Bill Courtright wins the Democratic primary race for Scranton mayor, with Elizabeth Randol trailing in second.

Mr. Courtright has 5,495 votes to Ms. Randol's 4,559, with 94 percent of precincts reporting. In the Republican primary, Gary Lewis led with 573 votes over Marcel Lisi, 384.

Councilman Pat Rogan, with 5,474 votes, Bill Gaughan, with 5,149 votes and Joe Wechsler, with 4,295 votes, win the three spots for the Democratic nomination for city council.

The race for the city tax collector nomination among the three Democrats is close, with Bill Fox leading with 3,349 votes to Frank Joyce with 3,219 and Tony DiBileo with 3,173.

Of Scranton's 48 precincts, four had not yet reported.

Tonight, Scranton voters nominated their party’s choice to rebuild a city in crisis, a monumental responsibility and opportunity for the winning candidates.

In the first open mayor’s race in more than a decade, Democrat Mr. Courtright won the battle for the nomination in Scranton’s dominant political party.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Longtime City Councilman William Peduto has won the Democratic nomination for mayor, defeating former state auditor general Jack Wagner and state Rep. Jake Wheatley.

Peduto is vying to succeed incumbent Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, a Democrat who is not seeking re-election, and the winner of the primary was all but certain to be elected in November in a city where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1.

Peduto's victory was seen as a surprise given that both of Pittsburgh's daily newspapers — the Post-Gazette and Tribune-Review — endorsed Wagner who had served two terms as auditor general, served in the state senate and had sought the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 2010.

The only Republican candidate, Josh Wander, faced no primary opposition.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democratic voters in financially troubled Harrisburg have denied Mayor Linda Thompson a second term, choosing bookstore owner Eric Papenfuse to try and help the financially-strappedd capital city.

The state capital is the only Pennsylvania municipality under a state takeover — the result of a multi-million-dollar debt on its municipal trash incinerator that pushed the city to the edge of bankruptcy. Harrisburg officials hope to negotiate a bailout that includes the sale of the incinerator.

Papenfuse defeated Thompson in Tuesday's primary, along with challengers City Controller Dan Miller and former state employee Lewis Butts Jr.

No Republican is running this year. But Papenfuse is likely to face competition in November from Nevin Mindlin, who lost to Thompson as a Republican in 2009 and is running as an independent.

The man suspected of fatally shooting a Lackawanna College student earlier this month was apprehended in Syracuse, N.Y., tonight, U.S. Marshals announced.

The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force tracked Ryan Harding, 18, to the Syracuse area. He fled when authorities approached him, leading them on a two-hour foot chase and search through an apartment complex, said U.S. Marshal Martin J. Pane of the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

The Syracuse Police Department SWAT team was called in and apprehended Mr. Harding, who was arrested without incident around 10 p.m., Mr. Pane said.

An additional suspect was arrested and is expected to be charged with aiding and abetting Mr. Harding, although authorities did not release his name.

Early on May 5, Mr. Harding, 519 Taylor Ave., shot Rahsan Crowder, 22, following an argument on the 700 block of Vine Street, police said. Mr. Harding shot Mr. Crowder in the thigh and then, with Marlon Clotter urging him on, shot him again in the chest, police said.

Mr. Harding was wanted on charges of first-degree murder, third-degree murder, aggravated assault, firearms not to be carried without a license and possession of a firearm prohibited.

Mr. Clotter was arrested May 9, charged with first-degree murder, third-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit third-degree murder.

Two other men, Kristopher Adkins, 18, and Devante Graham, 18, Mr. Clotter's brother, face charges for hindering apprehension in the case. Police believe the two hid Mr. Harding and Mr. Clotter and helped Mr. Harding flee the state.

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

In the race for four seats on the Pittston Area school board, former school board director Martin Quinn led all candidates with 2,786 votes (18.5 percent) in the Democratic primary. John Adonizio, another former school board director, was next with 2,395 votes (15.87 percent), while incumbent Bruce Knick (2,360 votes, 15.6 percent) and newcomer Rosanne Ricotta (2,139 votes, 14.2 percent) grabbed the last two seats on the Democratic side.

In the Republican primary, Quinn was the top vote getter by a nose with 450 votes (20.4 percent). Incumbent Marilyn Starna finished second with 444 votes (20.2 percent), while Ricotta finished one vote behind her. Knick, with 422 votes (19.2 percent) captured the fourth spot.

Incumbent Kent Bratlee, who finished with 399 votes (18.1 percent) was the odd man out.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Allegheny County Judge Jack McVay has beaten Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge Joseph Waters Jr. for the Democratic nomination for a vacant seat on the state Superior Court.

The 56-year-old McVay, a former pharmacist who's serving his sixth year in the county's family-court division beat the 60-year-old Waters, a retired Philadelphia police captain who is in his fourth year on the bench, in the only statewide race on primary day.

McVay will face Harrisburg lawyer Vic Stabile, who's unopposed for the Republican nomination, in the November general election.

All three men won favorable ratings from a state bar panel.

The open seat formerly belonged to John Musmanno, who's now a senior judge.

Lackawanna County voters decided Tuesday to form a commission to study and possibly recommend a broad reorganization of county government but rejected the elimination of four elected row offices.

In what could be a prelude to the most significant restructuring of county government since adoption of the Home Rule Charter in 1976, voters approved establishment of a government study commission to examine the existing three-commissioner form of government and consider whether a different form should be adopted.

The electorate solidly rejected four other referendum questions to amend the charter to eliminate the elected offices of register of wills, recorder of deeds, clerk of judicial records and sheriff.

Businessman Chuck Volpe, who spearheaded the government study initiative and was one of the seven people elected to serve on the study commission, branded the row office proposal a "power grab" by the commissioners. Voters "saw it for what it was," he said.

"I think the people of Lackawanna County won today," he said.

Majority Commissioners Corey O'Brien and Jim Wansacz, who approved putting the elimination of the row offices on the ballot, argued it would save taxpayers a minimum of $2.2 million over the next four years.

"I think there was a lot of confusion out there. I think people would rather study the issue before making a decision," said Paul Lyon, a spokesman for Mr. O'Brien and Mr. Wansacz. "I think once people understand the efficiencies and savings that could be realized through row office consolidation, they will agree with the commissioners' approach."

The defeat of the row office questions means the candidates nominated Tuesday for register of wills, recorder of deeds and sheriff will appear on the November ballot. The clerk of judicial records office is not up for election this year.

Contact the writer: dsingleton@timesshamrock.com

With 97 percent of 163 precincts reporting:

Abolish sheriff

Yes 12,584

✔ No 25,460

Abolish clerk of judicial records

Yes 15,977

✔ No 21,430

Abolish recorder of deeds

Yes 15,785

✔ No 21,369

Abolish register of wills

Yes 15,952

✔ No 21,454

Establish commission

✔ Yes 22,805

No 14,530

A district magistrate from the Abingtons virtually assured he will become a Lackawanna County judge after capturing both the Democratic and Republican nominations in Tuesday's primary.

With 93 percent of precincts reporting Tuesday night, Magisterial District Judge James Gibbons seized the most Democratic and Republican votes in the race, totalling 15,202 of the 40,183 votes cast and catapulting him over four other candidates vying to become the newest member of the county bench.

"It's a culmination of a lot of work and the realization of a dream - a dream shared by my entire family," Judge Gibbons, 55, said at his victory party at Mert's bar in downtown Scranton. "I've received tremendous support from up and down the valley. I've got people here tonight from Carbondale, Jessup, Peckville, Moosic and Scranton."

The other candidates were: Alyce Hailstone Farrell, 45, a magisterial district judge in Scranton; P. Timothy Kelly, 54, a Scranton attorney; Patricia Rieder, 46, a special hearing master in county court; and Donna Davis Javitz, 52, a Dickson City attorney.

The post opened up after Senior Judge Chester Harhut moved from full-time to part-time duties because he reached the state's mandatory retirement age, 70.

The job pays $173,271 this year and is a 10-year term.

Since all of the candidates cross-filed as Republicans and Democrats, the primary could have seen one candidate pick up the Republican nomination and another candidate collar the Democratic nomination, setting up a competitive general election.

With Judge Gibbons capturing both nominations, he will more than likely sail to victory in November unless a third party candidate mounts a challenge or someone organizes a well-executed write-in campaign.

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

Lackawanna County Judge

Democratic

James A. Gibbons 11,408

Alyce Hailstone Farrell 7,685

Patti Grande Rieder 7,577

P. Timothy Kelly 2,760

Donna Davis Javitz 1,926

Republican

James A. Gibbons 3,794

Alyce Hailstone Farrell 2,147

Patti Grande Rieder 1,669

P. Timothy Kelly 659

Donna Davis Javitz 509

Challenger Tom Hallinan ousted incumbent Dunmore Councilman Michael Hayes in Tuesday's all-Democratic primary race, while the other two incumbent councilmen won their party's nominations for three four-year seats.

With 100 percent of the precincts reporting Tuesday, incumbent Councilman Timothy Burke was the race's top vote-getter, followed by Mr. Hallinan and incumbent Councilwoman Carol Scrimalli. The trio received 60.4 percent of the votes together.

Mr. Hayes and challenger Damon Bowen trailed.

In the campaign, the incumbents spoke of council's role in stabilizing the borough's finances over the last few years and emphasized the need for continued fiscal responsibility.

Reached by telephone on Tuesday night, Mr. Hallinan said he believed the public was receptive to his message of improved public safety, including his own experience with road maintenance and advocacy for maintaining or increasing the borough's police force.

"I came up short, but I will continue to push initiatives to move this community forward," Mr. Hayes said after the results were in.

Mr. Hayes said he will continue to organize a neighborhood watch initiative "with or without council's help or approval."

Contact the writer: kwind@timesshamrock.com, @kwindTT

Council

✔ Timothy Burke (D) 1,788

✔ Tom Hallinan (D) 1,715

✔ Carol Scrimalli (D) 1,639

Michael Hayes (D) 1,208

Damon Bowen (D) 1,204

Dunmore School board

✔ Michael Sig Hallinan (D) 1,892

✔ Michael H. Butler (D) 1,868

✔ John V. Summa (D) 1,822

✔ John W. Farris (D) 1,757

✔ Michael Sig Hallinan (R) 213

✔ Michael H. Butler (R) 202

✔ John V. Summa (R) 200

✔ John W. Farris (R) 193

Mayor

✔ Patrick "Nibs" Loughney (D) 2,574

Tax collector

✔ Louis A. Paciotti (D) 2,389

Democrats selected incumbent Pat Rogan and candidates Joe Wechsler and William Gaughan to represent them in a currently uncontested general election in the fall, nearly assuring their seats on Scranton City Council.

The top vote-getter, Mr. Rogan, with nearly 6,000 votes with five of 163 precincts remaining, said Democratic voters gave him a second term because of his independence, having voted against the mayor and fellow council members.

"I stand with the citizens and I never went along to get along," he said.

Political newcomers were sidelined. Neither Joe Matyjevich, Greg Evans nor Mr. Perry have held political office or been involved in government. They were defeated.

There were no Republican candidates.

Also expected to run uncontested in the general election will be Mr. Gaughan. The former employee of the city's Office of Economic and Community Development will be one of the youngest council members in Scranton's history at age 26.

As votes rolled in, Mr. Wechsler's and Mr. Perry's tally were close and each candidate hoped to place. But in the end Mr. Wechsler, a fixture in East Mountain neighborhood organizations, made the cut.

"People in Scranton want change and quality people in office," he said. "I'm optimistic about Scranton come January."

Scranton will likely begin 2013 with a new mayor and a new council, possibly ending years of acrimony between a divided government.

The council candidates showed their ability to refrain from squabbling and mud slinging, running a cordial campaign in which each pledging to cooperate with the other - and the new mayor - to solve the city's problems.

Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

Scranton city council DeMocrats

✔Pat Rogan 5,999

✔Bill Gaughan 5,612

✔Joe Wechsler 4,665

Tim Perry 4,200

Joe Matyjevich 2,942

Greg Evans 2,858

Wyoming County voters picked newcomer Steve Franko by an almost 2:1 margin in the Republican primary for district attorney over former District Attorney George Skumanick on Tuesday, and in November, he will face incumbent Jeff Mitchell, who ran unopposed on the Democratic ticket.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Mr. Franko got 1,255 votes to Mr. Skumanick's 647 and 440 write-ins cast. On the Democratic side, Mr. Mitchell received 811 votes, with 147 write-ins also cast.

Incumbent county coroner Tom Kukuchka breezed to a GOP primary victory with 2,217 votes, and Patricia Crandall Mead was also nominated for treasurer with 2,160 votes. Both candidates were unopposed.

In some of the contested supervisors' races on the GOP side, Paul Corby knocked off Brian Vail, 86-38, in Clinton Twp.; Timothy Tomlin upended incumbent Robert Kenia in Falls Twp., 97-95; and Stephen Grow Jr. beat Gary Brown, 41-38 in Windham Twp.

On the Democratic side, William Severcool Jr. beat back a challenge from Kevin Ray, 20-5.

Contact the writer: bbaker@wcexaminer.com

District attorney

✔ Steve Franko (R) 1,255

George Skumanick Jr (R) . 647

Clinton Twp. supervisor

✔ Paul Corby (R) 86

Brian M. Vail (R) 38

Falls Twp. supervisor

✔ Timothy Tomlin (R) 99

Robert Kenia (R) 97

Windham Twp. supervisor

✔ Stephen Grow Jr. (R) 41

Gary W. Brown (R) 38

Forkston Twp. supervisor

✔ William Severcool Jr. (D) 20

Kevin Ray (D) 5

Eaton Tax Collector

✔ Becky Watkins (R) 86

Judy Murach (R) 70

Jullee Chamberlain (R) 17

Downvalley voters have chosen who will run in November for a chance to govern their boroughs and school districts through scandal and tight budgets, following results from the region's contested races.

In the Old Forge Mayor's race, Frank Scavo, a Republican, will square off against Democrat Bob Mulkerin, a Democrat, in a race colored by an unfolding sex-scandal involving suspended borough Police Chief Larry Semenza and Capt. Jamie Krenitsky.

Mr. Scavo, 50, wants to avoid future incidents by implementing a more progressive disciplinary system as mayor.

Mr. Mulkerin, 38, would work to increase police visibility in Old Forge schools and high-crime areas.

Both are interested in repairing the department's image. Mr. Scavo also won a Republican nomination for borough council.

In the Riverside School District, all candidates cross-filed. Bob Bennie, Carol Armstrong, Michael Duda and Barbara Fedor are for four-year terms, while Stanley Kania will face Mrs. Armstrong for a two-year unexpired term.

The district faces troubled finances, having had $3 million of funding cut in the past two years.

Mrs. Armstrong and Mr. Scavo will have to decide which nominations to accept.

In Taylor, Ted Prashchak, a Republican, will square off against Roxanne Pauline, a Democrat, in November's mayoral race.

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

Moosic council

✔ Joseph J. Dente Jr. (D) 883

✔ Joseph G. Mercatili (D) 841

✔ Mary Ann Nawrocki (D) 818

✔ Harry Lindsay (D) 768

Moosic mayor

✔ James Segilia (D) 1030

Moosic tax collector

✔ Bryan Fauver (D) 938

Old Forge school board

✔ Robert Notari (D) 947

✔ Jason O'Hearn (D) 859

✔ Chris Jones (D) 836

✔ Kelly Dougher Tansley (D) 659

✔ Robert Notari (R) 419

✔ Chris Jones (R) 373

✔ Jason O'Hearn (R) 341

✔ Joe Gus Gasdik (R) 260

Riverside School board

4-year

✔ Carol Kaminski Armstrong (D) 1187

✔ Bob Bennie (D) 1124

✔ Michael D. Duda (D) 1119

✔ Barbara Fedor (D) 1058

Charles R. Maurer Jr. (D) 1043

Barbara Hall Arens (D) 625

✔ Carol Kaminski Armstrong (R) 345

✔ Barbara Fedor (R) 280

✔ Michael D. Duda (R) 237

✔ Bob Bennie (R) 230

Charles R. Maurer Jr. (R) 225

Barbara Hall Arens (R) 178

2-year

✔  Stanley J. Kania (D) 837

Carol Kaminski Armstrong (D) 646

Barbara Fedor (D) 449

✔ Carol Kaminski Armstrong (R) 203

Stanley J. Kania (R) 143

Barbara Fedor (R) 141

Old Forge Mayor

✔ Bob Mulkerin (D) 862

Robert J. Legg (D) 522

✔ Frank Scavo (R) 415

Joseph Gasdik (R) 72

Old Forge Council

✔ Bob Semenza (D) 988

✔ Devon Brown (D) 927

✔ Joseph Lenceski (D) 884

✔ Frank Scavo (R) 355

✔ Mark Matylewicz (R) 273

Old Forge Tax Collector

✔ Gary A. Propersi 596

Taylor Council

✔ Gene A. King (D) 636

✔ Eugene Gallagher (D) 605

✔ Edward W. Derenick (D) 600

✔ James Digwood (R) 277

✔ John Tigue (R) 251

Taylor Mayor

✔ Roxanne Pauline (D) 527

Tom Bracey (D) 333

✔ Ted Praschak (R) 248 

Lynda Messoline DePalma (R) 93

Taylor Tax Collector

✔ Patricia Naro (D) 911

Two Lackawanna County deputy sheriffs will compete for the post in November after winning primary election victories on Tuesday.

Chief Deputy Dominick Manetti easily won the Republican nomination for sheriff and deputy Mark McAndrew prevailed in a close Democratic contest, according to unofficial returns.

Meanwhile, the Democratic race for register of wills concluded in an apparent victory for Fran Kovaleski, of Jessup. Ms. Kovaleski, the top deputy for the last 18 years to retiring Register of Wills Linda Munley, defeated three other candidates and nudged Dunmore Councilman Paul Nardozzi by about 950 votes, unofficial totals indicate.

In the fall election, Ms. Kovaleski will face Republican Christopher Arnone, of Jefferson Twp., who was unopposed for the Republican nomination.

In the sheriff's contest Mr. Manetti, of Old Forge, bested insurance executive Joseph Albert by about 11 percent in the GOP race, totals show. In the Democratic contest, results indicate Mr. McAndrew, of Mayfield, captured about 38 percent of the vote in a race against county detective Nicholas DeSando and former county detective Rob Mazzoni.

County voters cleared the way for the nominees for row offices and sheriff to continue with fall campaigns after they soundly rejected ballot questions. The proposals would have consolidated the row offices next year under one administrator and made the sheriff's post an appointed job under the commissioners.

Also on Tuesday, Democratic incumbent Recorder of Deeds Evie Rafalko McNulty was unopposed for her party's nomination for a fifth term. Alicia DiLeo, of Scranton, ran without opposition for the Republican nod.

Republican District Attorney Andy Jarbola was virtually assured of election to a fourth full term. He won the Republican nomination and pursued a write-in campaign for the uncontested Democratic nomination.

Contact the writer: jhaggerty@timesshamrock.com

sheriff

Democrat

✔ Mark P. McAndrew 12,047

Rob Mazzoni 10,612

Nicholas D. DeSando 9,002

Republican

✔ Dominick Manetti 4,251

Joseph Albert 3,391

register of wills

Democrat

✔ Fran Kovaleski 11,054

Paul J. Nardozzi 10,105

Kim Harding Kelly 5,955

Michael F. Durkin 2,683

Republican

✔ Christopher Arnone 6,416

district attorney

Republican

✔ Andy Jarbola 8,171

recorder of deeds

Democrat

✔ Evie Rafalko McNulty 26,113

Republican

✔ Alicia A. DiLeo 6,673

In most cases, incumbents prevailed over their challengers in Tuesday's Wayne County primary, according to unofficial returns.

In Paupack Twp., Supervisor Bruce Chandler, a lawmaker in the Lake Wallenpaupack community for 24 years, secured the Republican nomination with 94 votes. Challengers Randy Glosenger and John Barnett received 38 and 31 votes, respectively.

In Clinton Twp., incumbent Ken Coles beat Ryan Wilmarth for the Republican nomination, 135 to 71 votes.

In Damascus Twp., challenger Steven R. Adams handily defeated incumbent Charles Grady for the Republican nomination, 234 to 70 votes. And in Texas Twp., incumbent Allan Wickle beat challenger Paul Sprague for the Republican nomination, 91 to 82 votes.

In unofficial results for two positions on the Western Wayne School Board, Region 1, Andrew Gaudenzi, a Waymart borough councilman, and incumbent Donald McDonough earned the Republican nomination with 205 and 198 votes, respectively. Incumbent James Salak earned 157 votes, while retired Western Wayne school superintendent Andy Falonk tallied 80 votes.

In Sterling Twp., voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot question asking if they were in favor of issuing licences to conduct small games of chance in the township, with 118 in favor and only 19 opposed.

There were no contested races for Wayne County row offices.

Contact the writers: jmcauliffe@timesshamrock.com, bfulton@timesshamrock.com

WAYNE COUNTY

Clinton Twp. Supervisor

✔ Ken Coles 135

Ryan Wilmarth 71

Damascus Twp. Supervisor

✔ Steven R. Adams 234

Charles Grady 70

Dyberry Twp. Supervisor

✔ John F. Walker 99

Edward H. Fritsch 44

Lake Twp. Supervisor

✔ Timothy Jaggars 257

Charles White 173

Paupack Twp. Supervisor

✔ Bruce Chandler 94

Randy Glosenger 38

John Barnett 31

Preston Twp. Supervisor

✔ J.C. Neu 71

Beverly A. Watson 22

Texas Twp. Supervisor

✔ Allan Wickle 91

Paul Sprague 82

Western Wayne School Director

Region 1

Republican

✔ Andrew J. Gaudenzi 205

✔ Donald H. McDonough 198

James Salak 157

Andy Falonk 80

Forest City Regional School Director

Region 1

Republican

✔ Linda Zefran 38

Mary Costanzo 36

Democrat

✔ Mary Costanzo 49 Linda Zefran 29

PIKE COUNTY

COUNTY SHERIFF

✔ Philip Bueki 2097

Nancy E. Price 673

MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE, 60-3-02

✔ Shannon L. Muir 419

Mark E. Moulton 313

MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE, 60-3-04

✔ Paul Menditto 260

Robert A. Bowell 106

EAST STROUDSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Republican

✔ Gary Summers 179

✔ Mike Meachem 173

✔ Joyce A. Billeck 162

✔ Robert A. McLaughlin Jr. 146

Ryan Stevens 130

Bob Gress 118

Bob Cooke 114

Democrat

✔ Mike Meachem 189

✔ Gary Summers 161

✔ Joyce A. Billeck 151

✔ Ryan Stevens 123

Robert A. McLaughlin Jr. 119

Bob Cooke 105

Bob Gress 92

Community mainstay and former Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce executive Jeffrey A. Rubel died Monday, leaving behind a legacy of service.

He was 69.

Retiring from his post at the chamber in 2010, Mr. Rubel devoted even more time for volunteer activities. At the time of his death, he was chairman of the Howard Gardner School in Scranton and president of the Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Even as he spent several months a year in Florida, Mr. Rubel spent nearly as many hours conferencing with community groups in which he was active as he did on the golf course, recalled friend Ed Monsky.

"He was enjoying his retirement, but didn't seem to have much time to enjoy it," Mr. Monsky said. "Giving back to the community was just part of who he was and he loved it."

Among the general public, Mr. Rubel may be best known as the long-time host of the WVIA-TV auction, which he hosted in the event's early days as a volunteer. He distinguished himself and the fundraiser by his humor, often wearing plaid pants and funny hats to keep viewers' and bidders' interest.

In his career, he was a marketing and sales professional. For nearly two decades he was a vice president at the chamber, where he worked to bridge a gap between employer and educator, connecting students to in-demand careers through Skills in Scranton.

Phil Condron, past acting executive director of the chamber, lauded Mr. Rubel's vision and ability to coordinate between employers and schools.

"He was able to see opportunities and develop the programs to meet the needs of employers," he said.

With a well-known sense of humor and public speaking skills, Mr. Rubel often hosted charity auctions or served as toastmaster for events.

No matter what activity Mr. Rubel engaged in, whether the Jewish Community Center as a child, Penn State University as a student or the Glen Oak Country Club as an adult, Mr. Rubel would go on to claim a leadership position. Penn State honored him as Alumnus of the Year.

Friends were shocked by Mr. Rubel's sudden passing.

Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

He lost six brothers and five sisters in the Holocaust.

Now 91, Sam Rosen said he is the only Holocaust survivor left in Scranton.

The thought is terrible, he said, but it makes events like the Teen Symposium on the Holocaust all the more important. "I've got a new family now," he said. "It's nice to be together with all the other survivors."

A group of survivors of the World War II atrocity gathered Tuesday at the 25th anniversary recognition dinner at the Scranton Jewish Community Center. It celebrated the silver anniversary of the symposium, a two-day event that this year gave about 1,450 students and teachers from more than 20 schools a chance to meet with survivors and liberators and learn about the Holocaust.

Tova Weiss, 62, was honored for her role as the Holocaust Education Resource Center director. She spearheaded the event for the past 18 years, though she noted this year's festivities were coordinated by Mary Ann Answini.

"It's extremely rewarding to have seen the program grow, to see so much more interest in the Holocaust," Ms. Weiss said. "It has been inspirational for me to meet some of the people."

She said students who have attended the symposium over the years often return, even after graduation, as volunteers.

That included 16-year-old Timothy Shaffer of Lake Ariel. In fourth grade, he brought his school project on Anne Frank to share with survivors at the symposium. Now a sophomore at Western Wayne, he spoke at the event.

"It's made me realize how significant the Holocaust is and how many were affected," he said of his experience.

Continued education of students gives context and legitimacy to the World War II events, which some try to deny, said Mark Silverberg, executive director of the Jewish Federation.

"You say 1 million people, it's a number," he said. The symposium shows "the faces of the children, who have done nothing wrong and have the world waiting for them, who were killed."

"We try to show the difference between right and wrong," he added.

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

AH grad receives

Army scholarship

SOUTH ABINGTON TWP. - An Abington Heights alumna will be both a dentist and an Army captain thanks to a health professions scholarship offered by the military.

Students, teachers and family members looked on Tuesday when Kaleigh Namiotka was commissioned a lieutenant in a public ceremony in the Abington Heights High School library. The Villanova University graduate will receive a full scholarship plus a monthly stipend from the Army during her dental education at Temple University in exchange for a four-year commitment to serve at a military dental clinic. She will be promoted to a captain after dental school.

"It's an honor," Sgt. 1st Class Todd J. Brenecki said. "There are only 70 scholarships each year and she received one."

Capt. Tommy Sandmel said the scholarship is likely worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Ms. Namiotka said her closeknit family has always prioritized being "involved in something bigger than yourself."

"It means giving back to my country," she said.

The Army health professions scholarship program is also offered to qualified students pursuing graduate-level health care degrees in medical, veterinary, psychology or optometry programs, Sgt. Brenecki said.

Contact the writer: llegere@timesshamrock.com

CLIPBOARD

Archbald

Trash pickup: Borough trash pickup one day late due to the Memorial Day holiday; recycling scheduled unchanged.

East Scranton

Club meeting: 800 Club meeting Thursday, 1:30 p.m., Immac­ulate Conception Church hall, reservations and payment for luncheon accepted; refreshments and games follow.

Fleetville

Chicken barbecue: Fleetville Volunteer Fire Company, Mem­orial Day Weekend barbecue, Sunday, noon-1:30 p.m., firehouse, Route 407; $8.50/advance, $9/door, $6/half dinner; baked beans, potato salad, dessert and beverage; takeouts available; 945-3139.

Honesdale

Adoption fundraiser: Yard sale to assist the Banks family of Honesdale in raising the final $12,500 of more than $30,000 to adopt a little girl from Ethio­pia; Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Satur­day, 7 a.m.-1 p.m.; parking lot of Tabernacle Bible Church, 455 Grove St., donate directly through Pure Charity Fundrais­ing: www.purecharity.com/4onemore.

Lackawanna County

5k run/race: Holy Cross High School Crusader Classic 5K Race, June 2 registration, 7:30-8:15 a.m., race, 8:30, begins at high school, 501 E. Drinker St., ends at Guild Studios, 400 Wyo­ming Ave., Scranton; benefits track and field and cross-country teams, $20/preregistration, $23/day of race, $8/13 and under; 383-0961 or holycross cc1@comcast.net.

Bike tour: Lackawanna Heritage Valley National Bike Month fourth annual Heritage Explorer Bike Tour and Festival, June 15, bike tour, 8 a.m., festival, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Blakely Borough Recreational Complex, Peckville; www.HeritageExplorer.org.

Regional

Admissions days: Luzerne County Community College Instant Admission Days, June 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-5 p.m.; July 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 6-8 p.m.; Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 6-8 p.m., kiosk, Mall at Steamtown; 740-0399 or 800-377-LCCC, ext. 7399, www.luzerne.edu.

Scranton

Tai chi classes: Geisinger-Com­munity Medical Center tai chi classes Wednesdays, June 19-July 24, 9:30 a.m., Nay Aug Park, near Arthur Avenue side, adjacent to Gentile Pavilion; $2/session; Sharyn Wozniak, 969-8986.

Oppenheim institute: Temple Hesed 12th annual Oppenheim Institute presents Rabbi David Saperstein, June 7, 7:30 p.m. after a short Shabbat service; topic: "The Bible, The Talmud, and Social Justice;" 344-7201.

Scranton Diocese

Cathedral benefit: Tim Zimmer­man and King's Brass concert to benefit St. Peter's Cathedral, June 7, 7 p.m., 315 Wyoming Ave.; $10, $5/college students with school ID, free/children 12 and under; group discount; 344-7231, www.stpeterscathedral.org, or at door; questions: William Manley, 687-4317, wjrmanley@gmail.com; Joan Narcoonis, 383-1874, SopranoJN@comcast.net.

Wayne County

Yard sale: Wayne County Histor­ical Society benefit yard sale, May 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., drop donations of clean and lightly used household items, today-Friday, 4-6 p.m., Lock 31 House, Route 6, Palmyra Twp.; Lisa Ohliger, 614-8791.

Auxiliary speaker: Wayne Mem­orial Hospital Auxiliary dinner meeting featuring Steven J. Schein­man, M.D., president and dean of the Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton, June 3, 6 p.m, Lukan's Farm Resort, Hawley; $22, reservations required: 253-0637.

West Scranton

50/50 bingo: St. Michael's Orth­odox Church 50/50 bingo, June 2, 1 p.m., 540 N. Main Ave.; 961-1795.

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

A Clarks Summit councilwoman captured the lone Democratic spot in November's general election to serve as mayor.

Councilwoman Patty Lawler outpaced Councilman Herman Johnson in Tuesday's all-Democratic primary for a seat as borough mayor, earning nearly 70 percent of the votes, according to unofficial returns.

With no Republican in the competition, Ms. Lawler will likely be favored to win in the general election.

Clarks Summit Mayor Harry Kelly, who was elected in 2005, isn't seeking a third four-year term.

"I am so grateful for the people who came out and voted for me," Ms. Lawler said. "I think together, we can make Clarks Summit borough the heart of the Abingtons."

If elected mayor, Ms. Lawler said she would focus on grant applications, revitalizing parts of the downtown and being visible in the community.

"I think it's important to reach out to children and visit them at school to teach how important local government is," she said.

In a race for one spot on the November ballot for Clarks Summit council, incumbent Dominic Scott edged challenger M. Vincent Cruciani, capturing about 43 percent of the votes, according to unofficial results.

Mr. Scott, who was appointed to council in June, said he is focused on introducing new ideas to generate additional revenue for the cash-strapped borough.

"It has been an honor to serve on borough council, and I have plenty of ideas for the future," Mr. Scott said.

In Scott Twp., incumbent Dave Makala won a spot on November's Republican ticket for township supervisor, earning more than 60 percent of the vote, according to unofficial returns.

Mr. Makala, who was elected in 2007, has maintained that it is imperative to manage the township finances wisely, especially with the climbing sewer rates some township residents pay.

He will face Democrat Bob Noldy in the November general election. Mr. Noldy captured about 42 percent of the votes in Tuesday's Democratic primary, defeating Bob "Rocko" Mroczka and Stanley E. Stracham.

Also in the Abingtons, incumbent Tom Cerra edged challenger Gerald J. "Jerry" Snyder Jr. for the one Democratic spot in the general election for a Greenfield Twp. supervisor seat.

Mr. Cerra, who has served as supervisor since 1975, earned 52 percent of the votes, according to unofficial returns. He plans to monitor natural gas development, to ensure the township water wells remain safe.

Results for the Lackawanna Trail School Board Region 1 race between incumbent Kevin Mulhern and challenger Albert William Olive were unavailable from Wyoming County.

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

aBINGTON hEIGHTS sCHOOL BOARD

Region 1

✔ Michele M. Tierney (D) 731

✔ Michele M. Tierney (R) 576

Region 2

✔ Michele M. Pusateri (R) 622

✔ Michele M. Pusateri (D) 587

Region 3

✔ Jeanne Cadman (D) 438

✔ Jeanne Cadman (R) 414

At large

✔ Louise Class Brzuchalski (D) 1607

✔ Louise Class Brzuchalski (R) 1487

Benton Twp. supervisor

✔ Bonnie Rosiak (R) 152

Benton Twp. tax collector

✔ Donita Wright (R) 179

Clarks Green council

Democrat

✔ David J. Rinaldi 181

✔ Alan F. Hughes 126

Republican

✔ Joe Barrasse 97

Clarks Green mayor

✔ William Thorburn (D) 192

Clarks Green tax collector

✔ Janice F. Brown (D) 225

Clarks Summit mayor

✔ Patty Lawler (D) 423

Herman Johnson (D) 192

Clarks Summit council

Democrat, 4-year

✔ Gerrie Carey 446

✔ Patrick Williams 347

✔ Jim Klein 306

Republican, 4-year

✔ M. Vincent Cruciani 304

✔ Robert A. Bennett 271

Republican, 2-year

✔ Dominic Scott 182

M. Vincent Cruciani 133

Robert A. Bennett 100

Clarks Summit tax collector

Democrat

✔ Kathy Drake 433

Republican

✔ Judy A. Belch 384

Dalton council

✔ John W. Montgomery (R) 85

✔ Jared Gard (R) 77

✔ Gus Vlassis (R) 79

Dalton mayor

✔ Aaron Holzman (R) 94

Dalton Tax collector

✔ Margaret Peg Sheppard (R) 110

Glenburn Twp. Supervisor

✔ Michael T. Savitsky (R) 110

Greenfield Twp. Supervisor

Democrat

✔ Tom Cerra 171

Gerald J. Snyder Jr. 157

Republican

✔ J. Eric Hendrickson 94

Greenfield Twp. Tax Collector

Republican

✔ Donald J. Flynn 177

Lackawanna TraIl School District

Region 3

✔ Edward J. Clarke (R) 131

✔ Edward J. Clarke (D) 125

La plume Twp. Supervisor

✔ Liza A. Huffsmith (D) 22

La Plume Twp. tax collector

✔ Clyde E. Ellsworth (R) 24

N. Abington Twp. Supervisor

✔ Thomas Mundrake (R) 48

N. Abington Twp. tax collector

✔ Betty L. Opsasnick (R) 50

Newton Twp. Supervisor

Robert Naegele 180

John J. Shaffer 103

Newton Twp. Tax Collector

✔ Ruth E. Hayden (R) 268

Ransom Twp. supervisor

✔ David W. Bird Jr. (R) 127

✔ Robert Lukasiewicz (D) 69

Ransom Twp. Tax collector

✔ Lenay Blackwell (R) 108

Jeane Chilcote (R) 24

Scott Twp. Supervisor

✔ Bob Noldy (D) 155

Bob "Rocko" Mroczka (D) 113

Stanley E. Stracham (D) 101

✔ Dave Makala (R) 104

Thomas J. Smith (R) 59

Scott Twp. Tax Collector

✔ Michael R. Ciuccoli Sr. (D) 309

S. Abington Twp. Supervisor

✔ Giles W. Stanton (R) 343

Waverly Twp. Supervisor

✔ Michael Hoban (R) 168

✔ Douglas Klamp (D) 159

Waverly Twp. tax collector

✔ Ilona Thurston (D) 168

Man charged in drunken rampage

HONESDALE - A borough man was arrested and charged with criminal mischief, institutional vandalism and public drunkenness Tuesday morning.

Robert Vessecchia, 30, knocked over 25 trash cans and 11 U.S. Postal Service mailboxes throughout downtown Honesdale, with his drunken rampage ending around 4 a.m. at the Turkey Hill Minit Market on Main Street, police said. After police took him into custody, he kicked a door in the booking area, causing damage, police said.

Mr. Vessecchia is being held in Wayne County Correctional Facility in lieu of $2,500 bail, police said.

Feds indict 10 on drug charges

WILKES-BARRE - A federal grand jury on Tuesday indicted 10 people in a drug conspiracy responsible for distributing bulk heroin and cocaine across Luzerne County, according to court records.

Court records show most of the defendants were taken into custody last week.

The grand jury indicted the defendants on allegations they possessed with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin, more than 500 grams of cocaine and more than 28 grams of crack, as well as undisclosed amounts of Ecstasy - which goes by the street name Molly - and marijuana. The indictment says the alleged conspirators operated from June until last week.

Charged are: Teresa Bradigan; Alejandro Delrosario; Christopher "Hov" Gayton; Zacharae "S.P." Lowe; Justin "Bracks" Murphy; Richard "Mega" Murphy, aka Rich and Christian; Damon Murray; Michael "Danger" Murray; William "Pretty" Patterson; and Ashlee Taylor.

The U.S. attorney's office was unable to immediately provide ages and addresses for the defendants.

Farmers market vouchers available

SCRANTON - Maternal and Family Health Services will distribute farmers market vouchers through its Women, Infant and Children Nutrition Centers to help families buy fresh produce from Pennsylvania farmers.

Qualifying WIC participants can receive $20 in vouchers for produce between June 1 and Nov. 30, according to a news release from Maternal and Family Health Services.

Women who are pregnant, breast-feeding or postpartum, along with children between 2 and 5 years old, are eligible. For more information, visit www.mfhs.org or call 800-367-6347.

Conservation group gets grant

SCRANTON - A $4,116 Coldwater Conservation Planning Grant will help the Lackawanna County Conservation District monitor six tributaries of the Lackawanna River, the group announced Tuesday.

Cheryl Nolan, the group's watershed specialist, said the money will pay for meters, testing kits and chemicals to analyze river water, as well as expenses for two college interns who aid in the project.

The group is trying to find out if tributaries are degrading the river from Wildcat Creek in Archbald to Leggets Creek in Scranton, or if urbanization is causing the section to be more unhealthy than other sections of river, she said.

The grant was offered through a partnership of Trout Unlimited, DCNR and PA Fish and Boat Commission.