Skook News - Your #1 Source for Schuylkill County News

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Temporary Regulations for Medical Marijuana to be Released on Friday

Department of Health Secretary Dr. Karen Murphy today announced temporary regulations for marijuana growers and processors under Act 16 are slated to be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on October 29, and asked for public comment on dispensary regulations at her regular briefing of the Medical Marijuana Program.

Schuylkill County Obituaries 10/25/2016

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Margaret A. Gazo, 70 years of age of Schuylkill Ave., Tamaqua, Pennsylvania passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2016, at Hospice House VNA of St. Luke's Bethlehem.

Widow of Michael Gazo who passed away on June 20, 2003, she is survived by her children; son, Michael D. Gazo of Tamaqua with whom she resided; daughter, Tracy L. Malaska wife of Anthony of Jim Thorpe; grand child, Leah Malaska.

A Coaldale High School graduate, Margaret worked as a CNA at Hometown Nursing Home for many years.

Born Monday, March 11, 1946 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania the daughter of the late Andrew, and Ruth (Hoffman) Klimek. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Kermitt, and Michael Klimek.

Private arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.

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Josephine Niziolek, 97, of Philadelphia, passed away Sunday, October 16th, at Shenandoah Manor Nursing Center.

Josephine was born in Mahanoy City, PA on December 19, 1918, a daughter of the late Helen (Tirva) and John Yurchukonis and attended local schools.

She was of the Catholic faith.

She lived most of her life in Philadelphia.

She was wife of the late John Niziolek who passed away in 2006, and is preceded in death by a brother John, and a sister Alberta Yurchukonis.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Mahanoy City, PA, at 11 AM on Saturday, October 22nd.

Friends and family may call from 10 AM at Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish.

Interment will follow in St Joseph Cemetery Mahanoy City, PA.

Family prefers donation to St. George's Church - 2700 E. Venango St. Phila. Pa. 19134

Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.

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Stephen M. Zakrewsky, 62, of Mahanoy City, PA, passed away Sunday, October 16th, at Ridgeview Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, Shenandoah.

Stephen was born in Mahanoy City, on August 20, 1954, a son of the late Warren Hillibush, and is survived by his mother Ann (Cummings) Hillibush, Mahanoy City.

Stephen graduated from Mahanoy Area Class of 1972 and attended a year in Tech school for Machinist.

He was a member of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish Mahanoy City.

He had worked for many years at Sealy Components Delano, previous to that he worked for General Cigar Mahanoy City

He loved working on cars and is known for his skills at woodworking.

A Religious Service will be held at 11 Am Thursday October 20th at the Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Mahanoy City, PA, with Rev. Kevin P. Gallagher officiating.

Friends and family may call from 9 am until time of service.

Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.

Interment will follow in the German Protestant Cemetery, Mahanoy City.

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Patricia Fizel, 80, originally of Mahanoy City, PA, passed away Wednesday, October 12th, at The Manor at St Lukes Village Hazleton.

Patricia was born in Mahanoy City, on December 29, 1935, a daughter of the late Theresa (Martin) and Frank Hoffman.

She graduated from Mahanoy City High School.

She had worked at the former Eagle Brothers and City Shirt in Mahanoy City.

Patricia loved going on trips to Atlantic City.

She was wife of the late Robert who passed away in 1984.

Patricia is survived by three daughters, Denise Fizel, of Drums; Lisa Cara, of Mahanoy City; Lori Zelasny, of West Hazleton. two sons Robert Jr., of West Hazleton; Kristopher, of St Louis Mo; and by 6 grandchildren Mickey, Brandon, Gage, Samantha, Sarina, and Alexa, and 2 great grandchildren Mickenzie, and Marshall

She is preceded in death by a daughter Deborah Pajalich, brothers John, Francis, Gerald and Sisters Mary Tlocynski, Theresa Vendel, and Arlene Snyder.

A Religious Service will be held at 2pm Sunday October 30th with Father Reverend Joseph T. Whalen officiating. Friends may call at the Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Mahanoy City from 1pm.

Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 10/25/2016

Schuylkill County Weather Forecast for 10/25/2016

Eric Trump Tours Yuengling Brewery

On Monday afternoon, Eric Trump made a visit to America's Oldest Brewery.

Eric Trump posted the following photo on Twitter with Dick Yuengling.

Thank you to Dick Yuengling for an amazing tour of the oldest brewery in the U.S! @Yuengling_Beer #PottsvillePA #MAGA pic.twitter.com/XrGVbbOiI3
— Eric Trump (@EricTrump) October 24, 2016

Eric also made a stop to campaign at the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg later in the evening.

Senate Approves Argall’s Efforts to Crack Down on Welfare Fraud

HARRISBURG – By a vote of 29 – 18, the Senate of Pennsylvania approved a measure authored by Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks) to increase the number of investigators tasked with finding welfare waste, fraud, abuse and misuse.

Pedestrian Struck Monday Morning

A pedestrian was struck Monday morning in Tamaqua.

Former Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane was sentenced Monday afternoon.

(10/24/16) The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Watch for Schuylkill County for Tuesday Night into Wednesday.

Schuylkill County Obituaries 10/24/2016

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Shirley Mae Drumheller, wife, mother, grandmother, 81 years of age of Municipal Road, New Ringgold, formerly of Edison GA., passed away on Friday, October 21, 2016, at St. Luke's Miners Memorial Medical Center in Coaldale, Pennsylvania.

Survived by her husband of sixty-five years, John Edward Drumheller; daughter, Mrs. Connie L. Lore wife of Eugne of New Ringgold, with whom she resided; sons, John E. Drumheller and his wife Judy of Hartwell, GA, Donald R. Drumheller and his wife Goldie of Williamsburg, VA and Gene W. Drumheller and his wife Delores of Douglasville, GA,; brother, Roy "Butch" Wohlforth and his wife Mel of Leary, GA; 4 grand children; 4 great grand children.

A homemaker, Shirley was a great baker.

Born Sunday, November 18, 1934 in Shenandoah the daughter of the late Eugene, and Mae (Longo) Wohlforth. she was also predeceased by sister, Mrs. Jean Antonelli; brother, William Wohlforth.

Private arrangement's have been entrusted to the Robert S. Nester Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 2066 West Penn Pike New Ringgold, Pennsylvania 17960. (570) 386-5884

Memorials in her care to.
Tamaqua/Carbon American Cancer Society
101 West Frack Street
Frackville, Pa. 17931

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

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Michele K. Cannon, wife, mother, grand-ma, daughter, 50 years of age of Coaldale, passed away suddenly on Sunday, October 23, 2016, at home, having waged a twenty-five year battle against MS.

Survived by her devoted husband of twenty-seven years, Michael J. Cannon, Jr.; sons, Michael J. Cannon III and William J. Cannon of Coaldale; daughters, Anna Cannon of Coaldale, and Jeanne Cannon of Hazleton; brothers, Larry Reeser of Lansford, and Keith Reeser and his wife Michelle of Orwigsburg; sister, Mrs. Stacie Galada wife of Bud of Pottsville; grandchildren, Aaron, Coal, and Landon; nephew, Buddy Dillman and his wife Sarah.

A 1985 Tamaqua Area High School graduate, Michele was a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, and Eagles. Until her illness progressed, Michele was an Assistant Store Manager of Fegley Mini-Marts Tamaqua, and McAdoo.

Born Tuesday, May 17, 1966 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania she is survived by her parents Caryn Reeser the wife of her late father Larry Resser, and her mother Barbara (Reiger) Reeser of Tamaqua.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday October 27, 2016 at 11 o'clock A.M. at St. Joseph's Parish of the Panther Valley R.C.C. located at 452 East Ludlow Street Summit Hill, Pennsylvania 18250.

Friends shall be received on Wednesday evening October 26, 2016 at the funeral home from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M.

No morning calling hours.

Private Interment will be in Most Precious Blood Cemetery, Hazleton.

Memorials in her name to
MS & Parkinson's Support Group
in care of the Summit Hill Heritage Center
One West Hazard Street
Summit Hill, Pennsylvania 18250.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.

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Keith D Zerbe, age 54, of Valley View, passed away Sunday, October 23, 2016 at Lehigh Valley Hospital Schuylkill South, Pottsville.

He was born on Thursday, December 7, 1961, in Pottsville, a son of the late Earl D Zerbe and the late Shirley A Spotts Zerbe, and a grandson of the late Russell B Spotts and the late Betty J Morgan Spotts.

He was employed as a production worker at MI, Gratz.

Keith was an avid Fairlane enthusiast and a member of the Fairlane Club of America. He enjoyed auctions and estate sales.

Preceding him in death in addition to his parents and grandparents was a brother in law, Kendall C Hepler.

He is survived by his wife Gretchen D Hepler Zerbe, to whom he was married for 16 years.

He is also survived by a step daughter, Missy A Spatzer and her husband Jeff of Hebe; a step grandson, Tanner J Spatzer of Hebe; a sister, Kimberly A Polm and her husband Christopher of Pottsville; a sister in law Kelsey C Fetterolf and her husband Kevin of Hegins; two nieces, Alyson J Courain and her husband Aaron of Montville, NJ and Bethany M Runkle and her fiancée Turner Klinger of Stevens; two nephews, Joshua P Shiffer of Sunbury and Matthew K Runkle of Hudson, MA; and his beloved dogs, Honey and Angel.

As per Keith's wishes there will be no services.

Memorial contributions can be made to Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, 18 Wertz Dr, Pine Grove, PA 17963.

Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com.

Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 10/24/16

Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 10/24/16

Hey Country Music Fans! A major country star will play the Santander Arena in Reading next year.

Schuylkill County High School Football Power Rankings and Stats After Week 9

Schuylkill County High School Football Power Rankings and Stats After Week 9

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 10/23/16

Prior to the start of last night's college football at Beaver Stadium, Penn State Athletics announced that the first ever concert will be held in the venue this summer.

Sunday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 10/23/16

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores for Week #9

Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) has named Robin Flores as this year’s recipient of the Collegiate Award of Distinction, which is determined each year by the college’s Board of Trustees. The award will be presented to Flores on Friday, Nov. 11, at 6 p.m. in the Scheller-Woodman Community Services Center on the college’s main campus during the LCCC Foundation’s annual Fall Festival.

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

The Tamaqua site of Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) will host a live video stream of the four-week course focusing on the dangers of heroin, beginning Oct. 25. Although the workshop will be held at the Schnecksville campus, residents of Schuylkill and Carbon counties will have the convenience of a video stream of the workshop at the LCCC-Tamaqua Morgan Center in rooms 104/105. The college is partnering with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) and Lehigh County to offer the four-week program. Each course addresses a different topic, so attendance at each session is encouraged.

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 10/21/16

Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 10/21/16

Did you notice how slow the internet was this morning when accessing certain sites? Internet gurus are saying that it was the result of hacking that occurred Friday morning.

Man Charged with Attempted Homicide

On Wednesday, Pennsylvania State Troopers responded to an incident on Walnut Lane in Norwegian Township.

Shawn Michael Alexander, was released from SCI Quehanna on Monday, 10/17/16 around 8:00am and was to report the Adappt Rehabilitation Center, located at 428 Walnut St., Reading, Berks County.

Schuylkill County High School Football Schedule for Week #9

Photo Submitted by Sarah Elizabeth Simatos

Thursday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 10/20/16

Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 10/19/16

Photo Taken By Daniel Reed

Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 10/19/16

Crash Closes Southbound Interstate 81

As of 6:30am, Interstate 81 Southbound is currently closed from the Ravine Exit (104) to Pine Grove due to a motor vehicle accident.

UPDATE: Interstate 81 reopened around 7:00am.

More details when they are available.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 10/18/16

Submitted by Dee Perneta

Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 10/18/16

(10/18/16) A water boil advisory has been issued for customers of the Minersville Municipal Water Authority.

A crash has closed the Gordon Nagle Trail Tuesday morning.

2016 Schuylkill County School Performance Profile Scores

Last week, the 2015-2016 School Performance Profile Scores were released to the public by the Department of Education.

Photo taken last year at Sweet Arrow Lake near Pine Grove. Submitted by Amber Rae Richardson

Monday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 10/17/16

Schuylkill County High School Football Power Rankings After Week 8

Sunday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 10/16/16

Change of Seasons Oldies Dance Scheduled

On Friday, November 4, 2016 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Sweet Arrow Lake County Park clubhouse celebrate the change of the seasons with an evening of fun and dancing to the oldies with great music by “Sensations”.

Upcoming Schuylkill County Road Work

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Municipality: Union Twp.

ROAD NAME: Buck Mt. Road
BETWEEN: Nuremberg AND PA 339
Type of Work: Other
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging for patching work.
START DATE: 10/17/2016 Est. Completion Date: 10/21/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: Pine Grove Township

ROAD NAME: Interstate 81
BETWEEN: Exit 100 (PA 443) AND Lebanon County Line
Type of Work: Inspection
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Bridge Inspection Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Southbound lane restriction.
START DATE: 10/18/2016 Est. Completion Date: 10/18/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 9:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: Kline Township

ROAD NAME: Interstate 81
BETWEEN: Exit 134 (Delano) AND Luzerne County Line
Type of Work: Inspection
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Bridge Inspection Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Southbound lane restriction.
START DATE: 10/17/2016 Est. Completion Date: 10/17/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 9:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: Various

ROAD NAME: Interstate 81
BETWEEN: Exit 100 (PA 443) AND Luzerne County Line
Type of Work: Guide Rail Repair
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Contractor
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction in both directions for this moving operation.
START DATE: 10/17/2016 Est. Completion Date: 10/20/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays?

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Municipality: Foster and Butler Twp.

ROAD NAME: Interstate 81
BETWEEN: Exit 112 (PA 25) AND Exit 119 (Highridge Park Road)
Type of Work: Crack Sealing
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction both directions for crack sealing work.
START DATE: 10/17/2016 Est. Completion Date: 10/21/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: Rush Twp.

ROAD NAME: Interstate 81
BETWEEN: Exit 131 (PA 54) AND Exit 134 (Delano)
Type of Work: Pothole Patching
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction both directions.
START DATE: 10/17/2016 Est. Completion Date: 10/21/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

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Municipality: Wayne Twp.

ROAD NAME: PA 895
BETWEEN: PA 183 AND PA 61
Type of Work: Crack Sealing
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging.
START DATE: 10/17/2016 Est. Completion Date: 10/21/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM

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Municipality: Upper Mahantongo

ROAD NAME: Ridge Road+
BETWEEN: Pitman AND Klingerstown
Type of Work: Paving
Work being Done By: PENNDOT Maintenance Forces
Type of Restriction: Daytime
RESTRICTION: Lane restriction with flagging.
START DATE: 10/17/2016 Est. Completion Date: 10/21/2016
Restrictions in Effect (time of day): 7:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Will Rain Cause Delays? YES

Senate Committees Prepare to Examine Student Loan Debt Concerns

HARRISBURG – The Senate Majority Policy Committee and Senate Education Committee will hold a joint public hearing regarding student loans and financial literacy for college students on Monday, October 17.

Saturday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 10/15/16

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 10/15/16

Schuylkill County High School Football Scores for Week #8

The National Weather Service has issued a Frost Advisory for overnight Friday into Saturday.

Friday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 10/14/16

This week, a man was charged with sexually assaulting a child.

Police Discover Stolen Vehicles and Chop Shop During Investigation

Police discover stolen vehicles and chop shop during an investigation.

Schuylkill County High School Football Schedule for Week #8

Thursday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 10/13/16

One Person Killed Wednesday Morning in Motorcycle Crash

Just before 8:00am Wednesday morning, emergency personnel were called to 179 Geary Wolfe Road, for a motor vehicle accident involving a motorcycle vs. a deer.

Police are looking to identify a woman who is using counterfeit money at area Wal-Marts.

Wednesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 10/12/16

Tuesday's Schuylkill County Weather Forecast - 10/11/16

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 10/11/16

Schuylkill County Obituaries for 10/11/16

Schuylkill County High School Football Power Rankings

The National Weather Service has issued a Frost Advisory for overnight Monday into Tuesday.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Monday, October 24, 2016

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Friday, October 21, 2016

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Monday, October 17, 2016

Sunday, October 16, 2016

Saturday, October 15, 2016

Friday, October 14, 2016

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Monday, October 10, 2016