(3) Benefit Plans

The table below outlines the components of the Company’s net periodic benefit recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans:

	Three months ended September 30,
	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
(dollars in thousands)	2018			2017			2018			2017

Service cost	$	8			11			-			26
Interest cost		299			326			47			54
Expected return on plan assets		(753	)		(686	)		(323	)		(190	)
Amortization of net (gain) loss		-			17			(189	)		(89	)
Amortization of prior service cost		-			-			(73	)		23
Net periodic benefit	$	(446	)		(332	)		(538	)		(176	)

	Nine months ended September 30,
	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
(dollars in thousands)	2018			2017			2018			2017

Service cost	$	25			33			52			77
Interest cost		898			977			156			164
Expected return on plan assets		(2,259	)		(2,058	)		(704	)		(571	)
Amortization of net loss (gain)		-			50			(367	)		(258	)
Amortization of prior service cost		-			-			(28	)		68
Net periodic benefit	$	(1,336	)		(998	)		(891	)		(520	)

The Company does not expect to make contributions to its pension and postretirement benefit plans in 2018. As of September 30, 2018, no contributions have been made, however, this decision is reviewed each quarter and is subject to change based upon market conditions.

Since 2003, the Company has not subsidized retiree medical insurance premiums. However, it continues to provide postretirement medical benefits to a limited number of current and retired executives in accordance with the terms of their employment contracts.