Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast






By:  Monsoon Mike





A very unseasonably mild Thursday with temperatures around 60 degrees (with some showers possible) will be followed by a steady rain on Friday with falling temperatures. In fact, the precipitation may wrap up as a touch of snow Friday night slicking up the ground. That'll be quite a roller coaster in the course of about 24 hours.

Skook Spotlight: Who Remembers Sweet Home Schuylkill County?

Back when Myspace was the most visited site of the internet and Facebook was just beginning to get traction and Youtube was just bought by Google from two 20 year old guys, a music video parody hit the internet and was quickly shared across the internet.

Schuylkill River In The Running For River of the Year

It's really not that big of a title and it's really just for bragging rights I guess, but the Schuylkill River is in the running for Pennsylvania's River of the year.  The winner does get to host events throughout the year.

Morning Accident on Interstate 81

Wednesday Morning, just before 7:30am, crews were called to milemarker 123.3 Soutbound on Interstate 81 for a motor vehicle accident with entrapment.

Police Warn Residents of "Hostage Scam"

The Mahanoy City Police Department shared via their Facebook page a warning about a phone scam they are calling the "Hostage Phone Scam".

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By: Monsoon Mike

We were around 50 on Tuesday and it's funny how things are relative. If we had had a 50 degree day 2 months ago when we had that unseasonal stretch of 80 degree weather, we would have been freezing. But 50 today after a few weeks of sub freezing weather, people were throwing off their jackets walking around like it was August! And guess what: if you missed today's nice temperatures, you've got two more to go! Wednesday we also make it to the 50s and Thursday may even scrape 60 in nearby areas. I think Skook proper doesn't get much past the upper 50s Thursday, but if you travel to Reading, Harrisburg or Philly, mid 60s are quite possible Thursday. Crazy, huh? Well, it can happen in December. I remember one early December a few years back where one day hit 72. Either way, it won't last.

Schuylkill County Group Helping Typhoon Victims

WNEP posted a story yesterday on a group in Pottsville who is raising money for typhoon victims in the Phillipines.  Check it out

http://wnep.com/2013/12/02/schuylkill-county-group-helping-typhoon-victims/

Monday, December 2, 2013

State Police Need Help Finding Missing Lehigh County Woman

The State Police are reaching out to the public in search of a Lehigh County Woman.  Holly Grim, 41, of  Lower Macungie Township went missing Friday morning and hasn't been heard from since.

Grim is described as:
white female
Height: 5 foot 3 inches.
Weight: Approx. 100 lbs.
Brown hair;
Brown eyes.

If you have any information please call the State Police at (610) 706-0613.

You can read the full story here

http://m.wfmz.com/Lower-Macungie-woman-disappears/-/15946050/23159272/-/14nl7tbz/-/index.html

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast 12/3/13

By:  Monsoon Mike

Enjoyably mild week continues on Tuesday with increasing sunshine after a morning of cloudiness. Temperatures will be in the upper 40s. 

We head into the 50s (wow, that'll feel like summer after the past couple of weeks) Wednesday and Thursday but also reintroduce the chance of showers as a warm front and then slow moving cold front head east. The front passes Friday and if enough cold air can work in behind it in time, we may even see a touch of wintry precipitation Friday night.

Our next storm heads in Sunday night and Monday and if everything fell into place properly, we may be in for a pretty big winter storm, just days after temperatures made it well into the 50s. Or it could be yet another miss. Still yet to be worked out. Either way, after this week's mild spell, the coming couple of weeks look active one way or the other. 

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Latest On The Mahanoy City Stabbing

The latest on the stabbing of Lawrence Quinn, 52, of Mahanoy City, is that is wasn't a random act.  Police are saying that before 6am a woman knocked on the door of a neighbor, and she told them that she stabbed Quinn.

The woman's name has not been given yet because she has not been charged with anything yet.

When authorities were called to Quinn's home on Mahanoy Ave. they found Quinn with a stab wound.  EMT's attempted to revive him but were not able to.

Update:  It was released on Monday that the woman who stabbed Quinn was Kimberly Hons but she is claiming that her mother and Quinn got into an argument and she did it in self defense.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 12/2/13

By: Monsoon Mike

Generally continued uneventful weather the next several day with a nice rise in temperatures as the week progresses. Many parts of Skook will be well into the 40s if not into the 50s especially mid to later this week, but a big arctic blast is waiting for us later next weekend, so don't get too used to it. In between, some precipitation (all liquid thanks to the warmer temperatures) is likely later this work week. 

Mahanoy City Police Release Name of Stabbing Victim

The Mahanoy City Police Department have released via their Facebook page the name of the man who died after being stabbed in the chest this morning.  

The man's name is 52 year old Lawrence Quinn.  He was found on East Mahanoy Ave around 5:30am with a stab wound from the chest.  He was later pronounced dead around 6:00am.

No other details were given on the investigation.

Police Investigating Mahanoy City Stabbing

The Republican Herald is reporting that the Mahanoy City Police are investigating a stabbing that lead to the death of man around 5:30am this morning.

The man was found with a stab wound to the chest at 739 East Mahanoy Ave.

http://republicanherald.com/mahanoy-city-police-probe-stabbing-death-1.1593829

Police Investigating Slashed Tires In Girardville

The State Police in Frackville are looking for your help in finding information in a tire slashing incident that happened Thursday in Girardville.

A van that was parked on the 300 block of East Main St. reported that all 4 tires were slashed on a Chevrolet Conversion Van.  The incident is reported to have happened between midnight and 12:30am Thursday morning.

If anyone has any information on this incident, you are to call the state police at (570) 874-5300.

Skook News Week In Review


Check out the news from the past week

Overnight Fire in Hegins Twp.

Last night, just after 12am crews were called to 365 Grove Road, Hegins Twp. for a house fire.

When crews arrived they found the home fully engulfed in flames.

It took firefighters about 3 hours to put out the fire and leave the scene.

No one was reported home at the time and no one was injured.

The home was reported as a total loss.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By: Monsoon Mike

Fairly decent stretch of uneventful weather the next few days with temperatures basically hanging in the 40s. Some days will feature more sun than clouds. Other days more clouds than sun. But all days should be dry until we get to the end of the coming work week when a warm front will move through followed by a cold front. Behind that warm front, we may have one of those one-day temperature spikes sailing temperatures deep into the 50s Friday. But fear not winter fans ... another arctic outbreak is waiting for you later next weekend. 

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!

Friday, November 29, 2013

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 County Weather Forecast 11/30/13

By:  Monsoon Mike

Tame, uneventful pattern for the next practically week with basically partly cloudy days, cold nights, and the occasional flurry or shower. Several systems will either skirt us to the north or south & basically leave us alone for the first week of December. I think we're not quite so lucky by the second week, but that's just distant prognostication for now.

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.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast 11/29/13

By: Monsoon Mike

Hope everyone had a great holiday! Now time to get out & shop and shoppers will continue to scurry for warmth all weekend with continued chilly weather. A weak system skirts us this weekend with a possible snow flurry or shower but most likely just some extra clouds. Otherwise, just tame but chilly weather as we enter December. No huge storms on the horizon ..... yet. Still looking active about a week into December as I previewed a few days ago.

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.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast 11/28/13

By: Monsoon Mike

Looks like the black ice has begun. Getting reports from several sources of it being quite slick out there, especially on the secondaries. The good news is the precipitation is over and we've got nothing but a couple sunny, cold, windy days upcoming, but tonight is going to be no walk in the park on the roadways. PLEASE be careful!

As for your next few days:

Thanksgiving: Partly Sunny, Windy, and Very Cold. Highs around 30.

Black Friday: Partly Sunny. Cold. Highs around 35.

Saturday: Increasing Clouds. Cold. Highs around 35. 

Thanksgiving Eve Weather Update

By: Monsoon Mike

Snow falling in many areas again at 6 p.m. and while most of it is melting on contact, I gotta say that radar still shows a decent amount of wrap-around snow on the back end of this storm, extending still down to around Richmond, Virginia. I expect this light, wet snow to continue for several more hours and as temperatures begin to fall, untreated roads will get quite dicey later. I've already noted some slickness along parts of Route 61 in Schuylkill County this afternoon. Going to get worse tonight folks.

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.

Schuylkill County Wednesday Morning Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

Morning! Storm starting to wind up and pull away. This radar image courtesy the National Weather Service and on the right side of the screen, you can see the precipitation pulling east. In the middle, a nice gap of nothing much going on over a good chunk of the Monsoon Mike area. But notice out in western PA, some snow showers wrapping on the back side of the storm. Those showers will pull through later in many areas, especially in the Poconos and areas north of I-78, potentially dusting up the roads as temperatures tank. That was another fascinating tidbit about this storm. The temperature gradient was as much as 30 degrees across the area with south Jersey well into the 50s and the Poconos stuck in the 30s. What happens is on the right side of a storm like this, warm air gets sucked in, but if you were on the left side of the storm, you stayed on the cooler side, but still not cool enough to be all snow. Had this been all snow, wow, we would have been digging out for a long time. So, a few things to watch out for later this afternoon and night:

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast 11/27/13

 
It sure is nasty out there. To me, I know a lot of people hate snow, but a cold rain is far worse than snow which is quite beautiful. Anyhow, storm performing as I predicted so far. Most areas south and east of Allentown & Reading are plain rain but lots of internal, central areas of NE and central PA still have temperatures right around freezing and the rain, while not icing up the roads too bad due to PennDOT treatment, is freezing on many colder surfaces like bushes and some wires so be careful until all the cold air is totally flushed away overnight. The temperatures WILL eventually spike well above freezing later. In fact, Wednesday morning, we may have several hours in the 40s to around 50 as warm air whips around the storm, BUT as the storm moves away tomorrow afternoon, temperatures tank once again and any leftover precipitation may end as a touch of snow, not to mention flash freezing of any leftover wetness on the ground. Oh, and the wind. Almost forgot. Get ready for the winds to start cranking tonight as the Low pressure draws closer. Wild storm, but things turn sunny just in time for Turkey Day. It'll be plenty chilly, however. 

The Winter Storm Forecast - Tuesday at Noon

Our weatherman "Monsoon Mike" is watching the storm and here is his latest forecast from him as of noon Tuesday.

Schuylkill County School Closings - 11/26/2013


Schuylkill County Schools are starting to let out for early dismissals

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.

Additional Storm Details - Treacherous Weather on The Way

By:  Monsoon Mike

Early heads up that while most of this coming nor'easter will be heavy rain (after some preliminary frozen precipitation early), Wednesday late afternoon & evening is looking potentially pretty serious with what is called FLASH FREEZING where the temperature tanks on the back end of the storm & all that standing water freezes solid. The more I analyze this, Wednesday night is looking pretty treacherous.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 11/26/13

By: Monsoon Mike

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory forTuesday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. While I think the majority of our big storm will be in the form of liquid, the advisory indicates the service's concern for the storm to start as some snow/sleet/or freezing rain and if something called "cold air damming" occurs, some parts of Schuylkill County could hang onto some slippery travel for longer. "Cold air damming" is when cold air gets trapped in between hills and in valleys and doesn't get flushed away as quick as other, more open areas. Schuylkill has lots of hills and valleys, so this is a "cold air damming" sort of situation where if you're in a fairly open area, a quick changeover to rain is likely. If you're hidden behind some hills or valleys, however, expect slippery travel for longer. 

EVERYONE will change to plain rain later on Tuesday and a LOT of rain is coming, on the order of 2 to 3 inches which could lead to some ponding on the roads along with windy conditions. Then on Wednesday, as the storm zips away and cold air rushes in behind it, I cannot rule out a quick changeover back to snow or ice. Yep, pretty complex storm here, but the good news, more WET than WHITE for holiday travelers. Holiday driving won't be a walk in the park, however. It'll be downright nasty for a good 36 hours so please account for this. 

Then Thanksgiving proper looks halfway decent with sun returning but it'll be a cold Turkey Day with windy conditions and temperatures only in the 30s at best. 

Winter Weather Advisory For Tuesday


A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR SCHUYLKILL COUNTY


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.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

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


Saturday, November 23, 2013

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 11/24/13

By:  Monsoon Mike

So who got snow squalls on Saturday? Hearing reports of everything from an inch and a half of snow in Carbon County, to blinding, whiteout conditions in Monroe County. Even here at Monsoon Mike's Weather Headquarters in southern Schuylkill County, some snow showers. Be careful out there folks! This is perhaps our first real test of winter driving and we may get another test around mid-week. 

Those pain in the neck models are still allllll over the place in their opinions on what happens, so I have to resort to maintaining my previous positions on what I think will happen ... mainly a cold, raw, rain event Tuesday p.m. into Wednesday with some frozen precipitation mixing in especially in far northern portions of Skook and especially during non daylight hours. If you're in the Poconos on north, however, you could have more of a time of plain snow which could really make your pre-holiday traveling an experience. I still will not lay down any snow totals or anything much more specific until about Monday at this point. Until then, just get ready for January like chill on Sunday and Monday with wind and icy cold conditions!

Friday, November 22, 2013

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 11/23/13

By Monsoon Mike:

Clearing skies and noticeably cooler weather Saturday with temperatures in the 40s, but not nearly as shockingly cold as Sunday and Monday will be with wind and temperatures mainly in the 20s! Also, cannot rule out some snow showers/flurries/squalls Saturday night into Sunday, so keep an eye to the sky. Remember that these quick-moving type squalls can dust up the ground rather quickly. Then our attention turns to our Thanksgiving eve storm potential.

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.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 11/22/13

By: Monsoon Mike

Consider Friday our most recent reprieve from the cold in this rather predictable pattern of cold, warmth, and then cold again. A few differences this time around, however. Friday won't nearly be as warm as the last mild spell (think 50s instead of 60s). Another difference is that it won't be a sunny warm. Friday will be on the cloudy side with scattered showers as a weak warm front passes. And the third big difference is the cold that follows this brief mild spell will be brutal, unlike anything we've had since last winter. Temperatures by Sunday will struggle to climb past the 20s for highs! 

Slight moderation is likely early and mid next week before it gets pretty darn cold again around Thanksgiving. In between, a battle ground in the atmosphere sets up and could drop rain, snow, ice or some form in between around Wednesday, the busiest travel day of the year. Right now, don't panic. I'm leaning more on the "rain" side, if the storm even happens. But some frozen precipitation cannot be ruled out especially in higher elevations and during the nighttime hours of whatever day the storm would hit. 

Many more details to be worked out and rare is it I even get concerned this far out, but I felt it necessary to keep it in your mind with the big holiday coming up. 

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.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

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.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 11/21/13

By: Monsoon Mike

Clouds slowly increase on Thursday ahead of our next system which at first will provide a short spell of moderately mild weather with temperatures at or better than 50 by Friday but also the chance for showers.

A sharp cold front moves thru Saturday followed by January-like temperatures Sunday and Monday perhaps never leaving the 20s for highs!

Still looking like some active weather around Thanksgiving or the day prior, but many details yet to be worked out.

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

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.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 11/20/13

Typically chilly weather the next few days but less windy, so it won't feel as harsh. 

Temperatures uptick a bit by week's end with shower chances as well, but a strong cold front passes Saturday and by Sunday, today will feel like summer compared to what what's coming. That's right, Sunday and Monday may be hard pressed to get out of the 20s (yes TWENTIES) in some parts of Schuylkill County.

The intense cold moderates a bit mid next week but not before another potential weather maker and this one could feature some wintry precipitation. Way too far out to get excited about, but something to keep in the back of your head. 

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

Monday, November 18, 2013

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 11/19/13

With the wild weather behind us, just chilly, partly sunny days and cold nights for the next few days. Temperatures mainly hanging in the 40s for daytime highs. Slight moderation by week's end before REALLY cold air this weekend. Perhaps some precipitation then, too.