Three people were hospitalized after a Saturday car crash, borough police said.

A 32-year-old Old Forge man was turning a pickup truck from Oak Street left onto Bluff Street when he hit the gas instead of the brake, and the front of the truck collided with the driver’s-side door of the sedan at about 11:15 a.m., Police Chief Jason Dubernas said.

The truck driver and two Avoca residents in the car, a 58-year-old woman and her mother, were taken to Geisinger Community Medical Center for treatment. They were all conscious and alert at the scene.

DUI charges for the truck driver were pending depending on the results of a blood test, Chief Dubernas said. The chief declined to identify the people involved, saying relatives had not yet been notified.

—KYLE WIND

Each day across Northeast Pennsylvania, a growing number of people without education degrees teach in area classrooms.

The statewide substitute teacher shortage, caused by a drastic drop in the number of new teachers, has school districts scrambling to cover absences, leading the districts to outsource subs and accept emergency certifications for those without teaching degrees.

“It’s getting tougher and tougher every day,” said David Cerra, interim superintendent for Carbondale Area. “Sometimes we’re short three or four (subs) in a day.”

Since 2010-11, the number of new teaching certificates issued by the state decreased by 64 percent, from 21,294 to 7,676. While experts attribute the drop to increased pressure on teachers and concerns about job availability and budget cuts, the decline in certificates means fewer new teachers are working as substitutes. At the same time, emergency certifications — for those who have four-year nonteaching degrees — increased from 7,424 in 2014-15 to 10,502 in 2015-16. Superintendents expect that number to rise even more this school year.

Rural districts find the problem is even greater. The Susquehanna Community School District only has about a dozen subs on its list, with some refusing to cover certain grades or subjects and most also working in other districts. If an English teacher is out, the district prefers to find a substitute certified in that subject, Superintendent Bronson Stone said.

“We try to do things the right way,” he said. “It’s mostly impossible.”

Outsourcing options

While struggling to find substitutes, in the last 18 months many districts turned to an employment agency with hopes of filling vacancies and saving money. Kelly Services now provides substitutes to Abington Heights, Lakeland, North Pocono, Valley View, Scranton, Forest City, Tunkhannock Area, Mid Valley, Lackawanna Trail, Riverside and Blue Ridge school districts, NativityMiguel School of Scranton and the Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence Charter School.

The schools pay Kelly Services a daily rate, plus a service fee of between 30 and 40 percent. Districts set their pay rates, with most subs earning between $80 and $100 per day. Substitutes do not receive health insurance or other benefits.

The sub shortage comes at the same time that districts are trying to cut costs, said Jay Himes, executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials.

Many districts started to look at outsourcing as pension costs skyrocketed and the Affordable Care Act brought new regulations with what health insurance employees must be offered. With outsourcing, districts do not have to worry about substitutes becoming eligible for insurance or having to pay into the state’s pension fund.

Finding success with outsourcing subs, some districts also are considering having a third party employ custodians, school nurses and teacher’s aides, Mr. Himes said. In the last couple of years, along with subs, Abington Heights outsourced its cafeteria services, as well as new hires for the custodial and secretarial staff, Superintendent Michael Mahon, Ph.D., said.

“With the money we save, we devote more resources to teachers and classrooms,” he said. “It’s our primary mission.”

When Kelly Services employs a substitute, he or she is part of a larger pool that serves multiple districts, instead of each teacher applying to individual districts.

Most districts report similar or higher substitute fill rates with Kelly Services. In the last year, while saving $52,450, North Pocono increased its sub placement rate from the mid 80s to low 90s, Superintendent Bryan McGraw said.

Kelly Services, based in Michigan but with local offices in Northeast Pennsylvania, now has about 335 substitute teachers in its database to serve its contracted schools in the Scranton region. The agency constantly works to increase the sub pool, said Scott Apsey, vice president for Kelly Educational Staffing. Many of those new subs are people who have emergency certifications, who then receive training from Kelly.

“We can dedicate the efforts required, especially in market conditions like today, where things are a lot more difficult,” Mr. Apsey said.

The Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit previously offered training for those without teaching degrees, but discontinued it when many districts started to use Kelly, Executive Director Bob McTiernan said. The NEIU also is considering using Kelly to find subs.

“Everyone is suffering from the sub crunch,” he said.

Along with traditional job postings and reaching out on social media, Kelly set up at high school football games, a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders game and other community events. The agency will assist noneducators through the process of receiving an emergency certificate.

Late Wednesday afternoon, Kelly Services held a substitute job fair in the Scranton High School cafeteria. In 45 minutes, only two people visited the table — indicative of the challenges of finding substitutes.

Scranton started working with Kelly in March. The sub fill rate last month was 85 percent, compared to 83 percent a year ago before working with Kelly, Superintendent Alexis Kirijan, Ed.D., said. With about 900 teachers in the district, 20 subs could be needed in one day, or as many as 60 if professional development or another event is scheduled, she said.

Searching for solutions

When districts cannot find substitutes, other teachers lose their planning periods to cover the absence. Those teachers then are paid extra for the time. At Susquehanna Community, teachers have the choice of earning $15 for losing a planning period, or taking a day off after covering six periods, Mr. Stone said. Then, the district must find another substitute, he said.

Blue Ridge has a problem if any more than three or four teachers are absent, Superintendent Matthew Button said. At Wallenpaupack Area, the district is attempting to limit the number of teachers out at one time for professional development, Superintendent Michael Silsby said.

Western Wayne Superintendent Joseph Adams said the district decided that outsourcing would not solve the substitute shortage problem.

“This issue is supply and demand,” he said. “They just aren’t available ... the more rural, the more difficult it becomes.”

For example, a substitute teacher who lives in Lackawanna County would take a job closer to home before taking a job at Western Wayne, he said. Increasing the number of “guest teachers,” or those with four-year degrees not in education, greatly helped fill vacancies, he said.

Educators hope a new law will help ease the shortage. College students who completed 60 credit hours and are enrolled in a teacher preparation program at a four-year college in Pennsylvania now can substitute for up to 20 days.

Some superintendents hope the state will start allowing people with a two-year associate degree to become subs.

“There has got to be additional solutions to help us here,” Mr. Adams said.

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

Interested?

Contact area school districts, or for districts that use Kelly Services, call 570-343-2347 or email 51K8@kellyservices.com

DICKSON CITY — Dressed in traditional garb, hundreds of members of the area’s robust Indian community gathered Saturday to celebrate Navratri — a nine-night celebration of the victory of good over evil

Local festivities actually began Friday evening at the Days Inn ballroom in Dickson City, where revelers performed traditional Garba dances. Women clad in colorful, long-flowing “choli” blouses and men wearing “kurti” shirts danced to the sound of traditional music.

“It’s basically an Indian folk-dance festival,” said Bhupendra Patel, M.D., of Susquehanna. “It is the celebration of good over evil. ... This particular festival is played all over the world.”

The Navratri celebrations continued in the ballroom Saturday night, and will also take place next Friday and Saturday evenings at the same location. For the area’s growing Indian community, now over 2,000 strong in the Scranton area, the Navratri festivities usher in Diwali — the Hindu festival of lights held this year on Oct. 30.

Before the crowd arrived, Ranjan Dhaduk worked preparing a table with a statue of the goddess Durga sitting atop a tiger. Around the statue were several candles, symbolizing brightness that removes darkness from the mind.

Mrs. Dhaduk wore an orange, ornamented choli blouse and promised that the dress of the all the women would be unique.

“Three-hundred will come in a dress and none of them will be the same,” she said.

Along with the deep religious significance of Navratri, Dr. Patel said it is also a celebration of community.”

“The purpose is a couple-fold,” he said. “The first is to have everybody get together. All the families, the kids, the spouses, the older people, they all come together. ... Number two is to have a religious ceremony to invite the new year with the praying to the Lord. And the third thing is to enjoy the (dances), so young people take an interest in maintaining the culture.”

Vithal Dhaduk, M.D., agreed.

“This has been going on (locally) for the past 25 years,” he said. “We celebrate by getting together with friends and family. Dance together and sing the hymns together.”

Members of the Indian community invite others to continue the Navratri celebration on Friday and Saturday at the Days Inn ballroom, 1946 Business Route 6, beginning around 10 p.m. The celebration is free.

Contact the writer:

jhorvath@timesshamrock.com, @jhorvathTT on Twitter

State police at Gibson are looking for the owner of an unspecified amount of money found at a Lackawanna County rest area Saturday afternoon.

The cash was discovered around 1 p.m. Saturday at the rest area located off Interstate 81 at mile marker 202 north bound in Lackawanna County.

The owner is asked to contact Pennsylvania State Police at Gibson, 570-465-3154.

— JEFF HORVATH

Find a pet who needs a new home at the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter.

Kit is an 8-year-old, female, Collie mix. She is very sweet, friendly and easygoing.
Contact the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter at 586-3700 if your pet is lost or goes astray. Staff Photo by Ted Baird

Ricky is a 10-year-old, neutered male cat. He is friendly and plays well with kids, but doesn't like other cats or dogs.
Contact the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter at 586-3700 if your pet is lost or goes astray. Staff Photo by Ted Baird



Watch the latest "Pets of the Week" video HERE:

Wrongful act lawsuits, called torts, seek damages for injuries from things like motor vehicle crashes, slip-and-falls and product liabilities.

The deadline for Lackawanna County voters to apply for an absentee ballot for the Nov. 8 general election is Tuesday, Nov. 1, director of elections Marion Medalis said.

The county Department of Elections, 2400 Stafford Ave., will stay open until 5 p.m. that day to accept applications, she said.

The last day for the department to receive completed absentee ballots is Friday, Nov. 4. The elections office also will be open until 5 p.m. that day, Mrs. Medalis said.

— STAFF REPORT

MOSES TAYLOR

GANZ: Twins, a son and daughter, Oct. 15, to Lucas and Tracey Calogero Ganz, Moscow.

MANASEK: A son, Sept. 1, to Jason Manasek and Jenna Angeli, Blakely.

O’HALLORAN: A son, Oct. 19, to Michael and Sarah Smith O’Halloran, Peckville.

VITALI: A son, Oct. 19, to Joseph and Jennifer Wrubel Vitali, Archbald.

WAHLERS: A daughter, Oct. 18, to J.R. and Amber Wahlers, Scranton.

WITKOWSKI: A son, Oct. 20, to Kyle Witkowski and Angela Jaghab Thomas, Throop.

As downtown Dunmore braces for possibly its third retail closure in a year, borough business and political leaders are mulling over ways to improve the business district or clear the way for change.

The planning took on renewed significance early this month when Friedman’s Clothier posted a retirement sale sign in the store windows of the 220 E. Drinker St. shop that began selling mining equipment almost a century ago. Proprietor Phil Friedman, 75, said he is speaking with possible buyers, but has yet to have a deal. He plans to remain open until Christmas.

It could mark the third retailer to shutter in a year, following bridal and dress shop Head to Toe, 108 E. Drinker St., and variety store Weinman’s, 202 E. Drinker St.

Kathy Karen, who has operated Kathy Karen Children’s Clothing shop, 201 E. Drinker St., for more than four decades, said Friedman’s closing would be a loss to the town. “I send my customers over there because it is a nice store with quality merchandise,” she said. “I absolutely hope it continues as a men’s shop.”

Mr. Friedman said he always thought he would be “taken from the store in a box.” He noticed he can’t work the way he used to. He gets tired in the afternoon. Buying trips to New York City, which require darting from showroom to showroom, mostly on foot, got difficult.

“Every morning, I look forward to coming to work. It really has been a passion,” he said. “God has been good to me. I have to consider how many years I have left.”

Increasingly, Dunmore leaders are wondering what to do to retain the vibrancy of their commercial district.

Dunmore borough Councilman Thomas Hallinan looks to Pittston and business districts like Green Ridge in Scranton as potential models. He thinks Dunmore has been denied state dollars for road improvements and streetscaping that some other Lackawanna County communities enjoyed. He and fellow council members would like to see a reconstruction and streetscaping of Drinker Street, complete with lamppost lighting and a town clock at the entrance to the business district to make the area look more welcoming. Also, he wants to secure state matching grant money as an incentive for businesses to restore facades. The borough may add green space and pocket parks, too, he said.

“We’d like to see more local people investing in our community and bringing in little shops,” Mr. Hallinan said. “We, with help from the state, have to create the environment to make that happen.”

Wonderstone Gallery, 100 N. Blakely St., took the place of Metallo’s Formalwear, which closed about three years ago after being there for decades. Wonderstone offers an art gallery, yoga studio and cafe.

Proprietor Beth Ann Zero remains positive and hopeful about the future of Dunmore’s downtown. “Those stores didn’t close because they failed or because business was poor,” she said. “The owners retired. So I am both excited for them and hopeful for those of us who remain.”

While she considers her offerings unique to the region and admits most of her clientele are from outside the borough, she said Dunmoreans try to spend money locally.

Officials from Dunmore Pride, a collaboration of residents and business owners, declined to comment on the borough’s downtown. However, the relatively new group of residents and business owners is gearing up for its second annual street fair, Home for the Holidays in Bucktown, held the Sunday after Thanksgiving. The throngs of people visiting stores and reveling in the closed street during the event reminded some of what Dunmore used to be like, and could be again.

Mr. Friedman witnessed much of that history. His store building was his grandparents’ home, the front of which was a shop selling gear to coal miners. As mining declined, it became an Army/Navy store. Early in adulthood, Mr. Friedman got a job with a luxury clothier in New York City. He dutifully took the counter of the family business when needed in 1963, at the age of 22.

However, he knew he did not want to sell lanterns and denim jeans. Over five years, the shop essentially was reborn as a fine men’s clothing store. He drew on his relationships. In some cases, luxury brand salespeople would sell him their samples to allow him to get started.

Over time, Friedman’s became the exclusive dealer of a number of luxury lines, such as Ermenegildo Zegna, and, after a two-year courtship, Burberry.

As many as 98 percent of his clientele are from outside the borough, and he still runs into Dunmoreans who don’t know his store is there. He still smarts from comments through the years from local people who said of his offerings: “People in Dunmore don’t need any of that.”

His best memories are of outfitting young men for their first job interviews, explaining to them how a collar should fit, where shirt cuffs should fall, how long a suit jacket should be.

A few days later, the young customer would return and he would share their excitement of a new job.

A believer that clothes make the man and can make the difference, Mr. Friedman likes to think he and his clothing played a part in launching those careers.

Contact the writer:

dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

The contests for the three congressional seats that touch Northeast Pennsylvania lack the competitive fire of past races, but voters actually have a choice in each on Election Day.

Two former mayors and a contractor want the $174,000-a-year jobs occupied by Republican U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, Republican Rep. Tom Marino and Democratic Rep. Matt Cartwright. House members serve two-year terms.

In the 17th Congressional District race, Mr. Cartwright, D-17, Moosic, a lawyer, faces Republican Matt Connolly, a contractor from Bethlehem Twp. in Northampton County.

In the 10th Congressional District, Mr. Marino, R-10, Lycoming Twp., faces Democrat Michael Molesevich of Lewisburg, an environmental consulting and cleanup business owner.

In the 11th Congressional District, Mr. Barletta, a former Hazleton mayor, faces another former Hazleton mayor, Democrat Mike Marsicano of Hazle Twp., now a trucking and excavating business owner.

The election is Nov. 8.

Three major political newsletters that track congressional races — The Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report, The Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball — all consider Mr. Barletta, Mr. Marino and

Mr. Cartwright heavy favorites. All three congressmen raised far more money than their challengers.

17th Congressional District

Mr. Connolly describes himself as an outsider and portrays Mr. Cartwright as “a carbon copy of every type of legislator we’ve had in this country for the last 50 years” and a tax-and-spend liberal.

“The biggest difference between us is he thinks by spending more money, somehow things are going to get better,” Mr. Connolly said.

He would fight to lower taxes, minimize federal regulations and give states more power, he said.

He chastised Mr. Cartwright for still supporting the Affordable Care Act, known better as Obamacare, and supports repealing it.

He plans to make reform of the veterans medical care system one of his top priorities.

His other top priority will center on reforming the nation’s immigration system by cracking down on employers who hire illegal immigrants and building a system that secures the nation’s border with Mexico, including a wall where appropriate.

Mr. Cartwright disputes the tax-and-spend tag. He points to his successful push for a law that requires pooling of computer software licenses so federal agencies avoid duplication, a move he claims could save $4 billion a year.

“He seems ... only interested in cutting the size of government,” he said. “A lot of the things ... that involve my priorities require the involvement of government.”

Mr. Cartwright said his priorities remain boosting the region’s economy to create good-paying jobs, shoring up and expanding Social Security and Medicare and ensuring the nation’s defenses remain strong.

“Social Security and Medicare are programs that prove the government can get it right,” he said.

Mr. Cartwright said he will continue to fight for good jobs “by dragging as many federal tax dollars back to the district as I ever can” for local organizations and governments. He said he helped entice Crystal Windows and Door Systems to Lackawanna County and fought for better pay for Tobyhanna Army Depot workers, He acknowledges Congress will have to tinker to improve the Affordable Care Act, but thinks it’s working and worth saving.

10th Congressional District

Mr. Molesevich said he sought to run because Mr. Marino supports Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump — whose character he described as “deplorable” — and worries more about Mr. Trump than constituents.

“Everyone talks jobs and the economy and working with business, I have that experience. I help businesses expand, I help businesses close deals,” he said.

Mr. Molesevich said limiting the influence of rich donors in political campaigns will top his priority list as a congressman. He wants citizens to get $25 federal tax credits for contributing to a campaign.

His priority list also includes addressing climate change by developing wind, solar and other power sources to create new jobs, he said.

Mr. Marino, one of Mr. Trump’s earliest supporters, said Washington needs the shake-up Mr. Trump will bring and he’s a far better option than Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, whom he considers a serial liar.

Mr. Marino touts a record that includes: getting laws passed to limit federal environmental reviews of construction projects to three years; blocking rapists from claiming parental rights to children born of their rape; allowing federal prison guards to carry pepper spray; and criminalizing organized animal fights in federal law. He also said he deserves re-election because of his exemplary constituent service, his votes reflect the district’s conservative leanings and he’s a blue-collar guy.

“I call it like I see it. I’m there when people need me and what you see is what you get. You can depend on me,” he said.

His top priorities will center on reforming the nation’s tax laws; getting a House vote on the Republican plan to replace the Affordable Care Act, which will allow companies better options for private insurance; and pushing for more money for opioid addiction treatment.

11th Congressional District

Mr. Barletta brushes off Mr. Marsicano’s criticism that he’s a do-nothing congressman.

As a House Transportation subcommittee chairman, Mr. Barletta contends he saved taxpayers $3 billion by forcing the federal government to better manage leased office space. His bill to require care plans for children born of addicted mothers became part of a federal law aimed at addressing opioid addiction earlier this year, he said.

He said he successfully fought to reinstate federal money for after-school programs that target at-risk children, which earned him the 2015 National PTA Legislator of the Year Award. He also said he succeeded in convincing the IRS to exempt volunteer firefighters from the employer mandates of the Affordable Care Act; wrote into law provisions aimed at thwarting cheap steel’s entry into U.S. markets; and blocked heavier trucks on American highways at least temporarily.

In the next Congress, he hopes for tax reform that brings companies back from overseas and for the Republican-led overhaul of the Affordable Act.

“I think my experience is the key difference,” Mr. Barletta said. “I’ve actually gotten things done, things that are important to the people back home. I put party aside and work in a bipartisan way that’s not common in Washington.”

Efforts to reach Mr. Marsicano were unsuccessful last week, but during an interview with The Times-Tribune editorial board, he said he favors term limits for congressmen; reducing federal government regulation of small businesses without adding to pollution; appointing only veterans as top officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs; and allowing veterans who wait too long for care to go to private hospitals and doctors. He said he will work to ensure security at the Mexican border thwarts illegal immigration.

Contact the writer: bkrawczeniuk@timesshamrock.com

17th Congressional District Candidates:

The 17th Congressional District includes Scranton, most of the Carbondale area, the Midvalley and the Downvalley in Lackawanna County, most of the towns in the Wilkes-Barre, Pittston Area and Wyoming Area school districts in Luzerne County; part of Monroe County, and all or parts of three other counties.

Name: Matthew Donald Connolly (Republican)

Age: 50

Residence: Bethlehem Twp., Northampton County.

Family: Single; daughter, Alexis.

Education: Walt Whitman High School, Bethesda, Md., 1983; attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla., majoring in aeronautical science for one year; attended University of Maryland, majoring in psychology and architecture for one year.

Employment: Historic preservation contractor/real estate investor.

Experience: Auto mechanic, 1982 to present; race car driver, team owner, mechanic, crew chief, over five different classes, 1989 to 2013; real-estate investor, mid 1990s to present; restorer of historic buildings, 1994 to present; home improvement contractor, 2013-present.

Name: Matthew Alton Cartwright (Democrat)

Age: 55

Residence: Moosic.

Family: Wife, Marion Munley; sons, John and Matthew Jr.

Education: Upper Canada College (high school), 1979; bachelor’s degree, history, Hamilton College, 1983; law degree, University of Pennsylvania, 1986.

Employment: U.S. congressman.

Experience: Lawyer, Montgomery, McCracken, Walker and Rhoads, Philadelphia, 1986-1988; Congressman, 2013-present.

10th Congressional District

The 10th Congressional District includes the Abingtons, North Pocono and parts of the Midvalley and Carbondale Twp. in Lackawanna County, all of Susquehanna, Wayne and Pike counties, part of Monroe County and all or parts of 10 other counties.

Name: Michael Mario Molesevich (Democrat)

Age: 61:

Residence: Lewisburg.

Family: Divorced; stepson, Adam.

Education: Mount Carmel High School, 1973; bachelor’s degree, environmental science, Juniata College, 1977; master’s degree, energy and environmental policy, Bucknell University, 1987.

Employment: Environmental consulting and cleanup company owner.

Experience: Northumberland County Conservation District, 1979; part-time lab assistant, environmental science department, Bucknell University, 1980-1981; auditor, energy efficiency program, Susquehanna Economic Development Authority-Council of Governments, 1981-1986; regional sales manager, Impact Management Systems, an energy services company, 1986-1987; owner, Molesevich Environmental LLC, 1987 to present.

Name: Thomas Anthony Marino (Republican)

Age: 64

Residence: Lycoming Twp., Lycoming County.

Family: Wife, Edie; children, Victor and Chloe.

Education: Williamsport High School, 1970; associate degree, general studies, Williamsport Area Community College, 1983; bachelor’s degree, political science and secondary education, Lycoming College, 1985; law degree, Dickinson School of Law, 1988.

Employment: U.S. congressman.

Experience: Lycoming County district attorney, 1992-2002; lawyer/law firm partner, 1988-2002; U.S. attorney, Middle District of Pennsylvania, 2002-2007; counsel, DeNaples Management, Olyphant, 2007-2010; congressman, 2011-present.

11th Congressional District candidates

The 11th Congressional District includes all of Wyoming County, all of of Luzerne County outside the Wilkes-Barre, Pittston Area and Wyoming Area school districts; and all or part of seven other counties.

Name: Louis John Barletta (Republican)

Age: 60

Residence: Hazleton.

Family: Wife, Mary Grace; children, Kelly, April, Lindsey and Grace

Education: Hazleton High School, 1973; attended Luzerne County Community College and Bloomsburg State College

Employment: U.S. congressman

Experience: City councilman, Hazleton, 1998-2000: mayor, Hazleton, 2000-2011; owner, Interstate Road Marking Corp., 1984-2000; worked for family construction business, A. Barletta & Sons, 1974-1984, congressman, 2011-present.

Name: Michael Marsicano (Democrat)

Age: 68

Residence: Hazle Twp.

Family: Not available.

Education: Hazleton High School, 1966; Pennsylvania State Police Academy, 1971.

Employment: Owner, MGS Co., trucking and excavating business.

Experience: Pennsylvania National Guard, 1966-1969; trooper, Pennsylvania State Police, 1971-1981; commercial airline pilot, Continental and United Airlines, 1984-2005; city councilman, Hazleton, 1992-1996; mayor, Hazleton, 1996-2000; owner, MGS Co., trucking and excavating business.

HARRISBURG — Natural gas gathering lines built in rural areas would be included in a utility safety program under a bill facing crunch time this week.

The Senate-passed measure, sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker, R-20, Lehman Twp., seeks to renew and update Pennsylvania’s “One Call” program, the requirement that companies and individuals contact an 811 communications system before they dig to avoid striking underground lines. The call enables a line to be clearly marked before excavation starts.

The measure would transfer oversight for the program to the state Public Utility Commission from the state Department of Labor and Industry.

The program was started in the 1970s, to protect people working or living around underground lines from the risk of explosion or fire in the event of a break caused by excavation work.

Preventing damage to underground lines not only saves lives, but also can prevent power outages and environmental damage, said Ms. Baker.

Marcellus Shale drilling in recent years put a new emphasis on the safety of underground gas pipelines connecting the gas well fields to markets.

The legislation, if enacted, would require new Class 1 gathering pipelines that transport gas from wells to major transmission pipelines participate in the One Call program and provide maps.

A fatality involving a pipeline explosion last year in Armstrong County in western Pennsylvania underscores the need to bring gathering pipelines into the program, bill supporters said.

A worker suffered injuries that led to his death after a bulldozer he operated struck an unmarked high-pressure gathering line. This was the catalyst for a violent explosion and fire.

“These types of events are inevitable, but they are also clearly preventable, by eliminating the exemption in the current One Call law,” said PUC spokesman Nils Hagen-Frederiksen.

Ms. Baker said existing gathering pipelines aren’t included in the bill because they often are unmapped or were laid by companies no longer in business. A report issued earlier this year by Gov. Tom Wolf’s task force on gas pipeline development recommends that all pipeline owners and operators participate in the call system to the greatest extent possible.

However, the report notes it may not be possible to have all existing pipelines in the system because of the lack of documentation and absence of cost-effective technology for locating older pipelines.

The Senate approved the measure 34-14, but rejected an amendment offered by western region senators to exempt specifically new conventional or shallow oil and gas well production lines from the program. Sen. Gene Yaw, R-23, Williamsport, voted against the bill because this amendment wasn’t included.

The conventional production lines are low pressure and used for production purposes, said Yaw aide Adam Pankake.

The One Call bill faces potential votes in the House and the Senate to agree with House amendments this week as lawmakers rush to wrap up the voting session for 2016-17.

The authorization for the program expires at year’s end lending an urgency to obtaining final passage this week, said Ms. Baker.

Contact the writer:

rswift@timeshamrock.com

The rate of Pennsylvania infants hospitalized with drug abuse issues grew by 250 percent from 2000 through 2015, a new study shows.

Hospital records from 2000 show nearly six of every 1,000 neonatal stays involved some sort of substance use, according to the recently released Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council report. In 2015, it was nearly one in 50 of all hospital stays.

The statewide data reveals how mothers abusing opioids like Vicodin, Percocet and heroin reaches the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians — their young children.

Of the drug-related stays, about 82 percent of babies suffered drug withdrawal, or neonatal abstinence syndrome, in 2015, according to the study. Other reasons for hospitalization include low birth weight, breathing problems, prematurity and difficulty feeding.

The rate at which mothers were hospitalized for drugs also grew at an alarming rate, the study found. Notably, while the rate of substance-related stays dropped by 36 percent for alcohol and 61 percent for cocaine between 2000 and 2015, maternal hospital stays for opioid-related issues, for example heroin, fentanyl and other narcotic pain medicines, increased by 510 percent.

The report breaks down the rate of drug-related newborn and maternal hospitalizations in 2015 by county residence, regardless of where they were admitted.

In Northeast Pennsylvania, Pike County newborns had the greatest rate of drug-related hospital stays — 54.3 out of 1,000 stays, according to the report.

Lackawanna County newborns had 21.9 out of 1,000 stays, close behind neighboring Luzerne County where 23.3 out of 1,000 infants went to the hospital for drug-related issues.

Susquehanna and Wayne counties had much higher rates, with 37.7 and 40.3 per 1,000 stays, respectively.

In 2015, Medicaid paid for 82 percent of neonatal hospital stays for newborns with substance-related conditions, according to the report, but opioids abuse doesn’t distinguish between income status.

“I’ve seen people who are of significant means come in addicted, and I’ve seen people have absolutely no resources come in, and they’re addicted,” said Frank Kolucki, M.D., an OB/GYN and chairman of obstetrics at Moses Taylor Hospital.

He also sits on the recently formed state Department of Health task force seeking to decrease prescription drug use in both moms and babies.

Drug dependence must be treated as an illness, not a character defect, he said emphatically. He acknowledged, though, that drug abuse among the poor seems more prevalent, he said.

“Unfortunately, that population may be suffering to a greater degree,” he said. “(But) it affects everybody. It really does.”

Babies born addicted to drugs experience the same withdrawal symptoms as an adult. They are hypersensitive, restless and inconsolable. For many, only holding the infants brings comfort as they adjust to functioning without drugs.

Doctors across Pennsylvania tightened up how they prescribe narcotics. A state-run online prescription database, rolled out this year, helps doctors and pharmacies better track what patients are taking for clinical reasons, but also to prevent abuse.

However, some always will find a way to get drugs, and that sometimes begins within legal boundaries.

“You hear stories like, ‘my doctor prescribed medications, and I sort of got hooked on those,’” said Barry Green, D.O., a Clark Summit gynecologist, who also said drug use among his patients has risen in recent years.

While the government and doctors may enlist more safety measures to prevent abuse, the drugs still find a way into the wrong hands after leaving the pharmacist.

“Legally prescribed medicines aren’t always obtained legally,” he said.

Contact the writer:

joconnell@timesshamrock.com,

@jon_oc on Twitter

In the spring, Moses Taylor Hospital began a volunteer-based program to help babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome, or NAS, ease off the drugs.

When an addicted mother gives birth, the baby must go through the same withdrawal process an adult would. In labor and delivery rooms across the state, the rate of babies hospitalized for drug-related issues grew 250 percent since 2000.

Helping them detox is painful; sometimes only a gentle touch can bring relief.

“When they get to the phase where we’re starting to wean them off the medications that they need, they become very fretful, and they cry a lot, and they don’t rest,” said Warren Shotto, assistant chief nursing officer. ”What they really need is somebody to hold them and rock them.”

The program recruited about four trained volunteers so far. Volunteers must complete an application, undergo a background check and be up to date on vaccinations.

Volunteers scrub in just like other hospital staff before holding the babies.

Mr. Shotto estimated that in any given month, four to six babies enter the neonatal intensive care unit needing special attention for NAS. Lengths of stay vary, but a newborn could remain in the NICU from seven days to three or four weeks, Mr. Shotto said, with a five-day, in-hospital monitoring period afterward.

The volunteers also hold and rock babies not born dependent on drugs, but who fit the profile and need a little extra affection in their first days.

To learn about volunteering for the program, contact Sally Robertson, 570-770-5957, for an information packet.

— JON O’CONNELL

LENOX TWP. — A man with a gun demanded cigarettes and cash from a gas station clerk early Sunday morning in Susquehanna County, state police said.

The gunman, described as weighing about 200 pounds, 5-feet-8-inches tall, threatened to kill the 19-year-old male clerk at the Pump-N-Pantry gas station along Route 92 in Kingsley, if he didn’t comply, state police said.

After taking an undisclosed amount of money, and the cigarettes, the crook fled in a four-door gold- or tan-colored sedan heading south on Route 92, state police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call state police in Gibson at 570-465-3154.

— JON O’CONNELL

Abington Heights

Senior Spencer Gilbert started a club to build computers for families that cannot afford them.

After building a computer for a family for his senior project, Spencer wanted to do it again.

“I wanted to help more families,” he said. “It was really fun and felt really good.”

About 25 of his peers attended the club’s first two meetings. Members will soon start raising money through car washes, bake sales and other means, to buy computer parts.

Spencer hopes to study computer science next year. At Abington Heights, he is a member of student council and the National Honor Society, treasurer of the senior class and a member of the soccer and tennis teams.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter

Blue Ridge

Eighth-grader Jenna McCarthy was named September’s student of the month.

“(Receiving the award) was pretty cool, because it’s not something that happens every day,” Jenna said.

Jenna takes honors history, English, reading and Spanish classes, and is a member of chorus.

“I work hard to get a good education,” Jenna said. “My goal is Syracuse University.”

Jenna plans to become a physician or pediatrician in a doctor’s office.

She also plays on the junior high girl’s basketball team.

— AUTUMN GRANZA

agranza@timesshamrock.com

Carbondale Area

Chelsie Jones was elected president of her senior class and student council.

“I was honored to be chosen as a leader of both my class and the entire student body,” said Chelsie. As president of both organizations, Chelsie will play a

major part in encouraging class activities, including service projects and social happenings.

“This is a great stepping stone to nurture my leadership and service skills,” she said. “Since this is my senior year, I’m hoping for the best year ever.”

She plans to study nursing after high school.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com, @kbolusTT on Twitter

Career Technology Center

Culinary arts student Miranda Rossetti, a senior at Carbondale Area, was chosen by her instructor as peer teacher of the week.

Miranda demonstrated how to make chicken marsala to the underclassmen, in preparation for the SkillsUSA district competition. Miranda is a CTC student ambassador, drama club participant and plays varsity basketball and softball. She also coaches a junior football cheerleading team. After graduation, she plans on joining the Army and would like to become a combat engineer.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter

Delaware Valley

Brenna Cavallaro sees a definite benefit in taking part in extracurricular activities.

The sophomore serves as a class officer and is active with the Junior Historians, wellness club, softball and field hockey at school.

“I have met new people whom I wouldn’t have met before and being involved has taught me how to work as a team and listen to others’ opinions,” Brenna said.

She volunteers at church, United Way, Pike County Humane Society and other community events.

“Volunteer work has allowed me to gain a new perspective of the people, places and world around me,” she added. “It’s a great feeling to help others.”

Brenna would like to be known as a “great athlete, a great student, but more importantly, a great person and friend to everyone.”

— LISA ZACCAGNINO

lzaccagnino

@timesshamrock.com

Dunmore

As juniors, Olivia Miller, Elizabeth Nolen and Grace Nolen founded the high school’s book club.

Now seniors, the girls organized their first meeting of the book club and have more than 20 students involved with the organization. The book club allows students to get together to discuss books and share ideas. Members of the club will also read books from a selected list to participate in a local reading competition in the spring.

“This club gives an opportunity to those students who are not in sports or other activities at school and fills a niche in our school community,” Olivia said.

“Reading helps you develop different perspectives and it teaches you to appreciate the opinions of others and not just your own,” Grace said.

Elizabeth agreed.

“I like to read everything and anything because it brings me to a different world,” she said.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter

Forest City

Regional

Lucas Nevins did the Coal Cracker Race for his cross country team for his senior project.

He found sponsors for the race and hung posters advertising the event. On the day of the race, he and the team got there early to set up the clock and set out snacks. The race was a success, raising more than $1,000.

“The money that we raised mostly goes to our trip to Hershey, where we participate in an invitational race,” Lucas said.

He is also involved with track and field, student council, Future Business Leaders of America and National Honor Society. He is vice president of the band and a member of the chorus.

Lucas works as a dishwasher at Elkview Country Club. He hopes to attend college for hospitality

management.

— LISA ZACCAGNINO

lzaccagnino

@timesshamrock.com

Holy Cross High School

During a recent Mass, senior Kella Pacifico and other students were inducted as officers and representatives of student council. Kella will serve as events coordinator.

“This experience was very exciting. I am honored to have been elected by my peers,” she said.

Kella is also the captain of girls varsity tennis team and is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish club, pro-life club and buddy-up tennis.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter

Lakeland

For Jonathan Nowak’s respectful and kind attitude, as well as his involvement in academics and extracurricular activities, he was selected as student of the month.

The freshman is a class officer and a member of student council, Students Against Destructive Decisions, marching band and the Scholastic Bowl team.

He runs cross country and plays basketball and baseball.

Jonathan hopes to earn membership to the National Honor Society.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com, @kbolusTT on Twitter

Mid Valley

Kelly Homenchak qualified for the 2016 4-H State Horse Show.

She will represent Lackawanna County in Harrisburg Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the State Farm Show complex. Placing within the top 3 of her district, Kelly will show in the pole-bending and barrel-racing speed events.

Kelly was also the recipient of the first-place and best-of- show awards for her display on tendon injuries.

Along with her project, Kelly will represent the Lackawanna County 4H Valley Equestrian group at the farm show. The programs are run through the Penn State Extension.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com, @kbolusTT on Twitter

Montrose Area

Miranda Walter spent the summer training and learning confidence and respect.

Miranda, a fifth-grader, has been learning Tang Soo Do karate for the past five years. She takes classes at Tri-City Karate Academy in Endicott, New York.

This summer, Miranda earned her black belt.

— AUTUMN GRANZA

agranza@timesshamrock.com

North Pocono

In addition to an interest in science and math, Mike Felins pushes himself athletically.

The senior regularly participates in weeklong bike tours, “300 to 400 miles long.” In the summer of 2014, Mike rode across Iowa.

The son of Raymond and Kelly Felins, Mike is one of the captains of North Pocono’s Science Olympiad team.

He takes rigorous courses, including Advanced Placement physics II and calculus. Mike is also a member of the boy’s tennis team and last year was recognized as the MVP of the team.

Interested in spacecraft, Mike plans on becoming a mechanical engineer or working in the field of prosthetics.

“(To be able to) actually move and feel with the new technology is awesome,” he said of prosthetics.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com, @kbolusTT on Twitter

Old Forge

Senior Matt Tisdel, a peer mediator, knows what it’s like to be bullied.

He became a peer mediator to help prevent the same thing from happening to others, he said.

“They know if they need help, they can come up to me or any of the other peer mediators,” he said.

Matt is also a member of the soccer, cross country and baseball teams. He plans to study communication arts at college.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter

Riverside

Katherine Reynolds and her first-grade classmates just got finished with a Fun Fall Facts project.

“My fun fact is squirrels gather nuts in autumn,” she said.

The class gathered some fun autumn facts and put them on display in the school hallways.

“I also like when the leaves fall, but my favorite season is winter because my birthday comes then,” Katherine added.

— LISA ZACCAGNINO

lzaccagnino

@timesshamrock.com

Scranton

Darian Calleja, a fifth-grade student at Charles Sumner Elementary, will attend the National Youth Leadership: Pathways to STEM program next summer.

At the Westtown School in West Chester, Darian will meet other students and participate in hands-on workshops and explore a future in science, technology, engineering and math. Darian was nominated for the honor by teacher Andrea Lynch.

“I’m looking forward to building robots,” the 10-year-old said. “I hope to learn a lot about science and technology and math too... and I’m looking forward to sleeping in dorms.”

He hopes for a future career as a scientist.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter

Scranton Prep

For Alexandra Wanas and the rest of Prep’s football cheerleading squad, there are few things better than a Friday night.

“We really try to get everyone to come out to the game,” she said. “Cheering on on our student section, the parents ... we really try to uplift spirits.”

This year, Alexandra is a co-captain of the squad, along with seniors Nathalie Brown and Cali Pinto.

At Prep, Alexandra is also a member of the track and field team and Spanish, archery, astronomy and cupcake clubs. She hopes for a future career involving biology or chemistry.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter

Valley View

Janet Zhao was elected vice president of the Valley View Students Against Destructive Decisions.

“It is very rewarding to be part of this club which brings people together to maintain a better and healthier lifestyle and community,” said Janet.

Along with her fellow officers, Vinny Betti, president; Cali Craig, secretary; and Amanda Utter, treasurer, she will be involved in several events this year including a project on teens against tobacco use.

The group also volunteered at the Steamtown Marathon and will host a Red Ribbon Week this month to emphasize the dangers of drug and alcohol use and spread awareness.

A member of biology club, Janet is also in history club, chorus and National Honor Society.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com, @kbolusTT on Twitter

Wallenpaupack

Seventh-grader Sierra Demuysere gave the Newfoundland Park a face-lift this summer.

A member of Girl Scout Troop 50772, Sierra earned the Silver Award for improving her community. She spent hours sanding and repainting the pavilion and picnic tables at the park. She also cleaned out the stream that runs along the park edge and made weatherproof fact signs for many of the trees on the grounds.

To unofficially reopen the park, Sierra assisted her older sister with a health fair in the pavilion for the community.

At school, Sierra plays the flute in the middle school band.

She is also a member of the Greentown Dance Studio and is a volunteer with the Greene-Dreher Volunteer Fire Company.

— AUTUMN GRANZA

agranza@timesshamrock.com

Wayne Highlands

Sixth-graders Jordyn Noble and Kayla Amman represented the Lakeside Elementary School’s garden club at the Pennsylvania School Board Association’s Education Excellence Fair in Hershey.

Jordyn and Kayla worked on their presentation throughout the month of September, and shared their experiences. While club members, Jordyn and Kayla learned about the environment, as well as how to grow and care for plants. Students were able to enjoy the fruits and vegetables they grew after they were harvested.

“I could get my hands dirty and not get in trouble,” Kayla said. “I especially enjoyed the planting process.”

At the fair, Kayla said the club was a great way to bring a community together, and Jordyn agreed.

“The club was an excellent way to meet new people and work cooperatively,” Jordyn said.

— AUTUMN GRANZA

agranza@timesshamrock.com

Western Wayne

Fifth-grader Samantha Sharp is a member of the Robert D. Wilson kindness club.

Samantha and other club members have been busy preparing an original play that addresses positive and practical student habits. Students wrote the play and are in the process of making props for the production.

Outside of school, Samantha is a member of Wildcat soccer club and High Energy Bowling. Samantha also participates in multiple dance classes.

— AUTUMN GRANZA

agranza@timesshamrock.com

Abingtons

Arbor Day: Clarks Summit and Clarks Green Shade Tree Commissions Arbor Day celebration, Nov. 5, 10 a.m., Hill­side Park’s Community Gar­den, Winola Road, South Abington Twp., or Abington Senior Center, in case of rain, recognizing Donna Zagrapan, original commission member and Gene Gallagher, who spearheaded Clarks Summit and Clarks Green’s Recycling program from 1988-1990.

Dunmore

Church bazaar: Dunmore Presbyterian Church holiday bazaar and cafe, Nov. 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 137 Chestnut St., various vendors, Waverly Wellness Center display, cafe featuring homemade chili and soups; complete vendor list: Facebook page or dunmore

presby.org.

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

Fleetville

Turkey dinner: Fleetville Ladies Auxiliary Election Day turkey dinner, Nov. 8, 5-7 p.m., firehouse, Route 407, $9/adults, $5/under 12, takeouts available; 570-563-1576.

Honesdale

Rotary dinner: Honesdale Rotary International Flavors Dinner buffet of international dishes, Nov. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Honesdale High School, 459 Terrace St.; $15/adults, $10/children; tickets at local banks, Stephens Pharmacy/Honesdale, by phone, 570-253-8631 or at door.

Lackawanna County

Benefit concert: Lackawanna River Conservation Association second Rock ’N the River benefit concert, Nov. 4, 6-11 p.m., Hilton Scranton and Conference Center, 100 Adams Ave., Scran­ton; $15/advance, $20/at door (cash only); http://rockntheriv

er2016.eventbrite.com or 570-347-6311.

Open house: Marywood Univer­sity’s department of athletic training and exercise science high school open day, Nov. 10, 9 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Center for Ath­letics and Wellness, info on athletic training, exercise science, related academic programs, campus tour, meet faculty and students, lunch provided, free; Angela Hillman, Ph.D., EPC, hpl@marywood.edu, or 570-340-6069.

Violence discussion: The Com­monwealth Medical College CME & Coffee’ event, Wednes­day, 7:30-8:30 a.m., TCMC’s Medical Sciences Building, 525 Pine St., Scranton, Peg Ruddy, executive director of the Women’s Resource Center, discussing “Domestic Violence in the Healthcare Setting,” CME credits available, free; jschroth@tcmc.edu, www.tcmc.edu/cme

andcoffee or 570-504-7306.

Mayfield

Crime watch: Mayfield Crime Watch meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m., Borough Building, 739 Penn Ave.

Old Forge

Purse bingo: Electric City Shock 12U Travel Softball designer purse bingo, Dec. 11, doors open, 11 a.m., bingo starts, 1; Eagle McClure Hose Company, 375 Milwaukee Road; $20/advance, $25/door; 17 regular games (three sheets per game), three special games, sheets sold separately at door, concessions available; Anne, 570-885-0475 or arbronyx@comcast.net, or Denise, 570-815-3065 or deniseleppo@aol.com.

Scranton

Book sale: Friends of the Scran­ton Public Library used book sale, Nov. 15-18, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Nov. 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Nov. 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., outside Crunch Fitness, second floor, Marketplace at Steam­town, fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, DVDs and CDs, handicapped accessible; Tina Thomas, 570-348-3000.

Taylor

Turkey bingo: St. Mary’s Byzan­tine Catholic Church turkey bingo, Nov. 13, doors open, noon, bingo, 1; church hall, 700 Oak St., door prizes, money raffle, food and refreshments available; $3/admission, $2/extra cards.

Thompson

Beef supper: Thompson United Methodist Church roast beef supper, Saturday, 5 p.m., 586 Main St., takeouts, 4:30 p.m., $11/adults, $5.50/6-12, free/5 and under.

Wayne County

Diabetes event: Wayne Mem­orial Hospital/ Northeast Penn­syl­vania Local Networking Group of the AADE Diabetes Taste-In, Nov. 13, 1-3 p.m., Ladore Lodge, 398 South St., Waymart; tips, recipes, treats for diabetics, eye health presentation; registration requested: 570-253-8144.

CLIPBOARD ITEMS may be emailed to yesdesk@timessham

rock.com or mailed to Clipboard, c/o YES!Desk, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. YES!Desk, 570-348-9121.

Former Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane will walk into Montgomery County Court today as a convicted felon. Whether she ends up back at her Waverly Twp. home or, eventually, a prison cell will be up to the judge.

Ms. Kane, 50, wants Judge Wendy Demchik-Alloy to consider her years of public service and needs of her two children and sentence her to probation or house arrest.

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele contends a prison sentence is warranted given the egregiousness of Ms. Kane’s crimes and her lack of remorse.

Ms. Kane, a Scranton native who in 2012 became the first Democrat and first woman to be elected attorney general, was convicted Aug. 15 of two counts each of perjury, false swearing, obstructing the administration of law and conspiracy and one count of official oppression.

Tweets by tmbeseckerTT

Prosecutors said she leaked information about a 2009 grand jury probe of a Philadelphia man to a newspaper to embarrass the prosecutor in that case, whom she viewed a political foe. She resigned Aug. 17.

Under state sentencing guidelines, Ms. Kane faces as little as probation to up to several years in prison. The judge also can impose a sentence outside of the guidelines up to the maximum, which is 12 to 24 years in prison.

In a pre-sentence memorandum, Mr. Steele argues for a “stiff and significant” sentence, citing Ms. Kane’s violation of the public trust and damage she did to the reputation of the attorney general’s office.

Ms. Kane also showed no remorse before or after her conviction and continues to portray herself as someone who was just “doing her job,” he said.

“Nothing could be further from the truth,” Mr. Steele said. “Her legal troubles are the result of her conscious decision to break the law and to abuse her authority.”

In her pre-sentence memorandum, Ms. Kane highlights her accomplishments as attorney general, including the expansion of the office’s child predator unit. She also notes how she overcame a disadvantaged childhood to put herself through college and law school.

Her primary concern, she says, is the impact on her children if she is incarcerated. She shares custody with her husband, whom she is divorcing.

A prison sentence “will separate her from her children at a time they need the stability of their mother’s presence,” attorney Marc Steinberg says in the memorandum. “She has been humiliated and embarrassed and now just wants to make amends and to focus her attention on raising her two children.”

Ms. Kane continues to maintain her innocence and vowed to appeal the conviction. If she is sentenced to prison, the judge could have jailed immediately or set a date for her to surrender. Her attorneys could also ask the judge to allow Ms. Kane to remain free pending the outcome of her appeal.

Contact the writer:

tbesecker@timesshamrock.com,

@tmbeseckerTT on Twitter

Kimani Lockhart, 6, looked his fears in the face on Sunday and then donned a multicolored wig and tiny, bright red bowler cap.

“Kids in school were saying that clowns were hurting people,” said his mom, Jaywanna Lockhart, as they waited in line for a snack at the 16th annual O’Malley Halloween Party in McDade Park.

“And we were scared,” Kimani interjected.

“So we decided to be a clown and face our fear,” Ms. Lockhart said.

Kimani gave a toot on the horn he carried and dashed off.

The young boy from Wilkes-Barre, visibly elated and not at all frightened by his colorful getup, joined his mom and older sister, Nevaeh, 10, who dressed as a ghost, an homage to one of her favorite video game characters, at the park among hundreds of other superheroes, monsters and fairies.

“It’s just a fun thing to do, a lot of people enjoying themselves,” said John Brazil, a family friend of the O’Malleys and volunteer. “It only takes a couple hours of your time to volunteer and help other people.”

He estimated 400 to 500 kids and their parents had passed through to take a slice of pizza, a doughnut, drink and candy, mostly all donated by area restaurants and businesses.

“It’s free, it’s safe, and my family loves to put it on because of the looks on the children’s faces,” said event organizer and Lackawanna County Commissioner Patrick M. O’Malley.

Mac Jackson, a doting father of two, said he couldn’t be prouder when his two kids, Mikey, 7, and Everly, 4, decided they wanted to be superheroes for Halloween. Cindy, his wife, dressed as Wonder Woman.

Everly dressed as Supergirl, and Mikey, who hung up his Batman mask and cape this Halloween, settled on the Flash.

“He’s my second favorite hero,” Mikey said behind his red mask with yellow lightning bolts shooting from the ears.

With fake foam muscles bulging from his own Superman costume, Mr. Jackson, 41, said he has studied and adored comic books since he was 15. He even has his own podcast about them. This year, like many others, the Dickson City family decided to dress up like their favorites.

“If all on their own they like superheroes, I’m one proud father,” he said.

Contact the writer:

joconnell@timesshamrock.com, @jon_oc on Twitter

A contract dispute that kept a peculiar park in Scranton closed for several years recently ended, paving the way for opening by the end of the year, officials said.

The Renaissance Park at 500 — one block long, 30 feet wide and situated atop a 25-foot-high former rail line between Cedar and Washington avenues behind the Renaissance at 500 buildings — stands as one of the more unusual park spaces in the city.

Though mostly completed more than six years ago, the park has remained padlocked and off-limits to the public as a dispute between the state Department of Transportation and contractor Sordoni Construction Services Inc. of Forty Fort played out in courts.

Both sides recently reached a settlement that has Sordoni back on site, putting finishing touches on an elevator and stairwell from a plaza area on Lackawanna Avenue and a pedestrian bridge over Bogart Court that forms the access to the elevated park. Other odds and ends include work atop the park on fencing along a rail line next door.

“The plan is to be done by end of the year. We’re excited to get this open for the city,” said Sordoni Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Reif.

“PennDOT is pleased to have reached a settlement agreement with Sordoni Construction,” PennDOT spokeswoman Jan Huzvar said. “We look forward to the completion of the park plaza for the enjoyment of Scranton residents and visitors.”

The Renaissance at 500 redevelopment in the 500 block of Lackawanna Avenue included restoration of building facades, new sidewalks and streetscaping, condominiums, a central plaza and reconstruction of Bogart Court with boutiques.

Scranton’s Office of Economic and Community Development hired Sordoni in 2008 to construct a plaza and elevated park, as well as a pedestrian bridge, elevator and stairwell to link them.

Federal and state funds paid for the $2.5 million park/plaza project, and PennDOT was a conduit for the funding and had some oversight. As work progressed, some funding was released. But with the park project nearly completed, PennDOT stopped paying because of a dispute and Sordoni stopped work in June 2010 and sued. The settlement resolved those issues and work recently resumed.

“It’s 99 percent completed,” OECD Executive Director Linda Aebli said of the park project. “Because it’s been standing for so long, there’s a lot of cleanup and just bringing it back to life again.”

Aside from the contract dispute, park ownership had been another sticking point. Both Steamtown National Historic Site and the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority claimed interest in the elevated property, and creating a clean ownership title was necessary for an overall resolution. So, the rail authority in June 2015 conveyed its interest in the property to Steamtown to resolve any title dispute.

The park has an inactive, “remnant” railroad track, but there are active railroad tracks right next to the park.

“It’s going to be a great area to view trains go by,” Steamtown Superintendent Debbie Conway said.

Over the years, Steamtown has maintained the closed park grounds. Now, going forward, the city and Steamtown must complete a maintenance agreement that calls for the historic site to maintain the park grounds and for the city to maintain the plaza, elevator/stairwell and pedestrian bridge, Ms. Conway said.

With that maintenance agreement still in the works, an opening of the park remains undetermined, she said.

“We’re just really happy this is coming to a conclusion,” said Mr. Reif, a Scranton resident.

“It is a nice little park. It adds something to Lackawanna Avenue.”

Contact the writer:

jlockwood@timesshamrock.com, @jlockwoodTT on Twitter

MONDAY UPDATE brings

Times-Tribune readers up to date on past or pending stories of interest. To offer a suggestion for a Monday Update, please email metrodesk@timesshamrock.com with

“Monday Update” in the

subject line.

Pike County Court Judge Gregory Chelak recently sentenced the following:

• Scott Ryan Blink, 26, Ply­mouth, 72 hours to six months in the Pike County Jail, $1,000 fine and 12-month driver’s license suspension for DUI on April 9 in Matamoras.

• Alejandra L. Garcia, 40, Middletown, N.Y., 12 months of probation and $200 fine for receiving stolen property on May 13, 2015, in Matamoras.

• Anthony James Maillet, 35, Sparrowbush, N.Y., 42 months to eight years in a state correctional facility, $1,000 fine and 12-month driver’s license suspension for possession with intent to deliver heroin and criminal conspiracy on April 27, 2015, in Milford and May 5, 2015, in Westfall Twp.

• Dennis Dai, 54, Sandys­ton, N.J., 30 days to six months in the Pike County Jail, $750 fine and 12-month driver’s license suspension for DUI on Feb. 27 in Ding­man Twp.

• Jeremy Grose, 27, East Stroudsburg, three to 12 months in the Pike County Jail and $500 fine for receiving stolen property between April 15 and May 6, 2013, in Lehman Twp.

• Jessica Ann Hulseberg, 40, Honesdale, five years less 32 days in the Inter­med­iate Punishment Program, which will include 32 days in the Pike County Jail, 90 days under house arrest, a $1,500 fine and an 18-month driver’s license suspension for DUI on Dec. 31 in Palmyra Twp.

• Anthony John Gostischa, 35, Milford, six months of probation and $500 fine for criminal mischief and harassment on July 12, 2015, in Dingman Twp.

• Ginamarie Castellano, 43, East Stroudsburg, five years less 30 days in the Intermediate Punishment Program, which will include 30 days in the Pike County Jail, followed by 90 days of house arrest, $1,500 fine and 18-month driver’s license suspension for DUI on Oct. 23, 2015, in Blooming Grove Twp.

• Anthony Michael Diblan­ca, 24, Highland, N.Y., 72 hours to six months in the Pike County Jail, $1,200 fine and 12-month driver’s license suspension for DUI and possession of drug paraphernalia on Sept. 1, 2015, in Bloom­ing Grove Twp.

• Amanda E. Austin, 24, Forty Fort, 72 hours to six months in the Pike County Jail, followed by six months of probation, $1,300 fine and 12-month driver’s license suspension for DUI and possession of drug paraphernalia on July 3, 2015, in Greene Twp.

• Erica Hamilton, 40, Read­ing, six months of probation and $300 fine for DUI on Oct. 1, 2015, in Matamoras.

• Leonard William Bonter, 47, Bronxville, N.Y., 11½ to 23½ months in the Pike County Jail and $500 fine for criminal conspiracy to commit receiving stolen property on June 24 in Westfall Twp.

• Mark Herbert Weaver, 40, Broadheadsville, $500 fine for possession of drug paraphernalia on July 2 in Palmyra Twp.

• Nicholas James Rizzi, 27, Lakeville, six months in the Intermediate Punishment program, which will include 30 days of house arrest, $1,000 fine and 12-month driver’s license suspension for DUI on July 19, 2015, in Palmyra Twp.

• Jeremy Michael Mann, 32, Matamoras, one year of probation and $400 fine for possession of drug paraphernalia in Westfall Twp.

• Erick John Tarczewski, 49, Claremont, N.H., 72 hours to six months in the Pike County Jail, $1,025 fine and 12-month driver’s license suspension for DUI on Dec. 5.

• William Wolf Deschenes, 21, Greentown, 72 hours to six months in the Pike County Jail, $1,000 fine and 12-month driver’s license suspension for DUI on June 27, 2015, in Greene Twp.

• Van G. Wilson, 68, Green­town, six months of probation and $200 fine for recklessly endangering another person March 17 in Greene Twp.

• Louise A. Duffy, 49, Mata­moras, five years less 32 days in the Intermediate Punishment Program, which will include 32 days in the Pike County Jail, 90 days of house arrest, $1,500 fine and 18-month driver’s license suspension for DUI on Sept. 22, 2015, in Westfall Twp.

• Steven R. Steele, 31, Port Jervis, N.Y., one to 12 months in the Pike County Jail and $300 fine for retail theft on two occasions in 2012 in Westfall Twp.

• Erick Karl Hoffman, 32, Tafton, 90 days to five years in the Pike County Jail, $1,500 fine and 18-month driver’s license suspension for DUI on Dec. 1 in Palmyra Twp.

• Forrest S. Francis, 53, Haw­ley, $300 fine for harassment on May 23 in Blooming Grove Twp.

• Nicholas L. Orazzi, 57, Ding­mans Ferry, $700 fine for unlawful killing or taking of big game between Jan. 29 and Feb. 1, 2015, in Delaware Twp.

• Erik J. Rosario, 21, Monroe, N.Y., $400 fine for possession of drug paraphernalia on April 24 in Blooming Grove Twp.

• Aaliyah Ashley Parker, 20, Middletown, N.Y., 30 days to 12 months in the Pike County Jail and $100 fine for simple assault on May 7 in Milford Twp.

• Johnny Manuel Montanez, 20, Bushkill, six months of probation and $300 fine for theft on Sept. 24, 2014, in Lehman Twp.

Wayne County President Judge Raymond L. Hamill recently sentenced the following:

• James Whitfield, 29, Hones­dale, six months of probation, $300 fine, drug and alcohol addiction treatment and the Alcohol Highway Safety Program for DUI on Nov. 29 in Honesdale.

• Richard Earl Wallace, 52, Dupont, six to 23½ months in the Wayne County Correctional Facility and $500 fine for terroristic threats on Feb. 14 in Cherry Ridge Twp.

• Robin Sheehy, 34, Goulds­boro, five days to six months in the Wayne County Correctional Facility, $300 fine, drug and alcohol addiction treatment the Alcohol Highway Safety Program and 50 hours of community service for DUI on April 15 in Palmyra Twp.

• Joseph Galletti, 32, Lacka­waxen, six months of probation, $500 fine and 40 hours of community service for insurance fraud between May 18 and 25, 2015, in Hawley.

• Joshua Fasceski, 35, Hones­­dale, five days to six months in the Wayne County Correctional Facility, $300 fine, drug and alcohol addiction treatment, the Alcohol Highway Safety Program and 40 hours of community service for DUI on April 26 in Honesdale.

• Stephanie Lynn Coleman, 28, Glen Hope, four to 12 months in the Wayne County Correctional Facility, a drug and alcohol assessment and 50 hours of community service for possession of heroin on June 27 in Texas Twp.

• Heath Niles Scott, 29, Beach Lake, 12 months of probation for simple assault on Aug. 24, 2015, in Berlin Twp.

• Michelle Kay Gilbert, 37, Wappinger Falls, N.Y., six months in the Intermediate Punishment Program, 30 days on house arrest, $750 fine, $380 in restitution, drug and alcohol addiction treatment, the Alcohol Highway Safety Program and 50 hours of community service for DUI on Sept. 17, 2015, in Palmyra Twp.

• Allison Elisabeth Weidner, 20, Milanville, 12 months of pro­bation and $300 fine for possession of a controlled substance on July 3, 2015, in Honesdale.

• Alison Miller, 19, Lake Ariel, six months in the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program, 40 hours of community service and 90 day driver’s license suspension for DUI on June 14 in Texas Twp.

JEFFERSON TWP. — State police have asked for the public’s help in finding a woman who they say cut her own hair inside a gas station, then left in a hurry striking a person.

Katie Lynn Labus, 25, of Huntingdon, had been acting strange early Sunday morning before rushing from the Liberty gas station along Route 348 and striking a pedestrian while she left, causing minor injuries, state police said.

Troopers found her car on Line Road with the hood up and the engine running.

She has black hair, weighs about 120 pounds and stands 5-feet-6-inches tall, state police said. Anyone who knows of Ms.Labus’ whereabouts can call 570-963-3156.

— JON O’CONNEL