The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce gathered Wednesday night to celebrate the accomplishments of its members and unveil its keynote speaker for its upcoming annual dinner.

The big winner of the Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence awards was the venue itself: Goodwill at North. The resurrected, repurposed hulk of a building that had been North Scranton Junior High School earned designations for both best interior and exterior renovation and the Pride & Progress Project of the Year award.

NET Credit Union won the Best Practices in Community Service Award as well as the Best Practices in Marketing & Communications. Allied Services was recognized for the Healthy Workplace of the Year award, and Terra Preta Restaurant received the New and Emerging Business of the Year award.

The awards recognize the talent, creativity and innovation of local businesses.

“The SAGE awards is the opportunity to celebrate all of the business success that has happened during the year in our area,” said chamber President Robert Durkin. “The more than 100 nominations we received this year demonstrate that great things are happening throughout the region.”

The speaker for the 149th Annual Dinner, slated for March 29, will be former Eagles center and motivational speaker Jon Dorenbos, who achieved a second wave of notoriety on “America’s Got Talent” in 2016, where he performed a series of tricks using magic and illusion. He came in third for the season.

Contact the writer:

dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

Other award winners

Other award winners

include:

■ Best Practice in Community Involvement:

DePietro’s Pharmacy

■ Business of the Year: EDM

■ Hometown Star: Scranton Fringe Festival

■ Nonprofit Organization of the Year: The Greater Scranton YMCA

■ Pride & Progress: New Construction: Marywood University Learning

Commons

■ Small Business of the Year: Lavelle Strategy Group

■ Excellence in Leadership: Lackawanna College

■ Woman of Excellence: Mary Ann LaPorta, the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA

People’s Choice Awards: Ronald McDonald House of Scranton

A dilapidated building next to the former Scranton Lace Co. and a cluster of overgrown and blighted properties on Luzerne Street are among the first 100 properties the Lackawanna County Land Bank moved to acquire Thursday.

The new authority, designed to cut through red tape that often slows redevelopment efforts, will likely take formal control of the Scranton properties within a month, Lackawanna County Economic Development Director George Kelly said.

“What we decided to do is to start a little bit slower, have properties that make the most sense — that would have the best use or people would most likely be ready to buy — to get the process rolling,” Mr. Kelly said.

Among targeted tax-delinquent properties that found no buyers in judicial sales before moving onto the tax claim bureau’s repository list, 13 parcels house buildings, with three on the city’s demolition list. County officials have gotten varying levels of interest on 26 properties.

Land with structures includes a run-down building at 1445 Meylert Ave. next to the former Scranton Lace Co. Developer Don Rinaldi wants to include the building in the plan to redevelop the former factory, Mr. Kelly said.

NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, which does home rehabilitation projects for low-income families and has been fixing up houses the last couple years through its first-time homebuyer program, expressed preliminary interest in 15 properties.

Chief Executive Officer Jesse Ergott said the nonprofit doesn’t have immediate plans for all the lots, but the organization sees an opportunity through the land bank to ramp up its involvement with revitalizing the city by making strategic investments in neighborhoods.

In the long run, he hopes NeighborWorks can have a similar impact on West Scranton — including a series of properties on Luzerne Street — that a United Neighborhood Centers project had in South Scranton along Cedar Avenue.

“These are properties ... that if we had control of them and had the resources to redevelop them, they could make a significant impact on the block and the neighborhood,” Mr. Ergott said.

Most of the properties the land bank is acquiring — 87 in total — are vacant lots without structures.

The Hill Neighborhood Association is seeking five vacant lots to eliminate blight from their section of the city by converting them to other uses such as pocket parks or off-street parking, the organization’s President Nicole Pettinato said.

City residents Michael Tigue and Ann Nealon already sent applications to acquire abandoned lots surrounding their homes through the land bank’s side-yard program.

At its next meeting, Mr. Kelly expects the land bank board to flesh out the procedure for distributing properties when multiple people express interest.

The process will involve publication of available lots. It will likely take about 15 days and allow advisory committees to weigh in on best uses for the land.

“We have worked long and hard to establish the Lackawanna County Land Bank,” said Lackawanna County Commissioner Patrick O’Malley, chairman of the board, in a prepared statement. “Today’s decision to acquire 100 Scranton properties moves the land bank into action to breathe new life into the city of Scranton. This is a major step in fighting blight, creating opportunities for new growth and broadening our tax base.”

Contact the writer: kwind@timesshamrock.com @kwindTT on Twitter

Lackawanna County Land Bank on Thursday appointed eight people to its advisory committees to provide guidance about how to operate in Scranton.

Mayor Bill Courtright’s appointments included Jesse Ergott, CEO of NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania; Lisa Durkin, chief operating officer of United Neighborhood Centers; Councilman Pat Rogan; Scranton Treasurer Wayne Beck; Thomas Oleski, deputy director of licensing, inspections and permits; and Maria Costanzo, lead auditor at Scranton Single Tax Office.

School School District appointments included Bob Sheridan, president of Scranton School Board, and School Director James Timlin.

To escape a raging civil war, Anas Allouz left behind family and friends in Syria.

Now, the Wilkes-Barre resident is sharing his story across Northeast Pennsylvania.

Mr. Allouz spoke in front of a small group Thursday during the Refugee Family Experience event at Marywood University’s Nazareth Student Center. The discussion was part of Marywood’s Office of Campus Ministry Refugee Day. A candlelight vigil, outdoor prayer and procession were held in the university’s Memorial Garden before his talk.

War found its way to Mr. Allouz’s home in Syria. His father was injured, a friend killed in a bombing and his older brother arrested. Family members, some who joined him Thursday night at Marywood, didn’t know where his brother, Mohammed Allouz, was for five months and feared he had been killed.

The family eventually escaped

to Jordan where they reunited with Mohammed.

After three years in Jordan and 15 interviews over 11 months with the United Nations, his family finally received permission to resettle in the United States. After arriving in New York City, they found a home in Luzerne County.

Within two days of resettling in Wilkes-Barre, Mr. Allouz found a job at a restaurant. A barber by trade, he hopes to earn his license in the United States and become a barber here.

Mr. Allouz, a Muslim, stressed to the small crowd on Thursday that followers of his religion “live in peace” and do not enjoy killing others. He asked his audience to spread the message and not believe everything they see or read in the media.

“In every community, there are bad people,” he said.

Earlier Thursday, the university held an e-letter campaign in the learning commons. Students wrote emails to Congress about continuing support for Syrian refugees, said Sister John Michele Southwick, assistant director of campus ministry.

Donations collected throughout the day will be used to buy bus passes to assist local refugee families with transportation.

Local organizations that help refugees are also seeking people to donate their time to help recently resettled local refugees with everyday tasks like sorting their mail and bills, learning to adjust their thermostats and create bonds with the community.

For more details, visit www.marywood.edu/campmin

Contact the writer:

kbolus@timesshamrock.com, @kbolusTT on Twitter

PLAINS TWP. — Taxpayers got an early holiday gift worth about $3 million on Thursday.

Mohegan Sun Pocono casino has agreed to pay Local Share Assessment gaming revenue to the township as the casino’s host municipality, even though the state Supreme Court ruled that provision of the state Gaming Act to be unconstitutional.

Casino officials agreed to pay the money even though they did not have to.

That revenue, which Plains commissioners estimated at about $3 million per year, will allow the township to adopt a $9.3 million balanced budget for 2017, with no tax increase and no cuts to essential services.

Township commissioners approved the first reading of that budget at Thursday’s commissioners meeting. Moments later, Mohegan Sun Pocono President Tony Carlucci announced the company’s decision to keep paying its LSA revenue to Plains Twp.

“Plains Twp. is not going to lose,” Mr. Carlucci said.

He noted that Mohegan Sun Pocono — which celebrates its 10th anniversary next week — has enjoyed a good relationship with Plains Twp. officials and residents and plans to continue the good will on both sides.

“We want to keep the community happy,” he said.

Everyone involved in the agreement to keep the LSA money flowing to Plains Twp. seemed happy Thursday.

State Sen. John Yudichak, D-Plymouth Twp., said he and state Rep. Mike Carroll, D-Avoca, who represent Plains Twp. in the state legislature, worked with Plains Twp. commissioners and officials and Mohegan Sun Pocono officials to reach the agreement.

Mr. Yudichak said it was vital that Plains Twp. receive the LSA revenue, to ensure that its emergency services operations such as police, fire and ambulance were not adversely impacted.

The senator praised Mohegan Sun Pocono for creating jobs and economic growth in Plains Twp. for the past decade.

“They have been wonderful neighbors and citizens of the township,” he said.

Plains Twp. commissioners had worried whether the township would receive its LSA revenue for next year after the Supreme Court’s Sept. 28 ruling, Commissioner Chairman Robert Sax said last month. Without that money — about one-third of the township’s total revenue — commissioners would have been forced to raise taxes or cut services, he said.

In a statement issued Thursday, Mr. Sax said, “We’re pleased that Mohegan Sun Pocono is honoring their host agreement to continue the payments. The agreement is a testament of what can be accomplished when everyone works together in the best interest of the community.”

In other business, Peter Biscontini was sworn in as the township’s newest commissioner. He replaces the late Brigid O’Connor, the long-time Plains Twp. commissioner who died in September. Mr. Biscontini is an attorney with the Wilkes-Barre law firm of Distasio & Kowalski.

Contact the writer:

emark@citizensvoice.com

HARRISBURG — Two local volunteer firefighters’ relief associations received audits from the state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale.

Both the Chinchilla and Old Forge companies “received and expended state aid and accumulated relief funds in compliance with applicable state laws, contracts, bylaws and administrative procedures,” according to the audits.

However, Mr. DePasquale found the Chinchilla Company was non-compliant with previous audit recommendations for undocumented expenditures and both companies failed to maintain a complete and accurate equipment roster.

For the full audits, visit www.PaAuditor.gov/audit-reports.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

TUNKHANNOCK — State police at Tunkhannock announced Thursday that materials used to make methamphetamine were discovered at a Wyoming County cemetery in September.

Troopers responded to Perrins Marsh Cemetery in Northmoreland Township on Sept. 25 for the report of a suspected meth lab. It was determined that items found at the scene were used to produce methamphetamine, but nothing was active, police said.

The Clandestine Laboratory Response Team was notified and all items were removed and subsequently destroyed.

— JEFF HORVATH

SCRANTON — The Lackawanna River Conservation Association is seeking volunteers to help clean up an illegal tire dump site.

The organization will conduct the clean up Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. next to the Parker House on Parker Street in North Scranton. Volunteers can sign up at the corner of Parker Street and Carter Avenue the day of the event.

The project is funded by grants from the Keep America Beautiful Foundation, the Lowe’s Foundation and Waste Management with additional in kind services for containers and transportation provided by Waste Management and tire disposal at Alliance Landfill.

For more details, contact 570-347-6311 or email lrca@lrca.org.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

COVINGTON TWP. — The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board opened a new Fine Wine & Good Spirits Store in Lackawanna County on Thursday.

The store, in the ShopRite Shopping Center, 921 Drinker Turnpike, Covington Twp.,features almost 2,100 wines and spirits. It also features a “Made in Pennsylvania” section and sells state lottery tickets.

Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. For more details, contact 570-842-4122 or visit www.FineWineAndGoodSpirits.com.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

MARRIAGE LICENSES

■ Ronald Altenhain and Shar­on A. Esgro, both of Dunmore.

■ Michael Allen Ray Jr. and Meagen Santina Clancy, both of Greentown.

■ Desiree Catherine Vispi and Charles Peter Pieshefski Jr., both of Blakely.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

■ Brian and Jennifer Ebersole to Kevin and Patricia Beck; a property at 1029 Fairfield Circle, South Abington Twp., for $325,000.

■ Marilyn Green, Patricia Green and Mary Hannings, all of Clarks Summit, to John D. McNulty IV and Brink Powell, both of Old Forge; a property at Route 407, Benton Twp., for $117,000.

■ Maureen F. Jones, attorney in fact under power of attorney for Charles H. Reese, to Lisa Lee Partridge, Scranton; a property at in Ransom Twp., for $53,400.

■ Gail L. Morgan, Dunmore, to Vyacheslav Dynov, Brooklyn, N.Y.; a property at 331-329 Cedar Ave., Scranton, for $100,000.

■ Kathryn Cawley and Frank T. Suraci IV, to Martin B. Flynn, Scranton; a property at 1520 Oram St., Scranton, for $144,000.

■ Vito M. and Jill A. Lalli, both of Dunmore, to Richard Rossi and Joanne Jakubowski-Rossi, both of Scranton; a property at 1116 Fairfield St., Scranton, for $90,000.

■ Donald L. Surace, Clarks Summit, to Maria Panusky, Scran­ton; a property at 508 S. Keyser Ave., Scranton, for $116,000.

■ Danielle Wideman, now known as Danielle Jones Garvin, Florida, to Johnna Saladino and Cassandra Giannie, both of Oceanside, N.Y.; a property at 807 Walnut St., Clarks Summit, for $176,300.

■ Edward P. Kalinowski, Dick­son City, to Billy Osgood Jr., Scran­ton; a property at 308 Main St., Dickson City, for $60,000.

■ Lackawanna Neighbors Inc., Scranton, to Christopher J. and Danielle Marie Chesek, both of Scranton; a property at 631 N. Rebecca Ave., Scranton, for $89,500.

■ Site Tech Inc., Clarks Sum­mit, to Shannon Cross and Edward Scoz, both of Hamlin; a property at Electric Street, Clarks Summit, for $56,000.

■ Wyoming Avenue Develop­ment LLC, Scranton, to Lacka­wanna Junior College, Scranton; parcels on Wyoming Avenue, Olive Street and Forrest Court, Scranton, for $950,000.

DIVORCES SOUGHT

■ Tiffany Strelecki, Lake Ariel, v. Joshua Strelecki, Scranton; married Feb. 23 in Scranton; pro se.

■ Carissa Ambrister, Dunmore, v. Albert Ambrister, Scranton; married Nov. 7, 2014, in Dun­more; pro se.

■ Sandra Lee Jackson Coates, Scranton, v. Alfie Kendall Coates, Huntingdon; married Dec. 8, 2003, in Clearfield County; John Fisher, attorney.

DIVORCE DECREES

■ Larry D. McCutcheon II and Marci J. McCutcheon.

■ Jason Maione v. Brittney Maione.

■ Chris Beavers v. Shannon Beavers.

■ Travis Carroll v. Jessica Carroll.

■ Joseph M. Bognatz v. Heather L. Bognatz.

■ Melissa Anne Quinlan v. William M. Quinlan.

ESTATES FILED

■ Corrine Huggler aka Corrine L. Huggler, 448 Milwaukee Road, Old Forge, letters testamentary to Jacqueline Gleason, 252 Pine St., Old Forge.

■ Kathryn Jean Hrywnak aka Kathryn J. Hrywnak, 72 Thomp­son Road, Spring Brook Twp., letters testamentary to Debra Lee Miller, 11947 River Road, Corning, N.Y.

■ Mariagnes Brown aka Mariagnes O’Neill Brown, 1502 Pittston Ave., Scranton, letters testamentary to Mary Elizabeth Brown Moylan, same address.

LAWSUIT

■ Teresa Bubier, 94 Jefferson St., Apt. A, Simpson, v. Fell Twp., 1 Veterans Road, Simp­son; and Kevin Cosklo, 1317 N. Main St., Forest City, seeking in excess of $50,000 plus interest, costs and attorney’s fees on three counts for injuries suffered Aug. 29, in a slip and fall at 92 Jefferson St., Simpson; Regina M. McIlvaine, attorney.

ONLINE: thetimes-tribune.com/courts

Abingtons

Library marketplace: Abington Community Library’ eighth annual Dorothy Boccella Holiday Marketplace, Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at library, over 30 vendors, Southwest Savory Grill Food Truck, 80-basket raffle, tickets through Sunday.

Blakely/Peckville

Crime watch: Blakely/Peckville Crime Watch meeting, Dec. 7, planning for Feb. 24 Mardi Gras event at Fiorelli’s, tickets at meeting or call Mayor Jeanette Mariani, 570-383-9946.

Carbondale

Pioneer ball: Tickets for the Pioneer City Christmas Ball, Dec. 2, Carbondale Grand Hotel, cocktails, dinner, open bar and dancing, 6-11 p.m., the Jeffrey James Band, $100, $150/couple; 570-351-5607.

Dunmore

Christmas village: Grace Bible Church eighth annual Living Christmas Village, Dec. 3-4, 4-7 p.m., church, behind Sheetz gas station next to PSU Worthing­ton; Dunmore High School Jazz Band and Choir, PSU Worthing­ton Jazz Band and Choir, Seren­ity Harpists; interactive journey through Biblical times, games, crafts, puppets, a Live Nativity, cocoa, cookies; 570-342-5651 or www.gracebiblepa.com.

Board meetings: Dunmore board of education meeting, Wednesday, 6 p.m., high school cafeteria; public work session, Monday, 6 p.m., board room.

Hawley

Flea market: Hawley Fire Depart­ment indoor flea market, Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Hawley Fire House, 17 Columbus Ave.; 570-290-1488, 570-226-9820 or hawleyfd@ptd.net.

Honesdale

Participants wanted: Santa Parade seeking participants for Nov. 25, (rain date Nov. 26) event, line-up 5 p.m., Top Notch parking area, Fourth Street, parade, 6, ends in Central Park, followed by traditional tree lighting ceremony, open to businesses, community groups, school groups and nonprofit groups; Gail, 570-253-5492, fax, 570-253-5491, or email ghp@visithonesdalepa.com (put PARADE in subject line).

Lackawanna County

Tree festival: Festival of Trees/Toys for Tots fundraiser Market­place at Steamtown, opening reception/fundraiser, Dec. 9, 5:30 p.m., former Abercrombie & Fitch space, trees displayed through Jan. 9; nonprofit organizations, businesses, churches, schools may sponsor and decorate their own artificial tree with a Steamtown Goes Steampunk theme, ($50/non-profits, schools small businesses; $100/business with more than 50 employees), send checks or money orders, made payable to Toys for Tots, along with contact information to Gerard Hetman, Festival of Trees, Lackawanna County Community Relations Depart­ment, 200 Adams Ave., Sixth Floor, Scranton, PA 18503; for applications, call the Arts and Culture Department at 570-963-6590, ext. 106, or email arts-culture@lackawannacounty.org; deadline Dec. 8 (may change), trees must be set up by Dec. 9.

Nutrition lecture: The Common­wealth Medical College Preven­tive Medicine Program Advisory Board lecture “Why Is Nutrition Ignored in Medicine?” Nov. 30, 5:30 p.m., Medical Sciences Building, 525 Pine St., Scran­ton; biochemist/author, T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., author of “The China Study: Startling Implica­tions for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-term Health;” free, register online, tcmc.edu/preventivemed or call 570-504-9685.

Party meeting: Lackawanna County Green Party meeting Mon­day, 7 p.m., Roma Pizza, 840 Business Route 6: Face

book.com/LackawannaGreens, Lackawanna.Greens@gmail.com.

Relationships week: Marywood University “It’s on Us” Healthy Relationships Week, Monday-Friday, campaign to end campus sexual assault, events: an “It’s on Us” table in the McGowan Center for Graduate and Profes­sional Studies, Monday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., online pledging, photo booth, violence prevention information, giveaways, free food; screening/panel discussion of movie, the Hunting Ground, Tuesday, 8-10 p.m., Comerford Theater, Center for Natural and Health Sciences; talk of the university discussion on rape culture, gender roles and how people can make a difference, Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Nazareth Student Center Upper Dining Hall, free; Facebook pages of the Counseling/Student Development Center and RAE, at www.facebook.com/RAE-16199

5287189353/, or www.face

book.com/arywoodcsdc?fref=ts.

Old Forge

Purse bingo: Electric City Shock 12U Travel Softball designer purse bingo, Dec. 11, 11 a.m./doors, 1 p.m./bingo; 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.

Pittston

Storytime Saturdays: Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Storytime Saturdays, Nov. 12 and 26, 10-11 a.m., ages 2-8, (2-5 must be accompanied by adult) singing, stories, crafts, snacks, preregistration, details, church office, 570-654-2500.

Plains Twp.

Breakfast buffet: American Legion Post 558 all-you-can-eat breakfast, Sunday, 9 a.m.-noon, 101 E. Carey St., $8/adults, $4/children.

Luncheon/seminar: University of Scranton Schemel Forum Munley Law World Affairs Lunch­eon Seminar, Wednesday, noon, Rose Room, Brennan Hall, $20, $30/couple; “Transforming the World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” featuring David Donoghue, ambassador and permanent representative of Ireland to the United Nations; 570-941-6206 or emily.brees@scranton.edu.

Santa fest: Viewmont Mall Santa Fest, Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Santa Parade, entertainment, Santa arrives on Dickson City Hose Company firetruck, “Sounds of the Season” Con­cert Series debut, coloring contest, Thanksgiving arts and crafts and recipes, photo discounts.

Scott/Greenfield Twps.

Seniors meet: Scott/Greenfield seniors meet Monday, 1 p.m., Joe Terry Center.

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; books, DVDs, CDs; Tina Thomas, 570-348-3000.

Medicare information: Apprise counselor, Monday, 10 a.m.-noon, state Rep. Marty Flynn’s office, 409 N. Main Ave., Jay’s Com­mons; information on Medi­care, Medicare Advantage plans, Medi­gap plans, Medicare drug plans, PACE/Pacenet prescription-drug coverage, various low-income assistance programs, such as the Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help; appoint­­ments suggested, 570-342-4348.

Susquehanna County

Game presentation: Susque­hanna Branch of the Quality Deer Management Associ­ation meeting/event Sunday, 4-6:30 p.m., Central Conser­vation Club, 1463 Sterling Road, South Montrose, updates by Game Commis­sion Land Manager Phil Kas­per; director elections; Christ­mas in November sale framed signed photo posters from Charles Alsheimer, framed prints depicting turkey and deer, turkey hunting books, deer management books, NWTF knives, deer aging posters; directors making wild game meals including venison ziti and Cincinnati chili; details: Branch Secretary Bob Wagner at 570-278-9363.

Taylor

Turkey bingo: St. Mary’s turkey bingo, Sunday, doors, noon, bingo 1 p.m.; food including baked goods, beverages; $3/admission, extra bingo cards, $2.

Wayne County

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

Wayne/

Pike Counties

Pet photos: Wayne/Pike Coun­ty Animal Response Team Haw­ley Winterfest event, pet photos with Santa, Dec. 10, noon-3 p.m., Hones­dale National Bank – Hawley Branch (across from Wallen­paupack High School), $10/photo by Danielle’s Photog­raphy -- $5 benefits Wayne/Pike CART, pet goodies basket raffle.

West Scranton

Turkey dinner: SS. Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church, turkey dinner, Sunday, noon- 2 p.m., 1720 Academy St.; $10, 570-343-8128 day of, 570-961-3147.

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

Wyoming County Court notes appear weekly in The Times-Tribune.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

■ Robert Cook to David Earl Enterprises LLC., property in Monroe Twp. for $70,000.

■ Richard Trowbridge, executor, Patricia A. Walton, executrix, Patricia Trowbridge, executrix, Norma J. Trowbridge, deceased, to Ronald D. Trowbridge, Kathryn P. Trowbridge, property in Windham Twp. for $80,000.

■ LSF8 Master Participation Trust and Caliber Real Estate Services LLC AIF to William Anthony Mack, Laura Ann Cobb Mack, Laura Ann Cobb Mack, property in Clinton Twp. for $92,400.

■ Suzanne Billings to David Beauchemin and Wendy Beau­chemin, property in Overfield Twp. for $76,500.

■ LSF9 Master Participation Trust, Caliber Real Estate Ser­vices LLC AIF to Walter Winters, Jean Winters, property in North­moreland Twp, for $41,000.

■ Community Bank, Commu­nity Bank National Association, First Liberty Bank & Trust to Walter R. Tiffany, Quintin Tiffany, property in Laceyville for $35,000.

■ Peter Zalopany and Joan Zalopany to Richard J. Publik and Ruth Publik, property in Tunkhannock Twp. for $106,000.

■ Carol J. Dibble to Justin Franko, property in Forkston Twp. for $122,000.

■ Kathryn V. Reynolds to Jane Hafford and Bernadine Yurko, property in Eaton Twp. for $186,000.

■ Arthur G. Pelka, Mary C. Pelka to David Nitch, Amanda Nitch in Tunkhannock, Twp for $273,000.

■ Russell G. Newell Partner, Michael J. Banks Partner, Traci Visneski Partner, Traci Matosky Partner and RDM Land Co. to Joseph C. Newell and Brooke A. Newell, property in Noxen Twp. for $24,000.

■ Alma M. Woydzick, administratrix, Alma M. Woydzick, and Martin S. Woydzick, deceased, to Stanley P. Mayer, executor, and Theresa A. Woydzick, property in Braintrim Twp. for $1.

■ David P. Mayer, executor, Nancy G. Mayer, deceased, Nancy Gail Mayer, deceased, and Nancy Mayer, deceased, to David P. Mayer, property in Falls Twp. for $1.

■ Wyoming County heriff, Wilbert Jones, Wilbert Jones Jr., Kristin C. Tewksbury to Pacific Union Financial LLC, property in Tunkhannock Twp. for $1362.62.

■ Robert Takacs, deceased, and Wyoming County Sheriff to Wells Fargo Bank N.A., property in Nicholson Twp. for $1,301.

■ Barbara A. Mislevy to Robert B. Mislevy and Pamela M. McLellan, property in Tunkhannock Twp. for $1.

■ Barbara A. Mislevy to Robert B. Mislevy, Pamela M. McLellan, property in Tunkhannock Twp. for $1.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

■ Paul John Robinson and Debra C. Bernardoni, both of Shavertown.

■ Todd Joseph Billingsley and Misty Lynn Woodruff, both of Tunkhannock.

■ Jason A. Bamberger and Rachael Marie Glahn, both of Dalton.

The bulk of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s winning margin in Pennsylvania came from his ability to reverse what happened in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties four years ago.

As of late Thursday afternoon, more than 85 percent of Mr. Trump’s lead over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania came from a swing in voting in the 2012 race between Democratic President Barack Obama and former Republican Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.

“In terms of the turnaround in the vote, I think the epicenter of that was in the Wyoming Valley,” said Christopher Borick, Ph.D., the political science professor and pollster at Muhlenberg College.

On Tuesday, Mr. Trump took a county, Luzerne, that Mr. Romney lost by 5,982 in 2012 and won there by 26,753 votes, a swing of 32,735 votes.

In Lackawanna County, Mr. Trump lost, but reduced Mr. Romney’s losing margin of 26,753 to 3,491 votes, a swing of 23,262 votes.

The two swings, totaling 55,997 votes, amount to 86.6 percent of Mr. Trump’s unofficial 64,678-vote winning margin in Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Clinton did better than Mr. Obama in the four suburban counties around Philadelphia — Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery — winning them by 56,000 votes more than Mr. Obama, but she lagged Mr. Obama’s 2012 totals in Philadelphia by almost 26,000 votes. Mr. Trump also picked up 9,300 more voters in the state’s largest city than Mr. Romney. That’s another 35,000-vote swing.

Add the change in Philadelphia to what happened in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, and Mr. Trump wins the state, the first Republican to do so since 1988 when Republican Vice President George H.W. Bush defeated Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis and went on to win the presidency, too.

If someone told him before the election that Mr. Trump would do worse in the Philadelphia suburbs than Mr. Romney, but would make up for that elsewhere to win, he wouldn’t have believed it, Dr. Borick said.

“I would have said that’s asking a hell of a lot,” he said. “Trump said that he would get the people that never come out ... and he did.”

For years, Democratic statewide candidates have won state elections by winning Philadelphia; the overall vote in its four suburban counties; most of the other eastern counties, including Lackawanna, Luzerne and lately Monroe; Erie County; Allegheny County, home to Pittsburgh; Dauphin County, home to Harrisburg; and Centre County, home to Penn State University’s main campus.

Mrs. Clinton won most of them, but lost Erie, Luzerne and Northampton. The election also continued the Democratic decline in the west, a shift U.S. Sen. Bob Casey first warned about long ago.

“If you’re a Democratic candidate for statewide office, we’ve got to learn some lessons from this and try to figure out a way to have better performance in southwestern Pennsylvania and to a certain extent, central Pennsylvania,” Mr. Casey said.

As of late Thursday afternoon, the vote totals statewide and by region:

■ Pennsylvania: Mr. Trump, 2,905,958, Mrs. Clinton, 2,841,280, Constitution candidate Darrell Castle, 20,873, Green candidate Jill Stein, 48,852, and Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson, 142,334.

■ Northeast: Mr. Trump, 368,860, Ms. Clinton, 309,528, Mr. Castle, 2,147, Ms. Stein, 6,444, and Mr. Johnson, 15,417.

■ Philadelphia: Mrs. Clinton, 562,853, Mr. Trump, 105,785, Mr. Castle, 1,033, Ms. Stein, 6,483, Mr. Johnson, 6,810.

■ Allegheny County: Mrs. Clinton, 363,017, Mr. Trump, 257,488, Mr. Castle, 1,793, Ms. Stein, 5,021, and Mr. Johnson, 15,854.

■ Philadelphia suburbs: Mrs. Clinton, 723,196, Mr. Trump, 543,812, Mr. Castle, 4,149, Ms. Stein, 11,488, and Mr. Johnson, 32,571.

■ Northwest: Mr. Trump, 311,653, Mrs. Clinton, 161,124, Mr. Castle, 2,197, Mr. Stein, 3,517, and Mr. Johnson, 13,654.

■ Southwest: Mr. Trump, 358,008, Mrs. Clinton, 182,333, Mr. Castle, 2,015, Mr. Stein, 3,207, and Mr. Johnson, 12,683.

■ Central: Mr. Trump, 960,352, Mrs. Clinton, 539,229, Mr. Castle, 7,539, Mr. Stein, 12,692, and Mr. Johnson, 45,345.

Contact the writer: bkrawczeniuk@timesshamrock.com

SCRANTON — Scranton police have noticed a recent uptick in the number of scams and issued a warning to the public Thursday.

The scams revolve around tricks involving utility connections and bills, police said in a news release.

In one case, a scammer can use your electric utility account number to switch you to a higher rate without your permission. Residents should never give their bill to someone at the door and should verify the identities of callers.

Other scams involve callers claiming their electricity will be shut off for unpaid bills and require a credit card number or bank account and routing number to avoid the disconnection. Another involves requests for cash fees to reconnect service after a weather outage.

Scranton police urge residents to either hang up the phone or refuse to give payment if someone comes to your home, and then contact the utility company and the authorities.

— JOSEPH KOHUT

Scranton City Council heard opposition Thursday from trade unions to a Courtright-administration proposal to loosen the city’s licensing requirements for contractors.

Representatives of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 81, Sheet Metal Workers Local 44 and National Electrical

Contractors Association expressed concerns that the proposed revisions, including removing a testing requirement, would allow unqualifed people to do work and that could pose dangers to residents.

Council members also expressed concerns but voted 4-1 to introduce an ordinance containing the changes, and council now will hold a caucus next Thursday at 6 p.m. at City Hall to hear administration officials explain the proposal and need for it.

Issues raised Thursday echoed comments made earlier this year when the administration first pitched the proposal, but a split council voted it down.

In February, Patrick Hinton, director of the Licensing, Inspections and Permits Department, said city rules dating to 1999 for contractors to gain approval to work in the city are too onerous. Mr. Hinton and Councilman Pat Rogan had said contractors have long complained that city licensing rules for contractors are too burdensome and, as a result, many don’t bother doing any work in the city. This narrows the pool of available contractors and raises costs of work on residents, they had said.

For example, an apprentice must work four years under a master contractor, proven via W-2 earnings statements, before being allowed to take a journeyman’s test. Upon passing the journeyman test, the person must hold the city license for one year to be eligible to take the master contractor test. If that test is passed, and with proof of insurance, the contractor then is allowed to work in the city, Mr. Hinton had said.

But in March, council President Joe Wechsler, Bill Gaughan and Tim Perry voted to kill the initial proposal, while Mr. Rogan and Wayne Evans voted to

support it.

On Thursday, Mr. Gaughan cast the lone dissent against introducing the new revision that he sees as too similar to the original.

Rick Schraeder of the IBEW also said the new revision amounts to “the same animal in different clothes.”

“We cannot sacrifice safety in any way, shape or form,” Mr. Schraeder told council.

Council members said they likely would seek amendments to the administration’s proposal before voting on its adoption. An ordinance comes up for advancement on a second reading and adoption at a third reading, typically at consecutive weekly meetings.

In another matter, council unanimously adopted a revamp of the city’s rental registration program.

A prior revision from 2014 spurred a class-action lawsuit from landlords claiming that those changes imposed arbitrary, high fees and unwarranted inspections on only those few landlords who complied and registered their properties. The city responded with a new overhaul that focuses on getting more properties registered, eliminates “arbitrary,” mandatory inspections, provides a family exemption, and eliminates a per-building fee. Mr. Evans said the new rental registration rules represent “a major step forward” that should resolve the lawsuit.

Contact the writer:

jlockwood@timesshamrock.com, @jlockwoodTT on Twitter

CAMPAIGN NOTE

• Businessman Bob Bolus will host a thank you party for Donald Trump presidential campaign volunteers and veterans today at 6 p.m. at the former Holy Cross Hall, 305 5th Ave., Scranton. Admission is free.

Tasty Tastes

of Northern Italy

An Italian flag, music, and La Cucina’s decor reminded Northern Italy travelers of their culinary tour to Emilia Romagna.

Guests at Dolly and Joe Michalczyk’s photo party shared memories and pictures and a selection of Italian wines and non-alcoholic beverages during the cocktail hour.

“The beautifully remodeled La Cucina Restaurant in Dunmore served as the perfect setting for the event, and manager Marie Intoccia and her staff anticipated every need,” Dolly said in an email, adding, “Tables were decorated with group photos and Baci candy from Italy. Joe’s former student, Chef Paolo Lepri, prepared a delicious and authentic Italian feast of Italian salad, breast of chicken stuffed with mushrooms and balsamic sauce, roast beef al vino Rosso, rigatoni with sausage and broccoli, penne bolognaise, and a cherry-filled cake decorated with the colors of the Italian flag, wishing all ‘Buona Fortuna.’ ”

Mark Michalczyk presented DVD scenes of visits to Parma, Cremona, Modena, Bologna, Faenza, Rimini and the famed canals of Cesenatico. Travelers enjoyed a guided walking tour of Parma’s historic center, visiting the historic Cattedrale di Parma and the Baptistery, viewed works by Leonardo Da Vinci and other renowned artists at the National Museum, and took a hands-on cooking class at Italy Food Nest in Bologna, followed by a dinner featuring their own homemade pasta.

The gourmet tour included a visit to a Prosciutto facility and museum in Parma, a Parmesan cheese maker, a balsamic vinegar producer in Modena, as well as a local winery for Lambrusco. In Bologna, they took a “foodie” walking tour, visiting the central market, bakery and chocolate maker. Last stop was Ravenna, San Marino and the magnificent Grand Hotel Rimini on the Adriatic Coast.

Paparazzi

Kathie Hoffer’s photo of mosaics in a ceiling in Ravenna’s cathedral took first place in the photo contest. Three beautiful albums featuring maps, notations, and memorabilia resulted in a three-way tie for Irene Demchak, Kathy Waltz, and Mary Ann Zezza and Marianne Gelso for their combined effort. Irene’s photo of sassy Joe and art-nudes in Faenza won the human interest prize. A photo of the bell tower in Ravenna merited Virginia Loughlin the best architecture prize and one of Parma by Irene earned a runner-up award. The beautiful canals of Cesenatico were the subject of Kathie Hoffer and Irene’s best nature shots. A sweet photo of a King Charles Spaniel easily won the best animal shot award for Irene. A special Sante Dante award was presented to Dale Malecki.

Also enjoying the party were Doris Lindsley, Mary Ann Malecki, Diane, Kara and Joel Michalczyk, Ed Pricci, Kathy Ross andMike Sica.

Souvenirs of the trip and group photos were distributed to the revelers and later mailed to those who could not attend: Carolyn and Chester Harhut, and out-of-staters Dot Cadwell, Elizabeth Heising, Jill Leahy and Jo Ann Riley.

High notes

Rich Berezinsky Telespond Senior Services, Inc. president, was among those on hand as Warren Watkins was installed as board chairman, Ann Brennan, vice-chairman; and Elizabeth Engle, secretary.

A federal judge denied a request to reconsider his decision to dismiss three lawsuits filed against Ross Twp. in connection with a 2013 shooting rampage at its municipal building in Monroe County.

Frances LaGuardia,Linda Goss-Kozic and Patricia Bauer filed separate lawsuits last year, alleging the township knew the shooter, Rockne Newell, was mentally unstable and dangerous, but failed to take action to protect the public.

Mr. Newell opened fire at the Aug. 5, 2013, township supervisors’ meeting, killing Ms. LaGuardia’s husband, James LaGuardia, Ms. Goss-Kozic’s husband, Gerard Kozic, and David Fleetwood. Ms. Goss-Kozic and Ms. Bauer were injured, but survived.

Mr. Newell pleaded guilty in May 2015 to three counts of first-degree murder and other offenses and was sentenced to life in prison.

The lawsuits alleged the township was responsible for the shooting because it cited Mr. Newell for building code violations, which caused him to snap.

U.S. District Judge Malachy Mannion in August dismissed the suits, finding that the township had no constitutional duty to protect residents from actions of another person. Even if it did, the judge said the plaintiffs could not prevail because Mr. Newell’s actions were not foreseeable.

The judge acknowledged there was evidence Mr. Newell was angry about actions the township took against his dilapidated property and had made threatening statements, but the connection between the township’s actions and the shooting was “too attenuated.”

Attorneys for the victims asked Judge Mannion to allow them to file an amended lawsuit to include additional evidence they say supports their position that the township knew Mr. Newell had a history of threatening township officials and others.

Judge Mannion on Thursday denied the request, saying the additional evidence does not alter his opinion that there is insufficient evidence to show the shooting was directly tied to Mr. Newell’s dispute with supervisors.

“This conclusion remains true despite the defendants’ knowledge that Newell was exhibiting threatening behavior towards various individuals,” the judge said.

The ruling ends the case for now. Attorneys for the victims hope to have it reinstated through an appeal they filed of Judge Mannion’s August ruling with the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals. That appeal is pending.

Contact the writer:

tbesecker@timesshamrock.com, @tmbeseckerTT on Twitter

Talen Energy Corp., owner of the Susquehanna nuclear power plant in Salem Twp., reported third quarter results Thursday, with a $88 million profit, up from a net loss of $401 million for the same period last year.

The company was recently acquired by Riverstone Holdings LLC, a private investment firm. Talen Energy stockholders approved the merger Oct. 6.

The merger has been approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the New York Public Service Commission. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year.

— STAFF REPORT

Veterans will be honored during services and ceremonies today (unless otherwise noted), including:

ABINGTONS

Abington Memorial VFW Post 7069, 6 p.m., Our Lady of the Snows Church, 301 S. State St., Clarks

Summit.

COVINGTON TWP.

John J. Michaels Memorial VFW Post 5207, Covington Twp., program, 11 a.m., flag retirement ceremony immediately follows by members of Boy Scout Troop 132, Spring Brook Twp. and post members.

DUPONT

AMVETS Post 189 and VFW Post 4909, 11 a.m., Dupont Municipal Memorial Lawn, veterans and veteran supporters meet at 10 at Post 4909, 143 Main St.

JERMYN

William J. Griffiths American Legion Post 465 Jermyn Shade Tree Commission and events committee, 11 a.m., World War I Veterans Park, Bridge Street, ringing of the town’s church bells and sounding of the town’s siren for all to pause for a moment of silence, participants include Post 465, war veterans, participating in the presentation of the colors, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts as their honor guard, Lakeland High School band providing musical accompaniment and chorus and Jermyn Community Chorus singing military songs, luncheon follows at SS. James/George Episcopal Church.

JESSUP

Michael Steiner American Legion Post 411 and Jessup VFW Post 5544 services, 11 a.m., tank, Hill Street, light refreshments follow at Post 411, 508 Church St.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY

Lackawanna County presents “David Stone: the Johnny Cash Experience,” a free concert to honor veterans, Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Peoples Security Bank Theater, Lacka­wanna College, donations benefit Scranton Veterans Memorial Park

Monument.

NEWFOUNDLAND

American Legion Phillips-Zacharias-Phillips Post 859 Veterans Day ceremony, 11 a.m., Carlton Drake Memorial Park, Main Street, Wallenpaupack Area High School Band performing patriotic selections, awards to elementary student essay contest, “Why Veterans Deserve Their Own Day” winners, guest speaker: Sgt. Major Paul A. Watson, command sergeant major at Tobyhanna Army Depot.

SCRANTON

Koch Conley American Legion Post 121, Scranton, annual Veterans Day program, 11 a.m., Veterans Square, Lackawanna County Court­house in Scranton, presentation of colors by the University of Scranton ROTC Color Guard, national anthem led by Abigail Hanlon, patriotic music by the West Scranton High School Marching Band, guest speaker: U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, wreaths presented by various service organizations, honors by NEPA Detach­ment, Marine Corps League firing squad, playing of taps at conclusion of program.

VFW Post 25, 11 a.m., Veterans Day service, post home, Rockwell Avenue.

University of Scranton Veterans Club/Veterans Advocacy Committee Veterans Day free public events: inter-faith prayer service over a “Field of Flags” on Founders Green, 11 a.m., Commons Flag Terrace (corner of Linden Street and Monroe Avenue); dedication of Veterans and ROTC Resource Lounge, Hyland Hall, 2:15 p.m., open house, 2:30-5:30 p.m.; lecture/workshop about “Cultivating Awareness by Living Mindfully” by Phillip Sallavanti, sponsored by Lockheed Martin, 7 p.m., Lynett Auditorium and Veterans and ROTC Resource Lounge, Hyland Hall; workshop reservations required, 570-941-4334, veteransclub@scranton.edu.

Asbury United Methodist Church Veterans Day Program, 7 p.m., church sanctuary, 720 Delaware St., sing along salute, light refreshments follow, free, details, church office, 570-343-1035.

Marywood University’s office of military and veteran services and the Student Veteran Alliance Veterans Day events, 11 a.m., Field of Flags, Tree Stadium, next Veterans Resource Center, on campus, 2236 N. Washington Ave., Scranton; Field of Flags and memorial wall of remembrance in Liberal Arts Center Rotunda, on display through Tuesday; www.marywood.edu/veterans.

SIMPSON

Simpson VFW Post 4712 and the Dimes From Heaven Foundation, in conjunction with Dunmore VFW Post 3474, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association PA Chapter 22, and the Northeast PA Party Bike, Veterans Day, events: “Tank to Tank Tour,” upvalley bike ride on the 13-person NEPA Party Bike, starting at Dunmore Tank Memorial, 9 a.m., to Olyphant tank, 10:30 a.m., Jessup Tank Park, 12:30 p.m., ending at Simpson Tank Memorial at 4:30 p.m., visits to various VFW and America Legion posts along tour route; Combat Veterans program at Simpson VFW Post, 5 p.m., followed by tribute including lighting of 55-foot-tall cross/star structure atop a mountain that overlooks Upper Lackawanna County.

THROOP

Herbert Clark American Legion Post 180, VFW Post 7251, memorial services, 10 a.m., Veterans Memorial Monument, Municipal Building; 11 a.m., VFW Post 7251 Memorial Monument.

WAVERLY

Waverly Community House/Waverly United Methodist Church/First Baptist Church of Abington sponsored Veterans Day Dinner Theater, dinner, 6-7 p.m., theater presentation, 7:30, at the Comm; “The Gino Merli Story,” featuring Robert Schlesinger of Scranton Public Theater; free, donations accepted for Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors.

Contact the writer:

lzaccagnino@timesshamrock.com

SCRANTON — City fire inspectors on Thursday ruled a house fire at a vacant property the night before as arson, Scranton Fire Chief Pat DeSarno said.

The cause of the fire at 905-907 Eynon St. was not clear yet, but inspectors ruled out non-suspicious causes.

The fire started at around 7:45 p.m. in a second floor room of the empty three-unit home.

There were no injuries and the fire department had the blaze under control in 15 minutes. Still, it caused a “good amount of damage,” an on-scene assistant fire chief said.

The city fire and police departments are investigating.

— JOSEPH KOHUT