By: NOELLE BARRETT Record Express Correspondent, Staff Writer

The fate of the Ephrata state police barracks remains unknown after a joint state House Judiciary Committee and Senate Law and Justice Committee hearing Monday. State police Commissioner Frank Noonan said a decision to close the law enforcement outpost would be made within a month.

As part of the proposed troop realignment of state police, Noonan suggested eliminating the Ephrata barracks, which patrols Elizabeth, Caernarvon, Brecknock, and the northern part of Salisburg townships. Those areas would be covered by Lancaster station.

"(Ephrata station) has lost over 50 percent of the geographic coverage area that they were responsible for, and that has resulted in a drop in more than 50 percent of the incidence," said Lt. Colonel George Bivens, deputy commissioner of operations for the state police. "The bottom line is we now have a station that is greatly overstaffed," he said.

Kids will enjoy the magic, balloon twisting and face painting. Their parents will delight in the talks, demonstrations and gourmet dog treats. All of this is a one-stop shop at the Lititz Farmers Market.

The Lititz Farmers Market opens Saturday, May 19 from 8 a.m.-noon for its fifth season. The market is located on North Water Street, 1/2 block off of East Main Street in Downtown Lititz.

Nineteen stands will offer a wide variety of high quality products. Some favorite stands returning this year include Two Ladies Baking and Kuntryside Orchard. New stands will also line the street.

"I believe the market will really appeal even more so this year, to those who love to cook" said Kelly Withum, Lititz Farmers Market coordinator.

This year, the market is accepting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP.

"It has come to our attention (that) there are many more people who are under-served in our community than we realized,&qu

Due to the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, the Record Express will be operating under the following early deadlines for the May 31 issue:

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Friday, May 25, 4 p.m.

Classified line ads:

Tuesday, May 29, 11:45 a.m.

Editorial copy

Friday, May 25, at noon.

The Record Express office will be closing at 3 p.m. Friday, May 25 and re-opening Tuesday, May 29.