Local News-Wednesday, March 7th

High winds hampered firefighters yesterday as they battled a blaze in Tremont Township. Winds gusting in excess of 30 miles per hour challenged crews as they tried to salvage what was left of the home at 21 Pine Lane. The Pottsville Republican reports that when fire personnel arrived, the structure was fully engulfed in flames. Four people were left homeless.

The massive fire which destroyed three businesses and an apartment building in Hamburg Monday was started accidentally. Investigators combed the ruins of the buildings yesterday in the borough’s downtown on Fourth Street. They confirmed that a blowtorch being used to repair a roof started the blaze. The roofing materials overheated, causing an estimated $2.5-million-dollars in damage. The Reading Eagle reports that while no one was injured, 9 people were left homeless. The Curves Fitness Center and an eight-unit apartment building received the worst damage. Two upper floors at the Burkey and Driscoll Furniture store had fire damage, as well as an adjoining funeral home. Crews were called back to the scene Tuesday morning to water down several hot spots. Residents of Hamburg are under a water boil advisory.

A month’s long investigation by federal agents led to the arrest of two area men yesterday on drug and firearms charges. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents arrested 43-year-old Robert Thornburg of Palo Alto and 32-year-old Joseph Janowski of Pottsville at Janowski’s home on West Norwegian Street. The investigation was reportedly started because of information provided by Pottsville police. A small amount of drugs and a handgun were recovered. According to the Pottsville Republican, the pair were arraigned in federal court in Harrisburg.

Schuylkill County Republicans announced their slate of candidates for the upcoming election at a meeting held last night at the Schoeneman Corporation outside of Pottsville. The following candidates were endorsed:

Commissioner: Incumbents Robert Carl and Frank Staudenmeier
Treasurer: Incumbent Jackie McGovern
Controller: Jason Gherghel (new)
Clerk of Courts: Maria Casey (new)
Prothonotary: Larry Lonergan (new)
Register of Wills: Barron "Boots" Hetherington (new)
Recorder of Deeds: Incumbent A. Matthew Dudish
Coroner: Incumbent David Dutcavich