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Diamonds to the Holy Redeemer High School softball team. By winning the state title game Thursday, the Redeemer squad from Wilkes-Barre became only the fourth program in the history of PIAA softball to claim back-to-back championships. Congratulations to the players and coaches who, during all those practice hours, perfected pitches and swings, allowing the Royals to finish the season with 25 victories and only three losses. Olivia Mennig, the sole senior in the starting lineup, admitted to getting swept up in the moment, even before the final out was called. “I started to cry a little bit,” she said, “because I knew it was my last game and we were going to win it.”

Coal to the person – or people – responsible for a recent rash of break-ins in Swoyersville. Vehicles and homes have been targeted, according to police. Chief David Latoski urges residents to report suspicious activity immediately. “Don’t call your friends first; don’t post to Facebook first,” he said. “Call 911. Every second counts.”

Diamonds to fathers and father figures. This Sunday – Father’s Day – recognize the role models who get it right by staying involved in their children’s lives, teaching new skills, showing love and, most important, being generous with their time. Thanks, Dad.

Coal to Kingston officials who needed a nudge before addressing a health-and-safety hazard. Borough residents rightly expressed concerns this month about a fire-damaged Gates Avenue home, which presumably has been vacant since October. An in-ground swimming pool’s liner had filled with stagnant water, serving as a potential breeding ground this spring for mosquitoes and other pests. This week, workers reportedly were dispatched to drain the pool. Hopefully, it’s the start of a more extensive cleanup. (Coal, too, to the homeowner responsible for leaving this mess.)

Diamonds to organizers of the Osterhout Free Library’s annual book sale. For 40 years, volunteers have collected, sorted and sold books – tens of thousands of titles each summer – to support Wilkes-Barre’s public library system. Shoppers can find good reads for a steal. And proceeds from the event, held under a tent next to the main library, at 71 S. Franklin St., pay for materials and projects that the nonprofit library otherwise would be unable to afford. This year’s sale gets underway in earnest Saturday and continues daily, with the exception of Sunday, through June 25.

Coal to people who descend on the area’s hiking trails and parks, yet seem to have no regard for nature. Or appreciation of outdoor risks. If hiking, wear proper footwear, be wary of approaching thunderstorms, and leave behind no litter. If camping, obey the rules regarding campfire restrictions or bans. Always respect, and maintain the proper distance from, wild animals. Respect other park visitors, too; it’ll make everyone’s summer more enjoyable.

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