Sunday Afternoon Fire in Minersville

Fire crews were called Sunday to a home on Pine Hill Street in the Minersville yesterday afternoon around 3PM.

The fire is said to have started in 524 but spread to the other homes on each side.

9 people were displaced in the fire, the homes were a double-block, 2 from one home, 4 from the other, the fire caused heavy damage to another home melting the siding.

No word has been what started the fire but they believe it started on the ground floor.

Fire crews from Minersville, Pottsville, Schuylkill Haven, Yorkville, and Llewellyn fought the blaze.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

Today would probably have to go down as one of the top 10 ugliest days of 2013. Plenty of cold rain with just a few degrees too warm to make it a nice, pretty snowstorm. Fog. Dark clouds. Biting wind. 

Things markedly improve Monday with the return of some sunshine but not the return of the mild temperatures experienced Saturday. In fact, we stay stuck in the 20s and 30s for as far as the eye can see. 

Something ELSE that the eyes are seeing is a potential storm Thursday. Many of my fellow weather gurus are hyping this one, saying things like "we're getting ready to sound the alarm!" Well, no alarms are sounding here at Monsoon Mike's Weather Headquarters. I stand by my call from earlier today that I think the storm doesn't blow into a full-fledged snowstorm until it is past us. Will we still have a storm of some sort? Quite probably yes. Will we still have to shovel? Quite probably yes. Will this be one of the bigger storms in recent history? No. Highly doubtful. But I'm always the first to bow down to my mistakes so if this changes, you'll be the first to know.

Go EAGLES! (There, I said it. Hope I didn't lose any fans ;-) 

Water Boil Advisory

The Borough of Ashland has issued a water boil advisory for Fountain Springs and Country Club Estates until further notice.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

A good dose of rain is in the cards for Sunday. Any threat for frozen precipitation should only be in areas near I-80 & at the tail end.

Cold air works in Monday and some snow showers are possible New Year's Eve. Our next storm potential is around Thursday & if it happened, it would be white & not wet. But right now the certainty of a Thursday snow event is only at about 35% (Monsoon Mike 2035)

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

Nice Saturday upcoming with temperatures a bit above normal, but that'll be short-lived as a soggy Sunday is in the cards. Recent trends now limit yesterday's concern for mixed precipitation at the start and finish. Still wouldn't rule some mixing out in normally colder locations, but this will be a 95% rain event. 

Then a good shot of cold air rushes in behind the storm just in time for New Years'. Beyond that, looking pretty cold and perhaps a storm or two up my sleeve in early 2014. At they say in the old time radio business, STAY TUNED ..........

Midday Weather Update -12/27/13

By:  Monsoon Mike

Morning trends show Sunday "should" mainly be a rain event for MOST of the area despite last night's trend toward a slightly more wintry solution. I DO think, however, that Sunday could start as a touch of wintry mix north of I-78 and end as a wintry mix in the same locations, but the majority of the area will feature a cold rain for MOST of the storm. Until then, a slight warming trend through Saturday with slightly above average temperatures, so enjoy, because a big cold snap moves in around New Years' Eve!

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By: Monsoon Mike

This morning's snow "showers" were more than just "showers" in many parts of the county. A half inch to as much as two inches fell as some of the cold front-associated snow bands had more juice to them than many of us weather geeks were thinking.

I promise no more surprises for Friday or Saturday, although we could get some rain on Sunday as another storm passes to the east. Not looking to be in the frozen variety as temperatures should be above freezing for most of the weekend.

Then a good, at least several week dose of cold wintry weather looks to be on tap as we get into January.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

Hope everyone had a great Christmas! The big day after Christmas shoppers and returners may have to deal with some random snow showers throughout the day as another front passes. Otherwise, fairly uneventful weather for the next couple of days. A brief warmup this weekend will be followed by a potentially long lasting cold shot beginning just before New Years, so get ready!

Schuylkill County Christmas Weather Forecast

By: Monsoon Mike

Merry Christmas everyone!

Enjoy chilly, dry weather the next few days! I'll keep it at that since I'm swamped tonight with Christmas. I'm sure you'll understand. :)

I hope you and yours have a very happy and blessed day!

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

Well, "springtime in winter" ended today with a good dose of rain and a strong cold front. The brisk feel of Old Man Winter is back just in time for Old Man Kris Kringle's visit tomorrow night and if the heavens have a Christmas miracle stored up for us, it rests in the possibility that a small disturbance and secondary cold front could drop a period or two of snow showers Christmas Eve afternoon and early evening. At the most, an inch could happen if one of those snow squalls set up shop over the area. At the least, maybe a coating or just some flurries. And while, if it does happen, it'll be might pretty, remember that people will be going to and fro tomorrow evening, so please be on the lookout for a sudden squall or two which could dust up the road and five minutes later, be gone. 

Then Christmas Day is just seasonally cold and dry. Dry actually for the foreseeable future beyond that.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

Today looked like the Twilight Zone across the area. Low clouds. Patches of fog. Rounds of rain showers. Crazily warm temperatures. It all made for an eerie look and feel just a few days before Christmas. But the eerieness is soon ending and by Christmas Eve and Day, it'll feel much more seasonable.

A very slow moving cold front which has been in no rush will eventually move across our area Monday morning as a wave of low pressure rides along it. Rounds of rain will occur Monday morning and temperatures will slowly sink throughout the day. Monday will be one of those days when the high temperature happens tonight at around 12:01 a.m. and drop throughout the day. At 12:01, we'll probably still be sitting well in the 50s, but by evening, we'll be deep into the 40s and perhaps 30s. 

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day look seasonably chilly with temperatures no better than the 30s. In fact, the rest of the week looks seasonably chilly, with temperatures around normal plus or minus 5 degrees or so. No more plus 30 temperatures (like the past few days) or minus 20 temperatures (like last week with all the cold and snow). Just seasonally normal December weather. 

Unfortunately the chances for a White Christmas all but disappeared with this weekend's melting. Or did it? Well, the only Christmas miracle I "could" have up my sleeve is if a weak disturbance puts down some snow showers which "could" coat the ground Christmas Eve. Chances of this are rather slim (under 25%) and best the farther north you are, but keep the hope and spirit alive (if a White Christmas is what you want. Some of you are more than happy with a green Christmas). 

No major storms in the horizon until perhaps around New Years. January from this vantage point looks active. 

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

Saturday was one of those amazing temperature gradient days. Philadelphia soared to near 70 degrees breaking records. Meanwhile, here in Schuylkill, most areas were stuck in the 40's. I mentioned the possibility of this happening a couple of days ago. What happens is cool air can get stuck in the valleys and snow cover on the ground can keep temperatures some 20 to 30 degrees cooler.

Areas around Philadelphia will soar into the 70's once again on Sunday, but I think Skook will be protected from the craziest warmth once again. Still, I think 50s and 'perhaps' low 60s are possible for us which will be historical nonetheless.

Rain showers will be around more on Sunday which may turn into a regular rainfall for a few hours later. Cold air slowly works in Monday and it'll be nice and cold in time for Christmas Eve.

One outside possibility (just about 25% chance at this point) is for a weak system to form & bring us a light round of light snowfall Christmas Eve. Low possibility now but would be par for the course for what has been a crazy December of extremes.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

A lotta clouds and fog the next two days with April-like temperatures and showers especially Sunday. Monday is a transition day and Christmas returns to cold. Unfortunately the only chance for a White Christmas with all the melting will be if some of the clouds and fog keep temperatures a touch lower than predicted and keep a few renegade piles of slushy snow on the ground.

Crash in Blythe Twp. Near Schuylkill Mall

Thursday morning crews were called to Route 61 just south of the Schuylkill Mall for a crash involving 3 patients.  It is being reported that the driver lost control of the vehicle on a curve striking a utility pole.  The female passenger in the vehicle was ejected and flown from the Schuylkill County mall.

The driver and an infant who was also in the car taken to a local medical center.

The driver is to be cited for the crash.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 12/20/13

By:  Monsoon Mike

Felt noticeably warmer today but if you thought today was good, wait till you see the next few days. It will come at the expense, however, of more clouds, especially Saturday. In fact, Saturday might be quite dreary and foggy. Sunday will be extremely warm with record-breaking temperatures in the 60's but still the chance of rain and perhaps even thunderstorms. The taste of spring comes to an end Monday

Hometown Hill Motor Vehicle Accident Wednesday Evening

A Tamaqua man suffered various injuries after flipping his vehicle around 9:45 PM tonight (Wed., Dec. 18, 2013) on the Hometown Hill (SR309) in Tamaqua. The man, the only person in the vehicle, had a visible wound to his head. He denied treatment while on scene. The driver said he was traveling south on SR309 when he lost control after looking in the back of his vehicle for something. Responding were Tamaqua Police, Rush Township Police and Tamaqua Fire Police. Traffic was detoured around the incident until a tow crew could remove the vehicle and clean the scene.

Posted from www.TamaquaArea.com

Credit Card Information Compromised on Black Friday From Target

CNN is reporting that the Secret Service is investigating a data breach on Black Friday and about 40 million shopper's credit card information may have been accessed.

http://money.cnn.com/2013/12/18/news/companies/target-credit-card/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

Nice days Wednesday and Thursday with temperatures in the 30s and 40s.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas (Schuylkill County version)

Frackville Police Officer Cited For Hit and Run

WNEP published a story yesterday about a Frackville Police Officer, Joseph Hahn, who has been involved 2 hit and runs in the past 6 months.

You can read the story at the link below.

http://wnep.com/2013/12/17/police-officer-cited-for-hit-and-run/

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

Show of hands ... Who's tired of the snow?? I personally love snow, but even I gotta admit the past couple of weeks has been a bit much, especially when it's not even winter yet. Yep, did you ever think of it that way? It's technically still 'autumn' for a few more days. Quite an end to autumn when autumn started with temperatures in the 80s. Remember those days?

Well, I've got quite a break coming up for you. The jet stream shifts around a bit and later this week, we make it into the forties. Then 50s for Saturday. And get this. It culminates on Sunday in the 60s, melting most of what's on the ground. One or two computer models REALLY get crazy and want to put Pennsylvania's Sunday temperatures DEEP into the 60s to near 70 (!!!) down near Philadelphia. I'm not quite buying that since the models sometimes forget this is December, short daylight hours, and a cool ground. But 60s are very possible. The tradeoff will be Friday through Sunday will be more cloudy than sunny with a stalled front nearby. Sunday could even turn a little rainy, as could the days prior, but mainly just scattered showers.

Next week, just in time for Santa, it's back to the cold we have now, so this won't be an extended period of thaw, but it'll be nice while it's around.

Schuylkill County Cancellations - 12/17/13

Schuylkill County Cancellations due to the weather and conditions on 12/17/13

St. Catherine's Former Employees Get Payday

Last night, WNEP posted a story about the former employees of St. Catherine's Medical Center, Fountain Springs, getting their payday after almost closing 2 years ago.

Check out the story below
http://wnep.com/2013/12/16/former-hospital-workers-get-big-payday-before-holidays/

Tractor Trailer Hit and Run In Tamaqua

-----TAMAQUA CRIME WATCH ALERT-----

FULL-SIZE TRACTOR TRAILER DRIVES OFF AFTER STRIKING SHED, FENCE, VEHICLE AND STOP SIGN TONIGHT ON SIDE STREET IN TAMAQUA Incident occurred around 11:30 PM tonight (Monday, Dec. 16, 2013).

Schuylkill County School Delays and Closings - 12/17/13

Schuylkill County School Delays and Closings For 12/17/13

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By: Monsoon Mike

One more wintry weather event is on the way, folks, and I promise, this is the last one ... for at least a week. In fact, by Sunday, we may be flirting in spring-like territory with temperatures deep into the 50s! To get there, however, we need to get through another winter storm, this one very minor, but coming at the totally wrong time ... the morning rush. 

Winter Weather Advisory Issued For Schuylkill County

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 10 AM EST TUESDAY... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STATE COLLEGE HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 10 AM EST TUESDAY.

* LOCATIONS...THE SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY AND EAST-CENTRAL MOUNTAINS.

* HAZARD TYPES...SNOW.

* ACCUMULATIONS...2 TO 3 INCHES...WITH A FEW LOCATIONS SEEING UP TO 4 INCHES.

* TIMING...LATE TONIGHT THROUGH INTO THE LATE MORNING HOURS TUESDAY.

* IMPACTS...SNOW COVERED ROADS AND HAZARDOUS TRAVEL.

* WINDS...SOUTHEAST 5 TO 10 MPH.

* TEMPERATURES...IN THE TEENS TO AROUND 20.

* VISIBILITIES...MAINLY BETWEEN 1 AND 2 MILES...WITH PERIODS OF AROUND ONE-HALF OF A MILE VISIBILITY AROUND DAYBREAK.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

HAZARDOUS WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. USE CAUTION IF TRAVELING. FOR THE LATEST WEATHER INFORMATION...GO TO WEATHER.GOV/CTP OR STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO.

REPORT SNOW OR ICE ACCUMULATION TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE STATE COLLEGE BY SENDING AN EMAIL TO CTP.STORMREPORTS@NOAA.GOV... POSTING TO THE NWS STATE COLLEGE FACEBOOK PAGE...OR TWEET @NWSSTATECOLLEGE WITH THE HASHTAG #CTPWX.

Prisoner Escape in Lehigh Valley

ESCAPED PRISONER | NAZARETH | NORTHAMPTON |

PD HAS ISSUED A BOLO (BE ON THE LOOK OUT) FOR A MALE PRISONER WHO ESCAPED FROM AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. PRISONER DITCHED ORANGE JUMPSUIT AND IS BELIEVED TO BE WEARING JUST A THERMAL SHIRT AND PANTS. BELIEVED TO BE IN A 1993 TOYOTA CAMRY BEARING PA TAG: JHN1842 WITH HEAVY FRONT END DAMAGE. SUBJECT IS DESCRIBED AS ARMED AND DANGEROUS AND IS BELIEVED TO BE CARRYING A SHOT GUN. IF YOU SEE THIS VEHICLE CALL POLICE IMMEDIATELY AND DO NOT APPROACH.

Update:  The individual is said to be Danie Preziosi and he is said to have escaped custody after a prelimary hearing in Nazareth, PA.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast and Snowfall Amounts

By: Monsoon Mike

This is quite a pattern we're in and it doesn't really stop here. ANOTHER snow event is heading our way, but his one should be fairly minor. That being said, Schuylkill has more of a chance of seeing snow than our neighbors to the south, say Berks or Lehigh, for example, so this is nothing to ignore. 

A quick moving clipper system will send us two waves of precipitation, the first probably beginning late Monday Night/early Tuesday following a dry, chilly Monday. 

The second wave comes later Tuesday after a mainly non-precipitating Tuesday. The second wave may be more in the form of snow showers or "squalls." I think the first "wave" is the more organized batch. Either way, once you get done adding up the two "waves," I think a general 1 to 2 inches countywide is possible. 

Warning: The "bust" potential for forecasts with clippers are very high meaning I have more of a chance of blowing a clipper forecast, believe it or not, than a bigger storm. The reason is that they are often smaller and much quicker. Using an analogy, think of a BIG storm as a huge bowling ball and a clipper as a tennis ball. The bowling ball has a LOT of precipitation with it coming at the pins and there's really not many ways to miss. But a tiny tennis ball flies faster, has more of a chance to change direction, and may totally miss. More chance the tennis ball goes astray and misses doing anything. So right now, my confidence in 1 to 2 inches for Monday Night and Tuesday is about 45%. My confidence in the forecast when I re-look at it tomorrow will be around 70%.

Amber Alert Cancelled After Child Found Safe

Last evening, an Amber Alert was issued for Kayleigh Simcsuk, from Palmerton, Carbon County after it was reported to police that she was abducted by Timothy Simcsuk.

Tamaqua Police Looking For Truck Involved in Morning Incident

TAMAQUA CRIME WATCH ALERT (Posted 6:15 AM; Dec. 15, 2013)

------------------------------------------

POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR A TRUCK INVOLVED IN AN INCIDENT IN OWL CREEK

Tamaqua Police are looking for a black or darker colored late-model full-size pickup truck that allegedly struck a utility pole along Owl Creek Road in Tamaqua sometime today in the early morning (Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013).

The truck is said to have damage done to the passenger side door handle and running boards; and possibly side mirror.

Call (570) 668-5000 if you have any information.

Posted by:  TamaquaArea.com

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By: Monsoon Mike

Schuylkill escaped the first two storms this past week without much ado but we finally got our due Saturday with snow & sleet. My accumulations worked out quite well from yesterday's map. Now it's time for a rest.

Later Sunday we clear out and Monday stays dry and cold. Milder weather later this coming week. A small dose of mainly very light snow is possible Tuesday but looking minor (if it even happens) at this point.

Amber Alert issued For Child Abduction in Carbon County

Amber Alert issued For Child Abduction in Carbon County

Saturday at approx. 6:30pm Kyleigh Simcsuk, age 4, was abducted from Delaware Ave. in Palmerton.  State Police said the police was abducted by Timothy Simcsuk, age 25.

Police are looking for a dark green mini-van with either PA or California registration.

Direction of travel is unknown.

Schuylkill County Boroughs with Snow Emergencies

The following borough(s) declared a SNOW EMERGENCY

Ashland

ASHLAND BOROUGH HAS DECLARED A SNOW EMERGENCY:

EFFECTIVE SUNDAY DECEMBER 15, 2013 FROM 2AM TO 6AM.

Parking will be prohibited on Hoffman Boulevard from Brock Street to Centre Street and also on Centre Street from Front Street to 23rd Street.

Residents are ordered to move their cars from these locations between 2am and 6am.

Any vehicles that are not moved from the above locations will be fined $50 and towed away at the Owner's expense.

Mahanoy City

Snow Parking Ban Tonight

Mayor has issued a snow parking ban. There will be NO PARKING between Midnight & 7AM on the following streets: Centre St. , Main St. , South St from 2nd Street west to Borough line.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast 12/14/13 - Storm Total Predictions

By:  Monsoon Mike

No real changes to my forecast from yesterday. A snowstorm for Saturday is upon us and southern areas of Skook will see anywhere from 3 to 5 inches with northern Skook seeing anywhere in the range from 4 to 6 inches (see map). That doesn't mean southern Skook has less to worry about. In actuality, they may have 'more' problems since I expect some sleet and possibly freezing rain to mix in later in the storm in those parts. Northern Skook 'may' stay all snow contributing to the higher totals. Of course, in situations like this, us weather forecasters can be 90% definite but with Mother Nature, nothing is ever in stone, so a slight jog in the storm could increase or decrease totals, but I'm pretty confident with this call.

As for timing, things get going Saturday morning around 10 a.m., but I think most of the daylight hours, snow falls on the lighter side. The crux of the precipitation moves in around 4 p.m. and snows in earnest until around 8 when I think some sleet or freezing rain could mix in. Everything should wrap up around midnight tomorrow night.

Make sure to be following my Facebook page for on-the-fly updates throughout the storm. And if you hate this winter weather, hang tight. Long range models show later next week, we may crack 40! FORTY I said! Break out the bikinis!

 

Click map to view larger

To get more updates from Monsoon Mike, make sure you like his Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monsoon-Mikes-Weather-Headquarters/277030735667101

Winter Storm Warning Issued For Schuylkill County

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM SATURDAY TO 4 AM EST SUNDAY...

Cancellations For Saturday

Cancellations have already begun before Saturday's Winter Storm.




Updated:  10:30am, 12/14/13

Nativity BVM - Boys & Girls Basketball Postponed

Pine Grove Area  - ACT Cancelled

St. Nicholas/Minersville - A Christmas Carol Postponed until Sunday at 6:30

Tamaqua Area Band - Formal rescheduled to January 18, 2014

TAMAQUA ATHLETIC EVENTS POSTPONED
----------------------------------------- -------------
JV/Var. Girls Basketball:
at Tri Valley has been ppd to:
Monday, December 30 - 6:00
Depart - 4:30
-------------
Varsity Wrestling:
at Exeter Duals has been ppd to:
Sat. Dec. 21
Tamaqua will NOT be in attendance as we are in the Berwick Duals
-------------
Jr. Hi. Wrestling:
at Blue Mt. Tournament has been ppd to:
Friday, Dec. 20 - approximately 2:30 (coaches meeting at 2:30 wrestling to follow)
Depart at 12:30 via Van
-------------
Also note:
The band formal has been ppd and rescheduled to Sat. Jan 18 at the Tam. Elem. School
-------------
From: Mike Hromyak, Tamaqua AD
-------------
 You can also now follow us on twitter at: @TASDAthletics1

3rd Annual Tamaqua Elks Boilo Contest TONIGHT

Looking for something to do tonight before you're stuck inside all day tomorrow during the storm.  How about a boilo contest?

3rd Annual Tamaqua Elks Boilo Contest

Enter your favorite boilo recipe, OR just come to taste all the entries. Admission will be $5 per person, food buffet and desserts included. Bar will be open to purchase drinks. Event starts @ 7pm, voting will be @ 8:30 pm. You do not have to be a member this is open to the public, invite your friends and hope to see you there :-)

Link to event: https://www.facebook.com/events/580949311960917/


Located at 201 W Broad St, Tamaqua

Winter Storm Watch Issued For Schuylkill County

WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM EARLY SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE SATURDAY NIGHT...

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - Early Storm Predictions

By:  Monsoon Mike

After another bitterly cold day on Friday, we're looking into the eyes of a minor to moderate snow event on Saturday, beginning mid morning and lasting until late evening or pre-dawn Sunday.

A quick moving Low pressure will transfer its energy off coast and throw back a swath of plowable but non-crippling snow Saturday. As warm air gets worked into the storm, some mixing to sleet or freezing rain is possible, but I think the plain rain stays well to our south. Nevertheless, just depending where you are in Skook could vary how much I think you'll get.

This map is my FIRST CALL subject to change tomorrow as the storm draws closer.

Click on map to view larger

To get ongoing storm predictions and forecast, make sure you like Monsoon Mike's Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monsoon-Mikes-Weather-Headquarters/277030735667101

School Closings and Delays 12/12/13

Mahanoy Area - 2 hour delay

Domestic Incident and Fire Last Evening In Mahanoy City

Last evening, authorities were called to 1031 East Pine St, Mahanoy City for a domestic incident and fire. 

While in route, Officers were advised that there were reported flames in the basement and a domestic dispute going on at the same residence.

Upon arrival at the scene officers saw heavy smoke coming from the residence of 1031 E. Pine St. Police also located the victim, Elrena L. Gibson, sitting on the sidewalk with massive head trauma. Gibson was bleeding profusely from her head and face. Gibson stated "Joe Yeich did this".

Witnesses told police that Yeich stated to them that Gibson tried to kill him, so he beat her up and set the house on fire, because the devil made him do it. Witnesses stated that Yeich ran around the corner and was located in a home on Market St.

Gibson was loaded onto a stretcher by EMS Personnel and transported to SCI Mahanoy, where she subsequently flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital near Allentown for treatment of her injuries.

Yeich was located at 1038 E. Market St. and was taken into custody. At the time he was taken into custody Yeich stated to police "the Devil made me do it".

EMS personnel told police stated that while treating the victim, Elrena Gibson, for head trauma they noticed a strong odor of Chemical Bleach.
Upon asking Gibson as to what happened, she told them that Joe Yeich poured bleach all over me. Gibson then continued to go in and out of consciousness.

Hospital personnel from Lehigh Valley Medical Center contacted the Mahanoy City police stating that they had secured the clothing of our victim, Elrena Gibson. The clothing was to have had chlorine bleach all over it.

Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal John Burns was called in to assist in the investigation of the fire. Trooper Burns concluded that the fire was in fact arson and was set in the basement portion of 1031 E. Pine St.

The deliberate setting of this fire caused the evacuation of approx. 20-30 neighbors into the sub freezing temperatures, and placed the threat of serious bodily injury or death to numerous Police, Fire and EMS personnel.

Yeich was charged with Aggravated Assault, Arson, Causing or Risking a Catastrophe, Criminal Mischief, Simple Assault, and Recklessly Endangering another Person. Yeich was arraigned by on-call District Justice Stephen Bayer and subsequently committed to the Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of $50,000 straight cash bail.

This information is posted from Mahanoy City Police Department Facebook page

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

We've got quite a brutally cold airmass out there, more along the lines of January or February, but things seem to be rolling full speed ahead this winter so far, and we've got another storm to watch this coming weekend. While I'm not expecting anything monumental, I think areas farther inland from last time get a good batch of precipitation while areas closer to the big cities may have more liquid or ice; in other words, a more "typical" winter storm than the past two. Also am not expecting huge snowfall amounts before any changeover, but enough to be "plowable" is quite likely. One model indicates even that the storm may be in no rush to depart so both your weekend days may be less than stellar. Perhaps a good weekend to stay in and do some holiday baking.

Between now and then, not much else to say other than c .. c .. cold with a snow flurry or shower at any time. Temperatures Thursday will be the most shocking with highs only around 20 across Schuylkill, maybe 25 in my more southern regions and lows of about 9, yes I said 9, across Schuylkill and 15 in my more southern regions.

Schuylkill County Man Allegedly Attacks Middletown Police

Pennlive.com posted a story yesterday about a Schuylkill County man who allegedly turned on an officer and attempted to grab his firearm.

Swatara Twp. and Middletown police intended to arrest Eric Lee for his role in a domestic violence incident that happened Saturday morning and when he found out he was going to be arrested, that's when he turned on police.

He is currently in Dauphin County Prison.


Link to article:
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/12/schuylkill_county_man_attacked.html

Truck Takes Down Multiple Poles in Tamaqua Crash

From www.tamaquaarea.com

A driver escaped serious injuries after crashing his truck into a pole along Owl Creek Road in Tamaqua around 2:15 AM Wednesday morning. The impact severed one pole and pulled down the top of another pole. Responding were Tamaqua Rescue Squad, Tamaqua fire department, Tamaqua Ambulance, Tamaqua Police and others. As of 4:30 AM, the road was still closed while PPL does repairs. Tamaqua Fire Police are controlling traffic.

Early Morning Crash in Schuylkill Township

From www.TamaquaArea.com 

 Emergency crews were called to the area around 116 Old Route 209 in Schuylkill Township after the driver of a passing garbage truck spotted a car into a tree about 5:30 AM today (Dec. 11, 2013). From the scratches in the road, the vehicle appeared to lose control about 100 feet to the east of the impact. Area fire departments and ambulance crews responded. State Police also responded and are investigating.

The driver of the vehicle was not at the scene.

Officers Seize 17 Poodles from Quakake Home

Poodles being cared for at the Hillside SPCA
(Pic from Hillside SPCA FB Page)

WNEP reported this evening about a hoarding situation in Quakake where a woman had 17 poodles in her home.

The dogs are now in the hands of the Hillside SPCA.

Below is the article from WNEP.
http://wnep.com/2013/12/10/officers-seize-17-poodles-in-schuylkill-county/

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By Monsoon Mike

My forecast played out correctly today with Skook getting a small accumulation of an inch or so while areas to our south (Berks County, etc.) saw more on the order of 2 to 4 inches. 

Next thing to be cautious of is FLASH FREEZE of any untreated surfaces tonight. Even if your neck of the woods was spared the heaviest snows, any untreated moisture on the ground will become a nice round of black ice later. Watch for this especially on bridges and overpasses and don't go cruising along at 55 because the road "looks clear." Two seconds later, you could be on black ice. 

Then get ready for a little break. Well break "precipitation wise." For sure not temperature wise. Temperatures will struggle to get out of the 20s the next few days. Heck, by Thursday, temps may not make it out of the teens across most of Skook! You know what that also means ... nights in the single digits in many spots. 

Despite that, the next few days will feature sunshine so it'll at least "LOOK" nice. But don't put those shovels and ice melt away just yet. *cues Dragnet theme for you old-TV fans out there* Saturday is our next storm .......

13 Year Old Girl Dies In Fire In Shamokin

Photo From Firewire Northumberland County

The News Item is now reporting that a 13 year old girl died in a fire in Shamokin this morning.

It is being reported that the girl was trapped on the third floor.

Crews were called to 5 S. Rock Street, Shamokin around 11am this morning and the fire spread to to 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 S. Rock Street as well.  Some of the homes were vacant, but 1, 5, and 7 were all occupied.

We'll provide more information as it comes in.

Morning Fire in Shamokin

Image from Firewire Northumberland County

Our neighbors to the west this morning are currently fighting a blaze on S. Rock St. in Shamokin.  Crews were called to the scene around 11am this morning and the fire has now spread to the entire block.

The News Item is reporting that there were initial scanner reports of a 12 year old trapped in one of the attics.

We'll provide more information as it comes in.

Firewire Northumberland County

Firewire Northumberland County

Firewire Northumberland County

Schuylkill County School Delays and Closings For 12/10/13

Schuylkill County School Delays and Closings For 12/10/13

Blue Mountain - MS and HS Dismiss at 11, Elem at 11:35

Gillingham Charter School - Early Dismissal (no time given)

Mahanoy Area - Elementary Closed - Middle/High School Dismiss at 8:30

Marian Catholic - Dismiss at 10:30

McCanns School of Business/Pottsville - Day Classes Cancelled

Nativity BVM - Dismiss at 9

North Schuylkill - Elementary CLOSED, High School Dismiss at 10:00

Panther Valley - Closed

Schuylkill Haven - Dismiss at 9:00

St. Ambrose/Schuylkill Haven - Early Dismissal, No Lunch

Tamaqua Area - Elementary CLOSED, Middle/High Scholl Dismiss at 10:30

Trinity Academy - Closed

St. Jerome Regional/Tamaqua - Closed