Scranton Edition news

Sen. Bob Mellow announces he will not seek re-election

Joe Healey — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:44:43 GMT

HARRISBURG -- Sen. Robert J. Mellow, D-Peckville, the state Senate’s longest-serving member and its highest-ranking Democrat, announced today that he will not seek re-election.

Blasting on I-81 canceled for Wednesday

Kristie Grier — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:20:00 GMT

PennDOT announces that blasting scheduled for Wednesday between Exits 184 Moosic Street and 182 Davis Street, northbound and southbound, has been canceled.

Back Mountain man announces run for Congress

Joe Healey — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:46:09 GMT

KINGSTON – On a campaign kickoff tour announcing his candidacy as a Republican in the 10th congressional district race, Dave Madeira made a stop in Luzerne County Tuesday to introduce himself to voters and ask them for their support.

Locals don’t back Doherty for gov.

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:04:24 GMT

Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty is staying in the governor’s race and Monday he discounted reports that he would shift gears and run for lieutenant governor.

Snow coming, and driving could be tricky

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:40:49 GMT

Folks in Luzerne County can expect at least 3 to 5 inches of snow to accumulate on Wednesday, with high winds and drifts that will impede driving and impact schedules, according to a local meteorologist.

Mount Airy applies for table games

Joe Healey — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:28:10 GMT

PARADISE TWP. -- Earlier this afternoon, Mount Airy Casino Resort near Mount Poocno filed an application with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board seeking approval for a Table Game Operation Certificate.

'Good Spirits for Haiti' to be held Feb. 10

Rich Howells — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:16:14 GMT

Organizers of “Good Spirits for Haiti,” a fundraiser for the missionary work of Fr. Rick Frechette of Compassion Weavers, recently met to plan a fund-raising event being held Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Trax at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, Scranton.

Rendell’s wish list to shrink

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:28:24 GMT

HARRISBURG — When Ed Rendell delivers his annual budget speech for the last time Tuesday, the governor known for bringing a kitchen-sink full of priorities is expected to outline a narrower set of goals.

Area colleges have plans to help students respect laws

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:34:02 GMT

WILKES-BARRE – Officials at Wilkes University and King’s College say the opening of more than a half-dozen new bars near their campuses has not caused any change in the way they educate students about alcohol safety.

Allied Volunteers Celebrate a Year of Successful Fundraising

Kristie Grier — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:21:37 GMT

The volunteers of Allied Services give that most precious donation of all -- their time. They work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to provide companionship to and raise funds for residents, patients, clients, and consumers.

Penn East FCU accepting scholarship applications

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:50:16 GMT

Applications are being accepted for Penn East Federal Credit Union’s scholarship.

‘Winter in the City’ planned

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:50:08 GMT

Scranton Tomorrow’s “Winter in the City” will be held Friday, Feb. 19, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Electric City Trolley Museum. Admission is $15 and includes cocktails, beverages and hors d’oeuvres from more than 30 restaurants, live music by Paul LaBelle & the Exact Change, and a silent auction.

Anthracite Museum featuring African American History

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:50:08 GMT

The Anthracite Heritage Museum in McDade Park, Scranton, will showcase “African American History in Pennsylvania” with an exhibition featuring the works of African American sculptor, C. Edgar Patience.

Yudichak will enter Senate race

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:49:05 GMT

NANTICOKE – State Rep. John Yudichak is expected to announce Monday that he will enter the race for the 14th Senatorial District seat now held by Ray Musto.

Scranton city council grills sewer authority

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:40:26 GMT

SCRANTON – An hour before the Scranton City Council meeting on Tuesday, Eugene Barrett, executive director of the Scranton Sewer Authority, agreed to meet with council at city hall for a public caucus about the controversial flat-rate billing change.

Gas drilling prompts DEP to open Scranton office

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:40:26 GMT

For some time, local legislators and environmentalists have complained that local oversight of natural-gas drilling is too difficult because the closest inspectors are in Williamsport.

Veterans’ outreach officer visiting area

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:40:22 GMT

Ruth A.Gonzalez, veterans’ service officer for the Veterans of the Vietnam War and the Veterans Coalition, will be visiting the area to assist veterans.

Ocean Logistics donates $1,000 to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:40:21 GMT

Ocean Logistics LLC, a subsidiary of C & S Wholesale Grocers Inc., recently presented a $1,000 check to Warren Reed, executive director of the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter in Clarks Summit. The donation will be used for the food and care of the shelter animals. At the presentation, from left, were Lisa Ezrin, human resources supervisor; Albert Barone, humane resources manager; Warren Reed; and Deborah Yantorn and Darlene McPhillips, warehouse associates.

community events

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:40:21 GMT

MAYFIELD – Parishioners of St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, 700 Hill St., Mayfield, will sponsor a homemade pierogi sale on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, from noon to 4 p.m. at St. John’s Center, Hill Street, Mayfield. Homemade pierogies, deep fried or uncooked, will be available for sale on a first-come, first-serve basis. Cost is $6 per dozen. Business establishment orders will be delivered on request. Business orders may be faxed to 876-2534. For more information, call 876-0730.

Women’s Network hosts relaxing luncheon

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:40:20 GMT

The Greater Scranton Women’s Network recently held a “special edition” luncheon at the Scranton Cultural Center, featuring salons and spas that offered members 10 to 15 minutes for themselves. In addition to the free services and lunch, guest speaker Ray Parchinski, owner of Uno Fitness, discussed wellness, nutrition and healthy living. Other scheduled Women’s Network events include: Feb. 17, noon to 1 p.m., luncheon featuring the topic, “$0 Marketing: Creating a wow factor,” Scranton Cultural Center. Tickets are $20 for Chamber members or $30 for non-members; March 17, noon to 1 p.m., luncheon featuring topic, “Employee Appreciation,” at the Holiday Inn, Dunmore. Tickets are $20 for Chamber members or $30 for non-members; April 7, 5 to 8 p.m., Ladies’ Night, Scranton Cultural Center. Tickets are $30 for Chamber members and $50 for non-members. For more information, visit www.scrantonchamber.com. Participating in the event, seated from left, are: Ellen Bolthouse, Bolthouse Associates; Dina Cipriano, Studio RD; Bernadette Lepre, Pennstar Bank. Standing: Mari Potis, Scranton Chamber; Katlynn Dixon, Pax et Bonum; Pay Parchinski, Uno Fitness; Sherrilyn Tarapchak, Alexander’s Salon & Spa; Karen Thomas, Penn Security Bank & Trust Company.