Indraloka, Forty-Three Hens Find Safety After Emergency Rescue Last week, 43 hens were among thousands of birds facing an uncertain future at a shuttered egg-laying facility in Orangeville, Pennsylvania.By nightfall, they were safe. Responding to an urgent call for help, Dr. Leslie Interlandi and a member of Indraloka’s veterinary team traveled to the facility, where a flock of hens needed immediate placement after the business ceased operations. Rescuers were informed that birds remaining at the facility by the end of the day would be slaughtered. Among the chaos of a facility closing its doors, hens were being carelessly caught, carried by their legs and wings, and shoved into crates. For many, it was yet another frightening chapter in lives already shaped by industrial egg production. Forty-three of those hens made the journey to Indraloka. Today, they are resting comfortably in quarantine while veterinary staff assess their medical needs. “These hens have endured more than most people can imagine,” said Dr. Indra Lahiri, Founder and CEO of Indraloka. “Like so many animals used in commercial agriculture, they were valued only for what they could produce. Once they were no longer considered useful, their lives wereat risk. We believe their worth has never depended on what they could give us.” The rescue marks a significant milestone for the sanctuary.The hens are the first animals to utilize Indraloka’s newly constructed medical barn for the purpose it was designed to serve: providing quarantine space and specialized care for rescued animals arriving with medical needs. The facility, an extension of the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic, was constructed through the generosity of community supporters and funding partners, including the Wilary Foundation, The Robert H. Spitz Foundation, the Local Shares Allocation program, and many individual donors.The medical barn was built to ensure that when animals arrived in crisis, Indraloka would have the space, equipment, and capacity to respond immediately. This week, 43 rescued hens became the first animals to benefit from that preparation. “When the call came about these hens, we were ready,” said Dr. Interlandi. “Many of them require extensive medical evaluation and treatment, and the medical barn allows us to provide that care while protecting the health of the rest of the sanctuary population. It was built for exactly this kind of situation.” Veterinary staff continue to evaluate the hens, many of whom are arriving with health concerns commonly seen in birds from commercial egg production systems. Their care is expected to exceed $20,000 and will include medical treatment, diagnostic testing, nutrition, and ongoingrehabilitation. For the hens now settling into clean bedding, fresh food, and the quiet of their new surroundings, the future looks very different than it did just days ago. And for the community members who helped make the medical barn possible, their investmentis already saving lives. To learn more about the hens or support their care, visit Indraloka.org
Circle Drive In Announces Upcoming Events SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT CIRCLE DRIVE-IN THIS WEEKEND! THURSDAY, JUNE 25TH LACKAWANNA HISTORICAL SOCIETY SUMMER KICK-OFF MOVIE Screen One: “Jaws” (PG) at 9:00 PM DOUBLE FEATURES ALL WEEKEND ON THE LARGEST OUTDOOR SCREEN IN PA THIS WEEKEND FRIDAY, JUNE 26TH, SATURDAY, JUNE 27TH, & SUNDAY, JUNE 28TH Screen One:“Toy Story 5” (PG) at 9:10 PM“Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” (PG-13) at 11:15 PM Screen Two:“Supergirl” (PG-13) at 9:30 PM“The Breadwinner” (PG) at 12:00 AM SATURDAY, JUNE 27TH – PHAROAHS CAR CLUB OF SCRANTON, CARS & COFFEE 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Show off your ride or take a look at some local cars All are welcome, free event CIRCLE FLEA FAIR IS NOW OPEN EVERY SUNDAY FROM 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM Shoppers & Vendors, NEPA’s Largest Flea Fair is NOW OPEN for the season, every Sunday until November! New vendors are welcome weekly; only food & beverage vendors need to apply this season. Shoppers, just $1.00 per vehicle to get in & explore! Visit circledrive-in.com/fleafair for more information! UPCOMING EVENTS: SATURDAY, JULY 18TH Screen Two: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (R) at 11:00 PM A live-shadowcast performance by “Sweet Translucent Dreams” SATURDAY, AUGUST 8TH SEEK Pro Wrestling “Dead Heat” 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM SATURDAY, AUGUST 15TH NEPA Horror Spooky Summer 2026 12:00 PM Meet & Greets, Vendors, Live Music, Theater Performances, Food Trucks, Movies, and More! -VISIT CIRCLEDRIVE-IN.COM FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ALL UPCOMING EVENTS-
SWB RailRiders, Ranked Among Best First Half Attendance Risers In MiLB Powered by the fans of NEPA, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders closed the first half of the 2026 season as one of the top surging markets in Minor League Baseball. Per game attendance at PNC Field is up nearly 20% year-over-year and Baseball America has independently ranked theRailRiders fifth among the fastest-growing attendance markets in all of MiLB. In addition, 20,000 fans over two sold-out Banana Ball nights helped boost an already entertaining and electric first half for the RailRiders. “We have seen an incredible response to our initiatives at PNC Field so far this season,” stated Shawn Reilly, Team President & General Manager of the RailRiders. “With the Banana Ball events, the video board upgrade, changes to the promotional schedule, and an increased emphasis on the experience, fans are seeing improvements nightly, and that is drawing everyone back. We have barely even scratched the surface on keypromo nights, fireworks, and appearances. There is still so much more to come in 2026!” According to a recent article published by Baseball America, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre ranks behind only the Chattanooga Lookouts, Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, Asheville Tourists, and Tampa Tarpons in attendance increases this season. Chattanooga has a brand-new ballpark, and Asheville has seen major upgrades to its longtime home. Tampa, the Yankees’ Florida State League affiliate, played away from George M. SteinbrennerField in 2025 while the Tampa Bay Rays used New York’s Spring Training facility, which also serves as the Tarpons’ regular-season home. Per Baseball America, Minor League Baseball’s average attendance of 3,551 is up 12 fans on last year’s average of 3,539 fans per game at this point. Overall, MiLB teams have drawn 11,820,181 fans in 3,329 dates this season. That’s up from 11,700,439 fans in 3,306 dates at this time last season. The RailRiders open the second half of the 2026 season on the road at Indianapolis this evening and resume their home schedule on June 30 against the Norfolk Tides, with 39 dates still remaining at PNC Field this season. For more information on the upcoming holiday week schedule and promotional details, including postgame fireworks on July 2, 3, and Independence Day, visit www.swbrailriders.com.
Hospice Of The Sacred Heart Receives Community Impact Grant Hospice of the Sacred Heart, which provides comfort, care, hope and choice to patients and their families while guiding through the end of life journey, announced today that it was awarded a $25,000 Community Impact Grant from New York Life. The grant will support Camp Healing Hearts, which is a five-day camp experience to provide grief education to children ages 6 to 14 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Camp is designed to provide campers exposure to the arts, giving them the opportunity to develop healthy ways to express themselves and process their emotions. Trained bereavement counselors and members of the regional arts community work together to assist the campers in finding comfortable outlets to share their grief. “We are grateful for New York Life’s investment in Camp Healing Hearts, which will change many lives for the better. With the support from New York Life, we will be able to present this camp made up of instructional sessions in various art platforms to help them develop healthy ways to express themselves and process their emotions,” said Diane Baldi, CEO, Hospice of the Sacred Heart. “I’m incredibly proud to work for a company that is fortunate enough to give back to the communities we serve,” said Katelyn Sass, Operations Manager of the company’s Northeastern Pennsylvania General Office. “Volunteering with Hospice of the Sacred Heart at Camp Healing Hearts is especially meaningful, as it creates a safe and uplifting space for grieving children to express themselves, build resilience, and experience the joy of summer.” The Community Impact Grant program awards grants of up to $25,000 to local nonprofit organizations championed by New York Life agents and employees. Since the program’s inception in 2008, 950 grants totaling more than $12.5 million have been awarded to nonprofits across the country.
Scranton Jazz Festival, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band Set To Headline The 21st annual Scranton Jazz Festival celebrates the city’s rich musical legacy with three days of jazz, blues and world beat music showcasing internationally acclaimed artists, Aug. 7 to 9. A summer tradition for jazz enthusiasts near and far, the event features two ticketed concerts, a free jazz walk and jazz brunches in the heart of the Electric City. This year’s headliners include performances by The Dirty Dozen Brass Band on Sat., Aug. 8 followed by NEA Jazz Master Ron Carter on Sun., Aug. 9. Hailing from New Orleans, the Grammy Award-winning Dirty Dozen Brass Band blends traditional brass band music with bebop jazz, funk, R&B and soul. Describing their unique sound as “musical gumbo,” The Dirty Dozen has toured across five continents and more than 30 countries, recorded 12 studio albums and collaborated with a range of artists including Modest Mouse, Widespread Panic and Norah Jones. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band performs at The Theater at North, 1539 N. Main Ave., on Sat., Aug. 8. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the concert at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $44.80 and are available at scrantonjazzfestival.org. Sunday night’s concert pairs legendary bassist Ron Carter with the Emmy-nominated Scranton Jazz Festival Big Band under the direction of Marko Marcinko. Holding a Guinness World Record for recording more than 2,200 albums, Carter is among the most original, prolific and influential bassists in jazz. He was a member of the world-renowned Miles Davis Quintet from 1963 to 1968. Throughout his career, he recorded with music icons such as Lena Horne, Bill Evans, B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon and Billy Joel. Carter performs with the SJF Big Band at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave., on Sun., Aug. 9. Doors open at 5 p.m. The PA Jazz Institute at Misericordia University Student Ensemble will perform at 6 p.m. followed by Carter and the SJF Big Band at 6:45 p.m. Tickets will be announced soon. Follow Scranton Jazz Festival on social media for updates. In addition to these incredible headliners, jazz lovers will enjoy performances by more than 80 national, regional and local jazz, blues and world beat musicians throughout the weekend. Reminiscent of a New Orleans style festival, the event takes place in more than 20 venues throughout downtown Scranton, featuring a free jazz walk on Friday and Saturday nights and jazz brunches on Sunday. The Scranton Jazz Festival is made possible through partnerships with Blu Elefante Events, PA Jazz Alliance Inc., Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau, Lackawanna County, and with the generous support of NROC, Fidelity Bank, community sponsors and media partners. For tickets and a full schedule of performances, visit www.scrantonjazzfestival.org and follow Scranton Jazz Festival on Facebook and Instagram
Tobyhanna Army Depot, Cadet Projects Lead To Real-World Improvements Tobyhanna Army Depot has successfully renewed its certifications through the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), reaffirming its leadership in protecting military equipment and ensuring mission readiness across the joint force. The certifications were renewed following an external audit conducted on June 16 and recognize the depot’s excellence in three key areas: QP1 for field coating applications, QP3 for shop coating applications, and AS3-ITO for training courses and facilities. Tobyhanna remains one of only 500 organizations worldwide—and the only government agency—to hold all three certifications. The achievement adds to the depot’s long history of industry leadership. Tobyhanna was the first organization within the Department of War to earn the ISO 45001 safety certification and continues to maintain nationally recognized certifications for its environmental and quality management systems. During the audit, AMPP auditor Mike Damiano reviewed technical documentation, observed work areas, and met with personnel throughout the organization. He praised the depot’s extensive documentation, standardized procedures, and commitment to quality, noting that its well-developed systems improve efficiency and support long-term operational success. Damiano also commended the professionalism and expertise of the depot’s leadership and workforce, highlighting their strong understanding of industry requirements and dedication to quality workmanship. In addition, he recognized the exceptional lighting throughout the work areas, citing its positive impact on employee safety and productivity. According to the depot’s Quality Management Directorate, the audit provided valuable feedback that will help strengthen an already robust quality management system. The next AMPP surveillance audit is scheduled for the summer of 2027.
Wayne Bank Supports The Western Wayne Educational Foundation Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce that Wayne Bank has supported the Western Wayne Educational Foundation with a donation through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC). Brian Landry, Tim McClure, and Christine McClure of the Western Wayne Educational Foundation accepted a check in the amount of $14,000 from Mr. Donnelly. Wayne Bank’s contribution allows the Foundation to enhance education in schools of the Western Wayne School District through new and innovative educational experiences. “Creating opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom can have a lasting impact on their future,” stated Mr. Donnelly. “The Western Wayne Educational Foundation continues to provide meaningful educational experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning, and Wayne Bank is proud to support programs that help students grow and succeed.” Wayne Bank’s past donations to the Western Wayne Educational Foundation have helped fund students in their pursuit of learning through the 6th Grade Science Camp, ecological study at Lacawac Sanctuary, and Caterpillars to Butterflies Program, as well as real-world applications with advanced technology and interactive healthcare exploration at the PSU College of Medicine. This gift was made possible because of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program offered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting through the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Johnson College Receives The Home Depot Foundation Grant Johnson College has been awarded a $10,000 Path to Pro Education Grant from The Home Depot Foundation to support the expansion of its Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technology program and the launch of new plumbing training opportunities. The funding will help equip newly expanded HVAC and plumbing laboratories with residential and commercial plumbing systems and fixtures, enhancing hands-on training for students entering high-demand skilled trades. Building on one of the College’s most popular programs, Johnson College will introduce a five-semester Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology with Plumbing option beginning in fall 2026. Offered at both the Scranton and Hazleton campuses, the program can be completed in two and a half years and prepares students for entry-level careers in HVAC and plumbing through real-world, hands-on experience. In addition, a stand-alone Plumbing certificate will launch in spring 2027 at both campuses. This one-year program is designed to prepare students for entry-level roles in residential and light commercial plumbing, with a focus on safe work practices, proper installation, and system testing. This expansion comes at a critical time, as demand for skilled trades professionals continues to grow nationwide. The support from The Home Depot Foundation helps Johnson College strengthen its ability to prepare students for in-demand careers while addressing workforce needs in the region.
Dimeco, Inc Declares Cash Dividend On June 18, 2026, the Board of Directors of Dimeco, Inc. (OTCQX: DIMC) declared a dividend of $0.45 per share, payable on July 23, 2026, to shareholders of record on June 30, 2026. This dividend is a 7.14% increase, or $0.03, over the dividend declared in June 2025. Based on the closing stock price of $55.00, this represents a dividend yield of 3.27%. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich commented, “This dividend reflects our gratitude for the continued trust our shareholders place in Dimeco, Inc., and reinforces our commitment to delivering value. We remain focused on driving sustainable growth and strong financial performance while consistently offering our customers first-rate financial solutions.”
SWB RailRiders, Elm Auto Service Selected As The 2026 Going To Bat For Small Business Winner The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, in conjunction with PNC Bank, are thrilled to announce that Elm Auto Service is the recipient of the 2026 Going to Bat for Small Business award. “Small businesses are the engine that propels our local economy,” said Annmarie Andrejko, PNC regional president for Northeast Pennsylvania. “Consistency, discipline, and long-term growth are the foundation upon which successful businesses are built. That dependability drives lasting success, and it’s why we’re proud to work with the RailRiders to ‘Go to Bat’ in support of entrepreneurs in the region.” The initiative highlights an NEPA small business that has made a positive impact within the community. The program gives the award-winning small business a boost by leveraging the RailRiders’ powerful platform to promote it. Going to Bat for Small Business, presented by PNC, will spotlight Elm Auto Service with a specialized RailRiders marketing package and hospitality night, including a first pitch at PNC Field, a suite night, social media, and website recognition. Elm Auto Service will be honored as part of a pregame ceremony at PNC Field on July 21. “I am truly honored to receive this award and grateful to be recognized,” said Claudia Torres, owner of Elm Auto Service. “Alongside many dedicated individuals, having the opportunity to be recognized at PNC Field makes this moment even more special. I look forward to celebrating with my family, friends, and the community.” “Elm Auto Service epitomizes the traits of a standout local small business,” stated Shawn Reilly, the RailRiders’ Team President & General Manager. “Claudia and her staff have thrived on providing excellent repair services to their customers. Their work helps keep NEPA safer and makes our community stronger.”
