Skook News - Week In Review

 

The news of Schuylkill County from the past week

 

Early Saturday Fire Displaces 3 In Tamaqua

Early Saturday morning, just after 1am, Tamaqua fire crews were called to 317 Glenwood Ave in the borough.  The fire was put out in about 15 minutes the fire caused enough damage to displace the 3 residents that lived in the home.  The home at 319 was also damaged but no one lived in the home.

The fire was reported to be started by a wood stove's chimney which then spread to the walls.

Below is video of the fire that was posted on Youtube by TamaquaArea.com

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 11/24/13

By:  Monsoon Mike

So who got snow squalls on Saturday? Hearing reports of everything from an inch and a half of snow in Carbon County, to blinding, whiteout conditions in Monroe County. Even here at Monsoon Mike's Weather Headquarters in southern Schuylkill County, some snow showers. Be careful out there folks! This is perhaps our first real test of winter driving and we may get another test around mid-week. 

Those pain in the neck models are still allllll over the place in their opinions on what happens, so I have to resort to maintaining my previous positions on what I think will happen ... mainly a cold, raw, rain event Tuesday p.m. into Wednesday with some frozen precipitation mixing in especially in far northern portions of Skook and especially during non daylight hours. If you're in the Poconos on north, however, you could have more of a time of plain snow which could really make your pre-holiday traveling an experience. I still will not lay down any snow totals or anything much more specific until about Monday at this point. Until then, just get ready for January like chill on Sunday and Monday with wind and icy cold conditions!

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 11/23/13

By Monsoon Mike:

Clearing skies and noticeably cooler weather Saturday with temperatures in the 40s, but not nearly as shockingly cold as Sunday and Monday will be with wind and temperatures mainly in the 20s! Also, cannot rule out some snow showers/flurries/squalls Saturday night into Sunday, so keep an eye to the sky. Remember that these quick-moving type squalls can dust up the ground rather quickly. Then our attention turns to our Thanksgiving eve storm potential.

Schuylkill County Obituaries 11/23/13

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 11/23/2013

Schuylkill Haven Wins Big Over Bristol

On Friday Night, Schuylkill Haven defeated Bristol 56-27 and will face Old Forge in Round 2 of the State Playoffs.  They will play at Blue Mountain

Fire Spreads Through At Least 5 Pottsville Homes

 Friday Afternoon at approximately 3:45pm, crews were called to 217 Schuylkill Ave, Pottsville for a structure fire.

Tractor Trailer Crash In Hegins Twp.

This morning around 10:00am crews were called to 516 South Goodspring Road, Hegins Twp. for a tractor trailer vs. a tree.

There was reported heavy entrapment and Life flight was requested.

No other details at this time.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 11/22/13

By: Monsoon Mike

Consider Friday our most recent reprieve from the cold in this rather predictable pattern of cold, warmth, and then cold again. A few differences this time around, however. Friday won't nearly be as warm as the last mild spell (think 50s instead of 60s). Another difference is that it won't be a sunny warm. Friday will be on the cloudy side with scattered showers as a weak warm front passes. And the third big difference is the cold that follows this brief mild spell will be brutal, unlike anything we've had since last winter. Temperatures by Sunday will struggle to climb past the 20s for highs! 

Slight moderation is likely early and mid next week before it gets pretty darn cold again around Thanksgiving. In between, a battle ground in the atmosphere sets up and could drop rain, snow, ice or some form in between around Wednesday, the busiest travel day of the year. Right now, don't panic. I'm leaning more on the "rain" side, if the storm even happens. But some frozen precipitation cannot be ruled out especially in higher elevations and during the nighttime hours of whatever day the storm would hit. 

Many more details to be worked out and rare is it I even get concerned this far out, but I felt it necessary to keep it in your mind with the big holiday coming up. 

Schuylkill County Christmas/Holiday Events 2013

Below is a list of events we've gathered that will take place over the Christmas/Holiday Season in Schuylkill County

Harrisburg Newspaper Posts Article About Kessler Militia

The Harrisburg Newspaper/Web Site PennLive.com posted the following story today and was on the front page of their web site

Police Looking For Hit and Run Vehicle From West Mahanoy Twp. Incident

Police are reporting around 8PM Friday evening, on Union Court, West Mahanoy Township, that an unidentified vehicle struck two parked cars and fled the area.  Witnesses said that the vehicle continued north on Union Court.

If anyone has information, you are to call police at (570) 874-5300.

Pottsville Schools Burglarized

Police are reporting that the Assumption BVM School in Pottsville was burglarized Sunday or Monday.

18 Apple Ipad minis and other items were stolen when the school was ransacked.

Police are also reporting that a television was almost stolen from the St. Patrick's Church activity building.  But the thieves were unsuccessful.

Anyone with information is to call the Pottsville Police at (570) 622-1234.

Charges Dismissed For 2 Child Abductors

On Wednesday, Peter Tarbox and his mother Annette Williams were released from Schuylkill County Prison after the prosecution witnesses didn't show up for the hearing.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 11/21/13

By: Monsoon Mike

Clouds slowly increase on Thursday ahead of our next system which at first will provide a short spell of moderately mild weather with temperatures at or better than 50 by Friday but also the chance for showers.

A sharp cold front moves thru Saturday followed by January-like temperatures Sunday and Monday perhaps never leaving the 20s for highs!

Still looking like some active weather around Thanksgiving or the day prior, but many details yet to be worked out.

Deer Lake Woman Faces Animal Cruelty Charges

Beverly Baver, 501 Drehersville Road, Deer Lake is facing charges of animal cruelty after police found her dog in living conditions that were covered in feces and no water.

The dog was taken from the Baver and is now in the hands of the Hillside SPCA.

The 2013 Skook News Christmas Shirt Has Arrived!

Yesterday we officially launched our 2013 Skook News Christmas Shirt

This shirt will be available until December 1st. 

You can purchase it at the link below

http://www.teespring.com/skookchristmas

Girardville Man Sent to State Prison For Abusing Son

Peter Howard, 39, of Girardville was sentenced Tuesday on charges of endangering the welfare of children, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person.  The charges came after he abused his 2 month old son in 2011.

Water Boil Advisory Lifted For Ashland

The water boil advisory that was issued for Ashland after a water main break has been lifted according to the Ashland Borough.  Water is now safe to drink again.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 11/20/13

Typically chilly weather the next few days but less windy, so it won't feel as harsh. 

Temperatures uptick a bit by week's end with shower chances as well, but a strong cold front passes Saturday and by Sunday, today will feel like summer compared to what what's coming. That's right, Sunday and Monday may be hard pressed to get out of the 20s (yes TWENTIES) in some parts of Schuylkill County.

The intense cold moderates a bit mid next week but not before another potential weather maker and this one could feature some wintry precipitation. Way too far out to get excited about, but something to keep in the back of your head. 

Charges Withdrawn on Home Invasion Suspect

Over the weekend, Orwigsburg Police issued an arrest warrant for Jason Stevens, Shenandoah.  Stevens was suspected to have been a part of a home invasion in Orwigsburg.  He later turned himself in.

We have learned tonight now that Stevens was released today.

"Stevens has exonerated himself by providing statements in reference to his whereabouts at the time the crime occurred.  These statements were further affirmed through the review of video surveillance by police during the course of this investigation." said Patrolman Brandon Bayer in a statement.

The investigation is still ongoing and if anyone has any information to call police at (570) 366-3101

2 Recounts Requested for County Elections

Two recounts have been requested for elections that took place on November 5th.

Dennis Wiessner has requested a recount of the Mahanoy City mayoral race after losing by only 3 votes.

A petition has also submitted for the Schuylkill County District Attorney election after Christine Holman defeated incumbent Karen Byrnes-Noon by only 73 votes.

One Man Injured in Tamaqua Crash

One man was injured in a crash in Tamaqua around 10am Monday.  The incident happened along Route 209 where the man driving crashed into a parked car  along East Broad Street in front of Charles X Block.

There are no reports on the severity of the man's injuries.

Police Looking For Fuel Thieves

Police are looking for information on a fuel theft that took place between 7:30pm Wednesday and 3:00pm Thursday.

They say that the fuel was stolen from an excavator that was parked near Jeff's Swamp Road  in Tremont Township.

Police say the fuel cap was broken into and the thieves emptied the fuel tank.

Anyone with information is to call the State Police at Schuylkill Haven at (570) 739-1330.

Schuylkill Haven to Play Bristol in Class A First Round

For Round #1 of the Class State Playoffs Schuylkill Haven is set to face Bristol High School out of Bristol,PA .  They are coming into this game against Schuylkill Haven with a record of 9-1 for the season.

Kickoff is at 7PM at Blue Mountain High School


Bristol  vs. Schuylkill Haven
Game at Blue Mountain High School - 7PM

4 Escape Northwestern Academy

Around 7:15-7:30 Monday evening 4 cadets escaped the Northwestern Academy, Coal Township.

The last they were seen running towards the Kulpmont area and they were wearing yellow sweatshirts and black pants.

The four juveniles are described as

• 16 year old Hispanic Male 5 Foot, 130 pounds, black hair, blue eyes (From York Area)
• 16 year old Hispanic Male 5 Foot 1, 105 pounds, black hair, brown eyes (From York Area)
• 16 year old Caucasion Male 5 Foot 7, 145 pounds, borwn hair, brown eyes (From Pottsville area)
• 14 year old black male 6 Foot 1, 169 pounds, black hair, brown eyes (From Levittown)

Anyone with information regarding this should call police at (570) 644-0333.


Back in August, Skook News reported a similar story when 4 teens escaped
http://www.skooknews.com/2013/08/four-teens-escape-northwestern-acadamy.html

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 11/19/13

With the wild weather behind us, just chilly, partly sunny days and cold nights for the next few days. Temperatures mainly hanging in the 40s for daytime highs. Slight moderation by week's end before REALLY cold air this weekend. Perhaps some precipitation then, too.

Mahanoy City Fire Department Strikes Deal For Truck

Photo From Southampton Fire Company

The Washington Hook and Ladder has announced that they have struck a deal with the Southampton Fire Company to purchase their E-One Ladder Truck.

No other information has been given at this time.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast 11/18/13

The Midwest part of the country was totally hammered Sunday with severe weather and tornadoes. While we won't see anything like that, I expect things to get a little rocky after midnight with some very gusty winds which could take down a few trees and possibly contribute to a power outage or two. Fortunately I am NOT forecasting any tornadoes.

After an active Sunday and early Monday, things begin to calm down on Monday but also gradually turn noticeably cooler by the end of the day after a very mild start.

The rest of the week then just looks chilly and seasonally or perhaps a little below seasonally chilly with moderation by week's end.

I'm still looking at Thanksgiving week for a potentially active and chilly week, but more details on that to come.

Ashland Borough Issues Water Boil Advisory

The Ashland Borough has issued a water boil advisory until further notice due to a water main break.

Skook News Week in Review

 

 

This week's week in review

Marian Volleyball Wins Class A State Title

On Saturday at the Central York High School, Marian faced Cochranton for the Class A State Volleyball Title and won 25-16, 25-23, 25-17 sweeping the entire game.

This is Marian's second State Volleyball Saturday and it was Cochranton only loss the entire season.

4 Homes In Shenandoah Damaged By Fire

On Saturday morning, around 11:15am, crews were called to 206 East Washington Street in Shenandoah for a fire.  Not long after they arrived, the fire was switched to 2nd Alarm calling in extra crews from around the area.

Suspect In Orwigsburg Home Invasion Turns Himself In

Skook News has just learned from the Orwigsburg Police Deparment that Jason Stevens turned himself into police Saturday.

An arrest warrant was issued yesterday for Stevens for a home invasion that took place in Orwigsburg early Thursday morning.

Sunday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

Some hype starting to abound regarding potentially rough weather Monday morning and while I don't think it'll be anything to write home about, I wouldn't be surprised to have a round of gusty, windswept rain and some isolated thunder drift through later overnight Sunday into Monday morning as a powerful, arctic cold front moves through and sweeps away our mild air. 

Until then, one more very mild day for Sunday with temperatures a few degrees either side of 60 in many areas. Then Monday may be one of those days where it starts extremely mild but ends cold, backwards from how things usually go. 

Then Tuesday through the end of the new week should feature very brisk, chilly air once again, although perhaps maybe not quite as harshly cold as this past week.

Speaking of hype, some hype starting to float around via other weather sources of a Thanksgiving storm of some sort. Wayyyy too far out to get excited about. All I will say is that it "does" look chilly and perhaps unsettled around Thanksgiving, but that's as far as I'll go at this point. Still a good week and a half away. 

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast For Saturday

By: Monsoon Mike

A pretty nice Saturday upcoming with at least partly sunny skies and temperatures deep into the 50s. An overnight shower cannot be ruled out, but the better chances for showers and perhaps periods of rain come later on Sunday night after a mainly cloudy daytime. Temperatures Sunday, however, make it to around 60 or better. Things start mild on Monday but end chilly on the opposite side of a strong cold front. The rest of next week is back into the freezer! 

Arrest Warrant Issued For Suspect In Orwigsburg Home Invasion

Orwigsburg Police have just issued an arrest warrant for a suspect in yesterday morning's home invasion

 

Jason C. Stevens “Poota”

21 year old black male

6’01, 250 pounds

Brown hair, brown eyes

 

Last known to reside in the Borough of Shenandoah.

 

Any information, please contact the Schuylkill County Communications Center at 628-3792

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores - 11/15/13

Who survived Friday night's games?

Marian 28 Mahanoy Area 3
North Schuylkill 18 Northwestern Lehigh 19
Schuylkill Haven 42 Williams Valley 16

Schedule For Tonight's Schuylkill County Football Games - 11/15/13

Big games tonight for all 5 teams that are still left!

Police Looking For Thief Who Stole ATV

Police are reporting that they are investigating the theft of an ATV in Wayne Township.

They say that the theft took place on Sunday between 11:30am and 4:45pm at 2001 Fair Road.

The owner reported that someone started his red and green 1994 Yamaha Timberwolf 25 ATV and rode away on it.

Anyone with information is to call State Police at (570) 739-1330.

Tim Holden Sworn in as Liquor Control Board Member

On Thursday, Tim Holden was sworn in to the Pennsylvania Liqour Control Board at the Schuylkill County Courthouse.

It was announced earlier in the week that Holden would be taking the position.

Holden previously served 20 years in the United State House of Representatives but lost in 2012 in the Democratic Primary.

Tamaqua Man Taken Into Custody on Outstanding Warrants

On November 10th, Derek Shellhamer, 26, 307 Arlington St. was taken into custody on outstanding warrants by the Schuylkill County Probation Office.

Shellhamer's residence was posted with a no trespassing sign by the code enforcement office but officers noticed that the basement door was broken into.  Officers then searched the residence where they found  Shellhamer hiding in an upstairs closet.  When they searched him they found a metal spoon, waxed packing materials and half a pill of Traxodone which is an antidepressant.

Shellhamer was then placed into Schuylkill County Prison.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - Friday

By: Monsoon Mike

Get ready for a BEAUTIFUL Friday & Saturday with partly sunny skies & temperatures soaring through the fifties!

SIXTIES are possible especially in southern portions of Skook Sunday & Monday but shower chances increase those two days especially late Sunday night into Monday as our next powerful cold front moves through. In fact, the late Sunday/early Monday rain showers could be a decent soaking.
Then it's back to the freezer by Tuesday, so enjoy this brief respite!

Vehicle Pushed Into Shenandoah Business In Crash

Picture from Firewire Schuylkill County

Around 11am, crews were called to 601 West Center St., Shenandoah.

It was reported that a tan Ford Taurus rear ended the white pickup truck and pushed the truck into RJ and Friends Bar.

The Ford Taurus was reported to have fled the scene and an alert was sent out looking for the vehicle with front end damage and leaking fluids.

Shortly the Ford Taurus returned to the scene.

UPDATED: Orwigsburg Police Looking For Armed Home Invaders

Police are looking for 2 men that kicked in a door to a home on West Market Street in Orwigsburg around 1am Thursday morning.

The armed invaders then threatened the two people that lived inside the home.

The invaders took a purse, a safe, and a bottle of alcohol before leaving.  No one was reported hurt.

No information was given about the intruders.

If anyone has any information, please call the Orwigsburg police.

UPDATE FROM ORWIGSBURG POLICE:  The suspects have been described as at least 2 black males.  They believe this was a targeted event and the suspect(s) know the victims.  The investigation is still ongoing.

Coaldale Looking For Police Chief But Current Chief Doesn't Plan on Leaving

The Coaldale borough has published notices that they are looking for a new police chief.  The strange thing is, the current police chief has no plans for retiring.

At this point, only an ad has been posted that they are looking for someone for the position and sites that it's a personnel issue that they cannot discuss.

You can read more about it here
http://www.tnonline.com/2013/nov/13/wanted-new-police-chief

Deer Blamed in Deer Lake Crash

On Sunday around 6:30pm,  Kathleen Rogers, 62, of Ashland was driving north on Route 61 in Deer Lake when a deer came across the roadway.  Rogers swerved to avoid the animal and came in contact with a concrete barrier.  The area was also a one lane construction zone.

No injuries were reported but the vehicle had to be towed from the scene.

Schuylkill Haven Graduate First to Receive Penn State Wylonis Scholarship

John Austin Bayliff is a 2013 graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School and has been chosen to be the first recipient of the Wylonis Scholarship at Penn State Schuylkill.

You can read more about it here
http://www.sl.psu.edu/29867.htm

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 10/14/13

Thursday will be the first of a five day break. The arctic high pressure shifts off coast, a south-westerly flow sets in, and temperatures make a run for the upper 40s and low 50s. Friday, even better. Mid 50s possible. Saturday, even better. Mid to perhaps UPPER 50s. Temperatures improve even MORE Sunday and Monday either at or surpassing 60, but the fly in the ointment those two days will be more in the way of clouds and showers and/or rain as a warm front passes. 

Then it all comes to an end. By this time next week, it will be as cold as it is now ... again. Oh well, it is November after all. Enjoy the break while it lasts. 

In summary, pretty nice stretch upcoming especially Thursday thru Saturday when it will be not only mild, but dry too! 

Tamaqua Police Looking For Gas Thieves

Tamaqua Police are looking for thiefs who stole gas out of one of Tamaqua Appliance Parts & Service's box trucks.

If you have any information on this, you are to call Tamaqua Police at (570) 668-6100.

County Woman Ordered To Stand Trial For Death of Boyfriend

A Luzerne County judge on Tuesday upheld criminal homicide and evidence tampering charges against 30-year-old Jessica Alinsky of Shenandoah.

Alinsky has been ordered to stand trial for the death of her boyfriend, Matthew Gailie from two years ago.

Prosecutors said Alinsky gave conflicting accounts and alleged that she disrupted the crime scene.

Former Schuylkill County Congressman Confirmed As Member of Liquor Control Board

Former Congressman Tim Holden, of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania has been unanimously confirmed by the State Senate to serve a four-year term as a member of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB). The vote was 48-0.

Governor Tom Corbett nominated Holden to the PLCB on June 14, 2013, to fill a vacancy created when Board Member Patrick J. "PJ" Stapleton's term expired.  The position had been vacant since Stapleton's last day, Oct. 5, 2012.

"Congressman Tim Holden has earned a great deal of respect during his distinguished career as a legislator in Congress," said PLCB Chairman Joseph E. Brion. "As a public servant, he has worked hard for the citizens of the commonwealth and I have no doubt that he will bring that same work ethic and enthusiasm to his role at the PLCB as well."

Holden was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for a decade, from Jan. 3, 2003 – Jan. 3, 2013.  He first represented the 6^th district based in Reading, Pennsylvania before redistricting dismantled that district.  He went on to get elected to the 17^th district based in Harrisburg.

Prior to his congressional career, Holden was a licensed real estate agent and an insurance broker.  He also served as sheriff of Schuylkill County and as Sergeant-at-Arms for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.  He graduated from BloomsburgUniversity.

By law, no more than two of the three board members may be of the same political party as the Governor.  Once he's sworn in, Holden, a Democrat, will be the minority member on the Board.

"I'm very much looking forward to working with Congressman Holden in his new role as a board member," said Robert S. Marcus, PLCB member.  "We're very fortunate to have his insight and expertise as we work to meet the goals set for this agency. I believe he will be a great addition to our team."

The PLCB regulates the commonwealth's beverage alcohol-industry; offers a comprehensive alcohol-education program to promote the responsible use of alcohol and operates more than 600 Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores.  Taxes and store profits are returned to Pennsylvania's General Fund.

SOURCE:  Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board

Power Restored In Rush Township

Yesterday morning around 11:45am almost 700 PPL customers were without power in Rush Township.

According to PPL that power was restored around 1PM.

The power was out due to PPL repairing a pole/wire that was damaged from a fire last night near the intersection of Fairview Street and Marian Drive.

Schuylkill County To Raise Taxes

The Republican Herald is reporting that Schuylkill County will have it's first tax hike in over a decade.

The board of commissioners met Wednesday morning and approve a budget that raises taxes over $2 million.

Read more about it below
http://republicanherald.com/schuylkill-county-to-raise-taxes-by-2-mills-1.1585008

What's your thoughts on this?

Juveniles To Be Charged For Ringtown Vandalism

It's being reported that several juveniles are expected to be charged sometime this week for the vandalism at the Ringtown Elementary School.  Although the number of juveniles were not given, it's being said that they were not all from the Ringtown borough.

The juveniles spray painted the exterior walls of the former Ringtown Elementary School.

Schuylkill County Weather 11/13/13

Wow. Tuesday sure felt like the depths of winter, huh?

Wednesday won't feel much better, but the good news is that Wednesday is it with the cold until about NEXT Wednesday.

Temperatures rebound to the 50s for Thursday thru Sunday and I wouldn't be surprised to see a renegade 60 degree reading or two by Monday! Will feel good. Some rain showers may accompany that milder spell, however. More details as we get closer. Until then, bundle up for one more day!

SKOOK SPOTLIGHT: New and Old Yuengling Logos

And Then There Was Five

Friday and Saturday evenings took our list of 9 Schuylkill County teams and shortened it down to 5.

It was inevitable that we would lose some teams because of them playing against each other but two losses of our biggest teams really hurt us.

Pottsville and Pine Grove really showed some promise in the playoffs, especially with Pine Grove going undefeated the entire regular season.  Although Pine Grove put up a good fight, they were unable to get that extra touchdown just to put them over Palisades.

Pottsville really struggled and Palisades was able to keep them to just a field goal the whole game.

Nativity and Tri-Valley are unfortunately the two on the losing end of playing against another Schuylkill County team.

To our winners, Mahanoy Area and North Schuylkill got their spark back when they finished off Nativity and North Penn.  They've been struggling the past couple weeks but this looked like the teams we started out the season with.

Marian is keeping up with their winning ways after starting out the season with 3 straight losses.

Williams Valley wasn't able to rest easy during their game against Pius X.  One touchdown could have changed the whole game.

Schuylkill Haven dominated Tri-Valley.  Tri-Valley being the smaller school just couldn't keep up with Haven.

This week we only have 3 games to watch since 4 Schuylkill County Teams play each other.

11/15/13 - 7pm

Marian @ Mahanoy Area - (Eastern Conference Class A Championship)
North Schuylkill @ Northwestern Lehigh
Schuylkill Haven @ Williams Valley

Mahanoy City/Schuylkill County Native Elected to Lead Conference of Catholic Bishops

We reported last week that the Mahanoy City Native, Joseph Kurtz, was in the running to be elected to lead the United State Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The Morning Call is reported that he has won that election.

Kurtz is also a former Allentown Diocese Pastor.

Read more about it here
http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-catholic-bishop-conference-kurtz-20131112,0,2148940.story

Car Rear ends School Bus In Pottsville Tuesday Morning

This morning at the intersection of East Norwegian Street and North George street, a man with a reported medical condition rear ended a school bus.  Although a number wasn't given, there were students on the bus, but none were injured.

Along with hitting the bus, the man driving the car hit numerous vehicles along Norwegian street.

Fire in Unoccupied Home in Middleport

Around 5pm Monday evening, authorities were called to 11 Kaska-Williams Street.  When they arrived they found flames coming from the second floor.

The fire was quickly put out and was the scene cleared around 6:30pm.

The house was currently unoccupied and there have no reports on what caused the blaze.

Tuesday's Weather Forecast

Don't be fooled by the slightly mild Monday night temperatures we experienced. An arctic cold front moves through and plummets temperatures to January-like levels on Tuesday and Wednesday. And along with that wild temperature drop, snow showers are possible early Tuesday. I wouldn't be surprised to see some secondary roads get slicked up in some areas, but things will improve as the day goes on and some sun returns. Not looking for a major storm here, but this could go down as our first "nuisance" storm of the winter season, perhaps coating the ground to as much as an inch of snow in higher elevations.

Then just brutally cold with temperatures stuck in the 30s until a milder trend begins Thursday. By the weekend, we're back into the 50s, so we "will" see a break, I promise, but not before we get a "real" taste of winter. 

Ashland Corrects Water Problem - Boil Advisory Over

The Borough of Ashland posted the following on their Facebook page,

DRINKING WATER PROBLEM CORRECTED

Customers in affected areas of Ashland Borough (12th Street west to North 29th Street) serviced by the Ashland Area Water Authority were notified on November 8, 2013 of a problem with our drinking water and were advised to boil your water prior to drinking.

We are pleased to report that the problem has been corrected and that lab results have confirmed that it is no longer necessary to boil your water.

. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

Please share this information with other people who may drink this water.

SUV Crashes Into Home In East Norwegian Twp.

Around 8am Sunday morning, Timothy Reed, Pottsville, was driving his SUV on McCord Ave. when he lost his brakes and was unable to make a turn and crashed into a home at 26 Caroline Ave.

No one was hurt in the crash.  Two people rented the home and were not injured.  Reed's passenger in the SUV was also not injured.

Monday's Weather Forecast 11/11/13

Tuesday and Wednesday of this new week will feel more like January than November with temperatures stuck in the thirties.

To make it even MORE wintry, some gusty snow showers could dust up the ground Monday night and/or Tuesday.

Until then, a seasonally chilly Monday followed by seasonal coolness after our big winter midweek snap.

Skook News Week In Review - Week Ending 11/9/13

 

Skook News Week in Review

 

The news of Schuylkill County for week ending 11/9/13

Obituaries 11/10/13

Helen V Miller, age 95, of the Masonic Village, Elizabethtown, formerly of Hegins passed away Saturday, November 9, 2013 at the village.

 

She was born on Saturday, November 9, 1918, in Hegins, a daughter of the late Harry M  and Dora E Fisher Herb.

 

She was a inspector for former Amy Sportswear, Valley View,

 

She was a member of Friedens Lutheran Church, Hegins.

 

She was also a life member of the ILGWU and a member of the Hegins Fire Company Auxiliary.

 

Helen enjoyed quilting, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family.

 

Her husband Franklin J Miller, Sr., passed away in 1979.  She was also preceded in death by two brothers Leroy Herb and Glenn Herb.

 

She is survived by a daughter Sandra M Shubert and her husband Dr Ronald of Elizabethtown; a son Dr Franklin J Miller, Jr and his wife Bonnie of Salt Lake City, UT; five grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; a sister Mary Spatz of Wyomissing; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

 

Memorial contributions can be made to Friedens Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 375,  Hegins, PA 17938.

 

Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements. 

 

Condolences can be left for the family atwww.buffingtonreed.com. 

Sunday's Weather Forecast

The cold weather continues for the foreseeable future.

Temperatures will hang steady and then turn even colder once Tuesday rolls around.

The cold ushered in on Tuesday could also feature rounds of snow showers and snow squalls which could slick up the ground. More details as we get closer. No concerns about any major snowstorm, however.

Labor Groups Protest In Pottsville Saturday Morning

Union Groups this morning protested in Pottsville against Dick Yuenglings support of the Right to Work act.  

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

The protesters started at the Yuengling Brewery and ended at the Schuylkill County Courthouse, closing streets along the way.

An estimated 100 people or so were there for the protest.

One of the speakers stressed that these, the union workers, are the hands that do the labor. There were representatives from just about every union in Pennsylvania - among them the teamsters, iron workers, operating engineers, nurses, teachers, united mine workers and many more - all united in their message as they marched in solidarity for good jobs, strong families, and strong communities.

Minersville Police Looking For Your Help In Finding Vandals.

The Minersville police are asking for help in identify 3 individuals who were seen vandalizing cars and smashing pumpkins in New Minersville on Sunday night between 1am and 5am.  They said it happened on the streets of Saint Francis, Pine Hill, Oak, Pottsville, and Lydle.

All that has been reported was that the suspects were all wearing hoodies.

In total the suspects slashed tires at 26 vehicles and on some cars slashed multiple tires.

Anyone with information is to call Minersville police at (570) 544-2333.

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores - Week #1 of the Playoffs

High School Football Scores For the First Week of Playoffs

Huge upsets!!!

November 8th, 2013 - 7pm
Nativity BVM 0 Mahanoy Area 42
North Penn-Blossburg 6 North Schuylkill 28
Marian Catholic 20 Muncy 6
Pius X 13 Williams Valley 18

Schuylkill Haven 42  Tri-Valley 0
Palisades 10 Pine Grove 6

November 9th, 7PM

Pottsville 3 Southern Lehigh 27

Mother of Daughters' Killed In Crash Acquitted On Charges

The mother of two young girls who were killed in a car crash on Palm Sunday was acquitted of the charges against her today.

Victoria Place,  was leaving a church service when she was struck by a vehicle driven by an 18 year old from Schuylkill Haven, while pulling outo Route 61.  Place was charged with improperly entering a highway.

Tamaqua Church Broken Into and Vandalized

The Primitive Methodist Church in Tamaqua was vandalized this past week and it has forced the church to cancel services for this weekend.

The thieves also stole some copper piping from the church as well that could take weeks to repair.  Damages may cost up to $10,000.  They also ripped through the church trashing it, officials believe looking for money.

If you have any information about the break in or vandalism, you are to call Tamaqua police at 570-668-5000.

Minersville Woman Arrested For Meth Lab

Minersville police arrested Judith Essler, 47, 311 Laurel St., last evening on charges of illegal dumping of methamphetamine waster, manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of liquefied ammonia gas, possession of drug paraphernalia, and operating a methamphetamine lab.

She was committed to Schuylkill County Prison on $25,000 straight bail.

Police said that inside the home they found a functioning and active mobile meth lab.

ATTENTION ASHLAND RESIDENTS: WATER BOIL ADVISORY

The Ashland Borough has issued a water boil advisory until further notice.

Parts of County Receives Nice Coating of Snow This Morning

Picture From Schuylkill County Police Activity
Frackville, PA

If you woke up early this morning, you probably got to see some of the heaviest snow we've seen so far this season.

While the snow didn't cause any school delays or hazardous travel, it was quite an unwelcome site to some.

The snow stuck to cars, trees, and grassy areas just to give us an early glimpse of winter.

The snow ending shortly after 6am.

Friday's Weather Forecast

So much going on in the weather. Super Typhoon Haiyan on Thursday struck the Philippines with sustained winds of 195 mph, making it the strongest cyclone to hit land in the history of weather records. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of the Philippines. Meanwhile, back here in PA, lots of chatter going on about a potential "snowstorm" next week. Only one computer model still insists on it at this point, but it is the European, the more reliable of the bunch. That being said, the Euro has had a few bad calls lately, and I still think this is one of them. But time will tell. I will keep you posted. Until then, stay away from people telling you to stock up on bread, milk, and toilet paper. Yes, I'm already running into a few of those type. LOL 

In the short term, Thursday was the mildest day we'll see in awhile. Temperatures will be stuck in the 50s for the next several days. Another cold front early next week will drop us even a notch more and some days next week may have difficulty getting out of the 30s north/40s south! Then we've got our potential 'storm' to lookout for. November shaping up to be a busy weather month around the world.

Vandals Graffiti Former Elementary School

Authorities this morning found the former Ringtown Elementary School vandalized.

Graffiti was spray painted around the perimeter of the building.  Police are investigating leads but if you have any information regarding this, please call police.