I couldn’t believe that a former president, and I’m talking Donald Trump, not Barack Obama, endorsed Dr. Mehmet Oz for a senatorial spot here in the great state of Pennsylvania. I’d really like to know the behind-the-scenes truth about that one. But hey, if he’s your man, get out and cast your vote. That is
READ MOREMy wife has a good job, allowing me to have several part-time gigs. Whether it’s broadcasting football, writing a column, or coaching hoops — I have the opportunity to come in contact with so many great kids. It is one of the many joys. So good news travels fast, and I am very excited for
READ MORESmiles, handshakes, and the din of conversation filled the room at the Genetti Hotel as, for the first time in two years, the Lycoming County Brotherhood Alliance gathered for their 65th annual banquet. The yearly occasion provides the opportunity for the organization to celebrate and reflect upon individuals and groups who exemplify the lives and
READ MOREWell, well, well! Look what time of year it is! It’s Mother’s Day this Sunday and time for my yearly Mother’s Day list. I make tweaks and adjustments from year to year, but overall, it’s a good list. So, without further ado… First of all, Happy Mother’s Day to my mom. I love you. Happy
READ MOREThe St John Neumann Golden Knights had an amazing year on the hardwood. My phone continues to ring, and we are still trending. Everywhere we go. Someone will always extend a hand and want to talk basketball — even a month after the season. It is beautiful. Last week, Senator Gene Yaw stopped by to
READ MOREThis week’s write-up has very little to do with sports. I only wanted to give my boys a quick shout. My full-time gig is with Susquehanna Marble and Granite. Yes. There is never a dull moment. My fellow work chums say that I am a liability. Rocks are heavy. I am not the strongest guy,
READ MOREFishing has always been a passion, and I take full advantage of what North Central PA has to offer. I am on the water an awful lot and usually head out after supper. Now that the basketball season is over, that is where you can find me. Some of my favorite spots are just a
READ MORESpring has definitely sprung across the West Branch Valley, and with late March and April showers come May flowers. I especially enjoy the increased hours of daylight and knowing those long days of summer are just around the corner. As you’re reading this, many of our local baseball teams have already thrown their first pitch
READ MOREBoys and girls, you’re about to behold a sight so fluffy, so delightful, so utterly adorable, that I urge those of you who are easily tickled or prone to the giggles to look the other way — but if you are still here, step right up, everyone has a chance to win a prize! As
READ MOREThough the Golden Knights of St. John Neumann Regional Academy ended their season with a loss of 64-47 to the Bishop Canevin Crusaders of Pittsburgh, they will always be champions in the eyes of the community. Getting a police escort into town, the players and coaches were greeted by hundreds of fans, friends, and family.
READ MORECalendars throughout the area denoted nothing special about March 18. However, at one anxious building on Penn Street in Williamsport, that third Friday in March was indeed a red-letter day. At about the same time, St. John Neumann Regional Academy graduate Kevin Anderson was taking the floor with his Delaware Blue Hens against Villanova in
READ MORE[Editor’s Note: The following articles are from Neumann News, the newspaper club at St. John Neumann Regional Academy. The goal of Neumann News is, “to inform SJNRA families and students of the school on a variety of different topics including: news, events, sports, opinion, entertainment, and outside current events through the varying perspectives of Neumann
READ MOREHannah Winter, Mia Patterson and Mallory Rodarmel from Loyalsock Township High School signed their letters of intent to play in the MAC next year. Hannah Winter plans to play softball at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA, where she will be studying nursing.“Hannah is a talented, hardworking, and humble player that is always looking to improve
READ MOREHaving just finished up about a 3-month stint as an assistant coach in the hugely successful Upward Basketball League, run jointly by Faith United Methodist and Northway Community Church, a big thank you to the Pastors of both Churches for allowing me the opportunity to dip my toes back into the coaching arena after an
READ MOREPiper Minier’s shot bounced tantalizingly on the rim two or three times before it dropped through the netting as a large South Williamsport rooting contingent let out a roar of approval. In what has been a miraculous season for the Lady Mountaineers basketball team, it seemed a moment when good fortunes would once again shine
READ MOREFebruary’s last Saturday was overflowing with basketball competitions throughout the area. From elementary school through the collegiate level, various teams were participating in meaningful games and tournaments. From our spot on the sidelines of a seventh-grade tournament, our task was devising a plan to stop the Shamokin point guard’s penetration of our defense. Hours later,
READ MORENick Bailey is an 8th-grade student at St. John Neumann Regional Academy. He is a great kid with an awesome smile. Nick is very well behaved and rather soft-spoken. I have known Nick for a few years, and he is one of my favorites. My man comes to every contest, and I will always go
READ MORETraced back to the ancient days of the Roman Empire, warnings have existed to “beware the ides of March,” a saying forecasting troubled times ahead. Sports is but a mere sideshow to the more important segments of human existence we face these days, but if the post-game skirmish played out on television following the recent
READ MOREMy good friend Nick Tagliaferri and I were somewhat celebrities back in the day. OK. It was a long time ago. In a galaxy far, far away. We simply took advantage of our impressive coaching resumes. SPENCE TAG RADIO was well before its time, and this weekly part-time gig had listeners from all over the
READ MORE“You can’t tell the players without a scorecard” has long been the traditional cry of scorecard vendors inside the entrance of baseball stadiums. In recent years that same rationale could be applied to college football fans in understanding the membership of various conferences around the country. Last year’s announced move by Texas and Oklahoma to
READ MOREOfficiating high school basketball is hard. It is a very difficult and thankless job. I give my friends in stripes a lot of credit. You see, there is a major shortage with the local PIAA circuit. I see many of the same faces each night. The poor guys are overwhelmed. Kudos, boys and girls. Thanks.
READ MOREIf you happened to pass by the Curtin Middle School last Saturday, you might have heard a familiar sound from the past emanating from that old familiar educational landmark. If you thought you were hearing things or might want to experience it for yourself, stop by again this Saturday. At a time when some are
READ MORETis the season folks. It is certainly a busy time of year. The St. John Neumann Golden Knights are playing lots of games. COVID concerns and snow days makes it rather difficult. Our schedule seems to change on a daily basis. We aren’t the only ones in the gym three or four nights a week.
READ MOREHistory is generally not great, earth-shattering events, or milestones, though it often is. It can also be made up of the stories of individuals, their individual achievements, and their struggle to make those achievements possible. The Dunston family is not generally a well-known local family. Still, they are an African American family who managed to
READ MOREA line from Tim McGraw’s hit song “Live Like You Were Dying” is the title of this week’s column. We are all mortal; for some of us, the end will come quick; for others, we’ll have that moment that stops you in your tracks, as the song says. None of us want to think about
READ MORE“I am not a role model.” Spoken 29 years ago by then NBA basketball star and now a TV hoops commentator, Charles Barkley, that famous quote has long been remembered and often referenced. Those six words were the opening line of a 1993 Nike TV commercial during which Barkley went on to say, “I’m not
READ MOREBrr, kids. It is quite cold. Bundle up and stay warm. They say a major snowstorm is on its way. Great. While COVID continues to dominate the headlines. Several games and practices have been impacted. Schools are starting to go back online. Frustrating. Yes. But hang in there. We will prevail. Get a booster, wear
READ MOREHappy New Year, kids. Trust all is well. Yes. I have been extremely busy of late. The basketball season is in full throttle. While the SJNRA Golden Knights are usually the topic of discussion. A few have asked if I am still fishing. Absolutely. I am not going to lie. I would rather talk about
READ MOREHappy New Year! Hopefully, the first few days of 2022 are treating you well and will continue to do so. Most likely, only a few graybeards in the readership will recall an old TV show “Bowling for Dollars.” It was a television game show originating in the 1960s that reached its heyday in the 1970s.
READ MOREThe New York Knickerbockers, although never really extended, had to go all out at several stages to slap down the Williamsport Billies, 78-64, in an exhibition game last night on the West Third Street wooden way. A crowd of 502 watched the Billies, playing perhaps their best game of the infant season, stay within breathing
READ MOREIn the days leading up to Christmas, Jim Webb and Steph Nordstrom gathered the Webb Weekly team for a holiday luncheon. It has been an annual tradition since the publication was begun nearly 20 years ago. The pandemic wiped out the event last year, so it was nice to once again have an opportunity to
READ MORESitting in the front seat of a yellow school bus on a backcountry road. We are on our way to State College to play St. Joe’s. My guys are awfully quiet. They are all listening to their music and thinking about the game. I just looked back to see some smiles, and one of my
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