Skook News - Your #1 Source for Schuylkill County News

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Police Looking for Man Allegedly Involved in Pottsville Shooting

The Pottsville Police have issued an arrest warrant for a man who allegedly is involved in a Pottsville shooting early Monday.

PIAA Baseball & Softball Championship Scores - Round 1 - 06/06/16

The Mahanoy City Police posted the following regarding a phone scam that residents are receiving.

(06/06/16) Emergency personnel are at the scene of a motor vehicle accident midday Monday.

Lisowski Dominates Sportsman Feature, Wins Sportsman Challenge Race

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- After a few weeks of misfortune, lady luck shined brightly on Mike Lisowski on Friday night as he captured his first win of the 2016 season in the 20-lap U.S.S. Achey Sportsman feature along with wining five round to claim the Red White and Blue Autos Sportsman challenge race.

Identity of One of the Victims Released in Fatal Pedestrian Accidents

(06/05/16) One of the victims has been identified in the two separate fatal pedestrian accidents Saturday evening in Schuylkill County.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for Schuylkill County.

On Saturday, the Rangers Hose Company, Girardville, held a day of activities to celebrate their 1916 Ford Model T fire engine turning 100 years old.

Two Pedestrians Struck and Killed in Separate Incidents Saturday Evening

(06/04/16) Within a half hour time period, emergency personnel were called to two separate incidents where pedestrians were struck and killed in Schuylkill County Saturday evening.

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

Police Looking for Help to Identify Individual Involved in Theft

Image from Minersville PD

Minersville Police are looking to identify this individual in regards to a theft.

PIAA Baseball & Softball Championship Schedule - Round 1

A Pottsville man was charged late Thursday for allegedly assaulting a police officer at an incident Wednesday morning.

Submitted Photo

POTTSVILLE – Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) top official, Secretary Dennis Davin, met with local legislators to discuss community revitalization during his visit to the county on Thursday.

Thursday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 06/02/16

A quad has been reported to been stolen from the Ashland area.

(06/02/16) Interstate 81 Northbound was closed overnight due to a crash.

Just after 1:30am Thursday, emergency crews were called to the northbound lanes of Interstate 81 at milemarker 138, near McAdoo, for an overturned tractor trailer.

The crash blocked both Northbound lanes so traffic was diverted off of the McAdoo exit onto Route 309.

No word on injuries were what caused the crash.

Intoxicated Man Allegedly Crashes a Stolen Vehicle and Flees Scene.

Police are looking for a man who allegedly crashed a stolen vehicle and assaulted people Tuesday evening in Tower City.

North Schuylkill Begins New Tradition for Seniors with Send Off

On Wednesday morning, the North Schuylkill Administration, Elementary staff and students started a new tradition by giving a special send off to the Class of 2016.

Night of Wings Among June Highlights at Big Diamond Speedway

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- Following a rainy month of May, race fans in the coal region are hoping for warm weather and rain-free Friday nights as Big Diamond Speedway will play host to four nights of racing in June.

POTTSTOWN—The annual Schuylkill River Sojourn is always a weeklong celebration of the river. This year, the over 200 paddlers participating in the 7-day journey from June 4-10 will also celebrate the 18th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn itself.

Just before 11:00am, two young girls were reportedly hit by a vehicle in the 100 Block of North Railroad Street, Tamaqua.

Wildlife Day Camps at Sweet Arrow Lake Park

Eagles, animals, trees and water are just some of the things that can make for a great summer outdoor program. Children are naturally curious and enjoy exploring and learning about plants and animals especially at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park in Pine Grove. Two day camps for children are being offered this year:

* Wildlife Day Camp #1 (children ages 4-6) from Wednesday, June 22 to Friday, June 24 from 9:30-11:00 a.m.
* Wildlife Day Camp #2 (children ages 7-9) from Wednesday, June 22 to Friday, June 24 from 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Both camps will be led by “Porcupine Pat” McKinney of the Schuylkill Conservation District and are being run on a “donation only” basis. “We want to make the camps available to all children regardless of ability to pay,” added “Porcupine.” “You can pay for one day or all three days, whatever you decide is fine.” The focus of each camp is learning about wildlife, insects, and plants and will include fun activities designed to stimulate curiosity and natural awareness. These camps are sponsored by the Snayberger Memorial Foundation and the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation. All campers must be pre-registered by contacting “Porcupine Pat” at the Conservation District at 570-622-4124, ext. 113 or via email at porcupinepat@yahoo.com

Both camps will be held under the Large Pavilion at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park.

Police Looking for Suspect in Armed Robbery

Police in Carbon County are asking for the public's assistance in apprehending a subject of an armed robbery that took place Wednesday morning.

Three Injured, One Flown to Hospital After Tuesday Morning Crash

Photo Courtesy of Andrew Leibenguth /
TamaquaArea.com Public Forum

Around 10:30am Tuesday morning, emergency crews were called to the border of Tamaqua and Schuylkill Township along Route 209 for a motor vehicle accident with injuries.

Photo Courtesy of Andrew Leibenguth/TamaquArea.com
Public Forum

A Schuylkill County Ambulance caught fire Tuesday afternoon in Lebanon County.

Big Diamond Speedway Point Standings as of May 27

The Pennsylvania State Police have charged four employees of a Schuylkill County store with stealing money and using it on the Pennsylvania Lottery and other items.

According to Police, Kerry Titus, 54, Joan Lechleitner, 51, Samantha Schaeffer, 25, and Tyler Schappell, 21, all of Pottsville were arraigned Tuesday afternoon on charges of theft by unlawful taking and theft by deception for allegedly stealing over $175,000 from the Cressona Agway, located on 22 North Second Street where they all worked.

The thefts were reportedly made through fraudulent product returns between May 2011 and March 2016.

The accused then reportedly spent the money on various items including Pennsylvania Lottery tickets.

According to the Pennsylvania Lottery, the four hit the Cash 5 Jackpot on September 11, 2015 for $261,000.

The four were arraigned before Magisterial District Judge James Ferrier, Orwigsburg.

USDA Rural Development Funds Two New Minersville Trucks through a Loan and Grant Combo

USDA Rural Development is funding the purchase of two new trucks for the use of the Borough of Minersville, Schuylkill County. The Borough of Minersville is an eligible rural area in the state of Pennsylvania.

“USDA Rural Development is happy to fund vehicles for communities like Minersville,” said Rural Development State Director Tom Williams. “Funding these vehicles will ensure that the Borough of Minersville continues to respond to calls around the community in a timely and efficient manner.”

The funding comes in the form of a Rural Development Community Facility loan of $96,600 as well as a Community Facility grant of $20,600. This loan and grant combination will be used to purchase two 2016 Chevrolet 3500HD trucks. One truck will come equipped with a dump box, snow plow, and salt spreader packages while the second truck will come equipped with a snow plow package. A $200 applicant contribution puts the total project funding at $117,400.

In Pennsylvania last year, the USDA Community Facility Program invested over $199 million in rural Pennsylvania through 58 community facilities loans and grants. Community Facilities programs help build, expand, rehabilitate, purchase, and support the development of police and emergency fire stations and equipment, museums, child care centers, hospitals, clinics, schools, and more.

Monday, May 30, 2016

Photos of Mahanoy City's Annual Memorial Day Parade 2016

Friday's Results from Big Diamond Speedway - 05/27/16

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

Hawk Mountain Council to Host Service to Youth and Community Breakfast

The Hawk Mountain Council, Boy Scouts of America will hold a Distinguished Citizen Breakfast to honor the Schaeffer Family, H. Slayton Altenburg and other local community leaders.

Schuylkill County Fireworks Schedule for 2016

Yuengling to Present Donation to VFW at National Convention

D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., announced Thursday that it will recognize the sacrifices that America’s veterans have made by presenting a generous donation to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) at the 117th VFW National Convention in Charlotte N.C. this July. The donation will go toward the VFW’s many veteran and military assistance programs which help countless veterans, service members and military family members each year.

A Girardville man has been charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl.

Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/25/16

The Rangers Hose Company, Girardville, is planning a day of activities for June 4th, 2016 to celebrate their 1916 Ford Model T fire engine turning 100 years old.

Pennsylvania Governor Wolf announced Wednesday that you soon will be able to buy six packs at your local gas stations.

Around 11:30am Wednesday, fire crews were called to 219 West Oak Street, Shenandoah for a house fire.

Around 9:00am, Wednesday, fire crews were called to 111 Bear Creek Drive, East Brunswick Township for a house fire.

The fire is reported to be a trailer.

More details when they are available.

Hallmark Closing in the Fairlane Village Mall

Photo from HeritageShop.com

The Hallmark Heritage Shop in the Fairlane Village Mall announced Monday that they will be closing.

Auditor General Reports that 42,000 Calls to Child Abuse Hotline Went Unanswered

HARRISBURG (May 24, 2016) – Thousands of children across the commonwealth could have been left in dangerous situations, Auditor General Eugene DePasquale said Tuesday, because of severe deficiencies at ChildLine, the state hotline for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect.

Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/24/16

Gone But Not Forgotten Race to Wrap Up May Races at Big Diamond and Current Point Standings

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- Over the years, Big Diamond Speedway has been blessed to have some of the greatest people in racing grace the track as drivers, car owners, crew chiefs, mechanics or dedicated fans.

On Friday, the speedway will honor their memories with the Mark’s Service Station will present the Gone But Not Forgotten Race.

A list of names appears on a billboard behind the scoring tower for fans to see at the speedway and one of those names is Fran Purcell.

A long-time racer and car owner, Purcell died in November of 2008 and he was remembered in victory lane last Tuesday night by Ryan Watt while celebrating his win in the 50-lap Short Track Super Series Anthracite Assault modified feature.

“It’s a real big thing as I never ran Big Diamond that much and he gave me a shot at it and we got along real well,” Watt said. “Fran was so well known and to be involved with someone who was a big supporter of Big Diamond is really big to me.”

Friday’s race will be the first point race for the CJ’s Tire & Automotive Services 358 modifieds in a month thanks to rain outs.

They’ll be joined on the card by the U.S.S. Achey sportsman, Savage 61 roadrunners, No Sweat Service Group street stocks and the vintage cars.

General admission is $15, $13 for seniors and kids 12-and-under along with active military with a valid ID are free.

The gates opens at 5 with warm ups at 7:45 and racing getting underway at 8:15.

Current Point Standings
CJ's Tire & Automotive Services 358 Modifieds:
1. Ryan Godown 837
2. Billy Pauch Jr. 779
3. Jeff Strunk 774
4. Ryan Grim 749
5. Ray Swinehart 702
6. Rick Laubach 669
7. Ryan Watt 659
8. Duane Howard 653
9. Brett Kressley 628
10. Shawn Fitzpatrick 541.

U.S.S. Achey Sportsman:
1. Brandon Grosso 1466
2. Tim Fitzpatrick 1369
3. Wayne Witmer 1282
4. Ray Woodall Jr. 1182
5. Doug Hendricks 1065
6. Chuck Fayash 993
7. Matt Clay 972
8. Ed Mrochko 964
9. Ray Woodall Sr. 929
10.Kyle Gruber 888.

Savage 61 roadrunners:
1. Kody Sites 1133
2. Andrew Fayash III 1129
3. Terry Kramer 996
4. Tim Fitzpatrick Jr. 972
5. Jim Kost 972
6. T.J. Fitzpatrick 904
7. Steve Gromis 892
8. Kris Ney 875
9. Chuck Eckert 854
10. Devin Trexler 823.

No Sweat Service Group street stocks:
1. Eric Tripp 614
2. Rich Bossinger 577
3. Chris Derr 537
4. Jeremy Becker 505
5. Jasen Geesaman 480
6. Leroy Long 460
7. Bobby Kupp 459
8. Jim Somers 452
9. Scott Strickler 438
10. Elvin Brennan III 404.

Fishing Licenses Available; Price to Increase June 1st

Schuylkill County Treasurer Linda L Marchalk reminds all Schuylkill County residents that 2016 fishing licenses are available for purchase during regular business hours.

Just after 5:00am Tuesday morning, fire crews were called to the scene of a working house fire in Orwigsburg.

Fatal Motorcycle Accident on Interstate 81 Monday Afternoon

The coroner has been called to the scene of a motorcycle crash on Interstate 81 Monday afternoon.

The City of Hazleton announced Monday that the hit TV show "COPS" will be filming episodes in the city for the next 8 weeks.

Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/23/16

Wilkes Barre, PA- SMG officials in Wilkes Barre are thrilled to announce Brew Crew Events present the inaugural NEPA Craft Beer Festival.

TA dense fog advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for Schuylkill County on Monday morning.

According to the advisory,

DENSE FOG ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT THIS MORNING...

* TIMING...PARTIAL CLEARING HAS RESULTED IN AREAS OF DENSE FOG.
THE FOG WILL LIKELY BECOME MORE WIDESPREAD TOWARD SUNRISE AS
SKIES CONTINUE TO CLEAR EARLY THIS MORNING. THE FOG SHOULD BURN
OFF SHORTLY AFTER SUNRISE.

* IMPACTS...VISIBILITY WILL BE LESS THAN A QUARTER MILE IN AREAS
OF DENSE FOG.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO SLOW DOWN...USE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND
KEEP A SAFE FOLLOWING DISTANCE FROM THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF YOU.
CONSIDER ALLOWING EXTRA TIME TO REACH YOUR DESTINATION.

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Sunday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/22/16

(05/22/16) The burn ban that was issued April 22nd, 2016 for Schuylkill County will lift today, May 22nd, 2016 at noon.

PHOTO: Tamaqua Student Receives FARM Scholarship

Photo caption: (L to R) Kim Morgan, Scholarship Chairman presents the Foundation for Agriculture and Resource Management (FARM) to the 2015 Hannah Miller of Tamaqua. 2016 Scholarship appllications are due by June 1 and the application may be found on the Schuylkill County Fair web site at www.schuylkillfair.com

Police Investigating Gunshots at McDonald's Saturday Afternoon

The State Police in Schuylkill Haven are investigating a report of gunshots in a McDonald's Parking Lot Saturday afternoon.

Ray Woodall Sr., Wins First Ever Sportsman Feature

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- It was 30 years in the making but Ray Woodall Sr., would have been happy with just his heat race win on Friday night.

Instead, the veteran modified campaigner who began his career at the famed Flemington Fair Speedway in the sportsman division in 1983, held off challenges from Doug Hendricks and then Tim Fitzpatrick to score his first-ever win in the 20-lap U.S.S. Achey sportsman feature on Friday night at Big Diamond Speedway.

Other winners on Friday night were Brett Arndt (ARDC Midgets); Kody Sites (roadrunners); and Eric Tripp (street stocks).

The speedway is back in action on Friday, May 27 with the Mark’s Service Center Night for the Gone But Not Forgotten Race featuring the CJ’s Tire & Automotive Services 358 modifieds, U.S.S. Achey sportsman, Savage 61 roadrunners, No Sweat Service Group street stocks and vintage cars.

It took two attempts to get the sportsman feature underway as rookie Skylar Sheriff experienced mechanical issues with this car, but once the green flew it was a battle between Woodall Sr., and Shawn Light in the opening laps.

Light would fend off the charge on the outside of Woodall Sr. on the opening lap as the two raced side-by-side down the backstretch.

In what would turn out to be a caution-filled race, Woodall Sr. took the lead on a lap 1 restart as he battled Light going into Turn 3.

Light would see his night come to an end when he was part of a three-car accident on the restart of lap 7 on the front stretch.

Woodall Sr., would lead the way on the restart as Fitzpatrick and Hendricks battled for second. Fitzpatrick would take over the runner-up spot just past the halfway mark and set sail after Woodall.

As Fitzpatrick closed in on lap 17, a lapped car came into play as Woodall and Fitzpatrick had to go to the high side in Turns 1 and 2, thus slowing Fitzpatrick for just a moment which allowed Woodall to open up his lead with two laps to go.

“To leave here tonight with a feature win, this is incredible,” Woodall Sr. Said. “I’m an old guy. I’m 57 and I am just starting to do this again and I am having such a good time.”

Fitzpatrick gave Woodall Sr., all he could handle while settling for second place with Craig Whitmoyer, Hendricks and Mike Lisowski rounding out the top five.

“Thank God Tim Fitzpatrick has patience, because I know I got squirly in front of him a bunch of times,” Woodall said. “With two to go and even on the white flag lap, I was thinking there is no way I was going to win this. I was waiting for Tim (Fitzpatrick) to go by. There’s no way this was happening. I was there for my son Ray’s first win at Big Diamond and he was there for mine. I ran big blocks at Flemington and I never qualified. I had garbage equipment and these new cars are so nice to drive.”

Sixth through 10th were Brandon Grosso, T.J. Lilly, Wayne Witmer, Cale Ross and Ryan Shupp.

Heats for the 23 sportsman were won by Light and Woodall Sr.

Lapped traffic would play a role in the outcome of the 20-lap ARDC midget feature at Trevor Kobylarz who had a healthy lead late in the race, bobbled going into Turn 1 on the final lap allowing Arndt to get a run on the high-side of Turn 2 and pass him for the win, his second of the season.

The lap before that, Arndt showed his nose to Kobylarz but Arndt pushed up the track and lost some momentum.

“I think that he kind of felt like the only place that I was going to run was on the bottom and lapped traffic gave us plenty of room and I was definitely better than him a lane up and luckily it was a clean grove and we made a pretty cool pass; it’s been a long time since we took a win from somebody,” Arndt said. "The track was in great shape and we had a great surface to run on from top to bottom. We always enjoy coming here with ARDC."

Kobylarz battled with midget veteran Danny Stratton in the early goings before the two made contact coming off Turn 4 on lap 6, sending Startton spinning into the infield.

Arndt was busy holding off Alex Bright for most of the race as they closed in on Kobylarz for the lead in the final few laps.

Kobylarz held on for second with Bright third while Billy Pauch, Jr., and Ryan Wilson completed the top five.

Sixth through 10th were Brenden Bright, Nick Wean, Ryan Greth, Kyle Spence and Justin Grosz. Heats for the 19 midgets were won by Danny Stratton and Greth.

Cody Site is beginning to assert himself as an early-season title contender as he scored his second win of the year in the Savage 61 roadrunners 20-lap feature.

Sites held off Jesse Kranitsky on a lap 13 restart and pulled away for the win.

“This thing was a rocket tonight,” Sites said. “We had a rough night in the second week, but I think we got it now. I have to thank my dad. He did a lot of work on the car over the winter.”

While Sites was pulling away, five cars were battling for the runner-up spot as Kranitsky held off Andy Fayash III by less than a fender at the line for second

Heats for the 23 roadrunners were won by Andrew Fayash III and Chuck Eckert

Tripp continues to lead the way in the No Sweat Service Group street stocks as he held on for a last-lap restart for the win.

“We were pretty quick off the starts tonight and I wanted to be down low (inside grove) and I don’t know what happened, but I got by him and Chris is a heck of a driver, we were pretty lucky to get the win,” Trip said.

Jasen Geeseman, Chris Derr, Jim Bossinger and Bobby Kupp completed the top five.

Sixth through 10th were Dustin Hollinger, Jimmy Combs, Leroy Long Jeremy Becker and Tyler Stump. Heats for the 20 street stocks were won by Deer and Jasen Geeseman.

In the Kim’s Kreation’s Mechanics race, Andrew Walls (street stocks) and Shawn Marshall (roadrunners) took home the wins.

The gates will open at 5 p.m. on May 27 with warm ups at 7:45 and racing begins at 8:15. General admission is $15, seniors, $13, and kids 12-and-under and active military with a valid ID are free.

By Shawn Wood

Friday, May 20, 2016

Armed Ashland Man Shot By Secret Service at White House

(05/20/16) According to Fox News outlets, the man shot by the secret service was from Ashland.

On Friday morning, Schuylkill County veterans spoke to students of the North Schuylkill School District.

Mahanoy City Police are reporting that there have been multiple burglaries reported the last couple days in the borough.

The burglaries are reported to involve 3 males in a gold Mazda 4 door vehicle. The males have been stealing copper and scrap from abandoned homes in town.

Police have identified all 3 and have obtained video and pictures of the accused.

Anyone seeing this vehicle at any abandoned residences in the area is asked to contact police at (570) 773-2310.

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Monday, June 6, 2016

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Saturday, June 4, 2016

Friday, June 3, 2016

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Monday, May 30, 2016

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Friday, May 27, 2016

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Monday, May 23, 2016

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Friday, May 20, 2016