On Sunday morning, Stephanie Boyer and her boyfriend, Tyler Andrews, strolled out onto a voluminous field of white.

Then he plunked an ice auger onto the snow-covered surface and started to turn the crank. The spade on the end cut a hole down to the drink.

They were standing on Sweet Arrow Lake, which was frozen over.

"The ice is four inches deep," Andrews, 23, of Emmaus, Lehigh County, said.

Boyer, 22, of Pine Grove, said she was nervous walking across it.

"It's her first time," Andrews said.

"I've fished here before. I caught a large-mouth bass here before," he added.

But Sunday was the first day he tried ice fishing at Sweet Arrow Lake.

"If I see there's four inches of ice, I feel pretty confident walking across it," he said.

The two set up on the north side of the lake, just off Sweet Arrow Lake Road near Oscar's Grove Picnic Area.

"Usually in this area or along this road here is where I catch them," he said.

Just after noon, the two saw a group of more than 10 people come out to ice skate.

"There were about a dozen. They came in a van and an SUV. Then as soon as it started to rain, they just pulled out," Andrews said.

About 1 p.m., the rain started. After two hours of trying, they decided to pack it in at 1:45 p.m.

"Not even a nibble. No luck today," he said.

On Saturday, Andrews was ice fishing at Kaercher Creek Lake in Hamburg, gingerly walking across a 2 1/2-inch field of ice.

"I didn't get anything there either," he said.

The end of December, January, February, and the first part of March make up Pennsylvania's ice fishing season, according to the state Fish and Boat Commission. The commission offers tips on ice fishing on its website at fishandboat.com/ice.htm.

Two sites in Schuylkill County the commission recommends are:

- Tuscarora State Park - "A great spot to fish, it offers the chance at the occasional monster walleye or musky," according to the site.

- Locust Lake State Park - "Lake offers trout, pickerel, bass - large mouth and small mouth - and pan fish giving anglers action in all seasons," according to the site.

The website for Pennsylvania Angler & Boater offers 10 tips for safe ice fishing:

- Never fish alone

- Test the ice

- Wear a life jacket

- Wear ice picks

- Carry rope

- Make an emergency plan

- Be aware of changing conditions

- When walking on ice, stay away from structures, logs, stumps and rocks, which can absorb sunlight and emit heat

- Wear layers, including a wool sweater

- Carry a change of dry clothes.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals wants pet owners to be aware that extremely cold temperatures can by hazardous for animals.

The agency offers the following cold weather guidelines for pets at its website, www.aspca.org:

· Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.

· During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

· Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice. Especially during a snowstorm, dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

· Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

· Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

· Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

· Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

· Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for more information.

· Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

Driver who hit

pole sought

GILBERTON - State police at Frackville are looking for the hit-and-run driver who struck a utility pole in front of a residence at 437 Main St. at 3:01 a.m. Sunday.

The driver was headed west on state Route 4030 when the driver lost control and exited the north berm, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-874-5300.

Attempted theft

of rental truck

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - Someone entered an unlocked 2013 Ford E450 U-Haul truck parked in North Manheim Township, got into the trunk, tried to pop the ignition and steal the truck but failed, state police at Schuylkill Haven said Sunday.

The incident occurred between 10:30 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday at the parking lot of the Gulf Gas Station at 410 Route 61 South. The victim was U-Haul Co. of Arizona, Phoenix, Ariz., police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-739-1330.

Man not hurt

in Rt. 183 crash

REEDSVILLE - A Bethel man escaped injury after he drove off Route 183 onto the west berm early Sunday, hit a snow bank and drove into the woods, police said.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said at 8:01 a.m. Sunday Luke T. Weller, 24, was driving a 2001 Lincoln Continental when the incident occurred. It was towed from the scene, police said.

Weller will be charged with failing to stay in his lane, police said.

Deeds

East Union Township - Matthew Waas to Christian Delbert Good Jr.; 63 Third St., Oneida; $16,900.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuyl-kill County to Frances Swenson; 136 First St., Oneida; $7,500.

Foster Township - Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Jason Keller; 23 Lower Beechwood Ave., Buck Run; $4,476.

Frackville - William G. Schwab, trustee for David L. Kehler, to Kenneth and Lorraine Letcavage; 515 Broad Mountain Ave.; $5,000.

Elizabeth Dembroski, executrix of the Estate of Adam Dombroski, to Mark P. Kufrovich; property on Nice Street; $37,900.

Hegins Township - Ray H. Warmkessel, administrator of the Estate of Carl C. Shadle, Curtis F. Shadle, William D. Shadle, Jeffrey R. Warmkessel and Jennie E. Maher to Ronald W. and Deanna J. Dietz; 33 Harvest Lane; $475,000.

McAdoo - Melanie Krasnay, individually and as executrix of the Estate of Michael Krasnay, to Jason D. and Sarah K. Zola; property on Sherman Street; $15,500.

Minersville - Albert D. Marazas, individually and as attorney in fact for Elizabeth D Marazas, and Mary Ellen Marazas to Albert D. and Mary Ellen Marazas; 212 Arlene St.; $1.

North Union Township - Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Christian Montanero; property on Camelback Road; $661.

Orwigsburg - Robert E. and Suzanne M. Weaver to Professional Investors Group LLC; property on Market Street; $175,000.

Porter Township - James and Elaine Rodichok to Daryl L. Alger; four properties; $545,000.

Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Jason Keller; 405 Dietrich Ave., Orwin; $3,420.

James M. and Elaine A. Rodichok to Elvin K. Stauffer; 20.1-acre property on Mount Eagle Trail Road; $100,000.

Porter Township and Tower City - James and Elaine Rodichok to D&J Farming Inc.; five properties; $145,000.

Reilly Township - Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to William C. Lucas; 45 Sport Hill Road, Branchdale; $2,090.

Rush Township - Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Christian Montanero; 570 Pine Creek Drive; $5,923.

Richard R. Beltz, administrator of the Estate of Sara Fay Baum, to Gavin R. Reed and Leanna K. Zukovich; 419 Fairview St.; $90,000.

Ryan Township - Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Keystone Frontier Investments LLC; 2 Maple St.; $4,090.

Schuylkill Haven - Kathleen Noll-Wimbrow, executrix under the Last Will & Testament of Rose H. Noll, to Zachary G. Reber and Naomi C. Gilbert; 100 Jefferson St.; $127,000.

Denise P. Stabingas, individually and as attorney in fact for Richard C. Stabingas, to Denise P. Stabingas; 163 Avenue D; $1.

Schuylkill Township - Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Blackstone Funding LLC; 200 Lewis St.; $5,936.

South Manheim Township - Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Jason Keller, Blackstone Funding LLC and W. Lowell Eckenroth; 1802 Crazy Horse Drive, Lake Wynonah; $38,800.

Tamaqua - Raymond J. Patrick to David Kranch; 6.504-acre property on Eighth Street; $45,000.

Franklin J. and Lorraine Stidham to Jay P. Stidham; 414 E. Union St.; $1.

Upper Mahantongo Township - Nancy L. Lindenmuth to Robert E. Bixler and Gary E. Eshelman; 7.5-acre property; $10,000.

Walker Township - Tax Claim Bureau of Schuylkill County to Blackstone Funding LLC and W. Lowell Eckenroth; 6 Lower Road; $6,000.

Nancy R. Kyle to Arthur N. Brownell Jr. and Nancy R. Kyle; 10.2-acre property on Mountain Road; $1.

Arthur N. Brownell Jr. and Nancy R. Kyle to Arthur N. Brownell Jr. and Nancy R. Kyle; 1035 Valley Road, Lewistown Valley; $1.

Washington Township - Sterling M. Moyer, individually and as trustee of the Oscar M. Moyer revocable Living Trust, to Sterling M. Moyer; 860 and 862 Pine Rock Road, Rock; $1.

West Brunswick Township - Jean K. Troutman to Michael J. and Jessica L. Weiderhold; 22.56026-acre property at Grove Street and Gun Club Road; $190,000.

Glenn A. and Kimberly M. Dove to William J. Jr. and Jenilee C. Raibeck; 26 Dove Drive; $305,000.

With subzero temperatures in the forecast this week, state health and emergency officials are offering tips to help residents remain both warm and safe.

According to the National Weather Service, today's high may reach 39 but the overnight low will be -5 with the wind chill value as low as -17, while Tuesday's high will be 4 degrees followed by an overnight low of -4 and a wind chill value again in double digits. It should be mostly sunny on Tuesday.

It will warm up Wednesday and Thursday with highs of 21 and 31, respectively.

"People should make sure they have some supplies in their vehicle in case something happens and they are trapped," John M. Matz, emergency management coordinator for the Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency, said Friday. "It is important that you are able to look out for yourself for a couple hours until you get assistance. If you are going outside, make sure you are dressing in layers and don't stay out too long."

Matz also said it is important for people to remain hydrated before going outside.

Residents should be prepared in case they lose power.

"There is always the possibility of utility outages," Matz said. "That is always a concern for us."

Matz said it is important for people to report power outages to their providers as not all instances are widespread.

"During this period of time, if people are out of power and are using any kind of supplemental heating, be mindful of the equipment you are using," Matz said. "Always be very cautious when burning carbon fuels."

Matz said people using alternative heating sources should also be mindful of carbon monoxide production and install a detector.

"I think it's really important people remember the dangers of carbon monoxide," Matz continued. "It is certainly a concern ... you always want to make sure the chimney is in good shape."

While several municipalities provide residents with electricity, PPL is the largest provider in the county. Matz said the power company has been proactive in preventing power outages.

"We have been fortunate because for the last two years PPL has been conducting a program to clear the trees around power lines and they have done a pretty good job of it from what I have seen," Matz said. "I think we have seen less widespread power outages and I think the PPL program has reduced it a great deal."

However, widespread outages do happen. If there is a widespread outage, municipalities often set up warming centers.

To report a power outage or for more information about power outages, visit PPL's power outage center at www.pplelectric.com.

People should also be on the look out for hypothermia, a condition that results when body temperature drops too low to maintain normal metabolism and body functions. Moderate to severe signs of hypothermia include shivering, clumsiness or lack of coordination and slurred speech or mumbling. Anyone experiencing symptoms of either hypothermia or frostbite should seek immediate medical assistance.

Matz said if people must go out in the cold, they should make sure they are not out too long and don't expose any skin. Department of Health safety tips

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning during power outages:

· Never use an electric generator, camp stove or similar device indoors since they produce carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that builds up in closed spaces and is deadly.

· Leave your home immediately and call 911 if your carbon monoxide detector sounds. Get medical help right away if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and are dizzy, light headed or nauseous.

Stay as warm as possible:

· Hypothermia is a serious condition that occurs when your body temperature is too low. Older Pennsylvanians and babies are most at risk and should be checked frequently. If your power is out for a long time, stay with a relative or friend or go to a shelter if one is open in your area.

· If you must venture outdoors, make trips brief and dress warmly. Cover your ears, head, mouth and face to prevent frostbite.

Prevent snow removal injuries:

· If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath or other symptoms of a heart attack while shoveling snow, call 911.

· When possible, push snow instead of lifting it. If you must lift, bend your legs and not your back. Also avoid twisting motions that can stress your back.

· If using a snow blower, read and follow all safety instructions.

Never call 911 to request or report road conditions:

· When calling 911 to report an emergency, it is critical for callers to stay on the line, even if for an extended series of rings, until the operator answers. Hangups due to frustration result in key minutes being lost as 911 center personal attempt to re-establish contact.

· To check road conditions on more than 2,900 miles of state roads, visit www.511PA.com or simply call 511.

· More detailed information, including downloadable emergency kit checklists and emergency plan templates, is available online at www.ReadyPA.org or by calling 1-888-9-READY-PA.

HARRISBURG - An environmental group can pursue a legal challenge to eminent domain provisions in the state natural gas drilling impact fee law, thanks to a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling.

The highest court drew widespread attention last month when it struck down portions of the impact fee law providing for state oversight of local drilling zoning regulations. Three of the justices in the majority opinion said those provisions conflict with the environmental rights amendment in the state Constitution.

The court also found the Delaware Riverkeeper Network has standing to have its eminent domain appeal heard in the lower Commonwealth Court, thereby reversing an earlier ruling by that court.

The network is challenging a provision saying drillers can use eminent domain powers to acquire storage space for natural gas, said Maya K. van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper. Drillers are interested in underground geological formations for storage space even if that space is underneath private land, she added.

This provision provides for an improper use of eminent domain for a private commercial purpose rather than for a public purpose, van Rossum said.

"The Supreme Court has said you can't turn a blind eye to this issue," she said.

Van Rossum said she thinks lawmakers should repeal Act 13 and write new legislation to regulate natural gas drilling in light of the court ruling overturning key sections.

"There really is no law left standing," she said.

However, attorneys for the Corbett administration last week asked the court to reconsider its decision and allow Commonwealth Court to develop evidence as to whether the impact fee law violates the environmental rights amendment or not.

"The Supreme Court's decision is a stunning departure from the historical practice of that Court, and an unrestrained venture into a fact-finding role that the Court always has insisted is not in its proper place in the judicial system," James D. Schultz, the governor's general counsel, said.

PINE GROVE - On Sunday afternoon, the windows were boarded up at a home in Washington Township which was ravaged by fire early Saturday.

The blaze occurred at a two-story home at 31 Fiddlers Road. According to the online Schuylkill Parcel Locator, it's owned by Fredrick W. and Helen Leffler.

Mike Stalnecker, township fire marshal, could not be reached for comment Saturday night or Sunday.

The fire was reported to the Schuylkill County Communications Center at 1:45 a.m. Responders included firefighters from Friedensburg, Pine Grove and Summit Station and Pine Grove Ambulance. The scene was cleared at 4:02 a.m. Saturday, according to a communications supervisor.

The Red Cross Schuylkill County Chapter provided three adults who were fire victims with food and clothing, Janet Cutis, the chapter's executive director, said in a press release Saturday afternoon.

n Ashland: Elaine Stone, Ashland Area Rotary Club secretary, hosted club members and their spouses at her home Dec. 19 for a Christmas party and meeting. It was a covered-dish affair with a wide variety of items, according to the Rotary bulletin, which added the Rotarians had an enjoyable time and learned interesting history facts about Ashland as related by Stone. Members thanked her for hosting the event. The annual club Christmas party, postponed for a day due to inclement weather, was held at the Mineshaft Café on Dec. 15. Stone, according to the bulletin, has offered to be club president for the 2014-15 Rotary year so the club will need a new secretary. Interested members should contact President Connie Wydra. The club is also looking for new members in order to continue sponsoring activities. The next monthly business meeting will be held Thursday, with the regular meeting on Jan. 16.

n Minersville: The Schuylkill County Coin Club meets at 7:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at 129 Sunbury St. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. People can learn about coins and coin collecting. All are welcome. For more information, call Mike at 570-399-5153.

n Pottsville: The Hillside SPCA is holding a cat and kitten adapt-a-thon throughout January. Their usual adoption process applies but there will be no adoption fee to qualified applicants. The shelter is open seven days a week, with feline adoption hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more, go online to www.hillsidespca.com or call 570-847-6845 or 570-622-7769. The shelter is experiencing an overload of cats and kittens and are looking for more people to make adoptions.

n Pottsville: The Schuylkill County Historical Society will host a presentation titled "Indian Sign Language Rendezvous" at 7 p.m. Jan. 30 at its headquarters, 305 N. Centre St. Patrick M. "Porcupine Pat" McKinney, environmental education coordinator with the Schuylkill Conservation District, will discuss how the Native Americans nations had their own culture and language. To help overcome language barriers, Indian sign language was developed to assist with communication for trade or any other information. Participants will take home more knowledge of local Native American places and also signs that emphasize name, place or activity. More on the historical society is available at its website, www.schuylkillhistory.org.

n Pottsville: The Tween Book Club at the Pottsville Free Public Library, 215 W. Market St., meets at 4:30 p.m. Mondays. For people ages 9 through 11, it includes book discussions, games and activities. Snacks are provided. For more information, call 570-622-8880.

n Quakake: Quakake American Legion Post 973 and Seitz Brothers Exterminating joined forces to donate $525 to the Schuylkill Carbon Marine Corps League's Toys For Tots campaign and an additional $75 to the Tamaqua Salvation Army's winter clothing drive. Brian Seitz and Tony Arnoldi of Seitz Brothers, Legion post Commander Carmen Forke, finance officer Daniel Scheeler and Vice Commander Steven Datchko as well as league member Paul Corinchock took part in the check presentation.

n Reinerton: St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 1931 E. Wiconisco St., sponsors free clothing and free meals from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the third Saturday of every month. For more information, call Dale Oxenrider at 570-617-1530 or 717-647-4855.

n Tamaqua: The Black Diamond Writers' Network meets from 10 a.m. to noon the third Saturday of each month at the Tamaqua Public Library, 30 S. Railroad St., Tamaqua. For more information, call Kathy Ruff at 570-645-3059.

n Tremont: The Tremont Area Historical Society meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Thursday of the month at 19 N. Pine St., second floor. New members welcome. The site, however, is not handicap accessible.

On Monday, Pottsville City Councilman James T. Muldowney took the oath of office to become mayor and a retired city police captain stepped up to take Muldowney's place on the council.

"It's just another opportunity to serve the folks here in Pottsville. I lived here all my life," said Ronald J. Moser, 60, who, like all current council members, is a Democrat.

More than 75 people packed into council chambers on the second floor of City Hall for the scheduled reorganization meeting Monday morning.

Mayor John D.W. Reiley, 78, who served as mayor since 2000 and decided in January 2013 not to run for a fourth term, conducted his last official act as mayor by administering the oath of office to Pottsville's new mayor, Muldowney, 55.

Muldowney's wife, Judy, held the Bible. Reiley's brother, the Rev. Robert Reiley, was also present and offered a prayer, after which the outgoing mayor administered the oath.

The spectators who packed the room gave Muldowney a standing ovation.

Muldowney's two running mates in the November election, incumbent Mark J. Atkinson, 45, and newcomer Joseph J. Devine Jr., 58, were also sworn in.

On Nov. 11, Edward J. "Ned" Hampford, a Democrat who has been city controller since 1999, announced he would step down from his post to take a job as a senior representative with Primerica Life Insurance Co. Headquartered in Duluth, Ga., it has an office in Allentown near Fogelsville, Lehigh County.

On Dec. 30, the city council unanimously hired Brett Clark, Pottsville, to fill Hampford's term, to expire Dec. 31, 2015, at an annual salary of $2,600 a year.

Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, a first cousin to Mayor Reiley, administered the oath to Clark.

Clark, 32, is a 1999 graduate of Pottsville Area High School. He earned a degree in accounting from Bloomsburg University in 2004. Since 2009, he's been fiscal director for Service Access Management Inc., Pottsville. Clark said he's a Democrat.

"I'm happy to help out the city and I'll pick up where Mr. Hampford left off," Clark said.

The first resolution the city council voted on at the meeting was the appointment of Moser to take Muldowney's council seat, with a term to expire Dec. 31, 2015, and an annual salary of $2,600 per year.

Councilman Michael P. Halcovage made the motion. It was seconded by Atkinson and carried unanimously with votes from Devine and Mayor Muldowney, who is president of the council.

Moser was immediately sworn in by Judge Reiley.

Born in Pottsville, Moser graduated from Pottsville Area High School in 1971. He served in the Marines from 1972 to 1979 and earned the rank of sergeant. He trained at Hershey Police Academy in 1982 and gained experience working for police departments in the Borough of Pine Grove and Manheim Township, Lancaster County. In 1985, he was hired as a full-time patrolman for the City of Pottsville. He became police captain in 2003 and retired in December 2011. Today, he said he works as a full-time courier for a medical lab.

His family includes his wife, Debbie, and their children, Joshua, Jennifer, Jessica and Jason.

Other actions the council took at the meeting include the following:

- Named the following city officials as directors of the following departments: Muldowney, public affairs; Halcovage, accounts and finance; Atkinson, public safety; Moser, streets and public improvements; and Devine, parks and public property.

As mayor, Muldowney is also in charge of the city police.

- Retained the following taxes for 2014: business privilege tax, real estate transfer tax, per capita tax, mechanical amusement device tax, earned income tax, occupation assessment tax, residence tax and municipal services tax.

- Designated the following banks as the designated depositories for the following city funds: Riverview Bank, general fund, tax account, payroll account, city earned income tax, municipal and emergency services account, state liquid fuels tax fund, solid waste account, intermodal fund, line of credit for the intermodal project, Pottsville Police Drug Unit and sinking fund for tax anticipation note; M&T Bank, private donation account; Santander Bank, community development funds; and Wells Fargo Bank, custodial funds for police and non-uniform pension funds.

- Reappointed Julie D. Rescorla as city clerk for a four-year term.

- Reappointed Thomas J. "Tim" Pellish as solicitor for a four-year term.

At the close of the 15-minute meeting, Muldowney thanked the public and the council for their support.

"I'm going to miss somebody, but I want to thank everybody," he said, referring to Mayor Reiley.

The city council will have its first regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at city hall council chambers.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - From a local trust, the Schuylkill Haven Free Public Library has received $3,000 it plans to use for new computers.

The money is from the Dr. Hermann and Mary J. Zwerling Community Trust, which gives money to charities and nonprofits in the Schuylkill Haven area, according to library Director Lynette Moyer.

"We want to keep up with our patrons' needs," Moyer said on Monday as she stood among the computers.

The library applied for $7,000 in August and found out by letter in December about the money for which it was approved. If it had gotten the entire amount, Moyer said, the library would have been used for computers plus a laptop for her and a backup server.

Moyer said the library appreciates the funds it received, which will be used to replace six computers - two for children, three for adult use and one for the circulation department. She said there are 15 computers in all in the library, 10 for public use.

This was the first time the library applied for the funding, according to Jack Dudley, president of the library board.

James O'Brien, vice president of First National Bank of Minersville and an officer of the trust, said Monday a committee selects funding recipients and added that requests annually outpace the amount distributed.

Prospective recipients must submit applications and reside within the Schuylkill Haven Area School District, he said, adding other criteria apply as well.

Replacing the computers would have been done but on a slower basis because the library would have had to pay for it, according to Dudley and Moyer.

"This is much faster and (will) get it over and done with" Moyer said.

"I don't even think it will be two weeks even," Moyer said about the ordering and installation of the new Lenovo Edge computers.

Some of the library's current computers are outdated and don't work, she said, adding some of them are 11 years old.

Not all of the library's computers will be replaced, Moyer said, because some of them are newer models.

Last April, she said, the library received $500 from a company, Omnova, for a computer.

Students and adults often use the computers on a daily basis and the updated computers and software will help.

"This is rare they're not here right now," Moyer said at 3:10 p.m. Shortly thereafter library patrons walked through the doors.

One young boy was checked out a website about the New England Patriots.

Annette Montone, 12, of Schuylkill Haven, a sixth-grader, said she goes to the library about once a week for school work and to play games. She said the new computers would be "cool."

Billy Collins, 22, of Schuylkill Haven, communicated via computer with his girlfriend, who lives in Benton. He agreed that getting the new computers was a good idea.

Information incorrect

Judge John E. Domalakes was elected Schuylkill County judge in 1993, not appointed. Maryann Conway had been nominated to replace Judge Wilbur H. Rubright, but her nomination was not confirmed by the state Senate. This information was incorrect in Wednesday's edition.

SHENANDOAH - St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church in Shenandoah celebrated on Monday the Feast of the Theophany of Our Lord, which included the blessing of "Jordan Water" in remembrance of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by St. John the Baptist.

The Feast of the Theophany is a major feast in Eastern Christianity. The importance of this event, described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, involves the first public manifestation of the Holy Trinity to mankind. Theophany comes from the Greek word, "theophania," which means "appearance of God."

In Western Christianity, Sunday marked the Feast of the Epiphany, when the Magi came to visit the baby Jesus and presented Him with the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

This feast in the Eastern Christian churches originally included the Nativity of Jesus, the appearance of the Magi and the wedding feast at Cana, all outward manifestations or appearances of God in the world. Gradually, the feast of the Nativity (Christmas) was moved in the west to Dec. 25, and the Western Christian church accepted the visit by the Magi on Jan. 6, the 12th day of Christmas.

The church pastor, Monsignor Myron Grabowsky, celebrated the Divine Liturgy, assisted by Deacon Paul Spotts. During the prayer service to bless the water ceremony at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Robert Leggo, Edward Bickowski and Sam Litwak each held a trikiri, which is a liturgical candlestick with three lighted candles joined at the base.

Grabowsky and Spotts stood before two large containers of water as they conducted the service. Later in the service, Grabowsky took a trikiri, made a sign of the cross with it over the water three times, then immersed it flame-side down into the water, extinguishing the flames, saying, "Great are you, O Lord, and marvelous are Your works; no words suffice to sing the praise of Your wonders."

He repeated the immersion and prayer with each trikiri. Grabowsky then leaned over the water, saying a prayer while blowing on the water three times in the form of a cross. He said another prayer while blessing the water with his right hand, immersing the hand three times and making the sign of the cross.

Grabowsky then held a cross, made the sign of the cross again with it, which was followed by him immersing the cross into the water.

Using small plastic cups, Grabowsky filled them with the blessed water and handed the cups to Spotts and the three men to drink. He walked through the church and blessed the congregation, followed by an invitation to all to come to the sanctuary where they could drink the Jordan Water and take some home in containers they brought with them.

TREMONT - State police have identified a woman who survived a fatal crash Sunday on Route 209 in Tremont Township.

Police said Amber Smith, 24, of Old Forge Road, Pine Grove, was taken to Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, by Tremont EMS for treatment of injuries she suffered.

A spokesperson at Hershey said Monday afternoon that Smith was admitted and is listed in serious condition.

The driver of the car, Amanda Minnich, 25, of Centre Street, Donaldson, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Joseph Pothering, Minersville.

Troopers from the Schuylkill Haven station said the crash occurred as Minnich was driving a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire south approaching an area locally known as Indianhead when she lost control, causing the car to slide on the slushy and ice-covered highway.

The car slid off the southbound shoulder of the road and slide sideways into a tree with the driver's side door, police said.

After hitting the tree, police said, the car spun counter clockwise about 45 degrees and slid about 10 feet from the tree before coming to a stop facing southwest about 20 feet from the highway.

Police said Tremont firefighters, Tremont Rescue, Ravine firefighters, Tremont EMS and West Schuylkill ALS assisted at the scene.

Police also said the state Game Commission assisted by transporting the crew of Life Flight 5 to the scene from their hanger in Cass Township. The medical helicopter was unable to fly and the crew unable to drive to the scene due to poor weather conditions.

The Life Flight crew assisted Tremont EMS personnel in treating Smith while she was being transported to Hershey Medical Center, police said.

The car sustained extensive damage and had to be towed from the scene.

Suspended Gilberton police Chief Mark A. Kessler sued the borough on Monday in Schuylkill County Court, seeking to prevent a hearing on his future from being held later this month in Scranton.

Kessler asked the court to issue an injunction barring the borough from holding the hearing Jan. 24 at the Lackawanna County Courthouse, alleging Gilberton officials are trying to deny him his rights.

"(Gilberton) scheduled this hearing in this location to intentionally prejudice (Kessler) and to create obstructions with the intent to deprive (Kessler) his rights to a fair and impartial hearing," according to the petition. "Having said hearing outside the limits of Schuylkill County will not afford (Kessler) the right to a fair and impartial hearing."

Kessler, Frackville, asked the court to permanently stop the borough and its mayor, Mary Lou Hannon, from holding any hearing on his future outside Schuylkill County, as well as award him attorney fees and costs.

The petition marks the latest step in an ongoing battle between the borough and the chief, who gained national notoriety by posting on YouTube pro-Second Amendment videos in which he swore and fired weapons. Both videos have been viewed hundreds of thousands of times.

Gilberton Borough Council voted on July 31 to suspend Kessler for 30 days without pay because he used borough weapons without permission in the videos. On Aug. 30, the council voted to extend the suspension indefinitely.

However, at the last hearing on Oct. 10, a spectator dropped a semi-automatic pistol, leading to a suspension of the proceeding, and the borough and Kessler have been unable to agree on a new date for it.

In Monday's lawsuit, Kessler alleged the borough should not be allowed to hold the hearing in Lackawanna County because all events relate to the controversy have occurred in Schuylkill County.

Furthermore, he said holding a hearing in another county will prejudice him.

"(Kessler) cannot get his witnesses to travel," the petition reads in part. "They do not have the added time nor do they want to be subject to the expense and danger of traveling in the winter months."

He also alleged he will be subject to additional legal expenses and travel time for himself and his lawyer, Joseph P. Nahas Jr., Frackville.

Any hearing should be held in Schuylkill County, with either the borough or Kessler making arrangements for private security if deemed necessary, according to the petition.

Both the borough and Kessler have tried to have the hearing held at Schuylkill County Courthouse but could not get permission to do so, the petition reads in part.

An injunction would restore the status quo and not prejudice the borough in any way, according to the petition.

The hearing on the petition has not yet been scheduled.

Deeds

Ashland - Anna Mae Kleponis to Joshua L. and Renee L. Coutlee; 1201 Arch St.; $38,000.

Coaldale - William G. Schwab, trustee for Stanley J. Costello Jr. and Angela L. Costello; to Mark and Alison M. Henne; 60 Fifth St.; $10,000.

East Norwegian Township - David J. Jr. and Marlene M. Cook to Thomas F. Jr. and Sally A. Rubright; property on Sixth Street; $1.

East Norwegian Township and Port Carbon - David J. Jr. and Marlene M. Cook to Thomas F. Jr. and Sally A. Rubright; two properties on Sixth Street; $120,000.

Frackville - William Raibeck Jr. to Justin R. and Dannielle B. Deane; 18 N. Broad Mountain Ave.; $96,000.

Mahanoy City - Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Bank of America NA; 335 E. Centre St.; $1.

Thomas Deffley Jr., executor under the Last Will and Testament of Ann Deffley, to PWAC Inc.; 1222 E. Centre St.; $13,000.

Ann Carol M. Schoener to Ann Carol M. Schoener and Patricia L. Hartman; 1014 E. Market St.; $1.

Kristen-Carbon LLC to Richie Alan Prevost; property on Centre Street; $9,000.

Minersville - Noreen C. Brown and Robert T. Brown Jr. to Noreen C. Brown; 227 N. Fifth St.; $1.

Kristen-Carbon LLC to John R. and Joan M. Becker; 115 N. Fifth St.; $10,000.

New Philadelphia - Kimberly Carey Blum, administratrix c.t.a. of the Estate of Anthony Michael Marchikitis, to Loretta Apshago, Judy Bartashus, Edward Bernitsky, Mary Bernitsky and David and Jeanette Bernitsky; 0.27-acre property on Billies Road; $1.

Pottsville - Francis S. Venszl to Kevin T. Gray; 612 and 614 N. Eighth St.; $18,000.

Patricia S. Chess to Leslie C. Barringer; 206 N. Third St.; $9,000.

Karen A. Moyer to Qi Fu Chen; property on East Market Street; $40,000.

Reilly Township - Jessica Bettinger and John Bowers to John Bowers; 40 New Mines Road, Branchdale; $1.

Ryan Township - John A. Jr. and Donna L. Zakrewsky to John A. Jr. and Donna L. Zakrewsky and Joseph E. Zakrewsky; 3.527-acre property on Old Team Road; $1.

Saint Clair - John Alex Kustan, administrator d.b.n. of the Estate of Helen Kustan, to ADL Properties LLC; 208 N. Nicholas St.; $4,750.

John Alex Kustan, administrator d.b.n. of the Estate of Helen Kustan, to ADL Properties LLC; 210 N. Nicholas St.; $4,750.

Schuylkill Haven - Brandy B. Helman to Andre V. Georgevic; 37 Stanton St.; $87,650.

Shenandoah - Kristen-Carbon LLC to Heather Weingard and Mohammed Azad; property on North Lehigh Street; $8,000.

Tamaqua - Judy L. DeHaven, executrix of the Estate of Louise C. Arieta, to William W. and Kathleen L. Pattison; 311 Arlington St.; $28,000.

Marlene Randig to Emerick J. O'Lear and Laurance F. Lynch; 313 Pine St.; $55,000.

Borough of Tamaqua to Access Services Inc.; 223 Rear Center St. and 229 S. Center St.; $150,000.

Union Township - Anthony J. Sr. and Nancy Gantz Miernicki to Keystone Buck Ridge LLC; two properties; $600,000.

Washington Township - Steven K. and Rebecca A. Lesh to James and Jacquelin R. Woodby; 41 Wild Cherry Road; $201,400.

West Brunswick Township - Anthony M. Granata, administrator of the Estate of W. June Granata, to Michael and Angelina Pate; 105 Village Road, Pinebrook; $108,000.

West Penn Township - Robert M. Knittle to Robert L. Knittle; three properties; $1.

Robert M. Knittle to Robert L. Knittle; 551 Birch Crossing Road; $1.

A Pottsville man will spend more than 10 additional months in prison after having his parole revoked Monday in Schuylkill County Court.

Steven M. Miller, 22, must stay in prison until Nov. 16, Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin ruled.

"You are a danger to the public and you can't be trusted," Dolbin said when he revoked Miller's parole and ordered him returned to prison.

Dolbin revoked Miller's parole after finding the defendant had violated it by failing to report to his parole officer, moving without permission, being charged with new crimes, using drugs and making only one payment on his costs and restitution.

"You could have rehabilitated yourself ... and you failed to do so," Dolbin told Miller.

Miller admitted having a drug problem.

"I was actually using heroin and meth(amphetamine) on a daily basis," he testified.

Miller originally pleaded guilty on May 23, 2012, to possession of a controlled substance in one case and resisting arrest and criminal mischief in a second one. Prosecutors withdrew charges of public drunkenness and pedestrian walking on highway in one case and aggravated assault and disorderly conduct in the other.

Dolbin sentenced Miller to serve six to 12 months in prison and 11 additional months on probation, and pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $100 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $113 restitution to the state police crime laboratory in Bethlehem.

Pottsville police had filed both sets of charges against Miller, alleging he possessed drugs on July 17, 2011, and committed his other crimes on Jan. 9, 2012. Both incidents occurred in the city, according to police.

Marriage licenses

Kevin M. Samay, Pottsville, and Melissa K. Evans, Pottsville.

Estevan F. Gomez, Mahanoy City, and Sophia M. Covach, Shenandoah.

Brian C. Fetterolf, Klingerstown, and Amber M. Gill, Klingerstown.

Alexander R. Ballou, Friedensburg, and Alicia M. Morgan, Friedensburg.

Traffic stop

yields drug charge

MAHANOY CITY - A vehicle stop by Mahanoy City police at B and Market streets about 10 p.m. Oct. 5 led to drug charges being filed against a Spring Glen man.

Police said Kevin A. Herb, 39, of 2638 Main St., Box 56, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and stop and yield sign violations.

After stopping the vehicle for a violation, officers asked Herb to exit the vehicle because he failed to produce a driver's license. During the stop, officers said a large white pill was found inside Herb's wallet and sent to the Pennsylvania State Police Crime Laboratory for identification,

The pill was determined to be Acetaminophen and Dihydrocodeinone, a Schedule III controlled substance, police said.

2 men caught

urinating in public

SHENANDOAH - Two men were charged by Shenandoah police with disorderly conduct after an incident at 4:50 p.m. Sunday in the unit block of East Lloyd Street.

Police said William Smith, 59, of 620 W. Penn St., Shenandoah, and Thomas McCabe, 29, of 21 W. Main St., Ringtown, will have to answer to the charge before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.

Police said officers on patrol saw the men urinating on the sidewalk and then walking into the One Stop Shop.

To justify their actions, police said both men said the bathroom inside the One Stop Shop was out of order.

2 suffer injuries

in vehicle crash

HAMBURG - State police at Hamburg investigated a one-vehicle crash that occurred on North End Road, just south of River Road in Centre Township, Berks County, about 12:50 p.m. Sunday.

Police said David J. Clark, 27, of Hamburg, was driving a 2012 Jeep Liberty south when he lost control on the wet road, causing the SUV to go off the road and hit an embankment and then a large tree.

Clark and one of his passengers - Caitlin Clark, 24, of Hamburg - suffered minor injuries while another passenger - a Hamburg boy who was secured in a child safety seat - was not hurt.

All three were taken to St. Joseph's Hospital, Reading, by Hamburg EMS, police said, adding that David Clark will be cited for driving at an unsafe speed.

PINE GROVE - The fire that left a family in Washington Township homeless early Saturday morning started at a light fixture in the basement, Mike Stalnecker, township fire marshal, said Monday.

"You know those ceramic light fixtures with the pull chain? It started at one of those," he said. "I'm not sure how exactly it started, but I'm calling the fire accidental."

The blaze occurred at a two-story ranch home at 31 Fiddlers Road. According to the online Schuylkill Parcel Locator, it's owned by Fredrick W. and Helen Leffler.

Fredrick and Helen were living there with several dogs, Stalnecker said.

"But I heard there were three adults living there. I don't know who the third one was," he said.

All of the animals inside the home were removed safely, he said.

The fire was reported to the Schuylkill County Communications Center at 1:45 a.m. Saturday. Responders included firefighters from Friedensburg, Pine Grove and Summit Station and Pine Grove Ambulance.

The blaze gutted the east side of the basement and caused significant damage to the first floor and smoke damage to the rest of the property. The home is not livable, Stalnecker said.

The scene was cleared at 4:02 a.m. Saturday, according to a communications supervisor.

The most difficult part about fighting the fire was the winter chill.

"Cold was an issue. Water on the road froze instantly. The township came out and salted the roads for us," Stalnecker said.

The Red Cross Schuylkill County Chapter provided three adults who were fire victims with food and clothing, Janet Cutis, the chapter's executive director, said in a press release Saturday afternoon.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - In spite of recent frigid temperatures, skaters have not yet been able to take to the ice on Stoyer's Dam.

"Right now it's a slushy mess," borough Manager Scott Graver said Monday.

Safety rules require ice to be at least six inches thick before recreation is permitted on the frozen surface of the borough's popular recreation site.

Meanwhile, in spite of a blast of arctic air covering the county today and Wednesday, the long-term forecast does not look promising for ice skaters, either. The National Weather Service calls for above freezing temperatures following this week.

"We need a prolonged cold spell in order to be able to skate on the dam," Graver said.

The park is normally open from dawn until dusk, but when the ice is finally 6 inches deep, hours are not enforced.

Skaters from around the county usually come to the borough when the winter weather makes their sport possible.

If residents wish to check if the dam is safe enough for skating, Graver said they should call the borough hall.SCHUYLKILL HAVEN