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 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/

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

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 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 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

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.

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.

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 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

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.

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.

Santa Claus Visits Ashland

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

Remember To Support Your Local Small Business This Saturday

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

Former School Starts To Be Demolished

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

Schuylkill Haven Falls To Old Forge

Tonight Schuylkill Haven fell to Old Forge 35-0.

Elderly Woman Conned Out of $13,000

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

2 More Explosive Devices Found in South Manheim Twp. Home

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

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

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

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

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

County Project Aims To Provide Children In Need

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.communitysolution6.org

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

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

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

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

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

Early Monday Fire Damages South Manheim Twp. Home

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

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

Corbett Signs Transportation Bill

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

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

What's your thoughts on the newly signed bill?

10 Ways to Cook A Turkey

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

Morning Fire in Pine Grove Twp.

Pictures from Schuylkill County Firewire

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

Crews left scene around 8:30am.

No other information is available at this time.

Donations for Families in November 22nd Fire in Pottsville

**COPY AND PASTE**

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

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

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

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

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

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

So far the following items are needed:

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

2 Hurt in High Speed Crash in Pine Grove Twp.

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

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

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

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

Monday's Weather Forecast 11/25/13

By: Monsoon Mike

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

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

Overnight Motor Vehicle Accident in Rush Township

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

Skook News - Week In Review

 

The news of Schuylkill County from the past week

 

Early Saturday Fire Displaces 3 In Tamaqua

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

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

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

Schuylkill County Obituaries 11/23/13

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 11/23/2013

Schuylkill Haven Wins Big Over Bristol

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

Fire Spreads Through At Least 5 Pottsville Homes

 Friday Afternoon at approximately 3:45pm, crews were called to 217 Schuylkill Ave, Pottsville for a structure fire.

Tractor Trailer Crash In Hegins Twp.

This morning around 10:00am crews were called to 516 South Goodspring Road, Hegins Twp. for a tractor trailer vs. a tree.

There was reported heavy entrapment and Life flight was requested.

No other details at this time.