From Crystal Club Soda to Gertrude Hawk Chocolate

Police are investigating claims by state Rep. Frank Shimkus, D-South Abington Township, and his fiancée that a home they own was vandalized Saturday afternoon. The Throop home of Gabrielle Prutisto was ringed with footprints in the snow and a window was cracked Saturday, she said. Ms. Prutisto left her home for about four hours Saturday, returning at about 3:30 p.m. She blames Joseph Pilchesky’s Web site for inciting the suspected trespassing. Mr. Pilchesky, of Scranton, has challenged Mr. Shimkus’ position on the ballot in the April 22 primary, claiming he lied when he listed a Scranton address. Mr. Pilchesky contends Mr. Shimkus lives in the Throop home, which he owns with Ms. Prutisto. Mr. Shimkus said he lives in Scranton, but plans to move into the Throop home soon. Mr. Pilchesky admitted that posters on his Web site use language he does not condone, but said he doesn’t encourage harassment or law breaking. [Times-Tribune]

Local pariah Joseph Pilchesky is in the news again. According to the Scranton Times-Tribune, in a message on his website, Mr Pilchesky recommended public hangings for the mayor, two council members, a state senator, a Times-Tribune reporter and two of the paper’s publishers. Mr Pilchesky also referred to Times-Tribune staff writer Stacy Brown as “a black nigger” and suggested that Mr Brown “be dropped off in Mississippi in the ’30s as a reminder of what the people of his color have risen from.” As a resident of Scranton I am embarrassed not only for our city but for Mr Pilchesky and his family. Dr Martin Luthur King Jr once said “nothing in the world is more dangerous than a sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” I couldn’t agree more.