Retailers seek holiday rush on Black Friday
With talk of war and the economy providing an unsettling backdrop, local merchants are uncertain whether consumer spending will rise during the holiday season.
( By Paul Beebe, pbeebe@centredaily.com, 11/28/2002 03:01 AM EST)

Lawmakers OK Sunday liquor sales
A bill to permit limited Sunday liquor and wine sales in Pennsylvania stores was sent to the governor by squeaking through the state House of Representatives on Wednesday after last-minute efforts to derail it failed.
( By Marc Levy, The Associated Press, 11/28/2002 03:01 AM EST)

Ecstasy bill goes to governor's desk
Legislation to increase penalties for those convicted of dealing Ecstasy passed the state House on Wednesday and will head to the governor for approval.
( From CDT staff reports, 11/28/2002 03:01 AM EST)

Huntingdon inmate charged in slaying
HUNTINGDON -- Scott B. Walker, 26, an inmate at the State Correctional Institute at Huntingdon, has been charged with murder in the first and third degrees and voluntary manslaughter.
( 11/28/2002 03:01 AM EST)

Schools lacking pesticide plans
At least one-fourth of the state's school districts haven't developed plans to notify parents at least 72 hours in advance when they spray pesticides, even though a state law requiring such a system goes into effect Jan. 1.
( From staff and wire reports, 11/28/2002 03:01 AM EST)

Crayola plant drops production shift
EASTON -- Decreased demand for some products has forced the maker of Crayola crayons to drop the third shift at its Bethlehem plant and mull possible pay cuts or moving some of its production to Mexico, officials said. Of the affected 36 employees, 11 will be moved to one of the remaining two shifts, and 25 others will relocate to the Easton plant, spokesman Eric Zebly said Tuesday.
( 11/28/2002 03:01 AM EST)

Out and About
( 11/28/2002 03:01 AM EST)

Thursday, Nov. 28
No meetings due to holiday.
( 11/28/2002 03:01 AM EST)

Ecoterrorism possible in mink-farm fire
Ecoterrorism cannot be ruled out as the cause of a fire at a Pennsylvania mink farm, because a radical environmental group has claimed responsibility for two other area fires this year, the FBI said Wednesday.
( By Dan Nephin, The Associated Press, 11/28/2002 03:01 AM EST)

Celebrity coroner fighting for title, position
As residents and county officials hash out the future of the Allegheny County government, Coroner Cyril Wecht is trying to keep something alive -- his political position.
( By Mike Crissey, The Associated Press, 11/28/2002 03:01 AM EST)

Identity-theft case under investigation
BELLEFONTE -- Police are investigating an identity-theft case after someone tried to use a Bellefonte man's personal information to buy a computer. State police at Rockview said the incident occurred Nov. 23 at a Gateway Computer store in an unknown area.
( 11/28/2002 03:01 AM EST)