Santa Claus Visits Ashland

Santa stopped by Ashland tonight!  He was escorted by Ashland Police Department, both fire companies, and the Ashland Rotary from the borough. 
Sorry for the quality.

Remember To Support Your Local Small Business This Saturday

Remember to support your local small business this Saturday.  After all the craziness and shopping done at the big stores this Black Friday, it's good to remember the local small businesses in our communities.  Ever sale counts to them so even if you go out and buy something small from them, they'll appreciate it!

Former School Starts To Be Demolished

The Former Immaculate Heart/St. Joseph School in Girardville started demolition on Friday.  A small crowd gathered to watch the beginning of the tear down process.  Below are some pictures from today.

Schuylkill Haven Falls To Old Forge

Tonight Schuylkill Haven fell to Old Forge 35-0.

Elderly Woman Conned Out of $13,000

In a press release from the Orwigsburg Police Department, an elderly woman from the borough reported that she was conned out of $13,000.  They reportedly used something called the "Grandparents Scam" which targets the elderly.

2 More Explosive Devices Found in South Manheim Twp. Home

Yesterday we reported a story where a man from South Manheim Twp was charged with possessing weapons of mass destruction.

http://www.skooknews.com/2013/11/south-manheim-township-man-charged-with.html

A further search that was conducted Wednesday led to the finding of 2 more explosive devices.  Both devices were taken from 1600 block of Summer Hill Road and disposed of.

Tuesday Motor Vehicle Accidents on Interstate 81 (TamaquaArea.com)

Tuesday's Weather brought out numerous accidents across the county.  Here are some that were documented by TamaquaArea.com from Interstate 81.    We'd like to thank them for letting us share this information.

County Project Aims To Provide Children In Need

A new project in Schuylkill County is aiming to provide services for children in need.

The "Community Solution6 Project, started by Rob Hampton, is looking to provide services for children, where their parents may not be able to provide them with the items or treatments that they may desperately need.

The project started when Rob's daughter's school posted a flyer asking for anyone who could help donate a breathing treatment machine for a child who had asthmas.  He would also see children wearing coats that looked like they've been passed down for years.

Hampton had done other charitable projects over the years which gave him the knowledge of starting this new project.

How the project works is parents email or write the organization state what their child needs and then the organization will negotiate with companies/doctors/business/etc. to get the items they need.  A board of directors will meet monthly to discuss requests.

"For example. Say a child needs prescription glasses. They email us and we negotiate with a local eye doctor and we pay the doctor directly. Then the parent just brings the child in and they get the exam and the glasses." says Hampton.

The organization is still looking for people for their board of directors which already consists of local radio and TV personalities, Musicians, and Business owners.

You can read more about this project or donate to them at their web site below

http://www.communitysolution6.org

South Manheim Township Man Charged With Possession of Weapons of Mass Destruction

Tony Ronbo Weiss, 26, of 1651 Summer Hill Road,  South Manheim Twp. was charged with possession of weapons of mass destruction and possession of  offensive weapons on Tuesday.

Around 11am County Sheriff's attempted to serve Weiss and eviction notice at his home when they noticed that he had an illegal shotgun.

This prompted a search that led to the finding of explosive devices.

Weiss was arraigned and placed into Schuylkill County Prison on $50,000 bail.

Early Monday Fire Damages South Manheim Twp. Home

A fire early Monday morning damaged a home in South Manheim Twp.  The residents of 1629 Lightfoot Drive, Lake Wynonah woke to find their deck on fire.  When crews arrived, the fire had already spread to the home.

No one was injured in the blaze and the fire appears to have been electrical.

Corbett Signs Transportation Bill

Monday morning in Spring Hills, PA, Governor Tom Corbett signed the new transportation bill into law that will provide over $2 billion a year for improvements to Pennsylvania's bridges and highways.

The ceremony took place in the parking lot of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post along 322.

What's your thoughts on the newly signed bill?

10 Ways to Cook A Turkey

Stuck in a turkey rut? Tired of cooking the same old turkey every Thanksgiving? Okay, not literally, but we all have our own traditions or have just become accustomed to following the first turkey recipe we learned. Why not try something new this year? The following list includes 10 ways you can cook a turkey.

Morning Fire in Pine Grove Twp.

Pictures from Schuylkill County Firewire

Around 6am, crews were called to 6 Fidlers Court, Pine Grove Twp. this morning for a working structure fire.  Per County reports, the fire reportedly started in the bathroom, then spread to the rear of the home.

Crews left scene around 8:30am.

No other information is available at this time.

Donations for Families in November 22nd Fire in Pottsville

**COPY AND PASTE**

Wednesday -  Good lntent Fire Co.. 2nd Street, next to Beer n Burger, between Market and 2nd Sts.
 6 to 9 pm.....

Monday -  Sovereign Majestic Theater, 209 N. Center Street, down from the old Coney lsland, in Pottsville.
10 am - 1 pm.

Tuesday -  December 10th Only Trinity Lutheran Church, 3rd Street, Pottsville, One night only 6 to 8 pm

-----------------------------------------------

This is for the one family that lost everything in the fire on the 22nd of this month in Pottsville.

We ALL have clothes just sitting in our closets. Let's try to help these people out as much as possible.

So far the following items are needed:

A boy size 3t, 2 girls sizes 5/6 and 12/14, and a mom 1x-2x. Toddler girl size 12 shoes and toddler boy 7-8, and diapers size 5.
They are also accepting household items too.
Everyone Lost Everything!
Thanks for helping out!

2 Hurt in High Speed Crash in Pine Grove Twp.

Two men were hurt in a high speed crash in Pine Grove Twp. Saturday evening.

Tyler Schaeffer, 21, and Adam Zerbe, 19, both of Pine Grove were both flown from the scene to Hershey Medical Center with severe injuries after they lost control of their vehicle at a high rate of speed on Keefer Road and hit multiple trees around 6:15pm.

Both were ejected and said to have not been wearing their seatbelts.

No other information was available on their condition at this time and the crash is still being investigated.

Monday's Weather Forecast 11/25/13

By: Monsoon Mike

No changes to my prior thoughts. The coming storm looks to be a mainly rain event, but starting as a bit of snow and ice and perhaps ending as a touch of light snow. In between, plenty of rain. Nevertheless, storms like this are all about timing and track and while I am 90% certain of this outcome, things can still change, so follow my Facebook fan page for updates on the fly. Best chances for more snow and ice the farther north in the county and the higher in elevation that you are. Best chances for just a quick changeover to a chilly rain the farther south and lower in elevation you are. Timing is Tuesday p.m. through Wednesday p.m. with perhaps a break in between where nothing much is falling around Wednesday a.m. As much as 2 to 3 inches of snow could fall in northern Skook before the changeover. More in the way of just a slushy coating in the southern regions. Then just a cold, dry Thanksgiving and Black Friday. 

One thing this storm will do for you disappointed snow lovers is set the stage for more cold air and perhaps more active, perhaps more snowy and less rainy storms, as we head into the first weeks of December, so if you like snow and you're not thrilled at my forecast above for the coming storm, just hang in there! 

Overnight Motor Vehicle Accident in Rush Township

Around 5:15 a.m. Sunday, crews were called to Pine Creek Drive (SR54) (between the intersections of SR1018 and Holly Road) in Rush Township for a motor vehicle accident with entrapment involving one vehicle.

Skook News - Week In Review

 

The news of Schuylkill County from the past week

 

Early Saturday Fire Displaces 3 In Tamaqua

Early Saturday morning, just after 1am, Tamaqua fire crews were called to 317 Glenwood Ave in the borough.  The fire was put out in about 15 minutes the fire caused enough damage to displace the 3 residents that lived in the home.  The home at 319 was also damaged but no one lived in the home.

The fire was reported to be started by a wood stove's chimney which then spread to the walls.

Below is video of the fire that was posted on Youtube by TamaquaArea.com

Schuylkill County Obituaries 11/23/13

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 11/23/2013

Schuylkill Haven Wins Big Over Bristol

On Friday Night, Schuylkill Haven defeated Bristol 56-27 and will face Old Forge in Round 2 of the State Playoffs.  They will play at Blue Mountain

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 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.

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.

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

Mahanoy City Fire Department Strikes Deal For Truck

Photo From Southampton Fire Company

The Washington Hook and Ladder has announced that they have struck a deal with the Southampton Fire Company to purchase their E-One Ladder Truck.

No other information has been given at this time.

Ashland Borough Issues Water Boil Advisory

The Ashland Borough has issued a water boil advisory until further notice due to a water main break.

Skook News Week in Review

 

 

This week's week in review

Marian Volleyball Wins Class A State Title

On Saturday at the Central York High School, Marian faced Cochranton for the Class A State Volleyball Title and won 25-16, 25-23, 25-17 sweeping the entire game.

This is Marian's second State Volleyball Saturday and it was Cochranton only loss the entire season.

4 Homes In Shenandoah Damaged By Fire

On Saturday morning, around 11:15am, crews were called to 206 East Washington Street in Shenandoah for a fire.  Not long after they arrived, the fire was switched to 2nd Alarm calling in extra crews from around the area.

Suspect In Orwigsburg Home Invasion Turns Himself In

Skook News has just learned from the Orwigsburg Police Deparment that Jason Stevens turned himself into police Saturday.

An arrest warrant was issued yesterday for Stevens for a home invasion that took place in Orwigsburg early Thursday morning.

Arrest Warrant Issued For Suspect In Orwigsburg Home Invasion

Orwigsburg Police have just issued an arrest warrant for a suspect in yesterday morning's home invasion

 

Jason C. Stevens “Poota”

21 year old black male

6’01, 250 pounds

Brown hair, brown eyes

 

Last known to reside in the Borough of Shenandoah.

 

Any information, please contact the Schuylkill County Communications Center at 628-3792

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores - 11/15/13

Who survived Friday night's games?

Marian 28 Mahanoy Area 3
North Schuylkill 18 Northwestern Lehigh 19
Schuylkill Haven 42 Williams Valley 16

Schedule For Tonight's Schuylkill County Football Games - 11/15/13

Big games tonight for all 5 teams that are still left!

Police Looking For Thief Who Stole ATV

Police are reporting that they are investigating the theft of an ATV in Wayne Township.

They say that the theft took place on Sunday between 11:30am and 4:45pm at 2001 Fair Road.

The owner reported that someone started his red and green 1994 Yamaha Timberwolf 25 ATV and rode away on it.

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

Tim Holden Sworn in as Liquor Control Board Member

On Thursday, Tim Holden was sworn in to the Pennsylvania Liqour Control Board at the Schuylkill County Courthouse.

It was announced earlier in the week that Holden would be taking the position.

Holden previously served 20 years in the United State House of Representatives but lost in 2012 in the Democratic Primary.

Tamaqua Man Taken Into Custody on Outstanding Warrants

On November 10th, Derek Shellhamer, 26, 307 Arlington St. was taken into custody on outstanding warrants by the Schuylkill County Probation Office.

Shellhamer's residence was posted with a no trespassing sign by the code enforcement office but officers noticed that the basement door was broken into.  Officers then searched the residence where they found  Shellhamer hiding in an upstairs closet.  When they searched him they found a metal spoon, waxed packing materials and half a pill of Traxodone which is an antidepressant.

Shellhamer was then placed into Schuylkill County Prison.

Vehicle Pushed Into Shenandoah Business In Crash

Picture from Firewire Schuylkill County

Around 11am, crews were called to 601 West Center St., Shenandoah.

It was reported that a tan Ford Taurus rear ended the white pickup truck and pushed the truck into RJ and Friends Bar.

The Ford Taurus was reported to have fled the scene and an alert was sent out looking for the vehicle with front end damage and leaking fluids.

Shortly the Ford Taurus returned to the scene.

UPDATED: Orwigsburg Police Looking For Armed Home Invaders

Police are looking for 2 men that kicked in a door to a home on West Market Street in Orwigsburg around 1am Thursday morning.

The armed invaders then threatened the two people that lived inside the home.

The invaders took a purse, a safe, and a bottle of alcohol before leaving.  No one was reported hurt.

No information was given about the intruders.

If anyone has any information, please call the Orwigsburg police.

UPDATE FROM ORWIGSBURG POLICE:  The suspects have been described as at least 2 black males.  They believe this was a targeted event and the suspect(s) know the victims.  The investigation is still ongoing.

Coaldale Looking For Police Chief But Current Chief Doesn't Plan on Leaving

The Coaldale borough has published notices that they are looking for a new police chief.  The strange thing is, the current police chief has no plans for retiring.

At this point, only an ad has been posted that they are looking for someone for the position and sites that it's a personnel issue that they cannot discuss.

You can read more about it here
http://www.tnonline.com/2013/nov/13/wanted-new-police-chief

Deer Blamed in Deer Lake Crash

On Sunday around 6:30pm,  Kathleen Rogers, 62, of Ashland was driving north on Route 61 in Deer Lake when a deer came across the roadway.  Rogers swerved to avoid the animal and came in contact with a concrete barrier.  The area was also a one lane construction zone.

No injuries were reported but the vehicle had to be towed from the scene.

Schuylkill Haven Graduate First to Receive Penn State Wylonis Scholarship

John Austin Bayliff is a 2013 graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School and has been chosen to be the first recipient of the Wylonis Scholarship at Penn State Schuylkill.

You can read more about it here
http://www.sl.psu.edu/29867.htm

Tamaqua Police Looking For Gas Thieves

Tamaqua Police are looking for thiefs who stole gas out of one of Tamaqua Appliance Parts & Service's box trucks.

If you have any information on this, you are to call Tamaqua Police at (570) 668-6100.

County Woman Ordered To Stand Trial For Death of Boyfriend

A Luzerne County judge on Tuesday upheld criminal homicide and evidence tampering charges against 30-year-old Jessica Alinsky of Shenandoah.

Alinsky has been ordered to stand trial for the death of her boyfriend, Matthew Gailie from two years ago.

Prosecutors said Alinsky gave conflicting accounts and alleged that she disrupted the crime scene.

Former Schuylkill County Congressman Confirmed As Member of Liquor Control Board

Former Congressman Tim Holden, of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania has been unanimously confirmed by the State Senate to serve a four-year term as a member of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB). The vote was 48-0.

Governor Tom Corbett nominated Holden to the PLCB on June 14, 2013, to fill a vacancy created when Board Member Patrick J. "PJ" Stapleton's term expired.  The position had been vacant since Stapleton's last day, Oct. 5, 2012.

"Congressman Tim Holden has earned a great deal of respect during his distinguished career as a legislator in Congress," said PLCB Chairman Joseph E. Brion. "As a public servant, he has worked hard for the citizens of the commonwealth and I have no doubt that he will bring that same work ethic and enthusiasm to his role at the PLCB as well."

Holden was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for a decade, from Jan. 3, 2003 – Jan. 3, 2013.  He first represented the 6^th district based in Reading, Pennsylvania before redistricting dismantled that district.  He went on to get elected to the 17^th district based in Harrisburg.

Prior to his congressional career, Holden was a licensed real estate agent and an insurance broker.  He also served as sheriff of Schuylkill County and as Sergeant-at-Arms for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.  He graduated from BloomsburgUniversity.

By law, no more than two of the three board members may be of the same political party as the Governor.  Once he's sworn in, Holden, a Democrat, will be the minority member on the Board.

"I'm very much looking forward to working with Congressman Holden in his new role as a board member," said Robert S. Marcus, PLCB member.  "We're very fortunate to have his insight and expertise as we work to meet the goals set for this agency. I believe he will be a great addition to our team."

The PLCB regulates the commonwealth's beverage alcohol-industry; offers a comprehensive alcohol-education program to promote the responsible use of alcohol and operates more than 600 Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores.  Taxes and store profits are returned to Pennsylvania's General Fund.

SOURCE:  Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board

Power Restored In Rush Township

Yesterday morning around 11:45am almost 700 PPL customers were without power in Rush Township.

According to PPL that power was restored around 1PM.

The power was out due to PPL repairing a pole/wire that was damaged from a fire last night near the intersection of Fairview Street and Marian Drive.

Schuylkill County To Raise Taxes

The Republican Herald is reporting that Schuylkill County will have it's first tax hike in over a decade.

The board of commissioners met Wednesday morning and approve a budget that raises taxes over $2 million.

Read more about it below
http://republicanherald.com/schuylkill-county-to-raise-taxes-by-2-mills-1.1585008

What's your thoughts on this?

Juveniles To Be Charged For Ringtown Vandalism

It's being reported that several juveniles are expected to be charged sometime this week for the vandalism at the Ringtown Elementary School.  Although the number of juveniles were not given, it's being said that they were not all from the Ringtown borough.

The juveniles spray painted the exterior walls of the former Ringtown Elementary School.