CD girls’ soccer headed for state semifinals

Updated Monday, June 2 with site and time of state semifinal game ...

In a double-overtime game, the CD Lady Rams defeated Neshamniny 2-1 in a PIAA spring AAA quarterfinal Friday at Emmaus High School. CLICK HERE for a game report by Michael Bullock of The Patriot-News.

CD will meet Wilson in a state championship semifinal Tuesday, June 3, 7:30 pm at Hersheypark Stadium. CD defeated Wilson 1-0 two weeks ago in the District 3 semifinal game.

Allicia Yurkovic celebrates scoring a goal in the second half to knot the quarterfinal game Friday against Neshaminy at one goal apiece.

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Photo credit: John Gayman

Linglestown Twilight game delayed

The start of today's East Shore Twilight League baseball game with Valley View at Koons Park has been delayed until 2:30 pm due to a thunderstorm that rolled through the Linglestown area late this morning.

Linglestown weekend planner

Saturday happenings …

* Summer Sales Expo at New Hope Church on Colonial Club Drive from 9 am to 2 pm. The expo will feature local independent consultants and business owners, displaying and selling their products and services. This is a first-time event, so please take a few minutes to check it out. Door prizes will be awarded every half hour!

* Linglestown Twilight baseball doubleheader against Valley View at Koons Park; games start at 1 pm and 4 pm.

* Linglestown Church of God will hold its annual drive-thru chicken BBQ and flea market. The church is located across from Linglestown Fire Co.

* A multi-family yard sale will be held at 1420 Adams Avenue in Linglestown starting at 6 am.

Sunday’s big event … The Chocolatetown Cafe in Linglestown will host the last lecture of a three-part series entitled "Postmodernism and the Church." The presentation will deal with how the church can best respond to postmodernistic points of view. The featured speaker is Dr. Kenneth Miller of Evangelical Theological Seminary in Myerstown. There will be a Q&A session and light refreshments after the formal part of the program. The series sponsors are the seminary and Schoffstall Foundation.

Linglestown Thursday report

Saturday events … Linglestown Church of God is holding its annual drive-thru chicken BBQ and flea market on Saturday, May 31. The church is located across from Linglestown Fire Co. … A multi-family yard sale will be held at 1420 Adams Avenue in Linglestown on Saturday, May 31 starting at 6 am.

BB notes … The memorial for Pennsylvania’s Iraq war dead (pictured) that was in the Linglestown American Legion’s Memorial Day parade is looking for a home. The plight of the memorial’s creator is the subject of a story in today’s The Patriot-News by Allison Garvey. … Attention entrants in the Grass Mowing Contest – the count is up to 11. … Gazette congratulations go out to Walter Peppelman, a senior at CD High School, who was selected to receive the John R. Baumgardner $1,000 scholarship awarded by the West Hanover Elementary PTA. He will attend Harvard University majoring in economics. Walter got several mentions in the Gazette last winter for his accomplishments as a CD Rams wrestler. … The Ronald McDonald House of Hershey is an organization worthy of your support. CLICK HERE to view a WHP TV-21 report on how Ronald McDonald House helps families, and HERE to learn how recycling magazines and other types of glossy paper can help Ronald McDonald House raise operating funds.
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Photo credit: Gazette reader Bill Landefeld

Koons Park is a buzzin’

Recreational activities are approaching a seasonal peak at Koons Park. I toured the park on bicycle Wednesday night and spotted the following sports activities – baseball for various age groups, softball, and rec league basketball (pictured). The only thing not happening was rec league volleyball, which probably hasn't started yet this season.

St. Thomas Restaurant gets some ink

In today's Go section of The Patriot-News, restaurant critic Mimi Brodeur samples the offerings at St. Thomas Restuarant located in the village square. The article also mentions recently opened St. Thomas Village Oriental Market and General Store that is the eatery's next door neighbor.

Linglestown Wednesday musings

It’s hard to believe that it’s already hump day. Monday holidays always mess up my sense of time.

Village briefs … If you’re waiting with bated breath for Verizon FiOS TV to be launched, your wait might be coming to an end in the not too distant future. Verizon has just begun negotiations for a cable TV franchise with Lower Paxton Township, according township manager George Wolfe. … What’s happening with the square project? Well, pretty much the same old same old. Township officials are still trying to nail down right-of-way agreements with property owners, and the Village Committee is trying to make arrangements with property owners to run a public water line through the historic section of the village. The township is still aiming to seek construction bids before the end of the year, said Wolfe.

Neighborhood meeting on tap … Stray Winds Area Neighbors (SWAN), a community group comprised of Lower Paxton Township residents who live in the township’s northwest quadrant located just west of Linglestown, will be holding their monthly meeting tomorrow night, Thursday, May 29, 7 pm at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 1100 Colonial Road. Linglestown-area residents are welcome to attend.

The group has members attend most township meetings and file summaries of goings-on for a monthly Web-based newsletter. This is a great service for all LP residents!

I recently had a chance to meet with Eileen Hurley, the group’s secretary/treasurer, and Watson Fisher, one of the reporters that attend public meetings. Eric Epstein, a notable government watchdog who lives in LP, is a SWAN leader.

To learn more about SWAN, check out their Web site by clicking HERE.


Koons Park Pool watch … The grass at the pool has been hacked down. Hey, it’s a start. I’ve been told the pool will open mid-June.



Restaurant review … There’s a review of the new Mikado Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar posted on the Linglestown forum on PennLive.com, see thread #381. The restaurant is located at the intersection of N. Mountain Road and N. Lockwillow Avenue that formerly housed Senor Pepe’ Tex-Mex.

Business expo coming to area … A first-ever Summer Sales Expo is coming to New Hope Church on Colonial Club Drive this Saturday, May 31, 9 am to 2 pm. The expo will feature local independent consultants and business owners, displaying and selling their products and services. Door prizes will be awarded every half hour and some cash-and-carry items will be available – there’s sure to be something for everyone! For more info, send an e-mail to Laura Bowman.

Lady Rams soccer advances in state tourney

CD opened its defense of the PIAA's spring Class AAA girls' soccer title by shutting out Easton 2-0 Tuesday night at Hersheypark Stadium, reports Michael Bullock for The Patriot-News. The team will play a quarterfinal match Friday against Nashaminy at Emmaus High School, 7 pm.

CD coach Gregg Davis shows the effects of state tourney pressure.

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Photo credit: John Gayman

Lower Paxton criminal activity

Hunting target stolen from Linglestown yard … Friday evening Lower Paxton Twp. police responded to the 6100 block of Blue Valley Avenue for a report of a life-sized black bear foam target (Glendale brand) being stolen from the property between 5:30 am and 7:00 pm on Friday. The target is valued at $375. If anyone sees a "foam black bear" they are asked to contact LP police at 657-5656 so the item can be returned to the rightful owner.

Vehicle reported stolen from hotel … LP police responded to a call Sunday around noon for a reported stolen vehicle from the parking lot of the Hampton Inn, 4230 Union Deposit Road. Guests visiting from the Lewistown area told police that they parked the Blue 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee bearing PA registration # PEDLR4U in the rear parking lot late Saturday night. Anyone with information regarding this stolen vehicle is asked to contact LP police at 657-5656.

Yard statue ripped off … Monday evening LP police were called to the 4200 block of Ridge Drive for a reported theft of a statue of the "Blessed Mother" valued at $150. The statue that is about 4-foot tall was removed sometime overnight.
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NOTE: Anonymous information can be provided through the Lower Paxton Twp. "Tip Line" at 635-2606.

PREVIEW: CD girls' soccer begins state title defense

CLICK HERE for a preview of the state girls' soccer championship first-round game CD vs. Easton that will be contested at 7:30 pm tonight at Hersheypark Stadium.

Also, CLICK HERE for a listing of CD Lady Rams who were selected to the Mid-Penn All-Star team, and HERE for an article that mentions Rams senior forward Jocelyn Weidner being selected as the Commonwealth Division Player of the Year. (Weidner is first mentioned below the advertisement on page 1.)
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Pictured l. to r. is Allicia Yurkovic, Kate Yurkovic and Jocelyn Weidner holding the District 3 championship trophy following Friday night's 4-1 win over Lower Dauphin at Hersheypark Stadium. (Click the photo to view a larger version.)

Photo credit: John Gayman

Memorial Day in Linglestown

CLICK HERE for a letter-to-the-editor published by The Patriot-News that describes Memorial Days of yesteryear in Linglestown. Also, CLICK HERE for a moving Memorial Day story from days gone by as told by a Millersburg resident.

For highlights of this year's Memorial Day in the village, check out the video below ...

Linglestown holiday weekender

Monday’s big event … The annual Linglestown Memorial Day Parade will kick off from Linglestown American Legion at 1 pm.

The parade route is Blue Eagle Avenue, Balthaser Street, and Linglestown Road from Balthaser Street to the square. Refreshment will be served at Koons Park following the parade.

Another Memorial Day happening … St. Thomas Village Oriental Market & General Store on the square in Linglestown welcomes all vets, their families and all friends to try free samples of coffees from around the world, and also sample LUMPIA, the world famous Philippino-style egg roll. The store will be open Monday from 10 am to 9 pm.

CD sports … Gazette congratulations go out to CD junior Justin Shirk for winning his second straight PIAA Class AAA javelin title Saturday at Shippensburg University. The story behind Shirk’s victory as told by Rod Frisco of The Patriot-News is quite interesting.

History byte … The official name of the historic section of Linglestown is The Town of St. Thomas. Linglestown Gazette reader Harry recently asked in a comment if Thomas Lingle, the town’s founder, named the town after himself, or the saint. Please post a comment or send an e-mail if you’re in the know.

History byte #2 … According to two longtime residents of the Linglestown area, the home where St. Thomas Roasters coffee house is located previously was a pharmacy that closed up shop sometime in the mid-1970s.

Mowing contest update … For those of you entered in the mowing contest, the count is up 10. Due to last week’s rainy weather, the last cut started on Wednesday and ended on Friday.

Linglestown Twilight gets season’s first W

After losing the season opener Wednesday in a tight game against Lawnton, Linglestown Twilight baseball team quickly reversed their fortunes Thursday in Steelton by crushing their host 15-2 in a shortened six-inning game. The win improved Lingletown’s record to 1–1 heading into Memorial Day weekend.

Lingletown came out swinging, said Coach Steve Econ, generating 15 runs off of 12 hits. Leading the offensive explosion was Ken Connor who went 4-for-4 with four RBIs. Other top bats were Brian Zellers with three RBIs and four runs scored, and Steve Booker with two hits.

Pete Hayden pitched the first three innings to get the win. He was backed up by reliever Rhys Wolford who pitched two innings and recorded three strikeouts, and Steve Booker who took the mound for the final inning and struck out the side.

Linglestown Twilight will be back in action next Saturday, May 31 when they play a doubleheader at Koons Park against Valley View with the first pitch at 1 pm. Please consider stopping by and checking out your hometown ball team as they strive to defend their East Shore Twilight League championship.

Rams claim District 3 girls’ soccer crown

By Bill Bostic

HERSHEY (May 23) – The CD Lady Rams turned in a stylish 4-1 victory Friday night over the Lower Dauphin Falcons to earn the PIAA District 3 AAA soccer championship title.

In a repeat of Tuesday's semifinal match, CD quickly got on the board at Hersheypark Stadium thanks to the lively right leg of senior defender Allison Snyder who netted a 25-yard restart that skidded past Falcons goalkeeper Taylor Alwine just inside the right post. CD went up by two goals six minutes later when Kate Yurkovic banged in a corner kick by Snyder.

As the halfway point of the first half approached, CD paid the price for allowing LD’s Lauren Alwine unmarked, allowing the All-American to track down a rebound following a corner kick and zip the ball cleanly into the twine.

Whatever momentum LD picked up on Alwine’s score was quickly short-circuited four minutes later by a bit of CD soccer magic, a beautiful give-and-go combination that resulted in Kate Yurkovic’s second goal off a Jocelyn Weidner assist.

The two-goal cushion allowed CD coach Gregg Davis to notch up his team’s defensive stance and shutout LD in the second half.

Weidner sealed the deal with just over nine minutes to go in the contest when she was dragged down by a LD defender and awarded a penalty kick that she easily slipped past LD netminder Alwine.

CLICK HERE to read more in-depth game coverage from The Patriot-News.

Next up for the Rams is a first round game in the state championships this Tuesday, May 27, 7:30 pm against Easton back at Hersheypark Stadium.

Softball update ... CD lost to Waynesboro in the District 3 seminfinal game held Friday afternoon in Newville. CLICK HERE for details from The Patriot-News. (Coverage begins below the advertisement.)
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Photo credit: John Gayman

CD girls' soccer seek District 3 title tonight

CLICK HERE for a preview of tonight's PIAA District 3 AAA girls' soccer championship game between CD Rams and Lower Dauphin Falcons.

Please consider joining me at Hersheypark Stadium tonight at 7:30 pm to cheer on the Rams.
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NOTE: The photo was taken by John Gayman, an amateur photographer who photographs many, many CD sports events as a public service to the athletes, their parents and the community at large. Thanks for all you do, John!

Pictured is Allicia Yurkovic (#2 in white), one of CD's top offensive threats, fighting for the ball in Tuesday's District 3 semifinal against Berks County's Wilson at Hersheypark Stadium. The photo is an award-winner in my book.

CD softball advances in District 3 playoffs

CLICK HERE for a recap of games contested Thursday, including CD's 4-1 win over Exeter at Brightbill Park.

CD Lady Rams are back in action today with in a semifinal game against Waynesboro at Heishman Field in Newville, 4:30 pm.

The game will be a rematch of the Mid-Penn Conference final back on May 14 when the Maidens topped the Rams 7-5 in a 14-inning game.

Other sports news ... CD boys' volleyball team's season came to an end Wednesday in the District 3 quarterfinals at Central York High School when they were eliminated in pool play. CLICK HERE for all the details from The Patriot-News. (CD is mentioned on the second page below the advertisement.)

Linglestown baseball coverage kickoff

Please take a look at the video below – even if you're not a big baseball fan – to get up to speed on big happenings surrounding our hometown championship baseball team, Linglestown Twilight.

Lawnton squeaks by Linglestown 2-1

By Bill Bostic

KOONS PARK (May 21) – Linglestown Twilight came within a whisker of pulling off the kind of final-inning comeback Wednesday in the season opener against Lawnton that carried them to a league championship last summer.

But Lawnton’s leftfielder spoiled a rally by scooping up a hit and gunning down Linglestown’s Sean Kelly who attempted to knot the game at two by scoring from second base.

After five scoreless innings, Lawnton caught a break in their half of the sixth when Linglestown pitcher Jim Miller misplayed a bunt by sending his throw to first into right field, allowing a Lawnton runner to score from second. The visitors added a second run when a runner who reached third on a wild pitch was plated on a solid single.

In the 7th inning prior to the comeback-killing throw out at the plate, Linglestown loaded the bases on an error, a hit by designated hitter Bill Di Santo and a bunt single by catcher Bryan Stovall. The team’s first run of the new season was plated on a sacrifice fly.

The game attracted a nice-sized crowd on a damp and chilly evening. Fans enjoyed several new game features at the ballpark located along Balthaser Street – music and announcing by student intern Dan Fisher, new seating behind home plate, a refreshment stand, giveaways and free game guides.

The team’s next home game is a doubleheader on Saturday, May 31 against Valley View, first game starts at 1 pm.

Linglestown hump day update

Today’s top story … CD defeated Wilson 1-0 in Tuesday night’s semifinal of the PIAA District 3 girls’ soccer playoffs at Hersheypark Stadium. Allison Snyder (pictured), who has an amazingly strong right foot, scored the winning goal off a restart from 25 yards out. CLICK HERE for a game report by Michael Bullock of The Patriot-News.

The win earns the Lady Rams a trip to the District 3 title game against the always tough Lower Dauphin Falcons this Friday, 7:30 pm at Hersheypark Stadium. Go Rams!

CD athlete honored … CD wrestling star Walter Peppelman was selected as the 2008 male Travers Award winner at the 27th annual M&T Bank John Travers luncheon Tuesday at the Hilton Harrisburg. This prestigious award is given in honor of John Travers, the late Patriot-News executive sports editor who championed the efforts of high school-student athletes. CLICK HERE for more from The Patriot-News.

More CD need-to-know news … The CD school board Monday evening OK’d a tentative no-tax-increase budget and a new five-year contract with the teachers union. Get more details courtesy of T.W. Burger of The Patriot-News by CLICKING HERE.

Juveniles arrested for abducting girl … Lower Paxton Township police responded Monday afternoon to 5400 block of Pond Road to investigate a report of a van pulling up to a female walking along the roadway. A caller told police that two white males grabbed the female and pulled her into the van that had a third white male behind the wheel. The caller provided dispatchers with a description of the vehicle and direction of travel.

Uniformed police officers and detectives responded to the area and located the vehicle in the Four Seasons development. The juveniles told officers at the scene that they knew the girl and wanted to talk to her.

Officers informed the juveniles that a series of attempted abductions had recently occurred in the area, causing police and the caller to view the incident as a possible dangerous situation. The three juvenile males were charged with disorderly conduct, which is a summary offense that carries a maximum fine of up to $300 plus costs.

Monday’s big event … The annual Linglestown Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday, May 26 starting at 1 pm. In my opinion, one of the best spots to hang out is along Balthaser Street at Koons Park.

The parade usually forms at the American Legion and travels down Blue Eagle Avenue to Balthaser Street, goes past Koons Park on Balthaser Street, turns left onto Linglestown Road to the square, and ends at Koons Park.

This is a great smalltown U.S.A. way to honor those who sacrificed their lives defending our country.
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Photo credit: John Gayman

Linglestown Tuesday tidbits

Thursday's big event … The new Sheetz on Allentown Blvd. at the former location of Geo's restaurant across from Ollie’s Bargain Outlet will open this Thursday at 10 am.

The store has 14 gas pumps and an automatic car wash. Food and beverage offerings include Sheetz’s MTO, Burgerz and Fryz (sic), and Sheetz Bros. Coffee full-service espresso bar with Made-to-Order Mochas, Cappuccinos, Lattes, frozen iced drinks and frozen smoothies and protein shakes.

CD briefs … CD school board plans to stick with their no-tax-increase pledge despite sharply rising diesel fuel costs to operate the district's bus fleet. … The Central Dauphin H.S. Spring Orchestra Concert will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, May 21 at 7:30 pm in the school’s auditorium. Admission is free.

LP briefs … Lower Paxton Township supervisors give the boot to Capital Tax Collection Bureau. … And off a Q tip *, the supervisors picked Waste Management to continue as the township’s trash hauler for another five years.

Helping hand opportunity … St. Thomas Roasters has a collection jar on its counter for a Linglestown resident who lost most of her personal possessions in a house fire last week.

Only on the Net … I recently received an e-mail from Pat Lingle-Andjelkovic, a resident of Belgrade, Serbia, who is a direct descendent of Thomas Lingle, the founder of Linglestown. Pat is tentatively planning to visit the Harrisburg area this summer.
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* The Gazette regularly receives news tips from a Linglestown resident who goes by the nickname Q on the Internet. Starting today, the Gazette will occasionally label items that he submits as "Q tips."

CD sports update – Monday action, soccer preview

* Chambersburg Trojans pulled off a comeback win Monday to knock the CD Rams baseball team out of the District 3 playoff mix. CLICK HERE for a game report by Eric F. Epler of The Patriot-News.

* CD boys volleyballers pounded out a 3-1 win in a best of 5 match Monday against Warwick to advance to District 3 quarterfinal pool play on Wednesday, May 21, 4:30 pm at Central York H.S. CLICK HERE for a match summary. (Coverage is located below the advertisement.)

* Today’s District 3 softball playoff game at Brightbill Park between CD (3rd seed) and Exeter Township (14th seed) has been postponed due to wet weather until tomorrow, Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30 pm.

* CLICK HERE for a preview of tonight’s District 3 girls’ soccer semifinal game between CD and Wilson that will be contested on the carpet at Hersheypark Stadium, 5:30 pm.

* Three CD girls' lacrosse players have been named to the Mid-Penn Conference All-Stars. Top honors went to senior goalie Erin Myers who snagged a first-team selection. Making the second team were junior midfielder Kendra Sutherland and senior defender Jordan Anderson.

Linglestown Twilight prep for home opener

Linglestown Twilight baseball team played in the Reading Tournament over the weekend and came away with a win, a loss and a rainout. The tournament was the team’s final tune up for the regular season.

In the first game, Linglestown took a 4-2 lead into the 6th inning before giving up two runs to Norristown, sending the game into extra innings. Norristown scored a run in the top of the 8th to take a 5-4 lead. Linglestown got runners in scoring position during their at-bat but couldn’t plate a runner to extend the game.

Linglestown won their second game 10-2 over the Berkshire Blue Sox behind a solid pitching performance by left-hander Rhys Wolford. Brian Zellers and Steve Booker each homered for Linglestown to lead the hitting attack.

In the finale, Linglestown was leading the Berkshire Red Sox before rain forced the game and rest of the preseason tournament to be called off for the weekend.

Root on the home team … The first game of the season for Linglestown is this Wednesday, May 21 at 6 pm at Koons Park against Lawnton. Come out and support the team and have some fun!

For those of you not in the know, adult men play twilight baseball, which is sometimes referred to as sandlot baseball. Linglestown is the defending champions of the East Shore Twilight League.

Koons Pool to open later than normal

The new pool operator is targeting to open the pool by mid-June for the learn-to-swim classes held at the club every summer, according to an e-mail sent to the Gazette by a reader.

Pool spokesman Chuck Barto expects work to clean up the property and pool to be started soon. Former members should receive information on the upcoming pool season in the next couple of weeks.

Some former members may not receive an update because the previous operators did not have a complete membership database. If you don't receive an update, request membership information at the pool after it opens.

Linglestown gets front-page coverage

Roundabouts and the forever planned Linglestown square project are featured in a front page, below-the-fold story in today's The Patriot-News.

The story includes a quote from Lower Paxton Township Supervisor Bill Seeds, who is a village resident.

Also, a PennDOT official told the paper that the state expects to put the village improvement project out for bids in January 2009. The project could be delayed even longer if bids come in significantly higher than funding on hand for the project, about $4 million.

Linglestown students hit the big time

Linglestown Elementary Orchestra and Chorus performed Friday at the state Capitol in Harrisburg. James Roxbury, a member of the Capitol Press Corps, did a great job producing a YouTube video. A Gazette hat tip goes out to Karen Cattabiani for submitting the news item.

Linglestown weekender

Village flyby … I was able to take photos of Linglestown from high in the sky thanks to pilot Ken Stambaugh, a Linglestown resident and Gazette reader, who took me on a 40-minute flight in a high wing single engine Cessna out of Reigle Airport in Palmyra.

Below is a wide shot of the Linglestown area from the east – the road that can be seen just above the wing support is Wenrich Street. (Click on photo for larger version.)

View of the Linglestown square. (Click on photo for larger version.)

Roasters celebration … St. Thomas Roasters coffee house on the village square was all decked out Saturday to celebrate its 8th anniversary. To mark the special occasion, I was able to persuade owner Geof Smith to pose for a picture beside his trusty bean roaster.




Paxton Creek cleanup … The Patriot-News editorial board weighed in Sunday on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pushing for major cuts in pollution going into Paxton Creek. This situation potentially could impact Lower Paxton Township since the headwaters of the creek flow through the Linglestown area and other parts of the township. There are signs marking the location of creek along Linglestown Road just west of the historic village and just west of Sheetz.

CD advances in soccer tourney

Updated Sunday, May 18 at 9 am

By Bill Bostic

MANCHESTER, York County – CD girls' soccer team socked Penn Manor 4-0 Saturday evening in a PIAA District 3 AAA quarterfinal game in at Northeastern H.S.

The Rams got off to a quick start with Jocelyn Weidner (pictured) netting the first of her three goals before 10 minutes of play had elapsed. She scored again 27 minutes into the first 40-minute half from the left side of the penalty box off a nifty feed from Kate Yurkovic.

In the second half at the 11-minute mark, Rams sophomore midfielder Sarah Dowhower floated a shot over the Comets' goalkeeper from just outside the penalty box on the left flank. Eight minutes later Weidner achieved a hat-trick from point-blank range when the ball landed on her foot after pinballing around the box following a corner kick by Allison Snyder.

CD's defenders and midfielders did a great job of bottling up the Comets in their half of the field, allowing Rams goalkeeper Amy Gouldner to get a shutout win without being serverely tested.

CLICK HERE for in-depth game coverage by Michael Bullock of The Patriot-News that includes a play-by-play description of Weidner’s first tally. (I was trying to find the stadium at the time of the goal.)

Next up for the second-seeded Rams is a semifinal match-up Tuesday, 5:30 pm against sixth-seeded Wilson at Hersheypark Stadium.

Other sports … Gazette congrats go out to CD senior Anna Muzio and junior Jason Shirk for winning gold Saturday at the District 3 Track and Field Championships contested at Shippensburg University. Muzio was best in the shot put competition (40-71/2), and Shirk was tops in the javelin for the second straight year, throwing 196-7 on his last attempt. … CD seniors Jocelyn Weidner (field hockey, soccer) and Walter Peppelman Jr. (wrestling) are in the running for the prestigious M&T Bank John Travers Awards. ... CD boys volleyballers begin District 3 tournament play Monday, 6 pm at Central York H.S. against Warwick out of Lancaster County.
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Photo credit: John Gayman

Linglestown TGIF

CD news … CD school board member Christian Malesic got a mention in The Patriot-News today in a story about Dauphin County Technical School’s budget for next year getting final approval. Malesic has been an opponent of the tech school's spending plan, saying its 3 percent increase is too much. He wrote an op-ed piece that outlined his position that was published last month in The Patriot-News, and he recently offered a resolution that the CD board passed stating that it would not raise the district’s property tax rate for next school year. … CD School District isn’t alone in dealing with woes related to having two high schools. CLICK HERE to read about Council Rock School District in Bucks County, and be sure to check out the comments located below the article.

Free e-recycling opportunity … Consider doing yourself and the environment a big favor by taking a few minutes to pack up any old electronics hanging around your house and carting them over to the Dauphin County Recycling Day at HACC tomorrow, Saturday, May 17 from 9 am to 1 pm. There’s no charge for dropping off most items. CLICK HERE for more details.

Odds and ends … CLICK HERE to learn how recycling magazines and other types of glossy paper can help Ronald McDonald House of Hershey. … Lowest gas prices in the Linglestown area according to a wicked cool Web site is Costco at $3.67 (only available to Costco members) and the Hess station on Route 39 at the I-81 interchange at $3.69. Lowest price in the village area is Turkey Hill on N. Mountain Road at $3.74. … All this talk about gasoline is a good segue to the QUESTION OF THE DAY – What are you doing to cut fuel and other energy costs? I'd like to see at least 20 Gazette readers share proven ways to save energy by posting a comment. Just click the link at the bottom of this post that shows how many comments there are for this blog post, and then follow the instructions.

Get a Gazette subscription, for FREE … Please consider subscribing to this blog's RSS feed. It's FREE and easy to do. In the right-hand sidebar, click on the orange icon or "Subscribe to Linglestown Gazette" link, and then follow the instructions.

Using a feed is great way to automatically find out when new information is added to Linglestown Gazette. I use an online feed reader called Bloglines.

CD sports – postseason action

Girls’ soccer … The Lady Rams whipped the Chambersburg Trojans for the third time this season by a count of 3-0 to advance in the District 3 AAA tourney. Kate Yurkovic (pictured, #10 in white) buried two second-half scores and Allye Landis polished off an Allison Snyder corner to top off the scoring for the Rams (16-2-0). Amy Gouldner (3 saves) pitched her 12th shutout for CD. Up next for the second-seeded Rams is a quarterfinal match-up with seventh-seeded Penn Manor at Northeastern H.S. tomorrow, Saturday, May 17 at 5:30 pm. Source Link

Boys’ volleyball … In the Mid-Penn Volleyball Championships, CD defeated Carlisle 3-1 to advance to the title match, but got knocked off by always-tough Cumberland 3-1 in the finale. CLICK HERE for a tournament report by The Patriot News.

Upcoming games … Monday, May 19, CD baseball vs. Chambersburg in District 3 Tournament at Shippensburg, 4 pm ... Tuesday, May 20, CD softball vs. Exeter Township in District 3 Tournament at Brightbill Park, 6:30 pm.
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Photo credit: John Gayman

Linglestown odds and ends

Q findings … Gazette contributor Q spotted a number of food-related items today. He read Mimi Brodeur’s review of Sakana Hibachi Steak House & Sushi in The Patriot-News. Sakana is a new restaurant located behind Dunkin’ Donuts along Linglestown Road. Next, Q was paging through this month's Fly Magazine and happened upon a review of St. Thomas Restaurant located in the heart of the village square. And last but certainly not least, he spotted a sign for Chicken BBQ on Saturday morning/early afternoon at Linglestown American Legion located across from Hornung’s Ace Hardware.

Weekend preview … CLICK HERE for info about Dauphin County Recycling Day – 8th anniversary event at St. Thomas Roasters – open house at Olivia’s Team Room – continuation of a lecture series at Chocolate Cafe. CLICK HERE for info on a free concert Friday night. (See second item.)

Square project update … Lower Paxton Township officials are still working on obtaining right-of-ways for improvements along Linglestown Road in the village. The start of construction has been pushed back until at least this fall, according to township supervisor Bill Seeds, who is a village resident. Work could be delayed beyond this fall if construction bids come in significantly above the $4 million in the project kitty.

Mowing contest update … For those of you entered in the contest, I mowed my yard two times this week, taking the count to 9. The combination of wet weather, fertilization and occasional sun is making the green stuff grow like crazy! And, Gazette reader DRM plans to contribute an item for the prize package – a gift certificate for a Harrisburg eatery.

CD loses softball title in marathon game

In a 14-inning nailbiter, Waynesboro outlasted CD 7-5 in the Mid-Penn Conference softball final Wednesday in Newville. CLICK HERE for a game account by Roxanne B. Moses of The Patriot-News.

Linglestown midweek update

History buffs talk swords … Civil War sword expert Dane Maryott (pictured holding one of his swords) was the featured speaker for the Lower Paxton Historical Society gathering Wednesday evening at St. Thomas Roasters in the village square.

He said the swords were not used to inflict cutting injuries – in fact, they usually were very dull. The weapons were used to stab and to make striking blows.

Dane also owns a Web site that has historic photos of Linglestown.

Watch for announcements on Linglestown Gazette about future historical society meetings.

CD offers free concerts … CD High School has three jazz bands, and they will perform a spring concert this Friday, May 16 at 7:30 pm in the school auditorium. Admission is free.

And, the school’s Spring Orchestra Concert will take place next Wednesday, May 21 at 7:30 pm. Admission is also free for this concert.

Please consider supporting the students with your attendance as they wind down their academic year.

Ut ohhhh!! … It looks like the only swimming that will happen this summer at Koons Park Pool will be the ducks that were hanging out there Wednesday afternoon. The pool has not been drained and the grass needs to be cut in a big way.

Please leave a comment if you’re in the know about what’s happening with the pool.

Larue Street hit with another tragedy

Fire gutted a home Wednesday afternoon at 6024 Larue Street, which is located beside the house that was the site of a shooting last month. The owner, M. Neuer, discovered the fire upon returning to the house around 3 pm.

Linglestown firefighters believe the fire was caused by an electrical malfunction. Most of the owner’s personal possessions were ruined and some cats may have perished.

Red Cross volunteers were on the scene to help the owner obtain temporary lodging.


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CD softball headed to conference final

In Mid-Penn Conference tournament action, CD's softball team defeated defending conference champion Greencastle-Antrim 5-1 Monday evening in Newville. They will play for all the marbles tonight against Waynesboro back at Heishman Field in Newville at 6 pm.

CLICK HERE for a feature story on Monday's game by Roxanne B. Moses of The Patriot-News.

CD East parents vow to recast school's image

T.W. Burger of The Patriot-News reports on last night's powwow of CD East parents on issues related to poverty and redistricting that took place when the new CD High School was opened five years ago.

CLICK HERE for a video report from WHTM abc27.

L.P. likely to hire new tax bureau

Local officials are trying to make sure taxes deducted from workers’ paychecks get to the right place at the right time at the lowest cost.

By Bill Bostic

Lower Paxton Township supervisors huddled Tuesday afternoon at the township’s Municipal Center with officials from Central Dauphin School District and other municipalities served by the district to discuss earned income tax collection.

The current tax bureau, Capital Tax Collection Bureau, has been in hot water for about two years for allegedly providing shoddy service and not fully responding to requests to validate its work. Capital Tax is a non-profit agency that serves 74 local governments and school districts in the Harrisburg region.

The meeting was a rambling conversation with participants rehashing the pros and cons of working with Capital Tax, which has collected earned income taxes since 2001 when it merged with Central Dauphin Earned Income Tax Office. Several officials expressed no confidence in the way Capital Tax is being operated, interjecting the phrase “at the end of the day” numerous times while making various and sundry points about the bureau.

CD informally took a leadership role in the situation when the school board recently voted to leave Capital Tax at the end of the year.

Ideally, CD and the municipalities would use the same tax collection service to reduce the number of tax-dollar transfers between bureaus, but it appears unlikely that will happen.

Paxtang, Pennbrook and West Hanover Township have voted to stay with Capital Tax, while Lower Paxton, Swatara and Middle Paxton townships have not yet voted on the issue. Municipalities need to inform Capital Tax by June 30 if they want to drop its services at the end of this year.

CD officials expressed a willingness to work with the municipalities in seeking proposals from other tax collection services. Officials for Lower Paxton and Swatara townships indicated that they are moving in a direction to work with the school district in the search process.

Lower Paxton Township Supervisor David Blain (pictured) said Central Tax Bureau of PA and Berkheimer Tax Administrator, two for-profit operations, appear to have lower fees and superior operations than Capital Tax.

Blain, who has been the point person for the township in dealings with Capital Tax, urged officials who are planning to stick with Capital Tax to investigate other tax collecion services.

Capital Tax lacks the technology to efficiently do the job over the long haul, he said.

Developing story …

Witnesses help L.P. police arrest prowler

At 4:00 am Monday morning Lower Paxton Twp. Police responded to a call early Monday morning from the 600 block of Pool Drive for a subject attempting to enter vehicles. Residents described to police a subject they observed walking through the apartment complex’s parking lot looking into vehicles and checking door handles. Officers arrived in the area and based on the physical and clothing description provided located a subject matching that description walking in the area.

Police arrested Jesse M. Samuel (pictured) of the first block of Ivey Lane, Harrisburg, charging him with loitering and prowling at night, and criminal attempt/theft.

Local blogger weighs in on Five Guys burgers

Blogger on West Shore isn't sure Five Guys will survive downturn in the economy.

CD, CD East battle growing legs?

T.W. Burger of The Patriot-News previews a meeting scheduled tonight at Central Dauphin East High School to discuss fixing inequities between the district's high schools.

Lower Paxton Township update

* The Lower Paxton Twp. supervisors will conduct a workshop meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, May 13 at 4:00 pm, and a special business meeting at 6:30 pm to discuss and act on solid waste and recyclables collection bids. Both meetings will be held at the Municipal Center, 425 Prince Street. CLICK HERE to view meeting agendas.

The most interesting item on the agenda for the 4 pm meeting is a discussion with Central Dauphin School District on tax-collection services provided by the embattled Capital Tax Collection Bureau (CTCB). Local governments throughout the Harrisburg area are concerned that CTCB isn't divvying up local tax dollars in an efficient and accurate way.

CD school board has voted to can CTCB, and now Lower Paxton Twp. and other municipalities have to decide if they are going to follow the school district's lead. Last week West Hanover Township decided to continue working with CTCB.

The school district and municipalities using different collection services could make an already complicated process even harder to manage, in my opinion.

Problems with tax collection are being experienced statewide – not surprising when you consider that Pennsylvania has 501 public school districts and over 1,500 municipalities. The Patriot-News editorial board today gave its take on the best way for Pennsylvania to streamline the collection of local earned income taxes.

Developing story ...

* The Lower Paxton Township Authority last week voted to seek bids for a sewer-line project along Linglestown Road on the eastern side of the village. Last summer the township's consulting engineer estimated the repairs would cost over $500,000.

Linglestown weekly planner

Upcoming events …

* Wednesday, May 14, 6:30 pm … Lower Paxton Historical Society meeting at St. Thomas Roasters on the village square will feature Dane Maryott displaying and talking about “swords of the Civil War.” For more information, call 545-8704.

* Saturday, May 17, 9 am to 1 pm … Dauphin County Recycling Day will be held at Harrisburg Area Community College. This event is a great opportunity for getting rid of electronics and other items at no or limited cost. CLICK HERE for more details.

* Saturday, May 17, 7 am to 10 pm … St. Thomas Roasters on the village square celebrates its 8th anniversary. Guest baristas – the coffee house's "old time" staff – will be working the counter for the morning. Owners Pam and Geof will be there too, making fresh crepes. Trivia, prizes, live music inside and out. Plus, “Old Time” prices from 2000 for the day.

* Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18 … Olivia’s Team Room, located above Linglestown Flowers & Gifts, will hold an open house event. Alice Thorne and her daughter operate the shop that features a tearoom and a gift shop for the American Girl doll. Call 652-5082 for more information.

* Sunday, May 18, 6 pm … The Chocolatetown Cafe in Linglestown will host the second of a three-part series of hour-long presentations entitled "Postmodernism and the Church." There will be a Q&A session and light refreshments after the formal part of the program. The featured speaker is Dr. Kenneth Miller of Evangelical Theological Seminary in Myerstown.

CD sports … Rains have forced the postponement of today's Mid-Penn softball playoff game between CD and Greencastle-Antrim. The game has been rescheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, May 13, 5 pm at Heishman Field in Newville.

The rains also pushed back CD girls' soccer team's opening game in the PIAA District 3 Tournament from Wednesday to Thursday, 7 pm at Landis Field. The second-seeded Lady Rams will play the winner of a first-round game between Susquehannock and Chambersburg.

Linglestown Twilight travels to Deep South

The Linglestown Twilight baseball team traveled to Myrtle Beach, S.C., for a preseason tournament, winning three out of four games. Linglestown coach Steve Economopoulos (pictured) filed the following game summaries.

Linglestown dropped its first game of the tournament 7-2 Friday night against Myrtle Beach White Sox, a semi-pro team. The game was close through seven innings (Linglestown down 3-2). For our first outing, we did well. Pete Hayden pitched seven strong innings and Scott Montgomery had two hits.

The team played a doubleheader Saturday, winning the first game 9-5 over the Myrtle Beach Yankees, and winning the second game 7-5 over the Myrtle Beach Braves. Our bats began to work better on the second day and we had great pitching in the first game from Trevor Reid (who was on our team last year and now moved to N.C. – he met up with us for this game). Jim Miller threw all nine innings in the second game and got the win.

Linglestown defeated Myrtle Beach Expos 8-6 Sunday. Pete Hayden pitched 8 innings again to get the win.

Offensive team leaders for the tournament were Scott Montgomery with seven hits, AJ Granito and Bryan Stovall with six, and Jim Miller with five.

Linglestown Twilight, the defending champions of the East Shore Twilight League, will play in the Reading Tournament next weekend, and then open the regular season on Wednesday, May 21, 6 pm against Lawnton at Koons Park.

Linglestown Gazette is the official media outlet for the team.

CD sports … In the Mid-Penn Conference Track and Field Championships, CD’s Justin Shirk defended his javelin championship Friday with a throw of 183-4. In the 400-meter championship Saturday, CD sophomore Gary Flythe mixed a great start and an aggravated injury by a top contender into a title in 49.37 seconds. In girls’ competition, CD senior Anna Muzio continued her winning ways by capturing the shot with a heave of 41 feet, 1/4 inch. The Penn State recruit also won the discus on Friday. … In softball, CD begins the Mid-Penn playoffs Monday, 5 pm against Greencastle-Antrim at Heishman Field in Newville. … Wrapping up with girls’ soccer, CD begins PIAA District 3 Tournament play Wednesday against the winner of Susquehannock v. Chambersburg that will be contested Monday. The Lady Rams are the second-seeded team.

Linglestown postcard

This feathered friend, a mourning dove, stopped by to check out the Gazette newsroom last week.

TGIF Linglestown

Amelia’s gets some ink … According to an AP story, sales at so-called salvage grocery stores, like Amelia’s Grocery Outlet, have climbed as the economic climate in the U.S. has worsened. Sales at Amelia’s grew by 12 percent in 2007, and the New Holland, Pa.-based chain of 11 stores is on pace to increase sales by 23 percent this year, said owner Mike Mitchell. Amelia’s was also featured in an abcNEWS story that was published in March. By the way, Mike assisted me with setting up the Linglestown Gazette Food Drive that was held last month.

See you tonight ... Please consider joining me at St. Thomas Roasters tonight 8-10 pm for music, yuks and storytelling by former Hollywood insider Frank Cotolo and his two sons, Jack and Ray. There's no cover charge, and I'll even buy you a cup of java if you're bold enough to tap me on the shoulder and ask me for one.

Village briefs … Paxton Creek cleanup could cost Lower Paxton Township and other nearby municipalities millions. … Resident of CD School District claims that poverty still divides the district’s two high schools. … Linglestown tanning salon is featured in a TV news story.

Correction … The post that described my visit to Linglestown’s newest retail establishment, St. Thomas Village Oriental Market and General Store, had an error and an omission. I misidentified one of the owners’ sons as Owen – the correct name is Oliver. And, I failed to identify the husband/father associated with the family business, Jon Siennick. Jon is a member of Pennsylvania National Guard's 56 Stryker Brigade Combat Team that will be deployed to Iraq in early 2009. The mission will be Jon's second tour of duty in Iraq.

(Note to self: Remember not to use scribbled notes on the back of a sales receipt as source material for blog posts.)

High school sports … Jessica Shirk and Rebeccah Smith each bagged three goals as Harrisburg Christian roasted York Christian 9-1 in a Commonwealth Christian Athletic Conference tournament semi. … CD boys volleyballers beat rival CD East 3-1. Bryan Keister led the Rams with 19 digs and two aces. The Rams (6-3 division, 11-4 overall) have qualified for the Mid-Penn Tournament. … In diamond play, Northern scored nine unearned runs in the fourth and stopped CD 9-8.

Source Link (soccer); Source Link (volleyball, baseball)