A battle of statements has ensued over the Luzerne County Democratic Party Executive Committee’s recent decision to censure Fern Leard for a post she shared on her private Facebook.

Luzerne County Council unanimously voted last week to provide one-time bonuses for five union security officers.

All four incoming Luzerne County Council members — Chris Belles, Steve Coslett, Dawn Simmons, and Denise Williams — accepted an invitation to tour the vacant State Correctional Institution at Retreat complex in Newport Township last week.

Luzerne County received a bid above the asking price to purchase the Broad Street Business Exchange in downtown Hazleton.

MONDAY, 12/22

YATESVILLE — The Crestwood Comets showed why they were one of only two unbeaten girls basketball teams in District 2 heading into Wednesday night.

Jailyn Park scored 15 points and led Wyoming Area through a strong fourth quarter that broke a tie and produced a 33-28 victory over visiting Wilkes-Barre Area Thursday night in non-league girls basketball.

Monday, 12/15

Brody Spindler posted pins in all six matches Dec. 6 as Pittston Area finished third out of 12 teams in the Gary Woodruff Memorial Duals at Wyalusing Valley.

Brooke Hintze won the maximum two individual and two relay events Tuesday when host Pittston Area opened the Wyoming Valley Conference girls swimming season with a 98-46 rout of Nanticoke.

Jon Cortez won both the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events Tuesday when Wyoming Area lost to visiting Hazleton Area 125-27 in a Wyoming Valley Conference boys swimming opener.