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Articles by Eric Mark
GOP incumbents Pickett, Fritz, Olsommer win reelection to state House
Republican incumbents won reelection in three state House districts that include all or part of Pike, Wayne, Susquehanna, Wyoming and Bradford counties, according to unofficial returns from Tuesday’s general election. Incumbent Republican Tina Pickett won election to a 14th term representing the 110th state House District, according to unofficial returns.
New senior housing complex set to open in Tunkhannock Twp.
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... TUNKHANNOCK TWP. — The ribbon was cut Thursday and the residents will start to move in soon. The Henry Meadows Apartments, a 34-unit senior housing complex off Sunrise Lane in Tunkhannock Twp., will open in November. On Thursday, officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and led a brief tour of the facility, which they said will address the serious housing shortage in the region, especially for seniors on fixed or limited incomes.
Springville Baptist Church welcomes new pastor
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Springville Baptist Church (Pat Farnelli photo) Springville Baptist Church has a new pastor — a Northeast Pennsylvania native with experience in the world of financial services before he found his calling as a minister. The church’s longtime pastor, Roger L. Rosenau, passed away in August after more than 20 years of tending to the spiritual needs of the community in the Springville area. As of October, Nathan Gillow assumed the duties of church pastor.
Woman sentenced to state prison for DUI crash that killed her daughter in Clinton Twp. last year
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... An Olyphant woman will serve at least 76 months in state prison for causing a DUI crash in Clinton Twp. last year that killed her 6-year-old daughter and seriously injured two people in another vehicle. Samantha C.
Governor, state Senate, state House and U.S. Congressional seats on Nov. 3 ballot
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Four races will be on the ballot in Wyoming County in the Nov. 3 general election: governor/lieutenant governor, U.S. Representative from the 9th Congressional District, state Senator from the 20th state Senate District and state Representative from the 110th state House District. The race for governor and lieutenant governor sees the Democrat ticket of incumbent Gov. Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Gov.
Walters sentenced to life in prison without parole for murder of Haley Lorenzen
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Convicted murderer Phillip D. Walters will spend the rest of his life behind bars with no possibility of parole, Senior Judge Thomas A. James ruled during a sentencing hearing in Wyoming County Court on Friday. Walters, 39, was convicted in county court on Sept. 29 of first degree murder, third degree murder, strangulation and abuse of a corpse in connection with the death of his girlfriend, Haley Lorenzen, at Walters’ Falls Twp. home in late December 2018.
Longtime incumbent Pickett faces challenge from Democrat Hemann in 110th District
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... 1 of 2 Pamela Hemann Expand Republican incumbent Tina Pickett faces a challenge from Democrat Pamela Hemann in the 110th District state House race in the Nov. 3 general election. Pickett, 83, of Towanda, is seeking a 14th term to represent the district that includes all of Wyoming County and part of Bradford County. She is one of the longest-tenured members of the state legislature.
No tax hike in Tunkhannock borough’s 2027 budget
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... There will be no increase in the municipal property tax rate for Tunkhannock property owners in 2027. Borough council on Wednesday unanimously approved a motion to advertise the no-tax-hike 2027 budget with the intention of adopting it at the November council meeting, council President Ben Barziloski said. As part of its approval, council authorized the transfer of $8,930 from the borough’s reserve fund to balance the budget.
Drug Take Back Day in Wyoming County set for Saturday, Oct. 24
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Wyoming County’s Drug Take Back Day is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at multiple locations: CVS Pharmacy in Tunkhannock, Lech’s Pharmacies in Nicholson and Laceyville and the Wyoming County Courthouse. Residents are encouraged to clean out their medicine cabinets and turn in unneeded or expired medication.
Hometown Heroes food trucks fundraiser supports Tunkhannock Ambulance this week
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Firehouse Concessions’ Hometown Heroes food trucks will serve fresh pizza, specialty subs and sweet treats at the Tunkhannock Community Ambulance station in Tunkhannock this week, with a portion of proceeds directly supporting the ambulance company. The food truck fundraiser runs from 11 a.m. till 7 p.m. each day through Saturday, Oct 24, at the Tunkhannock Community Ambulance station, 195 Bridge St., Tunkhannock.
Gov. Shapiro campaigns at Tunkhannock Public Library on Sunday
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... TUNKHANNOCK TWP. — Gov. Josh Shapiro urged a receptive crowd to vote for him and other Democratic candidates during a campaign stop at Tunkhannock Public Library on Sunday, part of a four-county tour of the region with the Nov. 3 general election just 16 days away.
Election 2026: Deadline to apply for mail-in or absentee ballot is Oct. 27
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The deadline to request a mail-in or absentee ballot for the Nov. 3 general election, or to cast an on-demand ballot in person at the county election office, is approaching fast. Voters must request a mail-in or absentee ballot by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, according to state election law.
Factoryville council adopts ordinance to regulate door-to-door soliciting
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Factoryville Borough Council on Wednesday adopted a revised ordinance that updates regulations on door-to-door soliciting in the borough. Also, borough Mayor Lou Jasikoff discussed the progress officials have made in efforts to crack down on speeding on borough streets. Soliciting ordinance The revised ordinance regulates when and how door-to-door soliciting is allowed in Factoryville.
Homecoming and Halloween traditions coming soon at Tunkhannock Area
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... A bonfire, a parade, a football game and a trunk or treat are coming soon to mark Homecoming and Halloween at Tunkhannock Area School District. Near the start of a 15-minute meeting of the district school board on Wednesday, district Superintendent Paul Dougherty encouraged board members and the public to enjoy some of the most popular events the district holds each fall.
Art show closing reception set for Oct. 18 at the Dietrich Theater
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The art show reception scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 18 at the Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock will be a bit unusual: It will mark the closing, rather than the opening, of the exhibit. A Meet the Artist reception will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday to allow the public to meet the artists whose work has been displayed at the Dietrich as part of Salon 22–33, a showcase inspired by the historic public “salons” of the 1700s.
Election 2026: Deadline to register to vote is Oct. 19
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 3 general election is Monday, Oct. 19. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 27. Four races will be on the ballot in Wyoming County this year: governor/lieutenant governor, U.S. Representative from the 9th Congressional District, state Senator from the 20th state Senate District and state Representative from the 110th state House District.
Book on infamous Scher-Dillon murder case from 1976 to be released this month
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... A book about a murder case that drew the nation’s gaze to Susquehanna County will be released later this month — and copies of “The Jacklighter: Murder, Betrayal, and Justice in Pennsylvania’s Endless Mountains” may be ordered now.
Verdict possible Tuesday in Walters homicide retrial
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... TUNKHANNOCK — The jury is expected to start deliberating Tuesday in the homicide retrial of Phillip D. Walters, after the prosecution and defense both rested their cases on Monday. Tuesday’s proceedings will begin at 8:30 a.m. with closing statements. The jury will likely start its deliberations to decide Walters’ fate in the late morning or afternoon, said Senior Judge Thomas A. James, who is presiding over the case.
UPDATE: Jury deliberating Tuesday afternoon in Walters homicide retrial
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... UPDATE: The jury in the Phillip Walters homicide retrial is deliberating, following closing arguments from the prosecution and defense Tuesday morning. Senior Judge Thomas A. James gave the jury final instructions regarding the charges against Walters, and the 12 jurors retired to the jury room to deliberate at about 12:15 p.m. Walters is charged with first-degree murder, third-degree murder, strangulation and abuse of a corpse.
UPDATE: Walters guilty on all counts at homicide retrial Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... TUNKHANNOCK — The verdict is in. Phillip D. Walters is a two-time convicted murderer A jury convicted Walters of first-degree murder, third-degree murder, strangulation and abuse of a corpse on Tuesday following a seven-day trial in Wyoming County Court. Walters, 39, killed his girlfriend, Haley Lorenzen, at his Falls Twp. home on Dec. 30, 2018, then dumped her body from the Falls Bridge into the Susquehanna River, prosecutors alleged.
Highlights from week one of Walters homicide retrial Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The homicide retrial of Phillip D. Walters started on Sept. 21 in Wyoming County Court. Four days of the trial had been completed as of deadline for this edition. Here are some highlights from the first week of the trial, as well as background on the case: Walters, 39, was convicted in 2020 of first degree murder in the death of Haley Lorenzen, his girlfriend, at his Falls Twp. home on Dec. 30, 2018.
Walters homicide trial: Key witness Bell testifies she helped Walters dispose of body
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Gabel Bell, the prosecution’s key witness in the homicide retrial of Phillip D. Walters, testified Thursday that she helped Walters wrap up the lifeless body of Haley Lorenzen — her rival for Walters’ affections — at Walters’ Falls Twp. home in the early morning of Dec. 30, 2018, after Walters killed Lorenzen.
Haley Lorenzen’s mother testifies at Walters homicide retrial Original
Deanna Hill, mother of Haley Lorenzen, testified Wednesday morning during day three of the homicide retrial of Phillip D. Walters in Wyoming County Court. Walters is charged with killing Lorenzen at his Falls Twp. home on Dec. 30, 2018, and dumping her body in the Susquehanna River. Hill fought back tears at times as she described hearing the news that her daughter was missing on Jan.
Walters homicide retrial continues; key witness expected to testify later
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The homicide retrial of Phillip D. Walters is set to resume today—Wednesday, Sept. 23—after Tuesday featured opening statements and testimony from police officers and emergency response officials involved in the case soon after Walters reported his girlfriend, Haley Lorenzen, was missing from his Falls Twp. home on Dec. 30, 2018. Walters is charged with murder in connection with Lorenzen’s death.
Walters homicide retrial continues; key witness expected to testify later
The homicide retrial of Phillip D. Walters is set to resume today—Wednesday, Sept. 23—after Tuesday featured opening statements and testimony from police officers and emergency response officials involved in the case soon after Walters reported his girlfriend, Haley Lorenzen, was missing from his Falls Twp. home on Dec. 30, 2018. Walters is charged with murder in connection with Lorenzen’s death.
Walters homicide retrial starts; expected to last through the week
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... TUNKHANNOCK — The retrial of convicted murderer Phillip D. Walters began Monday and is expected to last through this week and possibly into next week. The first order of business was selecting 12 jurors and four alternates who will decide whether Walters is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of killing his girlfriend, Haley Lorenzen, at his Falls Twp. home on Dec. 30, 2018, and dumping her body in the Susquehanna River.
Walters homicide retrial starts; expected to last through the week
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... TUNKHANNOCK — The retrial of convicted murderer Phillip D. Walters began Monday and is expected to last through this week and possibly into next week. The first order of business was selecting 12 jurors and four alternates who will decide whether Walters is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of killing his girlfriend, Haley Lorenzen, at his Falls Twp. home on Dec. 30, 2018, and dumping her body in the Susquehanna River.
Convicted murderer’s bid to be set free after 49 years in prison still pending
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... TUNKHANNOCK — Convicted murderer Sidney Coolbaugh will have to wait to find out if he will be set free after serving 49 years in prison for his role in the death of a woman killed during a robbery at a Lake Winola bar in 1977. That question remains unresolved following arguments in the case held in Wyoming County Court on Sept. 14. Coolbaugh’s attorneys asked President Judge Russell D.
Convicted murderer’s bid to be set free after 49 years in prison still pending
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... TUNKHANNOCK — Convicted murderer Sidney Coolbaugh will need to wait to find out if he will be set free after serving 49 years in prison for his role in the death of a woman killed during a robbery at a Lake Winola bar in 1977. That question remains unresolved following arguments in the case held in Wyoming County Court on Monday, Sept. 14. Coolbaugh’s attorneys asked President Judge Russell D.
Police: Man killed woman, 76, after argument at Susquehanna County home Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... State police are investigating a homicide in Susquehanna County in which a man allegedly killed an elderly woman following an argument at a home in Silver Lake Twp. According to news releases state police issued Thursday: Police responded to 1235 Donovan Road at about 3:15 p.m. Wednesday for a report of a deceased woman. Responding troopers found Andrea Lynn Vail, 76, dead inside the home.
Former treasurer of Tunkhannock Youth Wrestling Club charged with stealing $10K in club funds Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The former treasurer of the Tunkhannock Youth Wrestling Club stole more than $10,000 in club funds for her personal use, police allege. Jessica Ann Melan, 36, of Tunkhannock Twp., was arraigned Monday on felony and misdemeanor counts of theft and related charges. According to a criminal complaint filed by state police at Tunkhannock, police were contacted in December 2025 regarding funds missing from the wrestling club.
Former Eaton Twp. physician Raphael Kon sentenced to 14 to 48 months in state prison
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Dr. Raphael B. Kon, 62, of Noxen, was sentenced Monday to 14 to 48 months in state prison for prescribing controlled substances which placed his patients in danger, according to state Attorney General Dave Sunday.
Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce appoints new president
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Nicolette Morgan will be the next president of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber announced in a news release issued Friday that Morgan will begin her new leadership role in early October. The Chamber and former president Francene Pisano mutually agreed to part ways last month.
Tunkhannock Twp. supervisors explain purchase process of planned new police HQ
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Tunkhannock Twp. supervisors say they are doing their due diligence to prepare for the purchase of the former Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture building on state Route 92 for use as the new headquarters of the township police department. The township plans to purchase the 10.3-acre property from Wyoming County for $187,398 and move the police department out of its cramped quarters at the township municipal building.
Factoryville council to vote on door-to-door soliciting ordinance in October
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... FACTORYVILLE — Borough council will vote next month on a proposed ordinance that would update regulations on door-to-door soliciting in Factoryville. At its Aug. 12 meeting, council approved the advertisement of the soliciting ordinance, with plans to adopt it this month. However, at the Sept. 9 council meeting, it was announced that council will not vote on the ordinance until October.
Wyoming County jail warden hired after original choice declines the job
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The Wyoming County Prison Board voted Thursday to hire Jim Wilbur as warden of the county correctional facility, after the man the board voted to hire last week declined to accept the position. Wilbur is the former head of the correctional services division in Luzerne County, a position from which he resigned in March. He is not related to Rick Wilbur, the chairman of the Wyoming County Commissioners and a member of the county prison board.
Deadly opioid fentanyl is being mixed with other drugs, DA Peters warns
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters issued a warning this week that cocaine laced with the deadly opioid fentanyl — a potentially lethal mixture of drugs — may be found in Wyoming County.
Fundraiser established for burial expenses of woman found dead in Susquehanna County
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The mother of Sara May Reynolds — the 26-year-old woman who was found dead in New Milford Twp., Susquehanna County last month after she was reported missing in early July — has set up an online fundraiser to raise money for Reynolds’ funeral and burial expenses. Naomi Reynolds, of Nicholson, said in a narrative to the GoFundMe page she established that the family found out insurance would not cover the full cost of Sara Reynolds’ final expenses.
Vendors, patrons and volunteers describe a fun first day at the Wyoming County Fair
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Tractor and truck pulls proved popular at the 2026 Wyoming County Fair Camryn Gesford, the 2026 Wyoming County Fair Queen MESHOPPEN TWP. — The crowd was smaller than last year but the smiles were every bit as wide for opening day of the Wyoming County Fair on Wednesday. Minutes after the 2 p.m. opening, customers were already ordering classic fair fare at the numerous food vendors.
Tunkhannock council appoints new borough manager
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Tunkhannock has a new borough manager — and will soon have new stop signs. Borough council voted unanimously on Thursday to hire Heather Bliss as manager of the borough, following the recent retirement of longtime borough manager Dawn Welch. Bliss, who had served as assistant borough manager and trained with Welch prior to her retirement, will be paid $35,000 per year.
Wyoming County Fair promises fun, food, rides, entertainment and exhibits
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The gates open for the start of the Wyoming County Fair at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at the fairgrounds off Route 6 in Meshoppen Twp. The fair runs from Sept. 2 through Sept. 7, which is Labor Day Monday. Hours of operation will be 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Friday through Sunday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday. The admission fee is $10 daily at the gate.
Grief counseling available for co-workers, fellow students of family killed in crash Saturday
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The Wyoming County Correctional Facility Co-workers and fellow students of a Tunkhannock family killed in a Saturday car crash in Susquehanna County will have access to grief counseling this week, as the crash that killed a mother, father and two children remains under investigation.
Funeral services set for Tunkhannock family killed in car crash Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... 1 of 2 Sandra Thatcher Expand Funeral services have been scheduled for the four members of a Tunkhannock family killed in a Saturday car crash in Susquehanna County. Peter Thatcher, 45, Sandra Thatcher, 45, Noah Thatcher, 11, and Layla Thatcher, 10, died after their car ran off Rock Mountain Drive in Gibson Twp. and traveled about 60 feet down a steep embankment at about 10:15 a.m. Saturday.
Autopsies scheduled, fundraiser established for Tunkhannock family killed in car crash Original
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The Wyoming County Correctional Facility Autopsies are scheduled Tuesday for the four members of a Tunkhannock family killed in a Saturday car crash in Gibson Twp., according to Susquehanna County Coroner Jessica Chiaramonte. Also, a local church is accepting donations to defray funeral costs for the family.
Counselors available Wednesday to help deal with loss of Tunkhannock family killed in crash
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... 1 of 2 Sandra Thatcher Expand Tunkhannock Area School District officials will open the library of the district intermediate center on Wednesday evening to provide help for anyone struggling with the loss of two district students and their parents in a car crash last Saturday in Susquehanna County. Peter Thatcher, 45, Sandra Thatcher, 45, Noah Thatcher, 11, and Layla Thatcher, 10, died after their car ran off Rock Mountain Drive in Gibson Twp.
Tunkhannock family of four killed in Susquehanna County crash on Saturday
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... A family of four from Tunkhannock died in a one-vehicle accident in Susquehanna County on Saturday morning, according to state police. Police identified the victims as Peter Thatcher, 45, Sandra Thatcher, 45, their 11-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter, all from Tunkhannock. The accident happened at about 10:15 a.m. in the area of 1365 Rock Mountain Drive, Gibson Twp., police said in a news release.
Tunkhannock family of four killed in Susquehanna County crash on Saturday
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... A family of four from Tunkhannock died in a one-vehicle accident in Susquehanna County on Saturday morning, according to state police. Police identified the victims as Peter Thatcher, 45, Sandra Thatcher, 45, their 11-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter, all from Tunkhannock. The accident happened at about 10:15 p.m. in the area of 1365 Rock Mountain Drive, Gibson Twp., police said in a news release.
Coroner confirms that missing woman Sara Reynolds was found dead in New Milford Twp.
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Human remains found in New Milford Twp. last weekend are confirmed to be those of Sara May Reynolds, who was reported missing in early July, according to Susquehanna County Coroner Jessica Chiaramonte. An investigation after the remains were found in a wooded area on Sunday revealed a positive identification of Reynolds, Chiaramonte said. The investigation is still ongoing, she said.
Huey Magoo’s fast casual chicken restaurant planned for Eaton Twp.
A Huey Magoo’s fast casual chicken restaurant is scheduled to open early next year in Eaton Twp. The restaurant at 812 Hunter Highway/state Route 29, near Wal-Mart and south of Tunkhannock, will be the first of three Huey Magoo’s locations in the region, according to a recent announcement. Locations in the Wilkes-Barre and Scranton areas will follow.
Huey Magoo’s fast casual chicken restaurant planned for Eaton Twp.
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... A Huey Magoo’s fast casual chicken restaurant is scheduled to open early next year in Eaton Twp. The restaurant at 812 Hunter Highway/state Route 29, near Wal-Mart and south of Tunkhannock, will be the first of three Huey Magoo’s locations in the region, according to a recent announcement. Locations in the Wilkes-Barre and Scranton areas will follow.
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