Marriage licenses

- Corey Bernard Chmil and Jessica Anne Falk, both of Scranton.

- Jason Mark Freiman and Leisa Renee Bock, both of Carbondale.

- James Mitchell III and Leigh Hugaboom, both of Greenfield Twp.

- Jeffrey Wentzell and Aimee Leigh Kern, both of Tafton.

Property TRANSACTIONS

- Theodore J. Cabo, Throop, to 3 Lynns LP, Scranton; a property on the O'Neill Highway, Dunmore, for $1,225,000.

- Landview Properties LLC, Dallas, to Joseph J. and Kaitlyn A. Paradise, Elmhurst; a property at Summit Woods Road, Roaring Brook Twp., for $44,900.

- Gerard F. Fitzpatrick, trustee of the Gerard F. Fitzpatrick Living Trust; and Patricia A. Fitzpatrick, trustee of the Patricia A. Fitzpatrick Living Trust, Mount Laurel, N.J., to Patricia Prioriella, Scranton; a property at 1219½ Sloan Ave., Scranton, for $97,850.

- Anna Simonik and Sonia Snyder, personal representatives of the estate of Helen Andrini, Olyphant, to James Booth, Olyphant; a property at 542 Wildcat Road, Archbald, for $110,000.

- Gary and Helen Scott, Scranton, to Polarono LLC, Moosic; a property at 1704 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, for $135,000.

- Federal Home Loan Mortgage Co., to MRJT Properties LLC, Scranton; a property at 1523 W. Gibson St., Scranton, for $40,000.

- Ann T. Kuchar, to Jeffrey Gretz and Sandra M. Kordak, Scranton; a property at 1538 Penn Ave., Scranton, for $87,500.

- Michael and Catherine Stanton, Fell Twp., to Gregory M. and Michallene Betti, Throop; a property at 304 Morse St., Fell Twp., for $68,500.

- Dominic III and Stephanie Vergnetti, Dickson City, to Jon J. and Nicole McAndrew, Clarks Summit; a property at 592 Birdie Lane, Dickson City, for $296,000.

- Robin B. and Gina M. Riches, Brooklyn, N.Y., to Elizabeth A. Turner, Mayfield; a property at 811 Laurel Drive, Mayfield, for $236,500.

- Christine C. Golden, now by marriage Christine C. Kenowski and Kenneth Kenowski, to Mark and Linda R. Prutisto; a property at 310 Varity Drive, Throop, for $48,500.

- Joseph Jr., Debra, Ronald and Karen Thomas, to William Hall; a property at 224 Charles St., Old Forge, for $88,500.

- Guyon Turner and Carol Nichols-Turner, Gladwyne, to LEC Construction Services LLC, Scranton; a property at 304 Maple St., Clarks Summit, for $78,000.

- Daniel W. and Roxanne Evans, Clarks Summit; Stephanie C. Evans, now by marriage Stephanie C. Wasilchak and Robert Wasilchak, Jessup, to Jack and Florence Allen, Fort Myers, Fla.; a property at 519 Winola Road, Clarks Summit, for $88,500.

- Wendy A. Laudeman, now by marriage Wendy A. Brakvatne and Jostein Brakvatne, Scranton, to Holly M. Rafalko and Erik M. Wasko, Throop; a property at 513 Josephine St., Old Forge, for $85,000.

- Deborah A. Loessy, executrix of the estate of David Earl Heil; Dennis, Sara and Janet Wittenbrader, to Jennifer Loven, Scranton; a property at 612 Race St., Scranton, for $48,500.

DIVORCE Sought

- Arlene A. Verbickas, Dunmore, v. Gerard Verbickas, Dunmore; married Aug. 5, 1978, in Scranton; Frank A. Marcin, attorney.

estates filed

- Ann Falat, 1327 Dorothy St., Scranton, letters testamentary to Alice Kurylo, same address.

- Alberta R. Racht, 239 Canaan St., Carbondale, letters testamentary to Judy Tarchak, 33 Honesdale Road, Simpson.

- Blodwen Griffiths, 140 E. Taylor St., Taylor, letters testamentary to Novellou Brayer, 4770 Limeledge Road, Marcellus, N.Y.

- Annette M. Orzel, 827 Columbia St., Scranton, letters testamentary to Kathryn A. Wazowicz, 828 Columbia St., Scranton.

- Helen Marie Romanski, aka Helen Marie Romanoski, 629 Brook St., Scranton, letters testamentary to Edward Francis Romanski, same address.

- Jack H. Truschel, 515 Clark St., Old Forge, letters testamentary to Geraldine Truschel, same address.

- Earl J. Barrigar, 145 Potter St., Dunmore, letters testamentary to Amy Haun, 143 Potter St., Dunmore.

- James DiGregorio, 85 Sturges Road, Blakely, letters testamentary to Frank James DiGregorio, 22 Anthony Lane, Holbrook, N.Y.

ONLINE: thetimes-tribune.com/courts

SCRANTON - For seven years, Marywood Aviators Aviation Exploration day has provided residents with a high-flying good time.

Its eighth year could soar above the rest, said club President Brendan LaFrance. On Saturday, attendees can take a $20 airplane ride, view unique and historic static aircraft, hear from many aviation experts and even enter a few raffles at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.

The doors open at 11 a.m. Admission is free and refreshments will be available.

Mr. LaFrance said proceeds will benefit AngelFlight, a nonprofit that provides free air travel for medical patients.

A fugitive accused of shooting a stripper from his car on Interstate 81 more than six years ago has been apprehended in his native Colombia.

Fugitive John Caro, 29, may soon be on his way back to Lackawanna County to face attempted criminal homicide charges. He is accused of shooting the woman in the face and neck from his car on New Year's Eve 2006.

According to state police, the extreme act of road rage began at a White Haven strip club, Planet Pocono. Details of the incident aired in a February 2012 broadcast of "America's Most Wanted," identifying the victim, Darleen Thomas, a dancer at the club. She and Mr. Caro, who was 22 at the time, got into a dispute and he followed her and two companions from the club on a 40-mile ride north on I-81.

Then things got more dangerous. Also known as "Blaze," Mr. Caro pulled his car alongside Ms. Thomas' vehicle on the strip of I-81 between Moosic and Clarks Summit, then pulled out a gun and shot her, state troopers said. Ms. Thomas survived, and recounted the harrowing story for "America's Most Wanted" producers. She was unable to be reached Thursday.

The Sunday Times recently featured Mr. Caro in the paper's March 17 "Most Wanted" column.

Mr. Caro is a Colombian native, considered a permanent resident alien of the United States at the time of the crime, said Martin J. Pane, U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

While Mr. Caro can waive the extradition process, it is more likely he will fight it, pushing the issue to the Colombian Supreme Court. In the vast majority of cases, the court has been cooperative in extraditions, Mr. Pane said. While the odds are good, the court review could take as long as a year, he said, as Mr. Caro remains in Colombian custody.

"This man is accused of trying to kill this woman, and for seven years, she didn't know if she was safe, or if he was going to come after her again," Mr. Pane said. "I hope his apprehension has given her peace of mind."

The U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force followed leads in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Arizona and North Carolina before Mr. Caro's trail and leads from the television show led them to South America. Marshals coordinated with a range of national and international law enforcement and diplomatic agencies to apprehend Mr. Caro.

Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

A man who was badly burned after a daring rescue by firefighters last week in Throop has died at Lehigh Valley Hospital.

Thomas McDonnell, 50, 7E Memorial Drive, Throop, died at 9:10 a.m. Thursday . The Lehigh Valley Coroner's office ruled the death a suicide, said First Deputy Coroner Eric D. Minnich.

Around 2:30 a.m. April 4, firefighters responded to Mr. McDonnell's apartment for a structure fire with entrapment. While it was ablaze, crews located Mr. McDonnell inside and pulled him to safety. Later on April 4, state police fire marshals said the fire was intentionally set.

Rich Sakulich is among those anticipating the thrill of the first catch when trout season opens today.

Mr. Sakulich, 45, of Jessup, said going out on opening day has become a tradition for him and a longtime friend, now his brother-in-law, that dates back to 1982.

But there are some new rules that Mr. Sakulich and other anglers should know before heading out to local lakes, streams and rivers.

All boaters in watercraft under 16 feet long, like kayaks and canoes, now have to wear life jackets on the water at all times, said Sgt. Bryan Bendock of the state Fish and Boat Commission.

Additionally, time restrictions on fishing in some local bodies of water have been lifted, meaning people can fish there all year but have to return trout caught out of season.

Among those bodies of water, Sgt. Bendock highlighted the Lackawanna State Park; Upper Woods Pond in Wayne County; Lake Irena, Lily Lake, Lake Took a While and Moon Lake in Luzerne County; and Quaker Lake in Susquehanna County.

Sgt. Bendock said people can get a full list in summary books that come with fishing licenses, which are required for everyone over 16.

Fishermen are allowed to catch up to five trout in a day.

That may deter some trout enthusiasts, but not Greenfield resident John Natichak, who was among fishermen gearing up for opening day at Gander Mountain this week in Dickson City.

Mr. Natichak, 64, said he tends to get more bites on a rainy day anyway, and he always finds fishing relaxing.

"Your mind is just free, you know?" Mr. Natichak said.

Fishing licenses are available online at http://gonefishingpa.com or at certain local businesses for fees that vary depending on age and other factors. For a full list of businesses or more information, visit http://fishandboat.com.

Contact the writer: kwind@timesshamrock.com

Yoga mats are becoming a common sight in downtown Scranton as two yoga studios expand in the community of city shops and businesses.

Mission Yoga, in the Scranton Life Building on Spruce Street for more than a year, plans to double its size by expanding to the ground-level unit next door.

In May, Steamtown Hot Yoga will relocate from its current home on Moosic Street to larger, customized space in the Connell Building on North Washington Avenue.

Principals of both studios say they looked to the downtown to capture the commercial energy and tap the growing ranks of downtown dwellers and students.

After more than five years in operation, Steamtown Hot Yoga outgrew its Moosic Street space, said owner Laura Alexiou. She looked everywhere, but settled on the space in the Connell Building. Not only would the unfinished space allow her to customize the studio, it would be easier to install the heat and humidity infrastructure required for the Bikram yoga, which is practiced in humid, sauna-like conditions at 105 degrees. Also, it will shorten Ms. Alexiou's commute. She lives just five flights above the new location in the Connell Building.

She shares the vision of Charles Jefferson, Connell Building developer, to make downtown not just a place to live, but a place for life, with yoga among the other within-walking-distance amenities the city offers.

"He doesn't just want to fill a building with apartments, but also with places and shops that people want and need," she said.

The new studio will nearly double Steamtown's space from 850 square feet to 1,500. Steamtown Yoga offers unlimited classes for $99 per month, and student rates of $165 per semester.

Steamtown is a veteran of the local yoga movement, while Mission Yoga is a newcomer offering a more conventional Vinyasa yoga.

At first, owners Alex Dubois and Kelly O'Brien had a feeling Mission would be either wildly successful or a complete failure. The pay-per-class option, it turned out, resonated with students and yoga explorers with the end result positive enough to expand.

"We started seeing people we have never met." said Mr. Dubois. "We are only scratching the surface, but we knew we were reaching a new population."

Mission will grow from 650 square feet of space to about 1,300 after the expansion, with separate rooms to offer different levels of classes. Mission charges students $6 per class or $49 per month, with a monthly rate of $69 for adults.

For Mr. Dubois, being in a historic downtown fits the yoga philosophy.

"There is life downtown, an energy and a history," he said. "We wanted to be here for the same reasons people want to live here."

While around the corner from each other, the studio operators say they view each other as complementary and as partners of sorts in promoting yoga and health.

Mr. Dubois said both styles are very different and appeal to different people or offer variety.

Ms. Alexiou concurred, concluding that "more yoga you have, the better for the entire community."

Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

The following were sentenced recently in Lackawanna County Court by Judge Vito Geroulo.

- Christopher Winchell, 30, Rear 24 Copeland Ave., Carbondale, 2-6 years' state prison for possession with intent to deliver controlled substance.

- Albert Joseph Garren, 40, 137 S. Keyser Ave., Old Forge, 34 months to eight years' state prison and $5,891.25 restitution for burglary, criminal trespass and harassment.

- Michael T. Midgley, 41, 321 Christ Court, Scranton, 18-71 months' state prison and $487.50 restitution for aggravated assault, simple assault and receiving stolen property.

- Samuel Antonio Rivera, 24, Rear 305 Willow St., Scranton, 15 months to three years' state prison for possession with intent to deliver controlled substance and firearm not to be carried without license.

- Jose Colon Clark, 42, 300 Theodore St., Scranton, one year's probation for default in required appearance.

- Tyler Bourque, 24, 155 Balson Road, Stroudsburg, one year's probation for disorderly conduct.

- Joseph A. Stewart, 23, 100 Lincoln St., Rear Second Floor, Olyphant, 18 months' probation for resisting arrest and institutional vandalism.

- Joshua Shane Grant, 31, 1024 Capouse Ave., Scranton, 3-6 months' county prison for possession of controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

- Nicole L. Fiorani, 27, 77 Winship Road, Covington Twp., 180 days' county prison and 18 months' intermediate punishment for theft by unlawful taking.

- Douglas Edwin Davey, 59, 1513 Olive St., Scranton, 9-23½ months' county prison and $2,500 restitution for recklessly endangering another person and theft by unlawful taking.

- Anthony Antonello, 35, 116 Johnson St., Pittston, three days' house arrest, five months and 27 days intermediate punishment and $1,000 fine for driving under the influence.

- Nicole Ann Rotell, 24, 1128 E. State St., Archbald, 57 days to six months' county prison, three months' house arrest, 21 months' intermediate punishment and $1,000 fine for DUI and theft by unlawful taking.

- William Dease, 25, 13 Midway Court, Barnegat, N.J., 6-23 months' county prison for theft by unlawful taking.

- Carl Lewis Emrick Jr., 52, 346 Chestnut St., Dunmore, 3-6 months' county prison and $1,000 fine for DUI.

- Edward James Oldakoski, 56, 937 Pancoast St., Dickson City, three days to six months' county prison and $1,000 fine for DUI.

- Sharon Delguercio, 24, 1026 Cedar Ave., Scranton, 3-18 months' county prison and $166.66 restitution for theft by unlawful taking.

- Nosir Gapparovich Kambarov, 41, 668 Adams Ave., Scranton, 90 days' house arrest, 21 months' intermediate punishment and $1,500 fine for DUI.

By Judge Michael Barrasse:

- Francisco Pierre, 21, 802 Philo St., Scranton, 1-2 years' state prison, four years' probation and $7,590.62 restitution for criminal trespass and theft by unlawful taking.

- William Watts, 40, 1237 Quincy Ave., Scranton, 2-5 years' state prison and two years' probation for failure to comply with sex offender registration.

- Lauren Moraca, 30, 93 Searle Drive, Pittston, 2-5 years' state prison for indecent exposure and possession of controlled substance.

- Joseph Gerald Mitchell, 21, 480 Langan Road, Pittston, one year's probation for possession of drug paraphernalia.

- Michael Paolucci III, 25, 240 E. Grove St., Clarks Green, one year's probation for disorderly conduct.

- Alicia Grega, 40, 227 N. Garfield Ave., Scranton, 30 days' house arrest, five months' intermediate punishment, one year's probation and $750 fine for DUI and disorderly conduct.

- Rachel Turner, 29, 238 10th Ave., Scranton, 90 days' house arrest and 33 months' intermediate punishment for forgery.

By Judge Margaret Bisignani Moyle:

- Dominick Juliano Pometti, 17, 1432 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, 8-16 months' house arrest for possession of firearm by minor.

Future teachers are learning lessons in Scranton.

More than 250 student members of the Pennsylvania State Education Association are spending two days at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center, learning about current issues and how to be better teachers.

On Friday, as part of a community service project for the conference, about 75 education students from colleges across the state spent time in the Wayne Highlands School District.

With the theme of the Pennsylvania Future Educators Conference as "Lighting the way to our brighter future," the college students presented electricity-based lessons to elementary school students. Conference attendees also spoke to high school students about their learning styles and how to best reach them.

"The kids were really enthusiastic," said Cassie Rosenwald, a Carlow University student and president of the PSEA student group. "We had a great turnout."

Later on Friday, the students learned about pensions, the new teacher evaluation system and heard from PSEA President Mike Crossey. Break-out sessions focus on special education, classroom management, technology and a dozen other topics. Speakers are from across the state and include Ryan Devlin, the 2013 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.

"They're learning how to be better teachers," said Chris Budano, assistant director of education services for PSEA.

The conference, which ends today, also features plenty of time for networking.

With many districts statewide laying off teachers, it has never been so important to make connections, the students said.

And being involved in PSEA's student group and learning at the conference can make students more marketable when they look for a job, said Jacey Royer, a Penn State student and vice president of the group.

"We're trying to prepare ourselves as much as we can," she said.

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

Carbondale police arrested a man they said grabbed a butcher knife and threatened to kill a woman Friday when she told him and his family to move out of her apartment.

Police responded to 17 Birkett St. to find Kyle Halstead, 25, lugging out a guitar and several bags of clothing. Kathy Nichols said she told Mr. Halstead he and his family needed to leave because they were causing problems and that she would be evicted from her apartment because of it. He then he grabbed a 9-inch knife from the kitchen and threatened her, police said.

Police found the knife as well as a pipe used to smoke marijuana when they searched Mr. Halstead.

He was charged with terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person, prohibited offensive weapons, possession of drug paraphernalia and disturbing the peace, according to a criminal complaint.

Additional information was unavailable Friday night.

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

Student charged in bomb threat

ARCHBALD - A 14-year-old student at Valley View Middle School is facing charges after being caught writing a bomb threat on a desk April 4.

The student is charged with terroristic threats, and a juvenile petition has been filed with the Lackawanna County Juvenile Court, Archbald Police Chief Tim Trently said Friday.

There was no evacuation of the school as the threat was ruled a hoax. The student admitted to writing the threat, telling police, "It was a bad day."

The two candidates running for one Region 1 seat on the Lackawanna Trail School Board offer different opinions on what will be key issues in the coming term.

Sitting board member Kevin Mulhern, 44, of Nicholson, who works as a project manager for Scranton Sheet Metal and has served one year on the board, faces challenger Albert William Olive, 23, a correctional officer at the Wyoming County jail.

A Lackawanna Trail High School graduate, Mr. Olive said his two biggest issues center on public opinion and bullying.

He said it's "time to bring the public's voice back to government," arguing that public input has been ignored for the last few years. Though he declined to provide names, he said the board - on several occasions - has disregarded residents' claims that there is an increase in bullying at district schools.

"I would try to eliminate bullying by making sure students feel like they can reach out to anyone, including the board," Mr. Olive said. "I would listen to the public, and their voice would significantly affect any decision I made."

Mr. Mulhern said he is "comfortable" with the school's seven-page bullying policy, and denied the notion the board would ever ignore the public.

The most pressing issue, he said, is finding ways to enhance the educational experience, while also being mindful of the district's expenses.

An important aspect to education is class size, he said, noting that it's critical to keep them smaller even if positions are furloughed and more students are enrolled.

"It's all about the kids, and if they aren't learning or getting the best educational experience possible, what are we doing here?" he asked.

Both candidates said they strongly opposed any tax increase and are in favor of the district's decision to increase longtime probation officer Daralyn Carr's hours at the schools. Both are cross-filed as Democrat and Republican.

Contact the writer: miorfino@timesshamrock.com, @miorfinoTT on TwitterKevin J. Mulhern

Age: 44

Family: Wife, Lori; sons, Colin and Gavin; daughter, Keira

Education: Majored in architectural engineering at Penn State Worthington Scranton

Employment: Project manager at Scranton Sheet Metal

Home: Nicholson

Experience: Nicholson Borough Council, 1990-92

Top issue: Education

Albert William Olive

Age: 23

Family: Single

Education: Associate of Science from Keystone College

Employment: Correctional Officer at Wyoming County Correctional Facility

Home: Nicholson

Experience: No answer

Top issue: Public opinion

ACKROYD, NANCY, Scranton, today, 9:15 a.m., Howard J. Snowdon Funeral Home, 1810 Sanderson Ave., Scranton. Mass, 10 a.m., St. Paul's Church, 1510 Penn Ave., Scranton. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Contributions: Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanub, UT 84741. Condolences: duffyandsnowdon.com.

ANDRYCH, JAMES M., Seattle, formerly of Throop, today, 9 a.m., John F. Glinsky Funeral Home, 445 Sanderson St., Throop. Mass, 9:30, St. Anthony's Church, Rebecca Street, Throop. Interment, Holy Family Cemetery, Throop. Calling hours, today, 8 to 9. Condolences: jfglinskyfuneralhome@gmail.com.

BARRASSE, CODY JUDE, Mass, Friday, St. John Neumann Parish, Scranton, by the Rev. Joseph Sica. Homily by the Rev. Herbert Keller, S.J. Comendation by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., bishop of Scranton. Pallbearers: Matt Solomon, Matt and Nick D'Andrea; Ken and Mark Yoder; Joey Gianacopoulos, Pat Mineo and John Johnson. Interment, private. Arrangements: Solfanelli-Fiorillo Funeral Home Inc., Scranton.

BREZINSKI, ELIZABETH TRACY, Taylor, services and interment, private, St. Michael's Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery, Taylor, by the Very Rev. Nestor Kowal. Contributions: American Alzheimer Foundation, 57 N. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. Arrangements: Semian Funeral Home, Taylor. Condolences: semiancares.com.

COAR, ALICE, formerly of Dunmore, Friday, John F. Glinsky Funeral Home, Throop. Mass, St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church, Dunmore, by Rev. William Blake. Pallbearers: Gary Zinsky and Nick Dunkailo, nephews; Joseph Mozzaca, brother-in-law; Rick Brunari, son-in-law; Bob Coar, grandson; and Leo Brunari. Interment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst.

CRUISE, OTIS R., Scranton, Mass, Monday, 10 a.m., St. Patrick's Church, Jackson St., Scranton. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Visitation, Monday, 9:30 to Mass, church. Arrangements: Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 125 N. Main Ave., Scranton. Condolences: kearneyfu neralhome.com.

DEMPSEY, MARTIN J., Matawan, N.J., Mass, today, 9:30 a.m., St. Patrick's Church, Olyphant. Interment, St. Patrick's Cemetery, Blakely. Arrangements: Hudak-O'Shea Funeral Home, Olyphant. Donations: Holy Cross Parish's Youth Group Ministry, 200 Delaware Ave., Olyphant, PA 18447. Condolences: waittfh.com.

DOBLE, THOMAS A., Harding, Mass, today, 9 a.m., Church of the Holy Redeemer, Harding. Go directly to church. Arrangements: Gubbiotti Funeral Home, Exeter. Condolences: gubbiottifh.com.

GACEK, GERTRUDE L., Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, Scranton, formerly of Spring Brook Twp., today, 11 a.m., St. Catherine of Siena Church, Moscow, by the Rev. Robert Simon. Interment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst Twp. Calling hours, today, 9 to 10:30, Duffy & Snowdon Funeral Home, 401 Church St., Moscow. Contributions: St. Catherine's Church, P.O. Box 250, Moscow, PA 18444. Condolences: duffyandsnowdon.com.

HAZLETT, WILLIAM F., Scranton, Monday, noon, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Arrangements: Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 125 N. Main Ave., Scranton. Condolences: kearneyfuneralhome.com.

HUGHES, ROBERT P., Dalton, today, 10:30 a.m., Clarks Green Assembly of God, 204 S. Abington Road, Clarks Green. Cremation, Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Carbondale. Condolences: parisefuneralhome.com.

JUBA, RICHARD, Taylor, Monday, 9:15 a.m., Semian Funeral Home, 704 Union St., Taylor. Divine Liturgy, 10, St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, Oak Street, Taylor, by the Rev. Gary Mensinger. Interment, St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Calling hours, Sunday, 3 to 7 p.m. Contributions: National Kidney Foundation, 30 E. 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016. Condolences: semiancares.com. Preceded in death by brother, Michael.

MANDEL, JACOB M., Monroe Twp., N.J., Sunday, 1 p.m., Dalton Jewish Cemetery, by Rabbi Joseph Mendelsohn. Shiva, home of Jay's son, Alan, 13 Norton Road, Monmouth Junction, N.J., Sunday evening through Tuesday. Contributions: Leah's Dream Inc., afafanto.org. Condolences: dunmo refuneralhome.com.

McDONNELL, THOMAS P. JR., Throop, Mass, Monday, 10 a.m., St. Paul's Church, 1510 Penn Ave., Scranton. Go directly to church. Interment Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Contributions: Lehigh Valley Hospital (Children's Unit), 1251 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown, PA 18103. Condolences: duffyandsnowdon.com.

MECCA, JOSEPH L., Jessup, Friday, Mass, St. Michael's Church, by the Rev. Gerard McGlone. Pallbearers: Jerry Tonti, Jeff Rudelavage, James and Joseph Azzarelli; Mark Renzini and Mark DeLeo. Interment, St. Mary's Assumption Cemetery, Montdale.

MILLS, PETER F., Dunmore, calling hours, Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m., Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home Inc., 318 E. Drinker St., Dunmore. Service, 5:15. Interment, private. Condolences: dunmorefuneralhome.com.

NEALON, JOHN W., formerly of Peckville, Sunday, 7 p.m, Spadaccino & Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, Conn., by Pastor Jennifer Gingras of Monroe Congregational Church. Burial, Monday, Prospect Hill Cemetery, Peckville, Pastor Robert Vigil, officiating. Calling hours, Sunday, 4 to 8 p.m., funeral home. Contributions: COPD Foundation, COPDFoundation.org. Condolences: spadaccinofuneralhome.com.

O'HALLORAN, RITA M., Minooka section of Scranton, Monday, 10 a.m., Eagen-Hughes Funeral Home, 2908 Birney Ave. Mass, 10:30, Divine Mercy Parish at Church of St. Joseph, 312 Davis St., by the Rev. Francis Pauselli, pastor. Interment, St. Joseph Cemetery, Minooka. Calling hours, Sunday, 4 to 8 p.m. Contributions: Telespond Senior Services, 1200 Saginaw St., Suite 1, Scranton, PA 18505.

RITKO, JOHN J., Archbald, Mass, today, 9 a.m., St. Thomas Church, Archbald. Interment, St. Thomas Cemetery, Archbald. Arrangements: Harrison Funeral Home, Archbald, harrisonfh.com.

SALAK, WILLIAM A., Waymart, Monday, 10 a.m., Jenkins Funeral Home, 269 Belmont St., Waymart. Mass, 10:30, by the Rev. Joseph Sitko, pastor. Interment, Canaan Corners Cemetery. Calling hours, Sunday, 4 to 7 p.m. Waymart American Legion service, 6. Contributions: Waymart American Legion Post 889, P.O. Box 395, Waymart, PA 18472.

SCHILLINGER, GEORGE WILLIAM, Honesdale, today, 11 a.m., Hessling Funeral Home Inc., Honesdale. Cremation, Maple Hill at Salem Crematory. Calling hours, today, 9 to service. Condolences: hesslingfuneralhome.com.

SIEKIERKA, DOROTHY B., East Mountain section, Friday, Mass, Sacred Hearts Church, Scranton, by the Rev. Scott Sterowski. Pallbearers: Tom Kusy, Patrick Garvey, John and Kevin Young; Rich Olechna and Kevin Lukiewski. Interment, private.

STEARNS, RICHARD D., Kingston Twp., today, 11 a.m., Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home Inc., Shavertown, by the Rev. Anne M. Emery, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Wilkes-Barre. Interment, Memorial Shrine Park, Carverton.

STEWART, ROBERT D., Springfield, Ohio, cremation, Lake Region Crematory at the James Wilson Funeral Home. Interment, Fern Cliff Cemetery, Ohio. Arrangements: James Wilson Funeral Home.

STOMA, STELLA "BECKY," Madisonville, formerly of Brooklyn, N.Y., today, 3 p.m., Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 3 First St., Spring Brook Twp., by Pastor Terry Ribble. Viewing, today, 1 to 3 p.m., funeral home. Condolences: strauchfuneralhomes.com.

STOUT, JOAN M., Madison Twp., Friday, James Wilson Funeral Home, Lake Ariel, by the Rev. Deborah Rose of Hollisterville United Methodist Church. Pallbearers: Douglas, Alex and Michael Stout; Michael Koch, Joseph Needham and Rinaldo DePaola, nephews. Entombment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst.

TUMAVITCH, ANGELINA SANTOMAURO, Scranton, today, Carl J. Savino Funeral Home, 157 S. Main Ave., West Scranton. Mass, 9:30 a.m., St. Patrick's Church. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Contributions: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 1541 Alta Drive, Suite 204, Whitehall, PA 18052, cff.org.

WALLACE, BERNADINE B., Newton, N.J., Monday, 9:45 a.m., Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High Street, Newton. Mass, 10:30, St. Joseph Church, Newton. Entombment, St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum. Visitation, Sunday, 6 to 8 p.m. Donations: St. Joseph Church, 17 Elm St., Newton, NJ 07860. Condolences: smithmc crackenfuneralhome.com.

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

Early construction that is part of a planned three-year, $12 million renovation project at four North Pocono School District buildings is underway.

At North Pocono Middle School's 1992 addition, guidance offices have been demolished, and the area is in the process of being converted into classrooms, Superintendent Bryan McGraw said.

The new classrooms will replace instructional space lost from relocating administrative offices to the middle school, he said.

The work is still part of the early phases of the renovation and is being done at night.

"The major work will begin when students are out of school for the summer," Mr. McGraw said.

This year will be the first of three summers during which the renovations are scheduled. The bulk of an expected $4.3 million worth of construction this summer will happen at the middle school, officials said.

Among that work, Mr. McGraw highlighted upgrades designed to make the building more energy efficient, including replacing the large "window wall" at the front of the building with a more standard setup.

When that part of the project is done, Mr. McGraw said each classroom at the front of the building will have a regular wall with "a specified number of windows."

Other upgrades expected to happen this summer include installing new heating and cooling systems and replacing some flooring.

Over the life of the project, other work is expected to include adding security vestibules to the middle school, the district's intermediate school, and Jefferson and Moscow elementary schools.

Also at the other three schools, district officials plan for a series of infrastructure upgrades, like updates to electrical and heating and cooling systems.

Contact the writer: kwind@timesshamrock.com

Marley's Mission will soon make its Lackawanna County debut.

On Monday, contractors from Leeward Construction are scheduled to begin site and ground work at the nonprofit's new home - a 32-acre property on Port Royal Road in Newton Twp.

Once that's complete, workers will start building the two indoor therapeutic arenas, a 15-stall horse stable and a welcome center, all "essential" components that comprise phase one of a $1 million project, said Marley's Mission President Gene Talerico.

Officials expect the first phase, which costs about $600,000, will be done by July 5, when they plan to have the equine therapy facility "up and running," Mr. Talerico said.

So far, the organization has secured about $420,000 through private donations, fundraisers and foundations, leaving it $180,000 short of the needed funding.

When asked if he is concerned the organization won't have the necessary funding, Mr. Talerico said "absolutely not."

"We are all committed to the concept of building hope, and we will build it by July 5," he said.

Founded in 2010, Marley's Mission provides equine-based therapy to children and their families who have experienced trauma.

The organization has operated mostly out of its farm in Wayne County.

Looking to expand its boundaries and move to a more accessible location, the organization purchased the property from resident Keith Eckel in 2012.

Now, to help fund its move, Marley's Mission has launched a Twitter campaign, called #SummerofHope, said Rebecca Haggerty, board of directors vice president.

Officials bought 1,000 bracelets inscribed with "Summer of Hope," and are selling them for $20 each.

"We are raising the last bit of funding for this endeavor, and we know everyone cannot contribute $10,000, so we are asking for $20," Ms. Haggerty said. "We want the community to be a part of the building of hope, the building of our new home."

Longtime Newton Twp. Supervisor Ron Koldjeski said he plans to welcome the organization "with open arms."

"I think it's going to be phenomenal," he said. "It's a great cause, and we are very glad it's located here."

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

Newton Twp. Republican voters will choose between two men to be their candidates in the November general election.

Robert Naegele and John J. Shaffer are facing off in the primary May 21 for a spot on the general election ballot as Newton supervisor. With no Democrat in the competition, the primary victor is likely to succeed in the general election to serve on the three-person board overseeing the township noted for rolling hills and agriculture. The post pays $1,500 annually.

Mr. Naegele, 38, an engineer and member of the planning commission, said a supervisor's post is a natural extension of his involvement in the community. His Clarks Summit firm is not looking for work from the township. Nevertheless, he said his background allows him to make a contribution as a board member. He wants to continue to shepherd the township natural gas ordinance and road improvements.

A retired logistics worker, Mr. Shaffer, 58, hopes to reclaim a supervisor's post from which he resigned in 2003 for health issues. Those issues resolved, he wants to continue to contribute. He's concerned about the financial commitment the township has made to the recreation center, which he said has taken money away from needed road work and put the township in debt.

"I supported the center when I was on the board, and I support it now, but now we are spending too much money on it to the ruin of the roads," he said. "Everyone uses the roads, but not everyone uses the rec center."

Mr. Shaffer thinks the township should work to improve fire and emergency protection and reinstitute spring cleanup.

Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.comRobert Naegele

Age: 38

Family: married to Katie, with two elementary-aged children.

Education: Bachelor's in civil and environmental engineering from Lafayette, licensed professional engineer

Employment: Principal, Colwell-Naegele Engineering, Clarks Summit.

Experience: Township planning commission for a year.

Top issue: The natural gas ordinance and road improvements.

John J. Shaffer

Age: 58

Family: Two grown children

Educ­ation: Abington Heights

Employment: retired from International Correspondence Schools, logistics

Experience: Newton supervisor from 1999-2002, eight years on planning commission, for a time as chairman. Oversaw recycling program and spring cleanup; currently a township auditor.

Top issue: Prioritize spending with focus on roads.

Man charged with intimidation

TOBYHANNA TWP. - A Pocono Summit man being investigated in the death of his fiancée was charged Thursday with threatening a woman.

Pocono Mountain Regional Police said Christopher Cleary, 30, threatened to kill a woman Tuesday when she wanted to give the deceased's cellphone to police.

He was charged with intimidation of witnesses and other counts - including disorderly conduct because police had to restrain him after his arraignment.

Mr. Cleary is slated for a preliminary hearing Thursday and is in Monroe County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Seniors and their advocates at the West Side Senior Center on Friday urged the head of the state's Department of Aging to maintain funding for programs that support and enrich the lives of older Pennsylvanians.

Secretary Brian Duke met with the group as part of an effort to reach out to communities around the state to describe the department's strategic plan and outline budget proposals put forward by Gov. Tom Corbett.

Mr. Corbett's budget would increase the department's funding by $50 million for home- and community-based, services but the money is tied to a proposal to privatize management of the Pennsylvania Lottery that Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane rejected in February.

Mr. Duke said the governor's team is working to "clarify those areas of concern" raised by the attorney general, rewrite the management contract and resubmit it for review.

"We remain hopeful that the contract modifications will be accepted by our attorney general and we'll be able to move forward with this budgetary increase," he said.

The additional $50 million would be allocated based on a different formula than the one used to distribute block grants to Area Agencies on Aging, he said, so the state can begin to balance funding disparities that have developed as Pennsylvania's population has shifted.

Audience members raised concerns about the lottery privatization plan, cuts in the hours and days senior centers can afford to remain open, service gaps for people who do not qualify for some department programs and plans to accommodate the aging baby boom generation.

The growing aging population will require new and stronger community collaborations, Mr. Duke said. It will also make it more important for the agency to communicate with people who do not yet need its services.

"As a department, I think we have an obligation to help people know what they should be doing to plan for their own future," he said.

Part of the department's role is also to protect the state's seniors as they become more vulnerable to abuse, neglect and exploitation, he said. He cited a 20 percent increase in the past year in the number of cases of financial exploitation in Pennsylvania.

Grace Zanghi, 74, urged Mr. Duke to make sure senior centers do not have to cut back their programs or hours of operation.

She only recently became a regular at the United Neighborhood Centers' West Side center but she has witnessed how the company and interactions enliven its visitors.

"This is so necessary for these people," she said. "We're a family."

Contact the writer: llegere@timesshamrock.com

PLAINS TWP. - A monthslong, high-tech investigation that included surveillance video analysis and extensive crash reconstruction culminated Friday with the arrest of a township man who police say hit and killed 5-year-old Kevin Miller in December.

Thomas W. Letteer Jr., 23, is facing a single charge of felony accidents involving death or injury that alleges he fled the scene of the crash that killed Kevin as the boy and his family left a Christmas party. If convicted, Mr. Letteer faces at least one year in prison.

Authorities said Mr. Letteer initially spoke with police, but as the months wore on, he became increasingly uncooperative.

"There seems to be no sympathy," Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis said Friday. "There seems to be no remorse in his involvement in this and it's very sad, especially in a case like this."

Wearing torn plaid pajama pants, flip-flops and a black T-shirt, Mr. Letteer appeared before Magisterial District Judge Diana Malast for an arraignment Friday morning.

Mr. Letteer declined to comment to reporters, hiding his head in his shirt as detectives escorted him to and from the courtroom.

Mr. Letteer was named early on a "person of interest" in Kevin's death, but it took nearly four months to charge him because investigators wanted to be sure they had a solid case before moving forward, Ms. Salavantis said.

Mr. Letteer was being held at the Luzerne County jail in lieu of $200,000 bail. A preliminary hearing has been set for Thursday at 10 a.m.

Contact the writer: jhalpin@citizensvoice.com

While the race for the one Region 1 seat on the Lackawanna Trail School Board will be contested, there are no candidates for two other openings.

Region 3 has three seats up for election, but just one candidate. Region 2 has one seat up for election, and no candidates.

The seeming lack of interest in the two seats is "not something you normally see," acknowledged district Superintendent Matthew Rakauskas.

"It is unusual, and I am sure it happens from time to time," Mr. Rakauskas said. "There is a unique process that will take place now, but the way I look at it is whoever gets appointed will be one of my nine board members."

He said he expects a significant number of write-in campaigns, though he acknowledged people - who otherwise would run - might be devoting extra hours "trying to make ends meet."

"It's a big commitment, but it's certainly worthwhile," he said. "I am confident we will get some good candidates."

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

Marriage licenses

- Shane Brian Corriveau and Chelsi Corin Henderson, both of Carbondale.

- Todd Andrew Devries and Anjil Marie Wyman, both of Scott Twp.

- Paul Douglas Wilson, Waymart, and Meredith Lynn Moody, Simpson.

- Gregory Thomas Jones and Samantha O'Neill, both of Scranton.

- Gregory Scott Davis and Mary Bridgette Rodney, both of Dunmore.

- John Frank Demark and Samantha Ann-Claira Bell, both of Mayfield.

- Keith Alan Finkler and Paula Annmarie Houck, both of Scranton.

Property TRANSACTIONS

- Rocco and Lugene Castellano, Clarks Summit; and Michael A. and Marsilla Castellano, Factoryville, to Ryan M. and Amy Lynn Hnat; a property at 1209 John St., Scranton, for $83,000.

- Richard C. Jr. and Paula A. Thompson, Newton Twp., to Mark and Sarah Cummings, Newton Twp.; a property at 1715 Falls Road, Newton Twp., for $40,000.

- Sergio Turano, to John V. and Ernest J. Gatto, Dunmore; a property at 401 Ward St., Dunmore, for $108,000.

- Joseph J. and Sharon L. Setta, to Kevin and Michelle McHale; a property at 520 6th St., Dunmore, for $138,000.

- Albert P. and Judith S. Costanzi, Canton, Ohio, to Mindy Ritko, Scranton; a property at 1068 Mead Ave., Scranton, for $64,900.

- Toby M. Lovinger, per attorney in fact and wife, Lynne Lovinger, to Lyndsi Eddy; a property at 2428 Ransom Road, Ransom Twp., for $195,000.

DIVORCE Sought

- David J. Eremo, Scranton, v. Gloria D. Eremo, Scranton; married June 8, 1991; Marjorie DeSanto Barlow, attorney.

Divorce decrees

- Brennan N. Thek Sr. v. Susan L. Thek.

- Jay A. Orrell v. Stephanie A. Orrell.

- Barbara Grace v. Michael G. Grace.

- Mary Beth Ratchford v. Paul Ratchford.

- Dimitra Livanos Hollow v. Charles Michael Hollow.

- Patricia J. Carter v. Mark A. Carter.

- Amber Lyn Hill v. Christopher H. Hill.

- Robert Cosgrove v. Karen Cosgrove.

- John Hudak v. Diane M. Hudak.

- Paul Ransom v. Jeremy Ransom.

- Sandra Warrick v. Roland Warrick.

- Linda Wharton v. James Michael Wharton.

- Emma M. Eifert v. Donald Eifert Jr.

- Michael Halstead v. Cynthia Halstead.

- Karen M. Donlin v. Kevin J. Donlin.

- Dawn Marie Van Fleet v. Brendan Van Fleet.

- Brenda Dennis v. Willard Dennis.

- Lauren Cadden v. Jonathan Cadden.

Estates filed

- Deborah Stallo, 819 S. 9th Ave., Scranton, letters of administration to Matthew Stallo, same address.

- Josephine Russin, 311 Grassy Island Ave., Jessup, letters of administration to David Grizzanti, 1215 Denton Drive, Chester Springs.

Bench warrants

The following warrants have been issued by Judge Trish Corbett for failure to appear for Child Support Contempt Hearings:

- Joe Coleman Jr., 520 Pleasant Ave., Scranton; $3,945.

- Robert Cummings Jr., 351 N. Sumner Ave., Scranton; $1,824.

- Clifford Enslin Jr., 176 Faller Road, Lake Ariel; $668.68.

- Jason R. Krempasky, 166 Jefferson St., Simpson; $1,034.28.

- David L. Lesh, 1209 Olga St., Scranton; $1,268.33.

- William Marcho, 13 Legion Drive, Dunmore; $27,367.27.

- Ronald Mayak, PO Box 604F Rocky Glen Road, Avoca; $18,124.44.

- William J. Meade, 220 Prospect Ave., Rear, Dunmore; $1,853.32.

- Reinaldo Roman, 121 S. Rebecca Ave., Scranton; $3,431.78.

- Joseph W. Sandrowicz III, 54 Mallery Place, Wilkes-Barre; $3,073.67.

- Jason Schaefer, 137 Hudson St., Jessup; $967.67.

- Jacob D. Schmitt, 1450 Cornell St., Scranton; $15,705.21.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Child Support Hotline at 963-6721, ext. 8160.

ONLINE: thetimes-tribune.com/courts