Category: Nanticoke

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A job advertisement appeared in the Wyoming Herald newspaper in Wilkes-Barre on Aug. 7, 1829, seeking 200 “stout, able-bodied” laborers to construct the Nanticoke Dam.

The job ad sought “steady, sober and industrious men.”

A week earlier, the Board of Canal Commissioners met in Harrisburg on July 30, 1829, to discuss the construction of the Nanticoke Dam inquiring if the dam would be strong enough to withstand the mighty Susquehanna River.

The Nanticoke Dam was built seven feet height extending across the river between West Nanticoke and Nanticoke, with the pool of water used to fill the yet-to-be constructed North Branch Canal from Nanticoke to Wilkes-Barre. The canal was built along the river shore and snaked through Wilkes-Barre where it exited back into the river at today’s location of the Luzerne County Courthouse.

A guard lock was built just north of the dam to control water levels in the canal.

Once the canal opened in 1831, arks and barges began transporting coal from collieries, lumber from mills and produce from farms in the Wyoming Valley to the bigger cities.

“A journey hence to the city of New York or Philadelphia will be a matter as familiar as a joy to the Nanticoke dam,” the Republican Farmer and Democratic Journal reported Jan. 23, 1833.

With the dam forming a deep pool of water on the river, landowners along the river were quick to realize their properties increased in value. Many sold their lands to mine companies and railroads.

“For sale a tract of land in Plymouth Township, Luzerne County, containing 47 perches. A mine has been opened upon the property at a vein 18 feet thick. The opening of the mine is three-quarters of a mile from the pool formed by the Nanticoke…

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Margaret Cirko of Hanover Township was given a jail sentence and must pay $30,000 in restitution.

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — The woman accused of purposely coughing on fresh food inside a grocery store was sentenced on Tuesday in Luzerne County.

We still didn’t know much about COVID-19 at the time when Margaret Cirko purposely coughed and spit all over the food displays inside a Gerrity’s supermarket in Hanover Township while saying, “I have the virus, now you’re all going to get sick.’

“People were really, really scared,” said Joe Fasula, a co-owner of Gerrity’s. “We had a lot of employees that really got freaked out by the whole thing. But people kept showing up to work, and I think the customers saw that we took it very seriously, and it actually gave them some confidence that we were going to be a safe place to shop.”

Fasula was in court when Cirko was sentenced. She pleaded guilty to a felony weapons of mass destruction charge in June.

“I was kind of relieved the whole thing is over. I do feel bad for her. It seems like she really has a lot of issues, and she needs a lot of help,” Fasula said. “I’m just glad that this sets a precedent to anybody else that might think of doing something like this, that there’s repercussions.”

Those repercussions include jail time. Cirko was sentenced to one to two years in jail plus eight years of probation. She has to pay back nearly $30,000 to Gerrity’s insurance company for all the food the store had to throw away.

“I think that’s appropriate. I think she needs to learn her lesson. And for the short period of time she’s going there, I think that’s a good rehab project for her,” said Dr. George Cheponis.

“She…

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Layman L. Jackson, 95, of Millsboro went home to be with the Lord Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at home. He was born Feb. 13, 1926, to the late William W. and Sarah Jannie Jackson in Millsboro. He was a member of Harmony United Methodist Church.

Layman also known as “Pop” to many, resided in Millsboro his entire life. He received his education at the Nanticoke Indian School and is a member of the tribal association. As one of the eldest members of the Nanticoke Tribe, his jovial demeanor, funny stories and jokes brought many smiles to people all over. Layman, “He Who Makes You Laugh,” could be found at almost any tribal event.

He was a U.S. WWII Naval Officer veteran and a member of the Oak Orchard/Riverdale American Legion Post 28. In 2017 NABVETS Delaware Chapter #94 recognized him as a Native American WWII Navy veteran who served our country with pride and dignity. During the ceremony he received a tribute from the Office of the Governor and Office of Representatives for his selfless acts of protecting life and defending our nation.

He was a truck driver for most of his life. After retiring, he and his wife started Irene’s Cleaning Services. He enjoyed camping, fishing, crabbing, bowling, going to the Powwow and never wanted to miss BJ’s Auction night, owned by Arnold Huffman who for 37 years thought of him as a father. He was an avid fan of boxing, NASCAR racing and those old-time western movies. He enjoyed sitting outside by his shed hoping someone would stop and visit, and if not, he’d grab his hat and we’d ask, “Dad where are you going?” He’d reply, “just taking a ride around the block.” He wanted to see if anyone else in the neighborhood would be outside, and…

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Justine Chernikovich, 82, affectionately known as Tina, passed away Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, at her home surrounded by her loving husband and daughters.

She was born Dec. 15, 1938, a daughter of the late Joseph and Annetta Yarmel Laburda. She resided in the Hanover section of Nanticoke most of her life and was married to Paul Chernikovich, with whom she would have celebrated 60 years of marriage on Oct. 14.

Tina was employed by RCA in Mountain Top for many years and later became a housekeeper to many families who called her their own. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved her husband, children and grandchildren dearly as they were her greatest joy. A long-time member of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Tina served as the first female parish president. She was an integral part of all the fundraising, bazaars and church activities for many years. Her faith was unshakable, as she read her bible daily.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Dolores Sheldon; and brothers, Joseph and Bill Laburda.

Surviving are her husband, Paul; daughters, Kimberly Bonham and husband, Kevin, Bear Creek Village; and Karen Tomalis and husband, Gary, Dallas; grandchildren, Kaia Bonham and Braden and Adelyn Tomalis; a sister, Irene Miller, Bear Creek Twp.; brother-in-law, Joseph Chernikovich and his wife, Jamilia, Delaware; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Tina was known for her wonderful cooking and baking skills — particularly her paska bread — which she enjoyed sharing with family and friends. Tina delighted in the simple pleasures of life. These included watching the Mets on TV with her husband and family, sharing meals she had prepared for them and laughing often, as she had a gentle sense of humor. She was sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Tina was selfless, hardworking…

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The Nanticoke Indian Powwow will move to Hudson Fields for its September gathering. Photo by Brian Leonard

The Nanticoke Indian Tribe’s annual powwow is returning this year — and changing sites.

After being cancelled in 2020 due to COVID restrictions, the event will take place at Hudson Fields in Milton from Sept. 10 through Sept. 12. 

Previously, the event has been held on tribal grounds near the tribe’s museum and community center in Oak Orchard. 

Organizers believe Hudson Fields will provide more open space and so open the powwow and its traditions to a whole new audience/ 

“Our powwow is a cultural event, and it’s a gathering of Native Americans to renew and refresh their spirits,” said Chief Natosha Norwood Carmine. “It’s a time of gathering, coming together, remembering and honoring our ancestors and our elders, and teaching our youth and the generations to come.”

Carmine said that while they will miss the ambiance of the trees native to their ancestral grounds, hosting the powwow at Hudson Fields also will allow for more distancing in light of the COVID delta variant. 

The powwow will feature traditional activities like crafts, dances and songs, as well as the beloved annual pig roast. 

“There are so many local people in Sussex County who have never been to the powwow and hopefully this will allow them to come share in our culture, witness our dance, partake of some of our native foods, and to visit the vendors who work very hard making their crafts and wares,”…

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BOWER, Christopher — Harveys Lake. Funeral services, 4 p.m. Friday, Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home Inc., routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek. Visitation, 2 to 4 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

ELKO, William P. — Dupont. Mass of Christian Burial, 9:30 a.m. Friday, St. Nicholas Church, 226 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre.

ELMY, Robert W., Sr. — Slocum Twp. Memorial service, 6 p.m. Monday, Nebo Baptist Church, 75 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke. Friends, 5 p.m. until the time of the service Monday at the church.

GDOVIN, John P. “Slimmer” — Wilkes-Barre. Funeral services, 10 a.m. Friday, Parish of St. Andre Bessette, 668 N. Main St. Assemble directly at church by 9:45 a.m. Friday to receive the family. Visitation and shared remembrances, 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc., 625 N. Main St. Masks and social distancing required.

HOLMGREN, Thornwald “Bud” — Newton. Memorial visitation, 8:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, St. Nicholas Church, 226 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre, with a memorial Mass of Christian Burial to follow.

JENNINGS, Margaret Joan — Franklin Twp. Funeral services, noon Thursday, Metcalfe Shaver Funeral Home Inc, 504 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming. Friends, 11 a.m. until service time Thursday at the funeral home.

KONNICK, Jean Ann — Plains Twp. Funeral services, 9 a.m. Friday, Yeosock Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial, 10 a.m. Friends, 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

MORAN, Manus “Mike” — Wilkes-Barre. Funeral service, 10 a.m. Saturday, Lehman Family Funeral Service Inc., 689 Hazle Ave., Wilkes-Barre. Visitation, 9 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the funeral home.

MRUGAL, Martin T. — Plymouth. Mass, 11 a.m. Friday, All Saints Parish, Plymouth.

PANKO-WARNER, Sandra L. — Funeral, 11 a.m. Thursday, Yeosock Funeral Home, 40 S. Main St., Plains Twp. Friends, 10 a.m. until the time of services.

QUINN, Martin Albert “Marty” — White Haven….

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The 43rd Annual Nanticoke Indian Powwow will be held Friday to Sunday, Sept. 10 to 12, at a new location, Hudson Fields, 30045 Eagle Crest Road, Milton. 

“It is exciting,” said Chief Natosha Norwood Carmine. “There are so many people looking forward to this.”

Hudson Fields had planned to host the powwow in 2020, before it was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Carmine said she is enthusiastic about the large space the fields provide so people can spread out for a day of safe fun. Tribe members are also hoping the new location, next to Route 1, will open the powwow and its traditions to a whole new audience, she said.

“We want to share our voice and share our customs and traditions,” she said. While members of the tribe request that people ask permission before taking photos of individuals, they very much encourage people to ask questions. “This is the time people can hear it from our mouths,” said Carmine.

She said children of the tribe have been practicing for months to present native dance in conjunction with professional Native American dancers from around the country.

Vendors for food, music, jewelry, souvenirs, arts and crafts, beadwork, leather and regalia supplies are expected. A kids’ corner will have face painting and make-and-take crafts. Host drums will be from Red Blanket of New Jersey and Stoney Creek of North Carolina.

There will be several new features to the powwow this year, said Avery Johnson, a tribal council member and powwow coordinator. Those additions include a car show organized through Delaware Street Rod Association; expanded dancing to include Aztec dancers; an interactive exhibition of birds with the Delaware Museum of Natural History and Animal Behavior & Conservation Connections; a tribute to 9/11 with native flute; and a children’s area being presented through…

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When Natosha Norwood Carmine was growing up in Millsboro, she can’t remember ever having heard conversations about being Native American or a Nanticoke. Decades later, she’s the chief of the Nanticokes, having first been elected head of the tribal association in 2015.

We’re walking in the gentle surf along Lewes Beach early on a quiet morning. “We were a river people,” Carmine said, explaining how the tribe was centered along what was later named the Indian River near Millsboro. 

I ask her what she sees as she looks out over the bay beach.

“Peace. Calming. Refreshment. Clearing the mind. Water taking you up the state of Delaware.” She pauses. “To me, this is us.”

The beach in Rehoboth, in contrast, makes her think of ‘the elders’ and a time not to be proud of. That was when the state closed the three Native American one-room schools (her grandmother taught in one of them), and concerned parents sent their children to the Indian school in distant Lawrence, Kansas, carrying “a cardboard suitcase with everything they owned.” She remembers her father selling pecks of tomatoes to townsfolk, because “My mother couldn’t go in the restaurants.”

Carmine is the first woman to head the tribe. She hadn’t realized or even thought about that until reporters started calling and asking how it felt to be the first female chief. Her response: “Compared to what?”

The indigenous people ‘discovered’ by Capt. John Smith in his 1608 exploration called themselves Kuskarawaok; they would later be known to colonists by their Algonquin language word as Nantaquak, “people of the tidewaters.” They were one of the largest tribes on the Eastern Shore, 200 warriors and their families. 

The language became extinct in the mid-1800s with the death of the last fluent speaker, but per Thomas Jefferson’s order in…

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One family took to the disc golf course at Nesbitt Park despite the high temperatures and humidity.

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — The hot summer sun isn’t keeping one family from a round of disc golf at Nesbitt Park in Wilkes-Barre.

“It’s a good time, blow off some steam. I’ve got off. That’s really why I’m playing here,” said Nicholas Neipert of Nanticoke. “Wednesday is a little hot; who really cares? You know, I want to play,”

The family tells Newswatch 16 they’ve played 70 rounds of disc golf so far this summer around the state. They say Nesbitt Park is the place to play if you’re going to play in the middle of a heat advisory.

“This park is pretty good because a lot of it’s covered with good shade, some big trees, so we just got to get through a few holes with a lot of the sunshine, but other than that, this is a good place to come,” said Les Neipert of Mountain Top.

RELATED: Click here for the complete Stormtracker 16 forecast.

But the heat does present some challenges, especially when the sweat gets in their eyes.

“You can’t really see, you have a bad throw, and you’re going to lose the hole,” explained Tyler.

One thing the heat doesn’t interfere with, though, is their competitive spirit.

“I have more energy than they do because I’m younger. And I don’t think they can handle me,” said Tyler.

“I do think that it does play into my advantage a little bit,” said Nicholas about the heat.

“I wouldn’t say I’m better, but in the heat, I’m definitely, I have a lot better control in the heat than they do,” argued Tyler.

“No matter what it is, he’s going to try to take advantage of it and try…

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