25 Cents By JOHN HOINSKI Staff Writer A Dallas Borough policeman has been sus- pended pending the outcome of an investigation into that officer’s handling of an alleged under- age drinking incident a week and a half ago. Officer Chris Purcell, in a letter dated Novem- ber 5, was informed by Dallas Borough Mayor Paul LaBar that he has been suspended from further duties until his involvement in the matter is cleared up. LaBar said he levied the suspension on the advice of Borough Solicitor November 1 when Purcell responded to an anonymous complaint at approximately 10 p.m. at a private home located at 84 Norton Ave., Dallas. Dallas Borough police commissioner Tim Car- roll said the investigation, which will be done by somebody outside the Borough Council, will begin shortly. As of Monday night, Carroll did not know who would conduct the proceeding. Arthur Miller, 39, of New Goss Manor, Dallas and owner of the Norton Avenue home, last week told The Dallas Post he filed a complaint against Purcell, accusing him of illegal search and entry, improper seizure and conduct unbe- John Fine. By JOHN HOINSKI Staff Writer There are no laws mandating that a police officer file a report to his respective police chief regarding certain investiga- tions, according Luzerne County Assistant District Attorney Fred Pierantoni. Pierantoni said he believes that sort of policy is usually left up to the individual police department, but that the depart- ment’s solicitor might be able to shed more light on the matter. Dallas Borough soliciter John comment on the subject. The question of completing and filing police reports arose last week when a Dallas Bor- ough police officer allegedly cited eight Dallas High School students. The incident in ques- tion reportedly occurred on Sat- urday, November 1 and on Tuesday, November 4, there was no police report filed on the incident. Dallas Borough police chief Ed Lyons said he requests that his officers fill out reports as soon as possible, although he did not say what how much time he allows the officers. He said policemen sometimes are called on other assignments and may not be able to complete a partic- ular report. He does, however, ask that reports be filed as soon as practically possible. Kingston Township police chief Paul Sabol said he requires his officers to fill out a hand-written report in the police cruiser regarding car accidents. That report, as well as those involy- ing other types of investigative matters, must then be typed out by the time that officer finishes that particular shift or by the end of his following shift. Dallas Township police chief Carl Miers said his department adopts the same policy, although there are times when that may not be possible. For example, Miers said, a person cited for some traffic violations must be given five days to produce their driver’s license. Several parents in the Dallas School District voiced their dis- pleasure concerning over- crowded conditions in certain grades in the Westmoreland and Dallas Elementary schools. The parents complained to members of the Dallas School Board at that group’s monthly meeting Monday evening. Parents say they are mainly worried about the excess of students in the first and third grade levels and would like to have the problem corrected as soon as possible. Bill Bachman, a Kingston Township resident and one of a (See ISSUE, page 6) districts. planning process. his job this past Monday. Gimme that shoe! overnight slumber party but the episode ended with eight juveniles being cited for a number of violations. Miller, who said he was at the Norton Avenue house until 9:30 that night, admitted there was alcohol already present in the house, but did not know if anymore was brought in by any of the approximately 20 Dallas High School students who were present. Miller reported that, after leaving the house that evening, he was later contacted by a friend who had been contacted by Miller's daughter. Miller said he returned to the home at approxi- mately 10 p.m. at which time he encountered Purcell on the front lawn. Miller said Purcell told him he was responding to an anonymous complaint, saying ‘it appears we have an underage drinking problem.”’ Eight students were eventually taken to the Dallas Borough Building and were cited and released pending notification of their parents, Miller said. Miller also indicated he was not happy with Borough police chief Ed Lyons’ involvement, stating that he (Lyons) “could be of little assistance” and did little or nothing.” Miller reported he requested to have Lyons called out to the incident. Miller has declined further comment on the matter until the investigation is completed. Lyons and Purcell have both refrained from making statements on the advice of the borough solicitor. Dallas Post/Charlot M. Denmon Today’s nun She works just like the rest of us By CHARLOT M. DENMON Staff Writer Sister Catherine Winters are Sisters of Mercy — teaching, ministering to the sick, disad- vantaged and the elderly. They are modern examples of the vows professed by the founder of their order, Catherine McAuley, in 1831 in the City of Dublin, Ireland. Catherine McAuley, who used her inheritance to build a large house in Dublin where she could carry out her service to the poor, sick and ignorant, and provide a home for herself and others choosing to work with her in her ministry, called it the House of Mercy. She and her followers sought to minister to all those in need and because of this they became as the ‘“‘walk- ing or moving nuns.” Unlike most congregations, the Mercy rule approved by Rome provided the Sisters of Mercy with the freedom to be wherever they could best be of service to the poor, sick and uneducated. Today, they move freely through the church of Christ in this world responding to those in need. (See NUN, page 6) Working Sister working world. Committee expected to be named By CHARLOT M. DENMON Staff Writer The appointment of a negotia: tions committee, negotiator spokesman and resource per- sons for negotiation of the con- tract between the school district and the school’s service person- nel association was expected to be made at last night’s meeting of the Lake-Lehman School Board. : Committee members named for appointment are Martin F. Noon, chairman; Robert C. Emory, Joseph “Red” Jones, Raymond C. Bowersox, secre- tary and business manager of the district, and Atty. Joseph J. Gale, solicitor. Advisory mem- bers to the committee expected (See NAMED, page 6) Inside The Post Births .............. nr 10 Calendar .......... 19,20 Classified ......... 17,18 Dallas Post/Jane Renn Commentary ......... 8 Marriage licenses . 10 Obituaries ......... ....t4 People ...... Cevievens 9,10 Sports .............. 11-16
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