Year in Review: St. Luke’s, councilman’s assault led Lansford news

A $1.2 million St. Luke’s medical facility project in Lansford moved forward after approval from borough council in August.

The 4,450 square-foot facility, located at Patterson and Coal streets, will include an urgent care clinic and therapy services.

Developer Joseph Bennett told council he hoped to complete the project in early spring, but groundbreaking had not taken place as of December.

Bennett’s lawyer said the project will bring in $20,000 in taxes each year for the borough, and even more for Panther Valley School District.

Lansford Council President Martin Ditsky was charged with assault the same day he lost his bid for reelection.

Ditsky, 70, allegedly bent back a woman’s arm and slammed her car door while her son was inside. The incident occurred in September.

The case was investigated by state police because Lansford Police cited a conflict of interest. His preliminary hearing was continued to January 2018.

Ditsky joined council in 2014.

A Lansford police officer was injured in a crash at the intersection of Route 209 and 902.

The driver who police said caused the crash, 37-year-old Stewart Allen Counterman Jr., was charged with aggravated assault by vehicle.

Counterman’s car lost its brakes on 902, coming down a steep hill. He eventually struck a vehicle driven by officer Shawn Nunemacher, who suffered facial lacerations, but returned to work.