Skook News - Your #1 Source for Schuylkill County News

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Tractor Trailer Crashes on Route 61 Saturday Morning

(02/27/16) Around 10am, Saturday Morning, emergency crews were called to the Intersection of Route 61 and 895 in West Brunswick Township near Orwigsburg.

Saturday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 2/27/16

District XI High School Basketball Championship Scores for 02/27/16

Scheduled Schuylkill County Road Work - Week Ending March 5, 2016

District XI High School Basketball Championship Scores

Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 2/26/16

LCCC Offers Noncredit Fitness Classes

Schnecksville, Pa., Feb. 25, 2016 – Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) will hold a variety of noncredit exercise classes for fitness and recreation this semester. The following classes will be held at an off-campus location.

Piloxing is a combination of Pilates, boxing and dance that results in a fun, fat-burning, muscle-toning workout. Two sessions will be offered, both on Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m. – from March 16 through April 20 and April 27 to June 1. Location is Krazter Elementary School, 2200 Huckleberry Road, Allentown, Pa., and tuition is $65.

Learn the basics with a new dance class, Social Dance Sampler, that emphasizes the lead-follow technique. A flat or low, wide “Cuban” heel shoe is recommended; couples are required. Class runs Tuesday, April 5 through 26, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and takes place at Parkway Manor Elementary School, 768 Parkway Road, Allentown, Pa. 18104. The cost is $70.

To register, call 610-799-1197 or email ncregistrar@mymail.lccc.edu. For a complete listing of courses, visit www.lccc.edu.

Water Main Break Reported in Mahanoy City

(02/26/16) A water main break was reported Friday morning in Mahanoy City.

(02/26/16) Snow squalls will cross Schuylkill County later Friday morning and could cause visibility issues while driving.

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- Maybe for once, the groundhog was right!

Schuylkill County School Delays - 02/26/16

Mahanoy Area - 2 Hour Delay; Transportation included

Shenandoah Valley - 2 Hour Delay

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Thursday, February 25, 2016

Case Held for Court for Woman Who Allegedly Murdered Granddaughter

Photo posted from Mahanoy City Police

On Friday, February 12, 2016, Mahanoy City Police arrested Pietrina C Hoffman, 52, for the death of her 14 month old granddaughter, Navaeh Doyle, on January 10th, 2016 in the borough.

Thursday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 2/25/16

LCCC Partners to Offer Noncredit Cooking Classes

Schnecksville, Pa., Feb. 25, 2016 – Through partnerships with Catasauqua and Whitehall School Districts, Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) can offer a variety of noncredit cooking classes to the community on a convenient and flexible schedule. Locations vary; additional materials fees may apply and are payable to the instructor. For a complete listing of the following courses, visit www.lccc.edu.

Cupcake – Wednesday, March 2 from 7 to 9 p.m. Fee is $30
30-Minute Meals – Wednesday, April 27 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Fee is $40
Nut Roll – Tuesday, March 15 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fee is $25
Cheeses of Europe – Wednesday, March 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. Fee is $30
Kiffles – Tuesday, March 22 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fee is $25
Knife Skills – Wednesday, March 23 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fee is $30
Kiffles – Wednesday, March 30 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fee is $25
Canning – Wednesday, April 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. Fee is $30
Cheesemaking I – Wednesday, April 13 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fee is $25
Cheesemaking II – Wednesday, April 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fee is $35
Italian Soul Food – Wednesday, May 4-18 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fee is $82

To register, call 610-799-1197 or email ncregistrar@mymail.lccc.edu.

2016 District XI High School Basketball Championship Schedule

Students Helping to Shape the Future at the Upcoming Schuylkill County Youth Summit

The County Commissioners will convene the fourth annual Schuylkill County Youth Summit on March 10th, 2016 at the Penn State Schuylkill campus in Schuylkill Haven. This year’s summit will once again bring together youth from all county high schools to engage them in making the county a better place for them to live, work, play, and raise their families. This year’s summit has had more students input. The topic for the summit will be blight. The Youth Summit Youth Ambassadors, a subset of the summit representatives, have been meeting for several months to find out more about the issue. Tom Palamar, Pottsville City Administrator and Mary Beth Dougherty of Senator Argall’s office have both shared information with this group.

At the summit, students will hear from Micha Gursky, part time executive director of the Tamaqua Community Partnership, about the transformation of Tamaqua over the past years. There will also be a panel of experts to address students’ questions and offer coaching. The students do not only want to look at the problem of blight but come up solutions. Each school will work on a plan to address blight in some way in their community.

One new addition to the Youth Summit Youth Ambassadors this year has been the appointment of the Youth Ambassador Executives. Four students have been meeting regularly with Commissioner Hess and Kay Jones of VISION to make the Youth Summit more students driven. An active community advisory group meets monthly to provide suggestions on how to support the students. In addition a new group of community leaders is looking at the issue of preparing our students for the jobs in the region. This group began meeting in 2015 and continues to work on this issue that students had identified as one of the most pressing for them.

As the summit continues to develop, its basic mission to engage, equip and support our youth remains the primary focus. Each year the summit becomes more sensitive to students’ concerns and their ability to address some of these with support from the community. Each year the Youth Summit receives more support from community organizations. This year the summit has received support from 17 community businesses. We especially thank M & T Bank, , The Schuylkill Chamber Foundation, the Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Investment Board, and the West Charitable Trust for their support.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Wednesday Night's District XI High School Basketball Playoff Scores - 02/24/16

Boys

Minersville - 44
Marian Catholic - 28

Mahanoy Area - 45
Willams Valley - 34

Girls

Mahanoy Area - 32
Shenandoah Valley - 31

Tri-Valley - 35
Williams Valley - 32

Bethlehem Catholic - 46
Blue Mountain - 33

Power Outages Reported Around Schuylkill County After Storms Wednesday Evening

After storms rolled through Schuylkill County around 7pm Wednesday evening, numerous municipalities are reporting outages.

According to PPL, as of 8:15pm over 1,700 customers are without power around Schuylkill County.

The following have reported outages.

Branch Twp
Girardville
Hegins
Hubley Twp.
McAdoo
Middleport
North Manheim Twp.
North Union Twp.
Pine Grove Twp.
Ringtown
Rush Twp.
Ryan Twp.
Tamaqua
Washington Twp.
Wayne Twp.

No times have been reported on when they will be restored.

Flash Flood Watch Issued for Schuylkill County

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STATE COLLEGE HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR A PORTION OF CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA...
INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS...ADAMS...CUMBERLAND...DAUPHIN...
LANCASTER...LEBANON...PERRY...SCHUYLKILL AND YORK.

* UNTIL 9 PM EST THIS EVENING.

* SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL DEVELOP ACROSS THE LOWER
SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING. RAINFALL COULD
BE HEAVY ENOUGH TO LEAD TO LOCALIZED FLASH FLOODING.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD
TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

Schuylkill County School Delays - 02/24/16

Tuesday Night's District XI High School Basketball Scores - 02/23/16

The National Weather Service has issued a Freezing Rain Advisory for Schuylkill County and surrounding counties.

3rd Annual Bridal Fair at the Walk in Art Center

Live Interactive Performance at the Walk in Art Center

RECALL: Mars and Snickers Chocolate Bars Being Recalled

Mars Candy has issued a recall of Mars and Snickers chocolate bars.

Schuylkill County Early Dismissals - 02/23/16

Elysburg, PA – It all started with the Crystal Pool, a steam-powered carousel, and a few food stands. Now, after nearly 90 years, Knoebels Amusement Resort has grown to include 63 rides, 35 unique food stands, and a plethora of gift shops, games and attractions. This means that Knoebels needs more team members than ever. With this being the case, Knoebels hopes to find a large portion of its roughly 800 new seasonal team members at its March 5 job fair. Team members 16 years of age and older can expect a starting hourly rate that is above minimum wage.

Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 2/22/16

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf has requested President Barack Obama to declare a major disaster in Pennsylvania, in order to provide financial reimbursement to municipalities in 31 counties for costs associated with the historic snowstorm that impacted the state January 22-23.

Updated 2016 District XI High School Basketball Playoff Schedule

Sunday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 2/21/16

Schuylkill County Road Work Scheduled for This Week

Friday's District XI High School Basketball Playoff Scores - 02/19/16

The Ashland Police Department is investigating an incident that was reported an Abduction with a ransom request on Thursday evening.

A road in was closed in Mahanoy Township Friday evening due to a crash.

According to Mahanoy Township Police Chief Brandon Alexander, the crash occurred on Delano Road, near Mahanoy City.

The driver, Michael Bowen, of Shenandoah, was reported to be uninjured but was taken into custody for driving under the influence.

Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 02/19/16

Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 2/19/16

Six individuals now face drug charges after two narcotic investigations lead to drugs being found.

LCCC Foundation Holds Bingo/Vendor Shopping for Scholarships

Schnecksville, Pa., Feb. 19, 2016 – The Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) Foundation will host bingo and vendor shopping on Saturday, April 2, in the Lisa Scheller and Wayne Woodman Community Services Center on LCCC’s main campus in Schnecksville, Pa. This event, entitled “Raising the Paw,” is just one of many events that support the Jennifer L. Snyder Memorial Veterinary Technician Scholarship Fund at the LCCC Foundation. All proceeds will benefit this Foundation scholarship.

Doors open at 10 a.m. for vendor shopping. Vendors will include It Works, Magnificent Magnets, My Favorite Inspirations, Origami Owl, Jewelry in Candles by Sara, Tastefully Simple and Thirty-One gifts. Vendor openings are still available. Food and beverages will be sold by CulinArt Dining Services; outside food and beverages are not permitted.

Doors will open at noon, with bingo games starting at 1 p.m. Bingo prizes include purses from designers such as Vera Bradley, Coach, Michael Kors and other popular brands. There will be door prizes and raffle drawings at an additional cost. Dabbers will be on sale for $1 each.

Advance tickets at $20 can be purchased online at www.lccc.edu/foundation. Cost is $25 at the door. Price includes 20 games of bingo and special games. Only 200 tickets will be sold. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For event tickets, sponsorship donations and more information, please contact Jane Wilchak at jwilchak@lccc.edu or 610-799-1929.

Maple Syrup Pancake Breakfast

Enjoy a maple syrup pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 12, 2016, 7:00-11:00 a.m. at the Sweet Arrow Lake County Park clubhouse. Snow date is March 19, 2016.

For tickets contact Earl Matz at 570-345-4098 or the Schuylkill Conservation District at 570-622-3742, ex. 5. Tickets are $7.00 for ages 13 and older; $3.00 for ages 6-12; and ages 5 and under are free. Tickets will be sold at the door while supplies last.

Break the Ice Oldies Dance

Warm it up at the Sweet Arrow Lake County Park clubhouse by dancing to the music of "TBA" on Friday, March 4, 2016, 7:00-10:00 p.m. Admission is $10 advance ticket purchase and $12 at the door. For tickets call Susan at 570-624-3018.

S.W.A.T Softball Presents the 1st Annual Kissling Showdown

Softball with an Attitude Softball Presents the 1st Annual Kissling Showdown.

PennDOT, State Police Highlight Highway Safety Laws to Increase Awareness, Safety

Harrisburg, PA (February 18, 2016) Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Leslie S.Richards and State Police Commissioner Tyree Blocker today urged drivers to
review and obey driver safety laws that can often be overlooked.

“We look to create awareness surrounding laws that drivers may not pay attention to, but also to provide reminders as to what each law entails,” Secretary Richards said. “PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police feel it is important to raise awareness through education and outreach, but to also spark conversation via social media.”

Ahead of the state’s Highway Safety Law Awareness week, which runs from February 21-27, the agencies provide the following reminders:

• The “4 Foot Bicycle Law” requires drivers to pass a bicycle at a distance of “not less than four feet” at a careful and prudent speed. The law also permits drivers to cross the center line during this process if safely able to do so. No turn by a driver should interfere with a bicycle proceeding straight.
• “Obey Traffic Signals” focuses on driver safety due to hazardous conditions. Drivers who drive around or through traffic control devices closing a road or highway could receive a $250 fine and two points on their driving record.
• “Teen Seat Belt Law” requires that the driver and all passengers under the age of 18 must wear a seat belt anywhere in the vehicle. Also, drivers under 18 may not operate a vehicle where the number of passengers exceeds the number of available seat belts.
• “Increased fines in work zones” urges motorists to be aware when passing through an active work zone. Anyone violating the posted speed limit by more than five miles per hour will face doubled fines. The fine is determined based on the amount the driver is traveling over the speed limit. A recent amendment of the law also states that any driver who causes serious bodily injury
within a work zone could face up to $5,000 in fines and a six-month license suspension. A driver causing a death within a work zone would face up to a $10,000 fine and one-year license suspension.

"It is important that every driver on Pennsylvania’s roadways is familiar with the laws as they relate to operating a vehicle,” Colonel Blocker said. “This familiarity can go a long way towards keeping yourself and others safe while behind the wheel.”

Weekend Fire Ruled Arson

A weekend fire has been ruled arson,

Thursday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 2/18/16

The Access Services Life Programs in the Schuylkill Region will be hosting a Paint and Enjoy Party Fundraiser on Saturday, March 12 at 7:00 pm at the Hometown Fire Company. Artist and Graphic designer, Connie Higgins, will be guiding you step by step through the process of creating a masterpiece. The best part is, you don’t need to have any painting skills to participate!

Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling 570-640-5774 or emailing kwhite@accessservices.org. Come out and have a blast, all while supporting the Life Programs! Thank you for your support!

Toyota Recalling Over 1 Million SUV's

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 17, 2016 – Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. announced Wednesday that it is conducting a safety recall of approximately 1,124,000 Model Year 2006-2012 RAV4 and Model Year 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles.

The involved vehicles are equipped with lap-shoulder seatbelts in both second-row outboard seats. There is a possibility that, in the event of a very severe frontal crash, the lap belt webbing could contact a portion of the metal seat cushion frame, become cut, and separate. If this occurs, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, which could increase the risk of injury.

Owners of the involved vehicles will receive notification by first class mail. Toyota dealers will add resin covers to the metal seat cushion frame at no cost.

Information about automotive recalls, including but not limited to the list of involved vehicles, is subject to change over time. For the most up-to-date Safety Recall information on Lexus, Toyota and Scion customers should check their vehicle’s status by visiting http://www.toyota.com/recalland entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Safety Recall inquiry by individual VIN is also available at the NHTSA site: safercar.gov/vin. For any additional questions, customer support is also available by calling Toyota Customer Service at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Service at 1-800-255-3987.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Upcoming Hidden Valley Golf Course Events

Upcoming Events for Hidden Valley Golf Course, Pine Grove.

On February 16th, 2016, Frackville Borough Police arraigned Janice Huth, 54, of Frackville on charges related to domestic violence.

LCCC to Host Transfer Fairs

Schnecksville, Pa., Feb. 17, 2016 – Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) will host transfer fairs for students, alumni and the public at several of its sites in March. Representatives from various colleges and universities will be on hand to answer questions about transferring from LCCC to a four-year school. The following transfer fairs are scheduled:

Tuesday, March 8, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - main campus in Schnecksville in the Lisa Scheller and Wayne Woodman Community Services Center (CSC)
Wednesday, March 9, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - LCCC Tamaqua at the Morgan Center
Monday, March 14, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – LCCC Allentown at the Donley Center

LCCC also offers a college visitation program where students interested in transferring can meet with college representatives on a “drop in” basis or by appointment. The calendar of events can be found at http://www.lccc.edu/transferfair.

Sponsored by the Advising and Transfer Center and LCCC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, the transfer fairs are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the Advising and Counseling Office at 610-799-1137 or transfer@lccc.edu. For a complete list of colleges and universities that will be present, visit www.lccc.edu/transferfair.

Fire Crews Called to Fire Early Wednesday

Around 5:30am Wednesday, Fire crews were called to working structure fire, located at 75 North Lake Drive, North Manheim Township, .

The National Weather Service issued an alert Wednesday morning for the possibility of black ice on roadways.

Man Facing Charges for Alleged Assault During Repossession

A Schuylkill County man is facing assault charges after threatening two men while they attempted a repossession.

The National Weather Service has issued a weather alert for water than is ponding on roadways.

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Friday, February 26, 2016

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Monday, February 22, 2016

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Friday, February 19, 2016

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Tuesday, February 16, 2016