Skook News - Your #1 Source for Schuylkill County News

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Amber Alert Ends in Luzerne County; Girl Found Safe

Friday morning an Amber Alert was issued for a 16 year old that was abducted by a 21 year old.

Former Teacher Charged with Having Sex with Student

A former elementary school teacher has been charged with having sex with a 13 year old student.

On Friday, North Schuylkill teacher, Mindy Tresize was charged with statutory sexual assault, institutional sexual assault and related offenses after one of Trezise's former students told police the two had sex more than a dozen times of her home.

The assaults reportedly took place between February and April.

Tresize turned herself in on Friday and was later released on bail.

North Schuylkill Superintedent Robert Ackell released the following statement.

Upon first learning of the allegations regarding Mrs. Trezise, district officials took prompt action to maintain the safety and welfare of our students. The District reported the allegations to law enforcement officials and Childline. Mrs. Trezise was also suspended pending the outcome of the investigation before her decision to resign. The District has cooperated fully throughout the criminal investigation and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement officials.

The safety and welfare of all students is our top priority. We will continue to monitor this matter closely and will take any and all additional steps necessary to keep our students safe.

Two Face Drug Charges After Traffic Stop

Two are facing drug charges after a traffic stop in Hometown.

Below is a schedule of the road work scheduled around Schuylkill County this week.

The Pennsylvania State Police has issued an Amber Alert for the Wilkes Barre Police Department, Luzerne County, PA.

Queen. Megan Ditzler

Runner up. Emily Witmer

Princess Madeline Schuettler
Runner up. Madly Rowan

Little Miss runner up . Hailey Neifert
Little Miss. Julie Beth Wychonas

Miss Congeniality Lily Keitsock

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Northumberland County Man Charged With Sexual Assault on Child in Schuylkill County

A Northumberland County man is locked up in prison after being charged with sexual assault in Schuylkill County.

WHEN: Friday, July 31st, Arrive around 8pm, Movie starts at Dusk
WHERE Bethany EC Church, Ashland, 13th and Market Street; Market Street with be blocked between 12th and 13th Streets

Movie: Chronicles of Narnia: Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
COST: FREE

Free popcorn, snacks, and drinks. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Blue Moon This Friday

Once in a blue moon, we have two full moons in one month, and this Friday we will see our second.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory for Schuylkill County.

* FLOOD ADVISORY FOR...
SOUTHEASTERN DAUPHIN COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA...
YORK COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA...
LEBANON COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA...
SOUTHEASTERN ADAMS COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA...
LANCASTER COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA...
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA...

* UNTIL 315 PM EDT

* AT 1212 PM EDT...DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED TORRENTIAL RAIN FROM
NUMEROUS SLOW MOVING THUNDERSTORMS...FALLING AT THE RATE OF 2 TO 3
INCHES PER HOUR. THIS EXCESSIVE RAIN WILL CAUSE MINOR FLOODING IN
THE ADVISORY AREA. THE LEADING EDGE OF THESE THUNDERSTORMS WAS
LOCATION FROM MAHANOY CITY...TO PINE GROVE...CLEONA...MANHEIM...
NEW SALEM AND LITTLESTOWN. LOCATIONS THAT SEE RAIN FALLING FOR
OVER AN HOUR COULD SEE MORE SIGNIFICANT FLOODING.

* SOME LOCATIONS THAT WILL EXPERIENCE FLOODING INCLUDE...
AKRON...ANNVILLE...COLUMBIA...CORNWALL...DALLASTOWN...EAST
PETERSBURG...ELIZABETHTOWN...EPHRATA...FRACKVILLE...HANOVER...
HERSHEY...HUMMELSTOWN...LANCASTER...LEBANON...LITITZ...MAHANOY
CITY...MANHEIM...MIDDLETOWN...MILLERSVILLE AND MINERSVILLE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE INTO AREAS WHERE THE WATER COVERS THE
ROADWAY. THE WATER DEPTH MAY BE TOO GREAT TO ALLOW YOUR CAR TO CROSS
SAFELY. MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND.

Police Investigating Hit and Run

Frackville Borough Police are currently investigating a hit and run that occurred at about 1:20 am on 7/30/15. The incident happened in the area of Spring and Balliet.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) reminds race fans traveling to Pocono Raceway and others traveling to the Pocono Mountain region this weekend that single lane conditions exist on I-81 northbound and southbound in Schuylkill County between the Lebanon County line and Exit 104 (PA 125).

Butler Township Water Main Break

The Ashland Area Municipal Authority has announced a water main break may cause Butler Township residents to experience low water pressure or no water all until the problem is resolved.

North Schuylkill Offering Tours of Former Cardinal Brennan Campus

The North Schuylkill School District has announced they will be offering tours of the former Cardinal Brennan campus.

The campus will be available for tours on Saturday, September 5th, from 12 to 2 pm.

All members of the North Schuylkill Community and Cardinal Brennan alumni are welcomed to attend.

North Schuylkill purchased the campus earlier this year.

Death Investigation in Ashland

A death investigation is underway after two people were found dead in Ashland Monday evening, around 9:30pm.

According to WNEP, a man and woman were found dead in a home on Walnut Street, Ashland, by police during a welfare check.

No other information has been released other than an autopsy is scheduled.

Story from WNEP

http://wnep.com/2015/07/28/police-discover-two-bodies-in-home/

Four Charged with Alleged Robbery Near Schuylkill Haven

According to the Republican Herald, four have been charged with attempting to rob the Country Squire Motel, on Route 61, just after about 4:00 a.m., Monday, in North Manheim Township.

Dennis C. Shafe, 30, of Pottsville; John J. Luback, 31, of Minersville; Frank D. Vannicola, 25, of Minersville; and Ashley M. Stumhoffer, 26, of Schuylkill Haven are all facing charges related to the crime.

Times News Story

http://www.tnonline.com/2015/jul/28/one-four-robbery-attempt-charged-homicide-count

For full details on the incident

http://m.republicanherald.com/news/four-charged-in-alleged-robbery-at-motel-in-north-manheim-township-1.1918765

Monday, July 27, 2015

Frackville Man Facing Drug Charges

Frackville Police have arrested John Martofel, of Frackville, on drug charges.

After an investigation, police found Martofel to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and was taken into custody.

Sunday, July 26, 2015

House panel approves Argall Super Load Transport Bill

HARRISBURG – The House Transportation Committee passed legislation last Wednesday that would permit qualified private companies to facilitate transportation of super-sized loads, according to the bill’s sponsor, Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks).

New Shirts Added to Our Apparel Store!

We are happy to announce that we have added new t-shirts to our Apparel Store.

The Polynesian Paradise Dancers

Bringing Hawaii to Pottsville, PA.
Friday, July 31, 2015 - 7:00 p.m.
$15 per person and $12 for children (12 years and under).

Pottsville, PA (7/22/2015) – Shannon Brennan, Campus Director for the Pottsville Campus of McCann School of Business & Technology presented a check for $260 to Judith Schweich, Executive Director for the Schuylkill Alliance for Healthcare.

Three Marian High School football players are facing assault-related charges stemming from alleged bullying incidents.

Interstate 81 Road Work Scheduled for Schuylkill County This Week

Below is a schedule of the road work scheduled around Schuylkill County this week.

The 32st Annual Schuylkill County Fair starts Monday.

Elysburg, PA – Knoebels Amusement Resort’s 2015 Tiny Tots Swim Lessons have been scheduled for August 3-7 at its Crystal Pool. Lessons begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 10:15 a.m. Participants are not required to attend each day, and the $5 donation for unlimited lessons can be paid on the day of the lesson.

Body Found in Eastern Schuylkill County

According to the Times News, a body has been found in a wooded area in Newkirk. The coroner has been called to the scene Friday evening.

Legislators Announce State Loan to Assist with Acid Mine Drainage Polluting Mahanoy Creek‏

WEST MAHANOY TOWNSHIP – Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks) and Representative Neal P. Goodman (D-Schuylkill) announced a $2,620,736 loan through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure and Investment Authority (PENNVEST) that will assist Keystone Anthracite Co. with efforts to remediate acid mine drainage into the Shenandoah Creek and Mahanoy Creek by way of the Weston Tunnel.

Currently, high pH and aluminum levels from acid mine drainage from the Weston Tunnel in West Mahanoy Township pollutes the Shenandoah Creek, which flows into the Mahanoy Creek. The loan will provide for the construction of a drainable limestone bed to be placed in the Weston Tunnel to treat about 2,000 gallons of water per minute.

“This loan will continue the ongoing efforts to clean up water pollution affecting our streams and creeks,” Argall said.

“Polluted mine water continues to be a significant environmental problem in Schuylkill County,” Goodman said. “I’m pleased PENNVEST is providing significant support to Keystone Anthracite so it can treat the acidic water that flows from the Weston Tunnel and pollutes Mahanoy Creek.”

The total cost for the project is $3,620,736.

The project is scheduled to begin in August and be completed by the end of the year.

Knoebels Announces Activity-Filled Week of July 26 through August 1

Elysburg, PA – Knoebels Amusement Resort is happy to announce an activity-filled week of July 26 through August 1. In addition to the rides, food, games and shopping that Knoebels visitors can enjoy during a typical week, this coming week will also include a four-day craft fair, a visit from the #24 Pepsi show car, and a book signing for Roaring Creek Rescue. Knoebels team members and their families can also look forward to the second annual Dexter’s Dash 5K run/1K walk benefiting Make-A-Wish.

Orwigsburg Post Office to Close Temporarily

The United States Postal Service has notified Orwigsburg residents that their post office will be closed temporarily.

Troopers Searching for Armed Fugitive

Troopers are searching for an armed fugitive near Tamaqua.

A Lebanon County man is in custody after a two-hour standoff Wednesday afternoon.

Photo submitted by Seth Hubler

Schuylkill County Boy Scout Justin Weller was recognized by the Schuylkill Haven Borough for constructing a Pedestrian Bridge at Bubeck Park near Stoyers Dam.

The Northumberland County Sheriff's Office is seeking a woman from Minersville for court costs.

Mega Millions lottery officials announced Wednesday morning that a winning ticket from Tuesday's drawing worth $152 Million was sold in Pennsylvania.

On Tuesday, it was announced that A-Treat will be returning this fall under new ownership.

The Shenandoah Police Department is asking for the public's help with information regarding two incidents in the borough that were reported around 6:00am on Sunday, July 19th.

State Police Seize Over $27 Million in Heroin and $2.9 Million in Cocaine for the Second Quarter of 2015

Harrisburg, PA - Pennsylvania State Police today announced troopers seized over $34 million in heroin, marijuana and other prohibited drugs in the second quarter of 2015.

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright announced today that the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has awarded two Schuylkill County communities $763,390 in HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) grant funding.

Shenandoah Fire Quickly Extinguished Monday Afternoon

Around 4pm, Monday, emergency personnel were called to 130 East Coal Street, Shenandoah for a house fire.

Hegins, PA – September 6, 2015 is the date of the Schuylkill County Wine Festival’s 7th annual event. Held at the Hegins Park, the festival showcases the products of area wineries in and around Schuylkill County. Festival admission and live entertainment begins at noon and wine tasting begins at 1pm. A variety of vendors selling wine-related items will also be positioned throughout the park.

Road Work Scheduled for Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County This Week

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

Pottsville, PA (7/16/2015) – Amelia Hopkins, Director of Admissions for the Pottsville Campus of McCann School of Business & Technology presented scholarship awards to two graduating high school seniors. Rebecca Moyer, a 2015 Graduate of Pine Grove Area High School, was awarded the Academic Excellence Scholarship which is a 50% tuition scholarship. Ms. Moyer was ranked 3rd among her high school graduating class and plans to pursue an ASB in Accounting at McCann. Jerome Setlock, a 2015 Graduate of Pottsville Area School District, was awarded the Presidential Scholarship which is a 25% tuition scholarship. Mr. Setlock plans to pursue an Associate Degree in HVAC/R from McCann.

Pictured left to right: Rebecca Moyer, Amelia Hopkins and Jerome Setlock.