Friday, May 20, 2016

Fire Damages 2 Homes Friday Morning

A fire has left at least 5 people homeless Friday morning.


Just after 7:00am Friday morning, fire crews were called to 421 Centre Street, Ashland for a working structure fire.

The fire quickly spread to an adjoining home at 419 Centre Street and was upgraded to a 3rd alarm.

Fire crews from all over Schuylkill and Northumberland Counties responded to help fight the fire.

No injuries were reported but 2 dogs reportedly died in the fire.

A third house suffered minimal damage.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.




















Link to More Photos from Coal Region Fire
https://coal-region-fire.smugmug.com/EMERGENCY-INCIDENT-2016/MAY-2016-INCIDENTS/ASHLAND-HOUSE-FIRE-5-20-2016/

Suspicious Package Found at the Pottsville Post Office

According to authorities, a suspicious package was found at the Pottsville Post Office Friday morning.

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Man Drowns in Pine Grove Township Reservoir

A Lebanon County man reportedly drowned in a Pine Grove Township reservoir Wednesday.

According to the Republican Herald, dive teams recovered the body of Joseph Kearney, 22, of Lebanon from the High Bridge Dam of Lebanon County Reservoir in Pine Grove Township late Thursday.

The drowning reportedly took place Wednesday evening.

The State Police in Schuylkill Haven are investigating.


Full details from the Republican Herald

Five Arrested in Drug Sweep Thursday

Five individuals were arrested Thursday when they were picked up on outstanding warrants.


According to the Schuylkill County District Attorney's Office, authorities attempted to arrest individuals on 10 different warrants Thursday on drug charges.

Arrests began around 6:30am in the Ashland/Girardville area, and out of the 10, 5 individuals were arrested, listed below are the names and charges:

  • Ryan Connor
    • charges for possession/delivery of methamphetamine, $50,000 Straight Cash Bail
  • Leo Cress, 56, Girardville
    • charges for possession/delivery of suboxone, $10,000 Straight Cash Bail
  • Susan McGurl, 45, Ashland
    • charges for possession/delivery of bath salts, $50,000 Straight Cash Bail
  • April Mogish
    • charges for possession/delivery of bath salts, $55,000 Straight Cash Bail
  • Theodore Stang, 51, Girardville
    • charges for possession/delivery of prescription pills, $10,000 Straight Bail
All 5 were arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Christina Hale and committed to Schuylkill County Prison

The other 5 individuals are still being sought by authorities on outstanding warrants and are asking for the public's help if you know their whereabouts.
  • Christopher Benjamin, 33, Lost Creek
  • Jason Connor, unknown
  • Justin Kachelries, 24, Girardville
  • Angela Kohl, 27, Girardville
  • Jesse Pritsch, 33, Ashland
Anyone with information on the individuals above should call the drug tip line at 1-800-414-1406.

Arrests Made During Warrant Sweep Thursday Morning

On Thursday morning, authorities were busy serving warrants in the Girardville area.

County Treasurer Reminds Dog Owners that Licenses are Past Due

Treasurer Linda Marchalk reminds all Schuylkill County dog owners that 2016 dog licenses are now past due. State law requires that all dogs three months or older be licensed by January 1. An annual license is $8.50 and a lifetime license is $51.50. If the dog is spayed or neutered, the annual fee is $6.50 while a lifetime license is $31.50. Discounts are available for senior citizens and people with disabilities. Marchalk has been told that State Dog Wardens will be canvassing in Schuylkill County in June as well as additional times throughout the year. For each unlicensed dog, the warden can issue the dog owner a citation which is a summary offense which carries a maximum fine of $300.

Licenses are available at the Schuylkill County Treasurer’s Office or your local dog agent. For your convenience, you can also go online at www.padoglicense.com to purchase your license. A list of 2016 Dog Agents and a downloadable application is available online at www.co.schuylkill.pa.us/Offices/Treasurer/Treasurer.asp

“Not only is it a state law, but obtaining a license is a good way to ensure the safety of our pets,” said Marchalk. “If a dog is lost or stolen, a license can safely reunite them with the owner.”

T-102 Appalachian Wine Festival This Weekend

The T-102 Applachian Wine Festival is this weekend.

USA Drive-In Opening This Weekend at the Schuylkill Mall


The Drive In is scheduled to open for the summer on Friday, May 20th.

Man Charged With Attempted Murder and Drug Charges After Heroin Overdose

On Wednesday, around 8:30pm, Shenandoah Borough Police were called to 23 S Chestnut St for a heroin overdose.

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Free Car Seat Fitting Stations Scheduled As Part of "Click It or Ticket"

The national "Click It or Ticket" campaign occurs May 23 - June 5, 2016.

Girls Pint Out Announces a New Chapter in Schuylkill, Carbon, and Lower Luzerne Counties

Girls Pint is happy to announce that Anthracite Girls Pint Out is the newest Girls Pint Out chapter. 

PHOTO: Blue Mountain Graduate Recipient of South Schuylkill Garden Club Scholarship

Courtney Steinruch a soon to be Blue Mountain graduate speaks about her future plans to study environmental science to the members of the South Schuylkill Garden Club at their monthly meeting. Courtney is this year's recipient of the Club's Scholarship. Looking on is Porcupine Pat as the Scholarship Chairman.

Photo taken by Kim Morgan

One Flown to Hospital After Crash Overnight

One person was flown to an area hospital overnight after a crash early Wednesday.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Police Investigating Theft and Use of Fraudulent Gift Cards

The Rush Township Police is currently investigating a theft which occurred at the Hometown Wal Mart on 5/16/16 around 4:00pm.

Bret Michaels Returning to Goodfellas in June

Goodfellas in Pottsville announced Tuesday morning that Bret Michaels will be returning in June with a special guest, Eric Brittingham of Cinderella.

Police Discover Heroin While Serving Warrants

(05/17/16) On Monday, Schuylkill Haven Borough Police Department were assigned to a warrant detail. The purpose of the detail is to serve outstanding warrants for previous arrests made by the Department in which the defendant has failed in responding to charges.

Monday, May 16, 2016

Schuylkill County Woman Identified as Victim in Deadly Northampton County Crash

Authorities have identified one of three victims in a Northampton County deadly crash earlier this month as a woman from Schuylkill County.

Kayak Demo Day

Thinking about getting a kayak? The Lazy River Riders' Kayak Club has just the thing to help you take the plunge with confidence. On Sunday, June 5, 2016, 3:00-5:30 p.m. at the boat launch area on Sweet Arrow Lake Road try a variety of boats, sit in them, and give them a paddle on the lake to help you choose the best one for you! Club members will be furnishing their boats & knowledge to help you make a wise purchase. This is a sunshine only event and pre-registration is required by calling 570-624-3018.

Man Facing Drug Charges

Late Sunday Brian Cyr, 27, of Frackville was arrested by Mahanoy City Police Officers Johnson and Rentschler and charged with numerous drug offenses.

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Four Facing Drug Charges

Frackville Borough Police have filed charges against four males after incident that occurred on May 5th.

Schuylkill County Road Work Scheduled for This Week


Schuylkill County Road Work Scheduled for This Week

One Flown After Vehicle Crashes into Home Sunday Morning

One person was flown Sunday morning after a vehicle crashed into a home Sunday morning.

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Friday, May 13, 2016

Woman Facing Drug Charges

Charges were filed today on a Shenandoah woman for an incident in Mahanoy City at the Coco Hut in April. 

LCCC Holds New EMT Class for Carbon and Schuylkill Counties

Schnecksville, Pa., May 13, 2016 – Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) has added an additional Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program at its Morgan Center in Tamaqua for individuals who are likely to respond to pre-hospital emergencies or those considering a medical career.

Rain Washes Out Another Friday Night Of Action At Big Diamond

MINERSVILLE, PA. – For the third consecutive Friday, rain has forced the cancellation of the racing action at the Big Diamond Speedway.

Fire Destroys Vacant Home Friday Afternoon

Just after 1:00pm Friday, fire crews were called to 120 South Grant Street, Shenandoah for a working structure fire.

Southbound Interstate 81 Lane Restrictions Begin Next Week

On Wednesday, May 18th, the southbound lanes of Interstate 81 from the Ravine Exit to Lebanon County will be restricted to a single lane and crossoverto the Northbound side for the next phase of the Interstate 81 construction project.

Man Facing Drug Charges After Incident

A man is facing drug charges after an overnight incident in Mahanoy City.

According to Police, Ilvin Gumbs, 23 of West Hazleton was charged by Ptlm Rentschler & Kovalewski after an incident around 12:30am Friday.

Gumbs faces charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, unlawful possession, drug paraphernalia, DUI, and summary offenses.

He was arrested and placed in Schuylkill County Prison.

Mahanoy City Police





Thursday, May 12, 2016

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Laser Pointed at Flying Medical Helicopter

Photo not of actual incident
Schuylkill County Crime Stoppers and State Police at Schuylkill Haven are asking for the public’s help in finding those responsible for aiming a laser light at a medical helicopter in April.

The incident reportedly occurred about 8:50 p.m. April 17 near Seltzer, Norwegian Township.

Police said a Geisinger Medical Center Life Flight helicopter was flying overhead when someone aimed the light at the aircraft.

Schuylkill County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information on the identity of those responsible for this crime or on any unsolved crime in Schuylkill County.

Callers are asked to refer to case 05-08-16 when calling with information about the incident involving the laser light in Norwegian Township.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 877-TIPS4SC (877-847-7472).

Callers can also relay their information directly to state police at Schuylkill Haven by calling 570-739-1330.

All information will remain confidential

Below is a video published by the FBI demonstrating how a pilot can be blinded by a laser while piloting an aircraft.

Yuengling Brewery Blood Drive - 05/27/16


Short Track Super Series ‘Anthracite Assault’ Postponed At Big Diamond Speedway

MINERSVILLE, PA. – The weather certainly has not been a favorable one for race fans in northeastern Pennsylvania since the calendar turned to the month of May.

Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/11/16


Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/11/16

9th Annual Kielbasi Festival is Coming Soon

The 9th Annual Kielbasi Festival is coming up!

The festival takes place in Shenandoah on May 21st, 2016 on Main and Centre Street and goes to Washington St.

The three kings, Capital Kowalonek's and Lucky's Kielbasi Shops and the Queen Mrs. T
will be featured.

It starts at 11:00am and run until 5:00pm.

 There is music by the Shenandoah All Star Polka band, Eastern European food, and craft, The Hookies Bleenies, fun for the kids and a bounce house.

There is also a contest for anyone that makes Kielbasi at home.

For more information call 570-462-2060

Follow the event on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/Kielbasi-Festival-Shenandoah-PA-346132849319/

"Schuylkill Mall Goes to the Dogs" This Sunday

 Schuykill Mall Goes to the Dogs happens this Sunday from 10 to 5. 

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Schuylkill County Prison Receives Order from Department of Corrections

Schuylkill County Prison Board Chairman George F. Halcovage, Jr. announced Tuesday that the Schuylkill County Prison received an Order dated May 4, 2016 from Pennsylvania Department of Corrections determining that the Schuylkill County Prison is ineligible to receive any additional prisoners sentenced to a maximum term of 6 months or more but less than 5 years. 

In the order issued by John E. Wetzel, Secretary of the Department of Corrections, it states that the prison failed to reach the benchmark of 277 inmates within the prison by November 24, 2015.  As of that date, 305 inmates were housed in the prison and continued to grow after.  The Order was issued to help reduce the number of housed inmates below the agreed benchmark.

The agreed benchmark was set forth in the Settlement Agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections dated July 28, 2015.

The Prison Board with the Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners, has worked to implement several programs including work release, a day monitoring center and an inmate diversion program. In addition, contracts with various state and county correctional facilities to house Schuylkill County inmates have been entered into and others are currently being negotiated and reviewed. 

The County has already diverted over thirty inmates since the original order and additional inmates are presently being classified for transfer. 

Commissioner Halcovage stated, "Despite the County's diligent efforts to reach the benchmark set by the PA Department of Corrections, the continued swelling numbers of inmates in Schuylkill County has prevented it from attaining that benchmark. The Schuylkill County Prison Board and Board of Commissioners are committed to continuing to work with the Department of Corrections, the Schuylkill County Court as well as County Law Enforcement professionals to insure that all inmate housing requirements are met and those individuals adjudicated by the Court requiring incarceration will be incarcerated."

The Commissioners will be reviewing the additional inmate housing agreements which upon approval will then open additional out of county housing opportunities for Schuylkill County Inmates.

Wireless Nation Customer Appreciation Day This Saturday

WHEN:  May 14, 2016 from 10:00am to 8:00pm

Yuengling Uses Social Media to Raise Money for The Veterans



Pottsville, PA, May 10, 2016 - D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., is supporting the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) with a multi-year commitment through their “Respect. It’s Earned.” campaign.

Yuengling’s #LagersForHeroes program is using social media to gain donations for the VFW’s many programs geared to assist veterans, service members and their families. Thanks to technology company GoodWorld, our social savvy fans will be able to donate on specific Facebook posts by commenting “#donate” and the dollar amount they’d like to give or by tweeting @VFWHQ “#donate” and their donation amount. Yuengling will also be encouraging fans to support the VFW by texting Hero to 90999 and by visiting Yuengling.com/VFW to donate online.

This new initiative is a great way for Yuengling to demonstrate the brewery’s respect for our nation’s veterans and the sacrifices they’ve made to protect our great country. Yuengling’s #LagersForHeroes program will be promoted from Memorial Day through the 4th of July.

“We’re excited to enable supporters to donate in the way that’s most convenient to them and to have teamed up with GoodWorld to allow them to donate through Facebook and Twitter,” said Randi Law, VFW communications & public affairs manager.

“Yuengling’s generosity and the commitment from their fans to the VFW will help ensure we’re able to provide the assistance that America’s veterans deserve well into the future,” said John E. Hamilton, VFW adjutant general.

“We have tremendous respect for those that have served and their sacrifices,” said Richard “Dick” Yuengling, president and owner of Yuengling. “We know the toll it takes to leave your family to protect and serve our great country. This program is our way to support those who give so much.”

The VFW offers scholarships, financial grants, employment assistance and other services to veterans, service members and their families.

Police Searching for Man Wanted on Assault Charges

Minersville Police are seeking the whereabouts of Brandon Lafferty, 22, with no known address.

Monday, May 9, 2016

Schuylkill County Burn Ban

A post has been circling the web that the Schuylkill County Burn Ban is ending.  That information is false.

The burn ban expires on May 22nd, 2016 at Noon.

Black Diamond Antiques To Close in the Schuylkill Mall

The Schuylkill Mall announced Monday that the Black Diamond Antiques & Collectibles will be closing.

In a Facebook post, the mall reported that the store's last day will be Sunday, May 15th.

Vendors of the store reported that they received notice Monday via a letter in the mail.  No warning was given prior to the announcement.

UPDATE:  Skook News received a copy of the letter received by the vendors of the store and the letter states the store will closed effective May 9, 2016 at 9:00pm.



 

ARDC Invades Big Diamond This Friday

MINERSVILLE, PA. – Midget racing has also been very popular at Big Diamond Speedway as large crowds come to watch these small but very powerful cars.

Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/09/16


Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/09/16

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Introduction to Canoeing and Kayaking

Did you ever want to try canoeing or kayaking? Now you can on May 30, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. This program will introduce you to the basics of boating safety, paddling, and control. Meet at the canoe launch near the clubhouse. Pre-registration is required and the number of participants will be limited. This program is free and is suitable for teens and adults. Call 570-345-8952 to register.

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Woman Sentenced for Deadly DUI Crash

An Ashland woman was sent to prison this week for causing a deadly DUI crash.

Ringtown Man Facing Child Porn and Drug Charges

On Tuesday, a Ringtown man was arrested and jailed on child pornography and drug charges.

Friday, May 6, 2016

TRAFFIC ALERT: Vehicle Rollover on Route 61 Southbound

(05/06/16)  Around 5:45pm, Friday, emergency crews were called to the area of Dead Man's Curve on Route 61 Southbound between Frackville and St. Clair for a vehicle rollover.

Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/06/16


Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/06/16

Scheduled Schuylkill County Road Work


Scheduled Schuylkill County Road Work For Next Week

Rain Cancels Big Diamond Races for Second Straight Week

MINERSVILLE, PA. – All day rain showers forced the cancellation of tonight's racing card at Big Diamond Speedway for the second straight week.

4-H’ers Participate in Bear Creek Festival

Blue Mt. 4-H Livestock Club members will enhance the Bear Creek Festival to be held Sunday, May 15 on the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds. During the operating hours of 12 Noon till 4PM, club members will busy helping others attending this free event learn a little more about agriculture and nature. As this club is about livestock, the club members will bring some of the animals that they are raising for this year’s Schuylkill County Fair. Participants in the Bear Creek Festival can have a firsthand look at the animals and any questions that might arise about the animals can be answered knowledgably by the 4-H’ers who are raising that animal. A full-fledged discussion can ensue and the 4-H’er will gladly exchange knowledge that they have learned through raising these animals as livestock projects. Some of the 4-H’ers might just share some of that knowledge gained from learning to raise the animals like sheep do not have upper teeth or that cows, sheep and goats are ruminants meaning that they have four stomachs. These few facts mentioned here and a lot more can be learned from these knowledgeable 4-H’ers at the Bear Creek Festival by just asking questions.

Club members will also engage festival goer’s in two hands on activity by making jumping frogs. One will be the Origami Jumping Frog with nothing more than a piece of paper. Bear creek participants will take ordinary paper with the help and guidance of 4-H’ers will make a simple jumping frog. Some tips to consider when making the frogs are to crease any corners well as the frog will jump better and the smaller the frog, the farther it will jump. These tips may come in handy as the 4-H’ers will set up a little competition with prizes to be awarded with the frogs that make it into the competition circle with the least number of hops. A second hands on activity festival goer’s may engage themselves in are making Jumping Frog Cups. Here participants can draw or select a pre drawn frog to be applies to two small sturdy disposable drinking cups. The cup that the frog is attached to is reconfigured with two rubber bands in a crisscross shape at the mouth of the cup. The regular cup is placed upside down on the table and the froggy cup on top and pushed down. As the froggy cup is released the cup will spring back and froggy will jump. The 4-H’ers might also encourage participants with the froggy cups to enter into a small competition of which froggy cup can jump the furthest.

4-H’ers will also have a quiet corner where festival goers will be able to sit on straw bales and relax as 4-Her’s read from a book titled The Frightened Frog by Brenda Moore and Jean Ohlmann. It is an environmental tale lent to the 4-H’ers by the South Schuylkill Garden Club and endorsed by the National Garden clubs of America. Come and enjoy story time with the 4-H’ers as they read from The Frightened Frog.

Club members will be operating the food stand at the tractor pulls. Stop buy and purchase a hotdog to snack on and wash it down with a refreshing beverage while watching the tractor pulls. Have a sweet tooth then see the 4-H’ers in the 4-H building for baked goods and refreshing drinks. These are just three of the many activities to be engaged in at the Bear Creek Festival to be held Sunday, May 15 on the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds where this free fun family event is held from noon till 4 Pm.

PHOTO: South Schuylkill Garden Club Collecting for Annual Plant Sale

The 3 co-chairs of the South Schuylkill Garden Club are busy collecting and potting plants for the annual plant sale on May 21st. Carol Haldeman from Pine Grove,Jeanne Zulick from Schuylkill Haven, and Helen Moyer from Freidensburg.

Canoe and Kayak Rental at Sweet Arrow Lake

Sweet Arrow Lake County Park canoe and kayak rentals open at the canoe launch near the clubhouse on Memorial Day weekend, May 29, 2016.