Police are investigating a fire on top of a mountain that involved crosses near the city of Shamokin.
It's an image Laurie Shawder said she thought she would never see in Shamokin. "There is no reason to deface property or to do something like that to hurt people's feelings," said Shawder.
Coal Township Police said they found three burning crosses Saturday on the culm bank near Shamokin. Shawder, who lives and works in the area, said she finds the incident offensive.
"Those symbols are precious to me. The cross symbolizes my salvation and Jesus and to think somebody would do something like that, it's just like burning the American flag," added Shawder.
Police said when they arrived at the scene early Saturday morning the three crosses were on fire. Now two of those crosses are gone but one still remains.
Investigators said they saw head and tail lights leaving the area but no one was identified at the scene.
Shamokin Mayor Ron Bradley said he does not want the incident to give the area a bad name and those responsible should be prosecuted. "I hope it's a prank. Secondly, if it's not a prank, what on earth are you thinking? All you are going to do is cause problems," said the Mayor.
Tom Kearns agrees. He owns Harry's Fine Food, located in the city. "It's kids being kids and sometimes kids do the stupidest things without any understanding of what the recuperations are going to come of it," said Kearns.
All Coal Township Police would say is they are investigating the incident.
It's an image Laurie Shawder said she thought she would never see in Shamokin. "There is no reason to deface property or to do something like that to hurt people's feelings," said Shawder.
Coal Township Police said they found three burning crosses Saturday on the culm bank near Shamokin. Shawder, who lives and works in the area, said she finds the incident offensive.
"Those symbols are precious to me. The cross symbolizes my salvation and Jesus and to think somebody would do something like that, it's just like burning the American flag," added Shawder.
Police said when they arrived at the scene early Saturday morning the three crosses were on fire. Now two of those crosses are gone but one still remains.
Investigators said they saw head and tail lights leaving the area but no one was identified at the scene.
Shamokin Mayor Ron Bradley said he does not want the incident to give the area a bad name and those responsible should be prosecuted. "I hope it's a prank. Secondly, if it's not a prank, what on earth are you thinking? All you are going to do is cause problems," said the Mayor.
Tom Kearns agrees. He owns Harry's Fine Food, located in the city. "It's kids being kids and sometimes kids do the stupidest things without any understanding of what the recuperations are going to come of it," said Kearns.
All Coal Township Police would say is they are investigating the incident.
