Hanover TownshipA progressive growing community in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania

The Hanover Area School District honored Veterans during their Veteran’s Day Program held at Memorial Elementary on November 7, 2024.

Hanover Township recently purchased new vehicles for the Police, Public Works, and Code Departments. These vehicles were purchased through a PA Local Share Account Grant. The Hanover Township Board of Commissioners would like to thank PA Senator Lisa Baker and PA Representative Alec Ryncavage for their support. These vehicles will help each department service and protect the residents of Hanover Township.

The Hanover Township Board of Commissioners presented the Hanover Area Junior Baseball Team with a proclamation at their August 14, 2024, meeting.  The Hanover Area Junior Baseball Team defeated Pittston for the District 16 Title and Mid Valley for the Section 5 Championship in July.  They gained eligibility to the Pennsylvania Junior Baseball Tournament in Athens where they finished in 3rd place.  Congratulations to the Team! 

The Hanover Township Board of Commissioners appointed two full-time Apparatus Operators to the Hanover Township Fire Department at their July 10, 2024 Meeting. The Honorable Kyle Halesey administered the oath of office to Austin Nocera and Ryan Kairo who will begin their full-time position with the Hanover Township Fire Department. Congratulations to both Austin and Ryan.

The Hanover Township Board of Commissioners presented Allyson Brodie with a Proclamation at their July 10, 2024, Meeting. Allyson had fought through two of three opening-round attempts in the Class2A competition for discus, ultimately throwing a 101-3 to reach the finals and was the only Wyoming Valley Conference Athlete to win gold at the 2024 Class 2A District. Congratulations Allyson on this spectacular feat!

The 2024 Memorial Day Parade made in part by the Amvets Post 59 was held on May 27, 2024. Community members came together to honor those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

Fifth Grade students at the Hanover Memorial Elementary School participated in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.)  Program.  This course teaches students the skills to resist peer pressure and to reject involvement in drugs, gangs, and violence.  This curriculum was made possible with funding through Opioid Settlement Funds. Congratulations to all the children that participated.  Special Thank You to Hanover Township’s Sergeant John VanWhy for administering the course and to the Hanover Area School District for reinstating this class.  Please click on the below links to view the graduation program and article from the Citizens Voice.

News article Citizen's Voice (April 19, 2024)

Graduation program

The Hanover Township Board of Commissioners appointed a full-time Apparatus Operator to the Hanover Township Fire Department at their March 13, 2024 Meeting. The Honorable Kyle Halesey administered the oath of office to Joseph Scudder who will begin his full-time position with the Hanover Township Fire Department. Congratulations to Joseph

The Hanover Township Board of Commissioners recognized The Honorable Joseph A. Halesey, District Magistrate for District 11-2-03 at their January 10, 2024, Board of Commissioners Meeting. Judge Halesey retired after 31 years of service and was honored by the Board of Commissioners who deemed January 10, 2024, Joseph A. Halesey Day.

From left to right: Sam Guesto, Township Manager; William Howatt, Commissioner, Joe Howanitz, Commissioner, George Andrejko, Chairman Board of Commissioners, The Honorable Joseph A. Halesey, Jeffrey Lewis, Vice-Chairman, George Bowers, Commissioner, Al Bagusky, Commissioner

The Honorable Kyle Halesey, District Court Judge, administered the Oath of Office to Hanover Township Commissioners during the January 2, 2024, Re-Organization Meeting. Certification of Elections were collected and the Oaths of Office were accepted.

Pictured above from left to right: Chairman of the Board George L. Andrejko, Commissioner Ronald Krushnowski, Commissioner Albert Bagusky, The Honorable Kyle Halesey, Commissioner Joe Howanitz, Commissioner Bill Howatt.

The Hanover Green Playground, located on Downing Street in Hanover Township, was rededicated on Friday, September 29, 2023. The Hanover Township Board of Commissioners held a rededication ceremony in honor of Thomas Rudnitskas. A new sign was unveiled, and proclamations were given to Thomas bestowing his honor. Thomas is a lifelong citizen of Hanover Township and has consistently shown pride in the playground. New updates to the pavilion area were also revealed. Congratulations Thomas.

Please join us for an educational workshop on the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF). SLF is a serious invasive pest that feeds in large groups on a wide range of plants including grapes, peaches, apples, walnuts, oaks, and maples. The feeding damage stresses the plants which can lead to decreased health and potentially death. SLF can be a significant nuisance, affecting the quality of life and enjoyment of the outdoors.

Luzerne Conservation District in partnership with Penn State Extension Educator, Vinnie Catrone, will be holding an informational workshop to inform the public of this pest and provide circle traps to help in controlling the SLF. The event will be held on Tuesday, September 26th at 6:30pm – 8pm. It will be held at Wilkes University’s Henry Student Center in the Jean & Paul Adams Commons (JPAC), 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766. This is a free event, but registration is required. Please call Keith George at Luzerne Conservation District to reserve your spot, 570-674-7991 x 6 or email keith@luzcd.org with your name, phone number, and number of people attending.

Registration is required by September 25th, 2023.

Flyer

Press release

The Hanover Township Board of Commissioners appointed two (2) full-time Police Officer at their July 12, 2023 Meeting. The Honorable Joseph A. Halesey administered the oath of office to Jacob Mercadante and Desmond Cannon. Congratulations to both!

Information on mosquito control and reduction.

Full details here (pdf)

Tire Collection | June 3, 10, & 17, 2023

Spring Clean Up | June 3, 10, & 17, 2023

Electronics Recycling Day | June 17, 2023

FREE Document Shredding Event | June 17, 2023

Additional Pricing

PA House of Representatives - District 119
The Honorable Alec J. Ryncavage

Hanover Township Municipal Building
temporary satellite office

February 6,7,8 2023
8:00 am - 4:00 pm

The Hanover Township Board of Commissioners attended a PEER Graduation at the Hampton House on Wednesday, January 18, 2022. This program trains resident advocates to work with facilities, staff, and residents to enhance the quality of care and the quality of life for their “peers”. Proclamations were distributed to all of the Graduates during the ceremony held at the Hampton House Rehab and Nursing Center. Congratulations!

Row 1: Edith Foose, PEER Graduate, Diane Oney, PEER Graduate, Grace Davis, PEER Graduate Row2: Robert Reitmeyer, PEER Graduate, Ron Krushnowski, Hanover Twp Commissioner, George Bowers, Hanover Twp Commissioner, Susan Drake, Ombudsman, George Andrejko, Chairman Hanover Township Board of Commissioners, Gary Malia, Administrator Hampton House, Cheryl Levey, PEER Graduate, Leah Miller, Director of Activities

The Hanover Township Board of Commissioners appointed a full-time Police Officer and promoted a current Police Officer to Sergeant at their January 11, 2023 Meeting. The Honorable Joseph A. Halesey administered the oath of office to Jeiko Rodriguez as he was sworn in as a full-time Police Officer. The Honorable Joseph A. Halesey also administered the oath of office to Connor Duffy who was recently promoted from Patrolman to Sergeant. Congratulations to both!

The Hanover Township Board of Commissioners appointed a full-time Police Officer at the October 12, 2022 Meeting. The Honorable Joseph A. Halesey administered the oath of office to Benjamin Kreuzer as he was sworn in. Congratulations Ben!

The Hanover Township Board of Commissioners present the Hanover Township Fire Department with a 2022 Aurora 850 SX-R 8x8 Responder on Wednesday, August 10, 2022. The new ARGO equipment will assist the Hanover Township Fire Department and the Hanover Township Police Department with day or night searches, flooding, rescues, etc. This is a welcome tool to aid in difficult terrain situations.

Fork Over Love held a community wide event for Hanover Township and Ashley Borough residents on July 19, 2022. Volunteers from M&T Bank, Hanover Township and Ashley Borough handed out free meals to residents. Meals were provided by two local restaurants: Pasquale’s Restaurant (1190 Sans Souci Parkway) and Pizza Bella (782 Hazle Street). Please visit the Fork Over Love website for more information on what this great organization achieves.

Thank you Bette, Gert, and all of the volunteers who helped make this event happen.

Hanover Township Board of Commissioners introduced the Hanover Township Police Department’s new K-9 Blu at the May 11, 2022, Board of Commissioners Meeting. Blu is a short haired German Short Hair Pointer and is replacing the recently retired K-9 Rok.

Hanover Township has been awarded $1 Million by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to construct 4.8 miles of D&L Trail from Mountain Top to Oliver Mills, Laurel Run, PA.

This award was made possible through PennDOT’s Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program (TASA) funded by The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, enacted as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. TASA provides funding for transportation alternatives projects, such as trails that provide pedestrian and bicycle transportation accessibility. Hanover Township is the municipal sponsor for this award on behalf of the landowner, Anthracite Scenic Trails Association (ASTA). ASTA owns and maintains over 15 miles of D&L Trail in Luzerne County.

Read the full press release here >

The Hanover Township Board of Commissioners appointed two (2) full-time Police Officers at the April 13, 2022 Meeting. The Honorable Joseph A. Halesey administered the oath of office to Cotisha Smith and Randall Yost as both were sworn in. Congratulations to both Officers.

The Hanover Township Board of Commissioners held a swearing in ceremony for Chief David M. Lewis at the March 16, 2022, Board of Commissioners Meeting. The Honorable Joseph A. Halesey was in attendance and conducted the ceremonial swearing in. Chief Lewis has served the Residents of Hanover Township since 1991 and brings over 31 years of law enforcement experience. Congratulations Chief Lewis! We look forward to your continued dedication to Hanover Township.

Pictured from Left to Right: Luzerne County District Attorney Samuel Sanguedolce, Chief David M. Lewis and the Honorable Joseph A. Halesey

Retiring employees were honored at the February 16, 2022, Board of Commissioners’ Meeting. Patrolman Mark Stefanowicz was honored for his 32 years of service. Ned Zwiebel, Road Supervisor, was honored with 35 years of service. Barb Smith Was honored with 11 years of service. Each retiring employee received a plaque commemorating their years of service. Congratulations and best wishes Mark, Ned and Barbara – you will be missed.

Chief Albert Walker was honored at the February 16, 2022, Board of Commissioners’ Meeting. Chief Walker will be retiring in March of 2022 and was honored by the Board of Commissioners with a plaque commemorating his 34 years of service. Congratulations Chief Walker you will be missed. Best wishes in your retirement. There was also a news article that was broadcast on WNEP Channel 16.

Read the annual report here >

The Honorable Joseph A. Halesey, District Court Judge administered the Oath of Office to Hanover Township Commissioners during the January 3, 2022 Re-Organizational Meeting. Certifications of Elections were collected and the Oaths of Office were accepted. 

Commissioner George Bowers receives the Oath of Office

Vice-Chairman Jeffrey P. Lewis receives the Oath of Office

Tax Collector/Treasurer Mildred Luba receives the Oath of Office from the Honorable Joseph A. Halesey

Joe Howanitz was recently appointed to the Hanover Township Board of Commissioners during the January 3, 2022 Re-Organization Meeting. Commissioner Howanitz is a lifelong resident of Hanover Township who brings with him years of experience. Congratulations Commissioner Howanitz.

Pictured is Joe Howanitz receiving the Oath of Office from the Honorable Joseph A. Halesey.

The Hanover Township Board of Commissioners presented scholarships to Hanover Area Students. Students were awarded the scholarships for their participation in creating “TikTok” videos as it relates to the History of Hanover Township. These scholarships were awarded in conjunction with the 250th Anniversary Celebration.

Complete the survey here!

Duvall Leatherworks a Kington-based designer and manufacturer of fine leather goods, has expanded its business by leasing space in Hanover Industrial Estates, Hanover Township.  A ribbon cutting was held at their new location on October 14, 2021. 

Signs were set up at the Municipal Building to direct residents who attended the drive-thru event.

NorthPoint Development held a groundbreaking ceremony for Buildings 8 and 9 on Thursday, October 21, 2021. Tradeport 164 land is located with the City of Nanticoke, Newport Township and Hanover Township.

Hanover Township celebrated it’s 250th Anniversary on Saturday, October 16, 2021. The event was held at the Municipal Building. Residents were able to stop by and receive items from Hanover Township’s Police, Fire, and Road Departments as well as Hanover Township’s Community Ambulance Association. A tote bag filled with items, to mark the anniversary, was also distributed to residents. Additionally, local businesses donated items for the event that were included in the gift pack. Although the 250th Anniversary for Hanover Township was in the year 2020, the coronavirus pandemic put a glitch into planning and the event was scaled back. Thank you to everyone that attended and stopped by making this event a success.

Signs were set up at the Municipal Building to direct residents who attended the drive-thru event.

Chairman of the Board of Commissioners George L. Andrejko speaks with WBRE regarding the event.

A Resident picks up their commemorative pack at the event.

Road Department Employees were on hand to distribute recycling containers to residents.

Sparky the Firedog was on-site along with members of Hanover Township’s Fire Department.

The Luzerne Conservation District (LCD) Mosquito-borne Disease Control Program will conduct truck mounted ultra-low volume (ULV) mosquito control spraying operations in sections of the following municipalities:

• West Wyoming Borough
• Exeter Borough
• Plymouth Borough
• Nanticoke City
• Hanover Township

Residential and recreational areas within these municipalities will be sprayed for adult mosquito control. The work will begin at dusk on Wednesday, September 22, 2021. It is recommended that residents stay indoors during this operation.

High populations of nuisance mosquitoes and those that are capable of transmitting West Nile Virus have been detected in these areas, though ongoing testing and surveillance may change or cancel areas where control work is anticipated.

The truck mounted ULV spray will be conducted by LCD.  LCD employees will be onsite for the application. The business license for LCD is BU 11113. The product used will be Aquaduet applied at a rate of 1 ounce or less per acre. This product is designed to provide quick knockdown and effective control of adult mosquitoes.  The application material has a very low toxicity profile to mammals and will have negligible impact to non-target insects and the environment.

Weather conditions and other unexpected events could delay or cancel this spray operation. If this operation is cancelled, it will be rescheduled for Thursday, September 23, 2021. Please contact LCD at 570-674-7991 extension 6 if there are any questions or concerns.

Individuals can take a number of precautionary measures around their homes to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:

• Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar containers that hold water.
• Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed.
• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.
• Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year as the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains.
• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and don't let water stagnate in birdbaths.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on pool covers. 
• If a resident has stagnant pools of water on their property, they can buy BTI products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacterium kills mosquito larvae, but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.

Additionally, these simple precautions can prevent mosquito bites, particularly for people who are most at risk:

• Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.
• When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.
• Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer's instructions. An effective repellent will contain DEET, picardin, or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician for questions about the use of repellent on children, as repellent is not recommended for children under the age of two months.

More information about West Nile Virus and the PA's surveillance and control program is availble here.

Hanover Township Resident Joe Howantiz was appointed to the Hanover Township Board of Commissioners during their monthly business meeting on September 8, 2021. The vacancy was due to the departure of Chairman Russell P. Davis. The Hanover Township Board of Commissioners also reorganized at the September 8th meeting appointing George L. Andrejko as Chairman of the Board and William L. Howatt as the Vice-Chairman.

The Honorable Joseph A. Halesey swears Joe Howanitz in as a Hanover Township Commissioner

The Hanover Township Board of Commissioners promoted Patrolman John VanWhy and Patrolman Ryan Cywinski to Sergeant recently during their September 8, 2021 Business Meeting. Sergeant Cywinski has been a member of the Hanover Township Police Department since 2000 and Sergeant John VanWhy has been a member of the Hanover Township Police Department since 1997. Congratulations to both on their recent advancements.

Pictured from left to right: Sergeant John VanWhy and Sergeant Ryan Cywinski

A ribbon cutting event was held on August 25, 2021, for Thrive Market located in Hanover Township. Thrive Market delivers online, membership-based, high quality, healthy and sustainable products. Their third fulfillment center is located in Hanover Township in a 458,000 square-foot facility generating approximately 250 new jobs.

The Hanover Township Board of Commissioners honored two employees who recently retired. Stanley “Corky” Browski was a staple in the Community and Hanover Township Fire Department. Stanley served as the Hanover Township Fire Department’s Fire Chief from 2000 to 2006 and was a member of the Hanover Township Fire Department from 1999 to 2020. Harry Wood worked in the Code Department Office and had served as the Hanover Township Electrical Inspector for over 22 years. Both employees were recognized during the Hanover Township Board of Commissioners Meeting on August 11, 2021. The Board of Commissioners and Residents of Hanover Township thank both employees for their many years of service. Best Wishes to Both!

From Left to Right: Commissioner Jeffrey Lewis, Stanley Browski, Carmella Browski

Commissioner Jeffrey Lewis presents Harry Wood with his award

The official opening of the East Division Street Bridge was held on Monday, May 17, 2021. Construction was made possible by the Luzerne County $5.00 vehicle registration fee coupled with the state match. Repairs were much needed to this bridge and the renovations will withhold the larger emergency vehicles and apparatuses no being used by first responders

In observance of Earth Day, Borton Lawson Engineering sent workplace volunteers to Hanover Township in conjunction with Hanover Township Road Department. Volunteers pick-up 1,350 pounds of litter on two separate roadways in Hanover. Thank You Borton Lawson – job well done.

The Lower South Valley Council of Governments received the Governor’s Award of Excellence for their part in helping to create the COVID-19 Regional Code Enforcement Partnership (RCEP) in Luzerne County. The COVID-19 Regional Code Enforcement Partnership swiftly put inspectors in the field to ensure safe working conditions for employees and to better protect the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. The LSVCOG and Mountain COG put together a historic collaborative effort when state and federal inspectors failed to conduct on-site COVID-19 safety visits in the Industrial Parks along the 1-81 corridor. They informed companies of mandatory COVID-19 Safety Guidelines and guidelines from the PA Department of Health’s Building and Safety Measures Order. The Governor’s Center for Local Government Services sponsors Local Government Day annually to honor local governments and officials who serve their communities and improve their quality. The Local Government Day Awards ceremony will be held virtually on May 19, 2021.

Pictured from Left to Right: Sam Guesto, Chairman, Lower South Valley COG, Dan Guydish, Executive Director, Mountain COG, PA State Senator John Yudichak, Jim Montone, Chairman of the Supervisors, Hazle Township

The Hanover Township Back the Blue Committee is pleased to announce together with the support of the wonderful community, we sold 1,000 signs to show support for police departments. Over $6,000 was donated to the Hanover Township Police Department. The funds raised will be utilized to enhance Officer safety while our Officers continue to protect and serve our Community. The Committee wishes to thank all residents of Hanover Township and surrounding areas that purchased signs to place in their yards, as well as local businesses who graciously donated. The community support for our officers is amazing and very much appreciated. 

Pictured from left to right, Hanover Township Commissioner George Bowers, Melissa Richardson, Jenelle Osborne, Hanover Township Police Chief Albert Walker, and Hanover Township Sergeant Eric Richardson.