A day after he agreed to plead guilty to federal charges for sexually assaulting women while on duty, suspended police officer Mark Icker was hit with a new federal lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges Icker arrested the victim in June 2018 for allegedly driving under the influence in Ashley, drove her home to Mountain Top after taking her for blood testing and then fondled her inside her residence.

Attorneys for the woman say she is one of four women Icker sexually assaulted in Luzerne County while working as an Ashley police officer in 2018. Icker also is facing charges for similar alleged conduct in Dickson City.

According to Icker’s federal plea, he has agreed to serve 12 years in federal prison. The state charges are still unresolved.

In the lawsuit filed Friday, the woman claims Icker pulled her over on Route 309 in Ashley for speeding while she was driving home from a bar. The woman said Icker illegally searched her vehicle looking for drugs and when he found none, he made her exit the vehicle to submit to a breath test.

Icker told the woman she failed and arrested her, the lawsuit says.

After blood testing at a local hospital, Icker volunteered to drive her home to Mountain Top.

Upon arrival at her house, Icker asked the woman if he could use her bathroom — an alleged tactic other women have alleged. She said she allowed him inside. Once inside, Icker wouldn’t leave and eventually pulled down the woman’s shirt and fondled her breasts, the lawsuit says.

“She had no idea what to do or how to get this armed police officer out of her home and to stop him from sexually assaulting her,” the lawsuit says.

Icker stayed inside the home for hours against her wishes and repeatedly pressured the woman to go on a date with him, the lawsuit says.

The woman said she couldn’t call for help because Icker had left her phone in his patrol car.

Eventually, Icker agreed to leave and give her phone back, the lawsuit says.

  Over the next few months, Icker repeatedly sent text messages to the woman asking for sexual favors while reminding her he had up to two years to file charges against her.

It’s unclear if the woman was ever charged — or if her blood alcohol concentration was over the legal limit.

Icker continued to text the woman until his first arrest in December 2018 for sexually assaulting a different woman while on duty, the lawsuit says.

Contact the writer:

bkalinowski@citizensvoice.com

570-821-2055, @cvbobkal

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

• Ronald L. Oskiera to Scott H. Campbell and Vanessa Campbell; property in Tunkhannock Twp. for $230,000.

• George R. Hall and Jerilyn T. Hall to Gave A. Sidonio; property in Tunkhannock Twp. for $210,000.

• David J. Kabara to Daniel J. Miller Jr.; property in Windham Twp. for $2,000.

• Alexander Wilson Sr. and Sharon Wilson to Alexander W. Wilson Sr., Leon Allen Duane Wilson III, Jamie L. Trejo and Lisa Ann Boice; property in Noxen Twp. for $20,650.07.

• Jared M. Williams to Christopher R. Smith; property in Laceyville for $109,900.

• Carolyn R. Mostek to Arthur J. Cook and Elaine F. Cook; property in Nicholson Twp. for $119,000.

• Wyoming County sheriff and Bernard C. Scranta to George Dobrinski; property in Tunkhannock Twp. for $411,397.45.

• Donald S. Beynon to Kristin Dudley and Keith Dudley; property in Washington Twp. for $87,000.

• Alan R. Moccia to William J. Overfield Jr.; property in Washington Twp. for $68,900.

• William L. Mosher and Brenda A. Wilson to Jesse E. Bedell; property in Lemon Twp. for $153,000.

• Joan A. Johnson, Joan A. Yeager and William Yeager to Colin Morley and Lisa Morley; property in Washington Twp. for $106,000.

• Brendan J. Vanston and Helen R. Vanston to Jeffrey Reynolds and Lisa Reynolds; property in Washington Twp. for $40,000.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

• Ronald D. Wood Jr. and Tabetha A. Corley, both of Factoryville.

• Edward Adam Ferkel Jr. and Amanda Jean Schramp, both of Dallas.

WYOMING COUNTY COURT NOTES appear weekly in The Times-Tribune.

Behind the Business is a new weekly feature taking an inside look at local businesses. To suggest a company or entrepreneur, email business@timesshamrock.com.

Business: Vintage Kitchen

Location: 317 Linden St., Scranton.

Owner: Sandi Graham

Year established: Opened in Clarks Summit in April 2016; moved to Linden Street, Scranton, in May.

Number of employees: Four teachers.

Tell us about your business: Vintage Kitchen offers cooking and lifestyle classes. The cooking classes are based on a menu or ingredient. Most classes end with a meal of the food cooked during class.

Our goal is to enhance individual and family meals.

Our children’s classes are called Apron Strings and in the same spirit as adult classes. For younger children, we offer classes for parents and children together.

We also offer sewing classes. Those are project-based so people can sign up by project. We do birthday parties, corporate team-building events and private parties.

What are your secrets to success? People want to spend time with friends and learn new things, so the timing’s right for a business that offers experiences.

It’s also about being open to new ideas and persistence. I end up reading a lot of cookbooks and magazines. I’m aware of the trends, and I kind of put my own little twist on the recipes. I make them my own.

I’ve got people, teachers, who are devoted to what they do and just want to share.

What is your biggest challenge? Having enough time to schedule all of my ideas. There’s just not enough days in the month.

I have more ideas than I have time. Sometimes you can only capitalize on some of them because of the seasonality of the food.

There’s also what I call “dead dates” when nobody wants to take a cooking class, like Black Friday, though you might get a private party.

Learn more about Vintage Kitchen at www.face book.com/VintageKitch enCookingClasses.

ALLENTOWN — The Federal Trade Commission and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office gave Lehigh Valley Health Network the all-clear to buy Allentown-based specialty health system Coordinated Health, which had been making solid inroads in Northeast Pennsylvania.

In a joint statement Thursday, both health systems said the agencies had completed their anti-trust reviews allowing the deal to proceed.

Both health systems will continue to operate separately until they complete transaction documents, which officials expect to wrap up in the coming weeks.

— JON O’CONNELL

MARRIAGE LICENSES

• Ivan Baker II and Samantha Piasecki, both of Thompson.

• Domenic Mauro and Cecelia Ascolese, both of Friendsville.

• Brandon McNeel of Binghamton, N.Y., and Natalia Vergara-Berenda of Milford.

• Susan Duncan and Laurel DeLong, both of Montrose.

• Jordan McDaniels and Emily Boyle, both of Friendsville.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

• Robert and Faith Garza to Nicole and Benjamin House; a property in Apolacon Twp. for $248,000.

• Philip Strawn to Geofrrey and Mariah Birchard; a property in Montrose for $120,000.

• Bridgewater Holdings LLC to Thomas Wilkinson; a property in Bridgewater Twp. for $254,900.

• Kevin Oakley to Aaron and Julianne Treadway; a property in Great Bend Twp. for $210,000.

• Paul and Gary Smith, Carol Beautz to Gary and Kimberly Smith; a property in Herrick Twp. for $155,900.

• Michael Hall to Susanne Hovemeyer; a property in Auburn Twp. for $207,000.

• Rita Lacey, estate, to Thomas and Alyssa Shelanskey; a property in Great Bend for $89,900.

• Jon and Abbey Carpenter to Christopher Empett and Sarah Richard; a property in New Milford Twp. for $195,000.

• Doug Wilcox, et. al, to Jennifer Blaisure; a property in Springville Twp. for $112,000.

• Sally Dyer to Michael and Tina Hester; a property in Silver Lake Twp. for $265,000.

• Jacqueline Havriliak to Carolyn Devers; a property in Bridgewater Twp. for $259,900.

• Donald and Christine Depew to Ashley Conroe; a property in Clifford Twp. for $108,250.

• Christopher and Stephanie Brown to Greg and Trisha Piechocki; a property in New Milford Twp. for $185,567.

• Lyman LLC to Dakota and Victoria Robinson; a property in Springville Twp. for $88,000.

• Conigliaro Grantor Trust, by trustee, to Brian and Nancy Tyler, Nichole Garnett; a property in New Milford for $200,000.

• Gregory and Cathy Liggett, Robert Davis to Carrie and Jonathan Guzy; a property in Bridgewater Twp. for $256,500.

• Penny Lewis to David Mockridge; a property in Silver Lake Twp. for $200,000.

• Dime Bank to Ettellig Enterprises LLC; a property in Clifford Twp. for $500,000.

• Forge Farm LP to Thomas and Kathryn Chesnik; a property in Clifford Twp. for $500,000.

SCRANTON — As their troupe waited to enter the courtroom, Andraus Marcus Jr. leaned over and whispered to his case manager.

“I’m going to try to keep it together,” he said. “I’m going to try.”

Marcus, 43, of Albrightsville, was about to triple the size of his family during Lackawanna County’s annual Adoption Day.

The federal government recognizes November as National Adoption Month, and every year the county holds a special day to celebrate.

Eleven children were adopted Friday in the Lackawanna County Government Center.

Marcus and his children were first in line to go before Judge Patricia Corbett.

He adopted four sisters, ages 4, 5, 10 and 11. They wore velvet dresses and skittered around their dad as they entered the courtroom, which was decorated to look like a Christmas wonderland — or as much like a wonderland as you can make in a courtroom.

For a few hours, family court pulled out all the stops to make a memorable experience.

Workers with the county Office of Youth and Family Services wore elf costumes and

sat in the jury box. One tossed glitter. Another did cartwheels. Costumed characters including a Christmas tree, the Grinch and a snowman wandered in and out of the courtroom.

Marcus, who never married, spent his working years as an English teacher. He longed for a big family.

“I always wanted to help children who are less fortunate than others,” he said. “I’m grateful that I have the strength to do it, and the patience to do it.”

His case worker, Cara Kobeski, and Adriane Heine, adoption coordinator at Friendship House, the agency that managed the adoption and evaluated Marcus’ fitness for fatherhood, said he defends them fiercely. He gives them stability, direction and encouragement, they said.

Seven years ago, Marcus adopted an 11-year-old boy through Lackawanna County.The girls lived with him for two years as foster children.

He’ll receive a stipend through Friendship House until the youngest turns 18.

It’s common for adoptive families to choose new names. The girls now will be called Mia, Sophia, Arianna and Annalise.

“He’s an excellent parent and they all have a very strong bond,” Heine testified before Corbett. “I highly recommend the adoption.”

After she took testimony from Marcus and Heine, the judge posed a question to the girls, and asked them to identify the man who sat next to them.

“Mr. Marcus,” a little voice piped up, sounding formal and a little unsure.

The judge asked if he should be their dad. They all let out a resounding, “Yes.”

Corbett invited the four girls behind the bench to crack the gavel. Tears ran down Marcus’ cheeks as he visibly struggled to keep it together.

Outside the courtroom, Annalise zipped up to Marcus to ask him a question.

“Dad …,” she started, like she had been calling him that name for years.

Contact the writer:

joconnell@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9131;

@jon_oc on Twitter

Danny Hicks

Wanted by: State Board of Probation and Parole.

Wanted for: Parole absconder; released July 7, 2016.

Description: White man, 70 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 175 pounds, white hair, gray eyes.

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

Romeail Killbrew

Wanted by: State Board of Probation and Parole.

Wanted for: Parole absconder; released Jan. 26.

Description: Black man, 38 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 200 pounds, black hair, black eyes.

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

Joseph Giordano

Wanted by: State Board of Probation and Parole.

Wanted for: Parole absconder; released Jan. 23.

Description: White man, 34 years old, 6 feet 5 inches tall, 280 pounds, brown hair, blue eyes.

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

Kevin Atwell

Wanted by: State Board of Probation and Parole.

Wanted for: Parole absconder; released April 22.

Description: White man, 30 years old, 5 feet 9 inches tall, 200 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes.

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

Jessica Saffarano

Wanted by: State Board of Probation and Parole.

Wanted for: Parole absconder; released Jan. 4, 2016.

Description: White woman, 31 years old, 5 feet 1 inch tall, 165 pounds, brown hair, hazel eyes. Last known to be in Lackawanna County.

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

Abington Post

schedules event

Abington Memorial VFW Post 7069, turkey, ham and slab bacon spin, Dec. 8, 4 p.m., post, 402 Winola Road, Clarks Summit; public invited.

Meetings

SEABEES

Seabee Veterans of America Island 4 Pa., Wednesday, 7 p.m., Dickson City American Legion.

POST 327 AUXILIARY

Olyphant Raymond Henry American Legion Post 327, Dec. 2, 7 p.m., post home.

POST 4909

Dupont VFW Post 4909, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m., post home; home association meeting follows.

POST 610

Mayfield American Legion Post 610, Dec. 2, 7 p.m., legion headquarters.

Merli Center

Today: Coffee, 8:30 a.m.; morning visits, 8:45; Eucharistic ministry visits, 9:15; billiards tournament, 2; unit visits, 4.

Monday: Morning visits, 8:45; Bible study, 9:30; rainbow sensations, third floor, 10; Arby’s dine-in, 12:15 p.m.; peer group, 1:15; horse races by Rocco Valvano, 2; senior fitness, 3; unit visits, 4; western movie with pizza, 7.

Tuesday: Morning visits, 8:45 a.m.; bingo social, third floor, 10:15; choir practice, 1:45 p.m.; Catholic service, 3; unit visits, 4.

Wednesday: Morning visits, 8:45 a.m.; chapel service, 10; arts and crafts, third floor, 10:15; bingo in memory of Pete Golay by American Legion Post 207, 2 p.m.; unit visits, 4; Bible club, 2 south lounge, 4.

Thursday: Thanksgiving. Morning visits, 8:45 a.m.; Macy’s parade on large screen TV, 9; bean bag toss, third floor, 10; Frankie Gervasi music programs and holiday treats, 2 p.m.; senior fitness, 3; unit visits, 4.

Friday: Morning visits, 8:45 a.m.; coffee and doughnuts, 10:15; karaoke, 2 p.m.; senior fitness, 3; unit visits, 4.

Saturday: Morning visits, 8:45 a.m.; discussion, second floor, 10:15; Benny Hill, second floor, 2 p.m.; unit visits, 4.

She wore vibrant and clashing colors.

She spoke her mind, even though it got her into trouble. She adored chocolate and strawberry icing.

Michelle Jolene Lakey — “funny and goofy and silly” — had no desire to look or be like anyone else, her sister, Justina Forsythe, said.

Jolene has been missing for more than 33 years.

She remains an 11-year-old girl who does not age, smiling in posters and billboards that implore the public to help solve a mystery. What happened to her? Where is she?

“I would like other people to know that when someone goes missing and they’re not found, or it takes longer to locate them, families are emotionally flayed — raw and hurting — angry, but that is just the beginning,” Forsythe said.

About 600,000 people go missing in the United States every year, according to The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). An estimated 4,400 unidentified bodies are recovered each year.

NamUs calls it “the nation’s silent disaster.”

If a tornado touches down in Tennessee, people from Texas try and provide comfort, said Todd J. Matthews, director of communications and outreach for NamUs.

When someone disappears, the world spins on.

“If my wife were to go missing, my mail still gets delivered,” Matthews said. “I’m still here in silence.”

Hundreds of people go missing in Northeast Pennsylvania every year.

In Scranton, there were 908 missing person reports in 2017, 720 in 2018, and 531 this year through Nov. 14, Police Chief Carl Graziano said.

Most are juveniles who frequently run away, not coming home at night or from school. Many are found fairly fast.

Others disappear for years or decades.

Matthews drew a comparison to the raw panic parents feel if they lose sight of a small child in a public place, like a grocery store.

“Imagine that type of panic staying there and not going away,” he said.

In Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, there are 29 missing persons cases which have been open for at least a year, what many agencies consider “cold cases,” according to NamUs data.

In Lackawanna, for every 100,000 people, there are 6.16 open missing persons cases that are a year or more old — the ninth-highest per capita rate in the state and just a few decimal points shy of Philadelphia. Luzerne had the 15th-highest rate.

“It’s frustrating,” Graziano said. “If nothing else, you want to bring them closure.”

The cases become more difficult to solve as more time elapses. The first 48 hours of the investigation are a crucial window, Graziano said.

Today, there are more tools at a detective’s disposal. Tracking credit card purchases, cellphone records and payments made through government assistance are helpful to track down people.

Any police contact, like a traffic stop, can close out a case because a missing person’s information is entered into the National Crime Information Center.

“It’s a little bit easier today because of electronic communication and social media,” Graziano said. “When you’re talking about the 70s, that didn’t exist.”

Much of what NamUs does is geared for law enforcement, Matthews said. As a central repository of information about missing persons, they offer free forensic teeth and fingerprint examinations, along with DNA analysis through the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification laboratories. It also helps investigators compare case information to match missing persons with unidentified bodies. The National Institute of Justice funds NamUs, which also offers information and support to the families of those missing.

“You can’t put together a puzzle with one piece,” Matthews said. “Nobody knows what you’re going through, the impact of that person being gone out of your life. It’s just not natural for somebody to disappear. ... You don’t know if that person is alive or dead and you want to help them.”

Jolene’s disappearance — among the most well-known mysteries in the region — happened Aug. 26, 1986, as she left Mercy Hospital to walk to a friend’s house not far from her home.

Detectives worked leads. Tips trickled in and investigators developed suspects, but no one was ever charged.

The case went cold.

Time marched on.

Forsythe said there is often an “unbelievable apathy” surrounding missing persons. They are seen as the runaways. The throwaways. It could not be further from the truth.

Jolene’s family moved because others harassed them over the disappearance. They still return in the summers to remember her.

Forsythe walks the path her sister took that day. She walks to her home. It is a grueling experience, but taking out her pain on that walk helps her. So does choosing love.

“Love is like a starter flame,” Forsythe said. “You have it, you give it, but it does not diminish. It’s ever-present. People are frequently wrong about strength...It’s like the oxygen in your lungs. It is amazing what you can do when you literally have no choice.”

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

Lackawanna County’s missing persons

Valentin Alvarez-Marinez

Last seen: Nov. 1, 2001, in Carbondale.

Age at disappearance: 31.

Description: Hispanic man, brown eyes, black hair, between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 10 inches and 220 to 225 pounds. Wore blue T-shirt, white socks and black Nike sneakers.

Circumstances: Little information is available about him. No photo is available.

Robert Baron

Last seen: Jan. 25, 2017, in Old Forge.

Age at disappearance: 58.

Description: White man, hazel eyes, gray/partially gray hair, 5 feet 8 inches, 185 pounds. Wore black sweatpants, gray hooded sweatshirt and black sneakers.

Circumstances: Baron vanished at Ghigiarelli’s, his restaurant at 511 S. Main St. His disappearance is considered questionable and authorities suspect foul play.

“The investigation is open and ongoing,” Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell said recently. “Advances in (DNA testing) technology have been helpful and we are continuing to follow every lead.”

Baron’s son, Bobby Baron, reported his father missing because he did not respond to text messages and was not found at the restaurant or an upstairs apartment.

Investigators discovered clear signs of a struggle at Ghigiarelli’s — blood, a tooth and signs of an attempt to clean up the crime with household cleaners. Authorities strongly maintain the case is far from cold but have given few hints as to what they believe happened. No suspects have ever been publicly named.

Ghigiarelli’s never reopened. A sign on the side of the building offers a reward and admonition: “Someone here knows where he is!!”

Eugene Bartlebaugh

Last seen: June 9, 1976, in Scranton.

Age at disappearance: 22.

Description: White man, blue eyes, blond/strawberry hair, between 5 feet 7 inches and 5 feet 9 inches and 150 to 155 pounds. Wore a shirt and jeans.

Circumstances: Police had no information about him. No photo is available.

A Scranton Times article published shortly after his disappearance said his wife reported him missing after he entered a car with a man to whom she said he owed $300.

She was with her husband at his job, an auto repair shop on South Sixth Street, when the man, who had a pistol in the waistband of his trousers, approached Bartlebaugh and asked if he could briefly speak with him, according to the article. The two got into a car and Bartlebaugh disappeared.

In a police interview, the man said he had not seen Bartlebaugh “for a couple of weeks.”

As authorities investigated further, they received a conflicting report that Bartlebaugh was picked up the day of his disappearance around Green Ridge Street and North Main Avenue after having car trouble.

It is possible that he surfaced later. A funeral notice published in 1995 for his mother lists him as a pallbearer. However, he remains listed as missing.

Rashan A. Francis

Last seen: Nov. 6, 2018, in Scranton.

Age at disappearance: 42.

Description: Black man, brown eyes, black hair, 5 feet 8 inches, 150 pounds. Shaved his head and may have had a beard. Wore a black backpack, red tennis shoes, blue jeans or a dark pants and a red, white and blue jacket.

Circumstances: Never returned home. Cellphone records and an interview suggest he was last seen at a McDonald’s in Archbald, Scranton Police Chief Carl Graziano said. His cellphone died and police could no longer track it.

Before he went missing, Francis made comments to others that suggested he “was not of sound mind,” including that people were after him and following him, Graziano said.

Scranton police are still investigating. Anyone with information should contact the Scranton Police Criminal Investigations Division at 570-348-4134 or your local police department.

Clinton J. Holder

Last seen: Aug. 25, 1993, in Scranton.

Age at disappearance: 18.

Description: Black man, brown eyes, black hair, between 5 feet 3 inches and 5 feet 5 inches and 120 to 125 pounds. Circumstances: Left his apartment to bike to a job interview in Green Ridge and was not heard from since. Little information is available about him. No photo is available.

The investigation was reassigned as a cold case in 2003, Scranton Police Chief Carl Graziano said.

Sandra Hopler

Last seen: Sept. 29, 1973, in Scranton

Age at disappearance: 18.

Description: White woman, hazel eyes, light brown hair, 5 feet 4 inches and 125 pounds. Wore a burgundy blazer, a dark blouse, tan shoulder purse and new Seiko gold face watch.

Circumstances: A student at Keystone Junior College in La Plume Twp. The last place anyone saw Hopler was at the Martz Trailway bus station.

Michelle Jolene Lakey

Last seen: Aug. 26, 1986, in Scranton.

Age at disappearance: 11.

Description: White girl, brown eyes, brown hair, 4 feet 9 inches and 80 pounds. Wore dark blue sweatpants, a white shirt with purple trim and brown sandals.

Circumstances: Left Mercy Hospital after visiting her mother with plans to sleep over a friend’s house a block and a half away. She never made it. She may have entered a light yellow car about one block from her home.

Though suspects emerged, police never gathered enough evidence to file charges.

Jolene knew Frank Osellanie, a former Scranton auto mechanic who was convicted in 1990 of raping and murdering 9-year-old Renee Waddle, and visited his Walnut Street garage to play with his German Shepherd.

They searched Osellanie’s garages at Walnut Street and Kessler Court using special radar to look for voids under the concrete, but never found Jolene. Police also investigated a Brooklyn, New York man who was accused of raping a 14-year-old Scranton girl who had ties to Jolene not long before she went missing.

Jerry Mansek

Last seen: April 13, 1992, in Scranton.

Age at disappearance: 41.

Description: White man, blue eyes, brown hair, between 5 feet 11 inches and 6 feet 2 inches tall and 175 to 180 pounds. Circumstances: He was last seen at Summit Pointe.

There was no additional information available. No photo is available.

James R. McLaughlin

Last seen: Feb. 8, 1980, in Carbondale Twp.

Age at disappearance: 37.

Description: White man, brown eyes, brown hair, between 5 feet 6 inches and 6 feet 5 inches and 130 to 180 pounds. Wore tinted glasses, blue jeans, blue shirt and red checked coat with blue trim and new brown work boots. Went by the nickname “Mugger.”

Circumstances: Disappeared from his trailer on Rushbrook Road while his girlfriend went for a walk. When she came back, he was nowhere to be found.

Sister Angela Miller, I.H.M.

Last seen: April 27, 2018, in Scranton.

Age at disappearance: 76.

Description: White woman, hazel eyes, gray hair, between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 7 inches and 140 to 145 pounds.

Circumstances: Went missing during the grisly chaos of a West Scranton fire. Police believe Miller’s nephew, Alan Smith, 49, killed his mother, Rosemary Smith, and set fire to their Washburn Street home.

Rosemary Smith and Miller sought an emergency protection from abuse order against Alan Smith. When officers tried to serve the PFA, he opened fire. The Washburn Street home burned; Alan and Rosemary Smith perished inside. Miller’s body was never found. One of the best leads — blood found in the trunk of Rosemary Smith’s vehicle — led police to think Miller’s remains were moved before officers arrived to serve the PFA. That turned out to be inconclusive, Scranton Police Chief Carl Graziano said.

Edward Sekelsky

Last seen: Feb. 1, 1998, in Taylor.

Age at disappearance: 48.

Description: White man, hazel eyes, sandy hair, between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 10 inches and 170 to 175 pounds. Has burn marks on both arms.

Circumstances: More than 21 years after his disappearance from the Maple Manor Trailer Park, Taylor police have not closed the case on this Vietnam War veteran.

About a month ago, state police said they found a body matching some of Sekelsky’s characteristics, said Taylor Police Chief Stephen Derenick. It may be a long time before anything is known for certain.

NamUs reported that he was distraught over family problems and work.

“You just wait to hear,” said Derenick, who was the investigating officer in the late 90s. “Will he ever be found? I hope so for the family’s sake.”

The trailer park’s manager reported to police that Sekelsky stopped picking up his mail. His Ford pick-up truck was parked outside his trailer. Inside, everything was neat and tidy. His belongings were packed in boxes with notes addressed to those he intended to leave everything.

Police and firefighters combed the woods behind the trailer court without success. In an unexpected twist, police suspected by March 1999 that he had absconded to Hawaii.

A man named Ed Sekelsky with the same Social Security number as the missing man was the victim of an assault and robbery in Honolulu. His identity may have been stolen.

That mystery was never solved, Derenick said. No verification was ever made on who had used Sekelsky’s Social Security number.

Donald Ferry Shafer

Last seen: March 9, 1981, in Dickson City.

Age at disappearance: 15.

Description: White man, brown eyes, very dark brown hair, 6 feet tall, between 120 and 130 pounds. Had a small, tan Yellowstone Boys Ranch bag and wore sneakers, a dark sweatshirt and black jeans. Sometimes went as either Don Ferry, Donnie Frame or Donnie Thomas. He planned to get a homemade tattoo of a bomb with a D in the middle of it on his left arm or shoulder, though it’s not clear if he got it.

Circumstances: No information available about his disappearance.

Joanne Williams

Last seen: Dec. 7, 1978, in Scranton

Age at disappearance: 22.

Description: White woman, blue eyes, blonde hair, between 5 feet and 5 feet 4 inches and 95 to 105 pounds. Wore a beige tweed jacket, blue jeans and a leotard top.

Circumstances: Vanished after leaving her home to attend a weekly exercise class at a private home in the Abingtons. Before she left, she assured her parents she would be home in time for a 10 p.m. date.

Her red 1977 Datsun was later found near Cathedral Cemetery. Authorities excavated two graves there that were open the night she disappeared.

They used a radar machine to scan the floors of Frank Osellanie’s Walnut Street garage in 1990, during their search for Michelle Jolene Lakey. Williams lived a block away. Detectives even consulted a New Jersey psychic who told them Williams’ body was encased in ice, possibly at the bottom of a lake. Her body was never recovered.

Lackawanna County Court declared Williams dead in 1991. The case was transferred to state police.

— JOE KOHUT

Nov. 24, 1919

Search underway for missing woman

The family of Mrs. Carrie Evans of Hanover Green was searching for the woman in Scranton.

According to police, Dr. Walter Green and his wife, Carrie, were in Scranton on Nov. 17. Dr. Green said he last saw his wife board a streetcar bound for the Providence section of the city. He said she was going to visit with friends.

Dr. Green said she was to meet him at the Laurel Line Station at 6 p.m. but didn’t arrive. He said he stayed at the station until 9 p.m. and then decided to go home.

Laura Evans, the couple’s 16-year-old daughter, told police that about a year before, her mother disappeared for about two months and was later found by police.

Man kept valuable gem close by

John Mihok, a former Scranton resident living in Omaha, Nebraska, kept his “good luck stone” in his pocket for 20 years.

But the “stone” was actually a large, flawless pigeon-blood ruby. According to Mihok, in 1889 when he was leaving his home country of Hungary, his father gave him the stone for good luck. Once in the United States, he traveled to Scranton to start a new life.

In Scranton, he found a wife and started a family. Later, he and his family would move to Cleveland, Ohio, and later to Omaha. All the while, he kept the stone in his pocket.

After reading a newspaper story about a man finding a valuable ruby in a stream, he finally decided to have his good-luck stone examined.

Mihok traveled to Chicago to visit a lapidary about the stone. The lapidary informed Mihok that the ruby was 23 carats and could be worth at least $100,000. The lapidary also told him the ruby could be one of the largest in the world.

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.

Wayne County President Judge Janine Edwards sentenced:

Kristine Mazza, 29, Seldon, New York, six to 23 months in the Wayne County Correctional Facility, $900 fine and a drug and alcohol evaluation for simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment on Aug. 20, 2018, in Preston Twp.

Alan Boguski, 55, Waymart, five to 24 months in the Wayne County Correctional Facility and a drug and alcohol evaluation for risking a catastrophe and possession of a controlled substance on July 18 in South Canaan Twp.

Jordan Coxson, 20, Waymart, 148 days to 18 months in the Wayne County Correctional Facility followed by 24 months of probation, $150 fine, $670 in restitution and a drug and alcohol evaluation for simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, disorderly conduct, harassment and criminal mischief on May 9 in Texas Twp.

Jeffrey Drumm, 36, Lakewood, six months of probation, $300 fine and a drug and alcohol evaluation for possession of a controlled substance on Sept. 9 in Honesdale.

John Staiger, 60, Lake Ariel, six months on the Intermediate Punishment Program, $1,200 fine, 15 days of house arrest, drug and alcohol addiction treatment and the Alcohol Highway Safety Program for DUI and driving without a license on March 14 in Salem Twp.

Kaitlin Feik, 28, Honesdale, six months on the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, 25 hours of community service and a 60-day driver’s license suspension for DUI on April 28 in Paupack Twp.

Eric Mosher, 40, Honesdale, 80 to 276 months in a state correctional institution and $5,000 in restitution for corruption of minors, indecent assault, disseminating explicit sexual materials to minors and criminal use of a communication facility in December 2018.

Charity Pacini, 43, Moscow, $100 fine for theft on April 26 in Honesdale.

Cynthia Eike, 55, Lake Ariel, six months on the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program, 25 hours of community service and 60-day driver’s license suspension for DUI on May 6 in Salem Twp.

Jennifer Greiner, 38, Lake Ariel, six months on the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program, 25 hours of community service and 30 day driver’s license suspension for DUI on May 6 in Salem Twp.

Tyler Norton, 26, Mayfield, six months on the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program and 25 hours of community service for DUI in Honesdale.

Samantha Russell, 25, Hawley, six months on the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program, 25 hours of community service and 60 day driver’s license suspension for DUI on Nov. 3, 2018 in Honesdale.

Alisha Burns, 24, Altoona, 12 months of probation, drug and alcohol treatment and $335.95 in restitution for forgery on Nov. 11, 2017.

Garrett Jennings, 28, Forest City, 12 months of probation, $300 fine and a drug and alcohol evaluation for simple assault and criminal mischief on Aug. 31 in Mount Pleasant.

Dean McLain, 49, Madison Twp., six months in the Intermediate Punishment Program, $500 fine, two days of house arrest, drug and alcohol addiction treatment and the Alcohol Highway Safety Program for DUI on May 24 in Salem Twp.

Jeremy Roberts, 47, Hawley, nine months to five years in the Wayne County Correctional Facility, $1,500 fine and drug and alcohol treatment for DUI on April 24 in Paupack Twp.

Ronald Wanamaker, 34, New Castle, 14 to 60 months in a state correctional institution and $10,000 in restitution for indecent assault of a person less than 13 in February 2018 in Damascus Twp.

Daniel West, 36, Lake Ariel, 48 hours to six months in the Wayne County Correctional Facility, $500 fine, drug and alcohol addiction treatment and the Alcohol Highway Safety Program for DUI on April 22 in Salem Twp.

SCRANTON — A driver who sped away on Interstate 81 from Scranton police trying to pull his vehicle over for a traffic violation was found later hiding in a basement of an apartment in Dickson City, according to court documents.

The defendant, Robert Anthony Olavarria, 28, who is homeless, led police on a high-speed chase on I-81 north from River Street to Dickson City, and along Main Street in Dickson City, a criminal complaint and affidavit say.

The incident began Friday at 9:43 p.m. when police tried to stop a white Nissan Altima with a Florida license plate as it entered I-81 north from River Street. A short time earlier, an emergency police alert had been issued for a man wanted in connection with an unspecified rape. Patrolmen Jason Hyler and Kyle Gilmartin of the Scranton Police Department Street Crimes Unit saw a man fitting the description of the rape suspect leaving Joe’s Kwik Mart on Meadow Avenue.

Upon seeing the officers, the man hurried to his car, rushed out of the lot and failed to use a turn signal to enter the on-ramp for the highway.

The officers tried to pull the car over, but it sped off at speeds in excess of 100 mph and weaved through traffic. Police backed off the chase.

The officers caught up to the car while it was stopped behind another vehicle at a red light on Main Street in Dickson City. The car again sped away, turning east onto Shaffer Street, where police lost sight of it.

The officers issued a countywide alert for the car. Ten minutes later, Dickson City police found the car parked behind an apartment building at 450 Main St.

The Scranton officers went there, and a resident said he saw a man leave the car and run into a downstairs apartment.

Using a loudspeaker, police identified themselves and ordered the door to be opened. After 10 minutes, resident Xiomary Morales came out and at first denied letting anyone into the building, but then admitted she let the fleeing man in and helped hide him, the affidavit says. She gave police permission to search the residence.

Several officers searched the building and found the man hiding in the basement. He was taken into custody and identified as Olavarria, the affidavit says.

It turned out that Olavarria was not the rape suspect who was the subject of the initial emergency alert, but resembled him, according to the affidavit.

Olavarria had a blue Yankees backpack containing paraphernalia that included a digital scale, a blender canister, a razor blade with cocaine residue, latex gloves, a box of plastic bags, and plastic bags with ripped-off corners, all of which are items commonly used to cut, weigh and package drugs for sale, the affidavit says. Olavarria also had $650 in cash, which police believe was proceeds from drug sales, the affidavit says,

Olavarria is charged with fleeing/attempting to elude police, possession of cocaine, drug possession with intent to deliver and possession of paraphernalia, according to the criminal complaint. He was held in Lackawanna County jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Contact the writer:

jlockwood@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9100 x5185;

@jlockwoodTT on Twitter

A psychiatrist, physician and longtime addiction-treatment professional are defendants in a wrongful death lawsuit over the suicide of Scott E. Henry, chairman of the Martz Group bus company in Wilkes-Barre.

Henry killed himself with a gunshot to the head in December 2018, according to the suit filed Friday by Henry’s widow, Maryjane Henry of Shavertown, and her attorney, Mark W. Tanner of Philadelphia. The suit alleges negligence, recklessness and carelessness.

The defendants are Nicholas F. Colangelo, an addiction-treatment professional from Shavertown; Albert D. Janerich, a Plains Twp. physician; and Moosic psychiatrist Matthew A. Berger.

Henry was 60 when he was found dead Dec. 13, 2018, in his home with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the lawsuit said. He had “a medical history that was significant for drug and alcohol addiction, depression, anxiety, mood disorder, and impulse control problems” and met Colangelo participating in Alcoholics Anonymous, the suit said.

He had been sober for more than 18 years and started having thoughts of suicide in October 2018. The suit alleges Colangelo provided “illegal and unqualified mental health therapy and treatment” to Henry.

Janerich began providing medical treatment to Henry on Oct. 27, 2018, and the suit alleges “the medical treatment was outside the scope of his area of expertise (physiatry and addiction medicine).”

Berger evaluated Henry on Dec. 10, 2018, and diagnosed him with “generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder and prescribed new medications, Pamelor and Seroquel,” the suit said.

Henry called Berger’s office Dec. 12, 2018, “to report his medications were not working,” and the phone call was not returned by Berger or anyone in his office, the suit said.

Berger “knew, or should have known, that there was a significant likelihood that Scott Henry would commit suicide without timely and appropriate psychiatric interventions and treatment,” the suit claimed.

Colangelo, Berger and Janerich did not return messages seeking comment Saturday.

Maryjane Henry is seeking compensatory damages in excess of $50,000, for each of two counts in the civil complaint filed in Luzerne County.

Scott Henry took over as chairman of the Martz Group in March 2015 when his father, Frank, retired. At the time, he said it was his dream job.

His father, who remained a company board member, died in June 2018 at age 85. Outside of the family business, Scott Henry served on various boards, including the Wilkes-Barre YMCA and the Luzerne Foundation, where the family established a fund to benefit various causes throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.

Contact the writer:

mbuffer@citizensvoice.com;

570-821-2073;

@cvmikebuffer on Twitter

SCRANTON — In a few minutes, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus would be needed on their carriage to close out Saturday’s parade through downtown Scranton.

But right now, the couple from the North Pole had some time, and there were children to greet. One little girl wanted Santa to know her name is on the Nice List displayed in the window of the old pressroom at the Scranton Times Building about a block away.

Many others, with wonder in their eyes, merely wanted a hug. St. Nick had plenty to spare.

He commended the city’s children for how well they’ve behaved this past year.

“Last year, they were very good,” he said. “But this year, they were even better. There’s still a few that I have my eye on, but they have 32 days.”

Throngs of people crowded Scranton on Saturday and welcomed the beginning of the holiday season during the 27th annual Santa Parade.

High school marching bands, floats and holiday characters like Heat Miser and Snow Miser marched through the city.

“Keep it up! Keep it up! Keep that Christmas spirit up,” chanted the cheerleaders from Valley View High School.

Rock 107’s morning host, Prospector, served as grand marshal of the parade. Prospector, who is an employee of Times-Shamrock Communications, has been part of the parade since its inaugural year in 1993. He relished the opportunity to lead it.

“You’re bringing Santa to NEPA,” Prospector said. “Who’s not excited about that?”

All seemed in the holiday spirit. Even the Grinch handed out candy to grateful children.

When asked what prompted such a change of heart for the notable Christmas grump, the woman inside the costume just smiled and walked away.

There was one thing on the mind of most of the little children who attended Saturday’s parade: The Man in Red himself — Santa Claus.

Terrell Taylor, 9, of Olyphant, is a big fan of Santa. He said he got a chance to wave at Santa last year at a parade in Wilkes-Barre. He does not yet know what he wants for Christmas, but given the opportunity, he knows what he would like to say to Santa.

“Thanks!” Terrell said. “Thank you, Santa!”

Joey Kelly, 5, of Covington Twp., kept his eyes peeled. Last year, he said, Santa Claus brought him a motorcycle. This year, he’s hoping for a Pokemon video game.

Not everyone, though, had their mind on presents. Asked about the meaning of the day, 10-year-old Adam Zaleski said, “it’s not Santa Claus, it’s family.”

If Santa knows if you’ve been bad or good, as the song suggests, then Adam might not have much to worry about.

Courtney Pronti, 35, of Scranton, said she had to agree with the sentiment. Her family makes it a point to attend the Santa Parade every year. It’s a tradition.

“I agree, it’s about getting the family together,” she said.

Contact the writer:

jkohut@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9144;

@jkohutTT on Twitter

High notes

St. Clare/St. Paul eighth grader Rocco Rinaldi raised more than $7,000 to replace broken or outdated drinking fountains at his school.

Rocco solicited various businesses and banks for donations and received funds from fellow students during the school’s $2 pay-to-dress- down day.

The project took into consideration the benefit of the student community and demonstrated caring and responsibility for fellow students, according to the school.

Through Rocco’s donations, three new fountains will be installed at the school’s main campus and one will be installed at the primary campus.

A member of the honor society, Rocco embodied the society in his strive to demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, character and citizenship.

St. Clare/St. Paul students pledge daily to give back to their school, their community and their world, and Rocco lives this pledge, the school said.

Super students

Keyonna Snedeker, a visually impaired Mountain View Elementary student, wrote a braille letter to teacher, Mike Penn, who went on a research expedition to Antarctica.

Keyonna’s teacher of the visually impaired, Tracey Ranze, helped her with the letter and made sure it was delivered to Penn, who works as a teacher of the gifted at Shaler Area School District, near Pittsburgh.

After his expedition was over, Penn visited the school and gave a presentation on his adventure to the entire second grade at Mountain View Elementary.

Penn was in Antarctica for six weeks as part of the PolarTREC program, a National Science Foundation-funded program that connects teachers with researchers. He worked with a scientific research team from the University of Wisconsin studying Antarctic meteorology and climate science at both McMurdo Station and Amundsen-Scott Station.

While at the school, Penn gave Keyonna a framed photograph of him holding her letter at the geographic South Pole. He also brought extreme cold weather clothing to show the students. Keyonna tried on the clothes and described them as “very hot.”

Penn encouraged the second graders to consider science as a career.

Holiday shop with local authors, vendors

The Lackawanna Historical Society will present a Local History Holiday Emporium featuring local authors and vendors.

The authors on hand to sign books include poet Sandra Burgette Miller, who tells the story of her ancestor’s experience on the Underground Railroad through verse; author Gary Ryman and his firefighting memoirs; Julie Esty’s tales of the “stories in stone” found in the Dunmore Cemetery; Nancy McDonald’s work discusses why if you can play Scranton, you can play anywhere; Kathleen Munley’s work focuses on the scandal of the Freach-Keen murders; Cheryl Kashuba provides a look at Scranton through time; Bill Conlogue, a Marywood English professor, combines poetry, memoir and environmental history; author Ron Moskalczak details heavy industrial history in his works on Scranton’s automobiles and Maccar trucks; Carbondale Historical Society President

S. Robert Powell will have research on the Delaware & Hudson Railroad; Jay Luke’s work examines coal mining in Olyphant; Nick Petula outlines the history of Scranton schools, neighborhoods and Civil War soldiers in his stories; and Stephanie Longo profiles the Italian ethnic communities in the region.

Also, Scranton Lace and letterpress designs from Chris Medley of Crow Designs and handmade items from Juliana Piccini will be available.

The marketplace will be held Saturday, Dec. 14, from noon to 3 p.m. at the society’s headquarters, the Catlin House, 232 Monroe Ave., Scranton. For details, contact the Lackawanna Historical Society at 570-344-3841 or email lackawannahistory@gmail.com.

More than 36 years before the Wrestlemania simulcast at the CYC in 1985, The Scranton Times, WQAN-AM and Comerford Theaters conducted a pioneering experiment to bring the World Series to the big screen.

Starting on Oct. 5, 1949, the three came together to rebroadcast the World Series between the New York Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers at the West Side Theater on Main Avenue in West Scranton. This rebroadcast was the first of its kind in the city.

This feat of engineering was accomplished by the use of an experimental relay system built by the engineers at WQAN, the Times’ radio station, on Bald Mountain. Up on the mountain at the WQAN transmitter, a television receiver was set up to receive the signal either from Philadelphia or New York City. Then the television signal was sent to a microwave transmitter at an ultra-high frequency to the theater, where it was picked up by the receiver projector. The projector then produced the images onto a 12- by 15-foot screen set up on the stage at the West Side Theater.

This experimental rebroadcasting of the World Series was approved by the Federal Communications Commission.

Back down in West Scranton, people lined up out front of the theater to see their teams in action. Admission cost 30 cents. Baseball fans and the curious paid 30 cents to watch the game.

The excitement to watch the game in the theater grew in the city. Pals Robert “Shy” O’Malley of Linden Street and Tom Walsh of South Webster Avenue camped out overnight at the theater to be the first two in line to purchase tickets for the Oct. 6, 1949, game. The pair told a Times reporter they kept warm thanks to a blanket and hot coffee.

With the showing of Game 4 of the series on Oct. 8, the crowd was so large that Scranton police assigned to the theater for crowd control had to call for backup. That Saturday, one line stretched from the theater north to Lafayette Street and the other line reached south to Jackson Street.

Over the course of the five rebroadcasts, a total of 8,112 people attended the showing.

This experimental presentation of the World Series was done in partnership between The Scranton Times and Comerford Theaters as a way to raise money for the annual Community Chest Campaign, now called United Way campaign. The experiment raised a total of $2,028 for the campaign. Adjusting for inflation, the total today would be $22,021.

The Yankees won the series that year in five games against the Dodgers.

Contact the writer:

bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140;

@TTPagesPast on Twitter

1. A movie that filmed some scenes in Scranton earlier this year, including a fiery explosion of an RV, will be submitted to ...

A. Sundance Film Festival.

B. Tribeca Film Festival.

C. South by Southwest.

D. All of the above.

2. Waverly Community House is about halfway to its goal in a capital campaign. How much is the goal?

A. $1 million.

B. $5 million.

C. $15 million.

D. $50 million.

3. Which court has Eric Matthew Frein petitioned in a bid to overturn the death sentence he’s facing?

A. Pike County Court of Common Pleas.

B. Pa. Supreme Court.

C. U.S. Supreme Court.

D. Third Circuit Court.

4. Who appeared at a Scranton council caucus to answer questions about taxpayer-funded gas cards?

A. Fire Chief Pat DeSarno.

B. Mayor Wayne Evans.

C. Police Chief Carl Graziano.

D. DPW Director Dennis

Gallagher.

5. Rep. Kyle Mullins, D-112, Blakely, and Sen. John Blake, D-22, Archbald, introduced bills to address ...

A. bullying.

B. identity theft.

C. annual car inspections.

D. corruption.

6. State police in Blooming Grove arrested seven people Monday after they ...

A. broke into a McDonald’s in Bushkill.

B. raided a Poconos community association clubhouse and took a security officer hostage.

C. stole a school bus full of elementary schoolers.

D. staged a demonstration over police brutality.

7. Starting in 2020, the monthly parking rate in a city-affiliated garage downtown will increase by ...

A. $20.

B. $2.

C. $200.

D. $2,000.

8. True or false: Scranton School District’s proposed 2020 budget hikes taxes 3.4%.

A. True.

B. False.

9. Which religious figure is Commissioner Laureen Cummings pushing to add to a quote featured on Courthouse Square?

A. Buddha.

B. Brigham Young

C. Jesus Christ.

D. Bishop Joseph Martino.

10. Who flipped the switch to turn on the Holiday Light Show at Nay Aug Park?

A. Mayor-elect Paige Cognetti.

B. Ex-Mayor Bill Courtright.

C. Bob Bolus.

D. Mayor Wayne Evans.

Answers: 1. D; 2. B; 3. C; 4. D; 5. A; 6. B; 7. B; 8. A; 9. C; 10. D

SCRANTON — Mayor Wayne Evans envisions a day when parking rates on downtown streets vary by location.

The farther out from the downtown core, the cheaper the space.

Evans said Friday he recently urged the outside operators of the parking system, the nonprofit National Development Council, to review whether such zoned pricing is doable.

Efforts to contact NDC were unsuccessful.

Evans spoke of his idea during an interview about various changes to the city’s parking system of metered street spaces and garages. Parking-space payment kiosks are replacing street meters and eliminating 15-minute-free, loading-zone spaces in front of some businesses. Costs to park on streets and in garages will rise in 2020, as will parking-ticket fines.

Most increases were authorized under the city’s 2016 monetization of the parking system that unloaded operations to NDC.

Street parking will rise from $1.50 to $2 per hour — the same rate whether in the higher-demand area of Courthouse Square or parking dead zones on outer edges of downtown along parts of Mifflin and Franklin avenues and Vine and Mulberry streets.

Evans said he raised the zoned pricing idea a few weeks ago to NDC. Unlike old-fashioned street meters, the computerized “pay by license plate” kiosks will produce information about street parking usage and times. After about six months or so, NDC and its subcontractor that runs the parking systems, ABM Parking Services, should have a sizable amount of data to review in evaluating his idea for zoned street pricing, Evans said.

“We’ve asked them to come up with a zoned pricing plan. We think that would be much more fair than $2” per hour regardless of location, Evans said. “To me, it just makes sense. Who’s going to park on Mifflin or Mulberry or Vine for $2 an hour (if they can park in the core at the same cost)? Nobody. If you go there now, nobody parks there.”

Noting that about 80% of parking revenue comes from 20% of the downtown footprint, reduced rates in far-flung areas may entice motorists to park there, he said. Their trade-off would be having to walk farther to get to destinations in the core. And spaces that generate no revenue would instead bring in money, he said.

“Zero times zero is zero,” Evans said of empty parking spots. “People will walk a little further if you know you’ll get a better rate.”

NDC also is authorized to try a pilot program of a new, all-day street parking rate of $3.25 in certain downtown periphery areas, but payable only through the Pango mobile app. Whether, when and where this pilot program may occur are undetermined.

Meanwhile, as kiosks have sprung up, meter heads have come out and loading-zone parking spaces allowing 15 minutes of free parking in front of banks, pizzerias and other establishments have been eliminated. Such spots used to allow customers to pop in and out of establishments for quick pickups or transactions.

“It’s absolutely atrocious what they’re doing with those parking spots,” said Giovanni Piccolino of Buona Pizza on Lackawanna Avenue.

Evans said NDC intends to put back some loading zones, one or two within certain blocks where deemed necessary. Many loading-zone spaces were never authorized under city legislation, but instead just sprang up over time.

“We found out most of those loading zone were never authorized. You’re talking 30 to 40 years of signs going up,” Evans said.

If a business or entity can make a case for their own loading zone, they can request it through legislation, with review and vetting, similar to how permit parking spots get approved in neighborhoods, he said.

Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce President Bob Durkin said most reactions from businesses about parking-system changes have been about the new kiosks.

“The comments that I’ve heard have to do with kiosks — that it’ll take a little getting used to,” Durkin said. “It is indeed the way parking is moving across the country.”

Changes occurring now also have been years in the making, stemming chiefly from the city’s disastrous default on Scranton Parking Authority debt in 2012, Durkin said. That led to the city getting out of the parking business and bringing in NDC under a long-term lease of garages and meters. Now, three years into this arrangement, NDC has undertaken costly repairs of crumbling garages and modernizing of street parking, the costs of which get passed on to parkers.

“It’s a tough situation. It really comes back to what City Hall did and the foolishness of letting that lending go into default in the first place,” Durkin said.

The parking system remains a work in progress, Evans said.

“It’s still evolving. We’re still in the infancy state of this,” Evans said. “Next year, all garages will be much improved for the first time since they took over and kiosks will be in place, so let’s see what it brings. Take your analytics and information and let’s make changes based on facts.”

Contact the writer:

jlockwood@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9100 x5185;

@jlockwoodTT on Twitter

SCRANTON — When he left the Air Force, Michael L. Brown never imagined a career in health care, much less running entire hospitals.

“Somewhere along the way, my life changed,” said the new chief executive officer at Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital.

“There’s a higher authority that had a plan for me that was different from my own,” he said.

After only 58 days on the job, the Columbus, Ohio, native took on his first annual public board meeting before the boards of both hospitals Wednesday. He dropped clues that he’s wasted no time studying nearly every corner of both Scranton hospitals and planting deep roots in the community.

On his desk, he’s got a United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties donation pledge form. On the small conference table by the window, there’s a thick folder from the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.

He wants to know Scranton’s Mayor-elect Paige Cognetti and the city’s first responders.

At his most recent post, Brown led Illinois’ largest Catholic health system, Amita Health.

But he started his civilian career as a firefighter and pursued a nursing degree to help train paramedics. He later left firefighting to become a full-time nurse.

He earned a Master of Business Administration degree in organizational leadership and management and took his first executive job in 1996 at a for-profit hospital.

In the late 1990s, he took a special assignment as deputy managing director, upgrading three military hospitals and building another in the United Arab Emirates.

With grown children and grandchildren living in Virginia, moving closer to them was a key part is why he and his wife, Sue, packed up from their home in Northern Illinois and moved to Moosic.

He sees technology, in particular robots and artificial intelligence, as a next frontier in health care. Advances in the operating room mean procedures that once took a week-plus to recover from now take mere hours.

When Brown left nursing school, gallbladder surgery immobilized patients for up to 10 days.

“Now, we put you underneath a robot, take it out and you’re gone in three hours.”

Balancing computers and the human side of health care could be one of his greatest challenges.

“We are always going to have hands by the bedside,” he said. “We still need doctors and nurses and technologists.”

Brown replaces interim CEO Ron Ziobro, who stepped up after former CEO Justin Davis resigned in 2018.

He assumes the top seat at both hospitals amid uneasy times for Commonwealth’s parent company, the for-profit Community Health Systems based in Franklin, Tennessee.

The Commonwealth network includes the two Scranton hospitals, as well as Wilkes-Barre General, First Hospital in Kingston and Tyler Memorial in Tunkhannock Twp.

CHS once was the nation’s largest for-profit health system. Over the last several years, it sold off hospitals and subsidiary health systems in an effort to pay down close to $15 billion in debt.

Since 2017, CHS has unloaded 53 hospitals.

“They’ve made progress, but they’re still not looking great,” said Dennis Shea, Ph.D., a Penn State health policy and administration professor. “I would expect a lot of pressure from the top down to improve the finances of the individual hospitals.”

Earlier this year, CHS Chief Executive Officer Wayne T. Smith said the company would quit divesting by the end of 2019; however, rumors persist that UPMC, the health system affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh, would acquire one, some or all of Commonwealth Health’s hospitals.

Brown quickly dispatched any suggestion he was hired to oversee such a sale. CHS hired him to run hospitals, not sell them.

Without writing it off entirely, he also suggested a multi-million-dollar expansion plan to connect Moses and Regional announced in 2017 is kaput. After buying up just about all the land between the hospitals, Commonwealth promised an $80 million medical campus to be completed next year.

“To be perfectly honest with you, nobody’s shown me what the actual 2020 plan was,” he said.

He challenged whether the capital projects, once applauded as a major investment for the city, would still be appropriate amid a rapidly changing health care landscape.

The capital project was one part of the plan, but he’s more concerned with strengthening service lines, for example heart and vascular care at Regional and mom and baby care at Moses Taylor, which has the county’s only neonatal intensive care unit.

“If we can’t manage the quality and safety side, we are going to fail,” he said.

His emphasis on quality and safety already made an impression for his board members.

“He brings what I call fresh eyes,” said Daniel West, Ph.D., a University of Scranton health administration and human resources professor and Moses Taylor board member. “He’s very focused on quality service delivery, quality outcomes, very concerned about patient safety.”

Dr. Frank Kolucki, obstetrics chairman at Moses Taylor, called him a “champion for quality and safety.”

“He comes from a nursing and a first responder background, and that part of his person shines through in his management style,” he said. “I think he’s the right guy for the job.”

Contact the writer: joconnell@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9131; @jon_oc on Twitter

Abington Heights

As vice president of the Interact club, junior Mary O’Brien helped plan the second annual Thanksgiving Dinner to benefit refugees at First Presbyterian Church.

Helping plan the dinner is just one example of the service work Mary participates in for Abington Heights and the surrounding community.

Mary also spends Sunday afternoons teaching English to refugees from the Congo, Sudan, Honduras and Mexico. She interns at Immigration Services, where she teaches and assists with social work and legal work. She dances and is a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church.

After graduation, she plans to study international relations at a university in Washington, D.C., and then pursue a degree in law, concentrating on immigration law.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

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

@kbolusTT on Twitter

Blue Ridge

Andrew Kowalewski , 12, has been in 4-H for six years and belongs to the Born to Show 4-H Club in Susquehanna County.

Andrew has shown dairy heifers, market steers, swine and market lambs. He received two Grand Champion awards, two Grand Champion Homebred awards and the Reserve Grand Champion award for his lambs. This year, Andrew won Reserve Champion Showman at the Harford Fair with his lambs. He won the Junior All Pennsylvania Honorable Mention award for showing his spring calf at a variety of shows in Pennsylvania.

He is planning on showing market lambs at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg in January. Andrew works very hard in school and is an honor roll student.

“I hope to someday show at the World Dairy Expo,” Andrew said.

The seventh grader plays basketball and baseball, runs cross country and enjoys skiing. He has been chosen as student of the month several times.

— ROBERT TOMKAVAGE

rtomkavage

@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9100 x5365;

@rtomkavage on Twitter

Carbondale Area

As secretary of the student council, Connor Eibach looks forward to making wonderful memories with his peers.

“These friends will go off in many different directions after we graduate, so I’m hoping to make the most of the time we have left together as a class,” he said.

The senior said it’s going to be a big year that includes lots of planning and preparing for the future.

“I want to be sure to enjoy the present moment as well,” he said.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

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

@kbolusTT on Twitter

Career Technology Center

Health occupations students are organizing and conducting two blood drives at the school.

Student organizers include Jostin Hidalgo, Monica Brunson, Alexandra Ruiz and Charlene Dixon from Scranton High; Lashanda Jones and Hallie Bannon from West Scranton High; Emma Ziminskas and Haylie Popovich from Valley View; and Victoria Simpson from North Pocono.

The students received training on protocols, confidentiality and safety measures and will be completely responsible for the blood drives, the first of which is scheduled for this week.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9133;

@hofiushallTT on Twitter

Delaware Valley

Skyler Padgett is a standout athlete who recently signed to play Division 1 field hockey at Virginia Commonwealth University.

The senior is a member of the varsity lacrosse team and plays forward/midfield.

She was the team MVP in 2018 and 2019; second team All-State in 2018; BRC 13 Female Athlete of the Week in 2018; team captain in 2019; and a member of MAX field hockey’s class of 2020 Watch List.

She is also a member of Teens Against Tobacco Use, National Art Honor Society and a United Way Day of Caring volunteer.

She plans to major in health and physical education after graduation.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

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

@kbolusTT on Twitter

Dunmore

As an officer of the Dunmore High School Health Careers Club, senior Emma Lalli was also an organizer of the club’s holiday card project.

Emma and the club members made holiday cards with messages for soldiers serving at Fort Riley in Kansas. They thanked the soldiers for their hard work, dedication, service and sacrifice.

Members of the club will soon mail out 100 cards.

“This project means a great deal to me because I know many people who serve, and I can’t imagine not spending the holidays with my loved ones,” Emma said.

Emma is also a member of the French club, TACT club, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Earth club, service club, yearbook and National Honor Society.

After graduation, Emma plans to attend college to become a nurse.

—KATHLEEN BOLUS

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

@kbolusTT on Twitter

Forest City Regional

Senior Faith Ursich shadowed Honesdale attorney Nick Barna for her senior project, spending 30 hours observing court procedures, office work on cases, meetings with clients and learning about paperwork needed for proceedings.

“I know now that I want to pursue a career in law,” Faith said.

She is a member of the volleyball and track teams, and is active in CHOPS, Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, Spanish club, archery, church service work and student council.

Faith plans on studying economics and political science in college.

— LISA ZACCAGNINO

lzaccagnino

@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9130

Lackawanna Trail

Senior Alec Jones is shadowing dentist Dr. Herman Spera for six weeks to learn about the industry, his training and career path.

“The internship confirmed to me that I would enjoy a career in dentistry and helped me chart a course for preparing for a career in the field,” he said. “I would definitely recommend an in-depth internship experience to other students who are interested in specialized careers.”

Spera’s office is in Montrose. The program was made possible by the Northern Tier Industry and Education Consortium in collaboration with Lackawanna Trail’s College and Career Readiness initiative.

Alec is a member of the cross country and track and field teams; he is a trumpet player in the band, concert band treasurer and the senior class treasurer.

After graduation, Alec plans to attend Penn State University or another four-year college to major in chemistry or biology.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

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

@kbolusTT on Twitter

Lakeland

Kate Basalyga placed first in Lackawanna County’s Drug and Alcohol Prevention billboard contest.

Artwork by the Scott Elementary fourth grader features a school bus and play area outside a school. It appeared on a billboard this summer.

“I spent a lot of time adding details to my work,” she said. “I wanted to show a whole outside happy school area.”

She also plays softball and soccer and dances.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

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

@kbolusTT on Twitter

Mid Valley

Antonio Ortiz called his four year on the high school football team “the best years ... of my life.”

The senior is also a member of the drama club and played the Wizard in the school’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.” He also dances at Kelly Patrick’s Dance Studio.

After graduation, Antonio plans to get an electrician apprenticeship and work his way into the Scranton Electrical Union.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

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

@kbolusTT on Twitter

NativityMiguel School of Scranton

Eighth grader Angie Vasquez Larreynaga was selected as October’s student of the month.

She has been a student at the school since sixth grade. During this school year particularly, Angie has demonstrated perseverance, which is among the core values of the school, as well as being more accountable for herself and her work, according to school officials.

She uses her free time at school to meet with her teachers and discuss the topics she finds challenging. She reviews material for upcoming assessments during her recess period.

“NativityMiguel has become my family for the time that I have been here. I wouldn’t have received this award without God’s help,” Angie sald.

She is involved in Reading Olympics and cross country, and would like to study to be a pediatrician or a lawyer.

— LISA ZACCAGNINO

lzaccagnino

@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9130

North Pocono

Junior Hallie Washko is enrolled in five Advanced Placement courses and participates in multiple extracurricular activities. 

“I’ve done nothing more than work toward the dreams of an 11-year-old girl who read ‘Harry Potter’ and dreamed of being like Hermione Granger,” Hallie said. “As I’ve gotten older, my dreams have grown with me ... I have realized what it takes to achieve them and I’ve been working ever since. It has not been easy, but it has been worth it.”

Hallie is involved with the rifle team, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership and the National Honor Society. She is also working toward her gold award in Girl Scouts. Hallie babysits weekly and loves to write and read in her spare time. In her fourth year of learning Spanish, she is also learning three other languages when she has free time. 

“I plan on double majoring in journalism and creative writing with a minor in an undecided language, and I also plan on traveling around Europe once I graduate college,” she said.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9133;

@hofiushallTT on Twitter

Old Forge

Sophomore Nick Zamerowski will have one of his photos published in the King’s College literary and fine arts magazine, The Scop, next month. His photo is called “Moosic Today.” 

“This honor came as a surprise because I really enjoy doing what I do and I never win anything so doing something for fun and having it published is such a big honor,” Nick said.  

Nick is involved with the school newspaper, Leo club, trout club, science and math club and yearbook club. He is also the promotional secretary of the Spanish club.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9133;

@hofiushallTT on Twitter

Riverside

Second grader Patrick Lavelle participated in Riverside Elementary West’s Feed a Friend program sponsored by WNEP-TV.

He helped his classmates fill the collection can.

“It made me feel good because we helped people who cannot afford food for Thanksgiving,” said Patrick.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

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

@kbolusTT on Twitter

Scranton

West Scranton Intermediate School honored several students for the month of October.

Ryan Boyce and Camryn Roche were scholars of the month for the subject of science, and Kydasia Deas  was named student of the month for the characteristic of dedication.

“Science is my favorite subject. I am happy to be scholar of the month for my favorite subject,” Ryan said.

All three students are involved in extracurricular activities, including drama club, student council, basketball and track and field.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9133;

@hofiushallTT on Twitter

Scranton Prep

Senior Maggie Flynn is a commended student in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship program. 

“It’s an honor to be recognized nationally among so many outstanding students,” Maggie said. “I definitely attribute my success to my teachers who encouraged and supported me throughout my high school career.”

Maggie participates in basketball, softball, dean’s team and St. Joseph of Arimathea funeral ministry program. She also volunteers at the annual summer picnic of St. Patrick’s Church in West Scranton and with the nonprofit Ten Apples. She hopes to study biochemistry at a Jesuit college.

— SARAH HOFIUS HALL

shofius@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9133;

@hofiushallTT on Twitter

Susquehanna Community

Kim Swartz , 17, was sworn in as a junior councilwoman in Susquehanna borough.

“As a student, it is a great opportunity for me to get involved with the community more and give back,” Kim said. “I am very humbled to be given this opportunity to represent the youth of the Susquehanna Borough and give my input on issues.”

She will also be attending and presenting at the Pennsylvania Association of Student Council State Conference.

“I am very passionate when it comes to student council and leadership,” she said. “Being able to present a workshop to delegates at the conference is exciting and gives myself a chance to help build future leaders.”

The junior is involved with varsity football cheerleading, student council, PASC Region H Board, Susquehanna County 4-H, Susquehanna County 4-H County Council and the Mentor-Mentee program. She is also a volunteer for the school’s children’s produce market.

She plans to attend college and study political science and law.

— ROBERT TOMKAVAGE

rtomkavage

@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9100 x5365;

@rtomkavage on Twitter

Valley View

Alex Powell is senior of the month for November in technology education.

“Valley View STEM program offers so many opportunities to focus and learn about different aspects of technology,” he said. “It has helped solidify my goals of pursuing engineering in the future. I am honored to have been chosen senior of the month.”

The award is sponsored by the Valley View Student Council and the Blakely/Peckville Lions Club.

Alex is a member of Boy Scout Troop 41 and recently earned his Eagle Scout rank, the highest in scouting. He has studied piano for six years at the Alling Studio of Music and studies guitar under the instruction of Neil Nicastro.

He’s played soccer since he was 5 and was keeper for the varsity soccer team. He enjoys baseball, hunting, fishing, snowboarding and all outdoor activities.

He plans to pursue a degree in mechatronics engineering at a local college and eventually work in the field of robotics.

— KATHLEEN BOLUS

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

@kbolusTT on Twitter

Wallenpaupack Area

Kady Hanor , 10, placed first in the Veterans Day essay contest hosted by American Legion Post 859. Last year, Kady came in third in the essay contest.

“Veterans Day is important to me because veterans risked their lives to save us and they spent time away from their families,” Kady said.

At school, Kady is in her second year as a member of chorus and she was elected to the student council this year. Outside of school, the fifth grader participates in soccer, softball, and Girl Scouts.

— ROBERT TOMKAVAGE

rtomkavage

@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9100 x5365;

@rtomkavage on Twitter

Wayne Highlands

Miranda Fritz, 17, is co-chair of 2019-10 Future Business Leaders of America community service project: Dress for Success Care Closet at Honesdale High School.

The closet provides dress clothes and hygiene products to needy students for major events such as graduation, interviews and field trips.

“Knowing that I can make a positive impact on others lives inspires me to want to help people through a career in medicine,” Miranda said.

The senior is treasurer of the class of 2020, treasurer of the HHS Student Council, vice president of the Interact Club-Junior Rotary, president of the buddy program, track and field statistician and boys soccer manager.

She is involved with PJAS, Science Olympiad, FBLA, chamber choir, Envirothon, math tutoring, the American Math contest and Math Madness competition, Marywood Math contest and St. John’s Youth Group. She is an altar server and Rails to Trails Committee student representative.

She plans to attend a four-year university to pursue a pre-med degree in biology.

— ROBERT TOMKAVAGE

rtomkavage

@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9100 x5365;

@rtomkavage on Twitter

Western Wayne

Jadyn Rosetti is a representative to the Robert D. Wilson Elementary School Student Advisory Council.

Jadyn, 10, is looking forward to working with everyone in the building, adults and students.

The advisory council and kindness club recently made sugar cookies for all students to enjoy at a PBIS event.

After school, Jadyn is currently busy with Wildcat biddy basketball.

Jadyn, a fifth grader, is looking forward to science classes in middle school and high school.

He enjoys free time and vacation with family and friends.

— ROBERT TOMKAVAGE

rtomkavage

@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9100 x5365;

@rtomkavage on Twitter