Skook News - Your #1 Source for Schuylkill County News

Monday, February 8, 2016

Police Investigating Break-In at Little League Field

The Ashland Police Department is investigating a break-in to a storage shed at the Ashland Little League Field.

Big Diamond Speedway Plans Thrilling Schedule For 2016

MINERSVILLE, PA - There will be no shortage of excitement during the 2016 season at Big Diamond Speedway.

Even though we've seen some great warm temperatures on Sunday, Schuylkill County could expect to see accumulating snow from Monday through Wednesday.

The expected snowfall will not cripple us like the last snowstorm but definitely will cause some travel troubles.

According to the National Weather Service, a widespread light to moderate snowfall is expected starting late Monday with on and off snow through early Wednesday. The storm is expected to start out as rain late Monday then transition to all snow overnight Monday into Tuesday.

Early reports are forecasting 3-4 inches of snow for Schuylkill County.

Continue to follow Skook News for more updates.

Argall Set to Host Telephone Town Hall with Local Residents Following Governor’s Budget Address

HARRISBURG – Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks) will be listening to the concerns of local residents and discussing the governor’s latest budget proposal during a telephone town hall event on Tuesday, February 9 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

“The governor is scheduled to deliver his second budget address in which he’s expected to ask the taxpayers for more of their hard-earned money,” Argall said. “Over the last year, the overwhelming consensus from Berks and Schuylkill County residents is to not give in to the governor’s demands for higher taxes. This will give local residents a forum to express their concerns and provide valuable feedback for me in relation to the governor’s budget address.”

Argall encourages local residents to participate by signing up on his website in advance at www.SenatorArgall.com or by dialing 1-877-229-8493 and using access code 111786 the night of the event.

In addition to fielding questions on state government issues, Argall will also ask participants for feedback during the call on a number of issues, including school property tax reform, pension reform, welfare reform, among others.

Cabin Fever Hike with Porcupine Pat Scheduled

Shake off those winter blahs by enjoying a crisp walk outdoors with “Porcupine Pat” on Saturday, February 27, 2016, 10:00-11:30 a.m. at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. This walk will invigorate you as we check for winter weeds, winter birds, and enjoy winter scenery. Meet in the Waterfall Road parking lot at the park. This program is free and open to the public and is suitable for all ages.

Tree-mendous Winter Tree Id Trek Scheduled

On Sunday, February 21, 2016 sharpen your natural detective skills by trekking the trails of Sweet Arrow Lake County Park to search for the true personalities of a variety of deciduous trees. Service forester Frank Snyder of the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry leads you on a field walk, now that the leaves are down, to learn how to identify deciduous trees using twigs, buds, bud scars, bark, tree form and other features.

Meet at the large pavilion near the Park clubhouse at 2:00 p.m. and be sure to dress for the weather. All participants will receive a complimentary copy of the “Common Trees of Pennsylvania” field guide. Grab your hat and mittens and get out there and enjoy the winter with us! This program is free and open to the public.

Community Rallies to Help Hegins Valley Family After Medical Emergency

Hegins, PA - The Wolfgang family of Hegins are learning just how strong their local community is. When Michael Wolfgang fell unexpectedly ill soon after Christmas and was hospitalized, friends and family quickly organized efforts to help the family in crisis. An upcoming Chinese Auction is being organized to support the family of Michael Wolfgang. The event will be held Sunday March 6th at Sacramento Fire Hall. Doors open at 12:00pm and the auction starts at 2:00pm. A preview day for those unable to make Sunday’s auction will be open on Saturday, March 5th from 6:00-8:00pm. All proceeds will go toward the medical expenses Michael has accumulated during his hospital and rehabilitation stays.

An unknown infection caused total paralysis below Michael’s waist, leaving him in intensive care and unable to return to work. Michael is the husband of Amy and father to two children, Tanner and Alexa, students at Tri-Valley High School.

“The community has really come together very quickly to help out Mike and Amy and the kids.” states Christy Leiter, longtime friend of the Wolfgang family. “We have been receiving generous donations from friends and strangers alike. The school district and many local businesses and organizations have already donated some wonderful prizes for the auction despite the short amount of time we’ve had to prepare. I know Mike and Amy are so grateful to live in a community that really cares. He has a long road to recovery and he’s been working so hard every day to get better. Knowing so many people are pitching in to help is an immense relief to Mike and his family. ”

Donations are still being collected. Individuals and businesses interested in donating to the auction can contact Leiter at 570-985-7240. An event, Chinese Auction to Benefit Michael Wolfgang, has been created on Facebook with additional details about prizes. Fliers have been distributed around the community. Refreshments will be served at the auction which also features a 50/50 raffle and a large prize table.

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Saturday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 2/7/16

Scheduled Schuylkill County Road Work

Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 2/6/16

The Northeast Region Office of the Pennsylvania Game Commission is seeking anyone who may have information on an immature bald eagle that was found dead in Towamensing Township, Carbon County.

Wildlife Conservation Officer Cory Bentzoni reports that the eagle was shot and killed with a firearm, likely before Jan. 23. The eagle was discovered on Sunday, Jan. 31, in a wooded area near the intersection of Trachsville Hill Road and Pohopoco Drive.

The bald eagle is federally protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It is a protected species under the Game and Wildlife Code.
“These majestic birds cannot protect themselves from people intent on doing them harm,” said Bentzoni. “We are hopeful that someone will step forward with information concerning this senseless act.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the NE Region of the PA Game Commission at (570) 675-1143.

GAME COMMISSION SEEKS INFORMATION ON DEAD EAGLE The Northeast Region Office of the Pennsylvania Game Commission is...
Posted by News 13 on Friday, February 5, 2016

Dorney Park Responds to Viral Post Regarding Employee Who Was Let Go

A Facebook post went viral overnight after it pointed out that a long time employee of Dorney Park was let go.

Submitted Photo

Schnecksville, Pa., Feb. 5, 2016 –The Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) aviation program has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Part 141 Flight School, in addition to its existing status as a ground school.

2015-2016 PIAA District 11 Team Championship Wrestling Results & Schedule

Don’t be left out. Cast Your Vote.

AAU Basketball in the Schuylkill! That's right! Advanced Sports Development (ASD) Athletic Club is hosting AAU travel Boys & Girls Basketball Team Tryouts for grades 6-11.

Submitted Photo / Taken by Ray Silcox

The Schuylkill County Fair Guide wins again! This is the second year in a row that the Schuylkill County Fair was chosen for the top prize of first place in the Non-Premium Tabloid category of the Communication Competition at the 2016 Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs, PSACF.

BMX Legend Dave Mirra Dies from Apparent Suicide

TMZ has reported Thursday evening that Dave Mirra, a BMX Legend who revolutionized the sport in the late 1990's and early 2000's was found dead. He was 41.

They are reporting that it was from an apparent suicide.

Full story from TMZ
http://www.tmz.com/2016/02/04/dave-mirra-dead-bmx-legend-dies-at-41/

SCAM ALERT: Residents Receiving Calls Regarding Donating to Officers Hurt in the Line of Duty

County residents have reported to Skook News regarding receiving phone calls about donating to officers hurt in the line of duty.

On Wednesday, Shenandoah Police arrested Joseph Lewandowski, 55, for aggravated assault and related charges after he allegedly assaulted his wife and daughter in the 100 block of South Main St around 3:00 pm.

Thursday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 2/4/16

A man was taken to an area hospital after a crash in Rush Township Wednesday afternoon.

IRS Experiencing System Outage; E-File System Down

The IRS experienced a hardware failure Wednesday afternoon affecting a number of tax processing systems, which are currently unavailable. Several of our systems are not currently operating, including our modernized e-file system and a number of other related systems.

A Dense Fog Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for Schuylkill County overnight.

Friends of the Ringtown Library Annual Used Book Sale Scheduled for This April

SCRANTON—On Tuesday, The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a 27-year-old Shenandoah resident connected to a large-scale heroin trafficking ring that operated in Schuylkill County during 2012 through September 2015, pleaded guilty yesterday before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley in Scranton.

Lehigh County Man Caught Smuggling Drugs into Schuylkill County Federal Prison

A Lehigh County man is facing charges after he allegedly attempted to smuggle drugs into a Schuylkill County Federal Prison.

(Hershey, PA, February 2, 2016) – The temperatures outside may be cold but things are heating up in Hershey as Hersheypark prepares for the 2016 summer season which includes an array of shows, bands, and strolling entertainment. Interested performers and technicians are encouraged to audition for the upcoming season on Saturday, February 13 at Hershey Theatre.

HERSHEY, Pa. (February 2, 2016) – Pennsylvania American Water announced Tuesday that entries are now being accepted for its 14th Annual “Protect Our Watersheds” Art Contest. All fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students in schools served by Pennsylvania American Water are eligible, as well as individual students who live in the company’s service area. The contest encourages students to tap into their artistic talents to express the importance of protecting Pennsylvania’s water resources.

Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 02/02/16

"Rome to Normandy"
Music from their upcoming 2016 European tour, featuring Schubert's Mass in G and other classical pieces.

WHEN:
Sunday, March 13- 3:00 PM

WHERE:

St. Patrick's Church, 4th and Mahantongo St., Pottsville

COST:
Adults $15.00 - Senior/Student $10.00

For tickets contact any Choral Society Member, call 570-628-3388 or purchase at the door.

Follow this event on Facebook at

https://www.facebook.com/events/470565686463529/

Monday, February 1, 2016

Schuylkill County Firedogs Semi Pro Men's Basketball Team Home Game This Saturday

The Schuylkill Firedogs Semi Pro Men's Basketball home game is scheduled for this Saturday, February 6th at 7:00 pm at Simon Kramer, 15 Alliance Street, New Philadelphia.

The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating and searching for a man they say attempted to purchase prescription medicine with a fake prescription.

Through a Facebook post, WWE Hall of Famer, Bret "The Hitman" Hart revealed he is battling prostate cancer.

It is with great remorse that I feel compelled to speak truthfully to my friends, family and my millions of fans around...
Posted by Bret Hart on Monday, February 1, 2016

Schuylkill County Native Searching for Biological Father

Tommy Pearce, a Frackville native, never knew who is father was and through social media, is asking for our help.

Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency on Monday reminded citizens to monitor local forecasts this week for possible flooding due to snow melt and rain. Right now, widespread river flooding is not forecast. However, several waterways will move into the action or minor flood stage with the chance for one or two to move into moderate flooding.

Around 10:30am, Monday, fire crews were call to 529 Second Mountain Road, near Orwigsburg for a reported structure fire.

2015-2016 PIAA District 11 Team Championship Wrestling Schedule

Register for the 2nd Annual Coach Rizzo's Anthracite Skills and Drills Clinic

Back by popular demand and brought to you by Phillips Brayford Ortho is the 2nd Annual Coach Rizzo's Anthracite Skills and Drills Clinic.

Parking Restrictions on Monday in Mahanoy City

Parking Restriction for Monday 2/1/16. There will be no parking on South Main St. from Mahanoy to Maple St between 7am & 3PM for Snow Removal.

The Borough also plans to continue to remove piles from Centre St, however no parking restrictions for that area are required at this time.

Keep alert for additional parking restrictions later in the week.
Please let your neighbors know.

Free Fly Tying Classes from Schuylkill County Trout Unlimited

Schuylkill County Trout Unlimited will be conducted free fly tying classes.

Drugs Found During Traffic Stop

On Friday night, Mahanoy City Police arrested Charles J. Koncsler, Shenandoah after finding drugs during a traffic stop.

According to police, Koncsler was in possession of 157 bags of drug including Meth, Oxy, Tramadol and Suboxone.

Koncsler was charged with Possession with intent to deliver, Possession of a controlled substance, DUI, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Driving while operating privilege is suspended and other traffic offenses.

Koncsler was committed to Schuylkill County Prison after he was unable to post $50,000 cash bail.

Saturday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 1/30/16

From now until February 3rd, 2016, all items purchased from Skook Apparel will receive free shipping.

To receive this promotion, you need to use the Keycode "2LOVE" when you purchase.

Head on over to check out our t-shirt designs at http://skooknews.spreadshirt.com.

Also be sure to head on over and like the "Skook Apparel" Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/SkookApparel.

Skook Apparel is created and ran by Skook News.

Continental Hose Co. #3 Gilberton Wing Sale

Schuylkill Haven Youth Softball Association Open Registration

SHYSA (Schuylkill Haven Youth Softball Association) 2016 open registration will be held Thursday February 11, 2016, February 18, 2016, February 25, 2016, March 3, 2016 from 6:00 - 8:00pm at the Schuylkill Haven Area Middle School Gym.

Hours of Service Waiver Extends Maximum Driving Time for Motor Carriers Transporting Fuels

Transportation Secretary Leslie S. Richards has signed an hours of service waiver to extend the maximum driving time to 14 hours for motor carriers engaged in the transportation of fuels.

The waiver was effective as of January 26, 2016 at midnight and remains in effect until February 6 at 11:59 p.m.

Exemption is also granted from the requirements of the 60/70-hour limits rule. This rule requires drivers to stop driving upon accumulating 60 or 70 on-duty hours (including all on-duty and driving time) over a period of seven or eight consecutive days, respectively. Any period of seven or eight consecutive days may end with the beginning of any off-duty period of 34 or more consecutive hours.

Drivers are reminded that the waiver must be in their possession when traveling extended hours. This also only applies when the contents being transported are exclusively listed under the “Type of Operation.”

Frackville Free Public Library Story Time Programs Scheduled

The Frackville Free Public Library will be having the following programs.

Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 1/29/16

Monday, February 8, 2016

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Friday, February 5, 2016

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Monday, February 1, 2016

Sunday, January 31, 2016

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Friday, January 29, 2016