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Lottery numbers for Monday, Feb. 22.

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Wyoming Homes owner pleads guilty to bilking dozens of would-be homeowners

PRINGLE &#8212; Two West Side Career and Technical Center students addressed members of the school&#8217;s Joint Operating Committee on Monday night requesting that a recently enforced rule be revoked.The rule directs that only two students be allowed in a restroom at one time.Seniors Stephen Vassello, of Kingston, and Ben Matello, of Edwardsville, said the rule resulted in students refraining from drinking liquids, possibly developing medical problems and losing class time.They presented a petition to the board with 250 names on it.&#8220;I was walking back from shop one day and someone asked if I heard what happened, that no more than two people would be allowed in the bathroom,&#8221; said Vassello. &#8220;Right away I knew that we were going to fight this thing.&#8221;The two students said the rule was instituted after someone started a fire in one of the school&#8217;s restrooms several months ago.&#8220;My question is: If the fire occurred several months ago, why are we just now implementing the rule?&#8221; said Vassello. &#8220;We haven&#8217;t had any fire, not even anyone smoking in the bathroom, since then.&#8221;Vassello suggested that the rule be modified to allow five students in the bathroom at one time, with continued monitoring.Board President David Paulauskas thanked the two for sharing their ideas on the issue and complimented them on their presentation. He said the board would not be making a decision on the matter during the meeting, but that students would be informed when a decision was made.&#8220;I don&#8217;t want to give a specific time frame, but we will get back to you in a short period of time,&#8221; Paulauskas said when pressed for a time line.In another matter, Thomas Leary, President of Luzerne County Community College, addressed the board regarding the school&#8217;s early college program, which provides an opportunity for juniors and seniors to take college classes.Leary said the credits are offered at a reduced rate, are transferable to other colleges and acclimate students with college life.Rosana Reyes, dean of student development, said the school works with students who cannot afford the full amount of tuition, which ranges from about $100 to $175 per class.Administrative Director Thomas Viviano asked Leary if this would affect funding received by the CTC.&#8220;Your funding would not be affected by this at all,&#8221; he said.Both Leary and Reyes provided several scenarios in which the program worked, citing examples from those struggling with academics to one young lady who entered college as a junior.They also encouraged member district representatives to look into the program on behalf of their own districts.The next meeting of the West Side Career and Technology Center&#8217;s Joint Operating Committee is scheduled 6:30 p.m. March 21.<div class="metaInfo"><subheadMeta>Petition asks for rule limiting number of students in bathroom to be changed</subheadMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta>By Geri Gibbonsggibbons@www.timesleader.com</bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta>Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons</shirttailMeta></div>

West Side Career & Technology Center students present petition against restroom policy