Latest news with #HonesdaleHighSchool
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Jessica Ellis, Wayne Thomas running for judge in Honesdale-based district
The primary election on May 20 in Wayne County features one race for magisterial district judge in central Wayne County. There are two candidates in District 22-03-02 vying for the six-year term starting in 2026: Jessica Ellis, a local attorney, and Wayne Thomas, a retired Pennsylvania state trooper. Both have cross-filed to appear on the Republican and Democratic ballots. Ted Mikulak, who served in this post from 2010 to 2015 before resuming his heating and plumbing contractor trade, had announced his intention to run, but told the Tri-County Independent he felt his "heart was not in it" and instead was endorsing Thomas. Mikulak had not filed his necessary petition with the Wayne County Bureau of Elections. The vacancy for district judge occurred Aug. 23, 2024, when Judge Kay Bates retired before her term was finished. The remaining two district judges in Wayne County, Judge Bonnie Carney (22-3-01) and Judge Jonathan Dunsinger (22-3-04) have handled the caseload. District 22-03-02, based in Honesdale, covers Canaan, Cherry Ridge, South Canaan and Texas townships, and the boroughs of Honesdale, Prompton and Waymart. March 11 was the deadline for candidates to file. The voter registration deadline is May 5. Ellis is partner in the Ellis Law Group in Honesdale with her husband Brandon Ellis and has served as an assistant district attorney since April 2022 with the Wayne County District Attorney's Office. She is also the solicitor for Wayne County Human Services. "Our community deserves a judge whose court reflects the values of Wayne County: hard work, respect for others, and fairness," she said in a press release. "I will be that judge." "I look forward to meeting as many people as I can leading up to the election and will keep my pages updated with opportunities to get together," Ellis said in the release. "I am passionate about my family and building our life here in Wayne County. As a lifelong resident, I've been deeply involved in our community. My record in public service, in my law practice, and in my family demonstrates my commitment to integrity, fairness and hard work." The candidate continued, "I humbly ask for your vote because the district deserves a magistrate judge who understands the unique needs of its residents and their values." Her current community involvement, according to her website, includes being a member of Honesdale Area Jaycees, head coach of Honesdale High School junior varsity softball, vice president of the Wayne County Attorney Bar Association and Honesdale High School mock trial coach. She is also volunteer coach for the Honesdale Missy Basketball Program and for 25 years has been a Central United Methodist Church Bell Choir member. She graduated from Honesdale High School in 2005, Moravian University in Bethlehem in 2009 and from law school at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh in 2013. She and her husband are parents of two sons, Leland, 4 and Wyatt, 2. Her campaign website is and her Facebook page is Jess for Judge: Wayne Thomas, of Prompton, received an honorable discharge in in 2016 after serving 25 years with the Pennsylvania State Police. He worked in both the patrol and criminal investigation units. He is currently serving as a Western Wayne School District police officer. His career in law enforcement, he states in a press release, helped him develop "strong professional working relationships" with numerous county district attorney offices, public defender offices, magistrate offices, children and youth agencies, multi-disciplinary teams, school administrators and teachers, other regional law enforcement agencies and the many attorneys who interact within the court system. "He knows the administration procedures of an MDJ office and courtroom, and has fulfilled the required Minor Judiciary Education Certification," the release states. "He leads by example and demands and gets respect from the students… His job gives him the ability to assist students in career paths, while being a role model, and even teaching classes of students about various aspects of his job," his press release states. 'I made the decision to run for magistrate because I am passionate about upholding the rule of law and ensuring that everyone has access to fair and impartial justice," Thomas said in the release. "I believe that the most important qualities of a successful magistrate are integrity, ethics, impartiality, and a deep commitment to public service.' Thomas continued, "When I can be a part of someone making a right decision to fix a wrong one, especially our children, it makes my life, and all that I have done, and do today, worth it! Fairness is an absolute necessity in a courtroom!" His Facebook page is Wayne for Judge: Peter Becker has worked at the Tri-County Independent or its predecessor publications since 1994. Reach him at pbecker@ or 570-253-3055 ext. 1588. This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Jessica Ellis, Wayne Thomas running for magisterial district judge
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Future business leaders help mothers with baby essentials
HONESDALE, WAYNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — More than 13,000 Pennsylvania students belong to Future Business Leaders of America. The non-profit prepares students for careers in business. It also encourages them to participate in projects aimed at benefiting the community. In this week's 'Here's to You, Kid' we take a look at three students who are helping mothers in need. You would not think with all the diapers, baby wipes, and strollers being sorted that you were inside a restaurant. But that is what's happening inside a storage room at The Alpine in Honesdale. It is all part of a community service project by Honesdale High School's Future Business Leaders of America chapter. The project called 'Motherly Grace' provides new and financially challenged moms with the baby essentials they need. 'We realize that these items and caring for a baby in general is a lot of work and it's a lot of money so we wanted to be able to alleviate that financial burden for parents,' stated Jordan Patzuk, Honesdale High School, FLBA member/co-founder of 'Motherly Grace' 'Right from the beginning you could just tell that this project was special and anybody who heard about it wanted to get involved and wanted to help out,' explained Laura Lockwood teacher/FBLA advisor at Honesdale High School 'Motherly Grace' began in November 2023 when students turned their idea into a team effort with 'the Alpine'. Oliver and his army helping pediatrics in need 'A lot of teenagers don't think like that and see the bigger picture and, you know, what a wonderful group of students they are,' said Gretchen Eifert owner, of The Alpine Jordan later recruited classmates Liam Miller and Luke Murray to co-chair 'Motherly Grace'. They solicit and collect donations for moms already struggling to pay the rent, put food on the table, and tackle other household bills. 'Well, it's very impactful for this community because we've helped over 130 families, over 180 children within the community,' stated Liam Miller, Honesdale High School, FBLA member/project co-chair. 'I think the coolest thing that I've been a part of is it's not just the school community that's been a huge part of this but also just getting out and all of these organizations… Our local organizations have been able to help us out,' explained Luke Murrary Honesdale, High School, FBLA member/project co-chair. Jordan calls the outpouring of support 'overwhelming' to keep this space filled with items and help lighten the load for moms in need. 'Not only are we helping them out to be able to care for their children but we're also giving them hope and at the end of the day that's what 'motherly grace' is so important for because we don't want anyone to feel alone.' 'Motherly Grace' is looking for baby care essentials and other items an infant or toddler may need. Donations can be dropped off at 'The Alpine' restaurant in Honesdale. Here's to you Jordan, Liam, and Luke. If you know someone you think we should profile on 'Here's to You Kid', submit a nomination under the 'NEPA's Children First' tab on our website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
