MARRIAGE LICENSES

Adam Craig Young and Christina Lee Walsh, both of Blakely.

Thomas Anthony Travers Jr. and Bernice Lyric Bryant, both of Carbondale.

Corey Bayo and Kelly Ann Perry, both of Blakely.

Joseph J. Dunbar and Rita Ann Hall, both of Archbald.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

Deborah A. Chilek, Dickson City, to Kenneth and Judith Leibold, Martin, Tenn.; a property at Sunset Drive, Dickson City, for $187,000.

Camille and Carl Jorgensen, Fairfield, Iowa, to Nicholas Bindo, Scranton; a property at 2251 S. Webster Ave., Scranton, for $79,500.

U.S. Bank National Association to PPJ Properties LLC; a property in Dickson City, for $25,000.

American Bank of Huntsville, Titusville, to John Wedlandt, Thornhurst Twp.; a property at 87 Thornhurst Country Club, Thornhurst Twp., for $60,000.

Jerilynn S. Johnson and John Edwards, Benton Twp., to Michael L. and Beverly A. Sheruda, Benton Twp.; a property in Benton Twp., for $357,500.

Linda Ann and Edward Young, Archbald, to Jerry and Lori Harris, Archbald; a property at 907 Rock St., Archbald, for $221,347.

Barry and Susan Craven, Panama City, Fla., to Ryan M. and Angela A. Kropa, Jessup; a property at 618 E. Spruce St., Olyphant, for $210,000.

Elizabeth Gowarty, Clarks Summit, to Joseph B. Jakes, New Milford; a property at Hemlock Drive, Clarks Summit, for $132,500.

Dennis and Kathleen M. Granahan, Clifton Twp., to Michal A. Kotowski, Woodside, N.Y.; a property at 709 Pittston Ave., Scranton, for $64,000.

George C. Wilson Jr., administrator of the estate of George C. Wilson Sr., Scranton, to Jonathan D. and Mary Elizabeth R. Coote, Rogersville; a property at 1721 Bundy St., Scranton, for $55,500.

Gladys D. Cook, Scranton, to William J. and Rosemary S. Reynolds, Scranton; a property at 1115 Fairfield St., Scranton, for $82,500.

ESTATES FILED

Cheryl Ricci, 2226 Sunset Drive, Clarks Summit, letters testamentary to Jenifer Lupole, 207 Pleasant View Drive, Greenfield Twp.

Agnes Rutkowski, 843 Main St., Dickson City, letters testamentary to James Rutkowski, 671 Cortez Road, Jefferson Twp.

Charles T. Budris, 2629 Swetland St., Scranton, letters testamentary to Elizabeth A. Budris, same address.

Mary Lou Rosser, 603 Spring St., Moosic, letters testamentary to Michalene Felkowski, 211 Casper St., Old Forge.

DIVORCES SOUGHT

Amanda Mayer, Browndale, v. Frederick Mayer, Browndale; married Feb. 14, 2007, in Union Dale; Theresa J. Malski-Pezak, attorney.

Angela Lee Keating, Jefferson Twp., v. Laurence Charles Kress, Milford; married April 27, 2002, in Scranton; pro se.

STATE TAX LIENS

Fernando R. Ferrer-Aguilar, 1079 Albright Ave., Scranton; $3,010.39.

Dennis J. Mark, 1 Hendrick Lane, Carbondale; $7,660.35.

Dana J. and Emily R. Myers, 121 Barton St., Dunmore; $1,375.21.

Dana J. Myers, 121 Barton St., Dunmore; $1,064.81.

Gregory Aston, 15 Gudz Road, Spring Brook Twp.; $1,376.11.

Linda K. Smith, 1809 Sanderson Ave., Scranton; $2,110.91.

Fanciful Fox LLC, 342 Adams Ave., Scranton; $1,960.15.

Andrew Voinski, 2326 Boulevard Ave., Scranton; $1,382.12.

RRC Inc., 19 Green Ridge St., Scranton; $252.09.

James L. Manning, 829 Capouse Ave., Scranton; $464.63.

Susan Cruz, 831 Pittston Ave., Scranton; $281.86.

Stanley J. Novak, 1097 Carmalt St., Dickson City; $435.61.

Eric Tylutke, 1121 Aberdeen Road, Madison Twp.; $306.

Michael Scripp, 1511 Main St., Olyphant; $287.70.

Professional Hair Design of Scranton, Mall at Steamtown Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton; $409.46.

Landems Market LLC, 571 Washington Ave., Jermyn; $307.63.

Cordaros Carpet Express LLC, 239 Greenbush St., Scranton; $328.88.

Knobwaller Motorsports Inc., 181 Arena Drive, Edinburg; $283.95.

S G Mastriani Co., 700 Scranton Carbondale Highway, Eynon; $335.31.

Diamond Autos Sales Inc., 2248 Scranton Carbondale Highway, Scranton; $372.32.

Horizon Medical Corp., 3 W. Olive St., Scranton; $307.84.

ONLINE:

thetimes-tribune.com/courts

State police at Honesdale charged a 59-year-old Lehigh Twp. man Friday with shooting his 29-year-old neighbor in the abdomen.

Dennis James Dickey, Third and Cross streets, is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and two counts of recklessly endangering another person.

Mr. Dickey grabbed a .380-caliber pistol at 12:45 a.m. and shot Brandon Lowe, who lives in a trailer 75 feet from Mr. Dickey’s trailer, District Attorney Janine Edwards said. Mr. Lowe is now in a medically induced coma.

State police said Mr. Dickey heard lights breaking outside of his trailer and confronted Mr. Lowe, who had broken them.

Brandon Lowe’s father, David Lowe, tried to get his son back home, but Mr. Dickey opened fire while Brandon Lowe stood three to four feet away.

David Lowe helped his bleeding son into his car and started for the hospital. Along the way, they came across two Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department cars and David Lowe stopped for help. The officers called 911 and Brandon Lowe was taken to a hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.

Mr. Dickey is in the Wayne County Correctional Facility in lieu of $300,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

Contact the writer:

jkohut@timesshamrock.com,

@jkohutTT on Twitter.

Gov. Tom Wolf’s chief of staff, Kathleen McGinty, visited a hot and muggy South Scranton Intermediate School to chat with students, administrators and teachers while drumming up support for her boss.

Ms. McGinty’s visit Friday included stops at several schools in Eastern Pennsylvania as the school year winds down.

Ms. McGinty was relaxed, high-fiving children at their desks in classrooms and sharing college basketball stories with Principal Melissa McTiernan (they both played) before getting a rundown in the school’s student demographic — diverse both culturally and economically.

In Matt Loughney’s math class she talked to students about how they enjoy working on math problems on classroom iPads. They allow Mr. Loughney to monitor progress and intervene with students if necessary, offering help or tailoring assignments.

Ms. McGinty also met with educators about issues they confront. On the tour, when she asked students how they felt about standardized testing, Charlene Dickson, 12, said the tests help them learn and are important to their future. Some students called them stressful. Teachers viewed them as time consuming and somewhat oppressive.

Having taught in private schools, Cara Ware feels the frequent testing and test prep takes her away from curriculum she’d like to cover with students. Special education teacher Aimee Hapstak said compelling her students to take standardized tests demeans them, unraveling their confidence when presented with a test many can not do, but must.

Erin Keating, district supervisor of elementary education, took a measured view.

“Standardized testing did bring back some accountability,” she said. “But it has gone too far in the other direction.”

Teachers remarked on the success of iPads, which allow children to learn in a contemporary, fun way.

“I went from putting zeros in for homework over and over, to not putting in zeros,” said Adam McCormick. “They know they are in an old building with pencils and paper. They understand the amount of money invested in them and they respect those devices.”

Special education students, Ms. Hapstak said, need the bells and whistles of technology. While the iPads are great, they are available to just five classrooms.

Ms. McGinty said elections are usually about jobs and the economy. But Pennsylvania’s last gubernatorial election was also about education, she said. Mr. Wolf has made it a priority.

Contact the writer:

dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

The Abington Heights High School class of 2015 is an impressive group.

In her welcome to the audience at the commencement ceremony Friday at Comet Stadium in Clarks Summit, student council president Jessica Rickwood, wearing a white robe, said her class “truly exemplifies the Abington Heights tradition of excellence.”

“Seated before me are state-ranked athletes, future Ivy League scholars, world-class Odyssey of the Mind performers, and highly acclaimed artists and musicians, just to name a few,” she told the crowd of about 1,000 on a beautiful night.

The seniors from the varsity baseball team, which lost in the state final in State College just hours earlier in a tight game, hurried back and arrived just in time to graduate with their classmates.

In his valedictorian’s address, Samuel Morano, wearing a dark blue robe, was even more bold in his description of the departing seniors.

“The class of 2015 is among the most impressive in Abington Heights school history,” he said. “In fact, I would dare to say that the class of 2015 is the greatest of all time. We are to Abington Heights what Kanye West is to the rap game and LeBron James, yes, Lebron James, to the NBA. And to the grandparents out there who most likely missed those references, the class of 2015 is to Abington Heights as James Dean is to Hollywood.”

Speaking before the student who beat him out for the top spot, salutatorian Joseph Sileo joked there was one thing he wanted to say regarding their friendly rivalry.

“While I am speaking to you as second in the class today, our valedictorian will always know which one of us was 2014 fantasy football champion in our league, and which one of us lost in the semifinals,” he said, eliciting laughter.

Sandwiched between the many student speakers Friday night was Vincent Pricci, a high school math teacher chosen by the class to speak. Using New York Yankees great Derek Jeter as an example, he urged the students to set their own high expectations.

“My wish for you is that you all choose your expectations carefully,” he said. “Think about where you are going, both literally and metaphorically, and why. Think about what success you expect from yourself. Think about how you are going to get there, and reflect upon how you will treat people along the way. I hope you all expect a path that will lead you to happiness, and I also hope that happiness includes the decision to make a positive, lasting impact on those around you.”

Contact the writer:

pcameron@timesshamrock.com, @pcameronTT on Twitter

The graduates are: Tyra Jude Abdalla, Richard Joseph Albright III, Eliza Kathleen Andrews, Brett Stephen Andrisani, Joseph Michael Arcangelo, Alexandra Taylor Auriemma, Elizabeth Lynn Bamford, Andrew Karl Barren, Matthew Richard Barrett, Rebecca Lynn Barrett, Justene Grace Bartkowski, Clayton David Basalyga, Nicholas Frank Beckish, Celeste Marie Belknap, Austin James Bennett, Bobbi Sarah Benson, Heather Marie Berkmann, Isabella Julia Bianchi, Samantha Lisa Bilardi, Zachary Jacob Bird, Christopher Albert James Blacker, George John Bohnenberger, Kevin James Bohnenberger Jr., Mallory Brayer, Cameron Michael Buckbee, Justin John Buranich, Nicole Ann Campbell, Mia Elizabeth Caputo, Nora Frances Caputo, Racheal Avalon Carter, Jessica Marie Cerram, Shreyas Chandragiri, Andrew Chow, Christopher Clark, Amanda Lee Colombo, Jasmin Lea Colon, Hannah Conahan, Devin John Connolly, Mara Anne Connor, Elijah Timothy Cooke, Julie Costello, Zachary Adam Coupland, Evann James Craig, Jeremy Sean Critchley, Keith Gerard Cunningham, John Ryan Czubek, Jonathan Morgan Davis II, Michael Anthony DeCarlo, Michelangelo Berardi Demo, Angelina Grace Ann DeSanto, Salvatore Francesco DeSanto, Madison Ruth Dinger, Caitlin Marie Dingler, Alexa Rose Doggett, Patrick Gerard Dougherty, Vanessa Ann Duboski, Elizabeth Ann Durdan, Brad Spencer Eckersley, Samuel Ryan Errigo, James Konrad Farinola, James Darren Fayocavitz, Mackenzie Taylor Fletcher-Hughes, Thomas James Flowers, Wyatt Allan Forlini, Melanie April Fricchione, Alexander Paul Fried, Jonathan Tyler Galaydick, Clare Gallagher, Paula Pierri Galvao, Laura Garcia-Silva, CatherineVictoria Elizabeth Grace Gee, Olivia Elizabeth Gentilezza, Nicholas Robert Gerardi, Jordan Trevor Gerrity, William James Gerrity, Andrew Joseph Gibson, Katie Florence Gilarde, Patrick James Gilhooley, Sean Michael Gilhooley, Rachel Blake Gilmore, Ashley Samantha Glendon, Ryan Rico Glendon, Kaitlyn Emily Glidewell, Alex Stec Gockley, Edward Gardner Goff III, Alexa Margherita Graham, Timothy Seamus Graham, Harper Ann Grenfell, Sydney Taylor Gualtieri, Ian Christopher Halloran, Shannon Kathleen Harding, Brittany Ellen Harris, James Thomas Harris, Mariah Frances Hawley, Matthew Scott Hayner, John Frank Henzes IV, Michaelina Marie Holmes, Caroline Elizabeth Hopkins, Christopher Michael Horne, George Spencer Houck, Brent John Hudak, Isabella Rose Hudanich, Terry Lee Hurst Jr., Kristopher Alex Igoe, Briana Nicole Jaeger, Emily Catherine Jeschke, Griffin Joseph Joyce, Alyssa Adelle Judson, Jordan Ashley Kane, Megan Suzanne Kane, Drake Alexander Karel, Gavin Robert Kennedy, Julie Marie Kester, Jonathan James Kizer, Tucker Ridge Kizer, Samantha Morgan Klapatch, Matthew Ross Klucher, Jillian Marie Knappenberger, Ronald James Kochmer Jr., Ethan, Scott Kreinces, Joshua Leonard Krieger, Tyler Mark Ksiazek, Kelly Nicole Kwolek, Kaitlyn Ann Lacey, Robert Lancaster, Nathan Roland Langan, Nathan Louis Laubham, Mark Austin Lazar, Calvin Lee, Patrick John Lenahan, Cameron Lestansky, Sarah Marjorie Lingle, Tyler Michael Logan, Amber Elizabeth Loomis, Kyler Michael Lovelace, Michael Paul Lynn, Zachary Michael Manasek, David Robert McCutcheon, Matthew John McDonald, Lilliana McHale, Kelly Grace McHugh, Abigail Lynn McLane, Kathleen Marian McMahon, Abigail Joy McMinn, Alyssa Hope McMinn, Alanna Christina Mecca, Elizabeth Ann Melliand, Michael Anthony Mendola, Michelle Oforiwa Mensah, Sarah Asantewa Mensah, Dominick Louis Mitchell, Matthew David Molinaro, Bianca Catherine Montes, Samuel John Morano, Sierra Marie Morgan, Ronald John Moschorak II, Kirimi Baraka Murithi, Matthew Ronald Myers, Kelly Mae Neff, James Gerald Negvesky, Connor Aaron Neidrich, Jessica Lynn Nicholof, Jerome Martin Nidoh Jr., Raghukrishna Nuguri, Nicole Alexandra Olver, Jake Andrew O’Malley, Olivia Ann Osborne, Lee Terrence Owens, Michelle Josephine Pacyna, Matthew Wesley Parry, Molly Claire Pash, Shivani Hitesh Patel, Raymond Michael Pennachio, Ryan Mitchell Perkins, Brian Mark Peters, Olivia Noel Peters, John Kendel Peterson, Nicole Marie Petry, William Brent Petty II, Martha Susan Phillips, Alexandra Antoinette Pisano, Amogh Prahalad, Samuel William Radkiewicz, Brittany Lee Reeves, Morgan Faith Reiner, Dylan Lawrence Reynolds, Jessica Katherine Rickwood, Jordan Marie Rippon, William Michael Roditski II, Austin Alexander Rodriguez, Jacob Louis Ross, Brooke Lee Rowlands, Zachary Brian Ruziecki, Lauren Mary Rzeszewski, Jessa Sierra Sablan, Eric Michael Salerno, Sierah Jane Sallo, Francis Henry Sandly, Tyler Joshua Scarfo, Taylor Jessica Schirra, Cassandra Ashlee Schlosser, Jonathan Aaron Schmidt, Andrew Caleb Schoen, Phillip Aidan Schoen, Erin Elizabeth Schumacher, Taryn Nicole Scott, Michael, Ronald Sebastian, Daimen Allan Seid, Noah Abraham Shapiro, William Sergei Shook, Joseph Anthony Sileo, Jaike Ryan Silverberg, Leah Ariel Silverman, Rachel Ariel Smertz, Maria Wagner Smith, Skyler Scott Smith, Corey Matthew Sochovka, Aaditya Jayeshkumar Solanki, David John Sorokanich, Melissa Alice Spencer, Kayla Nicole Srebro, Christopher Donald Stancavish, Cody Joseph Stanco, Kessyde Rachael Stiles, Carla Elizabeth Stillwagon, Jordan Michael Stranieri, Matthew Stuart Strein, Leah, Elizabeth Stuenzi, Connor Thomas Sullivan, Michael Brian Sullivan, Hunter Lynn Suraci, Anthony Vincent Sylvester, Sean Christopher Terrinoni, Elizabeth Thornton, Eden Marissa Tinkelman, Francesco Torresani, Leo Charles Tully, Sarah Elizabeth Uhranowsky, MariKay Van Fleet, Regina Michele Volpe, James Maxwell Voyce, Amelia Lee Walker-Serrano, Perrine Robin Wasser, Sean Dennis Welsh, Chase Robert Wickenheiser, Anna Christina Wildner, Christopher David Williams, Perry Christopher Williams, Connor Woody, Michael Jefferson Wynn, Alexander Scott Yahn, Matthew Scott Yeisley, Brendan Ali Butler Yesil, William Angelo Young and Danielle Annette Zeplin.

Head of the class

Valedictorian:

Samuel Morano

Hometown: Clarks Summit

Parents: John and Tammy Morano

Activities: Baseball, track, National Honor Society, Interact Club, student council member, hospice volunteer

Plans after high school: Attending the University of Scranton on the full presidential scholarship to study biology

Salutatorian: Joseph Sileo

Hometown: Clarks Summit

Parents: Joe and Sue Sileo

Activities: concert band, jazz band, symphony orchestra, Marywood jazz band, marching band, mock trial, Odyssey of the Mind

Plans after high school: Attending the University of Pennsylvania to study cognitive science

FOREST CITY — Once a Forester, always a Forester.

The phrase hung high above the students on the stage of the auditorium and proved true to the Forest City High School class of 2015. Although they bonded together as a class, each student had a unique experience getting to his or her final year.

“We are all extremely different in our interests, ideals and beliefs,” class salutatorian Emily Statkun said. “However, I can’t tell you the number of times that I have connected with a classmate other than my closest friends.”

Her realization of this peaked during senior day, oddly, when she had a piece of cake smashed in her face.

“This person wasn’t my best friend who just wanted to mess with me, it was someone who felt comfortable enough to humiliate me, knowing I would be a good sport about it,” Emily said. “That day, I realized that we are more than a class filled with athletes, band and chorus kids, tech kids and quiet kids.”

Class valedictorian Solana Stratford moved to Forest City in seventh grade from California. When she adjusted and grew to love the city, she had to move to Atlanta, where she had a class size of 856, much bigger than Forest City’s 2015 graduating class of just over 60.

“All I could think about is how different Forest City was,” Solana said. “I remember I used to beg my parents every day to see if we could move back to Forest City.”

Solana jumped at the chance to come back when the opportunity presented itself.

“It wasn’t just because I missed my friends, it was the feeling of home that Forest City gave me,” Solana said. “Forest City allows each of us to be an individual.”

On the other hand, Katelyn Zembrzycki grew up in Forest City on a farm, and attributes everything she learned in life to a cow.

“I’m not saying my cows taught the multiplication tables or sang the alphabet to me,” Katelyn said. “The cow represents the passion to have the desire to learn and to be yourself and to find what makes you happy.”

Although she makes a farming reference, Katelyn believes the cow depicts the drive for students to become whatever they desire.

“The cow represents anything you’re passionate about, whether it’s cooking, welding, masonry, designing, helping others, teaching, maybe dancing,” Katelyn said. “It represents anything these students want to be and anything they can be after they leave these doors today because of the passion they have within themselves.”

Contact the writer:

jbaress@timesshamrock.com

The graduates are:Sonny Francis Albright, Thorin Joseph Atkinson, Charles E. Babcock, Codie Bailey, Cody Barrese, Deanna Barry, Kaitlynn B. Bauernfeind, Walker J. Bintliff, Alan Michael Joseph Brucher Jr., Michael Buck, Tyler James Butler, Sebastian Canfield, Emily Taylor Carney, Mitchell James Casper, Patrick Coles, Cassidy Congdon, Lauren M. Cook, Daryl L. D’Antuono, John DarrenKamp, Tyler James DeBrino, Jonathan Wade DeEsch, Mark Dolph, Joseph Michael Dombkowski, Noah Francis Fedak, Dalilah Iris Garcia, Morgan Leigh Gasper, Scott Andrew Giles, Marissa Jade Gillespie, Colleen Elizabeth Glavich, Sarah Elizabeth Gorton, Felicia Grosel, Amanda Marie Hartman, Alyssa Nicole Holliday, Season Jaget, Lucas W. Johns, Elizabeth Kelly, Katelyn Robyn Kernoschak, Miranda Ashley Kingsbury, Dustin Knorr, Shane Loomis, Sean Matthew McCormick, Madison Kae McGraw, Destiny Lynn Megivern, Richard Stephen Mikloiche, Adam George Morris, Matthew Michael Nevins, Alexys Skydell Piasecki, Steven Ramos, Adam Lawrence Rasbeck, Nicholas Rutledge, Logan Sauls, Emily Statkun, Solana Marie Stratford, Tyler Alan Trichilo, Andrew Stephen Trotter, Blake Tyson, Jamie Rebecca Walsh, Johnathon Weber, Abbigail Ruth Westgate, Nicole Gean Williams, Alexis Woody, Tyler Luke Yadlosky, Paige Zack and Katelyn Zembrzycki.

Top of the class

Valedictorian: Solana Stratford

Hometown: Forest City

Parents: Bill and Tina Stratford

Activities: Co-captain of volleyball and softball teams, girl’s basketball scorekeeper, president of National Honor Society and art club, student council, Future Business Leaders of America and Olweus

Plans: attend Drexel University to major in biological sciences/pre-med

Salutatorian: Emily Statkun

Hometown: Union Dale

Parents: Stephen and Kelley Statkun

Activities: Vice president of student council, co-captain of volleyball team, ski team, art club, National Honor Society, president of senior class and Olweus

Plans: Attend Philadelphia University to major in industrial design

A hearing to determine if 26-year-old Scranton man Joseph Thornton should stand trial on charges he killed a neighbor in December was delayed Friday so authorities can vet a “critically important” matter in the investigation, Magisterial District Judge John P. Pesota said.

Contacted later, Mr. Thornton’s attorney, James Elliott, said he had heard on Wednesday that someone other than Mr. Thornton allegedly made “some kind of admission” regarding the incident. Who made the statement or whether the claim has any veracity is unclear, but Mr. Elliott said it should be investigated before the preliminary hearing takes place.

Mr. Thornton was charged in March with criminal homicide and several other counts for the beating death of 29-year-old Stephanie Tyminski. Ms. Tyminski was found dead in her bathtub on Dec. 10 at Valley View Terrace in Scranton. Mr. Thornton quickly became a person of interest and then a suspect as city detectives said they found blood stains in his apartment and learned Mr. Thornton had been obsessed with Ms. Tyminski, though she repeatedly rejected his advances.

Judge Pesota had just called the courtroom to order Friday to begin the hearing when Mr. Thornton raised his voice and said he had been “assaulted” and “wrongly arrested,” similar to statements he made while being led to his arraignment in March. Mr. Thornton repeated that detectives violated his rights.

Mr. Elliott tried to cut through his client’s speech, which lasted several minutes. Mr. Thornton eventually stood up at the defendant’s table, compelling two Lackawanna County sheriff’s deputies seated behind him to also stand and take Mr. Thornton by his shoulders to sit him down.

Lackawanna County Deputy District Attorney Gene Riccardo said during the fracas that Mr. Thornton should be removed from the courtroom or sworn in and subjected to cross-examination.

“This is nonsense,” he said.

That prompted a swift reply from Mr. Elliott that Mr. Thornton has a right to be at his own preliminary hearing.

The prosecutor and defense attorney then privately conferred with the judge for several minutes, which ended with the judge saying the hearing will be postponed so a “critically important” matter could be investigated, which was not disclosed in the courtroom.

First Assistant District Attorney Gene Talerico said it would not be appropriate to comment. He said the homicide investigation remains an open case.

In addition to the homicide, Mr. Thornton was scheduled for a hearing Friday on two other criminal cases connected to the investigation.

Detectives had charged Mr. Thornton with witness intimidation on allegations he threatened to kill Hypatia Smith, a neighbor at the housing complex who told detectives she heard screaming the day Ms. Tyminski was killed. Mr. Thornton also faces aggravated harassment by prisoner charges for fighting with police when they placed him into custody shortly after Ms. Tyminski’s death.

A new hearing date has been set for July 23. Mr. Thornton remains in Lackawanna County Prison without bail.

Contact the writer: jkohut@timesshamrock.com, @jkohutTT on Twitter

Area seniors who take advantage of the services and programs offered at the former West Side Senior Center on Jackson Street will soon have some younger company.

United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania on Friday celebrated the grand opening of the fully renovated building, which has a new name to go with its expanded mission.

The Oppenheim Center for the Arts will provide educational arts programs for at-risk youth while continuing as home to the West Side Active Adult Center, with opportunities for interaction between the two groups.

Walter David, 96, who visits the center daily, said he is looking forward to it.

“I love the children coming here,” Mr. David said. “It’s an inspiration. That is the future of America, and the more they can learn, the better for us.”

The $900,000 top-to-bottom renovation of the three-story building, which started in September, included the addition of a dance studio, recording studio, painting room, photo studio, pottery room, media arts room, study space and other amenities on the upper floors, and a makeover of the newly christened Burns Auditorium on the ground floor.

A ceremonial ribbon cutting in front of the center was preceded by a brief program inside.

UNC board member Elizabeth Burns said she visited the building when she first joined the board about 10 years ago. She recalled she was not impressed.

“In the back of my head, I said, ‘Tear down,’ ” she said. “I’m amazed at the transformation.”

UNC’s youth arts programs usually follow the school-year calendar, but the agency will offer some limited programming for children at the Oppenheim Center before the fall, spokeswoman Alison Woody said.

“We are going to do test runs in the summer, try things out, get it started,” she said. “It will really kick off in August.”

Contact the writer:

dsingleton@timesshamrock.com

SCRANTON — A city man lunged at a police officer and resisted arrest after vandalizing an ATM, police said.

Police identified Jacob Harvey, a resident of Green Ridge Manor, as a suspect in the May 26 vandalism of an ATM at Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank, 111 Green Ridge St. The machine’s screen had been shattered and the card slot pried open, police said.

Police identified Mr. Harvey on June 12 and went to speak with him at Green Ridge Manor. Police said Mr. Harvey denied vandalizing the machine but said he had recently deposited a billion-dollar note at the bank and the ATM indicated he owes $100.

Police said that when an officer tried to arrest Mr. Harvey, he made a fist and lunged toward the officer. The officer uses a stun gun to subdue him.

Mr. Harvey was charged with resisting arrest, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

— SARAH SCINTO

A Moscow man convicted of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl has been granted a new trial by a state appellate court that ruled a Lackawanna County judge permitted improper expert testimony.

Kenneth Maconeghy Jr. was convicted in January 2014 of eight counts, including rape of a child, and later sentenced to 10½ to 30 years in prison.

Police said Mr. Maconeghy repeatedly raped a girl over a five-month period in 2005 while her mother was at work. He came under investigation in 2011, after the victim, then 18, came forward to report the assaults.

Mr. Maconeghy appealed the conviction, arguing Judge Vito Geroulo erred when he permitted a physician who examined the victim to testify that he “strongly believed” she had been victimized.

A three-member panel of the Superior Court on Friday ruled the doctor’s testimony should have been stricken from the record because it went beyond his field of expertise.

Under state law, an expert witness is permitted to testify only about subjects that are in the realm of his or her expertise. The witness is not permitted to give an opinion regarding the credibility of other witnesses.

In Mr. Maconeghy’s case, there was no physical evidence of the alleged sexual assaults because so much time passed between the occurrence and investigation of the incidents. The physician testified his opinion was based on statements the victim made to him.

The Superior Court said that because the doctor’s opinion was based on the victim’s statements, it improperly gave additional credence to her credibility and therefore was not admissible.

District Attorney Andy Jarbola said he needs to review the decision before deciding if he will seek to appeal the ruling.

Mr. Maconeghy is locked up at State Correctional Institution at Fayette, according to online records.

Contact the writer:

tbesecker@timessharmrock.com

CARBONDALE — Teachers and administrators made it clear during Friday’s graduation ceremony they have high expectations from the Carbondale Area Junior-Senior High School class of 2015. Perhaps most importantly, the students themselves do, too.

Valedictorian Jonathan Jablonowski challenged his classmates to “create a legacy” and told them graduating from high school is “just the first check box” en route to success.

He encouraged his peers to constantly set goals and make plans.

“Failure to plan is a plan to fail,” he said.

Salutatorian Alexa Sanderson also wanted her fellow graduates to set the bar high.

“Classmates, we are the future,” she said. “The future will be what we make it ... Don’t be afraid to take chances. Dream big.”

Yet she also recalled some of the memories the group shares and reminded her peers not to forget where they came from.

“Once you’re a Charger, you’ll always be a Charger,” she said.

Superintendent Joseph Gorham noted the class had a 100 percent graduation rate before he introduced the commencement speaker, retired chemistry teacher Joseph Cerra.

Mr. Cerra said the graduates were one of the last classes he taught and described them as one of the brighter groups of students he encountered over the years.

He expected his former pupils to overcome adversity and become global competitors. He felt when the baton is passed to their generation, they will be ready.

“What we’re looking at here are future doctors, electricians, lawyers, plumbers, teachers, contractors, nurses, servicemen and women and politicians — yes, maybe even a president,” Mr. Cerra said. “Knowing you are the future, this country is in good, capable hands.”

Contact the writer:

kwind@timesshamrock.com,

@kwindTT on Twitter

The graduates are: Madison Grace Algayer, Tatyanna Marie Colleen Alicea, Michael Bradley Andrews, Jarrod Arendt, Jeffrey J. Arthur, Randy Barney, Katherine Marie Bischak, Robert J. Brady, Daniel Brister, Kyle Burrell, Divine Enrique Cintron, Justin Scott Clemo, Nicholas Russell Clift, Daniel J. Colachino, Chaz Comstock, Christopher D. Conway, Marissa Jordan Cosmetis, Jared Matthew Daniels, Kyle Thomas Dolph, Alyssia Marie Duplessis, Peyton Elizabeth Eakle, Bryanna Leigh Emmett, Matthew J. Escott, Veronica Ann Evans, Tiffany Ann Frisbie, Audrey E. Gardus, Aricka Grace Giglia, Natasha Gillott, Andrew N. Gorel, Brianna Lynn Gowat, Olivia Heenan, Alishia Marie Heisey, Guy John Higdon, Ashley M. Hightower, Alexandria Michelle Hilker, Gregory Hill, Kraig Ronald Huston, Emily Ann Jablonowski, Jonathan David Jablonowski, Susan Kimberly James, Edward Kyle Jones, Brooke Josephine Juice, Mia Nikole Karev, Bradley Joseph Kerl, Kara Elizabeth Kilhullen, Stacy Kohut, Alyssa M. Korman, Jennifer Rose Kunkelman, Christopher Larson, Joshua Kevin Lawler, Mikayla Sue Lawson, Darren Michael Lilly, Danielle Sue-Ann Lloyd, Michael Scott MacDonald, Mackenzie Mancuso, Mackenzie M. Mang, Deon O. Martin, Jr., Jordan Martin, Mackenzie K. Mauro, Morgan Elizabeth Mauro, Nathan Paul McAndrew, Alexandra K. N. Megivern, Bruce Allen Monestime, Melissa Ann Morgan, Makaila Mosolino, Angelina Marie Munifo, William J. Nevins, III, Darian M. Olfano, Valeria Maria Paz, Lauren Pizzichemi, Kayla N. Price, Kaila M. Puza, Noah Jeffrey Robinson, Mark Samuel Roche, Alyssa M. Sacknievich, Bradley Faustin Sales, Brittney Rose Sales, Paloma N. Sanchez, Alexa M. Sanderson, Robert Joseph Plass Segeda, Austin Jeffrey Smith, Cassandra Alexis Sosa, Brianna Elizabeth Spizzirri, Sarah Katlin Sweet, Alexia Gabrielle Talarico, Kaitlyn Ann Thomas, Taira Ashlyn Tonkin, Sarah Claire Totsky, Colby Vanhorn, Matthew Timothy Veina, Alexandra Marie Wayman, Brianna Noelle Whritenour, Richard H. Williamson, Steven Zachary Wittenbreder, Karsyn Edward Wright and Morgan Wright.

Head of the class

Valedictorian: Jonathan Jablonowski

Hometown: Carbondale

Parents: Loretta and Edward

Jablonowski

Activities: Member of the National Honor Society, the distinguished honor roll, Spanish club and the physics club as well as a member of both the Mock Trial and Scholastic Bowl teams.

Plans: Not available.

Salutatorian: Alexa Sanderson

Hometown: Carbondale

Parents: Tracy and Thomas Sanderson

Activities: Member of the National Honor Society, physics club, science and technology club and student council. She was president of the Spanish club and treasurer of SADD.

Plans: Attending Wilkes University, considering a major in psychology.

SCRANTON — A city woman faces charges in connection with two jewelry thefts.

Police said Eugenia Valente, 51, stole jewelry from homes on Ferdinand Street on June 1 and Church Avenue sometime between May 26 and June 2.

Scranton police Detective Dina Albanesi found several of the stolen items from the June 2 Church Street burglary at Jeff’s Trading Post on North Main Avenue. An employee identified Ms. Valente as the seller. The burglarized houses were in the same neighborhood, and police connected Ms. Valente to both.

Ms. Valente was charged with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and burglary. Bail and preliminary hearing information were not immediately available.

— SARAH SCINTO

MOSCOW — North Pocono Public Library will host a Flag Day celebration at 10 a.m. today.

The program will start with a welcome from library Director Susan Jeffery and a performance of “It’s a Grand Old Flag” by a group of Brownies.

John Croom, commander of John J. Michaels Memorial VFW Post 5207, state Rep. Mike Carroll and Lackawanna County Commissioner Pat O’Malley will make brief statements, followed by a raising of the flag by Boy Scout Troop 132 of Spring Brook Twp.

The program will then move to the Pledge of Allegiance and a closing prayer from Pastor Ron Liples of Cross Road Assembly of God Church in Elmhurst Twp.

— KYLE WIND

Blakely/Peckville

June fest: Blakely/Peckville Recreation Committee’s JuneFest, June 26-27, 4 p.m., Wilson Fire Company, 700 Erie St., Peckville, food, desserts, beverages, beer, kids games, bouncy house, entertainment, firemen’s parade, June 26, 7 p.m.; Mayor Jeanette Mariani, 570-383-9946.

Dunmore

Club meets: Dunmore 50 Plus Club meeting, Monday, 1 p.m., La Cucina Restaurant.

Board meetings: Dunmore Board of Education meeting, June 24, 6 p.m., high school cafeteria; public work session, June 22, 6 p.m., boardroom.

Ice cream social: Dunmore Presbyterian Church ice cream social, June 25-26, 7-8:30 p.m., fellowship hall, $5; 570-343-6807.

Duryea

Church picnic: Nativity of Our Lord Parish summer picnic, July 10-12, parish picnic grounds at Sacred Heart Hall.

Endless Mountains

Railroad meeting: Endless Mountains Model Railroad Club meeting, June 20, 6 p.m., club building, 7837 Route 29, Dimock; http://emmrrc.wix.com/trains or call 570-278-3992.

Fleetville

Chicken barbecue: Fleetville Volunteer Fire Company chicken barbecue June 28, pickup noon-1:30 p.m., station, Route 407; chicken halves only, orders: 570-563-1576.

Lackawanna County

Wine social: Le Sorelle of Keystone Chapter UNICO wine social fundraiser, July 23, 6-9 p.m., Maiolatesi Wine Cellars, $15, two glasses of wine, appetizers, dessert; Nanine, 570-954-0117.

Mid/Upvalley

Benefit event: Heart for Bruce fundraiser, June 27, 2-8 p.m., VFW Post 5544, 205 Dolph St., Jessup, $50/21 and up, $25/13-20, free/12 and under; music, food, drinks, tricky trays, raffles, games, benefits Vietnam veteran/heart transplant recipient Bruce Kovatch; 570-689-1442 or heartforbruce@yahoo.com; a Heart for Bruce, 765 Marion St., Browndale, PA.

Milford

Wreath making: Belle Reve Senior Living wreath making afternoon, June 30, 1:30 p.m., free, limited seating; Kaitlyn or Michele, 570-409-9191.

Minooka

Club benefit: Scranton Notre Dame Club “Lift Your Spirits and Raise a Flag” happy hour, June 26, 6-8 p.m., Minooka Legion, 2929 Birney Ave., includes DJ, food, draft beer, wine, soda, 50/50, raffles and chance to win two tickets to Notre Dame v. Texas game, $15; one, two, three and four star general sponsorship levels available for $100, $200, $300 and $400, sponsors receive verbal recognition during a short program and exposure in all promotions, benefits club’s God Country Notre Dame initiative; Sean O’Shea, soshea3312@gmail.com or 570-815-4522; or John Culkin, john.culkin@gmail.com or 773-771-0168.

Regional

Run/show: Montage Mountain Ski Patrol poker run, June 28, registration, 10:30 a.m., Pavilion at Montage Mountain VIP parking lot; ride, 11 (estimated return, 2 p.m.), $20/motorcycle registration; water park tickets 1/2 price for riders, $19.99 for guests, Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club classic car show, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Brian, 570-954-4270.

South Scranton

Seniors meet: Young at Heart of South Scranton meeting, Wednesday, 1 p.m., St. Paul of the Cross Parish Hall, Prospect Avenue.

Playground dedication: Blessing and dedication ceremony of the Valley View Terrace playground, Tuesday, 3 p.m., followed by community resource fair, 3-5 p.m., rain or shine, vendors need to provide own tables, in case of rain event will be moved inside and tables will be provided.

Wayne County

Birthday bash: Wayne County Public Library 75th Birthday Bash, Tuesday, 7:30-10 p.m., Cooperage, Honesdale, $8/advance at library, 1406 Main St., Honesdale; $10/door, Young Adult Council collecting pet food for Dessin Animal Shelter through end of June, pet food donation/$1 off admission price.

CLIPBOARD ITEMS may be emailed to yesdesk@timesshamrock.com or mailed to Clipboard, c/o the YES!Desk at 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, 18503. YES!Desk, 570-348-9121.

The alleged drunk driver who police say struck and killed triathlete Paula Jones on Sunday at Harveys Lake was arraigned on felony charges and sent to jail Friday.

Michael Scavone, 50, of Harveys Lake, had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.214 — more than two and a half times the legal limit for driving — more than two hours after he allegedly struck and killed Jones as she jogged along Lakeside Drive, according to court documents.

Scavone, who has at least four prior DUIs on his record, was led in handcuffs into the Trucksville courtroom of Magisterial District Judge James Tupper early Friday evening, shortly after being taken into custody by Harveys Lake police and Luzerne County Detective Lt. Gary Capitano.

Tupper arraigned Scavone on felony counts of homicide by vehicle while DUI and leaving the scene of an accident involving death or personal injury. Each of those charges carries a mandatory minimum sentence of three years in prison, if convicted, Tupper said.

Scavone also faces a misdemeanor count of DUI and several summary traffic offenses.

Scavone, shackled and under the close observation of Harveys Lake police Chief Charles Musial and Officer Brian Gasper, exchanged a few words with his attorney, John Pike, but otherwise did not speak during his arraignment.

Tupper set Scavone’s bail at $400,000, following a brief discussion with Pike and Assistant District Attorney Thomas Hogans.

Hogans requested bail be set at $500,000. He cited Scavone’s extensive criminal record, which in addition to DUIs includes three cases in which he was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, an arrest for boating while DUI and a conviction for participating in a drug distribution conspiracy.

Pike requested a bail of $100,000, noting that Scavone is a life resident of the area who lives with and cares for his elderly mother.

Following his arraignment, Scavone was taken to Luzerne County Correctional Facility. Tupper stipulated that Scavone will not be allowed to drink, use drugs or drive a vehicle if he is released on bail.

Jones, 31, of Factoryville, died after a vehicle that police say was a 2006 Honda CRV driven by Scavone struck her at about 6:10 p.m. Sunday. An experienced long-distance runner, she was training for an upcoming Ironman competition on June 22 in Atlantic City, her family and friends have said.

Throughout the past week, social media sites featured tributes to Jones, who left behind a husband and a teenaged daughter. Some also questioned why Scavone was not arrested sooner: He was interviewed by police within two hours after the fatal accident, after officers found debris at the scene that led them to Scavone’s vehicle and residence.

Scavone’s mother told police that night that Scavone was “probably drunk,” and officers found Scavone asleep and smelling of alcohol once he woke up, according to an affidavit. Scavone admitted to drinking at bars throughout Sunday afternoon and said he “struck something” as he drove home, the affidavit continues.

Capitano said authorities had to wait for the results of a blood sample taken from Scavone at 8:22 p.m. Sunday — about 2 hours, 10 minutes after Jones was struck — before charging him. Those results were released Friday and police wasted no time in arresting Scavone, Capitano said.

Following the arraignment, Musial said he was happy law enforcement was able to “bring justice to the family as soon as possible.” He thanked Dallas police Officer David Rinehimer and Lehman Township police Officer Ken Kluger for their help on the case.

Scavone’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Thursday before Tupper.

The death of a Dallas boy in circumstances similar in some ways to Scavone’s case might play a role in his sentence, if convicted. The minimum sentence for leaving the scene of a fatal accident was recently increased to three years after the passage of Kevin’s Law, inspired by the December 2012 hit-and-run death of 5-year-old Kevin Miller in Wilkes-Barre.

emark@citizensvoice.com, 570-821-2117

SCRANTON — The Police Department’s street crimes unit charged a 25-year-old city man Thursday with indecent exposure after catching him masturbating in his pickup at the back of a dirt parking lot in South Side, a criminal complaint said.

Joseph Nordone, 541 Alder St., also faces a charge of disorderly conduct. Police said Mr. Nordone was found “slumped in his seat” in a parking lot in the 500 block of Prospect Avenue, an area known for drug activity.

Mr. Nordone was released on $10,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing is set for Wednesday.

— JOSEPH KOHUT

A Scranton man was sentenced Friday to 13-26 years in state prison for raping a girl over a period of more than two years.

Jesus Vazquez, 29, will also be deported to his home country of Mexico after he completes his prison time, Deputy District Attorney Jennifer McCambridge said.

Mr. Vazquez repeatedly raped a girl starting when she was 8 years old and continued for more than two years.

The Times-Tribune does not identify victims of sexual assault.

Ms. McCambridge commended the girl, now 13.

“The bravery of the victim is really what makes these cases. ... The fact that she was willing to come to court and face whatever challenges she had to,” Ms. McCambridge said.

When the county Office of Youth and Family Services was told of the assaults, authorities confronted Mr. Vazquez, Ms. McCambridge said, and he fled to Clifton, Colorado.

U.S. marshals tracked him down there in March 2013. After he served a sentence there for kidnapping, he was returned to Lackawanna County to face the rape charges, Ms. McCambridge said.

Mr. Vazquez pleaded guilty in February to rape of a child. He was sentenced by Judge Margaret Bisignani Moyle.

The convicted felon must register as a sexually violent predator.

Contact the writer:

pcameron@timesshamrock.com, @pcameronTT on Twitter

MARRIAGE LICENSES

Christopher William Carroll, Scranton, and Nicole M. Holland, Taylor.

Shawn Matthew Joyce and Garcia Cynthia Lissette Paulino, both of Scranton.

Lorena Mae Prussia and Joseph Anthony Zangre II, both of Old Forge.

Walter M. Sokalsky and Jacqueline A. Polchin, both of Moosic.

Robert P. Sheils III, Clarks Summit, and Mary Dorothy Densevich, South Abington Twp.

Katelyn Elizabeth Daugherty and Erik Daniel Areson, both of Clarks Summit.

John Joseph McGloin and Michelle Marie Williams, both of Scranton.

Albert John Mushow and Kristen Bradley, both of Peckville.

Nichole Marie Bateman and Amy L. Fowler, both of Jessup.

Jonathan David Purcell and Erica Danielle Hunsicker, both of Scranton.

Michael J. Trotter and Karen A. Malsam, both of Greenfield Twp.

David Robert Wegner and Michael John Baccoli, both of Clarks Summit.

Garry David Litts Jr. and Misty Rae Bennett, both of Roaring Brook Twp.

Alyssa Catherine Rimosites and Keith James Allen, both of Jessup.

Jason Rose and Ruth Esther Beauman, both of Scranton.

Michael Joseph Loretti and Kirsten Mary Echo Cortazzo, both of Scranton.

Casey Jay Buck, Clarks Green, and Heather Marie Godino, Scranton.

Casey Justine Judge, Scranton, and David Bernardino Bouselli Jr., Dunmore.

John Vonbergen and Katherine Anne Loveday, both of Scranton.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

Neil William and Marlene Rogers, Scott Twp., to Kaitlin A. Mecca, Dickson City; a property in Scott Twp., for $161,000.

Vincent J. and Geraldine A. Salico, Old Forge, to Mamera Property LLC; a property at 80 Monroe Ave., Old Forge, for $389,000.

Landmark Community Bank, Pittston, to Melissa McDonough, Dunmore; a property at 885 Rock St., Archbald, for $115,000.

ESTATES FILED

Edwin Kaplan, 1023 N. Webster Ave., Scranton, letters of administration to George S. Wineburgh, 130 Alpine Road, West Palm Beach, Fla.

Stella Wastella, 327 Sussex St., Old Forge, letters testamentary to Paula Jones, 407 E. McClure St., Old Forge.

Margaret Quinlan, 516 St. Mary’s Villa Road, Elmhurst, letters of administration to Patricia Patterson, 103 Fawn Drive, Roaring Brook Twp.

Jayne Simon, 1101 Vine St., Scranton, letters testamentary to Robert Simon, 1403 W. Boynton Beach Boulevard, Boynton Beach, Fla.

DIVORCE SOUGHT

Julie Morales, Moscow, v. Michael Morales, Scranton; married Dec. 7, 2010, in Reading; Arthur F. Silverblatt, attorney.

BENCH WARRANTS

The following bench warrants were issued by Judge Vito Geroulo for failure to appear on fines, costs and restitution:

Laquan Sartin, 300 Third St., Williamsport; $1,689.

Luis A. Roman, 617 Mineral Ave., Scranton; $339.50.

Robert Justin Roman, 57 Eighth Ave., Carbondale; $7,905.51.

Glen D. Smith, 608 Easton Road, Pottsville; $2,452.14.

Robert Earl Watkins, 540 New York St., Dunmore; $3,200.75.

Quasim M. Wheeler, 607 N. Main St., Scranton; $699.50.

Pablo Seda, 123 Oak St., Second Floor, Scranton; $607.89.

Charles Smith, 312 10th Ave., Scranton; $1,224.50.

Francis William Smith Jr., 1420 Fordham Court, Scranton; $1,186.

Mukuadeen Alshmoon Thompson, 305 Cedar Ave., Apt. 1A, Scranton; $1,142.

John Andrew Wombacker, 1120 Lafayette St., Scranton; $627.

Rachel Marie Zaccagnino, 1326 Winton St., Archbald; $2,372.

Kimberly Mackreth, 900 W. Third St., Williamsport; $1,276.

Justin C. Strait, 330 16th Ave., Scranton; $970.

David Williams, 311 S. Decker Court, Scranton; $5,356.50.

ONLINE:

thetimes-tribune.com/courts

Scranton Mayor Bill Court-

right on Friday said he never promised support from city council for a plan by Boscov’s Corp. to renovate the Mall at Steamtown, a contradiction of a letter he signed last month.

In an interview at a public event in West Scranton, Mr. Courtright took issue with The Times-Tribune’s reporting of his May 18 letter endorsing Al Boscov’s plan to fix the mall’s parking garage with a $10 million state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.

“I have never, ever, ever said — ever — that I have council’s approval. I don’t do that ever. I never said that, and I never would say that. I don’t speak for council,” Mr. Courtright told a Times-Tribune reporter Friday morning.

In his May 18 letter, included in Boscov’s Corp. application for RACP funding Mr. Courtright, stated in part, “The letter signed by myself is a prelude to the formal adoption of a resolution of city council which will occur with your approval at a future meeting. This resolution will be included in the full application for RACP funding which will be filed by or before the deadline.”

Mr. Courtright explained Friday that his May 18 endorsement letter “was more or less a standardized letter so that he (Mr. Boscov) could apply for the RACP grant. ... It meant me, that I was sending it to the governor, not city council. I haven’t even spoken to them about it.”

“We meant we would sent it to council,” he added. “That was the intention. ... I never said I know they are going to approve it.”

Mr. Courtright wrote in the endorsement letter there is “unanimous support” for Boscov’s Corp.’s plans to acquire and renovate the mall and repair the underground parking garage. However, council members in recent weeks had raised concerns about the prospect of Mr. Boscov acquiring the mall through an upcoming auction of the foreclosed property, because they are hoping for a new owner with a new vision and direction.

Surprised council

Informed Tuesday by The Times-Tribune of the mayor’s May 18 endorsement declaring unanimous support, council members were taken aback. They restated concerns Thursday during the council meeting, when they also referenced and released a letter written that day, June 11, by the mayor to Mr. Boscov. In the June 11 letter, Mr. Courtright states caveats and conditions for city support for the Boscov grant application and mall plan, including that Boscov-related firms make good on $18 million owed to the city from various outstanding loans.

The mayor in his June 11 letter also expressed “significant reservations” about the city guaranteeing more funds for the mall. Council President Bob McGoff said he spoke to Mr. Courtright Wednesday about the May 18 letter after a Times-Tribune article about it that day.

“We (council) had no knowledge of that letter,” Mr. McGoff said. “Things like this simply aren’t good. How can we tell people that there’s a communication between the administration and council and a working relationship when this type of thing appears in the paper. ... Mayor Courtright said, ‘Yes, it was a mistake on my part. I should have notified council.’”

Last-minute ask

Mr. Courtright said Friday that he received a phone call from Mr. Boscov on Sunday, May 17 saying the grant application had to be in by midnight the next day. The mayor and Mr. McGoff usually meet Monday mornings, but Mr. McGoff was unable to meet that day.

“So it was kind of a rush thing,” Mr. Courtright said. “I probably should have tried to get hold of him (Mr. McGoff).”

Efforts were unsuccessful by a Times-Tribune reporter to reach the mayor by phone Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday about the state grant application containing his May 18 endorsement letter.

On Friday morning, before a grand opening of an arts center in West Scranton, the reporter sought out the mayor in person to ask him about the application. Mr. Courtright repeatedly refused to speak to that reporter, who had written stories published Wednesday and Friday in the newspaper about the mayor’s role in the mall grant application. The mayor said he would speak about the Boscov grant application with another Times-Tribune reporter who happened to be covering the grand opening.

David Singleton, staff writer, contributed to this story.

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

• May 18: Scranton Mayor Bill Courtright sent a letter of endorsement of an application by Boscov’s Corp. seeking a $10 million state grant to fix parking garages at the Mall at Steamtown. The grant would be part of a larger $33 million reconstruction of the mall, with $8.3 million coming from cash and $15 million coming from a governmental-backed loan program called Section 108. Mr. Courtright’s May 18 letter declared “unanimous support” for the mall plan and said a council resolution of support for it will be forthcoming.

• May 30: The Times-Tribune published a story reporting that Boscov’s Corp. is seeking the $10 million grant. The story quoted council members saying they were not aware of the plan and expressing various concerns.

• June 1: Scranton’s Office of Economic and Community Development that administers federal block grant funds and Section 108 loans sent a letter to Mr. Boscov asking him to review city data on outstanding Section 108 and other loans, to ensure that his records agree with the city’s records.

• June 9: The Times-Tribune received through a Right to Know Law request Boscov’s Corp.’s voluminous application for the $10 million state grant. The application contained the mayor’s May 18 endorsement letter and details of the $33 million project cost and funding sources.

• June 10: The Times-Tribune published a story quoting council members saying they were in the dark about the mayor’s endorsement letter declaring unanimous support for the mall plan and guaranteeing a council resolution of support.
• June 11: Mr. Courtright sent a followup letter to Mr. Boscov, clarifying that the mayor’s endorsement was not unfettered or unequivocal; rather, Mr. Courtright spelled out caveats and conditions for his support, including that Boscov-related firms make good on some $18 million owed to the city from various loans, and agree to not offer daily or monthly parking to outside parkers at the mall.

Boscov’s Corp.’s last-minute application for state funds to renovate the Mall at Steamtown caught Scranton’s mayor flat-footed and left City Hall in confusion.

Department store magnate Al Boscov acknowledged Friday his firm’s application for a $10 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant was premature because the company does not even own the shopping center. Mayor Bill Courtright called it a “rush thing.”

Likewise, Mr. Courtright pulling back on his endorsement and council’s reticence of the grant application and mall plan is moot, Mr. Boscov said.

“If I don’t win the bid (for the mall in the auction), I can’t apply for anything,” he said.

An auction for the foreclosed and struggling Mall at Steamtown is scheduled for June 22 to 24.

The RACP application, obtained Tuesday by The Times-Tribune through a Right to Know Law request, references a $33 million reconstruction plan that would include $10 million from the state grant, $8.3 million in cash, and $15 million from a loan program called Section 108, in which a federal loan is guaranteed by a governmental entity’s federal block-grant funding.

In a handwritten addition to the grant application, it states the $15 million Section 108 loan application is “being processed.” However, city officials said there is no Section 108 loan application for the mall plan with the city.

“It could come from the state. It’s not (coming from) the city,” Mr. Boscov said of the prospect of Section 108 funds.

But the state Department of Community and Economic Development, administers the federal Community Development Block Grants from which Section 108 loans are taken, had no knowledge of that prospect.

DCED spokeswoman Lyndsay Kensinger said she did not believe entities apply for Section 108 funds through DCED and there was nothing in the DCED pipeline related to CDBG funds involving Boscov’s Corp. However, she was unable to immediately confirm Friday whether such an application may exist or may have been submitted.

The issue of a Section 108 loan was also raised during Thursday’s council meeting.

Councilman Bill Gaughan asked if the loan would come from the state or the city’s Office of Economic and Community Development.

Councilman Pat Rogan, who is council’s OECD liaison, said a Section 108 loan comes from federal dollars that are guaranteed by the city’s federal block-grant funds.

“Section 108, if it were to be pursued, would be through the city’s OECD office. That may be one of Mr. Boscov’s long-term goals,” said Mr. Rogan, noting such a request currently likely would be turned down by the city.

Reached by phone Friday, OECD Executive Director Linda Aebli said no such application for Section 108 funding exists with the city.

“Let’s just say there was a lot of confusion involved in this application process and there are probably still some things that need to be sorted out,” said Council President Bob McGoff.

Mr. Boscov said he will come talk to council to try to explain what’s going on.

“It’s just an application. It’s just to see if we can find a way if we could fix the garages,” Mr. Boscov said. “At this point, it doesn’t mean anything. There’s nothing we can get until we have a mall.”

State Sen. John Blake, D-22, Archbald, said RACP dollars are “tough dollars to get,” with hundreds of applicants seeking a share of the $125 million expected to be available. In that context, a request for $10 million “is a pretty significant ask.”

At the same time, he does believe there is an opportunity for state involvement in what ultimately happens on the mall footprint.

“The key for us is to make sure we have the very best plan with a clear understanding of the long-term sustainability and the fit, if you will, for the city. ... I want to meet about this opportunity, but I want to make sure it is the right opportunity,” he said.

Contact the writer: jlockwood@timesshamrock.com, @jlockwoodTT on Twitter. Staff writer David Singleton contributed to this article.

SCRANTON — The death of a 15-year-old boy involved in a violent car wreck this week has been ruled accidental, Lackawanna County Coroner Tim Rowland said Friday.

Austin Bumbarger of Blakely died shortly after 1 a.m. Thursday at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton of multiple blunt force injuries, Mr. Rowland said. An autopsy was performed Friday.

Austin was thrown from a 2000 Cadillac Escalade after it hit a guardrail on Valley View Drive near the Valley View Business Park in Jessup around 10 p.m. Wednesday. He was in the back seat. Two teenage girls survived; they were treated at GCMC and released by Thursday afternoon.

An accident reconstruction is scheduled for Monday, Jessup Police Chief Joseph Walsh said.

— JOSEPH KOHUT