A revived Scranton financing agency met anew Wednesday to complete two old real estate transactions.The Municipal Industrial Development Authority of Scranton

, called MIDAS, began in 1972 as a financing conduit. It had relevance many years ago as a source of loans during a time of typically high interest rates from banks, authority solicitor Todd Johns said.

Over time, as the city’s Office of Economic and Community Development assumed the financing-conduit role, MIDAS became inactive and fell by the wayside as a functioning board.

Recently, borrowers of two separate MIDAS loans from the 1980s completed paying their long-term mortgages in full, but an authority board no longer existed to release the deeds.

So, earlier this year, the Courtright administration reconstituted the authority by appointing five members, so they could take legal steps of conveying deeds of the two buildings involved: 318 Penn Ave. in Scranton and 3397 Scranton-Carbondale Highway in Blakely.

“Now that the mortgages have been satisfied, it requires authority approval to convey the deeds from MIDAS to the purchasers,” Mr. Johns said.

MIDAS members appointed by Mayor Bill Courtright, including Joseph Colbassani, Mario Parlopiano, Aaron Whitney, Robert Seguin and Margaret Conlon, voted 5-0 on each of two resolutions to convey each deed.

First, the authority unanimously selected its officers, including Mr. Colbassani as chairman, Ms. Conlon as vice chairwoman and Mr. Parlopiano as secretary.

The authority also agreed to remain in existence in case any similar situations arise requiring MIDAS action.

Contact the writer:

jlockwood@timesshamrock.com, @jlockwoodTT on Twitter

Challenges facing Scranton may be somewhat unique, but economic pressure is not uncommon in similar cities, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia president said.

Every city’s story is a bit different, said Patrick Harker, who met with the Times-Tribune editorial board Thursday. Afterward, he met with local bank officials then headed to Allentown and Delaware, where he was president of the University of Delaware.

Scranton, he said, has some difficulties but also great potential.

“It is how to bring together all the people you need to put a plan in place to move the needle,” he said. “It’s leadership that helps cities make the turn successful.”

As president of the Philadelphia Federal Reserve, which represents most of Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and Delaware, he oversees about 1,000 employees. He also is an alternate member of the powerful, interest-rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee.

He avoided discussions of politics and policy, but readily cited research and data concerning hot-button issues, such as trade and immigration.

The U.S. birthrate is low, setting the stage for a shrinking population and a shrinking economy, he said, adding that immigration is one way to maintain the population. Immigrants started about 40 percent of all new businesses, he said.

“If you have fewer and fewer people, your economy is going to shrink, your tax base will shrink... and now you are in a downward spiral,” he said. “People who are willing to take the risk to come here generally are willing and interested in taking the risk to start a business because it is hard work and risk... Immigrants did not take American jobs — the evidence is clear. But we have to address the feeling, because the feeling is real.”

He’s alarmed by perceptions about trade and how it became a dirty word. Trade benefits everyone, he said, admitting a small number of people and communities can be deeply hurt. He said the country needs to do a better a job helping those who lose in a trade situation and “share the benefits of trade

and … put them on a path to be

successful.”

Cutting trade would hurt the U.S., he said, because other nations would retaliate by rejecting our exports.

“We know from all economic theory and history when a country closes its borders to the stuff coming in, other countries will refuse our stuff that we make here,” he said.

The notion that economic isolationism would result in a return of manufacturing is misplaced, he said.

“Even if you close the borders, those jobs that were lost won’t come back,” he said.“They have been automated away.”

Tim Duy’s Fed WatchContact the writer:

dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

The Mid Valley School District, a body “known for nepotism,” according to one board member, passed a policy to quash that reputation.

By a 5-1 vote Wednesday, the school board banned the hiring of any full-time employee who is an immediate family member of a school board director, administrator or supervisory-level employee. Board President Rick Barone, as well as board Directors Peter Kolcharno and Joanne Pesota, were absent from the meeting.

The policy is effective immediately.

“It’s a clear indicator that we are here for the right reasons, not for any personal gain,” said board member Gerald Luchansky immediately after passage. “We’re here for the kids, and we’re here for the community, and we’re here for the school district.”

The board inserted the anti-nepotism policy as part of an update to its employment policy, defining “immediate family member” as a parent, spouse, child, grandparent, grandchild, in-law or stepchild.

“This is a long time coming,” said Mr. Luchansky.

The school board director and former principal in the district said he has been trying to get an anti-nepotism policy approved since his election five years ago, but firm support on the current board finally allowed it to happen. A recent “minor incident,” which he refused to describe — calling it a personnel issue — provided the final spark for the board to do it.

The district has had candidates run for school board with the intention of hiring a child or spouse into a position, Mr. Luchansky said. During his time as a principal, he said he even witnessed board members discussing whose turn it was to choose the next hire.

“It’s time to clean up,” said board member Donna Dixon

, who said the district was historically “known for nepotism.”

Another former principal in the district, Ms. Dixon said she had seen “a lot” of better candidates passed over for board-connected ones.

The policy also aims to deter residents with family members who want a full-time job in the district from running for school board.

“The bottom line, if you are here, if you’re on the board and you know you have a member of your family that wants to be a teacher, then you shouldn’t put your name on the ballot,” Board Vice President

Paul Macknosky

said. “It’s not because we believe that teacher wouldn’t be great. It’s the appearance that exists in the community that creates a stigma even when they’re hired. They could be the best teacher, but they’re always going to have that circle of doubt around their hiring.”

The policy does not prohibit the hiring of board members’ relatives for part-time positions, substitute teachers, coaches and temporary employees. It also exempts relatives of board members who are currently working in the district.

School board director Steven Vituszynski

cast the lone dissenting vote. After the meeting, he said he did not oppose the new anti-nepotism policy, but rather other parts of the full hiring policy which he said may prevent the district from hiring the best people.

Contact the writer:

pcameron@timesshamrock.com,

@pcameronTT on Twitter

Police still seek the driver in Tuesday’s fatal hit-and-run crash on Interstate 81 in Greenfield Twp.

John Fiore, 57, of Clay, New York, died Tuesday after a pickup or the carrier it pulled hit and killed Mr. Fiore and injured another man. The pair were standing near their disabled vehicle as John Sauta, 25, of Bridgeport, New York, changed its tire at about 12:15 p.m. The driver of the pickup fled the scene, police said.

Both men were taken to the hospital where Mr. Fiore died. Police did not release any more information on the injured man, including his name.

Mr. Fiore’s autopsy is scheduled for today, Lackawanna County Coroner Tim Rowland said.

State police at Dunmore are seeking a white truck that likely has damage to its right side and green and white paint markings from the crash. It was hauling a red trailer carrying two to four cars.

Trooper Connie Devens, a barracks spokeswoman, said Wednesday they are still looking for the vehicle and the driver.

“Sadly, no,” Trooper Devens said when asked if investigators either found the truck or learned a license plate number.

Anyone with information should contact state police at 570-963-3156.

Contact the writer:

jkohut@timesshamrock.com,

@jkohutTT on Twitter

WILKES-BARRE — A Kingston woman who once fled the scene after fatally hitting a wheelchair-bound man pleaded guilty Wednesday to child endangerment charges for using heroin while supervising her baby daughter.

Danielle Castrignano, 24, pleaded to charges of endangering the welfare of a child, heroin possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Luzerne County Judge Tina Polachek Gartley accepted the plea and set sentencing for Dec. 14.

Police responded to Castrignano’s home on Wyoming Avenue in April after her boyfriend, Christopher Bravyak, reported he thought she may have overdosed after they got into a fight. Bravyak told police he came back to the apartment to find another woman on Castrignano’s bed with hypodermic needles scattered about. Castrignano tried to hide the needles before fleeing through a window when the couple got into another fight, police said.

Officers found Castrignano in the area.

She denied using heroin, but police found two bags of the drug inside her wallet as well as spoons with heroin residue in her closet, according to prosecutors.

At the time of the drug use, Castrignano’s 15-month-old daughter had been asleep in the apartment, police said.

As part of her sentence, Castrignano will only be allowed to have supervised contact with her child, Gartley ordered.

Castrignano recently served a prison sentence for a 2012 hit-and-run crash that killed 20-year-old Cory Ryan. She pleaded guilty in 2013 to striking Ryan’s wheelchair while he and his girlfriend were heading to the River Common Park around 2:15 a.m. on June 15, 2012.

She was sentenced to one to two years for fleeing the scene of the crash.

570-821-2058, @cvjimhalpin

SCRANTON — A debate scheduled for tonight between Democratic state Rep. Marty Flynn and Republican challenger David Burgerhoff will take place as scheduled.

An earlier notice that the debate was cancelled was incorrect. The debate is at 8:15 p.m. inside the Moskovitz Theater at the University of Scranton’s DeNaples Center.

— BORYS KRAWCZENIUK

WILKES-BARRE — A 73-year-old Luzerne caregiver who admitted raiding the bank account of an elderly woman in her final years was sentenced Thursday to serve up to four years in state prison.

Sharon Mae Jacobosky pleaded guilty in September to a felony count of theft alleging she stole more than $200,000 from 98-year-old Clementine Moseman between Jan. 1, 2009 and Nov. 4, 2011. Prosecutors alleged Jacobosky abused the power of attorney Moseman granted her to write checks she used for her personal benefit.

Luzerne County Judge Joseph F. Sklarosky Jr. said he found the “unauthorized liquidation” of Moseman’s assets troubling as he ordered the defendant to serve between nine and 48 months in state prison.

“What’s concerning to the court in this case is that the defendant was in a position of trust,” Sklarosky said. “I am struck by the fact that Ms. Jacobosky, you have shown zero remorse in this case.”

Jacobosky’s attorney, Stephen Geist, argued for a probationary sentence, citing a long list of health problems she suffers from including arthritis, kidney disease, blood clots and a bad heart. He also asserted that Jacobosky, whose guilty plea came after months of waffling over whether to plead or take a trial, had done the right thing.

“Ms. Jacobosky has accepted responsibility for her actions, or her lack of action,” Geist said.

He previously argued that the “unexplained” missing money from Moseman’s account was the result of poor bookkeeping practices rather than a deliberate theft.

Assistant District Attorney Thomas Hogans, however, characterized the case as a classic example of someone taking advantage of another person’s trust. He sought a prison sentence for Jacobosky, noting that her actions caused Moseman to suffer financial hardship during the final years of her life.

“What makes this case especially hard, especially heinous in my mind, is that they were both so elderly at the time,” Hogans said.

Jacobosky addressed the court only briefly regarding the theft, expressing uncertainty when the judge asked if she agreed to the $112,185 in restitution the lawyers indicated they settled upon.

“I never got a record of the checks so I couldn’t tell you yes or no,” Jacobosky said.

Pressed for “a simple yes or no,” she said she did agree to the amount.

Sklarosky ordered Jacobosky immediately remanded to begin serving her sentence. As sheriff’s deputies escorted her from the courthouse in handcuffs, Jacobosky asserted her innocence.

“I didn’t do anything. That’s why I’m not sorry,” Jacobosky said.

570-821-2058, @cvjimhalpin

During a 60-minute debate Thursday, the two men vying for the state’s 113th Legislative District seat next month talked about state and local issues.

Held at the DeNaples Center at the University of Scranton and organized by the League of Women Voters of Lackawanna County, the debate included several questions on issues that would affect residents across the Commonwealth, like their stance on raising the minimum wage. Republican challenger David Burgerhoff said no but Democratic incumbent Rep. Marty Flynn said yes to $15 an hour.

But one environmental question asked by moderator Andrea Mulrine hit closer to home.

“Do you support or oppose the Keystone landfill expansion and do you feel existing state laws are sufficient to protect public health, water, air and land?” she asked.

Landfill expansion

Mr. Burgerhoff said he had concerns about the expansion and understood that people had expressed dissatisfaction with the size of the landfill, but also acknowledged a lot of people are employed there and the facility still has a use.

“I say we look at it on five-year plans,” Mr. Burgerhoff said. “If they want to extend the contract, we can extend it five years and in the next five years they can try to go back and revisit the legislation on this. I don’t think you go 50 years out because a lot of us would be suspicious why you need to go that far.”

Mr. Flynn said he supports the status quo on laws protecting health and air quality. He supported the expansion as long as it doesn’t adversely affect safety, doesn’t go higher than it already is and “people don’t have to look at it.” He also expressed concerns that garbage disposal fees of some constituents would rise drastically if the landfill should close.

“As long as it is safely done and within the guidelines of the DEP, I support it,” Mr. Flynn said.

Mr. Burgerhoff, a Scranton resident, handyman and home cleanout business owner, is the second to challenge Mr. Flynn, a former boxer and Lackawanna County Prison official, in a general election. Mr. Flynn was first elected in an uncontested race in 2012 and defeated Republican Marcel Lisi in 2014.

Representatives serve two-year terms with a current salary of $85,338.65. That salary fluctuates because of annual inflation-adjusted raises. The 113th includes all or parts of North Scranton, South Scranton, West Scranton and Green Ridge in Scranton, South Abington Twp. and Clarks Green.

Contact the writer:

cover@timesshamrock.com,

@ClaytonOver on Twitter

Watch the debate

The debate will air in its entirety regularly on ECTV, channel 19 or 61 locally for Comcast customers, until Nov. 8. It will also appear on the League of Women Voters of Lackawanna County website at lwvlackawanna.org.

Two area parks will receive grants totalling $14,000 from the National Park Foundation.

The Steamtown National Historic Site will receive $5,000 to allow 1,200 fourth graders from local schools to participate in a science, technology, engineering and math-focused program called Railroads, Rivers and You.

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area will receive a $9,000 grant to allow 600 fourth graders from Delaware Valley, East Stroudsburg Area and Port Jervis school districts to visit the site. Students there will take guided hikes to learn of the site’s flora, fauna and geologic landforms.

— CLAYTON OVER

A West Virginia University public health professor hopes to clear the air on questions surrounding an industrial waste incinerator proposal in Susquehanna County.

Michael McCawley, Ph.D., an associate professor and interim chair of the university’s department of public health, will speak from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday in the Montrose Area High School auditorium. The League of Women Voters of Susquehanna County is hosting the free event.

He admits that he lacks specifics on developer Tyler Corners LP’s proposal to build an industrial park, to be anchored by a hazardous waste incinerator, off Interstate 81 in New Milford Twp., but he will explain why he thinks the government should run baseline tests before any project gets underway.

He also brings his own less-than-glowing opinion about incineration.

“I haven’t seen the design for this yet,” he said. “I wouldn’t go yelling smoke in a crowded theater about this, but there are certain principles that we have to take into account. As I said, this is not the perfect answer to the problem — probably far from it.”

Tyler Corners was invited to participate Saturday and also at a previous information session by the league but declined both times.

Tyler Corners principal Tom Donato said it appears the group and speaker have made up their minds about the project, so he and his partner, Bucks County entrepreneur Pasquale T. “Pat” Deon Sr., opted out.

The developers still are deciding whether the proposed site can suit their needs, he said. Just what kind of incineration would take place could change, so he refused to offer specifics.

The company promises it will not destroy radioactive or regulated medical waste.

Dr. McCawley, a former public health service officer with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lamented that Tyler Corners declined, saying they could hash out many unanswered questions if everyone got together.

“It would be nice to get us all in a room talking, because I don’t think they have evil intent here,” he said.

The professor will make a case for why the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should monitor weather patterns and perform baseline tests on soil, water and air quality and also community health.

The EPA has an internal best practice that recommends such testing but seldom follows it, he said. While many in the community call for baseline tests, and the state Department of Environmental Protection considers including tests as part of a risk assessment regimen, Dr. McCawley said the federal government should assist.

Testing costs a lot of money, and state and local governments shouldn’t shoulder the task alone, he said.

Mr. Donato estimated several key pre-application steps with the DEP would wrap up in about three weeks, and he pledged to keep the public updated through the website www.tylercorners.com.

Concerning baseline studies, he said Tyler Corners would defer to regulators.

“We’re going to follow the DEP’s guidance throughout this process, and we leave it for them to determine matters such as that,” he said. “But our main focus is that what comes out of the stack is compliant with regulations.”

Contact the writer:

joconnell@timesshamrock.com,

@jon_oc on Twitter

If you go

Incinerator Education Program Series

Michael McCawley, Ph.D., interim department chair of West Virginia University’s School of Public Health

4 to 7 p.m., Saturday, in the Montrose Area High School Auditorium

75 Meteor Way, Montrose

GREENFIELD TWP.

An autopsy on a New York man killed in a highway hit and run determined multiple traumatic injuries caused his death.

His manner of death is pending completion of a state police investigation into Tuesday’s crash, according to Lackawanna County Coroner Tim Rowland.

John Fiore, 57, of Clay, New York, died Tuesday after a pickup or the carrier it pulled hit him and injured another man. The pair were standing near their disabled vehicle as John Sauta, 25, of Bridgeport, New York, changed its tire at about 12:15 p.m. The driver of the pickup fled the scene, police said.

Both men were taken to the hospital where Mr. Fiore died. Police did not release any more information on the injured man, including his name.

State police at Dunmore are still seeking a white truck that likely has damage to its right side and green and white paint markings from the crash. It was hauling a red trailer carrying two to four cars.

— STAFF REPORT

Archbald

Halloween march: Archbald Halloween “Spooktacular” March, Oct. 29, 3-5 p.m., Archbald A.C. Field, 99 Export Lane, infants through age 12 in costume, accompanied by adult; basket/bicycle raffle, free food, music, games, prizes, treat bags.

Dunmore

Reunion meeting: Dunmore High School class of 1967 reunion planning meeting, Tuesday, 6 p.m., Friendly’s Restaurant, 708 N. Blakely St.

East Scranton

Bus trip: East Scranton Seniors bus trip to Sands Casino, Monday, leaves Monroe Avenue Price Chopper parking lot, 9:30 a.m., returns, 5 p.m.; $25, includes $20 rebate, $5 food voucher; Isabel, 570-347-7394.

Jermyn

Chilifest/music: Community Bible Church chilifest and music, Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 107 Heart Lake Road, classic country, gospel songs, takeouts available, baked goods.

Lackawanna County

Pet Halloween: Griffin Pond Animal Shelter Snoopy’s Fallfest & Great Pumpkin Pet Costume Pageant, Oct. 30, 12:30-3 p.m., Roba’s Family Farms, Dalton; pet costume pageant, farm activities including hayrides, farm discovery and animal center, mega maze, barnyard animal band, hillbilly pig races; food, snacks, drinks for purchase including hot apple cider, cider donuts, kettle corn, hand-dipped caramel apples; Rock 107 Prospector broadcasting live; costume pageant registration, $5/individual, $10/families, 12:30-1:30 p.m.; awards, 3 p.m., admission to farm/$14.95; costume pageant proceeds benefit Griffin Pond Animal Shelter; Roba’s also donating percentage of farm admission fees for day to shelter; farm hours, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Memorial auction: St. Joseph’s Center Auxiliary annual Dennis Crafferty Memorial Auction, Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m., McIlhenny Ballroom, University of Scranton; Roaring 20s Speakeasy theme; open bar, surf and turf dinner, auction; $100; call 570-963-1290 by Nov. 7, details: auxiliary@stjosephscenter.org.

Craft/gift fair: Ladies Auxiliary of UNICO Scranton Chapter Craft/Gift Fair, Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Dunmore Community Center, 1414 Monroe Ave., 40-plus vendors, basket raffle, bake sale, homemade lunch foods, benefits St. Joseph’s Center/Allied Services Ryan’s Run, Lori, 570-498-3242.

Rides to polls: United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania offering complimentary transportation to the polls for Scranton-area residents on Election Day, Nov. 8; contact Kelly Langan, 570-346-0759 to schedule pickup.

Trail event: Lackawanna River Heritage Trail/Lackawanna Heritage Valley Stories & S’mores on the Trail, family-friendly event, Sunday, 1-3 p.m., Olive Street Trailhead (across from the Ice Box Sports Complex on Providence Road); spooky stories by the campfire, s’mores, costume parade, children’s costumes optional; free, donations accepted, children must be accompanied by adult; www.lhva.org, or call 570-963-6730, ext. 8200.

Senior health: Greater Scranton YMCA senior health fair today, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., medical information, wellness class demonstrations, nutritional counseling, flu shots, health screenings, active older adult club information; admission free, bring nonperishable food item for local food pantry; Paula Scotchlas, Community Outreach Director, 570-342-8115, pscotchlas@greaterscrantonymca.org.

Champion reception: Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania annual Champion of Youth Reception, Nov. 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Glenmaura National Golf Club in Moosic; honoring Tom Donohue, Lamar Advertising general manager; Highland Associates represented by Christopher Police, design architect; Erwin T. Kost, Jr., Kost Tire & Auto Service; Michael J. and Beverly Walsh, Walsh Electrical, Inc.; sponsorship, program booklet ads, tickets details: Julianne Cucura, development director, 570-342-8709 ext. 110 or jcucura@bgcnepa.org.

Budget meetings: Lackawanna County public hearings on proposed 2017 budget:, Monday, 11 a.m., commissioners’ conference room, sixth floor, county Administration Building, 200 Adams Avenue, Scranton; Oct. 28, 9 a.m., Taylor Borough Building, 122 Union St., Taylor; noon, Carbondale City Hall, 1 N. Main St., Carbondale; and 3 p.m., Benton Twp. Community Center, Route 407 Fleetville.

Lake Ariel

Soup supper: Lake Ariel Methodist Church soup supper, Saturday, 4:30-6:30 p.m., 110 Maple Ave., takeouts available, free will offering.

Bus trip: St. Stephens Episcopal Church, Wilkes-Barre escorted, cultural-immersion tour to Germany and Prague in celebration of the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther and the Reformation, June 10-18; Bobbi-Jo, 570-504-7575 or www.Luther500Tour.com, register by Oct. 31 for $300 savings.

North Pocono

Ornament painting: Friends of North Pocono Public Library holiday ornament painting class, Sunday, 2-5 p.m., Ann P. Smith Community Room, 1315 Church St., Moscow, instructor Roxanne Puchalski, Seriously Fun Painting; $35, includes supplies, materials, snacks, bring beverage, advance registration/payment required: visit library or call Mary, 570-842-0386 or mrable917@msn.com.

Scranton

Chicken dinner: St. Nicholas Orthodox Church chicken dinner, Oct. 29, noon-4 p.m. or until sold out, 505 Jefferson Ave., $10, takeouts available; pre-orders, 570-344-1522, leave message.

Clothes drive: Elm Park Church seeking gently used winter outer wear to be distributed free, Nov. 2 and 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Nov. 5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; church, 570-342-8263.

Simpson

Cancer benefit: Kelci’s Benefit of Hope fundraiser, Saturday, 2-6 p.m., Grattan-Singer Hose Company, entertainment by Riptide, $20, includes all-you-can-eat and drink, raffles, $300/first prize, all ages; information, www.kelcistanfield.wordpress.com; or donations, www.youcaring.com/kelcistanfield.

Throop

Drug disposal: Throop Borough Police Department Drug Take Back, Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 201 Charles St., unused or expired medication and pet medication, no needles, sharps or liquids.

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

MONTROSE — The driver that barreled through a Bridgewater Twp. construction zone last year, seriously injuring a flagger, pleaded guilty to several charges Thursday in the Susquehanna County Court of Common Pleas.

Ethan Schumacher, 27, of Montrose, pleaded guilty to one felony count of aggravated assault with a motor vehicle and four misdemeanor counts of recklessly endangering another person.

As part of the plea agreement, Mr. Schumacher will be evaluated to determine if he is eligible to enter the State Intermediate Punishment program. The 24-month program is designed for offenders who are convicted of drug-related offenses.

According to the agreement, Mr. Schumacher will also be sentenced to eight years of probation — two years for each recklessly endangering count — following his release from the SIP program.

If he is not accepted into the program, the plea will be vacated.

Mr. Schumacher admitted to speeding as he drove a Ford Escape south on Route 29 near Lake Montrose the morning of Nov. 9 passing over the double yellow line and into an active construction zone where he struck flagger Mark Smith of West Nanticoke.

According to court documents, Mr. Smith suffered major injuries, including an amputated left lower leg and a fractured skull.

Mr. Smith was working for a private contractor on the road project at the time of the crash, according to PennDOT.

The crash was reconstructed by Cpl. Michael Joyce of the Troop R CARS. Unit and the report concluded that Mr. Schumacher was driving 56 to 62 mph at the first evidence of braking and 36 to 44 mph when he struck Mr. Smith.

Although blood test results were positive for morphine, marijuana and other drugs, the DUI component of the initial charges was dropped in the agreement.

Defense attorney Patrick Rogan said his client cooperated with the investigation from the beginning and is remorseful.

A sentencing date will be set after Mr. Schumacher is evaluated for entry into the SIP program.

Contact the writer:

swilson@independent

weekender.com

20th rally raises

$24,671 for cure

In its 20th year participating in the Rally for the Cure to benefit Susan G. Komen, Glen Oak Ladies Golf Association raised $24,671 on its tournament day.

“This was also an epic year in that the Glen Oak Ladies raised nearly $250,000 to date for the Rally and Susan G. Komen, far exceeding any other golf event for this cause in NEPA,” Dolly Woody , executive director of Susan G. Komen Northeastern

Pennsylvania, said in a release.

A pink-and-white balloon arch greeted the full field plus, 136 golfers to a course and club house adorned in pink. Prior to teeing off, a drone captured a picture of the ladies, in ribbon configuration, on the ninth

fairway.

A short deluge did not “dampen” the spirits of the golfers,” Dolly noted adding that Kathy Emanuelson, Komen NEPA board president, said, “only for the rally and the cause would you see 136 women golfing in the rain.”

As a luncheon provided by Pat Williamson and staff was served, Dolly presented recognition awards to Jeff Spagna , Glen Oak’s general manager, and Deb Meyer , Ladies Golf Association representative, for the association’s 20 years of support toward the cause. Gina Cochran , Rally for the Cure ambassador, was honored “for her 15 enthusiastic years of leadership in chairing the event.”

Over 50 baskets and special prizes to winners of the raffle as well as skill contests and Par 3 events were presented. The day concluded with music on the patio by John Culkin.

WVIA 50th

WVIA will be honoring three individuals at its 50th Anniversary Celebration who have “lived WVIA’s mission by dedicating themselves to improving lives and advancing the best attributes of an enlightened society,” according to Chairman Bill Bender.

April Marie Kemp , founder and program director of Marley’s Mission, will receive the WVIA Youth & Family Award. Sondra Myers , director of the Schemel Forum at the University of Scranton, senior fellow for international, civic and cultural projects, will receive the WVIA Arts & Culture Award. H.W. “Skip” Wieder , past board chairman, former WVIA capital campaign co-chairman, will receive the WVIA Founders’ Award at the Nov. 13 event at Mohegan Sun Pocono, featuring dinner, entertainment, auctions, special guests and surprises.

Tickets at $150, table sponsorships starting at $1,000, and full sponsorship pricing can be found online at wvia.org/50 or by calling 570-602-1191.

Proceeds will benefit the launch of a new PBS Kids TV channel and live stream that will air children’s programming 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

High notes

The third annual Goodwill Fashion Show is scheduled Sunday, at 4 p.m. at the Theater at North located inside Goodwill at North, Gerald T. Langan Apartments in Scranton. The annual Fashion Show highlights the stories of Goodwill clients, as well as unique finds from

their retail stores, all modeled by program participants and Community

Volunteers.

Dancers, including Frances Doherty, Aubrey Gallagher, Marie Granet, Rose Granet, Abigail Haggerty and Lucy McGrathfrom St. Clare’s St. Paul’s School under the choreography direction of Debbie Guy of Ballet Theater of Scranton, will perform. The event will also feature a pop-up boutique and raffle baskets.

Scranton

City police arrested a woman suspected of intentionally setting a fire early Thursday morning.

Police charged Alicia Faatz, 21, late Thursday after an investigation into a minor fire at 303 Townhouse Blvd. earlier in the day.

The woman who lived there, Sondra Seidita, said she was in the apartment with her son about 2:10 a.m. when she smelled smoke and discovered her door was on fire.

Ms. Seidita extinguished the fire before it spread and crews remained on scene to make sure it was out. Ms. Seidita then told officials that three other people had just been at her house and she got in an argument with Ms. Faatz.

Police talked to one of the others, Carina Kishbaugh, later in the day. Ms. Kishbaugh told police Ms. Faatz hung a bra on the door handle and lit it on fire.

Bail and preliminary hearing information was not available late Thursday.

— CLAYTON OVER

MARRIAGE LICENSES

■ Christopher Francis Burke and Bryana Marie Ettinger, both of Peckville.

■ Grant Kenneth Wistoski and Joann Zummo, both of Spring Hill, Fla.

■ Bianca Nicole Peet and Brittany Lynn Pickett, both of Scranton.

■ Joseph M. Liuzzo and Melissa A. Maerling, both of Mayfield.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

■ Ronald J. Soden, Olyphant, to Advanced Metals Assets Co. LLC, Olyphant; a property at Rear Underwood Road, Olyphant, for $400,000.

■ Timothy M. Czilinger, Jefferson Twp., to Christopher O’Brien, Shohola; a property in Jefferson Twp., for $161,000.

■ Nancy Morgan, Millville, Del., to Sean and Kerry Collins, both of Exeter; a property at 4001 Laurel Ave., Moosic, for $210,000.

■ Arthur Blanda and Agnes Morman-Blanda, both of Bowie, Md., to Peter Nallin, Hughestown; a property at 103 Arnold Ave., Scranton, for $86,000.

■ Peter F. and Louise DeJesso, both of Cumming, Ga., to Robert Reviello, Clifton Twp.; a property at East Creek View Drive, Clifton Twp., for $45,000.

■ Christian Vergara, Brooklyn, N.Y., to Jia Long Chen and Feng Qing Liang, both of Scranton; a property at 1920 Smith Place, Scranton, for $50,000.

■ Lois J. Phillips, Scranton, to Linda J. Kaufman, New York, N.Y.; a property at 330-332 N. Bromley Ave., Scranton, for $50,000.

■ Carmencita Villar, to Kyle Beatty; a property at 214 Barber St., Old Forge, for $90,000.

ESTATES FILED

■ Daria M. Sembrat, 1101 Tall Trees Drive, Dunmore, letters of administration to Maxine M. Sembrat, 262 Roosevelt St., Edwardsville.

■ Martha L. Bloom aka Martha L. Palmiter, Riverside Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 500 Hospital St., Taylor, letters of administration to Emma L. Taylor, 2121 Price St., Scranton.

■ Philomena Occhipinti aka Philomenia Occhipinti, 91 Elmhurst Blvd., Scranton, letters testamentary to Carmel Ann Gretzula, 628 Bednar St., Dunmore; and Joseph Occhipinti, 141 Paul Lane, Blakeslee.

■ Keith E. Pabst, 115 Lincoln St., Taylor, letters testamentary to Gail P. Pabst, 659 Miller St., Luzerne.

■ Michael B. Felter, 541 Orchard St., Moosic, letters testamentary to Michael P. Felter, 4109 Birney Ave., Moosic.

■ Elizabeth Hylton aka Elizabeth Traglia Hylton, 644 Marion Lane, Moosic, letters testamentary to Christopher J. Traglia, 1092 Newgate Drive, Allentown.

■ Ann G. Stevens aka Ann M. Stevens, 307 Clark Ave., Clarks Summit, letters testamentary to Scott Stevens, 116 Murnin Drive, Lake Ariel.

LAWSUIT

■ Brittany Zuk, 122 Lake Ave., Greenfield Twp., v. Lee Bucksbee, 106 Crestmont Ave., Greenfield Twp.; and Paul J. Bucksbee, 147 Honesdale Road, Carbondale, seeking a sum exceeding the arbitration limits, together with costs, interest and delay damages on two counts, for injuries suffered Oct. 30, 2014, in an automobile accident at the intersection of Fallbrook Road and North Sandy Bank Road, Lackawanna County; Joseph E. Mariotti, attorney.

BENCH WARRANTS

Judge Margaret Bisignani Moyle has issued the following bench warrants for failure to appear on fines and costs:

■ Bruce Richard Wiliams, 106 E. Lafayette St., Wilkes-Barre; $717.

■ Shannon Watkins, 7 Connell St., Old Forge; $4,275.

■ Tyrone Williams, 212 Center St., Milton; $1,938.39.

■ Melissa Thomas, 1421 Prospect Ave., Scranton; $833.50.

■ Kyle Paulschraner, 502 New St., Scranton; $2,574.45.

■ Barry L. Shaw, 420 Adams Ave., Scranton; $1,140.50.

■ Dwayne Darrell Sanders, 1511 Swetland St., Scranton; $1,848.50.

■ Justin R. Davis, 151 E. River Drive, Wilmington, N.J.; $386.92.

■ Julia Raven Reina, 522 South Abington Road, Clarks Green; $2,255.50.

■ Robert Justin Roman, 57 Eighth Ave., Carbondale; $7,456.

■ Derek Banks, 62 Broadway, Bangor; $3,254.85.

■ Clyde Joy Randle, 45 Pilaski St., Apt. 2B, Brooklyn, N.Y.; $2,625.12.

■ Pedro Rodriguez, 1120 Price St., Scranton; $2,735.

■ John Price, 722 Boulevard Ave., Dickson City; $1,571.26.

■ Clifford T. Schwanke, 1311 Fourth Court, Vero Beach, Fla.; $3,407.

ONLINE: thetimes-tribune.com/courts

The public will have a chance to weigh in on Lackawanna County’s proposed 2017 budget four times next week.

Lackawanna County commissioners on Thursday announced three more public budget hearings following the 11 a.m. Monday session at the commissioners conference room of the county Administration Building, 200 Adams Ave.

The remaining hearings will be held Friday, Oct. 28: 9 a.m. at the Taylor Borough Building, 122 Union St.; noon at Carbondale City Hall, 1 N. Main St.; and 3 p.m. at Benton Twp. Community Center, Route 407, Fleetville.

The tentative budget’s general fund spending totals $103.77 million and would not raise property taxes.

— KYLE WIND

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s top election official said Thursday that Donald Trump’s claim of voter fraud in the state is wrong and dangerous and warned against efforts to intimidate voters at the polls.

Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortes said it’s disheartening that a presidential candidate would seek to undermine or cast doubt on the voting system by making allegations of fraud. The occurrence of improper activity is “statistically non-existent,” he said at a Capitol press conference.

Mr. Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, has said the only way he could lose Pennsylvania is if there is cheating.

Mr. Cortes said officials will be on the lookout for voter intimidation, which carries a fine of up to $5,000 or up to two years in prison. This involves activity that threatens, harasses or intimidates voters or interferes with their right to vote, he added.

Mr. Cortes gave a summary of the state laws and procedures in key election areas:

Voting system: The voting system is “secure,” said Mr. Cortes. These systems are certified to meet state and federal standards, have an audit trail, and vote records are stored in two places. The systems are not connected to the internet or to each other, he said.

Poll watchers: A limited number of poll watchers representing a party or candidate are allowed in a polling place. They must be registered voters of the respective county and appointed by a county judge. They are assigned to a specific polling place. They can’t engage voters and must direct all challenges and comments to a judge of elections.

Electioneering: Individuals handing out campaign literature must be 10 feet from the entrance to a polling place. They can’t block the path of a voter or try to force someone to accept literature. Voters can bring literature with them into the voting place.

Contact the writer:

rswift@timesshamrock.com

Lackawanna County detectives arrested four people and found heroin, crack and pills during an investigation at a Scranton hotel Wednesday night.

The four — Rodney McClinton, 32, 504 St. Frances Cabrini Ave., Scranton; Tara LaPoint, 24, 787 Main St., Cunningham; Christopher Taylor, 24, 6133 Washington Ave., Philadelphia; and Felicia Catizone, 24, 401 W. Mahanoy Ave., Girardville — each face drug charges following their arrests at the Econo Lodge at 9:30 p.m.

Mr. Taylor, who went by “Kingston,” agreed to broker a deal of $250 worth of heroin out of a room in the Kane Street hotel, authorities charged in a criminal complaint. County detectives and members of the Drug Task Force arrested the four as they arrived in a Chevrolet sedan.

Mr. McClinton had 8 grams of heroin, 2 grams of crack and three tablets of Klonopin, a commonly abused anti-anxiety drug, hidden in a bag in his underpants.

If weighed and bagged for sale in glassine sleeves, a common way heroin is sold to users, 7 grams of the drug could amount to a little more than 230 packets. Each glassine sleeve typically holds about three-tenths of a gram of heroin, police have said.

Ms. Catizone and Ms. LaPoint were also taken into custody, having accompanied the two men on the drug deal.

Magisterial District Judge Laura M. Turlip arraigned the four and jailed them in lieu of bail — $100,000 for Mr. McClinton and Mr. Taylor and $25,000 for Ms. LaPoint and Ms. Catizone. Preliminary hearings are scheduled Thursday.

Contact the writer:

jkohut@timesshamrock.com,

@jkohutTT on Twitter

A Scranton woman is charged with stabbing her boyfriend during an argument Tuesday, city police said.

Renee Ann Colon, 47, 1419 Cedar Ave., had been drinking through the afternoon with Gerard Frankowski until the pair started fighting, according to an affidavit filed by Detective Sgt. James Pappas and Detective Michael Schultz.

From there, their stories differ, police said.

Mr. Frankowski told detectives Ms. Colon took a knife out and stabbed him in the leg. He needed 30 stitches to close the wound.

Ms. Colon told detectives she had a knife during the altercation, but Mr. Frankowski stabbed himself.

Only Mr. Frankowski bore marks signifying he’d been assaulted, police said.

The incident began as a reported robbery.

Mr. Frankowski initially told city detectives he’d heard noises in his home and went to investigate. He found two strangers in his home and fought them, he claimed. One of the strangers stabbed his leg and stole his cellphone. Hours later, he woke up and went to a Turkey Hill store on Meridian Avenue to buy cigarettes.

Out of that story, the only truthful aspect involved him going to Turkey Hill, police said. A caller there reported a bleeding man. Police responded and began an investigation.

Police searched his apartment and found a bloody crime scene. They also learned Ms. Colon lived there, but she was not there at the time.

During their interview with Mr. Frankowski, who also had six broken ribs, detectives asked where Ms. Colon was and he became defensive. First, he said he didn’t know her whereabouts. Then, he said he didn’t want to get her in trouble.

Detectives explained he didn’t need to cover for her. After he said she stabbed him, police found her at a nearby motel.

Ms. Colon is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Ms. Colon is in Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

Contact the writer:

jkohut@timesshamrock.com,

@jkohutTT on Twitter