Schuylkill Haven PSP Officers Receive Commendation Medal

Harrisburg, PA - During an annual awards ceremony on June 3, 2016, State Police Commissioner Tyree C. Blocker presented the 2016 State Police Purple Heart, Commendation Medal, Trooper of the Year, Enforcement Officer of the Year, Employee of the Year and Police Communications Operator, along with letters of commendation

Franklin Institute Traveling Science Show at Ringtown Area Library Next Week

Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce's Free Summer Concert Series begins this Thursday

The 10th year of the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce's Free Summer Concert Series begins this Thursday, June 9 at the Tamaqua Train Station, 18 North Railroad St, with blues/R&B act The BC Combo from 6-8. Thursday's show is sponsored by The Schuylkill County Visitor's Bureau. Bring your own chair or call for a dinner reservation at the new Tamaqua Station Restaurant, 570.668.3800.

New this year will be relaxing and stress reducing chair massages offered by Therapeutic Massage by Mary Vignone. Massages are priced per minute.

The popular summer concert series in downtown Tamaqua is organized every year by chamber board member, Jack Kulp. Now in it's 10th year, a variety of music is scheduled on Thursdays throughout the summer. There is something for everyone!

$6 General Admission Night This Friday at Big Diamond

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- Fans will get more than their monies worth this Friday night as Savage 61 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram present a three-division show for just $6 at Big Diamond Speedway.

Police Looking for Man Allegedly Involved in Pottsville Shooting

The Pottsville Police have issued an arrest warrant for a man who allegedly is involved in a Pottsville shooting early Monday.

PIAA Baseball & Softball Championship Scores - Round 1 - 06/06/16

PIAA Baseball & Softball Championship Scores - Round 1 - 06/06/16

Police Warn Residents of "PPL Shut Off" Phone Scam

The Mahanoy City Police posted the following regarding a phone scam that residents are receiving.

Coroner Called to Crash in East Brunswick Township

(06/06/16) Emergency personnel are at the scene of a motor vehicle accident midday Monday.

Lisowski Dominates Sportsman Feature, Wins Sportsman Challenge Race

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- After a few weeks of misfortune, lady luck shined brightly on Mike Lisowski on Friday night as he captured his first win of the 2016 season in the 20-lap U.S.S. Achey Sportsman feature along with wining five round to claim the Red White and Blue Autos Sportsman challenge race.

Identity of One of the Victims Released in Fatal Pedestrian Accidents

(06/05/16) One of the victims has been identified in the two separate fatal pedestrian accidents Saturday evening in Schuylkill County.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Schuylkill County

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for Schuylkill County.

Girardville Celebrates Century Old Fire Engine

On Saturday, the Rangers Hose Company, Girardville, held a day of activities to celebrate their 1916 Ford Model T fire engine turning 100 years old.

Two Pedestrians Struck and Killed in Separate Incidents Saturday Evening

(06/04/16) Within a half hour time period, emergency personnel were called to two separate incidents where pedestrians were struck and killed in Schuylkill County Saturday evening.

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

Police Looking for Help to Identify Individual Involved in Theft

Image from Minersville PD

Minersville Police are looking to identify this individual in regards to a theft.

PIAA Baseball & Softball Championship Schedule - Round 1

PIAA Baseball & Softball Championship Schedule - Round 1

Man Charged with Assaulting Police Officer

A Pottsville man was charged late Thursday for allegedly assaulting a police officer at an incident Wednesday morning.

PA’s Top Economic Development Official Tours Schuylkill County’s “Good, Bad, Ugly” with Local Legislators

Submitted Photo

POTTSVILLE – Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) top official, Secretary Dennis Davin, met with local legislators to discuss community revitalization during his visit to the county on Thursday.

Thursday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 06/02/16

Thursday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 06/02/16

Quad Reported Stolen

A quad has been reported to been stolen from the Ashland area.

Crash Closes Interstate 81 Northbound Closed Overnight

(06/02/16) Interstate 81 Northbound was closed overnight due to a crash.

Just after 1:30am Thursday,  emergency crews were called to the northbound lanes of Interstate 81 at milemarker 138, near McAdoo,  for an overturned tractor trailer.

The crash blocked both Northbound lanes so traffic was diverted off of the McAdoo exit onto Route 309.

No word on injuries were what caused the crash.

Intoxicated Man Allegedly Crashes a Stolen Vehicle and Flees Scene.

Police are looking for a man who allegedly crashed a stolen vehicle and assaulted people Tuesday evening in Tower City.

North Schuylkill Begins New Tradition for Seniors with Send Off

On Wednesday morning, the North Schuylkill Administration, Elementary staff and students started a new tradition by giving a special send off to the Class of 2016.

Night of Wings Among June Highlights at Big Diamond Speedway

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- Following a rainy month of May, race fans in the coal region are hoping for warm weather and rain-free Friday nights as Big Diamond Speedway will play host to four nights of racing in June.

Schuylkill River Sojourn 2016 to Begin This Weekend

POTTSTOWN—The annual Schuylkill River Sojourn is always a weeklong celebration of the river. This year, the over 200 paddlers participating in the 7-day journey from June 4-10 will also celebrate the 18th Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn itself.

Two Girls Hit By Vehicle Wednesday Morning

Just before 11:00am, two young girls were reportedly hit by a vehicle in the 100 Block of North Railroad Street, Tamaqua.

Wildlife Day Camps at Sweet Arrow Lake Park

Eagles, animals, trees and water are just some of the things that can make for a great summer outdoor program. Children are naturally curious and enjoy exploring and learning about plants and animals especially at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park in Pine Grove. Two day camps for children are being offered this year:

• * Wildlife Day Camp #1 (children ages 4-6) from Wednesday, June 22 to Friday, June 24 from 9:30-11:00 a.m.
• * Wildlife Day Camp #2 (children ages 7-9) from Wednesday, June 22 to Friday, June 24 from 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Both camps will be led by “Porcupine Pat” McKinney of the Schuylkill Conservation District and are being run on a “donation only” basis. “We want to make the camps available to all children regardless of ability to pay,” added “Porcupine.” “You can pay for one day or all three days, whatever you decide is fine.” The focus of each camp is learning about wildlife, insects, and plants and will include fun activities designed to stimulate curiosity and natural awareness. These camps are sponsored by the Snayberger Memorial Foundation and the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation. All campers must be pre-registered by contacting “Porcupine Pat” at the Conservation District at 570-622-4124, ext. 113 or via email at porcupinepat@yahoo.com

Both camps will be held under the Large Pavilion at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park.

Police Looking for Suspect in Armed Robbery

Police in Carbon County are asking for the public's assistance in apprehending a subject of an armed robbery that took place Wednesday morning.

Three Injured, One Flown to Hospital After Tuesday Morning Crash

Photo Courtesy of Andrew Leibenguth /
TamaquaArea.com Public Forum

Around 10:30am Tuesday morning, emergency crews were called to the border of Tamaqua and Schuylkill Township along Route 209 for a motor vehicle accident with injuries.

Schuylkill County Ambulance Catches Fire on Interstate 81 in Lebanon County

Photo Courtesy of Andrew Leibenguth/TamaquArea.com
Public Forum

A Schuylkill County Ambulance caught fire Tuesday afternoon in Lebanon County.

Big Diamond Speedway Point Standings as of May 27

Big Diamond Speedway Point Standings as of May 27

Lottery Winning Employees Charged for Stealing Money from Store

The Pennsylvania State Police have charged four employees of a Schuylkill County store with stealing money and using it on the Pennsylvania Lottery and other items.

According to Police, Kerry Titus, 54, Joan Lechleitner, 51, Samantha Schaeffer, 25, and Tyler Schappell, 21, all of Pottsville were arraigned Tuesday afternoon on charges of theft by unlawful taking and theft by deception for allegedly stealing over $175,000 from the Cressona Agway, located on 22 North Second Street where they all worked.

The thefts were reportedly made through fraudulent product returns between May 2011 and March 2016.

The accused then reportedly spent the money on various items including Pennsylvania Lottery tickets.

According to the Pennsylvania Lottery, the four hit the Cash 5 Jackpot on September 11, 2015 for $261,000.

The four were arraigned before Magisterial District Judge James Ferrier, Orwigsburg.

USDA Rural Development Funds Two New Minersville Trucks through a Loan and Grant Combo

USDA Rural Development is funding the purchase of two new trucks for the use of the Borough of Minersville, Schuylkill County. The Borough of Minersville is an eligible rural area in the state of Pennsylvania.

“USDA Rural Development is happy to fund vehicles for communities like Minersville,” said Rural Development State Director Tom Williams. “Funding these vehicles will ensure that the Borough of Minersville continues to respond to calls around the community in a timely and efficient manner.”

The funding comes in the form of a Rural Development Community Facility loan of $96,600 as well as a Community Facility grant of $20,600. This loan and grant combination will be used to purchase two 2016 Chevrolet 3500HD trucks. One truck will come equipped with a dump box, snow plow, and salt spreader packages while the second truck will come equipped with a snow plow package. A $200 applicant contribution puts the total project funding at $117,400.

In Pennsylvania last year, the USDA Community Facility Program invested over $199 million in rural Pennsylvania through 58 community facilities loans and grants. Community Facilities programs help build, expand, rehabilitate, purchase, and support the development of police and emergency fire stations and equipment, museums, child care centers, hospitals, clinics, schools, and more.

Photos of Mahanoy City's Annual Memorial Day Parade 2016

Friday's Results from Big Diamond Speedway - 05/27/16

Friday's Results from  Big Diamond Speedway - 05/27/16

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

Hawk Mountain Council to Host Service to Youth and Community Breakfast

The Hawk Mountain Council, Boy Scouts of America will hold a Distinguished Citizen Breakfast to honor the Schaeffer Family, H. Slayton Altenburg and other local community leaders.

Schuylkill County Fireworks Schedule for 2016

Schuylkill County Fireworks Schedule for 2016

Yuengling to Present Donation to VFW at National Convention

D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., announced Thursday that it will recognize the sacrifices that America’s veterans have made by presenting a generous donation to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) at the 117th VFW National Convention in Charlotte N.C. this July. The donation will go toward the VFW’s many veteran and military assistance programs which help countless veterans, service members and military family members each year.

Man Charged with Sexually Assaulting Teenage Girl

A Girardville man has been charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl.

Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/25/16

Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/25/16

Fire Company to Celebrate Engine Milestone

The Rangers Hose Company, Girardville, is planning a day of activities for June 4th, 2016 to celebrate their 1916 Ford Model T fire engine turning 100 years old.

Pennsylvania Gas Stations Will Soon Be Allowed to Sell Six Packs

Pennsylvania Governor Wolf announced Wednesday that you soon will be able to buy six packs at your local gas stations.

Fire Crews Called to Fire in Shenandoah

Around 11:30am Wednesday,  fire crews were called to 219 West Oak Street, Shenandoah for a house fire.

Fire Crews at the Scene of a Fire in East Brunswick Township

Around 9:00am, Wednesday, fire crews were called to 111 Bear Creek Drive, East Brunswick Township for a house fire.

The fire is reported to be a trailer.

More details when they are available.

Hallmark Closing in the Fairlane Village Mall

Photo from HeritageShop.com

The Hallmark Heritage Shop in the Fairlane Village Mall announced Monday that they will be closing.

Auditor General Reports that 42,000 Calls to Child Abuse Hotline Went Unanswered

HARRISBURG (May 24, 2016) – Thousands of children across the commonwealth could have been left in dangerous situations, Auditor General Eugene DePasquale said Tuesday, because of severe deficiencies at ChildLine, the state hotline for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect.

Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/24/16

Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/24/16

Gone But Not Forgotten Race to Wrap Up May Races at Big Diamond and Current Point Standings

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- Over the years, Big Diamond Speedway has been blessed to have some of the greatest people in racing grace the track as drivers, car owners, crew chiefs, mechanics or dedicated fans.

On Friday, the speedway will honor their memories with the Mark’s Service Station will present the Gone But Not Forgotten Race.

A list of names appears on a billboard behind the scoring tower for fans to see at the speedway and one of those names is Fran Purcell.

A long-time racer and car owner, Purcell died in November of 2008 and he was remembered in victory lane last Tuesday night by Ryan Watt while celebrating his win in the 50-lap Short Track Super Series Anthracite Assault modified feature.

“It’s a real big thing as I never ran Big Diamond that much and he gave me a shot at it and we got along real well,” Watt said. “Fran was so well known and to be involved with someone who was a big supporter of Big Diamond is really big to me.”

Friday’s race will be the first point race for the CJ’s Tire & Automotive Services 358 modifieds in a month thanks to rain outs.

They’ll be joined on the card by the U.S.S. Achey sportsman, Savage 61 roadrunners, No Sweat Service Group street stocks and the vintage cars.

General admission is $15, $13 for seniors and kids 12-and-under along with active military with a valid ID are free.

The gates opens at 5 with warm ups at 7:45 and racing getting underway at 8:15.

Current Point Standings
CJ's Tire & Automotive Services 358 Modifieds:
1. Ryan Godown 837
2. Billy Pauch Jr. 779
3. Jeff Strunk 774
4. Ryan Grim 749
5. Ray Swinehart 702
6. Rick Laubach 669
7. Ryan Watt 659
8. Duane Howard 653
9. Brett Kressley 628
10. Shawn Fitzpatrick 541.

U.S.S. Achey Sportsman:
1. Brandon Grosso 1466
2. Tim Fitzpatrick 1369
3. Wayne Witmer 1282
4. Ray Woodall Jr. 1182
5. Doug Hendricks 1065
6. Chuck Fayash 993
7. Matt Clay 972
8. Ed Mrochko 964
9. Ray Woodall Sr. 929
10.Kyle Gruber 888.

Savage 61 roadrunners:
1. Kody Sites 1133
2. Andrew Fayash III 1129
3. Terry Kramer 996
4. Tim Fitzpatrick Jr. 972
5. Jim Kost 972
6. T.J. Fitzpatrick 904
7. Steve Gromis 892
8. Kris Ney 875
9. Chuck Eckert 854
10. Devin Trexler 823.

No Sweat Service Group street stocks:
1. Eric Tripp 614
2. Rich Bossinger 577
3. Chris Derr 537
4. Jeremy Becker 505
5. Jasen Geesaman 480
6. Leroy Long 460
7. Bobby Kupp 459
8. Jim Somers 452
9. Scott Strickler 438
10. Elvin Brennan III 404.

Fishing Licenses Available; Price to Increase June 1st

Schuylkill County Treasurer Linda L Marchalk reminds all Schuylkill County residents that 2016 fishing licenses are available for purchase during regular business hours.

Fire Crews Battle 2nd Alarm House Fire Tuesday Morning

Just after 5:00am Tuesday morning, fire crews were called to the scene of a working house fire in Orwigsburg.

Fatal Motorcycle Accident on Interstate 81 Monday Afternoon

The coroner has been called to the scene of a motorcycle crash on Interstate 81 Monday afternoon.

COPS Television Show to Film in Hazleton

The City of Hazleton announced Monday that the hit TV show "COPS" will be filming episodes in the city for the next 8 weeks.

Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/23/16

Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/23/16

NEPA Craft Beer Festival is coming to Wilkes Barre

Wilkes Barre, PA- SMG officials in Wilkes Barre are thrilled to announce Brew Crew Events present the inaugural NEPA Craft Beer Festival. 

Dense Fog Advisory Issued for Monday Morning

TA dense fog advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for Schuylkill County on Monday morning.

According to the advisory,

DENSE FOG ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT THIS MORNING...

* TIMING...PARTIAL CLEARING HAS RESULTED IN AREAS OF DENSE FOG.
THE FOG WILL LIKELY BECOME MORE WIDESPREAD TOWARD SUNRISE AS
SKIES CONTINUE TO CLEAR EARLY THIS MORNING. THE FOG SHOULD BURN
OFF SHORTLY AFTER SUNRISE.

* IMPACTS...VISIBILITY WILL BE LESS THAN A QUARTER MILE IN AREAS
OF DENSE FOG.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO SLOW DOWN...USE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND
KEEP A SAFE FOLLOWING DISTANCE FROM THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF YOU.
CONSIDER ALLOWING EXTRA TIME TO REACH YOUR DESTINATION.

Sunday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/22/16

Sunday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 05/22/16

Schuylkill County Burn Ban Lifted on Sunday at Noon

(05/22/16) The burn ban that was issued April 22nd, 2016 for Schuylkill County will lift today, May 22nd, 2016 at noon.

PHOTO: Tamaqua Student Receives FARM Scholarship

Photo caption: (L to R) Kim Morgan, Scholarship Chairman presents the Foundation for Agriculture and Resource Management (FARM) to the 2015 Hannah Miller of Tamaqua. 2016 Scholarship appllications are due by June 1 and the application may be found on the Schuylkill County Fair web site at www.schuylkillfair.com