Skook News Week In Review

 

Skook News Week In Review

 

A busy week filled with fires, police activity, and even some  changes to the upcoming election.

Reynolds Suspends Campaign

 

The Republican candidate for Schuylkill County Sheriff has announced that he is suspending his campaign.  Reynolds was charged Wednesday with various charges after he allegedly pointed a gun at a man who was repossessing his mother-in law's car.

Sunday's Weather Forecast

From a late dose of September-like temperatures Friday to December-like temperatures on Sunday and Monday, it will REALLY feel like winter with temperatures only in the 40s.
Otherwise, generally uneventful weather for the next few days with eventual moderation by mid week.

Saturday's Weather Forecast 11/2/13

Friday sure was an oddball day weather-wise, huh? We awoke to torrential rains and wind. Ended mild in the upper 60s and low 70s with sunshine. The cold front is actually already through, so where's the cold? Well, sometimes cold gets held up "in atmospheric traffic," so to speak. The traffic jam is breaking down, however, and Saturday will be notably cooler with temperatures only in the low to mid 60s. 

But if you think that's cool, wait 'til Sunday and Monday. Temperatures those two days will be hard pressed to get out of the 40s! What a roller-coaster. But true to form for this odd season so far, back to the 60s mid next week before, you guessed it, another cool down later next week. *sigh* What an autumn! 

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores - Week #10

Schuylkill County High School Football - Week #10

Our scores for Week #10 are in!

Blue Mountain 30 Schuylkill Haven 38
Shenadoah Valley 12 Mahanoy Area 36
Marian 10 Tamaqua 24
Minersville 8 Panther Valley 36
North Schuylkill 40 Elco 21
Juniata 6 Pine Grove 26
Twin Valley 7 Pottsville 27
Tri-Valley 14 Line Mountain 7
Williams Valley 40 East Juniata 19

County Sheriff Candidate Arrested

The Republican candidate for Schuylkill County Sheriff, Partrick Reynolds, 46, Branchdale was arrested Wednesday afternoon when the candidate's mother-in-law's car was to be repossessed.

Police say that as Bradley Blumenschein was repossessing Reynold's mother-in-law's 2007 Ford Edge from his driveway, when Reynold's appeared and pointed a handgun at Blumenshein around 12:30pm Wednesday.

Richard & Associates Inc. was the company repossessing the vehicle from Dorothy Miller.

Reynold's was charged with terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person, simple assault, and unsworn falsification to authorities.

Schuylkill County High School Football - Week #10

Schuylkill County High School Football - Week #10

Final week of the regular season and we have some great games lined up.  Who do you think will win tonight?

ALERT: Safety Pin Found In Candy in Schuylkill Haven

Schuylkill Haven's Facebook page reported this morning that police are investigating a report that someone found a safety pin in a lime-flavored Tootsie Roll in their candy that they received during Trick or Treating last night.

Overnight Police Chase

An overnight police chase raced through the borough's of Frackville and Shenandoah around 3am.

It was reported as a green Pontiac Grand Am with no hub caps.

Police had chased the vehicle through both boroughs and even collided with the  car after it slammed on the brakes causing a trooper to hit the back of the suspects vehicle.

It was reported that the chase was called off after it became too dangerous.

No details were given how the chase started.

We will have more on this as information becomes available.

Friday's Weather Forecast

Ok, so Monsoon Mike was "tricked" a bit on Halloween. While the trick-or-treaters made it through without getting "too" drenched, that rain did move in a bit earlier than I expected. The reason was a more swiftly moving low pressure system, rushing Friday's expected cold front towards our area.

After periods of some heavier rain, Friday should slowly calm down and perhaps even produce a few bits of sun as the day progresses. It will be WINDY though, so take down those Halloween decorations before they're in the next town over. :-) Temperatures will still be quite mild but will fall later in the day. 

Saturday features the return of more autumn-like temperatures followed by REALLY chilly temperatures for Sunday and Monday. Long-term, however, things look to warm above normal temperature wise by mid-next week. 

Body Found In Shenandoah Park Ruled Suicide

On Tuesday evening, the body of Andrew Kelly, 47, was found in Girard Park, Shenandoah around 5pm.

Berks County Man Attempts To Flee Police in Pine Grove Twp., Injures 2

Around 12:15pm Wednesday, police spotted a SUV with another vehicle's license plate on it on Berger Road in Pine Grove Twp. 

The driver, Jason A. Brown, Bernville, drove through a stop sign and crashed into a vehicle driven by Paul Zuk of Pottsville, when police attempted to pull him over.

Zuk and his passenger were both injured in the collision.

Police also found drugs on him.  He was arrested at the scene and charged with driving without a proper license, reckless endangerment, possession of a controlled substance, receiving stolen property, and fleeing police.

Brown was sent to Schuylkill County Prison on $50,000 bail.

Halloween Weather Forecast

Your Halloween holiday will have a "spooky" warmness in the air. Temperatures will flirt with 70 despite there not being a lot of sun and an abundance of "spooky" clouds and perhaps a harmless passing shower. They'll also be a swift, "spooky" breeze in the air as the trick-or-treaters head out in the evening. As perfect timing would have it, the really "spooky" weather doesn't hit until later Halloween night when periods of rain, some perhaps heavy, move in for several hours as a cold front heads in. 

Things dry out Friday after any leftover morning precipitation, but temperatures will still hang near 70 as the push of cold air behind the cold front will be a bit delayed. 

If things keep on moving, Saturday should be decent with temperatures cooler and in the 60s, but there's still some question on if a disturbance lends more clouds and showers that day, as well. We'll fine tune that forecast. 

Police Looking For Victims of Barnesville Contractor

Last week an arrest warrant was issued for Barnesville contractor, John Kachmar.  Police are saying that ripped off at least four home owners for a total of $17,000.

The police think there may be more victims and are asking if you know where Kachmar is or you believe you may also be a victim to to call them at (570) 462-1991.

Home Damaged By Fire in Pottsville, Pets Rescued From Home

Around 7pm, Tuesday evening, crews were called to a basement fire on Arch Street, Pottsville.  The 3 people who lived there were not home at the time.

No one was hurt in the fire and crews were able to rescue two pets from the home..

No cause of the fire has been given at this time.

Juveniles Find Body In Park In Shenandoah

Early Tuesday evening, the body of Andrew Kelley, 48, was discovered by juveniles in Girard Park, Shenandoah.  The body was said to have been found just north of the basketball court.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

No other information has been given about Kelley at this time.

Police are asking if anyone has any information about the gentlemen or his earlier whereabouts, to contact the Schuylkill County Communications Center by calling (570) 462-1991.  All information will remain confidential.

Wednesday and Our Halloween Weather Forecast

Wednesday starts on the cloudy side with a shower or two possible. In the afternoon, some sun may break out. Temperatures will stay in the low 60's.
On Halloween, the departing warm front will leave us with unseasonably warm temperatures in the upper 60's. A few showers are possible but I expect it to be mainly dry for the trick or treaters. The unseasonably warm conditions continue with temperatures flirting with 70.
A period of rain on Friday will begin the cooldown phase but not before another unseasonably warm day.
Cooler over the weekend on the opposite side of a cold front.

Storage Unit Facility That Caught Fire Now Burglarized

The storage unit facility, Saint Clair Storage, which caught fire early Sunday morning has now been the target of vandals.

Troopers are looking to see if eight storage units that had their padlocks cut off are connected with the blaze.

While the locks were cut, one of the owners says he doesn't think anything was stolen.

If you have any information regarding the burglaries or the fire you are to call the State Police.

Schuylkill County High School Football Power Rankings - Week #9

Schuylkill County High School Football Power Rankings - Week #9

Where does your team stand this week?  Lots of tough losses this week, and we have a lot of evenly matched games in week 10.

Overnight Fire in Washington Twp.

Approximately 1AM, emergency personnel were called to 862 Rock Road, Washington Twp. for a working house fire.

Smoke could be seen from a distance was crews fought the blaze.

No other details were given at this time.

Tuesday's Weather Forecast 10/29/13

A nice, seasonally cool Tuesday is in the cards with temperatures in the fifties.

Wednesday thru Friday will feature more clouds than sun but not expecting total washouts. In fact, Halloween itself should sneak in a dry period in the evening for trick or treating. One notable thing will be a significant warm up those three days, soaring deep into the sixties eventually.

Don't get used to the quick return to September, however. It's back to November temperatures this weekend.

Mahanoy City Native Continues To Fight 1991 Murder Conviction

Pennlive.com posted an article a couple days ago about Robert P. Russell, who lived in Mahanoy City before being found guilty of killing his estranged wife, Marine Capt. Shirly Gibbs Russell on March 4, 1989.

He was the first person convicted in federal court of first degree murder in which there was no crime scene, body, or weapon in the United States.

He is serving a life sentence at the Allenwood Federal Penitentiary and still maintains his innocence today.

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/10/schuylkill_county_native_conti.html

Shenadoah Man Wanted By Police

Keshon Canyon

On October 15th, Shenandoah police pulled over a vehicle driven by Keshon Canyon, 22, whose last known address was 109 S. Main St., Shenandoah.  Police got this address from the individuals drivers license, but it was already suspended.

Canyon was cited and released for the suspended license and his vehicle was impounded.  A vehicle inventory was taken as part of department regulations and they found a black bag containing marijuana, cocaine, and heroine.

Fire Causes $400,000 Worth Of Damage, No Cause Determined Yet

A Sunday morning fire at Saint Clair Storage, 123 Industrial Park Road, in East Norwegian Township caused about $400,000 worth of damage, state police at Frackville are reporting.

The fire was discovered by a passing driver around 5:30am Sunday morning and when crews arrive, flames were already venting from the windows.

A cause to the fire is yet to be determined.

Anyone with information is asked to call the state police at (570) 874-5300.

Monday's Weather Forecast 10/28/13

A really nice, seasonably cool start to the new work week but things slip a bit midweek. Right now, the all-important Halloween holiday looks on the cloudier side with some showers possible, but not looking enough to totally ruin the night for the trick-or-treaters. We'll continue to fine tune the forecast as we draw closer. The really good Halloween news for Halloween events is very mild temperatures soaring deep into the sixties before another chill down next weekend.

Update on Last Night's Fire At Yuengling Brewery in Tampa FL.

Around 8pm last evening, fire crews were called the Yuengling Brewery in Tampa, Fl for a fire at the complex.   When crews arrived they found flames shooting from the roof of one of the buildings.  All workers were evacuated and there were no injuries reported.

Authorities say that fire started in a storage building at the facility.  They said it took about one hour to get control of the fire and cost about $1 Million in damage.  They've ruled the fire accidental but are still seeking an exact cause.

One firefighter was injured during the blaze but he was taken to a hospital were he was treated and released.

Fire Breaks Out At Yuengling Brewery in Tampa, Fl.

While this story is not near Schuylkill County, it still hits close to home.

Around 8pm this evening, fire crews were called the Yuengling Brewery in Tampa, Fl for a fire.   When crews arrived they found flames shooting from the roof of one of the buildings.  All workers were evacuated and there were no injuries reported.

Sunday's Weather Forecast 10/27/13

I said yesterday that Saturday would turn less windy. I was partially right. It was a touch less windy, but that breeze was still pretty chilling on Saturday. With more sunshine, however, it was a pretty nice day.

I'm going to be safe for Sunday and not give up totally on the breeze, but each day, it becomes less windy. Temperatures in the 50s again.

First few days of the new work week are pretty peaceful with sunny, cool days and chilly nights. Temperatures actually increase into the 60s around Halloween but we also introduce some showers into the picture, as well. At this juncture, none of the rain looks like it will ruin trick or treating (if your area does it on Halloween night) but showers are possible at any time from mid-week on as a slow-moving front heads in. 

Saturday's Weather Forecast 10/26/13

After another breezy, chilly day on Friday, the breeze dies down for the weekend and Saturday, Sunday, and Monday offer partly sunny skies with temperatures a bit more comfortable in the 50s. While a brief rain or snow shower still cannot be ruled out any of the coming days, it'll feel a bit more like autumn instead of winter. 

Tranquil weather continues into the coming week but things start to slide downhill around Halloween as a system moves in from the west. Not a lot of rain is in the cards, but can't guarantee a totally dry holiday, either. I'll try to work on that. :) One good thing for many folks will be that temperatures will moderate even more into the new week, perhaps flirting with 60 by mid-week. 

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores- Week #9

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores- Week #9

Blue Mountain 27 Fleetwood 34

Jim Thorpe 14 Marian 7

Tamaqua 50 Minersville 19

Nativity BVM 30 Bucktail 32 in overtime

Panther Valley 21 North Schuylkill 48

Pine Grove 49 Tri-Valley 14

Exeter Twp 48 Pottsville 27

Schuylkill Haven 42 Mahanoy Area 12

Newport 6 Williams Valley 30

Coal Cracken BBQ's "Help Us Help Those In Need" This Thanksgiving

A BBQ Caterer and Restaurant in Schuylkill County is trying to help those in need this Thanksgiving.

Schuylkill County High School Football - Week #9

Schuylkill County High School Football - Week #9

We should see some close scores this week with a lot of evenly matched games.  Who do you think will win tonight?

Friday's Weather Forecast 10/25/13

Many areas saw their first snowflakes Wednesday & Thursday, especially in the Poconos and northern parts of Schuylkill County. Did you see any?

The windy, chilly pattern continues Friday before the bone-chilling breeze dies down a bit for the weekend, despite it staying on the cool side. Each of the coming days will feature a mix of sun, clouds, and random rain/snow showers with temperatures rising eventually into the 50s by weekend's end. 

A generally tranquil pattern continues into next week with temperatures rebounding a bit closer to seasonal rather than the below-seasonal levels we've been experiencing. 

County Officials Announce "Take Back" Initiative

From Sheriff Groody's Office

Schuylkill County Sheriff Joseph Groody, Schuylkill County District Attorney Karen Byrnes-Noon, The Schuylkill County Drug Task Force, The Schuylkill County Drug & Alcohol program and the US Drug Enforcement Administration with cooperation of local law enforcement and community partners announced a sixth nationwide prescription drug "Take-Back" initiative that seeks to prevent increased pill abuse and theft. County Law enforcement agencies have agreed to take part in this initiative and will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction on Saturday, October 26th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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