The Lackawanna Heritage Valley is looking for original, nature-themed artwork submissions to exhibit permanently at a city park.

The organization will choose 20 winners, convert the art to aluminum panels and affix them to its Fidelity Fishing Shack in the Nay Aug Natural Play Area, which sits along the Lackawanna River in the Green Ridge section of the city.

“It’s a fun little project,” said Owen Worozbyt, the trail and environmental projects manager for the LHV, which is overseeing the contest. “We don’t do a lot of these often, but it’s a good way to get the community involved in our park.”

The play area was built primarily with natural materials and is designed to help foster environmental stewardship among children, according to the LHV.

Submissions should be consistent with the play area’s natural theme, focusing on wetlands, wildlife and plants that inhabit the Lackawanna River and the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, as well as the relationship between humans and nature or local landscapes.

Judy Burke, editor of Hones­dale-based Highlights children’s magazine, is one of five judges in the contest. The Archbald resident often walks the Lackawanna Heritage Valley’s rail trail and said she is excited to be part of the project.

“It gives every resident of our area an opportunity to draw something that has inspired something around them by the river or in nature around us,” she said. “I think we’re all inspired by it every day. Having the opportunity to capture a moment or something you remember seeing, I think it’s kind of a cool thing for people, whether you’re a child or an adult.”

The contest is open to all Northeast Pennsylvania residents, of all ages and skill levels. Submissions will be broken into three categories: elementary, which is kindergarten through sixth grade; middle/high school, which is grades 7 to 12; and the general public. Five to seven winners will emerge from each category.

Judges will select winners based on the quality and creativity of the artwork, the environmental educational value, the suitability for display in a public space used by children, and the design’s clarity and reproduction value.

Professional and amateur artists may submit designs in paint, pen and ink, marker, pencil or 2-D mixed media.

All entries will be displayed at a First Friday venue to be determined sometime in April. Winners will be announced at this event. For more information, visit www.lhva.org or contact Lackawanna Heritage Valley headquarters at 570-963-6730, ext. 8200.

Contact the writer:

pcameron@timesshamrock.

com, @pcameronTT on Twitter

HOW TO SUBMIT

Mail or hand deliver submissions to the Lackawanna Heritage Valley, 213 South 7th Ave., Scranton, Pennsylvania 18505, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Deadline is March 27. Entries should be 14 inches by 12 inches and must be submitted without mattes or frames.

Abington Heights

Using his own equipment, Thomas Kerrigan live-streams many events online for his high school.

The junior uses his YouTube channel, KerriganTV, to webcast Abington Heights basketball games. Around Christmas, he also streamed the Abington Heights Christmas Concert.

His interest in audio-

visuals started in fifth grade while working on the Abington Heights Middle School’s morning newscast.

For his senior project, Thomas is working to start a television studio at the high school. He is researching grant funding to purchase equipment he created over the summer.

Thomas is also the director of the high school’s sound and lighting crew and works on all school assemblies.

He is a member of the marching band and American Youth Wind Ensemble at Marywood University and plays both the trumpet and French horn. Thomas also runs cross country.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com @kbolusTT on Twitter

Blue Ridge

Senior Hayleigh Fekette is vice president of the Leo Club.

Members of the club do work to benefit the community throughout the year. Around the holidays, members shopped for toys to donate to Toys for Tots. The club recently held its major event, Feed A Friend. Members organized a food drive at school to collect canned goods for families in need.

“We try to help out anywhere we can,” said Hayleigh.

Hayleigh has been a member of the club since freshman year.

“I like helping people,” she said. “It’s a great feeling to give back to your community.”

Hayleigh is also a member of prom committee and plays volleyball. She is also manager of the boys volleyball team.

After high school, Hayleigh plans to go to college for something in the medical field and continue to play volleyball.

— AUTUMN GRANZA

agranza@timesshamrock.com

Carbondale Area

Spanish club member Pat Durkin joined the group on a field trip to watch the Hispanic Flamenco Ballet.

“I think the show was really fun and the dancers were very energetic,” he said.

The club traveled to Nanticoke on Nov. 16 to see two performances. Students experienced colorful displays of costumes, music and dance from Hispanic nations of the Caribbean, Central and South America; traditional classics, including the cumbia from Colombia; Mexican jarabe tapatio; samba from Brazil; Argentinean tango; malambo; the bachata and merengue from the Dominican Republic; and salsa dancing.

In the second show, “Spain Alive,” the club learned about the music and dance of Spain, including the tradition of La Tuna Troubadours. They also heard live musicians play folkloric music.

The finale was interactive and students were invited on stage to dance with the international artists.

“Our student participants Anthony Bucklaw, Robert Salitsky and Robert Morgan really did a good job in representing Carbondale Area at the end of each act,” said Pat.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com, @kbolusTT on Twitter

Career Technology Center

Graphic communications seniors Anne Azevedo from Dunmore and Aliccia Parry of Carbondale Area are creating a marketing identity for a pet-themed business for the 2017 computer fair.

For the last few weeks, the students have worked on the design of business cards, letterhead, a brochure and several retail packaging items.

“The girls have been working really hard on their project and are looking forward to competing with other students,” graphics instructor Rebecca Hayden said.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter

Delaware Valley

Emma Dove, grade 10, was recently selected as a fine arts student of the month.

A member of the quiz bowl and Reading Olympiad teams, she is also active with the pit orchestra/band for the high school musical production.

“School-related activities have allowed me to grow in both my leadership skills and my knowledge,” Emma said. “I went from a scared high-schooler into someone who is not afraid to speak her mind.”

In addition to her school activities, she also volunteers her time giving free piano lessons to younger children and assists at area craft fairs.

“Volunteer work has allowed me to get to help people, mostly young kids, and I have been given the chance to positively influence their life through music.”

— LISA ZACCAGNINO

lzaccagnino

@timesshamrock.com

Dunmore

Junior Marley Palmere will represent Dunmore High School at the PMEA Region IV band festival at Central Columbia High School at the end of this month.

At district band, Marley placed third among the clarinets, earning her a spot in regional band. For regional band, Marley must learn nine new songs and audition with the other musicians. If she qualifies, she will advance to state band later this spring.

“I was surprised to learn that I had advanced, but I am very proud to represent the school and our music program as it has really helped me to grow as a musician,” Marley said.

At Dunmore, Marley is involved in the marching, concert and jazz bands.

“Music is my passion, and I thoroughly enjoy it,” she said. “After high school, I would like to major in music education so that I can share my passion with others.”

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter

Forest City

Regional

Alissa DeFranco made 10 wreaths for elderly residents for her senior project.

“I made six wreaths for the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center and made two dozen cupcakes to go with those. Four of those wreaths went to the Forest City Nursing Home,” Alissa said.

She enjoys listening to music in her free time.

Alissa plans on working after graduation and hopefully moving somewhere warm in the next few years.

— LISA ZACCAGNINO

lzaccagnino

@timesshamrock.com

Holy Cross High School

Senior Noah Sirianni participates in state Sen. John Blake’s student ambassador program.

To be selected, Noah completed an application and wrote an essay about a piece of legislation he would like to propose.

“I enjoy the experience the student ambassador program provides and the sense of community between the schools,” he said.

At Holy Cross, Noah is a member of the football, tennis and cheerleading teams.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter

Lakeland

Zoe Best won a gold key for her short story entry in the 2017 NEPA Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.

She was awarded for the story, “What Once Was,” at a reception at Marywood University. It was also nominated to the National American Visions Award.

“It was difficult editing it to under 3,000 words,” said Zoe. “I didn’t want to lose the tone or feeling in the story.”

In eighth grade, Zoe is a member of the marching band and plans to continue writing throughout high school.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com, @kbolusTT on Twitter

Mid Valley

Junior Jj Glinsky is a member of the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation and Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.

Both organizations develop the leadership skills of today’s youth.

Through the groups, Jj has volunteered at the St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen and took part in the Feed-A-Family program.

He is a three-year member of the varsity basketball and baseball teams and student council. He is a two-year member of the French club and a member of National Honor Society.

During his sophomore year, he attended the Lackawanna Envirothon, an environmental science competition.

After high school, Jj plans to study in the medical field.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com @kbolusTT on Twitter

Montrose Area

Frank Lubash was the lead in the drama club play.

The senior played the role of Sherlock Holmes in “Sherlock Holmes and the West End Horror.”

Frank is also a member of National Honor Society, AP club and is an Eagle Scout.

After high school, Frank plans to attend Pace University to study communications and filmmaking.

— AUTUMN GRANZA

agranza@timesshamrock.com

Mountain View

Eighth-grader Reagan White was chairwoman of a dance organized by members of student government alliance.

Reagan and other members of SGA organized a semiformal dance for seventh- and eighth-grade students. The theme was “Around the World.”

“I liked how it all came together and how well the committee worked together,” Reagan said.

Reagan is also a member of the yearbook club and plays soccer.

— AUTUMN GRANZA

agranza@timesshamrock.com

North Pocono

Kaitlyn Shaffer placed fourth in the SkillsUSA Total Look Competition.

A student at the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County, she studies cosmetology and competed against other career technology students at the event in November. She will be inducted into the National Technical Honor Society.

The daughter of Peggy and Jeffrey Shaffer, Kaitlyn is a senior. She is a four-year member of the Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Company and is taking classes to become certified as an interior firefighter.

She is also employed by Guyz and Dollz Salon in Moscow and Smokin’ Joe’s Deli in Jefferson Twp.

Kaitlyn completed her hours in cosmetology and will sit for her Pennsylvania State Board Exam.

After high school, she plans to become a movie makeup artist and celebrity hairstylist.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com, @kbolusTT on Twitter

Old Forge

For their senior project, Brandon Nee, Joey Verespey, Scarlett Spager and Hannah Shurtleff are organizing the ninth annual Kiel Eigen Golf Tournament, scheduled for June 24.

At the age of 14, Kiel suffered a spinal cord injury in a freshman football game. Proceeds from the tournament go to the Kiel Eigen Foundation. Brandon said he and his friends chose this project to help Kiel and others, as well as to make memories with golf teammates.

The tournament, held at Sand Spring Golf Course, will have raffles, lunch and dinner.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com @hofiushallTT on Twitter

Riverside

Third-grader Grace Munley really enjoyed mismatching her outfit for “Mismatch Day” during the Read Across America Day’s celebration week.

“It’s a fun way to celebrate reading,” Grace said.

The variety of events marked Dr. Seuss’ birthday.

“My favorite books are Diary of a Wimpy Kid because they have a lot of humor in them,” she added.

— LISA ZACCAGNINO

lzaccagnino

@timesshamrock.com

Scranton

West Scranton Intermediate recently honored two of its students.

Eighth-grader Alivia Minich is scholar of the month for February, for the subject area of life arts and fitness.

Celeste Juarez, also in eighth grade, is student of the month for February, for the characteristic of citizenship.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter

Scranton Prep

Senior Chris Erhard is taking advantage of courses offered through the Jesuit Virtual Learning Academy.

He took Advanced Placement microeconomics last semester and is enrolled in AP macroeconomics this

semester.

“It’s really interesting,” he said. “It’s more like a college course. I manage my own time.”

Through the online program, students can take additional courses not offered at Prep.

“It’s cool and different from other courses,” he said.

At Prep, Chris plays football and lacrosse. He’s considering a career in either business or engineering.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter

Valley View

Nicole Calpin and her classmates developed a utility shut-off device for a Project Lead the Way competition.

“My teammates and I have put a lot of hours and effort into this project,” she said.

The competition was held Feb. 27. Their device, which is used to shut off gas, water and electric utilities in an emergency situation, placed third.

Shaun Franchak, Sidney Reinfort, Nick Fiels and Tanner Lowe also developed the device.

Nicole is a senior and a member of the National and Math honor societies, biology club, Students Against Destructive Decisions and STEM team. She also plays soccer.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

kbolus@timesshamrock.com, @kbolusTT on Twitter

Wallenpaupack Area

Fifth-grader Olivia Gregorski participated in a lollipop sale during the month of February.

The drive was organized by Olivia and other members of the student council. The sale benefited the Greater Lake Region’s Relay for Life.

“We made lots of posters advertising for people to buy lollipops,” said Olivia. “We sold out the first day.”

The lollipop drive raised $375.

— AUTUMN GRANZA

agranza@timesshamrock.com

Wayne Highlands

John Rodriguez, a seventh-grader, recently competed at Cornell University in the Division B Invitational with the middle school’s Science Olympiad team.

This is John’s second year competing. He placed seventh in “Write It Do It,” eighth in “Mission Impossible” and 10th in “Wind Power.” In some of these divisions, John had to create simple machines and take tests on science concepts.

“I really enjoy meeting students from other schools,” said John.

John is now preparing for the regional competition, which will be held in March.

Additionally, he is active in Boy Scouts, where he is a patrol and bugler leader for Troop 1 in Honesdale. John is also a member of the band, and has competed in several competitions. He also plays basketball and baseball while maintaining high honors in school.

— AUTUMN GRANZA

agranza@timesshamrock.com

Western Wayne

Junior Dominic Corma has been recognized as an outstanding student.

Dominic is a distinguished honor roll student and a two-year member of the National Honor Society.

Additionally, Dominic is involved in the performing arts community. He has participated in chorus for three years and had roles in two school musical productions, most recently playing the part of Donkey in “Shrek.”

He competed in the PMEA Region IV Chorus Festival where he placed as the first alternate for the upcoming PMEA All-State Chorus Festival, which will take place from April 19 to 22 in Erie. Dominic came in fifth out of 20 students who auditioned.

In order to do well at the competition, Dominic prepared his music on a daily basis and had to learn and memorize pronunciations for words in a variety of languages. If Dominic is called to replace someone in the All-State competition, he will be the first Western Wayne student in more than 20 years to participate in the festival.

Dominic is also a multi-sport athlete who participates on both the tennis and cross country teams.

— AUTUMN GRANZA

agranza@timesshamrock.com

Dunmore

Reunion meeting: Dunmore High School class of 1967 reunion planning meeting Tues­day, 6 p.m., Two Brothers Rest­aurant, 215 E. Drinker St.

Lackawanna County

Host campaign: St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen 39th annual “Host for a Day” fundraising campaign underway, $100 donation to sponsor meals on a day of donor’s choosing at Scranton kitchen; annual “Host for a Day” reception, April 26, 6-9 p.m., Genetti’s Manor, Dickson City; campaign details: 570-342-5556.

Kids day: Greater Scranton YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, April 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 706 N. Blakely St., Dunmore, kids fun run, 9:30, free events; 570-342-8115, www.greaterscrantonym

ca.org.

Moscow

Club fundraiser: Moscow Women’s Club meeting, Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., Moscow Methodist Church, Church Street; spaghetti dinner, noon, fundraiser to support local projects.

Old Forge

Ham bingo: St. Nicholas Byzan­tine Catholic Church ham bingo, April 2, 1 p.m., church hall, 320 Vine St.; $3; theme baskets, door prizes, bingo specials; kitchen opens, 11 a.m., food items/refreshments for purchase, bake sale.

Regional

Gun seminar: Office of State Rep. Karen Boback, R-Lacka­wanna/Luzerne/Wyoming, concealed carry seminar, April 11, 6-8 p.m., Dalton Fire Hall, 109 S. Turnpike Road; featuring Lackawanna County District Attorney Shane Scanlon, Sheriff Mark McAndrew; registration: 570-836-4777 or www.RepBoback.com.

South Scranton

Seniors meet: South Scranton Friendly Seniors meeting, Tues­day, 12:30 p.m., St. Paul of the Cross Parish Center, Prospect Avenue.

Wayne County

Field visit: State Sen. Lisa Baker, R-20, Lehman Twp., field representative Andrew M. Seder consultation, Tuesday, 2-4 p.m., Wayne County Courthouse, 925 Court St., Honesdale; and March 23, 10 a.m.-noon; Pres­ton Twp. Muni­ci­pal Building, 1515 Cross­town Highway (Route 370), Lake­wood; www.senatorbaker.com or 570-226-5960; times weather dependent.

Blood drive: American Red Cross blood drive, March 30, 1-6 p.m., Bethany Village, 150 Noble Lane; redcrossblood.org or 800-RED CROSS, 800-733-2767.

CLIPBOARD ITEMS may be emailed to yesdesk@timessham

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

WAYMART — Wayne County officials found what they believe to be human remains in the area of Route 6 in Waymart.

Found Sunday, they appear to be “consistent with human remains,” Wayne County Coroner Edward Howell said in an email.

Other details were not available Sunday.

“Our investigation is ongoing,” he said. “Further examination will continue into (Monday) when we hope to have more information.”

— JON O’CONNELL

It was a sliding good time at Montage Mountain on Sunday as the second annual Cardboard Box Derby sponsored by Fuzz 92.1 got underway.

SOMERSET, Pa. (AP) — Former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky has been moved from a maximum-security prison to a medium-security facility in western Pennsylvania.

State prison officials say the 73-year-old was initially assigned to the State Correctional Institution-Greene because he was considered to be vulnerable given the nature of his child-sex abuse conviction, and his high profile.

But Sandusky has since been moved to SCI-Somerset, a medium-security prison about 70 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. That prison houses about 2,400 inmates.

Department of Corrections spokeswoman Amy Worden says it's not uncommon for inmates to be transferred, without offering an explanation.

Sandusky is serving 30 to 60 years in prison for his 2012 conviction on charges he molested several boys he met through The Second Mile, a charity he founded.

An elderly couple hurt in a Sunday morning fire in Wayne County are in stable condition at a burn unit, state police at Honesdale said Monday.

Richard Casale, 84, and his wife, Joan Casale, 85, escaped 2081 Glenwood Lane in Lake Twp.’s Hideout development with the help of neighbors shortly before 7:30 a.m., state police said. The Lake Ariel Volunteer Fire Company arrived not long after and said the couple suffered smoke inhalation and were badly burned.

Two medical helicopters flew them to the Lehigh Valley Medical Center and both are reported to be in stable condition.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation by the Troop R fire marshal unit. It does not appear suspicious, authorities said Monday.

Flames engulfed the home and the fire destroyed about 90 percent of it, fire officials said.

Anyone with information can contact the fire marshals at 570-963-3156.

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

Grammy Award-winning band Toto brings their newest show, "An Evening With Toto" to F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts in June.

The ensemble band swings into downtown Wilkes-Barre at 7:30 p.m. June 18. Core members Steve Lukather, David Paich, Steve Porcaro and Joseph Williams will be joined by Lenny Castro, Shannon Forest, Shem von Schroeck and Warren Ham.

Tickets range from $39 to $69, plus fees.

​A Kirby member pre-sale begins Thursday at 10 a.m., and ticket sales open to the public on Friday at 10 a.m.

Tickets are available online at kirbycenter.org, at the Kirby Center Box Office on Public Square or by phone at 570-826-1100.

The director of a Scranton halfway house was charged with drunken driving and possession of a controlled substance after being stopped by Blakely police.

Sherry Lee Arthur, 37, of 202 Poor Farm Road, Greenfield Twp., was arrested March 1, after police found her stopped at a green light at Keystone Avenue and Gino Merli Drive around 10:20 p.m.

Arthur is the director of Community Education Centers on Linden Street in Scranton, which contracts with state Department of Corrections to operate a halfway house for parolees re-entering society.

Charles Seigel, a spokesman for the company, said Arthur is on indefinite leave pending an investigation.

According to an arrest affidavit, Patrolman Peter Petrucci was on routine patrol when he saw Arthur turn left onto Keystone Drive as the traffic light turned red. She travelled for about one block before he pulled over.

Petrucci said Arthur’s speech was extremely slurred, she was sweating and her pupils were dilated — all signs of narcotics use. Arthur stumbled and was lethargic when she exited the vehicle, he said. He administered her several field sobriety tests, which he said she failed.

The officer searched Arthur and found her in possession of a pill bottle registered to someone else. Inside the bottle were numerous pills, including 17 later identified as xanax. An additional search found her to be in possession of alprazolam, used to treat anxiety disorders, and oxycodone hydrochloride. The officer also found a piece of paper with a green powdery residue on it — an item he said is a common tool to snort medication.

Arthur was charged with drunken driving, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was released on $25,000 unsecured bail pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday before Magisterial District Judge Terrence Gallagher.

Contact the writer: tbesecker@timesshamrock.com, @tmbeseckerTT on Twitter.

Rockers Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, known for such hits as “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll,” “Bad Reputation” and “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” team up with the band Boston, of “More Than a Feeling” fame, to present the Hyper Space Tour on Tuesday, July 25, at the Pavilion at Montage Mountain, Scranton.

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. concert range from $44.50 to $109 and are available through a presale for fan club members starting Tuesday at 10 a.m., followed by the general public Friday. Visit ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000 for tickets or more information.

— PATRICE WILDING

According to a release issued by PennDOT:

Dunmore – The bridge on (2035) Suscon Rd, Pittston Twp. over I-81 , between Armstrong Rd and SR 315,  Luzerne County  is closed indefinitely due to structural problems.   There is a detour in place from Armstrong Rd to Center Point Blvd to Keystone Ave to SR 315. Pittston Twp.

WAYMART — Human remains discovered in Wayne County this weekend are of a Carbondale man missing for nearly five years.

Michael J. Hendel, 42, went missing March 24, 2012, at approximately 3:30 p.m. near where his remains were discovered in a wooded area near Route 6 in Waymart.

The cause and manner of Hendel’s death may never be known because of the condition of his remains over five years, county Coroner Edward Howell said. However, there is no indication of trauma.

Hendel’s remains were discovered at 2:42 p.m. Sunday.

— JOSEPH KOHUT

A Scranton man fired a handgun near his wife during an argument early Monday morning at their home in the city’s north side, police said.

William Everetts, 45, 330 Spring St., is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person, Patrolman Kyle Gilmartin wrote in a criminal complaint.

Everetts and his wife, Christine Everetts, recently separated and she tried to pack up clothing after 1 a.m. Monday, police said.

While folding clothes with her face to the wall in the dining room, Christine Everetts told police she heard a gunshot. She ran out through the back door, her ears ringing.

She turned back and found William Everetts standing by the back door holding his 9mm handgun under his chin, police said. She called 911. He threatened “suicide by cop,” police said.

Officer responded at 1:33 a.m. and surrounded the house. Patrolman John Megivern called William Everetts and ordered him to walk out of the house. Everetts did, his hands in the air. Police took him into custody.

Police found the gun and photographed the bullet hole in the dining room wall.

Magisterial District Judge Laura M. Turlip arraigned Everetts and released him on $100,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 13 at 11:30 a.m.

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

HARRISBURG — A panel of three state appeals judges heard legal arguments Monday on the ramifications of a hiring dispute that rattled the Lackawanna County Courthouse more than a year ago.

The case before Commonwealth Court involves Lackawanna County Commissioner Jerry Notarianni’s lawsuit to undo several high-level administrative appointments made by Commissioners Patrick O’Malley and Laureen Cummings.

The specific issue is whether Susquehanna County Senior Judge Kenneth Seamans made the right call or an error last year when he denied Notarianni’s request for an immediate injunction to rescind the appointments of Chief of Staff Andy Wallace, Solicitor John Brazil, General Counsel Donald Frederickson and Minority Solicitor John Cerra. The dispute emerged when O’Malley, elected as a Democrat, and Cummings, a Republican, formed an alliance to fill top jobs in county government after the 2015 election.

Notarianni, a Democrat, filed the lawsuit after O’Malley and Cummings signed the appointments as an executive action.

Attorneys for both sides discussed how the case impacts the state sunshine or open meetings laws and the Lackawanna County Home Rule Charter and powers of the minority commissioner.

Attorney Frank Ruggiero representing Notarianni highlighted the sunshine law issue.

The appointments fall under the sunshine law’s definition of an official action, thus requiring a public meeting, said Ruggiero.

“The official action of appointing a high-ranking official such as a county solicitor certainly requires a public meeting,” he said.

The decision to deny the injunction request was the correct course, said Attorney Joseph O’Brien representing O’Malley, Cummings and the appointees. Seamans found no evidence that the appointments caused irreparable harm, he said.

He said the harm would have been done if the four appointments were rescinded.

“The public would suffer if these people weren’t allowed to do their jobs,” said O’Brien.

Judge Robert Simpson called the arguments interesting at the hearing’s end, but gave no indication, as is customary, for when the court may rule on the case.

Contact the writer: rswift@timesshamrock.com

SCRANTON — A 27-year-old Olyphant man pleaded guilty to a federal charge he tried to persuade a 15-year-old girl to send him lewd photos, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Brian LaChance entered a plea Friday to one count of using a facility of interstate commerce to attempt to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct, a charge that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment.

Authorities charged him last month for the November 2015 attempts to get her to send sexually explicit photos of herself with the internet and a cellphone, federal prosecutors said.

— JOSEPH KOHUT

COOLBAUGH TWP. — Three men face charges after police raided a home at A Pocono Country Place earlier this month.

Bruce Tirado, 25, Ryan Navarro, 21, and Andrew Figueroa, 20, each of Tobyhanna, are charged with drug, firearms and other offenses after officials from several agencies searched a home at 7275 Long Pine Drive. Officers seized bulk quantities of heroin and marijuana with a street value of $46,000, seven handguns, two rifles and $28,000 cash. Officers also discovered a rap video filmed at the residence in which Tirado and Figueroa held marijuana, guns and money, police said.

All three men were released after posting bail. Preliminary hearings are scheduled for March 22.

— CLAYTON OVER

JERMYN — A local engineering firm plans to bring municipalities together to tackle state stormwater requirements.

The state Department of Environmental Protection requires municipalities maintain permits for discharge of stormwater from their respective municipal separate storm sewer systems, or MS4s.

These permits — known as national pollutant discharge elimination system permits — were awarded years ago in many cases. However, to update these permits, municipalities must show continuing compliance with six “minimum control measures” designed to reduce sediment and other harmful stormwater by-products entering rivers and, ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay.minimum control measures

Jermyn-based KBA Engineering, the contracted engineering firm for a host of area municipalities, will bring nine of those communities together Wednesday to brainstorm a regional approach to meeting these requirements. Representatives from Forest City, Vandling, Carbondale, Jermyn, Mayfield, Jessup, Archbald, Scott Twp. and Dickson City, as well as the Lacka-wanna County Conservation District, are expected to attend.

As part of the state’s MS4 program, municipalities are tasked with developing stormwater management programs to ensure compliance with the minimum control measures.

“One of the things we want to do at (Wednesday’s) meeting is see if these municipalities are interested in coming together, so we’re not doing nine separate (programs),” said KBA engineer Dennis Kutch, who suggested they may be able to craft one or more programs that are applicable to several

communities.

To reduce sediment by 10 percent each year for the next several years, DEP wants to see municipalities embrace cleanup strategies like sweeping streets, cleaning catch basins, vegetating swales and developing rain gardens.

These are examples of things KBA believes can be done collaboratively, or with the help of volunteers, to save municipalities time and money. Because most stormwater compliance measures aren’t funded by the state, saving money is key.

“I would think that most of the municipalities don’t have a street sweeper,” Kutch said as an example. “So if they made arrangements between the nine of them to have someone sweep the streets two times a year, I think it would be a lot cheaper than all nine of them running around trying to find someone.”

Kutch also suggested forming environmental advisory councils, similar to planning commissions, where municipalities can work toward regional solutions to many environmental issues, including MS4 compliance.

“These committees could meet instead of us meeting with each individual (municipality),” said KBA engineer John Mandarano, noting that such an arrangement would save the firm time that the communities would otherwise be billed for. “You’re not duplicating efforts.”

From an engineering perspective, KBA will prepare digital GIS maps that chart the outfall locations of storm water. Engineers will craft nine separate maps for the nine municipalities, but Kutch said the firm’s involvement post-mapping will be “minimal.”

Then, volunteers, scout troops, high school science classes or other organizations can do routine sampling and monitoring at outfall locations. Both Kutch and Mandarano said KBA would investigate if any illicit or suspicious discharge was detected.

While nothing is set in stone, KBA sees Wednesday’s meeting, which will take place at the Falcon’s Nest, 403-405 Hudson St., Mayfield, as a first step to a potentially fruitful regional partnership.

Contact the writer:

jhorvath@timesshamrock.com, @jhorvathTT on Twitter

Possible changes to health care and schedules and the reduction of credits required for graduation led to passionate pleas from Scranton teachers Monday night.

For the second straight month, hundreds of teachers, community members and students filled the Scranton School Board meeting, with many demanding answers from school directors and administrators.

While the district will postpone changing school schedules for at least the next year, a proposal to switch health care administrators caused concerns and tears. Teachers and retirees wondered if they would need to switch doctors or have unpaid balances turned over to collection agencies.

Under a plan from Performance Health, which would use a repricing strategy that pays 120 percent of the Medicare rate, the district could save nearly $4 million a year, said Sara Picard, president of Millennium Healthcare Group, the district’s health care consultant.

Benefits would not change, and the self-funded district already has negotiated prices with Commonwealth Health, used by the vast majority of employees. Nine out of 10 other doctors would be accessible through a “multiplan” network, Picard said at the meeting. If needed, other bills would be negotiated by lawyers through the insurance administrator. The district will also offer a “hold harmless agreement,” meaning the district will be responsible for any bills not accepted through the new pricing strategy.

Teachers said they should not have to worry about attorneys or collection agencies, especially when seeking care.

The district had originally planned to switch to the insurance March 1, but Highmark, the current administrator, has given the district a one-month extension on coverage. Picard said she will present a cost analysis to the district, including savings in the most recent offers from Highmark and Geisinger. If the district wants to change plans in the middle of a teachers contract, the agreement calls for the new plan to be equivalent to or better than the original. The current contract expires in August.

Directors Paul Duffy and Jim Timlin were absent, and Cy Douaihy left during public comment and before the voting portion of the meeting.

In other business:

■ After Superintendent Alexis Kirijan, Ed.D., announced schedules would not change for the fall, the crowd cheered. Teachers had said changes, such as implementing an elementary schedule of four days of core courses and one related arts day, would be detrimental.

Instead, Kirijan said committees of teachers and administrators will study possible improvements. Rosemary Boland, president of the Scranton Federation of Teachers, questioned whether the district can afford to look at the issue. The district pays teachers $29.50 per hour to serve on committees, and Kirijan asked the union for 33 teachers to serve on the elementary committee, Boland said. Teachers for intermediate- and high-school-level committees have already been named.

Under new business, Director Robert Casey asked to suspend board rules to vote on whether to allow the superintendent to form committees to study the elementary schedule. Board rules call for the issue to be discussed at a work session first. The committee would come to the same conclusion of the plan not working, he said. Vice President Carol Oleski, President Bob Sheridan and Director Tom Schuster agreed with Casey. Bob Lesh refused to vote on the issue and said the board should not have allowed the vote to take place. Mark McAndrew voted to allow the committees to form.

■ Many teachers also said a vote last month to decrease the number of credits required for graduation from 24 to 22 devalues a Scranton education.

With recent graduation rates in the mid-70 percent range at both high schools, the changes, while still following state standards, will help more students graduate, officials said last month.

Adam McCormick, a math teacher at South Scranton Intermediate, compared the change to a basketball coach lowering the rim so he could say more of his players are able to dunk.

Lowering expectations will lead to lower academic performance, said Kevin Kays, a Scranton High School teacher and secretary/treasurer of the union.

“Higher expectations will always lead to higher academic performance,” he said.

Many high school students also attended the meeting, concerned that courses, such as Advanced Placement classes, would be cut for next year. Kirijan assured the students the AP classes would not be eliminated.

■ Directors did not vote on or address a retirement incentive, rejected by the teachers union last week due to concerns over a minimum age requirement. Boland said the union presented the district with a counterproposal over the weekend. The district, with an estimated $29 million deficit, hopes to avoid layoffs through the incentive.

■ Aramark received another one-year extension for the district’s food service contract, with a guaranteed return of $1 million to the district for 2017-18.

■ Gwendolyn Damiano, who has been suspended from her job as principal since 2015, will resign from the district as of June.

Contact the writer:

shofius@timesshamrock.com

@hofiushallTT on Twitter

Newer technologies such as drones and driverless vehicles prompted two wireless communications companies to propose small-area cell antennas on existing streetlights and utility poles in 16 locations in Scranton.

They expect demand from next-generation wireless systems and emerging technologies, including “internetworked” buildings, electronics and appliances called the “Internet of Things,” and environmental sensor networks.

The spate of “small cell” antennas targeting relatively small areas reflects a trend by wireless firms to improve their network capabilities, often in urban areas where demand can strain capacity and geography can present coverage challenges.

“These solutions not only deliver the connectivity needed today, but also anticipate the needs of the ever increasingly connected communities of tomorrow,” one of the firms, Mobilitie of Newport Beach, California, said in a statement.

Small-cell antennas also bolster voice and data wireless coverage by delivering faster downloads and streaming video and improved quality of phone calls, the other firm, AT&T, said in a statement.

“Consumers and businesses are using their mobile devices more than ever before to connect to everyone and everything around them,” the statement said.

The zoning board will hear plans Wednesday at 6 p.m. at City Hall by AT&T Mobility of King of Prussia to install such antennas on poles in 10 locations:

• Linden Street and Colfax Avenue.

• Mulberry Street and Colfax Avenue.

• Pine Street and Clay Avenue.

• Moosic Street and Meadow Avenue.

• Jefferson Avenue and East Gibson Street.

• Providence Road and Olive Street.

• Wyoming Avenue and Ash Street.

• Mulberry Street and Hitchcock Court.

• Mulberry Street and Quincy Avenue.

• Luzerne Street and 12th Avenue.

The AT&T application follows the zoning board’s Feb. 1 approval of Mobilitie’s plan to put similar antennas on poles in six spots:

• Spruce Street and Penn Avenue.

• West Lackawanna Avenue and North Seventh Avenue.

• Vine Street and Adams Avenue.

• Lackawanna Avenue and Mifflin Avenue.

• Cedar Avenue and Hickory Street.

• Pine Street and Jefferson Avenue.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated application, the zoning board Wednesday will hear a request from T-Mobile Northeast for a variance to construct a telecommunications facility on the roof of West Scranton High School at 1201 Luzerne St. In September, the Scranton School Board approved a lease with T-Mobile to place a 5- to 6-foot-tall cellphone antenna on top of West Scranton High School.

Contact the writer:

jlockwood@timesshamrock.com

@jlockwoodTT on Twitter

RANSOM TWP. — A township man is accused of twice stealing from his landlord.

South Abington Twp. police arrested Erick Rosales, 28, 2041 Newton Ransom Blvd., on charges of burglary, theft and related offenses. He is accused of breaking into Lucille Mathewson’s residence through a window while she was in the hospital in January and again on March 1, according to court documents. He is accused of taking jewelry and then pawning the items, and also taking oxycodone pills and cash, police said.

Rosales is held in Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 13.

— CLAYTON OVER