They begged and pleaded. They went to court. They gave dire warnings.

After inmates fatally stabbed federal corrections officer Jose Rivera at the U.S. Penitentiary at Atwater, Calif., in June 2008, his colleagues and lawmakers urged the federal Bureau of Prisons to arm staff with pepper spray for protection.

But the prison system's top administrators stood firm on its policy of no weapons for officers.

It took four years of continued pressure, highly publicized inmate attacks and predictions of another tragedy for the bureau to budge, finally approving a limited pilot program in June 2012 to allow guards at seven of the 117 federal prisons to carry pepper spray.

Then came the murder of another unarmed corrections officer.

Much like the Rivera murder, Eric Williams, 34, of Nanticoke, was blindsided by an inmate and fatally stabbed Feb. 25 at the U.S. Penitentiary at Canaan. The high-security facility in Wayne County was not included in the pilot program. Like Officer Rivera, Officer Williams was equipped only with keys, handcuffs and a radio when the inmate ambushed him with a crude, hand-made knife.

Three days after Officer Williams' slaying, the Bureau of Prisons expanded the pilot program to include all 20 of the nation's high-security prisons, including Canaan.

"It is too little, too late. It should have been a no-brainer. It was an unnecessary struggle to get pepper spray," Timothy M. DeBolt, who was western region vice president of the corrections officers' union when Officer Rivera was killed, said in a telephone interview. "I'm disappointed it has taken this long and am sickened that another officer has been murdered in federal prison."

Following Officer Rivera's murder, the union filed grievances against the Bureau of Prisons, seeking the ability to negotiate the use of protective equipment, including pepper spray. The bureau, Mr. DeBolt said, fought every step of the way in labor-relations courts, arguing management had the sole authority to determine security measures.

"They skirted the issue," Mr. DeBolt said.

The Bureau of Prisons framed its argument against arming staff with pepper spray or other weapons, like batons, around the idea that those items could be seized by inmates and used against staff.

A year after Officer Rivera's murder, then-Bureau of Prisons Director Harley Lappin explained the no-weapons rationale to a congressional panel, saying: "You've got to realize, anything we give to an employee, you must assume an inmate can have."

But a former federal prison warden said there was another, overriding reason.

"They are afraid of being sued. They are," the retired warden said. "During my time as warden, the bureau's executive staff feared the staff would use it inappropriately and it would lead to litigation. They are going to have to not worry about issues of litigation. They have to show they are more concerned about protecting staff."

The warden, who contacted The Citizens' Voice following Officer Williams' death, spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid any conflicts his opinions might create for his current employer.

He said he has long advocated the use of pepper spray as federal prisons become increasingly overcrowded and dangerous. He called the Bureau of Prisons the "best corrections agency in the world," but accused it of "dragging its feet" on an issue vital to staff safety.

The bureau's culture, the retired warden said, has always relied on verbal communication between staff and inmates to quell problems. He said he believed that is shortsighted with prisons packed with more violent, predatory inmates than ever before.

"You want your staff to relate well with inmates. I've always appreciated that," the warden said. "But the problem is, it doesn't work in a high-security environment. Some of these guys are animals. In my opinion, they understand two emotions: anger and fear. And you have to be able to meet their violence head on."

Contact the writers: bkalinowski@citizensvoice.com, @cvbobkal on Twitter; msisak@citizensvoice.com, @cvmikesisak on Twitter

Liquor system hearing Tuesday

SCRANTON - The privatization of the state liquor store system will be the subject of a public hearing Tuesday.

The House Democratic Policy Committee hearing will begin at 2 p.m. in the Nazareth Room at Marywood University in Scranton.

State Rep. Marty Flynn, D-113, Scranton; announced he will host the event, explaining a need for "input of the people of our region," according to a news release.

To contact Mr. Flynn's office, call 342-4348.

Some traditions started in the morning with Easter baskets and Mass.

Others came later at a family dinner or with egg hunts.

Sunday, families around the area celebrated Easter, the Christian holiday that marks the day when Jesus rose from the dead after he was crucified.

Area churches were crowded with families, parishioners and visitors all observing the religious holiday.

Stephanie Davis of Scranton started her day by attending Mass at St. Peter's Cathedral with her daughter Mia, 1, and her son Noah, 4. The family had already decorated their eggs, but Ms. Davis said the festivities would start with Mass.

"It's important to teach them young," she said of her children.

Easter "defines who we are as Christians," the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, bishop of Scranton, shared during the homily.

His message focused on the hope Christians have through Jesus' death and resurrection.

"Through his life and love, he gives us hope in challenging and complicated lives," Bishop Bambera said.

He encouraged attendees to celebrate and see Jesus in their lives each day through helping others and appreciating family.

"We have an opportunity to experience the risen Lord every day," he said.

After Mass, Denise Granahan of Old Forge planned to spend time with her loved ones at a family dinner.

"A big part of our family is the church," her husband, Patrick Granahan, added.

Their daughters, Laura, 25, and Kimberly, 22, have outgrown egg hunts, but the family still enjoys sharing Easter baskets, Mrs. Granahan said with a laugh.

At Elm Park United Methodist Church on Sunday, the balcony was opened to provide extra seating for the crowd.

"A lot of families are here," greeter Larry Hunt, 65, of Scranton said, pleased with the turnout.

A two-year member of the church, he said the Easter service is popularly attended.

"It brings out their faith a little today," he said.

Those in the pews were reminded that they are not alone by the Rev. Howard T. Woodruff.

"When we go through our difficult times … as we venture through it, we know God is there," he said.

He reminded the youngest attendees that though the Easter bunny is synonymous with the holiday, the real meaning is to celebrate that Jesus is alive.

"Our faith isn't about going to church," he said. "Our faith is about living what we believe."

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

It appears the mystery surrounding the 15 World War I-era rifles relocated earlier this month has been solved.

One week after borough officials questioned who the "unclaimed" rifles belong to, former Mayor James Gray claimed they are the property of the Dalton Veterans Memorial Day Committee.

"The rifles were presented to the committee around 1968," said Mr. Gray, who resigned in December. "They have been used at every Memorial Day ceremony since."

Stored in an unlocked closet at the Dalton Fire Hall for decades, the rifles were recently moved to a secure locker in the Police Department after fire company members raised safety concerns.

But while discussing the weapons at the March 14 council meeting, borough officials couldn't pinpoint who owned them.

"I really had no idea, even though they are used during every Memorial Day celebration," Councilman William Montgomery said. "I hadn't thought much about it until it was brought up."

Still in pristine condition, the rifles belonged to the borough's American Legion post for at least 20 years.

But the group lost its charter after a significant dip in membership in the mid-1960s - about the same time John Holbert, co-chairman of the committee, left the military.

"A group of us formed a committee upon returning, and the last few members of the Legion asked us if we were interested in the rifles," Mr. Holbert said. "We still have boxes we were given that have shipping stickers dated a long time ago.

"All of it was passed on to us."

Since the committee took ownership of them, the rifles had been stored in a closet at the fire hall, a location close to where the Memorial Day service is held.

They are only used for about five minutes each year to fire blanks during a 21-gun salute. But the rifles provide a link to history and to those who sacrificed their lives for America, Mr. Gray said.

"These rifles have significant history and stand for the blood that was shed in World War I and World War II," Mr. Gray said. "When the honor guards at the Memorial Day ceremony fire the rifles, it's a salute to those who have gone before us."

Contact the writer: miorfino@timesshamrock.com, @miorfinoTT on Twitter

BARRETT, BRIAN, Dania Beach, Fla., formerly of Scranton, celebration of life, later date. Arrangements: McGoff-Hughes Funeral Home Inc., 1401 Capouse Ave., Scranton.

BARRIGAR, EARL J., Dunmore, today, Mass, 9:30 a.m., St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church, Chestnut Street, Dunmore. Interment, Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. Calling hours, 8:30 until Mass, church. Arrangements: Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home Inc. Condolences: dunmorefu neralhome.com.

CLARKE, MONSIGNOR JAMES T., pastor emeritus of St. Ignatius Church, Kingston, resident at St. Therese Residence, viewing, Tuesday, 4 to 7 p.m., Villa St. Joseph, 1600 Green Ridge St., Dunmore. Vigil Mass, chapel at Villa of St. Joseph, 7, by the Most Rev. James C. Timlin, D.D., bishop emeritus of Scranton. Pontifical Mass, Wednesday, 10 a.m., Cathedral of St. Peter, Scranton, by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., bishop of Scranton. Additional viewing, Wednesday, 9 to 10. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Arrangements: Eugene A. Cusick Funeral Home, Scranton.

DEBIASI, IDENA "DENA," Duryea, Tuesday, Bernard J. Piontek Funeral Home Inc., 204 Main St., Duryea. Mass, 9:30 a.m., Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Duryea. Visitation, today, 4 to 8 p.m.

ERZIN, JOSEPH J., Westampton, N.J., formerly of Whites Crossing, Tuesday, Joseph W. Scotchlas Funeral Home Inc., 621 Main St., Simpson. Mass, 9:30 a.m., St. Michael's Church, 46 Midland St., Simpson. Interment with military honors, Holy Trinity Cemetery, Simpson. Calling hours, today, 7 to 9 p.m. Condolences: scotchlasfu neralhome.com.

FAHEY, DOLORES S., Dunmore, Tuesday, Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home Inc., 318 E. Drinker St., Dunmore. Mass, 9:30 a.m., St. Anthony of Padua Church, Smith Street, Dunmore. Interment, St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Calling hours, today, 4 to 7 p.m. Contributions: Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411. Condolences: DunmoreFuneral Home.com.

HIRSH, KURT H., Lake Ariel, Tuesday, 11 a.m., St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 405 Church St., Hawley, by the Rev. Colleen E. Cox, pastor. Private cremation, Lake Region Crematory, Lake Ariel. Calling hours, today, 4 to 8 p.m., Teeters' East Chapel, 505 Church St., Hawley. Memorials: World Wildlife Fund at www.worldwildlife.org. Condolences: teetersfuneral chapel.com.

HOBBS, WILLIAM W., Factoryville, today, 7 p.m., Anthony P. Litwin Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Factoryville, by the Rev. Paul Fields II. Calling hours, 5 to service. Donations: Commonwealth Hospice of Northeastern Pa., 746 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510. Condolences: aplitwinfuneralhomes.com.

HOINSKY, JULIA TOKARCZYK, Carbondale, formerly of Mayfield, today, Lawrence A. Gabriel Funeral Home, 74 N. Main St., Carbondale. Mass, 10 a.m., Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Carbondale. Interment, Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery, Jermyn.

IDE, SANDRA MARIE, Meshoppen, Mass, today, 10 a.m., Church of the Nativity, Tunkhannock. Interment, Sunnyside Cemetery, Tunkhannock. Go directly to church. Arrangements: Sheldon-Kukuchka Funeral Home, 73 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. Contributions: Tunkhannock Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 336, Tunkhannock, PA 18657; or to the Church of the Nativity, P.O. Box 186, Tunkhannock, PA 18657. Condol-ences: sheldonkukuchkafuneral home.com.

JANKAUSKAS, MARY, Carbondale, today, 11:30 a.m., Carmine J. & Louis C. Parise Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Farview and 41st streets, Carbondale. Mass, noon, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 15 Fallbrook St., Carbondale, by Monsignor David L. Tressler, pastor, and Deacon Carmine Mendicino. Interment, St. Anthony's Cemetery, Forest City. Condolences: parisefuneralhome.com. Contributions: favorite charity.

KRAVITSKY, MICHAEL III, Dallas, Tuesday, 10 a.m., Wroblewski Funeral Home Inc., 1442 Wyoming Ave., Forty-Fort. Divine Liturgy, 10:30, St. Mary's Protection Byzantine Catholic Church, Kingston, by the Rev. Mykhaylo Prodanets, pastor. Interment, Denison Cemetery, Swoyersville. Calling hours, today, 4 to 7 p.m. Contributions: Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777; the Franklin Twp. Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Department, Orange Road, Dallas, PA 18612; or St. Mary's Protection Church, 321 Chestnut Ave., Kingston, PA 18704. Condolences: johnvmorrisfuneral homes.com.

MATTHEWS, FRANCES ANN, formerly of Hamlin, a resident of Lackawanna Health and Rehab Center, Blakely, Tuesday, 8:50 a.m., James Wilson Funeral Home, 143 Gravity Road, Lake Ariel. Mass, 9:30, St. Thomas More Church, 105 Gravity Road, Lake Ariel. Calling hours, today, 4-7 p.m. Interment, St. John's Cemetery, Jessup. Condolences: jameswislonfuneral home.com

MINELLA, IRENE D., Riverside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, formerly of Old Forge, today, 11 a.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 238 Reese St., Scranton, by the Rev. Anthony B. Mandile III, pastor. Interment, Evergreen Cemetery, Dickson City. Calling hours, today, 9:30 to 10:30, Howard J. Snowdon Funeral Home, 1810 Sanderson Ave., Scranton. Contributions: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 238 Reese St., Scranton, PA 18508. Condolences: duffyandsnowdon.com.

MORRISSEY, SLOANE, Aston, Mass, Tuesday, 10 a.m., Maximilian Kolbe Church, 15 E. Pleasant Grove Road, West Chester. Inurnment, private. Calling hours, today, 7 to 9 p.m., D'Anjolell-Stigale Memorial Home, 3260 Concord Road, Aston, and Tuesday, 9 to 9:45, church. Condolences: danjolell.com.

NEBESKY, EDWARD F., Scranton, later date. Contributions: favorite charity. Arrangements: August J. Haas Funeral Home Inc., 202 Pittston Ave., Scranton. Condolences: augusthaasfuneral home.com.

PELUCACCI, JOHN D. "BUTCH" JR., Covington Twp., Tuesday, 9:45 a.m., Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 3 First St., Spring Brook Twp. Mass, 10:30, St. Catherine of Siena Church, Church Street, Moscow, by the Rev. Robert Simon, pastor. Interment with military honors, St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Visitation, today, 5 to 8 p.m. Contributions: Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Condolences: strauchfu neralhomes.com.

SERINE, ANTHONY J., Dunmore, today, Mass, 10 a.m., Church of St. Gregory, 330 N. Abington Road, Clarks Green, by the Rev. John M. Lapera and Monsignor John H. Louis. Interment, St. Michael's Cemetery, Dunmore. Calling hours, today, 9 to 9:45, church. Contributions: Our Lady of Peace School Building Fund, 410 N. Abington Road, Clarks Green, PA 18411. Arrangements: Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Service Inc., 111 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit. Condolences: jen ningscalvey.com.

SHAGER, CLARENCE E. SR., Binghamton, N.Y., Mass, Tuesday, 10 a.m., St. Paul's Church, Binghamton. Burial, Wednesday, 11 a.m., Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Finch Hill. Calling hours, today, 4 to 7 p.m., Thomas J. Shea Funeral Home Inc., 137 Robinson St., Binghamton. Contributions: Frank Lee Scholarship Fund, c/o Thomas Mancuso, 1216 Tonwin St., Archbald, PA 18403.

SKINN, DIANE, the Hideout, Lake Ariel, private. Cremation, Lake Region Crematory, Lake Ariel Condolences: jameswilsonfuneralhome.com.

SKUMANICH, MARGARET "MAGGIE," Jessup, Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Louis M. Margotta Funeral Home, 511 Church St., Jessup. Divine Liturgy, 11, Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church, Jessup. Interment, Holy Ghost Cemetery, Jessup. Calling hours, today, 4 to 8 p.m. Parastas, 4 p.m. Condolences: margottafuneral homes.com.

SLEDZINSKI, KOSTECK, Ledgedale, Mass, Wednesday, 10 a.m., St. Mary's Church, St. Mary's Church Road, Ledgedale. Go directly to church. Interment, St. Mary's Cemetery. Calling hours, Tuesday, 4 to 7 p.m., James Wilson Funeral Home, 143 Gravity Road, Lake Ariel. Contributions: Ledgedale Volunteer Fire Company, c/o Tom Sawyer, 72 Sledzinski Road, Lake Ariel, PA 18436. Condolences: jameswilson funeralhome.com.

TOMEO, KAREN A., Great Bend, today, 9:30 a.m., Tuttle-Yeisley Funeral Home Inc., Hallstead, Mass, 10, St. Lawrence Church, Great Bend. Interment, St. Lawrence Cemetery, Great Bend. Contributions: local ASPCA or Humane Society.

ZEGLEN, LENORE THERESA, Hawley, Mass, April 13, 9:30 a.m., Queen of Peace Church, Hawley. Arrangements: Hessling Funeral Home Inc., 428 Main St., Honesdale. Condolences: www.hesslingfuneral home.com

Road repairs to start Tuesday

SCRANTON - The state Department of Transportation has announced that Scranton-area road projects are among those set to get under way this week.

Drivers can expect detours on Interstate 81 ramps from Tuesday through July 1, on ramps from the Casey Highway to I-81 north, and to Dunmore and from I-84 and 380 west to Dunmore.

In Scranton, the Cedar Avenue ramp to the Central Scranton Expressway will be closed from Tuesday until July while the Moosic Street Bridge is replaced.

And, the McDade Expressway will be a single lane in both directions on the bridge over Main Avenue until June 1. Major delays are expected with this project, especially at rush hours.

PennDOT also reminded drivers that RailRiders games begin Thursday and traffic to the stadium will cause delays near the Davis Street exit of I-81.

Police vehicle involved in crash

TUNKHANNOCK TWP.- A man was apprehended after police say he crashed into one of their vehicles Sunday.

Adam Emmi, 29, of Tunkhannock, was traveling north on Route 1001 around 1:40 a.m. when he failed to negotiate a curve and collided with a Tunkhannock Twp. police vehicle driven by Officer Cory Sidorek.

Officer Sidorek, 27, and passenger Edward Moristell, 34, both of Tunkhannock, suffered minor injuries. Mr. Emmi, who was not injured, was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence.

A dress-down day last week and several donations will allow for discounted bus passes for Scranton High School students through the end of the school year.

But come September, the district will face the same problem: how to get kids to school.

Some students who live in South Scranton, including in the low-income housing developments, have walks of 4 miles to get to the high school.

For about two years, donations allowed the district to offer a monthly County of Lackawanna Transit System bus pass for $5, instead of $20. COLTS student passes are now $24 per child, which families and community advocates say can be a challenge for a family on a fixed income.

Children either must pay the public bus fare, find a ride or walk. Getting to school is another obstacle the students in the area's poorest neighborhoods, including Valley View Terrace and Hilltop Manor, must overcome, the advocates say.

"The cost ends up being a hurdle," Superintendent William King said. "We're trying to do whatever we can to eliminate those barriers."

In Pennsylvania, school districts are not required to provide any transportation to students, and Scranton transports only some elementary and intermediate school students. It provides no busing for high school students.

With $7,500 in recent donations, the district can now offer monthly passes for $10 instead of $24 - a big savings for families on a limited budget, especially those with multiple high school students, Mr. King said.

The Lackawanna County Workforce Investment Board donated $5,000, the Advocacy Alliance gave $2,000, and $500 was donated by Covenant Presbyterian Church. A dress-down day on Thursday at Scranton High, in which students and staff donate money to wear more casual clothes, raised more than $1,000.

But the district is now once again looking for a long-term solution.

Last summer, Mr. King approached the University of Scranton about helping to fund bus passes. The university is still trying to determine how to help, spokesman Stan Zygmunt said.

Contact the writer: shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter

A local writer is celebrating National Poetry Month starting today with a creative challenge to cut-and-paste art into art.

Andrew Milewski, a University of Scranton senior from Jefferson Twp., is one of 85 poets from seven countries who will post a new poem online each day in April made from words he has gleaned from a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel or short story collection. Mr. Milewski is mining James A. Michener's 1947 collection "Tales of the South Pacific" for the found poetry project called Pulitzer Remix.

The poems will be posted on the project website: www.pulitzerremix.com.

Found poems are mostly or entirely assembled from outside texts, but the rules of the form largely end there. The Found Poetry Review, the journal sponsoring the project, says the publication celebrates "the poetry in the existing and the everyday." It borrows a definition of the genre from the Academy of American Poets, which calls found poetry "the literary equivalent of a collage."

"Typically, the rules are you can change verb tense. You can add an article if you want. But you really can't change the actual verb or the actual noun," Mr. Milewski said. "Prepositions are a little sticky."

The art is in the arrangement. For the Pulitzer Remix project, the participating poets are tasked with creating something new with their borrowed phrases rather than repeating the themes of the novel they are working with. Poets can use different methods like physically cutting and rearranging texts or blacking out words on the manuscript page to make a poem from the phrases left behind.

With Mr. Michener's book about the U.S. Navy in World War II, Mr. Milewski was careful to honor the linked stories' tone in his own work.

"I want to respect the words that he's put there," he said.

Most of the poems Mr. Milewski had in his close-to-final draft on Friday were arranged from phrases that were drawn from one story instead of ranging across the whole book. One poem was built solely from vernacular phrases said in conversation by an African-American character in the book's final short story.

Mr. Milewski said he likes the interplay between a source text and the resulting poem, where the meaning of reassembled words and phrases can be entirely changed or haunted by their original context.

"Words carry weight with them," he said. "Words have meaning and history and phrases do, too. I'm just seeing how those phrases work together."

Contact the writer: llegere@timesshamrock.com

Winter is wheezing to a close, but allergy sufferers will soon sneeze into spring.

The buds and blooms that usually greet Easter weekend also normally mark the beginning of allergy season, but Dunmore allergist Jakub Lekach, M.D., said the "mini ice-age" Northeast Pennsylvania is experiencing could hold off pollen-related miseries until middle or late April.

"Depends on the guy upstairs," he said. "It may get very warm."

As spring weather ushers in warm temperatures and sun, the region's foliage will begin to bloom, releasing a heavy dose of pollen into the air. Then comes the sneezing, coughing, runny noses, clogged sinuses, blocked ears and itchy eyes, said Dr. David I. Barras, M.D., founder of Valley ENT Sinus and Allergy clinic in Forty Fort.

Though other allergies are prevalent throughout the year - perennial allergies to dust mites, pet dander, mold and so on - the addition of pollen can inflict another punch on the immune system, making many people go over the "allergy load" threshold and feel discomfort, Dr. Barras said.

"One can have allergies all year round," he said. "Most people with allergies are allergic to more than one type of allergen."

While pollen-based allergies may be delayed by the cold weather, April, May and June are the prime months for tree pollination in the region, Dr. Lekach said. Grass pollination, which usually begins in May and hits its peak in June, continues through the summer season, which is rounded out by ragweed revving up around August.

Dr. Lekach joked that the best cure this time of year for seasonal allergy suffers is to live in the Arctic in an igloo or become an astronaut.

"They never listen to me," he said.

About 80 percent of allergy sufferers can find relief by taking over-the-counter and prescription medications, as well as practicing some common sense, like keeping the doors and windows of their homes closed, Dr. Barras said.

Others may need testing and hands-on treatment by a physician to overcome, or at least alleviate, the symptoms, he said.

"Some are allergic to everything, like me," Dr. Lekach said.

Contact the writer: smcconnell@timesshamrock.com, @smcconnellTT on Twitter

Blue Ridge School District

E-cycling event: Blue Ridge High School National Honor Society e-cycling event, Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m.-noon, lower high school parking lot; accepting: computer/laptops (data "triple-wiped"), TVs, monitors, keyboards, wiring, VCR/DVD players, radios, fax machines, countertop appliances, microwaves. Not accepted: air conditioners, refrigerators, humidifiers/dehumidifiers, phones, cellphones, fluorescent bulbs, smoke detectors, thermostats and vacuum cleaners; refreshments for sale; www.brsd.org.

Falls

Stroke screening: Falls Senior Center stroke prevention screening, Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Route 92, 2813 Sullivans Trail, noninvasive ultra-sound procedure, $30/due at screening; all ages; walk-ins welcome; appointments, weekdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; 388-2623.

Honesdale

Community event: Victims Intervention Program Take Back the Night, Thursday, 5 p.m., Cooperage, 1030 Main St., Norman Friedman, speaker; Patrick J. Fiore and student performances; 253-4401.

Midvalley

Group meets: Catholic Golden Age meeting, Thursday, April 11, 6:30 p.m., 205 Grant St., Olyphant.

Old Forge

Seniors meet: Old Forge Retired Citizens meeting, Wednesday, 2:30 p.m., Arcaro & Genell's, Old Forge; dues due.

Regional

Society meeting: Lackawanna and Wyoming Valley Railway Historical Society meeting, Thursday, April 11, 7:30 p.m., Iron Skillet Restaurant, Petro Plaza, Avoca; Tom Nemeth of Railpace program "Reading 2102 Fan Trips"; free.

Happy hour: Keystone College Alumni Association First Friday happy hour, Friday, 5-7 p.m., Platform Lounge, Radisson at Lackawanna Station hotel, Scranton; followed by art exhibit by Keystone students at Artworks and the AFA Gallery; Christina Fenton-Mace; Keystone alumni office, 945-8162 or christina.fentonmace@keystone.edu.

Scranton

School play: Scranton Prep Players present "Beauty and the Beast," April 12, 13, 19, 20, 7:30 p.m., and April 14, 21, 2 p.m., Bellarmine Theater, 1000 Wyoming Ave.; 941-PREP.

Tunkhannock

Lions scholarships: Tunkhannock Lions Club Tunkhannock Area seniors scholarship applications available from guidance counselor; deadline Friday, April 26.

Upvalley, Midvalley

Seeking alumni: Lynnette's Twirlerettes alumni interested in performing for 30th anniversary recital, Saturday, April 20, 5 p.m., Carbondale Area High School auditorium; call Lynnette, 281-9797.

West Scranton

Seniors meet: Young at Heart Seniors meet Thursday, 11:30 a.m., Jackson Street Baptist Church.

Bingo fundraiser: West Side Senior Center big bingo fundraiser, Sunday, April 21, 1004 Jackson St., doors open, noon, early bird, 1 p.m., bingo, 1:30-4:30, $5/two cards, additional cards/$1; special games, $1/sheet; prizes; $25/regular games and $50/special games, celebrity callers; 961-1592, ext. 1.

CLIPBOARD ITEMS may be e-mailed to yesdesk@times shamrock.com or mailed to clipboard, c/o the YES!Desk at 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, 18503. For details, call the YES!Desk at 348-9121.

Diversified Information Technologies will have one of the world's largest banks behind it as the Scranton-based data management and security company transitions to new ownership.

After making acquisitions in recent years and expanding its reach nationwide, Diversified was acquired two weeks ago by EDM Group. EDM is owned by Lloyds Development Corp., an investment unit of London-based Lloyds Bank Group.

The Banker, a monthly publication of the Financial Times of London, ranked Lloyds as the world's 20th largest bank by assets in 2011, with $1.5 trillion in holdings.

"This was a great solution," Scott Byers, president and chief executive at Diversified, said as he discussed the transition in his office at the former Globe Store building in the 100 block of Wyoming Avenue. "We now have a stronger company, a bigger company. We have a stronger financial reach and we are growing."

Diversified, which began as a document warehouser in the early 1980s, has evolved into a national leader in data and records maintenance, imaging, document destruction and compliance services. It also provides printing and mailing, work-flow assistance and other services.

Diversified counts some of the nation's largest financial service companies, insurers, hospitals and health care businesses among its clients. The sale price was not disclosed.

EDM, which provides similar services in Europe, approached Diversified about the acquisition in September, Mr. Byers said.

"They came and chose us to make their presence in the United States," he said. "It couldn't have been a better match."

Clifford Melberger, the West Pittston businessman who founded Diversified and moved it to Scranton in 1997 after a fire destroyed its West Pittston headquarters, said the EDM acquisition assures a healthy future for the company.

"They are going to operate it as a separate, wholly-owned subsidiary," Mr. Melberger said in a phone conversation. "Everybody who is in their position can stay in their current position. That's a wonderful thing. There's a bright future ahead."

The separate operation of Diversified's business in the United States was critical to the sale considerations, Mr. Byers said.

"It was important for the Melberger family for that legacy to continue," Mr. Byers said. "He's been a mentor and a friend. He built this company."

Mr. Melberger said he had not been involved in day-to-day operations at Diversified for three years and will concentrate now on his real estate management and development company, GreenSpace Properties.

Diversified expanded vigorously in recent years, spending about $28 million on three acquisitions in 2009 and 2010. The acquisitions, in North Carolina and New Jersey, moved Diversified more firmly into the health care field and added printing, electronic billing and more data-processing capabilities. In 2012, the company opened facilities in Portland, Ore., Minneapolis, Hartford, Conn., and Columbia, S.C.

Diversified has about 800 employees in 22 locations, including about 230 at the Scranton headquarters and 70 at three other regional locations.

Company revenue expanded by 16 percent in 2012 and double-digit growth is projected this year, Mr. Byers said. Diversified will invest $15 million in technology and infrastructure improvements over the next two years, he said.

"What we do resonates with the market," Mr. Byers said.

The company will continued to be known as Diversified before eventually changing to EDM America, Mr. Byers said. Diversified has an established name in its industry, he said, and the changes will affect everything from email and marketing to company stationery, uniforms and trucks.

"It's not something that happens overnight," Mr. Byers said.

Contact the writer: jhaggerty@timesshamrock.com

Spring hopes seem eternal as winter drags its feet and sunshine and warm temperatures continue to be elusive.

On Easter Sunday, many churchgoers showed their readiness for spring, braving the chill and refusing to cover up their holiday finery with bulky jackets. And they just may have been trendsetters.

AccuWeather meteorologists say Northeast Pennsylvania will bid a final goodbye to the inter-season purgatory this week. Next week, AccuWeather's Andy Mussoline said, will mark the permanent arrival of something that feels like spring.

"We keep getting that question: When will the warm weather arrive?" he said. "Now we can say pretty confidently, next week."

But one more sloppy, if warmer, week remains. Temperatures today will reach 48, an improvement, but still short of the average of 53 degrees, the meteorologist said, noting that a cold front is reaching into the area. Today will be cloudy, breezy with a possible shower. Tuesday, the wind gets colder and harsher. There may even a few flurries with temperatures hitting just 39 degrees. Wednesday should be more of the same.

It won't be until Thursday that temperatures have a chance of hitting 50 with a good amount of sunshine being delivered. That should be the start of real spring.

"This persistent cold pattern through much of March is showing signs of breaking, and next week and into mid-April we have good opportunity of seeing warmer air, and temperatures solidly in the 50s where we belong," Mr. Mussoline said.

For as long as winter dragged on, it really wasn't that bad. Snowfall at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport was 33.4 inches for the season, off from the average 42.9 inches. Temperatures were about 1.8 degrees above average from Dec. 1 through March 31.

But coming off such a warm winter in 2011-12, people are often unconvinced, Mr. Mussoline said. The winter dragging on and ending on a such cold note didn't help, he added.

"Last winter was so warm and set records all over the place," he said. "This winter brought us back to reality. While the general perception is that it was much colder, overall it was pretty average - even mild."

The payoff for enduring a nagging winter may be spring itself. While the season - technically already under way - began colder than normal, Mr. Mussoline said the region will come out of the cold faster than originally thought. AccuWeather models show a warmer-than-normal latter half of spring.

While AccuWeather's team is still working on projections for the summer, Mr. Mussoline said having spring end on a warmer note bodes well for summer.

Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

HARRISBURG - The state ethics law requiring public officials to annually disclose gifts above a monetary threshold has been on the books for three decades, but the recent state grand jury report on corruption at the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission cites examples where two long-time powerbrokers in Harrisburg allegedly ignored the law.

Former Senate Democratic Leader Robert J. Mellow of Archbald didn't report any gifts on his statements of financial interests during the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010 despite being the beneficiary of expensive limousine-driven trips to New York Yankees baseball games and dinners during that period at the expense of PNC Bank, according to the grand jury. PNC received $2.2 million in Turnpike bond underwriting work between 2006 and 2010 when Mr. Mellow left office.

One of the state criminal charges against Mr. Mellow resulting from the grand jury report is for violating the ethics act by allegedly using his office to secure contracts for vendors in exchange for gifts, political support and campaign contributions.

One-time Senate Majority Leader J. William Lincoln, of Fayette County, who resigned recently as a member of the turnpike commission, received a total of $3,100 in gift certificates to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort from Sucevic, Piccolomini & Kuchar Engineering during 2005 to 2009, according to the grand jury. SP&K received $4.1 million in Turnpike contracts from 2005 through 2010.

The grand jury report includes a table showing the work received by SP&K and the timing of unreported gifts to Mr. Lincoln and to former Turnpike chief operating officer George Hatalowich, as well.

Mr. Lincoln admitted failing to report the gift certificates on his annual statements of financial interest. Mr. Lincoln testified under a grant of immunity and is not charged. Mr. Hatalowich faces a conflict of interest charge for violating the ethics act by allegedly accepting Nemacolin gift certificates.

The alleged failure to disclose gifts by Mr. Mellow and Mr. Lincoln, who were both in the Legislature when the ethics law was enacted in 1978, raises the question of how prevalent flouting of this requirement is. The examples provide ammunition to those calling for a complete ban on gifts to public officials.

If officials don't disclose gifts, the public has few ways of finding out, said Barry Kauffman, executive director of Common Cause Pennsylvania.

"To some degree, it's self-executing," he said. "People are expected to act honestly and report the gifts they receive."

Banning all gifts to public officials would clear up any confusion about gift disclosure thresholds or the value of a gift, Mr. Kauffman said.

"The gift ban is the simplest of all solutions," he said.

Under state law, public officials and public employees, candidates and nominees for office are required to file an annual statement of financial interest by May 1, which includes gifts of $250 or more and transportation, lodging or hospitality expenses exceeding $650 or more. Failure to file is a misdemeanor crime with a fine up to $1,000 and/or one year in prison.

For a public official to claim ignorance of the requirement would be a stretch, said Robert Caruso, acting executive director of the state Ethics Commission.

"The commission has gone to great lengths over the years to educate public officials as to what is expected to be disclosed on a statement of financial interest," he said.

If criminal intent is suspected with a non-disclosure, the commission can make a referral to prosecutors, Mr. Caruso said.

The commission's 2011 report indicates that more than 5,200 individuals filed statements of financial interest covering 2010.

The commission conducts random reviews to gauge compliance with the requirement. These reviews, along with complaints from the public, can lead to the discovery of non-filers or those who filed incomplete or deficient statements.

Offenders are given 20 days to comply before civil fines are levied. In 2011, the commission issued 13 financial disclosure civil penalty orders resulting in a total of $3,450 in fines being levied.

Capitol activist Gene Stilp said a zero-tolerance gift policy is the only way to go.

"The honor system in Pennsylvania is totally broken," he said.

Contact the writer: rswift@timesshamrock.com

A Lackawanna County initiative aimed at helping at-risk children and youth improve their self-esteem through artistic expression is seeking applicants for its 2013-14 grants.

The county Department of Arts and Culture will award three Arts Engage grants of up to $50,000 each for programs providing high-quality art instruction, support and mentorship to children from elementary through high school, with a focus on the target areas of Scranton and Carbondale, Deputy Director Maureen McGuigan said Monday.

Applications for the program, which is entering its sixth year, are due April 19.

The department will present an information session on the county's Arts Engage request for qualifications process and program guidelines today at 9 a.m. at the Electric City Trolley Museum.

"It's a pretty big program and we want to make sure everybody understands what we are looking for and what the requirements are," Ms. McGuigan said.

More than 5,000 children have participated in Arts Engage projects since the program's inception in 2008.

"We have had success," Ms. McGuigan said. "We have actually tracked children, and there were positive changes in their self-esteem and peer-to-peer relationships."

The county uses a consortium model for the grant program, with one organization applying as the coordinating agency for the consortium partnership that may include local arts organizations, professional artists, social service agencies, universities and colleges, peer mentors and other groups. One partner must be an elementary, middle or high school.

The Arts Engage RFQ and other information, including the program handbook, are available on the county website, www.lackawannacounty.org.

Contact the writer: dsingleton@timesshamrock.com

Long-anticipated repairs in Scranton to the West Linden Street bridge that has been closed for two years began Monday, officials said.

Excavation work forced the closure of the sidewalk to pedestrians, but that didn't stop Tony Ludovici of West Scranton. While walking from downtown to his North Bromley Avenue home, Mr. Ludovici said he was told by bridge workers that the sidewalk was closed. He said it was open earlier in the day when he first crossed it. However, while walking back home, instead of taking the suggested detour, Mr. Ludovici ambled across a large pipe next to the bridge that also spans railroad tracks, he said.

"I've been going this way 52 years," said Mr. Ludovici, 52. "This road here we used to travel all the time. Since they closed it (two years ago), it's such an inconvenience."

And it will continue to be so until at least December, when the bridge project is expected to be completed, officials said.

Fencing that blocks the bridge to traffic and pedestrians has signs stating the detour is West Lackawanna Avenue, a block away. Last week, Councilman Jack Loscombe expressed concern about the condition of a crumbling sidewalk wall on the city-owned West Lackawanna Avenue bridge. But as long as that bridge's sidewalks remain open, they would remain the pedestrian detour for the shuttered West Linden Street bridge, said PennDOT spokesman James May.

"First and foremost, if there's a work zone (on the Linden Street bridge), it's closed (to pedestrians) for a reason," Mr. May said. "We certainly don't want people going through work zones as a shortcut. We cannot emphasize that enough."

Climbing up and down embankments and walking across the railroad tracks that are private property also is trespassing and could result in a citation, he said.

The West Linden Street bridge has been closed for repairs since a retaining wall collapsed in March 2011. The repair project has been a complicated one due to various utility and railroad issues, Mr. May said.

State Rep. Marty Flynn, D-113, Scranton, said in a statement the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission still must approve a permit for the redesign of a retaining wall, a process that could take six weeks. The excavation work was able to begin because it is not part of that PUC permit, said Mr. Flynn.

"It has been just over two years that our residents have been doing the detour," Mr. Flynn stated. "This excavation work could keep (the contractor) busy up until the new design is approved."

Because West Linden Street is one of the key arteries linking West Scranton and the downtown, residents and motorists look forward to the bridge and its sidewalks reopening, Mr. Ludovici said.

"It's ridiculous," Mr. Ludovici said. "I mean, I know our city doesn't have any money. I know our state doesn't have any money. But over two years waiting to get our road fixed?"

Contact the writer: jlockwood@timesshamrock.com, @jlockwoodtt on Twitter

Woman faces assault charges

SCRANTON - A Honesdale woman was taken into custody Monday morning after a fight on Interstate 81, according to state police at Dunmore.

Erica Eginton, 32, a passenger in a vehicle, is charged with simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, resisting arrest and three counts of aggravated assault after she clawed at Michael Conklin's face while he was driving his truck on I-81, police said.

Mr. Conklin, 40, also of Honesdale, pulled over and Ms. Eginton got out. Police began to investigate when they found her after responding to a call about a suspicious person walking along the side of the highway at 7:20 a.m.

Police took her back to the truck, where she again tried to fight with Mr. Conklin and then police, slapping and scratching, when they tried to stop her, police said.

Ms. Eginton is being held at Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $20,000 bail.

The family of a Scranton woman who was attacked at gunpoint last month is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest or conviction of a suspect.

Vincent Simon, 51, a relative of the woman, grew up in the South Scranton neighborhood where the attack took place.

"It's frightening. We always felt it was a nice, safe neighborhood," the Scranton resident said. "It took one moment. Our family is traumatized."

Just before 11 p.m. on March 25, police responded to the 700 block of Willow Street. A woman reported that an armed man made her get into her car, take her clothes off and give him personal items before he assaulted her.

The attack left bruises and knocked out one of her teeth. She jumped out of the car as he began to drive away, she told city police.

The car was recovered 10 minutes later in Valley View Terrace, Housing Complex.

The suspect is described as a bearded, heavyset black man wearing dark clothes and standing 5 feet 10 inches tall.

Mr. Simon hopes the reward will protect other possible victims.

"It wouldn't have mattered what neighborhood it happened in," he said. "Other people are in danger until this person is apprehended."

To raise the reward money, Mr. Simon took his car to a financing agency, explaining that he wanted to have the funds available as soon as possible.

He encouraged anyone with information on the attack to rethink what they saw that night.

"They might have seen something and didn't realize it meant anything," he said of potential witnesses.

"I want this person to be caught, because I want my relative to have some sort of closure," Mr. Simon continued.

"We hope in the next couple of days, someone will come forward."

Staff Writer JOSEPH KOHUT contributed to this report.

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

After nearly two decades of trying to revitalize the former North Scranton Junior High School, Goodwill Industries of Northeast Pennsylvania faces another delay in its plans to build apartments there.

This time, it's the discovery of a small patch of soft silt beneath the school that is pushing back the start of work another few weeks. It's also adding $300,000 to $400,000 to the cost of its $22.6 million price tag.

"Our geo-science guy said that it is a very, very small thing that needs to be filled," said Gerald Langan, executive director of Goodwill Industries of Northeast Pennsylvania.

Despite the additional expense, Mr. Langan said he is not anticipating it to be a budget breaker. Plans to revitalize the school have been held up for more than 18 years by delays, changing plans and criticism.

Once the project is completed, the school will transform from abandoned building to 58 apartments for residents 55 and older. The building's auditorium will also be refurbished.

The project relied heavily on tax credits received from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency last April that Goodwill Industries then sold to investors for $17 million.

The closing date was also delayed from late September until sometime this month. Work is expected to begin in May.

"It seems like for the last year and a half I've had this thing at the goal line, but I need a linebacker to push it through," Mr. Langan said.

Ronda Beemer, spokeswoman with the contractor, Quandel Construction Group Inc., said in an email that the project is anticipated to take anywhere between a year to 14 months.

Built in 1924, the school closed in 1988 because of the threat of a potential mine subsidence.

The district permanently closed the structure it in 1991.

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