today’s news and information gleanings from here and there!

Quote for the day: “For me it seems like a huge step, and I just want to be informed.” – “Julie Brommer, a parent of a fourth-grade student at Taylor elementary, said after the meeting.” Extracted from “Columbia to weigh reconfiguration of elementary schools” – Lancaster Intelligencer Journal/New Era

• This, from a real “bi-partisan” centrist!” – “Republican U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts said Obama failed to set the tone for bipartisanship among the nation’s leaders in his address, adding that his comments could have further divided Americans instead of bringing them together.” –  Lancaster Intelligencer Journal/New Era
  

• Succint letter to the editor of the Harrisburg Patriot-News: “Democrats believe government must have an answer for every variation of human behavior. Republicans cannot agree on what they believe. – HERBERT JORDAN, Bellefonte”

• Gas prices … onward and upward – GasBuddy.com

• And while you’re at it, get a high chair to check the oil, too: “A Lancaster city woman is being charged for allowing her 3-year-old son to pump gas into her car.” – Lancaster Intelligencer Journal/New Era

• POLICE LOG: “WASHINGTON BORO: Daniell Richardson, 25, of Locust Street, Columbia, was charged as the result of a one-vehicle crash Dec. 30 in the 1800 block of Water Street. Police said Richardson lost control of her car which struck several mailboxes and a cement wall before overturning. She and a male passenger were thrown from the vehicle. – EAST DONEGAL TWP.: Matthew Travitz, 25, of Columbia, is being charged as the result of a hit-and-run accident Dec. 6 on Route 772. Police said Travitz fled the scene of the accident, was stopped by Columbia police and was found to be under the influence of alcohol, plus driving with a suspended license. – WARWICK TWP.: Jon M. Coover, 34, of 224 Red Cedar Road, Marietta, was charged after allegedly accepting $4,100 in March 2012 for a contracting job estimated to cost a total of $8,330.79. Police said the initial amount was more than the one-third allowable by law. Upon the cancellation of the contract by the victim, Coover failed to immediately return the money. A check issued by Coover to the victim in August was returned due to insufficent funds. Police said the victim, a resident of the 1000 block of Clay Road, still has not been able to recover the funds. – MANOR TWP.: Scarlett Musser, 43, of Acorn Lane, Mountville, was charged after allegedly taking $1,000 worth of jewelry from a home in the 300 block of Banyan Circle Drive where she had been staying. Police said Musser then sold the jewelry to a business on Columbia Avenue.” – Lancaster Intelligencer Journal/New Era