Area Mall Santa Arrival Dates

Listing of Santa Arrivals at Schuylkill County Malls

Schuylkill Mall
Saturday November 9th, 11AM

Fairlane Village Mall
Saturday, November 16th, Puppet Show at 11am and Santa arrives at the end of the show.

-------------------------------------
Outside the Area

Susquehanna Valley Mall
Saturday, November 23rd

Mahanoy City Candidate For Mayor Asking For Recount

The Mahanoy City election for mayor drew some attention when news came out that Dennis Wiessner had a conviction on his record from over 40 years.  The election that took place has drawn a little more attention that the incumbent Nancy Petristsch only won by 3 votes!!

Weissner is not giving up the fight just yet.  He has no asked for a recount.  He told WNEP

“Anything mechanical can go wrong so hey, maybe we had too many write-ins, maybe not enough write-ins. I would like to see for sure what the results were.”

Union Protesters Set To Protest Yuengling This Weekend

Dick Yuengling Jr.'s support of right-to-work laws seems to have put him in some hot water with labor groups.

They are set to protest in front of the Pottsville brewery this Saturday.

According to the Morning Call, the Lehigh Valley Labor Council President has stated

"We find it incredibly ironic and insulting that Dick Yuengling, who became a billionaire largely because of the working class that has supported his family business for generations, now turns his back on us to side with those who are doing everything they can to do away with fair salaries, employment conditions and treatment"

One of the reasons businesses favor right-to-work laws is because it makes unions more difficult to organize.

You can read more about this at
http://www.mcall.com/business/mc-yuengling-protest-20131106,0,3144683.story

3 Men Arrested For Allegedly Abducting 2 Pottsville Girls

Pottsville Police arrested 3 men from New York for allegedly forcing 2 Pottsville girls into their car and abducting them.

The three men, Mohammed Khan, Nestor Hernandez, and Victor Declet were pulled over in a vehicle with a Virginaia license plate where they found the 2 girls in the vehicle with them, along with cocaine and marijuana.

The girls then told police that the men forced them into the car.

All three men are currently in Schuylkill County Prison.

Thursday's Weather Forecast

Thursday we begin to change for the more wintry once again. Morning light rain will clear out by the afternoon with temperatures falling from early highs around 60 thru the 50s. Weekend from this vantage point looks a dry and seasonally chilly.

You may be hearing some rumors from some other weather sources of a potential snow event mid next week but I am far from convinced on that. Right now too many things in the atmosphere favor against that solution but we will look more into it as the days go on.

Early Black Friday Deals Have Begun!

Can you believe it's that time already?!?!?!

Amazon started their Pre-Black Friday sales this week. Calling it "Countdown to Black Friday Deals Week", you can already get some great deals on electronics and other items.

 You can find them at

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Friday/b/ref=cbf2013_bunk_Invicta?ie=UTF8&node=384082011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-B1&pf_rd_r=131VKSR3W18GEGNFRA8J&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1650725102&pf_rd_i=507846

Schuylkill County High School Football Power Rankings - Week #10

Schuylkill County High School Football Power Rankings - Week #10

Last Power Rankings of the regular season, who finished strong?

Governor Corbett Officially Kicks Off His ReElection Tour

In Pittsburgh, PA this morning, Governor Tom Corbett officially launched his reelection campaign for Governor of Pennsylvania.

67 Votes Was The Difference in The Race For County District Attorney

Around 11:30pm, the race for the Schuylkill County District Attorney's seat came to close by just the smallest of margins.

The final unofficial results were

Christine Holman - 15,258
Karen Byrnes-Noon - 15,191.

Earlier in the night when 75% of the county's precincts reported in, Noon appeared to have one the ticket, but at 11:30 the final numbers came in and showed Holman won by a mere 67 votes.

When asked by the Pottsville Republican if Noon plans to ask for a recount, she told the paper that she would not put her family through that.

Police Looking For Thief Who Stole From Firehouse

The state police in Frackville are looking for any information regarding a theft that happened at the Gilberton Continental Fire House over the weekend.

Police say the crook swiped two large bean soup pots and several steel stands.  The theft happened between Friday and Tuesday.

If you have any information regarding this, you are to call the State Police at Frackville at (570) 794-2045.

Wednesday's Weather Forecast

Another day similar to Tuesday on Wednesday with a lot of clouds but some periods of sun, as well. Temperatures will be a tick warmer, perhaps into the 60 degree range. 

Right now, late trends are for Thursday's cold front to speed on through a little faster than we thought before, so if true, that would put a cap on Thursday being extremely mild like we originally thought may happen. It'll still be mild, however, but more in the way of around 60, rather than the 65 previously thought. Not a whole lot of rain with the front, but a light dumping of rain on the order of about a quarter inch is possible Thursday.

We then clear out for a pretty bright and seasonally cool November weekend. 

Schuylkill County Election Results

 

List of tonight's county winners

 

Sheriff       Precincts Reported 125 of 125 (100.00%)
Candidate	Party	Votes
Joseph G. Groody	DEMOCRATIC	20,770
Patrick M. Reynolds	REPUBLICAN	8,383
Write-in		736

 

District Attorney       Precincts Reported 125 of 125 (100.00%)
Candidate	Party	Votes
Christine A. Holman	REPUBLICAN	15,258
Karen Byrnes-Noon	DEMOCRATIC	15,191
Write-in		35

 

District Magistrate 21-3-04       Precincts Reported 23 of 23 (100.00%)
Candidate	Party	Votes
David J. Rossi	REPUBLICAN	2,841
Laine Mack	DEMOCRATIC	1,655
Allen T. Wolff	INDEPENDENT	1,186
Write-in		1

 

Other Notable Races

Mahanoy City Mayor       Precincts Reported 4 of 4 (100.00%)
Candidate	Party	Votes
Nancy A. Petritsch	DEMOCRATIC	475
Dennis Wiessner	REPUBLICAN	472
Write-in		10

 

Pottsville City Mayor       Precincts Reported 11 of 11 (100.00%)
Candidate	Party	Votes
James T. Muldowney	DEMOCRATIC	1,758
Scott R. Thomas	REPUBLICAN	1,363
Write-in		22

 

You can find the rest of the borough races at

http://www.co.schuylkill.pa.us/info/Offices/Election/Election/Results/Info.csp

Mahanoy City Native and Former Allentown Diocese Priest Favored For National Leadership Post

The Morning Call from Allentown posted a great story about Joseph Kurtz, a native of Mahanoy City, who is a favored candidate for the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

You can check it out at the link below
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-catholic-bishops-president-kurtz-20131104,0,2401743.story?track=rss

Minersville Man Allegedly Sexually Assaults 14 Year Old Girl

Minersville Police have charged Sean Anthony, 35, of 300 Lewis St. with statutory sexual assault, indecent assault, and corruption of a minor.

According to reports, a 14 year old girl's mother contacted police on October 18th and stated that Anthony had sexual intercourse with her daughter.

The district attorney's office conducted and investigation interviewing Anthony and the 14 year old girl.  All statements were given and Anthony said the girl's statements were accurate.

Tuesday's Weather Forecast

Tuesday may turn out a bit on the cloudier side as an easterly flow off the ocean kicks in. As a result, temperatures will still be chilly, but it may be more of a "damp" chilly rather than Monday's "wintry" chilly. When I say "damp," however, I am not expecting any precipitation. Just the "feel" in the air. 

Might not be a ton of sun Wednesday either, but it will be noticeably milder with temperatures approaching 60. Perhaps up to 65 Thursday before our next cold front heads in and sends us back to normal temperatures once again. 

Weekend, from this far out perspective looks decent and seasonally cool. 

Reynolds Will Serve Office If Elected

In an interview with WNEP, the Republican Candidate for Schuylkill County Sheriff, Patrick Reynolds, says he will still serve if he is elected.

Check out the rest of the interview at the link below.

http://wnep.com/2013/11/04/embattled-candidate-says-he-will-serve-if-elected/

Woman Escapes 209 Crash With Minor Injuries

Around 11:45am, Sunday,  Debra Moyer, 46, of Orwigsburg collided with Ronald Bornmann, 76, Reading at the intersection of Route 209 and Wood Street, in Cumbola.

Moyer escaped the accident with minor injuries while Bornmann was uninjured.

Schuylkill County High School Football Games For the First Week of Playoffs

Scheduled High School Football Games For the First Week of Playoffs

The field has been narrowed down but there is still a lot of football to play!

Orwigsburg Man Who Pointed Gun At Trooper To Be Arraigned Today

Edward C. Hill, 54, Orwigsburg is scheduled to be arraigned today for charges of criminal attempt to comitt criminal homicide, aggravated assault on police, terroristic threats, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, harassment, and aggravated assault of a deadly weapon.

He is expected to plead not guilty.

Hill started a search off Route 895 on August 29th,  when he and Edward Welty got into an argument causing state troopers to be dispatched to their location in West Brunswick Twp.

When troopers arrived, Hill reportedly pointed a rifle at a responding trooper, then fled toward New Ringgold.

He was taken into custody a few hours later.

SKOOK SPOTLIGHT: Frackville, PA

Frackville was settled in 1861 and incorporated in 1876, when the villages of Frackville and Mountain City merged to form the borough of Frackville. The name "Mountain City", however, is still a common nickname for the borough. A past diner and beer distributor were both named after it. Early in the twentieth century, anthracite coal mining was the chief industry of the region, although Frackville remained a predominantly residential community. The Mahanoy Plane, which operated from 1862 to 1931 on Broad Mountain just to the north of the borough, was able to hoist 50,000 tons of coal daily. There is a small patch-town owning the name "Mahanoy Plane" at the northern foot of Frackville's Broad Mountain. Industrial relics and infrastructure remain in the thick forest north of the borough's youth baseball complex but historical preservation or restoration has yet to take place.

Kessler Posts Strange Video Towards County Elected Officials

Skook News came across a new video from Mark Kessler that he posted on October 27, 2013.

In the video called "Chief Kessler & Disgarded politicians "PARAPHERNALIA"", Kessler went on to call other candidates "scumbags" and "sh**bag politicians".  In the video he says he has message for them, and goes on to what looks he like to pour a bottle of water on the pamphlets of  Karen Byrnes-Noon and her family and Joe Groody and his family.  You make can make your judgement on what he is doing this video.

Monday's Weather Forecast

Another cold day on Monday.
Temperatures will eventually moderate by mid week to above normal levels on Thursday. Some rain possible Thursday before another cool down at the end of the week.
Otherwise a fairly tranquil week with temperatures starting in the 40s and winding up again in the 60s Thursday. It's been quite the up and down autumn!

Skook News Week In Review

 

Skook News Week In Review

 

A busy week filled with fires, police activity, and even some  changes to the upcoming election.

Reynolds Suspends Campaign

 

The Republican candidate for Schuylkill County Sheriff has announced that he is suspending his campaign.  Reynolds was charged Wednesday with various charges after he allegedly pointed a gun at a man who was repossessing his mother-in law's car.

Sunday's Weather Forecast

From a late dose of September-like temperatures Friday to December-like temperatures on Sunday and Monday, it will REALLY feel like winter with temperatures only in the 40s.
Otherwise, generally uneventful weather for the next few days with eventual moderation by mid week.

Saturday's Weather Forecast 11/2/13

Friday sure was an oddball day weather-wise, huh? We awoke to torrential rains and wind. Ended mild in the upper 60s and low 70s with sunshine. The cold front is actually already through, so where's the cold? Well, sometimes cold gets held up "in atmospheric traffic," so to speak. The traffic jam is breaking down, however, and Saturday will be notably cooler with temperatures only in the low to mid 60s. 

But if you think that's cool, wait 'til Sunday and Monday. Temperatures those two days will be hard pressed to get out of the 40s! What a roller-coaster. But true to form for this odd season so far, back to the 60s mid next week before, you guessed it, another cool down later next week. *sigh* What an autumn! 

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores - Week #10

Schuylkill County High School Football - Week #10

Our scores for Week #10 are in!

Blue Mountain 30 Schuylkill Haven 38
Shenadoah Valley 12 Mahanoy Area 36
Marian 10 Tamaqua 24
Minersville 8 Panther Valley 36
North Schuylkill 40 Elco 21
Juniata 6 Pine Grove 26
Twin Valley 7 Pottsville 27
Tri-Valley 14 Line Mountain 7
Williams Valley 40 East Juniata 19

County Sheriff Candidate Arrested

The Republican candidate for Schuylkill County Sheriff, Partrick Reynolds, 46, Branchdale was arrested Wednesday afternoon when the candidate's mother-in-law's car was to be repossessed.

Police say that as Bradley Blumenschein was repossessing Reynold's mother-in-law's 2007 Ford Edge from his driveway, when Reynold's appeared and pointed a handgun at Blumenshein around 12:30pm Wednesday.

Richard & Associates Inc. was the company repossessing the vehicle from Dorothy Miller.

Reynold's was charged with terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person, simple assault, and unsworn falsification to authorities.

Schuylkill County High School Football - Week #10

Schuylkill County High School Football - Week #10

Final week of the regular season and we have some great games lined up.  Who do you think will win tonight?

ALERT: Safety Pin Found In Candy in Schuylkill Haven

Schuylkill Haven's Facebook page reported this morning that police are investigating a report that someone found a safety pin in a lime-flavored Tootsie Roll in their candy that they received during Trick or Treating last night.

Overnight Police Chase

An overnight police chase raced through the borough's of Frackville and Shenandoah around 3am.

It was reported as a green Pontiac Grand Am with no hub caps.

Police had chased the vehicle through both boroughs and even collided with the  car after it slammed on the brakes causing a trooper to hit the back of the suspects vehicle.

It was reported that the chase was called off after it became too dangerous.

No details were given how the chase started.

We will have more on this as information becomes available.

Friday's Weather Forecast

Ok, so Monsoon Mike was "tricked" a bit on Halloween. While the trick-or-treaters made it through without getting "too" drenched, that rain did move in a bit earlier than I expected. The reason was a more swiftly moving low pressure system, rushing Friday's expected cold front towards our area.

After periods of some heavier rain, Friday should slowly calm down and perhaps even produce a few bits of sun as the day progresses. It will be WINDY though, so take down those Halloween decorations before they're in the next town over. :-) Temperatures will still be quite mild but will fall later in the day. 

Saturday features the return of more autumn-like temperatures followed by REALLY chilly temperatures for Sunday and Monday. Long-term, however, things look to warm above normal temperature wise by mid-next week. 

Body Found In Shenandoah Park Ruled Suicide

On Tuesday evening, the body of Andrew Kelly, 47, was found in Girard Park, Shenandoah around 5pm.

Berks County Man Attempts To Flee Police in Pine Grove Twp., Injures 2

Around 12:15pm Wednesday, police spotted a SUV with another vehicle's license plate on it on Berger Road in Pine Grove Twp. 

The driver, Jason A. Brown, Bernville, drove through a stop sign and crashed into a vehicle driven by Paul Zuk of Pottsville, when police attempted to pull him over.

Zuk and his passenger were both injured in the collision.

Police also found drugs on him.  He was arrested at the scene and charged with driving without a proper license, reckless endangerment, possession of a controlled substance, receiving stolen property, and fleeing police.

Brown was sent to Schuylkill County Prison on $50,000 bail.

Halloween Weather Forecast

Your Halloween holiday will have a "spooky" warmness in the air. Temperatures will flirt with 70 despite there not being a lot of sun and an abundance of "spooky" clouds and perhaps a harmless passing shower. They'll also be a swift, "spooky" breeze in the air as the trick-or-treaters head out in the evening. As perfect timing would have it, the really "spooky" weather doesn't hit until later Halloween night when periods of rain, some perhaps heavy, move in for several hours as a cold front heads in. 

Things dry out Friday after any leftover morning precipitation, but temperatures will still hang near 70 as the push of cold air behind the cold front will be a bit delayed. 

If things keep on moving, Saturday should be decent with temperatures cooler and in the 60s, but there's still some question on if a disturbance lends more clouds and showers that day, as well. We'll fine tune that forecast. 

Police Looking For Victims of Barnesville Contractor

Last week an arrest warrant was issued for Barnesville contractor, John Kachmar.  Police are saying that ripped off at least four home owners for a total of $17,000.

The police think there may be more victims and are asking if you know where Kachmar is or you believe you may also be a victim to to call them at (570) 462-1991.

Home Damaged By Fire in Pottsville, Pets Rescued From Home

Around 7pm, Tuesday evening, crews were called to a basement fire on Arch Street, Pottsville.  The 3 people who lived there were not home at the time.

No one was hurt in the fire and crews were able to rescue two pets from the home..

No cause of the fire has been given at this time.

Juveniles Find Body In Park In Shenandoah

Early Tuesday evening, the body of Andrew Kelley, 48, was discovered by juveniles in Girard Park, Shenandoah.  The body was said to have been found just north of the basketball court.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

No other information has been given about Kelley at this time.

Police are asking if anyone has any information about the gentlemen or his earlier whereabouts, to contact the Schuylkill County Communications Center by calling (570) 462-1991.  All information will remain confidential.

Wednesday and Our Halloween Weather Forecast

Wednesday starts on the cloudy side with a shower or two possible. In the afternoon, some sun may break out. Temperatures will stay in the low 60's.
On Halloween, the departing warm front will leave us with unseasonably warm temperatures in the upper 60's. A few showers are possible but I expect it to be mainly dry for the trick or treaters. The unseasonably warm conditions continue with temperatures flirting with 70.
A period of rain on Friday will begin the cooldown phase but not before another unseasonably warm day.
Cooler over the weekend on the opposite side of a cold front.

Storage Unit Facility That Caught Fire Now Burglarized

The storage unit facility, Saint Clair Storage, which caught fire early Sunday morning has now been the target of vandals.

Troopers are looking to see if eight storage units that had their padlocks cut off are connected with the blaze.

While the locks were cut, one of the owners says he doesn't think anything was stolen.

If you have any information regarding the burglaries or the fire you are to call the State Police.

Schuylkill County High School Football Power Rankings - Week #9

Schuylkill County High School Football Power Rankings - Week #9

Where does your team stand this week?  Lots of tough losses this week, and we have a lot of evenly matched games in week 10.

Overnight Fire in Washington Twp.

Approximately 1AM, emergency personnel were called to 862 Rock Road, Washington Twp. for a working house fire.

Smoke could be seen from a distance was crews fought the blaze.

No other details were given at this time.

Tuesday's Weather Forecast 10/29/13

A nice, seasonally cool Tuesday is in the cards with temperatures in the fifties.

Wednesday thru Friday will feature more clouds than sun but not expecting total washouts. In fact, Halloween itself should sneak in a dry period in the evening for trick or treating. One notable thing will be a significant warm up those three days, soaring deep into the sixties eventually.

Don't get used to the quick return to September, however. It's back to November temperatures this weekend.

Mahanoy City Native Continues To Fight 1991 Murder Conviction

Pennlive.com posted an article a couple days ago about Robert P. Russell, who lived in Mahanoy City before being found guilty of killing his estranged wife, Marine Capt. Shirly Gibbs Russell on March 4, 1989.

He was the first person convicted in federal court of first degree murder in which there was no crime scene, body, or weapon in the United States.

He is serving a life sentence at the Allenwood Federal Penitentiary and still maintains his innocence today.

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/10/schuylkill_county_native_conti.html

Shenadoah Man Wanted By Police

Keshon Canyon

On October 15th, Shenandoah police pulled over a vehicle driven by Keshon Canyon, 22, whose last known address was 109 S. Main St., Shenandoah.  Police got this address from the individuals drivers license, but it was already suspended.

Canyon was cited and released for the suspended license and his vehicle was impounded.  A vehicle inventory was taken as part of department regulations and they found a black bag containing marijuana, cocaine, and heroine.

Fire Causes $400,000 Worth Of Damage, No Cause Determined Yet

A Sunday morning fire at Saint Clair Storage, 123 Industrial Park Road, in East Norwegian Township caused about $400,000 worth of damage, state police at Frackville are reporting.

The fire was discovered by a passing driver around 5:30am Sunday morning and when crews arrive, flames were already venting from the windows.

A cause to the fire is yet to be determined.

Anyone with information is asked to call the state police at (570) 874-5300.

Monday's Weather Forecast 10/28/13

A really nice, seasonably cool start to the new work week but things slip a bit midweek. Right now, the all-important Halloween holiday looks on the cloudier side with some showers possible, but not looking enough to totally ruin the night for the trick-or-treaters. We'll continue to fine tune the forecast as we draw closer. The really good Halloween news for Halloween events is very mild temperatures soaring deep into the sixties before another chill down next weekend.

Update on Last Night's Fire At Yuengling Brewery in Tampa FL.

Around 8pm last evening, fire crews were called the Yuengling Brewery in Tampa, Fl for a fire at the complex.   When crews arrived they found flames shooting from the roof of one of the buildings.  All workers were evacuated and there were no injuries reported.

Authorities say that fire started in a storage building at the facility.  They said it took about one hour to get control of the fire and cost about $1 Million in damage.  They've ruled the fire accidental but are still seeking an exact cause.

One firefighter was injured during the blaze but he was taken to a hospital were he was treated and released.