MARRIAGE LICENSES

• Salvador Carvantes-Torres and Luz Maria Marrero-Porto, both of Scranton.

• Rachael Lynn Capooci and John Robert Lawless, both of Dunmore.

• Adam William Yngelmo and Kaitlin Mara Dommermuth, both of Taylor.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

• James and Carolyn A. Medalie to Daniel MacGuill and Laura Sue Cheever, Silver Springs, Md.; a property at 927 Wheeler Ave., Scranton, for $152,000.

• Gary and Linda Zipay, Archblad, to Arthur C. Miller, Plains Twp., and Mark L. Lehman, Hanover Twp.; a property at 192 Main St., Sturges, for $310,000.

• Stanley T. and Linda M. Pacewicz, Olyphant, to Jason E. Bartolomei; a property at 126 Beech St., Olyphant, for $92,000.

• J&C Investment Properties LLC, Pennsylvania, to Blunat LLC, New York; a property at 712 S. Ninth Ave., Scranton, for $29,000.

• William S. Killiany to Elizabeth Thompson; a property at 733 Crystal St., Blakely, for $124,580.

• Michael J. Saikowski and Ashley M. Jones, now by marriage Ashley M. Saikowski, Lake Ariel, to Kevan Bailey, Dickson City; a property at 899 Justus Blvd., Scott Twp., for $219,000.

• Maureen Gallagher, administrator of the estate of Kathleen Gallagher, Lackawanna County, to Matthew Hartmann and Mark Schloendorn, Susquehanna County; a property at 334 Knapp Road, Clarks Summit, for $220,000.

• Raymond C. and Hayley Booth to Old Republic Diversified Services Inc., Minnesota; a parcel in Thornhurst Twp., for $75,000.

• Old Republic Diversified Services Inc., Minnesota, to Justin A. Thomas; a parcel in Thornhurst Twp., for $75,000.

• Zipora Mintz, New Jersey, to Ruth E. Leiter, Scranton; a property at 300-302 Madison Ave., Scranton, for $25,000.

• Gregory A. and Lindsey C. Hunt, Dunmore, to CAS Realty LLC, Pennsylvania; a property at 506 Butler St., Dunmore, for $125,000.

• R.D. Noto & Son Construction Inc., South Abington Twp., to Colby Kalinowski and Angela DiBileo, Dresher; a property at Seminary Hill Road and Trinity Place, South Abington Twp., for $94,500.

• MSA Inc., Pennsylvania, to Jeffrey D. and Abreia Bess, Scranton; a property at 152 E. Pine St., Dunmore, for $136,845.

• Kenneth and Linda Powell, Archbald, to Shirley Granger, Archbald; a property in the Highlands of Archbald, for $288,600.

• Ellen Marotta and Robert E. Hughes III, co-trustees of the Robert E. Hughes Jr. trust, to Carl Barsigian; a property at 306 Fuller Road, Dalton, for $345,000.

• Maria E. and Mark Fiedorczyk, and E. Kevin Elvidge, all of Newton, N.J., to David M. and Chelsea R. DeLeo, Peckville; a property at 506 Hickory St., Blakely, for $144,300.

• Carisbrook Asset Holding and through U.S Bank Trust N.A., by Roundpoint Mortgage Servicing Corp., as attorney-in-fact, to Edward J. May Jr.; a property at 1420 Rundle St., Scranton, for $77,000.

• Christopher John and Lauren Michele Baranoski to Dominick J. and Kayla Augustine; a property at 908 W. Grove St., Clarks Summit, for $150,000.

ESTATES FILED

• Thomas J. Poplarchick, 524 Short Ave., Peckville, letters of administration to James A. Mizerak, 407 Colonial Drive, Endwell, N.Y.

• Carmela A. Bevilacqua, also known as Carmela Ann Bevilacqua, 921 Katherine Drive, Jessup, letters testamentary to Joann M. Bevilacqua, same address.

ONLINE: thetimes-tribune.com/court

SCRANTON

A Danville, California, man accused of engaging in sexually explicit internet chats with an investigator posing as two different teenage girls from Lackawanna County waived his preliminary hearing Wednesday in Central Court.

Brian Reid Thorner, 49, was charged by the state attorney general’s office last week with multiple counts of unlawful contact with a minor, disseminating explicit sexual materials to a minor and other offenses.

He is accused of sexually propositioning and sending explicit videos to an agent posing as a 14-year-old girl during an online conversation Christmas Day. He engaged in similar activity five days later with the same agent posing as a different girl, investigators said.

As part of his hearing waiver, Thorner’s bail, originally set at $750,000, was reduced to $100,000.

— DAVID SINGLETON

Twenty-six Lackawanna County municipalities will share in $6.16 million in state pension aid this year, an increase of more than $508,000, or 9% over last year’s state allotment, state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale announced Tuesday.

The money, which funds police, fire and nonuniform pension plans, comes from a 2% tax on fire and casualty insurance policies sold in Pennsylvania by out-of-state companies. All told, the state collected $328.2 million, a nearly $30 million increase from last year. The funds will be distributed to 1,497 municipalities and regional police departments.

“This money is essential to help preserve the pension plans of people who dedicate their careers to public service,” DePasquale said in a prepared statement. “Without this state aid, local taxpayers would have to make up the difference to honor the commitments made to police, firefighters and other municipal workers.”

Locally, Moosic saw the largest percentage increase. It will receive $148,494 this year, up from $103,057 in 2018, a 44.1% hike. Other municipalities that received significant increases include Dickson City, which will receive $179,217, up from $159,269 last year, a 12.5% increase, and Scranton, which will receive $3.9 million this year, up from $3.6 million last year, an 8.2% increase.

Cesare Forconi, borough manager in Dickson City, said the increase in state aid, coupled with strong stock market returns this year, have put the borough pension plans on strong footing.

“It makes the funds more solvent moving forward,” Forconi said.

David Bulzoni, Scranton’s business administrator, said state aid has remained fairly stable the past few years, ranging from around $3.3 million to $3.6 million. The hike this year is a welcome development.

“This increase is fairly substantial,” he said. “It’s certainly part of the overall process to restore the plans’ health.”

While 22 municipalities saw increases, four saw state aid decline: Scott Twp. will receive about $2,000 less this year, a 9.2% percent cut, while Archbald, Clarks Summit and South Abington Twp. saw their allocations drop 2.2%.

Scott Twp. administrator Carl Ferraro said the aid is based on a number of factors, including payroll. Even with the cut, the state aid fully covers the township’s required contribution to its police and nonuniform funds, which are fully funded, he said.

Contact the writer:

tbesecker@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9137;

@tmbeseckerTT on Twitter

Proficiency rates on state standardized tests taken by students in Lackawanna County remained steady in 2019, as administrators focus on evaluating curriculum and assessing individual student growth.

The state Department of Education updated the Future Ready PA Index on Thursday, a comprehensive tool used to evaluate schools. In its second year, the index provides a color-coded dashboard that illustrates student and school achievement and growth in three categories — academic performance, if student progress is on track and whether students graduate ready for college or to start a career and succeed.

Scores on standardized tests — the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment and Keystone Exams — which the state released this week, are one factor in the index.

In Lackawanna County school districts, total proficiency rates on the PSSA exam — or the percentage of students who scored at proficient or advanced levels — were 60% in English language arts, 37% in math and 68% in science.

Statewide, 61% of students scored at proficient of advanced levels for English language arts, 42% in math and 68% in science.

Third through eighth graders take English language arts and math exams, and a science exam is administered in fourth and eighth grades. Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments in literature, biology and algebra I. Students’ best scores are “banked” and reported in statewide data when the student is in 11th grade.

Of Lackawanna County school districts, Abington Heights received the highest proficiency rates for all tested subjects.

“We are very happy our students are achieving, but we see that there are some inconsistencies in our scores,” Abington Heights Superintendent Michael Mahon, Ph.D.

, said. “While we may have high scores, we have a demographic we would expect to have high scores.”

Student demographics, including family income, are often a predictor of student achievement levels.

The district examined areas to improve, including elementary-level English language arts, and soon may implement new programs.

“The scores do not tell the whole story,” Mahon said. “We have to provide teachers with better materials and more resources.”

Michael Boccella, Ed.D.

, who worked as Valley View School District’s curriculum director before becoming superintendent in August, said PSSA scores are only one way the district assesses progress.

“We try to look at the whole picture,” he said. “We know achievement is highly correlated with a lot of factors outside of our control, such as socioeconomic status. We like to also look at growth, which is more correlated with in-school factors, such as quality of instruction.”

The Future Ready PA Index helps put both into context, Boccella said.

The updated index launched Thursday shows the number of high school students enrolling in advanced courses or industry-based learning opportunities increased substantially from 2018, according to PDE.

The data also reveals a 30% increase in the number of schools that exceeded the state goal for attendance for English learners and a 9% increase in the number of schools that exceeded the state goal for attendance for Hispanic students.

For proficiency rates for the state’s 500 school districts and more than 150 charter schools, visit thetimes-tribune.com

. To view school profiles, visit futurereadypa.org

.

Contact the writer:

shofius@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9133;

@hofiushallTT on Twitter

The race for Lackawanna County controller pits two-term incumbent Democrat Gary A. DiBileo against Republican political newcomer Mary Noldy.

DiBileo, a business owner and former member of both the Scranton School Board and Scranton City Council, said his office has taken a more proactive approach to monitoring and overseeing county finances since he became controller in 2012.

Under DiBileo’s leadership, the controller’s office established the Lackawanna County Fraud Waste & Abuse Hotline, began auditing delinquent county hotel taxes, performed the first county cellphone audit and tracked and reviewed legal and professional fees stemming from the state attorney general’s ongoing investigation of sex abuse allegations at Lackawanna County Prison.

Noldy, a former 27-year civilian employee of the Army who worked directly with officers and command staff, said her experience working with budgets, preparing reports and related job responsibilities prepares her for the controller job.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity specialist and acting manager, Noldy collected data for monthly, quarterly and annual reports on budgetary matters, tracked demographic trends in U.S. Census data and conducted workforce analyses, she said. She also worked in the Pentagon for years, and served as a point of contact for people reporting sexual harassment concerns, she said.

“I feel like there is dissatisfaction with the way things are done,” Noldy said of county government, vowing to maintain an open-door policy if elected. “I just want to help to improve the reputation of this county so that people want to come here and do business, and so the young people wouldn’t want to leave here.”

If elected, Noldy intends to create a quarterly, printed newsletter documenting the work of the controller’s office. She said she also would conduct press conferences to boost transparency.

DiBileo pointed to his record, noting his office’s auditing efforts since 2014 resulted in the collection of almost $600,000 in delinquent hotel taxes. The county collected a total of $3.3 million in hotel taxes in 2018, and collects about $100,000 more a year in hotel taxes than it did before the auditing, he said.

Billing himself as an “independent financial watchdog,” DiBileo also noted his accounts payable audit team audits about 27,000 invoices annually. He said his team enforces sealed bid requirements to ensure the integrity of the process and wants to review and assist in updating the county’s vehicle policy.

Noldy faulted DiBileo for not doing more to dissuade commissioners from buying the former Globe store, calling it “one of the worst professional buildings I’ve ever seen.”

DiBileo said he thoroughly studied the financial aspects of consolidating county government at the Globe store and that, based on the numbers commissioners provided, his office determined consolidation made economic sense. He also said telling commissioners which building to buy isn’t within his purview, and noted Commissioner Jerry Notarianni’s opposition to the project wasn’t enough to stop it.

“We have followed the (Globe) project and are making sure the county follows all proper purchasing procedures,” DiBileo said.

This year’s $66,174 controller salary rises 4% a year for four years starting in 2020.

Contact the writer:

jhorvath@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9141;

@jhorvathTT on Twitter

GARY A. DiBILEO

Age: 63

Party:
Democratic

Residence: Scranton

Family: Wife, Christine; daughters, Isabella and Sophia; sons, Gary and Robert.

Education: West Scranton High School, 1974; bachelor’s degree, business marketing, Penn State University, 1978.

Experience: Claims adjuster, Volpe Insurance, 1980-83; president/owner, Gary DiBileo Agency Inc., 1983-present, insurance agent, financial adviser, holds a real estate license; Scranton City Council, 2002-2006, including two years as president; director, Scranton School Board, 1994-99; president Keyser Valley Citizens Association, 2009-present.

MARY NOLDY

Age: 63

Party: Republican

Residence: Dunmore

Family: Sons, Tim and Anthony; daughters, Christina and Danielle.

Education: GED diploma; seven years of college at various institutions, including University of Scranton and Northern Virginia Community College; multiple military leadership courses.

Experience: Civilian employee of the Army, working for the command staff, 1980-2007; volunteer chaplain, Moses Taylor Hospital, 2007-present; volunteer youth group leader, Green Ridge Assembly of God Church, 2007-present.

Clarks Summit

Monthly meeting: Abington Heights Civic League monthly meeting, Monday, 7 p.m., at the clubhouse, 115 Colburn Ave.; Equines for Freedom will present the program; 570-587-3101.

Dunmore

Pasta dinner: Dunmore Rotary Pasta Dinner, Sunday, noon-4 p.m., Carmella’s Restaurant, 140 Erie St.; tickets: $10/adults, $5/children; proceeds benefit the Dunmore Rotary’s Christmas charities; 570-343-6613.

Scranton

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

Taylor

Chicken dinner: First United Methodist Church roast chicken dinner, Sunday, 4-6 p.m., 402 S. Main St.; takeouts only; tickets/$10; 570-357-8194.

Waverly Twp.

Spaghetti dinner: Veterans Appreciation Dinner, Nov. 8, 5-7 p.m., Waverly Community House, 1115 N. Abington Road; the dinner, for military veterans, will include spaghetti, meatballs, salad, dessert and a beverage; donations accepted for Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors Inc.; 570-905-4304.

SCRANTON — Police arrested a city man Thursday night after he crashed his pickup truck into a parked car, drove through a telephone pole and struck a porch on Wheeler Avenue, a city police lieutenant said.

Robert Butler, 30, 1023 Wheeler Ave., crashed his Dodge truck just before 9 p.m., Lt. Michael Perry said.

No one was injured, but both vehicles were heavily damaged, Perry said. The parked car and pole, which split in half, slowed the truck down considerably, so damage to the porch at 1017 Wheeler Ave. was minor, he said.

Butler showed multiple signs of intoxication and told police he had been drinking alcohol, Perry said.

Police sent Butler to have his blood tested and will determine a DUI tier based on his blood alcohol content, the lieutenant said.

— FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY

High notes

St. Joseph’s Center received a $25,000 grant from the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund to support Maternity and Family Services.

“We feel privileged to provide women experiencing homelessness the support and services they need to become self-sufficient as they transition into motherhood,” said Sister Maryalice Jacquinot, I.H.M., president/CEO of St. Joseph’s Center. “We are so grateful to the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund for its ongoing support of these programs and their commitment to helping pregnant women and new mothers receive the support and services they need.”

The center maintains Walsh Manor, a home for pregnant women experiencing homelessness, and Mother Infant, a home for women and infants experiencing homelessness. They provide case management, supportive services and 24/7 access to services.

Student meets vice president

Ryder Clark of Jermyn met Vice President Mike Pence during his visit to the area and Schott Advanced Optics on Oct 21.

Pence told Ryder to work hard in school but pray even harder.

Ryder, a sixth grade LaSalle Academy student, was also given a tour of Air Force Two.

Scholarships awarded

Scholarship recipients for the Leadership Lackawanna Core Program Class of 2019-2020 and their organizations include:

Jasmine Ahuja of Jasmine Ahuja Realty received the William P. Rinaldi Leadership Lackawanna Fund scholarship; Meghan Burns of the Greater Scranton YMCA received the Karen O’Connell Welles Leadership Lackawanna Fund scholarship; Mary Endrusick of NeighborWorks Northeastern PA received the Margaret Briggs Leadership Lackawanna Fund scholarship; Aubrey Fick received the H. Leigh Woehling Leadership Lackawanna Fund and The William W. and Mary L. Scranton Leadership Lackawanna Fund; Maura Mark of United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA received the Government Leadership Award of the Scranton Area Foundation Inc.; Cara Sherman of United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA received the Margaret Briggs Leadership Lackawanna Fund scholarship; and Anthony Monastra of Geisinger received the Karen O’Connell Welles Leadership Lackawanna Fund scholarship.

Leadership Lackawanna awards scholarships to qualified candidates who need assistance paying tuition, according to the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. The funds are typically available for individuals from nonprofit organizations or who are sole proprietors.

Nov. 1, 1944

Dewey plans campaign stop in Scranton

Gov. Thomas Dewey, Republican nominee for president, was to make a campaign stop in Scranton on Nov. 2 at the Watres Armory.

Dewey’s address was scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m., after an 8 p.m. campaign address in Kingston at the West Side Armory. After Dewey’s address, other Republican nominees for political office were to speak, including attorney Walter Kohler of Old Forge, who was running against U.S. Rep. John Murphy for the 10th Congressional District seat.

Campaign officials were hoping for a crowd of 12,000 for the campaign stop.

Fake naval officer

on trial in federal court

Earl Green, also known as John Earl Green, was on trial in federal court in Scranton on charges that he impersonated a lieutenant commander of the Navy and for the detention of several Nanticoke residents that he suspected were saboteurs and spies.

Green served as a chief steward in the Merchant Marines for 20 years.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Arthur Maguire, Green, with the aid of the military police, had four residents detained for hours at the armory in Nanticoke.

While the four were detained, Green questioned them about their loyalty to the United States.

Green was found guilty and sentenced to one year in jail.

Surprise inspection

at A&P in Scranton

District officials with the Office of Price Administration were spotted making a morning inspection of the meat counter at the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co. in the 200 block of Wyoming Avenue, Scranton.

The OPA officials were checking the prices and grades of meat being sold at the store.

The information from the store and others in the region was being collected as part of a presentation the OPA was to give to meat dealers at the Koch-Conley American Legion Post Home on Nov. 2.

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.

BARRETT TWP. — Callie’s Pretzel Factory in Cresco, a fixture in the Pocono Mountains since 1985 offering a variety of pretzels and popcorn, is closing its doors at the end of the year, according to a post on the business’s Facebook page.

Its sister business, Callie’s Candy Kitchen in Mountainhome, will remain open. The businesses are 3 miles apart.

The Facebook post said Gretchen Callie Reisenwitz and husband Mark will be retiring, but sisters Patti and Lynn Callie will continue to run the candy store.

This will be the final year for Candy Cane demonstrations at the pretzel factory. They will be Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. from Nov. 30 to Dec. 22.

— STAFF REPORT

The five candidates for Dunmore council say they expect the controversy over the proposed Keystone Sanitary Landfill expansion to be a key issue in deciding who secures four open seats in Tuesday’s general election.

Council President Michael Dempsey and Councilman Vince Amico say their recent votes against a zoning amendment that would have bolstered the landfill’s efforts shows they remain committed to opposing the expansion. They face incumbent Councilmen Michael Hayes and Michael McHale, who voted for the amendment, and newcomer Beth McDonald Zangardi,who opposes the expansion.

The school board race features five candidates who are running unopposed for five open seats.

Debate over the landfill expansion has dragged on for years as its owners, Louis and Dominick DeNaples, wage an ongoing court battle with Friends of Lackawanna.

Council recently interjected itself into the debate when it voted 4-3 in September to amend the borough zoning ordinance to declare that sanitary landfills are not considered structures — a decision that would exempt Keystone from a 50-foot height restriction. The ordinance did not take effect because Mayor Timothy Burke vetoed it. The issue remains a high priority for voters, four of the candidates said.

“I don’t think a mega-landfill belongs in the middle of a vibrant community,” Amico said. “If the majority of the voters in Dunmore agree that this expansion is bad for the borough and for the region, then I will hopefully do well on Election Day.”

Zangardi said she understands the region needs a landfill, but does not believe the expansion is warranted. She would rather see steps taken to reduce the amount of trash it accepts.

“We can do better by not taking other people’s garbage, then we won’t need an expansion,” she said.

McHale did not return several messages.

Hayes said he understands many people disagreed with his vote on the zoning amendment, but he believes he did what’s best for taxpayers, who likely would see a significant tax increase if Keystone closes.

“This election is about 14,000 people in this borough and 6,000 homes in this borough and the financial impact to them of $3.7 million if the landfill ceases to operate,” Hayes said.

Even if residents disagree with his vote, Hayes said he hopes they will consider the good he and other council members have done for the borough, including building a multipurpose stadium and improving borough parks.

Dempsey also highlighted council’s accomplishments.

“As a direct result of our fiscal responsibility, we have been able to purchase all new DPW equipment, a new firetruck and police cars,” Dempsey said. “We have put a huge addition on to our firehouse, made improvements to the Borough Building and police station, as well as many other improvements all over the borough.”

Amico said he’s also proud of the progress the borough made during his tenure. He said he worked hard on business and redevelopment projects and is writing a grant application for a redevelopment project at Dunmore Corners.

“My focus has been working with the Fire Department as their liaison to council, helping to form a business association in the borough, writing grants, and working with the other members of council and our borough manager to address the needs of the residents of Dunmore,” he said.

Zangardi also vowed to work on physical improvements, which she said have been sorely lacking over the years.

“If you took a ride around town, we have not done any major sprucing up in many years,” she said. “We need stop signs. We need roads paved. ... We need to be taking care of our home and we are not doing that.”

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

VINCE AMICO

Party: Democratic

Age: 47

Family: Wife, Celia; children: Grace, Olivia, Celia

Education: Bachelor’s degree, exercise physiology, Pennsylvania State University; state teaching certificate, technology education

Experience: Teacher, technology education, Scranton School District; small-business owner; Army veteran, Operation Iraqi Freedom; Dunmore council, 2015 to present; board member, Friends of Lackawanna; vice president, Dunmore Missy League

MICHAEL DEMPSEY

Party: Democratic

Age: 38

Family: Wife, Caressa; sons, Michael Jr., Luke

Education: Bachelor’s degree, political science, University of Pittsburgh, 2004; Juris Doctorate, Widener University School of Law, 2010

Experience: Trial attorney, Lenahan and Dempsey PC, 2010 to present; auditor, state auditor general’s office, 2005-2007; Dunmore council, 2014 to present

MICHAEL HAYES

Party: Democratic

Age: 39

Family: Wife, Virginia; daughter, Bella

Education: Bachelor’s degree, political science, Pennsylvania State University, 2002

Experience: Owner, Nardozzi’s Pizza, Dunmore; Dunmore council, 2011-2013 and 2018-2019; served six years on Dunmore Zoning Hearing Board

BETH McDONALD ZANGARDI

Party:
Democratic

Age: 56

Family: Husband, Anthony

Education: Associate degree, paralegal studies, Luzerne County Community College, 2010

Experience: Administrative clerk, Lackawanna County district attorney’s office, 2001 to 2011; customer service representative, County of Lackawanna Transit System, 2011 to present; member, Dunmore Planning Commission, 2009 to present

MICHAEL McHALE


Party:
Democratic

McHale did not respond to multiple messages.

An 88-year-old Monroe County man shot and killed his 72-year-old girlfriend Thursday morning during a fight over a gun, police said.

Pocono Mountain Regional Police responded to 142 Sawmill Road, Tunkhannock Twp., at 6 a.m. after Bernard Pedreira knocked on his neighbor’s door and said he shot his girlfriend, Lydia Alamillo Bulaon, Detectives Kyle VanNote and Ryan Venneman wrote in a criminal complaint.

Officers found Alamillo Bulaon dead on a couch with a gunshot wound to her right shoulder.

Pedreira told police that he “may have been fighting” with his girlfriend when she tried to take the gun from him and was shot, according to the complaint.

Alamillo Bulaon was lying on the couch with a rifle under her right hand, but her gunshot wound wasn’t consistent with the gun’s positioning, police said.

Pedreira told officers he was cleaning his guns when his girlfriend yelled at him to put the guns away.

“She grabbed the gun from me, and it was loaded, and it went off,” he told police.

During questioning, Pedreira said Alamillo Bulaon wanted to take the gun away, and he had his finger on the trigger.

Then, there was a bang, he told police.

“There was no fighting it or nothing,” he told officers.

Pedreira said he had been fighting with his girlfriend for 25 years. Pedreira and Alamill Bulaon had a history of domestic violence complaints, police said.

Pedreira faces a single criminal homicide charge. Magisterial District Judge Richard Claypool denied bail for Pedreira, and he remains at Monroe County Correctional Facility.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Nov. 7.

Contact the writer:

flesnefsky@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9100 x5181;

@flesnefskyTT on Twitter

An Abingtons staple has closed and plans call for its razing to make way for a shopping center where people can purchase mattresses, pick up a coffee or get a haircut.

The Nichols Village Hotel & Spa plaza at 1101 Northern Boulevard in South Abington Twp. officially closed today, said Michael Gary, manager.

The hotel closure makes way for “The Shoppes at South Abington” — a shopping center project still in the planning stages, said David O’Neill, South Abington Twp. manager.

Falcon Properties, based in New Jersey, is behind the shopping center development. The private equity and real estate investment holding company purchased roughly 6.8 acres of property, which included Nichols Village, in October 2017, for $4.1 million.

Longtime owner George Nichols sold the property, then called the Inn at Nichols Village, in 2008, to a partnership headed by New Jersey attorney Ankim Shah, who is part of Falcon. The inn was founded in 1949, by Nichols’ parents, Mary and William Nichols, as a four-room motel. Through the years, it grew

and improved in quality to become a 135-room hotel complex.

An online brochure from Bennett Williams Commercial, a South Central Pennsylvania company marketing the project, lists the property as a “37,399 square-foot new construction retail project.”

They are negotiating leases with Wendy’s, Holiday Hair and Autozone and have letters of intent with Mattress Warehouse, Starbuck’s and Dollar Tree, the brochure states.

O’Neill said Falcon is planning to raze three buildings on the property and build the shopping center from the ground up.

The new shopping center will have an entrance at the traffic light at Northern Boulevard and Parkwood Avenue and an entrance at the light into the Weis Markets off the boulevard, O’Neill said. An entrance into the middle of the property is also included in the planning.

“It’s a nice project, an aggressive project,” O’Neill said.

The Lackawanna County Planning Commission received plans in June, said Steve Pitoniak, transportation planning manager.

On Aug. 19, the commission withheld making a recommendation on the project, he said. The commission did not receive a lighting plan and there were questions on loading docks, parking lots and the interior traffic patterns, Pitoniak said.

“They were nothing major, just minor, little things,” he said.

Falcon Properties is set to appear before the South Abington Twp. supervisors Nov. 11 to further discuss its plans for the property, said O’Neill. The company will also attend the township’s zoning hearing board meeting Nov. 12 to ask for a zoning variance for parking.

Contact the writer:

kbolus@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9100 x5114;

@kbolusTT on Twitter

MARRIAGE LICENSE

• Tracy Lynn Sheridan and Thomas Bernard Luter, both of Syracuse, N.Y.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

• Luke E. and Tori Ann Russano, Florida, to Nelson Espinosa; a property at 1326 Pittston Ave., Scranton, for $81,500.

• Outlook Design & Construction Inc., doing business as Outlook Construction, Hamlin, to Frances Guzzetta, Thousand Oaks, Calif.; a property at 107 Stonefield Drive, Jefferson Twp., for $349,900.

• Stephen Edward Midura, Scott Twp., to Beth Hopkins, Dickson City; a property at 633 Carmalt St., Dickson City, for $95,400.

• Samuel L. Lesane Jr. and Mariana Ramos, Florida, to Miguel A. Carela Luna, Honesdale; a property at 838 Hemlock St., Scranton, for $79,500.

• James and Elaine Sciartilli, Dunmore, to Lizabeth Naro, Dunmore; a property at 1423-1425 Electric St., Dunmore, for $60,000.

• Rosado Headquarters LP, Scranton, to DDC Lackawanna LLC, Wilkes-Barre; two parcels in Scranton, for $525,000.

• Jared M. and Erin Ruddy, Rochester, N.Y., to 357 North Lincoln LLC, New Jersey; a property at 357 Rear N. Lincoln Ave., Scranton, for $62,000.

• Fredrick Bernet and Heather W. Lee-Bernet, Union, N.J., to Scott W. and Jessica T. Perkins, Wilmington, Del.; a property at 7 Mallard Court, Clifton Twp., for $227,000.

• Tim Manzer, Scranton, to Carlos H. Osuna and Zenaida Sanchez Narroquin De Osuna, Scranton; a property at 509 Wintermantle Ave., Scranton, for $48,000.

• Barbara Alinoski, Scott Twp., to William Kay III and Nichole Frances Jenkins, Lake Ariel; a parcel in Scott Twp., for $45,000.

• Thomas M. Canevari Sr., Throop, to Patricia A. Hamilton, Peckville; a property at 1140 S. Valley Ave., Throop, for $65,000.

• Ronald M. and Dana A. Petrunich, Lackawanna County, to Christopher S. Stafford, Lackawanna County; a parcel in Scott Twp., for $163,500.

• John Andrejack, Lackawanna County, to Jose Alejandro Palada Mendoza, Lackawanna County; a property at 821 Quincy Ave., Scranton, for $160,000.

• Cynthia Ross McGuire to James J. and Megan B. Buckley; a property at 317 N. Everett Ave., Scranton, for $50,000.

• Gloria Ann Santore and William E. Kaub Jr., Lackawanna County, to James P. Coleman Jr., Lackawanna County; a property on Franko Street, Throop, for $102,500.

• Edward J. Ruddy, Dunmore, to William F. Bradican, Dunmore; a property at 2219 Jefferson Ave., Dunmore, for $159,000.

• John Joseph Spitzer to Dharmeshkumar and Purnimaben Patel; a property at 806 Harrison Ave., Scranton, for $97,000.

• Gooding PA LLC to 644 Elm St. LLC; a property at 46-48 Cemetery St., Carbondale, for $90,000.

• Pauline Dionis and Mary Ann Wojcak, administrators of the estate of Joseph E. Schultz, and Pauline Dionis and Mary Ann Wojcak, administrators of the estate of Mary T. Schultz, and Gail Schultz, to Donna Kushmerick, Pennsylvania; a property at 1048 Carmalt St., Dickson City, for $35,000.

ESTATES FILED

• Irene A. Straka, 522 E. Grant St., Olyphant, letters testamentary to Mary Ann Straka, 516 Clover St., South Abington Twp.

• Janet L. Hogg, 430 S. Edwards Court, Scranton, letters of administration to Richard Hogg, 1133 Wellington Circle, Laurys Station.

• Edward H. Barkowski, also known as Edward Barkowski, letters testamentary to Ann Marie Stabinski, 1016 Woodland Way, Clarks Summit.

• Joseph George Fawcett, also known as Joseph Fawcett, also known as Joseph G. Fawcett, letters testamentary to Devon M. Fawcett-Bremer, 285 Riverfront Way, Gouldsboro.

• Gary T. Glover, 738 N. Rebecca Ave., Scranton, letters testamentary to Joan L. Glover, 1738 Falcon Drive, Bethlehem.

• Michael J. Studenski, 713 Rear Brook St., Scranton, letters of administration to Michael Studenski, 106 Fern Road, Roaring Brook Twp.

• Kathleen Hart, 11 Barrett Ave., Carbondale, letters of administration to Elena Nitecki, 110 Rose Lane, Matamoras.

DIVORCE DECREES

• Pamela Arcure v. Anthony Arcure

• Jeffrey McDonald v. Caitlin McDonald

• Jeannene Quinn v. Sean Quinn

• Rachel Dougherty v. Bryan Kerns

ONLINE: thetimes-tribune.com/court

SCRANTON — Most local government offices will close Tuesday in observance of Election Day.

Scranton City Hall will be closed, the city DPW will be off and garbage and blue recycling container collections in the city will fall a day behind.

Parking at street meters and in kiosk zones in downtown Scranton will be free Tuesday, as enforcement personnel will be off.

The Lackawanna County Court system and all county offices, except the Department of Elections, will be closed. Anyone wishing to access the Department of Elections on Tuesday may do so at its offices at 123 Wyoming Ave. in Scranton.

Normal business of the offices closed Tuesday will resume Wednesday.

— JIM LOCKWOOD

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

• Keith E. Eckel, Douglas Pallman and Felicia Pallman to Brandon J. Carter; property in Falls Twp. for $120,000.

• Gary L. Seymour, Gila Leigh Seymour Beers, Gayle Marie Seymour Lehto and Gene Allen Seymour to David Jayne; property in Braintrim Twp. for $295,385.38.

• Jay Francis Scala, Mark Jude Scala and Joseph John Scala, executors, and Marilyn J. Scala, decedent, to Michael E. McGonagle and Patti A. McGonagle; property in Factoryville for $286,652.

• Andrew J. Gavin to Kevin E. Blasi; property in Overfield Twp. for $178,610.

• Daniel B. Force and Kelly J. Force to Jamie L. Clapper; property in Braintrim Twp. for $155,000.

• Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB, trustee, Stanwich Mortgage Loan Trust A and Carrington Mortgage Services LLC AIF to Jennifer Gunshore Thomas Houck; property in Monroe Twp. for $120,000.

• Grand Stride LLC to Lonewood Farms LLC; property in Monroe Twp. for $311,664.91.

• Kenneth Fauquier and Carol Fauquier to Jeffery M. Karp and Shelby M. Karp; property Nicholson Twp. for $192,000.

• Mary Larocca to Patrick McCabe and Marini McCabe; property in Eaton Twp. for $163,000.

• Donald L. Sherwood to Nicholson Fire Company No. 1; property in Nicholson for $26,418.

• Francisco J. Cou, Christa M. Oeller, Crista M. Oeller and Crista M. Cou to Robert D. Felker Sr.; property in Mehoopany Twp. for $165,000.

• Lori Terrana to Leonard Crawford Electric LLC; property in Tunkhannock for $270,000.

• Leroy J. Posten and Barbara A. Posten to Staci R. Dibble; property in Eaton Twp. for $167,000.

• Margaret McGough Fiorini to Michael Tighe; property in Overfield Twp. for $6,727.50.

• Kevin Walsh, Lenora Walsh and Cartus Financial Corp., agent, to Cartus Financial Corp.; property in Factoryville for $137,230.

• Cartus Financial Corp. to Megan Mould; property in Factoryville for $137,230.

• Teresa Walsh, executrix, Carmel Johnston, executor, and Bridget Glendon, decedent, to Charles J. Drazdauskas Jr.; property in Falls Twp. for $39,000.

• Michael L. Arrowwood, trustee, Molly Beth Paz, trustee, Michael L. Arrowood, Cathryn C. Arrowood and Arrowood Trust to Daniel Goodwin and Cindy Goodwin; property in Forkston Twp. for $65,000.

• Wells Fargo Bank NA to David Garinger; property in Mehoopany Twp. for $10,000.

• Wyoming County sheriff and Donald J. Griffith Jr. to Dewtsche Bank National Trust Co., trustee, and Soundview Home Loan Trust; property in Mehoopany Twp. for $8,802.60.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

• George A. Hegedty and Carole Leigh Czepiel, both of Factoryville.

• Michael J. Stacknick and Heather Marie Kisko, both of Nicholson.

• Kameron Alexander Smith and Kayla Rose Koziol, both of Manassas Park, Va.

• Francis G. Miller IV, of Clarks Summit, and Jessica Marie Lavelle, of Scranton.

• Shane Anthony Miller and Brittany Leigh Poma, both of Tunkhannock.

• Daniel Thomas Lobuono and Katherine Elizabeth Taylor, both of Tunkhannock.

ESTATES FILED

• Norman R. Johnson Sr., late of Tunkhannock, letters testamentary to Patricia D. Johnson St. Clair, c/o attorney Judd B. Fitze, 7 Marion St., Tunkhannock.

• Richard D. Stark Jr., late of North Branch Twp., letters testamentary to Marilyn L. Stark, c/o attorney John J. Hovan, 154 Warren St., P.O. Box 336, Tunkhannock.

• Rachel J. Whitlock, late of Windham Twp., letters testamentary to Patricia Whitlock, c/o attorney John J. Hovan, 154 Warren St., P.O. Box 336, Tunkhannock.

After a frustrating first term, Jerry Notarianni has unfinished business.

The longtime political player and Democratic Lackawanna County commissioner, who is running for reelection with attorney and Democratic newcomer Debi Domenick, said he wants another four years to get done what he set out to accomplish four years ago.

Notarianni and fellow Democratic Commissioner Patrick O’Malley were elected together in 2015, but their relationship and the Democratic majority on the board broke down at

the outset of the current administration.

That’s when O’Malley and Republican Commissioner Laureen Cummings formed an unusual bipartisan majority and named Republican Andy Wallace chief of staff. Notarianni, who supported county Recorder of Deeds Evie Rafalko McNulty for the post, points to the appointment as a main source of the breakdown.

The de facto O’Malley/Cummings majority endured the past four years, during which Notarianni claims he was repeatedly excluded from county decision-making and left in the dark about appointments, last-minute additions to county agendas and other business.

He also said the dynamic kept him from initiating a tax reassessment, further advancing economic development efforts and achieving other goals he wants to accomplish in the next term.

Notarianni, 66, said he sees in Domenick, 45, a candidate with new ideas and a younger perspective to complement his decades of experience in and around local politics.

Always interested in politics, Notarianni got involved early on and fostered lifelong friendships with people equally inclined toward political life. He prides himself with maintaining those relationships. Former Commissioners Joe Corcoran and Ray Alberigi and former state Sen. Bob Mellow, for example, remain his close friends decades later.

Newspaper reports over the decades trace Notarianni’s Democratic roots to the leadership of late county Democratic chairmen Robert Hargreaves and Patrick “Packy” Cummings.

Sometimes Notarianni worked more behind the scenes. Other times he was in the spotlight.

Notarianni served as Lackawanna County register of wills from 1986 to 1990, and ran unsuccessfully for Scranton mayor in 1989, losing to Republican Jim Connors. By the time of his mayor run he served as a Democratic State Committee member, chairman of the 113th Legislative District and a member of the city/county Democratic Executive Committee.

After losing the mayor race, Notarianni took a break from the political spotlight, joking that the only political events he would attend in those days were Corcoran/Alberigi golf tournaments. He focused on raising his two children and running his business, AIT Auto Parts.

After serving on the Lackawanna County Government Study Commission in 2013 and 2014, Notarianni ran for commissioner and won with a slate of goals stymied by the political reality of the past four years.

Chief among those goals is completing a reassessment, which Notarianni said is necessary to achieve tax fairness and attract businesses that may otherwise hesitate to move to a county with half-century-old assessments.

He also realizes reassessment can be politically dangerous, but isn’t concerned about that.

“If (reassessment) is to cost me the election, that’s perfectly alright with me,” Notarianni said. “It’s something that’s right and necessary, and it’s not wondering which way the wind is blowing and how people are going to react to it. It’s doing what you are supposed to do because that’s the job you were elected to do.”

Notarianni is confident he would work well with any of the other three commissioner candidates, but adamantly argued a Notarianni/Domenick majority is the most effective way to achieve tax equity, grow the tax base, spur economic growth and support the arts, among other goals.

“All I have ever done my entire life is work, and I like to work,” Notarianni said. “I think I have a few more years left that I can be of help and service to Lackawanna County.”

Contact the writer:

jhorvath@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9141;

@jhorvathTT on Twitter

Jerry Notarianni

Age: 66

Party: Democratic

Residence: Scranton

Family: Wife, Susan; daughter, Lara; son, Francis

Education: Scranton Central High School, 1971; attended Wilkes College

Experience: Lackawanna County commissioner, 2016-present; owner, AIT Auto Parts, 1971-present; chairman, city Democratic Party, 1999-2002; chairman, Lackawanna County Democratic Party, 2002-2006; Lackawanna County Register of Wills, 1986-1990; member, Lackawanna County Government Study Commission, 2013-2014.

ON THE ISSUES: Jerry Notarianni

Reassessment: Supports reassessment on the basis of tax fairness and as a means of attracting businesses. Believes the 51-year-old assessment discourages businesses from moving and bringing jobs to the county. Rejects the argument that reassessment will be cost up to $15 million and argues it won’t be exorbitantly expensive. Believes the county can use existing aerial imaging technology to make the process cheaper and more efficient. Rejects the notion that reassessment will result in people losing their homes. Called reassessment “the most important thing that I want to get finished before I go.”

Stormwater management: Believes a regional approach to stormwater management could help participating municipalities meet federal stormwater pollution reduction requirements at less cost. Does not support a stormwater fee, often called a rain tax, to comply with stormwater requirements. Called the requirements an “unfunded mandate.”

Lackawanna County Prison: Believes the county made strides in recent years to address persistent problems at the jail. Partly agrees with his Republican opponents that political patronage hires contributed to some issues at the jail. Notes that there are a lot of good people who work at the prison who are “unfortunately painted with that same brush.”

Budget: Criticizes his fellow commissioners for rushing the process of adopting the county’s 2020 spending plan and for holding public budget hearings the same day as the draft budget’s release. Voted against county budgets in 2017, 2018 and 2019, citing a lack of pension contributions and his lack of control over spending. Says he had little input in the budget in recent years. Would be amendable to reopening the budget for potential changes after review.

Pension contributions: Frequently criticized his fellow commissioners for not contributing more to the county’s pension fund in recent years. Cites insufficient pension funding as a reason for voting against county budgets the past three years. Vows to make annual pension fund contributions.

Profiles of the four

Lackawanna County

commissioner candidates on Tuesday’s election ballot conclude today with

Commissioner J erry Notarianni . Commissioners serve four-year terms and will earn an annual salary of $79,058 next year.

Profiles of candidates Chris Chermak , Debi Domenick and Michael Giannetta already published and are available on thetimes-tribune.com .

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

Samuel Kevin Hampton, 23, 906 Blakely St., Jessup, to one year of court supervision, including three months of house arrest, and $506.50 in restitution for disorderly conduct.

Joseph Calhoun, 31, 125 S. Grant St., Scranton, to one year of court supervision, including one month of house arrest, for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Molly Corrinne Cleveland, 29, 1130 Diamond Ave., Scranton, to three years of probation, three years of court supervision, including three months of time served in county prison and three months of house arrest, and a $200 fine for possession of a controlled substance, forgery, identity theft and driving without a license.

Charles Anderson, 35, 126 N. Main Ave., Scranton, to a $100 fine for disorderly conduct.

Sarah Beth Carmen, 40, 39 Carbondale Road, Waymart, to three years of probation and $6,459.53 in restitution for theft by unlawful taking.

Kayla Lynn Guthrie, 27, 725 Wheeler Ave., Scranton, to four years of court supervision, including three months of house arrest, for possession with intent to deliver.

Daniel Rosario, 40, 511 Fig St., Scranton, to 244 days to 488 days of time served in county prison and six years of probation for possession with intent to deliver.

Nichole Santiago, 21, 23 Falls Road, Carbondale, to two years of probation for conspiracy to commit robbery.

Lamont Canady, 51, 1143 Eynon St., Scranton, to six months of court supervision, including three months of house arrest, and a $1,000 fine for DUI — tier three, first offense.

Judge Vito Geroulo sentenced:

Kyle Eathen Shafer, 23, 20 Evergreen Mobile Home Park, Jefferson Twp., to three days to six months in county prison and a $1,000 fine for DUI controlled substance schedule 1, first offense.

Anthony Peter Laura, 19, 921 Laurel St., Scranton, to one month to one year in county prison for simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Scott Cunningham Whyte, 57, 503 Second Ave., Jessup, to 52 days of time served to one year in county prison for theft by unlawful taking and public drunkenness.

Sayvoun Deivon Walker, 21, 1412 Capouse Ave., Scranton, to nine months of time served to 23 months in county prison and two years of probation for aggravated assault, terroristic threats and recklessly endangering another person.

Michael Ryan Pidgeon, 32, 534 Cayuga St., Scranton, to five years of court supervision, including three months of house arrest, and a $1,500 fine for DUI tier three, second offense.

Julio Cesar Fortuna Jr., 26, 127 Prospect Ave., Scranton, to two years of probation for criminal mischief and loitering and prowling.

Theresa Lee Mulea, 49, 628 Fig St., Scranton, to two years of court supervision, including three months of house arrest, for criminal attempt — theft by extortion.

David Ranakoski, 25, 136 Shoemaker St., Dunmore, to three months to one year in county prison, including two months of work release and one month of house arrest, for an accident involving damage to attended property.

Angel Marquez Patino, 25, 110 Walden Lane, Ararat, N.C., to five days to six months of house arrest and a $300 fine for DUI tier one, second offense.

Stephanie Chwasciewski, 34, 1262 Sixth St., Scranton, to one year of probation for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Patrick Joseph Bonomo, 54, 207 E. Thomas St., Wilkes-Barre, to two years of court supervision, including three months of house arrest, and a $300 fine for DUI tier one, second offense.

Raymond P. Alvarez, 25, 94 Herbert St., Islip, N.Y., to 18 months of probation and $400 restitution for simple assault.

Troy Mark Texiera, 24, 3152 Laurel View Lane, Tobyhanna, to three days to six months in county prison and a $1,000 fine for DUI tier three, first offense.

Adam Matthew Miller, 18, 433 S. St. Frances Cabrini Ave., Scranton, to two to four years in county prison and $52 in restitution for conspiracy — robbery.

Joseph Lloyd Carter Jr., 51, 61 Belmont St., second floor, Carbondale, to one year of probation for possession of a controlled substance and recklessly endangering another person.

Raymundo Pena-Nunez, New York, to 11 months and 29 days to 23 months and 29 days in county prison and $27,000 in restitution for criminal conspiracy — engaging in theft by deception/false impression.

Darren Michael Lilly, 22, 21 Upper Powderly St., Carbondale, to six months of probation for access device fraud.

Ryan Tomczyk, 33, 906 W. Race St., Pottsville, to one year of probation and $480 restitution for unauthorized use of motor vehicles.

Cheryl M. Rogers, 23, 4575 Mariaville Road, Schenectady, New York, to six months of probation for possession of a controlled substance.

Judge Andy Jarbola sentenced:

Kyle John Atlee, 26, 1205 Rundle St., Scranton, to two years of probation for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Wakil Sanjuan Buckley, 21, 518 N. Irving Ave., Scranton, to 160 days of time served to 23½ months in county prison and one year of probation for possession with intent to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Judge Margaret Bisignani Moyle sentenced:

Mileeya Hines-Glover, 21, c/o 1255 Rundle St., Scranton, to nine months to 23½ months in county prison and one year of probation for endangering the welfare of children.

Daniel Sansky, 68, 426 Cortez Road, Jefferson Twp., to six to 23½ months in county prison, five years of probation and $31,186 in restitution for theft by deception.

Taiyancarlos Sotomayor-Mercado, 18, 635 Harrison Ave., Scranton, to 69 days of time served to 23½ months in county prison for simple assault.

Wayne Douglas, 817 Prescott Ave., Apt. B, Scranton, to 90 days of probation for disorderly conduct.

Jeremy Rivera-Ruiz, 914 Williams St., Avoca, to two years of probation and a $200 fine for default in required appearance.

WILKES-BARRE — People around the country hunting for apartments online are learning that Scranton and Wilkes-Barre are among the “best cities for pizza lovers” in the United States.

One of the latest blog posts on apartmentguide.com ranks Scranton as second best and Wilkes-Barre as 10th best in the nation out of 11,000 cities analyzed.

The ranks are based on the percentage of eateries in a city that are pizza restaurants. The results also include how many pizza shops there are per capita.

In Scranton, a total of 21 percent of eateries are pizza places, which is the second highest percentage in the nation, only behind Worcester, Massachusetts. Per capita, there are 54.42 pizza restaurants per 100,000 people in Scranton, according to the study.

— BOB KALINOWSKI

PIZZA CAPITAL? The website apartmentguide.com recently ranked Wilkes-Barre and Scranton among the 10 “best cities for pizza lovers” in the United States. The ranks are based on the percentage of eateries in a city that are pizza shops.

1. Worcester, Massachusetts

2. Scranton

3. Springfield, Massachusetts

4. Elkhart, Indiana

5. Charleston, West Virginia

6. Youngstown, Ohio

7. Duluth, Minnesota

8. Trenton, New Jersey

9. Manchester, New Hampshire

10. Wilkes-Barre

Three House members who represent Northeast Pennsylvania split along party lines in the chamber’s first vote on the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump’s conduct. U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-9, Dallas, and Rep. Fred Keller, R-12, Snyder County, voted against opening the inquiry. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-8, Moosic, voted for it. Here are comments each made on their votes:

Cartwright: “I support moving these ongoing hearings out into the open so everybody can listen to all the details of what went on, process it and decide for themselves what they think, rather than just being told what to think by all the people talking on cable television.”

Keller: “When you look at the resolution, it doesn’t bring the transparency that we were looking to shed on the process. It still leaves it in the hands of Chairman (Adam) Schiff to be the sole decider of whether or not witnesses can be called or whether or not questions can be asked. ... You have 75% of the members of Congress that have been shut out of the process, that have been denied access to the information that’s going on. You have leaks, the leaks that come out of there are just selective material, out of context, to provide a narrative. That’s not any way to handle such an important happening in our nation when you’re talking about the president who was elected by over 63 million Americans.”

Meuser: “The do-nothing Democrats are bringing their only hope to defeat Donald Trump next year to the House floor. The process has been appalling from every angle: no due process, the public has been made unaware, selective information leaked to the general public, ignoring (Ukraine) President (Volodymyr) Zelenskiy’s words, immense corruption in the Ukraine, and the Bidens are in the middle of it. (Adam) Schiff has been given the role of prosecutor and jury, and he has a factual record of lying. Today’s resolution changed nothing. Every Democrat with the exception of two voted for this sham. They didn’t vote for an inquiry to determine guilt or innocence. Instead, they voted to impeach the president because they don’t like him. That’s dangerous. That’s scary. That’s pitiful. And, the people should be outraged. There is also no evidence — no quid pro quo took place.”

— BORYS KRAWCZENIUK