Skook News - Your #1 Source for Schuylkill County News

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Road Closed Due to Crash Between Mahanoy City and Gilberton Tuesday Evening

A crash has closed a road between Mahanoy City and Gilberton Tuesday evening.

A man who caused a crash in Pottsville on Monday has passed away.

The Schuylkill County Fair will hold its third annual Boilo Contest (Champaign of the Coal Crackers) on Wednesday, August 3 at 7:30PM in the PA Preferred Culinary Area of the fairgrounds.

Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 06/21/16

Schuylkill County Fair has been chosen from multiple communities in Schuylkill County to be featured in a documentary Series titled; “Skook Tales; Written by You.”

LCCC To Hold Open Houses

Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) will hold open houses on Tuesday, July 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at three convenient campus locations in Schnecksville, Allentown and Tamaqua (held off campus at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center at 125 Pine Street, Tamaqua, Pa.).

Pennsylvania Residents to Receive Refunds from $400 Million Settlement Reached with Apple Over E-book Price-Fixing Lawsuit

HARRISBURG - Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane's office today announced eligible Pennsylvania consumers are expected to receive as much as $16.8 million under a $400 million settlement reached with Apple, Inc. The settlement was reached after the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the U.S. Department of Justice and attorneys general for 32 other states successfully litigated a lawsuit against Apple in federal court.

( 06/20/16) One person was flown after a multi-vehicle crash in Pottsville on Monday.

Sunday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 06/19/16

On Wednesday June 15th, 2016, multiple individuals were arrested and jailed on drug charges and other related offenses.

Manorcare Offering Class for those Interested in Becoming Nurses Aides

ManorCare Health Services - Pottsville is now seeking candidates for their Nurse Aide class which will begin in mid July

Weller Sails To URC Win On Schuylkill Mall Mall Night of Wings At Big Diamond Speedway

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- Josh Weller and Mark Smith put on a spirited battle for the lead in the United Racing Company 25-lap sprint car feature on the Schuylkill Mall Night of Wings at Big Diamond Speedway as Weller would go on to score his first URC win of the year in the lone stop for URC to coal country this year.

The Rush Township Police Department is investigating a retail theft that occurred on 06/14/16 at approximately 7:03pm at the Hometown Wal-Mart.

Police Investigating Early Saturday Morning Stabbing

Mahanoy City Police are currently investigating a stabbing incident that happened around 1:00am Saturday morning at Club 54, located on Center Street in the Borough.

Saturday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 06/18/16

Two Cited for Disorderly Conduct and Harassment

Ashland Police cited Leroy Arthur, 51 and Kelly McAndrews, 44, both of 927 Walnut Street, Ashland each with one count of Disorderly conduct and Harassment after they were called to 927 Walnut Street at 2:14am for 2 separate disturbances that both created on June 4th, 2016.

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

LONG POND, Pa. – Pocono Raceway will host the 21st annual Pennsylvania Wing Festival on Saturday, August 13 and will award $4,000 in prizes.

Formerly the Pocono Wing Off, the newly branded festival will begin at 11 a.m. and run until 6 p.m. Rain or shine, the festival will take place in the Chalet Village located behind the grandstands of Pocono Raceway.

The event benefits Monroe County Meals on Wheels which will use the funds to bridge the gap between what their clients can pay and what the meals actually cost to produce and deliver. Monroe County Meals on Wheels serves 230 clients monthly with volunteers collectively driving more than 450 miles a day.

“We are tremendously grateful to Pocono Raceway and its staff for creating the new Pennsylvania Wing Festival to benefit Monroe County Meals on Wheels,” said Monroe County Meals on Wheels Executive Director Heidi Fareri. “Having lost our usual venue and with no suitable replacement, we were on the verge of canceling our wing off. Now, thanks to the commitment and generosity of Pocono Raceway, we can continue to help the elderly and disabled homebound of Monroe County receive nutritious meals and remain independent in their homes.”

Admission to the Pennsylvania Wing Festival is just $10. Event tickets may be purchased in advance, either online at www.poconoraceway.com/wingfest or by calling 1-800-RACEWAY. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the gate on event day. A $5 military discount will be offered and is available in-person with valid identification at the gate or in advance at the Pocono Raceway ticket office. Children under 48 inches are free. Wing tickets will be $1 and available for purchase at the event. Parking at Pocono Raceway is free.

The best wing joints from across the state will compete for bragging rights in addition to hefty prizes. Prizes will be awarded in four categories with $1,000 each going to the winners of hottest wing, best buffalo wing, best alternative wing and chef/VIP choice. Fans will vote on the best buffalo wing and best alternative wing, while judges will select hottest and chef/VIP choice.

Live music and children’s entertainment as well as fun for all ages will be offered. Tickets can be purchased on-line at www.poconoraceway.com/wingfest.

For restaurants interested in participating, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Christina Rodis-Durst at crd@poconoraceway.com or visit www.poconoraceway.com/wingfest.

Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 06/17/16

Photo from Mahanoy City PD

A Barnesville man was arrested Thursday after a pursuit.

Woman Dies in Friday Morning Fire

Just after 8:00am, Friday, emergency personnel were called to 719 North Centre Street, Pottsville, for a working structure fire.

Just after 8:00am, Friday, fire crews and emergency personnel were called to the 700 Block of North Center Street, Pottsville, for a working structure fire.

Ag Museum Returning to the Schuylkill County Fair

The Ag Museum at the Fair has a number of attractions to interest the whole family. In its 22st year, the Schuylkill County Agricultural Museum’s mission is to preserve the history of local agriculture through many diverse means. Since the Ag Museum is 22 years old that makes them legal, but not antique until they are at least 25. The museum offers self-guided tours, exhibits operating antique farm machinery, equipment, engines, woodworking tools, a sawmill and household appliances.

PPL is reporting that over 3,000 customers in the Pine Grove Area is currently without power Thursday Afternoon.

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

Pottsville, PA, June 16, 2016 – D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., America’s Oldest Brewery, is pleased to announce that it is expanding the distribution of its highly sought-after brands to Louisiana.

Williams Valley Wins PIAA Class A Softball Championship

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Wednesday that a federal grand jury in Scranton returned an indictment on Tuesday charging a 19-year-old Pine Grove man with production of child pornography and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.

Ringtown Community Yard Sale Scheduled

Sprint Cars Return To Big Diamond For Schuylkill Mall ‘Night of Wings’

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- The oldest sprint car touring series in the country makes its only appearance of the year in coal region on Friday night as the United Racing Club 360 sprint cars invade Big Diamond Speedway for the Schuylkill Mall ‘Night of Wings’.

Around 10:00am Wednesday, emergency crews were called to a motor vehicle accident with injuries and with entrapment on Delano Road, Mahanoy Township, near Mahanoy City.

Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 06/15/16

Wegmans to Hire More Full and Part Time Employees for Schuylkill County Facility

Wegmans announced Tuesday that they would be hiring more jobs at their Pottsville Retail Service Center.

Hazleton Area School Board Votes for School Day Changes

During a special meeting Monday night, the Hazleton Area School Board voted to make changes to the upcoming school year.

(06/14/16) - The Bret Michaels show that was scheduled for June 17th, 2016 at Goodfellas, Pottsville has been postponed.

New this year at the Schuylkill County Fair is a clue style scavenger hunt.

Around 10:45pm, Monday, emergency personnel were called to a motor vehicle accident on West Centre Street, Mahanoy Township near Mahanoy City.

PIAA Baseball & Softball Championship Scores - Eastern Finals

Treasurer Marchalk Announces Dates for Hunting License Sales and Antlerless Deer License Sales

Treasurer Linda L Marchalk announced today the Schuylkill County Treasurer’s Office will begin selling hunting licenses on Monday, June 20, 2016 for the 2016-2017 hunting season.

The 33st Annual Schuylkill County Fair will soon be here before you know it. The Schuylkill County Fairgrounds located at 2270 Fair Road, Schuylkill Haven, PA will be in operation during the week of August 1st through the 6th. Public hours of operation are: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday opening at 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Saturday opening at 11 a.m. The theme of this year’s Fair is “We have good things growing”.

LCCC Offers Funding to Schuylkill County Residents for Industrial Automation Technician Program

Schnecksville, Pa., June 13, 2016 – Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) announced Monday that residents from Schuylkill County interested in an Industrial Automation Technician Career are eligible for tuition assistance from the college’s Morgan Foundation Scholarship job training program.

Large Crowds See Laubach Become First 358 Modified Repeat Winner At Big Diamond

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- A chamber-of-commerce night gave race fans in the coal region an excellent opportunity to pack to the track at Big Diamond Speedway on Savage 61 $6 night and the racing didn’t disappoint.

Hellertown’s Rick Laubach became the first repeat winner in the CJ’s Tire & Automotive Services 358 modified division as he took control of the 25-lap feature on lap four and went on to score the win.

After missing last week due to attending the prom, Brandon Grosso wasted no time in returning to victory lane for the fifth time this season in the U.S.S. Achey sportsman division while Shon Elk won his first Savage 61 roadrunner feature since 2013.

The United Racing Company 360 sprint cars make their lone appearance of the year next Friday for the Schuylkill Mall ‘Night of Wings’ which also features the 358 modifieds sporting sail panels. Rounding out the four-division card will be the roadrunners and an Enduro Dash 60.

While Laubach was setting the pace in the 358 modified feature, Doug Manmiller moved into second on the lap-four restart.

Manmiller was closing in on Laubach as the leaders were beginning to approach lapped traffic when the caution flew on lap 11 for Jon Willman who stopped on the backstretch.

Laubach maintained the lead on the restart, but the top five saw a shuffle as Ryan Godown and Duane Howard drove by Brett Kressley as the top five began to stretch out from the field.

Two laps later, the caution flew again for Ryan Grim. On the restart, Manmiller, Howard and Godown went three wide as Manmiller held on for second while Laubach began to open his lead.

The final yellow came out on lap 22 but as was the case during the race, Launach was good on the restarts and went on to score the win.

"I knew that we had to get to the front early as I saw other good guys up front so I knew we had to beat them to the lead, and we did," Laubach said. "The track is changing and it's only going to get better. Top was better tonight, but some nights the top is going to get pushed up too far and the bottom will be the shorter and faster way around the track."

Manmiller, held on for second while Craig VonDohren, Duane Howard and Ryan Godown rounded out the top five.

Sixth through 10th were Jeff Strunk, Ryan Watt, Ray Swinehart, Bobby Trapper and Dale Hart. Heats for the 358 modifieds were won by Laubach, Brett Kressley and Godown.

Grosso, who started 11, took the lead on lap six of the 20-lap sportsman feature and went on to score the win, his 10th overall of the season as he saw a half-lap lead erased by a caution just past the half-way mark.

From there, he held off the challenges of Ray Woodall, Jr., and Mike Lisowski.

“I have to thank my dad and the crew for giving me another great car tonight,” Grosso said. “I have to thank the track for giving us another good surface and for all of you fans for coming out tonight and showing your support for the track.”

Lisowski held on for second with Woodall, Jr., Shawn Light and Doug Hendrick rounding out the top five.

Sixth through 10th were Ken Eckert, Jr., Ray Woodall Sr., Matt Clay, Jeff Bubori and Kyle Gruber. Heat winners were Skylar Sheriff and Light.

Elk took the lead on the opening lap of the roadrunner feature from his outside pole position and led every lap in scoring the win.

In a caution-filled race, Elk had to hold off Jesse Krantisky and then survive a fierce last-lap battle with Kody Sites.

“It was really nerve racing with all of the restarts,” Elk said. “I saw on the scoreboard that Sites was in third and then in second so I knew he coming on strong late in the race.”

On the last lap going into Turn 1, Sites got under Elk momentarily, but Elk maintained the high-side and used that moment to drive off of Turn 2 and go on to score the win.

It was his fifth career win at Big Diamond Speedway.

Sites held off Krasnitsky for second with Andrew Fayash III and Terry Kramer, rounding out the top five.

Sixth through 10th were Jeremy Becker, Jim Kost, Tim Fitzpatrick, Jr., Kyle Wingle, and Shawn Mulhall. Heats were won by Chuck Eckert and Elk.

For the latest news, be sure to like the Big Diamond Speedway Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/bigdiamondspeedway and follow the speedway on Twitter, @BigDSpeed.

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

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Municipality: Union Twp

ROAD NAME: Everett's Flats
BETWEEN: Ringtown AND Nuremberg
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION:Lane restrictions with flagging.
START DATE: 06/13/2016 Est. Completion Date: 06/17/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: Cass Twp.

ROAD NAME: Forest Lane
BETWEEN: Branchdale AND Buck Run
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Sporadic
RESTRICTION: Lane restrictions with flagging.
START DATE: 06/13/2016 Est. Completion Date: 06/17/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: Frailey Township

ROAD NAME: Fountain Mountain Road
BETWEEN: PA 25 AND PA 125
Type of Work: Inspection
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Bridge Inspection Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Eastbound lane restriction from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Westbound lane restriction from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Flaggers will be required.
START DATE: 06/14/2016 Est. Completion Date: 06/14/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 9:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: South Manheim

ROAD NAME: Meadow Drive
BETWEEN: Adamsdale AND Bernie Drive
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restrictions with flagging.
START DATE: 06/13/2016 Est. Completion Date: 06/17/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM

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Municipality: Union Twp

ROAD NAME: Purolator Road
BETWEEN: PA 339 AND Everett's Flatts
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restrictions with flagging.
START DATE: 06/13/2016 Est. Completion Date: 06/17/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: South Manheim

ROAD NAME: St. Claire Highway
BETWEEN: St. Clair AND Port Carbon
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restrictions with flagging.
START DATE: 06/13/2016 Est. Completion Date: 06/17/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM

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Municipality: Blythe Twp

ROAD NAME: Tumbling Run Road
BETWEEN: AND
Type of Work: Shoulder Work/Widening
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restrictions with flagging.
START DATE: 06/13/2016 Est. Completion Date: 06/17/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM

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Municipality: Reilly Twp

ROAD NAME: US 209
BETWEEN: Tremont AND Llewellyn
Type of Work: Shoulder Work/Widening
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Sporadic
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging.
START DATE: 06/13/2016 Est. Completion Date: 06/17/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: Pottsville City

ROAD NAME: PA 61 at US 209
BETWEEN: AND
Type of Work: Construction
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Contractor
Type of Restriction: Nighttime
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging at intersection for work related to the ongoing Mady's Bridges Replacement Project. Please use caution when traveling through work zone.
START DATE: 06/07/2016 Est. Completion Date: 06/08/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 6:00 PM To 6:00 AM

Saturday, June 11, 2016

PIAA Baseball & Softball Championship Schedule - Eastern Finals

Tompkins Vist Bank presents funds to Charlie Kershner entertainment booking agent for Schuylkill County Fair and SCF Entertainment Chairman Grace Karrer. Funds were presented by Joe Hammond Vice President for Tompkins Vist Bank. The funds will help to provide assistance to the SCF to keep the gate admission at a very affordable level for all who attend the Fair August 1 through the 6.

STS to Participate in "Dump the Pump" Day

POTTSVILLE, PA – With the continued fluctuation of gas prices, The Schuylkill Transportation System (STS) announces that it will join with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the eleventh annual National Dump the Pump Day on Thursday, June 16.

Around noon Friday, fire crews and emergency personnel were called to the 900 block of Walnut Street, Ashland, for a working structure fire.

Photos from Muhammad Ali's Training Camp in Schuylkill County

Below are some photo's taken by Skook News Photographer Daniel Reed last weekend at Muhammad Ali's Training Camp near Deer Lake.

PIAA Baseball & Softball Championship Scores - Round 2

The Rush Township Police Department is investigating a retail theft that occurred at the Hometown Walmart on Thursday, June 9th, 2016 at 9:12am.

Schuylkill County has scheduled a Fall Cleanup that will be open to all County residents.

(06/09/16) A grenade was found in a home on Tuesday in West Penn Township.

A planned water shutdown and boil water advisory is scheduled for Friday for parts of Pottsville in Schuylkill County.

Tractor Trailer Crashes at Bottom of the Gordon Mountain Early Wednesday

Submitted Photo

Just before daybreak early Wednesday morning a tractor trailer crashed at the bottom of the Gordon Mountain at the intersection of East Plane Street and Biddle Street, in Gordon.

Submitted Photo

HERSHEY – The Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs (PSAB) announced the recipients of the Association’s prestigious service awards at PSAB’s 105th Annual Conference at the Hershey Lodge on Tuesday, June 7.

PIAA Baseball & Softball Championship Schedule - Round 2

Hostess Brands, LLC is voluntarily recalling 710,000 cases of select snack cakes and donuts as a direct result of the recent recall by their supplier, Grain Craft, of certain lots of its flour for undeclared peanut residue. The Hostess Brands products subject to the recall were produced using the Grain Craft flour that has now been recalled and, as a result, these products may contain low levels of undeclared peanut residue.

Harrisburg, PA - During an annual awards ceremony on June 3, 2016, State Police Commissioner Tyree C. Blocker presented the 2016 State Police Purple Heart, Commendation Medal, Trooper of the Year, Enforcement Officer of the Year, Employee of the Year and Police Communications Operator, along with letters of commendation

Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce's Free Summer Concert Series begins this Thursday

The 10th year of the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce's Free Summer Concert Series begins this Thursday, June 9 at the Tamaqua Train Station, 18 North Railroad St, with blues/R&B act The BC Combo from 6-8. Thursday's show is sponsored by The Schuylkill County Visitor's Bureau. Bring your own chair or call for a dinner reservation at the new Tamaqua Station Restaurant, 570.668.3800.

New this year will be relaxing and stress reducing chair massages offered by Therapeutic Massage by Mary Vignone. Massages are priced per minute.

The popular summer concert series in downtown Tamaqua is organized every year by chamber board member, Jack Kulp. Now in it's 10th year, a variety of music is scheduled on Thursdays throughout the summer. There is something for everyone!

$6 General Admission Night This Friday at Big Diamond

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- Fans will get more than their monies worth this Friday night as Savage 61 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram present a three-division show for just $6 at Big Diamond Speedway.

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Monday, June 20, 2016

Sunday, June 19, 2016

Saturday, June 18, 2016

Friday, June 17, 2016

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Monday, June 13, 2016

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Saturday, June 11, 2016

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Tuesday, June 7, 2016