Jennifer Learn Andes

1 week ago | hazletontimes.com | Jennifer Learn-Andes |Jennifer Learn Andes

Authorization for Luzerne County to purchase the historic former train station in downtown Wilkes-Barre for $615,000 is up for discussion at Tuesday’s county council work session, according to the agenda released Friday. A council majority would have to grant approval at a future meeting for purchase of the 154-year-old landmark to proceed. Council’s Real Estate Committee had unanimously agreed in February to allow the administration to negotiate the potential purchase.

1 week ago | hazletontimes.com | Jennifer Learn-Andes |Jennifer Learn Andes

Luzerne County is not poised to assume ownership of the vacant State Correctional Institution at Retreat in Newport Township and its access bridge as stated by a candidate in the county council race, county Manager Romilda Crocamo said Thursday. Crocamo did not identify the candidate but addressed the matter in a statement about candidate misstatements. The state closed SCI Retreat in June 2021.

2 weeks ago | hazletontimes.com | Jennifer Learn-Andes |Jennifer Learn Andes

A scrolling red banner on Luzerne County’s website announces: “James Walsh v. Luzerne County cost to Luzerne County taxpayers to date $104,802.”County Manager Romilda Crocamo said Tuesday she must speak out because the litigation, which was dismissed by a federal judge Monday, was costly and had forced county Election Director Emily Cook to spend time leading up to the November 2024 general election preparing for court and providing information to attorneys.

2 weeks ago | hazletontimes.com | Jennifer Learn-Andes |Jennifer Learn Andes

A federal judge has dismissed litigation Jamie Walsh filed against the county in October that challenged Luzerne County’s processing of 2024 general election voter registration and mail ballot applications. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann in Pennsylvania’s Middle District said in his opinion that Walsh lacked standing. Walsh, a Republican, won the 117th Legislative District seat in November and was unopposed, Brann wrote.

2 weeks ago | hazletontimes.com | Jennifer Learn-Andes |Jennifer Learn Andes

Gene Ziemba has resigned as Luzerne County Republican Party chairman, effective immediately, according to an online announcement. Ziemba could not be reached for comment Monday afternoon. His announcement said he had been battling a health issue. “This has been on my mind the last few months, and recent days have made me come to my decision with my family,” he wrote. A Harveys Lake resident, Ziemba was elected chair last July during a convention of committee members.