Former Scranton City Solicitor Jason Shrive on Wednesday defended the city’s hiring of a special counsel in the sewer sale for $200,000 without a contract, even though city rules require public advertising of professional services expected to cost more than $19,400 a year.

The issue arose at council’s meeting last Thursday, when resident Fay Franus cited a provision in the city’s Administrative Code that says the city “will publicly advertise for professional services” when payment is expected to exceed $19,400 in a calendar year.

Franus questioned whether the hiring of the law firm of Abrahamsen, Conaboy and Abrahamsen by Shrive and Mayor Bill Courtright as special counsel in the sewer sale for a $200,000 flat fee violated the Administrative Code’s threshold for professional services.

Council directed its solicitor, Amil Minora, to look into the matter. Council next meets tonight at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Responding to an inquiry Wednesday by The Times-Tribune, Shrive said in a phone interview that the hiring of the Abrahamsen firm did not break city rules because the firm was paid by the sewer authority.

“I don’t believe it to be a violation of the administrative code,” Shrive said of the arrangement.

He likened the situation to the city’s longstanding practice by Courtright’s and prior administrations of retaining bond counsels that got paid above the $19,400 threshold and out of bond proceeds.

The mayor and Shrive, who now is sewer authority executive director/solicitor, said in a June 28 column in The Times-Tribune that they had hired the Abrahamsen law firm as special counsel in the sewer sale that closed Dec. 29. The authority last year paid the firm $20,000 per month over 10 months, for a total of $200,000. A contract or engagement letter with the law firm detailing a scope of work do not exist, but the pay was reasonable for the amount of work entailed, Courtright and Shrive said.

Citing the Administrative Code, Franus asked council why the hiring did not come before council for approval.

“I don’t know. That’s a good question,” Councilman Bill Gaughan said.

Franus also noted the Administrative Code says, “All contracts must be reviewed and approved by the city solicitor and signed by the mayor and the controller or their designated substitutes and attested to the by city clerk.”

Council President Joe Wechsler wondered if the sewer authority’s paying the law firm’s fee was the reason, and directed Minora to contact current city Solicitor Jessica Boyles for an explanation.

City Controller Roseann Novembrino said in a phone interview Wednesday that she also will look into the issue.

Efforts Wednesday to reach Courtright, Boyles and attorney Edwin “Ned” Abrahamsen were unsuccessful.

The issue arose a week after Courtright held a town hall meeting June 22 to try to dispel misconceptions about the $195 million sale of the sewer system to Pennsylvania American Water, and explain the transaction as an aboveboard, good deal.

The councils of Scranton and Dunmore wanted the sewer authority to invite the state Auditor General to review the sewer sale, but the authority declined twice to do so. The councils then asked the state Attorney General to examine the sale and await a reply.

Courtright and sewer authority members said there’s no need for an outside audit because the authority will have its own annual audit done. Some members of the public have noted that an annual audit is not the same review that the Auditor General would undertake.

In a phone interview Wednesday, state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale said his office would have examined the sale’s process and whether anything could have been done better.

“If we were going to go in, we would be reviewing the sale in accord with state and local laws — not saying it was a good idea or not — but would be making a judgment on the process,” DePasquale said. “It’s not going to happen, but if it were, I’d start with a review of the sale and work back from there.”

Contact the writer: jlockwood@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5185; @jlockwoodTT on Twitter

Scranton’s recovery coordinator, Pennsylvania Economy League, has filed a revised three-year exit plan at City Hall.

Revisions based upon public input at a recent hearing and other submissions include changes and corrections of some text, deletions of some areas that have been achieved, and a few additions. The new items include a table on debt, job descriptions for light duty and return-to-work programs and support for a countywide property tax reassessment.

PEL expects the revised, 87-page exit plan to go before City Council in an ordinance for introduction on July 13, advancement on July 20 and adoption on July 27.

Assuming the city passes the ordinance, and then follows the exit plan over the next three years, the Act 47 designation as financially distressed in place since 1992 would be lifted.

- JIM LOCKWOOD

A group of newspapers in eastern Kentucky owned by Civitas Media has been sold to Appalachian Newspapers Inc.

The sale was announced by Lancaster Management Inc., which owns Appalachian Newspapers, in a news release Wednesday. The sale includes four publications and “related digital platforms,” according to the release.

Civitas Media owns the Times Leader Media Group and the Times Leader newspaper.

Times Leader Publisher Mike Murray did not immediately return an email seeking comment on the sale on Wednesday.

High temperatures in the 80s expected through the weekend may inspire many to make the most of the seasonable weather.

But installing a backyard pool in Scranton isn’t a simple dip in cool waters. Any pool with a depth of 2 feet or more requires a building permit from the city — for starters.

“You get the average person going to get a blow-up pool ... the last thing they think they need is a (municipal) permit,” said Patrick Hinton, director of Scranton’s Department of Licensing, Inspections and Permits.

In Scranton

■ Backyard pools with a depth of 24 inches or more not only require a building permit, but also a fence at least 4 feet tall around the entire pool area. The fence must be equipped with a self-closing gate and latch,

■ If your pool has a pump or filter, the city also requires an electrical inspection and electrical permit.

■ City permit fees are based upon project cost, but the minimum fee is $30, Hinton said.

■ Fines range from $500 to $5,000. However, Hinton said his department works with homeowners to correct violations before fines are issued.

■ Live outside the city? Check with your municipality before installing a pool because rules vary.

Contact the writer: jlockwood@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5185; @jlockwoodTT on Twitter

SCRANTON — Scranton police said surveillance cameras captured a man rummaging through four cars in the city’s South Side early on Tuesday morning.

Now they hope to identify him.

The break-ins occurred at 1 a.m. in four cars parked along the 2300 and 2400 blocks of Birney Avenue, Capt. Dennis Lukasewicz said.

In one case, the man stole a bicycle. It’s unknown what else was taken.

Anyone who may have information can contact the patrol division at 570-348-4134 or leave an anonymous tip using the TipSoft program at scrantonpa.gov/scrantonpd.

— JOSEPH KOHUT

SCRANTON — The Lackawanna County Marriage License Bureau will have extended hours today.

The bureau, located in Suite 400 of the Scranton Electric Building, 507 Linden St., will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

People seeking a marriage license must bring a valid photo ID or current passport and know their Social Security number. A $60 fee is also required and may be paid by cash, check or credit card.

For information, call the bureau at 570-963-6708.

— STAFF REPORT

Volunteers working on plans for a Lackawanna County World War I memorial have compiled a list of county war dead to be engraved on the monument, a key step in making the planned monument a reality.

Members of the Dunmore Rotary Club, who proposed the memorial earlier this year, compiled a list of about 260 names using a volume from a series of books, “Soldiers of the Great War,” club Vice President Jim Davenport said. Volunteers gathered others after receiving emails from county residents who saw media coverage of the planned memorial, he said.

However, volunteers discovered discrepancies in the spellings of names on the list and will post the list at the future home of the memorial, South Blakely and Cherry streets in Dunmore — near the tank and the county Korean War memorial — so people can look at the names and point out any corrections or additions that need to be made, Davenport said. They hope to have the names and a “coming soon” sign up before July 15, he added.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War I. The centennial of not only American involvement but also its start among European powers seems to be driving interest in the conflict, said Mike Vietti, director of marketing and communications at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri. World War I started in 1914, and the United States entered the fray in April 1917. The museum has set attendance records for three straight years and will likely do so again in 2017, Vietti said.

“Unquestionably, there has been a significant amount of increased interest in World War I, probably in part due to the centennial of the Great War,” he said.

Groups seeking to erect World War I memorials, like the Dunmore Rotarians, or refurbishing or renovating existing ones are also on the rise, said Mark Levitch, founder of the World War I Memorial Inventory Project. He has been getting calls since 2014 seeking information on ways to do both, he said. Many have the same question.

“ ‘Where can I get a doughboy statue?’ ” Levitch said. “That was something I’d never heard before.”

The memorial in Dunmore will feature a doughboy statue and will otherwise resemble the Lackawanna County Korean War Memorial, with a black granite base etched with the names, ranks and branches of service of the war dead, according to a rendering of the new memorial. Now that the names have been compiled, the club is continuing fundraising efforts for the memorial, which will cost about $21,500 to put up, Davenport said.

Organizers hope the memorial will be completed by late October or early November. An unveiling is planned for Nov. 11, the 99th anniversary of the end of World War I, at 9 a.m., Davenport said.

The entire process has been rewarding for those compiling the names and working to install the memorial.

“This is a true blessing to be a part of,” Davenport said. “It is energizing from a volunteer standpoint to remember the sacrifice of so many, and their families, that made our nation what it is today.”

 Anyone with corrections or additions to report is asked to contact Dunmore Rotary Club Vice President Jim Davenport at ophonduras@aol.com.

Contact the writer:

cover@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9100 x 5363;

@ClaytonOver on Twitter

Service members from Lackawanna County killed in World War I:

Nomenclature:

Killed in Action K.A.

Died of Disease D.D.

Died of Wounds D.W.

Died of Accident D.A.

Raymond P. CAFFERY, Archbald, Corporal, K.A.

Francis A. COUGHLIN, Archbald, Corporal, D.D.

John F. COUGHLIN, Archbald, Private, K.A.

Fortunato DI PASQUALE, Archbald, Private, D.W.

Eugene A. DUFFY, Archbald, Private, D.D.

Gerald Anthony MANLEY, Archbald, Private, D.W.

Frank J. ZEWISKEY, Archbald, Private, D.A.

Herman C FRITZ, Benton, Private, K.A.

Ernest J. PARSONS, Benton, Private, D.A.

George A. REMLEY, Benton, Private, D.W.

Abe COHEN, Carbondale, Private, K.A.

Albert Harrison CRANE, Carbondale, Lieutenant, K.A.

William DELANEY, Carbondale, Private, D.D.

Frank P. LYONS, Carbondale, Private, K.A.

Harry W. MILLER, Carbondale, Corporal, D.D.

Emerson Morgan WATKINS, Carbondale, Corporal, D.W.

Frank WEINBERGER, Carbondale, Private, D.D.

Joseph M. BAILEY, Clarks Summit, Corporal, K.A.

Vernon J. VAIL, Clarks Summit, Private, D.W.

Ernest L. NELSON, Covington, Sergeant, D.D.

Howard T. FOSTER, Dalton, Corporal, K.A.

Arnold D. HALL, Dalton, Lieutenant, K.A.

Arnold D. HALL, Dalton, Private, K.A.

Peter BILLETS, Dickson City, Private, K.A.

Thomas T. BRAY, Dickson City, Private, K.A.

John BUFFTON, Dickson City, Private, K.A.

Franklin J. JAROS, Dickson City, Private, K.A.

Max J. KOYLOWSKY, Dickson City, Private, D.W.

Cieslau MEMIERSKI, Dickson City, Private, D.D.

Frank A. PARCHINSKI, Dickson City, Private, K.A.

Felix PODHYSKI, Dickson City, Private, D.D.

Frank RUTKOWSKI, Dickson City, Private, D.W.

Joseph THILLIPS, Dickson City, Private, D.D.

Thomas BONAVOGLIA, Dunmore, Private, D.A.

Everett T. BUSHWELLER, Dunmore, Private, K.A.

Joseph A. COLLINS, Dunmore, Private, K.A.

Salvatore COLOMINO, Dunmore, Private, D.W.

Vito COPOLA, Dunmore, Private, D.D.

Antonio DANATELLI, Dunmore, Private, D.D.

Peter DEMKO, Dunmore, Private, K.A.

Joseph DOMBROWSKI, Dunmore, Private, K.A.

Jerome Francis DOUGHERTY, Dunmore, Cook, D.A.

Jerome Francis DOUGHERTY, Dunmore, Private, D.A.

John H. McHUGH, Dunmore, Private, D.D.

Michels MEDICO, Dunmore, Private, K.A.

Anthony MOONEY, Dunmore, Private, D.W.

Joseph P. RYAN, Dunmore, Corporal, D.D.

Duane SALESBERY, Dunmore, Sergeant, K.A.

Vito SANTERSEIRE, Dunmore, Private, D.D.

Andrew SUMMA, Dunmore, Private, K.A.

Thomas R. CRAYNE, Jefferson, Private, K.A.

Albert DAVIS, Jefferson, Private, D.D.

William GRIFFITH, Jermyn, Private, K.A.

Frank J. KELLY, Jermyn, Private, D.D.

John ZALESKI, Jermyn, Corporal, K.A.

Alfred J. BISIGANI, Jessup, Private, D.A.

Toseph J. BOLSER, Jessup, Private, K.A.

Martin A. BOLSER, Jessup, Private, K.A.

Mark ELVIDGE, Jessup, Private, K.A.

Andrew KAREHA, Jessup, Private, D.D.

Frank McDONALD, Jessup, Private, D.W.

Michael STEINER, Jessup, Private, K.A.

Sidney Eugene FARMER, Madison, Private, D.D.

Mentz PARKS, Madison, Private, D.A.

Merrill N. SELIG, Madison, Private, D.W.

John KULENYCH, Mayfield, Private, D.D.

George STAFWISKY, Mayfield, Private, K.A.

Michael TOMOSKY, Mayfield, Private, D.W.

Frank COLEMAN, Moosic, Private, K.A.

Charles MONIE, Moosic, Sergeant, D.W.

William D. WILLIAMS, Moosic, Private, D.D.

Edward L. YOUNG, Moosic, Sergeant, D.A.

William D. BROWN, Moscow, Lieutenant, K.A.

Morell SMITH, Newton, Lieutenant, K.A.

Clement ANDUSICK, Old Forge, Private, D.W.

Frank BACLASKE, Old Forge, Private, D.W.

James F. DALEY, Old Forge, Private, D.D.

Veto DANDERLO, Old Forge, Private, D.A.

Ferdinando DINARD, Old Forge, Private, K.A.

John A FLYNN, Old Forge, Private, D.D.

Dominick GRILLO, Old Forge, Private, D.A.

Joseph GUERRIERI, Old Forge, Private, D.A.

Walter E. MOTISKA, Old Forge, Corporal, D.D.

Mike RENIO, Old Forge, Private, K.A.

Edward RICKABY, Old Forge, Private, D.W.

Frank ROSE, Old Forge, Private, K.A.

Joseph VELLIZEN, Old Forge, Private, K.A.

Benny WILLIAMS, Old Forge, Private, D.W.

Michael ADZEMA, Olyphant, Private, K.A.

Zigment CHERESKO, Olyphant, Private, K.A.

Thomas CURRAN, Olyphant, Private, K.A.

John P. DACEY, Olyphant, Private, D.A.

John HARE, Olyphant, Private, D.W.

William HOPKINS, Olyphant, Private, K.A.

Joseph A. HOUSTON, Olyphant, Sergeant, D.D.

James JAYNE, Olyphant, Private, D.W.

Joseph KUCKO, Olyphant, Corporal, K.A.

Joseph LEVANOVITCH, Olyphant, Private, K.A.

Harry SERGEY, Olyphant, Private, D.D.

Joseph WHARTON, Olyphant, Private, K.A.

Joseph J. ZARNOSKI, Olyphant, Private, K.A.

Floyd ALLEN, Scranton, Private, D.D.

William ATHAS, Scranton, Private, K.A.

John Henry BALLAMY, Scranton, Captain, K.A.

William BALTODOZZIS, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Quinto W. BARTOLI, Scranton, Private, K.A.

John P. BAXTER, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Thre. BLURE, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Anthony BOKNOS, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Frank J. BOKOSKY, Scranton, Private, K.A.

William T. BOLTON, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Cosmo BORZELLINO, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Frank W. BRADY, Scranton, Mechanic, K.A.

Harry BUSH, Scranton, Corporal, D.W.

Patrick J. CADDEN, Scranton, Private, D.D.

Theodore CARRO, Scranton, Wagoner, D.W.

Dominick CASPERAVITCH, Scranton, Corporal, D.W.

Peter CAWLEY, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Alfred V. CHARLES, Scranton, Private, D.D.

Peter COMINSKY, Scranton, Sergeant, D.W.

James J. CONKLIN, Scranton, Corporal, K.A.

A. CREGG, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Wlady CRIHOCKI, Scranton, Private, D.W.

John J. CURRAN, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Theodore O. DALE, Scranton, Private, D.D.

Peter K. DEMOPULOS, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Theodore R. DEWEY, Scranton, Sergeant, D.A.

Harry DINNER, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Wladslaw DOMOZYCH, Scranton, Private, K.A.

George M. DORNHEIM, Scranton, Corporal, D.D.

Walter A. DOUD, Scranton, Private, K.A.

John J. DOYLE, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Michael Patrick DUFFY, Scranton, Sergeant, K.A.

Earl EIKE, Scranton, Private, D.D.

Joseph J. FARRELL, Scranton, Sergeant, K.A.

Stephen W. FERRIS, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Stephen W. FERRIS, Scranton, Private, D.A.

Carl C FICKUS, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Donald FIELDING, Scranton, Lieutenant, D.W.

Antoni FIIALKOWSKI, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Frank G. FIORE, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Frank J. FISCH, Scranton, Private, D.D.

James FLATLEY, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Patrick H. GALLAGHER, Scranton, Private, D.D.

Charles GEILES, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Patrick Joseph GILBRIDGE, Scranton, Sergeant, K.A.

Stanley J. GOLDEN, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Mikolas GONCAVSKAS, Scranton, Mechanic, K.A.

Joseph S. GORGOL, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Barney GR1GALUINAS, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Edward C GRAHAMER, Scranton, Private, D.A.

Fred A. HANNAH, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Walter W. HARRIS, Scranton, Corporal, D.D.

Robert G. HARTSOCK, Scranton, Private, D.D.

Frank P. HEALEY, Scranton, Private, K.A.

William J. HEFFRON, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Leo A. HOPKINS, Scranton, Private, D.D.

Walter G. HORAK, Scranton, Sergeant, K.A.

William S. HORAN, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Fred L. HUMPHREYS, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Edward HUSS, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Fred A. HUTCHINS, Scranton, Private, K.A.

William H. JESSUP, Scranton, Lieutenant, K.A.

John KELLY, Scranton, Private, D.W.

John F. KENEHAN, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Joseph W. KIESEL, Scranton, Sergeant, K.A.

Louis J. KOCH, Scranton, Lieutenant, K.A.

Nicholas KOSCHAK, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Fred W. LUCKE, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Charles LYDON, Scranton, Private, D.W.

John MARTINKUS, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Peter MATULAVITCH, Scranton, Private, D.D.

Elmer Edison MAURER, Scranton, Private, D.W.

John J. MAYERNICK, Scranton, Private, K.A.

John J. McGINTY, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Bernard J. McGLOIN, Scranton, Private, D.D.

Patrick E. McGOLDRICK, Scranton, Private, D.D.

Thomas A. McGOWAN, Scranton, Private, D.A.

Martin A. McGURRIN, Scranton, Private, D.A.

Benjamin McLEAN, Scranton, Private, D.D.

Harry MILLER, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Ralph MILLER, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Joseph Francis MISKELL, Scranton, Private, D.A.

John C MLINTCHER, Scranton, Private, K.A.

George Thomas MOONEY, Scranton, Private, K.A.

John T. MORAN, Scranton, Private, K.A.

William F. MURPHY, Scranton, Private, D.D.

George E. NEHER, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Walter F. O’BOYLE, Scranton, Private, K.A.

James P. O’NEILL, Scranton, Corporal, D.D.

Rohert A. OSTHAUS, Scranton, Lieutenant, K.A.

Frank PAFF, Scranton, Private, K.A.

John M. PALLA, Scranton, Cook, K.A.

William PARRY, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Frank PARTYKA, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Homer L. PECKHAM, Scranton, Sergeant, D.D.

Walter PERKO, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Peter PETRONIS, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Herbert August PITTACK, Scranton, Private, K.A.

George PLAUSKA, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Edwin G. POWELL, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Frank PROPER, Scranton, Private, D.A.

John Jr. PULLION, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Adrian John PURCELL, Scranton, Private, D.D.

Stanley A. RABIEGA, Scranton, Corporal, D.W.

John REESE, Scranton, Corporal, K.A.

John REESE, Scranton, Corporal, D.A.

Ruppert REESE, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Andrew Oliver REYNOLDS, Scranton, Private, D.D.

Ben RICHARDS, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Tofil ROGINSKY, Scranton, Private, K.A.

William ROSE, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Joseph E. RUANE, Scranton, Private, D.D.

John RUSINKO, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Charles W. SCHLESSER, Scranton, Private, D.D.

John SCHOLL, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Joseph SCHULTZ, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Harold D. SEELEY, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Warner SHAFER, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Jerome SIMONSON, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Fred H. SMITH, Scranton, Corporal, D.D.

Samuel SMITH, Scranton, Corporal, D.D.

Joseph T. SMITH, Scranton, Corporal, D.A.

Joseph H. SMITH, Scranton, Private, D.D.

John STANKIEWICZ, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Anthony STEPANAUVRCH, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Max P. STORR, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Rohert Anthony STRZEMPEK, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Richard A. SULLIVAN, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Clayton D. SWEETSER, Scranton, Sergeant, K.A.

Howard SWINGLE, Scranton, Corporal, D.W.

Henry Arthur THOMAS, Scranton, Private, D.D.

John THOMAS, Scranton, Private, D.D.

Stanislaw TUMZAK, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Alex. TUNILO, Scranton, Private, K.A.

John VISOSKY, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Charles H. WALLACE, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Thomas C WALSH, Scranton, Lieutenant, D.D.

Edward J. WALSH, Scranton, Private, D.D.

Anthony A. WALSH, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Mark WALSH, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Harold D. WARE, Scranton, Private, D.D.

Clarence Edward WARNER, Scranton, Private, K.A.

William WASSIS, Scranton, Private, D.W.

William WEISS, Scranton, Private, D.W.

Harry F. WOOD, Scranton, Corporal, K.A.

Joseph YABLOSKERSKI, Scranton, Private, K.A.

John YARASUNAS, Scranton, Private, K.A.

Silverton YUSILAYLKA, Scranton, Private, K.A.

George EDWARDS, Taylor, Private, K.A.

William HARDING, Taylor, Private, K.A.

Artbur HARDING, Taylor, Private, D.D.

William HARDING William, Taylor, Private, D.D.

Fred Jr. KOCHER, Taylor, Private, D.D.

Clarence LAIRD, Taylor, Lieutenant, D.W.

John F. SHEA, Taylor, Private, D.D.

Wilbur GILL, Throop, Corporal, D.D.

Michael GOMBAR, Throop, Corporal, D.W.

John A. GOMBAR, Throop, Private, K.A.

Clemens KARCHANSKY, Throop, Private, K.A.

George PHILLIPS, Throop, Private, K.A.

Steve SMAKULA, Throop, Private, K.A.

Peter TELESHA, Throop, Private, K.A.

James P. McANDREW, Vandling, Private, D.D.

— PROVIDED BY THE DUNMORE ROTARY CLUB

U.S. in World War I

Start/end: April 6, 1917/Nov. 11, 1918

U.S. service members worldwide: 4,734,991

Battle deaths: 53,402

Other deaths in service: 63,114

Nonmortal woundings: 204,002

SOURCE: DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

MARRIAGE LICENSES

■ Christopher Adam T. Hayhoe, Union, Ontario, and Melissa Lee Sanko, Moscow.

■ Jon Colin Smerecky and Jennifer Elizabeth Spott, both of Drexel Hill.

■ Brooke Elizabeth Reynolds and Stephen Joseph Loss, both of Peckville.

■ Walter Robles Jr., Peckville, and Ixel Marie Ojeda-Vega, Jessup.

■ Kelsi Matylewicz and William Christopher Bidwell, both of Old Forge.

■ Rosemarie Sandra Sper­anzo and Thomas Russell Zal­ew­ski Jr., both of Tunkhannock.

■ Venuskumar B. Patel, Folsom, Calif., and Radha K. Patel, Scranton.

■ Kevin M. Kohut and Kristina Mihalich, both of Dickson City.

■ Ellen Theresa Walsh, Clarks Green, and Cooper Lee McCullough, Northampton, Mass.

■ Randy Joseph Beck Jr. and Ashley Gris, both of Clarks Summit.

■ Lauren Anne Urso and Joseph Cosmo Iacovazzi, both of Old Forge.

■ Darian Nathaniel Banks and Fania A. Blackwell, both of Scranton.

■ Arthur James McKenna and Amanda Rose Lee, both of Scranton.

DIVORCES SOUGHT

■ Joseph Ruggiero, Scranton, v. Jennifer Ruggiero, Scranton; married Sept. 16, 2006, in Taylor, pro se.

■ Jessica Parker, Scranton, v. Peter Ullo, Flourtown; married Oct. 3, 2015, in Scranton, pro se.

ESTATES FILED

■ Maurina Angelina, 950 Morgan Highway, Clarks Summit, letters testamentary to Mari­anne Farrington, 1 Algonquin Road, Acton, Mass.

■ Mary J. Soares, 1330 Winton St., Archbald, letters testamentary to Evelyn L. Soares, 1330 Winton St., Archbald.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

■ Jessica A. Confer, Karl D. Jr. and Chong Huber, Jefferson Twp., to Chandra B. and Bina M. Rai, Scranton; a property at 1210-1212 Reynolds Ave., Taylor, for $85,000.

■ Julie T. McGee, now by marriage Julie T. Ludka, and Michael Ludka, South Abington Twp., to David and Justine Lavelle, Scranton; a property at 1631 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, for $215,000.

■ Dolores Urbanski, Green­field Twp., to Dominic A. Dieebo and Cara M. India, Scranton; a property in Greenfield Twp. for $220,000.

■ Jeffrey L. and Noelle Marie Spagna, South Abington Twp., to Charles M. and Donna G. Moesta, Lansdale; a property at 303 Bailey St., South Abington Twp., for $187,000.

■ Scranton Tower Associates LP, Taylor, to D&D SNB LLC, Wilkes-Barre; two parcels in Dunmore for $945,000.

■ Caliber Real Estate Services LLC, attorney-in-fact for LSF8 Master Participation Trust, Irving, Texas, to Berlyn Holdings LLC, Old Forge; a property at 1826 W. Gibson St., Scranton, for $54,900.

■ Gary P. and Antonietta Lisk, Lake Ariel, to Amy Rivera and Cristian Rivera Suarez, Scranton; a property at 1210 Washburn St., Scranton, for $85,000.

■ James J. and Cynthia C. Gucci, Bellport, N.Y., to Michael A. and Maryanne J. Sjoholm, Middle Island, N.Y.; a property on Locust Lane, Covington Twp., for $25,000.

■ Eliza Lewis to Timothy Richard and Arlee M. Bene­dict; a property at 376 Daleville Highway, Covington Twp., for $173,000.

ONLINE: thetimes-tribune.com/courts

Abingtons

Art classes: Good Grief Art Class, Sept. 6-Nov. 2 (10 weeks), 1-2:30 p.m., Abington Senior Community Center, learn to paint with oil with Marylou Chibirka, for beginners who have lost a loved one, free; 570-586-8996.

Carbondale

Class reunion; Benjamin Frank­lin High School class of 1967 reunion, Sept. 23, Grand Hotel, Carbondale; reservations: Jimmy Chadwick, spidermanx67@yahoo.com or Jimmy Daniels, santajim67@gmail.com by Aug. 31.

Hawley

Outreach visit: Disability advocate Bob Fox, NEPA Center for Independent Living at Sen. Lisa Baker’s Hawley office, appointment only, July 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Lake Wal­len­­paupack Visitors Center, 2512 Route 6, lower level; assisting individuals with disabilities 18 and older, on servi­ces including attendant care, transportation, employment, skills training, peer counseling, home modification and community integration; 570-226-5960 by noon July 11.

Spa day: Lake Region Center of Lackawanna College Massage Therapist Program Spa Day, July 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 8 Silk Mill Drive, massages in reflexology (hand or foot), head, neck and shoulder massage and hand scrubs, donations collected will be donated to Billy’s New Hope Barn Inc. in Honesdale.

Honesdale

Vendors wanted: Greater Honesdale Partnership seeking craft vendor, artist/artisan, inventors and specialty food vendor for “Steampunk Hones­dale,” July 21-22, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Honesdale’s Main Street; 570-253-5492 or ghp@visithones

dalepa.com by July 10.

Keyser Valley

Seniors meet: Keyser Valley Senior Citizens meeting, Mon­day, 1 p.m., Community Center, games and refreshments follow.

Midvalley

Club meets: Catholic Golden Age meeting, July 13, 6 p.m., 205 Grant St., Olyphant, summer picnic.

Regional

College workshop: The Gathering Place two-part workshop for parents of college students, “Letting go: Tips for parents of new college students,” July 20-27, 7 p.m., first floor of the former Clarks Summit firehouse, 304 S. State St., to be conducted by Connie McDonnell, Waverly, $20, includes reference materials; www.gathering

placecs.org or the organization’s Facebook page.

Scranton

Open house: GAR Civil War Museum and Research Library free open house, July 15, 12:30-3 p.m., lower level of Scranton City Hall, side ADA entrance on Mulberry Street next to firehouse; Joe, 570-606-1014.

Development coach: Personal development coach Alison Skoff speaking about living your best life, July 20, 2 p.m., the Century Club, 612 Jefferson Ave., Scran­ton, she has helped more than 6,000 people achieve physical transformation and improved health while also developing wealth and financial freedom, refreshments served.

Wayne County

Caregivers support: Wayne County Area Agency on Aging caregivers support group meeting, July 12, 1:30-3 p.m., Earl J. Simons Senior Center; 570-253-4262.

Food pantry: Wayne County Food Pantry Program schedule:

■ Honesdale area, Tuesday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., behind Tri-County Beverage Building, Honesdale, emergency need, social services agency.

■ Newfoundland area, July 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Newfoundland Moravian Church, emergency need 570-698-0574.

■ Lakewood area, July 19, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Northern Wayne Family Health Center, emergency need, 570-798-2229.

■ Damascus area, Township Build­ing, July 20, 1-3 p.m., emergency need, 570-224-4217 or 570-224-4189.

■ Lakeville area, July 27, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Paupack Twp. Municipal Building, emergency need, 570-352-6177 or 570-226-3115.

West Scranton

Benefit dinner: The Original Black Sheep of West Scranton pasta dinner to benefit Love for Abby July 30, noon-5, Villa Maria II, 1610 Washburn St., eat in or take out, donation $10; event benefits medical expenses for pediatric care of Abigail Grace Fasulo.

CLIPBOARD ITEMS may be emailed to yesdesk@times

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

PSU retirees honored

Penn State Worthington Scranton professors John Dolis, Patricia Hinchey and Philip Mosley and director of development Maria Russoniello recently bid farewell to the university.

An internationally recognized scholar of 19th century American literature, Dolis, a professor of English and American studies, began at Penn State in 1985. In 2015-16, Dolis was awarded the Fulbright Danish Distinguished Chair of American Studies at the University of Southern Denmark, received previous Fulbright professorships to the University of Turin, Italy, and the University of Bucharest, Romania, and a visiting professorship in American literature at Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey, and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities to the University of Arizona and Yale University.

Professor of social sciences and education, Hinchey, joined the university faculty in 1992. Hinchey is a National Education Policy Center Fellow and last month received a national award when a book she edited, “A Critical Action Research Reader,” was named a 2017 Outstanding Book by the Society of Professors of Education. Hinchey authored several books on education and has addressed educators at a variety of national conferences throughout the country.

Mosley, a distinguished professor of English and comparative literature, started at the university in 1988. He was a 2003-04 Fulbright scholar and taught in Belgium and returned to the country in 2014 to receive an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship by the European Union to participate in its international Doc Nomads course for graduate film students. Mosely authored several literature translations and books and in 2008 was awarded the Prix de la Traduction Litteraire by the French Community of Belgium.

In 1979, Russoniello joined the Penn State staff working in student services. She was promoted to director of development in 1987 and has conducted successful fundraising programs since. Russoniello raised over $22 million for the campus and increased the number of campus scholarships from just two to over 100 endowed and annual funds awarded each year to campus students. Her fellow administrators credit her skill and perseverance in raising funds for capital projects to many new facilities and improvements at the campus, according to the school.

Dolis, Hinchey and Mosley were awarded emeritus status by the university. Along with Russoniello, the employees were honored with a reception.

Bank director jumps for charity

Theresa Curto Collins jumped over the edge of Scranton’s tallest building to raise money for a local organization.

The Community Bank NA district manager and vice president, Collins participated in NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania’s 2017 Over the Edge fundraiser. By rappeling 14 stories down the side of the Bank Towers building on Spruce Street, she raised $1,116 for the organization.

Collins took the jump for the second year, raising a total of $2,616 for NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The organization provides services to local elderly, disabled and disadvantaged to maintain their homes.

Stars in stripes

Cadet Sean Salmon, who recently made the dean’s list during his first year at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, is the third in his family to serve in the Coast Guard.

Sean’s brother, Scott, is also a cadet at the academy and brother, Dean, a recent Bloomsburg University graduate, is serving on the USCG Cutter Diligence, based in Wilmington, North Carolina.

They are the sons of Patrick and Kristin Salmon of Clarks Summit. Sean is a 2016 graduate of Abington Heights High School.

The military helmet manufacturer Gentex Corp. has been awarded a $13.4 million contract likely to keep workers at the Simpson plant busy until 2022.

Gentex had previously provided the Army with its Apache Aviator integrated helmets through Army contractor Elbit Systems, spokeswoman Alexandra Brax said. Now Gentex will supply them directly to the Army.

At this time, most of the work is expected to take place at Gentex’s Simpson plant. The company will not need to hire more employees to fill the contract, Brax said.

— JON O’CONNELL

If you have access to books, television, the internet — or any other form of media — you may have heard of the epic fantasy drama “Game of Thrones,” based on the series of novels “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R.R. Martin.

In fact, you may have had heated conversations with anyone else who is equally enthralled or uncovered a sudden fascination for medieval Europe.

You aren’t the only one.

Brian Pavlac, Ph.D., a professor at King’s College for 25 years, published author and book editor, recently edited and contributed to “Game of Thrones versus History: Written in Blood,” a series of essays comparing the television show to real historical events.

For those who haven’t had the time to dive into over 60 hours worth of an alternate universe, Pavlac describes “Game of Thrones” as a “huge complex world in a sort of medieval setting full of serious dilemmas and problems for its characters. ... It’s a gritty, more realistic form of fantasy.”

The show unquestionably falls into the “fantasy” category thanks to its outlandish settings, power-wielding characters and fantastic beasts and villains, but Pavlac and the other contributors in “Game of Thrones versus History” point out many similarities between the series and medieval Europe, even touching on the political events of today.

One of the plot points in the series is related to one of the modern world’s biggest issues, climate change. The characters’ world is getting colder; it’s inevitable and the show deals with how the characters respond to that. The show also finds unexpected relatability in the issues characters face. Power struggles between families, war, violence and romance are just a few of the problems the cast of characters face.

The characters themselves also vary greatly both in their physical traits and their decision-making when faced with a challenge — all contributing factors to the popularity of the series.

Pavlac himself binge-watched the series after a suggestion from his daughter, then read the foundational books.

The show’s ratings have spiked higher and higher every season. Through June 2016, the series has averaged 23.3 million viewers across all platforms, viewership having increased by 15 percent between the fifth and sixth seasons, HBO reported to USA Today.

When asked what inspired him to compose and edit “Game of Thrones versus History,” Pavlac said, “It was partly inspired by the ‘Pop Culture and Philosophy’ series by William Irwin at King’s College … some people look down on pop culture but it’s a way for some people to access better historical understanding. The book is to help people learn not just a little more about ‘Game of Thrones,’ but also the past.”

The book is separated into essays by historians and educators, including from Pavlac himself, who draw comparisons between plot points in “Game of Thrones” and compare them to the actual events of medieval Europe.

“It’s drawing from these historical roots that help us relate to it,” he said of the show.

The essays touch on themes like warfare, women and children, and religion, and it’s Pavlac’s hope that the book will not just spark an interest in the past, but help teach readers something for the future.

Pavlac plans on making more contributions to the nonfiction world, and even hopes to teach a class based on “Game of Thrones versus History: Written in Blood” at King’s College.

But for those who can’t wait for the class, the book is out now both in local bookstores and online.

The seventh season of “Game of Thrones” premieres July 16.

Contact the writer:

skane@citizensvoice.com

COOLBAUGH TWP. — Pocono Mountain Regional police are investigating a drowning death that happened Tuesday.

Officers responded to A Pocono Country Place at 11 a.m. for the report of a man, not breathing, in a lake there, police said. Police determined the man, Joseph Fludd, 83, of Tobyhanna, had been fishing from the shore when he ended up in the water. It is unknown how Fludd got in the lake, police said.

An autopsy revealed Fludd had drowned, police said.

— CLAYTON OVER

COOLBAUGH TWP. — A man faces a count of attempted homicide and other charges after police say he tried to blow up his home with propane.

Pocono Mountain Regional police responded to 6514 Runnymeade Lane at about 10 p.m. on Friday . There, Andrea Pinelli told officers her husband, Ernest Pinelli, 55, was trying to blow up the house and her mother-in-law was still inside, police said.

Officers went inside and found a propane tank next to a stove, which was turned on and sparking. Ernest Pinelli was also inside carrying a lighter, police said.

Pinelli is held in Monroe County Correctional Facility without bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 19.

— CLAYTON OVER

 PLYMOUTH — Rescue crews were called to the Susquehanna River in Plymouth on Wednesday afternoon for a report of a 7-year-old girl who fell in the water, but a family member rescued her before they arrived, authorities said.

Christian Sanchez, 13, said he and other family members were wading in the river near Ferry Street when the current pulled his little cousin under water.

“My aunt said, ‘She’s drowning. She’s drowning.’ She started to float away,” Sanchez recalled.

Sanchez said he ventured deeper into the water and he was able to quickly grab his cousin, Anilia Perez. He said he was able to keep her above water as he walked her back to shore.

Sanchez said the family visited the same spot on Tuesday and had no problems.

“Yesterday it wasn’t deep like today. It was more calm,” Sanchez said.

Perez was evaluated at the scene and released. She was not injured, family said.

The teenager said rescue crews told the family about the dangers of attempting to swim in the river and told them “no more river.”

WILKES-BARRE — A Wyomissing man has sued a local burial vault manufacturer alleging he suffered nightmares and flashbacks after he disinterred his mother’s coffin to check the waterproofing seal and found a deluge of muddy water pouring from the burial container.

The lawsuit filed on behalf of James G. Cardi Sr. and his wife, Aurora, both of 1910 Squire Court, targets the vault manufacturer, Von-Crete, of 628 Nanticoke St., Hanover Twp., claiming the business’ actions “go beyond all possible bounds of decency” and are “atrocious and utterly intolerable.”

“Jim’s memory of his mother has been tarnished,” says the complaint filed last month by Philadelphia-based attorney Bryan R. Lentz. “Every time he thinks of his mother, rather than cherishing the good memories of her life, he envisions her floating in the muddy water in her coffin and is menaced by the thought of his mother suffering after her death.”

According to the complaint, Cardi’s 86-year-old mother, Elizabeth M. Ward, died of brain cancer in March. He bought a sealed steel casket as well as an upgraded reinforced vault that uses a waterproofed liner to give him “peace of mind that his mother’s body was not being ravaged by water, soil and other natural elements.”

From swimmers to sunbathers to boaters — and even a few mallards — Wednesday was a great day for a visit to Promised Land State Park in Pike County. Today is unlikely to be as conducive to outdoor activities, as AccuWeather is calling for periods of rain and a high of 79 degrees. The weekend, though, looks more promising.Visit thetimes-tribune.com/weather for the latest forecast.

A truck driver has been charged with killing two Italian tourists and their charter bus driver in a 2015 crash in Monroe County.

Fifty-seven-year-old Franklin Wyatt was arraigned Wednesday on 34 charges, including three counts of involuntary manslaughter.

The tractor-trailer driver said in 2015 that a medical condition caused him to black out before the crash that killed tourists Marco Fornasetti and Rino Guerra, along with bus driver Alfredo Telemaco. Fornasetti had been on his honeymoon. The bus driver was from New York City.

Wyatt had been screened by the trucking company and had a medical certificate allowing him to drive commercially.

Online court records show Wyatt has been jailed in Monroe County unable to post $150,000 cash bail. He's applied for a public defender.

His preliminary hearing is July 19.

TAYLOR — A man posing as a water utility worker distracted a 92-year-old Taylor woman Wednesday while someone else stole money from a bedroom, borough Police Chief Stephen Derenick said.

The man knocked on the woman’s door on the 400 block of West Hospital Street shortly before 2 p.m. He “looked legit” and the two went into her basement under the pretense of testing her water for 15 minutes.

After, the woman noticed that a large amount of money was missing from her bedroom.

The man appeared to be between 30 and 40 years old, was tall and thin and had dark hair under his baseball cap, police said. The woman reported he spoke with a lisp.

Derenick said residents should not be afraid to call police if this happens again. Anyone with information should call borough police at 570-562-2210.

— JOSEPH KOHUT

SCRANTON — A $400,000 wastewater collection improvement project is scheduled to begin Monday in North Scranton, Pennsylvania American Water said.

Contractors with the water company will replace 700 feet of sewer main and seven manholes in the area of North Keyser Avenue, Leggett Street and Cusick Avenue. The utility expects to complete the work by the end of October, weather permitting.

Traffic restrictions will be in place as crews work, Monday through Friday from 1 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The water company’s customer service center can be reached at 1-800-565-7292.

— JOSEPH KOHUT

SCRANTON — City police arrested a second suspect in an armed robbery last month in South Scranton.

Amod Alvin Phillips, 27, of 1219 Jackson St., was charged today with robbing the Efuel gas station and convenience store at Pittston Avenue and Birch Street on June 8.

Phillips has been in Lackawanna County Prison since June 21, when police took him into custody on an unrelated outstanding warrant and narcotics charges after a traffic stop.

According to police, Phillips and another man, Durrell Davenport, 26, had handguns drawn and pointed them at the clerk as they entered Efuel and demanded money. While Davenport held the clerk at gunpoint, Phillips went around the counter and emptied the cash register, police said.

Phillips is charged with robbery, aggravated and simple assault and other offenses.

Police arrested Davenport on June 23, and charged him with the Efuel robbery and another on June 20, at the Sunoco in the 200 block of South Main Avenue. Phillips is also a suspect in the second robbery, police said.

Contact the writer: dsingleton@timesshamrock.com