Local

Christopher Sardelli
csardelli@thelancasternews.com
After months of discussion, the fate of a proposed county-wide smoking ordinance will be revealed at Lancaster County Council’s Monday meeting, Nov. 26.
If council approves it , the ordinance would prohibit smoking in enclosed public spaces throughout the county, including restaurants, bars, retail stores, libraries and public areas of businesses.
Exceptions to the ban include private homes, retail tobacco stores and private clubs.

Reece Murphy
rmurphy@thelancasternews.com
The Lancaster County School District is in good financial shape but should be prepared to deal with potential fiscal challenges on the horizon, the district’s chief financial officer told school board members Tuesday, Nov. 20.
The advice came during a meeting with a significant focus on financial matters including an overview of the fiscal year 2011-2012 audit report and discussion of a proposed tax cut for the L&C Railroad under consideration by County Council.

Shoppers stormed the doors at area retailers this year with the start of the 2012 Christmas shopping season known as Black Friday, some even earlier depending where they shopped.
At Belk in Lancaster, shoppers were lined up and waiting when the doors opened at midnight. Many were drawn as much by the chance to win $50, $100, $500 and $1,000 gift cards as they were for the Early Bird sales inside.
Not to minimize the sale items, that is.

Each day, it takes HOPE (Helping Other People Effectively) in Lancaster 15 volunteers to make the agency flow and keep the doors open.

A faith-based, nonprofit volunteer-driven organization, HOPE provides short-term emergency assistance for those in crisis.

While they assist with utilities, mortgages, rent and food, they also provide a shoulder for hurting families to lean on.

That means its 75 unified volunteers stay plenty busy behind the scenes, especially this time of year.