News: Page 304
Luzerne County audit completion pressure building
September 2, 2018
Luzerne County’s administration is working feverishly to continue providing information needed for the overdue 2017 audit so it can be completed by the end of September, county Budget/Finance Division Head Brian Swetz told council last week. Financial investors expect an audit by Sept. 30, and delays could impact interest rates on future borrowing and refinancing, […]
Unhallowed ground: Abandoned cemetery continues to deteriorate
September 2, 2018
PLAINS TWP. — Never imagining the tragedy to come, Denise Kumor’s parents bought side-by-side mausoleum crypts at the Good Shepherd Memorial Park on Westminster Road because the cemetery was beautiful and they didn’t want her to worry about fussing over graves. “They never wanted me to have any burden,” said Kumor, who lost her father, […]
Luzerne County arts and culture board suggested
August 29, 2018
Luzerne County should have a board to help arts and culture flourish, local arts supporter Howard Grossman told county council this week. “I’m not asking for funds, just some type of advisory board that would be useful to use as members of county council and certainly to the arts organizations of this county,” Grossman said […]
Al Flora weighs in on litigation resulting in his $250,000 settlement
August 29, 2018
Former Luzerne County chief public defender Al Flora declined to respond to critics of his $250,000 litigation settlement, saying he does not believe it would “serve any purpose.” He also did not want to detail how much he will end up receiving after legal expenses or weigh in on the strengths and weaknesses of the […]
Luzerne County Council approves $250,000 settlement with Al Flora
August 28, 2018
Former Luzerne County chief public defender Al Flora will receive a $250,000 settlement to end 2013 litigation he filed against the county over his termination, a council majority decided Tuesday. The county’s insurance carrier will cover $234,000 of the settlement, while the county must pay $16,000, said county Chief Solicitor Romilda Crocamo. The county contribution […]
Back Mountain Library says goodbye to summer
August 26, 2018
DALLAS — An end-of-summer celebration at the Back Mountain Memorial Library brought out dozens of youngsters for games, crafts and refreshments. The party was the culmination of a summer program entitled “Libraries Rock,” which included not just reading, but storytelling, song writing and activities. Nadine Dreier, Dallas, said bringing her three children, ages 3, 4 […]
Luzerne County receives bids for ice jam damage repairs at River Common
August 26, 2018
Two contractors submitted bids to repair and install cut stone at the Luzerne County-owned River Common fishing pier, which was damaged by this year’s ice jam on the Susquehanna River — Panzitta Enterprises at $56,750 and Casterline Diesel Inc. at $127,500, county records show. Bids were due Thursday. The administration had estimated the work would […]
From math to medicine: Pulitzer winner coming to Misericordia
August 26, 2018
For a guy with a math degree, David Leonhardt has made quite a name for himself in the world of journalism, what with that Pulitzer prize capping an award-laden career spent mostly with the New York Times. Yes, that’s the same Times President Donald Trump tweets about, using phrases like “fake news” and “enemy of […]
Distinguished alum addresses Misericordia convocation
August 25, 2018
DALLAS TWP. — With a processional led by a contingent of bagpipers, Misericordia University welcomed 412 first-year students during its annual convocation ceremony Thursday in the Wells Fargo Amphitheater. The convocation program included a welcome by Misericordia University President Thomas J. Botzman, and an address by Stephanie J. Anderson (’68), the founder and retired president […]
Luzerne County Council to determine which capital projects are funded
August 24, 2018
After three months on the back burner, Luzerne County Council members are set to decide which capital projects will be funded. County Manager C. David Pedri submitted his proposed plan in May, requesting $1.3 million for parking lot repairs, additional courthouse restoration and an emergency reserve. This option would leave $664,246 in the dwindling capital […]