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. 

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.

Man Involved in Monday Crash Passes Away

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

3rd Annual Boilo Contest Scheduled for the Schuylkill County Fair

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


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

"Skook Tales" Coming to the Schuylkill County Fair

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.). 

Monday, June 20, 2016

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.

Multi Vehicle Accident Monday Afternoon

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

Sunday, June 19, 2016

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


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

Four Face Drug Charges After Drug Bust; Meth Seized

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.

Police Investigating Retail Theft

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.

Saturday, June 18, 2016

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


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

Friday, June 17, 2016

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


Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

Pennsylvania Wing Fest Coming to Pocono Raceway

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


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

Man Arrested After Pursuit

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.

Coroner Called to the Scene of Fire in Pottsville Friday Morning

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.