Fire broke out just after 5 a.m. this morning at a popular restaurant in Polk Township.

When firefighters arrived at the Luna Rossa Caffe and Grill in Polk Township, flames were pouring out the windowd in the center of the restaurant.

The restaurant is leveled.

Firefighters from Monroe, Carbon and other counties were called to the scene to assist.

Route 209 is closed from Burger Hollow Road to Gilbert Road.

The Salvation Army canteen has been called to the scene to provide refreshments for firefighters.

When I was a kid, during summer vacation from school, just when I might have started to whine, "There's nothing to do," along came Vacation Bible School to save us.

My friends and I loved VBS. What's not to love about making crafts and playing games? And we'd get to spend the last day at the Palmerton Memorial Park and pool! Sure there was a lesson, but even learning Bible stories was fun.

Dear Editor,

This in response to the letter "Police investigation should be completed" submitted by L. Ernie Foucault that appeared in the Saturday issue of your newspaper, dated July 19.

First, some facts:

The Pennsylvania State Police was founded in May 1905 by Gov. Samuel Pennypacker, and in the early years of the 20th century was nationally recognized as the premier state police agency, so said Teddy Roosevelt.

Tracy Smith of Palmerton is in training.

She's biking her heart out and is planning on participating in The Ride to Conquer Cancer, a 150-mile bike ride Oct. 11-12.

Conquering cancer is a personal crusade for Smith. Her father, Manuel Muniz, recently lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.

Even closer to home, her husband of 27 years, Scott, is currently battling the incurable multiple myeloma, which he was diagnosed with four years ago.

Deeds recorded

Penn Forest Township

Michael A. Lotito to Robert T. Knobler II, Chesterbrook, Lot 1455, Deerview Section 2, Behrens Subdivision, $150,700.

Mohammad Yunos Nurie to Patrick McMahon, Pottstown, Lot V1275, Section V, Towamensing Township, $2,700.

Giorgio Castagna to Darwin McElwee, P.O. Box 2209, Albrightsville, property at 25 Lang Way, Albrightsville, $95,000.

Brenda Feerick to Susan Devito, 95 Lenape Trail, Albrightsville, Lot 614, Section N-I, Indian Mountain Lakes, $87,000.