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Wilkes-Barre condemns row houses, schedules emergency demolition

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Zeroing In: Review Luzerne County prison’s rules on use of restraints

<p><strong>Diamonds</strong> to summer bazaars &#8211; and the smiling, sweaty volunteers who orchestrate these fundraising events in Northeastern Pennsylvania to benefit churches, fire companies and other worthy causes. Potato pancakes, pizza and Mexican molotes. Mmm. Whether you&#8217;re headed to Duryea, Dallas or another area destination in late July, chances are there&#8217;s a bazaar nearby. Follow your nose. Or read our weekly events listings in The Guide, published every Friday in the Times Leader.</p><p><strong>Coal</strong> to Wilkes-Barre&#8217;s Zoning Hearing Board for the poor consideration given at this week&#8217;s meeting to representatives of the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. Of the zoning board&#8217;s five members, only four attended Wednesday&#8217;s session. And two of those people, who have ties to the school district, rightly recused themselves from any decision-making about the district&#8217;s planned expansion of Kistler Elementary School. That meant no quorum was present, and no action could be taken. But rather than state that fact from the get-go, zoning board solicitor Charles McCormick only apologetically interrupted the district&#8217;s presentation after it was underway &#8211; and after six other agenda items had been handled. That was more than two hours into the meeting. Why not scrap the presentation from the start? In any case, the district&#8217;s proposal will be revisited &#8211; we think &#8211; at the next meeting, Aug. 17.</p><p><strong>Diamonds</strong> to Hazleton City Council members. Bothered by the appearance and problems associated with abandoned buildings, the council&#8217;s members this week unanimously voted for a pair of blight-fighting ordinances. In time, the city is expected to create a Blighted Property Review Committee. It&#8217;s encouraging to see Northeastern Pennsylvania communities, including the city of Pittston, take action to reclaim and reuse properties that have been neglected by their owners. As always, however, care must be exercised to ensure these well-intentioned efforts don&#8217;t trample the rights of property holders.</p><p><strong>Coal</strong> to oblivious Pokemon Go players. With eyes firmly glued to their cellphones, certain fans of this summer&#8217;s app adaptation of the popular 1990s video game have at times jeopardized their safety. Getting locked into cemeteries after visiting hours. Falling prey to phone thieves. Straying into traffic. It&#8217;s enough to make you wonder if Pokemon Go was a product unleashed by software developer Niantic, or Darwin.</p><p><strong>Diamonds</strong> to owners of swimming pools and air-conditioned homes who take pity on their panting, less comfortable friends, relatives and neighbors. This is the weekend &#8211; with temperatures in the region predicted to eclipse 90 &#8211; to open your hearts and houses to the perspiring masses. Ensure that the people you know stay cool, hydrated and in good health.</p><style>
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Our Opinion: Bazaars add zest to summers in Northeastern Pennsylvania