Horrific fires in Jim Thorpe and Lansford, memorializing a firefighter who died at the age of 32, an arrest following an explosion in northern Carbon County and an environmental fine exceeding $7 million were among the top stories in 2021.

Feb. 10:

American Zinc Recycling Corp. settled a federal-state lawsuit citing violations of air, water and hazardous waste environmental laws at its facility in Palmerton.

The settlement calls for delivering environmental and public health benefits, including reduced lead dust exposure, for nearby residents. AZR agreed to pay an estimated $4.3 million in measures to comply with federal and state environmental laws, and will also pay a $3.3 million penalty.

Sept. 13:

The Coaldale Fire Department dedicated a 1994 Seagrave pumper to the member of Capt. Kyle Zwiesdak, who died in September 2020, of a heart attack at the age of 32.

The used pumper was purchased from the Christiana Fire Department in Delaware. Zwiesdak was involved in the decision to purchase the truck. Ironically, he died in the Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware.

A firetruck parade was held as part of the dedication event in which Zwiesdak’s daughter, Morgan, 4, and mother, Lynn Stawiarski, rode in the cab of the truck in the front of the parade.

Nov. 15:

Two Panther Valley educators who died in October were remembered as “true role models to all their students,” during a memorial service held at the Intermediate School.

Remembered were teachers Joseph Francis Sweeney, who taught at the district’s high school for 18 years, and Robert E. Krzywicki, who came to Panther Valley in 1985 after more than a decade teaching in Nanticoke.

Speakers talked about the late teachers’ contributions to education in the Panther Valley.

Dec. 8:

Five people are displaced after a three-alarm fire in Lansford.

Firefighters from Carbon and Schuylkill counties responded to a working structure fire on West Ridge Street at 8 p.m. and remained on scene until about 3 o’clock in the morning.

Lansford Fire Chief Joe Greco said firefighters found flames shooting through the roof at 154 and 156. All told, the fire consumed the homes at 154, 156, 156½ and 158 W. Ridge St.

Greco said 154 was vacant, one person resided at 156, three at 156½ and one at 158. Residents, firefighters and police evacuated the victims. There were homes on either end and 156 and 156½ were each an apartment, Greco said.

Dec. 22:

State police at Frackville charged a Hazleton police officer with an October burglary at the site of an explosion in the area of 3 Center St., Kline Township.

Ladell Emery Hannon, 31, of Hazleton, was arraigned on burglary charges and is being held in Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of $300,000.