ALESKY, PETE ANTHONY JR., Franklin Twp., Bradford County, Sunday, 2 p.m., Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home, 217 York Ave., Towanda, with Pastor Jira Albers of Trinity Lutheran Church, Towanda, and Pastor Doug Brenneman, officiating. Interment, Alesky Family Cemetery, Franklin Twp. Military honors, Towanda American Legion Post No. 42. Calling hours, today, 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 12 to 2, funeral home. Contributions: charity or organization of choice. Condolences: bowenfuneral homes.com.

BARONSKI, DOROTHY A., Old Forge, today, 9:30 a.m., Louis V. Ciuccio Funeral Home, 145 Moosic Road, Old Forge. Mass, 10, St. Ann's Basilica, St. Ann's Street, Scranton. Interment, Fairview Cemetery. Condolences: Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

BAUMAN, ANDREW J. IV, Scranton, formerly of Old Forge, Monday, 8:45 a.m., Victor M. Ferri Funeral Home, 522 Fallon St., Old Forge. Mass, 9:30, St. Peter's Cathedral, 315 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, by the Rev. Philip A. Altavilla, pastor. Interment, private, Old Forge Cemetery. Calling hours, Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m. Contributions: Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. Condolences: ferrifuneral home.com.

CAREY, JOSEPH B. JR., Dickson City, Friday, John J. Turko & Sons Funeral Home, Dickson City. Mass, St. Mary's Visitation Church, Dickson City, by Monsignor Patrick J. Pratico, pastor. Pallbearers: Jared Leri and Jacob Karboski, grandsons; Jeffrey Leri and Joe Karboski, sons-in-law; Walter Savitts, nephew; and Benjamin King, great-nephew. Interment, St. Patrick's Cemetery, Blakely.

DIMOPOULOS, THE REV. GEORGE, parish priest of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Wilkes-Barre, viewing, today, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Orthos, 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy, 10. Service, 11, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 32 E. Ross St., Wilkes-Barre, by His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh. Interment, St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary and Monastery, South Canaan. Contributions: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 32 E. Ross St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701. Arrangements: Vraim Funeral Home of Upper Darby, Pa.

DUNN, KATHERINE, Dalton, Wednesday, 11 a.m., Dalton United Methodist Church by Pastor Lori Robertson. Interment, private, Fairlawn Cemetery, Dalton. Calling hours, today, 4 to 7 p.m., Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit. Contributions: Dalton United Methodist Church or the Dalton Fire Company, Dalton, PA. Condolences: law renceeyoungfuneralhome.com.

FIVES, RAYMOND P., Forest City, Monday, Jones & Brennan Funeral Home, 430 Main St., Forest City. Mass, 10 a.m., St. Joseph Church, Delaware Street, Forest City. Interment, St. James Cemetery, Pleasant Mount. Calling hours, Sunday, 4 to 7 p.m. Contributions: renovation fund of St. Joseph Church, Ascension Parish, 612 Hudson St., Forest City. Condolences: brennanfuneralhomes.com.

GAUGHAN, MICHAEL, Avoca, today, 10 a.m., Kiesinger Funeral Services Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea, by the Rev. Phillip Sladicka of Queen of the Apostles Parish. Interment, St. Mary's Cemetery, Avoca. Calling hours today, 5 to 8 p.m. Condolences: kiesingerfuneralservices.com.

GOLDMAN, ANN H., Scranton, Sunday, 10:30 a.m., Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, 318 E. Drinker St., Dunmore. Calling hours, Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m., 917 Poplar St., Dunmore. Contributions: donor's charity of choice. Condolences: Dunmore FuneralHome.com.

GRATTOLINO, MARGARET A., Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania, Friday, Patrick F. Guido Funeral Home, Scranton. Mass, St. Lucy's Church, Scranton, by the Rev. Samuel Ferretti. Pallbearers: Neil Altieri, Sam Schiavone, Jimmy Politis, Lou and John Maza. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

HASKE, THE REV. HENRY BERNARD, S.J., Mass, today, 10 a.m., Cathedral of St. Peter, 300 Wyoming Ave., Scranton. Burial, Jesuit Cemetery, Wernersville.

HILLER, ROBERT PAUL, Scranton, Mass, today, 10 a.m., Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church, 1221 Prospect Ave., Scranton. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Go directly to church. Contributions: American Heart Association, 613 Baltimore Drive, Suite 3, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702-7902; or to the American Cancer Society, 712 S. Keyser Ave., Taylor, PA 18517-9612. Arrangements: Miller Bean Funeral Home Inc. Condolences: millerbeanfh.com.

HOBAN, SHAWN PATRICK, formerly of Scranton, today, 9 a.m., August J. Haas Funeral Home Inc., 202 Pittston Ave. Mass, 9:30, Nativity of Our Lord Church, by the Rev. Michael Bryant, pastor. Interment, St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Condolences: augusthaasfuneralhome.com.

LUTCHKO, PETER, Archbald, Mass, today, 10:30 a.m., St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Archbald. Contributions: Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702; or the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411.

MACK, RICHARD A., Jenkins Twp., formerly of North Scranton, Thursday, Edward Knight O'Donnell Funeral Home, Scranton, by the Rev. Cyril Edwards, pastor of Holy Rosary Church. Pallbearers: Ken Hawley, Wes Jr., Michael and Jeffrey Mack, nephews; Tom Belasky, son-in-law; and Bill Costigan, friend. Interment, St. Mary of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Dunmore.

MAZZEI, ANN, Taylor, later date. Arrangements: Jacob Davis Funeral Home, 422 S. Main St., Taylor.

MOZGOWIEZ, JOHN, private, Lokuta-Zawacki Funeral Home, Dupont. Mass, Sacred Heart Church, Dupont. Interment, SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Moosic.

POLANSKY, PETER P., Old Forge, Monday, 9:30 a.m., Holy Rosary Church, 125 Stephenson St., Duryea. Interment with military services by the AMVETS Honor Guard, Holy Cross Cemetery, Old Forge. Calling hours, Sunday, 4 to 7 p.m., Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge. Condolences: KearneyFuneralHome.com.

PUTCHAT, CARYL D., Quakertown, services, Sunday, 3 p.m., Congregation Keneseth Israel, 2227 W. Chew St., Allentown. Interment, Keneseth Israel Cemetery, Allentown. Shiva, Monday and Tuesday, 7 and 9 p.m., family home. Arrangements: Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, Allentown. Contributions: Life Span Senior Support Services, www.lq.org; the American Heart Association, www.americanheart.org; or Jewish Day School of Allentown, www.jdslv.org.

SEMIAN, ANDREW "GUMPY," Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, Friday, Semian Funeral Home, Taylor. Divine Liturgy, St. George's Orthodox Church, Taylor, by the Very Rev. Mark Leasure. Pallbearers: Robert Semian, nephew; Michael Semian, great-nephew; Dave and David Fife; Ray Paroby and Angelo Donofrio. Interment, parish cemetery.

STEVENS, LUCILLE, Clarks Summit, today, 9 a.m., Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit, by Monsignor James McGarry. Interment, Hollisterville Cemetery. Condolences: law renceeyoungfuneralhome.com.

WIERBOWSKI, ANNA E., West Pittston, today, Peter J. Adonizio Funeral Home, 251 William St., Pittston. Mass, 9 a.m., Immaculate Conception Church, 650 Luzerne Ave., West Pittston. Interment, Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton. Memorials: Medical Oncology Associates Prescription Assistance Fund, 382 Pierce St., Kingston, PA 18704. Condolences: www.peterjadoniziofuneralhome.com.

WILBUR, RONALD LEO, Falls, today, 11 a.m., Trinity Assembly of God Church, Nicholson, by the Rev. Kevin R. Compton, pastor. Arrangements: Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit. Donations: Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411; or the American Cancer Society, 712 S. Keyser Ave., Taylor, PA 18517. Condolences: law renceeyoungfuneralhome.com.

ZIMBEHL, RONALD C., Morristown, N.J., today, Mass, 11 a.m., Church of St. Gregory, 330 N. Abington Road, Clarks Green, by the Rev. John M. Lapera. Interment, Hickory Grove Cemetery, Waverly. Calling hours today, 9 to 10:30, Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Service Inc., 111 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit. Contributions: Market Street Mission, 9 Market St., Morristown, NJ 07960, www.marketstreet.org/donate.asp; or American Life League, P.O. Box 1350, Stafford, VA 22555, www.all.org/donate/. Condolences: jenningscalvey.com.

NANTICOKE - Shawn Hamilton, the alleged triggerman in July's shooting in Plymouth that killed a Scranton Prep student and two other people, initially told investigators his little brother fired the barrage of bullets during a botched drug deal, police say.

Now, he says he did it himself.

While being led from a court hearing Friday afternoon, Mr. Hamilton ignored his attorney's advice to remain silent and told reporters he fired the fatal shots inside 401 First St. on July 7. He claimed his life was in jeopardy.

"So, you did all the shooting?" a reporter asked.

"Yeah, my brother, he's innocent," Mr. Hamilton said. "I did it in self-defense."

Magisterial District Judge Donald Whittaker ruled prosecutors presented enough evidence against Mr. Hamilton, 18, and his brother, Sawud Davis, 16, to send the case to trial. The suspects did not testify.

Families of the victims and suspects clashed outside after the two-hour hearing. They had to be separated by police when the defendants' mother advanced the self-defense motive and suggested the victims shared some of the blame for putting themselves in a dangerous situation.

"We send out condolences to the family. They were all children," said Mr. Hamilton's and Mr. Davis' mother, who would identify herself only as Shawna. "But when you sell drugs, that's what comes along with drugs. It was a drug house. "

Much of the evidence at Friday's hearing hinged on testimony by the lone survivor, Danny Maldonado II, 19, who was shot in the head, torso and forearm. He claimed the brothers tried to rob them after the group smoked marijuana inside the apartment. Mr. Hamilton pulled a gun and demanded they turn over cash, while Mr. Davis warned "this isn't a (expletive) game," he said.

Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Davis, both of Philadelphia, now face charges of criminal homicide and robbery in the deaths of Bradley James Swartwood, 21, and Nicolas Robert Maldonado, 17, both of 401 First St., Plymouth, and Lisa Abaunza, 15, of Duryea, whom Mr. Maldonado identified as Mr. Swartwood's girlfriend. They face an attempted murder charge for the shooting of Mr. Maldonado.

Ms. Abaunza had just finished her freshman year at Scranton Prep.

When told that Mr. Hamilton claimed self-defense to reporters, prosecutors responded that it would be a tough sell with more than 10 shots fired at the victims; all were hit multiple times.

"Four victims were there, and all four of them were shot in the head. So I think the public and a jury could draw their own conclusion," Luzerne County Assistant District Attorney William Finnegan said.

Contact the writer: bkalinowski@citizensvoice.com, @cvbobkal on Twitter

A North Scranton man who once owned a restaurant in Old Forge was arrested Thursday for selling heroin.

John Snopek, 49, 1412 N. Sumner Ave., had 85 bags of heroin in his Ford Escape and on himself when Lackawanna County detectives and city police officers stopped him in the Wal-Mart parking lot in Taylor at about 5:30 p.m., authorities said.

Mr. Snopek had been the target of an undercover drug investigation before his arrest. County detectives had previously arranged controlled purchases of heroin with Mr. Snopek during the investigation.

In addition to the heroin, $473 and 10 alprazolam pills found in Mr. Snopek's possession, detectives also found the cellphone used to arrange those drug sales.

Mr. Snopek, who once owned John's Restaurant in Old Forge, was charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was sent to Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $25,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

Contact the writer: domalley@timesshamrock.com, @domalleyTT on Twitter

Earnings reports

- Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. reported its third-quarter net income fell 32 percent to $110 million, or 41 cents per share, while revenue dropped 13 percent to $5.26 billion. The declines were due largely to falling tire demand in Europe that offset cost cuts and profits from North America.

- Kia Motors Corp. said its July-September profit rose 28 percent over a year earlier to $755 million. Operating income reached $786 million, up 4 percent from a year earlier. Revenue rose 16 percent to $1.06 billion.

- Merck posted a 2 percent increase in third-quarter profit, at $1.7 billion. That's despite new generic competition slashing sales for top seller Singulair for asthma and allergies. It had generated $5.5 billion a year. Adjusted net income was $2.9 billion, or 95 cents per share, 2 cents more than expected. Revenue was down 4 percent at $11.5 billion.

- Samsung Electronics Co. said July-September net profit nearly doubled to $5.97 billion from $3.14 billion a year earlier. Revenue for the third quarter climbed 26 percent to $47.6 billion.

WILKES-BARRE - Nancy Kempa slept in a cardboard box under the Market Street Bridge for six months and ate her meals at St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen before she finally sought help from Ruth's Place, a shelter for homeless women.

Ms. Kempa, 48, a mother of two grown children and a grandmother of five, said flooding destroyed her home in Plymouth Twp. in 2008 and another home she lived in was condemned for unsanitary conditions.

At Ruth's Place in Wilkes-Barre, she found a temporary place to stay, a hot shower, food and help in finding housing. The rest of her family stayed with other family members, and she will soon have a new place to live, she said.

Ms. Kempa is among more than 1,500 homeless women Ruth's Place has served over the past 10 years.

Ruth's Place Director Kristen Topolski and board President Bill Bolan joined some of the homeless women at a news conference Friday at the shelter on North Pennsylvania Avenue to talk about its many gains and successes in honor of the 10th anniversary.

Carletta Walker turned to Ruth's Place after she lost her house and her job in the same week last year. She said she lost her job after she called off to find someplace else to live when her home was condemned. Ruth's Place helped her find an apartment in Kingston, and she now has a housekeeping job.

"I was ready to say, 'I'm done and I can't go on anymore' because it was one thing after another," said the 49-year-old woman.

"When I came here, it made me feel like I wasn't alone."

Contact the writer: dallabaugh@citizensvoice.com

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board continued their work Friday piecing together the plane crash that killed a Wyoming County man Wednesday night.

The crash killed 78-year-old Russell Hazelton of Lake Winola and left his wife. Suzanne, 69, on life support after the two were extricated from the partially submerged aircraft that crashed in a lake in Missouri.

Details on the cause of the crash were not yet available, said Keith Holloway, a spokesman for the NTSB.

Mr. Holloway said that the investigators would likely have a preliminary report released late next week.

While such reports can offer contextual details on a crash and mention evidence collected, a cause cannot be determined until after several months of further investigation.

Mr. Holloway said a full report with a definitive cause can take 12 to 18 months to complete.

Mr. and Mrs. Hazelton started their flight in Factoryville and, after stopping for fuel in Ohio, were expected to land at the Creve Coeur Airport outside of St. Louis.

Mr. Hazelton, a retired commercial airline pilot, attempted to land on the shore of Creve Coeur Lake, just short of the airport, but ended up hitting the water, which flipped the plane on impact at about 8:40 p.m., officials said.

According to FAA records, Mr. Hazelton was the plane's owner. It is a fixed-wing single-engine aircraft, manufactured by Piper Aircraft in 1973.

Mr. Hazelton was a member of the Penn Security Bank and Trust Co. board of directors since 1977, said Chief Executive Officer Craig Best.

A family man who constantly talked about his two children and actively contributed to the community, Mr. Hazelton will be missed, Mr. Best said.

"We're just so saddened by his passing," Mr. Best said. "We're really right now praying for Suzie."

Contact the writers: domalley@timesshamrock.com, ksullivan@timesshamrock.com

TUNKHANNOCK - Tanya Thomas stood before a group of around 200 this week and admitted if it weren't for drug treatment court, she'd probably be dead.

"Where we were three years ago when we were arrested, and where we are today, it's something," Mrs. Thomas said, noting that she has been sober for two years. "Yeah, I could go to state prison and let somebody else fix my meals and do my laundry, but they helped me get focused."

At a graduation ceremony Thursday, Wyoming County President Judge Russell Shurtleff noted that Mrs. Thomas and her husband, Dillin, were the first married couple to graduate from the Wyoming/Sullivan Counties Treatment Court. Counting Thursday's graduation, 30 people from Wyoming and Sullivan counties have completed the program, the judge said.

While completing more than two years of treatment court, Mrs. Thomas finished college, got married, had a baby and got a job as a paralegal.

"I can walk in the courthouse and not be concerned about cops looking at me," she said.

Her husband asked Wyoming County Chief Detective David Ide to be his sponsor.

"I arrested him, so I was honored and surprised that he would ask me to speak on his behalf," Chief Detective Ide said. "I'm very proud and applaud his hard work."

Kevin Davis, another newly minted drug treatment court graduate who also was once on a downward spiral, said that family trust had been restored, and he had a beautiful child and a wonderful girlfriend.

And although he was a little embarrassed to be 26 years old and have to ask his mom for frequent taxi service, Carol Davis said that was no big deal.

"I have my son back," she said. "I want to thank everyone who had anything to do with this. He had gone from minutes away from death to standing here today."

Her advice to others in court: "Stick with it and do not give up. The resources are out there if you need help."

Contact the writer: bbaker@wcexaminer.com

Archbald

Leaf vacuuming: Two-week fall leaf vacuuming begins Oct. 29; leaves raked to curb by 7 a.m.; Wednesday recycling, collection Monday and Tuesday; Thursday recycling, Wednesday and Thursday; Friday recycling, Friday; biodegradable bags collection resumes week of Nov. 19.

Childs

Gun raffle: Meredith Hose Company gun raffle, Nov. 3, 5-9 p.m., food and refreshments, cash prize or gun option, only 250 tickets sold, $20, 282-3102.

Clarks Summit

Cancer benefit: The State Street Grill, Family and Friends Together for Ted Pietryka, Sunday, 5 to 8 p.m., 114 S. State St.; $50 in advance, $75 at door; for tickets, together4ted@gmail.com; open bar, served hors d'oeuvres, silent auction, 50/50 raffle.

Dickson City

Halloween parade/party: Halloween parade and party, today, begins noon, DAV, Storrs Street, and ends at train station, Boulevard Avenue, refreshments and prizes.

Factoryville

Turkey shoot: Factoryville Sportsmen's Club turkey shoot and dinner, Nov. 4, competitive shooting events with turkeys as prizes, 9 a.m., eat-in or takeout full turkey dinner, after noon, $8, various raffles and drawings.

Hughestown

Gift/craft fair: Hughestown Park and Recreation holiday gift and craft fair, Nov. 4, noon-5 p.m., Hughestown Fire Hose Company, 30 Center St., shopping, basket raffle and food for purchase, Mary Golya, 655-4552, or Mary Anne Quick, 654-5763.

Ledgedale

Turkey party: Ledgedale Volunteer Fire Company turkey party, Nov. 10, 7 p.m., fire hall, Goose Pond Road, prizes and free refreshments.

North Scranton

Spaghetti dinner: 32nd annual North Scranton Rotary spaghetti dinner, today, 4-7 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 238 Reese St.; $8/adults, $4/children, from members or at door; sauce for sale, basket raffle.

Old Forge

Pierogies: St. Michael's Church pierogi sale, Nov. 6, 2-5 p.m., Church and Winter streets, $6/dozen, Sandra, 457-9280, or church hall, 457-2875, by Wednesday.

Scranton

Pancake breakfast: Knights of Columbus Council 12297 pancake breakfast, Sunday, 8-11 a.m., St. Patrick's Parish; $7/adults, $4/children at door.

AARP meeting: AARP Scranton Chapter 3731 meeting, Nov. 5, 1:30 p.m., Keyser Valley Community Center, 101 Keyser Ave., guest speakers: Sandi Skrobiszewski and Laura Carpenter, Regional Hospital cardiac cath lab; tickets for Dec. 8 Christmas Party at Genetti's on sale, $22.

Tripp Park

Neighbors events: Tripp Park Neighborhood Association meeting, Tuesday, 7 p.m.; roast beef dinner, children's free Halloween party, Wednesday, 6-9 p.m., refreshments, DJ; roast beef dinner, Nov. 4, noon-4 p.m., takeouts available, for delivery to elderly call 342-0342 by Thursday; all at community center.

Wayne County

Bureau sign-ups: Honesdale Area Jaycees/Wayne County Children's Christmas Bureau sign-ups Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Chamber of Commerce building; eligibility paperwork required; donations payable to WCCCB: WCCCB, c/o Honesdale Area Jaycees, 200 Delaware St, Honesdale, PA. 18431; adopt a family, call Carleen, 253-4262 or cfaatz@co.wayne.pa.us

CLIPBOARD ITEMS may be e-mailed to yesdesk@times shamrock.com or mailed to clipboard, c/o the YES!Desk at 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, 18503. For details, call the YES!Desk at 348-9121.

Lackawanna College Police Academy Director Dan Duffy started a new tradition at Friday night's graduation ceremony, one that will honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty - starting with a state trooper killed while serving a warrant more than 30 years ago.

"We're going to recognize Trooper Joseph Welsch, who was killed in the line of duty in 1977," Mr. Duffy announced in front of graduates as their family and friends looked on in the Mellow Theater.

Class 200 Hazleton and Class 201 Scranton accepted decorative banners embroidered with Trooper Welsch's name and were asked by Mr. Duffy to carry his memory with them throughout their law enforcement careers.

Trooper Welsch's family also awarded Class 201 Scranton President Joseph McCullon a bullet-resistant vest to protect him, helping to ensure his safe return to loved ones at the end of every shift as a future police officer.

In his address to his fellow graduates, Mr. McCullon stressed that message of safety and working together, recalling the group's last physical education test, in which some cadets sacrificed their own running times to finish the test together in a pack.

"In the end, we all passed and passed as a team, and that's what mattered," Mr. McCullon said.

Class 200 Hazleton President Tina Sullivan thanked her family and others' supportive families, including her two young daughters, who practiced their alphabet flash cards while she studied her law enforcement ones.

She commended her fellow graduates on following through and completing their law enforcement endeavors.

"Class 200, may courage, strength and honor lead you down your chosen path," Ms. Sullivan, of Pottsville, said.

Ms. Sullivan won both the Driver and High Scholastic awards for her class, and Devon St. Clair of Danville won the Firearms Award. Jason Gilbert of Scranton claimed the Driver, Firearms and High Scholastic awards for Class 201 Scranton.

Graduates from Class 200 Hazleton include: Ms. Sullivan, Mr. St. Clair and Gerald Heck of Mountaintop.

Graduates from Class 201 Scranton include: Bobby Joe Bendersky of Carbondale; Christian Daletto of Lake Twp.; Mr. Gilbert; Matthew Granick of Union Dale; Mr. McCullon; Robert Shupp of Inkerman; Cody Smith of Wyoming; Matthew Thomas of Avoca; and Abriya Wollett of Blakeslee.

Contact the writer: ksullivan@timesshamrock.com, @ksullivanTT on Twitter

SCRANTON - Jeremy Owens reported an alarming abduction carried out at knife-point to city police Thursday night.

He was charged with filing a false report not long after.

According to a criminal complaint, the 23-year-old homeless man told police a female friend of his was abducted at knife-point on the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.

After confirming the woman was safe in her West Pittston home, police charged Mr. Owens - an estranged friend of the woman's - with false reports, public drunkenness and disorderly conduct.

He was released after posting $250 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

A monster hurricane that has killed at least 40 people and is lurching toward Pennsylvania could bring wind gusts up to 60 mph and drop as much as 6 inches of rain overnight Monday into Tuesday in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Dubbed the "Frankenstorm" by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Hurricane Sandy could blend with other weather fronts crossing over America's Heartland and transform into what "could certainly be a once-in-a-lifetime" storm, AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines said Friday.

"People should not put their guard down," Mr. Kines said. "It can bring major damage."

On Thursday, Hurricane Sandy pummelled Cuba, killing at least 11 people there, including a 4-month-old boy who was crushed when his home collapsed on top of him, The Associated Press reported.

The Category 1 storm is expected to move along the eastern seaboard over the weekend, then turn inland and strike Pennsylvania on Monday. New York and other U.S. eastern seaboard cities are expected to be hard hit.

"We can handle up to 2 inches of rain without too much difficulty. Three sort of flips us on the borderline," said Robert Flanagan, Lackawanna County's director of emergency management. "Anything above that starts putting us in the problem area. Six inches, forget it. Six inches - I don't think we can handle in any way, shape or form."

While early forecasts called for snow, it appears the chance of that is now slight.

Forecasters also believe Hurricane Sandy will be downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it arrives here.

"My gut feeling is it won't be a hurricane when it comes ashore, but I don't think people should focus on that," Mr. Kines said. "Whether or not it's a hurricane, the damage will be the same."

Anywhere from 2 to 6 inches of rain could fall Monday through Tuesday night. Wind gusts of about 20 miles an hour and a chance of rain is possible Wednesday as the stronger elements of the storm track north out of the region.

The National Weather Service, however, warned that "significant uncertainty still exists with the track of the system."

If the current forecast track holds, the downpour could bring widespread flash flooding in a region still recovering from the devastating blows of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee last year.

"I suspect the Susquehanna River can handle it," Mr. Kines said. "The smaller creeks and streams - that may be a different issue. I'd be prepared."

On Friday, the NWS issued a statement warning of the likelihood of urban flooding.

Leaves could clog storm water drains, exacerbating the flooding.

And after the storm moves out, there is the possibility river levels could still rise into minor and moderate flood ranges by midweek, the NWS reported.

Gauges on the Lackawanna River near Forest City and Archbald on Friday reported above normal river levels - still well below concern for flooding, according to U.S. Geological Survey data on Friday.

A gauge on the Lackawanna River in Old Forge reported normal conditions.

More than 120 million gallons of water per day will be released from the Neversink Reservoir in Sullivan County, N.Y., into the Delaware River to make room for the expected heavy rainfall from the hurricane, state Department of Environmental Protection officials said Friday.

The reservoir holds drinking water for New York City residents.

"Residents along the Delaware River may see higher than normal river volumes in the coming days in advance of the storm," DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said in a statement. "But this release now will help prevent the possibility of much higher river flows and flooding later on in the course of the storm event."

Areas with poor flood protection defenses, like communities near the Lackawanna River in Carbondale and Old Forge, could be susceptible to rising waters.

Besides the threat of flooding, local emergency responders and public works departments are bracing for more destruction from the storm's winds.

Forecasts on Friday predicted sustained winds of 20 to 40 miles per hour Monday night into Tuesday and wind gusts up to 50 to 60 miles per hour. This could bring massive power outages and countless downed trees.

The city of Scranton will call additional DPW workers in and pay overtime if the storm knocks down several trees, forcing the closure of city streets, or if flooding becomes an issue.

"If I have to bring in the guys, I'll bring them in. I already talked to the mayor about it," DPW director Mark Dougher said. "Safety is number one. It's a matter of life and death sometimes."

The American Red Cross is planning for the worst. Local volunteers are now preparing to open shelters, placing disaster workers on alert, and readying vehicles and supplies.

"Two weeks ago, we thought the storm was not going to hit. A week ago, maybe. And now, pretty definite," said Carmon Flynn, executive director of the American Red Cross of Northeast Pennsylvania. "When EMA calls and says it's time to open a shelter here, we're ready to do it."

If need be, Mr. Flanagan said officials will activate the county's emergency operations center in Jessup to help coordinate and mobilize resources.

The county's 911 center is also considering calling in additional dispatchers.

"The question of major flooding is still up in the air," he said. "We have to keep an eye on that."

Contact the writer: smcconnell@ timesshamrock.com

@smcconnellTT on Twitter

Part of I-81 to close for repairs

PITTSTON - The state Department of Transportation said a portion of Interstate 81 will be limited to one lane today for bridge deck repair.

The right lane of the northbound lanes from Exit 170, Wilkes-Barre, to Exit 175, Dupont/Pittston, will be restricted from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to a news release from PennDOT.

Work is subject to weather conditions, but motorists are encouraged to use other routes, including Interstate 476.

Woman faces charges in fight

SCRANTON - A fight between siblings led to an arrest Thursday morning, city police said.

Police said Tina Russell, 24, 308 S. Keyser Ave., Old Forge, assaulted her sister Alana Russell at 971 Providence Road, Scranton, punching and choking her while she was in the passenger seat of her car.

When Scranton Patrolman Paul Helring arrived at 10:50 a.m., he noticed Alana Russell was bleeding and had bruises on her left eye and marks on her neck and chest.

Tina Russell was charged with simple assault, harassment and resisting arrest. She was released on $5,000 unsecured bail. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

On this date in NEPA

75 years ago, P. Anthony Sweet, chairman of the newly formed Scranton Housing Authority, said he sent a questionnaire to Mayor Stanley Davis and city council members asking their opinions on clearing the slums of Scranton and to provide proper funding for the authority.

50 years ago, the citizens committee selected by Mayor William Schmidt reported on its meetings with officials from the Scranton Transit Co. and its unionized employees, recommending the unionized employees take the offer of the one-year contract extension with the 5-cent-an-hour raise.

25 years ago, unionized employees of COLTS approved their new contract giving them a $1-an-hour raise spread over three years and a change in the language of certain human resources policies.

10 years ago, Cosmo Iacavazzi of West Scranton was honored at halftime at the Princeton-Harvard football for his record-setting year in 1964.

Larch Street fire ruled accidental

SCRANTON - A fire that burned through a vacant home in the city late Thursday began accidentally, officials said.

Scranton Deputy Fire Chief Al Lucas said an electrical malfunction at 318 Larch St. sparked the blaze that brought the city police and fire departments to the scene at about 10 p.m.

The vacant home sustained severe damage, and a home next door sustained minor exterior damage.

Jessica Siegfried's love of pit bulls began as an avocation and then became a business.

Earlier this year, the Dickson City woman founded Pittie Chicks, which sells stylish apparel and accessories for female fans of pit bull terriers.

In just a few months of selling merchandise online and at canine-centered events, Mrs. Siegfried exceeded her own expectations.

A recent launch of a zippered fleece jacket with Pittie Chicks' distinctive logo, for example, was promoted with a picture of Mrs. Siegfried's sporting one of the 60 available. The picture was posted at 8:45 a.m. and the stock was sold out by 9:05 a.m.

She and her pit bull Lola have become something of celebrities. The two get recognized at pet supply stores so often that Mrs. Siegfried finds it overwhelming and flattering.

"Everyone wants to introduce their dog to me and tell me their story about how they got involved with the breed," she said. "They are more excited to see Lola."

In Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre today from noon until 5 p.m., Pittie Chicks will be featured at National Pit Bull Awareness Day, an event sponsored by the Luzerne County Pit Bull Owners.

Finding the niche

The idea for Pittie Chicks grew out of Mrs. Siegfried's interaction with other pit bull fans on social networking sites such as Facebook. She noticed that most passionate pit bull owners were young women and suburban moms. The people running rescues and fan pages also tended to be women, an extension perhaps of pit bulls' role a century ago as companions for children, or "nanny dogs."

Yet, most of the pit bull merchandise available was unisex garments such as roomy, not very stylish T-shirts. She wanted something cute and fun, and figured other female pit bull lovers would as well.

A graphics designer at a local advertising agency, Mrs. Siegfried started by crafting a logo, a profile of a pit bull with a heart.

"The pit bull's strongest muscle," she points out.

In another version the dog sports an argyle bow tie - for owners of male pit bulls - or pearls, signifying female pit bulls.

She figured she would do a load of T-shirts, sell them at an event, donate the proceeds to a pit bull rescue, and be done with it. The shirts sold out and people clamored for more. It hasn't stopped since. Now, about one-third of the sales are through events, the rest online.

She has so many requests for a men's line that one is in the works, as are baby clothes and scarves. She recently started shipping internationally. She takes suggestions from customers, such as a child's shirt that says "My older brother is a pit bull."

She has all her goods made locally and still donates a portion of the proceeds to pit bull rescues. Her home has become a collection of plastic bins organizing the fast-turning inventory.

New pit bull owner Nyla Robinson, of Washington State, sees herself as not just a customer of Pittie Chicks, but part of a community.

"I don't know if it was (Mrs. Siegfried's) intention or not, but the Pittie-Chicks Facebook page is a forum for all of us women (and I suspect a few men) who love pit bulls ... and just enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded people," Ms. Robinson said in an email.

Unlikely advocate

As a child, Mrs. Siegfried was bitten by a mixed breed dog. The scar was temporary, but the fear of dogs seemed like it would last a lifetime.

In 2002, she met Nittany, a pit bull rescued as a stray puppy by Jessica's then-boyfriend now husband, Jason.

"Nittany helped me to not fear dogs, and he is why I went from being afraid of everything to loving animals now," she said. "I feel like he brought me into a wonderful family." Nittany died. The Siegfrieds got Lola in 2009.

Being a pit bull owner is a challenge, she said, because of the perception of the breed. The breed often makes headlines in dog attacks and is the focus of breed-specific legislation. Irresponsible owners, not the dogs, are to blame, she said.

"When you have one, you are constantly defending the breed. Whether you want to or not, you become an advocate," she said. "You have to work harder, socialize harder, train better than everyone else."

Lola earned a Canine Good Citizen certification from the American Kennel Club. But some people can't see beyond the breed. Mrs. Siegfried describes how people cross the street to avoid her and Lola on walks.

"I see dog owners afraid of Lola even as their dog is barking and lunging toward her and she is unaffected," she said. Recently, a man stopped to comment on what a nice dog Lola appeared to be. When he learned she was a pit bull, he sneered that no one should be allowed to own pit bulls.

Angry and hurt, Mrs. Siegfried went home and wrote a mission statement, which became Pittie Chick's best selling shirt. In black and pink letters it reads in part:

"I'm on a mission. I fight bad reputations and stereotypes. I am an advocate. I stand up for their breed. It's a privilege."

Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

Over the years, analysts have compared the "lost decade" in the U.S. stock market to the ongoing "lost two decades" in Japan's stock market and wondered if we are heading down the same path, "Turning Japanese."

With a wink to the 1980 New Wave hit from the Vapors, let's take a look.

Japan

On Dec. 29, 1989, Japan's Nikkei 225 stock average, the broad measure of the Japan's stock market, peaked at 38,916. Five years later, it closed at 19,753, representing a loss of 49 percent. But, it didn't stop there.

As of last week, after more than 22 years since the 1989 peak, the Nikkei 225 is still down. It closed at 8,863 - a stunning loss of 77 percent.

Despite this dramatic decline and the tremendous indebtedness of the country, Japan's economy and society have not imploded. Japan is still the third-largest economy in the world. Unemployment is low, and the society is civil.

United States

Our stock market, as measured by the S&P 500 index, peaked on Oct. 9, 2007, at 1,565. That peak was followed by a more than 50 percent decline. However, unlike Japan, the U.S. market bounced back strongly and, as of last week, the S&P 500 index closed at 1,461, representing a decline of about 7 percent over the past five years.

Now, some people say we should go back to the March 24, 2000, peak in the S&P 500 index of 1,527 and consider that the starting point for a lost decade. Fair enough. Using that date, the U.S. stock market is down about 4 percent over the past 12½ years, excluding reinvested dividends.

Despite this weak stock market performance and the growing indebtedness of our country, we still have the world's largest economy, our society is civil (mostly), and, while unemployment is lackluster, it's not disastrous.

Comparison

Five years removed from the peak in each market, Japan was down 49 percent, while the U.S. market was down just 7 percent.

From the peak of Japan's stock market through last week - a stretch of more than 22 years - its stock market average is down 77 percent. In the U.S., using our March 24, 2000, peak, we're down only about 4 percent over the intervening 12½-year period.

So, looking strictly at the numbers, we have not "Turned Japanese." While reasonable people can argue about our government's policies and the Federal Reserve's actions, we can take some comfort in knowing that our economy and stock market, while lackluster, are still persevering.

LOUIS P. INGARGIOLA is president of Ingargiola Wealth Management Group, LLC. Find him at iwmg.us. Would you like to write for IN THIS CORNER? Contact us at business@times shamrock.com

DUNMORE

Students looking for more traditional college experiences of living on campus have more options thanks to a development company that focuses on building student housing next to commuter campuses.

When the Commons on University Drive opened in August next to Penn State Worthington Scranton's campus, it gave dozens of students attending school there and at nearby colleges a student-centered place to stay. The residential community of three- and four-bedroom apartments leases only to students.

Having built a half-dozen or so similar projects, development company Higher Education Solutions has found a niche in creating housing opportunities near college campuses with limited or no student housing. Dennis G. Dunn, a retired banker and principal partner in the company that owns the rental properties, Apple Alley Associates-II, said the idea for the projects started when he and other retirees with experience in higher education or finance found the need for student housing at branch campuses, trade schools and other colleges but limited state resources.

"We saw an opportunity," Mr. Dunn said. "We saw a need that we could fulfill."

With no on-campus student housing at Penn State Worthington Scranton, students living at the Commons at University Drive can walk to class in just a few minutes. It also has students from Marywood University, the Commonwealth Medical College and Johnson College. With phase one of the development complete, which includes 12 apartments with a total of 82 beds, construction has already started to double the number of apartments and beds for the fall 2013 academic year. All together, the private company will have spent $8.5 million on the Dunmore project.

While common to have private student communities near four-year universities and colleges, the demand for more student housing at commuter campuses has increased as more students look to branch campuses as alternative college experiences. This trend appears throughout the country.

More choices

Freshmen and sophomores living at the Commons on University Drive gave different reasons for choosing the school, including smaller classes, closer distance to home and lower cost. However, they found the traditional roommate experience by living in the student community near the school.

"I think it's nicer than dorms," said Eric Mayer, a freshman health and human development major who shares a four-bedroom apartment with six other students. Mr. Dunn said his company has learned what students want and expect, including wireless Internet, a dishwasher, built-in desks and other amenities.

Similar to other companies, the Commons at University Drive charges each student for his or her share of expenses. That way it doesn't have to worry about having enough money to pay expenses if a roommate doesn't pay his share of the costs.

The student housing development group's team includes an authority on working with students - Wayne Lammie, Ph.D., who retired as CEO of the PSU Schuylkill campus in 2000 and has 30 years of academic experience. Dr. Lammie created surveys for students to fill out to help the business match up students with overlapping routines, behaviors and interests, a common way to limit roommate conflict. He also works with college campuses whose students live in the student communities.

Mr. Dunn, Dr. Lammie and their partners have developed similar projects in La Plume Twp. near Keystone College, near PSU's Hazleton campus, near PSU Wilkes-Barre, near Kutztown University and on Morrisville State University's campus in New York. Usually after developing and managing the property for a few years, Mr. Dunn's company sells it to a company associated with the university or college or to another private company.

Mr. Dunn said company also works to establish working relationships with universities and colleges near the properties. While it doesn't have a formal affiliation with any academic institution, the company tries to set policies comparable to them.

In nearby Wilkes-Barre, Higher Education Solutions purchased and renovated property PSU's branch campus. Charles Davis, Ph.D., chancellor of PSU Wilkes-Barre, said he sees value quality of private student housing at commuter campuses. During times of challenging financial situations, Dr. Davis said he understands state university systems don't place student housing at branch campuses. He sees this as a good interaction between the private market fulfilling a need.

"Particularly as state budgets get tight, state universities might be ripe for welcoming more private options," Dr. Davis said.

Contact the writer: rward@timesshamrock.com, @rwardTT on Twitter

DEAR J.T. & DALE: If someone were to do a background check on me, he or she would think I'm a terrible person. However, all the bad stuff was committed by someone who stole my identity. According to the police and district attorney, they need me to have this on my record in case the ID thief uses me again. I am trying to find work, with no success. I can forget ever again working as an engineer or as an accountant, even though I'm a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and a CPA. I'm trying to apply for menial work at retail stores, but the electronic applications ask for a Social Security number and permission for a background check. Where do I go from here? - Greg

DALE: Do NOT give up on your career, Greg. For one thing, you have the option to simply quit putting yourself in a position to have your background checked. You could, for instance, offer your services as an outside CPA to engineering firms. While someone might check your references before hiring your services, I'd be surprised if they did a background check. Notice that I said "hiring your services" - that's a different level of inquiry than bringing you on as an employee.

J.T.: If you do want to seek regular employment, you'll be up against a credibility issue: your word against the "factual" background check. What would be useful is finding a third party to tell the whole story. Perhaps a high-profile person in the community would champion your cause. Perhaps the DA's office or someone in the police department would be willing to back up your contention in a letter.

DALE: If so, you'll be in a good position once you get past interviewing to the actual background check. Typically, the background check comes only when the company has decided to hire you. So, if you aren't getting interviews and job offers, you can stop blaming the identity thief. Start making real connections, not just sending out résumés and applications, and you'll find that you can work through or around the background issue.

Acting 'professional'

DEAR J.T. & DALE: The point I want to address is how bad staffing agencies are these days. What I mean by "bad" is being contacted by an agency and then getting no follow-up. Recently, after the third week of no response from the staffing agency, I called the recruiter, only for her to say, "Oh, I'm so sorry, I thought I had contacted you to let you know." How unprofessional is that! I'm to the point where I don't have the desire to work with any of these staffing agencies. They are so unprofessional. - Melinda

DALE: Perhaps we should consider what it means to be "professional" here in the New Economy. When using that term, people normally are referring to someone living up to the standards of the profession. In this case, the standards of civility have changed radically in the past decade or two, leaving behind the old courtesies.

J.T.: Many companies that hire staffing agencies are taking advantage of what they see as a buyer's market for employees, and are making staffing agencies jump through hoops, sometimes pitting recruiters against one another. Given all the demands and pressures coming from their clients, while getting thousands of requests from job seekers, calling job searchers to let them know they didn't get the job isn't high on their priorities list.

DALE: Indeed, employees of staffing agencies who devoted a considerable amount of time to updating job applicants might find themselves in the job market. The owners of the staffing agency even might call them "unprofessional," judging all that time spent on courtesies as detracting from their priorities.

J.T.: However, rather than give up on staffing agencies, here's a better idea: Be more proactive. Don't make it the staffing company's job to call you; accept the fact that you'll do all the contacting. If they know you for your follow-through, patience and attention to detail, they'll be more passionate about selling you to their customers. Make their jobs easier, and you'll be remembered for all the right reasons!

JEANINE "J.T." TANNER O'DONNELL is a professional development specialist. DALE DAUTEN resolves employment and other business disputes as a mediator. Please visit them at jtanddale.com, where you can send questions via email, or write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St., 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019.

Incorrect bank deposit amounts

A graphic on H1 in BusinessWeekly last Sunday had the incorrect deposit amounts of the top 10 banks in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area. The amounts for all the banks incorrectly described deposit amounts as hundreds of thousands instead of millions, or millions instead of billions. Below are the correct deposits for the top 10 banks:

1. PNC Bank, $2,583,023,000

2. Wells Fargo Bank, $1,089,719,000

3. M&T Bank, $949,590,000

4. Community Bank N.A. (parent company of First Liberty Bank), $766,592,000

5. First National Community Bank, $752,759,000

6. Penn Security Bank and Trust, $646,063,000

7. Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, $541,483,000

8. Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank, $512,072,000

9. NBT Bank (parent company of Pennstar Bank), $498,740,000

10. First National Bank of Pennsylvania, $442,063,000