DUNMORE — The Democratic primary features the borough’s first contested mayor race in 16 years with four-term Councilman Timothy Burke challenging Patrick “Nibs” Loughney, who has held the office for nearly a quarter century.

The last time Loughney faced a challenge was in 2001, when he handily defeated Salvatore Nardozzi in the general election. This time, on May 16, he faces Burke, who was the top vote-getter in his last two primaries in Democrat-dominated Dunmore.

Burke said he challenged the 23-year mayor because of differences in political beliefs — most notably on Keystone Sanitary Landfill’s proposed 44.6-year expansion, which Burke has vocally opposed and Loughney supports.

“I believe if we can close that landfill after eight to 10 years or whatever its remaining life expectancy ends up being, we can bring jobs into the area,” Burke said. “We need more manufacturing jobs to keep young people here instead of a having a place where you have to worry about a landfill right in the middle of the neighborhood. ... I won’t give up the fight.”

While the 16-year councilman fears the Dunmore and Throop facility damages the region’s image and threatens public health, the mayor sees Keystone as a good neighbor that has benefited the borough financially for decades.

Dunmore’s 2017 budget includes an expected $2.41 million in per-ton fees for waste Keystone accepts; the landfill also allows the borough to dispose of garbage there free as part of its November 2014 contract with Dunmore.

Burke urged council to use leverage from the state’s review of the plan to renegotiate host municipality fees but ultimately didn’t support the new deal, citing perceived shortcomings in the contract language and fears that the appearance of consent from the borough could help Keystone get the Department of Environmental Protection’s approval.

The mayor, on the other hand, made a rare appearance before council in November 2014 to urge the group to approve the contract, saying the decision to approve the expansion is up to DEP while council members have a fiduciary responsibility to the borough.

Loughney also clashed with members of Friends of Lackawanna, who wanted council to reject the deal, which nearly tripled fees to the borough from the state-mandated minimum payment and called for gradual increases over the life of the operation.

“We’re told basically take this or leave it,” Pat Clark, one of the leaders of the anti-expansion group, said at the time. “We’re told if we don’t sign this, they are going to put a bill on the borough’s office desk tomorrow for four-point-some million (dollars) for garbage they haven’t billed us for. That’s not negotiation. It’s more like extortion.”

When Loughney later took the podium, tempers flared.

“People talk about extortion,” the mayor angrily said, also responding to an animated crowd as he spoke. “There’s no extortion here. There you go chuckling. You could (chuckle) all you want. If you want to see me outside and talk about extortion, feel free.”

Loughney said in a recent interview he did not intend the remark as a threat.

That wasn’t the only time Loughney was in the middle of controversy in recent years.

James Dartt, former executive director of the Lackawanna County Housing Authority, told The Times-Tribune in 2014 that Loughney — then vice chairman of the housing authority board — pressured him to hire Loughney’s son two years prior and ordered him to not tell other board members.

Dartt made the claim in the aftermath of The Times-Tribune’s reporting on an audit report that hammered the authority over the hiring of Mr. Loughney’s son Patrick and other areas of noncompliance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requirements. Loughney declined to address it at the time.

Last summer, Loughney wouldn’t explain why he pulled Dunmore police from a multiagency DUI checkpoint, effectively shutting it down and making the venture ineligible for state reimbursement.

He still didn’t want to elaborate on either topic.

“I’ve already answered that,” Loughney said. “I’ve been the mayor for the past 23 years. Everyone who has asked for help, I’ve always helped. I love to serve the people of Dunmore and hope I can continue.”

Loughney described his platform as ensuring the borough can help residents by supporting professional staff, as well as ensuring emergency responders have the equipment they need and youth and senior citizen programs are funded.

Although he doesn’t attend council meetings, the mayor said he is in frequent communication with borough officials and that he worked with council on advancements over the last several years, including updating police cars, renovating the firehouse and leasing a new firetruck.

“There’s always a piece of equipment that could help out,” he said. “Whatever we could do to make their job safer, we’ll try to provide the apparatus.”

Burke also highlighted seeking grants to keep emergency responder equipment up to date among his priorities, along with working with the neighborhood watch and appearing at one council meeting per month at least.

The councilman wouldn’t address Loughney’s controversies directly, saying he doesn’t “want to go negative.” He came closest when asked about the DUI checkpoint issue.

“If I do something like that, you’ll know the reason, because I’m going to be open and transparent,” Burke said.

Contact the writer:

kwind@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100, x5181;

@kwindTT on Twitter

Dunmore mayor

TIMOTHY BURKE

Age: 60

Family: Wife, Carm Scrimalli Burke; children, Angela D’Angelo, Nicole Hoppel, Sara Burke and Marissa Cieciorka.

Education: Bishop O’Hara High School.

Employment: Operator of heavy equipment, CDL driver for Pennsylvania American Water.

Experience: Four terms on Dunmore Borough Council; ran YMCA youth basketball for 10 years; coached biddy basketball, T-ball and missy league (softball); member of San Cataldo Club, German American Club, Friends of Lackawanna.

PATRICK “NIBS” LOUGHNEY

Age: 57

Family: Wife, Donna Loughney; children, Mark, Sean, Patrick Jr. and Colleen.

Education: Dunmore High School.

Employment: Retired regional manager for the Pennsylvania Lottery.

Experience: Councilman for six years; mayor for 23 years.

Q: I have a 2006 Chrysler Town & Country with an interesting problem. A few weeks ago, I was driving in the rain with my wipers on. When I parked and turned off the car, the wipers kept going. At first I thought I had the key in accessory mode, but the ignition was off. I then turned the car back on and off again; the wipers still kept going. Then I took the key out of the ignition. The wipers kept going.

I had to take out the windshield wiper fuse in order to get them to stop. When I put the fuse back in, they start right up again, even with the car off and the key in my hand. So, now I can drive the car only if it is not raining, or put the fuse back in if I have to drive in the rain. The wipers will go from normal to fast if I change the setting, but will not operate in the intermittent mode.

Any help with this one is appreciated. Thanks.

— STEVE

A: Well, look on the bright side, Steve: Now you have a perfect excuse to say “no” when anyone asks to borrow your car.

I have a couple of ideas for you. One is to find the windshield-wiper relay. You’ll find that in the fuse box; it’s even labeled! There should be at least one other relay in there that looks identical. Try swapping those two relays.

If your relay is stuck in the “on” position, that could explain why power is continually going to your wiper motor, even after you remove the key and leave for two weeks in Honolulu.

When swapping the relays doesn’t make a difference, my second guess would be the wiper motor. That’s also pretty easy to test.

The windshield-wiper motor is right up against the firewall. With the wipers on, you’ll be able to hear and identify it pretty easily. It actually just plugs right into a socket on the firewall.

Come to think of it, maybe you can just buy a Clapper, plug it into that outlet and control the wipers that way.

Actually, what you’ll want to do is go to a local automotive recycling center (aka junkyard), and buy a used windshield-wiper motor for $20 or $30. But don’t install it. Just plug it in, and test the wiper switch to see if the new motor stops when you turn off the wiper switch. If you can turn off the new motor with the switch, then you know the problem is your old motor, and you can replace it.

If it’s not the relay or the motor, then you’re getting into poltergeist territory, Steve. That could require an actual mechanic, a wiring diagram, a voltmeter and maybe a couple of hemlock roots and an eye of newt. So, I’ll hope one of my two ideas fixes it.

Meet Samantha Pontier

School: Pittston Area High School

Parents: Scott Pontier and Kristen Grebey

Plans: Attend Northeastern University to major in mechanical engineering; study abroad in Greece next spring.

When Samantha Pontier stepped onto the field for her final Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps

marching band performance of 2015, she was in complete control of her body and mind for 12 minutes.

The Pittson Area senior now strives “to achieve that same feeling of accomplishment while working toward other goals,” she said.

During Labor Day weekend in 2015, Samantha marched in the Skyliners Drum & Bugle Corps for their final competition of the year. Although they did not qualify for finals, they had their best performance of the season, she said.

“To this day, it was my best performance with any marching arts group,” she said. “I played and marched almost perfectly.”

Marching band represented “some of the most challenging and most rewarding experiences” of Samantha’s high school career, she said.

“I learned discipline, leadership skills, patience and much more at band,” she said. “My experiences with the band on and off of the field have made me who I am today.”

Along with marching band, Upward Bound was one of Samantha’s most rewarding activities. Upward Bound is a federally funded college preparatory program. As part of the program, Samantha spent six weeks staying in a dorm at Wilkes University with other students in the summer of 2015.

“Upward Bound challenged me academically and socially as opposed to the physical obstacles of marching band,” she said.

She continued taking Upward Bound classes in the fall and spring, and the increased workload taught her how to better manage her time and responsibilities.

Samantha has been involved with a variety of school clubs and organizations, including peer tutoring as a French tutor, LEO’s Club, National Honor Society, Book Club, Technology Club, International Cultural Experience Club, the Relay for Life Team, jazz band, marching band, indoor winds and chorus.

She currently has a 4.38 GPA, and during the summer of 2016, Samantha took part in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Women’s Technology Program, which is a four-week summer program that introduces participants to a variety of mechanical engineering fields.

In her limited free time, Samantha enjoys writing poetry, crocheting, sewing, embroidering, reading and practicing playing musical instruments.

Someday, Samantha hopes to work at Amazon Robotics, Google or another engineering company, and her personal philosophy is that life is about taking risks.

“I believe that there are no second chances, just different opportunities, so it is important to take risks and experience new things when you can,” she said.

— FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY

MARRIAGE LICENSES

Henry Omar Elias-Ajanel and Ashley Marie Kreusling, both of Scranton.

Renee Jean Treski and Douglas Anthony DeVitto, both of Scranton.

Tara Marie Gregory and William Bradley Lopatofksy, both of Union Dale.

Kyle Philip Keltner, Clarks Summit, and Kayla Ann Troiani, Lake Ariel.

Michael A. Lach and Linda A. Giumento, both of Olyphant.

Jeremy Robert Killstrom and Erin K. Atkinson, both of Dickson City.

Mason John McDonald and Chelsea Lynn Wallis, both of Peckville.

Christopher James Wolynski and Lori Marie Preston, both of Dunmore.

Renee Ann Rutski and Ryan John Berry, both of Scranton.

Ashleigh Elizabeth Richards and Jeffrey Robert Daniell, both of Clarks Summit.

Mark Bortree Phillips, Scranton, and Victoria Alfano, South Abington Twp.

Alan Gerard Hartman, Greenlawn, N.Y., and Stephanie Theresa Pendrak, Spring Brook Twp.

Lawrence J. DiGuglielmo and Christine Marie Johnson, both of Peckville.

Dana Marie Lawrence and Shawn Michael Ward, both of Taylor.

Michael F. Maher and Emily L. Carr, both of Dunmore.

Erin Marie Barrett and Anthony DeCicco, both of Clarks Summit.

Robert Edward Connors and Alexia Marie Paciotti, both of Peckville.

David Joseph Lutz and Brittany Marie Davis, both of Scranton.

Austin Michael Eltora and Kelly Anne DeNicola, both of Peckville.

Melissa Ann Lehman and Joshua Thomas Coombes, both of Olyphant.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

Mark T. and Lorraine L. Perry, Dunmore, to Lindsey Parker, Dunmore; a property at 1605 Electric St., Dunmore, for $112,000.

Valor Federal Credit Union, now known as Pen Federal Credit Union, Alexandria, Va., to Daniel and Amanda Veneski, Scranton; a property at 1122 Wintermantle Ave., Scranton, for $29,999.

Robert J. and Nancy T. Pipcho to Franconia Real Estate Services Inc.; a property at 215 Olde Grove Lane, Jefferson Twp., for $420,000.

Franconia Real Estate Services Inc. to Syed and Madeha Beyabani; a property at 215 Olde Grove Lane, Jefferson Twp., for $420,000.

Carmine G. and Linda L. Saita, Scranton, to Christina Giumento, Scranton; a property at 822 Marion St., Scranton, for $80,000.

Preston T. and Tanya Hughes, and Travis R. and Karen Hughes, to Michelle Schmidt; a property at 700 W. Grove St., Clarks Summit, for $200,000.

Arlene M. Michaels, Scranton, to Barbara Tarantino, Scranton; a property at 1653 Capouse Ave., Scranton, for $107,000.

Boston Land Co. Inc., South Abington Twp., to Laura R. Warnken, South Abington Twp.; a property at 92 Wyndham Road, South Abington Twp., for $340,800.

Donald and Janice Drobnak to Theodore and Allison Baird; a property at 1218 Watson St., Scranton, for $87,500.

Sean O’Neill, Spring Brook Twp., to Frank M. Lehnert, Clarks Summit; a property at 1021 Carmalt St., Dickson City, for $106,000.

Diane M. Basila, individually and as executrix of the estate of George L. Basila, Dunmore, to Diane Higdon, Edison, N.J.; a property at 120 S. Irving Ave., Scranton, for $55,120.

DIVORCE SOUGHT

Anita Bendowski, Roaring Brook Twp., v. James J. Bendowski, Roaring Brook Twp.; married Aug. 12, 2000, in Scranton; Christopher P. Arnone, attorney.

ESTATES FILED

Omie H. Price, 115 E. Grove St., Taylor, letters testamentary to Karen Godino, 16 Teaberry Lane, Weaverville, N.C.

Ruth L. Opeil, also known as Ruth Lally Opeil, 230 Route 106, Greenfield Twp., letters testamentary to Jeanne Opeil Kernoschak, 17 Sandstone Drive, Sicklerville, N.J.

Veronica E. Evans, 613 Crystal St., Peckville, letters of administration to Richard Evans Jr., 579 Montdale Road, Scott Twp.

Stanley Radzicki, also known as Stanley R. Radzicki Sr., 126 Buttonwood St., Jessup, letters testamentary to Stanley R. Radzicki Jr., 135 River St., Jessup.

ONLINE: thetimes-tribune.com/courts

Garden Drive-In in Hunlock Creek is banding together with other drive-in movie theaters across the country in refusing to show Disney’s latest blockbuster, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”

A Facebook post on the drive-in’s page states it has refused to show the superhero movie to “stand up against the rising demands of Disney and support drive-ins across the county that simply cannot afford to play this film at their demanding terms.”

Film studios receive the large majority of each ticket sale but Disney “felt the need to once again increase their take on those sales,” according to the Garden Drive-In’s Facebook post.

Doug Barbacci, owner of the Garden, would not disclose specific figures because of a confidentiality agreement, but said Disney has asked for a higher percentage of fees.

Disney has also tried to dictate to small and independent drive-in movie theaters which movie to show with “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” he said.

“They’re trying to dictate more and more things,” Barbacci said.

Circle Drive-In in Dickson City, on the other hand, is showing the Disney movie this weekend.

Manager Dave Castelli said the Circle Drive-In has a different booking agent that decided to show the movie. He said he couldn’t comment on how drive-in movie theaters do their bookings.

“I wish I had the answers but I don’t,” Castelli said. “Our booking agent decided to work with Disney on this.”

Castelli said Barbacci is his friend and Circle Drive-In also is a family-owned business. Some drive-ins are showing the movie and some are not, he said.

“It has to do with who’s booking their films,” Castelli said. “I do support the Garden’s decision but I don’t make that type of decision at the Circle Drive-In. I think he (Barbacci) has a valid point.”

The stipulations make it more difficult for drive-ins to show Disney films in an already challenging industry, Barbacci said.

“If and when Disney decides to come back down to Earth with their terms, then we will gladly play ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ at a future date here at the Garden,” the drive-in’s Facebook post stated. “This decision isn’t, however, about the Garden Drive-In, or this weekend’s attendance, or even ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.’ …This decision is about the future of drive-ins and keeping one of America’s great pastimes safe for many years to come.”

Contact the writer:

allabaugh@citizensvoice.com,

570-821-2115

The Dunmore Borough Council primary election includes two races — four candidates vying for three four-year seats, and two candidates competing for one two-year term.

For the four-year seats, former Councilmen Thomas Ehnot and Paul Nardozzi are challenging incumbents Thomas Hallinan and Carol Scrimalli. Former Councilman Michael Hayes and newcomer Carmel Verrastro-Biko are facing off for the two-year term.

In a series of interviews, the candidates addressed an array of topics, such as the recent privatization of the Scranton Sewer Authority, which Dunmore partly owned, Keystone Sanitary Landfill’s proposed expansion and attracting business to the borough.

Ehnot

The former councilman emphasized being prudent with Dunmore’s estimated $17.27 million share of the sewer sale to Pennsylvania American Water, seeking grants to spruce up Dunmore Corners, paying down borough debt and pursuing a comprehensive paving plan.

“I want to oversee the sewer authority money, to make sure it’s not being spent foolishly,” Ehnot said.

He proposes focusing on giving Dunmore Corners a face-lift by applying for grants for general beautification and installing new streetlights to attract the next generation of business owners. Some longtime stalwarts recently retired, leaving some openings.

Ehnot supports the Scranton Sewer Authority sale because he believes the private company is in a better position to address infrastructure problems — including issues that cause flooding — because it has more money available for maintenance.

He has no position on Keystone landfill’s controversial 44.6-year expansion plan.

Hallinan

The incumbent also said improvements to Dunmore Corners are a priority, including a proposed community project to install a small clock tower on East Drinker Street; the project would be covered with volunteer labor, donations and perhaps grants.

Other priorities he highlighted included better street maintenance, a paving project and overhauling the public works garage.

On the sewer sale, “I don’t think we had much choice,” Hallinan said, referring to Dunmore’s one vote out of five on the board. “I just wanted to make sure that the ratepayers are protected. We also have a lot of employees from Dunmore that needed to be protected.”

He prefers to keep the proceeds “under lock and key” and use interest generated from the sum to finance borough improvements.

He opposes the landfill expansion.

Hayes

The former councilman’s platform includes saving sewer sale proceeds and using interest to fund placing a police officer at Dunmore Corners and using some of the money to do annual beautification and road projects.

Although he was critical of the sewer authority sale, he felt council President Michael McHale represented Dunmore as well as he could have given the borough’s inferior voting power. Hayes did not support a stormwater fee to address issues the sale left to municipalities.

“You get a large bag of money from the sale, less than what you thought because of the legal fees,” Hayes said. “We never addressed the long-term (stormwater) problem.”

He does not have a position on the landfill expansion, saying there is not enough data to make an informed decision, and proposes having an independent organization test Dunmore’s air, water and soil to establish a baseline for reference on a series of environmental issues.

Nardozzi

The former councilman’s platform includes repaving roads, adding police and fire staff, expanding the recycling program, and implementing an emergency robo-call system to notify residents about emergencies.

Nardozzi said the Fire Department hasn’t consistently had enough staff to use its new nearly $1 million firetruck because many shifts over the last year-plus posted only three firefighters when more are required.

He also proposes hiring a police part-timer to help with administrative tasks and ensure there is a point of contact for the public at the Police Department during business hours.

Nardozzi felt the sewer deal was rushed to accommodate Scranton’s financial needs and left questions about stormwater management unresolved.

“I think Dunmore should join up with surrounding municipalities,” he said. “Down the road, there are going to be some big projects. ... Flood control, stormwater control. Let’s face it. Every town up and down the valley have the same kinds of problems.”

He opposes a stormwater fee and the landfill expansion.

Scrimalli

Among Scrimalli’s priorities: Continuing to focus on the borough’s finances — including paying down debt and shoring up the pension fund — and economic development.

She wants to highlight the region’s proximity to major cities and highways and facilities, including industrial parks, to promote Dunmore.

Scrimalli believes council should set aside money from the sewer authority sale in case new mandates require more action on stormwater to insulate taxpayers and supported the sewer authority sale, citing rate projections.

“American Water had a very good offering to us,” she said. “They had said to us they would be able to keep rates relatively flat for about 10 years. Scranton Sewer Authority was going to raise them at a faster rate.”

On the Keystone landfill expansion, Scrimalli cites mixed emotions, saying that while she doesn’t like the idea, she also doesn’t know how the borough would replace the fees the facility brings in every year.

Verrastro-Biko

Verrastro-Biko’s platform includes supporting first-responders, planning a comprehensive paving program, expanding youth summer programs and implementing a spring cleanup program.

Verrastro-Biko wants to address staffing issues at the Fire Department that, according to union President Vince Sardo, left the new firetruck out of service about 46 percent of the time last year.

She proposes council use some of the cash from the sewer sale for programs and put the rest away in a rainy day fund, while earmarking some for possible future stormwater projects.

She thinks the sewer deal was a mistake because Scranton and Dunmore lost an asset and stormwater management may eat up a large portion of the proceeds. She supports Keystone’s expansion proposal.

“If for some reason the state denies it, Dunmore will lose millions of dollars in revenue,” she said. “Eventually, it’s going to cost Dunmore a lot of money to get rid of garbage. We’ll have to pay for trucks to transport garbage somewhere else. Who’s going to pay for the trucks? Right now, Dunmore is in a good position. Our taxes haven’t had to go up. I just think about the cost.”

Contact the writer:

kwind@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5181;

@kwindTT on Twitter

Dunmore Borough Council

THOMAS EHNOT

Age: 58

Family: Wife, Jean Ehnot; children, Casey, Patrick, Thomas, Ryan, Michael, Katelyn, Kelly, Kathleen, Bridget.

Education: Dunmore High School.

Employment: Retired from Gino J. Merli Veterans Center’s activities department; Elmhurst Country Club, club manager.

Experience: Dunmore borough councilman, 1996-2000; also appointed as councilman in 2013 to replace Vito Ruggiero, who had become borough manager.

THOMAS HALLINAN

Age: 60

Family: Wife, Alicia; children, Meghan, Molly, Kelcey and Tommy.

Education: Dunmore High School; attended classes at Penn State Worthington Scranton.

Employment: Retired as an assistant Susquehanna County manager for state Department of Transportation; does consulting two days per week for PennDOT.

Experience: Former 6th Ward Dunmore Democratic committeeman; one-term councilman.

MICHAEL HAYES

Age: 37

Family: Wife, Virginia Capo; daughter, Bella.

Education: St. Anthony’s School; bachelor’s in political science from Penn State University.

Employment: Co-owner of Nardozzi’s Pizza.

Experience: Two-year term on Dunmore Borough Council; six years on Dunmore Zoning Hearing Board; two-time past president of Dunmore Lions Club; co-founder, Dunmore Neighborhood Watch, last active roughly two years ago.

PAUL NARDOZZI

Age: 59

Family: Fiancée, Teresa McLaine; son, Christopher Nardozzi.

Education: Dunmore High School; associate degree in criminal justice, Lackawanna Junior College; graduate of Pennsylvania Municipal Police Training Academy and Pennsylvania State Deputy Sheriff Training Academy; attended University of Scranton.

Employment: Retired police officer.

Experience: Former six-term borough councilman; member of the Original Black Sheep, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Lackawanna County, San Cataldo Society, F&AM Lodge 523, Sons of Italy, VFW Dunmore social, Waldorf German-American Club, FOP Lodge 2 social, Victor Alfieri Society and St. Ubaldo Society; spearheaded God, Family, Dunmore Bucks sign campaign.

CAROL SCRIMALLI

Age: 58

Family: Husband, Carmen; children, Marianne Davis, Roseanne Chase and Mario Scrimalli.

Education: Oyster Bay High School; Bachelor of Science in business, concentrating in market management.

Employment: Homemaker; previous 14-year relationship manager for Dun & Bradstreet information company.

Experience: Two terms on Dunmore Borough Council; first female president of the Sherwood Park Youth Association; member of UNICO Keystone Chapter and chaired yearly fundraiser; member of the Dunmore Historical Society, the San Cataldo Club, the Lackawanna County Act 32 Tax Collection Committee, SAPA and Lackawanna County Democratic Committee (vice president of 112th District).

CARMEL VERRASTRO-BIKO

Age: 64

Family: Husband, Paul Biko; two children, Leonard and Maura.

Education: Dunmore Central Catholic; graduated from Marywood College, majoring in political science/pre-law with a minor in business.

Employment: Semi-retired; runs snack bar at Revolution Ice Centre in Pittston, and works at North American Warhorse in apparel department; managing partner at Verrastro Realty.

Experience: Parent-teacher group leadership positions at Central Dauphin School District when children were in school; member of UNICO’s Keystone Chapter; volunteer at SS. Anthony and Rocco Church.

Forecasted rain over the next several days should provide some relief to area allergy sufferers — respite from a rough couple of weeks caused by airborne pollen.

Pollen levels in the

Wilkes-Barre and Scranton areas, like most of the country’s Northeast region, have been extremely high for the past month, according to an interactive tracking system and map monitored by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

On a scale of 0 to 12, the Scranton area registered a pollen level of 9.9 Thursday, just before recent rainfall knocked much of the pollen out of the air. The Scranton area came close to hitting the maximum recordable level April 16 when it reached 11.6.

“When you have these beautiful warm days, and windy, the pollen count gets high,” said Joel Laury, M.D., a Scranton-based doctor board certified in allergy, asthma and immunology. “When all that stuff is touching

people’s eyes and nose, they’re miserable.”

May is among the busiest on Laury’s calendar, with patients reporting allergy-induced itchy and watery eyes, stuffy and runny noses, sore throats, sneezing and more.

“It’s like having a bad cold, but it happens every year at the same time,” Laury said.

Generally, tree pollen season runs from March through May, and grass pollen season from May through June. That makes May a particularly bad month pollen-wise, according to Laury.

For those who suffer with allergy symptoms, the affect of the tiny pollen particles can be serious. Studies suggest children with allergies don’t perform as well in school, Laury said, noting that allergy symptoms can cause trouble sleeping. Raymond Khoudary, MD, an allergist with offices in Plains Twp. and Hazleton, also noted that untreated allergies can lead to ailments like sinus and ear infections and bronchitis.

“Avoidance is the critical part of managing environmental allergies,” Khoudary said.

Laury suggested allergy sufferers keep their windows closed and get a professional’s opinion about possible treatments.

“(They should) hope for some rain and they should speak to their doctors,” Laury said. “There are medicines out there that help.”

Khoudary suggested wearing protective glasses that hug your eyes and washing hands frequently after being outside to cut down on pollen exposure.

While Laury said it’s difficult to objectively say one year is worse than another in terms of pollen presence, he doesn’t believe it matters much to those feeling the effects.

“For people suffering this is the worst year ever, because they are miserable now and they don’t care about last year,” Laury said. “Most people get a break usually by July.”

Contact the writers:

jhorvath@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9141;

@jhorvathTT on Twitter

bkalinwoski@citizensvoice.com;

570-821-2055;

@cvbobkal on Twitter

SCRANTON — The 500 block of Linden Street will be closed until 10 a.m. Sunday, according to Scranton police.

The closure began Friday. In addition, the 400 block of Linden Street will be closed Monday at 8:30 a.m. through 2 p.m. Friday to allow for work on the William J. Nealon Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse.

Police said road will be closed during the week for approximately eight to 12 weeks. That block may open from time to time, though, depending on weather and the work schedule.

— STAFF REPORT

MOOSIC — A white cross stood in the rocks amid the mud and dirt, two boards held together by four nails, bearing a simple message across its arms: “R.I.P Ronney.”

Jeff Alexander and his family erected the cross in memory of their friend Ronney Rutkosky, who died this week when a firework he was setting off in a vacant lot off Davis Street exploded and killed him.

The manner of the 32-year-old Scranton man’s death remains undetermined while Lackawanna County Coroner Tim Rowland’s investigation continues. Rowland declined to comment further. “It’s an investigation,” he said.

Investigators do not suspect foul play in the incident. That someone else did not hurt Rutkosky brought Alexander some comfort.

“That brings a little more closure,” Alexander, 33, of Fell Twp., said.

State police, Moosic police and the county district attorney’s office spent Wednesday morning investigating after Alexander discovered his friend’s body. The coroner determined Wednesday that Rutkosky died from his injuries.

Rutkosky was supposed to pick up Alexander on Tuesday night but never showed. Alexander and others spent the night and morning looking for their friend. The search came to an end when they spotted Rutkosky’s blue sedan in a parking lot next to the vacant lot. There, Alexander discovered his friend’s body and called 911.

Rutkosky loved playing with fireworks. Alexander said he recently learned Rutkosky dabbled in making his own. Rutkosky preferred fireworks with a heavy, concussive bang. “Fireworks were his thing,” Alexander said.

Contact the writer:

jkohut@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9144;

@jkohutTT on Twitter

As the Scranton School District struggles with the largest deficit in the state, 10 school board candidates want to move the district in a positive direction.

Faced with a deficit of more than $33 million and concerns the state may eventually take control, candidates say a Scranton School Board election has never been so important.

Robert Casey, Barbara Dixon, Katie Gilmartin, Mark McAndrew, Christopher Phillips, Bob Sheridan and Mike Williams will appear on both the Democratic and Republican ballots in the May 16 primary election. Candidates Joseph A. Matyjevich, Chantal Rich and Robert F. Waldeck will only be on the Democratic ballot.

Four seats are available for the four-year unpaid terms. Of the 10 candidates, three are incumbents: Casey, McAndrew and Sheridan.

Candidates who eventually take seats in December will be tasked with lowering the deficit, which could eventually mean cutting staff, consolidating schools or eliminating programs. The new board could also face labor negotiations right away. The teachers contract expires at the end of August and may go unsettled for months. Directors elected this year will also sit on the board when the superintendent’s contract expires in 2020.

All candidates say their biggest priority is to find financial solvency. For the last five years, as pension, special education and health care costs increased and state funding decreased, the district balanced budgets with one-time revenue sources. The deficit is expected to surpass $40 million next year.

Current board President Sheridan, seeking his third term, said he loves “making education better for all our children” and as the district faces its financial problems, is dedicated to keeping academic programs, along with arts and sports.

“Everyone working together, we can work to bring that deficit down,” he said. “This is not our fault. This is everything that has come from Harrisburg the last four years. We’ve stood tall, and we’ve kept our shoulders wide.”

McAndrew, seeking his second term, said the board must adopt a bidding schedule for all contracts and stick to it.

“We have to look at purchasing,” he said. “We’ve got to reduce spending. ... We have to stick to the hiring freeze.”

The board enacted a hiring freeze earlier this year and offered retirement incentives in an effort to prevent layoffs.

McAndrew also wants to see an increase in creative programming.

“When students are confident in their ability to contribute positively to society, good things begin to happen,” he said.

Matyjevich said if elected, he wants to “uncover every stone” to look for additional funding and consider purchasing supplies with other government agencies to save money.

“I want to be able to help the citizens of Scranton by being their representative on the school board,” he said. “We have to look at alternate sources of revenue. ... We cannot go back to the taxpayers.”

Phillips served on the board from 2007 to 2011. He said the current board spends money without thinking about it.

“I know things can be better. ... I know it doesn’t have to be this way,” he said. “I was on the board at a time when things were better. We ended years with surpluses, dealt fairly with employees, were able to build schools and to be mindful of taxpayers.”

If the state steps in and takes control, the entire region will “be crippled,” Phillips said.

“We need to collaborate with the city and county, for they also have a stake.”

Dixon, a retired Scranton principal, said her experience would help her be an informed school director. Along with strengthening education, such as a greater focus on literacy and introducing the STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) at an early age, Dixon wants to see where the district can cut expenses.

“It’s basic accounting,” she said. “I’d love to be part of the team doing that.”

Williams said he has a great desire to improve the district, especially its finances.

“There’s no magic wand, that’s for sure,” he said. “But it starts with making the right decisions, like by putting things out to bid and assessing needs of personnel and management.”

He also wants to increase communication between teachers, administrators, staff and board members.

Casey said he ran four years ago to improve the district. He’s not satisfied with the progress.

“We as a whole can do a lot better,” he said. “We need to become better leaders. We need to be professional and find common ground when it comes to labor. ... We have to start working together as a board of nine, including the superintendent as a non-voting member.”

When that happens, it enables the district to give students the tools and opportunities necessary to become well-rounded citizens, Casey said.

Waldeck said a deep love of public school education pushed him to run for office.

“I really think that at all levels, education is being gutted,” he said. “We really need to wake up. It’s a serious problem. All levels of government are turning their backs on public education.”

He also would like to see the district and board become more transparent and to encourage more involvement from parents and the community. He wants to ensure the board understands issues and what decisions mean before they are made.

Gilmartin called her experience with other organizations and community groups an asset and she wants people to have a chance to be heard.

“I can’t promise I can solve every problem, but I can listen and make fair decisions,” she said. “I can research, I can learn.”

She also said the district and board must understand their own policies and follow their own procedures.

“Knowledgeable board members are necessary for decision making,” she said.

Rich said that as a parent of two children in the district, she would be well-positioned to understand what’s going on in the school system.

“I’m trying to get the teachers, the union, the school board, the parents and the wider community to know more of what’s going on,” she said. “Before I had kids, I didn’t pay attention to the school board. I’m trying to foster a sense of paying attention, even if people don’t have kids.”

Contact the writer:

shofius@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9133;

@hofiushallTT on Twitter

Candidates

to debate

The 10 candidates running for Scranton School Board will face off Tuesday at a debate hosted by The Times-Tribune.

The debate, which is open to the public, will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the fifth-floor auditorium of the Scranton Times Building, 149 Penn Ave.

Teri Ooms, executive director of the Wilkes-Barre-based Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development, will moderate the debate.

The debate will be broadcast live on the Times-Tribune’s website, thetimes-tribune.com.

What should the school district do to become financially solvent?

Robert Casey

To reign in our budget, we must strive to develop a plan that balances lean, efficient spending and the best possible education for our city’s students. We must reach out to our state and federal officials and advocate for a fair funding formula that better serves our schools and their budgetary needs. As a school director, I believe that it is my duty to advocate for this funding both within and beyond our borders.

Barbara Dixon

Our district’s first budgetary responsibility is to be fiscally solvent. A long-range fiscal plan containing measurable benchmarks would guide data-driven decision making. Tracking progress will allow for adjustments to be made along the way. A cost-benefit analysis on all budget line items will guide the district in removing obstacles in meeting our goals. There needs to be a focus on reducing the current debt and increasing our fund balance in the fiscal plan.

Katie Gilmartin

In order to become financially solvent, the district must couple cost-cutting measures with innovative funding strategies. Government funding should be supplemented with grants and a strict bidding policy must be followed. While maintaining the highest educational standards, offering diverse and challenging programs, as well as ensuring the safety of our students and staff are paramount, it is imperative that the number of employees is commensurate with districts of similar size and demographics.

Joseph A. Matyjevich

I will look toward other areas of funding and look at alternative ways to expand the tax base without burdening the homeowners of our city. Competitive bidding and cooperation with other government entities will save money (multi-group purchasing agreements). Joint initiatives, including working with the state department of education, to ensure we get all funding possible will be a priority. I will cut unnecessary hiring and wasteful spending. I will not kick the can down the road as was done in the past.

Mark McAndrew

To become fiscally self-sufficient we need to address the unfunded and underfunded mandates that drain our budget. We need to advocate for mandate relief by reaching out to our legislators. I will continue to focus on transparency. Taxpayers are entitled to know exactly what is being voted on as well as the educational benefit of each cent that is spent. New programs should be defended to the board with data that supports the expense of implementing them.

Christopher Phillips

When I was a director from 2007-11, we ended years with surpluses, built schools and managed to stay under the state cap for tax increases. It is not easy but you have to make difficult short- and long-term decisions. The board also has to do common sense things like seeking competitive bids whenever possible. Voters need to elect directors that will do so or they may as well turn the SSD over to the state now.

Chantal Rich

I think that in order to tackle the deficit, the school board will need to look and see if there are any contracts they can negotiate for a lower rate, and to cut what they can. The board will also need to get creative with some solutions, for example offering summer school classes where the parents can pay for the students to learn in a different type of environment — like learning about math in a cooking class. I think that we will need creative solutions that disrupt the old ways, because those ways are clearly not working.

Bob Sheridan

We’re working very hard with that, with the incentives for the teachers, the maintenance, the aides. We’re working on our Plancon (school construction reimbursement) money. We’re working on several different items to bring in more revenue and bring our deficit down. We’re working on not replacing some teachers who are not necessary. We can find money and reduce to not hurt the education for our children.

Robert F. Waldeck

The rising costs of pensions and charter tuitions put all school budgets at risk. Eliminating waste is basic to all budgeting, but shortfalls from mandated expenses need broad public input. Regional inequities need statewide solutions, like the education funding passed by the Pennsylvania legislature earlier this year. For a more lasting solution, our job is to clarify at all levels why American schools must be public and prioritized over others for funding from many sources.

Mike Williams

I would form a committee that is comprised of all Scranton representatives: local, state, and federal, all stakeholders and financial experts to develop a strategic plan and set specific goals with timelines to monitor the progress. I would make sure there is a monthly report from the superintendent at each board meeting outlining our financial status. The board should be ready to make the necessary adjustments when we go outside of the plan.

Robert Casey (D/R)

Age: 27

Family: Single; son of Bob and Mary Anne Casey, sister Elizabeth

Education: Scranton High School, bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University in business management with marketing, history and political science

Employment: Auditor with state auditor general’s office

Experience: One term on Scranton School Board, including three years as district’s member of the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit board; member of St. Patrick’s Parade Association of Lackawanna County

Barbara Dixon (D/R)

Age: 62

Family: Husband, Rick; daughters Danielle, Noelle and Jennifer; eight grandchildren

Education: West Scranton High School graduate, bachelor’s degree in business education and accounting from Marywood University, master’s degree in school leadership from Marywood

Employment: Retired Scranton principal, retired co-owner of Station Square restaurant in Olyphant

Experience: Former adviser for the Future Business Leaders of America and student council, other school groups

Katie Gilmartin (D/R)

Age: 38

Family: Single; daughter of Nada and Michael Gilmartin

Education: Scranton Preparatory School, bachelor’s degree in theater production from Fordham University

Employment: Partner at Nada & Co.

Experience: Trustee of Scranton Area Foundation, chairwoman of the Scranton Shakespeare Festival, board of directors for the Society for the Preservation of Tripp Family Homestead, a member at large of the Historical Architectural Review Board, past president and a sustaining member of the Junior League of Scranton, advisory council of the Ballet Theater of Scranton, ambassador to the Broadway Theatre League of Northeastern Pennsylvania, impact member of Women in Philanthropy

Joseph A. Matyjevich (D)

Age: 51

Family: Wife, the former Laura Rillstone; daughter, Morgan Ann

Education: West Scranton High School honors graduate, 1983; bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Scranton, 1988.

Employment: Information technology solutions business partner for Sanofi

Experience: Vice president of Tripp Park Civic Association, Dickson City Sons of American Legion Squadron 0665, Scranton Parking Authority, chairman of 113th Legislative District, St. Patrick’s Parish community, treasurer of West Scranton Black Sheep organization, Ancient Order of Hibernians

Mark McAndrew (D/R)

Age: 54

Family: Wife, Anne Marie; daughters, Mariah, Mackenzie and Markie

Education: West Scranton High School, graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, vocational 1 certification from Temple University, pursuing vocational 2 certification from Temple, working on cooperative education certification from Temple

Employment: Culinary arts instructor at the Career Technology Center, adjunct instructor at Luzerne County Community College

Experience: Member of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, food safety council, certified ServSafe instructor

Christopher Phillips (D/R)

Age: 51

Family: Wife, Nora; children Audrey, Timothy, Elsie, Owen and Eugene

Education: Associate degree in business administration from Lackawanna College, bachelor’s degree in business from Penn State, attended Widener University School of Law

Employment: Asset protection manager at a regional distribution center

Experience: School director from 2007-11, secretary of Minooka Neighborhood Association, member of Minooka Lions Club, volunteer coach for Minooka Little League, past PTA president at Whittier Elementary

Chantal Rich (D)

Age: 41

Family: Husband, Jeremy; children Beatrice and Lucien

Education: Bristol Eastern High School in Connecticut, plans to graduate this month with master’s degree in social work from Marywood

Employment: Student

Bob Sheridan (D/R)

Age: 63

Family: Wife, Marlene; daughter, Norma Jean; sons, Adam and Stefan

Education: Scranton School District GED, Act 120 program and advanced police courses at Lackawanna Junior College

Employment: Retired Scranton Police officer, owner of D&S Auto Sales, Lackawanna County deputy constable

Experience: President of the Scranton School Board, president of the Dutch Hollow Neighborhood Association, secretary of the Scranton Police Officers Memorial Fund, chairman of the Scranton Democratic Committee

Robert F. Waldeck (D)

Age: 60

Family: Wife, Karen; daughter, Jacqueline

Education: Central High School in Philadelphia, bachelor’s degree in government from Lehigh University, master’s in public administration from University of Delaware, doctorate degree in biology from Temple University

Employment: Associate professor at the University of Scranton, director of neuroscience program

Experience: Secretary of the Greenhouse Project board, member of the Society of Neuroscience

Mike Williams (D/R)

Age: 51

Family: Wife, Janet; children Samantha, Sarah and Jason

Education: Bishop Hannan High School, associate degree in business administration from Lackawanna College, attended Marywood, five-year union apprenticeship

Employment: Journeyman pipefitter for local union 524, project manager for a mechanical contractor at the Social Security Administration data operations center

Experience: Scranton Recreational Authority, secretary for the North Scranton Little League, former booster president for West Scranton Junior Wrestling Club, former coach at the Tripp Park Miss E league, current North Scranton little league coach

1. Why did PennDOT deny the Pennsylvania Cannabis Festival LLC permission to adopt a stretch of Route 106 for cleanups?

A. The “Adopt-A-Highway” program has been suspended.

B. The stretch of road was already “adopted.”

C. The state agency had concerns because of the organization’s name and endorsement of marijuana use.

D. PennDOT did not give a reason.

2. True or false? Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport security staff would be encouraged to forcibly remove passengers from overbooked flights under a new policy the facility’s governing body will consider.

A. True.

B. False.

3. According to police, a woman accused of crashing into a Scranton barbershop admitted she’d been drinking ...

A. Energy drinks mixed with vodka.

B. Budweiser.

C. Scotch.

D. Chardonnay.

4. How much will PPL electricity prices jump next month for homeowners who don’t shop around for better prices?

A. 14 percent.

B. 4 percent.

C. 140 percent.

D. 0.14 percent.

5. Police said a Blakely man hit his children because he was angry that ...

A. they had damaged his video game console.

B. food had been taken upstairs.

C. they were jumping on furniture.

D. the dog had gotten loose.

6. Which of the following musical icons performed last week at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts?

A. Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones.

B. Madonna.

C. Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.

D. Elvis Costello.

7. True or false? The National Weather Service said a tornado passed through several communities in North Pocono on Monday night, flattening trees and damaging homes.

A. True.

B. False. The damage was caused by straight-line winds.

8. Who is President Donald Trump encouraging to run against U.S. Sen. Bob Casey in next year’s election?

A. U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly.

B. U.S. Rep. Tom Marino.

C. U.S. Rep. Charles Dent.

D. U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta.

9. According to the coroner, what killed a man found in a parking lot in Moosic?

A. Fireworks explosion.

B. Internal bleeding from a car wreck.

C. Heart attack.

D. Drug overdose.

10. Why did a Scranton man rob a pizza delivery worker, according to police?

A. He was angry at how long his order took to arrive.

B. He was hungry and had no money.

C. He was angry over a $2 delivery fee.

D. He thought the delivery worker “disrespected him.”

Answers: 1. C; 2. B; 3. D; 4. A; 5. B; 6. C; 7. B; 8. D; 9. A; 10. C

Best Western Plus Genetti wins award

The Wilkes-Barre hotel received the Champion Cus­tomer Care Award at Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ District VII Meeting held recently in National Harbor, Maryland. This honor is bestowed upon those member properties that demonstrate and best exemplify exceptional levels of service and care. The hotels must also meet quality and design standards and other membership requirements to qualify. The Best Western Plus Genetti Hotel was one of only 101 hotels out of more than 2,100 properties in the U.S. and Canada to receive this designation this year.

Benco Dental supports CASUAL Day awareness campaign: The dental company is in the midst of its CASUAL Day awareness campaign to benefit the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. NEPA Match Day, an initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, took place on Friday. Duryea at Dusk, a festival featuring a 5K and 1-mile walk, will take place June 3 in Duryea’s community park and Buzz Off Cancer, hosted by Mick’s Barber Shop in Honesdale, will take place June 24.

Chamber of the Northern Poconos: The chamber welcomed ElmTree Wellness Center during their ribbon cutting and grand opening held April 28 at Gresham’s Landing, Lake Wallenpaupack. ElmTree was founded by Susan Pasquini, MPT, with the goal of collaborating with like-minded people to create an environment where the patient truly comes first. This includes having one-on-one treatment, having therapists that are easily accessible and treating everyone with respect. Services Available include physical therapy, occupational therapy, aromatherapy, walking groups and healthy choice classes.

Clarks Summit University named to list: The university was ranked 31st among the Top 50 Best Small Colleges in the U.S. in Best College Review’s ranking, These were ranked based on a scoring rubric based on 500-2000 undergraduate students, availability of campus housing, graduate degrees offered, over 50 percent graduation rate, no more than $30,000 tuition, a student to faculty ratio 15:1 or less, and a 74 percent or higher retention rate to give us the best small colleges our nation has to offer.

Plains teacher wins Farmers Insurance education grant: Plains Twp. Elementary teacher Amanda Poplawski won a $2,500 educational grant as part of the insurer group’s Thank America’s Teachers program. With these funds, Poplawski plans to purchase a variety of desks for group work and flexible seating to create a collaborative learning environment for her students.

Lackawanna College EMS Academy earns accreditation: The college’s EMS Academy recently received an accreditation in basic life support from Emergency Medical Services of Northeast Pa. The EMS Academy will also offer emergency medical technician and emergency medical responder courses to the public and emergency service organizations. The Academy is currently offering EMR training to members of the Scranton Fire Department.

Local company hosting the American Society of Travel Agents: New York City Vacation Packages, a locally owned tour company providing travel arrangements to New York City for visitors around the world, has been chosen to host the prestigious American Society of Travel Agents bi-annual New York City Familiarization Tour. The tour gives ASTA travel agents firsthand experience to all that New York City offers as a vacation destination — Broadway entertainment, historic sightseeing, iconic attractions, diverse and culturally significant museums — so that the agents can provide professional advice to potential travelers.

Misericordia University External Nursing Advisory Board meeting: The university’s External Nursing Advisory Board recently hosted its eighth annual board meeting at Mary and Allen Erwine Hall to discuss changes in the health care delivery system and educating and training the next generation of clinicians so they can continue to deliver high-quality health care. The health care and educational professionals who have volunteered to participate on the advisory board bring years of experience from varied backgrounds, including the clinical and academic fields. The advisory board discusses community-related topics to help members gain a better understanding of the health care needs of residents in NEPA and to discuss how the university’s department of nursing can help to address them.

Penn State Wilkes-Barre receives PEG grant: The campus is a recipient of the Pennsylvania State University Engineering Technology and Commonwealth Engineering Program Enhancement Grant. The purpose of the ETCE-PEG is to provide engineering faculty with funding that will improve engineering and engineering technology labs and classrooms to expose the students to new technologies and learning environments that promote intellectual activities and applied experiences in engineering and technology. The PEG grant proposal centered around the idea of inserting virtual and augmented reality devices in basic engineering courses through a mobile cart which would house the technologies.

Regional’s pharmacy department completes program: Regional Hospital of Scranton’s Department of Pharmacy successfully completed the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharma­cists Antimicrobial Stewardship Certificate Program. They include Sharon Bochnovich, R.Ph.; Maura Osborne, PharmD; Micki Patane, R.Ph.; Denise Lud­wikowski, R.Ph.; Nanci Hum­ph­reys, R.Ph., and Diane Rudzavich, R.Ph.

SUBMIT BUSINESS BUZZ items to business@timessham rock.com or The Times-Tribune, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.

Potholes mean more than bumpy rides for your backside or your morning coffee.

Vehicle damage caused by the holes can be costly. According to a 2016 AAA study, pothole damage cost U.S. motorists about $15 billion over the previous five years, about $3 billion annually.

Every “pothole season,” when roads begin to thaw and more holes start to appear, employees at McCarthy Tire Service in Scranton see cars bearing the standard scars: suspension issues, damaged tires and bent rims, said Adam Robinson, a tire technician and mechanic at the shop. The cost of repairs and extent and type of damage depends on the vehicle. For instance, high-end, more expensive cars like Mercedes Benzes and Audis are especially prone to rim damage, as those are made of alloys or softer metals in comparison to the wheels found on more common makes, like Toyotas or Hondas, Robinson said. Pothole damage repairs on upmarket vehicles are also generally pricier.

“The more expensive the car, the more expensive the parts,” Robinson said.

Drivers can take some protective measures with their vehicles to help minimize the chances hitting one causes damage. AAA also recommends the following:

Inspect tires: Make sure tires are properly inflated and have enough tread. Underinflated or badly worn tires are more likely to be damaged when hitting a pothole.

Inspect suspension: Make certain struts, shock absorbers and other suspension parts are in good condition. Changes in vehicle handling, excessive vibration or uneven tire wear can indicate damaged or worn components. Have the suspension inspected by a certified technician if you suspect problems.

Look ahead: Check the road ahead for potholes. Alert drivers may have time to avoid them.

Slow down: If a hole can’t be avoided, reduce speed. Hitting a pothole at higher speeds greatly increases the chance of damage to tires, suspension and wheels.

Beware of puddles: A puddle can disguise a deep pothole. Use care when driving through them and treat them as though they might be hiding potholes.

Check alignment: Hitting a pothole can knock the wheels out of alignment and affect the steering. If a vehicle starts pulling to the left or right, get it checked by a certified technician.

Recognize noises/vibrations: Any new or unusual noises after hitting a pothole should be checked out by a certified technician, as those could indicate tire, wheel or suspension damage.

Repair costs

These prices apply to most normal passenger cars, not high performance models, European highline vehicles or limited production exotics.

Tires: $100-$250 (including mounts and balance)

Tie rod: $100-$250

Control arm: $200-$400

Wheel alignment: $75-$150

Ball joint: $150-$300

Wheels: $75 (steel), $500 (alloy)

— STATS ACCORDING TO AAA

Meet Kathryn ‘Katie’ Retzbach

School: Lakeland Junior-Senior High School.

Parents: Craig and Mary Retzbach.

Plans: Attend the University of Alabama’s Honors College with a major in political science and a minor in public policy; attend law school after getting her undergraduate degree.

Katie Retzbach is on the path to political office.

The four-time Lakeland class president and two-time student council president hopes to move to Washington, D.C., to use her future law degree to work in government, and she would like to eventually run for public office.

Katie is “very proud” of her presidential roles, she said.

“It means a lot to me that my peers believe I can serve as both,” she said. “It was a lot of work, but I loved getting to work with so many students to make a difference.”

While serving as student council president, Katie led the planning of both a 5K run to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

and a breakfast to honor local first responders. She considers these her most rewarding school activities; her most rewarding community activity was teaching CCD classes for first- and third-grade students at St. John Vianney Parish.

“I loved getting to know each of the kids and teaching them,” she said.

Katie is a gifted pianist who has been playing the piano her entire life, she said. Thanks to her musical talent, she has performed at Carnegie Hall three times. She is also a football cheerleader, and she has played basketball since first grade.

Even with so much going on in her life, Katie still manages to maintain a 4.0 GPA. Her academic and athletic achievements include taking 13 honors courses and five AP courses, involvement in Project Lead The Way, earning high honors every quarter, being elected to the math honor society Mu Alpha Theta, membership in National Honor Society, serving as secretary of student council as a sophomore and being captain of the varsity basketball team.

Katie is the student representative on Lakeland’s school board, curriculum council, positive behavioral support team and school counseling advisory council, according to Lakeland guidance counselor Larissa Valonis. She is a member of SADD, and she served as treasurer of her school’s Future Business Leaders of America organization last year.

Other than piano, basketball and cheerleading, Katie loves “all different kinds of sports,” and she loves to travel and learn about different cultures, she said.

Katie’s philosophy for life reflects her active high school career. She is never afraid to step outside of her comfort zone, try new things and challenge herself, she said.

She most admires her guidance counselor Larissa Valonis.

“She makes everyone feel important and cared for, and she works so hard at everything she does,” Katie said. “She goes above and beyond to make sure that every event she organizes is successful, and she always has a good attitude about everything in life.”

— FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY

Clarks Summit

Pavement at the Abington Community Library will be getting a face-lift.

The driveway, curbs, sidewalk and the larger of the two lots will all see work done, library Director Leah Ducato Rudolph said. The library will close Monday, May 15, so workers can jackhammer the sidewalk and area around the front entrance of the library, Ducato Rudolph said. Due dates for return of books and other media scheduled for that day have been adjusted to be returned the day after, or they can be returned at other libraries in the county system.

— CLAYTON OVER

cover@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5363;

@ClaytonOver on Twitter

Jermyn

Borough council Thursday passed a resolution proclaiming Oct. 8, the scheduled date of the Steamtown Marathon, as Tony Cerminaro Day in Jermyn.

Last year, at age 80, Cerminaro set a national age-group record for runners 80 to 84 by finishing the 21st Steamtown Marathon in a time of 3 hours, 57 minutes, 25 seconds.

The Jermyn resident has competed in every running of that 26.2-mile race, winning his age group each time.

“He’s one of the reasons that Jermyn, Pa., is awesome,” council President Frank Kulick said. “He’s actually won his age group in three different decades at the Boston Marathon.”

Councilman Kevin Napoli concurred, calling the resolution a “way to honor a local guy.”

Along with the resolution, Jermyn will hang a banner recognizing marathon day as Tony Cerminaro Day along the race course in Jermyn.

— JEFF HORVATH

jhorvath@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9141;

@jhorvathTT on Twitter

Mayfield

Multiple Memorial Day observances and activities are planned in the borough later this month.

First, Mayfield Lions Club President Kristopher Serniak asks club members to be present on Memorial Day, May 29, at 6 a.m. to install flags along the borough’s main streets in honor of all military men and women who have served or are serving in the United States armed forces. Members are to meet at the club building, and borough residents are encouraged to display the American flag.

A Memorial Day parade conducted by American Legion Post 610 will take place later in the morning. Legionnaires will assemble at their headquarters at 7 a.m. and proceed to Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Cemetery to conduct military services at 8.

The parade will step off at 9 after services. The honor guard will lead participants to both the Calvary and St. John’s cemeteries, followed by a ceremony at Memorial Park on Lackawanna Avenue. There, retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Susan K. Allen of Dallas will serve as guest speaker.

Finally, because of the holiday, refuse and recycling collection in Mayfield will take place Tuesday, May 30. Residents are not to place items at the curb before Monday evening.

— JEFF HORVATH

jhorvath@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9141;

@jhorvathTT on Twitter

University

of Scranton

Registrar Julie Ferguson was one of nine new members recently selected to the editorial board of College and University, an educational policy and research journal published four times a year through the nonprofit American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.

College and University focuses on the “emerging concerns, new techniques and technology of higher education.” The association consists of 11,000 higher education professionals who represent 2,600 institutions in more than 40 countries with the mission of providing professional development, guidelines and voluntary standards to be used by higher education officials.

Her memberships in registrar-related national associations include the American Associa­tion of Medical Colleges Com­mittee on Student Records and AACRAO, where she was a contributing editor on four of its publications.

Ferguson joined the university in 2016 as the registrar. She formerly served as the director of the registrar’s office, assistant dean for student affairs and director of clinical electives over the course of 15 years at Rutgers University – Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and also worked as registrar and associate university director of enrollment services at Mary­mount College, now part of Fordham University.

Ferguson earned her bachelor’s degree in public administration from the State University of New York Geneseo, and her master’s degree in public administration from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany.

Employment

Opportunity & Training Center

of Northeastern Pennsylvania

The agency has recently welcomed two members to its board of directors, Mary Beth D’Andrea of Roar­ing Brook Twp. and
N. Thomas
Johnson-Medland of East Stroudsburg.

D’Andrea is a senior vice president for Community Bank NA, where she assists commercial banking clients in all aspects of financial services. She is a University of Scranton alumna with a Master of Business Administration degree in finance. Her extensive community involvement includes board-level service for the Arc, Kiwanis Club of Scranton and University of Scranton Alumni Association.

Johnson-Medland is presently the director of BAYADA Home Health and Hospice, East Stroudsburg. A graduate of Penn State University, he has worked in the hospice and spiritual care field for over 20 years. He is a published author and public speaker. His current book projects include editing “Coming Back Home,” a collection of poems written by prisoners incarcerated in the Lackawanna and Monroe County jails.

Geisinger

Health System

Timothy Ebbitt, M.D., has joined as a diagnostic radiologist specializing in neuroradiology. Ebbitt will see patients at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Cetner in Plains Twp.

Diagnostic neuroradiology focuses on imaging of the brain, spine, head and neck.

Board certified in diagnostic radiology with additional subspecialty certification in neuroradiology, He also performs diagnostic spine procedures, including lumbar puncture and myelogram. In addition, Ebbitt also interprets advanced MR techniques, including perfusion, spectroscopy and functional imaging.

He earned his medical degree from New York Medical College, Valhalla. He completed an internship in internal medicine at Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island. He then completed a four-year residency in diagnostic radiology at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, and a one-year fellowship in diagnostic neuroradiology at Yale New Haven Hospital, Connecticut. Prior to joining Geisinger, Ebbitt served as a neuroradiologist at Consulting Radiologists, Edina, Minnesota.

He is a member of the American College of Radiology and American Society of Neuroradiology.

Geisinger

Wyoming Valley Medical Center

Sreelatha Naik, M.D., has joined the practice, offering care in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine. Naik treats patients with breathing disorders. She has a special interest in respiratory disorders and chronic respiratory failure in patients with neuromuscular disease, including those on chronic noninvasive and invasive mechanical ventilation. She also has interest in circadian rhythm disorders and complex sleep breathing and insomnia, and also treats respiratory disorders such as COPD, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease and pleural diseases.

Naik earned her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, where she completed her residency in internal medicine in 2012. She completed a pulmonary and critical care fellowship at Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connect­icut, in 2015. Holding a degree in biomedical engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Naik continues to participate in research at the Veterans Affairs Connecticut Health Care Center, West Haven, involving emerging technologies in sleep medicine.

She completed a sleep medicine fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University School of Medicine, Boston.

Naik is fluent in Telugu, Hindi and English.

Honesdale Surgical Associates

Sean Yuan, M.D., FACS, has joined the specialty practice of Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers.

As a general surgeon, Yuan performs a broad spectrum of procedures at Wayne Memorial Hospital with a focus on laparoscopic procedures, such as laparoscopic abdominal wall hernia repair, hiatal hernia repair for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux, and laparoscopic colon resection. Plans to offer surgical weight loss management at the Honesdale facility are also being discussed.

He earned a Doctor of Medi­cine degree from Beijing Medi­cal University. He completed his residency in general surgery at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, Darby, Pennsylvania. Additionally, he completed fellowship training in minimally invasive surgery at Virginia Commonwealth Univer­sity Medical Center in Rich­mond, Virginia. Yuan’s employment history includes general and bariatric surgery at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital and Potts­town Memorial Medical Center, Pottstown.

The practice is located in the Stourbridge Medical and Profes­sional Complex, 600 Maple Ave., Suite 1, Honesdale.

Jones Kohanski Consultants

& Certified Public Accountants

Jerome Palauskas and Erik Sharkey have joined the firm’s Moosic office.

Sharkey holds the position of senior accountant. He earned his Bachelor or Science/Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting from Bloomsburg University. He is a certified public accountant and a member of the Pa. Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He resides in Hazleton with his wife, Tiffany.

Palauskas is a staff accountant who focuses on auditing and taxation. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business with accounting and financial services from Penn State University. He also minored in information technology and security risk analysis. He is a member of the PICPA and resides in Scranton.

Misericordia

University

The university recently promoted two members of the faculty. Fred Croop, Ed.D., M.B.A., was promoted to professor of business, and
Cari M. Tellis,
Ph.D., C.C.C./S.L.P., was promoted to professor of speech-language pathology. In addition, Brenda Pavill, Ph.D., C.R.N.P., associate professor of nursing and certified family nurse practitioner, was awarded professor emerita status.

Croop is a certified public accountant and a certified management accountant who joined the faculty in 1989. The Tunk­han­nock resident has served as director of the sport management, information technology, and accounting programs, chair of the department of business, and dean of the College of Professional Studies and Social Sciences. He has taught classes in a range of business subjects, including accounting, auditing, taxes, software engineering and management information systems.

Under his direction, the department of business developed the Internal Controls and Federal Tax Exemption Basics for All-Volunteer Organizations Resource Manual in 2015. The manual is for all-volunteer organizations, such as volunteer fire departments and youth recreation leagues, to prevent criminal behavior and aid them with ethics, business and internal auditing. Croop is a member of the Luzerne and Wyoming Coun­ty Task Force on Elder Abuse and also has served with the Volunteer Income Tax Assist­ance Program, training volunteers who prepare tax returns for clients of the Area Agency for the Aging of Luzerne and Wyoming counties.

Tellis is a trained vocalist who joined the faculty as assistant professor of speech-language pathology in 2006. She is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist who completed fellowship training in voice at the University of Pittsburgh Med­i­cal Center Voice Center, Pitts­burgh. She is a voice specialist with certification as a master teacher and course instructor in the Estill Voice Training System.

A resident of Dallas, she recent­ly co-authored the book “Counseling and Interviewing in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology,’’ which offers helpful approaches to counseling as part of the therapy process in speech-language pathology and audiology. She is also the author of “Your Voice is Your Business: the Art and Science of Communication.” Her current research focuses on the use of functional near infrared spectroscopy to determine hemoglobin changes in the brain during speech and non-speech tasks. She also serves as director of the Performing Arts Training Academy, which teaches voice, dance, drama and music to young artists.

Pavill joined the faculty in 1991, and taught a variety of classes in the undergraduate and graduate degree nursing programs, specializing in the area of nursing practice. She served as director of the Master of Science of Nursing Program from 2014 until her retirement to adjunct status in 2016. She has written dozens of academic publications and reviews, and is author of the book “Nursing Shoes,” a story about becoming a nurse and being a nurse. Since retiring, she has done several article reviews and written a professional article related to incorporating digital interpreting systems into academia to provide students practice in caring for individuals when language is a barrier.

Pavill has served as a volunteer at the Care and Concern Free Health Clinic, Pittston, an outreach service affiliated with St. John the Evangelist Parish in Pittston, where she provides care as a nurse practitioner to people from the community who are uninsured.

Northeastern

Pa. Alliance

The alliance has announced two promotions effective July 1.

Stephen Ursich was promoted to the position of vice president of business development services.

Ursich will be responsible for division operations, which include Procurement Technical Assistance Center and International Business Devel­op­ment as well as NEPA Alliance’s low-interest economic development loan programs, primarily the SBA 504 Loan Program, throughout NEPA’s seven-county region.

He earned his B.S. in economics from the University of Scran­ton and is currently working on his MBA in finance at the Uni­ver­sity of Scranton. He graduated with honors from the Pa. Bankers Association School of Commercial Lenders and the Central Atlantic Advanced School of Banking.

Ursich has over 14 years of banking experience, focusing on retail and commercial lending. He has extensive knowledge in banking procedures, cash flow analysis, business analysis and loan structuring. Steve resides in Union Dale with his wife, Mar­garet; he has five daughters.

Kurt Bauman has been promoted to vice president of community and economic development services.

He will assume responsibilities for Appalachian Regional Commission and Econ­om­ic Development Administration program management.

Bauman currently serves as the vice president of community services and executive director of the Nonprofit & Community Assistance Center. He is respon­sible for the Association of the Fundraising Professionals Chapter Administrative Services, Blue Ribbon Task Force and Pa. Military Community Enhance­ment Commission Local Defense Group program grant administration, Comprehensive Economic Development Strate­gy, Economic Impact Modeling Services, NEPA Defense Tran­sition Partnership Project Man­agement, NEPA Research and Information Center, NEPA Grant­makers Forum and Website, NEPA Membership Program­ming, Nonprofit and Community Assistance Center Programming Administration and the Nonprofit and Community Assistance Center Community Foundation Initiative throughout NEPA’s seven-county region.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester and a master’s degree from the University of Scranton.

Bauman resides in Dickson City with his wife, Shara and their two children.

Pennsylvania Credit Union

Association

Jeff DeBree, CEO of Penn East Federal Credit Union in Scranton, and Joe Gimble, CEO of Citymark Federal Credit Union in Wilkes-Barre, were recently elected to association’s board of directors.

Their terms will begin at the conclusion of the association’s annual meeting of members this month.

State Board

of Examiners

of Nursing Home Administrators

Michael P. Kelly, MBA, NHA, of Scranton, has been notified by Gov. Tom Wolf of his appointment to serve on the board. The board’s function is to develop, impose and enforce standards which shall be met by individuals in order to receive a license as a nursing home administrator. Kelly has a long and varied career in the development and operation of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in Pennsylvania having constructed 25 over the past 30 years. He is the founder and president of Senior Health Care Solutions LLC, based in Scranton. He has been a licensed nursing home administrator since 1985.

Wayne Health Services

Bob Non, president of Pleas­ant Mount Welding Inc. in Car­bon­dale, has been appointed to the board of trustees to the subsidiary of the Wayne Mem­or­ial Health Foundation. WHS owns and operates the Stour­bridge Professional Complex at Maple Avenue and Route 6 in Honesdale, as well as the retail store, Wayne Health Pharmacy and Medical Equipment.

Non has been the president of Pleasant Mount Welding since its inception in 1983.

Born in Carbondale and raised on a family farm in Pleasant Mount, Non graduated from Forest City Regional High School and Lackawanna County Voca­tional-Technical School, where he completed a three-year course in welding. He attended Penn State University to study courses specifically to enrich his background in business development including accounting, marketing, engineering and mathematics. He has served as the treasurer of the Carbondale Technology Transfer Center for more than 10 years. Bob is married to his wife, Sue, and has two children, Brandon and Brianna.

SUBMIT PEOPLE ON THE MOVE items to business@timesshamrock.com or The Times-Tribune, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.

Vanessa White Fernandes offered a hug to anyone who wanted one Saturday.

During the annual Walk for Mental Health Awareness at Nay Aug Park, dozens of people embraced Fernandes and her idea.

“I think it’s really important to understand how connected we are as humans,” said the Scranton resident, who wore a “free hugs” sign around her neck. “It creates that vulnerability so we understand we all share the same struggles.”

Organized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, Scranton and Northeast Region, the 20th annual walk served as a way to bring people together for support, information and friendship. Health care providers, families and advocates said the walk is invaluable.

“There is help out there,” said Marie Onukiavage, executive director of the regional NAMI. “Hope exists. It’s OK to talk about mental health.”

About 200 people made their way around Nay Aug Park, led by a group carrying a banner that read “Walk the walk for lives touched by mental illness.” After the mile-long walk, participants enjoyed lunch under a large tent.

Tim Maloney of Pringle handed out tulips as a random act of kindness.

“I just wanted to spread some positivity,” he said.

Contact the writer:

shofius@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9133;

@hofiushallTT on Twitter

Clarks Summit University celebrated its 85th commencement Saturday, awarding 244 degrees and featuring a longtime professor as the keynote speaker.

“What a celebration of our students’ diligence and persistence,” said Dr. Jim Lytle, university president, who gave the opening remarks and conferred degrees. “This year’s celebration was even more effective because Dr. Dennis Wilhite, already loved by the students as a mentor, capped off his career at the university with a well-balanced commencement address.”

The university conferred 154 undergraduate degrees, 54 master’s degrees and 36 master’s or doctoral degree from Baptist Bible Seminary.

Wilhite, a professor in the School of Theology, will retire this month. He addressed the audience with a speech titled, “Who in the World do You Think You Are?”

Dr. Kezia Curry, a member of the university’s board of trustees and president and CEO of Global Kaleidoscope, LLC-Educational Consulting, performed the vocal solo “Forever,” popularized by Kari Jobe.

Dr. Elaine Brown of the School of Arts and Sciences read from I Peter 2:9-12, and Dr. Lynelle Buchanan of the School of Theology gave the prayer of dedication. Dr. William Higley, vice president for academics, presented the candidates for graduation.

Several graduating students addressed the audience, including Kirsten Weber of Amherst, New Hampshire, and Zachary Thompson of Alden, New York, both who earned a Bachelor of Science in education; Melonie Eastham of Fairplay, Colorado, who graduated magna cum laude with a Master of Arts in literature; and Timothy Valiante of Millville, who graduated summa cum laude with a Doctor of Ministry.

“I was greatly honored to speak to my fellow graduates at commencement,” Weber said. “It was incredible to share what God has done in my life with the people who I have lived with and studied with these past four years. These experiences have grown and fitted us with the skills that will transfer to our lives ahead.”

Other commencement events included a reception for graduates and their families, the seminary wives celebration and a luncheon for online student graduates.

Higley said, “We celebrate what God has done in the lives of our graduates to get them to this point, and we anticipate the future of how God is going to use our graduates for His eternal purposes in the world they are entering.”

Local graduates include:

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS

Hunter A. Lewis, high honor, Montrose

Stephen John Scubelek. Gouldsboro

Emily Elizabeth Sorensen, Dickson City

BACHELOR OF ARTS

Kathryn Rose Borne, Highest Honor, Thompson

Joel Michael Gardoski, Clarks Summit

Abigail Marie Mappes, Clarks Summit

BACHELOR OF MUSIC EDUCATION

Leeann J. Lemperle, highest honor, Long Pond

Beth Alice Lewis, highest honor, Clarks Summit

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Joseph Michael Chupick, Honesdale

Nicholas John Chupick, Honesdale

Mollie M. Comstock, highest honor, Scranton

Michael A. Kenyon, Factoryville

Peter Christopher Mills, Scott Twp.

Daniel Mark Trout, honor, Saylorsburg

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIBLE

Samuel David Brush, New Milford

Shea V. Cutshaw, East Stroudsburg

Phat Dong Nguyen, Scranton

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS

ADMINISTRATION

Sharon Cid, Tannersville

Makenzi Jo Kaiser, Clarks Summit

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COUNSELING

Tianna Linná Belles, Berwick

Allison N. Kelley, high honor, Clarks Summit

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION

Caleb T. Jones, highest honor, Milanville

MASTER OF ARTS

Beth Ann Stone, magna cum laude, Clarks Summit

Kristin Noelle Wight, cum laude, Mayfield

MASTER OF ARTS IN

LITERATURE

Jeremy J. Kemmerer, summa cum laude, Clarks Summit

Karin Mae Mappes, magna cum laude, Clarks Summit

MASTER OF EDUCATION

Amy Kathleen Garvin, Newburg

Amy Lynn Hannah, summa cum laude, Factoryville

Alyssa Joy Pyne, summa cum laude, South Abington Twp.

MASTER OF DIVINITY

Jared Mark August, magna cum laude, Clarks Summit

David P. Lee, Dickson City

For weeks, a gang of bandits toting sawed-off shotguns terrorized Scranton businesses in 1931, until a tip from an observant housewife helped police catch them.

The group members, who ranged in age from 17 to 19, committed at least five robberies at stores around Scranton. Police caught up to them just two hours after their last heist at a store at 144 Throop St.

The Jan. 9, 1931, holdup began around 9 p.m., according to proprietor Louis Kaufman. The robbers confronted him and four others — Joseph Caffrey, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Gard and the Gards’ 4-month-old daughter — and demanded money.

Searched pockets

“Three youths … covered the inmates of the store with a sawed-off shotgun and revolvers, while the other two proceeded to search the pockets of the men,” according to an account published in The Scranton Times the next day. “Kaufman had no money in his clothes but the highwaymen took $12 from the cash register. Gard lost $40 in cash.”

Then, the robbers ordered all five “into the refrigerator, locking the door from the outside. They instructed Kaufman not to open the icebox or follow them from the store,” the newspaper reported. “They then fled across a vacant lot to a waiting automobile.”

Upon receiving the report of the robbery, information about the gang was broadcast to every police officer in the city. A search for the robbers began.

Around 11 p.m., Jessie Melville and her husband, F.T. Melville, were entertaining a guest at 1000 S. Main Ave., where the couple’s pharmacy was located.

Looked out window

and screamed

The couple had undoubtedly heard of the gang of bandits holding up businesses throughout the city. So, when Jessie Melville looked out the window that night and saw a young man standing outside, a handkerchief over his face, she screamed for her husband.

F.T. Melville and his house- guest grabbed guns and “rushed outside in search of an officer,” The Scranton Times reported. Soon, they found Patrolman William Harmer, who jumped into the visitor’s car and chased a Ford containing the masked figure Jessie Melville spotted.

The officer caught up to the fleeing vehicle in the 1100 block of St. Ann’s Street, according to the newspaper. Although it was not reported at the time, one of the fleeing men tried to shoot Harmer. The gun jammed, saving the officer’s life.

The officer took the group to the West Scranton police station, where three police officials began interrogating them. “After an all-night grilling, the youths … confessed to five recent stickups, including the one” at the Throop Street store, according to The Scranton Times article.

The gang included Michael Louryk, 18, 1451 Amherst St., Scranton; John Kortaway, 17, 702 Laundry St., Dickson City; Michael Holland, 18, 1404 Cornell St., Scranton; Henry Bialczak, 19, 1344 Rundle St., Scranton; and Walter Mack, 17, 1419 Amherst St., Scranton.

Police said the “brains” of the gang, who also served as a fence, was Neal B. Alexander, 28, 316 Sanderson St., Throop. He was arrested later the same day.

The men also confessed to holdups at:

• John Marcinowski’s store, 1249 Rundle St., on Dec. 19, 1912. The bandits got $150 after cutting the store’s telephone wires and shooting the store owner’s dog.

• A store at 821 Eynon St. on Jan. 3, 1931. They took $60 from a cash register.

• Harry Auslander’s store, 239 Greenbush St., on Jan. 5, 1931. After locking the owner in a refrigerator, the bandits took $30 from the register.

• John Killian’s store, 1183 W. Elm St., on Jan. 6, 1931. They took $31.91 from the register.

Three months later, the gang of bandits faced Judge E.C. Newcomb and learned their fate.

Newcomb sentenced Bialczak, the leader of the gang, to serve 7½ to 15 years in prison. Holland, the triggerman, received the same sentence from the judge.

The other three — Kortaway, Mack and Louryk — were sent to Huntington Reformatory.

At the sentencing hearing, city Detective Lew Roberts talked about the arresting officer’s close call, saying Bialczak tried to shoot when Harmer stopped them.

“They told us that if the gun had not jammed, they would not be here,” the city detective testified, according to an April 8, 1931, Scranton Times article.

Further crimes

It seems prison did little to reform at least one of the gang members. In March 1937, police arrested Louryk at a beer garden in the 1400 block of Bryn Mawr Street in the city. He had been wanted in a series of robberies stretching back to 1933. In each case, he and two others worked together. They “backed their victims against the wall with guns and then rifled the cash registers,” according to a March 5, 1937, Scranton Times story about his arrest. Police also questioned Louryk about “recent safe robberies in business places on Lackawanna Avenue and a series of burglaries in Dockash Place,” according to the article.

ERIN L. NISSLEY Is an assistant metro editor at The Times-Tribune. She has lived in the area for 11 years.

Contact the writer:

localhistory@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100, x5436.