Skook News - Your #1 Source for Schuylkill County News

Monday, August 29, 2016

Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 08/29/16

The Pennsylvania State Police are looking for a man who they say beat a woman in a wooded area of West Mahanoy Township over the weekend.

Collapsing Building Closes Street; Changes Bus Stop Location

A collapsing building has closed a street and moved the location of some bus stops.

Are the rumors true that Northern Schuylkill County's favorite pizza place is returning?

Sunday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 08/28/16

Police Asking for Help Identifying Individuals

The Minersville Police is requesting public assistance in identifyng the two subjects located within the following photos.

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

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Municipality: Butler Twp

ROAD NAME: Dutchtown Road
BETWEEN: PA 901 AND Gordon Road
Type of Work: Other
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging for base repair.
START DATE: 08/29/2016 Est. Completion Date: 09/02/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: Mahanoy Twp. & Rush Twp

ROAD NAME: Interstate 81
BETWEEN: Exit 124 (PA 61) AND Exit 131 (Mahanoy City)
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction in both directions for patching work.
START DATE: 08/29/2016 Est. Completion Date: 09/02/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: East Union Twp

ROAD NAME: PA 339
BETWEEN: PA 924 AND Columbia County Line
Type of Work: Drainage
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging.
START DATE: 08/29/2016 Est. Completion Date: 09/02/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays?

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Municipality: North Manheim Twp.

ROAD NAME: PA 443
BETWEEN: Berne Street AND Center Avenue
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging.
START DATE: 08/29/2016 Est. Completion Date: 09/02/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: E. Brunswick & E. Norwegian Twps.

ROAD NAME: PA 61
BETWEEN: Port Clinton Borough AND City of Pottsville
Type of Work: Brush Cutting
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging in both directions.
START DATE: 08/29/2016 Est. Completion Date: 09/02/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM

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Municipality: Frailey Township

ROAD NAME: Interstate 81
BETWEEN: Exit 107 (US 209) AND Exit 112 (PA 25)
Type of Work: Inspection
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Bridge Inspection Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Southbound lane restriction for bridge inspection.
START DATE: 08/31/2016 Est. Completion Date: 08/31/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 9:00 AM To 12:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: McAdoo Borough

ROAD NAME: PA 309
BETWEEN: Haddock Road AND Church Street
Type of Work: Other
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Contractor
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging for test boring work. Please use caution when traveling through area.
START DATE: 08/30/2016 Est. Completion Date: 08/31/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 9:00 AM To 3:00 PM

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Municipality: Mahanoy Township

ROAD NAME: PA 54
BETWEEN: PA 339 AND Gilberton Road
Type of Work: Inspection
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Bridge Inspection Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging for bridge inspection
START DATE: 09/02/2016 Est. Completion Date: 09/02/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 9:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: Butler and Barry Township

ROAD NAME: PA 901
BETWEEN: Deep Creek Road AND Dutchtown Road
Type of Work: Inspection
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Bridge Inspection Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Westbound lane restriction with flagging.
START DATE: 09/01/2016 Est. Completion Date: 09/01/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 9:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

Friday, August 26, 2016

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores for Week #1

Overnight Thursday night into Friday morning, someone vandalized the Press Box for the Ashland Black Diamond's Football League.

The vandalism reportedly occurred at Memorial Field in the borough sometime between 8:30pm Thursday night and Friday morning.

The vandalism included breaking into the press box, spray painting obscenities on the walls, and throwing items out the window of the press box.

The Black Diamond's first game of the season is scheduled for Sunday.

Anyone that has information or seen anyone at the field during the listed times is asked to call the Ashland Police Department (570) 875-2600 or Schuylkill County Communications (570) 462-1991.

Coroner Called to Motorcycle Crash Friday Afternoon

(08/26/16) On Friday afternoon around 1:15pm, emergency personnel were called to 300 Raven Run Road, West Mahanoy Township near Shenandoah for a crash involving a motorcycle.

The Pennsylvania State police have issued an Amber Child Abduction Alert for a 3-year-old girl from Luzerne County.

Schuylkill County High School Football Schedule for Week #1

Big Diamond Speedway to Crown Two Champions Friday Night

On Friday night, Big Diamond Speedway will crown two of its four division champions as the point battle will end for the CJ’s Tire & Automotive Service 358 modifieds and U.S.S. Achey sportsman.

3 Homes Damaged By Fire Thursday Afternoon in Ashland

Three homes were damaged by fire Thursday afternoon.

Fire crews have been called to a working structure fire Thursday afternoon.

Man Facing Sexual Assault Charges

According to WNEP, The Pennsylvania State Police arrested a man on Tuesday for sexual assault charges.

Charles Welna, 30, of Shenandoah was charged with statutory sexual assault, child pornography, and sexual abuse of children.

Welna allegedly has been having sex with a 15 year old girl since July.

Welna was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge James Reilly and was committed to Schuylkill County Prison, unable to post $75,000 bail.

Link to WNEP
http://wnep.com/2016/08/24/man-locked-up-for-alleged-sex-assault-on-15-year-old-girl/

Water Boil Advisory Issued

(08/24/2016) A water boil advisory has been issued for parts of Schuylkill County.

Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 08/24/16

Police Issue Arrest Warrant for Man Wanted for Assault

Minersville Police have obtained an arrest warrant for Israel Martinez, 19, last known address of 329 Laurel St., Minersville, Pa. Martinez is charged with felony Aggravated Assault and related charges.

The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a credit card skimming incident that occurred at the gas pumps of Moyers Car Care Center Inc., 102 PA-183, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.

Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 08/23/16

Light Holds On For Fayash Memorial Sportsman Win At Big Diamond Speedway

Shawn Light held off a hard-charging Brian Papiez to claim the 30-lap, $1,570 to win Andy Fayash, Jr., Memorial for the U.S.S. Achey sportsman on Friday night at Big Diamond Speedway.

Sunday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 08/21/16

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work - Week Ending 8/26/16

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

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Municipality: North Manheim & South Manheim Twps.

ROAD NAME: Berne Drive
BETWEEN: PA 443 AND PA 895
Type of Work: Drainage
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging for drainage work.
START DATE: 08/22/2016 Est. Completion Date: 08/26/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays?

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Municipality: Butler Twp

ROAD NAME: High Road
BETWEEN: PA 901 AND Northumberland County Line
Type of Work: Other
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging base repair.
START DATE: 08/22/2016 Est. Completion Date: 08/26/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: E. Brunswick & N. Manheim Twps.

ROAD NAME: PA 61
BETWEEN: Port Clinton Borough AND City of Pottsville
Type of Work: Brush Cutting
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: No Restrictions for brush cutting work. Please use caution.
START DATE: 08/22/2016 Est. Completion Date: 08/26/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays?

Woman's Death Considered a Case of of Horrendous Neglect

A woman's death in Mahanoy City is being considered a case of "horrendous" neglect.

Saturday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 08/20/16

Shenandoah Sesquicentennial Celebration Schedule of Events - August 20 – 27, 2016

Shenandoah Sesquicentennial Celebration

Schedule of Events - August 20 – 27, 2016

“Shenandoah Strong – 150 Years Long!”

Schuylkill Police Log 08/19/16

Schuylkill County Police Log 08/19/16

Andy Fayash, Jr., Memorial This Friday For U.S.S. Achey Sportsman At Big Diamond

Big Diamond Speedway swings back into action on Friday for the CJ’s Tire & Automotive Service Night.

IRS Warns Parents About Back to School Scams

The Internal Revenue Service today warned taxpayers against telephone scammers targeting students and parents during the back-to-school season and demanding payments for non-existent taxes, such as the “Federal Student Tax.”

(08/18/16) - On Thursday, Shenandoah Police, Members of the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force, Schuylkill County Detectives, Schuylkill County Probation/Parole, State Parole and Pennsylvania State Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit participated in warrant sweep and drug bust.

Thursday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 08/18/16

A truck driver died Thursday morning in an early morning crash on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County.

Around 5:00am, Thursday morning, a crash involving multiple tractor trailers occurred around Milemarker 126 in the southbound lanes of Interstate 81 near Frackville.

The interstate has been closed at exit 131 (Mahanoy City).

The coroner has reportedly been called to the scene of the crash.

UPDATE: Truck Driver Dies in Interstate 81 Crash Thursday Morning; Multiple Injured

http://www.skooknews.com/2016/08/truck-driver-dies-in-interstate-81.html

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 08/17/16

PPL Electric Utilities is warning its customers to be aware of a phone scam in which calls appear to come from the utility and mimic the company's call center.

Police Seek Two on Outstanding Warrants

Minersville Police are seeking the following individuals on outstanding criminal warrants.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Schuylkill County Tuesday Afternoon.

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA...

COLUMBIA COUNTY IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA...

SOUTHEASTERN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA...

EASTERN MONTOUR COUNTY IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA...

* UNTIL 530 PM EDT.

* AT 427 PM EDT...SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WERE LOCATED ALONG A LINE

EXTENDING FROM NEAR BUCKHORN TO PINE GROVE...MOVING NORTHEAST AT

40 MPH.

HAZARD...60 MPH WIND GUSTS.

SOURCE...RADAR INDICATED.

IMPACT...EXPECT DAMAGE TO ROOFS...SIDING...AND TREES.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...

POTTSVILLE...ST. CLAIR...FRACKVILLE...SCHUYLKILL HAVEN...

MAHANOY CITY...MOUNT CARMEL...SHENANDOAH...TAMAQUA...MINERSVILLE...

BERWICK...BLOOMSBURG...SHAMOKIN...KULPMONT...ASHLAND...DANVILLE...

SELTZER...ROHRSBURG...GRIER CITY-PARK CREST...

JAMISON CITY AND LIGHTSTREET.

FOR THOSE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 80...THIS INCLUDES AREAS BETWEEN THE

DANVILLE AND NESCOPEK EXITS...SPECIFICALLY FROM MILE MARKERS 225 TO

247.

THIS INCLUDES INTERSTATE 81 FROM MILE MARKERS 97 TO 139.

Schuylkill County Couple Charged With Use Of Counterfeit Credit Card And Money Laundering Schemes

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Tuesday that on July 26, 2016, a federal grand jury in Scranton indicted Carrie F. Aker and Mario M. Valentine, a Shenandoah, Pennsylvania couple, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud using counterfeit credit cards, and with laundering the proceeds of their fraudulent activities. Aker and Valentine also are charged with aggravated identity theft, credit and debit card frauds, and with possessing credit and debit card-making equipment. The indictment was unsealed today following the arrests of the defendants.

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 11:00PM Tuesday Evening for the following counties.

Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 08/16/16

A power outage has been reported in part of Schuylkill County.

Pennsylvania Lottery Launches Sales in Fine Wine & Good Spirits Stores

The Pennsylvania Lottery welcomed Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores this week to its statewide retailer network. This fall, Lottery game sales will be introduced at more than 300 Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores across Pennsylvania, 9 locations within Schuylkill County.

Sunday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 08/14/16

A dog from Auburn scratches off an item on her bucket list but also goes on a long adventure home.

Laubach, Lisowski, and Trexler Win At Big Diamond Friday Night

Veteran New Jersey modified chauffer Rick Laubach showed the speed that has taken him to victory lane twice already in the 2016 Big Diamond Speedway season as he led all 30 laps to collect his third win of the year and a $4,000 pay day in the Prelude to the Coalcracker on Friday on HuntTheGiant.com night.

Other winners on Friday night were Mike Lisowski (U.S.S. Achey sportsman) and Devin Trexler (Savage 61 roadrunners).

The track returns to action on Friday, Aug. 19, for the CJ’s Tire & Automotive Service Night featuring the Andy Fayash Memorial for the U.S.S. Achey sportsman and a Pink Out to support breast cancer.

The Fayash Memorial, an open-draw event, will see a 30-lap feature for the sportsman paying $1,570 to win and $157 to take the green. There will be 50 show-up points for the sportsman teams. Also on the racing card will be the 358 modifieds, roadrunners and the No Sweat Service Group street stocks.

The gates open at 5:30 on Friday with warm ups at 7:45 and racing getting underway at 8:15. General admission is $20; Seniors, $18 and kids 12-and-under and active military with a valid ID are free.

Laubach took the lead from the start of the 358 modified race from his outside pole position and held the field at bay over the 30-lap distance.

“The outside groove was definitely better up there and it helps with these draw races to have a good starting spot,” Laubach said. “I was pushing a couple of time but the outside was the preferred line tonight.”

Billy Pauch Jr., followed Laubach around the outside of Turn 2 and settled into second on the opening lap of the race while Craig VonDohren and Duane Howard had their own battle going for third.

By lap 5, Laubach started to stretch out his lead but Pauch Jr. remained in striking distance.

At the halfway mark, Laubach still maintained the lead over Pauch while Howard had moved into third and Ryan Godown, who started eighth, was fourth.

Three laps later, Jeff Strunk slowed coming off Turn 4 to bring out the caution.

Laubach maintained his lead on the restart but Pauch Jr. was not letting him get away while Howard, VonDohren and Godown battled for third.

The final caution came out with three laps to go. But as was the case all race, Laubach was able to hold off Pauch Jr., who had keep the leader at bay for most of the night.

“Everybody in these grandstands knows it was a rough weeks for the racing community and I never meet Bryan Clauson, but I want to dedicate my win to him,” Laubach added. “I watched his races online and he seemed like one heck of a guy and its a bad thing when that kind of stuff happens.”

Clauson passed away on Aug. 7 from injuries he sustained in a United States Auto Club midget race at the famed Belleville High Banks race track in Kansas. The track also held a moment of silence in his honor prior to start of the racing activities.

Pauch Jr., held on for second with Duane Howard, Craig VonDohren and Ryan Godown rounding out the top five.

Sixth through 10th were Doug Manmiller, Gary Hager, Shawn Fitzpatrick, Ryan Watt, and Kevin Beach Jr.

Heats for the 358 modifieds were won by VonDohren, Godown and Beach Jr.

It has been a while but modified driver Kevin Beach, Jr., swept all the rounds as the competitors were determined by a vote on the speedway’s Facebook page.

Beach Jr., defeated. in order; Scott Albert; Manmiller; Watt; Strunk; Justin Grim (Dq’d for no start); Ryan Grim; Howard; Brett Kressley and VonDohren.

For 19 and 1/4 laps, 15-year-old T.J. Lilly of Pen Argyl led the 20-lap sportsman feature but he jumped the cushion in Turn 1 on the final lap which allowed Lisowski to driver under him in apex of the turn and go on to complete the pass for the win.

Lisowski made his move on lap 14 after starting ninth, as he began to close in on the race leader.

“T.J. ran a heck of a race and I didn’t have anything for him,” Lisowski said. “He was really good up top and I couldn’t get going on the restarts, he had the preferred line tonight as the top was just really fast. He just made a mistake, that’s all it was. I wasn’t going to get around him. I was just there and was able to capitalize.”

Lilly was able to recover from his bobble to hold on for a runner-up finish while Ray Woodall Sr., finished third. Points leader Brandon Grasso and Daryl Dissinger rounded out the top five.

Sixth through 10th were Chuck Fayash, Wayne Witmer, Ray Woodall Jr., Matt Clay, and Skylar Sheriff. Heats for the sportsman were won by Witmer and Lilly.

Shon Elk had the dominant car in the Savage 61 roadrunner 20-lap feature leading the first 11 laps of the race.

But that all changed when Elk lost a tire in Turn 3 on the same lap, ending his night.

Kris Ney, who had been running second, inherited the lead on the restart. Devin Trexler, who started sixth, would take the lead from Ney in Turn 4 on lap 13 and then held off a hard-charging Andy Fayash III following a late-race restart for the win.

“It was a rough one as I came from pretty far back as I came out a little bit late and I was supposed to start sixth but I ended up starting ninth,” Trexler said. “I got a couple of lucky breaks tonight.”

Fayash held on for second with Steve Gromis, third, Ney, fourth, and Kyle Wingle rounded out the top five.

Sixth through 10th were Jim Kost, Shawn Mulhall, Andrew Buchinski, Terry Kramer and Elk. Heats for the roadrunners were won by Elk and Gromis.

Friday’s racing card at Big Diamond will feature the Fayash Memorial 30-lap feature paying $1,570 to win and $157 to take the green for the sportsman. The event will be an open draw with 50 show-up points for the sportsman teams. Also on the racing card on Friday will be the 358 modifieds, roadrunners and the No Sweat Service Group street stocks.

There will also be a ‘Pink Out’ on Friday with 50/50, raffles and shirts for sale. The proceeds will benifit the breast cancer research at the Hershey Medical Center.

Saturday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 08/13/16

A man was shot early Friday morning during an alleged home invasion.

Monday, August 29, 2016

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Friday, August 26, 2016

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Friday, August 19, 2016

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Saturday, August 13, 2016