A panel of three Lackawanna County Court judges peppered Scranton officials Tuesday with questions about the city's budgeting and revised recovery plan on the first day of a hearing on the city's request for a 1 percent commuter tax.

During nearly six hours of testimony, the hearing delved into specifics of the city's proposed 2013 budget - and the recovery plan that it underpins - with the judges, including Lackawanna County Judges Terrence Nealon and Robert Mazzoni and visiting Pike County Judge Harold Thomson, asking detailed questions. At times, city witnesses did not have information at their fingertips, such as the number of commuters who would be affected, but later supplied it. The judges also grilled city witnesses on how they constructed the recovery plan and budget on projected revenues that in some cases are speculative at best.

As the city's exhibits were being marked, Judge Nealon quipped that the city's exhibits would be marked with letters because city officials are not good with numbers. The remark drew an outburst of laughter from many of the three dozen people in the courtroom.

The detailed questioning by the judges left commuter-tax opponents cautiously optimistic.

Mayfield Mayor Al Chelik, opposition leader who formed the anti-commuter-tax group Scranton Taxing Our People, said, "I don't think they proved one iota, except that they want to spare Scranton taxpayers and bring in revenue from commuters."

Opposition attorney Armand Olivetti added, "Based on what you heard today, the judges are skeptical of the accuracy of the some of the budget revenue items. We feel good about the case, but you never know."

Scranton residents Bill Jackowitz and Lee Morgan attended the hearing and agreed. "It (a commuter tax) is not going to happen because the budget's not realistic," Mr. Morgan said. Mr. Jackowitz added, "You milk cows, not taxpayers. I don't think the city has presented a case" for a commuter tax. But city resident Doug Miller, who also attended the hearing, disagreed, saying, "I'm pretty confident. I'm hopeful the judges will rule in the city's favor."

The daylong hearing began with city solicitor Paul Kelly calling four witnesses: city Business Administrator Ryan McGowan, Councilman Frank Joyce and Gerald Cross and Joseph Boyle, both of Pennsylvania Economy League, which is the city's Act 47 recovery coordinator.

Mr. Olivetti called two witnesses, including Throop resident Larissa Pawelski, who works in the city and would be subject to a commuter tax, and Mr. Chelik, who also represents the Lackawanna County Association of Boroughs and testified as an expert on municipal budgeting.

Some areas the judges zeroed in on included:

n Whether the city's various 2013 revenue projections - chiefly $1.3 million hoped for in payment in lieu of taxes donations from nonprofits - are overly optimistic.

The city was supposed to have commitments for these PILOTs by Dec. 1, but have received none. Judge Nealon asked how the city could budget such a large increase. Mr. McGowan replied, "That was a decision of the elected leadership (mayor and council)." Judge Thomson asked, "How do you aggressively collect from a volunteer," and Mr. Joyce replied the city is hopeful PILOTs will materialize. Judge Mazzoni asked if PEL was comfortable with the city's PILOT projections, and Mr. Cross said, "It's probably unrealistic."

n Whether a leaseback financing mechanism planned to raise $22 million next year is realistic.

These funds are needed to pay a $17 million arbitration award to police and fire unions and a $5 million increase in pension payments. Mr. Boyle testified that under a leaseback, the city would get a one-time cash infusion by leasing a building to the Scranton Redevelopment Authority, which would float the bonds while the city pays the leaseback debt. Mr. Boyle said the city has three outstanding leasebacks, including two involving the DPW ($9.6 million principal owed from a 2006 leaseback and $5.85 million owed on a 2008 leaseback), and one involving Scranton Sewer Authority, ($2.4 million owed from a 2004 leaseback). Saying the leaseback concept is "completely foreign to me," Judge Mazzoni asked what other building the city is eyeing for a $22 million leaseback. Mr. Boyle said he didn't know and Judge Mazzoni queried, "Wouldn't you want to know what assets are being proposed?" Mr. Boyle then said the police station was mentioned, but that's a decision to be made by the city and not PEL. The city has no commitments from a lender yet for a leaseback next year but has had discussions with two prospects, Mr. McGowan said.

n Why the city has not raised its $178 annual garbage fee in 10 years and will be keeping it the same next year.

Judge Mazzoni asked what is the aversion to raising the trash fee. Mr. Joyce said the council instead decided to raise taxes and felt the tax hike was a big enough hit. Mr. Cross testified the city has wanted the trash fee to reflect the actual cost of providing the service.

n Whether the city is willfully violating a different judge's order requiring unfunded debt approved Oct. 31 to be paid back with a dedicated tax millage that the city has chosen to avoid.

The city in January received court approval to borrow $9.85 million in unfunded debt, and then in October received another court approval for an additional $9.75 million in unfunded debt. The judge in the first case required a dedicated millage to pay this debt back and that became the 12 percent property tax hike in the 2013 budget, Mr. McGowan testified. A different judge in the second case also required a dedicated tax millage to pay back that debt, but the mayor and council will use general funds to repay this debt. While Mr. McGowan and Mr. Cross testified they believe the Oct. 31 order requires a dedicated millage, they noted that the 2013 budget does contain funds to pay the second debt. Mr. Joyce testified the second dedicated millage would be imposed in 2014, and this would satisfy the Oct. 31 order.

Other hearing highlights included:

n A commuter tax is estimated to generate $2.5 million in 2013, and then $4 million in 2014 and 2015. Mr. Cross testified that a 1 percent tax would raise $4 million a year, and the $2.5 million figure for next year is due to a lag in collections of getting the tax up and running.

n Of the 36,651 people who work in the city, 13,996 are city residents and 22,655 are nonresidents who would be subject to the commuter tax, Mr. Kelly said. At $4 million in revenue and 22,655 commuters, the average commuter tax would be $176 dollars.

n Ms. Pawelski testified she is a single mom who works as a clerk at Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole Office on Penn Avenue and lives paycheck to paycheck. A commuter tax "would have a huge impact on my life," she said, adding it would cost her $280 a year. Mr. Kelly asked her who pays for the police and fire protection she receives while working in the city, and Ms. Pawelski answered the city does.

n Mr. Chelik testified he believes the city has established a pattern of budgeting unreliability and its 2013 budget is based on "pie in the sky" revenue. Furthermore, he testified that he believes the city's decision to avoid dedicating a millage to pay for the second unfunded debt is a "violation of a court order." Mr. Kelly asked Mr. Chelik if Mayfield would have to increase police and fire services if 22,655 commuters descended on the borough every day, and Mr. Chelik replied yes.

n Mr. Joyce said the city has not looked at liquidating city property to raise cash or to pursue any municipal mergers of services.

n Mr. McGowan said the city's proposed amusement tax, which has been budgeted to bring in $200,000 next year, is expected to only raise around $75,000, after it is whittled from a 10 percent tax to 5 percent and various exemptions are given.

n A $1 million deferment next year in landfill fees allowed by Keystone Sanitary Landfill in Dunmore will be repaid in three installments, of one each in 2014, 2015 and 2016, and this loan would be interest-free, Mr. McGowan said.

n Judge Nealon several times noted the city's debt service would "quadruple" from $3.6 million to $16.4 million in less than two years, and asked Mr. Cross to "disabuse us of the notion that we're just throwing deck chairs off the Titanic." Mr. Cross said borrowing is the path the city has chosen and is guaranteeing tax increases on its citizens under the recovery plan.

n Mr. Olivetti asked why the city is not raising the earned-income tax on its own residents. Mr. Joyce said city residents are "overly taxed" already and commuters should pay for benefitting from city services.

n Mr. Olivetti asked if the city has a fallback if a leaseback fails, and Mr. Joyce said no, adding, "That's why we need all the revenue we could get at this point."

n Mr. Cross gave sobering testimony of the city's situation and said the city needs a commuter tax, among other alternative revenues.

"It is our concern that the city's cash-flow problems (of 2012) could be repeated" if revenues are not achieved, Mr. Cross said. Still, Mr. Cross added, "I don't believe Chapter 9 (bankruptcy) is a viable option," but it's also unclear when the city may no longer be designated as distressed.

n Noting that the city has missed some PEL deadlines for certain actions arising out of the recovery plan, Judge Nealon said it appears the city has failed to meet at least one required hurdle, which is achieving substantial recovery plan compliance.

The hearing is to resume today at 9:30 a.m. Mr. Olivetti is expected to call as witnesses Ron Koldjeski, Lackawanna County's deputy director for tax claims, who also is a Newton Twp. supervisor and member of STOP; and Gary Lewis of Scranton, who owns a consulting firm specializing in distressed business debt analysis and solvency evaluation, and who has advocated for the city filing Chapter 9 bankruptcy as the solution to its fiscal woes.

Mayor Chris Doherty and Council President Janet Evans did not attend the hearing.

Contact the writer: jlockwood@timesshamrock.com

NEW MILFORD - A Blue Ridge High School student was killed Tuesday morning when he was hit by a train in New Milford Twp.

The teen, identified by police as Mahlon C. Mosher, 16, of New Milford, was hit at about 8:15 a.m. by a northbound train on the Canadian Pacific tracks about a quarter mile south of the school.

Mahlon was walking on the rail ties parallel to Route 11 toward the school and was wearing headphones when he was hit, police said. He did not realize a train traveling north, the same direction he was walking, was approaching him and also did not hear it sound its air horn, state police said.

Trooper John Oliver said there was no indication of neglect by train personnel. The horn was sounded, and the brakes were applied, but it could not stop in time.

As the train passed, the engine's front plow struck the teen, killing him, police said.

Blue Ridge High School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski said the student was a sophomore and new to the district this year. He was a member of the wrestling team.

According to a report published Sunday in The Times-Tribune, Mahlon wrestled in the 160-pound weight class.

Mr. Nebzydoski said Blue Ridge students had been made aware of the death. Grief counselors were made available to students Tuesday and also will be in place today.

A Facebook page was created to memorialize the teen with more than 470 people joining the page by within six hours of its creation Tuesday night, and leaving comments such as:

"Praying for the family of this young man, so tragic a loss."

"R.I.P you were one of my friends and now you are an angel. ... You're missed but never forgotten. ... Its gonna be so different not seeing you around."

"One of my wrestlers & one of the nicest, polite boys I have had the honor to know. ... God Bless you & your family."

Staff writer KATIE SULLIAN contributed to this report

Contact the writer: swilson@independentweekender.com

SCOTT TWP. - Looking to solve the lingering odor issue caused by the township's six pump stations, sewer authority board members asked their engineer to research a method used by Jefferson Twp.

At a Scott Twp. sewer authority meeting, Chairman Mike Grant said he recently visited Jefferson Twp., where they use activated charcoal canisters - similar to the ones used in Scott - to deodorize emissions.

The ones used in Jefferson Twp. are about three times bigger, and are able to push air through the lines "much faster and forcefully," Mr. Grant said.

"I don't think our blowers are big enough to suck the air out of the well," board member Stanley Stracham said. "We need that extra pressure to keep the odor level down."

The pump stations have been a source of frustration for residents and board authority members since construction was deemed complete in August 2011.

Since last winter, officials said, dozens of residents have repeatedly shared concerns regarding the smells being emitted from the stations scattered throughout the township.

To combat the smell, officials have ordered the authority's engineer to install the small charcoal canisters, as well as agitators, which work by continuously mixing the waste so it doesn't coagulate and result in a buildup.

But both solutions have acted more like Band-Aids than a permanent fix, said Mr. Grant, who said the authority will not stop searching until an acceptable solution is found.

"If this next step does not work, we will find something else," Mr. Grant said. "We will find a solution."

Also at Tuesday's meeting, authority member and township Supervisor Michael Giannetta said U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, R-10, Lycoming Twp., sent a letter to the board, informing it he could not help refinance the authority's 40-year, $15.3 million loan through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In September, the authority sent a letter to the congressman, hoping he could help slash the loan's interest rate from 4.25 percent to 1 percent or lower - a move that would help reduce the $88 monthly sewer fee.

Mr. Giannetta said he will look into a bond issue to refinance the loan.

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

SCRANTON - City police arrested a Scranton High School student Monday after finding a knife in his locker, acting Capt. Glen Thomas said.

Detectives arrived at the school to speak to the 16-year-old boy regarding an ongoing investigation and accompanied him to his locker when he asked to retrieve his coat, Capt. Thomas said.

Upon searching his locker, the detectives found a knife in the student's backpack, which he said he was holding for a friend.

He will be charged in juvenile court with possession of a weapon on school property.

SENTENCINGS

The following defendants were sentenced recently in Lacka­wanna County Court by Judge Vito Geroulo:

- Robyn Lynn Davies, 55, of 342 N. Sumner Ave., Scranton, to two years of state intermediate punishment and two years of probation for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

- David Bowen, 31, of 1050 Pear St., Building 16B, Scran­ton, to nine months to two years in state prison for simple assault.

- Bruce Timothy Wild, 39, of 1708 Luzerne St., Apt. 14, Scranton, to eight to 23½ months in county prison and a $100 fine for simple assault.

- Horace Lee Stancavage, 36, of 218 N. Main Ave., Scranton, to one year of probation for possession of drug paraphernalia.

- Angela Spitalik, 40, of 48 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre, to 71 days to one year in county prison for possession of drug paraphernalia.

- Carlos Osuna, 19, of 399 Wintermantle Ave., Scranton, to six months of probation and a $300 fine for driving under the influence.

- Jamar Lawrence, 30, of 1800 Davidson Ave., New York, to two to five months in county prison for conspiracy to possess a controlled substance.

- Gerald A. Izzo, 55, of RR 1, Box 1064A, Bartonsville, to 90 days of house arrest, 57 months of intermediate punishment and a $1,500 fine for DUI.

- Raul Bernardez, 29, of 536 Fig St., Scranton, to 30 days of house arrest and 11 months of intermediate punishment for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Judge Michael Barrasse sentenced:

- Darius Donatee Stukes, 23, of 390 S. Grant St., Apt. 6, Wilkes-Barre, to 37 months to 6½ years in state prison and four years of probation for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility.

- Joseph Jonathon Skorets, 20, of 37 Park St., Apt. 6, Car­bondale, to 90 days in county prison, 90 days of house arrest, 30 months of intermediate punishment and two years of probation for obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation and theft by unlawful taking.

- Marc Misiura, 18, of 1020 Martarano Drive, Throop, to 30 days in county prison, two months of house arrest and nine months of intermediate punishment for loitering and prowling at night.

- Guy Zachary Macciocco, 28, of 1026 Jackson St., Scranton, to 90 days of probation for disorderly conduct.

- Alexis Claudia Johnson, 30, of 104 Second Ave., Jessup, to six months of probation for possession of drug paraphernalia.

- Eric Hospodar, 23, of 57 Franklin St., Edwardsville, to three months of house arrest, 33 months of intermediate punishment and $1,859.61 in restitution for theft by unlawful taking.

- Shane Diskin, 20, of 2819 Birney Ave., Scranton, to one month of house arrest, five months of intermediate punishment and a $500 fine for DUI.

- Emily Baldacci, 20, of 524 N. Bromley Ave., Scranton, to one year of probation and $10 in restitution for conspiracy to commit theft by unlawful taking.

- Henry William Leggett Jr., 49, of 1316 Luzerne St., Scran­ton, to six months of probation and a $300 fine for DUI.

Dickson City adopts 2013 budget; no tax increase

DICKSON CITY - The 2013 budget was adopted with no tax increase Tuesday, one year after the council approved a 50 percent rate jump.

The council may also look to add to its police force in the new year, after discussion at the meeting raised concern about the yearly volume of calls.

The $4.9 million budget was approved unanimously at Tuesday's council meeting. The borough's millage rate will remain at 20.8. A mill is a $1 tax on every $1,000 of a property's assessed value.

"There is absolutely nothing in the wind at all for a tax increase for a long time," council President Barbara Mecca said firmly. "I think (last year's tax increase) put the borough in a good financial place for a long time."

Also at the meeting, Mayor Tony Zaleski urged the council to consider adding another full-time police officer after Councilwoman Rose Louryk asked about the progress toward adding a police dog to the force. He recommended hiring a full-time officer who could take care of the added four-legged officer.

"By paying one salary, we're really putting two officers on the street," he said.

He also shared that the borough received more than 10,000 calls last year. That is nearly double the amount that surrounding boroughs received.

"I think we're going to really sit down and look at this," Ms. Mecca said, explaining that a meeting should be held to look at data and make a decision in January.

In other business, the borough voted to send $203,735 of payment requests to the United States Department of Agriculture for the project to build a new Borough Building on Enterprise Street.

Councilman Jack Horvath also announced the Dickson City Crime Watch will hold a reorganization meeting on Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. at the ambulance building. He encouraged all residents to attend the meeting, where new officers will be selected.

"I, personally, do not want to see this organization fall by the wayside," he said.

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

Scranton's proposed 2013 budget includes a $1 million line item to help cover expenses, both expected and unanticipated, next year, including a shortfall in donations from nonprofits.

The city has budgeted $1.3 million for payments in lieu of taxes from nonprofits that are hoped to be received but for which no commitments have been given.

Any shortfalls would be made up from the $1 million line item, which is listed as a "contingency" in the budget. However, this line item would only exist to the extent that the budget's various revenue projections, some of which are speculative, would all come through to balance the budget, officials said.

While a contingency line item has been set aside for many years in the city's annual budgets, it is being eyed again for use next year at a time when the city also is raising property taxes and other taxes and fees and is seeking court approval for a 1 percent commuter tax.

City Business Administrator Ryan McGowan said, "It's just a line item in the budget for overages."

There are no state parameters for such a contingency line item regarding how much to set aside or where to spend it, Mr. McGowan said.

Pennsylvania does not have a mandated, uniform budget process, or even a uniform type of budget, according to the Governor's Center for Local Government Services' "Fiscal Management Handbook."

"From a budget perspective, a contingency fund is used by some local governments to address unexpected situations with the potential to pose a significant liability," said Theresa Elliott, deputy press secretary of the state Department of Community and Economic Development, in a statement. "The funds could also be used to handle a situation the municipality could not have foreseen/planned for."

An alternative way to address such issues is to build up a reserve in a "fund balance" or establish a separate reserve fund, Ms. Elliott said.

In that regard, a contingency line item is not the same as an unrestricted fund balance, which is an actual surplus that would exist in its own bank account, Mr. McGowan said.

Scranton, a financially-distressed city since 1992 under state Act 47, does not have any such fund balance surplus, Mr. McGowan said.

Over the years, Scranton's contingency line item has been used annually as has been deemed necessary by mayors and councils, and they have been spent in various areas, ranging from a few thousand dollars for tax refunds to hundreds of thousands of dollars for insurances, overtime or contractual employee pay raises, according to Times-Tribune archives.

Some of the city's prior uses of contingency funds have included:

n This year, $1.3 million to pay debt of the Scranton Parking Authority that the city had previously guaranteed.

n In 2011, $14,300 to cover accounts for early retirement for police and firefighters.

n In 2010, $270,000 for employee overtime, and $162,652 for Fire Department life insurance adjustments.

n In 2007, $13,000 donated to then-public-access television Channel 61.

n In 2001, $54,160 to pay for cleaning up a March snowstorm that dumped nine inches of snow on city streets.

n In 1999, the city set aside slightly less than $1 million in three contingency funds for unemployment insurance, health insurance and overtime.

n In 1993, $93,874 from two contingency accounts to cover salaries, a sick leave buy-out and severance pay for emergency dispatchers; $3,575 to buy five identifiers for fire mobile radios and for modification of a monitor receiver; and $3,000 for additional tax refunds for the last six months of 1993.

n In 1992, $138,000 to pay outstanding bills from a lawsuit.

Contact the writer: jlockwood@timesshamrock.com

Turned away from a Jefferson Avenue bar early Saturday for the open beer in his hand, police said a jilted drinker returned minutes later with a screwdriver and stabbed the bouncer in his jaw and arm.

To the bouncer at Rocky's Bar, Paul Bidwell, it looked like the man he just turned away, Neil Anthony Martinborough, 36, of 605 Depot St., was only taking a swing at him when he returned to the 141 Jefferson Ave. bar minutes later.

Then he felt the screwdriver dig into his jaw.

Before witnesses could help restrain him, police said Mr. Martinborough also stabbed Mr. Bidwell in the arm and left a stab wound in the hand of Moises Rivera, one of the witnesses who intervened.

Responding officers arrested Mr. Martinborough and took the screwdriver as evidence before charging him with two counts each of aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and harassment, as well as one count each of possessing an instrument of crime and disorderly conduct.

Mr. Rivera received medical treatment for his hand wound at the scene while Mr. Bidwell had to have three stitches applied to the inch-long wound to his jaw at Moses Taylor Hospital.

Mr. Martinborough was later sent to the Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Tuesday.

Contact the writer: domalley@timesshamrock.com, @domalleytt on Twitter

REGIONAL BRIEFS

Police search for robbery suspect

SCRANTON - City police are searching for a man who robbed a convenience store on Mulberry Street on Tuesday night.

Scranton Police Lt. Marty Crofton said a man walked into the Turkey Hill, 1429 Mulberry St., at 5:47 p.m. and told the cashier he was robbing the store, claiming he had a gun, although he never displayed one.

The man took an undisclosed amount of cash, put it into a bag and left the store, heading west on foot. He is described as being a while male, about 5 feet 6 inches tall, 180 pounds with gray hair. He was wearing a navy blue hooded sweatshirt, navy pants, glasses and a black baseball cap with white letters.

Anyone with information about the robbery should call police at 348-4134.

Firefighters help woman escape fire

SCRANTON - Firefighters had to help a 99-year-old woman leave her house when a fire started on the kitchen stove and spread to the cabinets of her Monroe Avenue home Tuesday night.

Assistant Scranton Fire Chief Paul Laskowski said the home at 733 Monroe Ave. sustained only minor damage and that the woman, whose name was not disclosed, was allowed to return to her home after the fire.

The woman's caretaker was injured a fall while leaving the home and was taken to the hospital with pain in her ribs, Assistant Chief Laskowski said.

Cops say clerk lied about robbery

DICKSON CITY - A gas station attendant who told police he was robbed at gunpoint Sunday night faces charges after police discovered he made the incident up and took the money himself.

Chace Kucharski, 21, of Archbald, was charged with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and making false reports, after a police investigation found he was the one who took an undetermined amount of money from the Gulf gas station in Dickson City, according to court documents.

Mr. Kucharski was arraigned Monday and is slated for a preliminary hearing Dec. 17. He was released from Lackawanna County Prison on $10,000 bail.

Delivery driver robbed in Scranton

SCRANTON - Three unknown assailants satisfied their craving for Chinese food by punching a delivery driver in the face and absconding with the takeout Tuesday night.

Scranton Police Lt. Marty Crofton said a man called in an order of fried chicken wings, iced tea and General Tso's chicken from the Hot Wok Chinese Restaurant on Pittston Avenue and asked for the food to be delivered to 529 Taylor Ave., a condemned property.

When the driver arrived, he approached the property, where three men jumped him and took the food, fleeing west behind the house.

Anyone with information is asked to call 348-4134.

Man injured in motorcycle crash

DICKSON CITY - One man was taken to the hospital with a head injury after a motorcycle crash early Tuesday.

Borough Police Chief William Bilinski said a man, whose name and address were unavailable, crashed his motorcycle on Business Route 6 about 4 a.m.

Alcohol is suspected to have played a role in crash and charges are pending the results of a blood-alcohol test, Chief Bilinski said. The tags on the vehicle did not belong to that motorcycle and the driver's license was already suspended for a previous DUI, he added.

Man arrested for bad checks

HONESDALE - Police on Monday arrested a borough man accused of buying $5,500 worth of jewelry with bad checks, then selling the merchandise to other businesses last month.

Authorities secured an arrest warrant for Jason Ginnetto, 29, of Honesdale after learning he bought the jewelry in several stores in the Honesdale area in November with what turned out to be six bad checks. He later sold the jewelry for cash at other businesses, police said.

He was arrested Monday on one count of theft by deception and six counts of misdemeanor bad checks in Honesdale.

He was sent to the Wayne County Prison in lieu of $30,000 bail, and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for Dec. 19.

Moscow event to light tree

MOSCOW - The borough will hold a tree-lighting ceremony Thursday at 6 p.m. at Centennial Park.

Located near the Borough Building on Van Brundt Street, the event will include entertainment and caroling led by music teacher Erica Castaldo and her students from Musical Dreams Studio, said Rose Warner, a member of the Moscow Borough Council and recreation chairwoman.

After Santa arrives on a firetruck, festivities will move inside the Moscow Methodist Church, where the bell choir will perform and light refreshments will be offered.

Dunmore hosts community rally

DUNMORE - Dunmore High School will host a communitywide pep rally for the school's football team today at 7 p.m., showing support as the team prepares to play in the state Class A championship game on Friday.

Dunmore High School Principal Robert Galella said the school band, cheerleaders and others will highlight support of the varsity football team at the pep rally.

"This community has a tradition of school spirit," Mr. Galella said. "We just want the community to see what this team is about."

Dunmore's Bucks will face the Clairton Bears at Hersheypark Stadium.

Epilepsy-monitoring site opens at GCMC

SCRANTON - Geisinger Community Medical Center will unveil its new epilepsy-monitoring unit today.

The epilepsy-monitoring unit will observe patients for several nights to better identify the source of seizures.

An epilepsy-monitoring unit uses long-term video monitoring to track seizures during a patient's time at the hospital unit. On average, patients spend between four and eight days in an epilepsy-monitoring unit, said Anthony Aquilina, D.O., chief medical officer at the hospital. By collecting data from electrodes attached to a patient's head over the course of multiple days, physicians can use the data to identify the specific area of the brain that is causing seizures and then create a more targeted treatment plan for each particular patient.

W-B may raise meters, garbage

WILKES-BARRE - City council will vote Thursday on ordinances increasing garbage prices and parking meter fees.

The fee increases are part of Mayor Tom Leighton's proposal to increase revenue next year that also includes a 31 percent property tax hike and increased recycling, building and rental permit fees and parking ticket fines. However, council and Mayor Leighton have only been able to agree on 25-cent increases to city garbage bags and parking meters. Raising the price of garbage bags will increase revenue by $80,000, according to Mayor Leighton's 2013 budget proposal submitted in October.

The two hikes will go into effect Jan. 1 if council approves them Thursday. If passed, a package of five garbage bags will cost $10, and parking will cost $1 per hour.

Customers of PPL Electric Utilities will see monthly bills increase by about 4 percent next year, resulting from recent state Public Utility Commission action.

The PUC on Dec. 5 granted Allentown-based PPL a 10.4 percent rate of return on income for shareholders. The approval will increase the average bill for residential customers using 1,000 kilowatts of electricity monthly by about $4.77 to $116.37, according to a PUC estimate.

The increase totals approximately $71 million, the PUC calculated. PPL had sought a $104.6 million rate boost, which would have increased average monthly residential bills by about $7 to $118.59, according to the PUC.

The authorization drew fire from the acting state consumer advocate, who called the rate-of-return approval excessive.

"We are disappointed," said Tanya McCloskey, who became consumer advocate after Irwin "Sonny" Popowsky's retirement in October. "We think a lower return is justified in these economic times."

The increase takes effect Jan. 1, according to the PUC. The PUC staff needed several days to calculate the residential rate estimate after the commissioners approved the rate-of-return percentage increase. PUC spokeswoman Jennifer Kocher said the exact total will be determined in an order to be filed by the end of the year.

PPL on Tuesday was awaiting an official order from the PUC on details of the ruling, spokesman Bryan Hay said. Nevertheless, in an email he said, "We're pleased that the commission recognizes the importance of ongoing infrastructure improvements."

PPL sought the increase to finance operations, recover costs of distribution system improvements and expenses from the damage of 2011 storms.

Ms. McCloskey said she was most troubled by the PUC approval of an increase in the monthly customer charge for basic services, including billing and meter reading, to $14.09 from $8.75.

"It will be a substantial bill impact for the residential customer class," she said.

Contact the writer: jhaggerty@timesshamrock.com

SCRANTON - A Brooklyn, N.Y., man was arrested early Sunday after bringing a handgun with its serial number scratched off to a North Scranton club, police said.

Jean Alex, 21, of Brooklyn, was allowed to secure his .38 Special revolver and its five bullets at the entrance of the Castle, 1840 N. Main Ave., when he arrived about 5 a.m., as per the club's policy, according to a criminal complaint.

But when he could not provide his identification and gun permit when he went to retrieve the weapon, the bouncer looked closer at the weapon, found its serial number had been scratched off and called city police.

Officers found Mr. Alex in a friend's car in the club's parking lot and arrested him on one count of obliterating mark of identification.

Facing uncertain revenues and a $2.8 million anticipated deficit for 2013, the Scranton School Board heard from only three residents at a budget hearing Tuesday night.

District officials are still working to close the gap and waiting for confirmation from Berkheimer Tax Administrator regarding funding due from Centax Group. Depending on how much the district is due, the anticipated gap may be much smaller.

The board will hold a budget and finance committee meeting next week to discuss the $121 million budget and attempt to balance it before it must be passed by the end of the month.

Under the state's Taxpayer Relief Act, the board voted this year to keep any possible tax increase within the district's index rate of 2.5 percent.

At Tuesday's hearing, city resident Marie Schumacher asked whether the district was putting money away for skyrocketing pension costs in coming years.

Gregg Sunday, deputy superintendent of finance, said that the district has no extra money to put away, especially with money needed to just balance next year's budget.

"It's not a Scranton School District problem. It's statewide," he said.

Resident Thom Welby also spoke to the board, asking directors to help find private funding for subsidized County of Lackawanna Transit System bus passes for students.

Some students have walks of four miles or more to Scranton High School, and the district does not provide transportation to high school students.

Superintendent William King said he is still in discussion with the University of Scranton for assistance, and several agencies or nonprofits may also be making donations soon, he said.

Contact the writer: shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on Twitter

For 15 minutes, Jill Murrin touched on the past, displaying before and after pictures of businesses and homes in the area and showcasing numbers that show the decrease in crime since 2009.

She attributed the positive changes to what is known as the Elm Street Program, which has focused on revitalizing South Scranton through grants for home and business improvement projects and establishing a neighborhood watch.

At an informational meeting Tuesday hosted by United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania and its Elm Street revitalization team, Ms. Murrin, the Elm Street Program manager, also focused on the future, highlighting several projects the team is working on to revitalize South Scranton.

"We are really excited with a few projects; we just need a little funding," Ms. Murrin said. "We have had a lot of success in our first three years, and we think the next couple can be even better."

Among the future plans is the Cedar Avenue Gateway Project - an initiative to improve traffic safety at three-way intersection in South Scranton.

The project, which will cost more than $1 million, is part of an effort to make the intersection at Cedar Avenue, Orchard Street and Front Street more safe.

"There have been many complaints, and a few close calls in that area since the Moosic Street Bridge closed," said Alison Woody, the director of communications at UNC. "It is something we definitely need to address."

While the Elm Street team is waiting on funding for that project, it has already secured the $40,000 necessary to install a number of period street lights along the 500 and 600 block of Cedar Avenue.

Ms. Murrin said the team will "replicate those in downtown Scranton." There is no timetable for the installation of those lights, however.

Designated an Elm Street Program in 2009 by the state Department of Community & Economic Development, South Scranton has since seen an "overhaul" in several areas, Ms. Murrin said.

"This program doesn't just touch on safety of a neighborhood," Ms. Murrin said. "It helps create an image and identity for a neighborhood."

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

Prison lockdown allows for search

SCRANTON - The Lackawanna County Prison went on lockdown Tuesday while it underwent a planned, routine search.

Warden Robert McMillan said the prison is required to conduct a full search of the facility, including inmate housing areas, twice a year.

"It's a normal operation," the warden said.

The search was conducted by the prison staff using the regular shift complement, meaning no overtime was required, Mr. McMillan said.

APPLIN, MARGARET R. "PEGGY," Covington Twp., today, 11 a.m., Elm Park United Methodist Church, 712 Linden St., Scranton, by the Rev. Howard Woodruff, pastor; and her grandson-in-law, Pastor Eric Luczak. Interment, private. Contributions: Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411, or Elm Park United Methodist Church, 712 Linden St., Scranton, PA 18510. Arrangements: Duffy & Snowdon Funeral Home, Moscow.

ARMEZZANI, CLAIRE EMILIANI, Dunmore Health Care Center, formerly of the Tripp Park section, today, Patrick F. Guido Funeral Home, 120 S. Main Ave., Scranton. Mass, 9:30 a.m., Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, 1605 Oram St. Go directly to church. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Contributions: St. Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509, or to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, 300 Mulberry St., Suite 305, Scranton, PA 18510.

BARTRIDGE, FREDERICK L. "FRED," Moscow, Mass, Tuesday, St. Catherine of Siena Church, by the Rev. Robert Simon, pastor; concelebrants, the Rev. Michael E. Finn and the Rev. Joseph O. Weber. Pallbearers: James Sprandel, son; Stephen and Charles Orloski, nephews; Frank Cantafio, nephew-in-law; Kim Hawkins, John, Jason, Aaron and Matt Orloski, great-nephews. Interment with military honors, St. Catherine's Cemetery, Covington Twp. Arrangements: Duffy & Snowdon Funeral Home, Moscow.

BURILLA, ANN M., formerly of Old Forge, Tuesday, Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., Old Forge. Office of Christian Burial, St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church, Old Forge, by the Rev. Gary J. Mensinger, pastor. Pallbearers: Allen, Frank and Paul Miletta, nephews. Interment, St. John's Cemetery, Duryea.

CASTELLI, CHARLES J., Scott Twp., today, Louis J. Rapoch Funeral Home, 420 Church St., Archbald. Mass, 8:40 a.m., Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Willow Street, Peckville. Interment, St. Mary's Cemetery, Montdale.

CERRA, JOSEPH F. "RED" JR., Kingsley, Saturday, 9 a.m., Carmine J. & Louis C. Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Farview and 41st streets, Carbondale. Mass, 9:30, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 15 Fallbrook St., Carbondale. Interment, Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Finch Hill. Calling hours, Friday, 4 to 8 p.m.

DUNIO, CATHERINE, resident of St. Mary's Villa Nursing Home, Elmhurst Twp., formerly of Scranton, Friday, Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home Inc., 318 E. Drinker St., Dunmore. Mass, 9:30 a.m., St. Clare's Church, North Washington Avenue, Scranton. Interment, St. Catherine's Cemetery, Covington Twp. Calling hours, Thursday, 5 to 8 p.m.

ENSMINGER, SHIRLEY M., R.N., West Scranton, Mass, today, 10 a.m., St. Ann's Basilica, Scranton, by the Rev. Francis Landry, C.P., pastor. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Contributions: St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, 500 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18509. Arrangements: Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 125 N. Main Ave., Scranton.

EVANS, MERTON WALTER, resident at Golden Living Center, Tunkhannock, private. Interment, Jackson/LaGrange Cemetery, Osterhout. Contributions: favorite charity or organization. Arrangements: Harding-Litwin Funeral Home, Tunkhannock.

FLANNELLY, JAMES P., Avoca, today, 10 a.m., Eagen-Hughes Funeral Home, 2908 Birney Ave., Scranton. Mass, 10:30, Church of St. Joseph, 312 Davis St., by the Rev. Francis Pauselli, pastor. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

FOGARTY, DANIEL THOMAS, Clarks Summit, Mass, Saturday, 9 a.m., Our Lady of the Snows Church, 301 S. State St., Clarks Summit, by Monsignor James McGarry, pastor, and the Rev. Robert McLaughlin, great-nephew. Interment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst. Calling hours, Friday, 5 to 8 p.m., with blessing service, 7:30, Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit, PA 18411. Memorials: Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411.

FOGARTY, VIRGINIA EDNA, Clarks Summit, calling hours, Friday, 5 to 8 p.m., with blessing service, 7:30, by the Rev. Robert McLaughlin, great-nephew, Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit. Interment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst. Memorials: Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411.

FRANCESKI, JOSEPH F., Clifford Twp., Mass, Tuesday, St. Joseph's Church, Forest City, by the Rev. Patrick L. Albert, pastor. Concelebrated by the Rev. Joseph Sitko, pastor St. Mary's Church, Waymart. Pallbearers: Jerry Bishop, David Pepson, Don and Edward Franceski, Brad and Steve Antoniewicz. Interment, parish cemetery, Forest City. Arrangements: Shifler-Parise Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Clifford.

GAVIN, ELLEN DelROSARIO, resident of Holy Family Residence, Mass, today, 10:30 a.m., Chapel at Holy Family Residence, 2500 Adams Ave., Scranton. Contributions: Little Sisters of the Poor, c/o Holy Family Residence, 2500 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509. Arrangements: Vanston and James Funeral Home, Scranton.

GILLERN, JOHN "JAY" JR., Cornwall, N.Y., visitation, today, 5 to 8 p.m., Smith, Seaman and Quackenbush Inc. Funeral Home, 117 Maple Ave., Monroe, N.Y. Mass, 10 a.m., Thursday, St. Mary's Church, 42 Goshen Ave., Washingtonville, N.Y. Interment, St. Mary's Cemetery, Washingtonville. Contributions: Gift of Life Program, 401 N. Third St., Philadelphia, PA 19123. Arrangements: Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush Inc. Funeral Home.

HALPRIN, MILDRED "SISSY," Hollywood, Fla., formerly of Scranton, today, 1 p.m., Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home Inc., 318 E. Drinker St., Dunmore, by Rabbi Joseph Mendelsohn. Interment, Temple Israel Cemetery, Dunmore. Shiva, home of Seth and Sheryl Gross, 809 Quincy Ave., Scranton, today, 7 to 9, and Thursday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Contributions: to any worthy organization.

KUNDLA, JOHN J. JR., Taylor, formerly of Dupont, today, 9:15 a.m., Jacob Davis Funeral Home, 422 S. Main St., Taylor. Divine Liturgy, 10, St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church, 251 N. Main St., Pittston. Interment, St. Michael's Parish Cemetery.

LESNIAK, CATHERINE S., Mount Cobb, Jefferson Twp., cremation, Sunlight Crematory, Hanover Twp. Mass, Monday, Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, Scranton, by the Rev. Martin M. Boylan, pastor. Private encryptment, St. Catherine's Mausoleum, Covington Twp. Arrangements: Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home, Scranton.

LEWIS, DALE ELAINE, Clarks Green, formerly of West Scranton, today, 10 a.m., Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit, by the Rev. Harrison Putnun, pastor of the First United Church of Christ. Interment, Dunmore Cemetery. Contributions: First United Church of Christ, 132 N. Bromley Ave., Scranton, PA 18504.

MACK, ELIZABETH "BETTY," formerly of Miami and Dickson City, Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Frank T. Mazur Funeral Home Inc., 601 Dundaff St., Dickson City. Mass, 10, St. Mary's Visitation Church, Dickson City. Interment, Miami Memorial Park. Calling hours, today, 5 to 8 p.m.

McCORMACK, ROBERT J. SR., South Scranton, today, 9:30 a.m., August J. Haas Funeral Home Inc., 202 Pittston Ave., Scranton. Mass, 10, Nativity Of Our Lord Church, 633 Orchard St., Scranton, by the Rev. Michael Bryant, pastor. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Military services, AMVETS. Contributions: PA Credit Union Foundation, 4309 N. Front St., Harrisburg, PA 17110; or to Commonwealth Hospice, 746 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, PA 18510.

MORREALE, THOMAS, "PAPA," Murfreesboro, Tenn., formerly of Scranton, visitation, today, 9:30 a.m., St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Murfreesboro. Mass, 10. Burial, 1 p.m., Middle Tennessee State Veterans' Cemetery, Nashville. Arrangements: Woodfin Funeral Chapel of Murfreesboro. Contributions: St. Jude Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN.

POLK, MARY WATRAL, resident of Green Ridge Health Care Center, formally of Dickson City and Moosic, today, 9:45 a.m., Frank T. Mazur Funeral Home Inc., 601 Dundaff St., Dickson City. Liturgy, 10:30, St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, 310 Mifflin Ave., Scranton. Interment, St. Mary's Greek Catholic Cemetery, Scranton. Contributions: Chris' Kidney Connection, 801 Laurel Creek Drive, Dickson City, PA 18519.

PRICE, SHARON LORENE, Scranton, Saturday, 1 p.m., Bethel Baptist Church, 1132 S. Main Ave., Scranton. Family will receive friends after the service. Contributions: Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411. Arrangements: Sznyter Funeral Home, 1101 Prospect Ave., Scranton.

SCHWASS, MARY DEVERS, Scranton, visitation, Thursday, 5 to 8 p.m., Knight O'Donnell Funeral Home, 323 Williams St., Scranton. Cremation, Maple Hill Crematory, Archabld. Contributions: Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 60 E. 56th St., 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022.

SHIFFER, MARIE DONATA RINALDI, West Scranton, private. Interment, St. Michael's Cemetery, Dunmore. Contributions: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1893, Memphis, TN 38101. Arrangements: Carl J. Savino Funeral Home, 157 S. Main Ave., Scranton.

SKOWRONSKI, ELAINE A., Lee's Summit, Mo., visitation, Saturday, Jan. 5, 11 a.m. Memorial service, noon, Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, Mo. Contributions: Kansas City Hospice, 14500 E. 42nd St., Suite 240, Independence, MO 64055. Arrangements: Heartland Cremation & Burial Society.

STRUGALA, ROSALIE M., Scott Twp., Friday, 9 a.m., Frank T. Mazur Funeral Home Inc., 601 Dundaff St., Dickson City. Mass, 9:30, St. Mary's Visitation Church, Dickson City. Interment, St. Mary's Cemetery, Dickson City. Calling hours, Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m.

VELEHOSKI, JOSEPH W., Glendale, Thursday, 10 a.m., Bernard J. Pionteki Funeral Home Inc., 204 Main St., Duryea, by the Rev. Barbara Roberts, pastor of the Moosic Methodist Church. Interment, Langcliffe Cemetery, Avoca. Calling hours, today, 5 to 8 p.m. Contributions: Pittston Area Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society, or Hospice Community Care.

Spring Brook man wanted in meth probe

Police say he produced drug at home

Detectives with the Lackawanna County District Attorney's office are looking for a Spring Brook Twp. man who they believe produced methamphetamine in his Watres Road home.

The detectives became aware of the operation at 6 Watres Road on Monday, when 38-year-old Chester Ostrowski's wife, Kerry Lee Gardner, 30, told her probation officer, who relayed the information to them.

Detectives then spoke with Ms. Gardner, who said that she purchased over-the-counter medications, fuel and fertilizer sticks used to produce methamphetamine on behalf of her husband, who is on a list of people who frequently purchase products containing pseudoephedrine compiled by the state attorney general's office.

Pseudoephedrine is a precursor of methamphetamine and is found in some over-the-counter medications.

Ms. Gardner, who had tested positive for methamphetamine in the past and had red, glossy eyes, twitches and acne on her face - all symptoms of methamphetamine use - said Mr. Ostrowski also keeps two loaded guns in the house, where her two children also live, according to a criminal complaint.

The detectives realized that the items Ms. Gardner purchased for Mr. Ostrowski were all necessary components of the "one pot" method of methamphetamine production and secured a search warrant for the family's home.

At about 4:45 p.m., detectives along with agents from the state attorney general's office's clandestine lab response team searched the Watres Road home and found a slew of materials used in methamphetamine production both inside and outside the home, according to the complaint.

One loaded shotgun also was recovered.

After the search, detectives secured arrest warrants for Mr. Ostrowski and Ms. Gardner, who had already been placed in the Lackawanna County Prison on a detainer for her probation violation, detectives said.

Anyone with information on Mr. Ostrowski's whereabouts is asked to contact the Lackawanna County District Attorney's office at 963-6717.

Contact the writer: domalley@timesshamrock.com, @domalleytt on Twitter

SCRANTON - Firefighters had to help a 99-year-old woman leave her house when a fire started on the kitchen stove and spread to the cabinets of her Monroe Avenue home Tuesday night.

Assistant Scranton Fire Chief Paul Laskowski said the home at 733 Monroe Ave. sustained only minor damage and that the woman, whose name was not disclosed, was allowed to return to her home after the fire.

The woman's caretaker was injured a fall while leaving the home and was taken to the hospital with pain in her ribs, Assistant Chief Laskowski said.

DICKSON CITY - A gas station attendant who told police he was robbed at gunpoint Sunday night faces charges after police discovered he made the incident up and took the money himself.

Chace Kucharski, 21, of Archbald, was charged with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and making false reports, after a police investigation found he was the one who took an undetermined amount of money from the Gulf gas station in Dickson City, according to court documents.

Mr. Kucharski was arraigned Monday and is slated for a preliminary hearing Dec. 17. He was released from Lackawanna County Prison on $10,000 bail.

SCRANTON - Three unknown assailants satisfied their craving for Chinese food by punching a delivery driver in the face and absconding with the takeout Tuesday night.

Scranton Police Lt. Marty Crofton said a man called in an order of fried chicken wings, iced tea and General Tso's chicken from the Hot Wok Chinese Restaurant on Pittston Avenue and asked for the food to be delivered to 529 Taylor Ave., a condemned property.

When the driver arrived, he approached the property, where three men jumped him and took the food, fleeing west behind the house.

Anyone with information is asked to call 348-4134.

SCRANTON - A Wilkes-Barre woman was arrested for selling heroin Monday in the parking lot of a Meadow Avenue business, police said.

Sherri Beth Dixon, 22, 316 N. Empire Court, Apt. 307, sold 3 grams in a deal arranged by Lackawanna County detectives outside the Dollar Tree at 208 Meadow Ave., police said.

Ms. Dixon was sent to Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bail and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for Dec. 20.