The possible consolidation of at least some of Lackawanna County's row offices appears to be picking up momentum with Register of Wills Linda Munley's decision not to seek re-election in 2013.

State Rep.-elect Kevin Haggerty, D-112, on Monday called on the county commissioners to place a referendum on the May ballot asking voters to approve a Home Rule Charter study commission to look into consolidating the register of wills and recorder of deeds offices.

"It's time to come up with solutions to save the taxpayers money, and this is an opportunity to do something right now," said Mr. Haggerty, who will be sworn in as legislator on Jan. 1.

Commissioner Corey O'Brien said a possible merger of those offices and perhaps others "is certainly something" he and fellow majority Commissioner Jim Wansacz will be looking at closely in January.

The conversation will not be entirely new, Mr. O'Brien said - he has been a proponent of reviewing the pros and cons of row office consolidation for several years.

Although he favors maintaining the district attorney, controller and treasurer as distinct, independent offices, the other row offices should be part of the discussion, Mr. O'Brien said.

The overriding question is always whether a merger of one or more offices would make county government more efficient and save money, he said.

"We are not going to do it because it sounds good," Mr. O'Brien said. "You have to do it because it works."

Mr. Haggerty said a referendum would give voters a chance to vote yes or no on creating a commission to study amending the county Home Rule Charter to consolidate the register of wills and recorder of deeds.

Because the process involves getting the public to come up with "ideas and solutions," the commission itself could decide whether it wants to look at other offices, he said.

"A vote of 'yes' to create this commission is the first step toward lowering taxes for our families living in Lackawanna County," Mr. Haggerty said.

Ms. Munley announced Thursday she will not run for a seventh four-year term as register of wills next year. Mr. O'Brien said her retirement will provide the county with a "unique opportunity" to seriously examine consolidation.

One candidate has already announced plans to run for register of wills, with the stated intention of getting rid of the position by merging its duties with another row office or offices.

In a letter to The Times-Tribune, Olyphant attorney Glenn M. Cashuric said he will take no salary or benefits if elected.

"I will work with the commissioners for a smooth transition to eliminate this office as a stand-alone elected position," he said. "And when there is no further chance for a successor to take my place and reignite the gravy train, I will resign and return full time to the private sector."

Contact the writer: dsingleton@timesshamrock.com

Name misspelled

A story on Page A3 in The Sunday Times misspelled the name of the contractor who worked with Homes for Our Troops to build a home for a local wounded veteran. The contractor's name is Ken Kurtz.

SCRANTON - A 25-year-old Scranton woman will face charges for a fight police said she started in a Linden Street bar late Saturday.

Acting Capt. Glen Thomas said Amanda Bloom punched Corrina Weidow, 22, of Scranton, in the face inside Mulligan's Sports & Spirits, 519 Linden St., prompting security to remove them from the business.

Ms. Weidow suffered a cut to her head and a bloody nose in the incident, Capt. Thomas said.

As of Monday, charges of simple assault and harassment were pending.

While many people associate the holiday season with family, friends and happiness, it can also bring the unwanted gift of the holidays blues.

As many gather with family and meet for different social events during this time of year, some people find themselves alone or in other less-than-ideal situations. Isolation, along with financial struggles, divorce, deaths and other changes in life circumstances are some examples of what can bring on anxiety and symptoms of holiday depression.

"Some people don't have things to look forward to," said Jeanie Pavlovich, Ph.D., behavioral health manager at Geisinger - Community Med­ical Center. "They don't have finances to buy things; some people don't even have family or friends to be around."

Even without emotional baggage that holidays can bring, mental health experts say feeling down this time of year can be natural with fewer hours of natural sunlight, sometimes leading to a condition called seasonal affective disorder. However, mental health professionals offer suggestions on how to cope during this time of year.

People who feel down should make a point to spend time with friends and family, even reaching out to old friends, and try to stay busy with holiday tasks and chores.

For those struggling with memories of people no longer around, psychologists say it's healthy to acknowledge feelings of sadness.

Another way to beat the holiday blues includes participating in activities that bring happiness, such as going to a movie or volunteering with an organization, such as the Salvation Army.

"Doing things to help others is a big thing to help," Dr. Pavlovich said.

The Mayo Clinic also offers the following tips to avoid holiday stress and depression:

- Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or like previous years. As families change and grow, traditions often change as well.

- Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity.

- Don't abandon healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a free for all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Continue to get plenty of sleep and physical activity.

Contact the writer: rward@timesshamrock.com, @rwardTT on Twitter

FELL TWP. - State police are investigating a rash of vehicle break-ins on Monday in Simpson.

Several vehicles were looted between midnight and 8 a.m. in the area of the 400 to 600 block of Morse Avenue, state police said.

All of the victims said their vehicles were unlocked. In most cases, their valuables - loose change, small purses and music CDs - were left in plain view.

Anyone with information is asked to call state police in Dunmore at 963-3156.

Windows open on city Christmas

Sugarplums and bobby- soxers can be seen dancing around Christmas trees and in children's heads in windows as the annual Downtown Scranton Holiday Window Decorating Showcase continues until 2013 begins.

Chaired by Maureen Duffy, owner of Duffy Accessories, and Tony Patte, a Scranton Tomorrow/Main Street Scranton volunteer, this year's event features nearly 40 competing exhibits.

Winners by category include: whimsical, Penn Security Bank & Trust; nostalgic, Wendell & Co.; magical, Lavish Body + Home; enchanting, Carl von Luger Steak & Seafood; traditional, Bella Faccias Personalized Chocolates & Gift LLC; Scrantastic, The Times-Tribune; and festive, B's Floral Design.

Dominick Gianuzzi of Penn Security Bank & Trust; Bob Dickert of Carl von Luger; Michelle Ross of The Times-Tribune; Matt Drace of Lavish Body + Home, picked up awards for their windows during the Lackawanna County annual tree lighting ceremony.

"The decorating showcase has become an annual tradition for many," said Leslie Collins, Scranton Tomorrow, executive director, as she encouraged everyone to visit downtown Scranton during the holiday season for "wonderful shopping, dining and holiday activities."

Among the downtown businesses participating in the decorating are Alexander's Salon & Spa, Amendolaro, B's Floral Design, Bella Faccias Personalized Chocolates & Gifts LLC,∗Buona Pizza, Café Trio, Cait Center, Cami Mari, Carl von Luger Steak & Seafood, Chocolate Creations, Christopher West Hair Design, City Café, Duffy Accessories, GreenBeing, Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank, Franklin Security, Freedlove, Lackawanna County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Lavish Body + Home, Nada & Co., New Laundry, Northern Light Espresso Bar, NOW Hair Studio, over the moon, Penn Security Bank & Trust, Pierre's, Pizza by Pappas, POSH at The Scranton Club, Raintree, Runway, Scranton Hobby Center, Sew Smart Fabrics Inc., The Colonnade, The Fanciful Fox, The Times Tower & Times-Tribune Santa's Workshop, The Vintage Theater, Tom Grudis Optical & The Bare Accessories, Well Heeled and Wendell & Co.

Stars in stripes

Navy Cmdr. Michelle D. Morse and Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph B. Connors, along with nearly 12, 000 past and current crew members, family and friends attended the inactivation of aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. Cmdr. Morse's husband, John, is the son of Linda L. Phillips of Clarks Summit. Petty Officer 2nd Class Connors is the son of Deborah Thompson of Honesdale, and Joseph B. Connors Sr. of Hewitt, N.J. The Enterprise, the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, completed its 25th and final deployment before returning to its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk. The inactivation was conducted before Enterprise's terminal offload program and subsequent decommissioning. The last official public event for the ship also served as a celebration of her life and those of the more than 100,000 sailors who served aboard.

High notes

Bishop Emeritus James C. Timlin gave the invocation and Karen Kearney, vice president of inpatient rehabilitation, thanked volunteers and auxiliay members for their hard work throughout the year when Heinz Rehab Hospital, a division of Allied Services Integrated Health System, conducted its holiday luncheon in the Rose Brader Dining Room. Also on hand were Mary Yuknavich, director of volunteers and auxiliary, and Tom Pugh, retired administrator of Heinz Rehab Hospital.

Louis Darocy completes some yardwork on a cloudy Tuesday morning. His dog, George, stays by his side, sniffing and exploring the Bundy Street yard.

This time each week, something comes over George. His ears perk at the hum of the garbage truck's engine, and his tail wags when it comes into view.

Jack Morris hops out of the truck and approaches the yard.

"How are you doing, George?" he asks as he pets the Scottish terrier's head and hands him a Milk-Bone biscuit. George takes one bone, drops it in the grass and goes back for a second one.

"This is what makes it all worth it," Mr. Morris said.

Mr. Morris' refuse collection route varies daily, but his love for animals is consistent. Mr. Morris, 62, greets each dog along his routes and gives him or her two Milk-Bones, a routine he has carried out for the past 25 years.

With owners' permission, he greets dogs near the sidewalk, in backyards or on porches. "When you sit there (in the truck) all day long and these dogs come barking at you with their tails going, it puts a smile on your face," he said.

Mr. Morris sees about 150 dogs each week, he said. This many dogs requires two 14-pound boxes of Milk-Bones per week, which he said he restocks at Sam's Club.

"This is a nice gesture on his part," Mr. Darocy said of Mr. Morris' generosity.

If he is absent, his fellow workers hand out the treats. "I try to make sure I have the Milk-Bones in my truck at all times," he said.

Nearby on Ferdinand Street lives Mariane Schaefferkoetter and her two dogs and three cats. Ms. Schaefferkoetter said one of the workers shared a special moment with her elderly English bulldog, Delilah, about a year and a half ago. He stepped onto the porch and sat with Delilah for a little while, she said.

"These men deserve credit because they certainly know how to handle the animals," she said.

Sometimes Mr. Morris runs out of Milk-Bones, but he does not ignore his canine friends. He said his fellow workers give up their own lunches to feed the dogs.

"It's the best part of our job," he said. "It puts a smile on everyone's face, including the owners."

As Mr. Morris prepares to leave, George puts his front paws on the fence and says goodbye to him. The small dog and his neighbor, Grizzly, a Norwegian elkhound, stare intently at the truck as it drives up Bundy Street, catching their last glimpse of Mr. Morris until the next Tuesday.

Contact the writer: shazen@timesshamrock.com

While his infant daughter might not remember her first Christmas, Army Sgt. John Nolan will never forget it.

Sgt. Nolan returned home Dec. 10 from his yearlong deployment, to the welcoming arms of his wife, Cara, and 8-month-old daughter, Riley Grace. The family will celebrate Riley's first Christmas this year in Wilkes-Barre.

"I'm extremely grateful I made it home in time to be here for it. I had missed a lot while I was deployed," Sgt. Nolan said. "I didn't want to miss any more major milestones if I didn't have to. I know she's not going to remember Christmas, but I'll definitely remember that I was here for her first Christmas."

So what do the Nolans have planned for their first Christmas with their daughter?

"Just lots of time with family," Sgt. Nolan said. "It's great being back with the baby. It's more than I could've asked for, coming home to her."

Back to Afghanistan

The sergeant spent two quick weeks with his daughter after she was born April 3, before returning to Afghanistan.

"She fit in the palm of my hand; now, she's talking to herself and moving around, so it's quite a change," said Sgt. Nolan, who is stationed at Fort Eustis, Va.

The family will spend the holidays with local relatives, including Sgt. Nolan's parents, Jack and Sherry Nolan of Wilkes-Barre. Sgt. Nolan is also the grandson of Patricia and the late John Nolan of Mahanoy City. After the holidays, the family will return to Virginia to move into their new home.

Sgt. Nolan expressed gratitude for his immediate and extended family, who have been very supportive as he transitions back to life in the United States.

"It was a little overwhelming, to be honest," he said. "I (had) been away for the year. It was a very long deployment. We did a lot of work, and there were a few rough times, so it was an adjustment to being back in the 'normal, civilian life,' as people would put it."

Bronze Star

Sgt. Nolan received his promotion to sergeant and received the Bronze Star while in Afghanistan. While there, he worked with Honza, a military working dog who specializes in searches.

The two combed the landscape for improvised explosive devices and cleared roadways to ensure traveling Americans wouldn't hit roadside bombs, Sgt. Nolan said.

He enlisted as a military police officer in January 2007, hoping to move into the canine program, and about four years later he got the opportunity to train as a handler.

Before partnering with Honza, Sgt. Nolan spent 15 months in Iraq during his first deployment, from November 2007 to February 2009. He started dating Cara before that trip, and the couple married in 2010.

"She's much better at (getting through the deployments) than I am. It's hard on me being away. I know it's hard on her when I'm gone, too," he said.

Contact the writer: kgaydos@citizensvoice.com

BARANOWSKI, MARION, Lincoln Heights section of Scranton, private. Arrangements: Carl J. Savino Funeral Home, 157 S. Main Ave., West Scranton.

BORUTA, MICHAEL E., Gouldsboro, Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Homes, 3 First St., Spring Brook Twp. Interment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst. Calling hours, Wednesday, 5 to 8 p.m. Contributions: St. Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509. Condolences: strauchfuneralhomes.com.

BRYANT, ALBERTA RUTH, Scranton, Friday, noon, Elm Park United Methodist Church, 712 Linden St., Scranton, by the Rev. Howard P. Woodruff, senior pastor. Interment, private, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Calling hours Friday, 11:30 a.m. to noon. Contributions: St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, 500 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Arrangements: Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Service Inc., 111 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit, PA 18411. Condolences: jenningscalvey.com.

CONRAD, ELIZABETH P., Allentown, formerly of Scranton, Thursday, 6 p.m., Howard J. Snowdon Funeral Home, 1810 Sanderson Ave., Scranton, by the Rev. Charles Beth. Interment, private, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst. Calling hours, Thursday, 4 to 6. Contributions: Sacred Heart Hospice, 2268 12th St., Allentown, PA 18103. Condolences: duffyands nowdon.com.

DISKIN, JO ANN, Clarks Summit, Mass, Wednesday, 10 a.m., Our Lady of the Snows Church, 301 S. State St., Clarks Summit, by Monsignor James McGarry. Go directly to church. Interment, private. Arrangements: Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit. Contributions: PJM Diskin Educational Fund, c/o Penn Security Bank, 150 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Condolences: lawrenceey oungfuneralhome.com.

EDWARDS, ROBERT A., Archbald, private services and interment.

ENO, GERALD M., Butler, no public visitation. Celebration of life, later date. Arrangements: Thompson-Miller Funeral Home Inc., 124 E. North St., Butler, PA 16001. Inurnment, Indian Orchard Cemetery, Honesdale. Donations: Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main Street, Honesdale, PA 18431; the VNA Inpatient Hospice, 115 Technology Drive, Butler, PA 16001; or favorite charity. Condolences: thompson-miller.com.

ERAMO, CAROL A., Scranton, Monday, Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home, Scranton. Mass, Church of the Immaculate Conception, Scranton, by the Rev. Joseph F. Sica. Pallbearers: Sean Thorpe, grandson; Richard Piazza, son-in-law; Mark Santaniello, Mark Eagen, Daniel Santaniello and Anthony Eramo, nephews. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

HAGGERTY, MARGARET, Childs, Carbondale Twp., Monday, Brennan and Brennan Funeral Home Inc., Carbondale. Mass, St. Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale, by Monsignor David L. Tressler. Pallbearers: John Cummings Jr., Joseph Jr., Joseph III and Justin Wahy, John Davies and John J. Pizzimenti. Interment, Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Finch Hill.

HARRITY, BETTY, Scranton, Mass, Wednesday, noon, St. Ann's Basilica. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Go directly to church. Contributions: North Westchester Rehabilitation Facility, 3550 Lexington Ave., Mohegan Lake, NY 10547. Arrangements: Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home Inc., 1240 St. Ann's St., Scranton.

HOLMES, MICHAEL KEVIN JOSEPH, Fairfax, Va., formerly of Dunmore, visitation, Thursday, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA. Mass, Friday, 11 a.m., Holy Spirit Church, 8800 Braddock Road, Annandale, VA. Contributions: Fairfax County Police Association, in support of the Peer Support Program, at 5625 Revercomb Court, Fairfax, VA 22030.

KANIA, WALTER F., Spring Brook Twp., Friday, 10 a.m., Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 3 First St., Spring Brook Twp. Eucharist of the Resurrection, 10:30, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, by the Rev. Earl P. Trygar, rector. Interment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst. Calling hours, Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m., Contributions: Hospice Community Care Inpatient Unit, 100 Williams St., Dunmore, PA 18512; or to AseraCare Hospice, 749 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit, PA 18411. Condolences: strauchfuneralhomes.com.

KOLLRA, ROMAYNE CADDEN, North Scranton, Monday, Carl J. Savino Funeral Home, Scranton. Mass, Holy Rosary Church, Scranton, by the Rev. Cyril Edwards, pastor. Pallbearers: Noah, Chase and Bruce Benjamin, Robert Kollra, Joe Puhalla and Henry Huckabee. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

MANCUSO, MARY, Old Forge, Wednesday, 11 a.m., St. Mary's Church, West Grace and Lawrence streets, Old Forge. Interment, Old Forge Cemetery. Calling hours, Wednesday, 10 to 11, church. Contributions: Evercare Hospice, 12018 Sunrise Valley Drive #400, Reston, VA 20191. Arrangements: Louis V. Ciuccio Funeral Home, 145 Moosic Road, Old Forge.

MANGER, JOHN B. JR., Scranton, Wednesday, St. Eulalia's Church, Blue Shutters Road, Elmhurst, by Monsignor Philip Gray. Calling hours, 10 to 11 a.m., followed by Mass. Arrangements: Eugene A. Cusick Funeral Home, Scranton.

McGINTY, JOSEPH J., Hawley, Mass, Friday, 10:30 a.m., BVM Queen of Peace Church, Hawley. Interment, BVM Queen Of Peace Cemetery, Hawley. Visitation, Thursday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., Teeters' East Chapel, 505 Church St., Hawley. Condolences: TeetersFuneralChapel.com.

MYERS, ROBERT R., Carbondale, Thursday, 6 p.m., Oliver Shifler & Scotchlas Funeral Home Inc., 62 N. Main St., Carbondale. Spring interment, Canaan Corners Cemetery, Waymart. Calling hours Thursday, 4 to 6 p.m. Condolences: shif lerfuneralhome.com.

RICHTER, ELEANOR CASEY, Scranton, Wednesday, Mass, 1 p.m., Our Lady of the Snows Church, 301 S. State St., Clarks Summit. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Calling hours, noon to 1, Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Service Inc., 111 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit. Contributions: St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Condolences: jennings calvey.com.

SIMON, DOUGLAS D., Greenwood section of Moosic, Saturday, 3 p.m., St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, by the Rev. Elizabeth Haynes. Donations: his spouse or donor's choice. Arrangements: Victor M. Ferri Funeral Home, 522 Fallon St., Old Forge. Condolences: ferrifuneral home.com.

SKILLMAN, EDWARD E., Gouldsboro, Wednesday, 1 p.m., Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 3 First St., Spring Brook Twp. Viewing, Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Contributions: Gouldsboro Area Foundation (GAF), P.O. Box 1177, Gouldsboro, PA 18424. Condolences: strauchfuneralhomes.com.

STALLONE, CASPER, Old Forge, Friday, 9:30 a.m., Victor M. Ferri Funeral Home, 522 Fallon St., Old Forge. Services, 10, Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church, 174 N. Main St., Old Forge, by the Rev. Donald Perry. Military honors follow. Visitation, Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m. Condolences: ferrifuneral home.com.

STEMPIEN, HELEN MARIE, Pittston, Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Kizis-Lokuta Funeral Home, 134 Church St., Pittston. Mass, 10, Sacred Heart Church, Dupont. Interment, parish cemetery, Dupont. Calling hours, Wednesday, 5 to 8 p.m. Contributions: American Stroke Association or donor's choice.

STRAZZERI, CARMEN J., Lake Ariel, Thursday, Mass, 9:30 a.m., St. Catherine of Siena Church, 220 Church St., Moscow. Interment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst. Calling hours Wednesday, 5 to 8 p.m., Morell LaBelle Funeral Home, 301 Chestnut St., Dunmore. Go directly to church. Condolences: dunmorefunerals.com.

TIERNEY, ANDREW PAUL, North Scranton, Saturday, 9:30 a.m., Mass, Holy Rosary Church, 316 William St., Scranton. Interment, private. Arrangements: McGoff-Hughes Funeral Home Inc., 1401 Capouse Ave., Scranton.

WOODBRIDGE, JANET, formerly of Archbald, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Harrison Funeral Home, 374 N. Main St., Archbald. Calling hours, Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m. Condolences: harrisonfh.com.

WOODRUFF, RICHARD B., Union Dale, formerly of Drexel Hill, visitation, Thursday, 10 to 11:45 a.m., D'anjolell Memorial Home of Broomall, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall. Service, noon, Main Chapel. Interment, private. Contributions: Wounded Warriors, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Condolences: danjolell.com.

SCRANTON — A fire damaged a two-story home on South Webster Avenue on Monday afternoon.

Flames were seen coming from outside of a house window on 2109 South Webster Ave. when firefighters with the Scranton Fire Department arrived about 4:30 p.m.

No one was home when the fire started, said Capt. Don Kirchner of Scranton Fire Department. A dog inside the house was not injured.

Christmas presents were placed in the yard as firefighters worked to extinguish the fire, the cause of which wasn’t immediately known.

(Editor's note: If you're tweeting about weather, please use #NEPAweather.)

A winter storm travelling up the eastern part of the country has settled down over Scranton and is expected to stick around until tomorrow, though the worst snowfall should stop later tonight.

The snow has not yet caused many traffic problems, according to the Lackawanna County Communications Center, but at least one crash has been reported.

A COLTS bus collided with multiple cars in the 1000 block of Lackawanna Avenue shortly before 3 p.m. but only minor injuries had been reported, dispatchers said.

After about two hours of snowfall, roughly ten traffic crashes have been reported in Lackawanna County, according to the communications center.

Most of the crashes arose out of vehicles unable to climb or descend slick hills sliding into one another, dispatchers said, but so far no serious injuries have been reported.

A vehicle on the North Scranton Expressway heading toward Dickson City just beyond the Keyser Avenue exit has caused some delays but the issue is only that the car ran out of gas, dispatchers said.

Four to eight inches of snow are expected to fall on Northeast Pennsylvania by the time the storm finishes up in the area around sunrise tomorrow, said Tom Kines of Accuweather.

Mr. Kines said the most significant snowfall will wrap up around midnight but sparse snow showers should hit the area throughout Thursday.

The storm, which began along the gulf coast in the form of tornadoes and thunderstorms, is sweeping across much of the eastern part of the country and will likely give Scranton its first real snow accumulation this year.

With that in mind, the state Department of Transportation’s District 4 office has already shifted into storm mode, opening its 24-hour incident command center in Dunmore and putting all necessary employees on 12-hour shifts, said James May, PennDOT spokesman.

“Everything is activated,” he said.

Mr. May said trucks began the effort to stymie the snow’s effect on roads by spraying brine over road surfaces in anticipation of the storm.

Once the snow starts to accumulate trucks will turn to salt-spreading, an effort aided by a fully-stocked supply of salt building up since last winter, which did not bring much snow with it.

“This is the first real, real big one,” he said.

PennDOT said speed limits have now been reduced to 45 mph on interstates 81, 80 and 78. The department is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel.

Elsewhere:

■ County of Lackawanna Transit System buses are now using snow routes as of 2:45 p.m.

■ Two flights to Newark have been canceled at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.

NWS advises those who need to travel this afternoon into Thursday to monitor forecasts and weather statements.

Updated weather information is available at www.accuweather.com upon entering zip code, municipality, or airport code.

For details on road travel conditions, check: www.thetimes-tribune.com/traffic. For local flight information check: www.thetimes-tribune.com/local-flights.

Contact the writer: domalley@timesshamrock.com,@domalleytt on Twitter

Jewelry stolen from Dalton home

DALTON - State police at Dunmore are asking for help finding a burglar who hit a Dalton home.

Between Thursday and Tuesday, someone broke into the home at 120 Lackawanna Trail, which was unoccupied at the time, troopers said. Police said the thief made off with jewelry. Anyone with information is asked to call 963-3156.

Monsignor to note 101st birthday

OLYPHANT - A local cleric will celebrate his 101st birthday and the Divine Liturgy on Thursday.

Monsignor Stephen Hrynuck, who served 58 years as pastor of SS. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church in Olyphant, will celebrate the liturgy at the church at 9 a.m. in honor of the feast day of St. Stephen, according to the church.

After nearly two months of being reopened, the entrance ramp to Interstate 81 south at North Main Avenue in Scranton will be closed.

Starting Friday, Jan. 4, the on-ramp at I-81 south at Exit 190 will be closed, state Department of Transportation spokesman James May said.

And this time it will stay closed until contractors are finished rehabilitating the five-span steel bridge over the Lackawanna River and the single-span steel bridge over North Main. Both are scheduled to be completed by June 21. The exit ramp from I-81 to North Main will remain open.

"Some business owners asked if we could keep the entrance ramp open, but once they looked at the plans, they realized it's not possible," Mr. May said. "The way we set it up has us working on that portion of the bridge - that ramp - for the least amount of time."

In early August, officials said the ramp would be closed for at least three months, starting on Aug. 22. At that point, in an effort to keep a steady stream of traffic coming to the area, workers converted the entrance ramp from North Main onto I-81 south into an exit ramp.

Work on the normal exit ramp was completed in early November, allowing PennDOT to convert the makeshift exit ramp back into an entrance ramp, officials said.

As part of an initiative to work with local businesses during the holiday season, PennDOT delayed work on the entrance ramp, reopening it Nov. 11.

"We thought it would be a great benefit to the businesses and customers in the area," Mr. May said. "Plus, we factored it into the original plan, so this didn't put us back."

When the on-ramp closes next month, motorists can access I-81 south by using I-81 north to Exit 191B, and then looping back around, PennDOT spokesman Mike Taluto said. The detour is about 2 miles.

"It hasn't been as bad as everyone, including business owners, expected," Mr. Taluto said. "Based on the feedback we have received, the traffic isn't all that bad."

The project, which is part of a $30 million plan to overhaul a portion of the interstate, is scheduled to be completed by May 22, 2014.

Contact the writer: miorfino@timesshamrock.com, @miorfinoTT on Twitter

Old Forge

Mardi Gras: Prince of Peace Parish Mardi Gras, Feb. 8, 6:30-10:30 p.m., Arcaro & Genell's, Main Street; hot and cold buffet, beer, wine and soda; Frankie Gervasi entertaining; adults only; $30 by Feb. 1; Prince of Peace Rectory, 457-5900; Francis, 457-0112.

Throop

Super Sunday: Throop Hose Company 1 annual Super Bowl Sunday chicken barbecue, Feb. 3, noon-3 p.m., 512 Center St.; takeouts available; $8, members or call Dave Benson, 383-1019; members and auxiliary are to drop baked goods at hall that morning.

CLIPBOARD items may be e-mailed to yesdesk@timessham rock.com or mailed to clipboard, c/o the YES!Desk at 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, 18503. For details, call the YES!Desk at 348-9121.

Somewhere there's a thief with a giant red hat who is on the North Scranton Rotary Club's naughty list.

A giant Santa hat topping a stack of anthracite boulders disappeared last week. Members of the North Scranton Rotary, who have been capping the coal monument for six holiday seasons and take care of the now triangular-shaped piece of land that hosts it, noticed the hat missing Saturday, said Carl M. Baruffaldi, treasurer of the local service organization.

At the site to raise the U.S. and Rotarian flags, which had been at half-staff since the tragic shooting in Newtown, Conn., Mr. Baruffaldi also wanted to take photos of the park for the group's records. But the coal was bare. He looked around the immediate area and sent a query to fellow Rotarians.

A Grinch likely made off with the cap, wanting to have an oversized holiday novelty, Mr. Baruffaldi said. He doubts it was the weekend's high winds, since Rotary members fasten the cap with bungee and rope.

"Someone felt the need to take this cap. ... I hope they had a great Christmas," he said with more than a hint of sarcasm. "It's disappointing."

The coal monument at the confluence of the McDade Expressway and Routes 6 and 11 added to the spirit of the season for the past six years, sporting the huge red, tasseled stocking cap at the northern gateway to the city.

The Rotary will not file a police report, and Mr. Baruffaldi is not hopeful the spirit of the season will prompt the thief to return it. This is the second time the hat was stolen; the coal's first hat disappeared three years ago.

North Scranton Rotary gets a lot of positive feedback about the small holiday gesture, and the group will have another hat ready for Christmas 2013. Scranton High School home economics students make the hat, with the Rotary providing the $70 to $100 worth of materials.

The monument, dedicated by the American Automobile Association in 1941, commemorates the first traffic circle in Pennsylvania. It existed there before road networks changed and traffic circles fell out of favor.

Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com

WILKES-BARRE- Three stores in Luzerne County were robbed on Christmas morning.

A man walked into Turkey Hill, 200 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Wilkes-Barre, around 4 a.m. demanding money from a clerk, according to a police news release. He fled after receiving the money.

Soon after, a Plains Twp. Dunkin' Donuts employee reported a similar robbery. The suspect was seen driving away from the Route 315 business in a small black car with the partial license plate H5?-?338.

Around 10 a.m., a man holding a box cutter entered Hazle Mart, 532 Hazle St., Wilkes-Barre, demanding the clerk give him money from a cash register and lottery machine. He drove west on Blackman Street in a "newer" brown Toyota.

The Christmas dinner at St. Lucy's Church in Scranton has never been about the food, although attendees praise the turkey, stuffing and trimmings.

The daylong public meal that serves about 3,000 annually is about sharing company rather than being alone.

People such as Bernadette Kowanick of Ransom, whose husband died seven years ago and whose family is in Oklahoma, would have been alone if not for the annual dinner run by Scranton businessman Bob Bolus.

"It's important to be with people, and I appreciate this meal," Mrs. Kowanick said.

Much the same sentiment is expressed about a University of Scranton Christmas breakfast held on campus, sponsored by the school concessionaire Aramark and served by school students and staff. That breakfast, now in its fourth year, is a gift to the community from the university.

Like it, the Christmas dinner is just an excuse of sorts for an event that is about camaraderie, said Mr. Bolus.

While most people cherish Christmas and the holidays, Mr. Bolus said for some it can be loneliest time of year with rates of depression and suicide increasing. A long-haul truck driver, Mr. Bolus identifies with the people who come the dinner in search of company and friendly face.

"People should not be alone, behind a door, by themselves on Christmas Day," he said.

The line between attendee and volunteer is fine to non-existent at the event.

Some of the 50 or so who work from a few hours to two days are like Joanne Dodgson, of Peckville, who has celebrated her Christmas working the dinner for the last 18 years.

Others are like Lisa Yantorn, of Scranton. Recently divorced with most of her family deceased or out-of-town, Ms. Yantorn arrived for dinner and Mr. Bolus asked her to grab an apron. She worked the rest of the afternoon.

"I came for a meal and some company," she said. " But I was able to do something for the community and I left with the holiday spirit."

Mr. Bolus, a Scranton businessman becomes the jolly philanthropist for Christmas, financing the meal, carving turkeys, and keeping business and politics out. With a white beard to match his white hair, he has more than passing resemblance to Santa Claus.

When a volunteer driver come back from deliveries which a check from one of the meal recipients, Mr. Bolus said he will not accept it and will mail it back to the donor, asking her to give the money to a charity. He accepts in-kind contributions - of food, for example - but no cash donations.

arly on in the dinner, Mr. Bolus' volunteers presented him with a plaque featuring a picture of him carving a turkey, as a way to thank him for the contribution to the community at Tuesday's 18th annual dinner.

Christmas is a holiday for family and many attendees were like Fred Kopki of West Scranton. They have friends, but don't went to be an imposition. Mr. Kopki's family is in Florida, so he attended the dinner. As he enjoyed dessert, a volunteer offered him coffee and wished him a "Merry Christmas".

"I would have been home sleeping on the couch," he said. "But this is a nice holiday atmosphere with friendly people and food as good as homemade."

Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com.

SCRANTON - The sixth annual Ski for the Cure Breast Cancer Awareness Day to benefit the Northeastern Pennsylvania Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is scheduled Saturday, Feb. 23, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jack Frost Ski Area, Blakeslee.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. for the Pledge Ski-A-Thon and Pink Olympic Race Gates. Pledge sheets are available at guest services at Jack Frost or online at www.jfbb.com.

Prizes will be awarded.

Pink Olympic Race Gates will be from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; the medal ceremony will be at 2 p.m. in the main lodge.