HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A key legislative panel has endorsed a radically changed version of Republican Gov. Tom Corbett's liquor-privatization bill.

The House Liquor Control Committee voted 14-10 Monday to approve an amended version that gives beer distributors the first shot at buying 1,200 liquor and wine sales licenses. After one year, the remaining licenses would be offered to other buyers.

The 600 state stores would be gradually reduced as the number of licensees in each county grows. Once the number of state stores falls below 100, they all would close.

The amendment, approved on a party-line vote, also would create a wine and beer license for grocery stores.

Minority Democrats pressed unsuccessfully for additional hearings before any committee vote. Corbett's spokesman praised the vote and called the amended bill a good compromise.

MOOSIC - Adam Wickizer told state police he only meant to scare Christopher Hughes.

But Mr. Hughes would never leave alive the Springbrook Avenue trailer in Moosic at which Mr. Wickizer was staying.

Mr. Wickizer, 29, is charged with one count of criminal homicide after firing a rifle at Mr. Hughes, 23, of Pittston, while Mr. Hughes and his girlfriend, Dana Anderson, tried to pick up Ms. Anderson's son Sunday night.

Mr. Wickizer, who is the father of the child, told Troopers Mark Murray and Patrick McGurrin during an interview that he had been angling to increase his visitation with his son but Ms. Anderson wasn't budging.

Anticipating a problem when the two came to pick the child up after Mr. Wickizer had taken his son to a soapbox derby, he began to load his .50 caliber rifle.

When Mr. Hughes and Ms. Anderson reached the trailer at lot 34, Mr. Wickizer answered the door armed.

Mr. Hughes called 911 at 8:39 p.m. The conversation lasted for 4½ minutes. That's when the shot was heard and the screaming started, the affidavit states.

Moosic police officers Jason Jarecki and Jason O'Hora arrived soon after to find Mr. Hughes on the ground in a pool of blood. Police apprehended Mr. Wickizer and took him into custody.

"He was cooperative with both the Moosic police and the state police," Deputy District Attorney Jennifer McCambridge said.

Lackawanna County Coroner Tim Rowland said Monday Mr. Hughes had died of a gunshot wound to the neck.

Moosic Mayor James Segilia said that incidents with guns don't happen often in Moosic. The last time police investigated an armed man involved a four-hour stand-off in February with the Scranton Police Department Special Operations Group a county SWAT team at a Birney Avenue motel.

Mr. Wickizer was arraigned before Magistrate District Judge Joanne Corbett before being sent to Lackawanna County Prison where he is held without bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 25.

The incident is currently under investigation by the state police, Moosic police and the Lackawanna County district attorney's office.

Staff writer Rebekah Brown, staff writer, contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: jkohut@timesshamrock.com

            The University of Scranton’s Jane Kopas Women’s Center celebrated International Women’s Day through an educational film series that highlighted the struggles and victories of women across the world.
            The March 8 celebration included the screening of three films followed by audience discussions about each. Justine Johnson, director of the Jane Kopas Women’s Center, envisioned the open discussions as a catalyst to understanding a global perspective.
            “International Women’s Day is celebrated in other countries around the world and moves to bring awareness to international women’s issues,” Johnson said. “I hope participants take away the understanding that, while we’re individuals here in Scranton, we’re connected to a larger community.”
            The first film, “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide,” is a documentary based on the book by journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. The portions of the film screened focused on gender-based violence in Sierra Leone, inter-generational prostitution in India, and economic empowerment of women in Kenya.
            The film also featured several celebrities who traveled with Kristof to raise awareness. The documentary began with an interview with George Clooney, who explained the vision and significance of the project by saying that, in order to change tragedy, we first have to be able to connect to it.
            Gretchen Van Dyke, Ph.D., associate professor of political science at the University, began the discussion about the film by choosing to focus on the positive undertones that are present in the face of tragic circumstances.
            “One great thing about the documentary is that it not only underscores great challenges that women face, but it also underscores how empowering women can be to other women in overcoming the problems facing them,” Dr. Van Dyke said.
            The second film, “In the Name of the Family,” is a documentary by Emmy Award-winning Shelly Saywell that exposes “honor killings” of Muslim school girls that have taken place in North America. “Honor killings” are homicides perpetrated by a family member or close cultural associate because the victim is deemed to have dishonored the family.
            The final film, “Apache 8,” concluded the film festival. The documentary portrayed the heroics of the all-women, Native American firefighters group in the Fort Apache Reservation in Arizona. This film was chosen by Johnson for the conclusion of the University’s celebration.
            “This is a very unique perspective and I think it’s one that gives us a lot of hope,” Johnson said. “We wanted to end International Women’s day on the high note – that there are great stories, that there are changes that are taking place in our world for the better.”
03-18-13
Timothy Tymon '14, Dunmore, is a communication major with a concentration in public relations and a minor in English literature at The University of Scranton.

A winter storm is wreaking havoc on the evening commute, slicking roads, cutting visibility and spawning accidents throughout the region.

First responders and road crews are chasing reports of numerous accidents and ice-glazed roads. Times-Tribune reporters and photographers will update coverage throughout the storm, which is forecast to stretch into the Tuesday morning commute.

Senior AccuWeather meteorologist Bob Smerbeck said three to six inches of snow should cover the region, depending on altitude, by morning. But after the snow, as temperatures start to approach the freezing point, it will turn into freezing rain and then just rain.

"It's going to be sloppy at the start of the day tomorrow," Mr. Smerbeck said. "Some snow, slush and some melting going on, then during the day temperatures will warm close to 40 degrees. By mid-day all precipitation is over."

But problems for travelers will not be over. As the day turns to night, temperatures will drop down to 24 degrees, freezing the water into black ice.

State Department of Transportation spokesman James May said PennDOT has been busy preparing 46,000 tons of rock salt, 15,000 tons of anti-skid and 218,000 gallons of brine to cover Northeast Pennsylvania roads.

Mr. May said drivers should keep a winter-weather preparedness kit handy. Mr. May agreed that black ice poses a considerable challenge for drivers.

"Because of that, it is very important to be very aware and be very aware of black ice. Travel at the right speed for the conditions," Mr. May said. "From our end that's why we put down the brine ahead of time."

Mr. May said to visit justdrivepa.com for more winter weather driving tips.

Check back for updates.

Contact the writer: jkohut@timesshamrock.com, @jkohutTT on Twitter

BLAKELY - Borough council voted in front of a standing-room-only crowd to change the name Mellow Park Monday.

The 7-0 vote came after several months of discussion over removing the name of former state Senate Democratic leader Robert J. Mellow, who is currently serving a 16-month sentence for federal corruption charges. He was additionally charged with bribery, bid-rigging and conspiracy last week for his involvement in what investigators are calling a pay-to-play scandal, in which he and state turnpike commissioners required vendors to make political contributions to win bids.

The park will be renamed Blakely Borough Recreation Complex, a name that council President Joseph Quinn said reflected calls, conversations and input with many borough residents.

Some at the meeting hoped to see the park renamed to honor local fallen veteran Pennsylvania Army National Guard Sgt. Jan Argonish. Mr. Quinn explained that discussions on how to honor him and other veterans at the park would continue.

Contact the writer: rbrown@timesshamrock.com, @rbrownTT on Twitter

SENTENCINGS

The following defendants were sentenced recently in Lacka­wanna County Court by Judge Vito Geroulo:

- Jose Miguel Berrios-Rosa, 22, of 45 Walsh Plaza, Olyphant, to six months of probation and a $300 fine for driving under the influence.

- Dylan Piotrowski, 21, of 1320 W. Locust St., Scranton, to six to 23 months in county prison and one year of probation for delivery of a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

- Ronald Wayne Morgese, 56, of 850 Geary Ave., Scranton, to nine to 23½ months in county prison and one year of probation for aggravated assault.

- Paul Jude Sotak, 54, of 22 Prospect St., Simpson, to 261 days to 23½ months in county prison, one year of probation and a $1,000 fine for DUI and terroristic threats.

- Mitchell Griffin, 19, of 109 Church St., Eynon, to 145 days to one year in county prison for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

- Travis Daniel Marshall, 19, of 26 Valley View East, Jermyn, to 30 days of house arrest and 23 months of intermediate punishment for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

- Carla V. Santos, 27, of 78 E. Shawnee Ave., Plymouth, to five days of house arrest, five months, 25 days, of intermediate punishment and a $500 fine for DUI.

- Robert Welenc, 20, of 109 Main Ave., Clarks Summit, to two years of probation for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.

- Eric Fumanti, 20, of 2303 Summit Pointe, Scranton, to 30 days of house arrest, five months of intermediate punishment, six months of probation and a $750 fine for DUI and recklessly endangering another person.

- Joshua Aaron Ward, 26, of 288 State Route 2036, Thomp­son, to 30 days of house arrest, five month of intermediate punishment, six months of probation and a $750 fine for DUI and recklessly endangering another person.

- William Paul McConnell, 23, of 107 School St., Childs, to 90 days in county prison, 90 days of house arrest, 18 months of intermediate punishment, one year of probation and $210 in restitution for theft by unlawful taking, burglary and criminal mischief.

- Matthew Bennett Walker, 28, of 411 E. State St., Larksville, to 126 days to eight months in county prison and six months of probation for recklessly endangering another person and theft.

- Jennifer Rossi, 59, of 807 Clay Ave., Scranton, to six months of probation for possession of a controlled substance.

- Albert William Matasavage, 51, of 336 N. Fillmore Ave., Scran­ton, to 90 days to five years in state prison and a $1,500 fine for DUI.

- Arthur Hamlett, 41, of 129 Hillside Ave., Edwardsville, to 11 months to two years in state prison for simple assault.

- Ralph Tolley, 42, of 507 Broad­way, Apt. 3, Scranton, to two to four years in state prison for failure to comply with sexual offender registration requirements.

- Jeffrey Louis Volovitch, 35, of 1527 Dorothy St., Scranton, to six to 18 months in state prison for conspiracy to commit retail theft.

Judge Michael Barrasse sentenced:

- Jonathan Lewis Davis, 30, of 322 Oak St., Scranton, to 18 months to five years in state prison and two years of probation for criminal use of a communication facility.

- Andrew Anthony Bates, 35, of Rear 608 Landis St., Scranton, to 33 to 76 months in state prison and 10 years of probation for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

- Lisa M. Crass, 50, of 101 Garney St., Dalton, to two years of probation for resisting arrest.

- Michael Buckley, 38, of 508 E. Drinker St., Dunmore, to 3½ to seven years in state prison, four years of probation and $1,550 in restitution for forgery.

- Anthony Michael Miller, 31, of 1417 N. 29th St., Philadelphia, to 16 months to three years in state prison and two years of probation for delivery of a controlled substance.

Judge Margaret Bisignani Moyle sentenced:

- Sunni Pompey, 25, of 1406 Lafayette St., Scranton, to 27 months to six years in state prison and six years of probation for conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver a controlled substance, delivery of a controlled substance and false reports.

Students sought for local contest

SCRANTON - The Lackawanna County Commission For Women is seeking entries for its annual Women's History Month Bookmark Contest.

The contest is open to all seventh-grade students.

The goal of the contest is to broaden the students' awareness of the contributions women have made to all segments of society.

The winning entry will be reproduced as a bookmark and distributed throughout the community.

The entry deadline is today. For guidelines and other information, contact Donna Barbetti at 346-2057, ext. 207.

SCRANTON - A city man was arrested after his car crashed into a building on North Main Avenue early Sunday.

Lee Bartocci, 30, 1220 S. Main Ave., drove his green 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport into Remick Floral & Gift, 1001 N. Main Ave., at 12:07 a.m. and told police that he hit his head.

But Patrolman Christopher Hallock noticed alcohol on Mr. Bartocci's breath. After Mr. Bartocci refused to go to the hospital, Patrolman Hallock asked him to submit to a field sobriety test. Mr. Bartocci admitted he had been drinking but said he had stopped at 9 p.m.

Charges are pending the results of a blood test.

Four years ago, Faith LaRussa was faced with a question: Which health care facility wasn't the worst?

After taking ill, she was in and out of "more facilities than you can imagine," she said, reluctant at every turn. The now 78-year-old had worked as a registered nurse before she retired, so her apprehension about committing to a nursing home was based on experience. Like many seniors, she viewed it as a final destination, one she wasn't ready for.

Then she visited the LIFE Geisinger adult day-care facility at Our Lady of Peace Residence at Marywood University. For the past four months, she has received daily care there Monday through Friday and still lives with her daughter in Jessup.

"I've never been happier in my life," she said with a tearful smile. "I'm ready every day on the dot."

As baby boomers come of age, more and more desire to "age in place," outreach and enrollment coordinator Maria Hastie said, which is why many are choosing care through facilities like LIFE Geisinger.

"The love in this place is unbelievable," Mrs. LaRussa said, sharing that the staff has nicknamed her "Faithers." "They keep me on my toes. They keep my mind sharp."

For qualifying adults 55 and older, LIFE provides transportation to and from the facility, all medical care, prescriptions and a way for caregivers to continue their lives uninterrupted. Mrs. LaRussa said spending her days with the staff at LIFE allows her daughter to continue working without need to take off work for appointments.

"I've got it made," she said. "I'm living better than a millionaire."

While Mrs. LaRussa enjoys her supported independence at LIFE, other seniors need additional support, provided through nursing homes or assisted living facilities, particularly when health issues arise.

Old Forge resident Corinne Yanul, 47, faced the process of finding the right placement for her grandfather after he had a stroke. Ms. Yanul works at Senior Health Care Solutions, so her insight into the industry made the process easier, as did her close bond with her grandfather.

"I see people who don't have that background trying to muddle through the process," she said, explaining that there are often questions about what type of care is best and where to begin looking.

In her line of work, she said people often view nursing homes as the end of the road, but that's no longer the case. She recommended searching and comparing care facilities at Medicare.gov and, more importantly, making visits to find the right fit.

"Nursing homes at this point are more for a rehab potential, to get people strong and get them prepared for a more independent living situation," she said.

Her grandfather was 92 when he died, and his sudden health changes sparked a conversation with her parents. They have now arranged their power of attorney and discussed their wishes.

"You never know what could happen," Ms. Yanul said. "I'm not saying a 30-year-old needs to think about it, but someone of the senior age should be having the conversation of, 'What if?' "

Contact the writer: rbrown@timesshamrock.com, @rbrownTT on Twitter

Wayne Bank declares dividend

HONESDALE - Norwood Financial Corp., parent company of Wayne Bank, declared a 31-cent per share quarterly dividend payable May 1 to shareholders of record as of April 15.

The cash dividend is a one-cent increase over the same quarter a year ago.

Wayne Bank operates 16 offices in Northeast Pennsylvania. The company's stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol NWFL.

BARTRIGE, JOHN, Spring Brook Twp., today, 10:30 a.m., Cross Road Road Assembly, 803 Route 435, Elmhurst Twp., by Pastor Ron Liples. Visitation, today, 9:30 to 10:30, church. Arrangements: Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Spring Brook Twp. Contributions: Cross Road Road Assembly, 803 Route 435, Elmhurst Twp., PA 18444. Condolences: strauchfuneralhomes.com.

BENFIELD, SISTER MARGA­RET, I.H.M., Monday, Mass, Our Lady of Peace Resi­dence, Scran­ton, by Monsignor Phillip A. Gray. Concelebrant, Thomas Maloney. Pallbearers: Chris Benfield, Eric Slack, Frank Regan and Richard Ostroski. Interment, St. Catherine's Cem­etery, Moscow.

BIDWELL, JOAN M., West Scran­ton, Monday, Kearney Funeral Home Inc., Scranton. Blessing service, Cathedral Cemetery Chapel, Scranton, by the Rev. Martin Boylan. Pallbearers: Kevin Beck and Jamie Thompson, nephews; Larry and John Hewitt. Interment followed.

BRONSON, ROSE MARIRE, Mar­tinsburg, W.Va., Saturday, 2 p.m., Brown Funeral Home, Mar­tinsburg, by the Rev. Eric Hall IV. Interment prayers, St. Leo Ceme­tery. Calling hours, 1 to service. Condolences: BrownFuneralHomesWV.com.

BRUTICO, ANGELO ANTHONY SR., Old Forge, today, 9:30 a.m., Victor M. Ferri Funeral Home, 522 Fallon St., Old Forge. Mass, 10, St. Mary of the Assumption Church, West Grace and Law­rence streets, Old Forge, by the Rev. Louis T. Kaminski, pastor. Go directly to church. Interment Old Forge Cemetery. Contributions: Prince of Peace Parish, 123 W. Grace St., Old Forge, PA 18518, or donor's favorite charity. Condolences: ferrifuneral home.com.

COCCODRILLI, BERTHA, Lake Ariel, Mass, today, 9:30 a.m., St. Thomas More Church, 105 Gravity Road, Lake Ariel. Inter­ment, St. John's Cemetery, Jes­sup. Go directly to church. Arrangements: James Wilson Funeral Home, Lake Ariel. Contribu­tions: donor's favorite charity. Condolences: jameswilsonfuner alhome.com.

COLEMAN, LOUISE Z. GIULI­ANI, formerly of Dunmore and Clarks Summit, Monday, Mass, Our Lady of the Snows Church, Clarks Sum­mit, by Monsignor James McGarry. Pallbearers: Mark and Chris Giulani; Ryan and Joey Coleman, grandsons. Interment, Cathedral Ceme­tery, Scranton. Arrangements: Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home Inc., Dunmore.

CORDERO, EFRAIN, Scranton, Wednesday, 8 p.m., Davies & Jones Funeral Chapel, 135 S. Main Ave., Scranton, by the Rev. Joseph Jones, C.P., assistant pas­tor, St. Ann's Basilica Parish. Interment, private. Calling hours, Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m.

DeGILIO, MARY ALICE, Old Forge, later date. Arrangements: Louis V. Ciuccio Funeral Home, 145 Moosic Road, Old Forge.

DeROSS, MARY ANN, Honesdale, today, 11 a.m., Hessling Funeral Home Inc., 428 Main St., Honesdale. Interment, St. Mary's Cemetery, Honesdale. Calling hours, today, 10 to service. Condolences: hesslingfu neralhome.com.

FOYTACK, RONALD J., Scranton, private. Contributions: Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411. Arrangements: Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Scranton.

GREGGS, WILLIAM H., Allied Terrace, Scranton, formerly of Green Ridge section, Wednesday, 10 a.m., Howard J. Snowdon Funeral Home, 1810 Sanderson Ave., Scranton, by the Rev. Arthur W. Davis. Interment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst. Calling hours, today, 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Contributions: Asbury United Methodist Church, Monsey Avenue and Delaware Street, Scranton, PA 18509. Condolences: duffyands nowdon.com.

GYURISKA, JOSEPH, Scranton, Monday, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Tannersville, by the Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Richards Jr., pastor. Pallbearers: Jim Mongillo, Kevin Neff, Bill Collins, Michael Musumeci, Sam Sykes and Jovan Dargan. Interment Dunmore Cemetery. Mili­tary honors, Dickson City Honor Guard. Arrangements: Chipak Funeral Home, Scranton.

HIBBLER, MARJORIE "HIBBY," Eynon, formerly of Dunmore, Wednesday, Louis M. Margotta Funeral Home, 511 Church St., Jessup. Services, 10:30 a.m., St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, by the Rev. Allen Vomhoff. Interment Dunmore Cemetery. Calling hours, today, 4 to 7 p.m. Contributions: St. Stephens Lutheran Church, 25 Hillcrest Drive, Olyphant, PA 18447. Condolences: margottafneral homes.com.

KANIA, THERESA M., Carbondale, Wednesday, Brennan & Brennan Funeral Home Inc., 55 Lincoln Ave., Carbondale. Mass, 10:30 a.m., St. Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale. Interment, Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Finch Hill. Calling hours, today, 5 to 7 p.m. Condolences: brennanfuneralhomes.com.

KRAUSE, CHARLOTTE B., Peckville, private. Interment, Union Cemetery, Peckville. Arrangements: Robert E. Decker Funeral Home, Peckville.

MANCIA, LUCILLE "CUBIE," Jessup, Monday, Arthur A. Albini Funeral Home, Jessup, by the Rev. Martin J. Gaiardo. Pallbearers: Rob Solomon, grandson; Greg Stein, great-grandson; Bernard Holecko and Robert Solomon, sons-in-law; Robert Stine and Gary Perechinsky,. Interment, St. John's Cemetery, Jessup.

MERLI, JOSEPH G., Peckville, Wednesday, James M. Margotta Funeral Home, 1019 Main St., Peckville. Mass, 9:30 a.m., Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Peckville. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park, Montdale. Calling hours, today, 5 to 8 p.m. Condolences: margot tafuneralhomes.com.

NELSON, OTIS "BARRY" JR., Old Forge, today, 7 p.m., Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge, by the Rev. Louis T. Kaminski, Prince of Peace Parish pastor. Calling hours, today, 5 until services. Condolences: KearneyFuneralHome.com.

POSTLETHWAITE, GORDON W., Carbondale, Wednesday, 5 p.m., Joseph W. Scotchlas Funeral Home Inc., 621 Main St., Simpson, by Pastor Wayne Wolfe, First Presbyterian Church, Carbondale. Spring interment, Canaan Corners Cemetery, Waymart. Calling hours, Wednesday, 2 to 5 p.m. Condolences: scotchlas funeralhome.com.

RAFAJ, SUSAN M., Friday, 1 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 122 E. 88th St., New York City. Donations: Osteoporosis Foundation or the New York Public Library. Private burial, family grave in Peckville.

RAY, SHARON M., Forkston Twp., Sunday, 2 p.m., by Forkston UMC Pastor Jean L. Sweet. Interment, Forkston Ceme­tery. Arrangements: Harding-Litwin Funeral Home, Tunkhannock. Contribu­tions: Forkston UMC Paint Can Fund, 203 Main St., Forkston Twp., PA 18629. Condolences: aplitwinfuner alhomes.com.

RUANE, MARY R., Minooka sec­tion of Scranton, today, Neil W. Regan Funeral Home Inc., 1900 Pittston Ave., Scran­ton. Mass, 10:30 a.m., St. Joseph's Church, 312 Davis St., Scranton, by the Rev. Francis Pauselli, pastor, and the Rev. John Lapera. Interment, St. Joseph's Cemetery, Minooka. Go directly to church. Contributions: Divine Mercy Parish, 312 Davis St., Scranton, PA 18505.

SCHLEIG, BETTY LARUE, Newfoundland, visitation, Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m., Arthur J. Frey Funeral Home, 201 LaAnna Road, LaAnna. Memorial service, later date. Contributions: Newfoundland Moravian Church, PO Box 221, Newfoundland, PA 18445.

SEPELYAK, JOHN "JACK" SR., Olyphant, Wednesday, 10 a.m., Vanston and James Funeral Home, 1401 Ash St., Scranton. Interment, St. Joseph's Cemetery, Scranton. Calling hours, today, 5 to 7 p.m. Condolences: vanstonandjames.com.

STOECKEL, E. CARL, Clarks Sum­mit, today, 11 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, 300 School St., Clarks Summit, by the Rev. William Carter, pastor. Arrangements: Law­rence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clarks Summit. Contri­bu­tions: First Presbyterian Church, Clarks Summit or Nation­al Parkinson's Foundation, P.O. Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741, Parkinsons.org. Condo­len­ces: law renceeyoungfuneralhome.com.

UPRIGHT, CAROLYN A. HEIN­SOHN BIRMELIN, Lake Ariel, later date. Contributions: VFW, St. Jude Children's Hospital, Ham­lin Volunteer Ambulance Comp­any, Lake Ariel Volunteer Fire Department, Maplewood Volun­teer Fire Department or the Visit­ing Nurse Association Hospice Unit at Geisinger CMC. Crema­tion, Lake Region Crematory, Lake Ariel. Arrangements: James Wilson Funeral Home, Lake Ariel.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY COURT NOTES

marriage licenses

n Fernando Hernandez and Anastasia Stephanie Woliski, both of Scranton.

n William Charles Heard II, Covington Twp., and Sara Marie Rupp, Scranton.

n Brandy Lumpkin and Geraldine Marie Dalrymple, both of Carbondale.

n Michael John Clark, Thornhurst, and Eileen Marie Kolankoski, Dunmore.

n Nicholas Ryan Padden, Scranton, and Amanda Annette Edwards, Factoryville.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

n MRJT Properties LLC, Scran­ton, to Albert J. IV and Renee Samuel, Scranton; a property at 701 W. Elm St., Scranton, for $154,900.

n Kathryn Calandro, Archbald, to Stephen J. Yakely, Jessup; a property at 500 Gaughan Court, Archbald, for $145,000.

n Keleen Weaver and Linda Durso, co-executrix of the estate of Daniel T. and Virginia E. Fogarty, Clarks Summit, to Sara J. Levy, Scranton; a property at 616 Sunset St., Clarks Summit, for $120,000.

n Mia L. Stine, Scranton, to Luke J. Osborn and Angela Goldovich, Archbald; a property at 1309 Bryn Mawr St., Scran­ton, for $125,000.

n Patricia A. Diblasi, Scott Twp., to Andrea Kopa, Jermyn; a property at 1051 Heart Lake Road, Scott Twp., for $99,500.

n Samuel R. Jr. and Marlene Sebastianelli, Eynon, to Edward R. and Karen K. O'Hara, Scran­ton; a property at 105 Beverly Drive, Archbald, for $199,000.

n Peter and Theresa Zarnosky, Dickson City, to Robert R. and Norma G. Bates, Dickson City; a property at 803 Kenwood Drive, Dickson City, for $168,500.

n Robert and Mari Anne Vieira, to Moosic Realty Partner­ship; a property at 225 Grace St., Old Forge, for $80,000.

n Michael W. Sofchak, Avoca, administrator of the estate of Ronald Sofchak, Dunmore, to Zhao Zheng, Scranton; a property at 1714 Marion St., Dun­more, for $47,000.

n Sally S. Tucker, agent for Marion Heiser Seifarth, State College, to Shirley H. Thomas, Scranton; a property at 906 S. Abington Road, South Abington Twp., for $45,000.

n Carol Gumpert, South Abing­ton Twp.; and Donna Villano, South Abington Twp., both individuals and as administrators of the estate of Richard William Gumpert, Carbondale; Anthony Villano, South Abing­ton Twp.; and Margaret Davi­dow by attorney in fact and husband, Joseph Davidow, Ringtown, to Andrew Ander­son, South Amboy, N.J.; a property at Healey Hill Road, Greenfield Twp., for $255,000.

n LA Commerical Services LLC, Clarks Green, to David W. and Barbara Tompkins, Dalton; a property at 105 N. Turnpike Road, Dalton, for $158,000.

n First Commerical Bank, Indiana, to 402 N. Washing­ton LLC, Scranton; properties at 324 and 326 Penn Ave., Scranton, for $165,000.

n Mannys Bluestone Supply LLC, New Milford, to 402 N. Washington LLC, Scranton; properties at 320 and 322 Penn Ave., Scranton, for $375,000.

Divorce sought

n Lisa Oliver, Greentown, v. Roger N. Oliver, Jefferson Twp.; married May 31, 1985, in Dickson City; Andrew J. Katsock III, attorney.

estate filed

n Leonard Eugene Gaura, 518 E. Corey St., Moosic, letters testamentary to Bernice Gaura, same address.

federal tax liens

n Michael Bevilacqua, 916 Capouse Ave., Scranton; $17,415.66.

n David S. McDermott, 101 Front St., Elmhurst Twp.; $64,460.09.

n Miller Country Store LLC, 1148 Old Trail Road, Clarks Summit; $11,202.93.

n New Hope Personal Care Home at Tarentum LLC Allegheny Valley Residence, 117 N. Main Ave., Scranton; $31,454.09.

n Robert M. and Teri L. Butts, 24 Ball Road, Scott Twp.; $43,567.07.

n Edward Gallis, 728 Lincoln St., Dickson City; $31,285.57.

n Kenneth W. Bond, 806 S. Webster Ave., Scranton; $80,174.01.

ONLINE: thetimes-tribune.com/courts

Glazed roadways and walkways shrouded in fog greeted many morning commuters as they headed out this morning -- especially in the higher elevations.

Between three to six inches of snow fell in the area, much of it now in a slushy form, Senior AccuWeather meteorologist Tom Kines said at 9 a.m.

Throughout the morning, police were dispatched to accident sites in Lackawanna and the surrounding counties, though none appeared to be serious, 911 dispatchers said.

Drivers found their vehicles encrusted with ice. Walkers found their sidewalks slick. And many school districts delayed or canceled classess.

While the main roads are mostly wet as this point, back roads, driveways and sidewalks may be icy. The snow that stopped late Monday returned this monring, as did an icy sleet, so later commuters may still encounter freezing roads and fog.

Motorists were being advised to "stay alert for changing travel conditions and reduced visibility" in the Scranton/Pocono area, according to PennDOT's 511 travel information for the turnpike, which can be checked at check: http://thetimes-tribune.com/traffic.

Today's high, the National Weather Service says will eventually be near 41. Tonight we can expect some scattered showers and flurries with a low around 22.

The sun will rise today at 7:07 a.m. and set at 7:14 p.m.

Get updated weather information at: http://thetimes-tribune.com/weather

All flights are listed as arriving and departing on time on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Airport website. For updated flight information check: http://thetimes-tribune.com/local-flights.

SCRANTON - A city man will face further court action in connection with a high-speed chase Jan. 16.

Two state troopers and a county detective who participated in the pursuit were prepared to testify against Nicholas Mears, 27, before he waived his preliminary hearing Tuesday in Lackawanna County Central Court.

Mr. Mears, who was wanted on a parole violation, is accused of fleeing from detectives in Scranton before leading state police on a chase down Interstate 81 at speeds up to 90 mph. He allegedly rammed a state police cruiser and another vehicle before his capture at the Davis Street exit.

Mr. Mears faces two counts of aggravated assault and several other charges.

According to the Morning Call in Allentown, Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin said a man shot and killed his wife and then himself Tuesday afternoon in the hospice ward of Lehigh Valley Hospital at 17th and Chew streets.

Martin said around 1 p.m. hospital staff on the fourth floor heard a gunshot coming from one of the hospice rooms.

When medical staff went to the room, they found a female patient had been shot and killed by her husband, who then turned the gun on himself and committed suicide, he said.

Martin said the hospital has not been evacuated and there are no plans to do that.

Just after 1 p.m., police dispatchers reported a trauma patient on the fourth floor, scanner reports say. A dispatcher later reported it as a possible homicide and a possible suicide.

On the fourth floor, which is the hospice area, seven or eight officers were in the hallway going from room to room and moving patients to another part of the hospital. An Allentown police officer told a reporter to leave the hallway and police were putting paper up on a glass door to block anyone from seeing.

Numerous police cruisers are outside the hospital, and employees and others are gathering there.

One woman, who refused to give her name, said she was on the fourth floor visiting her mother when she heard gunfire.

"We were in my mother's room and we heard two gunshots," the woman said. "We got out in the nick of time."

According to the hospital's website, those eligible for hospice care are patients who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, those with less than six months to live and those who choose care focused on making themselves comfortable rather than curing their illness.

Helicopters are flying overhead and 17th Street is blocked heading south at Chew Street.

Copyright © 2013, The Morning Call

SCOTT TWP. - Scott Township Chief of Police James Romano has been suspended with pay after supervisors learned law enforcement agencies are investigating him, township solicitor Richard Fanucci confirmed today.

He would not comment on the nature of the investigation by the state attorney general's office and the Lackawanna County district attorney's office.

"It wouldn't be appropriate," Mr. Fanucci said.

Efforts to reach District Attorney Andy Jarbola were unsuccessful. The attorney general's office declined to comment.

Lt. Jared Ganz has been named acting officer-in-charge. David Makala, the supervisor in charge of police, enacted the change Monday night. Lt. Ganz is the highest-ranking officer after Chief Romano.

"The township will be conducting their own investigation," Mr. Makala said.

Chief Romano has served as the township's police chief since 2005, after his predecessor, Dennis Davison, retired. Chief Romano's suspension will last until the investigation is concluded.

"His badge and gun are turned in," Supervisor Michael Giannetta said.

Scott Twp. supervisors next meet on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the township municipal building.

Contact the writer: jkohut@timesshamrock.com, @jkohutTT on Twitter

Residential unemployment in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metro area increased three-tenths of a percentage point in January to a seasonally-adjusted 9.8 percent, the highest rate of joblessness among the state's metro areas for 33 consecutive months.

That's eight-tenths of a percentage point higher for the region than January 2012, according to data released Tuesday by the state Department of Labor and Industry.

It's not as bad as it looks, experts say.

The increase was due to the growing number of people joining or rejoining the labor force and looking for work. The labor force grew faster than the number jobs available during the year. The number of people working or looking for work grew 10,400 for the trailing 12 months, while the ranks of the employed increases 7,100. The difference - 3,200 - were counted among the unemployed.

The most important factor is that more people are working and more jobs being created.

Dana Harris, Ph.D., professor of business at Keystone College said the number is not as bad as it looks once someone looks at what is driving the rates.

"We added more that 10,000 people to the labor force, nearly 3.7 percent, and we added 7,100 jobs to the economy," she said. "The unemployment rate goes up and it looks bad, but the growing labor force means people feel confident they can find a job and many have."

The seasonally-adjusted rate in Luzerne County was 10.7 percent in January. Lackawanna County was 9.6 percent. Wyoming County was at 11.4 percent. This compares to a statewide average of 8.2 percent unemployment for January and national average of 7.9 percent.

The region's unemployment rate continues to increase relative to other state metro areas. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metro is one of just two of the 14 metro area with unemployment rates greater than 9 percent. The other is Johnstown, at 9.3 percent.

"Things look bad at first blush, but we are coming off a comparable good month of December," said Anthony Liuzzo, Ph.D. professor of business at Wilkes University. "The economy is moving steadily in the direction of recovery."

Establishment data, the number of jobs within the metro area, reflected anticipated decreases from December to January with declines in construction activity and education and health service. Year-over-year, however, the situation improved with 2,200 new jobs in the region due to gains of 1,600 in transportation, warehousing and utilities, 1,100 in education services and 700 in professional and business services. Those gains were offset by job declines of 300 in local government, 300 in restaurant, bar and food service, and 300 in financial activities, and 300 in health care and social assistance.

January unemployment numbers usually lag because state analysts are performing statistical benchmarking, said Steven Zellers, of the state Department of Labor & Industry. February local unemployment will be released April 2.

Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

Police looking for missing girl

SCRANTON - City police are looking for a juvenile who was reported missing Monday at 6 p.m., Lt. Marty Crofton said.

Emily Tolend, 16, 118 Grant St. Olyphant was reported missing by Lackawanna County Children and Youth Services.

She is black, with long black hair, 5 feet 1 inch in height and weighs 250 pounds.

She was last seen wearing a black shirt and jeans.

Anyone with any information is asked to call 348-4141.