WEST SCRANTON

HIGH SCHOOL

GRADE 12

Noah Anderson, Hakim Barr, Emilie Baum, Krysten Nicole Belles, Maria Anne Benedict, Laura Bergstrom, Johnnae Essielee Brooks, Nadya Brown, Joseph Bruno, Nicole Marie Chesek, Matanaporn Chinskul, Destyni Lynn Christiano, Crystal Clement, Stephanie Cooney, Rosalyn Cortes Borges, Hannah Jane Decker, Neeraj William Dhanraj, Patrick Dougherty, Tyler Engel, Alyssa Brianna Espinoza, Jack Abraham Fendrick, Ashley Frometa Vasquez, John Anthony Gariepy, Angela Gentilezza, Salvatore Giordano, Brandon Gonie, James David Greenfield, Essence Keyone Gregory, Christian Grems, Nicholas Guarino, Christian Guerra, Jaylnn Guzman, Brianna Marie Hall, David Charles Hawk Jr., Samuel Hiller, Nasir Johnson, Rebecca Anne Johnson, Larry Darnel Kendricks Jr., Molly Caroline Killian, Nicole Kizer, Michael William Laabs, Lainey Lavelle, Lejdina Lluga, Ximena Maldonado, Hope Ann Mangan, Alina Maroni, Adelaide Monteiro Sanches, Julia Brooke Montevechi, Thomas Morgan, Alyssa Morris, Davianny Nin Delos Dantos Stefany, Adam Nitch, Dylan Pabst, Gabrielle Rose Pagnotti, Nicola Pugliese, Seth William Reese, Eimani Shea, Alex Sophabmixay, Katrina Souryavong, Morghan E. Straub, James Sullivan, Daniel Ulrich, Madison M Vinskofski, Jenny Vongmany, Ashley Walls, Michael A. Waltman, Dylan Walton, Ian Jakob Waltos, Christian Whitman and Zhixin Zou.

GRADE 11

Collin Ismael Amaya, Ben Ryan Anderson, Corey John Anderson, Heather Anderson, Makayla Arcuri, Hailey Jean Argenta, Abigale Barr, Sean Arthur Bell Jr., Jordan Bennett, Kelly Bouton, Jake Butka, Cloe Bella Capalongo, Maeve Virginia Cast, Sonya Marie Castillo, Milagros Cervantes, Enzo Cicco, Jake G. Ciullo, Tyler John Connor, Peyton Cook, Kathryn Cooper, Ryan Corser, Autumn Cutro, Melany Fernandes DePina, Emilia Meriza Doda, McCae A. Dougher, Emma Rose Egan, Madolyn Lily Emick, Mauro Gallardo, Nicholas Thomas Garvey, Nickolas Joseph Gioia, Guillermo Gomez, Samuel Goncalves, Christopher Gowarty, Jalen Shammon Gregory, Dillon Grimes, Caleb J. Hamm, Nolan Harrington, Sydney Nicole Hazelton, Alexander Robert Hiller, Kylie Hirschler, Isabella Catherine Jean Philippe, Rachel Kranick, Evan Krysko, Caitlynn Marie Larnerd, Haley Leonard, Austin Lipinski, Victor Michael Lopez, Rebecca Loscombe, Bailey E. Loureiro, Karissa Mackie, Luis Manuel Martinez, Nathalia Krystal Martinez, Ariel Matticks, Shane Alexander McHugh, Adam Mehall, Rachael Mehl, Joshua Metzger, Jeanlee Morales Antonetti, Sarah Lorin Muzzy, Jessica Nicole Palauskas, Joshua James Palauskas, Frank Perry, Elizabeth M. Pfohl, Shelby Ann Reese, Jarnelys Reyes Mercado, Caitlyn Robinson, Jayla Rodriguez, Jacob Rogers, Emily Rose, Nevaeh Ross, Joseph Rutkowski, Pedro Salazar, Jaden Sanders, Joseph Smith, Tavine B. Smith, Brenda Sodani, Adam Sprague, Brianna Mackenzie Strein, Madyson Trama, Susan Tuffy, Maura Elizabeth Turi, Talila Turner Boyd, Joseph Valencia, Stephanie Vasquez, Lydia Eileen Walsh, Angelina Terese Wheeler, Hope Marie Williams, Zaynah Williams, William Winters, Caitlynn Woyshnar and Drew Hartley Yanni.

GRADE 10

Meadow Rein Abbasi, Alexandra Baena, Brianne K Baker, Jillian Bennett, Robert Bogaski III, Olivia Bolsar, Randall Bonitz Jr., Ryan Bresser, Shawn Cabotts, Alyssa Campbell, Alicia Castro, Kayla Chofey, Mackenna Cole, Brianna Coleman, Rickey Allen Conklin Jr., Trystan Cook, Zachary Darbenzio, Kailey DeFina, Justin Dorneman, Adriana Flores, Adriana Fyock, Tiffany Marie Gallo, Geremia Gil, Maura Lynn Gockley, Gabrielle Goodrich, Ciara Grasso, Nicholas James Greaves, Nicholas Guerra, Mira Leigh Haines, Stephannie Hall, Stephen Edward Hamlin, Gemma Terez Hashem, Cole Hunter, Nya Jewel Johnson, Daniel Keeler, Serena Kay Kuehl, Samantha Kulp, Blendina Lluga, Carter Loureiro, Bryauna Lynn Manuel, Madasen Leigh Mariano, Jasmyne Suzane Faye Martorana, Cali McDonald, Francessca Mehl, Ashlyn Meyers, Mark Anthony Miller Jr., Angelina Moraca, Cassandra Moraca, Alba Leslie Morante Paulino, Jared Morris, Samantha Mushak, Abbie O’Brien, Caitlin Pagnotti, Trinaya Janelle Parker, Jessica Parr, Gabriela Petorak, Abby Profka, Antonio Pugliese, Yasmin Ramirez, Ashley Ramos, Samantha Morgan Reese, Alexis Ann Marie Reid, Paige Reome, Mark Sedelnick, Gina Shafer, Ryan Sophabmixay, Jamie Stine, Avery Sulz, Raphael Tlatelpa, Paola Torres Reyes, Joel Alberto Tricoche, Morgan Brittany Truskoloski, Abigail Tulaney, Emily Tunis, Emily VanWert, Dominic Viscomi, Garrett Walsh, Cassidy Lynn Weber and Diavel Whatley.

GRADE 9

Gabriella Amaya, Zachary T. Anderson, Brian Asakiewicz, Ethan Michael Auer, Bibi Shameeza Bacchus, Ashley Morgan Belles, Kasandra Berrios, Cameron Butka, Cabre Anella Capalongo, Nicholas Cesario, Jia Jia Chen, Mary Grace Covey, Meadow Rae Curyk, Ava Layne Decker, Vyvain Do, Molly Dougherty, Mackenzie Kolleen Duffy, Brianna Eckardt, Antonio Evanosky, Austin Fashouer, Nicholas Forsette, Crystal Lenore Fox, Sierra M. Gallucci, Dominique Heidy Gomez Juarez, Arron Bradley Gonie, Christian Trevor Graniel, Joshua Greenfield, Brandon Gregory, Zaniya Aquarius Grissom, Nathan Hazelton, Nicolas Hipolito, Ahime Inoa Angeles, Jaela Dymond Johnson, Celeste Juarez, Kelly Lynn Kennedy, Steven Kyriazis, Emily Catherine Laabs, Michaela Lynn Leidinger, Austin Lewis, Camdyn Olivia Lewis, Anthony Loureiro, Anajah Sheree Magee, Aubrey Mangan, Julianna Martinez, Marissa Matteo, Danilo McDonough, Nathan Mehl, Ethan Zander Menichini, Juliana Maria Mercedes Rodriquez, Cayden Merrifield, Jacob Metzger, Matthew Metzger, Alivia Minich, Lylah Mosley, Joel Kaliya Ngongo, Jacob O’Boyle, Alexander James Olsen, Matthew Pfohl, Marytere Quintana, Victoria Reilly, Lexyann Rezzino, Nicholas Roche, Joshua Safuto, Zenee Salaman, Cristian Sanchez, Hailey Carmen Santiago, John Robert Sinclair III, Ayiannah Shahidah Smith, Haley Dallas Sprague, Lenah Stefani, Jasmine Stevens, Sarah R. Swaen, Madison Theobald, Olivia Rose Trapper, Michael Tremmel, Alani Kimora Valdez, Arayna Janeye Valdez, Jeremy William Valentine, John Van Wert, Anthony Viscomi, Abigail Walsh, John Walsh, Spencer Walsh and Quinn Williams Mayers.

MID VALLEY

SECONDARY CENTER

GRADE 12

High honor roll: Alicia Angelo, Mario Bonacci, Nicholas Borgacci, Richard Chowanec, Logan Lee DeSanto, John Glinsky, Kaitlin Griggs, Sarah Johnson, Karissa Kalinoski, Shaun King, Gianna Manzo, Lindsey Marushock, Vanessa Mazur, Lyndsey Medric, Ralph Morris, Nikohl North-Mozda, Rachael North-Mozda, Selena Olmedo, Lauren Owens, Priya Patel, Madelaine Pegula, Hunter Penn, Christian Reece, Kaylah Richter, Collin Scherer, Devin Seifert, Nicole Sokolowska, Frank Tanana and Alex VonWeinstein.

Honor roll: Hayley Bondy, Daniel Burian, John Caines, Cheyenne Cortazar, Michael Fedorka, Nicole Fernandes, Donald Hartman, Kori Kausmeyer, Elizabeth Keddy, Jason Kline, Krista Mazur, Matthew Nemeth, John O’Connor, Demitri Reece, Hayley Solensky, Kayla Space, Matthew Stankiewicz, Jenny Sullivan and Katherine Wilson.

GRADE 11

High honor roll: Noah Allman, Marissa Angelo, Mariah Balendy, Kelcie Bensinger, Katelyn Bosket, Cassie Castellani, Tyler Cortazar, Joshua Darrin, Courtney Davies, Matthew Fedorka, Nicholas Ferretti, Emily Finegan, Justin Gohsler, Morgan Haefele, Danielle Ann Jason, Katarina Johnson, Albert Kausmeyer, Alana Kautz, Francis Kocsis, Brendan Kucharski, Karah Laboranti, Mark Longo, Michael Ly, Sean MacCallum, Marshall Macknosky, Jillian Mackreth, Christopher Marchel, Craig Mercanti, Emily Morano, Erica Nemitz, Kaia Neu, Angel Novojoski, Vanessa Pruzinsky, Brandon Repchick, Felicia Saar, Haneet Saini, Adriaghna Schaefer, Alyssa Sekelsky, Samantha Shelesky, Emma Sherwood, Lindsey Space, Caleb Taber, Joedlyn Torres, Kyle Tullio, Jacob Vituszynski, Joshua Vituszynski and Grace Wallo.

Honor roll: Morgan Bialy, Mia Caramanno, Travis Finkler, Kimarah Garner, Julian Hanicak, Kelly Homenchak, Kourtney Kichar, Becca Laboranti, Gabriella Lardner, Viktoria Meehan, Mariah Minter, Mackenzie Mitchko, Yeimi Molina del Cid, Lawrence Risner, Vincent Talluto and Bobby Zelinski.

GRADE 10

High honor roll: Scott Barrett, Sebastian Brudnicki, Natalie Buchinski, Jasmyne Colbert, Philip Davitt, Ariann Decker, Kacey Durkin, Khaya Fuller, Abigail Galea, Carly Gambo, Kyle Gerek, Meghan Guarino, Jenna Haefele, Lacy Harrington, Christopher Henderson, Ty Jackson, Christopher Kautz, Isabella Kramer, Michael Miller, Alyssa Moore, Antonio Ortiz, Juliette Paynter, Keli Pegula, John Piorkowski, Angel Popko, Therese Reilly, Madison Riccardo, Tyler Santarelli, Sydney Scott, Anastasia Shishlo, Carlie Smith, Christopher Talluto, Raileigh Thompson, Isabella Vinskofski, Michaela Wall and Austin Zbach.

Honor roll: Samuel Borgacci, Nico Colachino, Patrick Ferke, James Goetz, Michael Guimento, Aaron Killino, Taylor Kizer, Giovanni Lopez, Louis Menendez, Brianna Onyshczak, Ryan Patterson, Maive Pawelski, Kyleigh Petcavage, Ramon Ramos, Zachary Rebar, Joshua Shygelski, Justin Solensky, Nando Ubaldini and Ashley Vasquez.

GRADE 9

High honor roll: Matthew Algar, Devon Barnauskas, Michael Bennici, Madison Bialy, Bethany Brown, Laura Cervantes, Damien Chmielewski, Gabrielle Ciborosky, Hailey Davis, Brianna Day, Maria Do Vale, Mikayla Dutkiewicz, Gianna Giumento, Donald Healey, Emily Hedglin, Colby Hughes, Ariana Hutko, Abbey Jackson, Lindsey Jason, Daelyn Karboski, Lindsey Kausmeyer, Meadow Killino, Jennifer Kobylanski, Connor Kocsis, MacKenzie Kuehner, Maria Laskowski, Lucy Lennon, Vanessa Mancuso, Gianna Matassa, Kailee Mazur, Tyler O’Connor, Isabella Oakey, Jessica Pahoski, Ava Perrins, Kiersten Perry, Nicholas Politowski, Keira Priest, Emma Ream, Christian Riccardo, Roberto Rosado, Jordan Scalese, Sierra Sczesniak, Christian Snee, Gabrielle Snee, Olivia Stein, Jonathan Strelecki, Ciara Strupcewski, Samantha Wilson, Jeremiah Wolo, Maxwell Yarbrough, Emma Yusavage, Zoe Zelinski and Madison Zielinski.

Honor roll: Christina Buchinski, Skylar Ceccoli-Eiffert, Moriah Cesari, Nicholas D’Andrea, Kiara Dejesus, Madison Donlin, Gabrielle Dushney, Ryan Evans, Nicholas Freeswick, Veronica Gonzalez, Kadin Hazelton, Taylor Kostage, Toriann Linder, Dylan Major, Ariana Marhelski, Ryan O’Boyle, Collin Pacyna, Abigail Parry, Michael Perri and Alec Pruzinsky.

GRADE 8

High honor roll: Nathaniel Bates, Stanley Ciborosky, Jaime Lee Cortazar, Hayden Davitt, Lilianna Davitt, Anthony DeVoe, Kellen Doughton, Madison Doyle, Jack Foley, Destiny Hallock, Zachary Kalinoski, Emma Kobylanski, Bryce Kramer, Logan Matone, Hannah Mills, Lexee Risner, Ryan Sabatella, Katie Lynn Scholtz, Conner Sheruda, Liv Shumski, Emma Tonart, Devin Walsh, Zachary Wilson and Aiden Wolak.

Honor roll: Adam Brzozowski, Xavier Caldero, Justin Clark, Bradley Desmarais, Eric DiBileo, Dylan Donlin, Robert Drake, Lisbeth Fairfield, Katherine Glinsky, Hanaa Gohsler, Genna Lynn Hanicak, Joseph Kalinowski, Austin Kish, Jayson Lowe, Dustin McAllister, Abigail Merrifield, Michael Novak, Sophia Polons, Avery Rebar, Ian Richmond, Jacob Scott, Madison Smith, Xander Szewczyk, Audrey Talluto, Morgan Tullio, Mason Vancosky and Nathan Zarnowski.

GRADE 7

High honor roll: Amber Acevedo, Ava Badyrka, Logan Baker, Abagail Bertig, Linus Bukowski, Charley Caines, Nathan Capman, Jaden Carroll, Daniel Davis, Hannah Fletcher, Grace Goetz, Ryan Krauser, Ariana Lane, David Magliocchi, Samantha Mattioli, Tyler McDermott, Shaylyn McDonnell, Cody Michaels, Mason O’Malley, Ryan Pasko, George Pegula, Abhi Prajapati, Tyler Schroeder, Riley Sharples, Kiera Shibley, Lauren Wall, Kaleia Williams and David Paul Wood.

Honor roll: Sarah Adolfson, Michael Balcrius, Kaitlyn Bartlett, Kiralynn Blank, David Calafut, Katrina Davis, Bella DeNardo-Yost, Jayden Evans, Sarah Ferkile, Tre Fox Frazier, Riley Hedglin, Kendal Johnson, Edward Kaufman, Matthew Lorenzetti, Tyler Mancuso, Christopher Manger, Megan McFadden, Destiny Oquendo, Jeffrey Patackas, Zachary Popko, Katrina Ricci, Maranda Runco, Karly Rusyn, Abigail Saverslak, Tyler Solensky, Xachary Szewczyk and Vincent Tanana.

Lackawanna County

Art program: Last in the 2018 Lackawanna County series of free “Art in the Park” programs, today, 10 a.m.-noon, Covington Park, Covington Twp., variety of arts, crafts, music, use of the park’s facilities and a host of other children-related activities offered, hot dogs and other refreshments served.

Senior fair: State Rep. Sid Michaels Kavulich, D-Lackawanna, annual free senior fair for senior citizens living in the 114th Legislative District, Friday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Mary’s Center, 320 Mifflin Ave., Scranton, learn about government programs that are designed to help, meet local private businesses that offer services, obtain information on free health screenings, light lunch served and door prizes.

Regional

Day camp: Troop R/P Sunny Day Camp, Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Nazareth Student Center parking lot, Marywood University, for boys and girls of all ages with physical and mental disabilities from Luzerne, Wyoming, Bradford, Sullivan, Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Wayne and Pike counties to meet state troopers, city and local officers, first responders and firefighters, featuring police vehicles, K-9 units, horses, firetrucks and ambulances, giveaways, food provided, free; www.bit.ly/TroopPR/

Scott Twp.

Committee meeting: Parade committee meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m., Joe Terry Civic Center; 570-351-3222.

Throop

Monthly meeting: Throop Hose Company 1 meeting, Sunday, 11 a.m.

CLIPBOARD ITEMS may be sent to yesdesk@timesshamrock.com or Clipboard, c/o YES!Desk, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. YES!Desk, 570-348-9121.

Super professors

Penn State Scranton professor of nursing Michael Evans, Ph.D., M.S.Ed., RN, ACNS, CMSRN, CNE, received the 2018-2019 University College Teaching Award.

Evans, an assistant chief academic officer and associate teaching professor of nursing, was selected from over 30 nominations. He won based on his intellectually demanding and rigorous curriculum, innovative teaching practices, effectiveness in achieving desired learning outcomes, commitment to students’ academic development and student satisfaction and providing positive and lasting impact on students by promoting critical reading, thinking and writing, according to the university.

Evans teaches in the baccalaureate and RN to BSN and graduate in nursing programs and is board-certified in medical surgical nursing and nursing education.

He received his Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in nursing from Penn State University; a Master of Science in nursing, with a specialization in adult health and a sub-

specialization in nursing education from Misericordia University; Master of Science in education with a focus in professional studies from Capella University; and his Ph.D. in nursing from the College in Nursing at Penn State University.

Evans’ current area of research focuses on somatic awareness and self-symptom recognition in patients living with stage-D heart failure. He lives in Archbald with his wife, Stephanie, and their son, Finn.

Assistant professor of human development and family studies at Penn State Scranton Ray Petren was named a Top 50 Reviewer in 2017 for Family Relations, an international journal of applied family studies and a journal of the National Council on Family Relations.

Petren has been a Top 50 reviewer for Family Relations for three consecutive years and serves on its editorial board.

He takes his role as a reviewer of manuscripts for academic journals very seriously because reviewers are ultimately responsible for verifying that published scientific and theoretical works are high in both rigor and the potential to provide important knowledge to academics, practitioners and ultimately, the general public, he said.

Petren has been an assistant professor of human development and family studies at Penn State Scranton since 2014. His research addresses parenting and family relationships across family contexts and structures, with a focus on co-parental relationships and men’s roles in families, according to the university.

Petren lives in Waverly with his wife, Sarah,and their son, Stanley.

High notes

Terri Pettinato was installed as Carbondale

UNICO president during a July 11 meeting at the Anthracite Center.

Pettinato, the second female president of the chapter, was sworn in by her past national president and current financial secretary Glenn Pettinato. Outgoing president, Yvonne Gatto, held the Bible.

New officers who were also installed include Joseph Masco, treasurer; Peter Pettinato, secretary; Mary Lynn Brannon, first vice president; Nathan Masco, second vice president; and Ron Refice, sergeant-at-

arms.

Carbondale Area students Christina Carachilo and Amelia Zazzera were also awarded $1,000 scholarships each from the chapter.

Amelia will attend Penn State in the fall while Christina will begin at the University of Scranton.

Members of the scholarship committee include Nate Masco, Tom Gretzula, Jerry Arnese, Angel Masco, Glenn Pettinato, scholarship chair; Gatto, Linda Gabriel, Peter Pettinato, Mary Lynn Brannon and Chip Calabro.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

■ Brook Kathrine Coyer and Gregory Francis Rosetti, both of Clarks Summit.

■ Christopher Joseph Lynch and Angela Liford, both of Dunmore.

■ Michael Alan Fay Jr. and Emily Rose Troiani, both of Richmondale.

■ Chad Gorman and Fernanda Peterson, both of South Abington Twp.

■ Fabio Fernando Bonfim Dealmeida and Maria Ramona Polanco, both of Scranton.

■ Vincent Michael Gowat and Sarah E. Magistro, both of Olyphant.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

■ Neil J. Vitale and Marilyn E. Vitale, erroneously referred to as Marilyn E. Vitali, Lackawanna County, to William F. Nalevanko, Lackawanna County; a property at 264 Rushbrook Road, Scott Twp., for $125,000.

■ Patrick J. and Jacqueline R. Devaney, Dunmore, to Nichole Rohan and Ariel Rohan, Scranton, as joint tenants with rights of survivorship; a property at 213 Calvin St., Dunmore, for $120,000.

■ Patrick M. and Jennifer L. Clark, Lackawanna County, to Gerard C. Barone, Lackawanna County; a property at 829 Grandview St., Scranton, for $155,000.

■ Preston J. and Shawna Marie Propes, Scranton, to Theron Joseph Frunzi, Greentown; a property at 603 Mary St., Scranton, for $124,000.

■ Leeann and Alec Norris, Camden County, N.J., and Lynda J. Nepa, Camden County, N.J., to John Dando and Sandra Dando, brother and sister, Susquehanna County, as joint tenants with rights of survivorship; a property at 28 Darte Ave., Carbondale, for $90,500.

■ Rose Ross, Dunmore, to Donna Verrastro, Dunmore; two parcels at Lake Spangenberg, Jefferson Twp., for $120,000.

■ USA HUD to Kevin Roshak; a property at 210 Center St., Taylor, for $55,000.

■ Timothy D. Pfleiderer and Kay A. Ten Eyck, also known as Kay A. Teneyck, Scranton, to Keystone State Properties LLC, Mendham Twp., N.J.; a property at 219 Stephen Ave., Scranton, for $54,200.

DIVORCE DECREE

■ Tamara Wall v. Michael Wall

FEDERAL TAX LIENS

■ Puppy Paradise Inc., 1979 Business Route 6, Blakely; $16,995.80.

■ David and Amanda Krappa, 216 W. Mary St., Old Forge; $110,997.89.

■ Plush Hair Designs LLC, 417 George St., Throop; $4,360.80.

STATE TAX LIEN

■ Jim Cook Painting Inc., 1005 W. Lackawanna Ave., first floor, Scranton; $1,237.49.

ESTATES FILED

■ Doreen Brown, 214 Seaman Lane, Old Forge, letters testamentary to Leonard Brown, same address.

■ Norma Gillow, also known as D. Norma Gillow, 408 B Academy St., Blakely, letters testamentary to Alan Gillow, 503 Keystone Ave., Peckville.

■ Lucille Krenitsky, R. 350 Sussex St., Old Forge, letters testamentary to Donald Killino, 350 Sussex St., Old Forge, and Francine Moran, 420 S. Abington Road, Clarks Green.

■ Marie A. Chibirka, 69 Wilbur Hill Road, West Abington Twp., letters testamentary to Marylou Chibirka, 86 Wilbur Hill Road, Dalton, and Joseph D. Chibirka, 2224 Maple Hollow Road, Duncansville.

■ David J. Gabriel, 1751 Sanderson Ave., Scranton, letters testamentary to Norma J. Gabriel, same address.

■ Gloy H. Allen, also known as Gloy Hanneman Allen and Gloy M. Allen, 208 Willow Road, Dalton, Glenburn Twp., letters testamentary to Lisa A. Konzelman, 208 Simrell Road, Clarks Summit, and Robb B. Allen, 50 Trafalgar Road, Tenafly, N.J.

ONLINE: thetimes-tribune.com/courts

PHILADELPHIA

UNIVERSITY

KANBAR COLLEGE OF DESIGN, ENGINEERING AND COMMERCE

Alexandra Solsman, Dunmore.

SUNY NEW PALTZ

Laura Walsh, Lackawaxen.

ST. JOSEPH’S

UNIVERSITY

Margaret Nealon, Dunmore.

BARD COLLEGE

AT SIMON’S ROCK

Gian Antonetti, Hawley; and Eden Rozing, Dickson City.

SHERMAN COLLEGE

OF CHIROPRACTIC

Lauren Golden, Dupont.

UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS, PHILADELPHIA

Sara Lesneski, Clarks Summit.

STONEHILL COLLEGE

Sarah Kean, Matamoras.

WESTERN NEW

ENGLAND UNIVERSITY

Meghan Gilhool, Montrose.

UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

Hunter Karch, Milford.

CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA

Abigail Schroth, Moosic.

SCRANTON — With the Scranton School District facing a growing deficit, city residents could see their school tax bill increase by as much as 7.7 percent next year.

As school directors try to trim the 2019 budget, they stressed during their meeting Monday night that a tax increase is not definite — only a possible option. With a 7.7 percent tax hike, which is about 9.9 mills, a homeowner with a property assessed at $10,000 would see taxes go up by about $100. A mill is a $1 tax on each $1,000 of assessed value.

“We want to give ourselves all the options we have,” school Director Paige Gebhardt Cognetti said before the board unanimously passed the 2019 preliminary budget of $163 million.

The district must seek state approval to raises taxes that much, using exceptions to the state Taxpayer Relief Act in the area of pension and special education costs. Without state approval, the district could increase taxes by 3.6 percent. Neither option balances the 2019 budget. Even if the state approves the exceptions and allows the district to raise taxes by 7.7 percent, the district would still face a nearly $8.5 million shortfall for 2019. The 2019 shortfall is separate from the total general fund deficit, now estimated at $35.3 million.

Directors have until the end of December to pass a balanced spending plan, and Director Paul Duffy said he hopes additional state funding will come through. He and other directors also hope to help craft a state bill that could funnel money to the district, which is underfunded compared to other districts of its size.

In other business:

n The district will send out requests for proposals as early as this week for positions including solicitor, architect and engineer. The board will ask the applicants to disclose any conflicts of interest, including campaign contributions, with directors or their family businesses.

n Directors may consider eliminating hiring lists for teaching jobs and instead, interview applicants on an as-needed basis. In the past, the district conducted mass interviews every three years, and the board hired in order of rank. The district has not conducted interviews in four years, and the board continues to use the old lists for some subject areas.

Anna Tighe, who spent the last year as a permanent substitute guidance counselor at Scranton High School, graduated from college after the last round of interviews. She never had a chance to get on the list.

“We’re losing very talented people, and we’re not getting them back,” union President Rosemary Boland said.

n The board approved the following appointments: Nabiha Garraoui, French; Kevin Olshefski and Mary Brennan, biology; Elizabeth Sullivan, Stacey Moore and Sabrina Pacifici, guidance; Robert DeLuca, principal of West Scranton High; Brandon Budd, vice principal of West Scranton High; and Jennifer Benke, medical access coordinator. Although the board laid off 25 teachers this summer, the district needed to fill positions in some subject areas.

n Twenty-seven families of students entering Northeast Intermediate School received letters last week informing them their children were reassigned to West Scranton Intermediate School. Officials planned to move the 15 sixth-graders and 12 seventh-graders from four city housing developments — Oakwood Estates, Morgan Manor, Summit Pointe Apartment Homes and Bangor Heights Housing Project — and the surrounding areas due to overcrowding.

Late Monday, the district learned the seventh-graders would be able to remain at Northeast, and some sixth graders may be able to go to Northeast as well, Robert Gentilezza, district chief compliance officer, told the board. Enrollment numbers change daily, and the district will hold a lottery for the effected sixth-grade students if enough spots do not open.

n Under a new state law, districts must appoint an employee to the position of safety officer. Jeff Brazil, chief operations officer, will assume the responsibility of reviewing policies and ensuring compliance with state regulations. The added duties do not come with a pay raise.

Staff writer Kathleen Bolus contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: shofius@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9133; @hofiushallTT on Twitter

SCRANTON — The Scranton Municipal Recreation Authority will consider a proposal for a memorial in remembrance of people who have died in Nay Aug Gorge over the years and a monument to honor first responders who worked to rescue them.

Maureen Coyle, of Dunmore, presented the board with a letter outlining the plan at an authority meeting Monday at Schimelfenig Pavilion at Nay Aug Park. Her vision for the project would be a series of sidewalk pavers featuring the names of the nearly 50 people who have died at the gorge, grooved by Roaring Brook along an edge of the park, plus a monument to serve as a “thank you” for the divers, emergency medical personnel, firefighters and police who tried to save them and rescued countless others. Coyle said she would raise the money to fund the project if it is approved by the authority.

Aside from being a memorial, Coyle hopes the project will pose a warning and deter someone from jumping into the rushing waters. She knew a person who drowned in the gorge and the family of another person who died there.

“The gorge is beautiful, but as beautiful as it is, it’s just as dangerous,” Coyle said.

At least 47 people have died in the gorge since 1890, according to newspaper records. Autum Leister, 23, of Moscow, who drowned in the brook in May, is the latest person to die there. Aside from deaths — most from drowning, but some from accidental falls over the gorge’s steep walls — scores more have suffered injuries there.

The city formally banned swimming and trespassing at the gorge in 1986, after a 15-year-old Minooka boy, Tim Phillips, drowned there. Violators can face fines of up to $300.

Authority Chairman Bob Gattens motioned to table discussion on the proposal and revisit it at their next meeting, on Sept. 10 at the pavilion.

In other business, Gattens briefly discussed the idea to replace one pool at Nay Aug Park with a splash pad. Gattens reiterated statements made by city Mayor Bill Courtright that plans for a splash pad at the defunct Novembrino pool site and renovations to the closed Penn Ridge pool on Capouse Avenue in Pine Brook need to be taken care of first, but the board wants to explore the option of a splash pad at Nay Aug Park in the future.

“It’s nothing that’s going to happen anytime soon,” Gattens said.

Contact the writer:

cover@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9100 x5363;

@ClaytonOver on Twitter

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

Shamone Rodgers, 38, 13 E. Chestnut St., Wilkes-Barre, to three years of court supervision, including four months of house arrest, followed by one month of probation for endangering the welfare of children and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Dana Belles, 29, 747 Jefferson Ave., Jermyn, to six months of court supervision, including one month of house arrest, followed by one year of probation and a $300 fine for recklessly endangering another person.

Patricia Martinez-Rendon, 31, 309 S. Irving Ave., Scranton, 3½ of years court supervision, including four months of house arrest, and a $1,000 fine for endangering the welfare of children and DUI — tier three, first offense.

Miguel Oliveras, 35, 626 Main Ave., Scranton, to 330 days time served to 23 months in county prison followed by two years of probation for delivery of a controlled substance and resisting arrest.

Rachel Roeber, 35, 545 Meridian Ave., Scranton, to six to 12 months in county prison for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sabrina Alexander, 30, 114-18 149th St., Queens, New York, to a $100 fine for conspiracy to commit retail theft.

Yasmine Holloway, 29, 578 E. Main St., Rear, Nanticoke, to one year of probation for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dawn Gutowski-Peterson, 32, 268 Lampman St., Avoca, to one year of court supervision, including two months of house arrest, and $402 in restitution for disorderly conduct.

Cristen Kolankiewicz, 30, 1231 Heart Lake Road, Jermyn, to six months of court supervision, including two months of house arrest, and a $300 fine for DUI — tier one, second offense.

Judge Vito Geroulo sentenced:

Tristen Hospedales, 28, 212 Williams St., Scranton, to 21 to 48 months in state prison followed by two years of probation for delivery of a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

Octavio Jimenez, 23, to 20 to 27½ months in state prison for possession with intent to deliver and criminal use of a communication facility.

Michael Zaikowski, 37, 611 Deacon St., Scranton, to one year of probation for accidents involving damage.

Kaila Robinson, 27, 28 Noyes Ave., to three days to six months in county prison and a $1,000 fine for DUI — tier three, first offense.

Samuel Vilardi, 30, 231 Vine St., Old Forge, to 15 months to four years in state prison for possession with intent to deliver.

Joseph Potis, 28, 146 42nd St., P.O. Box 612, Carbondale, to six months of probation and a $300 fine for DUI — tier one, first offense.

Judge Margaret Bisignani Moyle sentenced:

Randal Burge, 51, 514 Burke St., Dunmore, to six months of probation and a $300 fine DUI — tier one, first offense.

Cynthia Pagan, 38, 29 Villa St., Apt. 2, Carbondale, to one year of probation for possession of a controlled substance.

Mylanie Strickland, 24, 532 Emmett St., Apt. 3, Scranton, to one year of probation for disorderly conduct.

Michael Verdetto, 26, 547 Main St., Avoca, to one year of probation for harassment.

Duane Mayeski, 48, 43 Walnut St., Carbondale, to 12 days time served to six months in county prison and a $300 fine for DUI — tier one, first offense.

Joseph Williams, 31, unknown address, Scranton, to six to 12 months in state prison for making terroristic threats.

Monroe County-based Mount Airy Casino has purchased more than 100 acres of land near Interstate 376 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike to build a mini-casino and entertainment complex in Big Beaver.

Mount Airy Pittsburgh Casino Resort is expected to open in late 2019, bringing hundreds of jobs and potentially millions in gambling tax revenue. Officials expect to break ground on the resort in the fourth quarter of 2018.

"This is an exciting time of economic development in Beaver County that will be further spurred by Mount Airy's new investment," Daniel Camp, chairman of the Beaver County commissioners, said in a release. "I welcome the economic growth and entertainment options this will bring not only to the citizens of Beaver County, but to those in neighboring regions. After working with the Mount Airy management team for the past several months, I know they will be great partners for Beaver County and Big Beaver Borough."

The property was purchased from local developer Pat Nardelli. A sale price was not available. The parcel of land is off Fairlane Boulevard.

The casino will be designed by the Friedmutter Group, known for its work at the Cosmopolitan resort in Las Vegas. Phase one will include 750 slot machines, 30 table games, a buffet and sports bar.

Future phase-two development plans include a full-service resort hotel, convention center, restaurant, pool, spa and salon and other "destination-focused" amenities.

"We envision the casino as just the start of building something truly special for the tri-state area," Lisa DeNaples, owner and managing trustee of Mount Airy Casino Resort, said in a release. "Imagine not just a casino, but a destination that raises industry-wide expectations and standards — serving as a phenomenal gathering space for celebrations and live entertainment and bringing upwards of 700 jobs to regional residents."

In February, Mount Airy submitted a winning bid of $21.1 million for one of 10 mini-casino licenses across Pennsylvania. Under their bid, Mount Airy officials committed to locating the casino within a 15-mile radius of New Castle in Lawrence County.

Municipalities in that radius — which encompassed portions of Lawrence, Mercer, Butler and Beaver counties — had the opportunity to opt out of allowing a casino. Big Beaver was one of two municipalities in Beaver County not to opt out.

In April, Camp and county solicitor Garen Fedeles went to the Poconos resort for an informational meeting with Mount Airy officials. In May, Camp and Fedeles, along with Commissioner Tony Amadio, members of the Beaver County Economic Development Authority and officials from Big Beaver, attended a meeting at Seven Oaks Country Club in Ohioville organized by Mount Airy officials. Fedeles said county and municipal officials signed a nondisclosure agreement and were not allowed to speak about the meeting. Commissioner Sandie Egley refused to sign the agreement and did not attend any of the meetings.

Among those in attendance at the Seven Oaks meeting was former Mount Airy owner and Scranton-area businessman Louis DeNaples, who has been barred from profiting from the casino after being accused of lying to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board about his relationship with two mobsters. Camp said DeNaples never spoke with county officials about casino business.

Former state House representative and minority whip Mike Veon was also present at the meeting. Camp said Veon is a consultant for Castlebrook Development, Nardelli's development firm, and works on "numerous sites" for that company. Veon also works as a lobbyist and was among the legislators who led the charge to bring casinos to Pennsylvania.

Among those representing the Beaver County Economic Development Authority was its solicitor, Joe Askar, who said he did not sign a nondisclosure agreement. Askar said the authority has been asked if it is able to obtain a bond for portions of the project. The authority has done such work before on a Nardelli project, namely the development behind Beaver Valley Mall.

Whether the authority would "float a bond" for a portion of the casino development has not been discussed, Askar said.

"If it made financial sense to the authority, they would consider it," Askar said. "It would be just like the sports and airport authorities in Allegheny County."

According to a release, Mount Airy's Poconos resort includes several upscale restaurants; a lakefront 18-hole golf course; a 16,000-square-foot spa, salon and exercise facility; a $6 million indoor/outdoor pool and entertainment complex; a covered outdoor pavilion that hosts a summer concert series; a nightclub and bar; and a banquet and concert center. The company supports local initiatives in the Poconos and has invested more than $1 million into the local community, something Lisa DeNaples said she hopes to begin to do in Beaver County.

"I want to thank the elected leaders in the Beaver County area for their enthusiasm and partnership," DeNaples said in the release. "We're excited to engage with community leaders and residents right away. Our goal is to become meaningfully ingrained within the community through robust job training opportunities and the support of local initiatives."

———

©2018 the Beaver County Times (Beaver, Pa.)

SCRANTON — Lackawanna County is accepting requests for areas to spray in the spring to control gypsy moth populations.

Officials will select treatment locations based on residents’ requests and subsequent surveys. No areas have been chosen yet.

Requests to treat residential forest areas can be made until Aug. 24. For more information, contact Mike Chisdock, gypsy moth program coordinator, at 570-963-6850.

— JEFF HORVATH

SCRANTON — The Lackawanna County Marriage License Bureau will offer extended hours Thursday, with the bureau opening at 9:30 a.m. and closing 7 p.m.

Those seeking a marriage license must bring a valid photo ID or current passport and know their Social Security number. Individuals who were married previously must bring a divorce decree signed by a judge or a death certificate. A $70 fee also is required.

Electronic marriage license applications can be found at lackawannacounty.org.

For information, call the bureau, in Suite 400 of the Scranton Electric Building, 507 Linden St., at 570-963-6708.

— JEFF HORVATH

SCRANTON

A city man is charged with pointing a gun at cars traveling on the North Scranton Expressway late Sunday night.

City police arrested Mitchell Lepre, 25, 1011 Remington Ave., at about 11:10 p.m. Sunday near the Main Street exit, after callers on the expressway reported a man waving a gun at them. Lepre, who initially gave police a false name, told them he was trying to get a ride home and denied having a weapon, police said. Officers discovered a shotgun in a bag Lepre carried, plus ammunition and meth, police said.

Lepre is charged with simple assault and related counts. He is held in Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.

— CLAYTON OVER

MOSCOW

Lackawanna County commissioners will meet Thursday evening at the North Pocono Public Library, 1315 Church St.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the meeting marks the second of four meetings to be held this year outside of the county’s downtown Scranton Administration Building.

— JEFF HORVATH

SCRANTON — The father and friend of a man killed in a June arson in Scranton face charges of second-degree murder and other offenses for conspiring with the victim to set the blaze to collect insurance money.

Chad Kenowski/Clark and Brett Sweeting Sr. agreed with the victim, Brett Sweeting Jr., to burn down Kenowski/Clark’s home at 52 Roosevelt St. on June 25, police said. The junior Sweeting died in the blaze after something went wrong and he accidentally set himself on fire.

Kenowski/Clark, 49, was arraigned this afternoon on charges of second-degree murder, arson, insurance fraud and several other offenses. Brett Sweeting Sr. was charged on July 26, with second-degree murder, but his case was sealed while police continued to gather evidence against Kenowski/Clark, authorities said today.

Details on the senior Sweeting’s involvement in the case were not immediately available because the affidavit has not yet been unsealed.

According to the arrest affidavit filed against Kenowski/Clark, Brett Sweeting Jr. was found dead inside the home after firefighters extinguished the blaze. Evidence at the scene indicated there was an explosion and that he had ripped off his burning clothes.

Police were immediately suspicious because keys to the home were found near his body. Authorities also learned Sweeting Jr. was friends with Kenowski/Clark through his business, Electric City Yoga. For years, Kenowski/Clark had been trying to sell his home, which originally was listed at $300,000. He recently had entered into a sales agreement for $165,000.

The home was insured for $756,000. A day after the fire, Kenowski/Clark filed an insurance claim. An insurance adjuster determined damages to be $333,410.

A cooperating witness, who is not identified, agreed to speak to Kenowski/Clark about the fire. In a June 26 conversation, which police recorded, Kenowski/Clark said he had talked with Sweeting Jr. about burning down the house, but said he was only “kidding around” and did not think he would do it.

During a second conversation recorded on Aug. 2, the witness told Kenowski/Clark he was aware of the agreement he had with Sweeting Jr. to set the fire and that Kenowski/Clark should pay Sweeting Jr.’s family the money he promised him. Kenowski/Clark agreed and also suggested that Sweeting Jr.’s family file a lawsuit against his insurance carrier to get additional money.

Kenowski/Clark also detailed the plans for the arson, telling the witness that idea was to make it appear that the fire was started by a Honda mini-van parked in the garage, which was under recall for an issue that could cause it to catch fire. He told the witnesses he never meant for Sweeting Jr. to get hurt and that something went wrong.

Kenowski/Clark was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Joanne Corbett, who ordered him held without bail at Lackawanna County Prison.

He and Brett Sweeting Sr. are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 14.

Check back for updates.

Contact the writer: tbesecker@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9137; @tmbeseckerTT on Twitter.

The deaths of a Taylor man and his son are a murder-suicide, Lackawanna County Coroner Tim Rowland ruled this afternoon.

Autopsies were conducted today on the bodies of 81-year-old Andrew Staretz and his 45-year-old son, William Staretz, both of Taylor.

Investigators concluded Andrew Staretz died as a result of multiple stab wounds inflicted by his son, Rowland said. William Staretz died of self-inflicted cutting wounds.

Both men were dead several days before their bodies were found Monday, Rowland said.

The investigation continues.

Check back later for updates.

SOUTH ABINGTON TWP. — Township police are warning motorists to avoid Northern Boulevard this afternoon due to flooding.

Reports of flooding have been coming in from around the county, according to Lackawanna County dispatchers.

Check back for updates.

— CLAYTON OVER

Lackawanna County Commissioner Laureen Cummings seeks to amend Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana law by allowing local governments to opt out of the program, according to a resolution she introduced Tuesday at a statewide conference of county lawmakers.

Cummings, who in recent weeks questioned the effectiveness of medical cannabis and railed against its statewide rollout, is representing Lackawanna County at the 2018 County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) Annual Conference and Trade Show in Gettysburg this week. The conference is the non-partisan association’s “focal point” for developing new policy that may become part of a platform it lobbies the state legislature to implement, CCAP Executive Director Douglas Hill said.

Cummings introduced two marijuana-related resolutions at the conference. One resolution, which urges CCAP to oppose legislation permitting the recreational use or sale of marijuana, was tabled without further discussion. The other seeks CCAP support to amend state law to give counties the option of prohibiting or restricting medical marijuana sales and the sale or distribution of hemp-infused products within their jurisdictions. A CCAP committee will take up that resolution for further discussion.

If it does become law, Cumming said, her proposed policy would allow local governments in Pennsylvania to opt out of the state’s medical marijuana program, similar to how Colorado law allows municipalities to ban recreational marijuana sales even though its use is legal there. It is also similar to how Pennsylvania gave municipalities the option of barring mini-casinos during the state’s recent gaming expansion, Hill said.

“This (resolution) was tabled for committee review because it does match up against some questions and issues that our folks have had relative to medical marijuana,” Hill said. “My anticipation is that this will go to our Courts and Corrections Committee for some additional review. If they believe there’s merit to it, they will probably bring it back up at our fall conference in November.”

CCAP’s Courts and Corrections Committee is responsible for the development and advocacy of legislation and regulations related to county jails and judicial issues.

At the fall conference, Cummings’ resolution could be brought up for deliberation, giving CCAP members the opportunity to ask questions, propose amendments and discuss the policy’s implications. If it comes to a vote, CCAP’s voting members — which include county commissioners or members of county councils, as well as certain other officials from each of the state’s 67 counties — would have 10 days to approve the final version of the resolution.

A majority vote would win the resolution a place on CCAP’s platform, Hill said.

Cummings is happy the issue will be discussed further. Critics, however, say her resolution is contrary to the point of the state’s medical marijuana law, called Act 16, because it would make marijuana more difficult for patients to access.

“One of the main driving forces behind Act 16 was to make medical cannabis available to all Pennsylvanians,” said Patrick Nightingale, executive director of the Pittsburgh chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. “So, I would say that Commissioner Cummings’ proposed resolution goes directly against the stated intent and will of the legislature, and when it comes to Laureen Cummings versus the legislature and the governor and the executive branch, I put my money on everyone else.”

Such a change to the medical marijuana law would have to happen at the state level, which Nightingale said is unlikely.

“This legislation passed the (state) Senate... with no one suggesting there be an opt-out provision for counties or jurisdictions that have cold feet,” Nightingale said. “I cannot imagine that anyone would put their political capital into taking medicine away from Pennsylvanians by making it more difficult for them to access it.”

Contact the writer:
jhorvath@timesshamrock.com;
570-348-9141;
@jhorvathTT on Twitter

DICKSON CITY — Four months after council voted to put the former Dickson City DPW building up for sale, the borough still hasn’t received any bids.

Scheduled to open bids Tuesday morning for the red metal garage at 335 Enterprise St., the borough hoped to receive the building’s appraised value of $192,000, said Borough Manager Cesare Forconi. Although they still don’t have a buyer, two people did pick up bid packets, Forconi said.

Funds from the sale of the building would go into a capital fund to be used at council’s discretion.

The borough constructed the 50-by-100-square-foot building in the late 1980s, Forconi said. Dickson City no longer needs the DPW building because of renovations done to the rear garage of the borough building, he said.

The borough’s DPW moved out of the DPW building in 2016, said council President Jeff Kovaleski.

To facilitate the sale of the building, council could use a realtor or put the DPW building out for private bid, Kovaleski said.

They plan to discuss the borough’s next move to sell the building during Tuesday’s 7 p.m. council meeting at the Dickson City Borough Building, 901 Enterprise St., he said.

Contact the writer: flesnefsky@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5181; @flesnefskyTT on Twitter

SCRANTON — Councilman Bill Gaughan questions whether Licensing, Inspections and Permits Director Patrick Hinton’s renting of an unused building at Nay Aug Park for a coffee shop violates the city’s ethics code.

Gaughan cited an article in The Times-Tribune on Monday about the Scranton Municipal Recreation Authority’s lease of a former restroom building at the park to Hinton. Gaughan emailed solicitor Amil Minora on Tuesday asking him to review whether Hinton violated the city Administrative Code’s section on ethics.

In a phone interview, Minora said he had not yet reviewed the matter.

The article reported that a 10-year lease began in July 2017 and Hinton has two years to open the coffee shop. He gets two years rent-free because the approximately 700-square-foot building isn’t open, and then must pay annual rent of $3,000 in monthly installments.

LIP director since Mayor Bill Courtright took office in 2014, Hinton said he asked the recreation board in 2014 or 2015 to consider his coffee shop idea. In July 2016, the authority issued a public notice in The Times-Tribune formally requesting proposals for renovation and use of the building. Only Hinton submitted a proposal.

In a phone interview, Gaughan said he realizes that Hinton’s lease came about via the authority issuing a public request for proposals, called an RFP, but added, “I really am concerned about the way it went down.”

Hinton said that upon embarking on the venture, he had his attorney, Timothy Hinton, first review city and state ethics codes to ensure everything was done properly.

The Hintons are first cousins, Patrick said. Timothy Hinton also is an attorney for The Times-Tribune.

Gaughan cited the following sections of the ethics code as areas of concern:

n Conflict of interest: a city employee shall not participate in negotiation or administration of any contract in which the employee has a financial or other interest.

n Disclosure: an employee with any private financial interest in any business or transaction pending before any municipal authority or agency shall disclose such private interest to City Council.

n Use of public property: an employee shall not use any public property for personal benefit or profit.

Hinton believes none of these sections apply in this case, because the authority issued a public RFP and this process dictated the lease and the transaction.

“Everything was aboveboard and open,” Patrick Hinton said. “There were numerous public meetings where anyone could attend. There was nothing to hide here.”

The building opened as a restroom for women in 1905 with an addition for male restrooms added later. No records exist of how the building was used between 1918 and 2004. The city renovated the building and reopened it as restrooms in 2005, limited to use by people hosting events in the park. The building hasn’t been used since 2010.

Patrick Hinton and his LIP department typically handle code enforcement and health inspections of buildings and establishments. But in this case, the city’s third-party inspection firm or a different third-party firm would do the building code review, and the city could ask state inspectors to do health inspections, he said.

He will name the coffee shop The Blackwatch Cafe, after the blackwatch plaid pattern and colors, a favorite of his, and also for the randomness of the title.

“I’m a sucker for plaids. I love blackwatch plaids — always have,” Patrick Hinton said.

He hopes to have the coffee shop open in spring.

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

Elmhurst Twp.

Card party/luncheon: Women of Elmhurst Country Club card party/luncheon, Aug. 24, noon, club; reservations, Pidge Rebar, 570-842-3443.

Lackawanna County

Annual run/walk: The 26th anniversary Hook O’Malley 5K Run/Walk, Sunday, Aug. 19, 10 a.m., McDade Park, registration, 8:15-9:45, registration, $20/by Aug. 16 and $25/day of, benefits the American Cancer Society; 570-346-1828 or 570-341-7787.

Moosic

Back-to-school fair: Riverside Elementary East and West back-to-school fair, campus of East Elementary, Moosic, Tuesday, Aug. 21, 4:30-7:30 p.m., free food, free school supplies, basket raffles, music, photo booth, bounce house.

Moscow

Grief support: Grief support group, every Wednesday, noon-1 p.m., Carriage House, St. Catherine’s Church, 220 Church St., Moscow, six-week program with different topics each week; next program, Wednesday, Aug. 22. Registration and contact: Cindy Purcell, St. Catherine’s Church office, 570-842-4561.

South Scranton

Seniors meet: South Scranton After 50 Club meeting, Thursday, 1 p.m., St. Paul of the Cross Parish Center, Prospect Avenue.

Wayne County

Dental walk-in: Dental hygiene “walk-in day,” Sept. 13, 8:30-2:30 p.m., Northern Wayne Family Health Center, 412 Como Road, Lake Como. Contact: 570-251-6534.

Legislative picnic: Wayne/Pike Farm Bereau, legislative farm tour, tours and food, Aug. 23, Jaggars Farm, Waymart, 10 a.m. Reservations: Carole Grodack, 570-937-4162.

West Scranton

Class reunion: West Scranton class of 1978, 40th-year reunion, Sunday, Sept. 2, 6-10 p.m., Waldorf German American Federation Tiki Bar, 13 Waldorf Lane, Scranton, $35/person, includes full buffet; RSVP by Aug. 20. Contact: Sylvia Sottile-Murphy, 570-604-6087, murphy1422@gmail.com, or Bev Jones-Mizanty, 570-815-3344, jonesy4bev@yahoo.com.

Birthday bash: West Scranton High School class of 1971, 65th birthday bash, Saturday, 6-11 p.m., Villa Maria Restaurant, Washburn Street, West Scranton; all classmates invited.

CLIPBOARD ITEMS may be sent to yesdesk@timesshamrock.com or Clipboard, c/o YES!Desk, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. YES!Desk, 570-348-9121.