Wow, with the 2023 elections in the book and Victorian Christmas on the cover, it can mean only one thing: we’re at the doorstep of the most wonderful time of the year. I have noticed a lot of Christmas decorations going up early, and that’s just fine with me. I believe Steph talks about it in her article when you flip the page.

A tip of my Webb Weekly cap with the American Flag on the side to all the voters who got out and had their voices heard last week. The only way to protect our way of life in Lycoming County and to keep it moving forward in a positive direction is through the power of the vote.

Congratulations to County Commissioner Scott Metzger on his re-election and being the leading vote-getter. Scott is truly one of the good guys, and it’s great to see him rewarded for his efforts by being reelected for another term.

Loyalsock Township Supervisor Marc Sortman received the second most votes. Marc has done a great job in the Township, and I see that continuing at the county level.

And last, but definitely not least, Mark Mussina secured the final spot. Knowing Mark through sports and broadcasting, I guarantee you he will provide balance and insight and have his voice heard.

I believe these three gentlemen fit together very well as a team; the proof will be in their performance. A sincere thank you to Tony Mussare and Rick Mirabito for your efforts over the years; you were wonderful to work with.

Congrats to District Attorney Ryan Gardner and Judge William Carlucci for winning the vote of the people for the open Lycoming County judge spots. Judge Carlucci has been serving on the bench since August and will continue to do a fine and just job. He has a lifetime of experience. Ryan Gardner did a great job as DA, and again, I like to see a person rewarded through building the confidence of the people. He was the leading vote-getter. Judge Carlucci and Judge Gardner are a great fit for an already strong judiciary group.

It’s also worth noting that Tom Marino is returning as DA to replace Ryan Gardner. The former DA, US Attorney and US Representative ran unopposed.

Thank you, and congratulations to all who are willing to throw their hat in the ring and serve the people. From our local school boards to the above-mentioned positions, we are very blessed to have strong candidates vying for these spots. This is most important in keeping our little corner of Penn’s Woods the great place it is to call home.

Speaking of Penn’s Woods, the best part of the Uncle Ron’s Monster Buck Contest is that I get to talk to so many good folks about hunting. I had a chance to catch up with Zach Fry this past week about his trophy 13-point buck. What a fine and polite young man. And what a buck, the first he harvested with a bow.

First up, Zach wanted me to share with everyone that the next day, his dad, Woody, hunting one day before his 62nd birthday, harvested a beautiful 8-point buck, and asked if I could get his picture in. This was Woody’s first buck taken by bow. What a father/son back-to-back, total number of points equal blackjack hunting story.

This is where I remind everyone the trophy is in the hands of the holder in regard to our 16th Annual Monster Buck Contest. Just by entering, you’re placed into our random rifle drawing courtesy of Sauers Trading. There is also a donation on your behalf to help fight MS.

Woody’s 8-point is a trophy buck but is not going to make it through to the final round of scoring. However his son Zach’s 13-point monster has a shot at winning the contest, although there will be tough competition. Both are winners in my book. So, get your bucks registered.

Now, back to Zach, as he described his hunt, I could hear his passion, pride, and, most of all, thankfulness for what had everything coming together just right and the family tradition of hunting in Penn’s Woods.

So, with that being said, there was only one thing to do: I asked him to write his story. With a little help from his girlfriend, he did just that. I titled it “Big Buck Down,” and the story along with the bruiser’s picture can be found on page 48.   Thank you for sharing, Zach.

Well, I’m out of words for this week. Whatever your passion is, please get out and about and create your own stories. Let’s all be safe out there.

God Bless America.