Thursday, July 7, 2016

Schuylkill County Police Log - 07/07/2016


Schuylkill County Police Log - 07/07/2016

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Georgie Stevenson Memorial Friday At Big Diamond

The prestigious B&H Landscaping George-Georgie Stevenson Memorial for the CJ’s Tire & Automotive Services 358 modifieds will take place this Friday after being postponed last week.

The 30-lap feature pays $4,000 to win and $300 to take the green along with the Mark’s Service Center cash dash for the 358 modifieds.

The U.S.S. Achey sportsman feature will pay $1,000 to win while the Savage 61 roadrunners and the Jasen's Automotive Night Street Stock Summer Shootout 30 which pays $1,081 to win and a cash dash will also take place for what is shaping up to be a tremendous night of racing in the coal region.

A great fireworks show is planned for intermission.

Admission for Friday is $25 while kids 12-and-under along with active military with a valid ID are free. The gates open at 5:30 p.m. with warm ups at 7:45 and racing gets underway at 8:15.

If needed, the Stevenson rain date will be July 15. If that date is lost to rain, then the new date would be Sunday, July 17, with the same show. The gates will open at 4, warm ups at 7:15 and racing starting at 7:45.

Georgie Stevenson was a young and avid Big Diamond fan who supported the track along with his family every week. Georgie battled cancer and sadly passed away at the age of 12. He worked hard to raise money for cancer research and at the same time loved the sport of auto racing. The first Georgie Stevenson Memorial event was contested at the speedway in 1980.

Georgie's father, George Stevenson, passed away unexpectedly in 2015. George’s presence at Big Diamond made a significant difference over the decades.

George was a champion for terminally ill kids and he worked tirelessly year-round to raise money and to present it to families to help defray the cost of treatment and expenses brought on by cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

One driver who is looking to pick up a win in the event is longtime modified campaigner Shawn Fitzpatrick, of Pottsville.

"It is always an honor for me to be a part of this event that had such significance and meaning," Fitzpatrick said. "I can't remember a time when George Sr., would walk by me without giving me a hug. He made you feel like the you were the most important person in the world."

This year's Georgie Stevenson Memorial will honor Dustin Rhoads from Wiconisco, PA.

Rhoads began battling stage 2 ductal cancer in 2012. He had a mastectomy in August 2012 followed by eight rounds of chemo. He was thought to be cancer-free for almost three years but on January 6, 2016, he went into the hospital for a routine hip replacement. Doctor came out and told him that they found more cancer. After more scans of his whole body they found out that he now has stage 4 madastsic breast cancer. The cancer is now in the bones.

On June 1, Dustin, who is 40, suffered a severe stroke and he is now paralyzed on his left side. He spent a week in Hershey Medical Center in the ICU Neuroscience unit and was then transported to Penn State Hershey rehabilitation center for intensive therapy.

The doctors have no clue how long he will be there. There will be a 50/50 on Friday to help him out as well as the drivers coming to the grandstands at intermission and taking donations in their helmets.

To keep up with the latest news about Big Diamond Speedway, be sure to like the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/bigdiamondspeedway and follow the speedway on Twitter, @BigDSpeed

David Cassidy in Concert at the Schuylkill County Fair

David Cassidy will headline the M & T Stage on Saturday night of the 2016 Schuylkill County Fair.

"ID Me" at the Schuylkill County Fair

Sheriff Groody and his staff will be at the Schuylkill County Fair on Tuesday, August 2 to assist with sign your child in the Child I.D. Me Program.

Coal Miner’s Heritage Festival This Weekend

The 9th Annual Coal Miner’s Heritage Festival is set for Sunday July 10, 2016 from 10 AM to 5 PM, on the grounds of the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Lansford, Carbon County. This unique, fun and educational event celebrates northeastern Pennsylvania’s coal region history, culture, art, crafts, food, and music. The event is presented by the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Lansford and draws throngs of people each year to the popular event. Admission to the festival grounds and parking are free.

Schuylkill County Man Reported Missing

(07/09/16) A Schuylkill County man is reported missing and State Police are searching to find him.

Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 07/06/16


Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 07/06/16

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Schuylkill County Police Log - 07/05/16


Schuylkill County Police Log - 07/05/16

Tuesday Night's Little League All Star Scores - 07/05/16

Tuesday Night's Little League All Star Scores - 07/05/16

Ashland Little League to Receive Grant for Projects

Senator Dave Argall's Office has announced that the Ashland Little League will be receiving a grant through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) Greenways, Trail and Recreation Program.

Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 07/05/16


Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 07/05/16

Monday, July 4, 2016

Open Invitation To Folk And Traditional Artists to Attend An Informational Gathering at The Walk In Art Center

Schuylkill County, PA (June 30, 2016) The Walk In Art Center, 220 Parkway, Schuylkill Haven has applied to The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts to become a regional Folk and Traditional Arts Center for Berks, Carbon and Schuylkill Counties and is reaching out to all folk and traditional artists in the area to help create this center.

Indian Campfire and Stories Scheduled at Sweet Arrow Lake Park

A campfire is scheduled on Saturday July 23, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Waterfall parking lot of Sweet Arrow Lake County Park for a Native American Indian program.

Schuylkill County Police Log - 07/04/16


Schuylkill County Police Log - 07/04/16

Competitive State Grants, Loans to Assist Local Projects

HARRISBURG – The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) approved several competitive grants and loans for projects across Schuylkill County, according to Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks) and Representatives Neal Goodman (D-Schuylkill) and Mike Tobash (R-Schuylkill/Dauphin).

Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 07/04/16


Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 07/04/16

Sunday, July 3, 2016

Sunday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 07/03/16


Sunday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 07/03/16

Photos and Video from Pottsville's Fireworks Celebration at the Station



Photos and Video from Pottsville's Fireworks Celebration at the Station
(Fireworks by Bixler Pyrotechnics Ashland)

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Friday, July 1, 2016

Severe Thunderstorm Watch In Effect Until Friday Evening


The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10:00PM Friday Evening

Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Southern Schuylkill County


(07/01/2016) The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Southern Schuylkill County.

Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 07/01/16


Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 07/01/16

Woman Escapes Naked from Captor in Pottsville

A woman in Pottsville escaped her captor on Tuesday morning.

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Argall Renews Fight for Demolition Funding

HARRISBURG – In the wake of last week's fire that destroyed over a dozen row homes, Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks) is renewing his fight for proposals that would provide significant funding to demolish vacant and abandoned properties in Berks and Schuylkill Counties.

Schuylkill County Police Log - 07/01/16


Schuylkill County Police Log - 07/01/16

Candy Company Makes Bid to Buy Hershey

The Wall Street Journal has reported that the candy company, Mondelez International, has made a takerover bid to the Hershey Company.

Mondelez is the company that also owns Oreo and Cadbury.

When the announcement was made Thursday morning, Hershey's stock reportedly grew 20% with rumors of the "Blockbuster Deal".

The bid would have be approved by the Hershey Trust which owns 81 percent of the Hershey Company.

Hershey is reportedly worth $21 Billion with Mondelez being worth over $60 Billion.

UPDATE (2:30PM) - The Hershey Company has announced that the board has unanimously rejected a takeover offer and that it provided "no basis for further discussion."

Story from Pennlive.com
http://www.pennlive.com/news/2016/06/maker_of_oreos_cadbury_bidding.html#incart_big-photo

Traffic Delays Expected on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County for Independence Day Holiday Weekend

Motorists traveling on Interstate 81 north or south are advised to be alert for significant traffic delays over the Independence Day holiday weekend between Exit 90 (PA 72) and Exit 104 (PA 125) due to a highway construction project in Pine Grove and Tremont townships in Schuylkill County. I-81 north and south is reduced to a single lane in this area.

District Attorney Awards Law Enforcement in their Efforts to Drive Drugs Out of Schuylkill County


On Thursday morning, the Schuylkill County District Attorney's office delivered 12 checks totaling $14,295.80 to the following police departments in the amounts listed:

McAdoo Fire Company Receives Funding with USDA Rural Development Loan and Grant Combo

The McAdoo Fire Company in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania will soon be able to purchase a new firefighting truck thanks to a United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development loan and grant combination.

Schuylkill Showstoppers Returning to the Schuylkill County Fair

The Schuylkill Showstoppers will return to the M & T stage Monday August 1st for a repeat performance following in last year’s path. 

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Vandals Spray Paint Football Field and Track

Administration of the Mahanoy Area School District is looking for the person or persons involved in vandalizing school property.

Knoebels to Celebrate 90th Anniversary on Monday

On July 4, 2016, Knoebels Amusement Resort will celebrate its 90th anniversary of fun, food and fantasy, and welcomes friends from near and far to join in on the festivities.

Route 309 to Be Closed Over Two Weekends in July

PennDOT announced Wednesday that Route 309 near McAdoo will be closed over two weekends in July.

Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 06/29/16


Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 06/29/16

Schuylkill County Police Log - 06/29/16


Schuylkill County Police Log - 06/29/16

A Schuylkill Point of View

Skook News is pleased to announce a new weekly post that we are calling "A Schuylkill Point of View".

Police Looking for Vehicle Involved in Hit and Run

The Minersville Police is looking for a vehicle involved in a hit and run that took place early Wednesday morning.

Ed's USA Announces Community Appreciation Event in Conjunction with Anniversaries

Ed’s USA Auto Rentals, Pottsville has announced a Community Appreciation event in conjunction with the 129th anniversary of the Tilt Silk Mill & the 35th anniversary of Ed’s USA Auto Rentals. 

Delano Township to Purchase Two New Municipal Vehicles with USDA Rural Development Loan and Grant Combo

Delano Township will soon be able to purchase two new municipal vehicles thanks to a United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development loan and grant combination.

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Truck Pulls Returning to the Schuylkill County Fair

For the fifth time at the Schuylkill County Fair we will have truck pulls. 

Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 06/28/16


Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 06/28/16

Chad Reinert to Play at the Schuylkill County Fair

Chad Reinert will be the opening act on Friday evening August 5 at the Schuylkill County Fair. Chad will take the M&T stage at 7PM to perform for you some of your country favorites.

Monday, June 27, 2016

LCCC Offers Nurse Aide Certificate Job Training

Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) is now registering students for its Nurse Aide noncredit program, with classes being offered in Lehigh, Carbon and Schuylkill counties. 

State champion Williams Valley softball team recognized at PA Capitol

HARRISBURG – The 2016 PIAA Class A softball champions were recognized by local legislators at the state Capitol on Monday.

LCCC Offers Introduction to Healthcare Careers

In a joint effort with PATH (Pennsylvania’s Advanced Training and Hiring), Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) now offers a short-term program to assist students in learning the wide range of careers available in the healthcare field.

Schuylkill County Police Log 06/27/16


Schuylkill County Police Log 06/27/16

Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 06/27/16


Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 06/27/16

Seminar for Emerging Trends in Drugs of Abuse Being Held Tuesday

A seminar is going to be held Tuesday on the Emerging Trends in Drugs of Abuse.

Sunday, June 26, 2016

Public Input Sought for the Future Direction of the Schuylkill River Heritage Area

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN—The Schuylkill River Heritage Area is inviting community partners and residents to a public meeting to help shape the future of the Schuylkill River National Heritage Area, including its signature project, the Schuylkill River Trail.

Schuylkill County Police Log - 06/26/16


Schuylkill County Police Log - 06/26/16

Saturday, June 25, 2016

Yueng Wing Contest Scheduled for the Schuylkill County Fair

Yueng wings you say. What does that mean? Yueng wings is a new contest at the 2016 Schuylkill County Fair. 

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work


Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

Friday, June 24, 2016

Two Face Drug Charges After Traffic Stop

Frackville Borough Police have filed DUI and drug charges against George Barlow and Jason Bredbenner stemming from an incident that occurred on May 13th, 2016.

Youth / Celebrity Obstacle Course Contest Scheduled for the Schuylkill County Fair

Well know celebrities from various professions from all over the county have accepted the challenge of participating in the 2nd annual Celebrity Obstacle Contest. 

Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 06/24/16


Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 06/24/16

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Wee Ones Walk - Summer Adventure

Heighten your child’s natural curiosity during a sensory nature walk with “Porcupine Pat” McKinney of the Schuylkill Conservation District on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, 6:00-7:00 p.m. We will meet in the Waterfall Road parking lot of Sweet Arrow Lake County Park. The walk focuses on colors, textures, shapes, sounds and smells found in nature. This program is free and open to the public and is recommended for children ages 3-6.

County's Interest Income to Double in New Agreement

Schuylkill County Treasurer Linda Marchalk announced Thursday that the interest income the County currently receives from its primary financial institution will double effective immediately.

Celebrity Tractor Pull Scheduled for the Schuylkill County Fair

Third year running, the Celebrity Tractor pull is back again at the 2016 Schuylkill County Fair.

Sneak a Peak at the Creek

Join “Porcupine Pat” McKinney on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 10:00-11:00 a.m. in a water adventure in search of mayflies, crayfish, water pennies and more!

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

What's New at the 2016 Schuylkill County Fair

What's new at the 2016 Schuylkill County Fair?

Exhibit Classes – vegetable classes, youth classes, needle craft classes, food classes check out the fair’s premium book at www.schuylkillfair.dom/exhibits/ for all the new exhibiting classes..

Amusement Ride Company - Goodtimes Amusements LLC of Hellertown, PA will be the returning this yeas so the midway amusement ride company. Goodtime Amusements was established in 1988. They are a family run business, which provides amusement services to various non-profit organizations. Operating solely in the eastern portion of Pennsylvania Goodtime provides their sponsors with up to 20 rides along with food and game concessions. Goodtimes will be featuring three new rides at the Fair this year.

Side by Side Diesel Truck Drag Racing – Monday, August 1 in conjunction with Local drivers of Gas and Diesel Truck Pulls can be found on track.

Lucas Oil Pro Pulling Series –holds an East Coast National Pull with Limited Pro Stock Semi’s/466 Hot Farm Tractors, Pro Stock Diesel FWD Trucks

Dialed BMX Show – Thursday, August 4 at 6:30 on the track

Bear Creek Island Activities – activities and demonstrations on the island highlighting fly casting, fish identification and India lore.

Contests – “Schuylkill Grown” Cooking Contest, Yueng Wings, and Baking with Brew

Challenges- Frozen T-shirt, Cupcake Challenge, Toilet Paper Toss, Wet Sponge Relay,

Youth/Celebrity Obstacle Contest - Well know celebrities from various professions from all over the County of Schuylkill have accepted the challenge to participate in this contest. Mentored by 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors the Celebrities will have to guide a livestock animal through and around various objects.

Celebrity Tractor Pull - Returning by popular demand. Pushing that throttle forward with all you might is what it is going to take for Schuylkill County natives to participate in the Celebrity Tractor Pull. Who has the nerve to push the machines to the limit?

Torres Family Circus – 6 & 8 pm daily amphitheater

Mrs. U’s Zoo ReUe – Weston Pavillion 6:30

Kids Tent – the Arts Barn Education Center Operating the Kids daily 4:30-7:30 daily; Tuesday12-7:30; Saturday 1-5

Farming for the Day (Expanded) – several new Ag learning stations was added to the ever changing small children learning center.

Find Farmer Fehr’s – barnyard animals are lost and you need to help Farmer Fehr find them. Schuylkill Talent Showcase - 5:30 & 6:30 – Mon. LA Dance Theatre (http://la-dancetheatre.com/) Tue. Vivian’s Dance Studio (570.385.2121) Wed. Xtreme Fitness Saint Clair, (Facebook:XtremeFitness), Thur. The Minor Notes Chorale (www.minornotes.org) Fri&Sat. Tamara Wapinsky(www.wapinskyvoicelessons.com )



Schuylkill ShowStoppers – Monday, August 1

Crazy Hearts – Tuesday, August 2

Jesse Wade Gang – Wednesday, August 3 - Outlaws of country performing for over 25 years.

Shawn Klush (Elvis Impersonator) – Thursday, August 4

Chad Reinert – Friday, August 5 (Pre-show)

Little Texas – Friday, August 5

Rusty Foulke – Saturday, August 6 (Pre-show)

David Cassidy in Concert– Saturday, August 6

Fourth of July Concert Scheduled at Sweet Arrow Lake Park

On Monday, July 4, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. enjoy the patriotic sounds of the Pine Grove Community Band.

Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 06/22/16


Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 06/22/16

No Sweat Service Group Street Stocks Take Center Stage Friday At Big Diamond Speedway

MINERSVILLE, PA. – There will be plenty of side-by-side and three- and four-wide action on Friday night as the No Sweat Service Group Street Stocks are featured in the Street Stock Summer Shootout 30 on Jasen’s Automotive Night at Big Diamond Speedway.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Motorcycle Crash on Frackville Grade on Route 61

(06/22/16) Around 1:45pm, Wednesday, emergency personnel were called to Route 61 South, on the Frackville Grade, between Frackville and St. Clair for a motorcycle accident in the area of Dead Man's Curve.

Crews Called to 2 Alarm Working Structure Fire in Shenandoah

(06/22/16) Around 10:45am, Wednesday, fire crews were called to 400 East Center Street, Shenandoah for a working structure.

Schuylkill County Fair to Feature "Baking with Brew" Contest

“We have good things growing” and one of the many good things growing in here is Schuylkill County is Yuengling beer. G. D. Yuengling & Son and the Schuylkill County has partnered together to bring a new contest to the 2016 Schuylkill County Fair. 

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Schuylkill County Fair to Feature Talent

This year on the Schaeffer Harley Indoor Stage, the Schuylkill County Fair is proud to feature some of the talent that lives with in the boundaries of the county.