The Pennsylvania Supreme Court this week said they will not hear convicted killer Neil Pal’s appeal.

The decision marks another blow to the 29-year-old’s continuing bid for a new trial in the 2013 murder of Frank Bonacci, 23.

A jury found Pal, of Scranton, guilty in June 2014 of first-degree murder as an accomplice for Bonacci’s killing. He is serving a life sentence at the maximum security state prison in Greene County.

The state’s high court denied his petition Wednesday.

Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell said his office was pleased with the decision. Pal still can appeal to the federal courts, but Powell does not believe his claims now have any merit.

A phone message left today for Pal’s appellate attorney, David Foster, of Costopoulos, Foster & Fields in Lemoyne, was not returned.

Pal admitted at trial that he drove co-defendant Jason Dominick and Bonacci to an area off Ridge Row in Scranton after a late-night party that summer at Pal’s Linden Street home.

Pal testified he thought Dominick and Bonacci would fight. Dominick shot him in the head instead.

Dominick, 29, is serving a 40-to-80-year sentence at a maximum security state prison in Fayette County for a third-degree murder conviction.

The state Supreme Court’s denial relates to Pal’s appeal under the state’s Post Conviction Collateral Relief Act, in which a defendant raises issues not previously reviewed. Pal filed the appeal after both the state’s Superior Court and Supreme Court upheld his conviction in 2016.

In his appeal, Pal argued that his trial attorneys, Matt Comerford and Paul Walker, failed him when they said he should decline the prosecution’s offer that he plead guilty to third-degree murder and do 20 to 40 years in prison.

Lackawanna County Judge Terrence Nealon, who oversaw the trial, rejected Pal’s claims. Comerford testified at a hearing that Pal turned the plea deal down — “he didn’t consider it,” he said.

Dominick, too, is seeking a new trial with the argument that his attorney, Bernard Brown, was ineffective.

Nealon recently rejected that claim and upheld Dominick’s conviction.

Contact the writer: jkohut@timesshamrock.com, 570-348-9144; @jkohutTT on Twitter

MARRIAGE LICENSES

■ Heather Anne Schield and David Lawrence Turock, both of Lauderdale by the Sea, Fla.

■ Jeffrey John DeLuca, Scranton, and Christina Lee Pearson, Nanticoke.

■ James Charles Bell and Jennifer Louise Rabbe, both of Dalton.

■ Wanda Ann Ashley and Shawn Lamont Dicks, both of Scranton.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

■ Gregory L. and Amanda L. Boring, Clarks Summit, to Christopher and Elizabeth M. Musso, Clarks Summit; a property at 903 Elaines Circle, South Abington Twp., for $409,900.

■ Duane T. and Jeanne A. Dixon, South Abington Twp., to Ismail Onat, South Abington Twp.; a property at 500 Bobcat Lane, South Abington Twp., for $243,000.

■ Dylan Kaspriskie and Rita Thomas, Thornhurst Twp., as joint tenants with rights of survivorship, to Eugene and Jeannette Flower; a property at 28 Kimberly Lane, Thornhurst Twp., for $100,000.

■ Keith and Katlyn Galinsky, Carbondale, and Michael and Darlene Galinsky, Carbondale, to James Matthew and Taylor Leigh Noldy, Carbondale; a property at 312 Franklin St., Jermyn, for $100,700.

■ Prosell LLC, Tannersville, to Jesse J. and Tami Martin, Spring Brook Twp.; a property at 10 Joni Drive, Spring Brook Twp., for $235,000.

■ Wells Fargo Bank Frederick, Md., to Lynn and Kenneth Frank Marino, Peckville; a property at 735 Peach St., Blakely, for $55,055.

■ David J. and Sandra Baluta to Roundwoods Realty LLC; a property on Bryn Mawr Street, Scranton, for $51,000.

■ Evelyn Bowen, South Abington Twp., to Oscar Pacheo and Canan Guler, San Antonio, Texas; a property at 2 Driftwood Road, South Abington Twp., for $225,000.

■ Carolyn Clark, now by marriage Carolyn Russo, and Ronald C.J. Russo, Jefferson Twp., to Steven J. Wallace and Adam Davis, Scranton; a property at Moosic Lakes, Jefferson Twp., for $265,000.

■ Advanced Metals Assets Co. LLC to Advanced Precision Products LLC; a property in Olyphant for $700,000.

■ Joyce M. Mathews, Dickson City, to Natalie R. Serafini, Olyphant; a property at 608 Main St., Dickson City, for $50,000.

■ 1916 Prospect Ave. LLC, Olyphant, to Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal MIRAM Regional Atlantico Medio Inc., Harrisburg; two parcels in Scranton for $48,000.

■ Eileen McAlarney, Archbald, to Joseph and Beverly Thomas, Jessup; a property at 714 Miles Ave., Dickson City, for $190,000.

■ Jamee L. Ruddy, Simpson, to Roseann M. Richards, Clifford Twp.; a property at 77 Jefferson St., Fell Twp., for $93,000.

■ Kimberly A. Jasuta, Taylor, to Adam William Yngelmo, Old Forge; a property at 511 S. Main St., Taylor, for $188,000.

■ AAA North Penn, Scranton, successor to and/or formerly known as AAA Motor Club of Northeast Pa., to Martier Realty Co. LLC, Greenfield Twp.; two parcels at 18 S. Main St., Carbondale, for $25,000.

■ Outlook Properties LLC, Jefferson Twp., to Brandon C. and Kaylin Wiestling, Lackawanna County; a property in Jefferson Twp. for $40,000.

■ Guy Mazzarella and Kellie A. Gowdy, Enfield, Conn., to Patrick F. Gerrity, Scranton; a property at 129 Sand St., Dunmore, for $67,500.

■ G C Real Estate LLC, Dunmore, to Kage Properties LLC, Harding; a property at 755-757 N. Main Ave., Scranton, for $80,555.

■ Cheryl and Russell Keen, South Abington Twp., to Craig A. Hoenie and Ana Mojtahedi, South Abington Twp.; a property at 1215 Audubon Drive, South Abington Twp., for $312,000.

■ Roseann Rouff, Brackney, Mary Roma, Binghamton, N.Y., and Carol C. Burti, Clarks Green, to Matthew Petrini, Old Forge; a property on East Morton Street, Old Forge, for $133,000.

■ Michael A. and Luz M. Booth, Williamsburg, Va., to Anthony F. Parise II, Old Forge; a property at 539-541 Grace St., Old Forge, for $134,100.

■ Richard E. and Karen A. Lynch, Scranton, to James Donald Miller, Scranton; a property at 222 Swartz St., Dunmore, for $156,000.

■ Gregory E. Gagorik, trustee for Gregory E. Gagorik Revocable Trust Agreement, Lackawanna County, to Richard A. and Jacqueline Lopez, Old Forge; a property at 104 Rock Ridge Drive, South Abington Twp., for $640,000.

■ B & S Realty, by Christopher Simrell, managing member, Scranton, to Lucky 8S LLC, Plymouth Meeting; a property at 3245-3247 Pittston Ave., Scranton, for $140,000.

■ Jackie K. and Mary Anne Mead to Kevin Gonzalez; a property at 1013 Hickory St., Scranton, for $84,000.

■ Robert and Maryann Evonits, Greenfield Twp., to Joseph Natale, Scott Twp.; a property in Scott Twp. for $159,000.

■ Lorena Perry, Gouldsboro, to ASA Realty LLC, Moscow; a property at 203 River St., Olyphant, for $35,000.

■ Kriger Development Corp., Scranton, to Michael and Jennifer Lewczuk, Lackawanna County; a property in Archbald for $52,000.

■ Kevin and Cori McElemore to Lance Stuart Hamilton; a property at 104 Fairway Drive, Newton Twp., for $380,000.

■ Erica Riecke, now by marriage Erica Arthur, and William L. Arthur, to Tanya E. Scott; a property at 210 Sunnyside Ave., South Abington Twp., for $149,900.

DIVORCE SOUGHT

■ Jasmin Pantoia, Scranton v. Erick Johnson, address unknown; Aug. 15, 2013, in Brooklyn, N.Y.; pro se.

ESTATES FILED

■ Myron N. Ponzely, 409 Boulevard Ave., Dickson City, letters testamentary to Karen M. Ponzely Litak, 4826 Rainbow Circle, Schwenksville.

■ Helen T. Paparelli, 134 East St., Eynon, letters testamentary to Joseph D. Paparelli, 350 Hill St., Peckville.

■ Shirley Keenan, also known as Shirley W. Keenan, 2170 Motichka Road, Madison Twp., letters testamentary to Cynthia Hanstein Rinaldi, 2310 Motichka Road, Madison Twp.

BENCH WARRANTS

Judge Thomas Munley has issued the following bench warrants for failure to appear on fines and costs:

■ Michael Camerino, 1000 Gino Merli Drive, Peckville; $320.50.

■ Cierra Phillips, rear 344 Maple St., Scranton; $338.

■ Billy Dean Oxendine, 106 W. Sunset Drive, Red Springs, N.C.; $831.50.

■ Angel Ortiz, 1132 Luzerne St., Scranton; $6,528.57.

■ Luis C. Ortiz, 1286 Franklin St., floor 2, Old Forge; $4,397.

■ Jason Nowinski, 1413 Hungry Road, Henrico, Va.; $1,164.50.

■ Arsenio Trot Northern, 8 E. Mowry St., Chester; $841.50.

■ John P. Nazar, 505 Meade St., 2, Dunmore; $708.50.

■ Theresa Lee Mulea, 2211 Golden Ave., Scranton; $621.75.

■ David Wayne Morton, 1139 W. Linden St., Allentown; $4,248.22.

■ Shyla Monserrate, 1916 Jackson St., Scranton; $991.50.

■ Dashawn Mitchell, 319 Tinsman Ave., Williamsport; $1,873.50.

■ Marc Misiura, 1020 Martarano Drive, Throop; $3,926.50.

■ Debbie McWilliams, 1629 Pittston Ave., Apt. 2, Scranton; $466.

■ Richard McFarlin, 1417 Capouse Ave., Scranton; $930.

■ Axel Martinez, 137 W. Market St., Scranton; $1,390.

■ Haley M. Knight, 214 Willow St., Dunmore; $1,885.

■ Celia Feistel, 894 W. Main St., Plymouth; $1,870.

■ Arthur Colewell, 36 N. Church St., Apt. 10, Carbondale; $1,006.50.

■ Tyler J. Cavalari, 323 Orchard St., Old Forge; $1,533.

ONLINE: thetimes-tribune.com/courts

Local subscribers to DirecTV are without two local channels’ programing because of disputes with its parent company, AT&T.

Both WBRE-TV Channel 28, the NBC affiliate, and WSWB-TV Channel 38, the CW affiliate, are blacked out on much of the local DirecTV service area.

AT&T failed to reach a new deal with telecom company Nexstar, and Nexstar says 120 channels across 97 markets in the U.S. fell blank on Thursday, including WBRE-TV in Wilkes-Barre. Instead of showing local news affiliates, customers saw only a message from DirecTV stating that Nexstar had removed the channel.

Both companies are pointing blame at the other for the blackout. AT&T says it offered Nexstar more money to keep the channels available. Nexstar says it offered AT&T an extension to keep the channels up while negotiations continued, but AT&T dropped the channels.

“Nexstar has chosen to hold our customers in Wilkes-Barre and Scranton hostage and put them into the center of its negotiations,” read a statement from DirecTV.

A statement on CW 38 WSWB-TV’s Facebook page said: “The retransmission agreement with DirecTV to carry the station recently expired and after several extensions DirecTV and the CW38 WSWB were not able to reach an agreement that allows for further carriage of the station.”

The station urge subscribers to call DirecTV to urge the parties to come to an agreement.

Representatives from WBRE-TV could not be reached for comment.

Viewers can watch WBRE and WSWB over the air on channels 28 and 38 and often online at the station websites. NBC and CW typically stream primetime series at NBC.com and cwtv.com and to fans using the NBC and CW mobile apps.

A nonprofit that raised money to build Lackawanna County’s main hiking and biking trail plans to expand its reach by hiring its own full-time executive director.

Until now, Heritage Valley Partners, founded in January 2008, exclusively supported the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, the heritage trail’s main driving force. When its own executive director comes on board, probably late this summer, the organization will branch out to help other groups aiming to enhance local life, said L.P. Frieder, Heritage Valley Partners board chairman.

About 15 to 20 people applied for the job, Frieder said. Information on the annual salary was unavailable.

“We’re excited about it,” he said. “We, as a board, put a lot of time into thinking through how best we could impact the work that many organizations want to do within the community and (we) feel that this is a good path forward to fill the void.”

For one, Frieder said, Heritage Valley Partners envisions tapping students at Marywood University’s architecture school to design modest local projects, an idea already under discussion with the school. The architecture school at Tulane University in New Orleans does that to aid community-based organizations for “projects that strengthen neighborhoods and contribute to a city shaped by its citizens,” according to Tulane’s website.

“There are many organizations that have projects that can really create positive impact on the community,” Frieder said. “It could be preserving history or improving quality of life or creating a recreational resource. ... The more we can work together with other organizations, ... the more we can keep people here and attract people to the area, whether it’s to live or visit.”

Heritage Valley Partners will still help the authority, but the new executive director will help raise more money and help identify other projects worthy of funding, Frieder said.

In 2017, the most recent data available, Heritage Valley Partners raised $152,153 in grants and contributions, down from $257,349 in 2016.

“If we’re trying to do other things that are beyond what their (the authority’s) priority is, it’s not really fair or appropriate for us to ask their resources to support that additional work,” Frieder said. “We’re not reinventing the wheel. We’re trying to learn from other organizations that have been very successful in other areas of the country to try to replicate their success and, at the same time, design it around the uniqueness of our community and make sure we’re doing it in a way that serves our community well.”

Natalie Gelb, the authority’s former executive director and a force behind establishing Heritage Valley Partners, said the authority organized the nonprofit group because a nonprofit can attract funding from foundations and individual donors that a politically appointed authority cannot. The county commissioners appoint the authority’s board members, and the partners’ bylaws govern its board appointments.

“People aren’t going to give to an authority,” Gelb said. “A lot of (charitable) foundations will give to a 501(c)(3) (nonprofit). ... I’m just thrilled this wonderful group of people is so committed to the future.”

Contact the writer:

bkrawczeniuk@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9147;

@BorysBlogTT on Twitter

SCRANTON — Students from Hungary spent the Fourth of July at a cookout at a local lake, kayaking on the water and watching exploding fireworks once the sun went down.

The Independence Day celebration was part of the Professor Jay Nathan, Ph.D., Cultural Immersion Scholarship Program run through Keystone College in La Plume Twp.

Since the nine students from the area of Pécs arrived in Northeast Pennsylvania on June 24, they have participated in an array of lectures at the college, visited local and national landmarks and even performed community service.

Nathan is a Fulbright scholar and board member who retired as a tenured professor from the University of Scranton. A Clarks Summit resident for the past 36 years, he is also a world traveler and learner who established an endowment for the Keystone College program devoted to providing an American experience for international students from Central Europe, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Thailand, Nepal or India.

Nathan said the Hungarian students are very curious and have been keeping journals about their time on the East Coast.

Virag Rab, a history professor at the University of Pécs, was chaperoning the trip. Her daughter, Jancso Borbala, 14, a rising eighth grader, joined her in the United States.

Jancso said the country is “not easy” but more colorful. She also found people to be more kind and more open than in Hungary.

She also noted that classes here feature more hands-on activity, including one at Keystone where students extracted DNA from strawberries. Jancso showed off photos of the DNA double helix that the class made out of Legos.

And while the students are based at Keystone, they’ve taken trips to visit the Statue of Liberty and Times Square in New York City and also learned about the history of the United States in Philadelphia.

The immersion experience helps the Hungarian students see their lives from abroad and teaches them to open their minds to different cultures, Rab said.

Contact the writer:

kbolus@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5114;

@kbolusTT on Twitter

SCOTT TWP. — Rows of colorful flowers will soon sprout in a barren field in time for a late summer festival at the rebranded Lakeland Orchard and Cidery.

The former Roba Family Orchard changed names this year to avoid confusion between the family’s farms — the other is in North Abington Twp. — while also expanding its offerings to a more adult crowd, including a larger hard cider garden.

“I hope it’s a more enjoyable experience for families and adults,” said Jennifer Roba, manager of the orchard.

Owned by the Roba family, the orchard, going into its seventh operating season, will now offer live music every Saturday and Sunday from Aug. 17 to Oct. 14, along with apple picking from 15 acres of trees.

They’re also creating an area for ax throwing, the bar sport growing in popularity across the country.

The Robas chose the name Lakeland to honor the farm’s location, said Jeffrey Roba, who helps his sister and family run the orchard and cidery.

“Everybody always knew it as the Lakeland farm,” he said. The orchard is also located down the road from Lakeland High School on the highest point in Scott Twp.

The Robas noticed the crowd at the orchard is younger adults and more millennials.

“A lot of what they want is an experience, is the perfect picture to tell all their friends about,” said Jeffrey Roba.

This year, in addition to 5 to 6 acres of sunflowers, they planted zinnias: shorter flowers in an array of colors that grow on bushes and resemble sunflowers. Guests can snap pictures in the fields and pluck a flower to take home.

While the hard cider is not currently made at the farm — the apples are shipped to Southern Pennsylvania and turned alcoholic — brewing cider in Scott Twp. is in the orchard’s future, said Jeffrey Roba.

“We really wanted to kind of tell people we’re doing it and bring them along on that journey,” he said.

The cider garden offers different types of hard ciders ranging from dry to sweet and this year will feature new food stands including a gourmet burger shop and barbecue.

“We opened the orchard in 2013 and the first couple years it was just apple picking,” said Jennifer Roba. “It was me in a tent saying, ‘Hi, do you want to buy some apples’ and it has totally grown from there.”

The expanding orchard is just another facet of their successful seasonal businesses.

Whether at the North Abington Twp. farm, which sells pumpkins in the fall, or the orchard, which also grows Christmas Trees, the family works year-round to dream up new attractions for guests.

Jeffrey Roba said he visits farms across the country, including in California and Utah, with his father, John Roba, and attends “agritainment” trade shows to get ideas.

The Lakeland Orchard and Cidery will kick off its season officially on Aug. 17 with the zinnia festival. The farm’s popular sunflower festival and apple picking begins Aug. 30.

Previously purchased season passes are still good for both locations, regardless of the name change, said Jeffrey Roba.

For details on upcoming events or the lineup of live music, visit the Lakeland Orchard & Cidery Facebook page or www.lakelandorchard.com.

Contact the writer:

kbolus@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9100 x5114;

@kbolusTT on Twitter

Carbondale

Community luncheon: Free community luncheon, Saturday, July 20, noon-1 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 58 River St.

Concert event: The Old Time Fiddlers traditional music concert, Friday, July 19, 7:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 20 N. Church St., $10/adults, $8/under 12 and free/under 5; 570-224-6330, theoldtimefiddlers@yahoo.com or theoldtimefiddlers.com.

South Scranton

Free meal: Free hot meal, today, 1-3 p.m., St. Stanislaus Youth Center, 530 E. Elm St.; 570-343-6017.

CLIPBOARD ITEMS may be sent to yesdesk@timessham

rock.com or Clipboard, c/o YES!Desk, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. YES!Desk, 570-348-9121.

Q: First, let me start off by saying that I am 72 going on 62. I have a 2014 Honda CR-V with over 34,000 miles on it.

I am thinking that I want a new Odyssey because I have had them in the past and because of new safety features, like blind spot warning and all the other stuff you guys always recommend.

My question would be, what is my CR-V worth in a trade-in? Whatever help you can give me would be much appreciated. Thank you.

— DOROTHY

A: Well, there are several ways to figure out the value of your car, Dorothy.

My brother figured out the value of his cars by leaving them unlocked with the keys in the ignition. When no one stole them in a week, he had a pretty good idea of the value.

What you should do is start by going to a website like kbb.com. Click on “Get Trade In Value” and fill in your information. That’ll give you a guess as to what it’s worth.

While you’re there, have a look at the “trade-in value” versus the “private-sale value.” You’ll notice that you’ll get about 15 to 20% more for your car by selling it yourself. You might want to consider that.

A better way to value your car for private sale is to see what similar cars are selling for in the real world. How do you do that? Try a couple of websites. First, try Craigslist. That’s where you’ll find people selling their own cars. Look for 2013-2015 CR-Vs with mileage similar to yours. My guess is you’ll find that they’re selling for $13,000-$15,000.

Next, check out used CR-Vs at cars.com. You’ll find mostly ads from dealers there, so the prices will be higher than in a private sale. But again, it’ll help you figure out what similar cars are selling for, and what your competition is. For instance, if you see a similar CR-V selling for $17,000 from a dealer, you know that if you list yours for $15,500, it’ll look like a good deal to buyers.

Once you’ve done your research, you can also ask the dealer what he’ll give you for a trade-in and compare that to what you’d get in a private sale. If the difference is 2,000 to 3,000 bucks, you might decide it’s worth the trouble to sell it yourself. Or commission a grandkid to do it for you.

Now, about the Odyssey. You’re absolutely right that we recommend forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert for everybody. Especially 72-year-olds going on 62 like you, Dorothy. But you don’t have to get an Odyssey in order to get all that stuff. You can buy a new CR-V with that safety equipment if you like your current car.

If you love the Odyssey, and you want to tote around six grandkids, some 4-by-8 sheets of plywood and a couple of refrigerators, by all means, get the van. But it’s a big vehicle, and if you don’t need something that large, you can get the safety equipment you need on almost any vehicle now. So don’t feel limited.

An internet meme has been making the rounds lately, pointing out just how homogenized the U.S. compact-crossover market has become, packed bumper-to-bumper as it is with vehicles virtually identical to each other save for manufacturer badges and some minor cosmetic flourishes.

The meme’s intent was to point out the fallacy that the private market will deliver the greatest variety for consumers, when in fact it seems consumers all want basically the same thing.

So into this comes the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, which debuted as a 2018 model, has utterly nothing to do with the now-defunct Eclipse coupe, and rolls into the current model year largely unchanged. The Japanese automaker obviously has been studying the market segment, because its newest entry certainly ticks off all the right boxes in terms of profile, dimensions, powertrain and so forth.

So successful was Mitsubishi’s design effort that I was temporarily bumfuzzled after leaving a doctor’s appointment, absent-mindedly first trying to open the door of a gray Honda CR-V, then reaching for the door handle of a gray Nissan Rogue, before stepping back and spotting the unique split-rear-glass design on our gray Eclipse Cross tester.

So, if “fitting in” with the crowd was Mitsubishi’s aim, they have succeeded beyond their wildest imaginations.

There are five trim levels offered — ES, LE S-AWC, SPS-AWC, SE S-AWC and SEL S-AWC — all of which are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four gas engine (152 horsepower and 184 foot-pounds of torque) that’s connected to a continuously variable transmission. All-wheel-drive is standard on all models except the base ES, for which it’s available as an option.

Pricing starts at $23,595 for the FWD ES model and tops out $4,600 north of that for a top-dawg SEL S-AWC (short for “Super All-Wheel Control”). ES models are well-equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED running lights, rearview camera, split-folding rear seating that slides and reclines, automatic climate control, foglights and more.

Topping out the range, the SEL S-AWC’s standard kit includes leather upholstery, power-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry and ignition, safety systems like blind-spot warning and cross-traffic alert, six-speaker audio, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and more.

Mitsubishi provided a nicely equipped SE S-AWC for a week of commuting and kid deliveries. Its $26,695 base price fetched upgraded cloth upholstery, illuminated vanity mirrors, 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, an enhanced interactive LCD infotainment display that also shows the AWD system’s S-AWC distribution, center console-mounted touch-pad control, dual USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and more. A couple of piddly options ($190 for a cargo cover and $135 for floor mats) plus $995 for delivery brought the final asking price to $28,015.

As mentioned at the start, this newest horse in the Mitsubishi barn matches its competitors in terms of basic shape and accommodation. The manufacturer amped up the exterior, though, with elaborate design flourishes, the greatest of which involve the rear taillight clusters and flashy-but-annoyingly-unnecessary split rear-glass design. As with other vehicles (hello, Toyota Prius and Kia Niro), it obstructs rearward sightlines.

The cabin feels intimate but still reasonably roomy for adults in the front and medium-sized kids in the back. The dark gray-on-black palette is accented with aluminized plastic inserts that are complemented by plenty of soft-to-the-touch dashboard and door panel covers. Instrumentation is well placed and easy to read and operate, although the console-mounted infotainment touch pad requires a bit of practice.

The turbo-four engine delivers more than enough oomph to propel the Eclipse Cross through the daily demands of driving. The CVT is programmed to deliver fuel efficiency at the expense of acceleration, though, so I occasionally found myself punching the gas and employing the faux-eight-speed manumatic mode to deliver a quicker step.

Handling is precise and predictable but hardly sporting. Overall ride quality is very good, although some might find the suspension tuning too stiff. There’s 22.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row bench, which swells to 48.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SE 1.5T S-AWC

Vehicle type: Four-door, five-passenger compact all-wheel-drive crossover.

Base/as-tested prices: $26,695/$28,015.

Engine and transmission: 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four gas engine (152 horsepower, 184 foot-pounds torque), continuously variable transmission.

EPA estimates: 25 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined.

The good: Entering second model year following a successful 2018 debut; stylish exterior and interior; punchy turbocharged inline-four delivers power smoothly; solidly screwed together; comfortable and well-designed cabin; good cargo capacity; attractively priced.

The bad: Ride quality gets busy over imperfect pavement; not particularly sporty to drive; fussy Bluetooth interface and voice recognition system; split rear-glass design obstructs rearward sightlines.

Bottom line: Mitsubishi’s thoroughly modern compact crossover has the goods to compete in a very tough market segment.

July 6, 1959

Manhunt for escaped inmates

State police were on the hunt for two escaped inmates from the Wayne County Prison.

According to police, Mario Marrero and Robert Kuchs walked out of the prison on the Fourth of July. After their escape, it was believed the pair tried to steal a pickup from a home in Honesdale but were only able to get way with two rifles and ammunition from the residence.

State police borrowed bloodhounds from the New York State Police to track the pair, who were believed to still be in the Honesdale area.

Marrero and Kuchs were both being held at the Wayne County Prison on auto theft and burglary charges.

Strike set at bus company

The unionized workers of the Scranton Transit Co. informed officials at Scranton City Hall they intended to strike. A spokesperson for the union did not say when the strike would start.

Speaking with The Scranton Times, company President Harry Weinberg said there had been “a 25% loss in riders during the life of the three-year contract with the union which expired last Tuesday (June 30),” which limited “the kind of an offer which can be made to the workers.”

Weinberg also indicated the bus company would be seeking approval of a fare increase from the state Public Utility Commission.

Shopping list

Chuck steak was 49 cents per pound, a pound of hot dogs was 49 cents, a half pound of Muenster cheese was 37 cents, two bottles of Crystal Club soda were 33 cents, two cans of frozen orange juice concentrate were 47 cents, butter was 65 cents per pound, a box of 100 tea bags was $1.23, and two packages of paper napkins were 59 cents.

BRIAN FULTON, library manager, oversees The Times-Tribune’s expansive digital and paper archives and is an authority on local history. Contact Brian at bfulton@timesshamrock.com or 570-348-9140.

TUNKHANNOCK — A 54-year-old Susquehanna County man could face 20 years in prison and $25,000 in fines after pleading guilty Friday to a count of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child in Wyoming County dating back to August 2006.

Edgar Joseph Southworth Jr., of 5314 Main St., Kingsley, had originally been charged with 12 counts each of rape of a child, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child and corruption of minors in addition to single counts of endangering the welfare of children and indecent assault of a person less than 13 for incidents between August 2006 and January 2007.

In a plea deal worked out between Southworth’s attorney, Timothy Michaels, and Wyoming County District Attorney Jeff Mitchell, he only faces one charge.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Trooper Christopher Higdon, the incidents happened while the girl was in Southworth’s care at a home in Lemon Twp.

The case was opened in early March when the girl revealed to a counselor that she had been molested years earlier by someone she had known.

According to the complaint, the victim said Southworth would tell her “this was all a dream,” and not to tell anyone or she would get in trouble.

Wyoming County President Judge Russell Shurtleff asked Southworth if he understood that he would also likely face lifetime registration as a sexual predator, and he nodded his head affirmatively.

The judge said Friday that Southworth would be sentenced at a later date.

Southworth is free on $75,000 bail and is to have no contact with the victim.

GUILTY PLEAS

The following defendants entered guilty pleas before Shurtleff on Friday morning:

Deborah Marie Arnold, 37, of Dallas, to retail theft Jan. 31 and DUI, second offense, Feb. 5.

Joshua Robert Bartron, 38, of Factoryville, to theft by unlawful taking June 16, 2017.

Dominick Joseph Brooks, 23, of Meshoppen, to fleeing or attempting to elude officer Feb. 9.

Justin Joseph Brower, 19, of Factoryville, to simple assault Sept. 21.

Steven Douglas Cornelius, 64, of Meshoppen, to unsworn falsification to authorities July 22, 2017.

William Thomas Dannunzio, 38, of Tunkhannock, to simple assault Feb. 11, 2017, and DUI, second offense, Feb. 12, 2017.

Gregory Dmohoski, 30, of Brooklyn, to possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia Oct. 26.

Andra L. Evancavitch, 26, of Factoryville, to recklessly endangering another person and false reports to law enforcement Oct. 27, 2017.

Steven Eugene Fenster, 38, of Tunkhannock, to DUI of a controlled substance Dec. 7, 2017.

Shane Jeremiah Garey, 46, of LeRaysville, to DUI of a controlled substance, second offense, April 26, 2015.

Dakota Charles Heintzelman, 21, of Lehighton, to DUI of a controlled substance with a minor in the vehicle May 23, 2018.

Brock Nathan Hite, 30, of Towanda, to DUI, second offense, Nov. 12.

Samantha Lynn Lacey, 20, of Mehoopany, to simple assault Aug. 19.

Daniel Christopher Lee, 33, of Belair, Md., to DUI, second offense, March 7, 2018.

Bryanna F. McAllister, 32, of Dalton, to simple assault Jan. 30.

Brendan James Milliron, 23, of Tunkhannock, to theft by deception July 27, 2017; and DUI of a controlled substance Dec. 2.

Kenneth Jordan Nestorick, 33, of Nicholson, to disorderly conduct and careless driving July 30.

Jerry Lee Nichols Jr., 37, of Nanticoke, to terroristic threats July 7, 2018.

Cory Dean Potter, 39, of Warren Center, to criminal trespass Feb. 10, 2018.

Rhyce Matthew Rakochy, 34, of Tunkhannock, to DUI March 22.

John David Saul Sr., 44,

of Meshoppen, to simple assault and harassment April 29.

James Matthew Weidner, 35, of Tunkhannock, to disorderly conduct Aug. 8.

SCRANTON

A Moosic police officer who claims he was illegally passed over for the police chief’s position can proceed with a lawsuit, a Lackawanna County judge ruled.

Assistant Police Chief James Holland filed suit last year, alleging council’s hiring of Richard Janesko violates a borough ordinance and code, which requires council select the chief from the existing pool of officers. Janesko, a retired state trooper, was not a member of the department when he was hired in March 2018, the suit says. The suit asks a judge to rule Janesko’s appointment invalid and appoint Holland to the position.

Lackawanna County Judge Terrence Nealon recently rejected a motion the borough filed seeking to dismiss the case. The ruling deals only with Holland’s legal standing to bring the action. It does not resolve the underlying merits of the case.

The borough will now have an opportunity to respond to the suit. A judge will issue a ruling at a later date.

— TERRIE MORGAN-BESECKER

Former Scranton Mayor Bill Courtright’s plea agreement lays out in black and white the parameters of his deal with federal prosecutors.

Its most significant provision comes on the first page, in the first numbered section: “The defendant agrees to waive indictment by a grand jury and plead guilty to a three-count criminal information.”

But elsewhere in its 38 pages are terms that will shape the case through Courtright’s sentencing Nov. 14 at the William J. Nealon Federal Building and Courthouse and then, to some extent, influence his life afterward.

Courtright, 62, pleaded guilty Tuesday before a judge in Williamsport to charges of conspiracy, extortion and bribery after investigators say he pocketed tens of thousands of dollars from city vendors and business owners in a brazen pay-to-play scheme. The plea came less than 24 hours after his resignation as mayor Monday.

On Friday, Courtright’s attorney, Paul Walker, described the document his client signed with the U.S. attorney’s office as a standard plea agreement containing nothing out of the ordinary.

It outlines the specific counts to which Courtright entered his guilty plea, but most of the language could apply to any federal defendant in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

In one provision that Walker acknowledged would not appear in the plea agreements of most defendants, Courtright agreed to step down as mayor and “neither seek nor accept any public or elective office or position of public trust for the longer of ten years or any period of probation or supervised release.”

“I think that is standard for all public officials,” Walker said.

Joseph D’Andrea,

a Scranton attorney who is not involved in the Courtright case but has represented public officials on federal corruption charges, said forbidding the offender from returning to public office, either temporarily or permanently, is not uncommon.

“In this type of case, I would not find it unusual,” he said.

D’Andrea said the plea agreements he sees from Middle District prosecutors generally run 25 pages or more and tend to be very comprehensive.

“It’s very thorough, and almost all of them contain a majority of the same language in various subsections,” he said.

For example, D’Andrea said it is not surprising the plea agreement with Courtright makes no sentencing recommendation for the former mayor, who faces a maximum of 35 years in prison and fines up to $750,000.

Under the agreement, the government may make a recommendation at the time of sentencing and “specifically reserves the right to recommend a sentence up to and including the maximum” — which D’Andrea identified as standard plea agreement language.

The plea agreement requires Courtright to fully disclose all assets in which he has an interest or over which he has control, including those held by a spouse or other party. One of his next tasks under the agreement is the submission of a complete, accurate financial statement to the U.S. attorney’s office no later July 16.

Investigators plan to seek the forfeiture of $36,705

from the former mayor, and a half-dozen pages in the plea agreement detail each party’s obligations with respect to asset forfeiture.

By signing the agreement, Courtright acknowledged the court is not a party to the plea deal and he will not be permitted to withdraw his guilty plea if he is dissatisfied with the sentence the court imposes.

Contact the writer:

dsingleton@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9132

Aumont “Monty” Edwards

Wanted by: Scranton police

Wanted for: Aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and criminal conspiracy related to a shooting incident in West Scranton on June 26.

Description: Black man, 31 years old, 6 feet 1 inch tall, 160 pounds, black hair, brown eyes. Known to stay at and frequent homes throughout West Scranton. Edwards is considered to be armed and dangerous.

Contact: Scranton police detectives, 570-348-4139 or 911.

Blair Hart

Wanted by: Scranton police.

Wanted for: Aggravated assault, simple assault, robbery, harassment and theft by unlawful taking.

Description: Black woman, 31 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall, 185 pounds, black hair, brown eyes.

Contact: Scranton police, 570-348-4134 or 911.

Joshua Kevin Hess (aka Josh White)

Wanted by: Forest City police and Carbondale police.

Wanted for: Escape, reckless endangerment and possession of a controlled substance.

Description: White man, 30 years old, 5 feet 11 inches tall, 150 pounds, blond hair, blue eyes.

Contact: Forest City police, 570-785-3453 or 911.

Nicholas Brelish

Wanted by: State Board of Probation and Parole.

Wanted for: Parole absconder. Released March 29.

Description: White man, 27 years old, 5 feet 11 inches tall, 180 pounds, auburn hair, blue eyes. Last known to be in Lackawanna County.

Contact: Probation and Parole hotline, 800-932-4857.

Robert Bratcher

Wanted by: State Board of Probation and Parole.

Wanted for: Parole absconder. Released April 1.

Description: Black man, 59 years old, 5 feet 8 inches tall, 180 pounds, black hair, black eyes. Last known to be in Lackawanna County.

Contact: Probation and Parole hotline, 800-932-4857.

Kyle Bedics

Wanted by: State Board of Probation and Parole.

Wanted for: Parole absconder. Released Sept. 4.

Description: White man, 27 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 145 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes. Last known to be in Lackawanna County.

Contact: Probation and Parole hotline, 800-932-4857.

Michael Cain

Wanted by: State Board of Probation and Parole.

Wanted for: Parole absconder. Released Dec. 14, 2015.

Description: White man, 48 years old, 5 feet 9 inches tall, 190 pounds, gray hair, blue eyes. Last known to be in Lackawanna County.

Contact: Probation and Parole hotline, 800-932-4857.

1. The mayor of what local city resigned his office at 4 p.m. on

Monday?

A. Wilkes-Barre

B. Scranton

C. Pittston

D. Carbondale

2. Who was named the acting mayor?

A. Former Mayor Jim

Connors

B. Council President Pat Rogan

C. Businessman Bob Bolus

D. Regional Manager Michael Scott

3. What did former Scranton Mayor Bill Courtright plead guilty to?

A. Bribery

B. Extortion

C. Conspiracy

D. All of the above

4. A teen allegedly broke into and vandalized what local high school?

A. Riverside

B. Pittston Area

C. Old Forge

D. Scranton

5. School snow days could melt away after Gov. Tom Wolf signed a law allowing what?

A. Sledding to school

B. Eliminating snow days

C. Closing schools with 2 inches of snow or more for one week.

D. Flexible instructional days

6. What celebration, featuring fireworks over Courthouse Square, was held in downtown Scranton on Wednesday, July 3?

A. Scrantacular Spectacle

B. Fabulous

Scrantabulous

C. Scrantastic

Spectacular

D. Lackawanna Wonderful

7. City council on Wednesday added what to the downtown?

A. Loading zone parking

B. More one-way streets

C. Bike lanes

D. Speed traps at traffic lights

8. Scranton’s annual Mayor’s Independence Day celebration was held where?

A. McDade Park

B. Courthouse Square

C. Nay Aug Park

D. Weston Field

9. True or false? A new study says prostitutes

are arrested at a far greater rate than

johns.

A. True

B. False, johns are arrested at a greater rate than prostitutes

10. What local TV

station was blacked

out on the DirecTV

platform because its

parent company

couldn’t come to an

agreement?

A. WNEP

B. WYOU

C. WBRE

D. WVIA

Answers: 1. B; 2. B; 3. D;

4. C; 5. D; 6. C; 7. A; 8. C; 9. A; 10. C

Archbald

Instead of birthday presents, twin sisters Madison and Taylor Cawley asked for donations for local nonprofit Jenny’s Kloset.

“They just appeared with a few hundred dollars and several bags of groceries,” said Jenny’s Kloset founder Tina Jezuit.

Because of their help, the nonprofit named the sisters as their final Kid Crusaders for the 2018-19 school year, Jezuit said. Kid Crusaders is a monthly award that Jenny’s Kloset gives to children for doing something special in their community.

Jenny’s Kloset, based in the Midvalley, provides clothing and food for children and families in the Valley View School District.

“Kids helping kids helping kids — that’s really what it’s all about,” Jezuit said. “We could not exist without donations.”

Jenny’s Kloset rewarded the sisters, who just finished sixth grade, with trophies last month and surprised them at the Valley View Middle School with doughnuts for their class, Jezuit said.

Because the nonprofit likes to surprise kids at school, they will resume their Kid Crusaders awards in late August or September, she said. While all of the students have been from Valley View so far, they are looking to branch out to schools across Lackawanna County, Jezuit said.

Anyone under 15 who lives in the county is eligible for the award, she said.

Kid Crusader applications are available at www.jennyskloset.com, or on Jenny’s Kloset’s Facebook page, and the nonprofit plans to distribute applications at local schools and doctors’ offices.

— FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY

flesnefsky@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5181;

@flesnefskyTT on Twitter

Benton Twp.

Fleetville Volunteer Fire Company and the Joseph W. Hall Auxiliary of the Clarks Summit Fire Company are teaming up to host a fundraiser to benefit some of their own.

On June 13, the Varady family suffered a catastrophic house fire on Route 438 in the township. More than 10 fire companies responded, but the home was a total loss. The family lost everything, including three cats and two dogs.

Vicky Varady and her daughter, Dianna, are trying to piece their lives back together. Dianna was burned slightly and lost some hair on the top of her head while trying to save the animals. Vicky and Dianna volunteer for the Fleetville Volunteer Fire Company; other members of the family are active with the Joseph W. Hall Auxiliary in Clarks Summit.

A pasta dinner and raffle is scheduled for Sunday, July 28, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Clarks Summit Fire Hall, 321 Bedford St., Clarks Summit, to raise money to help the family. The menu includes pasta and meatballs, salad, bread and dessert, plus beverages such as coffee, tea, water and iced tea.

Tickets are presale, with a very limited number available at the door, and cost $10 for adults and $7 for children 8 and under. People should try to preorder by July 21. Ticketholders can eat in or take out.

Tickets are available at B&B Family Restaurant, 319 Manning Road, Dalton; Clark’s Sharp-All, Route 107, Nicholson; Country Cuts, Fleetville Road, Fleetville; and Joann’s Beauty Salon; or by calling Fleetville Volunteer Fire Company at 570-945-3139 or the CS Auxiliary at 570-586-9656 x4.

— CLAYTON OVER

cover@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5363;

@ClaytonOver on Twitter

Clarks Summit

A Civil War Round Table group will start holding meetings at the Abington Community Library.

The group used to meet at the Lackawanna Historical Society in Scranton but decided to move to the library, 1200 W. Grove St., because the members thought it was time for a change in venue, said Tom Moran, chairman.

Roundtable meetings are scheduled for the third Tuesday of each month and will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The first meeting at the library is set for July 16.

Members of the group discuss a wide variety of topics during meetings, often ones that have nothing to do with battlefields, like politics, the home front and local units that served in the war, Moran said. Meetings also sometimes feature visits from authors and living historians portraying generals and other Civil War figures.

Membership costs $20 a year for an individual or $25 for a family, Moran said. Anyone interested in joining or sitting in on a discussion can just stop at a meeting, Moran said.

— CLAYTON OVER

cover@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5363;

@ClaytonOver on Twitter

Mayfield

The William Walker Hose Company’s annual Corn & Clam Slam fundraiser is coming up.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. every day from Wednesday, July 17, through Saturday, July 20, at the hose company grounds, 803 Penn Ave. It will wrap up around midnight on the 17th and 18th and at 2 a.m. on the 19th and 20th, said hose company spokeswoman Karen Bowerman.

In addition to a variety of foods, including corn and clams, the slam will have rides and games, live music and a parade at 7 p.m. Saturday.

With house music on the 17th, the slam will feature live music from Eric & Tyler Music Company on the 18th, Light Weight on the 19th and Nowhere Slow on the 20th.

The slam began as a weekend event in 1995 after a hose company officer attended another organization’s clambake and decided to try it out, according to the company. It grew to a four-day event over the years, and proceeds benefit the hose company, helping it maintain its building and vehicles, purchase safety equipment, support its operating expenses and provide training for its members, according to the hose company.

— FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY

flesnefsky@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5181;

@flesnefskyTT on Twitter

North Pocono

For his Eagle Scout project, Colin Gilmartin and a group of Scout and adult volunteers built a large sign kiosk for the North Pocono Trails Association.

Located on the North Pocono Trail that runs along Roaring Brook and winds through Moscow and Roaring Brook and Madison townships, the large wooden structure features concrete piers, a covered metal roof and a bench facing the brook. It includes a color-coded sign depicting the routes of more than 7 miles of walking, hiking and biking trails. It also offers space for notices of upcoming events and the recognition of trail sponsors.

Gilmartin and his grandfather, retired carpenter Henry Menapace, began designing the project in March. Madison Twp.-based R.N. DeMeck Roof Management Services Inc. donated materials for the kiosk, including the metal roof and power tools later donated to the trails association for future projects. Volunteers included professional carpenter Aaron Humic and Colin Gilmartin’s father, Frank Gilmartin, along with many others.

For Marianne Gilmartin, Colin’s mother, seeing her son and her father, Menapace, working together on the kiosk was especially moving.

“It just so happens that my siblings and I worked with my dad on many projects while in college and graduate school, and I learned many industry terms, standards, techniques and tricks of the trade from him that I now apply to my construction litigation practice,” she wrote in an email. “To see my dad passing those values and skills along to the next generation during Colin’s project was very meaningful.”

North Pocono Trails Association President Marc Gaughan also lauded Colin Gilmartin’s work.

“We were extremely pleased that he decided to do this project,” Gaughan said. “He came to us about it and we couldn’t be happier.”

— JEFF HORVATH

jhorvath@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9141;

@jhorvathTT on Twitter

AROUND THE TOWNS appears each Sunday, spotlighting the people and events in your neighborhoods. If you have an idea for an Around the Towns note, contact the writer for your town, or the Yes!Desk at 348-9121 or yesdesk@timesshamrock.com.

Eight men and four women filed into the packed Scranton courtroom and took their seats.

The group had deliberated for less than four hours before reaching its verdict, which jury foreman the Rev. Donald McKellar of Jermyn handed to Deputy Court Clerk Robert Scott.

After showing it to Judge George W. Maxey, Scott read it aloud: “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, hearken to your verdict. You say you find the defendants, Edmund B. Jermyn and Harry J. Friend, guilty as charged in the indictment. So say you all,” an April 12, 1930, Scranton Times article reported.

Jermyn, a two-term Scranton mayor who left office in 1930, just before his indictment on conspiracy for slot machine graft, was convicted nearly 90 years ago. The investigation, however, began in 1929 — while Jermyn was still a sitting mayor.

The situation is different from what’s going on with Bill Courtright, who until Monday was the sitting Scranton mayor. He resigned abruptly, less than 24 hours before he pleaded guilty to federal counts of criminal conspiracy, bribery and extortion. The charges came after a yearslong FBI investigation into accusations that Courtright used his position to squeeze tens of thousands of dollars from city vendors to line his pockets and stuff his campaign coffers.

Jermyn, who served his first term from 1914-18 and another from 1926-30, was just one of many high-ranking public officials indicted in a sweeping investigation into graft related to slot machines set up across Scranton. Lackawanna County Sheriff Gomer C. Davis, Dunmore Police Chief John J. Burke, Mayfield Police Chief Wasco Terpack, former Mayfield Police Chief Stephen Shallock and Olyphant Police Chief Joseph Maholic topped the list of nearly 50 people indicted. Also indicted were three of Jermyn’s cabinet members: James Arigoni, the former director of public safety; James Henshaw, superintendent of police; and Friend, the former civil service commissioner.

“Friend is listed as a fugitive,” according to the Jan. 24, 1930, Scranton Times story about the indictment. “He ran away when (slot machine king) Edward G. Miller indicated he would … expose the system of paying huge sums for police protection in Scranton.”

Miller told the grand jury Friend had him set up slot machines at lunch counters, candy shops and other locations. Each machine was assessed at $4 per day. Miller said Friend would collect $2,800 to $3,000 per month and told him 75% of the money went to city hall, the story reported.

On Aug. 28, 1930, Maxey ordered Jermyn and Friend to serve one year in county jail and pay $500 in fines. But he deviated from the sentencing of several others involved in the slot scandal by not sending them to jail immediately.

Both men filed a request with Superior Court President Judge Frank M. Trexler to delay the start of their sentence, a Scranton Times article reported that day.

“I am very sorry gentlemen, but I will have to deny the (request) in each case,” Trexler told lawyers for Jermyn and Friend, according to an Aug. 29, 1930, Scranton Times article. He told a Times reporter, “There is nothing to add to what I told the lawyers, simply refused the motions, that’s all.”

Jermyn and Friend surrendered at the county prison around 8 p.m. Sept. 1, 1930, having been given “a day’s grace, due to yesterday being Labor Day and a holiday,” according to a Scranton Times article published a day later.

But the former mayor spent less than two months in jail. The state Superior Court granted a motion releasing him and on Oct. 24, 1930, Jermyn posted a $10,000 bail and walked free.

The case wound its way through the higher courts, with the state Superior Court upholding Jermyn’s conviction. Eventually, Jermyn’s case was sent back to county court to decide whether he should serve the remainder of his sentence. The court set a hearing for Jan. 21, 1931, where Judge E.C. Newcomb would hear arguments on whether the former mayor should be paroled, according to a Jan. 12, 1931, Scranton Times article.

“Jermyn’s counsel pleaded that their client has been sufficiently punished through his having served 53 days in jail,” the article reported. “It was argued, too, that Jermyn is suffering from a serious heart ailment.”

Jermyn never was sent back to prison, although a search of newspaper clippings from that time unearthed no articles as to why. And while a Jan. 13, 1931, Scranton Times article reported prosecutors planned to ask a judge to order Jermyn to pay back more than $20,000, it’s not clear whether the mayor was ever ordered to do so — or even if he did.

The former mayor died of a heart attack Nov. 14, 1934, at his Clarks Summit home. A lengthy story about his death, published that afternoon in The Scranton Times, made no mention of his legal troubles.

It did, however, mention his political and business successes, his love of the outdoors and horse racing.

“He was one of the best known men in the region and was active in some of the prominent companies and corporations of the city and vicinity,” it said.

ERIN L. NISSLEY is the assistant metro editor at The Times-Tribune. She’s lived in the area for more than a decade.

Contact the writer:

localhistory@timesshamrock.com

Lackawanna County

Best

Benton and Greenfield

townships, 88.9.

South Abington Twp., north and eastern sections, 82.9.

Clarks Green, north and

central sections, 82.9.

Jermyn, 82.4.

Scott Twp., 82.

Worst

Scranton, downtown area bordered by Lackawanna, Mifflin, Monroe and Madison avenues and Pine Street, 70.1.

Scranton, section bordered by Linden Street, Main Avenue, the border with Taylor and the Lackawanna River 70.8.

Scranton, section bordered by Poplar Street, Sanderson Avenue and the Lackawanna River, 70.9.

Scranton, area bordered

by Myrtle, East Gibson and

Linden streets and Prescott, Harrison and Arthur

avenues, 71.4.

Carbondale, everything west of the Lackawanna River, 72.2.

Luzerne County

Best

Hazle Twp., east and southeast of Hazleton, including Lattimer, Pardeesville, Harleigh, Stockton and the east side of Jeansville, 84.6.

Dallas Twp., northwest section bordered by Lake Street, Country Club Road and Tunkhannock Highway, 84.3.

Fairview Twp., 82.1

Black Creek Twp., 82.1

Laflin, 81.6

Worst

Wilkes-Barre, area encompassing about one block north and one block south of Coal Street, between Route 309 and Wilkes-Barre Boulevard, 69.3.

Wilkes-Barre, area bordered by West Ross, South River and Hanover streets, and Carey and Pennsylvania avenues, 70.7.

Kingston, area bordered by Northampton and East Hoyt streets and South Welles and Wyoming avenues, 71.3.

Wilkes-Barre, area bordered by Wilkes-Barre Boulevard, Amber Lane, New Market and East South streets, and Route 309, 71.6.

Nanticoke, Honey Pot section, the area east of it, and the area bordered by Orchard, East Green and South Walnut streets, 71.7.

Susquehanna County

Best

Apolacon, Choconut, Forest Lake and Middletown townships, Friendsville and Little Meadows, 83.1.

Auburn, Jessup and Rush townships, 81.6.

Clifford and Lenox townships, 81.6.

Franklin, Liberty and Silver Lake townships, 80.6.

Harford and New Milford townships and New Milford, 80.6.

Worst

Harmony and Oakland townships, Lanesboro, Oakland and Susquehanna Depot, 74.7.

Great Bend and Hallstead boroughs, Great Bend Twp., 76.9.

Ararat, Gibson, Herrick, Jackson townships and Union Dale, 77.1.

Bridgewater Twp. and Montrose, 78.

Forest City, 78.8.

Wayne County

Best

Paupack Twp., 80.5.

Clinton Twp. and Prompton, 79.6.

Dreher and Sterling townships, 79.

Mount Pleasant, Preston and Scott townships and Starrucca, 78.2.

Cherry Ridge and Texas townships, 78.2.

Worst

Lehigh Twp., 74.9.

Honesdale, 75.6.

Salem Twp., 75.9.

Canaan and South Canaan townships and Waymart, 77.5.

Buckingham and Manchester townships, 77.8.

Wyoming County

Life expectancy for all seven census tracts:

Overfield, Falls and Exeter townships, 83.5.

Tunkhannock Twp., 82.7.

North Branch, Forkston, Mehoopany and Washington townships, 81.2.

Nicholson and Clinton townships, 79.7.

Braintrim, Windham and Meshoppen townships, 77.4.

Monroe, Northmoreland and Noxen townships, 76.6.

Eaton Twp. and Tunkhannock, 74.6.

Lackawanna and Luzerne counties have more fast food eateries per capita than state and national averages, a new report found.

For every 10,000 residents, there are 9.5 fast food eateries in Lackawanna County and 9.2 in Luzerne County compared to 8.4 statewide and 8.2 nationwide, according to the Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development at Wilkes University’s report, “Healthy Food: Environments, Access and Literacy.” The eight counties that neighbor Lackawanna and Luzerne have just 6.9 for every 10,000 residents; those counties are Carbon, Columbia, Monroe, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming.

The report defines fast food eateries as convenience stores and fast-food and other counter-service restaurants. It also found that the fast food eateries outnumber fresh food outlets, like grocery stores, nearly three times.

Convenience isn’t always healthy

Research shows that if it is more convenient to get fast food than shop for fresh, healthier food, people generally take the easier, less-healthy option.

The report also looks at disease rates related to unhealthy eating and notes the correlation between more fast food eateries and unhealthier lifestyles and poorer health, leading to shorter life spans.

Data shows death rates stemming from several obesity-linked diseases, including diabetes, are higher in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties than statewide.

Poverty also affects food choices and overall health, said Teri Ooms, executive director of the Institute.

The report includes recommendations:

Continue existing education, outreach and programs that provide fresh foods directly to those most in need.

Work with convenience or neighborhood store owners to make healthier options more available.

Look for community-based solutions for healthier foods, such as community gardens.

Ensure healthier food choices are in schools and reduce less healthy options, like soda.

To read the report, visit: https://institutepa.org/perch/resources/food-accessthe-institute-2019.pdf.

Contact the writer:

smocarsky@citizensvoice.com;

570-821-2110;

@MocarskyCV on Twitter

SCRANTON — The Green Ridge Neighborhood Association will discuss potential fallout of the former mayor’s resignation and guilty plea to federal corruption charges, group President Mark Seitzinger said.

The association’s next regular meeting will be Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the American Legion, 625 Deacon St.

Topics on the agenda will include how the July 1 resignation of former Mayor Bill Courtright may relate to city services; and the Planning Commission’s June 26 approval of a proposed conversion of the former Scranton State School for the Deaf into the Marywood South apartment complex. This project now goes back before the Zoning Board on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

— JIM LOCKWOOD