Rich Howells
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Salary board creates three new positions
Several salaries adjusted, but commissioners say changes are all ‘budget neutral’ SCRANTON – The Lackawanna County Salary Board unanimously approved the creation of three new positions, along with several raises and titles changes, on March 28, but the commissioners emphasized that all adjustments were “budget neutral.” The board created the position of Collections Assistant Administrator…
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Scranton City Council blasts income tax collector
SCRANTON – City Council railed against the city’s earned income tax collector and the Parking Authority during their March 29 meeting, as they believe both are forcing the city to secure another $2.75 million Tax Anticipation Note to make payroll and other immediate expenses. During a public caucus before the meeting, certified public accountant William…
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Impact Fee Ordinance Introduced
Lackawanna County Commissioners unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to impose a fee on unconventional gas wells within the county on March 28. The fee “on each and every unconventional gas well spud,” or the actual start of drilling of an unconventional gas well, is pursuant to a mandate adopted by the state…
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Despite conflict of interest,prison board can’t change
State law trumps Home Rule Charter, commissioners and district attorney say SCRANTON – A volunteer with the Pennsylvania Prison Society asked again that the Lackawanna County Prison Board reconsider its composition at its March 28 meeting, but while the board agreed with his suggestion, they said they are “stuck with it” due to state law.…
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Looking For A Little More Reason
Despite the fact that we were surrounded by intellectuals, scholars, authors, activists, professors, and scientists on March 24, I think comedian/ musician Tim Minchin may have said it best: “Three hundred years after the Enlightenment we have to have a rally for the (expletive) obvious.” The date marked the largest secular event in world history,…
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Band Made Up Of College Students Has Eye On Perfection, Fun
Progressive rock band Eye on Attraction may be made up of three University of Scranton students and one Marywood University student, but they are far from a typical college band. “Frantically” wanting to form a band, enthusiastic drummer Andrew Merkle, a senior, met bassist Joe Joules Quincy, a junior, during Quincy’s first class. He was…
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Keystone College has unique link to pilot and educator Dr. Roscoe C. Brown, Jr.
Dr. Roscoe C. Brown, Jr. is a living legend. In World War II, he was commander of the 100th Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with eight Oak Leaf Clusters. The first of the15 pilots to shoot down the advanced German Me-262 jet fighter,…
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Council passes agreements, overrides UDAG veto
SCRANTON – City Council approved final passage of several important pieces of legislation on Tuesday, including two that will continue to put them at odds with city administration. Following a public hearing on the matter before the regular meeting, council established new rules and regulations for the West Scranton Skate Park, which is currently maintained…