Police Raid Home in Tamaqua

Posted By:  tamaquaarea.wordpress.com

East Elm Street, between Pine Street (SR309 north) and Rolling Mill Avenue in Tamaqua, was blocked off for a couple hours this morning (Friday, Jan. 31, 2014) while local and State Police raided the second floor of a two-unit home at 29 East Elm Street this morning. Neighbors said that they saw police carrying items outside in plastic bags, as well as placing numerous items on tarps. A nearby resident, who wished to remain anonymous, stated there were over dozen police cars on scene when the bust occurred. There is no official word regarding what the raid was for or if anything was found, although a sign on the front door reads: “Warning: A clandestine laboratory for the manufacture of illegal drugs and/or hazardous chemicals was seized at this location on 01/31/14 by the Pennsylvania State Police. Known hazardous chemicals have been disposed of pursuant the law. However, there still may be hazardous substances or waste products on this property either in buildings or in the ground itself. Please exercise caution while on these premises. Apt #2.” Officials cleared the scene around 11 AM.

Update:  According to the Pottsville Republican, this was a suspected Meth Lab.  Six people were taken into custody.

Schuylkill County Morning Weather Update

By:  Monsoon Mike

Good Friday morning! What a novel concept! Temperatures starting in the 20s instead of the single digits! In fact, we make it into the 30s today. Perhaps even the 40s or dare I say 50s if you're well south tomorrow and Sunday! Minor round of light snow possible tonight during the transition mainly north of I-78. Then we turn our attention to a minor southern event possible Sunday night into Monday morning, a more major ice to rain event mid next week, and a bigger storm beyond that. Active times, my friends! Have a good Friday!

Schuylkill County High School Basketball Scores - 1/30/14

Schuylkill County High School Basketball Scores for 1/30/14

Police Looking For Help In Finding Abandoned Dog's Owner

Last evening, WNEP reported a story about an abandoned dog in McAdoo that was tied to a pole and abandoned for at least 2 hours.

The dog was found emaciated and injured.  Part of the dog was actually frozen to the sidewalk.

A state dog warden took the dog to the Hillside SPCA to get warmth, food, and care.

http://wnep.com/2014/01/30/police-dog-tied-and-abandoned-in-the-cold/

McAdoo Police ask that anyone with information about the dog's owner to call (570) 929-2590.

Smoke Causes Nursing Home To Evacuate For Second Time Within A Week

Overnight last night, smoke within the Broad Mountain Nursing Home caused the facility to evacuate for the second time within a week.

The nursing home was also evacuated on January 28th.

Both last night's evacuation and January 28th's incident were reported to be caused by a heating unit.

UPDATED: Cop Assaulted, Shoots Man Assaulting Him in Girardville

Updated:  12:30pm

Overnight, Girardville Borough Police were called to the 100 block of Line St. in the borough around 2am, after a woman showed up at the Girardville Police Station complaining of domestic violence and worrying about her kids.

When an Officer Mel Tomeo arrived at the address, Carmen Amonti began assaulting the officer in the street.

During the assault, Officer Tomeo attempted to use his stun gun on Amonti but it had little effect. Tomeo  managed to discharge his weapon and fire three shots hitting Amonti.

Tomeo was taken to a Pottsville Hospital with a mild concussion he suffered during the assault and Amonti shot was taken to Geisinger.  His condition was not given at this time.

Both State Police and the Schuylkill County District Attorney's Office are investigating.

Source:  http://wnep.com/2014/01/31/mayor-officer-assaulted-shoots-suspect/

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

Milder but also very active weather in the next seven to ten days! Please relax, though, folks. I am getting tired of hearing everyone heralding the storm of storms next weekend. Yes, something big is on the models. But something big is on the models 70% of the time that we wind up with nothing. That being said, indications are for a very active first couple of weeks of February, so buckle your belt. 

Things to watch out for in the next 7 to 10 days: 

1) A potential round of very light but potentially nuisance-travel causing snow late Friday night into very early Saturday morning as a weak system passes to the north; 

2) A showery but innocuous weekend; 

3) A potential storm mid next week (which could be an ice maker ... concerning); 

4) And that potential bigger storm after that. 

5) Also, a little storm that could skim southern regions of the Monsoon Mike coverage area late this coming Sunday into Monday ... one of those "surprise" little storms, but I think "most" of the "surprise" will be well south of Skook. 

So there you have it folks. The first week or two of February will be slightly milder. But NOT calmer.