Judge won't block Yuknavich trial
WILKES-BARRE - A Luzerne County judge Monday blocked last-minute attempts by Wilkes-Barre Twp. Fire Chief John Yuknavich's attorney to dismiss the theft case against him.
Barring any last-ditch surprises, the trial is expected to begin today as prosecutors attempt to prove allegations that Mr. Yuknavich illegally wrote himself $11,865 in fire department checks and spent $3,706 on the fire company's Sam's Club credit card.
Mr. Yuknavich's attorney, Barry Dyller, had argued that Judge Joseph Sklarosky Jr. should dismiss the case due to "prosecutorial misconduct" and for violating his right to a speedy trial. Mr. Dyller said prosecutors used "oppressive procedures" by issuing improper subpoenas and delaying the release of critical discovery documents.
Videoconference irks members
WILKES-BARRE - Three members of the Wilkes-Barre Area School Board stormed out of the regular meeting Monday when another member was allowed to participate by videoconferencing software from his new home in Germany, where he has taken a job.
The three women of the board, Maryanne Toole, Christine Katsock and Lynn Evans, attended the preceding public work session - as did Robert Corcoran's via videoconference - but left when they were informed their colleague would be allowed to cast votes in the following board meeting.
Solicitor Raymond Wendolowski said legal precedent allows members to participate and vote in meetings by phone. The real issue is whether Mr. Corcoran can still sit on the board while living 3,000 miles away from the district. As long as a member does not miss two consecutive meetings, the board does not have the power to remove that person, Mr. Wendolowski said.