Fire Spreads Through At Least 5 Pottsville Homes

 Friday Afternoon at approximately 3:45pm, crews were called to 217 Schuylkill Ave, Pottsville for a structure fire.

Tractor Trailer Crash In Hegins Twp.

This morning around 10:00am crews were called to 516 South Goodspring Road, Hegins Twp. for a tractor trailer vs. a tree.

There was reported heavy entrapment and Life flight was requested.

No other details at this time.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 11/22/13

By: Monsoon Mike

Consider Friday our most recent reprieve from the cold in this rather predictable pattern of cold, warmth, and then cold again. A few differences this time around, however. Friday won't nearly be as warm as the last mild spell (think 50s instead of 60s). Another difference is that it won't be a sunny warm. Friday will be on the cloudy side with scattered showers as a weak warm front passes. And the third big difference is the cold that follows this brief mild spell will be brutal, unlike anything we've had since last winter. Temperatures by Sunday will struggle to climb past the 20s for highs! 

Slight moderation is likely early and mid next week before it gets pretty darn cold again around Thanksgiving. In between, a battle ground in the atmosphere sets up and could drop rain, snow, ice or some form in between around Wednesday, the busiest travel day of the year. Right now, don't panic. I'm leaning more on the "rain" side, if the storm even happens. But some frozen precipitation cannot be ruled out especially in higher elevations and during the nighttime hours of whatever day the storm would hit. 

Many more details to be worked out and rare is it I even get concerned this far out, but I felt it necessary to keep it in your mind with the big holiday coming up. 

Schuylkill County Christmas/Holiday Events 2013

Below is a list of events we've gathered that will take place over the Christmas/Holiday Season in Schuylkill County

Harrisburg Newspaper Posts Article About Kessler Militia

The Harrisburg Newspaper/Web Site PennLive.com posted the following story today and was on the front page of their web site

Police Looking For Hit and Run Vehicle From West Mahanoy Twp. Incident

Police are reporting around 8PM Friday evening, on Union Court, West Mahanoy Township, that an unidentified vehicle struck two parked cars and fled the area.  Witnesses said that the vehicle continued north on Union Court.

If anyone has information, you are to call police at (570) 874-5300.

Pottsville Schools Burglarized

Police are reporting that the Assumption BVM School in Pottsville was burglarized Sunday or Monday.

18 Apple Ipad minis and other items were stolen when the school was ransacked.

Police are also reporting that a television was almost stolen from the St. Patrick's Church activity building.  But the thieves were unsuccessful.

Anyone with information is to call the Pottsville Police at (570) 622-1234.

Charges Dismissed For 2 Child Abductors

On Wednesday, Peter Tarbox and his mother Annette Williams were released from Schuylkill County Prison after the prosecution witnesses didn't show up for the hearing.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 11/21/13

By: Monsoon Mike

Clouds slowly increase on Thursday ahead of our next system which at first will provide a short spell of moderately mild weather with temperatures at or better than 50 by Friday but also the chance for showers.

A sharp cold front moves thru Saturday followed by January-like temperatures Sunday and Monday perhaps never leaving the 20s for highs!

Still looking like some active weather around Thanksgiving or the day prior, but many details yet to be worked out.

Deer Lake Woman Faces Animal Cruelty Charges

Beverly Baver, 501 Drehersville Road, Deer Lake is facing charges of animal cruelty after police found her dog in living conditions that were covered in feces and no water.

The dog was taken from the Baver and is now in the hands of the Hillside SPCA.

The 2013 Skook News Christmas Shirt Has Arrived!

Yesterday we officially launched our 2013 Skook News Christmas Shirt

This shirt will be available until December 1st. 

You can purchase it at the link below

http://www.teespring.com/skookchristmas

Girardville Man Sent to State Prison For Abusing Son

Peter Howard, 39, of Girardville was sentenced Tuesday on charges of endangering the welfare of children, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person.  The charges came after he abused his 2 month old son in 2011.

Water Boil Advisory Lifted For Ashland

The water boil advisory that was issued for Ashland after a water main break has been lifted according to the Ashland Borough.  Water is now safe to drink again.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 11/20/13

Typically chilly weather the next few days but less windy, so it won't feel as harsh. 

Temperatures uptick a bit by week's end with shower chances as well, but a strong cold front passes Saturday and by Sunday, today will feel like summer compared to what what's coming. That's right, Sunday and Monday may be hard pressed to get out of the 20s (yes TWENTIES) in some parts of Schuylkill County.

The intense cold moderates a bit mid next week but not before another potential weather maker and this one could feature some wintry precipitation. Way too far out to get excited about, but something to keep in the back of your head. 

Charges Withdrawn on Home Invasion Suspect

Over the weekend, Orwigsburg Police issued an arrest warrant for Jason Stevens, Shenandoah.  Stevens was suspected to have been a part of a home invasion in Orwigsburg.  He later turned himself in.

We have learned tonight now that Stevens was released today.

"Stevens has exonerated himself by providing statements in reference to his whereabouts at the time the crime occurred.  These statements were further affirmed through the review of video surveillance by police during the course of this investigation." said Patrolman Brandon Bayer in a statement.

The investigation is still ongoing and if anyone has any information to call police at (570) 366-3101

2 Recounts Requested for County Elections

Two recounts have been requested for elections that took place on November 5th.

Dennis Wiessner has requested a recount of the Mahanoy City mayoral race after losing by only 3 votes.

A petition has also submitted for the Schuylkill County District Attorney election after Christine Holman defeated incumbent Karen Byrnes-Noon by only 73 votes.

One Man Injured in Tamaqua Crash

One man was injured in a crash in Tamaqua around 10am Monday.  The incident happened along Route 209 where the man driving crashed into a parked car  along East Broad Street in front of Charles X Block.

There are no reports on the severity of the man's injuries.

Police Looking For Fuel Thieves

Police are looking for information on a fuel theft that took place between 7:30pm Wednesday and 3:00pm Thursday.

They say that the fuel was stolen from an excavator that was parked near Jeff's Swamp Road  in Tremont Township.

Police say the fuel cap was broken into and the thieves emptied the fuel tank.

Anyone with information is to call the State Police at Schuylkill Haven at (570) 739-1330.

Schuylkill Haven to Play Bristol in Class A First Round

For Round #1 of the Class State Playoffs Schuylkill Haven is set to face Bristol High School out of Bristol,PA .  They are coming into this game against Schuylkill Haven with a record of 9-1 for the season.

Kickoff is at 7PM at Blue Mountain High School


Bristol  vs. Schuylkill Haven
Game at Blue Mountain High School - 7PM

4 Escape Northwestern Academy

Around 7:15-7:30 Monday evening 4 cadets escaped the Northwestern Academy, Coal Township.

The last they were seen running towards the Kulpmont area and they were wearing yellow sweatshirts and black pants.

The four juveniles are described as

• 16 year old Hispanic Male 5 Foot, 130 pounds, black hair, blue eyes (From York Area)
• 16 year old Hispanic Male 5 Foot 1, 105 pounds, black hair, brown eyes (From York Area)
• 16 year old Caucasion Male 5 Foot 7, 145 pounds, borwn hair, brown eyes (From Pottsville area)
• 14 year old black male 6 Foot 1, 169 pounds, black hair, brown eyes (From Levittown)

Anyone with information regarding this should call police at (570) 644-0333.


Back in August, Skook News reported a similar story when 4 teens escaped
http://www.skooknews.com/2013/08/four-teens-escape-northwestern-acadamy.html