From Crystal Club Soda to Gertrude Hawk Chocolate

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Police are investigating claims by state Rep. Frank Shimkus, D-South Abington Township, and his fiancée that a home they own was vandalized Saturday afternoon. The Throop home of Gabrielle Prutisto was ringed with footprints in the snow and a window was cracked Saturday, she said. Ms. Prutisto left her home for about four hours Saturday, returning at about 3:30 p.m. She blames Joseph Pilchesky’s Web site for inciting the suspected trespassing. Mr. Pilchesky, of Scranton, has challenged Mr. Shimkus’ position on the ballot in the April 22 primary, claiming he lied when he listed a Scranton address. Mr. Pilchesky contends Mr. Shimkus lives in the Throop home, which he owns with Ms. Prutisto. Mr. Shimkus said he lives in Scranton, but plans to move into the Throop home soon. Mr. Pilchesky admitted that posters on his Web site use language he does not condone, but said he doesn’t encourage harassment or law breaking. [Times-Tribune]

Police have classified the death of a 3-year-old West Scranton girl as a homicide following an autopsy Saturday. Though officials are not releasing exact details of the autopsy — which took place in Lancaster because the local forensic pathologist was unavailable — police are alleging someone killed young Kavannah Salvador. [Times-Tribune]

One of the fastest-selling books in Northeastern Pennsylvania is not a national best seller, or even a new book. “I Heard You Paint Houses: Frank ‘the Irishman’ Sheeran and Closing the Case of Jimmy Hoffa,” (Steerforth, 2004) by Charles Brandt, is based on the deathbed confession of a mafia hit man who claims to have killed Teamsters union leader Jimmy Hoffa on the orders of Russell Bufalino, the reputed mob boss from West Pittston. The book owes its resurgence to the travails of Mount Airy Casino Resort owner Louis DeNaples and his friend, diocesan priest the Rev. Joseph Sica, who made headlines after indictments challenged their characterization of their relationship with Mr. Bufalino, his alleged successor William D’Elia, and others. [Times-Tribune]

Gerry McNamara Bobblehead. [ebay]

Majority County Commissioners Mike Washo and Corey O’Brien are reviewing a 95-page document accounting for the county’s $500,000 investment in the movie “The Trouble With Cali.” The document, titled “general ledger,” was e-mailed Thursday to the commissioners by the movie’s co-producer, Flo Speakman. The commissioners declined to comment about it Friday. [Times-Tribune]

For more than a year, speculation has swirled that Mayor Chris Doherty plans to pursue political jobs all over the state. Unsubstantiated rumors and some media reports have suggested he would make a run for U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski’s seat, run for lieutenant governor or seek an appointment to a higher office from his friend and supporter, Gov. Ed Rendell. On Friday, Mr. Doherty ended the speculation, saying for the record he’s not finished with the job he has. [Times-Tribune]

Photo by jonathanslingluff.

Good news, “Office” fans. There will be a Dunder Mifflin presence at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Scranton. Andy Buckley, who plays Dunder Mifflin CFO David Wallace on the Scranton-set NBC sitcom, has confirmed plans to attend the March 15 celebration of all things Irish, said Tim Holmes, director of community newspapers for Times-Shamrock Communications. No word yet on which float Mr. Buckley will appear on. [Times-Tribune]

The Leahy Clinic for the Uninsured is making a commitment to serve the public in Lackawanna County and doctors, nurses and counselors are offering their services for free at the University of Scranton. Doctors from the Lackawanna County Medical Society volunteer their time, as do many students who help with counseling, physical therapy and translation for patients. Funding for the program is coming from the university as well as from private donors. [WNEP]