First Snowflakes Fall in Schuylkill County

This afternoon at approximately 2:30PM, many around the county saw their first snow of the season.  The Tamaqua Weatherman posted to his Facebook Page.

2:38pm: Sitting in my car on my lunch break and witnessed FLURRIES!! Location: Deer Lake

When we posted it to our page we got responses from Ashland,  Hegins, Tremont, McAdoo, Primrose and other places all around Schuylkill County that saw flurries.

But while some places saw flurries, others did not.  We got reports from Kelayres and Pottsville that they didn't see any of the white stuff.

It was reported earlier today that the Poconos were to see some snowflakes but the chances were slim for Schuylkill County to see it.

Did you see snowflakes where you live today?

Mayoral Candidate May Be Barred From Taking Office

Republican Dennis Wiessner, Mahanoy City, is running for mayor of the borough.  He  lost to Nancy Petritsch in the May primary by 6 votes but due to 79 Republican write-in votes, he is able to run in the general election in November.

But even if Wiessner does win the election, he may not be able to take office due to a felony conviction from over 40 years ago.

In 1972, Weissner was convicted of stealing 5 turkeys from a turkey coop just outside Allentown.  At the time, he paid a $50 fine and was on probation for two years.

The rule comes from the Pennsylvania Constitution which states:

"No person . . . convicted of infamous crimes shall be capable of holding any office of trust . . . in the Commonwealth"

Weissner has asked Governor Tom Corbett to remove this felony from his record.  He also said he will send an application to the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons.

If Weissner does win and is unable to take office, the Mahanoy City Borough Council would then appoint a mayor who would serve a two year term.

This story was first reported by WNEP.
http://wnep.com/2013/10/23/could-candidate-for-mayor-be-stopped-from-taking-office/

RECALL: Possible Listeria In Meat Products Sent To 27 States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is recalling more than 22,000 pounds of meat products.  Particularly chicken, beef, and ham.

The recall was issued because of possible cross contamination of products with Listeria monocytogenes from contact surfaces.

The bacteria can cause a serious infection called listeriosis.  Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems.  It can be treated by antibiotics.

Thursday's Weather Forecast

After a good freeze early Thursday, the rest of Thursday turns out half decently with some sunshine but temperatures hanging mainly in the upper 40s to low 50s at best. A brief rain or snow shower is possible.

Similar weather is to be expected Friday and part of Saturday before our next system which may drop a few showers later in the weekend. Temperatures return to slightly less bone-chilling levels early next week but no real "mild" weather in view.

Schuylkill Haven, Schools Lose Power This Morning

This morning at approximately 11:15am, Schuylkill Haven and some of the surrounding areas lost power.  Parts of Cressona were said to have lost power for a second but immediately came back on.

For a little more than an hour schools and Schuylkill Haven were without power but crews fixed the problem and the power is now on.

Reports were said the a squirrel took out a transformer causing the outage.

No reports on the condition of the squirrel at this time.

3 Injured When FedEx Truck Collides with Car

State Police are reporting that at approximately 4:30PM, a FedEx truck driven by Brian Krepps, 44, Lebanon, collided with a car on Route 895 in West Brunswick Twp.

The driver of the car was not identified other than that it was a 16 year old male from Orwigsburg.  He is said to have suffered minor injuries.  The passenger in the car was 43 year old Christa Meyers of Orwigsburg.

It is being reported that the FedEx truck rear-ended the car that had stopped for a flagman in a construction zone.  After the truck collided with the car, it pushed the car into a woodpile alongside the road.

The driver of the FedEx truck, Krepps, is said to have been cited.

Today's Weather Forecast 10/22/13

In retrospect, Monday will have been our warmest day of the week and will feel like summer compared to what's to come. A strong cold front (our third such front in the past five or so days) will pass through Tuesday with little fanfare. Some showers are possible, but for the most part, the front looks dry.

Wednesday could turn downright raw as a low pressure skirts to the east. Most of the rain with this system will stay east, but we should get some of the action too. Wednesday temperatures may very well stay in the 40s (!) and with some rain falling, Wednesday may go down as downright nasty. Good soup weather.

Thursday things should improve, but the temperatures won't improve much. If we make it to 50, consider yourself lucky.

Welcome to November in October. Earlier this month, we had August in October. Too bad we never had much OCTOBER in October. :)

Schuylkill County High School Football Power Rankings - Week #8

Schuylkill County High School Football Power Rankings - Week #8

Where does your team stand this week?  We have a team surging up the ranks on a 5 game win streak.

Today's Weather Forecast 10/21/13

A one day break from the chilly air happens Monday under mainly sunny skies and temperatures into the 60s.

Things clouds up later on Monday, however, ahead of our next cold front which could produce some showers Tuesday when temperatures start their downward spiral.

Our mid-week storm potential isn't looking too impressive at this point, but Wednesday could turn out on the drearier side depending on the track of a storm. Either way, temperatures will feel more like November from Wednesday right through the end of the week and likely beyond! 

Skook News - Week in Review - Week Ending 10/19/13

Check out all of the news from the week ending 10/19/13

Today's Weather Forecast - 10/20/13

Our second in a series of about four cold fronts that either have or will be affecting us have just passed with some light rain Saturday night making way for a pretty bright but chilly Sunday. Sunday will be somewhat similar to this past Friday where a stiff westerly breeze will chill the air and cold-air clouds may dim the sun at times, but generally a dry, decent day with temperatures struggling to make it out of the 50s.

We rebound to the 60s Monday and Tuesday but the next cold front moves through Tuesday with some precipitation possible. The details of what happens beyond Tuesday are a bit tricky with some computer models indicating a mid-week cold rain event with perhaps even a few wet snow flakes mixed in, in far northern colder locations. Other computer models keep things from affecting us. Either way, one thing is for certain, Wednesday through week's end will feel more like November than October with temperatures struggling to make it out of the 40s! 

October just can be normal, can it? From 80s for highs earlier this month to 40s for highs later in the month. Why can't we just have a few weeks of around 60 degrees? :) 

 

Be sure to follow more from Monsoon Mike at

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monsoon-Mikes-Weather-Headquarters/277030735667101

Pottsville Man Admits to Stealing Money From Crash Victims

Justin Kanezo, Pottsville, has admitted to stealing a donation can from a convenience store in Minersville.  The donation can was for the Moore Family who were hurt in a car crash in Cressona last month.

Police say it was with the help of surveillance video and people sharing the video on Facebook that led to police finding Kanezo

In the video, you could see Kanezo walk into the convenience store, grab the can, and walk out.

Home Damaged By Fire in North Manheim Township

Yesterday around Noon, crews were called  to 1073 Market St., North Manheim Township.  The fire was quickly classified as working and additional personnel was called in.

Police suspect a power strip caused the fire.

The owners were not home at the time.

Mark Kessler and Son Sued For Allegedly Shooting Girl With BB Gun

Just when you thought the Mark Kessler saga couldn't get any crazier . . .

The Republican Herald is reporting that Mark Kessler and his son, Zachary Kessler have been sued for Zachary Kessler allegedly shooting a girl with a BB gun that happened earlier this year.

You can find more about the law suit in the article from the Pottsville Republican
http://republicanherald.com/chief-kessler-son-sued-in-alleged-bb-gun-shooting-1.1571111

Saturday's Weather Forecast - 10/19/2013

It won't be a perfect weekend, but it'll be pretty close. Increasing clouds Saturday afternoon and light showers possible Saturday night will be the proverbial fly in the ointment. Otherwise, Saturday will start partly sunny and temperatures will top out in the 60s.

After any showers move out overnight Saturday into early Sunday, the rest of Sunday looks pretty decent too, but it'll be even chillier thanks to another cold front. Temperatures Sunday may not make it out of the 50s.

Monday and Tuesday we try to rebound a bit into the 60s again, but it's only temporary. Even CHILLIER air mid the coming week with temperatures struggling to get out of the 40s later in the week.

Be sure to head on over and like our weatherman's page
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monsoon-Mikes-Weather-Headquarters/277030735667101?ref=ts&fref=ts

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores - Week #8

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores- Week #8

 

 

Tower City Man Arrested After 2 Year Old Found With Syringes

Ray Lucas, 27, of Tower City was arrested in Lebanon Thursday morning after police found Lucas sleeping in his car and a 2 year old playing with a syringe filled with heroin in the backseat.

Lucas is being charged with drug charges and child endangerment.

Reward for Info Leading To Arrest In Orwigsburg

A reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest of the person in the image to the left.

The following items were stolen in Orwigsburg

8 brass light fixtures
2 disconnects
2 2x4 light fixtures
well pressure tank

If you have any information regarding this, please contact the authorities.

Schuylkill County High School Football - Week #8

Schuylkill County High School Football - Week #8

Today's Weather Forecast 10/18/2013

Normally I'm not as long-winded as I have been the past few days with the weather. Blame an active, complex weather pattern for that. But it finally gets a bit easier, but at a price ... much cooler weather.
Friday will feature the return of some sun with after some possible morning clouds as our cold front exits the coast, with highs in the mid 60s.

Saturday looks partly sunny in the morning. Increasing clouds in the afternoon ahead of a secondary cold front. Highs in the mid 60s.

A few showers are possible Saturday night thanks to that front. They should clear out by Sunday making for another at least partly sunny day with highs notably cooler, this time only in the low 60s, perhaps upper 50s in the normally cooler locations.

Cool weather continues all of next week with the temperatures trying ever so slightly to rebound Tuesday only to be knocked down even bigger by late week when temperatures may struggle to get out of the 40s and low 50s!

Make sure you follow and like our weatherman's page on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monsoon-Mikes-Weather-Headquarters/277030735667101

SKOOK SPOTLIGHT: Our Obsession With Guers Iced Tea (8 Pics)

Today's Weather Forecast - 10/17/13

Changes are brewing. By this time next week, it will REALLY feel like the depths of autumn, something we've been spoiled not to have really had to this point. Highs a week from now may not make it out of the 50s (upper 40s possible in higher elevations of the Poconos!) Until then, we have one more day of real warmth with temperatures hanging in the upper 60s on Thursday. If the sun can break out, perhaps 70, but latest trends are looking cloudier, much like Wednesday was.

 

A slow moving cold front and low pressure move through overnight Thursday into Friday with periods of light rain. Not looking for a ton of rain, but it'll be enough to moisten the ground and perhaps make driving slick on wet leaves Thursday night.

 

Friday things should quickly clear out with the sun returning. Temperatures mainly in the mid 60s which is cooler but still not too bad for October. 

 

Both days of the weekend are similar with temperatures slowly slipping some more. But we'll REALLY start to feel the difference NEXT week as a series of dry cold fronts pass on through, reinforcing the cooler air and reminding us that old-man winter is just around the corner. 

Schuylkill County High School Football Power Rankings - Week #7

Schuylkill County High School Football Power Rankings - Week #7

After some tough losses, we are down to one undefeated team.

Today's Weather Forecast 10/16/13

A weak warm front moves through early Wednesday followed by a cool front that tries to head in from the west later in the day. The result will be more clouds than the past few days with temperatures a touch cooler, mainly in the upper 60s. Not to say we won't see "any" Wednesday sun, but it may be at a premium with the nearby fronts. Showers and drizzle are possible at any time, as well, but not looking for a big rain maker here.

The cool front somewhat "stalls" over the area late Wednesday, but enough out of the way that Thursday may feature more sun. High temperatures, if we get that sun Thursday, could soar back into the 70
s one more time.

A low pressure system rides along that front, however later on Thursday making Thursday night and perhaps early Friday showery (with perhaps a few periods of downright rain). Assuming the low and front keep cruising east, however, Friday may end up pretty nice by later in the morning (or even earlier) with sun returning and temperatures in the mid 60s.

Expect a downward trend in temperatures beyond the three day as yet another cool front or two have their eyes set on Schuylkill County later in the weekend and/or early next week. Looks like that "real" autumn chill that has somewhat avoided Schuylkill County so far this season may begin next week.

Today's Weather Forecast - 10/15/13

Tuesday should be another pretty nice day after any morning low clouds and fog burn off (sound familiar?) Highs should average in the upper 60s to low 70s in normally warmer parts of the county.

Wednesday will cloud up ahead of our next system, a cold front. Showers are possible mainly in the afternoon and evening. Despite the clouds, temperatures will still be deep into the 60s and low 70s.

Don't get used to the mild weather, however. A pretty notable cool down looks to be in the cards in the long term, starting Thursday which will be our transition day. Some sun should return after the showers depart. Temperatures again will be in the 60s but a series of secondary cold fronts will knock temperatures down even more as we proceed into week's end and the coming weekend. 

 

Be sure to get more weather information by liking and following Monsoon Mike on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monsoon-Mikes-Weather-Headquarters/277030735667101

Lackawanna County Twp. Fire Dept. Donates Firetruck to Mahanoy City Dept.

Skook News has learned that the Washington Hook and Ladder in Mahanoy City has received a loaner truck from a department in Scott Twp., Lackawanna County.

The department says that loan would not have been possible without the help from surrounding boroughs, Jermyn, Dalton, and Clifford Twp.

Crash Victim Identified From Deadly Tremont Twp. Crash

Police say Barbara Shuster, Pine Grove, was the 73 year old woman who died in the crash on Route 125 in Tremont Twp., Saturday, around 3:30 PM.

Read more about the crash here
http://skooknews.blogspot.com/2013/10/woman-dies-in-tremont-twp-crash-heroes.html

Columbus Day Weather Forecast 10/14/13

Your Columbus Day holiday looks to not be that different from your Saturday and Sunday with clouds (especially in the morning), some sun, and temperatures in the upper 60s. Yet again still can't totally rule out a passing shower, but the chances of that are almost gone. But don't expect another half-month dry spell like we recently had late in September and early October. We're in a more active pattern now. 

Tuesday is our totally calm day with any morning clouds and fog burning off into partly sunny skies and temperatures approaching the low 70s.

Wednesday things start going downhill again as our next cold front and potential associated low pressure approach. They'll be a chance of showers, especially later in the day, with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s.

Be sure to follow Monsoon Mikes forecast on his Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=277030735667101

Woman Dies in Tremont Twp. Crash, Heroes Save Another

Picture from Schuylkill County Firewire

Yesterday afternoon around 3:30PM, an accident occurred at the intersection of Route 125 and Molleystown Road in Tremont Twp.

A car driven by a 73 year old woman pulled out from Molleystown Road in front of  another car causing a fuel tank to catch fire and burst into flames.

Today's Weather Forecast: 10/13/13

It's been a tricky forecast the past few days with a departing low pressure to our south and a high pressure trying to nose in from the north. Yesterday turned out sunnier than expected. Today might be back to more clouds, however, as the onshore flow continues. Also, can't rule out a passing shower. Breezy with highs mainly in the 60s. Cooler than yesterday when we had more sun.

Monday (a day off for some people) will tend to start on the cloudy side once again but end on the sunnier side. Highs in the upper 60s to low 70s if we can get some sun. Yet again can't totally rule out a shower. 

Tuesday should be a mainly sunny day with highs in the low 70s which is actually at least 5 to 10 degrees above normal for this time of year. Far from the 80s of two weeks ago, but still mild. October has been quite the mild month so far.

Things start to get unstable again towards the end of the week with more precipitation likely. 

Be sure to follow our weatherman, Monsoon Mike's, page on Facebook as well for more weather information.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monsoon-Mikes-Weather-Headquarters/277030735667101

Today's Weather Forecast 10/12/13

Today (Saturday) we begin to slowly break out of the dreary pattern we've been in the past few days as high pressure ever so slowing noses in from the north, but a shower or two still cannot be ruled out. Highs will be in the mid 60s.

Sunday will feature more breaks of sun through the clouds. A shower still cannot be ruled out. Highs in the 60s. 

And Monday (Columbus Day), high pressure finally takes control and after some morning fog, partly sunny skies with highs in the upper 60s. 

Like and follow more from Monsoon Mike's Weather Headquarters on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monsoon-Mikes-Weather-Headquarters/277030735667101

Mt. Carbon /N. Manheim Twp. Fire Co. - WE WILL REBUILD

8 days ago, a fire that started in an abandoned house next door to the Mt. Carbon Fire Co. Headquarters, collapsed during the blaze, causing the fire company's building to catch fire as well.  Crews were able to salvage the equipment inside but their building wasn't.

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores - Week #7

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores - Week #7


Mahanoy Area 0  Jim Thorpe 26
Minersville 7 Marian 43
Carson Long Military Academy 13 Nativity BVM 33
North Schuylkill 13 Mt. Carmel 19
Shenandoah Valley 21 Panther Valley 34
Daniel Boone 14 Pottsville 17
Tamaqua 32 Schuylkill Haven 14


Saturday Games
Pine Grove @ Halifax
Tri-Valley 14 Williams Valley 28

Monday Games
Blue Mountain @ Schuylkill Valley

Postponed High School Football Games for 10/11/2013

Due to the weather, High School Football games are being postponed.  Below are the schools that we are aware of currently

Tri-Valley @ Williams Valley - Postponed until Saturday, 10/12/13 at 7PM
Pine Grove @ Halifax - Postponed until Monday, 10/14/13 at 5:30PM
Blue Mountain @ Schuylkill Valley - Postponed until Saturday, 10/12/13 at 7PM

Schuylkill County High School Football - Week #7

Schuylkill County High School Football - Week #7

Rain Expected Throughout Morning, Flood Warning Issued For Afternoon through Saturday

The rain which started last night is still around this morning and will stick with us throughout this morning.  The rain, which is expected to be heavy at times, will be causing a lot of ponding and flooding across roadways, so give yourself extra time when travelling today and take your time.  If you come across a large area of water, DO NOT TRY AND DRIVE THROUGH IT.

The heavy rains have also pulled a lot of the leaves off of trees causing some roads to be slick.

The National Weather Service has also issued a Flood Warning for southern Schuylkill County until 2PM Saturday.  The Swatara Creek is expected to just go above flood stage overnight tonight.  People in the Pine Grove Area should begin taking precautions sooner then later.

Mark Kessler Termination Hearing Postponed After Loaded Gun Falls To Floor

Earlier tonight , the borough council of Gilberton, their lawyers, Mark Kessler, his lawyers, and the hearing officer, Sam Falcone met for a termination hearing which was scheduled after the borough council voted to terminate Kessler pending the hearing.

What has already been a media circus, this hearing did not disappoint either.

Suspended Gilberton Chief's Termination Hearing Tonight

The termination hearing for suspended Gilberton Borough Chief Mark Kessler will take place at 5:30PM this evening in Gilberton.

Word is news crews are already beginning to park outside Gilberton's Borough Building.

While the whole thing started because of Kessler making Youtube videos with the Borough's guns, the hearing is expected to focus on unrelated job performance issues.  Some charges are that Kessler didn't fill out mandatory government crime forms, use a law enforcement discount to get tires for his own vehicle, destroying borough property and was insubordinate towards council members.

Skook News will keep you up to date on what happens during the hearing.

Schuylkill County High School Football Power Rankings - Week #6

Schuylkill County High School Football Power Rankings - Week #6


3 undefeated teams remain at the top, but how far did Williams Valley fall?

3 From County Honored At Spirit of Courage Awards

Last night at the 8th Annual Spirit of Courage Awards, at the Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg campus in Bethlehem, 3 from Schuylkill County were honored.  The awards honor those for their acts of heroism or commitment to burn education.

Mahanoy City firefighters James Markiewicz and Paul Brutto Jr. were honored for when they rescued an elderly man and a couple from a burning building.

Girardville Fire Chief, Frank Zangari, was also honored for leading a smoke alarm distribution program that has put over 10,000 smoke alarms in Schuylkill County homes.

Police Investigating Missing Copper Wire

The State Police are looking for any information regarding missing copper wire in  Tremont Twp.

Police say 100 pounds of copper wire went  missing between October 4th and October 7th from two trucks in the 100 block of Mollystown Road.

Call state police at 570-739-1330 if you have any information.

Happy National Pierogie Day

Today marked the 5th Annual Pierogie Day across America and we wouldn't even be having this day without a well-known company right here in Schuylkill County.

Mrs. T's Pierogies is the largest producer of frozen pierogies in the country.  From finger food to eating it as a main course, they are the perfect for any occasion.

Turkey Hill Ice Cream Recall

Turkey Hill has voluntarily recalled some of  it's ice cream.

The company is saying the recall is limited to packages sold in Turkey Hill Minit Markets in Pennsylvania, some Wal-Mart stores in Pennsylvania and West Virginia and other small grocers and convenience stores in Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Ringtown Funeral Director Accepts Plea Deal With Prosecutors

In April 2013, Ringtown Funeral Director, Steve Oravitz was charged forging a name on a life insurance policy naming his business as the beneficiary of a 10,000 policy.

WNEP reported now that the funeral director has accepted a plea deal with prosecutors.  In the deal, 3 of the 4 felonies that Oravitz was charged with will be dropped.  The last remaining felony is being downgraded to a misdemeanor  charge of forgery.  In return, he will plead no contest.

The agreement calls for 100 hours community service and no jail time.

Tower City Man Flees Police With Boy In Car

James Lemmon, 40 of Tower City, was arrested on Sunday afternoon after he allegedly fled from police.

State Police in Lykens say when Lemmon saw a a trooper's car on Sunday afternoon in the borough, he fled at a high rate of speed for no apparent reason.

While fleeing, police say he ran several stop signs in Tower City before stopping and telling a 9 year old boy, who was also in the car, to run and get his mother.

Lemmon was charged with reckless endangerment, endangering the welfare of a child, fleeing and eluding, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, and driving without insurance.

He was committed to Schuylkill County Prison on $25,000 bail.

Diesel Fuel Stolen From Tractor Trailor In Pine Grove Twp.

State Police are looking for information on an incident that happened last weekend in Pine Grove Twp.  A truck owned by Carlisle Carrier Corporation was parked  at the Pilot Truck Stop just off Interstate 81 from October 4th to October 6th and is said to have 100 gallons of diesel fuel stolen from it.

If anyone has information regarding this to please call the State Police at Schuylkill Haven at (570) 739-1330.

Ashland Man In Prison After Stabbing Tower City Man

Police were called to 921 Brock St., Ashland, on Wednesday evening around 10:50PM.  When they arrived, they found Joseph Scheib, with a stab wound to his hand and chest.

Police charged James Whitman, 23, with the stabbing.  Whitman is the owner of the residence.  Scheib is from Tower City.

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores - Week #6

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores - Week #6

Hamburg 0  Blue Mountain 33

Panther Valley 0  Marian 25

Minersville 0  Jim Thorpe 47

North Schuylkill 21  Tamaqua 14

Williams Valley 6  Pine Grove  14

Pottsville 0  Conrad Weiser 29

Shenandoah Valley 7   Schuylkill Haven  48

Millersburg 28  Tri-Valley 48

Scheduled for Saturday
Mahanoy Area 73 Carson Long 7
Nativity BVM 19 Columbia Montour Vo-Tech 6

PA Governor Tom Corbett Compares Gay Marriage To Incest

This morning while Governor Tom Corbett made an appearance on WHP-TV from Harrisburg, Corbett was discussing gay marriage.  The reporter interviewing him asked him about a statement his lawyers made comparing gay couples to marrying children, because neither are legal.

This was the Governor's response

"It was an inappropriate analogy, you know.  I think a much better analogy would have been brother and sister, don't you?".

Corbett is now apologizing for his own comments regarding incest.

"My words were not intended to offend anyone. If they did, I apologize."

What do you think about these remarks made by our Governor?

Ashland Man Taken Into Custody After Suspecting To Be On Bath Salts

An Ashland man was taken into custody after he entered a neighbors home and stripped naked in the bathroom.

James Johnson, 44, of 1331 Walnut St., Ashland, is accused of entering 1334 Walnut St. on September 21st and going to the bathroom where he was said to have stripped naked.

Two females and a young girl were home at the time.

Johnson was taken into custody but later released on bail.  He is being charged with felony counts of burglary and criminal trespass.

Schuylkill County Man's Response To Being Called A "Troll" By Congressman

Yesterday we published a story about Schuylkill County's United State Congressman, Matt Cartwright, calling a constituent from Schuylkill County a "troll".

Click here to read yesterday's article

This came after Leo Knepper, Pine Grove, asked the Congressman, "Why did you vote against funding our veterans?".  You can see the exchange in the image below.

Mount Carbon Fire Destroys Home and Fire House, One Firefighter injured

Picture from Schuylkill County Firewire

 This morning at approximately 4:30am, crews were called to 118 Main St. Port Carbon.  When fire departments arrived on scene, the home was already fully engulfed and quickly became a 2nd Alarm fire.

Orwigsburg Man In Critical Condition After Motorcycle Crash

Christopher Evans, Orwigsburg crashed early this morning along Route 61 between Coal Mountain Road and Laurel Drive while riding his motorcycle northbound, in West Brunswick Township.  State police say the crash happened around 12:40AM

Evans slid with the motorcycle about 165 feet before stopping on the edge of the highway.  The bike continued to slide for about another 1,000 feet.

Evans was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital where he is listed in critical condition.

Skook Spotlight: Tamaqua, PA

Tamaqua was founded in 1799 by German immigrant Burkhardt Moser. Originally to be named Tuscarora, the name Tamaqua was chosen after it was realized that there already was a community named Tuscarora about four miles (6 km) to the west. Roughly half of Moser's original log cabin is still intact and visible behind a house on the east side of Broad Street. The discovery of anthracite coal in the region in the early 19th century led to the town's rise as a coal producing community. The town was incorporated as a borough in 1832.  German, Irish, and Welsh immigrants came to the borough in the 1840s and 1850s, followed by a large influx of Italians, Lithuanians, Slovaks, and Poles in the 1890s and early 20th century. During the 1860s and 1870s, Tamaqua was the geographic center hub for the Molly Maguires. One murder commonly attributed to the Mollies was that of town policeman Benjamin Yost, who was shot to death early one morning while extinguishing a gas lamp at the corner of West Broad and Lehigh Streets.

Schuylkill County High School Football - Week #6

Schuylkill County High School Football - Week #6

Hamburg @ Blue Mountain

Panther Valley @ Marian

Minersville @ Jim Thorpe

North Schuylkill @ Tamaqua

Williams Valley @ Pine Grove (Game to Watch, Both Undefeated)

Pottsville @ Conrad Weiser

Shenandoah Valley @ Schuylkill Haven

Millersburg @ Tri-Valley

Scheduled for Saturday
Mahanoy Area @ Carson Long
Nativity BVM @ Columbia Montour Vo-Tech

Rep. Cartwright Calls A Schuylkill County Constituent A "Troll"

In a story that , PoliticsPA.com posted, it looks like Schuylkill County's US Representative Matt Cartwright has got himself in a bit of a Twitter battle.

A constituent, Leo Knepper, from right in Schuylkill County, asked Rep. Cartwright a question of why he voted a certain way on HJ Res. 72.   The bill restores veteran's benefits during the government shutdown.   You can see the response he got in the picture below

Lancaster Woman Arrested in Schuylkill Haven In Connection with Daughter's Death

Ranasia Knight

Last November, Jessica Bachman, Lancaster, sought out a protection from abuse order from Lester Johnson, her then live-in boyfriend after he threatened to kill her and her children.

A year before that, she sought out a PFA after he pulled her hair, attempted to pull her down the stairs, and threatened to kill her.  He also said he would have her and her children kidnapped.

Ashland and Hegins Men Sent to Prison

On Monday, 2 Ashland men were sent to prison on drug charges from incidents that happened in 2011.

Charles Bechtel, 31, was sentenced to 4 to 24 months, plus 23 additional months of probation, and undergo drug and alcohol evaluation.

Bechtel had earlier pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and use of an incapacitation device, and prosecutors withdrew earlier charges  of prohibited possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

State Police at Reading had charged Bechtel with committing the crimes on June 30, 2011.

Also sentenced on Monday was Kevin J. Clews, 33, of Ashland.  He was sentenced to 3 to 12 months in prison and undergo and drug and alcohol evaluation after revoking his probation.

Clews' probabation was revoked after the defendant admitted to possessing drugs and failing a drug test.

Clews had already pleaded guilty to the charges.

Ashland Police charged Clews when he was driving under the influence and possessing drug paraphernalia  in a November 19, 2011 incident.

Also, Bradley L. Merwine, 34, of Hegins was sentenced to 6 to 12 months in prison when he failed to report and not complete substance abuse treatment.

Merwine originally pleaded guilty to charges of false reports to law enforcement.  He was then placed on probation.

Schuylkill Haven State Police charged Merwine with the false reports on January 3, 2010.

Minersville Man In Prison After Gun Incident

Minersville Police got a call of a domestic violence incident where shots were fired around 7AM Sunday morning at 313 Pine St.

When police arrived, they could hear yelling coming from the second floor of the home of John G. Chistakoff, 47.

ATV Crash Victim Dies

Shawn Day, 20, of Pottsville, was pronounced dead at 10PM, Monday evening at Lehigh High Valley Hospital.

State police report that Day drove past a state trooper on his ATV without headlights in the 2300 block of West End Avenue early Sunday morning.  A short while later, police found the ATV crashed after hitting a wall on private property and then a utility pole.

Christopher Ostrousky, 23, of Pottsville was riding the ATV with Day.  Both were ejected when they crashed.  Ostrousky was taken to Geisinger in Danville.

Neither Day or Ostrousky were wearing helmets.

4 Undefeated Schuylkill County High School Football Teams

This season in high school football in Schuylkill County has been a memorable one.  We've seen the big districts that usually dominate the county lose and we now have 4 smaller districts who have gone undefeated for 5 weeks.  Those teams are Mahanoy Area, Tri-Valley, Pine Grove, and Williams Valley.

Early Morning Fire In Atlas

This morning, a fire spread through 4 homes in Atlas, Northumberland County.  Out of the 4 homes only one was occupied.  The fire is said to have started in one of the vacant homes.

Route 61 leading into Mt. Carmel and Girard Street were closed while crews were fighting the blaze.

From Schuylkill County, Ashland and Friendship Fire Co., Butler Twp. responded to the fire with their Tanker.

WNEP is reporting that fire officials are calling the fire suspicious.