61st Annual Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters' Convention Schedule of Events

The 61st Annual Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters' Convention, hosted by the Polish-American Fire Company, Shenandoah, will take place August 9th through the 15th, 2015.

Pottsville Death Being Investigated as Homicide; Victim's Identity Released

The Republican Herald has released that the Pottsville Police Department is investigating a death in the city as a homicide.

John Robert Brock, 59, was found with obvious trauma outside his home on South 12th Street just before 4am Thursday.

He was taken to the hospital where he later died.

Full story from the Republican Herald
http://republicanherald.com/pottsville-police-investigate-death-as-homicide-victim-s-identity-released-1.1923274#.VcP-eTunHWp.facebook

Woman Reportedly Attacked in Supermarket Parking Lot

According to PAHomepage.com,  a woman was reportedly attacked in a grocery store parking lot in Pottsville.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Route 309 in Tamaqua Closed Due to Water Main Break

The 500 Block of Pine Street in Tamaqua is currently closed due to a water main break.  This area is also part of Route 309.

Crews are currently working to fix the break.

Fire police are currently detouring people around the affected streets.

Tractor Trailer Strikes Building in Schuylkill Haven

Photo Submitted by Brian Cullather

Emergency personnel were called to the intersection of Parkway Ave and West Columbia Street in Schuylkill Haven for a tractor trailer into a structure around 3:15pm Thursday.

Pottsville City collapse units were initially called but were cancelled.

More information as it comes available.

Woman Accused of Stabbing Man in Her Apartment

According to WNEP, a Pottsville woman is accused of stabbing a man in her apartment on Saturday Night.

Investigation into "Suspicious" Death

The Republican Herald is reporting that the Pottsville Police Department is investigating a "suspicious" death that occurred early Thursday morning.

Home Damaged By Fire Tuesday Afternoon

Photo submitted by
Michele Placek Kline

Around 2:30pm, Tuesday, fire crews were called to 325 South Mill Street, St. Clair for a working structure fire.

Schuylkill County Bucket List - 10 Places to Visit

We are beginning a new weekly column called "The Schuylkill County Bucket List".  Each week we will feature 10 photos on a particular topic.  Our first topic to kick off the bucket list will be "10 Places to Visit in Schuylkill County".  Enjoy!  In no particular order:


1)  Sweet Arrow Lake, Pine Grove

2)  Pioneer Tunnel, Ashland

3)  Locust Lake State Park

4)  Heisler's Cloverleaf Dairy

5)  Centralia

6)  Tuscarora State Park, Tuscarora

7)  Mother's Memorial in Ashland

8)  St. Nick's Coal Breaker near Mahanoy City

9)  Yuengling Brewery, Pottsville

10) Anthracite Museum, Ashland

Tune in next week for our next installment of the Schuylkill County Bucket List.  Feel free to send us any suggestions.  We welcome all input and ideas.

Stations Stolen from Church

On Saturday, someone stole the 14 Stations of the Cross from the chapel of the St. John the Baptist Church, Pottsville.

Schuylkill County Breaker Boys Win National Title at Cooperstown All Star Village

The Schuylkill County Breaker Boys Inc. 12u travel team from Frackville and the surrounding areas competed in a week long tournament in Oneonta, New York just outside the birthplace of baseball, Cooperstown, at Allstar Village Complex.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Crash on Route 443 Near Pine Grove

Around 3pm Tuesday, emergency personnel were called a motor vehicle accident at 1049 Suedberg Road (Route 443), near Pine Grove.

There are reports that the crash involves 3 vehicles with two people with injuries.

One person is being flown from the Hampton Inn.

UPDATE:  As of 4:30pm, the accident has been cleared.

NOTE:  This route has been a detour for many who are avoiding the construction on Interstate 81.

Working Structure Fire in St. Clair

Fire crews are currently at the scene of a working structure fire in St. Clair.

Argall Invites Residents to Sound Off on Budget Debate, State Issues in Upcoming Telephone Town Hall

Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks) will be holding a telephone town hall meeting with local residents in Berks and Schuylkill Counties on Wednesday, August 5 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. to discuss and receive feedback on the state budget debate.

Man Facing Assault Charges After Fight

According to WNEP, Andrew Clare, 30, threw a woman into a pool in Girardville, on Sunday.

Fire Destroys Homes in Coaldale Tuesday Morning; Declared Arson

Fire crews were called to West Water Street, Coaldale, around 4am for a working structure fire.

Schuylkill County Man Facing Charges After Engaging in Inappropriate Emails and Texts

Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane announced Monday the arrest of a Pottsville man on charges related inappropriate communication who he thought were minors.

Fire Damages Home in Schuylkill Haven Sunday Evening

Around 7:30pm, Sunday, emergency personnel were called to 204 St. Johns Street in Schuylkill Haven for a 2nd working structure fire.

Kraft Singles Recall Due to Choking Hazard

The Kraft Heinz Company is voluntarily recalling select code dates and manufacturing codes of Kraft Singles individually-wrapped slices due to the possibility that a thin strip of the individual packaging film may remain adhered to the slice after the wrapper has been removed. If the film sticks to the slice and is not removed, it could potentially cause a choking hazard.

Man Dies in Water Accident Near Hamburg

A Philadelphia man has died in a water accident in the Schuylkill River just north of Hamburg.

Pine Grove Man Facing Drug Charges After Traffic Stop in Frackville

Frackville Borough Police have filed drug charges against Kevin Peterman of Pine Grove as a result of a vehicle stop on August 1st.

Shenandoah Man Facing Drug Charges After West Hazleton Traffic Stop

According to West Hazleton Police, on July 20 2015, just after 10pm, officers pulled over a vehicle for a shattered taillight. While conducting the traffic stop, officers discovered probable cause to conduct a search of the vehicle. The search revealed a passenger was attempting to conceal narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

Lane Restrictions Scheduled for Interstate 81 This Week

Lane Restrictions Scheduled for Interstate 81 This Week

Fire Damages Apartments in Ashland

Just before midnight, Friday night, fire crews were called to a working structure fire at 3rd and Middle Street Ashland.

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.

Schuylkill County Road Work Scheduled for Next Week

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

Amber Alert Issued in Luzerne County

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

2015 Schuylkill County Fair Royalty

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

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.

Free Outdoor Movie Night in Ashland

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.

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.

Race Fans Reminded Delays Are Expected This Weekend on I-81 in Schuylkill County

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

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.

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 Are Bringing Hawaii to Schuylkill County

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).