Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs will host the Breeders Crown on Saturday, Oct. 19. The Breeders Crown is the richest and most prestigious harness racing event in the nation.

Mohegan Sun hosted the $6 million Breeders Crown series in 2010.

A reinstated Scranton police detective was paid $175,000 to settle a federal lawsuit that charged the city with violating his right to keep his employment records private and ruining his upstanding reputation.

City officials refused at first to disclose the amount, but disclosed the document that settled the lawsuit Wednesday upon the urging of a lawyer for The Times-Tribune who argued lawsuit settlements are public record.

The city suspended, then fired Detective Tim Mayo after he refused to report to the scene of a shooting on June 23, 2008, in South Scranton.

"Tell them to go (expletive) themselves," the detective told a police officer who was told to summon him to the scene, according to an arbitrator's ruling.

"I'm sleeping. Tell them you didn't get a hold of me."

An arbitrator found the detective was "insubordinate" and engaged in "unacceptable" behavior, but reinstated him because firing was too harsh considering his lack of a prior disciplinary record.

Detective Mayo sued the city and its then-public safety director Raymond Hayes in 2010, for leaking information about the incident and his discipline in violation of the city's police union contract, which requires personnel matters to remain a secret.

Before the leak, the detective "had always enjoyed a good reputation for truth, honesty and reliability both in his trade and in the community," his suit stated.

"Instead of honoring that promise to not divulge allegations of wrongdoing to the public, (the city) leaked the fact that Detective Mayo, while off duty and sleeping at close to midnight, did not respond to requests to come into work, and that defendants were suspending Mayo without pay and seeking his termination," the detective's lawyer, attorney Cynthia Pollick wrote in the lawsuit.

The suit was settled Dec. 31, but the terms remained a secret.

Besides containing the dollar amount, the settlement required the city to remove and shred all documents related to the firing from Detective Mayo's personnel file while he and his lawyer watched. It also required the city to agree never to say anything about the incident again. The suit was also settled with no admission by the city that its officials did anything wrong.

The newspaper filed a Right-To-Know request for the amount and other related information on Jan. 3. In a Feb. 26, letter to the newspaper, city open records officer Ryan McGowan argued the amount is confidential.

In a March 1 letter, attorney Tim Hinton, a lawyer for the newspaper, reminded Mr. McGowan about past court rulings, including one by the state Supreme Court that stated lawsuit settlement agreements are public records even if a confidentiality clause is involved.

Mr. McGowan then released the settlement.

Contact the writer: bkrawczeniuk@timesshamrock.com

The Department of Community and Economic Development officials will descend on Northeast Pennsylvania next week for DCED on the Road.

For three days, DCED Secretary C. Alan Walker and as many as 40 staff members will make 47 scheduled stops in seven counties at locations as diverse as Fluff's Deli & Sandwich Shop in Hawley to the Neiman Marcus distribution center in Pittston. Some of the visits have a practical purpose - visiting sites of state-funded projects or having listening sessions with business leaders and government officials.

Some of the stops will be ceremonial, including award ceremonies, check presentations and ribbon-cuttings.

The DCED on the Road program is funded by the Team Pennsylvania Foundation, a nonpartisan group that seeks to improve communication between government and the private sector. Team PA takes the lead on several key events during the three days, including a question-and-answer session with business leaders and announcing local nominees for the Governor's Impact Awards.

"Many businesses don't interact with state economic officials, and we want them to have an opportunity," said Matt Zieger, Team PA president. "We want them to know that if they need capital, are interested in exporting, or have another issue, that they have a world-class team available to help them."

Here are some highlights of DCED's visit:

- Visit PA unveiling, Skytop Lodge, Monday, 11:30 a.m. The new 2013 Travel Guide and marketing campaign, including a revamped website, to promote the state as a tourism destination will be shared with the public.

- Local public official town hall, Monday, 6 to 7:30 p.m.. Jefferson Twp. Fire company. DCED officials will meet with local elected officials for an update on DCED activities.

- Governor's Impact Awards presentation, Tuesday, noon to 2 p.m., The Commonwealth Medical College. The event will include the announcement of 25 local nominees in five categories. The statewide winners will be announced in Hershey in May.

- Northeast Industry Leaders event, Tuesday 2 to 4 p.m. The Commonwealth Medical College. The DCED team will have a presentation and take questions from the audience.

Other site visits include: the Hawley Silk Mill restoration; Promise Land State Park wind turbines; Downtown Hawley facade improvement; Pocono Raceway economic impact and solar array; West Pittston Flood Recovery; and United Neighborhood Centers Elm Street Project in Scranton.

This is the second DCED on the Road program, following one in Northwest Pennsylvania in September. DCED spokesman Steve Kratz said with tightened budgets, the financial support of Team PA allows the agency to spend more time on the ground and face to face with citizens and business leaders.

"This is not a job that can be done from the seat in Harrisburg," he said. "We can see firsthand what is happening throughout the state and listen."

Austin Burke, president of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, said the DCED on the Road visit is more than a photo opportunity and a chance to shake hands. He's said it is an essential part of the secretary's job. The agency can see how state money is being spent on economic development and how to improve programs. The secretary also gets the chance to take the pulse of the local economy.

"This is a big shot of communication," Mr. Burke said, who served as interim DCED secretary. "People will learn about new programs and new opportunities. Then it goes both ways. We tell the secretary what our priorities are."

Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

A Taylor police officer is home from the hospital after another car crashed head-on into his cruiser Sunday in Old Forge.

Police said Benjamin Thomas, 35, of Old Forge, was traveling on Keyser Avenue when his Honda Civic crossed the center line and struck a Taylor police cruiser driven by Officer Brian Holland, 22, according to a crash report from Old Forge police.

Both Mr. Thomas, who had to be extricated from his vehicle, and Officer Holland were taken to Geisinger Community Medical Center. Taylor Police Chief Leonard Mickavicz Jr. said there were no serious injuries, and Officer Holland was home after being treated at the hospital.

Mr. Thomas admitted to police he had been drinking at Dooley's Pub and Eatery in Old Forge prior to the crash and is under investigation for suspected DUI, according to the report. Officials are waiting on the results of a blood test.

The Taylor Police Department is still waiting to hear a quote on the damage to the cruiser. Chief Mickavicz said Wednesday the vehicle is totaled.

Contact the writer: ksullivan@timesshamrock.com, @ksullivanTT on Twitter

An injunction temporarily blocking an arbitration hearing for 12 former employees of the Scranton Parking Authority raises issues that have not been addressed in courts or case law, attorneys told a judge Wednesday.

The dispute may set a precedent, although a narrow one, because it appears to be the first case to pit unionized employees and their labor contract against a court-ordered receiver responsible to creditors.

The crux is whether the furloughed SPA employees of Teamsters Local 229 can pursue grievances through an arbitration that potentially could affect the court-ordered receivership; or whether they must first seek permission from the court to pursue arbitration.

Receivership attorneys Jennifer Walsh Clark and Jennifer LaPorta Baker of the Scranton law firm McNees, Wallace & Nurick argued that a court consent order creating the receivership that now controls SPA's estate of five parking garages requires the union to seek court permission for arbitration, and the case also raises jurisdictional questions.

"This is not a labor-rights case. This is a creditors'-rights case," Ms. Walsh Clark said. "There is chaos here. There are jurisdictional tensions here. We're here because the (receivership) process wasn't followed."

Arbitration first

However, Teamsters' attorney Thomas Jennings of the Jennings Sigmond law firm of Philadelphia said labor law mandates arbitration as the employees' first step. If the union wins an arbitration award, it then would have to go to court to seek enforcement of the judgment, and that's when the receivership potentially could be affected, he said. And while the receivership was created by a court consent order, that pact is an agreement only between SPA, Scranton and the trustee for SPA bondholders, Wells Fargo. The 12 employees furloughed by SPA after the receiver took over never were part of the consent agreement and were not notified of it, he said.

"How am I bound by an order I didn't participate in?" Mr. Jennings asked. "We've got 12 human beings lolling around trying to find out where they're going with their lives. That's really what this is all about."

Lackawanna Judge Vito Geroulo said of the union not being notified of the consent order, "It does seem to me it was an oversight on somebody's part."

The judge instructed attorneys on both sides to submit to him by Monday further legal arguments that he will review before making a decision.

The temporary injunction was issued May 11 by the judge after the receiver of the SPA's assets, Mike Washo, objected that an arbitration hearing that had been set for May 13 could result in binding the receivership to pay monetary damages to the furloughed workers. The judge is weighing whether the injunction should become permanent or dissolved so arbitration can proceed.

SPA dismantling

The case is the latest issue stemming from the SPA's dismantling that began with city council allowing SPA to default on June 1. While the labor issue has taken two tracks - one involving six parking-garage maintenance employees who lost their jobs and the other involving six parking-meter employees who have remained employed - grievances underlying the arbitration are filed on behalf of all 12 and claim the furloughs violated their labor contract. They seek back wages/benefits and, in the case of garage workers, restoration of the jobs.

Mr. Jennings said no law or court ruling allows an injunction to permanently bar arbitration, and the constitutionality of the consent order also may be an issue for the union to eventually pursue. Ms. Walsh Clark and Ms. LaPorta Baker said the case is unique because the receiver controls only certain assets but not the entire SPA organization.

Because the employees' contract with SPA states it is binding on any SPA "successors, administrators, executors and assigns," another question is whether the receivership is a successor of SPA. The judge asked whether the consent order overrides the labor contract. Ms. Walsh replied that one has nothing to do with the other, and the receiver has no involvement in the labor contract.

SPA attorney Michael O'Brien of Oliver, Price & Rhodes of Clarks Summit said SPA agrees with the receiver's position that had the union sought court permission for arbitration, all legal disputes would have been resolved. Jason Asbell of Myers, Brier & Kelly of Scranton, attorney for bond trustee Wells Fargo, said an arbitration award would not trump the bondholders' first-priority secured interest in SPA garages.

Contact the writer: jlockwood@ timesshamrock.com

BIDWELL, VIRGIL "BIDDY," Honesdale, Friday, 11 a.m., St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Honesdale. Interment, St. John's Lutheran Cemetery. Calling hours Thursday, 3 to 7 p.m., Hessling Funeral Home Inc., 428 Main St., Honesdale. Contributions: Dessin Animal Shelter, St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church or Wayne Memorial Hospice. Condolences: hesslingfuneralhome.com.

BRISLIN, MARIA SUNDE', Sterling Twp., Saturday, noon, Sterling United Methodist Church. Arrangements: Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Homes, 3 First St., Spring Brook Twp. Condolences: strauchfuneralhomes.com.

BRONSON, ROSE MARIRE, Mar­tinsburg, W.Va., Saturday, 2 p.m., Brown Funeral Home, Mar­tinsburg, by the Rev. Eric Hall IV. Interment: St. Leo Ceme­tery. Calling hours, 1 to service. Condolences: BrownFuneral HomesWV.com.

BROOKS, CARL A., Little Egg Harbor, N.J., Mass, 9:30 a.m., St. Theresa's Church, 450 Radio Road, Little Egg Harbor. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Calling hours Thursday, 8 to 9 a.m., Wood Funeral Home, 134 E. Main St., Tuckerton, N.J. Contributions: Poor Sisters of Jesus Crucified and the Sorrowful Mother, St. Mary's Villa Residence, 1 Pioneer Place, Elmhurst, PA 18416.

BROWN, MARY F., Carbondale, Mass, Friday, 10:30 a.m., St. Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale. Interment, Union Dale Cemetery. Calling hours Thursday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., Brennan & Brennan Funeral Home, 55 Lincoln Ave., Carbondale. Contributions: Meals on Wheels, 541 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, PA 18509. Condolences: brennanfuneralhomes.com.

CARBONE, BARBARA ROSE, Scranton, calling hours, Saturday, 5 to 8 p.m., John J. Turko & Sons Funeral Home, 402 Boulevard Ave., Dickson City. Blessing service, 5:30, by Monsignor Michael J. Delaney. Contributions: Traditional Home Health, 113 W. Drinker St., Dunmore, PA 18512.

DAUGEVELO, ALBERT A., Forest City, today, Jones & Brennan Funeral Home, 430 Main St., Forest City. Mass, 10 a.m., St. Joseph's Church, Delaware Street, Forest City. Interment, St. Joseph's Cemetery, Forest City. Condolences: bren nanfuneralhomes.com.

DAVIS, JEANNE E., Peckville, today, 10 a.m., First United Presbyterian Church of Lackawanna Valley, by the Rev. Virginia Miner, pastor, and the Rev. Rees Warring. Interment Union Cemetery, Peckville, later date. Contributions: American Cancer Society or First United Presbyterian Church, Main Street, Peckville.

DE NUNZIO, DOMINIC J., Dunmore, formerly of West Scranton, Mass, Friday, 9:30 a.m., St. Patrick's Church, 1403 Jackson St., Scranton. Interment, private, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Calling hours Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m., Patrick F. Guido Funeral Home, 120 S. Main Ave., Scranton. Northeastern Detachment of the Marine Corps League services, Thursday, 6, funeral home. Military honors, Friday, follows Mass, church. Contributions: Northeast-ern Detachment of the Marine Corps League, P.O. Box 1775, Scranton, PA 18507, or Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Ave., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. Condolences: patrickguidofuneral home.com.

DELLOMO, MARY ROSE, Greentown, Saturday, 5 p.m., Oliver Shifler & Scotchlas Funeral Home Inc., 62 N. Main St., Carbondale. Calling hours Saturday, 3 to 5. Contributions: funeral expenses, c/o 10 Sawbuck Circle, Horsham, PA 19044. Condolences: shiflerfu neralhome.com.

FALBO, MARY E., formerly of Carbondale, Friday, 9:30 a.m., Lawrence A. Gabriel Funeral Home, 74 N. Main St., Carbondale, by the Rev. Arthur Davis. Interment, Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Finch Hill. Calling hours Thursday, 5 to 8 p.m.

FOX, PATRICIA ANN, Olyphant, Mass, Friday, 9:30 a.m., Nativity of Our Lord Church, 633 Orchard St., Scranton, by the Rev. Michael Bryant, pastor. Inurnment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Contributions: Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18414. Condolences: august haasfuneralhome.com.

FRAYNE, GREGORY LAURENCE, Flower Mound, Texas, memorial service, Saturday, 1 p.m., Flower Mound Family Funeral Home, Flower Mound, Texas, flowermound funeralhome.com.

GRASSO, CORNELIA "CONNIE," Taylor, today, Mass, 2 p.m., Immaculate Conception Church, 801 Taylor Ave., Scranton. Go directly to church. Interment, private, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Condolences: patrick guidofuneralhome.com.

GREGGS, WILLIAM H., Allied Terrace, Scranton, formerly of Green Ridge section, Wednesday, Howard J. Snowdon Funeral Home, Scranton, by the Rev. Arthur W. Davis. Pallbearers: Jeffrey Greggs and Jesse Loughney, grandsons; John Addeo and Chris Roberto, nephews. Interment with military honors, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst Twp.

HALL, ALFRED B. "FRITZ," Clifford Twp., March 30, gathering 9 a.m., ceremony 10 a.m., Elkview Country Club, Crystal Lake, by the Rev. William Carter. Cremation: Jones and Brennan Funeral Home, 430 Main St., Forest City. Contributions: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network via the Alfred "Fritz" Hall Legacy Fund, firstgiving.com/fundraiser/fritz-hall/KeeptheMemoryAlive, or 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

HALLESKY, ELIZABETH, Jermyn, today, James M. Margotta Funeral Home, 1019 Main St., Peckville. Mass, 10 a.m., Corpus Christi Church. Interment, Holy Ghost Cemetery, Blakely. Contributions: St. John Vianney Parish, Montdale. Condolences: margottafuneralhomes.com.

HENCINSKI, JOSEPHINE "JO," formerly of Scott Twp., Mass, Friday, 9:30 a.m., St. Mary's Visitation Church, go directly to church. Interment, St. Joseph's Cemetery, Scott Twp. Calling hours Thursday, 6 to 8 p.m. Frank T. Mazur Funeral Home Inc., Dickson City. Contributions: St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, 500 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18509. Condolences: mazurfu neralhome.com.

HIBBLER, MARJORIE "HIBBY," Eynon, formerly of Dunmore, Wednesday, Louis M. Margotta Funeral Home, Jessup. Services, St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, by the Rev. Allen Vomhoff. Pallbearers: Eric Wallace and Joseph Burton, grandsons; James Lennox, grandson-in-law; David and Thomas Gdovin, nephews; and Michael Molitoris, great-nephew. Interment Dunmore Cemetery.

JOHNSON, RONALD P. SR., Nicholson, service with military honors, today, 7 p.m., Charles H. Litwin Funeral Home, 91 State St., Nicholson, by Pastor Margaret Hartmann of First Presbyterian Church of Nicholson. Interment, Lynn Cemetery. Calling hours, today, 5 until service. Contributions: Alzheimer's Association or to American Cancer Society. Condolences: litwinfuneralhome.com.

KANIA, THERESA M., Carbondale, Wednesday, Brennan & Brennan Funeral Home Inc., Carbondale. Mass, St. Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale, by the Rev. John C. O'Bell. Pallbearers: Joseph and Colin Loftus, Gordon and Dan Travis, Josh Alunni and Paul Deliman. Interment, Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Finch Hill.

KRAUSE, CHARLOTTE B., Peckville, Tuesday, by the Rev. Virginia Miner, pastor of the First United Presbyterian Church of Lackawanna Valley, Peckville. Pallbearers: Jeff Krause, grandson; Carla Fitch, grandaughter; Eric Krause, great-grandson; Vicki Krause, grandaughter-in-law; Kevin Fitch, grandson-in-law; and Bob Sulger. Interment, Union Cemetery, Peckville.

MARCHO, FAYE L., Gibson, Saturday, 11 a.m., Shifler-Parise Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 18 Airport Road, Clifford Twp., by the Rev. James Major and the Rev. Loren Winn. Interment, Clifford Valley Cemetery, Clifford Twp. Calling hours Friday, 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, 10 to 11. Condolences: parisefuneralhome.com.

McAFEE, MARK, South Scranton, today, Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home, 254-268 Railroad Ave., West Scranton. Mass, 10 a.m., Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church, by the Rev. Scott P. Sterowski, pastor. Interment, private, St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Go directly to church. Contributions: Pennstar Bank, 1230 O'Neill Highway, Dunmore, PA 18512, with the notation: For Mark McAfee, wife and children. Condolences: chomkofuneralhome.com.

McREADY, WALTER JOSEPH, Lake Ariel, formerly of Commack, N.Y., Mass, Friday, 10 a.m., St. Mary's Church, 300 St. Mary Church Road, Ledgedale, Lake Ariel, by the Rev. Michael Finn. Burial, St. Mary's Church Cemetery. Calling hours Thursday, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8:30 p.m., William H. Clark Funeral Home, 1003 Main St., Stroudsburg. Contributions: Make-A-Wish Foundation, American Heart Association or NYPD Emerald Society. Condolences: wmhclark funeralhome.com.

MERLI, JOSEPH G., Peckville, Wednesday, James M. Margotta Funeral Home, Peckville. Mass, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Peckville, by Monsignor Peter P. Madus, pastor. Pallbearers: Christian Tomaino, Tim and Christopher Merli, and Greg Laroni, grandsons; Ralph and Dan Antenori, cousins. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park, Montdale.

PEZAK, STANLEY M. JR., Jessup, Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Holy Ghost Church. Interment, parish cemetery, Jessup. Calling hours Thursday, 9 until service, church. Arrangements: Louis M. Margotta Funeral Home, 511 Church St., Jessup. Condolences: margottafuneralhomes.com. Contributions: to the family to defray expenses.

PIZZOLA, CEIL, Dunmore, Mass, today, 9:30 a.m., St. Anthony of Padua Church. Interment Mount Carmel Cemetery, Dunmore. Condolences: dunmorefunerals.com.

RAFAJ, SUSAN M., Friday, 1 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 122 E. 88th St., New York City. Donations: Osteoporosis Foundation or the New York Public Library. Private burial, family grave in Peckville.

RAY, SHARON M., Forkston Twp., Sunday, 2 p.m., by Forkston UMC Pastor Jean L. Sweet. Interment, Forkston Ceme­tery. Arrangements: Harding-Litwin Funeral Home, Tunkhannock. Contribu­tions: Forkston UMC Paint Can Fund, 203 Main St., Forkston Twp., PA 18629. Condolences: aplitwinfuneral homes.com.

SCHLEIG, BETTY LARUE, Newfoundland, visitation, today, 4 to 7 p.m., Arthur J. Frey Funeral Home, 201 LaAnna Road, LaAnna. Memorial service, later date. Contributions: Newfoundland Moravian Church, P.O. Box 221, Newfoundland, PA 18445.

SCHWARTZ, ELIZABETH A., Honesdale, Saturday, 10 a.m., Christ Episcopal Church, Route 6, Indian Orchard, by the Rev. Graham Cliff. Interment Indian Orchard Cemetery. Calling hours, Friday, 7 to 9 p.m., Arthur A. Bryant Funeral Home, 1228 N. Main St., Honesdale.

SEPELYAK, JOHN "JACK" SR., Olyphant, Wednesday, Vanston and James Funeral Home, Scranton. Interment, St. Joseph's Cemetery, Scranton.

UHRIN, RICHARD J., Olyphant, Saturday, 10 a.m., Frank T. Mazur Funeral Home Inc., 601 Dundaff St., Dickson City. Calling hours Friday, 6 to 8 p.m. Cremation: Maple Hill Crematory, Archbald. Contributions: Salvation Apostolic Temple Church, 223 Main Ave., Scranton, PA 18504. Condolences: mazurfuneral home.com.

NEPA native heads Defense Logistics

Enthusiastic and excited is how Northeast Pennsylvania native and newest site commander of the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation in Jacksonville, Fla., said he feels going into his new assignment.

"So here I am in somewhat of a dream job, taking command of the finest forward site under the DLA Aviation organization," Navy Cmdr. Maurice "Moe" Meagher said, adding, "Not lost upon me is the fact the command is not something a lot of Navy Supply Corps officers ever have the opportunity to experience.

"I am truly honored by this opportunity."

Cmdr. Meagher assumed the position during a ceremony held at the Naval air station in Jacksonville. DLA Aviation commander Brig. Gen. Scott W. Jansson officiated the ceremony while Navy Cmdr. Jason Klingenberg relinquished the command to Cmdr. Meagher.

Kate Meagher, his sister, and Lt. Cmdr. John Meagher, his brother, attended the ceremony. Sandy and Paul Meagher joined Mary Welher and Kathryn Meagher to also witness Cmdr. Meagher assume his new position.

Born and raised in Honesdale, Cmdr. Meagher is the son of retired Capt. Maurice Jr. and Jean Meagher. A graduate of Honesdale High School, he received his bachelor's degree in sociology with a minor in biology from Villanova, where he also received his commission from Villanova's Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program. The commander and academic holds a master's degree in operations research from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., and Joint Professional Military Education Phase I from the Navy War College.

Marking history

Donna Barbetti, president; and members of the Lackawanna County Commission for Women including Laurie Cadden, Judy Cosgrove, Marilyn Vitali-Flynn, Mary Jane Memolo, Dr. Dipti Pancholy, Deb Peterson and Linda Steier are seeking entries for the annual Women's History Month Bookmark Contest.

The contest, open to seventh-grade students enrolled in our area's public and private school systems, is designed to broaden awareness of the contributions women have made to all segments of society. In years past, the efforts and contributions of such noteworthy females as Georgia O'Keeffe, Rosa Parks, 2nd Lt. Carol Ann Drazba and Jane Adams have been highlighted in award-winning designs.

Students are also encouraged to recognize women whose accomplishments may not be as well publicized as others, but who have made a substantial mark on society and the community at large.

High notes

North Pocono senior Chris Bohn is doing his senior project at St. Mary's Villa in Elmhurst. Chris recently took his guitar and went from unit to unit playing and singing for the residents, even singing at bedside for some. Chris, who also works a part-time job in the dietary department at the Villa, has also assisted with other resident activity programs.

Luzerne County gets $12M from gaming

Four towns receive $1M each

The Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded $12,499,058 in gaming funds Wednesday to finance 37 projects throughout Luzerne County.

Four local municipalities - Pittston, Hanover Twp., Kingston and Hazleton - received $1 million in gaming grants from the independent state agency that distributes money generated by the state's casinos. Luzerne County's share of funds come from Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Plains Twp.

Pittston received $1 million for its Main Street revitalization program, which involves redeveloping the business district bound by Main, Kennedy, Spring and Charles streets and nearby locations. The funds will be used to acquire and demolish two residential units, extend the Main Street streetscape, complete a library expansion and rehabilitate seven properties.

The city initially asked for more than $3 million but is "certainly appreciative" of the $1 million award, said city Manager Joe Moskovitz.

"No one can be unhappy or dissatisfied with receiving a $1 million grant," Mr. Moskovitz said. "Here in northeastern Pennsylvania and in Luzerne County, these casino grants represent the single best opportunity to obtain state funding."

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains Twp. received $400,000 to double the size of its neuroscience area and increase an area for hospital-based physicians and palliative medicine specialists, who offer pain relief and other symptom management for those with life-threatening illnesses. The project will result in the creation of 21 full-time, permanent jobs.

Geisinger officials are "appreciative that these funds are being allocated to programs that will help improve the community and we are grateful that our expansion projects were included among these initiatives," said spokesman Matt Van Stone.

State Sen. John Yudichak, D-Plymouth Twp., said creating jobs, enhancing public safety, improving infrastructure and revitalizing aging communities are all critical to the economic recovery of Luzerne County and the funding from the gaming industry "has provided us an opportunity to tackle all these initiatives."

"All of these projects are well-deserving of the state support and it is my hope that they will attract business and put local residents back to work," Mr. Yudichak said.

West Pittston received a total of $1,325,000, including $750,000 for flood recovery in the central business district. Crown Display Manufacturing, a business in West Pittston, received $200,000 to expand its manufacturing operation. United Neighborhood Community Development Corporation, the nonprofit organization that turned the former Hitchner Biscuit Co. building into apartments, received $375,000 to renovate an old high school at 311-313 Luzerne Ave. and construct 22 apartments.

Pittston Twp. was awarded $350,000 to construct a one-story addition adjacent to the municipal building for the police department and complete renovations to the vacated space for administrative offices.

"This award will give Pittston Twp. the resources needed to expand their facilities to accommodate job growth and enhance public safety," said state Rep. Sid Michaels Kavulich, D-Taylor. "Not only will this benefit the police department's growing workforce, but at a time when Pennsylvania's unemployment rate is on the rise, it will assist our region's growth and development."

Contact the writer: dallabaugh@citizensvoice.com Luzerne gaming grant recipients

A partial list of gaming grants awarded to communities in Luzerne County:

Duryea

n $150,000 to renovate the Municipal Building.

Pittston

n $1 million for the continuing redevelopment of the business district.

Pittston Twp.

n $350,000 to renovate and expand the Municipal Building.

West Pittston

n $750,000 to improve flood-damaged infrastructure and streetscapes in the Central Business District.

n $200,000 to purchase equipment to expand Crown Display's manufacturing. Will create 25 full-time jobs.

n $375,000 to rehabilitate an old high school on Luzerne Avenue into 22 apartments for area seniors.

Wilkes-Barre Twp.

n $500,000 for a sewer system upgrade to allow the construction of a 120-unit senior housing development.

Wilkes-Barre

n $225,000 for Vitrius Technologies to research and develop windows and glazing technologies. Will create 100 jobs.

n $425,000 for the F.M. Kirby Center to complete an energy efficiency initiative.

n $225,000 to improve facades of at least 60 homes around elementary and high schools.

n $50,000 to purchase new police cruisers.

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

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

n Bank of New York Mellon Trust Co. Trustee, Integrated Asset Services LLC AIF, to Arnold E. and Karen L. Murray, a property in Tunkhan­nock Twp. for $14,900.

n Robert A. and Jennifer L. Murphy to Robert Evans Jr., a property in Washington Twp. for $162,500.

n Fannie Mae, Federal Nation­al Mortgage Association, Mc­­Cabe Weisberg & Conway PC AIF, to Joshua A. and Aurora Bonner, a property in Washing­ton Twp. for $133,000.

n Eugene M. and Kim M. Myers to Steve Edward Bon­czek, a property in Tunkhannock for $1,000.

n Ruth E. Fudala to Arthur and Betty Coleman, a property in Falls Twp. for $115,000.

n Lee B. Cannella to Jags LLC, a property in Meshoppen for $47,500.

n Cheryl and Thomas O'Con­nor to Steve Edward Bonczek, a property in Tunkhan­nock for $1,000.

n Donald H. Jr. and Cathleen A. Mason to Lindsey Zaner, a property in Eaton Twp. for $117,000.

n Bryan D. Smith to Bryan D. Smith, Lucille M. Getz, a property in North Branch Twp. for $78,500.

n Federal National Mortgage Association to Verne and Kim­berly Croasdale, a property in Nicholson Twp. for $53,550.

n Fannie Mae, Federal Nation­al Mortgage Association, Phelan Hallinan & Schmieg LLP POA, Phelan Hallinan LLP POA, to Robert F. Otto Sr., a property in Windham Twp. for $17,000.

n Charles V. Myers to Steve Edward Bonczek, a property in Tunkhannock for $1,000.

n Alexander and Lucy Jubin­ski to Victor and Tina Gorham, property in Falls Twp. for $100,000.

ESTATES FILED

n C. Clark Garrison, aka Charles Clark Garrison, late of Lemon Twp., letters testamentary to Terry C. Garrison and Pamela Eyer, co-executors, c/o Sally A. Steele, Esq., 70 Hollow­crest Road, Tunkhannock, PA 18657.

n John H. Jones, late of North Branch Twp., Wyoming County, letters testamentary to Ruthann Mead, c/o Attorney for the Estate Judd B. Fitze, Esq., of Farr, Davis & Fitze, 7 Marion Street, P. O. Box H, Tunkhannock, PA 18657.

n Jimmie Geiger, aka James W. Geiger, late of Nicholson, Wyoming County, letters testamentary to Jillian Geiger, 8 Oakwood Drive, Old Forge, PA 18518.

n Ronald Remetz, late of Northmoreland Twp., Wyoming County, letters testamentary to Robert Killian, executor, c/o John J. Hovan, Esq., 154 Warren St., P. O. Box 336, Tunkhannock, PA 18657.

HARRISBURG - The propriety of having the official portrait of imprisoned ex-Sen. Robert J. Mellow remain on public display at the state Capitol is under review by the Senate's presiding officer.

At the request of some senators, President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati, R-25, Jefferson County, has agreed to look into the issue, top aide Drew Crompton said Wednesday.

Mr. Mellow's portrait hangs on the ground floor in the Senate wing. It is the only visible reminder of his four decades representing the 22nd District in the Senate. Mr. Mellow became a subject of portraiture because of his brief tenure as president pro tempore in the early 1990s.

Mr. Mellow's portrait has remained in its spot since he entered a federal prison two months ago to serve a 16-month sentence on federal charges of mail fraud and filing a false tax return.

It has attracted new interest in the wake of state corruption charges filed last week against Mr. Mellow and seven others in connection with a pay-to-play scandal at the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.

Two Republican senators said reviewing the status of the Mellow portrait is warranted.

"Portraits celebrate history," said Sen. Jake Corman, R-34, Bellefonte. "This type of issue is certainly worthy of review."

"It is concerning," said Sen. Mike Folmer, R-48, Lebanon. "You are trying to present a good accountable open government."

But Mr. Mellow's successor, Sen. John Blake, D-22, Archbald, said removing the portrait would smack of revisionist history.

"I don't think you can rewrite the service of 40 years," he said.

The portraits of former House Speakers John Perzel and William DeWeese, both now serving sentences in state correctional institutions for convictions related to the Bonusgate scandal, are hanging down the hall in the House wing. So is the portrait of former 1970s era Speaker Herb Fineman, who spent time in a federal prison for a bribery conviction.

A precedent may have been set when the Capitol was built more than a century ago. The bronze bust of Capitol architect John M. Huston adorns the massive bronze entrance doors. Mr. Huston served time in a state prison for his conviction in the Capitol graft scandal.

Contact the writer: rswift@timesshamrock.com

The investigation into suspended Scott Twp. Police Chief James Romano has been handed over to the state attorney general's office, First Assistant District Attorney Gene Talerico said Wednesday.

However, details on the investigation remain scarce.

Mr. Talerico deferred all comment to the attorney general's office. Dennis Fisher, spokesman with the attorney general's office, declined to comment.

It was announced Tuesday that Chief Romano had been suspended with pay, after township supervisors learned there was an active investigation being conducted involving him. His annual salary is $52,624, according to township officials.

Supervisor David Makala, who is in charge of the township Police Department, said he got the call from the district attorney's office that Chief Romano was under investigation on Monday night. He then appointed Lt. Jared Ganz as the officer-in-charge. Ongoing efforts to reach Lt. Ganz have been unsuccessful.

Mr. Makala declined to comment Wednesday on the nature of the investigation as well.

"Charges haven't been filed yet," Mr. Makala said. Chief Romano also was suspended from serving as a part-time Dickson City police officer.

Chief Romano's suspension will remain in effect for as long as the investigation lasts.

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

CARBONDALE - Following the lead of city council, the Carbondale Area School Board on Wednesday unanimously voted to publish the names of delinquent taxpayers.

There were more than $505,000 in delinquent taxes from residents of Carbondale city and about $100,000 in delinquent taxes from residents of Fell Twp. for the 2012-13 school year, which have not been paid as of Jan. 1, Carbondale Area School District Business Manager David Cerra said.

District officials estimate they will spend about $1,000 to have the names published, although the time frame and medium has yet to be determined.

"We're going to get these taxes with penalties and interests. Whether this speeds up the process, we'll see," Mr. Cerra said.

The school board voted on the issue the same day a list of delinquent city taxpayers appeared in the Carbondale News.

Printing the four pages of names was not meant to embarrass anyone, said Carbondale Mayor Justin Taylor. Tax bills are sent out each spring and become delinquent if unpaid by Dec. 31. Those residents also were warned of the impending publication in delinquent notices the city sent out.

The one-day advertisement cost the city $2,400, and Mr. Taylor hopes to collect much more than that in delinquent taxes.

Though there have been some complaints, he also has heard from residents who said it was a great idea to publish the list.

"It's public record," he said. "It's not like we did anything wrong. People were never held responsible in the past."

Mr. Taylor said the city has borrowed approximately $3 million since he took office a decade ago, primarily to pay off debt.

Even with strong budgeting, he said the delinquent taxes have held back the city's finances.

"It may be drastic in the sense that the city has never done it before," he said. "I'm not going to continually take the blame for the city running behind every year."

"People need to know that the best-laid plan, as far as a budget goes, is only as good as the revenue side of things," he said.

Also at Carbondale Area School District's meeting Wednesday, the school board authorized its legal representatives to hire an architecture firm to review with construction plans for the Junior Senior High School. The move is in response to a lawsuit filed earlier this month by contractor Mar-Paul, claiming the district has not paid them for work done on the school's renovation project completed in the fall.

Contact the writer: rbrown@timesshamrock.com, ksullivan@timesshamrock.com, @rbrownTT and @ksullivanTT on Twitter

LACKAWANNA COUNTY COURT NOTES

marriage licenses

n Eric Bohar and Rebecca Rae Hoover, both of Scranton.

n Francis Joseph Moran and Amanda L. McCaulley, both of Carbondale.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

n Ronald S. Mislinski, Bren­don A. and Danielle Mislinski, Lackawanna County, to John R. Brunza, Scranton; a property at 1919 Electric St., Dunmore, for $152,000.

n Gladys and Roque Barbaro, Scranton, to Mark Cerminaro, Old Forge; a property at 206 Oak St., Old Forge, for $38,000.

n 530 Sherwood Development LLC, Scranton, to Nicholas C. and Laura A. Reuther, Roaring Brook Twp.; a property in Dun­more for $220,000.

n Gayle D. Petrick, trustee for Gayle D. Petrick Revocable Trust, and Mary E. Petrick, trustee for Mary E. Petrick Revocable Trust, Grove City, Ohio, to Jason and Beth Tourscher, Clarks Green; a property at 136 Carol Drive, Clarks Summit, for $169,600.

divorce decrees

n Kevin Paoloni v. Sherry Dalessandro

n Jennifer Torres v. Jeffrey Torres

n Leonor Bespin v. Carlos Sandoval

n Andrea C. Riccardo v. Rocco T. Riccardo

n Tanya Grover v. Kirt Grover

n Bonnie Millburn v. Scott M. Millburn

n Daniel Vannan v. Rachel Vannan

n Andrew D. Piezga v. Rebecca A. Piezga

n Joseph P. Labukas Jr. v. Lynette A. Labukas

n Thomas M. Vidra v. Tonilynn A. Davenport

n Edik Arzumanyan v. Natalya Khachaturova

LAWSUIT

n Ruth Yuknavich, 220 Lake St., Apt. 103, Dallas, v. Ronald Gavronsky, 1306 Frieda St., Dickson City; seeking less than $50,000, which sum is within the amount requiring compulsory arbitration thereof under the statutes of the commonwealth and the local rules of court, for injuries suffered April 20, 2011, in an automobile crash at Green Ridge Street and Sanderson Avenue, Scranton; Joseph P. Novak, attorney.

estateS filed

n Frances Hokien, also known as Frances J. Hokien, 155 Scranton-Pocono Highway, Cov­ington Twp., letters testamentary to Gary Hokien, 7 Maple St., Covington Twp.

n John Sepelyak Sr., 125 Bosak Court, Olyphant, letters testamentary to Deborah Gronski, 1232 Harrison Ave., Phoenixville.

n Eugene J. Rechlicz, 214 Teaberry Lane, South Abington Twp., letters of administration to Jean Marie Rechlicz, 210 Northup Road, Clarks Summit.

ONLINE: thetimes-tribune.com/courts

OLD FORGE - A split vote over a board member's attendance at a leadership conference led to some disagreement at an Old Forge School Board meeting Wednesday.

A motion to spend $495 to send Marygrace Mailen to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association's Leadership Symposium on Advocacy and Issues failed in a 2-5-1 vote, with Mrs. Mailen abstaining. Board member Christopher Jones was absent.

"I can't imagine why we wouldn't want a board member present," board member Katherine Stocki said of the vote.

Mrs. Mailen also reacted with a prepared statement, explaining that she had been given a message from board President Debbie DeSando before the meeting that the motion would probably fail.

"I have been stifled and bullied by members of this board," she said, questioning open meeting violations before addressing Mrs. DeSando directly.

"Thank you for the thoughtfulness of giving me a heads up so I wouldn't be embarrassed when the motion failed," Mrs. Mailen said. "The only one who should be embarrassed is you and the way you lead."

Ms. Stocki and Eugene Talerico voted in favor of the motion. Voting against were Patrick Dattilo, Gary Goodall, James Hoover, Ronald Stacchiotti and Ms. DeSando.

After the meeting, Mrs. DeSando explained that Ms. Stocki will already be attending the conference in question and the decision was economic. She declined to respond to Mrs. Mailen's comments.

"We already will have representation there," she said.

Contact the writer: rbrown@timesshamrock.com, @rbrownTT on Twitter

Police, borough worker handle fire

CLARKS SUMMIT - A dryer fire was brought under control by nearby Clarks Summit police officers and a Department of Public Works employee Wednesday night.

Police Chief Joe Laguzzi said three on-duty officers responded to the laundromat in the 100 block of Old Lackawanna Trail Road just after 6:30 p.m., when they heard calls over the scanner. They pulled a fire extinguisher from a police cruiser and used it to control the fire, which spread to the wall and ceiling of the building. Clarks Summit firefighters arrived on the scene shortly after.

The building suffered heavy smoke damage, but no one was injured, Chief Laguzzi said.

An official from the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry who was vocal about advocating for gaming funds for the historic Irem Temple building was fired late Wednesday afternoon.

Ross Macarty, vice president of community development, real estate and special projects for the chamber, said he was fired at 4:55 p.m. by chamber CEO Bill Moore. The decision to fire him came the day that the Commonwealth Financial Authority announced it awarded $12,499,058 in gaming funds to Luzerne County projects. The $2.4 million the chamber and city requested to restore the Irem Temple building was not one of the projects approved.

Macarty said chamber officials said he was fired for being too vocal in shedding too much light on an "embarrassing issue" for the chamber: the Irem Temple building.

"I have not spoken to anyone who doesn't wholeheartedly agree with the restoration of the building, but unfortunately, it's sitting in the hands of an organization that can't do anything about it and doesn't have the ability or interest to focus on it," Macarty said.

The Greater Wilkes-Barre Development Corp., an arm of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry, bought the building in 2005 for $992,000 using a combination of federal, state and chamber funds.

Macarty was active in advocating for $2.4 million in state gaming funds to bring the building up to code and return it to use. He asked elected officials for their support and also reached out to foundations for additional funding to save the building.

"I feel like I was vilified for going above and beyond the call of duty," Macarty said.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Newly released court documents show gas drilling company Range Resources and other defendants paid $750,000 to settle claims that the activity ruined a western Pennsylvania family's property.

Stephanie and Chris Hallowich had sued the companies claiming drilling and other activity on a neighboring property had made their home in Hickory, about 25 miles southwest of Pittsburgh, virtually unsellable.

The documents released Wednesday also show the Hallowichs agreed there was no medical evidence that drilling harmed their health or their children's health. The family had also previously acknowledged that it was receiving royalty payments from hydraulic fracturing on the property. It's not clear from the settlement if that's still the case. Peter Villari, the Hallowichs' attorney, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Under the settlement the Hallowichs received $594,820 and their lawyers got $150,000, plus $5179 for costs. The other companies involved in the case were Williams Gas/Laurel Mountain Mid-Stream and Mark West Energy Partners. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection wasn't part of the settlement, though it was named in some court papers.

Range also now owns the 10-acre property under the settlement.

The Hallowichs also signed a document saying their children "are healthy and have no symptoms that may allegedly be related" to the natural gas activity, but both sides agreed to an arbitration process for any future health claims.

The dispute began in 2009. Range was drilling on an adjacent property and related activity continued as natural gas processing and pipeline facilities were built.

The case was settled in July 2011, but the companies asked that the records be sealed and a judge agreed. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the Washington Observer-Reporter challenged that decision and the documents were released when another judge ruled in their favor.

A spokesman for Ft. Worth, Texas-based Range Resources said the company doesn't object to the judge's decision.

An unfounded bomb threat reported Thursday will cost "tens of thousands of dollars," possibly for the ones responsible, said Archbald Police Chief Tim Trently.

K9 units and bomb technicians searched the Valley View High School Thursday, confirming a third false bomb threat at the district, according to the chief. He said emergency personnel and services were on site from about 9:45 a.m. until about 4:30 p.m., accruing a hefty price tag.

"Whoever is responsible is going to be charged," he said. "Most appropriately, they should be responsible for restitution."

It was unclear late Thursday, how the response would be paid for if a suspect is not charged.

Scranton Police Hazardous Devices unit, the Pike County Sheriff's Bomb Squad, Scranton police, Mayfield police, Archbald police and state police all responded.

Scranton Police Chief Carl Graziano said the Hazardous Devices unit is reserved for instances that have some indication there is an actual device.

A K9 on scene acted "inappropriately," Chief Trently said, prompting the call for the additional bomb units, which normally respond together.

The dog's actions did not necessarily indicate a problem, but it acted out of the ordinary, the chief explained.

"The handler said we better be safe and I totally agree," he said. "We did a very extensive search in the hallway and lockers where the dog had indicated some type of response."

In a statement, district Superintendent Donald Kanavy said students told high school administration a threat was written on the bathroom wall around 10 a.m.

The buildings were evacuated and students were transported to a different location, he stated.

"No matter what the inconvenience, the safety of the students and faculty is paramount," Mr. Kanavy said in the release. "We will do whatever it takes to ensure their safety."

Valley View junior Gino Serafini, 17, was in gym class when the bomb threat came through. He didn't have time to stop at his locker before he was told to leave, but he said he was starting to get used to it.

When he heard the first one, he was worried, but confident that there was no threat. He called the second and the third threats an annoyance.

In the hours after the threat came in, many residents and students took to social media to vent similar frustrations.

Contact the writers:

rbrown@timesshamrock.com, jkohut@timesshamrock.com

@rbrownTT, @jkohutTT on Twitter

Growing up, it was common for Jean Barnes to find a fresh-baked pie, a gift from a neighbor, on the kitchen table.

Now, she says, it's rare to know a neighbor's name.

As generations evolve, Ms. Barnes, 75, of Scranton, worries that seniors may have increased needs and inadequate assistance.

"If there was an organization that just made phone calls to check on them, I think that would be extremely helpful," she said.

As Ms. Barnes and other area seniors considered the years ahead, many remained positive in the face of questions about the future of Social Security, lack of independence and health problems. She attributed the hopeful outlook to growing up during tough times. Some of today's seniors were raised during the Great Depression.

"The next generation had it easier than us, so they have this expectation that they will receive what they need," she said.

As for her generation, they take what they have and try to make the best of it.

Things to do

Joan Ludwikowski, 66, and her sister Ruth Fritz, 62, both of Scranton, will take on their senior years together.

Though they support each other, the pair worries about some of the challenges that lie ahead, even simple things like transportation to the grocery store.

"I have daughters that live at home, but they're not always there," Ms. Ludwikowski said. "That's what usually happens, but sometimes they don't have the time."

She has relied on family for rides since she became disabled at 38. She hopes to see better transportation options in the future.

"I can't walk to the bus," she said.

In Carbondale, Joe Curcerello, 68, doesn't fret over transportation. He does wish there were more places to go, however.

"We need more business places," he said.

He attends the Carbondale Senior Center along with Marge Riley, 69, who was born and raised in the city. Sometimes she wishes the center had better meals, but she's appreciative for what it does have.

"I cook for myself," she said, listing roast beef as one of her specialties.

On days she attends the center, her meal prep at home is light. It's the only hot meal some of the seniors have each day.

Ms. Ludwikowski and Ms. Fritz attend the South Side Senior Center in Scranton, where they are regulars at the craft table. They were relieved to learn the hours of their center would not be cut.

"A lot of programs have been cut by the state lately," Ms. Ludwikowski said. "We are very fortunate. We could have been one of them." At 66, Ms. Ludwikowski qualifies for Medicare and her sister will in a few years. Both have considered obtaining supplemental insurance for two years, but the self-professed procrastinators have not completed the process yet.

"What happens with the insurance I have now?" Ms. Fritz asked. She finds the process confusing.

It can also be frustrating, her sister said. She makes $43 too much to qualify for help, so she pays more on Medicare premiums.

Relying on others

The sisters also worry about finding reliable help when grass needs to be cut or walkways need to be shoveled. Both women have hired handy workers for lawn care or other services, paid the charge and not seen a blade of grass trimmed.

"What am I going to do?" Ms. Fritz said.

Though they haven't started making plans, the sisters agreed that they would need to start thinking ahead, something Ms. Barnes, has already started to do.

"I need to prepare my own self so that my surroundings would be comfortable and convenient," she said.

She has moved items that could cause a fall and made sure her home was ready for her upcoming years. She also appreciates that her youngest son lives 10 miles away and calls her every night to check in.

"I think that's important - that you have that contact and they're checking on you," she said.

Contact the writer: rbrown@timesshamrock.com, @rbrownTT on Twitter