ATKINSON, NANCY L., today, 2 p.m., 342 N. Everett Ave., Scranton. Arrangements: Davies and Jones Funeral Chapel, Scranton.

BARTON, BEATRICE, Susquehanna, Cremation arrangements, Jones & Brennan Funeral Home, Forest City.

BARTRON, JENNIE JENKINS, Tunkhannock, today, 11 a.m., Sheldon-Kukuchka Funeral Home Inc., 73 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, by Pastor Peter Geschwindner. Contributions: Tunkhannock United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 447; Tunkhannock Ambulance, P.O. Box 133; or Humane Society of Wyoming County, P.O. Box 478, all of Tunkhannock. Condolences: sheldonkukuchkafuneralhome.com.

BERARDIS, DOROTHY, Westlake Village, Calif., formerly of Scranton, Feb. 14, 12:30 p.m., Cathedral Cemetery Chapel, 1708 Oram St., Scranton, by the Rev. Scott Sterowski, pastor of St. Paul of the Cross Parish. Arrangements: Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 602 Birch St., Scranton, PA 18505. Contributions: Velio E. Berardis, M.D. '45 Memorial Scholarship, University of Scranton, P.O. Box 1385, Scranton, PA 18501-9903. Condolences: strauchfuner alhomes.com.

CLARKE, ELAINE A., Port Griffith, Mass, today, 11 a.m., St. John the Evangelist Church, 35 William St., Pittston. Private interment, Denison Cemetery, Swoyersville. Condolences: balogafuneralhome.com.

CURTIS, PAUL "PJ," formerly of Olyphant, Mass, today, noon, St. Patrick's Church, Olyphant. Interment, St. Patrick's Cemetery, Blakely. Donations: St. Joseph's Children's Center, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509. Arrangements, Hudak-O'Shea Funeral Home, Olyphant. Condolences: hudak-osheafuneral home.com.

DeSTEFANO, ANDREW E., West Scranton, Monday, Guido-Fiorillo Funeral, 120 S. Main Ave., Scranton. Mass, 9:30 a.m., St. Patrick's Church, Jackson Street. Go directly to church. Interment with military honors, Cathedral Cemetery. Calling hours, Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m. Condolences: guidofio rillofuneralhome.com.

DEVERS, COL. JOHN "JACK," U.S. Army retired, Scranton, interment with military honors, Feb. 11, 3 p.m., Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. Arrive 30 minutes early for security, then to service starting location at the administration building. Arrangements, Nicholas Chomko Funeral Home, South Scranton.

EVANS, ARLINE G., private, Anthony P. Litwin Jr. Funeral Homes Inc., 33 Reynolds St., Factoryville. Contributions: Keystone Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, 1 College Green, P.O. Box 50, La Plume, PA 18440-0200. Condolences: aplit winfuneralhomes.com.

GASPER, WALTER J. "DUTCH," Scranton and Lake Winola, Mass, Monday, 9:30 a.m., St. Paul's Church, 1510 Penn Ave., Scranton. Military honors, after Mass. Arrangements: Howard J. Snowdon Funeral Home, 1810 Sanderson Ave., Scranton. Calling hours, Sunday, 3 to 6 p.m. Contributions: donor's choice. Condolences: duffyandsnowdon.com.

GATTI, ELMER J., Scranton, today, 10 a.m., Guido-Fiorillo Funeral Home Inc., 120 S. Main Ave., by the Rev. Fred Snyder, pastor, Court Street United Methodist Church. Interment, Abington Hills Cemetery, South Abington Twp. Contributions: Court St. United Methodist Church, 816 Court St. Scranton, PA 18508; or Traditional Home Health and Hospice 113 W. Drinker St., Dunmore, PA 18512. Condolences: patrickguidofuneralhome.com.

GRANDE, DELORES "DEE," Carbondale, Mass, today, 9:30 a.m., St. Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale. Interment, private, Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Finch Hill. Arrangements: Lawrence A. Gabriel Funeral Homes, Carbondale. Calling hours, 8:30 until Mass time, church. Contributions: Parents Loving Children Through Autism, 1243 Wyoming Ave., Third Floor, Scranton, PA 18509.

HAHN, CATHERINE "LIL" CASTNER, Duryea, today, 9:30 a.m., Kiesinger Funeral Services Inc., Duryea. Mass, 10, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Stephenson Street, Duryea, by the Rev. Joseph Elston. Interment, Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery, Elmhurst. Contributions: family of Catherine Hahn. Condolences: kiesingerfuneralser vices.com.

JONES, JOANNE M., Factoryville, Feb. 21, 5 p.m., St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 3832 Route 6, Tunkhannock, by the Rev. Lou Divis. Interment, private, Evergreen-Woodlawn Cemetery, Factoryville. Condolences, aplitwinfuneralhomes.com.

JUDGE, EDWARD J. SR., Hughestown, Mass, Monday, noon, Our Lady of the Eucharist Church, Pittston. Interment, St. John's Cemetery, Duryea. Calling hours, Sunday, 5 to 7 p.m., Kiesinger Funeral Services Inc., Duryea. Condolences: www.kiesingerfuner alservices.com.

KELLOGG, MARCIA J., Pittston, cremation, Lake Region Crematory. Memorial for her and her late husband, Fritz, later date. Arrangements: James Wilson Funeral Home, Lake Ariel. Condolences: jameswilsonfu neralhome.com.

KRASHNAK, VALITA (ROSE KVASNAK), formerly of Plymouth, Monday, 10:30 a.m., S.J. Grontkowski Funeral Home, 530 W. Main St., Plymouth. Mass, 11, All Saints Parish, 66 Willow St., Plymouth. Interment, St. Mary's Nativity Cemetery, Plymouth Twp. Calling hours, Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m. Contributions: All Saints Parish. Condolences: sjgrontkowskifuner alhome.com.

LAGOWICZ, FRANCES A. SHUCAVAGE, Clarks Summit, private, E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua. Interment, SS. Peter & Paul RCC, Tamaqua. Memorials: SS. Peter & Paul RCC, 307 Pine St., Tamaqua, PA 18252; or to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter 967 Griffin Pond Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411. Condolences: griffithsfuneralhomes.com.

MAKUCH, PAUL R. (MARKO), Wilkes-Barre, today, 12:30 p.m., Nat & Gawlas Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave., Wilkes-Barre. Mass, 1, St. Mary's Church of the Immaculate Conception, 134 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre. Interment, private, St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Dallas. Calling hours, today, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Contributions: Sisters of SS. Cyril and Methodius Retirement Fund, Villa Sacred Heart, 580 Railroad St., Danville, PA 17821. Condolences: natandgaw lasfuneralhome.com.

McLAUGHLIN, DONALD, Gateway, Colo., today, 10 a.m., Grand Junction, Colo. Contributions: North Atlanta Church of Christ, 5676 Roberts Drive, Atlanta GA 30338, Attn. Yekaterinburg.

MEINCKE, ARTHUR W., Clarks Summit, today, 10:30 a.m., Carl J. Savino Funeral Home, 157 S. Main Ave., Scranton, by the Rev. Michael A. Sunseri, pastor of the Jackson Street Baptist Church. Entombment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Calling hours, today, 9 until services.

MIHALICK, JAMES M., Harford, today, 2 p.m., Shifler-Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 18 Airport Road, Clifford, by the Rev. William Hagenbuch, pastor of the First Congregational Church, Harford. Spring interment with military honors, Clifford Valley Cemetery, Clifford. Calling hours, today, noon to 2. Contributions: Clifford Twp. Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 10, Clifford, PA 18413; or to the Harford Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. 206, Harford, PA 18823. Condolences: parisefuneralhome.com.

MONTALVO, HECTOR, Carbondale, today, 2 to 4:30 p.m., Claude R. Boyd/Spencer Funeral Home, 448 W. Main St., Babylon, N.Y., by the Rev. Joseph Fitzgerald. Cremation arrangements: Carmine J. & Louis C. Parise Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Carbondale. Condolences: parise funeralhome.com.

NAFUS, DOROTHY LUELLA "DOT," Carbondale, today, 1 p.m., Battenberg Funeral Home, 363 Washington Ave., Jermyn, by the Rev. Peter Pearson, pastor, St. James-George Episcopal Church. Donations: VNA Hospice and Home Health, 301 Delaware St., Olyphant, PA l8447.

NAGLE, JEANNE MULLANEY, East Lyme, Conn. Mass, today, 10 a.m., St. Agnes Church, 22 Haigh Ave., Niantic. Interment, St. Mary Cemetery, New London. Donations: charity of choice.

OWENS, NANCY JEAN, Wickenburg, Ariz., formerly of Scranton, interment, spring. Arrangements: Jacob Davis Funeral Home, 422 S. Main St., Taylor. Calling hours, Sunday, 1 to 2 p.m. Contributions: Parker Hill Church, 933 Business Route 6, Dickson City.

PANULLO, LOIS WILDENSTEIN, Waymart, today, 11 a.m., South Canaan Free Methodist Church, 19 St. Tikhon's Road, South Canaan, by the Rev. William Rushik. Arrangements: James Wilson Funeral Home. Calling hours, today, 10 to 11, church. Condolences: jameswilsonfuneralhome.com.

PERRY, DENISE L. GURSKY, Taylor, calling hours, today, 3 to 5 p.m., Semian Funeral Home, 704 Union St., Taylor. Condolences: semiancares.com.

RANLET, JANICE H., today, 11 a.m., Church of the Epiphany, Glenburn Twp., by the Rev. F. Graham Cliff. Arrangements: Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit. Luncheon, Epiphany's parish hall, after service. Contributions: Church of the Epiphany, P.O. Box 189, Clarks Summit, PA 18411-0189, or the Dalton Fire Company, 109 S. Turnpike Road, Dalton, PA 18414.

SALITIS, JEROME P., Duryea, today, noon, Bernard J. Piontek Funeral Home Inc., Duryea. Mass, 12:30 p.m., Holy Rosary Church, Duryea. Interment, Holy Cross Cemetery, Old Forge. Condolences: piontekfuneralhome.com.

SCIALPI, DONALD "PUNKY" L., Hughestown, Tuesday, 8 p.m., Baloga Funeral Home Inc., 1201 Main St., Pittston. Calling hours, Tuesday, 4 to 8. Condolences: balogafuneralhome.com.

SPENCER, RICHARD J., Clarks Summit, today, 10 a.m., Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit. Interment with military honors, Abington Hills Cemetery. Memorials: Abington Memorial Post 7069, 402 Winola Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411. Condolences: lawrenceeyoungfuner alhome.com.

TADDONIO, ELIZABETH L., Dutch Hollow section of South Scranton, private. No calling hours. Condolences: augusthaasfuneralhome.com. August J. Haas Funeral Home, Scranton.

TURKOS, VICTORIA PATSY, Dupont, today, 10 a.m., Lokuta-Zawacki Funeral Home, 200 Wyoming Ave., Dupont. Mass, 10:30 a.m., Holy Mother of Sorrows Polish National Catholic Church, 212 Wyoming Ave., Dupont. Interment, parish cemetery.

WILLIAMS, DR. JOHN R., former superintendent of the Scranton School District, Mass, today, 9:30 a.m., St. Paul's Church, 1510 Penn Ave., Scranton, by Monsignor William J. Feldcamp, pastor. Go directly to church. Entombment, Cathedral Cemetery. Contributions: John R. Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Penn East Federal Credit Union, 720 Davis St., Scranton, PA 18505. Condolences: kearneyfu neralhome.com.

WINCH, HOWARD JAMES JR., today, 1 p.m., Moravian Church, 982 Main St., Newfoundland. Donations: ASPCA.

WOOD, DEBRA JEAN VOLZ, Scott Twp., private. Contributions: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 26 Broadway, New York, NY 10004; or the National Association for Down Syndrome, P.O. Box 206, Wilmette, IL 60091. Arrangements: Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 602 Birch St., Scranton. Condolences: strauchfu neralhomes.com.

WOODY, ANNE, Olyphant, private, by the Rev. Arthur Davis, pastor of the Asbury United Methodist Church. Interment, Jermyn Cemetery. Arrangements: Battenberg Funeral Home, Jermyn.

YEAGER, JOHN J. "J.J.," Scranton, today, 10:30 a.m., McGoff-Hughes Funeral Home Inc., 1401 Capouse Ave., Scranton. Mass, 11, St. Paul's Church. Interment, St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow. Contributions: St. Paul's Church, 1510 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18509; or Parents of Down Syndrome of NEPA (PODS), 115 Meadow Ave., Scranton, PA 18505.

Man sentenced for selling drugs

MILFORD - A Pike County judge sentenced a man to seven to 14 years in prison after the defendant admitted selling 10 grams of heroin to a police informant for nearly $1,700.

Police arrested Brandon Deforge, 22, Greentown, in April on the drug charges. He pleaded guilty in December to possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, delivery of a controlled substance and criminal conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance.

In addition to the prison time, Mr. Deforge will also pay a $600 fine and have his driver's license suspended for one year.

After hiding from the law for more than three years, federal officers captured a Wayne County man in West Virginia wanted for sexual assault, the U.S. Marshals Service announced Friday.

Christopher Karl Scott, 34, of Mount Pleasant Twp., initially turned himself in to Wayne County authorities in 2008 for the alleged sexual assaults of two juvenile girls. But he fled the state after learning in an appearance before a county judge in 2009 that he would be classified as a sexually violent predator if he pleaded guilty. At that time, Mr. Scott requested a trial, was allowed to remain free on bail and failed to appear for his trial later that year.

"While he was on the run, there could be no justice for the little girls (he allegedly assaulted)," U.S. Marshal Martin J. Pane stated in a news release. "It is my sincere hope that, by taking this fugitive into custody to face justice in the Wayne County Courts, some measure of comfort will be realized."

Mr. Scott was living in a remote cabin near Seneca Rocks, W.Va. Marshals located him after receiving a tip on the Crime Watch PA website. During the arrest, Mr. Scott had no identification, but officers found falsified documents inside the cabin with the alias Christopher Campbell.

Marshals turned Mr. Scott over to West Virginia law enforcement authorities. He will be sent back to Pennsylvania to face charges.

Contact the writer: pcameron@timesshamrock.com, @pcameronTT on Twitter

WILKES-BARRE - A former Edwardsville couple was arrested Friday after investigators said they forced a minor to engage in prostitution in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

A federal grand jury in Scranton indicted Travis Humphrey, 26, and Kyoni Humphrey, 24, Friday on charges of sex trafficking and prostitution. The couple allegedly conspired to force a girl to engage in prostitution and illegal sexual activity between May and June of 2013, according to U.S. Attorney Peter J. Smith.

The defendants pleaded not guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick on Friday afternoon in Wilkes-Barre and are jailed awaiting trial.

According to a news release issued by the Department of Justice, the indictment alleges the couple used a cellphone to post advertisements for "escort services" involving the girl on backpage.com. The defendants took photographs of the minor female and posted them to the website. They rented motel rooms and used other locations in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties, as well as in New York and New Jersey, for the victim to engage in sex acts with customers, the indictment says.

The defendants used force, threats of force and coercion to force the victim to engage in commercial sex acts for money, and also bought the victim clothing, including lingerie, to be worn in the photographs posted to the website, the indictment says.

The defendants are also charged with carrying and possessing a firearm. Mr. Humphrey is also charged with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

The sex trafficking charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The firearms charges carry a minimum of five years in prison. All other charges contain maximum sentences of 10 to 20 years in prison.

Contact the writer: jhorton@citizensvoice.com

One kicked a leg behind the head, making a bow-and-arrow shape with its body. Another performed a pirouette.

The miniature sculptures, exhibited on the second floor of the Afa Gallery as part of the city's public elementary students' contributions to First Friday, were the works of 10-year-old fifth-grade students Izabella Rose and Mia Burke. The girls said their inspiration for the pieces came from their own lives.

"I do pirouettes all the time, and I thought it would look really cool," said Mia, who practices ballet. Izabella is a gymnast.

Despite a cold evening outside, the room pulsated with youthful energy Friday night as parents and kids packed it to view the sculptures and hundreds of paintings papering the walls.

Jennifer Felter, a smiling 30-year-old art teacher at Prescott and Kennedy elementary schools, posed for photos with her young students and joked that her own art wasn't exhibited until she was 22 years old.

"They're eons ahead of us," she said.

While her son provided music for the event with his elementary school choir, Joanna Johnson, 45, said she was encouraged that though schools have been forced to cut back on arts and music due to shrinking state funding, putting "the spotlight on kids doing it" could renew interest in the vital programs.

The atmosphere felt like another planet's on the first floor, where the gallery displayed the Northeast Pennsylvania landscapes of deceased local artist Judith Kitzman. The thunderous footsteps of children running up and down the stairs were the only loud noises as the more subdued crowd sipped wine and observed the quiet canvases of the painter. Ms. Kitzman died last year.

Raeanne Seliga, a 19-year-old studying art at Luzerne County Community College, said she appreciated the "simplicity" of Ms. Kitzman's paintings.

"She just paints what she wants," Ms. Seliga said.

Contact the writer: pcameron@ timesshamrock.com, @pcameronTT on TwitterButch Comegys / Staff Photographer

Scranton Mayor Bill Courtright replaced three of the five board members of the beleaguered Scranton Parking Authority.

The parking authority, and specifically its $48 million in debt, became a symbol of the city's financial crisis when city council allowed the authority to default on a bond payment in June 2012.

The mayor's move to replace authority board members comes as he seeks "possible remedies" to the authority's woes, said city solicitor Jason Shrive.

"The mayor is looking to try and fix the parking authority situation. The default did a lot of damage to the city's financial status and he's trying to restore the city's finances," said Mr. Shrive, to whom Mr. Courtright referred all questions on the board revamping. "Whether that will include a sale (of garages), I'm not certain, but I don't think it would be out of the realm of possibilities."

The authority was largely stripped of its power 18 months ago when a court-appointed receiver, Mike Washo, for the authority's bond trustee took over management and oversight of the city's five parking garages.

The board consisted of chairwoman Kathleen Stella, vice chairman Wayne Hiller, Frank Tunis Jr., Michael Salerno and Joseph Matyjevich.

Mr. Courtright last week asked Ms. Stella, Mr. Hiller and Mr. Tunis to resign or they would be removed from the board, Mr. Shrive said.

Mr. Hiller agreed to resign and Mr. Tunis refused to resign, said Mr. Shrive, noting he had not spoken to Ms. Stella about her intention.

Either way, the trio was replaced, effectively immediately, because under state law the mayor can remove parking authority members at will, Mr. Shrive said.

The situation is different from the mayor's requests two weeks ago asking Scranton Sewer Authority members to resign. The sewer authority falls under a different state law and the mayor cannot remove sewer authority members at will.

Mr. Courtright's appointments to parking authority include Bill Connell, Tom Borthwick and Paul McGloin Sr., according to Mr. Shrive.

Mr. Connell replaced Ms. Stella and is now authority chairman, Mr. Borthwick replaced Mr. Hiller and is now vice chairman, and Mr. McGloin replaced Mr. Tunis, said Mr. Shrive.

Since the parking authority default, the city has had to help cover authority debt with annual bailouts, because the city backs authority debt.

Meanwhile, a July 2012 independent review of the condition of the garages determined that four of the five garages needed $10.3 million in repairs over what at that time were the next four years. However, there were - and are - no plans by the financially strapped city to pay for repairs.

Councilman Pat Rogan raised the proposition of selling parking garages to reduce the debt that the city is on the hook to pay but acknowledged that appears to be a longshot. It's not clear whether the garages could ever fetch in a sale anything remotely close to what would be needed to retire authority debt. Furthermore, any sale of a garage or garages would have to be approved by the bond trustee.

Mr. Washo, the receiver, said, "I've had no discussions with the city or (bond) trustee about the possible sale of garages."

Mr. Borthwick, who unsuccessfully ran twice for the Scranton School Board, and Mr. McGloin, a former city employee who is the father of Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin, each said they agreed to serve on the authority because they love the city and want to help it recover from its longstanding financial distress.

They also both said they are not coming onto an authority board with any predetermined agenda to sell garages, and such an idea would require review before any conclusions could be reached.

"I'd have to sit down and look at all avenues. I'd have to look at what's best for the city financially," Mr. McGloin said.

Mr. Borthwick said, "I'm open to considering anything in terms of helping the parking authority solve its problems. If selling is a possibility, we need to get the best bang for the buck. Any kind of decision I make will be well-thought-out and well researched."

Efforts to reach Mr. Connell were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, the mayor also appointed a new member to the Scranton Redevelopment Authority. Tim Perry was appointed to succeed Peter Riebe, whose term ended Tuesday, Mr. Shrive said. The redevelopment authority's annual reorganization was supposed to be held Wednesday but was cancelled due to the snowstorm and rescheduled for this coming Wednesday. Mr. Perry ran unsuccessfully for city council in last year's Democratic primary.

Contact the writer: jlockwood@timesshamrock.com, @jlockwoodTT on Twitter

LACKAWANNA COUNTY COURT NOTES

marriage licenses

- Simon Juarez Dionicio and Guadalupe Marin Flores, both of Scranton.

- Jean Carlos Marrero and Angie Y. Velez, both of Blakely.

- Michael David Brown and Angelina Nancy Ferraro, both of Scranton.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

- Laminations Inc., Pennsylvania, to S. Irving Ave. LLC, Pennsylvania; a property at 1008 S. Irving Ave., Scranton, for $75,000.

- Laminations Inc., to Glen St. LLC, Pennsylvania; a property at 1409-1411 Dickson Ave. and 509 Glen Ave., both in Scranton, for $150,000.

- Laminations Inc., to Von Storch Ave. LLC, Pennsylvania; a property at 1350 Von Storch Ave., Scranton, for $325,000.

- Michael Paul Navich, Moosic, to Valerie Fetchen, Moosic; a property at 804 School St., Moosic, for $206,450.

- Robert C. and Valerie L. Cortese, Dickson City, to Leo A. and Megan P. Bohanski, Scranton; a property at 202 Huntington Drive, Dickson City, for $307,970.

- Donna M. Marzani and Theresa A. Skotleski, co-trustees under the Kaschak Irrevocable Granton Trust, to Breeda Holmes, Scranton; a property at 114 Vaughan St., Throop, for $74,000.

- Kenneth and Ann Carol Solomon, Blakely, and Keith and Sharon Solomon, Johnson City, N.Y., to Christopher Linde, Archbald; a property at Ridge Road, Blakely, for $153,500.

- John W. Jr. and Sr. and Donna Fetsock, Scranton, to Vincent R. and Stephanie Quiles; a property at 1625 Church Ave., Scranton, for $80,000.

Divorces sought

- Amy Lee, Madison Twp., v. Jonathon Lee, Newfoundland; married June 19, 2009, in Montdale; Brian J. Cali, attorney.

- Gregg W. Perry, Scranton, v. JoAnne B. Perry, Jefferson Twp.; married June 12, 1982, in Silver Springs, Fla.; pro se.

DIVORCE DECREES

- Thomas Odzana v. Lori Odzana

- Michelle Lisak v. William Lisak

- Joseph J. Slater Jr. v. Mona Marie Slater

- Diane Katchmore v. Daniel Katchmore

- Erin Gallis v. Edward J. Gallis

- Tonya Dutter v. Matthew Dutter

- Carrie B. Pollack v. Michael S. Pollack

- Abralyn P. Weidow v. Patton J. Weidow

- Thomas Nye v. Annette Nye

- Ann Lewis v. Paul Ronald Lewis

- Shawn Duffy v. Tina Duffy

- Marie C. Ainey v. Jack E. Ainey

- Jill Fabri v. Jeffrey Fabri

- Marisa Alpert v. Robert Alpert

- Otoniel Rivera v. Carmen A. Rivera

- Daniel Waterstone v. Kathleen Waterstone

- Peter A. Watters v. Michelle L. Watters

- Felicia Clemente v. Salvatore Clemente

ESTATEs FILED

- Mary Helen Kovack, 918 Franko St., Throop, letters of administration to Kevin A. Kovack, 309 Church St., Apt. 2, Jessup.

- Hubert J. Murray, 808 Hill St., Archbald, letters testamentary to Doreen Addley, 21 Hill St., Jessup.

- Frank A. Gruden, 1318 Capouse Ave., Scranton, letters testamentary to Greta Catherine Vinskofski, same address.

ONLINE: thetimes-tribune.com/courts

SCRANTON - A 61-year-old city man was charged Thursday with choking his 86-year-old mother.

Edward Nealon, 210 N. Bromley Ave., drank heavily and argued with his mother around 9 p.m., police said.

The argument ended when he started choking her and pulling her hair.

He ran out of the house after assaulting her, according to police.

Mr. Nealon was arraigned on charges of simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and harassment, and was held in lieu of $40,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

Parts of Water Gap closed in February

BUSHKILL - Electrical work will close parts of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area for the rest of the month, the park announced.

Utilities will replace power lines and towers within their 5-mile-long and 150-foot-wide right of way through the park, necessitating the closing of the Delaware River corridor between Smithfield Beach and Bushkill Access on the Pennsylvania side and also the Watergate Recreation Site on Old Mine Road on the New Jersey side. Hikers may experience delays of up to an hour on the McDade Recreational Trail, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Pioneer and Hamilton Ridge trails, though they will remain open.

Safety monitors will be in place to assist hikers, the park said, though it is encouraging everyone other than through-hikers on the Appalachian Trail to use other routes.

Injured escapee now free legally

WILKES-BARRE - Scott Bolton got out of prison the legal way this time.

Mr. Bolton, who was paralyzed while trying to escape from the Luzerne County Correctional Facility with accused killer Hugo Selenski in October 2003, was released from the state prison system on parole.

The 50-year-old was sentenced to eight to 17½ years for the daring escape attempt from the maximum-security fifth floor of the county prison while he and Mr. Selenski were cellmates.

Mr. Bolton pleaded guilty in February 2006 to attempting to escape and was sentenced later that year. He served his time at State Correctional Institution at Coal Township and was released to a Philadelphia halfway house on Jan. 27, prison records show.

At the time of his attempted escape, Mr. Bolton was jailed for stealing all-terrain vehicles.

District suspends W-B teacher, coach

WILKES-BARRE - Two months ago, the Wilkes-Barre Area School Board approved the promotion of Steve Stahl, a teacher and the wrestling coach at Coughlin High School, as the high school's dean of students.

On Friday, the school district suspended Mr. Stahl without pay because of criminal allegations he had inappropriate contact with a minor about 10 years ago, district Solicitor Raymond Wendolowski said.

Police investigators asked the district to refrain from taking administration action against Mr. Stahl during their probe into the allegations, Mr. Wendolowski said.

The district took "immediate action" after it was informed a criminal charge against Mr. Stahl was coming, and he will remain suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal case, Mr. Wendolowski said.

Authorities have not filed charges stemming from the allegations.

Carbondale

Reunion meeting: Carbondale Area class of 1979 35th reunion planning meeting, Thursday, 7 p.m., Manhattan Manor.

Soup supper: First United Methodist Church of Carbondale soup supper, Feb. 15, 4-6:30 p.m., takeouts, 4-6 p.m., wide soup variety and dessert buffet, $7/suggested donation and free/under five; tickets, church office, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesday-Friday, 570-282-5740.

Dickson City

Crime watch: Dickson City Neighborhood Crime Watch meeting, Feb. 18, 7 p.m., Dickson City Community Ambulance building, guest speaker: Rich Capwell from American Legion Post 665, Dickson City; DCCW18519@yahoo.com.

Downvalley

Reunion meeting: Northeast High School class of 1964 reunion meeting, Feb. 18, 7 p.m., Tony's Pizza, City Line Plaza, Pittston; class members asked to send current home and email addresses to Northeast64@Outlook.com or call Art Humble, 570-655-8994.

Duryea

Council meeting: Borough council work session, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., meeting follows; Borough Building.

Honesdale

Bus trip: Women's Club of Honesdale bus trip to Philadelphia Flower Show, March 4; 570-253-0781 by Feb. 10.

Keyser Valley

Meeting cancellation: Keyser Valley Senior Citizens February meeting canceled due to weather; next meeting, Monday, March 10, 1 p.m., Community House.

Mayfield

300 Club: St. John's Russian Orthodox Cathedral 300 Club drawing/dinner, Feb. 18, 6 p.m., church center, 701 Hill St.; member/one guest; signup, $25/six-months, payable to St. John's 300 Club: membership information (name and address, how many clubs, etc.) to St. John's Rectory, 706 Hill St., Mayfield PA 18433-2015; 570-876-0730 or 570-876-1075.

Ham/cabbage dinner: William Walker Hose Company ham and cabbage dinner, March 16, 2-6 p.m., Longworth's Family Restaurant, 615 Washington Ave., Jermyn, $10.00/dinner, dine-in or takeout, tickets available at Longworth's Restaurant, from WWHC members or Erin, 570-575-2825.

Midvalley

Benefit dinner: Valentine pasta dinner/dance, raffle fundraiser to benefit Christopher Polk of Dickson City who will be receiving a kidney from Megan Allman; dinner is Feb. 14, 5 to 7 p.m., Regal Room, Olyphant; takeouts available, 5 to 6 p.m., dancing until 9; penne, meatballs, salad, fresh bread, dessert, coffee and tea; cash bar; $15/adults; $10/ages 10 and under; Joanne Polk, 570-815-2892; Jean Allman, 570-780-6370; Megan Allman 570-906-1566; donations: Chris's Kidney Connection, any PNC Bank; details on Chris and organ donation: www.chrisskidneyconnection.org.

Olyphant

Pysanky classes: SS. Cyril & Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church classes in learning how to make pysanky (Ukrainian Easter Eggs), Sundays, March 16-April 6, 2 to 4 p.m. (plan to arrive at 1:45 p.m.), parish hall, 207 River St., $15, includes eggs, bees wax and stylus, only 25 people per class, free parking; reservations, Lauren Telep, 570-383-0319.

Regional

Myasopusna celebration: Myasopusna celebration, Feb. 23, festival, noon to 3:30 p.m., dinner, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Transfiguration of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church banquet hall, Nanticoke, $12/by Monday and $15/after Monday; 570-735-4654 or 570-824-3880.

International dinner: St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church International Dinner Club Taste of Italy dinner, Feb. 13, 320 Mifflin Ave., Scranton, 5:30/6:30 p.m. seatings, $25; 570-343-5151, by Monday.

Program discussion: Marywood University Lifelong Learners meeting to discuss the spring program, Feb. 22, 1 p.m., McGowan Center Atrium Lobby; 570-348-6292.

Blood drive: Commonwealth Medical College Emergency Medicine Interest Group and Geisinger Blood Center blood drive, Wednesday, noon to 6 p.m., TCMC's Medical Sciences Building, 525 Pine St., Scranton; Vince Giannotti, MD2, vgiannotti@tcmedc.org, or www.geisingerbloodcenter.org.

MOAA meeting: Northeast Pennsylvania/Mount Pocono Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America meeting, today, 11 a.m., Gino J. Merli Veterans Center conference room, agenda: program by Pennsylvania Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs Jerry G. Beck Jr., Korean Conflict veterans will be honored by the Government of South Korea with a special presentation, refreshments and activities including veteran legislation both state and national will be discussed.

CLIPBOARD ITEMS may be emailed to yesdesk@times shamrock.com or mailed to clipboard, c/o the YES!Desk at 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, 18503. For details, call the YES!Desk at 570-348-9121.

A Tunkhannock teen set to enter a guilty plea for furnishing alcohol to minors at an underage drinking party in May showed up in court Friday morning under the influence.

Joshua Daniel Harris, 19, arrived late for Wyoming County Court, and as is typical for President Judge Russell Shurtleff under such circumstances, he ordered a random drug test.

The test turned out positive for marijuana.

The judge conferred briefly with Mr. Harris' attorney Paul Ackourey and District Attorney Jeff Mitchell. Mr. Ackourey said he had forewarned Mr. Harris that the judge might order a random test.

Judge Shurtleff looked at Mr. Harris, and said, "If your own attorney told you that you would likely be drug tested, why would you come here with marijuana in your system?"

"I have a problem," Mr. Harris said.

"What are you doing to treat that problem?" the judge asked.

Before Mr. Harris got a chance to answer, the judge asked him if one of his parents was in the courtroom. Mr. Harris' mother walked up and stood along side Mr. Ackourey at the defendant's table.

"I've got two choices," Judge Shurtleff told her. "I can incarcerate your son or we can get him the help he needs. Do you have the resources to get him in in-patient treatment?"

"I do," she said.

The judge told the teen he could not take Mr. Harris' plea because he was under the influence. He then continued the guilty plea court date to April 4, and said the defendant must reside with his parents until inpatient drug and alcohol treatment can be scheduled within 15 days.

Mr. Harris and fellow teen Casey McClain were charged with bringing alcohol to a party at which 17-year-old Christopher Packer of Tunkhannock was involved in an ATV crash May 4 and died the next day. Authorities identified Mr. Harris as one of two teens who brought alcohol to the drinking party near the scene of the crash.

They each originally faced 20 counts of furnishing brewed beverages to minors, 11 counts of corruption of minors, one count of tampering with physical evidence, and one count of consumption of brewed beverages. Mr. Harris was expected to enter a guilty plea Friday on one count of furnishing liquor or malt or brewed beverages to minors.

Mr. McClain entered a guilty plea in December and was sentenced to 12 months probation in January. Mr. McClain's mother was sentenced in December to 10 days in prison for being the source of the alcohol that Mr. McClain brought to the party last May.

Others entering guilty pleas in Wyoming County Court on Friday:

- Marijo M. Brozusky, 30, of Tunkhannock, pleaded guilty to furnishing drug-free urine on Feb. 15.

- Andrew Michael Chewey IV, 29, of Tunkhannock, pleaded guilty to burglary on June 6; and to criminal trespass on Sept. 10.

- Jesse Conroy, 31, of White Haven, pleaded guilty to harassment on Oct. 23, 2012.

- Floyd Brian Corby, 45, of Tunkhannock, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia on Aug. 16.

- Julianne K. Dennis, 39, of Laceyville, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia on Sept. 18, 2012.

- Ricky Lynn Eisenbarth II, 40, of Mehoopany, pleaded guilty to DUI on June 22.

- Paul Carlton Fassett, 34, of Meshoppen, pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property on Oct. 5, 2012.

- Korin Cherie Filipowich, 31, of Easton, pleaded guilty to DUI, second offense, and recklessly endangering another person, on Aug. 17.

- Richard Ryan Forba, 23, of Springville, pleaded guilty to theft by unlawful taking on March 1; and to possession with intent to deliver on May 22.

- James Demetrius Goida, 50, of Meshoppen, pleaded guilty to DUI on Aug. 12.

- Jesse James Greene, 24, of Tunkhannock, pleaded guilty to DUI on July 11; and to theft by unlawful taking on June 25; and to retail theft on July 4.

- John Joseph Kronmuller, 50, of Falls, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver nine grams of cocaine on March 1; to possession with intent to deliver 13.7 grams of marijuana on Feb. 22; and to possession with intent to deliver 3.4 grams of cocaine on Feb. 3.

- Zachary Philip Larue, 21, of Kingsley, pleaded guilty to DUI on Oct. 16, 2012.

- John Machinshok, 61, of Laceyville, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct on June 5.

- Surica Noel McCloe, 21, of Tunkhannock, pleaded guilty to false reports on Dec. 15.

- Ray William Melrath 37, of Waverly, N.Y., pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver a gram of heroin on Aug. 29, 2012.

- Reid Scott Parkison, 25, of Factoryville, pleaded guilty to DUI on Aug. 31.

- Owen Perrins, 25, of Dupont, pleaded guilty to DUI on July 22, 2012.

- Eliot W. Sturdevant, 58, of Clarks Summit, pleaded guilty to DUI, second offense, on May 9.

- Kathleen M. Visavati, 47, of Laceyville, pleaded guilty to DUI, second offense, on Oct. 5.

- Joseph Robert Wynn, 25, of Pittston, pleaded guilty to theft from a motor vehicle, on Sept. 1, 2011.

Contact the writer: bbaker@wcexaminer.com

Saying incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Marino is too partisan, Lycoming County businessman Scott Brion said Friday he will run for the Democratic nomination to the seat with hopes of ousting the two-term congressman.

"I'm a builder of businesses. I just really see that there's a need for, I guess, kind of a new breath," Mr. Brion, 44, of Jackson Twp., said. "We need some folks with some different experiences and backgrounds to be more involved in the political mix."

Mr. Brion is the founder and owner of Tioga Resources, a company that invests in the oil and gas industry in the Marcellus Shale region.

Mr. Brion said he's bothered by Mr. Marino's votes that produced the federal government shutdown, a flood insurance law that caused rates to skyrocket and his "repeated siding with partisan extremists."

He cited Mr. Marino's more than 40 votes in favor of repealing all or parts of President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act, calling them excessive in a divided Congress unlikely to repeal the law.

"I think it becomes political grandstanding, and I'm not sure that that's the people's business that Congress should be drawing attention to," Mr. Brion said. "I think he's very clear that he has a very strong ideology."

On the flood insurance law, he said Mr. Marino should have known before voting for it that it would sharply boost insurance rates. The bill was intended to reduce losses in the federal-run program, but the increased rates show that there are times federal subsidies for a program are appropriate, he said.

"He should have known the effects of that," Mr. Brion said. "He's the man voting for the bill. I believe surely that it's his job to know what those effects are. Don't lay the blame off for the unintended consequences on the agency, which is FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), which is charged with executing the law that he passed."

Mr. Brion said the district needs someone dedicated to "putting the interests" of the district first ahead of party politics and ideology.

Mr. Brion is married and he and his wife, Bibi, are expecting their first child this month.

Mr. Marino has represented the 10th Congressional District since 2011. The district includes the northwest part of Lackawanna and all or parts of Bradford, Lycoming, Juniata, Mifflin, Monroe, Northumberland, Perry, Pike, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union and Wayne counties.

Contact the writer: bkrawczeniuk@timesshamrock.com

Criminal charges against principals of disgraced Municipal Energy Managers were dismissed Tuesday by a Lehigh County judge, who concluded the prosecution didn't present sufficient evidence of a crime.

Several counts of theft, receiving stolen property and other charges against Robert J. Kearns and Patrick Joseph "P.J." McLaine connected to their role in the failed company were dismissed, scoring the first major legal victory in their multicounty battle.

In a prepared statement, the legal team of Paul Walker and Matthew Comerford, representing Mr. McLaine, said they had always contended that the matters involving MEM should be addressed in civil, not criminal, court.

In January 2013, the two were found guilty of similar charges in Northampton County and sentenced to 16 months to five years in jail, later reduced to six to 12 months, for stealing $832,460 from Bethlehem Twp. Both are free on bail while an appeal is pending. The attorneys said they will advance the same argument in other jurisdictions where the two are charged, including Bucks and Cumberland counties, where other municipalities lost money to MEM.

No matter what happens, the estimated 11 municipalities and scores of creditors will have a difficult time recouping money from MEM or its principals.

Last week, Mr. Kearns, of Scranton, filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy, listing assets of $279,924 and liabilities of $8,281,153, most of which is claims filed by municipalities accusing Mr. Kearns and MEM of fraud and theft.

The filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Middle District of Pennsylvania follows a July Chapter 7 filing by Mr. McLaine, of Covington Twp. MEM also has filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Mr. Kearns listed as his major asset a half interest in a house at 1025 Park St., Scranton, which court papers value at $260,000. The property is secured by a loan with a principal of $217,128 payable to Landmark Community Bank, according to court papers. The home was listed for sheriff's sale by Lackawanna County Court for tax arrears of $19,381.

The largest claims against Mr. Kearns were from municipalities that bought into MEM's promise to assist them in acquiring their streetlights from PPL Electric Utilities and maintain the fixtures. Included among the claims are: Coaldale, $133,000; Coplay, $160,182; Cumru Twp., $237,612; Elizabethtown, $423,500; and West Pittston, $347,800.

The same claims show up on the bankruptcy schedule of Mr. McLaine, who claimed assets of $180,640 and liabilities of $4,701,857. He also listed $122,932 in unpaid federal taxes.

Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

There won't be a red carpet running down State Street, but some of the world's most famous musicians will make an appearance in Clarks Summit next week.

More than 50 ice sculptures, including depictions of Beyonce, Elvis and the Beatles, will sit outside businesses throughout the Abingtons, as part of the Clarks Summit Festival of Ice. Now in its 10th year, the event, titled "Rock 'n' Ice!" runs from Feb. 13 to 17.

"People can pose with their favorite rock 'n' rollers," said Barry Kaplan, event co-chairman and outgoing president of the Abington Business & Professional Association, which created the festival.

Along with live music and ice carving, the annual parade kicks off at 7 p.m. on Thursday and heads down State Street.

A new wrinkle this year is a scavenger hunt, which requires participants to visit nine different music-themed zones across the Abingtons, such as "Motown," "Country Rocks" or "'70s and '80s."

Participants must find one record album on display in each zone, and then write down the album's title and where they found it, Mr. Kaplan said. Entries must be dropped off at a participating location by 5 p.m. on Feb. 17, and everyone who submitted a correct entry will be eligible to win prizes.

"It's a tremendous event for the borough, and it has just snowballed into something bigger and better every year," borough Mayor Patty Lawler said.

For Valentine's Day on Friday, visitors can enjoy a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride anytime between 5 and 9 p.m., outside Sole to Soul, 535 S. State St.

Meanwhile, residents can relive '70s rock on Saturday, when the Eagles tribute band Eaglemania performs at Clarks Summit Elementary School, 401 W. Grove St. Doors open at 6 p.m., with tickets costing $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

"People love this event because every year it provides fabulous family fun," Mr. Kaplan said. "The sculptures are magical, and there are so many activities for everyone to participate in."

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

SCRANTON - After running a sting operation Friday in which undercover officers offered to sell items to pawn and jewelry shops without showing proper identification, city police will cite two for breaking city and state law.

Of the 18 shops tested, only Jay Cortazzo, holder of the license for the Gold Deposit, 300 Lackawanna Ave., Mall at Steamtown, and Nasser Mohammadzad, holder of the license for Cash Cash 4 Gold, 1826 N. Main Ave., will receive citations by mail.

Police said they also plan to execute compliance checks on secondhand dealers and scrap yards.

A masked and gloved woman armed with a knife demanded pain pills from the owner of an Olyphant pharmacy before she was overwhelmed by two customers Friday morning, according to a police report.

Police arrested Stacey Marie Stoffey, 41, 87 Jackson St., Dickson City, and charged her with attempted robbery and attempted theft.

Mrs. Stoffey entered the Medicap Pharmacy, 514 Burke Bypass, and demanded OxyContin and Percocet pills while brandishing the knife and saying she didn't want anyone to get hurt. Pharmacy owner Eric Pusey activated an alarm at the pill safe and returned with several bottles.

When one of the bottles fell to the floor during the exchange with Mr. Pusey, a customer grabbed Mrs. Stoffey from behind and then another piled on, helping to disarm her. The two men held Mrs. Stoffey down until police arrived.

Outside the pharmacy, police found a black Mazda registered to Mrs. Stoffey's husband, John Stoffey, and impounded it for further investigation. Officers noticed what appeared to be a leather knife sheath on the front seat.

Mrs. Stoffey remains in Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail. Her preliminary hearing is slated for Feb. 18.

Contact the writer: pcameron@timesshamrock.com, @pcameronTT on Twitter

PAUPACK TWP. - Eagle Scout Jacob Revak led his troop members through the snow and under a tarp, carefully avoiding the enemy.

As part of the Boy Scouts from the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council's annual Klondike Derby, almost 300 boys completed the obstacle course, started fires and tracked animals.

The derby Saturday at Goose Pond Scout Reservation honored the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. Instead of the Ardennes Forest, the Scouts gathered in the woods around Goose Pond, learning about navigation and teamwork.

The troops arrived with homemade sleds packed with supplies, such as first-aid kits and wood for catapults.

"Mush, mush," boys yelled as they pushed and pulled the sleds along the snow-covered ground to eight stations throughout the woods near Lake Wallenpaupack. The teams, called patrols, earned points at each station.

With temperatures around 20 degrees, boys wore multiple layers and thick hats and gloves and stood around campfires. Stew and chili were popular lunches.

"Just stay warm, because it can hurt you if you don't," said Joe Flemming, 12, a member of Troop 111 of Waymart.

Jacob, who wore WWII military gear, hoped he and his fellow Scouts in Troop 100 of Plains increased their communication skills throughout the day. "We work good as a team," he said.

Along with having fun on a winter day, the derby is designed for the Scouts to put their skills to work in the field, said Stephen Lenceski, the council's Dan Beard District executive.

"It's always a nice winter activity," he said.

Contact the writer: shofius@timesshamrock.com

ST. MARY OF MOUNT CARMEL SCHOOL

GRADE 8

High honors: Gina Beviglia, Isabella Luciani, Thomas Niemiec and Allison Walsh.

Honors: Michael Minich, Nicholas Novobilski, Emily Pinto, Grace Seechock and William White.

Grade 7

High honors: Hannah Carr and Nicholas Klein.

Honors: Denys Arkhypenko, Mia Beviglia, Angelina Dileo, Anthony Fletcher, Cole Jordan, Julia Mancuso, Jillian McDonough and Nicholas Panunzio.

Grade 6

High honors: Zoe Krisanda, Joseph Osborne and Kathryn Walsh.

Honors: Logan Bocker, Gabrielle DeNaples, Daniel Matthews, Jordan McAndrew, Amber O'Rourke, John Petroziello and Maria Staff.

SCRANTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL

GRADE 12

First honors: Anna Aldcowski, Jason Archer, Marina Bifano, Hannah Blake, Sarah Campo, Martha Carter, Nicholas Chaump, Paul Chichura, Megan Coffin, Christopher Connor, Caitlin Dermody, Margaret Dodgson, Alexa Escalona, Rachel Evans, Patrick Feeney, Nicholas Ferraro, Nicholas Fiala, Mario Guillorn, Kathleen Healey, John Hinton, Heather Holzman, Dominica Insalaco, Rachel Insalaco, Gracie Jenkins, Ryan Jones, Matthew Lovecchio, Caroline Marino, Patrick Marino, Terrence McGurrin, Margaret McHale, Hunter Mulligan, Kristofer Muzzi, Christian Opsasnick, Rachel Para, Danielle Patane, Krishani Patel, Daniel Piorkowski, Richard Potter, Nicholas Preston, Grace Reilly, Erica Russen, Emily Sandercock, Ceilia Severini, Mikaela Surace, Kelly Szymanski, Ashtyn Tarapchak, Ellen Thurston, Catherine Wastella and Devin Wood.

Second honors: Amanda Aten, Tinnina Atherton-Ely, Daisy Ayala, Kevin Bannon, Patricia Byrne, Brianna Caljean, Andre Camayd, John Cognetti, Katrina Contorno, Dana Cutler, Dean DeBastiani, Elizabeth DeNaples, Elana Falcone, Molly Farrell, Krista Flanagan, Ashley Genello, Harlee Gogas, Abigaile Grady, Jillian Gratz, Olivia Hager, Elizabeth Harasym, Anne Hazzouri, Daniel Horvath, Jack Joyce, Erin Kelly, Mikayla Landi, Rachel Marsili, Erin McGarry, Mikella Monacelli, Alyssa Napora, John O'Boyle, Kathryn O'Brien, Patrick O'Shea, Robert Patrician, Kelly Pompey, Maura Powell, Emily Pritchyk, Gabriella Puteri, Patrick Regan, Noah Riggenbach, Christopher Sanborn, Elizabeth Steele, Marina Stelmack, Annie Tressler, Mary Walker, Rosemary Walsh, Heather Yoost, Brooke Zabady and PJ Zaccagnino.

GRADE 11

First honors: Bridget Barnic, Justin Belardi, Marena Casey, Christopher Cerminaro, Kathleen Comerford, Angelo DeLeo, Noah Dolphin, Gabrielle Durr, Ben Evans, Julian Franks, Marissa Galardi, Madeline Hosie, Emilia Jakubek, Taylor Kennedy, Kathryn Kevra, Brian Klassner, Brian Krell, Peter Kulick, Emma Lange, Nicholas Lomma, Mary Lundin, Alexandra Maddock, Katia Matychak, Mary McGregor, Dana Miller, Eric Muchisky, Anthony Nardone, Alexis Notarianni, Quinn O'Donnell, Mara Padula, Taylor Parchinski, Elizabeth Pattara, Clare Philbin, Jessica Regan, Sophia Rinaldi, Michael Robinson, Daniel Ryan, Kevin Sompel, Benjamin Sullivan, Madalyne Sunday, Mia Terrana, Aira Mae Walsh, Tiffany Webb, Cassandra Wisdo, Mia Woloszyn and Gina Yanni.

Second honors: Matthew Bershefsky, Brooke Borys, Owen Brier, Ryan Burke, Emily Carr, Robert Casey, Gianna Cestone, Kate Cherundolo, Zachary Coles, Jack Conway, Emily Cuff, Joshua David, Emily Donlon, Nina Erhard, Brianna Farber, Gabriella Fletcher, Simone Fricchione, Isabella Galenas, Aartee Gangadeen, Jessica Genco, Brianna Genello, Edward Gilmartin, Sergey Gnilopyat, Curran Hennigan, Richard Holden, Robert Hricko, Robert Joyce, Zanah Khan, Alivia Kromko, Lauren Kropiewnicki, Sean Lam, Felicia Martin, Johnathan Martines, Ariana McDarby, Christopher McGrath, Christina Mecca, Jordan Mellon, Mark Miller, Bria Moore, Megan Moran, Stephanie Nguyen, Christian Palmasani, Kathleen Paterson, Gina Perry, Samuel Piorkowski, Olivia Price, Josephine Prinzo, Gianna Puteri, Michael Riccardo, Jeffrey Rieder, Dominica Rinaldi, Timothy Rose, Erin Schmidt, Clare Schoen, Ryan Sebastianelli, Nicholas Solfanelli, Nickolas Stossel, Nicoletta Terreri, Zachary Voitek, Timothy Walsh and P. Caelan Wylam.

GRADE 10

First honors: Kyle Carter, Eileen Casey, Keenan Clark, Katrina Coviello, Nora Cowley, Michael DeCarli, Dominique DiLeo, Megan Dowd, Nicholas Fasciana, Gerard Ferrario, Diana Franceschelli, Kathleen Frein, Gokulan Gnanendran, Ilissa Hamilton, William Hammert, Alexandra Hart, David Horvath, Anna Housel, John Kutz, James Lipko, Mira Patel, Miranda Pierce, Eva Rine, Morgan Schermerhorn, Megan Siebecker, Emma Walsh, Briana Yesu, Eleanor Zale and Gary Zeron.

Second honors: Anna Aubrey, Jacob Baron, Moriah Bartolai, Joshua Bauman, Melissa Berardelli, Brendan Betti, Jeffrey Bevacqua, Amanda Boland, Sarah Brown, Jack Burke, Margaret Buynak, Joseph Campolieto, Tea' Cappiello, Mary Kate Caucci, Kathryn Chesnick, Megan Coolican, Alivia Davis, Abbey Donaldson, Allison Fan, Virginia Farrell, Sahil Garg, Grady Germain, Cara Griffith, Walter Hammert, Angelina Hazzouri, Kelcey Hill, Austin Hummel, Emily Jonsson, Mia Kashuba, Thomas Keegan, Nico Lastauskas, Michael Leri, Dean Lucas, Ashley McDonald, Margaret Nealon, Jillian Paulus, Robert Pfleckl, Alexander Posly, Tiffany Powell, Brianna Price, Robert Rade, Bridget Regan, Brandon Richards, Anna Roe, Joseph Rossi, Edward Sankus, Joshua Schrepfer, Abigail Schroth, Alex Tarapchak, Amy Troutman, Nikalina Veno, Kaitlin Walsh, Michael Ware, Justin Weckel, Anna Weiss and Elizabeth Worrell.

GRADE 9

First honors: Justin Bella, Elizabeth Boos, Gregory Bormes, Kyle Brier, Nathalie Brown, Kayla Cianfichi, Elizabeth Conway, Amelia Desiderio, Catherine Donlon, Vienna Donnelly, Christopher Erhard, Thomas FitzPatrick, Genevieve Frederick, Carl Friedman, Anastasia Gan, Jonathan Goldenziel, Jake Grady, Giovanni Gunawan, Joseph Healey, Jeffrey Heim, Riley Hesser, Christine Jiang, Rachel Kerr, Nicholas LaBelle, Mia LaFoca, Tyler Mackell, Alexis Manzo, Emily Mazur, Tarquin McGurrin, Vanessa Musto, Anthony Osticco, Brett Para, Thomas Pfaeffle, Ryan Powell, Cameron Price, Reilly Ruane, Jake Ryan, Gulnara Sadowski, Gabrielle Serratore, Julia Sirotnak, Matthew Soliman, Conor Walsh, Matthew Walsh, Clare Weinberger, Casey Welby and Maggie Wright.

Second honors: Logan Bailey, Jake Brown, Braden Burrier, Jenna Carmen, Thomas Carroll, Patrick Casey, Frank Cestone, Shane Colleran, Paul DeNaples, Nicholas Dende, Elizabeth Egan, Olivia Evans, Catherine Farrell, Kody Fitzgerald, Alexandra Geyfman, Natalie Giovannari, Emily Goryeb, George Gustin, Kevin Haas, Patrick Harrison, Christopher Haudenschield, Gabrielle Horchos, Sarah Jones, Logan LaClair, Kyler McAllister, Matthew McGraw, Keny Melgar, Marissa Moran, Katherine Neville, Bruce Parola, Gabrielle Percival, Robert Pettinato, Denise Pinto, John Redman, Mark Regan, Kendall Reinisch, Abigail Rothwell, Kenya Sanchez, Aubrey Savage, Alexandra Sluko, Andrew Sluko, Melissa Smith, Nneoma Uzoukwu, Abigail Wasko, Philip Webb, William Weiss, Jordan White, Mariah Yankowski, Kyle Zaboski, Jeffrey Zero and Madison Ziobro.

OUR LADY OF PEACE

GRADE 8-1

High honors: Alexis Blackburn, Ben Feibus, Maria Terrinoni and Kristina Thomas.

Honors: Sam Dickson, Grace Farrell, Nicholas Giallorenzi, Elizabeth Gumula, Stephen Kirby, Abigail Molnar, Sarah Murray, Shea Quinn and Henry Rusak.

GRADE 8-2

High honors: Sam Bednarz, Tricia Caucci, Evan Florey, Antonia Milas and Adwitya Singh.

Honors: Julia Burke, Christopher Cobb, Gianna Emiliani, Sharon Houlihan, Angie Kanavy, Brigid Lynett, Tyler Maddock, Allyson Marquardt, Michael Oravic, Elizabeth Wright and Alexandra Zolin.

Grade 7-1

High honors: Rachel Burdyn, Theresa Daly, Lauren Gershey and Maureen Nole.

Honors: Bryce Genello, Dimitri Gnall, Andrew Mariotti, Sawyer Rippon and Emma Tully.

Grade 7-2

High honors: Katherine Dwonczyk, Nicholas Gershey and Claire Sunday.

Honors: Mary Bormes, Brendan Braatz, Maggie Chesnick, Anna Claire Cuff, Nicholas Genco, Michael Giallorenzi, Hannah Hughes, Norman Kanavy, Andrew Noto, Grace Okrepkie and Elisa Yann.

Grade 6-1

High honors: Elizabeth Cooper, Taylor Evans, Isabella Feibus, Jacob Kosierowski, Patrick Mariotti, Harrison Peairs and Nadja Tomaszewski.

Honors: Abigail D'Elia, Evan Dempsey, Margaret Dickson, Daniel Flickinger, Reghan Hesser, Katherine Malone, Olivia Mariotti, Grace Stampien and Samantha Zolin.

Grade 6-2

High honors: Robert Feeney, Kiera Flannery and Charles Kutz.

Honors: Madison Bershefsky, Paige Boland, Brendan Colleran, Marchella DeNaples, Molly Graham, Joseph Houlihan, Elisa Kopicki, Matthew Molnar, Natalie Pritchyk and Matthew Rothwell.

FORDHAM UNIVERSITY

Nicholas Dalessandro, Moosic.

MERRIMACK COLLEGE

Michael Patrician, Clarks Summit.

LYCOMING COLLEGE

Andrea Burleigh, Pleasant Mount; Ian Fairclough, Moscow; Melanie Harcum, Equinunk; Jessica Hoffman, Hawley; Johanna Hripto, Montrose; Bailey Hughes, Forest City; Nicole Marianelli, Old Forge; and Natalie Murphy, Honesdale.

PAUL SMITH'S UNIVERSITY

Daniel English, Montrose.

UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT

Jordan Duffy, Hawley; Karin Emanuelson, Waymart; and Joshua McGreggor, Abington.

WASHINGTON LEE UNIVERSITY

Evan Johnson, Bushkill.

STONEHILL COLLEGE

Brandon A. Perigard, Clarks Summit.

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY

Selena R. Cerra, Fell Twp.

TEMPLE UNIVERSITY

Sarah Speicher, Dunmore.

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

Rebecca Mekilo, Taylor.

DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY

Nora Hurchick, Scranton.

MOUNT ST. MARY'S

Diane Bojarcik, Swoyersville; and Shane Holcomb, Blakely.

COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

Eric Miller, Hawley; and Albert Taylor, Scranton.

CASTLETON STATE COLLEGE

Nicholas Franssen, Madison Twp.

HERKIMER COLLEGE

Christine E. Brickman, Matamoras.

CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA

Hugh J. Doyle Jr., Greenfield Twp.

CHESTNUT HILL COLLEGE

Dana Klepadlo, Pittston.

In addition to the joys of the ceremony, the honeymoon and setting up a household, some gay and lesbian couples in Pennsylvania will share another responsibility of marriage - filing joint taxes.

Some same-sex couples in Pennsylvania will be able to file jointly on their federal tax returns. Financially, the option of filing jointly offers a direct financial benefit to couples. In the vast majority of cases, a couple reduces their tax liability by filing jointly.

While same-sex marriage is illegal in Pennsylvania, some Keystone State same-sex couples will have the option of filing joint federal tax returns. For example, couples married in the 17 states or District of Columbia which have same-sex marriage who then moved to Pennsylvania may do so. That group would also include Pennsylvania residents who traveled out-of-state specifically to be married. They didn't have to go far, since New York, New Jersey and Maryland offer same-sex marriage.

"If Joe and John got married in New York, for example, and are Pennsylvania residents, they may file joint federal tax returns," said David Glusman, of the Philadelphia office of Marcum Accountants & Advisers, and part of the firm's LGBT and Non-Traditional Family Practice Group. "The IRS is following the Supreme Court decision."

Mr. Glusman referred to the United States v. Windsor decision striking down several provisions of the federal Defense of Marriage Act which defined marriage as between a man and a woman. His phone rang "off the hook" after the Windsor decision was handed down as clients looked for financial guidance in a new era.

Unknown number

No one knows for sure how many lawfully-married same-sex couples reside in Pennsylvania.

"There is no number someone can point to," said Ted Martin, executive director of Equality Pennsylvania, a group promoting equal rights for gay, lesbian and transgender people, on the number couples affected by Windsor as it regards taxes.

In addition to those who left the state to get married or moved into the state after getting married, there are the "Montgomery County 170" - the couples who received marriage licenses from renegade register of wills D. Bruce Hanes. Convinced that Pennsylvania's prohibition on same-sex marriage violated the U.S. Constitution, Mr. Hanes issued more than 170 marriage licenses in a six-week period to same-sex couples until a court stopped him from doing so. The case is one of several challenging the state's marriage ban. So far, no one has challenged the status of the couples. So those who went onto marry, are still recognized as married, Mr. Glusman said.

Money at stake

About 90 percent of the time, married couples see a financial benefit by filing a joint federal tax return, Mr. Glusman said. Whether filing jointly is an advantage depends on the relative incomes of each spouse and which one can claim certain deductions. A tax or financial professional can figure out the better move with relative ease.

Also, those couples may want to consider amending their tax returns back to the year of their marriage. The IRS allows people to amend their taxes as many as three years back.

Since Pennsylvania state taxes extend no benefit to couples filing jointly - tax liability doesn't change with marital status.

"There will be no net cost to same-sex state filers - save for the aggravation," Mr. Glusman said.

That's part of the problem with Pennsylvania law not recognizing same-sex marriage, said Mr. Martin. He and his spouse, who were married in California, will file as married on federal returns but as "legal strangers" on state returns.

"Beyond being offensive, it's time-consuming and costly," he said.

Pennsylvania's failure to recognize same-sex marriage exposes some couples to a range of other financial burdens beyond income taxes, Mr. Glusman said. Spouses are exempt from the real estate transfer tax in Pennsylvania. If John buys a house in Pennsylvania and later marries Richard in New York, and wants to put Richard's name on the deed, they will have to pay a real estate transfer tax - usually several thousands of dollars on a $100,000 home. The state treats Richard as an unrelated stranger.

"If Pennsylvania is not recognizing your marriage, then it probably will not recognize an spousal exemption from real estate taxes or other taxes," he said.

The other big financial hit to same-sex couples could be estate taxes.

If John dies, he can leave his assets to Richard, and, as a spouse, Richard will be exempt from federal estate taxes, as per the Windsor ruling. Pennsylvania also exempts the surviving spouse from estate taxes, but since the state doesn't acknowledge John and Richard's marriage, it will hit Richard with a 15 percent tax, Mr. Glasman said.

There are ways to avoid that through trusts, wills, and other moves, but those steps requires planning and professional advice.

"People celebrated the Windsor decision, but there remains a group of other considerations that same-sex couples don't think through, but are going to have to at some point," he said.

Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

SCRANTON - The University of Scranton's exercise science club will hold its seventh annual Healthy Heart Fair at the Mall at Steamtown on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The fair will include free blood pressure readings, body fat analysis, massages and information promoting awareness of heart health and heart disease.

Student organizations will join the exercise science club at the fair, including the nursing club, Urban Beats Dance Crew, physical therapy club and students in the community health education program. Representatives from the American Heart Association and American Red Cross will also participate.