playing fast and confident. Paced by Mangual, their lead guard, Windham used a 14-0 run to lead 25-13 after one quarter. Mangual already had 11 points. Stonington allowed a number of offensive rebounds, turned the…

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Mohican

Heavy rains cause flooding in low-lying areas, close roads in Northern Ohio

Two nights of rain filled puddles and ponds and caused creeks to overflow their banks across Northeast and North Central Ohio, leaving some motorists stranded and others delayed Monday.

The waters rose so high that a flood was declared in southern Ashland County and a flood advisory was issued for just about everywhere else.

An average of 2 inches of rain fell along the U.S. Route 30 corridor by Monday morning, according to Raelene Campbell, a meteorologist in the Cleveland office of the National Weather Service.

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Rainfall was lighter in Crawford County and picked up further east in Richland, Ashland and Wayne counties. Holmes County saw flooding in the Killbuck Creek area.

Black Fork River hits flood stage in Loudonville

The heavies rains fell in southern Ashland County, based on reports collected by the weather service.

“At Loudonville we have a report of 2.29 inches,” Campbell said. “Southeast of Perrysville we have a report of 2.14 inches.”

Just north of Loudonville, Honey Creek and Big Run both feed into the Black Fork River, which then meets the Clear Fork River to form the Mohican River south of town.

“The only problem we’re seeing is in the Loudonville area,” Campbell said. “The river gauge there has gone into flood stage.”

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It was the Black Fork that broke the 10-foot barrier by about an inch Monday morning to put the town into an official flood. That warning, though, was scheduled to expire Monday afternoon.

“I don’t expect it to last longer than 3 o’clock,” Campbell said. “If anything, we might be able to cancel it a bit earlier.”

Although the Mohican River was not into the official…

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Lenni Lenape

Debunking myths about Delaware Water Gap getting a national park designation

By John Donahue

“The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation bill authorizes the creation of a 72,000-acre national park… A full 15% of this nation’s entire population will live within 100 miles of this reservation,” President Lyndon Banes Johnson, Sept. 1, 1965 on the signing of Delaware Water Gap legislation.

The Warren County Commissioners deserve a lot of credit for being leaders in protecting the quality of life for their citizens and for supporting the Delaware River National Park and Lenape Preserve that will enhance the prestige and economy of the existing park and surrounding area. Their leadership on this issue will benefit all Americans. While every opinion should be respected on the management of our public lands, it is important that we share the actual details of the proposal and not misinformation and speculation.

The purpose of designating the Delaware River National Park and Lenape Preserve is to place this gem of our national heritage into the jeweled crown of the national park system where it has always belonged.

Delaware River National Park and Lenape Preserve appropriately recognizes the singularly spectacular natural and cultural resources contained within this park. It recognizes the extraordinary complex of resources found in this one place: the Appalachian Trail, the longest undammed river in the Eastern United States, the Delaware; the Kittatinny Ridge; and 12,000 years of demonstrated human occupation; all this within the homeland of the Lenape people. All these unique elements of our national heritage are found within the heart of hundreds of thousands of acres of connected public lands in one grand cultural landscape. Creating the park and preserve with the correct designations and maintaining the traditional activities, including hunting within the preserve, will fulfill the original intention of Congress to create equity in nature-based recreational opportunities for the now 60 million people living…

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Unami

UNAMI Report: Overcoming obstacles, women shone in 2021 elections; greater political participation is imperative

The performance of Iraqi women in the October elections marks a major improvement from the 2018 elections, with 29 percent representation up from 25 percent. The fact that 57 women from 16 governorates, out of the 95 women candidates, won outside the quota demonstrates Iraqi women’s ability to win on their own merits. Notwithstanding this achievement, the quota remains a key instrument to guarantee women’s representation in the Council of Representatives, the report added.

The analysis highlighted impediments to women’s advancement in the elections, such as security challenges, cultural and traditional gender roles in rural areas, violence against female candidates, limited training, insufficient political party support and financial resources. The report revealed that the majority of women who won were politically affiliated, indicating that political parties remain a key avenue to enter parliament.

The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq for Political and Electoral Affairs, Ingibjörg Sólrún-Gísladóttir, said: “Iraqi women have proven that when they have the opportunity to enter politics, they excel. The 2021 election is a case in point – an unprecedented number of seats went to women candidates, above their quota. I encourage this success to be reflected in the government formation and with senior appointments. Women should take their rightful place in politics and all decision making in the society. The exemplary performance of women in the October elections should be translated into advances in other areas.”      

The report recommended measures to bring Iraq into compliance with international standards such as the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) to which it is a party, in order to end gender-based discrimination in politics and create a more enabling environment for women’s political participation and electoral representation. Measures beyond quotas could be introduced, including financial support, lower thresholds for candidate…

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Nanticoke

As stores ban Russian vodka, Nanticoke distillery pledges funds for pro-Ukrainian cause

Instead of advocating for a Russian vodka boycott, the LBC Distillery is promoting a Nanticoke vodka fundraiser to assist the people of Ukraine.

The owners of LBC Distillery — which makes its vodka in Nanticoke and sells it in Pittston — are pledging 10% of vodka sales in the near future to a pro-Ukrainian cause.

“Instead of being anti something we wanted to be pro something,” said Maryann Lang, who owns and runs LBC Distillery with her husband, Jonathan.

The vodka sale fundraiser was inspired by a growing boycott of Russian-made vodka that has been sweeping the world since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Pennsylvania has banned the sale of vodka made in Russia at its Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores in response to the invasion.

But, to the surprise of many, the banned list only includes two brands that were regularly stocked — Russian Standard and Ustianochka — and several special-order products with minimal annual sales.

Other popular vodkas, like Stolichnaya and Smirnoff, and bottom-shelf brands, like Nikolai, Crown Russe and Vladimir are branded as Russian, but are actually made elsewhere.

Around the country, people have taken to social media to dump their vodkas — with many discarding the non-Russian-made vodkas like Stolichnaya, better known as “Stoli” and now made in Latvia, and Smirnoff, now made in Illinois. Both do have roots in Russia.

“They dumped perfectly good vodka in an effort to feel good,” Maryann Lang said.

With vodka in the news, the Langs felt it was a good time to remind people there is a family-owned distillery that makes vodka right here in Luzerne County that reinvests in the community.

“If they want to limit the availability of some vodka, that means ours may stand out a little more,” Jonathan Lang said.

The LBC Distillery retail outlet and tasting room at 350 Kennedy Boulevard in Pittston is open Thursday…

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Mohegan

CIAC boys basketball state tournament pairings: Bristol Central looks to win its first title in 32 years, Cromwell is the top seed in Division IV

The CIAC boys basketball state tournament is back for the first time since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with games slated to start Monday with first-round games in Division II and IV and conclude March 19-20 at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Can Bristol Central and UConn men’s basketball recruit Donovan Clingan win the school’s first title since 1990? How far will the other top CCC teams — Northwest Catholic, Windsor, East Catholic and Conard — go? And can Cromwell win its first title since 2018?

Here is a quick breakdown of the divisions.

Division I

This tells you what you need to know about Division I: Eighth-seeded East Catholic (16-6) and ninth-seeded Farmington, both excellent CCC teams, will play each other on March 10 at East Catholic. In 2019, East Catholic was the Division I state champion, and Farmington won the Division III title. The two teams played each other not long ago with Farmington (15-6) beating East Catholic 85-76 on Feb. 18. East Catholic played a tough schedule. Four of the Eagles’ losses were to Windsor in overtime, Northwest Catholic by three points, Mater Dei (California) and Bristol Central. Farmington had to play Northwest Catholic twice (and lost twice).

Windsor, another top team that advanced to the CCC semifinals before losing to Bristol Central, is the sixth seed. The Warriors (18-4) will face the winner of the Manchester vs. Glastonbury game in the second round. If Windsor gets past the second round, the Warriors could face third-seeded Ridgefield, which beat Windsor 65-62 on Jan. 22.

Division II

Can anybody stop top-seeded Bristol Central and Clingan, its 7-foot-2 star? So far, no one has been able to. Windsor, one of the best teams in the state, had two shots at the Rams and came up short both times, including a 57-37 loss in the CCC tournament semifinal…

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Mohegan

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Visits Connecticut

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visited Connecticut Wednesday, the day after President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address, toured parts of the state and met with members of the Mohegan Tribe and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation to discuss investments in Tribal communities.

She met with leaders from the Mohegan Tribe and toured the Tantaquidgeon Museum and later traveled to Mashantucket to tour the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and meet with Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Tribal Council members, youth leaders, and community members about the issues impacting the community, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior.

“Today it was an incredible honor for our Tribal Council, Elders Council, and Youth Council to welcome to Mashantucket the first Native American woman to ever serve as U.S. Secretary of Interior, Deb Haaland. A longtime friend of Mashantucket, Secretary Haaland is the first sitting Secretary of Interior to ever visit our reservation. There was no better way to kick off Women’s History Month than hosting a woman who has broken so many barriers and has an unparalleled commitment to this country and all Native Americans,” a statement from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation says.

Haaland, Gov. Ned Lamont, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams visited the Stewart B. Mckinney National Wildlife Refuge in Westbrook while she was here.

The Department of the Interior said the infrastructure law would help strengthen Tribal economies, bolster community resilience, replace aging infrastructure, expand access to clean drinking water, and ensure that everyone has access to…

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Nanticoke

Obituaries in Poughkeepsie, NY | Poughkeepsie Journal

Robert Janso

Highland – Robert Janso, age 87 of Highland, New York passed away on Monday, February 28, 2022 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center, with his family by his side.

Born in Nanticoke Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late John and Marie Janso. He married his beloved wife, Violet on August 16, 1958 in Brooklyn, NY.

Robert proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1951- 1955 on the Destroyer USS Lewis Hancock during the Korean War.

Robert was a truck driver for Interstate Motor Freight Trucking Company in Mahwah, New Jersey for 20 years. He loved to be in the outdoors hunting and fishing. He was a skilled woodworking craftsman who loved whittling, building birdhouses and creating special wooden mementoes for his family and friends. He was also avid collector of pocketknives. Robert will always be remembered for his quick wit and humor.

Robert is survived by his wife, Violet and four children: Robert Janso (Theresa) Deephaven, MN, Cynthia Kurry (Joseph) Highland NY, John Janso (Amy) Wawarsing, NY, James Janso (Giulia) Highland, NY; seven grandchildren, Robert Janso (Chelsey) Kathleen Fasano (Jordan), Samantha Janso (Chris), Cassidy Janso, Sean Kurry, Giovanna Janso, James Janso and great grandsons Lucas Janso and Earl Dahlke and soon to arrive in June, great granddaughter Hannah Fasano, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings Mary Antonnachio (Felix), Elsie Janso, John Janso (Florence), Emil Janso, Rudy Janso, Walter Janso (Anne), Ann Daniels (Ralph) and brother-in-law Jack Houston.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 6, 2022 from 2:00 – 6:00 pm at the Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home, 162 S. Putt Corners Road, New Paltz.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday at the funeral home at 10:00 AM.

Robert will be laid to rest following the funeral service in The Ulster County…

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Mohican

Midterm break 2022: Staycation ideas

The 2022 midterm break at Capital is upon us; if you have not made any travel plans, there are still many ways you can spice up your week. If you are staying local for spring break, consider these close-to-home options to make your time off memorable. 

If you are looking to take a road trip, Hocking Hills is only about an hour’s drive from Columbus. At Hocking Hills, you can go camping, rent out a cabin, or just take a day trip. The state park features waterfalls, hiking trails, rock formations and caves. It is an ideal place to enjoy nature or rent out a cabin with friends. 

Take a road trip to Hocking Hills. Photo taken by Ava Boldizar.

Another similar road trip option is Mohican, which is a little over an hour’s drive from Columbus. Mohican is another option for those wanting to explore the outdoors, go hiking and/or rent a cabin. 

If you are wanting to stick closer to home, consider visiting Franklin Park Conservatory right here in Columbus. There is lots to see, with the conservatory featuring exotic plants, art exhibits and a butterfly garden. 

Visit the Franklin Park Conservatory. Photo taken by Ava Boldizar.

Otherworld is another must-see attraction in Columbus. Otherworld is an immersive art installation, with “over 40 scenes filled with large-scale art and mixed reality playgrounds,” according to their website. Visitors are free to explore and interact with the art, making Otherworld a one-of-a-kind experience. 

Penn & Beech Candle Co., previously known as The Candle Lab, allows visitors to make their own candle. You browse through the available scents, pick your favorites, then an employee will help you create a scent…

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