Man Takes Own Life After Standoff

Around 1:00pm, Thursday afternoon, the Pennsylvania State Police responded to the 300 block of Spring Street in Ringtown for the report of a man threatening to harm himself.

Police Responding to Incident in Ringtown

Police are responding to an active police incident in Ringtown, Thursday afternoon

We have been told by nearby residents that as of 3:30pm, Thursday afternoon, State Police were currently responding to an active police incident on Spring Street in the borough of Ringtown.

North Schuylkill has also notified parents that due to the incident, school buses that drop off  in the borough may be delayed.

Avoid the area as the situation is ongoing.

UPDATE
http://www.skooknews.com/2016/09/man-takes-own-life-after-standoff.html

Tamaqua Area Football Player Fulfills Dream

Many of us attend football games not only to watch the games but to just be there in that atmosphere.  The socializing, the sights, the smells, and the sounds.  But what if the sounds were not there.  The play calling, the sound of helmets hitting, or the sound of crowd screaming.

Schuylkill County High School Football Schedule for Week #5

Schuylkill County High School Football Schedule for Week #5

EvenFlo Recalling Evolve Booster Seat

Evenflo has announced a voluntary recall on select models of its Evolve Booster Seat over concerns that some children can access and activate the harness adjustment button without adult assistance, and potentially loosen the harness. Evenflo is providing owners with a new harness adjustment button which will effectively eliminate this possibility. No injuries have been reported, but Evenflo wants to remind caregivers that a snug harness is essential to proper restraint.

Interstate Closed Due to Tractor Trailer Fire

(09/21/16) A tractor trailer fire has closed part of Interstate 81.

Schuylkill County Police Log - 09/21/16

Schuylkill County Police Log - 09/21/16

LCCC Announces Summer Dean's List

Lehigh County Community College has announced the following names that received the Dean's List for the Summer 2016 Semester from Schuylkill County.

Schuylkill County Obituaries 09/20/16

Schuylkill County Obituaries 09/20/16

Schuylkill County 911 Operating Again in Rush, Ryan, and Delano Townships

On Monday afternoon, it was reported that the Schuylkill County 911 service was not working properly in the townships of Rush, Ryan, and Delano.

North Schuylkill Offers Weekly "Open Swim"

North Schuylkill is opening their pool for Public “Open Swim” nights, starting this week, and happening each Wednesday evening. 

Firefighters Called to Camper Fires Monday Evening

Around 9:45pm, Monday evening, fire crews were called to 899 Pole Road, East Union Township near Brandonville for a camper on fire.

Schuylkill County 911 Not Working Properly in Ryan, Delano, and Rush Townships

Schuylkill County 911 Center advises that 911 land line services in the 467 exchange in Ryan, Delano and Rush Townships are not working properly.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Crash Causing Backup on Northbound Route 61 near Frackville

(09/19/16) - Just before 2:30pm, Monday afternoon, emergency personnel were called to the northbound lanes of Route 61 in Blythe Township, just south of the Schuylkill Mall for a motor vehicle accident with rollover.


Traffic is reportedly backed up in the area of the crash.  Avoid the area if possible.

Schuylkill County Care Net Celebrating Anniversary

Schuylkill County Care Net is celebrating 16 years in Schuylkill County, and they'd like to invite the community to their biggest birthday party yet!

Emergency Personnel Called to Hazmat Incident Sunday Evening

Emergency personnel have been called to the scene of a hazmat incident in Hegins. Township Sunday evening.

Man Dies Saturday Afternoon in Tractor Accident

Just before 3:30pm, Saturday afternoon, emergency personnel were called to 188 Germanville Road, Ashland for a lawnmower accident with entrapment.

"Make Like a Tree and Leaf” Tour at Sweet Arrow Lake

Pennsylvania is getting well into the peak Fall foliage season. 

Knoebels Wins Best Carousel and Best Food at Golden Ticket Awards

Visiting Knoebels this weekend? If so, you might be happy to learn that it’s a one-stop location where you can ride the world’s best carousel, taste the best food, enjoy the thrill of the second best wooden roller coaster, and experience a host of other top five “best-ofs” in the amusement industry.

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores for Week #4

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores for Week #4

Schuylkill County Police Log - 09/16/16

Schuylkill County Police Log - 09/16/16

Schuylkill County High School Football Schedule for Week #4

Schuylkill County High School Football Schedule for Week #4

Lehigh Valley Health Announces new Schuylkill Medical Center President

On Thursday, the Lehigh Valley Health Network announced it's new President for the Schuylkill Medical Center.

Legislators, Commissioners Announce Funding for New Firefighting Training Facility

POTTSVILLE - The Schuylkill County Fireman's annual dinner concluded Wednesday evening with along-awaited announcement by Schuylkill County's four state lawmakers and three county commissioners: Initial funding has been successfully identified for a new burn building for training purposes.

Man Arrested for Threatening Woman with Rifle

On Wednesday(09/14/16),  just before 1:00am, Pottsville Police were dispatched to 802 W. Race Street for the report of an armed subject threatening to shoot another person.

CAPTURED: Man Wanted for Holding Woman and Child Captive Captured Wednesday

Photo of Christopher Benjamin

A man wanted for holding a woman and child captive has been captured.

Schuylkill County Announces New Emergency Alert and Community Notification System

The Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency & Schuylkill County Local Emergency Planning Committee are pleased to announce a new County Public Emergency Alert and Community Notification System for County and Municipal usage.

Schuylkill County High School Football Power Rankings as of Week 3

Schuylkill County High School Football Power Rankings as of Week-3

PSECU Issues Warning about Possible Texting Scam

The Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union (PSECU) is alerting it's customers  about a text scam that is using the financial institutions name.

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores for Week #3

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores for Week #3

Road Reopens near Ashland

Late Thursday, PennDOT announced they would be closing Route 61 between Ashland and Centralia due to a hole opening in the road.

Crash Closes Southbound Lanes of Interstate 81

Before 4pm, Friday, emergency personnel were called to a motor vehicle accident in the Southbound lanes of Interstate 81.

The accident reportedly involves a tractor trailer that is blocking the southbound lanes within the construction.

Southbound Traffic is being routed off the Interstate at the Ravine Exit (104).   Northbound traffic is also moving slowly in the area.

UPDATE: (6:30PM) - The Interstate has reopened.

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work - Week Ending 09/16

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work - Week Ending 09/16

Knoebels fun continues in September and October

Elysburg, PA – Though Labor Day weekend marked the end of the main summer season for Knoebels Amusement Resort, the fun still continues in September and October. With that being said, Knoebels is excited to announce its fall lineup of events, including: September weekends, Doggie Dive, Grandparents Day, Covered Bridge Festival, Knoebel Lumber 5K, Phoenix Phall Phunfest and Hallo-Fun.

Two Flown After Friday Morning Crash

Around 5:30am,  emergency personnel were called to the intersection of Highridge Park Road and Keystone Boulevard, Cass Township, near the Highridge Park Exit of Interstate 81 for a motor vehicle accident with entrapment and injuries.

Lane Restrictions on Mauch Chunk Street in Pottsville on Friday for Paving

Municipality: City of Pottsville

Road Closed Between Ashland and Centralia Due to Hole Opening

(09/08/16) Motorists in Columbia County are advised that Route 2002 (Route 61/Byrnsville Road), is closed between Ashland and Centralia due to a hole opening up in the road

Schuylkill County High School Football Schedule for Week #3

Schuylkill County High School Football Schedule for Week #3

Construction to Close Route 209 near Pottsville and Palo Alto Overnight Thursday

US 209/Mauch Chunk Street will be closed and detoured from 7 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 8) to 7 a.m. Friday (Sept. 9) for construction of a pipe crossing & electrical conduit placement.

Schuylkill County High School Football Power Rankings as of Week 2

Schuylkill County High School Football Power Rankings as of Week-2

Fire Damages Hubley Township Business Wednesday Morning

Just after 9:00am, Wednesday morning, fire crews were called to Michael Foods, 109 Coleman Church Road, Hubley Township for a working commercial fire.


Multiple units from Schuylkill, Northumberland, and Dauphin Counties were called to fight the blaze


As of noon, crews were still at the scene.


More details when they are available.

Bridge Repair Project to Begin for Foster Township; Effecting Interstate 81 and Route 901

Bridge Repair Project to Begin for Foster Township; Effecting Interstate 81 and Route 901

Municipality: Foster Township

ROAD NAME: Interstate 81 South

BETWEEN: Exit 119 (Highridge Park Road) AND Exit 112 (PA 25)

Type of Work: Bridge Repair

Work being Done By: PENNDOT Contractor

Type of Restriction: Nighttime

RESTRICTION: Be alert for possible lane restrictions near Exit 116 (PA 901).

Repairs are being made to the PA 901 Bridge over Interstate 81. Expect

delays and please use caution driving through the work zone.

START DATE: 09/08/2016 Est. Completion Date: 11/17/2016

Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 8:00 PM To 6:00 AM

Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

---------------------------------------------------------

Municipality: Foster Township

ROAD NAME: PA 901/Sunbury Road

BETWEEN: Prison Road AND Keystone Boulevard

Type of Work: Bridge Repair

Work being Done By: PENNDOT Contractor

Type of Restriction: 24hours

RESTRICTION: PA 901 will be reduced to a single lane of alternating traffic controlled with a temporary traffic signal while repairs are made to the PA 901 Bridge over Interstate 81. Expect delays and please use caution driving through the work zone.

START DATE: 09/08/2016 Est. Completion Date: 11/17/2016

Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

Pennsylvania State Police Labor Day Weekend 2016 Enforcement Report

The Pennsylvania State Police Troop L, which covers Schuylkill, Lebanon, and Berks counties released the following information for the traffic enforcement over the Labor Day Holiday.

UPDATE: Lockdown of Tamaqua Schools Lifted After Police Incident

Just before 9:00am, Tamaqua Schools went into lockdown due to a police incident in the borough.

VonDohren Claims Third Coalcracker In Front Of Capacity Crowd At Big Diamond Speededway

Craig VonDoren had one of the fastest cars during the 2016 season at Big Diamond Speedway and that speed was on display on Sunday night as he led 50 of the 72 laps to score his third win in the 36th running of the Jack Rich, Inc., Coalcracker 72.

Schuylkill County Police Log 09/04/16

Schuylkill County Police Log 09/04/16

Craig Whitmoyer Wins First-Ever Coalcracker 40 At Big Diamond Speedway

Craig Whitmoyer used a late-race restart to score the $1,600 pay day in winning his first-ever Coalcracker 40 for sportsman as Big Diamond Speedway kicked off its Coalcracker Weekend on Leindecker Race Engines Night on Friday night.

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work - Week Ending 9/9

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

--------------------------------------

Municipality: Rush Twp


ROAD NAME: Interstate 81
BETWEEN: Exit 134 (Delano) AND Exit 138 (PA 309)
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction in both directions.
START DATE: 09/06/2016 Est. Completion Date: 09/09/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM


--------------------------------------

Municipality: Tremont Township


ROAD NAME: Molleystown Road at Interstate 81
Type of Work: Inspection
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Bridge Inspection Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Eastbound lane restriction from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Westbound lane restriction from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Flaggers will be required.
START DATE: 09/08/2016 Est. Completion Date: 09/08/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 9:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES


--------------------------------------

Municipality: Pine Grove Township


ROAD NAME: PA 443
BETWEEN: Lebanon County Line AND PA 645
Type of Work: Inspection
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Bridge Inspection Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Eastbound lane restriction from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Westbound lane restriction from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Flaggers will be required.
START DATE: 09/09/2016 Est. Completion Date: 09/09/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 9:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES


--------------------------------------

Municipality: New Castle Twp


ROAD NAME: PA 61
BETWEEN: Frackville Borough AND St. Clair Borough
Type of Work: Paving
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction in both directions.
START DATE: 09/06/2016 Est. Completion Date: 09/09/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES


--------------------------------------

Municipality: West Penn & Rush Twps.


ROAD NAME: PA 309
BETWEEN: Tamaqua Borough AND Lehigh County Line
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction:
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging.
START DATE: 09/06/2016 Est. Completion Date: 09/09/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores for Week #2

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores for Week #2

High School Football Games Scheduled for Friday, September 2nd, 2016.

Blue Mountain - 43
Hanover Area - 6

Jim Thorpe - 26

Marian Catholic - 21

Schuylkill Haven - 27
Lehighton - 20


Tamaqua - 35
Mahanoy Area - 7


Minersville - 33
Shenandoah Valley - 12


Jenkintown - 38
Nativity BVM - 7


North Schuylkill - 14
Steelton Highspire - 0

Hamburg - 34

Panther Valley - 14

Halifax - 34
Pine Grove - 14

Pottsville - 34
Muhlenberg - 18

Newport - 55
Tri-Valley - 34

Juniata - 35
Williams Valley - 28

PSP Troopers Targeting DUI, Aggressive Drivers and Speeding Over Holiday Weekend

The Pennsylvania State Police in Troop L (Berks, Lebanon and Schuylkill Counties) will be strictly enforcing violations of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code over the Labor Day weekend.

Schuylkill County LEPC Kickoff of National Preparedness Month

The Schuylkill County Local Emergency Planning Committee, along with the Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners and the Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency are pleased to announce the Kick-Off of National Preparedness Month.

Parking and Traffic Restrictions for Pottsville on Sunday

The annual Sol Lipton Half Marathon and 5K races will be held this Sunday, September 4, 2016. Due to this event the following temporary parking and traffic restrictions will be in effect on the date of the event:

Coalcracker Weekend Closes Out 2016 Racing Season At Big Diamond Speedway

It all began in 1979 when Bob Emerich scored the win in the first-ever Coalcracker.

Schuylkill County High School Football Schedule for Week #2

Schuylkill County High School Football Schedule for Week #2

Boil Advisory Lifted

The Mountain Water Authority has lifted the Boli Water Advisory which was put into place last week due to a break in a main water line. The water testing is completed and residents of the authority in Lincoln and Lorberry, Tremont Township, and Keffers, Joliett and Good Springs in Porter Township, Schuylkill County may now use the water directly from the tap.

Pennsylvania Residents and First Responders Warned of Potentially Lethal Heroin Laced with Animal Sedative

Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy and Drug and Alcohol Programs Secretary Gary Tennis have an urgent warning for Pennsylvania residents and first responders that a new type of heroin laced with the drug carfentanil is causing overdoses and deaths in neighboring states and might soon be circulating in the commonwealth.