Local communities, military groups and cemeteries will pay tribute to deceased veterans Monday at memorial services and parades throughout the region.

Government officials, retired military officers, chaplains, veterans and veteran organization officials are scheduled to speak. Many services will include honor guards and musical performances.

In Scranton, Koch-Conley American Legion Post 121 will host its annual Memorial Day program at 11 a.m. at Cathedral Cemetery, 1708 Oram St. U.S. 3rd Circuit Court Judge Thomas I. Vanaskie will speak.

Vocalist Paulette Costa will perform and the Northeast Detachment Marine Corps League will render taps and honors. Volunteers placed more than 12,000 flags and markers on veterans’ graves in the cemetery. Seating will be available for the program.

Scranton VFW Post 25 and the city will host an annual program at noon at Nay Aug Park, with patriotic songs and a wreath presentation.

In Jessup, VFW Post 5544 and American Legion Post 411 will conduct combined Memorial Day services beginning at 9 a.m. in First Presbyterian Church, 325 Third Ave., officiated by Margaret Hartman. Following the services, there will be an honor guard salute at Holy Ghost Cemetery. Then, Jessup Mayor Beverly Valvano Merkel and post commanders will speak at Veterans Memorial Park. After the program, refreshments will be served at Post 5544, 205 Dolph St.

Parades will be held in the Abingtons, Carbondale, Downvalley and Midvalley.

Old Forge’s Memorial Day parade, sponsored by American Legion Post 513 and VFW Post 3954, begins at 10 a.m. at Main and Miles streets. Participants should assemble at 9:30. A ceremony at Old Forge Cemetery will follow.

Other Memorial Day services throughout the area Monday include:

ABINGTONS

Abington Memorial VFW Post 7069 parade, forms at Clarks Summit Elementary Center, starts at 11; memorial services: Abington Hills Cemetery, 8:30 a.m.; South Abington Memorial (at tank), 9; Clarks Green Cemetery, 9:30; Hickory Grove Cemetery, Miller Road, Waverly, 10; and the Post 7069 home following parade.

ARCHBALD

Memorial Day parades, Monday, parade organizes, Main Street, Eynon 9 a.m.; ceremony at Eynon VFW, 9:30; parade, 10; memorial ceremony, Riverside Legion, Main Street, Archbald, 11:15; Archbald parade, 11:30; ceremony at Archbald High School memorial plaza park, noon.

CARBONDALE

Carbondale Memorial Committee parade, meet at the Benjamin Franklin Apartments, Lincoln Avenue, 10:15 a.m., parade starts 10:30, ends at Memorial Park on Main Street for service at 11:15. Retired Lt. Col. Dominick Nati is principal speaker. Carbondale Area High School Band will perform.

COVINGTON TWP.

VFW John J. Michaels Post 5207 service, 9:15 a.m., post home; John Michaels grave site ceremony, 9:45, St. Catherine’s Cemetery; Fairview Memorial Park service, 11; and Covington Twp. service, 1 p.m.

DALTON

Dalton parade, 9 a.m., Streamside Park to fire hall for services at 9:20 a.m., rain or shine. Veterans invited to participate. Call John Holbert, 570-563-1268.

DUNMORE

Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Ezra S. Griffin, camp 8 a.m. and auxiliary 10, ceremony, 10:30, veterans section of Dunmore Cemetery.

Dunmore VFW 3474 service, 8:30 a.m., St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery, behind church; then to Dunmore Cemetery.

DUPONT

AMVETS Post 189 and VFW Post 4909 parade, 10:30 a.m., assemble 10, VFW parking lot, Grant Street; Sam Guarnieri, marshal. Services, 8:30, Polish National Cemetery, then to Sacred Heart Cemetery, Lackawanna Avenue; Michael Shambora, speaking; 11, Dupont Borough Memorial Lawn, food and refreshments follow, children at the Dupont Hose Company, adults at the VFW Post.

JEFFERSON TWP.

Thomas A. Snook VFW Post services: South Canaan Methodist Cemetery, 9 a.m.; Simontown Cemetery, 9:30; Cortez Cemetery, 10; Maplewood Cemetery, 10:30; All Saints Slovak Cemetery, 11; Hollisterville Cemetery, 11:30; lunch in the Hollisterville Bible Church Fellowship Hall immediately following Hollisterville service, bring covered dish; Regina Polley at 570-842-4394, Susan Ciscoe at 570-842-3268, or Elouise Wood at 570-689-7226; Mt. Cobb Cemetery, 1 p.m.; Elmdale Cemetery, 1:30.

MOOSIC

American Legion Posts 604 and 568, joint services, 9 a.m., St. Mary of Czesto­chowa Cemetery, 9:30, St. Joseph Cemetery; 10:30, Post 604 headquarters, 309 Spring St., Moosic.

MONTROSE

VFW Post 5642 Parade, 10 a.m., service on the borough green, 11.

OLYPHANT

Raymond Henry American Legion Post 327 ceremony, 11 a.m., post home, 101 Willow Ave., guest speaker: Major Mothes of the 109th; refreshments follow.

PECKVILLE

Shopa-Davey VFW Post 6082 parade steps off, 8:30 a.m., assembly, 8 at post home, 123 Electric St., proceeds to Veterans Memorial on Main Street and the Sgt. Argonish Memorial on Keystone Avenue to honor veterans.

SCRANTON

Ameri­can Legion Post 207, service, SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery chapel, Rundle Street, after 10 a.m. Mass.

VFW Hyde Park Memorial Post 6528 and Keyser Valley Citizens Association ceremony, 11, Keyser Valley Community Center.

SIMPSON

Walter Paciga Post 4712 service 9 a.m. post home, 500 Main St.; guest speaker is Lt. Cmdr. Jessica Carter, executive officer, U.S. Naval Observ­atory 292; refreshments follow.

THROOP

Herbert Clark Post 180 American Legion and VFW Post 7251, meet 8 a.m., Throop Civic Center parking lot; services: 8:15, St. Mary’s Cemetery off Sanderson Avenue; 10, veterans’ plaque, Throop Municipal Building; 11, VFW Post 7251.

Contact the writer:

lzaccagnino@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9130

At least six Democratic candidates who lost in the May 16 primary in Lackawanna County will still appear on the November ballot after securing Republican nominations through write-in votes.

The county Department of Elections released the full list of write-in winners after completing its official canvass of the primary.

The only head-to-head rematch in the Nov. 7 general election of individual primary rivals will come in the race for Archbald tax collector, where Katie Grogan Noldy handily defeated Brad Loff for the Democratic nomination.

Loff captured the Republican nomination with 66 write-ins, giving him another shot at Noldy, according to county figures.

Among the other candidates defeated in the Democratic primary who won GOP nominations:

• Incumbent John Shnipes Jr., who finished fifth among six Democrats for three Archbald council seats, was the top vote-getter on the Republican side with 52 write-in votes.

• In Dickson City, Ken Krouchick captured a GOP council nomination with 77 write-ins. He had come in last among four candidates for the three Democratic nominations.

• Paul Nardozzi received 51 write-ins to win one of three Republican nominations for Dunmore Borough Council. He finished fourth among the four candidates on the Democratic side.

• Joshua Seamans, who came in last in an eight-way race for four Democratic nominations for Jessup council, won the third and final GOP nomination with 46 write-in votes.

• In Throop, Wayne Williams, who tied for fifth among eight Democrats for four council seats, won a Republican nomination with 21 write-ins.

Across the county, more than 20 people whose names did not appear on the primary ballot received enough write-in votes to capture Democratic or Republican nominations.

The most notable instance came in the race for Lakeland School Board, where write-ins propelled Mark Solomon to victory for both nominations over incumbent Mary Retzbach in Region 1. Retzbach, the current board president, was the only candidate listed on the primary ballot.

In Vandling, where there were no candidates filed for borough office in the primary, Democratic nominations went to Joe Brady for mayor, Mary Ann Risboskin for tax collector and John Carachilo for council, all based on write-ins.

Other successful write-in candidates who did not appear on the ballot in their respective races included:

Benton Twp.: Robert Pawlukovich, Democrat, supervisor.

Dalton: Leonard Peters, Democrat and Republican, council.

Fell Twp.: Randy Wallis, Republican, supervisor, six-year term, and Carol A. Barrese, Democrat, tax collector.

Greenfield Twp.: Gerald J. Snyder Jr., Democrat, supervisor.

Jefferson Twp.: Karen Theobald, Republican, tax collector, and Paula Lee Sorg, Democrat, auditor, six-year term, and Democrat, auditor, two-year term unexpired.

Jermyn: Jerry Bruno, Democrat, mayor; Ann Marie DeSanto, Democrat, tax collector; Kristen Dougherty, Democrat and Republican, council, and Robert Parks III, Democrat, council.

Old Forge: Rick Notari, Republican, council, four-year term.

Olyphant: Lauren Telep, Republican, council.

Scott Twp.: John Ward, Democrat, auditor.

Thornhurst Twp.: Michelle Jordan, Republican, auditor.

West Abington Twp.: Richard Schirg, Republican, supervisor, four-year term unexpired.

Lakeland School Board, Region 2: Patrick Gallagher, Democrat and Republican, school director.

Mid Valley School Board, Region 3: Brian M. Foley, Democrat and Republican, school director.

Contact the writer: dsingleton@timesshamrock.com, 570-348-9132

A summary citation is pending against state Rep. Kevin Haggerty in a Dunmore magistrate’s office alleging he struck his wife earlier this month at their North Webster Avenue home.

The citation for harassment comes after details of the May 18 incident became public in a petition for a protection-from-abuse order she filed in Lackawanna County Court.

Dunmore Police Chief Sal Marchese said that his officers wrote up the citation and dropped it off Wednesday at Magisterial District Judge Paul J. Ware’s office on West Pine Street.

However, the citation had not been filed as of Friday. Marchese did not know a specific reason, but said it would not be unusual for some delay in filing for a citation, which is essentially a ticket with a fine determined by the judge.

In the PFA petition, Haggerty’s wife, Jennifer Haggerty, 35, returned home and found her husband asleep with their two children, 6 and 4, in bed. She smelled gas and found that the kitchen stove had been turned on without being lit.

She told Kevin Haggerty, 44, the house was full of gas and he said “irrational things,” according to the PFA petition. She went to the deck. He followed and threw water bottles at her and hit her hard enough to cause temporary hearing loss and facial numbness, according to the document.

Jennifer Haggerty reported the incident to the borough police. Marchese characterized the hit as a “slap.”

The police consulted with the Lackawanna County district attorney’s office, which did not let them charge beyond harassment. First Assistant District Attorney Gene Riccardo said that Jennifer Haggerty did not have injuries that could be photographed, which contributed to the decision not to file misdemeanor assault charges. It didn’t rise to the “level of bodily injury” needed for the charge, Riccardo said.

A message left for Haggerty seeking comment was not returned. His attorney, Frank J. Ruggiero, said commenting before the citation is filed is premature.

“I wouldn’t have anything to say at this point,” he said.

The PFA petition alleged that Kevin Haggerty has assaulted his wife in the past, including in front of their children.

Judge Trish Corbett issued a temporary PFA order last week. A hearing scheduled on the order has been delayed to June 16 at 9:15 a.m. Jennifer Haggerty has also since filed for divorce.

Haggerty, a Democrat, won election for the second time to the state General Assembly in November to represent the 112th House district. The 112th district covers all or parts of Center City, the Hill Section and South Scranton in Scranton, Dunmore and parts of the Midvalley.

Contact the writer: jkohut@timesshamrock.com, 570-348-9144; @jkohutTT on Twitter

A 29-year-old Old Forge man faces theft charges for stealing air conditioners from the Friends of the Poor, then selling them at pawn shops and flea markets over the last several months, Scranton police said.

Jesse J. Hinkley III, 210 Oak St., is charged with five counts of receiving stolen property and two counts of theft by unlawful taking.

The charity reported to police on Tuesday that 41 Kenmore 5000-BTU air conditioners meant for the needy were stolen from a warehouse at 2000 Rosanna Ave.

As of Friday, police said 19 of the air conditioners are accounted for, and they continue investigating to locate the remaining 22.

Charles Klecker, owner of the All-American Swap Shop on South Main Avenue in Scranton, reported to police Wednesday that a man, identified as Hinkley, sold three units at his store.

Detectives checked the Northeast PA Precious Metals Database and learned Hinkley sold two more Kenmore 5000-BTU air conditioners, to the Steamtown Trading Post. Detectives said the air conditioners were positively identified as the ones stolen from the charity.

Hinkley had access to the air conditioners because his father owns the Scranton warehouse where they were stored, Capt. Dennis Lukasewicz said.

Magisterial District Judge Theodore J. Giglio arraigned and released Hinkley on Thursday on $10,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 5.

Contact the writer:

jkohut@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9144;

@jkohutTT on Twitter

DICKSON CITY — A power outage darkened shops and restaurants Saturday afternoon in Lackawanna County’s busiest shopping area. Without functioning traffic lights, the outage caused widespread traffic problems.

At about 1:30 p.m. more than 4,000 customers were without electricity, according to PPL Electric Utilities. Power was fully restored by 3 p.m.

After emergency crews responded to a fire at a substation in Dickson City, PPL cut power for safety reasons, according to Alana Roberts, a company spokeswoman.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

Smaller than an arrowhead and thinner than a quarter, the sliver of iron between George Fricovsky’s thumb and forefinger is heavy with history.

The shrapnel tore into George’s right thigh on Feb. 19, 1945, a piece of a hand grenade tossed by a Nazi soldier at the Tower of Forbach in northeastern France. George lay bleeding for 11 hours before he was carried to a hospital by three German prisoners of war.

“It’s small, but it’s sharp as hell and it really cut me up,” George said as he handed me the shard. “I was afraid I was going to lose my leg.”

A surgeon dug the metal out and taped it to the 18-year-old Army private’s wrist, a memento as jagged as his scars. World War II was over for Pfc. George Fricovsky. After a pair of surgeries, he was shipped home to Taylor. He greeted his three brothers when they returned.

More than 70 years after the war’s end, all will spend this Memorial Day among the living.

George is 91, and lives with his daughter, Karen Walsh, and her family in West Scranton. Thomas, 95, lives in a nursing home in Allentown. He was a Navy seaman and served in the Atlantic.

John, 97, lives in North Tonawanda, New York. An Army corporal who fought in Germany, John still golfs three times a week. Cyril, 99, lives in Edison, New Jersey. He served as an MP in Hawaii during the war.

The annals of World War II bleed with the stories of mothers who sacrificed multiple sons. Perhaps the most famous are the “Fighting Sullivans,” five sailors from Iowa killed together on Nov. 13, 1942. It is widely believed that the Sullivan brothers inspired the film “Saving Private Ryan,” but that credit actually rests with the four Niland brothers, two of whom survived the war.

The Nilands hailed from Tonawanda, New York, where John Fricovsky tees up. The last of the Niland brothers died in 1984. Federal estimates say just 620,000 of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II are still with us, and 372 of them die every day.

We tend to mythologize the men and women of the “Greatest Generation.” We rightly revere them, but the generalization glosses over the individual sacrifices that saved the world. Memorial Day was consecrated to honor our war dead, but the Fighting Fricovskys are living proof of what those 16 million Americans were fighting for.

George came home with his leg and a case full of medals, including a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He married Barbara Evans, and the couple had three children, Karen, Diane Nagy, both of Scranton, and George Jr., who lives in Taylor. George worked many jobs, including 30 years at Tobyhanna Army Depot.

Barbara died in 2005, after 47 years of marriage. In 2016, George received his high school diploma from the Riverside School District. Drafted before he could graduate, George’s commencement was 72 years in the making. In a surprise ceremony, his diploma was conferred by his grandson, high school Vice Principal Dave Walsh.

It was another milestone in the story of an American family started by a pair of Slovak immigrants. John Fricovsky worked the coal mines for 45 years to provide for Barbara and their children — six sons and a daughter. The oldest, Joseph, was exempted from the draft after he was injured in a mining accident. The youngest, Paul, was too young to serve.

George, Thomas, John and Cyril answered the call alongside millions of other brothers by blood and in arms. Some never came home. The Fighting Fricovskys did, and they are still with us this Memorial Day.

Before handing the shrapnel back to George, I ran my index finger along its jagged edges. They are sharp as hell. So is he.

CHRIS KELLY, The Times-Tribune columnist, salutes all those who served, past and present. Contact the writer: kellysworld@timesshamrock.com. Read his award-winning blog at timestribuneblogs.com/kelly.

Memorial services

ABINGTONS

VFW Abington Memorial Post 7069, Memorial Day services, Monday: Abington Hills Ceme­tery, Morgan Highway, 8:30 a.m.; South Abington Mem­orial Park at the tank off Shady Lane Road, 9; Clarks Green Ceme­tery, 9:30; Hickory Grove Ceme­tery, Miller Road, 10; parade starts at 11, forms at Clarks Summit Elementary Center, Grove Street, then South State Street to Winola Road, ending at post home, 402 Winola Road; memorial service at post immediately follows.

CARBONDALE

Memorial Day parade and ceremony, Monday, marchers meet at Ben Franklin Apartments, 10:15 a.m.; parade, 10:45; ceremony, Memorial Park, 11:15; principal speaker, Dominick Nati, retired lieutenant colonel; musical selection by the Carbondale Area High School Band.

COVINGTON TWP.

VFW Post 5207, Covington Twp.: Poppies at Bill’s Market, today, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Memorial Day services, Monday, post service, post home, 9:15 a.m., ceremony, 9:45 a.m., John Michaels’ grave­site, St. Catherine’s Ceme­tery; Fairview Cemetery servi­ces, 11 a.m., and Covington Twp. services, 1 p.m.

DUPONT

Veterans services sponsored by VFW Post 4909 and AMVETS Post 189, meet at VFW, Main Street, 8 a.m., service at Polish National Cemetery, 8:30, followed by a service at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Parade participants assemble, 10 a.m., VFW parking lot, Grant Street; parade, 10:30.

Memorial service, Dupont Mem­orial lawn, 11 a.m.; Michael Shambora, principal speaker; refreshments afterward for children, Dupont Hose Company; for adults, VFW post.

HOLLISTERVILLE

Memorial Day service, Hollis­ter­ville Cemetery, Route 590, Monday, 11:30 a.m., conducted by Thomas A. Snook VFW post; speaker, the Rev. Jeffrey L. Rarich, pastor of Salem Community Church, Hamlin.

LAKEWOOD

American Legion Six Star Post 209, services: Balls Eddy Cemetery, 9 a.m.; Shehawken Cemetery, 9:30; Orson Cemetery, 9:45; Little York Cemetery, 10:10; Rock Lake Cemetery, 10:30; Lake Como Cemetery, 11; Lakewood Memorial Park, noon, refreshments follow.

MOOSIC

American Legion Posts 604 and 568, joint services Monday, 9 a.m., St. Mary of Czesto­chowa Cemetery; 9:30, St. Joseph Cemetery; 10:30, Post 604 headquarters, 309 Spring St.

MONTROSE

Parade, Monday, 10 a.m., sponsored by VFW Post 5642; service on the borough green, 11.

OLD FORGE

Parade, sponsored by American Legion Post 513 and VFW Post 3954, Monday, 10 a.m., Main and Miles streets; participants assemble, 9:30; ceremony at Old Forge Cemetery afterward.

SCRANTON

Memorial Day services, including participation by VFW Post 25, Monday, 11 a.m., Nay Aug Park.

Memorial Day services, Ameri­can Legion Post 207, Monday, SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery chapel, Rundle Street, after 10 a.m. Mass.

SIMPSON

Walter Paciga Post 4712, Mem­orial Day remembrance, Monday, 9 a.m.; guest speaker, Lt. Cmdr. Jessica Carter, executive officer, U.S. Naval Observ­atory 292; refreshments afterward.

Meetings

POST 665

Dickson City American Legion Post 665, June 4, post basement: board of directors for Post 665 Association, 12:30 p.m.; 665 Association meeting, 1:30; membership meeting, 2:30, election of officers and update of events.

POST 25

Gen. Thedore J. Wint VFW Post 25, June 4, 2291 Rockwell Ave., Scranton, canteen meeting, noon; post, 12:30 p.m.

POST 4909

VFW Post 4909, Dupont, June 5, 7:30 p.m., home association meeting follows.

POST 610

American Legion Post 610, Mayfield, June 5, 7 p.m.

VFW DISTRICT 10

VFW District 10, Saturday, 1 p.m., Post 7251, Boulevard Avenue, Throop, special election; past district commanders meet, noon.

Merli Center

Today: Keurig coffee, 8:30 a.m.; morning visits, 8:45; Eucharistic ministry visits, 9:15; banana splits and reminiscing, 2 p.m.

Monday: Memorial Day. Morning visits, 8:45 a.m.; Bible study, 9:30; Memorial Day program, 10; Ray Philips music program, light food and beverage, 2.

Tuesday: Morning visits, 8:45 a.m.; bingo social, 10:15; volunteer ministry, 1:15 p.m.; choir practice, 1:45; Catholic service, 3.

Wednesday: Morning visits, 8:45 a.m.; ball toss with music, 10:15; GMVC choir concert, light refreshments, 2; movie night, 7; bingo social, 7.

Thursday: Morning visits, 8:45 a.m.; Denny’s brunch trip, 9:30; chapel service, 10; arts and crafts, 10:15; LCCV bingo, 2 p.m.; senior fitness, 3.

Friday: Morning visits, 8:45 a.m.; ring toss, 10:15; bingo by American Legion District 11, 2 p.m.; senior fitness, 3.

Saturday: Morning visits, 8:45 a.m.; coffee/doughnuts, 10:15; bingo, Scranton UNICO, 2 p.m.

VETERANS NEWS should be submitted no later than Monday before publication to

veterans@timesshamrock.com; or YES!desk, The Times-Tribune, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.

Olyphant and Blakely residents face skyrocketing property tax rates and diminishing services under proposed legislation that calls for stricter oversight among municipalities operating electric companies, borough officials warn.

Statewide, 35 boroughs run electric companies, distributing electricity to their residents and using profits to greatly reduce, or even eliminate, their local property taxes. In Olyphant, which oversees 2,688 electric accounts, residents have not seen a local property tax increase in more than 30 years, while in Blakely, which manages about 3,500 electric accounts, residents have no local property taxes. That is because officials in both boroughs use revenue generated from their electric companies, instead of property taxes, to fund their budgets and provide services.

The problem, argues the bill’s creator, freshman state Rep.

Aaron Bernstine, R-10, Lawrence County, is the zero oversight that allows some boroughs to hike electricity rates without limit. Under his bill, HB 1405 — which was introduced earlier this month and is co-sponsored by state Rep. Pam Snyder, D-50, Greene County — the boroughs must adopt more uniform rate structures and stop using electricity profits to offset daily operating expenses and services. Profits from electricity can only be used for electric company expenses and may not be transferred to a borough’s general fund, under the bill.

“We’re introducing legislation that supports people ... that are sick and tired of municipal electric companies and the way they are operating, and (of) being taken advantage of,” Bernstine said during a press conference earlier this month. “This is good, common-sense legislation. This is legislation that will stop the excessive burden that municipal electric companies are putting on their consumers.”

Olyphant and Blakely officials disagree, arguing that the legislation would cripple their communities.

“It would devastate our borough,” Olyphant Borough Manager C.J. Mustacchio said. “We’re at around 10 mills in taxes ... and the reason we are able to keep it down is because we gain a lot of our revenue to provide municipal services from proceeds from our electric distribution company. ... It’s just impossible to make (that revenue) up.”

‘Everything gets cut’

Municipalities that operate their own electric companies buy electricity at a wholesale rate from a distributor then provide power to residents and businesses at a retail rate they control. The boroughs then use the profits made on the sale of power to fund government operations — something Bernstine’s bill would prevent.

“The biggest change of all of this would prohibit municipalities from transferring money from their electric fund to their general fund,” said David Woglom, executive director of the Pennsylvania Municipal Electric Association, which represents the interests of the 35 boroughs. “All 35 of the municipalities in Pennsylvania, and 90-some percent of public power companies across America are doing this. This transfer is made to offset the costs in the general fund. More specifically, it keeps property taxes down significantly in all these municipalities.”

Because municipal electric companies are not regulated by the Pennsylvania Utility Commission, Bernstine argues that local governments can sporadically and drastically hike electricity rates to gain additional revenue and maintain high levels of spending. Customers in these communities pay much higher electric bills in exchange for lower tax bills, he says.

In Olyphant, however, which has operated its own electric company since the early 1900s, residents enjoy a lower tax rate than those in many surrounding communities but do not pay significantly more for electricity.

Olyphant residents who consume 500 kilowatt hours of power in June, for example, should expect a monthly bill of about $89.04, while PPL customers who consume the same should expect to pay about $81.33 — a difference of $7.71. Moreover, with PPL’s forthcoming June rate increase, Mustacchio said Olyphant ratepayers pay only about 10 percent more on average than PPL customers in exchange for lower taxes and more borough services.

Profits made from the sale of electricity make up about $1.66 million of Olyphant’s almost $3.7 million budget — revenue that allowed the Queen City to maintain a 10.6-mill tax rate for the past three decades. Bernstine’s bill would bar the borough from using that $1.66 million on anything but electric company expenses, meaning Olyphant would have to make up general fund revenue elsewhere or make massive cuts across the board.

Should this revenue stream evaporate, Mustacchio said, the borough would have to raise taxes to the 30-mill maximum allowed by state law. However, that would only generate about $627,000, leaving Olyphant with an annual shortfall of about $1 million, and possibly more if expenses increase.

“So you’re talking about making up $1 million that you couldn’t possibly do with taxes,” Mustacchio said. “Which means you have to cut all your forces by a third. Your police, your services, your DPW. ... Everything gets cut.”

Blakely is in the same boat.

“Right now, we don’t have any municipal (property) tax, so if we had to put on millage, we’d have to go to the fullest extent (30 mills),” Blakely Borough Manager Tom Wascura said. “I don’t know if that would even bring us back to what we have in our budget for what we make in the electric.”

A review of Blakely’s budget shows it wouldn’t. Of Blakely’s $9.92 million budget, about $2.06 million of revenue is transferred to the borough’s general fund from its sale of electricity. By raising real estate taxes to the 30-mill maximum, Blakely would recover about $1.2 million in revenue, but still would face a shortfall of about $800,000 if the bill becomes law, Wascura said.

Cuts to police, DPW and other departments and services likely would occur, he warned.

“Just by taking one or two men out of each department, your services are definitely going to go downhill,” Wascura said.

Moreover, if Bernstine’s legislation becomes law, borough officials warn taxpayers will pay the price for lost revenue.

At the 30-mill rate, a Blakely homeowner whose property is assessed at $8,000 — the median assessed value of a borough home — would go from paying no property taxes to about $240 per year.

In Olyphant, where the median assessed value of a home is $10,000, the average homeowner’s real estate taxes would more than double, from $106 to $300 annually.

Broadening income base

Bernstine points to the borough of Ellwood City, in his home district, as an example of a municipality gouging ratepayers with major month-to-month rate fluctuations.

“Residents and businesses in these boroughs have no way to budget for what their electric bill will be, because it can change drastically each month,” Bernstine said in press release. “And, prices are truly becoming exorbitant. I know of Ellwood City residents who live alone in one-bedroom apartments and pay an unheard of $450 per month in electric bills.”

His proposed legislation prohibits municipalities from adjusting electricity rates more than once every three months, and allows ratepayers to sue if they believe their rates are unreasonably high. It also requires boroughs to establish a uniform rate based on factors like staff costs and repairs, and ensures various consumer protections, such as how and when service can be terminated.

Olyphant and Blakely officials stress that such drastic price fluctuations don’t happen in their boroughs. Both maintain contracts where the cost of energy is fixed, so the only fluctuation in monthly bills comes from ancillary charges, like distribution costs, that the boroughs pass on to customers. Customers sometimes see slight increases and other times receive small credits, but bills remain more or less consistent month-to-month, officials said.

“The electric company has never been in a better position than it is right now,” Mustacchio said, noting Pennsylvania’s stable energy market. “It’s able to effectively deliver power at a cheap enough price and it provides so many services to the municipality that they wouldn’t ordinarily have if they didn’t have this revenue from the power company.”

Mustacchio and Wascura also noted that municipal-run electric companies enable municipalities to broaden their income base because more residents consume electricity and pay utility bills than own property and pay real estate taxes.

Sparking controversy

More than 75 state lawmakers signed on to Bernstine’s bill, which has garnered the support of several organizations, including the AARP.

This alarms Mustacchio, who said he fears Bernstine’s bill will hurt elderly Olyphant residents by forcing an increase in their property taxes.

“This they can control,” he said. “They can turn off a light bulb. You can’t turn off the property tax.”

Bernstine argues that residents and businesses can budget for property taxes, but not for electric bills that can change drastically from month to month. He also argues that allowing boroughs to use electric company profits for general borough expenses encourages more government spending.

“I’ve had people who have had 140 percent swings month to month on their bills because the borough decided they wanted more money,” Bernstine said. “The government shouldn’t be in the business of making money.”

Mustacchio doesn’t buy Bernstine’s argument.

“The reasons he’s using, I think, are ludicrous,” he said. “I think they’re misplaced and misguided. It borders on demagoguery. I think it’s downright propaganda. ... It’s incredible to me that someone would actually try to limit somebody’s spending by wrecking municipal electric companies.”

Bernstine said he feels that the 35 municipalities are abusing a “loophole” by profiting from electricity sales, and inappropriately using their electric companies as taxation tools.

“The question is, what does every other municipality do?” Bernstine said. “They live within their means. This loophole municipalities continue to exploit is something the state government has the authority to close, and that’s what we are looking to do.”

State Rep. Kevin Haggerty, D-112, Dunmore, who represents both Blakely and Olyphant, said in an email that he is “deeply concerned” by Bernstine’s bill and has been in regular communication with borough officials.

“I plan on creating an amendment to House Bill 1405, that would protect (Olyphant and Blakely) from being included in the language of said bill,” Haggerty said. “This amendment is currently being researched and will soon be added onto HB 1405.”

Haggerty did not grant the newspaper’s request to discuss the matter further by telephone.

HB 1405 has been referred to the House Local Government Committee, then it will go to the House floor, said Bernstine.

“Needless to say, the effect of this bill would be dramatic and have a very negative effect on the people who live in these 35 municipalities,” said Woglom of the PMEA. “In particular, this is going to have a far greater effect on the smaller municipalities, of which there are many.”

Contact the writer:

jhorvath@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9141;

@jhorvathTT on Twitter

BY THE NUMBERS

Olyphant

2016 population

estimate: 5,087

Electric accounts: About 2,700

Total 2017 budget: $3.7 million

Revenue from electric company: $1.66

million

Percentage of total

budget coming from electricity profits:

45 percent

Property tax rate:

10.6 mills

Blakely

2016 population

estimate: 6,289

Electric accounts: About 3,500

Total 2017 budget: $9.92 million

Revenue from electric company: $2.06

million

Percentage of total

budget coming from electricity profits:

20 percent

Property tax rate:

0 mills

While thousands of people crammed Jessup streets for St. Ubaldo Day on Saturday, boxing great Larry Holmes attended a party at the home of longtime friend Joe Munley.

Munley, a boxer in the 1970s from the Midvalley, and his wife, Renee, hosted Holmes and his wife, Diane, and a few dozen other people at Munley’s home in Jessup.

Genial and gracious, Holmes — a former world heavyweight boxing champ — told stories about his days in the ring. He spoke about some of the other boxing legends he fought, such as Muhammad Ali, Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers and Mike Tyson.

Holmes, 67, also recalled boxing at the Scranton CYC.

Munley showed on a TV a retrospective of images from Holmes’ career. The montage included fight-card posters of some of Holmes’ matches and stills of some of his greatest hits — literally — of gloved fists impacting faces and jaws, grotesquely misshapen in frozen moments of time.

As the song “Stand by Me” played during the video retrospective, Holmes sung along and gently danced.

The two friends never faced each other in the ring, though Munley recalled sparring with Tyson and Mitch “Blood” Green.

Munley also noted Holmes has made a big impact outside of the ring through his philanthropy, particularly in his hometown of Easton.

“This guy is the greatest champ. Nothing greater than this guy,” Munley said.

Holmes returned the compliment. “He’s a good guy,” Holmes said of Munley. “He invited me into his house to meet all of his friends. I just want to say thank you. Thank all of you. This is not going to be the last time you’ll see me.”

Contact the writer:

jlockwood@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9100 x5185;

@jlockwoodTT on Twitter

Chariton, Schwager & Malak

David E. Schwager has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer by Philadelphia Magazine for the eighth consecutive year.

Only 5 percent of the lawyers in Pennsylvania have received the designation of Super Lawyer and Schwager is the youngest lawyer in Luzerne County to receive the designation in the field of real estate law for eight years in a row.

Schwager practices in the areas of real estate, title insurance, real estate taxation, business law, municipal law, commercial litigation, estate administration and creditors’ rights.

A past assistant district attorney for Luzerne County, Schwager is chair of the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, an assistant Luzerne County solicitor, and chairman of the Kingston Borough Zoning Hearing Board.

Delta Medix

Dr. Susan Summerton, a native of Philadelphia, has joined the medical group. An honors graduate of Temple University, she received her Doctor of Medicine from Temple University Medical School and completed an internship at Cooper Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, where she received the Outstanding Teacher award. Summerton completed her diagnostic radiology residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, where she was chief resident.

Board certified in diagnostic radiology, Summerton brings her knowledge in breast and body imaging to the group, and plans to continue teaching students, medical professionals and community members in the Scranton area.

ESSA Bank & Trust

Roger R. Anderson has joined the bank as a commercial loan officer for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton region. Roger has nearly 20 years of experience in the banking industry, serving both the consumer and commercial sectors. For the last 10 years, he specialized in commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans.

Anderson resides in Mountain Top with his wife and two children. He is a volunteer youth soccer coach for Mountain Top Youth Soccer and a graduate of Leadership Wilkes-Barre’s Core Program.

John J. Serafin has joined the bank as vice president and commercial loan officer for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton region.

Serafin served as vice president for the commercial and residential banking divisions of several financial institutions over the last 16 years; most recently as vice president/senior commercial loan officer for Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank.

He is an Army veteran having served in the 1st Armored Division stationed in Nuremberg, Germany, and TRADOC Command at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He is treasurer of the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Greater Pittston YMCA, a committee member for the Wilkes-Barre chamber golf committee and finance committee member for Immaculate Conception Church.

King’s College

Dr. Jayne Klenner, associate professor of computer and information systems, facilitated interactive workshops for parents and caregivers on children’s cyber safety as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month. The workshops were sponsored by the Safe Environment Advisory Committee of the Diocese of Scranton and were held at King’s College and the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Scranton.

Klenner began teaching at the college in 1995 as an instructional designer and earned tenure and was promoted to associate professor of mass communications in 2005. She transitioned to the Computer and Information Systems Department in 2011. She previously served as an adjunct professor at Penn State University, Penn State’s World Campus and Bloomsburg University. She is a member of the Safety Committee for the Diocese of Scranton.

After receiving her bachelor’s degree in marketing from King’s, she earned a master’s degree in instructional technology from Bloomsburg, and her doctorate in instructional systems with a focus on human computer interaction from Penn State.

Landmark

Community Bank

Thomas V. Amico was appointed president and chief executive officer of the bank.

Former president and CEO Dan Nulton, who recently retired from his post, will serve as an adviser during the transition period.

Amico is a graduate of the University of Scranton with a Bachelor of Science in accounting.

Prior to coming to Landmark, he was market executive for First National Bank of Pennsylvania as senior vice president, where he managed three team leaders and eight lenders with a $575 million commercial loan portfolio. He was responsible for Northeastern and North Central Pennsylvania.

Amico is a 15-year board member of the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce and served as its president. He is a board member of Penn’s Northeast, having served for more than 10 years. He has been a board member of the Greater Pittston YMCA for more than 20 years.

Misericordia

University

The American Association of Nursing’s Leadership for Academic Nursing Program selected Brenda Hage, Ph.D., DNP, CRNP, assistant dean of the College of Health Sciences and Education and chief nurse administrator at the university, as a fellow.

At the university, Hage has served as chairwoman of the graduate nursing and health care informatics programs, as well as the director of the Master of Science degree in nursing’s family nurse practitioner and Doctor of Nursing practice programs.

In addition to her responsibilities at the university, she is vice chairwoman for the Pennsylvania Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment Task Force and was appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate as a member of the Pennsylvania Council on Aging. In 2015-16, she was a fellow in the Duke-Johnson & Johnson Nurse Leadership Program. Hage has volunteered abroad in Haiti, Guyana and Nicaragua.

Munley Law

Seven of the firm’s attorneys have been named to the 2017 list of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, an honor awarded to the top 5 percent of lawyers in Pennsylvania.

The personal injury lawyers named are Robert W. Munley Sr., Marion K. Munley, Daniel W. Munley, Robert W. Munley III, J. Christopher Munley, John M. Mulcahey and Katie Nealon.

Super Lawyers is a resource that recognizes the country’s most outstanding attorneys in more than 70 practice areas. Selection is based on independent research, peer nominations, and peer reviews.

National

Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors

George R. Shadie of Drums was presented the prestigious Jeff Thol award by the association. The award is presented each year in recognition of significant contributions to the financial services industry. The award recognizes his dedication and service to his clients.

Shadie has been a New York Life agent for 28 years. He is a registered representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC Member FINRA/SIPC, a licensed insurance agency.

He is a lifetime member of Million Dollar Round Table, the Premier Association of Financial Professionals and is a presenter at the upcoming convention in Orlando, Florida. He is an accredited estate planner and a chartered life underwriter. He also serves as president of Supporting Autism and Families Everywhere and lives with his son, Alex.

NeuroSensory Center of

Eastern Pa.

Dr. Jeffrey Becker, O.D., director of Vision Services, has been confirmed as a member of the state Board of Optometry, which regulates the practice and licensure of optometry.

He is a 1978 graduate of Penn State University and graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1983. He has been a practicing optometrist in Northeast Pennsylvania for more than 24 years, with a specialty practice in rehabilitative optometry.

Becker is an adjunct faculty member at Misericordia University, Dallas. He serves as a consultant to Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital in Allentown, Allied Services in Scranton, John Heinz in Wilkes-Barre, and Guthrie at Towanda Rehabilitation Hospital.

Penn State Worthington

Scranton

A book edited by Dr. Patricia Hinchey, professor of education, has received a national professional award.

“A Critical Action Research Reader” has been named a 2017 Outstanding Book by the Society of Professors of Education. It is Hinchey’s second book on the topic of action research — a process educators and community members use to improve conditions in their classrooms and communities.

Hinchey has been at the Scranton campus since 1992 and has authored several books on education.

She also co-edited a highly publicized book assessing recent quality of think tank research, “Think Tank Research Quality: Lessons for Policy Makers, the Media and the Public.”

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

DICKSON CITY — A power outage darkened shops and restaurants Saturday afternoon in Lackawanna County’s busiest shopping area. Without functioning traffic lights, the outage caused widespread traffic problems.

At about 1:30 p.m., more than 4,000 customers were without electricity, according to PPL Electric Utilities. Power was fully restored by 3 p.m.

After emergency crews responded to a fire at a substation in Dickson City, PPL cut power for safety reasons, according to Alana Roberts, a company spokeswoman.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

Kiwanis Club

fetes 100 years

While William “Bill” Nellis, a longtime Kiwanis Club of Scranton member and club treasurer, was honored during the club’s 100th anniversary celebration, the community roasted Gary Drapek, CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties.

Laura Drapek and Frank Kincel served as “roasters” at the event held at the Radisson at Lacka­wanna Station hotel Thursday, April 20.

Phil Condron was master of ceremonies for the over 100 guests who enjoyed the evening. Entertainment was provided by DJ Jack Martin.

Alexandra Yantorn serves as the club’s president and John Koczwara as vice president and chairman of the centennial celebration.

Past presidents including: Robert Sproul, Mary Beth D’Andrea, Maria Maletta Hastie, Dominick Gianuzzi, Donald Broderick, Alan Hughes, Sidney Prejean, Mark J. Lynn and Paul Kosiba, attended the ceremony alongside John Grab, PA District governor; and Mary Anne Maloney-Evans, past president and past lieutenant governor, Division 15.

Local employees assist food drive

Prudential employees including: Linda Fazio, Michele Haluschak, Melissa Battle and Danny King volunteered their time at the St. Francis of Assisi Client Choice Food Pantry during the annual “Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.”

The food drive was held on May 13 in Lackawanna County and across the country. It is the largest one-day food drive in America, according to Catholic Social Services.

Super students

Rachel DeGraba, daughter of Deborah and John DeGraba and granddaughter of Maryann and Michael Dargatis of Scranton, graduated with honors from University of Richmond T.C. Williams School of Law on May 6. As a student, she was the online editor of the University of Richmond Law Review, a member of the Richmond Women’s Law Association, Moot Court Board, Phi Delta Phi Law Fraternity and the Student Bar Association Executive Board. During summer 2015, Rachel also studied abroad at the University of Cambridge at Emmanuel College and this August, she begins her clerkship in Chesterfield Circuit Court with the Honorable Lynn S. Brice. …Gabrielle Alguire, 2013 graduate of Tunkhannock Area High School, was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society at Susquehanna University. The daughter of Kenneth and Michelle Alguire, she is an accounting major at the university. The society is for collegiate schools of business and management. …Andrew Muckin of Lake Winola and Susquehanna University class of 2017 member, presented during the 31st annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Memphis, Tenn. Muckin, a biology major and 2013 Tunkhannock High school graduate, presented “Inhibition of Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Cells by the Anti-Inflammatory Agents 6-gingerol and Retinoic Acid.” He is the son of Margaret and Gary Muckin.

Earlier this month, a team of Times-Tribune newsroom employees participated in a trivia contest, part of a fundraiser for the Lackawanna Historical Society.

One of the earliest questions in the Jeopardy-style competition, about “The Irish War,” stumped the team and inspired a little research.

Back in 1850, when what we know as Scranton was called Scrantonia, crews of men found work building a railroad that connected our region to New York. The effort, led and financed by George W. Scranton, was vastly important to the development of Northeast Pennsylvania; the railroad allowed coal from the area’s mines to travel to western New York and beyond.

“We are now in want of ten or twelve bridge builders or good workmen in wood and if you can employ such do so,” a letter penned by Scranton read, according to “History of Scranton and its People,” published in 1914. “We want eight or ten carpenters also. We have no houses. We must depend upon single men or married men who can leave their families (in) the coming winter ... I would like you to get three or four first rate hands for building cars and three or four good blacksmiths also. We can find some men here who can work into the car trade.”

Back-breaking labor

One portion of the railroad in particular, known as Leggetts Gap, had been in the works since the early 1830s. By the late 1840s, work on the railroad in what is now the Abingtons was in full swing, thanks to Scranton’s financial and organizational support and back-breaking labor provided largely by German and Irish immigrants.

Tensions ran high as the work continued. The flash point was reached in the spring of 1850, when the relationship between two factions of Irish workers broke down.

The groups called themselves Corkonians and Fardowns or Fardowners, in what appeared to be a nod to their hometowns in Ireland.

“Each side was determined to drive the other off the road, but both parties were, if possible, more hostile to the Germans,” according to “Reminiscence of the Early History of Dark Hollow, Slocum Hollow, Harrison, Lackawanna Iron Works, Scrantonia and Scranton,” by J.C. Platt. “The Germans armed themselves and continued at their work.”

On May 28, 1850, the Irish groups clashed near Clarks Green, in what local history books call “The Irish War.”

“The Irish were said to be armed with almost everything that could be used in a melee, including guns, pistols, stones, sticks — one had an iron candlestick and another part of a buck saw fastened to a shovel handle,” according to Platt’s book, published in 1886. “Neither party succeeded in driving off the other. Work was soon resumed.”

Another book, “History of Luzerne, Lackawanna and Wyoming Counties,” also had a brief account of the dust-up.

‘Military called’

“The belligerents met armed with old muskets, picks, scythes and shillalahs and for two days the battle raged,” according to that book, published in 1880. “The military company was finally called out and dispersed the rioters without firing a gun.”

One person died in the clash, with two other bodies found in the nearby woods a month later, “bearing marks of having been shot,” Platt’s book said. Several other participants were wounded.

Two days later, some 200 members of one of the factions tried to rekindle the battle, marching to a place called Dutch Shanty and demanding firearms. When they failed to obtain weapons, their anger fizzled.

Not much more is known about the clash, including what sparked it and what became of the men involved. Scranton wisely decided to separate the two groups, and no more battles ensued.

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

Contact the writer:

localhistory@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9138

1. According to a federal lawsuit, a Lackawanna County Prison inmate almost died after being held ...

A. in solitary confinement for several days.

B. without food and water for several days.

C. in a cage in the exercise yard for several days.

D. Both A and B.

2. True or false? That federal lawsuit regarding the Lackawanna County Prison inmate seeks damages on eight counts, including medical negligence and violation of the inmate’s due process rights.

A. True.

B. False.

3. What did Pennsylvania American Water ask the state Public Utility Commission to approve last week?

A. A water rate hike of 20 percent to all residential customers.

B. A sale of the utility to NYC Water Works.

C. Swapping out customer-owned lines when replacing its own service lines.

D. A change to biweekly billing for customers who opt in.

4. Who bought the Oppenheim Building in downtown Scranton?

A. The City of Scranton.

B. Three New York developers.

C. Developer John Basalyga, who owns the Marketplace at Steamtown.

D. Carbondale Mayor Justin Taylor.

5. What was the purchase price of the former Oppenheim Building?

A. $1.2 million.

B. $2.9 million.

C. $29 million.

D. $12,000.

6. The Diocese of Scranton’s 2016 Diocesan Annual Appeal received gifts and pledges totaling $5,075,000, exceeding the goal of ...

A. $4 million.

B. $2 million.

C. $3 million.

D. $5 million.

7. The Scranton School District will soon develop a crisis management and safety plan that will include ...

A. protocol to send lessons to students’ homes if school closes for a natural disaster.

B. regular safety drills for kindergarten through 12th grades.

C. weapons education for students and parents.

D. weapons training for teachers to defend classrooms if necessary.

8. Who won the Democratic nomination for Dunmore mayor in November by seven votes, knocking longtime Mayor Patrick “Nibs” Loughney off the ballot?

A. Councilman Tim Burke.

B. Former Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty.

C. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey.

D. Mickey Mouse, in a write-in campaign.

9. True or false? The Pike County district attorney’s office has spent $481,503 on the Eric Matthew Frein capital murder case to date, with costs expected to rise.

A. True.

B. False.

10. According to the coroner, how did a Clifford Twp. man die after a fire that started in his kitchen Wednesday morning?

A. Heart attack.

B. Smoke inhalation.

C. Blunt force trauma.

D. The cause is not yet known.

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

Carbondale

The Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce will host “Dancing under the Stars” on the roof of the Carbondale Grand Hotel on Saturday.

The rooftop celebration will feature performances by Robbie Scott and his New Deal Orchestra, and the Dixie Dealers Hot Jazz ensemble. Scott — who has had the honor of performing for U.S. presidents and a host of famous names like Tony Bennett, Carrie Underwood and more — and the New Deal Orchestra will play a variety of dance music ranging from Sinatra to Motown.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the swinging soirée running from 7 to 10 p.m. The rooftop setting will feature cash bars, a martini bar, cigar bar, hors d’oeuvres and more. Tickets are $25 per person or $45 per couple.

“This is an event we wanted to bring to the Upvalley for everyone’s enjoyment,” said chamber Executive Director Laure Carlo. “We felt that bringing in a big band would be phenomenal.”

The chamber encourages attendees to consider dinner at any of the area restaurants before the event. For tickets, call 570-282-1690 or visit the chamber at 27 N. Main St.

— JEFF HORVATH

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

@jhorvathTT on Twitter

Dickson City

Motorcycle enthusiasts will soon help heal sick and injured dogs and cats.

Nancy Vrabel and Lynn Sepkowski are coordinating the sixth annual Motorcycle Run to Benefit Griffin Pond Animal Shelter’s Emergency Vet Care Fund. The event kicks off at Legends Saloon and the neighboring Dickson City Freight Station on Sunday, June 11.

Registration will be held at Legends, 750 Boulevard Ave., from 9 to 11 a.m. The ride begins promptly at 11, with one stop at Arlo’s Country Store and Tavern in Union Dale before returning to Legends and the freight station. All bikers should plan to return no later than 2 p.m. for food, music and festivities. The saloon will donate 10 percent of all sales that day to Griffin Pond.

“Nancy and Lynn have been involved with the Motorcycle Run for years, and we are so appreciative of all their outstanding efforts each year to help provide funding for shelter animals in need of medical care,” said Anastasia Daniels, shelter development-fundraising manager. “We are also grateful for the continued support of the Dickson City Freight Station committee.”

For information about the shelter or the Motorcycle Run, visit www.GriffinPond AnimalShelter.com/Events.

— STAFF REPORT

Forest City

A three-block stretch of Main Street will benefit from a $46,330 Keystone Communities program grant issued through the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development.

The funding will pay for 13 streetlights along the west side of the 400, 500 and 600 blocks of Main Street. They will add to the numerous improvements recently made to the downtown corridor. In addition to new sidewalks and brick pavers, the borough also has new visitor information maps and signs.

Borough Council President William D. Orasin thanked state Sen. Lisa Baker, R-20, Lehman Twp., and state Rep. Jonathan Fritz, R-111, Honesdale, for advocating for the grant.

“The ultimate goal of our project is to breathe new life into our Main Street in order to attract businesses and families into our town,” Orasin said. “We also expect that our investments into the downtown will instill a sense of pride in property owners and businesses adjacent to the project, motivating them to initiate projects of their own to improve their properties and facades.”

— STAFF REPORT

Honesdale

Those curious about weight-loss surgery can get more information at a seminar next month in the borough.

Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers will host “Weight Loss Surgery 101” on Wednesday, June 14, at 6 p.m. in Wayne Memorial Hospital’s David Katz Room. Lisa Medvetz, M.D., F.A.C.S., board-certified general surgeon of Honesdale Surgical Associates, will be the presenter.

Medvetz has been performing weight-loss surgeries for nearly 10 years, including laparoscopic sleeve, laparoscopic bypass and duodenal switch. She also offers the intragastric balloon, a minimally invasive technique in which the surgeon inserts a balloon into the patient’s stomach using an endoscope.

For information on the free event, visit or call 570-253-8390.

— STAFF REPORT

Scranton

An author who recently chronicled the history of fugitive slaves and a black community in the Abingtons will be in town Friday to speak on the topic.

Jim Remsen, a Waverly Twp. native, will present an illustrated history talk called “White Abolitionists, Black Fighters of Waverly” at the Library Express Bookstore in the Marketplace at Steamtown at 6 p.m.

Remsen’s book, “Embattled Freedom,” was published this year. It tells the story of Waverly before the Civil War and 13 members of the black community there who volunteered to serve in the Union army.

The talk is free. Remsen will be available to sign copies of the book afterward. For information, call 570-558-1670.

— CLAYTON OVER

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

@ClaytonOver on Twitter

AROUND THE TOWNS appears each Sunday, spotlighting the people and events in your neighborhoods. If you have an idea for an Around the Towns note, contact the writer for your town, or the Yes!Desk at 348-9121 or yesdesk@timesshamrock.com.

Judge Michael Barrasse sentenced the following defendants recently in Lackawanna County Court:

■ Lance Mackar, 26, 7 Circle Drive, Blakely, to 30 days in county jail, five months court supervision and to pay a $750 fine for DUI — second offense, tier two, and one year of probation for possession of drug paraphernalia.

■ Natalie Mendoza, 20, 517 W. Cedar St., Allentown, to one year of probation for receiving stolen property.

■ Stephanie Stoilkovic, 20, 915 Wood St., Scranton, to six months court supervison, including two months on house arrest and to pay a $1,000 fine for DUI — first offense, tier three, and one year of probation for drug possession.

■ Kevin Zelna, 29, 2012 Washburn St., Scranton, to two to four years in state prison for possession with intent to deliver and drug paraphernalia possession, followed by one year of probation for simple assault.

■ Guss House, 29, 1319 Lafayette St., Scranton, to one year three months to three years in state prison followed by two years’ probation and to pay $2,500 restitution for writing bad checks and possession of drug paraphernalia.

■ Daniel Rodriguez, 54, 9 Cherry Ave., Carbondale, to six months’ probation and to pay a $300 fine for DUI — tier one, first offense.

■ Trevor Williams, 40, 1926 Price St., Scranton, to 12 months court supervision, including one month of incarceration in county prison, and to pay $738.98 in restitution for receiving stolen property.

■ Jaida Eiden, 20, 1015 Rem­ington Ave., Scranton, to one year of probation and to pay $696.42 for receiving stolen property.

■ William Mitchell, 33, 1319 Watson Ave., Scranton, to one year of court supervision, to include one month of house arrest, for disorderly conduct.

■ Cody Reck, 24, 113 Maple Ave., Apt. 2, Lake Ariel, to one year of court supervision, including two months of incarceration in county prison, for disorderly conduct.

■ Anthony Martini Jr., 36, 429 Martini Road, Lake Ariel, to one year of probation for making false reports.

Judge Vito Geroulo sentenced:

■ Chester Smith Jr., 38, 106 Keystone Hills Road, Suite 203, Factoryville, to 10 to 20 years in state prison and to pay $13,667 in restitution for burglary, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and possession of firearm prohibited.

■ Cherita Burley, 35, 2025 Margaret Ave., Scranton, to one year and three months to two years and six months in state prison and to pay a $1,000 fine for possession with intent to deliver, criminal use of a communication facility and DUI — tier three, first offense.

■ David Smith, 34, 333 E. Elm St., Scranton, to five months to 24 months of special probation for resisting arrest.

■ Jason Rivera, 42, 800 Timberfalls Lane, Apt./Suite H3, Blakely, to two to four years in state prison followed by one year of special probation for criminal use of a communication facility.

■ Gustavo Reyes, 33, 2232 Edith Ave., Scranton, to 11 to 24 months in county prison for aggravated assault and criminal trespass.

■ Darrin O’Connell, 19, homeless, to time served to 23 months in county prison followed by one year of probation and to pay $220 in restitution for receiving stolen property.

■ Peter Farrell, 52, 1023 Lafayette St., Scranton, to six months’ court supervision, including one month of house arrest, and to pay a $300 fine for DUI — tier one first offense.

■ Stacy Nolan, 46, 103 Ren Acres, Clarks Summit, to one year of probation for simple assault.

■ Martin Dixon, 46, 409 Olive St., Apt. D, Scranton, to 18 months’ probation for simple assault.

Judge Margaret Bisignani Moyle sentenced:

■ John Walter, 24, 188 Angel Lane, Mehoopany, to nine months to four years in state prison for possession with intent to deliver.

■ Giancarlo Ramirez-Vazquez, 31, 1119 Lafayette St., Scran­ton, to 21 months to four years in state prison for possession with intent to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia.

■ Charles Merrifield, 36, 3240 Pittston Ave., Scranton, to six months to a year in state prison for witness or victim retaliation.

■ Patrick Brazill, 50, 619 Cedar Ave., Scranton, to six months of court supervision, including two months of house arrest, and to pay a $750 fine for DUI — tier two, second offense.

■ Juan Garcia-Perez, 24, 437 Ripple St., Scranton, to six months’ court supervision, including three days incarceration in county prison, and to pay a $1,000 fine for DUI — tier three, first offense.

The University of Scranton conferred more than 600 master’s and doctorate degrees, including its first doctor of nursing practice degrees, at its graduate commencement ceremony on Saturday in the Byron Recreation Complex.

Graduates recognized at the ceremony include those who completed their degree requirements in August and December 2016, as well as January and May.

The university conferred three doctor of nursing practice degrees, 36 doctor of physical therapy degrees and 586 master’s degrees in various disciplines. Graduates represented 35 states and several foreign countries, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington. The programs with the most graduates at Scranton were the master of business administration, occupational therapy, educational administration, curriculum and instruction, and human resources.

The university also introduced a new tradition at the ceremony inspired by a long-standing practice in the military used to signify unit membership and affiliation. Graduates were presented with Coins of Excellence by Scranton’s Alumni Society. The coins are meant to encourage graduates to follow the Jesuit tradition to be “men and women for and with others” and “to go forth and set the world on fire” and solidify their affiliation with the university.

Kathleen Curry Santora, Esq. ’80, president and chief executive officer of the National Association of College and University Attorneys, served as the principal speaker. She also received an honorary degree from the university at the ceremony.

A native of Hazleton and a first-generation college graduate, she reflected on her education at the University of Scranton, its Jesuit tradition and faculty members, like history professor Michael DeMichele, Ph.D., and the late Edward Gannon, S.J., who made a difference in her life. She also talked about characteristics that would help the graduates be successful in life: resilience and gratitude.

“In part, resilience leads naturally to gratitude,” said Santora, discussing three characteristics of resilience: accepting reality, believing life is meaningful and being able to improvise. “You can only accept reality if you can be grateful for what you have, rather than what you want. You can only embrace life’s meaning when you embrace gratitude for the people around you and the life you have. And, you are better able to improvise when you appreciate life’s tools that are right in front of you as a means to achieve excellence.”

University President the the Rev.Rev. Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., also addressed the graduates and their guests. Degrees were conferred by Father Quinn upon candidates presented by Debra A. Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies; Michael O. Mensah, Ph.D., dean of the Kania School of Management; and Brian P. Conniff, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Also speaking at the ceremony were Joseph H. Dreisbach, Ph.D., interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; Lisa LoBasso, Ed.D., assistant director online and off-campus programs; (ret.) Col. Richard H. Breen, Jr. ’77, Alumni Society president; and Patrick Rogers, S.J., executive director of the Jesuit Center.

Graduate students were honored for academic achievement in their specific academic area. Outstanding Academic Awards were presented to Andrea Schall Mantione, Luzerne, doctor of nursing practice, and Katelyn Elizabeth Moyer, Allentown, doctor of physical therapy.

Outstanding Academic Awards for master’s level programs were presented to the following local residents: Ahmed Eizah H. Almalki, Scranton, management information systems; Amanda Marie Ettinger, Scranton, family nurse practitioner; Kaylene Ammerette Falco, Dupont, school counseling; Matthew James Frutchey, South Abington Twp.,

secondary education; Maher A. Ghazzawi, Scranton, finance; Blythe Elizabeth Golosky, Scranton, operations management/marketing; Jillian Obuhosky Riccardo, Pittston, clinical chemistry; Matthew James Pawelski, Milford, accountancy; Caleigh Nicole Pedriani, Hazleton, enterprise resources planning; Mia T. Robb, Clarks Summit, biochemistry; Daniel Webb, Moosic, chemistry; and Eric A. Zielinski, Old Forge, software engineering.

Local degree recipients

Doctor of Physical Therapy

LACKAWANNA COUNTY

Alexander J. Arrow, Scran­ton; Daniel Alexander Dolphin, Scranton; Charles P. Lewis, Scranton; Jennifer Elizabeth Lewis, Eynon; and James Alexander Moser, Scranton.

PIKE COUNTY

James F. Leighty Jr., Milford.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

LUZERNE COUNTY

Andrea Schall Mantione, Plains.

MONROE COUNTY

Marjorie Hottenstein, Blakeslee.

WAYNE COUNTY

Melissa L. Rickard, Honesdale.

Master’s Degree:

LACKAWANNA COUNTY

Mohammed Saad Abuabah, Scranton; Melissa L. Afshari, Dickson City; Musaab Ali Alawad, Scranton; Bander Hamed Alenzi, Clark Summit; Mohammed Ali Alfaleh, Scran­ton; Ayman Mohammed AlGhamdi, Scranton; Ali Amer Alhamoud, Scranton; Ahmed Eizah H. Almalki, Scranton; Harb Jaber S. Almarri, Scran­ton; Mohammed Almarri, Scran­ton; Sulaiman M. Almesned, Scranton; Ziad Hmwd Almtiri, Scranton; Abdul­lah S. Alqahtani, Waverly Twp.; Abdullah Mubarak Alqah­tani, Scranton; Moham­med M. Alqahtani, Scranton; Obaid Alresheedi, Waverly Twp.; Nawaf B. Alsawidan, Scranton; Meshal M. Alsha­gair, Scran­ton; Saad Mofareh Alshahrani, Scranton; Moham­med Abdul­lah Alshwayaer, Scranton; Muhammad Hamad Alyami, Dunmore; Tyler J. Ander­son, Blakely; Kelly M. Babinski, Scranton; Danielle Lauren Banks, Dunmore; Char­lotte C. Banzhof, Scran­ton; Christo­pher J. Baron, Vandling; Dayton Orville Beas­ley III, Moosic; Thomas B. Bec­chetti, Jr., Dunmore; Abdul­aziz M. Binoon, Scran­ton; Marsinlen Hope Black­well, Old Forge; Samuel Andrew Borgia, Dun­more; Sarah A. Borgia, Scranton; Michelle Estrada Boyle, Dal­ton; Dustin W. Brown, South Abington Twp.; Emily J. Bylo­tas, South Abington Twp.; Megan Carey, Archbald; Ryan Paul Caviston, Scranton; Bridget Chomko, Scranton; Carissa L. Chrobak, Scranton; Annie Lavelle Clark, Dunmore; Perry D. Cross, Jefferson Twp.; Amanda Marie Crowley, Dalton; Nicole Cruci­ani, Clarks Summit; Erin M. Cutri, Waverly Twp.; Michael T. Dane, Scranton; John Patrick Dean, Scranton; William J. Dempsey III, Clarks Summit; Stephanie DeNaples, Scran­ton; Fabby Desir, Scranton; Colleen M. Dougherty, Scran­ton; Amanda Marie Ettinger, Scranton; Mohammed Abdul­lah M Fageeh, Scranton; Anne C. Ferrario, Dunmore; Timothy Michael Fisch, Scranton; Erin Marie Flannigan, Scranton; Matthew James Frutchey, South Abington Twp.; Maher A. Ghazzawi, Scranton; Jeffrey M. Ghergo, Scranton; Blythe Elizabeth Golosky, Scranton; Noelle M. Griffiths, South Abington Twp.; Denise Gurz, Scranton; Olivia Leigh Hert­zog, Dunmore; Phetmolly M. Homesombath, Scranton; Alys­sa Marie Hurchick, Scran­ton; Deanna Lynn Jurbala, Scranton; Arie John Kazmier­czak, Scranton; Samantha Kelly, Clarks Summit; Abbey Elizabeth Kennedy, Scranton; Claire M. Khoury, Scranton; Pamela C. Kobierecki, Oly­phant; Michael R. Kranick, Dun­­more; Nikola Lalovic, South Abington Twp.; Eloise Tenny Libassi, Dalton; Melissa M. Loughney, Dunmore; Kevin P. Madensky, South Abington Twp.; Valerie Madensky, South Abington Twp.; Dana Marie Mar­mo, Olyphant; Ryan A. Mayes, Carbondale; Jillian Marie McArdle, Scranton; Melissa Ann Moran, Olyphant; Tara Leann Morcom, Jermyn; Sarah Grace Morrill, Scranton; Sabina Ndunge Muange, Scran­­ton; Patrick J. Mullarkey, Scranton; Glynn D. Murphy Jr., Scranton; Kelsey Murphy, Scran­ton; Margaret M. Nas­ser, Scranton; Irene M. Nzasi, Clarks Summit; Andrew Glenn Oppenheimer, Scranton; Kath­ryn Morgan Paradise, Roaring Brook Township; Jean E. Park, Scranton; Rachel Alicia Pau­kett, Taylor; Joshua J. Perry, Olyphant; Brendan D. Peter­sen, South Abington Twp.; Chris­topher A. Polanco, Scran­ton; Christopher Reichard, Scranton; Megan J. Reilly, Scranton; Ashley Elizabeth Rich­ards, Scranton; Tyler J. Rip­pon, South Abington Twp.; Mia T. Robb, Clarks Summit; Paige D. Rockaway, South Abing­­ton Twp.; Kathryn K. Rogan, Dunmore; Jessica M. Rosato, Dunmore; Katrina Kru­zik Rosato, Old Forge; Andrea V. Saenz, Scranton; Douglas Michael Sage, Scran­ton; Ran­dall Scott Sashko, Arch­bald; Moraya A. Sharahili, Scranton; Kristen A. Sheman­ski, Jessup; Elizabeth Ann Sho­maker, Throop; Emilia Ivanova Slavo­va, Scranton; Ash­ley Marie Sol­oski, Scran­ton; Mansour Ali Sumayli, Scranton; Nirav Ashokbhai Sutariya, Scranton; Sarah J. Suwak, Clarks Sum­mit; Sarah E. Sweda, South Abington Twp.; Amy Marie Talip­ski, Taylor; Chaleekorn Thamrato, Scranton; Kristen Marie Thom­as, Moosic; Alyssa Kath­erine Tripp, Scranton; Kon­stan­tinos Tsaklas, Clarks Sum­mit; Stephanie A. Voith, Scranton; Elizabeth A. Walsh, Roaring Brook Twp.; Ian J. Walsh, Dickson City; Sarah Elizabeth Walsh, Dalton; Dan­iel Webb, Moosic; Kevin P. Whitman, Archbald; David M. Yackobowitz, Archbald; Eric A. Zielinski, Old Forge; and Yaro­slav O. Zolotukha, Scranton.

LUZERNE COUNTY

Lani Marie Almodoval, Pitts­ton; Kaylene Ammerette Fal­co, Dupont; Nicole Marie Hamp­ton, Duryea; Lauren Marie Hos­tetler, Swoyersville; Nikole M. Karkut, Dupont; Cheryl Kavin­ski Bayo, Swoy­ers­ville; Danielle McAndrew, Avoca; Natalie Elizabeth Radle, Avoca; Jillian Obuhosky Riccar­do, Pittston; and John F. Sharp, Dupont.

MONROE COUNTY

Michele Minora Felins, Poco­no Summit; Eileen Renee Nah, Tobyhanna; and Chanel N. Wright, Long Pond.

PIKE COUNTY

Matthew James Pawelski, Mil­­ford and Renee Elaine Stretz, Bushkill.

SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY

Katherine Marie Drop, Vandling.

WAYNE COUNTY:

Patrick J. Blaskiewicz, Lake Ariel; Patricia D. Doherty, Hones­dale; Randy Joseph Donovan, Honesdale; Michael J. Guy, Lake Ariel; Michelle L. Manzione, Hawley; Karen A. Osborne, Hawley; Zachary W. Rickard, Honesdale; Suzanne M. Schuman, Honesdale; Steph­­anie H. Skurski, Star­rucca; Michael Alan Slate Jr., Hawley; Christine P. Van Tas­sel, Starrucca; and Laura E. Wendt, Jefferson Twp.

WYOMING COUNTY:

Kristyn L. Croasdale, Nicholson.

What started as a friendly game of backyard Wiffle ball has grown to a tournament on the front lawn of Lackawanna County Courthouse Square.

Organizers expected Saturday’s Wiffle on the Square — in its fourth year — to raise $4,500 for Shriners Hospitals for Children.

“I don’t know of any other tournament like this in the area,” said Bob Moore, a Lackawanna County sheriff’s deputy who organizes the event each year. “We all want to win, but we’re here for a good cause.”

Fourteen teams, each with four players, tried to hit a Wiffle ball over a temporary fence along North Washington Avenue. Most teams included local law enforcement and first responders, along with Moore’s family and friends.

“If you build it, they will come,” Moore said, laughing. “Every February, I start to get questions. As long as people want to play, I’ll do everything I can to make it happen.”

After a player hit the plastic ball with a plastic bat, the opposing team tried to either catch the ball or pick it up before it stopped rolling. The batters did not run bases.

Ray Toney, potentate of the Irem Shrine, said proceeds from the tournament will go to an important cause.

“This is such a wonderful benefit,” Toney said. “It helps the child immensely. “

The closest Shriners hospital is in Philadelphia, and many area children receive care there for orthopedic issues, scoliosis and cleft palates, he said.

The Moore family Wiffle ball tournaments started six years ago, part of a bachelor’s party for Bob Moore’s older brother, Nick. After that, friends and family would meet in Nick Moore’s backyard for games. The family never envisioned a yearly tournament that would raise thousands of dollars for charity.

“It’s amazing. ... Anything to help kids,” Nick Moore said.

Contact the writer:

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

@hofiushallTT on Twitter

Thousands of revelers crammed Jessup’s streets Saturday for the annual St. Ubaldo Day and Race of the Saints.

Filled with Italian-heritage pride, the Midvalley borough put on its annual spectacle steeped in colorful tradition.

The festivities are Jessup’s version of the observance of La Festa dei Ceri in Gubbio, Italy. Italian immigrants brought the tradition of the Corsa dei Ceri, or the running of the saints, from Gubbio to Jessup in the early 1900s.

The main event, the running of statues of St. Ubaldo, St. George and St. Anthony, flowed like a human river through Jessup’s winding, hilly streets. Family gatherings dotted backyards and front porches.

“This is the day that put us on the map,” said Rita Betti Graham, who grew up in Jessup and has lived in Archbald the past five years. Her great-grandparents were from near Gubbio. She and family members come annually for Ubaldo weekends to the Jessup homes of her mother and aunt next door, about a block away from where the race starts.

Gubbio and Jessup are the only two places in the world that celebrate La Festa dei Ceri, which honors the life of Ubaldo Baldassini. Canonized by Pope Celestine III in 1192, Baldassini, or St. Ubaldo, is credited with saving Gubbio from barbarians in the 1100s.

Cal Corcoran, a native of Dickson City of Irish descent, and who now lives in New York City, had attended Ubaldo races for years as a young spectator. On Saturday, he participated for the first time as a Ubaldo race team member, recruited by a friend.

Each of the three race groups contain several teams that take turns carrying their 400-pound saint. For the Ubaldo team, Corcoran was on “team 2, right side, third position,” he said.

“The fact that this takes place in only two places in the world is amazing,” Corcoran said.

Eugene “Jeep” Fanucci, 88, once again served as the official race starter, an honor he’s held for 40 years.

“I love it,” Fanucci said of the annual event that consumes the town.

His parents, Assunta and Eugenio Fanucci, were born in Gubbio and immigrated in the early 1900s. His father worked in the mines.

Race participants donned neckerchiefs of the color of their saint’s team, including some that said, “Baldomania.”

Jack Paciotti, 69, a Jessup native living in Philadelphia for the past 18 years, recently visited Gubbio and comes home to Jessup every year for St. Ubaldo Day.

“There’s nowhere else to be (on race day). This is the place,” Paciotti said.

Three generations of Charles Canevari’s family came out to watch the race. He, his daughter, Jill Kaszuba, and her children, Eva, 8, and Chaz, 11, were among the thousands of spectators lining the streets and then walking behind the racers.

“Everybody loves it. It’s tradition,” Jill Kaszuba said. “Everyone says Ubaldo always wins (the race), but really, Jessup wins — and Italian culture.”

The weekend kicked off on Friday with the annual fireman’s parade.

Saturday’s festivities also included a carnival put on by Jessup Hose Company 2 and a candlelight procession returning the saints to the St. Ubaldo Society Cultural Center.

Events continue today. A children’s Festa dei Ceri, recreating the procession in scaled-down version, begins at 1 p.m.

For a schedule of events and more information, see saintubaldosociety.org for more information.

Contact the writer:

jlockwood@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9100 x5185;

@jlockwoodTT on Twitter

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

• Eugene Joseph Shields, 30, Honesdale, to one to six months in the county correctional facility, $300 fine, drug and alcohol treatment program, the Alcohol Highway Safety Program and 50 hours of community service for DUI on Sept. 2 in Honesdale.

• Eugene T. Caulden, 48, Scran­ton, to five days to six months in the county correctional facility, $1,000 fine, drug and alcohol treatment program and the Alcohol Highway Safety Program for DUI on June 29 in Waymart.

• Bobie Jo Catania, 33, Hones­­dale, to 19 days to six months in the county correctional facility, $1,456.49 in restitution, $1,000 fine, drug and alcohol treatment program, the Alcohol Highway Safety Program and 50 hours of community service for DUI on Oct. 7 in Honesdale.

• Daniel Jacob Kreiter, 32, Honesdale, to 30 days in the county correctional facility followed by 60 months less 30 days in the Intermediate Punish­ment Program, three months of house arrest with electronic and alcohol monitoring, $1,500 fine, drug and alcohol treatment program, the Alcohol Highway Safety Program and 100 hours of community service for DUI on Dec. 23 in Texas Twp.

• Nelson Enrique Vazquez, 44, Honesdale, to 133 days to 23½ months in the county correctional facility, $39.28 in restitution and a drug and alcohol evaluation for two counts of theft by unlawful taking on Aug. 18 and Dec. 10 in Honesdale.

Pike County Judge Gregory Chelak sentenced the following:

• Richard Patrick Babcock, 21, Port Jervis, N.Y., to 82 days to 12 months in the county jail and $250 fine for retail theft on Jan. 13, 2016, in Westfall Twp.

• Anthony Suarez, 30, Bush­kill, to 90 days to five years in the county jail, $1,500 fine and 18 months driver’s license suspension for DUI in Lehman Twp.

• Daniel Raymond Rizzi, 31, East Stroudsburg, to 18 to 36 months in a state correctional facility and $500 fine for theft between July 8 and 16 in Lehman Twp.