I’m going to begin my first column of the year with my thoughts and prayers not only for those victimized by terror in New Orleans but for all dealing with the senseless violence seen across our Nation. This is a problem that will need all of us to come together to prevent future tragedies. We must unite and be vigilant as American citizens in support of our law enforcement and military. They have never had a tougher job in trying to keep the American people safe in the world of today. We must look outside of our normal daily lives for signs, signals, or anything that may tip a potential problem or perpetrator’s hand. Then, most importantly, the information must be shared with the proper authorities — not on social media. Those who may find something on social media or any electronic communication must be willing to take it to the proper authority. This is the most commonsense way to warn and possibly prevent an evil act, whether it’s targeting a major city or neighborhood school. This is not the New Year greeting I wanted to share, but I feel it needs to be said. I wish you all a healthy, happy, prosperous, and safe 2025.
I will refrain this week from any comments about the closing days of the Biden Administration or the January 20th inauguration of President Donald Trump other than one thought. This is not a time for political divide; this is a time when I hope all information is being shared and discussed for future decision-making.
Thank you to Editor Steph and my great staff for beginning the new year with our annual charity pages. Normally, this falls late in December; this year, it hit right on the first day of 2025. It’s always nice to have a holiday break from writing.
In closing things out on 2024, I want to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone for your generosity and for filling the Red Kettle in the front of our Webb Weekly office in remembrance of my good friend Dave Sechler. Through your efforts, we together will help the Salvation Army Williamsport provide a helping hand in a wide variety of ways in 2025. This carries on Dave’s lifetime of work for the organization in a way I know he would be proud. As I am penning this column, I am proud and humbled to say that together, we raised $10,282. Truly remarkable; God bless, and thank you to everyone who contributed. If any late arrivals show up, I’ll make sure they find their way to Salvation Army Williamsport.
That gets me to another 2024 mention that actually carries to that January 20, 2025. This must be a popular day; it is also the last day of the Pennsylvania buck season. If you haven’t gotten your trophy buck registered for our 17th Annual Uncle Ron’s Monster Buck Contest, time is running out. As I always remind everyone, a trophy is in the hands of the holder. As long as it’s legally harvested in our local area, by entering you’re automatically registered into our random rifle drawing courtesy of Sauers Trading. Thank you to Jon and Don for taking care of all the legalities. The monster buck winner of the 2024-25 season receives an amazing shoulder mount from Poust Taxidermy. The 2nd through 4th place bruisers receives $100 venison processing gift certificates from Stoltzfus Butchering in Mill Hall. Bucks can be registered at Poust Taxidermy, outside Jersey Shore and Sauers Trading, in Southside.
As we embark on our 23rd year of publishing the Webb Weekly, I thank you for your readership and for welcoming us into your home. We will continue to feature the people, places, and events that make our area such a special place to live. This, of course, along with your favorite columnists who hit on a wide variety of topics. They have become like family to me over the years. I always enjoy hearing from you and who you enjoy reading and why. If you have any thoughts, ideas, or stories you would like to see, my contact information is always on page four.
In closing, I would be remiss this week if I didn’t mention Thursday evening’s Orange Bowl, which has become a national playoff semi-final game in the 2025 world of college football. The Penn State Nittany Lions take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. What a perfect old-school matchup for our local area. Interestingly enough, the two teams have played 19 times and have split the games. Nine wins a piece and one tie.
My quick prediction — Penn State 24-Notre Dame 21. The Nittany Lions then go on to play The Ohio State University in the national championship game. The Buckeyes will run the Texas Longhorns right out of the stadium in the other semi-final. I will have more on that next week.
Let’s all be safe out there.
God Bless America.