https://lebtown.com/author/jefffalk/ Lebanon County, PA news, events, and opinions. Mon, 08 Jan 2024 18:59:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2019/06/cropped-Artboard-5-32x32.png https://lebtown.com/author/jefffalk/ 32 32 https://lebtown.com/2024/01/08/under-rob-wildasin-falcon-football-team-saw-personal-and-collective-growth/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 12:30:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=199681 Before his recent resignation, Wildasin helped elevate Cedar Crest's level of play.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/12/19/climate-crisis-lebanon-football-program-facing-major-rebuild/ Tue, 19 Dec 2023 11:15:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=197133 Finding a replacement for head coach Frank Isenberg is just one of the many football challenges facing the Cedars.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/12/04/pre-season-all-lebanon-county-boys-basketball-team-poised-for-2023-24-runs/ Mon, 04 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=196286 LebTown's inaugural preseason squad features the top boys' basketball players from Lebanon County]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/12/04/preseason-all-lebanon-county-girls-basketball-team-has-a-lot-of-everything/ Mon, 04 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=196359 Meet the players who are projected to be the top performers in local girls' basketball this winter.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/11/19/state-championship-again-eludes-palmyra-in-3-1-loss-to-villa-maria/ https://lebtown.com/2023/11/19/state-championship-again-eludes-palmyra-in-3-1-loss-to-villa-maria/#respond Sun, 19 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=195369 The Cougars give it their all, but fall short in a 3-1 loss to Villa Maria in the PIAA Class AA title tilt at Cumberland Valley.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/11/19/state-championship-again-eludes-palmyra-in-3-1-loss-to-villa-maria/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/11/15/palmyras-yearly-pursuit-of-piaa-gold-takes-familiar-turn-with-hershey-win/ https://lebtown.com/2023/11/15/palmyras-yearly-pursuit-of-piaa-gold-takes-familiar-turn-with-hershey-win/#respond Wed, 15 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=194995 The Cougars defeated Hershey 3-1 to qualify for their eighth state championship game in ten years, and tenth overall. Palmyra will play for the title on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Cumberland Valley High School.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/11/15/palmyras-yearly-pursuit-of-piaa-gold-takes-familiar-turn-with-hershey-win/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/11/11/with-playoff-loss-to-twin-valley-elco-sends-forth-warriors-to-semifinals/ https://lebtown.com/2023/11/11/with-playoff-loss-to-twin-valley-elco-sends-forth-warriors-to-semifinals/#respond Sat, 11 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=194529 Despite at times being over matched, the Raiders don't go down without a fight.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/11/11/with-playoff-loss-to-twin-valley-elco-sends-forth-warriors-to-semifinals/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/11/08/introducing-the-local-coaches-all-lebanon-county-football-team/ Wed, 08 Nov 2023 11:15:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=194026 These young men are all-stars in their coaches' eyes.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/11/07/strongman-competitor-ben-kutz-exudes-strength-from-the-inside-out/ Tue, 07 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=193447 Lebanon resident Ben Kutz enjoyed a successful showing in his initial foray into the world of Strongman competition.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/11/04/annville-cleonas-football-finale-is-not-representative-of-what-came-before-it/ https://lebtown.com/2023/11/04/annville-cleonas-football-finale-is-not-representative-of-what-came-before-it/#respond Sat, 04 Nov 2023 09:00:35 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=193628 In loss to Camp Hill, Dutchmen's sweet season ends on a sour note.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/11/04/annville-cleonas-football-finale-is-not-representative-of-what-came-before-it/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/10/28/annville-cleona-shuts-out-rival-vikings-will-head-to-postseason-as-champions/ https://lebtown.com/2023/10/28/annville-cleona-shuts-out-rival-vikings-will-head-to-postseason-as-champions/#respond Sat, 28 Oct 2023 15:38:56 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=192799 The Dutchmen take care of their business during regular season finale against Northern Lebanon.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/10/28/annville-cleona-shuts-out-rival-vikings-will-head-to-postseason-as-champions/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/10/27/falcons-soar-to-8-2-season-record-with-11th-straight-cedar-bowl-win-over-cedars/ https://lebtown.com/2023/10/27/falcons-soar-to-8-2-season-record-with-11th-straight-cedar-bowl-win-over-cedars/#respond Fri, 27 Oct 2023 09:00:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=192715 Despite an early lead by Lebanon, Cedar Crest rallied to win the Cedar Bowl 49-6, extending their series lead to 35-15-1 and all but assuring a District Three playoff berth.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/10/27/falcons-soar-to-8-2-season-record-with-11th-straight-cedar-bowl-win-over-cedars/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/10/25/lebanons-hometown-health-store-queens-natural-market-is-new-improved/ Wed, 25 Oct 2023 10:15:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=192424 A renovation has Queen's Natural Market recommitted to helping members of the local community to lead healthier lifestyles.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/10/21/senior-night-triumph-can-only-enhance-elcos-football-experience/ https://lebtown.com/2023/10/21/senior-night-triumph-can-only-enhance-elcos-football-experience/#respond Sat, 21 Oct 2023 09:45:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=192082 With their latest victory, the Raiders inched closer to a coveted postseason berth.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/10/21/senior-night-triumph-can-only-enhance-elcos-football-experience/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/10/18/documentary-the-dutchmen-brings-lvcs-greatest-athletic-feat-back-to-life/ Wed, 18 Oct 2023 10:45:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=191607 On homecoming weekend, the Lebanon Valley College community came together to celebrate the men's basketball team's 1993-94 Division Three national championship 30 years later.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/10/17/raiders-football-program-has-bob-millers-fingerprints-all-over-it/ Tue, 17 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=191166 For ELCO, this season's winning ways are an off-shoot of its character.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/10/14/with-victory-over-mccaskey-falcons-goal-is-now-coming-into-view/ https://lebtown.com/2023/10/14/with-victory-over-mccaskey-falcons-goal-is-now-coming-into-view/#respond Sat, 14 Oct 2023 09:30:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=191307 To this point, the Cedar Crest football team has put together a season worthy of the playoffs.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/10/14/with-victory-over-mccaskey-falcons-goal-is-now-coming-into-view/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/10/10/northern-lebanons-football-fruit-didnt-fall-far-from-the-tree-with-father-son-duo/ Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:15:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=190474 Defensive coordinator Mark Rice and head coach Jason Rice's father-son relationship plays out daily on a football field in Fredericksburg.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/09/27/unveiling-the-dutchmen-documentary-reveals-untold-stories-of-lebanon-valley-colleges-1993-94-championship-run/ Wed, 27 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=189038 'The Dutchmen,' a documentary chronicling the Lebanon Valley College men's basketball team's journey to the 1993-94 NCAA Division Three national title, will premiere on October 14, potentially reaching streaming services later.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/09/26/cchs-today-presents-the-cedar-crest-football-team/ Tue, 26 Sep 2023 10:45:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=189152 Live-stream of student-driven CCHS Today broadcasts enhance Falcon football experience.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/09/19/at-annville-cleona-high-school-its-keeping-up-with-the-gingrichs/ https://lebtown.com/2023/09/19/at-annville-cleona-high-school-its-keeping-up-with-the-gingrichs/#respond Tue, 19 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=188625 Matt and Carrie Gingrich, head coaches of Annville-Cleona High School's football and field hockey teams respectively, balance their demanding roles with family life and community service.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/09/19/at-annville-cleona-high-school-its-keeping-up-with-the-gingrichs/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/09/16/for-raiders-against-conrad-weiser-different-journey-same-destination/ https://lebtown.com/2023/09/16/for-raiders-against-conrad-weiser-different-journey-same-destination/#respond Sat, 16 Sep 2023 09:45:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=188666 On a pleasant Friday night at ELCO Stadium, the Raider football team passed its most difficult test to date, with a spirited 28-21 triumph over visiting Conrad Weiser.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/09/16/for-raiders-against-conrad-weiser-different-journey-same-destination/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/09/09/williams-sets-another-team-record-as-raiders-triumph-in-3rd-straight-victory/ https://lebtown.com/2023/09/09/williams-sets-another-team-record-as-raiders-triumph-in-3rd-straight-victory/#respond Sat, 09 Sep 2023 11:10:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=187971 On a stormy Friday night at ELCO Stadium, the hometown Raiders trounced visiting Columbia 49-6 in a non-league contest sped up by the mercy rule and shortened by lightning.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/09/09/williams-sets-another-team-record-as-raiders-triumph-in-3rd-straight-victory/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/09/07/for-frank-reich-head-coach-job-with-carolina-is-next-chapter-new-challenge/ https://lebtown.com/2023/09/07/for-frank-reich-head-coach-job-with-carolina-is-next-chapter-new-challenge/#respond Thu, 07 Sep 2023 10:45:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=187782 The Carolina Panthers, under new head coach Frank Reich, aim for sustainable success and playoff qualification, with Reich's mentorship of top draft pick Bryce Young playing a key role.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/09/07/for-frank-reich-head-coach-job-with-carolina-is-next-chapter-new-challenge/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/09/02/northern-lebanons-off-to-the-kind-of-start-that-forces-teams-to-look-ahead/ https://lebtown.com/2023/09/02/northern-lebanons-off-to-the-kind-of-start-that-forces-teams-to-look-ahead/#respond Sat, 02 Sep 2023 12:45:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=187504 An 0-2 beginning has not discouraged a resourceful group of Vikings.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/09/02/northern-lebanons-off-to-the-kind-of-start-that-forces-teams-to-look-ahead/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/09/01/with-heads-held-high-cedars-fall-again/ https://lebtown.com/2023/09/01/with-heads-held-high-cedars-fall-again/#respond Fri, 01 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=187402 Despite early setbacks, the Lebanon football team continues to foster a positive outlook.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/09/01/with-heads-held-high-cedars-fall-again/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/08/26/palmyras-hoping-victory-over-cedars-is-just-the-beginning/ https://lebtown.com/2023/08/26/palmyras-hoping-victory-over-cedars-is-just-the-beginning/#respond Sat, 26 Aug 2023 10:40:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=186896 Cougars' all-hands-on-deck approach dooms Lebanon to another loss.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/08/26/palmyras-hoping-victory-over-cedars-is-just-the-beginning/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/07/25/does-local-collector-bill-werner-have-the-bethlehem-steel-jersey-babe-ruth-wore/ https://lebtown.com/2023/07/25/does-local-collector-bill-werner-have-the-bethlehem-steel-jersey-babe-ruth-wore/#respond Tue, 25 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=183998 He doesn’t collect cards or signatures or balls. Bill Werner collects memories.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/07/25/does-local-collector-bill-werner-have-the-bethlehem-steel-jersey-babe-ruth-wore/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/07/13/fifth-ward-wins-american-legion-league-championship-back-on-top-after-40-years/ https://lebtown.com/2023/07/13/fifth-ward-wins-american-legion-league-championship-back-on-top-after-40-years/#respond Thu, 13 Jul 2023 11:30:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=183352 The Fifth Ward baseball team came together, put it all together, and scored one for hope.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/07/13/fifth-ward-wins-american-legion-league-championship-back-on-top-after-40-years/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/06/26/reifsnyder-wins-2nd-straight-lebanon-county-amateur-golf-championships/ https://lebtown.com/2023/06/26/reifsnyder-wins-2nd-straight-lebanon-county-amateur-golf-championships/#respond Mon, 26 Jun 2023 10:30:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=181826 On a humid Sunday morning at the 6,059-yard, par-71 Blue Mountain Golf Course in Fredericksburg, Blake Reifsnyder secured his second straight title at the 65th annual Lebanon County Amateur Golf Championship.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/06/26/reifsnyder-wins-2nd-straight-lebanon-county-amateur-golf-championships/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/06/26/up-and-coming-ben-allwein-logan-francis-cut-their-teeth-on-county-amateur/ https://lebtown.com/2023/06/26/up-and-coming-ben-allwein-logan-francis-cut-their-teeth-on-county-amateur/#respond Mon, 26 Jun 2023 10:30:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=181851 This past weekend at Blue Mountain Golf Course in Fredericksburg, Logan Francis and Ben Allwein became two of the youngest local players ever to compete in the annual Lebanon County Amateur Golf Championship.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/06/26/up-and-coming-ben-allwein-logan-francis-cut-their-teeth-on-county-amateur/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/06/14/pat-huggins-let-his-light-shine-and-the-lebanon-community-basked-in-its-glow/ https://lebtown.com/2023/06/14/pat-huggins-let-his-light-shine-and-the-lebanon-community-basked-in-its-glow/#respond Wed, 14 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=180212 Pat Huggins, a beloved sportswriter from the Lebanon Daily News, retired in March after serving the community for 24 years. Known for his knack for storytelling and his heart for people, Huggins' retirement was partly due to complications from Parkinson's disease.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/06/14/pat-huggins-let-his-light-shine-and-the-lebanon-community-basked-in-its-glow/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/06/13/vito-mannino-offers-mediterranean-fare-at-annville-restaurant-room-101-the-med/ https://lebtown.com/2023/06/13/vito-mannino-offers-mediterranean-fare-at-annville-restaurant-room-101-the-med/#respond Tue, 13 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=180391 Room 101 The Med (35 W. Main St., Annville) is believed to be one of the first restaurants in Lebanon County to specialize in Mediterranean cuisine.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/06/13/vito-mannino-offers-mediterranean-fare-at-annville-restaurant-room-101-the-med/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/05/16/people-ahead-of-wins-joe-buehler-retires-as-lebanon-valley-college-football-coach/ https://lebtown.com/2023/05/16/people-ahead-of-wins-joe-buehler-retires-as-lebanon-valley-college-football-coach/#respond Tue, 16 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=176896 Joe Buehler was the face of the Lebanon Valley College football. Behind the scenes, he was the Flying Dutchmen’s heart and soul.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/05/16/people-ahead-of-wins-joe-buehler-retires-as-lebanon-valley-college-football-coach/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/05/03/only-god-knows-if-sister-margaret-is-lebanon-countys-last-nun/ https://lebtown.com/2023/05/03/only-god-knows-if-sister-margaret-is-lebanon-countys-last-nun/#respond Wed, 03 May 2023 11:00:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=175057 Sister Margaret Bender, possibly the last nun to serve in Lebanon County, reflects on her life's journey, the declining number of nuns, and the importance of understanding religious roles in the community.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/05/03/only-god-knows-if-sister-margaret-is-lebanon-countys-last-nun/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/04/25/countys-newest-ice-cream-spot-colebrook-crossing-coming-soon/ https://lebtown.com/2023/04/25/countys-newest-ice-cream-spot-colebrook-crossing-coming-soon/#respond Tue, 25 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=174579 Two couples from South Annville Township are reviving a beloved local ice cream parlor as "Colebrook Crossing," with plans to open in May, offering a family-friendly atmosphere and a menu featuring soft ice cream, local drinks, and classic American fare.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/04/25/countys-newest-ice-cream-spot-colebrook-crossing-coming-soon/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/04/11/new-northern-lebanon-elementary-school-on-track-to-open-this-fall/ https://lebtown.com/2023/04/11/new-northern-lebanon-elementary-school-on-track-to-open-this-fall/#respond Tue, 11 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=173111 When a fresh school year begins this fall, Northern Lebanon’s state-of-the-art elementary school will usher in a new period in local primary education.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/04/11/new-northern-lebanon-elementary-school-on-track-to-open-this-fall/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/02/01/dont-judge-the-owners-of-c-jays-drip-until-you-walk-a-mile-in-their-sneakers/ https://lebtown.com/2023/02/01/dont-judge-the-owners-of-c-jays-drip-until-you-walk-a-mile-in-their-sneakers/#respond Wed, 01 Feb 2023 11:30:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=166201 From the inside of a prison cell at a state penitentiary, Chad Thierwechter and Charles Jackson Jr. have experienced rock bottom. Now, they’re on a mission to positively affect the developmental years of at-risk youth in the City of Lebanon.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/02/01/dont-judge-the-owners-of-c-jays-drip-until-you-walk-a-mile-in-their-sneakers/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2023/01/03/lebanon-county-crisis-intervention-is-always-there-for-people-most-in-need/ https://lebtown.com/2023/01/03/lebanon-county-crisis-intervention-is-always-there-for-people-most-in-need/#respond Tue, 03 Jan 2023 11:15:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=163364 Now, there’s so much more to know about the multi-faceted local agency affectionately known as ‘Crisis.’ But at its core, what Lebanon County Crisis Intervention does – what it’s really all about – is empowering people, making a difference in lives and practicing the art of communication.]]> https://lebtown.com/2023/01/03/lebanon-county-crisis-intervention-is-always-there-for-people-most-in-need/feed/ 0 https://lebtown.com/2022/12/20/welcomely-funcks-take-fredericksburg-eagle-hotel-under-their-wing/ https://lebtown.com/2022/12/20/welcomely-funcks-take-fredericksburg-eagle-hotel-under-their-wing/#respond Tue, 20 Dec 2022 11:45:00 +0000 https://lebtown.com/?p=161967 For 16 years, Saphore worked to make the Fredericksburg Eagle Hotel, situated at 101 East Main Street, into a gathering place for locals, an establishment where patrons could get good food at a square price, a pillar of the community.]]> https://lebtown.com/2022/12/20/welcomely-funcks-take-fredericksburg-eagle-hotel-under-their-wing/feed/ 0