Day care center ordered to close
STROUD TWP. - The state Department of Public Welfare has ordered the day care center where a child died earlier this year to close after a failed inspection.
A 3-month-old boy was found unresponsive at Thompson Family Day Care in late November though the death was not considered suspicious at the time.
The state DPW later inspected the facility and found several violations, including children sleeping on beds with cats and car seats beside them.
The department revoked the facility's registration. It now has 30 days to appeal the decision or it will close, said DPW spokeswoman Donna Morgan.
Appointments to board challenged
WILKES-BARRE - Luzerne County's top prosecutor Friday filed a court action challenging the validity of three appointments to the Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority board.
District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis said an investigation found the appointments of authority board members William D. Falls, Douglas J. Ayers and Kevin J. O'Brien violated either the panel's articles of incorporation or the county charter.
If a judge upholds the action, which is akin to a civil lawsuit, Mr. Falls, Mr. Ayers and Mr. O'Brien will be removed from the board.
Ms. Salavantis said she initiated the action after being approached by several county officials. She emphasized the action did not arise from any wrongdoing by Mr. Falls, Mr. Ayers and Mr. O'Brien.