State Auditor General Eugene DePasquale wants Lackawanna County Court to force Fell Charter Elementary School to provide documents the school withheld during his office’s audit, including a contested principal’s certification documentation.

Mr. DePasquale reopened Fell Charter Elementary School’s audit because he was not provided with Principal Mary Jo Walsh’s certification. School tuition and enrollment documentation was also not provided. The auditor general was in Scranton on Monday to seek a writ to obtain the missing documents.

A writ is an order from a higher court that directs a lower court or a government official to take some kind of action, similar to a subpoena.

“The children of that charter school and the taxpayers of Pennsylvania need an answer,” Mr. DePasquale said outside the county courthouse. “We’re filing the writs today to compel this information to be brought forward to the public.”

School officials attributed the lack of information to the withholding of documents by the school’s former management company, Mosaica Education Inc.

“The idea that this information is going to, in a sense, be withheld because of a prior arrangement with another management company is simply unacceptable,” Mr. DePasquale said.

Ms. Walsh told The Times-Tribune on Dec. 8 that the auditor general’s office had her certificate, but Mr. DePasquale says that isn’t true.

The auditor general’s office contacted state Department of Education officials to see if the certificate was given to them, but they have no record of it either, he said.

Ms. Walsh said she received an emergency principal certification in 2006, while still working at a local public school. The emergency certification is valid for five years, and principals may obtain a permanent certification after that time. An issue with paperwork at the Department of Education in 2011 required her to work with another emergency certification. She is up for a permanent certification next fall, Ms. Walsh said.

However, the Department of Education said “the principal has not had an emergency permit since 2009-10.”

In an email, PDE spokeswoman Nicole Reigelman said the principal has applied for a certificate but “never provided the documentation to be approved for one.”

PDE cannot “impose a fine on charters, just traditional public schools” for missing certifications, said Ms. Reigelman. “The charter board, not the Department of Education, has the obligation to ensure the principal has a license.”

Ms. Walsh was made aware of the filed writ when a reporter from The Times-Tribune contacted her.

“We’re happy to provide the auditor general with whatever he wants,” she said.

Contact the writer:

kbolus@timesshamrock.com, @kbolusTT on Twitter

Karen Cavanaugh paused to think a moment Monday before speaking on what her sister, Kathleen Cavanaugh Talerico, would say about the funds and awareness raised to help domestic violence victims in her name.

“I think she’d just be happy she’s making a difference and helping people,” Ms. Cavanaugh said.

“A lot of people, too,” added Peg Ruddy, executive director of the Women’s Resource Center in Scranton.

Ms. Cavanaugh, organizer of the Kathleen’s Crusade benefit, was recognized Monday with the Margie Award, presented annually by the O’Malley family in honor of their sister, Margie Holodnak Davis, who was murdered in an act of domestic violence in 1980.

Over the past two years, Kathleen’s Crusade has raised about $50,000 for the center through two annual September fundraisers. Proceeds from the first event will cover the costs of building a kitchen at the resource center’s shelter, while this year’s will cover the cost of services like transitional housing, Ms. Ruddy said.

“We were not going to be able to do these things without their donations,” Ms. Ruddy said. “Their donation this year was a lifesaver for teens and victims of domestic violence.”

Ms. Talerico, a victim of domestic violence, became interested in helping the Women’s Resource Center when she sought help there as a client, her sister said. She was impressed with all the services and help provided to her and others affected by domestic violence.

But Ms. Talerico never got the chance to volunteer. She died in January 2014, after police said her on-again/off-again boyfriend, Ryan McNamara, beat her.

Ms. Cavanaugh “did what (Kathleen) would have done” that spring and started Kathleen’s Crusade with a committee of friends and family members to honor her sister’s memory and wishes.

“After she died, we decided we were going to make a difference for her,” Ms. Cavanaugh said.

The first benefit was held that September. Ms. Cavanaugh said the benefit will add a 5K walk/run to Kathleen’s Crusade in 2016.

Mr. McNamara is serving seven to 16 years in state prison after pleading no contest to third-degree homicide earlier this year.

Mrs. Davis’ family has been presenting the award for almost a decade. Previous winners include Ms. Ruddy, the inaugural recipient, and other advocates and volunteers. Ms. Cavanaugh is the first winner to have lost a loved one to domestic violence, said Patrick O’Malley, Margie’s brother and a Lackawanna County commissioner.

“Karen is different,” he said. “She’s just like us. She knows the pain of losing a loved one to domestic violence.”

Contact the writer:

cover@timesshamrock.com,

@ClaytonOver on Twitter

DICKSON CITY — Fire officials are continuing to investigate a Saturday night blaze at a Dickson City garage, borough Fire Chief Joe Chowanec Jr. said.

Crews responded to CJ’s Big Gun Garage, 836 Enterprise St., at about 9 p.m., the chief said.

They found a fire in a corner of the garage and extinguished it in seven minutes. The whole operation lasted 45 minutes.

No one was injured, Chief Chowanec said.

State police fire marshals arrived to investigate. The business had closed about an hour earlier.

The fire remains under investigation, said Trooper Connie Devens, a public information officer at the Dunmore barracks.

— JOSEPH KOHUT

OLD FORGE — Firefighters from Lackawanna and Luzerne counties responded to a two-alarm fire that started in a camper and spread to a garage Monday night.

The fire was reported about 7:40 p.m.

Borough Fire Chief Mark Tagliaterra said he was first on the scene at 619 Maple St., where he found the camper engulfed in flames and sounded the second alarm because of the camper’s proximity to homes and a garage.

The fire spread to the latter, where crews contained it, and the fire was out by between 8:30 and 9 p.m., he said.

No injuries were reported, though the camper and garage are most likely total losses, Chief Tagliaterra said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

— CLAYTON OVER

SCRANTON — The Food Network series “American Diner Revival” has wrapped up its rehab of two local eateries.

On Saturday, the show, co-hosted by carpenter Ty Pennington and chef Amanda Freitag, finished shooting at the Glenburn Grill & Bakery in Glenburn Twp. On Sunday, it completed work at Linda Kay’s Ole Green Ridge Diner in Scranton.

Both businesses are prohibited from divulging details of the shoot until the expected February air dates. However, the Glenburn Grill reopened for business Sunday, while Linda Kay’s will reopen Tuesday.

For more information on the show, visit www.foodnetwork.com/shows/american-diner-revival.

— JOSH MCAULIFFE

HONESDALE

HIGH SCHOOL

GRADE 12

Distinguished honor roll: Andrew Bochnovich, Lauren Bunnell, Emma Firmstone, Kylee Freiermuth, Olivia Frigoletto, Elizabeth Fritz, Ryan Fritz, Jill Marie Henderson, Shayna Lohmann, Emma Long, Kiah Lynch, Mary Peck, Britney Smith, Natalie Tamblyn, Zoe Wasserlauf

Honor roll: Sara Aronice, Melanie Bekanich, John Brooks, Jessica Carney, J. Duncan Cordaro, Matthew Demers, Rebecca Fields, Cris Forelli, Jenna Franciosa, Janeen Gallik, Max Goodwin, Spencer Goyette, Benjamin Griffis, Clayton Hewlett, Lindsay Hilton, Julius Holbert, Mackenzie Jackson, Kyle Kerkoulas, Rebecca Kinzinger, Samuel Kraft, Denis Kuchta, Garth LaBar, Casey Lebrecht, Jared Martin, Emily McVeigh, Nicholas Miller, Karli Minew, Caitlin Mohrmann, Jade Mullaly, Jane Murphy, Elijah Nell, Michael Nouri, Kiera Oakley, Patrick O’Neill, Gabriella Osegueda, Rylee Pahls, Jakob Pepper, Tristan Petroski, Kaylee Racht, Carley Riefler, Justin Rowles, Alyvea Scarfalloto, Rex Schweighofer, Hunter Sheard, Tanner Simon, Teeonah Stephenson, Sarina Vandelinde, Cristopher Vlacich, Sarina Wood, Dorothy Woods and Michelle Yanakis.

GRADE 11

Distinguished honor roll: Austin Adams, Ashley Atcavage, Seth Bivins, Emily DeCrotie, Alec Dragos, Taylor Frisch, Elijah Harvey, Christian Kowalczyk, Faith Lawson, Hannah Luben, Autumn Mead, Rachel Musetti, Jordan Peer, Parker Propst, Katie Ranner, Elizabeth Ritter, Emily Ritter, Cheyenne Schneider, Clayre Smith, Hunter Stephens, Emily Theobald, John Walczyk, Michael Weidow, Allison Werner, Benjamin Wilken and Rachel Windhorn.

Honor roll: Mark Ambrose, Hope Bancroft, Riley Barton, Taylor Batzel, Paige Bidwell, Nicole Billard, Matthew Blaine, McKenzie Blair, Annabelle Brinkerhoff, Christina Canfield, Corinne Casazza, Nathaniel Cousineau, Emily Cox, Gabrielle D’Amore, Samantha Dragos, Mackenzie Ehrhardt, Angelea Francesco, Nichole Freiermuth, Brett Fritz, Olivia Galarza, Lyle Galloway, Gracie Gombita, Sunney Hardler, Faith Howell, Derek Kirk, Emily Kulbaba, Emma Lawson, Dakota Lent, John Lukan, Karly Mander, Hannah Marin, Jaclyn Martin, Karli Martin, Kiara Mayers. Joshua McGinnis, Jasmyn Mead, Seth Miller, Emily Millon, Cody Novobilski, Lauren Odell, Landry Osborne, Samantha Pareago, Liam Pietraszewski, Jordan Pugh, Bailey Quick, Kayla Rembish, Jack Rickard, Brandon Romano, Ryan Rose, Alec Rutledge, Sierra Rutledge, Aleah Slish, Brianna Smith, Emma Stumpo and Caroline Tuman.

GRADE 10

Distinguished honor roll: Emily Chee, Emma Dunsinger, Serena Durdach, Nicholas Haynes, James Holloway, Sarah Keast, Emily Klim, Stephanie Matlaga, Madison Palmer, Courtney Varcoe, Tessa Vendetti, Elizabeth Williams and James Wolfe.

Honor roll: William Bekanich, Mika Brauser, Hannah Burlein, Dylan Canfield, Danielle Chee, Christina Compton, Samuel Corcoran, Erich Eifert, Melody Feustel, Julia Firmstone, Eric Flood, Lacy Foster, Kirsten Gager, Grace Glosenger, Shawna Gordienko, Kalah Gries, Cassandra Griffis, Rachel Heffron, Josef Holbert, Michael Kirk, Sara Kizer, Lauren Kutch, Kasey Lemon, Amber MacDougall, Tesa Marchesin, Mariah Morgan, Andrew Murphy, Hannah Odell, Emma Olver, Matthew O’Neill, Richard Ostrow, Kally Pachuta, Abigail Panza, Kyle Peer, Julia Polt, Lora Protzman, William Rieger, Joseph Rutledge, Nicolas Shear, Camille Stanton, Samuel Styer, Nicholas Theobald, Dominick Vender, Matthew Wehrmann, Heather Welsh, Alexa Yatwa and Audrey Zielinski.

GRADE 9

Distinguished honor roll: Jacob Adams, Jacqueline Burke, Liam Carmody, Brooke Gardas, William Howell, Jacob Kabonick, Brandon Lawson, Rowan Lynch, Nathaniel Mansfield, Megan O’Neill, Colin Rickard, Kayla Taninies and Natalie Zeglen.

Honor roll: Taylor Barone, Corey Chorba, Ethan Collins, Thor Crozakian, David Curreri, Lindsay Daub, Lauren Dyser, Connor Eisele, Margaret Fields, Lucas Flederbach, Jacki Ford, Cassandra Gallo, Justin Gombita, Bethany Good, Abigail Hodorawis, Abigail Hynes, Max Land, Andrew Latourette, Nicole Longman, Joseph Lukan, Kelsey Martin, Emma Messersmith, Alison Miszler, Michael Montambault, Tanner Mundy, Bailey Murray, Megan Rembish, Elizabeth Rhyne, Brooke Rutledge, Destiny Schemitz, Connor Sinclair, Alicia Utegg, Evan Wilcox, Susanna Wolfe, Sarah Wood and Brandon Zou.

OLD FORGE JR.-SR.

HIGH SCHOOL

GRADE 12

Brendan Bordick-Lesavage, Kathryn Bound, Cassidy Burkhart, Michael Cantarella, Alexis Coval, Andrea DeSando, Alexis DiGregorio, Thomas Domozych, Steven Farber, Matthew Foss, Meredith Giglio, Joseph Gutowski, Gerald Hobbs, Taylor Hoover, Jaret Horn, Amanda Jones, Mattia Krappa, Erika Licciardone, Taylor Marsico, Christian Mitchell, Nicholas Pelosi, Melaina Pepsin, Trisha Renna, John Roberts, Purnima Sachdeva, Armando Sallavanti, Alicia Santarsiero, Debra Sekol, Jacob Shepherd, Michael Stanley, Amanda Taylor, Gabrielle Verespey, Kara White, Angelina Zanghi, Daniel Zaykowski and Kimberly Ziemba.

GRADE 11

Trevor Brown, Jordan Davis, Christa Eisele, Corrine Enderline, Maya Florovito, Casey Greenfield, Benjamin Grochowski, Sarah Hiller, Shane Hoffman, George Kelly, Kaitlyn Kipp, Kelly Kishbaugh, Makayla Kresefski, Julia Kuckla, Colin Leggat, Ryan McNerney, Lauren Moritz, Ethan Mulrooney, Dean Nalaschi, Cameron Read, Alyssa Salerno, Francesca Samony, Madison Schuback, Shane Smith, Gabrielle Sweeney, Breanna Tagiaterra, Earl Talarico, Taylor Tansely, Alexis Tayoun and Tyler Termini, Brittney Thomas, Jennie Thomas, Matthew Tisdel, Areyonna Tompkins, Kasi Tryonas, Megan Tucker, Joshua Wagner, Gabriella Williams and Robert Wormuth.

GRADE 10

Evria Arce, Elizabeth Balanovich, Maria Balanovich, Patrick Banks, Kole Barbetti, Gianna Baresse, Kassidy Bledsoe, Mason Boettger, Victoria Booth, Ashley Bound, Colin Bowers, Mollie Boyd, Michael Cinamella, Cassandra Colozza, Nicholas D’Andrea, Jayna DeLucca, Patrick Donovan, Alexis Evans, Matthew Evans, David Febbo, Ian Hook, Abigayle Jurnak, Amanda Katchmar, Ashley Kempa, Iain Kerrigan, Christian Killino, Gabriella Margheriti, Gianna Marsico, Christopher Matsko, Kevin Mikolayczak, Brendan Mozeleski, Brandon Nee, Alexandra Nocera, Anna Osieski, Angelina Palma, Nella Pepsin, Jennifer Regan, Colleen Santos, Maricruz Saucedo, Samantha Slack, Mackenzie Snyder, Lexus Souriyavong, Scarlett Spager, Meghan Stalica, Kierston Van Fleet, Joseph Verespey, Brian Wastello, Ryan Wastello, Kevin Welsh, Alexandra Yudiski and Adam Zaykowski.

GRADE 9

Ashleigh Avvisato, Emily Budzak, Courtney Connors, Denise Evans, Stephen Evans, Julian Giglio, Corianne Holzman, Jenna Hutchinson, Hayden Jones, Nicholas Krenitsky, Anna Kuckla, Patrick McCool, Noah McDonald, Macie McHale, Michael Mucciolo, Carmen Perry, Emalee Shepherd, Emily Tomasovitch, Kayleigh Wachtel-Thorpe, Alyssa Wilcox, Colby Yaros and Nina Zimmerman.

GRADE 8

Gianna Adomiak, Aaliyah Aldubayan, Alexander Anastasi, Abygale Bergamino, Jacob Burkhart, Andrew Cummings, Alexis Fumanti, Maria Garcia, Craig Grochowski, Aiden Hannon, Kalvin Jeffers, Gwendolyn Kuckla, Hannah Lisowski, Anthony Marsico, Jessica Musick, Jonathan Nicholoff, Cassandra Nocera, Kevin Pepsin, Abigail Robson, Qua-Asia T. Rose, Christopher Sickle, Matthew Smith, Ryan Termini, Lindsey Welsh and Jeremy Zaykowski.

GRADE 7

Carolyn Aversa, Keegan Barbetti, Emma Beilman, Angela Booth, Santino Brigido, Arianna Brown, Thomas Bulford, Caitlyn Cole, Emilio Colondres, Daniele Cragle, Micheal DiGregorio, Julien DiMattia, Nicholas Dodge, Demetrius Dolinish, Sean Donovan, Francesca Fassett, Corshella Fisher, John Giglio, Hannah Grasso, Colin Holzman, George Jurnak, Ashley Katchmar, Evan Kerrigan, Casey Krushnowski, Gina Kuckla, Chester Lenceski, Henry Lin, Dante Lucarelli, Elizabeth Majewski, Brooke Manley, Lexi McHugh, Alyssa Miller, Madelyn O’Hearn, Olivia Osborne, Binnie Patel, Skyy Peperno, Natalia Rhue, Angelina Rios, Rohit Sachdeva, Dominick Scalise, Dayla Schmitt, Sabrina Souriyavong, Luke Tomasovitch, Madison Wagner, Monica Xavier, Jenna Ziemba and Elizabeth Zuchinski.

WYOMING SEMINARY UPPER SCHOOL

DEAN’S LIST HIGH HONORS

Duncan Breig, Dalton; Marshall Bursis, Lake Ariel; Dominick D’Alessandro, West Pittston; LaAnna Farnelli, Montrose; Michael Giallorenzi, Clarks Summit; Eamon Gibbons, Clarks Summit; Eli Idec, Tunkhannock; Jessica Kilyanek, Hughestown; Reeya Lele, Pittston; Nicole Rose Lukesh, Wyoming; Connor McGowan, Pittston; Meghna Melkote, Moosic; Jaclyn Morgan, Clarks Summit; Cecilia Newhart, West Pittston; Ariana Notartomaso, West Wyoming; Megan Obeid, Pittston; Stefan Olsen, Pittston; A. Roy Phillips, Scranton; Katherine Romanowski, West Pittston; Grace Ross, Union Dale; Alexis Sokach, West Pittston; Thomas Weil, Old Forge; Kira Zack, Dupont; and Alexandra Zaloga, Moosic.

DEAN’S LIST

Jeffrey Bevacqua, Nicholson; Isabella Cordaro, Moscow; Jarod Godlewski, Pittston; Tyler Maddock, Clarks Summit; Natalie Meagher, Susquehanna; Michael Oravic, Moosic; Miranda Pace, Noxen; Ryan Perry, Tunkhannock; Megha Sarada, Moosic; Satyasaran Sreeharikesan, Moosic; Connor Switzer, Harding; Ethan Tost, Scranton; and Mia Zaloga, Moosic.

MOUNTAIN VIEW

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

GRADE 6

Skyler Ball, James Bernosky, Travis Bridgeman, Benjamin Burman, Casey Congdon, Jacob DeManicor, Lauren Dick, Vy Doty, Avery Fortuner, Emma Frisbie, Jordan Gabriel, Payton Gabriel, Rachael Gerfin, Jalil Gillyard, Caylee Gregory, Lillian Harvey, Ryan Henke, Deanna Holbert, Delaney Hollenbec, Ciara Hundley, Kristian Jaimes, Kaitlyn Jarnagin, Macie Kelley, Mason LeMaster, Kathryn Long, Makenzie Lowrie, Emma Master, Andrew McHenry, Lexie Meckwood, Stephanie Nichols, Kevin Noldy, Michael Nowlin, Nathan Ofalt, Rebecca Plomchok, Ragan Poplawski, Ava Presley, Leah Rippy, Savannah Robinson, Collin Saam, Maressa Salansky, Nicholas Schmidt, Emily Streich, Maura Strickland, Sophia Striefsky, Shannon Toolan, Joshua Tyborowski, Andre’ Wiggins, Wyatt Yachymiak, Keila Zick and Megan Zipprich

GRADE 5

Wesley Anderson, Carter Bain, Nicole Baker, Charlize Barhite, Gavin Bewley, Briana Boswell, Zayvion Bradford, Ariel Brodeur, Owen Cameron, Kinsey Catalfamo, Dominic Chemchick, Lauren Clancy, Emily Cosklo, Alex Empet, Leah Evans, Clayton Frasier, Alyson Frederici, Michael Gaynor, Amber George, Michaela Hammond, Hailey Hojewski, Caden Holtsmaster, Aylin Jaimes, Elijah Kamensky, Alexander Karp, David Kielar, Ethan Komora, Jack Kowalewski, Hunter Kozloski, Genevieve Larkin, Nicholas Lemoncelli, Emily Levai, Aiyana McElroy, Charles Mordent, Scott O’Dell, Dillon Pallman, Brian Patton, Bailey Reuss, Jacob Robinson, Ethan Rodriguez, Sierra Rogenkamp, Deegan Ross, Seth Ross, Raelyn Sanders, Arianna Sepulveda, Cody Shay, Tanner Stout, Joseph Swetter, Jonathon Symuleski, Adia Tompkins, Alexis Turner, Jordyn Walker and Alex Zech.

GRADE 4

Jamillet Aguiniga, Rylan Ainey, Braeden Alvord, Brandon Alvord, James Anderson, Noah Barnes, Daniel Belcher, Chloe Belotti, Shaun Bills, Edmond Carroll, Kevin Cosklo, Ava Depew, Logan Dick, Ethan Drake, Joshua Fanelli, Carissa Flynn, Ja’Kya Gillyard, Holly Harvatine, Vanessa Harvey, Joseph Heller, Ricardo Hernandez, Camryn Hicks, Rachel Hunter, Riley Jagger, Kayla Kasa, Bronson Kilmer, Alexis Kozlowski, Emma Long, Ryan Micklo, Bailey Millard, Hailey Miller, Russell Milunic, Ordie Price, Ronald Raffensberger IV, Ranger Ransom, Jocelyn Schwarztrauber, Lillian Sedlak, Kyra Slater, Kolbee Soltis, Mikaela Stout, Colyn Streich, Paige Strickland, Ryan Supancik, Aaron Tomanchek, Sophia Welk, Penelope Ziegler and Lily Zrowka.

ST. CLARE/ST. PAUL

GRADE EIGHT BLUE

High honors: Anna Bellucci, Lillian Boles, Jack Clark, Catherine Collins, Sean Currie, Connor James, Grace Lenahan, Zoe Mulligan, Geoffrey Pizzuto, Leila Scanlan, Matthew Sirotnak, Robert Troy and John Watkins.

Honors: Madison Borgia, Caroline Lapinski, Louise Mariotti, Ryan Nguyen, Loughan Pensak, Jack Reilly and Joshua Sullivan.

GRADE EIGHT GOLD

High honors: Lizzy Barrett, Nicholas Brooks, Caroline Cadden, Katie Ann Costa, Maxwell Derosier, Lukas Fives, Anthony Giacobbe, Thomas Kennedy, Madelyn Klassner, Rebecca Lucas, Robert Lynett, Maeve Mariotti, Mark McGoff, Maren McGrath, Brady Stallman, Daniel Walsh and Grace Wiercinski.

Honors: David Blake, Felicia Domiano, Sean Eidenberg and John Paul Sirotnak.

GRADE SEVEN BLUE

High honors: Quinn Casey, Conal Clarke, Cecelia Collins, John Conway, Frances Doherty, Aubrey Gallagher, Patrick Grady, Rose Granet, Jack Lynett, Lucy McGrath, Matthew Oven, Christopher Penetar, Rachael Rose, Joseph Talarico and Caroline Welby.

Honors: Elizabeth Cruciani, Kaden Ford and Max Mulligan.

GRADE SEVEN GOLD

High honors: Morgan Costa, Sophia DeNaples, Isabelle Hatala, Mason Hemak, Grace Kapacs, Patrick Kennedy, Kathleen Lynott, Ryliann McAllister, Michael McGrath, Caroline Shaffern, Emma Troy and Rocco Valvano.

Honors: Charlie Boles, Spencer Cross, Benjamin Hall, Ryan McAndrew, Michael Skoff and Jacob Whiteduck.

GRADE SIX BLUE

High honors: Caitlin Bestrycki, Andrew Cimini, Bridgette Conway, Abigail Haggerty, Maya Hemak, Gia Lettieri, Robert Maguire, Margaret McGrath, Grace Stallman, Kevin Walsh and Michael Watkins.

Honors: Adrianna Colon and Nico Paoli.

GRADE SIX GOLD

High honors: Daniel Bohenek, Luca Boles, Catherine Conway, Margaret Conway, Rose Figueroa, Sarah Giacobbe, Abigail Gilmartin, Christian Kohut, Mya Maus, David McIntyre, Giovanni Ramos, Antoinette Refice and Lilly Reilly.

Honors: Leila Moran.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

■ Leigh Anne McGlynn and John Damiano, both of Scranton.

■ David Clayton Green and Stacy Lynn Steinruck, both of Scranton.

■ Patricia Ann Goble and Ronald Michael Tichnor, both of Scranton.

■ Kenneth Lamont Hairston and Stephaney Tanisha Howson, both of Scranton.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

■ Joanne DeMarco, to Timothy W. Gilroy; a property at 1634 Elizabeth St., Scranton, for $76,000.

■ Dennis J. Dougherty, to Cynthia Baker Miesko and Martin A. Miesko; a property at Route 502 and Route 315, Spring Brook Twp., for $575,000.

■ 500 Lackawanna Development Co., Scranton, to Ryan J. Lehman, Moosic; a property at 524-532 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton, for $241,500.

■ Roben Rosenberg Schwartz and Burt Schwartz, both of Scranton, to Marwan A. Wafa, Columbus, Ind.; a property at Margery Lane, Dickson City, for $300,000.

■ Rebekah Gillette, individually and as administrator of the estate of Joseph Gillette aka Joseph C. Gillette, to Thomas Ruddy, Carbondale; a property at 116 Fallbrook St., Carbondale, for $28,000.

■ Annette and Victor Hanchulak, both of Jermyn, to Ross Tolerico and Heather Rogan, both of Carbondale; a property at 199 Farview St., Fell Twp., for $86,000.

■ Kathleen Bozym to Sachakiomary Echevarria; a property at 1363-1365 Capouse Ave., Scranton, for $87,400.

DIVORCE SOUGHT

■ Kimberly Ann Remick, Nicholson, v. Lee Andrew Remick, Nicholson; married Sept. 11, 2005 in Nicholson; John T. O’Malley, attorney.

DIVORCE DECREES

■ Melanie Sue Duggan v. Theodore David Duggan.

■ Christina A. Follansbee v. Steven L. Follansbee.

■ Nicholas G. Uzzolino v. Judith A. Uzzolino.

■ Cassandra Groshek v. Holly Groshek.

■ Helen Byrne v. Christoper Byrne.

■ Cheryl A. Nichols v. James E. Nichols.

■ Anthony Michael Talarico v. Ellen Katherine Talarico.

■ John J. Healey v. Traci L. Healey.

■ Jason Karp v. Serena Gene Karp.

ESTATES FILED

■ Frank Everett Ward, 964 Lakeland Drive, Scott Twp., letters of administration to Wendy Boccadori, 520 Wildcat Road, Olyphant.

■ Thomas P. Zenker aka Thomas Zenker, 224 Oak St., Scranton, letters testamentary to Lynn S. Evans, 16 Waterford Road, South Abington Twp.

■ Frances Sophie Golik aka Frances Sophie Golick, 24 Owego St., Simpson, letters testamentary to Joseph A. Narcavage, 1711 Tedbury St., Crofton, Md.

■ Anita Diskin, 925 Oxford St., Scranton, letters of administration to Edward Diskin, same address.

■ Walter Onuschak, 1120 Freida St., Dickson City, letters testamentary to Eugene Danchak, 52 Dewitt Ave., Belleville, N.J.

■ Sally J. Kiefer, 87 Yostville Road, Covington Twp., letters of administration to Bruce Kiefer, 17 Terrie Lane, Holden, Mass.

LAWSUIT

■ Joseph Yesvetz, 409 Olive St., Scranton, v. Albert and Carol Mueller, LTD, a partnership trading as and doing business as McDonalds and McDonalds Restaurant, 1200 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, seeking in excess of $50,000 plus interest and costs for injuries suffered Feb. 22 in a slip and fall at 1200 Wyoming Ave., Scranton.

ONLINE: thetimes-tribune.com/courts

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY

Jacqulyne Taylor, South Abington Twp., Master of Public Health.

DELAWARE VALLEY

UNIVERSITY

Rachel Smarkusky, Nicholson, Bachelor of Science, agribusiness.

KING’S COLLEGE

Courtney Marie McNulty, Scranton, master’s degree, physician assistant studies; and Nicole Marie Munley, Scranton, master’s degree, physician assistant studies.

MARYWOOD UNIVERSITY

(Spring/summer grads)

CENTER FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

DOCTORAL DEGREES

Christina D. Groves Bracey, Spring Brook Twp.; and Arianne Scheller, Spring Brook Twp.

REAP COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

DOCTORAL DEGREE

Krystle L. Berkoski, Clarks Summit.

MASTER’S DEGREES

Chelsea Lee Graziano, Scranton; Victoria Gunther, Throop; Daniel Huy, Scranton; Lindsay Patricia Iacovazzi, Taylor; Jennifer Lynn Mehrtens, Honesdale; Debra-Ann Passarella, Pittston; and Jila Victoria Rusavage, Peckville.

BACHELOR’S DEGREES

Christina Marie Demas, Scranton; Joseph Gerard Jablonowski, Simpson; and Rebecca Ann Leighty, Milford.

INSALACO COLLEGE OF CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS

MASTER’S DEGREES

Rogyah Eid Abdullah Alharbi, Scranton; Sultan Mohammed Almansour, Scranton; Moath Budir Assonid, Scranton; John Anthony Farkas, Scranton; Jessica Carmella Meoni, Scranton; Stephen Edward Mushal, Scranton; Lauren Anne Urso, Clarks Summit; Clarissa M. Willson, Scranton; and Shoroq Khalid Yakoub, Scranton.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

MASTER’S DEGREES

Elizabeth Catherine Borgia, Scranton; Lauren J. Butts, Jermyn; Courtney E. Clark, Scranton; Matthew James Cunningham, Peckville; Kristine Danilovitz, Moosic; Paul Daniel Dwyer, Olyphant; Jennifer Lynn Forbes, Mayfield; Jacqueline M. Hillriegel, Hawley; Casey Jordan, Scranton; Kimberly Kaminsky, Carbondale; Christina Kelly, Moscow; Erica Christine Longstreet, Clarks Summit; Ashley Sue Machiesky, Jermyn; Kristina Mazur, Moscow; Rolando Mendez, Scranton; Kimberly Marie Meyer, Clarks Summit; Kiersten Marie Murrin, Nicholson; Danielle Neishell, Old Forge; Laura Olszar, Covington Twp.; Michael V. Picozzo, Covington Twp.; Nicole C. Sklareski, Roaring Brook Twp.; Alexandra Marie Stine, Archbald; Connor Bradley Trygar, Moscow; and Kaitlyn Brigante Vaccola, Tobyhanna.

BACHELOR’S DEGREE

Mindy Missonellie, Dingmans Ferry.

MUNLEY COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES

MASTER’S DEGREES

David Robinson Betts, Tunkhannock; Sara Bielski, Scranton; Nicole Lynn Capp, Taylor; Amanda Domenick, Dunmore; Rebecca Gayle Gaughan, South Abington Twp.; Meghan Elizabeth Loftus, Scranton; and Karokh Kareem Mohammed, Scranton.

BACHELOR’S DEGREES

Brianna Hoban, Archbald; Matthew Mark Koval, Jessup; Ashley Mackin, Taylor; Ashley Rae Murray, Dunmore; and Erica Lyn Young, Dunmore.

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

MASTER’S DEGREE

Steven D. Dougherty, Old Forge.

BACHELOR’S DEGREE

Michael Angelo Sulima, Pittston.

MCDANIEL COLLEGE

Viktoria Lace Thompson, Rowland, Bachelor of Arts, English, magna cum laude

MILLERSVILLE

UNIVERSITY

Emily Cardone, Scranton, Bachelor of Science, biology; Courtney Collins, Great Bend, Bachelor of Arts, social work; Frank DePietro, Roaring Brook Twp., Bachelor of Science, business administration; Kellie Loughney, Jermyn, Bachelor of Science, math; Joel McLaughlin, Factoryville, Bachelor of Science, occupational safety and enviornmental health; Christopher Mordovancey, Friendsville, Bachelor of Secondary Education in technology education; Erin Nuss, Honesdale, Bachelor of Science, applied engineering and technology management; Gabrielle Pratz, Dingmans Ferry, Bachelor of Arts, MDED; Shane Priebe, Beach Lake, Bachelor of Arts, history; Christopher Schneider, Greentown, Bachelor of Science, math; Karli Van Duzer, Milford, Bachelor of Arts, sociology; Bradley VanLeuven, South Canaan, Bachelor of Science, meteorology; and Brianna White, Montrose, Bachelor of Science, biology.

PENN STATE

UNIVERSITY

(Spring/summer grads)

Alex-John F. Alcaraz, Pittston, Bachelor of Science, crime, law and justice; Leigh Ann Amico, Wyoming, Bachelor of Science, health policy and administration; Kristin Augustine, Wyoming, Bachelor of Science, information sciences and technology; Priscilla A. Balseca, Pocono Summit, Bachelor of Arts, journalism; Christian Bamberger, Blakeslee, Bachelor of Science, toxicology; Melanie A. Battle, Dalton, Bachelor of Science, energy engineering; Michael Bonacci, Moscow, Bachelor of Science, mechanical engineering; Robert P. Brentano, Scranton, Bachelor of Science, criminal justice; William E. Brew, Carbondale, Bachelor of Science, chemistry; Amber L. Brodbeck, Moosic, Bachelor of Science, human development and family studies; Matthew T. Bufano, Exeter, Bachelor of Arts, journalism; John A. Bukowski, Throop, Bachelor of Science, nursing; Bridget E. Burleson, Tunkhannock, Bachelor of Science, business; Kelly Burnett, Moscow, Bachelor of Science, business; Julia J. Buselli, Pittston, Bachelor of Arts, English; Michael J. Calabro, Avoca, Master of Business Administration, business administration; Brian C. Cali, Dunmore, Bachelor of Science, business, with high distinction; Fatih S. Cangoz, South Abington Twp., Bachelor of Arts, International Politics; Megan B. Carey, Archbald, bachelor of science, veterinary and biomedical sciences; Jeffrey P. Cook, Clifford, Bachelor of Science, petroleum and natural gas engineering; Martina A. Coon, Scranton, Bachelor of Science, labor studies and employment relations; Amanda. M. Crowley, Dalton, Bachelor of Science, human development and family studies; Megan E. Dailey, Clarks Summit, human development and family studies; Kevin J. Daley, Pittston Twp., Bachelor of Science, earth sciences; Chelsie C. Daugherty, Clifford Twp., Bachelor of Science, statistics; Brendan De Grim, Scranton, Master of Professional Studies, homeland security; Marah B. DeGraw, Milford, Bachelor of Science, mathematics; Brianna R. DeMarco, Dunmore, Bachelor of Science, human development and family studies; Tyler M. Dempsey, South Abington Twp., Bachelor of Arts, letters, arts and sciences; Keri M. Derogatis, Clarks Summit, Bachelor of Science, human development and family studies, with highest distinction; Caitlin A. Doney, Honesdale, Bachelor of Science, human development and family studies; Meghan J. Dooley, Susquehanna, Bachelor of Arts, psychology; Lindsey A. Dragwa, Browndale, Bachelor of Science, business; Mark L. Dunleavy, Scranton, Bachelor of Science, pre-medicine; Dillon R. Durinick, Milford, Bachelor of Science, meteorology; Michelle A. Eckert, Scranton, Bachelor of Arts, letters, arts and sciences, with distinction; Scott V. Ephault, Olyphant, Bachelor of Science, human development and family studies; Alison M. Eroh, Scranton, Bachelor of Arts, letters, arts and sciences, with high distinction; Lisa. L. Fenstermacher, Hawley, Associate of Science, business administration; Amanda Fobes, Waymart, Bachelor of Science, geosciences; Stephon G. Galka, Roaring Brook Twp., Bachelor of Science, administration of justice; Krysten N. Gemski, West Pittston, Bachelor of Science, nursing; Leah Genovese, Dunmore, Bachelor of Science, nursing; Hannah E. Glossenger, Honesdale, Bachelor of Science, human development and family studies; James J. Graff, Scranton, Bachelor of Science, energy, business and finance; Thomas M. Granoski, Swoyersville, Bachelor of Science, administration of justice; Leland E. Greene, Clarks Summit, Bachelor of Science, information sciences and technology; Chad M. Griffith, Dickson City, Bachelor of Science, information sciences and technology; James G. Habeeb, Dickson City, Bachelor of Arts, English; David R. Hilling, Archbald, Bachelor of Science, organizational leadership; Justin V. Iezzi, Dunmore, Bachelor of Science, computer science; Inna Ivanov, Scranton, Bachelor of Science, business; Allison K. Jacobs, Clarks Summit, Bachelor of Science, forensic science; Kerry C. Joyce, Clarks Summit, Bachelor of Science, energy, business and finance; Joseph M. Juliano, Sturges, Bachelor of Science, information sciences and technology; Ian M. Kenney, Hawley, Bachelor of Music Education, music education, with distinction; Alexa A. Kerecman, Throop, Bachelor of Science, nursing; Ashlie B. Kincel, Old Forge, Bachelor of Arts, psychology; Lindsay M. Kokindo, Dickson City, Bachelor of Science, nursing; Sara N. Kraemer, Bushkill, Bacelor of arts, letters, arts and sciences; Cheyanne N. Kresge, Lake Winola, Bachelor of Science, business; Justin A. Kurek, Jessup, Bachelor of Arts, English; Desiree N. Laudeman, Springville, Bachelor of Science, health policy and administration; Luc Lavanant, Dingmans Ferry, Bachlor of Arts, journalism; Maria F. Lawrence, Dunmore, Associate of Arts, letters, arts and sciences; Danielle J. Legg, Covington Twp., Bachelor of Science, business; Xibei Liu, Bushkill, Bachelor of Fine Arts in art; Randy W. Lohr, Springville, Associate of Science in business administration; Joseph R. Loquasto, Old Forge, Ph.D, food science; Emily Ly, Olyphant, Bachelor of Science, forensic science; William H. Mainwaring, Honesdale, Bachelor of Arts, Japanese; Brikele Mallick, Carbondale, Bachelor of Science, nursing; Nicholas S. Mantis, Simpson, Bachelor of Science, electrical engineering; Bradford A. May, Union Dale, Bachelor of Science, information sciences and technology; Anthony Menendez, Pittston, Bachelor of Arts, English; Laura A. Merrill, Scranton, Bachelor of Science, nursing; Nickolas D. Mihal, Wyoming, Bachelor of Science, mechanical engineering; Michael G. Mikulski, Lake Winola, Bachelor of Science, computer engineering; Vanessa E. Minet, Moosic, Bachelor of Science, human development and family studies; Frank J. Misuraca, Mount Pocono, Bachelor of Science, mechanical engineering technology; Angelo Montaro, Dunmore, Bachelor of Science, business; Jennifer M. Moran, Blakeslee, Bachelor of Science, biobehavioral health; Sean Morton, Lake Ariel, Bachelor of Science, meteorology; Brianne E. Murphy, Milford, Bachelor of Science, psychology, with distinction; Christopher Musso, Clarks Summit, Master of Engineering, systems engineering; Johnathan R. Myrkalo, Inkerman, Bachelor of Science, electrical engineering technology; Samantha L. Nicoteri, Greenfield Twp., Bachelor of Science, business; Travis E. O’Neill, Honesdale, Bachelor of Arts, international politics, with distinction; Andrea E. Odell, Honesdale, Associate of Science, business administration; Helene Pallo, South Abington Twp., Associate of Science, business administration; Michael A. Pane, Jermyn, Bachelor of Science, electrical engineering; Alexandra R. Paradise, Moscow, Bachelor of Science, accounting; Jay B. Patel, Scranton, Associate of Arts, letters, arts and sciences; Mary Pittack, Jermyn, Bachelor of Science, human development and family studies; Krista E. Pulkkinen, Hawley, Bachelor of Arts, journalism, Bachelor of Arts, political science; Regina M. Reese, Milford, Bachelor of Arts, anthropology; Josef R. Reese, Tunkhannock, Bachelor of Science, environmental resource management, with distinction; Kristen M. Regan, Old Forge, Bachelor of Science and Masters of Accountancy, accounting, with high distinction; Kristine E. Rhubright, Laceyville, Bachelor of Science, accounting; Audrey T. Rivera, Milford, Associate of Science, business administration; Fawn A. Romanko, Pittston, Bachelor of Science, industrial engineering, with distinction; Andrew J. Rupp, Honesdale, Bachelor of Science, kinesiology; Barbara A. Savoy, Friendsville, Associate of Science, business administration, with high distinction; Alexandria Schraeder, West Pittston, Bachelor of Science, information sciences and technology; David R. Schwendemann, Tobyhanna, Bachelor of Arts, political science; Sandra M. Scott, Peckville, Bachelor of Science, nursing; Tyler M. Sebastian, Dalton, Bachelor of Science, accounting; Joseph W. Shafer, Laflin, Bachelor of Science, management information systems; Dawn M. Shelley, Wyoming, Bachelor of Science, nursing; Eric D. Shrive, Scranton, Bachelor of Science, hotel, restaurant and institutional management; Katlyn E. Shulde, Carbondale, Bachelor of Science, human development and family studies; Amanda J. Smith, Milford, Bachelor of Science, communication sciences and disorders, with high distinction; Michele M. Steinmetz, Roaring Brook Twp., Master of Professional Studies, homeland security; Gabrielle E. Stelmak, Scranton, Bachelor of Science, psychology; Michael R. Stevens, Exeter, Bachelor of Science, electrical engineering technology; Thomas J. Strackbein, Scranton, Associate of Arts, letters, arts and sciences; Andrew J. Tomaskevitch, Peckville, Bachelor of Science, marketing; Gina M. Torba, Scranton, Bachelor of Science, nursing; Chevus M. Turner, Hop Bottom, Bachelor of Science, geosciences; Alessandro Tuzze, Mayfield, Associate of Science, business administration; Jessica F. Wagner, Tunkhannock, Bachelor in Elementary Education, elementary education; Colleen A. Warring, Waymart, Bachelor of Science, business; Maria L. Wegielewski, Scranton, Bachelor of Science, human development and family studies; Colleen P. Whitaker, Kingsley, Bachelor of Arts, psychology; Ian White, Browndale, Bachelor of Science, wildlife and fisheries science; Katelin B. Wilson, Long Pond, Associate of Arts, letters, arts and sciences; Sarah J. Yzkanin, Olyphant, Bachelor of Science, human development and family studies.

WILKES UNIVERSITY

(Spring/summer grads)

Jeremy Aulisio, Old Forge, Bachelor of Business Administration, management; William Balasavage, Inkerman, Bachelor of Business Administration, management; Holly Banks-Fry, Wyoming, Master of Science, education; Kathleen Bennie, Moosic, Master of Business Administration, business administration; Nicholas Bogumil, Plains, Bachelor of Science, biology; Adrienne Borgia, Clarks Summit, Master of Science, education; Ann Bragan, Clarks Summit, Master of Science, education; Elisabeth Costanzo, Clarks Summit, Master of Fine Arts, creative writing; Ruth DeSantis, Scranton, Master of Science, education; Josephine Doughton, Olyphant, Master of Science, education; Ryan Geoffroy, Olyphant, Master of Science, education; Richard Giamusso, Exeter, Master of Arts, creative writing; Angela Giglia-Morrison, Greenfield Twp., Master of Science, education; John Haas, Pittston, Doctor of Education, educational administration; Justin Healey, Taylor, Bachelor of Science, biology; Robert Holly, Duryea, Master of Arts, creative writing; Ariel Kavulich, Taylor, Master of Science, education; Kelsea Kleinbauer, Mayfield, Bachelor of Arts, psychology; Erin Kreis, Dunmore, Master of Science, education; Brandon Kuhar, Moscow, Bachelor of Business Administration, management; Jeffrey Marx, Scranton, Master of Science, education; Kelley McConnell, Jessup, Master of Science, education; Jenna Morgan, Hawley, Master of Science, education; Corinne Nulton, Archbald, Master of Arts, creative writing; Heather Oneal, Olyphant, Master of Science, education; Michael Pasquariello, Dupont, Master of Science, education; Daniel Pisanchyn, South Abington Twp., Bachelor of Science, mechanical engineering; Nicholas Rauh, Plains, Master of Science, education; Erin Reese, Spring Brook Twp., Bachelor of Arts, theatre arts; Alyssa Regan, Old Forge, Bachelor of Science, nursing; Allison Rogalewicz, Dunmore, Master of Business Administration, business administration; Esther Schnaidman, Scranton, Bachelor of Science, nursing; John Schuh, Pittston, Master of Science, education; Kristal Sedlak, Olyphant, Master of Science, education; Alyssa Sheluga, Scranton, Bachelor of Science, nursing; Rachel Sluhocki, Plains, Bachelor of Science, nursing; Michaela Steele, Montrose, Master of Science, education; Joseph Surridge, Moosic, Master of Science, education; Dawn Sutton, Tunkhannock, Doctor of Education, educational technology; Barbara Taylor, Scranton, Master of Fine Arts, creative writing; Patrick Verrastro, West Wyoming, Bachelor of Arts, earth and environmental sciences; Jo Ann Voda, Springville, Master of Science, Education; Lauren Wiedl, West Pittston, Master of Science, education; John Woloski, Plains, Master of Science, education; and Bryan Wyllie, Lake Ariel, Master of Science, education.

RENSSELAER

POLYTECHNIC

INSTITUTE

Taylor Bennett, Old Forge, Bachelor of Science, chemical engineering; Thomas Hartmann, Milford, Bachelor of Science, electrical engineering, summa cum laude; Vincent Riggi, Pittston, Bachelor of Science, geology, summa cum laude; and Mark Sgobba, Madison Twp., Bachelor of Science, computer and systems engineering.

SLIPPERY ROCK

UNIVERSITY

Trisanna Boodie, Tobyhanna, Bachelor of Science, exercise science; Abbey Cadden, South Abington Twp., Bachelor of Science, geography-environment studies; Kristin Gibbs, Bushkill, Master of Education, environmental education online; Maria Montaro, Dunmore, Bachelor of Science, social work; and Cassandra Rutledge, Damascus, Bachelor of Science, social work.

SOUTH HILLS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

& TECHNOLOGY

Robert Orloski, Jefferson Twp., Associate in Specialized Business with highest honors.

Lackawanna County says it suspended a prison employee for one day after she called in sick so she could picket with striking Children and Family Services workers.

Joseph Joyce, attorney for the county, revealed the information in a motion to dismiss a federal lawsuit filed by Michele Barnard.

Ms. Barnard filed suit on Nov. 19 against the county and human services Director Brian Loughney, accusing the county of violating her First Amendment right to free speech by retaliating against her for picketing with the CFS workers on May 14.

In the motion to dismiss filed last week, Mr. Joyce contends the county rightfully suspended Ms. Barnard without pay, which cost her $151.09, because she abused her sick leave.

Mr. Joyce also argues Ms. Barnard, who is employed as a correctional counselor, waived her First Amendment rights because the prison union’s collective bargaining agreement precludes union members from participating in “sympathy strikes” with other unions. That provision states any person who fails to comply can be subjected to discipline or discharge.

In Ms. Barnard’s case, she was provided a hearing on the proposed discipline. She also filed a grievance after county officials determined she should be suspended. The grievance was denied by the county.

Ms. Barnard’s attorney, Cynthia Pollick of Pittston, will have an opportunity to respond to the motion. A judge will issue a ruling at a later date.

Contact the writer:

tbesecker@timesshamrock.com

Archbald

Recycling schedule: Holiday recycling schedule: Thursday pickup, Monday; Friday pickup, Tuesday following week; no change in trash collection.

Carbondale

Garbage collection: Friday

and Jan. 1 trash routes will be collected Saturday.

Midvalley

Blood drive: Mid Valley Health Care Center Blood Drive/Open House in memory of Lou Ruspi Jr., Jan. 4, 2-7 p.m., 81 Sturges Road, Peckville; T-shirts, raffle baskets, tours; details/schedule appointment: Brenda Conlon, 570-202-0748.

Old Forge

Class meeting: Old Forge class of 1964 meeting, Jan. 20, noon, Arcaro and Genell’s.

Throop

Dog licenses: Lackawanna County dog license sale, Jan. 8, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Throop Municipal Building, 436 Sanderson St.

Booster meeting: Throop Booster Club meeting, Sunday, 6 p.m., Throop Civic Center, officer nominations/event planning.

Tunkhannock

Healing service: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church healing service, Monday, 7 p.m., 3832 Route 6; focus on holiday sadness led by John Hardman-Zimmerman, hospice chaplain; Rev. Lou Divis, 570-836-2233.

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.

MOUNTAINTOP — Anastasia Kostin had a wish fulfilled a few years ago, and now she has the opportunity to return the favor.

Anastasia was like every other 5-year-old kid getting ready to start kindergarten at Fairview Elementary School. That was, until she fell ill on registration day.

“They had an interview with the teacher and she was feeling so bad,” her father, Alex Kostin, explained.

“She kept fainting and we didn’t know what was going on,” her older sister, Catherine Kostin, added.

The young Wright Twp. girl was taken to a local hospital in 2010, but the doctors could not explain her symptoms and suggested the family go to Geisinger Danville for further tests.

It was in Danville that Anastasia was diagnosed with leukemia.

She underwent three years of chemotherapy and other treatment to battle the disease. To keep her comforted during her treatment, her sister said she constantly carried around her stuffed pet Tigger.

Five years later, she is now in remission and a cheerful fourth-grade student who enjoys playing outside and fighting super villains on her Xbox, courtesy of the Make-A-Wish foundation.

In the midst of treatment, Anastasia was gifted her wish of owning a television and Xbox by a local chapter of the well-known charity organization.

The Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia chapter held a contest for children who previously had their wishes granted — draw a Christmas card for the 2015 holiday season that the organization will use in a fundraiser.

Out of about 40 submissions, Anastasia’s holiday card — featuring an orange tabby cat sporting a Santa hat — was chosen as one of the five winners.

How long did it take her to draw her masterpiece?

“Maybe five minutes?” she answered with a smile.

At first, Anastasia said she didn’t know what to draw. But one day, as she was doodling a cartoon cat — one of her favorite animals — she decided that would be her card submission.

“It was exciting when I got to (draw) the cat,” Anastasia said. “When they said it was a holiday card, I drew the snowflakes and the Christmas hat on the cat.”

The inside of Anastasia’s card reads “Wishing you a purrfect holiday season.”

The other four winning cards were chosen from dozens of designs submitted by wish kids. They depict wintry and holiday themes such as snowmen, a girl making a snow angel, ornaments on a Christmas tree and a holiday wreath. Also included on the back of the cards is the artist’s name, hometown, age, medical condition and wish.

Each package includes 15 color cards of the same design, with envelopes included for $15, plus shipping fees. All proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia chapter.

According to Make-A-Wish spokeswoman Francesca Dabecco, the organization has already sold more than 200 packs of the holiday cards.

To other children going through a similar battle, Anastasia simply wished for them to “try to get better.”

“I think it’s just important to stay strong,” her older brother, Andrew Kostin, said.

Although Anastasia was held back a year in school due to time missed during treatment, that hasn’t stopped her from dreaming of a future career as a veterinarian.

“(Because) then I can help sick animals,” Anastasia said.

Cards can be ordered online by visiting the Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia website, greaterpawv.wish.org, or by calling 800-676-9474.

Contact the writer:

cjacobson@citizensvoice.com,

@CVcljacobson on Twitter

As Scranton School District officials still search for $31.2 million to avoid default this year, they will raise taxes and borrow money next year.

On Monday night, directors passed a $146.5 million budget for 2016 that increases property taxes 2.8 percent and borrows millions — delaying debt payments and using money set aside for large health care claims.

“It’s with a heavy heart, but the state has our backs against the wall,” board President Bob Sheridan said of the tax increase that will raise bills $33 for every $10,000 in assessed property value. “They left us no alternative.”

Not having a state budget means the district has received no state money during the nearly six-month budget impasse. Directors plan to reopen the district’s spending plan after legislators pass a state budget.

Along with the tax increase, the district will use a “scoop refund” for an additional year, meaning the district will delay paying nearly $10 million in debt and push those debt payments into the future. The district also used a scoop for 2015, borrowing about $10 million for the current fiscal year. The budget is also balanced using another one-time revenue source, $2.5 million from the district’s health care trust.

Besides district employees, union representatives and those on official business, no members of the public attended the meeting. Since the preliminary budget was passed in November, no members of the public spoke at meetings directly about the budget or the tax increase.

Most budget motions passed 7-2, with new directors James Timlin and Tom Schuster voting against most of the tax levying motions, including real estate, earned income and mercantile taxes. Both directors refused to comment on the reasons for their dissents, citing sensitive negotiations with banks as the district seeks the $31.2 million bond — an issue separate from the 2016 budget.

If the district does not find the money by the end of this year, it will default on its two tax anticipation notes. Without a state budget providing the district with state funding, the district has been unable to repay the two loans. After ratings agency Standard & Poor’s withdrew the district’s credit rating earlier this month, it has been much harder for the district to secure a bond.

After Monday night’s meeting, Mr. Sheridan said that negotiations are continuing and the district is “close” to a deal.

In other business, the board:

■ approved the annual financial report and audit for 2014, neither of which was discussed publicly. The audit showed the district had a general fund deficit of $18.9 million at the end of 2014. The deficit is not addressed by the bonds or reflected in the 2016 approved budget.

■ approved a $19 million tax anticipation note from First National Bank for the start of 2016, which will be needed to pay bills. The loan, with a 2.39 percent interest rate, is in jeopardy if the district defaults on its current loans.

■ reappointed John Minora to serve as solicitor, the Palumbo Group as architect of record and Peters Design Group as engineer of record. Rates did not increase. Mr. Minora receives a monthly retainer of $3,500 to attend board meetings and expulsion hearings, and receives $85 an hour for other duties. Other rates were not immediately available.

The district did not request bids for the services, which could be a violation of a policy the board passed in October. The policy requires the district to bid out any professional services contract valued at more than $10,000. Asked by The Times-Tribune about the policy after the meeting, Mr. Sheridan said he would investigate.

■ will consider a hiring freeze at the January meeting. Director Mark McAndrew made a motion for the freeze on all nonessential positions, but Vice President Cy Douaihy said Mr. McAndrew must make the proposal in writing.

■ hired Mary Ann Cartegna as director of special education and support services. The current director of special education at the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit, she is a former Scranton elementary school principal. Her salary was not immediately available. She replaces Gina Colarossi, who resigned this fall.

The board also hired Donna Macavage and Melissa Michael as paraprofessionals and Jack Loscombe as hall monitor.

■ voted to replace the public address system and synchronized analog clocks at West Scranton High School, at a cost of $59,871.50.

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

A controversial power plant project proposed in Jessup took a major step forward Monday when borough council granted a conditional use permit to Invenergy LLC, the plant’s developer.

Council voted 6-to-1 to approve the company’s permit application before a packed audience. Councilman Joseph Mellado cast the lone dissenting vote.

The permit indicates that Invenergy is in compliance with the borough’s zoning ordinance, bringing the 1,500-megawatt, natural-gas-fired power plant, which will be known as the Lackawanna Energy Center, one step closer to becoming a reality.

With the vote, council set 15 conditions that are now permanently attached to the operating permit, meaning that Jessup can pull the permit at any time if the conditions are not met.

Conditions demand that the Lackawanna Energy Center be in compliance with all federal, state and local regulations, obtain all necessary permits prior to construction and enter into a road repair agreement with the borough.

Furthermore, a complaints phone line must be established, copies of Department of Environmental Protection emissions monitoring and waste water reports must be provided to the borough, and designated borough personnel must be granted site access for inspection.

Other conditions set construction hours, call for an emergency response plan in consultation with local emergency services, and require project lighting and the appearance of exhaust stacks to be reasonably unobtrusive.

Invenergy must also enter into a host community agreement with Jessup as a condition of the permit.

The company raised their host agreement offer from $500,000 to $1 million annually earlier this month, but terms of the host agreement have not been finalized and could change.

Prior to the vote, several residents raised concerns about the plant.

“This fine particulate matter (produced by the plant) will cause lung cancer, COPD, strokes and heart attacks,” resident Ronald Armezzani said. “A million dollars for our health? I know every decision is a gamble, but this is a gamble that we can not afford to lose.”

Borough engineer Dennis Kutch did report that IES Engineers, contracted to review the air quality and air monitoring portion of the application, found that “compliance with national ambient air quality standards will be maintained.”

Others at the meeting spoke in favor of the proposed plant.

“This technology is the future of our electrical system in this country,” said Jeff Addley of the pro-plant group Jobs for Jessup. “This project will provide safe, reliable energy that will make our environment cleaner ... and provide long-term, family-sustaining jobs.”

Invenergy is still waiting on several nonborough permits, including an air permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection that they expect to receive shortly and a storage tank permit expected sometime in January, according to Invenergy attorney Michael Blazer.

The state Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public meeting and hearing to discuss an industrial waste water permit — also sought by Invenergy for the project — on Jan. 4 at Valley View High School.

Invenergy’s next step with Jessup Borough will be to present a land development plan. A date for that presentation has not been set.

Contact the writer: jhorvath@timesshamrock.com, @jhorvathTT on Twitter

MARRIAGE LICENSES

■ Kasim Sedek Connor and Shaunte Lucille Mathis, both of Scranton.

■ Luis Raul Vega Jr., Pocono Summit, and Rachmi Hidayati, Scranton.

■ Holliann Elizabeth Brooks and Robert Emmett Meehan Jr., both of Moosic.

■ Samantha Lee Erb, Scran­ton, and Jack Steven Campbell III, Duncansville.

■ Malinda Nina Nelson and Edward Elam Richardson Jr., both of Carbondale.

■ Michael Lamont Nicholas and Carlene Elizabeth Gula, both of Scranton.

PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

■ Elyse Douglas and Colleen O’Hora, co-executrixes of the estate of Thomas J. O’Hora, sole shareholder of Wyoming Realty Corp., Scranton, to Matthew Gray, doing business as Total Collision, Scranton; a property on Amelia Avenue, Scranton, for $106,000.

■ Thomas N. Edwards IV, Jackson Twp., N.J., Timothy L. and Stephanie Edwards, Milford, N.J., and Carol Edwards, Clarks Summit, to Amy Stafursky, Clarks Summit; a property at 406 Electric St., Clarks Summit, for $139,500.

■ Nicholas and Marlene Muto, South Abington Twp., to Dean A. and Sarah E. Pettinato; a property at 533-535 Charles St., Throop, for $97,000.

■ John and Yvonne Wargo, Scott Twp., to Susan J. and John Roba, North Abington Twp.; a property in Scott Twp. for $500,000.

■ George N. and Jacqueline O. Deane to Michael Graci; a property at 103 Mountainview Court, Roaring Brook Twp., for $27,500.

■ Blue Shutters Land Devel­op­ment LLC, Covington Twp., to Marissa O’Donnell, Moscow; a property at 104 Ash Lane, Covington Twp., for $50,000.

■ Joan Marie Boyarsky, Scott Twp., to David A. and Michele Duchnik, Scott Twp.; a property in Scott Twp. for $25,500.

■ George, Marijayne, Lauren and Katlyn Wallis, Carbondale, to Bomidoju LLC, Pleasant Mount; two parcels at 24 S. Main St., Carbondale, for $240,000.

■ Darlene and Rosario Cer­min­aro Sr., Jessup, to Jon G. and Sara Celli, Jefferson Twp.; a property at 1108 Church St., Jessup, for $85,000.

■ Carl R. and Suzanne E. Steindel, Spring Brook Twp., to Adrian and Michelle L. Fangio, Spring Brook Twp.; a property at 374 Maple Lake Road, Spring Brook Twp., for $199,000.

■ Janice Jackson, Blakely, to HKB Realty LLC, Dickson City; two parcels in Dickson City for $180,000.

■ Carmella M. Gramigna to Michal Kotowski; a property at 1222-1224 Luzerne St., Scran­ton, for $45,000.

■ Ronald A. DeLuca, Janet Meleski and Laura Ann DeLuca to Michal Kotowski; a property at 909 Slocum St., Scranton, for $30,000.

■ Scotch Motor Co. Inc., Car­bondale, to Carbondale Corner LLC, Carbondale; two parcels in Carbondale for $362,500.

DIVORCE DECREE

■ David Peregrim v. Lucia Maria Peregrim

FEDERAL TAX LIENS

■ Wholesale Alpaca Products Co. LLC, Classic Alpaca Co., 441 Carbondale Road, Scott Twp.; $41,381.80.

■ Joseph Evans, 352 N. Brom­ley Ave., Scranton; $3,104.73.

■ GI Cleaning & Building Maintenance Inc., 1304 Layton Road, Scott Twp.; $4,141.05.

■ Custom Concrete and Commercial Maintenance Inc., 1317 Layton Road, Scott Twp.; $11,559.88.

■ Warren and Patricia Reed, 1 Somerset Close, Moosic; $190,087.25.

ESTATES FILED

■ Frank Angeli Jr., 124 Sey­mour Ave., Scranton, letters testamentary to Neil C. Trama, 745 N. Lincoln Ave., Scranton.

■ Joseph Colarusso Sr., also known as Joseph D. Colarusso Sr., 731 Clevio St., Old Forge, letters testamentary to Kimberly Zambetti, 550 Winter St., Old Forge.

■ Lucille R. Gleichman, 802 Brook St., Scranton, letters of administration to Michael C. Cowley, 114 N. Abington Road, Clarks Green.

■ Margaret West, 1053 Water St., Moosic, letters of administration to Kenneth West, 1058 Water St., Moosic.

ONLINE: thetimes-tribune.com/courts

Man faces charges related to fake ID

DICKSON CITY — A Connecticut man is in custody after police say he bought iPhones using a fake identification card Monday.

Charles Britt, 40, 32 Alton St., New Haven, is charged with theft by deception, providing false ID to law enforcement and other charges. Borough police were notified of a man trying to buy cellphones and open accounts using fake identification cards Monday afternoon. As police investigated, a loss prevention officer at Target reported that a man purchased two iPhones and opened an account for the phones at about 4:20 p.m.

Dickson City Police Chief William Bilinski approached Mr. Britt, who matched the description provided by employees at the businesses, inside another store shortly afterward. Mr. Britt provided a Pennsylvania driver’s license identifying him as Thomas Muha and insisted that was his name. Police found a prescription pill bottle with Mr. Britt’s name on it in the bag that held the cellphones, Chief Bilinski said. His real Connecticut identification card was eventually found in his shoe and he also had a credit card bearing Mr. Muha’s name and a Social Security card and Connecticut birth certificate for another man, according to court documents.

Mr. Britt is held at Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday.

— CLAYTON OVER

CARBONDALE — A lifelong Carbondale resident was selected to fill a seat on the Carbondale Area School Board left empty after director Thomas Cerra resigned Dec. 4.

David Osborne was among three candidates who applied and were interviewed for the position at a special board meeting Tuesday. School directors, all present, voted unanimously to appoint him. Residents James Kelly, a retired civil structural designer and engineer, and Jim Sposito, a professional geologist, were also candidates.

Mr. Cerra, a board member for eight years, resigned amid claims he moved out of region 3, where he was elected to represent. Mr. Cerra said he was in the process of moving.

Mr. Osborne, 58, graduated from St. Rose High School and Penn State University with a degree in civil engineering. He is a regional manager at LaBella Associates, formerly Ceco Associates, in Scranton.

“As regional manager ... I’ve been involved in preparing budgets for the last 30 years and I think I can be an asset,” he said, noting he also has experience creating strategic plans. While Mr. Osborne has never held a school board seat before, he is a member of the Carbondale Redevelopment Board.

In response to a question from board Secretary Paul Kaczmarcik, Mr. Osborne said the budget crisis and continuing to offer students a good education were the district’s biggest challenges.

Because of Mr. Cerra’s resignation, Joseph Totsky was selected as board treasurer and Mr. Kaczmarcik will serve on the Northeastern Intermediate Unit board. Both posts will last until June 30.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, maintenance department workers Jeff Martin Jr.’s resignation was accepted and Jeff Martin Sr.’s position was reassigned. Board President Gary Smedley, with council from district solicitor John Lawler, said he could not go into detail about the positions; it is a district personnel matter.

Contact the writer:

kbolus@timesshamrock.com

@kbolusTT on Twitter.

DUNMORE — Fueled by a desire to share some of their favorite childhood memories with their own children, a group of mothers who organized the recent community holiday gathering at Dunmore Corners is taking the first steps to establish a permanent presence in the borough.

The Dunmore Pride Committee, whose members include seven mothers, business owners and professionals who live in Dunmore, organized last month’s Home for the Holidays in Bucktown after reminiscing about the summer block parties from their youths.

Hundreds of borough residents flocked to Drinker Street to take part in the event that featured costumed characters, live music, hot cocoa, cookies, antlers, ornaments and pictures with Santa — with support from local businesses and borough council.

“Since we had such a good response, we decided to parlay it into other community events for the future,” committee member Patrice Bonin said. “We got such a good vibe and such good feedback. It seems like everybody gelled after Nov. 29. Everybody is on the same page. We want to move forward on a positive note.”

The volunteers on Saturday distributed about 700 donated coats to underprivileged children and plans meet with a representative from the Scranton Area Community Foundation in the new year for guidance on forming a nonprofit organization. Its Facebook page, Dunmore Pride Events, already had 550-plus likes on Tuesday.

Councilwoman Carol Scrimalli said she heard significant positive feedback about the holiday event.

“It’s a wonderful way to bring all the residents of Dunmore together to share in the joy of Christmas and to celebrate the holidays together,” Mrs. Scrimalli said. “I’m really excited about their vision and their plans.”

Beyond turning Home for the Holidays into a regular Dunmore tradition, some other early ideas to bring people together include a free movie night at Dunmore Community Center, teen dances and maybe even a First Friday-like event to bring people to Dunmore.

“People from Dunmore have to go to Scranton to enjoy things like this or they have to go to Tunkhannock to enjoy things like this,” member Katie Golden-Smith said. “Why can’t we do it right here?”

The group has many reasons for spearheading new social events in the borough. They want to create a new holiday tradition to bring people home to their families, showcase Dunmore and its unique businesses and give people a common place to congregate.

But the group spoke most at length about giving their children traditional hometown events in an increasingly fast-paced world that is often filled with negativity.

Member Jenna Urban, a teacher at Dunmore Elementary Center, sees the benefits of technology advancements but thinks the time also comes to unplug.

“There are so many kids, they get together with their friends and sit on their iPads,” she said. “There is no social engagement. This is getting kids out into the community and getting them face-to-face, real-life play — making memories that aren’t behind a computer screen.”

Contact the writer:

kwind@timesshamrock.com,

@kwindTT on Twitter

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s state budget stalemate achieves today the dubious distinction as the longest during the state’s modern political era.

The Republican-controlled House took a step Tuesday toward ending the stalemate by positioning a Senate-approved $30.8 billion budget bill for a floor vote today.

The vote was 100-97 with a number of GOP lawmakers bucking their party leadership to join Democratic lawmakers voting for the move. Even if this bill clears the chamber, important tax and public pension bills that are part of a budget package remain to be voted on.

“We still have a ways to go, but this was a nice step in the right direction,” Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf said. “So we’ll see what happens tomorrow, and I’m hoping that we continue the progress.”

The current stalemate has lasted sixth months due to difficulties reaching a bipartisan deal supported by Mr. Wolf, the Republican-controlled Senate and the House.

Twelve years ago, a lengthy budget stalemate was resolved on Dec. 22, 2003, as the holidays approached. This involved only a portion of the budget — some $4 billion in basic education funding for school districts, however. The GOP-controlled House gave final approval on that day to a hike in the state personal income tax rate to fund education programs that Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell wanted. Mr. Rendell had signed a budget sent to him in March, but vetoed the instructional subsidy so he would have political leverage to negotiate for new revenue to pay for those programs.

Another lengthy stalemate over tax hikes came in 1977 with a general budget bill not being approved until late August. The budget wasn’t complete until tax hikes to support state aid for universities and colleges were approved that December.

Two earlier budget stalemates in the late 1950s and in 1970-71 have lasted longer than the current one, said Stephen Miskin, spokesman for House Majority Leader Dave Reed, R-62, Indiana, on Tuesday.

But there’s an important qualifier here.

Pennsylvania operated under a different political system prior to the early 1970s.

The Legislature was considered a part-time body that met several months a year. It dealt with fiscal issues only in even-numbered years. The governor couldn’t run to succeed himself in office.

Starting in the late 1960s, statewide voters adopted state constitutional amendments to transform the Legislature into a “continuing body for two years” and enable the governor to hold two consecutive terms. That led to the annual budgets we are familiar with today.

The changes were spurred by the expanding role of government at the local, state and federal levels, and desires of lawmakers to be a co-equal branch of government.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: rswift@timesshamrock.com

Man sentenced for child porn

SCRANTON — A Scranton man who investigators say downloaded child pornography was sentenced Tuesday by Lackawanna County Judge Michael J. Barrasse to four years of intermediate punishment, including three months in the county jail followed by three months of house arrest.

The state attorney general’s office arrested Richard Edward Edwards Jr., 37, in February on charges of downloading a video on a file-sharing program of a young girl performing sexual acts.

Mr. Edwards pleaded guilty to one count of disseminating a photo or film of child sex acts, according to the county judicial records office. Judge Barrasse also placed Mr. Edwards on probation for four years.

— DAVID SINGLETON

Man faces assault, burglary charges

TAYLOR — Police arrested a Scranton man accused of breaking into a house and attacking another man Monday night.

Enrique Herrera, 34, was charged with burglary, simple assault and related charges. Police responded to 1001 S. Main St. about 10:25 p.m. and a woman who lived there, Kimberly Patel, told them Mr. Herrera kicked in the door and attacked her boyfriend, Jonathan Vargas. Another woman, Kellie Heffron, was at the house and told police she was Mr. Herrera’s girlfriend and he was there looking for her.

Mr. Herrera denied hitting Mr. Vargas.

Mr. Herrera is held at Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $20,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday.

— CLAYTON OVER