The Mahoning Valley Country Club, which was sold to a bank during a sheriff's sale last May, is reopening with a new owner.

Reportedly an agreement of sale has been reached between Lafayette Ambassador Bank of Easton and Lehigh Gas Corporation of Bethlehem.

Lafayette Bank kept the course operating all last Summer.

A spokesman for Lehigh Gas Corporation said this year's opening of the Country Club, located in Mahoning Township, is planned for April 14.

Both the golf course and the on-site restaurant will resume operation on that date. Both will be facilities open to the general public.

The closing for the purchase between the bank and Lehigh Gas is scheduled for later this month.

Jeremy Jones, who has been grounds supervisor at MVCC for the past three years, has been hired by Lehigh Gas to serve as director of operations.

Troy Hummel will be the superintendent.

Jones said he was put in charge of getting the golf ready for the April 14 opening. He said this includes getting the greens aerated, setting up the club house, and just generally making sure the course is well manicured.

He said a new fleet of electric carts is being purchased.

Jones has a lot of experience in golf course work. A native of Honesdale, he had previously worked at Center Hills Country Club in Centre County as well as Woodloch Springs in Hawley.

"We'll be back to 100 percent this year," he assured. "We're looking forward to getting everybody back here."

The Mahoning Valley Country Club will retain its telephone numbers, with the phones scheduled to be operational by April 1.

"People can call after that and start making their tee times," he stated.

The new owner is in the process of obtaining a liquor license. It is anticipated the license will come through for the opening.

A special opening event is planned for April 27, 28, and 29, said Jones. On these three days, the first 100 people to rent golf carts will be able to golf for free.

Hummel, whose concentration has been to get the club house and restaurant ready for the opening, said it is planned to have the facility available for banquets, outings, and weddings this year.

"We will have more details in the next few weeks," he said.

Jones said he's glad to see the club has been sold and will be reopening.

"It's a beautiful old course," he said.

The club was founded in 1927 by Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company and was private until 2005, when it was purchased by Oliver Angelus.

Angelus had partnered with the Ashley Development Company to construct 300 luxury townshouses on an adjoining site, but was unable to get zoning approval for the project.

Angleus continued operating the club through last year.

Lehigh Gas Company had its inception in 1992, and has been experiencing consistent growth.

The company's portfolio consists of a network of branded petroleum and convenience store locations either company operated or dealer leased/owned. Lehigh Gas 's Corporate Headquarters is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

The firm also owns five Dunkin Donut stores in Central Pennsylvania and six Wash & Roll Car Washes, with three of them located in Schuylkill County.

This is the firm's first golf course.