11/10/2023
Greater Nanticoke School Board gives departing Ken James presidency
mguydish@timesleader.com

NANTICOKE — At his last meeting after 27 years on the Greater Nanticoke Area School Board, Ken James got a send off that was arguably one for the record books.
Board President Tony Prushinski opened the monthly meeting by noting James has run meetings in his absence but never actually had the top post. Prushinski announced his resignation of the presidency, and the board unanimously appointed James president for one meeting.
At times nearly overcome with emotion, James shook hands with Superintendent Ron Grevera, sat down and started the meeting. Grevera then presented certificates to several members for their years of service, but had two mounted on plaques for Len Olzinski, who is also leaving the board but had served one year as president, and another to James — who, he noted, had been on the board “as long as I’ve been in education.”
Prushinski said he looked up the day he met James, in 1960. “It was the first day of kindergarten.”
Grevera pointed out James had joined the board when the district was millions of dollars in the hole and needed several new buildings, and oversaw many changes. The district has a healthy fund balance and multiple new buildings, as well as several new sports fields and a football stadium that recently got a new artificial turf. “When you have someone like that working in your community, you make the place a better place.”
The two people who will replace Olzinski and James were in the room, former board member Erika McQuown Jacobs and newcomer David Vnuk. James said Jacobs already knew how things would work, but offered Vnuk advice. “You’re better off sitting and listening,” he said, adding that the job is complex and difficult “and there are not a lot of thanks.”
James said he was proud of the many improvements done in his tenure, particularly in sports, adding that he was unable to see planned upgrades to the field house. During the meeting, the board moved that project forward, approving a proposal from AE7 to conduct a feasibility study at a cost is $8,900. The plan is to erect a “Tent pole” building for storage, thus freeing up about half the space in the field house, then upgrading the building.
The board also:
• Increased winter sports admission for adults and students by $1, with exception off families of rostered athletes,where the amount will remain the same. For most sports that means $2 for admission.
• Approved an agreement with NRG Controls North, Inc. for three years servicing heating and air conditioning computer control systems, at a total cost of $58,900
• Agreed to seek bids and quotes for a new work pick up truck. The current one failed to pass inspection.
• Approve an agreement with EduConsult for grant writing services at a cost of $2,000 per month for one year.
• Approved two Memoranda of Understanding with the teachers union, one to create an English Language Development K-12 department head with a $3,000 stipend, and the other creating a unified Sports Club adviser with a stipend of $1,010.
• Appointed Susan Walton as Future Business Leaders of America Club advisor, Diane Pientka as special education aid, Greg Wiepa Jr. for maintenance, and Johnathan Evancho as English teacher in grades 7-12.
• Approved a deal to have Torbik Safe & Lock, Inc., update and install the latest software versions on district doors for a three-year licence at a cost of $3,750.
 

11/8/2023
Nanticoke voters opt to retain term limits for mayor, council
mroarty@timesleader.com

NANTICOKE — Term limits for city council members and the mayor will remain in place and one councilmember’s re-election could be in jeopardy, according to unofficial election results on Tuesday night.
With 100% of precincts reporting at press time, voters overwhelmingly decided not to approve two referendum questions on the ballot, which would have deleted Section 2.09 and Section 2.10 of the City of Nanticoke Home Rule Charter.
This would have eliminated the provision that prohibits council members and the mayor from serving three elected, consecutive terms.
As of 10:52 p.m., there were 1,168 votes tallied against Amendment 1 (Section 2.10) and 733 votes tallied in favor of it.
For Amendment 2 (Section 3.09), there were 1,167 votes tallied against it and 736 tallied in favor of it.
Council’s decision to place the two questions on the ballot prompted much discussion and fierce opposition at several meetings back in July and August.
Three city council seats were up for grabs Tuesday and with term limits most likely remaining in place following an official count of the votes, it is possible incumbent Democrat Lesley Butczynski’s reelection will be called into question.
Butczynski tallied 1,264 votes, according to unofficial election results.
Butczynski’s eligibility was called into question earlier this year as it was unclear under the current charter provisions whether or not the one-time two-year term counted toward her total number of terms served.
Also on Tuesday, with three council seats up for grabs, voters reelected Democratic incumbent Lesley Butczynski for another four year term.
Butczynski was first appointed to Council in 2012, when she filled the seat vacated by Councilwoman Margaret Hydock, following her resignation.
Butczynski then won a one-time, two-year term in 2013. She subsequently won a four-year term in 2015 and a second four-year term in 2019.
City Solicitor William Finnegan told The Times Leader back in August that the language in Section 2.10 of the Home Rule Charter is vague, adding that the drafters of the charter did not define how long a term is — but that he would interpret it to be a period of four years.
The two other council seats went to went former city mayor Joseph Dougherty and Democrat Kenny James.
Doughtery tallied 1,245 votes and James tallied 1,186.
In addition to previously serving as mayor Dougherty, a Democrat, also served at least two terms on council and as city controller. 
All results remain unofficial until they are certified by the county Board of Elections.

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11/7/2023
Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge recommendation released
jandes@timesleader.com

Luzerne County’s outside engineer is recommending rehabilitation and partial replacement of the existing Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge over the Susquehanna River for approximately $39.6 million instead of constructing a new bridge at an estimated cost of $64 million.
“This alternative is recommended primarily due to the improved safety for the public, shorter construction duration and lower overall cost for the county,” said a preliminary engineering summary county Manager Romilda Crocamo released Monday evening.
Alfred Benesch and Associates completed the report and was retained by the county to complete an engineering study to determine the “best and most economical” option, officials have said.
With the recommended option, the county would replace the existing superstructure throughout the entire length of the bridge, replace select piers and rehabilitate/widen the remaining piers and abutments, it said.
The bridge dropped to a 15-ton limit and could be further reduced or shut down at any point if warranted based on an inspection, county Engineer Lawrence Plesh has said.
Unless other funding surfaces, county officials plan to pay for the bridge project with casino funding available for county infrastructure projects.
Based on authorizing state legislation, the county redevelopment authority entered into a borrowing agreement to create the infrastructure fund that will be repaid with $3 million provided annually for 25 years from the casino-gambling Local Share Account (LSA).
Council authorized $450,000 in American Rescue Plan funds to cover the engineering study. County officials have said final design would be completed by the end of 2024 so the project could be bid out in 2025.
According to the new summary from Benesch:
Three alternatives were investigated:
• Truss rehabilitation, which includes rehabilitation of the three truss spans to restore their original load-carrying capacities and remove the existing 15-ton weight posting and rehabilitation and superstructure replacement of 21 southern approach spans.
This would cost $47.8 million and have a construction duration of 3.1 years.
• Rehabilitation and partial replacement, which replaces the three truss spans with four conventional steel beam spans on new piers. It also would replace the superstructure on the 21 southern approach spans and widen the bridge deck.
This would cost $39.6 million and take 2.6 years to complete.
• Full replacement, which would construct a completely new bridge structure on a new alignment to the west of the existing bridge using “precast prestressed bulb-tee beams and optimized span arrangements.”
This would cost $64 million and require 3.3 years for completion.
The recommended option is $8.2 million dollars less than the next lowest alternative and can be completed six months sooner than the next fastest alternative, the Benesch summary said.
Ultimately county officials will make the final decision on how to proceed. Council and the administration are receiving a thick report intended to provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the options, Benesch said.
The bridge carries Lower Broadway Street over the Susquehanna to connect Nanticoke and the West Nanticoke section of Plymouth Township. The roadway is a continuation of State Route 3001 from the south and terminates at a the intersection with Route 11 at its north end, Benesch said.
Its summary said the bridge is “considered fracture critical” and “structurally deficient,” leading to the weight limit.
 

10/19/2023
Investigation underway into missing Nanticoke booster club funds
elewis@timesleader.com

NANTICOKE — A report of approximately $20,000 missing from the Nanticoke Football 12th Man booster club is being investigated, Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce and Nanticoke Police Chief Michael Roke confirmed Wednesday.
Roke said a report of missing funds was filed with the police department last week and a city police detective along with a county detective from the district attorney’s office are investigating.
Roke said the financial accounts of the 12th Man booster club will be audited to determine how funds were spent and the amount missing, if any.
The 12th Man booster club is a volunteer organization that raises funds to support the junior and varsity football team at Greater Nanticoke Area, and pays for awards, jackets and a banquet.
According to the booster club’s Facebook page, they club held an emergency meeting on Monday and announced they are revamping the club. 

10/18/2023
LCCC names Yudichak next president
mguydish@timesleader.com

NANTICOKE — Luzerne County Community College Board of Trustees took the next big step into LCCC’s future during Tuesday’s regular meeting, voting to make John Yudichak the next president after current president Thomas Leary retires next summer.
The appointment is contingent on the college and Yudichak “negotiating a mutually agreeable employment contract.”
The vote was 13-2, with Paul DeFabo and Holly Evanoski voting against. After the meeting DeFabo said he had nothing personal against Yudichak but that “He wasn’t my choice.”
Prior to the vote Board Vice-Chairman Robert Bertoni said the college had received 40 applications, which the search committee winnowed to six who were interviewed, with all board members invited to attend. Three names were forwarded for final consideration, with the committee voting to recommend Yudichak.
Yudichak served 12 years as state representative followed by 12 years as state senator, most of them as a Democrat, though he did switch to independent in 2019, citing the “toxic conversation that is so pervasive” in politics from both parties.
Yudichak left the senate, announcing in December of last year that he had accepted a position as senior adviser with Harrisburg-based GSL Public Strategies Group.
Leary has been president of LCCC for 16 years, first taking the job in 2007. He has worked in some capacity at the college since 1974, the year the operation was moved from downtown Wilkes-Barre to the current main campus in Nanticoke. He announced his retirement — effective June of next year — last December, two months after the board had granted an 18-month extension to a deal that was set to expire Dec. 11, 2022.
Prior to the vote on the next president, the board unanimously gave Leary a 3% raise for his final year, retroactive to July 1 of this year. That follows a similar raise last year for the 2022-23 fiscal year. The latest raise should boost his pay for this final year to about $208,691.

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10/14/2023
NEPA’rogi makes pink pierogi for October 
by: Amelia Sack 

NANTICOKE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One local business in our area is partnering with a nonprofit to help give back and raise awareness for their twist on the popular Polish food pierogi!
The Pink-Rogi Project.
This October NEPA’rogi is giving back and raising awareness with its pink potato and cheddar pierogis.
“What we are doing is partnering with the cancer wellness center of NEPA. Some of you may know it as Candy’s Place,” said Jasmyne Morgans the manager of NEPA’rogi.
The family-owned operation here at NEPA’rogi will be crafting and cooking up pink-rogis all month long. 
A portion of proceeds go to a cause that they say hits home.
“We have people in our family that have been through the cancer journey and survived,” adds Morgans.
“We recognize that there are many different types of cancer and that it impacts everyone not just the people who are going through the treatments but also family members,” explained Megan Zeilinski the director of operations at NEPA’rogi.
This is the first time NEPA’rogi is partnering with the Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA but they say they plan on doing their Pink-Rogi project for years to come.
“The folks reached out to us… they were interested in doing pink pierogi we thought it was a tremendous idea and the start of a great new tradition,” continued Tom Ruckey the director of the Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA.
The Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA supports people with every type of cancer.
“We provide free support services to cancer patients, their families, and caregivers. We’re able to keep all of those services absolutely free because of fundraisers like this,” says Ruskey.
Supporting a small business for a big cause.
You can get the pink-rogi at NEPA’rogis store in Nanticoke subject to availability but they recommend ordering ahead.
They’re also selling tee shirts for the cause on their Facebook page. 

10/14/2023
|Students dismissed from several school districts after threats
Schools in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming Counties received unspecified threats Friday
morning, forcing officials to send children home.
Author: Courtney Harrison, WNEP Web Staff 
Published: 10:36 AM EDT October 13, 2023 
Updated: 3:26 PM EDT October 13, 2023 

LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — Several school districts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming Counties dismissed students Friday after receiving threats.
Newswatch 16 has confirmed that at least nine school districts received some sort of threat, but there are likely many others.
The threats came in Friday morning.
Along with Wyoming Area, Lake-Lehman, Dallas, Wilkes-Barre Area, Northwest, Nanticoke, and Crestwood Area School Districts all evacuated their schools.
Several of the districts sent students to alternate locations off school property before parents were able to pick them up.
Kimberly Gustitus of Exeter has two kids who go to Wyoming Area, and she's glad her kids were sent home.
"After the first one, you're a little worried. Now, it's the second one, and I'm like, 'Oh, my gosh, this is ridiculous already,'" said Gustitus. "You can't take the risk because you never know. I think it's just someone, somewhere, doing this to cause mass confusion."
Scranton and Tunkhannock Area School Districts did not dismiss students after determining with law enforcement that the threats were not credible.
In a Facebook post on the Scranton School District's page said:
“The police and FBI are involved and confident that the threats circulating the school districts in our area are a hoax.”
"It's sad that the kids have to go through that," said Scranton resident Mary Coleman. "My daughter is only in fifth grade, and she just got there. It's scary."
Coleman believes the school district's decision was right.
"I do trust them to know that they're going to have the best interest for my kid, so whatever they feel will work."
School officials and law enforcement say it's important to investigate these threats, whether they're a hoax or not, no matter the inconvenience it causes.
Last month, a man from Peru was charged after he allegedly made more than 150 threats to schools and health care facilities in our area.

​

10/13/2023
GNA OKs after school help, Johnson College dual enrollment programs
mguydish@timesleader.com

NANTICOKE — The Greater Nanticoke Area School Board took several steps to improve academic opportunities at Thursday’s regular meeting, including establishing an after school extra help program in math and reading for students in Kindergarten through fifth grade. For older students, the board approved an industry fast track and dual enrollment agreement with Johnson College.
During the voting session 11 teachers were appointed to participate in the after school program, which Superintendent Ron Grevera said will run from immediately after school around 3 p.m. to about 4 to 4:15 p.m. Bus transportation will then be provided to drop the students off near enough to their homes that parents can pick them up. Teachers will help determine which students may benefit, and work with parents to encourage enrollment. Grevera said he would be happy to see 150 to 200 students taking advantage of the program.
The Johnson College agreement will give students a substantial discount on the per credit cost of taking classes, at $200 a credit or on average $600 per class. Students who want to do focus on one trade could graduate high school with an associate’s degree from the college, but Grevera said others could take advantage of it to see which trades and professions most interest them, then complete their college work after high school graduation. Classes will be held online or at either the main campus in Scranton or the new Hazleton Campus.
Grevera said the district is working with Luzerne County Community College to set up a similar program closer to home, at the LCCC Nanticoke Campus just down the road from the district campus.
In a separate matter, the board approved the purchase of 180 iPads from Apple Inc. for the Kennedy early Childhood Center at a cost of $52,920, and 180 iPad cases and six iPad charging carts from CDW-G for the Kennedy center at a cost of $10,860. Federal grant money will cover both purchases.
The board also:
• Accepted the resignation of Alan Yendrzeiwski as Key Club advisor, and appointed Amber Hyder to the position.
• Appointed Kyleen Thomas as 7-12 English teacher and Sandra Trocki as K-12 art teacher.
• Accepted the verbal resignations of cafeteria worker Lolita Devaughn and cleaner Laura Brown.
• Appointed Lara Adamski and Angela Millikin as cafeteria workers.
• Accepted the retirement of cleaner Nancy Pokrinchak.
 

10/12/2023
Nanticoke Crime Watch Committee plans move forward with community support
hsimerson@timesleader.com

NANTICOKE — The City of Nanticoke is one step closer to having extra eyes and ears on the lookout for crime.
During an informational meeting on Wednesday night in council chambers, several city officials gathered with over a dozen members of the public to discuss plans to organize a crime watch committee.
The committee is being formed after a growing concern of crime in the city, which Nanticoke City Mayor Kevin Coughlin says residents’ assistance will help to curb.
“Everyone here in this room wants the same thing and that’s to keep the city safe,” Coughlin said. “Hopefully, this will help us do that.”
The committee will consist of volunteers from the city who will be on the lookout for any strange activity happening in the community, which they would report to the police.
“It’s not a full-time job,” said District Attorney’s Office Det. Charles Casey.
“It’s about collecting information, keeping that information and sharing it when the police need it. You’ll be the eyes and ears of the police and that is unbelievably important,” Casey added.
The City of Nanticoke spans roughly three-and-a-half miles and is home to about 12,000 residents.
Currently, the Nanticoke Police Department keeps just two patrol officers on duty at any given point — a number Police Chief Michael Roke hopes to grow, but says it will take time to do so.
The crime watch committee would aid in the force’s efforts to keep the community safe in the meantime, he said.
“The information that comes from you guys is unbelievably important,” Roke said.
But, according to Casey, creating a large enough interest for the committee is important to ensuring its success, and the more residents keeping an eye out, the better.
“When you guys are talking to your neighbors, probably the most important thing you can do is encourage cooperation— that’s what will make this endeavor successful,” Casey said.
Residents who are interested in being involved with the committee can attend the next meeting, which Coughlin says will be scheduled in the coming days and posted to the City of Nanticoke website and the Nanticoke City Police Department Facebook page. 
 

9/19/2023
Rutgers honors Nanticoke boy, 13, as ‘Shining Knight of the Game’
boboyle@timesleader.com

On Sept. 3, the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights football team opened its 2023 season with a 24-7 victory over Northwestern University and 13-year-old Jayson Rivera of Nanticoke, who has endured four open heart surgeries, was honored as the “Shining Knight of The Game.”
A collaboration between Rutgers Athletics and official healthcare provider, RWJBarnabas Health, the Shining Knight of The Game is a meaningful initiative designed to lift the spirits and shine the spotlight on a pediatric patient battling healthcare challenges.
Born with a heart defect which required open heart surgery at just 2 days old, Jayson returned to Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility this past June for his fourth open heart surgery — and he has also endured more than 30 cardiac procedures to date.
Jayson’s mom, Tyesha Turnage, said her son attends Greater Nanticoke Area and he is in the 8th grade. She said he loves sports, but because of his condition, he is unable to play sports.
After arriving on the Rutgers University campus, Tyesha said Jayson was immersed in a full line-up of Rutgers Football Game Day activities. His experience included a VIP ride in a golf cart, with Sir Henry (Rutgers mascot) leading the pre-game parade down to Scarlet Knight Way.
Jayson also enjoyed a prime spot in the high-five line greeting Coach Greg Schiano and the Scarlet Knights team members as they got off the buses.
And, Jayson outlined his handprints and signed a commemorative display that will remain on a banner at future games.
To culminate the Game Day celebration, Jayson was joined on the field by his incredible family support system, including his mom, Tyesha, siblings Cassidy and Christopher, and his grandfather, Walter.
Tyesha said it was all smiles, as Jayson was saluted by the crowd for his bravery and strength to fight on, which included a rousing ovation from the Scarlet Nation.
Jayson and each future Shining Knight of the Game will be enshrined in a Rutgers Athletics facility highlighting their unique game-day experience.
“Jayson really loves sports, but he can’t play because of his condition,” Tyesha said. “And he absolutely loved the day. He was so happy.”
Tyesha said Jayson’s spirits were lifted by the day and the support of so many people.
“He felt the entire day was about him,” his mom said. “The people were chanting his name — he felt like a celebrity.”
Tyesha said she and her family are extremely proud of Jayson because of how he has handled all of the treatments and surgeries.
We are very proud of him and we love to see how he is always so happy,” Tyesha said. “When he visits the hospital, the call him ‘The Mayor.’ He goes around and talks to other pediatric patients to cheer them up.”
Led by Children’s Heart Center Medical Director Dr. Rajiv Verma, and nurse practitioner Kimberly Yue, a devoted team of medical experts at RWJBarnabas Health, have been caring for and comforting Jayson and his family throughout the years.
Tyesha said Dr. Verma recommended Jayson for the “Shining Night of the Game” honor.

​

9/12/2023
A day of remembrance
mroarty@timesleader.com

NANTICOKE — A total of 343 firefighters, 72 police officers and eight paramedics gave the ultimate sacrifice 22 years ago during the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks.
For roughly 10 years, aside from when they had to cancel due to COVID-19, Luzerne County Community College has held a Walk of Honor Ceremony on the school campus in a remembrance of those first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Attending the memorial service where members of the Nanticoke Fire Department, LCCC EMS students, elected officials, school faculty and members of the public.
Several speakers shared remarks including U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, state Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski and President Judge Emeritus Correale Stevens.
Members of the Nanticoke fire department participated in the lowering the flag to half-mast and Dept. Chief Steve Kotch lead the final alarm ceremony, which was used to symbolize honor and respect those who devoted their lives to their duty.
“It is easy for us who lived through that day as adults to think of how life was before and after 9/11 because it was one of those moments in history that changed the world,” said campus safety and security director Douglas Fawbush during his opening remarks.
However, as the years continue to pass, the events of Sept. 11 become less clear in the minds of young adults today. Some were too young to remember. Others, as Fawbush pointed out, were not even born yet.
“It is our responsibility to speak to them of the bravery and courage and sacrifice of those people who were violently taken away,” he said.
LCCC President Thomas Leary used his time to highlight the bravery and sacrifice of first responders.
“These individuals selflessly sacrificed their own safety by entering the Twin Towers to rescue survivors who have been trapped by the initial impact of the planes,” he said. “As we gather to honor the memory of those who suffered such great losses on Sept. 11, we’re also reminded of the courage and bravery demonstrated by emergency responders every day.”
Leary went on to read the list of 2023 Brick Memorials, which included the late Dept. Chief Norm Knoll and Bob Hazleton of the Nanticoke Fire Department, who passed away in 2017 and 2022, respectively.
Matthew Verbinski, a U.S Army Veteran and current LCCC student, was only five years old when 9/11 happened and admitted that he is one of those kids who has few personal memories of it.
“All I remember is my mother sitting at home for days with her head in her hands,” he said. “She was upset, she was crying.”
Still, the events of that day 22 years ago had a profound impact on Verbinski, changing the course of his life forever. After doing his own research into the terrorist attacks, he volunteered to become a firefighter. Once he turned 17, he enlisted in the army, where he served his country for eight years.
Now, as a student at LCCC, he is pursing his goal of becoming a forest ranger for the National park Service in order to perserve and protect green lands across the country.
“I do not remember the events of that day. I was not there. I do not have a lot of experiences that many of you do,” said Verbinski.
“But I can confidently say and I stand before you here, that what I learned and what I saw inspired me to do jobs and tasks that I never thought myself capable of doing.”
 

9/8/2023
Clean-up continues in Nanticoke after violent thunderstorm
elewis@timesleader.com

NANTICOKE — Several streets have reopened while others have a block closed to traffic Friday morning following violent thunderstorms that moved through the area Thursday evening.
Kosciuszko Street between East Noble and East Ridge streets remains closed due to a toppled tree across the roadway in front of the Kennedy Early Childhood Center or the Greater Nanticoke Area School District.
Due to damage suffered to power infrastructure from the thunderstorms, the school district will be on a flexible instruction day Friday. No district transportation will be provided.
UGI Electric Utilities reported at 7:30 a.m. Friday that 166 customers in Nanticoke remain without electrical service.
Trees also toppled in Glen Lyon, Newport Township, and throughout Sweet Valley and the Back Mountain areas.
Get ready for round two
The National Weather Service in Binghamton, N.Y., has forecasted more thunderstorms with gusty winds that may result in isolated flash flooding Friday afternoon. 
 

9/4/2023
Motorcyclists show their heart
mroarty@timesleader.com

NANTICOKE – The Valley with a Heart Benefit, which raises money to help aid families with children dealing with serious illness, celebrated 22 years Sunday with its annual bike ride and picnic at St. Faustina Parish Grove.
The ride kicked off bright and early at 11 a.m., with friends and family standing along the road side to get a glimpse of the bikers as they set out for an hourlong drive. According to the organization’s president, Rick Temarantz, nearly 300 bikes participated this year.
“There is a brotherhood in the biker community,” he said. “Usually, the bikers are the ones with the big hearts.”
The benefit had two poster children this year: 5-year-old Skyla, who has cerebra palsy and is quadriplegic, and 5-year-old Ayonna, who was born with a birth defect that affects normal blood flow to the heart. Both children frequently need to travel to the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia for treatments.
Money raised from the admission fee, riding fee, basket raffle, food and games will all go towards helping Ayonna and Skyla, as well as other children throughout Luzerne County, pay for medical, travel expenses and more.
The Valley with a Heart helps to pay medical bills, mortgages and gives out gas cards.
In addition to the bike ride, the benefit also featured a bunch of different options for food and beer, bounce houses and games for kids, as well as a whole craft and homemade dessert section.
The entertainment schedule was packed, with bands occupying both an outdoor stage and a stage underneath a pavilion.
There were also screens set up around the event grounds showcasing pictures from benefits past.
“It’s turned into a whole production,” said Temarantz, reflecting on the evolution of the benefit over the last two decades.
Once the bikers returned, the real party began and the live entertainment kicked off. Several local bands were set to play all the way through the night, with a fireworks show by SkyShooters Displays and the Lance Thorn Band to bring the evening to a close.
Wayne and Sue Horne venture down from Tobyhanna every year for the benefit. Although Wayne couldn’t ride this year due to recently having surgery, the duo was still excited to be apart of it all.
As proud members of the Wyoming Valley Motorcycle Club, they said the camaraderie with their fellow bikers keeps them coming back.
“It’s always a good time,” said Wayne Horne. “Good people, good cause.”
Steve Hughes and April Biddinger participated in the ride for the first time in a few years. Biddinger said the weather was better this time, plus the ride was longer, which she liked.
“It was a nice back road ride,” said Hughes. “We almost went as far as Berwick.”
They were excited to hear the local bands, some of whom were friends of theirs.
Diane Petracci, of Olyphant, was excited for the bands too. She was all set up with her fold-up chair in the front of the stage, chatting with friends before the music began.
“I love the bikes. I love it all,” she said. “It’s so cool.”
Despite the half-hour drive, Petracci said the journey is always worth it.
“It’s for a great cause. It makes your heart feel good.”

8/12/2023
Greater Nanticoke Area School Board joins Unified Sports movement
mguydish@timesleader.com

NANTICOKE — The Greater Nanticoke Area School District became the latest to join a growing movement that gets special education and regular education students together in sports. At Thursday’s regular meeting, the School Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Special Olympics Pennsylvania to participate in the Unified Champion Schools program. The program promotes social inclusion through “Unified Sports.”
Locally, that has meant students competing in track. Hanover Area, Wyoming Area, Wyoming Valley West and Wilkes-Barre Area have already been fielding unified sports teams against each other in area track meets. Greater Nanticoke Superintendent Ron Grevera said he’s excited about creating the opportunity for the students to work and play together, and hopes the options will expand in the future.
The district will be getting a new, digital color marquee sign at the entrance to the campus on Kosciuszko Street. The board approved a sponsorship agreement with FNCB Bank to purchase and install the sign. Grevera said the current sign is broken and at least 20 years old.
With the first day of school just three weeks away, the agenda was — like many other local school boards this month — loaded with personnel moves.
Teachers appointed included Ralph Piontkowski for social studies in grades 7-12, Chelsea Pike for health and physical education in all grades, Jody Zelinske for English in grades 7-12, Nicole Reese for English in grades 7-12, and Holly Sayre for grades K-6.
The board appointed as instructional aides Dawn Boyle, Carolyn Slusser, and Tammy Vincavage (special education).
Chiysta Fox was appointed lead cafeteria worker and Brian Pall as a school police/resource officer with a private employment contract at $46,000 for the coming school year.
And the board accepted the resignations of teachers Tonya Cumberland, and Donna Willis.
The board also:
• Approved bus stops and pick up times, and transportation contracts with Pace Transportation and Keystone Transportation.
• Approved the purchase of an electric convection oven at a cost of $13,191 under the state Co-Stars plan, which allows municipal governments and school district to purchase items at a price already negotiated by the state.
• Increased the price of faculty lunch meals to $4.75, and faculty breakfast meals to $2.40.
 

8/3/2023
Nanticoke to put fate of term limits on ballot
mroarty@timesleader.com

NANTICOKE — City Council on Wednesday approved two ordinances that will give voters the option this fall to eliminate term limits for both city council members and the mayor.
Ordinances #4 and #5 were given final approval by the Council with a vote of 3-2. Councilman Mike Marcella and Vice President John Telencho, who also voted against the move at the July 19 meeting, cast the dissenting votes.
Voters can now expect two questions to appear on the Nov. 7 municipal election ballot asking if they want to delete Section 2.10 and Section 3.09 of the city’s Home Rule Charter, which will eliminate the provisions which prohibit council members and the mayor from serving more than three elected, consecutive terms.
According to City Council Solicitor William Finnegan, the paperwork will be filed with the Election Bureau tomorrow and the bureau will ultimately decide how the questions are worded on the ballot.
During the meeting, Telencho once again expressed his opinion that eliminating term limits would discourage people from running for office.
Telencho also took issue with the fact that during the last meeting, Councilman Joseph Nalepa said there was little to no interest from the people in the community in wanting to hold a seat on the council.
“In 2019, there were eight people who ran for four seats. In 2021, there were four people running for three seats,” said Telencho.
Nalepa argued that everyone who ran in the last two election cycles were “already elected.”
“They were all involved with politics already,” said Nalepa. “There’s nobody outside of this realm, this political realm, that is running.”
Telencho pointed out that that wasn’t necessarily true, since he and Marcella ran and were elected for the first time in 2019.
Nalepa then doubled down. “This is not to discourage anybody from running. That’s not what this is.”
Council President William Brown pointed out that Nanticoke is the only municipality in the county that has term limits and Finnegan, who previously represented the City of Wilkes-Barre, agreed.
“I’m not aware of any municipality under Home Rule that has term limits,” he said.
Brown also agreed with Nalepa in regard to the recent lack of interest from the community in running for office
“I’ve been around a long time on city council going back to 2002 and I’ve seen a total difference in the turnout for candidates to run for elected office,” he said.
After the meeting, Marcella clarified that he voted no to approving the ordinances because he believes term limits help to diversify the council in order to best represent the people who live in the city.
“The council needs to mimic the community,” said Marcella.
In terms of the Home Rule Charter itself, Finnegan said that, like the U.S constitution, it’s a living document and it is subject to change as the years go on.
“These (ordinances) won’t be the last changes we make,” he said.
 

8/2/2023
With goats on their ‘baacks,’ seniors enjoy goat yoga program
boboyle@timesleader.com

NANTICOKE — With “Proud Mary” blaring and goats on their backs, some 40 senior citizens enjoyed 45 minutes of ‘goat therapy” on Tuesday at the Rose Tucker Active Adult Center in Nanticoke.
“Give me a baaaaaaa!’ shouted Ashley Raspen, owner of Buttinhead Farms in Hunlock Creek to get the party started.
And the 40 goat yoga enthusiasts shouted back, “Baaaaaaa!”
Raspen and her daughters, Alaina, 15, and Willow, 7, and her four goats — Ladybug, Brantley, Squishy and Mushy — brought smiles to all as they worked out with their new hooved friends.
There were leg kicks, hip swings, stretches and inhales and exhales during the 45-minute session.
“Shake it, shake it sir,” Raspen said to Ed Piestrak, 83 of Nanticoke, who helped lead the session while wearing a glittery grass skirt.
Piestrak said he visits the center regularly for exercise.
“But I never expected this,” he said with a smile. “This is fun.”
That was how all of the attendees felt about the goat yoga session.
“Come on, think kind thoughts, say kind words,” Rapsen urged the group. “Step out of your comfort zone and try something new.”
Raspen said to leave reality at home and step into “goat-ality.”
She then added, “Criss-cross, applesauce,” noting that she makes most of her comments up as the session goes along.
Raspen said she has 64 goats on her farm in Hunlock Creek.
On her website, buttinheadfarms.com, she tells “A goating great story.”
Raspen said she is a wife, mom of three, fitness professional, and “just so happens to be a goat farmer.”
She said, “So this is where the beginning of my journey started. Juggling fitness and farming — they were a match made in heaven. Members at the gym became fascinated with the goats on the farm. I decided to hold goat yoga sessions at the farm occasionally during the summer. Whoa! I was not planning on where we would end up in the first year of our business. The response was more amazing than I could have ever imagined.
Raspen said Buttinhead Farms Goat Yoga is like no other out there.
“When you attend one of our sessions, there are no expectations,” she said. “The only expectation is that you leave happier than you came and we take you away from every day stresses in your life during the time you’re with us.”
Mission accomplished on Tuesday.
Gail Voyton, director at the center, and Laura Dorshefski, the Assistant Director, said they discovered Raspen and her goat yoga program online and it seemed it was very popular.
“We have an exercise program here,” Voyton said. “We call it geri-fit. But everybody seemed to really enjoy the goat yoga today. We would love to have them back.”
The Rose Ticker center was the first center in Luzerne County to host goat yoga, she said.
Jan Davis of Glen Lyon said the session was a lot of fun.
“I like animals and I’ve done yoga for years, so this was great,” she said.
Charlotte Carney of Nanticoke agreed, saying the session was very good for the seniors.
“I never thought I would be able to get down that low,” she said. “And the goats were a lot of fun.”
 

7/26/2023
Teen, 16, charged with attempted criminal homicide in Nanticoke drive-by shooting
elewis@timesleader.com

NANTICOKE — A 16-year-old boy from Wyoming Borough was charged as an adult in the attempted homicide of a 14-year-old boy in Nanticoke on Friday. 
John Carl Pearce IV, of Wyoming Avenue, is accused of leaning out a passenger side window of a stolen Hyundai Elantra and fired multiple rounds in the area of West Green and Maple streets at about 7:15 p.m., according to court records. 
A 14-year-old boy who was walking from a park where he played basketball was struck in the head and ankle and was transported to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Nanticoke City Police said. 
Pearce was identified as the alleged gunman after investigators with the Pennsylvania State Police at Wilkes-Barre obtained video footage from locations in Nanticoke, Shickshinny and Larksville. 
After the shooting, the Hyundai Elantra was set ablaze in the area of Eno and Church streets in Plymouth, court records say. 
State police charged Pearce with two counts of aggravated assault and one count each of criminal attempt to commit criminal homicide, possession of a firearm by a minor, criminal conspiracy to commit arson, criminal conspiracy to commit reckless burning, criminal conspiracy to commit theft, criminal conspiracy to commit criminal mischief and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
Pearce was arraigned before Luzerne County President Judge Michael T. Vough early Wednesday morning and jailed without bail as he was deemed a flight risk and a danger to the community. 
According to the criminal complaint: 
A woman from Nanticoke reported her silver Hyundai Elantra was stolen from her East Union Street residence on July 19. 
Two days later on Friday, July 21, Nanticoke City Police responded to gunfire at West Green and Maple streets where they found the 14-year-old boy with gunshot wounds to his head and ankle. 
A friend of the victim told police they were playing basketball at West Side Park. As they left the park, the friend rode his ATV onto Line Street near West Union Street when he noticed a silver Hyundai Elantra occupied by several people wearing ski masks drive slowly passed him and turned around. 
The friend observed the rear passenger window roll down and heard one of the occupants say, “That’s not him,” as the Hyundai drove toward West Green Street, the complaint says. 
Surveillance footage in the area of West Green and Maple streets showed the 14-year-old boy walking as the silver Hyundai Elantra drives slowly passed him.
Footage showed the rear seat passenger, wearing a ski mask and a black hooded sweatshirt with strings near the collar, lean out the window and discharged rounds across the roof of the vehicle toward the 14-year-old boy as the driver of the Hyundai speeds away, the complaint says.
State police in the complaint say Luzerne County 911 received a report of a vehicle fire at Eno and Church streets in Plymouth. The vehicle that was intentionally set on fire was the silver Hyundai, according to the complaint.
Surveillance footage showed a black pickup truck following the Hyundai in Plymouth prior to the Hyundai being set on fire.
The pickup truck was a 2013 Ford F150 that was reported stolen from East Third Street in Salem Township.
Salem Township police obtained surveillance footage of a Hyundai in the same area where the Ford truck was stolen at about 2:15 a.m. Saturday.
Other surveillance footage in Shickshinny shows the Hyundai and the Ford truck traveling on state Route 11.
Video footage from Sheetz in Larksville showed the Hyundai and Ford at gasoline pump islands and an individual pumping gasoline into a container at about 3 a.m. Saturday.
Pictures from the Sheetz surveillance cameras were circulated to municipal police departments as one police officer identified Pearce, the complaint says.
Pearce was reported as wanted for absconding from Luzerne County juvenile probation and was also reported as a missing juvenile, according to the complaint.
State police investigators obtained a search warrant Monday for Pearce’s cellular phone records that tracked him in the area of West Green and Maple streets at the time of the shooting, traveling on Interstate 81 in the Scranton area, Salem Township/Berwick areas, at Sheetz in Larksville and at Eno and Church streets in Plymouth, the complaint says.
Pearce’s cellular records allegedly has him in the area of East Union Street, Nanticoke, about the time the Hyundai Elantra was reported stolen. 

7/23/2023
Nanticoke boy, 14, was shot in back of head, ankle
rdupuis@timesleader.com

​

Police are seen at West Green and Maple streets in Nanticoke on Friday evening investigating a drive-by shooting that left a teenager seriously injured. Hannah Simerson | Times Leader

Police are seen at West Green and Maple streets in Nanticoke on Friday evening investigating a drive-by shooting that left a teenager seriously injured.

Hannah Simerson | Times Leader
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NANTICOKE — The victim in Friday night’s drive-by shooting was transported to Geisinger Danville, where his condition had been stabilizing early Saturday, city Police Chief Mike Roke said.

The 14-year-old male was struck twice — once in the back of the head and once in the ankle — the chief added. Further updates on the teen’s condition were not immediately available Saturday afternoon.

The incident took place prior to 7:30 p.m. Friday in the area of West Green and Maple streets, where a car with gunshot damage could be seen as investigators went about their work.

Witnesses watching a baseball game at a pub across the street said they heard multiple gunshots and ran outside and saw the boy laying in the street.

Roke on Saturday said he couldn’t comment further on the status of the investigation, which had been turned over to Pennsylvania State Police.

The chief did say on Friday night that he believed the incident was isolated and targeted.

Efforts to reach a PSP spokesperson were not immediately successful on Saturday afternoon.

7/22/2023
Police investigate Nanticoke drive-by shooting in which teen was targeted
By Hannah Simerson and Roger DuPuis hsimerson@timesleader.com

NANTICOKE — Police responded to a drive-by shooting in the city Friday night in which a teenage male was shot in the back of the head, Nanticoke Police Chief Mike Roke said.
The victim’s condition was not immediately known.
“This was an isolated incident, and I believe it was almost certainly gang-related,” Chief Roke said. “This was targeted.”
Information about possible suspects was not immediately available, and Roke said his department was working the scene and in the process of handing the investigation over to Pennsylvania State Police later Friday.
The incident took place prior to 7:30 p.m. in the area of West Green and Maple streets, where a car with gunshot damage could be seen as investigators went about their work.
The damaged car belongs to Nanticoke resident Ryan Yale, who said he was inside Jim’s Restaurant and Pub just across the street when the shooting occurred.
What started as an evening out to watch baseball at the restaurant quickly turned dangerous when Yale and the other patrons inside said they heard around five gunshots coming from outside.
“We were just sitting there — enjoying the game — and we heard several repetitious shots that we knew weren’t fireworks and so everybody got up,” Yale said.
Yale said he left the restaurant to find a young male laying on the ground across the street with bullet casings across the street — and one of those bullets struck his car, Yale said.
“I started seeing the casings laying on the ground, so I decided to look in my car,” Yale said. “I saw a bullet hole in my car — of course that’s not nearly as important as the young boy laying there in the street … it’s a sad thing.”

7/20/2023
Nanticoke proposals would let voters decide on term limits
mroarty@timeleader.com

​

NANTICOKE — Two items introduced at city council’s combined work session Wednesday night would give voters the option to vote to eliminate term limits for council members and the mayor.
The council will meet on Aug. 2 for a final vote regarding Ordinance #4 and #5 that would place a question on the Nov. 7 municipal election ballot to delete Section 2.09 and Section 2.10 of the City of Nanticoke Home Rule Charter.
This would eliminate the provision that prohibits council members and the mayor from serving more than three elected, consecutive terms.
The ordinances moved forward to the next meeting for final approval with a vote of 3-2; council members Mike Marcella and Vice President John Telencho voted against the move.
The ordinances caused much discussion among council members.
Telencho, who joined the meeting remotely, questioned why the ordinances were placed on the agenda in the first place, claiming that he had no knowledge of them until Mayor Kevin Coughlin called him on June 27 to inform him they were going to be there.
Telencho questioned why he was left out of the initial discussion and why the items were being “rushed through.”
Councilman Joseph Nalepa said that the ordinances have been discussed in “certain circles,” for some time, prior to the May primary election. These were “casual discussions” and they weren’t trying to go behind Telencho’s back.
Councilwoman Lesley Butczynski, who also attended the meeting remotely, said that everyone had at least two weeks to think about the ordinances and that they could table the items if they wanted to, but that she did not personally want to do that.
Council Solicitor William Finnegan said that, to his knowledge, everyone had an opportunity to raise their concerns to him and that he had multiple phone calls with council members fielding questions.
Finnegan said he was more than willing to discuss the ordinances further before the second reading.
Telencho argued that eliminating term limits would discourage people for running for office, while Nalepa countered that the people’s apparent lack of interest in running for office was specifically why he thought they needed the ordinances in the first place.
“If you look at the last two election cycles, interest is waning for people to serve on the municipal level,” said Nalepa, adding that if there are people that care about the city and want to continuing serving, they should be able to.
Marcella also voiced his uncertainty about the ordinances, raising similar concerns to Telencho, and questioned why the council didn’t have this discussion earlier in the year.
Mayor Coughlin pointed out that the ordinances would merely put the questions on the ballot and that it was up to the voters whether or not to adopt them.
After the meeting, Finnegan explained that if the ordinances are approved on Aug 2, he would need to submit the paperwork to the Election Borough in a matter of days.
The Election Borough will have the final say in how the questions will be worded on the ballot.

7/18/2023
Market cut off from food stamp program
Ruminski’s Market can no longer take
SNAP benefits as a form of payment
jhalpin@ citizensvoice.com
Read more here….
 

7/11/2023
Nanticoke Streetscape project underway; will run through fall of 2024
boboyle@timesleader.com

NANTICOKE — Construction on the $2.5 million Nanticoke Streetscaping project on East and West Main Street, expected to begin on Monday, should get underway this week, and it will be take until late 2024 to complete.
According to PennDOT, the project will continue until Friday Nov, 17, of this year, and resume in the spring of 2024.
PennDOT said the project consists of accessibility improvements along the East and West Main Street corridor between North and South Market streets and North Walnut Street in Nanticoke.
The proposed improvements include construction of new storm piping, inlets, concrete curbs and sidewalks with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Handicap Ramps, highway lighting & signalization, benches & trash receptacles, bituminous pavement, decorative crosswalks, and line striping.
The online project page, including the map, and detailed project information, can be found by visiting the PennDOT District 4-0 website — www.penndot.gov/district4. Click on “Construction Projects and Roadwork”, then the Luzerne County box, then choose the tile marked “Nanticoke Streetscape West and East Main Street.”
The project includes East Main Street between Market Street and approximately 100 feet west of the Walnut Street offset intersection.
According to PennDOT, the purpose of the improvements is to provide the traveling public with a safe corridor through the city that enhances traffic flow, provides safe pedestrian crossings and meets the current design standards.
The scope of work for the project from Market Street to Shea Street is from back of sidewalk to back of sidewalk and includes:
• Full reconstruction of the existing sidewalk, pavement section and drainage structures.
• New traffic signal at the intersection of Market Street and Main Street.
• Landscaping improvements.
• Stamped pavement pedestrian crosswalks.
• Center left turn lane.
• Proposed pavement markings.
• Removal of existing parking.
• Temporary construction easements proposed to complete the sidewalk work.
The scope of work from Shea Street to 100 feet west of Walnut Street is from existing curb to existing curb and includes:
• Proposed 1.5-inch pavement mill and overlay.
• Proposed pavement markings.
• Existing sidewalks and parking to remain.
When the project was announced last year, Mayor Kevin Coughlin said,” his project will beautify our downtown. It’s the first step toward further downtown revitalization.”
Coughlin said the project had been in planning stages for years and he said he is pleased that the project is underway.

7/2/2023
Nanticoke celebrates Independence Day weekend with a bang
hsimerson@timesleader.com

NANTICOKE — The City of Nanticoke kick-started its Independence Day celebrations on Saturday with the return of the city’s annual “Nanticoke Big Bang 4th of July Celebration.”
The Luzerne County Community College parking lot was alive with food and craft vendors, BINGO games, raffles, a dunk tank, bounce houses, and plenty of residents looking to get a jump on their holiday weekend.
In typical Independence Day fashion, sunset brought with it a colorful display of fireworks.
Tyme Band and Mellifluous provided the live entertainment for the celebration, and folks couldn’t hide their glee as they wandered amidst the happenings.
Nickie Toporcer and Helen Sudick of Nanticoke wanted to show support to their hometown by attending the celebration — and from the looks of it, it seems they’re glad they did.
“We just wanted to see how things were, see if we run into anybody, and support the town,” Toporcer said.
This year’s celebration marked the first one for the pair, who noted the convenient location made it possible for them to return home and come back later for the firework display.
Nanticoke resident Amanda Kempa said she found the event to be fun for her entire family. Kempa was also a first-time attendee, and she noted that she was eager to watch the fireworks with her family.
“Our whole family is here — it’s family time for us,” Kempa said.
The attendees weren’t the only ones happy to be there — vendors also joined in on the celebration.
“I most look forward to seeing the people,” said Brian Gardener, owner of Uncle Bucks BBQ, which has vended at the event every year.
“I enjoy seeing the people eating my food,” he added, noting that he sees customers come back year after year.