POPULARITY
High above the meeting point of two mighty rivers, where the Susquehanna splits into its North and West Branches, stands Shikellamy State Park. Perched on a forested bluff in central Pennsylvania, this park offers more than just scenic overlooks. It's a gateway to the natural beauty, cultural history and outdoor adventure of the Susquehanna River Valley. Shikellamy State Park is a place where geography and heritage intersect. The story of the park and the story of the Native American tribes that called it home are forever intertwined. In the 1700s, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy took control of the surrounding area. Nearby Shamokin – whose name means “the Place of Eels” - was one of the most important Indigenous cities in Pennsylvania during that time. The resident Haudenosaunee welcomed tribes including the Conestoga, Conoy, Nanticoke, Tuscarora, Lenape and the Shawnee displaced by settlers.The French and Indian War, the American Revolution and the purchase of the land by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania forced many of the Indigenous people in Pennsylvania to move west or north.The park – which is made of up two separate sections – held numerous purposes over the years. It was an air strip, homestead, farm, “pleasure ground,” amusement center and hotel before becoming a state park in 1962. Shikellamy State Park's two distinct areas is the marina along the river in Sunbury, and the scenic overlook high on the bluff in Northumberland. Each area offers a different experience—from peaceful boating and fishing on the Susquehanna to breathtaking vistas of the valley below. It's a rare park that invites you both to explore water-level wilderness and to rise above it all for a bird's-eye view.Shikellamy's unique location has made it a hub for both recreation and reflection—a place where families come to picnic, hikers go to find solitude, and birders gather to catch sight of bald eagles soaring over the river.But Shikellamy isn't just about quiet beauty—it's about connection. The park sits at the crossroads of culture, drawing in people from nearby towns and beyond. Whether it's for community events, wildlife watching at the overlook, or simply taking a moment to breathe in the valley air, visitors come here to feel grounded.There's a rhythm to this park—seasonal, historical, natural. Spring floods give way to summer sun, and autumn paints the hills in brilliant reds and golds. And in every season, Shikellamy offers a chance to see the world from a new perspective—both literally and figuratively.On this episode, I speak with Ben Bender. Ben is the park manager of the Shikellamy State Park complex. Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:Keystone Trails AssociationPurple Lizard MapsPennsylvania Parks and Forests FoundationSisters' SunflowersSupport the showVisit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected. Hosting, production and editing: Christian AlexandersenMusic: Jon SauerGraphics: Matt Davis
We get ready for Week 9 of the High School football season: Gregg Wetzel talks Lewisburg and Montoursville; Steve Briggs on Selinsgrove and Berwick and the Chief on Shikellamy and Danville. Come for the previews; stay for some George Curry stories.
High School Football Roundtable for Week 8: Gregg Wetzel talks the Lewisburg at Shamokin showdown; Coach Steve Briggs of Selinsgrove on Seals at Holidaysburg; Dave Ritchie on Bloomsburg at Shikellamy game
Week 4 High School football roundup: We discuss the Lewisburg-Warrior Run game with Gregg Wetzel in a battle of 4-0 teams, Dave Ritchie talks Shikellamy and Milton, while Todd and Steve talk Selinsgrove and Williamsport.
We talk to Gregg Wetzel about Lewisburg; Coach Steve Briggs on Selinsgrove and Steve and Todd discuss the Shikellamy game.
The Week 3 High School Football Roundtable with Gregg Wetzel on Lewisburg; Dave Ritchie on Shikellamy and Todd on Selinsgrove.
High School football round table for Week 2 on Aug. 29, 2024. Gregg Wetzel gives us the Lewisburg side of the Friday's Lewisburg at Shik game; Steve Briggs talks Selinsgrove and Twin Valley; then the "Chief" Dave Ritchie gives us the Shikellamy side of Friday's Lewisburg at Shik game.
Ellen Boyer, Director of Theater and Forensics, Shikellamy School District, on the play Tuck Everlasting. This is these play's first ever appearance in The Valley, the play is based on a fun children's book; the Tuck Family is traveling and they stop and drink from a magical spring, and the rest…is an intriguing, hilarious, touching, family oriented (family friendly), and follows a girls biggest life choice…ever. The play is this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7pm, and Sunday at 2pm. Students being interviewed are: Jayla Lopez, a junior who plays 11-year-old Whinnie Foster Angel Maisonette, a senior, plays 17-year-old Jesse Tuck Micah Shively, sophomore, plays ‘The Man in Yellow'
Jolene Dressler, Shikellamy School District K-5 Nurse, Chief Shikellamy Elementary School, and coordinator of Caring for Kids program, on the status of the growing program which is feeding kids and families on the weekend. We'll talk about how the program has changed, what has happened lately with demand and funding, and what is happening to the program now. We'll discuss fundraising, donations, and opportunities for the community to help.
11/28/22 WKOK Sunrise: Steve Engle, Shikellamy Braves Foundation, on the 'Giving Tuesday' fundraising for Caring for Kids food/meals at Shikellamy
Andy Oakes, 1992 Shikellamy graduate, one of the newest inductees on the Shikellamy Wall of Distinction. We talked about his academic and athletic life at Shikellamy, his business and vocation acumen, and his founding of an international coffee supplier ‘Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC.' We chatted about some distinctive teachers, mentors and fellow students, and his message for the broad Shikellamy community and students today
Matt Beck, 2000 Shikellamy graduate, also a new inductee on the Shikellamy Wall of Distinction, on his life and mentors at Shikellamy, his work on the some of the big road projects around here as the PennDOT District 3, Assistant District Plans Engineer. We talked about how Shikellamy prepared him for his busy family, and professional life, and his message for everyone today about Shikellamy.
The complete Eagle 107 broadcast of the Selinsgrove Seals at Shikellamy Braves high school football game from Friday, September 23, 2022.
Mark Lawrence hosts Steve Engle, Chairman, Shikellamy Braves Foundation, and Dave Ritchie, Vice Chair of the foundation, for an update on their fundraising, projects barbecue, sale of bricks, 501c3, donations already made to schools, upcoming projects, and their goal of helping Shikellamy graduates support current students. www.shikbraves.org and on Facebook.
Ellen Boyer, Director of Theater and Forensics, Shikellamy School District, on the spring musical, The Lightning Thief, The Percy Jackson Musical, and students: Angel Maisonette who plays Percy Jackson, Olivia Weaver who plays Anna Beth, George Shearer plays Grover, Cameron Bucher who plays Chiron. This is the Valley premier of a new off Broadway success (before COVID), and will bring to life the young adult books that are a huge hit. Percy is half god have human, as are the kids and they are trying to reconcile their mortal world with their godly powers. Great music, great sound, great effects, great dancing and a great story. We'll find about the tough quest to find Zeus' lightning bolt (think…electrifying action).
WKOK’s coverage of Central Mountain at Shikellamy boys basketball game from Thursday, December 30, 2021 with Kevin Herr and “The Chief” Dave Ritchie.
WKOK’s broadcast of Shikellamy at Shamokin boys basketball from Thursday, December 23, 2021 with Kevin Herr and “The Chief” Dave Ritchie.
WKOK’s broadcast of the Shikellamy at Lewisburg boys basketball game from December 21, 2021 with Kevin Herr and “The Chief” Dave Ritchie.
WKOK’s coverage of Shikellamy at Montoursville Boys Basketball with Kevin Herr and “The Chief” Dave Ritchie from Friday, December 17, 2021.
Steve Williams has the call on the Shikellamy vs. Lewisburg match Friday, 12/17/21 at 1pm. Shikellamy won this match, 55-22.
WKOK’s broadcast of Shikellamy at Selinsgrove boys basketball with Kevin Herr and “The Chief” Dave Ritchie from Tuesday, December 14, 2021.
WKOK’s coverage of the Macy Minnier Tip-off Tournament Championship Game between Hughesville and Shikellamy with Kevin Herr and “The Chief” Dave Ritchie.
Fran Zartman and Dave Ritchie, board members of the Shikellamy Braves Foundation, on the growth of the foundation, it's mission and work, the vibrant board they have working with them, and the sale of ‘the painting.' We'll discuss the Bobby Gorby painting which captures the iconic view from Blue Hill, showing the river, Norry, Sunbury and “The Valley.” It's a fundraiser and there are opportunities for folks to enjoy a fabulous gift for Shikellamy graduates, or anything…
Lynda Schlegel Culver, State Representative (R-108th, Sunbury, distinguished Shikellamy graduate, Sunbury area resident, and is extremely active in a wide range of activities, organizations and boards. She has many accomplishments, and accolades. She’ll be talking about her time at Shikellamy and how the school, and some individuals prepared her for her future. Amy Ziegenfuss, distinguished Shikellamy graduate, Senior Vice President of Global Enterprise & Brand Marketing at Hilton, a foundation board member of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association and has enjoyed numerous accomplishments and accolades. She’ll be talking about her time at Shikellamy and how the school, and
Take a listen to the Braves as they face off against the Black Panthers of Milton in their final regular season game. You can also watch the game on our WKOK Sports YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45ucmFKMioU
The complete WVLY broadcast of the Shikellamy at Lewisburg high school football game from Friday, October 15, 2021.
Listen to the Braves as they travel to Mifflinburg to take on the Wildcats under the lights for Friday Night Football! You can also watch the game on the WKOK Sports YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V3iBekMeow
Listen on as the Braves take on the Green Dragons of Lewisburg. You can also watch the game on our WKOK Sports YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4qzdGm2WKw
2021-10-15_COVID-19 Media Briefing Slides Press Conference Dr. Jaewon Ryu, President and CEO Geisinger held a 30-minute media briefing Friday. He gave an update on COVID-19 hospitalizations, vaccines and other related topics.
Listen to Braves as they host the Indians on Homecoming Night for Shikellamy. You can also watch the game on our WKOK Sports YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msZsBBsFxc4
The Eagle 107 broadcast of the Shikellamy at Selinsgrove high schoool football game from Friday, October 1, 2021
Listen to the Braves as they battle the Seals for the Rally in the Valley! You can also watch the game on our WKOK Sports YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evpd4buGnsM
Listen to the Shikellamy Braves as they take on the Bulldogs of Jersey Shore in a battle on the gridiron.
Listen to the Shikellamy Braves as they take on the Raptors of Executive Education Academy.
Movie Mike McGranaghan, professional movie critic, women-in-cinema advocate, author and prolific Tweeter…with his review of ‘Malignant,' and words about new movies. We always talk about the box office numbers lately and he'll have entertainment news.
Mark Cox, Shikellamy educator, first responder, on the activities and events of 9/11, volunteer and career firefighter responses since then, the extensive involvement of many people since then, and how we can all pay tribute. He'll talk about his classes and what he will present to the high schoolers (who weren't born in 2001…).
Shikellamy loses to Loyalsock but scores two touchdowns for a 42-13 loss.
The complete WKOK broadcast of the Shikellamy hosting Central Mountain game 8/27/21.
Marci Mowery, President, Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, on the massive economic and community impact of the state parks in PA, the mission, vision, and the work of the Foundation, along with the education, fundraising and volunteering. We'll discuss their Friends Groups throughout the state (including Milton and Shikellamy), the process of forming a local ‘Friends of RB Winter State Park Group.'
Marci Mowery, President, Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, on the massive economic and community impact of the state parks in PA, the mission, vision, and the work of the Foundation, along with the education, fundraising and volunteering. We'll discuss their Friends Groups throughout the state (including Milton and Shikellamy), the process of forming a local ‘Friends of RB Winter State Park Group.'
Mark Lawrence and John Shipman started out with a call from Dave Ritchie on Shikellamy Boy's Basketball team victory last night. Then we discussed President Joe Biden's national remarks, HB 8 which would restrict gun sales, and we talked about government subsidies.
WKOK’s broadcast of Shikellamy vs. Central Mountain’s District 4/6 5A Championship game from Thursday, March 11, 2021 with Kevin Herr and “The Chief” Dave Ritchie.
Mark Lawrence and Joe McGranaghan host Shikellamy superintendent Dr. Jason Bendle, asking him about who school will be conducted this fall, how their budget is falling together and other important education topics. He did discuss race and the current protests. During open phones, we discussed media bias, COVID-19, and how President Donald Trump can claw back and win the election.
Mark Lawrence and Joe McGranaghan host Shikellamy superintendent Dr. Jason Bendle on the graduation options, online learning, rural internet problems, cost savings, staffing, a typical day now, talk of federal help, next years budget and a one million dollar deficit, President Trump's interest in reopening schools, how they test students, conduct school board meetings, and avoiding the summer slide of knowledge. During open phones, we discussed Joe Biden in passing, but mostly focused on the coronavirus/COVID-19 issues, face masks, person rights, and many related topics.