Earth Day rallies held
WILKES-BARRE - Pennsylvania Green Party organized Earth Day rallies across the state in protest of the state Department of Environmental Protection's oil and natural gas policies.
The rally in Wilkes-Barre's Public Square included speeches by environmental activists and vocal and guitar music by Don Shappelle.
Afterward, a dozen of the activists stopped by the DEP northeast regional office in Public Square to drop off a petition with five demands for the state agency. DEP spokeswoman Colleen Connolly said the petition, along with others from Wilkes University and King's College students, will be forwarded to Harrisburg where policy decisions are made.
Ms. Connolly characterized Monday's rally as "peaceful" and said of the protesters, "We welcome dialogue and discussion with them, look forward to working with them throughout the year."
Board votes member out
WILKES-BARRE - Auf Wiedersehen, Bob.
Robert Corcoran, the Wilkes-Barre Area School Board member who moved to Germany in January and then participated in the February meeting using a computer screen and videoconferencing software, was voted off the board at a special meeting Monday.
The board now has 30 days to fill the seat.
He has frustrated other members by refusing to resign, despite not appearing at a school board meeting - virtually or in person.
Board solicitor Raymond Wendolowski said he informed Mr. Corcorcan of the vote in an email and received a response.
State law allows a school board to remove one of its members after he or she misses two consecutive monthly meetings.