Local News-Wednesday, Nov. 15th

The search for a missing person in the rubble of Saturday's fire in Orwigsburg is over. State Police Fire Marshals John Burns and Shawn Kofluk released the news yesterday afternoon that a body had been recovered from the scene of the former Orpheum Theatre, which burned early Saturday. The body that was recovered is believed to be a woman who lived there, but her identity will not be released until relatives are notified. An autopsy will be done at Lehigh Valley hospital today. Investigators say that they don't know what caused the fire, and admit that they may never determine it. The investigation is continuing.

A week after the General Election, Representative Dave Argall is right back where he was-as the House Majority Whip. Argall, who was re-elected to his 12th term in the state house, earned another stint as the Majority Whip by his peers. As Majority Whip, Argall is responsible for encouraging attendance by House members, keeping the members informed of upcoming legislative debates and helping maintain voting majorities on the floor of the House. First elected to the House in 1984, Argall was previously elected by his colleagues as chairman of the House Republican Caucus in 2000, becoming the first House Republican from Berks or Schuylkill counties ever to be elected to a leadership post.

No one was hurt in a hit and run crash near Cressona Monday. Patrick McWilliams of Pottsville was northbound on Route 183 when a pickup truck driving in the opposite direction hit the side mirror of McWilliams truck and kept going. McWilliams and his passengers were not hurt, but State Police continue to look for the driver of the other vehicle. The investigation is ongoing.

An investigation by Minersville police has led to the arrest of a borough man. Police say that Robert Rose was arrested after he was implicated in two separate incidents at the home of Kimberly Bernasz October 2nd and 3rd. Rose reportedly broke into Bernasz's home and confronted her in her bedroom when she arrived home. She protected herself from Rose with a metal bar. In the second incident the following day, Rose returned to Bernasz's home and tried to enter by kicking the screen door, and threatened her. Rose left the home after Bernasz called the police. However, he then called her on the phone, threatening her life. A host of charges were filed against Rose, who was already in Schuylkill County Prison.

Federal monies will be coming to a northern Schuylkill County community for street improvements. Mahanoy City borough is to receive $160-thousand-dollars from the state Department of Transportation, who is allocating the federal money for streetscape improvements, according to the Pottsville Republican. The monies will be used for projects on a section of Centre Street in Mahanoy City, between Main and First Streets.

The Schuylkill Transportation System (STS) is reminding residents about an important travel service for seniors. Seniors over the age of 65 can ride busses on the STS system free all day with proper identification, compliments of the Pennsylvania State Lottery and the Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services. STS personnel will be available to register all seniors interested in free transportation at a number of locations this month. Seniors who are able to show proof of age will receive their bus passes right away at these registration sites. For a complete listing of registration sites, call STS toll free at 800-832-3322.