The record Powerball jackpot has Schuylkill County residents hitting the local lottery stores.

High ticket sales nationally on Tuesday pushed today's drawing to $500 million. There has not been a winner for the drawing in two months and the cash payout is $327.4 million.

The jackpot is the largest-ever for the Powerball game and the second-largest lottery jackpot of all time, surpassed only by the $656 million Mega Millions record set in March. Powerball is $2 per play and $1 extra for Power Play.

The drawing has increased business at Smoker's Heaven, 25 N. Centre St., Pottsville, over the last couple days.

"This is one of the best lottery days in the 12 years we were here," Chris J. Figueiredo, store manager, said Tuesday. "Every day there's not a hit, business has picked up."

Terry Simmons, a cashier at the store, said he sold at least $100 worth of tickets Tuesday evening. Later that night, Simmons said someone made a single purchase of tickets worth $280.

Figueriredo said someone bought $115 worth of tickets earlier that morning.

"I wish someone local would hit it," Figueiredo said. "There's only a few stores that still sell state lottery tickets in Pottsville. I wish all the retailers and customers the best of luck. I know our staff would be really happy to see one of our customers hit it."

Joseph Davidson, 18, of Pottsville, was buying his first state lottery ticket at the store Tuesday night.

"I have a chance to win so I might as well get a ticket. The reward is so great," Davidson said.

Davidson said he had no idea what he would do with the money if he won. However, he did say he would probably be playing the lottery if the jackpot gets this high again.

If there is no winner for tonight's drawing, the next drawing will be Saturday.

"If it isn't hit (tonight), it is going to be outrageous here from Thursday to Saturday," Figueiredo said.

Empire Beauty School is moving out of the city and into a larger location at the headquarters of Empire Education Group near Fairlane Village mall in East Norwegian Township.

The beauty school has had a presence in Pottsville since 1985. The move is an opportunity for students of the school - about 40 are currently enrolled - to more closely experience a real-world salon setting and use more modern technology.

"Students will be coming here on Monday morning," said Angela Watson, director of public relations for Empire Education Group, the parent company of Empire Beauty Schools.

There are 109 schools in 22 states. Of those, 20 are in Pennsylvania, Watson said.

With the new location at 396 Pottsville/Saint Clair Highway along Route 61, there is 7,700 square feet of space - 700 square feet more than the students currently have - along with three manicure stations, two pedicure spas, hydraulic lift chairs, stainless steel countertops for individual stations, three classrooms, offices and a break area.

Jim Buhay, project manager with Heim Construction, Pottsville, the general contractor, said work at the site started in late August and took 11 weeks. The occupancy inspection is today, which will give the green light for occupancy if the site passes inspection, he said.

Workers were at the site Tuesday finishing connecting wires and other work related to the air conditioning units, he said. LED lights and rubber and cork flooring in the salon and other areas can ease the strain on the feet of the students. The lobby area has vinyl plank laminate that looks like real wood.

Some of the work also included demolishing the former site of CosmoProf that had a presence at the site. That store moved into part of the former Hollywood Video in Pottsville Park Plaza, Norwegian Township, earlier this year.

Watson said a final cost was not available for the project.

Empire Education Group's corporate offices moved to different wing of the building nearby, Watson said.

Patrick Dougherty, vice president of property services for Empire Education Group, said the students and customers are going to like the changes from the old site. The site is more modern and offers a cleaner look to it, he said.

John O'Neill, director of the student salon for Empire Education Group, said the design and equipment used by students will get them better acquainted with what they might experience when they get a job.

For example, the individual stations are spaced farther apart than at the city location. Students will also have the chance to do pedicures, something they can't do now.

Each of the three classrooms has a white board and each room has a different layout tailored to different learning styles. For instance, one has no desks while two can accommodate 25 people. The third has room for 50.

Incorporating night classes is something being considered. Hours at the city location are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Pat Tiderman, vice president of field operations for Empire Education Group, said night classes might start by spring 2013.

"We don't really have a target date," she said as she stood in the new site with co-workers during a walking tour.

Brenda Gimbel, executive director of Empire Beauty Schools, Pottsville, said the students can't wait for the experience.

"We're very excited. The students are excited to work in a place that's very modern," she said.

Rachel Holloway, 19, of Pottsville, has about 200 hours of the 1,250 needed to graduate. She has not been at the new location yet but said she's looking forward to it.

"This one's nice and we had it for a long time," she said.

Dougherty said a final decision has not been made about what the company will do with the current site of the Empire Beauty School. Several businesses have expressed interest in the location that is owned by Kenson Realty, Pottsville. He would not disclose the name of the businesses.

n Eckley: The last event for the year at Eckley Miners Village, a Victorian Christmas, will be held at Sharpe House Dec. 1, 2, 8 and 9. Associates will decorate the house and guests are invited to view it in its old "Victorian splendor," Eckley's Karen Esak said in a release. Decorations will include lit Christmas trees and people will be able to enjoy tea, hot chocolates and traditional Christmas treats. Esak said guests will participate in a Chinese auction, raffle items and be able to buy Christmas gifts. Handmade Victorian ornaments will be on display . Finely dressed Victorian ladies and gentlemen will interact with visitors/shoppers. Eckley Miners Village is a museum and historic site administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, according to the release. The village is located three miles south of Freeland on Highland Road off Route 940. For more information, call 570-636-2070 or go online to www.eckleyminersvillagemuseum.com.

n Minersville: Duncott's Joe "Hap" Anthony is promoting the Dec. 16 appearance of noted Irish singer Andy Cooney on stage at Minersville Area High School. "You will experience an old-fashioned Irish Christmas," Anthony said in a release, "listening to your favorite Christmas carols with an Irish flair." Singer Deidre Reilly and a River Dance group from the Tara School of Irish Stepdancing also will perform. Anthony said he will be in front of Kmart in the Schuylkill Mall from 3 to 6 p.m. Fridays and 3 to 5 p.m. Sundays selling tickets for the show. He said tickets are $20 in advance and $30 in advance for front-row seats. The cost at the door will be $25. For more information or tickets, people may also call Anthony at 570-544-4674.

n Minersville: The Minersville Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorial donations: For Donald Duffy from Jack Kline; for Karleen Kumpaitis from Al Bobinas; for the Rev. Joseph F. Reilly from Nancy and Margaret Ulmer; for Thomas Parry from Nancy and Margaret Ulmer; for Reese Whitby from Margaret Whitby; for Peter Pinshock from Vincent and Dolores Land; for Frances Donlin from Paul and Mary Noon; for William and Mary Wedro from Rose and Robert Schofstal; for Adeline Strange from George and Charlotte Yeastedt.

n Pottsville: The Schuylkill YMCA will host its second Breakfast with the Grinch from 8 to 11 a.m. Dec. 8 at the Y, 520 N. Centre St. According to a press release, guests young and old are welcome to participate in the all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage meal that will also feature a North Pole Workshop where youngsters 8 and under can build their own holiday ornament to hang on their tree. A Grinch's Lair Chinese auction will also offer clever and unique gift baskets for guests to try their luck. The event is under the direction Steve Nash, who recently joined the Y staff. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Children under 1 are free. Seating will be limited, so reservations are recommended by calling the Y at 570-622-7850. All proceeds will benefit the Y's Open Doors Financial Aid Policy, which ensures that no one will be turned away due to inability to pay. "Last year alone, the Y gave out over $60,000 in financial aid to local families who needed a little extra help," Nash said in the release. The Schuylkill YMCA is a full-service facility. With nearly 2,000 members, the Y offers a host of programs and services for the entire family. For more information on the breakfast or any Y program, call the aforementioned number or go online to schuylkillymca.com. The Schuylkill Y is a member agency of the Schuylkill United Way.

n Shenandoah: In a release, Borough Manager Joseph L. Palubinsky said residents who have trash bills due for the second half of 2012 are reminded the bills were due Oct. 15. Those having delinquent accounts will have trash collection service terminated as of Monday. For more information, contact borough hall, 15 W. Washington St., or call 570-462-1918.

n Summit Hill: St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church sponsors breakfasts from 8 a.m. to noon on the third Sunday of the month at the church, 462 Ludlow St. The cost is $7 per person and the all-you-can-eat buffet menu includes eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, ham, pancakes, an omlette station, Belgian waffles, toast, breakfast sandwiches, cake, coffee, juice and tea. Everyone is welcome.

This holiday season, a bit of Irish Christmas is coming to Minersville.

Duncott's Joe "Hap" Anthony, an employee of Schuylkill Health, is promoting the appearance of noted Irish singer Andy Cooney on stage at Minersville Area High School during "Andy Cooney's A Classic Irish Christmas."

Doors will open at 1 p.m. Dec. 16 and the show will start at 2 p.m.

Tickets for the show are $20 in advance and $30 in advance for front-row seats and will be $25 at the door.

"I think it's one of the most unique Christmas gifts that you can give," Anthony said.

According to a flier for the show, Cooney is coming directly from his appearance with The New York Tenors at Carnegie Hall and is "one of the greatest singing sensations on stage today, being christened Irish America's Favorite Son by The New York Times."

The show also includes Deirdre Reilly, an entertainer on the Irish and Nashville scene, who was born of Irish parents from Cork and Mayo and grew up listening to Irish favorites and American country music, as well as Darrah Carr Dance, a River Dance group from the Tara School of Irish Stepdancing and The Andy Cooney Band.

Reilly was said to have been first discovered by talent scouts from Nashville and was invited to perform on the live show CountyMusic USA at Opryland Show Park in Nashville, Tenn.

Anthony noted that while the band is made up of numerous accomplished musicians, one member of the band is Colm Graham, who with his brother, Brendan Graham, wrote the song "You Raise Me Up" for Josh Grobin.

"This is first-class stuff," Anthony said. "You're getting Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry from Nashville and part of the River Dance here all in one show. I've never seen a show like this."

Anthony said that while Cooney has been in the area about three or four times in the past, this is the first time he's performing in Minersville.

The concert is going to benefit Schuylkill Health, which Anthony has been an employee of for 43 years, and he said that he is taking on the task of putting the show together himself.

"I've done two shows for Good Samaritan years ago and we made an excess between the two shows over $20,000," Anthony said.

He's organized 14 shows over the years, including Irish performers Ronin Tynan and Tony Kenny.

During the intermission and at the end of the show, the performers will be selling CDs and will be available to chat or sign autographs.

Anthony will be in front of Kmart in the Schuylkill Mall from 3 to 6 p.m. Fridays and 3 to 5 p.m. Sundays selling tickets for the show.

He also said that the show is seeking sponsors, which have to be in a week before the show.

For more information, tickets or to become a sponsor, call Anthony at 570-544-4674.

PORT CARBON - An electrical circuit overload at a duplex on Coal Street started a fire that destroyed both homes and left four people homeless Wednesday morning, according to Scott D. Krater, the borough's fire marshal.

The fire started just after 6 a.m. at 233 Coal St., a two-story apartment house. While working to extinguish the flames, firefighters discovered the second floor of that address was secretly a marijuana growing-operation with more than 75 plants, according to borough police Chief Jon J. Bowman.

"I wouldn't be surprised if they ultimately made the decision that that had something to do with the electrical problems which caused the fire. If that turns out to be the case, that could lead to even more charges being filed," said Schuylkill County First Assistant District Attorney Bill Reiley, who was on scene Wednesday afternoon.

The two properties in the duplex were:

- 233 Coal St., a two-story apartment home owned by Dean Vermeersch, 53, according to whitepages.com. He lived on the first floor and was leasing the second floor to "a person whom he believes is named Gary Rothenberger," Bowman said in court documents filed in the office of Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon. According to the documents, Vermeersch rents the second floor to Rothenberger as storage space but there is no written contract or lease.

Vermeersch bought 233 Coal St. on March 30 from Dale J. Smith for $14,000, according to the online Schuylkill Parcel Locator.

- 231 Coal St., a three-story home owned by Lamar E. Staller, 44, and his wife, Katrina M., 43. They lived there with their daughter, Becky, 14.

The Stallers have owned 231 Coal St. since 1997, when they bought the home from Joseph W. and Rose Ann Snyder for $46,000, according to the parcel locator.

The Stallers had six cats but all died as the result of injuries they suffered in the fire, according to borough fire Chief Michael E. Welsh.

Welsh said the fire gutted all of 233 Coal St. and the upper floors of 231, and both buildings were unlivable.

"I guess we have to rebuild. That's our only option as of right now," Lamar Staller said as he looked up at the smoke-damaged Christmas decorations on his front porch railing.

When he heard about the marijuana operation next door, he sighed with disgust: "Nice."

"There were overloaded electrical outlets in 233 Coal St.," Krater said. "At this time, we've determined that the fire was electrical in nature. The fire appears to have started in the wall area located between the first floor and the second floor. There was a common, open area all the way up from the basement. It looks like it started in one of the rooms on the second floor."

The fire was called into the Schuylkill County Communications Center at 6:32 a.m., according to a communications supervisor.

Responders included firefighters from Port Carbon, Palo Alto, Pottsville, Saint Clair and Schuylkill Haven; Pottsville/Schuylkill Haven ALS; police from Port Carbon, Saint Clair and East Norwegian Township; and the American Red Cross.

Vermeersch heard smoke detectors and fled the building Wednesday morning, Bowman said in the court documents.

Vermeersch could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Flames were shooting up from the roof when firefighters arrived on scene, according to Bob Murray, who lives at 222 Coal St.

"The fire sirens woke me up. I looked out and, at first, you couldn't see anything. The smoke was incredibly thick," Murray said.

When firefighters burst into 233, Bowman said he witnessed something horrifying: a cat on fire.

"Around 6:30, as soon as they busted through the back, the cat came out on fire. They hit it with the hose and it took off screaming," Bowman said.

The cat fled and firefighters were unable to catch it right away, Bowman said.

Lamar Staller said he was driving to work when he heard that his home was on fire. He works as a service center representative at KME-Kovatch Organization, Nesquehoning.

"We make fire trucks," Staller said.

His wife called him with the bad news and he turned around and returned home. There to offer support were friends of the family, including Linda Grube, Pottsville.

"For now, I guess we'll be staying with friends and neighbors," Staller said.

Evaluating the fire damage, the fire chief said the fire gutted both the first and second floors of 233.

"That place is done," Welsh said.

At 231 Coal St., there was severe water damage on the first floor and the second and third floors were gutted by the blaze, Welsh said.

The Stallers had six cats living in their basement but by the time firefighters were able to reach them, five had died.

Firefighter Tim Walsh said he tried to save the life of the sixth, a 5-year-old orange-colored male named "Britches." But Walsh said that cat died, too.

"I used a BVM, a pet mask, on the cat. I was working on the cat for about a half-hour to 45 minutes," Walsh said.

Water-splashed pavements soon turned slick in the 30-degree cold.

"The local street department came out and some of the companies carry rock salt on their vehicles and they started putting it down," the fire chief said.

Firefighters continued to battle hot spots creeping along the roof at the back of 233 at 10:30 a.m.

About noon, firefighters found the cat that had run out of 233 Coal St. It was hiding underneath a home at 235 Coal St.

"It's all singed up," Bowman said as he wrapped it in a blanket. Walsh tried to help the cat breathe by covering its nose with an oxygen mask.

Firefighters then rushed the cat to Schuylkill Veterinary Hospital at 1170 Route 61, Pottsville, which is privately owned by Dr. Sara Thornton.

At 3 p.m., Cathy Lishman, the hospital's manager, said the cat, a female tabby, is "critical but stable."

Dr. Lora Mengle, a veterinarian, cared for the cat when she was brought in. The hospital does not know the cat's owner but Mengle said anyone with information can call 570-622-1098.

Local art venues will bring the spirit of Christmas to Schuylkill County this weekend with a variety of art and cultural activities and creative shopping experiences for the winter holidays.

Events include Christkindlmarkt at the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts, open houses and shopping at Mud & Maker, Pottsville, the Walk In Art Center, Schuylkill Haven, and The Arts Barn, Schuylkill Haven; and an Old Fashioned Christmas on Main Street, Schuylkill Haven.

While it may seem that all the events were planned for the same weekend, that was not the case.

"We ended up with an awful lot of different things going on that weekend and they were all art-related," Fredrick Hubler, one of the Christkindlmarkt organizers, said. "We realized we had all these wonderful things and decided to market them as a weekend arts tour. We thought it would be nice to bring all these art organizations together."

All of the events are within 10 to 15 minutes of each other and showcase all of the talent in the county, Hubler said.

In addition to supporting local artists, the weekend events will also help other businesses in the community.

"Everyone knows how the economy is and a really great way to help your town is to shop local. It's important that we not only support local businesses but bring new people into the county. I want to see people come and do their holiday shopping here."

The fourth annual German Christmas Market, or Christkindlmarkt, is presented by the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts and Schuylkill County's VISION's Block of Art at an elaborately decorated Yuengling Mansion, 1440 Mahantongo St., Pottsville. Unique Christmas gifts from local artists will be available for purchase as well as hot chocolate. It will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Downtown Schuylkill Haven will have an Old Fashioned Christmas on Main Street from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The Greater Schuylkill Haven Business Association and local businesses have partnered for the day-long event featuring ice sculpting demonstrations, horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, crafters and a Christmas story hour. The theme is a Victorian Christmas as it will focus on how the Victorian era contributed to present-day Christmas traditions. Hot chocolate, popcorn and cookies will be available.

Lori Michael, a business owner in downtown Schuylkill Haven, said this is the second year for the Old Fashioned Christmas and the borough has "gone really big" this year.

"The old theme is to let people know what Christmas is really about, family and faith. It should be a really fun day," Michael said.

Michael said all businesses have specials and a new restaurant will be opening as well on Saturday at the Shoppes at the Meck Knitting Mill. There will also be a boilo contest for bragging rights throughout the rest of the year, she said.

"The town is going to be packed," Michael said. "There will be tons of things to do. Come get your Christmas shopping done. It will just be a fun day for everybody."

Michael said that while it was a coincidence all the holiday events fell on the same weekend this year, all the organizations are working together really well and look forward to collaborating again in the future.

"It's good because it gives people a lot of choices this weekend. With all of us working together, people can come to Schuylkill County on Friday and stay busy until Sunday."

This will be the first holiday event for Mud & Maker, 6 S. Centre St., as the gallery and art retail store just opened in the spring.

The store features all local artists and crafters as well as a full-service ceramics studio that teaches students of all ages and abilities. This weekend, gifts and seasonal decorations will be available from more than 50 local artists. Customers will also receive a free gift with any purchase. Hot chocolate, wine and refreshments will also be provided by Oak Hill Inn.

Mud & Maker will be opened from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The Walk In Art Center, third floor at 110 W. Columbia St., Schuylkill Haven, will host an open house from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday. Located at the former Walkin Shoe Company, the newly retrofitted art space has 15 art studios for local artists. There will also be a free art project for children. Finger food and mulled wine is available for sampling.

The Arts Barn, 3 Berry Road, Schuylkill Haven, started with one gallery and six artists during its first holiday season a few years ago. Today, The Arts Barn has two galleries and 60 artisans from all over the state. The store will feature all kinds of art and crafts for Christmas gifts. Customers will receive a free gift this weekend with a purchase. Wine, cheese, coffee and dessert will also be available. The Arts Barn will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

INFO BOX

· Christkindlmarkt at the Yuengling Mansion, 1440 Mahantongo St., Pottsville

10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

· Mud & Maker, 6 S. Centre St., Pottsville

5 to 9 p.m. Friday

9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

· Old Fashioned Christmas on Main Street, downtown Schuylkill Haven

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

· Walk In Art Center, 110 W. Columbia St., Schuylkill Haven

1 to 6 p.m. Saturday

· The Arts Barn, 3 Berry Road, Schuylkill Haven

Noon to 8 p.m. Friday

Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday

Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

Two more bridges in Schuylkill County are set for repairs.

The Schuylkill County commissioners approved two agreements for the engineering design and repairs to county-owned bridges during a public meeting Wednesday.

Traffic Planning and Design, Pottsville, will design the repairs to county bridge 30 on Spittler Road over Swatara Creek, Pine Grove Township, for $107,000. Alfred Benesch & Co., Pottsville, will design the repairs to county bridge 92 on River Drive over Pine Creek, West Brunswick Township, for $112,700.

At the request of the Schuylkill Conservation District, the commissioners approved participation in the state Department of Environmental Protection's 2013 Black Fly Suppression Program. According to DEP's website, the goal of the program is to reduce adult black fly, also known as gnats, populations to tolerable levels during spring and summer. The program involves monitoring and treatment of approximately 1,562 miles of 44 Pennsylvania rivers and streams. Schuylkill County is one of 33 counties participating in the program.

The board approved the annual software license for 2013 with Election Systems & Software Inc. for $25,605.

The board also reappointed the following three people to the Office of Senior Services Advisory Board for three-year terms: Mary A. Labert, McAdoo; James Reiley, Pottsville; and the Rev. Paul Schaediger, Pottsville.

After a recommendation from the county prison, the board agreed to extend the current three-year deal with Global Tel*Link Corp., an inmate phone vendor, for an additional three years, expiring in November 2015. The new extension includes a commission increase and a bonus. The company has also proposed to install new equipment at no additional cost.

There were five retirements and three resignations in various county departments.

Retirements were: Maureen Capone, Barnesville, full-time office support; Douglas Gressens, Ashland, and John Pfluger, Pottsville, domestic relations supervisors; Sally McShaw, Pottsville, archives clerk; and Helene Choplick, Shenandoah, Office of Senior Services clerk typist.

Resignations were: Sarah Snyder, Mount Carmel; Children &Youth Services caseworker; Kathleen Kimmel, Schuylkill Haven, Rest Haven part-time switchboard operator; and Janelle Bohr, Pottsville, Rest Haven part-time nurse's aide.

Also during the meeting, awards were presented to local elementary schools and three students who participated in the annual phone book recycling program.

Lee Raring, county solid waste and recycling program coordinator, said about half of the phone books are shredded and used as animal bedding for local farmers while the other half is recycled at Weiner Iron & Metal.

"This is a way for them to learn how to recycle and show them the need for it," Raring said.

Raring said 15,747 books, or 20,472 pounds, were collected.

He said this year's total about doubled that of last year and all the individual leaders exceeded the previous overall winner.

Local school winners were determined by the number of books per student collected.

Trinity Academy won first place and received $125. The school collected 1,192 books, or 6.62 per student.

John S. Clarke Elementary Center took second and received $100. The school collected 5,961 books, or 6.24 per student.

Rush Elementary took third place and received $75. The school collected 1,595 books, or 5.84 per student.

Individual winners were also honored by the commissioners. Kelly Sullivan, Trinity Academy, placed first with 708 books and received $150. In second place, Justin Lescavage, John S. Clarke Elementary, collected 465 books and received $125. Sabrina Brown, John S. Clarke Elementary, collected 379 books and received $100 to take third place.

n Mar Lin: Parents who have children 13 to 21 with disabilities and who want more information about the transition process and transition section of an IEP - Individualized Education Plan - should attend one of three sessions scheduled by Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, according to Ashley N. Felker, educational consultant. Each session is from 6 to 7 p.m. as follows: Tuesday, North Schuylkill High School; Jan. 14, Pine Grove Area High School, and March 18, Tamaqua Area Middle School. To register, contact Felker at 570-544-9131, ext. 1258 or email to felka@iu29.org.

n Port Carbon: The community tree lighting and children's Christmas party is set for 6 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Gazebo, with songs and Santa's arrival. Youngsters will then head to St. Paul's Lutheran Church for a Christmas party, goodies and gifts from Santa. All Port Carbon children up to age 10 must be registered to receive a gift. The deadline to register is Dec. 9. For more information or to register, call 570-622-5824, 570-294-2296 or 570-622-2255 and leave a message including the child's name, age and gender. The event is sponsored by the borough council, Mayor Tom Pavlick, the Port Carbon Citizens Committee, St. Paul's Lutheran Church and local businesses.

n Pottsville: The Pottsville Free Public Library recently acknowledged the following memorial donations: For Thomas J. Hoffman from Mr. and Mrs. Edwin F. Morgan; for Jane A. Markus from Sandi and Joe Murton; for Izola Miller from Sandi and Joe Murton; for Roberta Sumoski from Dr. and Mrs. William R. Davidson.

n Pottsville: The Pottsville Rotary Club greeted students of the month during a recent meeting. The students included Daniella Woiski and Kevin Wang from Pottsville Area High School and Megan Curry and Rachel Eckert from Nativity BVM High School. Each student provided Rotarians with information on their school and community activities and future plans. Rotarian Frank Peron provided an overview of Rotary for the guests, according to the Rotary bulletin. Chairman Eric Lieberman reported that Rotary raised more than $400 for the Knights of Columbus councils' Thanksgiving Food Drive. Meals were delivered on Thanksgiving Day. The Rotary club's Christmas party is set for Dec. 7 at the Pottsville Club.

n Pottsville: A concert of Christmas carols titled "Sounds of the Season" will be held at 5 p.m. Dec. 9 at Trinity United Church of Christ, 316 S. Market St. It will be presented by the choirs of Trinity UCC; First UCC, Schuylkill Haven; Evangelical UMC, Pottsville; Faith UCC, Landingville; Trinity Lutheran, Pottsville, and Zion Lutheran, Minersville. Ronald Fox Jr. is director of music and Christopher Evans is choral conductor. Everyone will be invited for refreshments after the concert. Freewill offerings will be gratefully accepted.

n Schuylkill Haven: The Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church Choir will perform a candlelight Christmas concert from 3 to 4 p.m. Dec. 9 at the church, 252 Dock St. The choir will be accompanied by an orchestra and there will be audience participation, Cynthia Rhen said in a release. The performance is free and everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Rhen at 570-385-4479.

n Tamaqua: The Tamaqua Area School District will hold its annual "Meet the Raiders Night" beginning at 7 p.m. Monday in the athletic center. Members of the boys and girls basketball, wrestling and swimming programs as well as the cheerleaders will be introduced. The Blue Raider Pep Band will also be on hand. In the event of inclement weather, the makeup event will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

n William Penn: The William Penn Fire Company will hold a cheesesteak dinner beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday. To order or for local delivery, call 570-462-0338. The fire company is also holding an unbaked pizza sale, with orders due by Dec. 7. Pickup is set for 3 to 8 p.m. Dec. 14. The cost is $10 for a plain pizza and $12 for pepperoni pizza. The cost for hot sauce is 75 cents a cup. Everyone is welcome.

by peter e. bortner

A three-judge state Superior Court panel has upheld the conviction and state prison sentence of a Mahanoy City man who participated in a robbery in 2008 in Shenandoah.

In a 22-page opinion filed Wednesday in Pottsville, the panel ruled Joseph A. Yutko, 30, presented no facts that would justify awarding him a new trial.

"We find no relief is due," Senior Judge James J. Fitzgerald III wrote in the opinion.

As a result, Yutko must serve five to 10 years in a state correctional institution plus an additional five years on probation, the sentence imposed on Jan. 20, 2010, by Judge Jacqueline L. Russell. Yutko is serving his sentence at SCI/Retreat, Luzerne County.

After a two-day trial presided over by Russell, a jury of eight women and four men found Yutko guilty on Dec. 10, 2009, of two counts of robbery and one of conspiracy.

Shenandoah police had charged Yutko with helping to rob two men on Oct. 29, 2008, at 117 E. Centre St. in the borough.

Prosecutors said three armed men, including Yutko, entered the home, cut phone cords and took a computer, while a fourth, Raymond Iaconelli, drove the getaway car. Iaconelli testified at Yutko's trial.

In his opinion, Fitzgerald wrote that the fact that former Shenandoah police Chief Matthew R. Nestor, who testified at Yutko's trial, was later convicted in U.S. District Court in Wilkes-Barre of falsifying a police report in connection with the investigation of the death of Luis Eduardo Ramirez Zavala does not mandate reversal of Yutko's conviction. Yutko failed to present and prove sufficient evidence to support his claim, Fitzgerald wrote.

As for the rest of Yutko's arguments, each regards an assertion that his lawyer at trial, Assistant Public Defender Kent D. Watkins, was ineffective, and Fitzgerald ruled that the defendant did not prove any of the allegations.

Those allegation included claims that Watkins did not include Yutko in the jury selection process; failed to ask that the entire pool of jurors be struck for alleged prejudice; did not meet with him or properly prepare his defense before trial; did not ask for admission into evidence of Iaconelli's statement to police, which might have been helpful; insufficiently cross-examined victim David Brown; should have asked to have a camouflage jacket admitted as a defense exhibit; failed to call his girlfriend, Heather Rutledge, as a witness; failed to object to a statement in the closing argument of Assistant District Attorney Michael A. O'Pake; neglected to call a possibly exculpatory witness, West Mahanoy Township police Officer Ray Tonkinson; and failed to object to admission of a driver's license into evidence.

In each case, Fitzgerald wrote, the panel concluded that Yutko failed to prove that Watkins' action or inaction affected the outcome of the trial.

Judges Susan Peikes Gantman and Sallie Updyke Mundy, the other members of the panel, concurred in Fitzgerald's opinion.Defendant: Joseph A. Yutko

Age: 30

Residence: Mahanoy City

Crimes committed: Two counts of robbery and one of conspiracy

Prison sentence: Five to 10 years in a state correctional institution, plus five consecutive years probation

U.S. Marshals arrested a McAdoo man Wednesday on a violation of his parole for threats against former vice presidential candidate and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

Shawn Christy, 21, of South Harrison Street, McAdoo, was taken into custody by members of the U.S. Marshals Service based in Scranton for allegedly violating a condition of federal parole.

Christy was sentenced in federal court in Anchorage, Alaska, on June 8 to five years of probation for making harassing telephone calls to the law firm that represented Palin. He and his father, Craig Christy, were charged with making calls threatening Palin and her attorneys.

Both Christys pleaded guilty to the charges.

As a condition of the five years probation, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy M. Burgess ordered Shawn Christy to spend up to six months in a community re-entry program at a Scranton residential facility.

Christy had his federal probation supervision transferred from the District of Alaska to the Middle District of Pennsylvania in mid-July and entered the Catholic Social Services Residential Program.

While at the Scranton Catholic Charity Center, it is alleged Christy left without approval, was verbally abusive toward staff and caused property damage at the facility.

A fugitive warrant was issued for Shawn Christy on Nov. 21 and marshals in Alaska sent an investigative fugitive task force in the Middle District of Pennsylvania to Christy's house after learning he had returned to McAdoo.

U.S. Marshals tried to arrest Christy on Wednesday at his home but Christy fled the residence and was pursued by law enforcement. After a short foot chase, U.S. Marshals subdued Christy without further incident.

At the time of the arrest, Christy was in possession of a knife. U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Blewitt ordered him detained for further court proceedings on the federal probation violation warrant.

Christy will remain behind bars pending his removal to the District of Alaska.

"This case demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. Marshals Service to apprehend fugitives who fail to comply with their probation requirements," said U.S. Marshal Martin J. Pane.

The L.A. Dance Theatre Inc., Saint Clair, will again ring in the Christmas season starting Friday with its 21st production of "The Nutcracker" at D.H.H. Lengel Auditorium, Pottsville.

Lois Ann Maley, producer and director, said that as always, there will be four shows.

The curtain goes up opening night at 7 p.m. Friday, while there will also be performances at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

"We again, as usual, have changed everything about it," Maley said. "We have a lot of new things this year, especially in our second act."

Maley said the show will still have a peacock, which was "a big hit last year," added when the company was celebrating its 20th anniversary. Along with the peacock, a monarch butterfly will grace the performance and the battle scene has changed.

There is a new Clara this year as well, Marielle Pzywara, 13, of Pottsville.

Pzywara said it's her fifth time performing in "The Nutcracker" but her first time playing the role of Clara.

"It was very exciting getting the part," Pzywara said. "I can't remember a Christmas without The Nutcracker because my sister has always been in it, so it definitely makes the holiday a holiday. It's my sister Annelise's last 'Nutcracker,' so it makes it extra special."

Meanwhile, Maley said the nutcracker prince will be portrayed again by Ryan Tuerk, Doylestown.

Tuerk, an old friend of Leandra Maley, instructor for the studio, has performed for the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Carnival Cruise Lines and Celebrity Cruise Lines and for the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet, Narberth.

There will also be four snow princesses that will split the role over the multiple performances.

"It gives more children an opportunity to perform in the show by having a red cast and green cast," Lois Ann Maley said. "That's why there are four shows."

While Maley said that Friday night's performance is nearly sold out, there are still some tickets available and there are plenty of tickets for the three other shows.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and children in advance or are $14 for adults and $12 for senior citizens and children at the door.

For tickets, call the studio at 570-429-1440, Heaven and Earth Salon in Pottsville or Flowers For Me, Minersville.

GIRARDVILLE - Flames tore through an iconic store in the borough Wednesday night that although closed was scheduled to reopen in the near future.

Firefighters were called to the former Jiffy Mart at 146 N. Second St. about 7:30 p.m. and found heavy smoke coming from the large, brick building.

Girardville police Officer in Charge John Borchick was one of the first on scene and said smoke was coming from both the North Second and East Ogden Street sides of the building.

Borough Fire Chief Frank Zangari Jr. was busy directing fire ground operations and was unable to comment on the fire Wednesday night.

Shortly after arriving on scene, Zangari called for a second alarm, bringing in firefighters from Ashland, Shenandoah, Mahanoy Plane and other communities.

About 30 minutes into the fire, heavy smoke billowed from the windows and was quickly replaced by the deep orange glow of the fire.

Firefighters struggled to contain the flames but could not and were forced to take a defensive stance as the roof above the convenience store part of the building collapsed.

Borchick said the intensity of the smoke increased quickly from the time he arrived until he walked about a block and a half to the other side of the building.

"It was that quick. All of a sudden, I couldn't see the red and blue lights of my police car," he said.

All of North Second Street and parts of A and Ogden streets were blocked by area fire police who directed traffic around fire hoses and fire apparatus.

The investigation into the cause of the fire will continue today and a state police fire marshal may be called to the scene.

PORT CARBON - Borough police are still working to identify the green thumb behind the marijuana-growing operation discovered at a fire scene early Wednesday, according to borough police Chief Jon J. Bowman.

When the person is caught, felony charges will be filed, Bowman said.

It took firefighters and police more than two hours to remove the remains of the operation from the second floor of 233 Coal St. It included marijuana plants growing in gallon-sized buckets, an irrigation system made up of 55-gallon drums, chemicals, hoses, lights and packaging material like plastic bags.

"When we have a suspect in custody, we're going to be using that against them," said Bowman, who called in Schuylkill County First Assistant District Attorney Bill Reiley for advice.

Bowman said in his 24 years as a police officer in the borough, this is the biggest drug operation he's come across in Port Carbon.

Reiley said whoever is behind it is rather bold.

"For being in the middle of town in an area where there are a lot of residences, this is the boldest, most intricate grow operation of marijuana that I've seen yet, and I've been working in the DA's office for over 15 years," Reiley said.

Firefighters discovered the marijuana-growing operation Wednesday morning while battling an electrical fire that started at 233 Coal St.

They arrived on scene about 6:45 a.m. and discovered the marijuana operation within a half-hour, said Scott D. Krater, the borough's fire marshal.

Bowman said every room on the second floor was used for the operation, which included more than 75 marijuana plants.

"In situations like this, as a firefighter, your gut tells you you have to proceed with caution and you also have to preserve evidence to the best of your ability, but you also have to extinguish the fire," Krater said.

"We noticed it was suspicious activity. Our local police chief was here so, as far as chain of command, we're going to play it by the book," borough fire Chief Michael E. Welsh said.

When he realized the fire scene had become a crime scene, Bowman immediately started typing a request for a search warrant for 233 Coal St. He got one from the office of Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, by 9:30 a.m.

The two-story apartment house is owned by Dean Vermeersch. On March 30, Vermeersch bought the house from Dale J. Smith for $14,000, according to the online Schuylkill Parcel Locator.

According to Bowman, Vermeersch said he heard smoke detectors and fled the building.

"He indicated that he is the sole occupant of the home. He rents the second floor out as storage to a person whom he believes is named Gary Rothenberger. There is no written contract or lease of any kind," Bowman said in court documents filed in Plachko's office Wednesday.

Vermeersch could not be reached for comment Monday.

"He's trying very diligently to come up with something to show who the person is he was renting to," Bowman said.

Vermeersch rented out the second floor in October, Bowman said.

"The person paid their rent for October, which was $200. But he's overdue for November," Bowman said.

Once the fire was brought under control about 11 a.m., Bowman worked with firefighters to gather the evidence from the second floor of 233 Coal St. and bring it down onto the sidewalk.

For the next hour and a half, the firefighters put evidence into piles.

The operation appeared to be hydroponic, a process of growing the plants with gravel or liquid.

Evidence included:

- Packaged marijuana ready for street distribution. Bowman said Wednesday afternoon he did not know the exact amount.

- Gallon-sized black, plastic, hydroponic growing containers and tubing. "And there are pumps too, to keep feeding the plants," Krater said.

- Two 55-gallon water barrels.

- Bottles of specialty plant nutrients sold by Cutting Edge Solutions LLC, Santa Rosa, Calif.

- Hydroton-brand grow rocks, which are the size of pebbles. "The ceramic shell and inner pore structure retains moisture and releases it back to your plant's roots as needed," according to Amazon.com.

- 1,000-watt, Agrosun Gold-brand "agricultural spectrum" lamps.

- Lumatek-brand electronic ballasts. "Lumatek digital ballasts are the most advanced lighting solution for modern horticulture. Small, compact and completely silent, these E-Ballasts are able to deliver more lumens while using less electricity than standard magnetic ballasts," according to the Lumatek website at lumatek.co.uk.

- Plastic sandwich bags.

"Anything that looks like it's been specially ordered or specially manufactured for the purpose of grow operations will not be allowed to remain here for fear that somebody else could take it and try to rehab it," Reiley said.

Reiley encouraged Bowman to take samples of each of the parts of the operation, enough evidence to prove its existence.

"The sentencing code requires the number of plants to be calculated because that has an impact on mandatory and minimum sentences," Reiley said.

Bowman is planning to apply for a "destruction order" from Schuylkill County Court to get rid of the rest of the material.

City residents can now enter their decorated homes into the third holiday home decorating contest.

Applications are available at five locations in Pottsville and are due by 4 p.m. Dec. 7.

"The following week will be the judging," Mary Quirk, Pottsville Recreation Commission director, said.

Judging is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11 to 13. The number of entries will determine how many days the judging will take place.

Similar to last year's contest, the houses will be judged in three categories - past, present and future. The winner of each category receives $100. The past category features decorations such as live garland, window candles and wreaths. Lights and color are hallmarks of the present category. Animated and inflatable decorations make up the future category.

Those who register will receive a green ornamental Christmas ball with the words "Pottsville 2012 Merry Christmas," Quirk said. They also receive a note thanking them for entering the contest.

The contest is a way to celebrate the city, Quirk said.

"Everybody goes to different extremes or not," to showcase the pride in decorating their homes, she said.

Last year, 24 homes registered for the contest. About 30 homes participated in the first event held in 2009, she said. The event was not held in 2010 due to budget constraints.

Entries may be mailed to City Hall, 401 N. Centre St., emailed to recreation@citypottsville.pa.us or entered online at www.citypottsville.pa.us.

Registration is available at: Pottsville City Hall, M&T Bank, 1 S. Centre St., The Republican-Herald office, 111 Mahantongo St,, the Pottsville Free Public Library, 215 W. Market St., and Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau, 300 S. Centre St.

For questions or more information, call 570-622-1234 ext. 346.

ORWIGSBURG - As Schuylkill County residents start putting up their Christmas decorations this year, there's a new collector's item for the train underneath the tree.

Starting this year, Fryer's Store, 210 E. Market St., will produce a model train car with the name of a local business every fall for the holiday season.

"Over the years, different organizations make train cars. We notice there hasn't been any new ones for years," Glenn Frantz, owner of the store, said.

This year, two cars were produced: a refrigerator car, or "reefer," for Heisler's Cloverleaf Dairy, Walker Township, and a gondola for Weiner Iron & Metal, Pottsville. Heisler's car was supposed to be released last year but was delayed for design purposes. It will still have the 2011 year on it while the Weiner gondola will have 2012. Artwork was done by local graphic artist Don Houlihan, Frantz said.

"Every Christmas, people still look to set up their trains. They are still popular today. Kids want them for Christmas and their birthdays," Frantz said.

Both cars are O-gauge compatible and $59.95 each. Frantz said if a customer commits to the third car by February, they will save $10. He said the store sold about half of the limited edition cars. There are about 150 reefers and 100 gondolas remaining this year.

"I expect all to be sold by the end of the year," Frantz said. "A lot of people collect local things. People who moved out of the area like to collect the local things, too. Then there are people that just like to collect things in limited number."

Frantz said he hopes to have an engine or caboose available in the next couple years.

Fryer's Store has been selling model trains since the 1980s, Frantz said. His grandfather opened the first store in 1929 in Hamburg. The second store in Orwigsburg was opened in 1954.

He said toy trains never go out of style and he still sets one up every Christmas.

"I've been playing with trains since I was 10 years old," Frantz said. "They have improved over the years and it's just amazing some of the things they can do. They smoke, make sounds and can be operated by remote controls. The kids like the action and there's so much to them you can learn, like construction techniques and wiring."

Part of the proceeds will benefit the Northern Berks/Southern Schuylkill Historical Society in Port Clinton.

"The historical society has lost a lot of funding, so I wanted to try and find ways I can help them," Frantz said.

"We are really appreciative," Luke McLaughlin, president of historical society, said.

The historical society has its own train display for the holidays and an open house.

"It's popular with kids of all ages." McLaughlin said. "People remember what their dad and grandad had and wanted the same thing when they had room."

MAHANOY PLANE - The Gilberton Borough Council is holding the line on taxes.

The tentative 2013 budget, adopted at the Nov. 15 meeting, is smaller than the 2012 budget, which also had no tax increase. In 2011, taxpayers saw a 6-mill real estate tax increase, the first tax increase in 20 years.

"The budget this year is about the same," council President Daniel Malloy said Tuesday. "The only concern was - which every borough and township and school district has to deal with - was getting the (earned income) taxes that we haven't received yet, which made the budget pretty tight."

Although taxes are not increased, there will be a $10 per year increase in garbage fees to $160. There is no increase in sewage fees.

Malloy said last year's budget planning worked well.

"The bottom line is that we did a good job last year, we tightened our belt and we're going to have to do the same next year without a doubt. I don't see where there is going to be any outside funding coming," he said.

Malloy said the borough's three employees will receive a increase of 25 cents per hour.

"We have good borough workers and we wish we could give them more but things are tight," he said.

The 2013 budget includes a real estate tax rate at 13.814 mills, which includes 6.814 mills for general purposes, 4 mills for lighting and 3 mills for roads. The per capita tax of $10 remains the same, as does the earned income tax at 1 percent, real estate transfer tax at 1 percent and the local services tax at $52 (half is shared with the Mahanoy Area School District).

The anticipated revenue is $140,531, about $6,000 lower than in 2012, and estimated expenses are $140,496, leaving an anticipated surplus of $35.

As for the garbage collection fee, residents can make one payment of $160 in February, two $80 payments in February and August, or $40 quarterly payments in February, May, August and November.

In other business, the council decided not to consider a Quality of Life Ordinance.

"Our current ordinances, according to (borough solicitor) Karen Domalakes, are fine," Malloy said. "We have all our ordinances in place and we don't have to. Karen is taking care of our ordinances on file. In January, we will be appointing a new code enforcement officer."

Woman will face

several charges

Pottsville police took a city woman into custody Monday following two accidents in which her car allegedly struck other motorists' automobiles.

Chelsea Ann Ciccanti, 25, of Pottsville, was driving a silver sedan at 1600 West End Ave. when her car struck a 1994 Mercury Topaz being driven by John Schmidt, Pottsville, police said.

Schmidt followed Ciccanti, who ran a stop sign at Calvary Street and Cressona Road and struck a 2006 Pontiac coupe being driven by Matthew Eckley, 24, of Pottsville, according to police.

Police said they took Ciccanti to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street for blood alcohol testing.

Charges, including driving under the influence and driving under suspension, will be filed with Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley upon receipt of the results of the testing, police said.

No one was injured in either of the incidents. Both Ciccanti's and Eckley's cars had to be towed from the scene of the second accident due to extensive damage to each, according to police.

Business sign

taken in Barry

TAYLORSVILLE - Someone stole a business sign in Barry Township, according to police.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said that between midnight Oct. 21 and 11:59 p.m. Nov. 4 at Route 901 and Taylorsville Road, someone removed a sign belonging to W.R. Lindenmuth Lumber & Supply Co., Ashland, and fled in an unknown direction.

The sign is 5 feet round, 5 feet high and shaped like a saw, police said. The investigation is ongoing.

Deeds

Minersville - Ethel E. and Robert J. Kane to Alfred Halsey; 328 Cherry St.; $22,000.

Wayne Township - Karen M. Cauller to Patrick B. Cauller and Karen M. Cauller, trustees of The Cauller Family Trust; property on Summer Hill Road; $10.

Patrick and Karen M. Cauller to Patrick B. Cauller and Karen M. Cauller, trustees of The Cauller Family Trust; 964 Summer Hill Road; $10.

PORT CARBON - The green thumb behind the elaborate marijuana-growing operation uncovered by firefighters early Wednesday is behind bars, according to representatives of the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force.

Officers from the task force charged Dean Vermeersch, 53, with running the hydroponic marijuana operation on the second floor of 233 Coal St., according to documents filed in the office of Christina E. Hale, Frackville, the on-duty magisterial district judge who conducted the video arraignment Wednesday night.

The investigation, however, is still continuing, Schuylkill County First Assistant District Attorney Bill Reiley said Thursday.

"I had my doubts there was anybody else involved from the very beginning but, just to make sure, we're going to run down whatever leads we have," Reiley said.

Vermeersch bought 233 Coal St. on March 30 from Dale J. Smith for $14,000, according to the online Schuylkill Parcel Locator.

According to the criminal complaint filed at 8:14 p.m. Wednesday, Vermeersch was charged with three felonies, one count each of possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance, manufacturing a controlled substance and causing or risking a catastrophe; seven misdemeanors, one count each of operation of a drug manufacturing establishment and being a public nuisance and five counts of possession of a controlled substance; and one summary violation of disorderly conduct.

Bail was set at $50,000 straight cash. Unable to pay it, Vermeersch remained in Schuylkill County Prison on Thursday afternoon, according to a prison spokesman.

The preliminary hearing will be held at the office of Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, but the date for that hearing had not been set Thursday, according to a secretary at Plachko's office.

Borough firefighters discovered the elaborate pot garden with more than 75 plants while battling an electrical fire at a duplex Wednesday morning.

An electrical circuit overload occurred at Vermeersch's home, 233 Coal St., a two-story apartment house, about 6 a.m. Wednesday. The blaze spread to 231 Coal St., a three-story home owned by Lamar E. Staller, 44, and his wife, Katrina M., 43. They lived there with their daughter, Becky, 14, and six cats.

The Stallers' six cats died in the blaze. A cat that lived at 233 Coal St. escaped the house but suffered burns and remained in critical condition Thursday afternoon at Schuylkill Veterinary Hospital, 1170 Route 61, Pottsville, according to Cathy Lishman, the hospital's manager.

"We have located the owner," Lishman said Thursday but she would not release the owner's name.

The blaze gutted both homes, making them unlivable, according to borough Fire Chief Michael E. Welsh.

It took firefighters and police more than two hours Wednesday to remove the remains of the marijuana-growing operation from the second floor of 233 Coal St. It included marijuana plants in gallon-sized buckets, an irrigation system made up of 55-gallon drums, chemicals, hoses, lights and packaging material like plastic bags.

While borough police Chief Jon J. Bowman was in charge of the drug investigation Wednesday, it became a joint investigation when the criminal complaint was being typed up Wednesday night.

According to the criminal complaint, the prosecuting officers were Bowman and county Detective Gregory S. Meisner.

"Numerous clear glassine bags containing green vegetative matter were found in the kitchen freezer," according to the criminal complaint.

All of those field-tested positive for marijuana, according to the criminal complaint.

Bowman referred all questions about the case to Reiley on Thursday.

Deeds

Kline Township - James R. and Lea C. Wilkinson to Daniel Budziak and Helen Grebey; 36 Bridge St.; $49,000.

New Ringgold - LaVerne E. Emerich to Kevin A. Emerich, Mark S. Emerich and Craig L. Emerich; 112 Royer St.; $1.

North Manheim Township - Dean K. Boyer to Lori A. Teter; 9 Margaret Terrace, Haven Fair Lawn; $1.

Pine Grove Township - Laverne L. Houtz to David C. and Kim L. Keefer; 0.46554-acre property; $7,500.

Jerold C. and Geraldine A. Kintzel to Geraldine A. Kintzel and Megan E. Kintzel; 82 Sweet Arrow Lake Road; $1.

Pottsville - Lisa M. Hahner to Regina M. Gargano; 1950 W. Market St.; $1.

Elizabeth A. Boyer to Beverly R. Conahan and Kathi A. Conahan-Baltzelle; 1307 W. Norwegian St.; $80,000.

Saint Clair - Georgine M. and Michael Urenko to Clement M. Weicicoskie; 32 Thompson St.; $46,000.

Shenandoah - Leonard M. and Sandra Lynn Grochowsky to Leonard M. Grochowsky; 4 S. Grant St.; $1.