SCRANTON — A Scranton man was arrested for intimidating his estranged wife’s new boyfriend with a baseball bat that had nail protruding out of it, police said.

Ronnie Lynn Bourne, 28, is charged with a weapons offense, simple assault and disorderly conduct.

Police responded to the 1800 block of Sanderson Avenue on Saturday, where Mr. Bourne went to fight Blake Monahan. Mr. Bourne told police he meant to intimidate Mr. Monahan because he does not want him around his son.

Mr. Bourne is in Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $17,500 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday.

— JOSEPH KOHUT

SALEM TWP. — A Pike County man died Tuesday night after he crashed his car in Wayne County, state police at Honesdale said.

Nicolai N. Tereschak, 22, died at about 9:50 p.m. along state Route 191 in Salem Twp., troopers said in a news release this morning.

The Greene Twp. man drove his 2002 Pontiac Bonneville south on the road and failed to negotiate a left curve near the Saw Mill Road intersection.

Mr. Tereschak struck a mailbox and then a large wooden billboard frame. Authorities pronounced him dead at the scene.

Speed may have been a factor in the crash, state police said.

DANVILLE, Pa. (AP) — Geisinger Health Systerm, a sprawling hospital system that covers much of rural Pennsylvania, is planning to hire 1,500 more medical professionals and other workers.

The (Sunbury) Daily Item (http://bit.ly/2cmlE1A ) says the hiring effort would increase Geisinger's 30,000-strong staff by 5 percent.

Julene Campion, the network's vice present of talent management, says Geisinger needs a growing team to care for the 3 million patients it treats every year.

The new hires, to be recruited nationally, will include doctors, nurses and other care professionals, as well as support staff including administrative, clerical, dietary, marketing, pharmacy, researching, laboratory and IT workers.

The network now has 12 hospitals in 45 Pennsylvania counties and southern New Jersey, up from two hospitals that served 30 Pennsylvania counties 10 years ago.

SCRANTON — A burglar stole a few hundred dollars worth of art supplies and cases of water from a woman’s apartment, city police said.

Susan Finkle, 62, reported the burglary Monday afternoon, Capt. Dennis Lukasewicz said.

The theft took place in the 500 block of Mulberry Street sometime between Friday and Monday. Authorities found no sign of forced entry.

SALEM TWP. — A Pike County man died in a car crash in Wayne County, authorities said this morning.

Nicholai N. Tereschak, of 358 Roemerville Road, Greene Twp., was driving a Pontiac Bonneville south near the Easton Turnpike’s intersection with Sawmill Road when he lost control at a left curve late Tuesday night, state police at Honesdale said.

The 22-year-old left the road along the west berm, struck a mailbox, continued south through a grassy area, hit a wooden billboard frame and ended up in a field at about 9:50 p.m.

Coroner Edward Howell pronounced Mr. Tereschak dead at the scene about an hour later, ruling the death accidental and citing multiple traumatic injuries as the cause.

—KYLE WIND

Police are searching for a man armed with a stun gun who tried to rob a woman in the parking garage of The Marketplace at Steamtown this morning, police said.

The man also may have tried to rob a second woman this morning in the same vicinity, police said.

At about 9 a.m., Shanaine Gillette, 31, of Dunmore, exited her car on the second floor of the garage and walked around to collect items from the passenger side.

She felt something touch her neck, and turned to find a man in a black face mask and gloves holding a stun gun, Scranton Police Capt. Dennis Lukasewicz said.

“All she could see were his lips,” he said.

Ms. Gillette screamed and tried to fight off the robber, but fell backwards, police said. The suspect ripped her purse from her hands and ran.

She chased him and screamed again. He dropped the purse and ran down a staircase out to Lackawanna Avenue, police said.

Ms. Gillette described him as having a medium build and approximately 5 feet 9 inches in height.

While officers investigated the crime this morning, another woman approached them and reported a man roughly matching the same description unsuccessfully tried to snatch her purse this morning while she was walking on Lackawanna Avenue near the Marketplace at Steamtown.

Police have not determined if the two events are related, the captain said.

“People in that area definitely have to be more aware of their surroundings,” Capt. Lukasewicz said. “Be a little more vigilant.”

Last month, a sex offender attacked a woman with a stun gun on the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Trail in Scranton, police said. Investigators eventually arrested a suspect, who they believe cameras on the trail captured.

Contact the writer: pcameron@timesshamrock.com, @pcameronTT on Twitter

A husband and wife await trial in Wayne County on charges they sexually assaulted and abused two boys over a three-year period at their former home in Damascus Twp.

Michael Thomas Schwartz, 33, and Jamie Lynn Schwartz, 28, were each held for further court action on dozens of charges, including child rape and statutory sexual assault, after preliminary hearings Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge Ronald Edwards.

The couple, both of 234 W. Wensley St., Philadelphia, were charged in August, after an investigation by state police at Honesdale.

The pair are accused of performing sexual acts on the boys, now 12 and 15, and forcing the children to watch them engage in sex and view pornographic movies at different times between 2011 and 2013 at the Beach Lake home where the couple lived during the period.

The Times-Tribune does not identify victims of sexual assault.

According to the arrest affidavit filed by Trooper Sharon Palmer, Mr. Schwartz would order the boys to disrobe when he and Mrs. Schwartz were naked inside their residence and would forcibly remove their clothing if they did not comply.

On multiple occasions, Mr. Schwartz forced the boys to engage in sex acts with his wife while he instructed her what to do, the affidavit said. In one instance in 2013, Mrs. Schwartz attempted to have intercourse with the older child while her husband held the boy down.

Mr. Schwartz is charged with 69 separate offenses, including multiple conspiracy and criminal solicitation counts. He was free Wednesday on $100,000 bail, according to court records. Mrs. Schwartz, who faces 24 counts, is free on $25,000 bail.

The defendants are next scheduled to appear in Wayne County Court for their formal arraignments on Oct. 12.

Court records show Mr. Schwartz is also awaiting trial in Wayne County on bigamy and false swearing charges. Those were filed in July by county detectives.

Contact the writer: dsingleton@timesshamrock.com

Abingtons

Free concert: Countryside Community Church free concert, the Brass Majors, Sept. 23, 7 p.m., 14011 Orchard Drive; 570-587-3206 or www.country

side-church.org.

Archbald

Harvest festival: Eynon Archbald Lions Club annual Harvest Festival, Sept. 25, 1-4 p.m., High School Park Plaza, Church Street.

Dickson City

Fall fest: Dickson City Banner and Light Committee Fall Fest fundraiser at Maiolatesi Wine Cellars, Sunday, 1:30-4:30 p.m.; appetizers, two glasses of wine, entertainment by Sarah Marie and Joseph; basket raffles; tickets $25 at Dickson City Municipal Building; details: Jeff, 570-878-3373.

Welsh cookies: Bradley Memorial United Methodist Church Welsh cookie sale, Oct. 15, pick up by 11 a.m., 106 Lincoln St., $5; Joan, 570-383-4868 or Pat, 570-489-8735, by Oct. 5.

East Scranton

Bus trip: East Scranton Seniors bus trip to Hollywood Casino, Oct. 7, leaves old Price Chopper parking lot, Monroe Avenue, Dunmore, 9 a.m., returns, 5 p.m., $27, includes $30 rebate, $5 food voucher; ID required at casino; Isabelle, 570-347-7394 or Tom, 570-430-1441.

Elmhurst

Card party: Women of Elmhurst Country Club card party/luncheon, Sept. 23, noon, club; reservations, call Barbara Whitford, 570-842-8841.

Eynon

Anniversary banquet: St. Mary of Czestochowa Church, Christ the King Parish, 100th anniversary dinner banquet, Sept. 25, 4 p.m., open bar, 5 p.m., dinner, Fiorelli’s Catering, 1501 Main St., Peckville, $36/adult, $20/child 10 and under, call parish office, 570-876-1701.

Falls Twp.

Craft show: Falls Active Adult Center craft show and bake sale, Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., food sold by Falls Lions Club, outside spaces available; Twila, 570-388-2623, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Jefferson Twp.

Annual meeting: Kizer Ceme­tery Association annual meeting, Saturday, 10 a.m., cemetery grounds; 570-499-5221.

Lackawanna County

Golf tournament: Lackawanna County Medical Society’s 2nd annual golf tournament and clambake, Oct. 17, registration, light lunch, 11 a.m., shotgun start, noon, Glenmaura National Golf Club; supports the Commonwealth Medical College Scholarship Fund, light lunch, golf cart, greens fees, cocktail hour, clambake, $150 by Sept. 30, sponsorship opportunities available, contact Lisa Brister, LCMS executive administrator, at lcms@lackmedsoc.org or 570-344-3616.

Grief workshops: VNA Hospice’s the Healing Pathway Grief Workshop, four Thursdays beginning Sept. 22, continuing Sept. 29, Oct. 6 and 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m., VNA Hospice and Home Health, 301 Delaware Ave., enter from back parking lot; free, details/reservations, Olympia Cianfichi, bereavement coordinator, 570-383-5180.

Grief workshop: Seasons of Grief Grieving the Loss of Your Child — Autumn, one-day grief workshop for parents who have experienced the death of their baby, young or adult child, Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., VNA Hospice, 301 Delaware Ave., Olyphant; time of education, conversation and care of body, mind and spirit led by professional counselors, light lunch, free, details/reservations: Olympia Cianfichi, bereavement coordinator, 570-383-5180.

Bike tour: Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area and Heritage Valley Partners Inc. Explorer Bike Tour, Sept. 25, Blakely Borough Recreation Complex, Peckville, departures between 8 and 9:30 a.m., light breakfast, lunch; $30/military/60+, $35/adults, $60/family, $130/team; www.lhva.org/heritage-explorer-bike-tour/registration or day of event; www.lhva.org, 570-963-6730, ext. 8200 or Facebook page.

Recovery event: Scranton chapter of Young People in Recovery hosting “Recovery is H.O.P.E.” in support of individuals in recovery for drug and/or alcohol abuse, Monday, 6 p.m., Keyser Valley Community Center, 101 N. Keyser Ave., Scranton, guest speakers, representatives from treatment centers, wellness vendors, counseling, education and employment booths, free; online donations: www.youngpeoplein

recovery.org, type in Scranton Chapter; Yolanda Battaglia, scrantonpa@youngpeoplein

recovery.org or 570-903-8700.

Lake Ariel

Hoagie sale: Lake Ariel Methodist Church hoagie sale, Tuesday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. or 5-6 p.m., Maple Avenue, $5; Betty Ann, 570-698-6648.

Midvalley

Seniors meet: Catholic Golden Age meeting, Oct. 13, 6 p.m., 205 Grant St., Olyphant, bring payment for Thanksgiving dinner.

Milford

Tour canceled: Safe Haven of Pike County Inc. “Pedal for a Purpose” bike tour set for Sunday has been canceled.

Montrose

Health fair: Montrose Area Cluster of Churches free health fair, Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Montrose United Methodist Church, 526 Church St.

Nicholson

Knights breakfast: Knights of Columbus all-you-can-eat breakfast, Sunday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., St. Patrick’s Church hall, $8/adults, $4/12 and under and $24/family of four, tickets at door.

Old Forge

Flea market: St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church flea market, Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., church hall, 320 Vine St., antiques, jewelry, household items, furniture, children’s clothing and toys, ethnic food items, baked goods, refreshments available.

Fall festival: Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church fall festival, Oct. 1, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 174 N. Main St.; homemade clam chowder, potato soup, sausage and peppers, wimpies, hot dogs, baked goods, crafts and white elephant table.

Reunion meeting: Old Forge High School class of 1956 meeting, Tuesday, 11 a.m., Arcaro & Genell’s, reunion to be held Sept. 25, 1-5 p.m., Arcaro and Genell’s.

Olyphant

Reunion planning: Olyphant High School and St. Patrick’s High School (Olyphant) classes of 1967 combined reunion meeting, Tuesday, 6 p.m., Italian-American Club, Burke Bypass and East Scott Street.

Food sale: All Saints Orthodox Church Slavic food sale, Sept. 30, noon-6 p.m., 211 Willow Ave.; pierogi/butter and onions; potato pancakes, halushki, halupki, pagach, clam chowder, homemade baked goods; 570-383-0785 or 570-561-8082, or day of sale, 570-489-5591.

Pittston

Bus Trip: Pittston Junction Travelers bus trip to New York City, Sept. 24, bus leaves Pittston Plaza by Planet Fitness, 9 a.m., stops at Meadowlands Outdoor Flea Market for an hour on the way to New York City, second stop, South Street Seaport for 2½ hours, then Greenwich Village to shop, dine and pub crawl, bus leaves the Village promptly at 10 p.m., Feast of San Gennaro Italian festival, also going on in nearby Little Italy, $37, 18 and older, no refunds, bring own coolers and snacks on the bus, non-smoking bus; Jackie, 570-947-3464, or Kenny, 570-574-0925.

Regional

Golf tournament: St. Mary’s Villa 10th annual golf tournament, Monday, Glen Oak Country Club, Clarks Summit, registration, 11 a.m., shotgun start, noon and concludes with an awards dinner, special contests and numerous raffle prizes including a top prize of a new car from Burne Honda, golfer registrations and sponsorships available; David Kaminski, 570-795-2810 or dkaminski@stmarysvilla.com.

TCMC Gala: The Commonwealth Medical College Scholarship Gala: Black Ties for White Coats, Oct. 15, 5:30 p.m., Mohegan Sun Pocono, Wilkes-Barre; supports TCMC student scholarships, sponsorships, program ads, and reserved seats available: www.tcmc.edu/gala.

Roaring Brook Twp.

Breakfast buffet: St. Eulalia’s Parish all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast, Sunday, 8:30 a.m.-noon, hall, 214 Blue Shutters Road, $7/adults, $6/seniors, $3/6-11, free/5 and younger.

Scranton

Volunteers needed: Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Lackawanna County in collaboration with Scranton Tomorrow planting mums in 92 downtown Scranton planters, Sunday, volunteers meet at noon, corner of Linden Street and North Washington Avenue; supplies, tools provided; 570-963-6842 or email downtownplanters@gmail.com.

Golf tournament: Knights of Columbus St. Ann’s Basilica Council 12572 inaugural charities golf tournament, Oct. 9, check-in, 11 a.m., tee time, 1 p.m., Pine Hills Country Club, Taylor; captain and crew format, $90, $340/foursome, includes green fees, cart, dinner, gift and prizes, contests include closest to the pin, longest drive, circle of gold and chipping contest, benefits St. Joseph’s Center, Children’s Advocacy Center, Arc of NEPA and St. Francis Kitchen; KOFCScranton.com or 570-449-6882.

Retirees meet: AARP Scranton Area Chapter 3731 meeting, Oct. 3, 1:30 p.m., Keyser Valley Community Center, 101 N. Keyser Ave., guest speaker: Christopher A. Samujh, M.D., orthopedic surgeon.

Simpson

Breakfast buffet: Grattan Singer Hose Company 1 breakfast buffet, Oct. 2, 8 a.m.-noon, 702 Homestead St., $8/adults and $5/under 12.

South Scranton

Chicken barbecue: St. Stanislaus Cathedral chicken barbecue, Saturday, noon-sold out, Pittston Avenue and East Elm Street; $10, takeouts only with drive thru service.

Sterling

Gospel music: Jacobs Brothers concert, Friday, 7 p.m., Jericho Independent Church, Route 196 and Jericho Road.

Taylor

Historical meeting: Taylor Historical Society meeting, “School Daze,” Tuesday, 6:45 p.m., Taylor Library, 710 S. Main Ave., bring yearbooks and share school memories; 570-562-1225

CLIPBOARD ITEMS may be emailed to yesdesk@timesshamrock.com or mailed to Clipboard, c/o the YES!Desk at 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, 18503. YES!Desk, 570-348-9121.

Wyoming County Court Notes appear weekly in The Times-Tribune.

REAL ESTATE

■ Eric J. Place and Linda S. Place to Joseph Long and Barbara Long, a property in Tunkhannock Twp. for $149,500.

■ Laura A. Muzzy to Alicia Mae Fitch, a property in Windham Twp. for $115,000.

■ David B. Holman and Katrina L. Holman to Logan L. Brace and Paul H. Brace, a property in Northmoreland Twp. for $270,000.

■ Joseph S. Costa Jr. and Sharon L. Costa to Michael J. McDade and Niccole McDade, a property in Nicholson Twp. for $115,000.

■ Harold C. Trauger Jr., Marylou Trauger, Larry T. Trauger, Debra Trauger, and Stone Boat Llc. to Harold Trauger Jr. and Marylou Trauger, a property in Falls Twp. for $32,502.

■ Harold C. Trauger Jr., Marylou Trauger, Larry T. Trauger, Debra Trauger and Stone Boat LLC to Stone Boat LLC, a property in Falls Twp. for $32,101.

■ Harold C. Trauger Jr., Marylou Trauger, Larry T. Trauger, Debra Trauger and Stone Boat LLC to Larry Trauger and Debra Trauger, a property in Falls Twp. for $73,644.

■ Cindy Lee Ball to Joshua D. King, a property in Monroe Twp. for $235,000.

■ Cecil Family LLC to Douglas Carter Beane, a property in Lemon Twp. for $134,259.

■ Patrick A. Dispenza and Maureen E. Dispenza to Ryan Williamson and Denise Williamson, a property in Tunkhannock Twp. for $270,000.

■ Wyoming County Sheriff, David Mikulka, David J. Mikulka Jr., Susan Mikulka, and Susan E. Mikulka to Bank of New York Mellon Trust Co., Bank of New York Trust Co. NA., JPMorgan Chase Bank Trustee, and Residential Asset Mortgage Products Inc., a property in Tunkhannock Twp. for $5,694.

MARRIAGE LICENSE

■ Dylan Benjamin Chamberlin, of Wyalusing to Brooke Ruth Kline, of Wyalusing.

■ Robert Graham Milligan Jr., of Tunkhannock, to Natasha Nicole Zachary, of Tunkhannock.

ESTATES FILED

■ Frances A. Chapman, late of Noxen Twp., Wyoming County, Letters of Administration, Kirk Habinowski, c/o Carlo A. LaMonica, Esquire, LaMonica Law Firm Llc., 3738 Birney Avenue, Moosic, PA 18507.

■ Gerald A. Lindsey, a/k/a Gerald Lindsey, late of Nicholson Boro, Wyoming County, Letters of Testamentary, Wendy-Jo Lindsey Hoffman, c/o Catherine J. Garbus, Esquire, 24 E. Tioga Street, Tunkhannock, PA 18657.

■ James E. Owens, late of Wyoming County, Letters of Administration, James F. Owens, 107 Keystone Hills Road, Factoryville, PA 18419.

■ Matthew J. Moyer, late of Noxen Twp., Wyoming County, Letters of Administration, Lisa Moyer, c/o o Catherine J. Garbus, Esquire, 24 E. Tioga Street, Tunkhannock, PA 18657.

Scott class of ’66

celebrates 50th

The dedication of a composite class photo at the Scott School by the Rev. Donald Roberts, a class member; was among the highlights of the Scott High School class of 1966 50th anniversary reunion.

Class members also joined together for weekend activities, including a bonfire and lighted balloon launch in honor of deceased class members at Sokoloski’s Farm, as well as a formal dinner at Maiolatesi’s Wine Cellar catered by Constantino’s, and a brunch at Alexander’s Restaurant.

Class members attending included Linda Stahl Bailleau, Lee Benjamin, Bill Brojack, Evelyn Yablonski Brojack, Virginia Cheresko Cavlieri, Annette Smelik Danziger, Larry Fron, Richard Greene, Nancy Galvin Hadsall, Ruth Zuroski Krisler, Ron Miles, Sandra Mikulak Moody, Gary Phillips, Ron Reynolds, Jim Sohns, Mike Sokoloski, Gloria Begey Trumpikas, Jo Ann Jones Walczak, Patricia Walter and Terry Soya.

Scott High School is now a part of the Lakeland

jointure.

Super students

Misericordia University doctor of physical therapy graduate students Jessica Armillay of Old Forge; Julia Blaskiewicz of Honesdale; Mallory Loughman of Tamaqua, and Nicolette Ruffler of Manalapan, New Jersey, presented their research, “Effects of Various Forms of Physical Therapy on Pain and Quality of Life in Women with Benign Gynecological Pathologies: A Systematic Review” during an annual Student Research Poster Presentation Day. Amy Tremback-Ball, Ph.D., associate professor, physical therapy, served as faculty adviser for the project.

High notes

When Michael Patrick McNulty of Clarks Summit passed away unexpectedly on July 29, 2015, he had just completed his second year at Roger Williams University of Law and was pursuing his passion for the law through his interest in maritime and admiralty law and criminal law. Michael, who was 44 when he died, was married to Tara McNulty, and was the son of Jack and Margaret McNulty of Clarks Summit and the late Gail Barrett McNulty. Michael’s family has found a way to help others pursue their passion for law with the establishment of the Michael McNulty Scholarship Fund at RWU Law. Donations may be made to the Roger Williams University School of Law, in care of the Office of the Dean, 10 Metacom Ave., Bristol, RI 02809. Donations should include a memo indicating that they are for the Michael McNulty Scholarship Fund.

— TERRY BONIFANTI

The food business was in David Sinoracki’s blood since taking his first job at age 15, washing dishes at a Duryea restaurant near his boyhood home.

Working at various venues, he rose through the ranks to become a chef and then a manager before eventually running his own catering business.

Mr. Sinoracki, 45, who was stabbed to death Sunday at his Kingston Twp. home, most recently was a leading regional sales representative for food supply giant Sysco Corp.

“He started as dishwasher and became the chef. It was all on-the-job training and he earned his way up,” said Diane Klink, 69, who got Mr. Sinoracki his first job three decades ago as a dishwasher at Mo-Ritz in Duryea.

Ms. Klink’s family moved next door to the Sinorackis on Coxton Road in 1972 when Mr. Sinoracki was just 2 years old. She watched him grow up, supported his career and kept in touch when he regularly visited his parents, until their deaths in recent years.

She was shocked to hear the news Sunday that her old neighbor was killed in a knife attack that also wounded his wife and teen daughter. Police say a 14-year-old neighbor, Zachary Hockenberry, ambushed the family, first stabbing Mr. Sinoracki’s wife in the back while she vacuumed. Investigators say Mr. Sinoracki was stabbed in the chest while trying to stop the attack, which also injured a daughter.

“It’s terrible,” Ms. Klink said. “It’s so disturbing for someone to come over and randomly start stabbing people.”

After getting his start at Mo-Ritz, Mr. Sinoracki went on to work at Fortunato’s Restaurant in Old Forge. There, a food sales representative spotted a budding talent and informed John Stuchkas, the owner of the fledgling Chicken Coop restaurant, which opened in 1988 with locations in Plains Twp. and Wyoming.

Mr. Stuchkas trusted his sales representative’s judgment and recruited the 20-year-old to work at his Wyoming location in 1991.

“Immediately, he became the kitchen manager. That’s how good of a worker he was,” Mr. Stuchkas recalled Wednesday.

In the following years, Mr. Sinoracki cooked and catered for Victoria Inns and Suites in Pittston Twp. and the Waterfront complex in Plains Twp. In March 2007, he started his own catering business, called Sinmor Inc., according to Pennsylvania Department of State records.

The work consumed many nights and weekends, taking time away from his wife, Bobbi Jo, and their three children.

Five years ago, he took a job as a sales representative for Sysco Corp., the world’s largest food service distributor.

Joe Tomasino, whose family owns Tomasino’s Original Italian Pizza and Restaurant in the Dallas Shopping Center, said his restaurant bought food from Mr. Sinoracki.

Mr. Tomasino, 40, previously worked for Sysco.

“I took a liking to him because he almost reminded me of me. But he did it better than me,” Mr. Tomasino said. “He impressed me.”

Contact the writer:

bkalinowski@citizensvoice.com

@cvbobkal

A Scranton man urinated in his pants Tuesday in an attempt to dissolve the heroin in his pocket before Lackawanna County detectives could get it after a drug bust in the city, authorities said.

Wesley J. Autrey, 42, 124 N. Main Ave., is charged with four drug felonies and four drug misdemeanors, plus resisting arrest, a misdemeanor, detectives wrote in a criminal complaint.

Mr. Autrey, who goes by the street name “Newphew,” came under suspicion of dealing cocaine and heroin, so police began an investigation. Detectives said Mr. Autrey sold 10 bags of heroin Tuesday during a controlled purchase in West Scranton. Once the drug deal was over, they moved in to arrest him.

Mr. Autrey struggled at first until a detective used a stun gun to subdue him. They were then able to handcuff and search him. Police found $3,083 and a sandwich bag holding five bags of heroin and four bags of cocaine in his right front pants pocket, detectives said.

As a detective went to confiscate the drugs, Mr. Autrey began urinating on himself to try to get the heroin wet in the hope that it would dissolve, authorities said. A field test of the drugs came back positive for narcotics, and detectives sent the heroin and cocaine to a state police crime laboratory for further analysis.

Mr. Autrey is in Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 22 at 9 a.m.

Contact the writer:

jkohut@timesshamrock.com,

@jkohutTT on Twitter

The Phillips family finally has closure.

Three decades after the family’s second son drowned while swimming under the waterfall in Nay Aug Gorge, the family unveiled a plaque Wednesday identifying the gorge as a National Natural Landmark under the National Park Service.

The family did not even know the gorge existed until the tragedy, but eventually fell in love with it.

They made it their mission to see that it was recognized, promoted and protected.

“This is the closure we’ve been waiting for,” patriarch Jerry Phillips said.

The site actually was designated as a natural landmark in 1989, but the original plaque disappeared and has not resurfaced.

“We looked high and low for the old one,” said Scranton Mayor Bill Courtright, who attended the unveiling.

Individuals like Robert “Ozzie” Quinn, a former city employee, and U.S. Rep. Joseph McDade played crucial roles in gaining the recognition for the gorge, Mr. Phillips, 76, said.

“The only regret I have is that Ozzie isn’t here to see it,” he said. Mr. Quinn died last month.

Efforts to get a replacement plaque came after Mr. Phillips talked to Scranton Councilman Bill Gaughan at their church, St. Joseph’s. Mr. Gaughan jump-started the process, and the Lackawanna Heritage Valley agreed to fund the replacement plaque, which cost about $800, Mr. Gaughan said. LHV’s mission includes advocacy for historic and cultural resources, and Nay Aug Gorge is a big part of the area’s history, both geologically and culturally as an attraction, said Natalie Gelb, the organization’s executive director.

The creation of the first plaque was exciting, Mr. Phillips said, but now the family is feeling relief.

“Not knowing the location of the original plaque was on our minds,” he said.

Contact the writer:

pcameron@timesshamrock.com, @pcameronTT on Twitter

A local gem

Pennsylvania boasts 27 national natural landmarks, with Nay Aug Gorge the only one in Lackawanna County. Others in Northeast Pennsylvania include the Glens Natural Area in Ricketts Glen State Park in Luzerne and Sullivan counties; Lake Lacawac in Wayne County; Hickory Run Boulder Field in Carbon County; and Tannersville Cranberry Bog in Monroe County.

The Scranton Zoning Board on Wednesday unanimously agreed that a newer junkyard business on North Keyser Avenue renting property from a longtime scrap yard is “grandfathered” under the older company’s license.

A different junkyard, Hosko’s Scrap Yard, also on North Keyser Avenue, sought a cease-and-desist order against the newer operation, Ben Weitsman & Son scrap yard, which rents land from the Zymblosky family. Weitsman came on the Scranton scene in 2011.

Hosko’s believes that 2.88 acres leased by the Weitsman firm never had city approval for use as a scrap yard. Weitsman thus gained an unfair advantage over competitors, while Hosko’s has played by the rules over the years, Hosko’s attorney Christopher Cullen argued.

Hosko’s asked the city zoning officer in October and January to issue a notice of violation to the Zymblosky family and the Weitsman company, and to issue a cease-and-desist order to Weitsman.

In May, zoning officer Jack Sweeney denied Hosko’s request, finding that the Weitsman operation is grandfathered under Zymblosky’s old approvals. Hosko’s then appealed to the zoning board.

Former longtime city zoning officer Ronald Kitlas testified that he believes the 2.88 parcel never operated as a scrap yard and was “more like storage” and that Mr. Sweeney’s denial of Hosko’s request misapplied the zoning ordinance.

Zoning board member Bob Palmitessa recalled buying scrap auto parts on the land in question in the 1970s and 1980s.

The city has no records of any zoning approval of that parcel for use as a junkyard, Mr. Cullen said. In his denial, Mr. Sweeney cited a 1992 Google aerial map of the parcel and Weitsman’s having paid for a city junkyard license. Board member Alan O’Neill asked if Google maps existed in 1992. Mr. Cullen said he believes Google maps began in 2005. The Weitsman license “piggybacked” on Zymblosky’s, board solicitor Daniel Penetar said.

Jeff Hosko testified, “From what I’ve seen, it was never a junkyard.”

Zymblosky attorney Joan Guari asked Edward Zymblosky Jr. if he used the land as a scrap yard.

“Yes. That’s my business. I don’t plant flowers,” Mr. Zymblosky said.

The board voted 5-0, with Chairman Shawn Walsh, Carri Newcomb, Alan O’Neill, Bob Gattens and Bob Palmitessa all in favor, to uphold Mr. Sweeney’s finding.

Mr. Hosko said he will appeal the zoning board’s decision.

Happy that the zoning board ruled in his favor, Mr. Zymblosky said, “The truth is the truth. We’ve been there all those years.”

Contact the writer:

jlockwood@timesshamrock.com, @jlockwoodTT on Twitter

WILKES-BARRE — Zachary Hockenberry has spent the last few days in jail, separated from adult inmates in a single cell.

Director of Correctional Services Mark Rockovich said the 14-year-old homicide suspect has been “housed alone” and kept separate from the prison’s adult population.

“Our job is to keep him safe,” Mr. Rockovich said. “Care, custody and control.”

Mr. Hockenberry is charged as an adult with criminal homicide and other counts related to a triple stabbing in Trucksville that left one person dead and two others injured.

Police said Mr. Hockenberry snuck into the home of David and Bobbi Jo Sinoracki at 7 Orchard St. on Sunday afternoon and attacked Bobbi Jo Sinoracki while she was vacuuming.

The couple’s daughter tried to stop the boy, police said, suffering an injury herself, before David Sinoracki intervened. Police said Mr. Hockenberry stabbed Mr. Sinoracki in the chest and he later died at the hospital.

The boy’s father, Lee Hockenberry, restrained him before police arrived at the house, police said.

Mr. Rockovich said Zachary Hockenberry was seen by medical personnel within eight hours of his arrival at the prison in accordance with policy for all new inmates. He declined to comment on any medical treatment the boy is receiving while in custody.

Zachary Hockenberry’s preliminary hearing, originally scheduled for Sept. 22, was continued until Nov. 7, at 9:30 a.m. before Magisterial District Judge James Tupper.

Frank Nocito, Zachary Hockenberry’s attorney, previously stated he would seek a continuation of the hearing.

“We’ll need some time to prepare,” he said.

Contact the writer:

sscinto@citizensvoice.com,

@sscintoCV

A Georgia man accused of trying to run over a Scranton police officer in July will stand trial, a district judge ruled Wednesday.

Logan Noel Ayala, 25, silent in a red prison jumpsuit, sat next to his attorneys, Daniel Mulhern and Patrick Rogan, as Magisterial District Judge Theodore J. Giglio moved charges against him to a higher court.

Police arrested Mr. Ayala for striking Scranton Patrolman William Golden with his car and trying to run over him on July 19 in a parking lot in the 500 block of North Main Avenue. Patrolman Golden, the sole witness called Wednesday during Mr. Ayala’s preliminary hearing, testified it is a high-crime area.

Mr. Ayala is charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault, fleeing police, recklessly endangering another person, resisting arrest, accidents involving death or personal injury and attempted possession of a controlled substance.

Patrolman Golden, a member of the city’s Street Crimes Unit, testified he found it suspicious that two cars were parked in the parking lot far from a store, and drove his gray unmarked police car behind a Chevrolet. Parking lots are often meeting locations for drug deals, he testified.

When Patrolman Golden approached the car, he testified, Mr. Ayala drove back and forth, striking the police car and another vehicle while pulling out of the parking space. Mr. Ayala then stepped on the gas, drove toward Patrolman Golden, struck him and drove with the officer on his hood for a brief moment, Patrolman Golden said.

Patrolman Golden suffered cuts and bruises.

“By the grace of God, I did not get pinned,” he said.

Mr. Ayala then drove away, police said. Police later interviewed a passenger in the car, Nicholas Kaniper, who told officers he was there to deliver drugs to “Low,” who was identified as Mr. Ayala.

Authorities found Mr. Ayala’s vehicle parked at the Summit Pointe Apartments in Scranton. Officers knocked on doors and talked to residents. Eventually, Mr. Ayala came out of an apartment, gave himself up and told Patrolman Golden he was “sorry.”

Mr. Ayala remains in Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $250,000 bail. He is scheduled for a formal arraignment Oct. 28.

Contact the writer:

jkohut@timesshamrock.com,

@jkohutTT on Twitter

Almanac

Today is Thursday, Sept. 15, the 259th day of 2016. There are 107 days left in the year.

In 1807, former Vice President Aaron Burr was acquitted of a misdemeanor charge two weeks after he was found not guilty of treason.

In 1955, the novel "Lolita," by Vladimir Nabokov, was first published in Paris.

In 1972, a federal grand jury in Washington indicted seven men in connection with the

Watergate break-in.

In 1981, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to approve the Supreme Court nomination of Sandra Day O'Connor.

In 1994, a tape recording of John Lennon singing with his teenage band, The Quarrymen, in a Liverpool club on July 6, 1957, was sold at Sotheby's for $122,500.

On this date in NEPA

100 years ago, 100 of the 267 alleged members of the Industrial Workers of the World were arraigned before several aldermen in Scranton. They were charged with unlawful assembly, forcible entry and inciting a riot. Bail for each person was set at $5,000.

75 years ago, biennial convention of the local members of the United Mine

Workers was underway in Scranton at Casino Hall. Delegates were here

representing members from Shickshinny to Forest City.

50 years ago, the Scranton Redevelopment Authority launched a study for a $5

million transportation center in the downtown.

25 years ago, the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council reported that surgical admissions in Lackawanna County were 22 percent higher than the state average.

10 years ago, the New York Yankees announced they were ending their affiliation with the Columbus Clippers after 27 years. At the time, the County Multi-Purpose Stadium Authority was looking for a new major league affiliation after the Phillies ended their affiliation with the Red Barons.

CANAAN TWP. — Two federal inmates are accused of assaulting another prisoner earlier this year.

A federal grand jury returned indictments against Rafael Torres-Villanueva, 43, and Miguel Grado, 26, stemming from an incident in June, according to the U.S. attorney’s office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The pair are accused of attacking a third inmate with a shank, according to prosecutors. A shank is an improvised, makeshift knife.

The men are each charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. If convicted, they could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

WILKES-BARRE — Luzerne County is looking for a new auditor.

At its Tuesday meeting, county council approved advertising the work seeking a three-year contract for an audit of the county’s general fund.

The home rule charter says the county needs a new auditor at least every four years.

This year, Luzerne County had an unqualified, on-time audit for the first time since adopting home rule government.

The last time the county advertised for an auditor, in 2012, it began searching in November. It received three responses and selected Baker Tilly Virchow Krause for the work.

This year, the county is beginning its search in September and moving up some deadlines for the work. The final deadline for the report, as required by the home rule charter, is June 30.

A Dunmore woman delivered heroin to a confidential informant in the aisle of a Green Ridge supermarket, city police said.

Daniele Zipperlen, 26, of 1330 Jefferson Ave., was arrested immediately after the transaction Wednesday afternoon at the Giant store at 1600 Nay Aug Ave., police said.

According to the arrest affidavit filed by Patrolman Lawrence Spathelf and Sgt. Michael Perry, police used the confidential informant to arrange a controlled purchase of heroin from Ms. Zipperlen, who agreed in a monitored cellphone conversation to meet at the supermarket.

About 3:25 p.m., Ms. Zipperlen met the informant in aisle 18 of the Giant and exchanged two bundles containing 20 black glassine packets of suspected heroin for $120 in cash as officers watched, police said.

After Ms. Zipperlen was taken into custody, police found three more bundles of heroin and an additional $132 in her purse, along with a phone used to arrange the transaction, the affidavit said.

Magisterial District Judge Theodore Giglio arraigned Ms. Zipperlen on possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility and other charges.

She was held in Lackawanna County Prison on $20,000 bail pending a preliminary hearing next Thursday at 9 a.m.

Contact the writer: dsingleton@timesshamrock.com