Skook News - Your #1 Source for Schuylkill County News

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Argall Finds Ally in Aging Secretary on Property Tax Elimination Effort During State Budget Hearings

HARRISBURG – During the second week of Senate Appropriations Committee review of the state budget, Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks) focused on two lines contained in the opening statement of Secretary Osborne’s testimony on behalf of the Department of Aging.

(03/02/16) A Mahanoy City woman was charged after an alleged stabbing.

Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/02/16

On Wednesday morning, the first full length trailer for Disney/Pixar sequel to Finding Nemo, Finding Dory, was released. You can see it below.

Schnecksville, Pa., Feb. 26, 2016 – Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) is offering nationwide certification and recertification for retired law enforcement officers to carry firearms.

Slipknot Coming to the Giant Center

(Hershey, Pa. – March 1, 2016) — Slipknot will bring their massive summer headline tour with Marilyn Manson and Of Mice & Men to Giant Center on Sunday, July 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets for this show are $32.35, $47.85 and $62.35 (tax and applicable fees apply), and are available at Giant Center Box Office. They can be charged by phone at 717-534-3911 or 800-745-3000, and online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com orwww.TicketMaster.com.

Slipknot’s shows are unrivaled in jaw-dropping excitement and intensity, and this summer’s stage show will push even greater limits. Slipknot’s raw and poignant new single “Goodbye” is currently impacting Rock Radio outlets nationwide and following the success of the band’s Top 10 hit “Killpop.” Earlier this year Slipknot released their official music video for “Killpop” which was directed by the band’s own Shawn “Clown” Crahan and has since amassed over 23 million views streaming on Slipknot’sofficial YouTube channel. “Killpop” marked the band’s second Top 10 radio hit from their acclaimed new album .5: The Gray Chapter, the other being the blockbuster first single “The Devil In I,” which proved a multi-format rock radio smash.

.5: The Gray Chapter, Slipknot’s fifth studio album for Roadrunner Records and first since 2008’s RIAA platinum certified chart-topper, All Hope Is Gone made a stunning chart debut upon its arrival in October of 2014, entering the SoundScan/Billboard 200chart at #1 with sales in excess of 131,000 albums – the highest debut for a hard rock record in 2014.

Slipknot emerged at the tail end of the Twentieth Century and quickly established itself as the most enigmatic, provocative, and aggressive collective of the modern era. 1999’s SLIPKNOT stands as a true milestone, named by Metal Hammer as the “Best Debut of the Last 25 Years.” The album fast earned 2x RIAA platinum certification, with each of Slipknot’s following releases – including 4 video albums – all receiving additional platinum certifications in the US and around the globe. All told, the band has 11 platinum and 39 gold record certifications worldwide.
For more information please visit www.Slipknot1.com.

The wristband policy will be in effect for this concert. Fans are permitted on the Hersheypark Entertainment Complex property beginning at 7 a.m. on Friday, March 4. Two hours prior to the on-sale, fans will be directed in front of Giant Center Box Office, where they will be issued a numbered wristband. Wristbands are available for one hour, and at the conclusion of that hour, a selected fan will randomly choose a wristband that will determine the line order. For example: If 1,000 wristbands are issued during that hour and the number 500 is selected, the person wearing wristband 500 will be the first person in line. Numbers 501 to 1,000 will proceed in line behind, followed by numbers 1 through 499. Once the line is in place, fans arriving after the wristbands were issued will be escorted to the end of the numbered line.

Funding Available for Home Repairs through USDA Rural Development 504 Loans

Harrisburg, PA- Homeowners in rural areas who need repairs to their homes but can’t afford regular loans may be eligible for participation in USDA Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants Program.

Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants, also known as the Section 504 Home Repair Program, aims to provide loans for very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes. A 504 loan can reach a maximum of $20,000 at a fixed interest rate of 1%. The 504 Program also provides grants, which can be worth a maximum of $7,500 and may only be issued to eligible seniors aged 62 and older, and may only be used for the removal of health and safety hazards.

In order to qualify for a 504 loan, an applicant must be the homeowner and occupy the house, be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere, and have a family income below 50% of the area’s median income. For grants, the only qualification is that an applicant must be 62 years of age or older and must be unable to repay a repair loan.

Applications for this program are taken year-round. For more information on the 504 Home Repair Program call (717) 237-2266. For more information on the other programs Rural Development has to offer in Pennsylvania visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/pa.

Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 03/01/16

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane's office today announced the filing of criminal charges against Marc J. Gergely, a state representative from Allegheny County accused of using his position as an elected official to assist the illegal gambling enterprise of a longtime friend.

The charges filed against Gergely, 46, were the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Office of Attorney General and the Pennsylvania State Police.

The charges were recommended by a statewide investigating grand jury. The grand jury reviewed testimony and evidence that Gergely allegedly agreed to assist in the illegal gambling enterprise headed by Ronald "Porky" Melocchi, a man Gergely allegedly knew for more than 20 years.

"This is an unfortunate case in which the players traded political capital and favors to advance their own agendas and illicit business," Attorney General Kane said. "The evidence clearly shows that Mr. Melocchi relied heavily on his relationships — including with Mr. Gergely — to conduct his illegal business."

Melocchi and 15 other individuals were criminally charged in September 2013 by the Attorney General's office. Those charges stemmed from the installation and maintenance of illegal video gambling devices in bars, restaurants and other businesses in the McKeesport area. Law enforcement officials seized more than 330 video gambling machines during the investigation. Illegal lotteries and sports betting also were part of the evidence that investigators uncovered.

A court-approved wiretap was part of the Melocchi investigation and confirmed he used a phone to run and promote his illegal business interests. The wiretap also intercepted phone calls that show Gergely allegedly assisted Melocchi's attempts to place illegal gambling machines in McKeesport-area businesses.

Melocchi came to refer to Gergely as part of his "Super PAC," and used his connection to Gergely in efforts to convince business owners to place illegal gambling devices within their establishments, a grand jury presentment alleges.

The grand jury also reviewed evidence concerning a letter that law enforcement investigators drafted in an undercover capacity and delivered to Gergely's state office. The letter describes a woman whose husband has a gambling addiction. The husband allegedly spent the couple's money on gambling machines that were part of Melocchi's illegal enterprise, the letter drafted by investigators claimed, according to the grand jury.

An intercepted phone call played for the grand jury showed Gergely tipped off Melocchi about the letter, the grand jury presentment states. Gergely allegedly failed to turn over the letter to the authorities.

Further evidence presented to the grand jury alleged Gergely collected a campaign contribution from Melocchi and later wrote a check to a colleague’s political campaign during a chain of events that resulted in a relative of Melocchi being hired by the McKeesport Area School District.

Gergely, 1943 Dearborn Drive, White Oak, Allegheny County, represents the 35th legislative district, which includes McKeesport and various other municipalities in Allegheny County. He is charged with two counts of corrupt organizations and one count each of dealing in the proceeds of illegal activity, criminal attempt/gambling devices, criminal conspiracy and violation of state election code prohibiting cash or anonymous contributions.

Gergely is expected to appear tomorrow for his preliminary arraignment.

Attorney General Kane stressed this is an ongoing investigation and additional charges are expected. She thanked the Pennsylvania State Police for its diligent work on the investigation.

Gergely's case will be prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Mark A. Serge of the Office of Attorney General's Organized Crime Section.

Zac Brown Band Returns to Hersheypark Stadium this Summer

(Hershey, Pa. – March 1, 2016) — Zac Brown Band will kick off their sixth headlining US concert tour Black Out The Sun, and will include a stop at Hersheypark Stadium on Saturday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. Special guests for the evening will be Drake White & The Big Fire.

Tickets for this show are $34.10, $49.00, $69.00 and $79.00 (tax and applicable fees apply), and are available at Giant Center Box Office. They can be charged by phone at 717-534-3911 or 800-745-3000, and online at www.HersheyEntertainment.com orwww.TicketMaster.com.

Released this past April, ‘JEKYLL + HYDE’ debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart, earning the Grammy Award-winning band its third consecutive #1, and is officially certified gold by the RIAA. Zac Brown Band also recently earned a 2016 ACM nomination for “Vocal Group of the Year.”
Zac Brown Band consists of: Zac Brown (vocals/guitar), Jimmy De Martini (vocals/violin/guitar), John Driskell Hopkins (vocals/guitar/banjo/ukulele), Coy Bowles (vocals/keys/guitar), Clay Cook (vocals/guitar/keys), Chris Fryar (drums), Daniel de los Reyes (percussion) and Matt Mangano (bass).

For more information please visit www.ZacBrownBand.com.

The wristband policy will be in effect for this concert. Fans are permitted on the Hersheypark Entertainment Complex property beginning at 7 a.m. on Friday, March 4. Two hours prior to the on-sale, fans will be directed in front of Giant Center Box Office, where they will be issued a numbered wristband. Wristbands are available for one hour, and at the conclusion of that hour, a selected fan will randomly choose a wristband that will determine the line order. For example: If 1,000 wristbands are issued during that hour and the number 500 is selected, the person wearing wristband 500 will be the first person in line. Numbers 501 to 1,000 will proceed in line behind, followed by numbers 1 through 499. Once the line is in place, fans arriving after the wristbands were issued will be escorted to the end of the numbered line.

PA News: Hundreds of Children Sexually Abused by Priests in Altoona-Johnstown Diocese

ALTOONA — A statewide investigating grand jury has determined that hundreds of children were sexually abused over a period of at least 40 years by priests or religious leaders assigned to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane's office announced today.

Schuylkill County Treasurer Reminds Dog Owners that 2016 Dog Licenses are Now Past Due

Schuylkill County Treasurer Linda Marchalk reminds all Schuylkill County dog owners that 2016 dog licenses are now past due. March is Dog Awareness Month. State law requires that all dogs three months or older be licensed by January 1. Failure to license a dog is a summary offense and a maximum fine of $300 for each unlicensed dog may be issued.

Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 2/29/16

The Skook Recovers: Community Outreach Event at North Schuylkill

Schnecksville, Pa., Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) is offering classes teaching students with jobs in safety and security how to properly use lethal weapons, both with or without firearms and in recertification.

The basic course is designed for students whose profession is in the field of security, protective patrol, detective or criminal investigation. Use of firearms and other lethal weapons, such as batons, will be covered. Classes (with firearms) are held March 8 through 17 and June 20 through 24; cost is $295. Times and locations vary between LCCC’s main campus in Schnecksville and the Emmaus Police Indoor Range.

A noncredit Pennsylvania Lethal Weapons Training Act 235 firearms recertification course is also offered. Registered students receive an instructional lecture and range qualification training in compliance with the Pennsylvania Lethal Weapons Training Act 235 for individuals employed in providing security, protective patrol, investigative services for a fee and who carry a firearm.

Recertification (with firearms) is offered on March 19, April 23, May 18 and June 15, runs from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Emmaus Police Indoor Range. Tuition is $100. Each student must supply his or her own handgun and ammunition.

Individual courses can be scheduled by contacting amilios@lccc.edu.

Def Leppard to Bring Summer 2016 Tour to Hershey

(Hershey, Pa. – February 29, 2016) — Def Leppard will return to the road this summer for an extensive summer tour, including a stop at Hersheypark Stadium on Wednesday, June 29 at 7:00 p.m. Joining them for the night will be REO Speedwagon and Tesla.

The Rush Township Police Department is investigating a retail theft that occurred at Walmart in Hometown on Sunday, 02/28/16, at approximately 4:40am.

Anyone with information is asked to contact us at 570-668-4242.

The Rush Township Police Department is investigating a retail theft that occurred at Walmart on 02/28/16 at...
Posted by Rush Township Police Department on Sunday, February 28, 2016

McCann Madness Career Exploration Event

Pottsville, Pa. (February 26, 2016) – McCann School of Business and Technology, 2650 Woodglen Rd., is hosting its annual “McCann Madness” career exploration event for high school juniors and seniors on THURSDAY, March 17, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation (PennDOT) and Environmental Protection (DEP) are seeking volunteers for this year’s Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvania that begins March 1 and runs through May 31.

Photo courtesy of Ryan Fannock, Tamaqua.

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Schedule for Round 1 of the PIAA State High School Basketball Championship Playoffs

Schedule for Round 1 of the PIAA State High School Basketball Championship Playoffs

Girls

Class A

03/05/16
Tri-Valley vs. West Catholic (St. Joseph Prep, Philadelphia @ 3:30PM)
Mahanoy Area vs. Delco Christian (Martz Hall @ 3:00PM)

Class AA

03/04/16
Minersville vs. Wellsboro (Blue Mountain @ 7:00PM)
Pine Grove vs. Imhotep (Lincoln HS, Philadelphia @ 6:00PM)

Class AAAA

03/04/16
Pottsville vs. Lower Dauphin (Blue Mountain @ 5:30PM)

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Boys

Class A

03/04/16
Shenandoah Valley vs. St. John Neumann (Milton Area HS @ 7:00PM)

Class AA

03/05/15

Minersville vs. Wellsboro (Martz Hall @ 4:30PM)
Mahanoy Area vs. Mastery Charter North (South Phila. HS @ 6:00PM)

Class AAA

03/04/16

Blue Mountain vs. Lewisburg (Shamokin @ 7:30PM)
Pottsville vs. West Scranton (Minersville @ 7:30PM)

Restrictions Scheduled for Interstate 81 This Week

Tractor Trailer Crashes on Route 61 Saturday Morning

(02/27/16) Around 10am, Saturday Morning, emergency crews were called to the Intersection of Route 61 and 895 in West Brunswick Township near Orwigsburg.

Saturday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 2/27/16

District XI High School Basketball Championship Scores for 02/27/16

Scheduled Schuylkill County Road Work - Week Ending March 5, 2016

District XI High School Basketball Championship Scores

Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 2/26/16

LCCC Offers Noncredit Fitness Classes

Schnecksville, Pa., Feb. 25, 2016 – Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) will hold a variety of noncredit exercise classes for fitness and recreation this semester. The following classes will be held at an off-campus location.

Piloxing is a combination of Pilates, boxing and dance that results in a fun, fat-burning, muscle-toning workout. Two sessions will be offered, both on Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m. – from March 16 through April 20 and April 27 to June 1. Location is Krazter Elementary School, 2200 Huckleberry Road, Allentown, Pa., and tuition is $65.

Learn the basics with a new dance class, Social Dance Sampler, that emphasizes the lead-follow technique. A flat or low, wide “Cuban” heel shoe is recommended; couples are required. Class runs Tuesday, April 5 through 26, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and takes place at Parkway Manor Elementary School, 768 Parkway Road, Allentown, Pa. 18104. The cost is $70.

To register, call 610-799-1197 or email ncregistrar@mymail.lccc.edu. For a complete listing of courses, visit www.lccc.edu.

Water Main Break Reported in Mahanoy City

(02/26/16) A water main break was reported Friday morning in Mahanoy City.

(02/26/16) Snow squalls will cross Schuylkill County later Friday morning and could cause visibility issues while driving.

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- Maybe for once, the groundhog was right!

Schuylkill County School Delays - 02/26/16

Mahanoy Area - 2 Hour Delay; Transportation included

Shenandoah Valley - 2 Hour Delay

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Thursday, February 25, 2016

Case Held for Court for Woman Who Allegedly Murdered Granddaughter

Photo posted from Mahanoy City Police

On Friday, February 12, 2016, Mahanoy City Police arrested Pietrina C Hoffman, 52, for the death of her 14 month old granddaughter, Navaeh Doyle, on January 10th, 2016 in the borough.

Thursday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 2/25/16

LCCC Partners to Offer Noncredit Cooking Classes

Schnecksville, Pa., Feb. 25, 2016 – Through partnerships with Catasauqua and Whitehall School Districts, Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) can offer a variety of noncredit cooking classes to the community on a convenient and flexible schedule. Locations vary; additional materials fees may apply and are payable to the instructor. For a complete listing of the following courses, visit www.lccc.edu.

Cupcake – Wednesday, March 2 from 7 to 9 p.m. Fee is $30
30-Minute Meals – Wednesday, April 27 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Fee is $40
Nut Roll – Tuesday, March 15 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fee is $25
Cheeses of Europe – Wednesday, March 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. Fee is $30
Kiffles – Tuesday, March 22 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fee is $25
Knife Skills – Wednesday, March 23 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fee is $30
Kiffles – Wednesday, March 30 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fee is $25
Canning – Wednesday, April 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. Fee is $30
Cheesemaking I – Wednesday, April 13 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fee is $25
Cheesemaking II – Wednesday, April 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fee is $35
Italian Soul Food – Wednesday, May 4-18 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fee is $82

To register, call 610-799-1197 or email ncregistrar@mymail.lccc.edu.

2016 District XI High School Basketball Championship Schedule

Students Helping to Shape the Future at the Upcoming Schuylkill County Youth Summit

The County Commissioners will convene the fourth annual Schuylkill County Youth Summit on March 10th, 2016 at the Penn State Schuylkill campus in Schuylkill Haven. This year’s summit will once again bring together youth from all county high schools to engage them in making the county a better place for them to live, work, play, and raise their families. This year’s summit has had more students input. The topic for the summit will be blight. The Youth Summit Youth Ambassadors, a subset of the summit representatives, have been meeting for several months to find out more about the issue. Tom Palamar, Pottsville City Administrator and Mary Beth Dougherty of Senator Argall’s office have both shared information with this group.

At the summit, students will hear from Micha Gursky, part time executive director of the Tamaqua Community Partnership, about the transformation of Tamaqua over the past years. There will also be a panel of experts to address students’ questions and offer coaching. The students do not only want to look at the problem of blight but come up solutions. Each school will work on a plan to address blight in some way in their community.

One new addition to the Youth Summit Youth Ambassadors this year has been the appointment of the Youth Ambassador Executives. Four students have been meeting regularly with Commissioner Hess and Kay Jones of VISION to make the Youth Summit more students driven. An active community advisory group meets monthly to provide suggestions on how to support the students. In addition a new group of community leaders is looking at the issue of preparing our students for the jobs in the region. This group began meeting in 2015 and continues to work on this issue that students had identified as one of the most pressing for them.

As the summit continues to develop, its basic mission to engage, equip and support our youth remains the primary focus. Each year the summit becomes more sensitive to students’ concerns and their ability to address some of these with support from the community. Each year the Youth Summit receives more support from community organizations. This year the summit has received support from 17 community businesses. We especially thank M & T Bank, , The Schuylkill Chamber Foundation, the Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Investment Board, and the West Charitable Trust for their support.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Wednesday Night's District XI High School Basketball Playoff Scores - 02/24/16

Boys

Minersville - 44
Marian Catholic - 28

Mahanoy Area - 45
Willams Valley - 34

Girls

Mahanoy Area - 32
Shenandoah Valley - 31

Tri-Valley - 35
Williams Valley - 32

Bethlehem Catholic - 46
Blue Mountain - 33

Power Outages Reported Around Schuylkill County After Storms Wednesday Evening

After storms rolled through Schuylkill County around 7pm Wednesday evening, numerous municipalities are reporting outages.

According to PPL, as of 8:15pm over 1,700 customers are without power around Schuylkill County.

The following have reported outages.

Branch Twp
Girardville
Hegins
Hubley Twp.
McAdoo
Middleport
North Manheim Twp.
North Union Twp.
Pine Grove Twp.
Ringtown
Rush Twp.
Ryan Twp.
Tamaqua
Washington Twp.
Wayne Twp.

No times have been reported on when they will be restored.

Flash Flood Watch Issued for Schuylkill County

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STATE COLLEGE HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR A PORTION OF CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA...
INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS...ADAMS...CUMBERLAND...DAUPHIN...
LANCASTER...LEBANON...PERRY...SCHUYLKILL AND YORK.

* UNTIL 9 PM EST THIS EVENING.

* SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL DEVELOP ACROSS THE LOWER
SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING. RAINFALL COULD
BE HEAVY ENOUGH TO LEAD TO LOCALIZED FLASH FLOODING.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD
TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

Schuylkill County School Delays - 02/24/16

Tuesday Night's District XI High School Basketball Scores - 02/23/16

The National Weather Service has issued a Freezing Rain Advisory for Schuylkill County and surrounding counties.

3rd Annual Bridal Fair at the Walk in Art Center

Live Interactive Performance at the Walk in Art Center

RECALL: Mars and Snickers Chocolate Bars Being Recalled

Mars Candy has issued a recall of Mars and Snickers chocolate bars.

Schuylkill County Early Dismissals - 02/23/16

Elysburg, PA – It all started with the Crystal Pool, a steam-powered carousel, and a few food stands. Now, after nearly 90 years, Knoebels Amusement Resort has grown to include 63 rides, 35 unique food stands, and a plethora of gift shops, games and attractions. This means that Knoebels needs more team members than ever. With this being the case, Knoebels hopes to find a large portion of its roughly 800 new seasonal team members at its March 5 job fair. Team members 16 years of age and older can expect a starting hourly rate that is above minimum wage.

Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 2/22/16

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf has requested President Barack Obama to declare a major disaster in Pennsylvania, in order to provide financial reimbursement to municipalities in 31 counties for costs associated with the historic snowstorm that impacted the state January 22-23.

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Monday, February 29, 2016

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Friday, February 26, 2016

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Monday, February 22, 2016