Skook News - Your #1 Source for Schuylkill County News

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

PA 2-1-1 Information Session Scheduled

On April 12th, the Schuylkill United Way will host an information session on PA 2-1-1 in Schuylkill County.

Traffic fatalities in Pennsylvania totaled 1,200 in 2015, the second-lowest since record-keeping began in 1928 and five more than the record low in 2014.

Schuylkill Haven, PA (April 5, 2016) –The Greater Schuylkill Haven Area Business Association recently announced the winners of “A Child’s View of Schuylkill Haven”, art and essay competition offered to students in the Schuylkill Haven School District.

Schuylkill Technology Center Tech Trot 5k/Fun Run

Schuylkill Haven Area High School presents INTO THE WOODS.

Show dates are:
Friday, April 8 @ 7 pm
Saturday, April 9 @ 7 pm
Sunday, April 10 @ 3 pm

Link to Facebook Event:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1689832517965891/

Argall’s Corrections Spending Study Approved by Committee

HARRISBURG – A measure to review mandatory corrections overtime costs was unanimously approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday morning, according to the resolution’s prime sponsor, Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks).

Senate Resolution 263 would direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the rising costs related to mandatory overtime spending within the Department of Corrections. The resolution will study staffing shortages within the department and compare the cost of mandatory overtime to hiring additional corrections officers.

“The legislature approved several cost control initiatives for our state prisons,” Argall said. “Conventional wisdom would dictate that a reduction in inmates would lead to a decrease in spending, but that has not been the case. Mandatory overtime is not just a concern for taxpayers, it’s a concern for corrections officers who are forced to spend less time with their families and more time at the state prisons. It’s not just a morale issue, it’s a public safety issue.”

During the budget hearings with the Senate Appropriations Committee in February, Corrections Secretary John Wetzel admitted that overtime costs for the current fiscal year will be around $96 million, and the department is anticipating $90 million for Fiscal Year 2016-17.

The department led all other state agencies in overtime spending from 2010 through 2014.

The Department of Corrections receives the third largest state appropriation from the General Fund compared to all state agencies.

The resolution moves to the full Senate for its consideration.

BB&T Acquires National Penn Bank

BB&T Corporation (NYSE: BBT) today announced it has completed its acquisition of National Penn Bancshares, Inc., (NASDAQ: NPBC) effective April 1, 2016. The core banking systems conversion, along with signage and account changes for clients, is expected early in the third quarter of 2016.

(04/05/2016) WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - One person was flown after a crash Tuesday afternoon.

(04/05/16) Around 3:30pm, Tuesday afternoon, Emergency personnel were called to the Frackville Grade, Route 61 Southbound between Frackville and St. Clair for a motor vehicle accident.

PennDOT invites driver license and identification card holders to celebrate National Donate Life Month in April by registering to be an organ donor and sharing a unique opportunity to help others in need live longer, better lives.

PHILADELPHIA / COLUMBIA COUNTY: Missing Endangered Person Advisory. The Philadelphia Police Department is currently searching for Maxine Land, 75.

She is missing from Philadelphia but was last known to be at a gas station in Bloomsburg, Columbia County, at 5:20 a.m. Tuesday.

She left her home in northwest Philadelphia during the morning of Apr. 4, 2016, and that afternoon called her sister and indicated she was lost.

She is driving a gold 2001 Hyundai Elantra with PA registration ELJ6181.

Land has dementia and may be disoriented. She is 5'4", 135 pounds, and is wearing a black wig.

Anyone with information on Land’s whereabouts should call the Philadelphia Police Department Northwest Detectives at (215) 686-3353 or call 911.

Late-Race Pass Gives Doug Manmiller Opening Day Win At Big Diamond

BY: Shawn Wood

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- There’s nothing like getting an opening-day win in any division, but for Doug Manmiller, it helped erased a bit of frustration from a winless 2015 campaign.

Northwest Academy to Become New County Prison

On Tuesday morning, it was announced that the Northwest Academy, Coal Township, will close and be converted to the new location of the Northumberland County Prison.

Full Details from the News Item
http://www.newsitem.com/news/2016-04-05/Today's_Top_Stories/Northwestern_Academy_to_become_county_prison.html

Monday, April 4, 2016

LCCC ADN Student from Schuylkill County Wins National Office

Schnecksville, Pa., April 4, 2016 – Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) student Jennifer Kalenkoski, of Shenandoah, Pa., has won a national office in the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA). Kalenkoski, a first year ADN student and current president of SNAP (Student Nurses Association of PA), will take on the position of Breakthrough to Nursing- Director. As per the NSNA, she will address the following issues:

The adequacy of health care services for minority group members:

The need to increase the number of minority group health care providers.
The need to provide opportunities for minority nursing students to develop leadership skills.
The need for the nursing education system to be more responsive to the needs of the minority group students.

“I am very proud of Jen's dedication to our chapter and to nursing. She has proven herself to be an outstanding student leader. Her election to this position provides our chapter, program and school with national recognition,” states Gail Cummings MSN, PMH-RN, associate professor of psychiatric nursing and SNAP faculty advisor at LCCC.

For more information about LCCC’s nursing programs, visit the website at www.lccc.edu or contact Barbara H. Lupole RN, MSN, director of Nursing and Healthcare Science Programs, at blupole@lccc.edu.

Fire Crews at the Scene of a Working Structure Fire in Hegins Township

Around 2:30pm Monday afternoon, fire crews were called to 159 West Mountain Road, Hegins Township for a working structure fire.

Feature Finish Results from Friday, April 4, 2016 at Big Diamond Speedway

A man suffering from dementia that was reported missing in Northumberland County was found safe early Monday.

(l-R) Brendin Freeman, Bennett Keller, Rep. Mike Tobash, Stephi Strouse and Sara Strouse of the Blue Mt. 4-H Livestock Club meet with Rep. Tobash and other PA State Senators and Representatives advocating for the reinstatement of the Land Script Fund for Penn State University so the 4-H program will continue.

Police Searching for Missing Man Suffering from Dementia

UPDATE: Mr. Boyer was found safe.

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Missing Endangered Person Advisory. PSP Stonington is searching for Roger Boyer, 77, who was last seen leaving his residence in Shamokin at 3:00 p.m. He may be heading towards the Pitman, Schuylkill County area.

He is driving a tan 2005 GMC Sierra truck with PA registration YCZ-3690. He is wearing a maroon plaid shirt and blue jeans.

He has white hair and wears glasses.

Boyer has dementia and may be confused.

Anyone with information on his location should call PSP Stonington at (570) 286-5601 or call 911.

Sunday, April 3, 2016

South Schuylkill Garden Club has New Officers

New Officers for the South Schuylkill Garden Club serving for the next two years are (l-R) Glen Stevens, Treasurer; Kim Morgan, Secretary; Joan Cairnes, 2nd Vice-president; Linda Bollinger, 1st Vice-president; Melissa Seigfried, President

Police File Charges for Armed Robbery of Pharmacy

Ashland Borough Police have filed charges on Jason Pryce, Ashland, for the October 27th, 2015 armed robbery of Bracey's Pharmacy.

On April 19, 2016 at 7:00 p.m., Hershey’s ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park will once again make an appearance at the Sweet Arrow Lake County Park clubhouse to present “Paws, Claws, Scales and Tails”. This variety program focuses on the adaptations that animals use for survival in the wild. Paws, claws, scales and tails are important for defense, finding food, eating, swimming and escaping predators. Live animals will be featured. This program is free and open to the public and is made possible through a grant from the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation. For more information call 570-345-8952.

Sweet Arrow Lake Park Hosting Disc Golf Tournament

Sweet Arrow Lake County Park will be hosting its first Disc Golf Tournament on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. Come check out the newly redesigned disc golf course. The event will include 2 rounds of disc golf, player packs, games and raffles, trophies for top division placers, and a free picnic lunch!

The fee is $30 for all divisions (open, amateur, masters, & women). All proceeds benefit the non-profit organization "Friends of Schuylkill Parks and Recreation” whose goal is to promote and support recreational opportunities in Schuylkill County.

On-line registration is highly encouraged at www.discgolfu.com. For more information or if you wish to be a tournament sponsor please contact Drew Kline at 570-527-2505 or drewkline9@gmail.com.

Power Outages Reported in Southern Schuylkill County

As of 12:45am, Sunday, Over 1,000 homes are currently reported to be without power.

Rain Barrel Make ‘N Take

The Penn State Master Gardeners are pleased to be able to offer an environmental information session followed by a workshop to help you with drilling and constructing your own rain barrel. Learn how a few small and inexpensive changes by residents can improve water quality, reduce flooding damage, and reduce soil loss through erosion.

Join us at the Sweet Arrow Lake County Park large pavilion on April 26, 2016 at 6:00-8:00 p.m. to learn how to construct, paint, use and winterize your barrel. Convenient on–line registration is available at http://extension.psu.edu/rain-barrel/schuylkill. Registration and payment of $35 (includes rain barrel and fittings) is required by April 19, 2016.

3 Tractor Trailer Crashes in 3 Days

For the third time in just as many days, a tractor trailer has crashed on the Broad Mountain near Nesquehoning, Carbon County.

LCCC to Hold Info Sessions for Prospective Adult Students from Schuylkill County

Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) will hold information sessions at the college’s Tamaqua campus to promote training programs in CDL, Industrial Automation and Health Careers.

Saturday, April 2

10 am - 5pm

Art Show and Sale

The Main Gallery at The Walk In Art Center, Schuylkill Haven

The WVIA documentary “Knoebels” has received the Excellence in Broadcasting Award for Outstanding Television Documentary in the 2016 Documentary Television Program competition juried by the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters (PAB).

Police Investigating Theft of Child's Purse

Shenandoah Police are investigating a theft that occurred at the Family Dollar on 4/1/2016 at approximately 7 p.m.

Any one with information regarding the identity of the female is asked to contact 570-462-1991.

Female in the photos stole a purse that belonged to an 11 year old juvenile.

State Grant will Fund New Water Quality Monitoring on Upper Swatara Creek

HARRISBURG – The Schuylkill Conservation District will receive a $67,024 grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection to again monitor water quality on the Upper Swatara Creek, state Reps. Neal P. Goodman and Mike Tobash and state Sen. David G. Argall announced.

“Unfortunately, routine monitoring in the watershed stopped in 2007,” Goodman said. “I’m pleased that the state is again providing funding that will give us a fresh look at the water quality in the creek and locations of acid mine drainage in the watershed.”

“Past monitoring of Upper Swatara Creek led to acid mine drainage and abandoned mine land reclamation projects,” said Tobash, R-Schuylkill/Dauphin. “The stream now supports native trout, but the new round of monitoring will help us learn if more action is needed.”

“The Upper Swatara Creek Watershed has a long history of anthracite mining in the late 1800s through the mid-1900s,” said Argall, R-Schuylkill/Berks. “This funding, which comes from fees placed on the coal industry, will go a long way to improve the quality of our waterways as well as recreational opportunities in Schuylkill County and beyond.”

The monitoring will take place in Tremont, Frailey, Reilly and Porter townships over two years, said Wayne G. Lehman, county natural resources specialist with the Schuylkill Conservation District.

“It will let us know about improvements we have made to the creek, and what we still need to do,” Lehman said.

Thursday, March 31, 2016

2 Injured in Thursday Afternoon Crash

Around 3:00pm, authorities were called to Pine Creek Drive (Route 54) and Church Road for a motor vehicle accident.

The Pennsylvania State Police has issued an Amber Child Abduction Alert for the Upper Merion Township Police Department Montgomery County.

UPDATE: BABY FOUND SAFE
http://6abc.com/news/police-baby-boy-kidnapped-from-king-of-prussia-mall-found-safe/1271388/

On March 31, 2016 at approximately 5:35 p.m. Ahsir Simmons a seven week old black male with black hair was abducted from the King of Prussia Plaza Mall located at 160 North Gulp Road, Upper Merion Township, Pennsylvania. The child was last seen wearing a bright orange shirt. He was abducted from his stroller by an unknown black female, approximately 5 foot 3 inches tall and approximately 135 pounds, long black straight hair wearing a light colored short sleeve shirt with horizontal stripes, black pants and dark shoes. She was carrying a bright orange pocket book. She was last seen fleeing with the child on foot towards Gulp Rd.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ahsir Simmons should call 911.

Skook News is Looking for Some Help

Would you be interested in joining the team of one of the fastest growing web sites in Schuylkill County?

Seven-time Grammy winner and ACM Female Vocalist of the Year nominee Carrie Underwood will bring her tour to GIANT Center in Hershey, PA on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 7 PM with Easton Corbin and The Swon Brothers.

Information from the FBI regarding the "Grandparents Scam"

Around 7:00am Thursday morning, emergency personnel were called to 49 Pinedale Industrial Road, West Brunswick Township, near Orwigsburg for working commercial structure fire.

Witnesses Sought for PA Lottery Drawing Show

Pennsylvanians age 55 and older are needed to volunteer as witnesses on the Pennsylvania Lottery’s evening drawing show, an important job that serves the public interest.

Elton John and his band return to Hershey for one performance at GIANT Center on Friday, September 23, 2016 at 8pm as part of a nine-city concert tour that will feature iconic hits and classic album tracks from throughout his incredible five-decade career, as well as selected tracks from his upcoming album Wonderful Crazy Night.

Deceased Puppy Found Abandoned in Crate in Schuylkill County; Reward Offered For Information

On Friday, March 25th, a deceased female puppy was found in a tan and green pet carrier at the intersection of Route 901 and Keystone Boulevard in Foster Township.

The Orwigsburg Lions Club is once again hosting one of the area's most hilarious and fun-filled events, the Miss America Pageant! The pageant is held every five years and has proven to be a community treasure for decades. The contestants are made up of male Lions members that invest months of hard work to get "swimsuit ready" and perfect their various talent and dance routines to compete for the coveted Miss America crown. We are happy to report the beauties competing in the 2016 pageant feature strong, glamorous talent in the 180 to 250 pound weight class!

The pageant is being held this Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2

in the Blue Mountain High School Auditorium, with the doors opening at
7:00 p.m. and the show starting at 7:30 p.m. both nights. The pageant is an Orwigsburg Lions tradition that dates back to the 1960s and is the Club's biggest fundraiser.

All money raised goes directly back into the Orwigsburg community. Here is just a sample of some of the projects funded by the Orwigsburg Lions Club over the last 6 years (totaling over $70,000):

$25,000 - Orwigsburg Veterans Memorial Building
$13,000 - Orwigsburg Food Pantry
$9,900 - Walking Trail
$8,800 - Orwigsburg Library
$5,200 - MDA Donations
$4,500 - Easter Egg Hunts
$2,100 - Albright's Woods Maintenance
$2,000 - Orwigsburg Little League Lights

Tickets are still available for both nights but they are selling fast! Pre-sale tickets are $15.00 for adults, $12.00 for seniors (age 65 and older) and students, and $18.00 at the door. Tickets are available for sale from any Lions member and at the following retail locations:

Pottsville Provision - 415 North 7th St., Pottsville
Healthy Habits Natural Market - Rt. 61, Orwigsburg
Market Square Coffee House - 118 West Market St., Orwigsburg

Enjoy a fun night out of vaudeville-style entertainment while also supporting the Lions Club's mission to serve our community. Together we can make a difference!

Double Murder Suspect Shot Late Monday Night

Late Monday Night, a suspect wanted for double murder was shot while police attempted to arrest him.

Schuylkill County Native Charged in Death of 2 Year Old Daughter in North Carolina

A woman who is native to Schuylkill County was charged Monday for the death of her 2 year old daughter.

According to WNCN, out of North Carolina, Jeanie Ditty, an active soldier at Fort Bragg and native of Pottsville, is charged with first-degree murder and negligent child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury for the death of her daughter, Macy Grace.

The death reportedly occurred in December of 2015.

Ditty's boyfriend, Zachary Earl Keefer, was also charged.

Full Story from WNCN

http://wncn.com/2016/03/28/nc-mom-and-boyfriend-charged-in-toddler-girls-death-appear-in-court/

Schuylkill County Fire Units Called to Northumberland County for 4th Alarm Fire

(03/28/16) Schuylkill County fire units have been called to a 4th alarm fire on Sunbury Street in Shamokin Monday evening.

Ashland has been called for their ladder and Girardville has been called to move up to cover Kulpmont.

As of 9:15pm, the fire was at a 4th alarm.

Route 61 is reported to be closed due to the fire.

Just recently, a search for a man led them to the home where the fire reportedly started and found a meth lab.
http://www.dailyitem.com/news/police-wanted-man-tracked-to-shamokin-meth-lab/article_b050eee8-f199-11e5-87ac-2fffe480430e.html

Posted by Firewire Northumberland County on Monday, March 28, 2016

Video of Fire in Shamokin
Posted by Firewire Northumberland County on Monday, March 28, 2016

Police Investigating Incident

The Rush Township Police Department is investigating an incident that occurred at the Walmart in Hometown. Pictured below is the males involved along with the Jeep Cherokee that was involved. The Jeep has a smashed out rear window and tail light.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Rush Township Police at (570) 668-4242, all information will remain anonymous.

Hundreds Lose Power in Schuylkill County Monday Afternoon

Around 5:15pm Monday Afternoon, a couple hundreds households lost power in Schuylkill County.

According to PPL, close 500 customers were without power in the Butler Twp/Ashland area. Most home reported the outage to be out for roughly 5-10 minutes but as of 5:45pm, the majority of the outages were in Butler Twp.

No word on an official cause or when power will be restored.

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Police Seek New York City Suspect with Ties to Pottsville Area

According to the Republican Herald, on Friday, Pottsville Police were assisted U.S. Marshals and New York City police who were attempting to apprehend Antonio Morales, 50, who is the registered owner of a property at 368 Front St., Pottsville.

Morales is reported to be a suspected in a double murder in Staten Island, NY, on Thursday.

Anyone who may see Morales or anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Pottsville police at 570-628-3792 or New York City police at 800-577-8477.
Full story from the Republican Herald
republicanherald.com/news/pottsville-police-help-search-for-homicide-suspect-1.2023753

Anyone who may see Morales or anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Pottsville police at 570-628-3792 or New York City police at 800-577-8477.
Posted by The Republican-Herald on Sunday, March 27, 2016

Saturday, March 26, 2016

LCCC Offers Summer Sessions and Opens Fall Registration

Registration for the summer semester at Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) is ongoing and will begin on April 4 for the fall semester. The five-week summer session runs May 23 to June 29; the 10-week session begins May 23 and ends August 10. An additional five week session runs July 11 through August 16. The fall semester starts August 20.

Classes are offered online and at campuses in Schnecksville, Allentown, Tamaqua, and Jim Thorpe. Flight training classes are held at the Lehigh Valley International Airport.

Before registering for classes, students must apply for admission and can do so online at http://www.lccc.edu/future-students/apply-now. Those seeking a degree must complete a placement test, or meet requirements for exemption, and meet with an advisor before registering for classes. Payment of tuition for the fall semester is due July 13 with payment plan options available.

For more information, please contact LCCC’s Admissions Office at 610-799-1575. For a complete list of credit classes and to register, visit LCCC’s website at www.lccc.edu.

Schuylkill Technology Center Spring Craft Show

On Saturday, April 2,2016 the Schuylkill Technology Center Spring Craft Show will be held at the STC North campus in Frackville. The craft show is to help raise funds to support our students in the various activities throughout the year.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Monday, April 4, 2016

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Friday, April 1, 2016

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Monday, March 28, 2016

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Saturday, March 26, 2016