LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - An Arkansas 911 operator did not enter a call into a computer system that would have notified police and fire dispatchers of a mother and son trapped inside a vehicle in a pond, authorities said Wednesday. The woman died hours later, and her 5-year-old son was in critical condition Wednesday, police said.

The Little Rock operator who handled the call from 39-year-old Jinglei Yi has been placed on paid administrative leave while authorities try to figure out what happened. The operator has not been charged with any wrongdoing.

Yi called 911 about 8 a.m. Monday after her vehicle hit a patch of ice, went over a curb and ended up in the pond, Police Department spokeswoman Sgt. Cassandra Davis said. A county dispatcher transferred the call to the 911 operator, who spoke with Yi briefly before hanging up and contacting an ambulance service.

An ambulance was dispatched a few minutes later to the west Little Rock pond, but police officers and firefighters weren't dispatched until about a half-hour later - after the ambulance service called to verify that they were en route.

It's still not clear whether the delay played any role in Yi's death. A doctor pronounced her dead at a local hospital at 11:45 a.m. Monday. A medical examiner is expected to determine the exact cause.

Laura Martin, who directs the city police and fire departments' communications branch, said the operator did not enter Yi's call into a computerized dispatching system that would have alerted police and fire dispatchers. The operator also ended Yi's call instead of using a transfer option that would have allowed her to keep Yi on the line while contacting the ambulance service, she said.

"Proper protocol would be ... we have a one-button transfer switch where you get (the ambulance service) on the line and you remain on the line with them until you're sure that they have handled the call," Martin said.

On the 911 call, which The Associated Press obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, a county dispatcher describes Yi's situation to the operator in Little Rock while Yi remains on the line.

Then, Yi describes her location and says there is water in her vehicle.

"The water is in my car right now," she said.

The Little Rock operator asked Yi for her name and asked her to hang on.

"OK, ma'am, we're going to get some help on the way for you, OK?" the operator said.

"OK. Thank you," Yi said. Then the call appears to end.

Neither Davis nor Martin would identify the operator, who was hired in March and completed a six-month probation period in September.

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Follow Jeannie Nuss at http://twitter.com/jeannienuss

Scott Twp. releases list of 33 roads to be paved this year

SCOTT TWP. - Some haven't been paved since 1994. The others were torn apart by a massive sewer project in 2011.

But the more than 30 township roads, long ignored or ravaged by the roughly $23 million project, will be resurfaced by the end of the year, officials said.

At a township meeting Thursday, supervisors released the list of the 33 roads included in this year's estimated $1.2 million paving project.

Officials said there is no timetable for construction. First, they need to submit the project specifications to the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service - which granted about $600,000 in loans - for approval.

Once the specifications are approved, officials will advertise the project for bid.

"We want to get this moving as fast as possible because we want to take care of these roads," Supervisor David Makala said. "It's been a long time coming."

Littered with potholes and cracks, the roads have been a source of frustration for residents for years, Supervisor Michael Giannetta said.

Roads slated for resurfacing include Novitsky Road, Lyndon Street, Meadow Drive, Hill Street, Laurel Drive, Hemlock Drive, Peaceful Valley Drive, Sunset Drive, Detty Drive, Whiteview Drive, Harvest Drive, Virbitsky Road, Cure Road, Grandview Drive, Sunset Lane, Clover Lane, School Side Drive, Grove Road, Rovinsky Road, Zury Road, Mundro Road, Brauer Road, Silver Meadow Lane, Forest Manor Drive, Spruce Road, Miller Road, Silver Maple Drive, Westview Drive, Eastview Drive, Fieldstone Drive, Hilltop Drive, Mary Street and Mount Bethel Road.

In other business, the board voted to accept the resignation of Lynn Ciuccoli, the township's real estate tax collector.

They voted to appoint Michael Ciuccoli to replace her and finish the remaining term, which ends in January. At the meeting Thursday, supervisors said they did not know whether the two were related.

Officials also said they didn't have the salary information available.

"That office cannot be left vacant for a long period of time right now," township solicitor Richard Fanucci said.

Contact the writer: miorfino@timesshamrock.com, @miorfinoTT on Twitter

Boroughs prepare for city's next move

OLYPHANT - Though legal opposition to Scranton's proposed commuter tax was successful, officials from the Lackawanna County Association of Boroughs are already preparing for the next challenge.

The group met Thursday to discuss their successes and the need to continue working together to oppose Scranton's future efforts, which association President Eugene Prusinski believes are certain.

Last month, judges rejected Scranton's petition for a 1 percent wage tax on the nearly 23,000 nonresidents who work in the city but live elsewhere.

Mayfield Mayor Al Chelik addressed the group at the Regal Room in Olyphant, lauding attorneys Armand E. Olivetti Jr. and Patrick Rogan, as well as Larissa Pawelski and other municipal officials for their roles in the fight.

"Today, we're recognizing the people who were very helpful in our recent success," Mr. Chelik said.

He was pleased with the money that the effort would ultimately save commuters.

"We had the city of Scranton surrounded," he joked, noting the location of all the communities represented.

Mr. Chelik and Mr. Prusinski both agreed that the association, as well as Scranton Taxing Our People, the group formed to oppose the tax, needed to prepare for Scranton's next commuter tax.

"We're going to continue to raise money and follow what they are going to do," Mr. Prusinski said of Scranton officials. "We're just waiting for their next move."

In a recently released audit of Scranton's finances, the document indicated the city would seek a commuter tax next year.

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

REGIONAL BRIEFS

Police find burglar in attic

POCONO SUMMIT - A burglar was found hiding in the corner of the attic of a Monroe County home Wednesday afternoon, Pocono Mountain Regional Police said.

A witness saw a man later identified as Kirson Vasquez-Lantigua, 29, of Pocono Sum­mit, break into 6298 Laurel Road around 2 p.m., which was sealed off by police minutes later, police said.

After a police dog was unable to locate the burglar, the SWAT team arrived and cleared the home, finding Mr. Vasquez-Lantigua in the attic, police said.

Mr. Vasquez-Lantigua was charged with burglary, criminal trespass and related charges. He was arraigned Thursday, is slated for a preliminary hearing Jan. 24 and is in Monroe County Correctional Facility in lieu of $40,000 bail.

Freshman rep joins committees

HARRISBURG - Freshman state Rep. Kevin Haggerty, D-112, Dunmore, was appointed to serve on four committees for the 2013-14 legislative session.

Mr. Haggerty will serve on the Game and Fisheries, Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness, Human Services, and Children and Youth committees.

Representatives serving on the 28 standing committees in the House address bills before they reach the full legislative body.

Carter to speak at monument

WYOMING - Former President Jimmy Carter will speak May 28 at the Wyoming Monument.

Mr. Carter will give a free speech around 3 p.m. at the memorial when he and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, visit the area.

Anyone attending the speech will be able to park at Flack Field and take a shuttle to the monument, said Marcella Starr, president of the Wyoming Monument Association.

After the speech, the former president and his wife will dine at a fundraising dinner at the Frederick Stegmaier Mansion.

Tom Kubelus has been a runner since the 1970s, and while the exact mechanics of his pastime have not changed, the crowd has.

He and 200 other runners logged 2 miles Thursday night after taking their mark at the Hill Section's Bar Hill for the kickoff of Run Around Scranton. The event was the first of monthly treks planned around several of Scranton's neighborhoods.

Mr. Kubelus had already completed a 10-mile run Thursday morning. But he was curious about Thursday night's group run. When he was a child, running wasn't such a huge event.

"This sort of thing didn't happen then," Mr. Kubelus said.

Mayor Chris Doherty said the runs have three main objectives - getting people excited about exercise while at the same time familiarizing them with the neighborhoods and the businesses in them.

"We want to show off the city," Mr. Doherty said.

Each free run will begin at a local business in a different neighborhood in Scranton on the third Thursday of the month. On Feb. 21, a 2-mile trot will begin at Zaleski's Clubhouse Cafe on Beech Street. There are 11 more runs planned this year.

Wendy Wilson, spokeswoman for Geisinger Community Medical Center, which partnered with Scranton Running Co. and the city for the event, said the hospital has hired 400 new employees since Geisinger merged with CMC one year ago. Such an event is the perfect way to fully acclimate them with the city and all of its different neighborhoods. What defines Minooka is different from what defines West Scranton, and both are different from what defines the Hill Section, she said.

"There's so much character," Ms. Wilson said. "Every section of town has its own history."

Scranton resident Bill Cook, 59, has been an avid runner since the late 1980s, participating in several marathons and two Iron Man competitions. But his enthusiasm for running is matched by his pride in his city, and any event that would promote Scranton is a good one.

"I love running, and I love Scranton," Mr. Cook said.

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

Two teen boys who allegedly bragged at a party about beating a man with a rock and robbing him in the Hill Section, then were caught on surveillance tape using the victim's credit cards to buy their friends food at McDonald's, were charged as adults with felony robbery.

After months of investigation, Scranton police arrested Jahsiah Laborde, 15, 202 Willow St., Dunmore, and Aquawn Rivera, 15, 429 14th Ave., Scranton, in connection with the Oct. 27 robbery and assault of Domenic Pagnanelli near Vine Street and North Webster Avenue.

The two, along with another male and a fourth acting as lookout, stole Mr. Pagnanelli's wallet, which contained credit and debit cards, police said.

In December, police spoke to witnesses who were at the party, where Mr. Laborde was bragging how he and Mr. Rivera had beaten up the man and how Mr. Rivera had hit the man in the head with a rock, police said.

After the party, witnesses told police the two boys walked with a group of people to McDonald's at 900 S. Washington Ave., where Mr. Laborde gave people the stolen credit cards and told them to order whatever they wanted, police said.

Judge Alyce Hailstone Farrell issued arrest warrants for both boys Wednesday, and they were arrested Thursday.

Both were charged with criminal conspiracy, robbery-threatening immediate serious bodily injury, receiving stolen property and theft by unlawful taking. Mr. Rivera also was charged with aggravated assault.

Mr. Rivera and Mr. Laborde were arraigned Thursday and are slated for preliminary hearings Jan. 25. They are being held at Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail each.

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

CTC sets property auction date

SCRANTON - Property owned by the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County will hit the auction block in March.

At the center's joint operating committee meeting Thursday night, directors voted to hold a public auction of 62 acres behind the North Scranton school.

The minimum bid for the property, which is zoned residential and off Rockwell Avenue, will be $725,000.

The auction will be Saturday, March 16, at a time yet to be determined.

Joseph J. Ostrowski went as far as pretending he was a woman while trolling the Internet to persuade children to send him naked pictures of themselves.

In federal court in Scranton on Thursday, the former varsity football coach at Holy Redeemer High School admitted prowling the Web and creating fake online identities to befriend kids across the country.

Sometimes he even threatened to disseminate their photos, images and live transmissions if they didn't send him more, federal prosecutors said. At times, he carried out the threat.

Facing a wide-ranging federal "sextortion" probe in at least 14 states , the 29-year-old Wilkes-Barre man, a standout football player at Meyers High School, pleaded guilty Thursday to charges of child pornography, interstate extortion and cyberstalking before Senior U.S. District Judge Edwin M. Kosik.

The admission is a reversal from his not guilty plea in federal court in May when he faced far fewer allegations.

The Diocese of Scranton suspended him and appointed a new head coach after federal agents arrested him in the school's weight room last year.

Mr. Ostrowski cloaked his identity by becoming either an older student or alumni who participated in the same sport as the victim, court records stated. He convinced the victims that turning over pornographic images "was part of some hazing ritual."

Some of the materials he received included the minors in various stages of undress and performing sexually explicit acts, like masturbation, Mr. Sempa said.

The FBI investigation revealed his "sextortion" lured children under 18 and also adults in Pennsylvania, New York, North Carolina, California, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, Minnesota, Indiana, Alabama and Maryland from 2006 to 2012, court records stated.

U.S. Attorney Peter J. Smith, who sat through the proceeding, said the efforts of the Michigan State University police and FBI investigators in Michigan and Pennsylvania helped piece together the case.

"It was a great joint investigation," Mr. Smith said.

After listening to Mr. Sempa read the list of states where the victims lived, the judge asked one question, "anything else out of the U.S.?"

"No, your honor, not at this point," Mr. Sempa said.

Appearing in federal court in a green prison jumpsuit, Mr. Ostrowski answered the judge with short responses - "I do," "yes, your honor."

Then when asked if he committed the crimes, he replied, "guilty, your honor."

Prosecutors will recommend Mr. Ostrowski serve 25 years in federal prison. The judge is not bound by the recommendation. A sentencing date was not announced. He faces a maximum 37-year sentence.

"The evidence would have established all of the elements of the offenses charged beyond a reasonable doubt," Mr. Sempa said.

Mr. Ostrowski remains in federal custody.

Contact the writer: smcconnell@timesshamrock.com, @smcconnellTT on Twitter

N.Y. man facing drug charges

SCRANTON - A New York man was arrested Thursday after police said they saw him delivering heroin to a house on Green Ridge Street and later discovered heroin hidden in his underwear.

Rashaad Ryans, 26, no exact address available, was arrested by the Scranton Police Department Special Investigations Division and Lackawanna County Drug Task Force.

After Mr. Ryans was taken to Scranton police headquarters, authorities said they found 10 bags of heroin in his underwear.

Scranton police said he was charged with multiple, felony drug-related crimes. Details on the counts and on Mr. Ryans' bail and preliminary hearing date were not available Thursday.

By Dave Janoski

Three board members at Clearbrook Inc., a nonprofit drug and alcohol treatment provider, resigned Thursday after an attorney for Luzerne County determined their private business dealings with Clearbrook violated its contract with the county's drug and alcohol program.

A fourth board member, the daughter of former Clearbrook Inc. CEO Nicholas F. Colangelo, also resigned. An attorney for the nonprofit said Ms. Colangelo's continuing work as a Clearbrook consultant could have disqualified her from serving on the board under its contract with the Luzerne/Wyoming Counties Drug and Alcohol Program. The organization also has a contract with Lackawanna County.

The resignations came one day after a Luzerne County solicitor advised the drug and alcohol program to stop sending clients to Clearbrook's inpatient treatment centers in Shickshinny and Laurel Run in response to questions from The Citizens' Voice, owned by Times-Tribune parent Times-Shamrock, about the board members' business dealings.

Mr. Colangelo, who remains in a leadership position at Clearbrook as chief executive of the related Clearbrook Foundation, said the nonprofit acted quickly to ensure that needy county residents whose treatment costs are borne by the county drug and alcohol program would continue to have access to Clearbrook's services.

"In a matter of hours, it was done," Mr. Colangelo said. "We were out of compliance and when it was brought to my attention, it was corrected."

He said officials at Clearbrook were unaware that its county contract barred board members from doing business with the nonprofit. Such relationships are allowed by Clearbrook's bylaws, which were submitted to the state and county, he said.

The Luzerne/Wyoming County program paid Clearbrook $304,750 in fiscal year 2011-12, using state, county and federal money dedicated to funding inpatient substance abuse treatment for residents who receive Medical Assistance, lack health coverage or qualify under low-income guidelines. The Lackawanna County Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse paid Clearbrook $182,733 through similar programs in 2011-12. Its contract with Clearbrook also bars business relationships between the nonprofit and its board members.

Clearbrook, which employs 145 people, had revenues of $11.5 million in 2011.

Luzerne County assistant solicitor Brian Bufalino, who advised stopping referrals to Clearbrook on Wednesday, recommended Thursday that referrals be resumed after Clearbrook informed him of the resignations. County Human Services Director Mary Dysleski said she was awaiting final approval to resume referrals from county Manager Robert Lawton on Thursday afternoon.

The annual number of referrals from Luzerne County was unavailable Thursday, but Mr. Colangelo said about 25 percent of the approximately 1,600 patients admitted to Clearbrook each year have their treatment funded through government programs. The vast majority of them come from Luzerne and Lackawanna counties.

Lackawanna County Communications Director Joseph A. D'Arienzo said Thursday that his county was preparing a statement on the Clearbrook issue, but none had been issued as of Thursday evening.

The four board members who resigned Thursday morning were Dunmore attorney Thomas P. Cummings Jr., who serves as Clearbrook's general counsel; Dr. Albert D. Janerich of Plains Twp., the nonprofit's medical director; Helen Lavelle, CEO of Lavelle Strategy Group, a Scranton advertising agency; and teacher and poet Dawn Leas, who is Mr. Colangelo's daughter.

Mr. Cummings was paid $59,568 for handling Clearbrook's legal work in 2011, according to documents it filed with the Internal Revenue Service, and Mr. Janerich's medical practice was paid $120,150. Ms. Lavelle's firm billed Clearbrook $105,897 for placing ads, producing videos and other services since she joined the board in 2009.

Mr. Cummings said he would continue to serve as general counsel if asked by the newly constituted board.

Clearbrook's bylaws require that the board of trustees have nine to 15 members. There are now eight board members following the resignations.

Efforts to reach Mr. Janerich and Ms. Leas were unsuccessful Thursday.

Ms. Lavelle said she had "absolutely no idea that there was an issue."

"I was doing business with Clearbrook before I was on the board," she said.

"I don't have to be on the board for people to get the treatment they need," Ms. Lavelle said. "My only concern is that Clearbrook continues to provide the type of treatment that saves lives."

The contract language barring business relationships between providers and their board members was inserted into Luzerne and Lackawanna counties' drug and alcohol treatment contracts beginning in 2010.

The state requires similar language barring business relationships between county drug and alcohol programs and the programs' board members in contracts the county programs have with the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, which provides much of their funding. The language is optional in the contracts between the county programs and their providers.

Ms. Dysleski said Luzerne County will consider whether to keep that contract language in providers' contracts for fiscal year 2013-2014, which begins in July.

Contact the writer: djanoski@citizensvoice.com

Factory Card Outlet closing

WILKES-BARRE TWP. - Factory Card Outlet in the East End Centre will close by the end of the month, according to officials from the store and shopping plaza.

A sign on the door states the location is closing but the "party continues" at its sister store, Party City in Wilkes-Barre Twp.

Factory Card Outlet and Party City are part of Elmsford, N.Y.-based Amscan Holdings, a designer, manufacturer and distributor of party supplies with locations worldwide.

Ressa Tomkiewicz, a spokeswoman for Party City, said other Factory Card Outlet stores throughout the country are converting to Party City stores, but the location in the East End Centre will close. She would not say how many jobs will be lost.

Three arrested for selling drugs

DUNMORE - Two people were arrested in Dunmore Thursday and another was arrested in Scranton after police said they participated in drug deals.

Tobyhanna residents Darryl Anton Richardson, 40, and Victoria Visser, no age given, are facing charges after Dunmore police and the Lackawanna County Drug Task Force allegedly saw them selling crack to a police informant in the Big Lots parking lot, 1010 O'Neill Highway.

Wayne "Hot" Douglas, 48, of New York, is also facing charges after police allegedly saw him selling heroin to a confidential informant.

Bail information and preliminary hearing dates were not available Thursday.

Susquehanna County Court notes are published Fridays in The Times-Tribune.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

- Joshua Kidd and Jennifer Guilbeau, both of Brackney.

- Ricky Thomas and Angela Ferrence, both of Clifford.

- Thomas Honeyford and Karen Vail, both of Montrose.

- Austin Chludzinski and Katelyn Grubb, both of New Milford.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

- Matthew and Erin Woos­man to Karen Bailey, a property in New Milford for $95,500.

- Richard Vasey (estate) to Vasey Estate Land Co. LLC, a property in Franklin Twp. for $259,000.

- Richard Vasey (estate) to Vasey Estate Land Co. LLC, a property in Jackson Twp. for $384,500.

- Willard and Mildred Ting­ley to Kevin Tingley, Brian and Nancy Tyler, Julia and Harry Gardner, a property in New Milford Twp. for $120,000.

- John and Louise White to John and Tina Karabin, a property in Auburn Twp. for $20,000.

- Jennifer and Jeffrey Green­wood to John Crawford, a property in Dimock Twp. for $155,000.

- Clyde and Susan Booth to Robert and Kim Forrest, a property in Springville Twp. for $427,500.

- James and Eileen Williams to Lori Keihl, a property in New Milford Twp. for $297,900.

- Virginia Peterson to David and Elizabeth Baldwin, a property in Little Meadows for $67,500.

- Citimortgage Inc. to Adam Rendak, a property in Lenox Twp. for $23,000.

ESTATES FILED

- Raymond Haynes, 72 Locust Hill Road, Susquehanna; letters testamentary to Ray­mond Haynes Jr., 72 Locust Hill Road, Susquehanna, and Jennifer Haynes, 589 Prospect St., Susquehanna.

- Mary Allen, 4624 Route 374, Clifford; letters testamentary to Beverly Brown, 23 Bates Terrace, Sidney, N.Y.

- Carolyn Cottrell, 734 Main St., Thompson; letters testamentary to Joanna Soden and Earl Cottrell, both of 734 Main St., Thompson.

- Barbara Sechrist, 19712 Route 267, Montrose; letters testamentary to Richard Sechrist, 18201 Windswept Ave., Port Charlotte, Fla.

DIVORCES GRANTED

- Nicole Lesser, Susque­hanna, v. Andrew Lesser, Susquehanna.

- Matthew Ferraro, Clifford, v. Desiree Shifler, Clifford.

- Bernadette Corey, Union Dale, v. Desmond Corey Jr., Union Dale.

The Taco Chicken recipe featured in Wednesday's Local Flavor: Recipes We Love story on C1 omitted the ingredient 1/4 cup minced onions from the directions. The corrected recipe appears on Page C3.

Pair's relationship questioned

Woman was reported as missing

Police are still trying to figure out why a Clarks Summit woman reported missing by family members jumped from a wanted man's car Wednesday before he led police on a high-speed chase on Interstate 81.

Authorities want to know how Kathlyn McMasters, 22, ended up in the car with Nicholas Mears, a man wanted by the state Board of Probation and Parole, and what exactly their relationship was.

The Lackawanna County district attorney's office, state police and Dunmore and Clarks Summit police are investigating.

"She did know Mr. Mears. What exactly their relationship was, we don't know at this point," said Trooper Connie Devens, spokeswoman for state police at Dunmore.

Mr. Mears was arrested on nine charges, including two counts of aggravated assault and one count of recklessly endangering another person.

He could face more.

"Our investigation is still open, and we may be filing charges on him also," said Clarks Summit Police Chief Joe Laguzzi, referring to his department.

The investigation began when Clarks Summit police issued a news release Wednesday afternoon that Ms. McMasters was missing and could be in danger. Her family reported her Facebook account had been deactivated, her cellphone number had changed and she was in the company of Mr. Mears.

County detectives spotted Mr. Mears and Ms. McMasters driving in a 2003 Jaguar on Quincy Avenue in Scranton and attempted to pull the vehicle over, but Mr. Mears sped away, police said. After losing sight of the car, detectives spotted Ms. McMasters at North Irving Avenue and East Gibson Street. The woman told police she jumped from the vehicle when Mr. Mears told her he would not be caught.

Dunmore borough and state police officers joined in the chase in which Mr. Mears sideswiped an oncoming vehicle, following him onto Interstate 81 southbound where he reached speeds of 90 mph.

State troopers forced Mr. Mears off the road just after the Davis Street exit, where he attempted to drive away again before striking a pickup truck and slid off the road.

Mr. Mears was arrested and searched, although no drugs were found on him or in his vehicle, said Trooper Devens.

Now police are trying to figure out Ms. McMasters' connection to Mr. Mears and working to piece together what happened in the days before the incident.

Mr. Mears was arraigned Wednesday and is slated for a preliminary hearing Jan. 23. He was sent to Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail.

The Jaguar has been impounded at Dunmore state police barracks, according to county Detective Chris Kolcharno.

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

Bidding farewell, at open house

More than 250 attendees enjoyed an evening of food, live music and camaraderie when the Wayne County Historical Society held its annual open house, which also afforded a last look at exhibits before the society closed its offices for the winter.

Author Ab Rutherford, Peter Becker (son of Howard Becker, whose work is the focus of the major exhibit) and artist Kathy LaTournous were among those on hand to enjoy the holiday good cheer, and hear two major announcements.

Board President Elaine Herzog announced that Executive Director Sally Talaga, will be taking a one-year leave of absence to allow for "a well-deserved break from juggling the multitude of society tasks and administration which in recent years have become increasingly daunting for organizations such as ours in this less-than-favorable economic climate."

Sally has served the society for more than 25 years, as director, board member and volunteer. She will be resting, relaxing and doing research for a possible biography of Honesdale-born artist Jennie Brownscombe.

Cash raffle prize winners were pulled and Grace Rogers took home the $1,000 top prize; Dorothy Keif, $700, second; and Gail Frisbie, $500, third. Stephen Mackle won $200 and Carolyn Knash Reinhart was the $100 winner. The cash raffle, a major fundraiser for the historical society each year, was led by Ann Kovatch.

Super students

Ithaca College student Emily Gasper traveled to Pittsburgh for the International Association of Business Communicators regional conference. One of five Park School of Communications students who represented the college's student chapter of IABC, Emily participated in a case study competition and networking events, and attended professional workshops and talks by three keynote speakers. Grateful for the chance to meet with a communications professional who was assigned as her mentor for the conference, Emily said, "I had coffee with her and she offered me the most wonderful advice and guidance. ... I may reach out to her in May when I'm applying for jobs." Emily, a dean's list student and 2009 Lakeland graduate, is the daughter of John and Karen Gasper of Jermyn. ... Shaun Howard of Lake Ariel has received the Filomena Peloro Scholarship from the National Italian American Foundation. Shaun attends Case Western University and is majoring in computer science.

High notes

Silvana Benavides of the Bilingual Business Center Hagamos Cuentas Inc., with the help of DLP Law and ERA One Source Realty, hosted "The Three Kings" festival to benefit the United Neighborhood Centers/Elm Street Project in South Scranton. More than 100 children enjoyed music, face painting, refreshments and royal gifts.

Among those assisting Silvana with the event were Steve Corbett, Wenceslao de la Cruz, Miryam Hiedra and Carlos Martinez.

Scouts plan good deed at inauguration

When President Barack Obama, marching bands and floats make their way down Pennsylvania Avenue on Monday, Boy Scouts from Forest City will be helping direct people along the parade route.

The scouts plan to leave this morning for Washington, D.C., where they will volunteer, tour monuments and museums and meet fellow Scouts from across the country.

"This is history in the making here, and we're part of it," Scoutmaster Mary Cabri said. "We'll never get this opportunity again."

Boy Scouts from Troop 419 in attendance will be Jaycen Fick, 14; Thomas Profeta, 12; and Isaiah Canfield, 12; and Cub Scout Quinn Kovaleski, 10.

"I'm looking forward to hearing the president speak in D.C.," said Thomas, who is Ms. Cabri's son.

Several months ago, Ms. Cabri applied for the chance for her Scouts to be part of the national group of 750 Boy Scouts to help with the inauguration. Since then, they have been selling coupon books to fund the trip.

Ms. Cabri and the Scouts hope to be on the road by 10 a.m. today.

"It's such an honor," she said. "They're losing their minds with excitement."

Contact the writer: shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter

Man injured in gas explosion

MOOSIC - A borough man was taken to a hospital after he suffered burns when a 20-pound propane tank ignited Thursday.

The man, who was not identified by officials Thursday night, was injured at 807 Eighth St. about 4:30 p.m. Moosic Fire Chief Chuck Molinaro said the explosion happened when the man started a motorcycle near the propane tank, which had been accidentally tipped over.

The incident created a small flash fire that was contained, Chief Molinaro said.

The chief said the man was taken to Geisinger Community Medical Center. Information about his injuries and condition was not available Thursday.

2 killed, 1 hurt

in 2 shootings

WILKES-BARRE - Gunfire killed two men and critically wounded a third in a pair of shootings within 10 hours Thursday that rocked the city and sent detectives searching for the shooters.

Police said a gunman fatally shot Leroy Smith, 42, and critically wounded Jamel Martin, 20, while firing off a flurry of bullets outside Don Kasper's Watering Hole at 129 Scott St. around 2:30 a.m. Mr. Martin later died at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, a hospital spokesman said.

Then, just minutes after noon, a man suffered a gunshot wound to the stomach outside Alan Grocery and Deli at 245 Coal St., collapsing at the front entrance of the business. The man, whose identity was not released, remained in critical condition Thursday night at a local trauma unit but is expected to survive, authorities said.

While authorities released few details about the shootings, they were quick to point out the crimes were isolated incidents between people who knew each other. Although the shootings occurred less than a half-mile apart, authorities say they have no indication that they were connected.

"Honestly, it's a sad day. Everybody is working very hard to find these shooters," Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis said.

The bloody day began around 2:30 a.m. when a Wilkes-Barre patrol officer heard gunshots and responded to the 100 block of Scott Street and found two victims.

Mr. Smith was fatally shot. His body was on a sidewalk outside the bar and was later covered by a white sheet. Luzerne County acting Coroner William Lisman pronounced him dead at the scene at 4:15 a.m.

Mr. Martin was found wounded and taken to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains Twp., where he was later pronounced dead, hospital spokesman Tom Gibbon said.

Neighbors in the area reported hearing at least six gunshots and investigators were spotted recovering multiple spent shells from the scene.

Hours after the morning shooting, police got a call for a shooting outside the deli on Coal Street at around 12:15 p.m. Authorities were seen treating a male on the front porch of the business before loading him on a stretcher and into an ambulance. Police repeatedly asked the man, "How old are you?" and other questions. After ambulance crews took him to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, police searched the surrounding area for shell casings, digging through snow. One of the officers was overheard saying, "He said it looked like a small caliber. Maybe a .22."

SARAH SCINTO, staff writer, contributed to this report.

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

Just off Interstate 81, the unassuming Microtel Inn & Suites in Dickson City may not seem the most likely candidate to be named among the best hotels in the nation.

Yet, travel website TripAdvisor bestowed its Traveler's Choice award on the property based upon rankings and reviews from Microtel's delighted guests. The 2-year-old hotel has a coveted - and rare - 5-star ranking on TripAdvisor, the world's most visited travel website.

Hotel general manager Tim Dietrick initially deleted the email notification of the awards thinking TripAdvisor was trying to sell him something. When he recovered the email, he thought for a moment the designation may have been for Scranton or Dickson City. He was flabbergasted to see his hotel ranked sixth in the nation among bargain hotels on a list of the 25 best, including privately owned boutique hotels such as the SeaCoast Inn in Hyannis, Mass., and Alpine Gardens Hotel in Palm Springs, Calif.

Mr. Dietrick, who co-owns the hotel with James Millett, credits his 15 employees.

"This award was won by the people who work here," he said. "From the front desk to the housekeepers, we have people who like people and give gold-star treatment."

Those familiar with the property are not surprised. Tracy Barone, executive director of the Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau, credited the pride of ownership.

"Tim owns it, runs it, and takes care of it," she said. "Microtel is a great brand offering quality and value and Tim's operation is first-class."

Microtels in Buckhannon, Va., and Zephyrhills, Fla., were also named in the top 25. The category includes hotels with room rates up to $175 per night. Microtel rates can be less than half that.

"The fact that Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham has not one - but three properties listed under the category speaks volumes about the hard work and dedication of our hotel owners and associates, especially Tim Dietrick and his staff in Dickson City," said Patrick Breen, senior vice president for Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham.

Mr. Dietrick slavishly follows TripAdvisor and similar travel site to track guests comments, which are unsolicited but offer insight into how his team is doing and help him preserve that five-star rating. In an era - and on a medium - where people are quick to criticize, the comments concerning Microtel gush with phrases in recent reviews such as "amazing little secret," "I will always stay here," and "I have never been treated as well."

Mr. Dietrick knows these blurbs are critical.

"People visit these sites on their mobile phones and book on the spot based upon these comments," he said, adding that about 80 percent of his guests consult guest reviews on websites. "It keeps you doing your best."

Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com