Norwegian king's sister dies in Brazil at age 82

CBS, Showtime teaming for monthly sports newscast

First Posted: 9/25/2012 YATESVILLE - Pittston Area School District Superintendent Michael Garzella said the district has set up a 7 p.m. meeting at the high school auditorium Wednesday to provide information to the public related to the recent teen suicides. The district is putting together a panel of experts who can answer questions about what to look for and how to respond, Garzella said. District officials will not be included on the panel, he noted, because he wants people with the professional expertise to give the best advice. The move comes in response to three teen suicides in the last week: A Greater Nanticoke Area student on Sept. 18, a Pittston Area boy this weekend, and a Pittston Area sophomore girl Monday evening. Despite widespread talk that the weekend suicide was the result of consistent bullying, and that the last two suicides may be linked, Garzella said extensive interviews with students offered no hard evidence to support either claim. Luzerne County District Attorney Stephanie Salavantis also said the rumors of bullying remain unsubstantiated,but encouraged parents or students who have information to come forward and talk to district officials or police investigating the cases. Salavantis, several county detectives and police chiefs from area departments met with Garzella and other school district officials this afternoon at the Pittston Area administration building. After that meeting, Salavantis told members of the media outside the building that she could not yet release details of the latest suicide, but that the meeting had been held "to discuss what needs to be done. "The rumors about possible bullying are exactly that: Rumors," she said. "We have no evidence at this point. However, we ask if anyone has evidence, please come forward." PITTSTON -- Pittston Area authorities are investigating a report of a second suicide of one of its students this week. Police and the Luzerne County District Attorney's office are involved and investigating the incidents. District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis released a statement today confirming that she met this morning with her detectives, County Coroner William Lisman, Jenkins Township Police Chief Frank Mudlock, Duryea Police Chief Nick Lohman, Avoca Police Chief David Homschek, Nanticoke Police Chief William Schultz, Det. Robert Lehman, Pennsylvania State Police Captain Jay Degnan and Lt. Gary Vogue concerning the recent teen suicides in Luzerne County. Preliminary information received from police interviews and investigation did not reveal evidence of bullying or harassment of the victims; however, the investigation is ongoing, Salavantis' statement said. Salavantis cautioned students and parents against jumping to conclusions based on circulating rumors. A meeting is scheduled for today with Pittston Area Principal John Haas regarding the two incidents in that district this week. Another suicide occurred in Nanticoke on Sept. 18 when 13-year-old student took his life. Some in that community blame bullying. The district attorney said her office will continue to release information as it becomes available. In the meantime, Salavantis is reminding the public that those with concerns on issues such as suicide or mental health may call any of the following agencies where help is available 24 hours a day/7days per week: Luzerne County Help Line (829-1341), Northeast Counseling Services (735-7590/455-6385), Community Counseling Services (552-6000), Luzerne County Mental Health and Developmental Services (825-9441) or the Children's Service Center (825-6425). Children Service Center has made a minimum of eight counselors available to the students of all grades in the Pittston Area School District in light of recent events. All counselors are currently present in that school district.

UPDATE: Pittston Area to hold public meeting on suicides