Thursday, January 9, 2014

Schuylkill County Forecast

By:  Monsoon Mike

I'm going to go against the majority here and say that the minor precipitation event on Friday will be more in the way of light snow rather than freezing rain like the National Weather Service is prognosticating. I think the column of air above the surface is cool enough to support mainly snow but I do agree that some freezing rain is possible near the end of the storm. Nevertheless, this is a very minor event with only a little bit of percipitation included, however it does come at a bad time. So despite small precipitation numbers, the fact that it hits the morning rush hour could result in school delays and poor driving.

The precipitation basically ends Friday afternoon and we get a little break until Saturday when temperatures warm well into the 50's but also a good amount of rain possible. So Saturday will be mild but not the prettiest of days by any means.

Cooler but not overly cold weather then for Sunday.

$6,000 Worth of Tools Stolen in Burglaries

State Police are looking for information on two burglaries that took place overnight Tuesday.

They are reporting that $5,000 worth of tools were stolen from Kintzel Portable Welding, Frailey Township.

The tools included

  • Lincoln aluminum spool gun
  • plasma cutter
  • Evolution magnetic drill
  • 3/4 inch drive socket set
  • Central pneumatic spray gun
  • Rechargeable light
On the same night, on the 200 block of Spring street, $800 worth of tools were taken from a workshop behind a house.

These tools included
  • Impact wrench and battery drill
  • Milwaukee reciprocal saw
  • Craftsman Impact Dril
Anyone with information related to these burglaries are asked to call State Police at (570) 739-1330

Wednesday's Fire in Porter Twp.

Photo by:  Ashley Herb
Just before 4pm Wednesday afternoon, crews were called to K&E Precision, a machine shop in Porter Twp., just outside Tower City.

Smoke from the blaze could be scene billowing for miles around.  Along with battling the fire, firefighters battled cold temperatures as well.

Crews battled the fire for hours due to the flammable materials in the building, which made the fire tough to put down.

The Republican Herald reported that as of 9:30pm, crews were still at the scene of the fire.

There was reportedly no one in the building at the time.



Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Schuylkill County School Closings and Delays For 1/8/14


Schuylkill County School Closings and Delays For 1/8/14

Assumption BVM - 2 Hour Delay
Blue Mountain - 2 Hour Delay
Gillingham Charter - 2 Hour Delay
Mahanoy Area - 2 Hour Delay
Minersville - 2 Hour Delay
Nativity BVM - 2 Hour Delay
North Schuylkill - 2 Hour Delay
Pine Grove - 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. Jerome/Tamaqua - 2 Hour Delay
St. Nicholas/Minersville - 2 Hour Delay
Tamaqua Area - 2 Hour Delay
Tri-Valley - 2 Hour Delay
Trinity Academy - 2 Hour Delay
Williams Valley - 2 Hour Delay

Woman Dies in Crash in Washington Twp. Tuesday Morning

WNEP is reporting that Mary Reed, 81, of Pine Grove, died in crash this morning on Sweet Arrow Lake Road in Washington Twp.  She was reportedly in a car with her 2 daughters when the car, her daughter was driving, lost control and hit a tree.

The other two women were flown from the scene.

No word on the severity of their injuries.

Tuesday Morning Fire Destroys Homes in Shenandoah

Image from Schuylkill County Firewire
Around 7:30am, Tuesday crews were called to the the 200 Block on Ferguson Street in Shenandoah.  When crews arrived they found the double block home fully engulfed in flames.  It is being reported that one side was vacant while the other side, the owner of the home was not home at the time.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Schuylkill County School Closings and Delays - 1/7/14


Schuylkill County School Closings and Delays for 1/7/14

Assumption BVM - CLOSED
Blue Mountain - CLOSED
Child Development - Pre-K Closed, Day Care Open
Gillingham Charter - CLOSED
Mahanoy Area - CLOSED
Marian Catholic - CLOSED
Minersville - CLOSED
Nativity BVM - CLOSED
North Schuylkill - CLOSED
Schuylkill Haven - CLOSED
Shenandoah Valley - CLOSED
St. Ambrose/Schuylkill Haven - CLOSED
St. Clair - CLOSED
St. Jerome Regional/Tamaqua - CLOSED
St. Nicholas/Minersville - CLOSED
Tamaqua - CLOSED
Tri-Valley - CLOSED
Trinity Academy - CLOSED
Williams Valley - CLOSED

BEST OF SKOOK: The Winner of Best Wings in Schuylkill County Is . . . . . .

Over the weekend, we asked our reader's through our Facebook page, "Who has the best wings in Schuylkill County?"

The votes are in and we have an upset on our hands.

Semi-Pro Football Looking For Sponsors

The Schuylkill County Predators, the Semi-Pro Football team, is in search of some sponsors.  They've asked for some help through these sponsors to help towards equipment, uniforms, field, charity events, etc.

If interested you can contact them by Schuylkill County Predators on Facebook or scpredators14@yahoo.com


Winter Weather Announcements - 1/6/14


Weather Related Announcements for 1/6/14


Schools

Schuylkill Haven Area - No Evening Activities, no school Tuesday 
Williams Valley - 2 Hour Delay, Tuesday





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If you have any weather related closings that you would like to share, please contact us through email at skooknews@outlook.com

Tips For Getting Through Sub Zero Temperatures

As we head toward no-man's land -- double-digit sub-zero temperatures that could set records -- thoughts turn to keeping the family, house and cars safe.

Accident Along Route 309 in South Tamaqua Sunday Evening

 From:  TamaquaArea.com

West Penn Township Police, firefighters and Ambulance were called to SR309 northbound in South Tamaqua (West Penn Township) just before 5:30 PM today (Jan. 5, 2014) for a report of a two-vehicle accident with possible assault. No serious injuries were seen. Traffic was detoured around the scene. Soley's Towing was used to transport both vehicles.

Schuylkill County School Delays and Closings - 1/6/14


Schuylkill County Closings and Delays for 1/6/14
 
 
Blue Mountain - 2 Hour Delay
Pine Grove - 2 Hour Delay
Schuylkil Haven Area - 2 Hour Delay
St. Ambrose/ Schuylkill Haven - 2 Hour Delay
St. Jerome Reg./Tamaqua - 2 Hour Delay
Tamaqua - 2 Hour Delay
Williams Valley - 2 Hour Delay
 

Fatal Crash in Tremont

Crews were called to 197 South Tremont Street, Tremont with heavy entrapment just before 3 pm Sunday.

Authorities say that Amanda Minnich, 25, of Tremont, lost control of her vehicle on the icy roads and struck a tree.  Minnich was pronounced dead at the scene.

There was also a passenger in the vehicle who was also hurt and was taken to Hershey Medical Center.

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Blythe Twp. Crash Closes Route 209 for Hours

From:  TamaquaArea.com

SUV SHEERS POLE ALONG US209 IN BLYTHE TWP; ROAD CLOSED FOR 4 HOURS

A man and two children escaped injuries after the SUV they were in crashed into and sheered a utility pole around 4:30 PM Saturday (Jan. 4, 2014) along US209 in Blythe Township (near the intersection of James Street). The vehicle came to rest in front of Chet's Wholesale Beverage. The incident also resulted in downed power and communication lines. US209 was closed from New Philadelphia to Middleport for about 4 hours during the response and initial repairs. Responding were fire companies from Kaska, Cumbola, New Philadelphia and Middleport. State Police are investigating.


Friday, January 3, 2014

Snowfall Totals and Images From Around Schuylkill County

The storm is over and we want to thank everyone who shared their snow totals and images with us.

Below are the totals that we've received from all of you

PennDOT Lowers Speed Limits on Interstates

Due to road conditions from the snow, PENNDOT has lowered the speeds on Interstate 81 through Schuylkill County to 45 mph until further notice.

Ashland Doctor Facing Drug Charges

WNEP posted a story Thursday on Dr. Stephanie Tarapchak, who practiced in Ashland, is now facing drug charges.

She is accused from writing prescriptions to pain killers that have led to overdoses and one death.

Tarapchak is also facing charges for smuggling drugs into the Lackawanna County Prison by hiding them inside her rectum.

Tarapchak is to be prosecuted in Lackawanna County court, where she is also locked up at this time.

Tarapchak was charged with corrupt organizations, drug delivery resulting in death, prescribing outside the scope of practice, distribution/prescription to a drug dependent person, refusal or failure to keep records, controlled substance contraband to a confined person, perjury, endangering the welfare of children, recklessly endangering another person, insurance fraud, theft by deception and criminal conspiracy.

Link to full story below
http://wnep.com/2014/01/02/ashland-doctor-facing-drug-charges/

http://republicanherald.com/news/ag-schulkill-county-doctor-smuggled-drugs-into-lackawanna-county-prison-unlawfully-prescribed-pain-pills-1.1610951

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Schuylkill County School Closings and Delays - 1/3/14


 
LAST UPDATED:  1/3/2014 5:35am
 
Assumption BVM - CLOSED
Blue Mountain - CLOSED
Gillingham Charter - CLOSED
Mahanoy Area - CLOSED
Marian - CLOSED
Minersville - CLOSED
Nativity BVM - CLOSED
North Schuylkill - CLOSED
Pine Grove - CLOSED
Pottsville - CLOSED
Schuylkill Haven - CLOSED
Schuylkill Maple Ave - CLOSED
Schuylkill Special Ed. Ctr - CLOSED
Schuylkill Tech North Campus - CLOSED
Schuylkill Tech South Campus - CLOSED
Shenandoah Valley - CLOSED
St. Ambrose/Schuylkill Haven - CLOSED
St. Jerome Regional/Tamaqua - CLOSED
St. Clair - CLOSED
St. Nicholas/Minersville - CLOSED
Tamaqua - CLOSED
Tri-Valley - CLOSED
Trinity Academy - CLOSED
Williams Valley - CLOSED

Hazleton Chinese Restaurant Searched Thursday Morning

The Standard Speaker is reporting that the Jumbo China Buffet in Hazle Township was searched by State Police Thursday morning.

Update:  It is now being reported that an employee stole credit card information from customers.

Link to article from Standard Speaker
http://standardspeaker.com/news/state-police-search-hazle-twp-restaurant-1.1610655

Our St. Patty's Shirt's Are Ready To Sell

We launched our t-shirt campaign today for our Schuylkill County Irish!  The great thing about this sale is now we have men's and women's styles.  You can get them at link below.  Once on that page, click the drop-down box labeled "Style" to see the shirt in different styles.

http://teespring.com/irishskook2

Men's
Women's V-neck

Water Boil Advisory Cancelled - Fountain Springs/Country Club Estates

The following has just been posted to Ashland Borough's Facebook page

WATER BOIL ADVISORY CANCELLED The Water Boil Advisory for Fountain Springs and Country Club Estates has been cancelled. The required sampling and testing of the water system has been conducted. The test results have indicated no presence of harmful bacteria. These tests demonstrate that the quality of your drinking water was not affected by the water main break and that it is safe for human consumption.

Schuylkill County School Early Dismissals - 1/2/14


Schuylkill County School Early Dismissals - 1/2/14

Grey Goose Bar, McAdoo Fire, Man in Custody

From TamaquaArea.com

Emergency responders were called around 12:20 AM today (Jan. 2, 2014) to 94 North Kennedy Drive (SR309) in McAdoo for a fully engulfed structure fire.

Overnight Fire in Quakake Displaces Family

From TamaquaArea.com

Firefighters responded to 4 East Main Street just before midnight last night (Jan. 1, 2014) for a report of a house fire. Firefighters were quick to respond and extinguish the fire. Fire was said to be caused by a clothes dryer.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Winter Weather Advisory Issued For Schuylkill County

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON THURSDAY TO 7 AM EST FRIDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STATE COLLEGE HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON THURSDAY TO 7 AM EST FRIDAY.

Overnight Fire in Ashland, Reported to Be Started By Homeowner

Around 1:30am Wednesday, Ashland Police were called to 1331 Walnut Street, Ashland, after a neighbor called police for the owner of 1331 was causing a disturbance and was throwing contents from the house into the street.

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Officials Sworn in Today At Courthouse


This morning, two elected Schuylkill County Officials were sworn in.

Both John Domalakes and Christine Holman were sworn in.

John Domalakes was sworn in as the Schuylkill County Judge after retaining his  position in the November election. 

Christine Holman was sworn in as the new Schuylkill County District Attorney.

The images below are from Christine Holman's swearing in.




Pictures from L David Truskowsky

One Person Killed on Interstate 81 Crash

Mahanoy City crews were called to the Southbound Milemarker 129.5 Tuesday morning for a crash with ejection.

One person has been confirmed to have died in the crash.  They were pronounced dead by Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner David Truskowsky.

State Police are reported to be investigating the crash.

WNEP is reporting that the man who died was Ralph Rumbel of Ringtown.

3 Alarm Fire Destroys Homes in Shenandoah

Photo from Schuylkill County Firewire
Around 10am, crews were called to 112 South Grant St. Shenandoah for a structure fire.  When crews arrived they found heavy fire in the rear of the structure.  The home was said to be unoccupied.

The fire also spread to another unoccupied home at  110 South Grant and to 114 South Grant Street which was occupied.

The fire call originally came in with entrapment but that turned out to be false.

One dog was rescued from the occupied home.

The fire hit a 3rd alarm after crews needed additional help from around the area for assistance.

No cause has been determined for the blaze at this time.

Monday, December 30, 2013

The Restaurant/Organization Voted Best Breakfast in Schuylkill County is . . . .

Over the weekend, we polled our followers on our Facebook page and asked our readers:

What restaurant/organization serves the best breakfast in Schuylkill County?

(Drum roll please) And the winner is:

Attention Pine Grove Area - 345 Exchange - 911 is down

If you know someone in the Pine Grove area, in the 345 exchange, who may not be a Facebook user, please contact them and let them know that their "911" system is down. For any emergency they need to call direct to their local fire company, or contact the 911 center at 570-628-3792. Even if they do use Facebook, share this post on their page just to help make sure they get the info!

Sunday Afternoon Fire in Minersville

Fire crews were called Sunday to a home on Pine Hill Street in the Minersville yesterday afternoon around 3PM.

The fire is said to have started in 524 but spread to the other homes on each side.

9 people were displaced in the fire, the homes were a double-block, 2 from one home, 4 from the other, the fire caused heavy damage to another home melting the siding.

No word has been what started the fire but they believe it started on the ground floor.

Fire crews from Minersville, Pottsville, Schuylkill Haven, Yorkville, and Llewellyn fought the blaze.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Water Boil Advisory

The Borough of Ashland has issued a water boil advisory for Fountain Springs and Country Club Estates until further notice.

Friday, December 20, 2013

Crash in Blythe Twp. Near Schuylkill Mall

Thursday morning crews were called to Route 61 just south of the Schuylkill Mall for a crash involving 3 patients.  It is being reported that the driver lost control of the vehicle on a curve striking a utility pole.  The female passenger in the vehicle was ejected and flown from the Schuylkill County mall.

The driver and an infant who was also in the car taken to a local medical center.

The driver is to be cited for the crash.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Hometown Hill Motor Vehicle Accident Wednesday Evening

A Tamaqua man suffered various injuries after flipping his vehicle around 9:45 PM tonight (Wed., Dec. 18, 2013) on the Hometown Hill (SR309) in Tamaqua. The man, the only person in the vehicle, had a visible wound to his head. He denied treatment while on scene. The driver said he was traveling south on SR309 when he lost control after looking in the back of his vehicle for something. Responding were Tamaqua Police, Rush Township Police and Tamaqua Fire Police. Traffic was detoured around the incident until a tow crew could remove the vehicle and clean the scene.

Posted from www.TamaquaArea.com

Credit Card Information Compromised on Black Friday From Target

CNN is reporting that the Secret Service is investigating a data breach on Black Friday and about 40 million shopper's credit card information may have been accessed.

http://money.cnn.com/2013/12/18/news/companies/target-credit-card/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

'Twas the Night Before Christmas (Schuylkill County version)

Frackville Police Officer Cited For Hit and Run

WNEP published a story yesterday about a Frackville Police Officer, Joseph Hahn, who has been involved 2 hit and runs in the past 6 months.

You can read the story at the link below.

http://wnep.com/2013/12/17/police-officer-cited-for-hit-and-run/

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

St. Catherine's Former Employees Get Payday

Last night, WNEP posted a story about the former employees of St. Catherine's Medical Center, Fountain Springs, getting their payday after almost closing 2 years ago.

Check out the story below
http://wnep.com/2013/12/16/former-hospital-workers-get-big-payday-before-holidays/

Tractor Trailer Hit and Run In Tamaqua

-----TAMAQUA CRIME WATCH ALERT-----

FULL-SIZE TRACTOR TRAILER DRIVES OFF AFTER STRIKING SHED, FENCE, VEHICLE AND STOP SIGN TONIGHT ON SIDE STREET IN TAMAQUA Incident occurred around 11:30 PM tonight (Monday, Dec. 16, 2013).

Schuylkill County School Delays and Closings - 12/17/13


Schuylkill County School Delays and Closings For 12/17/13

Monday, December 16, 2013

Prisoner Escape in Lehigh Valley

ESCAPED PRISONER | NAZARETH | NORTHAMPTON |

PD HAS ISSUED A BOLO (BE ON THE LOOK OUT) FOR A MALE PRISONER WHO ESCAPED FROM AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. PRISONER DITCHED ORANGE JUMPSUIT AND IS BELIEVED TO BE WEARING JUST A THERMAL SHIRT AND PANTS. BELIEVED TO BE IN A 1993 TOYOTA CAMRY BEARING PA TAG: JHN1842 WITH HEAVY FRONT END DAMAGE. SUBJECT IS DESCRIBED AS ARMED AND DANGEROUS AND IS BELIEVED TO BE CARRYING A SHOT GUN. IF YOU SEE THIS VEHICLE CALL POLICE IMMEDIATELY AND DO NOT APPROACH.

Update:  The individual is said to be Danie Preziosi and he is said to have escaped custody after a prelimary hearing in Nazareth, PA.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Amber Alert Cancelled After Child Found Safe

Last evening, an Amber Alert was issued for Kayleigh Simcsuk, from Palmerton, Carbon County after it was reported to police that she was abducted by Timothy Simcsuk.

Tamaqua Police Looking For Truck Involved in Morning Incident

TAMAQUA CRIME WATCH ALERT (Posted 6:15 AM; Dec. 15, 2013)

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

POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR A TRUCK INVOLVED IN AN INCIDENT IN OWL CREEK

Tamaqua Police are looking for a black or darker colored late-model full-size pickup truck that allegedly struck a utility pole along Owl Creek Road in Tamaqua sometime today in the early morning (Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013).

The truck is said to have damage done to the passenger side door handle and running boards; and possibly side mirror.

Call (570) 668-5000 if you have any information.

Posted by:  TamaquaArea.com

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Amber Alert issued For Child Abduction in Carbon County

Amber Alert issued For Child Abduction in Carbon County

Saturday at approx. 6:30pm Kyleigh Simcsuk, age 4, was abducted from Delaware Ave. in Palmerton.  State Police said the police was abducted by Timothy Simcsuk, age 25.

Police are looking for a dark green mini-van with either PA or California registration.

Direction of travel is unknown.

Schuylkill County Boroughs with Snow Emergencies

The following borough(s) declared a SNOW EMERGENCY

Ashland

ASHLAND BOROUGH HAS DECLARED A SNOW EMERGENCY:

EFFECTIVE SUNDAY DECEMBER 15, 2013 FROM 2AM TO 6AM.

Parking will be prohibited on Hoffman Boulevard from Brock Street to Centre Street and also on Centre Street from Front Street to 23rd Street.

Residents are ordered to move their cars from these locations between 2am and 6am.

Any vehicles that are not moved from the above locations will be fined $50 and towed away at the Owner's expense.

Mahanoy City

Snow Parking Ban Tonight

Mayor has issued a snow parking ban. There will be NO PARKING between Midnight & 7AM on the following streets: Centre St. , Main St. , South St from 2nd Street west to Borough line.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Cancellations For Saturday



Cancellations have already begun before Saturday's Winter Storm.




Updated:  10:30am, 12/14/13

Nativity BVM - Boys & Girls Basketball Postponed

Pine Grove Area
 - ACT Cancelled

St. Nicholas/Minersville - A Christmas Carol Postponed until Sunday at 6:30

Tamaqua Area Band - Formal rescheduled to January 18, 2014

TAMAQUA ATHLETIC EVENTS POSTPONED
----------------------------------------- -------------
JV/Var. Girls Basketball:
at Tri Valley has been ppd to:
Monday, December 30 - 6:00
Depart - 4:30
-------------
Varsity Wrestling:
at Exeter Duals has been ppd to:
Sat. Dec. 21
Tamaqua will NOT be in attendance as we are in the Berwick Duals
-------------
Jr. Hi. Wrestling:
at Blue Mt. Tournament has been ppd to:
Friday, Dec. 20 - approximately 2:30 (coaches meeting at 2:30 wrestling to follow)
Depart at 12:30 via Van
-------------
Also note:
The band formal has been ppd and rescheduled to Sat. Jan 18 at the Tam. Elem. School
-------------
From: Mike Hromyak, Tamaqua AD
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 You can also now follow us on twitter at: @TASDAthletics1

3rd Annual Tamaqua Elks Boilo Contest TONIGHT

Looking for something to do tonight before you're stuck inside all day tomorrow during the storm.  How about a boilo contest?

3rd Annual Tamaqua Elks Boilo Contest

Enter your favorite boilo recipe, OR just come to taste all the entries. Admission will be $5 per person, food buffet and desserts included. Bar will be open to purchase drinks. Event starts @ 7pm, voting will be @ 8:30 pm. You do not have to be a member this is open to the public, invite your friends and hope to see you there :-)

Link to event: https://www.facebook.com/events/580949311960917/


Located at 201 W Broad St, Tamaqua

Thursday, December 12, 2013