On Christmas Eve, people driving through Benton Twp. saw more than 6 miles of road illuminated by thousands of glowing milk jugs, lighting the way to three local churches.

The jugs, filled with candles or glow sticks, "light the way for the Lord," said the tradition's founder, Bill Tyriw.

Mr. Tyriw was inspired by a similar display in Wayne County and wanted his congregation, East Benton United Methodist Church, to be part of a new tradition.

The first year was hard. Collecting enough old milk and water jugs to line 2 miles of road was difficult, and so was setting everything up with just about 10 people. But when the community reacted to the luminaires in such a positive way, it was a tradition that Mr. Tyriw knew needed to continue.

"When people saw what it looked like at night while they were out driving, we got a lot of compliments," he said.

Now Montdale United Methodist Church and St. John Vianney Parish also participate, lining miles of road with the jugs, too, helping to light a small chunk of Benton Twp. in holiday cheer.

Setup begins around 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve, when 50 to 60 people from the various congregations break off into teams of four to six people on a trailer, lining the roads with the plastic jugs with help from local fire and police departments to direct traffic, said Ken Noldy, a participating member of the Montdale United Methodist Church.

About 3,000 plastic jugs are filled with sand, a light fixture is inserted, and they are placed about 30 feet apart, with the setup complete before 4 p.m. services start.

The illuminated containers line the driveways of the churches, bringing people in to celebrate the holiday with their congregation, the twinkling lights a symbol of where Christmas got its name.

"They represent Christ. It really is a beautiful thing," Mr. Noldy said. "It runs in conjunction with the living Nativity. As the church service ends, people come out to light the candles and sing during the Nativity."

When the last service ends at 11 p.m., the crews go back out on the road and pick up all the jugs so when Christmas morning comes, there's no evidence the lights were ever there.

"Every year it grows because more people find out about it," Mr. Noldy said. "People are coming to our area to see this."

Contact the writer: ksullivan@timesshamrock.com, @ksullivanTT on Twitter

A private equity firm has acquired an Avoca petroleum products wholesaler that has been in business for more than 85 years.

Craft Oil Corp. recently was sold to PetroChoice, a distributor based in Bedford County, for an undisclosed price. PetroChoice is a subsidiary of Greenbriar Equity Group, a Rye, N.Y., investment firm that focuses on the transportation sector. It is the company's fourth acquisition this year.

"You always have mixed feelings, but you get to the point where you have taken the company as far as you can," said Maureen Mangan Mills, chief executive of Craft Oil. "It was the right time to move forward."

The transaction increases PetroChoice's workforce by almost 40 percent and solidifies its position as an expanding wholesale force in the Middle Atlantic states.

The transition will have no impact on operations in Avoca, officials said. Craft Oil specialized in lubricants and equipment for the commercial, industrial, automotive and aviation sectors.

"All of our facilities and all of our people will continue with the company," said Mrs. Mills, who will move on to other business pursuits.

"PetroChoice's mission and values really mirror Craft's," said Lindsay Bankert, spokeswoman for the Riddlesburg-based company. "It was just a really good fit for both companies."

Craft has 140 employees, with distribution operations in Delaware County and Fords, N.J. PetroChoice has 220 employees, with offices in seven eastern and midwestern states.

Craft Oil, which made five acquisitions in the past four years, traces its origins to 1925.

Mrs. Mills' father, Richard, acquired the company in 1980. She joined Craft in 1996, and her husband, Bob, became president in 2000. Mr. Mills will become PetroChoice's president of mid-Atlantic operations.

Contact the writer: jhaggerty@timesshamrock.com

Funeral Notices

BORUTA, MICHAEL E., Goulds­boro, Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Homes, 3 First St., Spring Brook Twp. Interment, Fairview Memor­ial Park, Elmhurst. Calling hours, today, 5 to 8 p.m. Contributions: St. Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509. Condo­lences: strauchfuneralhomes.com.

BRYANT, ALBERTA RUTH, Scran­ton, Friday, noon, Elm Park United Methodist Church, 712 Linden St., Scranton, by the Rev. Howard P. Woodruff, senior pastor. Interment, private, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Calling hours Friday, 11:30 a.m. to noon. Contributions: St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, 500 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Arrange­ments: Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Service Inc., 111 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit, PA 18411. Condolences: jennings calvey.com.

CONRAD, ELIZABETH P., Allen­town, formerly of Scranton, Thurs­day, 6 p.m., Howard J. Snowdon Funeral Home, 1810 Sanderson Ave., Scranton, by the Rev. Charles Beth. Interment, private, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst. Calling hours, Thursday, 4 to 6. Contributions: Sacred Heart Hos­pice, 2268 12th St., Allentown, PA 18103. Condolences: duffy andsnowdon.com.

DISKIN, JO ANN, Clarks Sum­mit, Mass, today, 10 a.m., Our Lady of the Snows Church, 301 S. State St., Clarks Summit, by Monsignor James McGarry. Go directly to church. Interment, private. Arrangements: Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit. Contri­butions: PJM Diskin Educational Fund, c/o Penn Security Bank, 150 N. Washington Ave., Scran­ton, PA 18503. Condolences: lawrenceeyoungfuneralhome.com.

HARRITY, BETTY, Scranton, Mass, today, noon, St. Ann's Basilica. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Go directly to church. Contributions: North Westchester Rehabilitation Facil­ity, 3550 Lexington Ave., Mohe­gan Lake, NY 10547. Arrange­ments: Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home Inc., 1240 St. Ann's St., Scranton.

HOLMES, MICHAEL KEVIN JOSEPH, Fairfax, Va., formerly of Dunmore, visitation, Thursday, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA. Mass, Fri­day, 11 a.m., Holy Spirit Church, 8800 Braddock Road, Annandale, VA. Contributions: Fairfax County Police Association, in support of the Peer Support Program, at 5625 Revercomb Court, Fairfax, VA 22030.

KANIA, WALTER F., Spring Brook Twp., Friday, 10 a.m., Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 3 First St., Spring Brook Twp. Eucharist of the Resurrection, 10:30, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, by the Rev. Earl P. Trygar, rector. Inter­ment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst. Calling hours, Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m., Contributions: Hos­pice Community Care Inpatient Unit, 100 Williams St., Dunmore, PA 18512; or to AseraCare Hos­pice, 749 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit, PA 18411. Condolences: strauchfuneralhomes.com.

MANCUSO, MARY, Old Forge, today, 11 a.m., St. Mary's Church, West Grace and Lawrence streets, Old Forge. Interment, Old Forge Cemetery. Calling hours, today, 10 to 11, church. Contributions: Evercare Hospice, 12018 Sunrise Valley Drive 400, Reston, VA 20191. Arrange­ments: Louis V. Ciuccio Funeral Home, 145 Moosic Road, Old Forge.

MANGER, JOHN B. JR., Scran­ton, today, St. Eulalia's Church, Blue Shutters Road, Elmhurst, by Monsignor Philip Gray. Calling hours, 10 to 11 a.m., followed by Mass. Arrangements: Eugene A. Cusick Funeral Home, Scranton.

McGINTY, JOSEPH J., Hawley, Mass, Friday, 10:30 a.m., BVM Queen of Peace Church, Hawley. Interment, BVM Queen Of Peace Cemetery, Hawley. Visitation, Thurs­day, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., Teeters' East Chapel, 505 Church St., Hawley. Condolences: TeetersFuneralChapel.com.

MYERS, ROBERT R., Carbon­dale, Thursday, 6 p.m., Oliver Shifler & Scotchlas Funeral Home Inc., 62 N. Main St., Car­bon­dale. Spring interment, Canaan Corners Cemetery, Way­mart. Calling hours Thursday, 4 to 6 p.m. Condolences: shiflerfu neralhome.com.

RICHTER, ELEANOR CASEY, Scranton, today, Mass, 1 p.m., Our Lady of the Snows Church, 301 S. State St., Clarks Summit. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Calling hours, noon to 1, Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Service Inc., 111 Col­burn Ave., Clarks Summit. Contri­butions: St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Condolences: jenningscalvey.com.

SIMON, DOUGLAS D., Green­wood section of Moosic, Satur­day, 3 p.m., St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave., Scran­ton, by the Rev. Elizabeth Haynes. Donations: his spouse or donor's choice. Arrangements: Victor M. Ferri Funeral Home, 522 Fallon St., Old Forge. Condo­lences: ferrifuneralhome.com.

SKILLMAN, EDWARD E., Goulds­boro, today, 1 p.m., Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 3 First St., Spring Brook Twp. Viewing, today, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Contributions: Gouldsboro Area Foundation, P.O. Box 1177, Goulds­boro, PA 18424. Condo­lences: strauchfuneralhomes.com.

SOSNOWSKI, MARY ANN P. SIMONIK, Peckville, Thursday, James M. Margotta Funeral Home, 1019 Main St., Peckville. Mass, 9:30 a.m., Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Interment, Holy Ghost Cemetery, Blakely. Calling hours today, 5 to 8 p.m. Mem­orials: send prayer cards to favorite mission. Condolences: margottafuneralhomes.com.

STALLONE, CASPER, Old Forge, Friday, 9:30 a.m., Victor M. Ferri Funeral Home, 522 Fallon St., Old Forge. Services, 10, Stewart Memorial United Meth­odist Church, 174 N. Main St., Old Forge, by the Rev. Donald Perry. Military honors follow. Visitation, Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m. Condolences: ferrifuneralhome.com.

STEMPIEN, HELEN MARIE, Pitts­ton, Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Kizis-Lokuta Funeral Home, 134 Church St., Pittston. Mass, 10, Sacred Heart Church, Dupont. Interment, parish cemetery, Dupont. Calling hours, today, 5 to 8 p.m. Contributions: American Stroke Association or donor's choice.

STRAZZERI, CARMEN J., Lake Ariel, Thursday, Mass, 9:30 a.m., St. Catherine of Siena Church, 220 Church St., Moscow. Inter­ment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst. Calling hours today, 5 to 8 p.m., Morell LaBelle Funeral Home, 301 Chestnut St., Dun­more. Go directly to church. Condo­lences: dunmorefunerals.com.

TIERNEY, ANDREW PAUL, North Scranton, Saturday, 9:30 a.m., Mass, Holy Rosary Church, 316 William St., Scranton. Inter­ment, private. Arrangements: McGoff-Hughes Funeral Home Inc., 1401 Capouse Ave., Scranton.

WOODBRIDGE, JANET, formerly of Archbald, today, 7:30 p.m., Harrison Funeral Home, 374 N. Main St., Archbald. Calling hours, today, 6 to 8 p.m. Condolences: harrisonfh.com.

WOODRUFF, RICHARD B., Union Dale, formerly of Drexel Hill, visitation, Thursday, 10 to 11:45 a.m., D'anjolell Memorial Home of Broomall, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall. Service, noon, Main Chapel. Interment, private. Contributions: Wounded Warriors, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Condolences: danjolell.com.

The 50th anniversary of the Old Forge borehole is drawing attention to the dark world that underlies the Scranton area and the river and bay it pollutes.

When the Old Forge borehole was drilled in 1962, it relieved water building up in the shuttered mines. The relief value discharges between 40 million and 100 million gallon of acid mine drainage per day in the Lackawanna River near Union Street.

The hole is a monument to the end of underground mining in Northeast Pennsylvania, and is credited with ending a tense time in the area's history. It is also the largest point source of pollution in Chesapeake Bay into which it ultimately drains.

In early 1962, a rainless flood struck homes in Duryea, Old Forge and upper Pittston as a climbing water table entered the basements of homes and business. Hundreds of other homes were threatened by the unseen menace. In winter of 1961-62, water forced its way out of mine entries and mine boreholes, creating a persistent stream that formed a glacier-like formation making roads impassable and encasing some homes.

A series of mine subsidences in the Bellevue section of Scranton were blamed on the accumulating water in the mines, but experts today say that was probably just a coincidence.

The 42-inch borehole drains what some call an underground lake, one that Lackawanna River Corridor Association executive director Bernie McGurl said holds nearly as much water as Lake Wallenpaupack.

"Built on toothpicks"

The image of the legacy of mining has been culm heaps and rusty breakers. The flooded mines below are an unseen, but no less important legacy.

Deep mining had all but ended by the end of the 1950s. With limited drawings of the unseen network of mines and geological formations beneath, people in the 1960s could only imagine the caves, tunnels, underground lakes and waterfalls as something from "Journey to the Center of the Earth." The formations had names and people would discuss, for example, how the Olyphant Pool, a higher perch pool, would cascade down into the Metropolitan Pool, the water-filled mines under greater Scranton.

"It's cavernous," said Tom Supey, mine foreman at the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, describing the Scranton underground. Those caverns, broken up by support pillars and connected by mine passages, extend 33 miles from Forest City to Duryea where a geological formation called the Moosic Saddle serves as a divider for the coal veins, mines and now flooded mine pools. South of the Moosic Saddle is the Wyoming Valley and its flooded mines. There's not just one layer of mines. In some places there are as many as seven layers. It's been at least half a century since anyone could walk through even the uppermost caverns. Describing what it is like requires creative comparisons.

Mr. McGurl describes it as being inside a giant sponge and moving between connected voids.

The top mine is an 18-inch vein, the bane of miners who had to crawl to remove the coal. Below that is what miners called "The Big Vein," a void with a ceiling 12 to 14 feet high and soaring to 20 feet in places. Today, the water levels of the underground lake fluctuate around the Big Vein ceiling depending upon rainfall. The other layers are forever under water.

Near the hillside benches, where the coal veins and mine caverns tilt above the water level, an adventurous boater could navigate the voids, Mr. Supey said. As best as he knows, no daring boater, nor scuba diver, has tried. "I would not recommend that," he says flatly.

Reminders of the voids are less frequent today than in the 1960s and 1970s. During the construction of what is now Regional Hospital of Scranton and the original buildings of the University of Scranton campus, excavation opened up the mines and complicated construction. The Wall Street Journal described Scranton as "being built on toothpicks."

How mines flooded

Most mines in the anthracite region are under the water table. To get to lower veins, large pumps would dewater the mines allowing miners to get in and remove the rock and coal. As mining declined and more collieries ceased operation, fewer and fewer pumps were at work and the underground lake swelled. When the Pennsylvania Coal Co. abandoned its mines and turned off the last of the pumps in November 1960, the underground water levels surged 103 feet to near 700 feet above sea level. In another unrelated incident, a 200-foot-thick barrier holding back mine drainage from the Olyphant Pool was compromised, possibly from the final miners "robbing the pillars," and water began to get through and into the Metropolitan Pool. Some of that water made it over the Moosic Saddle and into Luzerne County mines at 565 feet above sea level, but then the water backed up.

The rising water created a rainless flood.

At first, about two dozen homes at the lowest level of the Lackawanna River watershed in Duryea, Old Forge and upper Pittston had flooded basements and ever-rising water. About 200 others were threatened. Water seeping from mine boreholes and mine entryways froze, creating glacier-like formations that made roads impassable and encased some homes.

Through most of 1962, people followed underground water levels with the same worried interest the public gave river levels last year in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. Half a century ago, residents worried about water rising from the ground rather than over a dike, as aware of how many feet their basement floor was above sea level as they were of their address. They checked the newspaper daily for subterranean water levels from Scranton City Engineer Thomas Kennedy or Deputy Mines Secretary Daniel H. Connelly.

The outcry prompted state and federal geologists to come to the area and find a solution. They came up with the borehole, drilled at the lowest point in the valley where it could drain into the Lackawanna River.

Peering through a metal grate down to the borehole, one sees the churning violent water emerging from deep under the ground. What comes out runs along a trough and then enters the Lackawanna River, where the iron from the acid mine water begins to kill the river by scavenging oxygen and coating the river bed with iron, giving it an orange look and a rotten egg smell. The river merges with the Susquehanna and then empties in the Atlantic Ocean through the Chesapeake Bay.

A grand solution is in the works that would create a water treatment facility and remove the iron from the water before it is discharged in the river. Mr. McGurl is confident that a compilation of grant money would help build a water treatment facility that would remove the iron, which could then be used in manufacturing. Iron is an important ingredient in pigmenting paint, for example.

Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

The law firm handling the bankruptcy of Luzerne County's former tax collection agency wants to have tax records destroyed, saying there's no money to pay for their storage.

Not so fast, say representatives of local municipalities that are still owed $9 million and whose taxpayers could have refunds due.

Central Tax Bureau of Pennsylvania and the Don Wilkinson Agency, also known as Centax, was appointed by the Luzerne County Tax Collection Committee as official tax collector for the county and its municipalities in August 2010. The agency collected, depending on the municipality, taxes including earned income, real estate and local service. In some cases, the agency also collected sewer fees.

Centax declared bankruptcy this year, after collecting taxes for the first and second quarters of 2012 but not distributing them. The company officially ceased operations on Sept. 21.

Luzerne County's municipalities and school districts are still owed taxes for the first half of the year. The city of Wilkes-Barre alone is owed $1.5 million. Harveys Lake recently got a $30,000 earned income tax check and is only owed $10,000 more.

Missing Centax revenue contributed to some municipal officials' decisions to raise taxes. Wilkes-Barre officials blame it for the $1.9 million deficit and resulting layoffs.

In many cases, the problem is trying to sort out which municipality is owed what, and which taxpayers paid and which didn't.

Attorney Paul J. Cordaro of the Pittsburgh-based law firm Campbell & Levine LLC filed a motion last week to have the Centax records destroyed. In it, he notes that Centax leased 10 office spaces and storage facilities throughout the state, which contain assorted tax-related documents including files and records.

Campbell & Levine was appointed receiver by Allegheny County Court on Nov. 5 and is overseeing the winding down of Centax's business, liquidating its assets and investigating claims against it.

Mr. Cordaro says most - if not all - of the materials are unnecessary to wind down business, and are in fact a burden: There aren't sufficient funds to pay rent, so continued storage of the records is an undue hardship on the landlords of the leased buildings.

Nanticoke City Administrator Pam Heard, secretary-treasurer of the Luzerne County Tax Collection Committee, said the county's 92 taxing entities are short about $9 million for the first half of 2012. She said she has been asking for the Centax records on their behalf, but didn't get a response.

Attorney Jeffrey Malak, solicitor for the Luzerne County Tax Collection Committee, sent a letter to Mr. Cordaro asking that the committee's records be sent to him or Ms. Heard immediately.

Contact the writer: eskrapits@citizensvoice.com

MAHANOY CITY - A husband and wife are dead after a murder-suicide at a Schuylkill County home early Christmas morning.

Yellow crime scene tape surrounded the home at 3 N. 10th St. in Mahanoy City as daylight broke Christmas morning, showing a dark contrast to other homes in the area decked out in red, green and white lights.

Inside at 2:17 a.m., Richard C. Weikel, 37, and Stephanie L. Weikel, 28, had been pronounced dead in the apartment they shared by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner David Truskowsky.

They were discovered after officers were called to the house about 1:20 a.m. for a report of a suicidal person, Lt. John Kaczmarczyk said.

That call, Police Chief Mark Wiekrykas said, came through the Schuylkill County Communications Center from Mr. Weikel's ex-wife, who resides in another community.

Chief Wiekrykas said Mr. Weikel called his ex-wife and admitted to the murder.

"He told her he just killed his current wife and said he would (not) be able to spend the rest of his life in jail," Chief Wiekrykas said.

The ex-wife called 911 and dispatchers alerted borough police about the possible suicidal man.

Lt. Kaczmarczyk, the investigating officer, said he and Patrolman Charles Kovalewski arrived within minutes and found the couple dead.

Mahanoy City EMS was called to the scene but technicians soon learned their services were not needed.

The couple was found inside the kitchen area of the apartment, Chief Wiekrykas said, adding that three weapons, a handgun and two rifles, were recovered.

The investigation determined the man shot the woman and then turned the gun on himself, Lt. Kaczmarczyk said.

Detectives from the Schuylkill County district attorney's office were called in to assist. Their investigation determined the death of the woman was a homicide, after which the man turned the weapon on himself.

Both Chief Wiekrykas and Lt. Kaczmarczyk said they are still trying to determine what led to the shootings. The investigation is continuing.

On this date in NEPA

75 years ago, 19 people were injured in crashes over the Christmas weekend. The worst occurred near Miles Slope in Dickson City, where a driver struck a service pole that had a steam pipe attached to it. The car filed with steam, scalding the driver and his two passengers. The three were taken to Mid-Valley Hospital.

50 years ago, some 200 members of the Civil Air Patrol at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Airport embarked on an 80-mile mission training them for rescue missions in less-than-ideal conditions. During the mission, from Scranton to Allentown, members would carry other members to simulate casualties.

25 years ago, a suspicious morning fire at the Felton Building, 131 Penn Ave., displaced five families.

10 years ago, a Christmas Day storm left the area with 12 inches of snow.

Snow and troublesome winter weather has forced holiday high school basketball tournaments to be postponed.
The annual Peter Turonis/Pennstar Classic that was scheduled to begin tonight has been pushed back to Thursday, according to Carbondale Area athletic director Erik Larson. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with Mid Valley playing Lakeland and will follow with Valley View playing against tournament host Carbondale Area.
Also, the Coughlin Holiday tournament that had a showdown between two state-ranked teams in the opener has also been moved to Thursday. Abington Heights, the No. 1 team in The Times-Tribune boys basketball poll and a Class AAA state-ranked team, is scheduled to play Meyers, a state-ranked Class AA team, at 6 p.m. Nanticoke will play host Coughlin at 7:30 p.m.
The Forest City Rotary boys tournament consolation and championship games have been rescheduled for Thursday. Host Forest City will play Mountain View in the consolation game at 5:30 p.m., while Western Wayne will play Tunkhannock in the final at 7 p.m.
The Honesdale Jaycees boys and girls basketball tournaments have been postponed to Friday. Consolation and final games will be played Saturday.
Top-ranked Honesdale will be the second game of a girls doubleheader against No. 5 Wallenpaupack at Honesdale High School at 7:15 p.m. Forest City faces No. 7 Western Wayne in the first game that tips at 5:45.
In the boys event which is held at the Wayne-Highlands Middle School, No. 9 Wallenpaupack plays East Stroudsburg South at 6:30 p.m. and No. 5 Honesdale meets Nazareth at 8 p.m.
Also, the Taylor Lions girls tournament has been moved to Friday with its consolation and championship games moved to Sunday at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Friday's matchups at Riverside High School feature West Scranton playing Nanticoke at 6 p.m. and Lackawanna Trail taking on the host Lady Vikes at 7:30 p.m.

The Angelo Schifano Christmas tournament has been moved to Thursday with Dallas against Old Forge at 6 p.m.

Old Forge talks still stalled

OLD FORGE - The Old Forge teachers union has not yet decided whether teachers will be in their classrooms on Jan. 2.

After a work stoppage caused students to miss two days of school at the end of last week, negotiations have not progressed, said John Holland, chief negotiator for the union. There is disagreement whether the teachers were locked out or on strike.

The Old Forge School Board made its "last, best offer" to the union on Friday, but the same offer was already rejected last month, and the union will not be considering it again, Mr. Holland said.

SCRANTON - A Scranton man punched his girlfriend in the face, flipped over their dining room table and ordered her to fix it before going to sleep early Wednesday after she failed to "stick up" for him in an argument with her brother at a Christmas gathering, police said.

Robert Newton, 36, 2042 Edna Ave., Scranton, admitted to city police that he has an anger problem and that he flipped the table, but denied hitting his girlfriend, Vanessa Cooper.

Ms. Cooper did have a chipped tooth, however, and after Mr. Newton ran into their home's basement upon officers' arrival he was arrested on charges of simple assault and harassment.

He was remanded to the Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $20,000 bail. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Dec. 31.

MOOSIC - The northbound lane of Interstate 81 northbound is restricted to one lane after a tractor trailer slid into the median of the highway just before 10 p.m.

State police and the Moosic fire department is on scene near mile marker 181.9, but injuries have been reported, Lackawanna County dispatchers said.

Check back for more information.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY

Shawn A. Beistline, Scranton; Carol A. Bestrycki, Scranton; Matthew J. Borgia, Scranton; Brian C. Cali, Dunmore; Bradley D. Coleman, Dunmore; Kyle A. Cunningham, Madison Twp.; Christine A. DeGrazia, Carbon­dale; Daniel J. Doxbeck, Milford; Rocco J. Falcone, Swoyersville; Omar A. Fernandes, Moscow; Emily F. Gow, Montrose; Amber M. Gurke, Lake Ariel; Robert M. Hastings, Milford; Wendy R. Kazmierski, Olyphant; Melanie C. Keating, Dunmore; Kevin P. Kolodgie, Moosic; Andrea Krivak, Moosic; Steven Marshalek, Clarks Summit; Nathan Masco, Carbondale; Melinda S. McLaine, Clarks Summit; Diana M. Morris, Old Forge; Michele Moskalczyk, Throop; Amber M. Novak, Way­mart; Kerry A. O'Hhop, Avoca; Glenn R. Owens, Taylor; Ryan J. Potere, Milford; Joseph R. Refice, Jessup; Joshua G. Renfer, Pittston Twp.; Nichole A. Ryder, Scranton; Barbara A. Savoy, Friendsville; John H. Shultz, Dunmore; Jennifer C. Smedley, Carbondale; Joshua M. Souther­ton, Honesdale; Michael A. Stelma, South Abington Twp.; Michael J. Stremski, Dunmore; David L. Thomas, Scranton; Kristen A. Tiger, Dickson City; Lucille M. Young, Moscow; Allison Zawicki, Old Forge; and Desiree E. Zeller, Throop.

MARYWOOD UNIVERSITY

Reap College of Education and Human Development

Rebecca Anderson, Milford; Chelsea Aston, Spring Brook Twp.; Sierra Bachman, Scranton; Natalie Bakunas, Scranton; Amanda Battle, Jermyn; Ashley Bellington, Archbald; Lauren Ber­tucci, Greentown; Rachel Bertuc­ci, Greentown; Martin Bifano, Simpson; Jesse Borosky, Scott Twp.; Sierra Bradley, Carbondale; Morgan Brady, Archbald; Christina Brush, New Milford; Maggie Bryan, Scranton; Ashley Buckley, Taylor; Ashley Burke, Carbondale; Nicole Busch, Luzerne; Bridget Butash, Throop; Sarah Button, New Milford; Valerie Cadugan, Scranton; Ross Capoccia, Dun­more; Amber Carichner, Clarks Summit; Carissa Carpenter, Susquehanna; Nicole Chekan, Scranton; Breanne Cole, Oly­phant; Crystal Collins, Lake Ariel; Matthew Devivo, Dunmore; Brenda Dixon, Scranton; Laura Drake, Tafton; Kathryn Egan, Clarks Summit; John Fabbri, Scranton; Laura Ferraro, Jessup; Joslyn Fisch, Scranton; Kelsey Gallagher, Scott Twp.; Shelby Gallis, Scott Twp.; Sara Garavuso, Clifford; Crystal Giannini, Milford; Victoria Giombetti, Jessup; Cath­erine Grzenda, Eynon; Melissa Hiller, Old Forge; Neena Hurley, Taylor; Joseph Jablonowski, Simp­son; Molly Jones, Scranton; Chandler Karoscik, Archbald; Jennifer Karpf, Madison Twp.; Arielle Keating, Jefferson Twp.; Ashley Klim, Honesdale; Rebecca Kobesky, Jessup; Sara Krukovitz, Olyphant; Jessica Lavelle, Scran­ton; Kari Lavin, Dunmore; Shanna Lizardi, Scranton; Desiree Locker, Scranton; Kristen Majdic, Vand­ling; Riley Marcks, Scranton; Jessica Martin, Honesdale; Aaron Mattern, Scranton; Jessica McCauley, Gouldsboro; Hayley Mericle Swingle, Old Forge; Alyssa Motter, Moscow; Christina Muta, Scranton; Stephanie Pevec, Carbondale; Nicole Phillips, Olyphant; Kayla Prom­povitch, Dickson City; Kelsey Ren­ninger, Milford; Katie Richardson, Scranton; Chelsea Roscioli, Roaring Brook Twp.; Elizabeth Roy, Greentown; Krysten Schab, Taylor; Aleca Semenza, Old Forge; Meghan Seprosky, Arch­bald; Rebecca Siegfried, New­foundland; Donald Sklanka, Pitts­ton; Drisana Sophie, Milford; Matthew Stefonetti, Moosic; Katy Sulla, West Pittston; Erin Travis, Archbald; Marisa Troiani, Dickson City; James Valvano, Dunmore; Sarah Walker, Scranton; Dana Whitman, Peckville; Anna Wild­mann, Carbondale; Heather Wimmer, Brackney; Christina Wolfe, Roaring Brook Twp.; Angela Woody, Taylor; Jaime Wright, Milford; Sarah Wright, Milford; Jared Yanniello, Old Forge; Julie Zaleski, Scranton; and Alyssa Zelsnack, Moosic.

Insalaco College of Creative and Performing Arts

Donya Albert, Scranton; Laura Ancherani, Clarks Summit; John Andrews, South Abington Twp.; Ryan Beardsley, Scranton; Ky Betts, Scranton; Amanda Burn­side, Scranton; Erin Canedy, Carbondale; Emily Carr, Dunmore; Eric Chaderton, Blakeslee; Soli Choi, Scranton; Maggie Clauss, Lake Ariel; Kayla Collura, Peck­ville; Allison Coppola, Dingmans Ferry; Shalon Corrigan, Scranton; Destinee DiMino, Thornhurst; Briana Dragone, Milford; Laura Drapek, Scranton; Gloria Dudek, Scranton; Brigid Edmunds, Arch­bald; Casie Esposito, Dingmans Ferry; Shelby Farrell, Carbondale; Keaton Fedak, Carbondale; Afton Fonzo, Avoca; Megan Gallik, Honesdale; Zachary Graham, Clarks Summit; Autumn Gramigna, Scranton; Lawrence Grochal, Duryea; Sara Haberzettl, Dingmans Ferry; Robert Hannon, Scranton; Victoria Hartt, Susque­hanna; Shane Hirschler, Fac­toryville; Lyndsie Johndrow, Avoca; Alexis Joyce, Scranton; Dominique Kozuch, Jermyn; Alicia Kulick, Spring Brook Twp.; Allie LaMarca, Pittston; Jessica Lochie, Olyphant; Lindsey Maty­lewicz, Mehoopany; Ryan McAn­drew, Scranton; Nailea Meneses, Scranton; Torey Mengoni, Jessup; Miranda Micciche, Scranton; Rachel Mizanty, Dunmore; Amber Mohrmann, Prompton; Marie Philbin, Scranton; Victoria Porter, Hallstead; Casey Raynis, Ding­mans Ferry; Anna Rennekamp, Lake Ariel; Kelly Rickert, Bethany; Erin Risboskin, Clifford Twp.; Alexa Rozell, Scranton; Sarah Schanke, Lake Ariel; David Starzer, Carbondale; William Titus, Factoryville; Brea Toth, Olyphant; Stephen Trygar, Lake Ariel; Rebecca Vagnarelli, Jessup; Keith Valinski, Blakely; Danielle Vielee, Clarks Summit; Desiree Vispi, Blakely; Dana Wren, Dalton; Lorianne Zarra, Carbon­dale; and Samantha Ziemba, Old Forge.

College of Health and Human Services

Lindsey Andrews, Archbald; Lilian M. Applegate, Carbondale; Kayla M. Aronica, Dunmore; Bruce Benko, Dalton; Sarah E. Blackwell, Tunkhannock; Jona­than T. Blake, Clarks Summit; Lauren Marie Boccagno, Dun­more; Angy M. Brenecki, Scran­ton; Megan E. Brosky, Bethany; Mary C. Browne, Scranton; Christian J. Budney, Scranton; Megan Cadden, Scranton; Kather­ine L. Church, Scranton; Gabriella N. Cristiano, Jermyn; Macy D. Decker, Dingmans Ferry; Chasaty Delawrence, Olyphant; Monica DiAndriola, Old Forge; Brittany C. Esgro, Dunmore; Emily Fila, Madi­son Twp.; Jennifer Filipek, Factoryville; Stephen V. Gaylets, West Pittston; Amanda E. Holmes, Tunkhannock; Stephanie C. Holohan, Milford; Chelsea A. Karabin, Meshoppen; Taryn Elizabeth Kennedy, Scranton; Brianne N. Kravetsky, Union Dale; Sara Krempasky, Greenfield Twp.; Thomas A. Lapinski, Dun­more; Sook Jinn Leow, Scranton; Sarah R. Lutat, Honesdale; Hannah L. Martin, Blakely; Kimberly A. Martin, Beach Lake; Kristen E. McAndrew, Lake Ariel; Rebecca G. McElroy, Scott Twp.; Alexei Rachel Michaels, Clarks Summit; April Murphy, Dunmore; Snezhana S. Neshkova, Scran­ton; William M. Novak, Scott Twp.; Taylor J. Occhipinti, Scranton; Abigail R. Peifer, Lake Ariel; Samantha M. Pisano, South Abington Twp.; Rachel A. Sharpe, Forest City; Sara M.Teeple, Jermyn; Julianna Marie Tierney, Dunmore; Karina Verespy, Olyphant; Michele M. Wadud, Greentown; Veronica S. Warshaw, Honesdale; Taylor Wilk, Clarks Summit; and Keliann Winters, Scranton.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Caroline E. Andrews, South Abing­ton Twp.; Marnie D. Azzarelli, Scranton; Megan A. Babcanec, Jermyn; Katlyn M. Beaton, Hawley; Alexis Elizabeth Benson, Old Forge; Holly L. Biondo, Jermyn; Chad R. Black, Dickson City; Ashley L. Blasi, Clarks Summit; Molly A. Boylan, Scranton; Alexandra R. Burge, Old Forge; Paul Capoccia, Dunmore; Joshua D. Carey, Harding; Celine Carlier, Scranton; Thomas Christopher, Honesdale; Antonia Cianflone, Dunmore; Alison K. Clark, Dunmore; Ellen Clauss, Lake Ariel; Christopher T. Coar, Scranton; Samantha A. Coco, Exeter; Alexandra M. Conniff, Roaring Brook Twp.; Nathan Conway, Dunmore; Jason C. Cortese, Scranton; Riley E. Covaleski, Peckville; Matthew M. Cummings, Scranton; Matthew J. Cunningham, Peckville; Christine M. Decker, Scranton; Alia M. Di Gregorio, Archbald; Ryan J. Dougherty, Throop; Michael Dran­chak, Taylor; Jessica M. Duffy, Scranton; Paul D. Dwyer, Sturges; Bethany Earley, Clarks Green; Kristina A. Fallon, Kingsley; Sarah E. Flannery, Jessup; Corey T. Foote, Mayfield; Jennifer L. Forbes, Mayfield; Kelly A. Franchetti, Olyphant; Alexa R. Gall, Clarks Green; John Gallis, Dickson City; Victoria R. Garafola, Scranton; Christopher J. Gasper, Jessup; Jennifer L. Gerrity, Scran­ton; Aaron J. Ghent, Scranton; Candice Giordano, Clarks Green; Stephen P. Gitkos, Scott Twp.; Patrick J. Gleason, Swiftwater; Brian D. Goble Jr., Susquehanna; John Graziano, Scranton; Christina M. Grippo, Scranton; Katherine Grow, Clarks Green; Douaa Haddadi, Scranton; Steph­anie M. Hadley, Pittston; Morgann A. Haduck, Taylor; Kelsey E. Healey, Clarks Summit; Joseph A. Heisler, Blakeslee; Katherine Johnson, Jermyn; James Jones, Madison Twp.; Arianna E. Jones, Scranton; Chloe E. Karnick, Waymart; Renae A. Keiper, Scranton; Christina Marie Kelly, Moscow; Patrick Kernan, Scranton; Emily E. Ketz, Peckville; Emily E. Ketz, Peckville; Kelly Kirchner, Scranton; Zackary A. Klien, Clarks Summit; Matthew Koberlein, Honesdale; Cara Kondrat, Jessup; Katrina Kotcho, Jermyn; Noelle Marie Kozak, Pittston; Svetlana Krasnopols­kaya, Scranton; Corey A. Kujawski, Throop; Jason Kwiatek, Lake Ariel; Victoria Lance, Scranton; Elliot G. Lavelle, Archbald; Tessa E. Lavelle, Carbondale; Darrin D. Long, Clarks Summit; William E. Loughney, Taylor; Matthew J. Maldonato, Dunmore; Michael F. Manzo, Scranton; Marissa L. Marold, Jermyn; Nicole C. Matthews, Scranton; Deena M. Maurer, Tobyhanna; Natalie Mickavicz, Scranton; Kyle D. Moritzkat, Throop; Megan Morrell, Moscow; Paige Morrison, Sayre; Ethan G. Moss, Dickson City; Robert P. Moulton, Moscow; Sara M. Mroczka, Scott Twp.; Jason M. Murley, Dalton; Kayla M. Nagy, Moscow; Frank B. Nicolosi, Peckville; Jessica R. Norris, Pittston; Catherine A. Notchick, Scranton; Rachael L. Notchick, Honesdale; Dominique O'Connor, Scranton; Meagan L. Oliveras, Hawley; Amanda M. Pabst, Montrose; Robert J. Parks, Clifford Twp.; Robert J. Parks, Clifford Twp.; Prahsth B. Patel, Scranton; Nicholas A. Pesarcik, Scranton; Larissa M. Pettinato, Clifford Twp.; Lindsey Philbin, Archbald; Agata Pirog, Scranton; Alisha L. Pitchford, South Abington Twp.; Erik R. Pulkkinen, Hawley; Christian Rainey, Clarks Summit; Anthony Rainey, Clarks Summit; Allison R. Ranieri, Scranton; Vimal D. Ray, Scranton; Brian Reese, Clarks Summit; Christina Renjilian, Clarks Sum­mit; Gia L. Reviello, Taylor; Thomas M. Richards, Scranton; Alexander P. Richter, Waymart; Jillian E. Rosencranz, Madison Twp.; Samantha C. Rosencranz, Madison Twp.; Emily M. Russen, Scott Twp.; Michael A. Schatzle, Bushkill; Lindsey R. Schroth, Moosic; Raymond N. Sequeira, Milford; Sumil N. Shah, Scranton; Brittany C. Sheehan, Olyphant; Stephen M. Skierski II, Scott Twp.; Alyssa Sklareski, Archbald; Shelby A. Smith, Dupont; Cassan­dra L. Souza, Throop; Gregory Stein, Eynon; Alexandra Stine, Archbald; Dustin A. Sturdevant, Scranton; Natalie S. Tasselmyer, Honesdale; Phillip M. Terpak, Scott Twp.; Jessica Terry, Clarks Summit; Lauren A. Thorne, Moscow; Nathanael J. Torres, Tobyhanna; Kayla M. Trygar, Dunmore; Connor B. Trygar, Moscow; Kristan M. Twardzik, Jermyn; Whitney Vargas, Greeley; Rachel R. Vauter, Clifford Twp.; Ryan Vaxmonsky, Pittston; Rox­anne M. Vomhof, Dickson City; Amberly L. Warner, Tobyhanna; Amy Weinschenk, Dunmore; Shelby Williams, Scott Twp.; Aaron Yarosh, Archbald; Diana A. Yarzagaray, Milford; Sarah A. Yeust, Tunkhannock; Davis Samuel Young, Le Raysville; Erica L. Young, Dunmore; Marcus P. Zini, Eynon; and Katherine Zullo, Scranton.

School of Architecture

Elizabeth M. Andrzejewski, Elm­hurst Twp.; Sofia M. Bodewig, Scranton; David Bonomo, Wyo­ming; Stephanie L. Breslin, Scranton; Emily Castaldi, Scranton; Brittany M. Cavallotti, Scranton; Kimberly R. Commisso, Milford; Joshua A. Frank, Clarks Summit; Gregory A. Goldstein, Scranton; Colleen Theresa Grogan, Scranton; Kurt G. Kimsey, Montrose; Miranda L. Lasota, Dickson City; Milton F. Major, Scranton; David C. Olivetti, Dunmore; Collin D. Phillips, Clarks Summit; Amanda M. Reesey, Scranton; Alicia M. Roe, Hallstead; Renee Schlittler, Mos­cow; Rachel I. Toda, Olyphant; Robert W. Trapper, Scranton; and Tara-Lee F. Wyatt, Wyoming.

CLIPBOARD

Pittston

Class gathering: Pittston Area class of 1976 gathering, Saturday, 8 p.m., Bar on Oak, Oak Street; casual food, casual dress, cash bar, music of the '70s; bring appetizer to share, $5 for pizza; Barbara Pirrella-Sico, Judy Sobuta-Moughan, Anita Toni-Lopresto and Pat Marranca.

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

PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY

Brittany M. Baker, Moosic, Bachelor of Science, human development and family studies; Sean E. Bannon, Scranton, Master of Business Admini­stration; Jahn D. Beavers, Falls, Bachelor of Science in information sciences and technology; Melissa M. Bennett, Jessup, with high distinction, Bachelor of Science in administration of justice; Burton J. Berrettini, Bachelor of Science in business; Jonathan W. Brink, Matamoras, Bachelor of Science in hotel, restaurant and institutional management; Jared Brown, Madison Twp., Bachelor of Science in kinesiology; Christopher F. Burke, Scran­ton, Bachelor of Science in business; Dominick Carachilo, Car­bon­dale, Bachelor of Arts in art; Kathryn V. Celano, Archbald, Bachelor of Science in nursing; Michael R. Ciuccoli, Scott Twp., Bachelor of Science in business; Kelly B. Cooney, Scranton, Bachelor of Science in nursing; Sean M. Davis, Clarks Summit, Bachelor of Arts in journalism; Gregory A. Engle, Factoryville, Bachelor of Science in energy, business and finance; Arielle L. Fallas, Archbald, Bachelor of Science in human development and family studies; Michael E. Fallo, Jefferson Twp., Bachelor of Arts in letters, arts and sciences; Christopher J. Felter, Susque­hanna, Bachelor of Science in biological engineering; Stephanie M. Ficarro, Susquehanna, Bach­elor of Science in human development and family studies; Michael D. Fowler, Scranton, Bachelor of Science in nursing; Jennifer L. Gadomski, Falls, Bachelor of Science in administration of justice; Ariana A. Gianacopoulos, Exeter, Bachelor of Arts in advertising/public relations and political science; Thomas E. Greenwood, Montrose, Bachelor of Arts in telecommunications; Dana N. Grushinski, Scranton, Bachelor of Arts in psychology; Ryan J. Hammond, Scott Twp., Associate of Science in business administration; Douglas J. Hehn, Greentown, Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering; Casey P. Judge, Clarks Summit, Bachelor of Science in accounting; James F. Karlavige, Jessup, Bachelor of Science in kinesiology; Jennifer M. Kelly, Pittston Twp., Bachelor of Science in communication sciences and disorders; Christopher J. King, Throop, Bachelor of Science in marketing; Edward A. Klecha, Montrose, Bachelor of Science in information sciences and technology; Kevin P. Kolodgie, Moosic, Bachelor of Science in nursing; Marcus R. Le Doux, Tobyhanna, Bachelor of Science in information sciences and technology; Kathleen M. Lello, Taylor, Associate of Science in physical therapist assistant; Colleen G. Loughney, Dunmore, Bachelor of Science in human development and family studies; Saadiqa Z. Lundy, Tobyhanna, Master of Education in applied youth, family and community education; Kristine M. Lupia, Olyphant, Bachelor of Science in information sciences and technology; Mark D. Matthews, Moosic, Bachelor of Arts in American studies; Donald L. Nowels, Tunkhannock, Bachelor of Arts in telecommunications; Oluyomi A. Ojo, Scranton, Bach­elor of Science in business; Jessica E. Padula, Jefferson Twp., Bachelor of Science in economics; Michael L. Parrent, Duryea, Bachelor of Science in administration of justice; Rinal S. Patel, Scranton, Bachelor of Science in business; Amanda J. Peppaceno, Scranton, Bachelor of Arts in anthropology; Mara M. Peralta, Matamoras, Bachelor of Science in hotel, restaurant and institutional management; Daniel Piemontese, Duryea, Associate of Science in physical therapist assistant; Benjamin W. Pisan­chyn, Dalton, Bachelor of Arts in American studies; William E. Poore, Matamoras, Bachelor of Science in energy, business and finance; Ryan J. Potere, Milford, Bachelor of Science in crime, law and justice; Matthew D. Rader, Scranton, Bachelor of Science in business; Kevin P. Rainey, Dun­more, Bachelor of Science in busi­ness; Joshua G. Renfer, Pittston Twp., Bachelor of Arts in English; John L. Richter, Scranton, master's degree in public administration; Edwin A. Ruiz, Scranton, Bachelor of Science in information sciences and technology; Daniela C. Santos, Long Pond, Associate of Science in physical therapist assistant; Matthew D. Schank, Throop, Bachelor of Science in hotel, restaurant and institutional management; Jes­sica J. Schlettert, Clarks Summit, with highest distinction, Associ­ate of Science in physical therapist assistant; Erin M. Seasholtz, Milford, Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership; Melis­sa L. Stiles, Waymart, master's of professional studies in human resources and employment relations; Nicole K. Thomas, Moosic, Bachelor of Arts in media studies; Kristen A. Tiger, Dickson City, Bachelor of Science in business; Sarah E. Todary Michael, Scran­ton, Bachelor of Science in business; Maria R. Tomasello, Scran­ton, Bachelor of Science in human development and family studies; Anthony T. Triano, Scran­ton, Master of Business Admini­stration; Patrick N. Volpe, Waverly Bachelor of Arts in crime, law and justice; Daniel B. Walters, Nicholson, with high distinction, Bachelor of Science in administration of justice; Christina Yea­ger, Scranton, Associate of Sci­ence in human development and family studies; Edward P. Zaleski, Spring Brook, Associate of Science in physical therapist assis­tant; and Desiree E. Zeller, Throop, Bachelor of Science in human development and family studies.

J.P. Mascaro & Sons landed a contract to haul Morris County, N.J., garbage to the Keystone Sanitary Landfill in Dunmore.

The Audubon, Montgomery County-based company's $135 million, 5-year contract, will bring 65 new jobs and 400,000 tons of municipal solid waste annually to Bucktown.

The company is hiring 65 people and is renovating an old truck depot at 124 Mona-han Ave. in anticipation for the biggest contract in the privately-owned company's 50-year history. In late January, Mascaro will begin operating two Morris County solid waste transfer stations in Mount Olive and Parsippany that receive solid waste from curbside pickup in Morris County. There, waste will be consolidated into the trailers for the trip through the Delaware Water Gap to its destination at the Keystone Sanitary Landfill.

"This contract, by reason of its size, location and prestige, will give our already successful business a tremendous boost, and ... will solidify our northeastern Pennsylvania operations," said company President Pat Mascaro in a prepared statement.

The company has been angling for this contract for 20 years but always finished second to national hauling giant Waste Management, said company spokesman Frank Sau. This recent round, Mascaro was the second-lowest bidder among eight companies. But Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority declared Mascaro the lowest responsible bidder, prompting a court challenge from two losers, Waste Management and Covanta 4Recovery of Morristown. A New Jersey Superior Court judge threw out the challenge earlier this month, clearing the way for Mascaro to handle the trash.

The company has purchased 27 new trucks and 68 trailers and is renovating a 5,000-square-foot depot on Monahan Avenue to house the new division. The depot will be used to house and service the trucks. Mascaro is hiring Class A licensed drivers at a base salary between $47,000 to $54,000 annually.

"Many Class A drivers are long haul and have to spend nights on the road," he said. "Here is a stable industry, new equipment, and an opportunity to be home every night."

Each of the 27 trucks are expected to make two to three trips daily between Dunmore and Morris County.

Mascaro is among the 25 largest haulers in the nation and among the largest privately-owned, Mr. Sau said. Mascaro's red truck and blue elephant logo is a well-known in the local waste industry, having operated a depot in Nanticoke since the early 1980s and providing curbside pickup for several municipalities, including Clarks Summit, Old Forge and Hanover and Carbondale townships.

Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

Woman facing assault charges

TOBYHANNA TWP. - A Pocono Lake woman faces charges after her husband told Pocono Mountain Regional Police she assaulted him Sunday night.

Dena Michelsen, 35, was charged with simple assault after she scratched Conrad Michelsen's face, neck and arms during a domestic dispute at 2127 Totem Trail, police said.

Mrs. Michelsen was arraigned Monday, is slated for a preliminary hearing Jan. 3 and was released from Monroe County Correctional Facility on $10,000 unsecured bail, according to court documents.

Food bank receives land donation

PITTSTON - The Wilkes-Barre based-Commission on Economic Opportunity received a 6.35-acre piece of land for the construction of a regional food bank to serve Luzerne, Lackawanna Susquehanna and Wyoming counties, the group announced Wednesday.

Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services donated the parcel, valued at about $1 million, in CenterPoint Commerce & Trade Park East for the construction of the Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank, currently located on Amber Lane in Wilkes-Barre.

Construction on the more than 50,000-square-foot facility is set to begin as soon as possible. The facility will distribute food to member agencies that will in turn distribute food to the public at off-site locations.

A winter storm that dropped the first major snowfall across the region, reduced speed limits on highways, kept state Department of Transportation snow plows busy and sidelined vehicles should taper off by this morning.

Wednesday's storm, which began along the Gulf Coast in the form of tornadoes and thunderstorms and swept across much of the eastern part of the country, dumped about 6 inches of snow across Northeast Pennsylvania, said AccuWeather meteorologist Mike Pigott.

PennDOT reduced the speed limit to 45 mph on Interstates 81 and 80 on Wednesday afternoon as traffic crept along roads, and County of Lackawanna Transit System buses began using abbreviated "snow routes."

Despite the reduction of speed on the interstates, PennDOT had minimal reports of road closures, but the agency said it was focused on clearing the slush and ice off the road throughout the night, said spokesman James May.

"We've not gotten a whole lot of closures due to accidents at this point," he said.

The District 4 Incident Command Center will remain open through this morning to evaluate road conditions.

While PennDOT crews hit the interstates, 14 plow trucks worked Scranton's streets, laying anti-skid material as early as 1:30 p.m., Department of Public Works Director Mark Dougher said.

Though workers will plow every street, their priority is the city's bridges, overpasses, hills and main roads, he said.

"Those areas are our initial focus because they are well-traveled and can quickly turn to ice," Mr. Dougher said. "I have seen a few fender benders already because of the high traffic volume and slippery conditions."

The storm hit the area as the majority of holiday travelers planned to return home, AAA spokesman Michael Green said.

"It is one of the busiest travel days of the holiday period," said Mr. Green, who didn't provide specifics for Wednesday's travel numbers, but said AAA projected 93.3 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles between Dec. 22 and Jan. 1. "The storm will certainly slow traffic, if not derail it altogether."

Hundreds of people scheduled to depart from or arrive at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport on Wednesday were affected by the storm.

As of 8 p.m., airlines canceled 10 flights - six departing - delayed more than 10 and diverted an arriving flight to Stewart International Airport, in New Windsor, N.Y.

"If we get 4 or 5 inches of snow, it is a major storm for us," airport Director Barry Centini. "The only thing we can do at this point is to stay ahead of schedule and keep the runways clean."

By late Wednesday, U.S. Airways announced that it canceled its 6 a.m. flight to Philadelphia. Visit www.flyavp.com for more flight information.

COLTS is also scheduled to return to its normal service at 9 a.m. today, though a final decision won't be made until around 4 a.m., Communications Director Gretchen Wintermantel said.

The snow is expected to stop by this morning, Mr. Pigott said Wednesday night, although winds of up to 25 mph are expected throughout the day. Freezing rain slicked the roads Wednesday, but the weather should be better for those traveling home from holiday festivities today, Mr. May said.

The weather will be clear most of today with a high of 34 degrees, and 33 degrees on Friday.

However, a smaller snowstorm is expected to blow through the region Saturday, bringing at least another few inches of snow, Mr. Pigott said.

The area is coming off a year that saw snow totals well below the usual.

During the autumn and winter of 2011-12, fewer than 19 inches of snow fell at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, with 9.1 inches of that falling Oct. 29, 2011, according to the National Weather Service website. The last time the area got more than 3 inches in a day was Jan. 21, when 3.8 inches of snow fell.

The 2011-12 total was the lowest since 10.9 inches fell during the 2005-06 season. The total was 55.4 inches in 2010-11 and 48.5 inches in 2009-10.

With another storm front moving through the area Saturday, the American Red Cross for the Northeast Pennsylvania Region issued tips on how to remain safe during moderate to severe winter weather events.

The first is to listen and watch for updates from the National Weather Service, and know the difference between a storm watch and a storm warning. A watch is issued when winter conditions are possible within the upcoming 36-48 hours, while a warning means bad weather conditions have already begun or will begin within the next 24 hours, according to Red Cross officials Wednesday.

People should also prepare by stocking up on emergency supplies in case individuals are forced to stay inside for a few days. The Red Cross recommends people have:

n A three-day supply of food and water, which consists of one gallon of water per person, per day.

n A flashlight, battery-powered weather radio and extra batteries

n A first aid kit.

n A weeklong supply of medication and medical items.

n Supplies for babies and pets.

When bad weather does hit, bring pets inside and move any livestock to sheltered areas. Minimize travel, and if leaving home, dress in layered, warm, loose-fitting clothing and keep emergency supplies in vehicles.

People traveling through Pennsylvania can check for road conditions, road closures and traffic delays at http://www.511pa.com/.

Staff writer MICHAEL IORFINO contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: ksullivan@timesshamrock.com, @ksullivanTT on Twitter

A winter storm threat did not deter shoppers from redeeming gift cards and finding sales the day after Christmas.

By 10 a.m., Target shopping carts were filled with wrapping paper and other festive items.

Lori Ross pushed her cart through the crowded holiday section.

"I am replacing ornaments and things that have not survived the holiday," she joked.

The electronic and holiday sections are Target's most popular sections the day after Christmas, said Nick Musto, executive team leader for the past seven years.

Using gift cards seemed to be a priority among shoppers Wednesday. In November, the National Retail Federation projected that total gift card spending would reach $28.79 billion, an increase from $27.8 billion the previous year.

MacKenzie Warren said the sales she found last year on a coin counter and grill set prompted her to return to Target. She browsed the electronic section, looking to use her Target gift card.

Keith Robbins shopped for electronics at the Viewmont Mall, which opened at 8 a.m. He held a copy of NCAA Football '10 and sifted through used PlayStation 3 games, eager to use his GameStop gift cards.

Throughout the Viewmont Mall were large signs that displayed enticing sales. Bath & Body Works advertised 75 percent off select items, while Gap advertised an additional 50 percent off mark-downs.

Wendy Peckins said she went to Bath & Body Works looking for a specific scent, but could not resist the entire sale. She said she has been shopping the day after Christmas for the past 10 to 15 years.

Next door in Gap, Laura Kingston looked through a rack of pastel pants, choosing a light pink pair. She said she shops the day after Christmas every year with her aunt and grandma.

"You can't beat it," she said of the reduced prices.

Old Navy drew in customers with its 75 percent off sale. Leighan Noakes picked out three shirts and a pair of jeans. She said she does not usually shop the day after Christmas, but she saw a post on Old Navy's Facebook page advertising the sale. She brought her two gift cards to check out the deals.

Contact the writer: shazen@timesshamrock.com

Carbondale police on Wednesday released surveillance photos of two suspects in a series of car break-ins throughout the Upvalley.

Police said several dozen cars were broken into in the last two weeks in and around the city.

Various items from change to iPods, GPS systems, wallets and Christmas presents were reported stolen from the cars, most of which were unlocked at the time of the overnight break-ins, police said.

City police released two photos of a man and woman believed to be responsible for the break-ins. The couple is pictured on their way into a Pennstar Bank to cash in a large amount of coins.

Anyone with information on the identities of the suspects is asked to contact city police at 267-0098. Police also advised residents make sure to lock their vehicles and to avoid leaving their valuables inside them.

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

HARRISBURG - With Superstorm Sandy's destruction reviving debate over global climate change, Pennsylvania's effort to fashion a response is nearing another milestone.

The state Climate Change Advisory Committee released a plan in late 2009 with non-binding recommendations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions 30 percent statewide by 2020. The recommendations are advisory and lack the force of law. Among them is support for production of "low-carbon" electric power from renewable sources of energy, nuclear plants and natural gas.

Now the committee is preparing an update with new recommendations as required by a 2008 state law. The review is prompted by research showing Pennsylvania accounts for about 1 percent of worldwide emissions of greenhouse gases.

The committee is seeking to reduce emissions in five broad areas, said Kevin Sunday, spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection. These are electric generation, industry, residential homes and commercial businesses, trans­­por­tation and land use and agriculture and forestry.

The scope of the committee's purview is wide-ranging, with such topics as energy-efficient "green" roofs, no-till farming, reforestation and manure digesters under discussion.

The 2009 report includes recommendations to use more efficient lighting systems, an "eco-driving" program to offer fuel-saving tips and incentives to encourage less driving and more tree-planting in urban areas.

The committee's work also addresses the impact of increased drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale region, for example.

While the 2009 plan supports natural gas use, efforts need to be made to control methane emissions from natural gas leakage from wells and pipelines, said Rep. Greg Vitali, D-166, Havertown, a sponsor of the 2008 law.

Mr. Vitali said it's important to pass new state laws to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and go a step beyond advisory recommendations.

He supports legislation to require electric companies to increase the amount of electricity generated by retail power that they sell to retail customers.

"We won't solve the greenhouse gas problem without increasing use of renewables," Mr. Vitali said.

Contact the writer: rswift@timesshamrock.com