Winter Storm Watch Issued For Schuylkill County

WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM EARLY SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE SATURDAY NIGHT...

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - Early Storm Predictions

By:  Monsoon Mike

After another bitterly cold day on Friday, we're looking into the eyes of a minor to moderate snow event on Saturday, beginning mid morning and lasting until late evening or pre-dawn Sunday.

A quick moving Low pressure will transfer its energy off coast and throw back a swath of plowable but non-crippling snow Saturday. As warm air gets worked into the storm, some mixing to sleet or freezing rain is possible, but I think the plain rain stays well to our south. Nevertheless, just depending where you are in Skook could vary how much I think you'll get.

This map is my FIRST CALL subject to change tomorrow as the storm draws closer.

Click on map to view larger

To get ongoing storm predictions and forecast, make sure you like Monsoon Mike's Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monsoon-Mikes-Weather-Headquarters/277030735667101

School Closings and Delays 12/12/13

Mahanoy Area - 2 hour delay

Domestic Incident and Fire Last Evening In Mahanoy City

Last evening, authorities were called to 1031 East Pine St, Mahanoy City for a domestic incident and fire. 

While in route, Officers were advised that there were reported flames in the basement and a domestic dispute going on at the same residence.

Upon arrival at the scene officers saw heavy smoke coming from the residence of 1031 E. Pine St. Police also located the victim, Elrena L. Gibson, sitting on the sidewalk with massive head trauma. Gibson was bleeding profusely from her head and face. Gibson stated "Joe Yeich did this".

Witnesses told police that Yeich stated to them that Gibson tried to kill him, so he beat her up and set the house on fire, because the devil made him do it. Witnesses stated that Yeich ran around the corner and was located in a home on Market St.

Gibson was loaded onto a stretcher by EMS Personnel and transported to SCI Mahanoy, where she subsequently flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital near Allentown for treatment of her injuries.

Yeich was located at 1038 E. Market St. and was taken into custody. At the time he was taken into custody Yeich stated to police "the Devil made me do it".

EMS personnel told police stated that while treating the victim, Elrena Gibson, for head trauma they noticed a strong odor of Chemical Bleach.
Upon asking Gibson as to what happened, she told them that Joe Yeich poured bleach all over me. Gibson then continued to go in and out of consciousness.

Hospital personnel from Lehigh Valley Medical Center contacted the Mahanoy City police stating that they had secured the clothing of our victim, Elrena Gibson. The clothing was to have had chlorine bleach all over it.

Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal John Burns was called in to assist in the investigation of the fire. Trooper Burns concluded that the fire was in fact arson and was set in the basement portion of 1031 E. Pine St.

The deliberate setting of this fire caused the evacuation of approx. 20-30 neighbors into the sub freezing temperatures, and placed the threat of serious bodily injury or death to numerous Police, Fire and EMS personnel.

Yeich was charged with Aggravated Assault, Arson, Causing or Risking a Catastrophe, Criminal Mischief, Simple Assault, and Recklessly Endangering another Person. Yeich was arraigned by on-call District Justice Stephen Bayer and subsequently committed to the Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of $50,000 straight cash bail.

This information is posted from Mahanoy City Police Department Facebook page

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

We've got quite a brutally cold airmass out there, more along the lines of January or February, but things seem to be rolling full speed ahead this winter so far, and we've got another storm to watch this coming weekend. While I'm not expecting anything monumental, I think areas farther inland from last time get a good batch of precipitation while areas closer to the big cities may have more liquid or ice; in other words, a more "typical" winter storm than the past two. Also am not expecting huge snowfall amounts before any changeover, but enough to be "plowable" is quite likely. One model indicates even that the storm may be in no rush to depart so both your weekend days may be less than stellar. Perhaps a good weekend to stay in and do some holiday baking.

Between now and then, not much else to say other than c .. c .. cold with a snow flurry or shower at any time. Temperatures Thursday will be the most shocking with highs only around 20 across Schuylkill, maybe 25 in my more southern regions and lows of about 9, yes I said 9, across Schuylkill and 15 in my more southern regions.

Schuylkill County Man Allegedly Attacks Middletown Police

Pennlive.com posted a story yesterday about a Schuylkill County man who allegedly turned on an officer and attempted to grab his firearm.

Swatara Twp. and Middletown police intended to arrest Eric Lee for his role in a domestic violence incident that happened Saturday morning and when he found out he was going to be arrested, that's when he turned on police.

He is currently in Dauphin County Prison.


Link to article:
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/12/schuylkill_county_man_attacked.html

Truck Takes Down Multiple Poles in Tamaqua Crash

From www.tamaquaarea.com

A driver escaped serious injuries after crashing his truck into a pole along Owl Creek Road in Tamaqua around 2:15 AM Wednesday morning. The impact severed one pole and pulled down the top of another pole. Responding were Tamaqua Rescue Squad, Tamaqua fire department, Tamaqua Ambulance, Tamaqua Police and others. As of 4:30 AM, the road was still closed while PPL does repairs. Tamaqua Fire Police are controlling traffic.

Early Morning Crash in Schuylkill Township

From www.TamaquaArea.com 

 Emergency crews were called to the area around 116 Old Route 209 in Schuylkill Township after the driver of a passing garbage truck spotted a car into a tree about 5:30 AM today (Dec. 11, 2013). From the scratches in the road, the vehicle appeared to lose control about 100 feet to the east of the impact. Area fire departments and ambulance crews responded. State Police also responded and are investigating.

The driver of the vehicle was not at the scene.

Officers Seize 17 Poodles from Quakake Home

Poodles being cared for at the Hillside SPCA
(Pic from Hillside SPCA FB Page)

WNEP reported this evening about a hoarding situation in Quakake where a woman had 17 poodles in her home.

The dogs are now in the hands of the Hillside SPCA.

Below is the article from WNEP.
http://wnep.com/2013/12/10/officers-seize-17-poodles-in-schuylkill-county/

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By Monsoon Mike

My forecast played out correctly today with Skook getting a small accumulation of an inch or so while areas to our south (Berks County, etc.) saw more on the order of 2 to 4 inches. 

Next thing to be cautious of is FLASH FREEZE of any untreated surfaces tonight. Even if your neck of the woods was spared the heaviest snows, any untreated moisture on the ground will become a nice round of black ice later. Watch for this especially on bridges and overpasses and don't go cruising along at 55 because the road "looks clear." Two seconds later, you could be on black ice. 

Then get ready for a little break. Well break "precipitation wise." For sure not temperature wise. Temperatures will struggle to get out of the 20s the next few days. Heck, by Thursday, temps may not make it out of the teens across most of Skook! You know what that also means ... nights in the single digits in many spots. 

Despite that, the next few days will feature sunshine so it'll at least "LOOK" nice. But don't put those shovels and ice melt away just yet. *cues Dragnet theme for you old-TV fans out there* Saturday is our next storm .......

13 Year Old Girl Dies In Fire In Shamokin

Photo From Firewire Northumberland County

The News Item is now reporting that a 13 year old girl died in a fire in Shamokin this morning.

It is being reported that the girl was trapped on the third floor.

Crews were called to 5 S. Rock Street, Shamokin around 11am this morning and the fire spread to to 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 S. Rock Street as well.  Some of the homes were vacant, but 1, 5, and 7 were all occupied.

We'll provide more information as it comes in.

Morning Fire in Shamokin

Image from Firewire Northumberland County

Our neighbors to the west this morning are currently fighting a blaze on S. Rock St. in Shamokin.  Crews were called to the scene around 11am this morning and the fire has now spread to the entire block.

The News Item is reporting that there were initial scanner reports of a 12 year old trapped in one of the attics.

We'll provide more information as it comes in.

Firewire Northumberland County

Firewire Northumberland County

Firewire Northumberland County

Schuylkill County School Delays and Closings For 12/10/13

Schuylkill County School Delays and Closings For 12/10/13

Blue Mountain - MS and HS Dismiss at 11, Elem at 11:35

Gillingham Charter School - Early Dismissal (no time given)

Mahanoy Area - Elementary Closed - Middle/High School Dismiss at 8:30

Marian Catholic - Dismiss at 10:30

McCanns School of Business/Pottsville - Day Classes Cancelled

Nativity BVM - Dismiss at 9

North Schuylkill - Elementary CLOSED, High School Dismiss at 10:00

Panther Valley - Closed

Schuylkill Haven - Dismiss at 9:00

St. Ambrose/Schuylkill Haven - Early Dismissal, No Lunch

Tamaqua Area - Elementary CLOSED, Middle/High Scholl Dismiss at 10:30

Trinity Academy - Closed

St. Jerome Regional/Tamaqua - Closed

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By: Monsoon Mike

Make sure you like my 'Monsoon Mike's Weather Headquarters' fan page for the most up-to-date updates.

We have another storm on our hands for tomorrow. Once again, it looks like Schuylkill is spared the worst as the crux of the storm slides to the south. That being said, it is plenty cold so anything that falls should be in the form of snow. A general 1 to 2, maybe 3 if the storm overperforms is likely on Tuesday beginning mid-morning and ending mid-afternoon. A rather quick hitter. Nevertheless, expect tricky travel especially for your Tuesday Afternoon commute.

Then we finally get a break of sorts mid-week as long as you don't mind some serious cold with temperatures stuck in the 20s and nights flirting with the single digits.

Next precipitation chance comes this weekend.

Winter Weather Advisory Issued For Schuylkill County

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 4 PM EST TUESDAY... THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STATE COLLEGE HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 4 PM EST TUESDAY.

* LOCATIONS...SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA AND THE POCONOS.

* HAZARD TYPES...SNOW.

* ACCUMULATIONS...2 TO 5 INCHES OF SNOW.

* TIMING...BEGINNING BEFORE SUNRISE...TAPERING OFF IN THE LATE MORNING AND AFTERNOON.

* IMPACTS...THE SNOW WILL CAUSE POOR VISIBILITY AND SNOW COVERED ROADS. THIS WILL SLOW TRAFFIC...ESPECIALLY DURING THE MORNING COMMUTE.

* WINDS...WEST 5 TO 15 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 25 MPH.

* TEMPERATURES...IN THE UPPER 20S.

* VISIBILITIES...AS LOW AS ONE-QUARTER OF A MILE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

HAZARDOUS WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. USE CAUTION IF TRAVELING. FOR THE LATEST WEATHER INFORMATION...GO TO WEATHER.GOV/CTP OR STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO.

REPORT SNOW OR ICE ACCUMULATION TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE STATE COLLEGE BY SENDING AN EMAIL TO CTP.STORMREPORTS@NOAA.GOV... POSTING TO THE NWS STATE COLLEGE FACEBOOK PAGE...OR TWEET @NWSSTATECOLLEGE WITH THE HASHTAG #CTPWX. &&

12 Days of Skook Christmas

On the 12th Day of Christmas my True Skook Gave To Meeeeeee!!!

Man Charged For Theft From Fire Company

It was reported by the State Police that  Derek Davidson, 29, of Shenandoah was charged with stealing two large soup pots and steel stands from the Continental Firehouse in Gilberton sometime between the dates of October 1 and November 5.

We posted the original story of theft, the link is below
http://www.skooknews.com/2013/11/police-looking-for-thief-who-stole-from.html

Snow and Freezing Rain Leave Roads Slick Monday Morning

Schuylkill County may not have received "inches" of snow during this winter storm but the one thing it did was create some slick roads and side walks.

At of 7:30am, most schools were on 2 hour delays to allow the roads to clear up and let the road crews do their jobs.  Main roads such as 54, 61, 901 were reported to be just wet and slushy but most back roads and sidewalks were extremely slick.

Very few accidents were reported this morning.

What was it like where you live this morning?

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By: Monsoon Mike

All I can say after what happened today is I am sure glad I don't claim to forecast for the Philadelphia area too much. LOL My forecast for Skook worked out just fine with a couple inches of light snow but Philadelphia was surprised and totally shocked by close to 10 inches of snow. What happened was a freak meteorological phenomenon called "mesoscale banding" where bands of snow set up shop over that part of the state and just sit there for hours. Even the best computer model or meteorologist has trouble picking up on when that sort of thing can happen.

But hang tight winter lovers. I don't think all the bad weather is over just yet. Tonight we get into round two of our storm with some freezing rain and sleet and perhaps some more snow. I expect the morning commute to be rather rough and so do schools which is why some of them are already canceling or delaying.

Things will finally dry up tomorrow afternoon but here's the thing. Some computer models are starting to pick up on something for Tuesday that they really didn't pick up on until now ... a weak backlash disturbance moving through which could surprise us with a couple of inches of snow if everything were to work out great, or it could just be totally nothing with a couple of flurries. Will know more tomorrow. As for now, it seems Old Man Winter has set up shop in our neck of the woods for a while!

Schuylkill County School Closings & Delays - 12/9/13

I

Schuylkill County School Closings and/or Delays for 12/9/13

Assumption BVM - 2 Hour Delay

Blue Mountain - 2 Hour Delay

Child Development 

Head Start - Closed

Pre-K Counts - Closed

Child Care - Open

Mahanoy Area - 2 Hour Delay

McCann School of Business/Pottsville - 2 Hour Delay

Minersville - 2 Hour Delay

Nativity BVM - 2 Hour Delay

North Schuylkill  2 Hour Delay

Panther Valley - CLOSED

Penn State/Schuylkill - College opens at 10, Staff report at 10

Pine Grove Area - 2 Hour Delay

Pottsville - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Haven - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Maple Ave - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Special Ed. Center - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Tech North - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill Tech South - 2 Hour Delay

Shenandoah Valley - 2 Hour Delay

St. Clair - 2 Hour Delay

St. Ambrose/Schuylkill Haven - 2 hour delay

St. Jerome Regional/Tamaqua - 2 hour delay

St. Nicholas/Minersville - 2 Hour Delay - modified kdg.

Tamaqua - 2 Hour Delay

Tri-Valley - 2 Hour Delay 

Trinity Academy - 2 Hour Delay

Williams Valley - 2 Hour Delay

Schuylkill County Closings and Postponements

Nativity B.V.M.

POSTPONED Band & Chorus Concert until 12/22 @ 2 PM

If anyone else has a postponement or closing to report please notify us at skooknews@outlook.com

Check back here throughout the evening for anymore Closings

Schuylkill County Christmas Display: St. Clair, PA

Do you want to show off your Holiday/Christmas light display?  Send your pics our way to skooknews@outlook.com or message us through our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SkookNews

Overnight Fire in Blythe Twp

Around 11:45pm, crews were called to 210 Winfield ave. for a house fire.

Not long after arriving, the fire was reported working.

The house was reported a total loss.   It was reported that 3 people are now homeless and the Red Cross is helping them.

No cause has been determined yet.

1 Person Dies in Interstate 81 Crash

1 male died this morning in an accident around 11am this morning in Foster Township on Interstate 81.  The accident happened around the northbound milemarker 114.  The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

There were a total of 5 occupants in the vehicle that was described as an SUV.  2 Adults and 3 children.

The other 4 in the vehicle were reported to have non-life threatening injuries.

UPDATE:  According to police, the man's name who died in the crash was Garfield Beynon, 71, of Scranton.

It is being reported that the SUV lost control, went off the road, hit the guardrail, and stopped on it's side on the berm of the road.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

Our busy busy weather pattern continues on Sunday afternoon into Monday morning.  During our most recent storm Friday into Friday night, northern Skook got a bit of snow and ice. Southern Skook hardly saw anything but some sleet mixing in at the tail end. But, if you like wintry weather, and you're in that southern portion and feel ripped off after the the last storm, I think EVERYONE gets in on some moderate action Sunday p.m. into Monday a.m. 

I expect snow to move in mid Sunday afternoon and accumulate an inch or maybe two before a switch over to sleet, freezing rain, and then eventually probably plain rain Monday morning. But here's the thing. I think cold air gets trapped at the surface Sunday night and early Monday and that switch to plain rain is in no major hurry. The result? A nice glaze of dangerous ice overnight Sunday into early Monday. Expect moderate to major travel headaches at those times. Make sure you follow my "Monsoon Mike's Weather Headquarters" Facebook page for on-the-run updates as this long update here only usually comes once a day, usually in the evening.

Then, another round of mainly light snow could hit is on the backside of everything on Tuesday afternoon after breaking Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning .

THEN, things get brutally cold for the rest of the coming new week. Got all that? Good. :-) Be careful out there folks and again, "like" my page for on-the-fly updates. 

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

Winter Weather Advisory Issue For Schuylkill County

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM SUNDAY TO 10 AM EST MONDAY ...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STATE COLLEGE HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW ...FOLLOWED BY MIXED PRECIPITATION ... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM SUNDAY TO 10 AM EST MONDAY.

* LOCATIONS ...PORTIONS OF THE LOWER SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY AND EAST CENTRAL MOUNTAINS.

* HAZARD TYPES ...LIGHT SNOW ...CHANGING TO SLEET THEN FREEZING RAIN.

* ACCUMULATIONS ...AN INCH OR TWO OF SNOW ...FOLLOWED BY A LIGHT COATING OF SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN.

* TIMING ...LIGHT SNOW WILL OVERSPREAD THE REGION FROM SOUTH TO NORTH DURING THE LATE MORNING AND EARLY AFTERNOON HOURS SUNDAY AND LIKELY ACCUMULATE AN INCH OR TWO. THE SNOW WILL CHANGE TO SLEET THEN FREEZING RAIN SUNDAY NIGHT ...WITH THE FREEZING RAIN LINGERING INTO MONDAY MORNING.

* IMPACTS ...HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS ARE PROBABLE DUE TO SLICK ROADS AND ICY CONDITIONS.

* WINDS ...EAST TO SOUTHEAST 5 TO 15 MPH.

* TEMPERATURES ...IN THE UPPER 20S TO LOWER 30S.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ...

HAZARDOUS WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. USE CAUTION IF TRAVELING. FOR THE LATEST WEATHER INFORMATION ...GO TO WEATHER.GOV/CTP OR STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO.

REPORT SNOW OR ICE ACCUMULATION TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE STATE COLLEGE BY SENDING AN EMAIL TO CTP.STORMREPORTS@NOAA.GOV ... POSTING TO THE NWS STATE COLLEGE FACEBOOK PAGE ...OR TWEET @NWSSTATECOLLEGE WITH THE HASHTAG #CTPWX.

Schuylkill County Christmas Display: St. Clair, PA

Do you want to show off your Holiday/Christmas light display?  Send your pics our way to skooknews@outlook.com or message us through our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SkookNews

 

Car Crashes Into Median In Tamaqua

A male driver got his vehicle stuck around 10:15 PM Thursday (Dec. 5, 2013) on the grassy median located in front of Thorn's Cycles at the connections of Pine Street and North Railroad Street. The man was driving north on Pine Street when he said he hit a slick spot and slid out of control. The crash also downed a one way sign and destroyed a bush. No serious injuries were reported. Tamaqua Police responded.

Posted From http://www.TamaquaArea.com

Man Escapes Serious Injury After Crashing In Barnesville

TamaquaArea.com

Emergency crews were called to the intersection of Tuscarora Park Road and State Road (1018) around 8:45 PM on Thursday (Dec. 5, 2013) in Barnesville after a driver lost control in the heavy fog and crashed over a concrete wall and into a fence adjacent to the White Birch Golf Course. Luckily, no serious injuries were reported. Responding were Rush Township Police, Ryan Township Police, Hometown Fire Company, Hometown Fire Police and others.

Posted from http://www.TamaquaArea.com

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

By: Monsoon Mike

I never made too big a deal in my forecasts the past few days regarding tonight's storm and I'm kinda glad I didn't. Even though it is nasty as all heck out there with a cold, raw rain and some sleet mixing in, I really don't think we see more than a bit of slushy snow at the tail end of the storm overnight despite some other folks calling for inches. Nevertheless, it only takes a little bit of slush on the road to slick things up, so be careful!

A one day break between storms happens Saturday as a weak high pressure system moves in, but it'll be short lived. Sunday we cloud things up again and a mixture of snow/sleet/and freezing rain moves in late and continues overnight into Monday, eventually probably changing to all rain, but this storm could be a little more stubborn with the wintry weather and actually cause some travel havoc Sunday Night into Monday morning as I think some cold air gets trapped near the earth. More updates on that as we draw closer. Of course, the best chances for bad weather in a situation like this is the farther north you go.

Then we REALLY cool things down mid next week. Temperatures will once again struggle to exit the 20s by midweek. 

Winter Weather Advisory For Schuylkill County

SCHUYLKILL: ...A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 AM EST SATURDAY...

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast

Say goodbye to the mild weather. Today didn't get quite as crazy mild as some may have thought due to the very stubborn deck of low clouds and drizzle along the warm front.

Fire Victims Find New Homes

WBRE posted a story last evening on the Joy brothers who lost everything in Schuylkill Ave. fire in Pottsville.  Through donations and support of the community they are getting help to get back on there feet.  Great job to all involved

http://www.pahomepage.com/story/fire-victims-find-new-homes/d/story/8tjgLYdtYkiE_w3vVaYycg

Volunteers are also collecting unwrapped toys for the children affected by the fire. For more information, call Michelle Yarnell at (570) 573-3845.

Schuylkill County Afternoon Weather Update

By:  Monsoon Mike

I talk about "hype" a lot from the conventional weather media. This coming Friday night/early Saturday's event, however, is a bit unique because the excitement for a snow event is coming more from the independent internet folks rather than the conventional media who usually does all the hyping. Maybe because sweeps month is done on TV?

County Doesn't Make List of Safest In State

Safewise.com publishes a list every year of the 50 safest cities in each state.  The term cities is used loosely because it also includes towns, boroughs, and townships.

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".

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/

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. 

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.

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!

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.