Sunday, January 19, 2014

Man Dies From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning


Sunday morning, authorities received a 911 call from a woman feeling confused in the borough of St. Clair.

When authorities arrived at 434 S. 2nd Street, they found Charles Gately and his girlfriend, who has not been identified and who made the 911 call.  Both were taken to the hospital where Gately was pronounced dead.  His girlfriend remains in intensive care.

Police believe Gately attempted to start his coal furnace and the flue pipe was clogged causing the fumes to fill the home.

WNEP spoke to some of his neighbors and friends earlier today.

http://wnep.com/2014/01/19/man-dies-after-clogged-coal-furnace-fills-home-with-co-fumes/ 

One Man Injured, Utility Pole Snapped in Rt. 209 Crash



Posted From tamaquaarea.wordpress.com


A man was taken to the hospital for unknown injuries after snapping a utility pole early this morning (Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014) along US209 between Tamaqua and Coaldale. Emergency personnel were called to US209, just past Sisters Cantina Restaurant, in Tamaqua just after 12:30 AM for a report of an overturned pickup truck with wires down. Firefighters and EMS arrived and placed the man on a stretcher for transport to St. Luke’s Hospital – Miners Campus. The man was said to be the only person in the vehicle. Responding were Tamaqua firefighters, Tamaqua Rescue Squad, Tamaqua Police, Tamaqua Fire Police and Tamaqua Ambulance. Firefighters on scene stated that the wires were communication lines, and not power lines. Both lanes US209 were closed for the duration.

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Dispute Between Neighbors Ends in Fatal Shooting in Shenandoah Heights

State Police were called to the 500 Block of Indiana Ave., Shenandoah Heights, West Mahanoy Twp. for a shooting around 11:30am.

Pole Sheered in Rush Township Accident Saturday Morning

Photo from tamaquaarea.wordpress.com
Posted from TamaquaArea.Wordpress.Com

A male driver of a white SUV lost control and sheered into a pole along near 431 Fairview Street in Rush Township just before 11 AM today (Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014). The man was treated on scene and refuse further medical care. Responding were Rush Township Police, Hometown Fire Company, Ryan Township Fire Company, Quakake Fire Company and fire police. No power or services were said to be affected. PPL was called to repair the line.

Saturday Morning's Shenandoah Heights Shooting

State Police were called to the 500 Block of Indiana Ave., Shenandoah Heights, West Mahanoy Twp. for a shooting around 11:30am.

Early Morning Crash in Rush Twp.

Picture from TamaquaArea.com
Posted from TamaquaArea.com

Two young men escaped serious injury after narrowly missing a deer and crashing their car into two connected fences in Rush Township early this morning (Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014). Emergency personnel were called to a single motor vehicle accident shortly after 1:30 AM just northeast of the Fairview Street and Marian Avenue intersection. When they arrived, they observed a car entangled in a fence along Marian Avenue, just short of an Air Products water pumping station. Responding were Rush Township Police, Ryan Township Police, Quakake Fire Company, Hometown Fire Company, Ryan Rescue Squad/EMS and others. The two males in the vehicle were treated on scene by Ryan Township EMS.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Yuengling Ice Cream Began Production This Week

At a special new conference this morning at the Leiby's Dairy Inc., Tamaqua, Yuengling Ice Cream President, and Rob Bohorad, the Chief Operating Officer, announced that because of an overwhelming response, they have begun production this week.

Production was not suppose to begin until March.

The first batches of ice cream are expected to hit the shelves in major grocery stores by mid-February.  Weis and Acme were both mentioned as locations.

The suggested retail price will be $5.49 to $5.99 per quart

Ten all-natural flavors of ice cream are being produced for their first run

Vanilla, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Black and Tan (chocolate and caramel), Vanilla Fudge Chunk with Pretzels, Espresso Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Chocolate Marshmallow, Root Beer Float, and Mint Chocolate Chip.

At the state-of-the-art facility, they will be able to make 40 quarts of ice cream per minute, 14,000 quarts per day, and 100,000 quarts in the initial 10 day run.

Yuengling ice cream initially was in operation from 1920-1985.  Yuengling introduced ice cream  to supplement the brewery's revenue during prohibition.

Production stopped in 1985 when no successor to the then-president Frederick "Fritz" Yuengling could be identified.

The new president, David Yuengling, is the son of Fritz.

Schuylkill County High School Basketball Scores - 1/16/2014


Scores from last night's games - 1/15/2014

SKOOK EVENTS: All You Can Eat Breakfast - Independent Hose Company

The Independent Hose Company, Diener's Hill, sponsors all-you-can-eat breakfasts from 7:30 a.m. to noon on the third Sunday of the month. The cost is $7 for adults and $3.50 for children. Patrons may eat in the fire Hall or take meals out. For more information, call 570-429-0867. All are welcome.

SKOOK EVENTS: Block Shoot - East End Fire Company, Tamaqua

BLOCK SHOOT FEBRUARY 9TH AT TAMAQUA'S EAST END FIRE COMPANY!

SKOOK EVENT: Chili Cook Off

On Saturday 1/18 from 12-4 Galen Glen Winery, 255 Winter Mountain Drive, Andreas 18211 is hosting a free chili cook off. All visitors to the winery get to sample each chef's chili and vote for a favorite. Please invite your followers to join us. More info www.galenglen.com or 570-386-3682. Thanks, Kathy Tasting Room Manager

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

County Cartoonist Memoir To Be Published By Scholastic

Cartoon by Jimmy Gownley
Scholastic Books, publishers of such worldwide hits as Harry potter and the Hunger Games, is publishing a new graphic novel about growing up in Schuylkill County.

Work to Begin on Route 61 Mady's Bridges

From Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency

Work Set to Begin on PA 61 “Mady’s” Bridges in Schuylkill County

Allentown – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today work to replace the structurally deficient PA 61 “Mady’s” bridges (one over Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad in the City of Pottsville and Palo Alto Borough, and the other over the Schuylkill River in the City of Pottsville) in Schuylkill County is set to begin. The project also includes bridge roadway approach work on PA 61 in North Manheim Township.

Schuylkill County School Delays for 1/15/14


Schuylkill County School Delays for 1/15/14

Assumption BVM - 2 Hour Delay
Blue Mountain - 2 Hour Delay
Minersville - 2 Hour Delay
Nativity BVM - 2 Hour Delay
Panther Valley - 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. Ctr - 2 Hour Delay
Schuylkill Tech North - 2 Hour Delay
Schuylkill Tech South - 2 Hour Delay
St. Ambrose/Schuylkill Haven - 2 Hour Delay
St. Clair - 2 Hour Delay
St. Jerome Regional/Tamaqua - 2 Hour Delay
St. Nicholas/Minersville - 2 Hour Delay
Tamaqua - 2 Hour Delay Modified Kindergarten
Tri-Valley - 2 Hour Delay
Williams Valley - 2 Hour Delay

Monday, January 13, 2014

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast


By:  Monsoon Mike

Tuesday will be a generally dreary, grey day with some light rain, but nothing too heavy like this past weekend's event. Temperatures will still be generally on the mild side and deep into the 40s to low 50s. 

I'm still debating whether or not we see any wintry precipitation Wednesday as temperatures begin to drop and as mentioned the past few days. If anything, if we did, as it would be more in the way of later Wednesday as our next system is trending slower and warmer. Again, this would just be a nuisance event at most late Wednesday into early Thursday, but as you know, it's those "nuisance" events that wind up causing the 40 car interstate pileups as we've seen happen as of late. I'll keep you posted.

Beyond that, it looks like we gradually continue our downward trend of more wintry weather and by the weekend, it looks like we may be back into the freezer, although not as historically brutal as last week but rather more in the way of typical January weather. 

BEST OF SKOOK: And the Best Pizza in Schuylkill County Is

Before I get to the winner, I wanted to thank everyone who voted.  We had nearly 1,000 votes for this poll.  I only hope we can continue to break that record.

Now onto the winner!  After combing through hundreds of votes  . . . . .

The restaurant who was voted as "Best Pizza in Schuylkill County" is:


The Roma Pizzeria in Pottsville!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Roma-Pizzeria/116142961743998?rf=141070012595014

Second Place goes to!
Centioles in Girardville
https://www.facebook.com/groups/65409403637/

Third Place Went to Palermo's
http://palermopizzarestaurant.com/

Fourth to the Pizza Place in Frackville,
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pizza-Place-Frackville-Pa/113620615405872

and not far behind was the Pottsville Pizzeria

Our honorable mentions are (in no particular order)
- Prima - Valley View
- Miones - Tower City
- Rut's Cafe - Mahanoy City
- Pascoli's - Mahanoy City
- Suglia's - Schuylkill Mall
- Valenties - Orwigsburg
- Vito's - St. Clair

Fire That Destroyed Mansion Caused By An Extension Chord

The fire that destroyed the James B. Neale mansion in Foster Township on Friday was caused by an extension chord.

The state police fire marshal said that the fire began in a room on the first floor.

Damage to the mansion is said to exceed $400,000.

Suspect in Custody in Shenandoah Robbery

Early Sunday afternoon, Shenandoah police were called to the Rite Aid Parking Lot for a robbery.

A female called 911 and reported a young male stole her purse from inside her occupied vehicle. The female's description of the suspect was a dark skinned male, scruffy facial hair and wearing a Camo jacket with a yellow hoodie underneath.

Police located the stolen purse under some leaves on unit block of North Market street and there was nothing taken from the purse.

Through investigation, at 1:30pms, police learned the suspects name to be Bobby Taylor and took him into custody at 13 North Main street. Taylor was arraigned before Judge Reiley of Pottsville and was unable to post $25.000, 10% cash bail.

Taylor was committed to the Schuykill County prison on charges of Robbery, Theft of property and receiving stolen property.

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Body Found in West Mahanoy Twp. Parking Lot

WNEP is reporting that the body of a 64 year old man from Pottsville was found in the State Police Barrack's parking lot in West Mahanoy Twp. around 6pm Saturday.

At this time the death is not considered suspicious but the investigation is ongoing.

The man's name has not been released yet.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast


By:  Monsoon Mike

A hefty dumping of rain is on the way Saturday on the order of one to two inches. Some of the rain in the afternoon especially could be heavy & believe it or not, I cannot rule out a flash of lightning or rumble of thunder. This all opens up the door to another problem which is rapid meltoff of leftover snow & ice which could cause flash flooding issues. It will also be unseasonably warm with temperatures perhaps approaching 60 especially in southern parts of the county. A strong cold front then sweeps through and Sunday will be chilly here but not overly brutal.

Friday Morning's Fire in Rush Township (Pictures and Video)

From TamaquaArea.com

Firefighters were called around 8:15 this morning (Jan. 10, 2014) to 92 Ben Titus Road in Still Creek (Rush Township) for a working structure fire. Despite a quick response by firefighters, the home was severely damaged. Two pets were also lost in the fire. The family of five will be staying with family.

Thursday's Two Vehicle Accident on Route 309

From TamaquaArea.com

Firefighters responded to SR309 (between PennDOT shed and Lofty Road) just before 7:45 AM today (Jan. 9, 2014) for a two-vehicle accident with a Jeep on its roof and entrapment. Reportedly, one woman was trapped in the vehicle while McAdoo firefighters worked to extricate her. Traffic was backed up heavily during the rescue and as a MedEvac helicopter landed on SR309 to transport the entrapped woman.

Crews Contain Pine Grove Fire To Attic Area

Just after 5am Thursday, crews were called to 241 South Tulpehocken St., Pine Grove for a structure fire.

When crews arrived, they found an electrical fire in the attic of the home.

The fire was quickly put out by the responding fireman and were able to keep the fire contained to the attic area.

The fire has left the 2 adults and 3 children who live in the home temporarily homeless until the repairs can be made.

The American Red Cross was on scene to provide food and lodging for the family.

The Pine Grove, Suedberg, and Ravine companies responded to the fire.

Schuylkill County School Delays and Closings - 1/10/14






Schuylkill County School Closings and Delays for 1/10/14

Updated: 6:06am

Assumption BVM/Pottsville - 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 County Head Start - No Pre-k, day care open, policy committee meeting cancelled
Schuylkill Haven - 2 Hour Delay
Schuylkill Health School of Nursing - 2 Hour Delay
Schuylkill Maple Ave. 2 Hour Delay
Schuylkill Special Ed. - 2 Hour Delay
Schuylkill Tech North - 2 Hour Delay
Schuylkill Tech South - 2 Hour Delay
Shenandoah Valley - 2 Hour Delay
St. Ambrose/Schuylkill Haven - 2 Hour Delay
St. Clair - 2 Hour Delay
St. Jerome/Tamaqua - 2 Hour Delay
St. Nicholas/Minersville - 2 Hour Delay
Tamaqua - 2 Hour Delay
Tri-Valley - 2 Hour Delay
Trinity Academy - 2 Hour Delay
Williams Valley - 2 Hour Delay

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