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Diamonds … make that, gold, to figure skater Adam Rippon. The Clarks Summit native captivated at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Sunday in Minnesota, finally claiming the men’s title at age 26. On two other occasions, in 2012 and 2014, he had finished second. During this performance, Rippon fell while attempting a quadruple jump but continued his routine with a flawless blend of strength, style and showmanship. “Just because you can’t do one element that your competitors can do more proficiently than you,” he told a Minneapolis Star Tribune reporter, “it doesn’t mean you should hang up your skates and give it up.” That lesson can be applied far beyond the ice rink.

Coal to ATV-riding numbskulls in Newport Township. After last weekend’s snowfall, they apparently enjoyed zipping up and down the slopes on Earth Conservancy-owned land known as the Bliss Bank site. Their vehicles’ tires, however, tore up the turf, causing damaged estimated in the thousands of dollars, conservancy employees said. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call township police at 570-735-2000.

Diamonds to the General Federation of Women’s Clubs-West Side, a civic group long active in the Wyoming Valley. The service-focused club recently inducted 21 new members – an enviable number for most any volunteer organization involved today in community-building efforts. Congratulations to Deidre Kaminski, club president, and other women helping to power the group’s growth and continued good work. For information on the international federation, visit www.gfwc.org.

Coal to scammers trying to fleece the area’s utility customers. UGI Utilities, a Reading-based company that provides energy to the region, this week cautioned its gas and electric users to beware of callers threatening to shut off services for supposed non-payment of bills. Don’t follow the caller’s instructions to purchase a money order or pre-paid cash card. Instead, hang up and contact UGI by calling 1-800-276-2722.

Diamonds to cost-conscious public servants. Two big changes under consideration – one in the county’s judicial setup, one impacting several area school districts – could soon begin saving taxpayers’ dollars. Luzerne County aims to reduce its monthly lease expenses by housing both magisterial district judges in Wilkes-Barre in one building. The respective offices must maintain distinct courtrooms but could share support staff. Separately, the Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technical Center’s elected leaders decided this week to explore a way to adjust students’ schedules that would slash busing costs. Both ideas merit full consideration.

Coal to no-shows. Donald Trump ducked a Republican presidential debate. Closer to home, Tony George, Democratic mayor of Wilkes-Barre, said this week he intends to skip city council meetings unless certain agenda items compel his attendance. At least Trump made good use of his recent “free time,” raising money for veterans groups; what will George be doing on nights when the council convenes?

Adam Rippon, seen here during his free skate program Sunday at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, won the men’s title. The Clarks Summit native, 26, is expected to compete later this winter in the world championships in Boston.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/web1_Rippon-4.jpg.optimal.jpgAdam Rippon, seen here during his free skate program Sunday at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, won the men’s title. The Clarks Summit native, 26, is expected to compete later this winter in the world championships in Boston. Jim Mone | AP photo