Monday, July 25, 2016

Yuengling's Ice Cream Receives Seal of Approval from Major Food Critic

Yuengling’s Ice Cream’s Cinnamon Churro was granted the SupermarketGuru Hit Product Seal™ by Phil Lempert a.k.a. the SupermarketGuru, one of America’s most trusted food critics.

Family Looking for Missing Man

A family in Schuylkill County is a looking for a missing loved one.

Victim's Name Released in Drowning in Schuylkill River Sunday Afternoon

An Allentown man drowned Sunday afternoon in the Schuylkill River near Port Clinton.

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Man Drowns at Peace Rock near Port Clinton Sunday Afternoon

A man drowned Sunday afternoon in the Schuylkill River near Port Clinton Sunday afternoon.

Light Continues Strong Second Half with U.S.S. Achey sportsman win

It has been a tale of two halves for sportsman driver Shawn Light.

Plagued by mechanical issues in the first half of the season, Light has come on strong in the second half as he held off Wayne Witmer in a fierce battle on Friday night at Big Diamond Speedway to claim the 20-lap U.S.S. Achey sportsman feature.

Other winners on Friday night were Andy Fayash III (Savage 61 roadrunners); Elvin Brennan III (No Sweat Service Group street stocks); Mike Garris, Sr., Ronnie Peck, (vintage cars) and Aaron Bowes (600 modifieds) also winners on Friday night

This Friday, the track will present Twin 20s for the CJ’s Tire & Automotive Services 358 modifieds along with the return of the ever popular American Racing Driver Club midgets along with the roadrunners and an Enduro Dash 60.

On Friday, the gates open at 5:30 on Friday with warmups at 7:45 and racing at 8:15. General admission is $25 while kids 12-and-under and active military with a valid ID are free.

Started third in the 20-lap sportsman feature, Light took the lead on lap 3 but it was short lived as Wayne Witmer got by him for the lead a lap later, a spot Witmer held until lap 7.

Light would retake the lead as he passed Witmer on the top side of Turn 1 and would clear him as they raced off of Turn 2 for the lead at the start of lap 7.

“The track was good and the high humidity help hold the moisture in the track and there could have been three lanes of racing tonight but there was definitely a high and low groove for racing,” Light said.

The race was plagued by a number of cations and on each restart, Light choose the outside lane.

“That lane was working for me,” he said of his lane choice.

The final caution came out on lap 15 and Light was able to hold off Witmer on the restart as the race went non-stop to the finish.

“We have things turned around as we are still learning this car and we now have an idea of what to do,” Light said. “That’s our third win in the six races we have finished. I think we’re doing pretty good.”

Witmer held on for second with Mike Lisowski, Ray Woodall Jr., and points leader Brandon Grosso, rounding out the top five.

Sixth through 10th were Doug Hendricks, Daryl Dissinger, Skylar Sheriff, Kyle Gruber, and T.J. Lily. Heats for the sportsman were won by Sheriff and Woodall, Jr.

The fifth win of the year in the roadrunner division for Fayash III almost didn’t happen

Fayash sprained his ankle around lunchtime on Friday and he wasn’t sure if he was going to race.

“I couldn't put weight on it until I iced it for a few hours,” Fayash said. “Luckily in the car I'm on top of the wheel enough that most of my throttle input requires straightening my leg rather than angling my foot, so driving wasn't too bad.”

Fayash, who started ninth, avoided a couple of early race incidents and then began to track down race leader Devin Trexler.

Fayash tried high and low to pass Trexler as the laps were winding down but his break came with two laps to go.

Fayash got a run on Trexler in Turn 2 and he used the high side to slip by him in Turn 4 to go on and score the win.

“Devin was running really well and he’s tough to pass,” Fayash said.

Trexler finished second with Steve Gromis, Jim Kost, and Terry Kramer rounding out the top five.

Sixth through 10th were Shon Elk, Dave Long Jr., Kyle Wingle, Dan Nagle and Tim Fitzpatrick Jr.

Heats for the roadrunners were won by Kris Ney and Devin Trexler.

Brennan III made it back-to-back wins in the 20-lap roadrunner feature, but it didn’t come easy for the former track champion.

Brennan was locked in a tight battle with Bobby Kupp for several laps as the two race side-by-side on the restarts. Brennan would take the lead for good on lap 13.

“It was an awesome night of racing and I have to give Jake and the track guys a big thumbs up for the great racing surface they gave us despite how warm it was and the high humidity,” Brennan said. “Bobby had a me a little concerned as I kept seeing his fender a time or two under me in Turns 1 and 2 but I had just enough to get the win.”

Kupp held on for second with Chris Derr, Eric Tripp and Kyle Saylor rounding out the top five.

Sixth through 10th were Leroy Long, Chris Heller, Mike Radocha, Rich Bossinger and Tyler Stump. Heats for the street stocks were won by Chris Derr and Kyle Saylor.

Arron Bowes won the 20-lap 600 modified feature over Rich Hitzler and Nathan Brinker. Heats for the 600s were won by Josh Bewley, Billy Koch and Bowes.

Mike Garris, Sr., won the Blast From The Past Vintage stock car feature while Ronnie Peck took the lead with two laps to go to win the modified feature.

To stay up to date with the latest news, follow the speedway on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bigdiamondspeedway and on Twitter, @BigDSpeed.

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Beer Vendors announced for NEPA Beer Festival Next Weekend

Wilkes Barre, PA - The countdown to the Inaugural NEPA Craft Beer Festival is on! 

Friday, July 22, 2016

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work


Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

Two Dead in Murder Suicide in East Brunswick Township

Two are dead in what is being called a Murder Suicide in East Brunswick Township Friday Morning.

Coroner Called to Scene of a Shooting

(07/22/16)  A Schuylkill County Coroner has been called to the scene of a shooting in East Brunswick Township near New Ringgold Friday morning.

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Wild Edibles Program at Sweet Arrow Lake Park

Many people don’t realize that they are surrounded by hundreds of wild edible plants.

Schuylkill County Women's Outdoor Day

Schuylkill County Women’s Outdoor Day will be held at the Friedensburg Fish & Game Club grounds on Saturday, August 13, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

All the activities are designed to introduce women to various outdoor activities and most of the instructors will be women.

Participants must be at least 16 years of age.

This day is free with all activities and lunch included. Registration is required by contacting Christy Zulli at czulli@co.schuylkill.pa.us or 570-622-3742, ext. 114.

Indian Archeological Dig for Children

Bring your children to the Indian Archaeological Dig on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park.

Those attending will meet at the Waterfall parking lot to search for artifacts hidden in the earth of a portable dig. Children will use garden spades to find the buried items and Indian expert,

Dave McSurdy, will explain how the items were used. This program is free and suitable for children.

Vintage Cars, Street Stocks Part of Five-Division Show This Friday At Big Diamond Speedway

MINERSVILLE, PA. -- A five-division racing card is on top this Friday at Big Diamond Speedway as the Blast From The Past Vintage Stock Car Club and the No Sweat Service Group street stocks join the U.S.S. Achey sportsman, Savage 61 roadrunners and 600 modifieds.

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Monday, July 18, 2016

Power Outage Reported in Parts of Schuylkill County


(07/18/16) A power outage has been reported in parts of Schuylkill County Monday afternoon.

Luzerne County Man Dies in Weekend Crash

A Luzerne County Man died in a weekend crash in Schuylkill County.

Saturday, July 16, 2016

Child Drowns in Knoebels Pool Saturday Afternoon

A child drowned Saturday afternoon in Knoebels Pool.

Schuylkill County Police Log - 07/16/2016


Schuylkill County Police Log - 07/16/2016

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work


Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

Frackville Cherry Street Commons Project Receives State Support

The Cherry Street Commons project slated for Frackville will receive support from the state, according to Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks).

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Man Arrested on Drug and Assault Charges

A man is facing drug and assault charges after an incident in Mahanoy City Thursday evening.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Crazy 8s On Tap Friday For The Roadrunner Division At Big Diamond Speedway

If Andy Fayash III wants to join his father as a track champion at Big Diamond Speedway, he’ll need a clean night of racing on Friday as the Crazy 8s return for the Savage 61 roadrunner division.

Man Charged for Setting Shenandoah Fire

A Shenandoah man has been charged with setting a fire in Shenandoah last week.

Woman Dies in Lawn Mower Accident


Around 12:45pm, Wednesday, emergency personnel were called to West Penn Township near Tamaqua for a lawn mower accident with entrapment.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Comcast Outage Causing Phone Problems

Comcast is reporting a major nationwide outage across the United States leaving many without phone service.

Free Art Camp This Saturday


This Saturday, the Walk In Art Center, Schuylkill Haven, is hosting a Free Art Camp from Ages 7 to 13.

How to Revoke Pokemon Go's Access to Your Google Account

On Monday, news broke that if you use the new Pokemon Go mobile app and you are connected to it with your Google Account, you are giving the app "Full Access" to your Google Account and everything connected to it.

Coroner Called to Tuesday Morning Crash

(07/12/16) A Schuylkill County Coroner has been called to a Tuesday Morning crash in St. Clair.

Monday, July 11, 2016

Schuylkill County Police Log 07/11/16


Schuylkill County Police Log 07/11/16

LCCC Offering Pharmacy Tech Training

Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) is offering a comprehensive pharmacy technician course for individuals in the retail, hospital, institutional pharmacy or manufacturing setting. 

Penn State and Schuylkill Chamber Announces Winners of Stine Scholarships

Submitted Photo
The Pennsylvania State University and the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce recently announced the 2016-2017 winners of the Jim and Peg Stine Scholarships.

Registration Deadline for Exhibits at Schuylkill County Fair This Friday

Registration deadlines are fast approaching for the Schuylkill County Fair. July 15th is the pre-registration cutoff date for general exhibits. 

Dialed BMX Show Coming to the Schuylkill County Fair

Turn your dial to Thursday evening at the Schuylkill County Fair. Thursday evening on August 4 your will be thrilled with the stunts performed by Dialed BMX Show. 

VonDohren Scores 300th Career Win In $4,000 Stevenson Memorial Triumph

Craig VonDohren scored his first career win at Big Diamond Speedway on Aug. 1, 1980 in a 25-lap sportsman-modified feature.

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Police Seeking Male Who Stole SUV from Garage

Police are searching for a male who stole a sports utility vehicle from an area garage earlier this week.

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work


Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

Friday, July 8, 2016

Police Seeking Owners of Stolen Property

Mahanoy Township and Mahanoy City Police are currently investigating a rash of burglaries that happened in the area.

Police have identified several suspects and charges are pending, but currently seeking owners of some of the property seized below.

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Fire Crews Called to a Working House Fire Late Thursday

Fire crews were called to a working house fire late Thursday.

Schuylkill County Grown Contest

To expand upon the new “Schuylkill Grown” product promotion, the Chamber of Commerce, Ag Committee and the Schuylkill County Fair is excited to announce that the second Schuylkill Grown Cooking Contest will be held during the Schuylkill County Fair. 

500,000 Hoverboards Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced Wednesday that 10 different firms are recalling their hoverboards due to a fire hazard.

Elvis Returning to the Schuylkill County Fair

Shawn Klush will return to the M & T Stage on the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds for two performances Thursday evening August 4. 

Schuylkill County Police Log - 07/07/2016


Schuylkill County Police Log - 07/07/2016

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Georgie Stevenson Memorial Friday At Big Diamond

The prestigious B&H Landscaping George-Georgie Stevenson Memorial for the CJ’s Tire & Automotive Services 358 modifieds will take place this Friday after being postponed last week.

The 30-lap feature pays $4,000 to win and $300 to take the green along with the Mark’s Service Center cash dash for the 358 modifieds.

The U.S.S. Achey sportsman feature will pay $1,000 to win while the Savage 61 roadrunners and the Jasen's Automotive Night Street Stock Summer Shootout 30 which pays $1,081 to win and a cash dash will also take place for what is shaping up to be a tremendous night of racing in the coal region.

A great fireworks show is planned for intermission.

Admission for Friday is $25 while kids 12-and-under along with active military with a valid ID are free. The gates open at 5:30 p.m. with warm ups at 7:45 and racing gets underway at 8:15.

If needed, the Stevenson rain date will be July 15. If that date is lost to rain, then the new date would be Sunday, July 17, with the same show. The gates will open at 4, warm ups at 7:15 and racing starting at 7:45.

Georgie Stevenson was a young and avid Big Diamond fan who supported the track along with his family every week. Georgie battled cancer and sadly passed away at the age of 12. He worked hard to raise money for cancer research and at the same time loved the sport of auto racing. The first Georgie Stevenson Memorial event was contested at the speedway in 1980.

Georgie's father, George Stevenson, passed away unexpectedly in 2015. George’s presence at Big Diamond made a significant difference over the decades.

George was a champion for terminally ill kids and he worked tirelessly year-round to raise money and to present it to families to help defray the cost of treatment and expenses brought on by cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

One driver who is looking to pick up a win in the event is longtime modified campaigner Shawn Fitzpatrick, of Pottsville.

"It is always an honor for me to be a part of this event that had such significance and meaning," Fitzpatrick said. "I can't remember a time when George Sr., would walk by me without giving me a hug. He made you feel like the you were the most important person in the world."

This year's Georgie Stevenson Memorial will honor Dustin Rhoads from Wiconisco, PA.

Rhoads began battling stage 2 ductal cancer in 2012. He had a mastectomy in August 2012 followed by eight rounds of chemo. He was thought to be cancer-free for almost three years but on January 6, 2016, he went into the hospital for a routine hip replacement. Doctor came out and told him that they found more cancer. After more scans of his whole body they found out that he now has stage 4 madastsic breast cancer. The cancer is now in the bones.

On June 1, Dustin, who is 40, suffered a severe stroke and he is now paralyzed on his left side. He spent a week in Hershey Medical Center in the ICU Neuroscience unit and was then transported to Penn State Hershey rehabilitation center for intensive therapy.

The doctors have no clue how long he will be there. There will be a 50/50 on Friday to help him out as well as the drivers coming to the grandstands at intermission and taking donations in their helmets.

To keep up with the latest news about Big Diamond Speedway, be sure to like the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/bigdiamondspeedway and follow the speedway on Twitter, @BigDSpeed

David Cassidy in Concert at the Schuylkill County Fair

David Cassidy will headline the M & T Stage on Saturday night of the 2016 Schuylkill County Fair.

"ID Me" at the Schuylkill County Fair

Sheriff Groody and his staff will be at the Schuylkill County Fair on Tuesday, August 2 to assist with sign your child in the Child I.D. Me Program.

Coal Miner’s Heritage Festival This Weekend

The 9th Annual Coal Miner’s Heritage Festival is set for Sunday July 10, 2016 from 10 AM to 5 PM, on the grounds of the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Lansford, Carbon County. This unique, fun and educational event celebrates northeastern Pennsylvania’s coal region history, culture, art, crafts, food, and music. The event is presented by the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Lansford and draws throngs of people each year to the popular event. Admission to the festival grounds and parking are free.

Schuylkill County Man Reported Missing

(07/09/16) A Schuylkill County man is reported missing and State Police are searching to find him.

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Schuylkill County Police Log - 07/05/16


Schuylkill County Police Log - 07/05/16

Tuesday Night's Little League All Star Scores - 07/05/16

Tuesday Night's Little League All Star Scores - 07/05/16

Ashland Little League to Receive Grant for Projects

Senator Dave Argall's Office has announced that the Ashland Little League will be receiving a grant through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) Greenways, Trail and Recreation Program.

Monday, July 4, 2016

Open Invitation To Folk And Traditional Artists to Attend An Informational Gathering at The Walk In Art Center

Schuylkill County, PA (June 30, 2016) The Walk In Art Center, 220 Parkway, Schuylkill Haven has applied to The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts to become a regional Folk and Traditional Arts Center for Berks, Carbon and Schuylkill Counties and is reaching out to all folk and traditional artists in the area to help create this center.

Indian Campfire and Stories Scheduled at Sweet Arrow Lake Park

A campfire is scheduled on Saturday July 23, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Waterfall parking lot of Sweet Arrow Lake County Park for a Native American Indian program.

Schuylkill County Police Log - 07/04/16


Schuylkill County Police Log - 07/04/16

Competitive State Grants, Loans to Assist Local Projects

HARRISBURG – The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) approved several competitive grants and loans for projects across Schuylkill County, according to Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks) and Representatives Neal Goodman (D-Schuylkill) and Mike Tobash (R-Schuylkill/Dauphin).

Sunday, July 3, 2016

Photos and Video from Pottsville's Fireworks Celebration at the Station



Photos and Video from Pottsville's Fireworks Celebration at the Station
(Fireworks by Bixler Pyrotechnics Ashland)

Friday, July 1, 2016

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Argall Renews Fight for Demolition Funding

HARRISBURG – In the wake of last week's fire that destroyed over a dozen row homes, Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks) is renewing his fight for proposals that would provide significant funding to demolish vacant and abandoned properties in Berks and Schuylkill Counties.

Schuylkill County Police Log - 07/01/16


Schuylkill County Police Log - 07/01/16

Candy Company Makes Bid to Buy Hershey

The Wall Street Journal has reported that the candy company, Mondelez International, has made a takerover bid to the Hershey Company.

Mondelez is the company that also owns Oreo and Cadbury.

When the announcement was made Thursday morning, Hershey's stock reportedly grew 20% with rumors of the "Blockbuster Deal".

The bid would have be approved by the Hershey Trust which owns 81 percent of the Hershey Company.

Hershey is reportedly worth $21 Billion with Mondelez being worth over $60 Billion.

UPDATE (2:30PM) - The Hershey Company has announced that the board has unanimously rejected a takeover offer and that it provided "no basis for further discussion."

Story from Pennlive.com
http://www.pennlive.com/news/2016/06/maker_of_oreos_cadbury_bidding.html#incart_big-photo

Traffic Delays Expected on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County for Independence Day Holiday Weekend

Motorists traveling on Interstate 81 north or south are advised to be alert for significant traffic delays over the Independence Day holiday weekend between Exit 90 (PA 72) and Exit 104 (PA 125) due to a highway construction project in Pine Grove and Tremont townships in Schuylkill County. I-81 north and south is reduced to a single lane in this area.

District Attorney Awards Law Enforcement in their Efforts to Drive Drugs Out of Schuylkill County


On Thursday morning, the Schuylkill County District Attorney's office delivered 12 checks totaling $14,295.80 to the following police departments in the amounts listed:

McAdoo Fire Company Receives Funding with USDA Rural Development Loan and Grant Combo

The McAdoo Fire Company in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania will soon be able to purchase a new firefighting truck thanks to a United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development loan and grant combination.

Schuylkill Showstoppers Returning to the Schuylkill County Fair

The Schuylkill Showstoppers will return to the M & T stage Monday August 1st for a repeat performance following in last year’s path. 

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Vandals Spray Paint Football Field and Track

Administration of the Mahanoy Area School District is looking for the person or persons involved in vandalizing school property.

Knoebels to Celebrate 90th Anniversary on Monday

On July 4, 2016, Knoebels Amusement Resort will celebrate its 90th anniversary of fun, food and fantasy, and welcomes friends from near and far to join in on the festivities.