$6,000 Worth of Tools Stolen in Burglaries

State Police are looking for information on two burglaries that took place overnight Tuesday.

They are reporting that $5,000 worth of tools were stolen from Kintzel Portable Welding, Frailey Township.

The tools included

• Lincoln aluminum spool gun
• plasma cutter
• Evolution magnetic drill
• 3/4 inch drive socket set
• Central pneumatic spray gun
• Rechargeable light

On the same night, on the 200 block of Spring street, $800 worth of tools were taken from a workshop behind a house.

These tools included

• Impact wrench and battery drill
• Milwaukee reciprocal saw
• Craftsman Impact Dril

Anyone with information related to these burglaries are asked to call State Police at (570) 739-1330

Freezing Rain Advisory Issued For Schuylkill County

FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 3 PM EST FRIDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STATE COLLEGE HAS ISSUED A FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 3 PM EST FRIDAY.

Wednesday's Fire in Porter Twp.

Photo by:  Ashley Herb

Just before 4pm Wednesday afternoon, crews were called to K&E Precision, a machine shop in Porter Twp., just outside Tower City.

Smoke from the blaze could be scene billowing for miles around.  Along with battling the fire, firefighters battled cold temperatures as well.

Crews battled the fire for hours due to the flammable materials in the building, which made the fire tough to put down.

The Republican Herald reported that as of 9:30pm, crews were still at the scene of the fire.

There was reportedly no one in the building at the time.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

As temperatures continue to slowly improve, our next precipitation event comes late tomorrow night into early Friday a.m. The system is moisture starved but may produce a touch of light wintry mix during morning rush hour Friday. Minor, but potentially bad timing.

Beyond that, Saturday stays on the grey side but significantly warmer for the weekend with temperatures in the 50s. In fact, despite minor cool downs early next week, I think temperatures stay mild for all of next week.

Beyond next week, however, may be another story. We'll worry about that when we get to it.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

After one more brutal night, baby steps improvement Wednesday with temperatures around 20. In fact, each day from now through the weekend will feature slowly improving temperatures culminating in the 50s for the weekend! That one minor snow event that I've been mentioning for later this week looks to be just that. Quite minor. However I cannot rule out that the late Thursday night or early Friday morning commute time could be a little bit dicey. More details as we get closer.

Schuylkill County School Closings and Delays For 1/8/14

Schuylkill County School Closings and Delays For 1/8/14

Assumption BVM - 2 Hour Delay

Blue Mountain - 2 Hour Delay

Gillingham Charter - 2 Hour Delay

Mahanoy Area - 2 Hour Delay

Minersville - 2 Hour Delay

Nativity BVM - 2 Hour Delay

North Schuylkill - 2 Hour Delay

Pine Grove - 2 Hour Delay

Pottsville - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Haven - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Maple Ave - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Special Ed. Center - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Tech North - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Tech South - 2 Hour Delay

Shenandoah Valley - 2 Hour Delay

St. Clair - 2 Hour Delay

St. Jerome/Tamaqua - 2 Hour Delay

St. Nicholas/Minersville - 2 Hour Delay

Tamaqua Area - 2 Hour Delay

Tri-Valley - 2 Hour Delay

Trinity Academy - 2 Hour Delay

Williams Valley - 2 Hour Delay

Wind Chill Advisory Extended For Schuylkill County

WIND CHILL ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EST WEDNESDAY...

* LOCATIONS...COLUMBIA AND SCHUYLKILL COUNTIES.

Woman Dies in Crash in Washington Twp. Tuesday Morning

WNEP is reporting that Mary Reed, 81, of Pine Grove, died in crash this morning on Sweet Arrow Lake Road in Washington Twp.  She was reportedly in a car with her 2 daughters when the car, her daughter was driving, lost control and hit a tree.

The other two women were flown from the scene.

No word on the severity of their injuries.

Tuesday Morning Fire Destroys Homes in Shenandoah

Image from Schuylkill County Firewire

Around 7:30am, Tuesday crews were called to the the 200 Block on Ferguson Street in Shenandoah.  When crews arrived they found the double block home fully engulfed in flames.  It is being reported that one side was vacant while the other side, the owner of the home was not home at the time.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

Since tonight and tomorrow's temperature is going to be pure despair for summer lovers, let's skip ahead to this coming weekend where, believe it or not, I see temperatures actually going ABOVE normal as in 40s or even 50s!
But that's then and this is now and we must discuss tonight's potentially dangerous situation with wind chill values approaching -30 and actual air temperatures near -5! Please, whatever you do, please do not leave any pets outside and YOU shouldn't even go outside if you don't have to. If you do, make sure your car is ready to go with emergency supplies should you break down.
The good news is this polar plunge is actually quite short-lived and by Wednesday, we're back in the twenties and, like I said by the end of the week, temperatures quite mild!
A minor snow and/or ice event is possible around Thursday or Friday, but let's get through this polar plunge first before worrying about that.

Schuylkill County School Closings and Delays - 1/7/14

Schuylkill County School Closings and Delays for 1/7/14

Assumption BVM - CLOSED

Blue Mountain - CLOSED

Child Development - Pre-K Closed, Day Care Open

Gillingham Charter - CLOSED

Mahanoy Area - CLOSED

Marian Catholic - CLOSED

Minersville - CLOSED

Nativity BVM - CLOSED

North Schuylkill - CLOSED

Schuylkill Haven - CLOSED

Shenandoah Valley - CLOSED

St. Ambrose/Schuylkill Haven - CLOSED

St. Clair - CLOSED

St. Jerome Regional/Tamaqua - CLOSED

St. Nicholas/Minersville - CLOSED

Tamaqua - CLOSED

Tri-Valley - CLOSED

Trinity Academy - CLOSED

Williams Valley - CLOSED

BEST OF SKOOK: The Winner of Best Wings in Schuylkill County Is . . . . . .

Over the weekend, we asked our reader's through our Facebook page, "Who has the best wings in Schuylkill County?"

The votes are in and we have an upset on our hands.

Semi-Pro Football Looking For Sponsors

The Schuylkill County Predators, the Semi-Pro Football team, is in search of some sponsors.  They've asked for some help through these sponsors to help towards equipment, uniforms, field, charity events, etc.

If interested you can contact them by Schuylkill County Predators on Facebook or scpredators14@yahoo.com

Winter Weather Announcements - 1/6/14

Weather Related Announcements for 1/6/14

Schools

Schuylkill Haven Area - No Evening Activities, no school Tuesday 

Williams Valley - 2 Hour Delay, Tuesday

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

If you have any weather related closings that you would like to share, please contact us through email at skooknews@outlook.com

Tips For Getting Through Sub Zero Temperatures

As we head toward no-man's land -- double-digit sub-zero temperatures that could set records -- thoughts turn to keeping the family, house and cars safe.

Schuylkill County Weather Midday Update

By:  Monsoon Mike

Temperature soared into the 40's and even 50's ahead of the strong cold front which is moving across the area now. Temperatures will continue to plummet throughout the day and expect a major flash freeze tonight. Wind chill advisories are also in effect for extremely dangerously cold wind chills overnight. Temperatures overnight will be well below zero

Accident Along Route 309 in South Tamaqua Sunday Evening

 From:  TamaquaArea.com

West Penn Township Police, firefighters and Ambulance were called to SR309 northbound in South Tamaqua (West Penn Township) just before 5:30 PM today (Jan. 5, 2014) for a report of a two-vehicle accident with possible assault. No serious injuries were seen. Traffic was detoured around the scene. Soley's Towing was used to transport both vehicles.

Schuylkill County School Delays and Closings - 1/6/14

Schuylkill County Closings and Delays for 1/6/14

 

 

Blue Mountain - 2 Hour Delay

Pine Grove - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkil Haven Area - 2 Hour Delay

St. Ambrose/ Schuylkill Haven - 2 Hour Delay

St. Jerome Reg./Tamaqua - 2 Hour Delay

Tamaqua - 2 Hour Delay

Williams Valley - 2 Hour Delay

 

Wind Chill Advisory Has Been Issued for Schuylkill County

Fatal Crash in Tremont

Crews were called to 197 South Tremont Street, Tremont with heavy entrapment just before 3 pm Sunday.

Authorities say that Amanda Minnich, 25, of Tremont, lost control of her vehicle on the icy roads and struck a tree.  Minnich was pronounced dead at the scene.

There was also a passenger in the vehicle who was also hurt and was taken to Hershey Medical Center.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By: Monsoon Mike

Sunday sure kept me on my toes. The day's freezing rain storm got off to a late start deceiving many folks with a beautiful morning sunshine if you were up that early. Things went downhill almost instantaneously around lunchtime, however, and what followed in the afternoon & evening was one of the more challenging ice storms that we've had in awhile.
Overnight tonight will actually see a slow rise in temperatures and by sunrise, we might even be near 40! But boy that won't last long because an arctic cold front plows in around 10a.m. sending our temperature diving and by tomorrow night, once again we're back to the negative digits. That'll be about a 45 to 50 degree drop in less than 12 hours! What a weird winter! Two concerns with that cold front tomorrow will be the possibility of some snow showers as it crosses and also of a flash freeze of any left standing water freezing solid by the evening commute.
That'll be followed by some cold, quieter weather until around Thursday when our next minor storm should approach. Not looking to be a major storm at this point. But more proof that this winter is going to be a long one. Nevertheless, if we play our cards right, I do see a bit of a January thaw the following week.

Freezing Rain Advisory Extended For Schuylkill County

...FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT ...
* LOCATIONS ...LOWER SUSQUEHANNA RIVER VALLEY AND SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS.
* HAZARD TYPES ...AREAS OF FREEZING RAIN.
* ACCUMULATIONS ....LESS THAN A QUARTER OF AN INCH.
* TIMING ...TEMPERATURES ARE SLOWLY WARMING ...BUT POCKETS OF FREEZING RAIN WILL CONTINUE THROUGH MIDNIGHT.
* IMPACTS ...ICY AND TREACHEROUS CONDITIONS ON UNTREATED SURFACES.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ...
HAZARDOUS WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. USE CAUTION IF TRAVELING ESPECIALLY ON BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES. FOR THE LATEST WEATHER INFORMATION ...GO TO WEATHER.GOV/CTP OR STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO.
REPORT ICE ACCUMULATION TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BY SENDING AN EMAIL TO CTP.STORMREPORTS@NOAA.GOV ...POSTING TO THE NWS STATE COLLEGE FACEBOOK PAGE ...OR TWEET @NWSSTATECOLLEGE WITH THE HASHTAG #CTPWX.

Blythe Twp. Crash Closes Route 209 for Hours

From:  TamaquaArea.com

SUV SHEERS POLE ALONG US209 IN BLYTHE TWP; ROAD CLOSED FOR 4 HOURS

A man and two children escaped injuries after the SUV they were in crashed into and sheered a utility pole around 4:30 PM Saturday (Jan. 4, 2014) along US209 in Blythe Township (near the intersection of James Street). The vehicle came to rest in front of Chet's Wholesale Beverage. The incident also resulted in downed power and communication lines. US209 was closed from New Philadelphia to Middleport for about 4 hours during the response and initial repairs. Responding were fire companies from Kaska, Cumbola, New Philadelphia and Middleport. State Police are investigating.

Freezing Rain Advisory for Schuylkill County (Updated)

...FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM EST THIS EVENING...

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By: Monsoon Mike

Sunday will be a less than desirable day especially until mid-afternoon across Schuylkill County as freezing rain causes havoc on local roads. I expect the rain (which should remain light for the most part) to begin around 6 a.m. and continue through Sunday night.  By Sunday night, everything should be plain rain, but before then, temperatures will be below freezing and roads will be less than desirable. This all will be followed by crashing temperatures on Monday as temperatures go from the 30's all the way back down below zero by Monsay night.  In between, as the actual cold front passes, the precipitation could end as a burst of snow Monday morning. The active winter continues, folks!

Freezing Rain Advisory Issued For Schuylkill County

...FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM EST THIS EVENING...

* LOCATIONS...LOWER SUSQUEHANNA RIVER VALLEY AND SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS.

* HAZARD TYPES...AREAS OF FREEZING RAIN.

* ACCUMULATIONS....LESS THAN A TENTH OF AN INCH.

* TIMING...LATE THIS MORNING THROUGH EARLY EVENING.

* IMPACTS...ICY AND TREACHEROUS CONDITIONS ON UNTREATED SURFACES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

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

Frigid Temperatures From Overnight in Schuylkill County

Our readers reported in some of the frigid temperatures from overnight.  This is what we gathered: 

Ashland 0

Auburn -2.6

Cressida -4

Fountain Springs -3

Lavelle -5

Locust Dale -1

Orwigsburg 1

Pottsville -1

Schuylkill Haven -4

West Penn -1

Picture below is from Lake Hauto

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

Now that our storm is but a distant memory, our attention turns to some of the coldest air this area has seen in a number of years. Lows are already in the negative digits and by morning we might have temperatures around minus 7 or minus 8 across Skook. Surprisingly, however, temperatures warm all the way to the 20's by later in the day and on Sunday maybe even into the 30's as some rain falls, not snow.

One concern, however, is if cold air gets trapped at the surface and some of that rain starts as freezing rain or snow on Sunday and ends as touch of snow on Monday. I'll know more tomorrow if that's going to happen but the majority of this coming storm looks to be liquid rather than white.

That will be followed by another intense push of arctic air that might even make what we're going through tonight feel warm! Stay tuned!

Snowfall Totals and Images From Around Schuylkill County

The storm is over and we want to thank everyone who shared their snow totals and images with us.

Below are the totals that we've received from all of you

PennDOT Lowers Speed Limits on Interstates

Due to road conditions from the snow, PENNDOT has lowered the speeds on Interstate 81 through Schuylkill County to 45 mph until further notice.

Ashland Doctor Facing Drug Charges

WNEP posted a story Thursday on Dr. Stephanie Tarapchak, who practiced in Ashland, is now facing drug charges.

She is accused from writing prescriptions to pain killers that have led to overdoses and one death.

Tarapchak is also facing charges for smuggling drugs into the Lackawanna County Prison by hiding them inside her rectum.

Tarapchak is to be prosecuted in Lackawanna County court, where she is also locked up at this time.

Tarapchak was charged with corrupt organizations, drug delivery resulting in death, prescribing outside the scope of practice, distribution/prescription to a drug dependent person, refusal or failure to keep records, controlled substance contraband to a confined person, perjury, endangering the welfare of children, recklessly endangering another person, insurance fraud, theft by deception and criminal conspiracy.

Link to full story below
http://wnep.com/2014/01/02/ashland-doctor-facing-drug-charges/

http://republicanherald.com/news/ag-schulkill-county-doctor-smuggled-drugs-into-lackawanna-county-prison-unlawfully-prescribed-pain-pills-1.1610951

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

As our snowstorm departs, we will be left in the wrath of some of the coldest temperatures Skook has seen in several years. Arctic air will completely plunge into Pennsylvania as our storm exits, making high temperatures on Friday about 10 or 15 at best. Yes, TEN or FIFTEEN. Think that's cold? Try Friday Night, About -5. Yes, that's a five with a minus in front of it. Brrrr! 

Things slowly moderate this weekend and we may even see 20 again before it's over! As crazy as this sounds, our next storm later in the weekend or early next week may even feature more liquid rather than frozen variety as temperatures take a nice visit back to the 30s. But it won't be for long. Another arctic plunge happens early next week perhaps featuring temperatures a few ticks LOWER than THIS arctic plunge. 

Guess those woolly caterpillars were onto something when people spotted them having crazy thick coats this past autumn while we were being deceived with 80 degrees on October 5th(remember them days?)

Schuylkill County School Closings and Delays - 1/3/14

 

LAST UPDATED:  1/3/2014 5:35am

 

Assumption BVM - CLOSED

Blue Mountain - CLOSED

Gillingham Charter - CLOSED

Mahanoy Area - CLOSED

Marian - CLOSED

Minersville - CLOSED

Nativity BVM - CLOSED

North Schuylkill - CLOSED

Pine Grove - CLOSED

Pottsville - CLOSED

Schuylkill Haven - CLOSED

Schuylkill Maple Ave - CLOSED

Schuylkill Special Ed. Ctr - CLOSED

Schuylkill Tech North Campus - CLOSED

Schuylkill Tech South Campus - CLOSED
Shenandoah Valley - CLOSED
St. Ambrose/Schuylkill Haven - CLOSED

St. Jerome Regional/Tamaqua - CLOSED
St. Clair - CLOSED

St. Nicholas/Minersville - CLOSED
Tamaqua - CLOSED
Tri-Valley - CLOSED
Trinity Academy - CLOSED
Williams Valley - CLOSED

Hazleton Chinese Restaurant Searched Thursday Morning

The Standard Speaker is reporting that the Jumbo China Buffet in Hazle Township was searched by State Police Thursday morning.

Update:  It is now being reported that an employee stole credit card information from customers.

Link to article from Standard Speaker
http://standardspeaker.com/news/state-police-search-hazle-twp-restaurant-1.1610655

Schuylkill County Weather Related Announcements - 1/2/14

Schuylkill County Weather Related Announcements for 1/2/14

Boroughs

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.

McAdoo - Snow ban is in effect in McAdoo from 6 p.m. Thursday until 6 p.m. Friday.

**We will continue to update this page with other announcements as they come in

Our St. Patty's Shirt's Are Ready To Sell

We launched our t-shirt campaign today for our Schuylkill County Irish!  The great thing about this sale is now we have men's and women's styles.  You can get them at link below.  Once on that page, click the drop-down box labeled "Style" to see the shirt in different styles.

http://teespring.com/irishskook2

Men's

Women's V-neck

Midday Weather Update

Click Pic to View Larger

By:  Monsoon Mike

If you're watching the Scranton TV stations, you're already seeing some schools closing on the screen crawl and wondering why given the snow is not set to begin over much of the Monsoon Mike's Weather Headquarters area until later this afternoon. Well, it's because of what I mentioned yesterday. Advection snowfall is already happening ahead of the main storm especially in higher elevations and north of Interstate 80. This radar map picture from 10:45 a.m. shows that quite nicely. The entire state will fill in with snowfall later this afternoon, but not before I think most kids make it home from school safely. For you adults, however, if you're working past 5 p.m., I'd prepare for a potentially rough ride home

Water Boil Advisory Cancelled - Fountain Springs/Country Club Estates

The following has just been posted to Ashland Borough's Facebook page

WATER BOIL ADVISORY CANCELLED The Water Boil Advisory for Fountain Springs and Country Club Estates has been cancelled. The required sampling and testing of the water system has been conducted. The test results have indicated no presence of harmful bacteria. These tests demonstrate that the quality of your drinking water was not affected by the water main break and that it is safe for human consumption.

Schuylkill County School Early Dismissals - 1/2/14

Schuylkill County School Early Dismissals - 1/2/14

Grey Goose Bar, McAdoo Fire, Man in Custody

From TamaquaArea.com

Emergency responders were called around 12:20 AM today (Jan. 2, 2014) to 94 North Kennedy Drive (SR309) in McAdoo for a fully engulfed structure fire.

Overnight Fire in Quakake Displaces Family

From TamaquaArea.com

Firefighters responded to 4 East Main Street just before midnight last night (Jan. 1, 2014) for a report of a house fire. Firefighters were quick to respond and extinguish the fire. Fire was said to be caused by a clothes dryer.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

Click Picture to View Larger

By:  Monsoon Mike

Winter Weather Advisory Issued For Schuylkill County

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON THURSDAY TO 7 AM EST FRIDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STATE COLLEGE HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON THURSDAY TO 7 AM EST FRIDAY.

Schuylkill County Weather Update

By: Monsoon Mike

Morning Update:

Good Morning & Happy New Year Everyone! Already folks asking me if the snow tomorrow will give them and their kids a bonus day off from school/work. Unfortunately, I don't think so for most of us. That's not to say Skook won't see snow, but this is a very tricky storm where those areas and areas north of I-80 will have a light snow going most of tomorrow from some atmospheric advection, but areas south of there (Pottsville/Reading/Lehigh Valley/etc.) may not have any decent snow beginning until much later in the afternoon tomorrow. I think a general 1 to 4 inches on a line from Harrisburg to Pottsville will be the final snowfall accumulation when this wraps up Friday morning. Then farther east into the Lehigh Valley and north into northern Jersey, perhaps 3 to 5 or 4 to 6 inches as they'll be more energy there as the storm wraps up along the coast. See my map for what I expect across Skook. Not a crippling storm by any means, but as we know, us eastern Pennsylvanians can't drive in sunshine let alone a little snow, so expect the evening rush tomorrow and definitely the morning rush Friday to be less than desirable. Then some of the most intense cold since several years ago rushes in behind the storm. Lows Friday night will be subzero in many areas!!

Overnight Fire in Ashland, Reported to Be Started By Homeowner

Around 1:30am Wednesday, Ashland Police were called to 1331 Walnut Street, Ashland, after a neighbor called police for the owner of 1331 was causing a disturbance and was throwing contents from the house into the street.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

Happy New Year to all my readers!

Two big stories in our forecast are snow on Thursday and extreme cold to end the week. The cold I'm certain about. The snow, not so much.

Models have considerably backed off on what they yesterday thought was going to be a major snowstorm, much as I thought would happen given the lack of true atmospheric blocking.

The result I think will be a general 1 to 3 or 2 to 4 inches across the region on Thursday and Friday. Key times Thursday p.m. into early Friday a.m. With the fickle nature of the models on this storm, however, I only give this forecast about a 60 percent certainty at this point. Be sure to follow my fan page for the latest updates.

Following this fairly minor to low-end moderate snowfall will be some of the coldest air we've seen in this area for quite a while. Expect subzero lows and highs barely out of the single digits and teens to wrap up the week!

Officials Sworn in Today At Courthouse

This morning, two elected Schuylkill County Officials were sworn in.

Both John Domalakes and Christine Holman were sworn in.

John Domalakes was sworn in as the Schuylkill County Judge after retaining his  position in the November election. 

Christine Holman was sworn in as the new Schuylkill County District Attorney.

The images below are from Christine Holman's swearing in.

Pictures from L David Truskowsky