Luzerne County government received $149,205 in net proceeds from an Aug. 3 auction of unused vehicles and road and bridge equipment, County Manager Romilda Crocamo told the council.

Crocamo said all items were sold. Purchases totaled $175,535 and John Regan Auctioneer receives a 15 percent commission, which equates to $26,330, according to its communication.

Regan expanded the auction’s reach by offering an online participation platform, which generated $75,680 in sales, Crocamo said. The remaining $99,855 came from in-person purchases at the auction site near the county-run Wyoming Valley Airport, she said.

Latest recruitments

According to the new monthly staff report, sixteen provincial employees were hired in June.

The new hires, along with their titles and hourly wages: Trenton J. Armbrister, building/grounds janitor, $13.24; Crystal Besecker and Hope Littzi, clerk/typist, children, youth and families, $14.79; Bradley Breakstone, Justin Contreras and Tobias Faulks, sheriff’s deputies, $15.93; Patrick Dane Cooper and Mattie Round, planning/zoning analysts, $23.33; Susan Dwinchick, administrative assistant, probation services, $15.40; Thomas Hogan, court custody coordinator, $30; William McLain, transportation planning/zoning planner, $28.21; Alexis Nadolny, social worker, children, youth and families 1, $20.60; Christopher Thoma, prothonotary clerk 3, $15.98; Waldo Vergara, administrative assistant elections office, $16.64; and Darren Whitenight, judicial assistant, $22.53.

Aliyah Habeeb was also rehired as a social worker for Children, Youth and Families 2 at $22.98 an hour, the report said.

Departure

Nine employees resigned in July: Roberth Andrade, building/grounds janitor, Victoria Martinelli, protonotary, 911 operator James O’Rourke, human resources analyst Christina Varvaglione, senior accountant Mitesh Patel, budget/finance coordinator, Rachel Linso, membership and marketing coordinator for the tourism board, correctional officer Chad Creasing, and Charlene Giuliano and Susan Bayer, deputy hospitality staff for the Area Agency on Aging.

The report noted three firings: corrections officer Jessica Luton; 911 operator Amber Goerner; and elections office administrative assistant Barbara Moyer.

Transfers

Fifteen employees have been transferred to other departments or positions, the report said.

The two employees changing departments, their new positions and hourly rates: Breck Burson Park, 911 PSAP supervisor, $23.58, and Kayla Davis, district attorney clerk, $17.33.

Those changing positions, with the new position/compensation: Nancy Brandes O’Neill, children, youth and families typist, $17.17; Paula Radick, chief of legal services and records, $49.67; Steven Hahn, deputy director of the elections office, $25.64; Eric Swiech, care manager, Aging Agency, $20.87; Barbara Wesley, 911 PSAP coordinator, $31.03; Leighann Yukenavage, care manager, Aging Agency, $20.87; David Green, social services financial officer, $34.36; David Morris, veterans affairs officer, $17.56; Frank Suponcic, senior center manager, Aging Agency, $18.20; Mary Schell, deputy administrator, Aging Agency, $36.92; Nicholas Carey, probation youth employment coordinator, $32.41; Matthew Skrepenak, probation supervisor, $42.81; and Esperanza Gonzalez, probation officer, $27.61.

Agency License

Crocamo announced that the county’s agency for children, youth and families has been licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services through September 1, 2025.

Crocamo said the milestone is “a testament to the hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence of agency director Katrina Gownley and her staff.”

“Our collective efforts, particularly the Board’s support of CYF, have not only demonstrated our ability to meet the rigorous standards set by the Commonwealth, but have also reinforced our mission to provide the highest quality of service to the most vulnerable in our community,” Crocamo said. “This achievement is a significant step forward for our organization and will undoubtedly open new avenues for growth and support.”

Council Vice Chairman Brian Thornton said the Certificate of Compliance is “great news for all of Luzerne County.”

“This means that the children at risk are the focus and under the best supervision of CYF staff,” Thornton said. “Kudos to Katrina and her staff.”

West Hazleton Bridge

The city-owned Jaycee Drive bridge over Black Creek in West Hazleton has been renovated and reopened, Crocamo told council.

“This would not have happened without the support of the province!” Crocamo said in the email.

The council had set aside $850,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for the bridge renovation and provided an additional $425,000 to the city through a loan.

The bridge’s closure due to its poor condition forced diversions through a residential area and restricted access for 50 businesses employing 2,500 people, raising concerns in the event of a fire or chemical spill, city officials said.