Features
Anthrasights: Snapshots from Around the Region
COAL REGION–Coal Cracker reporters were roving the region, and beyond, this spring, capturing special moments and events. Enjoy these glimpses of life in and around the Anthracite Region. Above, a photo by David Lindenmuth of an empty center court at the Schuylkill Mall, in Frackville, decorated for Easter, on April... Read More
Music Education in Area Schools
By David Lindenmuth “I’m going to Disney World!” is a quote typically associated with a championship in NCAA Basketball or the NFL, but it’s also a popular phrase among several local marching bands. Tri-Valley (pictured above), Tamaqua Area, Mahanoy Area, and Hazleton Area marching bands have... Read More
Jawn Squad – The Brick House Grill
By Nick Cavenas I went to The Brickhouse Grill with my buddies Jordan Hannon, Justin Letcavage, and Jacob Witiszin (the self-proclaimed food expert pictured above). Overall, we all enjoyed this restaurant. Great hospitality, environment, and most importantly they make great food! Brick House has a wide... Read More
Orchestra Festival at Shenandoah Valley High School
By David Lindenmuth More than 100 of the best high school musicians from the Poconos, Lehigh Valley, and the Coal Region converged on Shenandoah in late January for the 2016-17 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 10 Orchestra Festival. Students from Schuylkill, Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon,... Read More
Memories of Band Director Bill Mitchell
According to Mahanoy Area Historical Society’s Images of America book, “In 1957 Mahanoy City High School hired Bill Mitchell as Band Director. A trombone student from the famous Professor Dorsey, the service veteran and graduate of Pennsylvania State University was about to revolutionize the performance of high school marching bands.”... Read More
Making a Difference
By Meredith Rhoades “Empowered women empower women.” This quote embodies the exact reason why I attended the Women’s March on Washington. Not only did I feel the absolute need to stand up against discrimination, I also wanted to prove to people that even at 16 years... Read More
Women’s March: a Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment
By Serena Bennett The Women’s March on Washington on January 21 attracted an estimated 1 million people, and I was one of them. Standing together to support one another was one of the most surreal and exciting experiences of my life. I chose to attend the... Read More
Taking the OMG and SMH out of Social Media
By Oceana O’Boyle Kids these days have a lot of new technology. Our kids at Coal Cracker youth-led news decided to keep everyone updated on the social media of today. We mainly use phones or social media for contacting friends and family or playing games. Games... Read More
The Safety Pin Movement
Article by Amber Lawrence Illustration by Sarah Matz There is no doubt that this year’s presidential election was a rocky one. After the election of Donald J. Trump many people have been struck with fear that his presidency might come with abuse to minorities, immigrants, women, and... Read More
Christmas Crafts ‘Tis the Season
Members of Mahanoy City’s A.C.T.I.O.N. Youth Group, above, recently made 130 handcrafted reindeer out of washcloths and bars of soap. The crafts were delivered to residents of the Mahanoy City Elderly Apartments, such as Pat Kechula, pictured at left. On Saturday, November 26, Mahanoy City hosted its annual tree lighting... Read More