Ashland Water Issues: Engineers Explain What Went Wrong as Residents Press Officials for Answers

ASHLAND — As the Ashland area continues to deal with an ongoing boil-water advisory, new information provided by the Ashland Area Municipal Authority's engineering firm has shed light on the series of problems that led to the water crisis, while residents have pressed borough officials for answers about water safety, pressure problems, and how long it will take to restore normal service.

Alfred Benesch & Company, the engineering firm working with the Ashland Area Municipal Authority (AAMA), provided a detailed summary of the water system and the events that unfolded beginning October 5, 2026.

Electric Scooter Rider Injured in Collision with SUV in Ashland

An Ashland man was injured when the electric scooter he was riding collided with an SUV at South Eighth and Centre streets on October 6, 2026.

According to Pennsylvania State Police at Frackville, the crash occurred around 3:57 p.m. and involved Matthew J. Burke, 24, of Ashland, and a 2020 Ford Escape driven by Stephen D. Demko Jr., 71, also of Ashland.

Ashland Man Jailed on Assault, Child Endangerment and Threat Charges

ASHLAND — An Ashland man is jailed on $75,000 monetary bail after Pennsylvania State Police alleged he struck a 3-year-old child and threatened a woman and children during a domestic incident.

Nathan Mark Graham, 28, of Ashland, faces 17 charges stemming from the incident on October 5, 2026, according to court records.

Boil Water Advisory Issued for Ashland Area Water Authority Customers

ASHLAND — Ashland Area Water Authority customers are being advised to use boiled or bottled water following a water main break near the authority’s water storage tank and treatment plant.

According to a drinking water warning issued on October 6, 2026, the break caused a loss of positive water pressure and prompted a system-wide advisory for authority customers.

Man and Woman Charged Following Ashland Domestic Altercation

ASHLAND — Two borough residents face assault and related charges following a domestic altercation involving a vehicle and a fight on a Centre Street sidewalk, according to court documents.

Cordless Drill Battery Sparks Small Fire in Ashland Home

A cordless drill battery reportedly overheated and exploded, sparking a small basement fire at an Ashland home Sunday evening.

Emergency personnel were dispatched to 206 Walnut Street around 5:30 p.m. Sunday, September 27, 2026.

Coal Region Car Show Proceeds to Help Preserve Ashland Mothers’ Memorial

Proceeds from Ashland’s first Coal Region Car Show will help preserve one of Schuylkill County's best-known landmarks.

Man Jailed After Alleged Domestic Assault in Ashland Leaves Woman With Suspected Broken Arm

An Ashland man was jailed after police alleged that he pushed and punched a woman during a domestic disturbance Sunday night, leaving her with an arm injury that emergency medical personnel believed was a fracture.

Two Men Charged After Ashland Fight Involving Scissors

Two men have been charged following an August 14 fight in Ashland in which one reported being struck in the back of the head with scissors.

Woman Charged With Insurance Fraud Over Schuylkill County Burglary Claim

A Trevorton woman faces two felony charges after investigators said she filed a renters insurance claim alleging a burglary at an Ashland apartment from which she had been evicted.

Shenandoah Man Accused of Taking Roommate’s Vehicle Without Permission

A Shenandoah man is facing a misdemeanor charge after state police allege he took his roommate’s vehicle without permission and refused to return it.

Ashland Leaders Bring Road Safety, Water and Revitalization Concerns to State Lawmakers

Ashland Borough leaders brought some of the community’s most pressing concerns directly to state Sen. Dave Argall and state Rep. Tim Twardzik during a special public meeting on Monday, September 14, 2026, focused on state funding and assistance.

Ashland Marks 25th Anniversary of September 11 with Memorial Service

Members of the Ashland community gathered Thursday to remember the 2,977 people killed during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and honor the first responders whose courage emerged from one of the darkest days in American history.

Over 200 Vehicles Fill Memorial Field for Ashland’s First Coal Region Car Show

Memorial Field was covered with chrome, horsepower and automotive history as more than 200 vehicles rolled into Ashland for the community’s inaugural Coal Region Car Show.

Hundreds Turn Out for Ashland Community Night Out

Hundreds of people filled Walnut Street Tuesday evening as Ashland Community Night Out returned for another year, bringing residents, local organizations, businesses and first responders together for an evening of activities and community outreach.

Three Injured, Two Flown to Hospital After Crash Involving Tri-Axle in Ashland

Three people were injured in a two-vehicle crash in Ashland on Monday.

Schuylkill County Man Facing Felony Charge Over Allegedly Unreported Facebook Account

An Ashland man is facing a felony charge after authorities allege he failed to report a social media account as required under Pennsylvania’s sex offender registration law.

Ashland Crash Investigation Leads to Charges After Man Allegedly Gave False Name to State Police

A Shenandoah man is facing criminal charges after Pennsylvania State Police say he provided a false identity while officers investigated a crash in Ashland Borough and was later found in possession of suspected drug paraphernalia.

Ashland Invited to Celebrate Community Night Out on August 11

The Ashland Community Night Out Committee is excited to announce the return of Community Night Out, which will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Memorial Field.

Former Schuylkill County Man Indicted on Federal Charge of Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

A former Schuylkill County man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges alleging he failed to comply with federal sex offender registration requirements after relocating to New York.