Odds and ends for December 7

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Bad Santa sacked by mall in Maine

Bad Santa sacked by mall in Maine

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A mall in Maine has sacked Santa Claus after children and parents complained he was rude, grumpy and wouldn’t even let one child sit on his lap.

Officials at the Maine Mall in South Portland say they’re looking for a jollier Santa and hope to have him in place soon. Jessica Mailhiot and her 6-year-old daughter, Chantel, went to see Santa this week. They said he was rude and wouldn’t let the girl sit on his lap when they said they didn’t want to buy a $20 photo.

Chantel says when she asked Santa for an American Girl doll, he replied she’d get an “American football.”

When the mom posted her story online, others shared similar experiences.

Thief returns cash from Ohio kettle

BOARDMAN, Ohio (AP) — A thief who made off with cash from a Salvation Army red kettle at a northern Ohio mall this week apparently has had a change of heart.

Police near Youngstown say that two days after the kettle was emptied out, someone left $130 and an apology at the Salvation Army.

A note found at the Salvation Army on Wednesday morning read: “Here is the money I took plus money for a new kettle and bell.”

The note also said “please forgive me.”

Police in Boardman say a witness saw someone wearing a Salvation Army jacket take the kettle Monday night while a bell-ringer was on a break.

A Salvation Army official says it’s unclear how much money had been in the kettle.